Hotel Pont Royal, Paris

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I have never slept in a Parisian hotel for more than one night – with so many characterful boutique and luxury hotels on offer in France’s romantic capital city I prefer to experience as many as possible, resting my head at a different location every night reaping the benefits of the different districts.

On my most recent trip to Paris I stayed for just a short weekend, arriving early on Saturday morning and departing late the following evening. My hotel of choice? The literary lair of the left bank, Hotel Pont Royal. This establishment is immersed in history being a firm favourite of authors Hemingway, Miller and Fitzgerald, as well as renowned artists Miro, Chagall and Buffet.

An integral part of this legendary neighbourhood, Hotel Pont Royal has a heavenly feel, black and white portraits grace the walls and the building’s original features remain intact, a clue to the glamorous bygone era of decadence and glory.

Our room was the perfect home for a night away from London. Classic and cosy, there was everything we needed plus some indulgent extras. A lovely big bath was ideal for soaking my worn feet at the end of the day, and some Jean-Paul Hevin chocolates were a divinely delicious special gift. Decorated simply in a deep red colour scheme with colourful artwork on the wall, the Pont Royal rooms are stylish without fussy detailing. Our bed was blissfully comfortable, I slept soundly through the night and in the morning I loved opening the curtains to discover our balcony and Parisian view.

Downstairs you can sample Joel Robuchon’s gastronomic wonders in the adjoining atelier restaurant. If you don’t manage to nab a table, guests will be pleased to hear that the hotel’s room service menu is also prepared in the Robuchon kitchen! The signature bar also serves this Michelin star awarded food, so you can dine in this relaxed environment with a neat cocktail in hand.

Breakfast is served in the Salon Mosaique which opens onto a picturesque Japanese garden. Gorge yourself on the fresh traditional French pastries and sip a strong coffee before embarking on a day of exploring. The ‘Gold Key’ certified concierge service can suggest some unexpected paths for you to follow so that you can investigate the current artistic and cultural scene. Dipping in and out of the quirky exhibitions and popping into the adorable bistros could occupy you all day, but if you’d rather venture further afield, all the advice you need can be found at the hotel, who are eager to help.

After a day exploring the glorious city, Hotel Pont Royal provides the perfect refuge, in the most enchanting area of Paris.

More information and book here: www.leshotelsduroy.com/fr/hotel-pont-royal

Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.

parisinfo.com

Purl pop-up at The Bedford, Balham

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Recently I have noticed a lull in pop-up openings, and those that have set up shop have retired only moments later. There just isn’t enough time to experience it and pass the recommendation on. But my ears perked up when I heard about cocktail connoisseurs Purl‘s residence at Balham’s finest pub, The Bedford.

Purl’s original cocktail bar is found down an inconspicuous staircase in Marylebone, the drinks are innovative, creative and utterly delicious. It has been a firm favourite of mine for a while now, never failing to impress. The Bedford is known for its friendly atmosphere and fun comedy nights, but now there is another reason to visit… Taking requests on Twitter, this pop-up will be showcasing the cocktail bar’s “Forgotten Purls”, a selection of their most popular creations no longer on the main venue’s menu. Returners include the Purl signature drink, Mr. Hyde’s Fixer Upper, a brilliant recipe of Zacapa 23 rum, Bob’s Chocolate Bitters and homemade cola syrup with Pedro Ximenez smoke, dry ice and lapsang souchong tea. On launch night I particularly enjoyed punchy GT Turbo with gin, homemade Tonic syrup, lime and egg white and the shockingly sweet Bubblegum Martini which is served in a popping candy rimmed glass.

Purl At The Bedford will run until April 2014, from 5pm – midnight, Tuesday – Saturday, with reservations taken through the Purl website.

www.purl-london.com

Slabs London, Marylebone

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SLABS is not the most appealing name for a restaurant, and when I wandered through the door at 7.30 on a Wednesday evening the venue didn’t look very appealing either… a small place on New Cavendish Street in Marylebone with garish lighting and endless empty tables. The food however surprised us, an assortment of American and Mediterranean options which were fresh and appetising.

The staff, although appearing rather bored, were very eager to please, and were on hand with suggestions and anecdotes throughout the evening. Our waiter was clearly very keen on the Pornstar martini, though I preferred the sound of the Lychee martini so opted for that, a very sweet but satisfying drink.

To start we chose the ‘veggie sharer’ a Greek/Turkish inspired selection of nibbles including delicious grilled halloumi, hummus and sun-blush tomatoes. It was a generous portion, enough for a family to share and we were a long way off finishing it. For mains we chose the luxurious sounding Wagyu burger with roasted shiitake mushrooms, Asian ‘slaw and wasabi mayo, an exotic and premium take on the burger, with nicely cooked meat. My 28-day aged rib-eye steak was good but nothing exciting, an adequate piece of slightly too fatty meat with creamy peppercorn sauce and a pile of salad on top. I’d recommend the skinny french fries as the thick-cut triple-cooked chips were (in my opinion) undercooked and over-heavy.

When a natural pause came in our rapid conversation, we ordered an Eton mess to share and fresh mint tea for two. The dessert was epic, a saccarine sweet glass full of cream, ice-cream, fruit and meringue. Lovely for a few mouthfuls and then unbearably indulgent.

SLABS is yet another burger outlet in this over-saturated area. And although some of the options on the menu are tasty, the burgers will never make the cut with competitors like Tommi’s and Meat Liquor nearby. Sadly the ghostly atmosphere certainly isn’t going to tempt visitors in either.

More information here: slabslondon.com