Monthly Archives: January 2015

Peckham Refreshment Rooms, Peckham Rye

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I moved to Peckham less than a week ago and I have already found my favourite local restaurant. Peckham Refreshment Rooms opened recently, just behind the train station, amidst the vegetable stalls and hairdressing shops. It is easy to miss with a plain exterior and no sign, but inside the chic basic dining room and bar is nearly always packed. On the occasions I visited I was pleased to find it full of keen foodies rather than ‘cool kids’ needing a place to hang-out, they seem to stick to the Bellenden Road area. As word gets out about this hidden gem, I’m sure the clientèle will change.

The restaurant offers a concise and tasty menu… Modern British food, done simply and priced reasonably. There aren’t many choices, but what is on offer is delicious. Big flavours and inspired ingredient combinations cooked by a few talented chefs in the open kitchen, which seemed remarkably calm when I peered inside. To start we gorged on a few plates from a tapas style ‘bar food, charcuterie and cheese sections’ – the Confit Shallot and Mozzarella with Salsa Verde were particularly memorable. They used the best quality products and were modestly prepared in ways that emphasised their best qualities.

For meat fans, Bavette (also called skirt of flank) is a great cut to sink your teeth into, cooked immaculately with a caramelised crispy edge and a velvety texture inside. It was served with the quirky tasting pickled walnut and vinegary parsley salad. Duck Confit is unmissable, perhaps the best duck I have ever tasted, it had a generous amount of meat on the bones and an indulgent crispy skin. Paired with soft simple carrots that have been flavoured with the duck fat, it was a brilliant dish.

I couldn’t decide what to drink, there is a precise and thoughtful list of sensibly priced wine, and a list of inventive cocktails ideal as an aperitif. I opted for the Spiced Sidecar, a short strong drink made with cognac, calvados, homemade spiced syrup and lemon, it was wintry, carefully balanced and smooth. Costing just £8, you can afford to have a few.

We were very disappointed to discover the chocolate pot with biscotti had run out, but dark chocolate salted toffee tart was a fine substitute. A thick and gooey delight topped with sea salt crystals and a small dish of single cream to cut through the cocoa richness. It was divine, and finished in seconds.

As a restaurant reviewer I rarely get to try an eatery more than once, but I have already broken this rule for Peckham Refreshment Rooms, where I hope to spend many more delicious evenings.

More information and book a table here: peckhamrefreshment.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 241 – Shopping in Warsaw

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Galilu Olfactory – this airy and bright little shop stocks a wide range of wonderful perfumes. The sophisticated scents are from unique brands all over the world and the staff will give you expert help choosing the right bottle for you.

Horn & More – a seductive girls boutique stocking fine underwear, statement jewellery and aromatic scented candles. It is a treat for all the senses.

Likus Concept Store – located in the smart Vitkac shopping mall this concept store is seriously stylish stocking all the leading designer brands. When you’ve shopped head up to the delicious Concept 13 restaurant on the top floor.

Magazyn Praga – Located in a former glue warehouse this little shop features relics from its industrial past that mix with their high-profile selection of new and vintage fashion and furniture. There are irresistible design items everywhere, I wanted it all!

Wedel – this renowned Polish confectioner is the ultimate chocolate emporium. Leave the chilly streets and head inside for a the creamiest cup of hot chocolate or a taste of the famous torte which is handmade and layers with wafer and chocolate. We returned several times for more.

H15 Boutique Hotel, Warsaw

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Most tourists visiting Warsaw will head for the old town, but I found livelier and more exciting places in the area just south of the city centre. We stayed in the very contemporary, design-conscious H15 Boutique Hotel and were surrounded by characterful places to eat and drink.

Located on one of the oldest streets in the city, the hotel is housed in a transformed 19th century building with a rich and chequered history. Previously it was home to the Polish independence movement, the Soviet Embassy and was even a headquarters for the Nazi party during the war. Today the luxurious and chic interiors make a welcome retreat after a day sightseeing in the cold.

An entry-level room starts at £52 per night and there are various larger rooms available, with 46 rooms in total. We were lucky enough to experience one of the spacious, higher end suites, kitted out with useful amenities and quirky artwork by Polish photographer-artist Rita Zimmerman. Interior Designer Mariola Tomczak has created light and warmth with natural oak flooring, bold detailing and attractive but subtle colours.

Our luxury suite had a large separate lounge area with comfortable sofas and a high-tech internet-enabled TV. The bathroom had a powerful shower and indulgent bath with toiletries provided by French brand L’Occitane. The bedroom had a lovely relaxing feel and the huge bed was extremely comfortable. We also made good use of the kitchenette and Nespresso machine, calling reception for hot milk to make an in-room cappuccino. The only negative was the unpleasant smell of cigarettes in the suite when we arrived, surprising considering it is a non-smoking hotel.

Although there isn’t a dedicated hotel concierge, the staff at the front desk can guide you to local attractions and eating places – I can particularly recommend Kraken Rum Bar for lunch and Salto fine dining restaurant for dinner. We didn’t try it but H15’s restaurant Signature is apparently popular with Warsaw foodies.

For design-savvy travellers this boutique hotel stands out amongst the mega-brand and traditional hotels of Warsaw.

More information and book a room here.