Hyde & Seek Adventures in London

The last few weekends I've been in London with family and friends 

The weekend before last I went in with my family to celebrate Mum's and Adrian's birthday! We got in early and were lucky to have bright blue skies so we walked along Southbank past the ITV Studio and the OXO Tower and then across the Millenium Bridge, past St Pauls and into the city towards New Street Grill for our bottomless brunch. 

Bottomless Brunch seems to be the thing to do, most of the time the food is great with all your brunch favourites; eggs royale or benedict, pancakes with bacon and maple syrup you name it but you can also pick places that just sticks to none breakfast related items and then of course comes the bottomless part; unlimited prosecco, mimosas, bloody Mary's or whatever the restaurant of choice is offering. We picked New Street Grill because it's not just about the breakfast (Mum doesn't like eggs), the food looked great and they have oysters (always a win). 

Yum yum yum! After a long and lengthy lunch we headed out and decided to pop into Heron Tower to Sushi Samba so Mum and Dad could experience the view.

Next stop Madison Rooftop, I had never been here before but had only heard good things and as for the view! Pretty perfect view of St Pauls.

Amazing day spent celebrating birthdays and exploring new places in London,

The weekend just been Nathalie and Jason (Nath's sister and her boyfriend) came to visit! We were lucky to have great weather again and due to an issue with trains we arrived in Paddington, so we hired Boris Bikes now known as Santander Cycles and cycled around Hyde Park stopping for an ice cream.

Around around 5 miles we were in need of some proper fuel, we walked from Hyde Park, along Oxford Street and through Soho to Covent Garden. We ate a late lunch at Fire and Stone and it was delicious, really recommend if you want a great variety of tasty pizzas. 

After sufficiently filling our bellies, we decided to walk it off and head back towards Waterloo stopping off at Rumpus Room at the Mondrian Hotel overlooking Southbank to quench our thirst before our journey home. Top tip, probably wouldn't go in on ripped jeans and trainers again it's kind of a 'posh'(ish) joint!

I literally love London, there are so many more adventures to be had and I'll definitely be keeping you updated with them all...

Xoxo

Kyrenia | Cypriot/Greek Delights

Food food food!!! I'm sure it has come to your attention by now that I LOVE food, eating out and trying out new restaurants with different cuisines.

So when it came to Mother's Day I knew it had to be something special for my Mum but also something a little different to where we'd normally eat. Nath and I visited Kyrenia around 3 years ago (ish) for an anniversary and with summer just round the corner I thought this would be the perfect choice.

We picked the sharing menu, 2 meat and 1 fish! Safe to say we were spoilt rotten with humous, tzatziki, beans, vine leaves, taramasalata, pita bread, lamb loft as, monk fish, salmon you name it, we had it!!

It's located in Caversham, just by Reading! Google it and go if you get the chance!! Amazing..

Xoxo

Dhalings at Dishoom

Dishoom is amazinggggg!

Walking past it everyday since starting my job in November has been torturous. Everyday; Monday, Wednesday or Friday whether it's time for breakfast, lunch or dinner it is full. Most of the time sporting a hideous queue outside (no reservations unless you're a party of plus 5).

But finally we have braved it. Nathan travelled into London from Newbury (his work day on Friday ends at 4pm - lucky for some), arriving at Waterloo at 6pm (just a speedy 2 hours later). I finished up at work around 5pm and headed to work's local for a leaving drinks before heading towards the much anticipated, Dishoom.

I arrived around 6.20pm and joined the end of the queue. It wasn't long until a member of staff approached me asking for a name and party size and painfully explaining then the hour and 10 minute wait but thankfully someone else came over offering me fresh mint tea. Due to February British temperatures I delightfully indulged and it wasn't long until Nathan turned up (6.35pm) and another guy turned up but this time with the hugely recommended 'chai tea'. Unfortunately it wasn't for me and it reminded me of my childhood and getting free Yakult samples with our weekly milk delivery. Yakult is not my cup of tea and chai is definitely not my flavour. 

We were seated within 40 minutes of my arrival, exceeding our expectations which is always a pleasure.

We ordered a couple of 'small plates' to whet the appetite; Keema Pau (spiced mince lamb in a toasted Pau bun) and Prawn Koliwada (prawns with tamarind and date chutney). Along with a Bollybellini (Indian-inspired Bellini) for me and a Blow Horn Spiced Up Cider for Nath.

Food was top knotch. 

After under doing our top buttons on our trousers, allowing space for breathing we ordered our main course. I love sharing and allowing myself to experience the best of both worlds, Nath doesn't but he doesn't get the choice. We shared a couple of sides; Bombay coleslaw (with pomegranate), basmati rice and garlic naan. Excellent combination everything just worked together.

Safe to say we were stuffed at this point, but then the good ol' dessert menus came out and we just couldn't resist giving their signature Kolfi (basically an ice cream, I opted for mango and Nath pistachio. Amazinggg!

We were done, stuffed full with incredible Indian food. But the night was still young so we decided to head for a post-dinner drink before making our journey home. 

A friend recently recommended ECC to me, this stands for Experimental Cocktail Club which is located on Gerrad Street in the heart of China Town. It took us a while to locate as it's well disguised with no sign outside and just a blank doorway and a bouncer for you to notice. We just made an estimated guess. Inside it was 3 stories high and a great atmosphere. The cocktails were pretty pricey so we just had one each. I had the Bela (strawberry marshmallow, absinthe, egg white, champagne and I can't remember what else) and Nath and the Top off the Hat (fried banana, dark chocolate syrup, plantain rum and something pink coloured)! Worth it for the unusual cocktails and a different experience but I probably wouldn't go again as there are far too many different places in London to try out! 

Expect plenty more restaurant/bad reviews! 

Dishoom | Would go again but in a large group, as the meals are great for sharing and food was interesting and delicious. 8/10

ECC | Pricey but unique cocktails and great atmosphere. 7/10 

 

Xoxo