Tag Archives: south kensington

Bumpkin, South Kensington

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Bumpkin was the favourite destination for “work drinks” at my previous job. This relaxed cosy restaurant and bar is ideal for enjoying a glass of wine and a good gossip. The chain has venues in Westfield Stratford, Notting Hill and South Kensington, but although united in conception, each restaurant has its own character and charm.

I visited the South Kensington branch last week to try out their autumnal menu of British classics. There is the instant feeling of comfort as you walk through the door: dimmed lighting, warm colours and the smell of good food. We sat huddled around an intimate table and chose quickly.

Spying the recently redesigned cocktail menu, we chose a couple to whet our appetites. British Martini was a tasty mix of red berries, though I thought Herefordshire Gimlet, with a hint of jam and shaken with Grey Goose Vodka, was the best – refreshing and sweet but with a kick. There were plenty more to choose from – Spiced Daiquiri is a lovely festive drink for those in the mood.

Starters were sadly a bit of a disappointment all round: Treacle and Cider ham hock was bland and barely seasoned and the Caramelised red onion tart with yarg cheese was overly sweet, served cold and dry and not what I was expecting.

Luckily things improved with the main course and we were pleased we had both decided on the hearty grilled steaks, sirloin for me, fillet for my guest. Served with roasted Portobello mushroom, grilled tomato and soft herb crusted bone marrow it was a feast of English ingredients. The meat was tender and juicy although no sauce was available; a creamy peppercorn would have been perfect. Chunky skin-on chips were delicious, piping hot with a good texture.

It was getting late and we intended to opt for the lightest desserts on offer… that is until my guest spotted Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was a wise choice, oozing caramelly goodness and topped with Jude’s vanilla ice-cream… I barely managed to dunk my spoon in for a mouthful, the whole plate was scraped clean within a minute. Mulled wine poached pear was a simple dish, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon… I loved the taste of soft sweet pear with the dollop of Cornish clotted cream, though I thought the additional gingerbread was perhaps superfluous.

I imagine Bumpkin cooks up a cracking Roast Dinner, and with the large private dining area, the South Kensington branch would be the ideal place to hold Christmas meals: a homely place to drink, dine and be merry this winter.

More information here.

http://www.bumpkinuk.com/

Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, V&A

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Looking round the costume department at the V&A is one of my favourite lunchtime activities, so I was very excited when the Ballgowns exhibition was announced. This show is part of the British Design Season and celebrates the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries at the V&A.

Wandering round the Victoria and Albert Museum alone is always enchanting, with another magical artefact to discover on each visit. On a sunny Thursday lunchtime, the galleries were teeming with culture hungry visitors. The space allocated to the Ballgowns was very dimly lit with women gathering round each garment nattering away about the material, cut and colour. I tried to dodge the students discussing and furiously sketching to get a good look at the clothes myself.

Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950 showcases some of the most fabulous dresses from the last six decades up to the present day. The collection includes catwalk showstoppers, red carpet attire and beautiful occasion dresses. There are more than sixty designs on display, including several notable royal dresses, of which Princess Diana’s ‘Elvis Dress’designed by Catherine Walker is perhaps the most spectacular. Every dress has a story and it is fascinating learning the history of these couture gowns. Many of them have been designed and made especially for a particular individual or celebrity and so the style relates to their character and role in society, and truly captures a moment.

Interestingly the dresses are arranged and exhibited by colour rather than date. Every ballgown has a timeless elegance and yet the obvious era changes and shifts in society are evident in tailoring and shape. The development of new ideals can be seen in the radical move from tight restrictive corseted dresses to floaty ethereal gowns that skim rather than cling to a women’s figure. I was a particular fan of the bigger more ostentatious dresses, the fairytale princess gowns that would look so uncommon and bizarre at the parties I go to but must suit the society balls that I would love to experience, just once.

On the Mezzanine level contemporary ballgowns are displayed, some of which are straight off the catwalk: luxurious, extravagant and utterly stunning gowns dreamed up and carefully created by world-renowned designers including Alexander McQueen, Erdem, Roland Mouret, Marchesa and Mary Katrantzou. I loved the remarkable feather gown, and the crystal encrusted dress that Beyonce donned for her performance for the Obamas.

This exhibition is certainly the fashion show of the season… I left wishing the dresses were in my wardrobe.

Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, sponsored by Coutts, runs at the V&A from 19 May 2012 – 6 January 2013.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/

Nailberry, South Kensington

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Nailberry has the largest and most diverse collection of nail varnishes, shellac, gel, pearls, glitter and nail art pens imaginable. This is just one of the reasons I rate them so highly as an exemplary nail bar.

Nailberry was launched seven months ago by Sonia Hully, a creative and determined young woman on a mission to run a speedy and hygienic nail bar that offers affordable quality treatments. It is a stylish boutique salon, with white and beige decor and pretty floral wallpaper giving a calming and relaxing atmosphere. I spent a lovely hour at Nailberry chatting and being pampered.

There are a variety of manicures, pedicures and other treatments available including some very special and unique treats like the Japanese Manicure with P shine based on a process used four hundred years ago – Nailberry are one of the only places in London offering this unusual treatment. I tried the Classic Manicure involving soak, cut, file, cuticle removal and nail colour, although now, looking at the menu, I’m annoyed I didn’t try the signature Nailberry manicure which includes hot towel moisturise and massage.

Fuelling my fluorescent fetish, I had to choose between a variety of neon hues, all brilliantly radiant… feeling overwhelmed and indecisive, I decided on five neon shades, green, yellow, red, pink and orange to adorn the five fingers on each hand. Iva, my manicurist proceeded with precision, and my nails were groomed and trimmed to look their best before two coats of colour were carefully applied. Now, a week later, the colour remains unchipped and in perfect condition, truly one of the longest lasting manicures I have ever had.

Conveniently close to my work, I know I will be a regular visitor to this colourful salon. The Nailberry brand are hoping to bring out their own range of neon varnishes soon which I am also very excited about! Perfect with my neon pink branding, Nailberry and Thoroughly Modern Milly should collaborate!

Visit the Nailberry website here for more information.