We've also been fortunate to launch some great new restaurants with accompanying live music recently: The Tent (at the end of the universe) being one, and we're also proud to share with you "mu" from our friends, the Brilliant Corners and Giant Steps team. Find out more about this exciting new venture below.

And if autumn isn't your thing, perhaps the chance to win a year's worth of the best noodles in town will soften the blow. Happy first birthday to Broadway Market's Koya Ko!

See you next month,

Frances and the Tonic team x

Latest News

Introducing "mu", Dalston's new Japanese restaurant and live music venue

From the team behind Hackney favourites Brilliant Corners and Giant Steps, “mu” is a new bar, Japanese restaurant and live music venue in Dalston. Opened in April 2022 by restaurateurs and music enthusiasts Amit and Aneesh Patel, the 120-cover restaurant serves Japanese dishes from its charcoal robata grill, alongside thoughtfully curated drinks, together with live performances from some of London’s most exciting musicians. Read more here.

Koya Ko celebrates its first birthday with 'free udon for a year' giveaway

On 7 October, Hackney restaurant Koya Ko will celebrate its one year anniversary in east London with a series of giveaways for lucky diners who find a Japanese symbol painted on the underside of their bowl. An array of prizes will be up for grabs on the day, including four 'golden tickets' entitling each the winner to a grand prize of ‘free udon for a year’. Read more here.

Tonic is now working with stylish neighbourhood pub The Chelsea Pig

We're excited to announce that we are now working with The Chelsea Pig, the neighbourhood pub from globally renowned furniture and interiors brand, Timothy Oulton. Tucked away on a quiet corner behind bustling King’s Road, guests can expect an all-day dining menu of British classics created by Head Chef Fionnan Flood, alongside a selection of premium and classic beers, wines, Champagnes and an innovative cocktail menu. Read more here.

Tonic is now working with Blenheim Forge on its new limited edition chef knives

We’re delighted to share that we’re once again working with Peckham-based forge team Blenheim Forge, who are creating a limited number of hand-crafted Japanese steel knives in time for Christmas. Beloved by top chefs, the manufacturers have created a limited edition selection ahead of the festive season, including an Oyster Knife forged from a high carbon Swedish stainless steel, and a Carving Set, the perfect accompaniment to Christmas lunch.

The Best Sunday Roasts in London

We're swapping our flip flops for fluffy jumpers, but the close of summer isn't all that bad - frankly, we're quite excited by the prospect of settling into cosy surrounds and tucking into heartwarming Sunday roasts this autumn. From expertly seared sirloins to perfect pork belly, we've picked out some of the best in London to finish off the week on a high.

The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair

For a luxurious spot in which to unwind, there are fewer finer dining rooms in London than The Colony Grill Room at The Beaumont. Head into its scarlet surrounds on a Sunday afternoon and you'll be treated to a menu featuring roast dry aged sirloin of beef alongside Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, barbecued hispi cabbage and glazed carrots. Book your table here.

The Chelsea Pig, Chelsea

Nestled on a Westminster sofa alongside a roaring open fire, the cosy but stylish settings of neighbourhood pub The Chelsea Pig are matched with glorious British comfort food. On Sundays, the roast menu includes Gloucestershire pork belly with toffee apple sauce; Sutton Hoo chicken with spiced bread sauce and a Cauliflower steak with red wine sauce. Book your table here.

The Laundry, Brixton

Not quite ready to leave al fresco dining behind? Sunday roasts are available to order on The Laundry's heated terrace, complete with tartan blankets. Options include pork belly with apple sauce; 28-day aged roast Hereford sirloin with creamed horseradish, and a vegan leek & mushroom pie, all served with roast potatoes, seasonal squash, minted peas, glazed carrots and gravy. Book your table here.

The Coal Shed, Tower Bridge

Inspired by founder Raz Helalat's Persian roots, The Coal Shed celebrates coal roasted, rare breed heritage meats all week round, and Sunday lunch is no different. It's sharing roast centres around a 500g cut of aged beef sirloin, alongside Sunday trimmings such as beef dripping potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, all ripe for smothering with beef jus and horseradish. Book your table here.

The Auld Reekie Report

The best delis and bakeries in Edinburgh

For lovers of sweet treats and cured meats, we've got the guide for you. We've undertaken the envious task of hunting down the best delis and bakeries in Edinburgh, with our favourite discoveries including natty small batch doughnuts, gorgonzola gelato and Scotland's oldest Italian delicatessen. Read more here.

Dish Spotlight: Prawn Heads

Carabineros taco at Decimo

Showcasing the coveted carabineros prawn, the taco features not only the crimson meat, but comes with the wood-fired head on the side, packed with flavourful juices to squeeze on top.

Prawn heads at Koya City

Want some serious crunch alongside warming bowls of Shuko Oda's signature udon noodles and dashi broth? Add a delicious order of crispy, deep fried prawn heads, available at dinner time.

Psst... next month's Tonic Grapevine will include tips on where and what to eat over the Christmas period, and more.

See you guys in November x