Tag Archives: brunch

Simple, Manchester

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Brunch is the ideal meal for students who aren’t out of bed bright and early – in Manchester the Northern Quarter is full of perfect places to enjoy a mid-morning meal. Simple is one of the most popular restaurants, located on the historic Tib Street in the heart of the bohemian borough of Manchester. Affordable and relaxed, Simple offers delicious food throughout the day and has a great evening vibe with freshly mixed cocktails.

We sauntered in for brunch on Sunday and found the place almost empty at noon but by 1pm every table was occupied. The menu is full of comforting classics, from Nachos to meat skewers, halloumi and meatballs. I adored the nachos which arrived piled high with a generous portion of melted cheese, jalapenos and chilli, with sour cream, guacamole and salsa on the side. The toasted artesian bread with roasted vegetables and halloumi was good too, though needed a little extra seasoning.

We were feeling full but a second course was on its way, a big burger for me, and a steak for my friend. Huge, huge plates arrived, the challenge seemed unsurmountable. The sirloin steak was cooked as specified, a lean thick slab of meat accompanied with a deliciously creamy peppercorn sauce. The burger was not special, a little overcooked with unsatisfying toppings. Chunky courgette fries were a healthy alternative to chips; corn on the cob and homemade coleslaw is also available.

Next door the same company own FYG Deli and Wine Bar, a super cute hang-out for delectable snacks and a glass of vino.

We left Simple more than satisfied with stomachs bulging, ready for a nap on the train home to London.

More information here: www.simplebar.co.uk

Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.

Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.

Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50  and Advance First £38.00, book here.

Nopi, Soho

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For me, Ottolenghi is all about the small cafés with big bowls of healthy, yet irresistible salads. So when Nopi arrived in Soho, a proper sit down all-day restaurant I had to reassess my ideas.

Nopi is an upmarket brasserie, serving dishes with robust and bold flavours, typically from the Middle-east and Asia, throughout the day, this restaurant caters for everyone. Upstairs the design is open and relaxed, with smart marble and attractive brass fittings. Downstairs the big open plan dining room invites big groups to dine whilst watching the open kitchen.

In need of a centrally located breakfast location, my best friend and I tried out Nopi for our most recent morning meeting. Flat white coffees, and big glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice were an immediate must, followed soon after with French toast, star anise sugar, berry compote and orange yoghurt. A twist on the American favourite, the French toast was filling and delicious. Very eggy sweet bread was browned carefully and accompanied by fresh citrusy yoghurt and tangy berry compote. The most intriguing flavour was the star anise, commonly used in South-east Asia, this spice gave a delightful aniseed hint to the dish.

Ottolenghi is a champion chef particularly known for his delicious healthy and vegetarian food. Nopi demonstrates how his relaxed and fresh cuisine can be translated brilliantly into a successful, welcoming and lovely restaurant.

More information and book here: www.nopi-restaurant.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 193: Redchurch Street

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Blink and you might miss something on Redchurch Street. Every time I visit there are a host of new boutiques, cafés and shops to discover. When the sun came out yesterday Shoreditch was full of Londoners and tourists making the most of the dry weather and blue sky. After a stint at my favourite flower market on Columbia Road we wandered to Redchurch Street where East London shopping is at it’s very finest. Here’s my pick of the bunch:

Start your shopping at Labour and Wait where you can find classic homeware, stationery and utilitarian clothing. Your home will thank you!

Parisian perfume at Etat Libre D’Orange, trendy but sophisticated scents.

Shop and eat or vice versa at Cafe And, a clean cut contemporary venue with great design pieces and a lovely dining room.

Scandic simplicity rules at Hostem, where you can find a range of international designer clothing. The shop is filled with old furniture but feels alarmingly up to date.

Pasta lovers will delight in Burro e Salvia, Shoreditch’s first pastificio. For daytime dining and pasta making courses.

Recently the Redchurch community welcomed West London hit Aime. I love the carefully curated selection of designers, including the much coveted Isabel Marant.

Beautiful and obscure objects will overwhelm you at Maison Trois Garcons, which also houses a restaurant particularly popular on weekends.

For cool cuts visit Radio Salon, or for a retro up-do The Painted Lady does the best beehives in town.

Take a coffee break at Allpress Espresso, the caffeine obsessives who pour a perfect flat white and offer awesome homemade cakes.

Enjoy a healthy Peruvian brunch at Andina, I can recommend the Mini Chicharrones (Confit pork belly with rococo chilli jam) and the Choclo Corn Cake with fresco cheese, avocado and salsa. Wash it down with a freshly pressed apple or melon juice.

Can’t fit it all into one day? Stay overnight at Design haven, The Boundary Hotel.