Lanvin For Ladurée Bubblegum Macaron Gift Box

Ladurée’s limited edition fashion macarons are always something to look out for and this season is no different, the Lanvin presentation box, designed by Alber Elbaz is one of the prettiest to date.

The colourful presentation boxes are covered in Lanvin’s signature illustrated women, with a bright red trim and tied with an elegant grosgrain ribbon. Each box contains eight macarons in three different colours.

And inside the Lanvin’s box is a selection of  bubblegum macarons, created by Ladurée head chef Vincent Lemains, reflects the brand’s fun, irreverent and innocent approach to fashion.

And of course the gorgeous Lanvin for Ladurée presentation box is for keeps once the macarons are devoured.

Lanvin for Ladurée boxes will go on sale in France on 25 September and in the UK on 29 September.

For more information, visit: www.laduree.fr

SEVVA, Hong Kong

This stylish restaurant and bar opened in 2008 in the former penthouse at the top of the Princes’ Building in Central. Sevva’s wide terrace wraps around the 25th floor and offers 360-degree views of Central and Victoria Harbour from a new vantage point.

Inside, deliciously subtle dashes of color tone down the grandiosity of the vast establishment, giving its several restaurants and bars a relaxed elegance. For drinks, live music and tapas, Sevva has the Taste Bar. For the ultimate power lunch, there is the Bank Side restaurant adorned with images of magnificent banks.

The best place for a relaxed drink is the long and narrow Lounge with its live garden wall. Casually elegant meals can be enjoyed under the vaulted ceiling of the Harbor Side restaurant.

The menu at SEVVA is inspired by the cultural diversity of Hong Kong itself: Authentic tastes typical of those created in everyday Chinese regional kitchens adding to the myriad of influences from the colonial days, present vibrant dishes that speak of the city's love of the classic food styles of Europe and other Asian cities.

The concept and philosophy of SEVVA is the interpretation of a refined upbringing and years of great exposure to the many travels and memories of Bonnie Gokson, Founder & mastermind of this establishment.

The cuisine is fresh, simple and honest, good food prepared on an emphasis of the finest produce: either from bustling local markets or flown-in (specialties) from around the world.

For more information visit www.sevva.hk

The Hotel Metropole Brussels

In 1890, two brothers with a brewing company opened Café Metropole as a place in the city to sell their beer. The café was a huge success and the Weilemans-Ceuppens family then purchased the building next-door, a former bank, which would become the Hotel Metropole,Today, the hotel’s reception desk is easily recognizable as the desk of the former bank, a significant historical and heritage glimpse of the past.

The brothers commissioned French architect Alban Chambon to be the chief designer of the hotel. Today, Chambon’s design of modern comfort and luxury is still a prominent feature of the heritage hotel, which is considered an important historical landmark in the city.

Not only was Hotel Metropole one of the first luxury hotels, it was also the first to have electricity and central heating, and is now the only existing 19th century hotel in Brussels.

The main entrance is all French Renaissance frivolity leading to an Empire-style reception hall replete with gold stained-glass windows that celebrate the city's art-nouveau heritage.

Glittering with chandeliers, the sumptuous lobby retains many of its original features. Overtly ornate with Corinthian columns, rich furnishings and gilded details. The Art Deco style decor is beautiful and  was as if you were in an Agatha Christie novel! The hotel from the outside is nestled with large trees providing shade with people relaxing underneath them at the hotel restaurant. Hotel Metropole is situated a few minutes walk from the city centre and 5 minutes walk to the Grand Place, the Bourse and the Théâtre de la Monnaie.

The Metropole is famous for having hosted the first Solvay Conference in 1911. Moreover, it is the birthplace of the Black Russian cocktail which can be enjoyed at the front of the hotel bar, the cocktail was created in 1949 by barman Gustave Tops for the United States ambassador to Luxembourg, Perle Mesta.

Throughout its history the hotel has become part of the city's social, economical, political and cultural life, welcoming such guests as Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Enrico Caruso, Sarah Bernhardt, Arthur Rubinstein, the crew of the Challenger space shuttle, as well as many presidents and royals. Evidence of this can we seen in the hall of the hotel which has a wall of messages from many influential guest that have stayed.

Our room was Large and comfortable classically decorated with high ceilings and a stunning chandelier above our twin beds, rich wallpaper designs and heavy curtains add such a lovely elegance to the room which is tastefully done. The beds are wonderfully comfortable just what we needed after a long day sightseeing.

A great bonus was the free mini bar in the room that provides water still and sparkling, and fizzy drinks such as diet coke and orangina. Monogrammed bath robes for the guests as well as all toiletries needed everything you would expect from a 5* hotel. The bathroom was large with marbled floor and had a good size bath with attached shower and a separate toilet located on the side of the bathroom.

Hotel metropole provide's guests with a breakfast which is inclusive of the room price . Breakfast is held in "Le Jardin Indien", a delightful breakfast nook inspired by the mysteries of the Indian gardens. Bursting with brilliant colours and filled with natural sunlight, this exotic salon and restaurant sets an exhilarating tone for the rest of your day. 

The Breakfast buffet offers a selection of foods typical to Brussels :

-Fresh local fruit
-Belgian eggs
-Belgium Bacon
-Nazareth cheese from Moorslede
-Syrup cork from Aubel
-Liquid honey from West Flandres

Other foods included are a full English breakfast and Continental option of pastries and breads and cold cuts.

FACILITES

- Helpful concierge and pleasant staff in the hotel made the stay good.
- Internet was wireless and free with good speed
- Breakfast
- Leisure facilities include a gym
- Location - Central location 5 mintues from grand palace Hotel Metropole is easily accessible via metro - hop off on the Place de Brouckere stop, and you're practically at its doorstep
- Local tour companies offer pick-up from hotel for coach tour to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp or Amsterdam
- Guest lift - The old kind of lift is a nice vintage touch, There are 2 smaller lifts which are card activiated if you prefer modern ones.

For More Information or to book you stay at the eligant hotel Metropole visit www.metropolehotel.com

Fashion Cocktails at The Four Seasons London!

www.fourseasons.com/london/

Celebrate Chocolate Week at The Royal Garden Hotel With A Chocolate Extravaganza Thursday 4th October, London

To celebrate the start of Chocolate Week (8th-14th October) The Royal Garden hotel has created 'Chocolate Extravaganza!' The event will be held in the Private Dining Room of the Park Terrace restaurant overlooking Kensington Gardens. The evening begins with guests being given a cocktail on arrival then sampling an array of luxury chocolates, including Belgium, Cacao Barry and the famous Valrhona. Guest will then discover some special chocolate techniques such as ‘ganache making’; ‘Easter egg creations’; chocolate shavings and spiral cages’ and ‘chocolate sauce’. The evening will end with a 4 dish chocolate, inspired dessert menu that includes 'Hot Chocolate Pot with a warm Bitter Chocolate Cherry Bakewell’ and ‘Milk Chocolate Parfait, Scottish Raspberry and Chocolate Macaroons’ For those who cannot make this one-off event, the Chocolate Extravaganza Dessert Menu will be made available on the Dinner Menu at Park Terrace Restaurant from the 8th-14th October.

Chocolate Extravaganza is being held on Thursday 4th October, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

£30 per person, including:

Chocolate cocktail on arrival 

Chocolate tasting & 4 Dish Dessert Menu 

To book your space, please contact the Food & Beverage Team on 020 7361 1999 or dining@royalgardenhotel.co.uk Reservation to be made in advance by Tuesday 2 October. Full pre-payment to be taken. Minimum of 12, maximum of 30 individuals. Dessert Menu excludes Starter and Main courses. Chocolate cocktail is complimentary; any additional drinks will have to be paid for.

www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk   

Bar Boulud's famous White Cosmopolitan, Mandarin Oriental, London

I think the Sex and the city Girls would approve of this  beautiful creation at Bar Boulud. Bar Boulud is Found in the heart of Knightsbridge, inside the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, the trendy bar is putting on a show of catwalk-inspired cocktails for fashionistas to enjoy this month.

Fashion Week cocktail :
Allure,a Snow Queen vodka and Orchard Apricot drink, with a vanilla infused sugar cube set aflame!

Bar Boulud's famous White Cosmopolitan, pictured, with Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and an orchid frozen at the centre of its mysterious ice orb garnish are sure to go down a treat with your girls!

Bar Boulud's catwalk cocktail collection will be available throughout September, starting from £13.25

For More Information On Bar Bouloud At The Mandarin Oriental Click Here

Vista London’s largest rooftop bar. Cocktails and Champagne anyone? Trafalgar Hotel London

Make the most of the end of summer at The Trafalgar Vista, The Trafalgar’s sky bar boasts an unrivalled backdrop of the London landscape, capturing the sheer splendour of the capital, perfect for cocktails or sipping on champagne with indulgent views. The height of sophistication starts here.

Every Winter the popular Summer venue is transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with a dome cover to allow all weather usage and outdoor heated lamps to keep out the cold. Looking out over Trafalgar Square on to the famous Christmas tree below

Make sure you get there early to avoid dissapointment, it can be packed on a hot day/peak times when people are booked.

To make a reservation please call +44 (0) 20 7870 2900 during office hours Monday-Friday, between 9am – 2pm. A minimum number of six applies. Subject to a £5 cover charge and minimum spend. Access to Vista at The Trafalgar is subject to availability, seasonality and weather conditions.

Monday to Saturday

12pm – 1am

Sunday

12pm – 12am

Food Served Daily

12pm – 3pm

5pm – 10p

For More Information On TheTrafalgar’s Sky Bar Click Here

Events: National Cupcake Week 17th- 23rd September

Picture from Crumbs and Doilies

National Cupcake Week is brought to you by British Baker, the only industry title to cover the entire baking industry, including craft, ingredients, equipment, food-to-go, snacks, coffee shops, as well as plant bakery and supermarkets.

Trusted to deliver daily news via its website www.bakeryinfo.co.uk, and independent news and analysis in the fortnightly publication, British Baker is both challenging and reader-friendly.

Suitable for all within the bakery industry, from the home based bakery business to multinational coffee chain or ingredient supplier, British Baker's ethos is to be authoritative, informative and business-useful across all bakery related areas.

So to celebrate here is our selection of places to get yourself a cupcake in London this week!

The Hummingbird Bakery is an American-style bakery founded in 2004 to bring the authentic taste of American home baking to London.One of the key factors in The Hummingbird Bakery’s success has been its ethos that cakes taste best when they’ve been freshly baked, using exactly the same ingredients and techniques as those used in home baking. For this reason, each and every Hummingbird Bakery branch has its own kitchen and a team of resident expert bakers and cake decorators. This enables the bakery to bake to order and to only offer its customers cakes that have been freshly baked the very same day.

Lovingly baked from scratch in over 35 flavours using top-quality natural ingredients. Each perfectly-formed cupcake is individually iced by hand before being finished with one of there astounding range of sprinkles and decorations.They offer cupcake delivery across London

Made with soft creamy Italian Buttercream, fluffy Italian meringue, or rich, decadent fudge, they remind you of your childhood, but sophisticated enough for your adult tastes. Freshly baked every morning and throughout the day just for you.

For More Information Visit http://www.nationalcupcakeweek.co.uk/

Have you Heard? Laudree 150th Anniversary's Pastries September cake 'Chou Praliné'

For More Information On Past Anniversary Cakes Visit www.laduree.fr

Have you heard? Sister By Sibling Launch Fashion Week Afternoon Tea at The W Hotel, london

SISTER BY SIBLING has teamed up with hotel W London to create the Fashion Week Tea Salon. The designer trio - Cozette McCreery, Sid Bryan and Joe Bates - now have a bespoke Pink Leopard biscuit named after their label, which will form part of a special LFW afternoon tea menu.

The fashion afternoon tea will be available form the 15th September and will be running throughout LFW. Other delicious treats on offer include the Purple haze Victoria sponge, the Rule Britannia scones and cream and the London's Burning chocolate cake, alongside a selection of sandwiches and scones.

"Myself, Sid and Joe are really excited to collaborate with W London - being British we find a cup of tea, a nice biscuit and a laugh tends to make everything alright, so to curate an Afternoon Tea Salon where everyone can stop by during Fashion Week, is going to be just what the doctor ordered following our show!" said Cozette McCreery.

SISTER BY SIBLING

The menu will served in the W Lounge from today, Friday 14 until Tuesday 18 September 2012, from 2 - 5pm daily.

The Rivoli Bar at the Ritz London Celebrates London Fashion Week with The Most Fashion Forward Tipple In Town; 'The Voguetini'

Complimentary copies of 'The Ritz Cocktail Book' for the first 100 people who order 'The Voguetini'!

Every grand hotel needs a spectacular bar. The Rivoli Bar is one of the best, reborn in glorious art deco style. A symphony of camphor wood, satinwood, alabaster, gold leaf and Lalique glass, the atmosphere here changes throughout the day. Intimate yet comfortable, The Rivoli Bar is a dramatic and beautiful contrast to The Ritz house style and a genuine revelation.

To celebrate London Fashion week The Rivoli Bar has created the Voguetini, The most fashion forward tipple in town, Grey Goose Orange Vodka is shaken to perfection with chestnut liqueur and a very special vanilla and sherry reduction. The cocktail is then topped with champagne and finished with a spritz of truffle essence for the ultimate in decadence.

Voguetini Ingredients:

125 ml Champagne

15 ml Grey Goose Orange

10 ml Chestnut Liqueur

5 ml Sherry warmed with vanilla pods and vanilla extract to create a textured vanilla reduction

Truffle essence spray

Priced at £19 per cocktail.

Enjoy a light lunch or supper and experience the delicious cocktails or the Champagne of the month. 

Monday to Saturday 11:30am - 12midnight 

Sunday 12:00pm - 10:00pm 

Fashion Week Afternoon Tea, The Corinthia Hotel- London

Located just a stoned throw from some of London's prime locations; including Trafalgar Square, Westminster and Covent Garden; yet also within easy distance of Mayfair, you will find the charismatic  five star Corinthia Hotel.  

The Corinthia Hotel is celebrating London Fashion Week by holding a limited edition fashion themed afternoon tea, in their beautiful 'Lobby Lounge'.  The afternoon tea will be comprised of a rich selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones and a selection of 'Fashion Week Fancies' that include dreamy edible shoes and bags. This indulgent afternoon tea is available with, or without a decadent flute of Laurent-Perrier champagne! 

Fashion Week Afternoon Tea Menu

Slection Of Finger Sandwiches Served On Artisanal Breads 

Loch Var Smoked Salmon, Goosnaugh Cornfed Chicken with Ale Mustard, Organic Egg Mayonnaise with Micro Watercress, Roast Sirloin of Beef with Creamed Horseradich, Creamed Innes Goats Cheese and Cucumber

Choice Of Fashion Week Fancies 

The Handbag - Traditional Fruit Cake and Coconut Financier 

Unzip it - Peach Pastry Cream Eclair 

Glitter up- Orange and Hazelnut Macaroon 

The Stiletto - Pistachio Mousse with Chocolate Pearls 

Diamond Ring Paris Breast with Blueberry Butter Cream and Fresh Blueberries 

The Ruffle - Strawberry Mille Feuille 

Chocolate Couture - Chocolate Texture, Cherry Compote and Halzelnut Sponge 

The Tailor- Mango Cream Cheesecake with Lemon Sabley

Selection Of Warm Scones 

Plain and raisin served with house preserves and clotted cream 

Priced at £39 per person 

Afternoon Tea With Champagne

Laurent-Perrier NV £49.00 per person

Laurent-Perrier Rose NV £58.00 per person 

Cream Tea £21.00 per person 

Includes a selections of scones and teas from the tea menu

For More Information On The Lobby Lounge Click Here 

Perrier Jouet Champagne Lounge, DUKES Hotel London

In the heart of London's Mayfair; in a private courtyard near Green Park and Buckingham Palace you will find the exquisite DUKES hotel. DUKES is an independent luxury boutique hotel; that in 2011 won 'England's Leading Boutique Hotel' at the World Travel Awards and has been welcoming guests for more than 100 years.

In accordance with such an extensive history, DUKES has perfected an unmatchable combination of quintessentially English charm and undeniable luxury within a relaxed environment that has a home from home undertone. Keeping into consideration the above; it is of little surprise that the critically acclaimed Perrier Jouet Champagne producer chose DUKES as the ideal location to open its own Lounge in celebration of its 200th anniversary in 2011. The 'PJ' Lounge offers guests their finest Champagne including; the classic Belle Epoque, Belle Epoque Rose and the rare Belle Epoque Blanc de Blanc. Also available are five Champagne laced cocktails made fresh to order with an array of nibbles to accompany if so desired.

The 'PJ' Lounge which opened in April 2011 was designed by Shaun Clarkson and aims to capture the very essence of Perrier Jouet. The vibrant pink and pea green lounge, accompanied with a handmade floral carpet and exclusive art work dotted around the walls reflects the 'Belle Epoque' champagne bottle. The lounge itself is airy and light with a distinctly feminine feel to it; making it an ideal location to sip on some bedazzling drinks. Guests are able to chose from a host of creations including the delightfully chocolaty ‘1811’ created with champagne, Belle de Brillet, Mozart chocolate liqueur and a mouth-watering chocolate truffle, to the elegant ‘Flower Of Champagne’ a delicate mix of champagne, rose vodka, and lillet beautifully presented with a loose rose petal. On top of this selection there is a limited edition cocktail that is released and changed every season. The cocktails ingredients are selected to embody the different seasons; and currently this seasons is under construction!


Kate and Chelsie's Experience

Kate and I are avid fans of Perrier Jouet. The care and precision taken behind the creation of each bottle is truly exceptional; and this in turn results in a divine taste with each sip. For those of you viewers who are un-aware of this luxury champagne producer; a true testimony to their level of perfection is Perrier Jouet, refused to produce a single bottle over five years because the harvest did not meet thier required standards. The thought of visiting the luxurious DUKES boutique hotel, to enjoy a champagne cocktail made from one of our favourite producers was truly a dreamy prospect!


From the moment you approach the immediate vicinity of DUKES, you can be assured you are not only in capable hands but also complete luxury. The exterior of the hotel is visually pleasing, with a large patriotic Union Jack tastefully swaying in the air above the front entrance. On entering the hotel we were welcomed warmly and directed to the 'PJ' Lounge located on the ground floor. From the moment we stepped into the lounge our waitress, Agnieszka could not do anymore for us; ranging from answering any questions we had, advising potential drinks or simply caring about our experience.

The 'PJ' Lounge is truly gorgeous! The Lounge itself is intimate and incredibly light and airy with a blend of both bygone beauty and modern decor. The contrasting pink and green really compliment the lounge, as does the mirror wall and bottles of Perrier Jouet either adding to the overall decor or standing proudly in the golden cabinet. From the menu I selected 'The Dukes Classic' and Kate, feeling incredibly indulgent tried DUKES seasonal cocktail. The Cocktails were made freshly in front of us and thus arrived promptly; mine in a flute and Kate's in a coupe champagne glass and looked dare we admit almost too beautiful to drink. The choice of glass Agnieszka informed us, is integral to the taste. The shape of your glass enhances the flavour of your champagne, whilst commandeering the bubbles in such a way as to the allow the flavours within your cocktail to burst. Kate and I can both testify that this is true. The intense taste as a result of the cocktails freshness was evident from the onset. The aroma coming from our drinks was heavenly; mine fruity with notes of orange and citrus and Kate's deliciously intoxicating Champagne. As the relaxed and upbeat music played in the background; we were able to chat, take in our surrounding and most importantly enjoy our cocktails!

Kate and I would highly recommend a visit to DUKES 'PJ' Lounge; this is the perfect location to enjoy arguably one of the very best champagnes around. The Lounge is perfect for hosting an intimate wedding reception, a birthday with the girls, a treat for a loved one or simply in our case a perfect retreat from the bustle of London for some hours.

The PJ Champagne Lounge is available for exclusive, private use and is the ideal venue for celebrations with friends, colleagues and business associates.

Contact the events department for bookings on +44 (0)207 491 4840.

For More Information On Dukes Bar Click Here 

'Fashion Season' Cocktail Menu; launched at The Dorchester Collection

Limited edition 'Fashion Prize' cocktail menu toasts the shortlist of the 2012 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize!

The new fashion season cocktail menu celebrates the five talented designers who have been shortlisted for the 2012 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. This exclusive cocktail menu will be available during the up and coming fashion season taking place within Europe from September 6th to October 3rd at the following locations: 45 Park Lane in London, England, Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, Italy, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, France and Le Richemond in Geneva, Switzerland.

The cocktails have been designed to capture both the spirt of the designers work and the flair of the Dorchester Collection's iconic hotels. Those part of the exclusive 2012 shortlist have collaborated with the Dorchester Collection's bar directors and managers to produce a truly unique cocktail to feature on this one of a kind menu.

The acclaimed judging panel for the 2012 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize includes: Elizabeth Saltzman, contributing editor to Vanity Fair, Kenzo Takada, founder of Kenzo; Bruno Frisoni, artistic director for luxury French shoe designer Roger Vivier; Lorenz Baumer, Nathalie Rykiel, CEO of Sonia Rykiel; Chantal Thomass, CEO of Chantal Thomass lingerie; Harumi Klossowska de Rola, jewellery designer and daughter of painter Balthus; and Jean- Jacques Picart, fashion and luxury consultant. On 16th October, the winner will be awarded a €30,000 prize plus a stay during spring Fashion Week 2013 at a Dorchester Collection property in either Paris or Milan.

The Cocktails

Milanese Calla-pirinha

Daniele Confalonieri of Hotel Principe di Savoia blended the Milanese Calla-pirinha – an orange cocktail with a cinnamon stick stirrer and dusting of saffron, topped with crushed ice and limes.

IRM Cocktail

The Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris present a IRM inspired Cocktail entitled the IRM Cocktail which is comprised of a blend of three shots of rum, sake and vodka and is presented with three different pipettes containing iris (I), rose (R) and mint (M).

Black Southside 

Le Richemond in Geneva present the Black Southside with designer Quentin Veron. A gin based cocktail featuring blackberries and cherry syrup, which is reminiscent of the prohibition; 1920s.

Nuit Noire

Les Garcons’s Louis Gerin and Gregory Lamaud have collaborated with Le Meurice’s William Oliveri to create Nuit Noire, a blueberry vodka based drink with blackberry liqueur.

Black Velvet

Last but not least, Annelie Augustin and Odély Teboul have collaborated with Stefano Cossio of Bar 45 at 45 Park Lane to create the Black Velvet, a dark and sophisticated concoction. A tequila based cocktail with blackberries, thyme honey crème de cassis and lime juice.

For more information visit www.dorchestercollection.com

A Real 'Rum Do' at The Museum of London, Docklands: 26th September 2012

Wednesday 26th September:7-9.30pm

Book in advance £8 (con £7, Friends £6)

Enjoy an intoxicating evening, exploring the history of rum, which was once stored in the building that is now home to the Museum of London Docklands. The evening will entail a combination of sampling and learning; as you mix the perfect rum cocktail and listen to steel band performance. As an additional treat guests will also design their very own rum miniature label to take home! 

Dates: 26 September 2012 Times: 26 Sep 2012 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM , Venue: Museum of London Docklands

Framed! Contemporary Eyewear in Fashion- Dates: 12th September- 3rd November 2012

Framed! is one of the first exhibitions of its kind to examine the cultural significance of eyewear and celebrate the rise of fashion’s ultimate luxury accessory. The exhibition will feature over 100 frames – some never seen in public before – loaned from public and private collections, eyewear companies, fashion houses and bespoke makers.

Visitors will be transported into the glamorous world of eyewear – from the outrageous, bold, oversized and unusual, to the practical, sleek, and handmade. On display will be iconic frames by British companies like Cutler and Gross, Oliver Goldsmith and Anglo-American, alongside world-renowned brands such as Ray Ban, Moscot (a favorite of Johnny Depp), Cazal (immortalised in the 1980s by Run DMC), and newcomer Stevie Boi (who counts Lady Gaga and Nicky Minaj as fans).

Includes Pieces by Tatty Devine 

Fashion Space Gallery

20 John Prince’s Street

London W1G 0BJ

Monday–Friday: 10am–6pm

Saturday: 10am–4pm

Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed