Artistry in Alchemy, SushiSamba

This month the the world’s number one premium gin, Bombay Sapphire, launches the Artistry in Alchemy cocktail menu at the SUSHISAMBA London’s Tree Terrace. Designed to celebrate the artful creation of Bombay Sapphire and its vapour infused 10 botanicals, guests can discover a new menu of imaginative, alchemistic drinks.

cocktails at sushisamba

Created by SUSHISAMBA’s renowned Head of Spirit and Cocktail Development Richard Woods, the cocktail list features an alternative selection of avant-garde serves. Taking inspiration from the worldly botanicals found in every drop of Bombay Sapphire, the menu brings together unusual ingredients from around the world, including Matcha green tea, yuzu juice, kaffir lime leaf and coffee infused aromatised wine. Whilst enjoying the drinks order some of the sushi platter for a extra extravagant evening.

sushisamba

Each cocktail provides a truly memorable drinking experience for discerning cocktail lovers. And, the unique setting at the Tree Terrace is the perfect location for gin enthusiasts to experience the Artistry in Alchemy this summer whilst admiring the city from above.

Runs until Tuesday 30 August, more information here.

The Rooftop Cafe, London Bridge

Rooftop Cafe

It’s not easy to find the Rooftop Café but once you have navigated your way up there you will feel pretty smug about locating London’s best hidden breakfast venue. And with the Shard as a neighbour, the views from this eatery are epic.

It is an unlikely spot… buzz at the entrance, follow the fire exit and climb three flights of stairs. A tiny doorway reveals a quaint café where you might expect to find a dilapidated office area. The café is open for all-day dining, though I think it is particularly lovely in the mornings. For balmy summer nights there is a terrace with coloured benches where you can enjoy the view al fresco.

Wake up with a strong coffee, a fresh juice and one of the delectable treats from the menu. Popular dishes include Truffled field mushrooms with poached egg and toast – earthy and delicious. Or the rather more indulgent Bacon, French toast and maple syrup. I opted for Avocado, chilli and lime with sourdough toast. The plates are simply presented, with generous portions for reasonable prices. I loved my avocado on toast which was fresh and zingy with the citrusy juice and kick from the chilli. Although I must admit the aromas from the truffled field mushrooms did convince me to try that option next time.

Quietly successful and individual, this lovely little café has managed to escape the attention of the serial brunchers in London. Get there fast while it’s still a secret.

More information here: www.therooftopcafe.co.uk

 

Yearlstone Vineyard, Devon

I am used to wandering round glorious sun-drenched vineyards in France but I didn’t know what to expect when I was told we were visiting a vineyard in Devon. We turned off the main road onto a steep lane and reached a cabin-like building surrounded by lush greenery, blissfully isolated and tranquil.

Yearlstone Vineyard was started in 1976 by pioneering English viticulturist Gillian Pearkes. Gillian planted a variety of vines, collected on her worldwide travels and experimented with vine growing techniques for the English climate. In 1993, Roger and Juliet White bought the vineyard and began building on the site. Using traditional materials they built a house, a shop and office, the equipment and indoor space to make the wine completely onsite and most recently a café and outdoor terrace.

Sitting on the shaded terrace overlooking the endless vines, I couldn’t imagine a more idyllic setting in the British countryside. I felt ignorant for assuming UK’s vineyards were inferior to those in France and elsewhere. As it turns out: “Yearlstone vineyard is located on a steep southerly slope on a hillside above the river Exe at the picturesque village of Bickleigh… 200 feet above sea level and has natural protection from the west, north and east. The soil is a silty clay loam over fragmented Devon red sandstone with excellent drainage and is perfect for vines – red soils are the most sought after for vineyards all around the world. In all, Yearlstone’s position is perfect for growing vines and ripening grapes.”

The Deli Shack cafe at Yearlstone offers wholesome and delicious sharing platters and meals, perfect for enjoying alongside a glass of their wine; we tasted a variety: a soft and floral dry white, a light fruity red and a delicate dry rose which we opted for. To eat, we shared a huge platter of artisan meat and cheese, olives, pickled onions and crusty bread. For main course we tried most of the menu: salad with goat’s cheese, creamy smoked salmon linguine, Spanish style chicken with tomato, peppers and beans, and Taleggio and asparagus tart. The dishes were simple and healthy with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients.

As well as the vineyard, there is a mature orchard at Yearlstone with many apple trees, from which cider is made. If you are visiting Devon, Yearlstone Vineyard definitely deserves a place on your itinerary. Sitting amongst the beautiful vineyards sipping Yearlstone’s wonderful wine made me feel proud to be British.

More information here: www.yearlstone.co.uk

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with First Great Western trains.

Advance single fares from London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway are available from £12.50 each way. For the best value tickets and fares buy before you board at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or 08457 000125.