REVIEW MUSIC Restaurant review:
Boyd’s Bar and Brasserie Words: Joanna Lynch Lime rating: HHH
Gallery review:
The Sage of the White Hairs: In conversation with Wole Soyinka, British Museum Words: Tricia Wombell Wole Soyinka, playwright, author, poet, campaigner, and educator was on wonderful form at the British Museum on Friday, May 14. In front of a packed audience of London’s Afro-literati, he was in conversation with Ellah Allfrey, deputy editor of Granta magazine, whose insightful and challenging questions ensured an evening of stretching thoughts, ideas, humour and sheer humbling enjoyment. Professor Soyinka, the first African writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature (in 1986), was taking part in a discussion that was part of a series of events developed with the Royal African Society to celebrate the Kingdom of Ife: sculptures from West Africa exhibition. The discussion was of course wide-ranging: the state of Africa and whether mass mobilisation of the people to over throw ill-functioning governments was possible; the disappointing post-colonial leaders; his thoughts on his county – the not quite at the brink Nigeria. His reflections on the Biafran civil war, his imprisonment and the UK’s newly ‘hung’ parliament and his writing. At 75 Soyinka, with his head of shockingly fine white hair, is in grand form and it is good to hear he has no plans to age gracefully; in fact, he is only just beginning to enjoy himself. Info: Kingdom of Ife: sculptures From West Africa is at the British Museum until 6 June, 2010. www. britishmuseum.org
Set in majestic surroundings, Boyd’s Brasserie impresses with its marble and onyx setting and hanging crystal chandeliers. A warehouse for the Ministry of Defence until recently, this majestic hotel has been restored to its former glory, albeit without the spectacular staircase, which was inexplicably removed. This grand hotel is conveniently located just two minutes from Trafalgar Square. Boyd’s boasts an impressive drinks menu and is perfect teetering distance from many of the nearby offices and tourist attractions alike. The small restaurant features modern classics including an appetite whetting ‘taster’ platter – four small plates of our waiter’s favourite dishes. Smoked Salmon had all the subtly and freshness of a perfect summer snack but fried snapper disappointed with a distinct lack of flavour. Moving on to starters, the chicken liver and foie gras pate came presented in a mini kilner jar but would have benefitted from a generous sprinkling of seasoning.
Mains were more successful and being offered to take home the remains in a proverbial doggy bag was a post- recession-budgetconscious delight. Again, however, all lacked real depth of flavour and failed to massively impress. Unfortunately, it seems both the ambience and food share a common flaw. Luckily it’s not fatal and with a few tweaks, Boyd’s could become a staple meeting place on Northumberland Avenue. Info: Boyd’s Bar and Brasserie, 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY www.boydsbrasserie.co.uk
Pampering review: C-Plus Energy
facial for men, K Spa Words: Jason Serious Lime rating: HHH The K Spa is on the basement floor of the cool and contemporary K West hotel. The journey from the first floor to the spa is only a few seconds, which I used to study my face in the mirror, so I could recognise the transforming effects of my treatment afterwards. My therapist, Yuko, was a qualified professional with over 11 years experience and was to perform the C-Plus Energy facial on me. The 60 minute facial is designed exclusively for men to work against the appearance of wrinkles and dryness, not that I have any and signs of premature skin ageing. It’s also designed to be relaxing and effective. I’m not sure about effective but it was certainly relaxing. The dim
lighting, euphoric music, and the tingling sensations on my skin from the layers of plant extracts, vitamins and minerals felt good, however I left feeling more sleepy than rejuvenated. I took my stance at the lift mirror and examined the more radiant me. Nuts, it was the same old me and I couldn’t see that any of my years had been washed away but I did feel good but at the cost of £75 a treatment I might have to reserve it as a birthday treat. Info: K West Hotel Spa, Richmond Way London W14 0AX www.k-west.co.uk
LIME MAGAZINE 2010
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