Tag Archives: weekend

Sunday Brunch at Darwin, Sky Garden

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Affectionately known as the Walkie Talkie, 20 Fenchurch Street was completed in late 2014 and the three storey Sky Garden opened in early 2015. This public space is popular with tourists and locals, offering 360 degree uninterrupted views across the city. The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden and even has an open air terrace for enjoying in the summer heat.

Darwin is an all-day brasserie located on Level 36 with a menu inspired by the very best of British. The kitchen is operated by event caterer Rhubarb who offer a range of tempting dishes using seasonal, home-grown ingredients. On a sunny Sunday morning we visited the impressive building to try the all-day Sunday brunch. After the rigorous security check we zoomed up in the lift to reach the upper floors, a bright arena filled with lush foliage and flowers.

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For £38 per person guests are invited to indulge in the buffet, choose one hot dish and enjoy the milkshake bar and unlimited bloody mary station. The sumptuous buffet table was laid with fresh juice, pastries, fruit, delicatessen items (cheese, meat, salmon), salad and bread. The sweet side features waffles, doughnuts, french toast, cheesecake and miniature crème brulees. Head chef Arnaud Delannay must be extremely busy on Sundays, the restaurant was full with hungry guests and the buffet table seems to magically refill within moments.

With the clouds peering in through the windowed walls and the tiny display of London life happening far down below us it felt very special dining at this height. Overwhelmed with the buffet choice I tried to serve myself modest portions, but it all looked and smelt so good. The fresh and summery asparagus, pea and crumbly goat’s cheese salad was my favourite, lightly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Also tasty were the platter of meats, the heritage tomato salad and the creamy British cheeses. I could have just eaten from this lovely selection but we had mains to come.

Hot dishes on offer include traditional brunch options such as Eggs Benedict, Full English and Pancakes but we decided to go decadent and order one of the Sunday lunch choices. I had Roast Spatchcocked Poussin with watercress and my guest opted for Roast Rib of Beef with Yorkshire pudding and traditional garnish. The plates were delivered promptly and looked divine. I needed extra gravy but aside from that the dishes were faultless, brilliantly cooked meat, with a crispy skin and accompanied by roast potatoes and vegetables. I thought the Roast Beef was a little chewy but the flavour was good.

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We picked at a few of the dessert treats before retiring downstairs to admire the view of our beautiful city.

More information on Darwin’s Sunday brunch and book a table here.

Things to do in Edinburgh 2015

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My brother’s last year at Edinburgh University meant one last family trip up to Scotland for me. Unfortunately the weekend we chose to visit him happened to be coinciding with the annual Edinburgh Marathon. Needless to say every single bed in the city seemed to be booked up months in advance. Never mind, my brother promised a superior experience at his lads student pad!

It is such a pleasure to travel up to Scotland by train. The Virgin trains are speedy and comfortable, with scenic views from the windows and impressive culinary offerings. I try to visit Edinburgh once a year to sample the newbies on the food and drink scene and see the latest art exhibitions. I was surprised and impressed this year to see a real surge of stylish foodie jaunts and characterful venues.

To eat

El Cartel – this new Mexican restaurant already has a cult following. The small eatery is run by the Bon Vivant team and doesn’t take reservations. The menu offers homemade Mexican treats, washed down with tequila and mescal. My favourites were: Quesadillas with chorizo; sweet potato and soft cheese, and; the Duck taco with pecan salsa, pineapple and jalapeno.

Mary’s Milk Bar – if you are craving ice-cream in Edinburgh, Mary’s Milk Bar is the place to get your fix. The cosy café serves the most delicious creamy ice-cream made with no preservatives and is available in a variety of fresh innovative flavours.

21212 – Set in a refined room in a Georgian townhouse, Paul Kitching’s Michelin star restaurant is often applauded for its unusual flavour combinations which always succeed. The restaurant name refers to the menu layout (2 starters, 1 soup, 2 mains, 1 cheese, 2 desserts). We tried the lunch menu where you can choose between 3, 4 or 5 courses. It was the perfect foodie lunch out for a special occasion.

Gardener’s Cottage – The Gardener’s Cottage in Edinburgh is an idyllic place to eat and spend time. It is found up a little path surrounded by shrubs and vegetable patches. It all seems too good to be true. We creaked open the wooden door to reveal a tiny eatery with long communal tables and homely smells wafting in from the kitchen. In the evenings it is compulsory to have the daily seven course menu which costs £35, but for lunch or brunch you can choose from the reasonably priced a la carte menu.

To drink

Filament Coffee – The independent coffee scene in Edinburgh has exploded in recent months. This speciality coffee shop only opened a few weeks ago, after the success of a pop-up and serves single origin coffees to Edinburgh’s south side. I loved the industrial-chic décor and the delicious coffee.

Cult Espresso – Nearby to the student union, this father, son and friend team of three have a cosy and cool coffee hang out. I enjoyed a strong and creamy flat white here before heading home to London.

Devil’s Advocate – this glamorous and moody bar and kitchen serves some up of the best cocktails I have tasted in Scotland. The menu has a variety of carefully chosen recipes, both original and inspired by bars around the world. I loved the Whiskey Rebellion which is made with bourbon, Cocchi Americano, black tea maple syrup, absinthe, and rosemary.

Brew Lab – This is the perfect place to stop for coffee and a croissant before setting off for a day of sightseeing. The trendy coffee-house offers single origin brews and artisanal produce. The company also arranges coffee training courses for home baristas and professionals.

To do

Ingleby Gallery – this trendy gallery is found beneath the main city station tucked around an unassuming corner. Founded in 1998 this private gallery is renowned for the high quality of its exhibitions and publications. We saw a selection of lovely little paintings by Craig Murray-Orr. Look out for the permanent snail trail of mother of pearl installed by artist Susan Collis.

One Spa – A rainy Sunday morning was the perfect excuse to spend a few hours at One Spa. Part of the Sheraton Grand Hotel (but also operating as a stand-alone spa) they offer a range of treatments and experiences. We enjoyed ‘Escape at One’, which allows guests a few hours to try all the thermal suite and hydropool facilities.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – It is a bit of a walk to the main modern art museum in Edinburgh, but there are picturesque routes to take to get there. The two gallery spaces house a permanent collection of contemporary pieces and host regular temporary exhibitions. When we visited there was a small show of Lichtenstein works. Look out for the neon slogan works on the lawn. Entry is free.

To shop

Life Story – I loved the look of this concept store from the exterior and interior. This little design shop stocks a range of brands from all over the world, including interior items from Ferm Living from Copenhagen, Washi Tape from Japan and knitwear from Hilary Grant.

Dick’s – A stylish menswear shop offering a carefully curated collection of clothes, accessories and homeware. Chic men can completely kit out their wardrobe and homes here with striped naval jumpers from Andersen-Andersen, crockery from Koninklijke Makkum Tichelaar and notebooks from La Compagnie du Kraft Mikro.

Hannah Zakari – This wacky shop sells affordable and fun handmade jewellery by Hannah Zakari. The perfect place to pick up a unique gift or souvenir of your stay in Edinburgh. I loved the perspex weather stud earrings, depicting varying weather conditions. The shop also sells art work, look out for the quaint prints by Kate Broughton.

Walker Slater – This beautiful shop stocks the finest tweed in Edinburgh. Promoting the heritage of Scotland but offering modern tailoring and bespoke suits, this is the place to get stunning Scottish outfit. Walker Slater also have a range of sophisticated accessories and sell a few select British brands like Albert Thurston.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled to Edinburgh with Virgin Trains, more information here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 260 – Shopping in Edinburgh

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Considering it is the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh’s highstreet has a poor selection of brands to splash your cash at. Students have to make do with H&M, Topshop and Primark, they isn’t even a Uniqlo for your basic buys. There are plenty of designer boutiques on offer, including the smart department store Harvey Nichols, and for tourists there is an abundance of tartan and shortbread stores. When I visited last weekend I went on the hunt for a few interesting independent shops for high quality, quirky designs that inspire you to spend.

Life Story – I loved the look of this concept store from the exterior and interior. This little design shop stocks a range of brands from all over the world, including interior items from Ferm Living from Copenhagen, Washi Tape from Japan and knitwear from Hilary Grant. The items are beautifully displayed and often have a paper tag explaining their existence.

Dick’s – A stylish menswear shop offering a carefully curated collection of clothes, accessories and homeware. Chic men can completely kit out their wardrobe and homes here with striped naval jumpers from Andersen-Andersen, crockery from Koninklijke Makkum Tichelaar and notebooks from La Compagnie du Kraft Mikro. I fell in love with the luxurious flannel grey cashmere scarf made by Begg + Co.

Hannah Zakari – This wacky shop sells affordable and fun handmade jewellery by Hannah Zakari. The perfect place to pick up a unique gift or souvenir of your stay in Edinburgh. I loved the perspex weather stud earrings, depicting varying weather conditions. The shop also sells art work, look out for the quaint prints by Kate Broughton.

Walker Slater – This beautiful shop stocks the finest tweed in Edinburgh. Promoting the heritage of Scotland but offering modern tailoring and bespoke suits, this is the place to get stunning Scottish outfit. Walker Slater also have a range of sophisticated accessories and sell a few select British brands like Albert Thurston. There is now a womenswear shop too, just down the road from the original store.