(Written by Toby Rose)
Prince Harry is everywhere. Very much the action Royal. At the same time he displays a strong empathy with peoples he meets. To rework his mothers moniker…he is the People’s Prince.
Not an ounce of pomp. In an attack helicopter, in Afghanistan, in the arms of a beauty, coming to the aid of a mugged pal in South London and, recently, in Rio. What a way to finish off his Royal Tour – a convincing win at polo in Sao Paulo. A globetrotting Prince of Polo. It was Prince Harry’s first visit to Brazil and by way of a souvenir he a scooped the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup in a match which took place at Haras Larissa, Campinas, Sao Paulo.
It was a convincing win of 6-3.
Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, paid tribute to the polo playing Prince’s winning team. “We’re honoured to support Sentebale for the second year. It was great to witness such a well-played game, with the Prince’s team taking the cup”.
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The recent singlehanded glad-handing tour of some of the most sun kissed and scenic parts of the Americas was a triumph. He handled gold medalist sprinters, republican prime ministers and 12 year old blind girls with the same ease. His style was relaxed and always engaged and had the talent of finding the right tone in all circumstances. The rules of engagement Of Captain Wales were simple there were no rules.
Seen from the outside this was like a dream gap year n the space of ten days. And the event was topped off with a very juicy cherry in the cake..or in this case Sugar Loaf Mountain, ending his solo tour in Rio.
A carefree spirit was much in evidence when he energetically dance the samba with the ladies and plunged into the favalas. Here he showed that he didn’t just do handshakes he could shake his hips as well. All executed with a deft common touch. But it was at the polo that Harry showed that he is not just a beaming smiling People’s Princes with a world class line in small talk. He a player with talent and skill which saw his team lifting the trophy.
The sporty nation of Brazil will have seen his hi jinks in Jamaica with Usain Bolt and loved his lighthearted approach to sport. This from a nation so proud of Pele and its world cup winning soccer squad.
After all the photo opps things got serious when he climbed on his polo mount. Being pukka with the chukka and twisting and turning his steed in a fast moving match is bound to thrill spectators. And when you have a competitive competitor like Prince Harry, it is a level playing field for the royal horseman. No amount of blueblood or size of silver spoon makes a difference and the crowd knows this and loves it all the more. Their Prince is one of the people and fights his corner with the commoners. Or some at least some rich dudes and artistos.
Speaking of his work for Sentebale the Prince said “I hope that with the position that I’m in and the title that I have, I will continue to be able to use that to bring attention to these disadvantaged kids all over the world.”
Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers also said: “We’re honoured to support Sentebale for the second year. It was great to witness such a well-played game, with the Prince’s team taking the Cup.
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We found the Rib Room restaurant settled amongst the myriad of designer shops of Knightsbridge, West London. It is positioned at the basement of the luxury hotel, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, so we didn’t know what to expect, but when a man in a large top-hat opens the door for you, it’s always a good sign.
We gladly followed the recommendation of an aperitif. This allowed us time to take in the relaxing ambience of the bar and to admire the new interior design created by Martin Brudnizki. A choice of muted colours offered a welcoming calmness.
The ‘best of traditional British’ a la carte menu is full of mouth watering dishes created by head chef Ian Rudge using fresh seasonal produce. My starter was lobster and smoked salmon, pickled cucumber, Charlotte potato salad, egg yolk dressing. So impressive was the presentation, it seemed scandalous to eat it, but once I did start, I couldn’t stop until the plate was empty. My colleague opted for the diver-caught scollops. They were large and succulent with a wonderful smokiness, further enhanced by a curried cauliflower puree. Starters were accompanied by freshly baked artisan granary rolls.
My main course was Cotswold chicken - slow roasted breast and ‘Wellington’ served with juicy young carrots. The tenderness of the chicken and delicacy of flavours was really something to write home about. My colleague’s main was a subtle dish of wild halibut with Spring vegetables, including meltingly sweet tiny braised onions. To accompany, (with friendly help from the sommelier) we had a bottle of Spanish white- Coroa A Gordello, selected from the interactive i-pad wine-list - a flash of the contemporary in this otherwise reassuringly traditional restaurant -. The wine was unusual, but complemented our main courses beautifully.
For dessert, I tasted my colleague’s Black Forest chocolate delice which was accompanied by the lightest chocolate mousse imaginable. However, this was outdone by my own choice – an apple crumble soufflé that was wonderfully light, tasty, and…appley. This wonderful confection, suggested by a knowledgeable waiter, completed a comfortable three hours in the Rib Room.
The food at The Rib Room is easily on par with any Michelin star restaurant. Ian Rudge has created a fascinating menu that will surely tempt you back to try what you couldn’t fit in first time around. The service we experienced was impeccable, possibly the best staffed restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of dining at. Table staff were friendly but not over familiar. They were attentive without being fussy and all very knowledgeable.
I noticed there is a 3 course set menu for only £25, or a two course meal for £19. If what I ate is anything to go by, that must be one of the best culinary bargains in the whole of London.
To find out more, visit www.theribroom.co.uk
The Brasserie Vacherin is the brainchild of top chef Malcolm John and is perfectly placed to appeal to the discerning Surrey commuter. Situated in central Sutton and moment’s walk from the train station, the location means you can wine and dine at your leisure, sure of an accessible means of getting home.
The cuisine is French and the prices mid-range, so it is likely to attract diners who are weary of the ubiquitous establishments Sutton offers. The restaurant has a relaxed feel not always evident in restaurants of this type – it has none of the uptight self-consciousness that sometimes accompanies the uber-cool. Rather, juxtaposing the modern interior is an atmosphere of rustic charm that seems effortless but probably took an awful lot of planning.
The décor is simple; dark wooden floors, tables and chairs, simple glass tumblers and wooden salt and pepper pots create French authenticity. The smoky jazz drifting over the sound system on our arrival added to the atmosphere of a backstreet Parisian café.
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To coincide with Fairtrade Fortnight 2012, which runs from 27th February until 11th March and the launch of FAIR. Spirits, Lussorian attended the launch night at Searcy’s Club on top of The Gherkin in London.
Here we learnt about the world’s first premium fair trade spirits company and tasted some truly special cocktails from FAIR. Spirits.
During Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 cocktail mixologists throughout the city will be joining forces to raise money for fair trade. A whole host of clubs and bars will be serving up FAIR. Spirits cocktails, with £2 of each sold going towards Fairtrade Fortnight.
At the Gherkin, We were received by Paul Bungener UK Brand Ambassadeur from the Fair Trade Spirits Company. Paul is passionate about fair trade spirits and his passion was infectious throughout the evening, from meeting and greeting to enthusing about how he sees FAIR. Spirits growing in the future.
Mixologist, Boris Ivan (bar and club lounge manager at Le Meridien Piccadilly) worked tirelessly all evening keeping the many guest’s thirst quenched with a delightful choice of cocktails made from the FAIR. Spirit range of Quinoa Vodka, Goji Berry Liqueur and Café Liqueur.
My guest and I started with the Goji Berry cocktail – a delicious mix of Goji Berry Liqueur, Quinoa Vodka and fresh cranberry juice – topped with a tiny little dried rose! You can tell the quality of the FAIR. Spirits used – the taste was fresh and vibrant.
My guest, being a coffee lover, was keen to try the Café Liqueur cocktail – it went down a treat. The appearance in the cocktail glass looked just like a good coffee with a good creamy head! Served ice cold, with three coffee beans on top, it was very moreish!
I opted for another Goji Berry Liqueur as the taste was just so crisp! Canapés were served – a selection of Goji Berry jelly/mousse ‘spoons’ with FAIR. Spirits Quinoa Vodka shots – very contemporary.
Such a worthwhile event had to take place in a memorable venue – The Gherkin. From the moment we arrived in the plush foyer to the bar where the FAIR. Spirits event was hosted on the top (39th) floor it was pure indulgence.
Having gone through security on the ground floor we were whisked up to the 34th floor in a super-fast lift to the cloakrooms. We deposited our coats and took the ‘shuttle’ lift to the 39th floor – to the restaurant and bar. Searcy’s private member’s club is one of the very best in London and so too is its base here in The Gherkin.
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The Seven Dials area is the epicentre of everything exciting and enthralling London has to offer. From the central point of Seven Dials, marked by the Seven Dials sundial pillar, the seven streets originate and reach out into the heart of London. Each street is a different selection of independent shops, boutiques, independent eateries, fresh produce stores and much more. In short, each street is a wonderful journey.
One thing that struck me about the area, the last time I visited, was the completely immersing feel of heritage and history, as you walk through the Seven Dials. This feeling is generated by the vast selection of independent stores and retailers, which still have that authentic London feel. Particular highlights in the area include the Monmouth Coffee House and Neal’s Yard Dairy.
The former, the Monmouth coffee house, begun roasting and retailing coffee in 1978 and built a sampling room for their customers to try their coffees before buying beans. The coffee is a real delight; they make single cone filter coffee and espresso based drinks. The coffees are made using organic Jersey whole milk from Jeff Bowles in Somerset and their organic whole cane sugar comes from Assukkar, Costa Rica. The coffee house is a must for anyone who visits the area – it’s handmade and dedicated touch is a real antidote to mass produced coffee chains.
The Latter, Neal’s Yard Dairy, is a quintessentially British Cheese and Farm produce store. Commenting on the store, Neal’s Yard say: “We buy cheese from about seventy cheesemakers on farms around Britain and Ireland and we sell the cheese in our two shops in London and to shops and restaurants all over the world.” Neal’s yard is a treat for the eyes and the senses, as you are confronted with the world of cheese. You won’t find any cathedral city or babybel here, as all the cheese is sourced from independent cheesemakers across the UK.
If you return to the centre of the Seven Dials area you will find a beautiful 4 star boutique hotel – The Mercer Street Hotel. A part of the fabulous Radisson Edwardian hotel chain, the hotel has recently renovated and is the perfect place to stay when visiting the area.
The suites are especially stunning affairs, and as they have recently been renovated, they are also designed with a fabulously contemporary décor. The suite we tried also had a large lounge area and decent bathroom. Additionally, the bed was particularly comfortable and has to be one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in – I didn’t want to wake up!
The rooms have all the mod cons, for example: they contain a large plasma tv, apple tv, iPod connectivity, King sized bed (more than) big enough for two. The room is finished off by a separate dressing room for the ladies - which includes a SMEG fridge and walk in wardrobe area, and a Nespresso machine for those caffeine fiends amongst us.
The hotel itself is furnished with an astonishingly beautiful décor, a décor which is carried from the bedroom, all the way to the hotel restaurant. The Dial Bar and Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as offering a relaxing and suave setting to drink in the evening.
At the Dial Bar restaurant, I was lucky enough to sample the Scallops, wrapped in Parma ham, with a pea puree. The scallops were succulent and sweet, therefore making them a perfect accompaniment to the smoked taste of the Parma ham. The leek puree complimented the sweetness of the scallops and made the dish delectable (£11.00).
In terms of mains, the a particular recommendation would go to the pan fried rump of salt marsh lamb, garlic mash, roast Mediterranean vegetables and rosemary sauce. Also, the pan roasted breast of Creedy Carver duck, baked fig, malloreddus pasta, red wine sauce, was delightful.
I would certainly stay at The Mercer Street hotel again; it was the perfect place to stay when enjoying the area and, even if I wasn’t staying, I would certainly recommend the Dial Bar and Restaurant. My visit to the hotel was an exciting and satisfying experience, and is one which I would love to replicate in the future.
Part 2 of the Seven Dial Series will feature a run-down of must-visit independent retailers in the area and also, a spot-light review of Peter Gordon’ acclaimed Kopapa restaurant.
For more information on the Seven Dials area please visit: http://www.sevendials.co.uk/
To book your stay at The Mercer Street Hotel click here
