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Welcome back to Insta Stories, a column examining the London restaurant scene through the often-problematic medium of Instagram. This week’s filter is well-stocked.
News of the week
It may not look like it outside, but spring is undeniably upon us. This week brings not one but two culinary harbingers of sunnier weather ahead, confirmation that a season of rebirth and renewal is finally here. The first: the 2019 debut of La Grotta Ices at Spa Terminus. The second — and far more significant, from a would-be Instagrammer’s point of view — is the news that Towpath Café is back in business for all your canal-adjacent flatlay needs. Get ready to see a lot more green tabletop over the coming weeks.
Green Day of the week
Sunday was, of course, St Patrick’s Day — a storied occasion with a whole host of associated traditions. Those seeking to do the thing right could be found at Richard Corrigan’s legendary knees-up at his Mayfair restaurant; elsewhere, there was more than enough green stuff and Guinness to keep Instagram happy.
Happy birthdays of the week
More celebrations ahoy, as two of 2018’s best-received restaurants mark the end of a highly successful first year.
Gelato enthusiast of the week
One scoop? Pah. Two scoops? Amateur. True gelato, sorbet, and ice cream aficionados order by the *checks caption, pauses* half-litre?d
Takeover of the week
A well-deserved break for Nick Bramham, pan-rattler at one of London’s best wine-and-small-plates joints, has temporarily opened the door for Quality Chop House executive chef Shaun Searley. His opening blackboard menu makes it fairly clear that he is not f***ing around. One week still remains of what is surely the only residency in London where a caviar crab crumpet is quite possibly the least decadent thing on the menu.
Life imitates emoji of the week
Pleasing.
Payoff of the week
Definitely one worth watching to the end, this
Incoming trend of the week
They say three makes a trend, so this may be a premature call. But after sightings of a specific, nostalgia-heavy dessert at both adored Shoreditch newcomer Gloria and adored Newington Green restaurant and bakery Jolene, could 2019 be the year of… The lemon meringue pie?
Invention test of the week
There is no way these ingredients add up to a satisfying, coherent meal, unless the dog is also fair game as a main course.
Dish of the week
Send bread.
Shot of the week
Send salad.