Author: Lucy Ann Watson

The Chesham Arms

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What Newly restored Hackney pub, The Chesham Arms, is open for business. Experience In June, I finally made the move West across the water. Not the Atlantic, but Duckett’s canal, from Hackney Wick to Hackney Central. Days after my arrival, as if they knew I was coming, East End boozer The Chesham Arms re-opened its doors at the end of my street. It took a lengthy court battle, backed by local residents and Hackney council, to prevent the historic site being turned into flats. The 150-year old building has been stunningly renovated and restored to its former glory. The bar is stocked with French wines and specialist gins. The pumps are packed with a thirst quenching array of London-centric real ales and award winning beers. Fancy a bar snack? Order one of their quality pork pies, served in a picnic-style wooden basket with mustard. By far the best thing about The Chesham Arms is the magical south facing beer garden. Throughout summer it will host weekly BBQ’s and serve smoked meat sausage platters for the …

Innovation and Imagination with Rootdown

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Where Rootdown, East London What New restaurant and bar Rootdown shares its innovative and imaginative menu with East London. Experience A few weeks ago I celebrated my day of birth by renting out a bar my friend had preached about relentlessly since moving to East London. I arrived at Rootdown early doors in order to greet my guests and sneaked a peak at the food menu – I was so impressed that I came back to try it with my old friend (and new house mate) Rachael. Rootdown may be one of many new restaurants popping up on Lower Clapton Road, but their seasonal menu and unpretentious style ensures it outshines their rivals. Rootdown takes food very seriously. Becca Scales said “Our ingredients are seasonal, locally sourced and largely organic”. Head Chef Ben Lourjane is a champion of vegetables. Their vegetarian dishes are always a hearty and competitive alternative to the meat options. I knew from my birthday party that Rootdown did a cracking cocktail, but my attentions were drawn to the chilli pear caprioska. …

The Burger Shack at The Wood House

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What Hidden in the far corner of the vast, not-so-secret, garden of The Wood House pub on Sydenham Hill, lies the latest addition to the Young’s Family, The Burger Shack. Experience Gourmet burgers could not be more popular right now. The Burger Shack  is up to the challenge of rivalling your favourite. Visitors in the beautifully refurbished pub can opt to dine from the menu inside, but those who crave something quick and meaty can order straight from The Burger Shack outside. The garden hosts heated huts, family friendly giant games and, if you get the right night, even live music. I settled in the ‘Robin’ hut fit for six (all huts are named after woodland birds) and enjoyed the final few hours of evening summer heat. The garden was already busy with people who had the same idea. The menu for the shack is simple. I went for ‘The Streaky’ burger, presumably named after the deliciously salty Dingley Dell streaky maple bacon which propped up the top bun. I squeezed down on the medium …

Gin & Tonic ice cream by Jude’s and Sipsmith

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What do award winning Sipsmith’s gin and Jude’s ice cream have in common? They are of course both quintessentially British, but now they have teamed up to make Jude’s Gin & Tonic ice cream – splendid old chap! Sam Galsworthy, Sipsmith co-founder explains “Our collaboration with Jude’s is the perfect marriage of two Great British Summertime institutions; ice cream – and the gin and tonic.” Grab a limited edition Gin & Tonic ice cream this summer at Selfridges, online at Ocado, or at various on-the-road events. Having a summer soiree? Why not impress your guests by serving up some Sipsmith and Jude’s Gin Alexanders? Hello summer, meet gin. Sipsmith and Jude’s Gin Alexanders Ingredients 40ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin One scoop of Jude’s Gin & Tonic Ice Cream Method Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake until ice cream melts Serve in a chilled coupe glass with a dash of nutmeg

A Tasty Tipple at Temple Brew House

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Where Temple Brew House, London What Artisan beer-loving Londoners are invited down to Essex Street where they will find Temple Brew House, an on-site brewery in the heart of central London. Experience Temple Brew House is now offering private brewery tours by their very own house brewers. Food for Think was lucky enough to be invited on a tour with head brewer Venesa de Blas Montoya. As she took us to where the magic happens, Venesa explained that beer originated back in 7000BC though “It was the Egyptians who actually mastered the beer making process. They had 80 different recipes to make different beers and they took it quite seriously”. We are so grateful! Venesa revealed her brewing routine and provided some trade secrets for those considering experimenting at home. Tours are held routinely every month and also on request. What would a brewery tour be without the tasting? Visitors can select a variety of tipples by ordering a ‘paddle’ of three 1/3 pint glasses. The Temp Ale, smooth and easy drinking, is brewed on …