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!
Quite possibly the best stereo speakers in the world, Parrot’s Zikmu speakers stand at the very top of cutting edge and innovation.
We have commented on the Zikmu Parrot speakers before, and love the unmistakable Starck design. Then along comes the same speakers but in a seriously bold colour.
The Zikmu Parrot by Starck: Dragon Red just blows us away! Adored or disliked but never ignored, red is a strong and bold color with a highly symbolic meaning.
It represents ‘joie de vivre’ and optimism. Red is one of the stronger colors in the spectrum; the color of passion! It also makes for a perfect colour choice for these unique speakers.
The latest Bluetooth and wifi technology sits happily alongside stunning design. It’s rare that you get all of these at such immense levels in one product.
“WHAT WE DESIGNED IS NOT A LOUDSPEAKER. WHAT WE DESIGNED WAS VIBRATING AIR.” Philippe Starck.
Here’s some more info about the best stereo speakers in the World -
• Wireless Hi-Fi stereo speakers iPod®/iPhone™ docking station
• Listen to Web Radio (via a dedicated iPhone/iPod touch application)
• RCA line-in input
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth audio streaming
• Wi-Fi b/g with SES/WPS (Browsing & control)
• Total power output: 100W RMS
• Software update via Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
• Price : £1,000
Chivas Regal continue to push the luxury boundaries, showing their competitors how it’s done. Chivas Regal is the No 1 luxury Scotch whisky in China and the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in the world.
The latest offering from Chivas Regal is the release of two short films based around four modern males and their friendship.
Enlisting Academy Award® winning short filmmaker Joachim Back, Chivas Regal will release the two films on Chivas.com. Back brings his trademark comic sensibility to celebrate real friends and the stories that bind them forever.
The films are engaging and current, laced with humour and filmed beautifully. Just watch the trailer, I guarantee you will be hooked!
The first ‘Here’s to Big Bear’ premieres on 31st October 2011. The film follows the four friends Joe, Sammy, Nicolas and Emilio as they find themselves stranded at a train station in the middle of nowhere after getting off at the wrong stop.
Chivas Regal Brand Director James Slack commented: “The escapades of these four guys are re-lived and retold in a way that we can all relate to. From the comforting retrospective of the future, it’s great to look back on the good times and the bad times with your best friends. If it’s over a glass of Chivas, all the better.”
The second film, ‘Here’s to Twinkle’, recounts the time when the friends came together to support Sammy during a bad break-up.
Chivas Regal hopes the films will resonate with “a new breed of gentleman enjoying close-knit friendships with his loyal male friends,”
So, I guess I will see you over at Chivas.com on the 31st?!
Situated on the borders of Knightsbridge and Belgravia, in the heart of London and with panoramic views of Hyde Park, The Lanesborough has long been considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
The hotel’s recently launched restaurant, Apsleys, a Heinz Beck Restaurant, was awarded its first Michelin star in February 2010.
The hotel is well known for its enviable location, elegant surroundings and exquisite cuisine. It is also home to London’s original cigar bar, The Garden Room.
On Friday 14th October, the Lanesborough holds a fantastic Luxury experience in London. The bar will host a luncheon pairing some of the finest cigars, wines and cognac from around the world with a specifically tailored gastronomic menu.
The luncheon will commence with a selection of canapés and a glass of Krug, followed by a sumptuous three course menu with wine and cigar pairings allowing you to savour a sensational spectrum of flavours designed to enhance each other and the experience.
Cigar connoisseur and The Lanesborough’s Director of Bars, Giuseppe Ruo, will be in attendance to guide guests through this unique occasion.
The Lanesborough will also be auctioning an incredible special edition cigar humidor created for the 165th year of Partagas, where the proceeds will be donated to charity.
This is a luxury experience in London which cannot be missed, just have a look at the menu -
The Luncheon is priced at £475 per person, including VAT & Service, and will take place between 12.30pm and 4.30pm on Friday 14th October 2011. Please note, the maximum capacity for this event is 22 guests. For further information or reservations please contact Hana Gilchrist .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 020 7333 7023 or visit http://www.lanesborough.com.
The Jaguar C-X75 Inspirations & Icons - a new short movie from dunhill's DAY 8
To celebrate the birth of the new Jaguar C-X75 Alfred Dunhill have filmed a short movie that links its inception to the legendary 1960’s icon - the Jaguar XJ13. The movie is a must for all car lovers everywhere.
The long lost 1960’s XJ13 was possibly Jaguar’s most stunningly beautiful design. Produced to compete (and surely win) Le Mans, it sadly never raced due to a change in competition rules.
Forget the e-Type, it is this Jaguar design that holds special with the Jaguar manufacturers. There was only one XJ13 ever made.
dunhill’s new movie is yet another inspiring black and white affair, harking back to the Iconic XJ13, which is now the inspiration behind a modern interpretation – the state of the art C-X75.
The film is beautifully shot and captures the inspiration and design methods for this superb machine. The C-X75 is a lovely looking car, its performance isn't too bad either! It is propelled by a combination of four electric generators, two jet turbines and a diesel engine making it very fast and extremely efficient.
The C-X75 is the perfect successor to the most beautiful Jaguar ever made. Combining modern engineering and design with the aesthetic delights of the XJ13, this is Jaguar’s chance to re live the glamour of the 1960’s in today’s modern world.
This movie is part of dunhill’s DAY 8. DAY 8 lives on dunhill.com and as an iPad app. DAY 8 is collection of the best cool content that the web has to offer, it's one of my favourite destinations online.
You can view the inspiring film HERE, and I urge you to. It is fascinating stuff.
