Tag Archives: London

Beat the January Blues With Top Tips From Inhere Meditation Concept

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As we enter day 17 of dry January, our New Year’s resolutions are starting to wobble and still 13 days until payday, it’s no wonder that by day 21, we are all but ready to give up. Monday 21st January is officially named Blue Monday and has been recognised as one of the most depressing days of the year.

However, there are ways to combat this and co-founders of Inhere (London’s most innovative meditation concept), Adiba Osmani and Ghazal Abrishamchi, have identified a number of foods to alleviate depression and stress as well as a simple, yet effective meditation session to see you through the January Blues.

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  • Are there any simple meditation techniques people (even beginners) can use to relieve stress in 2019?
    • As we enter a new year with so many aspirations and resolutions to make this year bigger and better than the previous, even the slightest down fall can cause emotions to run high and our thoughts might just get ahead of us. Practice taking a few minutes each day to gather the attention on the breath, breathing deeply from the belly…and then a few minutes to just observe whatever thoughts or emotions there are, being completely accepting of them. Doing this every day even for a few minutes keeps us grounded, in the moment, helps to rein in the incessant pull of thoughts and emotions that may seem too much to handle sometimes.
  • Are there any particular foods we can eat to ensure we remain calm and in good mental health?
    • Stress is a complex mental health issue, and multiple factors are involved in its development and maintenance, recent evidence suggests that habitual diet plays an important and independent role in the development of this condition. The relationship between mood and our diet is bidirectional: when we eat good food, we feel good, and when we feel good, we are more likely to want to take care of our bodies by feeding it nutritious food. The opposite is also true… when we eat “junk food” we feel sluggish and down, and when feel down, we are less likely to snack on vegetables!
      • There are many studies showing there’s a strong link between a balanced diet and relaxation. For example:
  • Deficiency in certain nutrients such as vitamin D, folate, vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, are associated with increased risk of depression and feeling stressed.
  • Supplements with calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins have been shown to reduce perceived stress, and has positive effects on mood
  • Omega-3 a fatty acids, tryptophan, and some carbohydrates have been shown to improve mod, reduce stress and cortisol – which is a biomarker of stress
  • Here is a list of foods that make up a balanced diet that can promote good mental health:
  • oily fish-good source of omega-3 fatty acids
  • lean meat- good source of B 12 and B6
  • dairy-good source of calcium, B12 – cheese in particular
  • eggs-good source of tryptophan, B12
  • nuts and seeds and legumes- good source of tryptophan, B6, magnesium
  • green leafy vegetables-good source of magnesium and folate
  • wholegrains- good source of complex carbohydrates, magnesium
  • fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, kamboucha – promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria
  • A simple meditation concept
    • Research has shown that regularly practicing compassion meditation not only helps us relate more to others, it also boost our positive feelings of joy and connectedness. Take a couple of minutes to consider yourself and wish yourself well, perhaps saying “May I be well, May I be happy, May I make progress”. then take a couple of minutes to do the same for someone you care for. Then take someone you may know only in passing. And finally, extend this wish for the world…you can do this as part of a step by step guide to meditation:
      • Start small: Setting aside even 5 minutes a day is a great starting point. Write it down in your calendar.
      • Sit up:  you can sit on the floor or on a chair in a comfortable position – keep your back straight so that you don’t fall asleep and the breath flows easily.
      • Breathe: feel your breath as it moves in and out: just follow its rhythm and notice how it feels as it flows through the body.
      • Observe: observe the thoughts that pass through your mind, the sensations that arise in your body, and the emotions that surface (impatience is a common one!). Become the “silent witness”, letting it all come and go, without getting caught up too long any one thought, feeling or sensation.
      • Bring it back: Your mind will wander. This is normal, just notice your mind has wandered, and bring your awareness back to the present experience.
      • Don’t interfere: Don’t try to stop or ignore any thought that rises in your mind, your task is only to become aware of them.
      • Don’t judge: all of our thoughts, feelings and sensations are valid; when meditating, we watch, we don’t judge.
      • Be patient: When you notice an impulse to get up and do something else, be patient, trust that things will unfold in their own time and just stay with your breath.
      • Commit: Try it every day for a week to see how you feel after. As with any practice, it takes a few sessions for it all to make sense.
      • If all fails, relax: If you find it’s not for you, try just breathing deeply in and out of the belly for a few minutes at a time, every day. This triggers the well-documented “relaxation response” in the body, so your stress levels drop as a matter of course.

 

GAUCHO TOWER BRIDGE – STEAKS, SOPHISTICATION AND SUBLIME SCENERY

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Carnivores, raise your hand if you want to learn more about the best Argentinian steaks in the Capital… Good, let’s get to it.

We popped into Tower Bridge’s Gaucho restaurant to experience its new look and Latin American style theme and learn what this much-loved chain would bring to our meat loving selves. Little did we know, the grub, the great deals that run through the week and the ambience were absolute game changers.

If you’ve not had chance to frequent a Gaucho restaurant yet, (we promise we’re not judging…much), then you might not be completely au fait with its set up. Gaucho has more respect for its meat than we probably have for our loved ones and upon arrival, a chopping block of lovely, red, cuts will be presented to you in the fashion of a specials board. The team will talk you through each of its main cuts. Butterfly (a signature piece brushed with garlic and herb), sirloin, rump, rib eye and fillet. Don’t feel overwhelmed though – you won’t leave that place until you’ve dissected which cut is best suited to you forever more.

Once you’ve established if you’re mad for marbling or bonkers for blue meat, you can choose the weight of the cut that will land on your table. 250g, 300g or for the gluttonous amongst us (don’t lie, we’re all guilty of it), 400g. To embody Goldilocks, the 300g was ‘just right’ for us.

The wine, sides and starters that will pepper the table throughout your experience are all equally well seasoned, well cooked and well-presented but the two things that stood out to us most? The succulent steaks (obvs) and the location. Sit yourself at the right table on either of its floors and you will spend your sessions staring at London landmarks and people watching. You’ll take in the tourists testing millions of snaps for the perfect Instagram picture, be impressed (and sickened in equal measure) by the sporting groups dancing across Potters Field lawns and peek through the windows of City Hall, because this location is a Monopoly style Mayfair in our opinion.

Some of the diary dates at Gaucho you won’t want to miss?

Mondays BYOB – no catch, no corkage, no size limit!

Saturday Electro Brunch – Two hours of brilliant beats and bottomless bevvies to accompany dishes from this master menu, all for £49.95pp

Visit the Gaucho site for more information.

*We were guests of Gaucho Tower Bridge

STOP EVERYTHING – a F.R.I.E.N.D.S themed brunch is coming to London

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Ross and Rachel, Gunther and Central Perk, Joey and London. There are few things that touch our hearts in such a strong way but a bottomless brunch with a F.R.I.E.N.D.S theme is a coupling which is DEFINITELY up there!

When we heard of such a beautiful idea to be hosted at a secret location, we of course burst into a melodic applause (four claps to be precise, you know the tune).

This weekend only, popular set up ‘The 90s Brunch’ is celebrating its two year anniversary by hosting its brunch with the ultimate twist – one that comes in the shape of our, arguably, six thirty-something favourites.

It’s no ordinary brunch though, attendees can dress up, lip sync, and recreate iconic moments. Party games will fill this brunch way more than most – after all, F.R.I.E.N.D.S was simply full of them… ‘transponsder’ ringing any bells?

The first hour of bottomless cocktails will be served up in Central Perk coffee mugs complimented by a 90s playlist of course. Food will be kept within the 90’s style too, with special Friends twists across dishes, although we’re advised that meat trifle will NOT be served.

Tickets range from £15 to £45 and can be booked by visiting The 90’s Brunch website. There aren’t many tickets left though next time you’re on a break (not THAT kind!) get yourself to the site.

The 90s Brunch reclaims and reinvigorates the best of the 90’s pop culture with special brunch themes twice a month.

Frost’s favourite… IMMERSIVE BAR

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London is packed with immersive bars that will amp up your drinking experience but we’ve discovered a GEM on the outskirts of Chelsea that’s brilliant for groups and those looking for a bit of role play and escapism.

A WESTERN WONDERLAND – MOONSHINE SALOON

Sometimes in London, you stop and really take in your surroundings and think, ‘Yep, I live in the best city in the world’. We had that feeling when we were being questioned by the County Sheriff in Moonshine Saloon about Stinky Pete’s whereabouts, while we were dressed head to toe in Western gear, naturally.

The Moonshine Saloon is a ‘bring your own liquor’ establishment and recommends you bring a 35cl spirit. We took a 70cl and learned they only use 35cl anyway so don’t get caught out, although they do return the bottle after your session.

From the outside on the calm streets of Chelsea, the venue can go somewhat unnoticed but as soon as you enter you’ll be feeling like you’ve entered West World. The actors don’t break character at all and engage with you throughout, playing out a storyline as they go.

It’s fun, it’s harmless and it’s a great excuse to practice a Southern accent.  Visit the Moonshine Saloon website to book.

 

 

LK Bennett branches into fragrance

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London based LK Bennett, mostly known for its clothes and beautiful handbags, has decided to take a slice of the fragrance market with the launch of Signature. At Frost, we can’t get enough of its fresh, citrus scent and stunning art-deco inspired glass bottle, dressed with the iconic LK Bennett branding.

Unlike some of our favourite perfumes, Signature’s distinct tones will be noticeable long after application and everything about this product screams luxury. If you buy just a 30ml bottle, you’re getting that luxury at a fraction of the price too!

Scents apparently include ‘hypnotic’ top notes of citrus, pepper and rhubarb. Heart notes of rose, jasmine and ylang ylang add a floral flavour, with base notes of warm woods, dry amber, musk and vetiver.

Signature is available in three sizes (30ml – £35, 50ml – £49 and 100ml – £69 and is available to buy on www.lkbennett.com

Review: Me and My Girl, Chichester Festival Theatre

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Me and My Girl
Chichester Festival Theatre (until 25 August)
Tickets: 01243 781312; cft.org.uk

Credit: Johan Persson

Chichester Festival Theatre director Daniel Evans (also at the helm of the show) earned groans of disappointment in response to his on-stage announcement that Matt Lucas was under Doctor’s orders to rest his voice and would not be appearing. But all was not lost, he quickly reassured us. With just two hours’ rehearsal the understudy had gamely agreed to step into the role.
Ryan Pidgen can surely now step into any role he pleases. In a totally self-assured, flawless performance, had we not known that Lucas was the intended leading man then we would have been none the wiser. On note, in step and word perfect, not for a nanosecond were we even remotely short-changed.
Playing the South London cheeky chappie Bill Snibson who suddenly needs to ‘posh up’ in order to take up his birth right as the unlikely heir of Hareford, Pidgen was not merely competent. Giving Bill warmth, exuberance and sweetness, he bounced around the stage like an adorable scamp of a puppy and, as the kids say, performed like a boss.
The plot may be lightweight, but elsewhere performances are also rock-solid. Clive Rowe as Sir John twinkles in tweed, later revealing a shy and long-nurtured love for Caroline Quentin’s splendidly redoubtable Duchess. A feisty old matriarch with a good heart, by golly she can’t half hoof, too!
Alex Young as Bill’s ‘girl’ Sally is in sweetly soaring voice and balances cockney chirpiness with a touching vulnerability.
When it comes to musical numbers it is fair to say that the majority (give or take The Lambeth Walk and The Sun Has Got His Hat On) are not especially memorable, but the dazzling choreography (nice work, Alistair David) and superb singing (and you, Gareth Valentine, Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland) make the very best of the raw material.
Lez Brotherston’s stunning set manages to be both traditional and fairy tale – Downton meets Hogwarts, interspersed with the London skyline and beautifully lit by Tim Mitchell.
The night, however, belonged to the heroic Mr Pidgen. As an understudy who endured several ‘thrust-into-the-limelight’ moments (albeit without anything like such professionalism and sheer talent) I absolutely salute you, sir.
The perfect shot-in-the-arm antidote to all things Brexit and Trump, Me and My Girl teems with Pearly kings and queens and exudes triple espresso energy. An unashamedly frothy and feel-good extravaganza, cor blimey you’ll miss out if you don’t nab a Wilson Pickett!

CUBANA WATERLOO  – RESTAURANT REVIEW    

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The amazing city of London, which we’re lucky enough to live in, is known for its celebration of cultures and Cubana celebrates culture like no other.

Just a stone’s throw from Waterloo station, Cubana is pretty tricky to miss when you pass it on the street due to its wall murals, brightly coloured outdoor seating area, authentic Cuban music blasting from its speakers and the traditional food stand out front (which you can purchase at insanely low prices). As soon as you head inside, you feel like you’ve been transported from London to Cuba, with Mother Mary statues and bold bright colours covering every single surface.

The highlight of Cubana, aside from its décor, has to be the food. Cubana does everything from main stand out dishes through to sharing tapas and individual bites and sweet, delectate desserts. You could definitely manage a few sides to go with your main and given the flavours are so good here, I’d definitely recommend it. The chorizo croquettes, lime covered chicken wings and yukka chips (a bizarre texture to grasp if you’re unfamiliar but incredibly tasty!) and the Pollo Criollo (free-range chicken, seared and casseroled in fresh orange, onions, garlic and sherry) was sweet and delicious. Definitely order yourself a side of their slaw too. It’s creamy, well-seasoned and goes with everything.

We ordered a few of our bits as starters and were getting a little nervous when we were waiting a while but it turns out everything was brought over as art of the main so definitely be really clear if you want your food staggered. In all honesty though, we really didn’t mind because it meant more of a feast to pick at!

The drinks menu is really reasonably priced and they do a two for one happy hour which even holds on a Saturday (quite difficult to find in the City!) which is from 4pm – 7pm and offers two for one on certain cocktail glasses and also jugs. A great bargain which we found drew the crowds in as soon as 4pm struck. If you fancy embracing the Cuban culture I’d recommend the strawberry and mango colada which genuinely just tastes like a smoothie (so drink responsibly!) but you also can’t go wrong with the jug of mojito to share. Absolutely packed with mint (and rum!) this is insanely refreshing and quite easily one of the best mojitos in town.

The venue is really open with high ceilings and is staggered across two floors which are split into three rooms. If you can, we suggest trying to get one of the podium tables. They’re both raised up and are really secluded so you have your own, sectioned off taste of Cubana (you’ll need to book these though because they only have two in the venue).

Don’t just consider Cabana as a daytime eatery though. We’re told the weekend evenings get LIVELY with live music and salsa dancers. Should you be heading down there soon, expect to see us back there!

You can book Cubana here: https://www.cubana.co.uk/

We were guests at Cubana restaurant and asked the owner to describe what’s good about the venue in his own words. He said: Cubana is London’s freshest, juiciest bar-restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Cuban and Latin-American dishes, freshly-prepared with free-range produce, the very best Mojitos and fresh tropical cocktails and late night live Salsa – all at reasonable prices

London – The UK’s Brunch Capital

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We’ve tried and tested our fair share of brunches in London and with new places popping up all the time, we wanted to throw down our forks (not literally, that’s not beneficial at all), and confidently confess to you what we consider to be the best brunches in town.

 

Dirty Bones (Bottomless option – yes)

‘Dirty’ being the perfect word. An American and darkened eatery, this place offers some of the tastiest breakfast grub around and there’s a bottomless brunch option so you can settle yourself in for the morning – win!

The cocktails are more adventurous than you ordinarily find yourself having on a typical bottomless brunch and include vodka and rum based options. The service can be a little slow to keep the drink topped up though so you have to keep an eagle eye on the waiting staff. If guzzling your way through the menu and making the most of each precious bubbly minute isn’t your primary objective though, this will be fine for you.

Food wise, we have two words for you: cheeseburger dumplings.

Good for you if: You want a low key, meaty brunch.

Book here: https://dirty-bones.com/

 

Beech Blanket Babylon (Bottomless option – no)

This place is always popping up as the ‘place to be’ on Instagram so we put it to the test. The décor is amazing. It’s lavish and luxurious but what more do you expect from Notting Hill! There’s no bottomless brunch on offer but the cocktails are brilliant value for the area at £10 a pop, so worth a visit.

Menu wise, their eggs benedict is a firm favourite – its béarnaise sauce is creamy, rich and has a kick. The house burger with caramelised onion, cheese and salad is really filling – juicy too!

Good for you if: Keeping up appearances is key. The clientele at Beech Blanket Babylon are predominantly Notting Hill locals so it’s less of a tourist attraction and instead will give you a taste of life ‘on the other side’.

Book here: http://www.beachblanket.co.uk

 

 

Hotbox (Bottomless option – yes)

Loud, busy and offering dishes that are deep with flavour. The waiting staff are as attentive as we imagine Prince Harry is to Meghan and your glass rarely gets empty. Exactly what we want from a bottomless brunch.

Located slap bang in the middle of Shoreditch, this former street art gallery (obviously) is rife with hipsters and has a real ‘up close and personal vibe’ as your’re seated along picnic style benches.  The food is all about the smokey meaty ‘cue, that’s what the cool kids say nowadays, and the meat is dry rubbed and cooked low and slow to create tender, succulent cuts that melt in the mouth.

Good for you if: You’re a sociable meat-lover wanting a good booze up.

Book here: http://hotboxlondon.co.uk/

 

Bunga Bunga (Bottomless option – yes)

‘Bigger, better and brunch-ier’ as they so eloquently put it, this is definitely the place to go if you want to show your friends a proper party. There’s live entertainment in the form of its Bunga Matinee show and you will feel like you’re enjoying your Saturday night out, no matter what the time is.

The menu is of course Italian and while the pizzas are authentic and tasty, you won’t be choosing this place if you’re just seeking out good grub.

The Bunga Bunga party brunch is definitely something every Londoner should experience but you might only do it the once as it comes with a hefty price tag and cancellation fee.

Good for you if: You’re looking for a PROPER party

Book here: https://battersea.bungabunga-london.com

 

Mac ‘n’ Wild (Bottomless option – yes)

Self-described as serving London with some of the best Scottish produce, this place is serious with its flavours. Haggis pops, veni-moo burgers and venison Scotch eggs are forces to be reckoned with and what we love about this place is the variety in its bottomless brunch cocktails.

The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are always on hand to top up your glass. It’s very unlikely you’ll even reach the bottom of it!

Enjoy unlimited brunch cocktails for just £21 per person

Book here: www.macandwild.com

And our curveball…. PAUL (Bottomless option – yes)

So this is one we’ve thrown in if you find yourself sleeping through a bottomless brunch (we’ve all been there). PAUL, the decedent, Parisian patisserie is now offering a bottomless afternoon tea. Two hours of bubbly joy on Saturdays and Sundays. The afternoon tea includes lightly toasted sandwiches, a buttery brioche with whipped cream and jam and a host of sweets.

Definitely more civilised than your average brunch – one to enjoy with family, perhaps?

Bottomless afternoon tea is served Monday to Friday 2.30pm – 5.30pm at Tower 42 and weekends only in Covent Garden at the same time

Book here: www.paul-uk.com