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
There is finally some sun on the horizon throughout the UK. With the bank holiday in full swing and travel to Europe still a bit precarious, why not bring some hotlist destinations to your back garden. We have rounded up some fantastic foodie delights to instantly transport you to sun-kissed locations on the continent.
SPAIN
For the perfect sunset in the park tipple, look no further than Cune (pronounced Coo-Nay) wine. Delicious, balanced and elegant, Cune wines are steeped in heritage and, with the Spanish flag as the company shield, they are synonymous with being Spanish ambassadors for wine. Have a hearty sip with friends with some tapas and you will feel as though you are at a bar on La Rambla in the centre of Barcelona. Cune produce some of Spain’s best loved Riojas and are the top-selling Crianza in the country. Cune Crianza Rioja 2017/2018 is an excellent introduction to the quality of Cune wines; this Crianza is made from premium Rioja Alta grapes and shows classic touches of vanilla and spice.
NifeisLife has teamed up with Primo Aperitivo Negroni to provide the perfect Aperitivo Box bursting with Italian delicacies, to enjoy at home. The Aperitivo Box is ideal for any premium picnic and is filled with authentic products such as Alce Nero Green Olives Bella Di Cerignola, Parmigiano Reggiano, and sliced San Daniele Prosciutto. Wash it all down with the delicious and ready-to-serve Primo Aperitivo Negroni with ice and a twist. Live la dolce vita this summer with the best that Italy has to offer.
The Aperitivo Box is available for London postcodes deliveries only.
Chic and cool Shaman arrived in Bermondsey at Bermonds Locke late last year. Shaman’s sustainable approach to cooking and eating takes inspiration from Southern France, where supplies, seasonal produce and breezy & relaxed long lunches are a fundamental daily pleasure. By using the very best ingredients, Shaman provides guests with the freshest food experience and creates a versatile destination for the local community in Bermondsey whether than be a leisurely coffee, co-working in an ultra-cool environment or simply relaxing in the outside terrace, wine in hand.
You know that a key to success in hosting a wonderful party is the food. When we have limited money to spend but we don’t want to come off as a cheapskate by saving up on the party food and ruining the party experience of guests, it becomes challenging to come up with quality party food. Even if we have hired a catering company, sometimes we cannot save money. fortunately, there are many recipes that you can prepare at a very low cost and are also savoury. This post is all about some budget-friendly party food ideas:
Baked potatoes:
If you want to feed a large group of people at a party, potatoes can be the best option for you to start with. Potatoes are one of the most economical vegetables that you can cook in bulk to serve people at the party. Baked potatoes with the topping of cheese and sour cream are appetizing enough to make everyone fall in love with the food. Bake them in a baking oven for 20 minutes and then make the topping of your choice. If you want a healthy food to be served, go with the topping of veggies.
Banana bread:
Banana bread can be the best choice to make a budget-friendly dessert. Choosing a sweet dish to feed on guests at the party is a big challenge. Banana bread is usually the best dish for people of every age group. Furthermore, it is very easy to make because most of the ingredients of this dish are already present in your pantry. To tantalise the taste buds of guests with a captivating look, use butter or margarine and enhance the taste.
Oyster:
For all the seafood lovers on a tight budget who want to throw a luxurious party with a low budget, preparing oyster food is the best option. The cheapest way to cook oyster is to broil it in butter and then fry it in the pan with lobster, hot and spicy sauce and cream. Serve this delicious seafood dish with boiled rice and red wine. This recipe is the most savoury food item of the party with a small group of people. Place an order of oysters at the website of Oyster Seafood-Fish Me.
Fruit salad:
Feeding your guests with nutritious food is the best thing a caring host can do for his guests. Fruit salad is not just nutritious but also very budget-friendly that fulfils the sweet cravings with its delectable taste. All you need to do is find budget fruits and chop them into small pieces and then mix them in a sugar and cream mixture. You can also add some vegetables such as capsicum and cabbage to enhance the taste
The bottom line:
Since a budget party is your preference, go with budget-friendly dishes but don’t forget to keep more than 2 dishes on the menu instead of keeping one expensive dish. Make your guests enjoy the party with wholesome food while saving up on the large amount of money at the same time.
You have probably heard of aged coffee, perhaps even tasted it before, and are wondering about how it is made. You may have a question or two on the difference between aged coffee and stale coffee. Well, here is an article that will answer all of those questions. You could save these tips on Good Fika and brew your aged coffee from the comfort of your home.
What You Should Know About Aged Coffee
Before you consider brewing homemade coffee by yourself, there are plenty of essential things you should know about it. For instance, what kind of coffee beans are used to brew aged coffee, distinguish stale and aged coffee, and where to buy stale coffee when you need it.
Not all types of coffee age to be delicious. Others may go stale as soon as you initiate the aging process. Whatever the coffee type, you need to ensure proper aging conditions. In most instances, coffee is aged at its origin to maintain its appropriate flavors. It is done in places of high altitudes.
Aging coffee also has to be rotated from time to time to distribute the conditions within the coffee evenly. The rotation will go a long way in keeping out the rot and mold from the aging coffee.
Poorly aged coffee will lose the oils that bring about both flavor and aroma. As a result, your coffee will go stale.
After aging it for the desired time and preferred taste, the coffee is then roasted. Many roasters prefer a dark roast since it brings out a more evened-out flavor. Light roasts are not very uncommon as well.
Many first-timers in aged coffee cannot tell the difference between aged coffee and stale coffee. If you are wondering how to tell the difference, it is pretty simple! Watch out for its taste. It should not be bland. Instead, it should have a richness in taste. It could be oaky or mellow or even winey, depending on the barrel in which it was stored. Aged coffee will take the flavor and smell of the barrel in which the aging took place.
You should know that aged coffee might come with a sort of funky taste depending on its type. This is attributed to the storage.
Also, note that aging is not a guarantee of improved quality of taste. As your coffee ages, it loses its flavor and smell. So you may prefer slightly aged coffee to coffee that has aged nine years. Ideally, coffee is aged for a period of six to three years.
So you want to try aged coffee and wonder where is the best place to get yourself some. Plenty of coffee companies today offer aged coffee around the country. You can distinguish this coffee from the label on it. To find out their best brews, you may want to seek recommendations from the attendants at the coffee shop.
Here are some of the places that offer refreshing aged coffee;
Cooper’s Coffee Company; If you are exclusively looking for barrel-aged coffee, then be sure to stop by this company. Here, you will find various flavors and types of aged coffee, ranging from those aged in rum barrels to whiskey or even wine!
Bones Coffee Company; this company offers the best Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee you can find. Be sure to drop by for the ultimate coffee experience.
Pete’s Coffee; Here is your go-to place if you want a taste of aged Sumatra coffee. This coffee will leave you yearning for so much more.
Starbucks Coffee; You may be pleased to find out that Starbucks ages its coffee. You can then drink it in their unique form in signature coffee that they offer at their Starbucks all over the country.
Barrel-Aged Coffee
This type of aged coffee is prepared by storing it in retired whiskey barrels. Coffee can also be aged in rum and bourbon barrels. To age coffee, green coffee beans are inserted into the barrels. There, it is allowed to soak in the aromas within their respective barrels before they are roasted. Barrel-aged coffee often smells and tastes like the previous contents of the barrel. For instance, a Bourbon barrel will leave a bourbon taste and smell on your coffee.
Why You Should Consider Aged Coffee
If you are a coffee lover and are unsure whether you will love aged coffee, you should know that there is no harm in trying it out. Remember, you can’t be a coffee lover until you have a taste of all the coffees there are!
The summer season is in full swing, and it is a great time to enjoy sumptuous grilled meals outdoors. You will probably have more gatherings and barbecue parties in your backyard this year because eating out is passé. When it comes to perfect menus for these get-togethers, seafood comes on top of the list. Apart from being barbecue-friendly, there is a lot more that makes this food option the best choice for your summer plate. Let us give you some good reasons to try incredible recipes like grilled salmon, tuna steaks, crab cakes, and lobster rolls this season.
A plate of good health
The top reason for loading your plate with delicious seafood this summer is that it is great for your health. These options are high in essential nutrients such as proteins and omega-3s that support immune health. A better immunity is everyone’s concern these days, so it makes sense to stick to a seafood meal every day. Further, it supports heart health, boosts memory, and sets you up for better sleep. There couldn’t be a better way to be healthy this summer!
Sheer variety
The sea literally offers something for everyone, making it an excellent choice for discerning diners. Shrimp, lobster, crab, and scallops are ideal if you have a palate for milder seafood options. Those who want to relish bold and meaty cuts of fish this season can try tuna, salmon, or swordfish. Mix and match, and you can pack impeccable variety in everyday cooking and party menus.
Delicious meals for everyone
If you are looking for adaptable ingredients that work for everyone in your family, seafood makes the ideal pick. You can easily add it to your favorite recipes, so kids will not fuss about trying them. It blends with every cuisine type, and you can explore countless options with Seafood for your party menu. You can grill it or even experiment with a no-cook fish dish if you want to avoid the kitchen heat. The variety of dishes is endless, from tacos to soups, casseroles, stir-fries, and pasta.
Quick dinner fix
Summer is party time for everyone, and you can expect guests to drop in anytime. At times, you may have surprise demands from the kids after a long day at work. Both ways, you will want a quick dinner fix, and seafood is the perfect choice to get going. It is lean and easier to cook. You can get a dish ready in half the time as beef, chicken, or pork. The next time you have surprise guests, just have fun with a quick-fix fish recipe.
Best for weight-watchers
Another good reason to have more seafood this summer is that it offers several benefits for weight-watchers. It blends well with the Mediterranean Diet, which is more delicious and less restrictive. Combine your favorite variety with hearty whole grains and fresh vegetables, and you have a perfect dish minus the weight woes. So you have a delicious way to look trim this season!
With these benefits, seafood deserves to be on your summer menu this year. By the time winter comes, you will not be able to resist these delicacies.
Thinking about going vegan but worried about how you will survive without milk chocolate? Never fear as we have found the three best vegan milk chocolate bars out there.
I have been vegan for over two years now and milk chocolate is probably what I miss the most. I have come across all sorts of vegan chocolate in my time but I know when a bar really rivals the dairy version. Here are my three top picks.
The Vego bar
With its nutty and creamy flavour and crunchy chunks of hazelnut, this is some seriously indulgent chocolate heaven. Honestly tastes like nutella in a bar and I can never believe it’s vegan. The bar is also satisfying large so never leaves you wanting more.
Buy from hollandandbarrett.com.
2. NOMO bars
NOMO stands for ‘No Missing Out’ as all their bars are free from gluten, nuts and dairy. But you wouldn’t know it, they have an extensive range that’s full of flavour, from hazelnut to creamy choc and caramel with sea salt. Particularly perfect for friends with other dietary requirements too.
Buy from shop.nomochoc.com.
3. Ombars
If you like coconut then you will love the Coco Mylk Ombar. Plus it’s super healthy because it’s raw and organic, made from cocoa butter, creamed coconut, coconut sugar and organic cacao from Ecuador. You can also get strawberry milk, mandarin and blueberry acai, vanilla and raspberry flavours. Plus it’s super healthy because it’s raw and organic chocolate, made from cocoa butter, creamed coconut, coconut sugar and organic cacao from Ecuador.
It’s the year of the staycation, and from Cornwall to the New Forest, I’ve recently been hunting out some of the hidden gems the UK has to offer. Little did I know that it would be on my doorstep where I’d find one of my favourites. As a Londoner, I can vouch for many of us when I say that staying in the city for a break away never really crosses our minds. However, I can firmly declare that I have been utterly swayed after staying at Bankside Hotel in the city. This six-storey London offering is a delight.
Tucked behind the iconic OXO Tower on the Southbank, this hotel is housed in a neighbourhood that booms with creativity, with the National Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market being just some of the offerings nearby. You’re immediately captivated by the design of Bankside. As part of the Autograph Collection, it’s clear that the interior heads behind the hotel haven’t done things half-heartedly. Dayna Lee is the mastermind behind the artistic treasure trove. As a former film-set director, she’s certainly injected some of her past profession into the venue, with pinball machines fixed to one wall, and awe-inspiring lighting inside the restaurant. There’s art in the reception, including pieces by British artist Helen Gorrill, immediately grabbing your attention and pulling you in to the visual feast on offer.
The room was superb. There are a total of 161 airy-residential style rooms, split into categories from the Modest Double and Modest Queen, to Generous Queen, Starter Suite and Biggest Suite. Our room was a Starter Suite, and it felt like a home away from home. The first thing to note is the size, with the space existing like a studio apartment with a large (and very cosy) bed, a wraparound sofa which is ideal to laze on and enjoy drinks, and a magnificent bathroom which oozed style. There’s a stunning element to the rooms, with cosy meets rustic charm seen in the form of concrete pillars left unpainted. You can feel the buzz of the city around you and a peek out of the windows gives you a glimpse of the hubbub of Londoners heading out for their post-work sundowners. We’d taken our adorable puppy along to experience the trappings of Bankside – and they’re as dog-friendly as it gets. There was a cosy bed awaiting her and she bounded around in excitement before falling lazily into it and drifting off to the sleep. There’s even a coveted canine concierge service up for grabs, as well as food bowls and treats to keep those tails wagging away.
Before dinner we sank into the sofas inside our charming room, and it was undeniably hard to peel ourselves off them. After a dreamy shower and a freshen up, we waltzed out to the terrace for a T&T. The Tequila and Tonic is fast becoming the staple drink of the summer, which is hardly surprising given it is both refreshing, yet also provides that kick to take you into the evening. The trend can be enjoyed on the terrace, as they’ve partnered with El Rayo Tequila which, we’re sure, will knock your socks off. The beautiful trappings of the terrace allow you to sink into seats surrounded by playful and vibrant modern Mexican artwork, and you can tuck into some fresh ceviche to go hand in hand with your T&T. The bar pops with vibrant colour, and the smiley waiting staff make the tipple that even more enjoyable.
For dinner, eating at the Art Yard Bar & Kitchen is a must. It’s a beautiful setting housed inside the hotel, and it’s both stylish and informal at the same time. The restaurant serves seasonal and fresh food and you can even bring your dog to revel in the eclectic eatery. Picking from the menu came with some difficultly, simply due to being spoilt for choice. I started light with some charred sweetcorn with radicchio, chicory and jalapeño dressing. It was beautifully put together and burst with flavour. For the main, marinated halloumi came up trumps. Side dishes have the ability to be disregarded when it comes to meals, but the two we opted for were so standout that they deserve a sentence or two of their own! The green beans and toasted almonds? Amazing. Toasted almonds always add that sweet kick you need and the sweet and savoury partnership was delightful. We also delved into a pot of seaweed jersey royal potatoes which were hearty and wholesome. What made the evening all the more special was the attentive and thorough service, and a magic trick that has left me scratching my head ever since, performed by one of the mixologists. Breakfast delivered too, with lip-smacking dishes such as waffles with berries and bacon sarnies on offer. I even feasted on a cheese board which set me up perfectly for the day. Tea and coffee – a must for most Londoners – was also served, with bottomless top-ups available, should you need that extra caffeine hit.
The service at Bankside is friendly through and through, with every member of staff making sure you’re well tended to for the duration of your stay. There’s also a keen focus on sustainability, with staff making the effort to reduce their carbon footprints by introducing procedures and processes to control daily energy use, and decreasing energy requirements. As well, several tables in the lobby are made from recycled plastic, and they use low VOC paint throughout Bankside to reduce the emission of harmful toxic chemicals into the air. These are just two of many initiatives implemented by the hotel, with a firm list of goals in place that Bankside would like to achieve, from reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, to adopting a zero-to-landfill policy.
Whether you use the hotel as a base for your city exploring, or to sink into the beds, head to the gym and indulge in wellness, it ticks both boxes. The hotel is a divine spot to visit to take some ‘me-time’ and you can even embrace your inner gym bunny by heading down and getting your heart pumping using the extensive amount of equipment on offer. This sophisticated and savvy staycation spot was awarded the 2021 Traveller’s “Best of the Best” Award, popping them in the top 1 per cent of all hotels worldwide, and I can hardly say I’m surprised.
What are you waiting for? Book your chic city staycation at Bankside Hotel here now!
Located on the ground floor of 5-star hotel, The Prince Akatoki you will find TOKii, a contemporary Japanese restaurant serving authentic cuisine. We went along for dinner and were treated to an array of dazzling morsels.
In keeping with the hotel, the space is minimalist with lots of dark timber mixed with screen divides and low lighting creating an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night dinner.
The A La Carte menu uses fresh and seasonal ingredients designed to bring the best of Eastern and Western flavours together. There is plenty to choose from with signature dishes, lighter bites and sides as well as a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options. We opted for a bit of everything and were not disappointed, every dish was delicious. Highlights include the lobster croquettes, crisp and delicate with a perfectly balanced ponzu and mango salsa. The crispy pork belly was rich in flavour and the Cornish crab mayonnaise was not only an array of mouth popping tastes, but it was also beautifully presented, so much so I felt bad eating it. The dishes served are like works of art and pretty enough to fill any Instagram feed. The food comes out as it’s ready so lots of small bites keep coming our way. The chef and team buzz around the open kitchen and prepare fresh fish before a line of diners sitting up at the counter. The sushi comes adorned with flowers and shiso leaves bringing a flash of colour to the table. It tastes amazing too, I cannot get enough of the buttery chunks of fish encased in soft rice. Our waitress insisted we try the wagyu beef with spicy ponzu sauce and I am so glad we did, it was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender and bursting with flavour. The service was great, our waitress was extremely knowledgeable and tentative helping us with wine and food choices.
As well as serving lunch and dinner TOKii has launched a weekend brunch menu complete with bottomless sparkling saki or prosecco. For those wishing to escape the indoors, the TOKii kitchen has created beautiful picnic hampers. Guests can expect snacks of Spiced roasted almonds and Scotch quail eggs, followed by a range of tasty sandwiches from Honey roast ham with piccalilli, Grated cheddar with apple and raisin chutney to a Chicken teriyaki bun. An assortment of fresh, seasonal salads including Edamame and runner beans with popped amaranth seeds is included, alongside tempting desserts of Chocolate and cherry brownie, Yuzu crème brûlée and Raspberry tart. The hampers come with a choice of traditional sparkling sake or prosecco.
The menu at TOKii ticks every box for me and I think the biggest challenge is deciding what to have as it is a medley of superb dishes, all delivering a slice of Japan on a plate.
Publiq London is more than just your stylish neighbourhood local. Envisioned as a modern public house, Publiq offers sensational British sharing plates, natural wines, and fabulous alcoholic slushies in a casual yet cool atmosphere just a stone’s throw away from Kensington Gardens.
Publiq, helmed Charles Montanaro and Greg Almeida (formerly from Scarfes Bar and Tayēr + Elementary) with Head Chef Emilian Cracuin (formerly George Mayfair and Ham Yard Hotel) was built on a People, Produce, Positive mantra and looks at the positive impact that bars and restaurants has on communities.
Publiq London only works with the highest-quality local producers, and this commitment to good ingredients certainly reflects on the quality of food on offer. Seasonality and sustainability are at the heart of menu, imbuing each dish with a certain kind of charm. We started with the Crudités, a deceivingly simple plate of fresh vegetables and olive oil, with a special sprinkling of spices that delivered a delicate yet addictive flavour. We followed with the beef Brisket Croquets, made from ex- dairy cows, that would have otherwise gone to waste. We also tried the Stone Bass, perfectly cooked and with just the right amount of flavour and served with juicy Isle of Wight tomatoes, wild garlic and bone marrow and chicken juice.
The pièce de résistance however, was the wild sauteed mushrooms with croutons and Pecorino Romano According to Greg, the mushrooms are sourced from a local group of foragers and are different each week. Served with some Pecorino – and seasoned with a special concoction of pickle juice and spices – it was the undoubted star of Publiq’s already impeccable menu.
The cocktail menu is also a masterclass in creative mixology. Paired with an all-natural and organic wine menu, you can spend an entire afternoon simply sipping on the drinks on offer at Publiq. Each cocktail focuses on two to three hero flavours and never overpowers you with sweetness. We sampled the Pink Pepper Aperol Spritz, a glass of the wonderfully zesty orange wine from the Czech Republic and for dessert the very-alcoholic Amaretto and Woo Woo slushie – ideal for those looking for a refreshing way to get quite drunk at brunch.
The restaurant’s aim to inspire people with hospitality and after our spectacular meal at Publiq, we certainly left feeling more inspired too.
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.
