Author Archives: Kesh

The Best of The London Whisky Weekender

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With hundreds of delicious Whiskies to choose from, we were spoilt for choice at this years London Whisky Weekender. It seems almost criminal to pick a favourite as most of the exhibitors deserved a special mention and also being a novice to Whisky compared to most of my fellow attendees, I would feel slightly foolish. But if I had to pick there were some absolutely stand out drams. Obviously we didn’t make our way through the entirety of the selection…we would clearly need another hour or so, but this year I made sure that I tried out some of the less known and small batch distilleries, trying some drams that I wouldn’t normally favour such as the Peatier kinds.

With that said, our favourites this year;

Murray McBride; The Vatting Peatside

Youth is favoured here at only 6 years old, Peatside has been resting in a bourbon barrel with a combination of port pipes and a sweet sherry cask. The overpowering flavour of bacon will bowl you over in a most pleasant way. We had to go back for more.

Scapa

Scapa, originating from The Orkney mainland, is a fresh and balanced Single Malt. Aged 16, the sweet Heather Honey and flavours of autumn will leave you feeling content.

The Quiet Man 8 year old Single Malt

An Irish Whisky to add to the mix, this very new craft distillery have created something which would rival the legends. Sweet Vanilla, Honey and Spicy Oak all contribute to the smooth finish.

Michters American Whisky

A real small batch Whiskey here, Michters unblended American Whiskey is blended in Bourbon soaked barrels. The result, butterscotch, caramel and ripened fruit. Delicious.

If this has inspired you to get your dram on, then make sure you don’t miss out next year.

Style Me in Seconds free Pop-Up Styling Event launches in Old Street

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The Logo Crew - Style me in Seconds

For one week only, Old Street Station plays host to the sensational ‘Style Me in Seconds’ one stop shop and styling pop up. Charity shops across the UK are showcasing their best pieces and giving shoppers a chance to be styled up by professional stylists who have dressed the likes of Victoria Beckham, Emilie Sande and Professor Green.

As you browse the hundreds of treasures that our London charity shops have to offer, try something more daring or challenge yourself to create a brand new style for someone else. With free style consultations on offer and a host of other goodies including free manicures, guarantee yourself a place by booking your very own styling session here…

http://stylemeinseconds.com

Style Me in Seconds is open from 4th -10th April from 7:30am every day

Unit 2, Old Street Station – Old Street, London EC1Y 1BE, United Kingdom

Introducing Jivesse Marine Collagen Cream

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Jivesse premium skincare which has up until now graced the shelves of Harrods has earned its place as a reputable dermatological brand. The impressive science and innovative ingredients have placed it high above competitors in the skincare market and now launching at first class wellbeing emporium, John Bell & Croyden, and soon to be launching in Selfridges, this is set to be a range which will hopefully be a staple for anyone looking for serious results and quality natural ingredients.

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Being an advocate natural skin solutions, the science behind the Jivesse range is quite simple but altogether quite revolutionary. Having been developed by skincare experts with clinical knowledge of dermatology as the name suggests, Jivesse Marine Collagen Cream contains potent active ingredients which help to accelerate the natural production of collagen within our own skin. The result, tighter, brighter, and youthful skin without any Botox. Result! What makes Jivesse so unique is that is the first Triple Complex Marine Collagen Cream…

…here comes the science;

The Triple Complex Formula contains

Peptan® The purest form of type I collagen
Argireline®The cosmetic alternative to Botox
Liftonin® Xpress: Which instantly tightens and lifts

As well as this the product contains a host of anti-oxidants and skin luminosity which reduces the damage of vital molecules within the skin and helps to introduce Vitamin C to the skin, something which our body’s cannot produce naturally.

Our result;

The brand is at once luxurious, smart and the team behind it are genuinely some of the most articulate and passionate in the business. Having just announced Anna Williamson, TV Presenter and Life Coach, as their Brand Ambassador, Jivesse are spring boarding their brand as one that is hopefully set to create waves within the cosmetic market. The science really speaks for itself here and the results speak volumes. Luckily, I haven’t got to the point where i’ve had to deal with the dreaded wrinkle situation but after a skin analysis with the experts at John Bell and Croyden, my skin was suffering from severe dehydration. After just two weeks of using this product my skin is luminous, radiant and successfully no longer dehydrated. Any moisturiser that can deal with the elements we’re privy too in The UK is a winner in my book. The clincher for me is the fact that this moisturiser is presented in a beautiful Airless Jar protecting the cream from light exposure and contamination. We love using this product and it has certainly brightened up and made my skincare regime a much more enjoyable experience.

Jivesse is available to buy at

Jivesse.com

Harrods

Now Launching at John Bell & Croyden

What’s On This Weekend

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A round up of another glorious four-day week with a host of spectacular activities in and around The Capital. Our top picks include;

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The London Whisky Weekender 1-3rd;

Starting today, The London Whisky Weekender will transform the East London venue, Oval Space into a Dramtastic dream. With Whisky’s to try from all around The World this is the perfect day out for any Whisky Lover of any degree. Enjoy a dram of something you love or something brand new amidst a backdrop of blues music and some quality street food.

For tickets and info;

Whisky

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Saturday Brunch at Gaucho’s Electro Brunch;

From 11am-3pm every Saturday, work your way through Gaucho’s impressive, unlimited brunch menu complete with cocktails and sparkling wine. Available at their Canary Wharf, Piccadilly and Smithfield branches and priced at £45 this is the absolute perfect way to start the weekend.

For more info and booking;

Brunch

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Feast of Rugby takeover Urban Food Fest 2nd April;

This year’s HSBC London Sevens will be celebrating their partnership with Urban Food Fest by hosting a ‘Feast of Rugby’ takeover at the Shoreditch street food market on Saturday 2nd April.The market will be fully HSBC London Sevens themed and there will be special guest appearances from the England sevens team – who will be helping vendors cook up a storm on the day. From France to Fiji, think Sweet and Savoury Crêpes, slow roasted and pulled pork burgers and Venezuelan Maize arepas. Yum Yum.

Entry is free just turn up;

Euro Car Parks
162-167 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch
London, E1

For more info;

Food 

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The cosiest “Night In” at Pillow Cinema.

This Saturday, snuggle up to a loved one… or two in a stunning Tudor House setting in the heart of Hackney and enjoy a screening of either Romeo and Juliet or The Danish Girl. Complimentary blankets and fatboy beanbags provided. All you need to do is turn up for a super chill Saturday Night at The Movies.

For tickets and info;

Cinema

Whisky Lovers gather round for The London Whisky Weekender 1st-3rd April

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Celebrate the end of a four-day week with a toast of some of the finest Whisky’s from around the world. The London Whisky Weekender is back and returns to the popular East London venue, The Oval Space. From only £30 ticket-holders can revel in trying a whole host of new and traditional Whisky’s from American bourbons through to Japanese, Irish, Scotch and more. This year sees a particular emphasis on Old and Rare World Whiskies, along with a programme of unique ‘blendathon’ workshops, tastings, guest appearances from distillers, whisky cocktails, street food and music all weekend, making it the whisky event on the London calendar.

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With four sessions to choose from from Friday-Sunday, there will be plenty of time to try, buy and ask any burning questions to the expert exhibitors who include, Talisker, Chivas Brothers, Jamesons and Jura to name a few. Included in the ticket price is a bottle of water, a festival guide and a Glencairn glass for you to try drams from any of the eclectic exhibitors. With the opportunity to try out some of the legends or the newer craft and small batch distilleries, The London Whisky Weekender is your grain-filled oyster. If you’re after something extra special, why not try one of the Under-the Counter drams this gives you a chance to purchase tokens to try some of the more exclusive and rare Whisky’s on offer.

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Soaking up the whisky will be a roster of tasty street food offerings and local organic suppliers, whilst a soundtrack of rock and blues will set the tone for a whisky fuelled weekend. We think it’s the hottest ticket for the Weekend, whether you’re a connoisseur or novice, trying something new or enjoying an old favourite, toast away your winter blues with a decent old dram.

For more info or to purchase tickets visit;

 The London Whisky Weekender

Special offer if you visit on Friday 1st April session 2 tickets for £40

Oval Space, 29-32 The Oval, London, E2 9DT

Top of the Pop-Ups this Easter at the Perrier-Jouët Modern Mayfair Garden

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Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of fizz in an idyllic garden setting. Let’s toast this Easter at La Caprice, Mayfair and be sure to enjoy your lunch before or after perusing The Royal Academy of Arts’ latest landmark exhibition. Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse, sees Claude Monet’s water lily paintings brought to the UK for the very first time. We think this is the perfect opportunity for you to immerse yourself into spring whilst enjoying some remarkable art, food and also some lovely goodies to take away.

Paul Winch-Furness / Photographer

Priced at £38 per person, this includes a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, two-course lunch at Le Caprice, tickets to ‘Painting the Modern Garden’ exhibition, a Floris London gift bag with Rose Hand Cream and Jermyn Street fragrance sample.

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The Perrier-Jouët Modern Mayfair Garden is open throughout the exhibition’s run period – 30 January until 20 April 2016

We think it’s the perfect Easter treat for the adults!

For more information visit: Le Caprice

Brunch out at Gaucho with their impressive Electro Brunch

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Known for it’s unbeatable Argentinian fayre, Gaucho tops the list for exquisite steak and a wine list that would make Jilly Goolden weep. As if they couldn’t get any better, introducing the Gaucho Electro Brunch available 11-3pm every Saturday. We were chomping at the bit to try out this one and it really topped the list.

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With a menu worthy of a King, unlimited cocktails, Domaine Chandon and Bloody Mary’s we think this is quite possibly top of the Brunch. Steak lovers, prepare to face your ultimate fantasy, there is certainly plenty of Steak and with other menu items such as Avocado on Sourdough Bread, Pancakes with Dulce De Leche and Eggs Florentine, the menu has really been executed with every taste in mind featuring all your Brunch favourites.

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If you’re tee-total or if you just fancy a fresher option, fear not, the blend your own juice bar was a particular highlight. With a table of seasonal fruit and veg, just take your pick of whatever you like and voila, the fantastic hosts will mix you up a special custom juice in no time.

The menu has been designed for you to feast your way through every dish after all you do have a good 4 hours to enjoy everything. The Sandwich items are slightly larger if you would prefer a bigger dish, but we recommend trying out everything you can as many times as you can. We were thoroughly stuffed to the eyeballs when we had left but not gonna lie, definitely wished I had time to order at least 3 of the items again.

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The impressive feasting and the outrageously cool ambience of Gaucho are just a few reasons why everyone should pay them a visit at least once in their lifetime. But with a price tag of only £45pp Electro Brunch is a no-brainer. Eat, drink and be merry and let Gaucho’s Electro Brunch be the motivation which gets you out of bed on a Saturday.

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The Electro Brunch will take place every Saturday at Gaucho Piccadilly, Gaucho Chancery Lane and Gaucho Smithfield from 11am to 3pm with unlimited food and drinks included for a price of £45 per person.
For more information call Gaucho or visit: www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/piccadilly

Try the Best of British at newly vamped Boyds Grill & Wine Bar

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Boyds Entrance area

This week saw the re-launch of Boyds Grill & Wine Bar situated in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square. Created by Charles Boyd and designed by Paul Clarke and Nick Preece, this masterful creation has a menu every bit as striking and luxurious as the fine furnishings and exquisite chandeliers. It is the distinct personality of Boyd’s that really does set this restaurant apart with quality touches such as their innovative use of the finest British produce to create their varied menu.

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At Boyds, the use of British produce doesn’t have to mean ‘Pub Grub’ and Executive Chef, Nate Brewster really has pulled out all the stops to showcase his international cooking techniques to the finest British ingredients. The Sipsmith Gin Cured Salmon was particularly impressive served up in Sashimi style pieces with Daikon and Buttermilk Sorbet as well as the Seven Hour Braised Lamb Leg with Carrot and Apple puree. The meat dishes on the menu are particularly impressive with lamb so tender it will literally melt in your mouth. But fear not, if it is classics you’re after, your needs will be met with a Nate Brewster twist. Try the Mac and Wookey Hole cheese bite with BBQ sauce. It really is every bit as indulgent as it sounds and will leave your mouth-watering for more.

Boyds Kitchen Bar area

The space has been designed to suit all needs whether it’s for a casual bite at the bar or a more formal dining experience. Boyds have ensured that the same menu is available in all the areas and please don’t let the historic Victorian clad interior fool you into thinking only fine fayre is on offer. Boyds have ensured that it’s a venue you can pop in for nibbles after work, pre-theatre or for a quick bite at lunch. We recommend trying out the tapas style meats and cheeses on offer, all British may we add. The fine selections have been sourced from top UK producers such as White Lake Cheese and Trealy Farm only the best at Boyds.

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As well as their great British food offering, Boyds Grill & Wine Bar will be serving the very best of wines at good value prices as well as a selection of tasty cocktails. All the wines can be enjoyed by the glass, thanks to the newly installed ‘By the Glass’ machine which preserves the wines at their peak.

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All in all, Boyds has a very unique and pleasant feel. The beautiful bronze bar and stunning artwork really transport you to Old England with a contemporary twist and the impressive, well thought out menu will leave you more than satisfied. Every dish is Instagram-worthy may we add, so if you’re looking to wow your followers with some impressive looking dishes or wow your date, mum, manager, new client with some outstanding food and ambience than look no further than Boyds Grill & Wine Bar.

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The restaurant is open all day and evening Monday to Saturday from 8:00am – 11:30pm.

                                                                                      Boyds Grill & Wine Bar


8 Northumberland Avenue,

London, WC2N 5BY

Tel: 0207 808 3344


www.boydsgrillandwinebar.co.uk