Eating Out: teapod's 'No Fuss' Afternoon Tea

For afternoon tea without the fuss, teapod in Tower bridge is a easygoing, relaxed place to visit. The contemporary tea and coffee house serves up a delicious selection of warming drinks, sweets and savories with a passion.

The understated surroundings leave no room for pretentious presentation and there's no gilted crockery in sight. Rather, the food and service speaks for it self - after all the proof is in the taste.

Though modest and very much boutique, the tea room is no plain jane; the interesting colour scheme of magenta and lime green achieves a fresh vibe, evoking both a feeling of energy and tranquility.

The afternoon tea menu consists of salmon and cucumber bites, rustic scones with clotted cream and homeade jam, a rich baked raspberry and white chocolate brownie, complete with your own pot of steaming hot tea. Whether you love the traditional breakfast or wish to opt for something more exotic such as Moroccan mint, the choice is yours.


At £11.00 per person, the price is impressively affordable and befitting for this delightful gem of a eatery.

teapod tea and coffee house
Cardamom Building,
31 Shad Thames,
London SE1 2YR
Tel: (0)207 407 0000
Web: www.teapodtea.co.uk

Eating Out: The Real Greek, Bankside

The Real Greek restaurant situated on the South Bank is a popular venue for alfresco dinning. Unfortunately for me, it was pouring with rain when I visited this week, making it impossible to enjoy the view.

That said, the decor and atmosphere largely made up for the poor weather. The surroundings are inviting with low modern lighting and an American diner feel. Admittedly, the interior was not what I expected to see from a restaurant boasting a 'real Greek experience' but it definitely works.

The menu offers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean food - there was everything that you'd expect to see on a Greek menu; from Souvlakia to an extensive selection of Meze. If you're Greek you'd probably decide that the food isn't as good as your grandma's homemade dishes, but in terms of authenticity, it's probably not far off. With so much to choose from it's easy to get carried way with the number of dishes to order, (I certainly did) everything sounds so scrumptious, but with each dish ranging between £2.25-£5.50, you can afford to order generously.


The Greek Flatbread was served deliciously moist and warm; matched with Htipiti (Greek feta dip with roasted red peppers and onion) it was simple, fresh and very moreish. I also enjoyed a medley of seafood including Grilled Sardines and Anatolian Spiced Gambas (Prawns). The Saganaki Kefalotyri (Grilled goats cheese) on a bed of Horta Salad was divine. The dishes were all served on tiered racks, which in my opinion was a novel and clever idea; because it meant that the table didn't become overcrowded and it made serving yourself so much easier.

The staff were very attentive; they explained the menu and provided recommendations, thus helping me make an informed decision on which dishes to try. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and I'd definitely go again. The venue is about to undergo a major renovation come February, so it will be interesting to see the difference it makes, I just hope that the venue doesn't loose its charm in the process. For now, I highly recommend you head to the Real Greek and sample yourself some Saganaki Kefalotyri, it's a winner.

The Real Greek
Units 1&2 Riverside House
2A Southwark Bridge Road
SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7620 0162
Web: www.therealgreek.com

What's on: Jazz & Lyrics Season at Pizza On The Park

Dates: 7th January - 29th April

Admission: £15

Pizza Express has teamed up with Geddes Entertainments to bring you a season of Jazz and Cabaret performances at Pizza On The Park.

This musical led initiative showcases new talents for 2010 as well as some familiar faces. The lineup includes Sarah Ellen Hughes, award-winning songwriter Michael Omer and US jazz vocalist Pauline Jean.

With live music scheduled throughout January, Pizza On The Park is a cool eatery to grab a bite this month. The recently refurbished venue has a tempting new menu with a choice of 17 pizzas and a charcoal grill. Further information on the forthcoming events is available online at www.pizzaexpresslive.com or call 08456 027 017.


Pizza On The Park
11-13 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7LY
Tel: 020 7235 7825
Web: www.pizzaonthepark.co.uk

Main image: Courtesy of kissandtellcabaret.com

Special Offer: FREE Cocktails at Ping Pong Dim Sum

If you weren't lucky enough to win the dinner for two giveaway, here's an exclusive Pretty Stylish London discount which could save you 15% on your bill at Ping Pong Dim Sum.

Simply print off the voucher above and present it at your local restaurant. For group bookings of 8+ you'll get 15% off your order and if you're dining with less people, you can enjoy either a complimentary cocktail, glass of wine or beer with your meal.

To keep up to date on the latest special offers and cuisine news, be sure to follow @pingpongdimsum on twitter or become a fan on their facebook page.

Web: www.pingpongdimsum.com

Voucher expires 31st December 09.

Giveaway: WIN! Dinner for two at Ping Pong Dim Sum

You may have read my review of Ping Pong Dim Sum this month, well if you were tempted to try the little steamed parcels but haven't had a chance, here's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the traditional Chinese cuisine.

In collaboration with Pretty Stylish London and to celebrate the launch of our tantalising Autumn menu, Ping Pong are offering four lucky readers dinner for 2 plus cocktails at any of our twelve London restaurants.

This prize is available for Pretty Stylish London readers only. To be in with a chance of winning you must be following the blog. So if you haven't already, please click the follow button to the right, or subscribe via the mailing list on feed burner further down.

To be entered into this prize draw, all you have to do is:
Leave a comment below and answer the following question “how many Ping Pong restaurants are there in London?”

To keep up to date on the latest special offers and cuisine news, be sure to follow @pingpongdimsum on twitter or become a fan on their facebook page.

Web: www.pingpongdimsum.com

Good luck!

Terms and Conditions:
This free prize draw is open to UK residents only.
Entrants must be 18 years of age or over.
No purchase necessary.
The promoter reserves the right to re-draw the prize if the prize winner cannot be contacted within a reasonable period of time (to be established at the Promoter's sole discretion).
The competition is closed on 30th November 2009.
All entries received after this date will be excluded from the competition.
The winner of the competition will be chosen at random and contacted via Twitter.
Multiple entries are not allowed, only your first entry will be accepted.
The winners will then be chosen at random.

Eating Out: Ping Pong Dim Sum

My latest food crush is dim sum, I absolutely love it. I've always been big on Chinese cuisine, but never really bothered with the little steamed parcels. That's until I tried them during the Summer, and I've been hooked ever since. Mmm, give me a spicy chicken or black prawn filled dim sum and I'm quite content. My passion for the dumplings is so much that when I was invited to try the new menu at Ping Pong Dim Sum, I couldn't refuse!

The restaurant chain takes its inspiration from an ancient Chinese tradition. Here's the story: Hundreds of years ago, merchants on the Silk Road would stop at tea houses en route to rest their weary feet, relax and drink tea with their fellow travellers and share Dim Sum – baskets and dishes of little sweet and savoury snacks, usually steamed, baked or fried.

Ping Pong restaurants have kept all the best bits of that ancient tradition, providing a relaxed communal place to meet and relax, whilst offering a delicious range of Dim Sum, and fragrant tea. (Only now Cocktails are also on the menu to bring the tradition into the 21st Century).

Griddled Basil Dim Sum

Friday night, I took my mum out for a girlie catch-up and to convert her from the standard special fried rice (which she always orders) and convince her to try some steamed goodness. We visited the south bank branch sitting opposite the Royal Festival Hall and we sipped delicious Cosmopolitan cocktails whilst sampling a yummy range of dishes.

The new menu features some great additions to traditional dim sum, including a rather tasty Crispy hoi sin duck spring roll. I was also impressed with the Crab spring roll; a mixture of crab meat and prawns, doused in chili and served with Thai fish sauce. Mum was pretty smitten with her starer of Seafood puff; mini puff pastries filled with scallop, prawn and ginger.

The moment came to convince mum that steamed parcels of meat and vegetables are not only healthy but so good to eat. She looked apprehensive but once she tasted Ping Pong's Spicy chicken dumplings, she gave her approval. And so the the Dim Sum marathon commenced; Pork Shu Mal, Har gau prawns, Coriander dumplings and finally the Crunchy golden; A turmeric dumpling filled with stir friend vegetable, shallots and garlic.

The atmosphere at the restaurant, was chilled yet lively; families were out for celebrations and friends were enjoying after work bites. The interior was distinctly modern with hints of Chinese calligraphy, achieving harmony between the old and the new.

There are 12 Ping Pong restaurants in London and each dish costs on average between £3.39 - 3.99. Visit the website for the restaurant most local to you.

Black Prawn Dim Sum

Black Sesame Dim Sum

Ping Pong Dim Sum
South Bank
Festival Terrace,
Southbank Centre,
Belvedere Road,
London
SE1 8XX

Tel: 020 7960 4160
Web: www.pingpongdimsum.com

What's On: Eat Film at The May Fair Hotel

Date: 9th October 09
Time: 7pm

London Restaurant Festival starts on the 8th of October and to celebrate, The May Fair hotel is offering an tempting way to start your weekend. The hotel will be hosting Eat Film; an event celebrating food on film and featuring the 1963 Albert Finney classic Tom Jones.

Showing in the exclusive private theatre that seats a cosy 201 viewers , Tom Jones is an Oscar winning adaptation of Henry Fielding's novel. You'll be able to watch the movie with all it's comedy and amazing display of cuisine, and afterwards sample the food that you saw on film in the gorgeous Crystal Room. Expect a hearty feast – including a variety of poultry and seafood. Tickets for this evening are priced at £48.50 per person.

You're also invited to visit the hotel's Amba Bar & Grill during London Restaurant Week for a taste of fine British cuisine in luxurious surroundings. The price of a two-course meal starts at £25.

For more information on Eat Film and the festival activities visit: www.visitlondon.cm/londonrestaurantfestival

The May Fair Bar
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street,
Mayfair,
London, W1J 8LT

Tel: 020 7629 7777
Email: mayfairbar@themayfairhotel.co.uk
Web: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Eating Out: New Bento Boxes at The May Fair Bar

It's popular knowledge that The May Fair hotel is a regular haunt for celebrities and fashion moguls. London Fashion Week was a prime example of the calibre of guests that the hotel opens it's door to on a regular basis.

Designer Elsa Schiaparelli, model Erin O'Connor and socialite Peaches Geldof all favour the sumptuous surroundings of the bedroom suites. And now as the official hotel for Fashion Week, The May Fair is a highly sought after place to dine. The Bar has a feeling of exclusivity but is far from 'poncy', rather, it has a quiet, understated sophistication. The décor is rich and inviting; I particularly liked the fireplace which worked as a luxurious feature and the spacious leather seats.

I recently visited the bar to catch up with a friend over cocktails and finger food. We ordered the MayFair Mojito (if you're a regular reader, you'll know it's my favourite tipple!) You have to try it, it's one of the best tasting versions of the cocktail I've sipped by far.


I also tried a recent addition to the menu - Bento Boxes; a box designed to share and featuring an internationally inspired menu. The Mediterranean option contains ham, grilled sardines and marinated artichokes alongside traditional kalamta olives and Monte Enebro cheese.

There's also Bento box in honour of seafood lovers, with all the favourite catches included such as smoked Scottish salmon, Cornish crab and potted shrimps. Are you feeling hungry yet?

Not forgetting the vegetarians, the Warm Char Grilled Vegetable box is a healthy treat, served with Parmesan polenta cake and basil dressing. This is just a small selection of the type of platters available, there was also a cheeky chocolate theme box to satisfy a sweet craving.

Personally, I opted for the classic Asian dim sum box, a delightful variety of Japanese nibbles, and it included my favourites; Maki sushi rolls, shell crab and sweet chili king prawns.

The Bento Boxes vary in price, the cheapest being £12.50 and the priciest at £23.50. One box between two to three people is very filling, as the portions are quite considerable. I'm already planning my next visit to try the Chocolate sensation box, it sounds so tempting; White chocolate tart, warm chocolate fondant and dipped strawberries. I know you must be hungry now! Bento Boxes are served from 12pm.



The May Fair Bar
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street,
Mayfair,
London, W1J 8LT

Tel: 020 7629 7777
Email: mayfairbar@themayfairhotel.co.uk
Web: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Eating Out: Veeraswamy

Recently I had the pleasure of dining at Veeraswamy - the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in the UK. Established since 1926, it's a London institution and from the moment you enter, you realise why the restaurant has had such staying power.

The warm welcome and stylish waiting service is just one of the highlights. It was refreshing to engage with staff who listened tentatively to my requirements, always on hand with a wealth of suggestions - based on my personal culinary desires and not merely a plug of the day's special.

The menu featured a good range of flavous, including classic favourites such as Kashmiri Rogan Josh and coastal specialties like Sea Bream Paturi steamed with chili and mustard. The food was nicely displayed but not too fussy and the wine menu has been handpicked to compliment by Matthew Jukes, a leading wine author.

I found the restaurant to be an exotic feast both in taste and interior. With a pleasing balance of traditional and contemporary fixtures; the rich damask curtains, grand lighting, mahogany undertones and ornate details did well to transport me to Maharaja's palaces of the 1920s. Yet the modern sculptural art on display brings you back to the 21st Century.

The à la carte price averaging at £55 per head for a 3 course meal including wine - a worthy investment for a truly exquisite dining experience.

Veeraswamy
Mezzanine Floor,
Victory House,
99 Regent Street,
London W1B 4RS
(entrance on Swallow Street)

Tel: 020 7734 1401
Email: veeraswamy@realindianfood.com
Web: www.veeraswamy.com

What's on: Taste of London

Dates: 18th - 21st June
Location: Regents Park
Admission: £21 for adults and £12 for children 6-14 years.

The yearly taste festival is back in London with 40 of the capital's finest restaurants dishing out signature cuisines and sharing their kitchen secrets. See the likes of Gary Rhodes, Matthew Albert and Masaki Sugisaki in action and sample the extensive choice of food prepared by Michelin star restaurants.

It's all about top level feasting, wine tasting, learning tricks of the trade and of course a little bit of inspiration for your own culinary creations. Musical entertainment will include Groove Digger, SugarSnap Sisters and Metropolitan Jazz Quartet. The weather will be promising for Alfresco dining so this event is a must-go for all foodies. To buy tickets online, click here.

Tel: 0871 230 7132
Web: www.tastefestivals.com

Eating Out: Domali Café

This morning I met a friend at a lovely little café in Crystal Palace by the name of Domali, it's independently owned and I can honestly say they make the best vegetarian full English breakfasts I've tasted to date. (I'm not vegetarian, but my friend is and we dine out a lot!)

Located on Westow street and a 15 minute stroll from Crystal Palace station, it's a chilled spot to dine in. The interior is cosy with interesting artwork on display and you'll hear contemporary jazz playing lightly in the background. Due to popular demand, they serve their vegetarian breakfasts right up to 6pm - very handy for a late breakfast/brunch feast. If you're ever in the area, check it out.

Domali Café
38 Westow Street
Crystal Palace
London, SE19 3AH
Tel: 020 8768 0096
Web: www.domali.co.uk

Image Credits: LaCartes.com

Eating out: Wine Dinners at the Milestone Hotel

Picture the scene: Dinner and wine within stunning 19th-century architectural surroundings overlooking Kensington Palace and Gardens. Sounds blissful doesn't it? Well it's all taking place on Wednesday the 13th of May at the Milestone. Voted No.1 in World for Service by Conde Nast Traveler, the hotel is opening it's doors for an evening of luxury wine tasting and sumptuous dishes to savor.

The Milestone will be hosting a special evening as part of the Red Carnation Hotels Wine Dinner season. Guests are encouraged to enjoy tipples from the Bouchard Finlayson winery based in South Africa. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon and Chardonnay will be ready for the tasting - all made from flavorsome grapes, cultivated in the rich wine-growing region in The Cape.

As a special treat, the celebrated wine maker Peter Finlayson will be in attendance to reveal secrets to the winery's success. The wine tasting is complemented by a 4-course dinner and costs £85 per person. This event promises to be an ideal evening for wine lovers and foodies. From 7:00 pm onwards.

To make reservations for the Milestone Hotel Wine Dinner call 020 7917 1000 or email dosborne@rchmail.com.

The Milestone Hotel
1 Kensington Court
London W8 5DL
Web: www.milestonehotel.com

Eating Out: Heavenly Ice creams

London weather has been blissful this week, the sun has been gracing us with its beams and we've thrown off our winter coats to bask in the warmth that is Spring. And when the sun comes out to play, lollies and ice creams are the most delicious accessories. Today I was in search of some gourmet ice cream and stopped at Oddono's Gelati Italiani. There's something special about this place that keeps me coming back every spring/summer.



Firstly, I love the range, the choice of flavours. In fact there are 30 flavours, including cinnamon, basil, chocolate and cognac, vodka lemon, honey, chocolate ginger and chili ice cream. The best sellers are Chocolate, Nocciola (Hazelnut), Bacio (milky chocolate and hazelnut).



I also love the fact that the family run business creates their dessert masterpieces by sourcing the finest natural ingredients from around the world: Vanilla pods from Madagascar, Valhrona Chocolate from France, Natural Pistachios from Sicily, Hazelnut from Piedmont, the list goes on. If you're ever in Kensington, this is the place to go for a taste that's best described as ice cream heaven.

Oddono's Gelati Italiani Ltd

14 Bute Street,

London SW7 3EX

Tel: 020 7052 0732

Web: www.oddonos.com



Opening hours:

Mon-Thu 11am-11pm,

Fri - Sat 11am-Midnight,

Sun 11am-11pm

Eating Out: A little sushi indulgence at Selfridges

YO! Sushi, one of London's most loved Japanese restaurant groups has launched a collection of new luxury dishes to savor, exclusively within its Selfridges’ London restaurant.

There are eight delectable menu options to take your Sushi experience to a new sumptuous level, including Hotate & Tobiko Temaki - Diced scallops, orange tobiko, cucumber & shiso leaf hand roll and Uni Gunkan - Sea urchin and wasabi gunkan.

YO! Sushi at Selfridges is the perfect way to refuel after some serious retail therapy. And with the new dishes modestly priced at just £6 each, you can throw in a glass of bubbly and enjoy fine dining that's refreshingly wallet-friendly too.

YO! Sushi
Selfridges Foodhall,
Ground Floor,
400 Oxford Street,
London W1A 1AB

Web: www.selfridges.com

Eating Out: Quilon, 41 Buckingham Gate

Yesterday I dined at Quilon - a south Indian restaurant situated discreetly on Buckingham Gate. As a person who loves interior design and impressive décor, I would have to admit that the restaurant's surroundings didn't have the immediate wow factor, but the interior was warm, relaxed and suitably welcoming.


Personally, I really enjoy Balti Lamb, a Biriyani or some Butter Chicken and I was looking forward to sampling the restaurant's take on these dishes. Perhaps somewhat naively I assumed such dishes were sure to be on the menu. However Quilon features a healthier, modern Indian cuisine, unlike any other Indian restaurant I've visited to date.

According to chef Sriram Aylur "Quilon serves progressive Indian cuisine, not fusion..." So instead of thick, cream laden curries and nans, there were plenty of fresh sea food, roasted meats and light curries with freshly ground chillies and pistachio. However I did recognise a familiar Malabar Lamb Biriyani on the menu, which tasted sumptuous, if not lacking a little more bite.

My husband on the other hand quite liked the idea of exploring new cuisines. But I'm sure you can sympathise, that when you're feeling intensely hungry (as I was), the last thing you want to do is take your taste buds on a journey to the unknown! Yet I was pleasantly surprised that my starter of Pepper Shrimps (tried for the first time) was exceptionally delicious and I enjoyed the Malabar Paratha; a slightly sweet flat bread that accompanied my main - all washed down with a refreshing Apple Mojito.

The price on the other hand had taken us both by surprise, a bill of nearly £100 was delivered to our table at the end of the meal, covering just two courses and without a bottle of wine. Naturally I anticipated the menu at this Michelin star restaurant would be priced at the slighter higher end of the spending bracket, however, I never expected it to reach as close to the double zeros as it had. In my opinion Quilon is a good choice of restaurant to dine on a special occasion where a luxury splurge is in order, but not necessarily a place you visit on a whim.

Quilon
41 Buckingham Gate,
London SW1
Tel: 020 7821 1899
Web:www.thequilonrestaurant.com

Image credits: © eivmain via www.squaremeal.co.uk

Hot Spot: Bea's of Bloomsbury

As I sit here writing this post, I'm tucking into the most indulgent chocolate cake ever. Whilst helping a friend shop for her wedding today, we stopped into Bea's of Bloomsbury for inspiration and to sample their famous desserts.

We ordered the three-layered cake consisting of rich chocolate filled with a dark bitter sweet truffle. I was so smitten with the taste that I simply had to take another slice home! (Desserts are my guilty pleasure).

The Bea's of Bloomsbury menu ranges from cupcakes, tarts, cookies, brownies and layer cakes. So there's something to satisfy every type of sweet tooth. What's sweeter is that they also do their bit for the environment by recycling all packaging and baking with energy efficient induction cooking methods.





It's no surprise then that Bea's has been shortlisted in Time Out's Best London Tea Rooms. I for one can taste why. The fine Valrhona chocolate that generously featured in my cake and Square Mile coffee that accompanied it made for a truly delicious experience.

By the end of our visit, my friend decided that she would place a dessert order for her wedding reception. And I've happily obliged to be her 'cake-tasting buddy' to help sample the favours available. I just hope that by the end of it all, I can still fit into my wedding outfit. Wish me luck!

Bea's of Bloomsbury
44 Theobald's Road
London WC1X 8NW
Tel: 0207 242 8330
Web: http://beasofbloomsbury.com

Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am to 6 pm | Sat 10:30 am to 4 pm

Mother's Day Ideas: Tea for two!

For a chilled and sumptuously relaxed afternoon with mum, take her out for some quintessentially English afternoon tea. The Covent Garden Hotel is my favourite place to enjoy scones, clotted cream and essential Earl Grey whilst taking in the glamorous surroundings of hotel's Drawing room. Tea can also be served in the Brasserie Max or the Library - each featuring a unique classic interior and charm. Let her eat cake!


Available daily between 3pm and 5:30pm

For reservations and further information call 020 7806 1000
or email max@firmdale.com

Covent Garden Hotel
10 Monmouth Street
London WC2H 9HB

Web: http://www.firmdale.com

For the latest Mother's Day events and offers in Covent Garden, visit: www.sevendials.co.uk

Hot Spot: Crumbs and Dollies Cupcakes

To savour some of the finest cupcakes in London, head to the Crumbs and Dollies stall at Duke of York Square. Not only do they look amazing, they come in a variety of divine flavours.

Each cupcake is lovingly decorated to perfection and can be made to order for a personal touch. Crumbs and Dollies also offer a handy delivery service available in central and south west of London, making these beautiful bakes the perfect sweet for parties, afternoon teas or a little self indulgence. Mmm.


Price:
From £12 for a dozen.

Crumbs and Dollies
Partridges Food Market on the Kings Road
80 Duke of York Square,
Kensington and Chelsea,
London, SW3 4LU

Opening Times:
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Web: http://www.crumbsanddoilies.co.uk/

Valentine's Day Ideas: Romance is on the Menu

Saturday the 14th of February is officially the most 'loved up' day of the year, so in the run up to Valentine's day, I'll be helping to get you in the amorous mood with ideas and inspirations for the occasion. And don't worry, there will be no mention of love hearts, boxes of chocolates or a dozen red roses, definitely not. Consider this a stylish guide to a cliche' free Valentine's Day.

So to start, here's my pick of London restaurants and bars to enjoy fine food, good drinks and none of the Valentine's day cheese.


Luxe Spot: Pearl Restaurant

This restaurant has an excellent reputation for modern French cuisine and a menu that incorporates the best seasonal product and ingredients. The Pearl Restaurant is set in Holborn, Central London and the elegant marble dining room is adorned with over a million hand-strung pearls. Fine food is complimented with subtle lighting, luxurious leather seating and a décor of cream and white. This restaurant offers a fantastic intimate dining experience.



Special Valentine's Day Menu

Pearl, will be offering a specially designed Valentine’s dinner, created by the Executive Chef Jun Tanaka. The indulgent five-course dinner includes a complimentary glass of Champagne, a pre-dessert, plus petit fours and coffee to round up after a bountiful offering of dishes. This special menu which includes Brill with oyster tortellini, and a variety of vegetarian alternatives, will be available on the 14 February 2009 from 6pm until 10pm, priced at £120 per person.

Pearl Restaurant
252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN
Tel 020 7829 7000
Web: http://www.pearl-restaurant.com




Hot Spot: Moti Mahal

Moti Mahal is a chic Indian restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Known for sumptuous and stylishly presented cuisine, the menu boasts exquisite tandoori dishes and an elegant culinary experience. Inside the décor is formal but relaxed, with dining available upstairs, downstairs and a designated bar area.


The Golden Kiss

On 13 and 14 February 2009, Moti Mahal will be offering the deliciously luxurious cocktail - The Golden Kiss. Priced at £9 each, it's a refreshing combination of Rémi Martin Coeur de Cognac, Chambord and rose syrup, shaken with fresh cranberry juice, lemon juice and gold flakes, and garnished with golden passion fruit caviar pearls. The cocktail is aptly named, promising to turn guests’ lips gold after sipping.

Moti Mahal
45 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AA
Tel: 020 7240 9329
Web: http://www.motimahal-uk.com




Hidden Treasure: Bar 190 at The Gore Hotel

Tucked away on the quiet Queens Gate road in Kensington is the fabulous Bar 190. Featuring candlelit, Art Deco interiors, it's open until 1am. The bar has a fabulous atmosphere and many famous faces have chosen this particular bar as their venue of choice, earning it the reputation as one of the most popular after-show party venues.

Miss Polly Rae, Burlesque Entertainer

Burleque Soirée

On Friday 13 February 2009, Bar 190 at The Gore Hotel will host a burlesque inspired evening, a pre-valentine soirée, starring Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlys.

This evening is perfect for couples and singletons alike, enjoy Burlesque cocktails at the bar and witness Miss Polly Rae; one of the UK’s rising Burlesque stars whose shows feature a cabaret, traditional and “neo” Burlesque. The Hurly Burly Girlys will also perform at intervals between 9.30pm and midnight. You're encouraged to join in the fun and come kitted out in Burlesque attire.

Admission: Entry £10 on the door
– includes one complimentary Burlesque cocktail
- Burlesque attire is not essential.

Bar 190, The Gore Hotel
190 Queen’s Gate, Kensington SW7
Tel: 020 7584 6601,
Web: http://www.gorehotel.com

For more information on Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girlys visit: www.hurlyburlyuk.co.uk