Nov 2013

As you descend the precariously steep steps into this somewhat concealed cocktail bar, you’ll feel as if you’ve somehow walked into your Grandma’s living room. Flowery wallpaper, vintage furniture, weathered black and white photographs, tasseled lampshades and potted plants fill the den-like room. It would not surprise me if there was a doily or two in there as well!

It may give the impression of Grandma’s living room, but unlike the typical Grandma living room the Bourne & Hollingsworth also houses a sizable bar and DJ, plus an array of carefully crafted cocktails, mixed, shaken and stirred by skillful bartenders.

Enjoy the quirky surrounds and soak up the 30s prohibition style atmosphere, while sipping gin concoctions from fine china tea cups and fruity cocktails from old mason jars. I recommend the Honey Berry Bison (£8.50) – a pleasant mixture of Zubrowka vodka and berries, shaken with lemon, honey and egg white. It’s smooth, sweet and delicious!

Bourne & Hollingsworth also holds a varied range of events: live bands, film screenings, poetry readings and the like.

Posted by Jess Fleming

Nov 2013

With outstanding service, an elegant yet casual atmosphere and more importantly perfectly cooked steak, it’s no wonder the Hawksmoor is often hailed as “the best steak restaurant in London”.

From the moment you walk through the large double doors the ambience of the Hawksmoor warmly welcomes you. An ambiance created by the restaurants stylish interior of exposed brick walls, wooden flooring, dark leather swivel chairs, hanging chandeliers and impressively candle lit dining hall.

You will most likely need to make a reservation for dinner, but even so I suggest turning up a little early so you can enjoy a cocktail at the gorgeous bar, before heading into the main dining room. Once seated you will see a series of hanging black boards highlighting what individual cuts of meat are on offer that night, as well as larger cuts, which are intended to be shared among groups.

Once you’ve chosen your steak don’t forget to choose your accompanying sides, such as: triple cooked chips (a must), beef dripping chips, mash with gravy (amazing), creamed spinach, buttered greens and much, much more!

Expertly seared on a grill, just the way you like it, the Hawksmoor’s steak will melt in your mouth and make you question why you’ve never been here before.

Not only does the steak taste great but the restaurant supports sustainable agricultural practices and locally sources all their meat and seafood. So you can take great comfort in the fact that there is no mystery meat here!

Take my word for it, this is not the type of place you want to go wearing tight jeans, as you’ll be left feeling absolutely stuffed (in the best possible way) by the end of your meal.

Having said that, make sure to leave room for dessert. The sticky toffee pudding is divine, as is the salted caramel ice cream.

It’s also worth noting that the Hawksmoor offers an ‘Express Menu’ throughout the day, which is served until 6:30pm. 2 courses for £23 or 3 courses for or £26.

Posted by Jess Fleming

Nov 2013

Located atop of Herron Tower on the 40th floor, Duck & Waffle is a rather fancy-schmancy restaurant and bar offering unparalleled views of Central London as well as breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late night menus.

Dishes at the Duck & Waffle are designed to be shared and sampled. And as you might of guessed the signature dish is indeed, Duck and Waffle, which is served with a perfectly cooked fried duck egg and a small bowl of mustard maple syrup.

Other specialty dishes include: whole roasted shropshire chicken with ratte potatoes, wild mushrooms and truffle, backed sea bass with lemon and rosemary, grilled tiger prawns with a pickled fennel salad, among other equally sumptuous dishes.

There’s also an extensive drinks menu, which the staff are just as enthusiastic to tell you about. The drinks are then poured and mixed by bartenders behind a sleek and modern bar.

In fact the entire floor is modern in design with simple yet stylish features like, a wooden paneled ceiling, marble top tables and rounded booths.

Useful Info

As you can imagine this place is incredibly popular so it’s best to reserve a table beforehand, which you can do over the phone or via email.

Dress code is smart casual. Check website for the kitchens opening and closing times.

Posted by Jess Fleming

Sep 2013

Sunny days in London are best spent lying on the grass in Regent’s Park – reading, picnicking, people watching or simply gazing at London’s surprisingly blue sky. In summer, or really whenever the sun is out, the park is a flurry of activity, with people playing cricket, sun bathing, frisbee throwing, walking, jogging, bike riding and so on.

If you happen to find yourself in Regent’s Park, make sure you take the time to walk around the beautifully manicured lawns and tranquil gardens, where in the springtime an impressive display of tulips and other flowers paint the park a myriad of gorgeous colours. If you don’t feel like walking you can always rent a ‘Borris’ Barclays Bike and cycle leisurely along either the inner or outer circle park roads or on one of the many bike paths.

Also, make sure to check out the beautiful and somewhat secret garden of St John’s Lodge, located within the park’s Inner Circle. This serene and rather fragrant spot is the perfect place for a catch up picnic with friends.

Posted by Jess Fleming

Sep 2013

A lovely little deli / patisserie located in the heart of Bloomsbury. There’s not a huge selection of food, but the food they have (mornings – fruit and yoghurt, granola, pastries, and at lunch – sandwiches, soups, salads) is always fresh and reasonably priced. Also, the coffee is Monmouth, so you can expect a great cup.

Make sure to check out the back shelves too as Fork stocks a few artisan products: preserves, sauces, oils, as well as coffee, pasta and other goods.

Posted by Jess Fleming