Archive For May 2018
Balham isn’t the first neighbourhood in which one might think to find a distillery. But here it is on a small industrial estate, and looking thoroughly contemporary with white walls and crisp painted logo. The first impression is of, perhaps, a drinks warehouse, but this building houses heritage, history and a distilling revival. This is…
This liquid called Aquafaba is trending just now. It’s being talked about by professional chefs as if it was a newly-discovered and exotic ingredient from the Amazon or a hitherto-undiscovered region of deepest China. In fact, this is a very humble by-product of cooking chickpeas. The other thing to note is that this isn’t expensive…
From the bestselling author of The Art of Forgery, Noah Charney, comes this fantasy art adventure, The Museum of Lost Art. This is a stroll through a museum that could never exist. It’s a visit to a gallery of the ‘once was’, perhaps a wander through a hall of ‘lost forever’, and a tentative toe-dipping into…
This is, at least for me, a box-ticking restaurant. I guess we all have our own individual preference boxes, but there can’t be too many of those that wouldn’t be garnished with a big golden tick after a visit to Pied à Terre. This Michelin-star restaurant was established in 1991, with the support of the…
A charger seems a simple thing, but a charger is an indispensable part of any traveller’s kit. In fact, even an office worker with only a short commute will be glad of a power pack, and in particular the PNY Outdoor Charger. This is actually the most robust and practical charger I have found so…
Who doesn’t enjoy a good afternoon tea? It’s a delicious British institution and comforting. We know exactly what to expect – a 3-tier stand with sandwiches on the lowest deck, a few scones in the mid-section and an array of sweet treats on the top. It’s traditional, and marvellous when done well. But one might…
Beer has changed its image over the last decade. It was once the chosen beverage of older folks who had their favourite brew and they stuck to it. Then there were the beer anoraks who viewed with professional disdain anything that was widely popular with the general public or not brewed in a barn. Good…
It’s that time of year again. Summer holidays are being planned, or there might be some early spring vacations on the horizon. Either way we need to be mindful of both the pleasures and hazards of that contemplated trip. We need Mosquito Repellent and Beach Accessories from THEYE. Malaria is much in the news. Most…
The Beaverbrook Estate is a one-stop resort for almost everything, and those everythings will be to a very high standard. The House, the more formal hotel, is large and from the outside looks rather imposing, but is in truth stylish and accessible. There is a smaller building on the estate and that’s the Garden House…
Cuba: The Cookbook is a stunning volume from Phaidon, who are celebrated for publishing unique international recipe books to tempt and inspire the home chef. This one is no exception. Cuba’s launch (the book, that is) couldn’t be more timely. News of the island is hitting the headlines at the moment, and people are taking…
Yes, Park Lane is swanky and fringed with outstanding hotels, and all of them are celebrated and worthy. One of the most popular is Grosvenor House with its impressive function rooms and public spaces that are worth another look after a recent refurbishment. But it also has a host of dining options, including JW Steakhouse…
You will be expecting something remarkable from the resort as soon as you arrive at Sharq Village and Spa. One is welcomed by a comfy chair and deliciously mild and aromatic coffee. Hospitality to the fore, and you haven’t even reached your room! The reception area is large and furnished with sumptuous sofas, huge urns,…
Here is another light wine from Kingsland. Willow and Stone White Wine is bound to have popular appeal with those who are not normally wine drinkers. It offers value for money (under £4.00) and versatility for summer quaffing. Willow and Stone British wines are crafted with a young audience in mind. This is a fruity…
Designed in the USSR: 1950-1989 is another book from Phaidon. Not a cookbook this time but a rather topical design book which does indeed offer an insightful overview of iconic images from behind the Iron Curtain. There are some flag-waving posters, as one would expect, but even these have influenced graphic art far beyond the…