Get inspired by the best of British at a new City awards ceremony April 7, 2010 WITH politicians bickering about the way to rescue our shaky economy, it’s easy to be gloomy about the state of British business. After all, we’re just a small, rainy island off the coast of Europe. It would be no surprise if we were an also-ran in the global economy, but for centuries Britain has punched [...]
Pink power April 7, 2010 T HE tangiest of British vegetables, so long relegated to fools and crumbles, stepped into the (pink-tinged) lime-light last week. Rhubarb made headlines when Waitrose suddenly found itself entirely sold out of the British variety, thanks to an advert featuring Delia Smith and a rhubarb and ginger brulee recipe. In just four days, the supermarket [...]
A light comedy with dark intentions April 7, 2010 SOLAR BY IAN MCEWAN Jonathan Cape, £18.99 by Zoe Strimpel THOSE who read 2005’s disappointing Saturday may have felt that Ian McEwan had forfeited his right to tackle major political issues of the day ever again. The protagonist’s endless weighing up of the rights and wrongs of the Iraq War came across as irksome, clunky [...]
OUT OF OFFICE April 7, 2010 BOOK NOW:?WHIPPING IT UP In case you didn’t notice, there’s a general election on. That makes it a good moment for a revival – at the City’s Bridewell Theatre – of Steve Thompson’s rip-roaring dissection of Westminster double dealing and dirty tricks. Set just after a general election that’s returned the Tories to power with [...]
Replenish and renew with a Spring spa treatment April 6, 2010 The Refinery 60 Brook Street, W1K 5DU, 020 7409 2001 www.the-refinery.com The spa: A quiet, calming oasis for debonair chaps to enjoy a spot of pampering. There’s also a branch in Harrods. The treatment: The Well-Being treatment (75 mins, £90) begins with you being cocooned in blankets in a quiet, darkened room. Starting at the [...]
Avoid injury in the run-in to the marathon April 6, 2010 WITH just three weeks left before the London Marathon, you should have your longest run behind you. Your fitness should be good, and mentally you should be focusing on the big day. It’s vital now that you don’t get injured, so if you are suffering any of the common injuries, this is the time to [...]
A bike with batteries included April 6, 2010 I was once a scooter commuter, before my bike was stolen from my front garden. Scooter travel is convenient and fun. To me, it represented genuine urban freedom. Being able to hop on and off the scooter without any of the paraphernalia that a motorcycle ride demands, and being able to zip in and out [...]
Curry in a hurry is a bit confusing April 5, 2010 Bangalore Express City 1 Corbet Court, Gracechurch Street, EC3 V0AT. www.bangaloreexpress.co.uk Cost per person without wine: £25 ONE of my first memories of arriving in London was going for a curry on Brick Lane. While I wasn’t particularly impressed by the food the décor has stuck in my mind – massive and slightly wonky paintings [...]
THREE OTHER CLASSY EXPRESS RESTAURANTS April 5, 2010 WAHACA Take the laid back spirit of Mexico at its best, add the vision and inspiration of former Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers, and you’ve got some of the freshest and tastiest tostadas, quesadillas and burritos in town. Based originally in the West End, it’s now feeding Canary Wharfers too. 40 Canada Square, E14 5FW. 020 [...]
FOOD & BOOZE NEWS April 5, 2010 NEW LOYALTY SCHEME FOR THE PALM Palm, the US-based group of steak and lobster restaurants which opened its first London site in Knightsbridge last year, is extending its loyalty club to UK customers. The 837 Club, which has 150,000 members Stateside, has a one-time membership fee of £25, but that becomes an automatic gift card [...]