Watermelon, sashimi, ripe tomatoes, fresh mint: with the UK in the midst of another heatwave, some ingredients simply hit differently. Restaurants across the UK are leaning into the season with lighter lunch offerings and refreshing dishes that make the most of summer produce. From a delicate tomato tart at Mayfair’s Bonheur by Matt Abé to the ultimate summer salad at Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire, consider this your heatwave lunch hit list.
Bonheur by Matt Abé
At two Michelin-starred Bonheur by Matt Abé, in Mayfair, summer means tomatoes: the anticipation of watching them grow and the scent of the vine. Chef Patron Matt Abé brings those memories onto the plate as part of a new three-course seasonal lunch menu, capturing British summertime at its best. To start is the Isle of Wight Heirloom Tomato Tart, where vibrant tomatoes are paired with peach and elderflower, finished with a smoked buttermilk and basil sauce. Roast Chicken with young English peas, charred onions and black garlic follows, before a finale of Strawberries and Cream.
The Summer of Bonheur is available Thursday to Saturday for £110 per person.
The Orchard, Grantley Hall
At The Orchard, Grantley Hall’s seasonally inspired indoor-to-outdoor restaurant, the Watermelon and Barrel-Aged Feta Salad encapsulates everything you might crave on a hot summer’s day. Juicy watermelon is paired with salty barrel-aged feta, fresh mint, finely sliced green chilli and extra virgin olive oil, creating a refreshing balance of sweet, salty, and gentle heat. Set within The Orchard’s elegant marquee overlooking the West Lawn, the dish sits on a menu designed around seasonal flavours and leisurely, sun-soaked dining.
Nobu London, Old Park Lane
The Nobu Signature Lunch is a new way to experience one of London’s most iconic restaurants. Perfect as a lighter lunch on hot days, the weekday set menu at Nobu London brings together some of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s greatest hits for just £40 per person. Diners have the choice of Sashimi Three Ways, featuring Nobu favourites Yellowtail Jalapeño, Salmon New Style and Tuna Tataki, or the Signature Sushi Selection. This is followed by a trio of iconic Nobu hot dishes, presented in refined lunch-sized portions: Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce, Black Cod Miso and Beef Tenderloin, served with Teriyaki or Anticucho sauce, and either rice or spicy garlic vegetables.
The Nobu Signature Lunch is available Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2.30pm for £40 per person.
Charlie’s, Brown’s Hotel
At Charlie’s, the elegant restaurant at London’s iconic Brown’s Hotel, the Bluefin Tuna, Pea and Jalapeño Tea, Apple and Mint makes a fresh and vibrant choice for summer. Delicate bluefin tuna is paired with seasonal peas, a gentle kick of jalapeño and the cooling freshness of apple and mint, resulting in a dish that is light and full of flavour. A perfect example of Charlie’s modern, ingredient-led approach to cooking, it’s the kind of considered yet delicate dish that feels particularly appealing as temperatures rise.
And for sky-high summer sipping… GŎNG Bar, Shangri-La The Shard, London
When lunch calls for something cold in the glass, head to floor 52 of Shangri-La The Shard, London, to sample the newly launched cocktail menu at GŎNG Bar. Taking guests on a journey across Asia through flavour, pop culture and iconography, a highlight of Icons of Asia is the Golden Orchard, an elegant and floral tribute to Singapore combining Haku Vodka, white peach, lychee, wakame, wild blueberry and Fenjiu Silk Road Rose. Pair with the GŎNG Platter, featuring Chef’s Choice of Sashimi, California Roll, Edamame, and Prawn Tempura, all served alongside unbeatable views across the city.
