Shopping small this Christmas
For those in need of pressie inspo, I’ve picked out some quirky Christmas gifts from independent businesses in and around London.
Uncategorised
Biceps, buns and ‘boylesque’ at Briefs: Close Encounters
Naked men. What’s not to like?
Tacos and smoked meat at trendy Temper
“You know a trend is on its way out,” mused Laura, “When you start seeing them being sold in Pod.” We were talking about London’s now relatively long-standing craze for Taiwanese steamed buns, whose hype is finally starting to wane. (The guys behind Bao, who really got the trend off the ground, certainly know which […]
Regional Italian specialties at Diciannove
Italy is my favourite place to go on holiday, on the basis that holidays should be all about good eating and sampling – extensively – the local liquor. This summer, we went to Sicily for arancine and gelato-stuffed brioche, and last year we visited Amalfi for its limoncello – in fact, all things limon – […]
Blowing baubles at London Glassblowing
It’s amazing how you can live in London for absolutely bloody ages and think you know about every cool thing going, and then, out of nowhere, you find out there’s an ice climbing wall hiding in Covent Garden, or a flying trapeze school in Hyde Park. Or a glassblowing studio in London Bridge.
Eight things I ate this October
Steaks, cakes and cinnamon rolls.
The Grill at McQueen: a Great Escape from bad steak
When it comes to lavs, I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur. From Sketch’s unisex egg toilets to the immaculate powder rooms of the Ritz, it’s nice to have a bog with a bit of character.
Michelin star tapas at Barrafina
There’s a lot not to like about Barrafina. For instance: the layout, which sits precisely 29 diners behind a cramped L-shaped counter. Everyone else waits – for up to two hours! – directly behind them, getting in the way of pained-looking hosting staff and audibly wishing the people ahead of them would eat a bit […]
Picture this! Six courses for £40 in Marylebone
“Fine dining food without the fine dining prices,” is the unofficial motto of Picture, which has just opened a second restaurant in Marylebone after roaring success in Fitzrovia. We were there for the summer tasting menu, set at a very reasonable £40 (or £70 with matched wines).
