Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce
The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede
Try our Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce, then check out our venison stew, venison curry, venison pie, venison steaks, venison burgers and more venison recipes. In this recipe the venison loin is gently rolled in herbs and spices before being wrapped in pancetta, and browned before being roasted. The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. The sauce can be made in advance and swirled around in the pan after the venison has been cooked. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce recipe
Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns
It’s important to season the trout well otherwise it can taste bland. Always check how hot the chilli is too, as you may not need it all. Serve them with warm toasts so the butter melts and the flavours come out
Try our Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns, then discover potted crab with coronation salad, potted shrimp and more starter recipes. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns recipe
This really is restaurant-quality food at home. Just don’t tell anyone how easy it is. Ask your butcher for bone-in short ribs and let them braise low and slow in the sauce until they are melt-in-the-mouth tender
Try our red wine braised short ribs, then discover BBQ peanut pork ribs, miso-glazed ribs, lamb ribs and more ribs recipes. You can make these well ahead of time – simply reheat in the sauce before you serve. Eat with creamy polenta and greens. Red wine-braised short ribs recipe
These are the ultimate fudgy chocolate brownies. The trick to getting that gorgeous gooey centre is to slightly under-bake the brownies and then pop them in the fridge to stop the cooking process
Try our chocolate cherry brownies, then discover vegan brownies, chocolate orange brownies and Oreo brownies, or try these chocolate dessert recipes. You can serve these brownies chilled or let them come to room temperature, which is my favourite way to enjoy them. I find they have the best flavour and texture like that. Chocolate cherry brownies
Meaty mushrooms and mouth-warming sichuan peppercorns make this a lovely bowl of comfort
Try our soy butter and mushroom pappardelle, then discover mushroom pasta, mushroom gnocchi and mushroom ravioli. Using pappardelle or even tagliatelle as a substitute for flat noodles works really well and gives you that essential slippery mouth feel. Soy butter and mushroom pappardelle recipe
Ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne
Make use of any left-over festive cheese and ham in this rich, creamy lasagne. Grate cheddar, gruyère or other hard cheeses, or just crumble in softer cheeses
Try our ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne, then discover our classic lasagne, courgette parmigiana, vegan lasagne and more lasagne recipes. Ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne recipe
This flourless cake is rich, indulgent and perfect for after dinner. The cake puffs up then falls after baking, creating a delicious fudgy texture. We’ve given it a seasonal makeover, piling it high with chestnut cream, borrowed from the classic Alpine dessert
Try our chocolate truffle cake, then discover chocolate fudge cake, chocolate birthday cake, salted caramel chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake and vegan chocolate cake. Chocolate truffle cake recipe
Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad
Serve strips of crispy seasoned plaice with a vibrant carrot and green bean salad. Finish with mint and coriander for herby freshness
Try our crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad, then discover plaice with warm tartare butter sauce, tamarind and coconut plaice, breaded plaice with sauce vierge or plaice with brown shrimp butter. Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad recipe
Book a booth in a cosy Italian restaurant, treat your date to an affordable candlelit dinner for two, or secure a spot with the perfect view for a romantic meal in the capital
Looking for romantic restaurants in London? Want to find affordable romantic date ideas? Here are our favourite picks in the capital, from warm and cosy restaurants to romantic restaurants with a view (click here for more spots with perfect views). We also have the UK's most romantic restaurants and the most romantic UK hotels outside of London. Now discover our effortless Valentine's Day menu ideas. Most romantic places to eat and drink in London Albers, Hackney – for classic small plates, reimagined Albers is a small corner room in De Beauvoir, all big windows, candlelight and warm wood. White walls and pared-back decor keep things calm, tables set snugly together, the atmosphere softly sociable with just enough low-light intimacy for a lingering dinner. The cooking sits in that middle ground between pub comfort and bistro intent: classics half-remembered, then gently tilted. I started with a sage cordial and soda, sweet and syrupy with a light fizz, the herb giving a quiet savoury lift. The sardine ragu croquette was the first real hello from the kitchen: crisp outside, creamy within, full of deep sardine warmth and finished with a generous parmesan dusting. Grey mullet crudo with cranberry and citrus was expertly judged, sharpness layered on sharpness, the fish cool and faintly earthy, the fruit offering tart little bursts. Sausage with sauerkraut and quince came rich and peppery, handmade and unctuous, the kraut leaning sweet-sour, quince adding a gentle perfume. The smoked eel and bacon caesar was the dish I kept returning to, smoke from eel and bacon folding into salty anchovy depth, crisp leaves slicked in dressing, a bold, comforting twist on something you think you know. Celeriac with confit egg was decadent and nutty. Bluefin tuna with peppercorn sauce was pleasant enough, thick buttery slices and a clean sear, though the sauce felt a touch thin and the temperature slightly off. Dessert was a maple and hazelnut ice-cream sandwich: the biscuit a little firm, but the maple ice cream silky, toasty and lovely. Service is friendly, still smoothing its edges, and there are no hot drinks to linger over at the end. Even so, Albers feels like a place settling into itself. albers.london Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden – for a romantic pre-theatre dinner Clos Maggiore is a little piece of the Med in Covent Garden. The conservatory, draped with blossoms and fairy lights, has a retractable roof for balmy evenings, while the main building is more cosy Provençal inn. From the French-Italian menu, expect hearty starters such as roasted duck foie gras with crisp confit duck leg and braised shoulder of Loire valley rabbit; mains of slow-cooked Charolais beef cheek and braised halibut fillet with leek fondue. Numerous vegetarian options include a roasted pumpkin, pine nut and parmesan soup and Sicilian aubergine and fig caponata, with Provençal goat’s cheese. olive tip: Close Maggiore is in the heart of the West End, so book the pre-theatre menu (two courses for £32.50, including a glass of bubbles) before treating your loved one to a West End show. closmaggiore.com Leydi, Holborn – for sharing plates Leydi sees the return of the talented Selin Kiazim (previously Oklava) to London and brings with it the spirit of Istanbul, serving an all-day menu oozing with Turkish favourites but with Selin’s unique modern twist. Launched opposite the Old Bailey in an area in Farringdon with an abundance of history, the restaurant pays tribute to the vibrancy of Istanbul’s eating culture, featuring generous, celebratory Turkish food meant to be shared and savoured. The drinks menu boasts bespoke creations from Kevin Patnode, two-time winner of the best bartender in Turkey, in addition to a transcontinental wine list with a distinctive Turkish influence. With décor featuring plush banquettes, warm lighting and understated references to Istanbul’s architecture and interiors that can only be described as elegant, this intimate 90-cover dining room is a charming setting for a date night. Order the The Leydi Deluxe to let chefs decide for you and dig into dips, kebabs, breads and salads to share. leydilondon.com Bottarga, Chelsea – for candlelit Greek sharing plates On a corner spot on the King’s Road, this Greek restaurant is a visual treat: cleverly lit, with playful modern art. Lovingly sourced ingredients in hero dishes ensure food is the focus, best enjoyed at a counter seat along the open kitchen. Silky taramasalata is topped with cod’s roe; anchovies served with sheep’s milk butter and slivers of crisp flatbread are a must-order; signature dish bottarga orzo is creamy and rich, perfectly paired with lamb and a superior Greek salad with caper leaf, barrel-aged feta and rusks. While chef Tzoulio Loulai sources ingredients from his homeland, the menu is not slavishly Greek: chocolate burnt cheesecake and salted caramel is a big hit on Instagram. A Greek house soundtrack ensures a buzzing atmosphere. bottarga.london "mu", Dalston – for a date-night dinner with jazz and cocktails Treat your date to an evening of jazz, Japanese food and innovative cocktails at this trendy Dalston hotspot. Drop into the buzzy bar for drinks, or book a sought-after spot in the restaurant proper, where a handful of tables with atmospheric lamp lighting provide front-row seats to the weekly jazz sets courtesy of Cuban group, Conjunto Cubano. Dishes are reasonably priced. Start with charred, skin-on pumpkin skewers, silky salmon tartare to scoop into nori sheets and plump prawns in tempura batter served with sweet and spicy nori-flecked mayo. Follow with the tonkotsu – a generous pork chop, trimmed with melting fat, crusted in panko breadcrumbs, served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce – and umami-rich nikiri-glazed tofu with Japanese salad. A side of oyster mushrooms has an udon noodle slurpiness, coated in a glossy soy and garlic glaze. The only dessert, a seasonal crème brûlée, is ideal for sharing before another round of cocktails and the second Cuban jazz set. mu-ldn.com Holborn Dining Room – for a Parisian brasserie feel Holborn Dining Room is one of the most beautiful spaces to eat in London. An impressive, airy room with a Parisian grand brasserie vibe, banquettes and tables are positioned so each dining space feels cosy and intimate - perfect for a special date night or occasion meal. The menu champions the pastry work which made the restaurant famous (the pie menu is always available), but other additions include roast Orkney scallops with Delicia pumpkin, a shrimp burger with jalapeño tartare and a vegan version of the legendary HDR wellington with beetroot and hispi cabbage. The room is flanked down one side by a stunning copper-topped gin bar, with more than 400 varieties available, so a specialist gin cocktail is a must-order to kick things off. Try the Cornish martini made with Tarquin’s Holborn Edition, dill and samphire and Cornish wildflower liqueur. Dawn-til-dusk dining means the space is buzzing from breakfast to late – this is a real hidden gem tucked away from the main road inside the plush Rosewood London Hotel. holborndiningroom.com Isabel, Mayfair – for wow-factor and late-night dancing From its lux grill dishes, including a Galician ex-dairy côte de boeuf or a sharing Cornish dover sole with creamed spinach, preserved lemon and brown butter, to its silk jacquard wall coverings, golden ceiling and bar, this glamorous Mayfair restaurant is guaranteed to wow any date. After dinner, the beats purr, as DJs take guests through until 3am, both in the restaurant and the Dragon Room bar, downstairs. Isabel’s innovative cocktail list includes the Rosetta, a take on the French 75, garnished with a rose petal and dehydrated lychee. isabelw1.london Kitty Fisher’s, Mayfair – for an intimate romantic dinner Red velvet curtains welcome diners into this intimate bistro. A handful of tables sit snugly beside a bar, behind which jars of home-made rhubarb gin, turmeric syrup and fig leaf vodka nestle in amongst trinkets. A creaky wooden staircase in the back corner takes you down past the kitchen into the intimate basement dining room, where dusty-pink banquettes line walls decorated with antique paintings. Start with a round of cocktails. A boozy hanky panky is a more delicate and floral twist on the negroni, while the restaurant’s signature Bad Kitty has a subtle sparkle and a syrupy sloe gin edge. Order all the bite-sized snacks. A smoky stack of Welsh rarebit is finished on the open grill to make Montgomery’s cheddar cheese extra golden; crisp ham hock and jowl croquettes melt in the mouth; and a silky-smooth splodge of chicken liver parfait comes with pieces of quince on a seeded cracker. Mains are cooked on a wood-fired grill so take 20-25 minutes to arrive, but it’s worth the wait. Pork presa is soft and pink with charred edges, accompanied by a pig-cheek sausage, candied heritage carrots and plums, while meaty monkfish comes on a rich bed of aubergines and tomatoes. Get involved with the sides, too – crunchy layers of deep-fried pressed potatoes or wood-fired Hispi cabbage lifted with mustard seeds, described correctly by the owner as “buttery wonderfulness”. For pudding, try the hazelnut and chocolate ganache with brown butter ice cream, covered in a dome of fluffy hazelnut mousse and dusted in cocoa powder. olive tip: If you want a more affordable romantic evening, pop in for a glass of wine and a couple of snacks to enjoy perched at the table in the window, perfect people-watching opportunities for first dates. kittyfishers.com Brutto, Farringdon — for Tuscan-Florentine dishes for sharing Refreshingly, this Tuscan-Florentine restaurant isn't one that values style over substance. Opened by the late restaurateur legend Russell Norman, the relaxed, no-frills interior is reminiscent of more old-school Italian establishments, with red gingham tablecloths, walls lined with framed pictures and a wine menu that's modestly stapled together, emphasising good Tuscan bottles. The menu is particularly good for sharing, with four small pasta plates that include a delicate rabbit pappardelle, and tagliatelle with a nostalgically rich, meaty ragu-style sauce. Start with the deep-fried dough ball 'cuddles' antipasti, paired well with thin slices of salty prosciutto and creamy stracchino. The mains, or secondi, are quite beef-focused, with a blackboard of perfectly cooked T-bone steaks to be ordered per 100g, and a hearty Tuscan beef shin stew. Alternatively, you can try the juicy pork and fennel sausages with lentils and a big dollop of dijon mustard. Leave room for a slice of the light, layered apple tart, or the 'ugly but good' cookies — these crisp hazelnut meringues originate from Tuscany, served here with smooth vanilla ice cream. Despite 'brutto' translating to 'ugly' in Italian, the food here is far from it. It's simple, but it proves that good food doesn't have to be stylish. msha.ke/brutto Ekstedt, Great Scotland Yard – for a romantic 7-course tasting menu Niklas Ekstedt’s tasting menus (five or seven courses) team British produce with traditional Scandinavian ingredients for a memorable experience. Current dishes include charcoal grilled wild sea bass, hay smoked pork loin and sea buckthorn sorbet for dessert. A wood-fired oven and open flame give dishes a delicious smokiness and create both warmth and theatre. ekstedtattheyard.com 144 on the Hill, Richmond Hill – for a cosy alpine-like experience 144 on the Hill is an imposing Georgian Hotel just a stone’s throw from Richmond Park. While the interiors are opulent, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. An outdoor terrace has been transformed with thick blankets, fairly lights and outdoor heaters to make for a cosy, alpine-like experience. The fondue menu is £90 for two people and includes a warming glass of mulled wine to get you started. The artisan cheese fondue is incredibly generous and almost impossible to stop eating. It comes served with Parisian potato salad, steamed broccoli, a charcuterie board and bread. It’s easy to while away a few hours as the menu is so plentiful and the setting so comfortable. If you’re feeling up to it, you can finish with a rich Belgian chocolate fondue served with strawberries and marshmallows. Imagine the snow and you can pretend you’re just back from a day on the slopes. 144onthehill.co.uk/winter-wonderlounge Manthan, Mayfair — for quality Indian street food in a romantic setting With a pedigree like chef Rohit Ghai's, expectations of the food at his Mayfair restaurant are high — and it doesn't disappoint. Rohit led the kitchens at Gymkhana and Trishna before opening his first venue, Kutir, in Chelsea. At Manthan — the Hindi word meaning to churn and reflect — Rohit takes inspiration from his mother's cooking and the street food of India. The Maddox Street dining room is long and wood-panelled, adorned with beautiful paintings of exotic flowers. Even at lunchtime it feels romantic, and the sharing dishes reflect that vibe. If you're here for the first time, have an overview experience and choose two dishes from the Gali ka khana (street food) section, one from Rassedar (curries), one from Chapata Chops & Tikka, plus a couple of sides. To start, ghati masala prawns are plump and tender, coated with sesame, peanut and coconut for a satisfying crispy crunch. Jackfruit tacos are a revelation — almost meaty in texture, stuffed into fluffy rice lentil pancakes with southern spice and chutney. Fall-off-the-bone lamb ossobuco sits in a silky, satirsfying sauce flavoured with jaffa spices and curry leaf, while sarson chicken, tangy and hot with mustard and chilli, is as soft as butter. If you have room for dessert, opt for the Classic Trip of sweet laddoo, sticky gulab jamun and creamy srikhand. manthanmayfair.co.uk Trullo, Higbury – for a romantic Italian restaurant Older sister to Borough Market’s Padella, Trullo serves perfect pasta, antipasti and larger charcoal grill dishes in a romantic yet relaxed environment. Upstairs, wooden tables – simply laid with white paper tablecloths and flickering tea lights – are huddled together, while downstairs, dark booths are perfect for a longer, more intimate dinner. The menu changes twice daily, depending on seasonal produce, but if there’s two of you we’d recommend a couple of antipasti, a couple of plates of pasta and one larger oven dish. Rich beef shin ragu coats slippery ribbons of pappardelle, while sweet squash ravioli gets a richness from the olive oil. Meat and fish are simply cooked over coals, served with the likes of soft polenta and salsa verde or baby beetroot. As with the food, wines change regularly but there are always a few available by the glass. The natural Puglia Miro is bursting with ripe cherries, or sip on a punchy coffee negroni as a nightcap. olive tip: Impress your date with the promise of Padella's famous pasta dishes without the long wait. If it’s on the menu, order Padella’s iconic pici cacio e pepe for a cheesy hit. trullorestaurant.com Fenchurch restaurant at Sky Garden, The City – for a romantic dinner with a view If you’re on the right side of the room, there’s no view finer than that from Fenchurch. It’s the highest – and most expensive – restaurant at Sky Garden, the three-storey high oasis at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street (better known as the walkie-talkie building). Wherever you’re sat, a meal here is a luxurious experience. Staff are experts; our crumpled napkins were twice replaced with ninja-like stealth, and at night the room transforms into a glamorous, flatteringly-lit space designed to make everyone feel like a million dollars. We were here for the tasting menu, and began in style with a well-made old fashioned and a signature gin and St Germain cocktail. The latter was a little too sweet, but the giant spherical ice cube it came with was transfixing. skygarden.london/restaurants/fenchurch/ olive tip: Make sure you ask for a table ‘on the view side’, and ideally one that’s away from the private dining room, rammed as it sometimes is with rowdy business-types. Gold, Notting Hill – for a secret indoor terrace Gold is a buzzing restaurant and late-night bar on London’s Portobello Road which puts cooking over coals at its heart. Split into raw, charcuterie and cheese, salads, vegetables and plates, all the dishes are designed to share. Portions are hearty though, so start off steady and see how things go. Charred pears with burrata welcome the salty tang of Tuscan ham, while a bouncy farro salad with sweet peas, broad beans and Berkswell cheese steals the show with its fresh flavours. Indulge in desserts – honey rum babas arrive as boozy as they should be, with plenty of lemon verbena cream, while buttery sable biscuits layered with raspberry and mascarpone are lifted further with the crunch of praline. goldnottinghill.com olive tip: You can dine in two rooms, but head to the covered terrace on the ground floor for romantic Moroccan rooftop vibes. Lyon's Seafood and Wine Bar, Crouch End – for a romantic seafood dinner The vibe at this neighbourhood spot is unfussy yet classily comfortable, with muted green banquettes, wooden floors and a white marble bar, while pretty traces of the room’s original cream and green Victorian tiling can be spotted on the walls. Seafood fans will love the kitchen’s offbeat and creative approach to ingredients. Oysters – sourced from Wright Brothers – come with garnishes designed to complement each variety: we try Carlingfords delicately matched with a melon and cucumber salsa. Toasted, treacly rye bread comes piled with fat, sweet, pickled mussels and a delicate curry-tinged sauce, while a classic caesar salad gets a successful maritime twist thanks to smoked sardines. The wine list focusses on sustainable, organic and low-intervention bottles, and there’s also a pithy cocktail list – a super-dry, briny martini made with seaweed-infused Irish An Dúlamán gin and manzanilla sherry is the perfect start to a seafood feast. lyons-restaurant.com olive tip: Finish the evening with a night cap at another excellent neighbourhood outfit in Crouch End, Little Mercies. Stripped-back cocktails include the likes of strawberry negronis made with homemade vermouth and silky caramelised white chocolate old fashioneds. littlemercies.co.uk Champagne + Fromage, Brixton – for an affordable first date Champagne + Fromage does exactly what it says on the tin. It brings an authentic taste of the best that France has to offer to three shops/restaurants in London. The menu is made up of cheese and charcuterie boards, baked cheeses, salads, tartines, and a small selection of desserts. Everything is designed for sharing. This isn’t a typical sit-down meal; it’s more a place to go if you want to linger over a few glasses of champagne and lighter bites, making it ideal for a first date. There are over 50 different cheeses on offer, which could be daunting. But the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and forthcoming in their suggestions. The charcuterie is all high quality so you can’t go wrong - the blueberry saucisson (although it sounds strange) was particularly good... champagneplusfromage.co.uk olive tip: You’re encouraged to go to the counter to taste and build your board, so go and chat to the staff with your date for an interactive ice-breaker to start the evening. Bob Bob Ricard, Soho – for a blow-out romantic dinner This Russian-inspired restaurant in Soho that exudes luxury, with ornate interiors loosely based on the Orient Express (train-carriage style booths, brass rails and coat racks) and slick service. It’s all about excess, with hearty portions, theatrical presentation and copious amounts of fizz. Start things off with a round of oysters baked with parmesan and black truffle, or stunning beetroot and goat’s cheese gateau. Order the beef wellington to impress, presented as a latticed pastry sphere before being taken away and carved into thick slices. Perfectly pink 28-day aged Scotch beef fillet comes wrapped in a layer of finely chopped porcini mushrooms and a thin pancake to soak up the juices with a golden crisp pastry case. ‘Chocolate Glory’ is an instagram-worthy dessert. Hot chocolate sauce is poured over a gold sphere that opens up to reveal a soft chocolate Jivara mousse with brownie pieces, zingy berries and passion fruit and orange jelly. If you’re too full for all that chocolate, order the zesty trio of lime, lemon and pink grapefruit sorbets served with Platinum vodka. olive tip: Book a private booth for an intimate dinner, complete with iconic ‘press for Champagne’ buttons for a fizz-filled date. bobbobricard.com Sager + Wilde, Hackney – for drinks with nibbles Sager + Wilde’s original Hackney Road bar is a romantic, candle-lit neighbourhood spot to enjoy unusual wines with your date. Huddle around a table on little stools and wooden benches, or sit up at the industrial iron grate bar to get a closer look at the rare bottles displayed in the rack along the back wall. The small but thoughtful wine menu covers lesser-known regions such as Austria, unusual orange wines and twists on classics procured by owners Charlotte and Michael Sager-Wilde. Golden jalapeño and cheddar toasties are served on E5 Bakehouse sourdough and round off the evening perfectly. sagerandwilde.com/hackney-road olive tip: For a super-cheap date option, head to Sager + Wilde's Paradise Row restaurant on Monday-Saturday between 5pm and 7pm for the bargain £10 plate of pasta and negroni or glass of wine deal. Check out more London restaurant guides here: 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
Best chocolate gifts to buy 2025, tried and tested
Spoil your loved ones with a chocolate-filled gift, from personalised bars to indulgent letterbox brownies and the ultimate hot chocolate maker
Looking for chocolate gift ideas for your favourite chocolate lover? Treat your partner, loved one or best friend to our pick of chocolate gifts, including indulgent brownie boxes, personalised chocolate bars and great-value gifts sent straight to their door. We have plenty of gifts to deliver to treat your chocolate lover from afar, too. If you want to go the extra mile, why not try making your own treats at home? Explore our collection of chocolate recipes for inspiration, from classic bakes to creative confections. See more ideas with our best coffee gifts, baking gifts and tea gifts and housewarming gifts. Treat someone to a boozy gift with a chocolate liqueur or special themed best champagne gifts, wine gifts, beer gifts, whisky gifts and gin gifts. Best chocolate gift ideas Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Available from Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Whether it's a birthday, anniversary or just a special purchase, velvety smooth hot chocolate will always go down a treat. With the newly improved Velvetiser, you can make barista-grade hot chocolate with just the press of a button. Ready in just over two minutes, it comes with flavour packs ranging from vegan nutmilk to vanilla white chocolate and cafe latte. The upgrade to the new 2.0 model is the cold chocolate function, meaning you can get the most out of it all year round. It comes in three colours, so you can choose one that best suits their kitchen. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Audrey's assorted creams selection Available from Audrey's (£29.95) Audrey's is our new favourite chocolate discovery. Producing traditional English chocolates with timeless charm, the packaging is beautiful and makes an extremely special gift. We have a soft spot for this selection of fondant creams, including floral rose, tangy lemon, rich coffee and zingy orange. Available from: Audrey's (£29.95) The Naked Marshmallow s'mores kit Available from Not on the High Street (£28.95) Combine Belgian chocolate thins, gourmet marshmallows and handmade biscuits to make gooey s’mores with this simple kit. Included is a safe and easy-to-use marshmallow toaster and bamboo sticks for a sweet weekend activity. Available from: Not on the High Street (£28.95) Latest Deals Chococo chocolate subscription Available from Chococo (from £21) For the gift which keeps on giving, order a loved one a chocolate subscription from UK artisan chocolatier Chococo. A pre-paid gift subscription lets you choose the size of box and the time period of the subscription – either three, six or 12 months – or opt for a rolling monthly subscription, which you can cancel at any time. Chococo offers selection boxes including a mixture of fruit flavours, toasted nuts, smooth caramels, crunchy honeycomb, pralines, fresh cream ganache and truffles. Available from: Chococo (from £21) Selfridges salted caramel malt balls Available from Selfridges (£9.99) A retro classic has been given a modern update with this sleek box of salted caramel malt balls. We love the colourful packaging for gifting, and the malt balls have the familiar satisfying crunch with a hint of sweet caramel flavour. The malt balls are also available in blonde chocolate, chocolate orange and peppermint varieties. Available from: Selfridges (£9.99) L'Esterre Chocolate 'The Starter Trio' Available from L'Esterre Chocolate (£20) Discover some gourmet chocolate from artisan L'Esterre Chocolate. This trio of pouches combines three different styles of chocolate buttons: 70% dark chocolate, 85% dark chocolate and 72% sea salt and dark chocolate. Founder Bobbie Garbutt transformed her family cocoa farm in Grenada to a seed to button chocolate producer. The chocolates are rich and complex without being bitter – perfect for a grown-up snack, or use the 70% button for some decadent chocolate chip cookies... Available from: L'Esterre Chocolate (£20) Fortnum & Mason personalised sparkling tea & truffle gift box Available from Fortnum & Mason (£70) Fortnum’s luxurious pairing of Royal Blend truffles and sparkling tea will please alcohol-conscious friends and teatotallers alike, with the option to customise the bottle label for a personal touch. The truffles are malty and honey-sweet, while the non-alcoholic sparkling tea boasts light, tropical notes. Available from: Fortnum & Mason (£70) Hotel Chocolat The Nice Slice Available from Hotel Chocolat (£17.95) A slab of pure Christmas indulgence, this 'Nice Slice' from Hotel Chocolat contains a little bit of everything in one bar. There's crispy puffed rice and cornflakes, hazelnut and milk chocolate praline, caramel and adorable caramel-filled penguins on top. A luxury version of a chocolate fridge cake. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£17.95) Tony’s Chocolonely personalised bars Available from Tony's Chocolonely (from £6) A personalised bar of Tony’s Chocolonely’s chunky, Willy Wonka-style chocolate makes the sweetest option for gifting loved ones, friends or family. Simply select their favourite flavour, from Caramel Sea Salt to Dark Milk Pretzel Toffee and more, and upload a photo or text onto a template on the Tony’s website – this is then printed and shipped to an address of your choice. Not only is Tony’s chocolate totally moreish, but every purchase also supports Tony’s mission to make all chocolate 100% exploitation-free. Available from: Tony's Chocolonely (from £6) Cakehead vegan & gluten free brownie variety box Available from Cakehead (£25.50) The aroma of freshly baked brownies wafting through your home is even better when its delivered straight to your door. Cakehead’s vegan and gluten free brownie variety box means everyone can enjoy a slice (or two), with totally moreish flavour combinations such as pecan & caramel, chocolate chunk and raspberry & coconut. Cakehead also deliver your favourite dairy treats, from double chocolate brownies to caramel shortbreads. Available from: Cakehead (£25.50) Melt chocolate bar collection Available from Melt (from £7.99) Melt’s luxury chocolate bar range is perfect for chocoholics who love exploring flavours. Build an impressive stack of gourmet chocolate and send to a loved one – take your pick from toast & marmalade, popcorn, pistachio blonde and more. Available from: Melt (from £7.99) Related reviews Best coffee gifts Best baking gifts Best tea gifts Best housewarming gifts Best wine gifts Best beer gifts Best whisky gifts Best gin gifts Best tea Advent calendars
Spiced steak with bean salad and avocado sauce
Serve tender slices of paprika-infused sirloin steak with a fresh and funky pineapple, bean and red chilli salad
Try our spiced steak with bean salad and avocado sauce, then discover our perfect steak, Japanese tomahawk steak, rib-eye steak, steak au poivre and more of the best steak recipes. Spiced steak with bean salad and avocado sauce recipe
Bake these biscuits, sandwiched together with a gooey layer of jam – the textures balance carefully on the line between beautifully crumbly and deliciously melty
Try Evie Harbury's linzer cookies (Linecke cukrovi), then discover raspberry and pistachio linzer tart, cereal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, shortbread, empire biscuits and more easy cookie recipes. Recipes extracted from My Bohemian Kitchen by Evie Harbury (£20, Murdoch Books). Photographs: Ola O Smit. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Linzer cookies (Linecke cukrovi) recipe
Crying tiger beef salad (yum nua seua rong hai)
Try tender grilled beef paired with bold, spicy and tangy flavours – don't forget the quick lime juice and chilli flake dressing
Try Chariya Khatitiyot's crying tiger beef salad (yum nua seua rong hai), then discover broccoli vegetable pad Thai, Thai green chicken curry or healthy pad Thai. Crying tiger beef salad is a dish as intriguing as its name. It is beloved for celebrations and special occasions, partly because steak is considered a luxury in Thailand, making it a rare and meaningful treat. Its rarity makes it even more special and it’s a dish everyone loves to share when marking life’s big moments. Recipes extracted from Lanna by Chariya Khattiyot (£22, Ryland Peters & Small). Photographs: Clare Winfield. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Crying tiger beef salad (yum nua seua rong hai) recipe
Freshly ground pepper gives this creamy, cheesy pasta a nice kick of heat
Try our wild mushroom pappardelle, then discover our mushroom pasta, mushroom gnocchi and mushroom ravioli. Wild mushroom pappardelle recipe
This rich indulgent tart uses a clever cheat for a crunchy, nutty crust
Try our crunchy nut and milk chocolate tart, then discover our best chocolate recipes, salted caramel chocolate cake and best chocolate tarts. A retro no-cook tart that is easy to pull together. It’s very rich so serve in thin slices – great for feeding a crowd. Crunchy nut and milk chocolate tart recipe
Walnut, anchovy, chard and goat’s cheese pasta
Using goat’s cheese to create the creamy sauce brings a lovely tang to this pasta dish
Try our walnut, anchovy, chard and goat’s cheese pasta, then discover spinach pasta, vegetable pasta bake, broccoli pasta bake and baked feta pasta. If you’re not a fan of goat's cheese, you could substitute in finely grated parmesan instead. Walnut, anchovy, chard and goat’s cheese pasta recipe
Using spiced rum instead of whisky in a manhattan adds a warming richness and smoothness to this classic cocktail
Try our spiced rum manhattan, then discover our negroni, dirty martini, Americano cocktail, sherry Manhattan and more vermouth cocktail recipes. We prefer using a drier variety like Black Tears dry spiced rum but if you don’t have this you could use a 50/50 mixture of traditional spiced rum and aged dark rum. Spiced rum manhattan recipe
From stand mixers, sourdough baskets and pretty cake stands, to pie books and unique baking ingredients, check out our best baking gifts to buy
Looking for baking gifts for your favourite baker? Whether it's some kit to get their sourdough started, a book for baking inspiration or a perfect pie dish, check out our gift inspiration. Once your favourite baker is sorted, check out our best gifts for coffee lovers, best beer gifts or gin gifts for more gifting inspiration. For keen bakers, check out our best stand mixers to buy. Looking for a birthday gift? We've rounded up the best foodie birthday gifts or treat someone to one of our best champagne gifts. If you're looking for Christmas inspo, check out our best tea Advent calendars. Best baking gifts to buy in 2025 Classic Honey & Co hamper Available from Honey & Co. (£100) This luxurious hamper from Honey & Co. is sure to get any keen baker feeling inspired. It's filled with flavours to bring Middle Eastern baking to life – from jars of seasonal marmalade and sweet spice mix that could be used in the next bake, to copies of their award-winning cookbooks. Plus, there's some edible treats to enjoy in the form of chocolate bars and roasted nuts, and savoury goodies with harissa, tahini and more. Available from: Honey & Co. (£100) The Secret Garden recipe book Available from Papier (£29) In hardback with a stunning green botanical design, this book is ideal for a baker who wants to keep all their recipes in one place. It comes with clear guides to add your ingredients and write your steps, plus there are little details to note down difficulty and portion. Another unique feature is the boxes for your tips and tricks. Plus, they can write down when and where inspiration strikes on the dedicated page for favourite restaurants and patisseries. Available from: Papier (£29) Cotton canvas project apron Available from Toast (£65) This is our pick for a practical yet stylish kitchen apron. Made from cotton canvas, it has an adjustable neck tie for comfort, two large handy pockets and a tie waist. It's made of reassuringly thick fabric but still feels light to wear, and can be machine washed. Available from: Toast (£65) Jomafe vintage blue round pie dish Available from Lakeland (£12.99) This classic pie dish in pretty pastel blue is perfect for serving up perfect pies in style. We love the retro feel of the fluted stoneware design (which is practical too, being both microwave and dishwasher safe). Ideal for displaying sweet and savoury pies of all varieties. Available from: Lakeland (£12.99) KitchenAid tilt-head 4.8L artisan stand mixer 5KSM125 Available from Amazon (£389), Harts of Stur (£398.95), KitchenAid (£449) The ultimate luxury baking gift for any keen baker. This is an investment that will stand the test of time and become a workhorse in the kitchen, capable of any baking task from whisking up meringues to whipping silky cake batters and kneading bread dough. Available in 21 colours, there's one to match any kitchen and can even be personalised with a special engraving. Read our full guide to the best KitchenAid mixers for more buying advice. Available from: Amazon (£389) Harts of Stur (£389.95) KitchenAid (£449) Small Batch Cookies by Edd Kimber Available from Amazon (£12.45), TG Jones (£20.24), Waterstones (£22) Even the keenest of bakers don't want to whip up giant layer cakes all the time. This handy latest release from the original Bake Off winner Edd Kimber is full of creative cookie recipes that make a maximum of six cookies at a time, and sometimes even just one or two. It's great for smaller households or if you just want a little treat. Available from: Amazon (£12.45) TG Jones (£20.24) Waterstones (£22) Imsa book stand Available from Nkuku (£48) Protect precious cookbooks from getting splattered with cake batter and cocoa powder with this stylish cookbook stand. Handcrafted from sustainable mango wood, it is made from offcuts of furniture production, meaning the smart chevron design is unique on every one. Available from: Nkuku (£48) Tala Original mixing bowl Available from Amazon (£26.01) The Tala mixing bowls are our pick for a sturdy mixing bowl that is built to last. Made of heavy stoneware and available in pastel shades with a simple vintage-inspired embossed design, it is both practical and pretty. The generous five-litre capacity means there's plenty of room for mixing up showstopper cakes. Available from: Amazon (£26.01) Morphy Richards 3-in-1 digital scales with jug Latest Deals Doubling as a jug and mixing bowl, this smart red scale provides plenty of volume to add a variety of ingredients. Measuring liquids too, you can easily reset the scale to save time in the kitchen, plus it is great for accuracy as it measures as little as 1g. Latest Deals Larousse Patisserie and Baking Latest Deals Covering all aspects of baking from simple classic cakes to dinner party desserts, this Larousse Patisserie and Baking book includes more than 200 recipes for a wealth of inspiration. It is filled with extraordinary detail and some step-by-step workshops for perfecting classics like chocolate and different types of pastry. Latest Deals Dunelm heart oven gloves Available from Dunelm (£6) Show the love with these simple monochrome oven gloves in a cheery heart print. They're made from 100% recycled materials and are machine-washable to clean up any spills. Available from: Dunelm (£6) Fiasconaro pistachio cream Available from Camisa (£12.13), Sous Chef (£12.99) This is a great stocking filler for a baker. It's a unique product to spread onto waffles, sandwich between macarons or spoon straight from the jar. Available from: Camisa (£12.13) Sous Chef (£12.99) Lined banneton Available from The Sourdough School (£16.80) Got the sourdough-making bug? This handmade, heavy-duty banneton is designed for a lifetime of use. Check out our step-by-step guide to make the perfect sourdough. Available from: The Sourdough School (£16.80) The Pie Room by Calum Franklin Available from Amazon (£20.07), Waterstones (£26) Pie maestro Calum Franklin on the art of perfect pastry and pies, from wellingtons to sea bass en croûte. Give the gift of perfect pies! Available from: Amazon (£20.07) Waterstones (£26) Springerle and speculaas biscuit roller Available from Sous Chef (£35) Up your baking game and make intricate designs in traditional German springerle and speculaas spiced biscuits with the help of this pretty rolling pin. Available from: Sous Chef (£35) More baking reviews Best springform cake tins Best loaf tins Best bundt tins Best stand mixers Best cake stands Best baking turntable Best measuring spoons Best kitchen scales Best dough scrapers Best ice cream makers Best mixing bowls Best cookie cutters Best spatulas
Halloumi with honey roasted grapes and thyme
Make golden fried halloumi the star of an autumnal salad, complete with roasted grapes, fresh herbs and flatbreads on the side
Try our halloumi with honey roasted grapes and thyme, then check out our air fryer halloumi fries, halloumi souvlaki, halloumi shawarma, halloumi pasta, halloumi skewers and more halloumi recipes. Halloumi with honey roasted grapes and thyme recipe
Add amaretto to an old fashioned for a lush, nutty tinge that makes it perfect for sipping after dinner
Try our amaretto old fashioned, then discover gingerbread old fashioned, chocolate old fashioned or monkey old fashioned. Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavoured Italian liqueur that is most famously used in an amaretto sour but also pairs really well with dark spirits like whisky. Amaretto old fashioned recipe
This salad has just a few ingredients, and is packed with flavour and texture
Try Azeri tomato salad, then check out our classic tomato salad, caprese salad, tomato pasta and more tomato recipes. Anna says: "Azeris love walnuts. And I love this salad which has walnuts in it. The sweet juices of the tomatoes mix with pomegranate juice, walnuts, flat-leaf parsley, red onion and nothing else. No oil. No vinegar. A salad of pure alchemy, pure harmony. A surprise. A revelation." Recipe extracted from Silk Roads: A Flavour Odyssey with Recipes from Baku to Beijing by Anna Ansari, out 9 October (£27, DK RED). Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Azeri tomato salad recipe
A classic tea-time loaf cake, made beautifully vibrant with fresh raspberries. We love the raspberry jam and desiccated coconut topping
Try our coconut and raspberry loaf, then check out our vegan lemon loaf cake, banana and walnut loaf, carrot cake loaf and more loaf cake recipes. Coconut and raspberry loaf recipe
For the very best bavette, light the barbecue ensuring most of the coals are piled up at one end and leave only a couple of coals on the other side
Try our Thai-style BBQ bavette salad, then try broccoli vegetable pad Thai and Thai green chicken curry. If you want a lighter version of this noodle dish, then check out our healthy pad Thai. Thai-style BBQ bavette salad recipe
This is essentially a twist on a margarita but with added chilli warmth. You can swap the tequila for mezcal to add extra smoky depth to the cocktail
Try our picante cocktail, then discover spicy margarita, frozen margarita and more tequila cocktail recipes. Find more refreshing drinks in our collection of summer cocktail recipes, including a long island iced tea, piña colada and mai tai. After, read how to elevate your cocktail skills with our best home bar hacks. Picante cocktail recipe
Strawberry mochi is an authentic dessert that we eat regularly in Japan. It looks so pretty filled with azuki bean paste and a whole strawberry
Try Japanese strawberry mochi with azuki, then check out more seasonal strawberry recipes, including our strawberry cheesecake, strawberry tart and Eton mess. Also check out more Japanese recipes such as our Japanese fluffy cheesecake. "Mochi is perfect as a dessert, as a gift and for parties. You see this at authentic Japanese dessert shops or at some events. It can also be a vegan if you use plant-based milk. I recommend eating them on the day if possible, but adding butter helps to keep them a little longer. Keep in a cool, dry place." Makiko Sano is a chef, teacher and five-time cookbook author. She grew up in Japan but is now based in London where she runs a restaurant, cookery workshops and teaches neuro-diverse children the art of Japanese cooking. Her new book, Rice, is published by Headline on 14 August. Japanese strawberry mochi with azuki recipe