Test Drives

Test Driving Xier - Carlo Scotto puts on an epic modern tasting menu

Information: 02 May 2019

Chef Carlo Scotto has a new take on the traditional tasting menu. We went down to Xier in Marylebone to see what the 10-course epic has to offer.

Test Driving Lorne: a calm oasis in the streets around Victoria station

Information: 30 April 2019

If you're looking for a lovely place near Victoria for lunch or dinner, that's slightly away from the madding crowds, you couldn't do better than this neighbourhood spot.

The Guinea Grill revisited - a steak haven in Mayfair

Information: 22 April 2019

The Guinea Grill has been serving up excellent steaks since the 1950s and their reputation is only getting greater. We pop down to put those steaks to the test.

Test Driving Pied a Terre - classic Michelin-star dining keeping it fresh in Fitzrovia

Information: 16 April 2019

For almost three decades this French restaurant has been looking after folk on Charlotte Street. We went to see why Pied a Terre has stood the test of time.

Test Driving Barullo - a City spot where the paella has the power to transport you

Information: 09 April 2019

Rambla's Victor Garvey is back in the City with his latest Spanish restaurant, Barullo - and this time there's added paella. We head down to try it out.

Test Driving Harry's Bar - the perfect shoppers' retreat off Oxford Street

Information: 02 April 2019

Providing a blissful bolthole to weary shoppers - Richard Caring's Caprice Holdings hits the spot once more.

Test Driving Bellamy's in Mayfair - a classic that feels like it's been looking after Londoners forever

Information: 28 March 2019

This classic Mayfair restaurant is pure establishment but it's also supremely welcoming to newcomers.

Test Driving Orasay - Jackson Boxer does seafood in Notting Hill

Information: 25 March 2019

Jackson Boxer (St Leonards) comes to Notting Hill for his next restaurant, a seafood spot influenced by The Hebrides. We head west for a look.

Test Driving Mortimer House Kitchen - a modern menu that reflects what Londoners really want to eat

Information: 19 March 2019

Former L'anima chef Lello Favuzzi has returned from his travels to bring a mixture of Italian and middle eastern inspiration to this Fitzrovia kitchen

Test Driving Adam Handling Chelsea - high-end cuisine (with chicken butter) in Chelsea

Information: 12 March 2019

Adam Handling has just opened his third restaurant in London - this time as part of the fancy Belmond Cadogan hotel. We hed down for a look.

A modern approach to Turkish cooking - Test Driving Yeni in Soho

Information: 07 March 2019

Yeni sees a top Turkish chef open in the heart of Soho. We head down to take a look.

Test Driving the afternoon tea at Fortnum's Royal Exchange outpost

Information: 04 March 2019

Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason is a British institution. And now they're serving it up in the City too. We pop in to take a look.

Test driving Kaia's all-you-can-eat Sunday sushi brunch at The Ned

Information: 28 February 2019

Londoners do love an all-you-can-eat brunch and the new sushi one at Kaia at The Ned is a doozy.

Test Driving Top Cuvee in Highbury - a top team for a new neighbourhood spot

Information: 26 February 2019

With wine as its focus, but some cracking cocktails as well, this neighbourhood small plates spot is a welcome addition to the area.

Test Driving Mariage Freres - Parisian tea salon lands in Covent Garden

Information: 14 February 2019

This Paris institution opened fairly under the radar before Christmas. After trying breakfast here - and being dazzled by how fab the whole place looks, we reckon more people need to know about it.

Test Driving Gloria - a gloriously OTT Italian trattoria in Shoreditch

Information: 11 February 2019

Parisian restaurant folk Big Mamma Group picked Shoreditch for their first London restaurant opening. We went to see how their upbeat Italian trattoria fits into the London restaurant scene.