Tag Archives: West London

Chakra, Holland Park

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Type ‘chakra’ into Google and you are likely to find a collection of definitions and articles about the Seven Chakras – energy points that are thought to vitalise the human body. With this in mind Chef Andy Varma and team have created a relaxed but smart restaurant inspired by the ancient Vedic scriptures. They plan to invigorate the guests with positive energy from innovative Indian cooking.

My expert Holland Parkers had informed me that Chakra is one of the best restaurants in the area and well worth a visit. So on a Sunday night, keen not to travel far from home, we marched up the hill to experience our Indian feast. The team were delighted to see us, presenting flutes of champagne on arrival and regularly attending to table adjustments as and when they were needed.

The General Manager designed our meal to show all the scope and techniques of the kitchen. A wonderful arrangement of grilled treats arrived first, homemade masala flavoured lamb, delicately dressed chicken with crushed black pepper, garlic and coriander, huge seared tiger prawns with fresh ginger and garlic and a soft and spicy butternut squash galouti. All the components were delicious and particularly satisfying served together.

Thank goodness the waiter listened to my request for ‘mini mains’… at Indian restaurants it is easy to get carried away ordering six or seven huge dishes for two to share, after a weekend of heavy dining I didn’t want to over-indulge! Tasters arrived of ‘Chakra’s best’: we loved the creamy Black Daal (slow cooked lentil finished with dry fenugreek and cream) and the addictive Jalandhar Chicken (a variation of the Punjab classic with a tomato and cream masala sauce). The chicken was so tasty our waiter had to bring a second serving! The full flavoured garlic naan is unmissable and marries perfectly with the spicy sauces.

Mango Kulfi was a fruity finish to the meal, light and cooling, sweet but tangy. Leaving Chakra I’m not sure I felt vitalised but I was certainly satisfied, and I am proud to call it my local Indian.

More information here.

www.chakralondon.com

Sophie Gass, Holland Park

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Every girl needs a local manicurist for a last minute beauty fix. In Acton I found Nara, in Holland Park I have Sophie Gass, a fabulous little nail bar on Ladbroke Grove.

Sophie Gass is a brilliant Holland Park ambassador, working in the centre of this West London area and enjoying all it has to offer. Whilst my toes were being pampered by her best therapist I picked her brains on the best things to do in the neighbourhood. At only 26, this girl has impressive ambition, discovering a gap in the market, she opened an affordable and stylish nail salon just a few months after quitting her high-powered job in the city. With an assortment of unique clothes, lovely jewellery and tempting accessories, it is also the ideal place to pick up a party frock or last minute gift.

I went along for a luxury pedicure and was amazed by the precision and care of the treatment. My feet were soaked, exfoliated and moisturised, my toenails were filed and cuticles were trimmed ready for my Essie colour of choice.

The salon is bright and airy, designed simply but with indulgent touches. Each reclining chair has a nearby iPad for your use and new monthly magazines are scattered about to occupy you while your feet are being pampered. When my bright blue nails were done, I tip-toed around the venue trying on the beautiful brightly coloured dresses and smiling at the sweet cards.

This is the highlight of Ladbroke Grove, and my favourite new hang-out in the neighbourhood. I can tell I will be spending a lot of Saturdays in Sophie Gass.

More information here.

www.sophiegass.com

Hotel 55, Ealing

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It is not often I review a hotel in West London, especially not one so close to home, but Hotel 55 sounded appealing to me. Moments away from North Ealing tube, and a short distance from the central line station West Acton, it is outside the main hub of London but is brilliantly accessible and blissfully calm in comparison to more central hotels.

Firstly I must commend the company on their website, which I often find to be the downfall of a hotel. It is stylish, clear and informative and definitely whet my appetite for this little boutique property. If anything the website exaggerates the grandeur of the building and I was surprised to find it very homely and unassuming when we arrived early last Thursday evening. Inside the hotel has a slick modern edge with colourful lighting and quirky furniture, this style suits the onsite Japanese restaurant Momo perfectly.

Our room was small but comfortable, ideal for a one night business stay. Decorated in muted colours and soft furnishings with abstract artwork on the walls; it was a nice room to spend time in, relaxing and revitalising. A large double bed with plenty of pillows, cushions and blankets ensured we got a good night’s sleep. The bathroom, despite being petite, included a bath and Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries, I could have a long warm soothing soak before bed.

The hotel staff really aim to please, assisting us enthusiastically with our every need. This extends to the room facilities too, with bottled water, loaded minibar and coffee machine all available and complimentary. For supper we wandered downstairs to join other guests for an authentic Japanese meal at Momo. After an initial mix up with the menus, we were delivered some delicious Asian cuisine. Highlights were the crispy chicken pieces and vegetable dumplings and the Katsu curry main course. The food is fresh and well seasoned, and presented in an attractive fashion. With such a huge menu of familiar and unfamiliar Japanese recipes to choose from, there should be something for everyone. I should also mention the wonderful white wine, a delicate refined Reisling.

The next morning breakfast was laid out in the same dining room, a wholesome and tempting array of fruit, pastries and yoghurt. Cooked breakfast is available too. I opted for just toast and coffee but the heavenly smells coming from the kitchen almost convinced me to indulge more.

Reasonably priced, comfortable and quiet, Hotel 55 offers a relaxing haven for tourists and Londoners alike. After staying here I can’t comprehend why anyone would waste their money on an expensive West End hotel, Hotel 55 has everything you need for less cost and less stress.

More information here.

www.hotel55-london.com