Hawksmoor Guildhall - Steak & Seafood Restaurant Review

When I got the opportunity to have a date night with my lovely husband (the tall blonde one) I seized the chance! I had been yearning to go to Hawksmoor, billed as London's best steak for a long time but various life events have meant that it had been put on the back burner, but, in February we finally got round to booking a table. I have to say my expectations were high and Hawksmoor had a lot to live up to.

Date Night Outfit

I emerged from Bank tube station on a dark, wet, evening and a big smile was there waiting to greet me.. yes the tall blonde one had come straight from the office, in his gorgeous blue suit and looked suitable sauve and dare I say it... sexy! The evening was ours and we were going to make the most of enjoying a peaceful meal without young fingers trying to grab at our meals, we were child free ...woo! 

We made the short walk to Hawksmoor Guildhall, excellent location if I do say so! and were soon whisked to our seats. The waitress was very friendly and service was most definitely with a smile. As we had booked an early sitting the vast room was virtually empty but by the time the food arrived at our table the restaurant was filling up nicely. The air was filled with a pleasant, buzzy atmosphere. As it is located in the heart of the City, there were a lot of business people dining out, but equally there was a nice mix of young and old, friends and couples on dates, all enjoying their meals. Trust me, I am a people watcher and made notes, lol. 

I had asked a few people for some recommendations prior to going and having already perused the menu I knew exactly what I wanted. 

I skipped the starters and ordered the following 

300g Rump Steak cooked medium to well done

Creamed Spinach side 

Triple Cooked Chips side 

Onion Rings 

A Marmalade Cocktail 

The Marmalade cocktail was a perfect choice. (A recommendation from friends) it was fruity and tangy but on the right side of bitter and wonderfully refreshing, slipping down my throat a litte too easily...I would order this again. 

The tall blonde one chose the following ( the onion rings we shared) 

400g Sirloin Steak done medium 

Buttered English Greens (without the butter!)

And another portion of the famous Triple Cooked Chips 

Washed down with a beer  - Kernel London Porter

A jug of water was also brought to the table for the meal. 

What can I say? 

My steak was cooked to perfection, it literally melted in my mouth. The chips were crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. In hindsight we over ordered and just one portion of chips between the two of us would have been sufficient. The onion rings were delicious, but my top recommendation is actually the creamed spinach. I was a bit nervous at ordering it as I do not like spinach. Well it turns out, it is all about the way it is cooked. The spinach was creamy, smooth and ever so slightly sweet. I devoured the whole serving, it was just too moreish to leave. Incredible. 

Once we had finished we were offered the dessert menu and whilst there were many options of temptation I knew it could quite possibly send me over the edge of feeling full to feeling more than full. As we had a tube journey to make, I chose to go with a friend's recommendation,  the lighter option - The Salted Caramel Rolos 

Crisp dark chocolate encasing a rich, sweet and delicious caramel with a salty bite to it. These were so good and a perfect way to end the meal. Even better, I held back on finishing my cocktail and sipped after a bite of chocolate made it taste like chocolate orange which I love! 

We had an absolute blast, conversation and laughter flowed and the food satisfied us immensely. We will be back. 

CHEERS! 

Christmas Carols Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester London

One of my favourite Afternoon Tea venues is The Dorchester. I have visited throughout the year but Christmas time is one of the nicest as the delightful Promenade where Afternoon Tea is served is beautifully dressed with traditional English festive decorations. 

The Christmas Carols Afternoon Tea features the resident pianist and children’s school choirs to get you well and truly into the spirit of Christmas.

Featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delicious festive pastries such as a fruit cake Christmas present, a chocolate & chestnut winter land, a Dorchester snowman and mince pies.

Christmas Carols Afternoon tea is available at five sittings each day priced from £69 per adult including a glass of Champagne, and £35 per child (ages 5-11).

Available weekends from the 21st November to December 20th. 

To book your festive afternoon tea visit The Dorchester website for availability.

*Image courtesy of The Dorchester

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London

The winter months are a fabulous time to indulge in Afternoon Tea - whilst it is cold outside inside you can enjoy a warming and filling tea full of festive treats.

The menu from the Mandarin Oriental (where incidentally I have experienced and can highly recommend afternoon tea) has caught my eye -

Taken in the hotel's delightfully cosy Rosebery Lounge you can enjoy the following

THE HARRODS TEDDY BEAR AFTERNOON TEA £53 (price per person)

A Selection of Sandwiches  

Slow roasted Norfolk bronze turkey with sage and cranberry 

Smoked salmon tartar with creme fraiche and dill 

Cotswold egg and mustard cress

St.Tola goat cheese with roasted pumpkin and red onion confit 

Portland crab and crayfish fondue on lemon and thyme bread

Wiltshire cured ham and heritage tomatoes 

Freshly baked cranberry-raisins & plain scones accompanied by Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry jam, rose petal jelly and homemade lemon curd. 

A Selection of Handmade Pastries 

Gingerbread, pear and caramel cake

Figgy pudding bauble

Chestnut, chocolate and vanilla Opera gateau

Cranberry, orange and yoghurt Yule log 

Mandarin and spiced prune tartlet

Pumpkin and pecan cake 

Traditional stollen 

The tea comes with a wide selection of teas to choose from.

Children are also welcome and well catered for with their very own and special menu

KIDS TEDDY BEAR AFTERNOON TEA MENU £28 (per person) 

A Selection of Sandwiches

Slow roasted Norfolk bronze turkey with sage and cranberry 

Smoked salmon tartar with creme fraiche and dill 

Cotswold egg and mustard cress

St.Tola goat cheese with roasted pumpkin and red onion confit 

Portland crab and crayfish fondue on lemon and thyme bread

Wiltshire cured ham and heritage tomatoes 

Freshly baked cranberry-raisins & plain scones accompanied by Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry jam, rose petal jelly and homemade lemon curd. 

A Selection of Handmade Pastries 

Winter land snowball 

Snowman tart

Chocolate teddy bear

Grubby paw layer cake 

Christmas cracker

Teddy bear cupcake 

Christmas tree cupcake 

Pumpkin and pecan cake 

Traditional stollen 

To book call +44 (0)20 7201 3828 or visit The Mandarin Oriental website

*Images courtesy of The Mandarin Oriental 

Street Food Afternoon Tea at The Arch London

Boutique 5* Hotel The Arch London have launched an alternative afternoon tea in the shape of a Street Food Afternoon Tea. If you are looking for something a little different from the usual sandwiches, scones and cakes, this just may be for you!

Inspired by London's thriving Street Food scene this afternoon tea consists of tastes from around the world which I think is a brilliant idea. I am sorely tempted by this menu!

Savoury delights will include Mini Beef Burgers with Onion Marmalade in Brioche Buns; Smoked Chicken, Chilli, Avocado and Mango Tortillas, Mini Handmade Scotch Eggs with Piccalilli; and Chicken Satay served with a Peanut Dipping Sauce and Sesame Seeds.

The contemporary Afternoon Tea will offer fresh warm cinnamon and sugar doughnuts filled with apple jam in the place of scones.

Sweet treats will include homemade Macaroons; exquisite Mini Coffee Éclairs; and a Lemon & Mango Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut. Strawberry & Pistachio Tarts, and Mini Raspberry Victoria Sponges proving a nod to the traditional British Afternoon Tea.

As well as Champagne, you can enjoy cocktails alongside the tea. These include Indian Clouds, a homemade jasmine tea infused cocktail; or Cuban Lager, a mojito without the rum, both priced at £12.

Priced at £29, and £38 with Champagne, the Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the hotel’s stunning Martini Library, stylish restaurant, or chic Salon de Champagne lounge.



The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
For reservations, please call: 020 7724 4700 or www.thearchlondon.com

spa London York Hall Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual Treatment Review

A couple of week's ago I headed up the Central Line to Bethnal Green for a treatment at day spa - spa London York Hall. Billed as an affordable luxury spa I was curious as to whether it would live up to my high expectation.

Located a very short walk from Bethnal Green Tube, York Hall is a grand old building that houses the local swimming baths and the Oasis that is spa London, downstairs. I went along with my husband to try out the new VIP Double Suite but you can go with a friend if you prefer.

Once downstairs we were greeted by the friendly receptionist who asked as to fill a form with a few details (this is the norm before having treatments) and then we were handed a bag with a robe and towel. We swapped our shoes for flip flops, being a teeny shoe size mine were a little on the large side but no matter. We were shown to the changing rooms and put on our swimwear. At spa London there are days when it is women only, men only and mixed which personally I think is a really nice touch. It does mean that they do sometimes flip the changing rooms depending on requirement. The ladies on this occasion was the small changing room. I would have preferred that there were closed rooms to get changing in.

Once back out we were greeted by one of our therapists who showed us around the Thermal Spa facilities and said we could use them before our treatment. I strongly recommend going a bit earlier than your treatment appt so that you can enjoy the rather fabulous facilities, unfortunately we didn't have time to try them before and we had to dash off after.

Set in London's oldest Turkish baths, it boasts the following facilities - two Aroma Steam Rooms, Tepidarium, Caldarium, Laconium, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Monsoon Shower, Hammam, Plunge Pool, Bucket Shower and Relaxation Lounge. Some of these I have to be honest looked like instruments of torture, however the husband is keen to go back and experience them.

We did have a short sit in the Hammam and Relaxation Lounge which was incredibly relaxing.

It was time for our treatment - spa London's Signature Treatment - Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual. We were led to the VIP Double Suite and asked to get changed into the obligatory paper knickers (for me) and paper shorts (for him). My knickers were the teeniest of thongs!

The therapists run through the treatment we were going to get. I was a bit disappointed when she didn't mention the head and scalp massage, so I asked whether it was included and she admitted she had forgot! However we did get the full treatment promised which comprised of the following -

A deluxe treatment inspired by Cleopatra’s bathing ritual thought to have preserved her youthful beauty! It involves a full body wash and scrub to deeply cleanse body and soul before a luscious milk and honey mixture is poured onto the body and a nourishing hair treatment coats the head and scalp. Whilst the goodness sinks in, a face and scalp massage is performed sending you into a hypnotic state. You are then veiled in a mist of rose and orange blossom before a milk application massage is given.

My thoughts 

Being washed and then scrubbed in preparation for the treatment was invigorating and not too harsh which I was fully expecting it to be. The milk and honey mixture was poured onto the body, it smelt divine and was lovely and warming. I enjoyed this a lot. The face and scalp massage was quite honestly one of the best things I have ever experienced, it was so gentle and relaxing that I am pretty sure that I fell asleep! 

We then had a shower to wash off the mixture and this was just gorgeous as my skin, at this point, was already feeling silky soft. We got to choose which milk application we wanted to be used on us and both opted for the Green Tea & Ginger which smelt so wonderful, uplifting and refreshing.The veil of mist, Rose & Orange Blossom smelt so good, I want to buy it! (I meant to ask what it was) This was used twice during our treatment and really was exceptionally sublime a scent. 

We both absolutely loved our treatment, the feeling of relaxation and well being lasted the whole day. The massage so good and the whole experience; location, cleanliness and facilities I give a huge 5 stars. My skin was left super smooth, ready for Summer. Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual is a fabulous way to kick start Summer Skin or just completely escape from the stresses of life. I was scrubbed, buffed and moisturised to perfection. 

We are planning a return visit very soon!

spa London York Hall Cleopatra's Milk & Honey Ritual costs an extremely reasonable £59 per person and lasts 50 minutes. 

*We were guests of spa London

Darwin At Sky Garden - Brunch In London

Brunch in the sky? Darwin At Sky Garden promised to take brunch to new heights.

A brunch in London set high above in the clouds is a hugely tempting premise so I didn't need much persuading I have to tell you.  A couple of Sunday's ago the tall one and I headed up the Walkie Talkie building to experience this for ourselves.

Outside the Darwin Brasserie - Level 36

There was a queue to visit the Sky Garden but restaurant goers bypass the queues and go through airport style security before being whisked up the lift.

The Darwin Brasserie, fresh and modern interior

We were shown to our seats - a fabulous window seat with incredible views over the River Thames and the city.

Having been given menus and decided on our main meal we were shown to the bar area to where the (bottomless) Bloody Mary's were, there were four variations to choose from and items to tailor it to taste. Also on the menu were unlimited milkshakes from the Milkshake Bar - I absolutely loved the sweet Vanilla Bean one and the Fresh Berry one but you can also enjoy other flavours like Banana which was really popular on the day. Kale smoothie is also an option but on this occasion I passed.

Starters

The buffer starters were a fabulous savoury mix of salads, cheese board and meats. Top choices for me and the tall one included the potato and chorizo salad, smoked salmon, the bloody mary prawn cocktail and the asparagus dressed in a truffle vinaigrette. I suspect I could have filled up solely on the starters but sensibly I paced myself for what was to come.

For my hot main I was rather tempted by the pancake stack with bacon and maple syrup but opted for a savoury hot and chose a traditional brunch favourite of Eggs Florentine which was cooked to perfection. The tall one chose Beef Brisket for his main but he was considering a traditional roast which was also on offer.

Dessert Buffet 

Well when I caught sight of the dessert buffet my eyes were dancing and my belly ignited, so many treats on offer. I have to be honest after the two previous courses and upteen milkshakes I was pretty full but I always make sure I am never so full as I cannot manage something sweet...

I balanced my sweet treats with some healthy berry fruits and it was a great and refreshing combination. I opted for a slice of chocolate and walnut salted caramel tarte which was rich and indulgent but a real highlight. The waffles were tasty and teamed with maple syrup and fresh fruit sublime. I also had the blueberry cheesecake which was truly delightful with a perfectly crunchy base but a light and silky mousse topping. Also on offer were 3 differently filled doughnuts, creme brulee, Eton Mess and lots, lots more.

Having taken brunch to the limits we made our way outside and soaked in the views and admired the Sky Garden

In conclusion this is quite simply a wonderful way to spend a lazy Sunday,  an epic brunch that will tantalize the tastebuds and breathtaking views of London. I am already planning a return visit.

Brunch at Darwin Brasserie is served on Sundays from 11.30am to 4.30pm and costs £38 per person

*We were guests of Darwin Brasserie

Sense Spa At Rosewood London - Review

This time last week I was invited along to experience a treatment at the Sense Spa at Rosewood London. Rosewood London is a luxury 5 star hotel conveniently situated just a few steps away from Holborn tube station.

Walk through the gates and you reach the courtyard where the entrance is.

The hotel is absolutely stunning. I only entered the lobby and I knew I wanted to return. It was full of warmth and as the hotel was busy there was a delightful buzz in the air. I was leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the busy and cold London streets and I hoped I was going to experience pure relaxation once I entered the Sense Spa.

The hotel is huge and despite receiving instructions on how to get to the spa I got lost in the myriad of corridors (which is no bad thing as I got to see even more of this exquisite hotel!)

The Spa Entrance 

Once I walked through the doors I was greeted by the smiling and friendly receptionist who asked me to fill in a quick questionnaire, confirmed that I was booked in for an hour Aroma Massage, she told me the name of my therapist and handed me a key to my locker and showed the way to the changing room.

I adored the spa's zen theme which features bamboo walls, soft lighting and wooden walkways over rippling water and pebble stones leading to seven treatment rooms, one of which is an exclusive couple's suite. The ambient was unimposing but incredibly calming, I wanted to take away a CD of music as I was so chilled out by it.

In the changing room the locker contained slippers, a dressing gown and paper knickers. Everything you need for your treatment. 

Facilities inside the changing room include dry heat saunas and amethyst crystal steam rooms which I got to enjoy after my massage. 

Once I was ready I went to wait for my therapist in the most impressive shimmering gold leaf and teak relaxation lounge (pictured above). There were 7 beds, papers to read and drinks to have. I didn't have to wait long before my therapist arrived and led me to the large and comfortable treatment room. I was given a pretreatment drink made with fresh juices. 

The one thing that struck me was that the bed I had to lie on for my treatment was heated. This was such a welcome surprise. It was such a cold and windy day that I felt chilled to the bone, the heated bed soon warmed me up and kept me at the perfect temperature throughout my massage. 

The Aroma massage uses pre blended oils and is a gently soothing massage designed to stimulate circulation and aid relaxation. Just what I was looking for. The therapist was fantastic, applying just the right amount of pressure. Any stresses I was holding on to were melting away and I just felt so incredibly relaxed that I didn't want the experience to end. Sadly it course had to, the time seemed to pass so quickly I found it hard to believe that I had been on the bed for an hour, I had to check my watch and sure enough an hour had passed. The ultimate sign of an excellent massage. 

Once finished I was led back into the relaxation lounge and was offered a drink, I chose to have a warm Jasmine Tea which was a beautiful way to end the massage. I was then left to leave at my own pleasure. I stayed for a short while in the warmth and ambiance of the room before returning to the changing rooms and experiencing the steam and sauna rooms which were just fabulous. 

I would highly recommend a treatment at this gorgeous spa oasis in the centre of London. My massage was sublime and the surroundings are an indulgent and exquisite treat. I would definitely return to try another treatment. I cannot rate the experience highly enough.

A one hour Aroma Massage costs £100.

For more details on all the treatments available at Sense Spa or to book, visit the website Sense Spa 

*I was a guest of the Sense Spa

Tanqueray Brings Cocktail Couture At One Aldwych

Until October 2nd, Tanqueray Gin and The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych have partnered to create four bespoke fashion designer cocktails. The tempting Cocktail Couture menu features cocktails inspired by fashion icons showing at each of the fashion weeks.

Calvin Klein - New York, New York

Tanqueray No. 10, rhubarb liqueur, Martini Bianco, fresh pomegranate seeds and lemon bitters. Served in a chilled coupette glass.

Alice Temperley  - English Rose

Tanqueray London Dry, rose liqueur, homemade jasmine syrup and lemon juice. Topped with bergamot foam. Served in a chilled Martini glass.

Moschino - La Dolce Vita

Tanqueray London Dry, Martini Rosato, homemade wild berry syrup and cranberry juice. Topped with Champagne. Served in a cat glass with Sauvignon Blanc and mango mousse.

Chanel - Blanc et Noir
Tanqueray London Dry, lemon juice, Chartreuse, elderflower cordial and citrus bitters. Topped with lemongrass foam. Served in a black glass over ice.

We tried the New York, New York and La Dolce Vita cocktails in the stylish setting of The Lobby Bar.

New York, New York (chosen by my husband) was an ultra refreshing citrus drink, it smelt so good the scent floated towards us as it was brought to our table. Sleek, sophisticated and impressive.

La Dolce Vita (my choice) was predictably a glamorously, sweet alcoholic affair that lived up to my expectations. Served in an unusual cat glass this was ostentation at its finest.

Priced at £13 each, the limited edition cocktail menu will be available for the duration of the fashion month, from the start of New York Fashion Week on 4th September until the end of Paris Fashion Week on 2nd October.

One Aldwych Hotel is based in Covent Garden: One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ (Telephone:020 7300 1000)

Dinner At Berners Tavern

I recently experienced Private Dining at the Michelin Star Chef  Jason Atherton's restaurant Berners Tavern at the London Edition Hotel. Situated just off Oxford street, Berners Tavern is a gastronomy gem. Billed as a place for all day dining and entertainment, the restaurant offers a contemporary British menu that is simple yet elegant. The setting is chic, stylish yet relaxed.

On the night that I went (a weekday) it had a great buzzy atmosphere and was full of beautiful, glamorous people. I have heard that George Clooney is a fan...

We were taken to the Private Dining Room above the restaurant.

I chose the following options from the menu

Starter

Middle white pork and pistachio pate, spiced pear puree, toasted sourdough

The starter was a course pate and it was a fantastic choice to start the meal, there was plenty of bread for the pate and the pear puree was a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Very nice.

Main 

Creedy Carver duck, braised leg, caramel apples, pickled plum puree, turnips

The main was deceivingly filling. The duck was succulent and melt in your mouth. The vegetables the ideal accompaniment and the sweet caramel apples completed the meal. Absolutely delicious.

Dessert 

Caramel apple and Calvados éclair, Devon 

A beautiful dessert. This looked pretty on the plate and was a taste explosion in the mouth. The eclair was light. The salted caramel ice cream..to die for. I am a huge pudding person and this hit the spot entirely.

Exceptional food, a venue that you won't want to leave. I was seduced and I think you will  be too. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

Berners Tavern -10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP Tel: +44 (0)20 7908 7979