This year, London Fashion Week is celebrating its 25th birthday from February 20th to 24th. We’re not that fussed about the catwalk shows or the designer couture, but we liked their collection of '25 classic venues to pose in the capital’. Their list includes old favourites like Nobu, Cecconi’s, Les Trois Garcons and J Sheekey, as well as some more interesting choices like The Double Club, St John and The Blue Bar. If none of those appeal, here are some other stylish dining options for the weekend.
Papillon, Chelsea - Celebrity make-up artist Jemma Kidd has joined forces with Chelsea eatery Papillon to develop a menu of her favourite dishes which will be on offer throughout Fashion Week. The three-course feast is priced at £25 with £5 from every menu sold going to Children with Leukaemia. Papillon’s chef David Duverger (pictured) recently raised £6,000 for the charity by auctioning his culinary services on eBay.
Jemma’s menu features pea risotto; rack of lamb with potato dauphinoise and spinach; and apple tart with vanilla ice-cream. She explains, ‘These are my dinner party staples that I rely on time and again. The secret of my rack of lamb is a drop or two of Worcestershire sauce in the gravy to give it a real depth of flavour – it’s a simple cheat, but it works.” Everyone who orders the menu will receive a Jemma Kidd Make Up School goodie bag worth over £30 to thank them for their support.
Obika Mozzarella Bar, Selfridges – Fancy a quick lunch or post-shopping snack surrounded by designer labels? Head for Obika on the second floor and feast on their deliciously creamy mozzarella. It comes in four ‘strengths’, ranging from the delicate Paestum to the much stronger smoked variety, and comes with your choice of antipasti treats. Not convinced? Check out London Eater’s great review and photos. Alternatively, head for the Wonder Bar next to the food hall and share some charcuterie and a glass of something expensive.
Aubaine, South Kensington – If you’ve spent all your money on couture, book a table at Aubaine on Brompton Road where they’re offering a special Fashion Week Rush Hour menu. Priced at just £9.99, the menu is perfect if for gourmets-on-the-go and includes a choice of four main courses, a dessert and a smoothie. All the ingredients have been chosen with their nutritional value and beauty-boosting properties in mind, so aspiring beauty queens can enjoy a guilt-free meal.
Tortilla, Islington – If you’re a designer, journalist or model with a Fashion Week pass; head for Tortilla on Upper Street (or their Southwark branch) to claim your free ‘naked tortilla’. If you don’t have a pass, don’t worry – they’re still dirt cheap and serve some of London’s tastiest burritos. Tell them not skip on the guacamole!
The Fifth Floor Cafe, Harvey Nichols – Where better to refuel after a hard day of shopping? During Fashion Week, the chic Fifth Floor Café will be screening catwalk shows just a few hours after they’ve taken place so busy fashionistas don’t miss a thing. In the restaurant, the new market menu is priced at just £19.50 for 3 courses and features great seasonal dishes like poached Loch Duart salmon with soft boiled egg vinaigrette; corn-fed chicken with wild mushroom polenta; and lime parfait with Chantilly cream.
For something sweet and sinfully calorific, grab a post-shop pastry at Laduree Harrods or head for The Hummingbird Bakery where they’ve created specially decorated Fashion Week vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. The ultimate fashionista's treat has to be the Pret-a-Portea Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley, where the cakes and biscuits are all inspired by the latest catwalk designs. If you're actually dieting; sorry - we can't help you!
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