5 Things You Need to Eat in London This WeekBy Alicia Grimshaw
Your time is precious. And so are doughnuts. Don’t spend your time trawling menus, here are 5 things you need to eat and drink this week. Happy munching, London:
What: The hot weather and the summer parties may well be over, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy some cracking BBQ dishes, and with HotBox’s new meaty menu you can do exactly that. The new menu combines classic Texan barbecue dishes with the flavours of Central America. Bring on the ribs.
Why: The dishes here are as authentic as possible, with all meat smoked on their brand new custom-built wood and charcoal-fuelled grill. This is a meat lovers paradise – think smoked bone marrow with spiced red onion chutney, 28oz dry rubbed beef short ribs, smoked baby chicken with a Scotch bonnet glaze and 18 hour smoked brisket tacos with chipotle mayo and chimichurri. Wait for it, it just gets better. For dessert, feast on deep fried oreos served with salted caramel ice cream. Deep.Fried.Oreos.
Where: 46 – 48 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LT
2. For a New Collaboration: Crosstown Doughnuts
What: What happens when you fuse Caravan’s coffee with Crosstown Doughnuts? You get a new limited edition coffee sourdough doughnut that will rock your ruddy socks off.
Why: The new doughnut is part of Crosstown’s Single Series which is a new collaborative project using select ingredients in partnership with like-minded producers to create a range of unique premium doughnut flavours. Expect new doughnuts coming your way over the next few months. The coffee doughnut features the Caravan Coffee Roasters’ Bosque bean three ways: a coffee custard filling topped with a coffee glaze and finished with a dusting of finely ground beans. Someone pop the kettle on, we’ll see you at Crosstown Doughnuts.
Where: Crosstown Doughnuts Soho, Caravan Exmouth Market and Caravan Kings Cross
3. For a Christmas Sandwich: Pret
What: They say don’t fix what’s not broken and Pret have done exactly that with their new Christmas sarnie. They’ve changed absolutely nothing, it’s still the great tasting sandwich you got your hands on last year and it launches in stores tomorrow (10th).
Why: The iconic Christmas lunch sandwich combines free-range British turkey with crumbly sausage and sage stuffing, crispy onions, cranberry and port sauce and fresh spinach. Other favourites joining the sandwich again this year is Pret’s award-winning veggie Christmas lunch sandwich, the mighty brie and cranberry on stone baked baguette. There’s also a newbie to the Christmas range, ladies and gentlemen may we introduce the beef wellington on stone baked baguette – slices of rare roast beef with a rich mushroom duxelles and fresh watercress. Pret sold a whopping 625,000 Christmas lunch and veggie Christmas lunch sandwiches in two months last year, make sure you grab yours.
Where: Find your nearest Pret here
4. For a New Menu: Reform Social & Grill
What: The sun is hiding away, the days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting colder, but the new Autumn/Winter menu at The Reform Social Bar & Grill will warm you up on a cold Thursday night. It’s all about British comfort food with sprinkle of style and elegance.
Why: Forget edible flowers and unnecessary foam, the dishes here are hearty and tasty – exactly what you want in the winter months. Dig into classic fish and chips with mushy peas or the daily changing catch of the day option. Vegetarians can enjoy the English heritage tomato chilli with a English potato dumpling, and for the meat fans out there, the glazed beef shortrib with walnut, beetroot and horseradish is a unbelievable dish. Their in-house Sommelier has paired different wines to compliment each dish to create a perfect mouthful of flavours. Don’t take our word for it, just go.
Where: The Mandville Hotel, Mandeville Place, London, W1U 2BE
5. For a Pop-Up: Chefs of Tomorrow
What: Druid Street Market has joined forces with Dan Doherty’s Chefs of Tomorrow for a series of pop-up chef spots every Saturday from 7th November to 5th December. The pop-up champions up and coming chefs on the brink of kitchen stardom.
Why: The pop-up is a chance to sample food from serious players in the food world of tomorrow, with chefs from Petersham Nurseries, Slio and L’Escargot all taking part. Highlights from the five week series include Alex Dome from Petersham Nurseries rustling up Madeira-braised veal shin with bramata polenta and gremolata, John Chantarasak from Som Saa making “Joek” (Thai broken rice porridge) and a whole roasted goat from Dan Gibeon of Brighton’s Silo. This Saturday head to Druid Street Market to catch Rachel Karasik in action.
Where: 126 Druid St, London SE1 2HH
