From The Cadogan Arms to Café Biltmore, here are the best things the CODE team ate this week

Il Pampero at The Hari

Italian chefs and restaurants that try to do something unusual walk a fine line between genius and causing offence (believe me, I’m half Italian). Luckily Chef Matteo d’Elia at Il Pampero serves up playful twists that do justice to the quality of their ingredients. Favourites from dinner were spicy nduja quail, the lobster ravioli and the caramelised goat’s butter that came with their bread – I didn’t know how much I needed that in my life until I tasted it!
Sam Selwood, accounts manager

The Cadogan Arms

Chelsea isn’t always the best spot to grab a decent bite other than Colbert, Medlar and La Famiglia scattered along the King’s Road. But there’s now a new option thanks to the relaunched Cadogan Arms. Publican Dom Jacobs has teamed up with JKS, with the kitchen headed up by Alex Harper and overseen by James Knappet. What do you get? A local Chelsea boozer that still serves a decent pint and a spicy Bloody Mary but also a decent plate of food.
Adam Hyman, founder

Café Biltmore

I love a chicken burger, and you can’t do much better than Jason Atherton’s at Café Biltmore on Grosvenor Square. The succulent, buttermilk fried chicken lies on top of crisp iceberg lettuce, and a slather of Churchill sauce, all inside a brioche bun. Our server insisted on us trying a glass of their Nebbiolo alongside the sandwich, and it was a match made in Mayfair. The most decadent McChicken Sandwich you’ll ever eat.
Henry Southan, editorial intern

The Jolly Gardeners

After reading Josh’s article on the newly renovated The Jolly Gardeners in Vauxhall, I was excited for the post-work pub dinner I had booked in. I followed his recommendations starting with the cauliflower wings (wow these are good) and a plate of the intriguing sounding ‘scrumpets’ which alone are worth a return trip. It was then cheeseburgers to follow, it being National Burger Week and all, and here they come generously topped with a sweet, slow-cooked bacon and stout jam. Of course, I was looking for something to wash it all down with and, like any proper boozer, they really know their beer. Being indecisive, I was taken on a tour through the draft line-up of South London breweries by Nick who heads up the bar until I found the perfect pint for me.
Molly Wade, memberships manager

The Five Points Taproom X ACE Pizza

Not that it’s a secret, but the Five Points Taproom has a residency in London Fields that the Wiseman keeps to himself. ‘Aces Under the Arches’ is here all summer in the East London Brewery – and with a drinks source only metres away, can claim to be serving truly fresh beer. The food is provided by the famous ACE Pizza with a stint from seafood specialists Decatur (think chargrilled oysters and Louisiana). High barrels and long benches are the perfect places to stack up your food and beer while listening to the DJ and chatting to strangers.
Céire Carey, team assistant

José Pizarro at The Royal Academy of Arts

Something just feels right about José Pizarro’s arrival at the Royal Academy. With the more informal Poster Bar tapa room also opening here, we went for the sit down restaurant on the top floor. Fans of JP’s restaurants will be pleased to see a familiar assortment of his signature dishes along with a wine list that makes it hard to put a foot wrong whatever you order, in whichever combination. Some of our favourites were the presa Ibérica with confit peppers and the wild white prawns.
Sam Selwood, accounts manager

To read more reviews from the CODE team, click here