Thank you for joining us for the last Tonic Grapevine newsletter of 2022 - a challenging year, no doubt. At Tonic, we've been in awe of the efforts of restaurateurs to navigate the never-ending stream of crises. You guys are all heroes. Thank you for continuing to host us, educate us and expand our culinary references (and, occasionally, our waistlines). Your restaurants, hotels and bars make memorable so many moments in our lives, and we're honoured to work alongside you.
Wishing you all a cheery end to 2022, and here's to a very happy new year.
Frances x
Latest news
The Boot opens in the Cotswolds
The Boot, a new pub from the team behind London’s The Chelsea Pig by Timothy Oulton, is now open in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Barnsley. Among the refreshed interiors of the 17th century building, The Boot offers a menu of British dishes from Head Chef John Jewell (previously of Calcot Manor) and six boutique bedrooms, providing a destination spot for visitors to the Cotswolds and locals alike. Read more here.
Furna is now open in Brighton from chef Dave Mothersill
Furna – a new restaurant from Yorkshire-born chef Dave Mothersill – is now open on Brighton’s New Road, offering a multi-course tasting menu that celebrates British-grown ingredients, and is informed by memories from Mothersill's childhood, travels and 20-year culinary career. The restaurant is Mothersill's first solo venture, having worked in some of Brighton's most celebrated restaurants such as The Gingerman, Terre à Terre and The Salt Room. Read more here.
Oxeye to launch Obento lunch menu by Sven Hanson Britt
This month, Chef Sven Hanson Britt will introduce an Obento lunch menu at his London restaurant Oxeye, inspired by the Japanese tradition of serving lunches composed of smaller individual dishes. The new menu will feature an Obento-style serving of bites, freshly baked bread, homemade butter, pickles, alongside a main plate – including glazed hake collar and Derbyshire lamb shoulder - and a dessert from the Oxeye kitchen. Book your table here.
The Tonic guide to Christmas
Eating, drinking and being merry are three of our favourite things to do all year round, so you won't be surprised to hear that we're packing the festive season with culinary fun. From decadent sharing menus to the perfect presents for the foodies in our lives, check out our tips for enjoying Christmas the Tonic way.
Festive feasting
Luca's Italian menu kicks off with a pine cured monkfish crudo and spiced clementines, while Sarap is putting a Filipino twist on the meaty main with a whole lechon suckling pig. For dining on the big day, Decimo is serving roast duck breast with truffle mole sauce, while The Colony Grill Room's 7-course feast centres on roast turkey or beetroot Wellington, with all the trimmings.
Last minute gifts
Once Native's foraged bottled cocktails have started the party, Trivet's Christmas Mixed Case offers wine lovers the perfect pairing to a festive dinner. Gift a spice-packed treat with modern Chinese sauces by Poon's, or keep it cool with Pastaio's artist collaboration t-shirts. For the cook in your life, Blenheim Forge's chef-approved knives are a sharp idea.
Cheers to 2023!
See out 2022 in spectacular style at Oxeye, with an 8-course tasting menu and a live jazz band. Over at The Chelsea Pig, a set menu starts with Champagne, and ends with celebrations until 2am. Acme Fire Cult and 40FT Brewery are throwing a party and a dinner, followed by a 'hangover brunch', with The Laundry also welcoming brunchers on New Year's Day.
The Auld Reekie Report
A Scottish gift guide for foodies
From t-shirts declaring our dedication to dairy, to Hot Toddy-ready honey, we've scoured Scotland for top stocking fillers and Christmas gifts from the very best suppliers, producers, restaurants and more.
Drink spotlight: Winter Negronis
Christmas Negroni at Luca
This festive take on the classic aperitivo infuses Campari with macerated redcurrants, and mixes it with Italian pine liqueur Pino Mugo, sweet vermouth and Sacred dry gin.
Mezcal Negroni at Acme Fire Cult x 40FT Brewery
Mixed with Select aperitivo and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, a measure of Mezcal Verde Momento gives a smoky twist – perfect next to the live-fire grill.
Psst... in next month's Tonic Grapevine we'll be kicking off 2023 by announcing some exciting new clients. See you guys in January x
