Dishoom Restaurant

Dishoom is a Bombay Café in the new St. Martins Courtyard development Covent Garden. It’s very cool inside with a slick black chequered floor and mirrors lining the walls, which really reminded me of Pastis in New York without the red. However, it’s on a closer look that you begin to notice the amazing 1970’s photographs and magazine covers from India that line the walls. Plus if you take a trip downstairs, past the cavernous booths and on to the toilets, you will notice some wicked retro Indian soap boxes and other amazing toiletries in store!

I am a massive fan of Indian food and, as anyone who has eaten their way round India knows, there’s a whole world of delights out there apart from curries. Dishoom is the first place I have been to in the UK which showcases that so well. The friendly staff helped us out with the menu, which is divided up into breakfast, wraps, soups and salads, small plates, grills, biryanis and breads.

Dishoom Interior

We had a feast. We started with lovely, sweet and sour calamari with lime and chilli, cooked perfectly so each bite was beautifully soft and tender. Next came Dishoom chicken, which was a reminder of just how amazing Tandoori chicken can be. It was mouth wateringly moist and had a lovely kick to it. This was accompanied by Dal Makhani or black dal, a Punjabi classic and my favourite of all the dals. It was very creamy and rich and went down well with the lovely naan breads. Next came grilled masala prawns with lime, tomato and coriander. The spicy prawns were cooked perfectly; juicy and sweet with a slight crunch to them. We finished off with a caramel mango Kulfi, which is like an Indian version of the retro milk pop ice lollies, but way more tasty. The food really interested me and it’s all based on sharing small dishes, which is a style of eating I really enjoy. You never get food envy and you can try more dishes!

Dishoom Food

The whole thing was very cool; the restaurant was wicked and the staff were great as really knew the menu, which helps if you haven’t eaten like this before. The restaurant was completely packed with happy eaters and the prices were very easy on the wallet so you could really explore the menu. All in all successes, I loved it, definitely get yourselves down there!

www.dishoom.com

12 Upper St Martins Lane, London WC2H 9FB

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The Doors

If your musical tastes extend to classic rock, you may want to check out the latest photography exhibits at the Idea Generation and Atlas Galleries, which feature original iconic images of legendary bands The Doors and The Rolling Stones. 

Going hand in hand with the summer release of the film, When You’re Strange, a documentary about The Doors (which is also narrated by our favorite, Johnny Depp), the Idea Generation Gallery has opened an exhibit showcasing several famous photographs and behind-the-scenes shots of rocker Jim Morrison and his band mates.  The exhibit will include both the famous “Morrison Hotel” shot by photographer Henry Diltz as well as the “Young Lion” series – the well-known photographs of a drunken, shirtless Jim Morrison – by renowned photographer Joel Brodsky. 

The Rolling Stones

Heading over to the Atlas Gallery, Mick Jagger fans can see the rock god and the rest of The Stones in the “Exile” exhibit, featuring images by acclaimed French photographer Dominique Tarlé. Tarlé’s photos of The Rolling Stones were taken during the months that the band spent in the Villa Nellcôte in France after fleeing from the British tax authorities.  This was also the period of inspiration for their celebrated album, Exile on Main Street, which was re-issued as a deluxe edition this past May.  The exhibit showcases some fabulous images of The Stones both partying and writing music. 

The Idea Generation Gallery is located on 11 Chance Street, and the “When You’re Strange” exhibit will be open until August 27.  The “Exile” exhibit at the Atlas Gallery, on 49 Dorset Street, will be available to the public through August 31. 

I certainly won’t miss this chance to see both Mick Jagger and a shirtless Jim Morrison – even if it is only a photograph. 

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Eonnagata

Eonnagata, a dance theatre collaboration which premiered in London last year, returns this summer to Sadler’s Wells, a product of the creative minds of dancer Sylvie Guillem, choreographer Russell Maliphant, and director Robert Lepage. 

The play is based on the story of Chevalier d’Éon, an 18^th century spy working under King Louis XV.  Chevalier’ d’Éon was the first to use transvestitism as an espionage tactic, and thus his true gender was often questioned by his peers.  Using the Japanese Kabuki technique of onnegata, in which male actors portray female roles, Eonnagata explores gender identity during a less tolerant century and tells the story of Chevalier d’Éon’s experiences while under King Louis.   

Eonnagata

The costumes, designed by the late Alexander McQueen, are a mix of 18^th century French and traditional Japanese styles, easily disguising the male actors as women to further reiterate the androgynous theme. 

Designer Michael Hulls will bring his creative lighting technique to the production, and Jean-Sébastien Côté is in charge of sound design. 

The show will take place from 28th-31st July at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are between £10 and £40, and can be purchased online at www.sadlerswells.com.   

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Funny Women Awards

The Funny Women Awards are in full swing, and the eighth year of this groundbreaking comedy competition is proving to be its biggest yet.

Blazing a side-splitting trail across Britain from Liverpool, to London, via Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, Huddersfield and the Hay Festival, Funny women have blown the comedy circuit wide open once again and with exclusive appearances at Latitude, Edinburgh and the London and Camden Fringe Festivals still to come, they are only halfway there.

Check them out (and escape the football) this Sunday at the Leicester Square Theatre where another heat of the competition is taking place and is hosted by the fabulous Suzie Bennett who won in 2006. Check out Funny Women for ticket details and other performances. 

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Henley Royal Regatta

With the weather promising to hold out for the weekend, why not nip on the train or take a scenic drive over to Henley-On-Thames for a spot of boat watching and Pimms at the Royal Regatta. 

I had the pleasure of heading there on Thursday and it had a fantastic buzz about it. The tiny town is completley overtaken with rowing fanatics and socialites alike, as they flock down to the banks of the Thames to cheer on the races. There are a number of private enclosures such as Regatta and Stewards (for which there are strict dress codes) however you by no means have to have tickets for these to enjoy the day. There are stalls everywhere and a gentleman on Thursday mentioned that heading to the Cricket Grounds are a fantastic place to park and picnic before heading to watch the races. 

Sarah Harding with a Gallo Rosito

Plus once it’s all done and dusted, you can head to the notoriously hedonistic Mahiki Pop Up bar and get yourself a Gallo Rosito (I may have had one or two myself throughout the evening) or push the boat out and go for a Treasure Chest cocktail. The Pop-up bar is completely cordoned off and has a dance floor that gets packed until it closes at midnight. Just make sure you leave in time to get the last train though as it’s a bit of a trek in heels! 

I’d never been to Henley before, but with so much on offer it made for the perfect day out. I’d definitely recommend heading to the Mahiki tent too, you may even spot a celeb or two… I managed to have a sneaky chat with Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud (who had to dash to look after her dog!) and Daniel from the X Factor about code names for hotel bookings, although I’m afraid we were sworn to secrecy! 

For more information visit the site here 

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Circus

To celebrate US Independence Day on the 4th July, Circus restaurant in Covent Garden will be serving up an all American themed brunch.

Food will include American classics like a huge stack of pancakes covered in maple syrup, eggs and bagels, tacos, burgers and mac cheese. As it’s a day of celebration there will be loads of lovely cocktails and table side entertainment thrown in too!

The glammed up, glitter-ball cocktail bar and restaurant are fully open for brunch, lunch and dinner. The centre piece is a massive stone table which is perfect for eating and dancing. So you should definitely expect the unexpected!

4th July Brunch, 11am-3pm

Circus, Endell Street, Covent Garden

www.circus-london.co.uk

My Dining Room Restaurant

By Tamara Hinson

Swanky Fulham eatery My Dining Room has come up with exactly the kind of menu we girls love – one that comprises deserts, light salads and delicious Cosmopolitans!

The Pink Lunch menu at the My Dining Room restaurant in SW6 costs just £15 for a desert, salad and unlimited Cosmopolitans. Available every Friday and Saturday, the inspiration for the salads comes from the world’s greatest cities – choose from the Tokyo-inspired seaweed salad followed by Ying and Yang desert, the distinctly Parisian seared Tuna Niçoise salad with cherry tomato consommé, the New York-themed pastrami and artichoke salad with a desert of cranberry cheesecake, or the salad of steamed asparagus followed by Eton Mess and vanilla ice cream – inspired by our very own London town. Just make sure you leave room for those cosmos…

The Pink Lunch menu is available every Friday and Saturday. Visit www.mydiningroom.net for more information or call 020 7381 3331

Address: My Dining Room, 18 Farm Lane, London SW6 1PP

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Som Tum at the Mango Tree

Mango tree is a very lively upmarket Thai restaurant on Grosvenor place in London. It’s one of those places where the second you walk in you know you’re onto a winner; there’s a massive dining room packed full of people, chatting away, happily eating and really tucking into the cocktails… And on a Wednesday night this is definitely a good sign!

We chose well and the food was delicious. We started with a fresh crispy green papaya salad full of lime, chilli and prawns. The prawns were steamed and served with a rich spicy tom yum sauce rather than the usual soup and it worked very well. For our mains we had a Panang curry with beef brisket. The panang curry is one of my favourite Thai curries and with the slow cooked, melt in the mouth, beef it was one of the best I have tasted so you have to try this one! The beef was accompanied by stir fried prawns with broccoli and a sweet nutty pad Thai packed with huge prawns and chilli. It was all very well done and really delicious.

After such an epic meal I only managed a meagre mango and chilli sorbet which was the perfect palette cleanser and end to a great meal. Mango tree is really fun but gets busy so definitely book ahead.

You can book online www.mangotree.org.uk or call 0207823 1888

Mango Tree
46 Grosvenor Place,
London,
SW1X 7EQ

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Pinchito's Sangria

If you’re looking for fun place to meet up for a snack and great drinks that is far enough from Soho to be away from crowds but close enough to Charlotte Street to feel in the middle of town serving yummy food, then head over to Pinchito’s Tapas. This relaxed and modern restaurant has an edgy and fun atmosphere where sociable eating and drinking are on the menu every night. The contemporary chic interior includes an island bar, tables and counter dining.

The food consists of a great tapas menu which changes quarterly based on the fresh seasonal produce available, and they also offer Tapas del Dia, a specials menu that changes every day. But the best part you ask? They offer a fantastic Sangria menu and a selection of fine Sherries, wines and Spanish brandies with specialty cocktails. The menu contains a list of our favourite spirits matched with fruits and herbs from around the world which blend to create one great cocktail! The Sangria menu was a highlight for me and they were reasonably priced for a freshly made jug of this authentic Spanish summer favourite.

Pinchito's Interior

Not only are the cocktails impressive, but Pinchito’s offers a fun atmosphere, great service and real authentic tapas. So if you want to try out a new place I would really recommend heading over to Pinchito’s Tapas for a glass of Sangria and a great new meet up spot.

Pinchito Tapas
11 Bayley Street,
London WC1
Tel: 020 7637 3977
www.pinchitos.co.uk

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Chino Latino

By John Gregory-Smith

Chino Latino is a Pan Asian restaurant situated just over Vauxhall Bridge on the Albert Embankment.

They’ve recently introduced a new tasting menu to make it easier to enjoy their Pan Asian food. Dinners can tuck into a selection of sushi, sashimi, dim sum, sea food and succulent meats.

There are 2 choices available; £50 or £31 a head, both for a minimum of 2 people.

We ate some great food including beautiful silky soft salmon sashimi, the thinnest piece of seaweed, huge scallops in a delicate soy dressing and wonderfully slow cooked duck with a sweet miso sauce. Plus they have a great bar, stocked some fantastic wines and they mix a very good cocktail as well so definitely worth getting involved!

Chino Latino is in a bit of a weird place sandwiched between Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridge. But you know what, you can go, chill out and have a nice long dinner so it’s worth the visit.

www.chinolatino.eu/london

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