Week beginning August 6th - Aspirations and Inspirations

Oh how I wish I could eat out all the time. Mrs K treated me last week to three fabulous meals, in order to celebrate one's birthday you see. We went to St John Hotel in the morning for breakfast where I had grilled kippers and a pot of Rare Tea Company Earl Grey, then off to Barrafina for tapas at the bar over lunch where we had such delights as grilled mackerel, razor clams, croquetas and a lovely sherry with the chocolate dessert, then the next day we went to Hawksmoor Seven Dials for dinner where I shared with two others the 1.2 kg rib eye steak with a wonderfully recommended malbec, beef and also fat dripping chips and a heritage tomato salad.

For me it's not just the food that is wonderful, but the spaces that we dine(d) in, the decor and the attention to details, as well as the operational excellence and the service that is provided. Then of course, we cannot but mention the Olympics, the excellence and desire for greatness that the athletes show. If this does not inspire a generation, then nothing will.

One of the biggest compliments I think you can receive is for someone to say, 'you have inspired me'. It means you have made them feel special in some way. So, if you are at all interested in hospitality, in opening a venue, or operating one, or need inspiration or aspiration in whatever form, then London is the first place I would start. Get out and about and go to all the great places that this town has to offer and be inspired. It's brilliant.

Please enjoy our menu this week. Next week, starting the 13th, is our third birthday and we have some special treats in store. Looking forward to it.


Traditional bircher muesli with rhubarb and raspberry compote 3.30
Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses and rhubarb and raspberry compote 3.30
Fruit salad (pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passionfruit, peach) 3.50
(add 30 p for granola or yoghurt)
Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 4.70
Ciabatta roll with courgette omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 4.70
Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach & plum tomatoes 4.70
Croissant with gruyere cheese and plum tomatoes 3.90
Seven seed bakery bloomer toast with homemade preserves 1.70
Pumpkin seed toast 2.30
Banana bread 2.20

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery
French butter croissants 1.70
Pain au chocolat 2.30
Almond croissants 2.70

Baked Treats
Mirabelle plum, almond and brandy sweet muffins 2.00
Tomato, mustard and thyme savoury muffins 2.00
Tiramisu friands 2.00
Super moist chocolate brownies 2.30
White chocolate blondies 2.30
Portuguese tarts 1.90
ANZAC cookies 1.70
Melting moment biscuits 1.70

Lunch

French retro baguettes 4.70
Coppa cotta ham with clementine mayonnaise, basil, red onion marmalade, rocket
Mushroom pate with spinach, tomato, crushed peas, oregano

Foccacias with sea salt and rosemary crust 4.90
Italian roast ham with cherry pickle, brie, roasted red peppers, rocket
Smoke salmon with capers, dill, red onion, aioli, spinach

Salads 4.90/5.90
Bufala mozzarella with nectarines, roasted cherry tomatoes, croutons, rocket and water pepper pesto
Cauliflower with a beetroot, caper and parsley dressing
Slow roasted beef shoulder with roasted courgettes and smoked wild horseradish dressing

Tart 4.00 or 6.90 with salad
Butternut, lime cheese and rosemary