Congratulations on making it through the longest January on record – we did it! Although, it must be said that we’re not big on withholding pleasure here at Tonic. In fact, if anything, throughout the month we ate, drank and made merry like it was 2019 all over again (and it wasn’t half bad).
February is often dominated by a very smoochy V Day, but this year feels like it’s going to be more fun, with some drag bingo and profiterole-in-bed kits thrown in for balance (more below). London (and Tonic) shows no sign of slowing down as we announce two brand new restaurants, launch a super top secret bar (we can share with you imminently) and open a wok-training academy in the heart of the West End. We’re back for what’s shaping up to be an interesting, tasty, all-absorbing year, and we’re very glad to have you with us.
Valentine's Day in the capital
Drag at Double
Thank heavens for Double Standard at The Standard, London as drag bingo returns for the big day. Grace Shush, accompanied by fellow drag superstar Sue Gives a Fuck, will host a raucous night for those looking for a laugh. Book your crew in here.
Puddings to fall in love with
East London bakery The Proof has the answers for you this Valentine's. Its L'Amour cake and Profiterole Heart are available for London collection or delivery, and some additional treats are available with nationwide postal delivery for loved ones near and far.
Sweet gifts from Koya
This year, noodle favourite Koya will bring a Japanese Valentine’s Day tradition to London. The restaurant has teamed up with chocolate producers Land to create its own Honmei Choco and Giri Choco Koya chocolate bars, representing the chocolates that women traditionally give to romantic partners or important men in their lives on Valentine’s Day. The bars will be available to buy in Koya’s Soho, City and Hackney restaurants from 11 - 18 February.
Ravioli, made with love
At Pastaio, the fresh pasta restaurants from acclaimed chef Stevie Parle, Valentine’s Day will be celebrated with a limited-edition, heart-shaped black truffle and ricotta ravioli dish. As always, freshly handmade in house, with love. Priced at £12, the dish will be available at both sites from 11 - 20 February.
The best restaurants open on Valentine's Day
It can be tricky to find the perfect spot to eat on a Monday in the capital, but these are our top picks of the restaurants that will welcome you with open arms this Valentine’s Day. If you’re yet to book a table, read on…
The sustainable one: Native
Perfect for treating your eco-conscious partner, Native at Browns - the foraging-focused restaurant will serve ‘A Hug Around The Waste’ tasting menu, exclusively on the 14th. With dishes including native lobster with foraged leaves and Exmoor caviar and lamb’s heart with harissa and labneh, and ‘Truffle Fluffs’ (chocolate truffles covered in seared meringue) to round things off, this isn’t one to miss. Book your spot here.
The glamorous one: The Beaumont
The Colony Grill is The Beaumont hotel’s glamorous restaurant, complete with a 1920s New York feel and romantic booths made for enjoying chef Ben Boeynaems’s transatlantic-inspired menu. Then head to Le Magritte, the hotel’s intimate bar that exudes old-world glamour, where cocktails are inspired by the bar's namesake René Magritte, and can be enjoyed alongside a luxurious Oysters & Caviar menu. Reservations here.
The foodie one: Trivet
For an exceptional dining experience, look no further than Trivet, the first restaurant from the Fat Duck's Jonny Lake and Isa Bal, where guests enjoy stand-out dishes and exquisite wines from the 350-strong cellar. For added luxury, champagne and caviar – in the form of a buttermilk fan-tan (pull-apart bread rolls) with cultured butter and caviar – can be arranged on arrival for £95 per couple. Secure your table here.
The chic one: The Ninth
Jun Tanaka's The Ninth is a beautifully decorated, sophisticated spot on Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street. Perfect for a romantic meal, the Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on simple yet refined Mediterranean-style cooking made with the best seasonal ingredients. Leave room for Tanaka’s signature Pain Perdu (many claim it’s the best in the capital). Book here.
The fashionable one: Angelina
Over at Dalston favourite Angelina guests can enjoy a 10-course omakase tasting menu including chawanmushi (savoury egg custard), hamachi with truffle and handmade pasta, all served in the intimate, candlelit dining room. Why not match it with a ‘rare and old wine’ pairing, a hand-picked selection of unique and exceptional Italian wines? Book here.
The French one: Cocotte
Cocotte – home to the best French rotisserie chicken this side of the Channel – is celebrating with a special Valentine’s menu, available from the 11 - 14 February for just £37.50pp. Guests will begin with a glass of Jacquart Mosaique Rosé Champagne and foie gras croquettes, followed by signature rotisserie chicken with mushroom and chestnut sauce, truffle fries and ratatouille. The menu closes with a warm double choc cookie and you can make a reservation here.
February News
Lahpet to open much-anticipated second site in the West End
Founders Dan Anton and Zaw Mahesh continue their quest to bring the much-loved flavours of their Burmese homes to London and this restaurant will serve a selection of classics alongside new regional specialities. Opening on 21 February, Lahpet will serve dishes such as Roasted pork belly & bamboo shoots (Wet thar myit chin), made with shallot, fermented soya bean paste (Paé pote), garlic and chilli; and Rakhine fish noodle soup (Rakhine monti); a spicy and sour soup, cooked with fermented fish paste (Ngapi), chilli, tamarind and black pepper.
Honest Burgers launches totally vegan 'V Honest' restaurant
We’ve just opened an exciting restaurant for Honest Burgers - its Garrick Street site has been transformed into V Honest, offering the group’s first ever entirely vegan menu. There are the classic HONEST and TRIBUTE burgers (made vegan), and new serves including the BUFFALO, the PESTO, the TERIYAKI and the CHILLI. Each burger comes with Honest’s signature homemade rosemary salted chips as standard, an essential part of any truly Honest line-up, as well as three sides including seasonal coleslaw; buffalo tenders; and pulled shiitake nuggets. We're huge fans here - bravo to Honest for creating such a bold menu of vegan dishes, not just for January.
Rosa's opens wok training school
Rosa’s Thai has transformed its ground floor Warren Street restaurant into a brand new Wok School. The initiative is designed to train aspiring chefs and provide them with all the skills to pursue a career behind a wok - how brilliant. Classes will be taught by Rosa’s finest wok masters, passing on their expertise to budding chefs. With the staffing crisis so rife in the industry, this is a canny move by Rosa’s. Cannier still are the guests that visit Monday to Friday from 12-3pm and enjoy 50% off their food bill when it’s cooked by the students there (book here).
Congratulations to Ruth Hansom!
Congratulations to the brilliant, astounding talent in the kitchens of The Princess of Shoreditch, headed up by Ruth Hansom. She has led her team to victory as the pub won Best Newcomer in last week’s Top 50 Gastropubs awards. Such well deserved recognition of her hard work and dedication, and absolutely delicious grub.
