She Stoops to Conquer, Olivier

Posted on by

She Stoops to Conquer should appeal to the British public. This ‘very English’ drama reminded me at once of the TV series Downton Abbey, a period drama to which the nation was addicted. Oliver Goldsmith’s play is perfectly pleasant, a jolly tale of young love and naughty deceptions. First staged in 1773 the intelligent script is very enjoyable, high spirited and full of romance carefully avoiding the sentimental.

A pair of well-to-do rogues, Marlow and Hastings are tricked into believing a country house for an inn, with disastrous results. It is a long play that succeeds through the witty interplay between characters. The cast rise to the challenge working as a tight knit team, and presenting a sharp rendition of this classic. It seemed rare that the National should stage something so happy, and it was lovely to see a show with such warmth. Jamie Lloyd’s production presents the comedy well, encouraging the funny asides and jokes with a large open stage that rotates to offer a second location. It is beautifully enabled with Mark Thompson’s attractive set: fairytale trees and a hearty fire are just part of his vision. The music, provided by a small live band adds another dimension to the production… and the cast’s involvement is a humorous and lovely touch.

Sophie Thompson is an absolute hoot as the eccentric Mrs Hardcastle. Certainly one to rise to the challenge, she puts her heart and soul into the performance with spectacular results. She is funniest when outraged after discovering the truth, stomping round the stage bellowing in an unrecognisable but hysterical accent. Harry Haddon-Paton relishes his role as the pretentious love interest… so enthusiastic was he on stage that instead of hurling his peeled orange at his partner in crime he sent it flying to a surprised audience member in the front row of the stalls… they proceeded to throw it back and he tried to continue while in a fit of giggles.

Katherine Kelly, best known for her leading role in Coronation Street, is an absolute delight as Kate Hardcastle. Despite her experience as a screen actress, her assured and nuanced performance here shows she was born to be on stage…  as an added bonus she is beautiful and displays a dancer’s grace. The soap world’s loss truly is the theatre world’s gain… I think we will be seeing a lot more of her in the future.

Thanks to the top notch cast and their dazzling comic timing this rendition of She Stoops to Conquer is a wonderful night of classic English comedy.

Continues until 21 April, book here.

Avenue Restaurant, Mayfair

Posted on by

Last time I took my dad out reviewing with me he did not like the restaurant. Luckily I was silently confident that Avenue would not disappoint and so persuaded him to come along, nervous for his approval. Located down the historic shopping road, St. James’ Street in Mayfair, the restaurant is bright and attractive with a quiet sophistication. An ever changing art collection hangs on the Avenue walls providing unique and eclectic decoration, an intriguing talking point for visitors.

Offering contemporary modern British cuisine, the menu at Avenue is simple and smart. Bold flavours and vibrant ingredients are evidently crucial to the success of the dishes. I was thankful for the clear and comprehensive menu with a fair and balanced selection of meat, fish and vegetarian options. Our waiter for the evening was kind and efficient, checking up on us regularly without suffocating us with attention. Two tall flutes of cold champagne were delivered, a toast to our trip to Avenue.

The dishes were elegant, classic and delicious, understated and chic food to match the surroundings. To start I chose the Radish, Watercress & Rosary’s goat’s cheese salad, a delicate mix of flavours. The salad featured several varieties of radishes, each a pretty hue of pale pink. My dad, a fish lover opted for Roast Scallops, hazelnut crust, cauliflower & crispy pork and declared them the best scallops he’s ever had. Piled in delectable stacks they were beautifully cooked and composed.

Hungry after a hard Monday at work I indulged and chose the 28 day aged Herefordshire grilled fillet of beef, truffled mash and spinach. This looked divine, an array of juicy meat and piped speckled mashed potato. The high quality meat was delicious, tender and richly flavoured, for once I appreciated the spinach, freshly cooked greenery that added another dimension to the course. My only criticism is the food could have been a touch hotter, I like my food to be steaming on arrival. The Orkney Lamb with spinach, baby artichokes and roasted onions was a lovely wholesome dish, perfectly seasoned meat with sweet and aromatic onions and crisp artichokes. We were drinking a bottle of white, Garganega 2011, chosen carefully by our waiter, fruity and fresh in taste. Noting our red meat choices for main, he offered a glass of red, I declined but my dad greatly appreciated this kind gesture.

It is unlike me to go for a classic dessert, usually preferring the wacky experimental options… but at Avenue, impressed with the classics thus far, I decided to have the Apple tart and clotted cream. It was delicious, warm and sweet oozing with caramelised apples and homemade pastry, a decent ice cream scoop of clotted cream was a devilishly rich accompaniment. My dad predictably chose the Valrhona chocolate mousse, praline ice cream and smoked hazelnuts, a familiar pairing of flavours with a nice crunch from the hazelnuts. We didn’t need petit fours, but I was nonetheless glad when they arrived on a rustic wooden board, along with our tea and coffee.

Avenue was a resounding success with me, and my dad, and as we left he admitted he was already thinking for an excuse to return.

Visit the Avenue website here for more information and to book.

Obikà, Canary Wharf

Posted on by

I never thought a mozzarella restaurant bar could be healthy… the very idea is enough to make you feel full, but Obikà offers a fresh and inspired Italian menu based around this versatile ingredient.

Obikà is a new restaurant concept focussing on the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, drawing inspiration from the research of Italian recipes and artisanal products. Gaining a following initially in Rome, this international chain now has branches all over the world. The London branch is located within the maze of Canary Wharf making it the ideal place for a rushed lunchbreak, I can imagine it is a popular eatery for busy city boys.

It is obvious on arriving that mozzarella is the star of the show, different varieties bob around in tanks of water ready to be devoured by hungry visitors. We were seated and offered drinks, our enthusiastic waiter was so eager to please that the drinks delivery went completely wrong, appalled by his mistake he sweetly offered to change it all. The menu offers a variety of dishes, most involve mozzarella in some way. Obikà propose three varieties: Bufala Classica (delicate), Bufala Affumicata (naturally smoked), and Burrata (deliciously creamy). The staff gave a very comprehensive explanation of the different varieties highlighting the obvious differences, the first two varieties are made from Buffalo milk, Burrata is interestingly made from cow’s milk.

After some ardent recommendations we felt obliged to choose the tasting platter to share. It was a delicious and varied dish, a huge plate with an array of cold meats, homemade red and green pesto, fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, a sweet aubergine caponata… and of course mozzarella! Here we were given the chance to sample all three varieties and we had differing opinions. My favourite was the Bufala Classica, a simple but delicious cheese with a soft texture. I didn’t like the smoked variety at all, finding the taste harsh and bitter but my guest preferred this one! The Burrata was an all round success, so creamy and luxurious, it was impossible not to love it.

For main I ordered a Prosciutto Crudo pizza, which is apparently the best seller. This was exceptionally light with classic mozzarella, and a generous helping of prosciutto and peppery rocket. Though fresh and tasty, I thought it was a little bland and would have appreciated some chilli oil. My guest chose a Forman’s smoked salmon salad with lamb’s lettuce, rocket, tomatoes and avocado. This salad was wholesome and attractive in a large white bowl. The avocado looked impressively ripe… a notoriously difficult fruit to find perfect… and the salmon was a beautiful shade of coral.

To finish I was delighted to see miniature desserts listed alongside the full sized potions, a brilliant idea for diners wishing a small sugar kick at the end of their meal. We shared two Italian standards – a delectable creamy Tiramisu and a chocolate and almond torte. These sweet treats were followed shortly afterwards by the finest cappuccinos I have experienced in a restaurant for a while… smooth and roasted to create a lovely nutty taste.

This was my first outing to Canary Wharf, a part of London that I found very alien… judging by the environment, I can imagine Obikà to be a great asset to this area. Hopefully as word of mouth spreads about this fresh and healthy cuisine Obikà will develop the menu to offer even more inventive mozzarella dishes.

Visit the website here.