Cupcakes

I am a BIG fan of cupcakes and think they're a great idea for small girly gatherings as they avoid the issue of cake cutting (a faff for off numbers and people will always say they want less than they actually do!). They're also fantastic for kids parties and the Hummingbird Bakery's book is great if you want a fun afternoon of baking with the kids!

However, if like me, you love baking (and eating sugary goodies!) but really don't have the time, here are some of my favourite bakeries in London. Click the title to be directed to their website...

Taking Tea

As a true Brit, I love a cup of tea. There's just something about nursing a warm mug of tea that makes everything all right. 

I recently discovered Damman's Rose Pompon tea and am slightly obsessed with it's gorgeous fruity-floral aroma. I purchased it from the pantry at in the Harrods Food Hall (the small section that looks like a supermarket, in the room after the sushi bar and before the room with the pizzeria, ice-cream counter and all the amazing, colourful sweets). The container is a bit of a puzzler at first (I eventually discovered that one must open it from the small circular lid that the tassle is attached to - you may want to use one of those rubber bottle-opener handy devices for this, it's very tight on the first go!). 

Hummingbird Bakery? There's an app for that....

The Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes have long been a serious vice of mine...I can't express how serrrriously delicious they taste...I'm getting hungry just writing about them!!! I was given their first book by a friend who noticed my fondness for cupcakes (read: obsession). Their recipes really do allow you to make cupcakes just like the shop! Well, my family and friends have certainly given mine their seal of approval - my nephew has named my chocolate ones (sans icing) as his favourite dessert ever! Quite an accolade from a chocolate-loving seven-year old!! 

Mmmm.....cake.....

Skylon

Skylon restaurant in the Royal Festival Hall offers gorgeous views and is a great place for a pre-theatre dinner.

I never really appreciated the romance that London's Southbank has to offer until quite recently. In the day, the Thames is just an expanse of muddy water but at night, when the tiny lights of the bridges are reflected in the gentle current, it becomes quite beautiful! Rather like the River Café views of the East River, Skylon offers panoramic views of the River Thames from just above street level. Although you can enjoy the views from further in the restaurant, it's best to request a window table.

The River Cafe, New York

The River Café, Brooklyn, is one of my favourite restaurants in the whole world! It is also, I think, one of the most romantic restaurants in the world.

On entering the garden, you are hit by the heavenly scent of the rows and rows of flowers and plants surrounding the entrance. The trees are laced with teeny fairy lights, which look beautiful at night (and, yes, we know I am a sucker for the old flowers and fairy lights mix!).

The restaurant itself is accessed by a short bridge to the decking style dining room, complete with parapet ceiling. The view is a huge part of The River Café: the window presents a panoramic view of the East River right from the Statue of Liberty on the left and beyond the Brooklyn Bridge on the right. To enjoy the restaurant at its best, be sure to book a table by the window and ensure that you are seated before sunset. Watching the New York sunset whilst eating Michelin star food is a truly spectacular experience!

Yes, the food....it is seriously delicious!! The wine on offer is also exceptional - I love sweet wine and they have some particularly special ones available, so splash out!!

The River Café also happens to be a wedding venue and I think is the venue for the party scene near the end of the film, 'Two Weeks Notice' [sic]*. A stunning location, beautiful garden, amazing food and wine....what more could you want??

Love, 


AB x


*Seriously? No one thought to get someone to proof-read the title?! 

Clos Maggiore

 
Clos Maggiore on King Street, Covent Garden, is one of my favourite restaurants in London. It has won numerous awards and is often named London's most romantic restaurant. It is one of the most romantic restaurants I have dined at in the world! (along with The River Cafe in New York - just under the Brooklyn Bridge...but that is for another time, another post!) The ceiling is covered in cherry blossom branches, which are laced with tiny fairy lights - beauuutiful!!


The conservatory (pictured...courtesy of Clos Maggiore's website as it is far too intimate a restaurant to get one's camera out and start snapping for you, my lovely readers!!) is the best place to eat for a date. The smaller room upstairs is darker but cosy, with its fireplace and traditional decor. 


The Head Chef, Marcellin Marc (previously at Michelin 2 star Le Clos de la Violette in Aix-en-Provence) has a delicate yet flavour-enriched, Mediterranean style of cooking that is quite spectacular. There is also an excellent wine list and the restaurant's Sommelier is always happy to assist you in your choice!


Starters are around £7-13, mains about £18+ and desserts are £7. The Prix Fixe menu is £22.50 for three courses or £27.50 with a half bottle of wine.


I cannot fault Clos Maggiore (a rare occurrence for me!). For the perfect evening date or anniversary, go for the Prix Fixe menu before ballet at the Royal Opera House (just around the corner). Your man won't mind because of all the brownie points he'll earn for treating you to such a romantic evening!!


Love, 


 AB x

Bob Bob Ricard

If you're wondering where the name came from....Bob (co-founder) owns 2/3 and Ricard owns 1/3! The quirkiness doesn't end there.....each booth has a "press for Champagne" button for those surprise revelations that require a prompt celebratory toast. Isn't that fabulous?

I love the decor at BBR...from the logo to the Prussian Blue leather booths, complete with curtains to completely cut yourself off from neighbouring diners. The bar downstairs is similar in style but with burgundy red leather booths. The attention to detail at this establishment is impeccable - from the logo to the pink & cream place mats.

Ladurée

The Ladurée tea room at the back of Harrods is an elegant Parisian haven in the heart of London. Their light sandwiches with neat stacks of thick-cut chips are delightful for girly lunches.

It is their macaroons, though, that are truly iconic. Delicate and full of flavour, with perfectly creamy centres, Ladurée macaroons are heavenly. Rows and rows of the divine sweets are lined up behind the counter in the shop. Pistachio, rose, liquorice or vanilla - the choice is endless but whichever you choose I can assure you it will melt in your mouth in a burst of flavour.

AB's Delicious Blueberry Sponge

 I am not the kind of cook who diligently follows a recipe gram for gram. I prefer to taste, feel and sometimes guess my way to culinary success. I inherited this cooking style from my mother, who is such a domestic goddess, she makes Nigella look like a novice.

My cakes are highly acclaimed so I thought I would share this particular one with you, as it went down particularly well (and fast, which you can tell by the fact I didn't even manage to get the whole cake in the photo, above!).