Cigarettes & Men at The Chiltern Firehouse

Ok... so perhaps the title is a little misleading- but this change in weather has made me want to be a little controversial. 

I'd been to Chiltern Firehouse previously for dinner but had never experienced the brunch/ lunch sitting. Getting a classic case of food envy from my counterparts that had raved about the airy atmosphere and slightly less hectic sitting- I decided it was my turn... the brunch/lunch menu was something that I could not possibly do without. 

I threw on my Sunday best...

and enlisted the help of my favourite male companion...

My Chanel Boy Bag [which you can find here] A bit of an investment piece but I promise you- you'll definitely put it to good use! 

One lengthy Uber and a brief confrontation with a more than slick Italian man at the door- we marched our way through the outdoor seating area into the main restaurant.

It's beautiful. 

So Chiltern Firehouse used to be a firehouse, funnily enough.

Now it's the humble abode of André Balazs' newest and much raved about hotspot. His name might be familiar to you [unless you've resided under a rock for the last decade] He's the statuesque man behind Chateau Marmont in Hollywood and he's hop, skipped and jumped across the pond to set the London market on fire[house]. Sorry couldn't resist.

Having heard so much about the lunch/brunch sitting- I was already attempting to articulate my excitement as we walked through the restaurant... 

Now what was meant to be a brunch/lunch turned into a bit of feast... 

The crab doughnuts were a home run for me- soft, fluffy and filled with the freshest most delicious crab meat. The Monkfish was slightly over cooked and made for a bit of a rubbery experience, but it was more than compensated by the crunch of the puffed barley and the waft of fennel from the puree. 

And for dessert you say? [Because who in the right mind doesn't have a four course meal at circa 2pm in the afternoon...]

Me: "What's the Frozen Apple Panacotta?"

Waiter: "It's a panacotta maam" 

Me: "I hate panacotta-does it taste like panacotta?"

Waiter: "Not at all maam. " 

Now I thought this was just one of those appeasing lies I was told by service that I'd immediately regret buying into once the dish arrived at my table...

He was absolutely right- this was the most abstract tasting panna cotta that I'd ever had and it was incredible.

The praline dessert failed in comparison for me slightly but was all in all a delicious experience. 

Fed, full and suffering from minor food sweats we headed for a stroll through my beautiful city...

Race you to the Firehouse Readers! 

Belvedere Restaurant, Holland Park

As the sun goes up, hemlines get shorter- days get longer and my appetite gets stronger [the rhyming was just a happy addition to what is a phenomenally true statement.] 

When the sun is beaming down on London town there's a place that I like to visit. I celebrated a birthday very recently and received a bunch of these beauties...

And was told to be dressed for 8 as I'd be whisked off to a secret location for a dining experience that wasn't to be forgotten. An understatement you say? Well just a tad. 

As the car pulled up towards Holland Park- I could no longer contain my excitement. 

"Belvedere?!" 

Yes Belvedere indeed. 

Nestled in the heart of Holland Park, Belvedere is truly an oasis in what normally is one of London's most Metropolitan areas. Surrounded by landscaped lawns, picturesque fountains and a brilliant little peacock on the roof- you're immediately engulfed in the suave yet calming atmosphere. 

Enter through the vine laden doors to a smiling maitre de, who points you in the direction of your host waiter for the evening as the piano croons in the background. 

Having extensively studied the menu online prior to arriving, surprises rarely work with me, we took our seats and were ready for feeding time. Believe me when I say- it did not disappoint. 

Finely cooked fish  

slathered in the most delectable sauce

accompanied by my dear friend- triple cooked chips. 

Paired with a deep Merlot that rang slightly heavy on the palette... 

Who am I kidding it was a birthday celebration- straight down the hatchet was the motto! 

 Reeling from what was an absolute symphony of a dish- it was straight on to dessert...

 For me? You shouldn't have!

Go on... take a closer peak... 

Vanilla Pod Cookie Crumble cheesecake topped with Raspberries [one that I'll definitely be replicating in my kitchen...

Followed by a cheeky Triple chocolate layered mousse... 

Hey it's allowed- it was my birthday!

After eating quite literally my weight in dessert- we went trotting around the grounds of Holland Park. I've been coming to Holland Park since I was 4 years old- and there's something so calming about aimlessly walking around on a full stomach and soaking it all in...

Won't you follow me to Belvedere? 

Ayoush London

I love St Christopher's Place. 

A sneaky little alleyway that leads into an oasis of shops, restaurants and cute little eateries

It's all very Lion, The Witch, The Wardrobe and Narnia-ish! 

But steer off the beaten path, take a left at the northern star [metaphorically speaking- there's not ACTUALLY a Northern Star here] and you'll stumble across one of my favourite places  in London- one that I've been frequenting all too many times recently! [Yes it's that good.]

Now whether you're after a catch up with friends over a Hookah pipe or in the mood for a North African Chow Down- Ayoush London will cater to your every need! On this occasion, I was catching up with the girls! It'd been a while since we'd broken bread over a concoction of gossip about boys, toys and current affairs [both literal and lateral.] 

With the promise of a game of puff, puff, pass in the near future, we took our seats inside the restaurant, ordered our beverages of choice and began our feast! 

Having been to Ayoush an uncanny amount of times, I can confidently say that they are home to one of the best calamari dishes in London. 

Roulades of the freshest Calamari sprinkled with Moroccan spices- a MUST order if you're eating anywhere near this restaurant. Or just in general- WARNING one portion will not be enough... you most definitely need two it is that good! 

The Mussels Chermoula was not as spicy as I would have hoped, but still didn't stop me from wiping the plate clean with the fresh pitta bread that was bought from oven to our table by my favourite, overly boisterous Arabic waiter! 

We roared over tales as the wine was poured all too frequently- that's the thing about Ayoush... the service is wonderful! 

For the main event, we shared a deliciously tender Shish Tawuk...

and the Mezze Selection...

And one more thing guys... The Baba Gannough is Ba-Ba-BANGING! Definitely ask for an extra helping with a bat of an eyelash, and I'm sure you're lovely waiter will be more than happy to oblige!

Full on conversation [and ofcourse the delicious food] we wandered over to Haymarket for a round of cosmopolitans and a childhood throwback at Planet Hollywood. There really is nothing better than catching up with the girls on a lazy afternoon! 

What has everyone been up to this weekend?