Cocktail Curiosity London

We are totally spoilt in London, from sky high beauties of bars to underground secret speakeasys, there is a bar (and a fabulous bartender) for each and every occasion. These cocktails and bars are but a few I’ve stumbled upon recently, through leisure and work (tough job, right?), that I recommend you seek out. Here we go:

No. 1 – Merchant House

A gorgeous bar situated close to Bank station and decked out in the decor of times gone by, the bar is themed all around the history of gin and rum being the powerhouses of cocktails.

I was lucky enough to see one of the owners at work who whipped up a Nemesis (which involved some impressive flames) and an Admiral Vernon’s Grog. Steeped in the history of the area, the cocktails reflect the world and stories of the evolution of rum and gin and the menu itself is a thing of beauty. It also has one of the best well stocked bars in London, and the bartenders effortlessly locate bottles from this mountain of liquid. Find out more here. For all you illustrators & historians out there, take a look at Merchant House’s beautiful cocktail menu.

Admiral Nelson’s Grog with The Duppy Share rum

Pouring fire into the Nemesis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No 2. Sky Garden

At the top of the ‘walkie talkie’ building right by Monument tube and you may need to make a booking (definitely for the restaurant), but after a certain time you can queue to go up. It’s worth the wait.

It’s simply beautiful inside, the foliage is stunning and when I went up it was incredibly peaceful and quiet (though I’ve been assured it’s often packed at a weekend!) At places like Sky Garden, I always enjoy trying classics – something everyone knows, but you’ll probably end up with the best mojito/g&t/martini (delete as appropriate) that you’ve ever had, so I went for a Berry Mojito. It was, as I assumed, delicious. There’s nothing worse in cocktails than a watery mess, and this mojito was anything but. Delicious, refreshing and well-made. Needless to say, we tried a few more off the menu including Into the Woods which comes with its own cinnamon stick and warm cocktails, which are one of this world’s delightful outcomes of having to deal with winter.

The amazing drinks coupled up with the view of London make this a must-visit spot. Worth heading up for sunset (or trying to stay until sunrise…management permitting) – find out more here.

Happy cocktail chasing.

Cocktails complete with their own plant life

The biggest window I have ever seen..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NB. Full disclosure, I currently work with The Duppy Share in a PR capacity. But I’d write about them either way. Seriously good rum.

Source Battersea – Hidden Gem

Source Battersea is one of those lovely places that feels like a well kept secret by the locals in the area, a welcoming sight for weekend brunch or evening cocktails and all by a quiet part of the canal in Battersea.

Having visited several times now, I fully recommend paying a visit for a boozy brunch, and the baked eggs are truly wonderful. I went along a weekend or so ago, and we had the sour dough toast and artichoke dip to start which was warming, delightfully cheesy and a comforting start to a homely brunch.

Opting for the El Presidente cocktail, I was initially a little suspicious as to why the whisky glass arrived half-full, though a few sips in I was thankful. Strong it was to say the least, and lasted two bloody mary’s of my friends. Smooth and delicious too though, I should add.

I love that it feels a little off the beat and track, and it’s tucked behind its noisier neighbour Doodle Bar, which isn’t a bad spot to head on to once brunch is done and dusted.

Well worth making the trip.

More info: sourcebattersea.com

Things they don’t tell you….when you start marathon training

I’m very proud to say I completed the Berlin marathon back in 2013, and have signed up to take on London 2016 to raise money for Mind. So this felt like a good time to reflect on all those little things I learnt along the way training for Berlin…and a quick reminder of what I need to remember.

1. Your toenails will be ruined – if not pre-race, certainly post

2. Lucozade becomes your best friend

3. The battle is 75% mental

4. Running without a phone is not only stupid, but it’s a good way to ensure complete boredom during training runs

5. You are stronger than you think – it is pure determination and power that will push you through

6. You may cry and that’s totally acceptable

7. It really is as simple as one foot in front of the other (just a lot longer than you would normally wish to do this for…)

8. Smiling when you hit a mileage maker genuinely helps

9. Enjoy it and take in your surroundings, you signed up for this, so make it your race

10. Ice packs become a freezer necessity

11. Weekends are no longer weekends but opportunities to run

12. You become a total pro at managing to concisely pack your work clothes in to a running bag

13. Statistically along the way an injury will occur, and you may well need to rest. Rest and recovery is just as important as the running. Promise.

14. You will be hungry all the time. Literally eternally hungry.

15. Running a marathon is completely bizarre, running multiple marathons is just a way to keep reaching for that finish line high. Trust me, it’s worth it.

So – can I tempt you? 

Peppermint Bark with an English Twist

It’s no secret to my friends that I am just a little bit in love with the U, S of A and it’s no secret to the whole wide world that America is in love with food. One of my favourite American festive treats is peppermint bark, and it’s super simple to make.

Instead of peppermint, I’ve used here humbugs for a truly British twist.

Ingredients –
2 x 150g bars of white chocolate
2 x 150g bars of dark chocolate
A packet of mint humbugs
Peppermint essence.

Prep time – 1 hour

Serves – 12-14 people

Method

1. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with aluminium foil and place in the fridge so it’s cool when adding the warm chocolate
2. Break up the dark chocolate in to a glass bowl, that will comfortably sit on a pan above boiling hot water. Use a wooden spoon to stir the chocolate gently as it melts. Be sure to not let the chocolate boil
3. Once melted, remove the tray from the fridge and pour the dark chocolate evenly on the foil. Place back in the fridge to cool for 30 minutes
4. Ten minutes prior to removing the dark chocolate from the fridge, place all of the humbugs in a plastic bag and bash on a safe surface (wooden chopping board, for example) until broken up in to large chunks
5. Melt the white chocolate using the same method as before, once the chocolate is melted remove from the heat and add three quarters of the humbugs to the mix
6. Remove the dark chocolate from the fridge and pour a second even layer of white chocolate over the dark. Be sure to move quickly, as you need to be careful not to melt the dark chocolate
7. Sprinkle the bark with the remaining humbugs (and edible glitter if you’re in a particularly festive mood) and place back in to the fridge for five hours to set.
8. Enjoy!

Dandelyan – Mondrian London

Really, if you haven’t been to Dandelyan yet, what is your excuse?

It’s not only won Best New International Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail, but recently been given the title of Best Place to Drink courtesy of the Observer Food Monthly Awards and you can’t argue with them.

My first visit was for the book launch of Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan and Friends from head bartender Ryan Cheti aka Mr Lyan. And what a year he’s having. Alongside the book launch and the incredible success of Dandelyan achieved in just over a year, Ryan also won International Bartender of the Year at Tales.

I fell in love with Dandelyan immediately, there’s something very welcoming, cosy and familiar about the bar whilst still maintaining a modern feel. The cocktails are outrageously good, I tasted a few but the one that stood out was a simple but extremely well made G&T – botanical beauties at their best.

All of the details from the gorgeous Dixon interiors to the cleverly designed cocktail menus make the experience a real treat and it’s definitely no struggle to understand why Mr. Lyan is on the up and up.

If you prefer the East to South of the river, head to White Lyan in Hoxton. Yet to go myself, if Dandelyan is anything to go by, you won’t be disappointed.

Find out more about Ryan and his bars here: mrlyan.com

The Diner, Covent Garden

If you’re in search of some hearty American food in London, then look no further than The Diner. I visited the Covent Garden branch but they have restaurants all across London and have started offering delivery services too now (cue hangover food!)

Visiting on Pancake Day earlier this year I went for the Lumber Jack breakfast, which comes with a delicious helping of bacon, eggs as you like them and maple syrup. Having visited several more times this year, my firm favourite is now the sweet potato pancakes with eggs and spicy guacamole. The pancakes are always perfectly made and the sweetness in the pancakes is nicely paired with the guacamole.

The Diner also has a range of breakfasts aside from the traditional pancake options, available all day, along with a big variety of burgers and sandwiches- a classic American menu!

Importantly, the milkshakes are not to be missed. You can’t visit The Diner and not have a shake. I’d recommend the Oreo shake, but they have a range of flavours from Snickers to Pistachio. Hard Shakes are also an option on the menu, like Brandy Alexander, a mix of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, Nutella and brandy to satisfy that sweet tooth. Though priced at £4.50 which initially seems quite expensive, they all come with enough for two shakes, making it well worth the money.

Mains range in price from around £7-£10 and the great food combined with the classic diner atmosphere makes it a real experience – but if you’re heading over at lunchtime make sure you book ahead! A perfect spot for a lazy Sunday brunch.

http://www.goodlifediner.com/