iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Very kind of you to share, sir. Thank you. I hope others will find some value in it.

Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

This week’s Professional Lunch update includes news about the shock closure of Bibendum, a slightly naughty announcement from William Sitwell, and good news for Ploussard and Duchy. Link in the first reply. Hope to see you this evening! (2 of 3)

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Reminder: I’m doing a Substack Live with food writer Andy Lynes tonight at 6p BST. Please do join us for good chat about restaurants, great lunches, food writing and a lot more. And it’s a busy week! (1 of 3)

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Superb. One of my favourite places.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

There is some really interesting data on this from the Mayor’s office. Will try to find it. I think Will is exaggerating a little, but only a little.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

This week’s update includes a disappointing experience at much-praised Wildflowers and a better evening at Saint Jacques. Critics have first visits to the new Ukrainian spot in Shoreditch. Jay Rayner found a good place near Albert Hall, finally settling London’s most difficult dining conundrum.

professionallunch.substack.com

Tree Trouble. Miss at Wildflowers. Hit at Saint Jacques. Critics & More.

Rayner finds a great place to eat before a show at Albert Hall. Grace backs Ukrainian.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

I love counter dining. And Kiln offers greater counter dining with a Thai kick. The Soho join is the subject of my review this week, and the product of a fantastic lunch with the excellent @baldflavours. Is it for professional lunch? Absolutely.

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: Kiln

Quick hit: Counter dining for the modern age.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Last time I went to High Road Social, it was a shambolic disaster. Would it be any better this time around? Find out in this week’s update. Plus another really poor celeb guest review in the Observer and some other updates. professionallunch.substack.com/p/my-return-...

professionallunch.substack.com

My Return to High Road Social. Would it Still be Shambolic? Plus Critics & More.

Hello, everyone.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

This week, I get a little personal, exploring my family connection with Gleneagles in Scotland as I review The Andrew Fairlie and throw-back gem, The Strathearn. Link in the first reply. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Reviews: The Andrew Fairlie & The Strathearn at Gleneagles

World class, featuring the best of Scotland by land and sea. Plus a classy throw-back with great food where everyone is welcome.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Market volatility and macro economic mayhem have officially surpassed my economics expertise, acquired through undergraduate courses in micro and macro economics. 😁

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

After 17 years living in London, I finally made it to the River Café. Plus a fun charity event at Marceline and an interesting week for the critics, with the Independent launching a new feature and the Observer’s celeb guest review thing not working. professionallunch.substack.com/p/croque-com...

professionallunch.substack.com

Croque Comp. Dead on Friday? A Hit on the River. Critics & More.

New posh vs. cheap feature from The Independent. Lander loves Polish. Preston bites bagels. Ivers hates NY.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Fantastic tacos and an authentic Tijuana experience at Homies on Donkeys in Leytonstone. My review this week… professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: Homies on Donkeys

Fantastic tacos with a sense of humour.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

It’s AngloThai this week, which I found inventive and surprising. There are bursting flavours and just the right amount of spice. And it’s all intensely colourful. Plus, the £55 lunch tasting menu is affordable for a professional lunch. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: AngloThai

Fresh, zingy, and different, Chef John Chantarasak plots his own appealing course.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Milestone AI moment: I participated in a conference in Paris in person but in French. I don't speak French. I kept up thanks to live translation in Teams. It wasn't perfect, but it was incredible. Even as societies break into smaller bits, we still find ways to overcome barriers that keep us apart.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Claire is discoverer of great wines, supplier to great restaurants, warm, witty, driven, determined, and brilliant. It was a pleasure to have a chance to Chat Over Lunch with her. professionallunch.substack.com/p/chat-over-...

professionallunch.substack.com

Chat Over Lunch: Claire Thevenot

Wine detective and Master Sommelier, her relentless drive helps fill our favourite restaurants with some of their best and most interesting wines.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

I'm not aware of any. Through the Cold War, especially in the '70s and early '80s when the Royal Navy was strong, there was a clear role for them defending the western approaches to Europe from Russian subs so reinforcements could reach a ground war. No one ever suggested UK would fight on its own.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Today is the first anniversary of Professional Lunch. I can’t believe it’s been a year. More than 64,000 visits and nearly 700 subscribers. I’m grateful to everyone who has subscribed, shared, and commented. And if you haven’t, please do subscribe! professionallunch.substack.com/p/a-year-of-...

professionallunch.substack.com

A year of Professional Lunch. Keller makes an omelette. Another fake controversy. Critics & more.

Grace gets Arthurian. Lander strolls memory lane. Ivers goes for wings.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

As a big fan of Thomas Keller, I loved sitting down to Oysters & Pearls in my first course at Row on 5. The restaurant is a gem, with a sense of humour, meticulous attention to detail, aspiration, and luxury that even Keller could admire. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: Row on 5

Wit, stories, accessible luxury, technical brilliance, meticulous attention to detail, and fantastic experiences that Thomas Keller would admire.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Fair. She spends lots of time talking about sushi, so I assume it’s implied, but I don’t know how to manage the seating challenge.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

I like how it gently flies in the face of longstanding convention.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Big news in this week's update as both Jay Rayner and Tim Hayward step down from their critics roles at the Observer at the FT. Plus a great piece about eating left handed, and a particularly good week from other critics. Please do check it out, and please subscribe if you haven't already.

open.substack.com

Rayner & Haywood Sign Off. Perils of left handed dining. Hit in Islington. Critics & More.

Ivers Skofs in Manchester. Hayler buys a House. Giles sells the Cotswolds.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

When the Dining Room at Goring re-opened last near after a major refurbishment, hardly anyone reviewed it. I thought the Michelin-starred royal favourite deserved some attention. If you’re looking for a setting for professional breakfast, drink, or dinner in a rich, classical setting, it’s great.

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: Dining Room at The Goring

Following refurbishment, the place favoured by royals continues hitting the heights.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

PowerPoint's grammar checker believes I should replace "jacket potato" with "baked potato," and I don't even know where to start with that. AI-driven homogeneity on the horizon? Or can I teach PowerPoint to advise for obscure languages and dialects, like Geordie?

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

In my update this week, I dig into the news that Matt Abé will be leaving Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to open a new fine dining spot in the Le Gavroche space. There’s also a review of the Anchor & Hope in Southwark and some thoughts on restaurants requiring pre-payments to reduce no-shows.

open.substack.com

Pre-Pay Trend. Me in GQ. Matt Abé gets Gavroche. Guide Review, Critics & More.

Rayner doesn't worship Gilgamesh. Hayward follows that cab. Ivers scores the hardest seat in London. Preston loves Dom's Subs.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Me in GQ. No not because of my good looks. But I was very pleased to be asked to contribute some words to GQ’s round-up of the most interesting Michelin star places announced last week: www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best...

gq-magazine.co.uk

The best Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK to try this year

Over two hundred restaurants in the UK and Ireland were awarded stars last week, including 22 newbies, Cardiff's debut, and the first vegan restaurant. Here's our pick of the best.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Some fascinating outcomes in last week’s Michelin announcements. I reflect on that — and my predictions — in this week’s update. Spoiler: I didn’t do that well with my predictions. I’ve also got a new feature. Check out this week's update here: professionallunch.substack.com/p/new-michel...

professionallunch.substack.com

New Michelin Stars, Me in GQ, Critics & More

Ellis in bar horror. Preston loves Scottish food. Hayward feels snobby. Sitwell goes solo for vegan.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Leadenhall institution Luc’s in the spotlight for my professional lunch review this week. Traditional city brasserie vibes, great wine list, and solid food with choices for everyone. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: Luc's Brasserie

Leadenhall Institution is optimised for a professional lunch.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

If you're as nerdy as me, and want to watch tonight's Michelin ceremony for UK&I live, they are streaming it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=115U...

youtube.com

Discover the MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection in MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland for 2025

YouTube video by MICHELIN Guide

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

With new Michelin stars for UK being announced tonight, I offer my predictions, and I’d love to hear yours in the Comments. My boldest stab: Row on 5 straight to two stars. Second boldest: Roe in Canary Wharf wins a star. professionallunch.substack.com/p/michelin-s...

professionallunch.substack.com

Michelin Star Predictions. Critics & More.

Ellis moves to French House. Preston questions The Brave.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Also, some news from my dinner at Josephine Bouchon. The second location, planned for Marylebone in the coming months, will NOT carry on the Lyon concept. The new location will instead deliver a more Paris experience.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

A flawless experience at Josephine Bouchon for this week’s review. Where have you experienced perfection? professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Thanks to a lovely dinner in the Painted Hall at the Old Naval Hospital in Greenwich, I explore zero waste a bit more this week. I also return to Roe, and there’s a funny review from Tim Hayward about struggling to book at Ambassadors Clubhouse. Enjoy! open.substack.com/pub/professi...

open.substack.com

Deeper into Waste. French Win French Cooking Comp. Hit at Roe. Critics & More.

Tim struggles to book. Nick basks in Basque. Ellis hates Dad. Jay goes to heaven.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Would you eat a fish head at a Michelin-starred restaurant? I did, and it was wonderful. All part of the fantastic set-lunch trend that’s making Michelin-caliber meals more accessible and frequent. The Ninth is a great choice for a professional lunch. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: The Ninth

A Michelin star place in Charlotte Street that you could visit once a week.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

In this week’s update, I defend the prospect that Michelin-caliber fine dining can be fun, following an attack from William Sitwell. In the Critics Wrap-Up, Giles Coren uncorks a strange, Trumpian attack on Eater London and, by implication, Vittles. professionallunch.substack.com/p/michelin-m...

professionallunch.substack.com

Michelin Man Down. Big Mexican Miss. Spanish Hit. Critics & More.

Giles writes like Trump. Tom is fond of Fonda. Jay finds Hanoi in Islington.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Exploring the wonders of Tuscan food and wine during a weekend in Florence, including some specific recommendations for your next trip. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekend-in...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekend in Florence: 5 Reviews

Regional Tuscan cuisine at its finest, from big slabs of steak to amazing pasta, delightful wine, and tasty sandwiches.

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Reposted by Marshall Manson

James Whatley @whatleydude.com · 20/01/2025

My friend @marshallmanson.bsky.social writes about lunch - a lot. This week, he let me write about one of my favourite lunches last year: Festive lunch on the British Pullman. professionallunch.substack.com/p/pullman-de...

professionallunch.substack.com

Pullman Delights. A Miss in Soho. Smithfield News. Critics & More.

Tim reviews McDonald's. (Really.) Ellis misty at the Regency. Grace butchers Toum. Charlotte goes to the Lyonnaise.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

I’ve never been happier about my choice to never download Tik Tok, create an account, or visit the site. On the other hand, banning it still dumb and incredibly shortsighted.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

My friend was shocked I’d never been to Farmer J. But I have now, and really enjoyed it. Professional Lunch from concept to Field Tray. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: Farmer J

Designed specifically for Professional Lunch, it really delivers.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

🎉 My Professional Lunch newsletter just surged past 500 subscribers, and I wanted thank everyone who has subscribed! 🥂 If you haven't subscribed yet, I hope you will. Here's my London quick reference guide, and you can subscribe via the same link: professionallunch.substack.com/p/quick-refe...

professionallunch.substack.com

Quick Reference Guide: London Restaurants for Business Eating & Drinking

This is a list of my preferred spots in London.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

I filled up our bird feeder yesterday, and it's down by a third just 24 hours later. The ground is frozen, and it's very cold. Look after your feathered friends.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

For this week’s review, I ponder whether Sushisamba is the perfect spot for a healthy professional lunch. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

professionallunch.substack.com

Weekly Review: Sushisamba

With sumptuous decor and great food, it's easy to see why it's gone global.

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

"...It is unclear how such a system might comply with regimes such as the EU’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act, which require online platforms to put measures in place to tackle illicit content and safeguard users." www.ft.com/content/7693...

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

UPDATE: The FT reports that "Meta said there was 'no immediate plan' to end third-party fact checking and introduce community notes outside the US...

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

Some evidence on that: www.facebook.com/formedia/blo... www.facebook.com/formedia/mjp...

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

2. I get why the U.S. political angle leads, but Facebook fact checking spend has supported fact checkers in far flung markets beyond the USA. Many will be crippled by this move, so the implications ex-USA are likely far more significant than in the U.S. and may really damage societies. (2 of 3)

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

On Meta fact-checking story, two questions that need more attention: 1. How much of this decision is about cost-savings for Meta? I understand they spend hundreds of millions a year on it. Is this partially about freeing up capital / reducing costs? (1 of 3)

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

For this week’s Professional Lunch update, I check in on the UK’s calorie count mandate. There’s also a great (and amusing) piece from the NYT forecasting food trends for 2025. professionallunch.substack.com/p/calorie-co...

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Marshall Manson @marshallmanson.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Happy New Year!! For this week’s reviews, I wanted to take a look at some American places that are making a buzz and contributing to a wider USA-focused food trend in London. professionallunch.substack.com/p/weekly-rev...

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