30 August 2013

Graphic

There's something about the weeks after a Bank Holiday Monday that seem to throw you out of kilter and slip by torturously slowly. Even though it's been a four day week, I feel that I've been working forever and my head can't get round that Tuesday was Tuesday and not something else... So the only way to remedy this, naturally, is to partake in Thursday-is-the-new-Friday drinks.


We headed down to Graphic in Golden Square. Suitably busy, finding a spot to stand in outside was a game of cat-and-mouse but it was far too nice an evening to waste it indoors. Instead, we ducked in and out of the busy industrial-style bar and soaked up the last of the sunshine until darkness drove us inside.

Graphic is host to over 180 different types of gin - apparently the biggest collection in the UK - and they even host a fortnightly Juniper Club, offering tastings for all you gin afficionados out there. Despite being faced with a huge bank of bottles to choose from, I went for mojitos - starting with a traditional one, then raspberry and finally a spiced version that I used to make.

After dark, we headed inside and took residence in one of the comfy sofas as a DJ mixed Prince with Chromeo, Luther Vandross with Daft Punk - I was in my element. It's a really laid back place with a creative vibe matched by the crowd and the decor provided by revolving urban artists. It's one of those 'on trend' industrial style places that seem pretty popular at the moment, but don't let concrete and metal grilles put you off, this place is all smiles with a three out of five
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28 August 2013

Mishkin's


The original Mishkin's was established way back in 1931. Its current format is a little younger, having been regenerated as part of the Polpo family in 2011. The premise is the same and it's described as 'a kind-of Jewish deli with cocktails' that serves up the 'Jewish comfort food we all love eating'. It was my first foray into Jewish food (late night Brick Lane beigels don't count) and it didn't disappoint.

As it was a work thing and we were keeping it casual, we decided to order several plates and share. We opted for the reuben on toasted rye (pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss and Russian dressing), the Brick Lane salt beef sandiwch with Colman's and pickles, the salt beef and Colman's triple cheese macaroni, lamb and minted yoghurt sliders (we went for the smaller to share, as the large just doubles the patty), beetroot and feta slider with cumin salsa, and sides of half and half (chips and onion rings) and the summer radish slaw. A veritable feast with everything a mix of crunchy pickle and gloriously salted beef flavours - we just kept coming back for more.

The atmosphere was laid back, the staff friendly and attentive and the food quick to arrive. We didn't try any of the daily or seasonal specials but if you're nipping in for something sweet, go for the baked cheesecake of the day - ours was maple and pecan and to die for. We had a booth but sit at the New York deli-style bar and revel in the classic brickwork and chrome combination.

For a brilliant introduction to Jewish-style food, Mishkin's gets a moreish four out of five.
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27 August 2013

The Sound of Music at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

When I was growing up, I practically wanted to be the eighth Von Trapp child. I used to watch the video every single day (much to the chagrin of my parents) and can still recite most of the film verbatim. So when my housemate had tickets to see The Sound of Music, I jumped at the chance. What made it even better was that it was an evening performance on Bank Holiday Monday. And in an open air theatre.

I'd never been to the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park but was very pleasantly surprised. A steep amphitheatre seating over 1,000 people, it's nestled into a gorgeously verdant part of the park and you'd almost never know it was there. It's host to all sorts of productions from Shakespeare to Hitchcock and is open to the weather (so do take a jumper just in case!). I was running late so picked up my ticket on the gate, whisked through the bar area and found my seat with the others - talking of seats, it seems there's no 'bad' seat as visibility from all angles is brilliant and the production makes the most of the space it's given.


Kicking off at 7.45pm (although there are matinee performances), The Sound of Music fully immerses you in the world of Maria and the Von Trapps. All the characters from the film make appearances and are uncannily like their original counterparts, proving the value of the director's observation. The instantly recognisable Rodgers & Hammerstein score is, of course, prevalent throughout with the actors voices surprisingly strong - and at the curtain call, it's revealed that a live orchestra has been accompanying the entire performance.

The production isn't just a 'live version of the film' - some artistic licence brings the classic right up-to-date with a knowing nod between cast and audience. The action is expertly captured and you could feel a genuine, palpable affection from the latter for such an expert adaptation. As the dark descended, the amphitheatre felt quite romantic, lit with fairy lights in places and the flicker of fireflies dancing above us, and it was quite emotional watching the production draw to a close. There's some real talent in this production and it was so good to see one of my childhood films brought to life so well.

I definitely recommend the Open Air Theatre, tucked into the heart of one of London's favourite parks. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine and make a right evening of it, soaking up some great culture in the city. The Sound of Music ends on 14 September but you can also catch screenings of Hitchcock's The Birds and Into The Words, dark retellings of the Grimm fairytales.
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23 August 2013

The Shire

Heading home to the Shire for the weekend... Catch you at the best pub in the world?
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22 August 2013

Le Mercury

Le Mercury, in case you hadn't guessed, is a French bistro on prime real estate Upper Street, right between Angel and Highbury stations. Spread over three floors, it seems to be a bit of an Islington stalwart as every table was taken (and we visited on a Wednesday night) and the atmosphere was buzzing. Downstairs is dark and romantic with candlelit tables for two, and potted plants dotted on every available surface. The two floors upstairs are dedicated for bigger tables - we were on the top floor and as a party of 14, the smallest of the three in the room that night.

One of the main things to shout about Le Mercury is the price. I kicked off with a medium glass of house red for £3.95 - quite possibly the cheapest I've ever had in London. And there's an even bigger surprise when it comes to the food. All very much French inspired, there's a choice of around 10 or so starters, and the same for mains, all at almost unheard prices of £4.95 and £9.95 respectively. The day's specials may cost a little more and sides such as fries, seasonal vegetables or a salad are £1.95 each.

I went for the carpaccio of beef to start - thinly sliced raw meat with a caper & pepper relish and a rocket and parmesan salad. It was a good choice and a great portion size. Only niggle was that it was a little under seasoned and salt/pepper shakers do nothing to solve this - where are the nice big grinders when you need them? To follow I had crispy skinned seabass fillet with crushed new potatoes and a mint pesto. The flavours in this were a lot stronger and the dish was better seasoned, so this was polished off very quickly.

Service is relatively attentive but slow coming and it wasn't on form last night. The birthday boy's food never came, with the waiting staff giving us mixed messages before the manager told us they'd run out...five minutes into our main courses. He was given a replacement meal on the house (which came after the rest of the table had finished) and chose raclette - a typical Alpine treat of of cheese, potatoes and cornichons. They also gave him a complimentary espresso martini and a round of sambuca (that I made everyone flame) as an apology - so at least they're conscientious and conciliatory in their errors.

In short, Le Mercury is a good little place for cheap dining (which is ever hard to come by in London) and definitely worth a try. The food is good, service is average but who cares when you're catching up with pals? It gets a three out of five this time - although I might give its sister Le Mercury (deuxieme) - a few blocks down - a go next time and see if the slicker sibling's a better alternative.
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20 August 2013

Tina Seskis and Books on the Underground

I've said it before and no doubt I'll say it many times again, I'm a massive reader. Huge. Enormous. Limitless. I'd pick up books before I could read them, put pen to paper before I could write and spent my childhood living in other people's adventures. I've read almost all the books in my parent's houses at least once (or, in the case of Alex Garland's The Beach and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, countless times) and still regularly swap books with my ex. I occasionally buy books, perhaps more so now that (whisper it) I have a Kindle - but before that, I was making good use of the Hackney library.

But now, there's a new kid in town, Books on the Underground. The premise is pretty self-explanatory and just a little bit romantic, creating a moving, subterranean library of novels to pick up and put back down once you're done.


A couple of weeks ago, Books on the Underground offered me the opportunity to review one of their latest loves and here's what I had to say...

Tina Seskis' A Serpentine Affair is one of those books that you just can't predict. Despite an opening line that surmises the main event, it's the journey there that's just so unexpected. An annual reunion of seven old friends may seem innocent enough but the expertly crafted book reveals each women's dark secrets, bubbling dangerously under the surface.

Seskis' ability to write strong characters with well-considered back stories really comes to the fore. The interweaving histories of the women create both a sense of empathy and distrust – are these women responsible for the fate of their friendships? And, as we know, the course of true love never did run smooth – the dark undertones of the relationships in the novel are compelling and provocative.

A great second novel, A Serpentine Affair follows the success of One Step Too Far, as a striking piece of work that asks the reader to question their own morals, as well as those of the characters. After all, how well do you really need somebody?

You can buy the book here or keep an eye on their Twitter page to find where it's heading next, and what else you'll be able to pick up. Easily identifiable by the charming sticker, where will you take yours?
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19 August 2013

Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary


Bloody Marys are the best go-to drink when you're feeling a little fragile from the previous night's overindulgence. The vitamin content of the tomato juice, the you-can't-taste-it vodka and the kick of the Tabasco just have that knack of setting you on your feet again.

There's a whole wealth of recipes to try, but for a simple, easy to make pick-me up, give this one a go.

You'll need
  • Tomato juice
  • 50ml vodka (or just a single shot of 25ml if you prefer). For non-drinkers you can leave the booze out completely
  • A pinch of cracked black pepper
  • A pinch of celery salt
  • A pinch of grated fresh horseradish
  • A couple of splashes Lee & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
  • A splash or two of Tabasco (depending on how brave you're feeling)
  • A slice of lemon
  • A stick of celery
  • If you're feeling extra fancy, you can even add in a splash of sherry, port or red wine
  • Ice
How to
  1. The simplest way is to just pour everything into a tall glass or mason jar and give it a stir.
  2. If you've got a cocktail shaker to hand, add everything in, along with the ice and shake it up! Pour into the glass through a strainer, and drink straight away. 
  3. Or, you can be a little creative and add a large olive or a cooked prawn as garnish, rim the glass with black pepper and salt, or switch up the alcohol to gin.
Feeling adventurous?
These three recipes from the A Beautiful Mess girls look and sound absolutely delicious...
a For spice fans, the sriracha one will suit.
b Like wasabi? How about this?
c And what about basil

Photos taken from A Beautiful Mess
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18 August 2013

Mark's Bar, Hix


Mark Hix has been a bit of a busy chap. After spending 18 years as a Chef Director, he opened up his first restaurant - the Hix Oyster & Chop House in Smithfield - in 2008. Since then he's opened up five other restaurants, both in and out of the city, and been met with a lot of acclaim.

Each of his locations has a different style and theme - I'm still wanting to try his Shoreditch venture, Tramshed, that has a massive Damien Hirst piece suspended above the diners - and they describe Mark's Bar, beneath Hix, as 'one of the coolest bars in London'. Descending into atmospheric darkness, you're greeted with smoky mirrors and a low zinc 'apothecary cocktail bar'. Huge potion-like bottles and decanters are dotted around and the mismatched glassware lends a decadent speakeasy feel to the place. Predictably, there's a no reservation policy so you take what you're given - we were lucky enough to pull up stools in prime position and effectively had our very own cocktail mixologist.

Flipping through the prayer sheet menu, names such as 'Atholl Brose' and 'Gin Punch a la Terrington' jump out at you, with each cocktail being given its own little story and its own imaginative presentation (my first came in a decidedly unfeminine tankard). As it was a Friday night, we were a little more indulgent and sampled quite a few of the drinks on offer but returned time and time again to the Red Snapper - essentially a Bloody Mary made with gin that hit the sweet spot.

The atmosphere was laid back, with some great music (Jimi Hendrix's All Along The Watchtower, for example) and the bar staff friendly, quick and knowledgeable. Our guy let us try a shot of milk vodka each and answered our curious questions as he smoked peppercorns for some elaborate creation. Mark's Bar has been described as 'the place you've been waiting for' and it's a great little spot in the heart of Soho, away from the hustle and bustle and without the clinical feel that some cocktail places have.

A reservation? It was a little tricky to find a cocktail to fall in love with but I think I'm just clutching at cocktail straws...
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15 August 2013

Return to Witch Mountain: Oxo Tower Bar & Madison

Sometimes some places make such an impression, you can't help but head back for a second visit. Last night was one of those occasions, the Oxo Tower Bar and Madison the locations.

My first foray into the Oxo Tower Bar was a few months ago, on a beautifully hot sunny Sunday. We stood out on the terrace and soaked up the sunshine. Last night was a little different. The drizzle had already set in and gone were the blue skies, to be replaced by cloud so close it shrouded the City. So we settled in at the bar, no longer lamenting the previously fortunate few who'd been given tables, as we had stools and prime access to the chipper bar staff.

We took it slow, as it was a school night after all, but between us sampled the Pleasure Boat (which comes in a tiki cup and reminded me of the cocktail-in-a-suitcase from Floripa), the Raspberry Gin Daisy and The Big Smoke (definitely an experience, and perhaps not to be repeated).

From there, we had one at Madison, One New Change. The rain held off at this point so we made the most of the illuminated views of St Paul's before ducking into the restaurant. Drinks were still flowing and going strong at half ten, with new parties turning up to take up table bookings, and a few people a little worse for wear. It's a great place and the food sounds tempting, although we didn't indulge on this occasion.

With so many places to explore in London, I'm trying to not make a habit of religiously returning to stalwarts but these two bars are fast becoming firm favourites and so the rules can be broken, right?
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13 August 2013

Imagery #9



































I do wear colour...sometimes | Birthday present from Pollen Street Social | I bought myself a Kindle Fire HD! (more soon)
Reviewing this for Books on the Underground | Block heel brogues & the lowest heels I've worn for months
 Presents from 1000heads | Soho Hotel selfie
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12 August 2013

Flowers in the window

Friday started off as pretty much an ordinary Friday... The end of the (four day) week is often quite quiet in creative-land and last week's was just as ordinary as any. After the necessary stop for pho ga hue at lunchtime, I noticed Soho wasn't smelling as fresh...and I tweeted about it. It was picked up by 1000heads - self-confessed 'word of mouth people' and, as part of their #1000smiles campaign, offered me a bouquet of flowers. Of course, I jumped at the chance and a short while later a whole team came by my work and dropped these off much to the bemusement of my colleagues.

















Predictably, I then spent the rest of the afternoon beaming. Job done, guys. And then left the office, flowers and all, to see off the week in very naughty style with Espress-Sohos and raspberry martinis at the Refuel bar in Soho Hotel. Perfect.
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6 August 2013

Pollen Street Social


It's not every day that you eat at a Michelin starred restaurant - but then I guess it's not every day that you turn 24. Last Tuesday, my dad took me for a surprise birthday lunch at London's hottest ticket and I can quite honestly say that it was the best meal of my life.

I took a half day to join my dad for an aperitif at Shampers before we headed over to Pollen Street Social, off Maddox Street in Mayfair, incidentally opposite the site of a former pub where my parents used to drink in their very early days. I'd been to the Social once previously for a cocktail - the barman asked me what flavours I liked and whipped me up an autumnal take on a mojito to die for - and had actually met the main man himself, Jason Atherton, very briefly. However, it couldn't have prepared me for the culinary expertise we went on to indulge in.

We kicked off with a Bloody Mary each before choosing a bottle of Pomerol to share over lunch. Whilst we were poring over the incredible menu, we were brought appetisers of homemade bread with a salted cod cheek dip, salted gorda olives and pork scratching 'crisps' served with an apple and mustard relish.


To start, I chose 'A very English smoked salmon' - more than just a dish, it's an experience as the maitre d' brings out your lightly smoked fish in its own smoking box, and serves it onto your plate of bib lettuce and beetroot onions. Along with innumerable ingredients, there's also an accompanying tin of a lemon creme fraiche topped with caviar.

Then, I chose the Cornish seabass which was served with a cuttlefish, parsley and cockle chowder with squid ink potatoes. The vibrant colour and flavour of the veloute against the perfectly-cooked white fish was absolutely perfect. Dad, who had a similar dish from the lunch menu, whole-heartedly agreed.

We were then given a palate cleanser of passionfruit granita with a mango and lime foam, before I couldn't resist ordering a lemon verbena sorbet with bergamot meringue and olive oil gel. Yes, really. It was a day of indulgence, evidently. Further proven by the white chocolate coated freeze-dried raspberries and mini macarons (we chose green tea, peach and chocolate) that came served with our coffees.

The service, as expected, was impeccable and the experience out of this world. Whilst it may be easy to scoff at the prices of expensive restaurants, the proof of the pudding really is in the eating. With the most inspired combinations of ingredients and the most impeccable attention to detail in all areas, that's taken absolute years to accomplish, the price at Pollen Street Social really is worth every penny.

It's the kind of place that I'd make weekly return trips to if I could (I can't), and it's now top of my recommendations if anyone ever asks me. An incredibly indulgent meal, for all the right reasons, that left the most amazing taste in my mouth. Which was still there two days later when I polished off the incredible bitter chocolate pave that the maitre d' had given me as a birthday present. Perfect.

Photos taken from the Pollen Street Social website
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4 August 2013

Sunday links #14


1 Acceptable in the 80s
These fab photos give an insight into London life in the eighties, with some great outfits and a real sense of nostalgia. Someone commented, 'Looking at these pictures feels like meeting a very old friend...it was so much more chaotic - but that was the beauty of it really. There was a space for genuine eccentricity then...' Poetic, no? And I think there's definitely some images that definitely look as if they were taken yesterday, don't you think?

2 Blurred lines
Robin Thicke's talk of the town tune and video has been given a do-over by Mod Carousel. They've turned the tables 'leaving the men as gormless, naked playthings under the control of the women'. It's entertaining whilst drawing attention to the recent spate of nude music videos (Justin Timberlake, I'm looking at you) without being overly damning and damaging.

3 Saddle up
Despite the fact they're jumped up jodhpurs, I've been after some riding pants since forever. Without wanting to shell out £64 on American Apparel, I found these Topshop beauties at half the price but with just as much punch. There's currently free worldwide shipping with FREE4ALL code too, so what're you waiting for?

4 Behind This Wall
Head down to the final weekend of the oyster and cocktail pop-up, Behind This Wall, on Broadway Market. Perhaps not the obvious of locations, pie and mash shop F Cooke is hosting this blink-and-you'll-miss-it bar so why not trade in your eel pie for something a little more decadent?

5 Test your mettle
Following their success last year with the Look Longer tube station project, CBS have conjured up a new game that challenges you to recognise 150 brands from teeny pictures and straplines. Find some time to put your waiting-around-on-platforms to good use and you could win a prize.
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2 August 2013

Do you gongoozle?

As every Londoner will tell you, while there's always things to do in London, you often find yourself doing none of them. Sometimes the most popular and exciting things lose their appeal when you're faced with some questionable weather and a slightly painful head from the night before. This weekend, it was more a case of the latter as Saturday exploded with torrential thunderstorms and so Sunday was the day of choice for a little local exploration.


























We wandered along the canal to Angel, stopping to help this brilliant barge through the lock, pick at the trinkets in the stalls, buy some records for our living room, skip past Ottolenghi's, covet the townhouses and indulge in £1 cupcakes from Molly Bakes. I'm just not sure why we haven't done this sooner.
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1 August 2013

Madison, One New Change


Hold on, guys, I think we're onto a winner here...

On Monday night, I meandered through St Paul's new precinct One New Change, took the lift to the top floor and was greeted by the most amazing view of the Cathedral (and beyond) courtesy of Madison. A quiet little haven above the hustle and bustle of the streets and shopping below, the roof terrace opens out on to a wide area flanked by the cocktail bar on one side and the restaurant on the other.

We were here for drinks, particularly as I seem to have an ongoing 'thing' for drinking in high places, and they didn't disappoint. I was a bit indulgent and had three cocktails - two from the menu, the Stawberr'Le and the M, and then asked them to craft me an espresso martini. All were perfectly balanced and very moreish - although perhaps a little dangerous for the start to the week.

The weather yo-yoed so we yo-yoed back and forth inside and out, watching the sun set over St Paul's and the rest of the beautiful London skyline. I nipped into the restaurant briefly, where there's big sofas to recline on and a range of brasserie food and tapas dishes on offer. Service was friendly, prices were reasonable (for location and the view) and the company was great too.

Madison gets four and a half out of five with (at the risk of sounding snobbish) half a star off because I don't want to share this place with anyone else!

Photography by Polly May
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