From The Aubrey to The Wigmore, here are the best things the CODE team ate this week

The Aubrey

It was a chilly Tuesday evening when we headed over to the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for a celebratory preview of The Aubrey. It was our first big event in quite some time and everyone was in good spirits to be out again amongst industry friends making it a very jolly affair. The cheerful atmosphere was bolstered by a steady flow of canapes, cocktails, cava and champagne and the chicken katsu sando topped with oscietre caviar won best bite for me, slipping down extremely well alongside a ‘Death of the Lion’ cocktail of gin, lime leaf cordial and yuzu liquor. The Aubrey opened today and the beautiful interiors make it worth a visit alone so get booked in!
Molly Wade, memberships manager

Blacklock, Covent Garden

Tucked away on Bedford Court in a basement space similar to those of the Blacklocks in Soho and the City, the fourth site of this restaurant devoted to chops has an evolved menu – think pies and more big cuts – but don’t worry all the usual Blacklock signatures are still available including the cocktail trolley and that white chocolate cheesecake.
Adam Hyman, founder
CODE was a guest of Blacklock, Covent Garden

The Wigmore

I think I’ve found a new favourite in central London. The Wigmore has a perfect balance of tradition and elegance, in a setting that feels pub-like, a really posh pub, but a pub nevertheless. The kitchen serves up comfort food with a refined edge. I start with the masala scotch eggs which are outstanding, as well as their beautifully buttery crab crumpets. I swiftly moved on to the best gammon, egg and chips I’ve ever had with the crispiest confit potatoes with garlic and parsley. Healthy Jan is going well clearly…
Henry Southan, editorial intern
CODE was a guest of The Wigmore

Manuka Kitchen

Manuka Kitchen on the Fulham Road (just round from the big Waitrose) invariably seems busy (especially for brunch at the weekends). At north of £50 for a light lunch for two it’s clearly geared towards a certain part of the Fulham crowd, but you can’t fault the food, and the team are lovely. The chicken salad and Bolognese (pictured) worked well as a half and half, and if you’re a fan of a certain brand of peanut butter cups then their peanut butter pretzel chocolate tart will be right up your street.
Will Lake, COO

Eve Bar

I can’t believe my first visit to Eve Bar was this week, and wow, it won’t be my last. You’re transported when you make your way down the staircase, to a little oasis of food and drink bliss in Covent Garden. Their take on an espresso martini, Expression, is as indulgent as it gets, with the interesting addition of umami foam on top. The bar snacks are sensational. Highlights included the coronation crab, cheese donuts, and a beautifully presented trout course that looks too beautiful to eat. But please do eat it, as it tastes amazing.
Henry Southan, editorial intern
CODE was a guest of Eve Bar
Available on the CODE app

45 Jermyn St.

We’ve long been fans of 45 Jermyn Street at CODE HQ. A restaurant that ticks many a box – whether it’s for some scrambled eggs and a flat white first thing in the morning, a working lunch or a 6pm martini at the bar. Their menu is some of the usual grill classics – steaks, dover sole and of course, steak tartare. A main course portion size with some chips and a nice buttery glass of Chardonnay was a welcome end to what had been a busy week.
Adam Hyman, founder
Available on the CODE app

Pimlico Fresh

At first glance I thought my friend had taken us to the local caf for breakfast (no bad thing). Turns out Pimlico Fresh is your classic Aussie brunch spot which serves ‘things on toast’ (their words, but an accurate description) written on a chalkboard wall. Get there early on a weekend (it’s a popular spot) and grab the long table at the back if you can get it. The Spanish eggs (pictured) are tasty – I shamelessly added avocado because it’s one of the few options where it doesn’t come as standard. Reminder to try and grow a top knot before my next visit…
Will Lake, COO

Fallow

The boys are back in town. We’ve been fans of Fallow since their residency on Heddon Street back in 2019. They’re now in a permanent home on Haymarket, where they showcase their talent both behind the pass – with dishes such as mushroom parfait and cod’s head with Sriracha butter sauce (pictured) – and their hospitality in the dining room. St James’s Market has been a tricky location for restaurants in the past but this destination restaurant has bucked that trend drawing in a crowd of suits, groups of cool kids, couples and even the Minister for Small Business when we dined.
Adam Hyman, founder
CODE was a guest of Fallow

Sam’s Riverside

Having just moved to West London, I’ve been eager to find new restaurants to enjoy nearby, and after an invitation to Sam’s Riverside, I can confirm this will now be one of my regulars. Friendly staff, a beautiful setting, and the best lobster rolls this side of the Atlantic all make for a great experience. Make sure you kick things off with cods roe and radishes and crab toasts. Watch this space for CODE content with Sam himself coming soon.
Henry Southan, editorial intern
CODE was a guest of Sam’s Riverside
Available on the CODE app

Read more reviews from the CODE team here