April 8, 2025

Gastropub, Marylebone, Mayfair

Alex Gunz

Thomas Pub-it: Among the best gastropubs in W1

Few may have heard of Thomas Cubitt, but many may have visited the mini pub chain that is named in his honour. For the unaware, the gentleman in question was a British master builder, renowned for developing much of the late Georgian and early Victorian architecture that defines London. Wind the clock on to the 21st Century and many of his buildings have been reincarnated as up-market pubs.

Thomas Pub-it: Among the best gastropubs in W1

April 7, 2025

European, Notting Hill

Alex Gunz

Dove: Still learning to fly

The dove is often associated with peace and love. The backers of this newly opened on-trend Notting Hill venue perhaps hoped to inspire both with their restaurant. Your reviewer felt neither when visiting last week, even if its potential was evident.

Dove: Still learning to fly

March 25, 2025

Mediterranean, Mayfair

Alex Gunz

Silva: Back to nature

The first thing diners notice when they step into Silva is the light. There’s a feeling of tranquillity. Maybe it’s akin to being in a forest glade, which would not be accidental since ‘silva’ is the Latin word for forest. Readers should get the impression then that aesthetics are a big thing at Silva. The food isn’t at all shabby either. Think of this restaurant as a combination of the refined and the relaxed.

Silva: Back to nature

March 20, 2025

British, Gastropub, Mayfair

Alex Gunz

The Guinea Grill: Old school rules

Step into the Guinea and the only reason you might know it is 2025 and not 1952 – when the venue first opened – are the prices on the menu. Beyond cost, everything about the Guinea is reassuringly old school. If it’s classic British nosh executed well, then this is the venue for you.

The Guinea Grill: Old school rules

March 12, 2025

Fish, Soho

Alex Gunz

Randall & Aubin: Perfectly primed for ...

When your reviewer first moved to London in the late 90s, Randall & Aubin was one of the places to be. Located on the site of London’s first French butcher, with many of the original features still in place, R&A (as regulars refer to it) had just opened as a dedicated seafood restaurant. Sited on the corner of Brewer Street and Rupert Street, it hit the vibe perfectly for a Soho that was gentrifying from seedy to cool.

Randall & Aubin: Perfectly primed for modern times

Alex Gunz

November 24, 2022

Greek, St James

Estriatorio Milos: All Greek to me

Alex Gunz

November 24, 2022

Greek, St James

Estriatorio Milos: All Greek to me

When my dining comrade announced to me that he had booked a Greek restaurant for our planned get-together, the prospect sounded highly enticing. When there was a chance to swap a cold and damp November day in London for the warmth and charm of Greece – if even just for a couple of hours – then what could be more enticing? Sadly, promise and delivery at Estiatorio Milos were two very different things.

Alex Gunz

February 28, 2020

Greek, Fitzrovia, Ampéli

Ampéli: More Mediterranean

Alex Gunz

February 28, 2020

Greek, Fitzrovia, Ampéli

Ampéli: More Mediterranean

Diners around the Charlotte Street/ Goodge Street nexus have an ample range of dining opportunities. Ampéli – open since January – does, however, bring something new. Eastern Mediterranean (a nice broad catch-all, encompassing everything from Italy to Israel) is definitively on-trend while Greek food and wine – Ampéli’s angle – is both overlooked and underappreciated.

Alex Gunz

July 1, 2019

Greek, Italian, Mayfair, Onima

Onima: Mykonos comes to Mayfair? I think not

Alex Gunz

July 1, 2019

Greek, Italian, Mayfair, Onima

Onima: Mykonos comes to Mayfair? I think not

Onima carries a conceit like few other restaurants I have come across. A quick look at the website and you are asked to ‘experience, imagine, believe, feel and shine.’ Precisely what, it may be justifiable ask? Per the Onima blurb, the guiding premise is bringing Mykonos to Mayfair. ..