Test Drives

We head to Hackney to try Max Rocha's Cafe Cecilia, a real hidden gem that's definitely worth crossing town for.  

The Ferragamo family have brought their Tuscan bistro to the heart of Mayfair. We went along for cocktails and pasta. 

  Bob Bob Cité has transformed into Bob Bob Ricard City. We head down to see just what's changed and to press that Champagne button...

Boasting impressive views over Trafalgar Square, this high rise sushi restaurant mixes Japanese techniques with British produce. We took the lift up to the top floor to check it out.

The Barbary has expanded next door with a mini version of itself (and a brand new menu). We head down to Covent Garden to try it out. 

  Amsterdam's The Avocado Show has arrived in London and it really is ALL about avocado. We popped in for a look.  

Bibi sees ex L'Enclume and Moor Hall chef Chet Sharma deliver a modern Indian menu in Mayfair. We head down to try it out.

With the introduction of a new bar AND a new chef, it was time to make a return visit to Joe Allen in Covent Garden. 

Step back in time to 1930s Shanghai at this opulent Chinese restaurant in Mayfair. We popped along to try it out.

The arrival of luxe new hotel The Londoner on Leicester Square aims to transform the area's lacklustre reputation. We went to check it out.

Million Pound Menu winning chef Jay Morjaria has opened a pastrami sandwich restaurant in Carnaby. We head down to check out the sandwiches.

The Seafood Bar has made the trip from Amsterdam to open in Soho. We went to try their huge seafood platters... 

Russell Norman, the man who brought us Polpo, is back with a brand new place in Farringdon that's influenced by the restaurants of Florence. We went down for an early look.  

Florence Knight returns to the London restaurant scene with this smash hit of a restaurant where both the food and surroundings are a vision.

  They're already becoming well known for their huge pancakes, but what's the rest of brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn like? We went to Notting Hill to find out. 

Sally Abé found fame at The Harwood Arms and has now taken over all the food at The Conrad St James. The Pem is the main restaurant there - we went along to see how she's settling in.

Claridge's has magicked up a brand new - and spectacular-looking - cocktail bar. We went down to take a look at this surprise opening. 

A wine tasting delivered through your letterbox? We put Wine Unpacked to the test...

This Art-Deco inspired Mayfair hotel took an extended leave of absence over the past year or so to allow the creation of a new bar as well as gently redesigning the lobby, restaurant and terrace. We checked ourselves in for an overnight stay and tried both The Colony Grill Room and the new bar. 

This new Battersea wine bar is hoping to shake up the way Londoners think about natural wine. We went along to be inspired.