From Chiltern Firehouse to The Coach Makers Arms, here are the best things the CODE team ate this week

The Grill at The Dorchester

I am not supposed to be eating carbs at the moment because of my increasingly tubby nature. At The Dorchester’s grill room, manned by the nearly 29-year-old Tom Booton, I was able to resist beyond a nibble of brioche which arrived pre-2002 Bollinger, and I was pleased my remaining courses were relatively untouched by starch. That being said, I could not, and would not, ignore a lobster thermidor toastie, because by its very nature it falls into the ‘reason to be alive’ category. It was a soft and near-perfect snack: inside thinly sliced, buttery white bread were tender chunks of lobster, warm amongst a balanced thermidor sauce and dazzled by wisps of black truffle. To the side was a vinegary salad of leaves, pickled shallots and buttons of radish. In my glass was a Reisling. I loved it, and I loved it even more after Tom told me it started out as a staff meal.
Josh Barrie, contributing editor
CODE was a guest of The Grill at The Dorchester

The Coach Makers Arms

I’ve always been a fan of the The Coach Makers Arms tucked off Marylebone Lane. The Cubitt House group is now under the stewardship of Sam and Georgie Pearman, Seb Fogg and Ben Tish. The first floor dining of this Marylebone pub has had a little facelift and the new menu under the direction of Tish has all your pub classics with prawn cocktails, pies and steaks. It was also nice to see a familiar face in Marcus as front of house who you may recognise from The Delaunay.
Adam `Hyman, founder
CODE was a guest of The Coach Makers Arms

Chiltern Firehouse

On a gloomy, rainy Saturday in London, I was happy to seek refuge inside one of my favourites, Chiltern Firehouse. Their brunch menu is full of all the classics, and I opted for the bavette steak and eggs with a side of fries (health is wealth, right?) The steak was cooked to perfection and was so delicious I had to help my fellow diner finish theirs. Post-lunch martinis were also on the cards in their cocktail bar which might be one of my favourite bars in the capital.
Henry Southan, editorial intern

Dipna Anand Restaurant & Bar

You can find Dipna Anand’ latest restaurant nestled in the South Wing of Somerset House. It showcases the authentic Punjabi and South Indian cuisine she is renowned for, with pretty incredible views of the river too! The tandoori salmon was amazing, and we loved Papa J’s masala fish along with the vegetable Biryani. There is also a great selection of Thalis and a weekend brunch menu (think smashed avocado and paneer salad) so something for everyone. You definitely don’t want to miss the Shava Shava cocktail (apricot infused rum, with brandy, mango mint & lime).
Tom Pilgrim, accounts manager
CODE was a guest of Dipna Anand Restaurant & Bar

Michel Roux Jr x Dishpatch

It’s not everyday you get invited you to an intimate supper in Notting Hill that is cooked by Michel Roux Jr. But that’s exactly what I got to experience this week thanks to Dishpatch who have teamed up with Roux Jr to create a special meal kit. The chef patron of Le Gavroche has deliberately stayed clear of going to high-end and instead has created a menu of classic French dishes including pissaladière and beef Bourguignon. A perfect opportunity to get a French meal to eat home if you’re not near any decent restaurants.
Adam Hyman, founder
CODE was a guest of Michel Roux Jr x Dishpatch

Read more reviews from the CODE team here