Food & Drink

Croydon has been awash with excitement since Birch (Selsdon) opened in Selsdon. Known as Selsdon Park Hotel for many generations, this new incarnation promises something very different.

Give your chocolate tarte an upgrade, with a chocolate biscuit base and velvety white ganache, topped with dark chocolate and After Eights. This is mint heaven.

Good breakfast spots are a rare find in London these days. Luckily for me, my neighbourhood cafe is one of the good guys.

Another cracker of a recipe from renowned chef, Mark Hix. These juicy, moreish, meatballs are packed full of flavour.

English apple season starts in autumn, so it’s the perfect time to be buying and enjoying this home-grown produce. 21st October marks UK Apple Day so lots of time to practice some recipes.

If you don’t fancy foraging produce, Tracklements has done the hard work for you with its new vegan and gluten-free Special Edition English Hedgerow Chutney.

Created by star chef Mark Aisthorpe of Great British Menu fame, the show-stopping recipe is the perfect choice if you’re looking to impress your guests!

The biggest question I had last week was whether I’d be able to find my way to Morty & Bob’s at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross in time to make my table? The short answer is, no.

The Jones Family Kitchen conjures up images of at least two generations of a family working side by side. This was the only disappointment of the night.

These buttery crumb bars are filled with mixed berries and a touch of lemon. This simple recipe uses the same mixture for the crust and topping making it an dessert you can whip up all summer long.

The coming home of two brothers, Craig and Shaun McAnuff from Thornton Heath, who have realised their dream of a food empire in less than a decade.

Shirley the founder of Shirley’s Jollof Paste has revolutionised a traditional West African Cuisine that usually takes 2hrs to cook without compromising on the Authentic taste and flavour.

PAPRIKA CORN ON THE COB Prep: 10 minutes | Cook:10 minutes | Serves 4 Ingredients • 4 corn on the

Portuguese food has taken London by storm in the past year, and the Algarvian dish of Peri-Peri chicken remains as popular as ever.

The Spinach team clearly cares about the customer experience and puts it at the forefront of everything it does.

Paloma has a special occasion feel about it, with luxury and highly stylised interior but the location makes it feel accessible.

Rajiv’s Kitchen is a superb lunch spot, but you’d better get to the Crooked Well pub in Camberwell quickly as his pop-up is only due to last until September.

First dates, birthdays, meetings – all of the above were happening during my visit – which shows that locals, and perhaps out-of towners, have taken it to their hearts in the near six months since opening.

Indulge in the exotic flavours of the tropics with this irresistible tropical fruit cake. Bursting with the goodness of ripe bananas, juicy mangoes and tangy pineapple, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.