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Bibi - Food Writer

@bibiroy

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Events / Marketing Manager @atulkochharrestaurants
Food Critic living with dyslexia.
Follow my Single Dining Series!

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Last night I visited newly opened @tresindmayfair where I tried the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Full review to follow but I wanted you all to see the level of commitment that goes into their superb ‘Khichdi of India’ served with sweet yoghurt and crushed papad.
The elements are vast and with each taste you experience all of the flavours of India in one harmonious bowlful. What a dish.
To the whole team, I thank you for an incredible evening, full of surprises and joy. 🙏

Instagram / Viral / Post / Comments / Creative / Versus / Authenticity taken in Tresind Mayfair by @bibiroy

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5 months ago

Single Dining Series - The Ritz, London.
On a day when I had received some somber news, I was in two minds whether to dine at my favourite restaurant in London, but I heard my father’s voice telling me to live life to the fullest, and never compromise on happiness when it presents itself.
Sitting in this beautiful room amidst the unmistakable rose blush carpet, gold leaf and opulent Rococo ceiling, I found myself being embraced by what can only be described as a team hug, except they came in individual bouts, ready to prevent an unstoppable eye-welling situation.
Such passion do I feel for this place and its people. Some have come and gone, but their legacy remains and inhabits every part of the building.
One by one I am greeted by friends, old and new whose prime aim is to bring me joy through an experience that simply cannot be matched elsewhere.
The intricacies of dishes so consistent in execution, have me thrilled each time I dine, each becoming a signature in their own right. Take the entrées, three of which are classics hardly ever changing and if so how would one even attempt to replace a perfectly delightful Ragstone cheese mousse, a tongue-melting coronation chicken tuile or duck liver parfait, sour cherry gingerbread, without cheating guests of such a divine beginning. And if two further canapés, tartare of beef, crème fraiche and imperial caviar, aside smoked sea trout, menton lemon, horseradish and dill were to disappear I feel a riot may ensue.
More crème fraiche and imperial caviar complement the most elegant Dorset Crab. Memories of the best times here with @johnwilliamschef appear in his thirty year legacy plate, Langoustine À la Nage, unbeatable.
Veal Sweetbread, a surprise from @deepak_mallya93 adorned with morels, green asparagus truffle and Parmesan sauces, shows decadence with no bounds.
Wild Sea Bass in a saffron bouillabaisse and braised fennel, the extravagance continues.
A refreshing Granny Smith apple pre-dessert followed by a breathtaking, pride-worthy Yorkshire poached rhubarb art creation, by @lewiswilsonpastry and @myles_chouxmaker leaves me in no doubt, this is still the finest dining room of “gliding swans” I cherish. taken in The Ritz London by @bibiroy

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7 months ago

First look at the new @theritzlondon taken in The Ritz London by @bibiroy

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5 months ago

Single Dining Experience @cafelounge.kent
I’m invited to the new TWells arm by Marianna, manager of this and their sites in Rochester and Meopham.
Beautifully designed, open 8-5, almost a nostalgic homage to Cafe Richoux in Knightsbridge, all Californian, light woods, comfy banquettes and pastel cushions.
The first thing I notice is how female centric the team is. Even the first page of their vast menu has a very cute picture of two girl pals on it. There are literally no male servers except the baristas and chefs.
It takes me a while to rifle through the leather-bound booklet, 20 pages, full of ideas to keep you coming back. They have covered all the trends with beauty & glam shakes, light breakfasts, full too, extras, brunch sandwiches & wraps, salads, burgers, smoothies, shakes including jab-friendly protein ones, wellness options, Matcha, ugh go on then, I order a banana bread version and Lounge Brunch.
The pork sausage is delicious. Strangely one runny egg and one medium, but I don’t mind. The French Toast has a lovely fluffiness and masses of fruit by it. Plantain is divine, nice touch.
A Mediterranean feel this place has. I find out the chefs are Turkish hence all of the available substitutions and variety on the plate. They know what they’re doing in that big kitchen downstairs. Service is very slick, portion sizes big, clearly looking to affect the competition.
The towering sourdough, avo n scrambled is in abundance. Lots of oohs and aahs ensue.
I’m sorry the matcha with its homemade syrup is demanding I order an Earl Grey. The huge blackberry-shaped cup, cute though it is, is quite hard to drink out of. Pretty but impractical. I push through it looking for a cleansing palate balance. I’ve been very naughty but really have enjoyed it.
I have to say, I love the diversity of the workforce, without whom this industry really would fall apart.
Marianna and Jenny particularly impress me, handling a very busy service with a long queue outside.
Cafe Lounge will definitely be popular with the influencer crowd, ladies that lunch, family breakfast lot, mates after or before the gym.
Success is their game and I think they’ll win! taken in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent by @bibiroy

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7 hours ago

2 years of @essence.pantiles and @indianessenceak with the incomparable @chefatulkochhar and Jeet.

It started with a conversation pre 2019 about opening a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells, after a very successful Pub In The Park festival. I was working with Mappin & Webb / Rolex whilst continuing my freelance critic and hospitality consultancy.

Who’d have known that I’d end up working directly for
these two marvellous chaps. Chef you teach me something new everyday and Jeet your commitment and sheer hard work is unfailing. An inspiration you both are.

Here’s to the next adventure as our Kent family grows.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 🫶 taken in Essence at The Pantiles by Atul Kochhar by @bibiroy

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6 days ago

@theritzlondon always holds a special place for me.
The food of course is exceptional, the atmosphere and ambience are second to none.
So many birthdays spent here and you may ask why.

Every time I will answer the same. It’s the people.
From the friendly smiles at the door, those white gloved legends we all know, the welcome at the cloakroom, through the glass doors to Simon, Sal, Luigi, Enzo, Kevin, Giuseppe and the many faces that greet me like family.

And more, torque blanched ambassadors of perfection, Chef John Williams, Deepak, Lewis, Ian, so many names of the incredible team who create sheer magic behind a room of gliding swans.

Could there be a finer dining room in London? I don’t think so.

Thank you once again, my dear Ritz Family, another year passes with memories to cherish.

@johnwilliamschef @deepak_mallya93 @enzo_naples_1926 @kevinricoucarronbrown @pepp1926s @lewiswilsonpastry @maisie_b_bakes @lewisjackson_pastry @chefianmusgrave @salgowili taken in The Ritz London by @bibiroy

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19 days ago

I’m home.
There is no place like @theritzlondon
Thank you for always treating me like family.
Literally everyone whom has ever known me over the years that is here today, has come to my table to say hello.
I am overwhelmed with your kindness.
#ritzfamily
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@johnwilliamschef @deepak_mallya93 @chefianmusgrave @lewiswilsonpastry @myles_chouxmaker @kumikouk @thewellheeledchef @enzo_naples_1926 @teobg88 #luigicagnin @kevinricou #jacomo @salgowili @pepp1926s by @bibiroy

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2 years ago

The 2025 edit!
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without this wonderful bunch of people. A second family to me!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
@johnwilliamschef @deepak_mallya93 @lewiswilsonpastry @chefianmusgrave Simon, Luigi, @enzo_naples_1926 @pepp1926s @giacomo_monti @kumikouk @myles_chouxmaker @kevinricou @teobg88 @theritztalent you’re all so very dear to me.
What a celebration of talent and perfection. 🙏 taken in The Ritz London by @bibiroy

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10 months ago

Single Dining Series - Easter at The Ritz
Easter is a very special time of year @theritzlondon Families gather together, friends reunite and I make my way to my favourite dining room in London, one to deliver bagfuls of eggs to the team in the hope they will have enough time for an Easter Egg hunt and two to see their beautiful creation in the lobby; but this year it’s different.
They are moving to a new building next door in May, whilst renovations begin for many months. Sad am I not to see the always spectacular installation, last year @kumikouk and her Japanese cherry blossom homage left me speechless. I am not disappointed though as @myles_chouxmaker has saved me a dazzling egg, fit for a queen. See highlight for the full ensemble.
@deepak_mallya93 your sheer attention to detail is exceptional. The consistency and execution never fails to impress, gliding me through an epicurean feast of an elegant Datterini tomato consommé, Dorset Crab, À la Nage Langoustine from @johnwilliamschef to the most glorious veal sweetbread, the dual parmesan and truffle sauces a guilty pleasure, theatrical Crêpes Suzette lead onto a memorable art inspired @lewiswilsonpastry @maisie_b_bakes @lewisjackson_pastry Yorkshire poached rhubarb dessert. I wander down to the kitchen and find the team standing with their little eggs on Deepak’s instruction, it’s customary to have a picture now, if only to see how we’ve changed over the years. Nice to catch you @maisie_b_bakes @lewisjackson_pastry strong on chocolate they are and @chefianmusgrave constantly on the move.
My friends you manage to make every visit a joy. I await my trip to the new location with excitement and run off to find Luigi, @giacomo_monti @kevinricou and @pepp1926s for an obligatory catchup. After all one must spend time with family, that includes you @enzo_naples_1926
Until we meet again…. taken in The Ritz London by @bibiroy

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6 months ago

This week I am back @theritzlondon for my penultimate fine, Single Dining Series.
If last years was anything to go by, it will be a meal to remember in the company of in my humble opinion, the ones who set the bar in this wonderful industry.
When you don’t have to be asked what table you wish to be seated at because they already know, when your favourite champagne magically appears and there’s no menu to be found until the end of the meal, because Chef already knows all of your favourite dishes and what will be your new ones to treasure, that’s putting “clear water”, between yourselves and the competition.
Some have come close, they know who they are, but this is without doubt the finest dining room in London.
@johnwilliamschef once alluded, whatever business is going on in the kitchen downstairs, upstairs should feel like a room of gliding swans. Mission accomplished I say.
I’m not rich by any means. I could be criticised for indulging in the extravagance of it all, but I would rather save all year for the best experience ever than have a mediocre one. It’s mine to choose and I highly recommend the thrill! taken in Ritz Restaurant, the Ritz, London by @bibiroy

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a year ago

I’ve never been a reel expert but I had to share this with you all. My dessert @theritzlondon on my recent visit.
@lewiswilsonpastry your team are the finest.

#theritzrestaurantlondon #mypeoplepassionsandfood taken in The Ritz London by @bibiroy

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7 months ago

Just pics of moi enjoying lunch @tallow_restaurant and one huge cake from Donna.
Cant think of a better way to start birthday week with my dearest friends Sue and Clive and my mama enjoying Rob’s incredible food.
Feeling older…. and hopefully wiser n blessed to have you all in my life.
Thanks for capturing Sue. My face is a picture! 😂🥰 by @bibiroy

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20 days ago