Tag Archives: Clerkenwell

Easton Regal, Clerkenwell

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Farringdon is an area that appeals to me more and more each time I visit. For cocktails I head to Zetter Townhouse, Foxlow is great for steak, Modern Pantry serves the perfect brunch and fashionistas flock to the McQueen sample sales which happen here twice a year. Easton Regal, the seductively stylish hairdressing salon located on the corner of St John’s Square, joins this crowd of cool venues. I went along to experience the cut, colour and treatment services.

Armed with a ‘Look Mum No Hands’ coffee, I wandered into the salon for my hair transformation. I first noticed the shelves of intriguing products and equipment, then reached the desk where the smiley staff welcomed me.

The building is grand and impressive and the waiting area is retro heaven, with glossy, luxurious leather Japanese and Italian furniture and quirky framed artefacts and pictures on the wall. Downstairs, visitors can find The Fold Showroom, a clothes brand catering for businesswomen who require smart city suits with a bit of personality.

I spent at least three hours in the Easton Regal salon and I was looked after with the utmost care from start to finish. I was entertained by endless magazines and consumed numerous cups of tea, glasses of water and delicious biscuits whilst confined to my seat.

After a brief consultation with hairdresser Hannah and colourist Jade we decided on my ‘look’ and the girls got to work. Jade began by applying dark dye to my roots to create a contrasting base then she worked methodically through my hair, picking out random strands to lighten and highlight. After a brief period letting the dye and bleach develop, I was taken over to the basin (and massaging chairs) for a rinse and treatment. The Micro Mist treatment is left on the hair for approximately fifteen minutes within a heated steam helmet! This lovely treatment adds moisture and strength to the hair and leaves the strands extra shiny and soft.

My haircut was speedy and efficient and exactly how I wanted it. I was glamorously blow-dried and ready to go. Sadly I hadn’t morphed into Alexa Chung, but my hair certainly rivals hers! I left Easton Regal head held high, with brighter locks shining in the Farringdon sun.

More information and book a hair makeover here: www.eastonregal.com

Foxlow, Clerkenwell

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Foxlow is the younger sibling to the hugely successful Hawksmoor family of restaurants. Known for their sublime steaks I had high hopes for Clerkenwell’s newest feasting ground. I was taken on a surprise visit to Foxlow a few months ago to sample the superior meats and other indulgences. The eatery has a neighbourhood feel though I’m not sure the local students could afford to eat here, instead it is popular with groups of friends and foodie couples who feel this destination restaurant is worth travelling for.

The interior design is a mix of urban vintage shabbiness with a touch of French bistro, but all smartened up in a cream and black chic colour code with lovely tiling and circular lights. The hip and relaxed staff seemed pleased to be serving here, and were incredibly patient as I debated long and hard about which dishes to pick.

We nibbled on Crispy Five Pepper Squid to whet our appetites, soft fresh fish coated in a salted, crunchy, thick coating and sprinkled in fresh lime, chilli and coriander. All the meat options sounded delicious and there are specials on a board which regularly change alongside the main permanent menu. Iberico pork ‘pluma’ for main was truly exquisite, it was cooked to perfection, a glistening pink centre with a crispy caramelised edge. In fact, it made me ponder why beef is more popular than pork for steak. So that we could compare, we also tried a beef steak which was delicious too, especially dipped in the creamy béarnaise sauce, but the pork definitely trumped. Sides are top notch, skin-on fries with chicken salt, and spring greens with lemon and garlic would be my recommendation.

There are plenty of other temptations – strong cocktail concoctions and homemade sweet soft serve sundaes – but some have complained about the overwhelming indulgences at Foxlow. With this in mind we skipped desserts, though the Elvis Presley sandwich with candied bacon definitely caught my eye. At the final hurdle I managed to resist, which is not an easy thing to do at Foxlow.

More information for Foxlow here: www.foxlow.co.uk

Best Burgers on the Block, Malmaison London

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There are some new burgers on the block that you simply must try. The Malmaison London is already firmly established as a top burger outlet, often making the ‘top ten’ in London burger write-ups. Their classic bacon and cheese has always been one of my favourites, made with the highest quality meat and served with a deliciously stacked assortment of ingredients. Now the Mal welcome a list of indulgent speciality burgers to tempt the most discerning customers.

I went along to the Malmaison London last week to investigate with a group of other keen foodies. We were seated in the snazzy private dining room, and given the freshest mojitos to sip  – did I mention this hotel make exceptionally good cocktails? It wasn’t long before beautifully presented charcuterie (artisan salami, cured meats, cheese and olives) and warm bread arrived.

The main event followed and was as spectacular as promised, a selection of giant burgers. Here’s the list of choices with my thoughts…

Rossini Burger – foie gras & black truffle with fat chips
Rich and luxurious, this burger is a real treat.

Classic Mal Burger – bacon & gruyere cheese with fries
I chose the classic… the rest of the group picked the other options, so I thought in order to conduct a fair comparison I should order the Classic. It was as scrumptious as ever, perfectly seasoned meat with crisp lettuce leaves and onion, bacon and oozing melted cheese. The super skinny fries are just as they should be, thin, crispy, salty and dangerously addictive.

Tartiflette Burger – reblochon, onion & pancetta with fries
Next time I will be trying this one – all my favourites components in one burger – French cheese, crispy delicately flavoured pancetta and sweet onion. I had a little bit of food envy watching my friend dissect this on the other side of the table!

Poulet Szchnitzel Burger – chilli jam with fries
For those who aren’t red meat fans there is an equally exciting burger, and though we mocked the diner who got left with this choice… he was smug when we all lusted after the chilli jam. I think this alternative Chicken option will be surprisingly popular with Mal guests.

To finish we ate Rhubarb & Ginger Syllabub with shortbread dusted in icing sugar. It was a wonderful combination of flavours and textures, and a perfectly light dessert after the burgers. Similar to pannacotta, the syllabub was creamy and silky with crunchy crystallised cubes of ginger and soft pink rhubarb, I savoured every mouthful.

Yet again the Malmaison proves it is much more than just a lovely hotel. So put this restaurant on your to try list of eateries in London, this exciting new menu is a must for burger fans everywhere.

Visit the Malmaison website here for more information.