Food & Drink - House Of Coco Magazine

Adventures January 7, 2020

wake up here: Anantara Iko Resort, Mauritius

Nestled on the serine south-eastern coast of Mauritius you will find Le Chaland Beach, an unspoilt stretch of golden sand lying alongside a rich, deep turquoise ocean that is home to Anantara Iko Resort.

This sun kissed island in the Indian Ocean is magical and doesn’t disappoint. It lived up to everything I expected, unblemished shorelines, natural wonders, culture and a dash of luxury courtesy of Anantara, a new deluxe five-star resort that successfully combines authentic Mauritius with high end sustainable chic.

Just 100m from the beach and enveloped in a lush green nature reserve, this secluded hotel has made a conscious effort to blend in with its stunning surroundings and where possible use sustainable initiatives to preserve the natural environment. The resort successfully brings the beauty of the outdoors indoors using lots of locally sourced materials around the property. Recycled volcanic stone combined with a scattering of driftwood crafted by local artisans, touch everything from the reception, bedrooms and restaurants. At the heart of the resort is the spectacular 30-metre ozone-based infinity pool which uses fewer chemicals and is more efficient than a regular pool. Other eco touches include solar technology for water heating in all the guest rooms, water is reused for irrigation and cleaning and the food waste goes out to local farms.

Each of the 164 stylish rooms and suites are spacious and sophisticated with clean lines and minimal décor enhanced with a splash of ocean blue and wood making it feel warm and welcoming. Wake up and take in the views of the Indian Ocean or flourishing tropical gardens direct from your day bed on the balcony. For me the measure of a hotel is in the bathroom and I loved the large double sinks and rain shower but the jewel in the crown was the free standing bathtub that dominated the room, perfect for a long soak at the end of the day. Eight luxury Pool Villas will be available to book from April 2020.

Anantara is a foodie’s dream, under the watchful eye of Executive Chef, Didier Jacob the resort offers multiple dining options that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. Taste the authentic flavours and influences of Mauritius at one of the amazing five restaurants. For me, staying at Anantara was a real culinary experience. I got to jump into the Island’s foodie culture and savour cuisine with French, Indian and Creole influences. A huge highlight was the private dining offer where you can indulge in something a bit special with your own bespoke menu, personal chef and private butler. The hotel set up a private table on the beach where I got to soak up the remarkable setting, outstanding views of the ocean and enjoy some delicious dishes under the stars.

It’s easy to relax at Anantara, kick back and get into the Mauritian vibe. The team of attentive staff quickly make you feel welcome and go all out to make sure you enjoy your stay. Reset and reconnect at the onsite spa where you can unwind with a range of therapeutic treatments including traditional massage therapies, detox treatments and hammam wellness. My energy levels are always high and at times I struggle to wind it down a notch so retreating to the spa was a great way for me to switch off and slow down. I soon loosened up with one of the signature massages and a few days into my stay I was back for the hammam treatment, I left feeling relaxed yet invigorated.

There’s plenty to do on this south east corner of the island, if you don’t want to relax on the beach or by the pool. Just 15 minutes’ drive away is Mahebourg, a cute picture postcard town with a pretty harbour and vibrant, bustling market, perfect for exploring. Don’t leave without swimming in the Indian Ocean, take a catamaran trip to get a unique view of this beautiful island, catch the sunset and go for a swim before heading back to shore. Mauritius is steeped in history and the hotel hosts campfire chats on the beach after dinner with their resident ‘Man in Mauritius’, Marcel Noe, who brings to life the island’s historic battles between the British and French. Enjoy the anecdotal tales delivered with knowledge and passion while roasting marshmallows over the fire. A little further away is Black River Gorges National Park, famous for its waterfalls, vistas and hiking, and for the more adventurous, quad biking and zip lining.

Whether you’re a beach lover, culture and history buff, nature enthusiast, foodie or sporty adventurer, Anantara has something for everyone and I can’t way to go back. Mauritius you really were something special!

A stay at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort costs from £335 (390 Euros) per room per night on a half board basis. For more information visit www.anantara.com

Food & Drink January 4, 2020

Chocolate-inspired afternoon tea at London’s Kimpton Fitzroy

‘The chocolate scones look tempting but I advise you taste the patisseries first,’ our server advises.

As she walks away, my partner whispers: ‘Yeah but those scones smell so divine that I am diving in now.’

We are at the Fitz’s Bar at the Kimpton Fitzroy in Bloomsbury. Dark wood panelling, low-slung velvet sofas and a flamboyant disco ball offer a suitably decadent backdrop to a new afternoon tea entitled ‘Do you like chocolate?’

Three courses are paired with four chocolate-infused cocktails. The dishes are designed by pastry chef, Thibault Marchand, winner of Bake Off: The Professionals 2019 and the drinks by cocktail connoisseur, Sean Fennelly.

We begin, of course, with loose leaf tea by The Rare Tea Company. The Wild Rooibos and Indian Rose are delicate and flavoursome and are rounded off with the first alcoholic accompaniment, a refreshing champagne delight with cacao fruit eau-de-vie, jasmine and olive.

Our little cut-sandwiches arrive and I enjoy vegetarian delights of avocado, mushroom and artichoke whilst my partner indulges in smoked trout, goat’s curd and Tandoori chicken. The cocktail pairing is Mexican-inspired with lime, marigold, bay leaf and an Aguardiente spirit.

Then for the piece de resistance: two tiers of cakes, pastries and scones. The chocolate scones taste as great as they smell, served with jam, clotted cream and passionfruit curd. And the tiny pastries are exquisite with a tonka bean, lime and chocolate chou, a passionfruit, mango and chocolate slice and a mouthwatering coffee and chocolate tart.

There is also the traditional scone – although I must admit we did not quite get round to these. To cut through the chocolate hit of the desserts, we have a cherry wine and cherry blossom drink reminiscent of a black forest gateau.

I manage to squeeze in the final drink of the afternoon: a warming and spicy hot chocolate with French liqueur, Green Chartreuse, Stout and vanilla cream. I pass through the grand entrance of the Kimpton Fitzroy into the cool London winter on a chocolate high.

If you fancy a spot of indulgence in the capital to blast away the winter blues and you would like to try some of the very best cocoa pastries outside of Paris, head to Fitz’s at the Kimpton Fitzroy and get ready to truly answer the question: ‘do you like chocolate?’

Price:

£65 per person – including four cocktails.

£45 per person – including four non-alcoholic cocktails.

The chocolate afternoon tea is served in Fitz’s Friday – Saturday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm. For more information, visit kimptonfitzroylondon.com.

Food & Drink December 17, 2019

Last Minute Christmas Goodies

It’s just one week until Christmas and there’s bound to be someone you’ve forgotten to buy for, or a little treat that you want to pick up for yourself just in time for the big day, so we’ve picked a few little treats for you to order today or collect in store on Christmas Eve.

Let’s start with food, because Christmas isn’t Christmas without some rather delicious treats, now is it?

Swizzels Sweets

British sweet manufacturer Swizzels is offering shoppers alternative Christmas treats this year with its wide range of festive products. From Christmas-themed gifts to classic sharing tubs, Swizzels is catering for all festive traditions – new and old!

Swizzels’ gift tube range is the ideal stocking filler. The Love Hearts Gift Tube now includes emoji Love Hearts, and the Drumstick Mixed Lolly Gift Tube includes Cherry & Apple and Bubblegum flavours alongside the classics.

There’s a Parma Violets Gift Tube for all those huge fans, and Sweet Treats Gift Tube, which contains a variety of Swizzels’ popular sweets such as Love Hearts and Refreshers.

Visit www.swizzels.com to see the full collection of Christmas treats from Swizzels. Also available from a number of high street stores and well-known supermarkets.

Montezuma’s Chocolate

Montezuma’s Organic Milk Chocolate Giant Button Jar is filled with the most delicious 30% Organic cocoa milk chocolate buttons, which will make more well-known buttons pale into significance.
The jar is perfect for sharing this Christmas, as it’s stacked with 900g of pure chocolate button heaven, for you and all your friends to enjoy.

Priced at £22.99, available from www.montezumas.co.uk

Cooplands Bakery

For the culinary and time challenged this Christmas, there is another way to serve homemade cupcakes, biscuits and other sweet treats to family and friends – buy them from Cooplands and don’t tell!

Yorkshire’s oldest family bakery chain that unwrapped its festive collection of show-stopping sweet treats in November has been busy ever since making thousands of its hand-made and hand decorated 2019 festive cupcakes, biscuits and mince pies to keep up with demand. Back by popular demand this Christmas; the range also includes handmade pork pies which have been a favourite since 1885. ‘Yule’ be mad not to stock up on these sweet treats & eats, including revamps of some Christmas classics and new, fun-filled fancies guaranteed to take centre plate this festive season.
There are hot chocolate cupcakes, reindeer cupcakes, brandy mince pies, traditional Christmas cake, Christmas stocking biscuits, and santa selfie biscuits.

Visit your local Cooplands Bakery in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the North East – there are over 160 shops to choose from! Alternatively visit https://cooplands-bakery.co.uk to find out more.

And, of course we can’t celebrate the festive season without a few drinks now can we?

Boë Gin Wreath

The ultimate Christmas gift for gin-lovers has arrived – and you can hang it on your door!

Boë Gin have partnered with luxury London florist That Flower Shop to create a limited edition ‘gin-spired’ botanical Christmas wreath, that comes delivered with a full-sized bottle of Gin. The wreath is gin-scented, featuring the botanicals of Boë Spiced Orange, Juniper Berries, Cinnamon Cloves, and Conifer to give it a real feel for Christmas, which makes it simply divine.

Priced at £50, available from www.thatflowershop.co.uk (search Shop, and then Festive Wreaths).

Bolney Estate Gin

The Bolney Estate Gin, which has been guided by nature is a classic, dry English gin. Its vibrant freshness of lemon oil and fennel is delicately balanced with hints of bay and juniper. Perfect for Christmas!

As richly scented as a country hedgerow, it has an earthy, floral depth and a spiciness on the nose and finish, providing a natural zing to a G&T and a satisfying heart to any cocktail.

The botanicals used in the Bolney Estate Gin include hawthorn leaves from the Estate’s vineyard hedgerows, as well as juniper, bay leaf, caraway, cubeb, lemon peel, grain of paradise, fennel and coriander seed.

Priced at £35 (70cl), available from www.bolneywineestate.com

The Bottle Club

Pickering’s Gin Baubles are filled with Pickering’s Gin. Six baubles come in pink, blue, purple, tallow, red, and green with a rose gold screw lid hung from a silk red ribbon.

Priced at £28.50, available from www.thebottleclub.com

Brunch December 11, 2019

Merry Vegan Christmas

There are some rather delicious food & drink gifts to buy for your vegan friends this Christmas, so #TeamCoco has put together a list of three favourites that even non-vegans will love. You’re welcome!

Obviously no Christmas food list is complete without cheese and pickle, yet vegan cheese can be so unbelievably tricky to buy. Check out this rather fabulous vegan cheese and pickle hamper.

Branston x La Fauxmagerie. Priced at £25, available from https://lafauxmagerie.com

Limited Edition taster hampers are available until the end of December, and contain Farmhouse by Kinda Co. & Branston Small Chunk Pickle – a semi hard cheddar style cheese made from cashew nuts, with a strong cheddar profile and sweet buttery notes. Papa Rica by I Am Not Ok and Branston Original Pickle – a smooth, smoky cashew cheese with a bold hit of paprika. Muenster by The Arty Vegan and Branston Smooth Pickle – a perfect smoky vegan cheese to spread on crispbreads.

Don’t we all look forward to a festive tipple at Christmas, and what better than creamy, nutty, caramel vegan cocktail.

The Infusionist Caramel and Hazelnut Rum Liqueur is a vegan rum, priced at £9.99 per bottle from Aldi – www.aldi.co.uk

Caramel Frost Cocktail

50ml The Infusionist Caramel and Hazelnut Rum Liqueur, 25ml vegan almond milk substitute, 25ml vegan plant double alternative to dairy cream, 2 drops of Aldi’s Moroccan Almond Extract, Moser Roth vegan-friendly Luxury Dark Chocolate

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with cubed ice
2. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker turns cold
3. Strain into a chilled coupette (or martini glass)
4. Garnish with grated Aldi’s Moser Roth Luxury Dark Chocolate shavings

Firetree Collection, Gift Box Five Bar, priced at £35, available from www.firetreechocolate.com

Firetree, the super-premium vegan-friendly chocolate brand gift box has been created to emphasise Firetree’s taste, quality and premium credentials and are the ideal presents for all your vegan friends and family this Christmas.

Containing 5 bars of beautifully crafted chocolate, ranging from 72% to 84% cocoa, grown in volcanic soil – a true exploration in taste.

Brunch December 10, 2019

Delivering sustainability all the way at Lino, London

There are plenty of restaurants out there these days who like to use buzz words like ‘locally-sourced’ and ‘sustainable’ but do they deliver where it matters? Lino, situated between Farringdon and Barbican puts their money where their mouth is, so it isn’t just kitchen ingredients that are sustainably sourced but they’ve also upcycled restaurant decor fittings to offer a modern, industrial sheen to the proceedings with items like salvaged light fittings.

The kitchen team at Lino are just passionate chefs at heart so they pickle, ferment, bake and cure everything they use on their menu onsite. They mould their menu around what seasonal shrubs, vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are available.

Careful consideration has gone into every dish to ensure delivering a powerful taste memory long after you leave the restaurant. Sauerkraut and cheddar croquettes with truffle mayonnaise is one of their most popular dish and it’s not hard to see why that is the case with every mouthful an explosion of umami richness and particularly heartwarming during these wintry conditions.
This was likewise the case for their celeriac and truffle soup, which was much thicker in viscosity and richness than I would normally expect from similar offerings elsewhere and it had a lovely textural contrast with the crunch from the toasted hazelnuts.

I am not normally the kind of diner that opts to go vegetarian for all my courses but I did find their Delica pumpkin ragu pasta topped with walnuts and stichelton irresistibly appealing. The dense, orange flesh of the Delica pumpkin helped to give the pasta a vivid, mouthwatering colour and the fruit itself has an intense, buttery flavour. On top, you can taste the slightly caramelised notes due to the higher sugar content.

My guest opted for the Yorkshire lamb which by all accounts was equally tasty especially as it was served with salt-baked turnips and black garlic and had a decent distribution between the fattier and leaner parts of the meat. Although we had no room to try most of the sides, it was interesting to see such a British classic like pigs in blankets appear on the menu.

Being next to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, I did wonder if most of their guests are consultants from the hospital or visitors to the hospital, but during our visit, there was a varied clientele from people on business meetings to just diners appreciative of the modern British culinary offering.

https://www.linolondon.co.uk/

City breaks December 6, 2019

Dine At Edinburgh’s Most Romantic Restaurants

Edinburgh is a smorgasbord of divine restaurants perfect for that date night that’s always postponed, or for a random stumble into a dimly-lit oasis illuminated by fairy lights with show stopping food to boot. In this haggis and whisky filled capital, romantic restaurants are rife and each is different to the rest. So, sláinte to love…

Café St Honore

If you can’t escape the trappings of Edinburgh to enjoy Paris by candlelight then just head to Café St Honore instead. This charming spot, awash with wine bottles and white tablecloths, is like being sat in a nook and cranny off Paris’ Latin Quarter, when instead you’re a short walk from the goings on of George Street. The food is experimental and seasonal, the glassware sparkling and the atmosphere as romantic as it comes.

The Witchery

Autumn and Halloween inspires thoughts of rich reds, oranges and browns, with oak, leather, stone and dark nights lit by candles that enlarge gothic shadows, with the smells of grills and game. If you’re dining for romance in the autumn, choosing a restaurant with the name The Witchery is quite apt and it will not disappoint. Created in 1979, its historic buildings date from 1595 and with James Thomson OBE, Scotland’s best-known hotelier and restauranteur and an ambassador for Scottish tourism running the romantic show, you’re in good hands with your cordial courting.

Stone walls for that knight in shining armour feel entice you in and your autumn colours are mingled in the décor of red leather seating, painted ceilings with heraldic theme and more antique candlesticks than the blushes of your beau. This restaurant will tick all on your foody shopping list so once seated in this velvety gothic environment by original oak-panelled walls, you’re sampling Scotland’s best sourced food, including native Oban oysters, a Witchery haggis starter, Isle of Mull scallops, Scots border beef or a Vegetarian dish of foraged mushroom risotto.

Rhubarb at Prestonfield House

Opulence is the order of the day at charming Prestonfield House. Rhubarb, housed inside, is as sweet as its name and casts a spell on all who step through its doors. Fresh Scottish food features heavily on the menu, and the menu itself is nothing but fine dining and makes for the perfect place to woo. Approaching the building, you’ll be greeted by spellbinding trees, before exploring the many low-lit corners of the house to enjoy a pre or post dinner drink.

Forage and Chatter

This Alva street venue is a basement restaurant accessed via stone steps, winding foliage and fairy lights. Here, amongst cosy booths, low-lighting and tartan, you’ll feast in a rustic setting, with seasonal fare from a to-the-point menu arriving swiftly to your table.

The intimate setting makes for a highly romantic date night destination and the presentation of the food is simply unrivalled, as is the soothing sound track to your dining that distracts from the chatter of other tables. With the likes of halibut with roasted baby vegetables and chicken thigh with white onion on the menu, you’d be a fool not to go…

The Stockbridge Restaurant

If you’re a sucker for low-lighting and gorgeous interiors then The Stockbridge Restaurant is your date night go-to. Here, you’ll find a roaring fireplace for snug winter meals, white table clothes and statement artworks by Scottish Colourists. There’s no wonder this charming little spot was named as one of the top 100 restaurants in 2014, especially with a menu brimming with moreish delights such as spiced pigeon breast and grilled halibut.

The Tower

Scotland’s first and finest rooftop restaurant describes this with Edinburgh’s skyline as a delightful backdrop. Situated at the top of the National Museum of Scotland, you can overlook Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Old Town. Another of James Thomson’s experiences and sister restaurant to The Witchery, your romantic dinner will include locally sourced food, an inventive wine list in a chic and glamorous setting.

A great romantic dining experience for the Festive season with exceptional game and grills, this is an A list in central Edinburgh. “Exquisite oyster and shellfish” says The Independent and another visitor to its culinary classics has been Joanna Lumley, OBE who describes The Tower “Tower you are fab!”

Chaophraya

Setting your romantic scene for a slightly later night carry on, the cocktail bar at the Chaophraya is 12pm to late! Beforehand, take a seat for the A la Carte, Set or Vegetarian choices at this delightful Thai food restaurant. The views up top are breath taking and overlook towards Edinburgh Castle.

It’s a great choice for dining for two with start or share dishes with the Khun Kim Grill Satay Platter, which includes sirloin steak, chestnut mushrooms and aubergine and cherry tomato skewers, or the Chaophraya Platter, delicious with choices of Thai chicken tacos, curried battered prawns and crispy duck salad. The Vegetarian is there with rich curry chicken and coconut on a lightly pan seared rice flour taco. In this romantic Thai setting, you can relax all evening chatting away until the wee early hours.

Harvey Nichols Restaurant

If your romantic day is incorporating shopping for cufflinks and cardholders for him or perfumes and playsuits for her, slip up to the 4thfloor restaurant at Harvey Nichols and round a perfect day off with fantastic view over Edinburgh city at one end and the Firth of Forth on the other.

Your taste buds will lap up a menu of starters of Haggis croquettes, tomato gazpacho or roasted fig, then the mains including pan-roasted stone bass, saffron-poached sole fillet or Kirkaldy farm buffalo fillet. Sides are there and so are delicious desserts but don’t get too full up because Harvey Nichols incorporates a Chocolate Lounge, a Brasserie and a 4thfloor Window Bar you might accidentally drift into, for a Pomme Pomme or Silent Night, sparkling cocktails of course!

Behind the bar December 6, 2019

Behind the Bar: Don Papa unveils Sevillana cask finish rum

Don Papa, the premium small batch rum, has launched its newest product, the Sevillana Cask Finish – a limited edition, super-premium rum inspired by the oranges of Seville, Spain.

Blended by Don Papa’s Master Blender to produce a unique limited-edition spirit, the Sevillana Cask is bursting with fragrant orange and Don Papa’s signature vanilla notes, with boosts of orange rind flavours, nutty aromas and subtle dried fruits. House of Coco had the chance to sample the new rum at the launch party of the new product in London. The event was an energetic showcase of the new rum fit with passionate flamenco performances, delicious food and sublime cocktails.

Introducing Don Papa Sevillana: A Culinary Journey Inspired by Philippine Heritage

This harmony of flavours, rhythms and textures found both in the rum as well as at the launch event, is an ode to the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. Sevillana is a blend of five and fifteen-year-old rums distilled from 100% Negros Island sugar cane before ageing in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels. This is followed by three years in two different types of Spanish casks: oloroso sherry casks and Andalusian Vino De Naranja (orange wine) casks. These unique casks are used to make a local speciality, a popular local Seville orange spirit, enjoyed during the summer months.

This mix of oloroso sherry casks, orange liqueur casks and Philippine rum found in the Don Papa Sevillana, was inspired and made possible by the 18th century Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade, which linked Spain to the Philippines via Mexico, bringing a bounty of products, culture and influences.

The Sevillana Cask Finish is presented in an exquisite and vibrant Rococo-inspired design reflecting aspects of the island’s Spanish heritage, its lush colourful landscape and the irreverence of Papa Isio’s story, the revolutionary hero who inspired the Don Papa name. Don Papa Sevillana Cask Finish (70cl) is priced at £70 and available at www.harveynichols.com.

Matthias Cadeac d’arbaud, Global Brand Ambassador at Don Papa, says:

“Rum drinking is on the rise in the UK and people are realising that there is a whole world of rum for them to explore. The taste and provenance of Don Papa offers something completely unique to both rum amateurs and connoisseurs alike. Great rum starts with great sugar and Don Papa harnesses the spirit of Sugarlandia, an exotic, mystical land of alchemy and home to some of the world’s sweetest sugarcane. The result is a rich and smooth liquid full of depth and favour. Replace the spirit in your favourite cocktail with Don Papa to put a delicious Filipino twist on a classic or enjoy it on the rocks for a more intense and purer hit of favour and sweetness.”

Explore the genius-themed evening at TT Liquor in this behind-the-bar feature on House of Coco. Immerse yourself in the experience.

Behind the bar December 3, 2019

Behind the bar: A must-do date night in London at Cahoots

We took a trip back in time on our recent #cococouples date night at Cahoots new 1940s train-station-themed bar, and it was just the immersive experience we hoped it would be.

After much anticipation and excitement for the launch evening, we finally got to explore the newest Cahoots venue in Carnaby for #cococouples. What is already a fabulous area for date night has suddenly got even better with the opening of this new gem, and it’s flown straight to the top of our list for go-to date night recommendations. This shiny new train station bar is located very conveniently opposite the much-loved original underground station on Kingly Street- so no tricky transfers there. This venue boasts more space to swing dance fitting 150 people in total with two floors: one at ground level and another top-secret reservations-only space tucked away downstairs.

The Ticket Hall- ground floor fun

We were welcomed very graciously by the friendly doormen dressed in ’40s gear and headed straight to the glossy ticket window-turned-bar for a couple of drinks. Ever a gin-lover I opted for the statement Vera Lynn; a sweet cocktail with apple puree and pear served in the fanciest ceramic green mug. My date opted for the Cahooch sour with lemon, chamomile & cardamom syrup which seemed to go down very well- and we were soon in need of a second. We truly felt transported back in time as we lapped up our surroundings. Authentic tickets, vintage photographs and train station memorabilia lined the walls, and swing music played in the background whilst we sipped our cocktails and chatted. We felt peckish so we sampled some of Cahoots ham grenades with sour cream and chives, my goodness they were worth every bite, we almost polished off the entire trayful.

As well as these tasty night-time nibbles, Cahoots also serve food from 12 pm during the day, with a split menu of British and American dishes. We have yet to try these, but we have our eyes on the chicken and waffles and the sloppy joe bun, no doubt we will be back soon to sample them.

At the rear of The Ticket Hall, we discovered another small bar which Cahoots have modelled on a traditional tobacconist & grocery store. This was our favourite touch, and we spent a little while there admiring the vintage fridge and all the interesting newspaper clippings pinned up against the train station noticeboard.

Secret party vibes down in The Control Room

We were handed our ‘clock in’ passes to access the reservations-only Control Room, so we headed towards the convincing ‘NO ENTRY’ door and sneaked through. I loved the dark metallic walls and poster décor inside the derelict mineshaft as we made our way down the stairs, it really added to the secret speakeasy feel of the space. We could also hear the buzz of live music and chatting as we got closer, and the vibrant atmosphere of The Control Room hit us as soon as we swung open the doors.

Down here the décor is completely different from The Train Station upstairs but no less captivating. Exposed pipes, switchboards and the large light-up station map perched above the bar caught our eyes the most. We grabbed a booth table underneath the archways to chat and admire the space. Dim lights against the deep red decor alongside the live singer made for the perfect date night ambience. This amazing space is used for events, live entertainment and immersive movie nights, musical quiz nights and ‘Cahooch’ cocktail masterclasses.

The bar has a more experimental feel in The Control Room, serving up incredible cocktail concoctions like the cheekily named Knob Twiddler that is served in a radio box which you must tune to open. After sampling some more drinks we fancied a date-night boogie so we headed away from our booth and swayed alongside the Cahoots swing dancers.

To sum it up

If you want a date night spot that you’ll fall in love with fast then this is the place to go. We love the shiny new Cahoots just as much as the original for a date night that ticks all the boxes and more. Pop in and sample the nibbles perfectly paired with the fun and experimental cocktails served downstairs. We also recommend checking out what’s on and maybe catching a movie experience or cocktail class or two. We’ll certainly be keeping our eyes open for these ourselves.

Want to visit Cahoots? Of course, you do. We’ve got the details covered for you below:

For more information and to book a table:
https://www.cahoots-london.com/cahoots-ticket-hall-control-room/

Opening Times:
Ticket Hall: Open seven days a week: 12 pm-1 am
Control Room: Monday – Thursday: 5 pm-1 am/ Friday: 4 pm-1 am/ Saturday: 4 pm-1 am/ Sunday: Closed

For another immersive experience, see our piece on Mr. Fogg’s Society of Exploration.

Want more London date night ideas? Check out these London bars.

Brunch November 27, 2019

Dine Out: Turtle Bay

Amidst the hustle and bustle of York there are plenty of quaint cobbled streets to wander down and take time away from the busy shoppers off the beaten track. One of those streets is Little Stonegate, just a stone’s throw from the world-famous York Minster, yet it feels like it could be miles away from the crowds and bustling Yorkshire city.

Little Stonegate plays host to many different restaurants from across the globe, you’ll find British, Italian, Thai, Latin American, Spanish, American, and Caribbean. And, Caribbean is where #TeamCoco girl Rachel McAlley spent a lazy, relaxed, food filled afternoon dining at Turtle Bay.

The word reggae is written in neon lights above the Turtle Bay door, and once inside the restaurant, the sounds and the smells of the Caribbean hit you like a rum punch. The cocktails are intoxicating, the menu takes you through a journey of flavours, the music playlist includes ragga, reggae, salsa, calypso, dancehall and there’s a huge wall filled with speakers.

We opted for a couple of virgin passion punch mocktails (£4.50 each or 2-4-1 happy hour) and a ginger beer (£4) to ease our way from the Yorkshire chill into the Caribbean spirit while browsing the vast menu. First on our radar was the beach sharing platter (£14) which included jerk pit chicken wings, bbq pork ribs, coconut milk and panko fried squid, bara roti, cucumber chutney and pickled veg. The absolute best flavours from these sharers were the panko squid and the bbq ribs, mouthwateringly good in fact.

Our mains were difficult to choose because there were just so many, and as there is also a brand new brunch menu we didn’t know whether to go for the brunch option or for something from the main menu. We decided to stick with the classic mains, so our first choice was from the soul food section of the menu, 24-hour buttermilk marinated, panko coated chicken thighs, mac ‘n’ cheese and pickled vegetables (£10.90), our second main was from the burgers and roti section, which included the surf side burger; a fish patty, crispy squid, mango mole, rocket and jerk mayo (£7.50). The stand out dish was the fish patty burger, the combination of mango sauce, fried fish, and soft bread bun were totally scrumptious.

Not that we needed any side dishes, but obviously it would be rude not to, so we went for the three side plates option (£8) including spiced fries, dirty curry fries (+£1), and grilled halloumi cheese (+£1). ‘Hello’ to the dirty curry fries dripping in cheese, oh my word they were good!

With absolutely no room for dessert, we wobbled back out to the streets of York to join the mayhem of the Christmas markets, both seriously full and exceptionally fulfilled.

If you are in York and fancy a little Caribbean cuisine then Turtle Bay is a must visit, it will leave you feeling content and comforted.

We must give the brand new brunch menu a brief mention as it looked ace, the bottomless brunch includes any brunch dish from the menu with unlimited bellinis, cocktails (not part of happy hour), and unlimited draught red stripe (£25 per person).

Turtle Bay, 11 Little Stonegate, York, YO1 8AX
01904 733 995
www.turtlebay.co.uk

Food & Drink November 21, 2019

DINE OUT: THE ULTIMATE ROMANTIC EXPERIENCE THIS AUTUMN AT LE PONT DE LA TOUR

Romance is undoubtedly in the air this autumn with our founder, Laura Bartlett getting engaged recently. Team Coco has been looking for the ultimate romantic treat this autumn. Getting the acclaimed Coco Couple stamp of approval is The Truffle Hut at Le Pont de la Tour, which has returned once again this year to celebrate this coveted culinary gold.

Words like rustic and cosy have been invented to describe this intimate venue. The exclusive table of 2 is surrounded by hanging lights, cushions and furs with an inner wall comprised of carefully crafted tree trunks and bark and a roof comprised entirely of moss. You have your own private heater along with a dedicated server and stupendous views of Tower Bridge. For those looking for the perfect location to propose to someone, celebrate an anniversary, looking for a honeymoon extravaganza, you would struggle to find anywhere more impressive than the truffle hut.

The price might seem steep at £200 for two people, but this unique meal shouldn’t be simply judged in terms of is it value for money but rather how do I impress a loved one with the most magical experience possible. The offering does come with a 5-course truffle tasting menu along with a bottle of Moet & Chandon.

The first dish was arguably the most successful: wild mushrooms egg cocotte, truffle sabayon. A baked egg dish made infinitely more high-end by the addition of umami-rich wild mushrooms and truffle. It had been cooked to just the right temperature so that it wasn’t overcooked inside and still had an inviting, soft, runny centre.

Terrine of duck liver can taste incredibly gamey if not done properly and that was not the case at Le Pont de laTour. The extremely rich tastes were well-matched by apple and raisin chutney; both of which you can spread on a perfectly-toasted truffle brioche. The roasted halibut dish was very well-portioned and just in case you hadn’t enjoyed enough Champagne, the dish was served with a Champagne sauce.My favourite of the main courses was the breast of poulet noir, baby leeks, chicken jus and generous amounts of black truffle. This type of free-range chicken has been reared by the French house ‘Label Rouge’ and is highly popular with chefs across the country due to its incredible flavour, whilst the meat is particularly juicy and succulent.

The final dessert course: Crème caramel infused with truffles and golden raisins was a marmite kind of dessert. With every mouthful, your brain is telling you this shouldn’t have earthy, meaty notes but personally, I thought it worked in terms of finding the next winning savoury/sweet combination akin to flavours like salted caramel. Although, my dining companion thought it was just too boundary-pushing for his traditional palate.

Londoners are notoriously fickled and have little restaurant loyalty, but in these challenging times, it is great to see a class act like Le Pont de la Tour still setting the bar on offering refined cuisine in romantic surroundings.