Want to know a little secret The Artful Diner recently discovered? You can now dine at one of London’s best foodie gems and hidden hotspots, Almeida, for just £10!

Head chef Alan Jones has designed a plat du jour menu for the week, giving gastronomes the chance to indulge in a hearty lunchtime meal from Tuesdays to Saturdays. The Artful Diner caught up with the man behind the menu to find out about the inspiration behind his plat du jour makeover.

Choose your mood

At this time of year it can be tough to keep up with the daily grind. When it’s cold and windy outside the temptation to remain at your desk (or inside where it’s warm) is just too convenient. However, The Artful Diner has been on the hunt for restaurants where you can cosy up inside and catch up with friends or colleagues over a hearty and healthy lunch. And Almeida is the pick of the bunch.

Tucked away in a back street in Angel, Almeida serves classic French dishes with a contemporary influence. Alan is an advocate of using fresh and seasonal ingredients, and his latest plat du jour menu aims to celebrate this. 

From Tuesdays to Saturdays Alan will focus on a specific dish from his à la carte menu, which will be available for £10. “I wanted to create a relaxed plat du jour menu that is accessible, cheap and great value for money,” says Alan. “I want to let foodies know that Almeida has something for everyone.”

What’s on offer?

• Tuesday: Grilled aged British rib eye with pommes Pont Neuf and béarnaise sauce
• Wednesday: Fillet of wild sea bass Viennoise with crushed potatoes and champagne velouté  
• Thursday: Slow-braised suckling pig with sautéed spinach, Chantenay carrots, pommes purée and sauce aux épices
• Friday: Poached south-coast day-boat fish with a potage of oysters and fettuccine of aromatic vegetables
• Saturday: Wild mushroom and truffle risotto with shaved Parmesan

Five minutes with Alan Jones

What’s one of your favourite winter dishes to cook at home?

A hot bowl of homemade broccoli soup with warm, char-grilled garlic bread. It’s healthy, warming and tasty.

What do you do at this time of year to unwind? 

I keep myself busy and go to the gym a lot.

If you could jet-set away for a mini break where would it be?

I’d always choose a holiday destination that involved some skiing.

What are some top ingredients you like to cook with at this time of year?

I love cooking with venison and rhubarb. I also eat lots of purple sprouting broccoli at this time of year because it’s so good for you.

Also at Almeida…

If you have a sweet tooth you’ll love the crafty “trolley of tarts” concept that Alan is bringing back to Almeida. There’ll be loads of decadent goodies on offer, including a devilish passionfruit tart. Find out more about Almeida and see what else is on offer.