Posted on April 4, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Emyr Thomas

The Crown is a traditional coaching inn, less than an hour’s drive from Central London in Amersham, which is also easily accessible by Tube at the end of the Metropolitan line. Designed by Ilse Crawford (who designed the Soho House Group’s properties among others), the modern design and technological touches blend seamlessly with the oak beams and uneven wooden floors.

The Crown has 40 bedrooms over 3 separate buildings, all of which have comfortable beds, iPod docking stations, wool blankets and, thankfully, free wiﬁ. Our recently refurbished room came with an excellent shower, gorgeous Aesop bath products and a freestanding bath in the bedroom – a craze that I have never quite understood.

Like a true inn, the restaurant and bar are at the heart of the hotel. The Crown Chop House offers a traditional British menu with large portions of grilled meats and hearty country fare. My dinner consisted of a warming onion soup followed by a simple but well prepared fillet steak. The culinary highlight was the bountiful breakfast consisting of a large selection of cheese, cured meats, smoked fish and home baked pastries, forcing you to linger with the Sunday papers.

The building oozes charm and character from every crack, and the open fires, low beams and creaking floors create a warm, cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

For movie enthusiasts, The Crown made a cameo appearance in ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ where Hugh Grant became intimately acquainted with Andie MacDowell.

While The Crown may not be everyone’s idea of a country escape, sometimes you just want to get away from it all without really getting that far away at all. The Crown is a quaint, traditional country inn with good food, stylish rooms and a real sense of character, easily accessible by public transport.

A weekend trip from London without spending Friday evening stuck in traffic? Sounds good to me.

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One Fine Stay: The ‘Unhotel’

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Emyr Thomas

London has an abundance of world-class luxury hotels but sometimes you want to feel like you’re at home. Introducing onefinestay, which makes you feel just that. Except that you’re in another person’s home.

One of the main attractions is that each property is different – from a loft in Clerkenwell to a townhouse in Primrose Hill, you can choose the area, style and design that suits your individual tastes. Its aim is to make visitors feel and live like locals in London, offering homes in neighbourhoods that might not be catered for by luxury hotels. With keys to your own temporary front door, you can greet your neighbours, explore the side streets and discover some hidden gems.

Self-styled as an ‘unhotel’, the reservation process is as seamless as with a regular hotel, but with an added element of the personal touch. On arrival, a member of staff will greet you at the property to give you a full tour, explain the intricacies of the property and hand you a pre-loaded iPhone that you can use at your leisure throughout your stay.

We stayed in a three bedroom townhouse on the Chelsea / Fulham border, which was smart, spacious, and with plenty of room to entertain. With full use of a large kitchen and separate dining room, a dinner party was inevitable. Having spent the afternoon in the kitchen surrounded by whisks and piping bags, drowning in olive oil and seasoning, when it came to turning on the oven hours later to warm the hors d’oeuvres, the oven decided not to work.

We called someone in customer service who was very polite and helpful but, having spent an hour looking through manuals, they kindly offered to send us a food hamper instead. We declined the offer and managed by using the hobs instead of the oven, something that confirmed the need for a team of sous chefs for all future dinner parties.

Despite everything working out for us, the incident highlighted a potential pitfall for onefinestay – without a maintenance man on the premises, such issues could eventually become rather problematic for them. However, given the efficiency with which they handled our issue and the solution that they had offered (they still kindly sent us a couple of bottles of wine despite not needing the food basket), I’m confident that they could handle anything thrown at them.

With a whole house filled with photographs, books and CDs to explore it’s difficult not to be nosey, but certain cupboards and drawers are discreetly sealed with special tamper proof tape to prevent you from peering too closely. One of the joys of onefinestay is that you get to feel like you’re at home, surrounded by all the comforts and amenities that you could wish for, but going to sleep with someone else’s wedding photos on your side table is a strange feeling.

The price will depend on your specific property – our three bedroom house starts from £400 per night, which, if travelling with friends or family, is very reasonable for the quality and service. Each house is fully cleaned before and after each visit with a daily maid service available with fresh linens, towels and The White Company bath products.

For those who require 24 hour room service, a business centre and fully equipped gym, onefinestay was never going to be the answer, but if you want to experience life as a Londoner in luxurious and spacious surroundings at a reasonable cost, onefinestay might be right up your street.

FYI: onefinestay has expanded from just 6 host members in 2010 to more than 250 today. The company backed by venture capital firm Index Ventures along with Brent Hoberman, co-founder & CEO of Lastminute.com, among other angel investors.

The Lucky Pig Bar Review

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Vilma Darling

Agents of the Bureau of Prohibition would have certainly walked past the Lucky Pig. It’s hidden away on a lower ground floor at 5 Clipstone Street in an inconspicuous part of London’s Fitzrovia. The speakeasy cocktail bar is not easy to spot, although when you come closer you can see that it has quite a big sign with a huge and happy pig on it.

The bar is named after the gangster Lucky Luciano, who supplied booze to the illegal drinking dens in the United States during Prohibition. Such establishments were often called Blind Pigs, a phrase that originated from the 19th century saloons that sold beer or liquor without license. The owner would charge customers to see an ‘attraction’ such as a pig and then serve ‘complimentary’ alcoholic beverage.

Thankfully, we did not meet any real pigs (or people who behaved like them), but instead received a VIP treatment from head bar tender Dren Lala. You know you are in good hands when a barman reserves you and your guest two stools at the bar and says: “I’m gonna get you really drunk tonight.”

The Lucky Pig menu offers a mix of classic drinks and experimental cocktails, and so my friend Shelley and I started going through the list one by one.

I began with a cocktail especially made for me, because I told Dren that I really liked Campari, but wanted to try something different. He mixed Grey Goose vodka, Martini Rosato and Aperol. It was lovely, but I prefer drinks that are more sour, and so for the next one Dren suggested an experimental cocktail called “Pimp my Side Car” – Hennessey XO Cognac, Grand Marnier Centenaire and fresh lemon (£9.50).

Shelley, who couldn’t find The Lucky Pig and spent quite a bit of time walking up and down the street (I couldn’t hear my phone), calmed her nerves with a Champagne Mojito – Bacardi Blanca, lime, sugar and Champagne (£9) followed by “Hedgerow Sling” – Sipsmith Gin, Sipsmith Sloe Gin, lemon, sugar and soda (£8.50).

Shelley is a big fan of gin so her next two cocktails had to be gin based. She absolutely loved the “Strawberry Jive” – Bloom Gin, lemon juice, orange juice, mint, strawberries & basil (£8.50) and was equally impressed with “Churchill Martini” – Williams English Gin, featuring Martini extra dry (£8.50).

I adore cocktails with champagne, so I went for a drink that’s very popular with the ladies called “Cherry Blossom” – Finlandia mango, raspberries, framboise, pineapple juice and Champagne (£9). I continued the cocktail tasting with the absolutely fantastic “Southside Royal” – Bombay Sapphire Gin, lime, mint and cucumber, topped with Champagne (£9).

I must confess that I couldn’t remember the ingredients of the cocktails so well after all that alcohol, but Dren was kind enough to give me a menu and we both put a cross by each cocktail after we were done with it. Shelley loved the place so much that I had to drag her kicking and screaming out of the Lucky Pig, but not before we shared “The Lucky Blazer” – a cocktail perfect for venturing into the cold night – Drambuie, brown sugar, raspberries, citrus fruits and cherry, served warm.

Address: 5 Clipstone Street, London, W1W 6BB

Phone: 020 7436 0035

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 17:00 until late

Ardanaiseig Hotel & Restaurant

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Emyr Thomas

Built in 1834 and designed by architect William Burn, Ardanaiseg, a boutique country house hotel, is situated on the shores of Loch Awe below Ben Cruachan in North West Scotland.

There are 16 bedrooms with views of the loch, four poster beds and direct access to the beautiful grounds and gardens. The hotel is ideal for the active types, with deer stalking, clay pigeon shooting and fishing available, but if your idea of a holiday is about food, wine and relaxation, then you’ll be right at home here.

Chef Gary Goldie has worked at Ardanaiseig for the past 13 years and has been awarded several accolades including ‘Scottish Chef of the Year 2011’ and 3 AA rosettes. Menu highlights include velouté of Scottish asparagus with smoked trout and caviar Chantilly; pan-roasted John Dory with deep fried scallop ravioli, purple carrot purée, pak choi and Sauternes sauce and terrine of Russet apples with prune and honey cake and vanilla ice-cream.

Ardanaiseig can also be hired for exclusive use for corporate and private events. Bon Vivant’s members can receive one complimentary massage or one complimentary clay pigeon shoot per double room booked. The offer is valid until 31 July 2012 and for a minimum booking of 2 nights – please quote Bon Vivant when making the reservation.

Address: Ardanaiseig Hotel, Kilchrenan by Tainuilt, Argyll, PA35 1HE

Phone: 01866 988 233

London Restaurant Guide: March Update

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Emyr Thomas

Spring is in the air in London, and with the clocks going forward at the end of the month, you can almost taste the Pimm’s of summer.

In a few short months, you’ll be fighting for every available space in the capital’s best roof terraces and beer gardens, but for now, head to Hawksmoor’s new basement bar at the original Spitalfields location. Once there, I suggest you make yourself comfortable and start working your way through the cocktail list while you read my selection of March’s best new openings.

Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri, one of Italy’s most celebrated and recognised chefs following his regular appearances on Italian MasterChef, has just opened his first UK restaurant, Cotidie, on Marylebone High Street, on the former site of Café Luc which closed late last year.

Named after the Latin word for ‘everyday’, Cotidie features a menu of daily changing dishes in an informal dining room. The restaurant seats 75, with a counter bar, named BARbieri, for up to 10 guests with its own cicchetti menu. Based on the restaurants from our own MasterChef regulars, let’s hope it’s more Michel Roux than anyone else.

Indian Flavours

March looks set to be full of Indian spices with the re-launches and expansions from some of London’s most popular Indian restaurants.

Cinnamon Soho, the third restaurant from executive chef Vivek Singh opened on 21st of March, dubbed as the Cinnamon Kitchen’s ‘younger, cheekier sibling’.

Michelin-starred Quilon, which is based near Victoria, was as famed for its terrible décor as it was for its superb South Indian cuisine. Having closed at the beginning of January, the restaurant re-launched earlier this week following an extensive refurbishment. With a stylish interior to match the quality of the food, Quilon should soon be high up on your restaurant hit list.

If the subtle spicing is a bit too much for your tastes, one of London’s other Michelin-starred Indian restaurants is offering something different for the next few weeks.

Atul Kochhar from Benares on Berkeley Square is joining forces with some of the country’s leading chefs to create a series of fusion menus to be served at the Benares Bar (pictured above). Each chef will prepare a menu of small plates in his own style to complement the Indian spices and flavours of the food at Benares.

First off will be Richard Corrigan from Corrigan’s Mayfair (from just around the corner), who’ll team up with Kochhar for two weeks from 20 March. Then Irish will give way to Thai, as David Thompson from Nahm takes over from the 16 April. The last pairing will come from Northcote’s Nigel Howorth, one of Lancashire’s finest chefs, who’ll take up his residence until 3 May.

(While at Benares, may I suggest you wash it all down with one of the bar’s signature passion fruit martinis…)

The Russians are coming…

Situated in (where else?) Knightsbridge, Mari Vanna will open its doors from 15 March offering ‘babushka cooking’ – homely Russian dishes with influences from Armenia, Georgia and Uzbekistan, but with a lighter and more contemporary feel.

The décor is designed to recreate the feeling of a traditional Russian home where shelves are adorned with matryoshka dolls, trinkets and tchotchke – ideal for its location on the doorstep of One Hyde Park and the Bulgari Hotel.

Elsewhere in Knightsbridge, the Harrods food hall has welcomed serial restaurateurs Chris and Jeff Galvin’s fifth London restaurant, Galvin Demoiselle. Here Chris’s wife Sara will be in charge of the bistro-style restaurant, which will have 55 covers. The selection of lighter dishes will no doubt make the perfect pit-stop from your weekly grocery shop.

More steaks, more gin…

London’s love affair with steakhouses continues with the launch of Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar at the end of March at County Hall, which aims to ‘celebrate the best of English’.

The name derives from James Gillray, a caricaturist of the late eighteenth century, whose work will be exhibited on the walls of the restaurant and bar. (No, I hadn’t heard of him either.)

With the likes of Hawksmoor and Goodman commanding the steak scene in London, Gillray’s will face serious competition. But with a signature dish of a 1000g ‘Bulls Head’ (a 1000g-butterfly cut, double rib steak served with the bone in), hardcore carnivores will have to face up to the challenge.

Vegetarians need not apply.

According to Gillray, the bar will feature “one of the finest selections of gin in London”, which is quite a claim that will surely need some investigation. It’s a tough job, but something I’m willing to do in the name of research. You’re welcome.

Atelier Mayer: Luxury Vintage Emporium

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Bon Vivant

ATELIER-MAYER.COM is a luxury vintage emporium that has an incredible collection of rare, luxury vintage clothing such as 1940s Hérmes, 1950s Christian Dior, 1960s Lanvin, 1970s Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel, 1980s Alaia, as well as a selection of accessories, including handbags, scarves, jewellery and objets d’art.

New items arrive weekly, all hand selected and sourced globally and they also work with current and up-and-coming designers who design limited edition capsule collections exclusively for them.

Their bespoke service includes sourcing and styling for individual clients, be it for a special occasion, a wedding, a party or simply for a collector. You can order their items directly from their website or visit the stylish gallery boutique in Connaught Village, W2.

Leticia Haute Coiffure – Salon Review

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Frances Cottrell

Finding a salon in London is never easy, and so when we were invited to try Leticia Haute Coiffure nestled into chic Marylebone, it didn’t take much persuading.

The salon opened about 2 years ago, and recently purchased the property next door, transforming it into a gorgeous nail bar.

The pampering began with a mani-pedi in the nail bar, executed brilliantly by obviously well-trained staff. There was a huge selection of essie and OPI colours to choose from, and staff were great at recommending and guiding according to the trends. The pedicure even included a paraffin wax treatment, which I’d never had before, and despite feeling a little silly walking around with wax and plastic bags on my feet, the result was baby-soft skin that looks fresh and hydrated.

Glammed up and nails decorated, I went through to the hair salon to be greeted by the in-house puppy, Jack. The salon has a real personality and welcoming feel which Jack only added to, and really feels like a haven. They even have a VIP room if you want total privacy, or to use with friends or your Mum for an indulgent treat.

Pierre, the Creative Director has worked all over the world, and has a background in fashion, which really shows in his advice and style when treating hair. He talked me through the issues I had with my hair, and quickly dispelled most of my misconceptions about its condition, and what my routine should be. Post hair-wash I was taken back to Pierre who gave me a 15 minute head and shoulder massage which left me feeling like I was 21 again (no mean feat) and was a superb addition to the cut.

This salon really goes the extra mile in making guests feel relaxed. The cut was superb and I have already booked appointment number 2. Followed by the quickest blow dry I’ve ever had (I think he’s actually won awards on the speed of this) which was as good as any I’d ever had, but in less than half the time, this salon is a real find.

The spa downstairs offers treatments, some of which are totally unique to the UK (Galvanic, which Brad Pitt favours, and leaves you looking 10 years younger) as well as facials, massages, and waxing.

It’s refreshing to find a salon in London with personality, quality, professionalism and individuality without paying astronomical fees, but this is one to keep on your radar and try next time you’re in town with a spare afternoon.

Address: 61 Chiltern Street, London W1U 6NG

Phone: 020 7935 1770 (Hair Appointments); 020 7935 8913 (Beauty)

Quilon Restaurant Gets a New Look

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Emyr Thomas

Michelin-starred Quilon, which is based near Victoria, was as famed for its terrible décor as it was for its superb South Indian cuisine.

Having closed at the beginning of January, the restaurant re-launches today (20 March 2012) following an extensive refurbishment. Quilon, which is owned by the Taj Group, commissioned designLSM to oversee the new design, which includes intricately designed, traditionally inspired ‘jaali screens’ and a bespoke feature candle wall.

The restaurant now includes a new bar area (pictured) and a new private dining room with private bar, kitchen and entrance, seating up to 16. With a stylish interior to match the quality of the food, Quilon should be high up on your restaurant hit list – I can’t wait to return.

Address: Quilon, 41 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AF

Phone: +44 20 7821 1899

Novikov: Asian Restaurant

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Bon Vivant

By Frances Cottrell

When it was first announced that international superstar restaurateur Arkady Novikov was opening in London, there was a flutter of anticipation and excitement that the capital was going to get an injection of bling. The Russian entrepreneur has restaurants all over the world, and his website boasts Naomi Campbell and Bill Clinton as regular guests. The London space, on Berkeley Street in Mayfair, contains two distinct eateries in one site – an Italian and an Asian restaurant – and an additional lounge bar.

Dining at the Asian restaurant, we arrived on Sunday evening to impeccable service with the right mix of friendly and informative staff. The restaurant was a gorgeous space, with refined design and perfect ambiance, and diners were the traditional sleek Berkeley Square set. So, not the ‘bling’ I’d perhaps imagined, but in fact far more enjoyable.

The menu is a mix of Chinese and Asian dishes, and guests are advised to order a mixture from a vast selection. We started with Xiao Long Bao with Pork and Crab, and Chilli Rock Shrimp; two dishes which instantly conjured ‘oohs and ahhs’ from our table. The crispy duck salad with green apple and pomegranate was one of the tastiest salads I’ve ever had, and worth a trip back alone. The acidity of the fruit against the richness of the duck, and the cool, crisp greens against the warm meat was utterly delicious.

Salmon sashimi was a generous helping of firm and beautifully cut fish, the freshness of which was impressive, but it was the main course which was the highlight. The waiting team left the perfect amount of time in between courses to ensure that the arrival of ‘Chilli Ginger Garlic Spicy Beef Fillet’ was met with the right amount of lip licking and excitement. The dish arrived prettily presented, which is quite a feat for a fillet of beef, but this is no ordinary fillet of beef. Moist, flavoursome, and rested so it was soft and oozing tasty juices, but with a sweet and caramelised seared edge for contrast.

Staff elevated the experience further, and both the floor team and Sommelier were a great addition to the experience, guiding, educating and attentive at every stage.

Quite simply this is an excellent addition to the restaurant scene in London, particularly in Mayfair, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for groups, celebrations, client entertaining and intimate dinners in equal measure.

Address: 50a Berkeley Street Mayfair, W1J 8HA

Phone: +44 207 399 4330

Soho Beach House Miami

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Bon Vivant

Soho Beach House is part of the Soho House group of private members’ clubs, which also includes a hotel, pool and spa, in Miami, Florida.

Overlooking the ocean, the Soho Beach House includes 50 bedrooms, a private beach, an expansive Cowshed Spa and gym. There are two pools, indoor and outdoor dining, secluded gardens, a screening room and an outpost of popular London restaurant Cecconi’s, which is open to the public (the restaurant is gorgeous and it has an impressive retractable roof that closes within seconds, in the unlikely event of rain!)

The Soho Beach House has an excellent offer for the summer – book six nights or more before May 1st and enjoy a 25% discount on all rooms. Discounted rate applies to rooms booked between June 1st and September 30th 2012. Call +1 786 507 7900 to book.

Post navigation

The Crown in Amersham: Traditional Coaching Inn

One Fine Stay: The ‘Unhotel’

The Lucky Pig Bar Review

Ardanaiseig Hotel & Restaurant

London Restaurant Guide: March Update

Atelier Mayer: Luxury Vintage Emporium

Leticia Haute Coiffure – Salon Review

Quilon Restaurant Gets a New Look

Novikov: Asian Restaurant

Soho Beach House Miami