Saturday, 30 June 2012

MELROSE & MORGAN PICNIC HAMPER...


The sun has finally decided to rear it's lazy head which means picnics in the park are all the rage. For a posher picnic head to Melrose and Morgan and pick up one of their brand new hampers. We dropped by the Primrose Hill branch to grab one up before heading to Primrose Hill to eat the goodies.

The hamper comes handily packaged in a cooling bag with disposable cutlery, plates, cups and napkins. There is the choice of homemade chicken, leek and ham pie (which we sampled) crammed full of meaty filling, inside a thick pastry casing, or for veggies there are a selection of vegetarian tarts. Either one comes with a pot of hummous with fresh vegetable crudités for dipping, chunky, seasonal slaw, Montgomery’s Cheddar from Neal’s Yard Dairy, homemade pear piccalilli and a small baguette.

For dessert there is a punnet of strawberries from Chegworth Valley and two refreshing Pimm's and cucumber jellies - well it wouldn't be summer without a Pimms! The final ingredient is a bottle of Chegworth Valley apple juice to wash it down with. All of the produce is organic, locally sourced or homemade whenever possible  - A posh picnic for a posh park, this would go down a storm with a date!

£44.95 per hamper for two peeps, available at both London stores with 48hrs notice.

Hampstead Shop, Oriel Hall, Oriel Place, NW3
Primrose Hill Shop, 42 Gloucester Avenue, NW1
www.melroseandmorgan.com

Friday, 29 June 2012

HOTDOG EATING COMPETITION...


If ribs aren’t your thing then why not try the less ‘dense’ hotdog eating competition. The Blues Kitchen are hosting a ‘dog eat dog’ competition once again in celebration of Independence Day - those Yankees do love an excuse to shovel food down their necks, not that we need any encouragement. To be crowned champion and break the record you have to beat 19 hotdogs in 30 mins…mmmh maybe we’ll do the rib eating contest after all?

We were lucky enough to get hold of a man who braved last year’s competition, the man, the myth, the maverick Mr Andy Tillett ladies and gentlemen. we used his experience, in-depth knowledge and skill to get an insight on what goes down...

The focused Andy Tillett
US: How many hotdogs did you eat?

ANDY: I think I finished 11, you have somebody to spot you, so you can concentrate on the sausage in hand

US: At what point did it become a struggle?

ANDY: The first two were quite pleasant, the next two were a bit bland, after that it was all really uphill, I started retching after about seven

US: Did you undergo a strict training schedule beforehand?

ANDY: Nah, I kept meaning to buy a jar of those super cheap smoky little 'dogs to wrap my lips around in order to get used to the taste, but never got round to it

US: What advice would you give first timers?

ANDY: People go in for all sorts of fancy gimmicky ways of eating, but I was sitting next to the guy who won (14) and we were just eating them straight up - best way, just keep on biting and swallowing the sausage as whole as possible - a little like life really.

US: Would you ever consider doing it again?

ANDY: Well, I'm more sophisticated now, so I've moved on to competitive rib eating, but if someone really called me out on it, then I'd show them who the real sausage jockey is round here!

Sign up at 7:00pm competition from 7:30 onwards.
Wednesday 4th July 7pm – 8pm
Blues Kitchen, Camden High Street N1
www.theblueskitchen.com

Thursday, 28 June 2012

REVIEW: BACK IN 5 MINUTES


We noticed the Disappearing Dining Club a while back, and when they announced a permanent home on Brick Lane we thought we’d go along and see what all the fuss was about. Located in the back of clothes shop, behind a velvet curtain is a vintage styled dining space which almost feels like a speakeasy. The tables are shared, there are various retro ornaments and candles dotted around which create a lovely atmosphere.

We visited on a Wednesday evening which is a ‘Dinner Club’ when diners eat on shared tables. The meal started with a Grey Goose Le Fizz cocktail and homemade bread and butter. Starters were a selection of glass jars filled with Shoreditch smoked salmon and lemon crème fresh, (smoked in their very own smoke house), ham hock with grain mustard and pickled beetroot and apple with Tymsboro goats cheese accompanied by a slab of Chicken Liver Parfait. Suitably quirky and bursting with flavour, each one held their own and also acted as a great conversation starter.

Slow Roast Pork Shoulder served with Salsa Verde was the meaty main option and arrived on a slab of wood piled up high and topped with a cluster of fresh crackling. The pork was juicy and tender and the crackling perfectly crisped with enough softness to ensure you didn’t lose a tooth. Accompanied by a jersey royal and asparagus salad with lemon and truffle dressing, this was hands down our favourite course of the night.

A dessert of Orange & Black pepper Panna Cotta with Poached Rhubarb was a little too hard for our liking but on the whole a very enjoyable meal. If group dining isn’t your thing then you’ll be pleased to know the restaurant is open on Friday and Saturday for bookings with 2 courses coming in at £25 and £30 for three and Sunday’s for big roasts!

A great place to impress a date or take the mistress given it’s dark with no windows? Just a thought!

Ante, 224 Brick Lane, E1
www.disappearingdiningclub.co.uk

REVIEW: TUTTONS


Tuttons is one of Covent Garden's oldest restaurant having opened in the early 70's, which is why it was recently closed for a facelift by man of the moment Russell Sage. Mr Sage is also responsible for The Zetter Townhouse, The Goring's Royal Suite and various other stylish London joints of late.

To compliment its new look the restuarant also has a brand new food and wine menu with a strong focus on English produce, from Yorkshire Black Pudding and Lancashire roasted beets to Sussex wines. We went along to sample the new menu and check out the deco - location wise this place couldn't be better which huge windows of the pretty piazza whilst inside the decor is traditional brasserie style with red booths, wooden chairs and gold lightshades.

We sampled a selection of starters, our favourite was without doubt the Yorkshire black pudding with savoy cabbage and parchment bacon and the pressed Sussex ham hock, mustard piccalilli and Rye bread. For mains the Wicks Manor braised belly of pork, Puy lentils and caramelised Razor Russet apple was a tasty dish and fairly light for summer. Chargrilled chilli and garlic baby chicken was a generous helping of tender meat sat on a mound of warm roast peppers, aubergine and red onion salad, mint and yoghurt dressing.

Desserts were a little less successful but the wine list makes up for this, not only do they have English wines but they also stock Tuttons wines from New Zealand who was actually the orginal owner of the establishment back in 1974. Tell your granny that one! It's a definite imporvment all round for the restaurant and even the prices seem to have gone down.

11/12 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2B


THE STOCKMKT RETURNS....


If you haven't made it down to The StockMkt yet then we'd suggest you do! The June dates have been announced and the market will take place tonight and tomorrow. Yes we know, it's a little short notice but we've been busy.

As always there will be live music, vintage clothes, arts and crafts, DJ’s and the all important street food vendors! This time round you will find Banhmi11, Pizza Pilgrims, Mother Flipper, Raging Bull Meats and many, many more all of which can be found on the website. Enjoy!

Thurs 28th June - Fri 29th June, 5:30pm – 10pm
Bermondsey Square, SE1
www.thestockmkt.com

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

REVIEW: DUKE'S BREW & QUE


We think we have a new favourite hangout, it’s a big call with so many cool places on our doorstep but we’re putting it out there. Whilst we maybe a little late to the Duke’s Brew & Que party we have now fashionably arrived.

Located on Downham Road, the newish joint has an unpretentious, informal feel and a delicious aroma fills the air – can aromas be delicious? Is that statement pretentious? Who cares the aroma is well and truly delicious. Inside is smaller than we imagined and the menu is fairly simple, if you're a veggie don’t bother it’s all about the meat!

On our visit we opted for the pulled pork sliders, fries and fried pickles washed down with cocktails and beers which are brewed on the premises, yeah we know, sexy. The pulled pork sliders were full of flavour; stuffed with juicy, tender pork whilst fried pickles were crunchy and crispy and the fries were, well just fresh hot fries. However we couldn’t help feeling food envy as we watched those big plates of ribs go past, infact they have been haunting us ever since and we will be going back very soon!

We’d make Duke’s a first dater (although don’t be messing your shirt, face and hands up with the rib eating), a Friday starting point and any other excuse you need to get their - pint of milk buying stop off, who cares. This is meaty goodness at its finest!

33 Downham Road, De Beauvoir Town, Hackney, N1
http://dukesjoint.com

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

POP UP TAPAS IN LOCK7 BROADWAY MARKET...


Broadway Market and pop-up eateries seem to go hand in hand these days and look what we have here another pop-up restaurant planned for this very weekend! Taking place on Friday is a pop-up tapas bar by Tavolne taking place in Lock7 cycles.

Head along to try out some tapas, sip some wine or down some beers. Tables cost £15 per person and include 3 plates of tapas. There are 40 places on offer on both Friday and Saturday and we'd recommend turning up on time to avoid waiting.

Whilst Saturday sees the launch of a new pop-up garden party on the lock with bar and BBQ. The garden is tucked away from the road and sits right on the canal - will it be someone's house party, who knows! There will be Aperil Spritz, Chorizo burgers and veggi options too. We have little doubt this will be where the cool kids park their fixies this weekend.

Fri 29th June - Sat 30th June
29 Pritchards Road, E2 
www.tavolone.com

NEWS: RED MARKET RETURNS...


London loves a street food market, whether it's the Long Table, Stock Mkt or Street Feast. The latest market to pop-up on the scene is the Red Market, avid street food fans will recognise the name from last year, it was of course the *original night food market.

Taking place on the same patch as before, the market will return with an urban beach scene featuring Petanque lanes, table tennis and hammock and a fully licenced bar of course. There will also be a giant screen showing films and sporting events (although no football here - in case you didn't notice we're already out!), a stage and art exhibition.

No word on street food stalls yet but we'll keep you updated....

6th July - 2nd Sept
Red Market, 288 Old Street, EC2A
www.redmarketlondon.com

Saturday, 23 June 2012

REVIEW: EVANS AND PEEL


Monday evening began with a search for Evans and Peel Detective Agency along Earls Court Road, we couldn’t quite find it and after a few head scratches and looks up and down the street we noticed a light on the corner of the building. Underneath we found a locked door with Evans and Peel Detective Agency written on and a buzzer....

We pressed the buzzer. ‘Yes?’ the reply. ‘We have a reservation’ we say, ‘No you have an appointment’. ‘Erm...Ok, we have an appointment’, ‘Well come on down’ he says as the buzzer sounds and door unlocks. Down a short narrow stair case we’re in what is clearly an office. It's filled with books, old, old books all along one wall, there’s a mahogany desk with a lamp and various papers. Behind it sits a smartly dress chap chewing on a pen with his feet on the desk.

‘How can I help you?’ Asks the man. ‘We have a reservation’ we say again a bit embarrassed and amused at this surreal encounter. ‘Stop saying you have a reservation when you clearly have an appointment’ he says at us with a smile. We look at each other, we have no idea what is going on. ‘Lets see if one of my colleagues can help you’ he says as he tugs one of the books on the shelf and a secret door opens revealing a low lit room with gold shinning from the back of the l-shaped bar at the opposite end. We feel like we’re in the Goonies or something. It's all very, very strange but so very, very cool.

Seated at our table complete with old Singer sewing machine we delved into the cocktail menu which features classic cocktails with a spin on them served in a random selection of glasses. Our favourite was Auntie May’s Marmalade Bronx which came served in a china teacup and was pretty bloody strong! The bar also make their own infusions and can create bespoke cocktails for you at the drop of a mixer.

Food is served in nibble size portions with a strong focus on smoked dishes, all of which are smoked on site in the in-house smoker. We tried the Pulled Pork slider which was crammed full of juicy meat, the smoked sausages served with relish, the meaty salad which contains no actual meat but is made up from butternut squash, lentils and tomatoes and the rich goats cheese fritter. The winning dish had to be the smoked cheesecake - it felt like it should be wrong but was actually very right and strangely addictive!

We really can't rate Evans & Peel enough, the experience is quite surreal and different from anywhere else we've been, when you leave you actually feel like your harbouring a secret! That coupled with kick-ass cocktails and decent grub mean this is one place we'll keep going back to.

310c Earls Court Road, SW5
www.evansandpeel.com

Friday, 22 June 2012

RIB EATING CONTEST....


Returning once again this year will be The Big Easy Rib Eating Contest set to separate the men from the boys. Its easy just eat as many racks of ribs as you can in 30 minutes.

Entrance is free and to participate simply email your name and phone number to enquiries@bigeasy.co.uk stating Rib Eating Contest Male/ Female. As well as the glory of having your winning name on the board at Big Easy the winner also gets a £100 voucher (don't worry, you don't have to spend it on the night!).

So go forth and celebrate Independence Day the American way, by eating and eating and eating some more..... How many racks can you handle?

Monday 4th Jul, 6pm
332-334 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3
http://www.bigeasy.uk.com/

Thursday, 21 June 2012

THE PIG AND THE BUTCHER....


Oooo lookie what we have here a new gastro-pub in Islington in what was the Islington Tap pub named The Pig and The Butcher. The pub will offer rustic food, meat direct from the farm butchered on site and grilled over wood on the hand built Robata Grill, hand pulled ales, fish from day boats off the South coast, 20 craft bottled beers and rustic wines from boutique producers.

The Pig and The Butcher is the latest joint from the group who have The Princess of Shoreditch and the recently opened The Lady Ottoline in Bloomsbury. Not exact opening date yet but looks like it could be pretty soonish - watch this space...

The Islington Tap, 80 Liverpool Road, Islington, N1

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

ANISE'S NON-OLYMPIC INSPIRED MENU...


LondonOntheinside fave Anise — the in-house bar at modern Indian reso Cinnamon Kitchen in the City -- has come over all athletic ahead of the, er, 'event-that-cannot-be-named'. News reached us via press release that said: "Not one to jump on the PR bandwagon, it's purely coincidence that our marathon of a menu is made up of five multi-coloured dishes accompanied by five flaming, torch cocktails."  Mmmmm.....

Highlights include yallow dahi bhalla with chaat and the black port baby back ribs (nothing over £5) whilst torch-esque tipples range from the Ocean Blue to the Hot Passion - all served on fire! And if that wasn't sporty enough, then artist Marcus Lyon is also exhibiting a bespoke collection of paralypimic-inspired photographs in the adjoining restaurant. But of course, this whole shebang is nothing to do with Stratford's upcoming summer shenanigans. Whether this is true or not this is one sporting event we will be carrying a flame for!

9 Devonshire Square, EC2M
www.cinnamon-kitchen.com

Monday, 18 June 2012

DAZED & REFUSED BANQUET...


Fancy a three course banquet and an evening of music and art over at The Arch Gallery in Cambridge Heath for just £25 a pop? Well go on, get gone. From the 21st to the 23rd June The Arch Gallery will be offering a pop-up evening of fine dining, ambience, decadent furnishings, jazz and exhibition Dazed and Refused. The exhibition is a collection of over 100 paintings which have been refused entry from the BP National Portrait exhibition.

The three course menu is designed by chef Allan Chandler using locally sourced organic produce of the highest quality. Friday has already sold out so get booking people before all places go!


Thurs 21st June – Sat 23rd June
The Arch Gallery, 289 Railway Arches, Cambridge Heath Road, E2
www.archgallery.co.uk

REVIEW: THE SHAFTESBURY...


The Shaftesbury is a pub based in Richmond and what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than pottering around Richmond before eating a whopping roast dinner followed by a brisk walk in the Park - well you have to work those calories off somehow!

The Shaftesbury located on Kew Road recently had a refurb which has left its interiors looking quirky and modern, however if the weather permits we suggest you dine outside in the cute terrace. Choose a corner table and you both get to sit in the padded booth style seating - quids in!

We started with the Scallops and Mussels both of which were a little on the creamy side but did the trick. The roasts however were the highlight - they were huge! One pork and one lamb served with roast tatties, carrots, broccoli, cabbage and a generous portion of meat. The pork came served with crackling and we ordered an extra portion of double egg yolk yorkies - homemade we might add.

The food left us pretty darn full and we couldn't finish the meal, that said we'd spotted the Shaftesbury Mess so had to try it. The same as Eton Mess only twice the fun because the ingredients are served separately with a bowl and wooden spoon and you get to make the mess.

For decent comfort food served in huge portions The Shaftesbury gets a big thumbs up from us. Just be careful though as if you go eating too much the only thing you'll be wanting to do in Richmond Park is sleep.

121 - 123 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9
http://shaftesburyrichmond.co.uk

Saturday, 16 June 2012

REKORDERLIG TASTE TOUR...


What comes to mind when you think of things Scandinavian that have had an impact over here; Cheap Mondays, The Ravonettes, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Well what about Rekorderlig? Rekorderlig is set to cause Scandimania with their Swedish Taste Tour this summer, hitting London locations at night aiming to change the post-pub kebab run forever...

The Rekorderlig food van will be bringing the taste of Sweden to London with two simple dishes, Meatballs with Beetroot and Apple salad and Pearl Barley Mushroom Risotto made with Rekorderlig Pear cider. Created by London based Swedish restaurant, Madsen the dishes will be handed out free and the first 100 people will also get a free bottle of cider . The dates confirmed so far are:

21st June: Soho, Golden Square 7pm - 10pm

23rd June: Clapham, High Street 7pm-10pm

27th June: Shoreditch, Curtain Road 7pm-10pm

29th June: Richmond, Whitaker Avenue 7pm-10pm

So remember when you've had one too many and you're searching for the nearest kebab shop look out for the pink van above and you'll be quids in!

Thursday, 14 June 2012

FORZAWIN ROOFTOP POP UP...



Just when you thought there wasn't an East London rooftop left for someone to take over another pop up flies onto the scene. Looking pretty well organised ForzaWin is a new rooftop supper club with an actual Pompeii pizza oven on the roof serving pizza from Pizza Pilgrims, the current takeway pizza darlings of the street food revolution.

Located just off Brick Lane for £25 guests can expect a full three course dinner and complimentary first drink with the choice of Saint lager or Aperol Spritz. There will also be live music, entertainment and of course London skyline views. The rooftop opens 30th June and runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until the end of September. 

For bookings hit up the website. Pizza, beer and sunshine (we hope) - Hello Summer time!

REVIEW: WULUMUCHI



Wulumuchi is Chinatowns newest offering specialising in the cooking styles of Xinjiang Uyghur in North West China. What that means is wheat is used more often that other cooking methods so you can find dumplings and breads as well as special expert dishes which makes Wulumuchi the perfect place for vegetarians too.

A Monday night saw LondOnTheInside venture into the clean and inviting restaurant securing a table by the window. Service was pretty prompt and we had menus and water before we’d even taken our coats off.

The lamb dumplings to start were rather special, a generous portion accompanied by a soy sauce for dipping. Another starter of spicy shredded chicken was a mound of chicken and cucumber coated in a hot and sour sauce, rather like a papaya salad.

Getting slightly carried away on ordering mains we choose the Chicken Curry, a lovely warming curry sauce piled high with soft chicken pieces, potatoes and carrots. A great dish to eat whilst staring out the window at the torrential rain. The spicy was a colourful dish crammed with chunky onions, peppers and chillies. The beef was cut into bite sized pieces so if you are not to handy with the chop stick this shouldn’t show you up. The chicken fried rice we ordered, not realising it was a main itself was surprisingly none greasy, light and fluffy. Thankfully the waitress forgot our side order of aubergine, we can’t thank her enough as there was simply no room to put this on the table never mind shove down our neck. A couple of bite of the breads meant we’d tried everything and personally for us the Chicken curry dish was definitely the winner.

The sheer size of the portions mean the food at Wulumuchi is great value and with quick service and tasty dishes we’d recommend seriously considering it when you’re deciding which restaurant to go in! Always a dilemma in Chinatown!

Wulumuchi, 16 Lisle Street, WC2H
www.chinatownlondon.org

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

REVIEW: MALMAISON


You'll find a Malmaison in most UK cities, all with their own quirk and a bit of something special but what about the food? Whilst we'd never considered heading to the 'Mal' London for dinner before we have eaten in the Oxford, Newcastle and Manchester properties and never been disappointed.

So with the launch of the new Spring menu we thought we'd check it out. The new menus feature good quality classic British dishes with something to satisfy even the fussiest guest. From the Herdwick mutton masala, pilaf rice and naan bread to the Risotto primavera and of course the renowned 'Mal burger' - yes a whole 250gm of juicy beef topped with gruyere cheese and bacon served with crispy homemade chips.

Starting with the Crab with Avocado Fritter, a generous helping; the rich, flavoursome dish ticked all our boxes. A main of Sea Bream with crushed potatoes, langoustine and crustacean not only tasted great but it looked bloody fancy too. The soft, flaky fish was complimented by the creamy potato texture.

For dessert we tried the Chocolate Tarte with honeycomb and chantilly ice cream. The dense warm chocolate served with the crunchy honeycomb and smooth cold ice cream was a treat for the tastebuds. We washed the meal down with a Botham Merill Willis Shiraz, a warming red wine, perfect for colder nights.

To finish the meal on a high we ordered an 'Espresso Martini' - shaken not stirred just the way we like it. Service was first class, the decor is dark and sexy and the grub is well presented, whilst we may not have considered dinner at the London Mal before we certainly will from now.

21 Charterhouse Square, EC1M
www.malmaison.com

Sunday, 10 June 2012

HAMBORGARA BULLAN COMING TO MARYLEBONE...


What's this another new burger joint opening in London? Sure is and it's just a hop, skip and jump away from Meat Liquor on Marylebone Lane. Hamborgara Bullan is already well established in Reykjavik and the man behind the scenes, Tommi Tómasson is credited with introducing burgers to Iceland. The Marylebone outlet will be named Tommi's Burger Joint.

The Iceland outlet has previously been described as "Hipster" with old film posters lining the walls and budget burgers and shakes which are apparently the snizzle. The London post is set to open in June and will be able to accomodate 25 burger chompers with recyled furniture, retro stools and like its Icelandic cousin nostalgic posters. They will also offer take away and as well as burgers they will be knocking out Rib Eye Steaks and Chicken in Honey sauce.

www.bullan.is

FOODCYCLE FORGOTTEN FEAST...


You may remember last year when FoodCycle created a Feed the 5000 event and dished up 5000 free meals in Trafalgar Square. Well they are back with another food recycling event having teamed up with eco-chef Tom Hunt to create a pop-up surplus feast in the heart of London.

The Forgotten Feast will take place from 21st June to 24th June and offers you the chance to enjoy a three-course banquet at the Fleet River Bakery, home of FoodCycle's first ever cooking session.  Like all FoodCycle events the whole menu will be made from food that would otherwise have gone to waste and we're not talking about leftover buffet noodles from China Town! The ingredients will include everything from wild foods and ugly vegetables to unusual cuts of meat and fish.

Unlike feed the 5000 this event will cost you 30 quid but all of the profits go to FoodCycle so you'll be giving back as much as you are taking.

Thurs 21st June -Sat 23rd June, 7:30pm - 10pm
Sun 24th June, 3pm - 6pm
Fleet River Bakery, 71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A

REVIEW: SALVATION JANE


Salvation Jane is sister joint of the much loved Lantana, only it's located a little further East just minutes from Old Street. Like Lantana the menu has Australian influences, in fact it's actually very similar, which is no bad thing, although we were disappointment that the Baked Eggs hadn't made the cut, a dish which is definitely one of Lantana's highlights.

Inside the cafe has a good selection of seating with windows looking onto a quiet square and outdoor tables should the weather permit. We visited for breakfast and tried the Corn fritters stacked with crispy bacon, fresh rocket, slow roast tomatoes, chilli jam and crème fraiche. The dish was made up of juicy slow roasted tomatoes sandwiched between two thick pancake style fritters which sat on top of a mound of rocket and were finished off with a cluster of crispy bacon - definitely not for the faint hearted this is one filling breakfast.

Almond bircher muesli with baked apple was another great dish and also super filling - so filling we couldn't finish it. A Latte was served strong and hot whilst the fresh juices were particularly nice with an Orange, Raspberry and Mint concoction scoring high on our juice-o-meter.

Salvation Jane hits all the right spots for a posh breakfast, the only thing worth noting is it can be quite expensive - for a coffee, juice and meal you'll be looking at around £15 - £20. That said the prices stay the same throughout the day which makes it a cheapish option for lunch or dinner and they also serve wine and beer.

Unit 2, 1 Oliver's Yard, 55 City Road, EC1Y
http://lantanacafe.co.uk

Friday, 8 June 2012

THE BRITISH BISCUIT FESTIVAL...


Following last weekend's jubilee festivities, what better way to continue the patriotism celebration of all things British than with The British Biscuit Festival! This event recognises the central role the humble biscuit plays in our lives, whether you prefer a digestive dunked in your tea, a chocolate hobnob, or one of those pink wafers that your grandmother used to give you when you were young.

Kicking off on Friday 8th June the event lets you roll up your sleeves and get baking at the Build-a-Biscuit Workshop where you will be assisted in creating your own dream biscuit with a range of delicious filings, bases and toppings. If you're feeling more competitive then you may like to have a go at the Terrific Biscuit Tin Tournament which allows you to compete in a number of challenges from dunking a biscuit in tea without it going soggy to reciting poems with a mouthful of biscuits, to be crowded 2012 Biscuit Champion. And why not try your hand at Bisc-ART where you can create fabulous pieces of biscuit art. Six of the best will be showcased on the day with one crowned the winner – whether it’s a portrait of the Queen made out of cream or a building made of bourbons...

If you'd prefer something a little more sociable, then there's the Tea and Biscuit Social, a pop-up living room where you can enjoy a biscuit over a chin-wag; or the Tea Dance, where The Ragroof Theatre company will be hosting an old fashioned tea dance on Saturday, keeping you entertained with ballroom moves and, of course, more biscuits. And as if that wasn't enough, Molly Bakes will have an Olympic themed cake stall celebrating all that is British as well as from around the world.

Fri 8th June - Sun 10th June, noon - 6pm
The Brunswick Centre, WC1
www.brunswick.co.uk

STREET FEAST MOVING....


You may remember back in April we broke the news about the Street Feast Friday night market taking place in Brick Lane. Well now we have some bad news the market has come to an end, but hold on before you go getting all emotional it isn't actually stopping it is just moving location, all the way North to the Camden Town Brewery.

Tonight will see seven of London's top street food traders, teaming up with the Camden Town Brewery to set up a market for the next 3 weeks in the cobbled courtyard. And the good news is there is an inside and outside bar which solves the weather problem too.

So it would seem all good things actually don't come to an end they just move!

Fri 8th June, 5pm - 12am
Camden Town Brewery, Prince of Wales Road, NW5
www.streetfeastlondon.com




Wednesday, 6 June 2012

REVIEW: AQUA KYOTO


Aqua Kyoto is located in the heart of central London just off Regent Street and shares a building with three other Aqua venues including a Spanish restaurant and rooftop bar. Aqua Kyoto specialises in Japanese food with a sushi bar which knocks up sushi to order and a sumibiyaki charcoal grill.

We recently visited the restaurant to try the Don Buri lunch menu which is a set menu offering a main dish with a starter and dessert. We chose the Seafood Udon which was a clear broth with udon noodles, seaweed and a generous helping of juicy prawns, shrimp and scallops. Another rice dish topped with beef was just as filling, a huge mound of rice topped with thin, tasty beef pieces.

The dishes come served with chawanmushi; a cold egg custard style dish, pickles and a dessert - which when we visited was a dense, dark chocolate mouse topped with fresh fruit. The non-alcoholic cocktails are ideal for lunch times and if it's sunny you can head to the terrace with views over the shopping streets below. Whilst our waitress was amazing and extremely helpful, the 30 minute plus wait for our lunch was a little annoying, especially as the restaurant wasn't very busy. 


That said for an authentic Japanese lunch (£12.50 for the Don Buri set lunch) with Tokyo style views in central London it ain't bad people.

30 Argyll Street, W1F
www.aqua-london.com