Crane charms at Roka and seasonal menus at The Metropolitan

Heston throws afternoon tea & sherry party​

Three Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has teamed up with Jancis Robinson MW to host an evening celebrating afternoon tea and sherry, as part of the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Britain 60th anniversary. On 9 May Blumenthal and Robinson will explain to an audience how afternoon tea and sherry parties were popular in the 1960s and give onlookers a chance to taste a selection of both tea and sherry. The audience will also receive a taster box containing samples created from recipes designed by Blumenthal and executed by Southbank’s Company of Cooks. Tickets are available from £45-£60.

Good luck charms​

Staff at Arjun Waney and Rainer Becker’s London restaurants Zuma and Roka, have been paying respects to victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami by creating thousands of origami cranes to send to the Red Cross in Japan. Japanese folklore dictates that anyone receiving a thousand origami cranes will be granted long life and health. Guests at both Roka and Zuma have signed each crane with messages of support. Diners across the group have also been donating money to the Red Cross appeal, and have so far raised £150k.

Eat the Seasons​

Nicola Ducceshi, head chef at the Metropolitan hotel on London’s Park Lane, has designed a new series of private dining menus that encourage guests to “eat the seasons”. Combining Tuscan flavours with Asian cooking methods, the menus will feature seasonal ingredients local to Tuscany. Dishes include Baby Squid in Zimono with Black Risotto, Poricini and Fried Polenta; Roasted Arista with braised Fennel and Zolfini Beans; and Watercress Crescioni with Parmesan Sauce and Sautéed Artichoke Salad. Four different menus will feature at the restaurant according to the season.

Oyster Feast​

Wrights Brothers Soho are to launch an Oyster Feast menu on 14 June in celebration of the oyster season. Executive chef David Gingell has created a tasting menu with matching wines, featuring dishes such as Raw Pacific oysters (Maldon rock, Brownsea rock and Speciale de Claire) matched with a glass of Manzanilla sherry; Breaded and Deep Fried Oysters with Tartare Sauce, Oysters with chorizo and sherry, and Oyster Rarebit, matched with a glass of Picpoul de Pinet. Tickets cost £26 per person.