It’s summer brunch season and the Maison Mirabeau Rosé Brunch at Plateau is giving us all the vibes. The combination of French cuisine, Mirabeau gin cocktails, free-flowing Côtes de Provence Rosé, unparalleled views of Canary Wharf and a kicking soundtrack from the in-house DJs, makes this a great location for sips with friends.
Located at the top of Canada Place, Plateau is the perfect spot for those looking for a more sophisticated brunch. This contemporary space is spacious and minimal. Huge glass windows run across the side of the restaurant bathing the dining area in natural light. There’s a private dining room and at the back of the restaurant you’ll find an outdoor terrace for those wanting to soak up the summer sun.
Kick off your brunch with one of the delicious cocktails and take in the city skyline. I tried the Rosé Garden Blitz which combines Mirabeau Dry Gin, Mirabeau Rosé wine, grapefruit juice, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, Aperol and fresh strawberries. This refreshing tipple packs a punch but goes down a treat.
The menu here includes the usual brunch staples such as eggs Benedict and guacamole on sourdough however Executive Head Chef, Sean Kimpson has put his own signature twist to each dish and added large plates and starters to give you more variety. Choose from two or three courses depending on how hungry you feel. I tucked into the Puglia Burrata with grilled courgette, minted petit pois pistou to start, this indulgent, creamy soft pearl was decadent and morish. At one point I wanted to ask for chunk of crusty bread to smother it on but had to remind myself that this is a classy joint.
My brunch date and I decided there was just too many mouth-watering choices on the menu and settled on sharing Crispy Plaice Goujons with Pomme Frites along with the Soft Shell Crab Burger with mango slaw and spiced mayonnaise, and we weren’t disappointed. The plaice goujons were plump and had a delightful crunchy texture while the crab burger smothered in spiced mayonnaise was a match made in food heaven.
The music and gentle bustle of Plateau create a buzz and ambience that says elegant rather than raucous. Throughout the afternoon the waiter kept our glasses topped with Rosé and recommended we end the day with their chocolate Delice served with mandarin sorbet, a big hit with brunch goers and the highlight for me and my date. The bitter dark chocolate was perfectly paired with a refreshing mandarin sorbet and a delicious sign off for the afternoon.
Our writer, Rachel McAlley recently visited the famous elderflower plantation fields at Belvoir Farm in Leicestershire to find out all about the brand.
The first thing we should note is that we’ve all been saying Belvoir incorrectly for years! This includes our writer Rachel, who always says Belvoir, when it’s actually pronounced Beaver, who knew!
The land around Belvoir Farm was a gift from William the Conqueror. In the 11th Century French was spoken around England’s courts, and the French word Belvoir translates as Beautiful View. This all makes sense as Belvoir sits in the Vale of Belvoir. Located under the site of Belvoir Castle where William the Conqueror once lived hundreds of years ago.
Belvoir Farm is a working farm in UK, owned by the Manners family. The elderflower season is a short one, just 6 weeks between the end of spring and the beginning of summer. However, this is when the farm comes to life. People from all around the region including locals, villagers, students, and families visit the 60 acres of organic elderflower plantations to help harvest the flowers.
Every person that harvests the elderflowers receives payment by the weight of their bags. Some visitors make enough money for a family holiday four people; others make money for Christmas gifts. Whatever their reason it’s a great way to get the local community together to pick elderflowers for Belvoir Farm. Moreover, it’s an added bonus that they get paid for doing so.
Elderflower Harvest
The team at Belvoir Farm sort through the elderflowers before they reach the local factory where they are made into elderflower cordial. Furthermore, they also make around 40 other cordials and sparkling drinks at Belvoir Farm.
Firstly, at Belvoir Farm headquarters they have a production kitchen where they test new potential flavours, construct exciting sparkling drinks, and create fruity and floral cordials. Secondly, they use fresh ingredients in each drink that they produce. Thirdly, their famous Elderflower Cordial has just six ingredients in every bottle.
What’s more, it was a great experience for our writer Rachel to see how Belvoir Farm drinks are produced from field to bottle in just a matter of days.
For more information about Belvoir Farm and for the full list of drinks that they produce visit the website to find out more – Belvoir Farm.
If elderflowers excite you and you love your garden check out this feature about taking your gardening hobby to the next level.
For those who love their beach holidays with a healthy dose of culture, Pensacola is just the destination for you. Known as “The City of Five Flags”. The British, French, Spanish, Confederate, and American flags have flown over this charming city at various points over the previous centuries. This cultural melting pot has given birth to a vibrant city filled with countless sightseeing highlights.
The first area I would recommend visiting is Historic Pensacola. It is eight and a half acres of museums and historic sites containing 30 buildings with 12 that the public can visit. They have one ticket, with seven days to explore option so you have plenty of time to discover the marvellous history of the region. Highlights include the Pensacola Museum of History where you can visit the replica Trader Jon’s Bar. Martin “Trader Jon” Weissman with his larger-than-life gregarious personality and famous mismatching socks was much loved by celebrities and locals alike, especially the flight students and military personnel who used to frequent the bar before it was closed down. The local naval aviation school is one of the most famous in the United States. Other places to visit include the Museum of Commerce where you can see an antique local trolley car. The museum of industry is where you can discover why lumbering, commercial fishing and brick-making propelled Pensacola from a sleepy village to a thriving commercial hub.
If you want to visit somewhere with pristine natural beauty intertwined with historical importance, then do check out the national park surrounding Fort Pickens. Apart from being a famous military fort, it also played a crucial role in the underground railway programme to help enslaved individuals escape to other states and countries where slavery had been abolished at the time. Nowadays, it’s a picturesque area filled with stunning hiking trails, crystal clear waters and places for overnight camping.
As with the other places along the Emerald Coast, marine adventure is an unmissable highlight of Pensacola. They have unique offerings which you won’t discover anywhere else in the region. Glow Paddle is a fun way to allow yourself to enjoy an evening excursion on a calm, shallow lake with kayaks and paddle boards fitted with crystal clear LED lights. It’s a great bonding experience with friends or family and they’ve developed newer products like glow pedal bikes.
For an experience of a lifetime, try Condor Sailing Adventures. You get to sail on a world-class 40 ft. Condor racing trimaran and it’s never crowded as they take a maximum of 6 people only. Due to the structure of the boat, it’s incredibly stable and it’s rare for anyone to suffer from any sea sickness. It is an extremely rare experience, as there are only 21 Condors worldwide. You can either enjoy the sunset with dolphin watching or book a cruise when the Blue Angels are flying. From there, you can go and check some beautiful luxury properties in Pompano Beach.
Finally, you might be wondering: what are the dining options in Pensacola? If you are a seafood lover, then this is just a gastronomic paradise for you. Restaurants like Grand Marlin excel in offering the freshest seafood. They print their menus daily depending on the local catch of the day. They have gulf oysters, hand-cultivated ones from off-bottom East Bay, BBQ oysters and oyster Rockefeller. Local specialities like seared red snapper and grilled mahi-mahi are always popular with their diners but they also have cosmopolitan takes on classics such as their Hong Kong-style halibut, which uses marinated baby bok choy, ginger, scallion and soy sherry broth.
Other places to try for more casual dining include casino beach bar and 5 Sisters Blues Café. The former is great for casual al fresco lunch where you can grab a healthy bite like an ahi tuna poke bowl and more moreish burger options. The location is superb as it’s right by Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. At 1471 feet long, it is a mecca for locals who love fishing and you’ll often see redfish, pompano and spotted seatrout being caught. Brunch at 5 Sisters Blues Café is a popular local tradition and you’re guaranteed to see a long queue out the door before opening. They have live jazz performances on a Sunday and they reputedly have the best southern fried chicken along the Emerald Coast. And then spend some time in the local district of Belmont-Devilliers. It’s been redeveloped in recent times and hosts a rich tapestry of cultural venues promoting blues, gospel and jazz artists as well as boutique, independent art galleries.
Fans of the fabulously opulent Taj Hotel Group will surely be familiar with the old world glamour of the St. James Court Hotel. However, those expecting the same classic atmosphere as the esteemed hotel are in for a surprise, as the TH@51, its newly-refurbished modern Indian restaurant, is anything but traditional.
A sleek black hallway greets visitors at the door, revealing a stylish pale pink and mint green bar area, accented with gorgeous copper details. The TH@51 is a refreshingly modern juxtaposition to the hotel’s timeless interiors and stepping into it is like stepping into a completely different universe.
The pastel colour palette extends throughout the space, which features a large teak-wood bar area, minimalist grey marble accents and breezy salmon-coloured booths. The restaurant opens to a sun-lit glass half-dome, offering fantastic views of the hotel’s historical courtyard and the beautiful Edwardian buildings that surround it.
TH@51 reimagines traditional Indian dishes for the curious palates of the hotel’s international luxury clientele and London’s cultural elite. The restaurant draws colourful inspiration and flavours from around the world and brings these to life using only the freshest seasonal ingredients available. The adventurous menu offers just the right balance of exotic flavours and familiar home comforts, with each dish executed with flair.
We started with the Superfood Salad, which offers a generous serving of mixed sprouts with zesty pomegranate dressing, enhanced by a dash of sweet blueberries and roasted pine nuts.
The Portobello Phuket was a standout dish. A portobello mushroom is baked with sambal and aubergine and serves as the perfect base to absorb the rich Thai Green curry and cream cheese sauce, while the basil crisps add a welcome crunch.
The Teriyaki Salmon Risotto, a deceivingly simple dish, is a clever, lighter Japanese take on the Italian classic, resulting in a truly delicious risotto that you can eat forever.
The Bao Buns are a thing of beauty and are made with fluffy white buns and punchy, aromatic fillings. There are two Bao Bun fillings to choose from, the Indo-Chinese Chicken with pickled cucumber or the Tofu & Orange Marmalade. The latter is an excellent and tasty vegetarian version of the dish.
Finally, no meal would be complete without some cocktails, which is where TH@51 pulls out all the stops. All cocktails were curated under the theme ‘Biomes of the World’, with each creation inspired by different climates and cultures from across the globe.
These beautifully crafted and delicious cocktails add a final flourish (or in this case garnish) to what has been a superb meal at TH@51. It is clear that while the restaurant may have only opened recently, it already exudes the menu, service and confidence of the beloved St. James Court establishment it is soon to become.
Can you believe how beautiful the weather is here in the UK? With the weather set to get better each day, we’re here to showcase some tasty food and drink launches that you can enjoy at home, in the garden, and with friends.
FOOD
Boundless, Activated Chips
These Activated Chips are made using the ancient supergrain Sorghum, which is soaked and sprouted to unlock its impressive range of nutrients and enable their better digestion, meaning they’re great for the gut. They taste pretty darn good too! Priced at £6 (6 x 23g bags) for the Taster Pack, from Boundless.
Rosebud Preserves, Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam
New for this season, the Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam is made with 66g of fruit per 100g of jam, using fresh, foraged ingredients from the North Yorkshire hedgerows. Priced at £4.95 (227g jar) from Rosebud Preserves.
Ping Pong Restaurants, Ready to Steam Dim Sum Range
Ping Pong Restaurant Group have re-launched their Ready to Steam range – a delicious collection of their best dim sum and restaurant favourites conveniently prepared to steam at home to have a delicious meal ready in under five minutes. Priced at £5.34 – £6.42 (x 6 portion container) recommended to order 2 containers per person, from Ping Pong Dim Sum.
Dukeshill, Ham & Cheese Hamper
The ideal picnic selection includes Honey-Baked Ham that has been steeped in clear blossom honey, Cote Hill Blue, Isle of Mull Cheddar, Laura’s Apple & Sultana Chutney, Proper Piccalilli, and Scottish Oatcakes. Priced at £58 from Dukeshill.
MORE FOOD
Freedom Confectionery, Vegantic Mallows
Vegantic Mallows marshmallows from Freedom are amazing! They are dairy free, egg free, gluten free, nut free, soy free, gelatine free, fat free, and are GMO free. What’s more they are Halal certified, Kosher suitable, PKU suitable and of course they’re Vegan. With an irresistible melt in the mouth sensation, these are some tasty mallows. Priced at £1.50 (105g) from Holland & Barrett, The Vegan Kind, Amazon, and Mallows website.
Häagen-Dazs Gelato & Ice Cream
There are three new launches from Häagen-Dazs to get you excited this summer. Häagen-Dazs Creamy Fudge Brownie Gelato is a new low cal option, Häagen-Dazs limited edition Honey & Peach with Rose is a new sweet summer sensation, and Häagen-Dazs Piña Colada ice cream and Lime Mojito sorbet mini cups make the perfect sized serve for your summer soirées. Priced at £4.80 for the Creamy Fudge Brownie Gelato from Ocado, and £4.99 for Cocktail Collection Minis from Co-Op. Häagen-Dazs Honey & Peach available in limited retailers across the UK.
Nairn’s, Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Oaties
Deliciously chocolatey, crumbly and highly moreish: Nairn’s Gluten Free Choc Chip Oaties. Made from gluten free oats, these new Choc Chip Oaties are packed full of wholegrain goodness, lower in sugar, and less calories than a standard biscuit. Priced at £1.45 (160g box) from Sainsbury’s.
Sheer Element, Sheer Immune Daily Supplement Chocolate Bar
The delicious daily activated chocolate bar contains 22 vitamins, 72 minerals, medicinal mushrooms, prebiotics, and antioxidants. Furthermore it is the world’s first complete daily supplement in a chocolate bar! Priced at £5.95 per bar from Sheer-Element.
Prodigy, Chocolate Biscuits
This brand new re-imagined biscuit range, Phenomenoms (Chocolate Oaties and Chocolate Digestives) from Prodigy will have you popping the kettle on. The crumbly oat biscuit base is topped with a hint of salt, and smooth, cacao-rich chocolate. The digestive biscuit base is topped with smooth, cacao-rich chocolate. Both contain only half the sugar of a typical chocolate biscuit. Priced at £8.48 (12 x packs) from Prodigy Snacks or £2.39 (128g box contains 4 x individually wrapped biscuits) from Holland & Barrett.
DRINKS
Don Q Gold Rum
A beautifully amber coloured rum, perfect for traditional and classic rum cocktails. If you’re a rum drinker, then you know that this robust rum was used in the very first piña colada. The tasting notes are of a woody, caramel and vanilla flavour that brings out the Latino vibes. Priced at £22.45 (70cl) from Master of Malt, Amazon, and The Whisky Exchange.
Grant Burge, B. Ink Wine
If you want an opulent red wine then B. Ink’s Australian Red from Grant Burge’s premium range is the one for you. It’s an oaky red blend with hints of dark chocolate and coated raspberries, and with a colour so intense it’s almost the colour of ink. Priced at £9 from Waitrose, and coming soon to Asda and Morrisons.
Naked Drinks, Naked Rainbow Machine Smoothie
Bursting with eight fruits and vegetables from all the colours of the rainbow, this smoothie is the ideal afternoon pick-me-up drink. Plus every bottle sold this July, 5p will be donated to LGBTQ+ Charity Stonewall (up to £40,000). Priced at £2.45 (300ml) from Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Boots.
Pink Diesel, Rosé Wine
From the iconic Rosé region of Provence in France, Pink Diesel is a light, crisp and dry wine, with notes of honey, peach and citrus undertones. The perfect addition to a summer garden party #fuelgoodtimes. Priced at £14.95 (x 1 bottle) – £717.60 (x 48 bottles) from Pink Diesel.
MORE DRINKS
Beavertown Brewery, Tropigamma
Tropigamma is a 5.4% ABV, topical fruited hop explosion, combining flavours of guava, papaya, mango, mandarin and peach. A favourite among Beavertown and craft beer fanatics, proved by its annual return and ability to fit into every summer scenario! Priced at £2.50 (single 330ml can), £22 (bundle 8 cans and glass), £54 (case of 24 cans) from Beavertown Brewery.
Minor Figures, Everyday Oat
A brand new launch fortified fresh oat m*lk launch from Minor Figures. It is available in two variants, ‘Standard’ and ‘Light’ and is bolstered with the benefits of calcium, iodine and vitamins B2, B12 and D. Priced at £1.99 each from Waitrose.
Cawston Press
Much loved Cawston Press Sparkling Rhubarb and Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade are both now available in 750ml glass bottles, making them perfect for garden parties, picnics and special events. Priced at £3.50 per bottle from Ocado, and selected Waitrose.
Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies went for an idyllic weekend getaway with Coppa Club at The Great House at Sonning, for a taste of life by the river.
Every time we visited The Coppa Club Restaurant, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, it was absolutely buzzing with life and filled with both locals and tourists alike (and their pets!) It is evident that when a place has that perfect combo of good food, excellent service and a dreamy location – that the people will come…and stay a while.
And who wouldn’t? The Coppa Club at The Great House Sonning has a gorgeous riverside location that looks like it could have been lifted from a landscape by John Constable. Adding allure to the outdoor setting are Coppa Club’s signature domes, which are accented here with perfectly curated flowers and wicker chairs . The domes are the perfect Instagrammable moment for any guest at Coppa Club.
We recommend having breakfast on the terrace where you can watch the swans and ducks swimming along in the distance. Coppa Club’s Full English is impeccable, but the avocado on sourdough with Scottish salmon is equally impressive.
For a light lunch – we recommend the San Daniele Prosciutto Salad which had the perfect blend of crunch, savoury and sweet. This generous salad is made with ith D.O.P Prosciutto, rocket arugula, radicchio, apple parmesan and walnuts.
For dinner – an excellent vegan alternative is the Spice Roasted Cauliflower which comes with steamed rice, pomegranate and a hefty serving of tahini sauce. This dish puts the humble cauliflower on the spotlight and to sparkling effect, easily one of our favourite dishes on the menu.
We recommend going beyond Coppa Club and take advantage of The Great House’s beautiful riverside location. In addition to being a dog friendly hotel, the location itself is ideal for long riverside walks (and swims) with your pooches. Charlie certainly enjoyed strolling along the river and saying an enthusiastic hello to the people on houseboats moored on the banks of the Thames.
With 49 rooms, spread between the Main House, Clock Tower, Palace Yard and Coach House, The Great House at Sonning brings a contemporary flair to countryside living. The rooms are awash in a vibrant orange and duck egg blue colour palette, complete with Smeg fridges and shabby chic dark wood accents.
We stayed in the Coach House and Charlie was greeted with a dog bed, dog treats and a dog bowl. While the Coach House did have a small outdoor space for doggy business, there weren’t really any easily-accessible grassy areas from the hotel rooms for dogs to do their business at the Coppa Club, which is the only nit-pick from our otherwise wonderful stay.
In fact, all 49 rooms were booked during our stay. A testament to the popularity of The Great House and to the quality of hospitality on offer here. After our two day sojourn to the world of The Great House, which since its opening in 2016 has become a well-loved hub for the Sonning community, we too have fallen in love with life by the river.
Here at House of Coco Magazine we believe good things come to those who wait and, after a 2-year hiatus, a historic Harrogate pub with a history dating back as far as 1830 is set to return, proving our theory correct. The Coach & Horses has long been considered a local institution, famed for its warm traditional charm, Sunday roasts and real ales.
Regulars will be pleased to learn that the iconic venue is in good hands, having been acquired by the new custodians, the award-winning Provenance Collection. The Coach & Horses will join an illustrious portfolio of inns and hotels peppered around the north, including The Punch Bowl Inn in Marton – Cum – Grafton and The West Park in Harrogate, however, the Coach & Horses will operate as an individual pub.
Fascinating heritage
The refurbishment has been a real labour of love, with extra care taken to add a touch of modernity to the pub, whilst paying homage to its fascinating heritage.
The first floor has been transformed into a beautiful dining room, offering stunning views of the stray. The gastropub-style menu features a range of tempting dishes that will please both previous guests and newcomers al
Highlights of the traditional pub food menu include Beer Battered Fish & Triple Cooked Beef DrippingChips, Chicken Tikka Masala Curry, Fish Pie and the Coach and Horses burger of which £1 from each sale goes to the Martin House Hospice Charity, a link that the new owners are keen to continue. Starters and small plates range from Salt and Chilli Tempura prawns, Doreen’s Black Pudding Scotch Eggs to baked camembert. A delicious Sunday roast menu will provide the perfect way to end the weekend both downstairs and upstairs.
The pub will offer a selection of pies, with the option to eat in or take home, whilst an extensive range of local and international gins will complement their fine selection of cask ales. The opening will also create 30 new jobs.
Customers will have the chance to win a year’s supply of pies. Pie lovers are encouraged to follow the Coach & Horses on their social channels for a chance to win a pie a week!
Speaking ahead of the reopening, Chris Cartledge said:
‘’As one of just a handful of Harrogate’s oldest surviving traditional pubs, it’s safe to say that anticipation for the return of the Coach & Horses has been high. We’re pleased to say that meticulous care and attention to detail has been taken to ensure the Coach is subtly modernised, whilst restoring original features where possible to their best.’’
The new first-floor dining room is the perfect spot to enjoy our hearty and traditional menu whilst taking in the views of The Stray.
Along with our fresh food and vast drinks range, we will also be carrying on the tradition of a regular quiz night and of course raffles, all in aid of local charities which we are keen to continue to support! We can’t wait to welcome our first guests into Harrogate’s original local pub.”
Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies went for an idyllic weekend getaway with Coppa Club at The Swan Streatley, for a taste of life by the river.
Located in what probably is the most picturesque riverside location on the Thames, The Swan Streatley (operated by Coppa Club) is an homage the beauty of the Great British countryside.
The Swan, hotel, gym, yoga, gardens, river, gardens
In quiet yet charming Streatley, The Swan is the heart of the community and the centre of its vibrant social scene. There is the country house hotel of course, which offers different rooms that would suit all sorts of travellers. From the compact yet cosy Loft room, to the generously-sized dog-friendly rooms that open the hotel’s beautiful grounds.
The grounds themselves are a sight to behold. In the summer, they come to life – becoming a hub for families, home workers or boating enthusiasts who moor there for the afternoon. Charlie was allowed in every space at the hotel and was greeted with a dog bed, dog bowl, dog treats and a dog towel too. Not to mention our room opened out directly to the lawn, perfect for night-time doggy business. The Swan at Streatley gets five stars for dog friendliness and the TeamCocopup seal of approval.
The Swan at Streatly, hotel, gym, restaurant, gardens, River Thames
The main attraction at The Swan at Streatley is or course, the Coppa Club. A sprawling restaurant which smartly occupies both indoor and outdoor spaces, The Coppa Club seems to be at the epicentre of community life in Streatley. This gorgeous restaurant offers multiple vibes for all-day dining. From a sleek den, cosy nooks, spacious lounges, a vast garden and a breath-taking deck – there’s something for all kinds of diners here.
The Coppa Club Menu serves up a selection of time and tested British bistro classics with a twist. For starters, we especially enjoyed the garlic king prawns on toast and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken (which came with chili mayo and crunchy slaw). For mains – the British Flash Steak with chimichurri certainly doesn’t disappoint; and the Roasted Halibut Fillet, made with the day’s fresh catch, was equally delicious.
For cocktails — we liked the Garden Spritz which was exactly the kind of refreshing summer drink to enjoy during the day and night. The wine menu is concise yet filled with some excellent and reasonably-priced choices too, with our favourite being the delicious rosé from Tropezian winery Chateau Minuty. Thoughtful, unfussy yet undeniably delicious – we know for a fact that a good meal will be had at Coppa Club, no matter if you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Beyond great food and superb cocktails, there’s plenty to see and do at The Swan Streatley. Home to one of the most impressive gyms I have ever seen in a country house hotel, The Gym at The Swan is filled with the latest equipment and offers fun classes that include paddle-boarding, wild swimming, running clinics, outdoor yoga, stretching, meditation and so much more.
The Swan, hotel, gym, yoga, gardens, river, gardens
You wouldn’t be the first to think that The Swan at Streatley would make a great wedding or anniversary party venue, which is why it is so apt that the hotel has a specific area for meeting rooms and event spaces. Here, food is prepared by Coppa Club while guests stay at The Swan – an idyllic combo of excellent grub and stylish rooms in the heart of the Berkshires.
Between the sun-soaked gardens, warm and inviting hotel and fabulous restaurant — there’s plenty to fall in love with at The Swan at Streatley, a dreamy and beautiful riverside getaway. If you are exploring other riverside locations like Henley and Sonning – don’t forget to visit Coppa Club Henley and The Great House at Sonning too, sister properties of The Swan at Streatley.
Here at House of Coco we’re constantly championing all things female and there’s never been a better time to support women’s sport than right now. Cult sporting Mecca, The Brotherhood, is celebrating with an action-packed calendar of events and we are here for it.
Their Sisterhood campaign will include live screenings of all the biggest games and matches from the UEFA Women’s Euros, Wimbledon, darts, and boxing. All screenings will be shown simultaneously at Brotherhood’s Leeds and Manchester venues.
Magic on the court
Kicking off in style with the iconic Wimbledon tournament, guests will be able to witness the likes of Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova and Ash Barty working their magic on the court up until July the 10th.
A selection of suitably summery limited-edition Wimbledon cocktails will be available to sip throughout the tournament, including the refreshing Strawberries and Cream.
Footy fans are also set for a scorcher in 2022 with anticipation building for the UEFA Women’s Euro tournament, which will see Manchester City Captain Steph Houghton passing the armband over to Arsenal’s Leah Williamson. Brotherhood will be screening every single game of the UEFA Women’s tournament.
Queen of the Palace
The world of women’s darts has seen a spike in interest recently, with the rise of Milton Keyne’s mighty Fallon Sherrock. Nicknamed ‘Queen of the Palace’ after becoming the first female to win a match at the 2019 PDC World Darts Championship, Fallon will be headlining the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay alongside Lisa Ashton in July.
Brotherhood has also been a long-time supporter of women’s boxing and will be announcing big fights from the likes of two-weight world champion Katie Taylor. The bar is known to put on quite the show when it comes to boxing, especially given that this is Brotherhood Founder Seema Dhiman’s sport of choice.
Dhiman, a lifelong sporting fanatic with 25 years of hospitality experience, decided to set up The Brotherhood back in 2014 when she had her lightbulb moment over a glass of her favourite whiskey.
After feeling uninspired by the sports bars Leeds had to offer at the time, she got to work on building a brand that would appeal to a wider audience, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation.
Respect
The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes was born. After enjoying overnight success with her Leeds venue on New Briggate, Dhiman followed it up with an equally successful sister bar on Manchester’s Mount Street.
The Brotherhood is now considered an industry leader when it comes to changing the game when it comes to how sports bars are viewed and have never experienced any serious trouble during eight years of business.
Dhiman puts this down to her brand’s strict code of conduct, which is all about treating both customers and staff with respect. And, despite women’s rights stepping on considerably over the last few years, she still says many are surprised to learn that a woman owns a sports bar brand.
Seriously addictive
Guests dropping in to catch their sport of choice will also be able to enjoy the all-new Brotherhood food menu, which is loaded with temptation. Options range from moreish bar snacks such as Halloumi Fries and Jalapeno Poppers to Truffle & Parmesan Fries, Nacho Sharers and both meat and veggie platters. The burgers, dogs and sarnies selection include Brotherhood staple, the Fried Chicken Club, the Flaming Hot Burger and the mighty Big Dog.
Wing lovers can get their daily fix with the seriously addictive 50p wings, whilst the Attack of the 6.50 Lunch deal includes any burger or sandwich with fries and a soft drink.
Stellar year for women
Speaking ahead of the Sisterhood campaign, Dhiman said:
‘’As a lifelong fan of sport, I’ve always had a passion for watching exceptional football, boxing, and tennis, whether played by men or women. Supporting women’s sport is nothing new at The Brotherhood – we’ve done it since day one – but, sadly it’s taking the rest of the industry far too long to catch up.’’
‘’2022 is set to be a stellar year for women in sport and what better way to put some of the best talent on a pedestal than a summer of girl power? Our Leeds and Manchester venues have always been a space for people of all walks of life to come together to enjoy sport, whether they like their footy with a burger and pint, or with a fancy cocktail or two.’’
‘’The time when girls who wanted to play football had no option other than to join a boys’ team is over, and we are now raising a generation of women who feel empowered from an early age. I happen to be a huge boxing fan and will be in the bar cheering on Katie Taylor’s next fight.’’
‘’I’m looking forward to inviting both existing patrons and new customers to watch some world-class women’s sport this summer and am proud team Brotherhood are doing our bit to show women they can achieve anything they set their mind to.’’
Here at House of Coco, we are always on the lookout for ways to make your summer that little bit sweeter. Truly live La Dolce Vita and say Buongiorno to the sun at Mayfair’s must-visit al fresco terrace, the Courtyard at Hush Mayfair. Back with a brand-new look, ‘The New Dolce Vita’ Courtyard, in partnership with Disaronno, is the season’s hottest spot, set to whisk you away to the golden age of Italian glamour.
Designed to give a taste of the indulgence, luxury and the spontaneity synonymous with long Italian summers, the Courtyard has been adorned with an abundance of blooms and floral arches in pastel shades of peach, cream and blush. Inspired by Disaronno’s sultry, oh-so-Italian aesthetic and timeless charm, black and white polaroid pictures are strewn across the terrace, reminiscent of the paparazzi that relentlessly snapped Rome’s film stars in the 50s. An Instagrammers dream, perch for the picture-perfect moment on a vintage white vespa ladened with cascading roses or take a selfie on the picturesque swing against a black and white backdrop of the Trevi Fountain.
Disaronno’s distinctive amber shade and signature sweet almond and apricot notes are sure to summon the sunshine with every sip. Available to enjoy exclusively on the Courtyard, the range of Disaronno delights, priced at £15 each, include the sensational Velvet Batida made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur and coconut. For a refreshing tipple, try the Disaronno Fizz with Disaronno Originale, lemon and Fever-Tree Soda Water, or opt for the Velvet Espresso Martini, a must-try for any caffeine lovers and made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, Sauvelle Vodka and coffee. The Mai Tai Sbagliato is an intriguing blend of Disaronno Originale, Plantation Dark Rum, Dry Curaçao, lime and pineapple; whilst the Almond and Strawberry Daiquiri is a unique take on the much-loved classic, mixed with Disaronno Originale, Cut Spiced Rum, strawberries and lime.
The ideal pairing to any summertime sip, enjoy a range of plates from the all-day Brasserie menu. Think summery serves of La Latteria Burrata with English asparagus, wild garlic and balsamic; beef fillet carpaccio with Bloody Mary Dressing, gorgonzola and walnut; squid and smoked bacon noodles with tomato, lime and coriander; and a zingy Amalfi lemon tart with Neal’s Yard crème fraiche.
