Jacuzzi, brings its famed glitz, glamour and gorgeous food to Kensington High Street

Oliver Hall

Fun, daring, delightful. Those three words have come to characterize the food and buildings of Big Mamma’s Italian restaurants across London and the around the world. Jacuzzi Ristorante, their new site on Kensington High Street, is no different. It manages to capture that magic and spectacle synonymous with its sister restaurants while being brilliantly unique with new and exciting dishes served alongside famed favourites in an indoor garden setting.

The group always prides itself on service and a relaxed environment and Jacuzzi is no different. I was greeted at the door by a smiling Luisa and when we were seated the manager Ricardo was quickly over to talk through the menu.

The menu itself is incredibly diverse and draws on dishes from across Italy and its islands. Well-known favourites from Ave Mario and Circolo Poplare such as the Spaghetti al Tartufo and Tiramisu return but they are accompanied by a superb selection of new inventions and twists on

In the academic year of 2021, we had the highest amount of engagement. Over 2000 individuals signed up to over 30 very different and diverse sports. Those who have been determined to make it definitely made it, and have achieved Olympic levels of success. This all stemmed from the support and opportunities available to them from this part of Oxford.

Brookes’ downtime culture thrives on the variety of societies the university offers. These are created and run by classics.

The drinks list is similarly eclectic. Not only are there cocktails galore but the wine list is extensive and caters to all tastes and price points. By the glass, there is a great selection of grapes and varieties from across Italy but buffs won’t be disappointed either. Superb vintages of Sagrantino di Montefalco (2011) and Tignanello Antinori Supertuscans (20112019) are standouts.

I started things off with Lo Sgroppino, a truly unique drink with homemade sorbet, limoncello, and champagne. The texture was thick and creamy and combined with the lemon and champagne for a perfect indulgence. The OJ Spritz was a straightforward classic done well too. For antipasti, we were suggested Crochette di Vitello Tonnato, Crudo di Gambero Rosso, and Burrata al Pistachio alongside a warm freshly baked focaccia. The crochette are croquettes filled with pulled veal and a coating of tuna salsa. The combo of flavours was intriguing and the caper on top finishes off the dish perfectly. The burrata is light and fresh in contrast with some heavy options and the ceviche stood out. These Gambero Rosso from Sicily are chopped and combined with a mix of lime, celery and red onion on a burrata base. The punch of the fish is freshened by the citrus and the burrata for a complete bite. Oysters came along as a surprise treat and my word was I happy to see them. I’m usually firmly in the camp that believes that oysters are at their best plain, simple, and without dressing. These though completely changed my mind about that. They are served in a balsamic reduction that brings a sweetness to the salty shellfish. I would still ordinarily revert to the more traditional serve but the dish is a mustorder as a one-off.

Our pasta of choice was the Raviolone Bricolore. A new dish, it consists of elongated ravioli parcels filled with either lemon or spinach ricotta. The pasta itself is good and holds its firm consistency well the university as well as students. The diversity within this institution ensures that there are many different interests, beliefs, and goals that are looked after. but the dish is punctuated by a provolone cheese sauce, toasted hazelnuts, and toasted sage leaves. In a peculiar way, those and the sauce and the most flavoursome element.

There is so much to get involved in, ranging from A capella Society to Zumba Society. If an extracurricular is not yet available, students are constantly encouraged to make it happen for themselves. These are excellent chances to get into roles of responsibility in a nurturing environment. As well as this, these are the best places to meet new people, work on skills and experiences, and all while having fun in the process!

If none of this sounds appealing, there is always more. In addition to all these activities available on campus, there is a lot to get involved with outside as well. All throughout the academic year there are events. These can be anything from parties, to public lectures, to debates. We clearly cater for an eclectic crowd!

These events are fantastic opportunities to be social and relax all while not breaking the bank. Because these events are typically made for students, they are also priced for students. This becomes the best excuse to go out partying on a Monday night.

Well known events such as “Fishies” are incredibly popular because of the affordability and the well planned atmosphere. Moreover, there are a lot of themed parties. These are the best places to have a drink and find “your people”. There are plenty of opportunities to gather your friends, get ready and go to events, such as Bollywood night. These sorts of events are great entertainment and a chance to soak in the “uni culture”.

Then there are the educational hidden gems. From film screenings followed by interviews with the director, to in depth debates on contemporary topics such as “who owns football”. If partying is not your scene, and societies are not your cup of tea, then this is definitely where you can find something of interest. Events are updated and supplemented regularly, so there is always something to do.

The offerings of Brookes social, cultural, and sports activities are as diverse as its student body and extend as widely as our community’s imagination. Many interests and hobbies are catered for, and if they aren’t, it is just a great opportunity to organise it yourself. This is the place to try new things, meet new people, and learn something about yourself in the process.

Desert wise it is difficult to know where to start. Ricardo was keen for us to try chocolate fondue and it is the new showstopping addition to the menu here. The chocolate is still sweet despite masquerading as dark on the menu but is irresistible when placed on the candle stand in the centre of the table. The accompanying churros were what confused me most – long, chunky, and neither authentically Italian nor Spanish for that matter. They were by no means bad but seemed a strange straying from the patriotic nature of the rest of the menu.

I had no such objections to the Pistacchio Profiterole Napoletana. The serving of ice cream in the pastry ‘sandwich’ is beyond generous but doesn’t overpower. The warm hazelnut chocolate sauce poured over the top is genuinely to die for.

The Limonemissu was the final delivery to the table and an example of a betterexecuted twist on the classic. The génoise was thick but the mascarpone, marmalade, and limoncello balanced everything off and resulted in a much lighter way to finish the meal than the other desserts on the menu.

Jacuzzi Ristorante is both alike the other Big Mamma restaurants and entirely unique. The constants of good service, stunning setting, and brilliant food continue but new, unique additions and environments make each one different. At times it might all feel like a bit of a show but the quality of food ensures that the important things remain front and centre.