Nick Lander

4 days ago | jancisrobinson.com | Nick Lander

Where to go if you're hungry and well heeled in Knightsbridge. This hotel kitchen has seen an impressive roll call of chefs, probably unparalleled in London, or even in any other city. The list began in 1971 when the late Richard Shepherd was appointed ‘chef de cuisine’ (kitchen titles were all in French in the UK 50 years ago).

1 week ago | jancisrobinson.com | Nick Lander

Casual but top-quality eating in the Japanese capital, with shades of Paris. Tokyo is a fascinating city. Its population of over 37 million makes it the world’s largest and it probably boasts restaurants with as many different styles of cooking as there are in London. The influence of France on its cooking style has been obvious for the past 50 years while young Japanese chefs have been making their presence felt in the restaurants of Paris for a good 30 years.

2 weeks ago | jancisrobinson.com | Nick Lander

Not strictly a restaurant review, but a look at food and drink in the air on a (very) long flight. Above, the first of three courses served by Japan Airlines. I recently flew business class from London to Tokyo on Japan Airlines and then back again in the same class on British Airways. What follows is a comparison of the food and drink on offer in both. I have some experience of airline catering.

3 weeks ago | jancisrobinson.com | Nick Lander

Michelin stars, eel and a profusion of sakes as the cherry blossom faded. The prevailing mood of any customer arriving at any restaurant can greatly influence how they will enjoy their next couple of hours. I have never forgotten a restaurant review from 30 years ago whose headline was WIC – words in car – referring to the often-heated discussion between a couple as they drove to the restaurant.

1 month ago | jancisrobinson.com | Nick Lander

A strong recommendation of a decidedly Italianate restaurant with rooms. These photographs taken in opposite directions could surely have been taken in Tuscany. The entrance to the restaurant under a pergola is bright and verdant, and the sunlight is pouring in; just to the left of the lower picture there is even a vine. In the other direction, way past the chef working away, there are the beginnings of a swimming pool. The short menu is also decidedly Italian.