 More specifically, the celebration hopes to raise awareness among young people of the British “food revolution” that is currently taking hold, not only in our capital city but also throughout the UK. In short, the fortnight promises to serve up a veritable gourmet experience of all that is best about British food and drinks.
British food and drinks, according to the organisers, boast a proud pedigree “as ancient as our castles and … (as) much a part of the tapestry of our heritage”. The focus, during the fortnight, is on highlighting the rich history and diversity of home-grown, regional produce, as well as its use in modern British cooking. To this end, the event has enlisted the help of some of Britain’s top chefs, restaurateurs and publicans, producers and retailers of quality British food to host special events and activities in schools across Britain. The idea, of course, is to introduce today’s youth to the niceties of the best of British food and drink.
So, what’s on offer for Britain’s future generation of discerning young diners? For starters, the fortnight will provide a whole feast of food-centred activities, designed to whet the appetites of the British public, in general, and its youngsters, in particular. The overriding objective, however, is to appeal to (and possibly educate) the already jaded palates of much of today’s youth. At the very least, British Food Fortnight should succeed in broadening school kids’ culinary horizons “beyond the chicken nugget”.
With taste buds drooling, why not head for one of London’s many restaurants with a fine reputation for British cuisine – the type of establishments that place a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal, local produce? With so much fine British fodder out there to tempt us, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining British. Try, for example:
Global, 350 Old York Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1SS: offers an impressive array of both modern and traditional British dishes, as well as great local ambience.
Guinea Grill, 30 Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NL: for British food at its best, you’d be hard pressed to beat the freshly prepared food served up at the Guinea Grill.
King’s Restaurant, 48 Queensborough Terrace, London, W2 3SJ: for quality, value-for-money British food.
Metropolitan, 60 Great Western Road, London, W11 1AB: this popular London pub also boasts a charming first floor restaurant, serving European food with British influences – the best, in fact of both worlds!
Notting Grill, 123a Clarendon Road, London, W11 4JG: for modern British cuisine in trendy surroundings.
Rhodes 24, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HQ: stunning panoramic views and an enticing modern British/European menu.
River Walk Restaurant, Barge House Street, 2nd Floor, Oxo Tower, London, SE1 9PH: more amazing views and a delightful British menu.
The Abbeville, 67/69 Abbeville Road, Clapham, London SW4 9JW: for generous portions of quality, comfort food in relaxed surroundings.
The Bevis, 19 Bevis Marks, London, EC3 5DQ: for modern British cuisine with Middle Eastern and traditional Jewish influences.
The Rib Room & Oyster Bar, Carlton Tower Hotel, Cadogan Place, London, SW1X 9PY: offers both superb traditional and modern British cooking.
Veronica’s, 3 Hereford Road, London, W2 4AB: acclaimed for its award-winning British cuisine, with recipes both ancient and modern.
As in previous years, British Food Fortnight 2004 is likely to prove a huge success and a major celebration of the mouth-watering diversity and quality of British produce.
Next time you book a restaurant table, why not be patriotic and book British!
|
