dines at Ben Spalding's Pop-Up...

Ben's menu for the evening

Appalling photographs I appreciate - but I wanted to put them on the blog to show the inventive talents of Mr @benspalding1. Ben did a one-night-only popup at Ben's Canteen, and these photographs are from that event.

I've been a huge admirer of Ben since I tasted his food at Roganic - I've even been the proud owner of Ben's mince pies for the Mince Pie project. There was never any question that Ben would find his way in the world, and though this meal wasn't perfect, I'm amazed he was able to produce anything at all from such a ridiculously tiny kitchen.  I'd follow Ben anywhere to eat his food, and nothing has changed that opinion!

Revisits Roganic, Early 2012

Roganic is one of the few restaurants where I really, really want to see what's new on the menu, and regret it when someone tries a dish that I didn't have... Simon, Ben and the team have an incredibly sensitive palate and a very inventive use of seasonal and foraged ingredients.  Last time I was at Roganic they were still using all of the glorious summer produce, with delicate herbs, edible flowers and the freshest ingredients.  A winter menu is much more challenging for the kitchen - to truly stay seasonal, with a very limited range of produce, a kitchen has to be particularly inventive.

dines at Roganic...

With what has rapidly become the hottest London restaurant on Twitter, Roganic is something of a joyous enigma. Chef Patron Simon Rogan, Head Chef Ben Spalding and his team are able to turn out extraordinary food in what is essentially a tiny and cramped site. But the genius of the restaurant is that it recognises this restriction and has managed to turn it to its advantage.