Six places to know right now…

One Club Row: “Martinis, burgers, chaos – just the right amount of it.” – Henry

The Dover: “That sleek, sexy NYC look with a menu that matches.” – Henry

AngloThai: “Wonderful Thai food that’s worth the hype.” – Ryan

The Fat Badger: “Great food, live music, and late-night energy in pub form.” – Henry

Singburi: “Another great Thai spot that recently relocated to Shoreditch. Check out the newly opened nearby bar Waltz afterwards.” – Ryan

The Devonshire: “Still packed 18 months after opening, and still delivering. The food really is good.” – Henry

And some pro verdicts on the latest micro-trends…

Caviar bumps?

“Yes, if real caviar. The good stuff is expensive, and should be! I’d rather have roe than fake caviar.” – Ryan

“I hate myself every time I do one, but they’re fun. As long as someone else is paying…” – Henry

“Not into it. It’s a handy way to eat it, but not really my vibe.” – François

Crisps as a starter?

“Completely acceptable. So long as they’re high quality, like those expensive Spanish crisps.” – François

“No. They’re a great pub or bar snack, but not a starter.” – Ryan

Dubai chocolate?

“Honestly, no. If I see one more person revealing whatever that green substance is inside, I will spiral out of control.” – Henry

“I’ve never had it, but I’ve also never heard anyone actually speak well of it.” – Ryan

Sandwiches?

“An absolute win. Go to Max’s Sandwich Shop or Dom’s Subs. I’m also happy to see more people making them properly.” – Ryan

“I'm a sandwich aficionado, so I like to think they never left. You can learn a lot about someone from their sandwich choice.” – Henry

“Love it. The sandwich should never have fallen out of favour. It’s a beautiful way of eating.” – François

Mid-strength drinks?

“It’s a highball! They’re great. Talk to your local bartender and they’ll set up the right drink for you.” – Ryan

“No. Either drink or don’t drink – there are lots of non-alcoholic options. I'm more interested in mini martinis, which are everywhere. What a lovely way to start dinner.” – Henry

“I’m into it. Low-alcohol is a good thing—it gives people a chance to flex their drinks options outside the usual suspects.” – François

Fries with a martini?

“The best. There’s a reason we made this combo for our Bébé Bob collab.” – Ryan

“That’s us, we do that at Café François. Something greasy with a lovely martini to cut through – it’s a great combo.” – François

“Name a more iconic duo.” – Henry

Protein everything?

“A lot of people on the internet are not experts. Nutrition is a very complicated (and fraught) science – definitely don’t listen to the ‘cool kids’ over doctors. You don’t need to pile protein into everything.” – Ryan

“Big gym bro energy, so definitely not for me.” – Henry

School-dinner comfort food?

“Win! I love the new wave, but I’m glad old-school British dishes are getting the kudos they’ve always deserved.” – Ryan

“It’s a bit of fun, so long as it’s done well.” – Henry

Long lunches?

“I’d like to say yes, but probably not. The whole business lunch arena has shifted. We still get them, but not as much as we’d like. People are more health conscious and aware of how they work these days.” – François

“God, I hope so. London needs to have fun again. I hear stories of raucous lunches at the likes of Langan's and The Wolseley. Let’s bring those back, please.” – Henry

“London’s constant chaos could learn heaps from the wonderful custom of long lunches you find in Madrid, Mexico City, Paris etc.” – Ryan

The Hugo spritz?

“Spritzes are great summer drinks —and they have been for decades, especially in Italy. The Hugo Spritz is a wonderful version of this and should be part of your drinks repertoire, but don’t make it your personality.” – Ryan

“Yes, but anyone who says Aperol spritz doesn’t taste good is wrong.” – Henry

The cottage cheese comeback? 

“Sounds make-believe… Fresh cheese is rad though.” – Ryan

“I find this repulsive. Not something I’ll be engaging with.” – Henry

Follow @MrLyan, @IAmHenrySouthan & visit MaisonFrancois.London