Whether you’re an occasional cook or a whizz in the kitchen, a sharp knife is an absolute essential for control, safety and efficiency.
There are a couple different types of knife sharpeners on the market, each with various pros and cons. There are those that are simple to use and suitable for beginners, and those that require more commitment and skill.
Handheld sharpeners are user-friendly and usually compact enough to fit into a cutlery drawer. A popular choice for beginners, these quick sharpeners will put a decent edge on your knife, but won’t bring it back to its former glory if it has nicks in it.
Whetstones (or sharpening stones) are flat, single- or double-sided stones that feature different levels of grit, similar to sandpaper. Sharpening a knife on a whetstone requires precision, practice and skill, but once mastered, you can produce an ultra-sharp edge that lasts a long time. Electric knife sharpeners are another option — they’re essentially electric-powered versions of handheld sharpeners where the abrasive wheels are spun for you, instead of you having to pull the knife through.
Sharp knives only serve to enhance your cooking experience, whether that’s slicing through roast chicken, prepping veg for cauliflower and potato curry, or portioning perfectly cooked steak for steak tacos. But, perhaps more importantly, sharp knives ensure safety. A dull knife is more likely to slip, increasing the likelihood of accidents. With a good sharpener, you can maintain the sharpness of your blades, reducing the risk of mishaps. Plus, getting into a good sharpening routine means that you’re able to keep your knives maintained, so you don’t have to buy new ones.
Almost all knives can be sharpened, though some sharpeners can’t be used on serrated knives. As a general rule of thumb, any knife with a smooth blade – a chef’s knife, nakiri knife, paring knife – can be used on a knife sharpener. Check your sharpener’s manual if you’re not sure.
Knife sharpeners can feature a range of different materials, from ceramic and silicone carbide, to diamond. Sharpeners that feature diamond, unsurprisingly, tend to be on the expensive side, but they are durable and produce a fantastic edge. Ceramic sharpeners provide a smooth finish, but you need to keep even pressure when sharpening. Whetstones tend to be made using bonded abrasives, such as a mix of ceramic, silicone carbide and diamond.
We put a range of handheld sharpeners and whetstones to the test, from the traditionally designed, to new innovators to find the best knife sharpeners.
Best knife sharpener overall
Star rating: 5/5
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Established in 1993 in Germany, Horl sharpeners are the most unique-looking sharpeners we’ve tested, and they’re also interesting to use.
The Horl 2 Pro is a small but hefty piece of kit. There are two parts to it: a magnetic sharpening block angled at 20 and 15 degrees on either end, and a double-sided cylindrical rolling block with a diamond grinding disc on one side and ceramic honing disc on the other. It’s very easy to use: simply attach your knife to the magnetic block (the magnet is incredibly strong) and roll the cylindrical block the full length of your knife, first with the diamond disc, then with the ceramic disc. Remember to flip your knife so you sharpen both sides.
This sharpener is incredibly easy to use and store. It remained secure and sturdy on the counter, and the rolling motion is incredibly smooth. We didn’t have many gripes with this sharpener, though we did notice a couple of things when using it. It’s noisy if your knife is in desperate need of sharpening, and the sound it made divided us: some thought it sounded like an old forge, while others found it unpleasant. We found we needed to work in stages if sharpening a particularly long knife to ensure that the cylindrical block had full contact with it.
Despite those minor grievances, we absolutely loved using this sharpener and each knife became impressively sharp. If you’re after an upgrade on your handheld sharpener but aren’t looking to upskill and learn how to use a whetstone, the Horl 2 Pro gets the job done.
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Best unique knife sharpener
Star rating: 5/5
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Cons:
The Horl 2 is the younger sibling of the top-performing Horl 2 Pro. It works in exactly the same way: attach your knife to one side of the magnetic block and roll the cylindrical roller against the blade.
It’s weighty, too, and remains stable on the worktop. Everything we love about the Horl 2 Pro, we also love about the Horl 2. The one major difference between these two models is that the Horl 2 is a lot slower than its older sibling. The Horl 2 Pro took around 3 minutes to take a knife from dull to ultra-sharp, whereas the Horl 2 took around 10 minutes. The Horl 2, although still pricey, is also cheaper than the Pro.
With innovation in spades and producing fantastically sharp results, this sharpener is worth every penny.
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Best electric knife sharpener
Star rating: 4.5/5
This electric knife sharpener is a large piece of kit and is electrically powered to take the hard work out of sharpening your knives. It’s bulkier than other sharpeners we’ve tested, and in some ways looks better suited to a workshop than domestic kitchen, but we were impressed by it’s precision and effectiveness.
It’s weighty enough to be stable on the work surface so you don’t have to worry about any slippage. While it can’t be used to sharped serrated knives which limits its versatility slightly, the sharpener allows you to sharpen in one degree increments. This is far more precise than other sharpeners we’ve tested, which normally allow for five degrees of change, and allows you to be very specific.
If you’re after an impressive sharpener that can live on your work surface for regular use this could be a great option.
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Best cheap whetstone
Star rating: 4.5/5
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Cons:
If you’re after a whetstone to practice sharpening knives, this ProCook 600- and 2000-grit stone is a brilliant choice for beginners. It’s neat and compact, and there are a few useful accessories that can be purchased for your stone, such as a holder that doubles as a storage box.
It comes with a plastic grippy base that keeps the stone nicely anchored to the bench as you work.
Like all whetstones, this one needs to be soaked before use. We managed to achieve a very good edge on our test knives, though it wasn’t as sharp as others.
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Best knife sharpener for Japanese and European knives
Star rating: 4.5/5
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This is the largest knife sharpener on our list. It sits upright on the countertop, rather than lying on the surface, and comes with a lot of accessories, from sharpening rods of different grades, to angle inserts for western and Japanese knives. There’s a little bit of work needed to get this sharpener set up, but it’s relatively simple and easy to do.
This sharpener works much like a traditional handheld sharpener, but it mitigates the one thing that people tend to get wrong: pressure. With this sharpener, you can’t push down hard against the sharpening rods; rather, all that’s needed is a light push down as you pull the knife towards you. A few swipes of this and you’re ready to move onto the next sharpening rod grade.
We achieved impressive results with this sharpener. After just a few swipes, our knives were razor-sharp.
It’s not the easiest knife sharpener to store, but we saw such good results that we think it’s well worth finding space for.
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Best one-sided whetstone
Star rating: 4.5/5
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If you’ve already got a whetstone or two at home and you’re looking to add another grit level to your collection, this Miyabi whetstone is a fantastic choice.
It doesn’t come with anything other than the whetstone, though it’s easy enough to create a makeshift support from tea towels. It’s nicely weighted and vibrant green, so there’s no chance you’ll lose it at the back of a cupboard.
This stone stayed in place when we were sharpening our knife. While the finished knife was very sharp, we felt it could have benefitted from some further honing to get it to the razor-sharp stage. Though, as we say, this is a whetstone to slot into your collection – 400- and 5000-grit whetstones are also available.
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Best handheld knife sharpener
Star rating: 4/5
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This is a small and tidy handheld knife sharpener that fits neatly in a cutlery drawer. It has two sharpening and honing wheels; usefully the numbers ‘one’ and ‘two’ are printed on the plastic guard to let you know in which order to sharpen your knives.
The handle is comfortable to hold and even has a little padding on top for extra comfort. On the underside are some grippy pads that keep the sharpener stable on the kitchen counter.
A wealth of instructions come with the Minosharp, and it’s easy to fill the water reservoir that sits beneath the wheels.
Minosharp says knives only need 15 strokes to sharpen, so we did exactly that. It did a pretty good job overall, though admittedly the knives weren’t as sharp as those sharpened using the Horl 2 and 2 Pro, nor the whetstones. But, if you’re after something easy to use that’ll put a fair edge on your knife quickly, this is good to have on hand.
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Best compact knife sharpener
Star rating: 4/5
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Ergonomic and attractively designed, this simple knife sharpener features only one wheel for sharpening. However, there’s a little switch on the face of the sharpener that flicks between pre-grinding the blade (prepping the blade for sharpening) and precision grinding (honing the blade).
It’s easy to see to which stage the switch is set, and sharpening is just as simple. All you need to do is firmly grip the handle which, coupled with the pads on the underside, secure it to the worktop, then gently pull the blade through in a careful and controlled manner.
This model won’t restore your blade to its former glory, but it did manage to produce a decent edge to the blade that’ll help make prep work a lot easier.
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Best cheap knife sharpener
Star rating: 4/5
Pros:
Cons:
This ProCook sharpener isn’t dissimilar in design to the Minosharp above. It too has two grinding wheels, and water needs to be added to the chamber beneath them.
We like its compact body and accessible price point.
There are plastic feet on the underside for stability, though they don’t anchor the sharpener as well as some of the others on this list. Like the Minosharp, numbers are written on the plastic guard to guide you through the sharpening process.
Our sharpened knife came out well, though it certainly wasn’t as sharp as the knives sharpened using our top-scoring models. Though for a quick touch-up before you carve meat or begin a big chopping session, this ProCook model is well worth having around.
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There are a few factors to consider when searching for the perfect knife sharpener for your needs. Look for the following features when choosing a knife sharpeners:
Handheld sharpeners:
Whetstones:
Electric sharpeners:
Whichever type of sharpener you buy, always ensure:
To sharpen a knife on a typical handheld knife sharpener, instructions are as follows:
Sharpening a knife using a dual-sided whetstone:
There are a few knife sharpeners that utilise different sharpening methods to those above, and thankfully they come with detailed instructions on how to use them.
It should come as no surprise that we tested knife sharpeners by sharpening a variety of knives. In preparation for the test, we used a selection of chef’s knives as one usually would over the course of a few weeks, allowing them to dull naturally over time. These knives were a selection of those used in the olive test kitchen and the olive team’s own knives that are used at home.
We then sliced a tomato before sharpening the knife. Each knife was sharpened following the sharpener’s instructions. Once finished, we sliced the tomato again to be able to compare the performance of the dull knife and sharpened one. We also performed a paper cutting test. Each knife sharpener was also scored against the following criteria:
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For more coffee reviews, check out our best coffee subscriptions and best gifts for coffee lovers. Make your own homemade coffee syrup using our step-by-step recipe and discover more advice and buyer’s guides on everything from the best British gins and best English vineyard breaks to Gozney vs Ooni pizza ovens in our reviews section.
The espresso is a fundamental staple of coffee culture – the full-bodied, deliciously dark result of brewing coffee under pressure with hot water, characteristically topped with a velvety crema.
This forms the basis of most coffee-house classics including cappuccino, latte, americanos and more. Traditional espresso machines use a pump mechanism to push near-boiling water through compacted coffee grounds with around 15 bars of pressure, and there is now a host to choose from for achieving barista-style coffee in your own kitchen.
Espresso machines aren’t always manual, but the process of tamping the ground coffee, loading and unloading the portafilter and steaming your milk is a hands-on experience you’ll recognise from commercial coffee houses. And you don’t have to be a seasoned barista to make great coffee either.
Many machines offer the step-by-step guidance to walk you through creating espresso-based drinks, then the technical sophistication to brew richly flavoured and aromatic shots topped with caramel-coloured crema. Some will even teach you how to build latte art skills.
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Best mid-range espresso machine
Star rating: 5/5
This espresso machine is unmistakably SMEG’s, channelling the brand’s chunky 1950s styling into a slimline footprint. Behind the deceptively simple three-button interface lies a comprehensive series of personalisation features.
Everything from water temperature, coffee quantity and automatic shut off timings can be tailored to your taste. The milk steam wand is efficient, although the lack of stainless-steel milk jug is a shame considering the price of the machine. But most importantly, the dark espresso is rich in flavour and topped with a silky crema. Read our full SMEG ECF01 espresso machine review.
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Best modern classic
Star rating: 5/5
Gaggia is an Italian coffee brand steeped in legacy that’s been at the forefront of home-coffee machines since the 1930s. Its Classic espresso machine was originally launched in the 1990s and is characterised by long lines and the trio of rocker switches that are still carried on its New Classic. But the magic that positions it as state-of-the-art machine for home-use lies beneath its stainless steel outer.
Unlike most home-espresso machines, this Gaggia has a solenoid valve for controlling water temperature inside the filter holder. All of the accompanying accessories are also professional grade. The chromed brass group and filter holder are the same weight and capacity as those used in commercial machines. A heavy tamper is a useful addition for ensuring the even compression of grounds, plus the cup storage is actually a practical size for five espresso cups. It’s pricey, but the perfect espresso machine for style and substance.
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Best compact bean-to-cup espresso machine
Star rating: 5/5
Thanks to its integrated bean storage and grinder, you can class this as a bean-to-cup coffee machine. But it’s manual elements of a loadable filter holder enables a hands-on, experiential coffee making experience synonymous with espresso machines.
It’s a great value choice for anyone who likes their beans ground freshly for every cup and the flexibility to experiment, alongside the sophisticated comforts of 11 coffee presets and the opportunity to save your preferences as favourites. High-quality accessories accompany the machine in a barista kit. The comprehensive instruction manual walks you through set-up and the basics of coffee to milk ratios of classic espresso-based drinks. But for the curious, it also expands into areas like adapting pre-infusion temperature profiles and latte art skills, so will support the development of your own coffee knowledge. Despite its height, this model doesn’t dominate kitchen space so would be a compact bean-to-cup coffee machine option.
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Best bean-to-cup espresso machine
Star rating: 5/5
This Sage is as forgiving to those who know nothing about coffee, as it’s adjustable for those who know exactly what they want. It’s a bean-to-cup machine that combines 11 automated pre-sets with sophisticated personalisation features, while leaving the fun bits to you, like loading the portafilter and frothing the milk in a stainless-steel jug. It grinds and doses beans depending on the filter basket you’ve loaded.
Grind level is adjustable, as is milk froth level, temperature and up to eight tailored drinks can be saved for selection on its touchscreen. Despite its bells and whistles, it fulfils the fundamental requirements of guaranteeing a great cup of coffee every time. But if you’re after simple, delicious espresso, the same quality can be achieved from a much smaller and less expensive machine. Read our full Sage Oracle Touch espresso maker review.
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Best colourful espresso machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
This mid-range espresso machine from Smeg features the brand’s signature retro design, and comes in a wide choice of colours including Pastel Green, Blue Mediterraneo and Pink. We found the machine quick to set up and very user-friendly — perfect for if you’re buying your first espresso machine or are in a household with coffee drinkers of different skill levels.
There are four drink options available on two different menus. When the buttons on the machine illuminate white you can choose between a single or double espresso and when they shine orange you can choose a long black or a tall long black. The scoop meant the portafilter was easy to load and tamp without too much mess. While the steam wand does take a little while to pre-heat, we liked that this machine comes with the option for manual milk frothing, although we were a little disappointed a milk jug didn’t come included with the machine.
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Best mid-range buy for simplicity
Star rating: 4.5/5
This is a sleek little gadget that delivers on the style front as much as the performance with a brushed-metal body and textured control buttons.
Like its bigger counterpart, the Bambino comes with a water filter which slots into the water tank – a well thought out addition that will help prolong the life of the espresso machine, particularly handy for those in hard-water areas. It also has an in-depth manual that guides you through tamping techniques and filter fill levels. Read our full Sage Bambino plus espresso maker review.
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Best compact machine for quality accessories
Star rating: 4.5/5
KitchenAid’s Artisan espresso machine doesn’t disappoint. A proper coffee tamper is included in the box along with an accurate coffee scoop and single and double-wall filter baskets depending on whether your coffee is freshly ground or not. The machine is not very tall so it’s a practical model for slotting below kitchen cupboards on countertops.
This does mean it limits the type of cup you could fit below the outlet, tall mugs won’t be accommodated. We would have enjoyed a second cup tray for lifting short cups towards the coffee spout to prevent espresso from splashing. The four control icons are also small, but on a sustainability front, the five-year warranty offers important coverage that should save you replacing the whole machine in certain circumstances.
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Most stylish espresso machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
This espresso machine has the look and feel of a modern-classic. Just 14cm wide and 33cm deep, it’s also a practical option for smaller countertops, packing 15 bars of pressure into this compact footprint for professional espresso extraction.
The result was gleefully strong and aromatic without a hint of bitterness. It’s an excellent example of both style and substance being packed into an affordable espresso machine. Read our full De’Longhi Dedica EC685.M review.
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Best espresso machine for adventures
Star rating: 4.5/5
The portability, design quality and experience of the Wacaco makes it one of the most satisfying espresso makers we’ve ever tested. It’s like a Russian doll – each part slots into another until you’re left with one hand-sized gadget with a manual pump.
Despite its size it produces 9 bars of pressure for a single espresso and the result is a rocket-fuel shot topped with silky crema that rivals all the others tested. Plus you can chuck it in your bag for easy transportation. Read our full Wacaco MiniPresso GR espresso maker review.
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Best manual pump espresso machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
For the eco-conscious, the slimline footprint of the Flair is incredibly practical if you’re looking for a manual espresso machine that’s both elegant and easy to store. Importantly, it produces outstanding espresso.
The bundle includes a branded pressure gauge and chess piece tamper with great quality feel, although these are sold separately. Thanks to the two-piece set-up, it’s also a cinch to clean. Read our full Flair Signature espresso maker review.
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Depending on your budget and level of passion for the process, there are different considerations when finding the perfect espresso machine for you. The number of personalisation options on your espresso machine will correlate to the price: the more you spend, usually the more features to help you tailor each element to your taste, from the grind-grade to brewing time and milk temperature.
Additional features often include a milk steam wand. Single and double cup filters are common staples. Some machines will also be ESE pod compatible, which are biodegradable and mess-free alternatives to coffee pods or ground coffee. A two-in-one dosing spoon and tamper is another common accessory.
Bean-to-cup machines have integrated bean grinders that will automatically grind and dose coffee grounds depending on your selected drink. Some ‘manual’ espresso machines still plug into the mains but require you to do the dosing and tamping before it heats the water and adds pressure to extract the espresso.
These models often come with a button interface offering single, double and ESE pod options.
Fully manual pump espresso machines don’t need to be plugged into the mains so share one obvious credential: sustainability. This is only to a certain extent, considering you need to preheat the water in a kettle anyway. It does mean, however, that espresso can be made while out and about.
Like coffee a different way? Find out how to make coffee like a barista with our guide to achieving the perfect cup of cafetière, AeroPress or pour-over and discover our tried and tested picks of the best coffee machines, including bean-to-cup coffee machines and coffee pod machines. Like a latte, macchiato or flat white? Give your coffee a proper, barista-like serve using a milk frother.
The espresso machines featured in this review were the best performing appliances chosen from a longlist of more than 20 machines. All were tested in control conditions using a standardised criterion with ground espresso coffee and scored out of five against the following areas:
The average score out of 5 decided the overall star rating. The additional criteria played into our decision making:
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If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at oliveweb@immediate.co.uk.
]]>Looking for the best pizza in London? Here’s our guide to the best pizza places in London and the best takeaway pizza. Whether you want a sourdough pizza base or a traditional Neapolitan pizza, we’ve found the best pizza restaurants in London.
From pizza in Brixton to pizza in North London, check out our favourite pizza places. If you fancy making your own pizza, check out our best ever pizza recipes here, or read the lowdown on pizza styles and where to find them.
Alley Cats pays homage to New York’s iconic pizza scene, with hunger-busting, thin and crispy 14″ pizzas. London’s latest pizza outpost off Marylebone High Street is a small yet buzzy space, with gingham tablecloths, dimly lit lamps and a projector playing The Sopranos transporting diners to 90s NYC. Be prepared to queue, as it’s walk-in-only.
Which pizza to order at Alley Cats? If you prefer a thin-crust over a sloppy Neapolitan, you’ve come to the right place. The impressive 14″ size is achieved through baking the pizzas in the traditional thin and crispy style, which are presented on silver stands by the side of your table. The menu is compact, with seven pizzas on offer. It includes the Smoked Pepperoni (tomato, aged mozzarella, habanero and honey) and our personal favourite, the white-based Wild Mushroom, with three types of wild shrooms and topped with taleggio, aged mozzarella, red onion jam and fried sage. Up the ante by adding dips – we tried a spicy ranch and herb-flecked aïoli.
What else is there to eat and drink? Don’t skip the starters for fear of over-ordering: the beefy meatballs are a must-try, slathered in slow-cooked tomato sauce and showered in aged parmesan. Cheesy garlic knots are hot, doughy morsels with a dunkable pot of tomato sauce. The dessert menu is short but complimentary: tiramisu and soft scoop ice-cream. The latter can be customised with your choice of toffee sauce, roasted hazelnuts or peanuts.
Address: 22 Paddington St, London W1U 5QY
Nearest tube station: Baker Street
Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-11pm)
With its green-and-white chequered plastic tablecloths, chessboard tile flooring and framed film posters hanging on the walls, Pizza Pilgrims feels like an American diner meets Italian pizzeria. Available for walk-ins only, it’s a perfect spot to grab a pre-show pizza and beer in the heart of theatreland.
Which pizza to order at Pizza Pilgrims? The Naples-style pizza with blistering crust and sloppy centre is proved slowly, then cooked fast. Order ‘You’ve Got Maiale’ with prosciutto cotto, ‘nduja, salsiccia and pepperoni, burrata, red onion and balsamic glaze if you fancy something indulgent. Or, go for ‘The 8-Cheese’, a ramped-up cheese feast with ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, fior di latte mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, provola, pecorino and burrata, beautifully finished with pockets of smoked chilli jam. Or, take it back to basics with the margherita, topped simply with tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, basil, parmesan and olive oil.
What else is there to eat and drink? Set the mood with an aperitivo in the form of plump XL nocellara olives, taralli, a bitter negroni or Pilgrims Spritz, a fragrant concoction mixing Pococello limoncello with prosecco, elderflower, mint, soda and lemon. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with a nutty pistachio affogato, or make a beeline for the hazelnut-flavoured espresso martini, shaken with Frangelico noisette liqueur and served with a chocolate and hazelnut rim.
Address: 23 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BN
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Opening times: Monday-Thursday (11.30am-10.30pm), Friday-Saturday (11:30am-11pm), Sunday (12-9pm)
Rudy’s outpost in Soho (they have pizzerias scattered across the north of England, including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds) makes a worthy addition to the scene.
Which pizza to order at Rudy’s? Pizza toppings are crowd-pleasing, from parmigiana with roasted aubergine to spicy calabrese with ‘nduja sausage and cinghiale with wild boar salami. Our lavishly topped capricciosa with creamy fior de latte, prosciutto, mushrooms, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts ticked all the boxes, but it was the base that really impressed — well-flavoured and pillowy while still being satisfyingly chewy. All of Rudy’s pizzas — baked daily using 24-hour fermented dough — are made by trained and accredited pizzaiolos.
What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari and soda, which arrives premixed in a dinky little bottle alongside a bowl of salted crisps for snacking, before moving onto generous sharing platters loaded with deli treats and house-baked bread.
Address: 80 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TF
Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus
Opening times: Friday-Saturday (12-10:30pm), Sunday-Thursday (12-9:30pm)
If crusts are a big deal to you, it’s worth paying a visit to this Waterloo-based pizzeria. The clue is in the name – crusts are a big deal here, as well as the freedom to customise your pizza however you please (regardless of your eccentric topping combination).
Which pizza to order at Crust Bros? Personalise is the name of the game here. Choose from either a Neapolitan or gluten-free base, pick your sauce (red, white, pesto, vegan), protein (‘nduja, anchovies, parma ham etc.), cheese (burrata, gorgonzola, vegan mozzarella etc.) and veg (peppers, onions, aubergines, chilli etc). If this seems complicated, choose from its list of pre-designed pizzas – Straight Outta Hell is a devilish combo of mozzarella, chicken, chillies, pepperoni and ’nduja. You could even add burrata for extra indulgence.
What else is there to eat and drink? Double up on carbs with a side of cheesy flatbread topped with caramelised onions. Crust dippers will be more than happy with its offering, and we’d recommend ordering the trio of truffle, garlic and spicy mayos. To drink, Birra Moretti is on draft, while cocktails cover the classics, from Aperol spritz and margarita to espresso martini.
Address: 113 Waterloo Road, Lambeth London, SE1 8UL
Nearest tube station: Waterloo
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm
Find this Italian pizza empire slinging light and crunchy sourdough pizzas in its large, two-floored Kentish Town outpost. Originating from Bologna – with branches across Italy – Berberè prepares it sourdough on site every day with organic type 1 flour, proofed for 24 hours. The result is unique: a subtly sour, nutty taste with a slightly crunchy exterior and soft, melty interior – no chewy crusts served here!
Which pizza to order at Berberè? Expect a menu balancing the classics, from margheritas and marinaras, with trendy toppings and fresh British produce such as Yorkshire pork sausage. The Instagram-friendly Burrata & ‘Nduja is a picture-perfect blend of vibrant green basil, ruby-red dried tomatoes and creamy white mozzarella, while vegans needn’t miss out thanks to the Orange Crush – think creamed butternut squash, leeks, black olives, fresh chilli, and peanut butter.
What else is there to eat and drink? You must try Berberè’s signature montanarina: a large deep-fried dough ball with toppings including ‘nduja, aged smoked ricotta and anchovies. Crust dippers are crucial – we loved a cheeky trio of garlic butter, spicy ‘nduja and honey, and basil and walnut pesto. To drink, you can’t go wrong with a Brixton Electric IPA or a traditional Italian aperitif – negroni sbagliato, anyone? For dessert, tiramisu is made every day in the kitchen, or save a little space for a scoop of dulche de leche gelato.
Address: 300 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TG
Nearest tube station: Kentish Town
Opening times: Sunday-Thursday (12-10pm) Friday-Saturday (12-10:30pm)
If you like your pizza pillowy, Fatto A Mano’s newest Kings Cross outpost is a must-visit. The latest opening from the Neapolitan-style pizzeria boasts modern furnishings and a buzzy atmosphere, perfect for a quick and casual dinner with friends.
Which pizza to order? The menu balances traditional Italian toppings with simple twists, with everything from fennel sausage and Neapolitan broccoli to mortadella and a whole burrata. Dough is made fresh every day then left to prove for at least 24 hours – meaning less yeast is used for a lighter crust – then, the pizza is cooked at about 450 degrees for no more than 90 seconds (just how they do it in Naples).
What else is there to eat and drink? To start, nibble on nocellara olives and fennel tarallini as you sip on a seasonal aperitivo. A bowl of signature Campania fries is ideal for sharing, or opt for a cheeky salad of buffalo bocconcini, pesto, tomato and Little Gem lettuce. Everything is noticeably fresh and well proportioned, so you’re getting bang for your buck, too. Round off your night in typical Italian fashion with a limoncello – a smooth, warming digestif.
Address: Unit 1, 3 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG
Nearest tube station: King’s Cross
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12-10:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm
During lockdown, restaurant group Big Mamma launched popular pizza delivery service Napoli Gang – and now the team has secured its first shop in Ladbroke Grove. All to take away or for delivery, the modest site is where fans can get their hands on fresh burrata, truffle arancini and its signature crispy-soft pizza.
Which pizza to order at Napoli Gang? Fun, inventive toppings make this pizzeria stand out from the rest – the Sayonara Carbonara sees everyone’s favourite creamy pasta converted to pizza, with pecorino romano carbonara cream and crispy pancetta with crème fraîche and mozzarella fior di latte. Lasagne takes on the form of pizza, too, with homemade beef ragù, parmigiano bechamel cream and mozzarella fior di latte. You’ve also got the staples – from margarita to marinara – best ordered with the lemony, garlicky aïoli dip for all your crust-dunking needs.
What else is there to eat and drink? It’ll be hard to choose just one dessert: chocolate mousse with hazelnut praline topped with chocolate wafer is what dreams are made of, while the half-baked choco-praline cookie with pecans, chocolate chips and gooey fondant heart with gianduja chocolate hazelnut paste is made for weekend feasting.
Address: 149 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 6HJ
Nearest tube station: Ladbrock Grove
Opening times: Monday-Sunday (11:30am-10:30pm)
Flat Earth Pizza has moved into its first bricks and mortar location, an intimate space with bottle green and rattan furnishings. This sustainable pizza joint puts veg at the forefront and dismantles the idea of pizza as ‘junk food’: the dough is neither refined or processed, while ingredients are sourced locally.
Which pizza to order at Flat Earth Pizza? Experimental pizza lies at the heart of Flat Earth, and the offerings do not disappoint. The ‘Hackey hot’ – an oval-shaped pizza with sweet pickled beetroot, a mixture of three Somerset cheeses, jalapeños, fermented hot salsa and tomato passata – has sweet warmth, while the ‘Kimchi Fiorentina’ with kimchi, tomato passata, beetroot crumb and egg, is a Korean twist on a veggie classic (vegans have the option of a plant-based mozzarella pie).
What else is there to eat and drink? Start with a selection of well-designed vegan small plates to share, such as pickled beetroot and turmeric-spiced white cabbage, roasted red onions with caramelised shallots, chives and soubise and hummus with sweet house pickles and springy house focaccia. Drink natural orange wine on tap during summery evenings, or try the foraged fig leaf and sweet woodruff martini. Finish with a gooey vegan sea salt brownie with salted caramel ice cream.
Address: 286-290 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9DA
Nearest tube station: Cambridge Heath
Opening times: Tuesday (5-10pm), Wednesday-Thursday (11am-10pm), Friday (11am-10:30pm), Saturday (10am-10:3opm), Sunday (10am-4pm)
This historic Hackney boozer is the home of Ace Pizza, a fun-loving pizza brand famed for its slow risen, picture-perfect Neapolitan pizzas which are stone baked for longer to achieve a crispier crust. Pembury Tavern is also under the stewardship of The Five Points Brewing Company, a local and independent brewery with modern brewing at the heart of its work.
Which pizza to order at Ace? If you like your pizzas heavily topped, doughy and with lashings of sauce, try the chicken shawarma, a fun spin on the classic kebab where house-made shawarma is layered with red onions, spicy marinara, garlic and herb sauce, Guindilla peppers, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Pickled pink onion is the magic ingredient though, providing a gloriously tangy flavour to cut through the creamy garlic sauce.
What else is there to eat and drink? Pizzas span meat, veggie and vegan with the menu divided into red, white and green bases. Vegans can indulge in ‘Ooh Mami’, the creamy truffle bechamel providing the perfect base for a smattering of portobello mushrooms, cashew ricotta, caramelised onions, oregano oil, porcini salt and fresh parsley. Crust dippers include the enticing truffle aioli and a lip-smacking, fittingly named ‘crack sauce’. And, as the pub is a Five Points Brewery pub, plenty of beer is available to pair with your pizza, including a Five Points favourite the JUPA, a juicy and fruity pale ale with bold, citrus flavours.
Address: 90 Amhurst Rd, London E8 1JH
Nearest tube station: Hackney Downs
Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (4-11pm) Thursday-Friday (4-12am) Saturday (12-12am) Sunday (12-11pm)
For the ultimate Neapolitan pizza in London, head to Stoke Newington (and be prepared to queue) for a seat in Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria, as recommended in the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. This Neapolitan family first began making pizza back in 1870, and the business is still going strong five generations later with sites in Naples, Tokyo and, London.
Which pizza to order at Pizzeria da Michele? Go for the classic marinara or the margarita (with the option for double mozzarella). Each of the ingredients used is of the highest quality, from the thin, pillowy soft base to the sweet tomatoes and fresh peppery basil.
Address: 125 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London, N16 0UH
Nearest overground station: Stoke Newington
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday (12 –11pm), Sunday (12 – 10.30pm)
With its hand-painted and mismatched plates, blue tiled walls and lively Italian soundtrack, this friendly Italian eatery makes a solid pizza pit-stop for Greenwich dwellers.
Which pizza to order at Bianco 43? Expect chewy Neapolitan pizza produced from a large wood-fired oven at the back of the restaurant. The menu balances the classics with inventive toppings, such as the mozzarella with potato croquettes, smoked cheese and mortadella. Our lavishly topped burrata and ‘nduja pizza with mozzarella and yellow tomatoes was a reliable salty-spicy hit, but it was the brilliantly pillowy, blistered crusts which stole the show.
What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari, sweet vermouth and soda, before moving onto generous starters such as the two plump Sicilian arancini filled with beef ragu and peas. End on a high note with the intensely creamy pistachio cheesecake with a buttery base.
Address: 43 Greenwich Church Street, London, SE10 9BL
Nearest tube station: Cutty Sark
Opening times: Monday-Friday (12-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm), Saturday-Sunday (12-10:30pm)
Maria Dell’aquilla took over the reins of her parents’ restaurant in April and describes her new menus as “progressive Italian” in view of its combination of the original Calabrian dishes and her own inspired addition of nutrition-inspired elements, such as hemp and turmeric bases as well as vegan, gluten-free dough and dairy-free cheese.
Which pizza to order at Lamezia? Hemp pizza is not the first ground-breaking dish to come out of Lamezia: Maria’s father, Franco, created his signature ’nduja pizza 10 years ago and it’s still the bestseller.
Address: 165 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX
Nearest station: Holloway Road
Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 12am), Sunday (12 – 10pm)
The UK’s first 100% vegan pizzeria, Purezza specialises in plant-based pizzas that respect the Neapolitan heritage. Where possible, this means using alternative versions of animal products, such as a plant-based mozzarella, which took more than two years to develop – this organic cheese (that’s dairy-free, low in fat and allergen-free) is made with brown rice milk and is unique to Purezza. Last year, the restaurant secured investment to begin producing the cheese from a factory for retail. The original Brighton restaurant opened in 2015 and was followed three years later by a Camden branch and plans for more later this year. In 2018, Purezza won National Pizza of the Year for its Parmigiana Party pizza, despite being the only plant-based entrant.
Address: 43 Parkway, London, Nw1 7PN
Nearest station: Camden Town
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm)
Former Natoora director, Vittorio Maschio, has opened his first London pizzeria with a focus on carefully sourced and seasonal toppings. Flour comes from Molino Pasini, a family-run mill in North Italy, while fior di latte is brought over from Puglia. The biga-style dough (meaning it proves for 48-hours, creating a ciabatta-like texture) with a semolina-coated crust creates a super light, crisp base which holds its shape well when topped with sweet tomatoes.
There’s a laid-back vibe and minimalist design to the place with a few wooden tables inside, help-yourself counter service and a pile of boxes ready to be filled for takeaway.
Which pizza to order at Manifesto? The stripped back menu offers six pizzas, two beers (from Hackney Wick’s Crate Brewery), four wines and two Sicilian soft drinks. Keep it simple with the tomato and co. pizza topped with wild cantabrian anchovies and taggiasche olives, or order the pig and field option piled with peppery pedrazzoli ham and mushrooms if you want something more filling.
There are no starters or desserts, but pizzas are reasonable in size. If you’re still peckish, go back and order seconds.
Address: 148 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6RD
Nearest station: Clapham Junction
Opening times: Monday – Saturday (11 – 11pm), Sunday (11 – 10.30pm)
From the team behind Soho House, Cecconi’s Pizza Bar focuses on pizza, pasta and Aperol spritz on tap. Vintage Italian posters, black and white mosaic tiles and mahogany tables give the space a retro feel. In the summer, grab a seat on the street and spend the evening sipping on punchy negronis.
Which pizza to order at Cecconi’s Pizza Bar? The super doughy charred crust has a slightly smoky flavour, while the sloppy base is piled high with toppings. Either keep it classic with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil, or choose one topped lavishly with parma ham, peppery rocket, mozzarella, parmesan and meltingly creamy burrata – torn apart then drizzled with olive oil. If you fancy something a little lighter, go for a pizzette instead.
What else is there to eat and drink? Crisp matchsticks of zucchini fritti with silky aioli (lifted with lemon) is the best place to start. While pizza is the focus, be sure to share a bowl of creamy spaghetti dusted with shavings of umami truffle. If you’ve saved room for dessert, the tiramisu is a must. Waiters bring large dishes to the table and serve the rich coffee-soaked dessert straight up.
Address: 19-21 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JJ
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square
Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (11.30 – 1am), Thursday – Saturday (11.30 – 3am), Sunday (11.30am – 11.30pm)
Nestled on Notting Hill High Street, Farina pizzeria focuses on traditional Neapolitan pizzas, with no pineapple or pepperoni in sight. In the summer, grab a table by the floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors and wait for the smoky scent to waft over, or hunker down next to the small open kitchen.
Which pizza to order at Farina: The 48-hour fermented dough is light, with a pillowy, charred crust – tear some off to save for mopping up the leftover tomato juices at the end. Order the Farina, topped with ‘nduja, salami and provola if you like something spicy, or the Burratina topped with courgette and burrata for a fresh, creamy topping.
What else is there to eat? Although pizzas are the focus, be sure to order the garlicy polpette to start, which come in a rich, sweet tomato sauce, and if you have room afterwards go for the cannoli – the crisp pastry shell is generously filled with sweet, creamy sheep’s milk ricotta and sprinkled with pistachio nuts.
Address: 115 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB
Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate
Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10.30pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm)
Head to Theo’s in Camberwell for the best sourdough pizza in London. Its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are the best in South London.
Which pizza to order at Theo’s? The Scotch Bonnet nduja is the menu must-order, as the spiced sausage is made across the road by the team at the Camberwell Arms pub.
What else is there to eat and drink? Save room for a serving of Theo’s outrageously good tiramisu, and order a negroni bianco or espresso martini to finish. If you don’t fancy sitting in, Theo’s do delivery, so it’s up there with the best takeaway pizza in London, too.
Address: 2 Grove Ln, Camberwell, London, SE5 8SY
Nearest overground station: Denmark Hill
Opening times: Monday (12 – 10pm), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (12 – 10:30pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm)
For the best selection of pizza bases, visit Zia Lucia on Holloway Road or Brook Green and choose between a traditional, wholemeal, vegetable charcoal or gluten-free base. The 48 hour fermented doughs are cooked in a wood-fired oven, each resulting in a different flavour and texture. We recommend the gluten-free base which has a crisp yet light texture. You can create your own pizza and choose from the large selection of toppings including spianata, broccoli, butternut squash and taleggio goat’s cheese.
Which pizza to order at Zia Lucia? The Carlotta is an unusual, indulgent pizza, topped with fresh Italian sausage, crisp, sliced roast potatoes, pecorino and dill.
Address: 61 Blythe Rd, London, W14 0HP
Nearest overground station: Kensington (Olympia)
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday (11.30 – 10.30pm)
For the best slice of pizza in London, head to Voodoo Ray’s for a New York style slice. With four locations across East, North and South London, this joint bakes 22-inch pizzas topped with everything from wild mushroom, squash and red onion; salt beef, sauerkraut and emmental and a vegan option, piled high with artichoke hearts and green olives.
Which pizza to order at Voodoo Ray’s? If you fancy a pizza pie for brunch, Voodoo Ray’s serve 10” pizzas on the weekend topped with classic eggs and bacon or a veggie spinach and ricotta version.
What else is there to eat and drink? With a selection of craft beers (think Beavertown, Red Hook and Kona) and frozen margaritas on offer, Voodoo Ray’s is the place to go for a late-night munch.
Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB
Nearest overground station: Dalston Kingsland
Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (5 – 12am), Thursday (5 – 1am), Friday – Saturday (12 – 3am), Sunday (12 – 12am)
What started as a weekly supper club in owner Johnnie’s back yard has grown to three restaurants (with another opening in March 2018) offering the best pizza in North London. Grab a leather booth seat close to the kitchens for the comfiest spot in house and order a 12 or 18-inch pizza topped with slow cooked tomato sauce and fior di latte mozzarella. The blistered base is crisp yet doughy which gets slightly sloppy when you reach the centre (so napkins are necessary).
Which pizza to order at Yard Sale? There’s no holding back when it comes to toppings, be it the ‘TSB’, a mixture of Tender stem broccoli, manchego, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil; ‘Cour Bimey’ topped with courgette ribbon, pancetta and black pepper, or, one for the cheese lovers, ‘Cheesus Walks’, a white base piled high with basil pesto, mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta and parmesan.
What else is there to eat and drink? If you’ve got room for more, order a garlic pizza bread with cheese and Marmite for the ultimate punchy umami experience. There’s a great choice of beers from Beavertown and the Five Points Brewing Company.
Address: 54 Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DW
Nearest tube station: Finsbury Park
Opening times: Monday – Thursday (5 – 11pm), Friday (4 – 11pm), Saturday (12 – 11pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm)
Homeslice is one of the best pizza restaurants in London with sites in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia, City and Covent Garden. Whether you want to eat in or takeaway, you can order just a slice or a 20-inch pizza.
Which pizza to order at Homeslice? Go all out and split your pizza 50/50 with two different flavours, ideal for sharing. Choose between a classic margherita; a salty salami, rocket and parmesan or a slice topped with kimchi, porcini cream and basil.
Address: 13 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Opening times: Monday – Sunday (12 – 11pm)
For the best pizza in Brixton and Peckham, visit Made of Dough. The moreish, chewy dough has a 60–hour fermentation process before being cooked in a wood-fired oven, and the mozzarella is fresh from Campania.
Which pizza to order at Made of Dough? If you fancy something extra cheesy, order the truffle pizza that comes with fior di latte, white alba truffle oil and an entire ball of Burratina.
What else is there to eat and drink? Make sure to order a side of the scotch bonnet romesco sauce to add a spicy kick to the crust, and wash your pizza down with one of the negronis or a fruity pompelmo G&T.
Address: 182 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4BW
Nearest overground station: Peckham Rye
Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10pm), Sunday (12 – 9pm)
With four sites across East London (with one just opened in Bethnal Green), Sodo pizza is the place to go for a light, crispy, tangy base.
Which pizza to order at Sodo Pizza? Head to the Walthamstow restaurant on the weekend for a brunch of pizza topped with eggs and sausage and, if it’s warm enough, grab one of the outside tables and order a Bloody Mary or two.
What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are great, we love the sourdough garlic bread topped with sweet, crisp rosemary and drizzled with an earthy olive oil.
Address: Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London, E17 4QP
Nearest tube station: Walthamstow
Opening times: Tuesday – Friday (12 – 10pm), Saturday – Sunday (10 – 10pm)
If you love beer and you love pizza, Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick is the best place to visit. The stone-baked pizzas are topped with unusual ingredients including a veggie Kashmiri dal and a middle eastern lamb.
What else is there to eat and drink? As you’d expect, beer is a real focus. Each week there’s a selection of guest bottles from a fruity brown ale to a dark Indian pale ale as well as regular casks and kegs of zingy lemon gose, velvety Crate stout and a crisp Crate cider.
Address: Unit 7, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London, E9 5EN
Nearest overground station: Hackney Wick
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm)
Want a quick pizza in Brixton? Head to Franco Manca for one of the best sourdough pizzas in London. The pizza is cooked in a wood burning oven at 500 degrees celsius giving it a pillowy texture.
Which pizza to order at Franco Manca? Be sure to order number 4, topped with home cured Gloucester old spot ham, mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, wild mushrooms and a little tomato. Extra toppings are available and there are always daily specials to choose between.
What else is there to eat and drink? When it comes to drinks, wine is the focus with eight options to choose between, all of which are either organic, biodynamic or sustainable.
Address: 20 Atlantic Road, London, SW9 8JA
Nearest tube station: Brixton
Opening times: Monday (12 – 5pm), Tuesday – Friday (12 – 11pm), Saturday (11.30 – 11pm), Sunday (11.30 – 10.30pm)
Fancy something sweet now? Click here for our chocolate chip cookie pizza recipe
Looking for easy halibut recipes? Want the best healthy fish recipes? Try our light dinner ideas below for elegant mains served with new potatoes, noodles or rice.
For more inspiration, see our best fish recipes including cod, salmon and tuna, plus advice on how to get crispy skin and how to sear fish. Bring some spice to your plate with our best fish curry recipes.
Halibut live in the freezing cold waters off the coasts of Scotland, Norway and Iceland. They are available all year, but more widely available from March to September.
Halibut is a white, firm-fleshed fish with a meaty texture. It lends itself well to being fried or poached, as it keeps its shape and won’t flake apart. We like to cook it until the skin turns crispy, then serve with fresh vegetables or salad.
Like other types of fish, halibut is a good source of lean protein, and could be a good addition to your diet if you’re looking to up your intake. It also contains plenty of heart-healthy nutrients, like selenium.
This halibut recipe comes from Angela Hartnett’s Café Murano. The preserved lemon adds freshness to this dish. Plus, it’s under 500 calories per portion.
See all our purple sprouting broccoli recipes.
This hearty fish recipe, a cherished favourite on the menu at Lisboeta, Nuno Mendes’s tribute to his hometown of Lisbon, is a delightful dish for sharing. The restaurant serves it with batatas a murro: ‘punched’ potatoes, caramelised onions, fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. For ease, we recommend pairing it with sautéed potatoes at home.
For dessert, it’s got to be Portuguese custard tarts.
The flavours in this recipe are inspired by Lunar New Year traditions. Pan-fry halibut in groundnut oil until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through. Serve with buckwheat soba noodles tossed in sesame oil, mirin and soy sauce alongside pak choi.
Check out more noodle recipes.
This quick recipe for halibut comes together in less than 20 minutes. Orzo is a versatile short pasta that works well in a variety of dishes, including with white fish. Here, the light, pan-fried fish is served in a summery vegetable broth.
Browse our orzo recipes.
Halibut pairs beautifully with a side of potatoes, which helps bulk up the dish and make it more filling. Jersey Royals have a brief season (from late April to June), so treat them simply to let their distinctive buttery, earthy flavour shine through.
See more ways with Jersey Royals.
Barbecues aren’t just for meat: parcels of fish, chicken or vegetables can be assembled in minutes and chilled until you’re ready to grill. Use double-layered foil to wrap parcels, or banana leaves, if you can find them.
Next, see our healthy barbecue recipes.
]]>Looking for the best Easter table décor ideas? We’ve picked out the best Easter decorations to make your dinner table more festive. See our tableware picks, including serving dishes and cake stands, or glassware options like wine glasses and pitchers, perfect for creating a stunning Easter afternoon tea.
For more Easter treats, check out our round-up of the best luxury Easter eggs – they’re hard to resist! For recipe inspiration, see our best ever Easter dinner recipes, Easter baking ideas and Easter leftover recipes. See more amazing products with our Easter Supermarket Awards and the best Mother’s Day gifts.
Listen to olive’s new happy to host podcast series, this week featuring Georgina Hayden on tablescaping, party themes and playlists.
These charming bunny ear napkin rings are a simple extra touch to an Easter table. Made from jute that is handwoven onto iron frames, you’ll be reaching for these year after year.
Available from:
The White Company (£20)
Crackers aren’t just for Christmas. These spring-themed floral crackers are a quick and easy way to brighten up your Easter table. Inside, you’ll find a game to play around the table, and all elements of the crackers are fully recyclable.
Available from:
John Lewis (£10)
Tall dinner candles instantly make a table feel special. For a grown-up Easter dinner or lunch, use these hand-painted candles in a variety of different pastel colours, each decorated with charming daisies, butterflies and leaves.
Available from:
Anthropologie (£20/2 pack)
The perfect way to display your stash of Easter chocolate, this sweet bunny rabbit plate is handmade and hand-painted for delicate results. It would also be perfect as part of an Easter afternoon tea spread, piled high with finger sandwiches or scones.
Available from:
Not on the High Street (£18)
This bold Easter egg glass candle holder makes an instant centrepiece for your table. Fill the middle of the colourful Easter egg wreath with a delicate tealight or chunky pillar candle.
Available from:
Dunelm (£12)
This beautiful handmade vase adds a bold pop of colour to your Easter tablescape, and will brighten up your dining or living room all spring long. Display individual flowers and small bunches of foliage for maximum effect.
Available from:
Daylesford Organic (£20)
If you prefer a more subtle nod to Easter, these thick cotton napkins make a chic addition to your special lunch. The pack of six is perfect if you’re hosting, with intricate screen prints of seasonal veg. They’d also make a lovely Easter gift for any keen gardeners.
Available from:
Not on the High Street (£45)
Decorating an Easter tree this year? This pack of nine hanging eggs will keep your tree co-ordinated with their simple pastel patterns – or, tie them to napkins for table placeholder decorations.
Available from:
Dunelm (£4)
This intricately decorated tin is available in a range of colours and patterns – pick one up for everyone to use in an Easter egg hunt, or store mini eggs for bringing out as after-dinner treats.
Available from:
Temptation Gifts (£4.05)
This pretty piece is the perfect addition to an Easter table. The simple white design won’t distract from your Easter feast, with a floral meadow pattern adding a touch of colour. There’s a whole range of matching kitchenware in this pattern, too – we like the floral melamine platter if you’re dining al fresco.
Available from:
Lakeland (£24.99)
Pick up this simple floral platter if you’re serving a crowd this Easter. The large stoneware platter has delicate detail amongst the petals and is striking enough to display even when empty. A co-ordinating salad bowl and side plate in the same daisy design are also available.
Available from:
M&S (£18)
It’s not Easter without the Easter bunny. Dot these five mini bunnies throughout your tablescape or use as place setting markers. They’re also a fun addition to an Easter egg hunt.
Available from:
Lakeland (£7)
Who says a tree is only for Christmas? This chic white Easter tree is brilliant value for money and comes complete with built-in lights that run on battery power. It’s 2ft tall (so great for a sidetable) and the branches can be bent into shape. Pick up a pack of bargain Easter egg decorations to hang on the finished tree.
Available from:
Amazon (£14.36)
This intricate earthenware cake stand will add some fun to your Easter table. You can slowly build up the full collection (we’re talking bowls, plates and trays, too). It’s sturdy enough to handle a showstopping Easter cake or a fruit-laden victoria sponge. The neutral design means you’ll be able to use this year-round to show off your bakes.
For more options, see the best cake stands to buy.
Available from:
John Lewis (£59)
Cook a delicious roast lamb or any of our easy one-pot meals on Easter Sunday in this gorgeous casserole dish. Not only is it a practical addition to your kitchen line-up, it’s good looking enough for serving food straight from it on the table. We love the pastel coastal blue colour but it also comes in a sunny yellow, a vibrant red or versatile neutrals. The 24cm size means it can fit large cuts of meat like a lamb shoulder or a whole chicken.
Available from:
Le Creuset (£270)
Liven up the dinner table with these cheerful, neon Easter treats. A springtime take on traditional Christmas crackers, each crêpe paper carrot is filled with a joke, fluffy chick and two temporary tattoos.
Available from:
Molly Meg (£20)
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Want to win a relaxing weekend away filled with walks on the beach, long, lazy lunches and casual dining with sea views? Enter our competition below, or check out more inspiration for boutique hotel getaways for food lovers and gourmet seaside breaks.
Set on a two-mile long sandy beach in north Cornwall, Watergate Bay Hotel is so close to the sea that you can watch the surfers while you eat. It’s about the balance in life; unwinding in the elements, relaxed eating and drinking and getting involved in beach activities. There are three on-site restaurants, so you can tuck into the likes of fresh mussels or burgers with Cornish gouda at The Beach Hut, relax over sharing boards in The Living Space or take your time over dishes that showcase local seasonal produce (think grilled Newlyn hake with Camel Valley Brut sauce) at Zacry’s on the sea wall.
The hotel offers an eclectic range of activities, with a dedicated surf school, an Ofsted registered Kids’ Zone and Swim Club, and their take on a spa including an ocean view swimming pool, treatment rooms, outdoor hot tub and sauna. Rooms include epic beach lofts with floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish house doubles in the main building and spacious sea-view-suites, with family suites and dog-friendly rooms available too.
Check availability at watergatebay.co.uk
To be in with a chance of winning this competition, just answer the following question:
]]>Espresso is at the heart of every classic coffee and the best coffee pod machines will produce a richly dark, aromatic shot in under 30 seconds from a protective capsule. Each pod contains the perfect measure for a single espresso and removes the need to faff around with grinding, dosing and tamping coffee grounds.
The footprints of these machines are far more compact than bean-to-cup coffee machines, so for smaller kitchens or limited countertop space, are a space-saving option for making short coffees. They also keep all the mess of using ground coffee contained. If milky coffee-classics are your favourites, we’d recommend pairing a coffee pod machine with one of our tried-and-tested favourite milk frothers.
Speed is another reason to consider a pod machine. These machines force heated water from its tank into the coffee pods until they burst and release rich, quickly brewed espresso. Every machine will preheat after switch-on. From then, it’s possible to get an aroma-packed espresso shot or slightly longer lungo in under 30 seconds.
Another advantage of these machines is the mess-free approach. It removes many of the other aspects of coffee-making like the grinding, dosing and tamping of grounds which makes the whole process much more user-friendly.
For more coffee reviews, check out our full guide to the best coffee machines featuring picks of the best espresso machines and the best bean-to-cup coffee machines. Or for more coffee reviews, check out our best coffee subscriptions and best gifts for coffee lovers. If you’re a fan of speciality coffee, read our guide to the best Sage coffee machines. Make your own homemade coffee syrup using our step-by-step recipe and discover more advice and buyer’s guides on everything from the best British gins and best English vineyard breaks to Gozney vs Ooni pizza ovens in our reviews section.
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A coffee pod machine is an excellent entry into the world of reliably fast and delicious espresso. Before you buy, there are a couple of things to be aware of.
Best for speciality coffee and variety
Score: 5/5
Compatible with: Nespresso pods
New for 2022, the Morning Machine has levelled up what is possible to achieve from a coffee pod machine. Its sleek, compact design is both minimalistic and modern, oozing style without demanding attention. And behind the simplicity lies immense sophistication in the form of user-friendly precision controls. 10 ready-to-brew recipes are selectable by spinning the outer rim of its touchscreen frontage. Among them are a Kyoto drip coffee function for slowly brewing over ice in addition to Morning’s Brew and Bloom classic recipe for espresso.
It feels like the first time that certain features from professional espresso machines have been put into a coffee capsule machine. The extracted coffee is measured in grams rather than ml. And in addition to a manual function, coffee temperature, bar pressure and quantity are all adaptable. There’s even a small light to illuminate your espresso as it’s extracted. More barista recipes are available through the Morning app. The machine itself is both WiFi and Bluetooth connectable so if you want to brew your coffee from bed, you can.
Available from:
Morning (£440)
Best blow-out coffee pod machine
Score: 5/5
Cult coffee brand Grind have teamed up with Swedish experts Sjöstrand to create its Grind One machine, a sleekly paired-back gadget compatible with Nespresso pods, that’s as graceful as it is industrial. Manual controls make it an unusually hands-on experience that was the most gratifying of all we tested.
Despite its small footprint, the boxy design paired with three rails around its top means there’s a practical espresso cup warmer to take advantage of; an unusual feature for a coffee pod machine. Needless to say, with a five-star rating this machine impressed far beyond the richly dark and crema-topped espresso it pulled. Read our full Grind One coffee pod machine review.
Available from:
Grind (£295)
Score: 4.5/5
The latest release in Nespresso’s Vertuo range, this machine is compatible with the large range of Vertuo pods, which offer a variety of coffee sizes and styles. The machine simply reads the barcode of the pod you’ve selected and makes your chosen drink. The versatility of the machine is increased by the addition of a built-in milk frother.
On test, we found the attractive machine very user-friendly. Despite a slightly stiff lever to insert and remove the pods, once you’ve got the hang of it, making your morning coffee becomes a breeze. The espresso produced had a dark colour, with well-balanced acidity and a bubbly crema. It comes in matte white or black, which fits perfectly in a modern kitchen.
Available from:
John Lewis & Partners (£379)
Nespresso (£379)
Best speciality coffee pod machine
Score 4.5/5
This slim, sleek and modern looking coffee pod machine from Opal is a great option if you like to experiment, with plenty of options to mix up your daily coffee. We found it super easy to use with three buttons to choose your espresso — short, normal or lungo, plus options to decide the temperature if you like a hotter or cooler drink. The slim machine has a small footprint so doesn’t take up too much countertop space and would fit under most kitchen cupboards.
While the machine fared well with generic Nespresso-compatible pods on test, it was the speciality pods which really shone. We tried the Gesha pods from Colonna which produced a thick, glossy crema with a lovely dark colour and rich caramel flavour. Read the full Opal One coffee pod machine review.
Available from:
Pact Coffee (£135)
Opal (£144.99)
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Best sleek coffee pod machine
Score 4.5/5
This coffee pod machine is a collaboration between two of the industry giants: Nespresso and Sage. The result is a sleek, modern, top-of-the-range machine with impressive functions. This is ideal if you want barista-style coffee in your own home but without the fuss of the bean-to-cup or espresso models.
The Vertuo Creatista caters to a range of coffee options and cup sizes, with an adjustable steam wand which can be programmed to different microfoam textures depending on whether you want a creamy latte or frothy cappuccino. When testing we found it produced an espresso with a strong, rich flavour and a thick bubbly crema.
The machine is on the large side compared to other coffee pod models we’ve tested, but it’s designed to make a statement in your kitchen. Read the full Nespresso Vertuo Creatista by Sage review.
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Best basic coffee pod machine
Score: 4.5/5
The Lavazza Jolie has been available for few years, but the combination of its design and performance has stood the test of time against newer models. A single button controls the two coffee functions; espresso and the slightly longer lungo.
The cup holder is specifically designed for espresso cups, but removable for standard cups and mugs. For those with smaller countertops after simple and delicious espresso, the Jolie is a diminutive and efficient coffee pod machine that’s great value for money. Read our full Lavazza Jolie coffee pod machine review.
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Best for a quick coffee
Score: 4/5
This coffee machine is a collaboration between Sage and Nespresso, two industry giants. It combines the sleek look we associate with Sage and the coffee pod technology refined by Nespresso to produce an efficient and compact machine.
As we’d expect for this price point, this model includes premium features like an intuitive touch screen and automatic milk steaming wand. On test, we were impressed that once you’ve selected your chosen drink, coffee is extracted into the cup at the same time as the milk is being steamed, leaving you to combine the two. Most coffee pod machines we’ve tested require you to extract coffee, then steam milk – this could shave off valuable minutes in a busy morning routine.
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Best for energy efficiency
Score: 4/5
The slim new coffee pod machine from illy is an excellent option if good sustainability credentials are important to you. It uses compostable ESE pods that can be thrown into green waste collections, and at 800W was the most energy efficient machine we tested, still producing 20 bars of brew-pressure and an espresso in under 30 seconds.
The controls are nice and simple; espresso and lungo coffee functions are selectable by button. It has a power-saving mode that kicks in quickly. A large lid lever loads and locks the ESE pods into place. The fold-down espresso cup holder will also bring a little smile to your face. Read our full illy ESE coffee pod machine review.
Available from:
illy (£115)
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Best for thick crema
Score: 4/5
Nespresso is a big brand player when it comes to coffee pod machines. On the Vertuo, unique coffee brewing technology means a a thick crema can be achieved even on filter coffee-quantities. This is more like a finely whipped foam, but still a welcome addition. The pods look like little space ships and vary in depth depending on the five coffee sizes you choose; espresso, double espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and Alto.
Each capsule has a barcode on the underside which the machine reads before puncturing the cap in the middle and around the edges. The sound somewhat resembles that of a vacuum cleaner when it brews. Then the machine discards the used caps with a satisfying ping once the lid lock is released.
Although it’s larger than the others, you can’t go too far wrong with this coffee pod machine. There’s even an app to guide you through use. Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee pod machine review.
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Best for retro style
Score: 3.5/5
This is a great step-up from the Lavazza Jolie if you’re a fan of SMEG’s 1950s design aesthetic. This model proudly displays the SMEG and Lavazza brands across its front and requires a dominant spot on your countertop. The drip tray lifts up and out to allow space for a large mug. Espresso and lungo coffee options are available. Its energy saving mode kicks in after two minutes of inactivity and standby after seven.
The only niggle we encountered was its water tank; tricky to fill once the lid has been removed. However, unlike other machines, it’s possible to program the brew-quantity of this machine. It will also tell you when the water tank is empty, when the used capsule tray is full and when descaling is required. read our full Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee pod machine review.
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Best for milky coffees
Score: 3.5/5
The big unique selling point of this coffee pod machine is its milk-frothing wand and single-serve milk container which pulls out from the front for easy filling and cleaning. It’s the result of a collaboration between Nespresso and De’Longhi, two superpowers of the coffee landscape so the technology to brew and extract richly aromatic shots of coffee.
The milk system offers four little notches for guiding you on the milk quantities for three milky drinks; espresso macchiato (30ml), cappuccino (60ml) and latte macchiato (135ml to max 165ml) in addition to black espresso and lungo functions. It’s dishwasher-safe when dismantled. It’s possible to personalise the settings of each coffee and save a favourite for quick-select. One of the drawbacks of this model is the price, sitting over £200. However, it’s a great option for a household with different coffee preferences.
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There’s cause for a cautious approach to coffee pods that are made from aluminium or plastic. Although some big brands like Nespresso offer programs that allow you to return used pods for recycling, there are more environmentally friendly coffee pods to choose from. Discover coffee expert Celeste Wong’s picks of the best eco-friendly coffee pod options out there, from small coffee roasteries to major brand players.
Unfortunately there’s no one-size-fits-all design to coffee pods; different brands require different pods (Nespresso, Lavazza and ESE are the major three designs) so when it came to testing, we kept as much parallel in roast and bean variety as possible, focussing on espresso and lungo programs. Popular brands for coffee pod machines include Nespresso, Lavazza and De’Longhi.
The choice of drinks on offer will depend on which coffee pod machine you opt for, with some of the premium models allowing for longer or milky coffee options. At the most basic level, coffee pod machines make espressos, with a flavour profile determined by which capsule you choose.
Some machines have milk carafes, which means you will be able to make pretty much the full menu of your local coffee shop, from lattes to cappuccinos. Others offer different drink types depending on the pod you choose; for example Nespresso’s Vertuo pods have the option of offering a range of drink sizes as well as flavour profiles.
The coffee pod machines featured in this review were the best performing from a longlist of over 20. All were tested using compatible eco caps of similar roast strength and bean variety (excluding the Nespresso machine. The brand does a recycling service) and marked against a standardised criterion. The average score out of five decided each product’s overall star rating.
We looked for richly flavoured and aromatic espresso with a velvety crema.
Did the price feel right? Every criteria from coffee quality to design played into this.
Coffee pod machines are all about speed and convenience, so we looked for easy steps from setting up, and cleaning to easy programming.
Flimsy, rickety or cheap-feel components were a no-no.
How it looked, and how much space it took up, in the kitchen were considered.
The additional criteria played into our decision making:
All costs-to-run calculations were done against the variable tariff at the time of testing (16.6p/kWh), which may have since changed – read more on the current energy price guarantee rates.
Best coffee gadgets and accessories
If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at oliveweb@immediate.co.uk.
]]>Looking for Irish holiday ideas? Ireland is all about charm, great local produce and unique rural experiences, making it the perfect break for a food lover. Discover Dublin and Belfast’s delightful bistros and lively pubs, Galway’s artsy coastal vibes and seafood spots, bustling seaside towns or the green pastures inland, home to cider orchards, friendly farmers and even buffalo herds. These are our top picks of the best Irish holidays, with restaurants and bars to visit in each destination, including some Irish hotels to use as your base.
For more hotel inspiration, check out the best UK boutique hotels, UK gastro pubs with rooms, best restaurants with rooms and and UK spa hotels for food lovers.
Cork is one of Ireland’s foodie hotspots. Get lost in the famous English Market, a covered warren of brilliant Irish food and drink producers. Café Paradiso has been open since 1993 serving refined but adventurous vegetarian food on a six-course testing menu. For drinks, head to Cask for expertly crafted cocktails or Arthur Mayne’s for interesting wine and craft beer lists in quirky surroundings. Further out in the County Cork countryside, Toon’s Bridge Dairy is a remarkable cheese producer making mozzarella, burrata, scamorza and more – you can find the produce at the English Market as well as its own pizzeria from April onwards.
Where to stay in Cork: A luxury riverside hotel, River Lee Hotel is a warm and friendly space, flooded with light from windows that frame the entire building. The river-facing rooms are particularly pretty with views extending up past the Victorian buildings opposite to the rolling hills beyond. Bathrooms are fitted with baths and walk-in showers, and the large comfy beds have cosy duck down duvets. The Grill Room restaurant serves a classic hearty menu with Irish fish and meat taking centre stage, while the smart bar serves well-crafted cocktails. Breakfast is a lavish spread, with a huge buffet selection (including homemade soda bread and banana bread) and luxurious hot breakfast menu to choose from.
Doubles from £205 per night, check availability at doylecollection.com, booking.com or expedia.co.uk.
You won’t be short of things to do on a city break in Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. The compact city centre, divided in two by the River Liffey, is easily walkable when exploring, with the broader city made up of villages. A visit to the Jameson Distillery is a must for whiskey lovers, while beer fans should visit the Rascals Brewing taproom, which also serves great pizza. Bread-making is a treasured art form in Ireland and Dublin’s organic bakery, Bread 41, has caught the attention of bakers across the world due to its excellent sourdough, with grains milled in-house and unique sourdough loaves spruced up with local cheeses, new-season Carola potatoes and garlic. If you’re visiting for a long weekend, Bastible serves Sunday roasts (as well as fabulous midweek tasting menus) in an innovative way with tasting dishes to share.
Where to stay in Dublin: Stay in the heart of the action at The Dylan Hotel, just 750m from the live music, bars and restaurants of Grafton Street. Dublin’s only five-star boutique hotel, it has contemporary décor throughout and a luxurious modern feel. Enjoy a full Irish breakfast in The Eddison, the hotel restaurant, and sip cocktails in the Ruby Room bar.
Doubles from £183 per night, check availability at dylan.ie, mrandmrssmith.com or booking.com.
Discover bohemian Galway City on Ireland’s wild west coast, as well as the wider Galway county beyond. For a Michelin-starred experience, Aniar (Gaelic for ‘from the west’) is named because its dishes are inspired solely by County Galway’s fields and its rugged Atlantic coast; imported lemons and black pepper are out, vinegars and seaweed-based ‘spices’ crafted in house are in. To extend flavours and seasons, chefs draw on age-old traditions of salting, fermenting and pickling. For location, Ard Bia at Nimmos, near the city’s historic Spanish Arch and rainbow-hued Long Walk, wins out – visit for brunch or dinner. On Saturdays, foodie folk flock to Galway’s quaint street market for The Bean Tree’s madras curries, Greenfeast’s Irish vegetable-packed Vietnamese bánh mì, and BoyChik’s freshly made donuts.
Where to stay in Galway: Base your trip at The Stop in the creative West End neighbourhood of Galway City, five minutes walk from the centre of the city and half a mile from the coast, giving you the best of both worlds. Rooms have bright minimalist design (with family rooms available) and the buffet breakfast focussed on local produce and home baking is a highlight.
Doubles from £148 per night, check availability at thestopgalway.com or booking.com.
Tick the capital city of Northern Ireland off your wishlist with a visit to Belfast. Start by browsing St George’s Market, an indoor treasure trove of arts and crafts, as well as produce stalls selling everything from specialist Irish cheeses to freshly landed oysters and rare-breed meat and game. There’s also a huge variety of food stalls for lunch – try the Cuban Sandwich Factory’s Pollo Barbacoa, a hot grilled sandwich stuffed with marinated chicken, salsa, cheese and chilli sauce. On weekends there’s live music in the communal table area to listen to as you eat. Neighbourhood favourite Il Pirata serves rustic Italian food, or for a meal at the other end of the spectrum, book dinner at Michelin-starred Ox for a meal with a river view. Learn some Irish cookery skills of your own with a class at the Belfast Cookery School.
Where to stay in Belfast: Expect panoramic views and Northern Ireland’s highest rooftop bar when staying at The Grand Central, a large, luxury hotel in the heart of Belfast’s Linen Quarter. Despite the grandeur and scale of 300 rooms, there is still plenty of cosy Irish charm. Rooms are spacious, calm and luxuriously furnished with king-size King Koil Cloud beds, smart white linen and thick, noise-cancelling carpets. The bathrooms are particularly swish with double sinks, freestanding baths, walk-in rainfall showers and toiletries by ESPA. The 23rd floor rooftop Observatory Bar is a must-visit to take in the views, before or after dinner – it’s a trendy spot for Belfasters and has cocktails named after local landmarks.
Doubles from £155 per night, check availability at grandcentralhotelbelfast.com, booking.com or expedia.co.uk.
Spend a foodie weekend in County Waterford. If visiting in September, the streets come alive with stalls for Waterford’s harvest festival: restaurants put on produce-led supper clubs, and tents host demos from foodies. Stop off at Seagull Bakery in nearby Tramore for a taste of Sarah Richard’s sweet treats – sticky vanilla buns, spiced apple danishes and cinnamon swirls with glossy caramel coating. Work off the pastries on one of The Sea Gardener’s guided coastal walks, foraging for seaweed and learning how to cook with it on beaches.
Where to stay in County Waterford: Tannery Townhouse in Dungarvan is a boutique hotel, cookery school and restaurant. Sleep in one of the 14 simple, elegant bedrooms and wake up for full Irish breakfasts in the morning. Spend a day in the cookery school during your stay, and have dinner just round the corner and enjoy the changing seasonal menu.
Doubles from £154, check availability at tannery.ie or booking.com.
One of Northern Ireland’s most popular resorts, the seaside town of Portrush (pictured above) has three sandy beaches to explore and a pretty pier. It sits on the Causeway Coastal Route so is a great place to stop off, with plenty of foodie spots making it worth the visit. Stroll down the pier and pick up a coffee at Babushka (don’t miss its sweet treats to snack on, too). Local produce is showcased at Ocho Tapas, in nearby Coleraine, with an Iberian-inspired menu using Irish produce. Seafood is a highlight, from mussels to hot-smoked trout, but there are plenty of interesting vegetarian dishes, too. Spend the evening in The Harbour Bar, a historic pub where you can enjoy classic Guinness, a selection of Irish gins and live music performances.
Where to stay in Portush: Blackrock House is a smart townhouse converted into a luxurious B&B. Be greeted by welcome drinks and whiskey cake, or take in the views from the balcony overlooking West Bay with a tipple from the whiskey honesty bar. There are four rooms with king-size beds, compact en suites and plenty of extra touches to make the rooms memorable – think homemade fudge, hot water bottles and binoculars for taking in the views. Enjoy a traditional fry-up breakfast in the front room, or alternatively take a loaded breakfast bap (filled with poached eggs, bacon and caramelised onion relish) down to the beach.
Doubles from £160 per night, check availability at blackrockbandbportrush.com.
Explore the colourful shops, zigagging streets and bustling harbour of Dingle and its sparkling bay. The food scene is so strong there is an annual Dingle Food Festival every October, but you’ll be spoilt for choice all year round. On sunny days, pick up local speciality seaweed-speckled cheese from The Little Cheese Shop for a picnic and enjoy homemade Dingle sea salt ice cream from Murphy’s. On blustery days, stay cosy with a bowl of creamy chowder from Out of the Blue. Drinks enthusiasts will enjoy the craft beers and live music at O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub, or visit Dingle Distillery for a tour and chance to try the locally produced gin.
Where to stay in Dingle: Stay at family-run B&B Castlewood House, just a five-minute walk from the centre of town with rooms overlooking the sparkling bay. Breakfast is a highlight: alongside a buffet including homemade compôtes and bread and butter pudding, owners Brian and Helen cook traditional Irish dishes such as kippers with scrambled eggs or decadent whiskey-laced porridge. Make sure you leave room during your stay for afternoon tea served in the front room.
Doubles from £130 per night, check availability at castlewooddingle.com.
Sage is one of the biggest domestic coffee machine brands in the UK. With a wide range of premium models on offer, there’s something for you no matter what you’re looking for in a coffee machine.
How do you take your morning coffee? Espresso? Flat white? Cappuccino? However you enjoy it, the best way to get great coffee at home is with a high quality coffee machine.
Our expert reviews team have put every coffee machine in Sage’s range to the test, using criteria including ease of use, design, quality of coffee taste and sustainability.
In 2024 we’re taking a tough stance on packaging for everything we test: sustainability is one of the key categories we score products in. For some of the more recently tested Sage coffee machines, we’ve deducted points due to the amount of unrecyclable polystyrene and plastic. However, a spokesperson from Sage has assured us that this is a priority for the brand, with different packaging due to be rolled out over the year ahead.
Read on for our guide to the best Sage coffee machines.
If you’re looking for accessories for your coffee machine we’ve also got you covered. Read our guides to the best coffee grinders and best milk frothers. Our coffee expert, Celeste Wong, has also found the best coffee beans and best eco-friendly coffee pods for you to choose from.
Jump to:
We’ve tested a range of Sage’s coffee machines and can safely say they’ve all performed impressively. So when choosing between models it’s important to think about how you’re going to use yours and what you want from it.
Coffee machines fall broadly into four types: bean-to-cup coffee machines, espresso machines, coffee pod machines and filter coffee machines.
Bean-to-cup coffee machines
While some coffee experts will describe Sage’s machines as ‘integrated-grinder coffee machines’, for the sake of clarity we’re going to continue to call them bean-to-cup machines as they take coffee from a bean to a drinkable product.
These machines are the most comprehensive in Sage’s range, with a lot of options to choose from. If you’re passionate about coffee but want a one-stop-shop rather than having to worry about having a separate grinder, this is the piece of kit for you.
Sage’s bean-to-cup models offer a choice of automation and manual settings and prices range from £630 to over £2,000.
Espresso machines
Espresso machines usually give you the choice of pulling a single or double shot, and all of Sage’s models include built-in steam wands, offering greater versatility.
If you go for a Sage espresso machine it’s important to note that you will need to invest in a separate grinder. Since Sage’s machines are designed to operate with speciality coffee, you’re unlikely to achieve the quality of espresso you’re after if you use pre-ground coffee.
There’s a good size and price range on offer from Sage’s espresso machines. The super-compact Sage Bambino is available from £330, while at the other end of the spectrum there’s the impressive Dual Boiler for £1,250.
Coffee pod machines
Coffee pod machines take away a lot of the fuss and guesswork from using a coffee machine and can bring you your morning brew in a matter of seconds.
Sage works in collaboration with industry giant Nespresso to make its coffee pod machines. There are two options for regular Nespresso pods, while the Vertuo Creatista works using Nespresso’s larger Vertuo pods.
Filter coffee machines
Filter coffee moves away from using espresso as a foundation and has a very different flavour profile.
Sage makes one filter coffee machine, the Precision Brewer Thermal, which is different from the majority of competitors in that it has a built-in brew temperature control. This is technology that Sage uses in all of its coffee machines and offers greater consistency in brewing.
Jump to:
Best automated Sage bean-to-cup machine
Star rating: 5/5
Machine type: bean-to-cup
This is one of Sage’s top-of-the-line bean-to-cup coffee machines, offering a balance between convenience and customisation. It has a touchscreen with eight drinks on offer, plus options for further customisation through the steam wand, which can be used manually.
It has built-in assisted tamping which auto-corrects each dose for the next use, meaning that there’s fewer errors to make. We found that setting up this coffee machine took a while, with the dialling-in process being quite lengthy – but the machine takes you through the set-up process on the touchscreen, which is easy to follow.
The espresso from this machine was excellent: hot without burning our mouths, with a rich flavour and glossy crema.
Available from:
Best blow-out Sage coffee machine
Star rating: 5/5
Machine type: bean-to-cup
This machine is the priciest in Sage’s range, at over £2,000. For your money you’ll get a statement machine with elegant design, which is sure to be a talking point in your kitchen. It features a touchscreen, levels of automation and customisation and elements which make it easier to use, like a water tank which can be easily filled from the front of the machine.
Alongside your machine you receive a plethora of accessories including a mini grind bin, selection of filter baskets, stainless steel milk jug and cleaning kit.
We found the auto-dosing and tamping function really user-friendly, removing all the guesswork if you’re a beginner. You can save eight custom drinks in the menu, which would be useful if making your morning brew in a hurry, or if you’ve got a busy household full of different coffee preferences.
Available from:
Best bean-to-cup for automatic tamping
Star rating: 5/5
Machine type: bean-to-cup
This is quite a compact machine compared to Sage’s other bean-to-cup models, and at £730 is at the lower end of the price range.
It has more limited automation than other models. For example, the manual milk steaming wand means you need a level of confidence with frothing milk to achieve the correct temperature and texture. However, you do still get a comprehensive 25 grind settings to choose from, plus assisted dosing and tamping of the grinds.
The interface of dials and buttons contributes to an impressive aesthetic, and once we found the right grind for our beans we were impressed by the espresso the machine produced – thick, with a delicious aroma.
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Best affordable Sage bean-to-cup machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: bean-to-cup
This machine is the most affordable in Sage’s bean-to-cup range at £630, and if you want to be involved in all the manual elements of making coffee without needing lots of separate equipment, this could be a great choice. It allows you to put in whole roasted beans and produce a delicious coffee, while still giving you manual control over grinding, dosing, tamping, extracting and milk frothing.
It’s very similar in design to the Barista Express Impress, except with manual rather than automated dosing and tamping. There are fewer grind settings to choose from – 15 rather than 25 – but on test we found this still allowed enough scope to produce a great quality espresso.
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Best for a built-in coffee grinder
Star rating: 4/5
Machine type: bean-to-cup
The Oracle is one of the most imposing machines in Sage’s range. Weighing nearly 20kg and with a large footprint to match, this model is for if you want to dedicate an area of your kitchen to coffee. While there’s no getting around the size and weight, the elegant design is reminiscent of the professional machines you might find in your local coffee shop. Plus there are extra features which make it easier to use, like wheels which pop up from the base and mean you can turn the machine or move it on the countertop with ease.
This bean-to-cup machine combines manual and automatic features. It has automatic grinding, dosing and tamping (just pick from an impressive 45 grind settings), but the brewing is manual, with a choice of single espresso, double espresso or long black. You can use the milk steaming wand manually or programme it for your preferred texture.
On test our espresso had a nice level of bitterness with a thick crema. The milk steamed using the automatic wand was creamy and worked perfectly in our latte.
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Best touchscreen Sage bean-to-cup coffee machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: bean-to-cup
This is one of Sage’s best-known machines, in the middle of the brand’s price range at £1,050.
One aspect that we found slightly more difficult on test is the fact that the user manual is largely diagrammatic, with few written instructions. This was different to other Sage machines we tested and slowed the set-up process, but there is information available online to help.
As the name would suggest, this model has a touchscreen, which makes it intuitive to select your drink and make the most of automatic and manual functions. The main difference between this machine and the Barista Touch Impress is that this model doesn’t have automatic tamping, although there is a dosing funnel, which we found helps reduce messiness when grinding.
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Best mid-range Sage bean-to-cup coffee machine
Star rating: 4/5
Machine type: bean-to-cup
If you’re after a machine that does it all without breaking the bank, the Barista Pro is at the more affordable end of the bean-to-cup spectrum at £730.
The integrated grinder has a comprehensive 30 settings and the digital screen clearly displays your chosen grind size. You can choose either to grind by time (the default is 15 seconds) or manually, before using the included tamper and razor.
You have a choice of a single or double shot, which can be extracted by time (for 30 seconds) or by volume, which is what we’d recommend. The built-in manual steam wand means a host of drinks options are available, and we found it user-friendly on test.
If a bean-to-cup machine is a priority for your kitchen but you’re looking for a lower price point with less automation, this would be a great choice.
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Best espresso machine for one
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: espresso
The Bambino is a super-compact coffee machine which lets you pull great quality espresso without taking up too much kitchen real estate. At £330 it’s also the most affordable espresso machine in Sage’s range.
The pared-back design has four buttons – for single espresso, double espresso, hot water and steam. One of the things that puts Sage machines ahead of the rest is that even on a small machine like this, there’s still a milk steaming wand, allowing you to make more than just an espresso or long black. This also means that, although you’ll need a separate grinder, you won’t need to add a standalone milk frother to your kitchen.
It’s quite loud when heating up, but this didn’t take more than 30 seconds. Once the machine was ready it produced a dark espresso with a nice (if slightly thin) crema.
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Best compact Sage espresso machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: espresso
The Bambino Plus is the bigger sister of Sage’s the Bambino. This means it’s slightly more expensive at just under £400. For this you get a wider machine with room for a cup and the milk jug to sit on the drip tray side by side, as well as an automated steam wand.
While it might be larger than the Bambino it’s still very compact and would fit comfortably in most kitchens.
On test we were impressed by the espresso produced. It was lovely and thick, striking a good balance between rich flavour and drinkability.
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Best manual Sage espresso machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: espresso
This manual espresso machine sits in the middle of Sage’s espresso machine range, both in terms of size and price. It’s most similar in design to the Dual Boiler (see below) – it’s tall, square and has about double the footprint of the Bambino. Pared-back and simple, this is for the espresso lover who wants a machine with manual elements that won’t take over their kitchen.
There are two buttons, with a dial to switch between espresso and steam. The onus is on you to dose the coffee, tamp, and choose your volume. This is not a machine we’d recommend for a beginner – you need some confidence and knowledge of espresso machines to make the most of it.
After some tinkering to find the optimum grind size we extracted espresso in 28-30 seconds, which produced an excellent result with a well-rounded flavour and silky hazelnut crema.
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Best blowout Sage espresso machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: espresso
When it launched this was the hero product in Sage’s range, and it still lives up to that title. It’s a large and weighty machine, similar in size to some of the priciest bean-to-cup models.
The clever design includes pop-up wheels on the base, making it easy to move on the counter, and a slot at the front to fill the water tank, which means you don’t need to regularly remove it from the back of the machine.
There’s no getting around the fact that you need to know what you’re doing to get the most out of this machine. Sage bills it as ‘the barista’s choice for home espresso’, and while you don’t quite need a barista’s skill set, all the elements require manual involvement, from dosing and tamping to brewing and milk frothing. After playing around with grind size and extraction time, our final espresso was strong, with a thick crema and pleasant aroma.
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Best for Nespresso Vertuo pods
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: pod
This coffee pod machine, created in collaboration with Nespresso, makes use of Vertuo pods, offering a wider range of drink sizes than conventional pods. The design is in line with Nespresso’s other Vertuo models, with a stainless steel finish giving it a distinctly Sage look. It has a fairly large barrel-shaped pocket to accommodate the bulkier pods.
On test the machine produced a rich, dark espresso with a thick, bubbly crema. The steam wand is automatic and can be programmed for different microfoam textures – everything from bubbly cappuccinos to creamy lattes. We liked that there is a choice of five drink sizes, from a 40ml espresso up to a 535ml carafe.
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Best for quick coffee
Star rating: 4/5
Machine type: pod
This coffee pod machine has an intuitive touchscreen, making it an easy piece of kit to use. It has features you wouldn’t usually expect on a coffee pod machine, like an adjustable drip tray and automatic steaming wand, which reflect both Sage’s high quality and the price of this model.
We liked that on automatic settings this model brews coffee and froths milk simultaneously, whereas with most models you need to insert a pod to brew the coffee first, then move on to frothing the milk. This makes it ideal when you’re in a hurry.
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Best affordable Sage coffee pod machine
Star rating: 4/5
Machine type: pod
With an RRP of just under £500 this is Sage’s most affordable coffee pod machine, but it still has a comprehensive range of features.
The machine has one of the most compact footprints in Sage’s range, making it a good choice if you have limited counter space. On test we were impressed with how neat it was to use — we simply inserted our pod and selected the drink type we wanted. Once finished, the pod automatically goes into an easy-to-clean drawer, plus the removable drip tray is really easy to empty and clean.
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Best for filter coffee
Star rating: 4.5/5
Machine type: filter
This is the only Sage coffee machine that doesn’t produce espresso, instead focusing on brewed filter coffee.
There are five pre-set functions to choose from as well as a manual setting which lets you adjust brew time, temperature and flow rate. The machine is a joy to use, with elements that put you at ease, like the timer indicating how long ago the batch of coffee was brewed. We also like the fact that, unlike many other filter models, there isn’t a hot plate, which can lead to burnt coffee, but instead a thermal carafe, which kept our drink warm for at least an hour.
We found this produced excellent coffee, with a flavour similar to a manual pour-over. During our wider test of filter coffee machines, we found it very difficult to achieve coffee of this quality and were very impressed by Sage’s model.
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Both these compact espresso machines will make you a great coffee and each scored an impressive 4.5/5 stars on test. The main differences between them are the size, cost and level of automation on offer.
They differ in design from the majority of Sage’s range in being more rounded, versus the square shape the brand usually favours. The Bambino Plus is slightly wider, with enough room for a cup and milk jug on the drip tray, whereas the Bambino only has room for one at a time.
Both espresso machines have a built-in milk steaming wand and come with a milk jug. The difference is that the Bambino offers manual milk steaming, so you need a level of confidence and know-how to achieve the correct temperature and texture of your milk. The Bambino Plus has an automated steaming wand, allowing you to select the desired temperature and foam consistency, taking away any guesswork.
The other difference between the two models is price. At £330 the Bambino is Sage’s most affordable espresso machine, while the Bambino Plus is just under £400.
Cleaning your machine is key – not only in achieving great tasting coffee, but also in making your machine last. Many of Sage’s touchscreen machines will tell you when they think they need cleaning.
When using the steam wand on your Sage coffee machine, it’s a good rule of thumb to wipe the wand with a clean cloth straight after use, and then to turn the wand on while it’s directed into the drip tray, which will remove any residue.
Depending on the type of machine you have, it’s likely that you’ll need some accessories to conduct a full clean. Some machines come with cleaning tools, but they’re also available at Sage online.
We’ve been consistently impressed by the information in Sage’s instruction booklets, including everything you need to know about cleaning. Otherwise, Sage has a lots of information and tutorials online.
Try our salads, stir-fries and pasta bake ideas for spring greens, plus a couple of recipes that combine spring veg, then check out our cabbage recipes, asparagus recipes or vegetarian risotto recipes for even more dishes brimming with goodness. Or how about the best vegetable traybake recipes?
This is a quick, easy and healthy meal to make midweek – plus it’s under 300 calories.
Serve up a bowlful of our healthy soup recipes.
Put a twist on a classic pasta dish with this easy crowd-pleaser. With creamy pasta, garlicky spring greens and a crispy parmesan topping, our mac ‘n’ greens pie makes a comforting dinner for chilly nights.
Or you might prefer our classic macaroni cheese.
Flavour prawns with harissa, dill, garlic and lemon, then serve swirled through orzo pasta for a speedy but sophisticated midweek dinner.
Next time, try healthy salmon pasta.
One-pot dishes aren’t just for the colder autumn and winter months. This recipe is light and packed full of fresh spring flavours. What’s more, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and under 300 calories.
See more easy, low-calorie meals.
Check out this wholesome chicken broth, packed with plenty of fresh spring greens and a kick of harissa.
Use up the rest of the jar with our harissa recipes.
Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, this warming meatball soup with nutritious spring greens is guaranteed to keep hunger at bay.
You’ve got to try our creamy orzo risotto with cavolo nero, peas and chilli.
This nourishing bowl features udon noodles, spring greens and shiitake mushrooms, flavoured with oyster sauce and a kick of ginger and chilli.
See all our spicy, fresh and fragrant ways with noodles.
Spring greens wilted in groundnut oil with chopped chillies makes a lovely accompaniment to lamb or grilled chicken, and is ready just in 10 minutes.
Check out more vegetable sides.
Make this comforting pie for your next Sunday lunch – it’s creamy, rich and filled with the freshness of spring.
Also learn how to achieve the perfect flaky pie crust.
If you like traditional shakshuka, you’ll love this spring greens version, with asparagus, broad beans, baby leeks and peas. It makes a wonderful spring brunch dish.
See all our sweet and savoury brunch recipes.
Swap rice for freekeh in this vibrant risotto, featuring asparagus, baby spinach and peas.
Check out more risotto recipes.
Celebrate spring with this veg-packed risotto, loaded with asparagus, peas, broad beans and mint.
If you’re not veggie, you’ve got to try our chorizo and pea risotto.
A fritteda is a light Italian stew of spring vegetables. Our version uses Jersey Royals, spring greens and prawns for a quick and easy supper.
Make the most of Jersey Royals with our seasonal recipes.
This easy prawn linguine with spring greens and a chilli kick is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for an after-work supper.
We have more prawn pasta recipes to satisfy your cravings.
This sweet-fleshed flat fish is perfect with miso lemon butter and can be on the table in 15 minutes. Choose sustainably sourced sole and buy it filleted so the hard work is done for you.
Browse more healthy fish recipes.
An easy, healthy side dish. To make it into a main meal, cut a large steak into strips and fry with the ginger and chilli, then stir though 2 tbsp oyster sauce with the greens.
We have more more vegetarian stir-fry recipes.
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If you want to find out how to cook leeks, look no further. Our leek recipes make the most out of this leafy green, from warming leek and potato soup recipes to side dish ideas. Next, check out our spring onion recipes, celery recipes, asparagus recipes and fennel recipes.
Try our comforting chicken and leek pies, leek pasta and vegetarian leek recipes. Looking for something a bit lighter for the spring? Try our spring green broth and our other healthy leek recipes.
When buying leeks, check that the dark green tips are in good condition and make sure that you wash them thoroughly – they’re experts at trapping dirt between the layers. Don’t ditch these dark green ends, they are tough but quickly cooking in some oil or butter will soften them up.
Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own leeks from our friends at Gardeners’ World.
Leeks have a delicate, sweet flavour and become delightfully soft when cooked low and slow.
From the same family as the onion, they can be used in all manner of pies, soups, stews and casseroles. It’s important to wash and peel your leeks to remove the tough outer layer.
Yes, you can freeze cooked and uncooked leeks. It’s best to slice them before – this will also make it easier to store them.
Leeks are an impressive source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C and K. These contribute to healthy skin, immune system and bones. They’re also packed with fibre, so help keep your gut happy – and they contain antioxidants which protect cells from being damaged.
The oniony kick of leeks adds a lovely richness to this classic carbonara, which can be ready and on the table in just over 30 minutes.
You’ll also love our classic spaghetti carbonara.
Leek and risotto makes a dreamy combination, here topped with a fried anchovy and breadcrumb topping for extra flair. Don’t ditch the dark green ends of your leeks – they may seem tough but a quick fry in oil or butter will soon soften them up.
Recreate this risotto, then check out our chicken risotto, pea risotto and more risotto recipes.
Leeks are layered with kale, ricotta and pesto in this vegetarian lasagne. Sure to become a family favourite and rival the classic meaty lasagne, this dish is under 500 calories and really easy to whip up.
Give our butternut squash lasagne a go, too.
The sweetness of leeks and the depth of flavour that chicken thighs and bacon bring, plus rich cheese sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs, makes for a comforting midweek meal.
For another one-tray dinner, try our pomegranate chicken traybake.
A new and delicious way with leeks, flavoured with curry powder, cumin seeds and black mustard seeds. Serve with a just-fried egg on top.
Get stuck in to our easy brunch recipes.
Check out Edd Kimber’s chicken, leek, tarragon and bacon pie. This classic British pie is a great warming recipe for those winter months; what’s more, it will be a winner with the whole family.
Another winter winner is our chicken braised with cider and bacon.
Check out our super simple kedgeree recipe with buttery leeks and smoked trout. This flavoursome dish is ready in just 30 minutes, an easy midweek meal for two.
Next time, enjoy our easy prawn kedgeree.
Give your shortcrust pastry a salty, umami hit with Marmite. This quiche is filled with streaky bacon, soft leeks and plenty of cheddar.
If you’re the ultimate Marmite lover, our Marmite carbonara is for you.
Check out this hearty bacon, barley and leek soup. This simple yet warming soup is low in calories and easy to make. A great rejuvenating recipe.
Use up a bag of barley with our warming mushroom pearl barley risotto with roasted carrots.
This filled roasted squash makes a showstopping meat-free centrepiece — the combination of nutty grains, sweet leeks and blue cheese works wonderfully alongside all the festive trimmings.
If you’re a fan of squash, try our butternut squash risotto and more butternut squash recipes.
Ever tried leek fondue? Now’s your chance! Leek fondue also makes a delicious filling or topping for mini baked or smashed potatoes.
For a wholesome lunch, try our healthy baked beans on toast.
Brilliant with avocado for a weekend brunch, check out these golden leek fritters mixed with cheddar cheese. Alternatively, serve with a watercress salad for an easy veggie dinner.
Mix up your fritters depending on what’s in season, we’ve got pea, courgette and cauliflower fritters.
A treat in its own right, or perfect as a side to a sumptuous Sunday roast. It could even be an indulgent toast topper.
Browse all our best roast recipes to enjoy all year round.
Easy chicken and leek pie: on the table in about an hour using ready-made puff pastry makes chicken pie an easy meal for the family. With a delicious creamy filling, we love this pie for cold days.
Make this classic pie then check out our leftover roast chicken pie, chicken and chorizo pie and more pie recipes.
This classic potato and leek soup is super simple to make and ready in just half an hour. It’s perfect for a comforting lunch, served with plenty of crusty bread.
We’ve got plenty more soup recipes to keep you warm all winter, including potato soup, cabbage soup, pea and ham soup and chicken soup.
This one-pot chicken with leeks and beans recipe is really easy and under 500 calories – perfect for a healthy midweek meal.
We’ve got lots more ideas for easy low-calorie meals.
This indulgent blue cheese leek recipe with crispy bacon breadcrumbs is super simple to make, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare, and makes the perfect Sunday roast accompaniment.
Serve up a slice of hearty steak and blue cheese pie.
For a bowl packed with nourishing flavours and soothing textures, you can’t do better than our smooth leek soup. A perfect pick-me-up lunch.
Go green with our easy pea risotto.
An easy and healthy leek supper for when you feel like you’ve overindulged! Chicken and leeks are cooked in a creamy sauce and finished off with golden ciabatta breadcrumbs for a clever and healthier alternative to pastry.
For another light yet comforting dish, try our healthier sausage traybake.
Our homely, hearty pie uses delicious leeks with potato and spinach to create this traditional British pie – perfect as a midweek vegetarian meal.
We’ve got plenty more comforting vegetarian pie recipes.
This creamy leek and cheese pie is a great, comforting veggie main that’ll please the whole family. You can also freeze this easily for a stress-free midweek meal.
We’ve also got more delicious vegetarian recipes including vegetarian shepherd’s pie.
Check out this traditional Greek spanakopita pie recipe. This easy spinach filo pastry pie is super crispy and packed with creamy feta.
Serve with a Greek salad or pick your favourite from our easy Greek recipes.
Our chicken, leek and Dijon casserole is really simple to make, is ready in under and hour and comes in at under 500 calories. What more could you want from a midweek meal?
For more healthy meals, enjoy our healthy chicken stew,healthy chilli and more healthy one-pot recipes.
Made with nutty rye flour and wheatgerm, this earthy pizza base is loaded with greens, goat’s cheese, garlic and salty pancetta for an Italian feast.
Learn how to make your own pizza dough at home with our easy step-by-step recipe.
Shredded leeks are cooked in a buttery sauce with white wine and crème fraîche to create a melting fondue for linguine. This veggie pasta is quick and easy to make but feels really comforting.
There’s plenty more to choose from our vegetarian pasta recipes.
In this warming recipe, leeks swim in a flavoursome and herby broth with little parcels of spinach and ricotta tortellini. This one step recipe takes only 20 minutes and can easily be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken stock for vegetable and using a veggie alternative to parmesan.
For another super easy pasta dish, try our artichoke spaghetti.
Pissaladière is a dish which originated from Nice in Southern France. The dough is usually a bread dough thicker than that of the classic Italian pizza. This is a great version using leeks, green olives and sultanas.
Escape to France with our delicious French recipes.
This is a really easy midweek meal for one. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and is under 300 calories, so it’s great if you’re looking for something light.
Check out our lemon chicken with orzo.
Leeks are combined with pearl barley, chopped sundried tomatoes, a splash of white wine and garlic in this winning accompaniment to pan-fried sea bream in this quick and easy fish supper. A hearty midweek meal for two that’s low in calories and simply delicious.
Browse all our fantastic healthy fish dishes.
Amaranth is an incredible little seed that’s gluten-free and high in protein, calcium and vitamin C. This cheesy, herby savoury flapjack makes a filling and wholesome snack that would go well with a bowl of soup or as a post-workout energy bar.
For something sweet, try our classic flapjacks.
Ready in 20 minutes, our spring vegetable broth with leeks, baby leaf greens, garlic and lemon is an easy and healthy meal to make midweek. Adding small pasta shapes bulks it out into a hearty lunch, plus it’s under 300 calories.
Have a look at all our healthy lunch ideas.
Wow your dinner party guests with this easy but impressive recipe for whole roast mackerel and jerusalem artichoke crisps by chef Jackson Berg from moveable restaurant Xiringuito in Liverpool. Here baby leeks are grilled to garnish this restaurant dish alongside strips of kohlrabi and a jerusalem artichoke purée.
Serve up a bowl of roasted jerusalem artichoke soup.
Leek and crab lasagne is lighter and more refreshing than the meat version and it has a great flavour. Either buy cooked crabs and pick out the meat yourself, discarding the grey-coloured gills and stomach, or buy pre-prepped meat.
For a meat meal, enjoy our classic lasagne.
A side dish with a difference – balsamic adds sweet and sour notes to the oniony depth of the baby leeks. This would work well as a side to a roast dinner or fish supper.
Browse all our best vegetable side dishes.
Beat the winter chill with these deliciously creamy individual chicken, leek and mushroom pot pies. Easy to make and suitable for freezing when you’re in need of a quick midweek meal.
Next on the menu: individual cottage pies with cheesy mash.
Chicken thighs are a great budget choice for a midweek supper. This recipe cooks them with cream, leeks and mustard, then is finished with a crisp breadcrumb topping. Just add greens.
For another filling meal, go for sausages with mustard and cider gravy.
The best lunch or easy snack. Thick slices of toast topped with buttery leeks, cooked crabmeat and cheddar cheese, served up for a quick weekend lunch.
You’ve got to try our crab mac and cheese.
This turkey, leek and bacon pie is a great way to use leftover turkey leg from Christmas dinner, although you could also use turkey or chicken thighs. This recipe comes from The Pelican in Notting Hill.
Another good way with Christmas leftovers is warming turkey curry.
Flakes of soft and buttery trout served on a tangle of sweet leeks makes for a delicious but surprisingly simple starter. You can find this dish on the menu at The Grand Duchess in London.
If you enjoy cooking with trout, whip up our fabulous smoked trout frittata for an easy, healthy dinner.
An alternative method of cooking leeks, this recipe comes from restaurant John Doe, a British brasserie in Notting Hill and gives the leeks a smoky flavour by cooking them over coals on the BBQ. If the British summer doesn’t allow it, you can also use a grill pan but the leeks won’t be as smoky. The rich tomato and chilli dressing with capers and tarragon is a great accompaniment drizzled over the leeks.
We have plenty of vegetarian BBQ ideas.
These blinis are a perfect canapé for festive gatherings, as they’re simple to prepare and versatile. Try topping with sweet charred leeks and whipped ricotta for a vegetarian option.
Take classic leek sauce to the next level with this gratin, featuring plenty of grated cheddar, golden breadcrumbs and extra-crispy leeks on top.
]]>Whether you’re looking to improve your own morning coffee experience or for a gift for the caffeine fiend in your life, Nespresso is one of the best known names in the business.
With a range of coffee pod machines at different price points, they are some of the sleekest on the market. The machines work by reading a barcode on your selected coffee pod, making them super user-friendly as all you need to do it put in the pod and press the button. Some machine also come with the technology to froth milk so you have more built-in versatility for the types of coffee you can enjoy.
It can be hard to sort the deals from the duds when you’re trying to find a saving. Luckily our experts are here to help, with years of product testing, reviewing and deal-hunting under their belts.
The first aspect of finding a good deal is working out which Nespresso machine is right for you. Nespresso has a wide range of machines at scale price points, from under the £100 mark up to £650. These machines have a variety of features including the ability to steam and froth milk, different pre-set functions and sizes. Factors like how often you want to use your coffee machine and the type of coffee you drink are important to consider, as well as your budget.
If you’re looking for more detailed reviews, check out our guides to the best Nespresso coffee machines and best coffee pod machines. For more offers, take a look at our recommendations of the latest Le Creuset deals, gin deals, Ninja deals, KitchenAid deals and Ooni pizza oven deals. To save money on your next trip, take a look at the best travel deals we’ve found for you
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Read on for the best Nespresso coffee machine deals in the UK right now, on machines tried and tested by our experts.
When you’re on the look out for Nespresso machine deals, remember that pricing around sales events can be volatile, with retailers lowering their prices to stay in line with competitors. This means it’s always worth shopping around before you settle on a deal. There are also shopper-friendly additions like loyalty schemes or free next-day delivery which are available at some retailers and worth bearing in mind.
Best coffee pod machine for quality espresso
Star rating: 4.5/5
This is one of the most affordable machines in Nespresso’s range, and is made even more so by the deals at the moment. It comes in a wide range of bright colours from mango yellow to aqua mint to really make it pop in your kitchen.
On test we liked the compact footprint and intuitive controls of this machine which make it a joy to use. You’ll need two hands to secure the lid into place, which we found to be a little stiff, but after a slightly protracted set-up the machine is a breeze to use, making rich coffee with a thick crema in a matter of seconds.
Star rating: 4.5/5
The latest release from Nespresso, this machine is similar in design to the Vertuo Pop and Vertuo Next. The barrel-shaped console fits the large, domed Vertuo pods, while this model comes with a built-in milk frother which gives you greater flexibility on the number of drinks you can make. We found it really easy to clean, plus on test we were impressed by how simple it was to unload the pods, although the lever to insert them can be a bit stiff.
Best sleek coffee pod machine
Star rating: 4.5/5
A collaboration between industry giants Sage and Nespresso, this machine was released earlier in 2023 and is at the higher end of Nespresso’s pod machine offerings. The result is an impressive, sleek machine which offers a range of functions for a barista experience in your own home without the fuss of bean-to-cup or espresso machines.
This model caters for a range of coffee options and cup sizes, plus it comes with a steaming wand which can be programmed for a variety of microfoam textures depending on your preference.
Star rating: 4/5
This coffee pod machine is a collaboration between Nespresso and Sage. The result is a machine with Sage’s sleekness and Nespresso’s efficiency.
The machine is compact, with room for a mug and milk jug on the drip tray, but not much else. It comes with a built-in steaming wand and touch screen that allows you to choose between the different drinks on offer. We really like that the drip tray is adjustable to allow for smaller or bigger cups, and that this model allows you to make the most of speciality pods on offer from smaller retailers, as well as Nespresso’s own pods.
Its star rating is lower than we might have expected because of the amount of non-recyclable packaging that the coffee machine came in, including plastic and polystyrene.
Star rating: 4/5
This Nespresso machine, made in collaboration with coffee machine giant Sage, is super-compact, but still packs a punch when it comes to your morning coffee.
Despite its small footprint, there is still a built-in steam wand that allows for automatic milk steaming, taking away all the guesswork around milk temperature and texture. This machine uses Nespresso’s original-sized pods, which means it’s compact and there’s very little mess involved when using it. We found it easy to insert the pod, use the machine and remove it from the machine.
Best for thick crema
Star rating: 4/5
The Vertuo Next has the same design as many of the Nespresso’s Vertuo with a barrel-shaped central console where you can choose between colours. This adds to the stylish nature of the Vertuo Next, with the rest of the machine featuring a slick matte black plastic and the water tank at the back of the machine.
Our favourite feature of this model on test was the thick, bubbly crema which is more like a super-fine whipped foam than a traditional crema, but is difficult to achieve on a pod machine and is a welcome addition to an espresso.
Best for milky coffees
Star rating: 3.5/5
This coffee pod machine is ideal if you’re a small household regularly making a single coffee at a time. It has a single-serve milk frothing container which is inserted into the front of the machine, making it easy to remove and fill as well as clean.
A result of a collaboration between Nespresso and De’Longhi, this model has the technology to brew and extract richly aromatic shots of coffee. You can personalise the settings for each coffee and save favourites to make it quicker in the morning.
Nespresso has two different types of pods on offer: the Original pods and the Vertuo pods. These correspond to their respective machines, meaning you can’t use a Vertuo pod on an Original machine and vice versa. While the pods can get expensive, when you order a machine from Nespresso you’ll get a mixed box of pods to get you started. You can then order as and when you need them, or subscribe to save. Nespresso pods can be bought as individual flavours, or in selection boxes.
As part of its subscription service, Nespresso gives customers a complimentary sleeve of 10 pods when you order over 70 capsules. The subscription service works by allowing you to choose how frequently you’d like pods to be delivered depending on how many you’ve selected which will then be delivered on a regular basis to make sure you never run out.
As part of signing up to this subscription you can also make some of the largest savings on selected Vertuo pod machines.
Sign up to Nespresso Plus subscription from £25 per month
With so many different deals out there, it can be hard to know if you’re making a real saving. Our experts are here to help, with years of experience sorting the deals from the duds to help you get a good deal. Reading reviews can be helpful in deciding between the pros and cons of different machines, and luckily we’ve tested a whole selection of Nespresso machines to help you find the right one.
The first thing we look for in a good deal is how much the saving is, both as a sum of money but also as a percentage of the original cost. Broadly, we consider a saving of over 20 per cent to be a good deal, but there are always other factors to consider. These can include any pod savings included with the machine, or any accessories which you might have otherwise purchased like a milk frother.
As pod coffee machines, Nespresso coffee machines are very easy to use. There’s no grinding, weighing or tamping involved; everything is done for you as the pre-ground coffee is housed in a little coffee pod.
First, and no surprises here, turn the coffee machine on. Ensure that the water tank has enough water for your coffee. The machine won’t be ready to use straight away, as it needs to heat up. This process is indicated by a slow blinking light; this will vary depending on the model you have. Once the machine has come up to temperature, the lights on the front will illuminate.
Then you can drop your pod into the machine. Nespresso have two different pod ranges. They’re two different shapes and are not interchangeable between machines.
The pod-shape is their Original. This pod is compatible with the following models:
The second, newer shape, is the Vertuo, and it’s compatible with:
Once the correct pod has been inserted into the machine, you can close the lid. Don’t forget to pop a mug underneath the spout. If you’re just after an espresso, some models come with adjustable height positions to ensure things are kept tidy.
Select your desired coffee option, this can range from everything from espressos to cappuccinos, depending on the machine, and let the Nespresso machine do the work for you.
A steady light will appear once the coffee machine has finished, leaving you to enjoy your hot drink.
Be sure to remove the used coffee pod once you’re done. The will collect in a little bin inside the machine and can be recycled after use.
Our experts have experience hunting for deals across all the biggest sales events and know how to cut through the noise to find the best savings. The first thing we look at when finding deals is the retailer — we always recommend shopping through a trusted retailer rather than an unknown name where you might be at risk of scams.
Over recent years, we’ve seen a rise in the number of false deals around, especially when it comes to trending models like Nespresso. Our best advice is that if a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
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Looking for the best London hotel bars? Treat yourself to a classy cocktail (or two), then check in to one of our favourite foodie hotels in London.
Low-lit, slinky, plush luxury is the name of the game at this acclaimed hotel bar, whose tastefully decadent surrounds – metallic accents, mirrors, a mutedly rich palate and plenty of seating to sink into – is matched by impeccable, meticulously attentive service and even more impressive cocktails. So impressive, in fact, that it was voted World’s Best Bar in 2021.
If you only order one drink let it be the martini – made at a trolley by your table with theatrical, expert aplomb (watching them pour the martini in a high, silvery stream into your glass is a sight to behold). Tanqueray No Ten is the recommended serve, along with a blend of vermouths and your choice of homemade bitters (ranging from tonka bean and lavender to cardamom, on our visit). The end result is spot on, silky textured and very generous in size – don’t drink one on an empty stomach. the-connaught.co.uk
Hidden in the depths of the glamorous London EDITION hotel, this bar is a cocoon of wood panelling and blue-grey velvet banquettes where creatives gather for hushed conversations over iconic punch-style cocktails. An electric fire casts a cosy ambience across the lounge area and there’s a steady stream of shaking and stirring at the free-standing bar in the corner.
The menu plays with light, and drinks are split into three sections – opaque, translucent and transparent. From the latter, completely clear drinks include the silky, mezcal-based Halo of Smoke with a kick from cayenne pepper, fragrant Bergamot liqueur Italicus and a fresh, grassy lift from coriander, basil and parsley oil dropped in. Fireball Punch has a tropical edge while negroni fans should order the unique Mother of Pearl, with Campari playing its part in a bittersweet pink foam that sits atop a clear Sakura cherry vermouth infused liquid. An eclectic choice of bar food ranges from the likes of toasted brioche rolls filled with tempura prawns, marie rose and trout caviar to crisp chicken tenders lifted with jalapeño and even mini versions of Berner Tavern comfort food, such as mac and cheese with braised beef blade. editionhotels.com
Ryan Chetiyawardana’s latest venture is a slinky drinking den in the basement of the One Hundred Shoreditch hotel. Whereas his flagship bar – Lyaness at Sea Containers in Southbank – showcases a high-concept approach to mixology, Seed Library is deliberately more casual and low key. Walk-ins are encouraged and the space, with its sultry lighting, wood-panelled walls, red velvet chairs and warm palette, feels retro and slightly louche, yet very welcoming.
Expect elevated riffs on cocktail classics. Sansho Leaf Martini with Belvedere vodka, Cocchi dry vermouth and green sansho oil is clean and delicate, and subtly savoury. A Coriander Seed Gimlet is gorgeously executed, clean and citrussy with a backbone of gentle, warming spice. Summer Whisky Sourz, with Dewar’s 12-year-old scotch, Fierfield Birch botanical Irish whiskey, woodruff, meadowsweet and lemon is complex and layered, with herbaceous and cereal notes. Galangal Pencillin swaps the traditional peated whisky for tequila and mezcal, and adds aromatic galangal for a vibrant, smoky cocktail. Bar snacks are winningly hearty, and moreish – expect the likes of deep-fried chicken hearts, beef short rib croquettes and potato smileys. onehundredshoreditch.com
The bar of Mayfair’s opulent art-deco hotel, The Beaumont, is enveloped in old school American elegance. Jazz legends rotate on the soundtrack as well as featuring in black and white photographs on wood-panelled walls. Intimate seating areas are arranged around mirrored tables topped with lamps casting their soft glow. Or hop up at the bar to be dazzled by the mirror-backed array of bottles. Swish through to adjoining Gatsby’s Room on the first Tuesday of each month for a traditional games night, challenging your date to a game of chess, rummikub or backgammon while sipping cocktails.
There’s a line-up of bitter aperitif classics such as manhattans, negronis and boulevardiers, or choose something unique in the zesty Empire of Light laced with smoky mezcal. The Six Elements makes for a delicate, grown-up, non-alcoholic option. Superb bar snacks include dinky Hereford sliders, crisp, bechamel-filled french toast squares topped with bacon jam and the famous prawn cocktail in which six giant plump prawns perch on the rim of a large sundae glass with a pot of Marie rose sauce on ice. colonygrillroom.com/magritte-bar
This intimate hotel bar is a pretty, blush- hued, 1930s-inspired hideaway in Mayfair. A beautiful pink onyx bar and art deco-inspired skylight and light fixture dominate a room lined with dusky banquettes and a delicate mural from artist Annie Morris.
Drinks here are pure and pared-back, inspired by the flavours of southern Europe. The Painter’s Negroni, with The Lakes gin, Mancino vermouth, Campari and tonka is a light spin on the Italian classic. The Flamingo with Belvedere vodka and aperitifs Savoia and Cocchi Rosa is fresh and floral with summer berry notes. A bar snack of decadent Claridge’s fried chicken is a must. claridges.co.uk
Voted the World’s Best Bar on multiple occasions, thanks to spot-on cocktails and lashings of Art Deco glamour, The American Bar’s iconic status has long been established.
Despite its reputation, it’s not a bar that’s out to intimidate – while the sleek, 1920s-style cream fittings are smart, and the helpful, white-jacketed waiters impress, the vibe is quietly tasteful, low-slung leather chairs are comfortable, the tinkle of jazz piano and the sound of cocktail shakers your only soundtrack for the evening.
The latest cocktail menu, Re:Invented, is self-explanatory, offering smart and assured spins on classic drinks. The Hanky Panky Highball, with gin, white rum, sweet vermouth, Cynar and tonic, is freshly tart and herbaceous, while To the Moon & Back, with Bowmore 15-year-old whisky, oloroso sherry, chilli, green apple and soda is full-bodied and smoky yet long and refreshing – a next-level whisky soda. Those willing to try something different should make a beeline for the Savoy Bells, a complex marriage of blanco tequila with white port and a red wine float that is bright with herbaceous agave flavour, silky with a sweetly fruity edge. thesavoylondon.com
Mayfair isn’t lacking in swish hotel bars, but The Donovan Bar is plushly discreet, ideal if you’re after a cocktail in a low-key, luxurious setting. Tucked away in Brown’s Hotel, wood-panelled and decked out in soothing greys with green velvet armchairs, nab a seat at the sleek, glass-topped bar to watch your drinks get whipped up in front of you. The bar is named after 60s photographer Terence Donovan, whose black-and-white photography adorns the space.
The cocktails are inspired by iconic figures connected to Brown’s, from Oscar Wilde to Oliver Reed, and are co-created by powerhouse bartender Salvatore Calabrese (whose own signature drinks, like the vanilla- and chilli-spiked Spicy Fifty, are also on the list). Not Shaken, Not Stirred is the delicious love child of a martini and an espresso martini – Ciroc vodka redistilled with Lucano coffee cordial, plus coffee caviar. It’s clear and crystalline with a warming, spicy undertone. Another hit, Read Between the Lines, gives an old fashioned some buttery, saline oomph with salted-butter-washed Dewar’s whisky. Lighter cocktails include the Honey Bear, refreshing and tart with Campari and rhubarb cordial, plus Normandy cider, adding fruity funkiness. Non-alcs also impress – try the spritz-like Virgin Falls, crisp yet creamy and spicy. roccofortehotels.com
When drinks maestro Ryan Chetiyawardana’s lavishly garlanded Dandelyan (including World’s Best Bar in 2018) closed at Sea Containers London it was swiftly replaced by his next incarnation – Lyaness. The sweeping green marble bar and sleek mid-century aesthetic remains at Lyaness, but this time the colour palette is lighter (but still statement-making), with sky-hued walls, soft-grey sofas and electric-blue banquettes, plus lots of opulent gold accents.
While Dandelyan’s thematically complex menus covered topics such as botany, sustainability and agriculture, Lyaness is more pared back, with a cocktail menu built around key ingredients. If this sounds simple then rest assured there’s plenty of Ryan’s characteristically intricate drinks wizardry going on behind the scenes, with each ‘ingredient’ the end result of various clever processes and techniques. lyaness.com
This luxe Bloomsbury hotel bar, tucked away on a quiet side street in a busy area of central London, combines bold interiors with an intriguing wine list.
Saturated coral walls, huge white murano glass chandeliers and a sweeping, marble-topped art deco-style bar, super-sized pot plants everywhere and low, plushly upholstered chairs and sofas set a striking tone at the bar, matched by an extensive list of English sparkling wines, curated by master of wine Anne McHale, with options by the bottle and a small, ever-changing list of wines by the glass. thecoralroom.co.uk
This bar might be world-famous but it still feels like one of London’s best kept secrets, discreetly tucked away in a quiet Mayfair cul-de-sac. Inside, discover a lushly outfitted parlour that feels little changed since the hotel first opened its doors in 1908, with antique portraits on the walls, plump armchairs, courtly white-jacketed waiters and a cosy wood-panelled bar.
Martinis are the name of the game here. Waiters will bring a trolley to your table stocked with ice-cold bottles of gin, vodka and decanters of vermouth and bitters, and assemble your drink with streamlined efficiency. If you ever tire of overly elaborate mixology and cocktails then a Dukes Bar martini is a delicious palate cleanser: clean, crystalline and, it has to be said, enormous – the two martini maximum at the bar is a wise one. dukeshotel.com
This sleek bar is hidden away in eco chic oasis, 1 Hotel Mayfair. Natural aesthetics include low gnarled wood tables with sofas and throws in soft, muted tones. A striking bar showcases delicate racing pigeon feathers worked into a gentle wave beneath the glass. Repurposed ingredients take the limelight in the eclectic range of sophisticated cocktails. Rum-based falernum liqueur is fat-washed with left-over breakfast pastries and shaken with the bar’s own lemon sour mash, made from squeezing surplus lemon and lime husks, to create the unique Pan Brioche cocktail, reminiscent of a whisky sour and topped with a tiny croissant. Rotating seasonal classics include the vibrant Purple Carrot Garibaldi that infuses vodka with English purple carrots, while the lower-ABV Palomito is a long, bittersweet and refreshing concoction of Campari, Mancino Chinato vermouth and pink grapefruit. 1hotels.com
NoMad, London’s subterranean bar – complete with its own entrance – has a pleasingly plush lounge aesthetic, with soft carpets, well-upholstered chairs and heavy brocade curtains. It’s a cosy setting for an innovative menu that showcases different seasonal ingredients – often wacky and always delicious.
Core ingredients include cucumber, quince, butternut squash and coconut, each with two different drinks, one traditional and the other more boundary-pushing. There’s also a list of premium cocktails made with top-end and vintage spirits. Bar snacks are refined yet hearty – we tried generous platters of silky charcuterie and chicken croquettes with black garlic aïoli.
Fans of savoury cocktails should try the Céline Dijon – Michter’s bourbon paired, daringly, with mushroom and pickled mustard broth, among other ingredients. It’s seductively earthy, with the umami mushroom softened by the smooth, caramel-toned bourbon. The Sichuan Gibson, a fabulous twist on the classic, is a silky, spicy affair, with Sichuan oil adding a lip-tingling kick to the drink. We haven’t had a martini quite like it.
If that all sounds a bit challenging, retreat to calmer waters with the margarita-style Cool as a Cuke (in which fermented cucumber adds cooling notes to tequila), or the bright and fruity Taste The Rainbow, with pear, quince and fino sherry playfully served in a flashing disco glass.
The Corinthia’s opulent new bar, Velvet, is as cosy and lavishly swagged as the name suggests. Hidden behind thick velvet curtains that give it a secluded feel, with softly flattering lighting and sofas and chairs in rich, jewel-like shades of red and blue, it’s an intimate, plush showcase for cocktails courtesy of award-winning drinks maestro, Salvatore Calabrese.
Drinks have twin influences – the roaring 20s and modern mixology – alongside some of Salvatore’s signature drinks and a pleasingly lengthy martini menu. The latter is well-worth exploring: try the savoury Salty Martini with Tanqueray No.10, fino sherry and caper brine, and the exotic Sesamini with Nikka Coffey gin washed in sesame oil, crème de banana and dry vermouth – nutty and tropical.
The bar has a winning way with bold flavours. A truffle sazerac with truffled Remy Martin VSOP and Bulleit Bourbon is masterfully balanced, with just the right amount of earthy, umami kick. A Salvatore classic, the Spicy Fifty, with Stolichnaya Vanilla, elderflower, chilli and lime juice, is delicate and complex, layered with spicy, floral and citrus notes.
Tucked away deep at the back of The Savoy, you’ll find the hidden gem that is the Beaufort Bar. The vibe inside is dark and moody with dim lighting, black walls and opulent gold highlights for an intimate feel, but there’s also a surprisingly modern DJ and upbeat playlist as the night goes on. Early in the evening you’ll find a pre-theatre crowd, plus hotel guests and post-business meeting groups.
Lounge on the comfy sofas and padded chairs with low tables. Take your pick from the complex signature cocktails on the menu with long ingredients lists, or the expert bar staff can make you the classics.
A simple gin sour has been upgraded to the complex Seasonal Sour with an impressive nine ingredients, including port, pisco and sloe gin, topped with a pale vanilla foam. For a long drink, try the Good Fortune – a fruity blend of St Germain, grapefruit juice, sparkling wine and more. We were also tempted by the Croissantini, made with ‘croissant vodka’ – fans of a strong drink should give it a try. There’s also a selection of sustainable cocktails and alcohol-free options.
It’s worth paying attention to the bar snacks on offer, too: there’s bumps of caviar and platters of oysters for ultimate decadence, but it was the plate of moreish sticky gochujang fried chicken topped with pickled ginger that we’d happily return to have a second time.
Step into the Standard hotel’s sleek red pill lift and zoom up to the 10th floor for this luxe bar that combines retro interiors with playful, off-beat cocktails and unrivalled views of King’s Cross and St Pancras.
In keeping with its home, a restored 1970s Brutalist office block, Sweeties takes its cue from the same decade, with opulent interiors including velvet sofas, mirrored tables, gold accents, wood panelling and patterned carpets.
The cocktail menu features ‘feel-good ingredients and mood-enhancing mixes’ designed to be energising and uplifting. We’re not sure if we felt these effects but regardless the drinks are very good. Pick Me Up – made with eight adaptogenic (ingredients that help the body deal with stress) mushrooms, vodka, rum, caramel and burnt butter drank like an elevated espresso martini, layered and earthy, with rounded depth. Roots Manuva – riesling vermouth, golden beet caramel, turmeric, ginseng, ginger, orange and mead – is vibrant, honeyed and fresh, with a vegetal edge.
No Whey Jose, blanco tequila with strawberry, red rice, rose and a salted hot coconut foam, was the delightful cocktail equivalent of a Campino strawberry candy. Purple Rain – Johnny Walker whisky, amazake, salted plum, cherry bark and blossom wine – was like an extra fruity old fashioned, bursting with berry flavours, smoky and subtly savoury.
With its opulent surroundings – soaring ceilings, baroque chandeliers, a gilded bar and scalloped purple sofas – and equally illustrious heritage (it’s won multiple World’s Best Bar gongs), this decadent hotel bar, minutes from Oxford Circus, is a must visit.
The menu on our last trip paid tribute to retro drinks, with sleek, minimalist takes on camp classics. A Woo Woo is a pleasingly silky, light affair, with peachy fruitiness and complexity from vermouth and Chivas Regal. The flirty, ditzy cosmopolitan is reimagined as a punchy short drink, with sultry earthy notes from Cynar, rounded fruitiness and a spicy kick thanks to rye whisky.
Both the bars at the branches of this London hotel (Wilhelmina’s Lounge in Clerkenwell, Seymour’s Parlour in Marylebone) are reminiscent of an eccentric Edwardian sitting room – cosy, luxurious drinking den with earthy red walls, richly patterned rugs on wooden floors, a profusion of gilt-framed pictures and portraits, velvet sofas, carved wooden chairs and oriental vases.
A quirky, design-led, 73-bedroom hotel with lounge-bar and café that’s brought a fine Victorian building in London’s Paddington back to life.
This boutique hotel on a pretty Victorian terraced street in Paddington has a hidden secret at the top of its original mahogany staircase. A retro-chic lounge, scattered with coral and olive velvet chairs, and marble tables, is the perfect hideaway for pre-batched cocktails from top London bars such as Bar Termini and Three Sheets. Doors open onto a sun-soaked terrace, where you can sit beneath straw parasols and enjoy the bustle of Paddington from a distance.
A slick hotel in the heart of Fitzrovia with 173 bedrooms and a sophisticated restaurant, Berners Tavern. There are two bars to choose from: The Lobby comes kitted out with a snooker table and tufted sofas, while The Punch Room is an intimate space inspired by 19th-century private clubs. The signature gin-infused Edition house punch is a must.
Original stained glass windows, a glittering disco ball, scalloped velvet sofas and contemporary artwork bring together the old and new in this luxurious drinking den at the Kimpton Fitzroy London.
Its latest menu, The Theory of Colour, is a high-concept affair that explores how colours can influence moods, emotions and choices. The bar has created 14 different cocktails inspired by a 17th-century still life flower painting by Flemish artist Nicolaes van Verendael. On the menu, each drink is matched with a different treatment of the artwork, and guests are invited to select their drink based on which image is most appealing.
Chrome Yellow is a gorgeously bright and tropical affair. With clarified banana, Mount Gay XO rum, cognac, pimento bitters and a passion fruit float, it’s impressively balanced, delivering bold flavours while remaining light and silky. On the more sultry end of the spectrum, Rothko’s Abyss features Toki whisky, Mancino rosso amaranto vermouth, coffee beans, vanilla and Campari. Intense and full-bodied, it’s perfect for fans of boulevardiers and negronis.
We are putting the spotlight on 20 women at the top of the UK restaurant game. Showcasing the very best of global cuisine, from Africa to Asia and the Galapagos islands, these women show us that running a professional kitchen is anything but a man’s world. Read on for some of our favourite restaurants owned and run by female chefs and restaurateurs, and you might just find the perfect spot for your next evening out. Or check out the best new London restaurant openings here.
After a summer as a pop-up in 2020, Chishuru now has a permanent home in Fitzrovia with Nigerian-born chef Adejoké Bakare at the helm. She’s recently become the first Black woman in the UK – and only second in the world – to be awarded a Michelin star. The set menu dinner includes dishes such as deep-fried quail, cured mackerel and grilled celeriac cake. chishuru.com
What started as a supper club in the Kensington home of Asma Khan is now a restaurant at the forefront of London’s Indian food scene. What makes Darjeeling Express unique is that the chefs are all female, coming from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, none of whom have worked in professional kitchens before. darjeeling-express.com
Make some of Asma Khan’s dishes at home with her recipes.
Tucked away in a 400-year-old wine cellar in Lyme Regis, Harriet Mansell’s Lilac is the perfect stop for a glass of wine, cocktails and sharing plates with friends. The food menu showcases the best of seasonal and local produce with dishes such as Fowey mussels or heritage beetroot and Driftwood goat’s cheese. lilacwine.co.uk
An advocate for seasonality and sustainability, Chantelle Nicholson is a multi-award-winning chef and owner of Michelin-starred Apricity Restaurant in London. Its tasting menu celebrates British vegetables, regeneratively farmed meat and sustainably caught fish, plus it has an extensive list of low-intervention wines that champion English vineyards and winemakers. apricityrestaurant.com
A woman of many talents, Uyen Luu is a food photographer and cookbook author, but also runs a Vietnamese supper club at her home in London. Discover the breadth of Vietnamese cuisine with home-cooked dishes that Uyen holds close to her heart. uyenluu.com
Listen to our podcast interview with Uyen Luu about Vietnamese cuisine and try her Vietnamese ginger chicken recipe here.
One of the country’s most-celebrated and awarded chefs, Sally Abé and her team at The Pem serve nostalgic British cuisine using innovative techniques to give them a modern twist, like Lake District rose veal tartare and wild mushroom and truffle suet pudding. This much-loved restaurant was included in the 2023 National Restaurant Awards and The Square Meal Top 100. thepemrestaurant.com
Keshia Sakarah’s Caribe’ is a celebration of the diverse food culture that exists in the Caribbean. The dishes are inspired by Keshia’s travels throughout the Caribbean and the food she grew up on, which was cooked by her grandparents, who emigrated to the UK during the Windrush. She also runs a supper club, Baruru, which takes diners on a food journey of the same region. caribeuk.com
Try Keshia’s Caribbean recipes here.
Roberta Hall has been working in professional kitchens since the age of 16, and in 2018 opened The Little Chartroom in Edinburgh with her husband Shaun McCarron. Starting as a cosy 18-cover bistro, in 2021 they moved to a bigger premises, serving a simple, seasonal British menu with a French influence. thelittlechartroom.com
Mandy Yin is Malaysian-born Chinese of Peranakan Nyonya heritage, and founder of Sambal Shiok. Experience ultimate Malaysian comfort with warming bowls of laksa noodles and crispy Malaysian fried chicken with peanut sauce. sambalshiok.co.uk
Learn about Malaysian cuisine through Mandy Yin’s guide here.
Nestled in the heart of Marylebone, Jikoni describes itself as ‘an extension of our home and home kitchen’. Owner Ravinder Bhogal was born in Nairobi, Kenya, but grew up in London and is of Indian descent. Jikoni serves immigrant-inspired dishes from east Asian, Middle Eastern, east African and British cuisines. jikonilondon.com
Opened in 2004, Rochelle Canteen has become a Shoreditch staple and a must-visit if you’re looking to dine alfresco in the warmer months. Hidden away from the busy streets, you’ll be transported to a lush walled garden wonderland that comes to life in spring and summer. rochellecanteen.com
Founded by Nieves Barragán and José Etura, Sabor brings the tapas bars on Andalucía and seafood restaurants of Galicia to central London. This open-plan Michelin-starred restaurant allows customers to interact with the wait staff, front of house and even the chefs easily, creating a welcoming food experience. saborrestaurants.co.uk
Angela Hartnett is one of the UK’s most-loved chefs and restaurateurs, with Michelin-starred Murano being a crown jewel for over 15 years. Expect a wonderful selection of regional Italian dishes, like chicken Milanese and osso bucco risotto. muranolondon.com
Core is an elegant British fine-dining restaurant from ex-Gordon Ramsay chef Clare Smyth. Celebrate the best of British ingredients, like scallops from the Isle of Harris, Scotland and venison from the Rhug Estate in Wales. corebyclaresmith.com
Cook House in Newcastle prides itself on casual all-day dining. Watch Anna rustle up plates of whipped feta and smoked leeks on toast with black sesame, and wild garlic and spinach soup from her open kitchen for a truly intimate food experience. cookhouse.org
Founded by siblings Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick, Chuku’s is the world’s first Nigerian tapas bar, located in Tottenham, London. It allows patrons to experience the vastness of Nigerian flavours in one sitting. Enjoy jollof quinoa and plantain waffles for a unique twist on west African cuisine. chukuslondon.co.uk
Transport yourself to Tokyo at chef Shuko Oda’s Soho restaurant Koya. Since 2010, patrons have been slurping away at its famous bowls of springy udon noodles. We recommend the sweet tofu and spring onion, or lamb mince with cumin miso and herbs. koya.co.uk
Anne-Sophie Pic is the most-decorated Michelin-starred female chef in the world, currently holding 10 Michelin stars across her restaurants, three of which are for her renowned restaurant Maison Pic in south-east France. If you’re looking to get a taste of Pic’s stunning food in the UK, you can find her two-Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic at the Four Seasons hotel in London. ladamedepiclondon.co.uk
Galapagos Islands-born chef Ana Ortiz is an expert at live-fire cooking. Along with husband Tom Bray, she launched Country Fire Kitchen – now called Fire Made – designing and producing fire cookery equipment for chefs. Previously chef-director at The Mess in Wilshire, Ana has also collaborated with restaurants like Holm, helping showcase her Latin American cooking roots. firemade.co.uk
Listen to our podcast interview with Ana Ortiz about Galapagos cuisine.
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Since its first prototype was made in 1952, Le Creuset has become one of the best-known names in cookware. The brand started with a range of enamel-coated cast iron cookware which is still its signature range. But it has also since extended its range to include pan sets and non-stick pans as well as accessories like salt and pepper grinders, mugs and much more.
Our expert reviews team have tested a range of Le Creuset products, assessing them in a number of categories including sustainability, value for money, ease of use and cooking results. The products regularly impress, but they are regularly the most expensive item we’ve tested in that category.
There are a couple of things we’d recommend keeping in mind to help you find the best deal, especially on more popular items like casserole dishes. Make sure you do your research around the size and colour of Le Creuset to best suit your cooking needs and kitchen. The large sizes are also the most expensive, but if you opt for the smaller options you’ll be restricted by the capacity if you’re cooking for a crowd.
If you’re looking for deals on other big name appliances, read our guides to the best gin deals, Ninja deals, best KitchenAid deals, best Ooni pizza oven deals and the best Nespresso coffee machine offers.
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When you’re on the look-out for deals on Le Creuset products, remember that pricing around sales events can be quite volatile with retailers lowering their prices to stay in line with competitors. This means it’s always worth shopping around before you settle on a deal.
There are also shopper-friendly additions like loyalty schemes or free next-day delivery which are available at some retailers and worth bearing in mind.
You can now save a huge £112.50 off at Harts of Stur on the iconic signature round casserole dish. In the smallest available size of 20cm, we’ve found it works really well for deep fat frying thanks to the high sides, but is also great for small portions of soup, stews and pasta sauces. This offer is on Ocean, a deep blue tinged green hue.
In both the largest size and iconic original colour, this saving from Harts of Stur is a great deal. Down from £375, you can now get the 30cm Le Creuset signature round casserole dish for £281.26. This size is large enough to feed between eight to 10 people, and is perfect for soups, slow cooked dishes and casseroles.
Best cast iron casserole dish
This shallow cast iron casserole dish works well for when a deep pan just won’t do — think risottos, curries or meatballs poached in tomato sauce. This is because the surface area is prioritised over depth which makes it a really versatile piece of kit which would work well with all sorts of recipes, from lasagnes to roast chickens. This size of dish is big enough for six people, and we really liked that it’s colourful enough to be brought straight to the table to double up as a serving dish.
It’s now available in Ocean for 50% off at Harts of Stur.
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Best investment pan set
Star rating: 4.5/5
A good pan set provides a great foundation to cook hundreds of recipes and we’d recommend everyone has some in their kitchen. This set impressed us on test, and while they’re certainly an investment, they’re built to last and come with a lifetime guarantee. The pans have a triple-layer of stainless steel which ensures even, constant heat.
Best skillet pan for beginners
This cast iron skillet is a great size for two people, and although heavy we found it comparatively easy to lift compared to others we tested. It has an impressive non-stick surface which would work well if you’re new to the world of cast iron cooking, and we also found it distributed heat evenly. There are also spouts on either side of the pan which come in handy if you need to remove any excess oil.
It is now available in a range of colours for 25% off at Harts of Stur, bringing the price down from £145 to £108.76.
Best classic roaster
This roasting dish is made from cast iron with an enamel coating and can be used on all types of hobs as well as in the oven, making it ideally suited for roast potatoes as well as a host of other dishes. There’s certainly a heft to these roasting dishes — the 33cm roaster weighs in at just under 4kg — but it’s this weightiness which ensures an even heat distribution. Plus, it means that the roaster retains heat once out of the oven which means you can bring it to the table without worrying about your food going cold.
Best cast iron griddle pan
Great for searing and grilling, this griddle pan is built to last. You’ll need to brush it with oil before use in order to build up the pan’s non-stick capabilities, but the more you use it the better its natural patina will become. Like many of Le Creuset’s cast iron offerings, this griddle pan certainly has a weightiness to it and you’ll need to use two hands to lift it. This pan can be heated up to 250C which works well when moving the pan from the hob to an oven or barbecue.
This deal is available in the colourway Teal at Amazon.
Best loaf tin for wide cakes
This loaf tin was one of the widest we tested as part of our bakeware reviews, which makes it a great option for larger cakes. It features silicone inserts on either end in the eye-catching volcanic orange which are heat resistant and easy to grip.
This 1 litre cafetière works well if you’re making coffee for a crowd. It is made of enamel with a flash of stainless steel for the plunger, and is scratch resistant making it hardwearing.
Perfect for hosting, this fondue set can be used for chocolate or cheese. The cast iron means that the fondue stays hot and melted for a long time, while also ensuring that the set is easy to clean. It comes in Cerise, making it an eye-catching centrepiece, alongside six stainless steel dipping forks which each have a dot on the handle so you can keep track of your fork. We think this would make an excellent gift for the die-hard fondue fan in your life.
Le Creuset is one of the biggest names when it comes to casserole dishes, but it also produces a wide range of cookware and crockery for serving. While it’s fairly unusual for new lines or shaped of cookware to be released, the colours is where things get interesting.
The brand is well known for its colourful cookware, and whether you’re after the classic Volcanic orange or are keeping your eye out for something new, the colour is crucial. You’re most likely to see deals available only on a selected number of colours, and we’ve done our best to indicate the colour that is on sale as well as the sale price to help guide you to the best deal.
We’ve also seen quite a few sales on limited edition colours like Ocean, Rhode and Fig, which aren’t widely available and are currently heavily discounted. If you’re after one of these colours we’d recommend acting quickly — as they’re not part of Le Creuset’s core colour range you probably won’t find them again.
There are a number of different things we look out for when selecting deals, like how much money the deal is saving and how much this is as a percentage of the original price — the best deals tend to be from 20 per cent off upwards.
Our expert reviews team have years of experience working the biggest annual sales events to find the best deals. Throughout the year, we test and review dozens of products across different categories, and look to find deals on appliances we found impressive during testing.
Another important factor is the retailer where the deal is being listed. We advise that you only buy from retailers that you trust.
Want to learn more about Irish whiskey? Check out our guide of the best Irish whiskey to buy from whiskey expert Ronan Collins below, then read our features on the best whiskies to buy, best Scotch whiskies and our favourite English whiskies for more inspiration. After, check out our introduction to bourbon.
Cocktail lovers should explore our favourite whisky cocktails to make an old fashioned, whisky sour, sazerac, manhattan, and more. Now discover the best Irish holidays.
The last few years have seen an exciting resurgence in Irish whiskey, with distilleries old and new producing some of the world’s best spirits. From just four to more than 30 and counting in the space of 10 years, if the boom in new distilleries is anything to go by, then the Irish whiskey category is coming back stronger and better than ever.
With new brands coming to the market every month, it can be difficult to know exactly who is nailing it and what you should be looking for when it comes to choosing the right bottle from the Emerald Isle.
All Irish whiskey must be aged for a minimum of three years in wooden barrels such as oak in Ireland (including Northern Ireland). There are currently four spirit categories in Irish whiskey:
Single malt: made by one distillery, distilling 100% malted barley in a pot still. Typically giving notes of toasted oak, biscuits and malt chocolate.
Single grain: made by one distillery, distilling no more than 30% malted barley with the majority unmalted cereals (typically corn, wheat or barley) and distilled in a column still. This style usually gives light floral notes of sweet grain and honey.
Single pot still: made by one distillery, distilled from a minimum of 30% malted barley and a minimum of 30% unmalted barley with up to 5% cereals added. This is classed as the most traditional style of Irish whiskey. It’s classically a heavier style with flavours that can range from baking spices and vanilla to rich Christmas cake.
Blended: a combination of two or more styles of Irish whiskey blended together. A very exciting classification of whiskey which allows brands the space to create stunning blends.
As Irish whiskey is not strictly held to maturing in oak casks, there has been a huge surge in exciting cask aging outside of the whiskey norm. Another point to keep in mind is that while a lot of brands will triple distil their whiskey, it is not a legal requirement, and is instead a style that adds to the adventurous nature of the category.
Not sure where to start? Check out our pick of some of the most category-defining and innovative Irish whiskeys out currently. As a lot of brands are testing the water with products, you might have to be quick to snap up a new Irish whiskey gem. Then, try our recipe for Irish coffee.
Best Irish whiskey for beginners
A favourite of newbies and connoisseurs alike, Green Spot is a seven to 10-year-old whiskey boasting an elegant and rich body with notes of baking spices, crisp green apples and chewy toffee, showcasing the single pot still category very well. It’s also a great whiskey for an old fashioned, making a sweet and balanced cocktail.
Available from:
Master of Malt (£42.90)
The Whisky Exchange (£44.75)
Harvey Nichols (£50)
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Best easy-drinking Irish whiskey
An easy-drinking and approachable whiskey matured in ex-bourbon casks, this has aromas of cereal, spice, vanilla and orchard fruit that develops into lots of nuttiness on the palate. A good choice for cocktails, try in an old fashioned.
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Best smoky Irish whiskey
Warm and rounded, this peated and triple cask-finished blended whiskey has an evocative bonfire smokiness, along with spiciness, vanilla and notes of baked orchard fruit.
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Best for summer
A corn-heavy triple-distilled Irish whiskey aged exclusively in French oak ex-cabernet sauvignon casks from California, expect sweet marmalade flavours and a dry red wine finish. Made for a highball drink on a hot summer’s day.
Available from:
Master of Malt (£41.95)
The Whisky Exchange (£42.75)
Amazon (£41.94)
Best Irish whiskey blend
From the skilled brewing and distilling Lyons family, The Original is a Dublin blend of malt and grain whiskey with smooth notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. Part of this whiskey has been distilled in their stunning St. James’s Church distillery.
Available from:
The Bottle Club (£41.99)
Best example of whiskey bonding
Whiskey bonding refers to the practice of sourcing spirit from other distilleries to be matured, blended and bottled. Once widespread in Ireland, the art of bonding had all but died out until a few years ago, when it made a comeback thanks to modern whiskey bonder J.J Corry.
From a 400-bottle second batch, The Flintlock showcases J.J. Corry’s blending and bonding skill, having created what is effectively an alcoholic vanilla ice cream with helpings of luscious syrupy pear notes and a long finish. Enjoy as a treat to kick off a bank holiday weekend in style.
Available from:
The Whisky World (£144.90)
Best unique flavour
Aged in first-fill American oak barrels before being finished in seaweed charred casks, this single malt boasts unique sweet maritime flavours, white pepper and an umami finish.
Available from:
Irish Malts (£52)
Best small-batch Irish whiskey
A small-batch, triple-distilled peated Irish whiskey with balancing notes of sweet smoke, stewed orchard fruits and rich malted biscuit. A continuation in the Bill Phil range and limited to 600 bottles, this is a gem in the Irish whiskey world.
Available from:
The Vineyard (£61.99)
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Best budget whiskey
The world’s biggest selling Irish whiskey and for good reason. It is a vanilla-filled, smooth and approachable whiskey aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Jameson is still one of the best all-round whiskeys pound for pound for every occasion.
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Best classic Irish whiskey
Aged for a minimum of 10 years in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, Bushmills 10 is the benchmark of Irish single malts. It brings to the palate lashings of malted biscuits and honey, and is great in a manhattan.
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Best luxury Irish whiskey
As the oldest permanent expression in the Redbreast family this does not disappoint. Each component has been matured for at least 27 years in ruby port, oloroso sherry and bourbon casks which creates one of the most astounding whiskeys in the world. Notes of blackcurrants, fresh stone fruit, nutmeg, honey, raisins and the list goes on. A whiskey saved for a special occasion that will definitely make it even better.
Available from:
The Whisky Exchange (£479)
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Whether you’ve seen the stand mixers on The Great British Bake Off or the professional mixers in your favourite artisan bakery, KitchenAid is one of the best-known names when it comes to baking equipment.
KitchenAid models are pricey, with the range starting at £449 for the Mini and extending to over £900 for the largest Bowl-Lift models. If you’re looking for the ultimate gift for the baker in your life, or are finally taking the plunge on the mixer you’ve always dreamed of, there are some great deals to be found.
Smooth cake batter, creamy frosting, airy meringues, bouncy enriched dough… the baking options are endless if you have a stand mixer. And that’s before you even get to the many accessories on offer which can turn your mixer into a pasta extruder, ice cream maker, meat grinder and food processor, to name just a few.
There’s a wide range of stand mixers available from KitchenAid in lots of different sizes and colours to suit your kitchen. It also has limited edition colours and bowls. The 2023 colour of the year is Hibiscus and there’s also a limited edition colour, Blossom, which comes with a hammered copper bowl.
For more offers, take a look at our recommendations of the latest Ninja deals, gin deals, Le Creuset deals, Ooni pizza oven deals and Nespresso offers.
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Read on for the best KitchenAid deals on stand mixers tried and tested by our reviews experts.
When you’re on the look out for deals on KitchenAid stand mixers, remember that pricing around sales events can be quite volatile with retailers lowering their prices to stay in line with competitors.
There are also shopper-friendly additions like loyalty schemes or free next-day delivery which are available at some retailers and worth bearing in mind. We’ve also noticed a number of retailers offering a free gift or accessory as part of their deals on KitchenAid mixers.
Best stand mixer for small spaces
Star rating: 4/5
The Mini is, as you might guess, the smallest stand mixer in KitchenAid’s range with a bowl capacity of 3.3 litres, which has a maximum capacity of 1.8kg worth of cake batter. This would make a good choice for someone who is short on space, or is an occasional baker. Unlike other larger models there isn’t a handle on the bowl, which on test we found made it difficult to remove it from the mixer. The motor on this model is pretty modest which means that whisking and kneading may take a little longer.
Best basic stand mixer
Star rating: 4/5
The KitchenAid Classic has a 4.3-litre bowl and is a step up from the Mini, with a higher motor power of 275W. It comes with all the same attachments as its counterpart the Artisan, and the primary difference is that this model is only available in black and white. The wattage means that, much like the Mini, this model struggles a bit with thicker mixes and on test we found the buns we made were a little tough as a result. If you’re an occasional baker looking for a mixer which does the basics well but doesn’t have lots of bells and whistles, this could be a good option.
Best stand mixer for stylish kitchens
Star rating: 4.5/5
This might be KitchenAid’s most well-known stand mixer which is often featured as a baking essential, like on The Great British Bake Off. This model is available in red, black, silver and cream which is KitchenAid’s core colour range. A good option if you want to match your mixer to other appliances in your kitchen, and if you want a sturdy, reliable mixer which is both mid-range in size and price.
The engineering of this machine is the same as the other Artisan models, with a differing product code indicating a change in the colours and accessories available for this range. This model comes in the largest available set of colours with 13 to choose from, so if you’re looking for a mixer to stand out from the crowd, this could be the one. It also comes with an additional three-litre bowl and splash guard which works well when adding icing sugar or flour to the mixer.
The Artisan 5KSM180 is KitchenAid’s limited edition colourway which usually comes with a unique mixing bowl. This model available from Harts of Stur is the 2022 Light and Shadow model with a studded black ceramic bowl.
This model has the same design and motor as other Artisan models so will be able to handle most baking requirements with ease. It is available in seven colours and comes with an additional three-litre bowl and splash guard as well as the stainless steel dough hook, flat beater and wire balloon whisk.
Star rating: 4.5/5
If you’re regularly catering for a crowd, a bowl-lift mixer will offer a wider range of versatility thanks to its large capacity. This new model comes with a 5.6L bowl which is the middle size available — other models cater for 4.8L or 6.9L. With 11 speeds to choose from, this is a powerful machine that easily handled all textures of mixture on test from light cake batter to thick enriched dough.
The design does take some getting used to, especially if you’re used to the tilt-head models. We found inserting and removing the bowl from the pins took a certain knack as there’s a clip at the back of the bowl to hold it in place.
This mixer has a powerful 500W motor, fit to deal with large quantities of heavy mixes from bread doughs to biscuits. It comes with a 6.9-litre stainless steel bowl, plus nylon-coated dough hook and flat beater, wire whisk and pouring shield. It’s a tall machine so would be unlikely to fit under traditional kitchen cupboards.
This mixer is fit for professional use. It includes a wire guard and 6.9-litre stainless steel bowl with accessories of a dough hook, wire whisk and flat beater, plus a removable pouring chute that attaches to the wire guard. It has a 325W motor which is more than enough to handle most mixes.
Best blow-out spiralizer
This attachment has two blades for noodles and two for ribbon slices. A spiked pad holds the veg securely and, with the slide of a switch, the mixer’s motor drives the blade towards the veg for effortless spiralizing.
Roughly the same size and with the iconic tilt-head design, the KitchenAid Classic and KitchenAid Artisan are in many ways fairly similar. If choosing between the two, there are a few keys differences to consider depending on what you’re looking for in your stand mixer.
Capacity: the KitchenAid Classic has a slightly smaller bowl capacity of 4.3 litres, while the Artisan holds 4.8 litres (except for limited edition models which come with a 4.7 litre bowl). This means with the Artisan model you have slightly more room to play with, but honestly the difference is negligible and is roughly the equivalence of one small egg white if making meringues.
Price: the KitchenAid Classic and the standard KitchenAid Artisan model 5KSM125 will both set you back £449, although there are, of course, deals right now to bring this price down. However, if you’d like a greater choice of colours, accessories or personalisation the price of the Artisan model increases from £449 to £799 to the priciest option (the limited edition Blossom colour with hammered bowl).
Colour: KitchenAid mixers are known for their bright colours, and if this is what you’re after the Artisan model is certainly the way to go with the widest choice of hues available. The Classic model comes in a choice of white or back with a matte or shiny finish.
KitchenAid is one of the most recognisable names in the world of stand mixers, with a range of other products also available in its range of bright colours. While it’s fairly unusual for new models of the stand mixers to be released, there are new colours and accessories to keep an eye out for, some of which are limited edition so will be unlikely to be available in sales.
When looking for a good deal it’s important to think about what you’re looking for in your stand mixer. Questions like how many people you’ll be baking for and how versatile you need you’re mixer to be are important to ask yourself before you start looking for deals. It’s also important to note that you’ll sometimes find deals on unusual colours or bowls where retailers are trying to clear stock. If you’re less concerned with the way your stand mixer looks, or are after something different to stand out in your kitchen, this can be a great way to make a saving.
Our expert reviews team spend their time rigorously testing and reviewing appliances to make sure you know which one is right for you. This combined with years of working the biggest annual sales events means that we are dab hands at cutting through the noise to spot a good deal.
We always recommend shopping at trusted retailers to make sure that you’re getting the product which you’ve purchased. Remember that if you spot a deal that seems too good to be true, chances are it probably is.
In our deals pages you’ll always find the price saving and the percentage saving listed. It’s important to look at both of these when you’re keeping an eye out for deals. Retailers often list one or the other which can make the deal seem better than it is. For example a saving of £100 seems like a lot, but on an £1,000 product this is only a saving of 10 per cent.
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When it comes to kitchen appliances, Ninja is one of the biggest names in the business. The brand has secured itself as one of the most popular in the UK with its viral products like the Ninja Creami, not to mention air-fryers – which can be so popular that we’ve seen sale numbers limited to two per customer on a number of them.
Our experts have tested a number of Ninja’s products across criteria including sustainability, value for money, ease of use and cooking results. The products regularly impress. Ninja’s commitment to recyclable packaging is particularly impressive, which is sadly fairly unusual among its competitors.
Ninja products can be fairly pricey. We’re here to help you sort the deals from the duds and find your new Ninja appliance at a great price. Our expert reviews team are seasoned when it comes to finding honest opportunities to save.
If you’re looking for deals on other big-name appliances, read our guides to the best Le Creuset deals, gin deals, KitchenAid deals, best Ooni pizza oven deals and the best Nespresso coffee machine offers. To save some money on your next trip, take a look at the best travel deals we’ve found for you.
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Read on for the best savings to be found across Ninja appliances right now.
When you’re on the look out for deals on Ninja appliances, remember that pricing around sales events can be quite volatile with retailers lowering their prices to stay in line with competitors. This means it’s always worth shopping around before you settle on a deal. There are also shopper-friendly additions like loyalty schemes or free next-day delivery which are available at some retailers and worth bearing in mind.
We have seen a number of products go out of stock and the best deals seem to be lasting only for a short time. To avoid disappointment we recommend buying as soon as the model reaches a price that you’re comfortable with.
Best air-fryer for quick baking
Star rating: 5/5
Boasting six useful cooking functions including air-fry, roast and dehydrate, this model impressed us most after testing out the baking function; we enjoyed a well-baked, nicely risen cake. But even if you’re not looking for a model to bake in, the AF160UK excelled in other areas, such as roasting a whole, small chicken and producing great chips. The control panel is simple to navigate and audible notifications guide you through the entire cooking process.
Best air-fryer for families
Star rating: 5/5
This dual-drawer model can also be programmed so different foods finish cooking at the same time. If you like the sound of the AF300UK, but think its 7.6L capacity may be too small, the AF400UK boasts a spacious 9.5L capacity, so is great for larger households. The cooking results were impressive, whether it was chicken, fish or veggies, everything was browned evenly and stayed moist. We noticed no transfer of smell or flavour between baskets, meaning you could happily cook dinner and dessert in this air-fryer.
Best for cooking a complete meal in one
Star rating: 5/5
Almost completely ready to use straight out of the box, the Dual Zone AF300UK makes for a striking piece of kit on the kitchen counter. A clear and concise instruction manual accompanies this model, and while you’ll be able to complete basic air-frying tasks with ease, setting up the ever-so-useful sync function (programme both drawers to finish cooking at the same time) does require some assistance from the manual. From duck breast to chips and sausages, we were thoroughly impressed by the results of all our test recipes.
Star rating: 5/5
Similar to other health grills from Ninja, this model has the feel of a pizza oven with a lid that opens upwards. As well as air-frying and grilling, it offers great versatility with the ability to bake, roast, dehydrate and reheat. To test the air-frying function we cooked chips which, despite having no oil, were crisp and fluffy. We tried the grill function with courgette which had attractive grill lines and didn’t stick despite the lack of oil. It comes with a cooking probe to help you ensure perfectly cooked joints of meat. We used this when cooking a whole chicken which took 40 minutes and was juicy, retaining a good amount of moisture.
Star rating: 4.5/5
As with other Dual Zone air-fryers, the height and footprint of this model demands a good amount of real estate on a countertop. It has a large capacity making it a great option for catering to a crowd, a large household, or if you prefer to cook multiple dishes in your air-fryer simultaneously. It also has a cooking probe included, which we found helpful in cooking our chicken breast on test, although it did take a while to get used to the functions of the probe.
Star rating: 4.5/5
With seven cooking functions to explore, the ultra versatile AG651UK allows you to grill, griddle (flat plate), bake roast, air-fry and much more. It’s not got a small footprint, but considering the wealth of cooking tasks it can complete, this comes as no real surprise. The control panel is intuitive, but you’ll need to consult the manual when assembling. Our test recipes cooked well on the whole and we particularly liked the even and defined grill lines imparted onto our halloumi, though we found the temperature probe a little unreliable when cooking chicken.
Star rating: 4.5/5
The versatile AG301UK not only air-fries, but it doubles as a health grill, too. Design-wise, it’s unlike many of the other air-fryers we’ve tested; rather than having a pull-out drawer or an oven-style opening, ingredients are placed inside after lifting the lid. Generally, this model cooked food well: it browned evenly and particularly excelled when cooking chicken, salmon and halloumi. We loved the extra features like the progress bar to indicate the preheating time and intuitive controls.
Star rating: 4/5
This is one of the first air-fryers Ninja released in the UK and looks very typical of a single-drawer, round air-fryer. At 3.2L, the basket is sturdy and holds up to the model’s four pre-set functions to roast, dehydrate, reheat and air-fry. As the machine is at the more affordable end of Ninja’s air-fryer offerings (that’s before any savings), it lacks some of the bells and whistles you’ll find on pricier models, but it does the basics really well. On test, we were impressed by the dehydrating function as well as the air-frying function which produced evenly cooked chips and satisfyingly intense roasted vegetables.
Best overall smoothie maker
Star rating: 5/5
This blender is one of the most powerful that we’ve tested, blitzing everything we tried in 30 seconds or less. While it is pretty noisy (and may well make you jump on first use) we were impressed by the result. You get two cups with this machine — one with a spout lid and a bowl with a storage lid. As with many other Ninja products we’ve put to the test, we enjoyed the thoroughness of the instruction booklet, which included a quick-start guide and helpful recipe book.
Best intuitive food processor
Star rating: 5/5
If versatility is a priority for you when it comes to kitchen appliances, this offering from Ninja is likely to tick a lot of boxes. It comes with a roomy jug for food processing, a sturdy glass blender and a single-serve blender with the capability to complete a number of different functions like sauces and spice mixes. We found this blender super powerful, making its way through all our ingredients in a matter of seconds.
Best high-tech ice cream maker
Star rating: 4.5/5
The Ninja Creami is an ice cream maker with a difference. Where most ice cream makers work by churning and freezing the mixture simultaneously, this model requires you to freeze the ice cream base first before putting it in the machine. It then uses powerful blades to shave the frozen mixture and churn it together. We found this produced a smooth, creamy ice cream.
This model has gained something of a cult status in the last year, and on test we definitely understood the hype around it. It’s pretty unusual to see the Ninja Creami on sale, so if you’ve got your eye on one, we’d recommend acting fast.
Star rating: 4.5/5
The Ninja Speedi is a multi-cooker with the capability to steam, bake, slow cook, roast, dehydrate, air-fry and more. If you’re interested in air-frying but want to prioritise versatility this could be a really good option. The internal tray means you can cook in two layers inside the machine, essentially doubling the capacity of its 5.7L pot. To air-fry, the tray needs to sit on the base of the pot before you can use it as a normal air-fryer, or to air-fry elements before incorporating them in the rest of a dish.
Star rating: 5/5
Like many Ninja appliances that we’ve tried, this model is super user-friendly with a dial which turns to select one of the nine pre-set cooking functions. These include slow cooking, grilling, air-crisping, dehydrating and pressure cooking, making it a versatile piece of kit. It looks impressive straight out of the box, and comes with a set of guides and instructions which will put you at ease even if you haven’t used a multi-cooker before.
Star rating: 5/5
This barbecue from Ninja is a great example of its innovative technology. It’s powered by electricity, but has an integrated smoker box that burns wood pellets to add a smoky flavour to food – without using charcoal, gas or open flames. If it’s versatility that you’re after, this machine is sure to impress with seven functions that include grill, air-fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, reheat and smoke. Temperatures can reach up to 260C and there’s also an in-built timer and non-slip feet to keep it steady.
Air-fryers have certainly been the ‘it’ kitchen appliance of the last year. But with so much discussion around them, do you really need one?
Air-fryers work by circulating hot air to give foods a ‘fried’ finish but with a fraction of the amount of oil used for deep fat frying. They have excellent energy efficiency credentials, plus are great if you live in a smaller household and want to cook without turning on the oven.
If you’re after versatility, an air-fryer could also be a really good option. After a quick three minutes of pre-heating, Ninja’s air-fryers can reheat, bake, dehydrate, max crisp and roast. The pre-sets available will vary depending which model of air-fryer you choose, but you can use your air-fryer to cook everything from halloumi fries to brownies.
For more inspiration, check out our comprehensive guide to the best Ninja air-fryers.
Ninja is one of the biggest brands when it comes to small kitchen appliances, and it releases new products on a regular basis. So whether it’s a blender, food processor, air-fryer or a different appliance you’ve got your eye on, you’re more likely to find a good saving on a slightly older model, as the latest releases are rarely included in sales periods.
Other important factors to consider when looking for a good deal include precisely how you’d like to use the appliance. Some work well for one specific function, while others have been made with versatility in mind and can complete a number of functions to a high quality. However, buying a ‘versatile’ appliance is only going to give you true value for money if you regularly use all of its functions, especially as these are the appliances which tend to have a higher cost attached to them.
Our expert reviews team have years of experience working the biggest annual sales events to find the best deals. Throughout the year, we test and review dozens of products across different categories, and look to find deals on appliances we found impressive during testing.
There are a number of different things we look out for when selecting deals, like how much money the deal is saving and how much this is as a percentage of the original price — the best deals tend to be from 20 per cent off and upwards.
Another important factor is the retailer where the deal is being listed. We advise that you only buy from retailers which your recognise and trust. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
]]>Want to know what’s in season in March? Looking for March recipe ideas? Use fresh seafood, spinach leaves and citrus from your fruit and veg boxes or local greengrocer to make these seasonal dishes and bakes. We’ve included plenty of tips for how to shop for particular varieties, prepping guides and useful ideas to use up leftovers.
After, check out our best April recipes, May recipes and June recipes.
Blood oranges are celebrated for their ruby red flesh and juice. Blood oranges are only in season for a short time as they need huge temperature shifts in order to grow well – hot in the day and then down to below freezing at night. Make the most of this citrus in our blood orange recipes.
Edd Kimber’s show-off bake combines the ruby red brilliance of blood oranges with crunchy poppy seeds and grated marzipan.
Blood oranges add a beautiful ruby hue to a pitcher of margaritas. Remember to add a large pinch of hot chilli powder to really make your cocktail sing!
Our individual trifles make a quick and easy dessert using seasonal blood oranges, ready in just 15 minutes. If you’ve got people coming round for a weeknight dinner party, these are a great choice.
Bananas are the UK’s most popular fruit and, on average, people eat 100 a year. When buying look for yellow, unblemished skin – green and its underripe, any brown or dark marks may mean it is close to over-ripening.
This banoffee cheesecake has all the comforting flavour of the old-school pud but the style of an impressive dinner party dessert – and it takes less than 30 minutes of hands-on time to make. It’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Serve these battered, deep-fried bananas with a dusting of icing sugar – look for yellow-skinned bananas (not green), as you’ll want them to be ripe. The combination of sweet cooked banana with the hot, crisp fritter coating is seriously good.
With just five everyday ingredients, this old-school dessert couldn’t be easier – or speedier – to make. It’s a good job it’ll never go out of style.
Hake is from the same family as cod and haddock, although its flesh is a bit meatier when cooked. It is a favourite in Spanish cooking, although it is native to British waters, and we should eat more of it! Here’s how with our best hake recipes.
Chorizo brings savoury heat to this veg-filled stew. Topped with meaty hake fillets and vibrant slices of orange, it makes for a flavour-packed supper. You could serve with a slice of sourdough bread for a more filling meal.
Absolutely jam-packed with iron, antioxidants and other nutrients, spinach is especially good for us. We love its vibrant green colour when added to dishes, including our top spinach recipes.
An Indian classic of spiced potatoes and spinach that packs in plenty of this nutritious leafy green. Serve as part of a full Indian spread with lots of other fragrant dishes.
Whizz blanched spinach into ricotta to make these delicious, pillowy gnudi – they are similar to gnocchi, just a little lighter.
We love anything involving squeaky paneer. Make this classic side dish, where spinach is mixed with crisp golden paneer cubes, for your next curry night.
For a soothing lunch, blitz spinach, leeks and peas together to make a wholesome seasonal soup.
You can usually source live or cooked lobsters from your local fishmonger, but if not then larger supermarkets often stock cooked, frozen lobsters which will work just as well. Try our lobster recipes.
Serve this luxurious classic with a big green salad and plenty of crusty bread for mopping up that rich, creamy sauce. If you can’t get lobster, chop some cooked king prawns and mix through the sauce, then put into a gratin dish and grill.
Take your toastie up a notch with chunky chopped lobster in a silky, oozy four-cheese sauce. Don’t forget the quick pickle on the side, it’s needed to cut through the richness.
You can find frozen lobster tails on Ocado, making these rolls easy to make yourself at home. Other supermarkets sell smaller, Canadian lobsters, which you can also use in this recipe.
This smaller, more tender variety of broccoli has vibrant purple florets and a long, thin stalk. Avoid buying any that have turned slightly yellow as these are not as fresh. See our purple sprouting broccoli recipes.
This is the kind of dinner you need during the week. Purple sprouting broccoli is fried until crisp and heaped onto a bed of comforting gnocchi, slicked in a buttery, cheesy sauce.
You can also enjoy purple sprouting broccoli for something different on toast. Lime yogurt and a fried egg makes this a filling, healthy lunch.
Our recipe for purple sprouting broccoli and peanut soba noodles is really easy to make and ready in 20 minutes. The zingy sauce gives the broccoli an injection of flavour, while the roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture to the dish.
Rhubarb has an intensely tart flavour. We like to make the most of it by adding it to as many dishes as possible while it’s in season. Stewed gently with orange or ginger, it makes a delicious healthy breakfast, when served with porridge, pancakes or yogurt. The best combination of all is rhubarb and custard – whether in the form of a pavlova, panna cotta or tart. Surprisingly, rhubarb is delicious with rich meaty dishes, like pork and duck. Check out our rhubarb recipes.
In-season rhubarb is mixed with zesty orange and aromatic cardamom to make this oven-roasted compote. Try it dolloped on pancakes and porridge, or served with a dessert.
Nothing beats a seasonal crumble. Here the star is sweet-tart rhubarb, cooked apple and the best ever crunchy crumble topping. All you need to do is decide on ice cream, cream or custard…
This fruity dessert is packed with juicy rhubarb and can be whipped up in record time. The secret is buying ready-made meringues and custard to speed up the process.
From the same brassica family as cabbages and broccoli, cauliflower is among the most versatile vegetables. It can be eaten raw in salads, pickled, steamed, grilled, roasted, fried or barbecued. Its firm texture turns creamy when cooked, and it has a delicate flavour that’s often overlooked as an everyday vegetable but it’s made the star of the show in our cauliflower recipes.
Creamy cauliflower soup is comfort in a bowl, plus you can throw it together in just two simple steps. It’s a nice nourishing option for cold, grey days.
Check out our veggie take on korma using roasted cauliflower. This curry is low in calories and ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for an easy midweek dinner.
Arguably one of the heroes of British food – is it really a roast dinner if there’s no super cheesy, crispy-topped, piping hot cauliflower cheese on the table?
Available all year round, this citrus fruit is even better in winter and spring when it’s juicier and sweeter. When looking for the juiciest ones, opt for fruits that feel heavy. Have a look at our zingy grapefruit recipes.
A classy, grown-up take on an upside-down cake, with ruby red grapefruit, clementines, a light almond sponge and a gin-spiked drizzle on top. It’s a beautiful one to bring to the table after a meal.
This easy dessert is made with floral rosé wine and sharp, refreshing grapefruit – it may take just 10 minutes to make but will end your dinner on a high note. Serve with chocolate-dipped biscotti, if you like.
Mix up your marmalade game and add some zing to breakfast with this foolproof pink grapefruit marmalade. Follow the recipe and you’ll get it right every time.
In season from April to September, this peppery little leaf has a slight mustardy kick and crunchy, refreshing stems. Use it in salads or whizz into soups, pestos or sauces to pour over baked salmon. Buy in bunches rather than bags to keep it fresher for longer, then store in a glass of water in the fridge to keep the leaves crisp. We’ve got lots of watercress recipes to help you make the most of it.
This watercress and pea soup has been pepped up with some baked lemon and sesame croutons. It’s veggie and low-calorie – perfect for a healthy midweek meal.
You can use watercress in more than just salads. Here it provides fresh, peppery notes in this prawn stir-fry, perfect for a springtime dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ready in under 20 minutes and packed with the tastes of spring, these puff pastry treats make an easy dinner party starter your guests will love.
Also known as endive, these crisp, slightly bitter leaves are great in salads and make an excellent vehicle for dips. They are also
delicious grilled, balancing the bitterness with nutty, earthy flavour. Enjoy chicory in our easy recipes.
Make the most of chicory in this stunning dolcelatte tart– the sweetness of the honey works well with the bitter edge of chicory. It will make for an impressive veggie centrepiece at your next dinner with friends.
Chicory is in its prime from January to March, so try it in our easy salad with lentils, Borlotti beans and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. This recipe comes from Italian restaurant Bancone in Covent Garden.
Sour cherry molasses impart a bright piquancy to this radicchio salad, balanced out by nutty slivers of manchego, toasted walnuts and aromatic basil leaves.
Spring onions are the young shoots of standard onions, before the bulb has had a chance to grow and develop. This produces a sweeter, milder allium flavour that can be used raw in salads or as a garnish – both the green and white parts add flavour and crunch. Spring onions often get overlooked as a side dish as they’re usually just a base for flavour but, when braised, they’re great with a roast. Make the most of this staple ingredient with our spring onion recipes.
Try our creamy risotto, oozing with mature cheddar cheese and topped with pan-fried cherry tomatoes. This comforting recipe is bursting with beautiful flavours.
Quick, simple and delicious, this ham hock, pea and spring onion salad is perfect for a midweek meal. It’s ready in just 10 minutes and is well under 500 calories but doesn’t feel like you’re missing out.
Using spring onions alongside ready-made pastry cuts down the cooking time so you can bake this classic vegetarian tart midweek.
]]>Try using butter beans in a curry, black beans in veggie tacos, kidney beans in a classic chilli, or making healthier baked beans using cannellini.
When it comes to buying beans, it’s worth spending a little bit more when you can. You’ll notice the beans are better cooked and more plump.
Below, you’ll find some of our favourite bean recipes. Next, check out our healthy vegan meals, best vegetarian recipes and high-protein vegan recipes.
A nutritional powerhouse, beans are high in fibre, which means they contribute to a healthy gut and good digestion, as well as being low in fat and calories. Beans are also packed with plant-based protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, zinc and B vitamins.
This colourful salad is packed with green beans, kidney beans and cannellini beans, all drizzled in a green tahini dressing. It offers a moreish way to pack in your plant-based protein.
See all our healthy salads.
Mixing up the beans in your chilli means you get different textures and plenty of vegan protein. Our top tip: always keep a few jars of beans in your kitchen cupboard so you can make this chilli when you need an easy, healthy meal.
We’ve got lots more healthy vegan ideas.
Plump, creamy butter beans make a wonderful addition to fragrant curries, rich lamb dishes, our warming turmeric and ginger stew, plus healthy one-pot dishes, like our baked cod and butter beans.
Add kidney beans to our best ever chilli con carne or serve them in a rice-and-beans side alongside our punchy jerk-spiced cauliflower. Or try our chilli con carne cottage pie for a mash up of British meets Mexican.
Black beans lend themselves well to lots of cooking; they simply become more creamy with time, making them a great choice for dishes like slow-cooked chilli. They’re also a great choice for speedy dishes, like these sweet potato and black bean tacos.
These are a relative of the kidney bean, so they can be used in similar dishes. They’re versatile, tasty and nutritious, especially when added to our wholesome buddha bowls with shredded sprouts.
If you’re a fan of tinned baked beans, then you already know these are a top-tier bean. With a subtle flavour, they work as a brilliant addition to lots of dishes. In a spicy chorizo stew, for example, or a turmeric and ginger vegan stew. Our favourite way to enjoy cannellini beans is gently braised with plenty of garlic, then topped with homemade pesto.
Broad beans are in season from April to September, and they’re at their best between June and September. Their fresh flavour is a great match for zingy citrus, chilli, garlic and a number of cheeses. While you can, eat them in everything from creamy lemon, chilli and mint pasta to fried gnocchi with parma ham, ricotta and sage. Don’t forget to try them mashed on toast with plenty of pecorino.
Welcome to our collection of the best afternoon teas in London, updated quarterly to make sure you get the best afternoon tea of the moment. This round-up includes reviews of classic high teas at luxury London destinations such as Claridge’s, The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods; as well as quirkier afternoon teas at The Shard, Sketch and Rosewood London. For more, check out our guide to the best afternoon teas outside of London.
What are the origins of afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea (here are our favourite afternoon tea recipes) was apparently introduced to Britain in the 1840s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who complained of hunger during the late afternoon… something we can relate to!
What’s the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?
And in case you didn’t know, there is a difference between afternoon tea and ‘high tea’ the former is taken in the late afternoon (between lunch and dinner) and involves cakes, scones, cream and sandwiches; while high tea is a substantial evening meal, usually entirely savoury. A traditional afternoon tea is often called ‘high tea’ in other parts of the world though, which probably explains the confusion.
Best traditional afternoon teas
Contemporary afternoon teas
Head to Fortnum & Mason for a traditional London afternoon tea, taken in an elegant salon opened by HM The Queen to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Fortnum’s pitch-perfect finger sandwiches – with not a curling corner in sight – are filled with the usual suspects, only far more luxurious: Suffolk cured ham with piccalilli, and rare bread hen egg with cress. Thick slices of soft smoked salmon, available in Fortnum’s food hall downstairs, are also excellent. Plain and fruit scones come warm, fluffy and served with whole pots of spread – the best of which was a velvety lemon curd (available to buy in the food hall) – and even more clotted cream.
Individual patisseries change with the seasons, with standouts including a subtly floral rose éclair, a modern take on Eton mess and lighter-than-air meringue topped with fresh berries. These are followed by more sweet treats chosen from the cake carriage (this time serious cakes, such as battenberg and matcha layer cake). Fortnum’s tea varieties include the famous smoky Earl Grey (the original blend to be sold at Fortnum’s and The Queen’s personal favourite); a sweet and floral New Zealand oolong; and an unusual sparkling tea. For champagne, highlights include a light Brut rosé, Fortnum’s Brut Sparkling from Cornwall and a perfectly smooth Blanc de Blancs.
Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason
Available from: Fortnum & Mason, Virgin Experience Days
Price: £62.50 for afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea; £62.50 for vegetarian afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea; £65 for savoury afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea; £68 for high tea with a pot of Fortnum’s tea.
Address: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
Afternoon tea has been a ritual here for almost 150 years and this luxurious redoubt for the rich and royal (no flip-flops, no intrusive photography), has turned it into an art form. In the stunning art deco lobby, guests are treated to a parade of perfectly rectilinear finger sandwiches, warm scones and beautiful, tweezer-precise cakes, delivered to linen-clad tables by staff who operate as smoothly as a Swiss timepiece.
Every detail is exquisite. Corn-fed chicken on rye comes with truffled mayonnaise. Chocolate choux are made with fine Valrhona chocolate. Claridge’s even stresses the heritage of the cucumbers (English, organic) which, dressed with chamomile-infused buttermilk, go into its version of that summer classic: cucumber sandwiches. Rare Tea Company expert Henrietta Lovell curates Claridge’s menu of loose-leaf infusions.
Available from: Claridge’s
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £75pp, champagne afternoon tea from £85pp, children’s afternoon tea £45pp
Address: Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
The Rosewood London is renowned for its theatrical and refined portrayal of the city’s best artworks in the form of an exquisite afternoon tea. The David Hockney-inspired art tea in particular captures elements of the artist’s most notable works, seamlessly blending nature-inspired designs with classic British flavours. The essentials are all still there – sandwiches, scones and patisserie, served in the grand Mirror Room – but there are plenty of contemporary twists throughout, too.
Starting with the savouries, seasonal flavours are showcased in the delicate cucumber, asparagus and soft cheese finger sandwich, plus a generously filled lobster and crayfish roll. The two other elements offer some welcome textural variation in the form of thin, crispy sourdough and rye crackers topped with smoked salmon rillet and chicken avocado on spiced tomato relish, respectively. Glossy, neat mini scones (plain and raisin) are served warm and are some of the best we’ve tried – very soft and light. Alongside jam and cream, they are served with a stand-out homemade lemon curd which is smooth, buttery and rich.
Appropriately for a tea inspired by Hockney, the final two rounds of patisserie resemble mini works of art. A colourful illustrated menu outlines the inspiration behind each creation. These are incredibly intricate, with layers of mousse, sponge and jelly – some positioned on a delicate almond sablé, and others embellished with chocolate vine leaves. First, a lighter duo of pre-desserts playfully combine flavours such as chocolate and passion fruit with earl grey tea. Then, the final trio showcases some of Hockney’s best works, from ‘A Bigger Picture’ to ‘The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate’.
There are a range of drinks options to accompany the tea, from champagne to a fruity cocktail, and an extensive selection of Mariage Frères teas. Service is speedy and friendly, guiding you through each element with confidence.
Available from: Rosewood London
Price: Art afternoon tea £75pp
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
The Stafford is our new favourite hidden gem for a luxury London afternoon tea. It offers the memorable five-star hotel experience, with faultless service and immaculate food throughout. The recently relaunched tea menu, with recipes created by Lisa Goodwin-Allen and head pastry chef Magdalena Velczenbach, offers a classic experience with gentle twists along the way.
Enjoy champagne served from a grand champagne trolley, and take waiter recommendations from the broad tea menu (an apricot fusion was our personal highlight). Classic sandwiches and warm fluffy scones follow, along with a mini cheese scone served with sour cream and chives. The memorable moment falls when the elaborate cake trolley is wheeled to your table and you can choose five ornate patisserie. Learn the history behind the ‘white mouse’ dessert and enjoy a fresh raspberry macaron or rich coffee choux bun. Anything you can’t finish can be boxed up to take home, too.
Available from: The Stafford
Price: Afternoon tea from £70pp
Address: The Stafford, 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1 1NJ
Enjoy a transatlantic afternoon tea in the luxurious Gatsby’s Room at The Beaumont hotel. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, with stunning art deco decor and live piano music. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of central London.
The menu consists of traditional afternoon tea classics with a subtle American twist. Tuck into coronation chicken, oak-smoked lox, devilled egg mayonnaise and salt beef. Choose from fluffy raisin or plain scones, and finish with delicate desserts – think salt water taffy, yuzu cream pie and vanilla pudding. Vegan alternatives and a children’s afternoon tea are also available.
The immaculate setting, friendly service and incredible food make The Beaumont a fantastic option for afternoon tea.
Available from: The Beaumont
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £62pp, champagne afternoon tea from £77pp, children’s afternoon tea £25
Address: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF
Petersham Nurseries is an eclectic mix of sculptures, vintage furniture, artfully decorated greenhouses and beautiful displays of plants and flowers. It’s quintessentially British with a hint of eccentricity. Adding to the bohemian glamour is the imaginative and beautifully presented afternoon tea, which is served from a handblown cake stand adorned with a bunch of seasonal flowers. The seasonally changing menu makes the most of locally sourced ingredients. We were served roasted red pepper & almond tarts, focaccia with burrata and nasturtiums and orange polenta cake with fig and crème fraiche – each bite is fresh and unique. Wash it down with a glass of rose petal prosecco for the ultimate treat. Browse the shop on your way out for trinkets, glasses and chic gardening wear.
Available from: Petersham Nurseries
Price: Garden afternoon tea £45pp, with prosecco £55pp.
Address: Church Lane, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB
With its sophisticated millennial pink and green marble-lined room with shining chandeliers, the Grand Saloon shares the grandeur of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane that it’s located in. As you enter, the glamorous Regency era scene is set by a speaker playing a string quartet versions of popular songs. This style is replicated throughout the afternoon tea with intricate smooth buttercream piping chocolate sponge cake, which is a signature of ‘queen of cakes’ Lily Vanilli at the Columbia Road bakery. The texture of the cake is perfection as it’s packed with a crunchy biscuit and salted caramel. From miniature fluffy canelés with pickled beetroot to smoky lapsang souchong glazed salmon on madeleines, the tea’s inventive savoury options, steering away from the traditional sandwiches, takes it to the next level.
A surprisingly quirky standout was the final dish, an absinthe mint chocolate chip ice cream which was inspired by the Regency era’s trend of exotic ices. Adding a touch of theatre, this was served on an opulent wooden ice cream trolly. The subtle aniseed flavour of the absinthe complemented the creamy mint ice cream. This is an afternoon tea full of sophistication and luxury.
Available from: Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Price: £49 for adults and £35 for children.
Address: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF
Afternoon tea at The Corinthia is set in the glamorous Crystal Moon Lounge dominated by a striking Baccarat crystal chandelier, underneath an array of fresh flowers. Traditional afternoon tea (£65 pp) comes with a choice of house blend teas served in three different strengths, including No 1 Aromatic, a delicate combination of flowery earl grey and soothing oolong; and No 3 Robust, a full-strength blend of assam, oolong and earl grey (stronger smoky notes with light tones of honey). Add a glass of refreshing Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut champagne for an extra £10. Or go all out with the Laurent-Perrier rosé champagne afternoon tea at £85 pp, both served in Baccarat flutes. For ultimate luxury, there is even a caviar afternoon tea option.
A gold board showcases modern takes on classic British finger sandwiches – fine slithers of cucumber, light egg mayonnaise with mustard, smoked salmon with subtle hints of lemon curd, and salt beef with creamy horseradish on soft sundried tomato bread. Light, fluffy scones with honeyed glaze tops are kept warm in a small wooden presentation box. Accompaniments include classic strawberry jam, moreish rhubarb and Tonka bean jam and thick clotted cream. Patisserie change with the seasons: we had small dainty canelés kick off the sweet round (they were slightly overdone but packed a good kick of rum), followed by exotic passion fruit choux buns encased in a craquelin shell, a boozy trifle with crunchy apple and calvados chantilly cream, and a delicate dark chocolate brownie topped with a chocolate crémeux.
Available from: The Corinthia
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £65 pp, champagne afternoon tea from £75 pp
Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD
British elegance and exciting patisserie in an afternoon tea designed in collaboration with royal perfumier Floris.
The Parlour Room is sophisticated yet modern, with printed wallpaper and checked flooring. The waiting staff were knowledgeable, discussing each tea and recommending pairings for each course – we tried a classic earl grey that was floral and citrussy.
The afternoon tea starts with an assortment of savouries, which were classics with a twist, using tarragon in the chicken mayonnaise, and pairing cheddar cheese with Guinness in gougères. We liked that the perfectly shaped scones arrived warm and with plenty of clotted cream and jam for all of them. Diving into the star of the show, five intricate pastries are meticulously layered and decorated. The fruity, fragrant strawberry and jasmine tartlet was the highlight, closely followed by a zingy blackcurrant and frangipane gateaux.
Available from: Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Price: £55pp, champagne afternoon tea £65pp
Address: 3-5, Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
Traditional afternoon tea (£60pp) comes with a choice of Jing teas including the strong, slightly smoky Goring blend, and a floral oolong tea. Add a glass of refreshing Bollinger for an extra £10. Or go all out with the Bollinger rosé champagne afternoon tea that comes with fresh British strawberries and cream. A vibrant pea purée amuse bouche topped with crème fraiche and a cube of smoked salmon started the afternoon tea, followed by salty shredded chicken with fresh tomatoes on fluffy white bread and fresh salmon with crisp slithers of cucumber.
Warm with a soft middle and golden on top, the scones came with syrupy strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. For the sweet round, a soft choux bun encased in a craquelin shell was filled with whipped strawberry cream on a thick crunchy biscuit base, a dense lemon and poppy seed cake was topped with a dollop of zingy lemon curd and piped torched meringue; mini pistachio and raspberry loaf was moist and nutty; a sticky lemon macaroon with sweet tangy cream was incredibly moreish; and a silky dark chocolate tart with hibiscus had a crunchy bottom.
Available from: The Goring
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £60pp, champagne afternoon tea from £70pp
Address: 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W OJW
The Ritz is as iconic as the Queen, and this institutional British hotel keeps up tradition by serving 350 afternoon teas every day. It’s only fitting that afternoon tea at The Ritz is a lavish affair; the formal dress code requires men to wear shirt and tie, doors are opened for you by folk in top hats, and the resident pianist, Ian Gomes, who flutters away most days during afternoon tea service, used to play with Frank Sinatra.
Afternoon tea at The Ritz is taken in the Palm Court, an area raised up from the rest of the hotel’s lobby like a marble-floored stage. The Louis XVI-style set is beautifully ornate, with pristine white tablecloths laid out beneath intricate chandeliers, giant palms and gold-gilt mirrors. Choose from the 18-strong tea menu that has been curated and exclusively blended by The Ritz’s tea sommelier, Giandomenico Scanu. There are black tea blends, fermented Oolongs, herbal fruit teas and even The Ritz’s own Chai. We tried The Ritz Royal English, a classic black tea blend, combining aromatic Ceylon orange pekoe and rich Assam.
Available from: The Ritz
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £67pp, champagne afternoon tea from £82, children’s afternoon tea £48pp
Address: 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR
Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ritz
The classic room at The Wolseley has become an institution over the years – choose a simple cream tea for £16.75 (scones and tea), the classic afternoon tea for £36.75, or go all out and order the champagne afternoon tea, complete with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV (£49.75). Neatly cut finger sandwiches are made with various breads – succulent beef and horseradish on white, as well as cucumber (which was a little bland), smoked salmon on squishy brown bread, and Branston pickle on tomato bread. The coronation chicken sandwich was exemplary, with a lightly spiced curry mayo and plump sultanas.
Scones were pleasant and fluffy, but came on the stand with the rest of the sandwiches and cakes – by the time we got to them, they were a little less fresh than desired. Simple strawberry jam and clotted cream came in generous portions. A silky lemon meringue tart was finished with a shiny blow-torched meringue dome; well-spiced Dundee cake came packed with juicy fruit; and the sherry trifle included a fragrant vanilla set custard, topped with a tart, shiny sherry jelly. If you’re still peckish, the smartly dressed staff bring round trays of the tart of the day, on our visit, a large blue cheese and caramelised onion one, with a dark crunchy crust.
Available from: The Wolseley
Price: Cream tea £16.75, classic afternoon tea from £36.75pp, champagne afternoon tea £49.75pp
Address: 160 Piccadilly, St James’s London, W1J 9EB
Afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is taken in The Rosebery Lounge, a grand yet unstuffy dining room with high ceilings and a small, stylish bar offering a selection of wines and spirits, including Chêne Bleu Domaine De la Verrière rosé, Goose Island IPA and Hendrick’s gin. Speckled antique mirrors and contemporary abstract art line the walls, and individual metal coat stands (tree-like) are brought to intimate, low, dark-wood tables. Elegant chandeliers and large windows facing onto Knightsbridge high street make the lounge bright, and a rose and ginger scent infuses throughout the room.
We were greeted by a friendly and informative waiter who explained the options available: beer afternoon tea, teamaster’s choice, sake (read our guide to sake here) afternoon tea, mini afternoon tea (for children under 12) or traditional champagne afternoon tea. We opted for the latter, which came with R de Ruinart rosé champagne and R de Ruinart white champagne, both smooth, chilled and crisp, the rosé leaving slight floral notes after each sip.
Available from: The Rosebery Lounge
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £68pp, extra supplement for champagne, beer or sake pairings
Address: 66 Knightsbridge Green, London, SW1X 7LA
Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Rosebery Lounge, Mandarin Oriental
Towering palm trees, giant orchids and an elaborate glass roof – you may mistake the Winter Garden atrium at The Landmark London for a luxury hotel in Dubai. But comfortable armchairs, soft lighting and crisp white tablecloths brings a bit of British to the table, and helps provide the perfect setting for an afternoon tea.
Adding to the elegance of it all, the William Edwards chinaware is adorned with an elaborate gold pattern and trim and the teapots are kept on a beautiful bespoke stand next to the table. The Landmark London has a variety of special blend teas – the Landmark Blend has a subtle sweet hint of Bourbon vanilla, while the Winter Garden Blend is a more traditional and aromatic afternoon tea blend (we highly recommend both)…
Available from: The Landmark London
Price: High Palms Afternoon Tea £59pp, Champagne Afternoon Tea £69pp
Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ
Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Landmark London
The Thames Foyer room at The Savoy is the perfect setting for afternoon tea. A glass-domed ceiling floods the room with natural light and an impressive gazebo encasing a stone fountain full of pink flowers and greenery takes centre stage, to form an elegant winter garden. Start with a glass of champagne – rich Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV with a long finish, or step up and with a coppery pink Moet & Chandon Rose NV with zesty, wild strawberry notes. The extensive tea menu can be overwhelming, but the waiters are on hand to guide you to the best blend for you.
The Savoy Afternoon Blend combines Ceylon and Darjeeling in a crisp, refreshing tea with a hint of citrus. For something a bit different, though, try white peony & rose – a pretty brew of white tea buds and leaf with whole rose buds that add a subtle hint of fragrant Turkish delight. Lemon verbena with whole leaves is aromatic, with lemon zest pungency and mint-like freshness.
Available from: The Savoy
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £65pp
Address: The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EZ London, United Kingdom
Indulge in a delightful afternoon at NoMad, where the tranquil, light-filled orangery, nestled within the historic Grade II-listed old police station, offers a serene escape from busy Covent Garden.
Embark on a culinary journey with a three-course menu. You choose from an array of teas curated by London’s esteemed Rare Tea Company, ranging from exotic global blends like jasmine silver tip and genmaicha to timeless classics such as earl grey or English breakfast. For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, the bar team presents six innovative cocktails for an added £18, perfect for a spirited afternoon lift.
The first course is savoury sandwiches, ranging from the classic egg salad elevated with black truffle and chive, to pastrami, daikon and mustard – paying homage to NoMad’s New York roots. For an enhanced experience, consider adding Imperial Osciеtra caviar served with griddled potato bread and bonito cream for an extra £23.
The sweet delights are crafted by pastry chef Martha Hernandez, whose artistic flair shines in creations like the sacher-torte, tropical cheesecake and the cassis and shisho tart, marrying zesty fruit with buttery, crumbly pastry.
Unable to finish? Leftovers can be boxed up for you to enjoy later, too.
Available from: NoMad London
Price: Classic afternoon tea £55pp, caviar afternoon tea £78pp.
Address: 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW
Aside from the other-worldly surroundings, the highlight of afternoon tea at Sketch has to be the tea itself. Waitresses scoot golden tea trollies around the room, each one stacked with glass jars of aromatic loose leaf teas – there are at least 40 to pick from, including whole rosebud, matcha, white peony and Taiwan red jade. Feel free to sniff before you choose, and refills are complimentary.
Sketch’s new caviar afternoon tea begins, as expected, with a spoon of rich, creamy Oscietra caviar (from Russian sturgeon) – vegetarians get little pearls of cold cauliflower as a clever substitute. Even more enjoyable was the accompanying take on boiled egg and soldiers: a 63 degrees egg yolk nestled inside a deeply flavoursome ‘egg white’ made from comté cheese mornay. Utterly indulgent, and one of the most exciting, innovative ways to kick off an afternoon tea that we’ve ever seen…
Available from: Sketch
Price: Classic afternoon tea £75pp, champagne afternoon tea from £89pp, children’s afternoon tea £45pp.
Address: 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG
If you’ve been to a few afternoon teas and are bored of the familiar flavours of sandwiches, then The Kensington hotel afternoon tea could be for you. The ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ tea is inspired by the character Phileas Fogg and his attempt to travel the globe. Although the tea itself takes place in the rather sedate hotel lounge, the aim is to transport you through the food.
Sandwiches, an extra savoury course and the patisserie are inspired by London, Rome, Paris and Cairo – from a warm mini beef pie to a classic Italian tiramisu, with falafel, hummus sandwiches and much more along the way. Opt for the additional glass of champagne, take your pick of teas from The Rare Tea Company, sink into the dangerously comfy armchairs and spend a few hours snacking your way round the globe.
Available from: The Kensington
Price: from £58pp, £76pp with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut
Address: The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP
Cake & Bubbles is a dessert and champagne experience designed by multi-award-winning pastry chef Albert Adria. Located at the Hotel Café Royal in London, Adria has created a spectacle of sweet sensations, offered alongside a carefully curated selection of champagne and sparkling wine. Born out of Adria’s desire to open a dessert-only venue, the Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu comprises three sweet courses, with an optional glass of (highly recommended) N.V. Venue Clicquot Brut. Upon arrival of the first course, beautifully presented on a golden embossed cake stand, Adria’s deep passion for delicate confections is clear. We were guided through the experience by friendly staff, starting from the bottom tier with baklava pistachio pillows that were light as air and a passion fruit crème with a touch of burnt caramel to balance the flavours. By far, the highlight of the menu was the ‘cheese cake’, a twist on traditional cheesecake, using sharp Baron Bigod cheese, enveloped in sweet white chocolate with hazelnut – an absolute must-try for cheese and cake lovers alike.
Available from: Cakes & Bubbles
Price: Sweet Afternoon Bubbles menu £45pp (with a glass of N. V. Venue Clicquot Brut £60pp)
Address: 70 Regent St., London, W1B 4DY
Relatively new to the afternoon tea scene, The Park Tower Knightsbridge has partnered with Chantal Coady, who founded the luxury chocolate brand Rococo Chocolates, to create an afternoon tea experience for chocolate lovers – which also supports cocoa farmers in Grenada. The winter menu, which is served in its elegant lounge, features savoury treats like slow-poached chicken and herb pancakes, using thyme from the on-site herb garden, a quiche of wild mushroom with bitter chocolate and tarragon mayo, and a flourless lobster muffin with zingy beetroot ketchup. The star is, perhaps, the vibrant chocolate brownie pyramids with juniper mousse, but the mini Bramley apple and cinnamon tarts and Jaffa-like orange & dark chocolate cupcakes with homemade marmalade are equally delicious, too.
Available from: The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Price: Chocolate afternoon tea from £39 per person, champagne tea £59. £20 each for children.
Address: 101 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RN
Book the chocolate afternoon tea here.
Ryan Chetiyawardana (My Lyan) was inspired by his memories of afternoon tea in his parents’ hometown of Galle in Sri Lanka for this delicious high tea at Lyaness, his sleek cocktail bar at Sea Containers hotel in Southbank.
All the classic components of an afternoon tea are present – from sarnies to patisserie – and celebrate Sri Lankan flavours, dishes and ingredients. Teas come courtesy of Rare Tea Co, sourced from Sri Lankan suppliers.
Savoury highlights include sandwiches of chicken kukul mas (a classic Sri Lankan chicken curry), meaty mutton croquette, and turmeric devilled eggs, but it’s the sweet section that really shines: the fragrant pandan swiss roll and wattalapam tart (a kind of creamy coconut custard) are especially delicious.
Lyaness offers a cocktail pairing for afternoon tea that’s not to be missed (including non-alcoholic alternatives). The aromatic curry leaf champagne with mango and Bombay Sapphire is aromatic and tropical; a daiquiri gets a delicate lift with coconut water, lime and grapefruit; and the Ceylon milk tea punch with black tea, clarified rice milk, tamarind and vodka is silky smooth.
Available from: Lyaness
Price: Cocktails and tea £63pp; champagne and tea £53pp; boozeless tea £43pp
Address: 20 Upper Ground, Southbank, London SE1 9PD
As soon as you step through the door of this pristinely manicured mid-Victorian white townhouse, co-owner Kit Kemp’s bold statements make themselves known. Textiles in the suite of drawing rooms range in colour from pistachio and pink to stylish yellow and purple, with unique artwork throughout – a huge wall-mounted birdcage marks the entranceway, books line the walls, and hand painted puppets guard the honesty bar stocked with spirits, wines and bubbles.
The summery selection of sandwiches and cakes offers something a bit different to traditional afternoon tea. Thick-cut honey roasted ham with refreshing dill coleslaw comes on black rye bread; beautiful courgette flowers are coated in a crisp and light tempura; and herbes de provence chicken fills a squishy glazed brioche bun. Pastries are pretty and dainty – a hint of violet adds depth to a creamy lemon-filled choux profiterole, rose cupcakes are subtly floral and the silky raspberry pannacotta provides a pleasantly tart finish.
Available from: Number Sixteen
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £40pp, champagne afternoon tea £52pp
Address: 16 Sumner Place, London, SW7 3EG
If you delight in all things traditional, then afternoon tea at London’s TING is not for you. But if you’re open-minded, enjoy Asian food and would prefer to gaze across a sparkling city rather than a Victorian dining room, then you can’t get much better than TING at Shangri-La hotel, one of six restaurants in The Shard.
Initial impressions of TING (on level 35) are magnificent: the lift doors open onto a spectacular and uninterrupted panorama of London, dominated at first by St Paul’s Cathedral. Low tables and armchairs are sensibly arranged to soak up as much of the view as possible – we took three hours over our afternoon tea, so unique was the experience…
Available from: TING at Shangri-La
Price: Afternoon tea £69pp, champagne afternoon tea from £79pp
Address: Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard, 31, St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU
Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at Ting
Just a stone’s throw from the Science and Natural History museums in South Kensington, it’s easy to see where The Ampersand got their inspiration from for this whacky afternoon tea – the perfect treat for budding scientists.
The room we take tea in is part English drawing room, part French tea salon, and comes adorned with comfortable sofas. As for the food, everything is made in-house – there’s a meticulously decorated raspberry cake planet with a white chocolate planetary ring, and moreish hazelnut and chocolate cake with a sharp mango mousse volcano. There are also chocolate dinosaurs and a citrus cocktail served in a laboratory beaker, to add to the Dr Jekyll experience. Portions are generous too, very welcome after a morning spent museum-hopping…
Available from: The Ampersand Hotel
Price: Science afternoon tea £49.50pp, with champagne from £59.50, (vegetarian options available)
Address: 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER
Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at The Ampersand
Stockholm’s Martin Brudnizki has managed to create an intimate yet opulent feel to the high-ceilinged space using timber-paneled walls, polished brass, blue and burnt-orange leather seats and striking emerald green wall hangings.
We began with a selection of Swedish smørrebrød served on crisp sunflower-seed-studded rye bread baked at 6am that morning. Picture-perfect toppings for the open rye sandwiches included gravlax tartare, intense liver pâté and delicate venison tartare served with lovage. Shrimp skagen was a highlight, the Nordic version of prawn cocktail with punchy horseradish and dill mayonnaise covering plump little shrimp, topped with salmon roe. Fika, the Swedish tradition of taking time out for coffee and pastries, is still rife in Sweden and Finland, and Aquavit has tapped into this idea for the sweet round of its afternoon tea. Where traditional English afternoon teas serve scones, Aquavit keeps it Nordic with semla buns – mini dough balls filled with almond and cardamom paste, and whipped cream.
Available from: Aquavit
Price: The Fika afternoon tea £25pp, champagne Fika £37pp, the Aquavit afternoon tea £65pp
Address: St James’s Market, 1 Carlton Street, London SW1Y 4QQ
Click here to read our full review of Nordic afternoon tea at Aquavit
OXO Tower Wharf is one of London’s most famous landmarks, noted for its iconic branded windows and sky-high restaurants. It’s hard to find the entrance if you’ve never been before – head to the pavilion in the middle of the building, then catch the lift up to the 8th floor, for the restaurant. Enjoy stunning views on your way to your table, that stretch all the way from Waterloo Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral.
The atmosphere is considerably formal – think leather seats and slate tables with crisp ironed white tablecloths, and a slanting glass roof to make the most of those beautiful views. Afternoon tea menus are carefully explained and although the selection of sandwiches and cakes seems endless, portions here are dainty so it’s possible to try everything.
Available from: OXO Tower Wharf
Price: Traditional afternoon tea £45pp, champagne afternoon tea from £57.50pp
Address: OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH
Click here to read our full review of afternoon tea at OXO Tower
One of the best afternoon teas in London for savoury palates is the high chai tea at Cinnamon Bazaar. It doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of The Savoy, but it’s comfortable enough and the service is friendly. The menu puts a unique Indian-inspired view on afternoon tea, inspired by chef Vivek Singh’s roots in Kolkata, completely transforming it into something new. The tea is divided into chaats, nibbles (including a fish finger sandwich and chicken spring roll) and sweets. It makes a tempting change from finger sandwiches and scones and you’re sure to find a new favourite dish.
Available from: Cinnamon Bazaar
Price: Chai afternoon tea for two £27.50
Adress: 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS
Still in the mood for cakes? Check out our best ever afternoon tea recipes now, and create your own feast at home…
]]>If you’re left with sprigs of herbs in the fridge at the end of the week, don’t chuck them. Instead, experiment and give your leftovers a new life: whizz into oils and butters, make your own fresh and zingy cordial, or rustle up a vibrant green chutney. We also share a smart dessert idea and tips for freezing your leftovers. See 10 clever ways to use up your surplus herbs below.
After, discover more ways to use up leftovers, as well as these leftover chicken recipes and leftover veg recipes.
Making your own flavoured oil is a resourceful way to use up your leftover herbs, stalks and all. Any soft herbs will do, such as parsley, basil, coriander or chives. It takes just 20 mins of prep, plus overnight straining. Use the finished product in salad dressings, drizzled over dishes for a herby punch or as dip for bread.
Whizz up leftover basil leaves with olive oil, parmesan, garlic and pine nuts to make a winning homemade pesto. This classic Italian recipe is ready in just 10 mins – consider your basil transformed!
If you have any sage to spare, give this simple sage pesto a go. It works beautifully with roasted butternut squash. We have more sage recipes here.
The flavoured butter trend often does the rounds on social media, hailed as a creative and low-cost way to level up your butter game.
Fancy trying it for yourself? Our easy herb butter turns a small bunch of parsley, tarragon and chives, along with lemon, garlic and black peppercorns, into a beautifully rustic butter. Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl with the soft butter and season generously with salt. It’s lovely to spread onto bread or even for self-basting a chicken or turkey.
Alternatively, beat leftover sage into butter to make a simple yet effective whipped sage butter.
If you’re left with more dill than you needed, mix ½ tsp of it with lemon juice to make a herby butter, as seen in this effortless prawn linguine.
Work leftover basil, into your own refreshing cordial, with peaches, sugar and lemon juice. To serve, dilute with chilled sparkling or tonic water, or add to bourbon and ginger beer for a fruity cocktail.
Or take a look at our basil recipes for more ways with this fragrant herb.
Avoid food waste by turning leftovers into this coriander chutney. It may sound difficult, but it’s easy: take a small bunch of coriander, along with some spices, sugar, vinegar and oil, and blend with 2-3 tbsp water until smooth. It’s the perfect accompaniment to stews, curries and toasties.
Alternatively, make this vibrant mint chutney and drizzle over masala French toast for brunch with a twist.
Breathe new life into coriander by making a spin on hummus. Divide between plates and top with chunky wedges of harissa-coated cauliflower in this sophisticated vegan main.
Check out more ways to use up coriander in our collection of coriander recipes.
Take your fridge-raiding skills up a notch by converting leftover parsley into homemade crusty soda bread. If you’re a skeptic when it comes to bread-making, know that this soda bread requires no kneading or proving, and takes minutes to prepare. Once made, you can use it in this easy yet impressive clams recipe to soak up hot, garlicky butter. It’s the perfect dish for impressing without the hassle.
Or turn your hand to these delightfully easy mini herb, green olive and buttermilk cornbreads – scattered with basil, parsley or dill for a final flourish.
Soup almost always tastes better when it’s homemade. Flex your soup-making muscles in this easy carrot soup – chuck a small bunch of leftover coriander into the mix after you’ve blitzed the veg together and you’re left with a delicately fragrant, warming soup.
Alternatively, opt for a lighter and fresher feel with this summer vegetable soup, packed with peas, courgette, green beans and any leftover basil, parsley or mint.
Revive straggling herbs by making a classic tzatzki. Combine your herbs, (dill, mint), with grated cucumber, yogurt, garlic, herbs and lemon juice and it’s ready to serve with toasted pittas or crisps as a dip, spooned over grilled meat or fish, or showcased on a platter and topped with veg fritters, kofte or savoury pastries.
Another savvy idea is using dill to liven up vegan yogurt. Mix your chopped dill with olive oil, lemon, chilli flakes and vegan yogurt in a small bowl, then season well with salt and pepper. We like ours dolloped onto nutty orzo in this flavourful vegan dish.
If you’re left with extra bits of tarragon, they work brilliantly in a fresh and fruity pud. Toss a handful of finely chopped tarragon with quartered strawberries, a little caster sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice. Leave to macerate for 20 mins, then serve with cream or ice cream.
Fancy growing your own? Find out how to grow your own herbs in this trusty guide.
Looking for recipes and foods to try to celebrate Holi? Read our guide from Indian food writer Maunika Gowardhan then check out more Indian recipes and Maunika’s podcast about how to perfect Indian cooking.
Recipes extracted from Thali: A Joyful Celebration of Indian Home Cooking by Maunika Gowardhan (Hardie Grant, £22) and photography by Sam A. Harris and Tandoori Home Cooking by Maunika Gowardhan (Hardie Grant, £25), photography by Issy Croker.
Holi, the Indian festival of colours, is celebrated to mark the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. Celebrated on 25 March this year, it always falls on a full moon. Indian mythology signifies Holi as a festival of letting go of the old and bringing in the new; a time to forget the mistakes of the past and begin with renewed hope and strength to create meaningful relations with friends and family.
The night before the festival is marked with bonfires, with coconut, corn and chickpeas thrown into the flames as offerings of gratitude. Pujas (ceremonial worship and prayers) are held on the occasion.
The day is filled with fun, joy, and most definitely indulging in good food and drink. As a young girl, throwing gulal (coloured powders) and water balloons with family and friends had to be the best part of this holiday for me. Just remember to wear white or lighter colours as the gulal can stain. The festival transcends religion and caste, and bridges gaps in society, bringing people together.
Sweet and savoury snacks are a big part of Holi. There isn’t a specific meal, although lots of variety is served throughout the day. From samosas, chaat and mirchi vadas to the most wonderful vegetarian curries and plenty of sweets, including jalebis, barfi and malpuas.
One of my favourite foods to celebrate Holi has to be gujiya or karanji, a crispy pastry filled with coconut. These were my favourite snacks when I was growing up and something I still make at home. Try my Maharashtrian karanji recipe.
Karanji are best eaten while still warm, followed by a chilled glass of thandai – an almond-infused drink with fennel, cardamom and rose petals that is traditionally served during Holi.
Renowned for its vegetarian cuisine, the Indian subcontinent has a massive population that relies purely on a meat-free diet. Matar paneer is a delicious recipe that hails from the north of India and is an all-time favourite. This simple dish starts with a tomato base and basic spices, including turmeric, coriander and cumin powder.
Try my Punjabi matar paneer recipe.
An Indian milk-based sweet fudge made using ground cardamom and nuts. Barfi come in a variety of flavours including mango, ground pistachio, saffron and even chocolate. Another version of this is kalakand, made with milk solids, cardamom and almonds. Try Gurdeep Loyal’s kaju katli cashew burfi.
I love to cook a variety of curries for the occasion, including Rajasthani laal maas (lamb curry), pork balchao and creamy chicken curry.
]]>If you’re going to be cooking a Mother’s Day brunch this year, check out our guide for the best Mother’s Day breakfast recipes. Or why not try one of our Mother’s Day cake ideas.
For more gift inspiration, check out our round-ups of the best Easter gifts, special best champagne gifts, best chocolate gifts, best tea gifts and more at our gift guides hub.
Spoil mum this year with this luxurious hamper from Selfridges, containing a little bit of everything needed for a special treat. There’s a bottle of rosé, bar of white chocolate and box of creamy blonde chocolate malt balls (strictly not for sharing), alongside a Neom candle and La Mer lip balm for the ultimate relaxing evening.
Available from:
Selfridges (£100)
Female-run SheGrowsVeg offers a huge variety of seed bundles of unique varieties for the keen gardener. We love the fun colour-themed bundles (think pretty pink veg or a gothic black veg selection), but this foodie’s seed selection would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift for any mum who’s a keen cook. Grow impressive aubergines, bold violet cauliflowers, hanging tomatoes and more to make your dishes sing.
Available from:
SheGrowsVeg (£19)
For the mum who loves experimenting in the kitchen, this gift set of spices is sure to keep them busy. The set contains five different tins of spice blends – korma, Goan, tandoori, bhuna and an unusual sweet mix for desserts. Each tin makes curry for eight people and there’s a recipe book to get you started with the fragrant blends. Plus, there’s also a candle for the kitchen included.
Available from:
Amazon (£29.95)
For the ultimate host, this chic chip and dip bowl in one can be brought out every time they entertain. Made from terracotta by artisans in Portugal, we love the gentle three-tones of blue across the dish.
Available from:
Oliver Bonas (£39.50)
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Make your feelings clear with this big heart mug – available in a range of colours to suit every kitchen and style, it’s a coffee break must have. Check out our round up of the best coffee mugs for more inspiration.
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This top of the range milk frother is a stylish kitchen addition for anyone who loves the retro look. Perfect for making a frothy coffee but also voted our best milk frother for making super silky hot chocolates, it’s bound to become the new favourite kitchen gadget.
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We love the idea behind this hamper – a selection of carefully curated botanical-themed treats, it’s perfect for Mother’s Day. The products inside all have unique flavour combinations to try out, from a decadent lavender-honey praline to fragrant rose dark chocolate. Plus, it’s completed with a bouquet of dried flowers arranged by Kai of My Lady Garden (who has curated this floral hamper), to last long after Mother’s Day.
Available from:
DELLI (£32)
It’s hard to find really good macarons on the high street, but French family bakery Brioche Pasquier has perfected their recipe to a tee. We love the crisp shell and just-right chewy centre, with natural-tasting fillings piped beautifully in the middle.
This pâtisserie range includes six flavours of macarons (raspberry, lemon, coffee, chocolate, vanilla and pistachio) and comes in a generous box of 36 (great value for the price) – so plenty for both you and mum.
Available from:
Ocado (£18)
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Is your mum a coffee lover? Let her brew in style with Le Creuset’s on-trend ultra violet coffee pot. For more ideas, visit our Le Creuset deals round-up.
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For any tea-loving mums out there, this gift offers them the chance to try a selection of the Teapigs flavours. Pick any 12 teas out of the 31 packs they have to choose from including chilli chai; apple and cinnamon; and fennel and liquorice. The perfect Mother’s Day gift to say ‘put your feet up with a cup of tea’.
Available from:
Teapigs (from £17.99)
We love Warner’s gin, especially when it’s rhubarb flavoured. Cheers!
Available from:
Waitrose Cellar (£38)
Amazon (£35.99)
Give your mum a gin gift with a personal touch by choosing a craft British juniper spirit from the region that you grew up in or have visited together. From London to Somerset, Sussex to Scotland, Brecon Beacons to Brighton, artisans are making gins with unique botanicals from all corners of the UK.
Click here for our guide to the best.
Send tonnarelli straight to your mum’s door. Gift subscriptions are available in one, two, three or six month plans. Bellissimo!
Available from:
Pasta Evangelists (from £20)
Best coffee gifts
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Bread cloches are usually cast iron or ceramic, and go in the oven to conduct and circulate heat. This provides a better baking environment than putting a loaf straight in the oven, resulting in an even rise and better crust.
Bread cloches come into their own when baking sourdough. Sourdough uses natural fermentation with live bacteria to rise, rather than adding yeast for a quick rise. This means the bread takes longer to produce, but it results in a lower glycaemic index, which causes blood sugar levels to rise slower.
This list includes some specifically designed cloches, as well as cast iron casserole dishes, which are super versatile pieces of cookware and work well for baking bread. We tested our bread cloches using sourdough, but you can use them to bake other types of loaves, too.
Read on for the best way to bring your home bakes to the next level.
Fancy making your own sourdough at home? Learn how to make your own sourdough starter and use our sourdough recipes. If you’re feeding your sourdough starter and trying to reduce waste, check out our sourdough discard recipes.
Jump to:
Best bread cloche for large loaves
Star rating: 5/5
Le Creuset is famous for its casserole dishes, and the cast-iron build means they conduct heat efficiently for baking bread. There are numerous colours and sizes to choose from. For testing, we tried the oval Signature Casserole in 33cm to try baking a batard (oval sourdough loaf).
The combination of enamel and cast iron is Le Creuset’s signature, but they are weighty products. You need two hands to lift this casserole dish in and out of the oven, though the handles are helpful. There wasn’t much mess to clean up after we baked our bread, but this entire dish and lid can go in the dishwasher, which makes for an easy clean-up.
On test, our loaf had a nice rise and evenly coloured crust with a good thickness at the base and on top. This Le Creuset is a super versatile piece of cookware with the capability to cook soups, stews and even roast a chicken.
Available from:
Best affordable Dutch oven for bread
Star rating: 5/5
Our Place might be the new kid on the block when it comes to cast iron (compared to Le Creuset and Staub), but we were impressed by the performance of its cookware. Not only is this casserole dish more affordable than other models we’ve tested, it also comes in a range of muted, on-trend colours, like sage and lavender.
The pot comes in one size, which we found worked well for a 1k boule sourdough loaf, but it’s unlikely you’d be able to bake a large loaf in there. We liked that this model comes with accessories – a spoon and silicone grips – which was a helpful safety feature for getting it in and out of the oven.
On test, our loaf came out with an attractive golden colour after the recommended bake time. It had risen well, and the heat had conducted evenly through the base to produce a firm, crisp crust and overall we were very happy with the cooking results.
Available from:
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Best blow out Dutch oven for bread
Star rating: 5/5
This casserole dish from Staub is certainly an investment, but its sturdiness and attractive design means it has nearly endless uses, including baking bread. Coming in a range of bright, dynamic colours, including grenadine-red and basil-green, it’s eye-catching enough to live on your hob, or could be stored in a cupboard with the lid inverted.
The weighty dish needs two hands to lift it, but on test, we found it was relatively easy to place and remove from the oven thanks to the handles. The cast iron conducted heat impressively, and our loaf had a nice crust on the base as well as the top.
The casserole dish can go in the dishwasher, but since our loaf didn’t stick, we found it easy to clean by hand. If you’re after a super versatile piece of kit to last a lifetime, this is a great choice. We tested the 26cm size for our oval 1kg loaf which maintained its shape well, but there are 11 sizes to choose from.
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Best lightweight bread cloche
Star rating: 4.5/5
Netherton Foundry is a family-owned business, and its experts spin their bread cloches in Shropshire. The cloche is made from super light-weight iron, which makes it easier to lift and transport compared to other cloches on test. We were impressed that this product arrived in fully recyclable packaging made from paper and cardboard. It’s pre-seasoned with oil to make it non-stick, but you will need to continue to season it with use, and make sure you’re keeping it dry to avoid any rusting.
The cloche is bell-shaped with a large base that could be used for a variety of loaves, as well as for pizzas. Its height means it’s fairly bulky to store and you’ll need to dedicate some space to it. After preheating the cloche for 30 minutes, we lined it with greaseproof paper and added our loaf. Since this model doesn’t have any handles we found it difficult to remove from an under-the-counter oven, and we had to take out the oven shelf to remove the cloche safely.
Our final loaf was well risen with a thick crust, and the base was golden. We didn’t have any trouble removing it from the cloche. If you bake a lot of bread and want a specific cloche without the weight of cast iron, then this is the option for you.
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Best for proving and baking
Star rating: 4/5
This bread cloche is a little different from others on the list. Rather than being made from cast iron, this model is ceramic and built as an accessory to the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer. It can be used for mixing dough, proofing and baking.
On test, we used it to mix our sourdough, which was an easy process as the stand mixer did all the hard work. We then removed it from the mixer and used the lid to prove the dough. We were impressed by how doing it all in one made the process relatively mess-free.
When baking, we preheated the bowl for the recommended 30 minutes in a 200C oven, but it’s safe up to 260C. To bake you need to invert the bowl so the lid acts as the base, but it’s worth noting that the height means you’ll need to place it on the bottom oven shelf. The circumference of the lid is fairly small – our 1k loaf fitted nicely, but you couldn’t bake a larger one. Our final loaf had a nice height, although the crust at the base was thinner and paler when compared to other loaves we’d baked in cloches made from cast iron.
If you’re looking for greater versatility from your KitchenAid Artisan mixer and regularly bake bread, this would be a good option.
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If you regularly bake bread at home, using a cloche is a simple way to ensure a better crust and get a more even bake. However, they’re not essential, and a cloche can be costly as well as bulky to store if you only bake from time to time.
If you’ve got an oven with a normal temperature range, you’ll be able to bake using a regular baking sheet and produce good results.
However, if you’re after versatility, it might be worth investing in a casserole dish. Cast iron is a fantastic conductor of heat, which means it works to produce a good crust and rise, as well as working well for soups, stews and roast meats.
Cast iron is a great conductor of heat, which makes it a great material for cooking. This means it can heat up to high temperatures and retains heat well.
The most important thing for using a cast iron Dutch oven as a bread cloche is that it has a lid. This works to keep the heat circulating, essentially working as a small bread oven at a higher temperature than your wider oven. The direct contact with the base of the cast iron also means you’ll have a high-quality crust on the base of your loaf.
We lined our cast iron bread cloches with greaseproof paper to make sure the loaves didn’t stick, but don’t be tempted to grease the inside of the dish — high temperatures will burn the grease, which will in turn impact the flavour of the bread.
We tested our bread cloches using this white sourdough recipe from our friends at BBC Good Food. We mix our bread by hand and used banneton baskets to keep the loaves in the fridge overnight. For each test, we preheated the bread cloche in a 200C fan oven for half an hour. We lined each cloche with greaseproof paper and scored the loaves before putting them into the cloche with the lid on.
We removed the lid of the cloche for the final 10 minutes of cooking time. Once baking was complete, we monitored how long it took for the cloche to cool.
We scored based on set criteria, including ease of use, versatility, cooking results, quality of materials and sustainability.
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