Food and Drink

The most prestigious space on the Monopoly board, Mayfair is home to some of London’s most excessively expensive restaurants and bars. Tucked away on Down Street, however, tiny authentic tapas bar El Pirata is celebrating the end of summer by introducing four new Spanish wines, all of which are available for less than £20. This offer is available until Saturday 16th September and cannot be found elsewhere in the area. El Pirata’s new wines include Colegiata Malvasia Blanco D.O Toro,...

A dim sum recipe from Royal China.

In this political climate, it’s sometimes easy to forget that politicians are human, too. In the lead up to June’s general election, a selection of the UK’s most prominent MPs and party leaders were quizzed on their favourite restaurants. Let’s be fair – it’s far easier to talk to journalists about food than matters of say dementia tax, Grenfell tower or Donald Trump’s recent defence of Neo-Nazis. Theresa May is allegedly a big fan of Ottolenghi – a Middle-Eastern small...

Following the success of last year’s 2001 release, premium Scotch whisky brand anCnoc (pronounced ‘a-nock’) has released a new anCnoc 2002 vintage, joining its multi award-wining parade of expressions. Part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, anCnoc is produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the picturesque village of Knock, Aberdeenshire. First established in 1894, Knockdhu Distillery remains one of the Scottish Highlands’ smallest distilleries. Previous anCnoc expressions such as anCnoc 18-year-old have been subject to much praise amongst single malt enthusiasts,...

It’s perhaps unsurprising that London is now filled with so many neighbourhood restaurants. Extortionate rates and continuous gentrification are, of course, a contributing factor, plus after a long day at work; it’s difficult to blame those hoping to avoid trudging back into central London for dinner. Of all the brilliant neighbourhood restaurants, Islington and neighbouring Farringdon are home to an outstanding number, including Galley, Oldroyd, Black Axe Mangal, Morito and many more. Opened earlier in the summer, Humble Grape –...

Strength: 4.5% ABV  Brewed: Žatec, Czech Republic Batch brewed in the cellars of a 14th century castle in the historic Czech town of Žatec, CELIA produces two different beers. Both are notably vegan-friendly and gluten-free, thanks to a silicon filtration technique used during the brewing process. As a result, the brewery takes great pride on providing beer that doesn’t leave drinkers feeling uncomfortably bloated, without compromising on flavour. Made with just three ingredients – organic Saaz hops, Moravian malt and sand-filtered water –...

Forget Peckham, Shoreditch and Dalston – one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods for eating out, at the moment, can be found in a considerably more central location. Tucked between Islington, King’s Cross and the square mile, Farringdon (commonly known as Clerkenwell) has always been deeply rooted in food history, but has – in the past ten years - finally become recognised as such an exciting cornucopia of brilliant restaurants, cafés and bars. Smithfield meat market, for instance, has operated continuously...

If there were superheroes of the wine world, Masi's Tour would undoubtedly be one of them. Considered “the Valpolicella of tomorrow” this is intense and full-bodied wine would fill out a muscle chest Superman outfit with ease. It's name, which derives from the volcanic rocks of its vineyards of origin, has kryptonite qualities and its punchy qualities owe their heritage to Oseleta, the forgotten native variety rediscovered by Masi. The nose combines familiar Corvina aromas with the firm character, power and...

With Michelin-starred restaurants Galvin at Windows and Galvin La Chapelle, chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin’s set-lunch menu offers some of the best value fine dining in London. The same can be said for each of the other restaurants in the pair’s constantly growing restaurant empire (Galvin HOP, Bistrot de Luxe, etc.) within their respective price brackets. Speaking to The London Economic in a recent interview, Chris Galvin said: “Both of us feel strongly that when you visit an establishment such...