Tag Archives: Chancery Lane

The Fable, Chancery Lane

Posted on by

The Fable is the newest restaurant from imaginative group Drake and Morgan; each establishment has its own distinctive character and theme but similar food, this new eatery follows suit. The design evokes the atmosphere of fairytales and fantasies with a focus on the Fables of Aesop, there are various indicators: piles of books surround a table, a flower shop occupies one entrance, the bathrooms are mirrored boudoirs. Each of the three floors provides a different vibe and guests can pick their table dependant on intention: a cocktail making class, a sit-down meal, a quick drink with friends. With the capacity to hold over 1000 guests at any time the space is also ideal for events.

We sat on the lowest floor, where the kitchen is based. It was not very relaxing, a bunch of rowdy business boys on one side, and a barrage of loud music from a booming speaker on the other side. Once the group had left and the music turned down, the ambience improved considerably.

Our waitress was perfectly sweet but a little clueless, drifting to and from our table looking bewildered, I found it distracting that she smelt quite strongly of cigarettes. It took a while for our starters to arrive but once they did mains came in quick succession after. The menu offers cuisine from around the globe: Asian inspired starters, steaks and burgers, pastas and salads, Mediterranean style sharing boards. I chose chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce and prawn crackers, the meat was tender and well marinated and the sauce had a satisfyingly spicy kick, though it was disappointingly served cold. My friend chose lobster and parmesan croquettes coated in a golden crunchy layer of breadcrumbs with a soft and tasty filling. Both were served with handfuls of rocket, I wondered if this was for colour or for taste?

Mains immediately replaced the clean starter plates… fillet steak was cooked perfectly for me with a nice chargrilled edge and a good flavour. The chips were sadly just out of a bag and were rather uninteresting, peppercorn sauce was little more than cream with a hint of pepper flavouring despite containing whole peppercorns. The crab and crayfish linguine looked delicious, and my friend was delighted to find chunky pieces of crayfish amongst the strands of pasta. Again both dishes were presented with a helping of rocket, it was becoming a bit of a trend!

For dessert we opted for the selection of mini pudding shots, all exceptionally sweet but tasty. I favoured the knickerbocker glory with whole cherries and honeycomb, though the white chocolate crème brulee was yummy too. Our round of fresh mint tea was completely forgotten about, and after waiting for half an hour we headed home.

I had such high hopes for this new fairytale venue, and though parts of the décor are whimsical and captivating, the atmosphere and menu lack charm and character.

More information here: www.thefablebar.co.uk

Bounce, Chancery Lane

Posted on by

Ping Pong is no longer just a game for bored students. London’s bar scene seems infected with this fun sport, and there are now venues all over the city offering tables for guests to use whilst catching up and enjoying a drink.

At the forefront of the trend, Bounce is the latest venture from the founders of All Star Lanes. It declares itself as ‘the home of Ping Pong’ and apparently the first ball was created here in 1901! With memorabilia crowding the entrance, it is an interesting education into the history of the game. The underground bar doesn’t look very exciting from street level, but take a peer inside and you’ll see half of London’s lawyers letting their hair down for a pint and a ping.

We played on the azure blue 2012 Olympic table, though our skills were embarrassingly poor in comparison to the masters. An hour is plenty to flex your muscles (you will use more energy than you would imagine!). A funky playlist sets the tone, and I couldn’t resist dancing along to the Beach Boys whilst batting the balls all over the place! Luckily girls are multitasking experts, my Ping Pong partner wasn’t as impressive.

For a break in between rounds the fruity cocktails will refresh you and the Mediterranean sharing boards are great if you are feeling peckish – the pizzas smelt delicious too.

Bounce is the perfect venue for a number of occasions: an innovative date, getting together with a team of mates or even to rent out for a special party.

More information here: www.bouncepingpong.com

Afternoon Tease at Volupte, Chancery Lane

Posted on by

Cakes and cabaret, it turns out, is a pretty good combination. Volupte is the sultry and fabulously sexy hang-out where vintage gals come to drink tea and be voyeurs in on the burlesque bonanza. While one butters scones and scoffs sandwiches, one is treated to performances from cabaret singers and beautiful burlesque artistes. Located down a side street in Chancery Lane, you would never expect such a fantastical place in the land of lawyers. The room is filled with small tables and a challenging small stage is set up for the performers and a drum-piano duo.

Upstairs the Bon Bon bar is beautifully decorated and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or four! I adored this bar and the drinks the expert barman made for us: the ‘Miss Marshmallow’ is sugary but spectacular and the ‘Hard Candy’ comes customised with a sweet bracelet. My friend, who was suffering from a horrible cold was treated to a medicinal Hot Tottie cocktail which she said was delicious and very efficacious.

Showtime began at 3pm and our host sashayed onto the stage. Our compere for the day, Vicious Delicious, was more vicious than delicious and slightly scary especially from the proximity of the front row seats! Cackling and screaming abuse at the one and only male in the room, she introduced the acts for the afternoon. Each dancer or comedian was entertaining and fun though for real wow factor… we had to wait until the star act was introduced.

Miss Polly Rae provocatively stalked the stage, clad in a slinky crystal dress, a beautiful performer that one cannot help but fall in love with. Coy and cute, daring and delicious, I was utterly captivated by this fiery redhead who has established herself as a prominent part of London’s cabaret-burlesque scene. As the star of the show she performed twice, first singing-speaking a clever attitudey song about the misconceptions of a burlesque dancer then coming on at the end to delight us all with the fluttering birdlike dance for which she is known. She is divine and her performance spectacular.

I was too distracted by the titillating showcase to take much notice of the tea… though the scones and sandwiches were delicious… in particular the mini raisin scones with thick clotted cream and strawberry jam. It is the cocktails and wonderful alcoholic teas that really excited me… and I cannot wait to return to try more of the extensive and innovative cocktail list.

Volupte’s very special themed afternoon tea is a fun way to frolic and fantasise on a Saturday afternoon, I absolutely loved it.

Afternoon Tease costs £42 pp including show and full afternoon tea with a glass of fizz.

Visit the website to book here.