Monday, 6 March 2017

Spirit of Sharing

Irish style




With St Patrick's Day just around the corner, it is time to take a look at all the wonderful Irish beverages. The Irish food board, Bord Bia hosted a special evening at the Irish Embassy in London called the "Spirit of Sharing", putting together some very special Irish products that were beautifully crafted and exceptional in taste. Irish beverages is much more than just Guinness and Magners, and here are some of the stand-out products you should definitely try!

Tuesday, 15 November 2016

London Cocktail Week 2016

Recap of the biggest cocktail festival in the UK


Another year of London Cocktail Week (LCW), under new management for the first time, it was a week of pure joy with plenty of fun and eyeopening experiences. The LCW village Spitalfields Market featured many interesting and engaging pop up bars, such as the Caorunn's 'flavour wheel'. The major change for me this year was the high number of "big brands" that took part. I would have preferred a higher ratio of craft and independent brands, as I think LCW is an ideal place to explore new things you wouldn't usually have the chance to.


Key highlights:

Ford Gin at City Social


oysters and martinis matching
Cod, spicy ponzu, squid and miso
Hazelnut plaisir sucre with gin &milk

This has to one of the very best LCW event of all time, a 3 course dinner at the Michelin starred City Social by Jason Atherton, it was a dinner full of joy and excitement. Bar Manager Jamie explained how martinis and oysters worked with some of the most unique drink pairing I have encountered, from Asian-inspired to stout-infused martini. All the dishes by Executive Chef Paul Walsh was top notch and I especially enjoyed the dessert which worked wonders with a gin and ice cream cocktail.


For more information, please visit: http://www.fordsgin.com/


Buffalo Bourbon Empire


Eagle Rare 10
Cocktail masterclass
Antique Collection tasting

The lads from Buffalo Trace always came up with some really fun and engaging concept, this time was no difference. New to this year was the bartender stalls, where an informal cocktail class took place to learn everything about American Whiskey cocktails, from the history to how to make it with ease. To finish off the night, we tasted some of the latest antique collection which just landed in the UK. The Sazerac was the most enjoyable in the collection, rich and complex without being challenging on the palate. The antique collection was truly exquisite, it was easy to understand why it had won so many major whiskey awards.


For more information, please visit: http://www.buffalotrace.co.uk/


The World Class House


Love Scotch cocktail class
Bullet Barista Booth
Tanqueray 10's Future Forest

The World Class House once again delivered a glamour and spectacular pop up in 2016. The "Love Scotch" experience offered a sensory journey and education about the diversity of Scotch Whisky. "Future Forest" offered a DIY cocktail session with a twist, where guests could hand pick fruits and herbs to create their very own Tanqueray cocktail. My last stop of my LCW experience was the "Bullet Barista Booth" where the brand ambassador educated us about Bullet Whiskey, and how the brand worked with a coffee barista company to come up with a truly special coffee based cocktail. 


For more information, please visit: http://www.alexanderandjames.com/

Sunday, 10 April 2016

Secret Brixton

It's a SECRET by the way...



So... the cool people at Yelp has come up with yet another fun, interesting and unique event. For one week (18th to 23rd April), Yelp helps you to discover (or re-discover) the best of Brixton's local gems through a series of secret events, exclusive offers & unique secret menu items in some of Brixton's most iconic and unique venues. 

So whether you're local to Brixton, live in a nearby neighbourhood or you'd just like to come on down and explore Brixton. But, remember it's a secret so shhhh! 

Now, to unlock Brixton's hidden gems you will first need to: 

1. Create a Yelp account, if you are not yet lucky enough to have one already. 
2. Select the shiny red RSVP button to secure your spot. 
3. Once RSVP'd you will receive some information from #secretbrixton HQ as to where to collect your secret MAP. 

Yelp is granting you access to 3 secret events. We recommend you don't miss out... Your adventure has begun. -- 

Secret event #1 - BOYS vs GIRLS: yelp.co.uk/events/london… 
Secret event #2 - Make it POP, Brixton: yelp.co.uk/events/london… 
Secret event #3 - Brixton Street Party: yelp.co.uk/events/london… -- 

Yelp, the urban local city guide helps you discover Brixton like never before with #secretbrixton. 

To find out more, please visit: http://www.yelp.co.uk/events/london-secretbrixton

Tuesday, 8 March 2016

When beer meets fine dining

Beer paring at Outlaw's at The Capital


Sharps Brewery products

Have you ever considered ordering a beer to pair with your dinner instead of wine at a Michelin restaurant? As part of London Beer Week, Sharps Brewery and Outlaw's at The Capital has teamed up together to challenge the mindset of diners and educate them about the idea that beer can be just as good as wine to pair with haute cuisine, if not even better. Head chef Tom had came up with a 3 course dinner, using first rate ingredients from Cornwall whilst Ed, the sommelier from Sharps had carefully selected a wide range style of beers to go with Tom's creation. Beer as a type of drink has such a big diversity: from IPA, lager to bitter and stout etc. So in theory, this is something I can see it works and I'm certain it will have a bright future ahead.

Sunday, 15 November 2015

Li Veli Italian Winery & Bistro

Chestnut & Wine


Li Veli Italian Winery & Bistro 

Li Veli is a trendy Italian Winery & Bistro in Covent Garden, spreading across two floors with a wine shop. It is a joint venture by two Italian families, with one family operating as a wine producer from Puglia while the other, owns a hotel business. Towards this winter, Li Veli is debuting its Li Veli Orion 2014 and Li Veli Passamante 2014, two wines that are carefully selected from its own winery, it has also come up with an Apuglian chestnut and San Martino inspired menu, which every single dish contains some element of chestnut to go with the newly launched wines.

Friday, 6 November 2015

London Mulled Wine Festival!


THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL! 


** ENTRANCE WILL BE A CHECK-IN ON THE FREE YELP APP OR £10 DONATION TO OUR CHARITY!

*Please RSVP now so we know you're coming. Entrance is free, but you will have to check-in on the Yelp App to get in (Trust me, you're going to want to, we have some surprises for you!) So if you don't have it yet, download it here:

    Apple: app.adjust.com/ry1gff

    Android: app.adjust.com/d3r3q7

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW AND BEAT THE QUEUES! BOOM! 

(Now don't you feel clever?)

--

**SO WHAT IS THIS?**

Mulled wine. 

It's delicious. This is a fact. And drinking it makes you happy. Another fact. And it is a staple of Christmas and you look forward to it all year long -- and now that time is almost here! The most important fact of all.  And yet, despite this, there has never been a mulled wine festival in London! Ever! Until now...

Presenting...

LONDON'S FIRST MULLED WINE FESTIVAL!
November 12, 13 and 14 - 12pm to 9pm
On Covent Garden's legendary East Piazza

--

**A MULLED WINE FESTIVAL! TELL ME MORE!**

Happy to. There will be three days of mulled wine from some of the best spots for mulled wine in the city. Plus mulled cider! And mulled mead! And mulled ice cream, mulled pops, mulled candy, mulled jelly shots and, of course, Christmas pies! (And also, some seriously amazing other eats). 

It starts on November 12, the same night as Covent Garden switches on its new Christmas lights.  Designed by celebrated fashion and film production designer, Michael Howells, the new scheme takes inspiration from the mythology of mistletoe and Covent Garden's world-renowned reputation as a special place to meet friends, family and loved ones. The iconic, 22 feet tall silver reindeer will also be returning to the East Piazza, ensuring this year's switch on moment will once again have a stunning backdrop.

Contemporary acapella group After Party will be entertaining the crowds with an exclusive set from 6pm, which features everything from Taylor Swift to Christmas classics. And, whatever the weather, you're guaranteed a white Christmas in Covent Garden as it will snow on switch on night to add that extra touch of magic. 


For more info and RSVP, please visit: Yelp

Thursday, 1 October 2015

YelptoberFeast!

A month of discovering London and free eats and drinks!


 



Yelp is doing a month of exploring London in some of the most delicious spots this city has to offer. Maybe you've never had bubble tea before? Or some seriously amazing roast chicken and wings? How about the best takeaway sushi in the city? Yelp got you covered. 

Plus, FREE EATS ALL MONTH LONG! So if we didn't have your attention, time to listen up. 

Here's how it works:

    * STEP ONE: Go to that day's location. Every three days there's going to be a new place being featured, so check below for the schedule.

    * STEP TWO: Check in to the space on Yelp, add a pic of you and your food and get some eats for free! Everything from free ice cream to cocktails.*

    * STEP THREE: Eat or drink your free stuff! 

#YelptoberFeast!

--

WANT TO FEAST WITH YELP?
Well, this is where we'll be:

October 1 to 2
AND ADDED BONUS DATES: October 5 to 9
Fatburger (yelp.co.uk/biz/fatburger…) - Check in for a free Fatburger! 

October 4 to 6
Udderlicious (yelp.co.uk/biz/udderlici…) - Check in for a free scoop of ice cream!

October 7 to 9
Sushi Surprise (yelp.co.uk/biz/sushi-sur…) - Check in for a free salmon nigiri selection. This isn't on the menu but created just for #YelptoberFeast!

October 10 to 12 
Supernatural Smoothies (yelp.co.uk/biz/supernatu…) - Check in for a free large juice or smoothie!

October 13 to 15 
Clockjack (yelp.co.uk/biz/clockjack…) - Check in for free quarter rotisserie chicken or 5 free wings!

October 16 to 18
The Gorringe Park (yelp.co.uk/biz/gorringe-…) - Check in for a free drink: beer, house wine or cocktail!

October 19 to 21 
The Victoria (yelp.co.uk/biz/the-victo…) - Check in for a free drink: beer, house wine or cocktail!

October 22 to 24
The Well (yelp.co.uk/biz/the-well-…) - Check in for a free delicious cocktail!

October 25 to 27 
Biju Bubble Tea (yelp.co.uk/biz/biju-bubb…) - Check in for a free bubble tea!

October 28 to 30 
VooDoo Ray's Boxpark (yelp.co.uk/biz/voodoo-ra…) - Check in for a free pizza slice.

* First 25 people only will get the free eats, so get there quick! If you're not one of the lucky ones though, don't worry, you'll still get a discount on your meal.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015

A Little Lusciousness Supper Club

Ginger Spice


Rosie aka A Little Lusciousness

A Little Lusciousness, Grub Club's top rated chef, and Hardeep Singh Kohli, comedian and chef extraordinaire, are joining forces to cook you a seven-course, Indian inspired feast, to raise money for charities supporting the refugee crisis. Join them for a night of food at West London's coolest venue, Storeys, on top of the old BBC Centre car park in Shepherd's Bush. All profits will be donated to Action Aid's refugee crisis appeal. Please note - this is an outside venue. There is marquee cover over the tables, but please wrap up warm!! Drinks available to purchase from the venue on the night. Wine from £20 a bottle, and large cocktails at £8 each. 100% profits to refugee charities!!

The menu!


To book, please visit
http://grubclub.com

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

Life as a chef

Working experience in a Michelin kitchen


Sous chef Tom Booton and Chef Patron Andy Mcfadden
of 
L'Autre Pied

Ever wondered what it takes for a restaurant to provide a plate of food in front of you? We see all the glamour and glory side from those so called celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White, but most people don't realise that the real commitment and hard work that is required to work in a top professional kitchen, goes unseen. Marcus Wareing, holder of 2 Michelin stars at his flagship restaurant Marcus, once said on Masterchef: "I sacrificed my youth, my friends and my family to get to where I am" also Helene Darroze, who was recently voted world's best female chef, was quoted in a newspaper saying: "at the age of 23 when, she got a job at Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV restaurant in Monaco. For several months, she was authorised only to wash the lettuce."

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Yelp's Slides and Scoops

Ice Cream Festival for Adults!



London is home to some of the best playgrounds in England, possibly the world, but you as a standard sane non-weirdo adult will never get the chance to play on them... until today!
Yelp is taking over the Kids Adventure Playground for a day of food, drinks, slides, swings and sweets, just for adults. This is not one of those new, overly done plastic playground but an old school, hand-crafted wooden behemoth from your childhood. And when was the last time you got to climb into a playground's crow's nest while holding a cocktail? Never, that's when!
 


And if that's not enough, to make you even more of a kid at heart again, there will also be an ICE CREAM FESTIVAL with everything from old school ice cream trucks, alcoholic pops, liquid nitrogen ice cream and more. The event will support of KIDS, which is a charity that supports children with disabilities, so you'll even be doing a good deed while having fun. 

RSVP now and we'll see you there!

--

**YELP'S OLD SCHOOL PLAYGROUND TAKEOVER WILL INCLUDE**

AN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL FEATURING:
Bee Me Yogurt (beeme.co.uk)
Black Vanilla Gelato (yelp.co.uk/biz/black-van…)
Gordan Ramsay's Union Street Cafe (yelp.co.uk/biz/union-str…)
Greedy Goat (yelp.co.uk/biz/greedy-go…)
Jaz & Jull's (yelp.co.uk/biz/jaz-and-j…)
La Gelatiera (yelp.co.uk/biz/la-gelati…)
LIC (havealic.com)
Piccadilly Whip (piccadillywhip.com)
POPS (wearepops.com)
Mamoo Ice-Cream (yelp.co.uk/biz/pizza-buz…)
The Original Crispy Candy Co. (yelp.co.uk/biz/the-origi…)
YOG Yogurt (yelp.co.uk/biz/yog-london)
Whaam Banh Mi (yelp.co.uk/biz/whaam-ban…)
WhipSmiths Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream (yelp.co.uk/biz/whipsmith…)

FOOD BY:
Bootlegger Jellies (facebook.com/bootleggerj…)
Liberty Cheesesteak Company (yelp.co.uk/biz/liberty-c…)
Melt Room (yelp.co.uk/biz/melt-room…)
popchips (popchips.com)
Smith & Sinclair (smithandsinclair.co.uk)

DRINKS BY:
Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur (chambordchannel.com)
Finlandia Vodka (finlandia.com)
The Pickle House (thepicklehouse.com)
Supernatural (sprntrl.co.uk)

ENTERTAINMENT BY:
Big Potato Games (bigpotato.co.uk)
citysocializer (citysocializer.com)
Fantastic Services (fantasticservices.com)
disqovr (disqovr.me)
Rabble (joinrabble.com)
SuperBooths Europe (superboothseurope.com)
Thinking Bob (thinkingbob.co.uk)

MUSIC BY:
The Big Everything (facebook.com/TheBigEvery…)

A/V By:
Shoreditch A/V (shoreditch-av.co.uk)

MEDIA PARTNER: 
WJ London (wjlondon.com)

PLUS, IT ALL HELPS SUPPORT:
KIDS (kids.org.uk)

RSVP now! See you there!

Monday, 3 August 2015

The Whisky Show 2015

London' finest Whisky Tasting Experience




Now in its seventh year, the UK’s finest and largest whisky event, The Whisky Show is returning to London this October. You are invited to taste world exclusive luxury drams, meet legendary figures from the whisky world,enjoy a variety of culinary delights and soak up the unique atmosphere. Due to the shows popularity, 2015 will see The Whisky Show move to the impressive Old Billingsgate with over 500 whiskies available to try through the day, as well as a generous food offering: Smith and Sinclair, expert confectioners will be showcasking bespoke whisky flavoured sweets using Balblair Whisky. Ibericos de Huelva, a small family run business producing Spanish Ibericos produce, will be hand carving a leg of Iberian ham at the show for people to try alongside the Glenfarclas 10yo. Cheese from La Fromagerie will be pairing artisan cheeses with Balvenie 12yo, and also hosting a more in-depth masterclass on each day with Balvenie Brand Ambassador James Buntin, featuring three of Balvenie’s older expressions.

The Whisky Show is one show you just can't miss out on if you are a true Whisky lover, book your ticket now before it is too late!

Dates: 3, 4October 2015,11.30am–6.30pm
Location: Old Billingsgate, London, EC3R6DX
Prices: Day tickets - £99, Weekend tickets - £165
Buy online at: www.whiskyshow.com
Exclusive Whisky Show Gift Packages: http://www.whiskyshow.com/whisky-gift-packages-now-available/

Saturday, 25 July 2015

eet

Who has time to queue or make a reservation? New app lets you ‘eet’ what you want, where you want, when you want.

Dining out in London just got easier. 'eet', an app designed to allow busy Londoners and visitors to the UK’s capital an easy and enjoyable dining experience, eet is the city’s first on-demand restaurant checker.
With so many demands on our time, few of us are able to consistently plan ahead; reserving tables and joining queues are equally impractical for impromptu meals, over-running business meetings and forgotten special occasions. eet allows users to check the availability of all participating restaurants in their vicinity at a glance.
eet employs high-tech sensors to monitor the capacity of participating restaurants. The information gathered is relayed to the app’s central hub, allowing users to gain up-to-the-minute information on table availability. Users are saved the hassle of fruitless phone calls, and restaurant staff are free to focus on the customers in front of them, without the demands of a constantly ringing telephone.
A traffic light system enables users to quickly see what is available; if the venue is full the status shows red; if it’s green you’re good to go, two quick clicks and a table is yours. Yellow shows restaurants are filling up fast, but if you’re up for a short wait, a table will be yours. From Michelin starred boutiques to hipster bars and gastro pubs, all forms of London eatery are covered, booking and no booking restaurants alike, giving users a unique advantage over other hungry diners.

Available for free on iOS and Android devices, users need only download the eet app, register their details, and begin their search. As well as finding location based results, users can search by restaurant, cuisine and even dish with more than 815,000 dishes listed on the app. Results are instantly available, allowing diners to sate their hunger within minutes!
Participating restaurants (full list available on the app)

      108 Brasserie
      Acciuga
      Babylon Roof Gardens
      Bao
      Barbecoa
      Barrafina Soho
      Bone Daddies Soho
      Blacklock
      Boulestin
      Burger & Lobster Soho
      Busaba Eathai (Bird Street & Wardour Street)
      Cay Tre Soho
      Ceviche Soho
      Christopher’s
      Chotto Matte
      Cinnamon Soho
      Daquise
      Dishoom Covent Garden
      Flat Iron
      Galvin at Windows
      Galvin Bistrot de Luxe
      Hix Soho
      Honest Burgers Soho
      Koya Bar
      L’Escargot
      Lima Floral
      Lobster Kitchen
      Macellaio Roberto Costa
      Memsaheb on Thames
      Mews of Mayfair
      Mission E2
      Morada
      Oka Kingly Court
      Opso
      Pachamama
      Pitt Cue Co.
      Pizza Pilgrims (Soho & Kingly Court)
      Polpo Soho
      Q Grill
      Senor Ceviche
      Shackfuyu
      Shoryu Kingly Court
      Smoking Goat
      Sopranos
      STAX Diner
      The Dolls House (Islington & Peckham)
      The Kensington Hotel Restaurant
      The National Café
      The National Dining Rooms
      The New Angel
      The Palomar
      The Remedy
      The Rum Kitchen Kingly Court
      Wright Brothers