Find the Best

in Town!

The Big Blue Challenge

26 www.bluetomato.co.uk

The Modern Pantry This beautifully

restored dining venue is a true mixture of

modern attention to detail and a more

traditional charm. Clear and well-presented

café and restaurant spaces create the perfect

shop window for chef Anna Hansen to display

her brilliant wares. There are many global

influences, some surely from her time with

Peter Gordon – most tellingly the roast rack of

lamb. The brave combinations such as Barbary

duck breast with vanilla and chocolate make a

visit to this café / restaurant worthwhile. The

alfresco dining in an area of such class only

complements that of the food.

48 St. John’s Square EC1V 4JJwww.themodernpantry.co.uk

Royal China Canary Wharf offers a wide

range of dishes, traditional and exotic. Think

crispy chicken, sizzling beef and roast duck,

along with a selection of ‘Chef’s Favourites’,

including bean curd hot pot and stuffed

spicy squid. Servings are generous, service

is good. With an extensive wine list and

traditional yet intriguing desserts, the

outside seating provides the scenic cherry

on the Dim Sum cake. (Note: actually

ordering Dim Sum cake may result in

pointing and laughter.) Get down there while

weather permits, and a dumpling or two can

still be enjoyed by the Thames.

30 Westferry Circus E14 8RRwww.royalchinagroup.co.uk

Courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gate If

you’ve never heard of this place, it’s probably

because anyone who visits wants to keep it

their own personal secret. In the heart of

bustling London town, the privacy and

discretion assured to all visitors is unmatched.

Sumptuous surroundings and a choice of

mouth-watering barbeque menus which vary

in theme throughout the week create a truly

unique dining experience. The seafood grill

and buffet (Fridays) brings the business week

to a luxurious end, and the Lebanese buffet

(Mondays) is magnificent too. You want great

alfreco dining? You got it.

51 Buckingham Gate SW1E 6AFwww.51-buckinghamgate.com

Athan

Liam

Adrian

8/10

8/10

9/10

So the nights are drawing in and the sun is losing itslustre, but it’s still there. Just. If you squint and rubyour arms a bit – it’s still there! We at Blue Tomato,being a hardy lot, challenge you to prove your Britgrit and take a last chance to enjoy the capital’s bestalfresco dining while you still can. Preferably in a t-shirt and flip flops. Just to prove how hard you are.

The Big Blue Challenge

27www.bluetomato.co.uk

Gigalum Ibiza-led style all year round at

Gigalum! Set on the south side of Clapham

Common with an elegant alfresco area, it

offers simple, quality Mediterranean flavours

against the backdrop of South London’s

buzziest suburb. The crowd are trendy and

friendly, the food wholesome and unfussy. We

stuck around after a great meal to enjoy the

DJs throw out some classic house music and

got into the swing the late dance licence

allows. Return the next day for a fabulous

brunch if, unlike us, you don’t get too carried

away and need a day in bed to recover...

7-8 Cavendish Parade Clapham Common Southside SW4 9DWwww.gigalum.com

Portal In an area of such an understated air of

cool, Portal and its culinary delights fit

Clerkenwell like a particularly svelte glove.

Possibly a suede one. The Portuguese fare has

been lovingly created by wine connoisseur

Antonio Correia and his team, and a passion

for Portuguese food is evident in every menu

item. The Pescitos list (tapas) features some

real beauties – the flambéed smoked chorizo is

a true joy. The bar, spacious and light, leads

into a breathtaking glasshouse where

effortless style prevails. The menu is tempting,

the service great, and whatever you do choose,

there will be a splendid wine to go with it.

88 St John Street EC1M 4EHwww.portalrestaurant.co.uk

Phil

Bord’eaux With both its café area and

restaurant, Bord’eaux offers traditional rustic

food in an unpretentious but tasty fashion. Set

in the type of surroundings you would expect

of a Park Lane eatery, the menu boasts many

signature dishes and mouth-watering seafood

combinations, rustled up in typical gallic

fashion. We enjoyed the late summer air on

the terrace, and the roasted partridge with

calves’ liver was particularly good. Visiting

groups or romancing couples should try one of

the many seafood platters, complemented by

a wine list that represents old and new world

alike. Well worth a visit.

Park Lane W1K 7TNwww.bord-eaux.com

Tracy 9/10

9/10

10/10

Kes