The Tonic team is entering February with a sense of positivity and momentum. Not to say there aren’t hard times ahead for all, but we’re feeling a shift brought on by the hope that restaurant doors will reopen in the next few months, loved ones will receive vaccinations, and sunshine is coming. We’re not watching the sunset with a margarita at Decimo just yet, but it doesn’t feel too outrageous to allow ourselves a little daydream… Here’s our pick of food and drink news that brings us even more joy and hope about the future.
Food of love
We all deserve a little treat now and then, and - love it or loathe it - Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for indulgence. Restaurateurs, chefs, bakers and mixologists are going all-out this year in a bid to create memorable experiences for us at home, and these are our favourites:
The Proof
This Hackney bakery is back with a limited-edition Valentine’s collection. From its Passion Proof hamper (including flowers, English sparkling wine, candles and profiteroles) to a heart shaped, triple-layered L’Amour cake, there’s something to win over any heart, but it’s the profiterole wreath with its crème chantilly, silky dark chocolate sauce and gold leaf that has us swooning. Available for delivery within the M25 on Valentine’s Day if ordered by midnight on 11 February.
Angelina
Angelina continues to impress with its creativity and menu of hard-to-find Italian and Japanese ingredients, and its Valentine’s offering is sure to win over even more fans. Zesty Golden Gai cocktails and Cornish rock oysters kick things off, followed by an eight-course tasting menu ending with a Formaggio bento cheese platter and soy caramel chocolates. Available this Valentine’s Day only, it costs £70pp including a hand-tied, seasonal bouquet and delivery within a 2.5 mile radius of the restaurant in Dalston.
Honest Burgers
With Après Ski merely a daydream this year, why not evoke memories of romantic dinners in cosy alpine settings with an Honest Fondue burger instead?
In partnership with French/Swiss cheese experts, Mons, this luscious creation contains an Honest patty, oozy five-cheese fondue (including the all-important wine and garlic), white wine onions, pancetta, rocket and pickles, and for the first time ever there’s an Honest At Home kit available too. Both are available throughout the month either via delivery from an Honest venue, or via their online shop here.
London Calling
Whilst we’re obviously excited about travelling again when restrictions are lifted, we are desperate to party in London with our (almost) long-lost friends. Here’s where you’ll find us when the time comes…
The Standard, London
We’re proud to be opening not one but two new venues within The Standard, London this year. Firstly, there’s The Standard, Rooftop which is located, unsurprisingly, on the roof. Sitting atop Decimo, this 11th floor open-air bar will serve hot dogs from a New York-inspired cart, wines and beers on tap. With The Standard’s culture team working on a playlist as we speak, we look forward to welcoming you up for sundowners soon.
Next up is Sweeties, the hotel’s new tenth-floor cocktail bar that’s set to open this spring. With crystal-clear speakers, those killer St Pancras views, a very late license, and a guest list only this hotel can command, this sky-high space is going to be all sorts of fun...
Golden Gai
If you blinked you might have missed new Soho cocktail bar Golden Gai opening its doors in December, but it most certainly made an impact on those lucky enough to have snuck in. Brought to us by the team behind Angelina, this sleek, sultry spot serves clever cocktails, inventive small plates and one of the best cheese boards we’ve ever tried. With drinks and snacks this good, we really can’t wait for this one to reopen its doors.
Spiritland X Joy
Stevie Parle’s Joy wowed us with ingenuity throughout 2020, but no doubt one of the highlights was the opening of Spiritland X Joy. With Spiritland in charge of not only the performers but also the cocktail menu, Stevie in charge of the kitchen, and the entire space decked out in Tom Dixon’s 1970s psychedelic-inspired decor, it’s got everything we’re craving right now. Just try and stop us being there every night.
Pay It Forward
In late 2020 Tonic launched its Pay It Forward campaign, and this month we’re proud to be supporting Magic Breakfast.
Our pledge is to donate to a food charity every single time we make a booking for a journalist or influencer or receive hospitality ourselves, and we’re incredibly proud that it’s become an integral part of our business.
Whilst the amount we raise (£3262.60 to date) is a drop in the ocean of what’s needed, we need to start somewhere and we’re excited to see what’s next for the campaign.
We’d really welcome hearing from anyone with ideas on how we can raise more, reach a bigger audience, or partner with other charities so please do get in touch HERE.
Wishing you a positive and gentle month,
Frances and the Tonic team.
