Tag Archives: cocktail

No. 11 Pimlico Road, Chelsea

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I’m not quite sure how we managed it but both my cousin and I, independently, managed to go to the wrong restaurant. No.11 Pimlico Road was previously called The Ebury, and just up the road is another place called The Ebury… which I’m sure most will agree is confusing. The staff at the wrong Ebury are rude and unpleasant but I’m glad to report that at No.11 they could not be more welcoming, and we were delighted to settle (half an hour late) in the correct restaurant.

This gloriously spacious modern venue is “a reaction against the typical gastropub trend which is engulfing London”. Stylishly designed, it is the ideal destination for ladies who lunch – smart and sophisticated but relaxed. The menu follows the same concept, brief but brilliantly tempting classic dishes to suit every appetite.

Small and sharing options are available as well as sandwiches, salads and several more substantial mains. We skipped starters in favour of indulging with a larger main course: House Burger with homemade fries for me and Chicken Schnitzel with remoulade for my guest. And I couldn’t resist a Rhubarb and Apple Rum Punch to quench my thirst.

Both mains were delicious, thinking back now I can’t fault any aspect of the food. The No.11 burger was truly scrumptious: a genius idea of using two thin patties instead of one fatter version makes the ground beef extra flavoursome and juicy (I’d recommend ordering rare or medium rare). Accompanied by Montgomery mature cheddar, thick cut tomato, lettuce and red onion, with an extra helping of dry aged streaky bacon, it really is the whole package. House made fries were great too, crispy but perfectly soft inside served with tangy aioli. My guest was kind enough to let me taste the Schnitzel, which was very tasty, tender thin chicken breast coated in an addictively yummy crunchy crumb layer.

Our waiter convinced us to share a dessert, and it was the Roulade No.11 which made the cut from a selection of naughtily extravagant puddings. The homemade meringue, roast rhubarb, candied ginger and orange blossom cream work surprisingly well together, the sweet and sharp flavours balance deliciously. Needless to say it didn’t take us long to polish that plate off!

If only I lived nearer, and had nothing to do at lunchtimes, I would be eating here every day. No.11 is No.1 in my book.

More information here: www.no11pimlicoroad.co.uk

Karaoke Box, Smithfields

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Sometimes when I review I am granted a ‘plus one’, but never before have I been invited with a ‘plus eleven’! At Karaoke Box Smithfields the more the merrier… there are sixteen private karaoke rooms of varying capacities (the largest can hold up to 40 people). The privacy of the rooms encourages guests to sing their hearts out without the embarrassment of strangers sniggering at nearby tables.

It all seemed pretty high tech to me, with flatscreen TVs, surround sound, wireless microphones and dimmer lights. A red button can be used for waitress service and guests are able to control the sound levels themselves. The song selection is vast and varied… over 9,000 songs searchable by artist or title. Those not in charge of the Karaoke playlist can flick through a paper booklet to find their favourites. Later I found out, amazingly, that the songs are also available in French, Spanish, Swedish and German, and five select rooms even have a Japanese option… ideal for multilingual show-offs.

As a singer, and self-confessed diva, this review was ideal for me, but finding friends willing to partake was more of challenge; needless to say most downed a few beers en route to the Smithfields venue. The Dutch courage must have worked because everyone seemed to be in high spirits and fine voice when we arrived at our booth. The first Friday of 2013 and Karaoke Box was silent and empty when my raucous group turned up at 8pm. Located in the city, this club has most of its business during the week, Fridays are quiet in comparison. It suited us perfectly, exotic fruity cocktails and oven-hot thin crust pizzas arrived without delay.

We spent a fun-filled three hours in the booth, chatting, singing, eating and drinking. The staff were efficient and helpful throughout and made the whole evening run smoothly.
Highlights of the evening included: a punchy version of Vanilla Ice, the girls’ renditions of Beyonce, Spice Girls and Cher classics, and some brilliantly brave boys attempting Eminem and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. And then of course there were all the usual Karaoke favourites, a Grease medley and even a Christmas duet.

With some throats hoarse, at 11pm it was time to stop though I would have happily continued singing all night. With facilities this good and a menu of good grub and cocktails to match, Karaoke Box is the ideal venue for any party or celebration. Or better still, just an excuse to sing your heart out.

Room prices vary according to size. For an hour costs range from £20 for a four person room to £150 for the fifteen person VIP area.

More information and to book here: http://karaokebox.co.uk/smithfield/

Rock & Rose, Richmond

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Rock & Rose is reason alone to visit Richmond. This picturesque suburb has a darling road of shops but lacks little culinary delights aside from the common chains. Rock & Rose fills the gap in the market and exceeds expectations providing great food in a lovely setting. A sister restaurant of Annie’s in Chiswick, I was sure I was going to approve.

I went to R&R for a girly dinner and catch-up and it suited the occasion perfectly. The exterior suggests a tropical, relaxed restaurant but inside it is more punky with pink themed décor loaded with attitude and character. Every time you look round you see another attractive detail – I loved the eccentric flag hanging and the gothic rose wallpaper. Despite it being a large restaurant, I felt cosy at our corner table yet still part of the atmospheric throng.

It is known for inspiring cocktails so we sampled a selection, of which the Rock & Rose Martini was the most fabulous: a mix of vanilla infused vodka, fresh passion fruit, pineapple and lemon, served with a shot of champagne on the side; the lychee martini was also delicious a sweet and refreshing drink.

We were faced with a menu of endless delicious dishes, modern European and British cuisine with an exotic Asian twist. An unusual assortment of food ranging from burgers and ribs to curries, tagines and even Boeuf Bourguignon. I usually feel frustrated with restaurants offering too many contrasting foods, but I couldn’t fault the food at Rock & Rose.

The ribs had been recommended by too many people to ignore and my friend decided to go with her instincts and try this American starter. I’m not a fan of ribs, but these glazed baby back ribs were delicious, not too sweet but sticky and meaty and moreish. I tried the warm goat’s cheese with rocket, beetroot, green beans and candied walnuts, it was a lovely fresh spring salad, light and full of flavour, I loved the crunchy walnuts paired with the soft cheese.

We both opted for curries for mains, though I was tempted by the corn-fed chicken option. My Lamb Massaman was divine, slow cooked with thai spices, peanuts and sweet potato. The meat was beautifully soft and fell from the bone… the sauce was delicious, seasoned to perfection but there was far too little of it and I found myself almost licking the plate. The Lamb is served without a carbohydrate which I was thankful for as it meant I could fit in pudding! My guest chose the Monkfish, Tiger Prawn and Coconut Curry served with Coriander Rice. She was delighted with the light creamy sauce and delicate spicy flavour.

The desserts were enormous, far too hefty to finish. My White Chocolate and Passion Fruit Cheesecake was on the heavy side, with a vague fruity flavour, though not quite enough to satisfy my taste buds. The Apple and Raspberry Crumble with vanilla custard was a better choice, homemade and homely.

Rock & Rose is full seven nights a week and it is obvious why… it is Richmond’s hottest restaurant and bar, the place to eat, drink and have a good time. My friend liked Rock & Rose so much she has decided to return for her birthday celebrations… I’m delighted to be going back!

Visit the Rock & Rose website here to book.