Mix it up: Forget tradition, try these surreal cocktails from The Langham’s Artesian bar July 7, 2015 The Langham's celebrated Artesian bar has launched its new cocktail list. This time round, supremo bartenders Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale have chosen the theme of Surrealism. True to form, the cocktails are out of this world. In truth, Surrealism leaves me cold. Salvador Dalí and others' attempts to stimulate the subconscious are wasted [...]
Working lunch in the City: Street Kitchen, Broadgate Circle July 7, 2015 Our guide to the best places to eat during office hours in the City and Canary Wharf WHAT? After a run of successful pop-ups, it was only a matter of time before the Street Kitchen guys set up shop permanently. Serving gourmet sandwiches by the inch, the experienced chefs are looking to revolutionise fast [...]
Heading abroad? Immerse yourself in the wine culture July 7, 2015 Where will your holiday plans take you this summer? If to the hills of Tuscany or the beaches of France, chances are you will have no qualms about ordering Italian or French wines on your travels. Likewise if you plan to visit California, Australia, or South Africa. If, however, your destination is somewhere more exotic, [...]
Restaurant review: Bill Granger’s third UK venture leaves us cold June 30, 2015 Last week I wrote about how Stevie Parle’s thoroughly brilliant restaurant Craft London is being used as bait to convince people they might want to live next to the O2 Arena. This week, I’m heading up to King’s Cross, which is several life-stages ahead of north Greenwich. Although it’s still being built, King’s Cross [...]
Why wine collectors should flock to the Brunello Montalcino 2010 June 30, 2015 Brunello di Montalcino 2010 has already established itself as the greatest Brunello vintage ever. The vintage releases began in January of this year, five years after the harvest. Brunello di Montalcino’s ageing requirements are painstaking, demanding two years in wood and the total ageing requirement of 50 months. The vintage has received unilateral praise [...]
Restaurant review: Craft London is a real diamond in the rough June 23, 2015 Greenwich Peninsular is getting the regeneration treatment. Right now it’s a sad, grey expanse consisting of a few warehouses and a giant circus tent where you can watch the Foo Fighters. But in five years… It’s going to blow your mind. The brochure says it’s going to be full of flats and a theatre and [...]
Mix it up: Nothing beats a hotel for glamour and good conversation June 23, 2015 London’s best hotel bars can be intimidating places. A wasted youth of chatting about real ale (before it was fashionable) at town hall festivals didn’t prepare me for the pomp of a decent hotel bar. Years ago, I just about got through the door of the American Bar at The Savoy dressed in my best [...]
Burgundy or Bordeaux – which wine-making region do you prefer? June 23, 2015 The old adage goes: “Sow your oats in Bordeaux, retire in Burgundy”. Bordeaux is the most famous wine region in the world, with a straightforward designation system and well-branded chateaux. The four major grape varieties in Bordeaux are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which are blended to create the eponymous Bordeaux blend. [...]
Working lunch in Canary Wharf: Toddy Shop June 23, 2015 WHAT? Toddy Shop is the informal, reasonably-priced half of Chai Ki Canary Wharf (a smarter restaurant is opening there soon). Inspired by the drinking shacks found on the coast of southern India – where punters sip alcoholic beverages made from palm tree sap called toddies – the restaurant/bar serves up cocktails, craft beer and street [...]
Where are London’s best terraces for al-fresco dining? It’s time to get outside for lunch June 16, 2015 Don’t stay cooped up inside for lunch. Get out and explore the city’s terraces. COMPAGNIE DES VINS SURNATURELS Capture the spirit of the cobbled backstreets of Paris tucked away in Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden. This eaterie serves French fine dining on tables spread across the colourful courtyard. Highlights from the spring menu [...]