These days you need to head east and for all that is truly trendy in London living & fine fining. When artists and architects migrated to the city for more space and lower rent rather predictably so did media land - which is how EC1 became founder of the modern gastro pub, the vintage fashion fair and the home of contemporary design.
The Modern Pantry in St John’s square epitomises the spirit of this creative community. Just hop, skip and lunchtime jump from Alexander Mc Queens headquarter nestles its listed Georgian townhouse. The restaurant /café serves amazing cuisine throughout the day, it’s the perfect setting for that agency meeting or sophisticated date night. Wooden floorboards, simple furniture and soft farrow & ball muted tones lure diners into an informal sense of security- but don’t let that fool you. On closer inspection you’ll find everything is run to military perfection with sophisticated dishes all beautifully presented which considering the parentage this should come as no surprise. Anna Hansen is an award winning chef from New Zealand who’s been trailblazing the way is fusion food since the nineties. She’s impressed her peers and foodies for sometime time now and the Modern Pantry serves as a showcase for her flavoursome food.
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As actresses like Demi Moore, Julia Roberts and Kylie hit 40 without so much as a grey hair it should come as no surprise that interest in non-invasive cosmetic procedures have risen amongst the general public.
Top beauty editors have had practitioners on speed dial for years now, they know the secret to staying young is more than just drinking gallons of green tea, and with magazines now recommending non invasive treatment as an essential part of a modern beauty routine I jumped at the chance to meet Dr Rita Rakus.
This highly regarded non-invasive practitioner is the master at creating Angelina pouts and consequently known by insiders as the ‘London lip queen’. Rita’s been running her successful Knightsbridge clinic for over 15 years now, her client list features several Hollywood stars and a number of famous TV presenters, in fact Amanda Holden recently told the Mail that her youthful appearance was down to Rita’s botox top ups and a skin smoothing treatment called ‘Thermage’. If the staff I met are anything to go by Amanda appears to be in safe hands- they all look about 21! Rita discussed treatments that tackle cellulite, reverse sun damage, soften fine lines and erase acne scars and all visitors receive before and after care. A number of the procedures can be fitted into a lunch hour so this is the perfect place for cash rich time poor professionals, indeed I noticed those walking in and then ( remarkably fresher faced) out of the building were a smartly attired, well groomed bunch. I felt quite at home flicking through copies of Tatler in the plush waiting room that felt rather like a five star hotel with it’s cushioned sofas, open fire and high ceiling.
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Not having fun in Dublin is simply not an option. The odds to be miserable are pretty much against you. Plenty of pubs, loads of culture and history, and, of course, great craic.
So, where better to spend a few nights than directly Temple Bar at The Morrison Hotel? By nipping over the River Liffey to sleep, you’ll find yourself in this haven of a boutique hotel – and away from the all-night revellers on the other bank.
That’s not the only reason to stay at the Morrison Hotel. Renowned locally as one of the hippest places in Ireland’s capital city to both sleep and play, it’s no wonder it pulls in the crowds. In contrast to the busy city, the hotel boasts a sleek and minimalist interior. Irish designer John Rocha has installed huge bathrooms, high ceilings, amazing paintings and shag pile carpets, all it seems with minimum effort.
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I was recently invited to check out the newly launched ‘Wine Press’ restaurant at the Harpenden Hotel, a charming Georgian building nestled in a leafy Hertfordshire suburb. This grade 11 listed former convent school now houses the latest venture from Daniel Galmiche, better known as the chief exec of award winning Vineyard at Stockcross. Together with head chef Neal Searcey they’ve designed a French influenced menu complimented by 40 well-chosen varieties of wine – and all available by the glass.
Unsurprisingly the aim is to bring the attention of a good vintage to visitors - yet it’s not pretentious, cuisine is a simple classic affair and very reasonably priced, it’s simply quality without affectation. However, this doesn’t mean the informal dining experience doesn’t feel special; I was seated in a little alcove, able to survey the renaissance style dining room from my cosy pew. With high ceilings decorated with rococo finishes there is a faded glamour to the interior and most couples or families appeared to be celebrating an occasion or special evening together.
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There’s a great new Japanese lunch-spot in London’s Bishopsgate: not the easiest place to find but well positioned for anyone in the Liverpool Street – Old Street area. It’s called Tsuru, which is a name that some may recognise (there is already a Tsuru on the South Bank, which is popular both at lunchtime and among the after-work crowd). Although the Bishopsgate restaurant is small, it benefits from a huge outdoor area, which is protected from above by a high, atrium-like roof. I went along in the evening but I’m sure this area will become quite a suntrap later in the summer.
And the food?
I was there on launch night and was lucky enough to sample a number of dishes on the menu. The sushi is excellent – very fresh and generously cut. The high point for me was definitely the Scottish salmon, which can vary a huge amount from restaurant to restaurant (I suspect this is mainly down to the wide variety of wild and farmed salmon currently available, although I’m sure the preparation also plays a part). Tsuru’s salmon was delicious.
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