Sommelier’s Table, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is one of the most special restaurants in London… and those in the know book the exclusive Sommelier’s Table downstairs in the intimate wine cellar.

Helene Darroze

A select group of foodies gathered at noon in the hotel lobby before lunch. After a quick peek into the sophisticated dining room, we headed downstairs to the wine emporium. Champagne was served as we ogled at the beautifully set dinner table and took a seat.

Helene Darroze

The decadent four course lunch was centred around a selection of fine Pinot Noir wines selected by the Connaught’s sommelier. For each of the wines Hélène presented an immaculate recipe focussed on seasonal wild mushrooms to match the wine flavours and intensity.

The first course was a subtle veloute with pink garlic, ceps, parsley and lardo di Colonnata. The light and creamy soup was a delight on the palate, with a luxurious, oozing poached egg and earthy, lusciously juicy ceps. It was served with a glass of 2011 Pinot Noir from Terravin, Marlborough, New Zealand.

Helene Darroze

The next dish was easily my favourite of the day. A stunning leaf-shaped mini lasagne, with layers of frog leg, ricotta, and Parmigiano Reggiano. It was a beautiful assortment of flavours and textures that perfectly complemented the 2010 Pinot Noir “Barda” from Bodegas Chacra, Argentina.

Helene Darroze

We knew it was time for main course even before it arrived at the table because an irresistible scent of richly flavoured pastry wafted through the room. Waiters arrived with platters of Grouse Wellington, which tasted as regal as it looked. The game was stuffed with foie gras and cep, and was served with a caramelised sweet fig and a wonderfully aromatic whiskey jus. The 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin, Olivier Bernstein from Burgundy, France managed to majestically stand up to the bold flavours of the dish, it was a delicious match.

Helene Darroze

The Signature Savarin was a boozy dessert doused in Hélène’s brothers Armagnac. Topped with tart apple and nutty chestnuts, it was a dish that tasting like Autumn. Champagne Eric Rodez, Blanc de Noirs, Grand Cru from Ambonnay provided a light and floral finish.

Helene Darroze

Every experience of Hélène Darroze’s food is a treat, but when you try a specially crafted food and wine menu at the Sommelier’s Table, the culinary memory is unforgettable.

More information on Hélène Darroze at The Connaught and the Sommelier’s Table here.

The Beaumont Hotel

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On a rainy Saturday afternoon in October I visited The Beaumont for a special staycation. It was such a treat and I relished the opportunity to stay in and make good use of the facilities. Of the 73 rooms there are 23 studios and suites and we found ourselves in the lavish Roosevelt suite on the top floor. With numerous rooms and a huge balcony overlooking London, it took us almost an hour to explore, marvelling at every thoughtful detail.

The hotel has an obvious art deco theme, harking back to the decade in which it was built, with stylish furniture and lighting, elegant handpicked artwork and indulgent amenities.

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All of the room types feel spacious yet cosy, fully equipped with King-sized beds, beautiful bathrooms with underfloor heating and bespoke D R Harris toiletries. I loved the personality in our suite: carefully chosen books sat on the bedside tables, freshly made macarons were temptingly place in the dining room and in the living room there were games like Scrabble and Monopoly, perfect for Saturday nights in by the fire. The owners, Chris Corbin and Jeremy King are involved in every aspect of the hotel, and this personal insight and dedication adds so much to the guest’s experience at The Beaumont.

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For a unique experience book yourself in to the Antony Gormley suite, with a wonderfully immersive sculptural bedroom and a pure white marble bathroom concealed by a dramatic black velvet curtain. It certainly won’t be a night’s sleep you forget in a hurry.

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The Beaumont’s in house restaurant, The Colony Grill Room has become a popular destination in its own right. The American-style classic dishes and relaxed, sophisticated dining room make this restaurant a lovely place to spend time with friends and enjoy the finest quality comfort food. Specialities like the Lobster a la Russe are particularly decadent, or you can opt for a simpler Caesar Salad topped with shavings of parmesan and crunchy croutons.

The star of the show though is the steaks, which are utterly delicious. Silky rich meat is cooked to perfection, with a charred smokiness and served with french fries and a sauce of your choice.

For dessert I chose the fabulously child-friendly Colony Club Sundae, which you can customise with a little form at the table. For some high drama, try the Bananas Foster which is cooked Table Side, much to the amazement of the neighbouring diners.

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Breakfast is equally divine, and we chose to enjoy it in our suite. Beautiful plates of food arrived promptly in the morning, alongside strong coffee, the sweetest fresh juice and just-baked viennoiserie.

Beaumont Hotel

Before leaving the hotel I had just enough time to visit the heavenly spa. This white mosaic-ed oasis is instantly welcoming and calming. I couldn’t resist sampling the speciality haman treatment, a refreshing and cleansing treatment which exfoliates and cleans the body before a moisterising and relaxing massage. The therapist listened to my requests before commencing with the wonderful treatment. I felt my body has been nourished and revitalising ready for the cold winter ahead.

Moments away from Selfridges, in the centre of the town, I cannot think of a more special place to stay in London in the run up to the festive season.

More information and book a stay at The Beaumont Hotel here.

Uncovering the Secrets of Suttons & Robertsons

I’ve never really known exactly what a pawnbroker is. Often dark and dingy, occupying a strange little corner shop, they can be mysterious places that most people walk past without a backwards glance. Suttons & Robertsons couldn’t be more of a contrast to my naïve assumption.

Suttons & Robertsons is London’s oldest, active, pawnbroking business and is among the largest in the UK. This highly revered company has had a long history offering loans to cash-poor, asset-rich customers in their branches across London and Manchester.

Suttons & Robertsons

I visited the Victoria store to learn more about the historic company and see some of the amazing objects that are currently pledged or on sale. The smart shop is like a museum of curiosities, with cabinets of stunning jewellery, watches, handbags, antiques and artwork. The knowledgeable staff explained the journey of the items in store… When a customer comes in with an item, ranging from a diamond brooch to a private yacht, they speak to an expert who values the item and offers them a loan price. The customer has 6 months to buy it back while Suttons & Robertsons keep the item safe. After this period if the customer no longer want it, the item goes on sale in one of the stores. If it is sold for more than the price previously given the customer receives the additional money as well.

Suttons & Robertsons

At Suttons & Robertsons they see it all, from celebrity treasures to historic heirlooms, and I loved seeing the current collection of items. I was particularly enamoured with Margot Fonteyn’s ballet shoes, which now live permanently in the Victoria Store and was also amazed to hear about the 1966 F.A Cup winner’s medal which made it into the past collection.

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I began thinking how perfect this store could be for Christmas shopping or for picking out a gift for a couple getting married. Every item is unique and special, a one-of-a-kind object with it’s own story and history. In the Fleet Street branch city boys go in to ogle at the beautiful vintage watches, while in Victoria the array of jewellery and silverware certainly stole my heart. I began picking out my dream stocking of gifts, a beautiful amethyst ring and a set of vintage silver tea caddies.

So it seems there is so much more to pawnbroking than I initially thought, especially at Suttons & Robertsons. Whether you are visiting to pawn a possession or shop for unique jewel, this luxurious emporium has got you covered.

More information about Suttons & Robertsons here.