Poppy Delevigne, Jade Jagger, Dita Von Teese Attend Launch of Karstadt “Feel London” Campaign

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Frostie

A host of celebrities including Poppy Delevigne, Jade Jagger and Dita Von Teese gathered last night (4th September) to launch the Karstadt “Feel London” campaign at the recently renewed Karstadt Dusseldorf store.

Feel London, Karstadt’s fall marketing campaign, will launch nationwide in all 83 Karstadt stores.

At the launch event there were numerous in-store activities including tee-shirt printing, lessons on how to walk in high heels, styling advice, activities by Sebastian Conran Food Design, and performances by “busking bands” such as the Watling Band imported from London – all designed to turn Karstadt Dusseldorf into the vibrant metropolis of London for the evening. Approximately 1,900 celebrities and guests attended.

Who do you think looked best?

Honky Tonk Chelsea Restaurant Review

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

The Honky Tonk Chelsea makes an impression immediately. Outside the decor is black and classy, inside the first thing you see is a bar which serves the most amazing cocktails I have had in a long time, then you go into the restaurant at the back; balloon shaped light bulbs, banquets, pictures of Johnny Cash and the American flag all add to an amazing atmosphere. The menu is stuck to the table, which I love. I always want to keep my menu to double-check what I am eating and look at what else I might want.

The staff are amazing and friendly. There is a great family atmosphere despite the fact no one is related. Their passion and talent is easy to spot. As for the food? Here goes….

Chicken Quesadila; tortilla stuffed with home smoked chicken, applewood, peppers, cheese, peppers and onions. Served with fresh guacamole.

I love this starter. The guacamole was the best guacamole I have ever tasted. It was very fresh and tastes like it had just been made. The red onion really shone adding to both the texture and the flavor. The Quesadila itself was great; hot with melting applewood cheese which was smoky and nutty, along with the chicken. A very good starter and a simple dish done incredibly well.

New England Crab Cakes: sourced from Cornwall with a sweet chilli mayo dressing

The cakes were very tasty with a crunchy texture and flavorful crab and herb filling. The sweet chilli mayo was delicious. The rocket which made up the rest of the dish was a bit boring.

Honky Tonk Burger

7oz of rare breed Longhorn beef. Topped with cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, guacamole, salsa, baby gem lettuce and tomatoe with their burger sauce. Comes with a seeded burger bun and rosemary fries. It also came with a gherkin on top.

My first reaction of this burger was ‘wow’. When they say ‘fully loaded’, they really mean it. It was so big I had to eat it with a knife and fork. It comes with a side of amazing rosemary chips. The portion is huge so it really fills you up. Very good value and tastes great. The burger has different sauces and guacamole. Burger fans will love this signature dish, and for those who sit on the fence, get off now and try this; it tastes great.

Chicken Burger

The chicken burger was also visually impressive. It came with a lovely large slice of beef tomato as well as aubergines, peppers and more of that excellent gucamole. The burger bun was nice and crunchy. The rosemary french fries were a strong accompaniment. The portion was generous and won’t leave you hungry. All in all an excellent burger.

Cocktails

Dark & Stormy; lime, ginger beer and rum.

This is an amazing, classic cocktail. The Honky Tonk has a bar and I would happily sit there all day and just try every cocktail on the menu. All of their cocktails have an extra special something and add to the atmosphere of the restaurant. It is a brilliant American experience.

The Wibble; gin, sloe gin, grapefruit and lemon juice with blackberry liquor

I love sloe gin and this lived up to the expectations. The glasses are long so you get a lot of cocktail for your buck. This was sweet but not sickly. Delicious and moreish.

Honey Bourbon S’Mores

I had heard of S’Mores but this was my first time trying them. Basically they are bourbon biscuits, dipped in chocolate with marshmallow inside. Which might be one of the best food inventions EVER. I loved them and the criss cross sauce it came with on the plate. I want to eat these every day now. Oh, okay, every second day.

New York Cheesecake

Our other pud was a classic generous slice of thick New York cheesecake.

Bourbon shot followed with pickle juice.

We were given these two shots and did not know what they were. Well, now I know; they are AMAZING. Bourbon chased down with pickle juice. It tastes great and this kind of quirky twist is what the Honky Tonk is all about. Great atmosphere and attention to detail, thrown in with great classic food with personality. Do try this at home.

Tequila shot.

Need I say more? Happiness is me.

Honky Tonk is an amazing restaurant. It has great decor and atmosphere. The staff are brilliant and the cocktails and food are both brilliant. Head down for a good time and a great American experience.

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588
W: www.honkytonkchelsea.com/

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Price: Low to high. Depending on how many of the amazing cocktails you have. The food sizing is very generous.

Guilty Pleasures Pop Up at Mary Janes Bar

Posted on August 31, 2013 by Frostie

This autumn will see the arrival of the global phenomenon that is Guilty Pleasures at stylish City bar, Mary Janes. Every Thursday night guests can enjoy a glorious all-singing, all-dancing pop-up spectacle from DJs, dancers and performers bringing a razzle-dazzle tour de force to Londons traditionally conservative financial district.

From the moment they arrive, city workers will leave their consciences at their desks and walk into a sinner’s paradise. Throughout the course of the evening, Guilty Pleasures unique blend of entertainment will be popping up with DJs, singers, cabaret performers, dancers, acrobats and a whole troupe of kitsch characters guaranteed to start a party unlike anything ever seen before in the City.

In the eight years since it was founded, Guilty Pleasures has become a musical institution, embracing the full scope of the pop spectrum, from the 70s to the present day. Founded by the charismatic broadcaster and lifelong music fan, Sean Rowley on his cult BBC London radio show, it has now evolved into a sell-out club night, a compilation album series and a television show. Alongside Sean, Guilty Pleasures eclectic cast create an unforgettable heart stopping, disco dancing, pop spectacular!

To celebrate the arrival of Guilty Pleasures, Mary Janes have created a bespoke food and cocktail menu with a Guilty Pleasures theme which will truly be the answer to guests prayers. Guests can enjoy Naughty Hot Dogs, a platter of mini hot dogs with different toppings such as Chilli con Carne, American Mustard, Fried Onions and Melted Cheese, or can go to the dark side with Dirty Burgers; a selection of burger sliders with fillings including Pulled Pork, Chorizo, Chilli and Cheese. Diners will be singing the praises of the sinfully sweet Dunkin Donuts, a homemade selection of sugared Cinnamon Donuts with Chocolate Sauce, Toffee Sauce and Warm Apricot Marmalade.

Drinkers will be confessing their sins after delving into the Guilty Pleasures themed cocktails which include the Chocolate Mint Pleasure, a playful blend of Vanilla Stolichnaya Vodka, Cacao White, Crème de Menthe, Milk and Chocolate Sprinkles. Pop princesses can opt for the Sassy Spritz, a zingy mix of Aperol, Prosecco, and Soda. The Retro Mai Tai will transport guests back to the last days of disco and will combine Santa Teresa Rum, Triple Sec, Captain Morgan, Pineapple, Orange Juice and Grenadine

Owned and operated by The Mint Group, Mary Janes is a chic bar with an interior combining a touch of the baroque with modern elegance. Plush Louis XVI style chairs, crystal chandeliers and red drapes lend a sense of theatre to the venue, whilst downstairs exposed brickwork, leather banquettes and a long wooden and zinc-topped bar create a more contemporary space. The bar has several intimate spaces perfect for group bookings, as well as the ever-popular karaoke room which can take bookings for up to 12 people.

Mary Janes
124-127 Minories
London
EC3 1NT
Tel: 020 7481 8195
W: www.maryjanesbar.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/maryjanesbar/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Janes-Bar/

Opening Hours
Monday-Wednesday 12pm – 11pm
Thursday & Friday 12pm – 1am
Available for private hire on weekends

Thames Festival 2013 | Things To Do

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Frostie

City Cruises to host Sir Andrew Motion and Dan Cruickshank for Thames Festival 2013

As part of the 2013 Thames Festival celebrations, City Cruises, London’s leading riverboat operator, is hosting two distinguished events with former poet Sir Andrew Motion (7 September) and National Geographic and BBC art historian, writer and presenter, Dan Cruickshank (9 September).

Celebrating the very best of the Thames, the Mayor’s Thames Festival brings together art, music and educational events through an inspiring 10-day event on the river, its banks and bridges. As a key feature of tourism on the Thames, City Cruises’ is hosting these two major events on its flagship boat – and largest on the river – the Millennium Diamond.

Sir Andrew Motion – now President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England – will present an afternoon of poems and reflections from both his own collections and others on Saturday 7 September (4pm to 6.30pm). Concentrating on London’s greatest waterway and its many myths, poems and tales, Sir Andrew will take guests on a literary journey as they sail down the very river that inspired them.

Dan Cruickshank, whose credits include Around the World in 80 Treasures and Marvels of the Modern Age, will take centre stage on Monday 9 September (7.30pm-9.30pm). Taking guests on an architectural tour of London’s bridges – past and present – he will enlighten passengers on their rich history, heritage and significance in making the Capital the powerhouse that it is today.

Both events are ticketed and include a glass of red or white wine and canapés. Tickets cost £22, with each cruise departing from Tower Pier at 4pm, 7 September (Sir Andrew Motion) and 7.30pm, 9 September (Dan Cruickshank).

For further information or to book, please visit www.citycruises.com or call 020 77 400 400.

The Improve Rooms | Events

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Ever felt that what you need in your life is a little burst of inspiration from an expert? Step in The Improve Rooms at Fitzroy Square. This was a one day event that I am hoping comes back permanently.

I went along with my friend Holly and the first thing we did was grab some cocktails. We then go and watch expert nutritionist Madeleine Shaw make zucchini noodles to go with a delicious salad. Being healthy never tasted so amazing. Madeleine is incredibly knowledgeable and makes healthy living fun.

We had an amazing chat with fashion stylist Grace Woodward, who you might recognise from Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model. Grace is heavily pregnant but has dressed so smart I didn’t even notice. She looks brilliant in black with a white cardigan, heels(!), great jewellery and stunning eye make up.

Grace talks about sitting next to Elle MacPherson during Next Top Model, “I felt huge”, how she loves what Kate Middleton wears but how she always gets the shoes wrong, “Those wedges when she came out of the hospital…”, we talked about publishing, how much it has changed and the shift away from print and she also talked about how she put the concept of her Improve Room together; “Summer is over in fashion, it’s done, we are already in Autumn”. Grace, Holly and I had a really good natter while cocktails and canapes are brought to us. You really can’t ask for more than that.

We move on to photographer Johny Pits and we talk about selfies as Holly is writing an article on them. Johny is very articulate and gives good debate. We learn a lot about photography and also talk about portfolio careers.

We also talk about the Sure deodorant. The compressed cans have as much in them as bigger cans only they are smaller bottles. Got that? They come in new scents; cotton, clear aqua and bright. I have some in my goody bag which should last me a while.

I had a great time at the Improve Rooms. Here’s hoping they do more.

Leonardo | Restaurant Review

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Leonardo Italian Pizzeria in Putney is a rather quaint and distinctive pizzeria. You can take out or eat in. If you eat in you will love the restaurant area. It is upstairs, has wonderful homely decoration and looks out to Putney High Street.

But what about the food? For starters we had Classic bruschetta, this was the best bruschetta I have ever tasted in my life and the helping was very generous. If you go in and share one as a couple you will be given a cute heart-shaped bruschetta. A good personal touch.

For mains I have the lasagne and my colleague has a Campagnola pizza; mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, with chicken marinade with balsamic vinegar. The pizza is very good and is huge. Enough for three or four people. The lasagne is also good but could do with less pasta and more bolognaise. Again the portion is good and it really fills you up. The lasagne is very good but I actually make the best lasagne in the world and nothing else has ever been able to compete. In fairness I will say the lasagne is very good.

The only dessert Leonardo’s does is homemade chocolate cake. However we could not manage it as the portions are so big. We will go back another day for it.

Leonard’s is a beautiful little pizzeria. The menu is small- though with plenty of pizza obviously- and they also do free delivery on orders over £10 and all day Sunday. Leonardo’s came to Putney after running a family business in Bari, Southern Italy for 30 years. Their food is traditional, inexpensive and good value. Highly recommended.

Leonardo
161 Putney High Street, London, SW15 1RT
020 8789 0605
www.pizzaleonardo.co.uk

Price: Low to high.

St Christopher’s Place | London Gems

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

London is full of hidden gems. You could live in London your entire life and still not see everything it has to offer. So we at Frost thought we would help you out. We are going to be scouring London for all of those wonderful places you just have to go. We would also love it if you gave any recommendations. Email us at frostmagazine@gmail.com or comment below.

Here is the first London Gem: St Christopher’s Place. Just off the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus is a beautiful, quiet spot full of shops and places to eat. Just look out for the landmark purple clock. It has an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars, including Mulberry’s oldest boutique. It also has over 20 restaurants and cafés.

To get to St Christopher’s Place you just take a little alleyway parallel to James Street before you get to Selfridges on Oxford Street. This historical place has all of the buzz of London but with less of the stress. It is across the road from Bond St station on the north side of Oxford Street.

Perfect for: Alfresco dining, buzz without the stress, having less people around, shopping, relaxing and watching the world go by.

1 St Christophers Pl London W1U 1LT, 020 7224 4080

Top Art Galleries In London

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

London has a lot going for it. With an amazing variety of restaurants and cultural events, London really is the place to be for those who want a rich cultural life. When it comes to art, and a great selection of art galleries, London really does not slouch. There is something here for everyone, from the edgy to the classic. Frost has picked some of the top art galleries in London for you to get started. We will be adding more soon. Put your own suggestions below and join in the art debate.

National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H
An art beacon of London. A trip here is not complete without a visit to this gallery. And if you live in London and have not been, shame on you.

Tate Britain, Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P
Classic building, great art. Also has some controversial exhibitions which are quite different.

Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s Square, King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3
Beautiful gallery situated on the King’s Road. Lots of great art here. If you are too busy to go to a gallery then the Saatchi Gallery Online is also where you can find art prints for sale.

Reflected (red canoe) SOLD

Painting

Charlotte Evans

United States

Gagged

Drawing

Álvaro Tomé

Brazil

I Found The Silence (edition of 25; 4 sold)

Photography

Martin Stranka

Czech Republic

White Cube Gallery, 25-26 Mason’s Yard, Off Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1Y
A bit different and edgy. Worth a visit.

Welcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, Bloomsbury, London NW1
Classic art and amazing exhibitions make the Welcome Collection a great stop for art lovers.

Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, South Kensington, London W2
Will be reopened on Saturday 8th June 2013. Join us in line.

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N
Another classic London art gallery. A must visit.

Somerset House: Embankment Galleries, Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R
Opened in 2008. The building alone is beautiful and worth going to.

Proud Camden, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, Camden Town, London NW1
Has great exhibitions and events. We recently enjoyed their Withnail & I exhibition.

Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
Is a treasure trove of artifacts. A great experience.

What is your favourite museum? Make recommendations below.

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