With a regular clientele consisting of the likes of Nigella Lawson and Sean Connery, Poilane has carved its name on the culinary map of London’s finest bakers.
Located on Elizabeth Street in the heart of Belgravia, Poilane originated on the fashionable rue du Cherche-Midi in Paris. The shop is an exact replica of its French counterpart. It’s simplistic, free of gimmicks and smells adorable as soon as you walk in!
The speciality of the house is sourdough, which is thick crusted, handmade and baked daily on site along with other delicacies such as rye bread; nut bread; raisin bread; brioches, croissants, pain au chocolat and the famous Poilâne apple tart.
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There’s a new stylish celebration about town… and just in time for Christmas!
Jasper Conran and Waterford Crystal have created two rather tasty collections called Eternal and Brilliance.
Each collection contains a variety of glassware pieces that have the designer’s iconic signature. Brilliance features an abundance of double cuts that create sparkle whilst Eternal offers a more contemporary feel and features a tailored approach with a combination of circular double-edge bands and intricate pin stripe cuts.
Prices are as follows:
Eternal White Wine PR - £70.00
Eternal Red Wine PR - £75.00
Eternal Flute PR - £75.00
Eternal Tumbler PR - £70.00
Eternal 8” Footed Bowl - £110.00
Eternal 8” Vase - £110.00
Generic Votive - £40.00
Brilliance White Wine Pair - £70.00
Brilliance Red Wine PR - £75.00
Brilliance Flute PR - £75.00
Brilliance Tumbler PR - £70.00
Brilliance 11” Vase - £150.00
Brilliance 12” Bowl - £150.00
Set in the heart of London’s exclusive Mayfair district is the rather delightful Dorchester Hotel. This hotel is 5 stars all the way and is adorned with beautiful furnishings and incredibly polite staff. After a delightful cocktail at the bar we were taken to our table in the highly renowned Alain Ducasse restaurant which had been designed by Patrick Jouin.
Let’s spend a second on the design… it’s beautiful! Taking inspiration from Hyde Park opposite, Jouin has created an atmosphere that can only be described as tranquil. Using a mixture of greens, browns and creams combined with some extraordinary shapes, the entire restaurant oozes sophistication and class from the moment you enter its domain. The restaurant itself offers three areas of private dining, one of which is a truly ingenious centre stage within a fibre optic curtain that changes colour… it has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Now to the service… as you’d expect with French dining the staff are incredibly professional and courteous. Not for one moment will your glass be left empty or your taste buds craving, the entire experience is just one of those things that has to be experienced to be enjoyed.
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Diva Beach is the latest ‘Boutique Club’ to open in the heart of London. Opening its doors to the public on the 26th September 2008, the club is inspired by Miami’s South Beach and is situated in the heart of Chelsea.
The interior design draws on influences from Miami’s 1930’s art deco style combined with a more sophisticated beach culture. As you can see from the piccies, it’s quite a venue!
Attention to detail is key here, even the mirrors have been hand selected to make divas look sun kissed and gorgeous! The materials chosen include a bespoke blend of iridescent mosaics, layers of shimmer fabrics, hand-finished polished plasters and glistening marbles.
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Riedel Crystal, the luxury Austrian tableware and stemware innovator has created three ultra-stylish new glass decanters, all inspired by some of the planet’s most graceful and elegant birds.
These new decanters are innovative and exceptional in both form and function. The new forms are mouth- and hand-blown lead crystal, which will help your wine to aerate and open up allowing the aromas and flavours to be fully appreciated. Young as well as old wines benefit from the process, and it’s not necessary to be a wine buff to appreciate the difference decanting a wine can make.
The Swan Decanter: (£240) Mouth-blown from lead crystal, wine is poured into the wider opening – the swan’s tail – which forms a natural handle, then pours into the glass from the long narrow neck. The Swan Decanter has been awarded Highly Commended Luxury Gift of the Year 2008.
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