Test Drives

Test Driving Gouqi - chef Tong Chee Hwee is back in London

Information: 25 April 2023

He headed up the food at Hakkasan for 18 years and now chef Tong Chee Hwee is back with high-end Chinese restaurant Gouqi just off Trafalgar Square. We went to check it out.

Test Driving Noble Rot Mayfair - cheerful loucheness done to perfection

Information: 13 April 2023

The latest addition to the bijoux Noble Rot empire is nestling on the corner of Shepherd Market. It turns out to be the perfect place for great food and fine wines.

Test Driving London Shell Co in Highgate - a cosy neighbourhood fishmonger and seafood bar

Information: 06 April 2023

Just off Hampstead Heath you'll find this new fishmonger and seafood bar. We went to check it out.

Test Driving The Parakeet - an open-fire fuelled marvel of a pub in Kentish Town

Information: 04 April 2023

The Parakeet sees Kentish Town getting a pub with an ex-Brat chef that's worth crossing town for. We went down to try it out.

Test Driving Nessa - a Soho bistro takes on British classics

Information: 30 March 2023

Nessa sees chef Tom Cenci opening a neighbourhood bistro in Soho that takes a new approach to British classics. We went in to try it out.

Test Driving The Ritz Restaurant - one of London's truly special restaurants

Information: 28 March 2023

It's a restaurant that can accuratly be called iconic, and is blessed with a spectacular menu from John Williams and amazing service. Almost a decade since our last visit, we went back to give it a new look.

Test Driving Papi - bringing the party to London Fields

Information: 21 March 2023

What happens when a supper club chef settles down with a wine importer to open a party place in London Fields? We went to find out.

Test Driving Mayha's The Bar Downstairs - omakase with cocktail pairing

Information: 16 March 2023

Underneath this Japanese restaurant on Chiltern Street there's a tiny bar serving up an omakase menu of sushi paired with cocktails. We went to try it out.

Test Driving Joia - Portuguese food with a very London view

Information: 14 March 2023

Right beside Battersea Power Station, Joia matches Portuguese food from a Michelin-starred chef with some pretty spectacular views. We head over on the riverboat to try it out.

Test Driving Quo Vadis - a Soho classic sees a return to its former glory

Information: 09 March 2023

One of London's great restaurants, Quo Vadis has had something of a big revamp. Now fitting in twice as many diners, we went down to take in the new look - and to have a pie and eel sandwich, of course.

Test Driving Zapote - modern Mexican in Shoreditch

Information: 07 March 2023

This modern mid-level Mexican has just opened in Shoreditch, with a large bar. We head down for tacos and more.

Test Driving Dishoom Canary Wharf - the Bombay cafe serves up another winner

Information: 02 March 2023

Dishoom has brought its Bombay cafe to Canary Wharf. And, before you ask, the House Black Daal and Bacon Naan are definitely on the menu. We head down to take a look.

Test Driving Ivan Mazemen - Ivan Orkin's London residency at Neighbourhood in Islington

Information: 28 February 2023

There are a few weeks left to try the Ramen Junkie's London residency. Here's why you should...

Test Driving Socca - a love letter to the French Riviera in Mayfair

Information: 21 February 2023

Bosi's new Mayfair bistro aims to transport Londoners to the south of France. We left our passports at home and went to try it out.

Test Driving Humo - culinary fireworks in Mayfair

Information: 16 February 2023

From the restaurant group that brought us Endo and Sumi comes this thrilling new cooking over fire restaurant. We pulled up a seat at the counter.

Test Driving Akub - Fadi Kattan brings Palestinian food to Notting Hill

Information: 14 February 2023

Top Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan has opened a restaurant in Notting Hill - we went down to check it out.

Howl's Moving Castle comes to Selfridges - we have afternoon tea at Calcifer's Kitchen

Information: 08 February 2023

Selfridges have teamed up with Loewe, Studio Ghibli and Balboste for the immersive Howl's Moving Castle Cafe, Calcifer's Kitchen. We popped down to try out one of the hottest tickets in town.