Tag Archives: cocktails

Good Stuff #47

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. Tacopedia: The Taco Encyclopedia Published … Continue reading

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Preview: Thank Ya Papa NOLA Style Thanksgiving Dinner

Guests to the Thank Ya Papa celebrations can expect a ten-course Thanksgiving feast designed by Michelin trained chef and replete with seasonal cocktails, candied yams, deep fried turkeys and “the best live Dixieland music this side of the Mississippi,” from the 25th to the 28th of November. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Austin and the Hill Country

If y’all ain’t never been, let me tell you that Austin is as happening a place to visit as any in the USA. With a booming local economy and a population busting at the seams with an unprecedented number of folks flocking to live there (as much for the opportunity as for the all-but-guaranteed blue skies and sunshine) the city nevertheless retains a warm and informal feel that would have even the prickliest of pears soon feeling at home. Continue reading

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Bombay Masterclass: Profiling the Botanicals

Maddie Salters attends a gin masterclass at The Jam Tree in Clapham. If your prohibition-era proclivities have ever led you to yearn for a night in a private bar cleverly disguised by a bookshelf, you need look no further than … Continue reading

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The House of Peroni: Going Beyond Beer

For those of you who are missing the buzzy crowds and clinking rocks glasses of London Cocktail Week, there’s good news. The House of Peroni is all set to lift spirits as autumn rolls in and our desires turn to … Continue reading

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One Sixty – City: “US Style” Smokehouse and Bar

After epic success with its original restaurant in West Hampstead (I’ve never been but have heard great things), the team behind One Sixty have opened a sister site roughly equidistant to Liverpool Street and Aldgate Tube stations. Meathead carnivores and folks in the area who like a strong drink: start salivating now if you haven’t already dabbled in the excesses on offer. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #45

Good stuff? Great stuff! And so much of it I’m having trouble keeping track and sharing the best of it in a timely manner. But don’t let my inadequate ability to blog efficiently get in the way you having a wonderful time. Have a look a this list of fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Have a Drinki on Me

Drinki is the world’s first app to reward users with free cocktails in return for Facebook check-ins. The free-to-download app for iOS or Android features more than 60 bars in London (with new venues joining every week) along with bars in Manchester and Liverpool too. Continue reading

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Ask for Janice

This casual bar and restaurant is a welcome addition to the cluster of food and drink options around Smithfield Market. I loved sipping my Beast of Bourbon cocktail (Woodford Reserve, sweet vermouth, crème de mure, £9). The stout salt squid (£8) was pretty yummy too as was most everything else I nibbled. I wasn’t too sure about my grenadine-y seasonal pickles (£3) though. Continue reading

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Afternoon Tea with a Difference with Bird of Smithfield and Veuve Clicquot

In celebration of Afternoon Tea Week – Monday the 10th to Saturday the 15th of August – Bird will be offering guests sandwiches with a twist, classic scones and yummy cakes – all served alongside “The Earl of Veuve” cocktails (Veuve Clicquot Rich infused with delicate Earl Grey leaves). Continue reading

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The Bonneville: Absinthe Minded Pursuit of Cocktails in Clapton

However you like your absinthe served (or if you even known whether or not you actually like absinthe at all), Giles’ bar is the place to give it a go. I especially enjoyed sipping Nouvelle Orleans’ Absinthe Superieure and marvelled at all the other bottles of absinthe behind the bar (no, I wasn’t seeing double). Continue reading

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Win a Havana Club Mojito Kit

Key to mixing up a perfect mojito is getting its most important ingredient right. Made in the heart of Cuba, Havana Club 3 Anos is an ideal accompaniment for summer cocktails. The only white rum aged for three years, it develops deep aromas and tastes to suit any assortment of tropical serves, whether an authentic Cuban mojito or refreshing daiq Continue reading

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Recipe: Jack Daniel’s Manhattan

With a taste of Tennessee and a touch of New York sophistication, a Jack Daniel’s Manhattan is Americana in a martini glass. Using the world’s favourite whiskey to create this highly regarded cocktail is a flavourful (and easy!) way to stir up some good times without raising too much of a fuss. Continue reading

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Lunch at Bunnychow

Bunnychow is a laidback sort of eatery with a no worries/no pretences vibe to it and where the star of the show is the filling and flavoursome food. Situated on Wardour Street in Soho (nearer the Shaftesbury Avenue end than the Oxford Street side), it’s a smart choice for an affordable quick bite … and if you like a bit of heat with your food, you’ll love bunnychow’s hot sauce (I sure did). Continue reading

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Win a Range of Barman Sirops, Cans and Gourmet Drops from Teisseire

Teisseire has been making French sirop from naturally filtered water in the alps since 1720. The sirops come in a huge variety of flavours – from strawberry to cactus – among the most popular are Passionfruit, Raspberry, Lemon, Caramel, Mojito, Pink Grapefruit and Grenadine. They’re more flexible than cordials and go with both hot or cold drinks. Fancy a summery dash of French flair for free? I’ve teamed up with Teisseire to offer one lucky reader a chance to win a range barman sirops, cans and gourmet drops. Continue reading

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Brunch at Blueprint Café

When the sun is out, a table at Blueprint Café overlooking the Thames is a glorious spot to enjoy a meal. And it’s been my experience that the café’s Head Chef Martyn Moody’s meals are definitely enjoyable. His new Saturday brunch menu is a guaranteed weekend delight. As for the weather, there are no guarantees, but the crisp blue skied Saturday I paid a visit was gorgeous. Continue reading

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Brunch … Busaba Style?

Busaba Eathai: it’s one of those go-to restaurants in London that everybody seems to like and a lot of people absolutely love. Now the dozen-strong group of popular Thai eateries aims to broaden its appeal even further with a new brunch menu. Continue reading

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Yelp x tikichris: #CariocaSummer in Brixton!

Yes, I’ve raved about Carioca’s breakfast, and now I’m going back to try the summer menu and bringing a few lucky Yelpers and bloggers along for a samba-licious sip of the restaurant’s signature caipirinha followed by an exclusive sharing selection of Carioca’s classic Brazilian starters and refreshing new summer mains. Continue reading

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Win VIP Access to Yelp’s Mad Scientist Soiree at Strongroom Bar in Shoreditch

Exploding cocktails? A GIF Photo Booth? A mini ice cream festival? 600 Mad Scientists? And all for free? Yeah, I’m teaming up with Yelp again to bring more fun your way. This time, I’m helping spread the word about Dr Xander Alexander’s Mad Scientist Soiree. Presented by Yelp and Digital Shoreditch at Strongroom on Tuesday 12 May, it’s totally free and promises to be an absolute hoot. Read on! Continue reading

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Sponsored Cocktail Recipe: The Last Word

In comparison to many other drinks, cocktails are mainly drinks for connoisseurs. When you go to a bar or a pub, first things that you have in mind is beer, wine or whiskey. Only a handful of people are willing … Continue reading

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New Fangled Old Fashioneds with Woodford Reserve

The Old Fashioned is pretty much my go-to cocktail these days. And if it’s made with Woodford Reserve, well then all the better. So an invitation to attend an Old Fashioned masterclass hosted by Woodford Reserve brand ambassador Tom Vernon at South Place Hotel’s SPIES Society bar and to enter a Classic American Cocktail competition based on my takeaway from the event was greatly appreciated. Continue reading

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Say Bom Dia to a Brazilian Breakfast at Carioca Brixton!

Brixton’s Market Row favourite, Carioca (formerly Prima Donna), has introduced a new selection of Brazilian style breakfast dishes to its daytime menu. Served from 10am to 4pm every day, the new brekkie items are freshly prepared in house with locally sourced ingredients and free range eggs by Brazilian head chef Lucy and her team. I had a more than ample taste last Sunday and found everything I tried to be expressly tudo bem. Continue reading

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Yelp x tikichris: Morning Espresso Event at Bar Termini

The espresso masterclass will be held Sunday 19 April from 10.30am, and numbers for the class will be low (ten or under). During it, we’ll learn how to roast, pour, and create the perfect espresso. There will be some (so amazing you won’t believe it) pastries to enjoy as well as some other surprises … maybe even some cocktails if it hits after noon and we’re feeling saucy. Continue reading

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STK London’s 777 Bar Menu, 5pm to 7pm

STK London has recently launched new “777” menu featuring seven small plates and seven drinks priced at £7 each offered at its bar between 5pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and presents a no fuss opportunity to have a night out with going overboard. Continue reading

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Win a Night Out in Notting Hill with Yelp and Bubbleology

Check out this chance for you and a guest to attend an exclusive “After Dark” tasting hosted by Yelp at Bubbleology in Notting Hill on Friday 27 March . Continue reading

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Tequila with Zing

World of Zing’s new range of Flavoured Salts is delicious; the salts pair especially well with Tequila Ocho – the world’s first single field (and still only?) premium tequila – for a most flavoursome margarita, and a fine bar for enjoying said cocktails is El Nivel near Covent Garden. Oh yeah, one more thing: World of Zing and Tequila have teamed up to launch a bottled Persian Lime and Nori Margarita cocktail. It’s yet to hit the market, but based on the sips I took a tasting a few weeks back, I can confirm it’s a lip smacker that’s well worth a wait. I reckon it’d make a terrific thirst quencher served just about anywhere you hanker to have it. Continue reading

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Bar Termini: Best Thing to Happen to Soho in Ages?

Been to Bar Termini, yet? If yes, give this review a quick skim, nod in agreement, and head back over to this understated and stylish bolthole of good taste. I’ll see ya there (and probably soon)! But if you haven’t been so fortunate, have a read why I reckon the bar is one of the best spots to open in Soho in a long time. Then make plans to get over there ASAP … and if you’re hoping to drop by in the evening, be smart and book a table first. Continue reading

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Perfect Pies + Great Gins at Punch Tavern, Fleet Street

Not my first (or last) time to dine at Punch, I recently paid a visit to see if this 118 year old Fleet Street mainstay lived up to the 2014 Great Taste awards it had won for its pies. I can vouch for the cauliflower cheese pie (£11) and the steak and Doom Bar Ale pie (£13) – both served with ample and satisfying mash, veg and gravy. Puds are ace here too – love the sticky toffee pudding (£4.50).
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Glam Rock Afternoon Tea at the K West Hotel

The new Glam Rock Afternoon Tea at the K West Hotel is an effortless combination of two seemingly diverse British delicacies: Ziggy Stardust and Finger Sandwiches. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #38

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. Bread Street Sessions with Dub … Continue reading

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Big Night Out at Balans, Westfield London

Balans is on a mission to revamp its eateries with its Westfield London outlet being the first to receive a spruce up. An invitation to drop by for a look and meal at its updated “Soho Society” digs resulted in a tasty night out for Kemey and me – made all the more pleasant by outstandingly prompt service. Continue reading

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Big Hair Party at Maggie’s

A disco ball, flashing neon lights, and leopard print décor. While a trip to Maggie’s may not include any real time travel, members’ nights promise to whisk you off the streets of 21st century Chelsea and into the flashy nightclub scene of the 1980s. At Maggie’s January soirée, Maddie Salters was thrilled to find that the age of PEZ and Pac Man was alive and kicking it on the dance floor. Here are some of her thoughts about her experience at Maggie’s aptly-named Big Hair Party. Continue reading

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Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen, Mayfair

One of the places that has been on my radar for several months is Heddon Street Kitchen, the latest in Gordon Ramsay’s international portfolio. Mr “Big Sweary” has a dozen or so restaurants in London and this newest offering promises informal Modern European food in Heddon Street, a pedestrianised section of Mayfair which is being dubbed “Regent Street’s Food Quarter”. Continue reading

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New Afternoon Tea at the Intercontinental London Park Lane? It’s a Guiltless Pleasure.

Yes, the folks at the Park Lane Intercontinental have done it again: wowed my senses in one of London’s most elegantly comfortable public settings … and with gracious and polite service to boot! This new vegetarian (without ever stating so) afternoon tea was a delight and yet another point to be added to a now rather lengthy set of reasons to recommend the hotel as an ideal destination for making the most of your time in the West End. Continue reading

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