I’ve never bought into the dry January/detox thing – what a rubbish time to do it! I had a boss a few years ago, a lovely guy called Roger, and he always did dry February instead, on the basis that January is miserable enough already without the bleak prospect of lentils and no booze. It’s something that’s kind of stuck with me, and in that spirit ( albeit in early Feb) me and Ian headed off to Dip & Flip in Brixton, home of meat, gravy and other lovely things.
I tend to be a bit wary when it comes to big chains – it’s hard to maintain quality and personality on a big scale, which I remember reading was why Bone Daddies are looking to keep to just a few, something I can respect. But Drake & Morgan I’ve always found to be slightly different. Yes they are huge, and have recently become even bigger through buying tired City drinking group Corney & Barrow. But each venue has its own personality, the staff aren’t drones, the decor is fab and the food delicious (minus one very beige platter at the Folly once).
I first tried one of Mr Sherick’s shakes whilst hungover at an event by The Food Sauce. When you’re slightly shaky, a bit knackered and bloody starving, there is little better than a thick, sweet shake packed with creamy deliciousness and the added extra bonus of little bits of lovely brownie, meringue or biscuit. The good news is that they are equally good when fresh and sober, as I discovered this week.
It’s finally that time of the week! I’m getting old and as such quite enjoy a Friday night in the house, with some good food, red wine and some decent (or rubbish TV). Having had copious amounts of wine and Prosecco lately, I’m moving onto home-made cocktails, something I haven’t really been into in the last couple of years. Too many things to buy, too much faff, let’s just get Prosecco etc etc. I’m not by any means a mixologist (AT ALL) but having recently done a fab mojito masterclass, the floodgates are open for being a bit more creative than opening a bottle (which is probably a screwtop) and pouring. Enter the whiskey sour!
Everyone likes a gin garden, and the one that’s popped up in Mayfair’s Quaglino’s is blooming marvellous (sorry). Full of beautiful flora and fauna it takes over the central bar in the impressive dining room giving it a summery and other-worldly feel, and is the first and pretty much only thing you notice.
You’re probably aware, along with the rest of the world, that celebrated chef Mark Hix has turned a disused tram shed (from 1905 don’t you know) into a chicken and steak restaurant in Shoreditch. You may or may not also be aware that there is a Damien Hirst formaldehyde-encased cow standing on a huge pillar in the centre of the room, with a large cock perched on its back. It’s definitely a novel way to stand out.
This is a mini-post just to highlight somewhere good – Central & Co on Great Marlborough Street is a pleasant surprise I’ve discovered since beginning a new job on Carnaby Street 30 seconds down the road. You can’t really get more central so it’s a good spot for meeting people then wondering off around Soho.
