A perfect destination for tourists, Boyds Brasserie Bar and Lounge is situated just 1 minutes of walk from Trafalgar Square. It’s a neo-classical, Anglo French environment (if you can imagine that) that has just received a major overhaul, inspired by London’s forthcoming 2012 opportunities (Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, London Olympics, Cultural Olympiad and Paralympic Games).
Boyds is definitely a welcoming space, either for a quick (or long) drink at the bar or a decent three course meal at one of the many tables. What really impresses as soon as you walk in is the towering marble walls, sculpted ceilings, stone fireplaces and grand chandeliers. According to Boyds, Red Bird Design who are behind the design, has taken inspiration for the interior decor from the lively Edwardian period of the 1920s, with an eclectic ensemble of art deco furniture. Black velvet flock patterned wing chairs with chrome runners rather than legs, retro leather sofas, hexagonal black felt stools and fabulous Kings Chairs feature within the lounge. An assortment of unique, brightly coloured rugs complements the marble floor. The lounge serves light dishes, cream teas, coffees and cocktails.
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Posted by Patrick Woolmer on Thu 22nd December 2011 at 06:33 PM, Filed in Luxury Drinks
Ballantine’s, a premium Scotch whisky, will be doing it’s share of Christmas cheer with Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve. A nice gift idea for Christmas 2011….
Ballantine’s say:
“Created by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is an exceptional blended whisky of superior quality which is available annually for a limited period. First launched in 2010, the expression was a Scotch whisky category first, with its luxury seasonal aromas including cinnamon, orange, raisin, candy apple and pear. Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is ideal served on its own over ice or as the base for a range of seasonal cocktails. To support the 2011 launch, Ballantine’s Brand Ambassador Fredrik Olsson has created a series of seasonal cocktails, including ‘Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve Golden Saffron Martini’, ‘Ballantine’s Spiced Hot Chocolate’ and ‘Ballantine’s Hot Christmas Punch’.”
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Sir Rocco Forte is one of the most famous names in the business, and he is still offering memorable and luxurious experiences for guests at his collection of 13 hotels, 12 city based and one golf and spa resort in Sicily.
The Lowry Hotel in Manchester is an award winning five star Rocco Forte hotel on the banks of the River Irwell, located in the recently developed Chapel Wharf, a buzzing area on the boundary of Salford and Manchester. A short walk across Trinity Bridge takes you into the main shopping and entertainment centre of Manchester, so the location cannot be faulted.
The hotel itself delivers what Forte calls ‘The Art of Simple Luxury, a definition based on comfort elegance and practicality’. The reception is large and airy, the staff friendly. Check in was simple enough and we were soon on our way to the 4th floor. Our bedroom was large and well appointed, with a flat screen TV, iPod dock, walk in wardrobe and floor to ceiling views of the city. Being so close to the action it was difficult to know where to start, so we decided to get something to eat. The hotel’s River Bar and Restaurant looked appealing, and with a 3 course Sunday lunch being served between noon and 3pm we were just in time. At a not unreasonable £19.50 per person for 3 courses, the Sunday lunch was proving popular so the atmosphere was quite lively - and the food is fantastic.
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We were lucky enough to get invited to try what we now know as the coolest bar in London, Vertigo42. The view is amazing, it’s just magical!
Vertigo42 is located in the rather impressive Tower 42. The building itself is ultra modern. We checked in at reception and were given security passes, which were taken by security and our bags put through the scanner. We were then directed to the express lift which takes you straight to the 42nd floor – it took just seconds to get there!
Out of the lift, a lovely Christmas tree on the landing and we were received by Mike Haydon the hospitality manager - a very professional, charming man. He welcomed us to Vertigo42, took our coats and led us to our table.
The coolest bar in London is furnished with low swivel chairs to take full advantage of the view! The room is almost a full circle of glass, with a glass ledge for tabling running around the room. As mentioned, the low level chairs are swivel so you can turn 360 degrees to view the room. The back wall of the room is mirrored, so you are enveloped in the lights and life of London. The bar area has tall stools, again a great view is afforded.
Mike then explained a bit about Vertigo42. We were at Vertigo42 to sample the Autumn Special Bellini menu along with canapés. I explained that I had a dairy intolerance and he advised that he would alert the chef.
My partner and I were in awe at the view! But it’s not just the view that makes this the coolest bar in London.
Mike returned with 3 of the five Bellini’s that we were tasting shortly followed by the other two. He also gave me a product list showing where each product is purchased and the measurements which go in to each Bellini. Mike also brought the canapés, which he explained in detail – one plate for my guest (with dairy) and one plate for me (dairy free).
It is very reassuring to know that you can tuck in and eat without fear of dairy when the plates have been explained and the chef has been advised. Fantastic customer service.
Here’s a rundown of the Bellini’s;
Yuzu & Cranberry - Yuzu juice (can be purchased in specialist stores such as Japanese centre in Piccadilly)/Cranberry juice/raspberry puree and syrup - My favourite – a very fresh aftertaste leaving the palette cleansed. I would definitely have this one again!
Lychee & Hazlenut - Lychee puree/Frangelico/Angostura bitters - Strong tones of hazelnut, slightly sweet for me.
Raspberry, Passion Fruit And Cacao - Passion fruit puree/raspberry puree/White cacao/Chocolate syrup - I named this one ‘the pudding’ Bellini – very sweet and quite rich in texture and taste. We left this one to last – dessert!!
Orange & Raspberry - Fino Sherry/Raspberry syrup/Fresh orange juice - Dry subtle sherry taste mixed with the raspberry and orange – very moreish!
Rose & Plum - Choya Plum wine/rose syrup/strawberry puree - Again a fresh taste, with a lovely hint of plum. A close second!
At £14 each, they are not cheap but absolutely delicious. I am not a great fan of cocktails but I must say they all went down an absolute treat! But coming to the coolest bar in London, you are here for the view and general ambience.
The canapés were really good – perfect for my guest, as she is a small/picky eater. There were 3 individual canapés on each serving dish:
Dairy free - Greek olives with garlic and peppers / Seared scallops with prociutto ham / Foie gras and peppercorn – my favourite! – but they were all delicious.
Regular - Smoked salmon on rye bread / Blue cheese tartlets / Chicken Caesar with Parmesan – Amazing!
The canapés were the perfect accompaniment to the fine Bellini’s – small and extremely tasty. We were also served a bowl of salted Cordoba almonds – delicious!
We started our Bellini’s/canapés around 6.45 and finished these around 8.30 – all the time taking in the fantastic views over London and the many famous landmarks. Mid way through, we took a walk around to view the spectacle that is London at night!
Service was extremely attentive. Mike Haydon advised us around 7.30 that he was on his way to the Rhodes24 restaurant, also housed in the building. He advised that the bar manager, also called Mike, would look after us for the remainder of the evening. The waiting staff at the coolest bar in London were polite and professional always aware when our glasses were empty or plates needed to be cleared.
Mike explained that Vertigo42 operates on a reservations system only, hence why security is so tight on arrival as it’s on the top floor of a financial establishment. Mike also talked about the different views experienced during the day or at night time. Having experienced the night view, I would like to visit during the day to compare the view but I’m not sure it could better what we had!!
The bar area was full with revellers and the lounge area (where we sat) had a constant stream of people. There was a very good mix of ages but you could tell that everyone was delighted with the scenic views. For a special occasion, and for the real ‘Wow’ factor, this is the place to be! Simply put, this is the coolest bar in London.
We enjoyed a truly memorable evening: to sum up - Vertigo42 really is breathtaking – this is real luxury!
Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded 2011 & 2012, Charlotte’s Bistro in Chiswick have launched their Game Night. It is what it says on the tin, a night of the finest Game which starts at 7pm with drinks served on arrival followed by a sit down seven course menu celebrating this seasonal delicacy.
Game to me represents British cooking at its best, and you can expect some absolute delights at Charlotte’s Bistro.
Here’s the menu:
Game Consommé . Lemon Grass & Chilli . Smoked Oil
*****
Venison Tartare . Anchovy Sabayon . Pickles & Crudités . Bitter Chocolate
*****
Pheasant Sausage . Red Cabbage & Liquorice Purée . Puy Lentils
*****
Confit Wild Rabbit Tortelloni . Espelette Pepper “Café au Lait”
*****
Slow Cooked Lightly Smoked Venison Loin . Potato & Truffle Fondant . Ceps . Juniper
*****
Mandarin Sorbet . Rosemary & Sipsmith Gin . Bergamot . Toasted Oats
*****
Valrhona Chocolate . Bitter Endive . Dulce de Leche . Vanilla Milk
*****
Expect to pay a set menu price of £58 per person and a wine pairing option will be available on the evening at an additional £38 per person.
Your next Game night is on 23rd January 2012.
