Monday 29 October 2012

Harvey Nichols Afternoon Tea, Edinburgh


Harvey Nichols is one of the most distinguished luxiurious department stores in the United Kingdom; with branches in some of the countries most impressive cities including London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Dublin (Ireland) and Edinburgh. Despite Harvey Nichols being a chain; each store has its own character, that is highlighted by a unique charm that can only be truly appreciated by visiting the store itself. Every Harvey Nichols has a seemingly endless ‘whats on’ event listing from guests to choose from; so naturally being the self confessed afternoon tea addicts we are, we could not resist a visit to Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Edinburgh to try their deliciously, divine afternoon tea.



On entering the store it is impossible to not become captivated by the beautiful items on sale; as we decended up to the forth floor our excitement was almost childlike as the suspense built for what would be awaiting us. As we approached the enterance to the elegant, spacious restaurant our waiter greeted us warmly, enquiring about our trip to Edinburgh as we were shown to our table. The table was beautifully presented; with a crisp, clean white table cloth, beautiful modern tableware including clear plates with adorable little pots of raspberry jam and a knob of butter on a stone. Undeniably; the most captivating part of the Fourth Floor besides it’s beautiful interior is the fantastic views that are on offer from essentially any table within the restaurant or balcony. The restaurant has big, open windows which allows you to be captivated by the sights of this beautiful city. As to be excepted from such a prestigious name; the expectional level of customer care was evident from the onset. We were tucked into our table, with our napkins placed on our laps, we were then talked through the afternoon tea menu which inline with the seasons changes contents. On making our afternoon tea selection we were offered a glass of ice cold still or sparkling water with a slice of lemon before we were left to enjoy our surroundings.


Our afternoon tea arrived on a three tier stand with a chalk board appearance; the contents of this afternoon tea was a complimentary blend of indulgence and classics. The bottom tier contained two of the following; Greek salad, sausage rolls, mackerel and pickeled beetroot and organic smoked salmon sandwiches. We were informed about the extensive care Harvey Nichols takes in selecting its ingredients; to ensure the taste is unparalleled. The mackerel in the afternoon tea is sourced from the North Atlantic ocean, and the smoked salmon is locally sourced from Scottish waters; most astonishingly the smoked salmon at Harvey Nichols was supplied at the Royal Wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William! The next tier contained the following mouthwatering desserts; Lemon cake, chocolate brownies, Cheesecake and fresh fruit tarts. The final tier contained two, plump warm scones with an incredible aroma accompanied by a dish of clotted cream.


We can honestly testify that every item on this afternoon tea was divine! The savories, although diverse and in many cases deviate from the traditional items served in an afternoon tea were incredible. The Greek salad was incredibly fresh with a wholesome taste, the mackerel had a delicious kick to it with chillies and the fresh pastry used in the sausage roll crumpled in your mouth. Our favorite item on this tier although close was the smoked salmon; we have never tasted anything so fresh and flavorsome and cannot recommend it enough! Keeping inline with our personal preference we ordered tea to accompany our scones and desserts. On the recommendation of our waiter, we both selected Earl Grey Lavender blue; which was incredibly refreshing. The desserts and scones were just as impressive as the savory tier; our favorite dessert was the cheesecake. One touch that we really liked, was throughout the afternoon tea, after each tier was complete our plate and cutlery were replaced.


Our afternoon tea experience at Harvey Nichols was exceptional; the entire afternoon tea was faultness. We cannot recommend this enough!

Sunday 28 October 2012

A Sip of Halloween at Oxo Tower London


It’s that time of year again, zombies are roaming the streets; pumpkins are lighting up windows; and toffee scorpion candy is all the rage. OXO’s Assistant Bar Manager Sophie Bratt has concocted two frighteningly tasty cocktails for you to enjoy this Halloween.

‘Black Magic’
A spellbindingly delicious blend of black sambuca and late bottled vintage Port, mixed with cassis and cranberry to add fruity depth. Its flavour is bold and robust, and for the surprise alone it is an absolute must.

'The Bobbing Bowl’ 
Bramley Apple Vodka and green Chartreuse come together with heart-warming brandy in one of OXO’s cauldron-like copper punchbowls. The apple and honey foam topping is as exquisite as the bobbing crabapples are fun. Ideal for four people sharing, ‘The Bobbing Bowl’ is priced at £48. Smaller portions are available on request.

Both cocktails, or rather drinking experiences, will be available from Wednesday 31 October until Friday 2 November at the OXO Tower Bar. 

Bond Girl Cocktails at Harvey Nichols London's Fifth Floor Bar


In line with the latest James Bond movie hitting our screens this week Harvey Nichols London's Fifth floor bar is honouring all of the fabulous Bond Girls with a limited edition cocktail.

Pussy Galore

Possibly the best known of the Bond Girls, Pussy Galore is the ultimate action girl. Stoli Hot Vodka, pressed grapefruit juice, agave nectar and Aperol. Tasty but with a kick!

Honey Rider

Arguably the first real Bond Girl, Honey Rider is the star with one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history. Manuka honey is mixed with Martell Cognac, Punt e Mes vermouth and pressed lemon.

Tiffany Case

Supposedly born in a high end jewellery store, this Bond Girl is right up our street! Strawberries, Absolut Vodka and Chambord are topped with champagne and sparkle. .

Tatianna Romanava

This Russian beauty is one of our favourites. Absolut Vodka, elderflower liqueur and pressed lemon juice. Simple but stylish.

Giacinta ‘Jinx’ Johnson

Who can forget that bright orange bikini! Absolut Mandarin, fresh carrot juice, pressed lemon and honey.

Solitaire

A truly mystical bond girl and part time tarot card reader. Beefeater 24 Gin, lemon juice, egg white, earl grey syrup and fresh apple


For further information please call the Fifth Floor Reception on 020 7235 5250 or email reception@harveynichols.com.

Halloween Treats With The Corinthia’s Spooky Afternoon Tea


Your in for a real treat this Halloween. The Corinthia hotel in london has decided to do something a little different with the quintessentially British notion of afternoon tea. The entire menu has been transformed to include a selection of truly terrifying, yet tremendously tasty treats.

With a menu that includes: The Witch’s Hat made from a delectable raspberry macaron, topped and filled with fresh raspberries and cream.The Poisonous Mushroom which combines chocolate fudge with lime cream to really tingle your tastebuds. The Spider’s Tart is made with pumpkin custard and topped with edible cobweb and spider for a creepy delight and the Broomstick is a delicious blackcurrant mousse with deadly black ink jelly. 




The Corinthia’s Halloween Afternoon Treats Tea is available for a limited time only from Sunday 28thOctober until Wednesday 31st October. The Halloween Afternoon Treats Tea is £39 per person. If you want to add some fizz to your tea, the Laurent-Perrier Afternoon Tea is £49 per person. For those with a taste for rose champagne, the Laurent-Perrier Rose Afternoon Tea £58 per person. 

Wednesday 24 October 2012

KU DE TA Rooftop Bar at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore


KU DE TA bar is situated on the rooftop deck of the spectacular Marina Bay Sands resort and casino complex in Singapore. Located on the distinctive Skypark, 200 metres high rooftop of the North Tower - comprises an integrated complex of restaurant, bar, club lounge- and swimming pool – offering a unique dining and nightlife entertainment experience. Completely open with 360 degree panoramic views showcasing Singapore city and coastlines.

 Large market umbrellas provide some shelter from the tropical sun- and the not infrequent tropical downpours. The mood changes with nightfall as the bar glows with LED lighting effects. The glass enclosed restaurant is adjacent to the SkyBar deck area- and is a good option for those preferring air-conditioned comfort whilst dining. 


IMAGE Kate&Chelsie
Open all day from breakfast, through lunch and then evening dinner. The food style is best described as “modern Asian cuisine” – combining elements of the cuisines of Japan, Bali, Thailand and China. Dishes are designed for sharing and range from bamboo-roasted black cod in red miso, crispy skin bamboo-steamed duck, cape grim 100% grass-fed red & black angus ribeye, and charred bonito tuna tataki. These are complimented by a tempting offering of desserts. A premium selection of wines is available to enjoy with the meals.

Further along from the SkyBar is the main Club Lounge , with private members areas, and the Vue Terrace. Always a popular destination for sunset drinks, the Vue Terrace offers stunning views over the Singapore CBD buildings and far beyond.


IMAGE Kate&Chelsie
The Club Lounge features an indoor circular dance floor and elevated DJ booth, some discreet lounge seating areas and a long curved bar, serving a full range of premium spirits, wines, champagnes, and both classic and signature cocktails are a specialty. International and local DJs provide an eclectic playlist and the club is one of the hottest nightspots in town, with the partying going on late into the nights.



And adjacent to the club lounge is the SkyDeck swimming pool area- here guests can relax throughout the day or night on comfortable daybeds, enjoy a swim in the amazing infinity pool, or just take in the panoramic views. Drinks and light refreshments are served poolside all day.

KU DE TA has certainly made an impact on the nightlife scene in Singapore- providing a “must visit” destination for both visitors to Singapore and the local residents. The stunning location gives Singapore a new level of sophisticated and glamorous nightlife.


The Jimi Hendrix Experience at London's Cumberland Hotel


With many Hotels opting for glamorously designed suites, or choosing a cool and contemporary style, its nice to see the Cumberland has chosen be a little daring and crazy. Designed to inspire you from the moment you enter the room; to capture the ethos of Hendrix and ultimately be a sanctuary where Hendrix himself would enjoy spending time. Conceived by interior designer Mary Gannon and her senior associate Cynthia Garcia – a stay in The Cumberland’s ‘Hendrix’ suite is not-to-be-missed for any Hendrix fan or design junkie.

Think exquisite statement lighting, flamboyant colours and psychedelic stylised patterns, authentic fabrics uncovered in vintage fairs and from specialist collectors. The room showcases an original 60s printed panel called ‘Peacock’ by Mariji Isola for Marimekko, along with a wall of framed originals of NME covers from the 1960s featuring the rock legend.



Centrepiece of the room is a flaming three-metre Hendrix mural by renowned graphic designer Andie Airfix, whose previous works include designs for Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Airfix drew his inspiration from Hendrix’s infamous ‘guitar flambé’ show finale.

The bittersweet interview with music journalist Keith Altham, can be heard in its entirety in the Suite and gives a fascinating insight into Hendrix and his frame of mind during his final days. In it, he says: “What I wanted to be basically; this is only hyped up by the visual thing – I wanted to be listened to".


Suite creator, Chelsea-based interior designer Mary Gannon, a member of the British Institute of Interior Design, said she has sought to create a space that does justice to Hendrix, with a design reflecting the excitement and exuberance of the 60s, and which also complemented The Cumberland as a contemporary hotel, appearing fresh and inspirational in the modern day. Keith Altham, part of Hendrix’s inner circle, maintains that Jimi would have loved the room. Mary explains:

“Hendrix was truly a style icon. We undertook a lot of research on fabrics, colours and shapes from the period, and scoured specialist textile fairs and visited known collectors, all of whom gave us invaluable advice and guidance."

WooBar Bar, W Retreat & Spa Bali in Seminyak


Located within one of the most prestigious and architecturally beautiful hotels in Indonesia—the new W Retreat & Spa Bali in Seminyak—the WooBar is the latest cool place to be if you’re looking for good cocktails, beautiful scenery and/or a very hip place to hang out in Bali.

With both beach-side and pool-side tippling areas as well as an alfresco bar, an indoor bar and dance venue, WooBar compels you to enjoy life, enjoy cocktails or enjoy its refreshing imported beers and wines, that is, if you happen to be in Bali or staying at the spectacular W Retreat & Spa Bali.

The oval reef bar glows with amber lighting and lots a purple highlights (which is the signature color of W), creating the perfect ambience for some sensual and exotic nightlife. The top sky deck dance/chill zone has some see-through flooring, so if you happen to be wearing a kilt or a skirt … well … it’s up you, what goes in Woobar stays in the Woobar.

Nonetheless, great service, delectably delicious bites (including the occasional evening BBQ) and an amazing ambience make the WooBar Bali’s hip venue of the moment.



Afternoon tea at Blakes Hotel, London

Chinese Room
Blakes is one of London’s hidden gems. Tucked away on a quiet residential street, the hotel is discreet, but once inside, the venue is dramatic, dark and impeccably designed. Famous interior designer Anoushka Hempel designed the hotel many years ago and it has definitely stood the test of time, standing firm since 1978.

Afternoon tea at Blakes is served in the subterranean and sensuous splendor of the stunning Chinese Room. The splendid Afternoon Tea will refresh and inspire you with its freshly prepared finger sandwiches, homemade scrumptious scones served with fresh strawberries and cream, and a selection of indulgent cakes. In addition you can choose from a great selection of loose leaf teas, to accompany. An experience not to be missed.


Afternoon Tea Menu 
Finger Sandwiches:
Beef and Chilli Horseradish 
Smoked Salmon 
Cucumber 
Egg and Cress 
Chicken and Ginger 

Fresh Scones with Fresh Strawberries and Cream 

Selection of Tea Cakes 

Choose from one of the following teas: 
English Breakfast , Earl Grey , Lapsang Souchong, Chinese (green tea), Darjeeling, Ginger, 
Herbal 

£19.00 Full Afternoon Tea 
£26.00 Champagne Afternoon Tea

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