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Team Coco whipped out our best dancing shoes as we were transported back to the roaring twenties for an evening with London Cabaret Club. Set in the heart of Bloomsbury, London Cabaret Club is unlike any other show on the West End and offers a fully immersive experience unlike any other.

As soon as you step inside Victoria House, you enter the world of Great Gatsby. From the art-deco inspired motifs, classic cocktails, to the absolute showmanship of the performances, London Cabaret Club is certainly dinner and show with a difference.

Our evening’s theme was ‘All About Gatsby’ and started with aperitifs at the cocktail lounge. Here, you are welcomed with a cocktail of your choice and greeted by perfectly quaffed actors and actresses dressed in period clothing. A chanteuse serenades guests before they are led into the main ballroom, where the show gets ready to tantalise.

Playing fast and loose with the source material, what the show lacks in narrative accuracy it certainly makes up for in style. The singers filled the vast ballroom with their stellar performances, while the dancers chasséd and pas de bourreed the hell out of tha dazzling choreography, oozing enough charisma to reach even the furthest tables.

Each set was choreographed to outdo the last performance. Between aerial performances, doggy talent shows, tap dancing and acrobatics that would surely rival Cirque du Soleil, there was plenty to feast your eyes on at the London Cabaret Club.

The three course set menu celebrated classic British cuisine with a twist. We started off with amuse-bouche, followed by a smoked salmon starter then a fillet steak with chips, finishing with a delightful chocolate dessert. The meal, which was undoubtedly delicious, wasn’t exactly breaking any new ground in the culinary world, but what surely amazes at London Cabaret Club is that it offers an entertaining escape from the day to day.

So, you are looking for some escapism of your own, and maybe to time travel to the roaring twenties and really get wowed by a truly spectacular show, then we could not recommend London Cabaret Club more. After all, a little party never killed nobody?

WWW.LONDONCABARETCLUB.COM

There is something truly magical about London’s Southbank, even in the depths of winter. As you are expelled from Blackfriars station, wind whipping scarves and blow dried curls around your face as you take in the expanse of the inky black Thames. The slightly ominous stretch is softened as you peer over the wall to see the gentle lapping waves tickle a sheltered bank where two geese have decided to make home for the night and you wonder if they take stock of the cityscape in front of them the same way you do. The dome of St Paul’s casting majesty over his more modern counterparts, the wobbly walkie talkie looking slightly embarrassed by his drunken addition to the other bolt upright city slickers. You take it in, you digest it and then you realise how frikkin’ cold you are in this battering wind when finally your eyes settle on the bright neon lights and you know Sea Containers is your salvation.

Welcomed in to the sleek, modern restaurant with nods to both British and American culinary institutions – think display cubes filled jars of Marmite and bottles of French’s mustard – an open kitchen offers a background chatter of hustle and bustle and a centrally located 360 bar presents the perfect opportunity for people watching. Floor to ceiling windows allow diners to continue basking in that Southbank view whilst staying safe from the elements.Nautical curiosities are elegantly positioned around the venue allowing guests to feel like they are on a 1920’s cruise liner minus the sea sickness and scurvy (one would hope) – this restaurant truly is dinner and a show.

Before diving into our meal we started with cocktails – a SeaCo Gimlet and a Seven Seas Old Fashioned – as beautiful as they were delicious, the mixologist clearly knows their way around a cocktail shaker. The perfect lubrication for the new ‘Transatlantic Journey’ menu. Designed by Exec chef Ryan Matheson and Head Chef Terence Barrow, this menu promises a combination of Modern American and British cuisine with hints of West Indian Spices as a nod to both chef’s roots.

SeaCo Gimlet & a Seven Seas Old Fashioned.

The menu consists of small and large plates, designed to be shared with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Before I go any further, I must admit that I chose totally the wrong dining partner for this event. I broke my cardinal rule and took a vegetarian, well pesci if we are going to get into it. Little did I know we would be having the same meal because ya know, sharing plates. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the fruits of the sea as much as the next person, I am even partial to a pulse-y plant based dish from time to time. However, when you are nibbling on grilled sea bass and green beans and a whole deep fried chicken with homemade hot sauce rolls past to the next table, fish is just not going to cut it. Don’t get me wrong, our food was delicious – this is just a warning to those carnivores with herbivore friends. Take someone else.

I digress. Let’s talk about the food I did eat. Tomato flat bread loaded with onion, blue cheese, cheddar, basil and rocket was the perfect way to begin our Transatlantic journey, for something that read as quite simple, the flavour packed into each bite was fantastic and enough to make my veggie friend squeal in delight. I was too busy begrudgingly staring at the curried goat edition to squeal.

On to some small sharing plates, squid on soft potatoes with chilli and garlic. I honestly feel there is an art in the perfect pomme puree. Sure, you can get a good one just about anywhere but to get one so smooth and perfectly seasoned that it makes you want to cry with joy is rare. Praise be, Sea Containers delivered. The grilled sweetheart cabbage was magical. Drowned in red miso aioli and crispy shallots. Drowned usually has a negative connotation, especially when in a restaurant designed to look like a cruise liner but I mean this with the utmost respect – I would have bathed in that dressing if I had the chance. Massive punches of umami paired with the bitter char of the cabbage leaves. This dish was enough to make me consider turning my back on protein. Until I saw another of those deep fried birds go past. And so on to our big boy sharer – a whole grilled seabass stuffed with lemon and parsley. It was nice. It was lovely in fact, perfectly cooked, delicately flavoured to allow for the subtle sweetness of the fish to shine.

For dessert roast pineapple and pistachio ice cream. How they made that pistachio ice cream is beyond me. It was more pistachio-y than a sack full of pistachio nuts but not in the synthetic flavouring way. I think someone may have spent a week hand grinding pistachios to a paste added in some unicorn hair and dragons blood and set it in an ice cream machine because holy macaroni, that shit was magical. I have a friend who searches high and low for the perfect pistash and always wails that nothing ever compares to one she had in some boujee place in Italy, it’s very annoying but now I rejoice, because for birthdays furthermore I shall take her here, plonk her down in front of a bowl of the green stuff whilst I dig into my fried chicken for two, for one.

Self-love is more important than ever. Last year has been tough and the last thing we need is all the unnecessary pressure that Valentine’s Day brings. So, this year, instead of Valentine’s we’re showing our gratitude to all the girlfriends that have helped us survive a global pandemic.

Team Coco is all about that supportive female energy – so what better way to say thank you than by treating your favourite gal pals to some of the best self-care, skincare and all-rodn wellness finds this February?

1.The Ultimate Self Love Kit by Bloom Gin available at https://www.bloomgin.com

To help women everywhere on their self-love journey, BLOOM Gin has collaborated with quality sex toy company, So Divine, to create the ultimate self-love gift box – be it for yourself, your friend, your sister, hell, even your mum if you’re so inclined. The limited-edition gift-box, which contains a bottle of BLOOM Gin, a scented candle and a sex toy from So Divine, is the ultimate gift of pleasure and relaxation.

2.Ultra Balm Universal Rescue Cream by Amanda Harrington available at https://www.amandaharrington.com/products/ultra-balm

3.Rejuvenating Body Scrub by Anatomē available at https://www.anatome.co/

4.Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser by Steam Cream available at https://www.steamcream.com/

Part of Amanda Harrington’s tan-compatible skincare range, the rich, hydrating Ultra balm is designed to prep skin for tan application and combat dryness at the elbows, knees and ankles. Perfect for some self-care this V-day.

Cool wellness brand Anatomē offers a supportive, mindful offering to treat oneself or a loved one with products to help support emotionally and physically. The pink Balance range is perfect for pampering, good health and self-love.

Steam Cream’s Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser breathes life into spring skin and lifts the soul after a harsh winter. This weightless cream rebalances the skin, helping it to retain moisture and build up its resilience to the changing climate and environment.

This Valentine’s, Nailberry are sharing the love with a complimentary bottle of this bestselling Pop My Berry Lacquer worth £15 when you spend £45 or more with the code POPMYBERRY.

But it doesn’t stop there… Explore Nailberry’s Valentine’s Day limited-edition gift sets to find the perfect present – whether to add to your own wish list, treat a special someone or let your galentine know just how much you appreciate them. The quintessential Valentine’s colours – feminine, flattering for all and a picture-perfect pairing for any daytime ensemble. Nailberry’s iconic fiery red, Rouge, delicate pastel pink, Rose Blossom, and gloss-enhancing Bare Essentials Base and Top Coat. The perfect trio to nail your Valentine’s nail art, that is just too cute to pass up

5.Facial Oil by Amaranthine Beauty available at amaranthinebeauty.com

6.Checkmate Lip Gloss by Vesta London Beauty available at https://www.vestalondonbeauty.com/

7.5-in-1 Acai Elixir by Nailberry available at https://www.nailberry.co.uk/

Vesta London Beauty was created by marketing expert Vesta Boateng, to answer her need for high quality lip makeup that matched her (and others! ) skin tone. She spent 4 years formulating the perfect nourishing blends and has created a range of lip liners and glosses that work on all skin types – like magic!

Nailberry, the ethically focused nail brand with a 12-free, vegan friendly and halal approved L’Oxygéné formula is certainly the nail brand we are all coveting this year. The award-winning Acai Nail Elixir is brilliant and proven to help nourish, harden, protect, boost growth and conceal ridges.

Chāmpo are a South Asian-owned, independentUK-based haircare brand, founded by Kuldeep Knox. Since their founding a couple of years ago, they have become cult favourites in the premium, vegan haircare space, known for their trichologically-driven98%+ naturalformulas that produce tangible results. This results-driven serum combines cutting-edge anti-hair loss actives technology to tonecondition and energise the scalp. This, plus a pioneering complex of biomimetic peptide amino acidslipo amino acids and biochanin a-rich Red Clover Extract, are designed to calm the scalp and prevent hair loss.

8.Pitta Hair Growth Serum by Chāmpo available atchampohaircare.com

9.Pure White Rose Water by Gene in a Bottle available at https://geneinabottle.co.uk/

10.Almond Inga Bralette by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

11.Almond Raine Pant by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

12.CBD Oil by NICE available at https://mrnicelondon.com/

13. Take Good Care Candle Set by NETTE available https://nettenyc.com/

14. PURIFY: Scalp Cleanse by FFOR available at https://www.fforhair.com/

Eartha Underwear is a wellness inspired and eco-conscious underwear brand. The first collection launched in November 2021 following 12 months of research into sustainable and ethical manufacturing opportunities and natural materials which are more consumer and environmentally friendly than polyester and virgin cotton. Perfect for some guilt-free self-love this Valentine’s Day.

Help your gal pals hit reset on your hair and scalp problems with the latest launch from sustainable, Scandi-inspired haircare brand, FFØR. Designed by eco-conscious hair technicians who know that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, to allow all of us to achieve that salon-fresh feeling at home this Galentine’s.

Bonus: Here is the perfect gift for the travel-lover in your life. Jet Candy helps weary travellers beat the jet lag blues – along with other ailments associated with the disruption caused to the circadian rhythms. Jet Candy has launched an all-new family of 100% natural remedies, which can be used for long-haul travel, or simply as a much-needed pick-me-up on the ground.

Bonus: The Ensemble by Jet Candy available at https://jet-candy.com/

Tucked up a lane in Hertfordshire is an old inconspicuous farm plot. Blink and you could easily miss it but for those in the know, it has quickly become a buzzing weekend outpost for locals, Londoners, and the occasional celebrity. The site has been home to fashion and homeware brand, Osprey for 15 years and has gradually expanded to include a gin distillery, beauticians, and more recently, JJAM, a countryside kitchen serving brunch style breakfast plates, light lunches and delicious dinners using fresh and where possible, local, seasonal ingredients.

JJAM Cafe

Set in a pretty courtyard, JJAM was founded by school friends Jack Ellisdon and Scott Martin during the first lockdown. The pair have a hospitality background, Jack previously worked in the hotel industry for the likes of Dorchester Collection Hotels while Scott has experience in private members clubs including the renowned Annabel’s.

I took my daughter and husband on a Saturday afternoon in January and the place was literally JJAM packed. The indoor space seats around 30 covers which adds to the intimate personalised service however, outside there’s a courtyard with a firepit for those who prefer to dine alfresco. Despite a chill in the air, there were couples meandering around the Osprey outlet store, people nipping in and out of the distillery and groups relaxing around the courtyard with hots drinks. Ellisdon tells me “People tend to come here for the best part of the day. They might have a leisurely breakfast with us then have a look around the shops or perhaps have a beauty treatment with Francessca, (who is also an old school friend), then pop back to us for drinks and dinner”. Dinner at JJAM is a big hit, especially in the summer when you can make the most out of the outdoor space, but more on that later. We were sat on a cosy corner table with a chilled glass of Sancerre while we scanned the food options. The menu at JJAM is refreshed every month and is an eclectic mix of classic British, and rustic, internationally inspired dishes. The chef has put his own spin on flatbread style pizzas, sharing platters and sandwiches which make this place more than a café. Front of house is big Dutchman, Parcifal, who casually mingles around the café chatting to people, answering any questions about the menu, and making you feel welcome.

We ordered the JJAM toastie, steak sandwich and triple stacked pancakes. Each plate served would look at home on any foodie’s Instagram page. Presentation here is next level and when our food arrives it looks too good to eat. The conversation grounds to a halt as we tucked into each plate. For the next few minutes, the table was filled with lots of nods and moans of appreciation. My daughter, a pancake connoisseur, took one bite from her fluffy stack and exclaimed it was the best plate of pancakes ever! My toastie was not your regular Breville toastie, wedged between a parmesan crusted sourdough was succulent, chunky slices of Wiltshire ham, melted mature cheddar cheese and a tangy onion chutney. The sourdough had just the right amount of crunch while the sweet onion chutney balanced out the cheddar and parmesan. I sneaked a bite of the steak sandwich and again it didn’t disappoint. The meat was melt in your mouth tender, enveloped in a toasted ciabatta bun.

Dinner at JJAM is the jewel in the crown. They switch up the menu to include specials and larger plates. There’s live music every weekend and no time limit on tables. In the summer tables are like gold dust with people vying over a courtyard seat. Fairy lights adorn the space, blankets and fire pits keep it cosy.

After lunch I had a wander around the shops. Ellisdon tells me they have plans to expand the site, host regular events and turn it into a destination location. The venue lends itself to private events and is already popular for parties and weddings. From May, they will be running JJAM x WELLNESS, a series of weekly subscription-based yoga, running and fitness classes that will be followed by a light breakfast, juice and coffee. The view is to then expand these ‘wellness brunches’ to include beauty treatments such as massages by their onsite beautician. As well as the venue in Hertfordshire, JJAM Regent Street has just opened offering coffees and tasty bites served with the same enthusiasm and passion.

JJAM has vibe, it’s one of those places you want to take your friends just to show off but at the same time you want to keep this place a secret. Word is already getting around so book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.

To book a table or find out more on the wellness events visit JJAM Group or follow @jjamgroup

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, don’t get caught up making last minute plans. We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting special events in some of London’s most romantic restaurants, so you can wow your partner this V-Day.

A cosy dinner at Kutir, Chelsea

Behind the doors of an elegant Chelsea townhouse, acclaimed restaurant Kutir boasts beautifully decorated interiors in an intimate, cosy setting that is perfect for a lowkey Valentine’s Day meal.

Chef Rohit Ghai has created a 6-course Valentine’s Day menu of signature dishes, including masala prawns and pheasant with beetroot chutney. The menu is priced at £80pp with additional wine pairing options, and a vegetarian menu is available too.

A romantic meal in private booth at The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair

Transport your date back to the roaring 20’s at The Colony Grill Room, the Beaumont Hotel’s glamorous 20’s-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is led by Chef Ben Boeynaems and offers an incredible menu of transatlantic dishes. Finish off with drinks at Le Magritte which offers creative cocktails inspired by René Magritte and can be enjoyed alongside a luxurious Oysters & Caviar menu.

Champagne and Caviar at Trivet, Bermondsey

For a truly exceptional dining experience, look no further than Trivet, the first solo restaurant from Fat Duck alumni Jonny Lake and Isa Bal. Here, you can enjoy stand-out dishes, including the signature ‘Hokkaido Potato’ dessert, as well as exquisite wines from the 350-strong wine cellar.

For added luxury on Valentine’s Day, indulge in champagne and caviar – in the form of a buttermilk fan-tan with cultured butter and caviar – can be arranged on arrival on February 14 for £95 per couple.

Drag Bingo at Double Standard, King’s Cross

Valentine’s Day certainly doesn’t have to be a drag – especially if you’re going to an incredible night of drag bingo at the Double Standard.

This month’s Valentine’s special will be held on February 14, and will be hosted by long-term host Grace Shush, who will be accompanied by fellow drag superstar, Sue Gives a Fuck. Perfect for those looking for a non-conventional Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s puddings at The Proof, East London

Tantalise your partner’s sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day with a visit to East London bakery, The Proof. This year, The Proof is offering a range of special Valentine’s Day pudds including the L’Amour cake and Profiterole Heart.

The Proof will sculpt their signature profiteroles into heart-shaped wreaths, each pastry filled with crème Chantilly and topped with dark chocolate and gold leaf.

The L’Amour cake features three layers of sponge – either chocolate or vanilla – and is topped with red and white Swiss meringue buttercream. Perfect for a sweet ending to Valentine’s Day.

Dress to the nines at The Ninth, Fitzrovia

Perfect for a romantic meal, The Ninth is a Michelin-starred restaurant that encourages intimate dining with a sharing plate menu, which focuses on simple yet refined Mediterranean-style cooking made with the best seasonal ingredients.

This contemporary French restaurant is a beautifully decorated, sophisticated spot on Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street, perfect to ramp up the romance on Valentine’s Day.

Leave room for the dessert menu, which includes Chef Jun Tanaka’s signature Pain Perdu.

Native at Browns, Mayfair

The epitome of sustainable chic, Native at Browns sees the foraging-focused restaurant take residency in one of Mayfair’s most luxurious department stores. So, you can finish off your next Valentine’s date with a little retail therapy.

Perfect for treating your eco-conscious partner, small plates to share include wood pigeon kebab with Native harissa, while dessert-lovers can indulge in the signature Marrowmel – a bone marrow and white chocolate caramel. Natural wines and cocktails made with foraged ingredients complete the date. Romance and sustainability going hand in hand – now that’s something we really love. While Native isn’t open on 14 February, it’s open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Go on a culinary escapade from Italy to Japan at Angelina, Dalston

This Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a 10-course Italo-Japanese omakase tasting menu at cult Dalston restaurant Angelina. Dishes include chawanmushi (savoury egg custard)andhamachi with truffle and handmade pasta, all served up in the intimate, candlelit dining room.

For a real celebration, match the menu with Angelina’s ‘rare and old wine’ pairing, showcasing a hand-picked selection of unique and exceptional Italian wines.

Authentic and intimate Italian dining at Luca, Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell’s much-loved Luca is one of London’s most beautiful restaurants and the ideal spot for an intimate dinner on Valentine’s Day.

You can start the romance at Luca’s gorgeous bar for a cocktail and plate of their signature parmesan fries, before moving either into the main dining room or to dine al fresco (if you dare to brave the weather).

The secluded terrace surrounded by olive trees and jasmine is warmed by the open fire, and makes for an idyllic spot to enjoy dishes of rigatoni with pork sausage ragu or taglierini with black winter truffle. It’s amore!

Disclaimer: While Luca isn’t open on 14 February, the restaurant is operating on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Spice up your night at Decimo, The Standard, Kings Cross

Spice up your Valentine’s Day at Decimo which is widely hailed as one of London’s sexiest restaurants. Decimo is the ultimate date night spot, thanks to a mix of incredible Spanish-Mexican cuisine from Michelin-starred Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, playful drinks, plush interiors and unmatched views across the city.

Unmissable menu highlights this Valentine’s Day include the iconic Spanish tortilla (with a caviar-topped version available for those looking to indulge), gambas rojas and chistorra and black bean tacos. While Decimo may not be open on 14 February, it is open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

A Love Parade at Chotto Matte

Chotto Matte is putting on a luxurious Love Parade on Valentine’s Weekend to celebrate love in all its formsincluding love for your girls. The incredible activation has been designed for everyone to enjoy and it’s perfect for a Galentine’s night out!

The event will see the return of the brand’s entertainment programme Chotto Lates, with flamboyant live shows and sensual acts inspired by the wild bird love parades of Peru, perfect hot spot to celebrate love with friends or loved ones.

Fall deeply in love at Sumosan Twiga

Sumosan Twiga invites guests to fall truly, madly and deeply in love this Valentine’s Weekend!

On Saturday 12th, guests will enjoy celebrations late into the night at the famous Sloane Street location. Live entertainment throughout the night will feature the best of Cabaret, from pin up singers and cancan dancers to trumpet players, drummers, and even a mime, captivating the audience all night long.

Meanwhile, on Monday the 14th of February, Sumosan Twiga will ensure guests have a wonderfully romantic experience with live music, saxophone players and an incredible tango duo to set the mood alight.

The earlier sitting, costing £120 per person, will welcome guests from 6:30pm with a glass of Kir Royale followed by a selection of Sushi and Maki Rolls, carefully chosen by Chef Alessandro Scala.

Get Lovestruck at Bill’s

Enjoy a ‘Lovestruck’ cocktail composed of Beefeater pink gin, sour mix, strawberry puree and topped with basil leaves alongside a three-course set menu (£24.95) including Bill’s infamous Crispy Chicken and Sesame Dumplings.

No Valentine’s meal is complete without dessert, opt for either the Sharing Profiteroles, complete with vanilla ice, hot chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of gold glitter, or the ever-indulgent Carrot Cake Doughnuts.

If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate with your partner or gather your best friends for that ‘Galentine’s Day’ experience, Bill’s is ready to treat you to the most romantic evening.

Last month, #teamcoco food writer Hannah Gregory visited Osteria by Searcys, a modern Italian restaurant perched on the second floor of the Barbican, offering views over the iconic lakeside. The menu specialises in bold, ingredient-focused Italian cooking in a true bistronomy style.

We decided to share starters because the thought of only having one each was just incomprehensible. Truth be told, I could have ordered every single starter on the menu, but trying to show some sort of restraint – it is a classy establishment after all – we landed on the Burrata Pugliese (because who says no to burrata?) served with pumpkin, Treviso and balsamic pearls and baked figs served with lardo, frisee and robiola cheese. Both dishes served their purpose – an instant transportation to Italy. The burrata was just as it should be, creamy, oozy, luxurious, paired perfectly with the autumnal pumpkin, bitter Treviso leaves (which usually I am not a fan of but in this situ, they just sang) and the sharp pop of the balsamic pearls. I could have licked the plate. The figs were jammy, draped in lardo, stuffed with cheese, creating the most decadent mouthful with welcome lightness from the frisee. If the starters were anything to go by, we were in for a treat when it came to the mains.

I went for the pan fried chalk stream trout with potato rosti, courgette, mussels and a fennel cream. It was exceptional – so much so that I am still dreaming of it a month later and furiously trying to recreate it in my own kitchen but never quite hitting the mark. The trout was perfectly cooked, flaking with crispy skin, plump mussels, ribbons of courgette and rich, buttery potato rosti perfect for mopping up the creamiest, velvetiest sauce spiked with fennel and aniseed. My friend chose the pappardelle pasta with braised venison and hazelnuts. She’s a purist, she couldn’t quite get her head around going to an italian restaurant and not ordering handmade pasta. She was right in her decision. On a cold, wet and windy November afternoon you could not have asked for more from a dish. The depth of flavour that I am pretty sure can only be achieved by a Nonna out back stirring a huge pot with love for the best part of a day. Venison that melted in the mouth, a rich sauce that clung to the pasta in a loving embrace and finished with a generous grating of fresh pecorino – this dish was perfection.

Needless to say, we were stuffed and couldn’t quite manage dessert. However, we thought it would be rude not to at least stop at the Negroni bar on the way out. That’s right, you heard, a dedicated Negroni bar serving up ten versions of the iconic cocktail. Our only complaint… we couldn’t quite make our way through all ten of them before closing time.

Osteria, you were beautiful. I will most certainly be back.

Oh my goodness, where to start? On invitation to Colonel Saab, I did a quick google to see what I was in for. A modern, innovative, smart approach to Indian cooking taking inspiration from an army officer and his wife’s travels across India. Ok, I was down – that sounded like a bit of me. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be spending the evening in a restaurant that could easily be classified as a museum, where the decor competes with the dishes and the food does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s a transportation through India depicted by more than perfectly executed dishes, done with love and passion (and some really banging food).

We began our evening with a couple of cocktails – I went for the Noora, a combination of tequila, almond and raspberry beer. I wasn’t sure what to expect but being a creature of comfort, and that comfort being tequila, this seemed like a great option. I was not disappointed, I would go as far as to say, the best cocktail of 2021, and I drink a lot of cocktails. My friend opted for the Colonel Saab – she wanted to to keep things legit with a hit of chai spiked with bourbon and coffee, another sensational drink.

We pawed over the food menu for the best part of an hour, oohing and aahing as other diners’ meals arrived and then trying to work out exactly what they were eating. In the end we admitted defeat, everything just looked too good so we asked the incredible Maitre’d what he would recommend. He was soon telling us all about his favourite dishes and why they were so special – the enthusiasm that the staff have for the food that is created within these walls is unsurpassed – on his recommendation – poppadoms and chutneys but these were not regular poppadoms, these were Colonel Saab poppadoms, a mix of the ones we are accustomed to, their miniature, puffed counterparts and the tapioca pearl version – I am not ashamed to admit I was that person hoovering every last crumb. From here we went to paneer tikka, Kataifi Prawns and Jaipur Baby Aloo. The paneer was the standout dish for me (from this round) generous slabs of cheese, sandwiching a green chilli paste, marinated and expertly spiced, grilled and then served with a warming chutney. The prawns were also divine, wrapped in Kataifi pastry, deep fried till crisp and bejeweled with pomegranate seeds.

Onto the mains – Memsaab’s chicken curry (highly recommended by our pal), there was a small part of me unsure if I had made the right decision. Who goes out and orders a chicken curry when there is so much exciting stuff on the menu? But something was telling me this would be a chicken curry like no other and that something was right – light and creamy, the most tender of chicken, a base level of subtle heat – Memsaab knew what she was doing! My friend, the veggie, went for the Gutti Vankaya – a dish of baby aubergine with a curry leaf and tamarind sauce. I was allowed the smallest of tastes – for which she will be paying the price of never dining with me again – however, from that smallest taste, I could understand why she was reluctant to share. The tamarind and curry leaf absolutely singing to each other to create the most perfect harmony. We also tried the Daal Makhani – one of my favourite dishes of all time. Now we all know of that famous Indian restaurant that does THE best daal… well I think it might have met its match, heavy in butter and heady spices. This is the stuff of dreams. And last but not least, we shared the truffle and parmesan kulcha, a small naan style bread. I thought the addition of truffle to this menu seemed odd but being one of my favourite ingredients I didn’t want to pass it up. It worked perfectly, dunked in the creamy, decadent daal – oh my lord, I can’t even put into words the mind blowing mouth orgasm that occured.

After all this we were too full for dessert, although it all looked amazing, we got packed up with doggy bags for our respective trains home – the best train snacks ever, may I add. But before we departed we were treated to a tour of all the artwork within the restaurant,all of which had been transported from India and lovingly curated and rehomed in the repurposed Holborn town hall. Every artifact had a story: doors over 400 years old, paintings commissioned for the most special of celebrations, chairs and tables that had once stood in great Indian homes, now making for cosy dining nooks on the upper floor of the space. The stairway to the bathrooms is something to get lost in all on its own (and a great photo opp). Colonel Saab is so much more than a restaurant. It is a love letter to India and I for one am in love.

Hidden amongst the winding cobbles of Covent Garden was an intimate soiree, invite only, hosted by the Don, a taste of Sugarlandia and one of its finest exports – Don Papa rum. Lucky enough to bag an invite, #teamcoco gal Hannah Gregory put on her finest sparkles, got her cocktail-shaking arm limbered up and did what anyone in her position would do: tasted every rum the Don had to offer.

The Don Papa range are dark rums, every edition offers deep, rich flavour with heady notes of vanilla, honey, candied fruits and sugars. It works perfectly mixed or dare I say it, on the rocks – the flavour is that good. It’s complex with no ‘burn’ or harsh alcohol taste, making it incredibly sippable. Also a fantastic base for a wide variety of cocktails – this guy has it all. With its beautiful bottles that would take pride of place on any drinks cabinet (do people still have drinks cabinets?) this would make the perfect gift for any rum lover. Alternatively, it is a fantastic gift to oneself to say “well done for being so bloody fantastic”, which is exactly what I did!

Below are a couple of recipes that really utilise this drink. Enjoy!

Don Papa Rum truffles.

What you need :

  • 250ml whipping cream
  • 100g milk chocolate,
  • 200g dark chocolate (at least 80% – the higher the better)
  • 25g unsalted butter
  • 5 tbsp Don Papa rum
  • Cocao powder for dusting
  • Desiccated coconut for dusting

How you do it :

  1. Grate both of your chocolates into a bowl and set aside (you could snap it into pieces but grating will quicken the melting process).
  2. Heat the cream in a saucepan until just before boiling. Keep an eye on it as you don’t want it to reach boiling point. As soon as it is steaming and the surface is puckering, it’s ready.
  3. Once the cream is to temp, pour over the grated chocolate and whisk until all melted and combined.
  4. Add the butter and rum, stir well until everything is combined. Taste to make sure your rum levels are on point.
  5. Cover with cling film and pop into the fridge for at least four hours.
  6. When you are ready to shape, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take two plates, sift the cacao onto one and pour the desiccated coconut onto the other.
  7. Using a teaspoon, scoop out a walnut sized piece of chocolate mixture. Roll gently into a ball in your hands and then roll into the cacao powder. Repeat till half the mixture is used and then do the same process again but using the desiccated coconut.

Don Papa Al-Nog.

What you need :

  • 250ml unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 shots Don Papa rum
  • 1 shot muscavado simple syrup
  • ice
  • ground cinnamon

How you do it :

  • If you want to make the simple syrup rather than buy use the following method – gently heat 225g dark muscavado sugar, 110g granulated sugar and 225g water in saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool and then refrigerate (this will keep for a few months).
  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add the rum, simple syrup & almond milk and shake like your life depends on it.
  • Fill a high ball with ice, strain the cocktail over.
  • Garnish with ground cinnamon.

With Omicron throwing a massive wrench into everyone’s winter travel plans, we’re getting our alpine fix at The Botanist Gin’s new alpine themed winter terrace at The Shangri-La London’s Bar 31.

Located on the ground floor of The Shard, Bar 31 or better yet Hütte 31, has been transformed into a winter wonderland, inspired by the cosy ski chalets of the alps.

Team Coco babe Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured into wintery London bridge, to visit Hütte 31 which is the next best thing to enjoying a mulled wine, après ski, in the slopes. The Winter Terrace is covered in small huts (appropriately so) each one decked out in comfy fur blankets, heaters, and whimsical snow-covered touches. All looking like it could be lifted straight from Verbier.

While you may think that gin and après-ski don’t go hand-in-hand, The Botanist proves otherwise. The Botanist Gin menu at Bar 31 reimagines all your favourite gin cocktails with a wintery twist. The Junipear is a blend of The Botanist, poire Williams and thyme, while the Lady Rossa is a warming blend of The Botanist, ruby port, sweet vermouth and citrus. Both unexpected concoctions, that worked surprisingly well with the Austrian-inspired dishes on offer.

The food is appropriately festive, with plenty of après ski classics like the Chicken Schnitzel Roll, dressed with Lingonberry sauce, lettuce and leritage tomatoes, and the Nürnberger Sausage which is served with sauerkraut in a Kaiser roll. The Pork Bun is also wonderfully delicious and comes with white cabbage salad, mustard and caraway mayonnaise.

The Austrian Charcuterie platter and French fries with truffle and parmesan are excellent starters to pair with The Botanist Gin cocktail, perfectly complementing the menu filled with guilty pleasures. End the evening with a delicious mulled wine – close your eyes and it’s like you’ve been transported to the snow-covered peaks of Switzerland.

So, while we’ve all had to put a collective pause on this year’s ski season, why not pay a visit to Hütte 31, a playful yet authentic take on après ski right at the heart of London Bridge.

TO BOOK VISIT www.bar31.com

In a last minute panic about what to get your loved ones for Christmas? Here are three quick and easy stocking filler options that they will definitely love. Why? Because each includes some delicious booze to get everyone merry on Christmas Day.

1. Hunter & Grey Cocktails

These little cocktails from Hunter & Grey are great to pop in a stocking or gift in a personalised box. Each drink is perfectly blended to create your favourite cocktails in 200ml or 500ml bottles.

The range includes a Pornstar Martini, Mojito, Espresso Martini and Strawberry Daiquiri. The bottles can also be personalised, making them an ideal present for loved ones.

Visit hgcocktails.com

2. One Gin

One Gin offers delicious spirits which feature sage as the star ingredient. Their new gift box is a perfect stocking filler, featuring a sage gin, sage and apple gin and smooth port barrel rested gin. The best shout for gin fans, One Gin also gives back, donating 10% of its profits to clean water projects.

Visit thespiritofone.com.

3. BIRCH by Buck & Birch

A delicious alternative to gin or vodka, this new spirit by Buck & Birch is the perfect pre-dinner drink. BIRCH is filled with the flavours of raw sap and botanicals. Paired with tonic or soda, this will be a brilliant way to surprise a spirit-loving family member or begin your Christmas meal in style.

Visit buckandbirch.com.