London - House Of Coco Magazine

Behind the bar August 10, 2022

Retox to Detox at the South Place Hotel

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?’

London August 6, 2022

The Adria Hotel : A home away from home, an office away from the office

This quintessentially British retreat in the heart of South Kensington is everything your desires could wish for when visiting the big smoke!

The Adria is an established hotel that goes beyond boutique, primed in a 19th-century townhouse offering the nostalgic feel of a member’s club. Its five-star charm takes you away from the bustle of the city and escorts you to a place of complete enjoyment.

For the sake of a night’s stay, I made every reservation to soak in as much of The Adria as possible, finding myself tapping away at my laptop well after service had finished.

The world completely melts away in this hotel – ideal for anyone travelling for business who may have spent their day running between the tube and meetings and desperately needs to catch up on emails.

The service is exemplary, with no need going unmet even if you are in a deep work trance and forget to order coffee – they’ll be on hand to ensure you’re topped up.

Breakfast is a full A La Carte menu, with all the best of British favourites complemented by continental necessities. Enjoy in the restaurant or the comfort of bed with the morning news; you can do whatever suits your schedule best. For me, breakfast was the highlight of the stay and where I spent most of my working time.

I was more than welcome to spend my time however I so pleased, and it was wonderful.

Later you can treat yourself to a traditional English afternoon tea beside the open fire in the Polo Longue – an excellent spot for a business rendezvous or a catch-up with an old friend.

Depending on where your evening takes you, if you don’t fancy travelling far, you can shimmy on down to The Adria’s cocktail bar, where you’ll be dazzled by their signature mix and any tipple that may take your fancy.

For those looking to explore London to its fullest, The Adria is a prime choice. Located just a short walk from the natural history museum, you can spend an entire afternoon consuming the world’s many historical wonders. Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for a bit of indulgence? The Adria is but a stone’s throw from the shopping haven and likely the world’s most famous department store, Harrods.

And if it’s evening entertainment you’re looking for, you’ll find the Royal Albert Hall not too far away. Soak up some culture and settle in for a grand night’s sleep after at your home away from home.

With 24 suites and rooms to choose from, you’ll find one that fits you just right. The single rooms are a perfect pit-stop for businesspeople, the superior rooms immaculate for that romantic getaway.

If you fancy something a little roomier, you can indulge in a junior or signature suite that offers separate dining, living, and sleeping areas along with waterfall showers and fireplaces.

A perfectly cosy retreat for whatever mood.

This is a stay you don’t want to miss out on.

theadria.com

Adventures July 31, 2022

SAUDIA sponsors ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and brings new experiences to London

NEW! SAUDIA BRINGS KSA TO LONDON

NEW for London this year are several interactive experiences. SAUDIA will be bringing the Discover E-Zone to the capital: cutting edge digital activations combined with Saudi’s landscapes, landmarks, culture and heritage.

SAUDIA will be showcased using an augmented reality where visitors are immersed in a tour of KSA. From underwater scenes of the Red Sea and Saudi’s unique flora and fauna to 360-degree tours of AlUla and Al-Shaq Great Canyon, the experience takes guests through a sensory journey that includes sights and sounds as well as touch and scent.

Interactive experiences also include a high-impact, state of the art airplane fuselage stand in the Allianz e-Village.

This forms part of SAUDIA’s global campaign, Take Your Seat, aimed at connecting motorsport fans around the world with both the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s many iconic race destinations as well as the sights of Saudia Arabia. From a six-part social series exploring each driver’s favourite destination to a content series providing expert insight into the sports itself, the campaign highlights the incredible destination backdrops for each race and the accessibility through SAUDIA’s routes.

The Take Your Seat campaign features exciting new Formula E content, the chance to win the ultimate international race hospitality experience, and the opportunity to redeem new loyalty benefits and better rates for travel to races in iconic world cities with Saudia and its SkyTeam Airline Alliance.

For more information about SAUDIA’s partnership with Formula E, the host cities that SAUDIA serves, and money can’t buy Formula E experiences and prizes, the chance to attend an E-Prix in a city of your choice, and access exclusive Formula E content and prizes visit takeyourseat.saudia.com.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company is one of the Middle East’s largest airlines. In recent years the airline has invested significantly in its fleet of 144 narrow and widebody aircraft and operates one of the youngest fleets in the skies, with an average aircraft age of 5 years. For further information on Saudi Arabian Airlines, please visit saudia.com.

Brunch July 15, 2022

Brunch with a View

It’s summer brunch season and the Maison Mirabeau Rosé Brunch at Plateau is giving us all the vibes. The combination of French cuisine, Mirabeau gin cocktails, free-flowing Côtes de Provence Rosé, unparalleled views of Canary Wharf and a kicking soundtrack from the in-house DJs, makes this a great location for sips with friends.

Located at the top of Canada Place, Plateau is the perfect spot for those looking for a more sophisticated brunch. This contemporary space is spacious and minimal. Huge glass windows run across the side of the restaurant bathing the dining area in natural light. There’s a private dining room and at the back of the restaurant you’ll find an outdoor terrace for those wanting to soak up the summer sun.

Kick off your brunch with one of the delicious cocktails and take in the city skyline. I tried the Rosé Garden Blitz which combines Mirabeau Dry Gin, Mirabeau Rosé wine, grapefruit juice, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, Aperol and fresh strawberries. This refreshing tipple packs a punch but goes down a treat.

The menu here includes the usual brunch staples such as eggs Benedict and guacamole on sourdough however Executive Head Chef, Sean Kimpson has put his own signature twist to each dish and added large plates and starters to give you more variety. Choose from two or three courses depending on how hungry you feel. I tucked into the Puglia Burrata with grilled courgette, minted petit pois pistou to start, this indulgent, creamy soft pearl was decadent and morish. At one point I wanted to ask for chunk of crusty bread to smother it on but had to remind myself that this is a classy joint.

My brunch date and I decided there was just too many mouth-watering choices on the menu and settled on sharing Crispy Plaice Goujons with Pomme Frites along with the Soft Shell Crab Burger with mango slaw and spiced mayonnaise, and we weren’t disappointed. The plaice goujons were plump and had a delightful crunchy texture while the crab burger smothered in spiced mayonnaise was a match made in food heaven.

The music and gentle bustle of Plateau create a buzz and ambience that says elegant rather than raucous. Throughout the afternoon the waiter kept our glasses topped with Rosé and recommended we end the day with their chocolate Delice served with mandarin sorbet, a big hit with brunch goers and the highlight for me and my date. The bitter dark chocolate was perfectly paired with a refreshing mandarin sorbet and a delicious sign off for the afternoon.

Taking place every Saturday between 11:30am-3:00pm get the weekend started by booking into the Rosé Brunch with Maison Mirabeau at Plateau. Starting at £32 pp.

Behind the bar July 1, 2022

Hush Mayfair Unveils ‘The New Dolce Vita’ Courtyard with Disaronno in London

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.

Behind the bar June 28, 2022

The Act is bringing the West End to Notting Hill

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.

Home

RE PLACE London is the new wellness clinic you simply must try

If you’ve never heard of lymphatic drainage before – then now is the time to jump in the body rolling bandwagon. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured to RE PLACE London to be one of the very first people to try its innovative lymphatic massage treatments. Here is what went down.

RE PLACE, the first of its kind in town, is bringing the lymphatic massage concept from LA and New York to London. Its Body Roller machines are a game-changer for banishing stubborn fats, loose skin and ridding your body of nasty toxins.

Walking into the RE PLACE London studio in Westbourne Grove is like entering a wellbeing sanctuary from the future. Before starting your treatment, the lovely Jade at front of house will tell you all about the myriad of benefits of lymphatic drainage massage and myofascial release, which (as we learned) can help boost your body’s natural lymphatic systems to get rid of bloating, excess fluids and toxins.

Before getting down to business, we visited the RE PLACE London café for some delicious, dairy-free coffees and protein snacks. The staff at RE PLACE London make a wicked cup of joe, and it’s easy to get lost exploring the different healthy snacks and drinks on offer here too. We especially liked NUCCY’s Nut Butter, which offers deliciously nut spreads, the 111Skin face mask and the Served Hard Seltzer.

Downstairs in the treatment room, you will find several of RE PLACE London’s innovative Body Roller machines. These machines combine the benefits of lymphatic rolling with infrared and collagen lights that can help reduce inflammation and boost circulation leaving you feeling revitalised and recovered.

Don’t expect a relaxing massage though, because the 45-minute Body Roller experience is just as much a workout as it is a massage. As a Body Roller novice, I mistakenly thought you were going to lie underneath the roller and have all your toxins squeezed out of you – unsurprisingly that was totally inaccurate. Instead, the 45-minute session is broken down into 3 minute intervals, rolling different parts of your body starting from the feet all the way to your arms. The secret, according to Jade, is to roll towards your heart. This is the best method to maximise your body’s lymphatic drainage system.

Indeed, after the 45-minute session, I felt light, toned and svelte. RE PLACE London takes a 360-degree holistic approach to wellness and so after the rolling session, we were invited to try Somadome, which is a kind of futuristic meditation dome that will help you relax the mind.

Overall, the RE PLACE London experience left us feeling rebalanced in mind, body and soul. RE PLACE’s treatments were designed to complement any form of training – no matter how active – and are excellent for people looking to diversify their fitness and wellbeing routines. RE PLACE London is a wonder – and we shall surely be returning.

For more information please visit: https://replacelondon.com/

Food & Drink June 10, 2022

Wimbledon 2022 : Where to Watch and What to Eat

Game, set, match! Wimbledon is back and whilst you might have missed out on tickets it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Here’s our roundup of the best places to watch Wimbledon 2022 with a serving of delicious grub!

WHERE TO WATCH

The Refinery Bankside, 110 Southwark St, SE1 0TF

For one of the largest outdoor screens in the capital, head down to The Refinery Bankside’s alfresco terrace, just a short walk from Southwark and Waterloo stations. Kitted out with plenty of deck chairs, a large HD screen, and a fully stocked bar, don’t miss an ace or serve this summer – book your spot today! Open Tuesday – Sunday | 11am – 11pm.

www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-refinery-bankside/

The Alexandra, 33 Wimbledon Hill, SW19 7NE

A firm favourite for tennis fans, soak up the great British summer and go ‘Alex fresco’ at The Alexandra. Located within walking distance to the tennis club, the pub will be getting into the swing of things with broadcasts of all the matches throughout and on the alfresco terrace, with Sipsmith taking over St Mark’s Place with a street party. For food, look no further than chin-dribbling burgers from the Burger Shack.

www.alexandrawimbledon.com

The Hand in Hand, 6-9 Crooked Billet, SW19 4RQ

Paying homage to manicured lawns, catch a taste of the action at the Hand in Hand in the heart of Wimbledon Village. Watch the matches on one of its six TVs or head outside to the pop-up Tree Bar serving Sipsmith gin spritz, Camden Hells and wines. Just a stone’s throw from the common, there is no better space to soak up the tennis fever.

www.thehandinhandwimbledon.co.uk

The Dog & Fox, 24 High Street, SW19 5EA

With the biggest screen in Wimbledon, and a summer Sipsmith sipping terrace, The Dog & Fox is at the heart of the action. Come rain or shine the pub will be showing every serve live, while outside will be home to the sun-soaked terrace, flowing with gin and Pimm’s. Watch the sun set while delving into seasonal British dishes and fizz, while upstairs is home to 28 boutique bedrooms for those looking to retire after the matches.

www.dogandfoxwimbledon.co.uk

The Westin London City

This month, The Westin London City joins forces with Taittinger to celebrate Wimbledon; with a limited-time only pop-up champagne bar, offering a riverside viewing destination like no other.

Watch the legendary tennis tournament unfold whilst sipping on a sparkling glass of Taittinger Prestige Rosé; the ultimate refreshing rosé with aromas of freshly crushed red berries. Nothing symbolises the great British summer like strawberries and cream, so enjoy your chilled glass of fizz with delectable baked strawberry and cream macaron.

A hidden gem in the heart of the capital, The Westin London City is the perfect place to watch the tournament unfold if you haven’t been able to get your hands on tickets. In between matches, take in unrivalled views of Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate whilst the sun sparkles on the Thames, surrounded by the Haven’s breathtaking installation of three-metre paper flowers. Game, sip, match!

The Taittinger Wimbledon pop-up bar will run from 20 June to 24 July, serving Taittinger Prestige Rosé 125ml with a Strawberry and Cream Macaron for £12.

WHAT TO EAT

Mariage Frères serves up an ace for Wimbledon, 38 King St, London WC2E 8JS

Luxury French tea emporium, Mariage Frères in Covent Garden, has created an ace limited-edition dessert in honour of The Championships. The eye-catching serve features a true-to-life tennis ball filled with a soft mara des bois strawberries and pink rhubarb confit, covered in a silky white chocolate ganache flavoured with Mariage Frères’ signature London in Love® tea, sitting on a green ‘court’ of Parisian shortbread. The Wimbledon dessert (£13) is available to enjoy in the Salon de Thé on Covent Garden’s King Street throughout the tournament from 25th June – 10th July.

www.mariagefreres.com

Quintessentially British Afternoon Tea at Down Hall Hotel & Spa

Especially for Wimbledon finals weekend (8th – 10th July), country house hotel and spa Down Hall will be serving up an ace with a special edition tennis-themed afternoon tea on the hotel’s newly launched al fresco terrace. Priced at £45pp with a glass of Pimm’s, the afternoon tea will include three decadent tiers of quintessentially British flavours, with dainty finger sandwiches, plain and fruit scones and delicate desserts and patisserie. And, if you fancy hitting the courts yourself, Down Hall has two hard courts and a padel tennis court for a friendly game of tennis between family and friends.

To book, visit the website here: www.downhall.co.uk

Creams Café’s Berry Slice Sundae

Creams Café is set to cause a racket ahead of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, with the launch of the Berry Slice Sundae. Serving up a smashing twist on a selection of Wimbledon staples, Creams Café is set to ensure you get your strawberry fix even if you can’t hit Centre Court. The Berry Slice Sundae features the perfect shot of strawberry gelato, marvellous mango sorbet and the classic Creams Café soft vanilla ice cream, topped with strawberry slices, strawberry sauce, crushed meringue and a Creams Café wafer. Get yours now for £7.95 (£8.95 delivery) and fall in love!

www.creamscafe.com/

Australia June 5, 2022

Eight new London restaurants we’re checking out this summer

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 new London restaurants 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 inspired by 1970s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. Who/What is Laurel’s you say? – Laurel’s is an all-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. 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 separate entrance is the Elixir Room which houses 24 Hennessy cabinets, each with its unique key locks which will be gifted to lucky regulars to house their 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 after-work 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 captures 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 on the ground floor of the 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 work 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?

Art May 24, 2022

Colonel Saab launches art & food pairing – a marriage for the ages.

Since dining at Colonel Saab last October I have been struggling to think of a better place to eat in London – the best food, the best service, the best decor, so when I was invited back to sample their new art and food pairing I jumped at the chance and this is your notification that you should too.

Guests can expect a feast for the eyes and stomach, as Holborn’s unique, luxury Indian dining concept Colonel Saab launches its Art and Food Pairing Experience on 24 May.

Colonel Saab’s founder, Roop Partap Choudhary will personally take diners on a culinary journey across India, with a nine-course tasting menu of dishes and carefully paired and curated art collected by the award-winning entrepreneur and his family across the continent and lovingly brought to London.

Roop’s father, Colonel Manbeer was given the honorific name Colonel Saab – shared by the restaurant – and the extensive menu is inspired by places he was stationed in the army, from local lunches in the tents of Rajasthan to British-inspired Indian breakfasts in the Officer’s Mess and stunning banquets hosted by Indian nobility and Maharajas.

The art-festooned restaurant was meticulously crafted as a love letter to Roop’s family and India, with a treasure trove of eclectic and museum-worthy Indian art and artefacts collected by his family on their travels.

Roop spent a year retracing his father’s footsteps across India by train, bus and car with Indian food royalty, Karen Anand (Dishoom) to curate contemporary twists on dishes passed down through the generations of people they met, with many regional specialities appearing for the first time on a London menu.

And for this event, Roop and his team pair extraordinary art including 17th and 19th Century Tanjore paintings, the Maharaja of Patiala’s Asprey drinks bar, pure silver Gujarat temple doors and a canopy of ornate chandeliers from Firozabad with dishes which tell the stories of those regions and people.

The multi-sensory experience of India will also incorporate drinks. A Masala Dabba – or spice box – of artisanal gins, whiskies and rums based on Indian botanicals has been created with the Diageo mixology team, along with innovative cocktails by celebrated mixologist Antony Bertin, designed to complement the food and named after Choudhary’s family members.

Roop said: “We are passionate about food, art and India so this event combines all three and brings them to life, in a multi- sensory experience which will take you across the vast continent and its diverse and beautiful sights, tastes and fragrances, showing the powerful roles food and art plays in India.”

The nine-course menu costs £150 per person and includes progressive and exciting dishes, from Pulled Charcoal Lamb with Jeera Aloo and Biryani to Chicken Chettinad with Malabar Paratha and Chocolate Silk Cake, Thandai Crumble, Candy Floss and fresh berries. The vegetarian menu includes Gutti Vankaya, Andhra-style Eggplant Curry and Cauliflower 65, South Indian curd rice with fruit sorbet.

Each mouthful will bring the continent and its rich history to life, with fascinating stories and insight about the carefully paired art and artefacts, from a stunning, carved temple door from South India, to handwoven Persian carpets and precious decanters and crockery from the palace of the Maharaja of Faridkot.

The modern Indian restaurant has made its home in the elegant, former Holborn Town Hall, continuing his family’s proud legacy of hospitality that spans more than three decades, celebrating the vibrant and diverse culture of India’s food and history with humility, elegance and originality.

You can find out more and book your tickets here.