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Sajid slams Sunak

Over the weekend, senior party figures failed to fully condemn Anderson despite his suspension, including Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps…reports Asian Lite News

London’s mayor has accused Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of “tacit endorsement” of Islamophobia in his Conservative Party.

Sadiq Khan’s accusation came after the “belated” suspension of Conservative MP Lee Anderson, who refused to apologize for saying in a TV interview that “Islamists” had “got control” of the mayor.

“I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London,” Anderson told GB News. “He’s actually given our capital city away to his mates.”

Khan said Muslims are considered “fair game” for prejudice by the Conservatives.

It comes amid a series of scandals for the governing party after its former leader Liz Truss attended a major conservative conference in the US where she appeared on a panel at which British far-right figure Tommy Robinson was praised, and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman penned an article for the Daily Telegraph suggesting “Islamists” are “in charge” of the UK.

Over the weekend, senior party figures failed to fully condemn Anderson despite his suspension, including Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.

Khan said: “Blatant anti-Muslim hatred is being tolerated from top to bottom of the party, with everyone from ministers to mayoral candidates failing to condemn even the most clear-cut examples of bigotry and racism.”

He added: “Anderson’s comments have poured petrol on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred … The message it sends is some forms of hatred and racism are acceptable. Enough is enough.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Sunak has “extremists” in his party acting “with impunity.” Labour Chair Anneliese Dodds said in a letter to her Conservative counterpart Richard Holden that Anderson’s comments are “unambiguously Islamophobic, divisive and damaging.”

She cited other incidents of Islamophobia in the governing part, including London mayoral candidate Susan Hall’s suggestion that Jewish Londoners were “frightened” of Khan’s “divisive attitude” in October, and Conservative MP Nus Ghani saying she was told her “Muslimness” made “colleagues uncomfortable” by an unnamed party official in 2020.

Truss, meanwhile, has been criticized by former Chancellor Sir Sajid Javid for failing to address comments made by US conservative figure Steve Bannon at the Conservative Political Action Conference in which he called Robinson a “hero.”

ALSO READ-Indian delegation to visit London to resolve FTA issues

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Indian delegation to visit London to resolve FTA issues

UK & India(grab)

A TRQ allows a lower tariff rate on imports of a given product up to a specified quantity. New Delhi is said to be considering a concessional tariff of 30 percent on 2,500 electric vehicles imported annually from the UK priced above $80,000…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation from India, led by Commerce Secretary Sunil Kumar Barthwal, is likely to be in London from February 21-24 to conduct another round of negotiations on the proposed Foreign Trade Agreement (FTA) with United Kingdom (UK) as disagreements remain over certain aspects of market access, an Indian government official told Moneycontrol.

“FTA talks may go on for longer, if outstanding issues remain unresolved even as India looks to conclude negotiations before general elections schedule in April-May 2024”, the official added.

According to the official, these outstanding issues include UK’s reluctance over India’s stand that British automakers have to increase utilisation of local components in their vehicles to 45 percent to get concessions from New Delhi.

India has been mulling Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) to meet the UK’s demand for a reduction in import duties on electric vehicles from Britain as part of the trade deal. The two sides are also yet to agree on Britain’s demand for an import duty cut on its whisky, the official added.

A TRQ allows a lower tariff rate on imports of a given product up to a specified quantity. New Delhi is said to be considering a concessional tariff of 30 percent on 2,500 electric vehicles imported annually from the UK priced above $80,000.

Commerce Secretary on February 15 said that India will safeguard the interest of farmers as well as goods covered under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme while aiming for commercial gains through the proposed FTA with UK.

“Majority of the chapters are either closed or are at advanced stage of negotiations. Recently, a high-level UK delegation visited India (23rd-25th January 2024) and discussions were held at higher level as well as team level to iron out differences,” the commerce ministry said on February 15.

The FTA between India and the UK, negotiations for which were launched on January 2022, was originally slated for Diwali 2022. There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights. So far, 14 round of talks have been conducted between the two sides.

ALSO READ-India, EU Set to Begin Seventh Round of FTA Talks

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Freer to give up seat in Jewish area of London over threats

People walk on a street in London, Britain, May 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying/IANS)

Freer, a member of the governing Conservative Party, has campaigned against antisemitism and previously described himself as pro-Israel…reports Asian Lite News

British lawmaker Mike Freer, who represents an area in London with a large Jewish population, said he would be giving up his parliamentary seat at the next election after receiving a series of threats, including an arson attack on his office.

Freer, who is not Jewish, has represented the Finchley and Golders Green constituency since 2010. He cited “several serious threats to my personal safety” in a letter explaining his decision not to seek re-election later this year.

A man who went on to kill lawmaker David Amess in 2021 in what he said was revenge for the lawmaker’s support for air strikes on Syria also carried out reconnaissance at Freer’s office prior to that attack.

In a separate interview with the Daily Mail, Freer said: “There comes a point when the threats to your personal safety become too much and also too much for our spouses and our family.”

Reports of antisemitic abuse in Britain have risen sharply in the months following the Oct. 7 Hamas assault in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and triggered an Israeli military onslaught in Gaza.

Freer, a member of the governing Conservative Party, has campaigned against antisemitism and previously described himself as pro-Israel.

Asked whether he felt antisemitism had motivated some of the threats and abuse he received, Freer told the Daily Mail it was hard to discount that in some cases.

“Whether people make a threat because they think I’m Jewish, or because of my views on the Middle East, who really knows? But clearly, my constituency is at the sharp end of antisemitism,” he said.

ALSO READ-Cameron, Hungarian FM visit Lebanese officials

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The King of Bhangra To Perform in London

The King of Bhangra + New Soundz at the Southbank Centre’s First South Asian Sounds Festival 7-10 March 2024…reports Asian Lite News

Over four days from the 7th to the 10th of March 2024, London’s Southbank Centre presents the inaugural South Asian Sounds festival: a diverse programme reflecting the wealth of talented South Asian musicians and artists. Artists from the South Asian diaspora have been carefully curated to present audiences with a stunning range of classical and contemporary music that reflects the diversity of the region and its people.

The South Asian Sounds festival has been developed in co-ordination with the UK’s leading South Asian booking agencies, including Bristol based and globally renowned Asian Arts Agency. Its special programme provides a snapshot of the diversity of South Asian music including the King of Bhangra, Malkit Singh, beatboxer and DJ, Jason Singh and avant garde jazz musician, Sarathy Korwar.

Jason Singh and Sarathy Korwar

Malkit Singh MBE Golden Star takes to the stage for South Asian Sounds’ Friday night’s premiere event at the Royal Festival Hall. From ‘Outstanding Achievement’ at the Brit Asia TV Music Awards to being honoured on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars, Malkit Singh’s is a performance and recording icon.

Vocal performances that shot Malkit Singh to extraordinary heights of international fame include the hit song from which Malkit takes his moniker ‘Kali Ainak’ (‘Golden Star’) and ‘Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha’ and ‘Tutak Tutak Toothiyan’. The latter song was penned by Veer Rahimpuri and became the fastest selling and most successful Bhangra single at the time. Malkit’s performances on ‘Chal Hun’ and ‘Jind Mahi featured on the movie soundtrack for ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Malkit Singh MBE was listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest selling bhangra solo artist of all time and is acknowledged internationally for taking Punjabi folk music onto a world stage. In 2008, Malkit Singh became the first Punjabi singer to be honoured with an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II.

New Soundz

The finale concert of South Asian Sounds takes place in the evening of Sunday March 10th in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and is actually a three-in-one innovative performance of contemporary music and sounds called New Soundz. This event is a follow on from Asian Arts Agency’s well received and attended New Soundz festival which took place in Bristol in November 2023.

The star musicians for this final performance are exceptionally talented artists who both strive to stretch musical borders and succeed effortlessly. They are sound artist extraordinaire, Jason Singh and genre-defying musician Sarathy Korwar, who will both perform solo shows and then come together for a collaborative show.

Dubbed the ‘human sampler’ by BBC Radio 6, Jason Singh’s solo section crafts immersive soundscapes drawn from nature’s diverse sounds and then a collaborative performance with award-winning Sarathy Korwar as the festival finale. Singh and Korwar explore a range of soundscapes, drawing inspiration from Indian classical ragas, jazz, ambient, avant-garde hip-hop, dub and the natural world.

“Asian Arts Agency has been promoting artists, curating events and developing new talent from across the globe for over fifteen years” comments Director Jaswinder Singh. “The Southbank Centre is known for innovation and cultural diversity and it is an honour to have our artists participating in the Southbank Centre’s inaugural South Asian Sounds festival this March. For the first festival edition, we are focusing on presenting some of the best of British Asian artists including crowd favourite, Malkit Singh and his high energy performance to the more ambient sounds style of Sarathy Korwar and the upbeat beats of Jason Singh, we are confident that our artists will provide something for everyone attending. Given our international and national work, collaborating with Southbank Centre is a significant step for our work and we’re excited to see how audiences will react.”

ALSO READ-Corporate Responsibility in Arts Promotion

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Al Falasi leads UAE delegation at EdTech London

The event witnessed broad participation from leading global institutions and companies, as well as public and private entities dedicated to advancing the education sector worldwide….reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, led the UAE delegation at Bett EdTech exhibition and conference taking place from January 24th to January 26th at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom.

The event witnessed broad participation from leading global institutions and companies, as well as public and private entities dedicated to advancing the education sector worldwide.

During the first days of the event, Dr. Al Falasi met with Mansoor Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom to explore ways to expand mutual cooperation between the UAE and the UK in the education sector.

Dr. Al Falasi accompanied Mansoor Belhoul on a tour at the Ministry’s platform at BETT, highlighting the most prominent and innovative educational experiences provided by EdTech companies participating in the exhibition under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.

During the exhibition, the Ministry of Education provided a platform for 16 of the most successful emerging UAE-based EdTech companies that collectively raised more than AED73 million in funds over the past few years. The EdTech companies showcased innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing the educational process, creating pioneering learning experiences and equipping students with the knowledge and skills required for future success in the job market.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to actively participating in major specialised events. The goal is to learn from global experiences and exchange expertise with partners from the public and private sectors.

He highlighted the importance of harnessing rapid technological developments to innovate solutions, elevating the education sector and preparing future generations to excel in all fields.

He added: “In this year’s exhibition, we aimed to provide startup educational technology companies in the country with the opportunity to benefit from this global platform. It allows them to connect with major international specialised companies and showcase their most notable innovations in the development of advanced educational solutions. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to adopting innovation and encouraging creative ideas that contribute to the development of the education sector, aligning with the rapid global changes and producing flexible, future-ready generations.”

On the sidelines of the exhibition, he met with Lord Kenneth Wilfred Baker, President and Co-founder of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust. They discussed the role of technology in enhancing the educational process and emphasised the importance of nurturing students’ individual talents to enable their success in academic and professional life.

BETT is one of the leading global forums specialising in education technology. It brings together leaders, decision-makers, education officials and specialists, as well as more than 600 technology companies providing specialised educational solutions and services.

The UAE’s participation in the exhibition is a testament to its commitment to advancing education and enhancing global leadership in technology and innovation.

ALSO READ: DBWC, Oracle to Empower UAE Women With AI Skills

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-Top News Arab News

Thousands march in London for Gaza ‘day of action’

Around 1,700 police were on duty for the march, the latest in a series of demonstrations that have been held in London most Saturdays since the Israel-Hamas war began last year…reports Asian Lite News

Hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in central London on Saturday as part of a global day of action to oppose Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza.

The day was organized by a coalition including the Friends of Al-Aqsa, Palestinian Forum in Britain, Stop the War Coalition, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Muslim Association of Britain.

Around 1,700 police were on duty for the march, the latest in a series of demonstrations which have been held in London most Saturdays since the Israel-Hamas war began last year.

“The call of Jan. 13 designated by peace activists as a global day of action for Gaza has already attracted 40 countries organizing protests,” said Ismail Patel, chairman of the Friends of Al-Aqsa. He added Saturday was significant because it was the “eve of 100 days since the present crisis faced by the Palestinians. It is also a day after the International Court of Justice will deliver an interim order on the case brought by South Africa against Israel.”

The international court concluded two days of hearings on Friday. The proceedings by the South African government are also endorsed by other nations.

“With Israel continuing with its slaughter of Palestinians and most of the world’s governments remaining passive, peace activists are urging civil society to demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to occupation,” Patel said. “It is up to the people of the world to guide the political leaders and help end the genocide in Gaza.”

In a joint statement, the organizing coalition said: “Israel’s unrelenting attacks bear all the hallmarks of genocide under international law, as they demonstrate an ‘intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group’.”

PSC director Ben Jamal said: “The world needs to charge Israel with the gravest of crimes —  genocide — not just in the International Court of Justice, but in the court of global public opinion.

“In the face of the failure of governments, including the UK, to act to uphold international law and defend fundamental human rights, people continue to take to the streets to protest, week after week (and) this Saturday, from Australia to South America, from Dhaka to Washington, people of conscience will show the world demands a full ceasefire and an end to Israel’s impunity from international law,” he added.

Jamal said London was at the forefront of these global protests, attracting hundreds of thousands of solidarity campaigners “despite government hostility and opposition indifference.”

He said the national march continued to “show the majority of British people stand with Palestinians in this dark hour of their decades of oppression.”

He added: “A permanent ceasefire must be the starting point to address the underlying causes, including Israeli military occupation and a system of oppression against the Palestinian people that is considered internationally to meet the legal definition of apartheid. We will continue to march, demonstrate and organize to demand justice for the Palestinian people.”

“Little Amal,” a giant puppet of a refugee child that has become a global symbol of human rights, joined the seventh demonstration on Saturday, accompanied by a group of Palestinian children.

“Little Amal is a global symbol of human rights and the rights of children in particular. The name Amal means ‘hope’ in Arabic,” said a PSC spokesman.

“She represents a nine-year-old Syrian refugee girl who travels alone across Europe to find her mother (and) was created in 2021 for a project in which she walked between the Syrian-Turkiye border and the UK to draw attention to the experience of refugees. Since then she has traveled the world and met millions of people.”

Palestinian Amir Nizar Zuabi, artistic director of The Walk Productions, said: “Amal has become a symbol of the vulnerability and resilience of the millions of people that met her or followed her journey.”

He said the 12-foot puppet “walks for those most vulnerable and for their bravery and resilience,” adding: “Amal is a child and a refugee and today in Gaza childhood is under attack, with an unfathomable number of children killed. Childhood itself is being targeted. That’s why we walk.”

Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of more than 23,000 Palestinians, including more than 10,000 children. Thousands more are missing or presumed dead. Almost all of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with more than 60 percent of buildings damaged or destroyed. The UN has warned one in four people in Gaza are starving as Israel refuses to allow in adequate supplies and destroys food infrastructure.

The day of action involved over 40 countries across six continents, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Jordan, and Turkey.

ALSO READ-India-born Banker Eyes Greener London in 2024 Mayoral Bid

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India-born Banker Eyes Greener London in 2024 Mayoral Bid

Calling ULEZ unfair, he said wealthy Londoners can easily afford the 12.50-pound daily charge for non-compliant vehicles, while those on lower incomes are deterred from using their cars…reports Asian Lite News

An India-born investment banker, standing as an independent in the 2024 London Mayoral election, has said that he comes from a country where toxic air is a big issue, and wants things to be “greener and more effective” in the British capital.

Tarun Ghulati told The Standard newspaper that he was entering the race, due to be held on May 2 this year, to “get London moving again” as the capital has “lot its mojo”.

“I certainly come from a country where toxic air is a big issue and I believe we should work towards making things greener and more effective,” Ghulati, who expects to be polling ahead of the Liberal Democrat and Green candidates within six weeks, told The Standard.

Having lived in London for more than 20 years, the 63-year-old said he wants to completely scrap the Ultra low emission zone (ULEZ), remove the congestion charge on weekends and abolish low traffic neighbourhoods.

According to Ghulati, hindrances to cars, such as road-blocks in low traffic neighbourhoods, were in fact contributing to pollution by causing vehicles to stand still and emit fumes.

Calling ULEZ unfair, he said wealthy Londoners can easily afford the 12.50-pound daily charge for non-compliant vehicles, while those on lower incomes are deterred from using their cars.

His other priorities include increasing police presence on the street and building more police stations in areas where there is a high crime rate.

The 2024 London mayoral election is scheduled to be held on May 2, and will take place simultaneously with elections to the London Assembly and local elections across England and Wales.

Sadiq Khan, who has been the Mayor of London since 2016, is seeking re-election as the Labour candidate.

A total of 12 candidates have reportedly declared that they will be running for the job, which includes Conservative Susan Hill, Liberal Democrat Rob Blackie, Reform UK’s Howard Cox, Green Party’s Zoe Garbett and Social Democratic Party’s Amy Gallagher.

While Mayoral elections are traditionally held every four years, voting was last held in 2021 instead of 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will be the first time the election will use the first-past-the-post system.

Mayoral elections are traditionally held every four years.

However, voters last went to the polls in 2021 rather than 2020 as the election was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ-London’s Iconic Kricket Debuts in India at Magazine St. Kitchen

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Food London News

London’s Iconic Kricket Debuts in India at Magazine St. Kitchen

Magazine St. Kitchen, the epicentre of culinary innovation, is set to redefine the gastronomic landscape of Mumbai in January 2024 with a trio of exceptional Guest Chef Series events, each promising an unrivalled experience.

Flavours of the Nawabs – Manzilat’s Magazine St. Kitchen

Embark on an exquisite journey with Chef Manzilat Fatima, a culinary luminary and a distinguished member of the Royal Family of Avadh. Born into Calcutta’s oldest Shia Muslim family, Chef Manzilat’s culinary prowess goes beyond her professional expertise, reflecting a deep passion for food and history. From being a lawyer to curating unique authentic Awadhi home dining experiences in Calcutta, she seamlessly combines tradition with local ingredients. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Awadh as Chef Manzilat crafts a sharing-style menu, featuring both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options, inviting you to partake in a gastronomic experience that fuses history and flavour.

Dates: Friday, January 12, 2024 and Saturday, January 13, 2024 | 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Price: Rs. 3,750/-

Venue: Magazine St. Kitchen, 13-A, Gala No. 3/4/5, Magazine St., Devidayal Mill, Reay Road East, Darukhana, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400010


BBQ at the Baug with Chef Christopher Fernandes at The Table Far

Indulge in the ultimate meat fiesta with Chef Christopher Fernandes at The Table Farm in Alibag. Revered as one of India’s foremost barbecue pit masters, Chef Christopher, owner of Cravings by Chris in Goa, is set to create a culinary spectacle. Renowned for his exceptional cuts of meats and smoking techniques, including the famed brisket, Chef Chris is a cultural icon in India’s live-fire cooking scene. The event promises an immersive experience with an open pit and slow roast, crafted uniquely by Chef Chris and The Table Farm team.

Date: January 21, 2024 | 11:30 am – 3:30 pm

Price: Rs. 5,000/-

Venue: The Table Farm, Awas Road, Sasawane Koliwada Road, Aliabug, Maharashtra 402201

Get bowled out at Magazine St. Kitchen with Kricket, UK

Experience the debut of Kricket in India as Magazine St. Kitchen proudly hosts the renowned London-based collection of modern Indian restaurants founded in 2015 by university friends Will Bowlby and Rik Campbell. Chef Will, the creative force behind Kricket, brings his unique fusion of British ingredients and Indian flavours to Mumbai. The menu, presented as a tasting experience with both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options, showcases Kricket’s mastery in combining the best of both culinary worlds. Be part of this historic occasion as Magazine St. Kitchen transforms into the stage for Kricket’s Indian premiere with the Honar Group and Monika Alcobev.

Dates: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 & Thursday, January 25, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Price: Rs. 5,000/-

Venue: Magazine St. Kitchen, 13-A, Gala No. 3/4/5, Magazine St., Devidayal Mill, Reay Road East, Darukhana, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400010

“We are thrilled to start 2024 on such an experimental note. Getting in Kricket to Magazine St. Kitchen for the first time is a pleasure, and Chef Chris yet again to The Table Farm. The first time I had Manzilat’s food in Kolkata, I knew I had to get her to Magazine St. Kitchen. Each collaboration represents a cultural and culinary bridge between great food and our guests – a testament to our commitment to bringing diverse, global culinary experiences to our patrons,” shares Gauri Devidayal, Co-Founder, of Food Matters Group.

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

Bid Farewell to 2023 on a Tasteful Note: Gourmet NYE Dining at W Hotel, London

Indulge in a final feast this New Year’s Eve at W Lounge before you’re pulled to an evening that seamlessly blends dazzling elegance with unrestrained indulgence at The Perception Bar. A Three-course meal complimented with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne will make it a NYE dining experience to remember! A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

New year eve’s menu in the run up to NYE has been designed by the head chef Rohan Almeida and his team to give discerning diners a unique visual of textures, colours, and a taste of contrasting yet complementing flavours, all cooked with a modern approach and with a focus on sustainability. So if looking for the perfect NYE plan, you can book to Indulge in a 3 course meal experience of colourful, vibrant and playful dishes with a glass of bubbles, which will setting the prefect tone for ushering in 2024.

You can expect to see on the menu starters like Chicken liver Parfait, served with port caramelised onion chutney Or guests can choose their pescatarian option of Beetroot and Gin Cured Salmon topped with saffron mayo and celeriac. There’s also a vegetarian starter option of the delish Burrata tomato salad with black olives and pine nuts.

For the main course diners will be able to choose from Confit duck leg served with braised red cabbage and lentils in a red wine sauce. Or some Cornfed chicken, served with root vegetables asparagus and tarragon cream sauce. Vegetarians can delight their senses and try the Wild Mushroom risotto, topped with shaved truffle. The meals are all plated and presented in style. 

To finish the meal on a sweet note, dessert options will include passion fruit cheesecake with honeycomb; Orange and chocolate tart with vanilla icecream and then there is also their signature matcha rice pudding to choose from. 

“I have curated W London’s New Year’s Eve special celebratory menu to entice your senses especially discerning tastebuds and allow for some feasting first with the eyes! No matter what you choose from the menu options among the courses where there is something for most palates, the NYE three-course dining experience will take you through a culinary journey among flavourful dishes and contrasting tastes presented and paired together for a unique experience also using sustainable and local ingredients — making it the perfect final feast to wrap your eventful year and begin a new one on a decadent note.” Head Chef- Rohan Almeida

In London’s vibrant West End, W London – Leicester Square offers luxury bedrooms and an excellent location as many main attractions in central London orbit this luxe hotel within walkable distance. At W London you can be rest assured that you are stepping into a vibe that seamlessly blends dazzling elegance with unrestrained indulgence. Located in Soho, W London holds the stage in the epicentre of London’s multicultural core. Designed for those seeking a chic stay while exploring London Town, the W Hotel on Wardour Street has a buzzing and trendy vibe. Indulge in a mouth-watering dining experience in the run up to New Year’s Eve with their celebratory menu to make it a final feast of the year to remember! Highly Recommended!

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Food London News Restaurant Reviews

Meraki: Exquisite Greek Dining In London

Meraki brings to life the Greek concept of ‘Filoxenia’ which translates as ‘Friend to a stranger’.  Dining at Meraki is like being in a friends’ home, and the staff (the heart of Meraki) treat each guest with the hospitality Greece is known for, an ancient Greek value that still lives on today! Peter Waney opened Meraki in 2017, bringing his knowledge, expertise, and family’s passion for Greece to the heart of Fitzrovia. After seeing a gap in the market for premium, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine in London, the concept of Meraki was created. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Meraki is all about Greek plates & unique craft cocktails presented in a breezy, brick-lined setting with stylish decor. Culinary Director Sanjay Dwivedi joined the brand to help realise  their vision, encouraging the talented team of chefs to use their creative imaginations, to elevate and refine the Meraki menu, for a fresh, exciting, mouth-watering gastronomical experience. Meraki’s team of impressive chefs have used their knowledge, passion and expertise to refine and redefine the menu, offering a taste of the soul of Greece infused with the heart and warmth of the Mediterranean.

Meraki is nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia. The team has scoured the length and breadth of Greece’s regions to find the most tantalising ingredients such as Bottarga from Mesologgi, tomatoes from Santorini and butter from Crete. Creating a menu that tastes of the soul of Greece with seasonally changing sharing mezze dishes, chargrilled meats and whole fish dishes that are carved right in front of your eyes at the table and offers the heart and warmth of the Mediterranean.

When you dine at Meraki, prepare to be mesmerised, they have everything you need to be transported out of London and to the stunning views of the Greek islands. They have a terrace, a main floor offering floor to ceiling windows, countertop seating where you can watch their expert chefs prepare your food as you dine. Plus, a lower ground floor with rustic bare brick walls, ideal for large groups and semi-private events. They can provide for any occasion and create the perfect atmosphere for any event.

Meraki Bar sprawls across two floors, with a separate entrance on 30 Foley Street. With three distinct areas, the cosy terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy an evening cocktail from their highly acclaimed menu, inspired by the ‘Pretty Stories from the Cyclades’. The upstairs bar is perfect to enjoy an after-work aperitivo and light bite.

Meraki was opened by Peter Waney, who along with his brother, Arjun, started their restaurant career in London 15 years ago, beginning with Zuma in Knightsbridge, followed by Roka and La Petite Maison. More recently, the Waney family has acquired and revamped award winning, internationally renown The Arts Club on Dover Street as well as Oblix at The Shard, Coya in Piccadilly and Coya Angel Court in The City.

About Sanjay Dwivedi 

London born but Delhi raised, Sanjay Dwivedi has always been surrounded by food. First learning the craft round his family table, Sanjay soon climbed the chef ladder, honing his skills at a diverse mix of notable restaurants including a decade at Zaika, the first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin star, and Oliver Peyton’s Coast Restaurant and Atlantic Bar and Grill.  

Sanjay follows no rules when it comes to cooking, pioneering his own style, constantly pushing the envelope, and striving to create boisterous and clever dishes, Sanjay is a raconteur of the culinary world. A man who isn’t afraid of blending the abstract with the mundane, he is forever improving and researching.  

Prior to joining the Meraki family in early 2022, Sanjay played a vital role in the success of popular Peruvian favourite COYA. As the opening Executive Chef and Culinary Director for the group, he developed a menu marrying modern, European techniques with Asian influences, overseeing the flagship venue in Mayfair (opened 2012), along with international destinations including Monte Carlo, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  

Sanjay’s gift and passion for seeing great potential and acting on it, allows him to create, and deliver ground-breaking menus to audiences worldwide. It is with this same level of dedication Sanjay aims to both elevate and refine the gastronomical dining experience at contemporary Greek restaurant group Meraki, as they embark upon their own journey around the world. Outside of the kitchen, Sanjay has enjoyed time on the small screen having appeared on number of programs including Channel 4’s Iron Chef UK and BBC1’s MasterChef.  

Conclusively, Meraki means ‘to create with your heart and soul’, and every aspect of Meraki has been created entirely with their hearts and souls. From our modern Mediterranean menu using the finest, authentic ingredients to their warm and generous hospitality. The food is exquisitely presented, vibe at the restaurant is unmatched; service is attentive and the taste of their delectable cuisine is top-notch. Highly Recommended!