Because of the nature of The Vintage Magazine, we tend to review restaurants in the West End of London, and in Mayfair, St.James’s, Belgravia, Chelsea & Kensington, but we seldom venture south of the River, so it was with some trepidation that I was tempted down, south of the river, to Roast, which is an extraordinary restaurant located in an architectural gem called the Floral Hall, which is built on the site of the old flower market of Borough Market.
The Vintage Magazine wrote about the Hotel du Vin Group and Robin Hutson in a previous article, called ‘The Revolutionary of the British Hotel Industry’, click here, and this article is about his partner, Gérard Basset, OBE and the hotel which he built, called ‘Hotel TerraVina, but first ‘a brief history’.
Sardinian cuisine for international customers in one of the most expensive residential areas on the planet; that is the recipe for success enjoyed by the owners of OLIVO.
However, before I embark on this restaurant review, let me share with you some history about the area in which this group of restaurants is situated, namely Belgravia.
I have always been a great fan of Beach restaurants all over Europe and the Mediterranean where I have eaten at some of the most basic Tavernas in Greece, to the ultimate beach restaurants on Pampellone Beach at St Tropez and at the zenith of luxurious dining, Eden Roc, Hotel du Cap at Cap D’Antibes. Also having spent a year living between Perth and Freemantle in Western Australia, I know a thing or two about what makes a good beach restaurant, so try this description for a start:-
Just over a year ago, we published a review of Novikov, called ‘The Russians are Coming’, about the Russian-owned complex of two restaurants (Asian and Italian), and a large Bar and Lounge at a lower mezzanine level at 50, Berkeley Street in the heart of Mayfair, because it was already establishing itself as ‘the’ place to see and be seen, and on our recent visit it was evident that this remains the case.
What, or who do you think of when you think ITALIAN ICONS?
For me it is Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobridgida, Gianni Agnelli, Enzo Ferrari, and even its Dictators, both in time of war, like Benito Mussolini, and peace time, Berlusconi, and current icons like Carla Bruni.
Then there are also the products and services which typify Italy, like its wine and food, coffee, ice creams, and olive oil, its Opera, and fashion industries.
There is their well-deserved reputation which Italians have for design, epitomised by its classic sports cars like the Maserati GranCabrio Sport which we recently drove, and the beautifully designed, classic Riva speedboats.
La Famiglia – A Tuscan Triumph
‘A lot of Italian restaurants in London have lost touch with their Roots. I say if you can cook like your Mother, then you are a good chef, but if you can cook like your Grandmother, then you are a Great Chef’ – Alvaro Maccioni
Alvaro Maccioni is described as the Godfather of Italian cuisine in the UK. In restaurant circles he is, quite simply, a legend.
Read more…
Just over 200 years ago the 3rd Duke of Richmond built grand kennels designed by James Wyatt, in the very latest architectural style, so that his hounds should live in extraordinary comfort, and enjoy both wonderful feasts and glorious scenery.
The Earl of March shared this ambition to create an equally enlightened and special place on the Goodwood Estate, where one can enjoy great food and good company in an inspiring setting.
So he conceived the wonderful idea of converting these elegant old buildings into ‘The Kennels’, an exclusive Clubhouse for anyone who belongs to a sporting club on the Estate.
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Russia’s most famous and successful restaurateur, Arkady Novikov heads an empire with more than 50 restaurants throughout Moscow. He has put an individual stamp on each of his restaurants, enthused by different regions of cuisine. The man with The Midas Touch, his organisation includes supermarkets, florists and a 15 acre farm, with some 7,000 people in his employ. Read more…
