From tomahawks to tostadas, here are the best things the CODE team ate this week

CUT at 45 Park Lane

Wolfgang Puck was in London this week so when I was asked if I wanted to go to the steak restaurant on 45 Park Lane for dinner on Wednesday it seemed rude not to. The chef, based in LA and probably most famous for his Spago restaurant, has been running restaurants for over 30 years. After popping up to the table in his midnight blue chefs jacket, paired with Nike Air Max and a Panerai, he insisted we had a Tomahawk for the table, which he then brought out to the table to serve with some black truffle. Puck is cooking for the Super Bowl next week – lucky people.
Adam Hyman, founder
CODE was a guest of CUT at 45 Park Lane

Fischer’s

To Fischer’s on Thursday evening, which was heaving, but not chaotic. It is a different crowd to other restaurants in the Corbin & King group – older, more residential. Actually, despite it being no day in particular, the night felt like an occasion. The occasion was perhaps only to make the most of one of London’s good places to eat. Last week I waxed lyrical about the affordability of the place – among others – so I did what I said others should do and had the prix fixe: a wobbly leek and gruyere tart, and a well cooked piece of bream under a sauce vierge. Yours for £24.50. The wine, which I think was a Reisling, was a little sweet for me but it didn’t matter all that much. It did its job, as did the side of creamed spinach. I’ve been having quite a lot of spinach lately and I feel pretty good about it. At Cut, at 45 Park Lane the night before, the spinach was accompanied by a fried egg, which bobbed about in the middle, and was sliced and swirled about the dish like a tender ghost. The yolk ran wild and it was altogether an excellent situation to be in.
Josh Barrie, editor

London Stock

Not all tasting menus are created equally, and London Stock are on a mission to deliver the ultimate in relaxed and refined dining. This is my second visit to this gem, tucked away in the Ram’s Quarter development in Wandsworth. Head chef, Sebastian Rast (formerly of HIDE) is now at the helm and oversees the delicate treatment of seasonal ingredients. The eight course tasting menu changes regularly, but we loved the scallop with carrot, pink ginger and capers (pictured) and the Ravioli with Delica pumpkin. There’s a really interesting selection of wines available by the glass, and some funky twists on conventional cocktail classics too. The service here is ace – the whole experience was extremely slick and not to be missed!
Tom Pilgrim, account manager
CODE was a guest of London Stock

The Delaunay

The Delaunay is perfect for a pre-theatre lunch, being so close to the West End. I opt for the Corbin & King classic of chicken schnitzel with lingonberry compote which goes down a treat, always a hearty, comforting dish that doesn’t break the bank. Corbin and King restaurants have never failed me, being a safe bet for any occasion.
Henry Southan, social media manager

Mr JI

My colleague Molly recommended me to visit Mr Ji’s in Soho, calling it in her review, “an uber cool Asian chicken joint.” Molly, I thank you, I have now found a new regular in Soho. I opted for the chef’s selection menu which is £40pp which gets you the greatest hits from the menu. Favourites included the panko crusted chicken hearts, pork and prawn stuffed chicken wings and their indulgent take on prawn toast.
Henry Southan, social media manager

The Anglers, Teddington

The Anglers, with its large beer garden overlooking the Thames, looks like an ideal spot for the summer months. While the weather remains cooler the inside has really benefited from a smart refurb (and is dog friendly too). It was nice to see guinea fowl on a pub menu, and, whilst it could have perhaps done with a touch less cooking, it made for a very tasty lunch with a crispy potato rosti, spinach and tarragon cream sauce. If you’re the other side of the river and fancy a coffee and a pastry, or a quick bite for lunch, then check out Swiss Bread Bakery and Café in neighbouring Ham (Richmond) – a surprising find in the middle of a primarily residential area by Ham Lands.
Will Lake, COO

Santo Remedio Mexican Café

Despite the pandemic battering hospitality, a number of opportunities have come to fruition over the past couple of years. One of those is seeing Santo Remedio open a second site in London back in their old neighbourhood in Shoreditch. This site is cosier than their Tooley Street one and is more cafe vibes but they’re still doing what they do best – punchy margaritas and spicy tacos.
Adam Hyman, founder
CODE was a guest of Santo Remedio Mexican Café

Theo Randall at The InterContinental

I was hearing great things about the food at Theo Randall at the Intercontinental from the CODE team in the office after mentioning I was going and unsurprising it lived up to expectations. Starting with the antipasti we ordered the sformato di fontina and the carne salata upon recommendation before moving onto primi – cappelletti di vitello and the buttery but light ravioli di zucca. Secondi consisted of the sea bream with roasted candy-sweet datterini tomatoes and the faraona ripiena – tender guinea fowl with chestnut. We finished things up nicely with the famous lemon tart. Excellent Italian cooking!
Molly Wade, membership manager
CODE was a guest of Theo Randall at The Intercontinental

STK Westminster

STK can be found all around the world, from New York, Vegas and Dubai. I visit one of their two sites in London in Westminster as a STK newbie, and I didn’t know the feast that awaited me. A quieter Wednesday evening didn’t compromise the friendly service and delicious steak. I started with crispy calamari and a zesty tuna tartare, before moving onto the main event, the black Angus tomahawk. Come with an appetite, because you’ll need one.
Henry Southan, social media manager
CODE was a guest of STK Westminster

180 House

For a lovely little take on a classic club, the soho house iteration, served as a wrap with a punchy dijon mayo, is a brilliant lunch option. If you happen to be lucky enough to know a member, the 50% off food offer at Soho House on Monday’s make this tasty treat – also served with a generous portion of tasty fries – exceptionally good value and a great way to start the week.
Mike Daw, partnerships manager

McDonald’s

I get a lot of stick for what I’m about to say but I don’t care – my death row meal would be McDonalds. When I see the golden arches my heart leaps in the knowledge that I know exactly what I’m going to get and that it’s going to be good. So deep is my love that I’ll ensure at least one maccers pit stop is included in any long journey I go on with some thorough pre-planning and service station research (beware of the M4…). There’s no Big Mac or Quarter Pounder for me (another unpopular opinion – lettuce doesn’t belong on a beef burger) so it’s the 99p cheeseburger with medium fries and a diet coke. If I’m feeling fancy I might splash out and round the meal off with a McFlurry or apple pie.
Molly Wade, membership manager

Read more reviews from the CODE team here