Test Drives

Test Driving Dai Chi - deep-fried skewer action in Soho

Information: 08 February 2022

The people behind Dalston's Angelina have come to Soho with Dai Chi, a restaurant that's all about deep-fried skewers. We went down to try it out.

Test Driving Din Tai Fung at Selfridges - soup dumplings and robots hit Oxford Street

Information: 28 January 2022

With robot waiters and their legendary soup dumplings, this in-store restaurant seems a sure fire hit.

Test Driving Hawksmoor Wood Wharf - steaks on the water in Canary Wharf

Information: 25 January 2022

Hawksmoor's latest steak restaurant is a little different from the others - this one's floating on the water at Canary Wharf. We got on board for a Test Drive.

Test Driving Sarap Filipino Bistro - Heddon Street's latest flavour sensation

Information: 20 January 2022

Following on from his Brixton spot, chef Budgie Montoya has landed at Heddon Street with a bistro version of his Filipino dishes. We went along for the ride.

Test Driving Carmel - Berber & Q shifts up a gear in Queen's Park

Information: 18 January 2022

The team behind Berber and Q have a new restaurant in Queen's Park that's something of a departure for them, We went along for a Test Drive.

Test Driving Cafe Deco - a Bloomsbury delight of thoughtful cooking

Information: 13 January 2022

Anna Tobias' first solo venture Cafe Deco has been quietly building a fanbase in Bloomsbury. It was definitely time to make a visit.

Test Driving Ding Dong Dim Sum - dumplings direct to your door

Information: 11 January 2022

If you fancy a dim sum feast at home but don't fancy cooking, this new delivery option could be the answer.

Test Driving the new Carousel wine bar - the residency restaurant's permanent Fitzrovia home

Information: 16 December 2021

Residency restaurant Carousel has moved from Marylebone to Fitzrovia and added a brand new wine bar in the process. We went down to check it out.

Test Driving The Plimsoll - Four Legs' Finsbury Park boozer with great food

Information: 14 December 2021

The Four Legs team have opened their own pub in Finsbury Park. Hot Dinners scored a hard-to-get seat and went to check it out.

Test Driving Porte Noire - Idris Elba's wine bar in King's Cross

Information: 09 December 2021

Idris Elba co-owns a wine bar in King's Cross. We went along to find out if it lived up to its star billing.

Test Driving Booking Office 1869 - a big makeover and a Patrick Powell menu at St Pancras

Information: 07 December 2021

Booking Office at St Pancras has transformed into Booking office 1869 with a whole new look and a new menu by Allegra's Patrick Powell. We take a look inside.

Test Driving Manteca as it finds a permanent home in Shoreditch

Information: 02 December 2021

Celebrating both British and Italian influences - we went to check out the peripatetic popup as it settles down in its new permanent home in Shoreditch.

Test Driving Oxeye, Sven Hanson Britt celebrates British produce in Nine Elms

Information: 30 November 2021

Chef Sven Hanson Britt has brought Oxeye to Nine Elms, with an ambitious, British-sourced tasting menu with a big focus on English wines. We went down to try it out.

Test Driving Fallow in its new St James home

Information: 25 November 2021

Having stormed to success in its Heddon Street residency, Fallow has moved up the road to St James. We went to check out their new digs.

First look - we check out The LaLee at The Cadogan

Information: 23 November 2021

Chelsea has a new neighbourhood dining spot. Newly opened at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, on Sloane Street is The LaLee.

Test Driving Bar Crispin - illuminating wine and small plates in Carnaby

Information: 21 November 2021

Tucked down Kingly Street, this all day Carnaby spot comes into its own in the evening with interesting small plates and a great wine list.

Test Driving Cafe Cecilia - Max Rocha's winning Hackney restaurant

Information: 19 November 2021

We head to Hackney to try Max Rocha's Cafe Cecilia, a real hidden gem that's definitely worth crossing town for.

Test Driving Il Borro London - a Tuscan bistro Mayfair-style

Information: 16 November 2021

The Ferragamo family have brought their Tuscan bistro to the heart of Mayfair. We went along for cocktails and pasta.

Test Driving Bob Bob Ricard City - new look, new menu and Champagne at the press of a button

Information: 13 November 2021

Bob Bob Cité has transformed into Bob Bob Ricard City. We head down to see just what's changed and to press that Champagne button...

Test Driving Bisushima - sushi with stellar high rise views over London

Information: 11 November 2021

Boasting impressive views over Trafalgar Square, this high rise sushi restaurant mixes Japanese techniques with British produce. We took the lift up to the top floor to check it out.

Also see...