A global feel to this new Chelsea Italian Recently opened on Sloane Streetis Azzurra, a large, glamorous eaterie with an Italian slant and a focus on seafood. If it feels international, that’s down to David Yeo, the corporate lawyer-turned restaurateur whose Aqua group operates restaurants in Hong Kong, New York, Miami, and Dubai. He’s behind Aqua Shard and Hutong at The Shard, plus Regent Street’s Aqua Kyoto and Aqua Nuevo in London. This Chelsea opening has a modern global vibe with its spacious interior, atmospheric dim lighting, comfortable seating, and crisp electronic soundtrack. You co ..read more

The glamorous Art Deco dining room has a new look and an excellent menu Is lunch at Claridge’s one of the best treats that London has to offer? Especially when it’s lunch in December –and particularly when the restaurant has just had a stylish new refurb. This is probably one of the world’s most beautiful dining rooms, its Art Deco interior enhanced by references to 1930s Austrian brasserie design in a new incarnation from the Bryan O’Sullivan Studio. Claridge’s is known for its Art Deco heritage, but also for its enthusiasm for new design and reinvention, so this is a new look that feels lik ..read more

Romantic meal Looking at why The White Horse in Graffham is a love affair made in Sussex The White Horse in Graffham is owned by tech entrepreneur, Glen Manchester, and his wife Asta. The pair, who live locally, were captivated by the tranquillity of the location and the beauty of the surrounding area and needed no extra persuasion when the opportunity to create a restaurant with rooms presented itself in April 2023. Work to realise their vision began immediately, starting with the creation of a large dining space, beautiful gardens, and six bedrooms which overlook the beautiful downland lan ..read more

From the heart Fabrizio Gobbato, co-owner of Chester’s Da Noi alongside his wife Valentina Aviotti, on a love story involving music, hospitality and great food Back at the tail end of November, Absolutely attended a very special event at Da Noi on Bridge Street in Chester. The evening featured producers Ca’ Del Baio and Del Tetto co-hosting a bespoke wine dinner event, with our hosts for the evening the two people behind what has become one of Chester’s most highly desirable restaurants:  Fabrizio Gobbato and Valentina Aviotti. The food was exemplary, as was the wine that flowed, but more ..read more

Riding high Peach Pubs have acquired their third Hertfordshire pub, which is good news for Radlett locals The Three Horseshoes in Letchmore Heath, Radlett, has joined the stable of the award-winning pub company Peach Pubs, taking to three the number of great pubs in Hertfordshire run by the business. The beautiful, historic pub has been acquired by Peach from its previous owner, with the intention that it will very much remain the idyllic, country pub and restaurant at the heart of the village, serving good food and drink with great, friendly service to match. Peach is a familiar name on the ..read more

Chez Rowley at Laylow A new west London residency for iconic chef Rowley Leigh Food “A bistro with nostalgic dishes and classic technique at its heart” Decor Bella Freud’s West London glam Price Main Courses £14.40 – £34 Verdict Excellent classic dining in a stylish space It’s a return to the kitchen for Rowley Leigh, the much-loved chef behind the old Le Cafe Anglais and the long-gone trailblazer Kensington Place. He’s back with a residency at Golborne Road’s Laylow, the stylish Bella Freud-designed townhouse known for its parties and creative vibe. It’s not the most obvious pairing, but it ..read more

Holland Park’s excellent Greek eatery We had just returned from two weeks in Greece, where we ate grilled fish, Greek salad and lots of gyros. As fans of taverna fare, we could happily exist on grilled sardines and tzatziki for longer than the annual two week break. We’d only been home for a few days before we headed to Holland Park’s Vori, which offers ‘soulful and rustic’ Greek cooking to the people of W11 and beyond. Were we happy to be home? Our London summer has nothing in common with the Greek climate and Holland Park Avenu can’t be confused with Corfu, or even with downtown Athens ..read more

Mi casa es su casa Absolutely Cheshire finds out why ABode Chester is the perfect escape this Christmas It’s far to say not everyone embraces cooking at Christmas. From underdone turkey to burnt to a crisp roast potatoes, we are not all Michelin-starred chefs who take everything in our stride. Yes it’s great going to someone else’s house and watching them struggle through the process, but there’s always that nagging guilt about helping with the washing up. So it’s no surprise that many are deciding to stay at a hotel for the festivities – and is there a better place to start than a venue with ..read more

London’s best locations for ladies who lunch There’s nothing better than a catch up with the gals over a bottle of rosé. Except when it’s done in divine settings with even better food. Whether you’re after a relaxed rendezvous or fine dining at its best, London has it all. These are our top picks for a girls’ lunch. Petersham Nurseries The cafe at Petersham Nurseries is one of the dreamier venues for a girls’ lunch and is the perfect setting for an Instagram pic. The restaurant is housed in a vast glasshouse within the garden centre which means you dine in a pretty and peaceful enclave of bot ..read more

An award-winning experience in Flaunden The Bricklayers Arms has been nominated for ‘Hertfordshire Dining Pub of the year again’ by The Good Pub Guide – and on our visit, it’s a little wonder why. The pub is set in beautiful countryside, with nearby country walks over the rolling hills of the Chess Valley. The outside may be great, but stepping inside was an experience like going back in time to a period pub, one that is tastefully furnished throughout. The lovely atmosphere pervades every corner of The Bricklayers Arms. It’s a place that will put a smile on your face. There is also a lovely ..read more