We've embraced a month of restorative planning and strategising here, and February brings big, bold energy and new openings galore at Tonic. We can't wait to share JOIA, Nessa and Poon's Wontoneria with you as they finally open their doors over the next few weeks.
We're also pleased to be supporting our friend Felicity Spector with her Bake for Ukraine fundraising endeavours. It'll be our Pay It Forward charity for the next two months, raising vital funds to keep Ukraine bakeries open and providing much needed sustenance across the country.
Until next time,
Frances x
Latest news
Introducing The Counter, a contemporary ocakbasi from celebrated Turkish chef Kemal Demirasal
The Counter is a contemporary ocakbasi restaurant in Notting Hill, and the first London restaurant from acclaimed Turkish chef Kemal Demirasal. Best known for Istanbul's Alancha – cited as one of the Middle East's best restaurant by the World’s 50 Best Discovery Series – Kemal's groundbreaking take on southeastern Anatolian mangal cooking uses the finest Turkish ingredients to create innovative takes on classic dishes. Read more here.
JOIA, Nessa and Poon's Wontoneria lead spring's most exciting restaurant openings
Spring is bringing with it some of the most exciting restaurant openings of the year. Henrique Sá Pessoa of Lisbon's two Michelin-starred Alma will open the highly anticipated JOIA in Battersea this month, while Tom Cenci and the team behind Mortimer House will open British bistro Nessa in Soho in March. Amy Poon will also bring beloved Poon's Wontoneria to Carousel in Fitzrovia for a 3-month residency from February 7th. Read more here.
Weekend getaway? Tonic's top UK restaurant picks
We've had our obligatory few weeks of hunkering down, but now we want to get up, get out and get away. Whenever we're plotting a city or country break, eating and drinking is naturally the most important part of the itinerary, so take a look at our picks of restaurants around the UK that we know are worth travelling for.
Brighton
We do like to be beside the seaside, especially when the food is this good. Dave Mothersill's new tasting menu restaurant Furna is a sublime spot for British fine dining, while Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning Burnt Orange is perfect for a relaxed meal cooked over fire. For a taste of Italy, Tutto offers delectable dishes from Cornish crab spaghetti to onglet tagliata.
Bristol
There is arguably no better place for enjoying Bristol's harbourside charm than the terrace at Peter Sanchez-Iglesias's Michelin-starred Paco Tapas, complete with a hand-written menu featuring gambas al ajillo and tortilla española. Next door, his new restaurant Casa plays homage his parents' original Italian, serving contemporary takes on potato ravioli and steak Florentine.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh has one of the UK's most exciting restaurant scenes, and The Palmerston is among its brightest stars, working closely with local suppliers to celebrate Scottish ingredients and whole-animal cookery. Elsewhere, Ka Pao looks to south east Asia for inspiration, with arbroath smokie miang and Shetland mussels with Thai basil straddling the continents.
The Cotswolds
Whether its a cosy winter retreat or a summery jaunt, we love a good country pub - and The Boot in Barnsley is that and more. From the team behind London’s The Chelsea Pig, head chef John Jewell's menu features beef tartare with game chips and Buscot Park venison pie. Don't want to leave? Book into one of its beautiful Timothy Oulton-designed rooms upstairs.
The Auld Reekie Report
Where to find the best sandwiches in Edinburgh
From gochujang chicken sandwiches in pineapple buns and OG shrimp rolls by the beach, we've got your ultimate guide to the best spots for a cheeky sarnie in the Scottish capital.
Interiors spotlight: beautiful dining rooms for Valentine's Day
The Colony Grill Room
For old school glamour with a modern twist, this is a sophisticated spot for booth-bound tête-à-têtes. Book here.
Luca
Transport your date to the wilds of Tuscany with a table in this Farringdon restaurant's Italian covered courtyard. Book here.
Angelina
For a cool and contemporary date with a hint of low-lit glow, this Italian-Japanese restaurant is an understated gem. Book here.
Decimo
Alongside 10th floor views of the city, this room is humming with fiery warmth and teaming with texture and colour. Book here.
