Category Archives: General

Experimental Cocktail Club, Chinatown, New Menu

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We were sitting snugly on the ECC sofas and it was impossible not to hear the nextdoor banker’s conversation. Trying their first cocktails, of perhaps their entire lifetimes, they smirked at the waitress, but remarked excitedly to each other that this was ‘definitely the coolest place I have ever been too’. I gave Mr Banker my card in the hope that it would educate him and encourage him to try out some of London’s other hip cocktail haunts.

But back to Experimental Cocktail Club where, let’s be honest, you will find some of the best cocktails in London. I have mentioned this secret prohibition-style bar before on TMM but with a regularly changing drinks menu, it seemed about time that I check out the latest talent. Recently too I tried the Paris branch of ECC and was interested to find the cocktails less daring, but equally delicious; it seems the French are lagging a little when it comes to the cocktail trend.

The current ECC menu features a plethora of oriental flavours, spices and herbs: I spotted unlikely ingredients like coriander, cumin and pressed beetroot juice… though tempted, I didn’t actually try these concoctions. Reminding myself of the popular classic, we ordered a Saint Germain Des Pres, a carefully balanced mix of Hendrick’s gin, St Germain liqueur, lime juice, Belvoir elderflower cordial, egg white, spiced Tincture & cucumber juice. It was spicier than I remembered, but just as striking, a lone slice of cucumber floating casually on the surface. Havana is the opposite – simply put, it is a straight smoked whisky flavoured subtly with Marsala and Angostura bitters. Created by Shaun Layton, a barman from L’Abattoir in Vancouver. Havana is hardcore and not for the faint-hearted, I could only manage a few sips but was able to appreciate the artistry of the product nonetheless.

We had two favourites: Stockholm Syndrome is a sweet vodka based drink with citrus tastes. Ketel 1 vodka is infused with cumin and dill and added to Linie aquavit, lemon juice, simple syrup & Peychauds bitters. It is served beautifully in a vintage glass with a chunk of lemon and sprig of dill. It is a light and refreshing choice and very easy to drink. The Kota Ternate is rather more exotic: the ingredients reminded me instantly of the Caribbean: Plantation Trinidad rum, Niko’s spiced tea: a mix of spices, coconut and Ceylon tea, Batavia arrack, fresh pineapple and lime juice and milk. Arriving in a medicine bottle for us to pour ourselves, I was instantly captivated. The cocktail itself tastes like a wacky fruit juice, with a kick from the warming spices. If, like me you need something to nibble on whilst sipping your cocktail, I can recommend the Cheese and Charcuterie Plate (£12) – salami, cheese, crackers and cornichons come neatly packed onto a plate.

ECC are selective and particular because they can afford to be. The staff are very friendly but it is hard to get past the doorman, tricky to get a seat and totally unacceptable to take away a menu for a souvenir. The popularity of the place does put me off rather, but if you’ve got the money to spend, ECC’s cocktails are worth every penny.

Visit the website here: www.chinatownecc.com

Things to do in Budapest

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Before visiting I knew little of Budapest’s twin city appeal. Dramatically divided by the Danube, Hungary’s beautiful capital offers a wealth of exciting sights and activities for visitors. Linked by the epic chain bridge Buda and Pest are very different areas to explore. Buda is a historic hub characterised by its amazing hills, and here you will find the most important tourist attractions. The retro Furnicular carts transport you up the hill to the Castle District where you can see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. Pest is the younger and trendier side of the city where people go to work, shop and play. This area is action packed with creative opportunities and has much more of a buzz about it. We spent most of our time here eating, drinking, shopping and marvelling at the impressive buildings surrounding us. I would urge any Budapest guest to visit both sides of the city to experience a true flavour of the Hungarian way of life.
To Do
- Szechenyi Baths: thermal baths are a unique aspect of Budapest and this venue is one of the most renowned. In the open air this picturesque pool soothes guests all year round. It is the largest of its kind in Europe and feels quite extraordinary to be in such a hot pool of blue water outside, especially when it is snowing around you!
- Gellert Baths: The Gellert Baths are a traditional Hungarian Bath complex locted in the Gellert Hotel in Buda, along the Danube. It is open to the public, but hotel guests enjoy free admission. These baths are stunning and will leave you feeling refreshed and cleansed.
- Boat trip Danube: Even on a gloomy winters day The Legende one hour Boat Trip was worth doing. Offering an unrivalled view of the city on both sides, you will understand the history and culture of Budapest and see all the great architecture. Book here.
- Climb up to the top of the St Stephen’s Basilica (known as Budapest Cathedral), the largest Church in the city. We visited at sunset to see the whole city illuminated and glowing.
To See
- Museum of Fine Arts: This huge regal building is hard to miss. We saw a lovely Cezanne exhibition when we visited in January… and it is always worth going along to see the permanent collection of Spanish masters and Venetian paintings.
- House of Terror Museum: Sadly this much talked about museum was closed for refurbishment when I was in Budapest but I’ve heard the exhibition on the Holocaust is memorably affecting and a must see.
- Opera: Enjoy a performance at the world famous Budapest State Opera House… though be warned you are unlikely to understand a word, Hungarian subtitles are not easy to translate.
To Eat
- Ringcafe Burgers: Located on the main Andrassy Street Ringcafe is known to have the best burgers in town. The owner was recently in London sussing out the best on offer, returning to Budapest with a load of fresh new ideas. The menu has an extensive list of burger varieties, and they are delicious, with soft juicy meat and brilliant accompaniments.
- Gundel: Famous for its fine brunches, this restaurant presents Hungarian food with a French twist. The Gundel pancakes are particularly popular amongst diners!
- Onyx: This opulent fine restaurant is one of two Michelin starred establishments in Hungary. Chef Szabina Szullo artfully reinterprets Hungarian classics with precision and care. The food and wine are exquisite.
- New York Cafe: Located in the Boscolo Hotel, this cafe has always been a favourite for locals and tourists in Budapest. The rich history and beautiful interior is more of a reason to visit than the food.
To Sleep
- Boscolo: This epic hotel is indulgent and impressive both inside and out. The baroque rooms and suites are luxurious and the hotel also offers wonderful spa and fitness facilities.
- Four Seasons: A deluxe five star palace, the Gresham Four Seasons is fit for a king/queen. Architecturally amazing and immaculately designed, the Danube facing suites are arguably the most desirable rooms in the city.
With fantastic food, sights and culture, I find it bizarre that Budapest is not a more popular destination for European weekends away. If you are looking for a cheap and memorable trip abroad, book flights to Hungary immediately.
Many thanks to the Budapest Tourist Board for all their help with this trip. More information here.

Skate at Somerset House

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Certain things for me signify the start of the Christmas season and Somerset House‘s famous ice rink is one of my favourite festive facilities.

This year I went along to the opening day on November 11th, a good six weeks before the big day, but not too soon for celebrations. The huge Christmas tree is up as usual, the first I’ve seen this year and the place feels joyful and merry; you can’t help but be affected by the mood.

It was a bright, blue-skied and crisp Sunday morning, the perfect conditions for skating. By 12 noon the place was buzzing with excitable children with glowing faces. Before taking to the ice we wandered into the Skate Lounge for hot chocolate and pastries, a well selected playlist of the Puppini Sisters and Stevie Wonder ringing loudly from the speakers. As we munched on breakfast, we watched the smiling group skating round the rink. I was tempted by the pop-up Christmas Arcade where you can pick up the perfect present.

For most people it is likely to be a year since they last skated and so the beginning of the session begins cautiously, with children and adults alike clinging to the edges. Some continue to cling throughout though most gain confidence and stride out into the centre proudly gathering momentum and speed. I was pleased to find I had remembered better than normal how to do this quirky seasonal sport – unfortunately my guest also had and was annoyingly better than me. As he showed off twirling round the rink I enjoyed my slower, steadier style of skating.

With the glorious winter sunshine and the magnificent Somerset House facade looking down on you, this ice-rink is still the most magical place to skate at Christmas time.

16 November 2012 – 6 January 2013, book online here.

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Somerset-House-Ice-Rink-Ice-Skating-tickets/artist/26663?camefrom=CFC_UK_SH_WEBSITE

Millie’s Cookies Launch Party, Powder Room, Soho

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I am a little bit biased about anything that has the word Milly (or Millie) in it… but for Millie’s cookies there is no need to be biased as I genuinely love their sweet, yummy and utterly addictive products. With numerous branches brightening up dreary tube stations, they provide the perfect place to indulge in a sweet snack. I used to visit their shop in Hammersmith Station often after school with my best friend – we’d treat ourselves to a white chocolate cookie to munch on the journey home.

The range of the brand is expanding with the addition of many new and exciting recipes and designs; and last week I went along to the very fitting Thoroughly Modern Launch Party. Taking place at the fabulously retro Powder Room parlour in Soho, it was the ideal place to celebrate Millie’s new goodies. The downstairs room was adorned with beautiful cakes, cookies, teacups and plates… pink fizzy was on offer and girls giggled while trying the assortment of sugary sweets displayed.

I adored the cookie cakes; Millie’s are the first brand to create cupcakes made from a cookie dough recipe – they are quite heavy but as they are so mini it doesn’t matter… the flavour and decoration are amazing. Then there are the healthier cookies, with nuts, seeds, raisins and oatmeal featured in the ingredients substituting the more fattening chocolate chunks. The themed cookies and cakes caused quite a commotion, giant cookies inscribed with personalised messages and intricate drawings. My favourite spelt ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and as a gift they let me take it home! These big cookies make wonderful gifts, at the launch there were hand drawn wedding and julibee themed ones.

While we scoffed, a film crew wandered around gathering footage for upcoming Millie’s Cookies short films and a lovely vintage dressed girl sat manicuring guests’ crumb covered hands.

Millie’s cookies are my kind of brand… pretty, pink and with the perfect products.

Visit the Millie’s Cookies website here, and look out for a competition and collaboration coming soon on Thoroughly Modern Milly!

SampleTrend, Goodge Street

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How would you like to go shopping for free?! Now you can, well almost, at Sample Trend, the newest and smartest way to shop.

The SampleTrend concept is simple:

1) Sign up and pay a one off annual fee of £60.
2) Visit the ST shop on Goodge Street once a month to choose any five items to take away for free.
3) Answer a few quick and easy questions about each of the products online.
4) Return next month to choose your next five products from the new selection in store.

Although this idea is popular elsewhere in the world, SampleTrend is the first appearance in the UK. Located in a pristine shop in central London, the store is clearly arranged with products lining the shelves and two laptops at the rear of the store for members who have forgotten to fill out the questionaire from their previous visit. I will admit the items on offer aren’t necessarily things you would normally buy, but sometimes choosing with a different agenda and trying new products can be far more interesting.

Ranging from necessities like washing powder to inventive cosmetics, speciality foods and informative magazines, there is a variety of things to fill your basket with. The best thing about the process is the delightful element of surprise and fun.

I chose:
- Kopi Gourmet Coffee Malawi (worth £9.00)
- Mantis: Microfibre Mitt (worth £4.99)
- JML: Doktor Power Magic Eraser (worth £9.99)
- Myleene Klass Nails (worth £5.99)
- Magbook: 50 Photo Projects (worth £7.99)

An interesting group of products that have been surprisingly useful at home.

SampleTrend is the future of shopping… you heard it here first!

All information on the SampleTrend website here.

Taylor Taylor Salon, Spitalfields: cut & colour revamp for Thoroughly Modern Milly

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Right, listen up you trendy guys and girls – it’s time to ditch Toni & Guy, Headmasters and the rest of those other boring standard hairdressers… Rock up to Taylor Taylor, the hippest hair and beauty venue in London, where summer cocktails and sweets are just part of the service.

I went along to try out this cool salon last week. It’s located on Commercial Street next door to Spitalfields market, an area reminiscent of Soho in New York, edgy and quirky, the place oozes style. Inside I was reminded more of a chic Parisian boutique, all floral and pretty. There is a very special feel to this salon with the bespoke chandeliers, lizard-skin covered chairs, and a gorgeous candy striped staircase that reminded me of Coco Chanel’s boudoir.

My lovely colourist Amy chatted away to me while painting my hair. I was having the dip dye effect – the roots are dyed darker, and then blended in with backcombing before the lower hair is lightened; the result is basically grown out colour and dark roots, a look I have always admired but never quite had the courage to attempt before. As a serial hair changer: light, dark, short, long, layered, straight, highlights but not necessarily in that order, I get bored easily and it seems my hair is the easiest feature to alter about myself. Dip Dye was clearly a logical next step for me.

After the colouring was complete, I was left for twenty minutes, for the colour to take effect. I read Vogue and gladly accepted a second cocktail. Soon it was time to venture to the luxurious washroom area to have the foils removed and my hair rinsed. Amy and I decided on an appropriate tone; the toner was added to my hair to secure the final colour. She had done an amazing job, the colour is quite a radical change and yet using her clever technique it looks natural and summery, as you can hopefully see from the final photos.

I was more scared about the cut, but felt reassured immediately by Frederico, my stylist. He offered his opinion, and without knowing that I am a massive Alexa Chung fan, suggested a cut a little similar to her look on a recent Vogue cover. I felt confident he knew what he was doing so left him to it. He snipped away with precision and speed and once finished blow dried my hair using a rounded brush to create a beachy look. I felt so much better, more seasonal, and much lighter headed; he had given my hair the lift it so desperately needed. The cut also really accentuated the new colour.

The cocktails here are absolutely divine – special concoctions developed for T&T;, so good I’m wondering if they’ll let me come back with some friends, just for Friday night drinks. They are delivered on a silver platter with a dish of moreish salty peanuts! There were four individual cocktails to choose from: I tried the Rose Bellini first, beautifully presented in a champagne flute with a cherry at the bottom, the drink was a beautiful pinky coral hue with an enticing scent (rose water, peach syrup, Champagne and a splash of cranberry). Then for a second I went for a Moscow Mule (Classic vodka and Old Jamaica ginger beer, with a burst of freshly squeezed lime juice and a sprig of fresh mint) – this was served long and was wonderfully refreshing.

I didn’t want to leave this sweet smelling boutique salon, and promised Amy I’d return soon for another hair makeover… I’m already flicking through magazines trying to find an excuse to return!

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

Bistro du Vin restaurant, Soho

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After attending the new Bistro du Vin restaurant opening in Soho, I was invited for supper last week to try out the menu. We went along on a Sunday evening to find the restaurant surprisingly empty, then again so is most of Soho at the end of the weekend. I was unable to see the design at the busy opening, but can now confirm the decor is elegant and refined, a bright and airy layout that I’m sure will entice people in either just for a drink at the plush bar or for a relaxed meal in the main restaurant.

This is the second Bistro du Vin restaurant, after the success of the first in Clerkenwell. The menu is one of British classics, with a focus on high quality meat and fish. The restaurant boasts a collaboration with ‘La Cave a Fromage’ a wonderful cheese supplier who works hard to find the very best French and British cheeses. So with that in mind, it would have been a sin not to try out the display of fine cheeses! For a starter we shared a selection of the artisan cheeses and finely chosen charcuterie. Our friendly waitress sweetly asked which flavours I preferred before bringing us a well rounded assortment of their current seasonal stock.

The cheese and charcuterie arrived beautifully displayed on two rustic wooden boards, along with a variety of fresh breads. All the cheeses were good, some were sublime… I remember thinking that cheese would be my luxury for a desert island, if the cheese I could take was this good. The finest salami and hams came amongst a bed of salad and figs, my favourite was the flavoursome Iberico ham, matured for 30 months.

As the name suggests Bistro du Vin has an enviable expertise in wine, and an awesome hand picked array is on display in the central glass room. A lovely sommelier came over to our table and suggested a white that would complement our starter, Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner (Lossterrassen, Kremstal, Austria 2010). It was one of the most drinkable, light and refreshing white wines I have ever tasted.

After sampling the Donald Russell sourced beef on offer at the opening party, I was keen to choose a dish from the grill section of the menu. From the choice of cuts, I decided on Sirloin – priced at £24, my steak was lean and tasty, a wonderful cut of meat with a delicious chargrilled taste from the Josper Grill. To accompany I had a rich creamy peppercorn sauce and a portion of crispy pomme frites. We ordered a tomato and onion salad to share; I was delighted when it arrived to see the tomatoes were multicoloured, a group of bright orange, red, green and yellows. My friend chose the BdV Burger with bacon, gruyere cheese and grilled mushrooms on the side. A perfectly cooked stack of burger components, served with frites.

Before dessert, I asked to try a summer cocktail of the expert bartender’s choice. The waiter delivered to me the sweetest peach-flavoured creation, a drink made specially to suit my request. For dessert, with our aromatic fresh mint tea we ordered the Belgian waffle, fresh strawberries and Valrhona chocolate sauce. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the waffle had just been homemade by the pastry chef in the kitchen; it was crispy and scrumptious with the darkest bitter hot chocolate sauce and sweet red fruit.

Soho is home to a wealth of tempting restaurants, but at Bistro you will find a little pinch of extra sophistication.

Visit website here to book and find out more.

Latitude Festival, Henham Park, Southwold

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I was no longer laughing at the poor mud-covered Glastonbury lot, as we made our way to the Latitude Festival with the weather predicted to be of a similarly dreadful nature. We arrived early on the Saturday morning, expecting traffic queues and the usual complications, but were pleasantly surprised to find the ‘get in’ quick and blissfully easy, parking just a two minute walk from the campsite – it was painless finding a space on the grass, and we quickly had our cute £19.99 Sainsbury’s tent up.

The weather cannot help but affect your festival experience, and after three hours of constant rain on Saturday, I began to wonder if it would ever cease. Nevertheless if any festival is going to break the downpour blues, it’s Latitude with the multicoloured sheep and cheery attitude. Proving itself to be an event that is ‘much more than just a music festival,’ Latitude provided well for its soggy visitors, putting on an impressive spread of events covering every area of the arts, catering to all interests and ages. Now in its sixth year, the variety was more varied than ever – I was overwhelmed by the choice.

The advantage of the persistent, diabolical rain was that many of the more specialist ( and covered) arenas really benefitted… in the Theatre Arena the ‘Matador’ performer even asked us “honestly how many of you are just here to get out of the rain?” (A few sheepish men raised their hands). The second stage, the Word Arena, was often full too, supporting those less high profile bands that often have a great deal more to offer than the big names on the main stage – headliners The National, Paolo Nutini and Suede, I felt were underwhelming this weekend.

With the help of a very picturesque “faraway” forest, the theatre area is dreamily atmospheric. The leafy Outdoor theatre showcased work from some inspiring artists, Luci Briginshaw was widely appreciated, singing some familiar opera classics and delighting the audience with her piercing top notes. The Gate Theatre also did well on this makeshift stage presenting their haunting production of Electra.

The work seen in the Theatre Arena was of an amazingly high standard: low budget productions with high impact. Two pieces were especially memorable for me; both were about the power and influence of money. ‘Crunch’ is a solo performance by writer/performer/director Gary McNair. He sets out five sets and encourages us to follow these to let ourselves be liberated from the tyranny of money. After 45 minutes of hugely engaging and witty theatre, we are invited up on stage to shred money from our own pockets, it is credit to McNair that three audience members actually did go up to destroy their own hard-earned cash, including one mad girl who freed herself of a lovely crisp £20 note and left the platform with a handful of shredded paper and a satisfied smile.

Then across the park on the Waterfront Stage, a few lucky acts managed to perform in the moments of dry weather. The FELA! Cast gave a particularly uplifting performance from the musical which returns to the stage at Sadler’s Wells on 20 July.

Those in need of a laugh were in luck as the Comedy Arena had a star studded line –up. I crouched at the back on Sunday to watch the final two sets from funny boy Nathan Caton and high pitched drama queen Alan Carr. Despite being a self-confessed comedyphobe, I thoroughly enjoyed the efforts of both men – Carr’s ridiculous anecdotes had me in stitches.

The Literary Tent didn’t disappoint with an endless stream of fascinating guests stepping up to share their experiences and knowledge. I listened to an amusing interview on Saturday night with ‘The Sex Diaries Project’ author Arianne Cohen – she reassured the audience with her results and bizarre relationship stories. Then on Sunday I got a dose of Girl Power from a lovely and frank interview with Louise Wener (lead singer of 90s pop band Sleeper) conducted by Mark Ellen. She read excerpts from her enlightening new book ‘Just for One Day’ – a memoir that details her real life dream transition from geeky teen to musical goddess and sex icon.

There was a real buzz around the Word Lounge. Despite being rather out of the way, this little tent hosted a programme of engaging podcasts and interviews with various musicians and music geeks… the history of Britpop chat on Sunday afternoon with Stuart Maconie was particularly interesting.

Then of course there was the music… the main Obelisk field was rarely full with music lovers seeking their entertainment somewhere dry, where you could dance without poking someone’s eye out with your umbrella. Gorgeously costumed bands looked unfairly dry and glam on stage whilst their adoring plastic poncho-clad fans stared up from behind protective hoods. They Might be Giants did a marvellous job motivating the fans during the wettest lunchtime period on Saturday. Like most, I was captivated and stayed for the whole show delighting in their ridiculous antics and singing along to their catchy songs – it was incredible to see ‘Birdhouse in Your Soul’ performed live, a song that has worn my iPod out. Seasick Steve was characterful as ever on the main stage, cooing at the girls in the crowd and inviting one up to be the recipient of a love song – a routine I have watched him conduct several times before!

Sunday saw sultry but shy Anna Calvi wow on the Obelisk stage with her seductive and intense voice. I had heard magical rumours about this girl and was expecting a bit more of a show, but no-one can deny her talent as she wailed into the microphone enticingly. She sang memorable covers of Elvis and Edith Piaf songs, and completely made them her own. My musical highlight from the weekend was the spectacular Everything Everything who put on quite a show for the Word Arena on Sunday afternoon. Even those happy to splash in the rain joined the dancing throng for this awesome set. The four Manchester boys all dressed in matching jumpsuits powered through their current hits and gave us a taste of what’s to come with a sparkly new number. Everything Everything combine fast paced eccentric lyrics, heartbreaking falsetto vocals from Jonathan Higgs, constant tempo changes and powerful chord progressions and harmonies that give the music a futuristic vibe; their songs are truly innovative, unlike anything I have heard before. The crowd went absolutely mad for this band – a group of middle aged groupies dancing next to me seemed to know all the words, I enquired afterwards to discover they were in fact parents of the band members.

As a music festival, Latitude didn’t quite produce the goods this year, despite being a smaller budget event than say Glastonbury, recycling the same bands from the previous year (The National headlined on the Word stage in 2010) is not going to impress punters when even smaller festivals like Hop Farm managed to get the Eagles and Prince! Latitude insists it is more than ‘just a music festival’ and I believe in this ambition, it succeeds triumphantly. It is the wonderful, diverse, extra-curricular events that make it worthwhile spending a weekend enduring pouring rain.