London & UK Restaurant & Venue Guide

Hix at Selfridges, Marble Arch

If you look back at the past two years, one name stands out above and beyond the rest in terms of successful restaurant launches – that of Mark Hix. Now, to add to his sites in Soho, Clerkenwell and Brown's Hotel, he's launched in Selfridges department store. Sporting a roll-call of his greatest hits on the menu, it's just a shame Hix at Selfridges closes when the store shuts up shop – although, fingers crossed, that could change.

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RESTAURANTS & BARS

Cielo, Mayfair
< If you can’t decide between dinner, drinks or a spot of art appreciation, then make a beeline for Cielo. Combining a restaurant, late-licence lounge bar and art gallery, this new Mayfair Italian boasts pale, elegant interiors and a mezzanine space complete with retractable glass roof. There's a Sardinian-influenced menu (think seafood pasta and pancetta-wrapped lamb fillet stuffed with rosemary and black truffles), an Italian-only wine list and creative works from artists who are both up-and-coming and established.
Corgi's, Chelsea
Whatever the weather, life seems a little bit sunnier in this new, splendidly pink deli and patisserie in the ‘Chelsea beach’ area of the Fulham Road. Decked out in fabric-draped walls, with Victorian lanterns and lively blues background music, drop in any time of day to pick from a menu that caters for every need, from eggs Benedict, via freshly baked cakes and buns, to heartier dishes like casseroles, fishcakes and steaks.
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.

Trishna Crab Masterclasses

Feeling the pinch this year but still want a foodie treat? Well, there’s no need to shell out too much for Marylebone Indian restaurant Trishna’s latest event – a weekly crab masterclass and three-course meal. Costing £60 and taking place every Sunday, guests will learn how to prepare and cook live Dorset brown crabs in a coastal southern Indian style while tucking into dishes of the tasty crustaceans with matching wines.

Providores and Sipsmith Pop-up

As pop-up restaurants pop up with ever increasing frequency, there’s no denying that some are a lot more accomplished than others. And we suspect that the forthcoming pop up at the Sipsmith distillery will be of the better ilk. Running from 18-21 March, the pop up will marry food from Peter Gordon – the brains behind Marylebone restaurant The Providores – with spirits concocted for the occasion by the distillery.

Wine Dinners at The White Swan

Fancy a Friday night learning about wine instead of just drinking it? Well, you’re in luck. Ever-savvy gastropub brothers Tom and Ed Martin have launched a wine dinner to take place on the last Friday of every month at their Chancery Lane pub and dining room The White Swan. A mere £42 will buy you a five-course dinner with matching wines and the expert knowledge of sommelier Paulo Brammer to talk you through the vintages.

Home House Brings in (Another) New Look
One of the most fashionable members’ clubs around with certainly the most heritage, Portman Square’s Home House has just been made even slicker by luxury interior designers, Candy & Candy. Already replete with futuristic designs from the award-winning Zaha Hadid, the new look maintains the 18th-century glamour that the club built its reputation on, bringing in elegant linear patterns and a dark colour palette. Check out the new '21' spaces for private hire.
50% Off Room Hire at The Barbican
Arguably the most versatile venue in London and certainly one of the biggest, The Barbican Conference Centre has the offer of the moment for event bookers. For any event between 1 and 30 March, the venue is offering a staggering 50% off of room hire. Any of the on-site spaces apply to the offer, from the functional Exhibition Halls, to the 280-seater Cinema and the tropical hideaway that is the Conservatory and Garden Room.
Hotel at The O2 Arena
Big news for Greenwich as AEG Europe has applied for detailed planning consent to build a four-star hotel right next to The O2 Arena. If granted, the world’s most popular music venue will have a 3,000-capacity dedicated event space on its doorstep, as well as serviced apartments and 450 bedrooms. The site has outline consent and will expect an answer soon.