Berkeley Homes’ One Tower Bridge Show Apartments Launch

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Last week I headed to One Tower Bridge to view their luxury apartments. The building is truly beautiful, even from the outside. I headed in and everyone was friendly and smartly dressed, just as you would expect. I see a model of all of One Tower Bridge and it looks very impressive.

They have 356 units in total and have already sold 309. Cambridge House has been launched and that is their flagship block. There are 36 units in total in Cambridge including 3 Duplex Penthouses. There are private gardens, a new street, Duchess Walk, is being built which will have shops and restaurants. A boutique hotel with 70 bedrooms is also being launched

The apartments are stunning, every little detail is perfect. As I walked around, glass of champagne in hand, I wanted to become a multi-millionaire very quickly. As did every other person who saw them. They are gorgeous apartments: the ultimate in luxury. Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself. The view is also incredible, as is the location. You are very close to the South Bank but this side of the river is quieter, more calm.

Honky and Casa Forma also did an excellent job of designing the show flats. I loved the sumptuous surroundings.

Berkeley Homes’ One Tower Bridge sales team will be welcoming prospective buyers to an onsite marketing suite for the first time. In addition to the onsite marketing suite, Berkeley is launching two spectacular show homes, which do justice to the development’s extraordinary location on one of London’s last remaining great riverside locations, at the foot of the world-famous bridge.

The Casa Forma apartments

Coinciding with the milestone of the first completions at One Tower Bridge this month, the two-bedroom show apartments, located in Cambridge House, the river-facing block, will provide the first enticing glimpse of what life could look like inside these exceptional residences.

Inspired by the distinctly British character and charm of the Thames Walk location, Berkeley Homes has commissioned acclaimed interior designers Casa Forma and Honky to each present their own London aesthetic in one of the show apartments.

The Honky Apartments

Just as each of the development’s nine blocks is slightly different in character – with variations in architectural styles, size and height to complement the skyline and showcase the magnificent views across the River Thames – the individual show apartments have distinctly different style sensibilities and features, yet each one has perfectly captured the energy, vibrancy and tasteful luxury that are part of living in the capital. The designers have all expressed their personal vision for One Tower Bridge using beautiful bespoke materials and furnishings and original artwork against the interior architects’ strong base palette.

Buyers can look forward to a home that anticipates all the needs and requirements of contemporary luxury living. All of the apartments are fully fitted with the finest materials and technology, including Miele integrated appliances, built-in coffee machines, wine coolers and individually designed oak cabinets for the custom-designed ergonomically planned kitchens.

Each apartment has a private balcony, terrace or roof garden, and also features the very latest in integrated Smart Home Technology, allowing residents remote access to adjust the automated blinds and switch on the underfloor heating system or air conditioning as they disembark from a long haul flight, as well as control the state-of-the-art security system. The technology hub also communicates wirelessly with the lift, automatically recognizing residents and delivering them to their floor.

Designed by internationally celebrated architects Squire and Partners, these luxurious one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses offer an opportunity to live on the South Bank, right beside London’s iconic landmark – which is marking its 120th anniversary this year – and just a short walk from both the Tower of London and the Shard.

Harry Lewis, Managing Director at Berkeley Homes (South East London) Ltd, comments:

“This is an extraordinary moment, as One Tower Bridge takes the next exciting step towards completion. The stylish interiors designed by Casa Forma and Honky reflect brilliantly all the values and virtues of One Tower Bridge, and will help buyers to get a sense of the complete experience of living in this one-of-a-kind development in a truly inspirational setting.”

Prices at One Tower Bridge start from £1,130,000.

Sponsored Post

Wonderound Shoreditch Store Launch Social Diary

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

We had fun at the launch of South Korean label Wonderound in Calvert street. The clothes and accessories were beautiful and the Korean street food from restaurant On The Bab was amazing. We soaked in the atmosphere as we drank rosé in the sun.

The brands key aesthetics are clean cuts, minimal and simple design, using neutral hues and pastel tones – easy to wear yet in no way ordinary. Wonderound bridges the gap between London’s thriving fashion scene and South Korea’s innovative, energy textile expertise.

Up and coming label Wonderound will set pitch in Calvert Street for two months only, offering customers a chance to discover the brand in a unique settings. Showcasing the brand’s clothing and accessories, the shop will also act as a platform for collaborations with South Korean artists and designers.

The current collection encompasses the brands key aesthetics of clean cuts, minimal and simple design, using neutral hues and pastel tones – easy to wear yet in no way ordinary. This season’s hero pieces include the Neoprene Cocoon Jumper featuring a drop shoulder cut, half-length sleeves and a ribbed finish and a boxy stripy dress with rolled up 3Ž4 sleeves. Outerwear comprises a regular fit cream beige half trench with shoulder button epaulettes detail and a monochrome baseball bomber.

Wonderound bridges the gap between London’s thriving fashion scene and South Korea’s innovative, energy textile expertise. And as London becomes further more captivated with Koran culture, Wonderound intends on bringing another aspect from the country to add to the prominent Korean food and music scene in the capital.

WONDEROUND

16 Calvert Venue,

London E2 7JP

http://wonderound.co.uk/

@wonderound

Marcus Tomlinson | Multiverse | Jun – Sep Art

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Frostie

MARCUS TOMLINSON | MULTIVERSE

June – September 2014

PAYNES & BORTHWICK GALLERY, the world’s first ever commercial real-time virtual gallery at www.paynesandborthwickgallery.com

Curated by Futurecity

Paynes & Borthwick Gallery – a real-time virtual replica of an actual gallery space, launches its second exhibition Multiverse by acclaimed fine artist, fashion photographer and filmmaker Marcus Tomlinson.

The gallery, which launched in October 2013, provides a unique, first-of-its-kind opportunity for artists and designers to create experiences for an online real-time medium.

Tomlinson, who first rose to prominence as a fashion photographer, began experimenting with film and digital media in the 1990s. Collaborations with elite fashion houses including Issey Miyake and Hussein Chalayan, led his oeuvre to expand to include early experimental computer animation works as well as installation. His widely influential style captured the sensibility of digital technology when only analogue film was available. Continuing this evolution throughout his career, the artist has won acclaim for his constant development of new disciplines within his practice.

Multiverse uses the latest in 3D visual and sound technology to explore the past and present phases of Tomlinson’s work. Visitors to the immersive online space will see references to projects with fashion designers Issey Miyake and Gareth Pugh, photographs of garden landscapes, and recent sculptural works.

Tomlinson comments, Multiverse is a kind of tray of jewels that really is for the imagination. This medium is a new branch to the ever expanding world of how new art forms undoubtedly develop. Working within it gives the audiences new journeys to play on our senses. As with all my art pieces, film and photography play a central role. Part of my journey as an artist is to document myself, and the work, as a separate art form that belongs within my artist’s portfolio

Hole & Corner Magazine said of Tomlinson earlier this year: Magnificent art is rarely about playing by the rules as British artist Marcus Tomlinson knows only too well. The self-dubbed outsider is far more than a man with a taste for building commercial expectations – he’s actually the consummate creative chameleon: a visual artist, maker and now craftsman whose wealth of cultural obsessions and an extreme professional restlessness have already transported him from high fashion photography to filmmaking and, most recently, into sculpture.

The exhibition will be available to view online for 3 months with 24 hour access, and as with exhibitions in physical spaces, there will be no opportunity to view it after the final day.

The artwork is also available for purchase.

Cinnamon Soho Restaurant Review

Posted on June 23, 2014 by James Yardley

Cinnamon Soho is a stylish and contemporary restaurant which has just recently opened, following on from the extremely successful Cinnamon Kitchen and Cinnamon Club. First impressions of the restaurant were excellent. The interior looked great and clearly no expense had been spared.

The bottle of house wine we started with was excellent. It was a very good white wine. Very refreshing and drinkable. For a starter we tried the steamed chickpea cake with coconut chutney and the grilled asparagus, sesame and garlic yoghurt.

The chickpea cake was astonishing. It’s soft spongy delicate texture was indeed cake like but it did not feel out of place as a starter. The flavours were brilliant, the coconut chutney combined brilliantly with the chikpea and the raw red onion and cucumber brought freshness to the dish. The dash of spice was beautifully balanced. A truly original and exciting dish.

Our asparagus was also very good. It was beautifully cooked and very well seasoned with coriander and cumin. The sauces it came with were all beautifully balanced with excellent flavours.

Expectations were very high for our mains after the superb starters and they didn’t disappoint. I had the Orissa style chicken curry. My chicken was gorgeous, it was succulent, moist and perfectly cooked. The tomato lentil based sauce was a delight. Everything was beautifully spiced and seasoned without being overpowering. This was high class Indian cooking of a type I am not usually used to. It was very clear the chef had an excellent palate. As a side we had some superb peshwari naan. I love Peshwari naan but this was particularly good and had clearly been freshly made.

The other main we had was seared plaice with tomato lemon sauce and a lentil salad. Again, a beautifully cooked piece of fish with a delicate and exciting sauce with subtle spice and flavors. The portion sizes were perfect.

Our puddings did not disappoint either. The sticky ginger toffee pudding with banana ice cream was delicious. The banana ice cream was a delight and the pudding was light and tasty. The second dish of yoghurt and lime cheese cake with tamarind glazed strawberries was even better. An original dish with a wonderful creamy texture and refreshing taste. Perfect for a pudding at the end of a meal.

Overall Cinnamon Soho was a delight. The food was exquisite and the service which I have forgotten to mention until now was also excellent. Even more astonishing was the price. Our meal which came from the lunch menu was just £11.75 each for three courses! (excluding wine) or £9.75 for two courses. Frankly it was incredible value for food of this quality. Definitely the best value restaurant Frost has been to this year. We will certainly be going back soon and I highly recommend you give it a visit in the near future.

5 Kingly Street, London, W1B 5PF

Tel: 020 7437 1664, www.cinnamonsoho.com

facebook.com/cinnamonsoho

@cinnamonsoho

The Noodle House London Restaurant Review

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I love Asian food so was absolutely delighted when we were invited to review the newly opened Southeast Asian restaurant The Noodle House on Shaftesbury Avenue. The decor looks great and it is busy. It may be newly opened but it already has found plenty of customers. It is not a tourist trap however, it has enough calm to be an enjoyable experience. We start off with some cocktails. We have the Moonshadow: vodka, lillet blanc, chrysanthemum, jasmine tea syrup and a Hit The Rojak: tequila, kamm & sons, star fruit juice, apple juice, Rojak syrup and lime. Both cocktails are great. Delicious and unique.

For starters I have the Crispy Calamari: Crispy fried calamari seasoned with sea salt and Szechuan pepper served with chilli dipping sauce and my colleague had the Si Racha Prawns: Tempura style prawns served with our signature spicy mayo. The crispy calamari is delicious and comes with a great sauce. The prawns are amazing, very generous in size and the sauce is great. It has a bit of a kick to it. Both starters are great and the portion size is generous. The waiter is good at recommending food and really knows his stuff. Although he didn’t realise what a wimp I am when it comes to spice!

For our mains we have the Javanese Nasi Goreng: Wok-fried rice with prawns, chilli, spring onions and Sambal Belachan, topped with a fried egg, served with two chicken satay skewers and prawn crackers and the Bakmi Goreng: Udon noodles with chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, cabbage, pak choi, eggs and a sweet chilli ginger sauce, garnished with spring onions and fried banana shallots. For our sides we have the Broccoli: Tenderstem broccoli with oyster sauce and Fried Jasmine Rice: Wok-fried jasmine rice with chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, eggs, chilli and Thai basil.

The Javanese Nasi Goreng is something to behold. It has absolutely everything in it and a fried egg on top. The chicken satay skewers are tasty, as are the prawn crackers, the fried egg, the whole shebang. This is also spicy although there are plenty of things you can order at the Noodle House which are not spicy. The Bakmi Goreng is a great noodle dish which also has a generous amount of ingredients. It is amazing. Really great.

I also loved the Fried Jasmine Rice we have for our side and the broccoli is also good. If we thought the starters were a decent size, the mains and the sides were even more generous. We could just have had those and nothing else. We end up taking what we don’t eat away in a doggy bag.

We order more cocktails. The amazing Bayside Bellini: Kamm & sons, spiced Asian pear, orgeat & prosecco. and Spice Island Iced Tea: Gin, spiced tea gin, lemon, abbots bitters & ginger ale. The Bayside Bellini is absolutely brilliant. All you need to know is that it is a champagne cocktail with an Asian twist. Wonderful.

For dessert we have the Sweet Sharing Plate: a sample of the Lime & Ginger Cheescake, mango coconut pudding and banana spring rolls. Each one is amazing and unique. Just incredibly good and comes with a brilliant ice-cream.

We then finished with some tea. Fruity Fresh Hibiscus: an infusion made from a blend of Hibiscus, orange flowers, rosehip, sea buckthorn berries & lemon verbena. A pink brew that is sweet, fresh and hydrating. A mix of flowers and fruit. This is great tea, I could drink it everyday. Downstairs there is more seating and a bar and you can see all of the Noodle House’s amazing tea in large jars.

The Noodle House is a great restaurant. The service is amazing, the waiters are friendly and knowledgeable, the food is amazing and unique as is their cocktails and tea. Prices are reasonable, from low to high. I highly recommend The Noodle House and will be going back.

The Noodle House, 117 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8AD / 0203 725 5777

Fever Trails’ Remix of ‘Low’, Debut From Neo-Soul London duo Youth

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Frostie

Listen to Fever Trails’ Remix of ‘Low’, the debut from neo-soul London duo Youth. It is more suited to the stereo than the dancefloor. Original track can be heard HERE and downloaded for free.

Fever Trails are seen as one of the most up and coming producers in Cape Town, South Africa and has got lots of people extremely excited. This remix has already had some glowing feedback.

Let us know what you think.

Free Wimbledon Screenings In London

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Frostie

Head to One New Change to soak up the Wimbledon action and you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious cocktail courtesy of luxury strawberry cream liqueur, Tequila Rose.

One New Change will be hosting free Wimbledon screenings on its roof top terrace, which boasts panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the rest of the city.

Visitors will soak up the action with deck chair seating and large screens installed in specially customised retro caravans, where all the Championship action will be shown for two weeks from June 23^rd.

The Tequila Rose bar is at One New Change from July 3^rd until July 6^th, 1pm – 7pm and is an ideal retreat from shopping or work, where you can keep up with Federer, Murray, Williams and Sharapova while sampling a Strawberry Love cocktail.

The Strawberry Love is made with Tequila Rose – a natural strawberry flavoured cream liqueur with premium Mexican tequila – black raspberry liqueur and a fresh strawberry. If you’d like to re-create the Strawberry Love at home, here’s the recipe:

Strawberry Love

Ingredients (single serve):

· 60ml Tequila Rose

· 20ml Black Raspberry Liqueur

· 60ml Semi Skimmed Milk

· Fresh strawberry

Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a cold glass, garnish with a fresh strawberry.

Tequila Rose is priced £14.99 for 70cl from drinksupermarket.

L’Orchidee Westfield London | Restaurant Review

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

L’Orchidee is situated in The Village, the luxury arm of Westfield. It is in an island, giving you a great view of the hustle and bustle of Westfields, whilst also being a place of calm and serenity. It is incredibly glamarous and I feel like I am in an episode of Gossip Girl while I sit in the luxurious, beautiful surroundings, cocktail in hand.

A band is playing, usually it is just a piano, the lovely manager tells me, this time it is much noisier and a trumpet player had joined in the fun. The entire experience is wonderful and we haven’t even ordered any food yet.

I have the Lobster Brioche. Which is brioche with lobster, salmon roe and curried mussels. It is amazing and comes with a salad on the side with a great dressing. My colleague has Confit of Duck with Caramelized Onion. I am obsessed with anything curried favourite and I love lobster so the lobster brioche was perfect for me. It really was superb and unique. It was a good portion too, the lobster was great, as was the salmon roe and the curried mussels were perfectly judged: not too overpowering. The duck confit sandwich was also superb, it came with a good salad and dressing and some amazing terra chips. It is full of flavour and the duck is delicious and goes fantastically with the onion.

We also tasted some of L’Orchidee’s amazing cocktails. Two of our favourites were the English Rose cocktail – Syrup de Rose, Creme de Cassis, Prosecco and gin, finished with rose petals and the Hazelnut Alexander – Frangelico, dark cocoa liquor brandy, hazelnut puree, and double cream. There cocktails are brilliant. I am going to work my way through their entire cocktail menu.

For dessert I have the amazing Black Magic which is Dark chocolate and passion fruit, coconut scented base, topped with dark chocolate glaze and finished with passion fruit macarons. It was all kinds of wonderful and is one of the best desserts I have ever had in my life. I still have dreams about it. The passion fruit works very well and all of the ingredients work well together. My colleague had the Zoe: Tender chocolate and almond dacquoise biscuit finished by our apricot preserved chocolate ganache and raspberries. It was also very good.

We finished off with some macaroons. A passion fruit one and a ferrero rocher one. We will definitely be going back to L’Orchidee. We loved everything about it and definitely want to sample their Champagne afternoon tea – specialty mini pastries and macaroons from their chef’s selection, with the hand-picked distinctive Mecier Brut champagne. This is a wonderful Parisian patisserie in the heart of bustling Westfield. The one in Westfield London has just opened but there is also one in Westfield Stratford.