Ellie Donnell

London

Managing Editor at Square Meal

Reviewer @edfringe_review

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squaremeal.co.uk

Articles

IKEA reveals opening date of new Oxford Street store - including a 130-seat Swedish deli

2 months ago | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

The moment Londoners have been waiting for has finally arrived. IKEA has announced the opening date of its massive new Oxford Street store, which will officially open on 1 May 2025. More importantly, the new opening hails the arrival of a 130-seater Swedish deli where shoppers can refuel after some intense home retail therapy with a plate of meatballs and mash.
The best Mother's Day afternoon teas in London and the UK

Mar 3, 2025 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

If you’re looking for a special way to treat mum this year, you can’t go far wrong with a tiered cake stand loaded with sandwiches, scones and cakes. Indulgence should be part and parcel of Mothering Sunday celebrations, and our pick of the best Mother’s Day afternoon teas in London and the UK includes all sorts of experiences, from traditional offerings served in country houses, to a luxurious menu created by a Bake Off: The Professionals pastry chef.
'A brighter, more inclusive future’: 70 female chefs sign open letter against sexism and inequality in hospitality

Feb 20, 2025 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

The conversation surrounding sexism in the hospitality industry has gained momentum this week as 70 female chefs signed an open letter calling for an end to inequality in restaurants. The letter was penned by The Pem head chef Sally Abé, Tiella founder Dara Klein and chef and Sunday Times bestseller Poppy O’ Toole in response to an interview published this week by The Times in which Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton said that sexism is no longer a problem within hospitality.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants to acquire legendary Mayfair spot Le Gavroche

Feb 14, 2025 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants is set to take over legendary Mayfair restaurant Le Gavroche as Union Street Cafe – one of the group’s associated companies – acquired the license to the site this week. Westminster City Council shared the news about the license on its website, revealing that the restaurant is looking to take on the keys to what was formerly the Roux family's legendary French restaurant on 43 Upper Street.
15 best large wedding venues in London for grand celebrations

Feb 11, 2025 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

Planning a big wedding? Our list of the best large wedding venues in London includes a diverse range of options suited to couples who are planning a grand celebration. From historic halls home to soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers, to stylish restaurants where the food is as impressive as the space itself, the capital is packed with spectacular large-capacity venues, with something to suit every style of wedding.
Sat Bains interview: ‘I think stagnation is death’

Jan 20, 2025 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

Who have been your biggest influences? Marco Pierre White, The Roux's, Pierre Koffman, Nico Ladenis, Raymond Blanc. If you could give someone just starting out some words of wisdom, what would they be? I was given these words once, and they've stood the test of time: write down a five-year and ten-year plan and assess it each year. Be brutally honest with yourself. What's your favourite thing to cook at home? Chicken. Do you have a guilty pleasure? I love Dairy Milk chocolate.
Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks loses £25,000 of pies in shock robbery

Dec 1, 2024 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

Tommy Banks has been the victim of a major robbery with the chef revealing he’s been fleeced of £25,000 worth of luxury pies. The chef, who runs Michelin-starred restaurants The Black Swan at Oldstead and Roots in Yorkshire, took to Instagram on 2 December to explain that a van carrying 2,500 handmade pies had been stolen. The van had been filled with the pies in preparation to be delivered to his pie shop at York Christmas Market.
The best hotels with Michelin star restaurants in London and the UK

Nov 7, 2024 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

The best part of a holiday is the food, everyone knows that, and these hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants are here to elevate your next gastronomic getaway to new heights. What could be better than spending a night or two in an impeccably furnished room, with the promise of a spectacular meal just a few strides away? Better still, is knowing that you can saunter back to said room after enjoying some of the best cooking in the country.
IKEA opens first-ever restaurant in London serving meatballs and a 95p kids' meal

Oct 31, 2024 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

This is not a drill. IKEA has officially opened its first-ever standalone London restaurant, launching in Hammersmith, West London, next door to its IKEA Hammersmith store. The first of its kind to open on the UK high street, the restaurant has taken over what was formerly a Wasabi, seating 75 diners across a bright and spacious dining room. Naturally, the brand is serving up its famous meatballs for hungry customers to enjoy whenever they fancy.
Jamie Oliver to open a Cafe and Cookery School at unlikely central London location

Oct 25, 2024 | squaremeal.co.uk | Ellie Donnell

Jamie Oliver is launching a flagship Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Cafe at John Lewis on Oxford Street. The new Cookery School is his first project since opening Jamie Oliver Catherine St in Covent Garden and will host more than 40 classes across a range of cuisines and dishes, including Peruvian ceviche, Italian ravioli and Vietnamese street food.