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Cocktails

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With the sun shining, and spring flowers blooming – London’s parks will soon be populated with sun-seeking picnic enthusiasts. If you’re in a sunny mood and already whipping out the afternoon prosecco; then don’t keep the fun to yourself and treat your fur-babies to some ‘dogtails’ too!

Enter Smith & Whistle. Located at the Sheraton Grand, and ideally positioned between Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, Smith & Whistle is the ideal spot for masterful martinis – both for humans and pooches. Not only do they have a mean cocktail list for humans looking to indulge in some tipple, they also have a permanent ‘dogtail’ menu for man’s best friend too.

Designed by David Jackson, Smith & Whistle’s dogstail menu is made of pet-friendly ingredients that will certainly get some tails wagging. TeamCocopup Charlie tried the ‘Hound’s Hops’ which is a special brew of dog beer with fresh mint. Afterwards, we went for the super healthy ‘Poochie Colada’, which is an organic green smoothie made of coconut water, kale, and broccoli – which keeps coats shiny and pups happy. Oh and did we mention that the Poochie Colada is made fresh by Smith & Whistle’s lovely bartender Alessio?

While Charlie was enjoying his dogtails, I was enjoying some masterfully mixed cocktails of my own. I recommend starting off with ‘The Pink Panther’; a delicate gin and Goji berry mixture, balanced with egg white and sparkling rosé — it is THE perfect aperitif. Afterwards, enjoy Smith & Whistle’s hearty lunch menu filled with several British favourites. We had the pork belly and the steak sandwich — both absolutely scrumptious — and washed it all down with a dessert (cocktail). The‘Catch me if you can’is a sinfully sweet mixture of Havana Club, dark chocolate, Luxardo bitter, lime, and gingerbread, made by the lovely Sergio. So before your next jaunt to Green Park this summer, definitely visit Smith & Whistle. ‘Keep the Poochie coladas coming please!’

www.smithandwhistle.com

Whether you are celebrating with a partner, hosting a Galentine’s Day (it’s a thing) drinks party or simply looking for a delicious libation to get you through the festival of romance, Don Papa has created the perfect cocktail for every type of Valentine’s Day.

As the 14th February approaches, Don Papa Rum has designed the Kanlaon Kiss cocktail, a fruity, easy-to-make serve for those celebrating the occasion at home.

Each cocktail is made with the signature Don Papa Rum for people looking to switch from gin or fizz and fall head over heels for something a bit different. The cocktail features a smooth and delicate finish that is light and fruity on the nose with distinctive flavours of vanilla, honey and candied fruits. Kanlaon Kiss harnesses the free spirit of Sugarlandia, the island home of Don Papa Rum.

The Kanlaon Kiss takes its name from Mount Kanlaon, the active volcano found in Don Papa’s lush birthplace of Sugarlandia (local name for the island of Negros). Designed to accentuate Don Papa’s fruity flavour and smooth finish, the Kanlaon Kiss combines Don Papa Rum with floral notes of rose and an exotic and refreshing punch of guava and lemon juice. Serve this colourful cocktail over ice and garnish with 3 drops of Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters. donpaparum.com

Method and ingredients:

In a mixing vessel, combine (in the order shown):

7.5ml rose syrup (Monin/Giffard)

30ml guava juice

7.5ml lemon juice

45ml Don Papa Rum

Add ice (5 cubes; to cover liquid) and shake (20 seconds), then strain into a chilled Coupe glass and garnish with 3 drops of Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters.

And voilà!

The renowned cocktail bar and lounge, Rockwell, has launched the Nootropical Garden. This is a new mind-enhancing drinking and dining experience featuring natural and exotic nootropics. We sent Rachael Lindsay to check it out.
The Nootropical Garden is part of Rockwell’s Curiosity Club, a series of unique and experiential events for inquisitive guests like us. It features a food and cocktail menu using natural herbs and ingredients to restore and stimulate.
Ingredients include Ginseng, Gingko Biloba and Guarana – all renowned for their ability to invigorate.
The decor is divine with lush green foliage cascading down to red velvet seating. We sip our cocktails in quiet awe. I go for Guarana Utopia which features citrus, Amontillado Sherry and Guarana Soda. My partner tries the Eden of Gotu Kala featuring an Eastern herb which is a member of the parsley family and said to balance both hemispheres of the brain. It is laced with ginger beer, coconut oil, lime and delicious powdered pineapple.
The food is just as adventurous. I opt for a vegan curry which also features Gotu Kala as well as cauliflower, butternut squash and soothing lemon balm. Each vegetable is tender and full of flavour – far beyond what you would imagine from such simple ingredients. We also go for rosemary fries on the side for a salty kick.
I opt for an espresso chocolate mousse for dessert, topped with hazelnut sauce and caramel popcorn. Coffee arabica and cacao stimulate endorphins in the brain and boost metabolic rate. My partner tries the matcha mochi with maca and berry syrup. It delivers all the matcha antioxidants with a punchy fruit flavour.
Rockwell has put together a handy guide telling you more about each of the special ingredients on the menu. I love learning about the properties of the herbs and superfoods in each dish in a culture where we often lack information about where our food comes from. A great foodie experience right on London’s Trafalgar Square, Rockwell comes highly recommended from #TeamCoco.

For more information or to book, visit www.rockwellsw1.com.

With the days getting lighter and summer just around the corner, where better to cleanse from winter over-indulgence and get your glow back than at London’s newest no/low alcohol bar. Hospitality trailblazers The Initiative bring us their latest opening, Shaman in Leman Locke Aldgate.

Shaman is set to shake up London’s hospitality scene in 2020. Shaman has been created with healing, rejuvenation and self care in mind. The space is serving up a selection of fresh juices, pastries created by renowned chef Robin Gill, coffee and low/now alcohol drinks, ready to shift the assumption that bars can only be enjoyed with alcohol. Each fresh Shaman juice has been designed to improve gut health, increase energy levels and reduce stress levels. The space is also an Instagram dream with bright coloured drinks, cascading pot plants and pretty pastels.

The space is multi-functional, friendly and fresh with health and vitality as the order of the day. The cocktails were more delicious than any alcoholic drink we had ever tried. The Lavanderia was sophisticated and refreshing and the Vermuteria was punchy and warming. Afterwards we ordered a drink to go. We opted for the ‘skin glow’ juice was much needed after a long winter without a tan, and without turmeric.

Located in Aldgate East at the Leman Locke Hotel, Shaman combines effortless service with exquisite interiors, envisaged and executed by award-winning interior design agency, Grzywinski + Pons. Shaman is open to the public from 7am – 10pm to keep guests energised and hydrated all day long.

www.shaman-coffee.com

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, autumn is most definitely here and with it comes a slew of new dishes to whet the appetites of London. From the latest openings to our favourite must-book menus, here’s our pick of what to eat in November that will really tickle those tastebuds.

1. Sample the dark side of Mexican dining

Esteemed Mexican chef, Martha Ortiz, is celebrating Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) through the Painted Black menu at her authentically modern Mexican restaurant, Ella Canta. The Park Lane dining room encourages guests to discover the flavours of Mexico with a touch of the colour of death, in honour of the famous Mexican holiday.

Available until 16th November, the dramatic menu of six courses includes a series of traditional Mexican meat and fish dishes, including Octopus with Black Sesame and Lime and Seabass with Onion Ash powder and Potato Puree. Guests will end their experience on a sweet note, with a refreshing Hibiscus sorbet, with beet and orange candy and for the grand finale, they will discover María la Catrina, a creation which represents immortality, an ornate creation inspired by La Calavera Catrina, the elegantly-dressed skeleton figure and symbol of the Day of the Dead celebrations. Don’t forget to accompany your deadly feast with one of their new cocktails; The Lady in Black is a citrus focused margarita made with Amarillo Chile infused Patrón silver tequila, Cointreau, Rinomato Bianco aperitivo, lime juice, angostura bitters and Serrano ChileSpine-chilling.

Available until 16th November at £70 per person, inclusive of a cocktail.
www.ellacanta.com

2. Dine the deep sea without leaving Covent Garden

The clue is in the name, but FishWorks’ arrival to theatre land brings with it the very best fresh fish and seafood, responsibly sourced from Devon and Cornwall’s fish markets and day boats. With its beautiful marble oyster bar, in-house fishmonger and an opulent private dining room, the new FishWorks Covent Garden – sister restaurant to the existing Marylebone site – the purse- and time-friendly theatre menu offers two courses for £16.50 and three for £20.50.

With lavish lobster dishes, towering fruits de mer platters, classic fish and chips, bottomless brunches and a seafood bouillabaisse with £1 from each bowl to the Fishermen’s Mission charity, it’s a pescatarian’s dream. For those who fancy themselves a bit of a home chef, the Marylebone restaurant is hosting a Christmas cookery masterclass on Saturday 23rd November with a crash course in how to fillet your fish, shuck your oysters and cure your salmon, followed by a lunch with individual wine pairings and a selection of seasonal sides. The masterclass runs from 10am -12.30pm and is priced at £200pp.

FishWorks 2-4 Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JY
www.fishworks.co.uk

3. Swap Spain for California with Victor Garvey’s latest launch

Fans of Victor Garvey rejoice, for his award-winning Catalan restaurant Rambla is relaunching as SOLA. The Soho space will be serving food from and inspired by California, after undergoing a total refurb and reopening with its new look next week.

The chef’s followers will know he always has an eye on the next project and, with the successes of Encant, Sibarita and Rambla behind him, the latest adventure – a portmanteau of ‘Soho/Los Angeles’ – sees a shift away from the Spanish food of Rambla to the modern cuisine of his father’s native California. Expect a menu featuring high class American comfort food like Lobster Pot Pie, Kingfish Crudo with gazpacho vinaigrette, white miso ice-cream, watermelon, tomato raisins and Mussels & Clams with pistachio, lime & chilli butter, dipping soldiers.

SOLA 64 Dean Street, London W1D 4QQ
www.solasoho.com

4. Get your Alpine fondue fix ahead of ski season

Switzerland comes to Mayfair this season as the Swiss ski resort of LAAX has unveiled their LAAX baby! bar at Mews of Mayfair. The ski bar transports drinkers to the snowy slopes of LAAX, where laid back living, meets nostalgic party vibes, serving a wide range of alpine cocktails, in collaboration with One Gin and the UK’s most celebrated sparkling wine, Ridgeview.

The cocktail list includes the Galaaxy Shots – a shot of frozen apple and One Sage Gin to really get the après-ski party started – the kirsch and moscato tinged White Haze and a Rocks Negroni, but it’s the food menu that will get your stomach growling. Traditional delicacies on the menu include a Bündner Teller, a charcuterie board of air dried meats, wagyu bresaola, fennel & garlic salami, coppa and Swiss Comte cheese, as well as a traditional Swiss cheese fondue, made from a blend Le Gruyere AOP, Schlossberger and Reblochon Cheese, melted down with white wine and a splash of kirsch. It’s as delicious as it sounds.

LAA baby! at Mews of Mayfair, 10-11 Lancashire Ct, Mayfair, London W1S 1EY
www.mewsofmayfair.com

5. Start feeling festive with a winter afternoon tea

Now Halloween is over we’re allowed to start getting excited about Christmas… right? Festive dining is my kryptonite, and the new winter afternoon tea from Scoff & Banter is going straight to the top of the nibble list. A contemporary British tea with a wintry twist, the new treats will be available in their Tea Rooms at Oxford Circus and in their Kensington location, which has also partnered with the iconic Natural History Museum Ice Rink for a unique ‘Dine & Skate’ experience, with packages from £28.50 including a two or three-course meal or afternoon tea along with tickets to the ice rink. New sweet treats on the menu include lemon & white chocolate meringue, a raspberry & vanilla choux crumble and coconut glazed sponge cake.

Over at the Scoff & Banter Tea Room on Oxford Circus, guests can choose from winter comforts includingmini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef, horseradish creamed potato and red wine sauce and pancetta-wrapped wild boar and apple sausages with roast potatoes.

www.scoffandbanter.com

6. Get your Freak (Scene) on at lunchtimes

Soho pan-Asian restaurant Freak Scene has launched a new street food concept for its lunch offering alongside a brand new autumn menu. The brainchild of chef Scott Hallsworth, since opening last March it’s continued to showcase inventive and creative Asian cooking. Eight new dishes will pack a serious punch for the colder months and will include Phar’s Thai mackerel tacos with kaffir lime mayo, whole butter roasted lemon sole with spicy shiso ponzu and Takikomi gohan – Japanese rice hotpot with roasted pumpkin, fried tofu and wasabi.

With a new lunch menu inspired by Scott’s travels in Thailand earlier this year, The Freak Scene Kanteen (situated in the restaurant) is open Monday – Friday 11am – 3pm and customers can choose from a base of jasmine rice or thin egg noodles and a top of crispy frame fried chicken, spicy Thai pork sausage, miso grilled aubergine with a chilli, lime & tomato relish and walnuts and slow cooked sweet soy and ginger short rib, customised with homemade sauces and all from just £6.50.

54 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 4SL
www.freakscene.london

7. Get a festive food fix at Taste of London

Fans of the Regent’s Park summer event will revel in four days of festive delights at Tobacco Dock, where you can celebrate best food and drink from London’s internationally renowned culinary scene.

New additions include Soho favourite Berenjak, Thai barbecue masters Smoking Goat, Lewis Hamilton-backed Neat Burger with its plant-based burgers, and the hotly anticipated Bubala, which opened in September and features vegetarian Middle Eastern food from ex Berber & Q and Barbary chefs. Also joining the line-up are Taiwanese legends BAO and XU and finally Master Wei, bringing a taste of Shanxi cuisine with its legendary noodles, as more than 120 artisan producers will line the Grade 1 listed former warehouse, transforming it into a winter wonderland with dozens of foodie workshops on offer, including alcoholic jam making and interactive paella-cooking tutorials. Fans of a festive tipple can also enjoy pop up bars and masterclasses from the likes of Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One and Johnnie Walker Whisky.

Open from 21st – 24th November
www.london.tastefestivals.com

The mornings are getting that little bit lighter, the mercury edging up just enough to switch your Big Coat for something a little less hefty and with spring on the horizon our palates are turning from indulgent winter comfort food to something altogether lighter as the days lengthen and we hurtle towards a new season.

London is, as ever, a harbinger of new menus and with a host of delicious dishes springing up this month, it’s the perfect opportunity to leave winter behind and awaken your tastebuds.

  1. Discover the Taste of Istanbul with Yeni’s Pre-Theatre Menu

Located in the heart of Soho, Chef Civan Er of Yeni has just announced a new seasonal set menu for lunchtimes and the pre-theatre slot. The Istanbul-inspired eatery has split the menu into three sections – Vegetables, Meat & Seafood and Desserts – featuring some favourites from their a la carte menu along with new dishes.

Sample classics such as the delicately handmade Manti dumplings served in a bed of double fermented yoghurt, the Samsa savoury meat pastry made from hand rolled beef phyllo and yoghurt or the delicious Octopus rings a la plancha, served with bulghur, aioli, sumac and parsley.

The menu is priced at £16 per person for three dishes and is available for lunch Monday to Friday and from 5-6pm Monday to Saturday. Additional dishes can also be added for £6 each.

www.yeni.london

2. Celebrate Holi at Saffron Circle

New on the London restaurant scene last month, Swiss Cottage’s Saffron Circle is the first international opening from esteemed restaurateur Lavanya Mahate, founder of five successful outposts in Salt Lake City, Utah. Specialising in the most popular dishes from the North, South, East and West of India, Saffron Circle takes guests on a journey, highlighting the subcontinent’s immense culinary diversity.

This month, from 9th – 15th March, celebrate the Indian Holi festival as Executive Chef Santosh Shahhas introduced an eclectic array of dishes to the Festival of Colour Menu, at just £29.95 per person. To start, choose from either the succulent lamb chops marinated with fresh ginger, dried fenugreek, herbs and spices or the tender chicken tikka marinated in ginger garlic, spices, yoghurt and lime juice. Mains are served up in the traditional Indian Thali style, where guests will sample Saffron Circle’s signature dishes including Kerala Prawn Curry, Saffron Paneer and Chettinad Chicken Curry.

www.saffroncircle.co.uk

3. Indulge in Every Kids Dream Dinner at Waffle Week

Yes, you read it right. Prayers have been answered; Waffle Week is a thing. We of course have city hotshots Duck & Waffle to thank for it, instigators of the forthcoming 24/7 celebration featuring a menu of new and signature homemade waffle dishes running from sunset to sunrise to sunset again. From Monday 23rd March to Sunday 29th March, the inaugural Waffle Week will feature everything from the namesake signature dish to new offerings inspired by traditional British desserts, created by Executive Chef Elliott Grover.

Breakfast fans can kick off their day with a Duck Benedict, while for those with a sweet tooth, the signature Full Elvis, with PBJ, caramelised banana, Chantilly cream and all the trimmings will satisfy all the cravings. If those weren’t indulgent enough, late night visitors can indulge in the Caramelised Banana Waffle of housemade hazelnut & chocolate spread, vanilla ice cream, and peanut crunch or the new Lemon Meringue Waffle with lemon curd, Italian meringue, lemon sherbet ice cream, and dill.

www.duckandwaffle.com

4. Get an Injection of Latin Flavour at Cha Cha x Sister Jane

This spring Notting Hill will be getting an injection of Latino flavour with the opening of Cha Cha x Sister Jane, a restaurant and bar that will be big on taste and on music to match. Due to open at the end of March, the multi-story restaurant and roof terrace on Golborne Road will feature a menu developed by Head Chef Kai Rykowski (ex Chiltern Firehouse), featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a Latino twist.

Due to open its doors at the end of the month at 36 Golborne Road, breakfasters can look forward to daily specials of cheese and truffle toasties, French toast with vanilla custard and rhubarb pistachio, and acai bowls topped with pumpkin, sunflower and chia seeds and coconut powder. From 11am until midnight, an all-day menu will showcase moreish sharing plates of sea bass ceviche, tempura squid with wasabi mayo and lime, and oysters with green tomatillo and jalapeño mint gazpacho; bountiful salads such as grilled baby gam with maple butter, queso fresco and lemon brioche crumble, and showstopper mains hot from the robata grill including a half lobster tail, duck breast and octopus.

5. Embrace Cherry Blossom Season at May Fair Bar

This spring the May Fair Bar has partnered with the House of Suntory’s Roku Gin to celebrate the arrival of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season, and centuries-old practise of Hanami; the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers, as the bar is transformed into a blush-hued cherry blossom-filled escape.

Guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails alongside a selection of exquisite contemporary pan-Asian small plates including tuna, salmon, Yellowtail and sea bass served with wasabi and soy, Wagyu beef sliders with creamy spiced shichimi mayo, chicken truffle teryaki robot skewers and crispy wasabi prawns. A weekend brunch will also include the likes of a decadent toasted lobster bagel and Bao buns filed with Wagyu beef fillet, with crispymelting gorgonzola cheese and chilli habanero sauce. Delicious.

www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

On a balmy summer evening #TeamCoco made our way to TT Liquor for an evening filled with strange delights. The invitation was decidedly vague — and so we did not know what to expect, but after enjoying a GNT(or two) — we entered the wonderfully weird world of Stranger & Sons.

Upstairs we were led through a series of immersive experiences that involved opening our third eyes, meeting a host of flamboyant characters, learning to play Carrom, and watching some monks dance, but before all of that — we learned the rich story of this truly unique gin and its special relationship with the mythology of India.

Stranger & Sons one of the first gins to be made in India since 1940. The gin is made by the family run Third Eye Distillery in the spice farm town of Ponda in South Goa. Its origins come from an Indian myth that told the story of a three-eyed two-tailed tiger in the Western Ghats, who discovered a secret gin recipe after finding juniper berries hidden in her sari. This surreal mythology is what informs Stranger & Sons – and that delightful ‘strangeness’ is what makes it truly unique. Today, it has launched to a select number of bars and retailers in the UK.

Family is key to the creation of this wonderful spirit, and that resonates throughout every aspect of the brand. ‘& Sons’ is a common suffix used in traditional family owned businesses in India , and so see it makes sense that it is used in the brand name. Stranger & Sons was created by Mumbai-based Sakshi Saigal alongside her husband Rahul Mehra, and cousin Vidur Gupta. The dynamic trio set out to uncover the highest quality botanicals and combine them with authentic Indian spices uses in their own household kitchens. The result? A light and refreshing gin that hits you straight away with its spiced overtone, mellowed out by a sweet aftertaste.

From the flavours to the branding, Stranger & Sons celebrates India’s rich cultural diversity and its tight-knit communities. Stranger & Sons supports the women in their local community by employing them to handle the local citrus fruits that perfume the gin. Surplus fruits are then created to create pickles and cordials, which gives an added element of sustainability to their operations.

Stranger & Sons gin is now available in select serves within a selection of London’s top bars and available to buy online through Masters of Malt.

www.strangerandsons.com

Last week, TeamCoco attended the glitzy new relaunch of JW Marriott Grosvenor House in celebration of its 90th anniversary.

Originally opening its doors in 1929, JW Marriott Grosvenor House has become emblematic of timeless Mayfair London luxury. Over the years, its esteemed guests have included the likes of dignitaries, celebrities, and even royalty. The hotel has even hosted countless iconic events such as the Royal Caledonian Ball, The Russian Television Ball, and the BAFTA After Party.

Rubbing shoulders with a-list celebrities and socialites alike, we made our way to the entrance of Grovesnor House, which was transformed into Royal Hyde Park. The Park Street entrance was decorated with a flurry of foliage, and even featured Yellow Rose Frame, especially created by Indoor Garden Design for the event. We were treated to an unlimited flow of champagne, and embarked on a culinary journey with Executive Chef Paul Bates, who created hors d’oeuvres based on the hotels’ most popular menu items. Our personal favourite was the simply delicious Dorset Raspberry’s tart.

Inside, there were plenty of things to discover, as the JW Marriott Grosvenor House was transformed into an immersive experience for the senses, as each area offering up something new and exciting. We began in Corrigan’s, where we indulged in oysters and Dickie’s Black Velvet cocktails. We then ventured into the hotel’s newest restaurant, Ruya, which served delectable Anatolian bites in the Grosvenor House’s handsome library. Finally, we made our way to JW Steakhouse, where we tucked in to some prime USDA cuts paired with some fine wine and bourbon tasting options.

Beyond the incredible food and drink on offer, the evening’s entertainment is also worth mentioning. There were contemporary ballet pop-ups from Elmshurt Ballet School, which harked back to the infamous days when Dame Margot Fonteyn herself was a resident at the hotel. There was also music from String Infusion and Super Stokes. And if you found yourself a bit overwhelmed by everything that was going on, there was also a team of experts from Aromatherapy Associates on to help guests find a minute of mindfulness. The evening concluded with a fabulous performance by the London Community Gospel Choir, which was the perfect ending to an evening of whimsy, luxury, and discovery — all by the ever impeccable JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

“Throughout the 90 years of its legacy, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London has played a role, whether large or small, in the history of this well-beloved city. This year, following significant transformations, our truly iconic hotel begins an exciting new chapter. We look forward to welcoming our guests as we head into the next decade feeling inspired and fulfilled.”

– General Manager Stuart Bowery

www.marriott.co.uk

Half the fun of Christmas is the weeks leading up to it, gallivanting around London’s twinkling winter terraces indulging in a mulled wine or two and warming the cockles with Christmas spirit. Experience the magic of Londons Winter Terraces.

Each year, more and more are springing up, transforming bars into magical winter wonderlands and bringing with them menus of festive cocktails and tasty treats. If you’re in the capital over the next few weeks, be sure to check out a few of these…

Rosé on the Roof at Sea Containers

Inspired by the arctic lights, Sea Containers London is lighting up pink this winter. Follow the light over Blackfriars Bridge and along the Thames towards 112th Knot, where the rooftop is transforming into a cosy arctic winter terrace in association with Champagne Laurent-Perrier. Full of twinkling lights, and splashes of pink and with a true wintery feel, the Arctic-inspired terrace is prepared with blankets and cushions to keep you extra cosy, ready to take in the panoramic views of the city. Expect Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, along with a selection of cocktails inspired by the innovative Laurent-Perrier range.

www.seacontainerslondon.com

LIDO at The Curtain

Head down to The Curtain before 23rd December, because for the first time non-members will be able to access the exclusive member’s rooftop LIDO for the first time. Experience the magic of Christmas with its eclectic mix of festive events – 12 Days of Christmas – transforming LIDO into an enchanted winter garden, adorned with seasonal foliage, fairy light canopies, feathers and faux fur. There’s a Christmas rooftop cinema sponsored by Veuve Cliquot, a cabaret performance and a special afternoon tea collaboration with Penhaligons, alongside craft workshops ranging from lino printing and wreath masterclasses to Christmas card-making hosted by cult illustrator and ceramist Charlotte Mei.

www.thecurtain.com

Double Dutch at The Cinnamon Club

If a hot spiced gin punch and a tasty filled naan are up your street, head to the Double Dutch Winter Bar at The Cinnamon Club. The award-winning premium tonic and mixer brand, Double Dutch, has taken up residency in the iconic Old Westminster Library to celebrate the arrival of its new limited-edition seasonal flavour, ‘Rhubarb & Pineneedle’. Until the end of January, this exclusive pop-up will spice up your festive gatherings; the subterranean winter grotto is complete with frost-covered pine foliage and white winter florals lush faux fur soft furnishings, alpine forest installations and lounge seating. The talented bar team at The Cinnamon Club have collaborated with Double Dutch to create a bespoke menu of cocktails and non-alcoholic winter warmers all using Double Dutch’s award-winning mixers, alongside a bar menu featuring Bombay-inspired bar bites designed by The Cinnamon Club’s Executive Chef and CEO Vivek Singh.

www.cinnamonclub.com

Discover the captivating journey of Don Papa’s latest masterpiece, the Sevillana Cask Finish Rum, exclusively unveiled in our feature on House of Coco.

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane – Chocolate Box Winter Terrace

The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has teamed up with French pâtissier and celebrity chef, Eric Lanlard, to bring the ‘Chocolate Box Winter Terrace’ to its five-star London hotel this festive season, transforming the terrace into an indulgent chocolate wonderland with opulent décor and bespoke chocolate bars, paired with decadent cocktails. Taking inspiration from the traditional treats you would usually find in a Christmas selection box, the ‘Chocolate Box Winter Terrace’ will offer five never-before-seen chocolate bars, crafted using Eric Lanlard’s exclusive recipes for the hotel. Made using the finest chocolate and premium ingredients – from a salted butter caramel bar, a dark chocolate shell encasing an oozing rich and buttery salted toffee, to a luxury white chocolate bar with a cardamom ganache decorated with edible jewels and 23-carat gold – each bar will also be paired with a delicious festive cocktail.

www.marriott.com

Duck & Waffle’s Nordic Wonderland

This Christmas, winter enchantment takes hold of Duck & Waffle, offering an immersive experience full of fun and festivity that revellers will never forget. Snow-covered trees, glistening icicles and other winter trimmings welcome Duck & Waffle guests to the 40th floor, whisking them away to a whimsical winter fairy tale.

The journey starts at the bar, where guests will be surrounded by an artistic take on the season’s magical winter trimmings, while in the dining room, a chalet-style getaway will add warmth and wonder, inviting guests to an ambience akin to a cosy Alpine getaway. Add the restaurant’s heritage of playful British fare to the mix and the charming space becomes a sumptuous seasonal refuge from the season’s hustle and bustle below. Executive Chef Elliott Grover’s festive specials, available throughout the season, and specially curated Christmas Day menu is chock full of traditional ingredients like pumpkin, truffle and cranberry, all reinterpreted with signature culinary creativity.

www.duckandwaffle.com

Sushisamba’s Amazonia Rainforest Celebration

This Christmas season, SUSHISAMBA is transformed into SAMBAZONIA, a magical rainforest full of spirit and surprise. Always pushing culinary and cultural boundaries with unbridled creativity, SUSHISAMBA will honour the beauty and bounty of the Amazonian rainforest in an all-season-long experience unlike any other.

An unexpected holiday expedition, SAMBAZONIA is offering guests an immersive, mystical celebration ignited by music, colour and bespoke design, with the installation featuring 500 LED lights throughout the restaurant, changing colour every 30 seconds. Open until January, SUSHISAMBA will also be supporting its long-standing charity partner throughout, Cool Earth, and its efforts to help halt rainforest deforestation in the Amazon.

www.sushisamba.com

Cha Cha Mayfair is a new seafood bar and restaurant at Mercato Metropolitano in the Grade I St Mark’s Church, Mayfair, right in the heart of central London. With a mix of stained glass windows, grilled octopus with salsa verde and lashings of fiery margaritas…it truly is a religious experience.

A Fusion of Mediterranean Seafood and Exotic Cocktails

Cha Cha Mayfair is the latest in a series of exciting new openings for the Initiative Group and combines eclectic cocktails with fresh Mediterranean seafood. With a prime position overlooking the entirety of the food market, Cha Cha’s bar is surrounded by beautiful church windows and has an open seafood kitchen so you can watch the expert chefs at work.

New dishes from the expertly curated menu include the mouthwatering lobster and crab roll with horseradish sauce and the grilled octopus with salsa verde. Larger seafood platters to share with friends are also on offer such as ‘The Carmen’ (£25) which includes rock oysters, king prawns, lobster and langoustine as well as ‘The Sergio’ (£20) which includes scallops, rock oysters, palourde clams and blue mussels. The staff are passionate about serving up the best cocktails in town and are committed to sourcing the best spirits for each drink. We sampled the fresh Cha Cha Margarita as well as the fruity El Dorado (ideal for the vodka lover). The bar was buzzy, the drinks were zesty and the food was unbelievable. We had the best seats in the house.

A Hub of Sustainable Dining and Culinary Innovation

At its heart, Cha Cha’s ethos is defined by responsible sourcing, enforcing a zero-waste policy and being mindful of the way in which they consume products. This is also in keeping with the values of Mercato Metropolitan whose mission is focused on using fresh, artisan and sustainably sourced ingredients as much as possible. In addition to Cha Cha, the church space has two levels of food stalls and bars which are accompanied by a rooftop terrace, whilst the vaulted crypt basement hosts an authentic wine cellar with fresh cuts and world cheeses, a micro-brewery, events and cookery classes for everybody to gather, learn and share. Cha Cha Mayfair is just one of the many exciting developments in the pipeline of the Initiative Group. Over the next year, expect to see the following setting up around the country:

  • Cha Cha at Eden Locke (Edinburgh): All-day casual dining and drinks,
  • Taco by Cha Cha (London): Tacos bar and drinks

www.mercatometropolitano.com/mmarketplace/mercato-Mayfair

Check out our recent feature on a Genius-themed evening at TT Liquor on House of Coco.