Hello,
The inaugural The World’s 50 Best Hotel Awards will be held in London on September 19th, and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce - or reintroduce - our UK-based clients to anyone visiting the city, the UK and to update those closer to home.
We look forward to hearing from you, discussing your forthcoming plans and collaborating on any features you are developing.
Thanks, and speak soon,
Team Lotus
LONDON
A. Wong Restaurant - Andrew Wong
In the heart of London’s Victoria is the two Michelin-starred restaurant A.Wong. Home to chef Andrew Wong, the restaurant presents dishes celebrating the diversity of Chinese gastronomy with an innovative and modern approach to traditional flavours and techniques. Anthropologist, cultural observer and chef Andrew Wong’s menus tell the story of his journey exploring the vastness of his Chinese heritage. His research into the comparison and perception between the ancient craft of dim sum and its relationship with historic European pastry techniques was highlighted in a recent collaboration with Chef Albert Adria.
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught - Hélène Darroze
With absolutely no introduction necessary, legendary Chef Hélène Darroze’s London home is set in prestigious Mayfair, within one of the city’s most historic luxury hotels, The Connaught. Each of her dishes is packed with instinct, emotion and a true expression of self, yet remains faithful and sensitive to the absolute quality and origin of their core ingredients. Classic and innovative in equal measure, her cuisine is an elegant expression of craft. Hélène lives by the philosophy that the star of any dish is not created by the chef but by the finest ingredients that make up the plate. The atmospheric dining room boasts historically preserved ornate plasterwork and oak panelling, where Helene has created an interior filled with soft curves, colours and textures, providing the perfect stage for what is one of London’s finest Front of House teams. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is at the pinnacle of dining in the capital and truly deserving of its three Michelin stars.
helene-darroze-at-the-connaught.co.uk
Ikoyi - Jeremy Chan & Iré Hassan-Odukale
Chef Jeremy Chan defies categorisation. His cuisine is an authentic expression of his personal global journey. An intensely thoughtful chef, he explores the potential of ingredients through a lens of almost academic knowledge, partnered with a palate and cultural reference point that expands continents. With his friend Restaurant Director Iré Hassan-Odukale, they created Ikoyi, where hyper-seasonal British produce meets an extensive library of ingredients. This two Michelin-starred restaurant recently moved from Piccadilly to a new location in The Strand, allowing the guest experience of Ikoyi to evolve. In May 2023, Jeremy also published his first cookbook with Phaidon - Ikoyi: A Journey through Bold Heat with Recipes.
KOL - Santiago Lastra
Growing up and cooking in Mexico, Chef Santiago Lastra’s understanding of produce and flavour is imprinted in his culinary DNA. At his one Michelin Star restaurant, KOL, he introduces the flavours of his homeland using the incredible produce he sources in the UK. His technique with local produce marries laser-focused, creative technical development with sensory nostalgia and an overwhelming desire to share his culinary heritage. The menu is rooted in tradition but constantly evolves and adapts, holding the understanding of landscape, culture and people at its core. Downstairs from Kol, the Mezcaleria boasts the largest range of mezcal in the city, with Santi’s tempting snacks to keep you going.
The Clove Club - Isaac Mchale
Chef Isaac McHale hails from the remote Scottish Northern Isles. A born explorer, his curiosity and fascination with cooking have taken him on a global culinary odyssey. The influences from that journey have become ingrained in his gastronomic identity. Yet, at his heart, Isaac McHale's culinary inspiration was always about home. In 2013 Isaac opened The Clove Club in London’s Shoreditch. His cuisine drew an international following for dishes championing the best British seafood, wild game and exceptional meat and dairy, with organically grown vegetables and seaweeds. Now with two Michelin stars, The Clove Club continues its exciting evolution from this endlessly curious chef offering seasonal tasting menus featuring elegant dishes rooted in technique but stripped back to their essential elements.
Turnips - Tomas Lidakevicious
A restaurant under the railway tracks, at the back of a fruit and veg stall may be the most surprising of locations, but Chef Tomas Lidakevicius's dishes can stand up to any backdrop. In the heart of one of the most iconic London locations, Borough Market, Turnips is a collaboration between Charlie Foster (the fifth generation behind Turnips fruit and vegetable stall) and Chef Tomas Lidakevicius. The idea started as a pop-up in 2020 between friends and soon turned into a permanent restaurant. The tasting menu showcases an instinctual and beautifully presented cooking style that follows the micro-seasonality of the availability of the market’s ingredients. Dishes change weekly, often daily and are created using the produce from the market. Turnips has also allowed Tomas the platform to deliver on his core value of sustainability, as he pickles, ferments, and preserves produce that otherwise might be wasted.
restaurant.turnipsboroughmarket.com
Larry Jayasekara
Sri Lankan-born chef Larry Jayasekara has just under 20 years of experience working in Michelin and fine dining restaurants. He has spent the past five of those working with Mayfair gallery owner Tim Jefferies as a private chef, and the pair have now joined forces to open their debut restaurant in early autumn 2023. Classically trained but undefined by any particular style, Larry offers a cuisine that is an homage to his travels and experiences. At its core, it is a celebration of ‘the joy of eating’ with contemporary classics that showcase the finest ingredients sourced from the UK and worldwide. Set in a stunning historic mews house in Bruton Place off Berkeley Square in Mayfair, Tim and Larry have become the custodians of the beauty and legacy of the property. The architecture and design have been carefully preserved and enhanced with luxurious and harmonious touches to create an experience of personal connection and intimacy.
SCOTLAND
The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Crieff - Mark Donald
The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant is the first-ever restaurant in a distillery to be awarded a Michelin star. Here Glasgow-born Chef Mark Donald and his team have formed close ties with artisanal growers, producers, breeders and fishers all on their doorstep. Mark’s menu captures the essence of the distillery with nods to the distillation process cleverly weaved into his cuisine. In the elegant, luxurious setting, expect an award-winning cuisine that, like the Glaswegian chef, has a few touches of humour. While technically excellent, the menu still connects to the rawness and history of place and its breathtaking beauty.
Fish Shop, Ballater - Marcus Sherry
The fish-focused restaurant and fishmongers, located in the historic village of Ballater, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, recently opened its doors in May this year. Front and back of house couple Restaurant Manager Jasmin and Chef Marcus Sherry welcome guests to enjoy incredible sustainable, seasonal fish and seafood, as well as local meat, game, fruit and vegetables. The restaurant, which is the fourth offering by the independent hospitality company Artfarm, focuses on sustainability and community. This restaurant and adjacent fish shop opened with sensitivity to the local businesses in this small highland town. Don't expect fish and chips because someone already offers that or popping in for a snack and coffee, as the local cafe has you covered. Fish Shop champions many local growers, producers and artists and has become a huge favourite with their neighbours and visiting community alike. We think it's simply the best local restaurant in the world.