FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
QUAGLINO’S BACK ON FORM
Quaglino’s, the vast St James’s dining establishment that was the fashionable cornerstone of the Conran empire in the nineties, is aiming to bring back the buzz with a new chef, an enhanced look and a bit of live entertainment. Belgian cook Konrad Inghelram arrives having worked at Michelin-starred establishments back home, and will be looking to apply a bit of magic to Quaglino’s brasserie-style food. Light projections, flower arrangements and new paintings are jazzing up the look, while live music events take place in the glam cocktail bar. 16 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AJ, 020 7930 6767, www.quaglinos.co.uk.
TUSCANY COMES TO HARRODS
Harrods has a brand new Italian restaurant and wine bar. Dei Frescobaldi is run by the Florentine wine producer of the same name, and promises to bring the taste of Tuscany to store’s diners. And of course, expect a superlative wine list. Harrods, 81-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, www.harrods.com
THE CITY’S NEW CHINESE RESTAURANT
Chinese Cricket Club is likely to become a City favourite, located as it is in the Crowne Plaza Hotel by Blackfriars. Sichuan specialities “with a modern twist” are the order of the day. The name, by the way, is in honour of the newly-formed Chinese national cricket team. 19 New Bridge St, EC4V 6DB, 020 7438 8051, www.chinesecricketclub.com
ALL CHANGE AT ALBANNACH
Smart Scottish bar Albannach – a real treasure trove for whiskey fans – has undergone a plush refurbishment. It’s got a slightly more sophisticated look now, and has opened the A Lounge, a basement bar specialising in whisky cocktails that’s open until 3am. There’s also a new menu upstairs, focusing on grilled fish and meats. 66 Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS. 020 7930 0066, www.albannach.co.uk