A new restaurant/cafe has opened downstairs. The Riverside Bar & Restaurant is an oasis hidden away on the bank of the Thames. Relax on our cosy sofas, enjoy cocktails and continental beers at the bar or a delicious dinner in our restaurant.
Whether keeping out the chill of the oncoming winter months with a fine wine or brandy, or remembering the sultry summer nights with a super-chilled, thirst-quenching pint, you can still enjoy the great outdoors and outstanding vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows in the comfort of the ever-inviting Riverside
A new restaurant/cafe has opened downstairs. The Riverside Bar & Restaurant is an oasis hidden away on the bank of the Thames. Relax on our cosy sofas, enjoy cocktails and continental beers at the bar or a delicious dinner in our restaurant.
Whether keeping out the chill of the oncoming winter months with a fine wine or brandy, or remembering the sultry summer nights with a super-chilled, thirst-quenching pint, you can still enjoy the great outdoors and outstanding vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows in the comfort of the ever-inviting RiversideThe Riverside Bar & Restaurant is an oasis hidden away on the bank of the Thames. Relax on our cosy sofas, enjoy cocktails and continental beers at the bar or a delicious dinner in our restaurant.
Whether keeping out the chill of the oncoming winter months with a fine wine or brandy, or remembering the sultry summer nights with a super-chilled, thirst-quenching pint, you can still enjoy the great outdoors and outstanding vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows in the comfort of the ever-inviting Riverside
Ed’s founded the American diner culture in the UK, creating a fun, family dining experience when we opened our first site in London’s Soho in November 1987. Ed’s is the original 1950s classic diner which has its roots in post-war culture. Our music is Rock ‘n’ Roll, our food tastes great and we offer service with a smile!
This pic was taken at a team get together at Keston Lodge, Upper Street - March 2005. It did not seem that long ago. I found out today that I'm shortly to be the last remaining original team member. I was first in and certainly did not expect to be around past my original colleagues.
Anyway here’s to you Lisa, Adam and Vic. Hope that you go from strength to strength.
OK so I didn't make it to New York for New Year with Marty. I left it to late and fell in the relax trap. Plans in discussion included watching the ball drop from a high up vantage point whilst having fine wine and food being served, hitting one of the night spots with a view of the New York skyline probably Bed (all though all the rooftop beds had already been booked :-() or possibly hook up with Larry the man at his home in West Virginia.
So I had a last minute high alert scramble of special occasion. What was it to be:
House party at Phil? Phil was a great guy and certainly knows how to throw a soiree of note, but I hardly know Phil or any of the guests and of late it has been a prerequisite of mine to spend time with close friends or not at all. This will not mean a slow down on impromptu dinner parties or crashing of events, just the special times should remain special for me.
New years at a ski resort? Combining New Year this with some extreme snowboarding could be just the ticket. The lack of snow may be a bit of a problem as well as it may be a little late notice to crash a resort town that would check all my boxes.
Hook up with Simon in Barcelona? Would be good however since the last annual bi annual brokeback grannies fishing expedition. I think the partners have had a serious rethink to exposing the grannies to the party beast that lies within. Toga Toga Toga. For real. Besides Simon & F's parents are in town. A probable logistical nightmare.
Long New Year weekend in picturesque European (Damn just realised I left my gloves on the Tube, aaaagrrrh) town like say Prague for instance. Bigger chance of this happening than Snowboarding. Again to late and do I really need the mission of airports, planes, trains,cabs, etc. At a time I should be relaxing?
OK so time to turn the lens of focus onto London itself. My proclivity towards high places drew me to a list of possible places I would like to spend New Years eve. There were the usual suspects: 30 St Mary Axe - The Gherkin - Swiss Re Vertigo 42 OXO Tower Babylon at The Roof Gardens No 1 Leicester Square
However the fireworks display may be required viewing for the night. Hence some other possibilities: La Bateaux Somerset House (with ice rink, not ring as some may think) OZU
Failing that we could ensconce ourselves indoors and make some new friends i.e. Mingle with strangers: St Martin Lane hotel Movida Embassy
So I did what I do best. Made contact with a choice few spots, dropped some verbal bombs to ensure that I had some options for the evening.
In the end it was decided that the 5 course dinner and brilliant view offered by OZU (based in The County Hall - under the Millennium Eye) would be this years spot. Ironic as last year we watched the fireworks from further down the river in the cold. Close friends were heading out for a year long round the world trip so quality time was in order. Next year hopefully we'll merge the comfort spots and be in comfortable surroundings with good friends. The food was good, all though the starter salad served on a bed of ice had been sitting for to long. The rest of the meal was delish. Part of the already attractive package was the delicious portion of black cod. OK I remember it being delicious but the evenings events are one long sweeping very comfortable blur. The team at OZU made an already special evening even better.
Between courses 3 & 4 we popped outside to the secure entrance to County Hall. Their was a maximum gathering of 200 people so there was plenty of space to watch the fireworks and enjoy our champagne.
£1,000,000 well spent. The fireworks were spectacular. After a short walk home - I was curious to compare the London fireworks to Sydney's. In previous years I had thought that the fireworks off the Sydney Bridge were brilliant. After watching the like for like aerial shots (the best way to compare) London had it going on. Maybe Sydney next year??????
The Trafalgar by definition the most central hotel in London. a unique, contemporary concept. eliminating barriers and boundaries, adding depth to design and experience. a space vibrating with diversity and culture. minimalistic with a soothing perk."
This little spot was discovered completely by surprise. Just off Trafalgar Square and part of the Trafalgar Hilton. It was recommended to me by a friend after we missed our dinner sitting, at a restaurant nearby. It may have made the list as I had not heard of it, had no expectations and was taken by surprise when I stepped out of the lift into the "roof garden". More like a penthouse bar it has 180° views over Trafalgar Square - Millennium Eye - further South East.
Hip & happening restaurant downstairs called " Rockwell". The "roof garden" Has its bar, menu & waiting staff. On chilly nights its heated.
"Discreet and unique, the Trafalgar is London's first unbranded Hilton property. located on the south side of Trafalgar square, the hotel is situated to the left of Canada house. as an unbranded Hilton you will not find the blue Hilton sign; instead look for the striking building with black flags and a clock."
After a couple of false starts and long term bookings I finally got to go to go to what is deemed by many as the finest curry house in all of Britain. Veeraswamy est. 1926
Hi all, You are invited to dinner at (Booming Indian accented voice) VEERASWAMY the legendary Indian restaurant. It's an eat and meet affair. Sat 11 Nov 8pm - 11pm (3 hrs) (London)Mezzanine Floor, Victory House 99 Regent Street, London W1B 4RS (entrance on Swallow Street)
Veeraswamy is the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in the U.K. It was established in 1926 at the same site by the great grandson of an English General, and an Indian princess. The restaurant has been the rendezvous of rich, famous, and fashionable lovers of Indian food. Customers included Edward - Prince of Wales, King Gustav of Sweden, Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, King Hussein of Jordan and Marlon Brando.
As with all of these get togethers its about great company, good food & a comfortable atmosphere. This occasion did not disappoint. We had a great table under a giant chandelier decorated with rose petals. It was good to see old friends as well as meet new friends. One has to respect an establishment that has a no photos inside policy.
The crab kebab starter was subtly delicious. The Biryani Classic (Hyderabad lamb biryani) which has been on the menu since 1926. Was fragrant and delicate. It really made me regret all the overpowering quick fix-no time-dazzle me taste explosions I have been forcing onto my senses. It was from a more genteel time - when taste was not synonymous with "entertain me".
The Rose Lychee Martinis are great, although a little sweet as was the Espresso Martini.
A time to meet new friends, catch up with old friends and wish Nikki happy birthday.
The Oratory is is one of the Brinkleys owned & operated restaurants. In summer with the large double doors open this place must be quite amazing. Our waiter guy was a tall drink of American and was beyond reproach. He was just the right balance of formal service and casual personality. His pesonality added to the evening makin sure it was memorable.
The ladies looked fine and the gentlemen were well groomed for the evening particulary Mark who was kilted out. A jolly laugh was had by all. The champagne flowed freely (thanks Mark), the grilled bruschetta with goats cheese and a red pepper and red onion compote was divine, my main roast chicken breast stuffed with goats cheese, sun-dried tomatoes & mash was a little dry but delicios nevertherless.
The décor was a bit eclectic but interesting. The ceiling ornaments reminded me of Renaissance's Sebastians café Cape Town. Kind of gilded baroque.
For my 111Th birthday I decided to paint the town red, pink & blue. 2 Of my closest friends from The City are off on an around the world trip soon and I thought it fitting that a night out was called for.
I made tentative reservations at Vertigo 42, (not open on the weekends so Friday night is their busiest night) and I was put on the standby list (yes, standby list) in position No. 23. I called a guy a know, and got swooshed up the list to lucky No. 7. And immediately made a booking at the National Portrait Gallery (a word of advice if you intent to make a phone call to the restaurant, it may be worth while to learn some French). I also made a reservation at Below Zero (just in case).
As the night drew closer it became apparent that Vertigo 42 was a non happener , although they did offer an alternative to my original request. We were all running a bit late so the abrupt inflexible call I got from the NPG to tell me that the kitchen was closing very soon,. They had warned me about this when I made the booking so it was no surprise and I'm guessing the abruptness of the French ladies manner had more to do with her inability to deal with my reaction to possibly losing my table than her general demeanour. Thinking about it I may pop down there this evening. Last drinks order at 10pm.
So after a quick chat we made our way to The Trafalgar roof garden for Aperitifs (and contributed to Paris's next allowance. Then into the heart of Mayfair for dinner at Zinc. I should mention that it was all good but don't order the seafood, Paul's Mussels and my Crab tasted if they had been frozen for about 3 weeks prior to our arrival at Heddon Street.
Afterwards I surprised everyone by ushering them into the Absolut Ice Bar. It's not quite the Ice Hotel, but it is owned by the same people and was an enjoyable experience for all. The Absolute team were really cool and really contributed to the fun of the evening. Just look at the pic of the guy behind the bar How friendly? We were enjoying it so much we stayed for 2 sessions and made good use of the Absolut cocktail menu.
Next to Below Zero in the heart of the West End you will find the UK's first permanent ice bar About Absolut Icebar London. The interior is kept at below zero temperature –5°C all year round. Step into an environment where all of the interior fittings, including the walls, bar, tables, and even your own personal glass holding the vodka drinks is made out of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in northern Sweden. The Icebar is run in partnership with Below Zero London, Absolut, and Icehotel. On entry you will be provided with a personal ice glass & thermal cape to keep you warm during your stay (40 minute time limit) Source - http://www.fluidstyle.co.uk
Afterwards we made our way to 2 floors in London and then back to MI9. For a night cap but mostly a nap.
As it has become my custom to do, I frequented my usual haunt Soho this weekend.
Once upon a time, Soho was rolling farmland. In the Middle Ages it became a Royal Park, and the name originated from a hunting cry of the time - "So-Ho". By the 17th century it had been mostly sold off, and underwent rapid development. It attracted plenty of refugees in the 18th and 19th century, which explains how Greek Street got its name.
The remainder of the afternoon was taken up by popping into:
John Snow1 - A major event in the history of public health was the study of an outbreak of cholera in Soho by Dr. John Snow. He identified the cause of the outbreak as the public water pump in Broadwick Street (then named Broad Street), and disabled it, thus ending the outbreak. A replica of the water pump, with a memorial plaque, stands near the location of the original pump (next to the John Snow pub).
Cosh - Cosh will showcase work from 13 artists including Airside (who boast Fred Deakin as a member), work from award winning Gregory Gilbert George and also Michael Gillette who is renowned in the UK for his companionable observations of the working lives of pop stars.
The English Maid - The 1933 Dutch barge, which was used in World War II to transport German troops along the Seine, is now home to one of the staples of British culture: a pub.
