The Big Blue Challenge
Find the Best
in Town!
Adrian
Liam
So the nights are drawing in and the sun is losing its lustre, but it’s still there. Just. If you squint and rub your arms a bit – it’s still there! We at Blue Tomato, being a hardy lot, challenge you to prove your Brit grit and take a last chance to enjoy the capital’s best alfresco dining while you still can. Preferably in a t-shirt and flip flops. Just to prove how hard you are. The Modern Pantry This beautifully restored dining venue is a true mixture of modern attention to detail and a more traditional charm. Clear and well-presented café and restaurant spaces create the perfect shop window for chef Anna Hansen to display her brilliant wares. There are many global influences, some surely from her time with Peter Gordon – most tellingly the roast rack of lamb. The brave combinations such as Barbary duck breast with vanilla and chocolate make a visit to this café / restaurant worthwhile. The alfresco dining in an area of such class only complements that of the food. 48 St. John’s Square EC1V 4JJ www.themodernpantry.co.uk
8/10
Royal China Canary Wharf offers a wide range of dishes, traditional and exotic. Think crispy chicken, sizzling beef and roast duck, along with a selection of ‘Chef’s Favourites’, including bean curd hot pot and stuffed spicy squid. Servings are generous, service is good. With an extensive wine list and traditional yet intriguing desserts, the outside seating provides the scenic cherry on the Dim Sum cake. (Note: actually ordering Dim Sum cake may result in pointing and laughter.) Get down there while weather permits, and a dumpling or two can still be enjoyed by the Thames. 30 Westferry Circus E14 8RR www.royalchinagroup.co.uk
8/10
Athan
Courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gate If you’ve never heard of this place, it’s probably because anyone who visits wants to keep it their own personal secret. In the heart of bustling London town, the privacy and discretion assured to all visitors is unmatched. Sumptuous surroundings and a choice of mouth-watering barbeque menus which vary in theme throughout the week create a truly unique dining experience. The seafood grill and buffet (Fridays) brings the business week to a luxurious end, and the Lebanese buffet (Mondays) is magnificent too. You want great alfreco dining? You got it. 51 Buckingham Gate SW1E 6AF www.51-buckinghamgate.com
9/10
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www.bluetomato.co.uk
The Big Blue Challenge
Tracy
Phil
Gigalum Ibiza-led style all year round at Gigalum! Set on the south side of Clapham Common with an elegant alfresco area, it offers simple, quality Mediterranean flavours against the backdrop of South London’s buzziest suburb. The crowd are trendy and friendly, the food wholesome and unfussy. We stuck around after a great meal to enjoy the DJs throw out some classic house music and got into the swing the late dance licence allows. Return the next day for a fabulous brunch if, unlike us, you don’t get too carried away and need a day in bed to recover... 7-8 Cavendish Parade Clapham Common Southside SW4 9DW www.gigalum.com
9/10
Portal In an area of such an understated air of cool, Portal and its culinary delights fit Clerkenwell like a particularly svelte glove. Possibly a suede one. The Portuguese fare has been lovingly created by wine connoisseur Antonio Correia and his team, and a passion for Portuguese food is evident in every menu item. The Pescitos list (tapas) features some real beauties – the flambéed smoked chorizo is a true joy. The bar, spacious and light, leads into a breathtaking glasshouse where effortless style prevails. The menu is tempting, the service great, and whatever you do choose, there will be a splendid wine to go with it. 88 St John Street EC1M 4EH www.portalrestaurant.co.uk
10/10
Kes
Bord’eaux With both its café area and restaurant, Bord’eaux offers traditional rustic food in an unpretentious but tasty fashion. Set in the type of surroundings you would expect of a Park Lane eatery, the menu boasts many signature dishes and mouth-watering seafood combinations, rustled up in typical gallic fashion. We enjoyed the late summer air on the terrace, and the roasted partridge with calves’ liver was particularly good. Visiting groups or romancing couples should try one of the many seafood platters, complemented by a wine list that represents old and new world alike. Well worth a visit. Park Lane W1K 7TN www.bord-eaux.com
9/10
www.bluetomato.co.uk
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