Tag Archives: London.

Holborn Dining Room

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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.

Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining Room Holborn Dining RoomThe 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Ling Ling in Mykonos, at Hakkasan, Hanway Place

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Ling Ling in Mykonos, at Hakkasan, Hanway PlaceThe first of the Hakkasan realm of restaurants, Hanway Place plays host to a celebration of food, drink and dance (known as the Izakaya concept) with its limited edition summer menu.

 

Mirroring the dishes launched in Hakkasan, Mykonos in Greece, diners will be able to opt for one of three choices from the Ling Ling menu:

 

–         Fish and seafood

–         Meat and seafood

–         Vegetarian.

 

And this week we sampled the variety of Cantonese-style dishes which are “perfect for island living and late night revelry”.

 

But on our own English island and in the heart of London, the vibe was fun, the food had flair and the drinks were flowing. While we sipped on bubbly, a signature cocktail to accompany the dishes has also been released – the Ling Ling Collins.

 

My favourite was the grilled Chilean seabass in honey, oozing with taste and textures. The seabass slithered on the tongue; it was smoky yet sweet which contrasted with the crispy deep fried mushroom nestled on top.

 

Next the spicey prawn with lily bulb and almond left an explosion in the mouth – hot but moreish and the plump prawn was beautifully juicy.

 

The homemade pumpkin tofu was deep-fried and a rather nice alternate dish among the seafood dishes. Crispy on the outside and squidgy on the inside, there was just the right hint of pumpkin to mask the distinctive flavour of the tofu.

 

And the steamed dim sum platter of scallop shumai came beautifully presented in the bamboo steamer.

 

The array of macarons were a feast for the eyes, each with their own distinct flavour. I bit into a pink macaron which radiated flowery tastes in the palate, a rose-water-like tang.

 

And I also sampled a macaron filled with sweet chocolate, ending the evening on a sugary high.

 

The limited edition Ling Ling summer menu will be available at Hakkasan Hanway Place and Mayfair until 31 August, priced at £35/person and £45/person respectively.

 

 

HEMYCA

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We attended an amazing fashion launch a few days ago in the heart of London. HEMYCA is a luxury womenswear label, launched by designers Helen Clinch and Myra Nigris.

The girls met whilst studying at the London College of Fashion. With a vast passion for fashion and devotion for ultimate luxury and design they launched Hemyca. The Designs are all works of art and they will have you desperate to own the entire new collection. Even the calico toiles where simply stunning and very wearable. The company recently held a pop up event and we nipped along to snap alway at the latest collections launch.

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The designers are so talented, both are really lovely and the entire company where some of the nicest people we have met in a long time. They all ooze passion for style and grace. Each item we pondered on left a mark on my heart. We excitedly chatted about a fashion shoot and I for one have my little eye on one very stunning strapless numbers for an event coming up soon.

Hemyca’s range is for all ages and would look just fantastic on anyone in their late teens to a more mature lady. The cut of the pieces are so well thought out. It had my brain working overtime, back to my early fashion design technology and pattern cutting days! Precise, pretty and perfect are the only words to describe this incredible luxurious new line.

 

At the event we drank white wine, raspberry cocktails and ate loaded crab buns. All in all a very delicious evening filled with fine food a fashion. Check out their website here for more details.

For any enquiries regarding specific items or purchase info, please call us at our Studio. HEMYCA STUDIO, 193b Whitechapel Road. E1 1DN, London email: STUDIO@HEMYCA.COM  or Call +44 (0) 207 655 4950

The Diner, Ganton Street, London Review

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The Diner, Ganton Street, London ReviewThe 4th July menu – coined as the “gorge of July” by my accompanying colleague – is not elegant or pretty or petite, but that’s its huge selling point.

Generous portions with lashings of gooey cheese and chocolate leave you licking your fingers, wiping your mouth and hoping you don’t have to carry on a conversation while you’re trying to chomp your way through a man-size burger.

The Diner is right in the middle of tourist hotspot slash hippy-heaven Carnaby Street but it has a warm and homely feel to it as the walls are covered in mock wood cladding and American-style booth seating areas line the restaurant.

As part of the special Independence Day menu which will only be available on 4 July, we started off with the Frito pie – a bag of frito corn chips topped with beef chilli, sour cream, jalapeños and coriander.

It nestled inside a crisp-packet-like wrapper and we were told this was a popular snack ordered by American football fans during half-time.

The beef was tender and stringy, a bit like pulled pork and each mouthful had a real kick to it.

Next we sampled the Chicken skins – shredded BBQ chicken potato skins with Monterey Jack sour cream and jalapeno. Beautifully greasy, the potato skins were well done and the smokey chicken pieces complemented the cooling sour cream.

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For our mains, we had the Taco crunch burger – an 8oz brisket burger cooked pink (though the staff were accommodating when I asked for mine to be cooked a little more well done) with queso cheese sauce, crisp tortillas and caramelised onions.

Meaty and filling, the burger was a real hit with myself and my friend, and this dish seemed to have a Jewish influence as the brisket was topped with a lightly toasted brioche bun.
Apparently the chief operating officer at The Diner loves Jewish food after he was inspired by the cooking-style and recipes during a trip to Miami over the festival of Hanukah.

It was accompanied with a side of corn of the cob which was rolled in lime mayo, grated cheese and chilli powder and it’s spice tingled on my lips.

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Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore, the dessert, or S’mores as it’s known, was bought out to our table.

The graham crackers were smothered with melted Nutella and marshmallow and again, there’s no lady-like way to eat this. It was sweet and warm and a great finish to our evening.

Kettner’s: Quintessentially British Dining and Drinking in the heart of Soho

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Kettners-0Amongst 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.

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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

Face The Music at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, Walthamstow

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhat struck me most about the All Star Productions cast was how much each actor seemed to enjoy their time on stage, despite the show being set against the backdrop of the ‘Great Depression’.

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Face The Music, originally written by Moss Hart with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, has been resurrected for a twenty-first century audience at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre in Walthamstow, but it maintains the character, costume and camaraderie of 1930’s America.

The play centres on the ‘make or break’ theatre show to be directed by Hal Reisman, but in an age of austerity, he struggles to find the financial backing to get the show on the road.

Spurred on by love’s young dream, Kit Baker (Joanna Hughes) and Pat Mason (Alessandro Lubrano), the three meet with bent copper Meshbesher and his eccentric wife Myrtle who are only too happy to splash the cash in a bid to avoid having their haul discovered by the government.

In fact the more the play’s a failure – they’re happy to sink 800,000 dollars into the production – the happier the couple are, as it will cover their dodgy money trail.

And so a round of auditions ensues which sees jazz hands, tap dancing and catchy sing-alongs such as ‘On a roof in Manhattan’, ‘My beautiful rhinestone girl’ and ‘If you believe’.

I particularly enjoyed the relationship between plain PC O’Rourke (James Holbrooke) and the sultry streetwalker (Joanne Clifton) as she woos him to avoid being sent to prison and instead is given the opportunity to join the cast.

 

However, the play is missing one big thing – sex. As they say, ‘sex sells’ and once the ladies start to strip off, the show is a success, even with the most critical of reviewers.

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Ultimately, the show’s success is the cause of the Meshbesher’s failure, as they’re dragged to court to answer to the charge, of corruption, extortion and embezzlement.

 

Leading lady, Joanna Hughes, had a serene yet authoritative presence on the stage and James Holbrooke’s facial expressions capture each emotion portrayed by his character perfectly.

 

Directed by Brendan Matthews, Face The Music is a fun and enlightening production and a big round of applause should also go to the orchestra tucked away in the corner of the stage area.

 

Face The Music is on at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre, Walthamstow until 3 July, tickets available from the box office on 020 8520 8674. Ps, you may want to arrive early to sample the pizza from the make shift hut just outside the pub…

 

 

Blooming Brilliance Pop-Up Bar Creates New Summer Sanctuary In Knightsbridge…

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BLOOMING BRILLIANCE POP-UP BAR CREATES NEW SUMMER SANCTUARY AT THE RIB ROOM BAR & RESTAURANT

• OPEN DAILY FROM 4PM, 8 JUNE-2 AUGUST
• LAUNCH OF SEVENTEEN BOTANICAL-INSPIRED COCKTAILS & SEASONAL LIGHT CUISINE
• EXCLUSIVE TASTING & SHOWCASE EVENINGS IN JUNE

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On 8 June 2015, The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant at Jumeirah Carlton Tower in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge unveiled Blooming Brilliance, its first pop-up seasonal bar, offering an enchanting escape from the heat of summer in the city with a series of innovative botanical cocktails and exclusive tasting evenings.

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Creating a direct connection with the manicured splendour of Cadogan Place Gardens, guests will experience a floral journey from the moment they arrive outside the hotel, through the lobby into the restaurant and bar itself. The decoration reflects a summer theme with imaginative planting of botanical herbs, vibrant flowers and citrus shrubs that add an intoxicating fragrance.

Guests may also enjoy sipping al fresco in The Rib Room’s outdoor terrace.

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As part of this seasonal spectacle, Saverio Vicari, the Rib Room’s Head Mixologist has devised a specially crafted menu offering seventeen cocktails with a botanical twist.

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The menu will incorporate classic English favourites, plus some contemporary concoctions featuring summer staples of Bombay Sapphire Gin and Grey Goose vodka, with some refreshing non-alcoholic choices as an option.

Just some of the botanical cocktails to launch will include; the thirst-quenching Jack and Shrub – a horticultural concoction of Gentleman Jack Bourbon, Amaro Lucano and strawberry shrub with dashes of lemon juice and Peychaud bitters, sweetened with sugar and served in a copper mug decorated with mint and strawberry.

Inspired by the fragrant herb, the Basil Sour is a heady mix of Beluga vodka, lemon juice and ginger syrup complemented with a teaspoon of basil olive oil. Lavender Cutie offers a non-alcoholic summer bouquet of blueberry purée mixed with equal measures of lavender syrup and lemon juice, topped up with soda water and garnished with blueberry on a stick of lavender.

For the cocktail aficionado, Blooming Brilliance will host a series of showcase evenings including; a Sipsmith Gin experience on the 18th June, Cocktail Creations on the 25th June, and on the 2nd July a summer botanical food demonstration for £30.00 per person.

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Michele Caggianese, Manager of The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant said: “Blooming Brilliance creates a casual ambience for enjoying carefree summer evenings in the heart of Knightsbridge – whatever the Great British weather. Our imaginative drinks menu, savoury treats and experiences promise to refresh and reinvigorate, and restore seasonal bloom.”

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Blooming Brilliance at The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant opens daily from 4pm, 8 June to 2 August. Visit theribroom.co.uk or call 020 7858 7250.

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 About The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant…
The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant is located on the ground floor of Jumeirah Carlton Tower, in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge. Awarded three AA Rosettes for culinary and service excellence, The Rib Room Bar is an intimate destination for drinks and bar cuisine, bringing together expert mixologists and contemporary design to evoke a chic ambience of indulgence. Located on the corner of Sloane Street and Cadogan Gardens, The Rib Room Bar serves a superb selection of world wines and cocktails – including Cocktail of the Month, and premium gins and bespoke bitters. The al fresco terrace offers a cocktail menu and a cigar menu. See: theribroom.co.uk

 

About Jumeirah Carlton Tower…

A beacon of British style and sophistication, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is a renowned five star hotel in London, located in the heart of the city’s central area.

Located on Sloane Street, the hub of Knightsbridge, this luxury hotel is one of the best hotels in London and boasts 216 guest rooms including 58 suites. These include the exclusive Royal Suite, offering superb views of the London skyline and spacious Executive Suites, ideal for business travellers.

Home to one of London’s most exclusive health clubs, The Peak Health Club and Spa, you can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or invigorating workout in the gym. Combined with award-winning restaurants and elegant bars, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is the ideal destination for your next London city break.

Key attractions close to Jumeirah Carlton Tower include Hyde Park, and the city’s finest luxury shopping at Sloane Street’s boutiques and Harrods and Harvey Nichols are within easy walking distance.

See: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/london/jumeirah-carlton-tower

Havoc Dyed Ink: Hockney by Adam Birtwistle

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by Margaret Graham.

Piano Nobile, 129 Portland Road, London W11 4LW Friday 8th May – Saturday 13th June 2015

Havoc Dyed Ink presents David Hockney by Adam Birtwistle: Pop Art’s foremost icon seen through the eyes of Britain’s pre-eminent portraitist.

I wasn’t altogether sure what to expect, but Birtwistle’s drawings are excellent.

 

I choose that word – excellent –  carefully. With drawings the faint hearted are spotted immediately: all those feathery strokes and light pencil marks. Not here though – Adam Birtwistle whacks in, his work giving the impression of effortless talent. Here you could think is someone who picks up a pencil and ‘just does it’. The lines flow, the red braces draw you in.

 

It’s not as simple as that, though. There’s that other thing, talent. And what about the sheer hard graft, and perception? What about the ability to see the nuances of expression, and the ability to convey them? Birtwistle captures Hockney. We see the humour, the thoughtfulness of the man. We collude with the artist and the sitter, joining in and recognizing the joke, the thoughts, the body language.

 

We see the pre-occupation, and sometimes the look of ‘What, really?

 

The roots of Havoc Dyed Ink began with a fortuitous meeting in 2001 when Adam Birtwistle visited David Hockney in his studio. The following year Birtwistle painted two portraits of Hockney using studies made during this meeting.

 

Havoc Dyed Ink unites Birtwistle’s studies from 2002 and 2014 with a new painting of Hockney from 2015. Throughout his career, Birtwistle has painted many other icons, such as Jeremy Irons, and Elvis Costello. But it is to David Hockney that Birtwistle keeps returning.

 

Hockney’s status as a national treasure has continued to grow, yet Birtwistle strips away the noise of fame, recognising Hockney as a kindred creative spirit. Candid, playful and revealing, these studies and one painting give the sensation of sustained time in the company of Hockney. Birtwistle captures shifting poses and attitudes.

 

Downstairs at Piano Nobile are his – well what? Hogarthian paintings, with witty, or scathing commentary ditties? Some will love them, some won’t. Not my bag. I’ll stick with Hockney, but interesting nonetheless. Good for Birtwistle.  I like artists who experiment.

Go and see it all. A feast, it is.