Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy.
Pierre Hermé Macarons & Chocolats, Monmouth Street
The Picasso of pastry, Pierre Hermé, was in London recently for a book signing at his recently launched Macarons & Chocolats shop on Monmouth (his second boutique in London, third if you count his concession at Selfridges). It’s a lovely shop filled with gorgeous and masterfully crafted bite-sized indulgences situated along what’s fast becoming a top contender for London’s yummiest street.
Speaking of bite-sized indulgences, have you tried King’s Marzipan? If you have (and done so in the London), it must have been at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland where the Hungarian maker of these premium handmade “little tastes of heaven” has a concession. The marzipans – covered in Belgian chocolate and consisting largely of almond paste (with way less sugar than typical marzipan sold here in Britain) – come in an assortment of 30 flavours and do not contain gluten, soy, preservatives or artificial colours.
Hans Sloane Drinking Chocolate
On a mission “to bring the taste of chocolate back to drinking chocolate,” Hans Sloane produces the only hot chocolate drink made from pure chocolate beads that melt perfectly in hot milk or water to create a rich chocolate drink. Hans Sloane Drinking Chocolate comes in five varieties including Smooth Milk, Rich Dark, Madagascar 67%, Ecuador 70% and Natural Honey. I’m partial to the Ecuador 70%. Prices are reasonable and start at just £2 for a Christmas Bauble filled with chocolate beads.
Christmas? New Years? Bah! The next most delicious date on the festive calendar is Burns Night and its haggis supper. Seriously, haggis is one of my favourite foods and when I recently came across Macsween’s Haggis in a Hurry at Waitrose (priced at £1), I bought a bunch. Basically it’s a package to two haggis ‘patties’ ideally suited for frying up for breakfast or incorporating into recipes. I’ll buy plenty more.
Tasgall 30 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
While I’m on the subject of things deliciously Scottish, I recently got hold of – and am very much enjoying sipping my way through – a bottle of Tasgall 30 Year Old blended whisky. A blend of Speyside and Highland malt whisky with Lowlands grain whisky, it’s clean tasting with a vanilla nose and a fiery start subsiding to an especially sweet finish. Tasgall is available as part of Asda’s Extra Special range and is the first ever own-brand premium whisky. And at £60, you can get it an extra special cheap price (there’s a 25 Year for £50 available too).
The Intellectual Junk Shop at KK Outlet
Running the gamut from the twee to the scathing, design studio Dorothy has taken up residence at the KK Outlet at Hoxton Square until 23 December. When I breezed through the opening party, I preferred the scathing such as the Causalities of War resign figurines. For quirky cards, offbeat gifts or just a provocative eye candy browse, this Christmas shop pop-up is well worth checking out.
Heard of Snoozebox? It’s a new portable microhotel to be rolled out soon at major events across the UK and abroad, such as Glastonbury and the Grand Prix. I got a sneak peek when Snoozebox set up at Old Spitalfields Market to show off to press and investors a few weeks back. Impressive. Snug to be sure, but in mostly in a cosy sort of way. I found the rooms to be comfortable, quiet and attractively designed – and with fold down service and other such amenities, it’s definitely a step up from camping.
ebuzzing:
