Hot in the city

When summer hits, London comes alive like nowhere else on earth. Make this one your best summer yet with JAT’s guide to the capital’s coolest new spots

Brixton Beach

Credit: Brixton Rooftop

When summer rolls around, nothing beats sitting in a deck-chair on the sand with a drink in hand and feeling the warmth of sand between your toes. But landlocked Londoners need not despair… those who want to be beside the seaside in the capital, simply need to head to Brixton Beach up on Brixton Rooftop.
The seaside-inspired pop-up first hit south London in summer 2016 and, new for this year, is Brixton Beach's BBQ Thursdays which sees London’s BBQ specialists and chefs take over for one evening filled with fab food, creative cocktails, Latino beats and Salsa sessions.
On Thursday 3 August, Brixton Beach will welcome James Whetlor, founder of kid goat meat specialists, Cabrito for an evening filled with barbecued goat meat, while on Thursday 24 August, the rooftop space will be transformed into a Caribbean fiesta, taking guests on a trip to the streets of Havana courtesy of BokitLa who will be serving up their Guadalupan special sandwiches. Finally on Thursday 31 August, Brixton Beach resident food trader, STAKEhaus, is scheduled to  host a Surf n Turf Beach BBQ.
Whichever night you rock up, be sure to bring your salsa shoes: Richard Voogt from Dsantos Dance UK is hosting Salsa sessions on the beach, while DJ Dennis The Chemist has his heart set on transporting everyone to the heart of Havana.
Bottom line: who needs Brazil when you have Brixton?
Brixton Beach, Pope’s Road, SW9 8JH, www.brixtonrooftop.com

Fiz bar, Soho

Image: KH

Get fizzical at Fiz Bar - a fabulous sparkling wine pop-up that's running at eclectic neon art gallery Lights of Soho until 13 August.
The brainchild of three friends - take a bow Barnaby Lewis, Max Bigland and Jordan Nadian  - London’s first sparkling wine bar has been inspired by the vibrant food and drink scene found in the backstreet cava bars of Barcelona. As such, prepare to say goodbye to pretentious, pricey champagne bars and the formality of traditional wine bar-restaurants and hello to a continental eating and drinking experience, with guests mingling and paying prices that allow them to sample more than one bottle and share multiple items of food.
The drinks menu covers the classics from France and Italy, but also includes a pink Prosecco and Cava together with a host of options (available by the bottle and glass) that come under the ‘something a little different’ category. JAT can vouch for the unfiltered Ca di Rajo “Lemoss Frizzante’ from Italy - which zings with notes of lemon and lime - and Black Queen from Australia, a sparkling red that has hints of cherry.
On the food front, there’s reasonably priced cheese boards to share with friends and brioche buns filled with Pork belly and Pastrami with pickles to get stuck into.
Someone has done their homework here and it shows: gold star.
25 Brewer Street, W1F 0RX, www.fizbar.com

tibits Bankside

Image: KH

tibits -  voted ‘Best Vegetarian Restaurant’ in the prestigious Cook Vegetarian  awards - has opened a brand new London outpost: take a bow tibits Bankside.
tibits 2.0 lies within easy walking distance from Southwark tube and is just minutes away from London landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern.
As per the original tibits over in Heddon Street, aka Regent Street’s foodie quarter, the star of the show is the ‘food boat’ featuring over 40 mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian dishes dreamed up by head chef, Brian Mesmain. Standouts from the summer menu include Spelt risotto marinara, Peruvian quinoa salad and Bangkok peanut curry noodles.
Customers are invited to create their own meal -food is priced by weight (£2.50 per 100g at lunchtime and £2.80 per 100g in the evening) meaning you are in complete control of what you eat, how much you eat and how much you pay - and then enjoy their veggie fare in a style. Expect exposed brickwork and piping, living plant walls and graphic tiling designed by Atelier O and Emrys.
The restaurant also has a 10-seated private dining area as well as a garden room should the British weather choose to play ball.Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities: fans of the first London tibits include Hollywood actress Ellen Page, British comedian Alan Davies, Bianca Jagger, Premiership footballer Joey Barton and iconic British designer Pam Hog.
124-128 Southwark St, SE1 0SW; www.tibits.ch

Jamaican Garden Terrace at Boisdale of Canary Wharf

Image: KH

Never made it to Jamaica? Then make a beeline for Boisdale of Canary Wharf  who have turned their terrace - one of the city’s most popular outdoor spaces - into a beautiful and exotic Jamaica Garden Terrace in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board.
The 130m terrace, which was officially opened by His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on the 3 July with former England footballer, Sol Campbell, and award-winning saxophonist, Yolanda Brown (who performed the Jamaican National Anthem; in attendance) is reminiscent of the rain forest fringed shores of Port Antonio with lush tropical plants and cascading palm trees.
It’s the perfect setting in which to enjoy a selection of meats (think pork, chicken and specials such as lobster and shrimp) from the jerk spice barbecue washed down with Appleton rum packed Caribbean cocktails and plenty of Jamaican Rum Punch - created especially for the occasion by Boisdale mixologists.
But food and drink is only half of the draw… live DJs promise to keep the party going until late.
In the words of the late, great Bob Marley: “Every little thing gonna be alright.”
5 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT; https://www.boisdale.co.uk/

http://www.justabouttravel.net/2017/07/28/hot-in-the-city%E2%80%A8/

What to wear to Wimbledon

Stock up on strawberries and cream because Wimbledon 2017 is upon us!

As tennis Grand Slams go, Wimbledon is without a doubt the best. SW19 oozes prestige whereas Flushing Meadows is unpredictable, Melbourne Park is unbearably hot and Roland Garros is dusty.
 

But before you schlepp to SW19, you need to think long and hard about what to wear to the oldest tennis tournament in the world - it doesn’t take much to upset the wardrobe department at Wimbledon, as Lewis Hamilton learnt two years ago.

The Formula 1 ace was barred from the Royal Box at Wimbledon 2015 for turning up to watch the Centre court show-down between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic dressed in a floral shirt and suede shoes and sans tie.

Technically, today, “torn jeans, running vests, dirty trainers and sports shorts” are the only forbidden items of clothing but, in reality, everyone turns out smartly.

Which is why I found myself spending the Sunday pre Wimbledon, over at One New Change.

I want to look stylish and well put together for this year’s SW19 outing and had an inkling that One New Change, with its carefully curated mix of fashion stores, would be the answer. (I find shopping in Westfield and its sister, Westfield Stratford, to be something of a urban endurance course - too many stores and floors! The array of size, styles and labels on offer is enough to make my head spin and keep my wallet shut.)

First up I thought about following in the footsteps of the female tennis players and opting for a white dress from Cos (https://onenewchange.com/shops/cos ) but changed my mind before I reached the cash desk.

White is notoriously tricky to pull off - particularly if, like me, your prone to spilling your Pimms and your pins are milk bottle white. Plus the Cos number was sleeveless and this being Britain, who knows whether the weather will play ball?

I found my perfect Wimbledon ensemble at Oliver Bonas (https://onenewchange.com/shops/oliver-bonas) - courtesy of their Abstract Double Layer Dress (£75) which was recommended by sales assistant Jennifer Le,  who was helpfulness personified doling out Wimbledon fashion advice while taking my idiosyncrasies (I loathe my legs and bust) into account.

The playful print of Oliver Bonas’ Abstract Double Layer Dress screams summer, while the midi length is SW19 appropriate (let’s face it, no one wants a repeat of the 2013 Victoria Beckham black-nightie incident). Even better? The double layer jersey top: I can slip it off when the sun makes an appearance or on, should the sun be hiding.

Dress sorted, I needed some shoes…. one of the wonderful things about Wimbledon from a spectator’s stance is that you do minimal walking (as you spend most of your time sitting watching the on-court action and scoffing strawberries) meaning that that the world is your oyster when it comes to footwear.

With this in mind, I opted for an Asymmetric Strap Court Shoe in an eye catching metallic hue - sure to help me serve up some serious style on Centre court. And an absolute bargain at just £30 (reduced from £75 in the Dune summer sale, https://onenewchange.com/shops/dune-london).

Game, set and match to One New Change….

Read the post here: https://onenewchange.com/articles/style-council-blog-kaye-hollands-shopping-game-wimbledon-15871

All night long

As of tonight, London will become one of a handful of world cities to offer a 24 hour weekend tube service – and here at JAT headquarters we couldn’t be happier for the colourful, cosmopolitan capital is no Cinderella. London doesn't shit down when the clock strikes midnight so we've never understood why the tube does.  Yes we have had late night services in London before on New Years’ Eve, but nothing on a regular basis.

True the long awaited night tube isn’t perfect: it will only run on Friday and Saturday nights and on the Central and Victoria lines (to be followed by the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Northern in the autumn).

Still while we’d like to see the night tube extended to the suburbs on all lines – including the much maligned Metropolitan – every single day of the week, it’s nonetheless a welcome start. And it means that locals and visitors alike will no longer need to endure a mad dash across town to catch the last tube, a long journey on a battered, beer soaked night bus or an expensive cab ride home. Huzzah!

Ready to discover London in the early hours? Here’s the low-down on a few of our favourite summer late night hang outs…

CENTRAL
Aqua Spirit
When the sun shines, Aqua Spirit – a stunning Regent Street rooftop terrace – is our destination of choice. This is partly for the fabulous views of the Soho skyline and partly because of Aqua Spirit’s killer cocktails. The Carrabbas – Santa Teresa rum, fruit liqueurs, fresh orange juice and cinnamon syrup – is the bijoux bar’s best seller but in such stunning surroundings, it seems a shame not to sip a champagne cocktail.
Fifth floor, 240 Regent Street, W1, Open until 1am Mon-Sat

Bar Italia
Alternatively if you’re tee total, make a beeline for Bar Italia. Coffee bars come and coffee bars go, but this little gem opposite Ronnie Scott’s is a Soho institution that has witnessed many fascinating glimpses of passing theatrical life. Make no mistake: Bar Italia is as loved for the stories it could tell, as it is for its authentic Italian coffee. The cakes are also heavenly, so ditch the bikini diet and give into temptation… After all, life’s too short to exist solely on salads this summer.
22 Frith Street, Soho, West End, London, W1, www.baritaliasoho.co.uk, Open daily until 5am

EAST
SushiSamba
SushiSamba has been making waves in London ever since it opened in summer 2012. Situated at the summit of Heron Tower, SushiSamba boasts the highest outdoor terraces in London. Drinks – at £11-£12 a pop plus 15 per cent service charge – are on the steep side however, the views of next door neighbour, The Gherkin, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames, more than compensate and help makeSushiSamba a serious destination bar.
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY, Open until 2am

Beigel Bake
Of course all that drinking, will make you hungry. If you can’t afford to sup at SushiSamba (you’ll need to boast the budget of a banker), wander around the corner to the aptly name Beigel Bake which serves bagels, bagels and yes, you’ve guessed it, more bagels. This Brick Lane legend is open 24/7, making it handy for very late sorties.
150 Brick Lane, E1, Open 24/7

NORTH
The Cuban
Cuba is a recurring theme these days. If you fancy getting in on the revolution, try The Cuban. Drinks are reasonably priced as opposed to cheap nut they do serve a mean mojito and a comprehensive list of cocktails including a 15 year old versions of Havana Club rum. For cheap drinks, visit during happy hour (4-7pm Mon-Fri). You can also sign up for salsa lessons or, on Friday and Saturday nights, body bop until you drop to live Cuban bands and DJs.
Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1, Open until 2am

SOUTH
Bunga Bunga
Bunga Bunga is worth schlepping south of the river for. This tongue-in-cheek bar Battersea based, Italian themed bar serves top notch cocktails and cuisine in a colourful space dedicated to Italy’s finest icons, along with a huge helping of fun: in honour of the Rio Olympics, Bunga Bunga has transformed itself into Brazilian hub. Expect to find an Olympic-themed pop-up decked out with the flags of Brazil, palm trees, banana leaves, beach balls, exotic flowers and lounge chairs, a Caipirinha bar and sultry Samba dancers…
37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW1, Open until 1.30am Mon-Thu; 2.30am Fri & Sat

WEST
Kensington Roof Gardens
Originally designed in the 1930s, Kensington Roof Gardens compromises three beautifully themed gardens – the Spanish, Tudor and England Woodland – spanning across 1.5 acres and located 100ft above Kensington High Street. Arranged around the central Clubhouse, the gardens house over 70 full sized trees and a flowing stream with fish and wildlife – including four famous pink flamingos! (Yes really).
99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA. Access to the building is via Derry Street. Open until 12 midnight Mon-Thu; 2am Fri & Sat

To the Tiki

Put an umbrella on it at one of these Hawaiian hot spots…

Headed to Hawaii? No trip to these exotic islands would be complete without tasting a tropical tiki cocktail for Hawaii is arguably as synonymous with the Mai Tai and Blue Hawaii – invariably serve with sliced pineapples and accompanied by paper umbrellas – as it is with surfing, volcanoes and aloha.

The Blue Hawaii – a colourful fruit flavoured cocktail– came about when a sales representative of Bols, a Dutch distiller, challenged Harry Lee, Hilton Hawaiian Village’s legendary bartender, to create a drink that would showcase their blue hued Curacao liqueur back in 1957.

After much experimentation, Lee concocted a vivid ocean blue hued (that would be the Blue Curacao) mixer of vodka, pineapple juice and sweet/sour syrup topped with a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry and multicoloured mini umbrella, which he named Blue Hawaii. This later became the title of the 1961 film starring Elvis Presley.

Meanwhile the Mai Tai – easily the most popular drink in Hawaii – was created by Victor Bergeron of Trader Vic’s restaurants back in 1944. Inspired by the success of Donn Beach and his Don the Beachcomber bar/restaurants – both in Hollywood and Honolulu -Bergeron decided to start his own Tiki themed establishment. Subsequently the first Trader Vic’s opened on Ward Streetin downtown Honolulu. Before long Trader Vic’s had – just like Don the Beachcombers – morphed into a franchise of 25 restaurants. Bergeron first served the Mad Men endorsed Mai Tai – which typically fuses two rums, fresh lime juice, orange Curacai, rock candy syrup andorgeat (almond syrup) – to his friends who, as legend has it, exclaimed in Tahitian “Maita’o roa ae” meaning “Out of this world!” And just like, the Mai Tai was born…

Feeling thirsty? Throw on your Hawaiian shirt and taste the Tropics at one of the following Oahu bars…

Tropics Bar & Grill, Hilton Hawaiian Village

 

“A Mai Tai is by far the no one thing that we sell, so it’s really important that we make a good Mai Tai,” says Scott Hamilton, director of food and beverage at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Tropics Bar not only makes one mean Mai Tai – it specialises in several. The Village Mai Tai sees a rich brown brew (rum) floating on top of glowing, sunset-orange liquid. Inside you’ll find Trader Vic’s rums (40 proof Gold and Dark), Orange curaçao, orgeat syrup (sugar almond with rose or orange flower water) and sweet and sour. Elsewhere the Maui Mai Tai is an upgraded version of the Village, using Old Lahaina Gold Rum from Maui, orange curaçao, pineapple, fresh pressed lime.
Tropics is also where Harry Yee – who served as Hilton Hawaiian Village’s head bartender for 30 years – created the Blue Hawaii, which he memorably garnered with paper umbrellas and orchids.
www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/dining/tropics-bar-and-grill

Mai Tai Bar at the The Royal Hawaiian
 

Victor Bergeron – creator of the Mai Tai – tweaked the recipe in 1953 when the Royal Hawaiian Hotel commissioned him to create drinks for its menu. It was while at the rose hued Royal Hawaiian Hotel – aka Hawaii’s first true luxury hotel – that Bergeron added pineapple juice to the Mai Tai. Fast forward to 2016 and this Royal Hawaiian bar still serves the Mai Tai 2.0. It’s called the Scratch Mai Tai and sees pineapple and orange juice take the place of lime juice, for a fruiter – and sweeter – flavour.
Even if you’re not a fan of Mai Tais – maybe you’re from Mars or something – this drop dead gorgeous bar in the pink palace (JAT’s favourite Hawaii hotel) is worth a visit for its panoramic views – you’ll be able to see as far as Diamond Head (Oahu’s best known landmark).
www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining/maitaibar

House Without a Key
 

The Mai Tai at this Halekulani (meaning ‘House Befitting Heaven’) hotel isn’t for the faint hearted. Make no mistake: House Without a Key’s version is seriously strong – expect two rums in its base – but sensational. As are the sunset views and nightly live music performances from local musicians. JAT says: if you only visit one bar while in Waikiki, make it this elegant open-air oceanfront venue that’s named after a 1925 Charlie Chan Honolulu based novel. If only we could drink here every day.
www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key

Banyan Court Beach Bar

 

If you want to taste the tropics in sophisticated surroundings, Banyan Court Beach Bar – an al fresco oceanside bar whose focal point is a beautiful old banyan tree – is where it’s at. The menu boasts a long list of tipples for the discerning drinker to choose from, but being in Hawaii and all, you’d be mad not to try their version of the Mai Tai – garnished with a generous wedge pineapple and topped with a cherry. Given Banyan Court Beach Bar’s location (it’s part of the five star Westin Hotel), prices aren’t cheapwith cocktails weighing in around the US$15 mark but the magical setting can’t fail to put a smile on your face.
Bruno Mars devotees will want to drop in for a drink on Sunday and Wednesday evenings when the Hawaiian music maestro’s Uncle (John Valentine) can be found playing a few sets.

www.moana-surfrider.com/dining_banyancourt.aspx

Duke’s Waikiki
 

Sure this surf themed party bar – named after legendary waterman, Duke Kahanamoku (the handsome Hawaiian who broke world swimming records and captured four Olympic medals before appearing in more than 15 Hollywood films and becoming the ‘ambassador of Aloha’ ) – is touristy but its tiki drinks pack quite the punch. Top notch Mai Tais,  Blue Hawaii et al are made from scratch using the freshest of juices. One word of warning: if you’re planning on popping in at the weekend, be prepared to queue. Concerts by celebrated local musicians such as Henry Kapano and co pull in the punters, who spill out onto the sand.
www.dukeswaikiki.com

Germaine’s Luau

 

If you’re on a mission to try not only a Mai Tai and Blue Hawaii but also the Tropical Itch (another favourite island drink), Green Lizard and more, look to a luau (big feast). Just About Travel can vouch for Germaine’s, over on O’ahu’s east side. The sounding of a conch shell signals the beginning of the evening’s festivities: expect an entertaining evening of Hawaiian history, culture, culinary delights (think kalua pua’a -roasted pig – poke – raw fish marinated in soy sauce and haupia – coconut custard) and Polynesian dancing, washed down with unlimited Hawaiian cocktails. You may arrive as a malihini (newcomer/visitor) but, after a few tiki themed drinks, you’ll leave as family… Other noteworthy O’ahu luaus include Chief’s Luau, Waikiki Starlight Luau, Royal Hawaiian Luau and Ali’i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

www.germainesluau.com

Cheers!

Restaurant review: Island Grill

Kaye Holland falls head over heels with Island Grill.

Located in the luxurious Lancaster Hotel, Island Grill has shown its staying power. It is - to use a football analogy on the eve of the Euro 2016 final - the Ronaldo of the West London restaurant scene, winning relentlessly in a brutal, ever changing league.

In a borough and era where restaurants open and close with the speed ofa camera shutter, Island Grill has been in business for 25 years. Step inside and it’s not hard to see why: it’s a sleek (the design was conceived by Stiff + Trevillion, the team behind Wagamama), airy space owing to the vast floor-to-ceiling windows that offer fantastic views across neighbouring Hyde Park.

While the restaurant is mainly frequented by in-house guests, well heeled west London locals and a healthy smattering of Hyde Park goers also come here to chat and unwind over a cocktail and enjoy seasonable recipes (all of theproduce is sourced as locally as possible, something the three stars that Island Grill was awarded by the Sustainable Restaurants Association bears testament too) in a convivial setting.  

Food wise, the menu serves up plenty of please all dishes: substantial salads, fragrant soups, seafood, grills and pasta all feature. The Crab tian (Devonshire crab, chilled avocado soup, caviar, and beetroot crisps) proved the perfect starter being packed with crab that tasted as though it was straight from the sea, while the Island salad was an Instagram-worthy mountain of crunchy leaves and bulgur wheat with a piste of purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, courgettes and roasted red onions.

Elsewhere the Leek, pea and broad bean risotto - topped with cheese crisps, baby spinach and confit lemon – is a sublimely satisfying vegetarian main. And the Pork belly (slow-cooked pork belly, celeriac and apple mash, chantenay carrots and red wine jus) will have carnivores purring with pleasure - especially when washed down with a glass (or two) of Friendly Gruner Veltliner Laurenz, a wonderfully crisp white wine.

If you’ve got room there’s an extensive list of wickedly indulgent desserts  - think creme brûlée,  Baked sultana cheese cake and Apple and blackberry crumble. Alternatively close with a selection of sorbets and ice creams or a coffee served in elegant crockery and accompanied by welcome gourmet popcorn.

Other pluses? Portions are plentiful and beautifully presented, prices are reasonable and service (ask for the lovely Lauren) friendly and efficient. For an affordable taste of the islands in the heart of London, head here.

NEED TO KNOW
Island Grill (Open 7am-10.30pm daily; Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY; 020 7551 6070; http://www.islandrestaurant.co.uk)