Detox or Retox?

January is possibly the only month capable of dividing the crowds in such a way. There are those who choose to be healthy or who are peer-pressured into it. Others refuse to follow the trend and defend that the wet and cold weather warrants comfort food and indulgence. And then there’s the “penny savers” who, after the over spend and indulgence of the December festivities, are adamant not to spend any money. We won’t be taking any sides here but you’ll be pleased to hear that our gorgeously varied menus will allow for whichever way you turn.

Detox

If you are trying to be good, we’ve got an array of healthier options that are still super tasty. Take for example our selection of salads, from smoked chicken with avocado, mango and cashew nuts to hot smoked salmon with beetroot, Greek yoghurt and horseradish. Some of our fav hot dishes to tickle those taste buds whilst being lean and clean are the grilled salmon with pecan crunch and lemon or, if you’re at Drake & Morgan at King’s Cross, the tuna with cippolini, leek, soy, ginger & garlic is a winner, as is the cod with braised kale and chorizo.

For Dry January partakers we’ve got a fab selection of zero proof cocktails. Though the Spiced Orchid Sour has got to be the winner, first and foremost because if you didn’t know, you wouldn’t have a clue that it wasn’t alcoholic! It’s made using Seedlip Spice non-alcoholic gin, apple and chilli shrub, lemon, agave and egg white and is simply sublime. If it’s the lack of G&Ts that will be causing the most difficulty, then go for the S&T (Seedlip and tonic) instead! Easy peasy!

Retox

Sometimes, all we need is a little comfort and indulgence and we’ve that aplenty, from classic fish and chips and bangers and mash to warming venison pie with spiced red cabbage. Plump it out with starters such as our chorizo Scotch egg with smoked paprika mayonnaise, sides such as mac ‘n’ cheese and desserts from pecan tart to our favourite chocolate orange Jaffa cake.

Photograph by Emma Louise Layla

Again, the slightly quirkier offering at our King’s Cross flagship, includes a heavenly shrimp burger with lime mayonnaise and our favourite side of salt baked potatoes with truffle, garlic and spicy mayo. We have also been advised by many that it’s a crime to leave without trying the cinnamon doughnuts with hazelnuts, caramel and clotted cream – twist our arm… 😉

Saving

If you’re trying to save those pennies, The Otherist and The Pagination have both got a super set menu on offer with dishes that will fit to both parties. Enjoy the likes of mushroom bruschetta followed by grilled salmon or a cheeseburger followed by a chocolate brownie – 2 courses for £15 or 3 courses for £20. They’ve also got special January cocktail menus for you to make the most of.