FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
BAR BATTU OPENS ON GRESHAM STREET
The City’s latest bar and bistro to open is Bar Battu on Gresham Street (it used to be Molloy’s). For décor, think loft-style chic: exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood flooring, industrial lights and plenty of banquettes. Chef Sydney Aldridge, an alumnus of Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, is offering dishes like snail and ox cheek ragout, crab and celeriac remoulade and prune tart with Armagnac. 48 Gresham Street, EC2V 7AY www.barbattu.com
CHOCOLATE MEETS WINE
In honour of the fact that this week is National Chocolate Week, Covent Garden’s exceedingly romantic gem of a restaurant, Clos Maggiore, is running a menu pairing chocolate and wine (£95 including wine). The six-course menu includes roasted foie gras with poached rhubarb and dark chocolate, pan roasted halibut with white chocolate and caviar beurre blanc, and roasted venison fillet with a bitter chocolate sauce, all matched with particular vintages from Clos Maggiore’s rather fabulous cellar. 3 King Street, WC2E 8JD www.closmaggiore.com
OXO TOWER’S NEW BAR
Over on Southbank, those who enjoy a stunning view while downing cocktails will be able to make the most of a new bar opening in the OXO Tower next month. The place will have an interior in the style of classic cruise liners, and a cocktail list apparently inspired by Victorian pleasure boats. OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH www.harveynichols.com