Chef Wise

LIVERPOOL'S newest cocktail bar, restaurant and event space, District House has officially opened its doors, creating 60 jobs. Located on Water Street, an area of the city that is experiencing a huge surge of new food and beverage operators, the venue has capacity for up to 600 guests as an event space or 350 diners across the new cocktail lounge, restaurant and private dining mezzanine. Operated by Know Hospitality and privately owned, more than £1m has been invested in refurbishing the venue. Steven Hesketh, founder of Know Hospitality, said: “We're immensely proud of this new venue which has brought a beautiful space back to life. District House is completely unique in its offering for this part of the city and we have been overwhelmed by the support shown by local businesses and guests during out soft launch period.” Founded in October 2013, The Know Collection, which includes Know Hospitality Management Services, Know Property & Facilities Manag...

Graffiti Spirits, widely regarded in Liverpool as prime innovators behind Liverpool's progressive new cocktail and independent eating out scene launched new cocktail bar & Brazilian Rodizio - Santa Maluco last night. Director Matthew Farrell, one of the partners behind the fiercely independent group who already operate city centre bars Santa Chupitos, El Bandito, Salt Dog Slims, 81 Ltd and their 'smokehouse and cocktails' venue Slim's Pork Chop Express witnessed guests enjoying signature cocktails and a touch of Brazilian Rodizio with their Neapolitan pizza. He said: “We're really grateful to all of our guests for the turn out last night. We've been overwhelmed on social media thanking us and commenting on our unique brand of cocktails and wood-fired pizza. To be fair, the evening couldn't have gone any better. The entertainment provided by Viva Brasil and Katumba Bloco made for a great spectacle and our team were first class looking afte...

ONE of Birmingham's oldest buildings which played a major role in the city's industrial development on Gas Street is being brought back to life thanks to Bistrot Pierre. The independent French restaurant group is sympathetically refurbishing the former headquarters of the Birmingham Canal Company into a new bistrot restaurant which will be opening on 1 July 2016. More than 150 years ago boats passed underneath the building carrying materials such as coal into the city, canal network tolls were taken from the boats within the building's vaults, which were eventually bricked up in the 1970s.  Rob Beacham, co-owner of Bistrot Pierre said he was proud to be opening a restaurant in one of Birmingham's most historic buildings. “This stunning building has such a fantastic story to tell; we're proud to restore it and keep the city's rich heritage alive,” he said. “Formally a hub for the city's transport industry, the building played a maj...

Koh Thai Tapas restaurant will open its latest site in the Hampshire market town of Romsey on 28th July. Romsey is the group's third restaurant in Hampshire – and 11th in total. Kevin Marsh from Savills acted on the deal. The opening comes within weeks of launching its Koh Noi concept in Winchester in June. A 12th site is expected to open later in the year. With 80 covers the new Romsey restaurant features the iconic features of a Koh Thai Tapas venue. The popular concept has become known for its vibrant hand painted murals, ornate fretwork and the prominent wooden clad bars. The latest opening has created 15 new jobs in the town. A food-led business, the tapas offerings allows customers to sample several exquisite smaller dishes. These include the '24 hour ribs', tender juicy pork ribs marinated in n a rich, jealously guarded secret sauce; a fiery but fragrant 'Jungle Curry of a thin sauce with Thai herbs, green peppercorns and sliced red chillis; and t...

Landmark bar, restaurant and event space on Water Street to host official launch party on July 14th. District House opened its doors today as part of a soft launch period which will culminate in its official launch on July 14th. With an expansive event space for up to 600 guests plus a unique cocktail bar concept, the restaurant offers breakfast & brunch from 8am-3pm, an express lunch menu from 12 noon-5pm and dinner from 5pm til close. Highlights from the menu include avocado with cherry tomato crostini and teriyaki chicken from the small bites menu, smoked salmon ballotine stuffed with crab & cream cheese with caviar &  dill oil, seared tuna Nicoise salad, sesame beef with Asian veg & noodles and quinoa with shitake mushroom, crispy kale & goat's cheese croquette. Directors of Know Restaurants Water St, Steven Hesketh and Andrew Duckworth are the joint management team behind the project which has created 60 jobs and seen a total of £1m ...

The iconic Salcombe Dairy has just launched its entirely original, nautical themed ice cream parlour in the heart of the popular maritime town Dartmouth in South Devon. With its prime positioning and huge appeal this innovative shop has just opened its doors to give tourists and locals alike a completely new and truly scrumptious experience. Commenting on the launch, Salcombe Dairy's managing director Dan Bly says: “We recognised the growing trend for 'safari dinners' and are bringing our twist on this to Dartmouth. As well as being a scooping parlour, we have created an inviting menu consisting of Salcombe Dairy sundaes, which will be the perfect end to any relaxed meal enjoyed at one of Dartmouth's many local eateries.” Dan continues: “We are particularly keen on giving families a fun, relaxed destination where they will be able to indulge without breaking the bank.” This new Salcombe Dairy parlour has been stylishly designed with a giant navy Salcombe...

Graffiti Spirits, widely regarded in Liverpool as prime innovators behind Liverpool's progressive new cocktail and independent eating out scene has revealed that Santa Maluco will open tomorrow. Director Matthew Farrell, one of the partners behind the fiercely independent group who already operate city centre bars Santa Chupitos, El Bandito, Salt Dog Slims, 81 Ltd and their 'smokehouse and cocktails' venue Slim's Pork Chop Express said guests can expect the team to bring a touch of Brazilian Rodizio to their Neapolitan pizza joint. "The Rodizio bit is the social way in which the food is served...waiters roaming the floor with pieces you can buy by the slice. The pizzas are 100% twenty inch Southern Italian, thin crust wood-fired beauties!" He added: "We also know from feedback amongst our target audience that the business district is crying out for what we've been offering guests on the L1 circuit." If you want to find out...

Call to lower VAT Perry Awards short-list for Ramsgate hotelier The owner of Ramsgate's award-winning Royal Harbour Hotel and Empire room restaurant, James Thomas, has reported a surge in new booking enquiries following the result of the referendum to leave the EU. Within days of the outcome the 27-room boutique hotel, which overlooks the town's pretty harbour, has been inundated with enquiries from overseas visitors, attracted by the fall in the value of sterling. “We've always enjoy a good number guests from abroad, but have experienced nothing like this before,” said Thomas, “Although we are almost full for the summer, were also talking bookings for later in the year from Brits who will enjoy a 'staycation' rather than travel abroad for a European city-break. “If repeated across Kent and around the country, this tendency is very good news indeed for local business and the UK economy as a whole,” said Thomas, who is critical of the “doom ...

THE FRENCH restaurant group, Bistrot Pierre, officially opened its fifteenth bistrot on Friday (1 July) in one of Birmingham's oldest buildings – located on Gas Street. Having opened their first restaurant in Nottingham more than 20 years ago, school friends and business partners Rob Beacham and John Whitehead are delighted to be opening in the UK's second city. “This has been a long time coming and we're really looking forward to welcoming Birmingham's diners to our newest location,” said Rob. “The Grade II listed building is steeped in history, having previously been used as the headquarters for the Birmingham Canal Company – playing a vital role in the rich history of the city.” Bistrot Pierre received a significant investment from private equity firm, Livingbridge, in 2015 to support its expansion plans – and Birmingham's bistrot is the first of many new openings since this cash injection. John said: “We believe very strongly in maint...

Vintage Salt Upper Street Office Lunch – 2 courses for £12 They say fish is the ultimate brain food and that it is better for you to leave the office at lunchtime, so we've produced an Office Lunch for the workers of Islington, Highbury and surrounding areas. Our Office Lunch is available Monday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm and includes our London famous Fish & Chips in addition to lighter salads, grilled sardines and a roast chicken salad. The £12 price tag includes generous refills of London based Ozone Coffee and Rare Tea Company Tea. Office Lunch: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 4pm: 2 courses for £12, add an additional course for £3.5. Book online or walk in. Set menu. Vintage Salt Upper Street presents #UpperStreetBrunch Brunch, the meal that has no rules, just got even better at Vintage Salt Upper Street. From 11am to 5pm on Sundays, enjoy bottomless bubbles along with our 2 course brunch menu for just £30. Highlights from the brunch menu include Spiced a...

Delicious Dining has opened the doors to its latest restaurant, Tapas Barcelona in the heart of Southampton this week. Located in the newly developed Cultural Quarter the uniquely styled restaurant offers customers an authentic Spanish dining experience in the heart of the city. Set over two levels, the restaurant comprises a large downstairs bar, dining area with an open kitchen and paella kitchen along with an upstairs Mezzanine lounge bar. With influences from Spanish-speaking kitchens from around the world, the menu features many favourites including Iberico ham croquetas, patatas bravas and mouthwatering paella along with a wide range of vegetarian and gluten free options. Overlooking Guildhall Square and flanked by larger national chains Tapas Barcelona is part of the independently owned Delicious Dining group, based in Southampton. The 5,000sqft venue features a traditional design with a twist. Four large back lit wall hangings and lanterns create a w...

Treat someone special this festive season, with Winter Wonderland afternoon tea at the beautifully atmospheric St Ermin's Hotel, Westminster. Arrive under twinkling Christmas trees in the courtyard and into the glistening winter white lobby; this landmark historic property offers the perfect ambience for some decadent seasonal indulgence - with unlimited champagne afternoon tea from just £45pp. sterminshotel.co.uk / 0207 222 7888. Served in one of London's prettiest hotels between 12 noon and 6pm every day through December, indulge in the new Winter Wonderland afternoon tea menu: delicious morsels of intense flavour such as Coconut Snowball, Violet Macaroon, Chocolate and Blackberry, Floss cornets as well as a yuzu and spiced orange posset showcase speciality chocolate and Japanese flavours; updating traditional teatime favourites in spectacular manner. Served with a selection of seasonal sandwiches, savouries and a trio of home made scones, clotted cream and preser...

Chewton Glen's Executive Head Chef, Luke Matthews scooped the top prize of 'Chef of the Year' at last night's 'Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2015', which was held at The Elvetham Hotel in Hartley Wintney. Now in their tenth year, these prestigious awards recognise the importance of the Hampshire food and drink industry. Commenting on the awards, Editor of Hampshire Life, Elizabeth Kirby said: “Our judging panel deliberated hard over the entries, all of which were worthy nominees. Those nominated were all voted for by our readers and the recognition from these awards makes a fantastic and positive impact to local businesses. From the farmers and growers to the eateries that see the benefit of promoting locally produced food and drink the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards are a chance to reward all those who make an outstanding contribution to our wonderful county.” Luke Matthews joined Chewton Glen in 1993 and was appointed Executive...

Give the cold season a warm welcome with a dining experience like no other at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage HQ, a beautiful 65 acre farm nestled in the Devon countryside. Whilst most folk dread the transition in to winter, River Cottage looks forward to the possibilities that the new season's ingredients can offer. It might be cold and dark outside but the log fires will be burning in the yurt and farmhouse, where a friendly member of staff will melt away the chill with a complimentary winter warming drink and pre-dinner canapes. The kitchen buzzes with creative energy as the diners gather in the beautiful barn where tables are set in banquet style, twinkling candles give an intimate atmosphere to the gathering. The River Cottage chefs will guide you through the seasonal courses divulging the provenance, techniques and ethos behind each dish. After coffee and petit fours the tractor and trailer will deliver you back to the main entrance car par...

Washington State's oldest winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, will be at The Queens Arms in Corton Denham, Somerset on Friday 20 November, pairing its multi-award winning wines with the season's finest local game. Each course of head chef, Ben Abercrombie's Game Supper menu will be accompanied by one of Chateau Ste. Michelle's finest vintages, including wines from Stag's Leap Wine Cellar, its highly celebrated Napa Valley estate in California. Diners will also be treated to a talk from the world renowned estate covering topics such as history, heritage, tasting notes and terroir, learning how the winery has successfully combined an ongoing dedication to research and innovation with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions. The four course game menu will include a confit rabbit scotched quails' egg, a compression of foie gras and a tasting of pheasant, finished with a dessert of espresso cake, amaretto parfait, chocolate crémeux and hazelnut prali...

A home-grown Bloody Mary, a breath-taking countryside walk and homemade bar bites by the crackling open fire; award-winning pub, The Queens Arms, has just the tonic this New Year's Day. Tucked away on the Somerset and Dorset borders in Corton Denham, near Sherborne, and welcoming sticky fingers, muddy boots and paws, this beautiful Georgian pub is the perfect place to reset for the year ahead and embrace the morning after the night before. With The Queens Arms' brand new walking guide, guests and visitors can now choose from four rural routes mapped out by owners Gordon and Jeanette Reid, which range from 5.5 miles to 16 miles and offer a variety of terrains. Starting and finishing at the pub, bleary-eyed 'ramblers' can kick things off with The Queens Arms' Bloody Mary Recovery Board, before donning the wellies and putting their best foot forward. This deconstructed Bloody Mary, which is also served every Sunday throughout the year, is complete with all ...

Graffiti Spirits Group, the innovative bar & restaurant company widely regarded in Liverpool as prime innovators behind Liverpool's progressive new cocktail, bar and dining scene has submitted plans to Liverpool council to bring one of Castle Street's most iconic buildings back into use. Director Matthew Farrell, one of the partners behind the fiercely independent group which already operates city centre bars Santa Chupitos, El Bandito, Salt Dog Slims, 81 Ltd and their 'smokehouse and cocktails' venue Slim's Pork Chop Express, revealed that they are planning a sixth outlet called Santa Maluco. He said: “Thankfully, we've been able to reach agreement on this landmark Grade II listed building which will add a layer of fresh, unconventional independence in the form of Santa Maluco, a rodizio pizzeria. “We know from feedback amongst our target audience too that the business district is crying out for what we've been offering guests on the...

With the holiday season approaching, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is preparing to draw its guests into a contemporary winter reverie, inspired by China's mythical traditions and romantic legends. Guests will be welcomed by a delightfully decorated grand Christmas tree designed by fashion house, Shanghai Tang and invited to indulge in a selection of festive menus created using only the finest British produce. An Elevated Epicurean Festive Experience Those seeking a reprieve from Christmas shopping or sightseeing can revive with Christmas classics over the month of December. TĪNG, the hotel's signature restaurant and lounge on level 35 will feature a four-course festive lunch and a five-course festive dinner menu including wine pairings for £40 and £65 per person respectively, including such seasonal highlights as wild mushroom risotto infused with perigord truffle and a classic roasted Norfolk turkey breast served with all the traditional trimmings. ...