Artist Steven Marshall completes a psychogeographical exploration of…M&M’s World…
Visit: www.steven-marshall.co.uk and www.mymms.com
The City as a dining destination may seem daunting to those without an investment banker lover or at least one suit in the wardrobe (that’s me on both counts) but it’s an area that I’m beginning to warm to on my foodie adventures.
Bonds at Threadneedles is a City institution and I half expected a restaurant full of suits with their blondes, like Dorsia on American Psycho. In fact, Bonds has a more mixed, light-hearted and well-heeled crowd and the atmosphere in the adjoining cocktail bar was buzzing.
Threadneedles is a boutique hotel located in a splendid former Victorian bank and the stylish decor gives it warmth and a slightly European feel.
I met with a small group of food and drink bloggers and we started off a very boozy evening in the elegant lounge with a champagne cocktail, appropriately named Sensual Cherie (£12). I’d love to think that this was handpicked for my approval!
It tasted as good as it sounds and consisted of rose eaux de vie, goji berry liqueur, champagne and morello cherry soaked in bourbon – absolutely delicious!
Bonds focuses on international dishes using only the finest British seasonal produce. Head Chef Barry Tonks gained his first Michelin star at just 30 years-old when working at McClements in Twickenham, so we were in safe hands.
We started with chunky bread with salted butter and a glass of Balfour Brut Rosé, from the Hush Heath Estate, Kent 2006. The evening was all about experiencing British wines, which Bonds believe can hold their own against the old establishment of wine producers.
To start, I was tempted by the Hand Dived West Coast Scallops ‘a la plancha’ with roasted chorizo and squid ink polenta (£16.95).
The scallops were creatively presented and were actually the best I’ve ever had! They were seared to a slight crisp on the outside and were thin enough not to get that squidgy centre. The mini chorizo sausages were flavoursome and meaty and really complimented the scallops while the squid ink polenta was deliciously fine, grainy and dense.
We enjoyed our starters with a Plantagenet Chardonnay 2007 and although I’m not a huge fan of Chardonnay, it had a tartness that made it more interesting.
In between the two courses, we were offered an amuse-bouche of Dorset Bay crab salad on crisp thin ciabatta. This was accompanied by a glass of Primrose Hill, Bacchus, Chapel Down, Kent 2009, which has been described as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc. It was fresh and citrusy with strong hints of elderflower and grapefruit.
I followed the delightful scallops with Slow Cooked ‘Denham Estate’ Venison with beetroot marmalade, butternut squash puree and Epoisse gratin (£22.95).
The medium-cooked venison was tender, juicy and rich. The beetroot was roasted and caramelised and the butternut squash puree was creamy and ultra smooth with an interesting touch of vanilla.
Epoisse gratin was a wonderful new experience and the strong cheese flavour really added to the decadence of the dish, which can often be overpowered with garlic.
The main dish was accompanied by Denbies Redlands 2006 from Dorking, Surrey. Made from Pinot Noir and Dornfelder, it is a full-bodied red wine bursting with berries and with a firm finish. I was impressed with the quality and unique taste of the British wines and my favourite was the Denbies Redlands red wine.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist ordering the Amedei 70% Chocolate Fondant with almond milk ice cream (£7.95). It was a triumph – rich and melting with a delicious biscuit base. Head Chef Barry Tonks is clearly up on his food trends, as the almond milk ice cream came in that knowing elliptical shape and scattered with some crunchy biscuit bits.
Living up to the greedy food blogger reputation, we squeezed in a few pickings from the cheese trolley. Our lovely waitress was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the cheeses and recommended certain cheeses and the order in which to taste them. If you have room, they are certainly worth trying.
As an interlude to the flow of British wines, we tried a refreshing cocktail called the Threadneedle Street (£11) – Chase gin infused with rosemary, shaken with Bramble & Cox apple juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey and a touch of Drambuie. It was strong, perfectly-mixed and aromatic – just right if you like slightly herbal cocktails.
Bonds is perfect for spending a long, leisurely evening enjoying excellent food in a building full of character. There’s something seductive about Bonds with its soft lighting, impressive interiors and subtle luxurious touches. Also, the selection of fine British wines should stir the curiosity of even the most jaded foodie.
The only problem is, it might prove just too tempting to roll upstairs to one of the Threadneedles rooms to continue the indulgence – you’ve been warned.
For the month of June, you can enjoy the Sweet Summer Nights menu at Bonds – a three course meal and a strawberry aperitif for just £24.50. The menu is available from Monday to Friday, from 6pm-8pm for groups of 6 or under.
For more information and booking, visit: www.theetoncollection.co.uk or on Twitter.
Chérie City was a guest of Bonds at Threadneedles.
All photos by Chérie City.
bmi British Midland International set Chérie City a special assignment – fly to Beirut, take in the sights and culture and report back. A most exciting task, I think you’ll agree…
Our bmi flight to Beirut was at the sensible time of 10.45am, so we still managed to get a good sleep and spend an hour or so relaxing in The Great British Lounge – bmi’s flagship business lounge for international flights.
My first experience of an airport lounge was the bmi London Room (for domestic flights) en route to Edinburgh earlier this year. The Great British Lounge has additional amenities such as showers, slumber rooms, a cosy fireplace, a local British pub, a dedicated study and work space and best of all, a cafe offering cooked breakfasts.
We sat at the breakfast bar and started the day with bacon and egg sandwiches, a selection of mini pastries and waffles with maple syrup and a cappuccino. For business travellers watching their cholesterol, there are more healthy options such as fruit, yoghurt, cereal and porridge.
We used the wifi in The Study to check last-minute destination details and relaxed reading magazines in the Front Room.
The flight was around 4 hrs 30 mins and the time passed quickly as bmi kept us entertained and comfortable. I cocooned myself in the blanket and pillows provided and watched movies, emerging only for pineapple juice served with Penn State pretzels and a delicious lunch of Thai Red Chicken Curry.
When we arrived at Beirut airport, we were welcomed at the Four Seasons Beirut desk and promptly ordered a taxi to the hotel. The taxi ride took less than 15 minutes and our friendly taxi driver Elie told us the city’s best sights.
We checked in at Four Seasons Beirut (read more…) and freshened up before heading down to dinner at the hotel restaurant – The Grill Room.
Then it was on to the newly-opened Whisky Mist at Le Paon Rouge at The Phoenicia. Whisky Mist is just a five minute walk from Four Seasons Beirut, although we had to scramble over four lanes of busy traffic to get there, so take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary limo service and arrive in style.
We were kindly given the VIP treatment and had a reserved table and bottle of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé champagne waiting for us.
After a long day in transit, it was time to get back to our cloud-like bed to dream about exploring the city the next day, and of course, that rooftop pool!
Chérie City was a guest of bmi British Midland International, Four Seasons Beirut and Whisky Mist Beirut
bmi British Midland International has launched their lowest possible one way fares for travel this autumn and winter. Book early and take advantage of great fares – including Beirut from £169 one way from London Heathrow – when booking now for travel between 1 September 2011 and 31 March 2012. The offer closes on Wednesday 22 June, so book today at www.flybmi.com
Facebook fans can win a pair of tickets to any bmi sale destination at facebook.com/flybmi
Four Seasons Beirut is one of the luxury hotels leading the regeneration of Beirut’s flourishing downtown district. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, the spectacular, glass-fronted Four Season Beirut already feels like an established part of the city’s luxury, international scene.
Inside, Four Seasons Beirut has a more ornate, historic feel with a unique blend of Chinese and Arab influences.
I noticed design similarities to Four Seasons London and later found out that both hotels have been designed by the prolific Pierre-Yves Rochon.
From the moment we arrived, the hotel staff anticipated our every wish and went out of their way to make our stay memorable.
As an indulgent treat, we were upgraded on arrival from a Deluxe Sea-View Room to a Four Seasons Room with a view of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains on the seventh floor.
Our room was very spacious, 549 sq.ft. to be exact, and was designed in an elegant contemporary style in soft beige and stone shades with light wood furnishings and touches of gold.
To make it feel as homely as possible, there was a large work space, an armchair and ottoman and a vanity table.
The sumptuous king-size bed was incredibly comfy and faced a huge 37 inch LCD satellite TV with over 60 international channels – perfect for relaxing at the end of the evening.
We were given a plate of delicious baklava and large bottle of mineral on arrival and a fresh fruit bowl every day. There was also a constant supply of mineral water next to our bed and in the bathroom.
Our balcony overlooked the marina and we had excellent views along the coastline. Downtown Beirut is a luxury developement in progress and despite numerous cranes and building works nearby, there was hardly any noise at all.
On the second evening, we ordered room service and ate on the balcony while watching an impromptu firework display over the marina – just magical!
The huge bathroom felt decadent yet homely and boasted a walk-in shower, a separate bath and double sinks, all carved from marble. I loved the antique gold floral wallpaper and the plentiful L’Occitane bath products – a reference to Beirut’s French heritage. There were stacks of towels and flannels and embroidered bathrobes and slippers to lounge around in.
In between the room and the bathroom was a dressing area with double wardrobe, shelf and drawer space and an area for our cases. The walk from the bathroom to the room was so much longer than any hotel I’ve experienced that I forgot about the dressing area and kept turning the corner into the wardrobe!
Four Seasons Beirut boasts the highest rooftop pool in the city and the views from the 26th floor are really spectacular. We were shown to the pool loungers and were given towels and bottles of mineral water. Staff came round the loungers with plates of melon chunks while we soaked up the sun and dipped in the pool and jacuzzi. It felt like absolute heaven and it was difficult to tear ourselves away from the pool scene to explore the city.
At night, the rooftop pool area becomes a cool rooftop bar with cocktails, champagne and Asian tapas. Our second evening was spent on the rooftop sipping Rose Mojitos and enjoying the breath-taking views.
The dining facilities at Four Seasons Beirut are unbeatable and you can enjoy traditional Lebanese and international dishes at any of the bars or at all hours with in-room dining.
On the first evening, we enjoyed a three-course meal at The Grill Room. We feasted on the most superb Charolais steak and experience Lebanese wine for the first time.
The Boulevard, located in the lobby, has the atmosphere of a Grand Cafe and serves light snacks, cakes and coffee throughout the day. The Bar is like a bijou jewel box, designed in seductive reds with stunning tassel chandeliers. You can smoke Cuban cigars or curl up in one of the nooks and enjoy a pre- or post-dinner cocktail.
Guests also have access to the business centre, the fitness suite with sauna and steam room and can book treatments at the spa, which uses Sodashi natural skincare products.
What makes Four Seasons Beirut stand out is the immaculate service. Whenever we went to the reception or spoke to staff on the phone, they greeted me warmly by name. As I was tweeting throughout my stay, the staff anticipated our every wish and offered to make reservations for us.
The real cherry on the cake came on our last day when I tweeted to a friend that I would try to bring back some sumac (a traditional Middle Eastern spice) if I could find a market on time. A pouch was delivered to my room from the Concierge, filled with sumac! It was touching that the staff wanted to give us the best possible memories of Beirut and offered such a personal gift.
Apart from the pedestrian areas in the centre of town, Beirut isn’t particularly geared towards walking. Four Seasons Beirut help you avoid negotiating the busy roads with a complimentary limo service. I wish I’d remembered this when attempting to cross four lanes of high-speed traffic in heels…after a huge dinner…and a bottle of Champagne!
Four Seasons Beirut is an exceptional hotel that combines Middle Eastern hospitality with international comforts. It is a symbol of new Beirut and the city’s imminent return to being the Middle East’s most exciting destination.
Chérie City was a guest of Four Seasons Beirut and bmi British Midland International.
All photos by Chérie City.
bmi British Midland International has launched their lowest possible one way fares for travel this autumn and winter. Book early and take advantage of great fares – including Beirut from £169 one way from London Heathrow – when booking now for travel between 1 September 2011 and 31 March 2012. The offer closes on Wednesday 22 June, so book today at www.flybmi.com
Facebook fans can win a pair of tickets to any bmi sale destination at facebook.com/flybmi
Beirut, Lebanon 17.06.2011
St Georges Maronite
Place des Martyrs
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
The Roman Baths
Art Festival at Escales St Nicolas
Chérie City was a guest of bmi British Midland International and Four Seasons Beirut.
bmi British Midland International has launched their lowest possible one way fares for travel this autumn and winter. Book early and take advantage of great fares – including Beirut from £169 one way from London Heathrow – when booking now for travel between 1 September 2011 and 31 March 2012. The offer closes on Wednesday 22 June, so book today at www.flybmi.com
Facebook fans can win a pair of tickets to any bmi sale destination at facebook.com/flybmi
Beirut is one of those culturally rich cities that I’ve always dreamed of visiting and just this week, I was invited by bmi, British Midland International and Four Seasons Beirut to explore the city and report back on Chérie City.
Once known as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’, Beirut has flourished since the devastation of the civil war and has become a major destination for luxury, arts and nightlife. I can’t wait to immerse myself in Lebanese culture (the food is always a good place to start) and have fun discovering a different outlook and pace of life.
As with most capital cities, rapid development brings a new identity, so I’m excited to see how Beirut’s slick new neighbourhoods interact with the old city.
Keep an eye out for photo diaries, reports and tweets to get an inside look at Beirut. If my intrepid reportage tempts you beyond belief, be spontaneous and book a flight to Beirut in the bmi summer sale! The idea of sipping on mint tea with Lebanese pastries and shisha at sundown might be too hard to resist.
bmi British Midland International has launched their lowest possible one way fares for travel this autumn and winter. Book early and take advantage of great fares – including Beirut from £169 one way from London Heathrow – when booking now for travel between 1 September 2011 and 31 March 2012. The offer closes on Wednesday 22 June, so book today at www.flybmi.com
Facebook fans can win a pair of tickets to any bmi sale destination at facebook.com/flybmi
Chérie City is a guest of bmi and Four Seasons Beirut.
All photos by Four Seasons Beirut
Anne Semonin is a French skincare and spa brand with a unique approach that incorporates a bespoke mix of products to get the most effective results. The customised, made-to-measure system focuses on mixing drops of trace elements and essential oils for a potent effect.
I’ve always keen curious as to how this regime works and the best way to experience the brand is to go to the source – the Anne Semonin spa. Anne Semonin has spas in select locations across the world, including the flagship spa at Hotel Le Bristol in Paris, and closer to home is the relatively new Anne Semonin spa at Hotel Verta in Battersea.
I arrived at the spa reception and was shown down to the changing area by a warm, friendly fellow North East girl who was to be my therapist for my facial.
I changed into my swimsuit and the provided slipper and large fluffy towel, ready to try out the facilities. After a quick shower, I tried the sauna, which was just at the right heat level, spacious and pristine, as though I was the first to use it.
I then went on to steam room, which was dark and atmospheric with twinkling ceiling lights and calming, spiritual music. I felt like I’d been transported to a humid, twilight garden in Morocco.
Next up was the Sanarium, which was also designed in light wood, but was a combination of the dry sauna heat and the moisture of the steam room. I was told that many visitors find this more pleasant and moderate, however, I found that I prefer the two extremes of heat, either the sauna or steam room.
There are also tropical showers and foot baths to prolong the spa journey, but my main indulgence was the hydrotherapy pool. Completely silver and surrounded by tiny gold mosaics, this was quite possibly the most stylish spa pool I’d ever seen. There were various jacuzzi areas and water jets to massage and sooth the muscles.
I washed and blast dried my hair and changed into the fluffy robe and slippers, so I would be comfortable during the treatment. I relaxed on the heated mosaic beds and waited for my therapist came down to collect me. She took me up to the relaxation area and offered me a pot of fresh peppermint tea while I filled out a consultation form. I lay back on the white leather bed, covered in a blanket while sipping on my tea, flicking through Conde Nast Traveller and waiting for my treatment room to be ready.
I chose the Deep Marine Purifying Facial (£115 for 75 minutes) – ideal for detoxifying and rebalancing combination, oily, congested or problematic skin. Before my treatment, I was asked about the condition of my skin and the frequency and exact type of the blemishes. I was told that this was because certain methods can make the problems flare up and the treatment would be tailor-made for my skin complaints.
My therapist started with a double cleanse using Botanical Milk and Marine Toner. Her hands were incredibly soft and she immediately put me at ease with slow, graceful movements.
The next stage was an exfoliating mask to whisk away the dead skin cells. My therapist then applied a mixture of Balancing Essential Oils + Trace Elements to various pressure points on my face and used a range of massage techniques to stimulate the skin.
The therapist then used a steam machine to open up my pores, followed by light extraction. To draw out further impurities, the therapist applied a spa-exclusive thick, paste-like mask that set quickly. Treatments always feel more decadent and special when the therapists use products that can’t be bought in stores. It makes it difficult to then replicate at home, but I was told that the next best thing is the Mineral Mask.
While my mask was working its magic, my therapist gave me a relaxing hand and arm massage with a light Botanical Body Milk. She found the pressure points and the areas of my hands that are continually stressed due to typing and the effect was just blissful. The arm massage was invigorating and got the blood flowing around my body.
The mask was peeled away in one rubbery layer with deep-rooted impurities and oil particles attached.
To rebalance the moisture levels, my therapist mixed some Marine Emulsion with a few drops of 100% Active Contour Serum and Tissue Serum and massages it into my skin.
She finished with Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes covered in gauze and gently ran along the contour of my eyes, followed by a few drops of Tissue Serum to brighten, firm and hydrate.
It was then time to go back to reality, albeit after another revitalising pot of peppermint tea in the Relaxation Lounge.
After my treatment, I felt rejuvenated, supple and ready to face the world. The soaking and steaming in the spa prior to the facial really helped me to relax and opened my pores enough to get the most out of the treatment.
Immediately after and for the following days, my skin felt plump, smoother and more even and best of all, the blemishes dried out quickly and diminished.
Anne Semonin treatments are a high end investment, but the results are significant. The Deep Marine Purifying Facial immediately tamed my angry, inflamed blemishes and in the longer term, gave my skin a full detox.
The couture approach appealed to my skin and the combination of different products makes it easier to gauge what works best for your skin and unlike a uniform skincare cream, adapt it accordingly. Even as a one-off treat, I encourage you to indulge!
For more info, products and treatments, visit: www.annesemonin.com
Chérie City was a guest of Anne Semonin Spa
I’ve always been tempted by The Cuckoo Club with its rock ‘n’ roll guestlist of Rolling Stones and their kids, Kate Moss’ crew, Sienna Miller and assorted royals.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in the majority of the central London private members’ clubs for events and parties, but rarely have I been there on a regular night out.
The Cuckoo Club is super exclusive and as far as I know, it’s near impossible to get into unless you’re a guest of a member or ridiculously well-connected.
The exception to the rule however, is that if you book a table for dinner you’re in there – no need to prove your worth to eagle-eyed door staff.
I think it’s fair to say that The Cuckoo Club hasn’t previously been on the London foodie map, but this year, the club recruited new Head Chef Chris Cooper – previously at Michelin-starred restaurant, Texture.
The seasonal menu changes each month and focuses on light, healthy dishes that won’t weigh you down in the club. None of the starters or mains include butter or cream, so you can indulge and stay energised for the evening.
When we arrived at The Cuckoo Club at just after 8pm, we were the first people in the restaurant and had the full attention of all of the staff. The tables quickly filled and were all full within an hour or so.
We were greeted by our lovely, charming Spanish waitress and were swiftly brought a stack on menus and a bowl of marinated olives to keep us going. She suggested a cocktail from the specials menu as an aperitif while we decided what to order.
This select range of cocktails are ideal for before dinner and are simply named by the spirit. I chose ‘Rum’ with a mix of blueberries, blackberries, red wine and plum jam and Steven went for ‘Tequila’, mixed with orange bitters (£9 each).
After ordering, we were brought slices of chunky fresh bread served on black slates, a mound of butter and rock salt and a dish of olive oil with balsamic vinegar reduction.
The bread was soft and springy with a crystal crisp crust and the accompaniments were top quality and made the bread course more interesting. Some side plates would have been nice, to avoid table crumbs and olive oil spillage, but then again, it’s not very rock ‘n’ roll to be concerned with the table cloth (note to self).
The soundtrack at The Cuckoo Club is quite unique – all 70s rock and indie classics. It felt strange at first, as most posh dining venues subscribe to the generic ‘funky lounge music’, but it was a welcome change.
To start, I ordered the Asparagus with Bacon Powder, Crouton & Slow Cooked Egg (£12). It looked like an exotic paradise with lilac pansies, lettuce spears and a deep green puree artistically smeared across the side of the plate.
It tasted as good as it looked and the portion size was substantial. The asparagus was tender and lightly doused in oil and the slow-cooked egg was runny and melted across the dish. It came with a paper-thin bread crisp and flavoursome bacon powder than stuck to the lightly dressed leaves – absolutely delicious!
Steven went for the Cured Tuna Marinated in Lemon & Basil, Mixed Onions in a Pine Dressing (£12). The tuna was very fresh and had a pickled flavour and was garnished with tiny white flowers. It’s the kind of fashionable dish you might find at Le Chateaubriand in Paris.
For my main dish, I went for the Duck Breast on Buttered Hispi Cabbage, St George & King Oyster Mushroom with a Duck Broth (£19.50).
What a wonderful combination! The succulent duck was cooked medium with a thin layer of crispy fat and sat atop nicely wilted hispi cabbage, chunky cashew nuts and sprinkles of coriander. The broth was light and meaty and there was just the right amount to make the dish fluid without completely submerging it.
Steven ordered the Best End of Limousin Lamb, Confit Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers, Roasted Red Pepper Puree, Aubergine Crisps & Lamb Jus (£23.00).
The lamb was tender and the vegetables were coated in a herby Mediterranean tomato and red pepper sauce and finished with thin golden aubergine crisps.
We couldn’t resist picking a side order of Cauliflower Puree (£5.50) and Sweet Potato Wedges with Spicy Mayo, as recommended by our waitress. The Cauliflower Puree was silky smooth and thick with a tiny touch of cheese and cream (just a small amount for flavour).
The Sweet Potato Chips (£5.50) were an absolute delight and a nice alternative to chips. The long golden wedges came with cajun seasoning and a light mayo dip which didn’t overpower the flavour.
As all of our courses had come in reasonably quick succession, we had become slow with the cocktails and took the chance before dessert to try another. Our waitress was keen for us to work out way through the cocktail menu and didn’t want us ‘to go dry’. I liked her way of thinking and was happy to oblige!
I ordered a Teen Spirit (all cocktails £13) – Hangar 1 Spiced pear vodka, Martini Extra Dry, lemon juice, homemade vanilla sugar, cardamoms and apple juice. It was a refreshing, sweet and sour long drink with plenty of crushed ice.
Steven went for a Rocket Queen – Johnny Walker Black Label, Xante, lemon juice, apple juice, maple syrup and Nashi pear. Also a tall drink, it was very similar to my cocktail but a bit sweeter, due to the maple syrup. They were both strong but not overpowering and they would a perfect choice in the club later, if you don’t want your drink to last.
For dessert, I’d been recommended the Chocolate, made with 70% Valrhona Ganache, Sea Salt Crumble, Malt Ice Cream & Coffee Essence (£8). I had to see what the fuss was about and its reputation is well-deserved – a real plate of heaven.
A large black slate was filled with a chocolate landscape – a large chocolate brandy snap, a scoop of creamy malt ice cream sitting on tumbling sea salt chocolate crumble with thick chocolate ganache and finished with a drizzle of coffee essence. Everything worked exceptionally well together and there was a good mix of textures – crunchy, powdery, creamy, velvety and bitter.
Steven went for the lighter choice of Strawberry – Gariguette Strawberries, Fennel, French Meringue, Crème Fraiche Sorbet (£8).
The strawberries were stewed with the fennel the meringues were soft and chewy. The dessert was like a more interesting, herbal Eton Mess.
To wash down the glorious desserts, our waitress persuaded us to try an Espresso Martini shot – a deliciously sweet, nicely roasted digestif.
There was one last cocktail on the agenda and we both went for Golden Touch – Jameson’s Gold Reserve, lemon juice, Port wine, apricot brandy, honey, apple juice and pineapple juice. The fact that it was served in a goblet was a deciding factor and it did look impressive and tasted just as good!
From 11pm, the staff go into overdrive to transform the restaurant into a club and lounge. The dinner tables became ‘drink stations’ covered with glasses, Champagne buckets and mixers – like a ridiculously well-organised house party.
For anyone who is as clueless as me about the West End club, guests reserve a table, buy a bottle of Champagne or vodka and everything else is set up on the table.
The club soon filled with an international crowd of impossibly leggy and gorgeous blonde twentysomethings and ever so slightly older bankers and business types. The music changed from rock ‘n’ roll to really good electro and Detroit house.
There were no celeb sightings, but as we arrived at 8pm, we didn’t stay into the early hours when the raucous rock ‘n’ roll crowd arrive.
Service at The Cuckoo Club is warm and attentive – not in the slightest bit snooty. The modest menu and small cover makes it easier for the kitchen to concentrate on the quality of each dish and to get them to the tables without delay.
Prices are the same as any high end London restaurant, but the portion sizes, excellent quality and getting guaranteed free entry to a super exclusive club for the rest of the night gives it a real edge over the rest. No wonder the tables were fully booked!
It’s easy to be tempted by all the cocktails and side orders, so splash out and make it a night to remember.
For more info and upcoming events, visit: www.thecuckooclub.com
Chérie City was a guest of The Cuckoo Club.
Afternoon tea, Beauty, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London
Lovestruck On Leighton Meester & Vera Wang
June 10, 2011 by cheriecityYesterday, I was invited to a very special afternoon tea with Leighton Meester and Vera Wang at the Corinthia Hotel London to celebrate the launch of her new fragrance, Vera Wang Lovestruck.
We took tea in the elegant, beautifully scented ballroom among a sea of peony roses – a perfect afternoon treat.
Then the moment we were all waiting for…Leighton and Vera arrived for the launch presentation, introducing Lovestruck and the inspiration behind the fragrance and campaign.
Leighton was unsurprisingly stunning in the flesh – fresh-faced, radiant and ever so charming. It was a surreal experience meeting Vera Wang, who despite being a highly-regarded fashion legend was outgoing, irreverent and a tiny ball of energy.
Vera regaled us with tales of shooting all day in freezing temperatures on an NYC fire escape, with Leighton wearing little more than ‘a whisper of tulle’ and being ‘a good sport’.
Lovestruck is inspired by a modern day twist on Romeo & Juliet and captures the first magical moments of falling in love – the passion, romance and the excitement.
Vera looked to her love of vanilla and grapefruit and then focused on the elegant, freshness of peony to create modern, youthful scent. Lovestruck includes top notes of pink guava and angelica flower, a heart of tuberose and a dry down of precious woods.
Lovestruck is an absolute joy to wear if you love feminine, contemporary rose scents and there’s nothing vintage about the fragrance, it’s all about the here and now. It begins with a rush of fresh, soft peony and then develops a warm yet sparkling citrus fruit scent with a subtle hint of sticky candy.
Vera insisted that the bottle would be a visual treat and the cap really does impress, with a deep magenta blooming bouquet inspired by Murano glass and a tulle and organza tie. The trend for ‘work of art’ 3D bottles could be down to the ‘Marc Jacobs effect’ – just see the floral explosions on the tops of Lola and Daisy.
The Corinthia Hotel London ballroom was a perfect match for the prettiness of the fragrance and it felt like we were somewhere in between Vera Wang’s cool New York and a debutate ball in Paris – Blair Waldorf would have approved.
Our afternoon tea included a tiered stand full of finger sandwiches, mini scones with clotted cream and jam and delicate cakes – the Lavender éclair was simply divine! I chose a pot of English Rose tea by Tea Palace, which seemed fitting when surrounded by roses.
The only thing that could come close to having tea with Leighton Meester and Vera Wang was leaving with a bottle of Lovestruck and a handful of those lovely peonies – what a dreamy day!
Vera Wang Lovestruck is available exclusively at Harrods now and then nationwide from 26 June.
Last week I was invited to a cosy bloggers dinner at Locale Cucina Italiana to preview the summer menu, which will hit the tables in a few weeks.
We visited the bustling Locale County Hall, but there are other neighbourhood Locale restaurants in Balham, Blackheath, East Dulwich and Fulham.
Executive Chef Paolo Barone devised a ten-course tasting menu featuring the most exciting new seasonal dishes.
On arrival, I was treated to an Elderflower Spritzer and we shared plates of fluffy fried dough snacks filled with prawns and fresh chilli. The delicious cloud-like parcels were made using Birra Moretti and the recipe was designed by Giancarlo Caldesi for Locale.
The banquet started gently with a trio of bruschetta – broad bean purée and anchovy, ‘pachino’ cherry tomato and nduja (a spreadable spicy salami). My favourite was the nduja, as it was so smooth and had an intense flavour.
Next up was a rustic slab of Salumi Misti and the most deliciously light focaccia seasoned with rock salt, olive oil and garlic. The cured meats literally melted in the mouth and are homemade by Paolo Barone himself – now that’s dedication!
I have an almost pathological culinary fear of courgettes, so the prospect of courgette flowers wasn’t appealing. However, the courgette flower stuffed with ricotta and lemon was tasty and extended an olive branch between me and the courgette.
The ricotta filling exploded out of the doughy batter and was lightly whipped , surrounding the nicely wilted orange flower.
My favourite of the starter dishes was the Asparagi Viola All Uovo – asparagus sautéed with butter served with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce. It’s classic and Locale did it extremely well.
Risotto Bruscandoli (risotto with wild hop) was a new experience – the hop was very subtle and worked well with the creamy sauce and al dente risotto.
The risotto was very filling and comforting without being heavy or sticky.
By this point, we were all starting to lose steam, but couldn’t bear to put down our forks. One of my favourite dishes was the guitar string pasta with black summer truffle and broad beans.
The pasta was nicely al dente and the broad beans sautéed in garlic and olive oil were just so incredibly delicious. No heavy sauces or overpowering flavours, just a fresh, light summer dish.
The roast seabass fell by the wayside due to some serious overeating, so we finished with sirloin steak tagliata with roast garlic, rocket and a quaint little garden of mini roast vegetables.
The steak was tender, well-seasoned and cooked medium. The vegetables were slow-roasted with a slightly sweet, caramelised flavour and the roasted garlic went well with everything.
We finished off the monumental menu with an authentic Italian digestif – Prosecco with lemon sorbet and vodka. It was the perfect, refreshing end to the meal.
If you’re wondering about dessert, there the menu is full of Italian classics such as Tiramisu, Affogato, Panna Cotta, Chocolate Fondant and some more unusual foodie combinations.
Despite being full to the point of restricted breathing, we still managed to admire a giant calzone coming out of the kitchen, smothered in slow-roasted tomato sauce.
Perhaps another visit is in order to sample the calzone or pizza selection…in the name of research and quality control, of course!
Locale is a real neighbourhood restaurant, serving up hearty Italian classics and interesting seasonal dishes based on Paolo Barone’s travels and experiences in Italy.
It’s a boutique group that still manages to cook with love while managing five London locations. The summer menu is full of fresh greens, light sauces and antipasti that is perfect for grazing along with a glass of Barolo…what could be better!
For more info and reservations, visit: www.localerestaurants.com
Chérie City was a guest of Locale County Hall.
Photos by Chérie City and Locale.
Islington-based Nailgirls have teamed up with Nailgirls regular Brix Smith-Start to host a pop up salon at her Shoreditch boutique, START.
Nailgirls are quickly gaining a reputation as ‘the fashion nail polishes’, with trend-led seasonal collections and numerous catwalk collaborations. So for just one week, you can get your nails painted and check out the designers that have inspired the nail polishes.
Nailgirls have created London Fashion Week looks for the past three seasons, including Erdem, Holly Fulton, Felder Felder and Hannah Marshall.
The Summer 2011 nail polish collection takes inspiration from the neon, khaki and florals seen at Christopher Kane, Lanvin, Paul & Joe, Marc Jacobs and DVF.
I found Nailgirls polishes to be long-lasting, bold and glossy and even better, they are free from chemical nasties, are not tested on animals and are vegan-friendly.
Pop along to START for a shape and paint from 2nd -5th June. You might even see Brix’s pugs Gladys and Pixie indulging in some pampering!
Whenever I walk through Bloomsbury, my mind still drifts to the romantic, bohemian lives of Virginia Woolf and the literary Bloomsbury Set. The Bloomsbury of today is part old world elegance and part creative industry hub (overspilling from Soho), making it an ideal neighbourhood for experiencing London.
myhotel Bloomsbury was one of the first affordable design hotels to hit London in 1999 with its minimalist Conran & Partners interiors and zen ethos. The myhotel group has gradually expanded to Chelsea and Brighton and all of the myhotels are designed using the principles of feng-sui.
While some hotels hit you right away with their brand philosophy, myhotel Bloomsbury reveals its personality slowly, offering small clues about its origins.
It may appear to be a minimal boutique hotel, but throughout the stay we discovered small Eastern touches in the decor, which give it a unique sense of character.
We were assigned a Studio King room and were swiftly welcomed with a large bottle of mineral water and two delicious bite-size brownies with fresh strawberries, compliments of the chef.
The generously-sized loft-style room is designed in a minimal style with retro patterns and soft, tactile furnishings in brown and aubergine.
It has a calming, homely feel and everything is set up for familiar comforts – living up to the name, myhotel.
The king-size bed was exceptionally luxurious with pristine, crisp sheets and I couldn’t resist sprawling out and working on the bed all afternoon, making good use of the free high-speed wifi…well, why not?
A lovely touch was a huge stack of glossy magazine by the bedside, which I delved into for a whole afternoon when I was supposed to be working. A reference to the Eastern vibe of the hotel was a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, although I was admittedly engrossed in Marie Claire and probably should have investigated more.
Some of the furniture has admittedly seen better days, but it doesn’t detract from the homely charm.
Adding to the comfort of the room, we were provided with a full-size kettle and huge mugs (complete with mini biscotti and large stirrers) with plenty tea, coffee and hot chocolate. There were also two complimentary bottles of mineral water – we were given no fewer than four bottles throughout our stay!
The bathroom well-sized and bright with a bath and shower, so you can relax and unwind at the end of the day.
I was pleased to find the bathroom stocked with Bee Kind bathroom toiletries by Gilchrist & Soames, which I tried and loved earlier in the year at Bloomsbury Street Hotel – it must be a Bloomsbury thing!
After an afternoon spent somewhere between lounging and hard work, we stayed local and went out for pizza at the Italian Coffee Centre in Fitzrovia – cheap, exceptional quality and quick.
Merkaba at myhotel Bloomsbury is perfect for an indulgent yet informal evening meal and the Pan-Asian menu has some very tempting dishes. Merkaba has a sociable, cosmopolitan feel and the terrace is a real focal point, especially when the sun is out or at cocktail hour. Or, if you don’t want to leave your cocoon, there is 24-hour room service available.
There’s something very decadent about ‘turndown service’ and this extra drop of attention has greatly varied between the hotels I’ve stayed at.
myhotel Bloomsbury provided a thoughtful tray of evening-time treats to ensure a good night’s sleep. We were given a complimentary bottle of mineral water, Gilchrist & Soames bath salts and pillow mist (containing snooze-inducing lavender) and a little gift box of chocolate truffles.
We decided to really indulge and have breakfast brought up to our room. Breakfast included a Full English (with a choice of 5 items), toast, a selection of pastries, cereal, natural yogurt, freshly-squeezed orange juice and freshly-brewed coffee.
The cooked breakfast was plentiful and high quality and the pastries were really exceptional – flaky, soft and fresh.
Everything came bang on time and it really was a lovely start to the day, lingering over a decadent breakfast in bathrobes and slippers.
myhotel Bloomsbury is a real gem of a hotel, as it feels like a home away from home in a wonderfully central location, just a short walking distance from Soho, Covent Garden and of course, Oxford Street.
For ultra relaxation, the calming downstairs spa, Jinja, offers reasonably priced beauty and well-being treatments that combine ancient Eastern healing techniques with effective Western products.
Another exciting addition to the hotel is Central, the creative work space where you can work without distraction, collaborate with like-minded folk and hold meetings. It’s an ideal spot for entrepreneurs and freelancers who can’t cope with the annoyance of bad cafe wifi.
myhotel Bloomsbury is perfect if you’re looking for a well-located, chic city bolthole where privacy, comfort and calm are top priorities.
For more info and booking, visit: www.myhotels.com
Chérie City was a guest of myhotel Bloomsbury.
Photos by Chérie City and myhotel Bloomsbury.
