It’s official, Monday 17 May 2021 saw the return of indoor dining in bars, pubs, cafés, and restaurants across England. Following step three of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, we can now opt to dine in groups of six or two households. <br> <br> The move sees the food and hospitality industry open for business as usual. Well, almost – as Covid-secure guidance remains intact. For those of us who wish to sample the world’s cuisines and cultures on our doorsteps, here are our top staff picks to help inspire your next bookings. <br> <br>
ITALIAN | Curt – Head of Corporate Marketing | Circolo Popolare and Gloria Trattoria (part of the Big Mamma Group), London
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<br> <br> Early 2019 saw the French-owned Big Mamma Group take up residence over two floors in a quaint corner of Shoreditch EC2 – in the form of its debut Italian restaurant in the British capital: Gloria Trattoria. Fast-forward a few months later, and Fitzrovia W1 gave birth to the flagship’s sister: Circolo Popolare. The latter is fashioned on Sicilian trattorias (slightly less informal Italian restaurants) – complete with a ceiling adorned with festoon lights intertwined with wisteria and bougainvillea, and walls lined with 20,000 colourful bottles of spirits to really lend the eatery its rustic, coastal Sicilian vibes. Meanwhile, the former is an unapologetic ode to 1970s Capri. Notably, its maximalism aesthetic - by way of a luxurious marble bar, citrus-hued furnishings, and gilded mosaic dining tables - is rather charming; transporting you to a day or night away in Italy. <br> <br> Aside from their respective “Instagrammable” interiors, which helped drive meandering queues pre-lockdown, the two sites are united by their authentic homemade Italian fare – packed full of flavour and heart. And, perhaps, best of all, you’ll enjoy the most generous portions – served by a team of “young, gutsy, and passionate” Italians, as described by owners Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux. From the antipasti menu featuring the oozing delight that is ‘Burrata With a Pesto Heart’ (sourced from Puglia), to the primi piatti menu delivering the gem that is ‘Malfadine Al Tartufo’ (truffle pasta); to the dolci menu offering up tableside theatrics such as ‘Pull-up Pistachio Bomb’, there’s something for all to enjoy. <br> <br> Where? 54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR | 40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX <br> Website: <a href="https://www.bigmammagroup.com/en/accueil" target="_blank">https://www.bigmammagroup.com/en/accueil</a>
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INDIAN | Rekha – Content Executive | Dishoom, London and various locations across the UK
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<br> <br> The popular Indian eatery known for signature queues, draws its ethos from the scores of Irani cafés that used to line the street-corners of 1960s Bombay (now known as Mumbai) – which sought to “break down barriers” and unite all in the name of humanity. While only a handful of its Indian counterparts stand strong today as proud icons of a bygone era, Dishoom is a much-loved almost cult classic – with five sites across London alone, and another three in Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. <br> <br> Its décor stands on the right side of kitsch; paying homage not only to its Irani source of inspiration, but also to the heritage of the building that each site calls home. Fun fact: the Manchester branch was previously a Freemason’s Hall, hence the restaurant’s subtle nod to this history. But it’s not all pretty interiors. At the heart of its philosophy lies the concept of “Seva”, the Indian way of paying it forward, if you like. This applies to every aspect from Dishoom’s unrivalled service through to its CSR. Did you know? For every meal you order from either one of its restaurants or the e-commerce store, Dishoom donates a meal to a child that would have otherwise gone hungry. This is made possible via charitable partnerships with Magic Breakfast in the UK and the Akshaya Patra Foundation in India. And together, they’ve donated a milestone 10 million meals to date! So, it’s safe to say, you’ll be eating for a cause! <br> <br> The 10-year-old brand serves up a curated menu of Bombay, including a niche offering of classic British dishes with an Indian twist. A notable item that was met with a favourable reception is its ‘Bacon Naan Roll’. So much so, it’s now the star product in food kits – rolled out (unintended pun!) last summer at the height of lockdown. To name a few, typical firm favourites include ‘Okra Fries’ and ‘Gunpowder Potatoes’ (a must even for the non-vegetarians among us); ‘Chicken Ruby’, a delightful take on the infamous butter chicken, courtesy of Indian capital Delhi; ‘Chicken Berry Britannia’, a flavoursome pot of basmati rice layered among melt-in-your-mouth chicken and garnished with cranberries; and ‘Chocolate Masala Chai’, which offers a wonderful aromatic mix of spices and Darjeeling or Assam tea. And if you’re caught (out in the rain) in a queue, Dishoom-wallahs (as staff members are affectionately called) will treat you to a complementary glass or two to keep you warm. A snippet of the high quality of customer service to enjoy, when eventually seated. <br> <br> Where? 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London, WC2H 9FB (flagship) <br> Website: <a href="https://www.dishoom.com/" target="_blank">https://www.dishoom.com/</a> <br> <br>
FRENCH | Hiren – Senior Front End Developer | Luc’s Brasserie, London
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<br> <br> A cosy French bistro set in the heart of Leadenhall Market in the City of London, Luc’s Brasserie welcomes you with sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden floors – making for a truly Gallic feel. <br> <br> The owner was indeed the eponymous Frenchman Luc, an entrepreneurial type who owned several premises within Leadenhall in the 1980s. After deals to sell up fell through, he opened the restaurant – which sits on the first floor, and offers diners a view of the magnetic ambience downstairs. <br> <br> And Luc’s charming menu is no less magnetic. It boasts fresh seasonal ingredients, daily specials, and French classics. The latter includes starters ‘Escargots de Bourgogne’ (half dozen snails in garlic butter) and ‘Chicken Liver Paté’; mains ‘Poulet Roti’ (half roast chicken, served with roasting jus and fries – pictured above); and dessert ‘Crème Brulée’. Plus, there’s the somewhat extensive wine list – making it an ideal romantic spot to while away the hours, while imagining you’re on a Parisian date night. <br> <br> Where? 17-22 Leadenhall Market, City, Central London, EC3V 1LR <br> Website: <a href="https://www.lucsbrasserie.com/" target="_blank">https://www.lucsbrasserie.com/</a> <br> <br>
SPANISH | Charlotte – Talent Administration Partner | Flight Club, London and various locations across the UK
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<br> <br> Tucked away in a corner of Victoria’s Nova, a destination that brings together diverse eateries and leisure outlets, this Flight Club outpost is yet another spacious offering alongside its fellow London sisters in Shoreditch, Islington, and Bloomsbury. <br> <br> The brainchild of two friends while sat in a Devon pub, Flight Club’s venues are described as the world’s first ‘Social Darts’ venue. Indeed, with 18 darts playing areas, the concept revolutionises the sport for a bit of 21st century fun among friends and family. <br> <br> Home to a décor that is part-edgy Victorian fairground, part-familiar British pub, there’s a variety of culinary delights to choose from. From Mexican and Spanish-style tapas sharing plates (including ‘Barbeque-marinated aubergine tacos with mango salsa’), to Italian pizza paddles including a ‘Classic Margherita’ and a more adventurous ‘Pork sausage pizza on a garlic cream base with braised leeks and smoked Mozzarella’, there is something to satisfy everyone’s palettes in between a game (or two) or darts. <br> <br> Where? 6 Sir Simon Milton Square, London SW1E 5DJ <br> Website: <a href="https://flightclubdarts.com/" target="_blank">https://flightclubdarts.com/</a> <br> <br>
ENGLISH | Pamela-Louise – Head of Private Marketing | The Ivy Collection, London and various locations across the UK
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<br> <br> A recent Caxton travel survey found that 60% of 11,400 respondents (our cardholders) are keen on ‘staycations’, despite the prospect of partial foreign travel. With this in mind, the Ivy Grills, Brasseries, and Cafés may be the ideal sophisticated English modern dining experience you’re after. <br> <br> While The Ivy’s history dates back to more humble beginnings in 1917, when Abel Giandolini opened the first site on West Street as an Italian café that later became a hit among the theatre crowd, the now-iconic restaurant was revived in 1990 and has since expanded beyond its flagship into the capital and across the nation. <br> <br> Preserved pieces of contemporary British art welcome guests. Such striking visuals are complemented by a central dining bar (that proves to be a focal point); before you’re led to your table. From thereon, you’re treated to an array of modern English dishes – which take inspiration from the original Ivy. From the classic and much recommended ‘Chicken Milanese’ (featuring a fried egg atop a brioche-crumbed chicken breast, drizzled in truffle cream sauce), to the crowd-pleasing ‘Chocolate Bombe’ (a chocolate sphere with a honeycomb centre, aptly served alongside a quenelle of vanilla ice cream, which melts on the touch of a hot salted caramel sauce), you’re bound to easily find your go-to choices. <br> <br> Come rain or shine, you’ll also be in for a wonderful summer ahead with the Ivy’s ‘Summer of Live’ programme. Dive into a new limited edition afternoon tea (quintessentially British!); be serenaded by the sounds of a Jazz band, lingering from the terrace; dance along to the beats of live DJ performances; or simply enjoy seasonal cameo menu specials. <br> <br> Where? 1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ (flagship) <br> Website? <a href="https://ivycollection.com/" target="_blank">https://ivycollection.com/</a> <br> <br> Want to book a table (or two), whether to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy post-lockdown life? Don’t forget that you can continue to enjoy fee-free spending in the UK, when you pay using your Caxton pre-paid currency card. Log into your account today to top up. And if you’re yet to register an account with us and would like to find out more, take a look at how you can spend and send your money both at home and abroad – in a smarter, more secure way, all from one account.