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London boasts a plethora of dynamic rooftop restaurants in the city centre. One that has stood the test of time is Galvin at Windows. Being situated on the 28th floor of the historic London Hilton on Park Lane, you won’t be surprised to find unimpeded views of London’s fascinating skyline.

Chef Patron is Chris Galvin. Along with his brother Jeff, they’ve dominated the London restaurant scene for years with their Michelin-starred cooking skills at restaurants like Galvin La Chapelle. They famously opened the Wolseley restaurant in 2003 and Chris had already earned his first Michelin star at the Orrery back in the year 2000.

At Galvin at Windows, he has appointed talented Marc Hardiman as head chef. Marc had perfected his skills at the Ritz as Senior Sous Chef. Interestingly, Chris had worked as a commis chef at the Ritz back in the day.

With such power-packed CVs, you wouldn’t be surprised to find the food at Galvin at Windows is remarkably polished. Service is attentive yet discreet from the moment you step into the restaurant.

A great way to experience their menu is to try their Sunday lunch menu. For the quality of food and service and the views on offer, it is very reasonably priced at £59 per person for 3 courses. It is available from 12 pm to 3 pm every Sunday lunch.

Furthermore, they are dishes you readily pay a premium for, as the ingenious combination of ingredients is unlikely to be recreated at home. Think locally sourced Halibut paired with St Austell Museels, yuzu kosho, nori, Champagne and rose. It is rightfully decadent as you would expect dining at a rooftop restaurant in the heart of Park Lane.

Dishes I would recommend trying include a beautifully sweet heritage tomato salad. It has a beautiful zestiness due to the addition of ponzu dressing and has some weighty substance with the presence of moreish goats curd.

Their beef carpaccio was a delightful surprise. It had a real depth of flavour due to the fact it has been dry aged and they used the finest quality black Angus. It was very cleverly paired with artichokes, mustard seeds and a smoked egg yolk for added complexity.

Enhanced flavours were also the order of the day with the main courses. Cornish Brill had an extra umami kick with the inclusion of Porthilly oysters and coastal herbs. The extra ingredients are always given careful consideration on how they can enhance and support the main act.

They had a very healthy take on the classic lasagne. The ‘lasagne’ sheets were made with celeriac whilst the filling was stuffed with meaty confit king oyster mushrooms. There was a hint of truffle used, but it was never overpowering. This is very much unlike less celebrated restaurants, which often use truffles to compensate for a lack of flavour in their dishes.

The highlight of their not-to-be-missed dessert section is the blackcurrant soufflé. Blackcurrants are incredibly underrepresented in fine dining menus. They have high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants. The soufflé rose to just the right height and it had the perfect smooth consistency inside. It was paired with a delectable cheesecake ice cream and topped with crème de cassis to add to the blackcurrant notes.

Pairing the right ingredients to enhance the flavours is also evident in most of the other desserts on the menu. Case in point is the exquisitely executed white chocolate and blackberry crème brûlée. They’ve included a blackberry sorbet, so the tart and sweet notes come through even stronger. The texture was silky smooth along with the requisite crunchy topping. The dessert was finished off with a muscovado sugar shortbread.

When booking your table, check which side of the restaurant you might be sitting on. For example, when we visited for Sunday lunch recently, it was particularly glaring on the Hyde Park side. I would recommend booking for the Oxford Street side of the restaurant for Sunday lunch. You will still enjoy spectacular views of the London topography.

If you want a great recommendation for an apéritif or digestif, do check out their neighbouring bar, 10 Degrees Sky Bar. They offer some highly innovative cocktails and you can still admire the stunning views from the 28th floor.

For more information on the restaurant, please visit –

https://www.galvinatwindows.com/

The grande dame of luxury 5-star hotels in London, The Landmark has recently undergone a major £1.3m refurbishment. Part of that project is to launch a brand-new luxury Champagne Bar. It is on a mezzanine level on their famous garden terrace. The vision of tropical palm trees and the eight-storey-high glass atrium recalls a bygone era of glamour and high society. The Champagne bar designed by Alex Kravetz Design is created to blend in with the luxurious surroundings. The main bar is hidden under a foliage-laden glasshouse. The furnishings have a mixture of vibrant greens, blues, and gold that transports you to the Jazz Age era.

Accentuating that imagery is their High Seas High Tea offering. The hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea at their famous Winter Garden Restaurant but at the Champagne Bar, it is very much seafood-focused. It is available every Saturday and Sunday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. You will also hear the melodic piano sounds emanating from the Victorian Winter Garden atrium. They use the term ‘sandwiches’ but what is served up at the beginning is more tartlets of umami delights from the sea. They offer a tartlet of Scottish lobster, a tartlet of poached langoustine, salmon pastrami, Cornish white crab and yellowfin tuna. Focusing on local produce, the freshness of the seafood is top-notch. The salmon and tuna exuded healthy omega-3 fattiness, whilst the shellfish had a gentle sweetness when you bite into the firm, fresh meat. Each creation has been carefully crafted to maximise the flavours of the seafood. For example, the yellowfin tuna is served with ponzu, black sesame, toasted rye, and fennel butter. The citrus notes from the ponzu are a match made in heaven with the enticing tuna.

The fruity flavours were very much in evidence with their scones and desserts. The scones were either freshly baked apple or raisin scones. All the condiments you would ever need were present from clotted cream to a plethora of jams. The options included Bergeron apricot, London marmalade, strawberry, rhubarb, redcurrant & vanilla and raspberry deluxe. Each scone was generously sized and I have no doubt, they would offer you a refill if you asked.

The desserts were exquisitely presented with a parade of appetising colours. If you are looking for something subtle and delicate, there is the tartlet of nectarine, ginger, mascarpone and raspberry gel. The nectarines were sliced with military precision and presented in an intricate rose shape. If you are looking for textural variety, there is the black cherry and pistachio bakewell. The key is all the creations were sweet without being overbearing. And they do offer boxes for you to take away anything you can’t finish. They only use the finest of ingredients from Valrhona dark chocolate in their choux to English strawberries in their Swiss rolls.

The tea offering also shines brightly in this regal afternoon tea experience. They have green teas, herbal teas, oolong tea and white tea. That includes very high-end options such as Snow Buds white tea. which is high-altitude-grown white tea made entirely of silver-haired tea buds. That creates an elegant, sweet-flavour profile with delicate vegetal notes.

The afternoon tea is available at £75pp or £88pp with a glass of Ruinart Champagne Brut.

If you visit in the evenings, they do still offer seafood-focused small plates, as well as heritage tomato tart and British cheese plates. They also serve a caviar selection that ranges from platinum caviar to the rare, golden oscietra. They have a lengthy Champagne selection that includes on the top end, Krug, Grande Cuvée MV. They can offer a Taittinger Champagne flight, which is 100ml per glass which is great if you want to pair your glass of bubbly with your seafood.

If you want to impress friends or family with a special treat, do consider inviting them to a High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London.

To find out more about the afternoon tea, please visit

https://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/champagne-bar/

Summer has arrived in New York City. What better way to admire the striking skyline than from a rooftop bar? With breathtaking views, happy hour specials and tasty food, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the summer. Below is a list of some notable ones around the city from Central Park, all the way Downtown.

Don’t forget to check out nyctourism.com to help you plan your next NYC getaway.

Central Park

Darling at the Park Lane New York

Located on the 47th floor of Park Lane Hotel, Darling is Central Park South’s only rooftop lounge offering a chic experience against a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and iconic park. Darling provides an intimate and whimsical gathering space with an elevated cocktail menu and selection of thoughtfully curated food and beverage programming. Featuring a bold lounge with a wrap-around outdoor patio oasis, designed to embrace the expansive views. It is the final piece to the hotel and is the newest addition to Manhattan’s nightlife scene, bringing the eccentric spirit of the hotel to life. The food and beverage program has been created by Scott Sartiano, and includes a menu that features an eclectic mix of offerings such as seafood towers, caviar grilled cheese and A5 Wagyu Katsu Sando. This is complemented by extensive and inventive cocktails and spirits.

Midtown/Flatiron

Refinery Rooftop Bar at the Refinery Hotel

Credit: Refinery Rooftop

Midtown’s Refinery Hotel boasts a glamorous rooftop bar and lounge with impressive views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline. The American menu is designed for snacking and is accompanied by a signature cocktail list that is centered around natural ingredients and surprising pairings. Groups can order ‘cocktail caddies’ – four servings of their handcrafted cocktails, meant for sharing. The rooftop bar is a year-round destination, thanks to its retractable glass roof, there is a buzzing atmosphere no matter the season.

RT60 at Hard Rock Hotel New York

Credit: Hard Rock Hotel NYC

Located on the 33rd floor, RT60 delivers masterfully crafted cocktails, shareable bites and an effortlessly stylish scene. The music-themed bar is set to host world-renowned DJs and emerging local talent and boasts two outdoor terraces which offer incredible views of the surrounding Midtown skyline.

Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric Times Square

Credit: Chris Vilano

Set atop the 54-story tower of the Hyatt Centric Times Square, Bar 54 offers views that stretch across Manhattan from the East River to the Hudson River. Officially the highest hotel rooftop lounge in New York City, inside and outside, Bar 54 serves up tantalizing handcrafted cocktails and gourmet small plates.

Castell Rooftop Lounge at AC Hotel New York Times Square

Credit: Castell Rooftop Lounge

Perched atop the AC Hotel New York Times Square, offering iconic views, this cozy but modern rooftop bar has the spirit of the classic lounge, with extra emphasis on martinis. The venue’s contemporary décor provides a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere to let off some steam. Guests can gather around the intimate fireplace lounge or the luxe granite bar or soak up some sun on the verdant, open-air terrace.

Haven Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel

Credit: Sanctuary Hotel New York

The Haven Rooftop, above The Sanctuary Hotel offers a perfect happy hour escape in Midtown. It’s just steps away from Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and The Museum of Modern Art. Haven Rooftop offers $6 select beers, $9 glasses of wine and champagne, and $10 margaritas and from 4pm – 6pm, Monday – Friday. They also offer lunch and dinner service Monday through Sunday as well as bottomless brunch service on weekends. To capture the warmth of sunny days, order the Watermelon Mule featuring Tito’s Vodka, Watermelon, Orange Liqueur, and Ginger beer, or a glass of their Summer in a Bottle Rosé.

Sushi Lab Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel

Enjoy a modern take on traditional sushi from Executive Chef Frankie Chen at the Sushi Lab Rooftop. Delight in one-of-a-kind Japanese inspired cocktails Highlights like their Strawberry Geisha, featuring sake, shochu, yuzu, muddled strawberries and lychee or Spicy Toki 18, featuring Japanese whiskey, jalapeno, fresh lime and sparkling water utilize exotic fruits to craft a signature experience. Besides the creative Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki sushi, the star of the show is their omakase experience, utilizing only the freshest ingredients for lunch and dinner.

Apotheke NoMad at the Sonder Flatiron

Featuring a cellar speakeasy, penthouse lounge, and rooftop terrace, Apotheke NoMad is the second NYC outpost for the brand, expanding Apotheke’s apothecary-inspired cocktails and experience. Each week on Mondays from 8:30pm – 11:30pm Apotheke’s cellar speakeasy hosts a range of live music performances. The bar also offers bespoke academy mixology sessions in their penthouse lounge, which allows groups of up to 12 to choose a theme, liquor, or ingredient to be schooled in.

Nicolas O’Connor is behind the elaborate Garden-to-Glass cocktail menu, with many of Apotheke’s classic cocktails brought along with brand new creations such as sustainable caviar service and a selection of dumplings inspired by the bar’s Chinatown roots.

Lower East Side

Mr. Purple at the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York

Credit: Gerber Group

An NYC OG rooftop is Mr. Purple. It offers a menu focusing on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients and an expansive collection of small-batch spirits, regionally brewed craft beers, universal wine offerings and a rotating cocktail menu. Mr Purple captures the vibrant and artistic spirit of the Lower East Side in its modern industrial vibe and offers panoramic views of the city.

The Highlight Room at the Moxy Lower East Side

In March, I had the pleasure of staying at the brand-new 303-room Moxy Lower East Side hotel. Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group worked on the hotel interior and architecture by Stonehill Taylor, giving references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social history with the vibrancy of today.

Its convenient location houses five new food and beverage establishments created in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality. Look up 16 stories above the intersection of Broome and Bowery, and you will find The Highlight Room. The glamorous rooftop bar is encased in glass and a majestic tree spreads its branches across the room and outdoor terrace.

Chelsea/Meatpacking

The Fleur Room at the Moxy Chelsea

A nod to the Flower District, you will find the Moxy Chelsea’s Fleur Room at 35 stories high. The new concept by Tao Group Hospitality and Angelo Bianchi, interiors that reference the Flower Market (a chandelier that resembles oversize water droplets; dazzling floral-patterned seating; and a copper-clad bar). A list of creative cocktails is accompanied by a simple, elegant menu of elevated bar snacks—warm olives with Marcona almonds, king crab club sandwich, truffle grilled cheese toast. The lounge area comes complete with a DJ booth and a massive vintage disco ball—a one-of-a-kind artifact salvaged from the 1980s L.A. nightclub Vertigo. The glass-enclosed rooftop lounge has expansive 360-degree views that stretch from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. Like magic (and at the touch of a button), a retractable window wall transforms the lounge into an alfresco sky veranda.

Soho House New York (Members Only)

The original New York City Soho House is set over six floors of a former warehouse in the heart of the Meatpacking District. A stone’s throw from The High Line and Chelsea Market, it’s home to (no pun intended) Soho House’s first-ever rooftop pool. The rooftop underwent a complete refresh ahead of the summer 2022 season and embraces a new floral-inspired design featuring Rosé-hued pastel tones and two new fully renovated bar areas. The pool is surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas and boasts views of lower Manhattan. A menu of poolside fare, Soho House Favorites, and specialty cocktails also grace the House in addition to a whole host of events and pop-ups on the rooftop terrace. 

Daintree at the Hotel Henricks

Daintree sits atop Hotel Hendricks in Chelsea, and offers an unforgettable happy hour, two times a day! Pop in for an evening drink between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. or a nightcap from 11pm till close. Enjoy $12 sips such as the Aussie Spritz, Blood Orange Mule, Negroni, Old Fashioned and Mojito, discounted beers and wines like $10 Domaine De Moulin or $6 Reissdorf Kolsch, $8 bubbles, as well as a rotating list of bar snacks such as Hummus & Crudite, Boudin Balls, and and House Fries with Black Garlic Aioli for $6-$12.

Somewhere Nowhere NYC at the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

Somewhere Nowhere NYC is a bi-level lounge, nightclub and rooftop pool complete with floor-to-ceiling windows with 360-degree views. Escape the busy Chelsea streets to the 38/39th floors of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel to this 5,516 square foot luxury daylife and nightlife destination.

Guests can wind down after work with creative yet delicious cocktails and tapas or dance to live music. Ongoing events include Gotham Jazz on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Trusted Mic with The Rakiem Walker Project Band on Fridays at 5 p.m.

Downtown

PHD Rooftop Lounge at the Dream Downtown

PHD Rooftop Lounge is Dream Downtown’s rooftop nightclub and lounge bar decked out with uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and Empire State Building. With two full-service bars, a fully-equipped DJ booth and a retractable canopy for an outdoor terrace, PHD is one of the best rooftops in New York City. Located at Dream Downtown, a New York City lifestyle hotel with an emphasis on service and after-dark possibilities, there is no better place to experience exquisite Manhattan views.

Integrated wine coolers are designed to sit on the floor or surrounded by cabinets on all sides excluding the door. Integrated wine coolers don’t have a protruding profile, therefore, allowing them to fit seamlessly into your kitchen space.

It is important that when installing your wine cooler it is done by a professional. However, if you insist on fitting your wine cooler yourself, then we highly recommend that you check the manufacturer’s instructions and measurements. This is to ensure that you install your wine cooler safely and efficiently.

When installing your wine cooler you mustn’t place your wine fridge next to any kitchen appliances that generate heat such as a dishwasher or oven.

This is because the heat from any of these appliances can affect your wine fridges leading to the cooling system overheating. Throughout this blog, we will be discussing how to fit an integrated wine cooler and much more.

Factors to Consider When Fitting a Wine Cooler

When installing a wine cooler you must think about where you are going to place it. Wine coolers need to be stored out of the sun and in a cool area. It is also important to ensure that there is enough room to fully open the doors and enough space for the wine cooler to ventilate.

You must also remember to allow enough space for the wine coolers door to open. This is why it is important to study the installation instructions thoroughly to ensure that you are fitting your wine cooler safely. For a step-by-step guide on how to fit your wine cooler correctly read on!

Ensure That You Have Access to a Power Supply

When installing a wine cooler you need to ensure that there is an accessible power source nearby. This is to allow the electrical power outlet to supply power to your wine cooler. The majority of wine coolers come with a 1.8-metre cable.

If you want your wine cooler to perform to the highest standard then we recommend that you plug your wine cooler directly into the wall instead of using an extension lead. This is because it may affect the performance of your wine cooler.

Position The Wine Cooler

It is vital that when you are fitting your wine cooler that the measurements are accurate. This is to ensure that your wine cooler fits seamlessly into your kitchen cabinets. Using a tape measure, carefully measure the area where the wine cooler is going to be placed.

When fitting your wine fridge you should be able to fully open the wine cooler door without becoming an obstruction. You should be able to fully open the wine cooler doors to allow the wine cooler to be fully ventilated.

Once you have your measurements right, carefully position your wine cooler into the space you have available.

Mount The Wine Cooler

Once you have followed these steps, check that your wine cooler is securely positioned within the cabinet with mounting plates. This is to be done with a Phillips head screwdriver to ensure it’s done properly.

When placing the wine cooler you will need to make sure that it is level. This is to stop the wine bottles from rolling around inside. Most wine coolers have adjustable feet which allow you to level the unit.

Once your wine cooler is in place and fitted correctly you must allow the unit to settle before it can be used. This is to allow for the gases within the cooler to settle before being switched on. Dunavox GB offers a wide range of high-quality wine fridges including built-in and integrated wine coolers. These wine fridges come with a range of features to help preserve your wine for longer.

Located on the ground floor of the Hilton, Lake Como is Taffeta, an elegant lounge and bar. The back wall is dominated by a selection of spirits and a long bar. Behind it you’ll find Ludmilla Samohin, Head Mixologist who is taking the Italian drinks world by storm, rustling up some of the most innovating drinks menus.

The mixology scene in Italy is still dominated by men but Ludmilla, previously a graphic designer and painter is shaking up the bar and cocktail menu at the Hilton with her creative spin on traditional cocktails. To celebrate International Women’s Day I caught up with Ludmilla over a Negroni to find out the trends and influences shaping her drinks menu.

Ludmilla refreshes the bar menu annually and says she gets her inspiration from the everyday things. Previously she’s used textures and music to create her cocktail list but this year, it’s perfume and scents. Her new menu will use fragrance as an infusion, and she promises me it’s going to include some show stopping cocktails.

Creativity and having that wow factor is what makes her menu standout. She is constantly looking at ways to improve it and always striving to try something new, listening to guest feedback and being brave when it comes to designing a drink. Currently she is working on a Tequila and celery combo which she assures me will be mind blowing and delicious. Ludmilla tells me, “Tequila Mescal is the spirit of the moment” and she is serving it straight as well as mixing it in cocktails like Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary.

Her signature cocktail changes every six months and she takes inspiration from different mixing scenes. According to Ludmilla, “London bars are always setting the bar high” but it’s Shanghai and Singapore that are on her radar at the moment, she says the bars here are full of excellent bar tenders and mixers.

The drinks trends for 2023 are minimal and simple, Ludmilla explains, “people want less fussy drinks, so elaborate garnishing is out of the window”. Her menu will be focussed on using less ingredients but sourcing the best quality, local produce she can get. Another trend she sees emerging is prebatch mixing the ingredients and leaving them for two or three days to alter the taste. At the Hilton, gifting will be a big addition to the menu too. This year she has partnered with breast cancer charity, Imperfect, to create an alcohol free cocktail that combines ginger, green apple, hibiscus and green tea. It’s served in a unique glass that uses Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing glass and ceramics with gold. She mixes one up while we chat, it tastes delicious and the pretty gold marbled glass is a nice reminder that imperfections can still be fabulous.

As you might expect the most popular drinks at Taffeta are the Italian classics, Aperol Spritz and Negroni. The Smoked Negroni using gin infused with rosemary is a firm favourite with guests. Ludmilla explains, “Customers love a bit of theatre and I always want to make it an experience for them. It’s more than just mixing a drink”. Watching her is an experience, you can see the passion she has for her job and she’s not wrong, the Negroni delivers on the wow factor.

Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at €180 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

These days, it’s rare to come across something that makes you think – ‘why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?’ which was exactly the case with South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. Team Coco ventures into the buzzy City to see if South Place Hotel’s new package is worth the hype (spoiler alert: it is)

If you’ve ever gone out out over 30, then you must try South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. City’s most vibrant boutique hotel has teamed up with Vitamin Drop specialists Get A Drip to offer the ultimate party-weekend experience for partygoers whose hangovers have worsened with age.

No need to sacrifice a whole weekend binge-watching the latest reality show after a night out, because South Place has created the solution with its Retox and Detox package.

South Place Hotel is artsy, cool, vibey and effortlessly so. A destination within a destination, South Place Hotel Is conveniently located to all of Shoreditch’s hipster haunts and the City’s sky-high bars – a perfect base for a night out. Not to mention, the hotel’s Secret Garden – which opens every Friday from August – is also an excellent spot for cocktails with guest DJs adding further allure.

We checked into one of the studio suites, one of the 80 stylish bedrooms in South Place Hotel. The suite was stylish, spacious and had plenty of delightfully clever amenities that we didn’t know we needed in our lives until right now. The BNO TV, for example, can be spun around remotely. No need to fumble with HDMI wires, because you can connect your laptop to the TV straight from the desk. The minibar, if you can call it that, contains a fabulous selection of artisanal gins and spirits – perfect to get the party started.

RETOX

There is also an in-room ‘Black Book’ Party Guide which gives you the low-down on the coolest late night spots this side of East London. We were also greeted with some champagne and delicious fruits – perfect to set the pre-game mood.

Package guests can enjoy a complimentary Tanqueray Gin cocktail at the hotel’s buzzy 3 Bar in the lobby, but we recommend also having a cocktail (or two) at the rooftop terrace just before sunset. We promise that you won’t get better views of the City.

For dinner, check out South Place Chop House’s new summer menu. Led by Head Chef Jack O’Riley, there’s plenty to chew on here (pun intended). From the generously sized Large King Prawns starter, which is cooked with chili, garlic and parsley butter to the Cobble Lane Charcuterie-board which offers Cappa, Lomo, Salami and Chorizo with a creamy celeriac rémoulade.

The star of the show is of course the Josper grill. Here, you can enjoy a selection delicious, juicy grass-fed steaks. Each cut is carefully aged, succulent and works perfectly well with a variety of delicious sauces and sides. They say a good meal is a precursor to a good night out, and so after our delicious dinner at Chop House – we danced the night away in East London.

DETOX

Going ‘out out’ often results in dehydration, headaches, and a general fatigue -which gets worse with age. Don’t fret – because South Place Hotel comes to the rescue with the detox part of the package. Start with a hearty breakfast the Chop House, followed by a Vitamin Drip treatment in your room.

Get A Drip is London’s top IV clinic and offers different drips depending on your needs. We went for the Energise drip, but you can also opt for Hydration Immunity or Detox. The IV Drops are administered by a certified nurse – and will not just give you a post-drip boost of energy, but leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised for up to four weeks after your treatment.

Once properly detoxed, South Place Hotel takes the relaxation further with a one-hour full-body massage at the Wellness Centre, so you can banish the aches from the night before. Believe us – once you check out of the South Place Hotel – you’d be asking yourself ‘where has this been all my life?’

Fans of the fabulously opulent Taj Hotel Group will surely be familiar with the old world glamour of the St. James Court Hotel. However, those expecting the same classic atmosphere as the esteemed hotel are in for a surprise, as the TH@51, its newly-refurbished modern Indian restaurant, is anything but traditional.

A sleek black hallway greets visitors at the door, revealing a stylish pale pink and mint green bar area, accented with gorgeous copper details. The TH@51 is a refreshingly modern juxtaposition to the hotel’s timeless interiors and stepping into it is like stepping into a completely different universe.

The pastel colour palette extends throughout the space, which features a large teak-wood bar area, minimalist grey marble accents and breezy salmon-coloured booths. The restaurant opens to a sun-lit glass half-dome, offering fantastic views of the hotel’s historical courtyard and the beautiful Edwardian buildings that surround it.

TH@51 reimagines traditional Indian dishes for the curious palates of the hotel’s international luxury clientele and London’s cultural elite. The restaurant draws colourful inspiration and flavours from around the world and brings these to life using only the freshest seasonal ingredients available. The adventurous menu offers just the right balance of exotic flavours and familiar home comforts, with each dish executed with flair.

We started with the Superfood Salad, which offers a generous serving of mixed sprouts with zesty pomegranate dressing, enhanced by a dash of sweet blueberries and roasted pine nuts.

The Portobello Phuket was a standout dish. A portobello mushroom is baked with sambal and aubergine and serves as the perfect base to absorb the rich Thai Green curry and cream cheese sauce, while the basil crisps add a welcome crunch.

The Teriyaki Salmon Risotto, a deceivingly simple dish, is a clever, lighter Japanese take on the Italian classic, resulting in a truly delicious risotto that you can eat forever.

The Bao Buns are a thing of beauty and are made with fluffy white buns and punchy, aromatic fillings. There are two Bao Bun fillings to choose from, the Indo-Chinese Chicken with pickled cucumber or the Tofu & Orange Marmalade. The latter is an excellent and tasty vegetarian version of the dish.

Finally, no meal would be complete without some cocktails, which is where TH@51 pulls out all the stops. All cocktails were curated under the theme ‘Biomes of the World’, with each creation inspired by different climates and cultures from across the globe.

These beautifully crafted and delicious cocktails add a final flourish (or in this case garnish) to what has been a superb meal at TH@51. It is clear that while the restaurant may have only opened recently, it already exudes the menu, service and confidence of the beloved St. James Court establishment it is soon to become.

https://www.th51.co.uk/en/

Here at House of Coco, we are always on the lookout for ways to make your summer that little bit sweeter. Truly live La Dolce Vita and say Buongiorno to the sun at Mayfair’s must-visit al fresco terrace, the Courtyard at Hush Mayfair. Back with a brand-new look, ‘The New Dolce Vita’ Courtyard, in partnership with Disaronno, is the season’s hottest spot, set to whisk you away to the golden age of Italian glamour.

Designed to give a taste of the indulgence, luxury and the spontaneity synonymous with long Italian summers, the Courtyard has been adorned with an abundance of blooms and floral arches in pastel shades of peach, cream and blush. Inspired by Disaronno’s sultry, oh-so-Italian aesthetic and timeless charm, black and white polaroid pictures are strewn across the terrace, reminiscent of the paparazzi that relentlessly snapped Rome’s film stars in the 50s. An Instagrammers dream, perch for the picture-perfect moment on a vintage white vespa ladened with cascading roses or take a selfie on the picturesque swing against a black and white backdrop of the Trevi Fountain.

Disaronno’s distinctive amber shade and signature sweet almond and apricot notes are sure to summon the sunshine with every sip. Available to enjoy exclusively on the Courtyard, the range of Disaronno delights, priced at £15 each, include the sensational Velvet Batida made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur and coconut. For a refreshing tipple, try the Disaronno Fizz with Disaronno Originale, lemon and Fever-Tree Soda Water, or opt for the Velvet Espresso Martini, a must-try for any caffeine lovers and made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, Sauvelle Vodka and coffee. The Mai Tai Sbagliato is an intriguing blend of Disaronno Originale, Plantation Dark Rum, Dry Curaçao, lime and pineapple; whilst the Almond and Strawberry Daiquiri is a unique take on the much-loved classic, mixed with Disaronno Originale, Cut Spiced Rum, strawberries and lime.

The ideal pairing to any summertime sip, enjoy a range of plates from the all-day Brasserie menu. Think summery serves of La Latteria Burrata with English asparagus, wild garlic and balsamic; beef fillet carpaccio with Bloody Mary Dressing, gorgonzola and walnut; squid and smoked bacon noodles with tomato, lime and coriander; and a zingy Amalfi lemon tart with Neal’s Yard crème fraiche.

Hannah Tan-Gillies checked out The Act, Notting Hill’s all-singing all-dancing new weekend destination for an evening of delicious cocktails and excellent show tunes.

Live entertainment in Notting Hill never looked so good. At least, that is what we thought after visiting The Act. The Act is livening up Notting Hill’s usually quiet neighbourhood scene with fabulous live performances featuring everything from West End hits to bangers from the 80s, 90s and the early aughts.

We visited The Act at dinnertime on a Saturday Night, and while the bar may have just opened in March, inside it was filled with a vibrant, effortlessly cool crowd that was dancing and singing as if it were peak nightclub hours, just before closing time.

The stars of The Act are the staff themselves and when they are not serving up delectable cocktails, they are jumping on tables, singing, dancing and leading flash mobs to hits from Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, ABBA, Prince and so much more. The performances are a sight to behold, adding an element of grandeur and spectacle never before seen in Notting Hill. The Act is rotating different themed performances monthly, giving you endless reasons to keep coming back.

Everything about The Act pays homage to the spectacle of theatre. This is reflected in the cocktail menu which draws inspiration from some of the biggest characters on stage from Jean Valjean, Grizabella, Elder Price and Elphaba.

Elphaba, named after the ‘wicked’ witch of the west, was our favourite. Made with a blend of Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, Agwa Cocoa Leaf Liqueur, apple, cucumber and mint – this cocktail is a perfect refresher in between the performances at The Act.

Another favourite was Viscount Raoul, which blends Grey Goose Vodka with sparkling Yuzu, strawberry puree and Limoncello. This devilishly sweet cocktail is just as devilish as its namesake — and sinfully delicious too.

No matter what cocktail you select though, one thing is for sure, you better get your dancing shoes ready for your visit to The Act, which brings all the joys of the West End into the heart of Notting Hill.

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Summer is the season for al fresco – but it’s also when the London restaurant scene comes to life. While there seems to be an endless, ever-changing roster of cool restaurants in London town, we’ve rounded the top five most exciting London restaurant openings so you can get your reservations in order this summer.

Laurel’s On The Roof: Shoreditch

With its doors officially opened on Thursday 5th May, Laurel’s On The Roof is London’s newest and most laid back rooftop restaurant, bar and pool. Located at the Mondrian Shoreditch, Laurel’s is nspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. Who/What is Laurel’s you say? – Laurel’s is an all day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour and offering London’s most sought after tables. This effortless rooftop spot is the epitome of laidback California cool and takes diners on an exploration of Los Angeles. Laurel’s offers an evolving all-day, highly seasonal menu, the perfect spot to while away long summer evenings whilst overlooking the bustling Shoreditch neighbourhood. Definitely a London restaurant to hit up this summer.

Riding House: Bloomsbury

On 8 June, Notting Hill will welcome its new neighbourhood spot. Riding House Bloomsbury is the long-awaited second iteration of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café from restaurateur Adam White. This casual bistro-style restaurant had a successful soft launch on 25th May and is set to be a lively modern brasserie with a members’ club-like atmosphere. We’re sure Riding House will add to Bloomsbury’s burgeoning reputation as the latest dining hotspot.

Riding House Bloomsbury’s all-day dining style menus will be cooked up by Chef Partner Henry Omereye. The menu is international, contemporary and unfussy, with Afro-Caribbean and Asian influences throughout. Riding House Bloomsbury is located in Bloomsbury’s The Brunswick Centre, a listed, Brutalist piece of architecture with interiors contrasting the stark exterior with an inviting interior. Surely this will become one of your new favourite London restaurants.

Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary Mayfair

Mr Fogg’s Apothecary is opening a much-awaited new location in Mayfair. Located on Brook Street directly opposite Claridge’s, the elegant new venue will transport you into Phileas Fogg’s wonderfully eccentric world. The bar will be stocked to the rafters with an extensive apothecary collection, with precise weighing scales on hand to measure out the perfect cocktail serves, perfect for cocktail connoisseurs.

The main drawing room was inspired by an elegant Mayfair townhouse with grandfather clocks, large armchairs and sofas to create a comfortable space to encourage visitors to settle in for the evening. With its own separate entrance is the Elixir Room which houses 24 Hennessy cabinets, each with their own unique key locks which will be gifted to lucky regulars to house their own bottles of spirits within. This cosy backroom has three large wallpapered booths which offer a perfect place to hide away and sample Fogg’s most restorative tipple – what a fantastical place for afterwork drinks.

Walmer Castle: Notting Hill

After being reimagined as a contemporary Scottish restaurant and dedicated whisky bar, Notting Hill dining and drinking institution the Walmer Castle has officially opened its doors. Walmer Castle was relaunched in collaboration with Scotland’s oldest whisky hotel, the Craigellachie Hotel. The Walmer Castle is inspired by the uniquely restorative, mineral rich waters of the River Spey twinned with the eclectic nature of London’s Westbourne Grove. Entrepreneur and hotelier extraordinaire Piers Adam is at the helm of Walmer Castle which serves as a local’s local and capturing the essence of Scotland within the neighbourhood. Walmer Castle spans two floors with a ground floor dining room and bar serving exceptional modern highland cuisine and the first floor Spey Bar with over 400 of the world’s finest whiskies.

Cellar: Hammersmith

Located in the ground floor of private member’s club Kindred, Cellar recently opened its doors the heart of Hammersmith. Cellar boasts a fabulous menu crafted by acclaimed chef Andrew Clarke, whose signature style is instantly recognisable in an ingredient-led and micro seasonal all day menu. Cellar showcases an eclectic range of dishes that celebrate the arrival of Spring produce, using the highest quality local meat, fish and seasonal vegetables.

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and with a gorgeous summer terrace, guests can while away the hours whilst feasting on dish highlights such as Fried cod cheeks with harissa mayo and lemon, Celeriac schnitzel with cavolo nero and wild mushrooms and Korean spiced tartare of Dexter beef served with straw chips. Expert mixologist Julian de Feral has created the cocktail menu which offers crowd favourites like the Kindred Spritz, blending Everleaf Forest aperitif, Bonanto cherry aperitif, peach, jasmine soda and sparkling wine and the West 6 Buttered Up.

The Act: Notting Hill

The Act is now open, serving up an all-singing, all-dancing programme of live entertainment and cocktails – seven nights a week. Located in the heart of Notting Hill Gate’s vibrant neighbourhood, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable night out, with performances from The Act’s talented team, as well as appearances from stars of the West End stage. The Act team will spontaneously serenade you with 80’s – 00’s crowd pleasers. Expect nightly flash-mob-style performances of musical favourites such as: Grease, ABBA and The Greatest Showman. Who said show tunes were limited to the West End.

The Umbrella Workshop: Shoreditch

The team behind our favourite East London bars The Sun Tavern and Discount Suit Company recently opened the doors to their third venue, The Umbrella Workshop. Located on a cobbled lane just off Boundary Street and housed in a C19th atelier, the Umbrella Workshop team have carefully restored the space to offer an interactive cocktail experience. The bar is set against an impressive, floor to ceiling display of spirits which include locally made and independent brands, as well as bartender favourites and rare whiskies.

Umbrella Workshop also hosts tastings and workshops, with everything on the menu available to buy and take home. With just 12 seats inside and the same outside, this intimate drinking spot is a hidden gem amongst bustling Shoreditch and perfectly located for pre-dinner cocktails before heading off to local favourites, Brat, St John and Rochelle Canteen.

Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery: Bishopgate

City institution Boisdale of Bishopsgate recently opened its new art exhibition and oyster concept, ‘Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery’. Blending a stunning marble topped bar with a characterful gallery of contemporary art, Alice’s features works from some of the most talented up and coming artists living and working in London. Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery also offers some of London’s finest oysters, a generous array of bar snacks and dishes charged with a taste of Boisdale’s Scotland sitting alongside a creative cocktail menu and a range of outstanding artisan beers from Hawkshead Brewery. Art and oysters? What’s not to love.