Best bites: Pub grub in Marylebone and lobster by the sea

Tattu, Leeds

During a brief jaunt to Leeds last week, I found the ideal location for those visiting the city centre and looking to dine out. The Dakota hotel serves as an ideal overnight spot (Simon Rogan’s son oversees the hotel’s restaurant, which I need to check out next time) and, handily, is a short distance from Tattu, a contemporary and playful Chinese restaurant. The group recently opened a site in London, but Tattu has long been popular in Leeds. It’s a reminder that dining out should be fun. The standout dish was the char siu honey glazed monkfish and it seemed almost mandatory to try one of their skull candy cocktails.
Adam Hyman, founder

Cafe Murano, Covent Garden

Firstly, we’re so happy Angela Hartnett found her dog. Secondly, pork. A meat not always cooked well. This isn’t the case at Café Murano, where a succulent, juicy chop is served with anchovy, sage, and lemon butter. Sensational. The homemade pasta doesn’t go amiss either. The ricotta and butter tortelli is a must, and so is the gnocchi with braised lamb ragu. Oh, and then tiramisu. My second favourite dessert after chocolate mousse.
Henry Southan, social media manager
CODE was a guest of Cafe Murano

The Coach Makers Arms, Marylebone

As pub grub in and around Marylebone goes, you’ll struggle to find better than The Coach Makers Arms. After a week of some rather refined dining, and a slight hangover, I needed some generous portions. My death row meal of fish and chips was executed well, flavorsome flaky fish with crisp, golden batter; just the right amount of grease. We also had a generous bacon and rabbit pie, with some proper mash and sweet Cornish carrots. The hangover I walked in with was gone by the end, which is a good sign I feel.
Harry Cromack, account manager
CODE was a guest of The Coach Makers Arms
The Coach Makers Arms is available on the CODE app

Banh Mi Aha!

They had run out of coriander at Banh Mi Aha! – in no way associated with Alan Partridge – on Lamb’s Conduit Street, and so our initial request for sandwiches was dismissed. The team felt the construction wouldn’t be sound enough without the herb and so, as a result, we wouldn’t return for another on another day. But hunger prevailed and the banh mi were served: one of pork, another of chicken curry. There, in a tangle of carrots, spring onions and chilli, were the meats, bedded in French bread, being lovely and filling.
Josh Barrie, editor

The Suffolk Sur-Mer, Aldeburgh

The coastal village of Aldeburgh has long been a popular destination for people looking to escape London for the weekend. Now George Pell, previously of L’Escargot and The Arts Club, is opening a little bolthole to better cater for those looking to spend by the sea. The Suffolk, which opens later this year, will be a six bedroom hotel. But its restaurant Sur-Mer is already open and serving some excellent food. Think oysters, fresh crab and classic lobster with chips. Next weekend, between 24-25 September, the Aldeburgh Food Festival is on.
Adam Hyman, founder
CODE was a guest of The Suffolk Sur-Mer

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