Radley continues its longstanding relationship with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and is delighted to announce the launch of its latest collaboration with the BHF’s ‘Mending Broken Hearts’ Appeal.

This unique partnership is fronted by Laura Bailey - the iconic British model, writer and BHF supporter, who has also just been announced as Radley’s Brand Ambassador and Face of its Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.

Radley’s best selling signature ‘Pocket’ bag will be available in soft red nappa leather, embellished with an exclusively designed red leather heart tag embossed with the BHF logo and the words ‘Mending Broken Hearts’. Both bag and mirror can be purchased individually and are priced at £99 and £19. All profits will be donated to the nation’s heart charity*.

Laura Bailey comments, “The BHF is a very special cause. As an ambassador already, I feel passionately about being involved in this campaign. With Radley’s ongoing partnership with the BHF, for me, there is no better brand to collaborate with on this. On a personal level I have watched their presence grow on the high street and love that the brand celebrates creativity, quality and craftsmanship. I feel honoured to be working with them both on this campaign.”

As a role model with effortless style and natural demure, Laura Bailey was a fitting choice for Radley to embody this British label’s intrinsic fashion and lifestyle values. As a recognised professional, Laura juggles everyday life of being a mother with organisation and glamour. Radley identifies with women leading a busy lifestyle, creating bags which are practical, simple yet stylish; bags which lighten the load and grow better through wear and tear; lasting throughout a lifetime.

This BHF exclusive image was photographed by Angelo Pennetta with styling direction from Katie Hillier, portraying Laura's natural style.

Lorraine Pringle, Brand Director at Radley comments, “Radley is delighted at the opportunity to once again help raise funds for the BHF, aiding their valuable work in saving lives. We are also thrilled to be able to work together with our current Brand Ambassador Laura Bailey to help raise awareness of this great cause.”

Head of Corporate Partnerships at the BHF Amit Aggarwal says: “We’re delighted to be working with Radley on our Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. Scientifically, mending the human heart is an achievable goal that we hope to achieve in the next five to ten years. But we need to spend £50million to make this a reality and I can’t thank Radley enough for supporting us with this goal”.

To date, our partnership with the BHF has raised an impressive £56,896 and it continues to gain pace.

The bags will be available in all 22 of our UK stores and online at www.radley.co.uk from 1st March. It is the perfect way to update your spring wardrobe with this season’s must have accessory and embrace your charitable side.

Support the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal and help us give hope to millions worldwide. Visit bhf.org.uk/mbh to get involved.

TOPSHOP TO LIVE STREAM LONDON FASHION WEEK SHOWS VIA ITS NEW BESPOKE IPHONE APP
Topshop launched a brand new iPhone app in December, featuring fully bespoke functionality and design plus a host of exciting new features. For London Fashion Week, Topshop is delighted to announce it will be streaming the catwalk shows live from the Topshop Show Space via the app. A brand first, enabling you to watch the shows from wherever you are.

Alongside live streaming of the shows in the Topshop Show Space, which include our own Topshop Unique, Mary Katrantzou, Meadham Kirchhoff, Peter Pilotto, Louise Gray and Michael Van Der Ham, we will also be offering exclusive Fashion Week content in the app. QR codes printed in store windows, on the tags of NEWGEN designer T-shirts and featured in the Topshop newspaper that is distributed during the week will unlock exclusive content - a film specially created for Topshop by Nick Knight and starring Karlie Kloss, behind-the-scenes videos and a make-up tutorial.

The new Topshop app is fully transactional, and will feature the entire product catalogue, with 300 new products available every week. Regular updates mean users are always the first to hear about new products and collaborations. The app allows you to scan product bar codes in store, shop the womenswear collections, read customer reviews, share products with friends and add favourite pieces to a personalised Notebook. The GPS stock checker allows users to locate items in other stores and the store locator means you’re always able to track down your nearest Topshop when out and about.

The new Topshop iPhone app allows users to search, shop, share and save their favourites on the go, whilst offering a front row seat at this season’s London Fashion Week.

With the Topshop iPhone app you can:
Shop the entire catalogue
Browse Topshop’s most popular categories even if you are offline
Be the first to see what’s New In every morning
Save your favourite pieces in the Notebook
Share your favourites with friends via Twitter, Facebook and email
Scan product barcodes in store to save to your Notebook, share with friends, or stock check in another store using GPS
Scan Topshop QR codes for exclusive content
Read the blog Inside-Out and Topshop Tumblr
Watch films, go behind-the-scenes at shoots and watch the latest London Fashion Week content
Find the nearest Topshop store via GPS

SWAROVSKI ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NEW FASHION JEWELLERY BRAND LOLA&GRACE

Swarovski, the world leader in cut crystal is delighted to announce the launch of a younger fashion jewellery brand, lola&grace, with its first ever store opening this March 2012 at London’s new Westfield Stratford City.

lola&grace offers trend led pieces in an abundance of eye catching designs and in a multitude of colours. With four seasonal collections from essentials to bold statements, lola&grace designs come in a stunning variety of mixed media featuring Swarovski crystals and pearls mixed with a vast array of contemporary materials.

“lola&grace fashion jewellery marries contemporary and vintage design for all occasions,” says Nina Müller, General Manager of lola&grace. “We are very excited to bring some new sparkle to the London scene this spring.”

lola&grace products will include rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and bangles, offering a treasure chest of irresistible alluring pieces and bringing a completely new twist to fashion jewellery.

www.lolaandgrace.com

NEW MARY PORTAS LIVING & GIVING SHOP FOR SAVE THE CHILDREN IN BARNES

Mary Portas and Save the Children are proud to announce the opening of their fifth Mary's Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children. The community based lifestyle boutique in the heart of Barnes Village will open its doors on Sat 25 Feb, at 12pm, so how befitting that our very own ‘Queen of Charity Shops’ will be kicking off the celebrations by showcasing on the day, some of the best of British clothing and lifestyle products around.

Items have been donated from some of Britain’s most edgy and creative talents, and will be for sale at bargain prices – clothing, accessories and beauty products from Emma Cook, Sophie Hulme, Future Classics and Vivien Sheriff; as well as stunning items from heritage brands Liberty of London, Ettinger, Rigby & Peller, Thomas Pink and Barbour.

There will also be an array of unusual treasures to be found, as legendary menswear stylist, Simon Foxton, donates a selection of coveted pieces he’s collected on his travels.

Simon Foxton, Stylist says:

“Mary's Living & Giving Shops for Save the Children continue to revolutionise the charity shop taking it from 'the place clothes went to die', to providing dynamic, stylish community hubs. Their design, community ethos, diverse product range and levels of service reminiscent of a golden era of retail make it a stand out shopping experience. No two visits are ever the same. Where else can you buy a designer handbag knowing the profits will go towards saving a child's life? This is guilt free shopping at its very best.”

Mary Portas says:

“I am thrilled that one of my Living & Giving shops is opening in Barnes to help Save the Children. This shop is for you, the Barnes community, and I invite you to come in rifle, rummage and help make this a truly collaborative neighbourhood experience.”

Expect to see collaborations with some of the UK’s finest talents, collections exclusive to Mary’s Living & Giving, as well as instore events. All monies raised from the sale of goods goes towards the life-saving work that Save the Children do here in the UK and abroad, so whether you are looking for a gift, or something special for yourself, this shop will definitely not disappoint!

Mary’s Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children is appealing for donations and for local volunteers to work in the shop. To donate stock or to enquire about volunteering visit our website at www.savethechildren.org.uk/livingandgiving or call 020 7012 6400.

PANCAKE DAY FLIPS INTO WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY

This Pancake Day, Westfield Stratford City is the place to be as the centre celebrates the classic tradition of pancake flipping courtesy of pancake connoisseurs, Crêpeaffaire.

On Tuesday 21st February, 2pm-5pm, Westfield Stratford City and Crêpeaffaire will be inviting students and teachers alike from local East London schools to take part in a series of pancake flipping competitions, posing the best young ‘flippers’ against each other.

Winners will receive free pancakes for a year; second place runners-up will win free pancakes for six months and third place runners-up will receive free pancakes for three months.

Additionally, one-on-one pancake duels will take place and the winner will receive a complimentary Crêpeaffaire signature dish, the Mellow Yellow and all entrants will receive a juicy 15% off their choice of crêpe.

Crêpeaffaire’s very own mascot - ‘Crêpe Man’ - will be making a special appearance on The Street to judge the pancake flippers of the future. Crayons and a colouring-in menu will also be on offer to keep all mini pancake athletes entertained.

Crêpeaffaire is one of more than 70 eateries from Westfield Stratford City’s unique food offer which ranges from food-to-go to up market dining from a selection of local cultures and world cuisines.

Food aficionados will have the chance to revel in a month filled with tantalising treats and aromas at Westfield Stratford City as complimentary food samples will be available for visitors to try, discover and explore. Westfield’s iPhone app will be available to assist shoppers already in-centre to search for food outlets by cuisine type or name and a Food Explorer Passport filled with meal vouchers, maps, tasty recipes and an A-Z of restaurants, cafes and eateries will be given out and available to pick-up at concierge desks and participating stores to guide foodies on their culinary adventure.

Visit www.westfield.com/stratfordcity and www.crepeaffaire.com for more information

NEW OCADO RECIPES TO TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS THIS SHROVE TUESDAY
Ocado (www.ocado.com) is mixing up more than batter for Pancake Day with a range of quirky recipes to excite the taste buds. Whether you’re a traditionalist looking for a twist which isn’t just lemon, or fancy yourself as the new chef on the block, there’s a crepe recipe to suit all palates and cookery skills this Shrove Tuesday.

Baked Pear and Caramel Pancake Pudding
Using the nation’s burgeoning obsession with baking as inspiration, the Ocado Baked Pancake Pudding is an ideal recipe for all those Great British Bake Off fanatics. Created by Ruth Clemens, runner up of the 2010 series, this scrumptiously sweet and fruity pancake pudding is sure to be popular with all the family.

Lemon Curd
Putting a spin on an old favourite, the traditional lemon and sugar pancake, Ocado has created an exceptionally more-ish lemon curd cold topping to add real zest to your Tuesday treat.

Ham Hock, Gruyere and Duck Egg Galettes
Pancakes aren’t just for desert you know. This crispy, grilled Galette is truly tasty and a great dinner for those who prefer savoury treats. It looks pretty fantastic too - one to impress your Pancake Day dinner party, for certain!

Ban Xeo
If you have an adventurous palate, take on the Ban Xeo. Bursting with flavour this traditional Vietnamese spicy chilli, chicken and prawn pancake has a truly exotic edge. Invite loved ones over to celebrate your skill as well as those popular pancake festivities.

Healthy Spelt and Buttermilk Baby Pancakes
Ocado’s baby pancakes are a lighter option for those who aren’t looking to overindulge in the Shrove Tuesday festivities. These little wonders are topped with poached dried fruits, Greek yoghurt and sweet honey for a healthy touch. Delicious.

For further information on recipes and ingredients visit www.ocado.com.

CELEBRITY CHEFS COMING TO GLOW, BLUEWATER, BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SPRING ANNOUNCE THE LINE UP
12 – 15 APRIL 2012, BLUEWATER

The BBC Good Food Show Spring is launching at Glow, Bluewater in April and today announces a line up of celebrity chefs and TV programmes never before seen under one roof in Kent!

Tickets to the Show include a session in the 650 seat Supertheatre which gives visitors a chance to enjoy sessions including Saturday Kitchen Live and MasterChef. On top of this visitors can enjoy live demonstrations from some of the nation’s favourite TV foodie faces including James Martin, Gino D’Acampo, John Torode and Gregg Wallace, Gennaro Contaldo and Olly Smith. Plus the Show will host the country’s first chance to see the MasterChef Champion 2012 live on stage!

Celebrity Chef James Martin says “The line up for the BBC Good Food Show Spring is looking set to be one of their best. This is a rare opportunity for members of the public to see so many of their food heroes cooking live all under one roof! What a fantastic opportunity to meet your favourite chefs, star spot plus shop from some of the country’s finest producers!”

Saturday Kitchen
See James Martin host these live sessions featuring celebrity guests, the omelette challenge and food heaven and hell.

The MasterChef Experience
See the 2012 MasterChef Champion Live on stage for the very first time! Plus featuring sessions from John Torode, Gregg Wallace and the 2011 champion Tim Anderson - it really is MasterChef brought to life.

Celebrity Chefs
Pick up inspiration from some of the nation’s favourite chefs including James Martin who will be demonstrating his skills cooking fresh seasonal and local produce in front of a live audience.

Shopping
Taste try and buy your way round over 100 fantastic producers including areas dedicated to FoodLovers approved produce and Produced in Kent.

To book please visit

BBCGoodFoodShowSpring.com or call 0844 581 1362

Tickets include timed show entry and a seat in the Supertheatre
Timed show entry times:
Morning session
9.30am – 2pm
Afternoon session
2.30pm – 7pm

WALK, CYCLE, PHOTOGRAPH LONDON ARCHITECTURE WITH THE ORGANISATION BEHIND THE ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE EVENT

Under the theme of 'The Changing Face of London' Open-City is inviting Londoners to celebrate 20 years of architecture in London with an exciting expansion of opportunities to experience architecture throughout the year with special tours and events

Opportunities include:

Special tours
• ‘An Evening With…’ evening tours hosted by stunning private homes. March host is Gap House by Pitman Tozer Architects, April host is Quay House by Quay 2c with more to come
• Architecture on the Thames: London’s only architectural tour of the impressive mix of historic and modern architecture that make the river-front so architecturally diverse
• Photography tours with one of London’s leading architectural photographers
• Architecture on your bike cycle tours
Architecture Every Saturday
• The transformation of East London is revealed with a tour out to the edge of the Olympic site
• Tours of major regeneration areas just South of the river, looking at how investment is changing the face of the capital
• Explore the Hidden West End and Georgian squares that characterise this area
• Learn how skyscrapers and new developments are changing the face of the Square Mile, London’s historic core

Website updated weekly with new dates and additions to the programme
Website: http://www.open-city.org.uk/tours

EDEN PROJECT TO HOST WORLD PASTY CHAMPIONSHIPS
The World Pasty Championships, a grand celebration of Cornwall’s most famous dish, is being hosted by the Eden Project.

The inaugural event is to take place at the Eden Bakery between the famous Biomes on March 3, 2012, the Saturday before St Piran’s Day(March 5) which celebrates the national day of Cornwall.

Entries for the event are now open and are strictly limited so early registration is advised.

From the Americas to Australia, pasties derived from recipes passed down by Cornish emigrants over centuries are eaten and enjoyed by many millions of people.

The World Pasty Championships at the Eden Project will celebrate the traditional recipe and set the table for amateur and professional bakers to parade their wares.

The new event has the backing of the Cornish Pasty Association, which upholds the reputation of the pasty and represents more than 50 bakers.

Earlier this year after a long campaign the association won European Union Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status which means that only pasty makers based in Cornwall who make pasties in a traditional manner and follow a traditional recipe are able to label their products as Cornish pasties.

Visit www.edenproject.com for more information.

STEIN'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT COMES TO TREGULLAND
Tregulland, the impressive new luxury self-catering property on the edge of Bodmin Moor, has taken holiday home rental to a new level with the announcement of an exclusive partnership with Rick and Jill Stein’s

Seafood Restaurant.
Guests staying at the property, which opened September 2011, will now be able to enjoy a taste of the world famous restaurant without leaving the comfort of their own (temporary) home. No nominated driver or late night taxis to organise when The Seafood Restaurant comes to Tregulland.
Rick and Jill’s son Jack Stein and his team will produce a tasting menu for guests exclusively designed to showcase the best local and seasonal produce, which will offer a unique gourmet dining experience for a special occasion – the best bits of dining at a top restaurant without the journeying, and the best bits of a self-catering holiday without the washing up.

The evening will start with a glass of champagne and selection of canapés followed by a six course tasting menu which will include dishes for spring such as Crab Salad with Asparagus and Samphire, Lobster Bisque and Monkfish with New Season Garlic - accompanied by a choice of Rick Stein wines. Wine pairings and cheese course are available at a supplement.

The product of an extensive renovation, Tregulland is a luxury property boasting first class eco credentials and a host of facilities including the UK’s first indoor freshwater pool and a decadent outdoor wood-fired Dutch Tub.

The property comprises a cottage, barn and pool house and lake set in 16 acres and sleeps 22 + guests in eleven en-suite bedrooms. The Cottage and Barn are both stylishly furnished throughout, with contemporary influences alongside more eccentric, vintage touches and with each bedroom so individual and magical, you’ll want to return again and again, just to try them all out.

The Seafood Restaurant at Tregulland experience is priced from £170 per person, including a glass of champagne, canapés, tasting menu, wine, coffee and petits fours.
Prices at Tregulland start from £2,057 for a weekend in the Barn (sleeps 10) in low season, up to £10,000 for a week in the whole property (sleeps 22+) in high season.

For reservations and sample menus go to www.tregulland.co.uk or call 01566 770 880.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES IN BARCELONA BY THE H1898
The hotel H1898 suggests different activities and establishments where to enjoy the culture, leisure and gastronomy of the city in its most exclusive way.

Real luxury is first found at the hotel, which has different junior suites including swimming pool-jacuzzi and private terrace.

The hotel H1898, belonging to Núñez i Navarro Hotels Group, suggests a selection of activities and establishments where to enjoy the culture, leisure and gastronomy of the city in its most exclusive way.

Located in La Rambla de Barcelona, the H1898 manages to harmonize its strong historical personality and its architectural past by adding the 21st century modernity. The spa, the colonial rooms, the lobby and the terrace, 360o, with a heated swimming pool are some of the areas that turn the H1898 into a warm and unique hotel, with great and tasteful decoration. However, it is in its junior suites with swimming pool-jacuzzi and private terrace where the guests can experience exclusiveness.

Barcelona’s H1898 hotel displays on its walls magnificent and amazing images of the Philippine Islands captured by the Swedish photographer María Espeus, now settled in Barcelona. These peculiar and stunning images, which are exhibited in the different areas of the hotel, show the essence of the people, customs, landscapes and little details of these Asian islands.

Discovering Barcelona from the air is now possible. What about going on a panoramic helicopter tour? A different way to visit Barcelona and its most emblematic places such as the Olympic Port, Barceloneta neighbourhood, Fórum, Torre Agbar, Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou (FC Barcelona) and many more, especially designed for the bravest ones.

Another exclusive way to visit the city and get to feel its real essence and history is doing it with an official private guide. The Hotel 1898 offers private tours to see the indispensable places and monuments to visit during a stay in the city, such as Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter...

Paseo de Gracia is, without any doubt, the main avenue where to find all the most exclusive firms. The most fashionable avenue of the city makes it possible to both go shopping and at the same time discover some of the most modernist and emblematic buildings of Barcelona, such as Casa Lleó Morera, La Pedrera or Casa Batlló. For football fans, FC Barcelona sells VIP tickets to enjoy Barça matches to the most, from seats strategically located on the stands.Regarding gastronomy, Via Veneto Restaurant is one of the most prestigious and representative restaurants of the city since 1967. A classical and elegant place where to taste superb Catalan dishes and the most of seasonal products. Another reference is the legendary Botafumeiro, one of the most famous seafood restaurants that offers top quality fresh products. Finally, GAIG Restaurant, awarded with a Michelin star, offers classic and modern dishes in a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

The best way to finish the day is trying some of the leisure options in town. Coctelería Boadas, founded in 1933, offers its clients a perfect combination of delicious drinks in an exclusive environment. The cocktail man Javier de las Muelas, on his part, runs Dry Martini ? where to taste the most famous cocktail and many other creations. And finally, all the fans of the prestigious chef Ferrán Adrià should try 41o, a classic cocktail bar that will not leave anyone indifferent.

These are some of the proposals, among many others, to discover the city in a unique and stylish way. A stay at the H1898 will make your visit to Barcelona more special and unforgettable. www.hotel1898.com

GRENADA GETAWAY FOR JUST £935!

Just Grenada (01373 814214: www.justgrenada.co.uk) is offering a 7 night Caribbean getaway to Blue Horizons, Golden Resort, Grenada. Package is based on two people sharing a Deluxe Suite on a room only basis, including return Economy flights on Monarch from London Gatwick and resort transfers. Based on Wednesday departures between 7th & 21st March.

Blue Horizons Garden Resort’s breathtaking surroundings, friendly style and flawless service are sure to make your holiday one to remember. Beyond this, Grenada's lush interior, challenging hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and the Grand Étang National Park, set the scene for a truly adventurous experience in paradise. The world-renowned Grand Anse beach is only 300 yards from the resort making entertaining the kids on the sand an easy venture. Furthermore, with the colourful and vibrant capital of St.George's only 5 miles away, families can enjoy the Barbados culture nearby.

For reservations or further information, call +473 444 4316, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.grenadabluehorizons.com.

IT’S ALL GREEK TO DINERS AT THE CAPITAL AS AWARD WINNING CHEF ATHINAGORAS KOSTAKOS HAS A WEEK AT THE HELM

The Capital Hotel is delighted to confirm that celebrated Greek chef Athinagoras Kostakos will take charge of its kitchens from Tuesday 6 March to Saturday 10 March inclusive.

Last year at the age of just 27, Kostakos, the youngest Executive Chef in Greece, also became his home nation’s best known after winning Top Chef, the Greek version of the hugely successful American reality series in which leading chefs compete against each other in a series of challenges.

However, Kostakos’ formidable talent has long been recognised by visitors to the Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge, a luxury boutique hotel on the Greek island of Mykonos. Head Chef here since 2009, his skills have earned Bill & Coo a myriad of national and international trophies, including the Condé Nast Traveller 2010 Readers’ Choice Best Hotel Restaurant award.

For his week-long tenure at The Capital, Kostakos will be preparing some of his signature dishes. These include the likes of Honey roast vine cherry tomatoes, goat’s cheese & crispy capers with thyme and olive oil foam; Native lobster with Orzo pasta flavoured with ouzo and extra virgin olive oil; Roast rack of lamb, Myconian herb crust, braised lamb shoulder baklava and Mandolato trilolgy of nougat parfait, cotton candy & soup.

A 3 course lunch menu is priced at £29.50; a 3 course à la carte dinner menu at £50.00 while the ‘Charisma of Bill & Coo’ tasting menu, available at both lunch and dinner, is £70.00.

To complement Kostakos’ fabulous creations, Cesar Da Silva, Head Barman at The Capital, has created a delicious cocktail, A Greek Odyssey, a sun-kissed blend of fresh blood orange and lime shaken with ouzo and gin. A selection of fine Greek wines will also be available.

Opened in May 1971 by David Levin, The Capital Hotel is one of the last family-run, 5 star hotels in London. Located just yards from retail meccas Harrods and Harvey Nichols on a quiet street in Knightsbridge, this perennially popular boutique establishment continues to offer the best of British hospitality and service.

This will be the first time The Capital has hosted a guest chef but after sampling Kostakos’ dishes whilst on holiday in Mykonos, David Levin was so impressed by the quality and creativity of cooking that he immediately asked him to cook at his hotel.

Athinagoras Kostakos will also be cooking in Bath at the 5 star luxury country house hotel, Lucknam Park between the February 28th – 3rd March. www.lucknampark.co.uk
22-24 Basil St, Knightsbridge, London SW3 1AT T: 020 7591 1200
www.capitalhotel.co.uk

DSTRKT LONDON
The partners of Brompton Brands (Whisky Mist, Mahiki, The Brompton Club) and the founders of Buddha Bar & Restaurant in Vienna have collaborated to create Dstrkt (9 Rupert Street, W1D 6DG), the premier new venue in Piccadilly. The stylish site includes a club, bar and restaurant with top-quality European cuisine, all featuring cutting edge interior design. Dstrkt is set to be a hot spot destination, offering an evening’s experience under one roof.

George Yaneff, who previously worked at the Bazaar Restaurant by José Andrés in Beverly Hills, is the talented head chef at Dstrkt. Yaneff and his team have created a menu of contemporary European dishes: ranging from sourced British cheeses from local dairies to Spanish dry meats. A variety of the world’s finest caviar, served with warm blini and crème fraiche, is also available. To start, the menu includes dishes such as Tuna cubes with soy air and avocado and Foie Gras Bon Bon (£9), followed by cold choices such as Venison Tartar and Brown Rice crackers with white truffle oil, olives, paprika and quail egg yolk (£12). A selection of seafood and meat dishes include Seared Scottish scallops with saffron-pumpkin sauce (£7.50). Desserts range from Apple tart with brown butter custard and egg nog ice cream,(£7.50) to Hazelnut-chocolate dome with pink-peppercorn and white chocolate gelato (£7.50). The drinks list is keenly priced with a wide selection of impressive cocktails such as The Don Beach Mai-Tai (£9.50), made with Grand Marnier orange liqueur, falernum and grapefruit juice with a couple of dashes of angostura bitters and Pernod. The wine list includes the world’s most expensive rosé from Chateau d'Esclans.

In addition to the restaurant, the separate lounge bar and nightclub feature an impressive interior design by some of the world’s leading brands such as Poltrona Frau, Murano’s Barovier & Toso, Moroso, Predralli, Walter Knoll and Cappellini to name a few. Within the club is the V.I.P area boasts the world’s first bar made from precious stone.
Dstrkt (9 Rupert Street, W1D 6DG),
http://www.dstrkt-london.com/

LONDON’S ICONIC BLUE ELEPHANT OPENS IN IMPERIAL WHARF
London’s most iconic Thai restaurant, Blue Elephant, has now moved to its stunning new home on Imperial Wharf.

The relocation heralds the unveiling of a superb menu created by Noroor Somany, the award-winning founder of the Blue Elephant group who has been an unofficial Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine since 1980.

Noroor, who has also overseen the training in Bangkok of the chefs who will head up the kitchens in London, has drawn on the tradition and culture of her upbringing in Chachoengsao in Central Thailand to devise a menu of extraordinary depth, inventiveness and creativity.

Dishes are now divided into three distant sections. Thai Cooking of the Past is based on ancient recipes, some with their own fascinating legend or history and many inspired by the Chinese, Portuguese and Indian influences that have helped shape the country. Here you will find delicacies such as Ma Auan, steamed minced chicken with crab and foie gras, and Tom Jew Kai, a free range chicken soup, both popular during the reign of King Rama V.

Thai Cuisine of Today features classic Thai dishes such as green curry with free range chicken in coconut milk and steamed sea bream with organic lemongrass and fresh lime juice.

Finally, Thai Kitchen of Tomorrow - including Isaan Carpaccio, spicy raw slices of Angus beef served with fiery papaya salad, rock sea salt, a hint of olive oil and parmesan cheese – gives a contemporary twist to the traditional.

Aside from these à la carte dishes, diners can also choose from a sumptuous Memories of Siam Tasting Menu. A special Lunch Menu is also available Monday through Saturday from 12 noon until 2.30pm, whilst an unmissable weekly event is Blue Elephant’s spectacular Sunday Brunch. Served from 12 noon until 3.30pm, guests can feast on a fantastic array of starters, soups, grills, spicy curries, exotic vegetables and desserts.

All dishes served at Blue Elephant are free from monosodium glutamate.

The culinary offering is further enhanced by the addition of a standalone cookery school on the first floor. Run along the same lines as Blue Elephant’s highly successful schools in Bangkok and Phuket, this facility offers students a fascinating introduction to the wonders of Thai cuisine.

The gastronomic discovery to be enjoyed at Blue Elephant is complemented by beautiful décor. The interior of the building has been modeled on the historic ‘Saran Rom’ Palace in Bangkok, built in the late 19th century as a royal residence. Blue Elephant’s designers have replicated every detail, down to the intricately carved wooden wall panels. Offset by Thai antiques, objets d’art and luscious foliage, the atmosphere is exotic yet serene.

Taking pride of place meanwhile in the restaurant’s Blue Bar is a replica of the Suphannahong - the Royal Barge of Thailand – painstakingly carved out of a single trunk of teak by Thai master craftsmen.

Finally, bringing an added dimension to the Blue Elephant experience is the large outdoor heated terrace allowing fantastic views over the river.

Blue Elephant, The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf,
Townmead Road, London, SW6 2UB

www.blueelephant.com/london

CHEF SEASON AT BENARES BAR

Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar is joining forces with some of the country’s leading chefs to create a series of fusion menus to be served at the stylish Benares Bar in Mayfair. Beginning with Anna Hansen (The Modern Pantry) on 21st February until 5th March, Atul will also be joined by Richard Corrigan (Corrigan’s) on 20th March until 2nd April, David Thompson (Nahm) on 16th April until 29th April and Nigel Haworth (Northcote) on 3rd May until 16th May. Each chef will work closely with Atul to prepare a menu of small plates reflecting the layers of flavours and spices Atul is so famous for, combined with their own signature style.

Guests will be able to choose from a menu consisting of 12 dishes designed to share (3 dishes priced at £21 per person) made by both Atul and the guest chefs. Atul’s selection will include: apricot stuffed tandoori cottage cheese in pickling marinade; chilli marinated tandoor roasted cauliflower and chicken tikka tangy onion salad.

Dishes will be complemented by the Benares signature cocktails such as The Benares Bellini mixed with Cartron liqueur – mango, passion fruit or strawberry – topped with prosecco and passion fruit and Chutney Martini and Atul’s very own Domaine du Grand Mayne designed to perfectly complement the dishes by softening spices and reinforcing aromas.

Since opening in May 2003, Benares has gone from strength to strength. Never complacent with the quality of his work, Atul has been instrumental in redefining the perception of Indian cooking that captures the spiritual and uplifting essence of Northern India. The Chef Season marks an exciting new episode for Benares and a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy the work of some the UK’s finest culinary talent.

www.benaresrestaurant.co.uk

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