Author: Lucy Ann Watson

Brixton Beach

Published by

What Brixton Beach Summer Pop-Up Where Brixton Beach Rooftop Pope’s Road, Brixton London, SW9 8JH Experience Brixton Beach is back, and just in time for the heat wave! In the words of our favourite Wham boys ‘all that’s missing in the sea, but don’t worry you can suntan’! Or sit in the shaded huts, whatever. On a roof in the heart of Brixton Market, Brixton Beach hosts some cracking food stalls. Among them are my favourite New Yorkers from Del74 serving up tacos and margaritas to liven up your beach trip. Del74 has a permanent restaurant on my road in Clapton which I rave about SO much I was given two ‘vouchers’ from my pals for my birthday (but shhh…it’s my little secret!) I arrived before my friend, but took the opportunity to begin my wander around the rooftop. It was a feast for the eyes and ears. The DJ was playing Cuban beats, the sun was shining and the cocktail list was tropical. I ordered two beers from the bar, grabbed my friend from the …

Aquum, Clapham

Published by

What Aquum has re-launched as a late night drinking, dining and dancing destination. Where 68-70 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UL Experience It was my first visit to Aquum which has been completely refurbished into a modern, vibrant restaurant – turned late night bar. It was the type of place you could imagine ordering shots and dancing until the early hours. I was joined by an old friend Lucinda who within minutes was speaking to a handsome man at the bar. I left her to it while I pondered over the menu. My first drink of the evening was a Greek Negroni. A thirst quenching blend of Campari, Bombay Sapphire, sweet vermouth, and made Greek by the addition of Skinos Mastic liqueur. The liqueur made the usually bitter cocktail sweet enough to be palatable for the rest of the evening, so I ordered another. The food menu offered contemporary Greek dishes which features sharing plates, fresh salads and grilled meats. Lucinda and I sampled a few sharing dips with sourdough bread. If you are familiar …

Coin Laundry

Published by

What Laid back neighbourhood bar and restaurant, Coin Laundry, serves up proper comfort food, 70s revival cocktails and a big fat slice of nostalgia. Where 70 Exmouth Market London EC1R 4QP Experience Perched at the top of Exmouth Market sits 1970’s inspired restaurant, Coin Laundry. The restaurant boasts nostalgia-inducing culinary delights and retro classic cocktails. I met my friend Sophie on Saturday afternoon to give their new cocktail menu a whirl. “What do you mean 70’s? Like pineapple on a stick?” “Exactly, Soph”. I was expecting extravagant Retro Bar-themed decor, but was pleasantly surprised to find a spacious subterranean bar with subtle references to 70’s design. The room felt contemporary, less Bee Gees, more Rolling Stones. The cocktail menu was a joy to ponder. Apart from a few well known classics, the menu featured a host of real original flavour combinations I was excited to try. First up, some bubbles. The Flipper blends apple sorbet, prosecco and lemon in a wide champagne coupe with jelly accompaniments. Sophie and I agreed that we had never tasted …

Festival of Heat

Published by

What The Festival of Heat: London’s Chilli Festival is back on 25 September 2016 Where Red Market 288 Old Street EC1V 9LA Experience Preparations are hotting up for London’s spiciest food festival at Shoreditch’s culinary hub, Red Market. Workshops, tasting sessions, supplies, music and deliciously confusing chilli infused drinks await. Last year was my first Festival of Heat experience. I cooked my own infused chilli oil, which has been keeping my pizza crusts happy all year. The festival focus is on eating, growing and cooking chillies, and is designed for those who like to add a little heat to their mealtimes. This year, vendors keeping our bellies happy include Ayam Happy – White Men Can’t Jerk – Agua Na Boca amd Purbeck Ice Cream. See you at the tasting stall. Cost Early Bird Ticket £10 here Door Price £15

Summer at the Sky Garden

Published by

What The Sky Garden hosts live music summer sessions Where Sky Garden 1 Sky Walk, London EC3M 8AF Experience Do you ever spend time looking for the perfect summer drinks venue? Then look no further. The Sky Garden has gourmet food, the most spectacular sweeping panoramic views of London, and a garden oasis. It has been my hot-spot place to recommend for the last year and has now excelled even my expectations by hosting live music sessions featuring artists, band and DJS from ALR music all summer. My city-girl friend Steph had only a few more days in London before she moved to the countryside so I asked her to join me for the opening night of live music at Sky Garden. It could not have been a more perfect end to her London adventure. We walked around the 360 degree platform while listing all city sights viewable from the three storey floor-to-ceiling windows, while surrounded by tropical foliage and sipping prosecco. We watched three bands who played a perfect blend of soul and funk which …