Bottomless brunch in London: COYA Angel Court goes boozy

Posted: 25/05/2019

As the sun comes out in London, so do (more of) its drinkers and what better way to do it than a bottomless brunch? COYA in Angel Court – one of five global locations – has ramped it up a bit for its base of loyal and new friends, putting on a bottomless brunch spread fit for Liz herself, every Saturday. It’s for people who’re after something a bit more special than your usual endless servings of house white and beer, turning out a three hour affair of bottomless pisco sours and other cocktails, champagne, vibrant Peruvian dishes, music and special performances. It kicks off each Saturday in the Pisco Bar & Lounge with unlimited pisco sours, espresso martinis, margaritas and bloody marys for drinks, while tacos, bao buns and anticuchos take over the food menu. But that’s not where it ends. Ceviche, beef tataki, kingfish tiradito with truffle oil and more will also be available to the tune of smooth DJ beats in an environment that’s oh, too trendy. Good to know: The first weekend of each month will be a special edition brunch, with surprise performances and a special offering. Each month will have a different theme to elevate the experience and surprise guests. Get the spirit package for £65 a go, or the champagne package for another £10. See more at the COYA Angel Court website or find them at 31-33 Throgmorton St, London EC2N 2AT.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: bottomless brunch, Bottomless brunch London, Coya London, London bars, London food blog, London food blogger, London restaurants, The F London

Chelsea Flower Show doughnuts: Crosstown and Bluebird team up for good

by James Banham

Posted: 24/05/2019

Crosstown, the doughnut people of London and Bluebird European restaurant of Chelsea are have created a special floral inspired doughnut afternoon tea for The Chelsea Flower Show. So if flowers, colour and deliciousness are your thing, then you’ve got two days to swoop in and try before the flower show finishes. Running until 25 May, the courtyard will be serving a three-tiered afternoon tea, piled with Crosstown doughnut bites, cakes, scones and sandwiches. The special creations for the show is a vegan orange blossom dough bite, accompanied by red velvet and rose petal cupcakes; caramel mocha choux buns; neroli blossom and strawberry macaroons and the flower pot of dark chocolate mousse with yuzu curd and chocolate soil will sit alongside warm homemade scones with jam and butter, and an assortment of sandwiches. For more, head to Bluebird Chelsea at 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU???

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea Flower Show doughnuts, doughnuts, London doughnuts

New, rustic and comfy – Morty & Bob’s at Coal Drops Yard London is your new local

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

Morty & Bob’s was one of the early settlers of London’s new Coal Drop Yard open air entertainment and dining precinct just north of Kings Cross station and you’ll love what they’ve done with the place. They moved in, used the existing brickwork to their advantage and have made a properly cosy atmosphere within, regardless of its open ended format and in-line open kitchen. It all works nicely, soaks you in filtered natural light and slams you with a menu you can’t help but want to try the whole of. It’s comfort food, done stylishly without the frills in a venue that is as much set-up for a quick bite as it is to while away a few hours. Morty & Bob’s has quickly famed itself thanks to its penchant for toasted cheese sandwiches and wine; a combination of which they hero every so often for the carb and wine lover in all of us. Read more about their upcoming one in June here. They’ve split the menu into three parts, with brunch & lunch, evening and bar food and drinks, really catering to everyone with staples like a brunch bun of avocado and streaky bacon; kale, buckwheat and avocado on sourdough and minute rib eye steaks with house hash browns and a fried egg. See the menu and plan your next visit at the Morty & Bob’s website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Burgers London, Coal Drops Yard, Food blog London, London Coal Drops Yard, London food blogger, London Morty & Bobs, Morty Bobs, The F London

Karl Lagerfeld lives on: German Gymnasium pays tribute with new cocktail

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

The memory of German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld lives well and truly on, right in the heart of London. Just next door to the brand new development that is the Coal Drops Yard – where you’ll find the super comfy Morty & Bob’s – outside the gate of Kings Cross St. Pancras, the German Gymnasium is putting on a spread even the world’s most notoriously cynnical man of fashion would approve of. They’ve decked the place out in flowers, fashion and a likeness of the man with his signature sunglasses, too, all to celebrate the introduction of a new cocktail, The Karl, to the menu. The talented bar team have worked with Moët & Chandon to create a one-off Rosé Brockman’s gin, Lillet rosé and house strawberry liquor. The brightly coloured liquid takes inspiration from Lagerfeld’s far-reaching vibrant impact on the fashion industry. Check it out and make a booking at the German Gymnasium website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: German Gymnasium, Karl Lagerfeld, Karl Lagerfeld designer, London cocktails, London food blog, London food blogger, London German Gymnasium

Summer Safari in London: Mr Fogg’s Society Exploration

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

Africa is coming to Covent Garden in London as its own take on a boozy safari at Mr Fogg’s. It’s all about exotic Whitley Neill handcrafted gin and vodka cocktails, cricket powder brownies and spruiking a largely unforgettable summer. The venue will put on an immersive experience where adventurers and the curious will be invited to explore what lies below the streets of London. It’s a full themed experience for guests, turning staff members into full safari guides and khakis with pith helmets, the decor into African desert plains, and the menus into a card of exotic finds and libations found abundantly on the great continent. Completely – and charmingly – to theme, the team at Mr Fogg’s will be on hand to offer each and every explorer their liquid vaccinations, offering a welcome treat for guests taste buds, before serving up edible Victorian sun ointment, a coconut flavoured tropical, boozy mousse. Finishing it off with a Whitley Neill original handcrafted dry gin & tonic, featuring a quinine-rich tonic, of course, known to be a traditional mosquito deterrent. Then of course, there’s the food food menu; a sensory journey for both the eyes and stomach, featuring insects and game meat. Guests to this underground Safari can sample dishes like biltong, and curried tempura grasshoppers & courgette with a sweet chilli sauce, as well as cricket and chili rice cakes and cricket powder brownies. Set to run until the start of September, the summer safari will offer a window into the wild world of Africa. For like-minded individuals who are keen to be… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Foggs London, London restaurant, London restaurants, Mr Foggs, Mr Foggs London, Mr Foggs safari, Mr Foggs Safari London, Summer Safari

The UK’s first cancer cookery school Life Kitchen at The Lodge will open next month

by James Banham

Posted: 21/05/2019

Ryan Riley set up Life Kitchen to offer free cooking classes for people living with cancer. On 4 June, Life Kitchen at The Lodge will become an official thing. It’s all thanks to the lasting memory of Riley’s mother Krista, who passed away from small cell lung cancer in 2014. The school’s about free cooking classes for people living with cancer across the UK, based in the north east. Through teaching and learning accessible and creative recipes, Life Kitchen is purposed to help people living with cancer by bringing back the flavours and joy of cooking and eating through accessible and creative recipes. In just under a year, Life Kitchen has evolved from a passion project to a highly regarded charity initiative, with a string of celebrity chefs championing the cause. Even Nigella Lawson will be at the opening! To see more, head to their Instagram. Find Life Kitchen at Mowbray Park Sunderland, United Kingdom.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Kitchen for cancer, Life Kitchen, London Life Kitchen, Nigella Lawson cancer kitchen life, THE F cancer kitchen. Cancer kitchen, THE F Life Kitchen

Daphne’s of Chelsea celebrates turning 55 in great style

by James Banham

Posted: 19/05/2019

Fifty-five years ago, Daphne Rye, a prolific theatre agent in London, started up Daphne’s in Chelsea. It’s the place locals and visitors go for assured quality Italian fare, right in the heart of London in a style all its own. This year, Daphne’s celebrates its anniversary and they’re doing it in a number of must-see ways. Daphne’s is made up of three spaces, the restaurant, bar and conservatory, all of which will play their part in helping the institution make the most of its special time of year. The drink Daphnes’ bar team has designed the aptly titled, 55 Years Young, a new cocktail which can be ordered alongside the restaurant’s unique birthday dessert, Young at Heart, seasonal fruit encased in a chocolate box. Chelsea Flower Show In a unique take on how to celebrate the city’s renowned Chelsea Flower Show, Daphne’s has teamed up with Wedgwood, the fine bone china folks. Wedgwood was started in 1964 and so celebrating its own anniversary this year, too. Makes sense for the two brands to join forces – floral influence included – and so have done so by creating a special dessert and outside installation collaboration. Wedgwood’s Iconic Wild Strawberry design will serve as the inspiration for the dessert; a wild strawberry inspired dessert, available throughout the week from Tuesday 21 May to Saturday 25 May that will be served on the wild strawberry design plate. Iconic. Floral installation Considering the Chelsea Flower Show, Daphne’s will cover the restaurant’s Draycott Avenue facade with a quintessentially British floral… Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Mexican in London: Bottomless brunch at Santo Remedio

Mexican food and margaritas at Santo Remedio

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

If Mexican if your thing, and endless drinks do the job, too, then Santo Remedio has you covered. For Cinco de Mayo – and just ‘cos – Santo Remedio is the Mexican cantina in London that is joining the fold of bottomless brunch offerings in central London to spice up any weekend. Since 4 May, the folks behind Santo Remedio, Edson and Natalie have worked on mid-morning classics as well as their most popular dishes, inspired by recipes found in Mexico City, Yucatan, Oaxaca and beyond. Unlimited margaritas, bubbles or beer along with three courses and extra tasters, what’s on at Santo Remedio is all about a flavour-packed journey of tacos, slow-cooked meats, and veggie dishes. Think starters of guacamole and tortilla chips, baby potato flautas (fried corn tortillas stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes), pork carnitas tacos made with Herefordshire pork, or the prawn Aguachile Rojo. Then for mains, you’re looking at the likes of chilaquiles verdes o rojos with fried eggs, a traditional Mexican dish of fried tortillas bathed in salsa until tender; hibiscus flower enchiladas, a quirky take on the regular enchiladas, replacing meat with the fragrant flower; and chicken enchiladas suizas, a bold and zesty spin on this treasured dish with tomatillo salsa and chihuahua cheese. There are other options for meatier eaters, too! Find out more about the £45 bottomless brunch at Santo Remedio and make your own booking at their website.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, MEXICAN FOOD

Tags: Bottomless brunch London, Mexican food London, Santo Remedio, Santo Remedio Mexican food London

Grilled cheese and wine pairing: A first for London by Morty and Bob’s

Toasted sandwich at Morty Bobs Coal Drops Yard

by James Banham

Updated: 19/05/2019

Coal Drops Yard in London has some new friends. Their names are Morty and Bob and they’re doing something few have tried before: pairing grilled cheese and wine. The result? Why hasn’t anyone done this before? They’re the hot sandwich bosses and have introduced a brand new concept by way of an informal monthly event that will take place at the restaurant, located in King’s Cross’ new cultural hub. Four wines will be paired with four of Morty and Bob’s favourite toasted sangers like: Straight Up’ M&B Classic (sourdough, Gruyère cheese sauce, M&Bs special Neals Yard Dairy Cheddar Blend, spring onion and red onion); The others are based on the classic with added delicious fillings Mushroom includes all the cheesiness plus roast wild mushrooms, wild garlic pesto & truffle with Berkswell Cheese shavings on top The Brocc also has the M&B classic cheese fillings but its grilled in focaccia with braised purple sprouting broccoli, romesco sauce and toasted almonds The Lamb is pitta pockets full of NYD cheese mix, spiced Lamb, fresh mint and crumbled feta. Just in case you hadn’t had enough cheese, dessert includes British Burrata, hazelnuts and honey. Think of it as a wine tasting, just with comfort food, carbs and a whole lot of ease. Find Morty and Bob’s at 9 Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Coal Drops Yard, Coal Drops Yard London, Morty Bobs, Morty Bobs Coal Drop Yard, Toasted sandwiches London, Wine tasting London

Strazzanti London: Hackney Coffee Company & Campari UK launching The Sicilian Summer Aperitivo

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Strazzanti Italian restaurant in London have joined up this Saturday 18 May with their friends Hackney Coffee House for their latest Sicilian dining experience, focusing on good food, great drinks and even greater times as the sun begins to show itself more and more. Appropriately called The Sicilian Summer Aperitivo, it’s a staring point for the summertime session with more dates to come, but it’ll be a celebration of all the things we love about our longer London days and the Italian influence of venues like Hackney Coffee Company. There’s a special menu that’ll be served too, curated by chef Emilia Strazzanti, that’ll draw upon her Sicilian heritage with a number of regional dishes just like her Grandparents would make. Emilia will be using locally sourced artisanal East London and Sicilian produce to produce three iconic food and drink stations. The food stations are: Stuzzichini Station featuring featuring crispy deep-fried Primo Sale cheese with honey & Sicilian oregano; beef and caper croquettes with salsa verde; bruschetta with tomatoes and Strazzanti Pesto Trapense; and pane cunzato with broccolli, garlic, chilli and anchovies. Enoteca Wine and Pasta Station Featuring aubergine timballo Siciliano, and fresh Pasta e Basta pasta with wild fennel Sicilian sausage ragu, while the Negroni and dessert station will offer a trio of cakes: Sicilian pistachio, almond, and hazelnut. Sicilian red and white wine Aperol Spritz & Negroni Station Available all evening. With an Aperol Spritz, Negroni or glass of wine in hand and plenty of food being served to stimulate the appetite, it’ll be a session worth experiencing. Tickets cost £45 per person and includes all food, 1 x… Read More

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Best food London, Best Italian restaurants London, London food, London Italian restaurants, Strazzanti Italian London, Strazzanti London: Hackney Coffee Company & Campari UK launching The Sicilian Summer Aperitivo

Category: LONDON