London - House Of Coco Magazine

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.

Fitness March 13, 2023

Coal Office and Sweaty Betty team up for wellness series

Sweaty Betty, everyone’s favourite leggings brand, and Coal Office, the coolest restaurant in vibey Coal Drops Yard have teamed up for a series of wellness events throughout Feb and March. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured into buzzy London to start the year well and try out one of the classes.

Located in the unique and stunning setting of the building’s 19th century arches, Sweaty Betty has curated a schedule of events that promote wellbeing and mindfulness.

Priced at £20 per person, each participant will be treated to a 60 minute session from a specialist instructor, plus a gift from Sweaty Betty, bag and a £20 voucher to spend in-store. The renowned Coal Office restaurant will provide a complimentary drink after the class too!

We sampled the ‘Confidence through Dance’ workshop which was led by Peruvian dancer Vivi Gabel who taught us to channel our inner Beyonce and walk, talk and breathe confidence. The workshop started with some easy warmup, followed by a few confidence exercises across the floor. Vivi’s energy was infectious and she really knew how to hype up the crowd and get everyone moving.

Throughout the workshop, Vivi was talking us through some confidence boosting tips and tricks and helping everyone awaken their inner dancers. Afterwards, she taught a cute little dance routine which got everyone’s heart rates up – and confidence through the roof.

After our class, we treated ourselves to a delightful meal in Coal Office’s chef’s table. Dinner at Coal Office is like going on a gastronomic rollercoaster. The vibes, interiors, smells, sounds and flavours are immaculate – as is every dish on offer on the menu.

Speaking of – the menu is all about family-style dining offering contemporary mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Jewish dishes. The result? True culinary bliss. The menu is crafted by Head Chef Dan Pelles, who bring Jerusalem traditions to life in this London hangout, whilst celebrating the very best produce from local suppliers.

While we were faffing about trying to figure out what menu options were gluten/dairy/egg-free (typical Londoner diet we know) Chef Dan took over and made a pretty smashing selection for us. We do love it when a man takes control. Paired with a refreshing gin spritz – Chef Dan’s choices were simply divine. We kicked things off with the Aubergine Tartare – a wonderfully tangy mixture of black and white aubergine cream, parsley and chilli paired with Tabula Rasa, a fresh beef tartare dish with bulgur, aubergine demi-glace, harissa and roasted hazelnuts.

For mains, the ‘Kuka Mashloka’ wowed. Here, Chef Dan and his team deep-fried a whole Jewish artichoke heart and seasoned it with parsnip, fresh parsley and pistachio Tabileh.

While the restaurant’s dining space and downstairs arches provide a unique location for this Sweaty Betty wellness, we highly recommend having a seat at the chef’s table – where you can soak up all the action of the talented chefs in the kitchen and really be immersed by the sights, sounds and smells of Coal Office.

You can still book other Sweaty Betty x Coal Officer sessions below.

Nutrition 101 with Georgina Murphy, Glow Nutrition 14th March (6-7pm) Nutrition 101: A Nutritionists Guide to Eating for Optimal Health – Are you tired of conflicting nutrition information and struggling to determine what’s best for your body? Do you suffer from digestive issues, fatigue, skin problems, mood swings, or weight concerns? Join Registered Nutritionist Georgie Murphy for a comprehensive 1-hour session delivering the ‘Nutrition 101’ and setting the record straight on common myths around foods. Discover how to eat for optimal health and maximise your wellbeing while minimising the risk of chronic disease. Say goodbye to bloating, excess wind, constipation, diarrhoea, energy slumps, fatigue, skin issues, mood swings, and poor concentration. With the right guidance, dietary changes can support better energy levels, better sleep, improved mood, clearer skin, and more. This session is your chance to learn the facts and set the record straight on what a healthy diet truly looks like. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take charge of your health and wellness!

Move & Connect with Aimee Buchler, The Rise Room 21st March (6-7pm) This is one of The Rise Room’s most popular experiences! A wholesome treat encompassing 2 key aspects of wellbeing. These are movement and breathwork accompanied by the magic of sound healing. In this 60 minute experience, you will connect to your mind, body and heart through movement, breathwork and sound.

Sessions are priced at £20pp and includes a goody bag from Sweaty Betty, filled with a special gift, bag and £20 off voucher to spend in-store, plus a complimentary beverage on arrival which includes a choice fresh juices and a complimentary glass of Nyetimber for your next lunch or dinner reservation (T’s & C’s apply)

https://coaloffice.com/sweaty-betty/

Food & Drink March 1, 2023

The Seafood Specialists

Wright Brothers are synonymous with seafood, what these guys don’t know isn’t worth knowing so when I was invited to a behind-the-scenes peek at their Billingsgate market operation and an opportunity to chat to founders Ben and Robin, I jumped at the chance.

Ben and Robin started Wright Brothers 20 years ago with a passion to spread their love of oysters and seafood. From 2002 to 2022, the business has grown quickly, and they are now the leading seafood supplier in the UK. Starting with wholesale then restaurants and oyster farming, they have devoted the past two decades building a recognised and reliable brand. Alongside their three London restaurants, they supply over 500 restaurants around the UK including Michelin starred chefs.

The set up at Billingsgate is run with military precision. After the catch arrives at midnight, straight off the boats at Brixham, the team are tasked with prepping, packing and getting it out the door all by 6am. During this period they can process up to £100,00 worth of seafood. Their clients include Gordan Ramsey, The Ivy, J Sheekey and Fortnum and Mason. Ben explains that all the fish is cut to suit the customer. Head of Production, Joe Palmer is a fish slicing ninja, responsible for making sure there’s no waste and the fish is accurately cut. There’s also a ‘watchlist’ to ensure everything that leaves the market is of the highest quality. When it comes to sourcing and sustainability, they are constantly reviewing their policy and procedures. The coastal team works with smaller boats that use the most sustainable catch methods, these include pot-caught crab and line-caught wild sea bass and for every lobster sold they donate to the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow.

Naturally they supply their own restaurants so after a couple of hours in Billingsgate we catch a boat down the Thames to the Battersea restaurant. On the boat Robin explains how they had to switch things up during covid and while restaurants were closed they got creative and started going direct to consumers with bespoke fish boxes that are delivered straight to the customers door. It quickly caught on and this side of the business has continued to grow. The brothers (in-law) are always innovating and have recently collaborated with Japanese chef, Yuki Gomi to create a Let’s Roll Sushi kit, which includes all the essentials required to make high quality sushi at home.

Both Ben and Robin are keen to smash the myth that fish is tricky to cook or must be part of an elaborate dish. They want to take the fear out of cooking seafood, Robin tells me that ‘simplicity is key’ and their website is a great source of inspiration and recipes.

At the restaurant the team bring over a selection of oysters to try. I’m slightly indifferent when it comes to oysters, I don’t dislike them but I’m not a big fan, I don’t get the hype. For some reason they always make me feel like I am slurping the sea. Ben encourages me to try the Ostra Regal explaining they are best served with a squeeze of lemon and that throwing it back isn’t the way to do it, instead he recommends chewing it a couple of times. He’s right, it completely changes the taste of this divisive aphrodisiac. The waiter brings across one of the best Bloody Mary’s I’ve tasted and when he proffers another rock I don’t shy away. If shucking oysters isn’t your thing then the extensive menu at Wright Bros serves a combination of seafood staples like fish pie as well as share plates and simple pan-seared fish. They also have a cracking breakfast menu that includes a fabulous Lobster Benedict.

A visit to a Wright Bros restaurant is a must for seafood lovers, their combined knowledge, passion and 20 years’ experience is what makes them the top of their game.

To book a table at one of their restaurants or for more information on their Let’s Roll Sushi Kit visit thewrightbrothers.co.uk

Food & Drink February 5, 2023

Celebrate National Pizza Day at Crust Bros

National Pizza Day falls on Thursday 9 February, the perfect antidote to a very long and very cold January…

Pizza is believed to have been invented in Naples and so cue Crust Bros and their February special, ‘The Amatriciana’ pizza made with traditional Neopolitan dough. The delicious special is topped with sauce made with juicy san marzano tomatoes, crispy pieces of golden guanciale and then once cooked, the pizza is finished with pecorino romano.

If something a little more classic is calling your name this February, in celebration of National Pizza Day, Crust Bros will be offering Margherita pizzas for £5 from 12pm – 5pm at both the Waterloo and Croydon restaurants. If you are looking for something yummy to fill you up ahead of the onslaught of rugby this month, look no further than the ‘Seven Nation Salami’ pizza.

Crust Bros also offer a Bottomless Brunch available every Saturday and Sunday at Waterloo from 12pm – 3.30pm, a mere one minute walk from the station with 1.5 hours of pizza and free flowing beer and prosecco for just £35.

www.crustbros.co.uk

Food & Drink January 10, 2023

Meet TOZI Grand Cafe, Battersea’s sexy new Italian

Since its opening, Battersea Power Station has become the place to see and be seen in central London. Now, this daunting brutalist structure is welcoming a stylish new Italian as the Tozi Grand Café Battersea has opened its doors, adding further allure to Battersea’s already bustling foodie scene.

Located in the ground floor of the new Art’Otel, Tozi Grand Café is a welcome addition to Battersea Power Station offering a contemporary menu of delicious Italian classics. Team Coco Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies attended the official opening and samplesd basically everything in the menu on 12 December, for a night of great wine, even better food and some live music.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and colourful textiles make the Tozi Grand Café feel more like an art gallery than restaurant, but the food itself is also a work of art. Helmed by Head Chef Lee Stretton of Hix Mayfair and Art Yard fame, the menu is a celebration of joyful Italian classics made with British fair.

The antipasti gave us a taste of what’s to come with fluffy rosemary focaccia, juicy baked scallops and deep-fried crispy sage anchovies. The pastas, all freshly made, are hearty and homy, tasting like they were prepared by an Italian nonna in her home kitchen. The wild boar ragout was a standout, as well as the buffalo ricotta ravioli, which was wonderful and indulgent – a great winter dish.

There is a bacon chop, which tastes exactly as it sounds, sinfully sweet and juicy pork chops that seem impossible to achieve, but cooked perfectly by Chef Lee and his team.

The pièce de resistance were the ‘dolcis’ starting with a light and creamy pistachio tiramisu, gianduiotto tart, panacotta and a decadent Tozi affogato to finish. Italian meals often end with a shot of espresso, and so the vanilla ice cream and espresso shot in the affogato was a nice touch. The wine pairings were of course delicious, taking you on a visceral journey through the vineyards of Italy.

And while we left Tozi having eaten enough food to satiate an entire Italian family, this fabulous restaurant’s impeccable menu, great service, delicious wines and vibey Battersea location certainly has us asking for more.

For more information visit https://www.tozigrandcafe.co.uk

Food & Drink January 9, 2023

Meet Tozi Grand Café, Battersea’s sexy new Italian restaurant

Since its opening, Battersea Power Station has become the place to see and be seen in central London. Now, this daunting brutalist structure is welcoming a stylish new Italian as the Tozi Grand Café Battersea has opened its doors, adding further allure to Battersea’s already bustling foodie scene.

Located in the ground floor of the new Art’Otel, Tozi Grand Café is a welcome addition to Battersea Power Station offering a contemporary menu of delicious Italian classics. Team Coco Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies attended the official opening and samplesd basically everything in the menu on 12 December, for a night of great wine, even better food and some live music.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and colourful textiles make the Tozi Grand Café feel more like an art gallery than restaurant, but the food itself is also a work of art. Helmed by Head Chef Lee Stretton of Hix Mayfair and Art Yard fame, the menu is a celebration of joyful Italian classics made with British fair.

The antipasti gave us a taste of what’s to come with fluffy rosemary focaccia, juicy baked scallops and deep-fried crispy sage anchovies. The pastas, all freshly made, are hearty and homy, tasting like they were prepared by an Italian nonna in her home kitchen. The wild boar ragout was a standout, as well as the buffalo ricotta ravioli, which was wonderful and indulgent – a great winter dish.

There is a bacon chop, which tastes exactly as it sounds, sinfully sweet and juicy pork chops that seem impossible to achieve, but cooked perfectly by Chef Lee and his team.

The pièce de resistance were the ‘dolcis’ starting with a light and creamy pistachio tiramisu, gianduiotto tart, panacotta and a decadent Tozi affogato to finish. Italian meals often end with a shot of espresso, and so the vanilla ice cream and espresso shot in the affogato was a nice touch. The wine pairings were of course delicious, taking you on a visceral journey through the vineyards of Italy.

And while we left Tozi having eaten enough food to satiate an entire Italian family, this fabulous restaurant’s impeccable menu, great service, delicious wines and vibey Battersea location certainly has us asking for more.

For more information visit https://www.tozigrandcafe.co.uk

Hotels & Spas January 9, 2023

TeamCocopup: A luxury doggy staycation at Cheval Three Quays

Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies checked-into Cheval Three Quays for a luxury dog friendly staycation in the heart of the City.

Can you imagine a more iconic London view than that of Tower Bridge? We certainly cannot, but that is exactly the star of Cheval Three Quays, a group of chic luxury serviced apartments in the City of London.

Part of the Cheval Collection, which operates some of the swankiest serviced apartments, mostly dog friendly, in London. While we’ve stayed in our fair share of Cheval Collection properties before, Cheval Three Quays has to be our favourite so far – and that can largely be attributed to the incredible view.

We stayed in one of the property’s two-bedroom apartments – which are located right on the Thames with easy access to London’s myriad cultural attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and other attractions. Our suite boasted the most incredible, unobstructed views of Tower Bridge, which we think is one of the best views in the whole of London.

The elegance of Cheval Three Quays can be felt through the muted décor of the lobby, all the way to every minute detail in our suite. While Cheval Three Quays isn’t a fully-fledged hotel, the staff here are superb and very accommodating of guest requests and very knowledgeable about the local area.

While Cheval Three Quays doesn’t have its own restaurant per se, the staff have a wealth of knowledge on offer so you can explore the very best of London’s vibrant gastronomic scene. In terms of facilities, there is daily housekeeping, a fully kitted gym and even laundry services, making this a top choice for a longer stay.

Our suite was a site to behold. The elegant luxury interiors are the picture of restraint, drawing your attention to the spectacular view. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise Cheval Three Quay’s Thameside location, making the suite the perfect place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

The chic apartments are generously sized, cosy, elegant and with everything a discerning modern traveller requires. It has a comfy L-shaped sofa, flat screen, and fully kitted kitchenette. There is also a large bath.

All of the apartments in Cheval Three Quays are dog-friendly, and the property make your four-legged friends feel extra special with a dog bed, dog bowls and dog treats ready when you arrive. We particularly liked the Cheval App, which made ordering food or conversing with the concierge particularly seamless.

Throughout our two-night stay, we certainly felt the warmth and hospitality of the Cheval Collection, so much so that you would quickly forget you aren’t actually staying in a five-star hotel. From interiors, décor, facilities and service – this is five-star luxury hospitality at its finest. We’re sure you and your fur babies will enjoy your stay at Cheval Three Quays, no matter how long or short.

For more information visit https://www.chevalcollection.com/

Theatrical gastronomy reigns supreme at Park Row London

There is nothing shy about Park Row London, which takes its DC comics theme to superhero heights. Team Coco babe Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured into wintry Soho to see if the new theatrical gastronomy restaurant is worth the hype (spoiler alert: it is)

You enter Park Row London through a hidden door behind a book case, in what looks to be Wayne Manor. A dramatic entrance that appropriately previews what lies ahead for diners, in this bold new restaurant concept, by the Wonderland Restaurant Group and restaurateur James Bulmer.

You head down a winding spiral staircase to a superhero-inspired score. While Park Row London is located underground, (kind of like a Batcave now that I think about it) you won’t miss natural daylight here, as there’s plenty to feast your senses on.

The décor is Art Deco chic, with plenty of DC Comic-inspired touches that avid fans would easily spot. The handsome oak-panelled bar is called Pennyworth’s, while the Monarch Theatre (the theatre where Bruce Wayne’s parents were shot) offers a truly tantalising 11-course tasting menu complete with immersive visual experience.

The Iceberg Lounge is named after supervillain Penguin’s own club, (played brilliantly and unrecognisably by Colin Farrell in the latest Batman flick) and The Late Night Old Gotham Lounge, which we think is somehow related to the Joker (due to all the clown motifs).

Theatre is the name of the game here and it starts the moment you are seated. The Amuse-bouche is nitrogen-infused popcorn, served with flair by our very enthusiastic waiter. The popcorn is surprisingly chilly, but very tasty too.

We sampled the House Cocktail, a ‘Blue Boy’, which comes out from a replica of the Blue Boy painting and is a subtle reference to the Batman films. The Blue Boy (which is blue) is a delicious concoction made of Patron Reposada tequila, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Galiano L’Autentico Liqeur and RinQuinQuin – it certainly packs a punch but is appropriately fanciful for an evening at Park Row.

The menu too was inspired by molecular gastronomy, embracing the theatre and showmanship of Park Row. We started with the delicious Maki Roll, which is vegan and made with Miso Aubergine, Avocado, Cucumber and crispy shallots. The Scales of Justice, another Batman reference of course, was simply divine. Here, the aforementioned scales are seared Scottish scallops with Sirracha butter and puffed rice.

For Mains, definitely try out Gotham City’s Saviour, which is a grilled ribeye steak with béarnaise sauce that is cooked to absolute perfection. For a vegan option, the Pumpkin & Sage Tortellini doesn’t disappoint.

The appropriately named desserts will surely make you giggle. We like ‘Kiss From a Rose’, named after the sultry Seal track which was in the soundtrack of the first Batman trilogy films. Here, it is a lychee rose mousse with white chocolate and jasmine yoghurt ice cream, sweet and sensational, just like the track itself.

Our evening at Park Row felt like we spent an evening in Gotham City itself, and while the famed caped crusader wasn’t present per se, his spirit surely was felt in the quality, service and showmanship of Park Row London.

For more information visit https://parkrowlondon.co.uk