London & UK Restaurant & Venue Guide

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Celebrate a Valentine's Day with a Difference

Valentine's Hearts

Doubtless as many cold-hearted critics out there will pooh-pooh Valentine's Day as loved-up darlings will eagerly await it. But so long as your other half expects a treat, come 14 February you’ll need to deliver. Instead of getting sucked into the quick-fix vortex of the local gastropub, why not make Valentine’s Day a bit special this year? Dotted around the countless set menus and gimmicks are a few more unique offerings.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

  • Chella Chella, Chiswick

    Bringing a slice of the exotic Middle East to suburban London, Chiswick new boy Chella mixes popular Persian food such as meatballs and baklava with lesser-known dishes like noodle soup ash-e-reshteh and herb omelette kookoo sabzi. Inside it’s very much a modern neighbourhood restaurant, with no mock-Arabic decor cluttering up the site, while a trendy cocktail bar injects a touch of Friday night glamour.

  • Bel Canto Bel Canto, Lancaster Gate

    If singing for your supper seems silly, try being sung at during supper instead. After a hushed few months since closing its City site, the operatic-themed restaurant – complete with its warbling waiters – has reopened in the Corus Hotel in Lancaster Gate. Be prepared for an assualt on the senses - £35 will buy you a menu of Gallic-inspired European food and more opera than an Il Divo fan club get-together.

  • Square Meal app for iPhone Square Meal launches new app for iPhone

    Got an iPhone? Or perhaps an iPod Touch? Then don't miss out: Square Meal has launched a super-duper new app and it's absolutely free. Just download it from the App Store on your iPhone, then take it for a spin. The Square Meal app uses GPS mapping so you can search for restaurants, bars and special offers by location – not to mention being able to download virtual vouchers for deals. Yes, readers: virtual. No need to print them off or plan ahead – now you can be a fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants kind of person.

Sample the flavours of Spain

Approaching fast on Thursday 11 March, Wines from Spain is hosting an exclusive food and wine tasting event for Square Meal readers. For a bargain £20, guests will get the chance to sample over 100 different bottles Spanish wines, plus food tapas from top Spanish restaurants, as well as treats such as a free glass of Cava on arrival and freshly carved Jamón Ibérico.

BMW Square Meal Award: Arbutus

BMW Square Meal Award - Arbutus2

The BMW Square Meal Restaurant of the Year not only recognises all-round excellence, but is also a barometer of diners' priorities. Thus the 2009 shortlist not only included high-performance venues such as L'Anima, but also impressive and good-value young contenders including Terroirs. The crown, however, goes to Arbutus. Still true to its values since becoming the BMW Square Meal Best New Restaurant in 2006, this restaurant is to be applauded for its consistent delivery of affordable luxury.

Restaurant & Bar News

VENUES & EVENTS

Century

50% off at Century

Bright and modern members’ club Century is celebrating the New Year by offering event bookers 50% off of room hire throughout February. Set over four floors overlooking Shaftesbury Avenue, the venue is perfect for buzzy drinks receptions of up to 300 guests. With diverse menus and a team that's only too happy to dream up innovative concepts for parties, it's a sure bet for West End events.

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FOOD & DRINK

Wine

Chile - Cajon del Maipo

See, for example, how Chile has turned into a world class wine performer

Spirits & Cocktails

The Loft (bar) Become a drinks aficionado by knowing your whiskies, rums and favourite cocktails

Beer

Dark beer - Dark beer

There's a whole lot more to beer than meets the eye. And the choice is getting bigger and bigger.

Michelin stars 2010

michelin

Looking for some hot foodie debate? Look no further – The 2010 Michelin stars for Great Britain and Ireland have been announced, with eight new stars being awarded in London. The two big winners are Alain Ducasse, who received three stars at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, and Brett Graham, who received two stars at The Ledbury, plus one star at the Harwood Arms. Read on for full feature.

Trishna Wine Events

Trishna

When contemporary India restaurant Trishna launched in Marylebone last year, punters were as impressed with the informed, varied wine list as the exemplary coastal cuisine. Now diners can learn more about the producers who supply the backbone of that list with a series of wine evenings hosted at the restaurant. Starting in March with a discussion and tastings of biodynamic wines, the site will host a monthly event throughout 2010.