With Christmas fast approaching and festivities getting under way, it's hard not to get swept up in the festive spirit and that includes when dining too. We've pulled together our latest list of where we've been out eating over the past month in our tfp loves November list. In no particular order:
Bombay Bustle, London
Abbey says:
I headed to Bombay Bustle in Mayfair for a brunch with a twist. The dosas were a real highlight, as was the dahl, but the most delicious (and decadent) part was the spiced mimosas – a perfect way to start a Sunday and full of flavour. (Fans of Instagram should also check out the Wes Anderson-style bathrooms with camera in hand)
The Ebrington Arms, Chipping Campden
Kirsty says:
A Cotswold pub is the epitome of homely and hearty and the delicious food at The Ebrington Arms is wonderful! With a local ales, seasonal and local produce while in the company of four legged friends, it's the perfect get together for families and friends with an array of tasty, elevated dishes than surpass just pub classics.
Social Bite, Glasgow
Morgan says:
We're constantly being told the world (both digital and physical) is becoming an ever more hostile and doomed place; such a relief it is, therefore, when you come across places like Social Bite in Glasgow. Born from a single-minded ethos – tackling the issue of homelessness – it's such a wonderful force for good. 1 in 4 of their staff have struggled with homelessness in the past, whilst they have a restaurant which opens exclusively to people experiencing homelessness to dine on Monday afternoons for free. In their café in central Glasgow, the headline is their 'pay it forward' system, whereby customers can buy food/drink in advance for people experiencing homelessness. Whilst it pales in comparison to the importance of the message, the food and drink was wonderful and diverse (plenty of vegan options as you'd expect from such a moral venture) – a 'must visit' if you're ever in the area.
Bincho Yakitori, Brighton
Ryan says:
If there was a dish to help celebrate my (36th redacted) birthday then it would have to be the pork belly yakitori. These tiny cubes of pork on a stick are more akin to pillowy clouds of meat than anything I've ever eaten before. Everything I had – pushing double figures – was delightful, from the miso aubergine and fried cauliflower to the kimchi rice and shiitake mushroom yakitori. Was a pity that the Iberico ham special was sold out though.
I really love how the interiors and the smells of the restaurant help create a very casual, relaxed and fun setting, and thanks the binchotan charcoal used in the kitchen, everything comes with big and bold smoked flavours.
Les Delice de la Roche, Louresse-Rochemenier in the Loire Valley
Kate says:
Where do I start? Maybe the colour, anything pink is good to me and this was Pink! The whole plate was a sensation of flavours and textures; a smooth and creamy beetroot cream served with smoked duck, topped with a cool and sweet beetroot sorbet, salted beetroot shreds and finished with a slow-cooked egg and cheese crisp, around the edge of the plate was a sticky glaze which added a pleasing sweetness. This was smooth, creamy, cooling, sweet and salty, a delight to eat.
The Magpie, Whitby, North Yorkshire
Sarah says:
The Magpie is renowned for the best fish and chips in Whitby. Last week we booked a table and bypassed the iconic queue that seems to be a permanent fixture on the Whitby pier.
We had the haddock and chips. The haddock had been brought in that morning by a local fish boat, and fried in a moreish crispy batter. The fresh taste of the sea-side means that it isn't hard to see why this café is in the Good Food Guide 2019. It's simple food done really well!
Lindores Abbey Distillery, Newburgh, Fife
www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com/
Scott says:
One of the best things about all new whisky distilleries popping up all over Scotland at the moment is the three years it takes before the whisky is ready. That means, for those three years, distilleries have to think of novel ways to make a crust before they can cash in on their whisky. Many choose gin, but every so often gin someone takes a different approach. Linodres Abbey is one, instead of gin, they are making Aqua Vitae. The recipe is inspired by research on the Monks who used to live in the (now derelict) Abbey across the road from the distillery. The result is a handcrafted botanical spirit full of citrus notes and sweet and spiced flavours – a perfect alternative to gin!
Fen Noodles, Old Spitalfields Market
www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/food-and-drink/fen-noodles
Tom says:
You're always spoilt for choice in Spitalfields Market, with a wide range of cuisines covered within just metres of one another - often making for an expensive lunch if it becomes habit! On a recent wander round I spotted the new Fen Noodles concession in the market, a hand-pulled noodle bar from same team as the popular Dumpling Shack. The noddles are pulled fresh in front of you as you wait and the short but difficult to choose from menu has all bases covered with lamb, chicken and vegetarian. Very much recommended if you're looking for a fresh, quick but filling lunch in this area of London.