Looking for the best spots to eat pizza in the capital? We've rounded up our top places, whether you’re after a New York-style slice or an artisanal sourdough base
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 thin and crispy pizza base or a traditional Neapolitan pizza, we’ve found the best pizza restaurants in London. From pizza in Bethnal Green to pizza in Belgravia, 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. Check out more of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Kings Cross, best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Brixton and best restaurants in Paddington. Also see our pick of the best Italian restaurants in London for more pizza and other regional dishes. Best for thin-crust: Weezie's Weezie's is the latest addition to London's growing collection of pizzerias dishing up crisp, thin-crust pizzas. This venture is from Abbie Roden and Will Sandbach, the duo behind neighbouring wine bar amie. Located within Eccleston Yards, the coveted spot's reclaimed furniture and high ceilings make it feel more chic hideout than pizza joint. Which pizza to order at Weezie's? Pizza is made with Wildfarmed regeneratively farmed flour and premium British ingredients. The compact menu sticks to a few classic flavour pairings, along with some inventive options such as a white pizza swirled with garlic-whipped labneh, watercress, smoked pickle dressing and chives. The highlight, the sobrassada – topped with fior di latte, Curing Rebels sobrassada, charred sweetcorn, hot honey, parmesan dusting and fresh parsley – steals the show with its vivid toppings and balance of creamy, umami-rich flavours. What else is there to eat and drink? Buttermilk ranch and confit garlic mayo make for punchy crust-dipping. There's also a generously piled pickle plate to start and Torres crisps loaded with aged ham, guindillas, cornichons and a parmesan blanket. Wine is provided by the studio next door, so you can expect quaffable rosé, crémant and orange, along with a four-strong cocktail selection: spicy margaritas were already out of stock by 7pm but we did enjoy a botanical lemon spritz with Allora aperitivo. Address: 4, 15 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ Nearest tube station: Victoria Opening times: Tuesday-Friday (5pm-10pm); Saturday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for trendy London pizza: Hot Saint Pizza at The Old Queen's Head Tom Budakan, former chef from beloved Dough Hands, is busy bringing his own spin on London-style pizza to this convivial Islington pub. Expect crispy pizzas with a base made from a high-protein Canadian flour and a small amount of rye for a slightly nutty flavour. The dough is fermented for a minimum of 48 hours to ensure a light yet crisp crust. Which pizza to order at Hot Saint Pizza? Tom's concise menu majors on all the classic pizzas, along with a few unique flavour combinations, such as our favourite, the Spicy Hawaiian (San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, guanciale and smoked ham hock, pineapple, smoked chilli and jalapeños). The Shrooms Bianca – topped with fior di latte, roasted oyster and chestnut mushrooms, dolcelatte, caramelised onions and parmesan – will convert shroom sceptics for its tangy, umami-rich profile. What else is there to eat and drink? Garlic ranch and smoky chilli make above average dips. There are also pizza sandwiches, which include the Spicy Chicken Parm with vodka sauce, fior di latte, pesto and basil, and the House Meatball, with vodka sauce, smoked mozzarella, pesto and red onion. Order drinks from the bar, run by The Columbo Group (the team behind The Parakeet and The Jazz Cafe). Think expert cocktails and a great beer selection: we enjoyed an Asahi on draught plus a fruity sweet plum margarita, made with Patrón Reposado, plum wine, lime and agave. Address: 44 Essex Road, London N1 8LN Nearest tube station: Angel Opening times: Monday-Thursday (4pm-10pm), Friday-Saturday (12pm-9:30pm), Sunday (12pm-6:45pm) Best for crispy 18-inch pizzas: Spring Street Pizza Tucked beneath the arches off Southwark Bridge Road, Spring Street Pizza is the latest project from Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble. Drawing on over 15 years’ experience at the helm of acclaimed restaurants, Kemble brings a refined yet relaxed approach to this pizzeria, merging the bold character of New York pizza joints with a polished London aesthetic. Which pizza to order at Spring Street Pizza? Impressive 18-inch New York-style pizzas are available whole or as half-and-half, crafted with premium ingredients for maximum flavour. The dough is made in-house and undergoes a 48–72 hour fermentation, resulting in a crust that is light, crisp and perfect for dipping into house sauces such as green goddess and confit garlic aioli. The menu caters for traditionalists with classic marinara and margherita options, while those seeking something more adventurous might opt for the New Yorker, topped with San Marzano tomato, pepperoni from rebel charcuterie, Parmigiano Reggiano, hot honey and basil. What else is there to eat and drink? Try the fried breadcrumb mozzarella sticks finished with 22-month parmesan, or round off your meal with smooth vanilla soft-serve, sour cherry and pistachio. The drinks list is carefully chosen, including cocktails, wines and beers; notable choices are the mezcal margarita with a hint of chilli and a zesty Italian orange wine. Address: Arch 32, Southwark Quarter, Southwark St, London SE1 1TE Nearest tube station: London Bridge Opening times: Tuesday (5pm-10pm); Wednesday-Saturday (12pm-10pm); Sunday (12pm-9pm) Best for NYC-style slices: Vincenzo's Shoreditch Vincenzo's in Shoreditch is the second location from Tom Vincent, who opened his first location in Bushey in 2022 and watched it become a cult favourite. You can now find his signature crispy, thin-crust whole pies and pizza by the slice in the capital, bringing New York’s late-night energy and providing Londoners with a new way to enjoy pizza: fresh, hot, generous slices to grab and go. It's made such a mark that it's already a buzzing London institution. Which pizza to order at Vincenzo's? Order by the slice or indulge in a 16-inch pie if you're hungry. NYC fold is served on grease-stained paper plates, with simple toppings alongside the likes of spicy vodka sauce, plus a fun take on a Greek-inspired spanakopita. NY slices are the emphasis, however our favourite has to be the focaccia, served by the square: it's tangy, chewy and loaded with premium toppings like burrata and pepperoni (drizzled in hot honey, no less). Super heavenly, though be warned: you may never look at pizza the same way again. What else is there to eat and drink? It's primarily a grab and go situation, with just a few stools to perch, so the only thing left to order are the quietly formidable dips: a hot and sweet roquito ranch (our favourite), truffle mayo, garlic and herb, and hot honey. There's also a range of soft drinks. Address: 122 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street Opening times: Wednesday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for 'Britalian' pizza: Connie's Find this smart and cosy pizzeria set under the arches of Queen’s Road Peckham, taking over the site formerly occupied by South African restaurant Little Kudu. It is the latest project from Andrea Asciuti, founder of acclaimed Neapolitan hot spot 081 Pizzeria. Named after his wife, the focus is on Britalian style pizzas, injecting London-style pizza (light, crispy, premium toppings) with Italian soul, all while using seasonal, local ingredients. Which pizza to order at Connie's? Andrea leaves his expertise in Neapolitan-style pizza behind for pies which are crisp and airy, with dough fermented for 36-48 hours and baked at 370C using American flour (you won't find floppy slices here). Expect up to eight different pizzas on the menu, from a classic margherita to a double pepperoni with hot honey, as well as 'nduja and British stracciatella. What else is there to eat and drink? There is a quartet of starters to choose from: cheesy dough balls, deep-fried mac ’n’ cheese, mozzarella sticks and meatballs. The mozzarella fingers easily make it into the cheese-pull hall of fame, while the mac 'n' cheese bites make crunchy morsels which taste even better liberally dunked into a pot of tangy blue cheese sauce. There is one dessert, presented in three forms: fiocco di neve mini brioche filled with either pistachio, Nutella or ricotta whipped cream. Address: 133 Queen’s Road, SE15 2ND. Nearest train station: Queen's Road Peckham Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (5-11pm); Thursday-Saturday (12-11pm); Sunday (12-10pm) Best for deep-dish Detroit pizza: Ria's Ria’s is a cosy, laid-back spot selling fantastic deep-dish Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It's perfect for intimate dates and candle-lit catch-ups, full of charm and character. The latest Soho site is snug yet stylishly furnished, building on everything that made the Notting Hill original a hit, with exciting new slices and a low-lit wine cave. Which pizza to order at Ria's? Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. Our favourite flavours were the House Pie and the Soho Chilli Crisp. The first had a red sauce base and a devilishly delicious combination of ricotta, basil and lemon drizzle. The latter was laden with ’nduja, Lao Gan Ma crispy chilli oil, pickled shallots, spring onions and aged parmesan – tongue-tingling and tangy. What else is there to eat and drink? There is a great range of natural wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria’s: we enjoyed a glass of Orange de Rias for its tropical brightness, and a glass of Herrigoia – a crunchy, easy-going red with tart cherry notes. There's also a small but sharp cocktail list, bottled beer and a good range of soft drinks. If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat. Address: 29 Foubert's Place, London W1F 7QF Nearest tube station: Oxford Circus Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for London-style pizza: Dough Hands Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms. Which pizza to order at Dough Hands? The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas. What else is there to eat and drink? Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar. We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA. Address: The Spurstowe Arms, 68 Greenwood Rd, London E8 1AB Nearest train station: Hackney Central Opening times: Monday-Thursday (4:30-9pm); Friday (3:30-9pm); Saturday (12-9:30pm) and Sunday (12-6pm) Best for contemporary Neapolitan pizza: Renaissance Award-winning pizzaiolo Marco Fuso brings 20 years of expertise to this friendly south London pizzeria. Taking a contemporary Neapolitan approach, the team uses a slow-risen dough and employs a 48-hour fermentation process, alongside a focus on experimental Italian ingredients. Unlike traditional wood-fired ovens, Renaissance uses a high-tech Moretti Forni electric oven – pizza is cooked at around 370 degrees for a few minutes to produce a bite which is soft and light, with a crisp, blistered crust. Which pizza to order at Renaissance? Expect a lot of options with up to 20 pizzas on offer. We were drawn to the unique flavours of the zucca piccante (pumpkin sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, stilton, ‘nduja di Spilinga, parmesan and Italian sausage). Pumpkin and 'nduja made a winning flavour combination, striking a perfect balance of cream and heat. You can also expect classic favourites like salami, featuring rich San Marzano tomatoes and creamy fior di latte mozzarella. What else is there to eat and drink? Marco’s commitment to spotlighting premium produce is demonstrated in the Italian-led drinks menu. We enjoyed a light refreshing Amarcord lager and a herbal Cynar spritz, which acts as the perfect bridge between an Aperol and Campari. For dessert, skip the tiramisu and order the the pasticciotto leccese, a delicacy from Marco's hometown of Lecce: a little shortcrust pie filled with gooey pistachio cream and dusted with icing sugar, it should be a fixture at all pizzerias. Address: 1 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG Nearest train station: Clapham Junction Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday (5pm-11pm); Saturday (12pm-11pm); Sunday (12pm-9:30pm) Best for inventive Napoli pizza: Napoli on the Road Hidden in the back streets of Richmond you'll find this little gem of a pizza restaurant. The space is intimate and perfect for a date night or special occasion. Which pizza to order at Napoli on the Road? The pizza here is second to none – no surprise really as chef and owner Michele Pascarella won Global Pizza Maker of the Year in 2023. Famed for his inventive take on pizza, the ever-changing seasonal menu features exciting flavour combinations like roasted pumpkin, rosemary and blue cheese, alongside the classics, like margherita. On visiting, we were blown away by the lighter than air, chewy base and quality toppings, as well as the friendly service which took us outside our pizza comfort zones. What else is there to eat and drink? Highlights include the shaved fennel salad with crumbled ricotta, olives and oregano, and the spicy pepperoni slice – both starters that worked perfectly with a negroni. We ended the night with a vast slice of tiramisu and a cloud of boozy crème diplomate and mille-feuille pastry. Full to the brim and happy, a walk along the river was just the ticket. Address: 12 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9 1RW Nearest train station: Richmond Opening times: Monday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday-Sunday (12pm-10:15pm) Best for simple Neapolitan: Santa Maria Tucked away from the bustle of Paddington Station, Santa Maria brings a slice of Naples to west London with a laid-back, quirky vibe – think colourful wall art, cosy booths and a buzzy, casual energy. A new menu features bold creations alongside the signature Neapolitan pizzas. The menu is all about pizza, done properly – chewy, charred crusts and punchy toppings, with a few exciting twists. Which pizza to order at Santa Maria? The standout? San Ciro – a collaboration with Naples’ Bro Pizzeria and a fiery, rule-breaking combo of smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy pineapple reduction, black lime dust and parmesan crisps. The menu cheekily warns “It’s not a pizza for Neapolitans” – a nod to the rebellious twist on tradition, and it’s absolutely worth trying while it lasts. What else is there to eat and drink? Skip starters and go straight for the pizza but leave room for the Pan di Stelle dessert – a rich mascarpone and Nutella chocolate mousse crowned with Italy’s iconic biscuit. Vegan options are well represented, including a silky vegan salted caramel ice cream that shines in an affogato. Drinks-wise, expect Italian beers and spritzes, and relaxed, no-fuss service. Address: 3 Norfolk Place, Tyburnia, London W2 1QJ Nearest train station: Paddington Opening times: Sunday to Thursday (11:30am-10pm); Friday-Saturday (11:30am-10:30pm) Best for deep pan pizza: Little Earthquakes This original concept from chef Neil Rankin and From the Ashes BBQ has taken up residency in Dalston boozer The Railway Tavern, serving up pies nostalgically inspired by deep pan pizza brand Chicago Town, using Italian and British ingredients supplied by local businesses around Newington Green, with sourdough bases made using Wildfarmed regenerative flour. Which pizza to order at Little Earthquakes? The pizzas may only be six inches in size but they deliver plenty of bang for their buck – decadent deep dish affairs with crunchy caramelised crusts, topped with mozzarella and snowy drifts of pecorino. Fillings are hearty and deliver maximum flavour. We tried the richly meaty and umami salami ragu using fennel salami, and the taleggio and guanciale, inspired by a classic carbonara, is lusciously cheesy and porky, the saltiness balanced by a touch of honey. What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are the main focus you can also order the likes of plant-based meatballs (from Neil’s own Symplicity brand), cheesy focaccia, caponata parmigiana and a wonderfully OTT pizza focaccia sandwich with a hefty wedge of mortadella. Refresh yourself with traditional cask ales and craft beers from the pub bar. Address: The Railway Tavern, 2 St Jude Street, London N16 8JT Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland Opening times: Tuesday to Friday (6-9pm); Saturdays (3-9pm) Best for authentic Neapolitan pizza: Fatto a Mano Fatto a Mano pays homage to the classic Neapolitan pizza, where soft and pillowy is favoured over thin and crispy. Dough is made from scratch every day, proved for a minimum of 24 hours then topped by a pizzaioli who cooks each pizza in a wood-fired oven at 450 degrees for no more than 90 seconds (just as they do in Naples). You can enjoy a slice of Fatto’s wood-fired magic at its newest branch in Soho. Which pizza to order at Fatto a Mano? Pizzas are lightly digestible and beautiful swollen at the cornicione rims, topped with artisanal ingredients such as ventricina (spicy salami), Neal's Yard goat's cheese and friarielli (Neapolitan broccoli). We enjoyed the special, Bella Disgrazia (the beautiful disgrace), a creative spin on the controversial ham and pineapple that combined spicy roast pineapple, spicy salami, black pepper pancetta, mozzarella, parmesan and chives, drizzled in ‘nduja honey. What else is there to eat and drink? Those looking for a full-on feast are in luck with comforting Italian starters and sides in abundance. Highlights include hot, crisp and perfectly plump truffle and gorgonzola arancini, and the spicy beef and pork ragu lasagne fritta, paired with a pot of 'nduja honey. For drinks kickstart the evening with a classic aperitivo such as a negroni, then make your way through the impressive list of Italian wines or Brighton beers. A wedge of gelato cookie sandwich is compulsory to wrap up proceedings, a salty-sweet blend of honeycomb and salted caramel. Address: 95 Dean St, London W1D 3SX Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12-10:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm Best for thin-crust pizza: Alley Cats Pizza 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) Best in Soho: Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza 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) Best pizza and beer in East London: Ace Pizza at Pembury Tavern 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) Best for vegan pizza: Purezza 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) Best sourdough pizza in London: Theo’s 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) Best for pizza garlic bread: Sodo Pizza With six sites across London London, 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) Fancy something sweet now? Click here for our chocolate chip cookie pizza recipe Photographs: Steven Joyce (Doughnation)
Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in this buzzing area of south-east London. Try Persian meze, low-intervention wines, Indian street food nibbles and more
Peckham is home to an expanding roster of cool yet respected eateries, mostly located on the bustling Rye Lane. I've lived in south/south-east London for almost 10 years and Peckham is always the neighbourhood I head to for a casual yet exciting meal, either with friends or visiting family members. Hailed for its excellent breadth, you can find anything from quirky Vietnamese snacks to Parisian 'bistronomy' and London-style pizza. There truly is something to suit all tastes. Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in the SE area below, from French-style bistros to Persian meze and plant-based Indian street food. After, read about our favourite new restaurants in London or the best restaurants in Clerkenwell. Best places to eat and drink in Peckham Upstairs at Hausu, Station Way Hausu takes its vintage hi-fidelity sounds and mid-century aesthetic to its upstairs loft space, a sultry drinking destination and listening bar. As you ascend the stairs you enter the dimly lit space, unfolding into rich chocolate-cherry sheer voile and wool-draped curtains. Speakers have been mounted high in the upstairs corners, broadcasting an eclectic repertoire of jazz and post-punk records on vinyl. The concise cocktail list builds on the downstairs kitchen's predilection for worldly spins on classics. The salted iberiko tomato martini mixes vodka, dry vermouth and iberiko tomato water to make a fresh, umami-forward sip. Coconut daiquiri, with cachaça, coconut, lime and cardamom, is zippy while striking a balance of fruity-herbaceous. Make sure to order the luxurious buttered rum espresso martini (rum, salted butter, Kahlua, espresso) to round out the evening. Bar snacks are inspired by head chef Holly’s dedication to Italian influences and local produce, designed for sharing and late-night snacking. Glossy boquerones are dressed in lime leaf oil, plump Wright Brothers scallops are cooked over coals, pepped up with in-house XO sauce and topped with a tangle of sweet, salty seaweed for a crispy finish. Thin, peppered slices of filetto lardato – premium Italian cured pork – were delicately delicious, melting in the mouth with every bite. hausulondon.co.uk Levan, Blenheim Grove This Peckham mainstay has undertaken a few refreshes as it enters its eighth year, with ex-Planque and The Clove Club chef Rani Raimondi in the kitchen. His appointment is accompanied by a thoughtful update of the restaurant’s interior, with big Parisian charm via a rich burgundy palate, softened lighting and carefully curated art. Inspired by the ‘bistronomy’ movement and a longstanding love affair with French cuisine, Levan’s à la carte menu is split into four sections – snacks, starters, larger mains and sides. Start with a few snacks and starters: tuck into the must-have beef tartare, a rich, tender morsel perched atop a deeply golden Parisienne-style rösti. The highlight of the starters is the scallop crudo – delicate slices of scallop are balanced by sweet-tart blood orange, accompanied by dabs of crème fraîche and trout roe for a fresh, mildly salty finish. For mains, the pork neck is tender and deeply succulent, crowned with slithers of buttery Cantabrian anchovies and charred sprouts which elevate its savouriness to heavenly new heights. Finish with the chocolate pudding, uniquely fused with plums, hazelnut praline and sesame ice cream to create a mouthwatering experience. The carefully curated wine list focuses on low-intervention and biodynamic wines. Dafni white is wonderfully herbaceous with a refreshing citrus finish – a native variety saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family in Greece. There is also a snappy list of modish aperitifs: the Red Velvet Margarita, mixing mezcal verde with Lillet Rouge, plum brine, almond orgeat, cranberry and rosemary, will be what we order next time. levanlondon.co.uk Connie's, Station Passage Find this smart and cosy pizzeria set under the arches of Queen’s Road Peckham, taking over the site formerly occupied by South African restaurant Little Kudu. It is the latest project from Andrea Asciuti, founder of acclaimed Neapolitan hot spot 081 Pizzeria. Named after his wife, the focus is on Britalian style pizzas, injecting London-style pizza (light, crispy, premium toppings) with Italian soul, all while using seasonal, local ingredients. Andrea leaves his background in Neapolitan-style pizza behind for pies which are crisp and airy, with dough fermented for 36-48 hours and baked at 370C using American flour (you won't find floppy slices here). Expect up to eight different pizzas on the menu, from a classic margherita to a double pepperoni with hot honey, as well as 'nduja and British stracciatella. There is a quartet of starters to choose from: cheesy dough balls, deep-fried mac ’n’ cheese, mozzarella sticks and meatballs. The mozzarella fingers easily make it into the cheese-pull hall of fame, while the mac 'n' cheese bites make crunchy morsels which taste even better liberally dunked into a pot of tangy blue cheese sauce. There is one dessert, presented in three forms: fiocco di neve mini brioche filled with either pistachio, Nutella or ricotta whipped cream. conniespizzeria.com Maiz, Peckham Rye Maiz is London's first dedicated 'pozoleria' and the latest addition to London's advancing Mexican food scene. This relaxed spot is the vision of two Mexican chefs: Dany Vázquez, who previously worked at Eleven Madison Park as well as under José Andrés, and London-based chef Erick, who ran the Los Ilegales food truck in Greenwich. Maiz has a cantina atmosphere comparable to Mexico City’s buzzy taquerias, where you can spot the chefs loading up tacos while you sip on a Michelada. Expect a punchy menu offering two authentic Mexican dishes: pozole and street food-style tacos. Deep bowls of red pozole – a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy, pork and a red broth that’s simmered with spices and chillies for hours – offers soothing comfort and offsets the fresh, tongue-tingling tacos which disappear in minutes. Taco highlights include the 24-hour beef birria, served with melted cheese and its own consommé, plus the 12-hour cochinita pibil (pork), sprinkled with pickled red onion and habanero sauce. The strong cocktail list straddles mezcal and tequila-based creations with classic tipples – make a beeline for the 'Chelada' for a fresh and lighter take on the spicy classic. instagram.com/maizgroup Kokum, East Dulwich Road This smart neighbourhood restaurant on the East Dulwich/Peckham border serves some of the highest quality Indian cooking this side of the river. It should be no surprise, given the restaurant is the vision of Sanjay Gour (ex-head chef at Gymkhana) and Simeron Lily Patel – co-founders of the Michelin-rated Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen. Far from Michelin prices, Kokum offers a competitively priced menu that bridges delicate starters with bowls of gravy-laden curries and flaky lachha paratha. Dahi puri saw dainty layers of potato, chickpea and moong sprout submerged in deceptively fiery layers of tang, sweet and spice. Pickled and charred tandoori roast cauliflower sat in a pool of hot makhani sauce, jewelled with pockets of mint and coriander chutney. The curries that followed accommodate to the neighbourhood clientele, with deep bowls of lamb rogan josh and lemongrass-infused makrut lime prawns. A side of dal makhani – eight-hour slow-cooked black lentils – countered the mains with its dark sultriness. There’s plenty of choice to drink too – the sharp cocktail list includes an espresso martini spiced with chai liqueur, and a punchy strawberry blush, pepped with tamarind spicy vodka and lengthened with basil tonic. Desserts include a rich kulfi made with Iranian pistachio and rum-flambéed gulab jamun, tempered with vanilla ice cream. kokumlondon.com Lai Rai, Rye Lane Meet friends for fuss-free snacks and cold beers at this dinky new-school Vietnamese on Rye Lane. With the name Lai Rai meaning ‘little by little’, the space is a homage to Vietnamese canteens, with a buttery colour palette, neon lighting and slick red stools. By day it serves bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee, by evening the menu mutates into playful twists on familiar Vietnamese flavours – you won't find any bowls of pho here. Small plates include crunchy prawn lollies on sugarcane stalks and a light, multicoloured papaya jellyfish salad with lumps of pineapple, charred tomatoes, fresh Viet herbs and peanuts, wiped clean with charred bánh mì chunks. Larger dishes include a twice-cooked chicken leg atop a herby dressing and grilled betel leaf beef, swimming in a smoky pool of house-made coffee barbecue jus. Vietnamese-inspired cocktails include the Xoài Kick, a bracing mix of tequila, mango, red chillies and fruit salt, and a Viet coffee-laced vodka martini. Finish with a scoop of freshly churned ice cream made by small south London manufacturer Clingy Wrap, with funky flavours including fish sauce vanilla caramel and kumquat cucumber sorbet. If you're looking for something altogether unexpected, you’ll find it here. lairai.london Hausu, Station Way Housed inside a Victorian Grade II listed train station, Hausu makes a cool and cosy date night spot run by head chef Holly Middleton Joseph. Luckily, the backdrop of clattering trains is cleverly masked by a vintage high-fidelity sound system that plays funk and soul. The menu's modern sharing plates promise bold flavours such as its signature spin on prawn toast, piled high with a mountainous helping of prawn and scallop mousse coated in black sesame seeds and deep fried until crisp. To finish, it’s plated with a fermented chilli ketchup and dusted with dehydrated scallop roe. The menu changes with the seasons, along with the DJs, so every time you swing by it feels like a new experience. Plus, when you're ready to go home you’re handily already at the station. hausulondon.co.uk Dough Hands, Nunhead Green Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at fun-loving south London pub The Old Nun's Head, as well as Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms. The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas. Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar. We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA. instagram.com/doughhandspizza/ Taquiza, Rye Lane Mexican-inspired eatery, Taquiza, is a fun, laid-back spot, perfect for dinner with friends. It's an open and buzzy space, situated under a Peckham archway, with a menu of eat-with-your-hands dishes: grilled elote showered in chipotle aïoli, chilli and queso añejo (Mexican cheese), 12-hour beef tacos with salsa roja, onion and coriander, chiles toreados (blistered chilli peppers) and smoked tofu chorizo tacos with xcatik cream (a spicy chilli pepper cream), guacamole and jalapeños. There’s an impressively sized pasilla chocolate mousse for dessert, topped with vanilla cremate and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and pistachio. Wash it all down with margarita picantes or, if the evening calls for it, a shot of smoky mezcal. instagram.com/taquizaldn/ Peckham Arches, Blenheim Grove Find this trendy south-east London haunt underneath the railway arches of Peckham Rye station, complete with a botanical garden terrace, two cocktail bars and art gallery. Watch chefs as they sling pizza from a wood-fired oven, laden with toppings such as Italian spicy sausage, mozzarella and Frank’s hot honey or – our favourite – ’nduja with mozzarella, pickled red chilli and red onion, finished with lashings of creamy garlic sauce. Choose from a selection of hot, crunchy morsels on the ‘nibbles’ menu – the mushroom and truffle arancini and the crispy courgette fries are not to be missed. Cocktails are given equal attention, offering refreshing mezcal and tequila numbers like a picante, a grapefruit margarita and a passion fruit mezcalita. Natural wines, ‘regular’ wines, draught and local beers are also available. peckhamarches.com En Root, Peckham Rye Brothers Nish and Harsh have come a long way since selling hot sauce at markets in 2016, expanding to a bricks-and-mortar in Clapham and, more recently, a plant-based restaurant in Peckham decked with plants, draped mandala tapestries and decorative cushions. Sip on the watermelon juice with beetroot, apple, ginger and mint during summer evenings, or ask for the modestly priced cocktail menu, where juices are livened with rum. Nourishing vegan fare lies at the heart of En Root, offering Indian classics and street food nibbles infused with Gujarati spices. Start with sharing bites: puri is filled with beetroot, onions and chickpeas, and submerged in date tamarind masala water, while the plantain chaat – seasoned plantain on a bed of beetroot, onions, chickpeas, ‘spice krispies’ and chutney – is an explosion of sweet crunch. For mains, saag aloo-filled dosas come with lentil soup and coconut chutney. Or, for optimum health, try the buddha bowl, generously filled with rainbow salad, baba ghanoush, sprouted lentils, curried chickpeas, plantain and avocado. To finish, the mango lassi cheesecake on an oaty coconut base offers a healthier twist on the original – best served with creamy chai. enrootldn.co.uk Peckham Cellars, Queen's Road Elegant floor-to-ceiling Crittal windows frame this breezy, laid-back wine bar on Queen's Road in Peckham. Start with a glass of lemony Gusbourne fizz from Kent before delving into a wine list defined by sustainably minded, small-scale producers, with plenty of affordable options by the glass. We try another Kentish stunner – Westwell's Ortega Amphora 2019, fermented in terracotta jars – with fragrant apricot and honey suckle notes, before moving onto summery, cherry-tinged chilled gamay, available on tap at the bar. A quietly industrious open kitchen, led by chef Henry Freestone – garlanded with a Bib Gourmand in 2020 – amiably sends out plates of unfussy yet deceptively luxurious food. Highlights include springy sourdough with whipped lemon and rosemary butter, porchetta layered with crispy, salty shards of crackling, and filo-wrapped asparagus with a soft-boiled duck egg for dipping. Save space for pudding – a decadent lemon meringue pie sundae is the childhood dessert of dreams. peckhamcellars.co.uk Frank’s Café, Rye Lane This is about as trendy and hipster as you get, but in the best possible way. On top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham, there's a pithy list of on-trend drinks, from negronis, margaritas and cucumber gimlets to jug cocktails such as white port and tonic, and fruity rum punch. Snacks include brown sugar hot wings, deep-fried mackerel in a bun, and lamb breast kebab with burnt chilli yogurt. It closes for winter and opens in the spring each year. boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe Persepolis, Peckham High Street Pay a visit to Persepolis for a taste of Persia in the heart of Peckham. Beyond the deli’s impressive selection of tins, spices, Persian yogurts and display of shisha pipes, you’ll find a cosy hideout where diners feast on freshly made meze platters and veggie and vegan delights such as eggs scrambled with dates and fragrant spices, and dairy-free knickerbocker glories. This popular café is a favourite among locals for its no-nonsense, avocado-free breakfasts (think mango and tamarind smoothies and pots of Persian tea with cardamom); however, the £20 tasting menu is the real standout: a colourful carousel of food spanning meze, soup, mains and a dessert platter filled with ice cream, paklava and fruit. foratasteofpersia.co.uk Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
17 restaurants to get sun-soaked Mediterranean vibes in London
From Michelin-starred Greek dining to sun-soaked Catalan cuisine, these are the best Mediterranean restaurants across London for you to book now, curated by the olive London team
Looking for a food-fuelled escape to the Mediterranean, without even leaving London? Using traditional recipes from the sun-soaked region and the best imported ingredients, as well as, of course, great British produce, these are the best Mediterranean restaurants in the capital for you to book right now. Has eating Mediterranean cuisine in London got you in the mood to head to the Med? Discover the best hotels for a sun-soaked Mediterranean getaway, plus 10 of the best Mediterranean islands for foodies. If you're looking for the best places to escape the crowds, check out these 8 secret Mediterranean coastal escapes to visit before everyone else does, then find out about which Mediterranean coastal roadtrip is the way to truly unwind. You could also bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your table with our best Italian recipes, Greek recipes, Spanish recipes and Turkish recipes. Our pick of the best Mediterranean restaurants in London Wildflowers, Belgravia Partners Laura Hart – whose background is in interior and floral design – and chef Aaron Potter have created a space that’s welcoming and stylish. Med-inspired dishes are cooked over coals in an open kitchen, cocktails are imaginative twists on classics (try a melon negroni or almost-dirty martini) and its understated design encourages you to relax and linger over the food. The menu includes little intrigues like Romeo & Juliets – cheese and quince one-bites – and the best versions of trending dishes, like sugar pit pork chop and Galician ex-dairy rib-eye with smoked bone marrow rice. Upstairs, the light-filled wine bar offers a decent selection, plus plenty of sherry and Italian-style snacks, making it an ideal place to swing by when shopping in Pimlico Road’s interior design quarter. wildflowersrestaurant.co.uk Oma, Borough Oma brings a slice of sun-drenched Athens to Borough, pairing Michelin-starred quality with the energy of Mediterranean street markets. Upstairs the mood is relaxed yet refined, with a menu that celebrates Greek small plates: wood-fired laffa flatbreads and açma verde, both baked in-house using wild-farmed British grains, arrive with inventive spreads like salt cod XO labneh. The crudo selection is a must, especially the yellowfin tuna with clementine ponzu and crispy garlic, nodding to the restaurant’s name (oma meaning raw in Greek). Skewers of dry-aged Cornish lamb, lobster bisque börek, and spanakopita gratin are all thoughtfully executed, but the oxtail giouvetsi — served in a clay pot with bone marrow and beef fat pangrattato — stands out for its rich, comforting depth. A 23-page wine list, spotlighting over 450 Greek producers, completes the experience. Finish with the sticky date pudding and an Oma negroni for a truly memorable Mediterranean feast. oma.london Tiella, Columbia Road Tiella emits a palpable buzz from the moment you step inside, its sun-trap terrace and vibrant interiors setting the tone for Dara Klein’s lively Italian trattoria. The open kitchen turns out family recipes with flair — her nonna’s polpette meatballs arrive in rich tomato sauce with bread for dipping, and the chicken schnitzel is lifted by a crisp salad of fennel, apple, celery, dill and parsley. Starters are equally tempting: ricotta di Romagna with Calabrian chilli and wild honey, or anchovies marinated Venetian saor style with pickled sultanas, pine nuts and onions, all best piled onto Forno’s sourdough. Pasta is a highlight — hand-rolled trie with tropea onions, datterini tomatoes and squacquerone, or cavatelli with borlotti beans in a comforting stew. The zuppa imperiale beef shin broth, soaked up with parmesan croutons, is a house favourite. To finish, the chocolate torta caprese with amarena cherries is a fittingly indulgent finale. Tiella delivers a slice of Italian sunshine in London — vivid, convivial and utterly delicious. tiella.co.uk Discover more of the best Italian restaurants in London. Pyro, Borough There’s a distinct Greek island beach club feel to this sprawling space in central London, thanks to rattan furniture, rustic wood and multiple terraces. It’s the ideal spot for a long, Cretan wine-fuelled lunch that slips into early evening mastic spritzes at the outdoor bar. Start with a selection of dips – tzatziki doused in black kalamata olive oil, creamy taramasalata with crunchy carob rusks and spiced feta with sweet florina peppers. Must-order spanakopita pastel de nata come blanketed in graviera cheese, while dry aged beef tartare is served on crisp rye crackers and pork pluma souvlaki skewers are charred over embers. If there’s a group of you, order one of the sharing showstoppers in true Mediterranean style, served on large wooden boards. Think suckling pig cooked over flaming myrtle with Mykonian-style sausage or Dorset lamb charred over alder wood to stuff into lamb fat flatbreads alongside stuffed vine leaves. pyrorestaurant.co.uk Luca, Clerkenwell Luca brings sun-soaked Mediterranean flair to London with its refined take on Italian cuisine, all crafted from top-notch British produce. Dishes like Cornish lobster taglierini, canon of Hebridean lamb with trombetta courgettes, and Hereford beef tartare cured in nebbiolo showcase this seamless blend. The 1950s Italian-inspired interiors — think blue and sage hues, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and a semi-open kitchen — set the stage for a lively, elegant dining experience where you can watch pasta being made as you eat. The all-day bar is a draw in itself, from morning espresso and pastries to lunchtime salads and evening cocktails featuring house-made limoncello. luca.restaurant Check out more of the best pasta restaurants in London. Brindisa, Borough Brindisa’s airy corner spot, complete with wraparound terrace and open windows, delivers a sun-drenched taste of Spain in the heart of London. It’s the perfect setting for a post-work drink or a leisurely weekend bite after browsing the market. Tapas classics shine here: jamón croquettes arrive golden and crisp, chorizo on toast is lifted by tangy chimichurri, and the monte enebro — fried goat’s cheese drizzled with orange blossom honey — brings a welcome hit of indulgence. Chargrilled vegetables with green gazpacho and crisp patatas bravas round out the menu. For those skipping alcohol, the Green Garden Cooler is a refreshing, botanical alternative. While larger plates can be missed, the creamy burnt cheesecake is worth saving space for. If you’re short on time, the Brindisa market stall’s chorizo roll — packed with piquillo peppers and rocket — captures all the Spanish satisfaction to go. brindisatapas.com Kima, Marylebone Kima evokes the spirit of the Greek coastline with its minimalist dining room, handmade Corfu ceramics and focus on gill-to-fin, zero-waste cooking. Whole fish glisten on ice, ready to be transformed into dishes such as sea bream crudo lifted with thyme and lemon zest, followed by the ‘shank’ of the same fish served alongside bacon-studded cabbage fricassee. A vibrant Greek salad – chopped tomatoes and cucumber crowned with aged feta and drenched in Greek olive oil – invites diners to mop up the juices with homemade sourdough. The Mediterranean theme continues through to dessert, where caramelised seaweed stars in a millefeuille-tiramisu hybrid. Cocktails showcase Greek ingredients, from mastic Votanikon gin in a basil concoction to a clarified feta twist on a classic sour, while the Greek wine list includes a minerally Santorini white, all expertly suggested by the friendly team. kimarestaurant.com Lita, Marylebone Lita exudes Mediterranean elegance, with chef Luke Hearne delivering sharing dishes in a space that marries earthy stone floors and Italian red marble with playful touches like frilly lampshades and jars of ferments. The atmosphere is both stylish and inviting, thanks to eclectic seating and a lively open kitchen. The menu celebrates Mediterranean ingredients and technique — think thinly sliced tuna with peppers, coriander and capers, veal sweetbreads in lobster bisque, and monkfish grilled then finished in the brick oven, served atop pumpkin purée and chicken butter sauce. Sophisticated cocktails, such as a currant and plum gimlet or a jasmine highball with Aperol caviar, set the tone for a meal that feels special from the first sip. To finish, a contemporary slice of Sicilian pistachio and olive oil cake with figs and blackberries concludes the experience. Its accomplished cooking and sun-soaked Mediterranean spirit makes it a destination for those seeking a celebratory meal. litamarylebone.com The Campaner, Chelsea Barracks Tucked away in the Chelsea Barracks development, The Campaner delivers a slice of Catalonia just steps from the city’s bustle. Its sun-drenched terrace is perfect for alfresco dining and people-watching, with the Garrison Chapel providing a picturesque backdrop that evokes a Mediterranean village square. The menu is rooted in Catalan tradition – think iberian ham croquetas with a balanced, creamy filling, a vibrant seafood salpicón salad and ajoblanco, bursting with fresh, summery flavours. For heartier appetites, the iberian pork rice, with smoky pork and jalapeños, is ideal for sharing and packed with bold Spanish character. Desserts shine too: the pa amb oli i xocolata offers a rich chocolate ganache, while the strawberry mille-feuille is refreshingly light for summer. For the best experience, request a table with a view of the chapel and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere, right in the heart of London. thecampaner.com Trullo, Highbury Trullo in Highbury radiates Italian charm with its seasonally driven menu and relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Wooden tables topped with white paper tablecloths and flickering tea lights set the scene upstairs, while downstairs offers cosy booths for lingering dinners. The menu, which changes twice daily to showcase the best seasonal produce, excels in fresh antipasti, silky handmade pasta – think beef shin ragu on pappardelle or squash ravioli glossed with olive oil – and larger dishes from the charcoal grill. Highlights include simply cooked meat and fish paired with soft polenta or salsa verde, and, if available, Padella’s famed pici cacio e pepe. The dynamic wine list always offers a few options by the glass, such as the vibrant natural Puglia Miro, and cocktails like the coffee negroni complete the evening. trullorestaurant.com Ustun Lahmacun & Pide Salonu, Stoke Newington This unassuming and bijoux traditional Turkish establishment on Green Lanes serves up some of the thinnest, crispiest and most flavourful lahmacun (Turkish flatbreads) in the area – topped with minced lamb, parsley, tomatoes, onions and peppers. It has something of a cult following and it takes just one bite of the warm, rolled-up, salad-stuffed Turkish bakes to see why. Everything is hand-kneaded, freshly rolled and wood-fire baked to order. The pide (Turkish pizza) menu is vast, with toppings like lamb, Turkish sausage, feta, halloumi, eggs and even Turkish pastrami. ustunlahmacun.com Brutto, Farringdon Brutto in Farringdon channels the sun-drenched spirit of Tuscany with its unfussy, old-school charm – think red gingham tablecloths, framed pictures and a focus on conviviality over flash. The menu is built for sharing, with small plates of delicate rabbit pappardelle and richly nostalgic tagliatelle ragu, plus antipasti of dough balls paired with prosciutto and stracchino. Mains lean towards beef, including perfectly cooked T-bone steaks by weight and a robust Tuscan beef shin stew, though pork and fennel sausages with lentils offer a satisfying alternative. Desserts nod to tradition, from a feather-light apple tart to crisp hazelnut meringue ‘ugly but good’ biscuits with vanilla ice cream. Brutto proves that honest, flavourful cooking need no embellishment – just good company and a bottle from the Tuscan-led wine list. msha.ke/brutto Chargal, Mayfair Chargal on Berkeley Street delivers elevated Mediterranean-Turkish panache to Mayfair, just steps from Green Park. Spread across three floors, it offers a lively ground floor bar, fine dining and a chic late-night lounge, all unified by warm, attentive service. The open-fire kitchen is at the heart of the experience, with standout dishes like pure-bred wagyu kofte piyaz and lamb cooked with classic Turkish spices. Sharing is encouraged — don’t miss the mixed meze, featuring cacık, muhammara and hummus alongside seasonal crudités, or the chargrilled halloumi with cherry, hot honey and sesame. The mangal grill stars on the main menu but the Greek wild seabass with smoked bay leaf and honey-lemon dressing is a Mediterranean highlight. Signature cocktails and creative mocktails, such as the Passiflora with passion fruit, ginger and honey, tops off the offering, making Chargal a must for those seeking authentic Mediterranean warmth and conviviality in London. chargal.com Zephyr, Portobello Road Zephyr, tucked beside Portobello Market, delivers a cool and clamorous take on Greek-fusion dining in Notting Hill. The mood is lively, the air scented with smoke and herbs, and the meal begins memorably: charred sourdough with oregano and pillowy pittas, perfect for scooping up silky taramasalata, cooling tzatziki, or smoky aubergine dip. The tasting menu is a highlight — think melt in the mouth tuna ceviche dressed with olive oil and yuzu, prawns grilled with a splash of ouzo, and, stealing the show, lamb cutlets lightly spiced, barbecued to a pink blush, and best eaten with your hands. Sophistication arrives in the form of a crisp potato terrine crowned with metsovone (smoked cheese) custard, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed and unpretentious. For dessert, the burnt olive oil cheesecake is decadence itself. zephyr.london Bottarga, Chelsea Bottarga, with its art-filled candlelit space and an open kitchen, draws you in. The focus here is on hero dishes which champion exceptional Greek ingredients: silky taramasalata crowned with cod’s roe, anchovies with sheep’s milk butter and crisp flatbread, and a standout bottarga orzo — creamy, rich and perfectly matched with tender lamb. The Greek salad, vibrant with caper leaf, barrel-aged feta and rusks, is a must. Chef Tzoulio Loulai’s menu nods to tradition without being bound by it, as seen in the cult favourite chocolate burnt cheesecake and salted caramel. A Greek house soundtrack completes the lively, contemporary atmosphere. bottarga.london Sparrow Italia, Mayfair Sparrow Italia brings a touch of Mediterranean glamour to Avery Row, set within an elegant townhouse. The menu is a celebration of classic and inventive Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with sharing pastas like cacio e pepe and puttanesca alongside luxurious options such as lobster acqua pazza. Seafood and expertly prepared steaks add to the sense of occasion. Seasonal menus, such as a decadent truffle selection with dishes and cocktails to match, keep things fresh and enticing. The ground floor’s striking floor-to-ceiling bar sets a lively tone for aperitivi, while the third-floor lounge offers a more intimate escape, complete with a curated cigar collection. sparrowitalia.com Maremma, Brixton Maremma in Brixton conjures the sun-soaked spirit of south-west Tuscany with a compact, lively space where dried flowers, a sage-green counter and exposed brick walls adorned with wild boar and octopus illustrations set the tone. The kitchen turns out Tuscan dishes with precision: think pepper-crusted wild boar cutlet and belly with balsamic figs, or a ragu enriched with herbs and fennel seeds, tossed through silky homemade pappardelle. Starters like octopus with crushed new potatoes, dressed in Tuscan olive oil and lemon, and tortelli Maremmani — ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta topped with crispy sage — showcase the region’s produce. The wine list is exclusively Maremma, featuring elegant sangiovese blends and bold chardonnay, while the cocktail menu highlights regional spirits such as Seven Hills gin and a unique Maremma vermouth. Maremma delivers for diners seeking genuine Tuscan flavours and convivial neighbourhood charm. maremmarestaurant.com Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in King's Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
12 dinner recipes packed with healthy fats
Enjoy the benefits of healthy fats in our range of nourishing recipes, from harissa roast salmon to avocado fusilli pasta
Looking to increase your intake of healthy fats? Discover which heart-healthy fats you should be adding to your diet and learn about their health benefits. We also share nourishing recipes which showcase the versatility of healthy fats in a variety of cuisines and dietary needs, supporting heart health, brain function and overall wellbeing. It’s worth including a wide range of fat sources to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients in your diet. For more healthy dinners, check out our best healthy dinner ideas, healthy fish recipes and our all-time healthiest recipes. Looking for mood-boosting recipes? Check out the best foods to improve your mood and these mood-boosting recipes. What are healthy fats? Healthy fats are types of dietary fat that have a beneficial impact on the body, supporting heart health, brain function and cell growth. The main healthy fats are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are found in foods such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish. Unlike saturated and trans fats, which are common in processed foods and can contribute to cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation, healthy fats help to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellbeing. Top healthy fat foods and their benefits Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, herring): rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Extra-virgin olive oil: rich in monounsaturated fats, with anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on cholesterol. Avocados: high in monounsaturated fats, fibre and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios): provide a mix of healthy fats, protein and micronutrients. Seeds (flaxseed, chia, pumpkin, sunflower): high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fibre. Nut butters (peanut, almond, cashew): good sources of healthy fats and plant-based protein. Full-fat yogurt: contains both healthy fats and protein, helping to keep you fuller for longer. Eggs: offer a balance of protein, healthy fats and an array of vitamins and minerals. 12 dinner recipes with healthy fats Harissa roast salmon with warm herby grains and yogurt dressing Salmon is a top source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain function. This dish combines harissa and honey roasted salmon with wholegrains and a yogurt dressing for a meal rich in healthy fats and protein. The addition of grains and yogurt makes it filling and gut-friendly. Avocado fusilli pasta Avocado is blended into a creamy pasta sauce in this vegetarian recipe, providing plenty of monounsaturated fats as well as fibre, which aids digestion. When ready to serve, spoon over the nut dressing, crumble over the feta and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over. Miso mackerel with chilli brown rice Mackerel is another fish loaded with essential fatty acids. This dinner, served with brown rice, is high in healthy fats and protein. The miso marinade adds gut-friendly probiotics too. Mediterranean baked hake This Mediterranean-inspired meal uses olive oil and olives, both rich in monounsaturated fats. Hake provides lean protein, while the vegetables add antioxidants. It’s a healthy, gluten-free option. Warm lentil, avocado and feta salad Lentils offer plant protein and fibre, while avocado and seeds boost the healthy fat content. Feta adds calcium, making this a nourishing, vegetarian and gluten-free meal. Sea trout, new potato and asparagus traybake with dill mustard sauce Make brilliant use of sea trout in this vibrant traybake, packed with baby new potatoes and asparagus, with a creamy dill mustard sauce. Roast vegetable salad with kale pesto Try this colourful salad of sweet potatoes, peppers and lentils, topped with a kale and nut pesto made using extra-virgin olive oil. This dish is high in fibre and protein, and is suitable for vegetarians and those on a gluten-free diet. Spanish mackerel Mackerel brings omega-3 fatty acids, while chickpeas add plant protein and fibre. Naturally gluten free and high in protein, this simple dish makes brilliant use of storecupboard staples like chickpeas and tinned tomatoes. Cavolo nero, pink grapefruit, avocado and walnut salad This vibrant salad features walnuts and avocado for healthy fats, while cavolo nero and grapefruit add vitamins and antioxidants. It’s vegetarian, gluten free and low in calories too. Sumac salmon with spring fattoush Looking for new ways to cook with salmon fillets? This nourishing salmon dish packs in 10 different plant foods thanks to a vibrant, no-cook fattoush made with beetroot, cucumber, feta and plenty of fresh herbs. Spelt and apple salad with crispy nuts and seeds Spelt is a wholegrain rich in fibre, and here it's paired with apples, watercress and a crunchy topping of nuts and seeds for extra healthy fats. The olive oil dressing ties it all together, making it a filling yet low-calorie vegetarian meal. Salmon and avocado rice bowls These rice bowls, featuring heart-healthy avocado and salmon, can help you make use of whatever you already have in the fridge. Radishes, peas, blanched broccoli, carrot ribbons or peppers make great alternative toppings. This protein-rich dish is a great option for lunchboxes too.
Support your mood and overall wellbeing with these nutritious snacks, from savoury muffins to dark chocolate cookies and frozen yogurt bark
Looking for delicious ways to lift your mood and support your mental wellbeing? These serotonin-boosting snacks are packed with ingredients known to encourage the production of one of our key happy hormones, serotonin. Each recipe is both a treat and a boost for your brain, showcasing nutrient-rich ingredients including dark chocolate and gut-friendly yogurt. For more healthy snacks, check out our best healthy sweet snacks, low-carb snacks and dairy-free snacks. Looking for more mood-boosting recipes? Check out the best foods to improve your mood and these mood-boosting recipes. Serotonin-boosting snack recipes Pumpkin seed butter on rye Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of tryptophan, an amino acid responsible for serotonin production. They also provide zinc and magnesium, the relaxing mineral. Blitz pumpkin seeds into a creamy butter to spread on rye bread for a simple, satisfying snack. Healthy banana bread Bananas are another excellent source of tryptophan, improving our mood and making us less anxious. This healthier banana bread is a wholesome option for when you fancy something sweet, providing a more nourishing way to satisfy your cravings and support your mood. Breakfast egg muffins Egg yolks are one of the most reliable food sources of vitamin D, also known as the 'sunshine vitamin', which is associated with better moods. Vitamin D is found in only a few foods, so these bacon and egg muffins make an easy option to help support your mood. Baked avocado with smoked salmon & egg This snack brings together three powerful mood-boosting ingredients. Avocados are a source of healthy fats and potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. They also contain B vitamins that play a role in reducing stress and anxiety. Salmon is a source of tryptophan, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, which all impact serotonin levels. Eggs add protein and vitamin D, further supporting mood and energy levels. Together, this trio makes for a creamy, low-carb snack that nourishes both body and mind. Healthy chocolate cake This healthy twist on chocolate cake is brimming with feel-good compounds, including protective plant flavonoids found in dark chocolate. Chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%) is known for its ability to help increase feelings of calmness and improve mood. This cake combines good-quality dark chocolate with sweet potatoes, dates and wholemeal flour for a more wholesome bake. Dark chocolate and cacao powder also gives it a wonderful richness. Kefir, banana, almond and frozen berry smoothie This berry smoothie uses gut-friendly kefir, packed with good bacteria, as well as antioxidant-rich berries, naturally sweet banana and almonds. The combination supports gut health and may influence levels of the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Dark chocolate and olive oil cookies Enjoy a crunchy sweet snack with these dark chocolate and olive oil cookies. Dark chocolate is celebrated for its mood-boosting properties, thanks to its rich supply of magnesium and protective plant flavonoids. These can help stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphins, supporting a sense of wellbeing. Banana and pumpkin seed muffins These muffins are packed with bananas and pumpkin seeds, both of which are linked to serotonin production. Bananas provide vitamin B6, important for making feel-good brain chemicals including dopamine, while pumpkin seeds add magnesium and zinc. Together, they create a snack that supports your mood and energy. Beetroot brownies These beetroot brownies combine the earthy sweetness of beetroot with the mood-enhancing benefits of dark chocolate. The high cocoa content in dark chocolate is thought to help increase serotonin levels, while beetroot itself offers antioxidants and fibre for overall health. Blueberry smoothie Blend up this simple blueberry smoothie with just four ingredients. Blueberries are loaded with healthy antioxidants, which help support the production of feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Try it for a quick and easy way to boost your mood naturally. Vanilla yogurt cheesecake pots Fermented foods such as yogurt can help improve gut health by changing the balance of gut bacteria, which may influence levels of the feel-good hormone, serotonin. These low-calorie mini cheesecake pots feature a toasted oat flapjack crumble topping and juicy raspberries for natural sweetness. Turmeric pickled eggs Eggs are a great source of protein and contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid for serotonin production. Adding turmeric not only gives these pickled eggs a vibrant golden hue but also known to release feel-good brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. Enjoying these pickled eggs as a snack provides a boost of protein and beneficial nutrients to help keep your mood steady. Sugar-free banana bread Bananas are a valuable source of vitamin B6, which plays a key role in making feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Bananas are also a natural sugar, which makes them great for sweetening recipes without a blood sugar spike. This vegan banana berry traybake uses natural, unrefined sugars and tastes wonderful served with dairy-free yogurt. Devilled eggs Devilled eggs are a retro nibble that combines the mood-boosting benefits of eggs with the creamy richness of a spiced filling. Eggs provide high-quality protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins, all of which support the production of serotonin and help maintain stable energy levels. These bite-sized snacks are ideal for keeping you satisfied. Frozen yogurt bark Yogurt is not only a good source of protein and calcium, but it's also rich in probiotics, which can support gut health. A healthy gut is closely linked to mood and the production of serotonin, making this frozen yogurt bark a refreshing and mood-supportive snack. More wellbeing guides Expert explains: how to increase serotonin 10 ways to boost energy when tired Expert explains: what is the dopamine diet? Expert explains: 11 ways to have a better night's sleep What is sleep hygiene and how to improve it How ayurveda can help healthy digestion 10 natural remedies for hayfever to try
The best weekend food markets in London for spring refuelling
Fill your totes at one of London's charming weekend markets, from the UK's only all-organic farmers' market to modern street food havens
There's no better time than spring to visit London's clutch of treasured food markets, allured by the scent of fresh bread, the chatter of traders and a rainbow of farm-fresh produce. These markets are bastions of quality produce and community spirit, making them the perfect spot for a quick lunch or hunting down a prime foodie gift. Read on to discover olive's pick of the capital’s finest weekend food markets — from organic farmers' markets to sizzling street food offerings — perfect for a food-fuelled weekend activity. For spring travel inspiration, check out the unmissable destinations to see spring in full bloom and the UK hotels with beautiful gardens to book. We also have our top picks of where to go in April and the best European gourmet escapes to catch spring produce at its peak. Best weekend markets in London Growing Communities, Stoke Newington The UK's only all-organic farmers' market, Stoke Newington’s market is a leafy local gem and a true champion of sustainable food. It's committed to working with small-scale organic and biodynamic farmers and growers from the areas closest to London, with most located in Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and East Anglia. Every Saturday the churchyard is transformed into a buzzy patchwork of stalls showcasing a rainbow of seasonal, farm-fresh produce, from peppery Asian greens to vibrant squashes. You can also secure organic cheese, small-batch preserves and handmade chocolate. Grab a locally roasted coffee and settle on the church steps for a spot of people watching. growingcommunities.org Address: St Paul's Church, Stoke Newington, London N16 7UE Opening times: Saturday (10am-2.30pm) Nearest station: Rectory Road Brockley Market Hailed for its exceptional produce and all-round good vibe, Brockley's 'car park of dreams' is a south London institution. Fresh and glossy local produce shares space with interesting small-scale goodies, from wild garlic plants to fermented cashew dips. Lots of the foodie finds available are hyper-local, including raw Brockley Bee's honey and Brown of Brockley's locally roasted coffee and pastries. There's also a string of top-grade street food stalls, including olive favourite Chubby Dumpling. The perfect spot for a leisurely mooch and a chat with the producers. brockleymarket.com Address: Lewisham College Car Park, Lewisham Way, London SE4 1UT Opening times: Saturday (10am-2pm) Nearest station: St Johns Broadway Market, Hackney Broadway Market is somewhat of a foodie institution. More than 100 traders line the Victorian street on the weekend, their stalls teeming with artisan breads, farmhouse cheese and vibrant fruit and veg. For lunch, nothing is off the cards, with street food delights ranging from organic sourdough pizza to Japanese street food. Live musicians and street performers add to the festival atmosphere. The street's surrounding cafés and independent shops invite you to linger long after your tote bag is full. broadwaymarket.co.uk Address: Broadway Market, London E8 4PH Opening times: Every Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm) Nearest stations: London Fields, Bethnal Green Primrose Hill Farmers' Market City dwellers come for their weekly fix of newly picked produce at this social enterprise market. Set up and run by independent traders for the benefit of the wider community it's a known spot for chats with traders who are passionate about their products. Set in the playground of a local school you can expect a core group of staple vendors, including fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal breads, organic meats and dairy products, alongside a rotating variety of semi-regular traders selling speciality wares, from nut butters to low-intervention wine. primrosehillfoodmarket.co.uk Address: Elsworthy Rd, St Paul's CE, London NW3 3DS Opening times: Saturday 9.30-2.30pm Nearest station: Chalk Farm <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2026/03/GettyImages-1175564419-20dd660.jpg" width="5432" height="3865" alt="A vendor works at the East Sussex's Brambletye Fruit Farm's food stall at The Spread farmers' market in Primrose Hill, north west London. (Photo by Isabel INFANTES / AFP) (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images)" title="BRITAIN-EU-BREXIT-POLITICS-AGRICULTURE" /> Barnes Farmers' Market Barnes on a Saturday is the place to go for a chilled mooch and fabulous produce. For over 20 years this friendly market has showcased a rotation of fine wares from passionate producers, from award-winning and free-range organic meats to luxury cheeses and fresh pasta. British produce remains at the forefront: fill your basket with free range-meats from Somerset, fresh fish from Dorset and fruit and veg from Kent. barnesfarmersmarket.co.uk Address: Essex House Surgery, Station Rd, London SW13 0LW Opening times: Saturday (8:30am-2pm) Nearest station: Barnes Bridge Victoria Park Market, Tower Hamlets Head east with an empty stomach to experience the best selection of food east London has to offer. Nestled on the pedestrianised Nightwalk, Victoria Park Market is a Sunday fixture for Londoners seeking quality produce in a leafy setting. Over 60 independent traders gather here, offering a mixture of street food (suckling pig, Guadeloupean street food) and quality produce (organic butchers, homemade cakes, freshly baked bread). Expect a relaxed community feel, with locals and visitors alike enjoying their spoils on the grass or on a stroll around the park. victoriaparkmarket.com Address: Bonner Gate and Gore Rd, London E2 9JW Opening times: Every Sunday (10am-4pm) Nearest stations: Hackney Wick, Cambridge Heath Netil Market, London Fields Start your weekend at this open-air market – an array of shipping containers and custom-built huts which circle a central market, selling everything from antiques and artisan chocolate to soy candles. Located near London Fields and Broadway Market, weave your way through the stalls and you're sure to find something which catches your eye, whether that's a bottle of natural wine or scoops of ube ice cream. It's very own Netil Radio provides an eclectic backdrop for traders. eatworkart.com/netil-market Address: 13-23 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL Opening times: Saturday (9am-10pm), Sunday (9am-6pm) Nearest station: London Fields Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey This weekend treasure trove is a smaller, less hectic alternative to Borough Market, located a mile away. Hidden beneath 19th-century railway arches, the flag-lined, compact strip is filled with 30+ traders selling everything from melting raclette and bavette steak to handmade dumplings. The atmosphere is electric — grab a bánh mì heo and find a spot to perch or head to cosy cavern Malt Maltby for UK craft beer, wine and cocktails. maltbystmarket.squarespace.com Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA Opening times: Saturday (10am-5pm), Sunday (11am-4pm) Nearest station: Bermondsey Station
Best spring entertaining dishes to shake off winter funk
Bring the best of the season to your dinner table with these entertaining dishes – this joyful celebration of spring’s best ingredients is sure to lift spirits
As the days grow longer and the first shoots of green emerge, there’s no better way to banish any lingering winter blues than with a table full of light, bright and flavour-packed dishes. These recipes showcase the very best of spring produce — think tangy rhubarb, crunchy radish and fresh garden peas — guaranteed to put a spring in your step. Whether you’re planning a celebratory meal or a sharing-style feast, these recipes will shake off winter funk and bring a burst of brightness to your entertaining. Discover more ways to bring joy this spring, including morning rituals and expert tips. Or find more seasonal dishes in our curation of spring recipes, colourful, plant-packed breakfast recipes and healthy spring recipes. Spring entertaining dishes Smoked cod’s roe dip with spring vegetables, soft-boiled eggs and flatbreads This rustic and bright sharing platter brings together smoky cod’s roe, crisp spring vegetables, jammy eggs and fluffy flatbreads for a fresh, springtime starter. Spring risotto Celebrate the best of the season with a risotto packed with asparagus, peas, broad beans and mint, finished with a scattering of green spring onion and a spoonful of mint oil. Chicken schnitzel with pickled radishes Crisp chicken schnitzel is paired with a colourful side of quick-pickled radishes, cucumber and fennel, lemon wedges and dill for a fresh and seasonal twist on a classic. Miso-buttered radishes Peppery radishes are at their best in spring, and this quick side transforms them into something truly special with a buttery miso glaze. Serve as a simple side or a punchy addition to your sharing table. Asparagus quiche with capers A nutty brown butter pastry crust, punchy capers and gruyère make this seasonal asparagus quiche a stunning centrepiece for weekend entertaining. Rhubarb gin Make your own pink gin by infusing tart rhubarb with sugar and gin — it's especially delicious over ice or in a spring G&T. Beetroot carpaccio This beetroot carpaccio with stracciatella make a brilliant starter. Serve it on a big platter for sharing and hand round extra pistachio pesto for people that want it. Steak tacos These tacos pair juicy steak with the crisp bite of radishes and a scatter of fresh herbs, making a special dinner idea for two which is deceptively easy to make. Spring roast chicken A centrepiece worthy of any gathering, this roast chicken is infused with lemon and thyme, sitting atop a bed of new potatoes with a pea salad and dill aïoli on the side. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate the arrival of spring. Asparagus wrapped in bacon A sophisticated yet simple dinner party nibble, seasonal asparagus spears are wrapped in crispy bacon — ideal for passing round at springtime gatherings. Pea, coconut and lime ice cream This refreshing, dairy-free ice cream makes the most of fresh garden peas, creamy coconut and zesty lime. Pepped with a splash of vodka, it's ideal for rounding off a relaxed springtime meal. Roast new potatoes with chilli crab salsa Jersey Royals take centre stage in this colourful sharing dish, topped with a zingy crab and chilli salsa — perfect for a light lunch with a glass of chilled white wine in the garden. Pea and halloumi fritters with charred lemon dip Sweet peas and salty halloumi are a match made in heaven. These fritters – flavoured with mint and chilli flakes for a little kick – are light, golden and perfect for sharing, especially when dipped in a tangy lemon yogurt. Broccoli and mozzarella focaccia Chewy focaccia is layered with soft and squidgy broccoli and creamy mozzarella for a satisfyingly salty sarnie. You can customise your sandwich by adding some fennel salami, olives, capers or a spread of soft cheese or whipped ricotta under the broccoli. Spanish-style hake Meaty hake is paired with plenty of colourful veg and vibrant orange slices in this flavour-packed, Mediterranean-inspired supper. Serve with crusty bread and a salad, if you like. Spring greens curry A bowl of green goodness, this vegan curry is loaded with spring greens, baby corn and chickpeas, plus a homemade curry paste packed with fresh aromatics. Burrata with sweet and sour spring veg Creamy burrata is served with a medley of sweet and sour spring vegetables (pickled asparagus, baby carrots, radishes), offering a lovely and light veggie dish. We’ve used rich burrata for this recipe, but any creamy fresh cheese (including mozzarella, ricotta or even young rindless goat’s cheese) would work. Elderflower and kiwi pavlova A dreamy, cloud-like pavlova topped with elderflower cream, kiwi and a scattering of toasted almonds — try it for a springtime showstopper for any celebration. Spinach gnudi These pillowy ricotta and spinach dumplings make a light, elegant vegetarian dish — perfect as an impressive starter or posh lunch. To serve, spoon over sage leaves and butter, grate over parmesan and sprinkle with black pepper. Asparagus and anchovy pasta A quick, punchy pasta dish that makes the most of asparagus’ short season, topped with a crunchy fennel seed pangrattato. Try it for a flavourful dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes. White chocolate panna cotta with stewed rhubarb Creamy white chocolate offsets the sharpness of rhubarb in this sophisticated dessert, perfect for ending a spring-style feast.
Feel your absolute best this spring with nourishing dishes, morning rituals and expert tips to shake off the winter funk
As the weather turns warmer, the flowers unfurl and the days stretch a little longer, spring's arrival offers a fresh start – a chance to savour the simple pleasures that make life joyful. We've curated advice from the experts for how to nourish your mind, body and soul over the spring months, from connecting with loved ones and establishing pre-work habits, to in-season bakes, dishes and drinks, tips for adding energy boosts to your day, plus travel ideas to disconnect. Whether you’re in the kitchen, outdoors or planning a getaway, there are countless ways to refresh your lifestyle, bring more joy and energy into your life, and help you feel your best all through the season. 1. Brush off winter Embrace the new season by shaking off winter routines and trying something different in the kitchen. Experimenting with lighter meals, fresh herbs or colourful salads can energise your body and mind, helping you feel more in tune with spring. Discover olive's best spring entertaining dishes to shake off winter funk, featuring this crispy chicken schnitzel with pickled radishes. 2. Bring the garden to your plate Incorporate edible flowers and floral flavours into your cooking and baking this spring. Dishes scented with rose water, elderflower or orange blossom not only look beautiful but can lift your mood and bring a sense of playfulness and creativity to your kitchen. Check out our curation of floral recipes for recipe inspiration, featuring this stunning lemon and elderflower almond cake. 3. Refresh your morning routine Set the tone for your day with a nourishing breakfast and a mindful start. Simple habits like hydrating, stretching or stepping outside for fresh air can boost your mood, increase energy and help you feel more grounded as you head into the milder months. Read our health experts' morning routine tips for more ways to get your day off to a perfect start. 4. Add spring greens to dishes Make the most of vibrant spring greens by adding them to veg-packed dishes. These leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins, calcium and fibre, supporting a healthy gut, bones and your immune system. Cooking with seasonal greens brings extra colour and freshness to your daily dishes, making mealtimes more joyful and nutritious. Seek ideas in our favourite spring green recipes, including this crowd-pleaser of a dish: mac 'n' greens pie. 5. Cook something special for loved ones Sharing homemade food fosters connection and gratitude, and Mother’s Day in March is a a lovely excuse to bake a cake or cook a special meal for loved ones (which is shown to boost both mental and emotional health). Taking time to celebrate together can be a highlight of the season. See our Mother's Day menu for inspired ideas, such as this Peruvian-style roast chicken and rhubarb and pistachio galette. 6. Enjoy spring-inspired coffee serves Refresh your coffee routine with one of our spring-style coffee serves, such as this floral espresso tonic or iced matcha latte. Swapping your usual brew for something lighter or brighter can add a sense of novelty to your day and help you savour the moment. See our five spring coffee serves for light and bright coffee ideas. 7. Treat yourself to a spring escape Spring is the perfect time for a quick getaway to recharge and explore somewhere new. Whether it’s a countryside retreat or a city break, a change of scene can spark creativity, reduce stress and leave you feeling revitalised. Discover olive's top travel ideas in our spring getaways for food lovers including Porto abloom with pretty purple flowers. 8. Go off grid in an eco-friendly treehouse Reconnect with nature by booking a stay in a luxury treehouse hotel. Waking up among the trees, with birdsong and fresh air all around, can have a calming effect and encourage a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. These breathtaking treehouse hotels in Europe for foodies combine incredible views with gourmet food hamper deliveries and total peace. 9. Add a pinch of Irish charm to your cooking Embrace the spirit of St Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish recipes or a feast of comforting favourites. Cooking and sharing Irish dishes, such as classic soda bread or hearty stew, brings people together and offers a chance to honour heritage, while this Guinness rarebit offers a clever Irish twist on a favourite snack. Our Irish coffee and chocolate Guinness cake will also help lift spirits as winter fades. 10. Mix a bracing spring cocktail Celebrate the longer evenings with a round of refreshing spring cocktails, using ingredients like rhubarb, zingy lime or fresh herbs. Creating and enjoying a new drink can be a fun way to unwind and sharing cocktails with friends offers a great social boost. Discover our spring-feel cocktails, including this vibrant pink rhubarb gin. 11. Celebrate Eid with special dishes Celebrating the end of Ramadan, Eid brings families and friends together to share festive dishes and special sweet treats. Preparing traditional Eid recipes is a joyful way to connect with loved ones and cultural traditions, encouraging joy and gratitude. See our collection of Eid recipes to inspire you, such as Monica Sawhney Haldar's recipe for gulab jamun, an Indian sweet dessert of cake-like doughnuts soaked in a rose-cardamom syrup. 12. Spotlight rhubarb in stunning bakes Rhubarb bursts into season in spring, offering a tart, tangy flavour that transforms cakes, crumbles and puddings. Baking with rhubarb not only celebrates the season but also provides a source of vitamin K and antioxidants, supporting overall wellbeing and adding a beautiful pop of pink to your table. Our rhubarb collection has it all, from pies and crumble bars to bread and butter pudding. 13. Take a bloom-filled spring getaway Choose a destination famous for its spring flowers and gardens. Surrounding yourself with blossoms can lift your spirits, inspire creativity and provide a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Discover olive's list of 10 unmissable destinations to see spring in full bloom. 14. Gather and go outdoors for spring equinox The spring equinox signals the return of light and new beginnings. Gather with loved ones for a wholesome meal outdoors, whether it’s a picnic or a simple lunch in the garden. Fresh air and shared food can lift your mood, and is a wonderful way to mark the turning point of the season. See our best outdoor entertaining ideas for special ways to socialise outdoors, including a backyard campfire. 15. Assemble an Easter feast with loved ones Easter is a time for celebration as well as extra special food, from classic roast lamb to simnel cake and hot cross buns. Sharing a festive meal with family or friends can create lasting memories, while indulging in seasonal treats (Creme Egg cupcakes, anyone?) adds a sense of occasion and fun. Discover our joyful recipes in our main Easter recipe collection, or take a look at our best Easter dinners, cocktails, desserts and cakes. 16. Forage for wild ingredients Foraging introduces you to the edible treasures growing in parks, woodlands and churchyards. Learning to identify wild foods like wild garlic or nettles encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature, while adding unique flavours to your meals. See our guide to urban foraging, then put your finds to good use with our wild garlic recipes. 17. Host in spring without the stress Invite friends or family for a relaxed spring-feel dinner party. Focus on simple, make-ahead dishes that let you enjoy the company rather than worrying about perfection. Sharing good food in a low-pressure setting can reduce stress and boost happiness. Get started with some of our exciting spring dinner party recipes, including this wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. 18. Cook with fresh, seasonal flavours Cooking with the best of spring’s produce – think asparagus, jersey royals and watercress – ensures your meals are full of flavour and nutrition. Eating seasonally supports local growers and helps you feel more connected to the rhythms of nature. See our spring recipes, March recipes and April recipes for springtime meals, including this vibrant asparagus risotto, finished with lemon zest, chives and a mountain of parmesan. 19. Host a springtime afternoon tea Host or attend an afternoon tea, filled with all manner of scones, cakes and delectable sandwiches. This quintessential afternoon ritual is a lovely way to slow down, connect with friends and enjoy a little indulgence as the weather brightens. See our guide on how to create the ultimate Easter afternoon tea for seasonal suggestions for the best table décor, finger food and bakes, including these gooey Easter blondies. 20. Mark International Women’s Day In honour of International Women's Day (8 March), support female-led restaurants or try your hand at recipes by female chefs, such as Nisha Parmar's colourful three-course dinner. Celebrating women in food champions creativity and diversity within the industry, inspiring positive change. Join olive in celebrating the very best of female-led restaurants from across the UK. 21. Add healthy, seasonal dinners to your rotation Focus on nourishing your body with nutritious spring recipes that make you feel energised. Dishes packed with vegetables, grains or high-fibre carbs and lean proteins can support physical wellbeing, and encourage a positive relationship with food. Make the humble radish shine in this meze dish flavoured with cumin and dill – the preserved lemon and yogurt base is the perfect accompaniment. See our healthy spring recipes for more unique, creative dishes. 22. Bring the brightness with creative bakes Spring baking is a joyful way to mark the new season, whether you’re making lemon drizzle muffins, a chocolate Easter cake or pistachio cookies. Baking can be a mindful activity, offering comfort and a sense of accomplishment, not to mention filling your home with delicious aromas. See our 33 days of spring baking for new delicious ways to bring brightness. 23. Book a hotel in full bloom Stay at a hotel renowned for its alluring gardens, where you can stroll among blooming borders and enjoy the sights and scents of spring. Being immersed in nature can reduce stress and foster a sense of peace and joy. Take a peak inside 10 hotels with beautiful gardens to book this spring. 24. Re-establish pre-work habits Revisit or create pre-work rituals that support productivity and wellbeing, such as journaling, gentle exercise or a few minutes of calm. These small acts can reduce stress, improve focus and help you transition smoothly into your day. Try these 10 pre-work habits to set you up for a productive day. 25. Add little energy boosts to your day Feeling like you need to shake off that winter fuzziness? Try incorporate small, energising habits throughout your day, such as opening your curtains to let in morning light, taking short walks or enjoying a glass of water before your first coffee. These simple actions can help maintain steady energy and improve your mood. Read our piece on the 24 little boosts to build energy into your day for more simple tricks to reduce lethargy. 26. Visit a food market on the weekend Exploring a local food market is a sensory treat and a great way to discover unique seasonal produce. Meeting producers and sampling new foods can inspire creativity in the kitchen as well as supporting local businesses. Take a look at our curation of the best food markets to visit for weekend inspiration. 27. Explore a small foodie town Explore one of the UK’s charming small towns known for their food scenes, from the quirky Totnes in Devon to the handsome Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. Sampling local specialities, visiting independent shops and chatting with producers is an enjoyable way to while away the hours over a spring weekend. Find more foodie hotspots here: 25 small towns across the UK that every foodie should visit. 28. Book a special March getaway March is an ideal month for a spontaneous trip, with fewer crowds and the first signs of spring emerging. A short break can offer a much-needed reset and help you embrace the season’s sense of renewal. See fields in bloom, enjoy a city break or plan a blow-out trip – our guide to where to visit in March covers it all. 29. Discover European getaways for spring produce Travel to places where spring produce is at its peak, such as Jersey for jersey royals or Ireland for oysters. Tasting local ingredients at their freshest is a delicious way to celebrate the season and expand your culinary horizons. Our guide to the best European gourmet escapes to catch spring produce at its peak has all the details. 30. Create a spring dessert showstopper Celebrate the Easter holidays with an indulgent dessert for loved ones. Our curation of Easter dessert recipes features plenty of inspired sweet treats, from white chocolate cakes and raspberry cheesecakes to hot cross bun bread and butter pudding.
Pintxos is going to be a big trend this year: here’s where to eat
Be transported to the Basque Country in these chic pintxos bars across the UK, each making buzzy hangouts for relaxed grazing
Looking for an authentic taste of the Basque Country without taking the flight? The UK's clutch of cool pintxos bars offer the best of south-west Europe’s snacking culture and serve up the classics in a typically casual fashion, from gildas and gambas al ajillo to lightly sparkling txakoli. Capturing the spirit of pintxos (Basque-style tapas), these buzzy tabernas make great spots for Spanish-style grazing and sipping. Best pintxos bars in London Legado, Shoreditch Experience Basque dishes on a fine dining level at this elegant outlet, inspired by Basque-born chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho's childhood. Open for walk-ins only, The Taberna – the pintxos and tapas bar separate to the main restaurant – features an all-day menu that's nearly impossible to pick favourites from. However, the gordal olives and the chicharrón de Cádiz are currently on the menu and are must orders. You can also find pan con tomate, bocadillos and croquetas among the options, with a broad drinks list featuring vermouth, dry and sweet sherry and ‘three-sip’ cocktails. legadorestaurants.com Tollington's, Finsbury Park Housed in a former chippy, this Iberian-style fish bar breaks with tradition, inspired by the flavours of northern Spain but using local ingredients to give it a distinctive twist. Vermouth flows on tap, while the chips get a spicy salsa brava makeover – fried in beef dripping and finished with a generous hunk of homemade allioli. The line-up also includes the mighty bifana sandwich, pickled anchovies and battered cod cheeks. The standing-only terrace and walk-in-only bar counter area elicits the energy of a backstreet San Sebastián bar, plus a back room for sit-down meals. instagram.com/tollingtons.fishbar Bar Flor, Belgravia Tucked away above Wildflowers in Belgravia, Bar Flor is a warmly lit wine bar inspired by Spain's love of sherry and vermouth. Expect a thoughtful selection of sherries – from saline manzanilla to the palo cortado and raisin-rich PX – alongside English vermouth from Vault, which can be enjoyed neat or topped with soda or tonic. There’s also Basque cider and a handful of cocktails, including a bittersweet adonis (sherry and vermouth) and a dirty martini with a tangy peschiole pickle liqueur twist. Crafted by co-founder and chef Aaron Potter, the menu offers a line-up of pintxos and tapas that are perfectly matched to the drinks. Highlights include cave-aged manchego with honey, juicy gambas al ajillo and a deep-fried oyster draped in iberico guanciale. The must-order is the calamari sandwich: crisp, hot, deep-fried squid tucked into a baguette and slathered with garlicky allioli – a nostalgic nod to Madrid’s classic bocadillo de calamares. Bar Valette, Shoreditch Bar Valette captures the spirit of a warm neighbourhood hangout – expect mustard-hued banquettes, crisp white tablecloths and pops of modernist art, with the hum of conversation from the semi-open kitchen and bar. The bar's Pintxos Hour is a must for those seeking a taste of Basque Country's lively bar culture. From Tuesday to Saturday 5-7pm the bar serves up £4 drinks and a changing menu of pintxos, including classic gildas, barbajuans, mussel and pork skewers, and sardine toast. It’s a convivial way to graze your way through a variety of appealing morsels, in a buzzy setting that feels both welcoming yet stylish. barvalette.com Bask Street Boys, Seven Dials Market Bask Street Boys within Seven Dials feels more true to the pintxos bars in San Sebastián, where you tend to stand up and eat. The rotating line-up of pintxos, cold cuts, cheeses and classic gildas evokes the Basque ethos: simple, confident food done properly. Pan con tomate (our favourite on our visit) sits alongside golden Spanish tortillas, made with distinctly Basque ingredients like paprika-spiced txistorra (a type of chorizo). Graduating from KERB’s inKERBator programme in 2024, the team traveled extensively through the Basque region, learning from local chefs and home cooks, and perfecting recipes passed down through generations. baskstreetboys.com Topa, Islington By day this neighbourhood spot is the slick Provisions deli, well stocked with continental cheeses, charcuterie and fine wines. Come evening, Provisions morphs into Topa (meaning cheers in Basque) – a homage to San Sebastián just minutes from Highbury & Islington station. The set-up is as convivial as the food: a communal table stretches through the space, inviting guests to share dishes and conversation, while those seeking a cosier setting can opt for a barrel table. Chef Simon Shand draws on the deli’s premium produce to craft Basque bites, from nutty ossau-iraty cheese paired with roasted pickled onion to morcilla blood sausage with apple – a clever balance between savoury and sweet. The gildas, a trio of guindilla pepper, anchovy and olive, deliver a punchy hit of salt, heat, crunch and creaminess. From the plates think meltingly tender pork cheek stew atop creamy polenta, and wild mushrooms crowned with raw egg yolk and translucent guanciale. Order a glass of txakoli to drink, the lightly sparkling Basque white wine, or try a patxaran and tonic for a traditional aperitif with subtle notes of sloe berry. provisionslondon.co.uk Bar Rioja, King's Cross Tucked away around the corner of King's Cross St Pancras, Bar Rioja is an Andalusian-style hideaway dedicated to the celebrated wines of Rioja. This intimate spot is perfect for those interested in immersing themselves in the region’s famed hospitality. Pintxos are the star of the show here – from the quintessential Basque gilda (anchovy, pickled pepper and green olive skewered together) to more indulgent plates such as slow-braised, roasted Segovian suckling pig with celeriac purée and amontillado sherry jus. Hire the space and book in a tasting with passionate owner Richard Bigg for a truly memorable evening, his knowledge of Rioja’s vineyards is matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing them. barrioja.co.uk Best pintxos bars across the UK… Pintxo de Bath, Bath Tucked away in Bath’s theatre district, Pintxo is a Basque-inspired tapas bar that brings a slice of northern Spain to Somerset. The pretty garden out back is the perfect spot for lingering over its dedicated sherry menu, while inside the menu is all about sharing plates and sociable snacking. Start with pan con tomate y jamón, or opt for tinned sardines with bread and aïoli before moving on to albóndigas (meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce), gambas al ajillo and fried padrón peppers. For something sweet, the concise dessert menu delivers: warm chocolate and almond cake, and vanilla ice cream can be enjoyed solo or together, ideally with a shot of pedro ximenez sherry on the side. pintxobath.co.uk Curado, Cardiff Brought to life by the trailblazing team behind Welsh deli Ultracomida, Curado is Cardiff’s go-to for authentic pintxos and relaxed Spanish vibes. Settle in at the bustling bar for chargrilled lamb cutlets dressed with a punchy garlic and parsley picada, or opt for baked Valencian goat’s cheese and cuttlefish a la plancha. Pintxos and jamón are sourced straight from Spanish suppliers, ensuring every bite feels like a quick trip to the Basque Country. When the evening calls for a little more, slip next door to cosy sister spot Vermut, where sherry and the eponymous herbal wine take centre stage. curadobar.com Pintxo, Fowey Step away from Fowey’s bustling quayside and wander towards the esplanade, where Pintxo sits tucked between lofty townhouses. This lively tapas bar is the go-to for a Spanish-inspired lunch, with a menu that champions Valencian rosemary almonds, fiery pickled chillies and manchego drizzled with orange blossom honey. There’s plenty for those in search of something special: think spider crab and saffron croquetas, best paired with either a chilled glass of manzanilla, Spanish brandy or a pour of traditional El Gaitero cider. pintxofowey.co.uk Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Chelsea Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Kings Cross Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Battersea Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
Delis are set to be this year’s biggest hospitality trend: here’s where to find the UK's best
Stock up on the finest provisions at these specialist food stores, including an Italian institution and an Aladdin's cave of Persian produce
Delicatessens are fast becoming go-to destinations for food lovers seeking quality produce, regional specialities or simply a good cup of coffee and a pastry. Whether you’re stocking up on pantry essentials, hunting for a prime foodie gift or intrigued by those little luxuries that make cooking more exciting, these independent gems across the UK deliver on flavour, provenance and a sense of community, from historic establishments to neatly curated farm shops and bucolic village nooks. Best delicatessens in London Farm Shop, Mayfair For seasonal British produce This stylishly outfitted deli on South Audley Street in Mayfair is the sort of gem that London foodies dream of shopping in daily. By day, the ground floor is a showcase for the best of British produce, with baskets of vibrant fruit and vegetables, rustic sourdough, tempting bakes and shelves stacked with artisan chutneys and jams, all sourced from the company’s own Somerset farm and a select group of producers. There sare also grab-and-go sandwiches, toasties and coffee. As the evening arrives, follow the discreet arrows through the deli and down to the softly lit basement, where candlelight and a welcoming buzz set the scene for wine, leisurely grazing and people-watching. Think rotisserie chicken, indulgent cheese toasties and generous sharing boards piled high with Somerset charcuterie and cheese (cheese lovers will be in their element, with temperature-controlled rooms ensuring the likes of Yarlington, Montgomery's cheddar and creamy Bath Blue are always at their best). farmshop.co.uk The Ealing Grocer For sustainably minded staples What started as a lockdown project between Ealing denizens Andy Harris and Katie Millard has flourished into a neighbourhood fixture, supplying the W5 area with premium pantry staples, hand-sliced meats, farmhouse cheeses, homewares and more. This paradise of artisanal wares was inspired by the co-owners' various work travels visiting eclectic épiceries, street markets and tavernas. Pimp up your pantry with the likes of pickled green figs, La Guinelle vinegars and Cantabrian seafood (many of the products are exclusive to the store, imported through Andy’s other business, Vinegar Shed). There is also a daily roster of traiteur-style prepared food (think chicken and saffron rice soup, pumpkin arancini and spanakopita), and you can also catch Andy making his celebrated soft serve ice cream, with diverse flavours like saffron, melon, vanilla and sea buckthorn. Devotees to sustainability, they sell many things by the scoop and encourage shoppers to bring their own bottle to fill with the best Greek honey or olive oil. theealinggrocer.com Gladwell's, Camberwell For a little bit of everything Housed inside a Grade II listed former bank, this neighbourhood store has it all under one roof, from everyday essentials through to luxury treats for gifting. Trending deli staples share space on the packed shelves with English forced rhubarb, Dusty Knuckle sourdough, British cheese from Mons Cheesemongers, natural wine and fresh seafood, not to mention a sleek butcher's counter from Turner & George, the award-winning butcher co-owned by chef Richard Turner (Hawksmoor, Meatopia, Pitt Cue Co). The counter sells freshly baked Viennoiserie and bagels, deli sandwiches and homemade sausage rolls, which disappear in minutes. In the the evening, sip on a glass of wine or beer at shop prices. gladwells.co.uk Lulu's, Herne Hill For unique comestibles The sister wine bar and shop to Herne Hill restaurant Llewelyn's, this bijou deli champions quality and craft in its carefully selected products from the kitchen's favoured suppliers, along with house-made pantry provisions. Rare and local finds include green hot sauce from Rye Lane, spiced tomato juice from The Pickle House in Suffolk and EVOO from Honest Toil. Lulu's ensures locals and commuters are well fed with a weekly changing menu of pastries and coffee, freshly made sandwiches and salads, with small plates, wine and cocktails served from 6pm. lulus.london Lina Stores, Soho For high-quality Italian fare A Soho fixture since 1944, Lina Stores is the city's most famous destination for authentic produce and ingredients imported from Italy. The mint-tiled corner shop is a visual treat, its shelves crammed with everything from metre-long pasta frills to chic bottles of passata, ideal for gifts, stocking up the larder or simply treating yourself. Regulars love the fresh pasta bar and a meat and cheese counter, piled high with over 40 different types of salumi and formaggi, from ’nduja and finocchiona to creamy gorgonzola. You can also expect delectable pastries and sweets – all ready to take home or enjoy with a strong Italian coffee on the spot. linastores.co.uk Persepolis, Peckham For Persian pantry staples Step into this quirky deli-cum-café and stock up on exciting Persian pantry staples. This much-loved deli is a cornucopia of tins, spices, paklava and beyond, with Persian rugs, cookware and shisha pipes adding to the atmosphere. Beyond the shelves, a relaxed café rustles up vibrant meze platters and a unique selection of meat-free dishes — think tofu scrambled with dates and aromatic spices, or indulgent dairy-free sundaes bejewelled with Persian sweets. foratasteofpersia.co.uk Provisions, Islington For wine and cheese This smart Islington shop is worth a visit for its inimitable line-up of cheese and wine. Provisions was founded in 2015 (with a second shop on Hackney Road that opened in April 2022), and the team puts a lot of care into the curation, seasonality and presentation of their products, importing raw milk cheese, organic and natural wines, cured meats and other deli items mainly from small producers in France and Italy. Aiming to make wine and artisan food affordable and accessible rather than elitist, Provisions stocks quality products like tinned fish from Portugal, cured meats from the French Basque Country and craft beer from across the UK. Later in the evening the space morphs into an intimate pintxos bar. provisionslondon.co.uk The Larder, Lewisham For local London finds Opened in 2014 by south London foodies Katherine and Cynthia, this homely delicatessen stocks as locally as possible, including beers from Brockley Brewery and Villages, bread from Boulangerie Jade and Cooper's Bakehouse, Catford Honey, chutneys and oils from Pat & Pinky’s, Catford and Lewisham Gins. Organic fruit, veg and salad comes from Chegworth Valley Farm in Kent and Sitopia Farm in Greenwich, while British cheese (Neal’s Yard Dairy) and European cheeses (Mons Cheesemongers) is delivered every week. Owing to its well-curated range, The Larder was recently crowned the best deli in London. thelarderdeli.com Terroni of Clerkenwell For fresh Italian produce London’s oldest delicatessen (and arguably the first in England), Terroni of Clerkenwell has been a family-run fixture since 1878. Inside, counters brim with Italian cheeses, cured meats and freshly made pizza. Must-tries include taleggio, creamy burrata, punchy gorgonzola, guanciale and mortadella studded with pistachios. Settle in with the locals for a slice of just-baked pizza, best enjoyed with an Aperol spritz or a glass of sangiovese. terroni.co.uk <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2026/02/GettyImages-2253596920-7864e4f.jpg" width="5621" height="3751" alt="A street-level shot captures the double storefront of ‘TERRONI OF CLERKENWELL’ on Clerkenwell Road. The deli is housed in a handsome red-brick Victorian building with white-framed sash windows on the upper floors. The shopfront features dark green signage with gold lettering, and several small tables and chairs are set out on the pavement in front of the large glass windows." title="Terroni Of Clerkenwell Italian Delicatessen Facade" /> Jones of Brockley, Crofton Park For high-end wares All your picnic needs are catered for at this family-run store, neatly curated with posh jars of olives, nuts and tapenade, British beers, cider and more. Its commitment to selling flavour-first supplies and quality groceries is evident in its samples of peaches from Natoora, ice cream sandwiches from Happy Endings and 100% British canned fish from Sea Sisters. Towards the end of the week, cop artsy, buttery bakes delivered by Toklas Bakery, such as their 'nduja and cheddar croissant. jonesofbrockley.com Harrison’s, Ealing For cheese or something special This unassuming spot has been a local haven for fine wine and life’s little luxuries since 2010. Check out the bumper crop of British and European cheeses which line the shelves, spotlighting award-winning cheesemakers like Snowdonia Cheese Co. It also stocks a solid range of gourmet treats; highlights include truffle carpaccio, duck rillettes and fresh Scotch eggs. The team are wine and spirits specialists, too. harrisonswines.co.uk Mum’s Whole Food, Harringay For organic groceries It's almost impossible to walk past this family-run store without stopping to admire its abundant flower display. Inside, there's a bounty of organic produce in all shapes and colours flanking shelves of little goods to satisfy every craving, from luxury teas to truffle cheddar and freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the bakery. There's also a decent health and wellbeing section stocking clean beauty products and green household items. mumswholefood.co.uk Best delicatessens across the UK… Lunya, Liverpool For authentic Spanish flavours Lunya is a family-run Catalonian deli-restaurant that celebrates the best of Spanish produce and cuisine. Step inside and you’ll find shelves stocked full of regional wines, sherries and vermouths, alongside a deli counter laden with fresh padron peppers, piquillo pepper hummus, and an extensive array of artisan Spanish cheeses – from nutty manchego and mighty wheels of cabrales blue to creamy torta (Lunya says it has the UK’s largest stock of cheese from Catalunya and Spain). The selection of cured meats is equally tempting, with acorn-fed Ibérico ham taking centre stage. For 15 years, Lunya has been a go-to for food lovers seeking authentic flavours, with everything from Asturian cider to Navarran roncal cheese available to take home. lunya.co.uk Martin & Malthouse, the Cotswolds For olive oil and local cheese A collaboration between family and friends, Martin & Malthouse is a rustic-chic deli, café and bottle shop in the quaint town of Tetbury. Shelves are teeming with local cheeses, meats, baked goods and coffee, alongside an assured clutch of fine wines, beers and spirits in the bottle shop. Make a beeline for the olive oil pressed from the family’s own groves in Greece. Each Thursday, the shop transforms into a buzzing evening wine bar, offering charcuterie and cheese boards, while a local sourdough pizza maker pops up a couple of times a month to dish up freshly baked slices. martinandmalthouse.co.uk Lupe Pintos, Glasgow For hot sauce and more For nearly a quarter of a century, Lupe Pintos has been a vibrant fixture in Glasgow’s West End and a haven for spice lovers, brimming with more than 100 varieties of hot sauce, Mexican products and speciality foods from across the Americas. Whether you’re on the hunt for an interesting Mexican beer or seeking authentic ingredients for a chilli con carne, a visit to Lupe is always a discovery. Shelves are filled with everything from dried chillies and Yorkshire-made Mexican-style queso fresco to freshly delivered tortillas each Wednesday. Devotees make pilgrimages here for cult favourites such as La Carmina from Asturias, a cooking chorizo that has graced the deli’s counter for decades. lupepintos.com Eusebi Deli, Glasgow For Italian groceries Eusebi Deli began life as a humble Italian grocer in Glasgow’s East End in 1975. It's since flourished into a vibrant deli and restaurant in the city’s West End, with regional and seasonal Italian dishes taking centre stage. Expect a deli counter with ready prepared meals, fresh pasta, grocery provisions and fine wines at your fingertips. The team’s commitment to quality is unwavering; in the on-site ‘pasta laboratory’, pasta is crafted daily from scratch, using a variety of flours including chickpea, chestnut and grano arso. eusebideli.com Picnic Fayre, Norfolk For Norfolk stock Running for over 40 years, find this bucolic deli squashed into an old forge in the shadow of Cley Windmill. Shelves are lined with the deli’s own chutneys and spice pastes, but the real star is their speciality bread: pillowy focaccia drizzled with a fragrant lavender marinade. Foodies can also fill their totes with Norfolk wines, homemade pâtés and quiches and local preserves and mustards. The deli also stocks fresh sourdough and viennoiserie from ‘Baked in Cley’, made only a stone's throw away. picnic-fayre.co.uk Cedarbarn Farm Shop, North Yorkshire For Yorkshire supplies A treasure trove of Yorkshire deli finds, Cedarbarn Farm Shop on the outskirts of Pickering is a must-visit. This wholesome deli and farm shop is a go-to spot for foodies to stock up on artisan treats, with a considered range of fresh produce grown on its own farm and groceries from some of Yorkshire's finest suppliers (Shepherd's Purse cheeses, Whitby Seafish smoked fish and Yorkshire Rapeseed oil, for example). Shelves are lined with Rosebud Preserves jams, local Yorkshire honey, Cartwright & Butler butterscotch crunch biscuits and bottles of Wold Top Brewery ales. cedarbarnfarmshop.co.uk Broadway Deli, the Cotswolds For locally grown produce Housed in a characterful 17th-century building with a storied past — including stints as a vicarage, tea room and guest house — Broadway Deli has been a cherished fixture in the Cotswolds for over two decades. Step inside to discover shelves jammed with freshly baked bread and pastries, locally grown fruit and veg and artisan cheeses, nestled alongside a selection of wines and deli essentials sourced from near and far. Beyond the counter, a delightful café and picturesque garden offer the perfect spot to linger over your finds. broadwaydeli.co.uk
10 things we love about Chinese New Year
Peter Ho, the Singaporean-Chinese executive chef of London's MiMi Mei Fair, tells us what makes Chinese New Year celebrations so special for him
Want to learn more about Chinese cuisine? Looking for Chinese dishes to try? Read our guide below then check out our guide to Chinese recipes, healthy Chinese New Year recipes and best Chinese restaurants in London. We also have our podcast with chef and School of Wok owner Jeremy Pang on the 10 things you need to know about Chinese New Year and the 10 things we love about Hong Kong-style cuisine. Peter started his culinary career at his family’s Chinese restaurant in Singapore, where his father taught him the fine art of carving meats during the school holidays. In 2013, he made the move to London to join the Hakkasan Group, before helming the kitchen at MiMi Mei Fair in 2021. Peter’s dishes take inspiration from Singapore, as well as Hong Kong and mainland China. 10 things we love about Chinese New Year 1. Red envelopes, blessings and tangerines On the first day of the new year, we wake up early and wear new clothes from head to toe to symbolise a new beginning of a good year. We take turns to pay respects to our elders by offering two tangerines and giving auspicious new year greetings. In return, we receive red envelopes of money as a blessing. 2. All-night mahjong Mahjong is a Chinese game for four players seated around a square table, which we have always played during Chinese New Year in my household. Each player is given mahjong tiles with different characters and suits. The tiles are shuffled noisily at the beginning of every game, knocking against each other, creating an atmosphere of liveliness in the home. Often, this game goes on through the night, and snacks such as the ones below are eaten to keep stamina up. 3. Bak kwa Bak kwa is a thinly sliced sweet-marinated barbecued pork and is a must-have during celebrations, especially when you have guests over. The popular bak kwa stores always have hour-long queues wrapping around the streets leading up to the festivities. 4. Fish Fish in Chinese sounds similar to our translation of ‘extra’, and it also symbolises abundance and wealth, so fish is a must during Chinese New Year feasting. My personal favourite is steamed dover sole with pickled chilli. It’s healthy and refreshing, and the pickle brings out the natural sweetness of the fish. 5. Chinese New Year snacks A week before celebrations begin, my mother and sisters would be busy making snacks for our guests. These snacks include ‘love letters’ (crêpes), sweet rice cakes, pineapple tarts, almond tarts, peanut cookies and shrimp sambal mini spring rolls. 6. Lion and dragon dances This is a traditional Chinese martial art form of dance. There are troops who visit businesses, households and public spaces to perform the dance, and give blessings for a prosperous new year. In Chinatown in Singapore, the lion dancers take over the whole area. 7. Firecrackers or sparklers Children play with firecrackers or sparklers throughout the 15 days of celebration. This tradition is to symbolise warding off bad energy and evil spirits. It is very noisy. 8. Lo hei Lo hei is a raw fish salad which is popular in Singapore and one of my favourite dishes. This salad is the most important dish on the seventh day of celebrations, as legend says that this was the day that the gods created man and it marked the birthday of the Chinese race. The salad comes with more than 20 ingredients, each symbolising different auspicious wishes for the new year. For example, the main ingredient being raw fish symbolises one always having more than enough, and vibrant ingredients such as carrot, white and green radishes, plum sauce, sweetened orange and sweetened melon mean that the year ahead will be full of colour. 9. Tang yuan On the 15th day of celebrations, the family gathers to make sticky glutinous rice balls in pandan and ginger soup, as the sticky rice symbolises unity within the family and the round shape symbolises eternity. Rice balls come with fillings such as black sesame, peanut and red bean. 10. Reunion dinner On the last day of the Lunar New Year, the whole family gathers to have a feast, which we call the ‘reunion dinner’, very similar to Christmas in Western culture. During this time, we prepare to invite and receive good fortune for the new year. When I was a child, this was always the one day of the year that I was allowed to stay up late. The whole family would gather round to listen to my grandmother telling us all folk tales and legends of our culture.
The 10 most exciting restaurant openings to visit this February
If you're a fan of low-lit wine caves, NYC-style pizza slices and Milanese cooking, book a table at one of these new London restaurants
Want some ideas on where to eat in February? We’ve curated our pick of new destinations for a food lover to book for this month and ahead, with something for everyone. From candle-lit wine caves to regional Thai cooking and French-inspired bistro dishes, there's plenty to discover this month. For more restaurant inspiration, check out more of our London food guides, as well as our comprehensive guide to the best new restaurants in London to visit. Want some ideas on where to go on holiday in February? Check out our curation of the best spots to visit in February. For a date-night at a 'wine pub': Godet, Islington This Essex Road denizen has the spaciously proportioned bones of an old Victorian boozer (it was formerly The Seveney in another life) but with decidedly more chic peach and sage interiors. It calls itself a ‘wine pub’ and we can see why – the vibe inside feels decidedly laid back and akin to the neighbourhood local it once was, but the drinks place equal importance on grape and grain, with a pithy rotating list of low-intervention wines chalked up on blackboards and a roster of nine beers on tap. The former draws heavily from France (as befits Parisian owner Sylvain’s heritage) while the latter showcases classic and experimental brews from London and across the UK. You could stop by for a pint here as easily as you could a date-night glass of chilled red. What to order: Godet has hosted several kitchen residencies – previous ones have included Nordic pop-up Jomfru by Anna Søgaard and Perk’d Up Burger – and its latest, modern Chinese outfit Ling Ling’s, delivers flavour-packed hits such as crispy pork and water chestnut wontons, zingy pomegranate radish cakes and spicy beef ragu noodles with parmesan. Other highlights include regular wine tastings and meet the winemaker events, and vinyl DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. godetlondon.com Hannah Guinness Address: 382 Essex Rd, London N1 3PF Nearest train station: Canonbury Opening times: Wednesday (5pm-11pm); Thursday (5pm-12am); Friday (5pm-12:30am); Saturday (3pm-12:30am); Sunday (3pm-9pm) For contemporary European dishes in a relaxed setting: Levan, Peckham This Peckham mainstay has undertaken a few refreshes as it enters its eighth year, with ex-Planque and The Clove Club chef Rani Raimondi in the kitchen. His appointment is accompanied by a thoughtful update of the restaurant’s interior, with big Parisian charm via a rich burgundy palate, softened lighting and carefully curated art. What to order: Inspired by the ‘bistronomy’ movement and a longstanding love affair with French cuisine, Levan’s à la carte menu is split into four sections – snacks, starters, larger mains and sides. Start with a few snacks and starters: tuck into the must-have beef tartare, a rich, tender morsel perched atop a deeply golden Parisienne-style rösti. The highlight of the starters is the scallop crudo – delicate slices of scallop are balanced by sweet-tart blood orange, accompanied by dabs of crème fraîche and trout roe for a fresh, mildly salty finish. For mains, the pork neck is tender and deeply succulent, crowned with slithers of buttery Cantabrian anchovies and charred sprouts which elevate its savouriness to heavenly new heights. Finish with the chocolate pudding, uniquely fused with plums, hazelnut praline and sesame ice cream to create a mouthwatering experience. The carefully curated wine list focuses on low-intervention and biodynamic wines. Dafni white is wonderfully herbaceous with a refreshing citrus finish – a native variety saved from extinction by the Lyrarakis family in Greece. There is also a snappy list of modish aperitifs: the Red Velvet Margarita, mixing mezcal verde with Lillet Rouge, plum brine, almond orgeat, cranberry and rosemary, will be what we order next time. levanlondon.co.uk Helen Salter Address: 12-16 Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QL Nearest train station: Peckham Rye Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday (12pm-1pm), Sunday (12pm-4pm) For modern Georgian and natural wine: Daka Daka, Mayfair This modern Georgian restaurant and natural wine bar comes from Giorgi Mindiashvili and chef-patron Mitz Vora, with a list of more than 100 bottles curated by Honey Spencer, one of the UK’s most influential sommeliers and a leading voice in natural wine. What to order: The kitchen, led by head chef Adrian Hernandez Farina, cooks over charcoal and a wood-fired hearth, and the menu leans into Georgia’s most defining dishes. We began with lobio – a kidney bean hummus slicked with ajika chilli crisp – earthy and smoky, made for scooping. Then came the khinkali, hand-folded soup dumplings served steaming hot. The iberico pork pluma and aged beef versions arrived with cracked black pepper and a burst of slurpable broth inside, the kind of dish that makes you slow down. From the grill, kababi skewers brought smoke and spice, while penovani (flaky, cheese-filled pastry) was rich and moreish. We moved on to shkmeruli, roast chicken in a confit garlic sauce, glossy and deeply savoury. Dessert kept things Georgian too. Napoleon, the regional mille-feuille, came layered with dulce de leche cream and caramel – delicately crisp and not overly sweet. instagram.com/dakadaka.london Keith Kendrick Address: DakaDaka, 10 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BX Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm); Friday (12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm); Saturday (12pm-11pm) For contemporary Cantonese dining: Cafe Kowloon, London Fields Hot on the toes of its noodle bar opening, Wonton Charlie's, the team behind Mr Bao has launched a contemporary Cantonese evening spot through the back, inspired by the fast-paced buzz of Hong Kong (from where co-owner Frank Yeung's dad hails). We sat at the glossy tiled counter so we could watch the chefs work the charcoal grill, while the adjacent dining room has a real vibe with a neon-lit bar and swishy curved booths, larger tables complete with lazy susans for sharing-style dishes. What to order: Kick off with on-trend sipping cocktails, a lime leaf delicately perched on the white lady offering a fragrant hit. Snacks include fish ball skewers in a light, fragrant curry sauce, tinned dace and black beans whipped into a cream cheese dip, and beef tendons two ways: puffed up like crackers and soy-marinated for deep umami results. On to the sharing highlights – lo bak go (turnip cake) garnished with crispy Chinese-style sausage and prawn toast, its bread base custom designed by E5 Bakehouse, topped with a thick layer of prawn and sesame seeds, deep-fried and sliced into soldiers alongside crispy prawn heads to dip into spring onion chill oil. There are two larger sharers: whole steamed sea bass looked fabulous but we were tempted by the Cantonese-style chickens twirling on the spit. Half a chicken, foot and all, comes doused in ginger sauce, Szechuan salt on the side, best paired with sesame-sautéed cabbage. The Hong Kong french toast is another winner (spot a theme?) – two thick slices of bread filled with a silky peanut crème patissière then deep-fried to ensure a crisp yet surprisingly light finish. cafekowloon.co.uk Alex Crossley Address: 392-393 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PH Nearest train station: London Fields Opening times: Wednesday-Saturday (6pm-11pm) For natural wines in a date-night spot: Stable Wines, Islington Stable Wines makes a good case for being one of London’s most beautiful wine bars. Owners Alex Young and George de Vos are the brains behind the much-adored Goodbye Horses and The Dreamery, and Stable Wines has similar decorative touches – like the sculptural painted paper lanterns dotted throughout, including a beautiful rice paper shade in the ground-floor shop illustrated with whimsical folkloric scenes by artist Lucy Stein. Arrive in a glass-walled space on Essex Road which functions as a wine shop – complete with a striking oak and volcanic stone counter, and head downstairs where a former bank vault has been turned into a magical candlelit, labyrinthian cave: dimly lit with bare brick and stone walls, full of arches, alcoves and cosy nooks. It feels like you’ve descended into an ancient pagan temple but in a sexy, sultry way – a date-night spot par excellence. What to order: Wines channel a ‘zero zero’ ethos, meaning natural and low-intervention bottles. A highlight on our visit included a textured, honey-floral pét nat. Next-level snacks and small plates include uber-umami Guinness rarebit oysters, crunchy fingers of layered potato topped with beef tartare, grilled squash with a crisp pastry filled with hazelnut cream, and an unmissable silky whipped chocolate mousse doused in olive oil. @stablewines Hannah Guinness Address: 344a Essex Road, London N1 3PD Nearest train station: Essex Road Opening times: Monday (12pm-11pm); Tuesday (12pm-6pm); Wednesday (12pm-8pm); Thursday-Saturday (12pm-11pm); Sunday (12pm-10pm) For NYC-inspired slices: Vincenzo's Pizza, Shoreditch Vincenzo's in Shoreditch is the second location from Tom Vincent, who opened his first location in Bushey in 2022 and watched it become a cult favourite. You can now find his signature crispy, thin-crust whole pies and pizza by the slice in the capital, bringing New York’s late-night energy and providing Londoners with a new way to enjoy pizza: fresh, hot, generous slices to grab and go. It's made such a mark that it's already a buzzing London institution. What to order: Order by the slice or indulge in a 16-inch pie if you're hungry. NYC fold is served on grease-stained paper plates, with simple toppings alongside the likes of spicy vodka sauce, plus a fun take on a Greek-inspired spanakopita. NY slices are the emphasis, however our favourite has to be the focaccia, served by the square: it's tangy, chewy and loaded with premium toppings like burrata and pepperoni (drizzled in hot honey, no less). Super heavenly, though be warned: you may never look at pizza the same way again. It's primarily a grab and go situation, with just a few stools to perch, so the only thing left to order are the quietly formidable dips: a hot and sweet roquito ranch (our favourite), truffle mayo, garlic and herb, and hot honey. There's also a range of soft drinks. vincenzospizzas.com Helen Salter Address: 122 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street Opening times: Wednesday-Friday (4pm-10pm); Saturday-Sunday (12pm-10pm) For a date night deserving of a white tablecloth: Sartoria Launceston Place, South Kensington Set between the bustle of Kensington High Street and the quieter elegance of Gloucester Road sits Sartoria Launceston Place. This is Milanese cooking, done with confidence and restraint. Sartoria Launceston Place is the younger sister to the original Sartoria on Savile Row and it carries that same sense of polish and tradition, just loosened slightly for this corner of west London. The room is all softness and polish. Banquette seating, white tablecloths and plenty of tucked away corners give it an easy sense of comfort, while still feeling smart. It’s an obvious choice for a date, though there are larger tables too, should the evening stretch into something more sociable. Service is warm and attentive, perhaps a little formal for some, but in keeping with the room and the setting. What to order: The menu follows the familiar Italian rhythm: snacks and breads, antipasti, primi, secondi and sides. Calamari arrived shatteringly crisp, paired with a chilli jam carrying just enough heat. Tuna tartare and beef carpaccio made a pleasing contrast: the tuna soft and buttery, glossed with vivid basil oil; the carpaccio deeply beefy, brightened by the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. For my primi, I chose the calamarata: generous and seafood-rich, mussels scattered through the pasta, red prawns offering small bursts of sweetness. Fillet steak followed, perfectly rare and lounging in a pool of creamy peppercorn sauce, so good we wished the plate had lingered a moment longer. We kept sides simple with sautéed spinach, its slight bite cutting cleanly through the richness. sartoria-launcestonplace.co.uk Lydia Anderson Address: 1A Launceston Place, London W8 5RL Nearest tube station: Gloucester Road Opening times: Wednesday-Saturday (9am-10pm); Sunday (9am-9pm) For fun and fiery Thai cooking: Plaza Khao Gaeng, Borough Yards Set under the railway arches that flank Borough Market, this fun new spot brings the energy of a raan khao gaeng – the informal canteens that pop up on street corners and markets across Thailand. The high-ceilinged room is breezy and buzzy with a quirky, eclectic style: stainless steel tables, zingy pops of colour, retro Thai movie posters and restaurant signs all add to the atmosphere. What to order: A Paricha margarita eased us into the heat zone – mango infused tequila and kumquat liquor with a kick of fresh Thai chilli served alongside an appetiser plate of miang pla: betel leaves to be wrapped around spicy sausage, dried fish and crunchy galangal floss to make a herbal, tangy mouthful. The yam strawberry salad was a refreshing sweet/salty surprise – strawberries in a punchy dressing, topped with a sprinkling of the tiniest translucent fish and coconut. From the curries, the gaeng massaman neua was deeply comforting – big chunks of beef, slow cooked in a rich spiced coconut sauce with hunks of potato to soak up all of that fragrant curry. Gung pad prik gaeng sator (tiger prawns stir-fried in red curry paste) brought some of that notorious heat but balanced it well with coconut cream. We kept the heat at bay with a icy glass of Singha beer, served in a chunky frozen glass tankard. Or if you’re in a crowd there’s the option to order a three-litre beer tower with your own tap – a fun playful touch for a very fun spot. plazakhaogaeng.com Janine Ratcliffe Address: Arch 207, 18 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD Nearest tube station: London Bridge Opening times: Monday-Saturday (12pm-10pm); Sunday (12pm-4pm) For elegant and modern European cooking: 74 Charlotte St by Ben Murphy, Fitzrovia 74 Charlotte Street by Ben Murphy sees the chef (who ran the kitchen at Launceston Place to great acclaim) in his first solo spot. The room is calm and elegant: coming in from a rainy winter evening the golden light and a warm atmosphere was immediately welcoming, as was the beautiful crescent-shaped cocktail bar where we kicked off with an icy, citrussy yuzu gimlet and a French 75. Such is the commitment to a perfect cocktail that my drink was decanted into a fresh frosty glass halfway through to keep it chilled. What to order: Don’t skip the bread – a pillowy loaf of tear-apart milk bread served with a cube of beurre noisette and a dish of hummus with vivid green pumpkin seed oil was just gorgeous. We loved the tender butter poached lobster tail with a tartlet topped with tiny discs of pumpkin to look like fish scales, and the iberica presa pork served perfectly pink with tiny grilled baby gem, carrot purée and a savoury jus – each dish looking like a little work of art. The wine list has some interesting by the glass options, with a Turkish sauvignon blanc being a particular surprise. Desserts are fun – there’s a retro mint green ice cream trolley with a seasonal flavour (mince pie on our visit) and a lovely chocolate tart, dense and rich with crisp chocolate pastry and hazelnut praline. 74charlottestreet.com Janine Ratcliffe Address: 74 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QH Nearest tube station: Goodge Street Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday (12pm-9:30pm) For reimagined Caribbean food: 2210 by NattyCanCook, Herne Hill As a Brixton resident I was extra excited about this opening. The Clink project at HMP Brixton inspired Nathaniel Mortley to turn his life around, launching a social media channel which led to residencies and now his permanent home in Herne Hill. Though born and raised in Peckham, Natty’s heritage is Bajan, Jamaican and Guyanese, thus he spotlights flavours and ingredients from the region in his elevated dishes. It’s a family affair – Natty's delightful godmother Cecilia was our server, his mum is his accountant and an old school friend helps out front of house. This, paired with the throwback soundtrack causing us to wiggle along in our plush grey chairs, ensures that good vibes prevail. I’m already planning a trip back for the Sunday roast, with the promise of scotch chimichurri roasties, followed by a brisk walk in neighbouring Brockwell Park. What to order: We kicked off by dunking grilled roti triangles into whipped scotch bonnet butter. Next came crispy spring rolls stuffed with ackee and saltfish, and pork belly with crackling trim, spiced jus and puddles of scotch bonnet mayo. I recommend sharing the hearty mains, all served with a choice of aromatic jollof rice or spiced rice and peas. There’s a sophisticated take on jerk chicken with mango and pineapple salsa, a much talked-about lamb rump with tamarind jus, and pan-seared spiced duck breast served with a show-stealing confit leg croquette. My highlight was whole brill lifted with a lightly spiced plantain velouté, pickled plantain cubes and vibrant coriander pesto. Don’t miss deep-fried apple crumble for dessert, presented in croquette form encasing spiced, pickled apple, with coffee chantilly cream and basil oil crème anglaise to lift. Cocktails pack a punch – signature rum punch is a popular choice, while margaritas are laced with scotch bonnet, and negronis infused with tangy sorrel. 2210bynattycancook.com Alex Crossley Address: 75 Norwood Road, London SE24 9AA Nearest train station: Herne Hill Opening times: Wednesday-Thursday (5pm-11pm); Friday (5pm-12am); Saturday (12pm-12am); Sunday (12pm-10pm) More restaurant inspiration Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
These warming soup recipes will help you feel fuller for longer, from wholesome chicken broth to lasagne and white bean soup
Looking for comforting soups that will help keep you satisfied? Our versatile soup recipes are perfect for warming up with on chilly days, while packing in plenty of protein to leave you feeling full. Our warming soups feature high-protein vegetables as well as meat and seafood. For more high protein ideas try our healthy chicken breast recipes, healthy salmon recipes, steak recipes and healthy mince recipes. High-protein soup recipes Chicken and rice soup Packed with protein and low in sugar, this chicken and rice soup is both hearty and healthy. Cooking chicken and rice in a flavourful broth keeps the chicken tender and makes for a satisfying meal – crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment. Lasagne and white bean soup This vegetarian soup merges the flavours of lasagne (tomatoes, pasta, fresh herbs and parmesan), along with cannellini beans and plenty of curly kale for texture. Try it for a hearty, nutrient-rich lunch or dinner. Chicken soup Our warming chicken soup makes the most of leftover roast chicken. It’s simple to throw together, so the quality of the stock used will make all the difference. It's also low in salt and sugar. Hearty greens and meatball soup Homemade pork meatballs are simmered with kale, orzo and parmesan to create a seriously satisfying high-protein soup. Chicken, giant couscous and harissa broth Check out this hearty and satisfying soup, with plenty of protein from the chicken, plus spring greens and a kick of harissa. Giant couscous adds a springy texture to this wholesome broth. It's also low-calorie and low-fat. Chorizo, broccoli and brown rice soup Chorizo adds savoury depth to this warm and hearty soup, while broccoli brings a nutritious boost. It is easy to make and suitable for freezing if you want to make a big batch for later. Umami chicken soup with coriander chilli oil Combine chicken breast with miso, mushrooms, carrots and vermicelli to make this umami-rich soup, finished with a vibrant coriander chilli oil. Each serving contains 34g protein, making it a lean, filling option for lunch or dinner. Fragrant dumpling soup with noodles Frozen gyoza and a handful of fresh and storecupboard ingredients make up this easy, restorative dinner, which offers 30g protein per serving. The inclusion of edamame and spinach boosts plant points and fibre. Nigerian egusi soup Made with assorted meats (beef, goat, tripe, cow skin), egusi seeds, spinach and pumpkin leaves, this traditional West African soup supplies 54g protein per serving. It's hearty, nourishing and perfect for feeding a crowd. Cock-a-leekie soup A classic Scottish broth with whole chicken, leeks, carrots, celery and prunes, this soup is perfect for the winter months. It's naturally gluten- and dairy-free, with the prunes adding a touch of sweetness. Shorbat frik (Tunisian soup) This North African soup combines lamb or chicken, freekeh, chickpeas and aromatic spices. Served hot with your favourite fresh bread, it makes a hearty yet low-calorie dinner. Prawn laksa (spicy noodle soup) This Malaysian-inspired soup sees juicy prawns mixed with rice noodles, coconut milk and beansprouts. It's warming, satisfying and ready on the table in just 20 minutes. French onion soup Our version of a comforting French classic features beef stock, caramelised onions and bubbling cheese melts. Each serving of this deep beefy soup delivers 28g protein, perfect for a comforting winter warmer. Beef noodle soup Quick and easy to prepare, this soup uses strips of steak cooked in beef stock with egg noodles and pak choi, offering a substantial amount of protein in each bowl. Easy turkey soup This simple turkey soup makes a resourceful way to use up leftovers, packed with carrots, celery and pearl barley. Serve with buttered crusty bread for a nourishing winter dinner. Mulligatawny soup This spiced chicken and root vegetable soup with basmati rice delivers 35.3g protein per bowl. It's also low in calories. If you’ve got a food processor, use the grater blade to speed up the prep for this recipe. Wonton soup This Sichuan-inspired soup features delicate pork wontons in a spicy broth with shiitake mushrooms and ginger – it's a riot of hot, sour and umami-rich flavours. Caldo verde (kale, chorizo and potato soup) Make kale the star of this Portuguese soup, combined with chorizo and potatoes in chicken stock. Nutritious and low in calories, kale adds iron and antioxidants, while chorizo infuses the broth with a rich smoky flavour. Healthy miso chicken noodle soup with chilli Fry shredded chicken thighs in miso and gochujang and add to this nutritious broth for a gut-friendly meal that's also low in fat and salt. Tom yum soup Crunchy peeled prawns, punchy chillies and soft button mushrooms make up this Thai-inspired broth, delivering 27.8g protein per serving. It's low in calories and quick to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes. Chicken and mushroom noodle soup A simple low calorie midweek meal, this chicken noodle soup recipe is layered with punchy chilli, meaty shiitake mushrooms and fiery ginger. Miso soup with crispy smoked tofu This warming vegan soup combines smoked tofu, kale, shiitake mushrooms and nori, supplying 27.5g protein per serving. It makes a perfect low calorie midweek meal: warming, cleansing and super easy to make. Lohikeitto (Finnish salmon and potato soup) Flavoured with dill and allspice, this classic Finnish soup features salmon fillets, potatoes and cream, with 27.5g protein per portion. Serve it for a comforting lunch or starter course. Hot-and-sour fish soup This Asian-inspired hot-and-sour fish soup has 49.7g protein per serving. It's full of big flavours like ginger, chilli and lemongrass and is ready in just 20 minutes. Chicken and sweetcorn dumpling soup Try our Chinese-style broth for a light yet filling dinner, with noodles, wanton dumplings and ginger adding a warming, immune-boosting touch. Hot and sour turkey soup Transform your turkey leftovers into an easy hot and zingy soup, offering 46.8g protein per serving. It's ready in less than 20 minutes and makes a healthy yet hearty dish.
12 crunchy, gooey and layered bakes for a satisfying sensory experience
Thrill your senses with stunning bakes which marry creamy, crunchy and gooey textures – the contrast transforms classic treats and delivers excitement in every bite
Looking for exciting new bakes where every bite delivers a new sensation? From crunchy toppings to gooey centres and crisp, buttery layers, these indulgent baking recipes create dynamic contrast for maximum impact and will elevate your baking game. Discover more next-level bakes in our collection of decadent chocolate recipes, from stunning cakes to chilled desserts, along with our best caramel cakes and bakes and slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends. Textural baking recipes Crunchy nut and milk chocolate tart This tart is a celebration of texture from base to topping. The shell is a clever no-bake crust made with crunchy nut cornflakes and roasted peanuts, bound together with chocolate for a deeply satisfying snap and crunch. The shell gives way to a layer of rich peanut butter and salted caramel, topped with a glossy, creamy milk chocolate ganache. Every slice offers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich, creamy finish thanks to the heavenly crisp base, gooey caramel and silky chocolate. Caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars These bars are inspired by the classic apple crumble but take the texture up a notch. The base and topping are made from a brown butter crumble, offering a nutty crunch. The middle is a thick, creamy cheesecake layer, scattered over with caramelised apples. Each bar delivers a satisfying contrast between the crisp crumble, smooth cheesecake and soft, spiced apples. Jammy simnel flapjacks with scorched marzipan A flapjack like no other, this bake combines chewy oat layers with a sticky, spiced cherry and citrus jam filling. The textural twist comes from the topping: a sheet of marzipan is scorched to form a caramelised, crisp lid. The result is a bar that’s chewy, gooey and crackly all at once, with bursts of fruit and the almond hit of marzipan. Caramel almond slice A classic pudding with a textural twist, this slice features a crisp, buttery pastry base topped with a rich caramel layer studded with flaked almonds. The nuts add crunch, while the caramel is soft and sticky, creating a contrast in every bite. For extra decadence, serve warm with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Honey nut cornflake and caramel bars These bars are all about the interplay between crisp and creamy. The base combines honey nut cornflakes and biscuit crumbs, baked for a deep crunch. A thick, fudgy layer of caramel sits on top, finished with a glossy dark chocolate layer and more cornflakes for extra snap. Each bite contains the perfect mix of crunchy, gooey and smooth. Baileys pecan blondies A blondie with a nutty twist, this bake is topped with a luxurious white chocolate Baileys ganache that sets to a creamy finish. The blondie itself is packed with pecans for crunch, while the ganache adds a soft, melt-in-the-mouth layer. The final flourish: gilded pecans scattered on top for a sophisticated, crisp bite. Butterscotch and pretzel millionaire shortbread Millionaire shortbread gets a textural upgrade with a base of blitzed salted pretzels for a salty crunch. The butterscotch caramel layer is thick and gooey, while the top is a glossy dark chocolate, scattered with whole pretzels for even more crunch. Sweet, salty, soft and crisp – this is a childhood favourite with a real grown up taste. Spiced toffee apple traybake This traybake delivers squidgy comfort with a subtle crunch. The apple sauce in the batter makes the cake deliciously gooey, while the topping of caramelised apple pieces adds bite and a sticky finish. Serve warm with toffee sauce for a pudding-like softness, or at room temperature for a more classic cake texture. Crunchy filo crinkle tart Layers of pleated filo pastry are baked until crisp and golden, creating a ruffled, crunchy topping. Beneath the crackling filo sits a soft custard scented with vanilla, cinnamon and orange zest. A drizzle of floral honey and a scatter of pistachios finish this tart, adding even more texture and a sweet, nutty crunch. Cinnamon toast crunch coffee This warming coffee is brewed with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, then mixed with cereal-infused milk for a creamy, malty base. It’s topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a squiggle of chocolate or caramel sauce and a handful of crunchy cereal to garnish. Every sip combines smooth, spiced coffee with a playful crunch. Raspberry and pistachio linzer tart This tart boasts a nutty pastry made with ground pistachios, which bakes up to a tender yet crumbly texture. The filling is a thick layer of raspberry jam, which stays pleasingly gooey beneath the lattice. The finished tart is a textural delight, combining the crunch of pistachios and melt-in-the-mouth pastry with the softness of tart jam. Chocolate crémeux with crunchy nut praline and boozy caramel sauce Dense, creamy chocolate crémeux forms the heart of this dessert, but it’s the textural accompaniments that make it truly special. Each serving is finished with shards of homemade crunchy nut praline, made from honey nut cornflakes and salted peanuts, adding a shattering crunch. To bring it all together, a drizzle of indulgent amaretto-spiked caramel sauce provides a sticky, boozy finish that balances the smooth and the crisp.
The olive team’s best hotel check-ins of 2025
Find out where to stay in the New Year with the help of the olive team's most-loved hotel visits, from a luxury Kefalonia resort to an Austrian mountain lodge and a cosy Dorset pub with rooms
Looking for idyllic foodie destinations to book in the New Year? Want to know the hottest hotels worth visiting in 2026? Read on for the olive team's curation of the best island resorts, charming B&Bs and breathtaking mountain lodges to stay in across the world. For more travel inspiration, check out our curation of the best UK boutique hotel for food lovers, best pubs with rooms, best hotel baths worth travelling for in the UK and the best spa hotels for food lovers. The olive team’s best hotels of 2025 Lapland Guesthouse, Lapland "After a three-hour drive through the frozen fir tree-lined roads of Lapland, we arrived at the Lapland Guesthouse, a settlement of snow-covered log cabins adorned with twinkling lights, like something from a fairytale. My wooden cabin was a cosy sanctuary, bathed in golden light, with huge rugs, soft blankets, a full-size Christmas tree and its own sauna! Later that evening the owner took us on a snowmobile ride to chase the Northern Lights, which weren’t expected as it was cloudy. We arrived at our spot in the middle of nowhere and built a fire to warm up some cloudberry Glogg – suddenly the clouds parted and the most vivid green light began to pulse in the sky. It was a truly magical experience." Janine Ratcliffe Cabins from $300 per night, check availability at laplandguesthouse.com Stay tuned for the full review, plus a deep-dive into the communities and cuisines of Lapland. Eriro Alpine Hide, Austria "Waking up to the sound of cowbells at mountain lodge Eriro in Austria was one of the most idyllic moments of my year, especially when one of the cows came to graze on his breakfast grass beside us as we tucked into our crisp waffles drizzled in mountain honey. Being in the midst of the breathtaking peaks before the ski lifts opened to the public was a magical experience I will never forget.” Alex Crossley Rooms from £1,582 per night, check availability at eriro.at/de/or booking.com Argos, Cappadocia, Turkey "Imagine waking up in a cave, but it’s the most luxe cave you could dream of. You open the front door and step out into what feels like a CGI landscape from a certain sci-fi fantasy film franchise starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. You stroll for a few yards down a sloping cobbled street – the strange, volcano-wrought expanse of Pigeon Valley yawning in front of you – until you reach another ancient cave dwelling. This one has been converted into a spa, which transports you into a surreal realm of subterranean reverie. If it weren’t for my camera roll, I’m not completely certain I’d believe this sequence of events really happened to me." Freddie Stewart Rooms from £350 per night, check availability at argosincappadocia.com or booking.com Potato Head, Bali "Checking into Potato Head felt like stepping into a place where everything had intention, from refreshing cold towels and coconut water to having mosquito spray provided on arrival. From waking up to daylight pouring into the Oceanfront Studio and the sound of waves, to eating plant-based Indonesian dishes made from ingredients grown on their regenerative farm, it was unlike any hotel stay I’ve ever experienced. It was an immersion in food, sustainability and wellbeing that I will never forget – I'm even planning to have my honeymoon there!" René Lorraine Rooms from £157 per night, check availability at seminyak.potatohead.co/sleep or booking.com Read the full review here Eliamos, Kefalonia "Visiting Kefalonia in May, before peak season on the island began, was the perfect way to kick off summer. Staying at Eliamos meant opening up the bedroom doors every morning onto a private terrace and infinity pool with endless views over the sparkling Ionian Sea. It was the ultimate week of relaxation, with those unbeatable views on offer from the open-air restaurant too, the perfect spot for ordering crisp tomato fritters (an island speciality), drinking fresh juices and planning your next swim." Lucy Roxburgh Rooms from £536 per night, check availability at eliamos.com or booking.com Read the full review here Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa, Cognac "Staying in a former 19th-century cognac house turned five-star retreat meant that I was surrounded by reminders of the site’s historical heritage – like the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Foudres, which was hidden away in the cathedral-like ageing cellar lined with enormous, century-old cognac barrels." Hannah Guinness Rooms from £326 per night, check availability at chaismonnethotel.com or booking.com Read the full review here Royal Hideaway Corales Villas, Tenerife "I think the only thing better than my first time experiencing the panoramic views of Tenerife’s volcanic peaks, rugged landscape and clear blue Atlantic Ocean at Royal Hideaway Corales Villas, was that I was enjoying them in a swim-up pool with a cocktail in hand. Truly one of the most simultaneously beautiful and tranquil hotels I have ever been to. Very White Lotus-lite (without the drama), with the hotel’s focus on wellness including earth-inspired rituals and personalised face and body treatments." Jordan Edmonds-Moore Rooms from £343 per night, check availability at barcelo.com or booking.com The Fleur de Lys, Dorset "This charming village pub was the perfect place to hole up in on a chilly autumn evening. Low ceilings, a log burner and wax-dripping candles set the cosy scene, followed by a succession of comfort food winners like Westcombe rarebit croquettes and steaming hot sticky toffee pudding. Waking up the following morning to a spread of flaky pastries, turmeric shots and a bloody mary station was the cherry on top – a heavenly Sunday morning scene." Helen Salter Rooms from £210 per night, check availability at fleurdelyscranborne.co.uk or booking.com Read the full review here Hotel Gilbert, Vienna "Hotel Gilbert felt effortlessly relaxed and cool, and being a stone’s throw from the trendy MuseumsQuartier, it makes a fantastic spot for a city break. We tucked into delicious veggie-centric small plates with Middle Eastern influences at &Flora – the restaurant within the hotel – plus the breakfast buffet was fantastic, a huge seasonal spread. I recommend making use of the bike rentals for exploring the city, and when you’re done, head to the bar for ‘wine time’, where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine in the evenings." Helena Busiakiewicz Rooms from £211 per night, check availability at hotel-gilbert.at/en or booking.com Read the full review here Ace Hotel, Toronto "A memorable moment for me this year was opening the door into my tenth-storey room at Ace Hotel in Toronto to the soothing sounds of Canada's Jazz FM playing from the bedside radio. I was a little jetlagged, but the uplifting tones coupled with the warming, stylish mid-century furnishings made me breathe a sigh of relief as I gazed outside to the sun setting on downtown Toronto." Emily Marten Rooms from £203 per night, check availability at acehotel.com or booking.com Stay tuned for the full review, plus the hottest places to eat and drink in Toronto. Kasbah D'Eau, Essaouira "Stepping out onto my balcony at Kasbah d’Eau felt almost unreal. For somewhere so close to Essaouira – the so-called Windy City of Africa – Sidi Kaouki was eerily still in September. Vast stretches of sandy beach lay completely empty, save for donkeys and camels roaming freely, and surfers in the distance. The warmth of Berber hospitality at a family-run cooking class was a highlight and hoisting myself onto a camel was definitely not on my 2025 bingo list – but I’m very glad it was!" Zazie Atkinson Rooms start from £140 per night B&B, kasbahdeau.com Read the full review here The Palm House Hotel, Cape Town "Opening the curtains to a gorgeous view of the Cape Town mountains was a memorable moment of the year. I loved sitting out on the deck, soaking in the warm spring sunshine while drinking the finest South African wine. There was a true sense of feeling at home at this small boutique hotel, the perfect sanctuary after a busy day in the city." Rachel Gunter Rooms from £158 per night, check availability at palmhouse.co.za or booking.com Stay tuned for the full review, plus a chef’s picks of the best ingredients and places to eat in the Western Cape.
18 vibrant, fresh and zingy meals for adding excitement to your week
Create meals which are fresh, lively and full of the flavours we crave to revive us for the year ahead
If you need to revive your palate and reset your appetite, embrace vibrant, zingy dishes packed with fresh flavours, lively textures and a lighter touch. Think citrus notes, punchy dressings and crisp salads; meals that awaken the senses and bring a much-needed brightness to the table. Discover our best recipes for lunches and dinners that are bursting with flavour, full of crunch and guaranteed to lift the spirits. See our ultimate collection of dinner recipes, vegetarian recipes and vegan meals for more exciting ideas to try. 18 vibrant, fresh and zingy meals Burmese sour vegetable soup This fragrant vegetable soup features plenty of spice and citrus for a flavour kick. You could add some blanched rice vermicelli noodles to make it a light meal on its own. Burmese shredded chicken noodle salad These chicken noodles feature a sour, salty and spicy element alongside crunchy chicken skin for added flavour and texture. Clementine and bream crudo Thin slices of fresh bream are dressed with clementine juice, olive oil and sea salt, then topped with capers and microgreens. This effortless, no-cook dish is the ultimate palate cleanser after days of heavy eating. Miso-roasted cauliflower, avocado and lentil salad Roasted cauliflower is tossed in a miso and lime dressing, then paired with creamy avocado, pickled onions and earthy lentils. This salad is packed with fibre, flavour and texture — a nourishing bowl that feels as good as it tastes. Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad Strips of crispy seasoned plaice are served alongside a vibrant carrot and green bean salad, with mint and coriander for a fresh, herby finish. Spicy prawn and peanut rice salad Toss juicy prawns, shredded veg and herbs in a punchy peanut dressing to make a salad that's fresh, spicy and zingy. This effortless rice-based salad can be easily doubled or tripled, too. Healthy turkey stir-fry Sauerkraut adds a delicious tang to this simple stir-fry, made with turkey mince. Balancing earthy broccoli and mushrooms with zingy fresh ginger, the dish is coated in a sweet and salty sauce that gives it a kick. Kimchi eggs Kimchi is a great way to keep friendly gut bacteria in check over the Twixmas period. Try these punchy fried eggs for a levelled-up breakfast or brunch, served on top of toasted rye bread. Leftover turkey ramen noodles Christmas turkey leftovers are transformed into a cosy bowl of ramen, complete with ginger-spiked broth, thick noodles and fresh coriander. Ginger soothes digestive discomfort and relieves nausea. Umami chicken soup with coriander chilli oil Divide this umami-rich soup between bowls, then drizzle over a herby chilli oil alongside lime wedges to squeeze over. Use up any leftover turkey meat instead of poaching the chicken, if you prefer. Simply shred and stir in at the end until piping hot. Hot-smoked salmon salad with chive buttermilk dressing Flakes of hot-smoked salmon are served over a crisp, crunchy salad and drizzled with a tangy chive and buttermilk dressing. The freshness of the herbs and the acidity of the buttermilk lift the whole plate. Fig, mozzarella and serrano ham salad Juicy figs, creamy mozzarella and salty serrano ham are layered with peppery rocket to make a salad that's vibrant, light and bursting with contrasting textures. Ham, pickled pear and blue cheese salad Transform leftover ham into a punchy salad with tangy pickled pears and creamy blue cheese. A scattering of walnuts adds crunch, making this a satisfyingly fresh lunch that cuts through festive richness. Catalan roast chicken, potato and pepper salad This Spanish-inspired salad features roast chicken, potatoes and sweet peppers, all tossed in a smoked paprika dressing. It’s light yet filling, with plenty of flavour from sweet smoked paprika. Parsley and pomegranate salad A vibrant plate of parsley and rocket leaves tossed with ruby-red pomegranate seeds, finished with a sharp citrus dressing. The combination is fresh, crunchy and wonderfully palate-cleansing. Winter panzanella A wintry take on the classic Italian salad, featuring chunks of sourdough, orange segments and blue cheese. Finished with a punchy vinaigrette, this dish is full of flavour and texture. Chargrilled chicken chimichurri salad Juicy chargrilled chicken is sliced and served with a lively chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic and chilli. Serve over mixed leaves for a dinner that’s big on flavour but light on heaviness. Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad Serve strips of crispy seasoned plaice with a Thai-inspired salad of crunchy carrots, cherry tomatoes and green beans. Finish with fresh mint and coriander for a colourful, flavour-packed meal for two.
10 premium hot chocolates in London to try this festive season
Fight the winter blues and treat yourself to one of these handcrafted hot chocolates, expertly blended for a bespoke and luxury experience
As the temperature drops and Christmas lights start to twinkle, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a cup of thick, silky hot chocolate. London is home to a bundle of independent cafés stirring up luxurious versions of this classic winter warmer – read on to discover where to find the most indulgent hot chocolates this festive season. Recreate a rich and creamy hot chocolate in the comfort of your kitchen with our hot chocolate recipes, including a chocolate orange twist and boozy alternative. Or seek more ways to make the most of the season with our four festive UK city getaways perfect for shopping, eating and exploring and these magical winter travel experiences for food lovers. Maison Pierre Marcolini, Notting Hill This glossy new boutique from the famed French chocolatier is the first of the Marcolini emporiums to serve bean-to-cup hot chocolates, using cocoa beans sourced directly from independent producers in Madagascar, Peru, Cuba, Brazil and São Tomé. Super-smooth and milky serves include ‘Speculoos’ and a signature ‘Piedmont Hazelnut’, topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and hazelnuts. Those who prefer a darker cup of chocolate are also catered for, with cocoa percentages ranging from 77%-83%. You can enjoy these artisanal creations hot or cold, with the choice of whole, pea or oat milk. We're excited to visit again soon to try its new hot chocolate which now comes with an espresso shot. marcolini.co.uk Barnabys, Covent Garden (and Tottenham Court Road and City of London) This handmade chocolate shop may be known for its thick, gooey chocolate bars, but its newer range of hot chocolates, using real chocolate, are just as noteworthy. Available in three flavours – classic, malt and peanut butter and caramel – all offerings are equally drool-worthy. Dip a bar of the weekend special into your cup and you'll notice that the chocolate pools in the bottom – just heavenly. barnabybars.com Dark Sugars, Greenwich A visit to Dark Sugars is a sensory experience, with their viral hot chocolate poured thick and topped with generous shavings of their own dark, milk or white chocolate. Each cup is a spectacle, crowned with curls of chocolate that melt into the drink, creating a multi-layered, ultra-rich treat. For hot chocolate aficionados, this one’s a no-brainer.⁠ darksugars.co.uk Chin Chin Desserts, Soho Chin Chin's team of dessert alchemists ensures everything is handmade in their Soho development kitchen, from theatrical cookie dough pie sundaes to boundary-pushing potato soft serve. Its unashamedly decadent hot chocolates are finished with gooey, flame-torched marshmallows, and festive specials from previous years include the snowball cookie hot chocolate, where a raspberry-filled coconut marshmallow sensually melts into the steaming chocolate. instagram.com/chinchinicecream The Nook, Hampstead There's possibly no nicer way to spend a London afternoon than mooching around leafy Hampstead with a hot chocolate in hand. Secure the goods at The Nook, a charming drinks and bites bar on a cosy little corner of Hampstead Heath. The team craft luxury chocolate milks by melting Belgium chocolate with steamed milk, resulting in a sweetly silky drink. Choose from six chocolate strengths, from 28% all the way up to 80%. Milk and cream is from The Estate Dairy and fresh roasted marshmallows from Kensal Sugar Kitchen. The list of specials is up there with some of the best, such as the Pistachio, which sees pistachio paste mixed into the chocolate. thenookhampstead.co.uk Mello by Chin Chin Ice cream, Covent Garden London's first marshmallow bar, complete with a viral-worthy marshmallow drawer, is fast becoming one of the city's hottest spots for a well earned 'sweet treat'. From the team at @chinchinicecream, you can expect smooth, nutty handcrafted sips capped with blowtorched marshmallows, with options including a hazelnut s’mores and even a frozen hot chocolate. instagram.com/mellodeluxe Qima Cafe, Fitzrovia Claiming to be the UK’s first tree-to-cup café, this smart coffee shop pays just as much attention to its hot chocolate as it does to coffee. Expect rich yet well-rounded cups, starring a creamy combination of single-origin 72% dark chocolate from the Solomon Islands and Valrhona's 70% Guanaja. It's then accented by a sweet dose of brown sugar, depth of cocoa powder and a final sprinkle of sea salt to keep the sweetness in check. Pair your cocoa with one of the flaky pastries on the counter. qimacafe.com Venchi, Covent Garden (and Richmond, King's Road and more) Find this Italian chocolate boutique and cafeteria right in the middle of Covent Garden. The signature hazelnut hot chocolate, poured from a tap and finished with a scattering of chopped nuts, is unabashedly rich, and may just be the thickest cup of cocoa going (and incomparable to shop-bought powder). There's even the option to drink its hot chocolate poured over ice cream, served in an elegant cocktail glass with lashings of whipped cream and a shot of Venchi's hazelnut chocolate. venchi.com Melt, Notting Hill (and Holland Park) This boutique chocolatier in West London stirs up hot chocolate with luxury front of mind, melting its signature house-made chocolate into thick, glossy, sippable heaven. Customers can choose their preferred chocolate, mix up flavours and top up with a flamed marshmallow for extra indulgence. meltchocolates.com William Curley, Soho This orange-painted boutique by Scottish chocolatier William Curley is a charming spot which promises cosy, comforting vibes. Order the rich, velvety classic or experiment with an Aztec chilli, Mayan spiced or gianduja variety. Whichever you choose, you can be certain that your beverage will be crafted with care and precision. williamcurley.co.uk Knoops, Richmond Despite the fact that multiple locations are sprouting across London, Knoops still takes hot chocolate incredibly seriously. Offering a menu of different cocoa percentages, origins and milk, you are free to choose your strength — from a creamy 34% milk to a punchy 85% dark — and add custom extras like orange zest, chilli or sea salt. Though the stores tend to fill up at peak times, each cup is still expertly blended for a bespoke, luxury experience. knoops.com
10 magical London streets and neighbourhoods for Christmas shopping
Shop, eat and feel merry on these festive London streets lined with unique boutiques and established brands – it'll make Christmas shopping a breeze
On the hunt for unique gifts for the food lover in your life? These London neighbourhoods are brimming with independent boutiques, artisan food stores and Christmas markets – perfect for shopping, exploring and soaking up some festive cheer. We've also included nearby foodie hot spots to refuel for an all-round shopping experience with seasonal sparkle. Discover our guides to the best UK city breaks and our favourite European hidden gem hotels. For more winter travel inspiration, see our guide to the best ski destinations or best winter sun destinations for something a little warmer. Festive London streets and neighbourhoods for Christmas shopping Columbia Road Market More than the heaving East End flower market that takes place every Sunday, Columbia Road's shops host a range of events during the year, including Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays. Being one of the few streets in the country composed of sixty independent shopfronts, it's a good opportunity to pick up unique gifts in a local environment while enjoying a big dose of Christmas cheer (expect mulled wine and mince pies). You can also shop later in the evening along the small stretch of stores, where small art galleries sit next to English delis and homeware and antique shops. There’s also a wealth of great pubs, cafés and restaurants. Pick up custom cakes at Lily Vanilli Bakery or head to cool boozer The Royal Oak for a post-market tipple. Brawn is an olive favourite, serving European small plates alongside a menu of natural and organic wines. Coal Drops Yard and King’s Cross Once industrial, but now one of London’s most stylish shopping destinations, King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard come alive at Christmas with a packed programme of markets. The Canopy Christmas Market is home to over 50 indie crafters, designers and artisan produce – perfect for ticking off your gift list and sampling street food and mulled cider. Other Christmas offerings include the Wine Car Boot, where each stall is an independent wine store; the N4 Makers’ Market; and B Corp-certified Lower Stable Street Market, to name a few. Outside the markets, browse unique brands such as designer Tom Dixon's flagship store and plant-filled Botanical Boys, then tuck into gooey hand-topped cookies from The After School Cookie Club. If you need a pause mid-shop, The Drop is an intimate wine bar housed within the Victorian stone arches – it has a stellar cheese and charcuterie menu – while Happy Face Pizza offers wood-fired slices with sloppy centres and puffy crusts. Peckham and Rye Lane Looking to shop small this Christmas? Peckham is the place. Starting as small boutique market, Pexmas is now an annual fixture on the London Christmas market scene. Taking place at Copeland Park, it's a great chance to stock up on handmade gifts while supporting some of the best micro brands in Peckham. If you miss it, visit the store on Market Row in Brixton Village. Elsewhere, dig through vinyl crates, unearth independent prints and meet local collectors at The Big Market Record & Art fair at Peckham Levels – perfect for those who like their Christmas shopping with a side of creativity. The area also promises some of south London's most exciting restaurants – Lai Rai is the spot for playful Vietnamese cooking, while Hausu's menu of modern sharing plates makes a cool date night spot. Redchurch Street and and Spitalfields Market Visit this buzzy east London district for its clutch of creative indie shops and designer-makers. Redchurch Street is dotted with cool and contemporary one-off shops, from fashion boutiques and vintage designers to home fragrance brands; Old Spitalfields Market is a bustling hub for thoughtful Christmas gifts, with unique stalls selling everything from London-made leather goods to vintage watches and hand-poured candles. Foodies should make a beeline for the market’s huddle of street-food traders, with options like Dumpling Shack and Le Bab. For a caffeine fix, head to Grind's pastel pink van, taste authentic chai from Chai Guys or tuck into fluffy Taiwanese pancakes at Wheelcake Island. Gloria, a flamboyant Italian trattoria on Great Eastern Street, is perfect for a fun group dinner, while Passione Vino offers a secret wine bar experience as well as bottles to gift wine lovers. Marylebone Village Marylebone’s elegant high street and surrounding lanes are a haven for good-quality shopping. Daunt Books is a book-lover’s paradise, while Le Creuset provides ultimate cookware inspiration. Pop into Rococo Chocolates for bespoke hampers and La Fromagerie for cheese, fine wines and extra virgin olive oil – speak to the affineur (cheese specialist), who will help with selections. The area’s boutiques – VV Rouleaux for ribbons, hats and accessories or KJ’s Laundry for covetable fashion – make present-hunting a joy. Refuel at The Ginger Pig with a hot sausage roll or linger over a coffee and cake at Fischer’s, a Viennese-style café. For a memorable dinner, Carlotta serves famiglia-style Sicilian classics with an American twist, complete with lavish gold décor and glitter ball-decorated toilets. Charlotte Street and Fitzrovia The surrounding streets of leafy Fitzrovia are heaped with quaint indie shops, making it a hot spot for those seeking a one-of-a-kind gift. Make a beeline for Rathbone, New Cavendish and Percy streets, where you can expect a blend of sleek interior shops, small boutiques and niche bookshops such as Treadwell’s Books – specialising in esoteric books and mystical gifts. Tottenham Court Road is a stone's throw away, should you need to hit the big flagships. Laid-back Charlotte Street is considered Fitzrovia’s foodie hub. Elsa offers Alsatian-inspired fare with a glow-up, while Roka's elegant Japanese robatayaki is a must. Nearby Kiss The Hippo makes top-notch coffee alongside a roster of brunch classics. End the day by grabbing a seat at Bar Kinky for inventive drinks in a sultry setting. Covent Garden No area does Christmas quite like Covent Garden, where twinkling lights, oversized baubles and a giant Christmas tree set the scene for some of the city’s best festive shopping. The cobbled piazza is home to a refined clutch of gifting specialists – lotions and potions from Aesop, floral-scented candles from Miller Harris and curated tea gift boxes from Whittard of Chelsea. Covent Garden’s Christmas market stalls add extra sparkle, with handmade or antique stocking fillers and seasonal treats galore. Hidden just off the main square, Neal’s Yard courtyard is a treasure trove for food lovers, with 26 Grains serving wholesome porridge bowls and seasonal plates, and The Barbary offering counterside Middle Eastern feasts. For a pick-me-up, head to Fabrique Bakery for cinnamon buns or La Gelatiera for Sicilian buns and hot chocolate. When you’re ready for something stronger, La Compagnie is a stylish wine bar tucked away in Neal’s Yard, ideal for a glass of something special and a few small plates. King's Road and Duke of York Square Chelsea’s King’s Road and Duke of York Square are royally dressed up for Christmas, with festive lights, markets and a cluster of chic stores selling their finest wares. Browse Nokwol for premium leather footwear and Monica Vinader for handcrafted, 100 per cent recycled gold and silver jewellery. Luxury British perfume house Penhaligon's boasts 180 years of olfactory experience. You'll also find the flagship stores of skincare favourite Dermalogica. If time allows, pay a visit to the Saatchi Gallery for a culture fix. You're also not short of delicious offerings on King's Road: tuck into contemporary Mediterranean at Kora or settle in for a cocktail-fuelled dinner at Ixchel, an award-winning Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Carnaby Street Soho’s warren of streets is a goldmine for fun gifting, from designer homeware at Liberty to Korean beauty at PURESEOUL on Carnaby Street. The street's neon Christmas lights are legendary, and the area hosts festive pop-ups and late-night shopping events throughout the season. Refuel at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, where a sharing-style menu of Syrian dishes steal the show. Find it in Kingly Court, Carnaby's three-storey food hall, where you can also take in Indian eatery Darjeeling Express and vegan Tex-Mex spot Club Mexicana. For a classic Soho experience, Bar Italia is open late for espresso, while Dishoom’s Bombay comfort fare is always a crowd-pleaser. Broadway Market This weekend market is an established Hackney institution, groaning with independent traders selling everything from small-batch accessories to quirky prints and wheel-thrown ceramics. There's plenty of street food vendors, too, for a quick nibble or on-the-go lunch. The market street is flanked by food shops and delis that are open seven days a week – stop at La Bouche for cheese and charcuterie or pick up pastries from Pavilion Bakery. Sune, a groovy neighbourhood restaurant, is a top spot for eclectic small plates and natural wines. For something sweet, check out popular Benny's Broadway, the viral banana pudding spot. Nearby Netil Market is a smaller, charming alternative, hosting artisan stalls and street-food offerings.
The 10 best festive UK day trips for food lovers
Soak up the yuletide atmosphere at one of these foodie hot spots across the UK, from artisan markets to twinkling wine bars, indie boutiques and more
Soak up the festive spirit without staying the night with a day trip that promises stellar food, indie shopping galore and a twinkling, wintry atmosphere. Each of these locations make an inspired day trip destination for food lovers, with plenty of independent boutiques, stalls brimming with hand-crafted wares and foodie hot spots which come to life at Christmas. All are easily reached by train or car from across the UK. Discover more winter travel inspiration with our guide to the best ski destinations or the best winter sun destinations for something a little warmer. For more like this, check out our guides to the best UK city breaks and our favourite European hidden gem hotels. 10 festive UK day trips for food lovers Bruton This chill, boho Somerset town provides all the carols, craft stalls and late shopping needed for a chilled recharge before a busy Christmas period. Browse its stylish interiors and lifestyle stores, from Philo & Philo to Smouk and New Romantic, for one-of-a-kind gifts, then walk up the footpath, past allotments, to the Hauser & Wirth for the free art exhibition. Art aside, Bruton is also known for its clutch of renowned restaurants, such as Michelin-starred Osip, Italian Da Costa, artisan bakery, wood-fired pizzeria and all-day restaurant, At the Chapel, Matt’s Kitchen and nearby communal barn dining experience, Horrell & Horrel. Seasonally wrapped in a huge bow, boutique hotel Number One embraces the spirit of the season (and recently launched a new farm-to-table restaurant, Briar, with chef Sam Lomas). For a longer trip and the chance to walk off any gastro-indulgence, choose from Bruton's many brilliant walking routes on its doorstep. Nearby National Trust estate, Stourhead offers a Christmas light trail, returning from 29 November. York York transforms into a festive playground each winter, with the York Christmas Market (12 November-21 December) bringing wooden chalets to the medieval city centre. Expect food producers selling everything from spiced apple chutney to pecan and amaretto brownies alongside local crafts and artisan products, with over 80% of the businesses coming from Yorkshire, as a way to celebrate local producers. If you’re feeling the chill, cosy up by the fire inside Thor’s Tipi and wrap your hands around a mulled wine. Before the day is over, squeeze in a pit stop at Betty’s Tea Rooms in St. Helen’s Square for signature creamy hot chocolates, or sample street food at the Shambles Market food court (highlights include savoury galettes from the Krep Truck and arancini from Pizzoli). For a sit-down meal, Skosh is not far from the markets, serving inventive small plates and seasonal cocktails on one of York’s most historic streets. Cosgriff & Sons bakery is a must for seasonal pastries and sourdough focaccia sandwiches. End your day with a glass of wine or seasonal cocktail at boutique hotel Malmaison’s rooftop bar - its impressive views over the famous cathedral marks a fitting close to a day of exploring. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/11/GettyImages-1869686823-38fba6a.jpg" width="4592" height="3448" alt="York, UK - Nov 23 2021: Tourists and shoppers in the Shambles area of the City of York in northern England. On the side of an old timbered building, the road sign of the old street of Little Shambles." title="Tourists and shoppers in the Shambles area of the City of York" /> Frome This vibrant market town is renowned for its independent spirit and creative flair that comes into its own over the Christmas period. Winding cobbled streets flanked by stone buildings set the scene, and the town’s infectious energy is especially palpable when the festive lights are twinkling. The jewel in the town's events calendar, The Frome Independent (7 December) – a monthly market running from March to December – transforms the town centre into a treasure trove for unique, hand-crafted presents and local delicacies to take home for the Christmas table. Streets are closed off to make way for stalls brimming with one-of-a-kind wares, from contemporary craft and designer-made homewares to ethical clothing and artisan jewellery. Attractive street food options for refuelling include Tibetan Momos, stuffed souvlaki and grilled cheese (all made using West Country ingredients) – order as you soak up the twinkly atmosphere and live music on the ‘village green’. Food lovers can also fill their totes on funky local produce, from cheese and cider to vegan cakes and kimchi. The town's cluster of independent cafés and restaurants offer plenty of cosy corners to warm up in. On Cheap Street, Cafe Flora tempts passers-by with freshly-filled focaccia and real hot chocolates, while at the top of Catherine Street, Bistro Lotte serves classic French dishes such as charcuterie platters, coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon using locally sourced ingredients. Bath Bath’s cobbled streets and picturesque Georgian streets are a festive stunner, especially when the beloved Christmas Market (28 November-14 December), nestled amongst the city's most famous sights – the spa, Roman Baths and Bath Abbey – fills the city with more than 160 independent and sustainable retailers, offering everything from baked goods, warming drinks and artisan gifts. Start your day at Landrace Bakery with a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon bun, then wander through the historic Circus crescent to Berdoulat, a grade-II listed food emporium selling artisan wares, shelves of small-batch wines and spices from the jar. Amble back down into town, via the sweeping grandeur of the Royal Crescent, to refuel with serious espressos at Colonna & Smalls, or while away an hour at contemporary tea house Comins. For a pre-dinner tipple, The Elder offers barrel-aged negronis in plush, cosy surrounds. If it’s dinner you’re after, tuck into a seasonal five-course menu at plant-based restaurant OAK, offering views of an unseen angle of Bath Abbey. The city's independent food and drink stores, boutiques and designer stores ensure shoppers are well catered for. Don’t miss Christmas shopping on and around Milsom Street, where you can find notable indies like cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield, chocolatier Neuhaus, and, for wine and spirits, Amathus. For a spin on the ice, head to the annual Bath on Ice (open from 14 November 2025 until 4 January 2026). Tewinbury Farm Slow down and embrace the joy and sparkle of the season at Tewinbury Farm, located just 30 minutes outside of London in the Hertfordshire countryside. This 700-acre countryside retreat transforms into a glittering wonderland with a woodland light trail (running from Thursday 27 November), making a wholesome family outing, festive catch up or winter date. You can expect fireside marshmallow toasting, a horse box bar serving warming mulled wine and a riverside Après Ski Bar with live music, seasonal cocktails and street food each evening. Christmas afternoon teas with carols, feasts from The Cowshed & Granary Kitchen and Christmas parties are also on offer (or make a weekend of it with a festive stay from £175). Edinburgh With its narrow, winding streets and medieval buildings, Edinburgh’s old-world feel means it's far too easy to absorb the magic of the season. Southside's Marchmont and Newington neighbourhoods are the city’s festive (and more relaxed) foodie hot spots, with historic streets dotted with independent shops and local boutiques for gift hunting. Start with a pastry at bakery-café Kate’s or head to Pomelo for hand-ripped noodles and vibrant Asian sharing plates. Nàdair offers Scandi-style dishes using foraged Scottish produce, or for a special dinner book a table at Michelin-starred Condita for a tasting menu rooted in Scottish ingredients. If you're in the mood for buzzy festive fun, don’t miss the Christmas markets in central Princes Street Gardens for shopping galore, ice skating as well as a Hogmanay torchlight procession as part of the city’s winter festival. Otherwise, perkily pretty Stockbridge takes care of all your produce needs, from delis and patisseries to cheesemongers, butchers and bakeries. Retro-chic wine bar Smith and Gertrude is also worth checking for good wine, cheese and company. Heckfield Place, Hampshire There's possibly no better way to embrace the warmth of the season than with a dose of festive creativity, and Heckfield Place is an exemplary place to do it. Inviting guests to treat the house as their home, heartfelt traditions include a wreath making workshop (4 December) in the Glass House with Heckfield Place’s resident florist, using foliage and flowers from the Home Farm and estate. Or craft whimsical decorations from foraged materials gathered across its 438-acre estate at the festive fairy decoration workshop (7 December), complete with tea, coffee and cake. For those who fancy a spirited afternoon of mixing, shaking and bottling cocktails, the festive cocktail gift making workshop (14 December) with the Heckfield bar team includes making your own spiced daiquiri, margarita and espresso martini (making quite the toast to festivities). Winchester Winchester’s cathedral grounds are transformed each year by its German-inspired Christmas market (22 November–22 December), lined with wooden chalets offering glühwein, street food and handmade crafts. Outside of the market, coffee aficionados can geek out at Coffee Lab Academy – pair one of their speciality coffees with a freshly baked sourdough toastie. For a post-market nibble, stop by family-run Cabinet Rooms for a cheeseboard and glass from its discerning wine list, or perhaps a seasonal cocktail, such as its Montreal negroni. Or book a table at The Wykeham Arms for a classic Sunday roast – a short walk from the house Jane Austen once lived in, this 18th century coaching inn boasts beautiful curved, Georgian bow doors, a cosy but bright bar and a separate dining room decorated with wonky framed photos, Persian rugs and gnarled oak chairs. Relaxing with a drink by one of their original fireplaces is a merry way to while away an hour or so. Norwich Norwich, with its endless historic layers, looks particularly picturesque in winter – check the Insta-perfect cobbled Elm Hill – while offering a fab mix of food and indie shopping. Norwich's Lanes is a particularly vibrant, walkable hotspot of streets and alleys with indie boutiques aplenty, including sustainable slow-fashion store Atwin, Elm homewares and Bowhill & Elliott, makers of luxurious house slippers since 1874. There's also the legendary Jarrolds independent department store for reliable gifts. Shopping aside, the area is abundant in good food and drink. Start your day with a pastry from Bread Source bakery. For lunch, tuck into fresh pasta at Yard or classic French bistro fare at L’hexagone. As evening falls, book a table at Brix and Bones for live-fire cooking and next-level steaks or enjoy a modern British menu at Benedicts. The city is also home to a host of Christmas fairs and markets — perfect for picking up last-minute foodie gifts. Brighton It may known as a free-spirited seaside destination, but Brighton, particularly the Lanes, exudes a festive buzz in winter with its huddle of indie shops dusted in fairy lights. Lost in the Lanes makes a solid starting point for a seasonal brunch before exploring the area's string of independent shops. Browse the boutiques before heading to Shelter Hall on the promenade for a pitstop lunch. Soak up the sea views, then take a postprandial stroll along the beach. Elsewhere, Unbarred brewery's terrace is a local favourite for craft beer and Neapolitan-style pizza from Fatto a Mano. In the evening, head back to the Lanes for Mediterranean-inspired small plates at Burnt Orange or settle in at Bincho Yakitori for authentic Japanese small plates. For an unparalleled skate around the ice, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is a must.
Baking without the burnout: 25 slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends
Embrace the slower pace, let the aromas fill your kitchen and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bakes with these comforting sweet recipes
There’s nothing like the gentle pace of a long weekend to inspire a spot of baking. Whether you’re looking for a rewarding, slow project to fill a lazy afternoon or a simple bake to brighten your next teatime break, these recipes offer something for every mood and moment. From buttery French pastries and classic British bakes to inventive twists on global favourites, each bake promises comfort, satisfaction and a moment of calm in the kitchen. Browse our ultimate collection of baking recipes for more inspiration, or take a look at our rich chocolate desserts, sweet traybakes and indulgent puddings. Slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends Buttermint madeleines Bake a batch of Edd Kimber's buttermint madeleines for a dainty teatime treat. Browned butter gives these little cakes a toasty, warm note, finished with a white chocolate shell for extra indulgence. Ideal for sharing with friends over a pot of tea. Coffee loaf cake A rich coffee cake topped with creamy vanilla latte icing, this loaf is perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to lift your spirits. Pain au chocolat Treat yourself to the ultimate French bake by making classic pains au chocolat at home. This buttery, rich, and crisp pastry is a true weekend project — perfect for when you have time to enjoy the process. Serve fresh from the oven with a mug of tea or coffee for a taste of Paris in your own kitchen. Brown butter, walnut and caramelised white chocolate cookies Toasted walnuts and caramelised white chocolate take these cookies to a new level. The technique of browning the butter and nuts gives a fantastic toasted flavour throughout. These cookies are a brilliant treat for sharing over a hot drink. Spiced baked quince with walnut crumble Quince benefits from long, slow cooking, and this spiced baked quince with walnut crumble is the perfect example. The fruit becomes tender and sweet, topped with a nutty crumble for a warming, comforting dessert — just the thing for a slow-paced weekend. Brown butter miso treacle tart Transform a childhood favourite into a grown-up dessert with this treacle tart, enhanced by the umami flavours of brown butter and miso. The result is a beautifully balanced tart with depth and complexity — perfect for those who love to experiment. Steamed sponge pudding with custard Let the steamer work its magic with this classic, comforting sponge pudding. Made with golden syrup and hints of lemon and served with creamy custard, it’s a nostalgic pudding that’s perfect for a slow Sunday lunch. Bee sting cake with plum Seeking a mindful baking project to fill a quiet weekend? Turn your hand to this German-inspired cake, featuring a rich, yeasted sponge filled with vanilla cream and plum compote and topped with honeyed almonds. It’s a bake that takes time and care, making it ideal for a long and lazy weekend in the kitchen. Japanese strawberry mochi with azuki Strawberry mochi is a regular treat in Japan, and this version is filled with sweet azuki bean paste and a whole strawberry. They're pretty, chewy and a joy to make and eat — they're also perfect for impressing friends or family. New York cheesecake Elevate your baking skills with a classic, creamy New York cheesecake. This baked dessert is ideal for making ahead, making it a smart choice if you’re entertaining over the weekend. Take your time and enjoy the process — the result is a showstopper cheesecake that’s guaranteed to impress. Laminated milk bread For those who love a challenge, laminated milk bread is a weekend bake to savour. With two days needed for overnight chilling and proving, you’ll be rewarded with golden, puffy, buttery rolls with a croissant-like texture. A heavenly start to a weekend feast. Brown butter blueberry and oat milk chocolate blondies These naturally gluten-free blondies use oat flour for a dense, fudgy texture and are studded with blueberries and milk chocolate. They’re easy to make and ideal for a quick sweet fix over the weekend. Chocolate and clementine torte Make the most of clementine season with this rich and decadent torte, finished with thick swirls of Cointreau cream. It makes a sophisticated end to a dinner party or simply a special weekend treat. Peanut butter pie with a cinnamon cereal crust This peanut butter cream pie is unashamedly gluttonous, featuring a crunchy cinnamon cereal crust. It’s one of those comforting creations for those who love a little extra in their pudding — perfect for serving at a gathering or simply treating yourself. Cekodok pisang (banana fritters with cinnamon sugar) A popular street food snack in Malaysia, these banana fritters are a clever way to use up very ripe bananas. Coated in cinnamon sugar, these vegan treats are surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for a spontaneous weekend snack. Panela loaf cake Panela, a rich, treacly sugar from Central and South America, brings a deep, rum-laced flavour to this loaf cake. Every bite is packed with warmth, making it an appealing bake for a chilled weekend. Venetian apple cake This light Genoise sponge, layered with tender apples and a hint of rosemary, is perfect with a morning coffee or a leisurely afternoon treat. It’s a gentle bake that brings a touch of Italian elegance to your table. Lemon drizzle muffins Looking for a quick treat to enjoy with your cuppa? These lemon drizzle muffins are ideal for elevenses, an afternoon snack or even breakfast. A trio of lemon — curd, zest and juice — gives them their zingy character. Quick to make and full of tangy flavour, they make a cheerful way to brighten dreary weekends. Triple chocolate chip cookies For a simple yet supremely satisfying bake, try these triple chocolate chip cookies. Combining dark, milk and white chocolate, they’re easy to make and deliver maximum reward. Freshly baked cookies are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and just the ticket for a cosy teatime pick-me-up. Classic crème brûlée Fancy getting stuck into a fun kitchen project? Learn how to make the ultimate crème brûlée. Breaking through the crunchy caramel top to reveal a velvety, vanilla-infused custard is a moment worth savouring, making this classic French dessert well worth the leisurely effort. Japanese fluffy cheesecake This Japanese dessert, similar to a chiffon cake, is wonderfully light and melts in your mouth. Take your time and enjoy the delicate process — once complete, it makes a beautiful match with a matcha latte or traditional English tea. Gata with apricots and nuts Armenian gata is a bread-like cake that’s as salty as it is sweet. Filled with apricots and nuts, it’s a hearty bake that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoy a slice with your morning coffee. Caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars These bars are inspired by the comforting flavours of apple crumble, reimagined with a brown butter crumble and thick cheesecake layer. Gently spiced and packed with caramelised apples, they’re perfect for autumnal weekends or whenever you crave a little extra cosiness. Pistachio and raspberry tiramisu Give the traditional Italian layered dessert a fruity, modern twist with this pistachio and raspberry tiramisu. It’s a fresh and vibrant pudding, ideal for sharing at a leisurely gathering or as a centrepiece for a dinner party. Mauritian coconut flan Bring a taste of Mauritius to your table with this classic coconut flan. It combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the sweet depth of caramel. This dessert is simple to prepare but needs time to chill, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend.
17 autumnal suppers for effortless entertaining
Looking for warming recipes with clever shortcuts? Browse our selection of simple autumnal recipes for dishes with minimal prep but maximum flavour
Achieve big flavours with little effort with our simple autumnal entertaining ideas, featuring comforting one-pots, seasonal casseroles and hearty traybakes. These can be prepped and ready on the table in little to no time, making them perfect candidates for effortless entertaining. If you're looking for more seasonal recipes to add to your dinner repertoire, see our collection of butternut squash recipes, pumpkin recipes and kale recipes. For more autumnal ideas browse through our collection of autumn recipes, autumn salads and autumn desserts. Autumn entertaining ideas Sweet potato and brie galette This elegant, French-inspired tart is far easier to make than it looks, making it a brilliant vegetarian centrepiece for a relaxed weekend lunch or dinner party. Showcasing a staple autumnal ingredient, sweet potato is layered with creamy brie atop ready-rolled pastry – it's minimal prep, maximum impact. One-pot smoky pancetta pasta This is entertaining at its simplest – fry off pancetta to release its smoky flavour, then simmer everything together in one pan. Minimal effort, maximum flavour and perfect for serving up to friends or family. Miso and chilli squash tarte tatin This showstopping savoury tart is surprisingly simple to assemble and makes the most of seasonal butternut squash. Bold flavours of miso, chilli and crispy sage are layered atop buttery pastry – perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party with minimal faff. Roasted butternut squash with pesto Celebrate the colours and flavours of autumn with this easy veggie traybake. Simply roast butternut squash in garlic and chilli, then top with a fresh, herby homemade sage pesto. It makes a no-fuss dish that’s ideal for casual entertaining or a quick midweek meal. Spicy meatball pan lasagne For an effortless spin on a classic, try this one-pan lasagne using pre-seasoned meatballs for extra ease. With clever shortcuts and minimal washing up, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or last-minute entertaining. Sweet potato and lentil curry Try this fuss-free, vibrant vegan curry that’s packed with autumnal sweet potatoes, red split lentils and warming spices. This one-pot wonder is low in calories and comes together with little effort – serve with naan or pilau rice for an easy midweek supper. Blue cheese leeks with crispy bacon breadcrumbs These indulgent leeks make a comforting autumnal dish plus it's a breeze to prepare, taking just 30 minutes. Creamy blue cheese and crispy bacon breadcrumbs elevate humble leeks to make a standout Sunday roast side or easy entertaining dish. Pumpkin curry Make the most of pumpkin season with this easy, warming one-pot vegetarian curry. It’s a straightforward recipe that brings together seasonal pumpkin, spices and creamy coconut milk for a comforting dinner – perfect for a cosy autumn evening. Sausage and bean casserole Packed with pork sausages, smoked bacon and beans, this hearty one-pot is a breeze to put together and is ready in an hour. It’s perfect for a cosy date night, or you could batch cook for easy leftovers. Butternut squash curry This comforting vegan curry is a cinch to make, with tender chunks of butternut squash simmered in coconut milk, ginger and garlic. It's a simple, hearty dish that makes the most of seasonal produce – just the thing for chilly autumn nights. Sweet potato and coconut tray curry This traybake curry makes a hassle-free, vegan dinner. Simply roast everything together in one tin – seasonal sweet potato, kale, coconut milk and chickpeas – and finish with toasted coconut flakes and coriander for a flavour-packed finish. One-pan sausage pasta Ready in just 30 minutes, this warming one-pot pasta uses rigatoni and pork sausage for ease, but any short pasta works. It’s speedy, comforting and guaranteed to be your new go-to for time-poor evenings. Creamy chicken with spinach and sundried tomatoes This Tuscan-inspired one-pot is ideal for easy entertaining, with minimal effort and barely any washing up. Rich, creamy and versatile, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice or mash. Roast pumpkin salad This quick and easy salad promises the best of autumn – roasted pumpkin, kale and chickpeas. Combining vibrant flavours and textures, it makes a wholesome, gluten-free option for a speedy starter or light supper. Pear and blue cheese toasts These sourdough toasties are a luxurious showcase of autumn's bounty – simply pile seasonal pears and tangy blue cheese onto toasted bread, then drizzle over a brown butter honey and scatter with thyme leaves and pecans. Perfect for cosying up indoors when the weather turns. Pickled grape salad with pear, taleggio and walnuts This autumnal salad is as easy as it is impressive, featuring tangy pickled grapes, creamy taleggio and crunchy pears. Naturally gluten free and low in calories, it’s a simple yet elegant midweek meal. Carrot and parsnip soup This super-creamy soup is the cosiest way to use up seasonal root veg. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a comforting bowl ready in no time – remember to add a hunk of buttered bread for dunking.
10 London park café destinations for food lovers
Discover London's cool clutch of park cafés for refuelling – the perfect excuse to linger a little longer in the city's leafy spaces
London’s plenteous leafy spaces have long been a sanctuary for city-dwellers, but in recent years the classic park café has undergone a transformation. Gone are the days of limp sandwiches and instant coffee in polystyrene cups. Across the capital, a new breed of park cafés is drawing Londoners and visitors with menus as first-class as their views. More than just a place to grab a flat white – these are foodie destinations in their own right, where you can expect specialty coffee, next-level bakes and a sense of community – all without leaving the park. Whether you’re seeking a post-run pastry, a peaceful lakeside brunch or a packed-out burrito, these spots are worth the detour. FINK'S, Clissold House North Londoners have even more reason to swoon over this beloved Hackney park thanks to newly opened Fink’s Clissold House. Breathing life into the park’s elegant Grade II listed Clissold House, expect straightforward fare with an emphasis on utilising local suppliers. Go for the coffee from Scenery Coffee Roasters and stay for the next-level toasties (pastrami, dill pickle and gruyère) and pastries coming fresh daily from Fink's Bakery in N4, such as the rosette apple, vanilla custard and pecan crumble danish. Cakes are made with seasonal fruit from Natoora & Shrub Provisions and Wildfarmed flour. Furrier friends are also catered for, with dog treats available for purchase in shop. Aside from the refrigerator stocked with locally made soft drinks, foodies can fill their totes on Fink's thoughtful selection of gourmet goods, from tinned fish and truffle crisps to wines and spirits. Come for a proper refuel before a stroll to spot the park’s roaming deer - a blissful afternoon. instagram.com/finks.london Bad Manners, Shoreditch Church Serving a pithy menu of burritos and Mexican-style snacks, this shiny silver trailer has become a cult favourite for East Londoners in the know. Following a successful stint at St John at Hackney Churchyard, this hip establishment is now parked at Shoreditch Church, drawing its burrito devotees – arrive early on weekends to bag a table and avoid disappointment. What to order? The slow-braised beef barbacoa burrito is a must, loaded with Mexican rice, lime crema, braised flor de mayo beans, pickles, onion, coriander and salsa verde. Everything is made to order, with no unnecessary fluff – just bold, full-on flavour. You can also refuel on speciality coffee from PLOT Roasting. instagram.com/badmanners.ldn Queen's Wood Café, Highgate Wood Londoners looking for a slice of woodland magic within commuting distance are in luck thanks to this charming Highgate café. Set amid ancient woodlands in a former wood keeper’s lodge dating back to 1898, this chalet-style café is a favourite for those seeking a fairytale escape from the city, complete with a sweet community garden and therapy cabin. You'll find simple, organic and veggie-focused dishes on the menu (think burrata salad and homemade quiche) and pastries baked fresh daily (cherry danish, cinnamon swirl). Art exhibitions regularly adorn the walls, marking a pretty backdrop to while away the hours. Order a coffee and slice of carrot cake, make a beeline for a seat on the fairy-lit terrace, then breathe in those cosy woodland views. It's a dog-friendly space, too, perfect for walkers in need of a restorative pit stop. queenswoodcafe.org Sons, St John at Hackney Courtyard A friendly kiosk in a leafy Hackney space, Sons has quickly become a foodie-fuelled community hub. Last month, each meatball marinara grilled cheese sandwich sold triggered a fresh loaf from local favourite e5 bakehouse to be donated to Lighthouse, a charity providing support to the homeless and vulnerable across Hackney. They also host run clubs, Pilates classes and pop-ups, adding to its neighbourhood appeal. The team particularly love working with local roasteries who focus on sourcing traceable, high-quality coffee and roasting with care (their latest guest roastery sponsored the weekly run club, with a post-run coffee on them). Silky flat whites aside, you can expect pastries from The Snapery East, grilled cheese sandwiches (including a salty, slow-roasted beef brisket) and tomato soup for just £2. You'll also find plenty of wooden bench seating, with an awning to keep you covered from wet weather. instagram.com/sons.hackney Bunhead, Brockwell Park Though technically not in the park, this humble bakery on the fringes of Brockwell Park is a blessing for the pastry-obsessed in south London. This Herne Hill neighbourhood spot opened just a year ago, when self-taught baker Sara Assad-Mannings took the plunge to move her home lockdown business to a permanent site to give customers a taste of her Palestinian flavours. It may be a bijou space, but the team's warmth and humour will always put a smile on your face. It's hard to choose from the tempting range of sweet and savoury buns – from rhubarb, rose and sumac to shatta and cheddar. bunheadbakery.com Blas, Victoria Park Blas is the new kid on the Victoria Park block, giving stalwart Pavilion a run for its money. The modest red-tiled hut, perfectly situated for runners finishing their routes, is rooted in local history, housed in a former chapel turned rangers’ hut. The serving hatch, finished in a pop of striking Rosewood Red, is a nod to the building’s past, while the modern line-up features all the big-hitters, from cinnamon buns and maritozzi to soft serve in the summer (think Estate Dairy cereal milk topped with cornflake crunch). Blas prides itself on spotlighting guest roasters, with a selection of retail coffees from each roaster, along with a rotating filter menu showcasing each coffee in its best form. instagram.com/blaslondon The Engine House Café, Walthamstow Wetlands This Grade II listed building – originally a sewage pumping station built in 1885 – now houses an elegant café where you can fill up on bagels and freshly roasted coffee by north London specialist roasters Liberty Coffee. Offering a peaceful escape from the city within the wetlands, there's seating within the exposed brick walls of the original Victorian building, or head out to the terrace for birdwatching and enviable reserve views to match. wildlondon.org.uk/cafes Pear Tree Cafe, Battersea Park (and Clapham Common and Lincoln's Inn Fields) This sun-dappled spot boasts a prime position overlooking Battersea Park’s pretty boating lake. Lakeside views aside, brunch is a popular occasion here, with a menu that refreshes the classics with bold, luxurious twists. Buttermilk pancakes are topped with apple and blackberry compote, whipped vanilla mascarpone and toasted almonds, sourdough is slathered in marmite and parmesan-flavoured Bold Beans and smashed avocado arrives heaped onto sourdough alongside feta, basil oil, chilli oil and watermelon radish – an olive favourite. At weekends, there's flaky pastries and coffee from Triple Roast. Since you're in the area, it would be remiss to skip a trip to Mahali & Co bakery, located on the park's perimeter – its creative pandan and coconut cruffins are not to be missed. Coal House Café, Woodberry Wetlands Housed in a stylish, Grade II listed former coal house, this waterside café is a local gem for those in the know. Boasting a rooftop patio, desirable waterside views and sizeable garden, it does a good job at enticing Londoners into leafy spaces before they've even looked for the menu. The rooftop patio and garden are superb spots for sunny London weekends, while the indoor space is cosy in the cooler months. The menu covers a satisfying selection of toasties, seasonal soups and freshly baked pastries. Coffee is freshly roasted in north London each week by Liberty Coffee. wildlondon.org.uk/cafes The Serpentine Lido Café, Hyde Park Hyde Park's iconic Serpentine Lido Café sits right by the water, making it one of central London's most picturesque coffee spots. It's an A1 position for ice cream in the warmer months, but you’ll also find a comforting menu of creamy burrata salads, club sandwiches and nduja poached eggs, perfect for catering to your foodie needs without having to leave the park. Families, locals and city explorers all make use of the café’s ample outdoor seating. Being in central, it can get busy on weekends, but the lakeside views and the hum of Hyde Park life are ample reward. Add it to your list for next time you're in the West End and need refuelling. royalparks.org.uk/serpentine-lido-cafe
10 foodie nature spots in the UK for spotting autumn leaves
Embrace the joys of autumn with these top foodie destinations, from golden foliage in the Cairngorms to the russet beauty of the Cotswolds
As the leaves turn golden and begin to tumble, there’s no better time to explore the UK’s enchanting nature spots than in autumn. We've found the finest spots that offer unrivalled views of the season's fiery foliage, including a treehouse with panoramic woodland views, a micro-bakery within lush gardens, and a snug Scottish cabin tucked into the hills. These are all prime spots for food lovers, too – from rustic gin distilleries and cider orchards to forest cafés and country pubs – all offering the perfect blend of leaf-peeping and seasonal fare. Which of these nature spots will make it onto your travel wish list? Once you've decided on your destination, embrace the season with coffee expert Celeste Wong's autumn coffee serves, including a clever British twist on the pumpkin spice latte, or make the most of autumn by booking a cosy cabin stay. Inshriach, Cairngorms, Scotland Log cabin within Cairngorms National Park Seek sanctuary during cosy season in this expertly crafted wooden cabin hidden away on the hillside above the River Spey. Owner Walter Micklethwait and his family built the log cabin during lockdown, which now proves as popular for holidays as it is with TV and photoshoots. Surrounded by mature woodland and the vast Cairngorms, this 200-acre mini Highland estate is ablaze with fiery colour by the time autumn rolls around, with picture-perfect views. It also happens to be home to a rustic gin distillery, where Walter concocts small-batch Speyside gins in an award-winning shed. Alternatively, if relaxation is top of your list, hop into the wood-fired sauna and steam away the stress. Besides the cabin, the estate’s elegant country house is perfect for a large family gathering (sleeping up to 18, with or without a chef) but, for a back-to-nature experience, there’s the cluster of quirky glamping options peppered throughout the tangled woodland. The quaint Swedish-style shepherd’s hut is old-school romantic with surrounding juniper bushes (the key ingredient in gin; most of the botanicals are foraged from the estate). Or, for those who want something a little more contemporary, there’s the bothy, a little modernist cabin nestled in the birch woods above the Spey. inshriachhouse.com Queen's Wood Café, Highgate Wood, London Charming woodland café in north London Londoners looking for a slice of autumn tranquility within commuting distance are in luck thanks to this enchanting café in north London's Highgate. Set amid ancient woodlands, the space was originally built in 1898 as a wood keeper's lodge and tearoom. It now functions as a friendly chalet-style café with a community garden and therapy cabin. You'll find organic and veggie-focused dishes on the menu (think burrata salad and homemade quiche) and pastries are baked fresh daily (cherry Danish, cinnamon swirl). Art exhibitions regularly adorn the walls, making a pretty backdrop to while away the hours. We recommend ordering an autumnal coffee and slice of carrot cake, then sitting out on the terrace illuminated in lights, taking in the woodland views. It's a dog-friendly space, too, perfect for walkers hoping for a coffee pit stop or spot of lunch. queenswoodcafe.org The Cordia Collective at Borde Hill, West Sussex Micro-bakery within historic Sussex gardens Find this new culinary venture from Green Michelin-starred chef Chantelle Nicholson nestled within the idyllic gardens of this Grade II-listed, 2,300-acre estate in West Sussex. The collective started life as a micro-bakery in spring this year, and there are plans to develop into a glasshouse restaurant, café and wine bar, and workshop space in the former stables. Headed up by acclaimed baker Janine Edwards from London’s much-loved Toklas Bakery, highlights include warm, freshly baked curlicues, (aka their own take on a much-loved cinnamon bun), vibrant focaccia sandwiches and Ploughman's plates, with some ingredients harvested straight from the garden itself. After securing your goodies, take a peaceful stroll among the vibrant foliage which, in autumn, deepens into warmer, richer tones – look out for the amber-blazing maple tree which glows against the light. It's an impressive place to take a moment to pause while enjoying the flavours of the season. Elsewhere at Borde Hill, you can sign up to autumn foraging walks, plus Halloween trails and activities for families. bordehill.co.uk Bettys Harlow Carr Tea Room, Harrogate Charming teahouse overlooking lush gardens This little tea house in Harlow Carr gardens supplies all the treats and tipples required for a cosy autumnal day out. Find this North Yorkshire gem overlooking the handsome grounds of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, where autumn is celebrated with stunning displays of fiery red and golden leaves. The beauty of the surroundings is matched by all the traditional Bettys treats, including tempting breads, handmade cakes and hot chocolates, while you admire the panoramic view from your table. Take a walk through the gardens to the kiosk in the centre, order a hot chocolate and mooch through the vibrant trees, plants and greenhouses full of autumn produce. A wholesome place to soothe yourself out of a seasonal funk, foodies will love filling their totes with freshly made cakes, biscuits, fancies and other specialities in the Bettys shop – perfect for gifting or enjoying when you get home. bettys.co.uk The Newt, Somerset Cider tasting and woodland walks in the west country This country estate is famed for its cider orchards, woodland walks and immaculate gardens, all of which turn gorgeous shades of amber and crimson in autumn. Located between Bruton and the town of Castle Cary, this Palladian mansion-turned hotel is ideal for a seasonal garden retreat. On site, there’s a butcher’s, bakery, cider cellar, artisanal shop and three restaurants, all serving seasonal dishes – many of which feature ingredients grown or made on the estate (even the sourdough starter is made from apple pulp from the cider press). After taking an autumnal stroll, visit the cider cellar for a guided tour and tasting (The Newt’s own ciders are made with 100% apple juice and slow, cold fermentation, and are made to be served and enjoyed like wine). Sample the estate’s produce at the open-air cider bar located next to the shiny state-of-the-art cider-making facility (where you can also catch the daily apple-pressing 'show'). But it's not all cider-making and woodland walks. It's also a place to learn, with harvest-themed activities ranging from wreath-making to mushroom foraging. Then, there's Apple Day Weekend, one of the most hotly anticipated events on the estate calendar. Think a two-day celebration of Somerset heritage and all things ‘apple’, including apple games, orchard tractor tours, apple-themed menus, tastings, live music, BBQs and plenty of cider. You could also relax by pottering in the greenhouse or swimming in the spa. The choice is yours. thenewtinsomerset.com The Potting Shed, Crudwell, The Costwolds Village pub featuring a two-acre garden and apple trees Autumn's golden hues only add to the rustic charm of The Cotswolds, a prime spot for a seasonal strolling. Originally a Victorian pub called The Plough, The Potting Shed is located in the chocolate box village of Crudwell, a short drive from the M4. With its two-acre garden and apple trees, its the epitome of a country local and a suiting pit stop during your autumn foodie break. Once a favoured romantic bolthole for Prince William and Kate Middleton before their engagement, this cosy country pub sticks to hearty gastropub classics, with much of the produce coming from the abundant vegetable patch in the pub’s two-acre garden, which also has apple trees and lawns. Try a Cotswolds dry gin, or taste local ales such as Elmers pale bitter from Flying Monk Brewery in neighbouring Malmesbury. The pie of the day (ham with a poached egg on top, or chicken, sweetcorn and black pudding) is a must, served, as it should be, with creamy mash and rich gravy. There’s an outdoor patio and garden from which you can peek into the neighbouring allotments or challenge your friends to a game of boules on the pitch out back. Or simply gaze out over the foliage as you settle in with a pint. thepottingshedpub.com Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, London Peaceful north London park with roaming deer When the leaves are at their most golden, this serene Hackney park comes into its own. It offers the best of both worlds for time-poor Londoners: easy to travel to and large enough to escape urban life. The park is a true feast for the senses come autumn. Watch the resident deer rove around the enclosure while the leaves turn russet and gold, then listen to the leaves crunch beneath your feet as you stroll along the grassy verges flanking the New River. Combine your autumn walk with a trip to park café Fink’s Pump House, which opens every day and serves straightforward fare while utilising local suppliers. Go for the coffee from Scenery Coffee Roasters and stay for the sourdough sarnies and pastries coming fresh daily from Fink's Bakery in N4, such as their rosette apple, vanilla custard and pecan crumble danish. Foodies can also fill their totes on Fink's thoughtful selection of gourmet goods, from tinned fish and truffle crisps to wines and spirits. Wearied Londoners should consider a visit to this leafy sanctuary to contemplate and appreciate autumn's fleeting, enchanting beauty. Tu Hwnt I'r Bont Tearooms, North Wales 15th Century luxury tearoom with an idyllic riverside location Located in the small town of Llanrwst in North Wales, this charming grade II listed tearoom is often one of the most photographed places in the area. Though surrounded by beautiful gardens and views of the Conwy Valley, it's the building itself that encapsulates autumnal splendour – a breathtaking mosaic of rich, warm and earthy leaves which envelop the entire building. It's so stunning, you'll want it on a postcard. Inside, you'll find a charming tearoom serving artisan cakes and specialty teas alongside classic lunchtime specials. Choose opulence with a traditional high-tea, or sample its award-winning ice cream (from its very own Parisella's Ice Cream of Conwy). Painting the peaceful Welsh landscape with the most vivid autumnal hues, this modest tearoom is a top-of-the-list destination for a crisp autumn day out. tuhwntirbont.co.uk Stars & Vines, Herefordshire Vineyard cabins with sweeping views of rolling Herefordshire countryside For views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside, this vineyard, with its two beautifully appointed cabins, is uniquely placed. Take in the views while soaking in the outdoor hot tub, or strike out into 1,000 acres of the surrounding farmland where the River Lugg weaves through towering woods, and you might happen upon a small lake by one of the cornfields. The elegantly furnished modern cabins are situated at one of the highest points of the Broadfield Court Vineyard Estate, which produces a small-batch range of whites and rosé – a stay here wouldn’t be complete without a hosted wine-tasting (£95) with Alexandra James, who co-owns the estate with her husband Mark. The cabins are self-catered, but you can request a hamper for a continental or cooked breakfast, again stocked with fresh, local produce. On a clear evening, you can ask for a telescope and kick back by the firepit – with marshmallows and other gourmet treats supplied – to marvel at the stars. starsandvinesluxurylodges.co.uk Wild Escapes, Hampshire Luxury treehouses overlooking Hampshire vineyards Nestled in the forest on sprawling Fullerton Farm, this luxuriously wild autumn getaway offers four modern treehouses. The structures, crafted out of local materials, were designed to minimise impact on the surrounding ecosystem, and rewilding is encouraged, so birds, deer and badgers are abundant. Nestled into a wild woodland overlooking the vines of the Black Chalk vineyard, it's a soothing place to linger, sip and soak. Though each treehouse is unique – The Perigord is Scandi-chic, The Damselfly modern-minimalist, The Fallow decked out in earthy tones and The Poppy the most rustic, complete with its own firepit. All have a few things in common: vineyard vistas, wood-burning stoves, snazzy glass showers and terraces with bathtubs that come with sycamore wood champagne flute rests for the complimentary Black Chalk English sparkling wine. Take a private tour of neighbouring Black Chalk vineyard followed by a Treehouse Tasting, with a view of the vines where the grapes were grown. In the morning, enjoy a breakfast hamper curated from Hampshire producers, including small-batch Moon Roast coffee, Nicky’s Kitchen sourdough, and Fluffetts Farm free-range eggs. The surrounding woodland is perfect for autumnal walks, and local street food pop-ups and country pubs with riverside terraces offer plenty of feasting opportunities. wildescapes.com More travel inspiration 10 best lidos and outdoor pools in the UK Best UK spa hotels for food lovers Best day trips from London by train Best seaside staycations Best restaurants in St Albans Best new restaurants in the UK Best holiday cottages for foodies Best autumn breaks Best cosy cabins for foodies Best restaurants in Bath Best UK afternoon teas Best Irish holidays
Best milk frothers to buy in 2025, tested and reviewed by experts
If you're looking for a milk frother to make creamy coffees or hot chocolates, read our tried-and-tested review of the best milk frother to help you choose
It’s time to take your hot drinks to the next level with a milk frother. Whether you’re a cappuccino aficionado, hot chocolate fan or simply want to liven up your instant coffee, milk frothers will give your classic brew a creamy barista-style boost. While some coffee machines will come with built-in milk frothers, most will require you froth your milk separately. Many independent milk frother will also have a wider range of setting for different textures of microfoam or for hot or cold frothed milk, which isn't usually available for those built into coffee machines. Having a milk frother will also allow you further versatility from manual espresso brewing methods like moka pots and cafetieres. Read on for our favourite milk frothers for coffee and hot chocolate, tried and tested by our reviews experts. Discover our full guide to the best coffee machines which features tried-and-tested picks of the best espresso machines. Once you’ve got your equipment sorted, check out our round-up of the best coffee grinders and coffee beans to buy. Already own a coffee pod machine? Check out our round-up of the best eco-friendly coffee pods to buy. Or, sign up to a coffee subscription so you never run out. For even more inspiration, our guide to the best gifts for coffee lovers includes everything from coffee perfume to games and books. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best milk frothers at a glance Best milk frother for versatility: Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser (2025), £149.95 Best milk frother for hot chocolate: Dualit handheld milk frother, £69.90 Best milk frother for easy cleaning: ProCook milk frother and hot chocolate maker, £59 Best large milk frother: Dualit Milk Frother Max, £88.89 Best mid-range milk frother: Lavazza A Modo Mio MilkEasy milk frother, £69 Best top-of-the-range electric frother for hot chocolates: Smeg MFF01CRUK milk frother, £169.95 Best sleek milk frother: Grind Two milk frother, £75 Best mid-range frother for hot chocolates: Melitta Cremio II milk frother, £69.99 Best mid-range buy for simplicity: Bodum Latteo milk frother, £19.49 Jump to: Best milk frothers to buy in 2025 How we tested milk frothers What type of milk froths best? Best milk frothers to buy in 2025 Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser (2025) Available from Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Best milk frother for versatility Star rating: 5/5 Hotel Chocolat's Velvetiser 2.0 is a game-changer for anyone who takes their hot chocolate seriously. This upgraded version looks every bit as good as the hot chocolate tastes, with a sleek, pod-shaped design inspired by a cacao pod and a solid ash handle that feels satisfyingly sturdy in the hand. It’s available in three chic shades – Chalk, Pebble, and Pewter – so it will look smart on any kitchen counter. The build feels robust and premium, with a heavier, sturdier jug than before, giving the impression it’s made to last. Using the Velvetiser couldn’t be easier: simply pour in your milk, add one of Hotel Chocolat's chocolate sachets, pop the lid on and twist the dial. Cleaning is quick too, with a simple rinse and wipe. In test, we were rewarded with a mug of hot chocolate that was glossy, smooth, and topped with a light, creamy froth in just two minutes. The Velvetiser also comes with a new cold setting, so you can whip up an iced chocolate for warmer days. If you’re after a stylish, fuss-free way to enjoy proper hot chocolate at home, the milk frother certainly delivers. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Dualit handheld milk frother undefined Best milk frother for hot chocolate Star rating: 5/5 This milk frother feels high-quality as soon as you take it out of the box and has a sleek, elegant look. On test we found it super easy to use — simply insert the relevant attachment depending on your milk frothing preferences, add your milk of choice and press the button. It's also one of the larger frothers we tested with the capability to make up to 340ml of frothed milk at a time. We liked that this machine come with a choice of three attachments - a whisk for making cappuccinos and milkshakes, a basket for making hot chocolates and a cap for making flat whites. Easy to assemble and change over, these accessories make this milk frother a versatile piece of kit. Using semi-skimmed milk, we were impressed by the thick, glossy head on the milk we made using the flat white cap. One slight downside is that the lack of pouring spout meant some of our precious foam was left behind in the jug and we needed a spoon to remove it. The frother is exceptionally quiet, but the thing that impressed us the most on test was the hot chocolate. Using the whisk and basket attachments we made hot chocolate using oat milk and the recommended 25g of flaked chocolate powder. This produced a rich, creamy drink that was pleasingly hot without any danger of burning our mouths. This reasonably priced product would be a welcome kitchen edition for coffee-lovers and chocoholics alike. Latest Deals ProCook milk frother and hot chocolate maker Available from ProCook (£69) Best milk frother for easy cleaning Star rating: 4.5/5 This milk frother from ProCook has a fairly large footprint and tall height compared to many other frothers we've tested, and will need its own dedicated space on your countertop. But with this large size, you get a roomy 400ml capacity, which is enough to make two hot chocolates at once. There are setting for hot frothed milk, hot milk, hot chocolate and cold frothed milk. We were impressed by the results of all the pre-programmed settings on this machine, which we tested with whole cow's milk and barista oat milk. What we really loved about this model is how easy it is to clean. Unlike the majority of other models, the jug doesn't house an electrical element, making it easy to clean by hand or put in the dishwasher. The only slight drawback to this model was the amount of time it took to froth milk, which was three and a half minutes, and it was slightly noisier than other models on the market. undefined Dualit Milk Frother Max Available from Harts of Stur (£98.85), Amazon (£97.99) Best large milk frother Star rating: 4.5/5 With a capacity of 550ml this is by far the largest milk frother we've tested – it would easily make hot chocolate for four people at once. With the large capacity comes a certain amount of bulk and this model is closer in size to a small kettle than a regular milk frother, which may make it tricky to store. The model has five froth settings, plus a setting for cold froth, and comes with a whisk and basket for further customisation. The manual contains a helpful guide on which settings to choose for your preferred milk texture. Like other Dualit models the frother is whisper-silent – on test we couldn't even tell when it was on except for the light on the dial. However it was difficult to tell when the frother had finished as there's no beep to indicate that it's done. On test our hot chocolate was smooth and creamy and we were seriously impressed by the cold frothed oat milk, which was thick and luxurious, the perfect addition to an iced coffee. undefined Lavazza A Modo Mio MilkEasy milk frother Latest Deals Best mid-range milk frother Star rating: 4.5/5 Lavazza’s ‘MilkEasy’ name certainly aligns with the results of this milk frother. This was the easiest electric frother we tried thanks to its simple, easy to follow instructions: fill with milk up to one of the markings (you can heat up to 180ml or froth 120ml), press the button once for hot froth, twice for hot milk or thrice for cold froth for iced coffees or lattes. We were pleasantly surprised by how quiet and efficient it is, producing that perfect just-below boiling temperature. Using semi-skimmed milk offers an impressively thick, fluffy whip that’s enough for two cups; this is definitely one of the thickest froths, resembling a creamy dalgona coffee. The froth produced using oat milk is not as thick by quite some margin – it's airier, with lots of thin liquid. Another thing to note is that due to the frothers wide design, it’s not the easiest product to pick up and pour into your mug. The inside is easy enough to clean, though you cannot get the base wet, so it’s not dishwasher-safe. It’s small enough to keep on the work surface, but compact enough to slot into a cupboard. Overall, if you like to experiment with different methods, this is the most reasonably priced product, offering barista-style whipped milk that’s ready in minutes. Latest Deals Smeg MFF01CRUK milk frother Latest Deals Best top-of-the-range electric frother for hot chocolates Star rating: 4.5/5 If you’re looking to invest in a sleek electric milk frother to complement your kitchen, Smeg is the answer. This model is made from stainless steel, with a separate dishwasher-safe jug that has visible measurement markings embossed on the inside. This frother had the largest volume of all we tested: a 600ml heating capacity and 250ml frothing capacity. The on/off button is clear to see and there are six settings to choose from: hot or cold milk with light or thick foam, hot milk and chocolate, plus a manual function. This frother is the only one with the option to make coffee or hot chocolate, taking away the fuss of making the drink separately beforehand. It's louder in use than the other electric frothers, but the transparent lid means you can watch while the whisks work their magic. This produced the smoothest hot chocolate of all the frothers, with a silky, velvety texture and just-below boiling temperature. It also works a treat with non-dairy milks. It’s very easy to clean as there’s only the detachable jug to wash. Its retro 1950s design will look good in any kitchen (plus there’s a range of pastel colours to suit different tastes). It does however command some space on the counter – it’s a high-quality piece of equipment you wouldn’t want to hide in a cupboard. This means that if you’re not too going to be using daily, it may be too expensive to use as an occasional piece of equipment – we’d recommend going for something cheaper if this is the case. Latest Deals Grind Two milk frother Available from Grind (£75) Best sleek milk frother Star rating: 4/5 This sleek milk frother from Grind is a good option if you're looking for an aesthetic model to keep on display that matches your coffee machine. The reflective chrome design is modern – although we did find that it showed finger prints quite easily – and there's a touch of the brand's iconic baby pink. There's just one button here, so you'll need to take a glance at the manual to familiarise yourself with the different settings for hot-frothed, hot with a slight froth and cold-frothed milk. We made hot-frothed milk with whole and oat barista milk, which both resulted in super-glossy milk with a thick head that would be perfect for a cappuccino. One thing we did notice about this milk frother is that, for the hot milk settings, the milk comes out almost too hot to drink, and has to be cooled a little before it can be enjoyed. Available from: Grind (£75) Melitta Cremio II milk frother Latest Deals Best mid-range for hot chocolates Star rating: 4/5 Melitta’s Cremio frother gives you the option to make hot froth, hot milk and cold froth, perfect for creamy coffees, blended hot chocolates or desserts. This machine works with all types of milk, but we found using skimmed milk worked best, creating a thick, whipped froth which you can dollop onto your drink of choice. The ergonomic handle is a defining feature, as is the non-stick coating for efficient cleaning (the lid and whisk is dishwasher-safe, too). The capacity for frothed milk is 100-150 ml, which is ample for two drinks. It’s also worth noting that you can prepare warm cocoa with this frother – simply add the chocolate powder to the milk before pressing the hot milk button. This product is similar in range and aesthetic to the Dualit, with the bonus feature of preparing hot chocolate. All in all, the ergonomic handle, non-stick surfaces and clean brushed-steel aesthetics make this stylish container a sturdy and reliable kitchen accessory which you’ll be happy to invest in. Latest Deals Bodum Latteo milk frother Available from Amazon (£19.49) Best mid-range buy for simplicity Star rating: 3/5 At first sight, you may mistake the Bodum for a large cafetière. But, as you look closer, you’ll realise it’s a high-quality glass carafe with a sleek handle that’s perfect for do-it-yourself manual frothing. A very simple instruction guide is on the packaging and also in the manual, so we find this one of the easiest to use: first, fill with milk up to the line on the jug and warm in the microwave for 30-50 seconds. Once hot, use the manual pump to froth the milk until the volume doubles. The whipped milk is then ready to spoon into your drink of choice (it’s worth noting that this frother doesn’t come with the option to make coffee or hot chocolate). We do notice a tiny amount of spillage coming out of the top hole and pouring outlet even when sealed. The foam itself is surprisingly smooth on its own, but lighter and airier than other frothers, which produce a thicker whip. It’s dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, the same as you would a cafetière. Plus, the small footprint makes it perfect for a kitchen with little bench space or low-hanging cupboards. Overall, if you’re after a quick and easy to follow model that offers plenty of froth with minimal effort, this is a brilliant value option. Available from: Amazon (£19.49) How we tested milk frothers The milk frothers featured in this review were the best performing appliances chosen from a longlist of more than 20 products. All were tested in control conditions using a standardised criterion with semi-skimmed milk, Oatly Oat Drink Barista Edition and Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate flakes and scored out of five against the following areas: Quality of milk foam Value for money Ease of use Quality of materials Design and aesthetic for keeping on the countertop The average score out of 5 decided the overall star rating. The additional criteria played into our decision making: Variety of functions Kitchen footprint Sound in use Speed in use Ease of cleaning Advanced features Packaging What type of milk froths best? When using a milk frother, different types of milk will produce different textures of foam. If you're opting for plant milk, whether you prefer oat, almond, coconut or something else, it's best to go for a barista-style milk. These milks usually contain additional ingredients that act as stabilisers, which allow the milk to froth and maintain bubbles. For dairy milk, whole milk will become thick and creamy when frothed, as it has a high fat content. Milks with a lower fat content, like skimmed or semi-skimmed, will create a greater volume of foam with a texture that's less creamy. Lactose-free milk can be difficult to froth due to the process used to remove lactose. Related reviews Best coffee machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best filter coffee machines Best coffee pod machines Best coffee scales Best ever coffee recipes Best reusable coffee cups Espresso martini recipe Coffee cocktail recipes Best Nespresso machines Dhan Tamang's guide to latte art Best plant milk makers Best small air fryers Best pizza ovens 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.
How to create stunning party food platters
Our easy party food platters are guaranteed to impress, from a classic Swedish smörgåsbord, to picnic platters and grazing boards. Plus, we share which tableware to buy
Hosting an impromptu dinner party with friends? Take your entertaining skills to another level with our smart yet showstopping party food platters. From salty baked feta boards, to camembert toppers and a full-blown Swedish smörgåsbord, we've got your entertaining needs covered for your next get-together. Afterwards, check out our no-oven easy entertaining ideas and easy entertaining recipes. We also asked 15 foodies to share their easy entertaining hacks and tips. Party grazing board ideas Baked feta board A block of salty feta baked with sweet, sticky honey is the centrepiece of this fun sharing board by Morgan McGlynn. Slather the smooth cheese on crackers and top and serve with fudgy roast figs and crunchy almonds. Smörgåsbord The scale of this Scandinavian smörgåsbord by Morgan McGlynn borders almost on a buffet – perfect for feeding the masses. A mixture of hot and cold dishes alongside traditional cheese varieties, such as brown Norwegian gjetost and jarlsberg, are a must. Brunch sharing board Brunch has become a timeless classic, combining the best of both worlds from breakfast and lunch. This sharing board takes it one step further to create a stunning, laidback way to enjoy this meal for a real celebration. Overnight oats, sausage sandwiches and pancake bits are served alongside bloody marys to get your day off to an exceptional start. For more brunch inspiration, see our best brunch recipes. Cheese grazing board You truly can't beat a good cheeseboard, and this one combines lemony baked goat's cheese, baked camembert in a cob and baked feta with chipotle. Antipasti board Easy and informal but always welcome, antipasti is a fun, casual way to entertain. Pop a selection of Italian cured meat, a generous piece of parmesan and grissini sticks with fresh figs and griddled courgettes on a board and then let everyone dive in and help themselves. Bagna cauda (anchovy and garlic sauce) This warm anchovy and garlic dip from Piedmont makes an easy starter or sharing platter to serve with drinks. It's a great way to use up a tin of anchovies. Christmas cheeseboard Is there any better excuse to enjoy cheese than at Christmas? If Morgan McGlynn's festive sharing platter doesn't get you in the spirit, we don't know what else will! In true Christmas indulgence style, there's a variety of salty, creamy and nutty cheeses nestled in with cured meats and pickled accompaniments. Serve with a homemade Christmas jam. Chocolate fondue Get everyone involved at the end of the dinner party with this chocolate fondue. It takes just minutes to prepare – simply melt chocolate with double cream and white miso, then arrange your dipping utensils. We suggest strawberries, grapes, banana slices, mini waffles, marshmallows and wafers for some variety, but feel free to use whatever you wish. Hummus platter with all the veg For a vegan sharing board that's sure to impress, this hummus platter elevates the humble veg with pomegranate molasses, toasted pine nuts, fennel and sprigs of watercress. Summer deli board Perfect for the warmer months, throw together our pick of charcuterie and veg, served with a pot of oozing melted brie. Picnic platter Picnic staples, including cheese, chutney, pâté and salami, are transformed into an easy, no-cook dinner party centrepiece. Check out our best picnic recipes for lots more inspiration. Dessert board For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert board is a really fun and easy way to celebrate a special occasion. The white russians and limoncello-spiked lemon tarts are a grown-up touch that's perfect for getting the party started. Pair with our espresso martini pancakes for a brunch-inspired dessert board. Crudités with chipotle aïoli A great starter to bring out at dinner parties over the summer, using whatever crisp, fresh veg is available. It only takes 15 minutes to put together and serves six. Quick and easy recipes Baked camembert Arguably the easiest way to entice friends is with a selection of baked camembert toppers: veggies will swoon over our camembert topped with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, or opt for ultimate wintry comfort with toppings such as cranberry, port and thyme. Better yet, go one step further and serve your cheese on this appropriately themed camembert cheese platter. Homemade pâté Another fuss-free way to impress is with homemade pâté: our veggie mushroom pâté is easy to whizz together, and packs depth of flavour thanks to a few sprigs of thyme, garlic and sherry. Or, keep things classic with our French chicken liver pâté, best served with cornichons and plenty of fizz. Hot platters Smashed meatball kebab platter with herby green yogurt Serve this smashed meatball kebab platter as part of a vibrant feast when entertaining. Top with your homemade cooling yogurt to balance out the kick from the shawarma spice blend. Using ready-made meatballs keeps prep to a minimum so that you can have this on the table in just 30 minutes. Smoky souvlaki platter with tzatziki potato salad The addition of smoked sea salt gives these skewers a little taste of the flames, even if you’re not barbecuing. Smashed falafel platter with pink pickled onion This vibrant falafel platter is a brilliant choice when catering for vegetarian friends. The sweet potato falafels bring a natural sweetness, balanced perfectly by tangy pickled onions that cut through with a sharp, refreshing bite. Grilled mango, tomato and burrata platter The creamy burrata pairs perfectly with chargrilled mango slices, juicy heritage tomatoes and a vibrant lime and chilli dressing. Platters to buy FULLSPÄCKAD serving tray Available from Ikea (£15) Ikea's tray is great for storing plates and glasses on one level, with snacks and appetisers on the other. It also features a sturdy handle for carrying. Available from: Ikea (£15) Porcelain chip and dip serving dish Available from John Lewis (£20) This five-section chip and dip platter is the perfect serving solution for nachos. This porcelain dish is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, too. Available from: John Lewis (£20) Elements oval marble serve board Available from Wayfair (£23.99) Present cold and hot dishes on this oval-shaped serving board – the marble makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures. Available from: Wayfair (£23.99)