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Preview - Waldorf Hilton Wimbledon Afternoon Tea

Are you a tennis fan?  If like me, you love afternoon tea almost as much as tennis, you might be interested in a limited edition tea at the Waldorf Hilton.  They are celebrating the oldest tournament in Britain by transforming the Homage Restaurant into its very own All-England Club from Sunday 1st to Monday 16th July.

It’s a great queue busting alternative and a luxurious way to experience the very best of British traditions whilst indulging in a spot of traditional high tea. Complete with tennis whites, artificial lawns and strawberries served with whipped cream, the tennis-themed afternoon tea and screening aims to bring the tournament to the heart of London’s West End.

You’ll be offered Pimm’s Jelly amuse bouche, protein ‘tennis balls��� strawberry and clotted cream tarts and stunning mini Battenbergs taking their inspiration from the famous lawn tennis club.

Of course, there will be sandwiches, scones, tea and Prosecco.

The limited edition Wimbledon afternoon tea can be made from 2nd to 16th July priced from £32 pp for classic menu and £42 pp including Champagne, and are available to book online.  

For more information, visit The Waldorf Hilton. 

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Chinawhite at Henley Royal Regatta

Don’t you just love the London Season?   One of my favourite events is The Henley Royal Regatta.  This summer, legendary London nightclub Chinawhite returns for the sixth year with an unmissable weekend of revelry and entertainment on Friday 6th July and Saturday 7th July when they will hold a series of exclusive parties headlined by the legendary Cédric Gervais (who has produced songs with David Guetta, Sigala and Lana del Rey to name a few)

Chinawhite has partnered with Moët Champagne, Belvedere Vodka, Skinny Lager Franklin and Sons Premium, Lonewolfe, Stolichnaya Elite and Life Water to create an unforgettable, all-day celebration at the most extravagant enclosure.  You’ll enjoy an uninterrupted panoramic views from the marquee’s riverside garden, VIP hospitality (from 5 different bars), the gourmet street food, including Cheers Alcoholic Ice-cream and the world class DJs powering the amazing evening party.  During the day, aside from the exciting racing, guests can enjoy a quick stop at The Pop-Up Salon, browse the latest sunglasses at Taylor Morris or admire some of the exotic cars being presented by Romans International, who all have popups within the enclosure.  

For one weekend only, the atmosphere and excitement of Chinawhite travels upriver with the boats to Henley to the middle of the English countryside for an amazing outdoor celebration.  

Tickets are available for both daytime and evening parties on Friday and Saturday and start at £35. A much-coveted VIP Saturday ticket costs £80 which includes access to Chinawhite’s VIP Lounge & Garden where guests will be entertained by the enticing evening show.  

If you’ve missed it - well, you could always try our recipe for a Pimms Spritz or a Classic Pimms for one...

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Did you forget Father’s Day?

TWICE AS SMOOTH GENTLEMAN’S SIP & SHAVE EXPERIENCE

Gentleman Jack collaborates with Barber Barber to help you treat your friends and family like the gentlemen they are

 Gentleman Jack, the double mellowed, twice as smooth whiskey from the makers of Jack Daniel’s, is giving you the opportunity to treat yourself and a lucky friend or family member with its bespoke experience in partnership with renowned brand Barber Barber.

 Available until 30th June, Gentleman Jack invites you to get ‘Twice as Smooth’ with a gentleman’s wet shave for two, accompanied with mellowed serves of the Jack Daniel’s family’s smoothest sippin’ Tennessee Whiskey, the perfect treat.

 Inspired by the original gentleman distiller, Mr Jack Daniel himself, Gentleman Jack mellows through sugar maple charcoal, not once, but twice, creating a full-bodied liquid, rich with flavours of vanilla, maple syrup and citrus. This balanced flavour leaves a deliciously smooth finish, which can be appreciated in every sip.

 Bond over this time-honoured tradition by relaxing at the vibrant Barber Barber and let their team of shave specialists take care of you both.

 Available in the Barber Barber Soho and Spitalfields outlets, the Twice as Smooth Treatments for Father’s Day can be purchased until Saturday 30th June 2018. 

Price for two - £76

If you’ve missed that, why not try one of these delicious truffled gin cocktails

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Taste of London 2018

This year for me it’s been all about MasterClasses (though there’s plenty more to see at this year’s festival which runs from 13th-17th June)

Starting with Champagne Laurent-Perrier who collaborated with Indie Ecology and IKOYI to serve us up a fabulous taster of Octopus, Jollof Rice and Cured Prawns and then Tomato ice cream with hay rice mousse all while telling us more about the sustainable practices followed by Laurent-Perrier.  They celebrate their 50th anniversary of Cuvee Rose this year so of course, we sipped glasses of this lovely 100% pinot noir.  Lightness, Freshness and Elegance were the flavour notes we were looking for!

Then, Celebrity Cruises who have turned their stand over to a preview of the newest ship, Celebrity Edge.  I was lucky enough to enjoy a taster of the food which will be offered on board - with wines paired by Amelia Singer.  And I got to meet Michelin starred chef Cornelius Gallagher and Chef Rodolphe Sicard who served up a wonderful menu of Alsatian Potato and Gruyere Tart followed by Lavender Roasted Salmon.

If you are planning to go to Taste London this year, make sure you don’t miss the Masterclasses!

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Having just been to the beautiful island of #Grenada in the Caribbean, it would be churlish not to share the wonderful stand at the #ChelseaFlowerShow - here's the Grenada stand at the Chelsea Flower Show Team led by Mrs Catherine John. I can vouch that the island itself is truly an Eden #PureGrenada. @sarahemjames was there at Chelsea today for press day and loved the vibrant display, in the colours of the Grenadian flag! A little bit of Grenada in London for the week... @DiscoverGrenada @robertmbates #LoveLondon #LondonisOpen #igerslondon #london #thisislondon #mydarlinglondon #london4all #Tumblr http://bit.ly/2GGXat1

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LONDON CRAFT WEEK - THE JIMMY BEAUMONT TRAVEL COLLECTION

Take one imaginary early 20th Century Hotelier, make him real by giving him his very own luxury hotel just off Bond Street and then make sure the glitterati of the art deco world  are his ‘friends’ by putting their pictures up around the hotel in the form of specially commissioned caricatures by San Francisco artist John Mattos.  Along with stunning interior design and a careful attention to period detail, that’s how Jeremy King OBE, founder of The Beaumont Hotel, has created an Art Deco hotel that feels as if it’s been there for a hundred years or so.  

And what would Jimmy be doing for London Craft Week?  Well, of course, he’d invite some of Britain’s finest craftspeople to demonstrate the art of contemporary travel. The exhibition at the Beaumont Hotel showcases specially commissioned modern-day pieces which demonstrate the various skills of cutting leather, embroidering on leather, the process of tanning, embellishing pieces with hand-painted designs and commissioning specialised cases. 

 A carefully selected range of vintage travel pieces from the early 20th century, a more luxurious era of travel, are on show, highlighting a time when travelling with bespoke items, whether steamer trunks, writing cases, map cases, dressing sets or cigar caddies, was the norm.

Brands include Alfie Douglas, Billy Tannery with Charles Laurie, Caroline Groves, Ettinger, Geraldine Larkin, Gladstone LDN, Purdey, Trunk Clothiers with Charlie Borrow. 

The exhibition will run throughout the duration of London Craft Week so do pop along to The Beaumont

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April 12th  - National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

The USA celebrates National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th.   Well, why not?   Regarded as one of the top comfort foods in America, the version we eat today originated in the 1920s when sliced bread and American cheese became easily available.  

Of course, those of you from the USA and those of you wishing to join the celebrations can do so in London!  Head for the glamorous art-deco inspired Colony Grill at the Beaumont Hotel and you’ll find the menu offers a Grilled Cheese sandwich with Dill Pickle, perfect for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day.  While you are there, enjoy a cocktail or three - and perhaps a couple of other American classics - we love the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and perhaps Bananas Foster flambeed in dark rum for dessert. 

Enjoy!

Colony Grill The Beaumont  Brown Hart Gardens Mayfair  London  W1K 6TF   

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La Ferme Primrose Hill

I went along to celebrate the opening of La Ferme Primrose Hill  the other week. After the success of their first restaurant and delicatessen on Farringdon Road, by Exmouth Market, the new La Ferme features an elegant and exclusive mezzanine lounge sponsored by Champagne Deutz. The Deutz Champagne Bar pours all of the brand’s styles, as well as a selection of still wines by the glass and a list of classic yet creative cocktails.

Well, you can guess where I spent the evening!  Especially as they were also serving some delicious caviar canapes

La Ferme is the brainchild of two French guys -  Restaurateur François Guerin and chef Guillaume Dunos.  Both intent on bringing authentic French seasonal ingredients to London, it’s well worth checking out this intimate French eatery

154 Regent's Park Road, London NW1 2XN. Tel: 020 7837 5293.

bookings_primrosehill@lafermelondon.com.

http://lafermelondon.com/

Check our full review of this top restaurant in Primrose Hill - La Ferme

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Cutter and Squidge Easter

Swap your Easter egg for the most luxurious handcrafted treat made with premium chocolate and all natural ingredients!

The FUNFETTI (FUNFETTI EASTER EGG - £ 13.50) milk chocolate half egg holds lots of surprises inside! Under the silky milk chocolate ganache you will find generous chunks of honeycomb and sprinkles of chocolate crumble. Filled with white chocolate mini eggs, fluffy vegetarian marshmallow squares and handmade funfetti jazzies for all the fun you can have in an Easter egg! Comes complete with a spoon to enjoy it.

If you’d like to know more about chocolate - why not try the Grenada Chocolate Festival where on a tiny island in the Caribbean you can learn how chocolate and cacao are a golden ticket for the farmers.

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Cottons Winter Beach Party

https://www.london-unattached.com/grenada-chocolate-festival/

At London-Unattached we love Cottons!

On Saturday 24th February Cottons St Georges Wharf, Vauxhall is turning up the heat on the riverside with a Winter Beach Party featuring unlimited rum punch and Caribbean food*, steel pans, live reggae, and DJs into the early hours.

Kicking off from 6pm, beach revellers will be treated to endless classic Cottons dishes such as jerk pork ribs with rum & molasses; Cotton’s mac & cheese; and sweet potato fritters with coriander coconut chutney, as well as a whole hour of unlimited rum punch on arrival.

Those ready to help cultivate the summer island vibes by dressing their beach best (think Hawaiian shirts and colourful attire), will be gifted a rainbow flower garland and a pair of much-coveted Cottons branded sunglasses on arrival to help them get their calypso groove on.

Cottons – bringing the Caribbean sunshine to London since 1985.

Details: Tickets cost £20 per person for unlimited Caribbean food or £35 to include one hour of unlimited rum punch. Pre-booking essential (link below). *Free flower garlands and Cottons sunglasses for anyone wearing a Hawaiian shirt or beach attire. 

Cottons Vauxhall

Meanwhile, if you are looking for where to go in the Caribbean - why not check out my review of the Grenada Chocolate Festival

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Dawn of Super Heroes

O2 London - 23rd February 2018 - tickets on sale now!

Following a successful run in Paris, France, 2018 will see the London Premiere of ‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’, _a  unique exhibition presented by with DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products in collaboration with Art Ludique-Le Musée. Opening on 23 February at The O2, London, this one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker.

Fans visiting ‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’ will be able to walk through the exhibition, which runs in chronological order, with each room offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the mythical DC Universe. Featuring artwork of Super Heroes and Super-Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, The Penguin and Mr Freeze, the Exhibition will bring fans closer to the world’s most iconic characters.

This exhibition, accompanied throughout by original soundtracks of the DC films and series, will showcase original drawings of DC’s famous Super Heroes and Super-Villains, as well as iconic scenes and landmarks, from world-renowned artists including Jim Lee, Bob Kane, Neal Adams, Frank Miller, Alex Ross and many more.

Opens: 23rd February 2018

Closes: 9 September 2018

Tickets: Adult £22/Child £11/Concession £19.80/Family of 3 £39.60/Family of 4 £55/Family of 5 £60.50.

All tickets are subject to a booking fee

To book, please visit www.DCExhibition.co.uk

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Gourmet Encounter at Sopwell House - 4 Evenings Only 

Grand Chef André Jaeger hosts a special four-night event at Sopwell House Country House Spa Hotel, St Albans from 7th - 10th February. Encounter this exclusive menu and dining experience in their restaurant.

André Jaeger's cuisine is influenced by his travels around the world. Blending European gourmet tradition, Swiss soul and Asiatic inspiration to create innovative menus, enhanced by the finest vintages - a veritable feast for the senses. Chef Jaeger is a pioneer of fusion cooking - twice named 'Chef of the Year' by Gault Millau.

Three evenings only from 7th Feb 2018 - for more information check the Sopwell House Website

 Sample Menu

Amuse Bouche (to share)

~~~ STARTERS ~~~

Onsen egg in dashi jelly with sesame cream and prune caviar Lobster ceviche with spinach and vanilla butter sauce

~~~ FISH COURSE ~~~

Black cod with sour tien sin cabbage and Vin Jaune cream sauce Paupiette of lemon sole with Scottish scallops, Kwan Tung spices, edamame, pumpkin and cherry tomato

~~~ INTERMEDIATE ~~~

Pan-fried duck liver with figs and duck essence

~~~ MAIN COURSE ~~~

Aged Scotch beef 28 days, teriyaki style with baby artichoke, heart of palm, olive and black bean gravy Hoisin duck with orange, red cabbage, Granny Smith apple and truffle potato mash

~~~ PRE DESSERT ~~~

Chocolate sherbet with raspberries, Dom Benedictine espuma

~~~ DESSERT ~~~

Passionfruit souffle with passion fruit chutney, vanilla ice cream and meringue Chocolate opera with pistachio, kirsch, pineapple carpaccio and cherry ice cream

~~~ CHEESE ~~~

Saint Agure Cheese in kataifi with honey, fleur de sel, beetroot and wasabi mustard 

Three, five and seven-course menu available. From £75 per person, £105 with wine pairing

Vegetarian Menu Available

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Dieting AND Broke?  We have the answer!

To celebrate the arrival of 2018, Drake & Morgan are helping to ‘Grab Life By The Claws’ with a Reef, Beef and Bubbles offer across January.  With bars and restaurants all over the city – including newly opened The Allegory and The Listing –the Reef, Beef and Bubbles deal is a penny-pinching £9.95 combination of succulent steak, prawns and green leaves. Accompanied by a chilled glass of bubbles – opt for either classic fizz or a glass of alcohol-free Bees Knees prosecco – the whole meal comes in at under a saintly 500 calories. 

 And that’s not all! For just £19.95, sinners can push the boat out and upgrade to a serving of lobster, steak and chips with a glass of champagne.

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More from Anna's recent trip to India with #THEParkHotels to experience first hand the colourful sights and sounds of #IncredibleIndia. Anna went to # Hyderabad to help @TheParkHotels celebrate their 50th Year Anniversary #50yearsofTHEPark. While she was there she got to visit #Chowmalla Palace, in the along the banks of the Musi river. This was where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors, including English nobility, the last Nizam having been educated in England and having an amassed wealth which made him the fifth richest man in recorded history. The palace has a stunning great hall with Belgian glass chandeliers and is an ideal place to get away from the Laad Bazaar, which has encroached on some of the lands that were once part of the palace. #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #photographers_of_india #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #secretplaces #incredibleindiaofficial #Tumblr http://bit.ly/2CIEyer

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The Real Greek

We went along to try The Real Greek’s Christmas Menu last night.  Excellent for #Vegetarian and #Vegans, there’s a choice of a Grilled Vegetable and Sweet Potato Stack on a bed of garlic tomato sauce, served with feta (available without for Vegans) and kale crisps;  Honey Glazed Pork served with crushed new potatoes, ladolemono leeks and chantenay carrots; Turkey Breast on a bed of cranberry and sultana saffron rice, with sundried tomato and orange dressing with a cranberry red wine reduction or Lamb Cutlets served on a bed of warm green pea fava puree, chantenay carrots and a cranberry red wine reduction; and .  And the alternative to a traditional Christmas pudding is a wit smooth Caramel and Pecan Cheesecake, a rich Chocolate Mousse Cake or delicious sticky Baklava.  There’s also a great Turkey Souvlaki to get you into the Christmas Spirit at just £6.25!  The Christmas Menu (£24.95 for three courses and a glass of prosecco) will be available from 13th November 2017 until 7th January 2018

More to come on the blog!

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Looking for something different as a Christmas treat?  There’s just one production left of The Wedding Reception on 16th December -  by the producers of Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

 Will and Kate are expecting a small and intimate party to celebrate their wedding – but Kate’s Mum had other ideas! Cue uninvited guests, misbehaving family and secrets better left in the closet. In this 2-hour theatrical dining experience, the audience becomes guests at the couple’s surprise party. It’s totally immersive and highly improvised, with plenty of laughter, love and tears… and more than a few surprises. To top it all there’s a 3-course sit-down meal – and maybe even some dancing!

The Wedding Reception is an original piece devised, written and produced by Interactive Theatre International, the people behind the globetrotting hit, Faulty Towers The Dining Experience. It features four actors in multiple roles; the cast for Kingsway Hall showcases:

Last performance this year - 16 December 2017

Experience The Wedding Reception

Kingsway Hall Hotel, 66 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BX

24-25 November and 16 December 2017

All performances at 8pm; doors at 7:30pm.

Price – all tickets include a 3-course meal (special diets catered): £43.00pp.

Bookings & info: 0845 154 4145 | customerservice@imagination-workshop.com

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More from Anna’s recent trip to India with #THEParkHotels to experience first hand the colourful sights and sounds of #IncredibleIndia. She visited #Kalighat to see the temple of the Goddess Kali, early on Thursday morning. Although it was the ‘quiet’ time to visit the temple the place was still busy, full of pilgrims. #Kali is considered the Goddess of time creation, destruction and power - she is the mother of the universe. The consort of #Shiva she is the carrier of souls and the goddess of war, often being associated with battlefields and warriors. She is perhaps the original Wonder Woman, given she carries a sword and a severed head in her two left hands whilst her right hands are held in blessing and showing her fearlessness. Anna went to #Kolkata to help @TheParkHotels celebrate their 50th Year Anniversary #50yearsofTHEPark. And, the celebrations continue for months although she’s now back in the UK. #AnythingButOrdinary #BlackandGold #ig_india #indiagram #theindianroute #gf_india #india_gram #storiesofindia #indiapictures #PortraitsOfIndia @gribbonberry #photographers_of_india #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #secretplaces #incredibleindiaofficial #Tumblr http://bit.ly/2hlo3c1