BYOC SOHO FT. JAMES COCHRAN

I have always wanted to visit BYOC, and what better opportunity than at the launch party of BYOC ft. James Cochrane at their latest branch in Soho.
BYOC (aka 'Bring Your Own Cocktail') is a speakasy where you are welcome to bring your own bottle(s) of poison (alcohol/spirits!), where expert mixologists with their array of syrups and bitters will be at hand to shake up concoctions to your hearts desire.
The Soho branch has taken it to the next level by teaming up with young and exciting chef James Cochran (formerly at Harwood Arms and Ledbury) to deliver mouth-watering dishes, specially crafted using local and seasonal produce.
 
We were first shown upstairs to the bar, a rather dim and intimate setting, where we were served champagne, cocktails and oysters - not a bad start to a Thursday evening. The Whitstable rock oysters were topped with bone marrow and black radish, and was a delicious mouthful, I only wished that I could have grabbed one more (or an armful) before we proceeded downstairs to the ground floor restaurant.

We were each suggested to order four dishes from the menu, so we ordered eight different dishes between the two of us - we do like variety. 

The first of the fish dishes that we ordered was the treacle cured smoked salmon with smoked cods roe, radish, rye, mustard cress, and a small cube of whiskey and apple jelly on the side.

The next fish dish was the Cornish mackerel, served with charcoal mayonnaise, pickled wild cherries and (dehydrated) seaweed. I do love mackerel dishes, both raw and cooked, and this one was seared nicely. Some may find this too fishy, but it was perfect for my tastes.  
The third and also my favourite dish of the evening was the Cornish ray wing topped with samphire and a thin slice of cured pork collar which enhanced the flavour. I do love the smoothness of ray wing flesh, I would have happily had seconds (and thirds) ...

Moving to the meatier dishes, starting with the braised short rib of red ruby beef which was tender and juicy, served with a flavoursome girolle marmalade. This was followed by a thick cut of crisp pork belly with yogurt, purple sprouting broccoli and pinenuts which added an extra crunch. To balance it out, we had the Wye valley asparagus topped with a light egg and garlic mousse - one of our 5-a-day ...

Unable to decide between the desserts, we eventually settled for a sweet and savoury dessert to share between us. For the sweet dessert, we went for the English raspberries with lemon verbena buttermilk and feuille de brick, which consisted of thinly crisp slices of pastry. And you just can't go wrong with cheese ...

I didn't have much time to check out the bar upstairs, but I'd definitely be interested to pop back in again to try out more of their bespoke cocktails, and the famous Buttermilk Jerk Chicken that I've been hearing about ...

Check out their website for more details.

The Cheekster, signing out x

The meal was complimentary, but views remain my own.  

JAZ & JULS CHOCOLATE BRUNCH

Love brunch AND chocolate? Then Jaz & Juls Chocolate House will be the ideal destination for you. Located just a few minutes walk from Angel tube station, at the far end of Chapel Market, Jaz & Jul’s new weekend brunch menu features an array of tempting delights that are perfect to indulge on during the weekend.

Start off with one (or two!) of their award-winning hot chocolates that are made with real chocolate shavings, using single-origin chocolate sourced from small producers. These are available as pure chocolate or in a range of natural flavours. You can even go full out with toppings of artisan marshmallows and whipped cream, and even add a shot of liqueur to make it boozy.

If you prefer something cold to cool down in the summer months, they have some thirst-quenching chilled drinks on offer.

There are both sweet and savoury waffles to satisfy both parties. I tried my first cornbread waffle which was topped with Mexican-inspired black bean chocolate chilli and avocado, and the farinata which are chickpea pancakes. My sweet-tooth cravings were then satisfied by the sweet waffles: plain waffles with baked cinnamon-apple slices with Kentish cobnut ice cream, followed by the decadent chocolate-stout waffles with banana, chocolate sauce and crushed peanuts.

French toast lovers can also get their fix with their (vegan) coconut, almond and banana batter French Toast - extra delicious when drowned in maple syrup ...

For those looking for some lighter options, they do a couple of granola-topped smoothie bowls which includes the Chocolate Avocado, and Berry & Almond - both just as tasty and filling. 

Some of you may be glad to know that almost all of Jaz & Jul’s new all-day breakfast dishes are also vegan - so there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

A selection of special brunch cocktails will also be available at the Chocolate House during the day on Saturdays and Sundays to accompany the new menu, as well as the renowned independent producer’s full collection of handmade single-origin drinking chocolates served hot or iced with whipped coconut cream. 
And ONE last thing not to miss out on - gourmet ice lollies and choc ices - I missed trying one of these that day, but it sure looks and sounds good!

The Cheekster, signing out x

The meal was complimentary, but views remain my own.

AUSSIE BRUNCH AT BEANY GREEN ROMANCE

Stuck on ideas on where to head next for brunch? Then look no further, because Beany Green has got the answer. Part of the Daisy family, Beany Green Romance is located in the charming Little Venice by Regents Canal, and their Aussie inspired brunch definitely proves to be a strong contender amongst the multiple brunch options in London.

I started sensibly with my regular flat white, before moving on to the bottomless mimosas - it was the weekend after all (my daily dose of Vitamin C!) ...

Our feast began with some savoury hot dishes - after much indecisiveness (because everything looked so good) I settled for the broccoli and corn fritters, served with avocado, a poached free range egg, and that delicious house made chilli pesto, which added a slight hint of spiciness to perk things up. I also requested for some bacon on the side - because bacon goes so well with everything ... 

The portion size was very generous, I actually struggled to finish the second fritter (shocking, I know) - and I also had to make sure that I had space for the sweet bits later on. Priorities and all that ...

The other savoury dishes around the table looked equally as good, such as the Avocado on Charcoal, Smoked Salmon Royale, and the Fancy Bacon Roll served with The Ribman's Holy Fuck Hollandaise (!) on paratha roti.

With just about enough space for dessert, we shared a couple of the sweet dishes. The Famous Banana Bread Sandwich is not to be missed, loaded with creamy mascarpone, flaked almonds, honey and fresh berries - which logically makes it balanced and healthy, right?

I love french toast, and the Coconut Bread French Toast was as good as I had hoped, served with thick Greek yogurt, berries, griddled mango, shaved coconut, bee pollen and pure maple.

I also couldn't resist trying the Caffeine Hit smoothie, which is great for those who like coffee AND smoothies - one for those who can't decide between the two loves ...

The Aussie Brunch is served from 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and all day during weekends. The BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH in particular is served from 10am onwards Monday to Saturday, and from noon on Sundays. At a bargain price of £35, you can be sure that you'll be filled and energized for the day! ... or ready for a lazy afternoon nap ... either way, it's definitely a good idea to go on an empty belly (!)

Check out their website/menu here for more details.

The Cheekster, signing out x

The meal was complimentary, but views remain my own.

ROYAL-TEA AT WELLINGTON LOUNGE, INTERCONTINENTAL PARK LANE

It was hard to believe that a whole year has passed since my first visit to The Intercontinental London Park Lane to try the Scents of Summer afternoon tea, so it was a pleasure to return this year to try the Royal Tea. As the official hotel for the Patron's Lunch this year, they had teamed up with fellow event Partner Pimm's to create an Afternoon Tea that celebrated Her Majesty The Queen's 90th birthday and a lifetime dedicated to service.

We started with a Pimm's Royale cocktail, which set the tone for a summery selection of pretty English classics fit for a Queen. 
This may actually be my first Pimm's for the year, as I longingly lust for the summer which officially began on 1st June, but whose presence is yet to be felt...

We decided to leave our choice of teas in the hands of our knowledgeable waiter, Thomas, who hand-picked recommendations from the extensive Wellington Lounge loose-leaf tea menu to complement the sweet and savoury treats. The lovely tea menu was created together with The Northern Tea Merchants to develop blends that are exclusive to InterContinental London Park Lane. 
The first tea was one of my favourite teas: Second Flush Darjeeling which tastes quite fruity with a unique muscatel flavour.

Advised to begin eating from left to right (or right to left, depending on which way your plate was facing), we started with the Speyside smoked salmon with cream cheese, followed by the Scottish lobster and shrimp with Marie Rose sauce. 

Next was a simple but satisfying carrot bread sandwich filled with hen egg and cress, and a classic honey roasted ham with English mustard. Last but not least was a free range Coronation chicken served with apricots; a modern take on the dish created for The Queen’s coronation banquet in 1953. This was most definitely my favourite amongst them all so I cheekily requested for an extra serving of it.

After finishing our sandwiches, a plate of lovely warm scones was brought to the table - I do like places that bring the scones out in between separately as opposed to leaving it to go cold on the table at the beginning. Scones always taste better when they are warm after all ...

We each had a mini sultana and buttermilk scone which were light and fluffy, served with Devon clotted cream and strawberry preserve - eaten the (right) Devonshire way of cream before jam, of course.

Finally, after much self-control and resistance, it was time to tuck into the rather fashionable plate of mini-desserts featuring ‘The Queen’s Hat’ Tipsy cake, 'The Queen's Crown' Victoria sponge soaked in Pimm’s, 'The Queen's Handbag' coffee and walnut cake, and The Queen’s Summer Garden Party,' a Champagne and gooseberry fool. 
 This was all washed down with a tall refreshing glass of iced berry tea.

We both thoroughly enjoyed our indulgent afternoon at the Wellington Lounge, and my second visit was just as warm and welcoming as the first time.

The Wellington Lounge at Intercontinental Park Lane remains as one of my top recommendations for afternoon tea in London - great location, delicious food, and exceptional service.

The Royal Tea menu offer ended in June, but you find out more about their Scents of Summer afternoon tea on their website, and don't hesitate to book yourself in - because everyone deserves a treat every now and then...

The Cheekster, signing out x

I was invited to review, but views remain my own.