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The winter Issue 2011
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The white album
Pure gifts for loved-ones with pristine taste & style
Culinary pop art
We meet the mavericks shaking up London’s restaurant scene
Woman of substance
Š Satoshi Saikusa
Trend-setter & style icon: Annie Lennox at the V&A
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LONDON
Diary
Epic art
Gerhard Richter, Tate Modern Tate Modern’s major retrospective of Gerhard Richter’s work coincides with the German artist’s 80th birthday. For nearly five decades Richter’s work has spanned realist painting, abstract work, photorealism, historical painting and even subtle landscapes. Gerhard Richter: Panorama covers his entire career, from reflections on National Socialism, images of the Baader Meinhof group, right through to his reflection on the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11th 2001. One of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, this is a must-see.
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OCTOBER London Film Festival: A must for celluloid buffs, highlights of the festival include the attendance of George Clooney and the gala screening of We Need To Talk About Kevin (above). 12 > 27 Oct, www.bfi.org.uk/lff
Tate Modern, 6 Oct > 8 Jan 2012 www.tate.org.uk/modern
London Restaurant Festival: A city-wide celebration of eating out, starring some of the capital’s finest restaurants. 3 > 17 Oct, londonrestaurantfestival. com
Circus act
Murmurs
A way of life Sir Terence Conran: The Way We Live Now
He may be 80, but Sir Terence Conran’s design ideas are still as fresh as when he started out back in the 1950s. Travelling through his impressive career’s timeline, this major exhibition will beautifully illustrate the impact that he has had on British design and contemporary life – and continues to have. As a designer, restaurateur and retailer, Conran’s influences and achievements have included the Conran Design Studio (founded in 1956), the Habitat chain, the Conran shop, and Conran Holdings with its acclaimed restaurants on its books. As Deyan Sudjic, director of the Design Museum, says: “Terence Conran has transformed Britain. His contribution to the way we live, eat, and shop over six decades has been enormous...”
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Design Museum, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YD. Tel: 020 7403 6933 designmuseum.org
The Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival offers up another gem for lovers of the contemporary arts. Murmurs is a skilfull, entertaining blend of illusion, circus and dance produced by director and designer Victoria Thiérrée Chaplin, a pioneer of ‘new circus’. Surreal, funny, romantic, surprising and full of theatrical trickery, this is the story of a woman on the run, her life packed up in cardboard boxes, who is pursued through the city streets and stars Chaplin’s daughter Aurélia Thiérée, who has appeared in the famous Cirque Invisible.
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20 Dec > 2 Jan 2012 www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Experimental Food Society: Truman Brewery: A culinary/ art event featuring conceptual food artists, modelmakers & cake artists. 21 > 22 Oct, www.experimental foodsociety.com
NOVEMBER Reasons To Be Pretty: The UK premiere of Neil LaBute’s final installment in his trilogy about society’s obsession with looks. 10 Nov > 14 Jan 2012. Almeida Theatre, Islington, N1 www.almeida.co.uk London Jazz Festival: A London-wide event celebrating all genres of jazz. 11 > 20 Nov, londonjazzfestival.org.uk
DECEMBER Spitalfields Winter Festival: A host of classical music events, from early music banquets, 15th century carols, to a Messiah debut. 10 > 25 Dec, spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk George Michael, Symphonica: The Wham! star plays with a full orchestra in his acclaimed tour which reinterprets his classic songs. 16 > 17, 19 Dec, Earl’s Court www.georgemichael.com
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Steak Out We pity vegetarians in the Capital right now, for there has been a flurry of meaty openings in the city in recent months that unashamedly celebrate the mighty steak. Whether boasting imported ovens, American cuts of meat or fine dining interiors, the star of the show is, without doubt, the slab of beef. We’ve been putting some of London’s finest meat emporiums through their paces and have come up with our favourite spots for carniverous activity.
Meat Feast: J W Steakhouse, 86 Park Lane. The deal: American size portions and cuts (main pic), plus the most amazing cheesecake. www.grosvenorhouse.co.uk Hawksmoor, Shoreditch, Guildhall and Covent Garden. The deal: A very British celebration of meat, courtesy of Will Beckett and Huw Gott. www.thehawksmoor.co.uk Cut, 45 Park Lane. The deal: US superchef Wolfgang Puck brings his meaty wares to London (far right). www.45parklane.com Madison, St Paul’s, The City. The deal: Beautiful views with some of the finest grilled meats we’ve ever tasted. www.madisonlondon.net
Ask A LONDONER…
Capital insider, luxury city guide publisher and friend of myhotels, Hg2 share their knowledge What’s the hottest ticket in town this autumn/winter? Autumn/winter in London is all about the arts. With Frieze Art Fair (left) kicking off in October, the creative art packs from around the world fill London’s streets, bringing with them an array of unique exhibitions, and of course, afterparties. Favourite place for a cheap eat? Fuelling London’s current addiction to Spanish tapas, Jose in Bermondsey is our latest favourite. Best spot for families? Hyde Park. With the leaves changing, London’s largest park turns into a spectacle of colours. Favourite myhotel spot? We’re loving the new three5 world tapas in myhotel Chelsea. Tell us a London secret? London is one of the best cities for people watching. Take a seat in Piccadilly Circus and lose hours observing the crowds. i www.hg2.com
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LONDON Bill, please
Bill Granger’s new London outpost The long-awaited European debut for Australian superchef Bill Granger finally opens its doors in Westbourne Grove in mid-November. Known for his simple handling of flavours, using influences from his beloved Asia (Granger already has three restaurants in Japan), Bill’s will, like his eateries in Sydney, serve food all day. Especially popular is his take on brunch - we’re expecting orderly queues to form outside on a Sunday, as London foodies wait patiently for his pancakes.
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175 Westbourne Grove, London www.billgranger.co.uk
Bad Santa
A John Waters’ Christmas
One of the hottest tickets in town this Christmas will be maverick filmmaker John Waters’ one-man show, A John Waters Christmas. Expect the raconteur to deliver a machine-gunlike monologue about his obsession with the festive period: this year he’s “needy, greedy, horny for presents and filled with an unnatural desire to please.” With a huge cult following, we’re expecting the people-watching opportunities to be as delicious as his take on life, his religious fanaticism for Santa, and his urge to remake his classic films, such as Pink Flamingos and Hairspray, into seasonal children’s classic. Bonkers.
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5 December www.southbankcentre.co.uk
OK, Annie The House of Annie Lennox
One of the most influential, successful and inspiring British female artists ever to have taken the stage, the V&A celebrates Annie Lennox as a truly great performer, style icon and agent provocateur. Her career has, astonishingly, spanned four decades, and this exhibition explores her creative vision: from costumes and accessories, through photographs and personal items, plus mementos from her political campaigns. A worthy tribute of one of the UK’s most exciting artists.
Geffrye Museum One of London’s best-kept secrets, The Geffrye, holds its annual Christmas Past exhibition from 29 November. Portraying 400 years of seasonal celebration in 11 period rooms, each is decorated authentically and represents a different era, age-old traditions and historical Christmas celebrations, from tree decorations through to seasonal feasts.
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Runs until 26 Feb 2012 www.vam.ac.uk
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29 Nov > 8 Jan 2012 The Geffrye, Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA Tel: 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
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London, we love you and here’s why‌ Use the pen in your room to leave ideas & tips about London for fellow guests, comments on mine, & your thoughts on myhotels...
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Share your favourite places & secret spots in London & Brighton with other myhotel guests on our Facebook page. The best suggestion wins a meal for two with wine at a myhotel of your choosing. To enter, click & scan the QR code. T&Cs apply: see the myhotels Facebook page
For Lovers, Adventurers & Dreamers www.coco-de-mer.com 108 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, SW3 3AE. Tel: 020 7584 7615 23 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DD. Tel: 020 7836 8882
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LONDON Spinning plates
three5, myhotel Chelsea
If you know anything about food, you’ll know that ‘small plates’ and variations on tapas are hot right now. myhotel Chelsea’s bar and restaurant area has been transformed into a neighbourhood bar and eatery, with a manifesto that aims to make you feel as comfortable as possible within the world tapas-inspired space. Smaller dishes, designed to share, include zucchini frittata, soya & sake chicken skewers, and chilli beef skewers with a cheeky kick. Larger bites include a seafood paella, mini fish & chips and tempura tiger prawns with sweet chilli sauce. We’re pleased to see some hotel classics on the menu, too, including a great-looking burger and the three5 club sandwich which is superb. We’ll be the ones propping up the bar. Feeling festive? three5 Chelsea is offering three very different, very clever takes on the Christmas menu: a canapé reception, so you and your guests can nibble and mingle; Christmas tapas, which are lighter bites perfect for sharing; plus a set menu including roasted figs with Parma ham and Gorgonzola; a shank of lamb; and a panetonne ice-cream turon (£20 for two courses, £25 for three).
three5 at myhotel Chelsea www.three5chelsea.com
The ripest fruit falls first Richard II, Donmar Warehouse
Don’t let former-model-turned-awardwinning-actor Eddie Redmayne’s good looks put you off. The 29-year-old won an Olivier and Tony award for his portrayal of Rothko in John Logan’s Red, and with a star-turn in a BBC adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles, he’s arriving on the Donmar Warehouse’s boards with great reviews under this belt. This production is Michael Grandage’s curtain call at the Donmar, and we’re expecting him to leave with a bang – plus teenage screaming girls at the stage door (for Redmayne, not for Grandage).
Central Bloomsbury
myhotel Bloomsbury’s next-doorneighbour, Central Bloomsbury, has been causing a stir since it first opened its doors to members. A simple concept, expertly executed, it’s a meeting room, a place to work, somewhere to grab a great coffee, to attend entrepreneurial workshops, share ideas, to network and relax. The space is now available to hire from 6pm every evening, and is the perfect spot to launch an album, hold a get-together, showcase a new product, or host a private dinner party with the menu provided by the hotel’s kitchen.
centralworking.com For more info, email: katie.butler@ centralworking.com
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Da Vinci code
Painter at the Court of Milan
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1 Dec > 4 Feb 2012 Tel: 0844 871 7624 www.donmarwarehouse.com
Portrait of Cecilia Gallerani © Princes Czartoryski Foundation
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Creative space
‘Tis the season for the art blockbuster in London this winter. Art lovers be sure to finish your Christmas shopping early so you can spend your days in the Capital pounding the streets from one exhibition to another. The National Gallery’s A-list offering is the most complete gathering of Leonardo da Vinci’s work ever seen, taken from his time as a court painter from the 1480s to 1490s. No Mona Lisa, though.
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9 Nov > 5 Feb 2012 nationalgallery.org.uk
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hristmas Ditch the naysayers and Scrooges. Forget the miseries and detractors. Here at mine, we love Christmas: gorgeous gifts, a chill in the air, sparkly lights & time with the ones we love. Read on...
Get your skates on!
You know that Christmas is looming when Somerset House opens its breathtaking ice-rink to the Torvill and Dean wannabes. Skate at Somerset House presented by Tiffany & Co. is the jewel in the al fresco skating crown. Presented by one of the most glamourous brands in the world, Tiffany & Co., Somerset House’s annual ice rink is a must for London’s most stylish visitors and residents. Arguably one of the most breathtaking settings for an outdoor rink in the world, as well as daily skating sessions there’s a whole host of events taking place to keep you out on the ice. Limber up, dig out your mittens and make like a Dancing On Ice superstar. So why do we love Skate at Somerset House presented by Tiffany & Co.? Here are 10 simple reasons why we’ll be heading out into the chill London air:
1. We can officially get excited about the prospect of Christmas. Any sooner would be wrong.
2. myhotel Bloomsbury and Chelsea’s Skate package: combining a stay at our favourite London hotels with a skating session at Somerset House. Remember to pack your thermals! Prices for a one night stay, including two tickets to skate, start from £205 excluding VAT: www.myhotels.com 3. The Club Nights: one of the best ideas for a wintry night out that we’ve ever seen. This year Skate teams up with Ministry of Sound, The Loose Cannons, Tayo’s Tracksuit Party, Lovebox and many more to create a calendar of hot-ticket party nights, all on ice. 4. Big Ice Dance lunchtime workouts: Join dancers from the English National Ballet for
box, will be selling luxury bespoke sweets and finely crafted artisan chocolates. 8. Shopping: Skate, shop, eat, drink: all the vital elements in life that we need to keep us happy. The Tiffany Shop returns this year with a cleverly curated collection of fine jewellery, confectionery and those aforementioned chocolates.
20-minute ballet warm-ups off the ice to get you feeling supple and toned. 5. Teatime with Tiffany: On each Saturday before Christmas we’ll be harking back to a more elegant era, thanks to the Teatime with Tiffany skate sessions, including tea dance music, and live ice-dance displays. 6. Storytelling: Can you think of anything more magical or
enchanting for the kids than being read wonderful stories by renowned authors under the bejewelled Tiffany Christmas Tree? Free admission. 7. Deliciousness: There are three ways to stuff your face after an energetic skating session. Tom’s Skate Lounge will be serving indulgent hot chocolate, bites to eat, warming mulled wine and glasses of Champagne. Tom’s Kitchen, by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, offers fine dining on-site, while The Tiffany Shop set in an iconic signature blue
9. Ice Guides: The Ice Guides give valuable assistance to novices out on the ice (i.e. us). 10. People-watching: Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, make sure you’re layered in cashmere, and watch the skaters go round. The rinks is open from 22 November until 22 January Ticket prices start from £7.50. Book online at: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call: 0844 847 1520 Full event details are at: www.somersethouse.org.uk
Christmas STANHOPE TEAPOT
If you’re buying for loved-ones who are fans are beautifully-made objets for the home, then a trip to Anthropologie is a must. We adore this outrageously over-the-top teapot.
£228, www.anthropologie.co.uk
KARL LAGERFELD FOR ORREFORS
Luxe glassware at its most fashionable, Orrefors collection by Lagerfeld is the must-have crystal collection for this Christmas. Heirloom pieces with a couture edge.
www.orrefors.com
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
Don’t let the WAGs car-jack Range Rover’s newest offering. We love its curvaceous lines, plus you can buy it guilt-free as it helps boost British business. Wrap it in a red bow and hide the keys under the Christmas tree for the ultimate gift.
www.rangerover.com
eatdrinksleeptravel WHITE HORNS
Darling of the US interior design scene, Jonathan Adler is finally bringing his wares to the British shores, with the opening of his first UK store on Sloane Avenue this winter. Expecting daring, striking, wow pieces for the home.
Large horn sculpture,$150 www.jonathanadler.com
BROOKLYN GIANT FLOOR LAMP
Think big when you’re compiling your Christmas list. We love this over-size lamp from our online furniture store of choice, made.com.
£79, www.made.com
Pure as the driven snow, these ice-white gifts will light up any Christmas list.
WHITE DR MARTINS
Who knew that the Dr Marten boot would come
VALEXTRA
back into style in such a huge way? We love these purer-than-the-driven-snow editions for department store Selfridges.
Want an investment gift? Then go with Italian quality luggage. Valextra’s Avietta line is a demonstration in quality craftsmanship. Just don’t throw it in the Ryanair hold, for goodness sake.
www.valextra.com
www.selfridges.com
ANDALUSIAN BUST
This Christmas, we’re all about statement pieces: this horse’s head from Anthropologie is ideal for an equine-loving friend or loved-one. Bold, dramatic and exciting.
£398, www.anthropologie.co.uk
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hristmas myhotel Bloomsbury
High tea We’re already fans of merkaba London’s take on afternoon tea. Giving their menu a seasonal twist, you’ll be able to partake in A Merry Afternoon Tea over the festive season. We love the idea of a pot of mulled wine to share, while the dainty sandwich and cake selection includes roast turkey and stuffing, a gingerbread scone with clotted cream plus lemon curd tarts with cranberries. Give the merkaba team a call to discuss your Christmas menu requirements: the Christmas menu has now launched. Dishes include chicken mousse tortellini and bordelaise sauce; a traditional turkey roast, with trimmings, of course; and a custard pear tart to finish. Plus tea and Mozzo coffee to round it off. Three courses for £35 per person. Booking is essential.
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Tel: 020 3004 6000 bloomsburyevents@myhotels.com
myhotels London & Brighton
Stay smart myhotels group is pleased to be a part of the SleepSmart initiative again this year. A voluntary £1 will be added to your room bill between 1 November and 31 December which goes directly and wholly to StreetSmart which raises thousands of pounds for homeless charities across the country. Last year, an incredible £475,000 was raised.
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www.streetsmart.org.uk
myhotel Chelsea & Bloomsbury
West way Westfield London is, arguably, the most civilised place to go about your Christmas shopping. Whether it’s cheeky gifts for yourself, a new seasonal wardrobe so you wow at the Christmas parties, or perhaps seeking out the perfect gift for the one you love, we can’t think of anywhere more lovely to spend your hard-earned. All under one roof, Westfield London houses 275 high-end and high street stores – from Top Shop and Zara to Louis Vuitton and Burberry – as well as excellent pitstops to recharge and refuel. myhotels London outposts are working with Westfield to offer The City Closet with Westfield package. Starting at £173, it includes an overnight stay at either Chelsea or Bloomsbury, a Continental breakfast buffet with late check-out, a two course dinner and a VIP Pass offering discounts between 10 and 20 per cent throughout participating stores at Westfield London. Your whole Christmas shopping experience covered. Just remember to pack some comfy shoes.
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www.westfield.com/london For more information on the package, go to: www.myhotels.com
myhotel Brighton
In a pickle
myhotel Brighton
Spice up your Christmas party with award-winning Indian food at The Chilli Pickle. The restaurant’s seasonal fixed menu starts on the 1st of December and is perfect for groups wanting to celebrate the season with a delicious, carefully thought out menu. Highlights include a parsnip, onion and green chilli pakora; lentil doughnuts with peanut chilli and coconut chutneys; crispy pork belly vindaloo (wow!); Tandoori poussin korma; chocolate orange pot; and Christmas ice cream pudding.
Spammed myhotel Brighton is celebrating the arrival of the hugely acclaimed production of Spamalot with a room package for fans of Monty Python. The perfect way to get your hands on the in-demand tickets, the offer runs from 15th December to 14th January, and is priced from £170 including VAT, and the price includes two tickets to the performance.
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www.myhotels.com
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2 courses plus nibbles £22.50; 3 courses plus nibbles £26.50. Booking is essential. Tel: 01273 900383 www.thechillipickle.com
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BRIGHTON Celebration (Cyprus Street) production still courtesy of Melanie Manchot
Face in the crowd Gathering, Melanie Manchot
London-based German artist Melanie Manchot has had her work shown all over the world, and two of her film works will be shown at Brighton’s excellent Fabrica art space from October in a solo show. Celebration (Cyprus Street) was filmed over six months in a street in Bethnal Green, and is inspired by the tradition of East End street parties and is interwoven with archive footage and photography. The piece shows the rich diversity of the area’s residents. Walk (Square), meanwhile, culminates in a choreographed crowd scene of schoolchildren, which was filmed in Hamburg.
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8 Oct > 27 Nov Fabrica, 40 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AG Tel: 01273 778 646, http://fabrica.org.uk/
When night falls
White Night 2011
White Night, in case you’ve never heard of it, is when Brighton’s artists and venues open up their doors for a night of art, music, history and performance – all for free. Now in its fourth year, participants celebrate the official end of summer, with this year’s event taking place on Saturday 29th October – going on until the sun rises on Sunday 30th October. From commissioned pieces at famous venues like the Brighton Pavilion, to a half-marathon kicking off at midnight, there’ll be no sleep until dawn for the city’s residents and visitors. Snooze and you’ll lose. For a full programme of events, head to the website.
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Stirred and shaken
merkaba Brighton
The expert mixology team’s latest shaking at merkaba is a delicious new food and drink pairings menu, served in the spectacular surroundings of this Karim Rashid-designed space. The merkaba lab menu is a new way to discover their perfectly-mixed drinks and wine selection: delicious combinations that bring out the best in each other. Quail egg, tomato and ham is served with Nero d’Avola; while a smoked salmon parcel is perfectly reflected in a Sunny Afternoon cocktail (gin, elderflower syrup, lemon, gomme and fresh coriander). Clever and delicious. Celebrate good times: merkaba’s Winter Warmers cocktail menu is looking divine. If a Brass Monkey doesn’t warm your cockles (Courvoisier Exclusif VSOP cognac, Taylors LBC port, Benedictine, orange juice and orange bitters – Christmas in a glass), then the Hot Buttered Rum will cure all ills (El Dorado 12-year-old rum, house-made honey butter, old fashioned bitters, sugar and hot water).
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merkaba at myhotel Brighton www.merkababrighton.com
29 Oct, 6pm-6am www.whitenightnuitblanche.com
Ask the insider…
Mr Bright, our man in Brighton and Hove What’s the hottest ticket in town this winter? Ed Sheeran’s gig is so hot it’s sold out, so try The Pierces: they’re the next big folky thing. Best cosy spot for a cold winter’s day by the seaside? Snuggle down at The Eagle in the North Laines. Its menu features local produce and a superdooper Sunday roast. Best spot for some warming spice? It has to be the awardwinning food at The Chilli Pickle – a perfect choice for a blustery day. Tell us some myhotel Brighton gossip… The Bamboo Studio is a bedroom at the back of the property and is the most serene space in Sussex. Winter in Brighton is beautiful because... The party people go indoors so we celebrate the chill. Look out for Burning Of The Clocks festival, a haunting procession of mysterious shapes and characters.
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Tweet me: twitter.com/Mr_Bright1
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Spice is right The Chilli Pickle Oxtail Madras
Since it moved to its new space at myhotel Brighton, The Chilli Pickle has been winning fans for its wonderfully spiced dishes. So you can enjoy the flavours of India, chef patron Alun Sperring is exclusively sharing his recipe for a warming oxtail madras with us. 01273 900 383,
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www.thechillipickle.com
Ingredients:
2kg oxtail (we use organic Sussex beef)
First Marinade:
100g ginger paste 60g garlic paste 5 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp cumin powder 50ml vegetable oil
For Braising:
5g green cardamoms 1 onion (sliced) 6 cloves 60g ghee 1 piece cinnamon 2 litres beef stock 5 dried Kashmiri chillis 50ml malt vinegar 20g fresh green chilli 100g tomato paste 5g salt 1 litre water
Masala Sauce: Alun and Dawn Sperring from Brighton’s The Chilli Pickle
100g fresh coconut 1 litre of strained cooking juices Whole dry Kashmiri chilli 15g 5g green cardamom pod 2 tbsp tamarind pulp 3g cloves 1 tbsp date molasses 10g fenugreek seeds 1 cinnamon stick 2 star anise 20g coriander seeds
Method:
1. Rub all the marinade ingredients thoroughly over the oxtail pieces and keep in fridge for a minimum of two hours. 2. In a hot pan add the ghee and seal off the marinaded meat until golden brown. 3. Remove meat, add more ghee and brown off sliced onions, the chilli and all of the spices from the braising ingredients. 4. Add the tomato paste and stir constantly. 5. Add the malt vinegar and beef stock and mix thoroughly. 6. In a clean saucepan add the oxtail pieces and the cooking jus, and cover tightly with tin foil. 7. Cook in oven at 170 degrees Celcius for approximately three hours, until the meat is tender and comes off the bone when pulled. 8. Remove oxtail pieces and cool. 9. Strain the cooking liquid and keep for the Masala sauce. 10. Grate the fresh coconut. 11. Toast the coconut in the oven on a baking tray untill golden brown.
12. Toast the spices on a baking tray until golden brown. 13. Grind the spices, and add enough water to produce a smooth paste. 14. Mix the masala paste you have just made with the strained cooking juices and simmer for 10 minutes. 15. Add the tamarind paste and date molasses. 16. In a hot oven (200 degrees Celcius) roast the oxtail pieces for approx 8 minutes. 17. Roll the oxtail pieces in finished sauce and plate neatly in middle of plate, coat with extra sauce. 18. Garnish with caramelised onions and fresh coriander sprigs 19. Serve with a side of pilau rice and spring onion raita.
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Diary
OCTOBER End of the Rainbow: Olivier Award-winning actress Tracie Bennett brings her uncanny portrayal of Judy Garland to Brighton. 3>8 October, Theatre Royal. www.agttickets.com Guillemots: Fyfe Dangerfield and his band’s unique form of avant-garde pop lights up The Old Market stage. 31 October, 7pm www.theoldmarket.com
NOVEMBER Practical Electronic: An exhibition inspired by the work of musician, inventor, engineer and writer, Fred Judd. Geektastic. 19 Nov > 18 Dec, Phoenix Brighton. phoenixarts.org
DECEMBER Studio Day: Robots In Print: Learn simple printmaking techniques to create art inspired by the Robot Invasion! exhibition. 19 December, Hove Museum brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk A Dickensian Christmas: Father Christmas arrives at the Royal Pavilion. Make like a Victorian and dress yourself up in your finest frills. 17 > 22 December, brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk
Guitar superhero
ZAZA Music presents Sam Duckworth, Komedia singer-songwriter sam Duckworth, better known as the man at the helm of Get Cape. wear Cape. Fly, heads to Brighton to sing songs from his beautiful new solo album, The Mannequin. A true British musical talent, see him now before he outgrows intimate venues of this size.
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18 October, Komedia Brighton www.komedia.co.uk
Tub thumping
Carousel Penthouse
We love a cheeky offer here at mine, so when the myhotel Brighton team told us about their latest drinks offer, we couldn’t help but share. The bar team’s latest deal – told with a dead-pan face – is certainly tempting for a blow-out night over Christmas: buy a bath tub full of Champagne, for £6500, and they’ll throw in a night’s stay in myhotel’s gorgeous carousel penthouse, complete with its very own 300-year-old vintage carousel horse. A very clever concept indeed. And having seen that bath tub, we think you’ll need help from at least a few friends. Party time.
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merkaba at myhotel Brighton, 01273 900 300 www.merkababrighton.com
THE INTERNATIONAL HIT MUSICAL COMEDY STARRING
MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE JODIE PRENGER AND TODD CARTY THU 15 DEC - SAT 14 JAN
0844 871 7650 www.atgtickets.com/brighton
mine
POP!
goes the restaurant
Guerilla dining, supper clubs, pop-up restaurants, anti-restaurant restaurants: call them what you like, but even if their locations come and go, pop-up restaurants are here to stay Pop-up restaurants, shops, boutiques, hotels and even mobile meat wagons are where the cool-hunters go to see what’s hot and on-trend with a city’s fickle populous. Even if you’re in the captal for just a day or two, there’s always a renegade chef laying on some of London’s most exciting food. Here we take a look at some of the most inspiring cooking taking place on London’s restaurant scene, without ever being a part of London’s restaurant scene. The Young Turks, Nuno Mundes, Shacklewell Nights, TweatUp… these are just a few of the names that impassioned foodies know well: the underground heroes of, arguably, one of the best foodie cities in the whole damn world. This pop-up scene is so hot right now, that even Michelin-starred chefs are trying to get a piece of the action.
FRENCH LAUNDRY AT HARRODS We’re not sure whether Thomas Keller, anointed as America’s best chef, appreciated the term ‘popup’ when describing his recent temporary residency at London’s most famous department store. But he’s certainly used the pop-up hype to cause a stir. His eatery, The French Laundry, was moved for a 10-day stint to London in what has been described as a “faithful recreation” of his lauded hostel – which has been named as the World’s Best Restaurant in the past. The move included the arrival of 14 members of the restaurant’s staff, kitchen equipment and Mr Keller, of course. Tickets for the nine-course lunch were as rare as hen’s teeth, and cost diners £250 (that was without drinks and service, for your information). Tickets no doubt changed hands for a lot more
than that. Twitter was alight with reviews from the chosen few who raved about his cooking.
www.harrods.com
THE YOUNG TURKS Founded in 2010 by James Lowe, Isaac Mchale and Ben Greeno, The Young Turks (below) create one-off food events and work with other foodie pioneers (such as
The Clove Club and Restaurants In Residence) to promote a new approach to British cooking; a new way of thinking. Wildly passionate about small producers, and with an impressive roster of world-class kitchens on their CVs (including Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and Redzepi’s Noma), the three are going it alone so they can re-write the rulebook.
http://youngturks.co/
THE LOFT PROJECT Originally set up as a test kitchen and temporary supper club by one of London’s most respected chefs, Nuno Mundes, and his partner Claire Faria, The Loft Project has become one of the city’s hottest tables. Described as an experiment ‘in food and people’, the space now plays host to some of the world’s most exciting, talented new-generation chefs, who are given a space in which to showcase their daring new ideas.
Junya Yamasaki, born and raised in Japan, now working in London, takes over The Loft Project from 21 to 22nd October.
www.theloftproject.co.uk
MSMARMITELOVER’S UNDERGROUND RESTAURANT Rock photographer turned underground domestic goddess, Kirsten Rodgers (below right) is one of London’s most respected and important food bloggers. She launched The Underground Restaurant, one of London’s first supperclubs, back in 2009 and has been championing the movement ever since. Her regular foodie nights, with all of the menu cooked on her trusty Aga, are hugely popular and include themes such as ‘Barbra Streisand night’ (dress code: perms, kaftans, Yentl…). She also runs The Underground Farmers and Craft Market (next event: 4 & 5th
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November) and writes restaurant reviews.
star meal’ was served, with each course cooked by some of the city’s most influential chefs, including Angela Hartnett, Jason Atherton, Simon Rogan and Nuno Mundes. After the feast, they were shuttled back to their room at The Savoy. High living indeed.
Barbra Streisand night: 18th November marmitelover.blogspot.com
THE CLOVE CLUB A pop-up private dining club, The Clove Club is a group of wellconnected friends who host ‘fancy’ dinner parties in their Dalston flat. Events often boast guest chefs (they often work with The Young Turks, as well as chefs from places such as St John Food and Wine), and each dinner costs £35 per head. As well as beautifully constructed dishes, there’s art and music to entertain the senses. The autumn menu includes Mussels, Mackerel & Dulse; Duck egg, Brussel sprouts, Celeriac & Chestnuts; and Goat’s Curd, Beetroot & Sorrel.
Next events: 25, 26, 27 November Email: reservations@ thecloveclub.com
sALTOUN sUPPER CLUB Based in Brixton and run by a food stylist, every week, twice a week, Arno Massdorp, the dapper chap in charge, turns his flat into a 16-seater restaurant. With 20 years of experience in the food industry, there’s no amateur dishing-up here. The club is dubbed as an alternative to ‘over-priced and
londonrestaurantfestival.com
fancy establishments’, and diners are offered a four-course dinner including homemade bread. Price: minimum contribution of £35 per person
www.eatwithyoureyes.net
POP-UP IN THE skY Back in the skies this year (pictured above) was London Restaurant Festival’s (3>17 October) Pop-up In The Sky, which took the pop-up concept to dizzy new heights. Literally. Proceedings kicked off at The Savoy, and then guests (who paid up to £150,000 for a capsule) went on to the London Eye where the ‘world’s first six Michelin
FERDIEsFOODLAB Co-founder of Fernandez and Leluu, a trail-blazing supper club, Simon Fernandez is now at the helm of his new venture, Ferdiesfoodlab. Rather than being hosted in his lounge, though, the event has gone upscale and is now housed at Toynbee Hall, a grade II listed building in the City. Fernandez is a British/ Spanish guy, who has a keen palate and is experimental in his style of cooking. Dishes at past events have included Champagne poached pears with cured ham, and Barents Sea king crab with creamed samphire. All dishes are beautifully presented. This isn’t just hobby cooking – this is expertly cooked, restaurant quality food cooked by a man who is passionate about quality ingredients.
Upcoming events: 4th Nov, 18th Nov, and several dates in December. Go to the website for more information: www.ferdiesfoodlab.co.uk
suite retreat For festive wining & dining at the myhotels group, download & scan the Qr code above.
LET Us sHOW YOU TO YOUR ROOM… myhotel Brighton Room: A “more superior” room. Design concept: super-future styling, thanks to the floating bed, means this generous-sized room’s look mirrors Karim rashid’s design work downstairs in merkaba. The show-stopper: That bed! Floating off the ground, it was designed to make you want to dive right in. Geek retreat: Complimentary wifi, an intergrated sound system for your MP3 player, plasma TV with DVD player, plus a work station for your laptop. Wow factor: The floor-toceiling windows flood the room with beautiful beside-the-seaside light Top tip? Be sure to spend at least one night of your stay supping expertly-mixed cocktails downstairs in merkaba. if you’re a curry connoisseur, you can’t miss a feast at The Chilli Pickle. Rate: £220 per night, including VAT.
| myhotels.com
mine Follow us: @mine_newspaper Published by Resource Magazine Words Lisa Richards Design Christian Tate Business Rachel Seed www.resource-magazine.com
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The besT place To work on The high sTreeT. “boutique-style co-working club coming to a high street near you”
“Twitter has hummed with talk of London’s latest workspace innovation”
Central Bloomsbury 11-13 Bayley Street WC1B 3HD (Next to myhotel Bloomsbury)
centralworking.com