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Food, London

The Best Takeaways in London

February 28, 2021 by cheriecity

With restaurant reopenings still a few months away and the tedium of cooking setting in, it’s more tempting than ever to order a cheeky takeaway. We all have our local favourite, but there sare so many exciting new kitchens to order from.

Whether you’re in the mood for traditional siu mei, pork pibil tacos or a top notch Neapolitan pizza, here are a few spots to add to your takeout list…

Giz N Green’s Pizza Pies

Remember when Pizza Hut brought out the stuffed crust pizza in the mid-nineties and how mad it was at the time? While many of us have been fixating on the rules of authentic Neapolitan pizza, Gizzi Erskine and Professor Green have had their eyes on Chicago. They’ve taken the much-loved deep dish pizza and added their own spin with Giz N Green’s Pizza Pies.

Starting as a Monday night fakeaway and a pop-up at Passo on Old Street, Giz N Green’s now brings the pizza party home, delivering from Bethnal Green and Olympia through Deliveroo and UberEats.

We ordered a Meatball Marinara to share and when it was handed over we couldn’t believe the weight of it – an actual monster! Made with organic biga sourdough, the base was super-thin and crispy while the crust was pillowy and blistered, stuffed with British organic fior di latte. The pizza was smothered with lots of herby marinara sauce, loaded with an obscene amount of cheese and finished with a plump meatball on every slice.

This pizza is seriously indulgent, so bring your appetite, get the beers in and let the cheese coma take hold.

Three Uncles

Three Uncles specialises in siu mei (traditional Cantonese roast meats) and operates from a slick canteen at Liverpool Street, offering a takeaway and delivery service.

Run by three friends, it’s inspired by the bustling markets of Wan Chai in 1970s Hong Kong, where they would watch the roasting masters chop up slow-cooked meats. Three Uncles similarly uses the time-honoured 48-hour, six-step technique. Meats are marinate on the inside, rubbed on the outside, hung and fan-dried overnight, then roasted, rested and served. While it’s an everyday staple in Hong Kong, this is one of the few places to offer authentic siu mei outside of Chinatown in London.

You can choose from four different roasted meats served with pak choi, steamed jasmine rice and punchy sauces, as well as lo mein noodles and a tempting selection of dim sum. We chose the combo of three meats with Crispy pork belly, Char Siu barbecue pork and Hainan chicken. The meats were tender and richly-marinated and were made even more scrumptious with the soy and rock sugar sauce and aromatic ginger and spring onion sauce.

Unaware of the generous portion sizes, we also ordered the fantastic Roast duck and Char Siu Lo Mein noodles, fluffy and sweet Char Siu Bao and delicate Wontons in extremely hot chilli oil. Everything was absolutely delicious and while some of the meats can be on the fattier side, the marinade and sauces are irresistable.

Napoli Gang

Big Mamma – the group behind hit London restaurants Gloria and Circolo Popolare and Pink Mamma in Paris – was quick to respond to lockdown and launched Napoli Gang, its socially-conscious delivery service in partnership with Uber Eats last summer. Now with kitchens in Bethnal Green, Kentish Town, Wandsworth and Wood Green, feasting on truffle pasta and popping arancini in your PJs is a reality.

Napoli Gang works with small Italian producers to source the best ingredients, so it’s worth starting with some Puglian Burrata, Prosciutto di Parma and Sicilian olives. Its Neapolitan pizza with creative toppings is one of the best in town and another must-try dish is the indulgent Amori al tartufo – a luxurious pasta gratin wtih parmesan, fresh truffle, black truffle cream, mascarpone and caciocavallo.

Round it all off with the Insta-famous Lemon Pie XXL – you won’t regret it!

Motu Indian Kitchen

If you’ve missed indulgent dinners at the likes of Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers and Berenjak, then you need to know about Motu Indian Kitchen, the popular home delivery service by JKS Restaurants.

Motu offers home-style Indian dishes and pays homage to both the tiffin meals delivered to workers by dhabbawalas in India and “the British love of a classic Indian takeaway”. The menu is well-edited with a focus on well-known crowdpleasers and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

The best way to try a a few dishes is the Feast Box for two – a generously-sized set menu with your choice of two mains, one dal, one rice and two naan, plus popadoms, raita and mango chutney.

Motu’s Chicken Curry has aromatic complexity with plenty of cinnamon while Chicken Tikka Masala is deliciously smoky and creamy with tender tandoori chicken thigh. Dal Makhani is incredibly moreish with slow-cooked garlic and ginger and the Pilau rice topped with crispy onions is exemplary.

DF TACOS

It’s hard to beat Taco Tuesday with a few beers in a dimly-lit bar, but it’s also pretty cool to have tacos delivered straight to your sofa. DF TACOS in Shoreditch is the way to go if you’re in the mood to try lots of different fillings like chile beef, habanero chicken and sweet plantain, and load up on nachos and sides.

Go for a Taco Board with three fillings and six tacos to share, a crispy fried buttermilk chicken torta with red slaw and chipotle mayo or an enormous pork pibil burrito with avocado mojo salsa, crema and pink pickled onions.

Have you tried any of these take-aways during lockdown? Where is your favourite place to order from?

Shopping, Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2021

February 8, 2021 by cheriecity

Valentine’s Day in lockdown may be more low-key without an indulgent dinner in town or a romantic weekend break, but spending it at home can still be memorable with a thoughtful gift.

Be charmed by a box of decadent Pierre Hermé chocolates (to accompany the latest Netflix release), bring calming vibes to the home with Le Labo’s Palo Santo 14 candle, brighten up a corner of the room with a stunning dried flower arrangement by Grace & Thorn or channel Jenna Coleman’s sultry 70s look in The Serpent with a covetable Chloé Darryl leather bag.

Whether you’re planning to drop some hints to your significant other, treat yourself to an instant moodlifter or simply add to your shopping wishlist, here are some gorgeous items to lust after…

Hotel Magique for Anthropologie Douillet Pillow, £58, Anthropologie
Chloé Darryl Small Leather Shoulder Bag, £930, Mytheresa
Le Labo Palo Santo 14 Classic Candle 245g, £52, Harvey Nichols
Veja Campo Leather Trainers, £115, MatchesFashion
Dried Flowers in a Jar, £33, Grace & Thorn
St Germain Des Prés Eyeshadow Palette Claudette Collection by Nars, £39, SpaceNK
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Bonbons 210g, £31, Pierre Hermé
GRIND House Blend Ground Coffee 227g, £12.95, Harvey Nichols

*This post contains some affiliate links and we may receive commission on referred sales

Beauty, Home

IKEA’s New Byredo OSYNLIG candles

December 30, 2020 by cheriecity

Home has truly taken centre stage this year, becoming our new workplace, entertainment hub and sanctuary from the craziness of the outside world. Despite the disruption to the retail industry, IKEA recently unveiled its long-awaited collaboration with Ben Gorham of Byredo, the renowned Stockholm-based perfume house.

Three years in the making, this affordable limited edition collection of 13 scented candles explores the emotions, memories and comfort associated with our homes. Appropriately named OSYNLIG – ‘invisible’ in Swedish – it considers scent as a form of design that cannot be seen but has the power to transform.

Each candle is poured into a stunning ceramic pot glazed with an ombre effect in two colours chosen to best reflect the mood of the scent and blend naturally with its surroundings. The triangle motif is not only a cool design feature but it represents how we smell perfume, from the vibrant opening top notes through to the rounded heart and the long-lasting base notes.

The candles come in three different sizes, so you can mix and match a few scents or invest in a statement piece. There’s the cute travel-size mini (£5), the classic with the addition of a stylish ceramic lid (£9) and the maxi statement candle with four wicks (£25).

The carefully-composed fragrances have three different bases – fresh, floral and woody – and they are all surprisingly layered and complex. To make them even more interesting, burn a few candles at the same time to experiment and create a personalised scent, as recommended by the creator.

I managed to get my hands on three candles in each size from the IKEA Greenwich store, but they’re so fabulous I’m tempted to try a few more on my next visit. In the mini size, I went for Fig & Cypress from the fresh family. It has a clean, uplifting scent with notes of verdant ripe figs, bright spring daffodils and a touch of earthiness from the cypress.

I’m guessing everyone has bought IKEA’s classic vanilla candle at some point in their lives, but Gorham’s Sandalwood & Vanilla candle takes it to the next level. It’s sophisticated and sultry with a hint of powdery incense, evoking the romance of a dusty old Parisian library. It also reminds me of Byredo’s alluring Bal d’Afrique perfume.

The most impactful candle for me is the sweet, spicy Tobacco & Honey, as it’s just so intense and luxurious. It floods the room with an intoxicating blend of smoky tobacco leaves, heady vanilla, roasted coffee and sticky cinnamon buns (so very IKEA). It also has a robust note of Scotch, like drinking a Penicillin cocktail in a dimly-lit cocktail bar.

Some of the other tempting fragrances include Rose & Raspberry, Cassis & Freesia, Tea Leaves & Verbena, Lilac & Amber and Swedish Birch & Juniper.

The IKEA x Byredo OSYNLIG candles are so gorgeous and covetable that you’ll want to collect them all and repurpose them afterwards. With travel off the agenda for a while, why not add a touch of Swedish style to your home to lighten up the chilly winter months?

The Byredo OSYNLIG candles are priced from £5 to £25 and are available now in most IKEA stores for a limited time only.

Images courtesy of IKEA

Beauty, Christmas

Wellness Christmas Gift Guide

December 18, 2020 by cheriecity

At the end of a such a difficult year, as we look to 2021 with hope, now is the time to mindfully look after each other and ourselves. This Christmas, give your loved one the gift of wellness, focus and balance with something special that they can use through January and beyond.

Here are some ideas for presents that nourish the body and mind…

Oral Drops for Energy (5%), £27.99, HighKind

This year, I got to know CBD a little better and while there is much discussion about the wide-ranging benefits of cannabinoids, I personally find that they help rebalance my emotions, maintain focus, promote quality sleep and even calm my skin. I’ve always taken CBD oil in the evening, but when HighKind sent me their Oral Drops for Energy, I was excited to see how it would work in the morning to kickstart my day.

This high quality, full-spectrum CBD oil contains a unique botanical terpene blend with a bright yellow colour and an uplifting citrus flavour with zesty notes of tangerine, lemon and grapefruit. I found the 5% oral drops potent and fast-working, immediately bringing clarity and melting away joint tension. While this strength was just right for me, you can even go up to a mega-powerful 20% and also try the Focus or Tranquil blends to suit your mood.

Organic Matcha AAA Grade, £21.95, OMGTea

Make the most of the festive period to create your own tea ceremony with some organic matcha from OMGTea. This premium, high grade matcha is made in Japan from the finest shade-grown leaves and stone-ground to a fine powder. It won the Great Taste 2019 award and has a smooth, bright, umami-rich flavour.

MOA Dreamy Mineral Soak, £7, Cult Beauty

Take some time to unwind and let go of emotional stress with a truly luxurious bath. MOA Dreamy Mineral Soak combines relaxing lavender, pine and cardamom with mineral-rich Himalayan and sea salt to cleanse and rebalance the body.

Astier de Villatte Opéra Incense, £35, Liberty

Travel may be limited right now, but you can be transported to Paris and take a sensory journey through the iconic Palais Garnier with Astier de Villatte’s exquisite incense. Hand made by artisans in Japan, these incense sticks evoke the splendor of the Great Hall, from the squeak of ballerinas’ pointe shoes on the wooden parquet stage to the twinkling piano, with notes of absolute beeswax, sandalwood and styrax resin.

Spiritual Bleach Candle, £30, Mama Moon

Mama Moon’s east London-based founder Semra Haksever hand pours all of her candles inside a magic circle and they come bursting with love. Spiritual Bleach is a harmonious mix of aromatic sage, rosemary and lemon, chosen to clear negativity and bring peace and comfort – just what we all need as the new year approaches. All candles have a 50-hour burn time and are 100% vegan with a blend of soy and mineral wax and scented with high grade essential oils.

SMEG 50s Style Retro Citrus Juicer, £129, Currys

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade with a very fancy juicer! This cute, pastel-hued SMEG juicer makes freshly-squeezed orange juice quickly without any mess and fits neatly on your kitchen counter.

Beet Drop Stainless Steel Bottle, £24.50, Harvey Nichols

S’well has been making the coolest eco-friendly water bottles since 2010 and there are just so many colours and designs to choose from. Therma-S’well technology keeps your liquids boiling hot or freezing cold inside triple-layered stainless steel while the exterior remains condensation-free. After discovering S’well earlier this year, I can’t imagine ever reaching for a single-use plastic water bottle ever again.

Overnight Leave On Mask, £34, skinSense

If the winter weather is making your skin feel dry, oily or dull, reach for a restorative skin treat like this luxurious Overnight Leave On Mask by skinSense. This game-changing product range by skin and suncare expert Abi Cleeve uses lamellar technology to lock active ingredients into the skin so that they work longer and better. The light-weight mask is extremely hydrating with no greasiness and contains a potent blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Hydolysed Proteins, Lactic Acid and Copper peptides. I use it twice a week and find that it makes my skin feel plump, nourished and a significantly calmer.

Bala Bangles 1lb Wrist and Ankle Weights, £49.95, John Lewis

Add some resistance to your run or workout with these sleek, stylish Bala Bangles. They weigh a comfortable 1lb and can be worn on either the wrists or ankles – perfect for exercise or simply doing chores around the house.

Christmas, London

Things to Do in London this Christmas

December 3, 2020 by cheriecity

The festive season has arrived and London is lit up in twinkling lights, ready for some much-needed merriment. Christmas in the capital will certainly look different this year, but there’s still a lot to get excited about with plenty of events and new openings to enjoy safely.

Here are some of the top picks to add to your list…

Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than wrapping up for a stroll around a Christmas market with mulled wine in one hand and warm gingerbread or a pretzel in the other? Luckily Oxford’s Street’s iconic department store has teamed up with Street Feast founder Dominic Cools-Lartigue to host the Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews.

Set across Edwards Mews, just behind Selfridges, this open-air market brings all the festive feels with retro fairground rides, stalls sellings decorations and winter accessories, creative wreaths by Your London Florist and even Christmas trees and seasonal flowers by Moyses Stevens.

Of course, the cherry on top of the Christmas cake is the nine food and drink trucks curated by Street Feast. Pop Dogs Official is grilling up traditional German bratwurst, while the most Instagrammable pasta – made in a giant wheel of Grana Padano – comes courtesy of Cheese Wheel. You can also expect gourmet burgers and BBQ by Tramshed Project, arepas from Pabellon, north Indian street food by Gully and wood-fired delights by Fundi Pizza. For a touch of sugar and spice, there’s also the Selfridges Collection of seasonal treats including Christmas pudding, panettone and stollen.

Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews runs daily until 3rd January.

Accidentally Wes Anderson pop-up

The Old Bank Vault on Hackney Road is set to become a pastel-hued curiosity shop with a dazzling Accidentally Wes Anderson in-store and digital pop-up, in celebration of Wally Koval’s recently launched book.

Koval’s popular community-led Instagram feed is a beautifully-curated collection of real-life places around the world, submitted by eagle-eyed contributors. These whimsical, carefully-chosen landscapes and architectural gems perfectly capture the symmetry and quirkiness found in Anderson’s cult films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Darjeeling Limited and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

This fully-immersive visual adventure brings the Instagram feed to life, offering the chance to see and buy these glorious pieces. The Old Bank Vault is also the only UK gallery to retail the book, merchandise and prints, so it’s worth queuing to nab a rare Christmas present for the cinema buff in your life.

Accidentally Wes Anderson x The Old Bank Vault runs from 4th December until 21st December

Spiritland at JOY

Crowded warehouse parties may be off the agenda this Christmas, but you can now get your music fix served up with a plate of pasta at Spiritland’s new residency at JOY. Restaurateur Stevie Parle and designer Tom Dixon launched their co-operative, multi-purpose warehouse venue at Portobello Dock this summer as a response to the current climate and for the month of December, Spiritland is taking charge of the drinks and music programme.

Simply book a table and enjoy a feast of Burrata, 30 egg-yolk tagliolini and Tiramisu by Pastaio and House of Suntory cocktails, with DJ sets from the likes of Jeremy Deller and Rory Crichton, Mafalda and Horse Meat Disco’s Severino. Jonny Woo’s Christmas Show rounds off a dreary 2020 with fabulous live music, laughs and a touch of glamour.

JOY is also a destination itself, featuring the much-praised Flora restaurant with indoor and heated outdoor seating and shops including a farm-to-fork grocery and a deli offering Kentish cheeses, Cobble Lane charcuterie, fresh truffles, hand-made pasta from Pastaio and take-away food. There’s also a bottle shop selling natural wines and craft beers, plus jewellery by Goddess Charms and plants and flowers from Canterbury-based The Goods Shed.

Spiritland at JOY runs throughout December

Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace

Gliding around London’s prettiest ice rinks at Christmas may seem like wishful thinking, however skating at Hampton Court Palace is very much going ahead. Situated in the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home, this open-air ice rink is a real treat, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater perfecting those spins.

At the end of your session, you and your household can warm up and take in the après-skate atmosphere over a baked Camembert and mulled wine in the cosy Ice Rink Cafe. A number of measures have been taken to make this family-friendly event Covid-secure, so be sure to plan your visit and make all of the necessary bookings.

Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace runs from 5th December until 17th January – pre-booking is essential.

Christmas decoration spotting

Central London may be just emerging from hibernation, but its Christmas decoration game is still strong. To see them in all their splendor, start at King’s Cross and marvel at the striking Electric Nemeton Tree at Granary Square, Coal Drop Yards’ sustainable Terranium Tree by Botanic Boys and EL&N Cafe’s pink Tree of Hope featuring quotes from London NHS staff at St Pancras.

Then, head to Covent Garden to see the Piazza’s 60-foot tall Christmas tree and walk along to Carnaby Street with its heartwarming ‘Choose Love’ theme and finish in Mayfair where Annabel’s, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and The Churchill Arms all have stunning festive facades.

Which London Christmas events are on your list? Are you planning a trip into town to get into the Christmas spirit?

Food, London

Amazing Pasta from Lina Stores Italian Grocery Delivery

October 9, 2020 by cheriecity

London’s favourite Italian delicatessen, Lina Stores, responded at lightning speed to the national lockdown and launched its online grocery delivery service in April. Months on, it’s one of the food industry’s rare success stories, bringing its signature turquoise striped boxes full of delicious goodies to all London postcodes and also nationwide.

Established in 1944, Lina Stores has grown from a bijou Soho delicatessen to include a standalone restaurant around the corner on Greek Street and a restaurant-deli-cafe at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross. With such a flurry of activity in the past few years, it’s no wonder that Lina Stores innovated its offering to keep us well fed when movement was restricted and spirits were low.

Groceries

The online store features a diverse range of imported fresh cheeses and cured meats, olives, antipasti, baked bread, fruit and vegetables. You can also pick up storecupboard essentials like artisanal dried pasta, tins of San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, jam and 00 flour.

Home-made Pasta

The star of the show, however, has to be Lina Stores’ unique, hand-made products including fresh pasta, slow-cooked sauces and indulgent desserts. I’ve ordered from Lina Stores quite a few times over the past few months and cooked up an indulgent feast of pasta and cannoli on my birthday.

The home-made Pappardelle and Tagliatelle come covered in flour in little nests and generously serve four. They have a lovely flavour and deep yellow colour and cook perfectly in just a few minutes. The vibrant green Artichoke and truffle ravioli is also a real treat and is best served simply with butter and Parmesan.

I was also really impressed with the fresh pasta sauces, which also serve four. Norcina, traditionally from Umbria, is a creamy, rich ragu of Porcini mushrooms and sausage while the Bolognese is exemplary with top quality beef and plenty of red wine.

Delicious Cannoli

I can never resist the Sicilian Cannoli and you can order five bite-size ones to go with your coffee or super-size it with two giant Cannoli. The fried pastry shells are piped full of velvety, marsala-scented ricotta and studded with crushed pistachio and bittersweet dark chocolate chunks – just heavenly!

Chocolate lovers will also delight in the insanely dense and gooey Baci brownie, baked with the famous hazelnut chocolates from Perugia. Another must is the heavenly Amalfi lemon pudding – a moist Italian sponge with zesty citrus custard and ground almonds.

Delivery

Now that you’re most likely sold on a Lina Stores order, let me tell you it’s actually the most accessible of all food delivery services, with free delivery, a small minimum spend of £20 and a good range of delivery slots. The service is professional and friendly from start to finish and all items are airtight sealed for safety and easy freezing. What could be better than that?

Are you planning to try a Lina Stores home delivery? Which items would you choose?

For more information and to order a delivery, visit: www.shop.linastores.co.uk

Food photos by Chérie City (delivery photo by Lina Stores)

Cornwall

A Wonderful Autumn Cornwall Getaway

September 25, 2020 by cheriecity

Autumn has always been the season for European city breaks or chasing the sun in far-flung resorts, however this year, travel is certainly looking different for most of us. As international travel plans are put on hold, there’s no better time to fall back in love with glorious destinations right here in the UK.

For a much-needed retreat packed with stunning coastal landscapes, fresh air, spectacular local food and balmy weather, look no further than Cornwall. This region of South West England has endless sandy beaches that rival the Caribbean and a number of picturesque towns to discover, plus you can travel with greater peace of mind.

Here are some tips on how to make your Cornwall holiday ever so memorable:

Breathe in the sea air on Cornwall’s beaches

There’s nothing more restorative than a bracing walk along Cornwall’s rugged coastal paths. When visiting Cornwall, I loved hiking the winding route from Mawgan Porth to Watergate Bay. It’s a long one, but at the end, you can treat yourself to lunch with a view at The Beach Hut.

If surfing is on your agenda, head to hotspots like Fistral Beach in Newquay and Summerleaze Beach in Bude, or find stunning turquoise waters at pretty Porthcurno Beach in south-west Cornwall.

Taste the best of the coast

Cornwall is a real treat for foodies with an abundance of fresh seafood and fabulous restaurants by celebrated chefs. Restaurants on my wish list include Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow, Fitzroy by the team behinds Westerns Laundry and Jolene, Falmouth ‘pub with a view’ The Star & Garter and Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac.

Of course, a trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without some delicious fish and chips, a Cornish cream tea or the famous Cornish pasty.

Explore the great outdoors

Make the most of Cornwall’s pleasant autumn climate and visit its many outdoor attractions. The Eden Project near St Blazey features two enormous biomes filled with plants collected from diverse climates and environments around the world. One of them is the largest indoor rainforest in the world while the other has a Mediterranean environment. There is also an outside botanical garden which is home to plants and wildlife native to Cornwall.

You can also explore 200 acres of luscious greenery at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, cross the causeway to visit the beautiful tidal island of St. Michael’s Mount or watch a show in the open air at The Minnack Theatre.

Immerse yourself in culture

With a renewed sense of vitality, you’ll have plenty of energy to explore Cornwall’s leading arts intitutions. The iconic Tate St Ives, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, is back in action with a major exhibition of the works of South Korean artist Haegue Yang.

The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is also open for viewing the magnificent collection and the Falmouth Art Gallery has just debuted a new group exhibition showcasing artworks originally acquired for use in Cornwall’s public schools.

Relax and unwind

If you’ve been left feeling frazzled, heal your body and mind with a much-needed retreat. After a long day of exploring, unwind in a private cliff top hot tub at The Scarlet in Mawgan Porth, listen to the sounds of the ocean during a spa treatment at C Bay Spa in St Ives or stretch out at a yoga class in Watergate Bay.

Are you tempted to visit Cornwall for a weekend stay? Where are your favourite places along the coast?

This post was written in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own.

London, Restaurants

Where to Eat Out to Help Out in London

August 19, 2020 by cheriecity

London may be a quieter version of its summer self and we’re all being more conscious of how we socialise right now, but the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme is going some way to lift our spirits.

It’s a rare occurance that we can score up to 50% off the bill and revisit old favourites or tick off those ‘wish list’ restaurants at a snip of the price. So many great cafes, bars and restaurants have signed up and even added their own offers and special menus, so you can eat exceptionally well for just a tenner!

Here are a few top picks for where to eat out in London during August…

Pophams Bakery

Pophams managed to keep baking during lockdown with its smart delivery service, but there’s nothing quite like relaxing over a flat white and a perfectly-laminated pastry or two. The Hackney bakery is my ‘go to’ place for an afternoon treat or catching up with friends and it never disappoints.

If you’re going for lunch, indulge in a gourmet Brie and buttered leek toasty, Roasted pumpkin and sage tartine or home-made Pappardelle with oxtail ragu, followed by a decadent Peanut butter praline pastry.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

I still haven’t come to terms with the fact that the original New York Cronut® will soon leave London, as Dominique Ansel Bakery is set to close both its Belgravia and Covent Garden outposts at the end of August.

However, there’s still time to take a tour of the greatest hits, like the fabulous Avocado toast, Welsh Rarebit Croissant, Chocolate chip cookie shot, Mini Madeleines baked to order and the seasonal illustrated Eclairs. Maybe we can twist his arm to pop up in London again when things get better.

Burger and Beyond

The city’s best burger is always a hotly-debated topic, but in my opinion, it can be found at Burger and Beyond on Shoreditch High Street.

Get your posh burger fix with the game-changing Bacon butter burger, a dry aged beef patty loaded with double American cheese, crispy pancetta bacon, burnt butter mayo and onion. It goes perfectly with the decadent Truffle tots and if you’re really hungry, add some Smoked mozzarella sticks, Fried chicken bites and Crispy calamari.

Machiya

If you have a craving for some delicious Japanese comfort food, head to Machiya, the casual all-day restaurant from the team behind ramen temple Kanada-Ya. It’s inspired by Kyoto’s traditional home cooking and offers izakaya-style small plates alongside hearty donburi, noodles and katsu curry. Some of the best dishes that keep me coming back are Gyudon, Abura soba, Tsukune, and the aromatic Tofu custard.

Best of all, Machiya is going one step further and removing the scheme’s cap to offer 50% off your entire bill (including beer, sake and wine) from Monday to Wednesday in August.

Lina Stores

London’s favourite Italian delicatessen Lina Stores launched a brilliant nationwide home delivery service during lockdown and thankfully now its Soho restaurant is back in action and a stunning new Lina in Piazza al fresco restaurant has been created outside its King’s Cross site. There’s even a cute gelato cart and a Piaggio Ape mobile bar to make it even more fun.

Feast on the finest Stracciatella and Prosciutto with olive oil focaccia and share a few plates of home-made pasta such as the magnificient 30-Egg Yolk Tagliolini with black truffle, butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. Of course, you’ll need to leave some room for those signature Baci brownies, Tiramisu gelato or Campari sorbet.

Berber & Q Grill House

Travel may be off the agenda for a while, but you can journey through the flavours of the Middle East and North Africa at Berber & Q Grill House. Tucked away inside a railway arch in Haggerston, Berber & Q is one of east London’s essential restaurants with so much atmosphere, sumptuous spiced dishes and live fire grills for that authentic flavour.

It’s all about sharing, so fill your table with the most heavenly Baba ganoush with fluffy pita, pomegranate-studded Cauliflower shawarma, Hot-smoked merguez sausages and slow and low Lamb mechoui with harissa.

Berenjak

Nothing says summer like the charcoal aromas of a Tehran-style kebab house wafting through the Soho streets. If you haven’t yet checked out Berenjak, one of the latest openings from JKS Restaurants, now is the time to discover some delicious Iranian cuisine at a bargainous price.

Grab a seat in the charming ‘hayat’ (Persian garden) and graze on the signature Hummus with black chickpea and walnut and traditional Mazeh, scooped up with freshly-baked Taftoon. Then, its all about the kebabs with pickles and fluffy Basmati rice with saffron and crispy, golden tahdig. Wash it all down with a spiked Sharbat (a botanical Persian soft drink mixed with gin) and end on a sweet note with a Darlish Baklava ice cream sandwich.

Norma

I spent New Year’s Eve at Norma, Ben Tish’s exquisite Fitzrovia restaurant, and everything from the food to the ambiance was superb. Norma is inspired by the food and culture of Sicily with Moorish influences that are apparent on the menu and in the sumptous, jewel-like interiors.

I recommend trying a little of everything and don’t miss the zingy Caponata with home-made focaccia, Spaghettini fritters with Parmesan sauce, Fried potatoes with grated pecorino and winter truffle, a large plate of fish (Roasted North Sea hake when we visited) and of course, the classic Pasta alla Norma. Be sure to leave room for dessert – Tiramisu, granita and cannoli await!

Which restaurants are on your Eat Out to Help Out hit list? I’ve already been to Barrafina and Mare Street Market and will be revisiting Berber & Q and old favourite Bellanger, which recently re-opened in the same location as a pop-up.

The Eat Out to Help Out money-saving scheme is available when eating in at participating cafes and restaurants on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. The discount is capped at £10 per person and is applied to food and soft drinks (not alcohol). Use the postcode checker to see who is taking part before booking or visiting.

All photos by Chérie City

Amsterdam, Hotels

Pillows Anna Van Den Vondel Hotel in Amsterdam

July 21, 2020 by cheriecity

Pillows Anna Van Den Vondel in Amsterdam has been on my hotel wish list for a while, but I wasn’t prepared for just how amazing it would be. There are some hotels that exceed your expectations of what luxury can be and this is definitely one of them.

Pillows is a smart boutique group with upscale hotels – from contemporary city boltholes to charming chateaux – across The Netherlands and Belgium. As the name suggests, this hotel is all about comfort and relaxation – a perfect retreat for a chilled out city break or romantic weekend.

Location

Pillows Anna Van Den Vondel has a prime location in Amsterdam’s fashionable Oud-West, close to the leafy Vondelpark, Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. It’s housed across three grand 19th century mansions with a discreet entrance on a quiet, tree-lined side row just off Overtoom – a hip street filled with cafes, bakeries and shops. It’s also well-connected to the tram, so you can easily get to the Canal District, Centraal Station and the restaurants of buzzing De Pijp.

Check-In

On arrival at Pillows, we immediately felt the tensions of travelling melt away, as we were warmly greeted and led into the chic guest lounge with a glowing fireplace and cosy velvet armchairs.

We enjoyed complimentary tea and amaretti biscuits, meticulously serviced on a silver tray, while the lovely receptionist checked us in on an iPad and marked points of interest on a city map. As if the arrival experience wasn’t sweet enough, we were even treated to an upgrade to a Luxury Room.

The Room

Our room on the 3rd floor was spacious and very quiet, with pretty stained-glass windows and homely wooden shutters. It had a light, calming feel and was tastefully designed in a cool palette of soft grey and pale teal with plush, tactile fabrics, natural wood furniture and designer brass lamps.

Everything felt very new and high-tech with a flatscreen Smart TV, smart control panel for lighting and heating and a vintage-style Tivoli radio with bluetooth.

Other room facilities included an iPad, Nespresso machine with four capsules and tea service, complimentary bottled mineral water, gourmet minibar and a cool Pillows Journal and pencil next to the bed. We were also delighted to discover a little bag of home-made chocolate as a welcome gift.

The bathroom was particularly big and luxurious with a powerful walk-in shower, fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers and a full set of high end bathroom products created for Pillows Hotels.

That evening, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Bar Fisk in De Pijp and rushed back in the pouring rain to relax in the comfort of our room. A restful night’s sleep was had, thanks to the heavenly, luxurious queen-size bed covered with sumptuous linen.

Breakfast

In the morning, we headed down to The Living where we were seated for a leisurely breakfast with a lovely view of the leafy private garden.

We ordered scrambled eggs with crispy bacon and sausages and our host swiftly brought a tiered selection of yummy pastries, jams and butter, alongside yoghurt and spiced granola and proper freshly-squeezed orange juice. While the chef prepared our hot breakfast in the open kitchen, we carved our own Dutch Gouda straight from the wheel and grazed on smoked salmon, local hams and cheeses and artisan bread.

I loved this social approach to breakfast, as it felt so homely and everything was of such high quality. There may be new procedures in place since we visited just before lockdown, however I’m sure it will still be an informal, indulgent experience.

Far from a typical hotel restaurant, The Living has a more intimate, casual feel and offers a tempting all-day dining menu of comforting dishes like Croque Madame, traditional bitterballen or Dutch apple pie.

Our stay at Pillows was so blissful and memorable that we immediately started hatching plans to explore the group’s other hotels. If you’re looking for a chic, peaceful base to enjoy the best of Amsterdam and be extremely well looked after, then this is the place for you.

For more information and booking, visit: www.pillowshotels.com

All photos by Chérie City

Beauty

Jo Malone Launches New Zara Candles

June 9, 2020 by cheriecity

How many of us have given our homes a bit of a glow up during lockdown? To celebrate decluttering your sanctuary and to create a new ambiance for summer, you’re going to need a fabulous new candle.

Legendary British perfumer Jo Malone CBE has collaborated with Zara to create Zara Emotions – a collection of eight fragrances for the body and home.

The founder of Jo Malone London and Jo Loves has pioneered multi-layered scents throughout her career. She created iconic scents such as Earl Grey & Cucumber, Pomegranate Noir, Blackberry & Bay and Pomelo and her range for Zara is just as creative.

I treated myself to two candles from the collection – Amalfi Sunray and Vetiver Pamplemousse. Zara’s minimalist packaging is quite similar to Jo Loves and makes the candles feel luxurious and contemporary.

Amalfi Sunray evokes the glamour and romance of holidays in southern Italy and is bursting with juicy bergamot, mandarin and orange flower. More complex than you might expect, this sunny fragrance is luscious, zesty, warm and uplifting. It’s perfect for keeping your spirits up while wanderlust is on hold.

Vetiver Pamplemousse is fresh yet seductive with notes of citrusy grapefruit, mandarin and woody vetiver. Jo Malone describes it as reminiscent of ‘white sand beaches’ and I could definitely imagine this scent wafting through the cabanas of an upscale resort in the Seychelles. Its provocative, musky aroma may be a little strong for some, but I love the elegance and sophistication of this fragrance.

There’s something to suit all tastes in this well-edited collection, with other gorgeous scents such as Waterlily Tea Dress, Fleur de Patchouli, Tubereuse Noir, Fleur d’Oranger and Ebony Wood. I’m really impressed with the candles’ strength and burning time and will definitely be trying a few more over the coming months.

All candles (200g) are priced at a bargainous £15.99, or you can check out the eau de parfum, dipping in with a travel-size rollerball for just £5.99 or indulging in the full collector’s set.

Are you tempted to try Zara Emotions by Jo Malone? Which scents have been uplifting you throughout lockdown?

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.zara.com

Photos by Chérie City

Naples, Restaurants

The Best Places to Eat in Naples, Italy

January 31, 2020 by cheriecity

I’ve always been curious about Naples and after spending a long weekend there, it definitely captured my heart. Admittedly, it was just as chaotic as my northern Italian friends had warned, with insane traffic and motorbikes weaving through the streets. However, any frustrations were quickly soothed with truly fantastic food.

Naples is the regional capital of Campania, which is known for its exceptional local produce. Creamy buffalo mozzarella and ricotta from Caserta, San Marzano tomatoes grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius and fresh seafood from the Bay of Naples.

It’s no wonder that Naples is the birthplace of pizza with such superior ingredients on the doorstep. In fact, there’s an entire street dedicated to pizza, where you can sample the world’s finest for just a few Euros.

A visit to the celebrated Via dei Tribunali, however, needs to be planned with military precision. Every visitor seems to be on their own personal pizza pilgrimage and the queues are insane with hours-long waiting times to be seated. Of course, there are a number of small friggitorie to keep you fuelled up on hot, crunchy, fried bites. The arancini at Di Matteo are out of this world.

Whether you’re exploring Naples or spending some time on the way to Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast, here are some top places to enjoy authentic Neapolitan cuisine at its best.

Pintauro

Nestled among the shops on Via Toledo is Pintauro, a tiny pasticceria with a big reputation. Back in 1785, Pintauro brought sfogliatelle to Naples from its birthplace on the Amalfi Coast and it’s said to be the best in town even today.

This shell-shaped pastry, filled with ricotta and candied orange peel, is a regional speciality and an absolute must for pastry lovers – definitely one of my favourites.

Caffe Gambrinus

Naples may be best known for its pizzerie, but it’s also home to one of Italy’s most celebrated literary cafes. Established in 1860, Caffe Gambrinus was a meeting place for writers and philosophers such as Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and Jean-Paul Sartre to discuss ideas over its signature Nocciola.

It occupies a imposing Belle Epoque building facing the Piazza Trieste e Trento and the famous Piazza del Plebiscito, home to the Royal Palace of Naples. Inside, it’s full of old world charm with an abundance of marble, chandeliers and oil painting by Neapolitan artists. The maze of opulent rooms includes a pasticceria overflowing with traditional southern Italian cakes, a chocolate shop, gelateria and a buzzing coffee counter.

We sat in the elegant salon and enjoyed a rich, velvety Cioccolata and shared a plate of exquisite mini cakes. The selection is different each time and ours included a sfogliatella riccia, rum baba, cannolo, strawberry tart and chocolate cake. What better way to spend an afternoon in Naples?

Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina Sorbillo

At lunchtime, it’s essential to try its famous delicacy, pizza fritta, and no one does it better than Naples’ famous Sorbillo family. Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina Sorbillo was established in 2015 and is dedicated to Gino Sorbillo’s dear aunt Esterina, who supported and trained him as a child. It now has three locations in Naples, including Via dei Tribunali, busy Piazza Trieste e Trento and on a side street in leafy, upscale Vomero.

Known as ‘pizza for the people’, pizza fritta is the ultimate Italian street food and each one is freshly made to order from a small open kitchen and wrapped in paper, ready to be devoured right away. Simply order at the counter, take a ticket and wait for your pizza fritta. It’s also extremely good value at just 3.50 Euros, making a light lunch for two less than 10 Euros with drinks.

Out of the six ingredients available, we chose prosciutto cotto and salami, which came with a mix of fresh ricotta and smoky provola. The majestic, half moon-shaped pizza fritta was softer and more fluffy than expected (not at all greasy) and the flavours were quite subtle.

While Sorbillo’s pizza fritta is definitely worth waiting for, choose your location, day and time carefully. It took over an hour for us to get ours, standing among the crowds of Saturday shoppers on Via Toledo, while the Vomero location on Sunday was quiet.

Osteria La Chitarra

One of my favourite discoveries during our trip was Osteria La Chitarra, a cosy Neapolitan tavern near the University of Naples. It’s so tiny and welcoming that it feels like you’re dining in a family living room. In fact, you need to climb a few stairs and ring a doorbell to enter.

Following the slow food principal, everything is made fresh from high quality, local ingredients and the menu is simple and modest. Here you can indulge in hearty dishes like risotto, ziti, fried cod, sausages with Sorrento provola and pork chops.

We loved the Polpette alla napoletana – two enormous, tender beef meatballs stuffed with juicy raisins and pine and covered in a rich, sun-kissed tomato sauce. They went perfectly with a side of sautéed broccoli rabe and offered a light break from pizza and pasta.

Tandem

Is there anything more inviting than a restaurant that only serves ragù? Tandem is dedicated solely to the region’s traditional ragù with a choice of pasta, gnocchi, ricotta, provola or simply mopped up with fresh bread (known in Italy as ‘scarpetta’). A real Naples success story, it has four casual restaurants and one take-away across the city and there’s even a Tandem pizzeria coming soon.

Tandem’s famous ragù is based on a recipe by owner Manuela’s grandmother and is cooked for six to eight hours then left to rest overnight. Neapolitan ragù is quite different to the Bolognese version with thick pieces of slow-cooked beef rather than minced meat, which takes less time to cook.

We visited the Tandem restaurant on Via Sedile di Porto near the University of Naples, which had the cosy atmosphere of a wood-panelled tavern. In the mood for pasta, we tried the rich and creamy Paccheri al ragù e ricotta and the classic Ziti al ragù. The flaky, high-quality meat was unbelievably tender and was enhanced by the juicy San Marzano tomato and vegetable sauce and al dente pasta.

It’s a time-honoured Naples tradition to spend Sunday with family over a pot of ragù, but for those of us without a nonna in town, there’s Tandem.

Pizzeria Starita

Our quest for authentic Neapolitan took us to Pizzeria Starita, a popular pizzeria in the arty Materdei neighbourood. It was established in 1901 by the grandfather of owner Antonio Starita and was immortalised by Sophia Loren who played a pizzaiola in the 1954 film L’Oro di Napoli.

The menu is extensive compared to its purist peers and you can find some really interesting pizza, calzoni, pizza fritta and montanara (deep-fried pizza). We grazed on some crispy Crocchete di Patate (just 1 Euro each) and could have easily worked our way through the selection of fried bites if the pizza wasn’t so huge.

We went for a classic pizza and something more unique to taste and compare. The clear winner was the signature Marinara Starita with San Marzano sauce, Datterino tomatoes, wild oregano and fresh Parmesan. It was a harmonious mix of tomato, garlic and rich olive oil and the strength of the fresh Parmesan was a great alternative to creamy mozzarella.

Capricciosa (chosen for my love of artichokes) was delicious with high quality ingredients, but I couldn’t help wishing that we’d been more adventurous. If in doubt, go for the pizza that grabs your attention, although it’s a good excuse to come back again.

Have you visited Naples? Where is your favourite place to eat?

All photos by Chérie City

Cologne, Hotels

25hours Hotel The Circle Cologne, Germany

December 20, 2019 by cheriecity

Cologne, Germany’s fourth largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, is the kind of place that charms you with its quirkiness and jolly outlook. From its hearty local cuisine and free-flowing Kolsch beer to its reputation for art and culture, there are a number of reasons why Cologne makes the perfect weekend city break.

I’ve always been curious about Cologne but what really sealed the deal was checking out one of the newest properties from 25hours Hotels. This game-changing group never fails to amaze with its creativity and 25hours Hotel The Circle Cologne is out of this world… literally!

Centrally located in Cologne’s Friesenviertel, The Circle occupies a curvy postmodern building, in the rotunda of the former Gerling insurance company. It has to be one of the most conceptual hotels I’ve ever stayed in, with designer Werner Aisslinger taking inspiration from the spirit of discovery in the 1960s and future utopias.

The shiny, enormous lobby is filled with social spaces including a record store, the 25hours Things Shop, filled with cool souvenirs, plus NENI Deli offering hot drinks, light bites and a comfy co-working for hotel guests and locals. In the middle of the lobby is a nostalgic control centre that pays homage to analogue times gone by with a typewriter, fax machine, old fashioned telephones and big red buttons that are too tempting not to press.

Check-In

While waiting to check in, you can even take some selfies with robots, daleks, a pink space ship and the astronaut casually hanging out in front of a galaxy backdrop near the lifts. Seriously, lobbies don’t get much better than this!

The Room

Our Large Room on the seventh floor was an industrial-chic dream with lots of concrete and light wood, high ceilings and sweeping views over the city. While retro-futuristic in style, it was reassuringly high-tech with a large Smart TV, strong air-conditioning, high-speed wifi and a UE Boom Bluetooth speaker.

Other cool room features include the most amazing galaxy rug, a FREITAG tote bag to use during your stay, a complimentary test drive of a MINI and a Schindelhauer bicycle in the room, so you can take a scenic route of the city curated by bike experts specially for the hotel.

Most importantly, the king-size bed was extremely comfortable with cool cushions and those signature 25hours Hotels pillows embroidered with cheeky messages.

The fabulous open-plan bathroom on the back had a very powerful walk-in rainfall shower, fluffy towels, slippers and full-size natural STOP THE WATER WHILE USING ME! bathroom products. There’s also a fabulous sauna on the seventh floor if you have time to relax and unwind.

Dinner at NENI

That evening, there was no question that we would be dining at NENI Cologne, Haya Molcho’s cool Balagan-style restaurant that’s become synonymous with 25hours Hotels. If you love spicy, smoky sharing dishes with plenty of dips, then this place is a must!

We enjoyed some fresh sourdough bread with za’atar yoghurt and olives and started with an all-time favourite, Moroccan cigars – crispy filo pastry filled with spiced beef and pine nuts. NENI-style kebab, cooked on the robata grill, was smoky and delicious with juicy beef-lamb kebab, Har Bracha tahina, parsley, baharat, grilled vegetables and pita bread.

We also couldn’t resist the Jerusalem Teller – tender grilled strips of chicken with spices, fresh herbs, humus, Har Bracha tahina, bell pepper, onion and pita bread. A bowl of crunchy Sweet potato fries with a piquant mango aioli finished everything off nicely. For an after-dinner drink, just wander along to the hotel’s Monkey Bar, one of Cologne’s hot spots.

Breakfast

In the morning, it was back to the eighth floor for breakfast with a view over the city. The breakfast buffet at NENI is straightforward and plentiful with an emphasis on quality.

We grazed on excellent scrambled eggs and bacon, cured meats, smoked salmon and herring, local cheeses, flaky pastries, a variety of freshly-baked breads, yoghurt with granola and seeds and fruit juice. There’s also very good coffee, proper loose leaf teas and fresh juices.

25hours Hotel The Circle Cologne is a real treat for design lovers, where space exploration is not only possible but super stylish. Whatever brings you to Cologne, make The Circle your inspiring urban retreat.

For more information and booking, visit: www.25hours-hotels.com

Chérie City was a guest of 25hours Hotel The Circle Cologne

All photos by Chérie City