Originally conceived as a workers’ canteen for Sir Richard Rogers’ architectural practice next door, The River Café (now in its fourth decade) has gone on to achieve international stardom as a glowing tribute to Italian regional cooking. Diligent sourcing and vigorous rustic flavours are at the heart of Ruth Rogers’ kitchen, with seasonal salads, silky homemade pastas and wood-roasted specialities headlining the daily menus.
Paul Foster is no stranger to Good Food Guide awards, having won Up-and-Coming Chef in 2012. But his first solo venture beat off some stiff competition to take this year’s gong for Best New Entry.
As balmy weather and spring blossom brightens up green spaces across the country, we’ve started to take note of an emerging trend. More and more restaurants seem to be opening in the middle of secluded kitchen gardens (Ethicurean, Pythouse Kitchen Garden), nurseries and garden centres (Moss & Moor, Paradise Café), even working flower farms (West End Flower Farm).
After a successful series of supper clubs and events, the chef Tunde Abifarin has announced his modern, 'pan-African' pop-up concept Farin Road will take up permanent residence at the independent Tani Modi cafe in Edinburgh next month.
Higgledy-piggledy Hastings, with one foot in 1066, and its seaside sibling St Leonards, purpose built in the 1800s by James and Decimus Burton as a genteel seaside resort, are two adjacent towns on the south-east coast that share more than just a few miles of seafront. They have a relaxed, easy-going outlook that is attracting newcomers thanks to their rich culture, art and food scene.
