REVIEW: Osteria London Restaurant, Barbican

Burrata, dattarini tomatoes and broad beans at Osteria London

Thinking of booking a table at the Barbican’s Italian restaurant, Osteria London? Find out more about the food, menu, service and more in this detailed review.

With top restaurants Arbutus and Wild Honey already established, Osteria is an exciting addition by Anthony Demetre to the London food scene. Specialising in bold, ingredient-led Italian cooking, the menu features gourmet fish, meat, and pasta dishes… But before I could think about food, I was distracted by the cocktail menu!

Osteria London Menu
Osteria London Menu

My sweet strawberry and prosecco cocktail (named La Dolce Vita) arrived just as the clouds outside started to turn a beautiful shade of peach. Osteria is in a lovely location overlooking medieval church St Giles’ Cripplegate and the area of water outside the Barbican centre. Oh and from some angles you’ll be able to spot a slither of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Cocktails at Osteria London
Cocktails at Osteria London
View from Osteria London
View from Osteria London
Cocktails at Osteria London
Cocktails at Osteria London

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REVIEW: Soho Kitchen and Bar

Soho Kitchen and Bar - Little Bao

Time for dinner at Soho Kitchen and Bar.

Recently I wrote about London’s love of single-ingredient restaurants, after my visit to Balls & Company. But, just when I thought it was all about balls, I discovered a contender for the crown – the bao!

The traditional Chinese steamed buns, filled with a variety of ingredients, have popped up for a special week at Soho Kitchen and Bar. Chef and creator of Little Bao, May Chow, has brought her burger-style steamed buns all the way from Hong Kong where they’ve earned quite a following

For a Monday night in Soho, the restaurant was buzzing, and it seemed I wasn’t the only foodie who was curious to try them. It had the feel of an American diner, but with an Asian twist. Chopsticks lay where a knife and fork usually would, and the ‘Little Bao’ logo was emblazoned on the waiters’ t-shirts, menus, and even the squeezy chilli sauce bottles on the tables.Soho Kitchen and Bar - Little Bao MenuSoho Kitchen and Bao10 For a balanced meal, we were encouraged to choose a bao each, along with a few items to share.

While deciding what to eat we sipped on Chinese inspired cocktails and gazed out at bustling Old Compton Street (it’s a great people watching spot). The Yuzana cocktail (sake, yuzu and prosecco) was a radioactive shade of yellow, with a citrus perfume flavour. Gin & Juice (gin, cucumber, ginger and lime) was refreshing, with a fiery kick of ginger.Soho Kitchen and Bar - Little Bao Cocktail

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REVIEW: Flat Three Restaurant, Holland Park, London

Flat Three Restaurant

Time for dinner at Flat Three Restaurant in Holland Park.

With a Scandi-Japanese-Korean fusion menu, an open kitchen, and a love of foraging, Flat Three is one of London’s intriguing hidden gems.

As I ventured through an understated doorway on Holland Park Avenue, and downstairs to the restaurant, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The room I entered was a sophisticated basement – simple décor, elegant table settings and glassware all working with the original structure of the room. Within the archways were intimate alcoves, perfect for seating small groups. I took my place, and prepared for the main entertainment.

Flat Three Restaurant

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Magnum Making At London’s Magnum Pleasure Store

Magnum Pleasure Store London

Time to make my own Magnum at London’s Magnum Pleasure Store.

Hi… I’m Chloe. Self-confessed foodie. Lover of gourmet. Possessor of the ultimate sweet tooth. A standard day may start with cake… but that’s ok, right? So when an invite arrived in my inbox entitled: Magnum Pleasure Store, I hit reply and planned my visit.

The luxurious pop-up store is located in the heart of Covent Garden, right next to the Royal Opera House. I heard it was popular… and could see for myself when I spotted a queue snaking out of the door.

Wanderlust Chloe Magnum Pleasure Store London 17

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