London - House Of Coco Magazine

Cocktails June 8, 2023

The Churchill Bar & Terrace announces new cocktail menu and opening of their summer terrace

With the temperamental British weather finally making way for some glorious rays, the team at The Churchill Bar & Terrace on Portman Square is ready and waiting to welcome guests with a new cocktail menu and the opening of their summer terrace. Located inside the Hyatt Regency hotel, the award-winning art deco cocktail bar pays homage to some of the capital’s most iconic residents: Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine (there’s even a life-sized bronze statue of a young Churchill sitting on a bench in the terrace).

Written by Guest Contributor Ina Yulo-Stuve

The team is serious about their cocktails and recently announced new additions to the squad, bar manager Gaston Fusco and head mixologist Mitsuhiro Nakamura, who join senior bartender Vitor Sousa. Fusco spent nearly a decade in the UAE, where he worked at luxury properties such as the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. His appointment coincided with the bar’s decision to double down on having sustainability as a focus for their menu.

“Nowadays, it is crucial for all of us to have an awareness of sustainability. It is something the world is placing a focus on and therefore, at the Churchill Bar & Terrace, we wanted to shine a light on it too and show care for the world we live in. It’s interesting to try to come up with ideas on how to do our bit to help through making delicious drinks!” says Fusco. Describing their ethos as “cocktails with a conscience”, the new menu, a 12-drink collection called UNITY, pays homage to the bar team’s different cultural backgrounds and traditions whilst staying both innovative and eco-conscious.

UNITY fuses the traditions and tastes of Asia, Europe, and the Americas to deliver an enticing offering that is best enjoyed al fresco, where the sustainability focus continues with specially chosen long-lasting flower displays throughout the terrace. Surrounded by lush greenery and colourful plants, guests will be taken on a trip around the globe with cocktails such as the fragrant, grassy, and bitter Be Mate—with bergamot liquer, bitter bianco, orange yerba mate, and peppermint perfume—based on a favourite drink from Fusco’s native Argentina; the vibrant, pleasant, and provocative Longitude 40°–bringing the flavours of fresh green grapes, Ginjo plum sake, Junmai Dagnjo sake, and elderflower liquer—inspired by the wine-making traditions of Sousa’s Portuguese family; or the mysterious, leafy, millennial Ikigai—a blend of dry Vermouth, fresh shiso, organic matcha, bamboo white tea cordial, and lemon juice—a crisp and clean choice from Nakamura’s home country of Japan.

Fusco says it was a real team effort to conceptualise every drink on the menu, but notes that he’s already seen an increased satisfaction from guests who appreciate being able to play their part in being more eco-conscious. “One of the opportunities we acknowledged was waste reduction. We saw the chance to collaborate with the kitchen and use elements of ingredients the chefs may not need, repurposing them for a different use.” He talks about the bar’s custom-made lab, where the team is encouraged to reinvent the status quo and challenge each other to think outside the box.

Nakamura, the former head bartender at renowned Tokyo outpost Peter: The Bar and a veteran of the international cocktail competition scene, will no doubt bring his flair for experimentation to an already thriving team. He says: “I am thrilled to be part of The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s team, whose acclaimed reputation and enticing drinks list focusing on sustainability is what drew me to the establishment initially.

Since attending a cocktail competition in this bar years ago, I have wanted to return. As an avid traveller, it has always been a dream of mine to bring my global knowledge to a new location, particularly one as exciting, energetic, and trend-setting as London, the pioneer city for the drinks industry, and so I very much look forward to combining all these aspects at The Churchill.”

The Churchill Bar & Terrace

Address: Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH

Phone: 020 7299 2035

Website: thechurchillbar.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechurchillbar

Accessories May 25, 2023

This Summer’s Hottest Social Event

Move over Ascot, Chestertons Polo is the place to be seen this summer. As one of the most anticipated events on the summer calendar, this three-day extravaganza brings together world-class polo, stylish fashion, and a fabulous party atmosphere. Kicking off on Friday 9th June, expect a guest list of London’s cool crowd in attendance. Over the course of the weekend, there will be six city teams competing from across the globe, from Sydney and Buenos Aires to New York and London.

Held annually in London’s Hurlingham Park, this event offers a unique opportunity to see the sport played at the highest level, however you don’t have to be a polo aficionado to enjoy this summer festival. Renowned for its social scene, the event attracts a stylish and sophisticated crowd, who come to enjoy the sport, the music, and the buzzing atmosphere. There’s always a fantastic party vibe and this year will be no exception. Guests can enjoy pitch-side bars and gardens courtesy of Champagne Lanson, Fever-Tree and Guinness. You can even watch the polo from the AspenX Polo Club. Enjoy live music and dancing in the legendary Mahiki tent. Sheerluxe will be curating the Shopping Village experience and you can enjoy an array of delicious street eats at the Fulham Food Festival.

Guest should dress to impress as one of the highlights of Chestertons Polo in the Park is the fashion. Polo has always been associated with style and elegance, and this event is the epitome of glamour. The city’s most chic will be there, showcasing the latest catwalk looks.

Chestertons Polo in the Park is weekend jam packed, action filled experience. Whether you’re a die-hard polo fan or just looking for a fun day out, you won’t be disappointed.

Friday 9th June – Cudo Compute International Day presented by CITY AM

Friday kick-start’s the summer. The tournament will include the England Polo team v Ireland Polo team as the headline match of the day. With further matches between Argentex Team Sydney vs EFG Private Banking Team Zurich, Brown Rudnick Team New York Vs Boadicea the Victorious Team Buenos Aires and finally Team London vs ICM.com Team Dubai to round off the first day. Friday is the perfect setting to entertain friends, family and clients or host the ultimate office summer party, whilst enjoying the world-class hospitality in the VIP Village.

Saturday 10th June – Ladies Day presented by Sheerluxe

Raise a glass as Saturday celebrations kick off with Ladies Day. Guests are invited to enjoy the live music, DJs, Fulham Food Festival, luxury shopping village and fabulous gardens and bars. Watch the polo and enjoy London’s best summer day party from the Champagne Lanson Garden and the renowned Mahiki Tent. The Shopping Village will offer a collection of independent fashion brands to explore across the weekend featuring the likes of designer Sunglasses from Finlay & Co, premium Polo apparel from La Mariposa and sustainable fashion brands including the likes of Nue Hoops and Augustine Jewels. Fulham Food Festival will be back, featuring some of London’s most popular restaurants and street food vendors including the Argentine Steak Restaurant, Gaucho, burgers from Truffle London, Poké Bowls from Island Poké, seafood bites from Calamari Canteen, delicious fried chicken bites from Chick ‘n’ Sours and woodfire pizzas from Freewheelin’ Pizza.

Sunday 11th June – Family Day

Sunday morning begins with a ‘pitch invasion’ which hosts London’s largest kids party hosted by the famous and much-loved children’s party entertainers, Sharky and George. Offering endless kids games, arts and crafts, face painting and giant inflatable slides and castles alongside the opportunity to learn to play polo, improve rugby and football skills or to just bounce the day away in the Little Hooves Kids Club. The afternoon sees the culmination of three days of polo, as the champions of the festival are crowned followed by the ultimate London garden party to finish the weekend off in style.

To book tickets and find out more information please visit https://www.polointheparklondon.com/

Afternoon Tea May 8, 2023

Why this music-themed Afternoon Tea really strikes a chord

Amidst the palpable excitement of the King’s Coronation, thousands of people across the nation are indulging in Afternoon Tea.

This culinary tradition started in the 19th century when the British aristocracy had a habit of eating only two meals a day: breakfast and dinner.

The Duchess of Bedford, who was a close friend of Queen Victoria, found herself getting hungry in the late afternoon. She decided to invite some friends over for tea and snacks to alleviate her hunger pangs.

The idea caught on, and soon Afternoon Tea became quite the fashionable social event. The menu included tea, sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries. The ritual of drinking tea with milk and sugar, served in fine bone china cups, became a symbol of British culture the world over.

Fast forward to 2023 and Afternoon Tea remains a highly popular tradition, not only in Britain, but also in many parts of the world. Hotels and restaurants around the globe offer their take on this classic ritual, with various themes and creative twists.

One such example of this is the music-themed Afternoon Tea at the Middle Eight hotel in London’s Covent Garden in the heart of the city within walking distance to theatre land.

Their Covent Garden Crescendo menu is a delectable fusion of music teemed with delicious treats. All dietary requirements are catered for, although it’s best to give the hotel as much notice where possible in order to accommodate.

Music-themed Afternoon Tea at the Middle Eight hotel in Covent Garden

Served on an elegant serving tray, guests can enjoy a selection of sandwiches which includes the highly fashionable ‘Coronation Chicken’ which comes with a subtle yet tasty cured herby mayonnaise, grilled vegetable sandwiches which has a layer of hummus, and a dill-infused smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich. There’s also a herby sausage roll for meat eaters.

For those hankering after something sweeter, there’s a fantastic selection of sweet treats all of which are music themed. We absolutely adored ‘To the Best’ – a cloud-light lemon meringue tart with sweet lemon cream which was lighter than air and had a real kick to it.

‘Strike a Chord’ with its sweet centre of fresh raspberries sits atop a moist almond cake and is topped with a raspberry coulis and gold leaf.

One particular standout is the tangy ‘Blood Orange Opera’ paying homage to the music that surrounds the hotel. With layers of blood orange jelly, this moreish moresel also has citrus pannecotta which gives a sharp yet sweet taste that is unforgettable.

From the pistachio macarons with a dynamic treble clef emblazoned across the vibrant green disc filled with a buttercream to the nutty ‘Hazelnut Harmony’ choux delight, there’s truly something for everyone when it comes to the Middle Eight Afternoon Tea.

Can you really say you have had Afternoon Tea without indulging in a scone or two? Whether you pronounce it to rhyme with ‘bone’ or ‘gone’, you will love the vanilla and fruit scones that are topped with jam and clotted cream.

Whether you choose to team it with a glass of fizz or a cup of tea of which you can choose from traditional blends like Earl Grey, Lapsang and Darjeeling, or something a smidge more unusual like the intriguing Covent Garden blend which combines peppermint, black tea and blue cornflowers to create a full-bodied and slightly sweet yet spicy tea, your beverage of choice will elevate your Afternoon Tea to the next level.

As Alice Walker says ‘Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors’, whilst there isn’t much in the way of music weaved into the decor which is a little bit surprising, the room where you take the tea is light and stylish with an abundance of books everywhere and the staff are polite, efficient and friendly.

If you love music and feel that an Afternoon Tea is hard to beat, then head on over to the Middle Eight hotel in Covent Garden and enjoy a sweet symphony of treats!

£45 per person or £55 per person with a glass of Prosecco.

Afternoon Tea May 5, 2023

The most decadent afternoon teas in London for the Coronation

The King’s Coronation sees pomp, pageantry and of course afternoon teas come to the streets of London. Start the Bank Holiday off right with these selections of scones and sparkling wine and raise a glass to the next monarch…

CORONATION CELEBRATIONS AT THE LANGHAM

To mark the King’s Coronation, The Langham, London will be suitably decorated with Union Jack flags and bunting, while guests will be able to indulge in special celebratory food and drink for the occasion, and even enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides around Regent’s Park from the hotel.

The Langham’s Fit For A King afternoon tea will be served in Palm Court, 3–8 May. For £75pp guests will be able to sample delicacies inspired by Royal favourites, including delicate finger sandwiches featuring Scottish smoked salmon, Coronation chicken, and Classic cucumber, cream cheese and chives. These will be followed by a Westcombe cheddar scone with tomato chutney, traditional sweet scones, and traditional desserts such as sherry trifle and Victoria sponge reimagined into contemporary pastries.

Also in Palm Court, there will be a cocktail incorporating the King’s favourite Laphroaig whisky with Chambord, pineapple and lemon (£18). Meanwhile, in The Langham’s traditional British pub, The Wigmore, guests will be able to raise a glass to the King with the Take This Waltz Coronation cocktail (£14), inspired by a classic English milk punch and named after the King’s favourite song by Leonard Cohen. The Coronation cocktails will be available until 8 May.

langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/london

GAUCHO HAMPSTEAD’S CORONATION GARDEN PAWTY

Celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation with your furry friend by your side at Gaucho Hampstead’s Coronation Garden Pawty, taking place on 7 May. Promising both pet and owner a royally good afternoon, treat your pooch to a complimentary canine afternoon tea fit for a king, with dog-friendly delights including pupcakes, mini quiches, and a pupaccino, served on Gaucho’s terrace from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

While your dog enjoys their afternoon tea, indulge in the ultimate Sunday Roast with a choice of three perfectly cooked cuts of meat, lashings of gravy, crispy roast potatoes and unlimited seasonal vegetables. Or, take your pick from the delicious array of Argentine dishes on the à la carte menu – think sea bass ceviche, ecreto iberico with Malbec jam; and a starring selection of sustainable steaks.

gauchorestaurants.com/events/doggy-sunday

‘CROWN & GLORY’ LAUNCHES AT CONNAUGHT VILLAGE

Connaught Village, just minutes from Oxford Street and Marble Arch, will be celebrating King Charles III’s Coronation in style with all the independent retailers transforming their windows into the most spectacular displays reflecting the campaign ‘Crown & Glory’ on 6 May. The village will transform into a royal spectacle with union jack bunting decorating the streets to royal neon tree art and activities such as children’s royal crown-making workshops and floral crown-making workshop sessions for the adults. Sprezzatura will create a window display centred around portraits of His Majesty the King and The Queen Consort.

Royal Lancaster London are offering a package which includes a stay, Coronation afternoon tea, and two Coronation cocktails until 9 May. Simon Carter will display a Coronation themed window featuring their crown cufflinks and lots of red, white and blue clothing and accessories. The Stablehand will be running a special cocktail for the King’s Coronation using only English ingredients – fittingly called ‘The King Charles’.

connaught-village.co.uk

Food & Drink May 5, 2023

The best of Spain here in the UK this May – Estrella Galicia Gastronomy Month

This month it doesn’t matter what the British weather throws at us as Estrella Galicia are bringing the best of Spain to our shores for Gastronomy Month. Read on to find out about events and hot bites you can’t miss this May.

Beer and Bite

Back again for 2023, Estrella Galicia has partnered with over 100 venues in the UK and Ireland. The concept is simple but irresistible – grab an ice cold Estrella Galicia and a tapas dish starting from just £4.95!

Participating venues include Sabor, La Condesa, Casa Monolo, La Bandera (Manchester), Gambas (Bristol) and Ole Tapas (Bath).

Find out more here

Special events

Estrella Galicia have also cooked up (pun intended) some special events this month. From tasting menus and chef-hosted dinners to ‘Spanish Fiestas’ – enjoy the vibrant culture of Spain without reaching for your passport.

Book your tickets here.

Accessories May 4, 2023

Experience a Slice of Luxury Living in the Heart of the City

Tucked in a corner of Canary Wharf is Wardian, a collection of plush apartments with first class facilities, 360 views of the city and hi-spec design that give 5* hotel vibes.

Wardian has successfully created an urban retreat. As soon as you enter the building you leave behind the concrete jungle and are greeted with lots of green foliage, sumptuous soft sofas and a huge opulent chandelier that hangs majestically at the back of the reception and concierge lounge.

The apartments are stylish and modern, each one offering spacious, open plan living and a wrap around ‘sky garden’ balcony with views of the London skyline. Outdoor living permeates the building design and everywhere you look there’s a nod to nature from the abundance of plants to the natural tones and fabrics used throughout. Floor to ceiling windows allow lots of natural light during the day and in the evening the twinkly lights of London transform the view into a magical vista.

Wellness lovers will adore the Wardian Club, a fitness spa zone that has a large state of the art gym and studio with daily classes, an outdoor-indoor swimming pool and plunge pool as well as a sauna and steam room. The club has treatment rooms where you can book a massage, facial or beauty treatment through the Wardian app or leisure team.

Framed by a lush leafy canopy, the 25-metre open air heated pool is open till 10pm for anyone who wants to end their day with a swim under the stars.

The property has its own private cinema room that residents can book and there’s regular social events and screenings. If you work from home, there’s an abundance of communal spaces and meeting rooms with high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi. Families can access an outdoor play area and for wetter days there are two indoor soft playrooms.

The Observatory sits perched on the 53rd floor, a chic residential bar and restaurant with sweeping views of the city. Enter this exclusive resident only social club through the botanical inspired plant house to the bar that is flanked by floor to ceiling windows. Set up in the clouds, it’s one of the highest bars in the capital. Continuing with the outdoor living theme, The Observatory has lots of tropical plants and flowers, squishy velvet sofas and loungers that look out across the striking skyscrapers. Get comfy with a cocktail and a bite to eat as this is the perfect place to relax and take in the iconic views.

There’s plenty to do around the bustling business district of Canary Wharf, with lots of great restaurants and shopping. The social scene is vibrant with an array of bars, cafés and brunch spots on your doorstep. Opening at Wardian at the end of June is The Eleventh Hour, which will serve everything from specialty coffee to cocktails and craft beer, as well as tasty food, and host regular pop up events and music.

With the final few apartments still available to buy you need to get in quick for a slice of luxury living. From £643,500 for a studio visit https://wardianlondon.com/ to find out more.

City Guides April 28, 2023

London’s Can’t-Miss Celebrations For King Charles’s Coronation

At House of Coco, we are thrilled about King Charles’s Coronation and all the fabulous celebrations around it! London is buzzing with excitement and we’ve got the inside scoop on the must-attend events fit for a king.

Get ready for a royal feast for the senses with events like the Fleet Street Quarter’s BIG PICNIC: A Floral Extravaganza and the ‘King of Green’ installation at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Head to M Canary Wharf’s ‘Barking Banquet’ with your furry friend or check out Connaught Village’s ‘Crown & Glory’ launch for a playful and chic celebration.

Fleet Street Quarter’s BIG PICNIC: A Floral Extravaganza

Fleet Street Quarter is hosting its first-ever ‘BIG Picnic’ from May 3-4, inspired by the gardens of Highgrove, King Charles III’s admiration for wildflowers, and his favourite blooms.

You can head down to Carter Lane, Bream’s Buildings, and Gough Square for a relaxed outdoor Coronation picnic, complete with packed lunch or bites to eat from the many cafes and restaurants within the area.

Expect lively outdoor celebrations, including community art classes, giant flower décor, hedge and flower performers, and much more.

Check out www.fleetstreetquarter.co.uk for more information.

The A-Z Of Oxford Street Royalty: A ‘What’s On’ Coronation Map

Oxford Street has launched a map of unmissable Coronation experiences, offers, and events running over the weekend. The map includes in-store parties, offers, and events at a whole host of locations, including British High Street favourite John Lewis, which will have in-store pearly kings and queens and a live string quartet.

Visitors can indulge in the quintessentially British ritual of afternoon tea in The Bond Street Tea Rooms at The Radisson Blu Edwardian Bond Street Hotel or The Big BOOM Best of British Brunch, hosted by Boom Battle Bar.

To view the map, visit www.oxfordstreet.co.uk.

Connaught Village’s ‘Crown & Glory’ Launch

Connaught Village, just minutes from Oxford Street and Marble Arch, is all set to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation in style with the ‘Crown & Glory’ campaign.

The independent retailers will transform their windows into spectacular displays, and visitors will enjoy a royal spectacle, from union jack bunting decorating the streets to neon tree art and activities such as children’s royal crown-making workshops and floral crown-making workshops for adults.

Sprezzatura will take the lead in creating a window display centred around portraits of His Majesty the King and The Queen Consort. Meanwhile, Simon Carter will be displaying a Coronation-themed window featuring their iconic crown cufflinks, and a range of red, white, and blue clothing and accessories.

But that’s not all; the Royal Lancaster London has an exclusive Coronation package, which includes a luxurious stay, a Coronation afternoon tea, and two delectable Coronation cocktails from 28th April – 9 May.

And for those looking for a drink with a royal twist, The Stablehand is creating a special cocktail named ‘The King Charles’, made exclusively from English ingredients.

Visit www.connaught-village.co.uk for more information.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane’s ‘King of Green’ Installation

The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is paying tribute to King Charles III’s love for British nature and his commitment to environmental conservation with a magnificent ‘King of Green’ installation in the hotel lobby, launching on May 3rd.

What sets this concept apart is the hotel’s decision to replant the entire installation in the garden terraces of Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane after the coronation. This sustainable approach ensures that the trees and plants will continue to thrive and contribute to the local ecosystem long after the coronation celebrations have ended.

The installation features native trees and plants that depict a mesmerising British woodland scene and will be on display from May 3rd to May 9th.

Guests and visitors will have a unique opportunity to admire a tribute to the breathtaking beauty of British flora while honouring King Charles III’s unwavering commitment to preserving it.

M Canary Wharf’s Barking Banquet

M Canary Wharf is hosting a Barking Banquet on Sunday, May 7th as a special edition of its Pooch Party series, just in time for the Coronation.

We love that M Canary Wharf is dedicated to making sure everyone has a good time – even the pups! And with the opportunity to show off your pup’s style on the royal runway, this event promises to be a howling good time.

You and your furry friend can indulge in a three-course brunch menu, either inside the restaurant or outside on the beautiful terrace. Savor delicious dishes like shakshuka, steak & eggs, or a seriously good pancake stack, while your four-legged friend enjoys chicken jerky ‘three ways’, biltong risotto, and peanut butter cookies from M’s Bone Appétit menu.

Make sure to book your spot for the Barking Banquet between 12 pm – 4 pm on Sunday, May 7th. Tickets cost £40, with £5 from each ticket being donated to Dogs Trust.

https://mrestaurants.co.uk/events-news/pooch-party-coronation/.

At House of Coco, we’re ready to don our finest crowns and raise a glass to King Charles’s Coronation celebrations. With a lineup of events fit for a King, London is the place to be!

So whether you’re a royal enthusiast or just looking for a good time, join us in raising a glass to King Charles III – Long live the king!

London April 14, 2023

Fit for a King: Shangri-La The Shard, London’s Celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III

Shangri-La The Shard, London, is gearing up for a royal celebration fit for a king as the nation comes together to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla at Westminster Abbey. The hotel has created an array of festivities that will allow guests to experience the celebrations with stunning views over London.

The festivities include a ‘Best of British’ After Party at GŎNG Bar, where guests will be treated to a DJ set of popular British music, royal-themed decorations, and a special Coronation cocktail. For those seeking a more traditional experience, Bar 31 is hosting a Great British Street Party with a live stream of the ceremony and a selection of tasty treats.

Guests staying at Shangri-La The Shard, London, over the weekend will be welcomed with limited-edition VIP amenities and royal-themed welcome packs for children. Children can also attend a Crown Making Master Class and enjoy a Skyline Afternoon Tea at TĪNG. Before the Coronation weekend, guests can indulge in a local destination experience, the ‘Royal Jewels & Gin,’ which includes a visit to the Tower of London to marvel at the Crown Jewels and a private gin tasting session at Jensen’s Gin Distillery.

‘Best of British’ After Party at GŎNG Bar

Join in with the country’s royal revelry at a sky-high Coronation after party at GŎNG Bar, located on level 52 of The Shard. A DJ set will provide the perfect soundtrack to the highest Coronation celebration in London as guests will be immersed in a world of “Best of British” pop royalty, from Queen to The Spice Girls, David Bowie and Harry Styles. Guests will celebrate the night away amidst regal décor, as GŎNG Bar will be home to crowns on cocktails, royal themed balloons, bunting, and more. The Sky Pool will be open for guests to enjoy the shimmer of the lights on the turquoise waters and take in the views of the city below. Cap off the night by toasting to His Majesty The King with a special Coronation cocktail, available exclusively for the weekend. The special edition Coronation 50/50 Martini will feature bone-dry floral manzanilla sherry, Champagne, and peach liqueur, paying homage to King Charles’ favourite tree in the Royal Orchard.

Availability: The After Party will take place on 6th May 2023 and the DJ set will be take place from 9.00pm to 12.00am.

Bar 31 Celebrates the Great British Street Party

Join the festive atmosphere of a traditional British street party at Bar 31, located on the ground floor, as the Coronation ceremony unfolds. Guests can watch the live stream of the ceremony on the large flatscreen while enjoying a selection of tasty treats from a sharing platter featuring classics including sausage rolls and scones with jam and cream. As the sound of on-street entertainment echoes through the streets of London Bridge, guests can sit back with refreshing Pimm’s cocktails, complete with fresh fruit and mint and buckets of ice-cold beers to share.

Availability: The Bar 31 Street Party will take place on 10.00am 6th May 2023.

A Royal Welcome

Upon arrival at Shangri-La The Shard, London, guests can discover their inner royal with a stay fit for a King over the Coronation weekend. VIP guests will be welcomed to their suites by limited-edition VIP amenities and guests staying with little ones will find royal-themed welcome packs featuring regal props and capes, perfect to play dress up with while the city below bursts with excitement. The family-fun continues as children can attend a Crown Making Master Class, the perfect chance to show off their royal outfits and crafting skills, leaving with a decorated crown and token to remember the weekend of the Coronation. Guests can also enjoy the signature miniature Shard Building during Skyline Afternoon Tea at TĪNG, which will be adorned with the colours of the British flag, reflecting the spirit of the Coronation celebrations.

Availability: The amenities will be available for 6th May 2023, the Union Jack Shard building will be available from 6th – 8th May.

Royal Jewels & Gin Experience

During the build-up to the Coronation, guests can have the opportunity to learn about the rich history of London, its magnificent Crown Jewels, and the local culture surrounding the Shard, with a new local destination ‘Royal Jewels & Gin’ overnight stay experience. History enthusiasts can take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Tower Bridge to the historic Tower of London, which has played a significant role in shaping the city’s past, marvel at the splendid Crown Jewels, listen to tales from a Yeoman Warder dressed in traditional ceremonial attire, and take in the architecture of the White Tower, which was once London’s tallest building when it was constructed in 1078.

At Jensen’s Gin Distillery, located in Bermondsey’s renowned beer mile, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a private gin tasting session, sampling a range of gins, taking a tour of the distillery, and uncovering the historic recipes and methods that are still used to bottle the nation’s favourite spirit today. This experience will reveal the intertwined history of gin and the city of London, which has played a significant role in the city’s past, including its connections to royal figures of times past and the sometimes scandalous and dark histories that have been played out in the Tower of London over the centuries.

Availability: Priced from £890 per night (Monday – Friday only). To book: shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/offer-detail/rooms-suites/jewels-and-gin

Afternoon Tea April 13, 2023

Anatolian dining at Coco Grill and Lounge Tower Bridge

Nestled in Shad Thames, Coco Grill and Lounge Tower Bridge offers a romantic dining experience with iconic views of Tower Bridge. Shad Thames has been the location of choice for romantic diners wanting the iconic Tower Bridge as a backdrop to their gastronomic feast. Coco Grill & Lounge fits the bill with an expansive shisha garden terrace filled with sumptuous floral decorations. The chic interiors also deliver on the premium experience front with faux orchard trees, lush velvet banquettes and mood lighting fit for a Hollywood film set. But is it all style over substance you might ask? The answer is a definitive no.

A Culinary Delight in London

The menu is halal-friendly, and vegetarian-friendly with allergens clearly labelled. It is expansive, so if one of your guests isn’t in the mood for Anatolian cuisine, they can for a comforting plate of vegan ‘meatball’ pasta instead. You can also enjoy slow-cooked duck tacos marinated with a hoisin sauce. A highlight of the restaurant is its redemption cocktail bar menu. All the drinks are alcohol-free and they’ve worked with the best connoisseurs in the business to deliver an exceptional offering. For the classic 1920s cocktail, Bees Knee’s, they’ve only used the finest ingredients such as Sicilian lemon along with floral honey to make for a welcoming aperitif. The garnishes often include floral decorations in line with the restaurant interiors. There are zero-alcohol wines, classic mocktails and milkshakes and I would not be surprised to discover, they have the most inventive alcohol-free menu in London.

24k Gold Champagne at London’s Premier Dining Destination

The eye-catcher on the menu is their 35-day aged Tomahawk steak served with truffle Parmigiano mayo with the option to wrap it in gold for £50. This pairs with their Espora 24k Gold Champagne (de-alcoholised), which contains 24-karat gold flakes. They are not items I would personally order normally, but you can appreciate they are targeting the Salt Bae audience.

Exquisite Black Cod and Irresistible Mixed Coco Shish at London’s Premier Dining Haven

The less flashy dishes had greater appeal with the silky, smooth black cod a particular highlight. It was well-marinated with kaffir lime and miso and cooked delicately so the freshness was retained with the flavours well-infused. Their incarnation of the dish is arguably superior to the original served up at Nobu. Mixed Coco Shish is always a moreish crowd-pleaser. Their version consists of marinated lamb and chicken served with tzatziki and chilli sauce. It is elegantly presented with Tetris-like neatness, unlike versions you’ll see in more casual establishments where you’re often presented with an Everest of indiscernible meat. Their main course portion sizes tend to be more restrained which is ideal if you want to pair it with side dishes and enjoy a dessert. For an indulgent treat, opt for their messy wedges. The potatoes are topped with caramelised mushrooms, sriracha mayo, turkey bacon and spring onions and topped with copious amounts of Gruyère.

Presentation is everything at Coco Grill & Lounge. You’ll often see the use of dry ice to deliver a more impactful presentation such as their crispy spiced shrimp starter. But even if you take away the edible flowers, and the mysterious smoke, the quality of the ingredients genuinely shines through. For example, with their cheese and spinach pide, they only use baby spinach as they are more tender and the finest of Mozzarella cheese.

We didn’t have any stomach space left during our visit for dessert but we are looking forward to returning soon and trying their signature Turkish baklava and the underrated Kunafa. It is a baked kataifi pastry filled with cheese and topped with vanilla. It does take 20 minutes to prepare so do order before you’ve finished your main courses.

https://www.coco-restaurants.com/coco-index.html

City Guides March 24, 2023

Indulge In Exquisite Delights At The Dorchester’s New Cake & Flowers Boutique

Well, well, well, sweet tooth and flower aficionados unite as we have a new hot spot for you on our list of best pastries in London. The Dorchester has done it again and created yet another luxurious experience for us to indulge in.

As self-proclaimed lovers of all things sweet and beautiful, at House of Coco, we are beyond excited about the launch of Cake & Flowers. Not sure about you but the thought of being able to walk into a boutique filled with jewel-like interiors, stunning patisserie, and fresh blooms has us swooning.

And let’s not forget about the masterminds behind this exquisite venture. Philip Hammond and Michael Kwan have truly outdone themselves with their floral and pastry creations.

Menu highlights include Michael’s take on The Dorchester Rose, a dazzling cake to match the signature rose and jasmine cream, compressed pear and coconut crunch; alongside a citrus and orange Blossom Pavlova, with yuzu and bergamot meringue, citrus compote, orange blossom cream and confit citrus.

Michael’s signature cake, The Tree Cake, will change seasonally and include flavours such as cherry blossom tea mousse and sour cherry.

I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want to try The Dorchester Rose cake? And don’t even get me started on the signature Tree Cake. I can already taste the cherry blossom tea mousse. Yum!

As someone who loves convenience, I am delighted to hear that Cake & Flowers will also be available for online delivery in central London. Talk about having your cake and eating it too!

So if you’re looking for me this weekend, you know where to find me. I’ll be at Cake & Flowers living my Marie Antoinette fantasy and indulging in some of the best pastries in London. Don’t worry, I’ll save you a slice of The Dorchester Rose cake – if you’re lucky!

To learn more please visit Cake & Flowers.