Category

Cocktails

Category
Adventures

WINTER SUN: BEAT THE BLUES IN DUBAI

With the nights drawing in, sun-starved Brits are craving some much-needed vitamin D. With so much up in the air, deciding on the perfect destination for that first big trip is a hard feat. However, things are reassurinngly Covid-secure in Dubai, and the UAE on a whole as we go into the New Year and dream of a getaway.

Nothing is overlooked and masks are mandatory in all enclosed public places, until you sit down for food of course. Social distancing is still practiced and people remain very respectful of space; with Dubai being the centre of the world and home to countless nationalities, people are aware of different boundaries and levels of comfort in regards to closeness. My room at Jumeirah Beach Hotel was laden with hand sanitisers, information on local rules and the staff could not have been more attentive from the moment I arrived. With azure Arabian Gulf views, endless sun, a long golden beach on the doorstep and sumptuous dining options, the five-star hotel is the perfect place to beat the blues this winter.

Yes, the flight is lenghtly – especially if you haven’t travelled far in the last two years but you can tick off every country in the world from the safety of one Emirate, ideal for those wanderlust cravings. This is particularly prominent in the mind-boggling array of world-class restaurants in Dubai that feature cuisine from Cannes to Chiclayo. My taste buds rejoiced after maxing out on the same boring Deliveroo order for the last 18 months. You can head to the breezy European style bistro, Cassette, in the atmospheric The Courtyard in Al Quoz for croissants, cold brew coffees and nomad working. During the sun-soaked days, chow down on contemporary Indian food at Bombay Bungalow by the beach, and, come evening, jump in a golf buggy and hop over to the other nearby Jumeirah hotel along the glittering coastline, Jumeirah al Qasr, and tick off Monte-Carlo at the ever-chic French Riviera restaurant.

For those distinctly Dubai moments that the glittering Emirate is famed for all over the world, I went first on an exhilarating Desert Safari Experience to thrash around in the endless dunes and learn about the local culture from the expert guides, before heading to SAL at Burj Al Arab for balmy sundowner cocktails, a hotel that is synonymous with luxury, hospitality, and decadence across the globe. With so much to take in, the Dubai Frame is a great way of bridging the gap between old and new. The monument offers panoramic views of the entire city with its futuristic skyscrapers touching the clouds right across to the older section of the Emirate located near the river that has remained the same for generations.

Looking to be totally transported? Dubai Old Town on the banks of the creek takes the top spot. Gypsum buildings have been beautifully restored to their original glory, complete with wind towers that cast a contrasting silhouette to the modern skyline. Start at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and learn about the rich cultural history of the past and also of the present. Perch on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows, and feast on a selection of delicious dishes whilst your local host answers questions about life in the UAE. With its motto ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ – all questions are welcome and answered, no matter how sensitive. I left feeling humbled and thoughtful, before being thrown back into the hustle and bustle almost straight away in the kaleidoscopic gold, spice and textile souks.

The energy and forward-looking feeling in the Emirate was received like a welcome tonic after months of reminiscing in lockdown about what life used to be like. As we flew over the silver metropolis on a Seawings Seaplane Tour there was a buzz of construction of brand new restaurants, new hotels, and new homes. One to watch is the opening in 2022 of Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences which will be made up of a staggering 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites. The hotel will exclusively host restaurants helmed by international celebrity chefs, including Gaston Acurio, Costas Spiliadis, Ariana Bundy, Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres.

Our trip ended with an exquisite meal at Cé La Vi as we toasted how far travel has come and gazed up at the astonishing Burj Khalifa in all its glory. We clinked our glasses with the restaurant’s name on our lips 220 metres above sea level and sipped on one of the famous ‘Not You Last Word’ cocktails (or two!).

Travelbag offers five nights in Dubai staying in the 5* Jumeirah Beach Hotel on a half board basis from £1,479 including direct return flights from London Heathrow with Emirates. Selected January 2022 travel. Based on two adults sharing. To book, Call Travelbag on 0207 001 4112 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk. All packages subject to availability. Free unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™

For more information, see visitdubai.com

by
Keep Reading
Cocktails

Ten drink gift ideas to ring in Christmas party season with a bang

With the evenings growing longer and the weather getting chillier, we’ll soon be welcoming the arrival for Christmas party season.

Whether you’re the hardcore club kid, the shy office Christmas party-goer, the homemade Christmas party planner, or even the designated driver — Team Coco has rounded up some of the best new spirits, tipples, no-and-low blends, wines and wine subscriptions to fuel next Christmas do – or simply to gift to your favourite boozy friend.

1. lsle of Barra Atlantic Gin available at https://isleofbarradistillers.com/

2. Wild Eve Botanical Infusion No. 1 available at https://www.wild-eve.com/

3. The King of Soho London Dry Gin available at https://spiritofsoho.com/

Isla of Barra’s Atlantic Gin’s main botanical is carrageen seaweed, collected wild and sustainably, from the shores surrounding the island, creating a pleasing, bold flavour and rich in maritime notes. It is perfect for the family’s gin connoisseur.

Incomparable to anything else, Wild Eve Recipe no 1. is well thought out, rich and as intense as a good alcoholic drink. It has heat, length, and real complexity with that moreish desire to keep on sipping. This delicious blend was created by award winning Apothecary and Herbalist, Amanda Saurin.

4. Jasmine Pearls Sparkling Tea by Jing Tea available at https://jingtea.com/

5. Snow Globe Gin Liqueur by Gravity Drinks available at https://gravitydrinks.co.uk/

6. STRYKK Not V*dka by STRYKK available at https://www.strykk.com/

7. A Wine subscription by Bottle Bazaar Wine Club join via www.bbwineclub.co.uk

STRYKK’s Not V*dka, Jing Tea’s Sparkling Tea and Belvoir Farm’s non-alcoholic Passionfruit Martini’s make excellent gifts for those who have decided to skip the alcohol altogether this party season. Alternatively, they also serve as good companions for those looking to minimise their alcohol consumption this December. Meanwhile, the Snow Globe Gin Liqueur from Gravity Drinks adds some enchantment to your drinks trolley with edible gold leaf and a festive gingerbread and orange flavour.

Laid-back, accessible, not in the least bit intimidating… The Bottle Bazaar Wine Club is perfect for those who are curious to learn more about the wines they love – and discover new ones – in a friendly, unfussy way. In a world where we’ve learnt the joy of joining in from home, a gift membership to the Bottle Bazaar Wine Club is a really refreshing choice this Christmas (stay tuned for our review soon!)

8. Belvoir Farm Non-Alcoholic Passionfruit Martini available at https://www.belvoirfarm.co.uk/

9. Ron Zacapa Gran Reserva Premium Rum available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/

10. Coravin Sparkling Wine Preserver available at https://www.coravin.co.uk/

Why not celebrate this year with the gift of liquid magic from the world’s leading ultra-premium rum, Ron Zacapa 23? Created 2,300 metres above sea level this unique Guatemalan rum will transport your taste buds and serves as the ideal toast to the reuniting of friends and family. Ron Zacapa 23’s unique smoothness and exquisite taste is perfect for pairing with any festive meals or alongside delicious, sweet treats and always injects a hint of magic into any celebration.

Coravin is on a mission to change the way we experience wine. The brand’s new Coravin Sparkling is a ‘first of its kind’ product which will end all attempts of the many mythical solutions we currently use (such as spoons placed in open bottles!) to maintain the fizz in sparkling wine. The sparkling wine preservation system retains the flavour and effervescence of sparkling wines for two weeks, meaning we can now enjoy sparkling wine by the glass without affecting the rest of the bottle.

by
Keep Reading
Cocktails

Stylish, Sustainable, Seafood in the heart of Soho

The Seafood Bar is Soho’s hottest new opening, set within a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on the iconic Dean Street, this stylish, elegant space serves up a fantastic selection of fresh, sustainable seafood, without the high price tag.

Hailing originally from Amsterdam, this family-owned restaurant group is hoping to make their mark in London and replicate the success they have had in the Netherlands. Founded in 2012, the original Amsterdam restaurant was opened by Fons de Visscher, a fishmonger who had run his business for 27 years in his hometown of Helmond. What he doesn’t know about the catch of the day is not worth knowing. The London outpost is their fifth site and first international venture outside the Netherlands.

Whether you are new to the seafood scene or are a connoisseur, there is something for everyone at The Seafood Bar. The restaurants live by the ‘Lekkerbek’ philosophy (what might seem simple on the outside, is complicated on the inside), with unfussy dishes on the menu which allow the fish to speak for itself. All feature the freshest, seasonal produce, with shellfish taking centre stage.

Upon arrival we are greeted by the sommelier who swiftly recommends we don’t have the champagne but instead start our evening with a glass of Ferrari Trento DOC, a Blanc de Blanc that is perfectly creamy and dry. Bubbles dancing on my tongue with every sip, I’m converted. This arrives with one of the restaurant specialities, Maldon and West Mersea oysters. Both are delicious and distinct in taste. The Maldon offering a meatier taste while the West Mersea is fresh and full of cucumber tones.

Next up was the Sea bass ceviche, plump, juicy slices of fish marinated in lime and topped with chilli and coriander. Bursting with flavour this simple combination is both unbelievably fresh and tasty.

Highly recommended is La Plancha grill, a selection of crustaceans and fish that includes a half lobster, shrimp, squid, slip sole, king prawn, salmon and seabass fillet – all served with mussels in a light tomato sauce. This dish is probably best shared or skip the starter as the portion size is generous. I’d suggest you order a side of bread to mop up the tasty sauce. My guest opted for mussels cooked French style with white wine, garlic and cream. They didn’t disappoint, the bowl of delectable, meaty orange jewels pop with flavour. I’m quickly buying into the ‘Lekkerbek’ philosophy.

An array of quality wines from across the world are perfectly paired with The Seafood Bar menu, including Ruinart Champagne, Austrian Grüner Veltliner, and Provençal rosé wines.

Sustainable seafood is at the heart of The Seafood Bar. The de Visschers have huge respect for the environment and maintain close relationships with producers to ensure all seafood is sourced ethically and sustainably. Most recently, The Seafood Bar partnered with Nordic Blu to source the world’s most sustainably farmed salmon. The founding family not only looks to contribute to the preservation of healthy fish stocks by sourcing sustainably, they are also making other changes to minimise the restaurants’ environmental impact.

It’s early doors, but as the restaurant begins to fill you can see that it is going to be a Soho success. The space is a mixture of exposed brickwork and white clean surfaces peppered with quirky neon lights and signs. It feels cool but without trying too hard. The basement bar has a different vibe, perfect for a cocktail and smaller plates. There’s a schedule of events planned that will include late night oyster parties.

Reservations can be made at The Seafood Bar or call 020 7734 5656

by
Keep Reading
Art

HOTEL HEUREKA: VENICE WILL ALWAYS BE WAITING

Here at House of Coco, there is never a shortage of amazing hotels to tick off the bucket list. For our return to travel, we chose one of the most spectacular hotels in the world, Hotel Heureka, right in the heart of Venice’s oldest districts to escape the crowds.

Situated in the centre of traditional Venice, in the Sestiere of Cannaregio, Hotel Heureka combines the comfort of a boutique hotel, the intimate atmosphere of a private home and the mystique of a 16th-century Venetian palazzo. With just 10 exquisite rooms each with their own distinct personality, visitors feel as though they are guests of a great Venetian family – ideal for a grand return to Europe. Reopened in 2017 after a major renovation, as you wander the exquisite halls you can almost make out the chatter and music of a party that would have taken place in Venice’s heyday, hundreds of years ago, mask in hand.

HOTEL HEUREKA

The interior layout of the hotel’s palazzo is organised around a ‘portego’ – a typical Venetian passage – leading into the atrium, the main lobby area, and the private garden beyond. We wandered over to the bar every evening and enjoyed different cocktails, from the classics to the hotel’s signature serves in the cool air of the outside terrace. We chose to relax and unwind in this tranquil haven rather than in St. Mark’s Square and other touristy hot spots. The open-air, spacious feel continues on the other levels of the hotel, with a Piano Nobile on the first and second floors surrounded by bold patterns and artfully placed fabrics designed by Lacroix and Rubelli.

After a day exploring all that Venice has to offer we settled in for one of the best night’s sleep of our lives in one of the chic and decadent suites, each like their own art gallery. The design-led hotel is located on the gentle waters of the Madonna dell-Orto canal and lulls you into a deep sleep amongst plush pillows each night. Breakfast was served surrounded by fine artworks in the drawing-room and on one of the days we enjoyed our first cup of tea beneath the leafy trees of the private garden. Mouth-watering pastries were followed by steaming coffee, juices and delicious cheese and fruit.

There is plenty to explore directly from the hotel. Close to the ornate front door, you can venture into the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world, the bridges over the cerulean Grand Canal, museums, hole-in-the-wall bars far from the tourist trail, lively cafes, art galleries and world-class restaurants. With no cruise ships in the city currently, there has never been a better time to visit and enjoy the slow-paced anticipation of the city as 2021 draws to a close and 2022 is ready to welcome visitors with open arms.

Where to eat

Osteria Alla Staffa on Calle Ospedaletto is arguably one of the best traditional restaurants in Venice. Small, cosy and delicious. We chowed down on plate upon plate of Venetian-style pasta and as the waiters reminded us, this is not the place you come for pizza, much to the puzzlement of many American tourists. The restaurant offers mid-range pricing and offers a cracking local wine list, poured by a very knowledgeable team.

Where to drink

Down one of the most beautiful canals in the city lies Vino Vero owned by husband and wife Matteo and Mara. Vino Vero opened in 2014 and was the first wine bar in Venice solely dedicated to natural wine. You can guzzle wines by the glass and sample artisanal Cicchetti whilst watching the water taxis speed past on the way to the lagoon and eavesdrop on local conversation and gossip.

With the world finally opening up and the UK lifting significant restrictions in October 2021, Hotel Heureka has stood the test of time in a city that has constantly reinvented itself, welcoming each visitor like the guest of honour. The juxtaposition of the old and new in both the city and the hotel gave us hope that things have to change slightly before getting better. If you are looking for somewhere to seek solace after months of uneasiness, you’ve found it!

Hotel Heureka prices are €230 for a Deluxe Room, €460 for a Junior Suite and €1,200 for the Heureka Suite. Prices are per room and include breakfast à la carte, service and VAT.

To book, visit: www.hotel-heureka.com.

by
Keep Reading
Chef's Table

Isla unveils revamped new menu and we’re here for it

Isla, The Standard’s effortlessly cool, lounge/terrace is back and with a bang. #TeamCoco babe Hannah Tan-Gillies checked out the refreshed seasonal menu, which was a celebration of Britain’s Island geography.

The Standard’s distinctively retro aesthetic is on full show at Isla, which now boasts a refreshed garden terrace. Inside, the space is characterised by shaggy fur walls, sleek artwork, and plenty of foliage – all in an inviting yet bold colour palette that isn’t afraid to take a few design risks.

Dark leather sofas and an eclectic library of books and records are dotted throughout the space a, which is centred around a cosy fireplace, a relaxed yet vibrant aesthetic that extends to the dining area. Outside, a mid-century modern outdoor fireplace and retractable awning adds warmth to the cool and contemporary new garden terrace, ideal for dining al fresco even in the autumn months.

Start off with some cocktails. We especially enjoyed the Fino Sour, which was a zesty combination of Barsol pisco, quebranta, orange marmalade, fino sherry and kaffir lime leaves. The Thyme Colins, combines Tanqueray with lemon thyme, elderflower, and aromatic tonic water, while the Pink Rock combines Tanqueray with Mastiha liqueur, pink grapefruit, mint, tonic water, and pink peppercorn. Two vastly different expressions of everyone’s favourite gin cocktail. The masterfully crafted cocktails exuded the same panache as the refreshed menu – confidently combining unexpected notes and flavours in a way that only Isla can achieve.

The revamped menu draws on plenty of international inspiration and is focused on flavourful yet seasonal dishes. The small plates pack a wonderful flavour punch – while the larger plates offer a hearty yet explorative mix of land and sea.

We sampled a selection of snacks and small plates, but the standouts were undoubtedly the Padron peppers, and wonderfully flavourful Iberico Jamon shoulder. The Scallop XO was perfectly cooked and seasoned, while the Oyster with Cider and Dill added a refreshing zing to a timeless classic.

For the large plates, we tried the delicious and hearty Chicken supreme with chicken sauce, which was a simple yet perfectly executed dish, followed by the Ikejime trout with salsa verde that was deliciously fresh – and highlighted Isla’s Island inspirations. The pink Fir potatoes with nori and aioli served as the perfect complement to the large plates, serving as a hearty side without overpowering the flavours of the large plats too.

For desserts, don’t leave without trying the poached pineapple with bread ice cream, which was yet another excellent example of Isla’s bravery when it comes to trying out experimental new flavour combinations to stunning effect. So, believe us when we say that whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a few midweek cocktails, dine or simply lounge and spend an evening, there is no better place than Isla across the British Isles.

For more information, visit www.standardhotels.com

by
Keep Reading
Cocktails

Celebrate World Coffee Day with one of these sophisticated cocktails

To celebrate World Coffee Day, Mr Black, the sophisticated cold brew, coffee liqueur has created some of their favourite cocktails perfect for coffee lovers.

Mr Black Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 60ml Mr Black

• 30ml Coffee

Method: Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake hard. Strain into a Coupe glass.

Coffee Tonic

Ingredients:

• 45ml Mr Black

• Top with Tonic

Method: Combine ingredients, top with tonic and store, garnish with a citrus wedge.

White Russian

Ingredients:

• 30ml of Mr Black Coffee Liqueur

• 25ml of Chase Vodka

Method: Mix ingredients and ice and top with milk or milk alternative e.g. oat or coconut and serve in enamel mug over ice.

Mr Black Chocolate Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 45ml Mr Black

• 15ml Creme De Cacao

• 30ml Vodka

• 30ml Espresso or Coffee

Method: Shake hard on ice and strain into a Coupe glass and garnish with shaved Chocolate.

Mr Black Cold Brew Irish Coffee

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Mr Black Coffee Liqueur

• 1 part Whisky

• Dash of cream

Method: Build the ingredients in a rocks glass over ice.

Mr Black is used by some of the World’s Best Bars including The Savoy, as well as renowned institutions including the new NoMad London, Ronnie Scott’s, Callooh Calley, Swift Bar and JKS’s Brigadiers where it is served on nitro tap. Mr Black is also available to purchase at Waitrose and Amazon.

by
Keep Reading
Behind the bar

Our favourite drinks for your last barbecue of 2021

The summer heat may be gone and autumn on the horizon, but before we pack up our bikinis for good – we’re pulling out all the stops for the last picnic of the season. We’ve rounded up some of #TeamCoco’s favourite canned cocktails, seltzers and no-and-low alcohol drinks so you can enjoy your last summer barbecue in style.

Truly Hard Seltzers

We’re obsessed with Truly Hard Seltzers which offers its delicious seltzer blends in all shapes and sizes from cans, lemonade, iced tea, punch and even hard candies. These refreshing fizzy drinks offer a powerful vodka punch with just the right amount of sugar – so you can rest assured you won’t be suffering from a hangover the next day.

We love Truly classics like Wild Berry and Black Cherry, which will overload you with fresh summer flavours even well past the season.

Strykk Not Vanilla V*dka

Strykk’s non-alcoholic range of spirits is perfect for those on the mend after music festival season. Strykk is one of the first non-alcoholic brands to replicate the flavour of mainstream spirits, without 100% natural formulas that have no sugar, carbs nor any artificial flavouring. Strykk has just released a non-alcoholic Not Vanilla V*dka, the first of its kind in the UK, which is infused with Madagascan vanilla bean, and its absolutely delicious. It is also the key ingredient to creating a non-alcoholic Passionfruit Martini that’s easy on your liver.

Pale Fox Prosecco

Italian sparkling wine brand Pale Fox Prosecco promises to shake up your spritz game with these wonderfully aesthetic Wild Strawberry Spritz Kits. The kits are a pale-pink take on the classic Aperol Spritz and are based on Pale Fox’s signature Wild Strawberry Spritz cocktail.

Each kit includes a 75cl bottle of Pale Fox Single Estate Prosecco, 12ml of Bitter Amaro (a craft Italian Amaro that replaces the traditional Aperol in this light and sweet cocktail), 150ml Wild Strawberry Syrup, 330ml Dash Lemon and six juicy orange wheels to garnish. The kits, which come in a wonderfully elegant case and have everything you need to put together six delicious cocktails, minus all the mess. No wonder we’re so obsessed.

by
Keep Reading
Behind the bar

A sojourn to the Mediterranean with METAXA at Ampéli London

Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured into Fitzrovia to try out the METAXA Summer Spritz Terrace at Ampéli, London’s coolest new Mediterranean restaurant.

Buzzy, bustling Charlotte Street is one of our favourite foodie spots in town to discover new locales and gastronomic surprises. Located in the heart of Fitzrovia, Ampéli is a wonderful Mediterranean bistro that has given us yet another reason to frequent Charlotte Street.

Ampéli offers a curated menu of Greek-inspired dishes, made only with the best locally-sourced ingredients in town.

Inside, Ampéli is atmospheric, inviting and warmly lit. With deep green banquettes and an array of quirky art on the walls, it is the ideal setting for a date night or even a long-awaited post-lockdown meetup with your pals.

We experienced the Summer Spritz terrace, launched in partnership with Greek amber spirit METAXA, which is perfect for a late summer weekday catchup. We started with the glorious and sumptuous Ampéli breadbasket. A smorgasbord of sourdough, lavash and pita, drizzled with delicious Cretan olive oil and partnered with a vegan dip of barrel-aged feta and roasted red pepper. As an aperitif, pair this with the Aegean Spritz, a truly Greek cocktail made with delicious METAXA 12 (a House of Coco favourite), Matisha and 3 Cents Grapefruit soda.

“Finish off with a Samos Negroni, made with METAXA 12, Campari and Martini Rosso and for a moment, you may even forget grey, gloomy London and be transported to a sunny terrace on the Greek Islands.“

This was followed by the exemplary Wild Bass ceviche, which was served with avocado mousse, preserved lemon and Ouzo dressing. The ceviche balanced the delicate textures of wild bass with the zesty flavours of lemon and was a good palate cleanser for the next course, the grilled pork chop.

The pork, paired with Trombetta courgettes and roasted pepper sauce, was cooked to absolute perfection and balanced hearty flavours with unexpected citrus notes. Served with crispy potatoes with citrus mayonnaise and dill, the pork was a danger to my all-white ensemble and to any diet you have been trying to hold onto this summer.

To end your culinary sojourn to the Greek islands, we highly recommend finishing with the Loukoumades, a traditional Greek cinnamon doughnut dish, served with chocolate sauce or Mountain Tea syrup. Finish off with a Samos Negroni, made with METAXA 12, Campari and Martini Rosso and for a moment, you may even forget grey, gloomy London and be transported to a sunny terrace on the Greek Islands.

Click here to book the METAXA Summer Spritz Terrace at Ampéli and learn more about METAXA at www.metaxa.com

by
Keep Reading
Behind the bar

Japanese Izakaya-fun at Flesh and Buns

Our girl Hannah Tan-Gilies ventured into bustling Oxford Circus to sample the Japanese Izakaya-inspired menu of Flesh & Buns.

Flesh & Buns is a duo of restaurants with locations in both Oxford Circus and Covent Garden. Inspired by hedonism, yet still with a touch of Japanese restraint, Flesh & Buns certainly lures you in from the outside and is the ideal spot for date night or a mid-week catchup with the girls.

The space is divided by Minka-style sliding doors, offering maximum privacy, whilst transporting diners to one of Tokyo’s neon-lit side streets where Japanese Izakaya restaurants are aplenty. Flesh & Buns offers plenty of Izakaya-treats to feast on, with a menu that is distinctively Japanese-inspired yet also blended with a contemporary twist.

We sampled a dazzling array of small plates, paired with some delicious cocktails and sake, that pushed the boundaries of traditional Izakaya. The corn tempura, made with sea salt, Kabosu citrus and chives, is a good place to start, followed by the grilled pardon peppers. The Tuna Yaki (short for Yakitori) was simple yet bursting with flavour and came topped with Bonito flakes. The Korean Fried Wings are hearty (and very messy) but certainly packed the flavour punch as well.

Moving onto big plates, we tried the delicious Smoked Pork Ribs, which offered just the right amount of sweetness and glazed with a chilly honey sauce. We also sampled the Salmon Teriyaki which was perfectly cooked and garnished with traditional cucumber pickles.

By the time we reached desserts, there was almost no room for anything more. However, Kinako donuts, made with black sugar custard, certainly can’t be missed. Flesh & Buns refreshing selection of ice creams and sorbets also provide just the right sweet finish to what was already a truly excellent and appropriate hedonistic meal.

www.fleshandbuns.com

by
Keep Reading
Cocktails

Impress your garden party guests with these sophisticated summer sips

With summer holiday’s abroad still hanging in the balance why not bring a splash of vacay vibes to your drinks trolley with our guide to some of the best summer tipples. To make your garden party exceptional you can rent marquee tent. Whether you are hosting a garden party or planning a sun sizzling barbeque, wow your guests with these sophisticated summer sips.

Seven Hills Gin is a piece of Italy in a bottle. Distilled in Moncalieri, near Turin, this perfectly balanced gin is created using the seven high-quality, key ingredients of Pomegranate, Rose Hip, Juniper, Roman Camomile, Blood Orange, Artichoke and Celery hand chosen by a Master Herbalist. The botanicals are infused for 10-15 days, gently pressed to extract their individual flavours before the extract is then distilled using a vacuum pot distillation – a gentle and innovative method of distillation designed to maintain the smooth and rich flavours of the botanicals. The result is a gin with a distinctive body, strength and flavour that is delicately complex yet remains light and refreshing. Mix with premium tonic water in a highball glass over ice, served with a wedge of lemon. Pure Aperitivo bliss.

Stockists: Amazon, Ocado, Master of Malt RRP: £29.95 – £31.29

Travel the length of the Amalfi Coast in one sip with O’ndina Gin. With fresh, herbaceous tones, distinctive Italian flavour and presented in an eye- catching bottle, O’ndina Gin has been crafted with premium ingredients found all over the stunning Italian coast. Inspired by the effortless glamour and carefree spirit of the Italian Riviera in the 1960s, O’ndina blends 19 hand-selected Italian botanicals including fresh Basil from Liguria (the “Grande Verde di Genova” variety famed for its bright green colour and refreshing sweetness) and citrus from southern Italy. This gin is a gem and creates the perfect Mediterranean Gin & Tonic and an exquisite all-Italian Negroni.

O’ndina is available from Amazon and Drinksupermarket RRP: £33.04

Inspired by Italy’s famed pre-dinner ritual of the ‘Aperitivo moment’ Primo Aperitivo is a range of classic Italian Aperitivo cocktails, perfect for sipping whilst unwinding and enjoying summer socials. The authentic Italian flavours and fresh ingredients provide a taste of summer in a glass. Created by Italian-born mixologist Filippo Previero, as a celebration of Italian cocktail culture. The first cocktail in the collection, the Primo Aperitivo Negroni, is a beautiful restyling of a much-loved recipe, resulting in an unrivalled at-home drinking experience that is steeped in elegance and authenticity. Housed in an exceptionally stylish deep navy bottle with a striking gold label, the Primo Aperitivo Negroni is beautifully presented and would make an eye-catching addition to any at-home drinks trolley. The Primo Aperitivo Negroni is best enjoyed poured over ice in a rock glass and garnished with an orange wedge.

Primo Aperitivo is available from Ocado, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange. RRP: £25.99 – £28.99

New to the vodka scene this summer is Belvedere’s range of super-premium organic flavoured vodkas. The organic certification ensures that Organic Infusions are crafted only with ingredients that are farmed with no artificial pesticides, additives, or chemicals. Available in Lemon and Basil, Pear and Ginger or Blackberry and Lemongrass soda it’s vibrant and crisp and works well mixed with soda or included in your favourite cocktail.

Available from The Whisky Exchange and Amazon from £34.99

For those who want to make healthier drinking choices without having to compromise on flavour, the TRØVE range offers big fruit flavours at only 41 calories per single serve. Bursting with natural fruit flavour and light on calories, the new botanical low-alcohol vodkas come in three different flavours: Valencian Orange with Lime, Green Apple with Ginger, and Raspberry with Lemongrass and Mint. The new range is light and aromatic in flavour and the perfect drink to toast with family and friends this summer.

The TRØVE collection is available at Amazon for £24.

by
Keep Reading