La Bouche / Monmouth Coffee / Borough Markets / London Beer / Borough Markets / Exmouth Market / Family dinenr – Neals Yard Dairy / Housing commission / Mushroom sandwich – Broadway market / Brawn / The Marksman / Jones Dairy / Spitafields jam donoughts / Soho (central London) / Chef Joel Humphries / Housing commission / Queen of Hoxton / Allpress / London Fields / Hurwundeki / Printers & Stationers / London Bridge / Hawkesmoore Spitafields / Liverpool st station / Lounge lover / Market Cafe / East London

Lardo is what every good neighbour should be, humble and honest. With fresh ingredients that are put together in a simple, Italian kind of way. There isn’t much you could fault with the goods here. The service has that casual but very professional thing down to a tee and the chefs in the open kitchen carry through the relaxed but skilled vibe.

Being fairly small and very popular this little restaurant will normally fill up fast so either make a booking or try your luck. Bar seats allow you to watch over the kitchen whilst enjoying your antipasti, pizza or pasta. The wine selection is mainly Italian with a few delicious Spanish chucked in the mix (such as “The Flower and the Bee” or the “Vina Zorzal Graciano”). So wether coming from the neighborhood or making a special trip, Lardo will be sure to impress and make you feel instantly at home.

197-205 Richmond Rd, Hackney, London U.K.

www.lardo.co.uk

These photo’s don’t give much away . . . but neither does the place. They do however give a sense of the mystery, drama and details that makes ECC so special. Located behind an unassuming door in the middle of Chinatown, ECC would be one of my favourite places in London for a cocktail.

The second offering after ECC Paris, the London branch is just as chic and alluring. Tin roof tiles, flamingo wallpaper and teapot lights are just a few of the things that give this place it’s quirky charm. Cocktails are some of the best i’ve had, expertly and creatively put together and served in beautiful glasses by beautiful bar staff. .  . don’t know if you could ask for much more. Make sure you plan ahead and book a spot or go early on a quieter night as this small three leveled cocktail club is always in demand.

13A Gerard st, Chinatown, London. UK

www.chinatownecc.com

The latest restaurant from British Chef Mark Hix is the Shoreditch based Tramshed. The concept is simple, chicken or steak? And if there’s any need to be reminded of this, just one look at the oversized Damien Hirst artwork and you’ll quickly be reminded about what your being served.

The restaurant is big and pretty much always buzzing, with staff and customers filling the restaurant with a fun and delicious vibe. If your after a quick and easy meal with good produce, drinks and service. . . Tramshed is the perfect solution to any decision difficulties.

32 Rivington st, London. U.K.

www.chickenandsteak.co.uk

There’s something special about Jamie Oliver. I like the way he brings a sincere rustic charm to all that he does. The Jamie’s Italian in Cambridge has to be one of the best out of his widespread chain of restaurants. Perhaps it’s the old world city and it’s cobbled streets or the beautiful historic building in which it sits, but this restaurant has a charm and sensibility all of its own.

The bar which sits along the window lined street side of the restaurant and has been tastefully designed – parquetry flooring, Tom Dixon lights, hits of fuschia and green and a very decent wall of liqour. If wanting a quick and casual lunch you can request to stay in the bar and choose from the same menu as the restaurant, but that would mean missing out on the beauty and drama of the main dining room.

With a huge, high dome, aged mirrors and plenty of columns, this room will fill you with wonderment with it’s grandeur. As with all the other restaurants service is casual but professional, you waiter will have you laughing but still ensure your not waiting long for anything you need. The menu is simple and classic Italian dishes using the best of locally sourced produce.

Jamie’s Italian is unpretentious, enticing and very enjoyable. If you can’t get to Cambridge, I’m sure there’s one just around the corner from you, and I’m sure it’ worth the visit, wether to check out a beautiful interior, drink Italian prosecco or eat the biggest green olives you’ve ever seen.

The Old Library, Wheeler Street, Cambridge. U.K.

www.jamieoliver.com

Beach Without Sand / Cafe Relish / Norfolk Pine / Jo & Willy’s Depot / Miss King / la piadana / Room 10 / Room 10 / The Duke / The Newport Arms / Moshi Moshi / Bilgola Beach sunset / Miss King / Mr Goodchild / Hugo’s Pizza / Manly Ferry

Please email for any of these or more Sydney recommendations!

Only after visiting Manly Wines a couple of times did I truly appreciate what these guys offer. Service is great, laid back and knowledgeable. The wine list is very approachable and has some unusual and very interesting wines (as it should). The food is simple, fresh and easy going. The location is second to none. And the décor is bright, cheerful and quirky.

The last experience I had at Manly Wines was faultless, the sun was shining the wine was crisp cold, service was attentive and the afternoon was magical.

Manly Wines makes a perfect lunch spot! Whether a tourist or a local I’d say it’s one of the best stops in the Manly restaurant/bar circuit. And if you’ve got a soft spot for graphic design and imagery these guys do a great job at that too! Check out their website for more!

www.manlywine.com.au

8-13 South Steyne, Manly, Sydney. AUS

Driving to The Boathouse you feel like your heading to the end of the earth, but once you’ll get there you’ll find your actually in paradise. Set on the Pittwater side of Palm Beach the friendly, colourful and enchanting Boathouse will capture you for hours.

With a short seaside inspired food and wine list, it’ll be easy to make your choice and the staff at the counters will only serve to enhance your dining experience. Grab a seat inside in the cool interior filled with flowers, wood, and lolly jars or head outside onto the water surrounded patio.

Tables are all quite large, so chances are you’ll probably end up sitting next to, and talking to other people, which is often the case on the Northern Beaches.

Given the off the road location this can feel like quite a little local find, however come here on any day during summer and you could be waiting hours for a table alone . . . can’t say it’s a bad place to be waiting though.

Barrenjoey Boathouse, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, NSW. AUS

www.theboathousepb.com.au

Just next door (from Mr Wong’s) and down below the city you’ll find the little den known as Palmer and Co. With a strongly pulled off concept, obviously taken from the speakeasy cocktail bars of the 1920′, this bar is complete with mug shots and flapper dresses. Lots of timber, amber lighting and wire cages gives the place a rustic ‘rawness’ adding to the authentic and intoxicating ambience. Friendly, knowledgeable (and good looking) staff give cred to the simple but successful cocktail list.

Although I haven’t personally been here during peak periods, i’ve heard this little bar can sure hold its liquor, and patrons. So much so in fact that they won the Time Out Best Cocktail Bar award for 2013. As more and more hidden bars are popping up all over Sydney, this subterranean speakeasy is definitely worth a visit and cocktail.

Abecrombie Lane, Sydney, NSW. AUS

www.merivale.com.au/palmerandco

You can’t really deny that whatever establishment the Merivale group open, they do it well, and one of their newest venture’s Mr Wong is no different. Occupying the very impressive old nightclub space that was Tank, Mr Wong sits over two levels in the heart of the city.

Walking through the doors on Bridge Lane you’ll be whisked away to a colonial chinese/cantonese fairy tale. Every detail here has been thought about, every patch of wall, seat, glass, toilet and light has been decorated to ensure that all reality has been whisked away from your mind.

The food, wine list and service is just as impressive. With a good list of dim sum to start you off you’ll quickly be reviewing the menu for the more filling dishes such as Sweet and Sour crispy pork hock. The service couldn’t of been better. From the Maitre D, manager and every waiter we were greeted with knowledge and friendliness.

Mr Wong is a new Sydney must, one of our best (and biggest) new eateries – just make sure you book, or get in early, the 250 seats get filled surprisingly fast.

3 Bridge Lane, Sydney, NSW. AUS

www.merivale.com.au/mrwong