Since P.F. Chang’s opened just off Leicester Square around 18 months ago it’s been packed every time I’ve walked past and with good reason. Having frequented the Asian restaurant on several occasion I’ve never been disappointed with a meal. It’s buzzing without seeming too overrun and the vast menu has something for every palate. The bold new 2019 menu brings fresh dishes to the table, a range of Japanese, Chinese and Korean dishes inspired by Philip Chiang’s craveable favourites and ‘farm-to-wok’ philosophy, all made with locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The vibe We visited on a February Wednesday evening and even at 6pm it was getting busy. The bar area at the front of the restaurant, surrounded by high tables, was full of those indulging in a post-work cocktail, while the bigger tables towards the back attracted a mixed clientele of date nights, shoppers in need of refreshment and smattering of families. Our table, tucked towards the back, could have done with a little more space given its proximity to its neighbours, but with a fantastic view of the open kitchen we had the perfect panorama of the P.F. Chang’s experience. The food Those who don’t quite yet have the summer body nailed will be pleased to hear the new menu contains some lighter dishes, such as the peanut lime chicken salad, but if you’re there to indulge there’s plenty to choose from. Start with the infamous Original Dynamite Shrimp - crispy tempura battered shrimp, with spicy Sriracha aioli sprinkled in spring onions - not one of the new additions, but not one to miss. I adored the sticky, tangy honey chicken, battered (again) and served on a bed of moreish crispy rice sticks; like your favourite Chinese takeaway but so much better. Wok-seared tempura cauliflower with a sweet and spicy Korean Gochujang sauce was a delicious side while the sesame chicken was another favourite, a colourful combination of sliced chicken breast, broccoli, red bell peppers, onions, and a three-sauce mixture, perfectly accompanied a pretty great fried rice. In fact there wasn’t a dish among them we didn’t devour. P.F. Chang’s doesn’t scrimp on portion sizes, and if anything there’s a *slight* possibility we may have over-ordered thanks to our piggy eyes being bigger than our bellies; luckily there’s such thing as a doggy bag for such situations. The verdict The only disappointment on the evening of our visit was the service was painfully slow. Despite being busy we still expected it would be slightly easier to catch our waiter’s attention than it was, and the fact that one of our starters - the one we were most looking forward to - arrived as we were part way through our mains was a bit of a bum steer. Nevertheless, we couldn’t fault the taste and only wish we’d left space for dessert from their Pastry Lab. It’s also worth noting that not only is their sushi sublime, but there are also a number of limited edition menus launched throughout the year, with special highlights including Chinese New Year and Valentine’s menus. Last year they even had a delightful floral themed transformation to celebrate the start of Japanese Cherry Blossom season, so keep your eyes peeled for news of their next special event.
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Being a Brixtonite, I’m always looking for fab restaurants near my home patch, so I was pleased to be invited to Park’s Edge Bar and Kitchen in Herne Hill. Located in the heart of Herne Hill, across the road from popular Brockwell Park, this laidback restaurant is perfectly situated for Herne Hill residents / fans or those who want to pop in for lunch or dinner after a relaxing day at the park. Diners have a variety of classic gastropub dishes to choose from, such as burgers, fish, steaks or roasts, and they take pride in their inventive twist on flavours such as hints of West Indian spices to liven things up a bit. All of the food is made fresh with ingredients sourced from local and regional food producers. Their wine list contains wines from around the world, including home-grown British wines. For those who don’t wish to imbibe, they also make a range of mocktails – which I can verify are pretty delicious. The vibe The evening we visited, the restaurant had a cosy, intimate feel to it thanks to low lighting with flickering candlelit votives on each table. The décor is very much urban chic, thanks to exposed brick walls, inky navy-blue leather Chesterfield style sofas and booths, a scattering of funky animal print chairs, striking over-sized chandeliers and custom bookshelves displaying a range of bric-a-brac and antique books. The overall feel is quirky and cool - somewhere one could easily while away the hours with a large glass of red (or three) while catching up with friends. The food The cuisine varies depending on when you visit. For earlier risers, they have a ‘Brunch to Lunch’ menu which features lip-smackingly moreish offerings such as waffles, baked eggs and torched sea bass, to name a few. On Sundays from 12-7 they offer a Sunday Roast Menu, featuring everything from Cornfed Roast Chicken to Sweet Potato & Leek Wellington or Dorset Lamb Shoulder. As we visited during a weekday evening, we ordered off their standard dinner menu. For starters, my friend and I shared the Spring Salad of Grilled Baby Gem, Watercress, Roasted Butternut Squash, Basil, Pickled Kohirabi and Citrus Dressing, which had a lovely, fresh and zingy flavour, which I loved. We also tucked into the homemade brown Irish soda bread (you can never go wrong with carbs), paired with almond and cumin butter, which provided a surprising twist. For mains, my friend opted for the Pan-Seared Seabass, White Cabbage Soubise and Roseval Red Potatoes with Sea Veg & Saffron, which was perfectly cooked and had a nice balance of flavours. Wanting to satiate my carnivorous tendencies, I chose the 28-day aged Scotch Cote de Bouef with Roast Tomatoes, Peppercorn Sauce and a side of Grilled Leek Mac and Cheese and Triple-Cooked Chips. A hearty meal that hit all the right notes. That being said, the macaroni was a bit bland, but the steak was flavorful and carefully carved, making it look as fab as it tasted. The verdict This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for scrummy food in a welcoming environment, with a relaxed, ‘local favourite’ feel. We’ll definitely be popping in again the next time we’re in the neighbourhood.
If ye olde English pubs are your thing, then the Punchbowl will be right up your street. Brimming with quirky touches that add to its charm, this 350-year-old Georgian pub in the heart of Mayfair is the second oldest in Britain. Tucked away down a quiet street, the pub shot to fame during its ownership by director Guy Ritchie. Ritchie hung up his pub landlord shoes six years ago, which means you’re much less likely to see celebrities tucking into a roast here these days, but it’s still plenty buzzing with punters who come all days of the week to scoff the hearty lunch and dinner options. The Vibe The pub is split over three floors with the main floor consisting of a large bar area with cosy tables and booths tucked into every nook and cranny. The long wooden bar with it stools neatly lined up in a row takes centre place and is the perfect place to sip a pint or two of real local ale. On the second floor, there is a contemporary dining room that feels distinctly modern compared to the ground floor restaurant thanks to its neutral colour palette and more refined furnishings, making it a great place to take a date for a romantic meal. Our favourite area, however, is the private dining room on the third floor. Bursting with funky décor, this area has a much moodier and more playful feel to it than the other floors of the pub – think playing cards wall paper, an oversized chandelier, quirky paintings, Chesterfield sofas to sink into with a Negroni and an assortment of bric-a-brac scattered throughout the two adjoining rooms, which make it the perfect place for enjoying a wicked cocktail party! The food Traditional pub fare is what they do best here. From Sunday roasts to fish and chips, burgers or Cumberland sausages and mash, they’ve got all of the classics covered. We were ‘feeling fish’ the day we visited, so for starters, my husband selected the crab fish cakes (which he rated a solid 8/10) and I had the leek and potato soup (a classic that you really can’t go wrong with). Mains continued the fish theme. I opted for the traditional fish and chips (a massive piece of perfectly cooked cod that nearly hung off the plate) and my husband went for the monk fish wrapped in Parma ham, which was superb. Our youngest restaurant reviewer, our 16-month-old son Evan, tucked into his own portion of creamy mashed potatoes. He seemed suitably impressed and actually exclaimed ‘oh wow!’ upon their arrival! All of the staff went out of their way to be extra accommodating during our visit, which made dining out with our young child a much less stressful experience, which any parent with a child under five can appreciate. Now, to be honest, we shouldn’t have had dessert because frankly we were stuffed to the gills (sorry, I couldn’t resist the fish pun), but we managed to stretch our stomachs to squeeze in a brownie with banana ice cream, which was very rich and the perfect end to our meal.
Sink your teeth into tasty Mediterranean cuisine at this laid-back restaurantBeso is a Mediterranean restaurant set in the heart of theatreland on iconic Shaftesbury Avenue. The open-plan kitchen is headed up by Khalid Dahbi, previously of establishments such as Claridges and Bibendum, however, this is a much more down-to-earth affair. The vibe Exposed brick, dark walls and suspended industrial lighting makes for an intimate dining area, with turmeric leather booths and mosaic tiling really driving home the Moorish feel. And for those history and music buffs, it might interest you to know that the Beatles spent hours eating, drinking and song-writing in the basement of this restaurant in the 60s, which is now a private dining room. The food Serving up Moorish food with modern flair is the focus here. Refreshingly, the menu isn’t gargantuan, it’s just enough for them to peddle their wares while emanating confidence and ensuring freshness. To kick off with the boldest of flavours, the spiced beef and lamb Merguez sausages with harissa mayo grilled to juicy perfection are a must (£7.50) and the crispy Southcoast squid with a citrus crème fraiche has the perfect crunch and is the ultimate sharing food (£8). The grilled Welsh lamb cutlets are also grilled to perfection; blushingly pink with savoury char and nestled into a smoked aubergine puree (£17), benefitting from a side of cumin roasted carrots with yoghurt, though these needed punchier seasoning to stand out (£4). And then came possibly the most unctuous and luxurious vegetarian dish of all time - gnocchi with forest mushrooms, Dolcelatte and tarragon – which ticked all the boxes in terms of flavour and balance (£12.50). Its Spanish/Moroccan twist is evident with Ras El Hanout, pistachios, cumin and prunes peppering the menu but a slow cooked Tanjia burger and hake in wild sorrel cream serve as a reminder that this restaurant is European and its influences are broad. Of the desserts that are freshly made in-house, the white chocolate panacotta has the obligatory ‘wobble’ as well as a delicate sweetness offset by tart stewed rhubarb and the Dulce de Leche cheesecake with flaked almonds and praline is beautifully textured and suitably rich (both £7). Drink The wine offerings span in origin from Turkey and Romania to South Africa and Argentina, and even the spritzy Txakoli, which I immediately associate with endless nights in San Sebastian’s pintxos bars, makes an appearance. But on this occasion the house wine, a Sicilian Catarratto, is smooth and slightly off dry and works rather nicely (£23). The neighbouring table saw away a variety of eye-catching cocktails. I’ll definitely be indulging in the Marrakech Martinis during my next visit! Service Staff are attentive, knowledgeable and seem so at ease in their roles. The manager, Kamil, is a character and his infectious positivity only adds to the charm and appeal of this restaurant.
Gaucho, Edinburgh is an Argentine restaurant centrally located in the buzzing, cosmopolitan, St Andrews Square. It is the ideal spot for lunch after a morning of battering the credit cards in the fabulous shops that Edinburgh has to offer. The vibe This is Gaucho’s flagship restaurant and bar in Scotland, and hopefully will be the first of many. Located over two levels, it is easy to forget what time of day it is, as the windowless restaurant is situated in the basement. We arrived after a wonderful morning of hitting the shops and were there to celebrate a milestone birthday. On the ground level entry there is an elegant cocktail bar with an extensive drinks menu. We were shown downstairs to the main dining area and it really is like going into a zone, where time is of no consequence. We emerged quite merrily, full to the brim more than a few hours later, to find it was completely pitch dark outside. The definition of Gaucho is “a cowboy from the South American pampas”, which explains the décor. Cowhide fabrics adorn the furnishings, and there is a large tree as the centrepiece. There is also a glass walled private dining space, which is perfect for special occasions or entertaining clients. The food Gaucho is a meat lover’s paradise. The menu consists of the best free-to-roam, grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef cooked with big Latin flavours. There were two of us dining, me, (a pescetarian) and my girlfriend who would eat steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner given a chance. I was interested to see what this meat-centric restaurant had to offer for a non-meat eater and I have to say, it didn't disappoint. Of course all great steaks need an an amazing wine and you're certain to find one here as the extensive wine list includes more than 200 exclusive Argentinian wines, some of which are produced in the restaurant’s own vineyard in Mendoza. For starters I opted for the Cured Patagonian red prawn Tiradito, served with pickled cucumber salsa verde and whipped crème fraiche. Tiradito is a typically Peruvian dish of raw fish cut in the shape of sashimi, which reflects the influence of Japanese immigrants on Peruvian cuisine - a real fusion of both cuisines. It is often referred to as ceviche’s lesser-known sibling, and it also tastes delicious. My girlfriend selected the sausage board, which consists of a generous amount of pinchos, chorizo and morcilla served with romensco sauce. For the mains, surprise, surprise the birthday girl opted for a steak. The raw steaks arrive on a wooden board, and the waiter talks you through each cut, size and weight, which gives you a real visual of what to expect - no surprises in store. The steaks come from premium Black Angus cattle, bred in Argentina farms, where they graze on 17 different types of grass from the Pampas provinces of Argentina. The cows enjoy a lush, free-range lifestyle in an area famed for its fertile soil. The Cuadril, which is the rump steak, is the leanest cut and has a pure, distinctive flavour and was cooked in a peppercorn sauce and was served with a side of thyme salted chips. I continued the fish theme and settled for the Grilled Swordfish, which comes with a side of mixed bean cassoulet, palourde clams and grilled lemon to garnish. Despite being pretty stuffed, it wouldn’t be a proper birthday without cake. The lemon tart and the affogato all but finished us off! The verdict The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxed and warm. The staff are friendly and attentive, not pushy or overbearing. and overall the service was outstanding. This fresh, modern, sophisticated addition to the Edinburgh dining scene is certainly welcome, and we are already looking forward to our next visit. Top tip: Arrive early and sample the legendary cocktails at the lovely bar.
Located next to St James underground station, you’ll find this restaurant within the St. Ermin’s Hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of Westminster, it’s ideal for tourists, hotel guests or simply those who are seeking a chic and relaxing restaurant in central London. The vibe The modern décor with its tasteful, neutral colour scheme – a palette of taupe, grey and cream - creates a relaxing atmosphere. Pops of colour, such as burnt orange dining chairs and oversized art prints, inject a bit of colour, while beautiful touches abound throughout the décor, such as intricately carved wooden screens, which also provide a bit of privacy for diners, and charcoal grey wood panelling, both which lend an air of sophistication. Candles flickering away in glass votives at each table further add to the ambiance and made our first evening out in ages feel all the more romantic. The food Caxton Grill is passionate about sustainability and sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, which is why they created their rooftop kitchen garden, which boasts a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs that the head chef uses in a wealth of dishes. They also have their own ‘bee hotel’, which provides their honey. Not too shabby for a restaurant smack bang in the middle of Central London! Our waiter, who was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, talked us through the specials and his recommendations and offered to pair wines with each of our courses, and we were more than happy to oblige. As I perused the menu, I enjoyed a Mo, a fruity 'mocktail' from their non-alcoholic cocktail list, which was lovely and sweet and made me feel as though I was on a beach holiday instead of in cold, grey London.
One of the things we loved most was that for each course, you could tell that great care had been taken with every dish, all of which were elegant and beautifully presented. The verdict This is a great place to go if you’re looking for stylish and intimate surroundings with friendly service in the heart of Westminster.
Christmas time is quite possibly the best excuse to dine out with friends, and it's even better after a spot of Christmas shopping. I am a big fan of Japanese food, especially ramen, so when Shoryu Ramen invited us to sample the Christmas menu, we jumped at the chance. From now until 30 December, Shoryu Ramen invites customers to enjoy a selection of dazzlingly delicious dishes to get you in the festive spirit, including seasonal cocktails. The vibe Located slap bang in London’s bustling West End, it's conveniently located for those looking to grab a bite to eat after indulging in retail therapy. Established in 2012 and recommended in the Michelin Guide every year since 2014, Shoryu Ramen brings Hakata, Japan to the UK under the creative visions of Hakata natives Tak Tokumine and Kanji Furukawa. There is a cool laidback vibe combined with a bustling undercurrent. It's apparent the attentive staff are passionate about Japanese culture and food, which is prepared in an open kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs cook as they sit back and catch up with friends. The food Shoryu knows its ramen. As they proudly proclaim on the website, ‘it’s in their bones’. I’ll vouch for that. The limited-edition Christmas menu offers a variety of top-notch ramen, moreish street food and side dishes, such as BBQ Pork Bun with Char Siu BBQ Pork Belly with Japanese Mayo and the signature ramen - Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu. For starters we enjoyed the Japanese Pork and Pumpkin Croquette Buns. The Pumpkin Croquette Bun was deliciously crispy and I loved the smooth ,melt-in-your mouth hirate sauce and Japanese mayo! For mains, my dining partner and I chose the signature Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu, a ramen to write home about - even if you live in London! This dish is a creamy slow cooked pork broth with a special blend of noodles, umami rich soup and toppings all cooked for over 12 hours to perfection. Divine. For dessert we had the Matcha Cheesecake and the Mochi Ice Cream in green tea and coconut flavours, both of which were fab. Of course, no festive meal is complete without cocktails. We tried the Christmas signature sake, The Ginza Snowflake, a beautiful drink comprised of sparkling sake and red berry puree, perfectly presented in a champagne glass sprinkled with icing powder with red berries resting delicately on top. For non drinkers, there is the Virgin Snowflake, which consists of yuzu tonic with red berry puree.
Dine between the sea and the starsIt’s a truth universally acknowledged that Italy is a glutton’s paradise; the Canederli of the South Tyrol to Puglia’s deliciously simple Orecchiette alle cime di rapa, every region is as tantalising as the next. It’s impossible to visit this gastronomical Disneyland and leave with a rumbling stomach. A springtime sojourn may be far from one’s mind during the winter months, but given the shortest day of the year is mere weeks away and ergo the days shall once again start to get that little bit longer, now is the perfect time to start planning for warmer climes to drag us through the dark hours of January and February. Always good to have a little something in the diary to look forward to... A brief summer fling this year with the Amalfi Coast ignited a new kind of love affair, but given the heaving cobbles and snail’s pace roads, this year I’ll be booking in my return visit for earlier in the season; head in April or May and you’ll be rewarded with the sunshine but minus the hordes of tourists that saturate the area come July and August. The diamond in the crown of this dream stretch of coastline holds court amid the clifftops above Amalfi; perched overlooking the glistening expanse of blue stretching to the horizon is the Monastero Santa Rosa, a luxurious hotel and spa escape homes within a spectacular 12th century monastery. You’d be forgiven for driving past it given its subtle facade, but the moment you cross the threshold you’re in some kind of Italian Narnia. The hotel, its one Michelin Star restaurant Il Refetorio, it’s sun-drenched terraces and it’s infinity pool cascade down the clifftop into infinity; it would be entirely possible to spend a day simply gazing at the limitless ocean, but you should at least indulge in a Michelin starred lunch while you do so. The Executive Chef Christoph Bob, an alumnus of some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, has created a menu packed with the freshest ingredients and bursting with flavours inspired by the surrounding Campania region; think richly sun-ripened fruit and vegetables, herbs plucked from the hotel’s own gardens and plenty of seafood from that dazzling coastline. With specialties like the appetizer trio of crustaceans, lobster with chickpea puree and smoked olive oil broad bean salad with Colonnata’s bacon and king prawn ravioli with Corbara’s tomatoes and candied lemon - and that’s just to start - each and every dish on the menu combines the freshest local, organic ingredients of the local fishing village of Conca dei Marini. A summer’s lunch proved a midpoint in our twisting journey south from Sorrento, the perfect pit stop to take away the stress of the road and a welcome respite from Amalfi Coast driving. Even at a busy lunchtime with a few large tables the dining room still seemed a serene oasis in stark contrast to the honking streets below it. Given my penchant for a caprese salad (essentially having one with every meal during my week in Italy...) it had to be done. With tomatoes mellowed with months of Italian sunshine, the flavour in every mouthful was sensational, cutting perfectly through a creamy chunk of mozzarella drizzled in extra virgin olive oil. The il Crudo di Parma con Burrata spread of melt-in-the-mouth Parma ham, oozing burrata and a crisp bruschetta with yet more of the divine tomatoes was a hit, though a salad of rocket, tossed in lemon vinaigrette and topped with grilled prawns, figs and toasted pine nuts was less of a success; at first arriving minus the prawns, it appeared their flavour didn’t quite work with the accompanying fig. For heaven in dessert form, the semifreddo with raspberry coulis and was divine; fresh and fruity, with exactly the right juxtaposition of sweet and tart. It’s probably worth stopping for lunch just for that to be honest. Given the boutique hotel only boasts 20 rooms, the culinary team can cater dining experiences to guests’ wants and needs, taking into account individual tastes and palates, meaning not only is the a la carte option a sublime choice but you can indulge in a totally bespoke gastronomic experience, should your heart desire, not to mention the master Sommelier that will be at your fingertips. Admittedly I can’t pass comment on the wine - given I had another portion of Amalfi Coast ahead of me and three more hours of driving, I didn’t feel wine with lunch was the most sensible option - but with a cellar containing everything from local Italian reds to vintage French champagne to fine chardonnays it’s worth staying over to be able to indulge (or at least arranging a transfer to your next spot location…)
The verdict Halfway between the sea and the sky, Il Refetorio is a slice of tranquility a million miles from the coastal road below with a heavenly menu to match. The details Monastero Santa Rosa Via Roma 2 84010 Conca dei Marini SA Italy www.monasterosantasrosa.com Laurel Waldron Where to enjoy Christmas cocktails and nibbles in the City: Rake's, Liverpool Street, London29/11/2018 Cheers to festive tipples and tasty treats with all the trimmingsIf you find yourself in the City hankering for festive food and drinks, pop into Rake's to enjoy their Christmas-inspired dishes and gorgeous crafted cocktails. Conveniently located within the Andaz Hotel near Liverpool Street train station, this cafe by day and a bar by night is perfectly situated for city workers looking to imbibe in stylish surroundings. Because Christmas is the season for sharing and caring, Rake's has focused its dining options on sharing plates including: roast butternut squash velouté; ginger, hazelnut & parsley relish and soft goat’s cheese; roast garlic croute; and beetroot with spiced seeds. Larger sharing plates include: confit duck leg with cannellini bean cassoulet; braised red cabbage and charred aubergine with garlic, tahini sauce, pomegranate, mint & za’atar.Cocktails have also gone festive with drinks such as the Ginger Bells, a refreshing rye-whiskey based cocktail infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. If that doesn't scream Christmas, we don't know what does! If you like to travel with a large posse, bookings are recommended. Areas to chill out in include The Front Room, located off the main cafe bar or The Parlour, a cheery red and green lounge area (Christmas colours here we come) with comfy sofas to sink into. Or if you'd like something more private, opt for No.3, a secret room that can be closed off from the main bar and restaurant. Will you choose The Parlour (above) or No. 3 (below)? Festive entertainment at Rake's In the lead up to Christmas, Rake’s will be hosting ‘Swinging Live’ with Martin John, the renowned musician, songwriter and vocalist every Wednesday evening from 6pm-8:15pm. Expect songs from Sinatra to Bobby Darin and Dean Martin to Michael Bublé, guaranteed to get guests into the festive spirit! Rake’s bespoke Christmas menu and cocktail list is available from now until Christmas. The verdict
This is a great place to visit if you find yourself in the City looking for a stylish place to enjoy fabulous cocktails and tasty nibbles. The details Rake’s 40 Liverpool Street London EC2M 7QN Ashley Miln *During my visit I was hosted by the lovely team at Rake's. All opinions are my own. Photography courtesy of Rake's. We already know that nobody does Halloween quite like they do across the pond and let’s be honest - don’t you think the Americans do Christmas a little better too? After all, anyone who’s ever watched Home Alone (and that’s everyone, right?!) has surely pondered the fact that Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin, cute as he was, kinda faded into insignificance beside his neighbourhood’s epic Christmas efforts. Well, grab your Christmas crackers and jingle those bells with wild abandon because, for the first time this year, London is set to get a little taste of this fabulousness, as innovative hospitality entrepreneurs, Experimental Group, bring the Miracle pop-up to Covent Garden. Miracle began life in New York in 2014, when bar owner Greg Boehm opened his unfinished space for the holiday season as a pop up with a festive theme. Five years on, the Miracle concept has expanded to over 80 new cities across the U.S, as well as to locations in Asia and Central America. The London Miracle, which opens today is housed on the mezzanine level at the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden, making it the perfect place to escape the Christmas shopping crowds around the centre of town - via the cobbled streets of the piazza, to admire its magnificent tree, of course. Miracle’s tree may not reach the dizzying heights of the one out in the piazza, but it’s still impressively pretty, complete with powdery white ‘snow’ pooled enticingly at its base. If you’ve seen Insta-images of Miracles (@miraclepopup #miraclebar) in the U.S, you may be expecting something quite glitzy and OTT but the vibe at the UK incarnation is distinctly more traditional, with sheepskin throws on the chairs, twinkling fairy lights and Christmas stockings all evoking something of a cosy feeling and a warm glow. It’s definitely more London than Las Vegas, but no less appealing for that. The bartender, however, is rocking that Christmas jumper and elf hat look - but where the Miracle Bar really ramps up the kitsch factor is in its cocktail list and the vessels in which they’re served: think Santa Face mugs, reindeer embellished highball glasses, tinselled glass stems and holly emblazoned cups. Meanwhile, a Santa-suited Koala clings adorably to the stem of the glass in which the Koala-La La La, La La La La (best you order this one early on, before sampling the menu renders your tongue useless) is served. It’s not just cute: it’s delicious and completely, festively intoxicating. Other offerings? A Christmas Carol Barrel, made with aged rum, Aquavit, Amara Pumpkin Pie, Lemon and Angostura Bitters, served in, well, a mini barrel naturally. There’s also a Jingle Balls Nog, a Snowball Old Fashioned, a Run Run Rudolph and, of course, a Christmapolitan - vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, rosemary, lime and absinthe mist. And as for those whose place on Santa’s list is still in the balance, choose from a selection of two shots - Naughty, or Nice - and see which side you land on. There’s also an array of chalet-inspired snacks, ranging from an Ibérico ham and truffle Croque Madame to Vacherin Mont d’Or grissini and a Chestnut Mont Blanc.
Miracle at Henrietta will be in place until Christmas Eve. Email miracle@henriettahotel.com to book a two hour time slot between 1pm and 1am. Henrietta Hotel 14-15 Henrietta Street London WC2E 8QH www.henriettahotel.com Sarah Rodrigues *During my visit I was hosted by the team at Miracle at Henrietta. All opinions are my own. Images courtesy of Miracle Bar. |
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Bon Appetit!There's nothing more delicious in life than indulging in a sensational meal. |