There is no debate that the Shard has redefined the London skyline. However, much more uncertain in the opinion of this reviewer is whether the restaurants within the Shard have had any impact on the London dining scene…
British, Chelsea
Have you ever had that feeling when everything was going swimmingly well and then, just when you least expected it, the rug was pulled abruptly and uncomfortably from under your feet? The experience of dining at Clare Smyth’s second London restaurant – open for only two months, as we were regularly reminded – felt unfortunately like this.
Seafood, Fish, Catalonia
With a country that has over 75% of its perimeter bordered by water, you would hope the Spanish know a thing or two about fish. Travel to almost every seaside town in the country and you can expect to find some pretty decent cooking. But how to choose? When a restaurant is recommended by a top nearby winemaker whom you respect highly and features in the Michelin guide, then that’s a good starting point.
British, Mayfair
Everyone loves a bit of theatre when they’re out for a posh meal. Even better if it evokes a sense of comfortable nostalgia too. Rosi does both very well. The Beaumont Hotel’s main dining space has been revamped for the better. Out goes the Colony Grill and in comes Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s inimitable charm and take on British dining.
Chinese, Soho
How to choose when you’re in the midst of Chinatown? This is a subject upon which your author has mused previously. Fortunately, other more esteemed reviewers had favourably endorsed the Real Beijing Food House. Despite its incongruous name, our trio of diners were impressed by a recent visit.
It’s been a stellar year for eating out. Gourmand Gunno chalked up his century of restaurants visited in 2025 on 5 December, with several more bookings still in the diary. He had the privilege to visit 10 countries across 3 continents in the past 12 months. These trips provided many wonderful dining opportunities. Just over 40 new reviews were posted to the website.
