London & UK Restaurant & Venue Guide

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Win a Case of Alsace Wine

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Eating out at a Chinese or Thai restaurant, or even whipping up a stir-fry at home and not sure what to wash it down with? Well, the growing popularity of Alsace wines is partly down to their excellent pairing with Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisines. If you fancy putting it to the test, Square Meal has got 10 cases of Alsace wine to give away. To stand a chance of winning, send us an email. Entries close on 7 December 2009.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

  • Princess of Shoreditch Princess of Shoreditch

    If you’re an East Londoner with a hankering for quality local restaurants but a disinclination to travel, you’re in luck. In Old Street newcomer the Princess of Shoreditch you now have two accomplished sites rolled into one. Downstairs is a no-bookings gastropub with hearty pub grub – perfect for a drink with your mates – while upstairs is a date-friendly fine-dining restaurant sporting top-notch service.

  • Forge The Forge Wine Bar, Covent Garden

    Next time you find yourself slap bang in the middle of tourist London, bear in mind this little subterranean haven as you look to escape the hustle-bustle of street level. Located on Garrick Street, the Forge Wine Bar’s intimate, air-conditioned cellar plays it simple, with olive walls, kingfisher banquettes and user-friendly high stools at the zinc bar the back drop for a lengthy, value-conscious Europhile wine list and some top notch tapas.

  • 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.

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Support Movember and win top-notch dining worth £1500

Like Des Lynam's style? Have a soft spot for Tom Selleck? Well, if you help champion the moustache this year you could end up as one very lucky lover of the hirsute. The Oxo Tower – where staff are growing sponsored ‘taches to raise money for The Prostate Cancer Charity's fundraiser 'Movember' – is holding a fantastic raffle. A main prize worth £1,500 is up for grabs, including a £200 voucher for Cecconi's (pictured).

The Mercedes-Benz Wine Tour – Road to Rioja

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Tourists have flocked to Spain’s Rioja wine region for hundreds of years, but it’s fair to assume that few of those will travelled through it in the suave comfort of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé. And what a way it is to take in the beauty of the Spanish countryside. Cruise the sun-soaked vineyards, the tiny Medieval hill towns, the old, new and universally stunning wineries, and pick up some first class bottles along the way.

Restaurant & Bar News

VENUES & EVENTS

  • Shakespeare's Globe2 Ramsay's Right-Hand Chef Moves to Swan at the Globe

    Mark Sargeant, who has worked for Gordon Ramsay Holdings for the past 13 years and is a close friend of the chef, has just announced his new position as creative director of the Swan Collection (encompassing Swan at the Globe and The Swan in West Malling). The already sterling reputation of catering and events in the UnderGlobe and the Balcony Room at the Bankside venue are sure to benefit still further from Sargeant's expertise.

  • HMS Belfast Set for Refurbishment

    Following a £250,000 investment by owners Sodexo Prestige, the historic HMS Belfast is undergoing an intensive restoration and modernisation programme, ready to relaunch to guests in time for Christmas. The Admiral’s Quarters, once his private dining room and sitting room, are being restored to their former glory, as are The Ward and Ante Room and other spaces within.

  • Fitzroy Square Rouge Events Launches 33 Fitzroy Square

    Hang out in the former workshop of the Bloomsbury Set at 33 Fitzroy Square, newly available for private hire through Rouge Events in Fitzrovia. A beautifully understated five-story Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse, there's a wide choice of rooms, including a basement private screening room for 20 and a roomy kitchen.

Dean Street Townhouse

Dean Street Townhouse Launches in Soho

The Soho House group has been busy, what with the launch of Pizza East earlier this month and now the Dean Street Townhouse which opens this week. Events facilities are minimal but a sexy 10-seater private dining room (12 at a push) and adjoining lounge area complete with open (real) fire are great for small parties.

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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.

Great Recipes for Autumn, with Californian wines to match

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With the nights drawing in, it’s time to seek comfort in great food matched with rich but elegant wines. Natasha Hughes suggests three dishes to cook at home and recommends some ideal Californian wine styles to drink with them. For example, try duck breast with potato rosti alongside an earthy Pinot Noir with some bottle age, or with a peppery, savoury Rhône-style blend from one of California's cooler wine-growing regions