The best things the CODE team ate this week: 11 September 2020

The Scolt Head

It’s the era of the local and no more proof is needed than Nuno Mendes stepping into the kitchen of his local, The Scolt Head, to cook up brunch on Fridays and Saturdays. The De Beauvoir pub has a leafy front garden in which to while away the morning eating dishes of smoked trout, poached eggs and smoky hollandaise or piri piri chicken. But the best bit comes after in the form of an unassuming olive oil cake – a magnificent gooey fallen souffle. If you can fit it in, make sure you get a pastel de nata too.
Chloe Hamilton, head of partners & memberships

BAO

A firm favourite of mine when in London, I’ve been seriously impressed with how BAO have adapted their offering during lockdown. I jumped at the chance to try one of their bakery kits this week and despite my notably substandard cooking abilities, the super simple kit definitely satisfied my BAO cravings. I opted for the Daikon, which turned out extra crispy and perfect with lashings of (very) hot sauce. Granted it was a Wednesday, but a cosmopolitan from NIO – bar-standard cocktails delivered to your door, all you need to do is add ice – was an ideal accompaniment. I almost felt like I was in an actual restaurant.
Click here to read our tools of the trade with BAO
Harriet Prior, editorial assistant

The Drapers Arms

As Autumn approaches so does roast season and few do a better job at preparing a fine Sunday feast than The Draper’s Arms. We shared a whole roast free range chicken for two or three (we were two) and it came with some excellent red cabbage, garden veggies and roast spuds. We added Yorkshire puddings to our order as we thought they were absolutely necessary. Washed down with a rather delicious bottle of Picpoul, it was quite the Sunday treat.
Ed Pettifer, head of events

BRAT

Taking advantage of a warm early-autumn evening by sitting outside at Brat x Climpson’s Arch paid off even more with a first taste of a new dish – sprat, anchovies, kokotxas, squid and sage fried in crisp tempura batter. There’s never not space for *those* smoked potatoes too, of course.
Lisa Markwell, editor

Rudy’s Leeds

After spreading their wings from Manchester and opening a Liverpool then Birmingham site, it was high time Leeds got its share of Rudy’s, the much-loved Neapolitan pizza joint from operators Mission Mars. The New Station Street site opened in February this year and has all the same charms as the original: a short, sharp, great value menu, excellent pizza (particularly the specials) and friendly service. It strikes the elusive balance of being the place to go for a nice Friday night dinner or a quick and casual lunch.
Chloe Hamilton, head of partners & memberships

To read more recipes and reviews, click here