Restaurants & Bars - House Of Coco Magazine

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

The Radisson Blu Nice: A stylish stay in the French Riviera

If you’re looking to live out your best impression of a Slim Aarons’ photograph, then hop on a plane to the south of France and check-in to the Radisson Blu Nice. Located on the picturesque thoroughfare of the Promenade des Anglais; the Radisson Blu Nice is an icon of hospitality in the French Riviera, combining contemporary interiors, impeccable service, and all without breaking the bank. Team Coco explores the Radisson Blu Nice’s new look and discovers all the colours and flavours of the Mediterranean.

After completing a 12 million euro refurbishment, the Radisson Blu Nice is unlike any other hotel in the south of France. Utilising the calming hues of the Mediterranean sea, the hotel is painted in shades of sleet, blue, and sea-foam, highlighted with warm tones of burnt sienna and ochre. Decorated by the acclaimed Spanish Interior designer, Jaime Beriestain, the Radisson Blu Nice takes Maritime inspirations and local motifs to create a space that is both functional and sophisticated. Native yellow Mimosas inspire the lighting fixtures in the lobby, while oxidised nautical metalwork appears in clever design elements all throughout the space. The serene design aesthetic also extends into 331 generously spaced guest rooms. Azure sea views, a subtle balance of textures, beautifully tiled bathrooms, and floor-length sliding doors make the Radisson Blu Nice’s guest rooms the perfect retreat to cool-off from the heat of the Mediterranean sun.

Not only does the Radisson Blu Nice have the best rooftop pool in all of Nice, it also has the only private beach club. The Regence Plage is just a short 2 minute walk away from the hotel and is the best place to catch the sun on the beach. Guests can rent beach beds, take in the sun, and enjoy a delectable lunch menu. Try the Salade Nicoise (with no potatoes of course, according to the locals), and enjoy an Aperol Spritz by the beach. If you prefer rooftop views to the sea, then check out the hotel’s stunning rooftop restaurant – Calade. With chef Maxime Bernard at the helm, Calade combines locally sourced ingredients with haute cuisine. Try the Bruschetta to start, and then the Prawns Risotto, and top it all off with the Galet Niçoise and a glass of pale pink Rosé. We can assure you, there is no better place in the south of France to watch the sunset and enjoy breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges; and there is no place better for your next stylish stay in the Mediterranean than the Radisson Blu Nice.

Radisson Blu Nice offers accommodation on a B&B basis from €284/£248 per room per night.

Brunch November 9, 2023

Behind the Bar: The Hunter’s Moon, Chelsea

The Hunter’s Moon is the new drinking, dining and Sunday roast destination on Fulham Road. Chelsea’s latest local was founded by Oliver Marlowe and Hubert Beatson-Hird and offers a daily changing menu of modern European dishes alongside an extensive and comprehensive drinks list.

In the kitchen, Chef Director Oliver Marlowe has created an exciting menu showcasing classic British favourites alongside more innovative choices, using the best seasonal ingredients. We had the opportunity to try the Sunday roast at the new venue and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

Sides are made to share with delicious options including smoked bacon and cabbage; roasted artichokes and endive with aged balsamic. We were offered a decadent cauliflower cheese cauldron to have with our roast, the perfect accompaniment. The experience was akin to entering your slightly sloaney friends’ country house for a ‘no expense spared’ Sunday roast, complete with an AGA and sky light extension. We had feeling that we were in for a fantastic time and would be leaving completely satisfied.

A charming fusion of traditional and modern British style, The Hunter’s Moon features bespoke hand-made furniture and artisan textiles and materials, alongside unique reclaimed antiques and vintage finds. Designed by Boxx Creative, the bar has a dark, warm and sophisticated colour palette, offset by deep accents and complemented by textures, striking patterns and prints. Soft layered lighting and eclectic artwork adorning the walls further enhance the atmosphere, providing an inviting space for guests to relax. Dogs are welcome and well catered for too, with water bowls available on request and maybe even a treat or two.

A blackboard will champion a range of meat cuts and daily specials, whilst those looking for a more casual bite can choose from a bar menu of snacks and sharing plates. Think hearty pub favourites – scotch eggs and sausage rolls, alongside courgette and ricotta croquettes and steak tartare. Come weekends, guests can also indulge in a Saturday brunch with dishes including huevos rancheros with grilled flatbreads; and eggs Benedict with Gochujang hollandaise and crispy pork belly.

Other menu highlights include the likes of beef wellington with cocotte potatoes, crispy trompettes and Madeira sauce; double baked cheese soufflé with Montgommery cheddar, melted leeks, button mushrooms and truffle; and blackberry and custard pavlova with pink praline crunch.

On the drinks menu guests will find an extensive wine list, offering a selection from a wide number of regions and with a vintage to suit every taste. Craft beers and ales will feature alongside international brands and top shelf spirits, with classic cocktails available on request.

huntersmoonlondon.co.uk

Cocktails November 9, 2023

Celebrating 90 Years of Excellence with JW Marriott Grosvenor House

Last week, TeamCoco attended the glitzy new relaunch of JW Marriott Grosvenor House in celebration of its 90th anniversary.

Originally opening its doors in 1929, JW Marriott Grosvenor House has become emblematic of timeless Mayfair London luxury. Over the years, its esteemed guests have included the likes of dignitaries, celebrities, and even royalty. The hotel has even hosted countless iconic events such as the Royal Caledonian Ball, The Russian Television Ball, and the BAFTA After Party.

Rubbing shoulders with a-list celebrities and socialites alike, we made our way to the entrance of Grovesnor House, which was transformed into Royal Hyde Park. The Park Street entrance was decorated with a flurry of foliage, and even featured Yellow Rose Frame, especially created by Indoor Garden Design for the event. We were treated to an unlimited flow of champagne, and embarked on a culinary journey with Executive Chef Paul Bates, who created hors d’oeuvres based on the hotels’ most popular menu items. Our personal favourite was the simply delicious Dorset Raspberry’s tart.

Inside, there were plenty of things to discover, as the JW Marriott Grosvenor House was transformed into an immersive experience for the senses, as each area offering up something new and exciting. We began in Corrigan’s, where we indulged in oysters and Dickie’s Black Velvet cocktails. We then ventured into the hotel’s newest restaurant, Ruya, which served delectable Anatolian bites in the Grosvenor House’s handsome library. Finally, we made our way to JW Steakhouse, where we tucked in to some prime USDA cuts paired with some fine wine and bourbon tasting options.

Beyond the incredible food and drink on offer, the evening’s entertainment is also worth mentioning. There were contemporary ballet pop-ups from Elmshurt Ballet School, which harked back to the infamous days when Dame Margot Fonteyn herself was a resident at the hotel. There was also music from String Infusion and Super Stokes. And if you found yourself a bit overwhelmed by everything that was going on, there was also a team of experts from Aromatherapy Associates on to help guests find a minute of mindfulness. The evening concluded with a fabulous performance by the London Community Gospel Choir, which was the perfect ending to an evening of whimsy, luxury, and discovery — all by the ever impeccable JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

“Throughout the 90 years of its legacy, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London has played a role, whether large or small, in the history of this well-beloved city. This year, following significant transformations, our truly iconic hotel begins an exciting new chapter. We look forward to welcoming our guests as we head into the next decade feeling inspired and fulfilled.”

– General Manager Stuart Bowery

www.marriott.co.uk

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Boozy Girl Bosses: EmmaLi Stenhouse of Sailor Jerry

In our recent FOOD volume we spoke to some incredible Girl Bosses in one of the most exciting industries out there: the drinks industry. If you’ve not snagged a print copy of Vol 13 – grab one now for our top 5 Girl Boss drinks brands and wise words from some amazing women. If you have already and you are looking for some more wisdom, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s our interview with EmmaLi Stenhouse, badass brand ambassador for Sailor Jerry!

HOC: Hey EmmaLi, tell us a little about yourself and what your role as a Sailor Jerry’s Brand Ambassador entails?

EmmaLi: I consider myself really lucky to get to work on a brand I’m so passionate about. I get to travel all around the UK, and sometimes beyond, talking to interesting people about Norman Sailor Jerry Collins, tattoos and rum. I mainly focus on education, trade, events and brand partnership. Every day is different. One day I might be teaching a team of young bartenders how to mix drinks, the next I might be sponsoring an art exhibition in a local tattoo shop. It definitely keeps me on my toes.

HOC: What drew you into working in spirits?

EmmaLi: My friend worked in a local bar and we were having a drink before her shift started, and the next thing I knew I’d somehow been roped into covering someone after they’d phoned in sick. They had a small cocktail bar that I ended up helping out on, and as soon as I got a taste for it, that was it really. I loved experimenting with flavours and learning new skills. The more I researched and learned, the more fascinating I found it. The hospitality industry can be an amazing family to be a part of, and that kind of just draws you in too!

HOC: What is it about Sailor Jerry’s that you can’t get enough of?

EmmaLi: Sailor Jerry was a real character and an absolute badass. I get the honour of telling his story to people, and sharing a little piece of history and inspiration. He was a legendary tattoo artist who still inspires artists and fans all over the world, and I get to introduce people to that and inspire others. I genuinely love the brand, so it’s pretty easy. Our rum is at the heart of it, but there are so many other facets to the brand I get to be involved in, such as art, tattoos, music and motorcycles – there’s always something cool happening.

HOC: When you started out in your career, where did you want it to go? And how does that compare to where you are now?

EmmaLi: I never really thought it could be a career. Like a lot of bartenders I started out when I was 18, just having fun and earning some cash while I tried to work out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I loved it, and I turned out to be pretty good at it. After a few years I got to a point where I wanted a new challenge, but I’d already fallen in love with the bar industry, so when the Sailor Jerry Ambassador role came up, and I had the opportunity to combine my love of rum and my love of Sailor Jerry tattoos, obviously I went for it. I didn’t really have much of a clue as to what a Brand Ambassador was, or what I was getting myself into at the time. So, I guess I had no real expectations of where it might go, which is maybe why I’m so grateful for where I’ve managed to get to so far. I have the coolest job in the world, and I genuinely love what I do, and not a lot of people can say that.

HOC: What does a typical day look like working with Sailor Jerry’s?

EmmaLi: Like most people I’ll get up and check my never ending flow of emails! Then I’ll probably get ready to head to a training session which involves grabbing some bar kit and jumping on a train or plane to talk to some bartenders about Sailor Jerry and make drinks. It’s always fun when you’re in a different city and get to spend some time checking out new places and seeing old friends, that is unless I have to rush back to pour some Sailor Jerry cocktails at a new tattoo shop or at clothing store having a private party. I might then have an early start again in the morning to go and present to some of our key customers at a flashy head office, or meet with an artist about a new project. It’s kind of all over the place!

HOC: What’s it like, being a woman in what we imagine is a male dominated industry?

EmmaLi: There are so many incredible women absolutely slaying it in our industry right now. I am hugely inspired by so many of them, and it’s great to see their talent being celebrated, which makes me feel pretty proud.

It’s generally always been a male dominated industry and I probably had to put up with a bit more crap than some of the guys out there but nothing too bad. I am pretty feisty, and I think that probably helped, more so when I was managing bars than in my role now, because sometimes it feels like you’ve got to work that little bit harder to earn the same respect. When you look at lot of the successful women and Brand Ambassadors in the drinks industry right now, we are usually pretty similar in that sense I think – strong, fiery, and fearless. That said, I’ve pretty much always I felt that it was merit and talent, not gender, that had the biggest impact on where I am today. I’m not sure if that’s just me being lucky, but I’ve always felt supported and respected by both the men and the women in this industry.

HOC: Your job must take you on the road a lot ; where’s your favourite place for a rum cocktail (hopefully Tiki!) in the UK?

EmmaLi: That’s a tough one! I love a good dive bar, where you can get an ice cold beer and a Sailor Jerry daiquiri, with decent tunes on the juke box. Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint in Manchester is one of the best, so is Slim Jim’s Liquor store in Islington, London. But if you want something Tiki you cant go wrong in Smugglers Cove in Liverpool, tasty as hell!

HOC: Which women are doing great things in the food and drink industry at the moment?

EmmaLi: Rosey Mitchell recently won the Global Compass Box Whisky competition and is absolutely killing it in Three Sheets at the moment. Sasha Filimonov has taken over as the UK Hendrick’s Gin ambassador and is slaying it, and The Balvenie have just announced Kelsey McKechnie is beginning a prestigious Malt Master apprenticeship under David Stewart MBE. There’s too many more to mention!

HOC: What ambitions do you have for your future and Sailor Jerry’s – what’s coming up in the near future?

EmmaLi: This year we’ve been pretty busy already. We launched Jerry’s Open House for a month-long event in Glasgow, where we launched a new bottle design and have had a busy summer of events and going out to festivals to sample cocktails. We’ve still got more coming up, but as our festival season is winding down its time to start planning for next year. We’ve got some exciting stuff lined up!

HOC: Can you tell us about a recent ‘Girl Boss Moment’ you had in your work? i.e. an experience where you felt proud that you’d totally nailed it.

EmmaLi: This is trivial but for years I always wished I could open a beer without a bottle opener. Like when someone uses a lighter or a jigger or a spoon or really any flat solid object. I was super jealous when other people could do it.

Someone finally showed me how to do it, and now every single time I open a beer I feel like a boss. Especially when it surprises a guy. Especially if that guy had just offered to open my beer for me.

HOC: What’s your favourite drink with Sailor Jerry’s and can we have a cheeky recipe?

EmmaLi: I am a purist when it comes to my rum – so I love a well-balanced spiced daiquiri. Mix 2 shots of Sailor Jerry with 1 shot of lime juice and 1 shot of sugar syrup. Shake it with ice until it’s nice and chilled. Pour it into a martini glass, or serve it on the rocks if you like. You can add raspberries or flavoured syrups if you’re less of a purist! It couldn’t be simpler. Or a Jerry Loves Ginger is dead simple but tastes great. Mix 1 part Sailor Jerry with 3 parts ginger beer, squeeze in a lime wedge or two and top it up with ice. The ginger beer brings out the spices in the rum like vanilla and cinnamon, and the lime adds some zesty balance.

HOC: How can people follow what you are up to? Instagram / Twitter?

EmmaLi: @EmmaliStenhouse is where you’ll find all my shenanigans. And if you “like” the Sailor Jerry UK Facebook page you’ll see what we’re up to and how to get involved.

Behind the bar November 9, 2023

Behind the Bar: Londons Winter Terraces

Half the fun of Christmas is the weeks leading up to it, gallivanting around London’s twinkling winter terraces indulging in a mulled wine or two and warming the cockles with Christmas spirit. Experience the magic of Londons Winter Terraces.

Each year, more and more are springing up, transforming bars into magical winter wonderlands and bringing with them menus of festive cocktails and tasty treats. If you’re in the capital over the next few weeks, be sure to check out a few of these…

Rosé on the Roof at Sea Containers

Inspired by the arctic lights, Sea Containers London is lighting up pink this winter. Follow the light over Blackfriars Bridge and along the Thames towards 112th Knot, where the rooftop is transforming into a cosy arctic winter terrace in association with Champagne Laurent-Perrier. Full of twinkling lights, and splashes of pink and with a true wintery feel, the Arctic-inspired terrace is prepared with blankets and cushions to keep you extra cosy, ready to take in the panoramic views of the city. Expect Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, along with a selection of cocktails inspired by the innovative Laurent-Perrier range.

www.seacontainerslondon.com

LIDO at The Curtain

Head down to The Curtain before 23rd December, because for the first time non-members will be able to access the exclusive member’s rooftop LIDO for the first time. Experience the magic of Christmas with its eclectic mix of festive events – 12 Days of Christmas – transforming LIDO into an enchanted winter garden, adorned with seasonal foliage, fairy light canopies, feathers and faux fur. There’s a Christmas rooftop cinema sponsored by Veuve Cliquot, a cabaret performance and a special afternoon tea collaboration with Penhaligons, alongside craft workshops ranging from lino printing and wreath masterclasses to Christmas card-making hosted by cult illustrator and ceramist Charlotte Mei.

www.thecurtain.com

Double Dutch at The Cinnamon Club

If a hot spiced gin punch and a tasty filled naan are up your street, head to the Double Dutch Winter Bar at The Cinnamon Club. The award-winning premium tonic and mixer brand, Double Dutch, has taken up residency in the iconic Old Westminster Library to celebrate the arrival of its new limited-edition seasonal flavour, ‘Rhubarb & Pineneedle’. Until the end of January, this exclusive pop-up will spice up your festive gatherings; the subterranean winter grotto is complete with frost-covered pine foliage and white winter florals lush faux fur soft furnishings, alpine forest installations and lounge seating. The talented bar team at The Cinnamon Club have collaborated with Double Dutch to create a bespoke menu of cocktails and non-alcoholic winter warmers all using Double Dutch’s award-winning mixers, alongside a bar menu featuring Bombay-inspired bar bites designed by The Cinnamon Club’s Executive Chef and CEO Vivek Singh.

www.cinnamonclub.com

Discover the captivating journey of Don Papa’s latest masterpiece, the Sevillana Cask Finish Rum, exclusively unveiled in our feature on House of Coco.

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane – Chocolate Box Winter Terrace

The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has teamed up with French pâtissier and celebrity chef, Eric Lanlard, to bring the ‘Chocolate Box Winter Terrace’ to its five-star London hotel this festive season, transforming the terrace into an indulgent chocolate wonderland with opulent décor and bespoke chocolate bars, paired with decadent cocktails. Taking inspiration from the traditional treats you would usually find in a Christmas selection box, the ‘Chocolate Box Winter Terrace’ will offer five never-before-seen chocolate bars, crafted using Eric Lanlard’s exclusive recipes for the hotel. Made using the finest chocolate and premium ingredients – from a salted butter caramel bar, a dark chocolate shell encasing an oozing rich and buttery salted toffee, to a luxury white chocolate bar with a cardamom ganache decorated with edible jewels and 23-carat gold – each bar will also be paired with a delicious festive cocktail.

www.marriott.com

Duck & Waffle’s Nordic Wonderland

This Christmas, winter enchantment takes hold of Duck & Waffle, offering an immersive experience full of fun and festivity that revellers will never forget. Snow-covered trees, glistening icicles and other winter trimmings welcome Duck & Waffle guests to the 40th floor, whisking them away to a whimsical winter fairy tale.

The journey starts at the bar, where guests will be surrounded by an artistic take on the season’s magical winter trimmings, while in the dining room, a chalet-style getaway will add warmth and wonder, inviting guests to an ambience akin to a cosy Alpine getaway. Add the restaurant’s heritage of playful British fare to the mix and the charming space becomes a sumptuous seasonal refuge from the season’s hustle and bustle below. Executive Chef Elliott Grover’s festive specials, available throughout the season, and specially curated Christmas Day menu is chock full of traditional ingredients like pumpkin, truffle and cranberry, all reinterpreted with signature culinary creativity.

www.duckandwaffle.com

Sushisamba’s Amazonia Rainforest Celebration

This Christmas season, SUSHISAMBA is transformed into SAMBAZONIA, a magical rainforest full of spirit and surprise. Always pushing culinary and cultural boundaries with unbridled creativity, SUSHISAMBA will honour the beauty and bounty of the Amazonian rainforest in an all-season-long experience unlike any other.

An unexpected holiday expedition, SAMBAZONIA is offering guests an immersive, mystical celebration ignited by music, colour and bespoke design, with the installation featuring 500 LED lights throughout the restaurant, changing colour every 30 seconds. Open until January, SUSHISAMBA will also be supporting its long-standing charity partner throughout, Cool Earth, and its efforts to help halt rainforest deforestation in the Amazon.

www.sushisamba.com

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

#CocoKitchen: London’s First Vegan Patisserie

Food should be celebrated in every form and vegan food in London is looking especially delicious these days, with more plant based offerings than ever before, however one thing which is always a challenge to sniff out is a truly great vegan pastry…

Offering a unique vegan twist on French patisseries favourites, there is a new kid on the block, which promises to be one of the most exciting vegan spots yet. Forget heavy, sugar laden desserts with a tactical sprinkling of carrot and enter, light and delicate patisseries which are vegan through and through.

La Suite West hotel in Bayswater has been a vegan focused location for many years, and its restaurant has as a result always been focused around a vegan friendly offering. However with the help of Head Chef Clarisse Flon, a speciality vegan chef, they have created a truly unique and contemporary alternative to traditional French patisserie and developed a full vegan menu spanning breakfast lunch and afternoon tea and most importantly all day dessert. The launch of London’s first vegan French patisserie is here.

In addition to incredible patisserie options, the menu offering showcases unique, delicate and delicious vegan cuisine including a full English breakfast with seasonal fresh vegetables, avocado on freshly baked sourdough bread and homemade brioche.

French toast with creamy vegan yoghurt and roasted strawberries. Visually stimulating and creative, citrus smoked ‘salmon’ and pomegranate salad – with the ‘salmon’ created from carrot and mouth-watering vegan interpretations of strawberry tarts topped with fresh strawberries push the boundaries to create truly mouth watering options.

With the festive season approaching this is the ideal place for vegans and non vegans alike to enjoy an incredible seasonal feast. Tackle the festive season with a delicious Nut Wellington with gravy and mash potatoes, truffle polenta with wild mushrooms and chestnut and caramel apple yule log with red currant coulis and additional options for gluten free dining, there really is something for everyone. With World Vegan Month coming up in November, this is just the veganning! #sorrynotsorry.

Behind the bar November 9, 2023

Behind the bar: Mercato Metropolitanos, Cha Cha Mayfair

Cha Cha Mayfair is a new seafood bar and restaurant at Mercato Metropolitano in the Grade I St Mark’s Church, Mayfair, right in the heart of central London. With a mix of stained glass windows, grilled octopus with salsa verde and lashings of fiery margaritas…it truly is a religious experience.

A Fusion of Mediterranean Seafood and Exotic Cocktails

Cha Cha Mayfair is the latest in a series of exciting new openings for the Initiative Group and combines eclectic cocktails with fresh Mediterranean seafood. With a prime position overlooking the entirety of the food market, Cha Cha’s bar is surrounded by beautiful church windows and has an open seafood kitchen so you can watch the expert chefs at work.

New dishes from the expertly curated menu include the mouthwatering lobster and crab roll with horseradish sauce and the grilled octopus with salsa verde. Larger seafood platters to share with friends are also on offer such as ‘The Carmen’ (£25) which includes rock oysters, king prawns, lobster and langoustine as well as ‘The Sergio’ (£20) which includes scallops, rock oysters, palourde clams and blue mussels. The staff are passionate about serving up the best cocktails in town and are committed to sourcing the best spirits for each drink. We sampled the fresh Cha Cha Margarita as well as the fruity El Dorado (ideal for the vodka lover). The bar was buzzy, the drinks were zesty and the food was unbelievable. We had the best seats in the house.

A Hub of Sustainable Dining and Culinary Innovation

At its heart, Cha Cha’s ethos is defined by responsible sourcing, enforcing a zero-waste policy and being mindful of the way in which they consume products. This is also in keeping with the values of Mercato Metropolitan whose mission is focused on using fresh, artisan and sustainably sourced ingredients as much as possible. In addition to Cha Cha, the church space has two levels of food stalls and bars which are accompanied by a rooftop terrace, whilst the vaulted crypt basement hosts an authentic wine cellar with fresh cuts and world cheeses, a micro-brewery, events and cookery classes for everybody to gather, learn and share. Cha Cha Mayfair is just one of the many exciting developments in the pipeline of the Initiative Group. Over the next year, expect to see the following setting up around the country:

Cha Cha at Eden Locke (Edinburgh): All-day casual dining and drinks,
Taco by Cha Cha (London): Tacos bar and drinks

www.mercatometropolitano.com/mmarketplace/mercato-Mayfair

Check out our recent feature on a Genius-themed evening at TT Liquor on House of Coco.

Dog-friendly November 9, 2023

A Doggy Valentine’s Date at Pastaio London

Since we’re all about change in 2020, this year we skipped the traditional Valentine’s Day date and instead went on a romantic rendezvous with our four-legged best friend.

So, with PAWsecco in tow, we took our resident doggy journalist, Charlie TeamCocopup, to a Doggy Valentine’s date to Pastaio London, one of the most delicious pasta places in town.

Located right by buzzy, bustling Carnaby Street Pastaio London is as bright and colourful inside, as its cool Covent Garden locale. Once inside, you are immediately greeted by the aroma of freshly made pasta – and the burst of bold colour of the restaurant’s Rob Lowe designed feature wall where TeamCocopup and I found a cosy corner table for our doggy date.

There’s plenty of authentic Italian fare to choose from, and it’s also worth talking about how Pastaio London has an entire vegan/gluten-free green menu for those looking to extend their Veganuary to the rest of the year. The vegan menu offers healthy starters like the Sardinian crispbread, and the Taggiasca olive and orange salad; to gluten-free pastas such as the smoked chili and black olives spaghetti and the Ragu Bolognese with porcini mushrooms.

All the food is made on-site in Pastaio London’s kitchen and you can really tell the difference. We started with the red cabbage, squash, and hazelnut starter, followed by the Wild mushroom, garlic, lemon and parsley reginette. Both paired with some truly zesty Prosecco Slushies. The piece de resistance, however, has to be the ‘Lady & the Tramp ‘style Spaghetti & Meatballs sharing plate. The dish is for two to share, and while, you can share your bowl with your doggy-date we highly recommend getting your pup his/her own bowl instead.

With a generous serving, the Spaghetti and Meatballs is everything you’d expect from a perfect bowl a pasta, albeit given that ‘al dente’ twist that Pastaio London has perfected. TeamCocopup Charlie gobbled his portion up in due time, and of course, posed for his ‘Lady & the Tramp’ moment too. The staff were nothing short of superb and gave our resident doggy-journalist plenty of fuss We’re definitely giving Pastaio London five stars/paws and will soon be coming back for a second (or third) serving.

The Spaghetti & Meatballs Sharing Plate will be available in Pastaio London until 24 February

WWW.PASTAIOLONDON.COM

Brunch November 9, 2023

The Delicious Discoveries of Marylebone Village

I’ve recently instigated ‘Sunday Funday’ with one of my friends, an initiative to get us out of the house, make the most of our weekends and discover new pockets of London we haven’t yet experienced which last month delivered us to Marylebone Village.

Despite its W1 postcode and proximity to Oxford Street (and ergo my 9-5…) Marylebone still manages to feel like an area of London relatively new to me, that’s managed to keep its village charm and ambiance. Of course there are chains – two Pret’s practically within an arm-span on the high street – but alongside them nestle a healthy dose of independent shops, food suppliers and restaurants, not to mention a spectacular Sunday Farmer’s Market with a host of utterly delectable produce.

Here are our tips for the best foodie discoveries, make sure to head down on a Sunday to make the most of them…

Good Life Eatery

Situated towards the southern end of Marylebone Lane, the Good Life Eatery strives to encourage us all to eat better, healthier and happier. Founded three years ago by co-founders Yasmine Larizadeh and Shirin Kourus, they wanted to bring something new, fresh and healthy to London’s food scene. Its menu includes cold-pressed juices and smoothies as well as ‘all-day yumz’ from a ‘Shred Breakfast’ of poached eggs, sweetcorn, hummous, shredded greens and omega seeds to the more indulgent and yet still deliciously healthy Chestnut & Almond Waffle, served with rhubarb and chia compote, coconut yoghurt and banana mash.Grab yourself one of their powerful shots to kick your metabolism into gear – we loved the First Aid Shot of Lemon, Echinacea, Turmeric and Baobab.

Aubaine

If you like your breakfasts a little more indulgent (read: French), London favourite Aubaine has an outpost on Moxon Street. Typically decorated in its signature palette of tonal greys, it’s a big branch offering their classic menu of treats like Lobster Benedict, Black Truffle Scrambled Eggs and the Full French breakfast of Toulouse sausage, eggs, portobello mushroom, Alsace bacon, baked beans, sweetcorn fritter, kale and slow-roasted tomatoes. Where they really come into their own however is the pastries (quelle surprise…). We popped in mid-morning to warm up after our chilly mooch with a steaming pot of tea and one of their Pain aux Pistaches, a twice-baked pain au chocolate with pistachio and almond. And yes, it was every bit as delicious as it sounds…

The Ginger Pig

Carnivores may already be familiar with London butcher The Ginger Pig; with eight shops across the capital, the Marylebone Village outpost is one of only two that offer their signature butchery classes, alongside the Borough Market space.Have a look at forthcoming dates on their website; there’s an Easter lamb shoulder nose-to-tail class coming up, or try the Game class. Seasonal variable, the class currently covers fur game or venison and rabbit until September, whilst the featured game class covers grouse, partridge and pheasant from October to January.

Beef is dry-aged in house for a minimum of 28 days. Sausages and burgers are made by hand by their skilled butchery team, while bacon and gammons are cured either by hand-salting or using a traditional brine; in short, it’s a meat-lover’s dream. Make sure to sample one of their signature sausage rolls – their bestseller – with crispy, flaky pastry and deliciously juicy sausagemeat, before picking up dinner.

La Fromagerie

Those with a sensitive nose may wish to avoid this emporium of cheese. Turophiles take note; this may be your Holy Grail. La Fromagerie Marylebone is one of three sites in central London, each of which houses a signature temperature and humidity-controlled cheese room featuring dozens of favourite and little-known varieties, along with a tasting café complete with a carefully-sourced wine selection, selected by region to complement the cheeses and tasing menus.

With a pantry of delicious treats made in-house, you’ll want to stock up on their seasonal chutneys, pickles, preserves and jams, not to mention the homemade granola, hummus, cultured butter and buttermilk and seasonal fresh produce delivered each week from delivered each week from markets in Italy, France and farms around the UK. Stick around for lunch and you’ll be rewarded by cheesy favourites like fondue, raclette and one of the best grilled cheese sarnies you’ll every try.

La Brasseria

One gets the impression from La Brasseria that it’s something of a local favourite. We headed there for lunch and it had the comfortable hum of conversation from tables dotted with families of several generations, couples out for a lazy lunch, groups of girlfriends catching up; it’s the very epitome of a cosy brasserie.

The decor is gorgeous; teal walls, wood panelling and brass fixtures, it nails the chic Italian design. We tucked in to a creamy burrata with sliced tomatoes and prosciutto, followed by a perfect carbonara packed with pancetta and one of their signature crispy pizzas. The weekend brunch is also a total treat, with dishes like French toast with maple bacon, banana and pecan nuts and the Italian American with fried eggs, prosciutto and road potato.

Marylebone Farmer’s Market

I’m saving the best for last, but Marylebone Farmer’s Market has enough to it that it could warrant a visit to the area just by itself. On every Sunday, the market is a showcase of some of the finest and freshest food producers from around the UK. Ironically, the very first stall we came across was fresh fruit, veg and apple juice from Perry Court Farm in Kent; five minutes from my parents’ house it’s a place I’ve frequented many a time.

We passed freshly baked breads from the likes of Karaway and Clapham’s Old Post Office Bakery, pies, cakes and pastries courtesy of Honeypie Bakery, fantastic fungi from The Mushroom Table and the most incredible sausages from The Parsons Nose, who served up freshly cooked bangers dripping with onions for a hearty breakfast bap. Windrush Valley Goat Dairy is a must-visit, for not just their cheeses but delicious goat’s curd and milk, and make sure to stop off at Anatolia, a Turkish couple making gozleme and tantuni on site using their mother’s recipes.

If you’re heading to the market for your food shop make it an early one; we popped back at 12 en route home to find several stalls sold out, all the fresh fish gone and not a bunch of flowers to be seen where there were dozens an hour before. What a wonderful sight to see so much local support for small producers, buying fresh and seasonal over the plastic-drowned produce in our supermarkets.

www.marylebonevillage.com

Arts November 9, 2023

Macarons, Manga & the Maison Pierre Hermé Paris

Can you feel it in the air? Now that dreaded January is out of the way our thoughts have turned to springtime, booking holidays and Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t given a thought as to what to buy your other half, bestie or maybe even yourself, don’t fret; #TeamCoco have got your back.One of our favourite Valentine’s gifts this year is the gorgeous macaron box from Pierre Hermé Paris, the 4th most influential French person in the World according to Vanity Fair. We caught up with him to talk passion, trends, anime and, of course, the city of love itself, Paris!.. .

HOC: Hello Pierre, so great to meet you – we remember stomping around Paris in the rain looking for your shop on Rue Bonaparte before you opened in London. We can believe you are the World’s Best Pastry Chef! Can you tell us a little about what’s hot in pastry this year, what should we be looking out for?

PM: To be very honest, I’m not concerned about trends – I have never looked for them or followed them, I let only my inspirations guide me and I listen only to my own creative instinct. My only concern is taste! I find myself often asking myself the question, “is it good enough?”, does it taste good? Am I satisfied with what I’ve created? These are important questions that I can think about for seconds, weeks or sometimes years!

At Pierre Hermé Paris, our mission is to offer connoisseurs a unique experience in taste, sensations and pleasure. This year we have a lot of surprises in store – from the “Les Jardins” 2017 collection with some exceptional and rare ingredients and techniques, to the Easter collection, focusing on two artistic tributes and exceptional Grands Crus Pure Origin chocolates, to the latest “Fetish Macaron” launching in boutique for the first time at the end of April…

So, what to look out for: the selection of top-notch ingredients, attention to detail, creativity and innovation!

HOC: Sounds incredible, we can’t wait! In addition to how great everything tastes, we love how everything looks. Could you tell us about how the current collaboration with Nicolas Buffe came about?

PM: I met Nicolas Buffe at an exhibition, he is an exceptional artist. We launched the collaboration in February 2016 and it will end with the Valentine’s Day collection for 2017. It has been a truly unprecedented collaboration for the Maison Pierre Hermé Paris, with a story, various activations and creations being revealed across different markets and across the year. We gave Nicolas free reign and it led to the creation of a unique universe – a saga calling on ancestral myths, manga culture, as well as Renaissance and Baroque art. You can have a glimpse of it via the exclusive interactive adventure we released last October on www.pierrehermenicolasbuffe.com. (Editor’s note: we recommend checking it out, it’s stunning!)

Although unprecedented in terms of scope, this type of collaboration is part of a tradition at Pierre Hermé Paris and is part of the brand DNA. Having my work dialogue with those of other artists is extremely important to me and a very interesting way to work. Whether it be with painters, sculptors, musicians, perfume designers, architects or other…what motivates me in the first place and most importantly is the desire to create ideas with people working in different areas, different crafts, different universes. Every month, my business partner, Charles, and I invite several artists for a breakfast or lunch. It is a very unique experience, as we meet with people whose work is of particular interest to us, it is always full of surprises and creates a lot of good energy.

HOC: This idea of dialogue is really intriguing. How did this play out for this collaboration?

PM: In this type of collaboration, an exchange is always established and there is a mutual learning, it is a truly enriching way to work.

For example, the story created by Nicolas is inspired by the Pierre Hermé Paris universe, the robot Athanor 3 has a sweet tooth and is fanatical about macarons, the Fairground Gardens are inspired by the Parc Monceau, my favourite park in Paris and just a stone’s throw away from my Atelier de Création and if you look carefully in the drawings there are many references to macarons, cakes and other gourmandises!

Working with Nicolas or with other artists gives me another point of view, another vision on my work and can always inspire new ideas.

HOC: The artwork is so romantic, manga-esque and steampunk; we love it. We love that the story is romantic but not soppy, more a Ghibli fairytale! How was the story created?

PM: The style is Nicolas – he belongs to a generation that has been influenced by Japanese culture, references further enriched through his studies with classics from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. When we started to work together, each time we met, we came up with more and more ideas.

The idea of the Interactive Adventure online came quite naturally from his style and our desire to create something innovative, a new way of communicating and interacting with our clients. It was very well received and was awarded with three awards: a Silver EPICA Awards – Digital, a “Site of the Day” Awwwards and an Emerald Cristal – Digital.

HOC: Let’s get back to your art, your treats! If someone has never tried one, what would you recommend and why?

PM: It’s a difficult choice! In our boutiques, there are four signature flavours: Mogador – milk chocolate and passion fruit, one of the most iconic flavour associations, Infiniment Rose, Infiniment Caramel and Infiniment Chocolat Paineiras. For a newcomer, this might be the best place to start!

The other macarons change according to the seasons and some only last for a limited time only – like the Jardin de Lima (lucuma & candied ginger) – currently in the boutique in London and part of the 2017 “Les Jardins” collection – not to be missed!

Once the choice has been made, it is important that the macarons are tasted at room temperature – not eaten straight from the fridge. I mostly drink water or tea with macarons and it is important to take a generous bite in order to fully experience the different elements and architecture of taste.

HOC: A great tip! Finally, as our readers love to travel; where should they eat when they visit Paris this year?

PM: In Paris, one of my favourite restaurants remains Le Baratin, a small bistro in the 20th arrondissement where the owner and self-taught chef Raquel Carena uses remarkable ingredients. It is a place with real soul, offering hearty cuisine and an excellent choice of local wines. Other favourites include Akrame’s restaurant for a dose of pure creativity or Pierre Sang on Gambey, perfectly orchestrated with Korean influences.

With that we wrapped up our inspiring chat with M. Pierre Hermé and headed straight to his boutique and we recommend you do the same!

For Saint Valentine’s Day 2017, the Maison Pierre Hermé Paris presents Cupidon – Hélios’ faithful companion on a beautiful box of 18 macarons. £42 from Pierre Hermé Paris boutiques in London (Covent Garden, Belgravia) or the concession in Oxford Street Selfridges.