eggs benedict | cheriecity.co.uk

Ozone Coffee Roasters, Shoreditch

July 15, 2012 by cheriecity

Ozone Coffee Roasters is an exciting new addition to the London Antipodean coffee scene. Ozone has been roasting coffee in New Zealand since 1998 and now brings its years of expertise to east London. The expansive two-floor dining room and cafe with in-house roastery opened in March this year in a converted industrial building, tucked away on Shoreditch’s Leonard Street.

There are plenty of petite artisan coffee joints in East London, but Ozone is a much slicker affair, with an open kitchen serving proper restaurant dishes, intimate leather booths and table service.

The front of Ozone is a casual sit-in cafe with a take-away counter and boutique selling Ozone coffee, gourmet hot chocolate mixes and coffee brewing homeware.

We visited for lunch and had a booth to ourselves where we could peer across to the kitchen and watch our food being prepared. There is a good selection of wines and beers available, but the soft drinks are just as interesting with Chegworth juices and Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade.

Ozone serves eggs throughout the day, so I was tempted by the Benedict-style poached eggs with bubble and squeak cakes with bearnaise and bacon (also available with smoked ham, cured salmon or portobello mushroom and spinach).

They were quite possibly the best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had! The eggs were perfectly poached and cloud-like and smothered in a buttery bearnaise. The smoked bacon was thick-cut and full of flavour, but best of all were the chunky bubble and squeak cakes. They were coated in crispy, fine breadcrumbs and were filled with a mix of mashed potato, swede, carrot and peas. The bubble and squeak cakes were an interesting change from English muffins made the dish even more satisfying for lunchtime.

Steven ordered the Beef steak sandwich with beetroot, aged Cheddar, rocket and aioli served with hand cut chips. The medium-well done steak was thin and tender and was packed between two slices of sourdough. The skin-on chips were thick and crispy and served in their own terracotta pot with a delicious aioli dipping sauce.

The desserts at Ozone are out of this world – certainly a cut above the usual offering of muffins and pastries. I tried the most heavenly Lemon Curd Slice, served with vanilla cream. The sticky cake was infused with a kind of dense lemon curd custard and set on a shortbread biscuit base. It was incredibly decadent, rich and sweet – quite unlike any cake I’ve tasted.

Steven’s New York Cheesecake was fresh, cool, creamy, thick and also super sweet. The desserts at Ozone are ideal for those with a sweet tooth, however, for something lighter, try some gelato, granita or a gelato milkshake by Soho’s Gelupo. In return, Ozone coffee is used at Gelupo and Bocca di Lupo – a perfect foodie marriage!

Of course, tasting the in-house roasted coffee was a must, so Steven tried a Cappuccino and I was interested to see how good their Chai Latte was. The cappuccino was creamy, rich roasted and potent but without any bitterness. Chai Lattes can be hit or miss in London, either being too sweet or just bland. However, Ozone’s Chai Latte was creamy, with a hint of white chocolate, just sweet enough and packed with punchy spices. Ozone blend their own Chai Latte powder mix using fresh spices, which can also be bought at the store.

We wanted to see the mechanics behind the exceptionally good coffee, so one of the baristas took us downstairs for a tour of the coffee roaster. Ozone roasts raw coffee beans 2-3 times per day on a classic 1975 PROBAT roaster, using beans from all over the world – notably Brazil and Costa Rica. The beans darken and expand in size and the unwanted bean debris is separated, leaving just the finest coffee ready for grinding.

The beans are then bagged up in air-tight pouches and sent off to cafe and restaurant stockists across the country.

To get the best coffee, the roasting time is tested and fine tuned by changing the pressure in the roaster. The quality of the coffee is tested by ‘cupping’ and the whole team at Ozone are involved in this process to make sure they are always serving the very best.

Ozone Coffee Roasters is a great find in London, with exceptional food and coffee in a cool, unpretentious place. Sometimes indie coffee shops can be claustrophobic with snail-paced service and an aloof attitude. Ozone, however, ticks like clockwork and is run by a team who are passionate about what they do, but still have time for a chat – it doesn’t get much better than that!

All photos by Chérie City

Chérie City was a guest of Ozone Coffee Roasters

Doha, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel Qatar

January 6, 2012 by cheriecity

A fabulous poolside party marked the debut of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, the hotly anticipated new arrival to Doha’s cosmopolitan West Bay area.

An international design-led lifestyle brand by Marriott, Renaissance’s philosophy is to offer guests a sensory experience with individual touches that make all the difference. Renaissance Doha City Center is part of the Marriott Doha complex, also comprising Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments, within two 48-storey towers connected to the Doha City Center Mall.

The Room

During my visit to Doha, I stayed at Renaissance Doha City Center for two nights in a deluxe room with spectacular floor to ceiling views over the Doha skyline and the Persian Gulf.

My room was exceptionally spacious, elegant and contemporary, designed in a colour palette of royal blue, pale yellow, black and matte silver. Doha’s local culture and heritage is referenced with black and white photographs depicting the beautiful Middle Eastern architecture, giving the room character.

My room was equipped with enough facilities for both business and leisure stays. It featured a large desk with an ergonomic chair and international plug sockets, a 32 inch LCD TV with cable satellite, Bose iPod dock, comfy seating areas and an iron with ironing board.

One of my favourite amenities was the tea and coffee-making set with three cute crushed ceramic coffee cups on a long oval saucer.

Like all Marriott hotels, the bed was exceptionally comfortable, with crisp linen, six pillows and plump cushions to prop you up when relaxing. This is something that I really love about the Marriott group, as there is nothing more pleasing than a luxurious hotel bed and knowing that a good night’s sleep is guaranteed.

The Bathroom

The marble bathroom was spacious and ornate, with gilt mirrors and pale gold patterned wallpaper. It featured a separate bathtub and shower, bidet, bathroom amenities by Brighton-based fragrance house Pecksniff’s and lots of fluffy towels. The navy embroidered bathrobe and slippers offered an extra luxurious touch.

A Welcome Treat

On arrival, I was welcomed with a box of baklava in a traditional decorative box and bottles of complimentary mineral water. After a long but very comfortable flight with Qatar Airways, I was ready to recline on the chaise-longue and refuel with more than a few pieces of delicious baklava before heading down to meet the group of international journalists over dinner at New York Steakhouse, one of the hotel’s fine dining restaurants.

Breakfast

The next day, it was an early start to go on a desert safari, just 30 minutes outside of Doha, so I ordered Eggs Benedict from the in-room menu. My breakfast was served perfectly on time and came beautifully presented, kept hot under a silver dome. As previously experienced in Beirut earlier in the year, Eggs Benedict in the Middle East are made slightly different to the UK, as ham is made from either chicken or beef and hollandaise sauce has a sharper, tangy taste.

The following morning, I went down for breakfast at Crossroads Kitchen at enjoyed a hearty breakfast of poached eggs on toast, mini pastries and made-to-order French Toast with red berry compote. It really was breakfast heaven and offered everything you could possibly want to start the day.

The Swimming Pool

One of the best things about staying at Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel is the number of leisure facilities in the West End part of the complex, available to all guests. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool and Aqua Lounge, children’s pool, whirlpool, sauna and vitality zone gym. Also worth a visit is the luxurious Saray Spa, where I enjoyed a relaxing facial, complete with its own sauna, steam room and hammam.

The Restaurants

There is an impressive selection of international restaurants and bars in the complex, including rustic Italian restaurant Cucina, New York Steakhouse, Ipanema Brazilian Churrascaria, Brasserie Centre-Ville, Glo Cocktail Bar. Alternatively, if you just want to crash out for the evening, order from the 24-hour in-room dining menu.

In place of a traditional Concierge is Navigator, a signature Renaissance service that connects guests with the coolest places and hidden gems in the city.

The Club Lounge

Club Level rooms offer access to the Club Lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary food, drinks and cocktails, business services and free WiFi. Having experienced the Club Lounge at London Marriott Grosvenor Square, if you have the option, it is certainly worth it! Another special feature is the rooftop helipad with an exclusive helipad lounge and bar, which makes for a glamorous or discreet arrival.

Impressions

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel excels with its fine attention to detail and exceptionally welcoming and efficient staff. The contemporary luxury surroundings are complimented by a warm, friendly atmosphere. It’s an ideal base for exploring the cultural delights of Doha while recharging in ultimate comfort.

For more information and booking, visit: www.marriott.co.uk

Cherie City was a guest of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel.

Breakfast, London, Restaurants

A Wonderful Breakfast At The Delaunay

December 25, 2011 by cheriecity

I’ve been waiting for months for the arrival of The Delaunay on Aldwych, just south of Covent Garden, so I treated myself to an indulgent breakfast before saying goodbye to London for 2011.

The Delaunay is the new all-day brasserie from The Wolseley owners Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, located on the site of the former Bank restaurant.

It’s part of a food renaissance in the area, alongside Russell Norman’s Jewish deli/cocktail bar Mishkin’s and the upcoming arrival of Keith McNally’s Balthazar. This regeneration could see Covent Garden take over Soho and Mayfair as the city’s most exciting food destination.

Despite living in London for almost four years, I haven’t yet made it to The Wolseley, so I’m experiencing The Delaunay with fresh eyes.

The Delaunay has the atmosphere of a grand European cafe with a mittel-European menu of comforting classics.

Arriving at The Delaunay was like stepping into another era of elegance, ceremony and restrained luxury. I left my coat in the traditional cloakroom and was escorted through the slightly more informal front room, past the tempting vienoisserie table through to a cosy corner table with a green leather banquette built into dark wood panelling.

I was greeted immediately by a polite, attentive waiter and ordered a pot of Delaunay Blend tea (£3.90). Like The Wolseley, The Delaunay has an indulgent selection of flavoured coffees and gourmet hot chocolates, which would be perfect for escaping the chill on a winter afternoon, but for breakfast only tea would do.

The tea came served in a large silver tea pot with a ceremonial strainer, ready to be poured into the classic monogrammed china cup and saucer. The Delaunay Blend had a malted, fragrant taste, with a hint of bergamot.

The test of a great breakfast destination is how it makes Eggs Benedict (£7/£13.50) so The Delaunay was duly subjected to my usual breakfast assessment. The toasted muffins were thick, springy and slightly sweet, the poached eggs were exemplary, the ham was high quality and full of flavour and the hollandaise had a creamy texture with a pleasing vinegar sharpness.

My granary toast was slightly burnt – hardly a big deal, but not expected from the new restaurant with its breakfast immortalised in Breakfast at the Wolseley by A.A Gill and a less than half full dining room.

Breakfast was leisurely and unhurried, however all of my requests were met quickly by the charming, capable staff. The Eggs Benedict are quite highly priced, especially compared to the rest of the breakfast menu, but they are exceptionally good and filling.

The Delaunay is an impressive, elegant destination for breakfast and with its proximity to Somerset House, it’s likely to be a beacon for all the London Fashion Week action next season.

For more info and reservations, visit: www.thedelaunay.com

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

London Syon Park Waldorf Astoria

August 18, 2011 by cheriecity

The five star London Syon Park, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, is nestled among 200 acres of idyllic greenery in the Duke of Northumberland’s Syon House Estate, just a short distance from Richmond and Kew Gardens.

London Syon Park has dual appeal – a country bolthole for Londoners escaping the noise of the city and a more inspiring option to the ‘airport hotels’ for those passing through Heathrow.

Arrival

The exterior of the hotel may not be quite as grand as you might expect, but step inside and you’re immediately transported to a whimsical wonderland of oversized velvet arm armchairs, a cloud-like origami sculpture and a glass butterfly house filled with the world’s most exotic butterflies, in the middle of the lobby.

This is inspired by the butterfly house that was once at Syon Park and the butterfly motif runs throughout the hotel, so look out for clues! There is even an ice cream parlour, Brownies, to make the experience even more fantastical.

London Syon Park has 137 rooms on just two floors with some accessed through an enclosed outdoor walkway featuring twitterings of woodland animal and bird noises.

The Bedroom

The bedrooms can only be described as ‘gothic luxe’ – elegant, dramatic monochrome with sumptuous textures. The dark, mystical design of the bedrooms is a real contrast to the playful lightness of the hotel and its country surroundings.

Our Arboretum Room was spacious and featured a giant LCD HD TV, plenty wardrobe space, a work desk, seating area and glass bottles of complimentary mineral water.

The bed was exceptionally comfy and the sheet were silky-soft and light, so we had an excellent night’s sleep. Sometimes hotels can over-do it with the padding and pillows, leading to much over-heating and an interrupted sleep, but here they have it just right.

Considering that the hotel is so close to Heathrow, with planes flying over at regular intervals, we never heard any air-traffic noise – a testament to the sound-proofed windows.

Most of the bedrooms have balconies, all with different views, and ours had a view over the leafy grounds and the Syon Arboretum. It was delightful to sit and enjoy the sun and views for a while before exploring the rest of the hotel.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is petite but perfectly formed with a deep soak tub complete with TV, a powerful walk-in rain shower and the most plush bathroom products I’ve encountered at a hotel yet – Salvatore Ferragamo Tuscan Soul.

Kallima Spa

Kallima Spa, named after a rare butterfly, is the jewel of London Syon Park and it was hard for me to tear myself away. The pool is a tranquil paradise with irridescent mini mosaics, water overflow and the perfect temperature. We loved the jacuzzi and also tried out the ultra-hot Steam Room and Sauna, complete with TV!

It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon by the pool, sauntering from one well-being facility to the next and relaxing with a chilled glass of water on the pool loungers, before perhaps indulging in an Anne Sémonin spa treatment, which I did the next day.

If you’re a more outdoors type, you can take a long ramble through the acres of greenery that makes up Syon Park, take a bike ride along the Thames or investigate the ‘secret garden’, which can be unlocked with your room key. Or, if you can’t quite leave the city behind, shopping at Westfield is just a short bus or cab ride away.

Dinner at The Capability

In the evening, we dined London Syon Park’s restaurant, The Capability, headed up by executive chef Lee Streeton, formerly of HIX and Brown’s hotel. The Capability is named after Capability Brown, the prolific 18th century landscape architect, who designed the extensive grounds at Syon Park, and is affectionately known as ‘England’s greatest gardener’.

The evening finished with a decadent cocktail in a super-tall crystal glass at the stylish lounge-bar, Peacock Alley.

Breakfast

In the morning, we went down for breakfast at The Capability and ordered Eggs Benedict for the hot menu and had a few bits and pieces from the continental buffet. Our waiter proceeded to tell us the history of Eggs Benedict and its connection to the original Waldorf Astoria, then suggested we have the Eggs Royale instead! It was friendly, but a bit too much for the morning, especially before I’d had my morning coffee.

The Eggs Benedict was excellent and I loved the choice of muffins and pastries in either full or mini size from the continental buffet.

London Syon Park is the perfect place for a relaxing retreat, although surprisingly there are so many things to see and do that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Kallima Spa is an absolutely heavenly experience and dinner at The Capability is a must for foodies who delight in seasonal dishes made with the freshest ingredients from the hotel’s allotments and herb gardens.

For more info and booking, visit: www.londonsyonpark.com

Chérie City was a guest of London Syon Park.

Beirut, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

A Blogger In Beirut: Day Two

July 10, 2011 by cheriecity

The second day of our Beirut adventure was our first full day and our itinerary lay somewhere between a few planned sights and roaming around the city, taking in the culture and atmosphere.

We started the day with a hearty breakfast in The Grill Room at Four Seasons Beirut. I had my usual Eggs Benedict and Steven tried the Buttermilk Pancakes with maple syrup. We were also served a traditional Lebanese breakfast of flatbread and cheeses.

Our morning was spent by the rooftop pool, planning our route for the day and relaxing in the pool and jacuzzi. We asked the Concierge for advice before we left and he marked all of our planned spots on the map.

Our first stop was the Beirut Souks, just 5 minutes walk from Four Seasons Beirut. A million miles away from a bartering market place, the Beirut Souks is a luxury shopping mall with every designer and high street brand you could ever want. The Fakhry Bey and Allenby areas of the souks are particularly flash with resident stores including Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Chloe and Stella McCartney. I was particularly excited to see the See by Chloe store, which I hadn’t even seen in Europe yet.

There are lots of dining options at Beirut Souks, including a new outpost of Momo, just opened in the jewellery souks. We had lunch on the terrace at The Met – a design-led informal restaurant with an international menu.

We ordered four plates of small bites to share, which came with various dipping sauces and satay. The food was excellent and portion sizes were generous, so if you get hungry in the souk, The Met is a good, affordable choice.

Beirut’s downtown shopping area, also known as Solidere, is mostly pedestrianised and it has a cosmopolitan, Mediterranean atmosphere with chic terrace cafes and street art, including this silver shark sculpture outside Cartier.

The architecture reminded me of Marseilles – a mixture of French, Moorish and Middle Eastern influences.

The military check-points were confusing at first, as we assumed they were protecting the mosque or blocking certain paths. After exploring more of the city, we discovered that the soldiers are there mostly for security and they politely allow you’re allowed to walk freely without any questioning.

The tree-lined Rue Monot, in eastern side of the city centre, is the place to come with friends and catch up over tea and shisha or a long lunch. It’s a mix of Lebanese and French brasseries and western restaurant, including an outlet of Le Relais de Venise l’Entrecote.

This street leads up to the Place de l’Etoile, also known as Nejmeh Square, a quiet pedestrianised square in the renovated historical district of Beirut.

Just off the Place de l’Etoile, down a side street, we found extraordinary views of the Mohammad Al-Amin mosque, St Georges Maronite and some Roman ruins (the Roman Baths are nearby).

Designed by architect Azmi Fakhuri, the Sunni Mohammad Al-Amin mosque was built between 2002 and 2007 and was commissioned by the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Assassinated in 2005, Hariri was buried next to the mosque, which was inaugurated by his son three years later.

The stunning blue dome bears Ottoman influences and is said to be inspired by Istanbul’s ‘Blue Mosque’.

We walked around the outside of the mosque, taking in the intricate tiles, inscriptions and impressive towers as we went. This led us to the Place des Martyrs, a poignant statue commemorating the memory of Lebanese nationalists who were hanged by the Ottomans in World War I.

Ridden with bullet holes, the Place des Martyrs was the central location of anti-Syrian protest during the 2005 Cedar Revolution and is still a meeting place for political demonstrations.

On the other side of the Places des Martyrs is Gemmayze, Beirut’s own version of Shoreditch or east London. With narrow streets full of international restaurants, cafes and bars, Gemmayze comes alive at night and is the place to come for all-night partying.

It feels like the kind of place where you never know what you might find. We stumbled across an arts festival at the foot of the Escales Saint Nicolas, where local artists showcased their works to the music of a live band. Having learned by experiences that good things are usually to be found at the top of punishingly steep stairs and hills (Marseille’s Cour Julien boho hilltop neighbourhood, for example), we made the climb in the baking heat.

Almost passing out at the top, we discovered it was a residential area with one cafe and no gilded utopian village as hope for. However, it was worth our while to saunter back down, taking in the artwork and crafts on the way.

Tired and worn out, we treated ourselves to gelato at Chocolat Milano, a quirky, modern ice cream parlour in Beirut Central District. Then it was back to the hotel for a rest and to start blogging about our adventures.

That evening, we’d planned to have dinner at Leila, a much-loved traditional Lebanese restaurant. While out in Gemmayze, we saw a desolate building with Leila’s pretty, nostalgic design plastered all over and mistook a new opening for being closed to renovation. In fact, there are two other Leila outposts in the upmarket ABC shopping centres nearby, so if you manage to eat at Leila, please report back!

A happy accident however, as we went up to the Four Seasons rooftop bar and ordered their signature Rose Mojitos.

We sat by the pool, which was now bearing fire, and took in the spectacular views from the 26th floor. The rooftop bar scene is huge in Beirut and Four Season Beirut’s Club 26 boasts the highest bar in the city.

The rooftop pool serves a selection of Asian tapas, but we were tempted by the room service menu. We ordered on Shish Tavouk with Steamed Rice and one Spaghetti Bolognese and shared both. They came on a large, fully-set table with enough flat bread and rolls for a whole dinner party!

The food was excellent once again and we felt that we hadn’t cheated by ordering a Lebanese dish. We heard a few bangs and looked outside to see the most magnificent firework display over the harbour. We quickly moved our dinner onto the table on the balcony and finished while watching the sky. It was an unforgettable moment, just magical!

On the first night at Whisky Mist and then from the balcony at Four Seasons Beirut, there were fireworks to end our evening. What an incredible city!

Chérie City was a guest of bmi British Midland International and Four Seasons Beirut.

All photos by Chérie City.

Hotels, London

A Stay At London Marriott Grosvenor Square

July 2, 2011 by cheriecity

Last weekend, I was invited to stay at London Marriott Grosvenor Square and sample the delights of Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Maze Grill.

London Marriott Grosvenor Square is just a few steps from Selfridges and the Bond Street boutiques, so it’s an ideal base for a shopping weekend. This is one of Marriott’s most contemporary hotels and from the moment I stepped inside it felt buzzing and sociable yet relaxing.

The Room

My Deluxe King Room looked on to leafy Grosvenor Square and I could spot the different international embassies from my window. Grosvenor Square is one of my favourite London parks, as it’s just a few steps from the shops, is just the right size and is perfect for watching the world and posh little dogs go by.

My spacious room was decorated in monochrome and mink shades with tactile furnishings and featured a contemporary four-poster bed. The bed was like floating on a cloud and I was told that this is Marriott’s signature bed, which now features throughout the group’s properties. It had the most gorgeous soft linen and was covered with plump cushions – I slept on no less than six pillows!

There was plenty of desk space to work, a large flatscreen TV in front of the bed and a triple fitted wardrobe with an iron and ironing board. I felt instantly at home with tea and coffee making facilities, a bathrobe and slippers and a stack of magazines to work through.

A Welcome Treat

When I arrived, I was greeted with a colourful bowl of fresh fruit, bottled mineral water, a box of Marriott handmade chocolates and a personal note welcoming me to the hotel.

Later in the evening, I was brought more mineral water and an adorable London Marriott Grosvenor Square teddy bear – a nice touch.

The Bathroom

The bathroom was classic marble and had a bath with a shower over and even a pair of scales (if you dare look after a visit to Maze)!

The bathroom products were from Marriott’s own aromatherapy range and had a citrusy gin and tonic scent. Perhaps some Miller Harris or Molton Brown products would be more inspiring and be better suited to the luxurious design of the rooms.

The Club Lounge

The Club Lounge was an excellent feature and it felt like having a luxury airport lounge constantly at my convenience. It provided somewhere other than the my room to relax and refuel with complimentary teas and fresh coffee, bottled soft drinks, continental breakfast and a selection of scones, cakes, snacks and canapés until midnight.

The Club Lounge is free to use for guests staying in a suite or a Club room and there is an honesty bar for if you feel like having a cold beer or spirit. It has complimentary WIFI throughout, so you can work, catch up on the news on the large TV screens, or relax after a meeting or using the fitness room.

After settling in, we met Darin, the lovely Director of Sales & Marketing and had a tour of the hotel, followed by some exotic-looking cocktails in Maze Bar.

We saw the suites and balcony rooms and the impressive blue and yellow ballroom, which was set up for an Indian wedding that evening. We then had some free time to relax or enjoy the sun before dinner. The Concierge had thoughtfully created a walking itinerary for us, taking in the sights of St James’ Park, and we were also given a Selfridges VIP Card, if we felt like a spot of shopping.

That evening, we regrouped for a cocktail masterclass and a fantastic dinner at the Chef’s Table at Maze.

Breakfast

After a really good sleep, I had my wake-up call from reception and was soon brought my breakfast by the wonderful Audrey. She was so cheerful and motherly, I wish I could wake up in this way every day!

I had the most delicious, creamy Eggs Benedict, a selection of pastries, a large pot of fresh coffee with hot milk and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

I spent the morning working in my room and then it was down to Maze Grill for a steak masterclass followed by lunch at the Chef’s Table.

London Marriott Grosvenor Square is a real destination hotel and there are options for fine dining at Maze or a more informal experience at Maze Grill. Or you can even stay holed up in your room with Gordon Ramsay room service, although the best shopping and a delightful park on your doorstep might coax you out!

Photos by Chérie City.

Chérie City was a guest of London Marriott Grosvenor Square.

Afternoon tea, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Newcastle

A Great Stay at Malmaison Newcastle

May 24, 2011 by cheriecity

Growing up in Newcastle, I often wandered along the Quayside and looked up in awe at the gorgeous building housing the Malmaison. Newcastle didn’t have many stylish places to stay during my formative years and even though there are some great hotels now, like its nearby sister Hotel du Vin Newcastle, the Malmaison still feels inviting.

The Malmaison brand has weathered well, despite boutique design hotels becoming so ubiquitous. It has expanded over the years to 12 major UK cities and every hotel has been thoughtfully designed to compliment the building’s unique history.

Location

Housed in the former Co-op building with an attractive Art Nouveau canopy, Malmaison Newcastle holds court at an enviable location on the Quayside, with perfect views of the River Tyne, Millennium Bridge, BALTIC and the Sage.

The Room

I took my mum for a weekend treat and checked in to room 621 – a Superior Double room with a Millenium Bridge view and king-size bed, apparently the most requested room.

The colour palette of the room was a combination of monochrome, red and grey, making it a dark, seductive, Gotham-like abode.

The square shape of the room with huge panelled windows made me think of a New York loft apartment. The tasteful contemporary furnishings also had this feeling of chic American homeliness.

The room was very spacious and the bright daylight from the windows provided a nice contrast to the sumptuous heavy velvet texture and prevented the space from being claustrophobic.

The beds at Malmaison are typically quite firm but super-comfortable and there were plenty of cushions and pillows to plump up while relaxing.

The room had everything we could have wanted for a relaxing stay – a flat-screen TV in front of the bed, a kettle with tea and fresh cafetiere coffee, 24-hour room service, a stack of glossy magazines and wifi internet (although this was charged with 30 minutes free).

The minibar and tray snack at Malmaison Newcastle are devilishly tempting (giant slab of Dairy Milk with a Birra Moretti, anyone?) and are more reasonably priced than most hotels.

An interesting touch was a selection of full-size pampering products by Anatomicals for just £1.75 each. How often have you packed everything but your eye cream or cleanser? It’s a nice way to try out a new brand, or just treat yourself to an affordable spa evening.

Although, if you really want to treat yourself, book in to the Petit Mal spa for a relaxing facial, massage or manicure. It’s a city institution where all the glam Newcastle girls go for their beauty pit stops.

The Bathroom

The relaxing, well-appointed bathroom continued the cool New York vibe with black slate details and the biggest mirror I’ve ever seen in a hotel room! It featured a bath-shower, so you can unwind after a long day and of course, Malmaison’s much-loved full-size fig and cedarwood bath products, specially formulated by Arran Aromatics.

Malmaison Newcastle comes into its own during the twilight hours and our room was even more inviting with dimmed lights and the bright lights from the Quayside – perfect for evening lounging.

That evening, we went to the Malmaison Brasserie for a long, decadent dinner, but more about that wonderful experience later…

Breakfast

In the morning, we went down to The Brasserie for a fabulous breakfast. We were immediately served freshly-brewed coffee and made a quick beeline for the Continental breakfast buffet, which offered a selection of fresh fruit, juices, yogurt, granola, cereal, baked bread and full-size pastries.

We couldn’t resist starting the day with a cooked breakfast, so I ordered the Eggs Benedict while mum went for Fried Eggs on Muffins. Both were delicious and filling and come highly recommended!

I stayed for as long as I could and then walked off breakfast with a jaunt into the city centre (up that punishing Quayside bank that is ever so treacherous in heels).

Malmaison are now offering free wifi (from June 2011), so you can feel even more at home and relax without the stress of coming back to an overflowing inbox.

Malmaison Newcastle is perfect for weekend breaks to the North East or even a city bolthole staycation for Geordies (like me), who just want to treat themselves… and why not!

For more info and booking, visit: www.malmaison.com

Chérie City was a guest of Malmaison Newcastle.

All photos by Chérie City.

Breakfast, London, Restaurants

Breakfast at Automat, Mayfair

April 22, 2011 by cheriecity

There’s nothing like the promise of eggs at a Mayfair diner to get you pinging up out of bed extra early!

This morning, I met up with lovely PR girls Jade and Bex for a catch up at Automat, a Dover Street institution that attracts the media and fashion crowd (and even the Beckhams) for posh American comfort food.

I don’t often combine restaurant reviews and appointments, but breakfast at Automat was so spectacular that it would be a shame not to share, especially for fellow Eggs Benedict connoisseurs.

Automat feels like a cross between a New York diner and a French brasserie with wood panelling, a mosiac floor and comfy booths.

We were swiftly given menus and our orders of eggs and coffee came shortly after – ideal if you’ve only got an hour or so to spare.

The Eggs Benedict (£10) was huge and came with a welcome pile of seasoned home fries. The muffins were thick and covered in delicious ham, eggs were perfectly poached with a deep orange yolk and the Hollandaise sauce was perfection. It was quite possibly the best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had…so far.

My Cappuccino (£3) was strong and rich roasted, although it was on the petite side and left me craving another.

Service was attentive and pleasant but not over-the-top, as I suppose they are used to keeping it simple for those ‘do not disturb’ breakfast meetings.

Automat is the place to come if you’re after ‘monster eggs’ and a spot of people watching to start the day. You could always walk it all off by taking the concrete stairs to the top floor of Dover Street Market!

Chérie City was lucky enough to be treated to Automat.

Hotels, Hotels - Design, Newcastle

Warehouse Luxury at Hotel du Vin Newcastle

March 21, 2011 by cheriecity

Far from an identi-kit, faceless chain of hotels, Hotel du Vin residences always occupy buildings with an interesting history.

With its ship-building legacy, Newcastle Quayside has a maze of intriguing warehouse buildings, and Hotel du Vin occupies one the most enviable spots in the former Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Company, overlooking the river at Newcastle’s artistic quarter, Ouseburn.

A boutique bolthole just ten minutes from the centre of Newcastle, Hotel du Vin Newcastle offers just 42 individually-designed bedrooms, all paying homage to different fine wines.

I took my mum to stay for one night when I came up to Newcastle for a visit. There’s something rather decadent about a hotel stay in your hometown.

Our room was huge and designed in a contemporary country style with a colour palette of slate grey, beige and chartreuse with touches of dark wood.

The sleigh beds were firm but comfortable and were covered with sumptuous Egyptian linen and fluffy pillows.

I loved the free-standing bath in the room, which was perfectly placed for watching the flat screen TV…well, why not?!

As if the room wasn’t spacious enough already, we had a delightful balcony to enjoy a bit of sun. In the summer months, I imagine this to be one of the best places in Newcastle to sit and soak up the sun in peace with a glass of wine.

It’s all about the small touches with Hotel du Vin and sister hotel group Malmaison. The mini-bars are always stocked with ridiculously tempting gourmet treats and our hot drinks tray came with a selection of refined Taylors of Harrogate teas and half bags of fresh cafetiere coffee.

The bathroom was beautifully-designed and filled with full-size Arran Aromatics products made specially for Hotel du Vin, which you’re encouraged to take home.

By this point, I was starting to see more than a few similarities between Hotel du Vin Newcastle and The Fox & Anchor trad-luxe B&B in Clerkenwell. It was rather puzzling until I found out that Fox & Anchor is an individual, more intimate project by Hotel du Vin, which they don’t publicise.

After an afternoon of shopping and a quick rest, we went down to the Bistro du Vin for a long, relaxed dinner.

We both started with the French Onion Soup, which was full of flavoursome caramelised onions and topped with a large bread crouton and loaded with melted Gruyère cheese. It came piping hot in a quaint ceramic oven bowl and there was plenty to get through.

Mum then went for the Fish and Chips, which came with a chunky tartare sauce, mushy peas and golden hand-made chips served in a brass cone.

The batter was crisp and well-season and the chips brought back childhood memories of the chips that my grandmother used to make (yes, I pinched a few from the cone).

I ordered Toulouse Sausages with Mash, Caramelised Onions and a Red Wine Jus. They looked delicious but they were just a bit too pink inside, so our waitress happily sent them back for some more charring.

Perhaps it was my fault for choosing Toulouse sausages, but the whole dish just felt overly salty. Next time, I would definitely go for the Fish and Chips or the famous Hotel du Vin Burger.

Feeling a bit full after two course, wine and artisan breads, we went for a refreshing sorbet. I chose one scoop of blackcurrant and another of peach and mum went for two scoops of mango sorbet.

I’d never usually give up a gooey chocolate dessert for anything iced, but the Hotel du Vin sorbets are so fresh and home-made that they were a real treat.

Close to our table was the Laroche tasting room, where you can sample Hotel du Vin’s extensive collection of wines. We went for a bottle of house red wine, but there is an excellent choice of wines for experts.

After our meal, we relaxed in the bar, although if you’re still up for more wine adventures, the Bubble Bar serves Champagne into the early hours.

A cool feature at Hotel du Vin is the outdoor Cigar Shack in the courtyard. It’s an intimate walk-in humidor where you can try fine cigars or sit and smoke in style with a glass of wine in front of the fire. Although Newcastle folk have no problems with the cold (the sterotypes really are true), smokers get their own special den and I was tempted to come and join them!

After a peaceful night’s sleep, much helped by the wine, we came downstair to breakfast at the Bistro.

The Continental Buffet offered a good range of cereal, pastries, fruits, yogurt, flapjack, cakes, bread and juices.

We ordered a pot of coffee and Eggs Benedict from the hot menu, which came piled high on a sliced muffin – delicious!

We then reluctantly tore ourselves from the room and went back home feeling refreshed and cared for during our Newcastle staycation.

My only criticism would be that there weren’t any plugs close to a mirror, which made it impossible to style my hair properly (anyone with curly hair will understand). Internet charges at hotels are also a constant gripe for me, however Hotel du Vin does offer 30 minutes for free for quick email check-ups.

Hotel du Vin Newcastle feels like a relaxing retreat in the city and is perfect for a weekend get-away. The infamous nightlife of the Quayside is just a short walk away, but with the in-room bathtub, private balcony and bottles of wine, you might not want to leave your room at all!

Double rooms start from £120. Stay Sunday from only £10 when you spend £75 in the bistro or bar. For more info and booking, visit: www.hotelduvin.com

Chérie City was a guest of Hotel du Vin Newcastle.

Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury, London

Townhouse Elegance at Flemings Mayfair

March 6, 2011 by cheriecity

London is a city in constant change, but there’s something curiously traditional about Mayfair with its age-old tailors, gentlemen’s umbrella shops and dusty old arts institutions.

Mayfair has remained defiantly eccentric and there are only a handful of West End hotels where you can experience such character and charm…

Established in 1851, Flemings Mayfair is a real hidden gem – an elegant boutique hotel spread across six Georgian townhouses on the whimsically named Half Moon Street.

Tucked away on a peaceful semi-residential street, Flemings is just a short walk from bustling Green Park, the beautiful shopping arcades and gentlemen grooming shops along Picadilly.

On arrival we were met by Branca Sabbagh, the formidable Guest Services Director, who showed us to our room, which she had personally selected for us.

Our room was magnificent – spacious and beautifully designed in an palette of pearlescent beige, cream, ice green and purple, with accents of silver and glass.

Waiting for us on the table for each of us was a delicately wrapped gift of handmade biscuits with a welcome note.

This was a lovely touch, especially when we saw during our tour of the rooms that every guest receives such a sweet welcome.

Our room had all the comforts that you would want for a home away from home – tea and coffee making facilities, a writing bureau, plenty of comfy seating, lots of storage space, a large flat-screen TV, and a stack of lifestyle magazines to work through.

The king-size bed was heavenly with sumptuous linen and despite the central London location, we had a very peaceful sleep with very few disturbances.

The bathroom was large and covered entirely in marble, just like the traditional London palace hotels. We loved having the luxury of a separate bath and walk-in shower.

The bathroom was furnished with plenty fluffy towels, embroidered Flemings bath robes and slippers and bathroom spa products by Gilchrist & Soames – very fitting for a Mayfair hotel.

The warm, dimly-lit corridors at Flemings are lined with stunning black and white photographs depicting ‘the good life’, from screen goddesses in Hollywood to summer in the Mediterranean and legendary movie scenes.

A counterpoint to the contemporary design of the hotel is a beautiful, traditional stained-glass window, commemorating the opening of the hotel.

After settling in, we headed downstairs for a quick tour of the restaurant, salon and bar areas followed by an exquisite afternoon tea in the front room.

We ordered pots of Earl Grey and Darjeeling second flush tea from the extensive tea menu and worked our way through the cake stand of delights, starting with delicious finger sandwiches.

We munched on warm scones with clotted cream and jam, victoria sponge cake and a delectable range of mini pâtisserie, Primrose Bakery cupcakes and chocolate truffles.

The front room is so relaxing and homely that we made ourselves at home (albeit a much prettier home) and stayed for most of the afternoon. Staff left us to our own devices but came in every so often to top up our tea and offer more hot water.

Flemings has strong links with the Flemings art collection and features a piece of art from the collection in the front room every month.

In the evening we strolled into Soho for dinner at one of our favourite Japanese canteen restaurant, OSatsuma. The Chicken Katsu Curry (£8.50) is slow-cooked and comes in a massive china dish with steamed rice, a soy and ginger side salad and a pot of miso soup.

In the morning, we headed down to breakfast and were greeted by the lovely Darren, Food and Beverage Manager, asked us about our stay and the afternoon tea before showing us to our table.

The continental breakfast breakfast is simple, well-considered and of excellent quality.

We enjoyed a large pot of fresh coffee and ordered Eggs Benedict and a Cheese Omelette with toast from the cooked menu – both delicious.

Everything was beautifully presented and it’s lovely to have breakfast in the restaurant.

After we reluctantly tore ourselves away from the room, we had a tour of the guest rooms and luxury apartments with Branca. There are various colour schemes and rooms are carefully selected to be compatible with each guest’s requirements and duration of stay.

The apartments are mostly used by families staying in London for a number of nights and have a more traditional design than the contemporary hotel rooms.

What sets Flemings apart from other bijou townhouse hotels is the warm, familiar service. Staff are as attentive as you’d expect, but they make a point of remembering guests and building a rapport during the stay. The head staff are visibly proud of Flemings as though it were their own home and to see this dedication is something very special.

Flemings Mayfair is ideal for a first-time stay in the most charming part of London, a romantic getaway or an indulgent shopping weekend. Not only a stunning, design-led hotel, Flemings has such character and a warm atmosphere that you might never want to leave.

Take a look inside…

For shopping, afternoon tea and cultural breaks at Flemings Mayfair, visit: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk

Chérie City was a guest of Flemings Mayfair

Belfast, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury

A Boutique Wonderland at Belfast Malmaison

January 18, 2011 by cheriecity

Before Christmas, I went on a foodie and cultural girly press trip to Belfast and our stylish headquarters for the weekend was the Malmaison Belfast.

On the agenda was a whistle stop tour of some of Belfast’s most popular restaurants, Saint George’s Market, the Ulster Museum, a private cab tour of the murals and the Titanic and a spot of shopping.

A converted Victorian seed warehouse, Malmaison Belfast feels dramatic before you even step through the door, with its shaded Italian arched windows and elegant black and gold features.

Inside the seduction continues with the reception area resembling purple and magenta chequered gothic wonderland.

We were welcomed warmly by the staff and were assigned our room keys instantly, despite arriving mid-morning.

Some of the rooms are decorated in a ‘bordello’ style, but I was even more pleased that my abode for the the evening was ‘country eccentric’ all the way.

The spacious room felt homely and cosy with woollen tweed details and a colour scheme of biscuit, caramel and dark brown.

It had everything I needed for a comfortable stay – a plasma screen TV, kettle with premium tea and coffee, a mini bar with tempting snack and a sweet grandpa armchair with a foot stool.

The well-sized bathroom felt modern and luxurious in monochrome with a powerful rainfall shower and bath.

Major points for the full-size toiletries made exclusively by Arran Aromatics for Malmaison.

The fig and cedarwood toiletries are deliciously fragrant and Malmaison encourages you to take them away with you to use later.

The female traveller has really been considered, as there are also stacks of cotton pads and buds, flannels and facial tissues close at hand – perfect if you’re getting ready for a night out.

After checking into our rooms and having a quick nose around, we came down to the bar where we were presented with a magnificent spread of hot bacon sandwiches and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot – a combination that I’d happily see more of!

The bar has a relaxed feel during the day where you can have afternoon tea among the sumptuous velvet seats. At night it moves from an elegant cocktail venue to a buzzing, sociable bar that attract Belfast’s well-heeled crowd.

The Bar Manager is a real gem and she really looked after us, recommending cocktails and asking us the tales of our day.

The Brasserie waiters were equally lovely – professional yet informal. One of the guys even promised to help me finish my gigantic crème brûlée if I couldn’t finish it.

Where can you ever find staff so charming and unpretentious? Even though Malmaison is a luxury boutique chain, it really had the spirit of a family-run hotel.

After a most luxurious sleep, we met downstairs for a long, leisurely breakfast in The Brasserie.

There was a delicious continental buffet table with everything you could want for breakfast – pastries, cereal, yogurts, granola, mini flapjacks, toast and fruit juices.

You can then order a full cooked breakfast or any style of eggs from the menu. I went for Eggs Benedict – two poached eggs and lots of bacon, stacked up on a toasted muffin and smothered in creamy hollandaise.

Malmaison Belfast really is a hotel out to impress, from the plush décor to the warm, vibrant staff and it’s an ideal base for exploring the city.

The only improvement I might suggest as a guest is complimentary wifi, as it often comes as standard in most contemporary design hotels.

The best thing about Belfast for a weekend break is that it’s easy to get to from most UK airports (we flew with Fly Be from London Gatwick) and the journey into the centre of town is around 10 minutes by bus or cab.

For more information and booking, visit the Malmaison Belfast website.

Malmaison Belfast, 34-38 Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 3GH

UPDATE: Malmaison now offers complimentary wifi across all of its hotels.

All photos by Chérie City.

* Cherie City was a guest of Malmaison Belfast

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