Whilst we know better than to feed the models, fashion week (for us regular beings) is undoubtedly the best time to be out and about in the city, eating, drinking and generally basking in the undercurrent of excitement and anticipation as editors, designers, buyers, stylists and fashion-lovers from around the world descend upon the capital.
As such, some of our regular haunts are taking a fashionable turn for the week, offering speciality menus, cocktails and squeeze-into-your-leather-legging healthy options.
Ping
Head west to the renowned Earl’s Court ping-pong rooms for a fresh and fashionable twist on the pizza menu. Head chef Bruno Elias has created a range of nutritious, low calorie pizzas with wholewheat crusts, light cheeses, fresh and healthy toppings – all under 600 calories and named after our favourite supers. The ‘Kate’ is a ricotta, spinach, roasted apple and walnut pizza, the ‘Naomi’ is made with fresh mozzarella, sun blushed tomatoes, raisins, anchovies and pine nuts on a tomato base, whilst the ‘Giselle’ has roasted aubergines, peppers, onions and a sprinkling of fresh basil. Not quite as exotic as the Brazilian model, but just as tasty!
Ping, 180-184 Kingly Road, London, SW5 9GG www.weloveping.com
STK
Refuel in between shows with the exclusive STK’OVER lunch menu at steakhouse STK, which offers scallop ceviche, feather steak and STK salad at just a hop skip and jump from Somerset House. Diners with a London Fashion Weekend pass will also be offered a complimentary signature STK cocktail
STK, 336-337 Strand, London, WC2R 1HA. www.togrp.com
Villandry
The Great Portland Street deli and eatery will be offering an exclusive, low calorie (150 calories and less) menu throughout September in line with Villandry’s light Mediterranean dishes. Plump for tomato and green been tartare with avocado salsa or a grilled salmon protein hit on a bed of pea puree, roasted diced beetroot and horseradish. Or if you fancy something a little sweeter, choose the frozen yoghurt summer berry trio.
Villandry, 170 Great Portland St, London, W1W 5QB. www.villandry.com
Babbo
Frequented by royals and celebrities (Stella McCartney, Colin Firth, Claudia Schiffer and Princess Bea are regular customers), Mayfair restaurant Babbo has created a special fashion week menu suitably packed with superfoods, healthy and fashion-happy. Head chef Carlo Scotto has created dishes including salad of handpicked crab meat with avocado and hazelnuts, tuna carpaccio with wild asparagus and aubergine puree, and John Dory with fresh peas, broad beans, dry tomato and beetroot puree. Available throughout London Fashion Week, there is a set menu at £45 for three courses.
Babbo, 39 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4JQ. www.babborestaurant.co.uk
Fornata
Soho’s Kingly Street plays host to a whole slew of rather fabulous spots for dining and drinking but during fashion week – from 13-17th September – head to the laid back Italian, Fornata which will be offering an express three course low-carb menu plus glass of vino for just £25. Options of grilled courgettes with ricotta, mint and pine nuts, or beef carpaccio with fresh porcini mushroom salads are followed by chargrilled swordfish, baby chicken or grilled lamb cutlets and polished off with a panna cotta with mixed berries or lemon crostata pie. And if we have the Indian summer we’ve all be waiting for enjoy it al fresco on the terrace.
Fornata, 15 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5PS. www.fornata.com
Chotto Matte
Whilst not strictly offering a fashion week related menu, New Japanese restaurant Chotto Matte is set to launch during London Fashion Week and with three storeys housing a cocktail lounge, dining room and sushi bar, it’s sure to attract the fashion pack.
Chotto Matte, 11-13 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4RB. www.chotto-matte.com