A hidden drinking den deep in the heart of Soho... If you like your cocktail bars small, dark and cosy, then you'll love The Vault, a fab little gem of a bar hidden below Milroy's specialist whisky shop in Soho. To the untrained visitor, it looks like an ordinary whisky shop until you open the bookshelf door at the back, which leads to the cocktail bar in the basement. As a kid, I always dreamed of having one of these doors, and as an adult, the novelty factor is still just as strong.  Launched in January 2015, the 55-capacity speakeasy is already proving popular with the local media crowd and trendy young 20 or 30-somethings with a love for strong, innovative cocktails. The atmosphere is very low-key, making it the type of place where you can actually carry on a conversation with friends, while still having just enough buzz to keep it interesting (something that becomes increasingly more important when you're no longer in your early 20s). Owner Simo who is 'bringing back the 90s by going by one name like Cher', his words not mine, built the bar himself, using his construction skills to rescue the bar from its tacky 70s interior to transform it into a comfortable, cocoon-like space where one can easily while away the hours while enjoying a stiff tipple. Joining him at the helm is Bar Manager Natalino Marano, formerly of Coal Vaults on Wardour Street, (where he met Simo). Italian born and bred (the name kind of gives it away), Natalino is all charm as he furiously shakes cocktails into submission, ensuring that every drink is perfectly executed. The two make a dynamic duo and you get the impression that they really love what they're doing. In fact, they're so friendly and welcoming you're made to feel as if you're a regular, even if it's your first visit. I'm going to think of it as my own personal Cheers (a popular American TV show in the 80s and 90s for those who may not get the reference).  In the short time that The Vault has been open, they've already launched two cocktail menus, which involves Simo and Natalino sitting around a table testing and enjoying new drink concoction, all in the name of research. If you ask me, they've definitely got the whole work/life balance thing figured out! During my visit I sampled several cocktails featured on the Summer Cocktail Menu, all of which were totally unique and exceptionally prepared. One of the things that sets apart the cocktails at The Vault is their use of fresh ingredients and their love for infusing spirits using fruits and herbs. Bar Manager Natalino said that the most difficult aspect of making cocktails is knowing what appeals to different palates. He said: "If everyone's tastes were the same it would be much easier, but boring." Based on the innovative drinks that form the cocktail menu, you can tell that they are really pushing the boat out in efforts to avoid being labeled as dull. Highlights of the cocktail menu included the Carnabation Army (barrel aged Boulvadier, Bourbon, Campari, Camparno Antica); Blood in the Snow (White Armagnac, Figs, Demerara Sugar, Lemon, Egg White, Peychaud's Bitters); the Red Rimmer (Mezcal, Jalapeno Pepper, Agave, Lime, Grapefruit, Spiced Rum) and the Scandy Dandy (named after its Scandavian base spirit) and mixed with Caramel, Vanilla, Sea Salt, Lemon and Rosemary.  While all of these wild concoctions are indeed cool and it's always great to try something different, I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to cocktails, shunning the unique for classic favourites. The Old Fashioned (topped with Mezcal for a twist on an original) and the Espresso Martini (which uses Bolivian chocolate) were both superb and one of the best versions I've had of each. Rumour even has it that even the Bolivian Ambassador has been down to enjoy the Espresso Martini to see what the fuss is all about! Quite frankly, if the cocktails here are good enough for an ambassador, they're good enough for me!
Get there now before you need to fight off the crowds to secure a stool at the bar... The Vaults Milroy's of Soho 3 Greek Street London W1D 4NX A.A. Miln
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As London starts to feel like the tropics, the newly-opened Sloane Brother’s Frozen Yoghurt Co. has introduced a new flavour to its array: Dairy-Free Tropical. The boutique frozen yoghurt parlour recently opened its doors at the end of June on London’s trendy Brick Lane, just in time for the city’s scorching heatwave.
The new tropical option means that frozen delights can be enjoyed by those on a dairy-free diet, whether for health reasons, allergies or simply the preference for a lighter refreshment. All Sloane Brother’s frozen yoghurts are also fat-free and gluten-free, and available with a vibrant selection of fresh fruit toppings to combine for a skinny treat. In addition to fresh fruits, more indulgent toppings include crumbled cakes and brownies from local bakeries, and uniquely to Sloane Brothers a selection of classic British biscuits – jammie dodgers, chocolate bourbons, party rings and garibaldis included. For more information visit www.sloanebrothers.co.uk.Pricing: Small £2.95, Medium £3.45, Large £4.25. Sloane Brother’s Frozen Yoghurt Co. 214 Brick Lane London E1 6SA A.A. Miln 
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I'm a lover of all cheeses (bordering on an obsession), so I will definitely be celebrating the Buffalo Mozzarella season this summer!
Buffalo Mozzarella is freshest in July and August, as during these months the weather in Campania is at it’s warmest, the grass and herbs at their sweetest, and apparently water buffalo are at their happiest (I'm not sure how one determines a water buffalo's happiness levels, but it certainly sounds nice to have blissful water buffalo roaming around high on life for the sheer purpose of producing divine cheese). To ensure freshness, Rossopomodoro transport the Buffalo Mozzarella twice weekly direct from Campania, and it goes from production to plate in 24 hours, bringing London the tastiest and freshest mozzarella possible. To celebrate these two special months, Rossopomodoro has introduced two larger sharing plates (in addition to the permanent menu items).
Both are served with tomato bruschetta, grilled vegetables and prosciutto di Parma. With just over a month to go before the Buffalo Mozzarella season ends, ensure you head to Rossopomodoro now to indulge in some creamy and delicious mozzarella in all its glory. 
Rossopomodoro London locations
Addresses Camden 10 Jamestown Road Camden, NW1 7BY 020 7424 9900 [email protected] http://www.rossopomodoro.co.uk/restaurant/camden/ Chelsea 214 Fulham Road SW10 9NB 020 7352 7677 [email protected] http://www.rossopomodoro.co.uk/restaurant/chelsea/ Covent Garden 50 - 52 Monmouth Street WC2 H9EP 020 7240 9095 [email protected] http://www.rossopomodoro.co.uk/restaurant/covent-garden/ Hoxton 1 Rufus Street London, N1 6PE 020 7739 1899 [email protected] http://www.rossopomodoro.co.uk/restaurant/hoxton/ Oxford Street 300 Oxford St, John Lewis Shopping Centre, W1A 1EX 020 7495 8409 [email protected] http://www.rossopomodoro.co.uk/restaurant/oxford-street/ Wandsworth 46 Garratt Lane London, SW18 4TF 020 8877 9903 [email protected] http://www.rossopomodoro.co.uk/restaurant/wandsworth A.A. Miln Want to keep up to date with all of our latest posts? Click to subscribe below and we'll send you a weekly email update with our top posts from the week. A place where superb sandwiches are the star of the show...
'Slow food fast' is the promise of Street Kitchen, a gourmet 'grab and go' restaurant in the heart of the newly developed Broadgate Circle.
Focusing on sustainable food that's delicious to boot, Street Kitchen is a fab find for those who eat with a conscience. For those that couldn't care less where their food comes from or how it has been prepared, they can simply enjoy scrumptious, ridiculously fresh sandwiches that have been painstakingly made with love. Launched by street food stalwarts Mark Jankel (The Food Initiative*) and Jun Tanaka (formerly of Pearl), Street Kitchen serves fresh, sustainable sandwiches and salads. Sustainability is at the very core of their ethos, which means that all foods have been vetted by Mark and Jun whom only work with suppliers that inspire them. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone more committed to the sustainable food cause than Mark, who spent a year visiting farms across the UK to meet the farmers first-hand. Given his ability to rattle off each farmer supplier by name, you become aware that this is an establishment whose founders really invest both their time and money into ensuring they are providing the best goods possible for their customers, all while remaining true to their sustainable roots. Don't worry though, they aren't out to preach to others about the virtues of sustainable food, but they'll happily chat with anyone who shares their passion and is keen on learning more about the provenance of the food they provide. 
The sandwiches at Street Kitchen take centre stage, and rightly so as they've been made using a selection of beautiful breads sourced from specialist bakers across the capital – focaccia, pitta, challah, rye, brioche, you'll find them all here.
Sandwich fillings include options such as charred organic broccoli with free-range eggs, smoky mustard mayo, pickled red onions and Old Winchester cheese; and rare roast beef with caramelised onions, watercress, pickled cucumber and horseradish. During my visit, I sampled three amazingly moreish sandwiches. Sandwich 1: Sustainable salmon fillet with watercress, beetroot with dill mayo and onion chutney on a brioche bun Now I'll be honest, I don't typically enjoy salmon, but this salmon from Loch Duart was so flaky and fresh that I was completely won over. The beetroot was a surprising addition that provided a sweet balance. My favourite sandwich hands down. Sandwich 2: Chicken with tarragon mayo, red onion and gem lettuce on a poppyseed bun This had a subtle Indian influence to it (thanks to the tarragon) and was a nice twist on a classic. Sandwich 3: Rare roast beef, pickled onion, horseradish and watercress on ciabatta The thinly shaved, premium Herefordshire beef was great quality and the horseradish provided a bit of a kick, without being too overpowering. 
While there isn't really much room indoors to eat, (which isn't an issue as most customers take their meals on the go to eat back at their office), there is a large outdoor terrace with low tables and benches where you can perch with your sandwich, while watching the buzzy atmosphere of City workers in Broadgate Circle as they enjoy an al fresco spot of lunch or a post work tipple.
For those who like it hot...
Also available throughout the day are hot sandwiches such as roast chicken with tarragon mayo, smoked salmon with pickled red cabbage and lamb meatballs with tomato compote and spiced yoghurt. In the evenings, you can also order salt beef and lobster rolls, which are amazing paired with a cool collection of locally-brewed craft beers from the likes of Camden Town Brewery and London Fields Brewery. If beer isn't your thing, you can opt for a sprightly English sparkling wine.
Enjoy a wealth of other fabulous foodie delights...
Farm-to-fork salad boxes
Accompanying the sandwiches is a range of light and healthy, farm-to-fork salad boxes – both large and small (£3; £5) – packed with seasonal British ingredients such as home-smoked salmon with sweet pickled vegetables and dill dressing; spiced aubergine with hummus, roast cauliflower and pomegranate; beef and broccoli with pickled carrot and soy and sesame dressing; and goats’ cheese with sweet red onion, butternut squash and marjoram. Wake up with Street Kitchen's very own 'Java Joe' - Barista Joe Reed If like me you need a jolt of caffeine to sort you out first thing in the morning, than coffee isn't an option, it's a necessity. As any coffee lover knows, there's good coffee and there's terrible coffee. Luckily, for coffee lovers, coffee is something of a culture at Street Kitchen, with dedicated barista Joe Reed expertly manning a La Marzocco coffee machine that sits up-front and centre in the open kitchen. Enjoy fresh roasted beans and artisan blends by AllPress Artisan blends by AllPress ensure springs-in-steps from morning ‘til night with beans roasted daily together with a selection of luxe leaves from the likes of Mangajo Green Teas and Equal Exchange. Prefer something a bit softer to set you up for the day? Drinks from Karma Cola and juices by Chegworth Valley should hit the spot.
Dine al fresco on the outdoor terrace with a spot of people watching...
Man Vs. Food sized portions - Introducing the 24-inch sandwich...
For those with a substantial appetite, Street Kitchen also specialises in 24-inch sandwiches (£4-7) served ‘by-the-inch’ and measured against bespoke boards inlaid with vintage yardsticks for quirky ‘cut-to-size’ ordering. If tackling a beast of a 24" sandwich sounds like it's fit for Man Vs. Food, you're right on the money.
Food eating competition legend and TV host of Man Vs. Food and Man Finds Food, the amazing Adam Richman, recently popped by the shop to enjoy the signature sandwich. Being slightly obsessed (OK really obsessed, with both food programs and Adam Richman - my weird celebrity crush), I couldn't help but love Street Kitchen just a little bit more after hearing that Adam had also graced it with his presence. Quite frankly, if it's good enough for Adam, it's good enough for me. Viva la sandwich revolution! Street Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner (7am-9pm) Monday through Friday. For more information or to find other London locations, visit http://www.streetkitchen.co.uk. Street Kitchen 42 Broadgate Circle London EC2M 2QS Follow Street Kitchen on social media: www.streetkitchen.co.uk @streetkitchen #BroadgateCircle facebook.com/streetkitchenuk
If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy some of our other food reviews:
Herman Ze German - Traditional German food in London The best London restaurants to enjoy dim sum in the evening A.A. Miln Want to keep up to date with all of our latest posts? Click to subscribe below and we'll send you a weekly email update with our top posts from the week.  Dirty Bones
In celebration of Independence Day, American comfort food restaurant Dirty Bones will be offering a special 4th of July burger. Guests can chow down on the 6oz beef burger with Monterey Jack and craft beer cheese, Coca Cola onion rings, onion confit and onion seeds for just £9. Diners can also add skinny fries with a Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Brooklyn Pale Ale (for £15), or Mutt’s Nuts cocktail (for £17). In addition, Dirty Bones will be offering any customer who trades in a $1 bill a complimentary cocktail when dining. For more information visit http://dirty-bones.com. The Big Easy Big Easy is going all out for 4th July this year and introducing a world exclusive to mark the occasion in style, the ‘Cloof Burger’ Priced at £20, the ‘Cloof Burger’ is made up of Hoof + Claw + Fries + Salad + Beer. For one day only, in honour of our state side friends this 8oz burger stacked high with lobster meat is not to be missed. Available at Big Easy Covent Garden and King’s Road. The Big Easy team will also be serving their limited edition, ‘Stars & Stipes Slushie’ made with strawberry daiquiri, topped with piña colada and a blue Curaçao float. For more information, visit www.Bigeasy.co.uk. Avenue Restaurant The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year and Avenue restaurant is giving Londoners the opportunity to celebrate in true US style. Head Chef James Hulme has created a created a three-course celebration menu withpaired Californian wines for £55 along with bite sized pecan pies to take home. To book or for more information, please call 020 7321 2111 or email[email protected]. STK London In celebration of Independence Day, STK London will launch a six course USDA beef tasting menu. Located on the Strand within the ground floor of the ME London Hotel is STK London is an upscale modern steakhouse. The superior grade steak served at the restaurant is 28 day custom-aged USDA prime beef, now for the first time, executive chef Barry Vera has created a tasting menu with the premium meat. The menu will feature four small dishes; beef ceviche (with lime, chilli and coriander), STK’s signature Lil BRGR, shin of beef ravioli (with bone marrow sauce) and Asian beef (with hot and sour dressing). The main course is USDA steak and chips with STK sauce. To finish, guests will enjoy STK’s playful Taste of the Fairground dessert: candy floss, toffee apples, cookie milkshake, peanut butter and raspberry macarons, salted caramel doughnuts and sweet shop marshmallows. STK London’s USDA tasting menu will launch on Saturday 4th July. http://togrp.com/restaurant/stk-london/. A.A. Miln A charming neighbourhood restaurant serving delicious traditional Italian fare...  Bringing the warm, sociable spirit of Sicilian hospitality to South Kensington, IDDU is a quaint little gem serving traditional Sicilian delights. This small but perfectly formed restaurant is the type of place where locals settle in and never leave... When the weather is amicable, enjoy an al fresco meal on the outdoor patio, which provides the perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. A cheerful candy-striped awning at the entrance beckons visitors in. The pared down, fresh, white decor with its intimate seating plan, makes it a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy a low-key romantic meal with your companion.   The Antipasti menu includes a wide variety of Italian favourites, including Lentils, Hummous, Avacados & Mint; Capponata alla Siciliana; Asparagus, Rocket & Granola; Merinda Tomato, Broadbean and Rice Salad, to name a few. The mains menu includes classic dishes such as Tuna Tartare; Veal; Penna Alla Norma; Yellow Fin Tuna, Wild Rice and Capers and 24- month-aged Prosciutto Crudo. The verdict During our visit, I enjoyed the Courgette Flowers stuffed with creamy Ricotta cheese, which for cheese lovers, is a little parcel of warm, cheesy goodness. Italian comfort food at it's best. For the main, I opted for the Veal, which was breadcrumbed and served with a tomato salad and a lemon wedge. Simply done and well executed. My companion opted for the Tuna Tartare, which I'm not a fan of in general, but it looked superb. Desserts options on offer include Mango salad, Cannoli Siciliani, Almond and orange cake, yoghurt or a selection of Sicilian cheeses. Sadly, we were too full to indulge in dessert, and instead enjoyed the shaved lemon ice, which was very refreshing and perfect for cleansing the palate. Overall, it's a great place to visit if you're looking for a casual restaurant serving great food in South Kensington.  For more information or to make a reservation, visit http://iddulondon.com.
IDDU 44 Harrington Road South Kensington London SW7 3ND A.A. Miln |
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