Eating
Lussmanns delivers more than 25,000 orders of food in lockdown
Lussmanns Sustainable Fish and Grill, a boutique restaurant group in Hertfordshire has delivered 25,400 items of food and drink since lockdown began 10 weeks ago.
Lussmanns Sustainable Fish and Grill, which has restaurants in St Albans, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, and Tring, launched its ‘Food To Go’ service 10 weeks ago to help support the local community through the lockdown after turning one of its six restaurants* into a “dark kitchen”, producing boxes of food for local delivery that include organic ready-to-cook meals and fruit and veg boxes items.
And there has been such a demand for the service that Lussmanns has been delivering on average 3,000 units a week across Hertfordshire, with 25,400 items sold from ‘ready-to-cook’ chilled signatures from the restaurant menu, wines and beers, fresh fruit and veg boxes alongside essential pantry items such as organic coffee, farmhouse cheese and artisan breads that are normally used in the restaurants.
The launch of the ‘Food to Go’ initiative made it on to the BBC News website recently for the innovative way that the restaurant chain adapted its business to survive the COVID-19 emergency.
The restaurant group caught the attention of the BBC for its swift, community-minded reaction to the pandemic.
Founder and MD Andrei Lussmann told the BBC that while he knew he could no longer operate his restaurants, he wanted to continue to support the local community with a food ‘To Go’ delivery service.
Founder and MD Andrei Lussmann
“It became very clear that we should close sooner rather than later,” he says. “But because we have a slightly older generation that eat with us, we thought we should do very good food that can be delivered to the door,” he said.
After 30 years of running a restaurant company, Lussmann had to turn the business into an e-commerce site within 30 hours, learning all about delivery, packages and delivery in a very short space of time.
“We are very grateful that the response has been phenomenal, and that it continues to grow each week” Andrei continues. “The demand has been so great that we are now looking into mid-week takeaways of burger and beer too.”
“We are still in a precarious position, as it doesn’t come near to the turnover we need to keep the restaurants afloat, but we are trying to provide a top quality service during this period, that also enables us to keep a light on, so to speak, support our suppliers, keep members of our staff team productively employed and help our communities as well as ensuring we have a restaurant business to come back to when we are on the other side of this.”
Lussmanns ‘Food to Go’ service has new dishes introduced each week including Lussmanns classics such as Lussmanns House Fishcake, free-range Tuscan Chicken, and Highland Beef Bourguignon alongside scrumptious puddings such as Apple and Berry Crumble and Single Origin Chocolate Brownie.
The online shop opens each Sunday until Thursday for orders to be processed. Orders can then be collected from the restaurants on the following Saturday between morning. Alternatively, the orders can be delivered.
New additions for this week include:
- Lussmanns is offering free coffee or tea to customers when they pick up their orders.
- Cream teas are now available to order.
- Barbecue favourites are available to order from this week, including organic mutton, kofta, and beef burgers, free-range chicken skewers, veggie skewers, tuna and salmon teriyaki skewers.
This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.
A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist
Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.
Highlights include:
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Starters:
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Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter
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Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta
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Mains:
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The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash
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Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon
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21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce
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Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour
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Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option
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Desserts:
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The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce
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Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish
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Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic
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Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey
To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.
Don’t Miss the Grand Finale
Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:
“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.
Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience
Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy
*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.
Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection
As the summer sun casts its golden glow over Rome, there’s no better time—or place—for a last-minute escape than Palazzo Dama. Tucked just steps from the Tiber and Piazza del Popolo, this former aristocratic villa-turned-boutique hotel offers a serene yet stylish base for soaking up the Eternal City’s vibrant culture, timeless charm, and relaxed summer rhythm.
A City Break for the Soul
Rome in the summer is a city of open-air concerts, riverside strolls, and golden hour light spilling across cobbled piazzas. Whether you’re slipping out of your sandals for a dip in Palazzo Dama’s hidden pool or heading to a concert at the Baths of Caracalla, the hotel offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration.
By day, the city is yours to discover—perhaps after a slow breakfast in the garden or a long lunch under the olive trees at PACIFICO, the hotel’s lush Nikkei restaurant. As the evening settles in, the hotel’s concierge can help secure tickets to Rome’s summer cultural lineup—from Nick Cave at Roma Summer Fest to candlelit opera under the stars.
Poolside Calm in the Heart of the City
One of Rome’s best-kept secrets? Palazzo Dama’s peaceful pool, set in a garden of lemon and olive trees—a rarity in the city’s historic core. It’s the perfect spot to cool off with a cocktail, nap in the shade, or gather with friends for aperitivo. And while guests have it on their doorstep, it’s also open to non-guests for lunch and evening dining—a welcome retreat for any urban explorer.
From Pisco Bars to Private Spas
Dining at PACIFICO is an experience in itself. The fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines brings an unexpected twist to the Roman culinary scene—think Wagyu carpaccio, fresh ceviche, and expertly crafted cocktails served beneath Warhols and crystal chandeliers.
For those needing a true pause, the DAHAM Health & Beauty Spa offers a tranquil break from the city buzz. Unwind with a Turkish bath or tailored wellness treatment before heading out again—or don’t. The calm may be too tempting to leave.
Wake Up Where History Meets Glamour
Each of the hotel’s 29 rooms and suites offers a glimpse into Roman elegance, with design details that nod to its noble past while embracing contemporary luxury. Want to explore the city with flair? The concierge can arrange a vintage Fiat 500 tour or bicycles to meander through Rome’s tree-lined avenues at your own pace.
Make It a Summer to Remember
Whether you’re in Rome for a cultural fix, a romantic escape, or just to lounge in a lemon-scented garden, Palazzo Damais a rare find: a boutique retreat that feels both deeply Roman and delightfully removed from it all. For those seeking a spontaneous summer getaway, this hidden gem is calling.
Award-winning chef Carlo Scotto unveils his most personal project yet with BEAR – a daring 14-seat chef’s table opening this July at the Crazy Bear Hotel in Beaconsfield.
Launching on Wednesday 30th July, BEAR strips back fine dining to reveal something raw, refined, and deeply expressive. Set inside an immersive open kitchen, this intimate space offers diners an unforgettable front-row seat to Scotto’s innovative culinary storytelling.
Carlo Scotto’s Next Chapter
Following the success of Amethyst in London, Scotto’s newest venture draws on his global experience in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and the Galvin Brothers. At BEAR, his signature style evolves into something even more daring and personal — a stripped-back, ingredient-led experience that feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant.
A Seasonally Driven, Emotionally Charged Menu
The menu at BEAR showcases Scotto’s fearless approach to flavour, technique, and presentation. It’s a culinary journey that spans continents while remaining rooted in seasonal British ingredients.
Expect dishes like:
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Langoustine with Pickled Attika Kohlrabi, jalapeño & purple shiso
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Hand-laminated brioche with Carlo’s unique three-layered butter
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Moroccan-spiced duck with morels poached in aged pickled rum
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British asparagus fermented in tempeh and wild garlic jus
Two Menus, One Exclusive Table
Guests can choose between two tasting experiences:
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Carlo’s Edit – A six-course seasonal snapshot
Available Tuesday to Saturday at 6pm -
The Full Experience – An eight-course immersive journey
Available Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm
Both menus are available with thoughtfully selected wine pairings.
A Unique Setting at Crazy Bear Beaconsfield
Located inside the iconic Crazy Bear Hotel, BEAR benefits from a setting as distinctive as its food. The hotel itself blends 15th-century charm with modern opulence, offering a lavish escape just outside of London.
With BEAR, Beaconsfield welcomes a new era of destination dining — one that’s sure to attract serious food lovers from far and wide.
TrendLife Will Be Visiting This Summer
We’ll be visiting BEAR by Carlo Scotto later this summer to experience the menu firsthand. Keep an eye out for our full review and behind-the-scenes look at one of 2025’s most exciting new openings.
