Tag Archives: London

Step into the light

Posted in food, Lifestyle by
Dani holds a glass of champagne with Pegasus reflection in mirror, at the Brasserie of Light in London

Absolutely no secret I love eating. Food makes me very happy. And i love a pretty place.A glass or two of champagne.

I had been to the Brasserie of Light before for drinks and a light snack at the bar. It was so good that it’s been in my hit list for a full meal. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint.

With theatre booked for 7pm, we decided to have a very late lunch (or very early dinner if you prefer). Underwhelmed with the pre/post theatre menus in the area, we decided to broaden the search area and go a bit early. Then the Brasserie of Light came to mind straight away.

Not widely available for booking, we got lucky, given the last-ish minute decision, dinner wouldn’t have been possible (tip: book early), but it seems the stars aligned.

It is located within Selfridges in Oxford Street and is so pretty – all art-deco style with its (literally) shining piece de resistance: Damien Hirst’s 24ft crystal encrusted Pegasus statue with its 30ft wingspan soaring over us with its majestic hooves lifted, as if flying into the light. There are some little ones dotted around other areas, but the main dining room really is where fabulousness is at.

Watch the video

We started with a chilled glass of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label while we chose.

Tuna carpaccio starter dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Tuna carpaccio
Scallops starter dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Scallops

For starter Dan went for the tuna carpaccio, with mooli, spiced avocado purée, sesame seeds and citrus ponzu. He cannot fault it.

I went for the roasted sea scallops with creamed truffle polenta, parsnip crisps and salad mâche. Not gonna lie, I feel this dish was constructed for me. It ticked all my flavour boxes.

Black cod main course dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Black cod
Monkfish and prawn curry main course starter dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London
Monkfish and prawn curry

I really wanted the duck main but sadly they were out of it. Enter the miso black cod with pickled fennel and miso sauce, which filled the duck’s spot with no gaps. Cannot go wrong with black cod. Also ordered a side of the truffle mash. DIVINE.

I am intolerant to raw fennel, but it came on the side. As it was pickled, I had a go at my own peril and it was too good. I ate it all but as it was pickled it didn’t make me unwell. Score.

Dan had the monkfish and prawn Keralan curry with sweet potato, coriander, coconut and jasmine rice. He loved it.

We shared a bottle of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, te Muna, Craggy Range, 2021 over our courses.

Orbit dessert dish picture at the Brasserie of Light in London

Now, I don’t often have desserts, especially chocolate ones, but the Orbit the table next to us had was so damn pretty that we had to order one to share. It’s a very indulgent dark chocolate mousse, salted caramel ice cream, milk foam, honeycomb and popping candy.

Love the theatricals and it was real party in my mouth, with amazing flavours I adore. The milk foam, although delicious, was a bit too rich for me in the quantity.

We washed it down with another glass of Veuve while they brought the lovely surprise at the end as we celebrated our anniversary (we don’t have a date for it, but it’s loosely around that time, so we celebrate another cycle of sheer toleration love).

Now, I am usually suspicious of pretty venues as had bad experiences in other good looking, poor tasting and pocket bleeding venues but this wasn’t the case, much on the contrary.

Service was impeccable throughout, so added to the whole experience.

Tip #2: toilets are shared with Selfridges so on a Saturday evening the queues were brutal. I found another one in another floor and got lost on my way back, naturally. Dan had better luck.

Main downside: having to go through the Shoe Galleries after a few drinks. I did not buy on that day but a week later I was back for the shoes. Damn. Do not say I didn’t warn you.

A brown paper bag containing a brown paper shoebox with a red ribbon
written by Dani

A brilliantly explosive experience: The Gunpowder plot

Posted in experiences, Lifestyle by

How about you spend two hours in vaults under London’s Tower Bridge to help foil the explosive plot of 5th November 1605?

Sounds amazing, right? That’s exactly what The GunPowder Plot brings you.

You get plunged bang in the middle of Guy Fawkes’ conspiracy, interacting with the most amazing live actors and virtual reality to help save the Houses of Parliament from exploding.

I do love immersive experiences and I must say The Gunpowder Plot is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. Before I go on I;ll highlight I highly recommend this one.

Let’s start with the setting – extremely elaborate across 3 floors at the Vaults by the Tower of London and London Bridge, the venue really drags you into the story line.

The whole journey takes place at a space styled very realistically, made to look and smell as if you are there. Extra points for the great special effects.

A male actor wearing a black cape crouches by a small door on the floor.
Image courtesy from The Gunpowder Plot.

The actors are fantastic and their interaction with the crowd very natural and extremely engaging to get you to complete your mission in an action packed quest.

Plus you really feel comfortable to interact with them as much or as little as you wish throughout the experience.

Tom Felton stars (virtually) as Guy Fawkes.

Now, the virtual reality parts… Oh the VR parts. EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD. Of course no spoilers but damn, it was good. Every single bit of it. It really elevated the experience.

Visitors sit in swing chairs wearing VR headsheats
Image courtesy from The Gunpowder Plot.

You really feel you are in London 1605 helping save the city and its people from a dreadful fate. And I love the mix of very old – the story, the set, the styling – and new – all the tech used across the show and how it blends seamlessly together.

I also loved the historical “corrections’ to the experience storyline and clarifications at the very end. Gives you a full view of the real plot and actors, relating it to the experience you’ve just been through.

Halfway and at the end you have a change to grab a beverage or two. In the interval pub, the Duck and Drake, where you “plan” your next moves, you can grab a drink and take some pictures, while photography/filming is forbidden through the experience, of course.

At the first (and last) bar, you can order (and pre-order) from a list of thematic cocktails (I had the Toffee Apple and my partner the Dark and Smoky) and also food, making this experience even more complete. A real day out!

Also worth nothing is the fantastic creative team behind the experience, which include Olivier nominee writer Danny Robins with multi-BAFTA award-nominated games performance director Hannah Price.

Video courtesy from The Gunpowder Plot.

Check out the exciting trailer and visit The Gunpowder Plot website to find out more and book tickets, which are from £40 per person for standard tickets (VIP also offered) and they are currently booking until the 31 March 2023.

But hurry, when writing this I could see lots of dates well in 2023 are already sold out, which comes to no surprise give the quality of this experience.

A couple things to mind before you book: agers are 12+ and you have to go down stairs, crouch through a relatively small space so not suitable for those with limited mobility, unfortunately. Check their site and FAQs for more info.

This post is about an experience I attended as an invitation, with no obligation to post. Opinions are, as usual, honest and my own.

Living up my princess dreams

Posted in Dresses, Fashion, Lifestyle, Shoes, Style by

Ok. Confession: “princess” my dresses were never really my thing, so I was surprised by how drawn to this beautiful ombré shoulder wing maxi dress I was. 

So I am living up the princess dreams I didn’t even know I had!

From the three I got, this was probably my “least” favourite and as such the one which surprised me the most. 

As soon as I received it, I had to try it on and I knew immediately I’d shoot it because it is magical. 

The blush and navy ombré reminds me of when the fairies in Sleeping Beauty are fighting over the colour of her dress – pink and blue. The glittery tulle with some added sparkly stars really looks like magic was cast over it.

The dress flows and shines beautifully. The apt princess neckline together with the drop sleeves just make it even more wonderful.

Goddiva dresses sizes start at an 8 and it’s a tad big for me on the chest and waist – nothing a belt and a strapless bra didn’t solve!

I also accessorised with my beloved Christian Louboutin pailette caresse all turned to silver. Id probably throw in a lips clutch in silver mirror to wear for an occasion. 

I decided to shoot it at the stunning St Dunstan on the east former church with was bombed in the II world war abs is now a beautiful garden open to the public. 

I highly recommend you pay a visit if in London, it’s a haven of tranquility and peace, on top of its beauty and history. 

I am usually a fan of sequin dresses, a bit more skin tight, but this dreamy dress has definitely got my heart!

Only regret? I should’ve worn a tiara.

Goddiva has a great selection and I hear their new season dresses section is growing considerably for the party months, even if it is to party from your sitting room.

written by Dani

This post contains PR products and was created in collaboration with Goddiva with no obligation to post. Words are all my own, opinions and images too!

The joys of brunching

Posted in food, Lifestyle by

One the joys that (kinda) remained during the pandemic is brunch. I am a massive fan of brunch, but to be honest, it is not the hype around brunch itself.

For me, what is better than having a lazy, late delicious breakfast/lunch with friends, to chat away your week and indulge in (always) bottomless day drinking?

One of my favourite spots is Sea Containers. Around London’s South Bank, in this lovely restaurant on the bottom floor of the equally lovely namesake hotel, you’ll find great food and fab service.

Favourite order: the mac and cheese. Trust me. around £40pp will get you well fed and on the bottomless prosecco for 1.5h.

Pre COVID-19, I spent a whole day in there: went for brunch, then to the cinema and finally closed the day at the cocktail bar. How not to love the place?

Don’t think it is technically a brunch, but as the name does not matter, for me it falls within the category: the feast at The Ned.

What a glorious place The Ned is, and the feast follows it through. No longer a buffet due to the pandemic, rest assured you still get plenty of food and the same variety, all conveniently brought to your table.

The live music adds to the ambience and the indulgent choice to add bottomless champagne for 2 hours to your bottomless eating is dear, but worth it at £130pp.

There are many other places I like to go for “brunch”, impossible to list all.

I love the D&D restaurants for example, Skylon providing a great brunch also on South Bank with music and a lovely Thames view.

  • Eggs benedict at Skylon

Another one worth keeping on the radar, as I’m REALLY hoping they will re-open post-lockdown – they haven’t yet, although I noticed bookings are open for November so fingers crossed – as their brunch is probably the best value for money EVER is Nobu in Shoreditch.

As much as you can eat sushi, a main course and a buffet of desserts, with the Nobu quality and expertise, plus bottomless drinks option is dreamy. My bum will be on a chair as soon as they open their doors.

Admittedly, now London is in Tier 2 brunch indoors will only take place with my boyfriend, but alas, I cannot wait to get back to it with the ladies!

I am always looking for new places and always have a few on my hit list, waiting to be tried. What is your favourite brunch spot?

written by Dani

Clinging on to sanity

Posted in Lifestyle, wellbeing by

Weird, weird times. Before I start, I’d like to state how lucky I am in the current situation: I am healthy, employed (by a very decent employer), I can safely do my job from my house, I have a lovely home, some private outdoor space, wonderful boyfriend who temporarily moved into my house (and is still alive!).

That cleared, I must address the elephant in the room: how to cope with my crippling anxiety and OCD at this time of pandemic. Admittedly, it could’ve been or become much worse if not for the combination of blessings above. But it does not mean I am free from it.

We worry about the future, our loved ones. We long for the life we used to live. We miss close contact with family, friends, the places we used to go. The ones we were meant to go, the things we should be seeing and doing. How we took it all for granted.

We feel guilty we could/should be more productive. Maybe it is the time to be productive, or maybe we should just do whatever we can to cope and come out of this in one piece.

We worry about our image, our fitness, our habits. We keep being too hard on ourselves. What life will be like once this is over. Will this be over?

So what am I doing to (try to) cope?

For a lot of the time, I’m only just (and only just) holding it together. Anxiety and panic attacks sometimes take all of my energy and I can only crash after. I cry. Stress has re-triggered IBS my old friend and my already unhappy hormones are all over the place. My body, as well as my mind, as screaming for help.

When not doing that, I’m laughing. An awful lot. Sometimes until I snort. Trying to keep being myself – for bad or for worse. And the below.

Focus on what I love: I got myself a pull up bar and aerial hoop. Being an anxious scaredy cat means I am being extra safe when exercising indoors and outdoors.

Try to get out of the house: when your main anxiety is healthy anxiety, crossing the threshold in times of COVID-19 is torture. I can only manage a few times a week and the shops are a challenge. I haven’t been to one in four weeks, and lucky Dan has been doing that, but I try to do the most out of the time I am out.

Help someone: Anyone who needs. It’s good for them, but better for your heart. I got in touch with elderly neighbours and have regularly been delivering their little shopping list. Look for someone local. Among all the ugly, there is something wonderful happening in communities around you. Be part of it, a small of big, it counts.

Face masks: Yes. I’ve been abusing the wonderful selection of sheet and cream face masks in my beauty archives. Damn it feels good. But that applies to any pamper: a bath, a body scrub, foot massage

Read: I haven’t been to good at that lately but have just started again.

Establish a routine: I am fortunate to be working full-time and I used to work from home 2/3 times a week before the lockdown, so it’s the same but more rubbish, really.

I have my little desk and stick to working there. I wake up, brush my teeth and haitr, get changed (not full outside world outfit, but not PJs). I workout outdoors three times a week, early in the morning and away from people. I plan my meals, the limited food runs.

I make things: lockdown has produced one peacock hat, three disco balls purchased for sitting room decor (currently living on armchair), plans for a splashback in the kitchen are hatching.

Bring “normality” inside: we party. A fair bit. So we have been having DJing/dancing sessions on Saturdays. Dress up. Lights, smoke machine, drinks.

Live on insta, shared wit friends on Zoom/WhatsApp, etc. Keeps us close, helps build up the step count!

I went “out” for brunch. On the balcony. With prosecco.

Treat myself: not like crazy but liberally. Be it with food, buying something nice I’m lucky enough to be able to afford. To do something trivial but be a little bit extra.

I’m not counting my macros, but I’m not going too overboard. Trying to get a happy balance.

Support those who are less fortunate: friends or businesses might’ve lost their income. Support any way you can, if you can.

What I haven’t been round to do but want to:

Tidy up: don’t I always want to, but never, sort out clothes and create space? Although boy is a bit of an organiser and has already sorted a few kitchen cupboards. Here’s hoping he makes it to wardrobes.

Set a fitness goals: due to my injury I lost pretty much all of my flex. Would be nice to start getting back to it.

Meditate/find more headspace: a life long struggle for me, no blame on the old COVID-19.

Don’t be too hard on myself: kindness should be all round – to others and yourself. The latter a huge struggle of mine that has improved a lot, but still a lot of work to to. Sometimes, “enough” is just enough.

There is a lot out of our control. I am worried sick about my family who had to close their business. But there is nothing I can do, and they are ok for now.

I keep living my best “one day at a time” philosophy. It has never been more relevant.

But ultimately, STAY THE FUCK HOME. Don’t meet with people outside your household. Don’t take the piss with the tiny allowance of outside time we have. WASH YOUR HANDS. Be kind – to yourself, to others.

The more you stick to the guidelines, the quicker this will be over. And be safe!

written by Dani

A delicious way to say no to waste

Posted in food by

Chocolate is good right? Yes. Can it be better? Yes! Montezuma’s has a little surprise in Covent Garden on the 13 and 14 March – the “Waste not, want not recyclable shop” where you can take your empty food containers for recycling and swap for a taste of one of their wonderful, exclusive chocolate creations – FREE!

The tailor-made treats look like our lunchtime favourites ad are made of their signature white chocolate and truffle filling.

This is all chocolate!

There is also a 3D artwork which is fully edible, to highlight the not recycled waste that ends up in landfills, hopefully to inspire more sustainable choices.

All that to celebrate the launch of their new packaging which is 100% recyclable, biodegradable or compostable: a first for a British chocolate company.

The installation also tells the journey to get to sustainable packaging .

Montezuma has a fabulous and extensive range of chocolates, from milk to 100% dark, white, milk free and vegan too, and amazing concoctions; my faves being Salty Dog (lime, sea salt dark choc) and Black Forest (cherry in dark). Their truffles are fab too; try American Idol or Tiger Tiger. Yum.

Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond the packaging, of course: they use best ingredients and ethically sourced cocoa.

If you are around in London’s Covent Garden for a quick lunch, pop over with your empties and get to taste one of their creations. Waste not, want not is open from 10-6 on Saturday 14 March at 67 Neal Street.

A delicious pit stop, I assure you!

Check Montezuma’s out and discover their tasty range.

written by Dani

I was invited to the preview and stuffed my face with sample chocolate. And I liked it. That’s all.

All the fun and games

Posted in Lifestyle by

I partnered up with giffgaff to get some old fashioned offline times, which is getting harder and harder to get in this digital world of ours. To be honest, it is almost like a challenge nowadays.

Having a little weird family away from my family is wonderful, but the fact we mainly socialise (maybe a little bit too much) by going out means we sometimes we can lack in real connection in down time.

So I had no excuses, giffgaff kitted me out with online tools – their awesome sim cards were used (and abused) to organise our night in, map journeys from work, order some food and cabs home; a power bank to make sure we managed to do that; camera to capture the moment (even though my friends were, surprisingly camera shy that day) and some super fun offline gift: board games.

One evening after work we chose, in between courses, glasses of wine and chats about our upcoming nights out, to play Weird Things Humans Search For and Bucket of Doom, which was the most fun – the stories started shy but quickly escalated.

We picked the phone less. We laughed more (only marginally, we are usually hilarious anyway), we were present.

After a evening of good food, friends and crying-with-laughter fun, I went to bed with my belly and heart full, thinking how lucky I am to have these weirdos around me.

Resolution: do this at least once a month. And get that missing one in the group to come next time!

I also very surprised to find out how much flexibility giffgaff gives when choosing how to use your mobile.

They offer free sim (yes, FREE) where you can either get a “goodie bag” with some great value minutes and data – or just the sim to pay as you go and SIM only monthly plans from £6!

Flexibility to suit you is key – so you can change or cancel at any time!

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples as products were GIFTED, in partnership with giffgaff.

Chambers_: Food, fun and adventure in east London

Posted in Beauty by

Food and an fun? Yes, please! 

The Gingerline has a new dining adventure in east London: Chambers_ where you are taken through the multiverse exploring different flavours and sometimes working for your dinner. 

Think art, performance, problem solving, a little bit of competition, story-telling, all sprinkled with yummy food and a whole lot of fun taking place in the multiverse – multiple rooms where a different, often outrageous reality awaits, together with a different dish. 

The whole experience is dead secretive, so I won’t be able to drill down to detail: you’ll have to trust me – or take a look at their previous adventures to have a little taster of what’s to come.

A few hours before you start, you get a message with instructions on how to get to their secret HQ in Hoxton. And the menu is also a secret, unveiled as you explore it on the day. 

You get a welcome drink, the 5 courses during your exploration. They also have an extensive drinks menu, some of which can be taken on the journey. 

Overall, I found the food really good – it is developed by Flavourlogy, and I was pleasantly surprised at the tastes presented, and how good they are catering for dietary needs. 

Drinks are affordable (their house wine is less than £20 a bottle) and there are some interesting cocktails (from £8) on the menu, such as the Cartographer’s Courage and the Transportal, which can be ordered in multiple portions to carry through your little trip.

The experience itself last about 2 hour and is delightful: the cast is really lovely and the journey is interactive: we were part of the story being told. 

At the end, you have the chance to spend sometime at a very Instagrammable bar, where drinks, from a different menu, are plenty. 

Tickets cost from £60 per person, they started at the end of August and there are only a few dates available for mid and late October, which were released due to the crazy demand. You can book on their website.

Be quick, they do sell out – their reputation precedes them and I can confirm they live up to it! You don’t want to be locked out of the multiverse, do you?

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains a PR sample as this experience was GIFTED, with no obligation to post. This review, however, is based on my experience and reflects my honest opinion.

Summer is calling!

Posted in food, Lifestyle by

Somerset House is a special place in London – not just for me, I am sure. The art, the fashion, the fountains. There’s nothing not to be in awe of.

I used to work around the corner and the terrace comes alive in the warmer seasons and this year, San Miguel is (beautifully) owning the space, putting a gorgeous Spanish laid back twist to it. 

Obviously San Miguel beer is widely available, but not only as we know it: they have a selection of 10 different beers, which include special edition varieties, with varying strengths and using hops from around the world, as well as gluten and alcohol free versions.

Brave enough for a Dorchester? Its ABV is 9.1%!

Food is a ace, as in any Spanish affair: tapas such as albondigas, tortillas and padron peppers, as well as sharing platters and delicious wood fired flatbreads to be washed down with the beer selection, or the very interesting beer cocktails.

Sceptical as I am, I was somewhat besotted with Piscolinho (£10.25), which contains pisco, cointreau, agave syrup, lime and San Miguel Especial. 

And the decor? Well… think Spanish veranda: white washed, pink flowers in abundance, a swing (very insta worthy!). 

The Somerset House x San Miguel terrace is open throughout the spring and summer until September.

Well worth a visit, as well as the place it sits in, when strolling through the capital.

You can check all the details on the Somerset House website (and make group bookings). I recommend you check their menu – you won’t be able to resist!

A beautiful setting with fantastic food and drinks – what a way to spend a (hopefully) balmy summer evening or a scorching afternoon!

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: I was invited to the terrace opening, so it was a PR experience. This review, however, is based on my honest opinion.

New in the London nightlife

Posted in food, Lifestyle by
Just hanging: Near & Far with the lovely Kat (and a few cocktails)

Camden is a place I don’t venture that often, but I was glad I made it for the opening of Near & Far. 

If you’re thinking the name is familiar, you are right: there’s another one in Peckham Levels and they belong to the same group behind the Magic Roundabout. 

The bar is pretty, let’s agree beforehand. Pinks, palm trees, flamingoes, in a Palm Springs style: it’s an insta-dream.

It has a terrace, perfect for the coming months, and hiding at the lower level is a gorgeous sitting room like area, with the most gorgeous hanging chairs and neon art. 

Near & Far Camden review
Near & Far Camden review
Near & Far Camden review
Near & Far Camden review
Near & Far Camden review
Near & Far Camden review

Being one who does not pass on a cocktail, I am happy to see Peckham classics and new additions such as the The Benedict Cucumberbatch (gin, elderflower and cucumber) and the Emergency Brexit (play on a classic Negroni), both £7.50 – very affordable!

The menu, by Elote, is fabulous – a Mexican fare of snacks, tacos and tostadas, with options for everyone – all gluten free. I loved the pulled pork tostada, and the chickpea fries are definitely worth a try!

You can check their food and drink menus out, and head to their website to make bookings – apart from being a cocktail and food place, they also host ArtNight events and cocktail masterclasses. You can also do private bookings and have the place to yourself!

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this is an AD as I was invited to the opening night to sample the drinks and food. This review, however, is based on my experience and reflects my honest opinion.