May 22, 2023
A round-up of places to go in London this summer…
Now that the weather is getting lighter and the days are getting longer, I thought I would compile some of my favourite things to do in London all in one place.
Steak and Sushi Sundays Chotto Matte – Soho, £50pp
Launched on the 16th of April, Chotto Matte has introduced their new dining concept, Steak and Sushi Sundays; Sushi is Chotto’s best-selling dish, and Wagyu is their second; so, they created this menu to combine the two favourites! For just £50 per person, you can expect their tasty signature spicy tuna crispy rice, seabass nigiri with mustard miso picante salsa, and wagyu steak, among many other sushi dishes! Chotto Matte is one of my favourite places to dine, and I know it’ll be one of yours too! Delicious food, great-tasting cocktails and a fun vibe.
Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea – The Sanderson London £58pp
If you’re looking for a playful, vibrant afternoon tea, then the Mad Hatters Afternoon tea is a must! The Sanderson Hotel is renowned for its quirky afternoon tea inspired by the classic novel Alice in Wonderland. You can enjoy dining in their beautiful outdoor courtyard with a welcome glass of ice-cold Champagne whilst enjoying the beautiful greenery surrounding your marble table. The cups, plates and saucers have quotes written on them from the novel; I admired the attention to detail. If you’re looking for a memorable afternoon tea with a quirky, photo-worthy vibe, this is the one! It has a bottomless tea concept meaning you can drink as much as you desire, and it was fun trying them all out. There’s a wide selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones, but the question is, do you put jam or cream on your scone first?
Oblix, The Shard Afternoon Tea from £58pp
The Bank holiday was a fun-filled weekend full of adventure, my friend and I dined in Oblix, The Shard, and for once, the weather was on our side! We had beautiful views of the blue sky and an unforgettable view of London. We are so lucky to live in a city of great restaurants boasting the most spectacular views, and Oblix, The Shard, has one of the most amazing views around. We were introduced to the menu by Bill, our fantastic waiter, who gave us the best service. We had lots of Champagne, cocktails and tea and thanks to Bill; we were triple-parked at all times! There was a great selection of savoury food, the most incredible truffle, egg brioche and the traditional salmon and cream cheese sandwich.
Cento – 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel
The 100 Queen’s gate hotel has opened the brand-new Italian-inspired restaurant, Cento, next door to their 5-star hotel. Their concept is that they’ve designed the menu to encourage diners to order a starter, main and dessert, which reflects in their smaller portions. The sizes of the dishes ensure that you can comfortably enjoy three courses. I trusted Robin, the Manager, to recommend my starter, and he expressed that I would love the ‘Porri stufati’, braised leeks on grilled sourdough with a soft egg. The dish was unusual, something I’d never have chosen before, but to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I then chose lobster ravioli for my main, I loved how it wasn’t too rich, and it had an al dente texture which contrasted with the soft, creamy stuffing, delicious! I tried the ‘Cornetto e gelato’, a warm croissant, ice cream and chocolate hazelnut sauce for my dessert. The ambience in Cento is very chilled and relaxing, escaping the hustle and bustle of London, stepping into a calm atmosphere, and enjoying great food; it’s a must-visit!
Biscuiteers, Afternoon Tea – From £52.50pp
Who doesn’t love traditional British afternoon tea; I love them. Biscuiteers have two venues, one in Belgravia and one in Notting Hill. The cafes are so beautifully designed, with gorgeous blues, pinks and artwork on the walls. There is also a gifting shop at the front selling all kinds of delicious baked goods, Macaroons and indulgent pretty cakes. This would be a lovely idea for hen parties, baby showers, or a special treat. With this afternoon tea you can indulge in a variety of cakes, biscuits and sweet treats, traditional sandwiches and, of course, scones with jam and cream. You can book an icing session alongside your afternoon tea and decorate biscuits to take home if you’re feeling a little creative.
I hope this round-up has helped to inspire you for your next adventures in London; with so many great places to dine, I’m sure you’ll love the ones I’ve suggested.
Written by Danielle Tobin for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International