The past few months have seen a surge in new openings, with 30 London
restaurant launches in September alone. Find out what our readers thought of the capital’s dining debutants, and discover who has won autumn’s coveted Nespresso Critic of the Quarter title and
other fantastic prizes.
With so many restaurants opening in the capital over the past few months, the Square Meal team have had their work cut out researching and reviewing. As always, the input from our loyal readers has
been invaluable in our overall assessment of London’s restaurant scene.
Once again, it’s time for us to say thank you to some of our brightest and best reviewers by rewarding them with top prizes. On the opposite page, we introduce this issue’s Nespresso Critic of the
Quarter, and we reveal the identity of our other lucky prizewinners.
Now it’s your turn
As ever, in the next few months and into the New Year, Square Meal will be awarding a host of prizes for stand-out reader reviews. You could sip cocktails by the Thames and enjoy a three-course
meal for two at Gillray’s Steakhouse, toast the festive season with a magnum of fizz, or get your hands on the sought-after Nespresso U machine. All you have to do for your chance to win a prize is
tell us your impressions of the restaurants you’ve eaten in lately, both newcomers and old favourites.
Remember, too, that your comments help others to choose their perfect venue.
And the winner is...
Congratulations to Max B (pictured, left), Nespresso Square Meal Critic of the Quarter for autumn.
Max B has been leaving comments on SquareMeal.co.uk since May 2009, having tried and tested a host of London restaurants – from City slickers such as Barbecoa and Duck & Waffle to
West End gems ranging from The Ivy to Flat Iron. Square Meal’s editor, Ben McCormack, said, ‘Max’s off-the-cuff observations and lively style make his reviews
eminently readable, and give readers a clear idea of what to expect at each restaurant.’ Max wins a £250 meal at a restaurant of his choice, plus a Nespresso U machine (pictured, below right),
courtesy of the competition sponsors.
Here is an extract from his winning review:
'We had some memorable dinners when Angela Hartnett was at The Connaught but, much to my shame, I had never been to Murano – until yesterday. Everything is as it should be in a restaurant of this
calibre: precise service, a pleasant (if a bit too hushed) dining room, good tables and good lighting. The food, though, takes centre stage: the flavours are bolder and more defined than at The
Connaught, and there is more gusto to the cooking. The potato pancake with Taleggio was delicate, yet packed a punch, while my host had octopus that looked fresh enough to have just jumped out of
the water. I didn’t see the bill, but I will certainly go back.'
And that’s not all…
Congratulations to
Nicole G, whose thorough, always on-the-ball reviews have won her a fabulous Champagne afternoon tea for four people at sky-high
West End restaurant Paramount.
Well done to Pass the Truffle, whose characterful write-ups have earned her 30 minutes’ use of the spa facilities at plush
hotel Sofitel London St James.
Congrats to Joe B, who was rewarded with a Diageo single-malt whisky gift pack for his comments, and to Monika B (no
relation), who received a bottle of Louis Roederer Brut Premier. Cheers!
In the next few months, we will give away prizes including:
• An indulgent spa hamper filled with top-quality pampering products from renowned
French brand Anne Semonin, worth £248 (pictured, right)
• A three-course dinner for two at Gillray’s Steakhouse (pictured, below left) on the South Bank,
including a pre-dinner cocktail for each diner and a bottle of house wine
• A six-bottle mixed case of fine wines
• A magnum of Louis Roederer
• And many more...
Get writing and good luck!
This advertorial was published in the autumn 2013 issue of Square Meal Lifestyle.