Opening with the release of latest film, The Confessions of Thomas Quick
Friday August 14 – Thursday August 20 2015
Category Archives: London Gems
Discover The Origins Of British Luxury
Take a walk with The Connaught and Fox & Squirrel on a specially curated tour of Mayfair
In collaboration with London guide, Fox & Squirrel, The Connaught is offering a series of walks tailored to explore and unveil the origins of British luxury in the early 17th century when Mayfair became a destination for luxury craftsmen. Accompanied by a Fox & Squirrel historian, during the two-hour walks, guests will delve into the archives of bespoke tailors, milliners and perfumers, meeting some of the capital’s most talented artisans.
Walks start at The Connaught at 4pm and take place on the first Tuesday of every month and cover royal endorsement at the archives and workshops of respected holders of the Royal Warrant (4 August), extravagant materials (8 September), contemporary crafts (6 October), bespoke (3 November) and service (8 December).
Each walk costs £125 and ends at The Connaught’s Coburg Bar with a cocktail specially created to resonate the theme of the walk.
About The Connaught…
The Connaught occupies a quiet corner in the heart of Mayfair Village – one of the most exclusive and fashionable districts of London. Overlooking the calm of Carlos Place and the stunning Tadao Ando water feature ‘Silence’…as well as several contemporary and fine art galleries. Guests can enjoy the finer things in life right on the Connaught’s doorstep. It is also however just minutes from exquisite restaurants, and within walking distance of some of London’s most charming parks and gardens. And with Oxford Street, the West End and the airports all easily accessible, the Connaught is the perfect London base.
About Fox & Squirrel…
In 2010, two women named Penelope and Jojo were living in London, searching for jobs to go to once they’d graduated with MAs in Cultural and Creative Industries from Kings College.
The city was still deep in recession, and finding work was proving to be a frustrating, demoralising task. Taking inspiration from the Victorian Lady’s Guide Association (1880), a group offering employment prospects to educated middle class women, training them as guides and personal shoppers, Penelope and Jojo saw an opportunity, and Fox & Squirrel was born.
The whole of London became their battleground, and a group of incredibly talented, knowledgeable and creative individuals their ground troops. They started to map London’s cultural terrain, and within just a year of operation, Fox & Squirrel was awarded the prestigious title Best Guided Walks by The Guardian.
Fast-forward three years and Penelope is now running Fox & Squirrel solo. The company has expanded its repertoire to include walks focused on art, fashion, food, street photography, architecture and film. A Brixton-based food writer named Lindsay goes undercover for one of Penelope’s Brixton Food Walks, with the aim of reviewing it for the local press.
Feigning a lack of local area knowledge, Lindsay (badly) pretends to know anything about Brixton, until her cover is blown by one of the Chefs featured on the walk, and is forced to reveal her true identity. Despite being outed in this way, Lindsay is genuinely impressed with Fox & Squirrel’s local area knowledge, as well as the critical and social commentary the walk incites, and writes a very positive review.
Months later, Penelope is looking for a new food guide, and Lindsay joins the team in a comedic display of poacher-turned-gamekeeper, and the new dynamic duo is born.
Fox & Squirrel continues to thrive and grow. Walks remain the face of Fox & Squirrel, but also collaborate with established, prestigious brands such as The Connaught, Getty Images and The New Craftsman, as well as provide bespoke consulting services for private clients, Business Improvement Districts and PRs.
The Connaught
Carlos Place
Mayfair
London
W1K 2AL
Carlos Place
Mayfair
London
W1K 2AL
Animal Tales At The British Library
(Doty & Waterson’s aquatint etching & letterpress edition of A Swarm, A Flock, A Host on display in Animal Tales.
Courtesy of the artist & DC Moore Gallery, New York)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7TH – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST
Richly illustrated editions of traditional tales that will appeal to adults and children alike…
From the earliest marks made by humans in caves to our social media obsession with cats, animals have been enduring media stars throughout the ages.
Encompassing symbols of the sacred and the profane, the wild and the domesticated, they both feed our imagination and help us to make sense of the world around us.
No surprise, then, that they have been inspiring writers, poets, scientists and artists through the ages.
Perfectly timed for the school holidays, both adults and children alike will enjoy this new exhibition in the foyer of the British Library.
The show explores why animals have come to play such an important role in literature.
Visitors will be entranced at the richly illustrated editions of traditional tales from Anansi to Little Red Riding Hood.
There’s even an accompanying soundscape with poems by Mark Doty and Darren Waterston.
THE BRITISH LIBRARY
96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB
+44 (0)1937 546060
Clinique Launches Clinique PopStop! Pop-Up…
Premium beauty brand Clinique has announced the opening of its Clinique PopStop! pop up shop in Piccadilly Circus Underground Station from today (August 4).
Clinique PopStop! is Clinique’s UK first underground pop up shop.
The Clinique Pop Stop will enable commuters to touch up on the go with Clinique’s Express Service Menu or browse and shop the newest additions to Clinique’s colour portfolio.
The Express Service Menu offers custom-fit, three-minute pick me ups including; Pick Your Pout, In a Wink and Sweet Cheeks.
The pop-up will remain open until September 25.
Holborn Dining Room
The Holborn Dining Room is a beautiful classy and chilled establishment. The interior is splendid but isn’t as impressive as the outside area in when the sun is shining. We headed out for a wander mid afternoon to grab a few drinks and stumbled upon this place. The menu was basic, delicious, and very impressive. We plumped for good old fish finger sandwich and a classic chicken and bacon salad. Washed down with a few Gin cocktails.
With seasonal, locally sourced British cuisine on the menu this place will go down very well when needing to impress a lady or friends. Grab yourself a pint of local lager a burger or a glass of fizz and a pint of prawns. Fine wines are on offer at this renowned restaurant.
Holborn Dining Room is a welcome find for us. London life is so very grand when you find places just like this to share with all of you. It’s possibly one of the nicest bars on the scene in the city.
The first cocktails we tested where the Hendricks and the G Vine. The G Vine was simply amazing flavoured with elderflower tonic and garnished with grapes. I happily sat and sipped while we waited for the food to arrive. This place is where you need to chill and soak up the amazing atmosphere. Their is no rush, just take your time to relax.
Another cocktail before we ate… This one was the Smooth Amber, garnished with cinnamon and orange zest. Pocky and pretty darn good. Ian went for a more simple one. The sipsmith, flavoured with juniper, lemon and orange. Both had us feeling chilled in a matter of moments! Ready for some food by this point and we where not disappointed. Out came our dishes served by a lovely waitress. We chatted for a few moments about how grand it would be to stay in one of the many rooms on offer. You can actually rent an entire floor in the hotel, POA of course! Other rooms start from around £250 per night if you are tempted.
Who would have thought a simple chicken and bacon salad could look this divine and taste so utterly wonderful. A side of chips as thats just how we like to roll! Ian’s fish finger sandwich was severed on sourdough bread. A little fiddly to eat but impressive none the less. It was garnished with horseradish and by all accounts was really rather a good choice. The menu is made up of simple dishes with a twist. All the other dishes being served to various tables looked and smelt divine. This is most certainly one place we need to come back to review the evenings offerings.
Well worth a little trip very soon if your in the area. The prices reflect the area and the quality of the food. Not an everyday treat for some but possibly the nicest of afternoons you could have. We spent the rest of the day wandering back home with full bellies and happy smiles.
Find them at NO 252 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM WC1V 7EN
The GŎNG At Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard Hosts Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition Cocktails…
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, has launched two stunning City Edition bottles, celebrating the spirit of the UK’s most iconic cities: London and Edinburgh.
The intricately-designed limited editions and their striking presentation boxes take the viewer on a journey through the streets of London and Edinburgh, featuring the unique architecture and attractions that make up the cities’ distinctive city skylines.
Only 4,000 of these exquisitely-designed bottles have been created, with each individually hand-numbered to create a must-have gift for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cities Collection, which is a series of whiskies from this popular Scotch brand that has engraved on it a cityscape from different regions of the world, is back after its Dubai bottling earlier this year with two new releases. This time around appearing on the bottles are two different cities from the United Kingdom.
The first offering, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London Edition, features a design on it which includes iconic landmarks of the UK’s capital such as Big Ben, the Gherkin, Nelson’s Column and Tower Bridge. The other new release is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Edinburgh Edition, and it is set with a design said to pay honor to the Scottish city of the same name. It sports ‘a sweeping, spiral flow from the peak of Edinburgh Castle, including national treasures such as the Scott Monument and the Duke of Wellington alongside the city’s cobbled streets and walls’.
Limited to just 4,000 bottles, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London and Edinburgh City Editions, noted officials from spirits giant Diageo, are now available in the United Kingdom for around £200 ($315 USD). Available from June, the City Edition bottles are the first to be released outside of travel retail where the new Cities Collection was introduced in February with a bottle depicting Dubai. The previous Skyline Collection in travel retail featured cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Mumbai, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Auckland.
Costing not much more than the standard Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the new City Edition bottles come in bespoke gift boxes with more illustrations of their respective cities. Edinburgh’s depicts Scotland’s national symbol, the thistle, and attractions such as The Balmoral Hotel and Arthur’s Seat, while London’s packaging shows famous icons including St Paul’s Cathedral.
To celebrate the launch of these exclusive limited editions, Johnnie Walker Blue Label has partnered with GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London and Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, two of the most iconic landmarks featured within the limited-edition designs, to create to exclusive cocktail serves.
To mark the launch of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition bottles, the ‘Eagle Eye’ and ‘Famously Edinburgh’ cocktails were created to celebrate the best of these extraordinary cities with the remarkable smoothness of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
‘Eagle Eye’, created by Christian Maspes at GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London explains “Known for their intently watchful, sharp and supreme sight across some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, the eyes of an eagle are estimated to be up to eight times stronger than that of a human’s. The idea of such skill and precision – the same qualities Johnnie Walker apply when creating their rarest blend of whiskies – together with GŎNG’s unrivalled views over London were the inspiration behind the ‘Eagle Eye’, a specially created cocktail to mark the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s limited City Edition bottle, celebrating London’s iconic skyline.”
45ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label
2-3 dashes Abbott’s Bitters
15ml Barolo Chinato
Homemade strawberry and peppercorn shrub
Garnished with blue ‘Johnnie Walker Striding Man walking stick’ meringue
The ‘Eagle Eye’ is currently available, priced at £17.00, with an ‘on-the-rocks’ version also available upon request.
‘Famously Edinburgh’, created by Fraser Robson, Whisky Ambassador at Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel commented “The inspiration behind the Famously Edinburgh cocktail came from my experience of the City and all that it is known and loved for. I thought about what was famous in the City and how that relates to local people, what they famously enjoy doing and where. Whisky and tea are ingrained in every great Scot. Johnnie Walker is the world’s most famous whisky and here, at the Balmoral, situated at Edinburgh’s most famous address, guests visit for the finest cup of tea in town. These three pillars gave me the basis of my creation. Starting with a double measure of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, I look at how I could incorporate the tea. Edinburgh locals tend to have a sweet tooth so I added a tea-infused sugar syrup as a nod to that Edinburgh tradition. I was careful to ensure that Johnnie Walker Blue Label was at the forefront of the cocktail and selected some whisky barrel-aged bitters and Fino sherry to heighten those flavours. The City and the people of Edinburgh are renowned for their elegant ways, so there was only one piece of glassware for the occasion – a Champagne coupe.”
50ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label
15ml Famous Edinburgh tea-infused sugar syrup
10ml Fino sherry
2 dashes whisky barrel-aged bitters
Orange zest to spray over the glass
The ‘Famously Edinburgh’ is available at Scotch, the whisky bar at The Balmoral Hotel priced at £42.50.
About Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky…
JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.
Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is an ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era.
Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL.
BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2014.
About GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London…
With a dramatic backdrop of unparalleled views, GŎNG, the hotel’s destination bar – and the highest bar in London – brings a new dimension to the city’s social scene. Perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night drinks, the bar offers three lofted areas; a cocktail bar, champagne bar and an infinity pool, for guests to relax and soak in the stunning cityscape.
Uncomplicated and seamless, the bar’s service ensures the ultimate escape from the city’s bustle. Sample one of the delicate, signature cocktails or indulge in rare, vintage champagnes available by the glass.
Please note that GŎNG operates on a walk-in policy basis, however seating is subject to availability at time of arrival. There is a £30 minimum spend policy per person and tables are allocated for two hours.
http://www.gong-shangri-la.com
About Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel…
Presenting Edinburgh’s largest collection of whisky available to the general public, Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel is a chic bar and lounge setting. Enjoy rare vintage drams dating back as far as 1940, accompanied by delicious complementing bar snacks.
With a 400-bottle-strong cellar offered to guests, a luxury stock of blends, malts and vintages are sourced from Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, the Highlands and the Lowlands. This supreme collection is overseen by Scotch bar’s 3 resident whisky ambassadors, who are always on-hand to advise both novices and connoisseurs.
Scotch whisky bar in Edinburgh also offers a contemporary Scottish food menu, featuring dishes from The Balmoral’s executive chef, Jeff Bland. Knowledgeably-paired nibbles are served as standard with each whisky, with offerings including wild boar salami, and dark Swiss chocolate.
Set within the 5-star Balmoral Hotel, the Scotch bar area is swathed in chocolate-brown leather, mustard velvet and heavy tartan fabrics. Edinburgh Waverley Station is just 2 minutes’ walk away.
Summer Party At The South Kensington Club…
The evening of Thursday 25th June saw a host of London influencers and VIP guests, including Adam Garcia, Chelsy Davy, Jack Fox and Tom Parker-Bowles gather together to celebrate summer at The South Kensington Club.
With a dress code of summer chic and tennis whites, attendees enjoyed Pommery Champagne and a selection of sumptuous cocktails and canapés, whilst exploring the recently opened South Kensington Club. Entertainment was provided by Playlister DJ Dan Lywood, whilst guests were also treated to live music from theatrical band, Colomboloco.
On the evening, Coyote Ugly star Adam Garcia was seen speaking with actor Jack Fox, providing advice on how to perfect his accent for his upcoming role, whilst Noelle Reno (having just landed back in London) was seen catching up with Marissa Montgomery who was raving about Wednesday’s Fleetwood Mac concert.
Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, The South Kensington Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind – from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.
VIP attendees included: Adam Garcia, Jack Fox, Chelsy Davy, Hugo Taylor, Laura Pradelska, Tom Parker-Bowles, Aluna Francis, Jack Freud, Olivia Grant, Natalie Coyle, Henry Conway, Roxie Nafousi, Noelle Reno, Zafar Rushdie, Tom Inskip, Marissa Montgomery, Daniella Helayel Issa, Lohralee & Will Astor, and Linzi & Will Stoppard.
Guests drank Pommery Champagne and were treated to a delicious light menu consisting of artichoke and quinoa salad, olive oil and lemon, salad of goats cheese, tomatoes and mixed seeds, spring vegetables salad, wild salmon in sea salt crust, potato salad and yoghurt sauce, culminating in mango and vanilla ice cream.
About The South Kensington Club…
Situated in the vibrant heart of South Kensington, nestled between Hyde Park and London’s best-known museums, The South Kensington Club provides an unrivalled lifestyle offering for body and soul. Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, the elegant, unpretentious, homely environment of the South Kensington Club’s interior has been thoughtfully executed to provide a place for reflection, relaxation and respite for its Members. The Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind; from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.
The South Kensington Club, 38-42 Harrington Road, London, SW7
Kettner’s: Quintessentially British Dining and Drinking in the heart of Soho
Amongst the hustle and bustle of our amazing capital London, lies the iconic Kettner’s. Elegant, glamorous and classy, Kettner’s stands out from the frenzy of the quirky, hip, pop up joints and offers customers everything which is quintessentially British.
Originally opened in 1867 by the Chef of Napolean III, the Grade II listed Georgian building stands proudly in Soho boasting a brasserie, Champagne Bar and eight private functions rooms. If you’re looking for somewhere with a little history and old school glamour look no further. As well as the cocktail menu being rather impressive with a host of Champagne Cocktails, they have a clientele list to match. So if you’re looking to dine somewhere up to the standards of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby look no further.
There really is an enchanting feeling when you walk through the door of Kettner’s. It’s everything that’s glamorous, traditional and old school without feeling stuffy and pretentious and with a price list that doesn’t leave you feeling bankrupt after a cocktail, this is the perfect place to come and admire the stunning decor, have afternoon tea or indeed enjoy a date here.
Kettner’s can be found
29 ROMILLY ST. SOHO,
LONDON W1D 5HP