Where better to relax after a days shopping or for a pre-theatre supper than the Magnum Restaurant and bar on Albany Street in Edinburgh,
After a hard day shopping, my daughter-in-law and I, left the buzz of Princes Street behind and headed for the calm of Albany Street. We could see the twinkling lights of the restaurant beckoning us as we hurried through the rain past the handsome Georgian buildings. We were welcomed into the warm atmosphere of the restaurant by David, the restaurant manager.
Divested of our coats, we were ushered to a table by the window and before we could say, ‘cosy as toast’ we were relaxing with a glass of deliciously Chardonnay.
The light, juicy scallops – which I chose after much deliberation; everything on the menu looked scrummy – were served with wild mushrooms and a puree of cauliflower and vanilla which was as light as air, and maple syrup which I adore. I followed this with hake, cooked to perfection with clams and little cubes of chorizo.
Jessica was in ecstasies over the seared breast of pigeon with roasted pumpkin, red onion and herb dressing followed by maple glazed pork, pumpkin purée, black pudding, crispy pancetta, saffron potatoes and broccoli.
The olive bread could have been fresher but it didn’t stop us using it to mop up the delicious sauces.
David left us to relax with the dessert menu and I eventually decided on warm pear and ginger crumble with ice-cream while Jessica chose dark chocolate and popcorn tart served with popcorn ice-cream which she complemented with a glass of Merlot.
Needless to say, we cleared our plates, leaving not even enough room for one of their delicious coffees.
The Magnum is well worth a visit; the wine was divine: oakey Chardonnay with buttery layers, and a Merlot with that rich, subtle aroma of burnt toffee which goes so well with dark chocolate.
Chef Dow’s dishes have just enough quirkiness to make you think about what you are eating without leaving you apprehensive about trying something new.
Although not yet one of the few super chefs in Scotland, he is certainly one to watch.
It was our second visit to HKK and yet again, it exceeded all expectations.
The Hakkasan Group’s restaurant, which sits behind Liverpool Street station, showcased its new duck and Champagne Saturday lunch in an elegant manner.
From the warm greeting as we escaped the pouring rain, to the attentive, knowledgeable and friendly staff, each of the four courses seemed to surpass the previous dish in terms of taste and presentation.
The only constant throughout the meal was the crisp, dry, Louis Roederer Premier Champagne.
The blue crab salad starter oozed sophistication and it provided a mouthful of slightly salty flesh on a single salad leaf, perched on a crunchy wafer.
For duck lovers, HKK’s signature dish of cherry wood roasted Peking duck is a real treat.
As a whole duck was brought to our table, we watched as it was expertly sliced by the chef before being beautifully arranged on to the serving dish.
The auburn skin glistened in the intimately set lights of the restaurant and the first serving of duck was accompanied with steamed black truffle mantou and imperial caviar.
The skin was perfectly crisp and the meat tender and juicy. Now, I’m not a fan of skin or fat, of which duck is known for, but I savoured every mouthful. It had the right mix of earthy flavours and sweetness.
For the second serving, the duck was served with sesame pancakes, abalone supreme stock with egg fried rice – the typical Chinese dish but it had a real modern twist.
After enquiring about what we could expect of the abalone, our waitress informed us that the small sea slugs had been cooked in a special sauce for 72 hours.
It had a similar chewy texture to squid and it was a refreshing alternative flavour to the duck pancakes.
After a pause between courses, we were ready for the nashi pear and Champagne mousse with cotton candy.
It sat beautifully on a marble plate and the mousse was delicate, sweet with a surprise centre of finely chopped and even sweeter pears – a delicious end to an exquisite late lunch.
The Duck and Champagne lunch menu is available between 12noon and 4pm on Saturdays. See the HKK site for more information.
Slap bang in the midst of London’s Financial and Cultural District lies the swanky Hilton Bankside. Offering tourists, corporate travellers and weekenders a classy retreat, Hilton Bankside have made sure all of your needs are met… and when we say met, we mean the essential watering hole provided is definitely something to write home about.
The Distillery Bar nestled on the ground floor ensures maximum pleasure with minimal effort. If you are a guest, you can continue your home from home experience without having to leave the premises. Open to the public too, this is the ideal location for socialising and meetings. Having checked out The Distillery Bar, this is much more than your regular hotel bar. As with all Hilton resorts, the attention to detail is paramount and The Distillery, built on the site of an old essence factory, has managed to retain its charming, quirky vibe. The bar comes fully kitted out with an impressive drinks selection. From cocktails using their own homemade concoctions, to the extensive wine list, to their very own brand of craft beer. The food on offer is simple but delicious and of good quality offering a wide range of sharing platters and bar snacks served until late in the night. The stuffy hotel bar preconception is thankfully, not anywhere to be seen or experienced with a host of trendy, warm and talented bar staff who will tend to your every requirement.
Let the vibrant setting transport you to another time and indulge in one of their fantastic cocktails.
Open everyday from 5:30pm.
Hilton Bankside
2-8 GREAT SUFFOLK STREET, LONDON, SE1 0UG, UNITED KINGDOM
Having hosted several events, Nuraya Kokos (Baby Kokos PR) certainly knows how to draw a crowd…
On Tuesday 10 November, Baby Kokos PR hosted the launch of hip-hop/urban pop singer aLonestar – aka Jethro Sheeran’s new album CORNERSTONE at SW10’s swankiest club, Embargo Republica, sponsored by the premier beauty brand LA Skincare,Wolf Media, H and N Solutions, Catering Heaven, Little Eden, Julie’s Scrumptious Cakes, Wolf security, Celeb FC and hosted by international supermodel Harriadnie Beau.
When I arrived, the entire building was buzzing, an electric conglomeration of sights and sounds, flashing lights and thudding speakers, establishing a constant sense of breathless anticipation.
In other words: With over 480 invited and VIP guests, it was accomplishing the exact goal of a launch event.
“Vibrant sound, Alonestar’s vocals run deep” Venue Magazine
Rapper and producer Jethro Sheeran, who performs under the name ‘aLonestar’ grew up in Bristol, gaining a big following with his style of hip hop music fused with urban pop, written very much from the heart.
He has also collaborated with a number of other artists including his cousin Ed Sheeran.
This album, CORNERSTONE, features ten tracks, five of which are available to download now with the entire album release set for 6 December 2015.
Preview, buy and download songs from the album, including ‘Bristol Pill’, ‘In This Lie’, ‘My Child Master’ (ft Josh Rhys Owen) and many more.
CORNERSTONE album – £6.99 with songs starting at 0.79p:
Rough Copy, Bupsi (aka Nicola Brown). Paddy Doherty (Celebrity Big Brother), Rashelle, Samantha Kay, Karl Negus, Miss Supranational Wales and England 2015, Miss London Town Supranational, Simone Myers (TOWIE),
Naomi Isted (British fashion and beauty presenter), Alex Reid, Simon Gross, Colin Chapman (author), Melody Munday and James Lewis (ITV’s Deals, Wheels and Steals).
Guests enjoyed performances including Lydia Lucy who appeared as the main supporting act for Jethro Sheeran,
Gak Jonze, Sean Magee and Jason Sharpey Pearce and entertained with the sharp magic talent of Carl Charlesworth.
Catering Heaven (and the clue is in the name), provided elegant canapes and sandwiches, with Julie Matthews (Julie’s Scrumptious Cakes) working her magic providing adorable cupcakes and a celebration cake creation tailored to the event.
Winner of two Exposure Music Awards for Best Male Artist and Best Urban Song, Jethro Sheeran, Alonestar, is an artist fusing both hip hop and urban pop that has seen his live performances described as ”mind blowing – his headline performance at the EMA’s was electrifying!” by Dean Hill of tourdates.co.uk and the Exposure Music Awards.
His 6 track EP, “Warrior”, featuring collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Rosie Ribbons, Ja Ja Soze and Lifford, is available on iTunes with the title track recently performed on TV2 fight night live in Denmark with a live audience of 10,000 and more than three million watching on pay per view. Playing songs from this EP on the summer festival circuit, he has had enthusiastic responses from audiences across the UK.
International club and festival performances have earned him a reputation as a consummate showman, drawing enthusiastic crowd responses from London, Morocco, Spain and Denmark (free-styling with The Game and Black Wall Streets, Clyde Carson) to Port of Spain in Trinidad, as well as radio and TV coverage with his music also being described as having a “dark Bristol sound, a class production” by the Evening Post and as “being reminiscent of our early work” by Massive Attack.
For more information email info@alonestar.co.uk or visit: http://www.myspace.com/alonestarmusic
Grit and glamour fuse together to create Embargo República’s cool and contemporary Cuban backdrop: enter the club through our cigar shop to an interior shaped by exposed brickwork and timber, graffiti splashed on whitewashed walls, jazz club ceiling fans and eclectic vintage furniture.
If it’s a chilled out vibe you’re seeking, relax under the stars on the open air terrace, the largest rooftop bar in SW10 and a tropical haven that emanates Cuban al-fresco living. Boasting arguably the finest choice of cocktails and rum’s in town!
Music is at the beating heart of Cuban culture and we take pride in the range of live bands, DJs and acoustic acts that take to our stage each week – Victor Hugo & the Mambo Boys, The Cuban Brothers and Salsa Fuego Trio, amongst others, keep Embargo República buzzing from early evening until late with infectious Cuban and Latin rhythms.
S.Pellegrino presents its new special limited edition bottle dedicated to Vogue Italia, a sparkling celebration for a global partnership to support the most talented young chefs and designers from around the world.
S.Pellegrino, the world famous sparkling water, synonymous with gourmet food culture, presents the new special edition bottle dedicated to Vogue Italia, that will be served on the best tables of South Africa from the end 2015.
The bottle has been created to celebrate the extraordinary worldwide partnership of these two proud ambassadors of the Italian style and art of living. Together with the highly renowned and influential magazine, a true worldwide fashion icon, the water symbol of fine dining will give birth to a unique project, combining Italian food and style, two Italian undisputed excellences.
Some of the world’s most talented young chefs, came from different countries and joined a group of emerging designers to compete in an unexpected challenge.
Mixing together taste, art and fashion.
The chefs were judged by an international jury that awarded the best one as S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 (#SPYoungChef); while the editorial staff of Vogue Italia chose the most talented designer.
The information to participate in such unique projects is available on www.finedininglovers.com, the online magazine for food enthusiasts proudly endorsed by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna and the culminating event – the S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 took place a few months ago in Milan, where S.Pellegrino was the official water of Expo Milano 2015 and of the Italian Pavillion.
THE ESSENCE OF S.PELLEGRINO…
S.Pellegrino has made its presence known, thanks to its lively and long-lived bubbles, which feel creamy on the palate, and a slightly salty taste, well-balanced with acidity for an overall refreshing, and thirst-quenching feel. A perfect drink for a flavorful meal, to balance a full-bodied wine or to sample on its own, its middle-size bubbles, persistent carbonation and rich minerality make it one of the most renowned mineral waters in the world. Thanks to its persistent effervescence, it brings out the best in the tastiest dishes and aromas.
The Rugby World Cup is well under way and if you weren’t lucky enough to nab yourself a ticket, hot-foot it down to Chicago Rib Shack and treat yourself to a sensational side of Ribs with your Rugby!
The Chicago Rib Shack was born from a delicious dream, the owner, the late Bob Payton had over 30 years ago. He wanted to bring the most authentic American BBQ restaurant to Europe and boy did he. Since then hundreds of restaurants across London have followed suit trying to replicate this All-American BBQ style but none with as much determination and passion as Chicago Rib Shack. The first Chicago Rib Shack opened in Knightsbridge to a glowing reception however after Bob Payton died the restaurant sadly closed. Just three years ago, Chicago Rib Shack re-opened and boasts a menu curated with as much love and soul as when Bob had his dream all those years ago.
We were privileged enough to try out their mouth-watering menu and cocktails whilst enjoying a game of footy on the TV. Naturally the Ribs were my top option all round, but as I was dining with a Veggie, opted for the Baby Back Ribs instead of the Ribshack Top 4 which also includes Beef Ribs… next time for sure. The Ribs were succulent, tender and melt in your mouth delicious with a side of Sweet Potato Fries and Mac n Cheese all three complimented each other just right. The portions were generous but the food was so delicious I could have easily had more out of pure appreciation for the treats they had to offer. We also ordered a portion of Mac and Cheese bites, I must confess I am a Mac and Cheese connoisseur so if this is on the menu, it’s getting ordered. The Mac and Cheese side order also comes with optional Jalapeños or Bacon but we chose to get it plain. My favourite thing about it was the sauce was just the perfect balance of creamy and light, not too stodgy like some, not overly salted like a lot of other restaurants, and the pasta was cooked perfectly. The Mac and Cheese bites were like little Arancini balls filled with yummy Mac and Cheese, again the perfect consistency without the excessive salt and stodge, served with a delicious tomato jam. Alongside the Ribs, these complimented perfectly with yummy tender meat. For the Veggie option we opted for the Veggie Stack Burger which is a Grilled Courgette, Sweet Potato and Aubergine topped with Red Pesto, Goats Cheese and Rocket. This could only be described as the most delicious tasting Veggie option which we’ve ever had and trust us, we eat out a lot. As well as just Ribs, Chicago Rib Shack offer a range of Salads, Grilled Chicken and Fish Cakes just in case you don’t fancy any Ribs but to be honest, major food envy will consume you and once you’ve had a taste you will be making your way back here to try all of the other options on the menu.
The overall ambience of the place is laid back and in true American style, welcoming and friendly. We dined at the Clapham branch and being set under the arches, the interior was enough to create a relaxed atmosphere but still special enough for a date night or special evening out. The staff were every bit as wonderful as the food and went above and beyond our call of duty, even letting us order cocktails off menu even though the selection was more than ample!
Chicago Rib Shack have branches in Clapham, Westfield Stratford, Twickenham and Leeds. They also run a host of other deals; see below for our favourites. So fear not if you don’t manage to get down for Ribs and Rugby, make sure to check them out regardless because you would be ‘Rib’-iculous not too!
Mondays – 50% of all food after 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – 2 for 1 on all Cocktails
Thursday – Burger Day, Burgers, Fries and a Drink for a tenner
Londoners rejoice, we’ve found you a bar and restaurant which is every bit as sexy in their menu as they are in their décor and ambience and the best part is, it’s no pop-up, it’s here to stay.
Independently run, No. 11 Pimlico Road oozes style and cosiness and we mean cosy as in your new home from home. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you could pretty much make it your second home with its epically cool ambience and stunning decor. So roll up and make yourself at home here at No.11 Pimlico Road. They will do all the hard work, serving up their expertly crafted cocktails with a food menu which is every bit as delicious and made with love.
Frost were lucky enough to enjoy a cocktail masterclass with No.11 Pimlico Road’s head bartender, Elvis, and it’s certainly evident why their cocktails are of such a high standard after you’ve seen the passion which goes into crafting them. Not only did he take us through a step-by-step guide of how to make them, but we also got a little cocktail history on rums, tequilas and setting fire to oranges… yes there’s an art to that too. After getting a little historical run down on our favourite drinkies, we had the pleasure of trying out a few of the cocktails, made by our own hands with a little support from Elvis himself.
Their latest addition to the cocktail family and my personal favourite, is the Peanut Butter Rum. This hug in a mug is the most indulgent and delicious warmed alcoholic beverage i’ve ever tasted and I will go as far to say that it is worth the journey to No.11 Pimlico Road solely to taste this festive mug of joy. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter this is exactly what one would imagine a butter-beer to taste like, well an adults version. With it’s vanilla fused Rum, Cointreau and actual Peanut Butter, this is guaranteed to warm up any chilly night and will leave your tongue wagging for more.
If you’re a fan of the traditional cocktail, which we learnt is a composition of sugar, spirits, water and bitters, in other words, The Old Fashioned, well fear not as Elvis has taken the traditional and infused it with a little innovation to come up with The Tequila Old Fashioned. The result, a really clean, fresh take on an old great.
Coming soon… The Passion Fruit Mojito. So, if there’s any reason to wish this summer months back, it’s to try this summery creation and it was while trying to master this cocktail where you really notice the level of hard work and effort which goes into making and creating these cocktails, so next time you’re wondering why your cocktail order takes a little longer than other drinks, it’s all about quality and attention to detail.
As a testimony to any great bar I naturally ordered a Dirty Martini being a classic but hard to get the balance right, i’m happy to say No. 11 Pimlico Road passed with honours. It’s plain to see that everyone in the No.11 Family have a deep passion and love for the business and once you’ve visited, we’re sure you’ll be in love too. The upstairs area can be rented out and unlike many hire out rooms in bars today, there is a soul to No.11 which is bound to bring a unique magic to any event hosted here. The theme of this place is relaxed and light so kick back order that Peanut Butter Rum and thank us for it after.
Forget rushed dim sum – for £49 each, you and a companion can spend a leisurely Saturday afternoon sampling divine cocktails, wine and the very best Chinese London has to offer.
Chinatown in London’s West End is good, yes, but fans of Chinese food know that Yauatcha is better. The food is full of all the flavours you expect of Chinese food, only here it’s more refined. This, combined with its stunning cocktails and exquisite desserts, mean it’s not hard to understand why Yauatcha has a core following of die-hard foodie fans. And now there’s a new and wonderful way to experience Yauatcha at Yauatcha City in Broadgate Circle – the Supreme Saturdays menu.
Sitting on the first floor of the ultra-tendy Broadgate Circus complex, you will begin with pre-lunch cocktails – and be warned, you have to pace yourself: there is a lot of drink to come. I chose the Thea martini and it was beautifully refreshing. Thereafter, you just have to choose a main course – the rest is brought to you as a fait accompli. First of all, there’s a selection of four fried dim sum each – we’re talking the best ever sesame prawn toast (this is not made with value white bread), lobster roll, mushroom spring roll and a venison puff. The sizes are slightly bigger than your average dim sum pieces, and these are followed by six more dim sum pieces each, steamed this time. There is the classic pork and prawn shui mai (although this is an outstanding version of this traditional version) – and then there’s the crystal dumpling wrap with pumpkin with pine nut, which I doubt you will ever see on a menu in any Chinatown. The vegetable and truffle wrap is a real wow, as is the black pepper and wagyu beef dumpling
Now that your cocktail may have run dry, you will be sipping on the half bottle of wine that comes as part of your meal – it”s really very good. And at this point, feeling a little drenched by alcohol, I ordered a non-alcoholic cocktail that I strongly recommend: cucumber, lime and jasmin tea. Light and breezy, I will now have trouble drinking jasmin tea any other way.
For the main courses we chose truffle pork belly rib and lobster vermicelli pot. The belly rib, pictured above, is the softest, most succulent belly rib I’ve tasted yet, and is beautifully flavoured. Feeling very full now, I was only able to sample a little of the lobster but I can tell you that it was superbly fresh and very, very good.
It was necessary to take a break before dessert, but when we finally mustered the strength to order (you can choose any dessert you like from the main menu), we found ourselves quite excited and, strange to relate, ready to eat on. I chose the pomegranate yoghurt which was gorgeous – a fabulous combination of flavours and textures. My partner went for the passion fruit mango dome – a work of art with an edible Yauatcha label, it was velvety and supremely fruity.
We finished up with post lunch cocktails – you can choose from a Manhattan, an amaretto sour or an expresso martini. I went for the martini and it was a perfect finale to a perfect meal.
