Historic Aldgate, on the border of the City and the East End is a worthy example of London's extreme juxtapositioning of old and new. It's this slightly chaotic admixture of people, ideas and architecture that makes London both fascinating and bewildering. Aldgate makes an interesting and slightly unusual choice of locale for a new opening, however Treves and Hyde, which pitches itself as 'more than just a restaurant' really brings something more special to Aldgate. Treves and Hyde takes a multi-layered approach in its offerings. On the ground floor you can find world class coffee, courtesy o...
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The name alone is enough to draw me in. Who doesn’t want to attend a Rock N Roll brunch at the House of Ho on a Sunday?
Read more →I’m not exactly sure who Mabel is but I’ve decided I already like her. This brilliant new addition to Covent Garden’s culinary scene is a welcome breath of fresh air and somewhere I’d like to return to again and again. Despite getting tangled up in the crowds of tourists in the area, I still love Covent Garden and am there frequently for meetings, dining, drinking, shopping and yoga (not necessarily in that order). New restaurants and bars pop up frequently here but few so good as the shiny new Mabel’s. It’s got atmosphere, character and above all great food. Arriving on a Wednesday nigh...
Read more →The wonderful thing about Spanish dining is that even when the food is exceptional, the service is never stuffy and never pretentious. The welcome at El Pirata was warm and friendly; as soon as we walked through the door we were greeted like old friends and presented with a basket of warm, fresh bread, a plate of jamon iberico and a full bowl of those beautiful salted green peppers. Before we knew it there was glasses of Rioja to accompany it, keeping us satisfied whilst we browsed through the exciting Tapas menu. I love tapas. I love the whole premise of it; the way it is served and the wa...
Read more →Kurt Vile's show was a mixed bag. A limited live set up meant some of the magic of his records was lost, but some real moments of brilliant kept this show alive.
Read more →It's very rare Britain has the heat to match a tropical disposition... And The Jam Tree couldn't of picked a better period to celebrate one of the most diverse and exciting cuisines of the Caribbean. To commemorate Jamaica's independence (6 August) The Jam Tree have embraced their new pop up full throttle. And of course we visited to sample the delights! When we arrive it's a balmy evening and the glas front doors of the Clapham branch are open, creating a great indoor/outdoor effect. The place is buzzing and the atmosphere is relaxed and easy. As we cast our eyes over the menu - there'...
Read more →Nils Frahm, the Berlin-based pianist and composer was in incredible form at St John-at-Hackney Church last week. Here is what I thought...
Read more →Surfer Blood are at the most perilous stage in any young band’s career: the second album. Released on Monday, their new record Pythons has all the hallmarks of a success; major label backing (Warner Music), a world-renowned producer (Gil Norton) and a few years touring with the likes of Pixies and Foals. However, their image took a beating (pun acknowledged, and apologised for) last year when singer John Paul Pitts was arrested for domestic battery. Though the charges were dropped, there remains a sense of unease surrounding the group. Additionally, the new record, with its deeply personal...
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