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London’s best bars and restaurants for gin lovers

OpenTable October 18, 2019 Leave a Comment

Britain’s best-loved spirit has been around since the 16th century. By 1750, over 11 million gallons were being consumed by Londoners every single year. Luckily, London has remained a mecca for gin lovers. Here’s our list of London’s best bars and restaurants celebrating all things gin.

GinTonica
Situated in the heart of Notting Hill, GinTonica will make you feel like you’ve landed in a bohemian bar in vibrant Barcelona. Tuck into Spanish tapas with a modern British twist and choose from a list of 100 gins from around the world. The building is also home to the Portobello Road gin distillery and if you don’t want your evening to end, you can stay the night in one of their modern guestrooms.

214 Bermondsey
This relaxed underground bar offers more than 100 gins, including local favourites like Little Bird. It’s a friendly, unpretentious spot – ideal for date night or catching up with friends. You can dine upstairs at pasta bar Flour & Grape or nearby at The Garrison or Loyal Tavern.

Holborn Dining Room
Holborn Dining Room is known for its delicious seasonal British cuisine – their pies are an absolute must-try. You’ll feel right at home in this grand brasserie with its red leather banquettes, antique mirrors, and copper-topped Gin Bar. The bar stocks London’s largest gin collection – over 500 in total – so you can try something new every time you visit.

Rivington Grill
They take gin seriously at Rivington Grill in Greenwich – there are more than 250 to choose from! Sit back and enjoy the relaxed yet stylish atmosphere and tuck into classic British dishes like dressed Cornish crab, ribeye steak, or their superb Rivington beef burger. On weekdays, they offer £6 G&Ts made with their gin of the month from 5-7pm – perfect for after-work drinks.

Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour
If you’re up for a little adventure, then look no further than Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour – a quirky West End drinking den with décor that will transport you back to Victorian times. Expand your gin knowledge with their Gin Safari tasting experience or go for G&Tea and enjoy sweet and savoury treats accompanied by gin teapot cocktails.

The City of London Distillery & Bar
Gin fans who are interested in taking their knowledge of their favourite drink to another level should pay the City of London Distillery a visit. The award-winning gin distillery has a speakeasy-style cocktail bar and hosts gin tastings, distillery tours, and Gin Lab experiences where you can distil your own gin. Snack on cheese and charcuterie platters or dine nearby at Madison or Bread Street Kitchen.

108 Brasserie
Fancy a little break from boutique hopping in stylish Marylebone? 108 Brasserie is located just off the busy high street and boasts a collection of over 40 premium gins, including their own 108 Gin which is distilled in-house. We recommend trying their signature 108 Martini before dinner in the elegant brasserie.

Gillray’s Steakhouse
Sometimes a classic steak paired with a good drink is all it takes to turn a restaurant visit into a deliciously memorable experience. That’s exactly what you can expect at Gillray’s, a Southbank steakhouse overlooking the River Thames. An added bonus for gin lovers is the list of over 100 gins and their G&T afternoon tea which includes unlimited gin and tonics!

Chapel Down Gin Works
Location, location, location! Phil and Kirsty would love this gin distillery, bar and restaurant as it occupies a prime spot in King’s Cross overlooking the Regent’s Canal. Pop in for drinks or round up friends or colleagues for a tutored tasting.

Merchant House
Award-winning Merchant House is an absolute must-visit for gin lovers. This handsome bar in the heart of the City is home to one of the largest spirit collections in the world. They also offer tasting flights and gin and whisky masterclasses for those keen to expand their palates.

This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.

10 of the UK’s best hotels for foodies

OpenTable October 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

Fancy a weekend break, preferably somewhere with fabulous food? We’ve rounded up ten of the UK’s best hotels for a gourmet getaway.

Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
Swap the bustle of the city for a few days of rest, relaxation, and incredible food at this stunning country house hotel. Restaurant Hywel Jones offers an unforgettable fine dining experience with flavour combinations that will surprise and delight. If you’re celebrating, the seasonal tasting menu is guaranteed to impress.

The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath
Situated in Bath’s historic Royal Crescent, this five-star hotel is the perfect place to escape for a few days of luxury. You can unwind in the spa, take a stroll through their beautiful gardens, or head into town for some retail therapy. The Dower House Restaurant holds three AA Rosettes and offers an elegant modern European dining experience overlooking the hotel’s gardens.

Gilpin Hotel, Windermere
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Lake District at this country house hotel in Windermere. The family-run hotel has 25 cosy-yet-contemporary rooms, two restaurants, a Champagne bar, a croquet lawn, and some fluffy resident llamas. Guests can enjoy pan-Asian dishes at Gilpin Spice or dine in style at the multi-award-winning HRiSHi, where chef Hrishikesh Desai uses Lake District produce to create modern British dishes with a twist.

Coworth Park, Ascot
Chef Adam Smith is the creative force in the kitchen at Coworth Park. His modern British menu showcases local ingredients – some from the hotel grounds – in dishes like stuffed rabbit saddle with crayfish and Cornish turbot with mussels and lemon verbena. Guests can also enjoy hearty British comfort food in The Barn and afternoon tea in the Drawing Room.

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire
Discover English country living at its finest at this restored Georgian manor set in 500 acres of picturesque parkland. Whether you fancy horse riding, a relaxing spa treatment, or a countryside walk, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. The hotel’s restaurant, Wild Carrot, serves seasonal British dishes like Dingley Dell pork belly and Dover sole meunière.

Careys Manor, New Forest
If you fancy a weekend away exploring the New Forest, this charming spa hotel is the ideal place to stay. You’ll find English wines and locally sourced ingredients on the menu at Cambium, where chef Alistair Craig gives British classics an international twist. Expect dishes like crab cakes with miso mayo, tandoori spiced spatchcock chicken, and smoked venison haunch with beetroot and blackberries.

The Pig at Bridge Place
Situated just outside Canterbury, the newest addition to The Pig Hotel family is the perfect place to get cosy this autumn. Expect roaring fires, bedrooms decked out in country chic, nooks and snugs for reading, and a kitchen garden to potter in. The menu leans towards Kentish comfort food – game pie, slow-roast ham hock, and the like.

The Club Hotel & Spa, Jersey
Head to St. Helier, Jersey’s seaside capital, for first-class food, bracing beach walks, and lazy spa days at The Club Hotel. In the multi-award-winning restaurant, Bohemia, chef Steve Smith uses the finest local ingredients in his ambitious tasting menus.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
If a rural getaway isn’t your thing, why not splash out on a stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge? It’s home to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal where diners can try inventive dishes inspired by British gastronomic history. For something more relaxed, book a table at Bar Boulud – a Franco-American bistro famous for its homemade charcuterie and signature burgers.

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire
There are few better places for a gastronomic getaway than this magnificent manor house in the Oxfordshire countryside. Overseen by legendary chef Raymond Blanc, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience for guests from all over the world. You can even brush up your own kitchen skills in the on-site cookery school.

10 of the best gastropubs in Melbourne

OpenTable October 15, 2019 Leave a Comment

Melbourne’s culinary scene is buzzing and if you happen to be in this beautiful Australian city, why not give one of their gastropubs a try? You’ll feel right at home, we promise.

The Espy Kitchen
If you’re into a bit of live cooking, The Espy should definitely be on your radar. The focal point of this gastropub is its large open show kitchen that invites guests to see how their food is being prepared. The menu offers something for everyone, whether you fancy steak, seafood, or a wood-fired pizza. The casual yet stylish dining area is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner with friends.

Lamaro’s Hotel
Lamaro’s Hotel, an iconic gastropub located in leafy South Melbourne, is run by acclaimed local chef Geoff Lindsay. His modern Australian menu will take you on a culinary journey – don’t miss the signature red duck curry. After your meal, why not head to Albert Park for a stroll by the lake?

Garden State Hotel
Set in the heart of trendy Flinders Lane, the Garden State Hotel’s public bar and beer garden is where you’ll find your favourite pub classics. We recommend their Wagyu cheeseburger and the comforting chicken parmigiana. Their enclosed and heated beer garden is popular all year round – it’s the ideal place for after-work beers or a low-key dinner.

L’Hotel Gitan
L’Hotel Gitan, situated in the heart of Prahran, is known for its French-inspired pub grub. Paying homage to the gypsy travellers of Europe, many dishes on the menu have European influences. Seared tiger prawns followed by chicken ballotine, anyone? There are specials throughout the week, such as Steak Night on Tuesdays and a daily Aperitif Hour where oysters are $2 each!

The Local Taphouse
Fancy trying a new beer? Then The Local Taphouse is the place for you. This gastropub offers an impressive selection of craft beers and the knowledgeable staff are happy to help you find the one to make your taste buds sing. Of course, this award-winning pub also serves up great food, from steaks and burgers to one of the best chicken parmas in town.

Healesville Hotel
Healesville Hotel charms guests with its old-world charm and country hospitality. Located in Yarra Valley, the gastropub sits in a stunning Edwardian building and specialises in rustic pub fare. The menu changes weekly and diners can look forward to dishes like gnocchi with pea and lemon pesto and confit pork belly with apple sauce and pickled fennel.

Hotel Sorrento
Perched on the Sorrento clifftops overlooking Port Philip Bay, Hotel Sorrento is an iconic venue that dates back to the mid-1800s. The gastropub prides itself on sourcing their produce locally so guests will know exactly where their meat, fish, wine and veggies come from. Promising ‘confident coastal cooking’, the menu features wood-fired steaks, seafood linguine, and fish tacos with chilli slaw.

The Railway Club
The Railway Club has been a Melbourne favourite for over 40 years and continues to attract tourists and locals alike. Here, you can choose your own meat from the pub’s display fridge and see it cooked to perfection in the open kitchen. Of course, there are also plenty of meat-free options and the restaurant’s offering of seafood dishes are just as tempting.

Melbourne Public
If you fancy dancing the night away after a good meal, Melbourne Public will tick all your boxes. The South Wharf gastropub not only serves everything from oysters to chicken parmigiana, there’s also live music and resident DJs at the weekends.

Alphington Social
For comfort and cosiness with a modern twist, The Alphington Social is the place to be. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza or some of their outstanding cheese and charcuterie boards along with Australian wines and relax the Melbourne way. You’ll never want to leave!

Visit OpenTable to discover more restaurants in Melbourne.

Get cosy: Where to find the best comfort food in Edinburgh

OpenTable October 11, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Scottish capital knows the way to a foodie’s heart for sure! If you’re on the hunt for cosy comfort food on a cold autumn day, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of Edinburgh restaurants serving delicious, hearty dishes guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Mashed potato is an absolute comfort food classic. You’ll be amazed at what a simple potato can turn into at Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, a restaurant specialising in gourmet mashed potato. Embrace Scottish tradition and try their haggis with whisky cream sauce and your choice of mash –Cheddar and chive, perhaps? Or wholegrain mustard mash? If you’re not into haggis, we can recommend their award-winning wild boar sausages.

The Stockbridge Restaurant
Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most charming districts, with cobbled lanes and The Water of Leith running through it. Here you’ll find this cosy, family-run restaurant where head chef Jason, his partner Jane and their team offer fresh and creative dishes, hand-picked wines, and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Save room for desserts like rhubarb crumble and banana tart tatin.

Burgers & Beers
Burgers & Beers is a must for anyone looking for a great burger in the heart of Edinburgh. On a sunny autumn day, you can even sit outside and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile. Come hungry and tuck into fully loaded burgers like the Dirty South and the Frying Scotsman, topped with a haggis fritter! Kids will love their milkshakes, while grown-ups can enjoy cocktails and craft beers.

Meltmongers
Who knew that a grilled cheese toastie could be all you’ve ever wanted for your main meal? Meltmongers, located in Bruntsfield, creates fantastic flavour combinations and offers an array of tasty cheese toasties that will make you come back for more.

Woodland Creatures
Everything about Woodland Creatures screams comfort. Situated in trendy Leith, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends over a good meal and a cocktail or two. Try the indulgent mac ’n’ cheese flight and get cosy with your fellow foodies. From burgers and flatbreads to hearty Sunday roasts, your comfort food needs will be met and quite possibly exceeded, too.

Spatch
You’ll find Spatch in the city’s historic Old Town, right beside The Royal Mile. After exploring Edinburgh’s sights, why not take a break in this cosy restaurant serving all things chicken? Take your pick from charcoal fired spatchcock chicken, crispy wings, steaks, ribs and more.

The Ivy on the Square
Who said that eating comfort food has to be a casual affair? If you are up for dressing up, then look no further than The Ivy brasserie on St. Andrew’s Square. After hitting the shops on Princes Street, a visit to this brasserie will make you feel like you’ve taken a short trip to Paris. We recommend trying their famous shepherd’s pie and the melting chocolate bombe with hot salted caramel sauce.

Mums Great Comfort Food
Mums promises gourmet comfort food that isn’t ‘poncey’ or ‘pricey’, but simply mouth-wateringly delicious. Expect familiar favourites like sausage and mash, steak and ale pie, and fish and chips. The team proudly sources their ingredients locally and is very generous with their portion-sizing. If you’re hungry and looking for great service in the city’s student district, this is the place to be.

Coro the Chocolate Café
The name gives it away: this quirky café makes chocolate lovers’ dreams come true! Foodies with a sweet tooth can try their chocolate in buttery crepes, ice-cream sundaes, and drizzled onto fluffy waffles. For the ultimate treat, order their famous chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, marshmallows or cake for dunking.

The Queens Arms
Sometimes all you need is a good Sunday lunch and at The Queen’s Arms, often voted the best Sunday roast in Edinburgh, you’ll find exactly that. Enjoy their Scottish classics with a modern twist and soak up the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. If you are up for sharing, try The Queen’s Arms pie – it’s big enough for two and served with creamy mash, seasonal veg, and homemade gravy.

@pizza
Pizza is another comfort food classic originating from our Italian neighbours. At @pizza, you can channel your inner Italian and customise your very own pizza. There’s also a range of locally brewed beers, Italian wines and craft sodas to try, so you’re in for a great night out.