Tag Archives: coffee

Brunch in London

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Brunch is no longer a meal enjoyed just at weekends. I have noticed that many men seem confused with the concept of combining two meals (breakfast and lunch) to one larger feed, but my girlfriends relish the opportunity to meet and chat over a lazy mid-morning feast. Brunch is cheaper than lunch, but more substantial than breakfast, it can be accompanied with healthy juice or decadent cocktails. In London there are numerous delicious, stylish venues to choose from, whatever the occasion there is a brunch hang-out to suit the event. I’m always on the look-out for new eateries that serve up a brilliant brunch; here are a few of my current favourites in the capital…

Blixen – Spitalfields’ newest brunch hang-out is ultra-sophisticated, a combination of Parisian charm and New York design. Upstairs, the smartly arranged dining room is pale-hued, clean and chic with a floorboarded ceiling, white-washed brick walls and plenty of natural daylight from the large windows. Downstairs there is a tiny cocktail bar which is popular in the evening. Chef Matt Greenwood has created a range of original and tempting dishes, spoilt for choice we chose three to share between two of us. I chose the tropical Good Times juice, an addictive combination of pear, pineapple and ginger. The bacon and fried egg sandwich with gem lettuce and tomato jam was a satisfying savoury option, or opt for Pancakes with blueberries and whipped crème fraiche if you fancy something sweet. Brunch for two – approx. £25.

Hotbox – this glam-rock restaurant serves up a mean brunch with optional unlimited Prosecco. Hotbox is an American BBQ specialist, offering plates of hearty fare and dangerously good morning cocktails. If Bloody Mary’s are your thing you’ll be pleased to discover there are five varieties at Hotbox. For food, Chicken Belgian Waffle is a must try, indulgent crispy salty chicken with freshly-made pillowy waffles and dripping in maple syrup with a sprinkle of truffle salt – it is the ultimate sweet’n’sour combination. I also loved the Mexican inspired Beef Rib Taco with smoked short rib, crispy shallots and chimichurri. Brunch for two – approx. £35.

Caravan, King’s Cross – this is my favourite meeting place for workday brunches. The huge industrial restaurant and roastery is part of the new developments at King’s Cross and is already very popular with the nearby businesses. There are plenty of simple, wooden tables to accommodate everyone, but be warned at weekends seats are scarce and reservations are essential. The coffee is top notch, the team roast small batches daily with the highest quality beans sourced from around the world. The menu is full of divine dishes, I can’t resist the Courgette and corn fritters with chilli jam, herbed feta and rocket. If you are feeling particularly hungry order a side of chorizo! Brunch for two – approx. £30.

Things to do in Stockholm 2015

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Stockholm is an accessible but exciting destination. I visited a few years ago and fell in love with the clean and healthy lifestyle, cutting edge design, captivating sights and stylish culture. This time on my second visit my palate was introduced to the inventive cuisine, my wallet suffered thanks to the influential local designers, and my imagination soared discovering the historic wonders that showcase the city’s past. Just two hours from London, Sweden’s capital is the ultimate Scandi-chic city escape and both times I have visited I have found it utterly enchanting, an endearing combination of old and new.

To stay
Ett Hem – the most beautiful home you could ever wish to step foot in. This fairytale boutique hotel has flourished under the interior expertise of Ilse Crawford. Indulgently luxurious but with plenty of character and charm, Ett Hem ensures guests feel totally at ease and relaxed wherever they are, whatever they are doing. With just 12 rooms you will always feel special staying at Ett Hem.
 
To eat and drink
Gastrologik – This miraculous Michelin-starred restaurant is the vision of Jacob Holmström and Anton Bjuhr. They work closely with local producers and suppliers to create a magical daily menu that will surprise and delight.
Matbaren – influential chef Mathias Dahlgren has two Michelin star restaurants in Stockholm. Matbaren is the more casual of the two with small plates and a less formal atmosphere. Particularly memorable was Dahlgren’s take on an Asian BBQ steamed bun, it was absolutely delicious.
Gro – Dining out in Stockholm is an expensive affair but Gro is affordable and brilliant. This local eatery only serves two dishes each lunchtime, but what they do cook up is simple and honest, and seriously tasty. The cabbage and bacon was a winner when we visited, which we ate with rustic homemade bread and a refreshing Swedish sparkling berry fruit drink.
Drop Coffee Roasters – this award-winning roastery and cafe in the trendy Södermalm area is known to serve the best coffee in town. I tasted an aromatic blend from Rwanda which had been created with meticulous filter technique, very popular in Sweden.
Lindquists – Treat yourself to a traditional afternoon fika at Lindquists with one of their spiced cinnamon buns and a cup of something warming.
To do
Vasa Museum – The warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage in Stockholm 1628 and was not salvaged until 1961. It’s the only preserved 17th century ship in the world. This miraculous ship is overwhelming huge and magnificently displayed. Learn about the ship’s story whilst wandering around the giant wooden structure.
Royal Palace – located in the old town (Gamla Stan) this ornate baroque palace is still in use today as the official residence of the Swedish Monarchy. Tourists can wander around parts of the palace and observe the lavish décor and artwork.
Östermalms Saluhall – this old fashioned foodhall has been inspiring locals and tourists since 1888. Today the beautiful hall hosts a range of vendors offering delicious local produce and Swedish delicacies. Visitors can wander around purchasing delicious souvenirs or can sit at one of the little cafés for a light lunch. We bought some typically Swedish cheese to take home.
Selma CitySpa – At the top of the towering Clarion Sign Hotel in Stockholm is a rooftop spa that will transport you away from the stress of the city to a world of relaxation. Enjoy a treatment before splashing around in the warm rooftop pool, or indulge with some champagne and sushi at the bar.
To shop
Nitty Gritty – This chic shop started out in 1991 in Stockholm as a counter reaction to all of the mainline clothing department stores dominating the market in the early 90′s. Beautifully curated and thoughtful, the shop is a great place to browse through interesting Swedish designers and unique products.
Hasbeens – These wonderful wooden-soled shoes have become so popular that they are now found in shops worldwide. Based on the clog styles from the 70s, Swedish Hasbeens creates traditional handmade shoes that will always be in fashion and will last forever.
Stutterheim – These brightly coloured handmade raincoats are the ultimate Stockholm accessory. Striking and trendy, they will make you crave the wet weather like never before.
Palmgrens – Established in 1896 by saddlemaker Johannes Palmgren this beautiful and luxurious leather designer is a Swedish institution. I loved the iconic leather-trimmed rattan tote, but there are many more styles and accessories to choose from. Sadly the beautiful craftsmanship comes with a hefty pricetag.
Byredo Parfums – This is one of only a few Swedish independent perfume brands and they produce lovely pure scents. The fragrances are made with only five core ingredients, and smell fresh and vibrant. I fell in love with Mister Marvelous, a unisex scent which has won several awards.

Many thanks to the Stockholm Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Bar Termini, Soho

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Coffee and cocktails are my two vices. When I travel a decent cup of caffeine in the morning keeps me happy till nightfall when I like nothing better than a strong, perfectly mixed, old-fashioned cocktail. London has plenty of exemplary establishments to taste the best of both bean and spirits. The new Bar Termini in Soho combines coffee and cocktails in a Italian inspired hazy little café, that evokes memories of summers past.

The bar is named after Rome’s main station in homage to the Italian capital. Its purpose is to provide locals and thirsty visitors with a place to pop in and grab a refreshing or revitalising drink. On weekdays they have particularly long and accommodating hours, opening the doors at 7.30 am and closing up shop at 11.30 pm.

Inside the joint there is a laid-back vintage vibe with an alluring bar with leather stools and circular wooden tables for perching at whilst sipping your drink. Set up by cocktail connoisseur Tony Conigliaro and coffee expert Marco Arrigo, the bar was bound to be a success! We enjoyed a couple of Negronis from the menu, the Rosato (rose-petal infused) was my favourite… the floral flavour softening the harsh bitterness of the spirit. For a more spicy drink, try the Superiore Negroni (pink-peppercorn infused). Alongside our drinks we nibbled on the £1 mini ham and cheese paninis.

Coffee fans can choose to stop by for an authentically Italian espresso at the bar, or can sit with a more leisurely long milky drink.

There’s no shortage of cafes and cocktail bars in Soho, but a place that does both so successfully is a winner in my eyes.

More information here: www.bar-termini.com