This was published 4 years ago
The best places to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in London: chef Paul Thieblemont
Baba ganoush at No32 In the Old Town.
LONDON, ENGLAND
THE EXPERT
PAUL THIEBLEMONT
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park's executive pastry chef is a rising star in the world of desserts and has won numerous prestigious culinary awards. Crown Melbourne's Conservatory is serving a limited edition afternoon tea created by Thieblemont, until June 30. See crownmelbourne.com.au
BRUNCH
I enjoy trying dishes from all around the world and Irish cuisine is no exception, although it's one that's not often spoken about. One of my favourite Irish creations is soda bread – where baking soda is used instead of the more traditional yeast. Down in Clapham Common at The Dairy, they serve an insanely good smoked-salmon brunch on soda bread, rounded out with a soft-boiled egg and pickle to add some sweetness. It's a deliciously well-balanced breakfast that's wholesome yet still feels healthy. There's a range of other healthy options on the menu, a lovely spot overall. See the-dairy.co.uk
LUNCH
The Ledbury in Notting Hill (a two-Michelin-star restaurant) is one of my favourite restaurants in London. Staff pay brilliant attention to detail, the quality of service, food and presentation is second-to-none. If you're going to fork out for anywhere in London, this is my recommendation. I suggest trying their set lunch menu – this is always a good way to sample a Michelin-star experience without as much of a hit to the bank balance. They've got a stunning salad as the first course of their set lunch at the moment, with artichoke, toasted walnuts and grapes. Paired with a crisp white from Alsace, it's perfection. See theledbury.com
SNACK
No32 In the Old Town is an independent bar and restaurant that's great any time of day; it's super-trendy and has a great vibe. Their coffee is decent and they have some tasty snacks if you drop in for an energy boost in the early afternoon. I love their sticky barbecue wings: they'll leave you wanting more, even if they are a bit messy. No32 also serves several vegan dishes, the modified three-bean chilli or avocado and baba ganoush are both worthy options. See no32theoldtown.co.uk
DINNER
Novikov in Mayfair is the perfect place to choose when you can't make up your mind about which cuisine you'd like to eat – it offers the best of both worlds, through a selection of Japanese or Italian dishes. This is also a great place for star-spotting and people-watching, with all sorts of celebrities and Premier League players regularly dining here. My preference is the sushi and sashimi – order either a shared platter to try a bit of everything or one of the fresh hand-rolls. There's also a great wine selection for pairing. See novikovrestaurant.co.uk
DRINK
My recommendation for a decadent drink is The Library Bar in The Lanesborough Hotel. It's cosy on a cooler London evening, but feels luxurious and intimate. One of their signature cocktails is the Gaspari Manhattan. It's got the flavour of rosemary infused throughout, a sprig having been burned into the Benedictine. The cocktail is aflame when it arrives at the table, which makes for a fun spectacle. The bartender invented it as a tribute to his grandmother, as he once missed her birthday to compete in a cocktail competition. See oetkercollection.com
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