Sun-day means Fun-day; London in the Sun

The temperatures soared in London and a smile has been firmly cemented on my face. 

There's something about the Capital City when sunshine's beating down on it's overly crowded pavements, reflecting on the glass laden buildings of The City and heating up that wonderment of a tin can that zips us around the city underground [OK that part's not so great].

When the sun is blazing there's only one accessory that you can't leave home without- your bestfriend. So that's exactly what I did- I grabbed my partner in all things criminal and fabulous and headed down to start the day at The Reform Social & Grill in Marylebone to test out their much talked about Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea [albeit very VERY early afternoon at this point].

A more boy friendly of this traditionally delicate tradition- I was intrigued as to what the menu would be...

The Savouries were delicious. From Left to right; a steak and snail open sandwich, fish fingers on a bed of mushy peas and the gloriously simple but delicious- sausage roll. [We may or may not have ordered 3 rounds of these]

The Sweet platter included Lemon pound cake, Braeburn Apple turnovers, Norfolk Treacle Tart, Baked Jam Rolly Polly [not only fun to say but delicious to eat], Bananas & Custard and a selection of Traditional fruit scones. 

Now the beverages 

...are unlimited which I warn you- are deadly [good]. Don't let the 'Afternoon Tea' label of this afternoon fool you- we did not see a drop of tea the entire afternoon. 

Fuelled by multiple glasses of champagne, we waltzed out on to the sun blazened streets to Ayoush- our next destination for a touch of Shisha in the Sun...

I love London in the Summertime- there truly is no better place... 

Just Beautiful! 

What's your favourite place in the city when the Sun's shining?

Dinner at Ting, Shangri-La The Shard

The Apple of London's skyline eye has a new addition to it. 

After months of anticipation, and constant refreshing of their online reservations page, Shangri-La The Shard has finally opened and brought with it one hell of a Restaurant- Ting. I'd endeavored to extensively stalk the new menu, so you can imagine my delight when one of my bestfriend's decided to celebrate her birthday at the 35th floor eatery.

Upon arrival at the ground floor of the Shangri-La, you're greeted by a charming man who shows you to your mode of transportation up high in the sky- also known as the lift. After the mandatory girly squeals, gossip session and champagne toasting- we got down to business. 

Now, deciding what to order for starters was not an issue- "Let's just get one of pretty much everything" was the general rule of thumb...

Up first; a unique combination of Dorset Crab, Cucumber, Mango, Tomato and Passion Fruit: 

Followed by Foie Gras accompanied by duck, cherry, pomegranate and grue

Beetroot with Goat Cheese, Truffle, Honey, Basil and Pistachio

and to round off the first course- possibly one of my favourite dishes in recent times...

Risotto crowned with Highland Langoustines, Fresh Chorizo, Smoked Paprika, and Parmesan... 

Divine. 

A few more rounds of clinking glasses, an energetic conga line singing session and a couple of questionable cups of straight vodka and we were begging for the main course. 

Cotswold Free Range Chicken, Celeriac, Savoy Cabbage, Apricot and an ingredient that quite literally made me do a double take... tea?

The aptly named- John Dory 

And no much to my surprise it is not 'Finding Nemo' related. 

The food was beautifully presented which drew out the Food Blogging spirit in every diner present.. 

Impeccable service, beautifully presented food accented with a unique burst of flavours and all served in immaculate surroundings- Ting is an experience not to be missed with your loved ones this summer.

Wish & Wear it: Poolside Accessories

Gone are the days of sweeping your hair up into a disheveled bun, attempting to place your 80's inspired sun visor atop like a tactical game of fashion Jenga all while playing the dedicated role of Rudolph the white nose'd reindeer from that much talked about SPF 50.

No, No, No- dear ones.

As we spiral further in to a world ladened with body chains, double wrap poolside anklets and the much sought after 'Straw Trilby'- how do we accessorize while regaining the relaxing meaning that 'poolside' is synonymous with?

Fear not; I've got your backs! Take a quick peek at my Wish & Wear it- Poolside Accessories edition for this seasons Top 3 must have accessories while your working on that sunkissed, just stepped off the jet in Cannes look... or you know whatever else floats your boat!

1 The Stack 
Nothing says Poolside Chic more than a stack of 'I just threw these on' well placed bracelets to adorn your newly bronzed arm. There's no rule to the stack- colours, textures, sizes... all is welcome! Throw in a couple of my favourite bracelets to your stack to add to your poolside look:

From Left to Right: 

Topshop here, Asos here, Ottomon Hands here, Topshop here

2 The Body Chain  

Getting strapped up and draped in intricate body chains is definitely a good way to divert the eye if you've had one too many frappes in this summers heat! From full body to belly chains- pick one up to add to your accessory collection this summer. These are my favourite at the moment: 

From Left to Right: 

Topshop here, Tom Ford here, River Island here 

3 The Anklet 

There's something about The Anklet that gives you instant eco-jungle chic even when you're lying by the poolside of your non-eco friendly, guzzling resort. [Albeit my favourite type of resort.] Suitable from poolside all the way through to dancing the night away with your girlfriends, chuck some of these on and jingle jangle your way around your destination. 

From Left to Right: 

Myflashtrash here, Accessorize here, Etsy here

What's your favourite accessory to rock poolside? 

International Eateries; Daphnes, Barbados

The combination of Island living and refined Italian food is a beautiful thing.

After a day of hard labour by the poolside 

and on the beach at the beautiful Hilton Resort in Barbados, it was time to refuel ourselves [also happens to be my favourite time of a calendar day.]

50 shades browner than when I originally hopped on the plane at London Gatwick Airport, I threw on this whistfully white ensemble;

What I wore:

Blouse; Zara

Shorts; Zara

Shoes; Kurt Geiger

Wrist Candy; Belt by Topshop

And jumped in a taxi over to Daphne’s Barbados for dinner. 

Greeted by an unassuming neon sign at the entrance, we tottered through a rather lengthy walkway to the definition of beach side dining. 

The lapping ocean danced with sprinkles of the beaming moonlight that... well you know what I mean- it was all just so pretty!

Buzzing with excitement, we sat down and our waiter immediately zipped over with a platter of breads and olives the size of my fist. 

The service was, to put it mildly, shaky at the start. Balsamic spillages across the table [que a sharp inhale of breath as I was wearing all white!], no seared king scallops available and a general bad attitude towards servicing the table... but as the waiter changed that ALL changed too!

I went for the Grilled Catch of the Day, which happened to be Swordfish, with Fondant potatoes, wilted greens and saffron sauce. What’s that saying? Caught, Hook line and sinker- yes she certainly was! It was incredible. Flaky fish, deliciously rich fondant potatoes all brought together by a lashing of saffron sauce.

Go on have a closer peek at that artichoke...

Oh yes.

I had a cheeky bite of my accomplices Roasted Pumpkin and Amaretti Ravioli with Brown Butter & Sage...

Ok well a few cheeky bites- it was equally delicious!

Desserts you say? Well Desserts backward is Stressed and this was a de-stress kind of trip- catch my drift?

Chocolate mousse with Salted Caramel Accents

Followed by Iced Berries with Hot White Chocolate Sauce.

Take my advice ladies & gents- don’t skip dessert!

Although slightly questionable if given the wrong service, the food and surroundings at Daphne's Barbados is absolutely delicious and a must visit!