Monthly Archives: April 2016

Bombay Sapphire Rooftop Retreat, Harvey Nichols

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I used to envy those sophisticated fellow travellers who would breezily order a g&t while I always stuck to white wine or a Diet Coke! Despite trying the drink regularly I found the taste too bitter, until my friend carefully made me a gin drink with a twist of lime that I couldn’t resist. Ever since that night I’ve known that the exact proportions of a gin and tonic are crucial if you want to make a drink that is tasty and refreshing.

And so when a Bombay Sapphire invite pinged into my inbox, I responded instantly with a resounding YES. Eight of us met on a chilly terrace of the London landmark, Harvey Nichols, for an evening of cocktail making with Bombay Sapphire Brand Ambassador Renaud de Bosredon, a charming man who has almost definitely been sipping the perfect g&t since childhood.

Around a table we were taught the basics: one part gin, two part tonic and as much ice as you can fit in the glass. Then we had the chance to try the method for ourselves. It was delicious, especially with a squeeze of lime, but I wondered if the great taste was just thanks to the premium brand of Bombay Sapphire and its vapour infused 10 exotic botanicals, rather than my limited cocktail making talents! Renaud encouraged us to be creative with our drinks and we were sent off into the wonder emporium that is the Harvey Nichols Food Hall, with a £20 voucher each to spend on imaginative ingredients. There were plenty of magical products, but I decided on rhubarb bitters to add a fruity flavour and pink candy floss for decoration. It was a strange but tasty combination, and great fun to learn about how to combine flavours into a classic g&t.

Open from 13th April – 11th July, The Bombay Sapphire Rooftop Retreat offers an oasis in the middle of London for guests to experience the exquisite taste of Bombay Sapphire and discover their perfect gin & tonic. With a menu featuring a range of unusual ingredients inspired by the artful creation of Bombay Sapphire and its vapour infused 10 exotic botanicals, guests can create their own bespoke gin & tonic to suit their taste.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of Spring.

More information on the Rooftop Retreat and Bombay Sapphire gi masterclasses here.

SmartBuyGlasses – Floral Frames for Spring

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As ever London seems to be teasing us with a taste of Spring. The blossom is out and the sun’s occasional appearance means there is an excuse to buy yourself a seasonal pair of sunglasses and a new bikini. SmartBuyGlasses are my go to website for the cheapest designer glasses and contact lenses, and this year they are showcasing a range of pretty floral frames to get you in the mood for warmer weather.

With over 30,000 pairs of designer sunglasses to choose from there are styles to suit all, and with their shopping guides and Virtual Try On feature, SmartBuyGlasses help you find the right pair quicker than any other site. I love the unique collections from Woodys Barcelona, Matsuda and Adidas Originals, as well as classics from Ray-Ban, Prada and Tom Ford. 

These sophisticated Dolce & Gabbana frames have a lovely light pattern that will look great with a tan. The feminine shape will compliment a pretty Springtime look, and the good quality frames will outlast the sunshine.

Maui Jim Silk Orginals

Make your sunglasses more effective than ever with the SmartBuyGlasses prescription lenses, which are anti-scratch, anti-reflective and UV protective. Or if you prefer, wear contacts with the normal lenses to give you versatility in temperamental weather. I love these Maui Jim Silk frames with floral arms, great for men or women.

For a sportier look, go for a pair of Adidas Originals with wacky tropical floral design. These casual frames will look great for a game of volleyball on the beach or for sundowners in the city. Priced at just £81.95 on SmartBuyGlasses, they are as affordable as they are chic.

SmartBuyGlasses have the largest selection of designer eyewear online, and you can trust that their collections are always up to date with the season’s latest trends. Shop online now here.

The Ninth, Charlotte Street

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After spending five months on the road it has been a joy to rediscover the food scene in London. The Ninth is one of the many new restaurants to arrive in the capital recently. I rarely visit any eatery more than once, but in the last two months I’ve been to The Ninth twice, an obvious sign of my admiration. This sophisticated but discreet venue on Charlotte Street is the first solo venture for Jun Tanaka, a chef whose previous credits include stints at The Square, Brasserie Chavot and Pearl. He has created a menu which celebrates the seasons with imagination and flare, and the dishes served have a French feel while illustrating Tanaka’s eclectic influences.

The Ninth is particularly reasonable at lunch when two plates cost £17, or three are £21. I found the menu exciting and varied with deliciously inventive dishes like Nettle and fregola risotto with grelot onions and yoghurt or the vibrantly fresh and simple Asparagus with truffle butter and crispy egg. One of my favourite dishes was the crispy duck salad with blood orange and pomegranate, the perfect combination of irresistible meat with sweet tangy fruit.

Venture off the set menu to enjoy richer recipes from the a la carte. The dishes change regularly depending on produce. When I visited I enjoyed the silkiest cut of lamb with a Mediterranean mix of wild garlic, tomato confit, courgettes and lemon.

Dessert was my favourite course. The Pain Perdu with vanilla ice cream was utterly delicious, a melt-in-the-mouth sugary delight that was both light but indulgent. Guests can also choose to order the Tarte Tatin to share with rosemary ice cream, a classic French pudding made in a rustic style with an unusual flavour of accompanying ice cream.

This little unsuspecting venue is one of my favourite new eateries to eat at. With an inspiring menu of delicious dishes and prices that won’t make you wince, The Ninth is the perfect place to dine on Charlotte Street.

More information and book a table at The Ninth here.