FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
ALICE COCKTAILS AT THE ARTESIAN
The beautiful Artesian bar at the Langham Hotel is celebrating the release of the forthcoming?Alice in Wonderland film with a new cocktail, the White Rabbit. It’s jolly good, too ?– spiced berry sugar-crusted rim, G’Vine (wine flower flavoured gin), Cointreau, lemon juice and celery bitters. If that doesn’t appeal, try the Mad Hatter’s martini – Hendrick’s gin, and Saint Germain elderflower liqueur muddled with fresh cucumber and topped with Laurent Perrier. 1c Portland Place, W1B1JA, tel: 020 7636 1000.
BATTERY RESTAURANT OPENS IN DOCKLANDS
At last, the former site of Ubon – with spectacular views over the City and Docklands – has been refurbished and reopened as Battery. Head Chef Mini Patel trained under Marco Pierre White at The River Room in Manchester and offers a handsome menu of simple dishes, named after their primary ingredients, such as “Lamb” and “Mackerel”. If you can forgive this slightly dated approach, the food should be pretty fine – and certainly good for client meals. 34 Westferry Circus, E14 8RR, tel: 020 8305 3089.
ZANDRA RHODES TEA AT THE ARCH
Book in for tea at London’s swankiest new hotel and partake of the ultimate fashionista’s spread of tasty treats. The designer has teamed up with the hotel to create a line of eclairs which – oddly – include a savoury range. Choose from smoked salmon and cucumber jelly, soda bread crisp or, on the sweeter side, mint and chocolate chip and passion fruit and mango. All are decorated with snazzy edible prints. Until 31 Mar. Eclairs £2.50 each. The Arch, 50 Great Cumberland Place, 020 7724 4700.