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Food & Drink November 20, 2017

Festive Feels – London Christmas Wrapped Up Pt 1

Okay, Team Coco – Christmas is officially here. Well, no it’s not but if you’ve been out and about in the past week you wouldn’t have been able to squeeze yourself out of the tube with out tripping over mountains of Christmas shopping, flying past ernest baubles right into a vat of steaming mulled wine.

To keep your sanity intact – and that childlike festive spirit alive – we’ve sussed out some of London’s best Christmas Pop Ups for this mini series – ‘Festive Feels’.

Let’s start with the Winter Forest , a super cutesy winter village nestled in the City.

What: Pine trees, Cosy Tipis, Pop Up Festive Cinema & Christmas Market

Where: Broadgate, behind Liverpool Street Station

When: 9th November 2017 – 12th January 2018

Instagrammable Pick: Yorkshire Pudding Wraps. Imagine your average wrap. Then replace the filling with a roast dinner and the flour wrap with a whopper Yorkshire. Do it.

All the info: @Broadgate London // #BroadgateWinter

Food & Drink November 20, 2017

Festive Feels – London Christmas Wrapped Up – Pt 3

Do we indulge in a tipple because it’s cold or is it cold so we can indulge in a few tipples? Big questions, we know.

Let’s make it simple and guide you to a cosy den where you can mull over life’s biggest questions with a historic hot gin….or three at The Sipsmith Frost Fair popping up at the National Theatre’s Green Room Garden Bar.

What: Hot gin cocktails, Sipsmith mugs, wintery haven above the Thames.

Where: National Theatre, South Bank

When: 22nd November 2017 – early 2018.

Instagrammable Pick: A foot long lamb and rosemary hot dog. Yes, really.

All the info: GreenRoom.NationalTheatre.org.uk / @GreenRoomSE1

Accessories November 20, 2017

National Christmas Jumper Day – Don’t Be a Grinch

Maybe you side with the green monster and leaf through your overly festive instagram feed with the ‘Hate, hate, hate, loathe entiiiiirreeeelllly’ vibe or you are the most excitable little Who in town. ..Wherever your allegiance lies, get ready to don a Christmas Jumper on 15th December for Save The Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. .Don’t have that incredibly ugly / amazing vintage number from last year (maybe the boyfriend sneakily charity shopped it…)? Don’t worry!

..After an insane response to their poster child ‘Jerry Christmas’ jumper, notjust have released a brand new, limited edition design with the ultimate baddie Donald Trump who is here to ‘Make Xmas Great Again’… .notjust Christmas jumpers feature topical designs, made in the UK and produced for positive impact. Not only will you have the best jumper in your office, you’ll also have done a good festive deed as 50% of notjust‘s takings, after costs, are gifted to charity. . Only 250 garments are available of each design so what are you waiting for? . For yours head to notjust.shop and @notjustxmasjumpers

Food & Drink November 20, 2017

Festive Feels – London Christmas Wrapped Up – Pt 2

Christmas is coming and we’re all getting, well definitely chubbier. No harm in a bit of winter weight to help us keep warm and keep our Uniqlo Heat Tech habit at an acceptable level.

Our next London pop up, The Winter Lodge at Hampshire Lounge Bar will definitely help you with your quest to be your best, festive, jolly self this Christmas.

What: Mulled wine, raclette, outdoor heaters overlooking Leicester Square in all its sparklyness.

Where: Radisson Blu Edwardian, Leicester Square

When: Now until February 2018

Instagrammable Pick: Sticky, maple glazed ribs. Finger-less gloves recommended.

All the info: @thehampshireloungebar / #TheWinterLodge.

Arts November 10, 2017

World’s First Flavour Gallery Now Open in London

Over 200 years ago across the Kingdom of Prussia, the Two Sicilies and the Austrian Empire, Lanique was cherished and imbibed by the wealthy and titled elite at their celebrations and grand balls….

Now that drink can be experienced in all it’s multifaceted glory in the Flavour Gallery in partnership with Smith & Sinclair, now open now at Hoxton Basement, 12-18 Hoxton St, London N1 6NG

Of course, we went down to check it out!

Curious cocktails available at Lanique’s bar vary from Lemon & Dill (pictured) to Charcoal & Cherry which is mystically dark and sparkly.

Getting hands-on with heat sensitive artwork by Anja Predojevic.

Tom O’Hare’s intriguing touchy feely artwork.

Slices of scented heaven.

Head over to designmynight.com/london/whats-on/food-drink/the-flavour-gallery to book in your flavour adventure!

Beauty October 31, 2017

The Wellness Destination for 2018 : South Tyrol

If you are the one in your friend group who obsesses over finding the obscure, the unusual and the undiscovered – come here close, closer, as we let you in on our hot travel tip for 2018; South Tyrol. Now, take that secret to your grave.

Just kidding, there’s more than enough of this bewitching region, where Austrian meets Italy, to go around. That said, with 300 days of sun a year, 17,000km of walking trails, 400 manor house and an eco friendly approach to being (South Tyrol produces twice the amount of electricity it needs, mostly through hydroelectrics), they may find an invasion on their hands soon enough.

You may have read about our adventures in the South Tyrol region back in Volume 5 where we explored the land with a collective of thinkers, artists and creatives but, for our most recent experience of the land, we didn’t even go there. It transcended miles and miles to reach our ears, eyes, mouths and noses over a lively evening fuelled by local sparkling wine.

Our hosts for the evening were Michelin starred chef, Egon Heiss and ‘Chevalier of Cheese’ Gregor Wenter from ‘South Tyrol’s hidden jewel’ restaurant Bad Schoergau. Cured meats brought mediterranean Italian flavours which were then bolstered by earthy beetroot appetisers and tart horseradish that danced us over the Austrian border. The meal was beautifully exciting, with particular highlights in a luminescent green ‘Pine Risotto’ and a delicate dessert to celebrate one of the region’s prized product; apples.

Between courses we were whisked away to a real South Tyrollean forest – not physically of course but through a guided meditation from Martin Kiem, a psychologist from the area, aided with a brand of a pine tree we took in a ‘Forest Bathing’ session. While this is traditionally a Japanese wellness activity named Shinrin Yoku, Martin is looking to bring the practice over to Europe and believes South Tyrol to be a perfect place with its 93% coverage of forest. In Japan, Shirin Yoku, is an activity that is even prescribed by doctors to alleviate stress and, after listening to the forest, inhaling the pine goodness of our branch and taking the time to unwind after a busy day in London, we can completely relate.

We closed our evening adventure to South Tyrol sampling the trees of the region, one last time, through the beauty brand Trehs which harnesses the original mountain pine of the Sarn valley. The use of this pine tree goes back centuries and its a staple in every medicine cabinet in the area, which is now available as cleansing and exhilarating body products. If our meditation was forest bathing, showering with these products is a kin to forest streaking?!

(Photo: mid-afternoon is time for the Marende in South Tyrol, with cured meats and local wines. Set your phone alarm clock right now)

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So, South Tyrol is definitely on our list for an adventure next year as a lesser known region that celebrates wellness in all its forms; mentally, physically and gastronomically. Not sure that’s a word but, a bit like Forest Bathing, its evocative enough that you just have to give it a try.

To find out more about South Tyrol and Forest Bathing head to suedtirol.info . The Trehs brand can be found at trehs.com and last, but certainly not least, book in for amazing cultural cuisine at bad-schoergau.com

Now, if we find you booking some 2 week package holiday on Teletext after we’ve spilled all our travel secrets – well, more of South Tyrol for us.

Arts October 30, 2017

Art that’s good enough to drink at Smith & Sinclair X Lanique Flavour Gallery

This Winter you can bustle past those tired Christmas Markets where glorified hotdogs cost more than a Tube travel card and quite possibly taste like one – and into the Hoxton Basement where boozy product pioneers Smith & Sinclair have created quite the festive treat.

Promising a consumable art gallery – Smith & Sinclair have gone into cahoots with party drink, Lanique, and some of the world’s most inspiring artists like Terry Pastor, London Loom and Anja Predojevic to unveil the world’s first Flavour Gallery this November.

The experience promises to play with illuminating light, thermal reactions, colour changes and interactivity. With headsets to boot, the experience is wholly immersive. Of course, you can expect some innovative and bespoke cocktails that play to Lanique’s blend of ingredients.

We’ve been promised dib-dabs, inhalable cocktails and edible bubbles- and if that’s what they are happy to shout about imagine what surprises lie in store!

As you can imagine, your pioneering #TeamCoco will be there to check it all out on Press Night – so keep your eyes peeled on our social. But, get ahead of the pack and book your tickets now – they start from only £15 which wouldn’t even get you a ‘Genuine German Bratwurst’ and a ‘definitely-not-from-a-carton Gluhwein’ in a carpark in South London.

Head to designmynight.com/london/whats-on/food-drink/the-flavour-gallery for a better night out!

The Flavour GalleryThe Hoxton Basement12-18 Drysdale StreetLondonN1 6ND

From 9th November – 17th December

Girl Bosses of Great Britain September 19, 2017

GirlBossesofGreatBritain: Passion, Determination & the X Factor with Leah McKenzie

#SpoilerAlert ! This interview contains unbridled enthusiasm and passion for life, we fear it may be contagious…

This week, House of Coco caught up with super ‘slashie’ Leah McKenzie on her passions, plans and how on earth she does it all!

HoC: Hey, Leah, welcome to House of Coco. We know you as a lady of many talents – tell us a little about your passions!

Leah: I have one passion in life and that is living life! Everything goes into that, I think we are so lucky to be able to have such an amazing experience, even in dark times. When the time is right we are all thankful for this opportunity to experience things like food, culture, arts, music, love, laughter, joy and even things like pain and sadness, its all part of this amazing experience.

HoC: We completely agree and we can see your passion for life spilling through to your work from presenting and acting to X Factor’s BootCamp! How did you build your portfolio career?

Leah: I have always known that showbiz is definitely my destiny! From a young age when I became aware of my self, my intellect, my talents and emotions, I realised a wanted to be a showbiz star; an actress, singer song writer, a presenter, a TV personality.

To get to where I am now I’ve done both paid and unpaid work and also made sure I was constant with all my social media’s, to the point where people would say I post way too much but I felt this method was right for me as I have so many sides to show! I want people to see and understand my growth, I believe that is why people are interested in me as they see I am real and authentic, my journey is serious and also raw to the core and I want to share this with people all over the world.

HoC: Talking of you at a young age; what advice would you have now for a younger you?

Leah: If I could talk to a younger version of myself I would first of all explain to them how important it is to get as much training as possible because when you’re given a gift it’s raw like a diamond in the rough. But when you start to shape it up and polish it, you get to appreciate its beauty.

Also I would tell them to be themselves, be true, dress however they feel to dress, speak how they want to speak and follow their dreams with the right intentions and never, ever give up. Like all the Greats have said; you work hard, lose sleep, you stress, you cry and scream but you never, ever let that stop you going because one day that door will open for you and it will be right for you.

If it’s your destiny and you it want THAT much it will happen for you.

HoC: Inspiring stuff, we love it! So what’s on the cards for the rest of 2017?

Leah: I would like to have an EP out, and my TV show ‘Leah McKenzie Loves Life’ doesn’t matter if it only has a few hits… haha, I’m sure it will have loads!

I would also like to establish a company that can help other British artists to excel. Not just artists in music but all creatives. I think the word ‘Creatives’ breaks all the barriers and there is no boxes; anyone is a creative as long as what they are creating comes from within.

To be honest, I’m open to see what else the rest of this year has in store. It’s been full of so many great surprises!

HoC: Sounds like a busy couple of months ahead; how on earth do you squeeze it all in?

Leah: Being a boss is one of the most challengingly things to do especially when you have a young family, like me. When you’re so driven like I am, I have ideas galore but trying to prioritise and make them happen is so challenging. I have failed many times. I have started things and not completed them and it has been a learning curve. What I’ve realised, as I’m becoming older and more mature, is if you start something you HAVE to finish it.

You need to be organised, write your ideas down and execute them one by one and just make it happen. I don’t really socialise that much, even though my Instagram portraits I’m a really bubbly sociable person as that’s work for me! When I’m not working, I’m at home working on myself and trying to make this happen. Consistency, willpower and determination is what drives me; even if you fail, just get up and keep on marching.

HoC: We can respect that hustle! Please tell us you allow yourself some R&R time too? How do you unwind from all the craziness?

Leah: If I’m lucky enough to go holiday, I like to escape to a beach!Ahhh, the sun, sand and sea (and a few vinos!) and just happy vibes…. If I’m in England, I love to go for strolls in the park and just be around nature. I don’t like to think about work or money on my days off, I just want to walk, have a laugh and be in fairyland. I do love going to the gym but even that I see as work so when I’m trying to relax I try not to do anything like that!

HoC: Give us some gossip; you’ve got to tell us what the X Factor bootcamp was like, is it anything like what we see on TV?

Leah: It was so amazing, the whole experience was fantastic. It is a lot like what you see on TV but at the end of the day people have to understand that X Factor is an entertainment show, it’s there to entertain!

We do see the funny characters going through [to the next round] for our entertainment and also see some amazing singers go through. I will say that on and off screen I had a fantastic time and the production team were great, I met some amazing artists and the opportunity was fantastic. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoys singing. You may not want to be the next big superstar but just go for the experience and they make you feel like super stars……..until you get dropped and sent home, haha!

HoC: It’s been such a pleasure to meet you, Leah, and we’re super excited to see what you get up to next. How can we keep up with your adventures?

Leah: I’m on all the social channels; find me on instagram @leahmckx, twitter @LMMWORLDXX and Facebook is ‘Leah McKenzie’

I’m one of the little fish trying to make it in the big pond. I’m sure I will grow and succeed on this journey but we all need support! The little people that need your support will appreciate that ‘like’ or ‘follow’ so much more than Drake or Rihanna. So come on guys, get following!

Food & Drink September 5, 2017

Get on the beer emojis: Long Arm Pub & Brewery opens in East London

No longer are breweries only to be found in the far-flung ‘up-and-coming’ parts of the big smoke as the new ‘Tank Fresh’ brew pub from West London favourites, Long Arm Brewery , has landed in East London, just a quick sprint from Liverpool Street station. Welcome, friends, to one of #TeamCoco’s new haunts!

Let’s start with the vibes. On entering the industrial but airy pub you’ll be greeted by the shiny brewery part of the space which offers bespoke group tours. Not only is this beautifully presented but has a beautiful soul as well, championing how the beer industry can adopt zero-waste initiatives through innovative production and serving methods. An added bonus to their beers is that they are both vegetarian and vegan friendly. Beer facts and strong values? We might be in love.

In terms of what’s on offer; as a beer drinker you are in for a treat with classic Long Arm beers on the taps, regular creative brews, often dreamt up by the bar staff, which have included a stout that tasted like cookies (!) and a select number of exciting guest bottles.

On our trip we sampled a flight of the house beers including a quirky lemony belgian wheat beer, rounded off by a cheeky little IPA from Kiwi brewers, Yeastie Boys. It’s refreshing to find a brew bar with such a range and an accommodating approach to finding you a drink you’ll enjoy rather than peering down from its craft beer high horse…

Often the downfall of a good brew pub is the lack of decent options for your non-beer drinker buddies. Here at Long Arm Brewery, you have nothing to worry about. Not only do they distil their own gin but we sampled two of their delicious beer cocktails that would convert the biggest naysayer to the joy of a good brew; we’d particularly recommend their version of a lemon drop; sour and sweet in equal measures.

Throw in casual catch up enablers like table football and tasty american-style pub nibbles (like wings and blue cheese dip and beer battered onion rings) and Long Arm Brewery is the perfect spot to catch up with your squad after work.

We’ll see you at the bar!

Long Arm Pub & Brewery can be found at 20-26 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2DX

www.longarmpub.com

Open 11am – midnight Monday – Saturday and 11am – 11pm on Sundays

Accessories July 23, 2017

#GIRLBOSSESOFGREATBRITAIN: Hats off to Rosie Olivia Millinery

Not only has our girl, Rosie Olivia (rosieoliviamillinery.com) made incredible headpieces for royalty including Pippa Middleton and Zara Phillips, but she’s just literally crowned the arrival of the new Ford Fiesta. We caught up with her to talk inspiration, celebrity clients and how you, too, can become a hat wearer!

HOC: Hi Rosie! So lovely to meet you, let’s start at the beginning; how did you get into being a milliner?

RO: I have always loved accessories, especially hair accessories, whether it’s a floppy winter beany hat or a little glitzy hair clip; I always have something in my hair. When I was younger, I used to go to functions with my mum where all the ladies would wear hats. I used to sit there and admire them all and think, the lady opposite me, would look so much better if those feathers on her hat where in another colour or she wore a hat without a brim!

When I was was in University I was driving myself mad about what I could do for my final collection for my degree show. Throwing ideas back and forth, I realized that I wanted to work in the creative industry so this was my chance! I have always loved hats and love the fact that a hat finishes off an outfit. It’s a great accessory and when one is put on your head it gives you confidence and makes you feel great. I took an internship at Philip Treacy and then created a collection of headwear for my degree show. From then, I knew that I wanted to focus on a career in millinery.

HOC: We bet its an awesome feeling making someone feel confident through your creativity! Who are your favourite clients to work with?

RO: I make hats to sell via retailers and I also make bespoke hats for individual clients which is my favourite thing to do as every hat is different.

I meet lots of great ladies, who have different outfits and styles; some that love to wear hats and some that have never worn one before. I love my job as I get to meet lots of different characters, style them with a great hat and make them feel fabulous! There isn’t one favourite person in particular that I have made a hat for, as they are all fabulous people, but making hats for Zara Tindall was really fun and a challenge as it’s always last minute! When you images in the press it makes the manic rush of making the hats seem worth it!

HOC: We wish more people wore hats; they really transform an outfit! If someone wanted to start wearing hats, where on earth would they start?

RO: I would say book an appointment to see me at my showroom! I am brutally honest but I will help you find the right hat shape for you. I always want my clients to look their best as it’s my brand name on the line. My hats are not for everyone but if you have help putting the hats on and look at different styles and get some honest advice you may just find the hat for you and you may become a hat wearer!

I want to see people wearing more hats casually. I feel that a lot of people will only wear a hat to a special occasion but actually it is just an accessory which can be used throughout the year. Also, I have clients who really love the fact that my hats are handmade in the UK from start to finish and I think it’s important to have a home grown brand.

HOC: You’ve even got cars into wearing crowns! Tell us about your collaboration crown with Ford Fiesta’s latest release?

RO: I wanted to create a crown that bought to life the details and attributes of the new Ford Fiesta. I designed a crown with a quilted leather headband and royal blue crown jewels and used an actual gear stick as the centre piece along with seat belt arches. It was really important to me that the crown reflected the Fiesta whilst following my millinery techniques. It was really fun to experiment with new materials – I’ve certainly never used leather and metal on a hat before! I then worked with a talented team of designers and 3D scanners and carpenters to scale up my creation to Fiesta size. The giant crown weighs in at 90kg, features 200 hand painted crystals and uses 800m of seat belts.

HOC: Finally, we love an inspirational ‘Girl Boss’ here at House of Coco; can you share a recent ‘Girl Boss’ moment you’ve experienced?

RO: There are a few! I was interviewed on Sky News once about a Facebook for a campaign called ‘She Means Business’ . Being positioned as a woman who young girls could look up to was a very cool moment! I was also just recently on the judging panel at Newmarket Races July festival for the Style Awards and of course, I have made hats for a royalty and now a crown for Ford!

To find our more about Rosie Olivia Millinery head over to www.rosieoliviamillinery.com . The newest Ford Fiesta, the nation’s favourite car, is available now!