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Of Mullet and Miscreants
Published on June 13, 2025, by Toby Lawson
“You won’t catch no mackerel.” Given we had booked this outing with fisherman Harry months before with exactly that in mind, this was a perplexing statement. Still, it was a glorious day on the Dorset coast, and the breakfast mimosas on the train down had us going rather easy. “Now, I’m gonna bait you for whiting.…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Lucky & Joy – Seriously, a Joy to The Palate
Published on June 11, 2025, by Anna Yeats
Tucked away on Lower Clapton Road, Lucky & Joy is a Chinese small plates dining concept that’s as playful as it is flavourful. The space is simply but thoughtfully decorated, with a buzzing, energetic atmosphere that instantly pulls you in. We indulged in a variety of small plates, expertly recommended by our lovely waiter. The…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Easter Hosting: Smoked Lamb, Cheat’s Pastries & a Whole Lot of Sides
Published on June 9, 2025, by Robyn Plummer
My other half and I love to host. He’s all about firing up the BBQ - sorry, I mean smoker (he’d definitely roll his eyes at me if I didn’t get that right), and I’m all about setting the scene with a pretty tablescape and, naturally, creating more side dishes than anyone could ever actually…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Thai Chilli Scrambled Eggs: A Brunch Revelation on Koh Phangan
Published on June 5, 2025, by Amy Mitchell
There comes a moment on every holiday when the hangover hits harder than your suitcase did when it tumbled off the airport baggage belt. For me, that moment arrived a few days into my Thailand trip, post-Bangkok madness, when we landed on Koh Phangan in search of calm, healing… and brunch. Well before the Half…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Street Eats & Sweet Treats: A Day at Camden Market
Published on June 3, 2025, by Kate Bassett
During my week off in April (unfortunately timed with the start of the Easter holidays!), I met up with a friend (Katie) in Camden Market - she had a friend (Erin) staying with her from Montana, USA, and wanted to show her as much of London as possible. We met early and managed to do…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Please Don’t Ask Me to Bring Dessert: A Pavlova Panic
Published on May 13, 2025, by Annabel De Souza
Picture this: you've been invited over to a friend or family member’s house for a get-together. (In this case, it was Easter Sunday at my dad’s, with 12 people attending.) You casually ask, “What can I bring?” while internally chanting, “Please don’t say dessert… please don’t say dessert…” So what does my dad say? “Can…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Parillan Borough Yards: Fire and Flavour
Published on May 12, 2025, by Paige Norman
Tucked into the buzzing Borough Yards development, just a stone’s throw from London’s iconic Borough Market, Parrillan Borough Yards is where food meets the magic of fire. This is open-fire cooking at its best! At Parrillan, the menu feels both rustic and refined. It's all about letting simple ingredients shine, with a little help from…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Fiesta de Cumpleaños
Published on May 2, 2025, by Amy Mitchell
My other half doesn’t ask for much when it comes to birthday presents, but he usually sets me a culinary challenge instead. For those who know me and my love of food, you'll be aware of our admiration for José Pizarro and his Bermondsey Street ventures. So, when Ben - my other half - requested…Read MoreEarlier Stories
A Vietnamese Eco Cooking Adventure
Published on April 28, 2025, by Iona Williams
Whilst travelling in Vietnam in February, we immersed ourselves in Vietnamese cuisine and took the plunge doing an eco-cooking class. The day began at 06:00 in the local markets shopping for ingredients. We then moved to the coconut groves, where we boarded a coconut boat and rowed to our cooking school, set on stilts above…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Jolene – Stoke Newington
Published on April 24, 2025, by Oly Gough
For our March date night, after hearing rave reviews on TikTok, we decided to dine at Jolene—a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Stoke Newington. With a daily-changing menu, every visit promises a unique culinary experience. The menu, written only on a large feature blackboard, is handwritten and changed throughout the shift ensuring all dishes…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Jurkish: The Fusion You Didn’t Know You Needed
Published on April 14, 2025, by Frieda Anwar
Jamaican plus Turkish = Jurkish – it’s obvious once you know! What isn’t obvious is how much we needed this fusion. Created by chef Naz’ own cultural background, you’ll find this new hotspot within Peckham’s Jumbi – a Hi-Fi music bar and restaurant that has a giant disco ball hanging centrally from the roof. Her…Read MoreEarlier Stories
A Taste of Japan on the South Coast
Published on April 2, 2025, by Phil Kind
So for just over 6 months now I’ve been living in Brighton, literally a stone’s throw from the beach. I thought that was the luckiest part, but since my move I’ve discovered the real reason why I’m so lucky. I live next door (well 1 street away) to possibly the UK’s best Japanese restaurant. This…Read MoreEarlier Stories
A Memorable Birthday Celebration at The Flint House, Brighton
Published on March 27, 2025, by Rosalind Shelley
A special birthday celebration at The Flint House in Brighton was an experience I will cherish for a long time. From the moment we walked through the door, we were greeted by the warmest of welcomes, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The service was impeccable — attentive yet relaxed, with the staff clearly…Read MoreEarlier Stories
A Taste of Time in Halkidiki
Published on March 25, 2025, by Lauren Faraday
Fifteen years ago, on just my second day at university, I met Rory – my now husband & my best mate. Quite honestly, we’ve been inseparable ever since. A year into our relationship, eager for adventure but limited in funds, we scraped together £400 for our very first holiday together - a two-week, self-catering trip…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Empire Diner – New York City
Published on March 14, 2025, by Nina Calvert
New York is one of those cities in which everything is larger than life; the towering skyscrapers, the stylish fashion scene, the famous Broadway stages and the world-famous American diner! On our last day in New York, Oly, Frieda, Liv, Amy and I ventured off on the subway downtown towards 10th Avenue to go for…Read MoreEarlier Stories
From Operations Manager to Home Chef
Published on March 5, 2025, by Tom Kocinski
Here's a re-cap of my recent home cooking adventures! First up, I whipped up a traditional fish pie from scratch, using a lovely mix of haddock and salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes and arranged in a baking dish. I sautéed some onions, garlic, and carrots, then added a handful of fresh spinach at the end.…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Trattoria Pallottino – Florence
Published on March 3, 2025, by Bethany Dare
During our honeymoon in Florence in June 2024, we found ourselves in food heaven, exploring the city primarily through its vibrant bars and restaurants (the best way, in my opinion). After researching the local dining scene and browsing highly rated spots online, we stumbled upon Trattoria Pallottino – a traditional Tuscan eatery beloved by locals. It…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Tamila – A South Indian Jewel in Clapham Junction
Published on February 27, 2025, by Iona Williams
Nestled among the leafy streets of Clapham Junction, Tamila is a hidden gem that radiates charm and warmth. As the third offering from the team behind The Tamil Prince and The Tamil Crown, this South Indian restaurant is all about casual, sociable dining. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a cosy date, Tamila…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Viva Le Orecchiette!
Published on February 21, 2025, by Serena Di Matteo
And just like that, the Christmas holidays have come to an end! It’s always a bittersweet feeling when the festive season wraps up, and this year was no different. It feels like only yesterday that I was wrapping up presents and preparing for the festivities. But now, the celebrations are over, and it’s time to…Read MoreEarlier Stories
The Ultimate Guide to Guinness Punch – A Caribbean Favourite
Published on February 13, 2025, by Frieda Anwar
Calling all Guinness lovers (and haters!) As someone who has only drunk one-half pint of Guinness at the Guinness factory in Dublin (because what else do you do there?), I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the stout drink. However, I’ve grown up with a lot of Caribbean influences and I have to say,…Read MoreEarlier Stories
A Festive Feast: Sandwich Sandwich’s Christmas Special Hits London
Published on February 12, 2025, by Cat Middleton
For years, Sandwich Sandwich has been a legendary name in Bristol’s thriving food scene, serving up some of the most indulgent and inventive sandwiches in the country. Known for their overstuffed creations, quality ingredients, and a no-holds-barred approach to flavour, it was only a matter of time before this iconic brand made its way to…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Kūčios ‘24
Published on February 7, 2025, by Jolita Hallas
In Lithuania, the dinner on Christmas Eve (known as Kūčios) is one of our most cherished celebrations, steeped in symbolism, family connection and respect for our ancestors. It is a special evening, worthy of much care. Here are some of the key rituals that surround it: Fasting and Preparation Traditionally, we spend the early part…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Back to Basics in Finland
Published on January 22, 2025, by Willmar Silva
A small log cabin, on a tiny island in the centre of one of Finland’s largest and deepest fresh water lakes is the setting for one of the most enjoyable cooking memories I have.Read MoreEarlier Stories
Kricket
Published on January 17, 2025, by Georgie Ward
On 16th December, the Smart Supper Club took a culinary detour to Kricket in Brixton. Tucked beneath the arches of Brixton’s bustling Atlantic Road, it’s a location that demands all your senses. The air is thick with the hum of butchers and fishmongers, their open-fronted stalls spilling onto the street. Nearby, Brixton Village Market buzzes with life,…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Omakase: I’ll leave it up to you…
Published on December 13, 2024, by Alistair Riley
I thought I’d share an amazing lunch with you that we had at Taku in Mayfair. With the kid at school, we decided to spoil ourselves. Omakase, literally meaning 'I'll leave it up to you', leave it up to the chef, who uses their culinary creativity and high-quality, seasonal ingredients to serve 17 stunning dishes. …Read MoreEarlier Stories
Fire and Friendship: A Roast Dinner Cooked Over Embers
Published on December 9, 2024, by Amy Mitchell
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of dining at Embers, a local Brighton gem that has quickly become a culinary sensation. Since opening its doors last year, it has earned recognition from Michelin and been named Restaurant of the Year in Brighton for 2024. We'd had a wet and windy morning perusing the…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Bistrot du Monde, Taormina, Sicily
Published on November 7, 2024, by Olivia Parrott
In July, we visited Taormina in Sicily, and I can confidently say we had some of the best food of our lives during that week. Our favourite spot was Bistrot du Monde, located in the historic centre of Taormina. It was the first restaurant we tried, recommended by friends who had been there before—and it…Read MoreEarlier Stories
OMA: A taste of the Mediterranean in London Bridge
Published on November 4, 2024, by Paige Norman
Nestled in the heart of London’s iconic Borough Market, Oma stands as a testament to the beauty of the Greek isles and the bold flavours this part of the world can bring.Read MoreEarlier Stories
Rambutan
Published on October 29, 2024, by Toby Lawson
For Supper Club’s second feast, we decided to dispense with formality and head to Borough Market, where a certain Sri Lankan chef was drawing quite the crowd. Rather smugly, we edged past the would-be diners huddled outside of Rambutan; evading their forlorn eyes, we found our table swiftly. Sparkling wine was poured, and cool cans…Read MoreEarlier Stories
A Taste of Italy
Published on October 22, 2024, by Anna Yeats & Tash Martin
On Saturday we hosted a dinner party for some of Anna’s university friends and this is how it went!Read MoreEarlier Stories
Less than 10 weeks until Christmas…
Published on October 21, 2024, by Sarah Hartnett
It is less than 10 weeks until Christmas is upon us. Which means now is the perfect time to make your mince pie mincemeat! Smells of warm spices, squidgy boozy drenched fruits, wrapped in the nostalgia and comfort and deliciousness of all things sweet – I love the cake, the brandy flamed pudding but more…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Elaine’s Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Published on October 18, 2024, by Elaine Sawford
As I attempted to empty the freezer before my upcoming kitchen refit I discovered some frozen cranberries leftover from last Christmas. Porridge is a key staple in our house these days, and now autumn has well and truly arrived it's back at the top of the breakfast wish list. So I pulled out an old…Read MoreEarlier Stories
C&R Café, Chinatown: My best worst-kept secret
Published on October 18, 2024, by Frieda Anwar
Don’t be put off by the fact that it’s down a little alleyway – I guarantee there’s a few people already in line. I’ve been eating at C&R Café with my friends and family ever since I was smaller than I am now, and these days, I bring along my two-year old niece who’s the…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Marche Provencal, Antibes
Published on September 20, 2024, by Georgie Ward
Over the weekend of Smart Friends 2024, we visited the Marché Provençal in Antibes to source some of the fresh, local produce used in the Last Supper menus served to our guests. The Marché Provençal is a traditional market that takes place in the Old Town of Antibes, a charming coastal town on the French Riviera.…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Kraków
Published on September 6, 2024, by Tom Adamowicz
Dining has changed in Poland. In my own lifetime, we’ve gone from communist ration books to our first two Michelin star restaurant (and we would have gone there, too, if it wasn’t for easyJet 🙄). But Polish hospitality is the same as ever. It’s about getting together with those we care about and sharing all…Read MoreEarlier Stories
Joe Beef: A Glutton’s Rite of Passage
Published on September 6, 2024, by Toby Lawson
Truly one of the best meals I can remember. We heard about this restaurant Joe Beef in Montreal from an old episode of Parts Unknown—apparently ‘Joe Beef’ was a dodgy 19th century French-Canadian meat scrounger. Our kind of hero. Not Michelin, more an ‘in the know’ sort of place—unfussy, but the very best of everything.…Read MoreEarlier Stories
St. JOHN
Published on August 22, 2024, by Toby Lawson
St. John, a renowned London restaurant, epitomizes British culinary tradition with a focus on nose-to-tail dining. Housed in a former smokehouse in Smithfield, it offers a minimalist, yet warm atmosphere where simple, hearty dishes speak for themselves, drawing devoted food lovers.Read MoreEarlier Stories
KiliG: Deptford’s Best-Kept Secret
Published on March 26, 2024, by Emily Brooks
Located just around the corner from Smart Group HQ, you’ll find KiliG, a hidden gem in the Deptford Arches. Considering its name was coined from the Tagalog word for the unexplainable sensation of joy and happiness, we couldn’t wait to explore its offerings and experience it firsthand.Read MoreEarlier Stories