Tag Archives: summer

Notch Rooftop Brunch, Marble Arch

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In the warmer months I often get asked, ‘where is the best rooftop bar in London?’ As a Peckham resident, Franks is my go to venue, but many Londoners want something more central to satisfy their summer drinking needs. Notch is located at the top of Marriott Park Lane hotel, next door to Marble Arch tube station, though the entrance is less glamorous than you might imagine.

notch brunch

With swings, salvaged vintage tables and canned cocktails, Notch has already become an Instagram addicts haven. I visited to try the brunch favourites: Nikkei inspired food by chef Mark Morrans and strong cocktails.

notch brunchNotch brunch

I tried the #CannedClassics Adonis (Cinzano Rosso, sherry and bitters) priced £8 a can. It is a fun concept that just needs a glass of ice and slice of lemon to add a refreshing twist to the drink. The homemade nachos were topped with avocado, red onion, bacon, spicy salsa and a gooey poached egg… an exciting and unusual brunch dish.

notch brunch

#NotchLDN is open 7 days a week from 10am until 10pm, come rain or shine. No reservations.

More information on Notch here.

Everlasting summer with SmartBuyGlasses

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I am currently on a five month trip around the world. While it is pouring with rain in England, I am enjoying the Californian sun where chic sunglasses are essential. Luckily, SmartBuyGlasses kitted me out with designer specs before I left the country so I’m all set for the beach.

I cannot recommend this online company enough. Offering 80,000 products, with over 180 brands there really is a pair for everyone, whether you like classic and conventional or unique and stand-out shades. This worldwide brand distribute globally and provide free and fast delivery (those in stock and marked “Fast Shipping” will arrive on your doorstep within 48 hours).

Conscious of giving something back, SmartBuyGlasses donates a pair of glasses for each pair purchased to their charity partners through their “Buy One, Give One” programme. They have donated over £1.8m worth of glasses to date.

If you need some help choosing the perfect pair, the buying guides offer insight into which celebrity is wearing which sunglasses! There is also a 24/7 online chat facility available to answer questions and some glasses even feature a “virtual try on” so you can check which frames suit you before ordering. But if you are unsure when your glasses arrive you have 100 days to return or exchange them.

SmartBuyGlasses guarantee the best price and all pairs come with a 2 year warranty. With each pair of glasses bought you will receive a free case and lens kit. I chose two contrasting pairs of sunglasses to cover every occasion. The Celine Caty are glamorous and make a statement. The oversized cats-eye, ‘Havana’ tortoiseshell frame give the wearer a vintage movie star look, and are perfect for days out in LA. Despite their size they are light and comfortable to wear, and will look good worn night and day. The striking Rayban Clubmasters are the ideal unisex holiday sunnies. I decided on the blue flash lenses, and despite the fun appearance, they still provide great protection from harmful rays.

smartbuyglasses

Whether it is rain or shine where you are, SmartBuyGlasses will ensure you feel summery all year round with their stylish eyewear. Until 15 October 2015 you can get 10% off all glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses with the code: PROMO10. Shop here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 269

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This summer Magnum have set up shop in the centre of Covent Garden offering visitors the chance to design and devour their very own personalised ice-cream.

The concept is proving to be extremely popular with a long queue outside of sweet-toothed fans. The bespoke ice-creams are freshly dipped and topped with treats of your choice. Indulgent, delicious and completely unique.

Choose your own selection of tempting toppings from thousands of flavour combinations from rose petals to black lava sea salt. Magnum’s specially trained Pleasure Makers will then sprinkle your toppings over deliciously luxurious chocolate as it sets. Each ice-cream creation will be perfected with a drizzle of chocolate and the finishing touch – a classic M coin decoration – all for only £4.50.

The Magnum Pleasure Store has been designed with the Magnum Dipping Bar at its core surrounded by a mix of seating and standing areas. It is the perfect pit stop for shoppers, especially in the unusual warm British weather!

I opted for the vanilla ice-cream, dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with rose petals, coconut flakes and pastel pink crunchy balls and finally drizzled with milk chocolate with a white chocolate motif. It was decadent enough to substitute dinner!

The Magnum Pleasure Store is open in Covent Garden until 30 August, more information here.

#MagnumLdn