Stephanie Mulholland 16th February 2019 Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room, 10th Floor, 27 - 31 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0LS

Brunch at Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room, London ?

Brunch at Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room

It’s always exciting when a new brunch hotspot in London appears. A fortnight ago, I headed out for brunch at Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room during its launch weekend.

The new rooftop restaurant and bar is located in the heart of the West End. Situated atop the Assembly Hotel, it offers panoramic views across London and a stunning interior.

The interior is wonderful, with floor-to-ceiling windows, delicate wicker weaved furnishings and citrus dotted flora aplenty.

Their brunch menu is wholesome and delicious, with a selection of vegetarian and vegan items to boot. Fear not meat eaters, there truly is something for everyone!

So, what did I think of Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room?

Opting for savoury over sweet, I ordered the ‘Baked green eggs, all mixed up’. This dish was bursting with flavour, embellished with fresh pesto, crunchy vegetables and baked eggs in an earthy terracotta dish.

As expected, there are options for a bottomless brunch, as well as a selection sumptuous sides, cocktails and fresh juices to suit all.

Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room offers its visitors breakfast, dinner, cocktails and of course, weekend brunch, open daily from 7am.

Have you been to Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room yet? Which item would try from their brunch menu?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 26th October 2018 Dirty Bones Oxford, 304 The Westgate, Queen St, Oxford OX1 1PG

A night of American-inspired food at Dirty Bones Oxford ?

Dirty Bones Oxford review

If you are looking for some American-inspired food with a New York City twist, Dirty Bones Oxford is the place to be.

Walk inside and you are welcomed to a sleek interior, with moody low-lit lighting, plush seating and quiet corners aplenty. The perfect venue for an intimate evening with your other half or friends.

Grab a drink from the gorgeous cocktail bar and sit down to a menu embellished with traditional and exotic pairings – with many a twist to be discovered.

The menu offers quite the variety, with a fantastic selection of vegetarian choices and a vegan option to boot. As a fussy eater (and a vegetarian), I am always delighted when I have a few options to choose from!

To start, we sampled the mac and cheese balls and gyoza dumplings filled with mince and cheese. Who doesn’t love a starter oozing with cheese?

So, what did I think of my dinner at Dirty Bones Oxford?

For my main, the vegan mac daddy burger, lovingly loaded with espresso-spiked BBQ sauce and vegan mac and cheese. I removed the ‘smoky mushroom short rib’ due to personal preference. Regardless, this main was a dream, held together in a soft bun and messy as they come.

My other half opted for the 12 hour braised beef short rib. These were anything but ‘short’, the monumental short rib is garnished with espresso-spiked BBQ sauce, crispy shallots and spring onions. They must have been pretty moreish, as the plate was left bone dry.

Alongside our mains, we sampled the cheesy truffle and crispy lamb topped fries. The cheesy fries garnished with aged cheddar, Parmesan cheese sauce and white truffle oil. The lamb fries, loaded with succulent crispy lamb, sweet miso, red chilli and jalapeño.

To finish, we indulged with the peanut butter cookie cup and the stickiest toffee pudding. I have to admit, the pudding did not quite reach the bar compared to the rest of the meal. Of course, it was delicious, but seemed to just miss the sparkle that the starters, mains and sides had offered.

Overall, would I return to Dirty Bones Oxford? You bet! However, next time, I might have to skip lunch and breakfast that day…

You can book a Dirty Bones Oxford reservation for your next brunch, lunch or dinner date.

Have you been to Dirty Bones before? What would be your go to main?

Stephanie xox

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This dining experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 2nd February 2018 Rooftop, John Lewis, Westgate Oxford, Oxford, OX1 1PB

Scandinavian dining at KuPP Oxford ?

KuPP Oxford review

KuPP Oxford is a beautiful new Nordic-inspired dining venue atop the top floor of John Lewis, Oxford in the new and shiny (and very much improved) Westgate Shopping centre. You can also access it via a lift just to the left of the John Lewis store entrance.

KuPP Oxford is bright and bold, with an edgy design and a gorgeous rooftop location. It has a quirky nature-meets-industrial feel, with revealed copper pipes, cosy faux fur lined or floral print seating, tree trunk features, potted plants and roped lighting decorating the interior.

The optional outdoor seating presents the perfect summertime dining opportunity. Alas, on the final day of January, we were much better off in the warm interior of this beautiful restaurant.

So, what did I think of KuPP Oxford?

The restaurant offers Scandinavian cuisine morning, noon and night with a healthy and wholesome menu embellished with classic Nordic dishes and incredible cocktails infused with a variety of homemade syrups.

We were lucky enough to sample a variety of different starters, their famed smörgåsbords and indulgent mini deserts – order the cheesecake. I repeat, order the cheesecake!

What I love about KuPP is that it encourages you to share and try new and interesting foods you may not otherwise have thought to. The smörgåsbords are simply so much fun, with a variety of nibbles to drag you in.

As someone who is far too fussy with food, it really made me step out of my comfort zone, as I sampled an array of chicken and vegetarian dishes. The västerbotten cheese and pickled vegetables are simply to die for.

KuPP is perfect at any time of the day, be it breakfast, a simple coffee stop, brunch, evening meals or a quick cocktail. They even have a store onsite where you can purchase their delicious coffee, jams and even some Nordic home decor!

Everything on their menu is fresh and bursting with flavour. It’s truly refreshing and you can see the chefs, bartenders and waiters whizzing about hard at work perfecting the dishes and experience.

I will be returning to KuPP within the next week for brunch with my mother – I am fighting between the smoothie bowl and pancakes currently.

I am sure I will have many more visits in the near future. It is simple, if you are looking for incredible dining in the heart of Oxford, look no further than the oh so welcoming KuPP!

Have you been to KuPP Oxford yet? How about visiting the Westgate Oxford for a spot of shopping?

Stephanie xox

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This dining experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 28th January 2018 59A Portobello Rd, London, W11 3DB

Coloured lattes and healthy eats at Farm Girl, London ??☕

Farm Girl cafe review

I have wanted to go to the Farm Girl for quite some time, drawn in by their colourful lattes, vibrant salads and quirky decor dotting across my Instagram feed – they also have a resident bulldog, just one more reason to go really.

Located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, it made for a nice brisk walk from the nearby tube station. Visiting on a busy Saturday afternoon, we had to wait some time (in the rain) before managing to secure a seat inside.

Do be warned, if you come at the weekend, you may have to wait for up to an hour to be seated. However, it is worth it!

I was taken aback by the bright decor and wonderfully polite staff amidst the hustle and bustle of the cafe, the music was great and the staff attentive.

So, what did I think of the Farm Girl cafe?

The café offers a large room with plush and cosy furnishings inside, as well as a quaint outside seating area – ideal for those food snaps in natural light when the heavens are not open.

The walls inside feature contrasting green square tiling and plush seating which gives off a fabulous natural and earthy vibe. You could really sit there for hours during the week sipping away.

I chose their rose latte, a beautiful flavoured drink garnished with real rose petals. My partner opted for a vibrant blue butterfly matcha latte, taking us back to Japan as we discussed the possibility of a third trip.

Farm Girl offers a healthy and wholesome menu, with breakfast and lunch covered. Think acai embellished fruit bowls, buckwheat pancakes, salads with all the colours of the rainbow, gargantuan sandwiches, eggs-just-the-way-you-like on toast and a variety of homemade soups to name a few items – oh, and the super colourful lattes.

In regards to dining, I opted for a sweet treat, the raspberry croissant. My partner, a chicken sandwich, brimming with guacamole and spiced yoghurt on sourdough bread. If I was feeling a little more peckish, the Açai Bowl would have has my name on it. Maybe next time eh?

Overall, the Farm Girl cafe experience was lovely – the perfect pit-stop before exploring the delights of Portobello Market nearby. The afternoon date proved a little costlier than your standard chain cafés, a hot drink and cake for two will set you back about £15.

Have you been to the Farm Girl Café? Which coloured latte tempts you?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 24th October 2017 116 Ebury St, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9QQ

Halloween cupcakes at Peggy Porschen, London ??

Peggy Porschen review

Peggy Porschen has had a rather enchanting Halloween makeover in the lead up to the best holiday of the year – in my opinion anyway, Halloween is fabulous.

Still pretty and perfect in pink, the celebrated cake shop’s décor features some slight adjustments, with pastel pumpkins, cutesy bat bunting and sugar skull cookies aplenty temporarily garnishing its interior.

I paid a visit one morning to their quaint Belgravia bakery to sample some of the exciting new seasonal menu, absolutely delighted by the Halloween and Autumnal overhaul that welcomed me on arrival.

Peggy Porschen’s well-known floral garland door frame was emblazoned with pastel pumpkins, golden skulls and painted broomsticks, nestled amidst the beautiful and vibrant kaleidoscope of coloured flowers woven into the frame.

Each table had its own munchkin pumpkin and the shop had the prettiest (not overly eerie in all honesty) and most welcoming feel as expected – can you even make somewhere so pretty in any way scary?

So, what did I think of the Peggy Porschen Halloween collection?

Sitting inside, I chose a cappuccino which was embellished with cutesy sugar skull shaped topping and a spiced pumpkin cupcake. Although a tad on the expensive side, I must admit this handmade cupcake was delicious, with a fluffy spiced sponge and delicious cinnamon cream cheese frosting – which proved a little too indulgent in the end.

Peggy Porschen are known for their picturesque products and décor, and the Halloween spiced pumpkin cupcake was no exception, with an edible rose gold sugar skull with floral decal.

Teamed with freshly brewed coffee, it is certainly a delicious morning or lunchtime pick-me-up – and is a fabulous date idea if you are looking for something a little different.

It is definitely one of the most Instagramable spots in London. I will certainly be back to revisit their exclusive products this festive season and perhaps even for a little morning time treat again in the meantime…

Have you been to Peggy Porschen yet? What do you think of the Halloween theme?

Stephanie xox

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Stephanie Mulholland 7th October 2017 Icebar London, 31-33 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BN

Why you need to spend your next date night at the Icebar London ❄️?

An Icebar London experience review

Icebar London satisfies the most difficult to please, a venue offering a plush ‘warm’ bar with delectable cocktails, a restaurant with a charming interior and décor and a sensory experience like no other, a bar crafted from 40 tonnes of Swedish ice from the Torne River.

When it comes to date nights, we are always looking for something unique, an experience that goes beyond the traditional dinner or cinema venture – something that leaves a lasting impression.

Start your evening in the restaurant downstairs, where you will discover a warm and rustic interior. Surrounded by low lit lights with zig-zag filaments, red-brick ceilings and cosy leather seats tucked beneath hardwood tables. The perfect start to date night in London.

Add in Autumnal tones and a relaxed mood, alongside television screens evoking warmth with open log cabin fire videos playing on loop, and you have a beautiful setting and ambience for a romantic evening meal. Serious thought went into the décor, which is complimented by smooth jazz music.

So, what did I think of the Icebar London resturant?

The menu is concise but varied, with European cuisine to suit all tastes and three courses available if desired. The best bit? Vegetarian options are also readily available too.

Starters presented crispy tofu, cooked in breadcrumbs and garnished with pickled cucumber, toasted peanuts and spiced honey. A delicious tangy affair. Although, the tofu was delicious in its own right, its soft interior delicately coated made for something special.

For the main, stuffed peppers brimming with ricotta and a touch of spice (I somehow managed), alongside pistachio pesto and lightly fried quinoa. A variety of sides were also on offer to compliment, and I opted for the corn grilled in husks, a medley of sweetcorn, sour cream and spice once more.

Finally, an indulgent triple chocolate brownie, decorated with toasted marshmallow, salted caramel and ice cream with a crunchy twist. It’s safe to say, we were very full and satisfied.

Top this spectacular dining with a variety of premium cocktails and you are on to a winner. The crumble was a delicious fruit medley, embellished with crumble detailing. My partner, opting for the Rum Blazer and was also drawn in by his fruity concoction, served warm with a rum kick to finish.

The restaurant is truly exquisite in its own right, a warm and luxurious environment that should be recognised in addition to the physical Icebar experience. The food is a varied affair, with lots of quirky touches.

So, what did I think?

Warm and full, we prepared ourselves for the Icebar, sitting in the warm bar upstairs and unwinding beforehand. Once our allocated time came, we were ushered towards the room, faux-fur lined capes placed over heads and our gloves swinging to and fro as we shuffled like Arctic penguins into the bar.

Walking in, I must admit, I was very impressed. The latest instillation presents a Wild in the City theme. Discover an abundance of safari and aquatic animals embracing the walls, sculptures and screens around the room. These are all brought to life as part of an exciting light show – it is a wonderful spectacle.

Although a little smaller than expected, this intimate venue was fabulous. It was fun, different and exciting. Making our way to the actual ice bar, we were presented with champagne cocktails in glasses made of ice.

Essentially, there’s nothing quite like drinking bubbles from an ice glass! The colourful cocktails on offer make for some very pretty pictures indeed.

This sensory experience is simply incredible, thrusting you into a -5°C bar that is brought to life by artistic prowess. There is something quite extraordinary about sitting in a room of solid ice, bopping along to good music and a fabulous light show.

I would thoroughly recommend the entire experience for a date night or special occasion. You can take a peek at Instagram for Icebar London images.

What do you think of the Icebar London? Where is your favourite place for date night?

Stephanie xox

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This experience was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 20th September 2017

Bubblegum Cake, Desserts Delivered Bakery

Bubblegum Cake Review

Okay, so I am kind of obsessed with aesthetically pleasing cakes. Not only do they have to be pretty, but lets face it, they also have to be delicious. When I spotted this Bubblegum Cake online, its safe to say I fell head over heels for it.

You will find that fabulous combination of prettiness and deliciousness with the selection of cakes available at the Desserts Delivered Bakery, an online bakery that offers homemade cakes conveniently delivered to your door within 24 hours – just in time for your special occasion or the ultimate cheat day.

What amazed me about Desserts Delivered Bakery was the fast turnaround of the cake, it was at my door the next day, loving packed with brackets, cooling bags and placed in a robust box with logo inside an even bigger styrofoam casing. It is safe to say, it arrived in perfect condition.

Desserts Delivered Bakery offers an array of pretty and delicious homemade cakes, including Deluxe Cookies and Cream, Peanut Butter, Rainbow Icing, Jammy Biscuit and Chocolate Orange, to name a few – all garnished with beautiful decoration.

So, what did I think of this beautiful cake?

The Bubblegum Cake grasped my attention immediately (and there is a lot of pretty cakes to choose from, trust me). It was truly beautiful with some serious unicorn and mermaid-esque vibes. It features bubblegum flavour soft icing, a flavoured sponge and is decorated with pink chocolate, bon bon sweets and an array of sprinkles.

We have ticked the looks box well and truly – but how did it taste? Well, amazing. You’d think the bubblegum would be overpowering and it wasn’t. It was very subtle, the cake was light and fluffy.

You can tell a lot of love went into its making and the homemade nature of the product completely drew me.

Dessert Delivered Bakery says: ‘This is a real favourite with our younger fans and tastes amazing!’

Well, I’m 24 and it spoke to my inner child and vibrant dessert loving soul.

Desserts Delivered Bakery started trading in 2013 in the North East. It was one of the first regional (and now nationwide) dessert delivery services. It allows people to enjoy their beautifully decorated creations from the comfort of their own home. Delicious, gorgeous, unique and affordable – what more could you want?

What do you think of this bubblegum cake? Do you prefer homemade cakes?

Stephanie xox

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This cake was exchanged for an honest review

Stephanie Mulholland 26th August 2017 Wellcome Kitchen, Wellcome Collection

Wellcome Kitchen afternoon tea at the Wellcome Collection, Euston

A Wellcome Kitchen Afternoon TEA REVIEW

I have to admit, I was rather excited for my visit to the Wellcome Kitchen. Not only because it looked exquisite, but also because I was very eager to take a peek around the Wellcome Collection. Known as being the ‘free destination for the incurably curious.’

The Wellcome Collection is a truly spectacular and unique museum. Located near Euston Station, it’s brimming with intriguing exhibits and collections on science, health and life. It blurs the line between technology and art.

As curious as I was, I soon dashed to take our summer-inspired afternoon tea in the Wellcome Kitchen.

Located on the second floor, this boutique venue is divine. It’s bright and elegant and includes a focal display of the celebrated Pill Dress by artist, Susie Freeman.

What is included in the Welcome Kitchen Afternoon Tea?

So, what did we get in our Wellcome Kitchen afternoon tea for two at the Wellcome Collection? Check out the menu below:

A selection of finger sandwiches including cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and coronation chicken
A selection of mini cakes including 2 raspberry and cream tarts, 2 nutty brownies, 2 lemon mouse macarons and 2 red berry cakes
Two fruit scones, Cornish clotted cream and Tiptree strawberry jam
A pot of loose leaf tea (a variety of flavours) or a hot drink each

So, what did I think of the Wellcome Kitchen Afternoon Tea?

In all honesty, I loved this afternoon tea experience. The venue is beautiful and the food divine.

The afternoon tea included a fabulous mix of sandwiches and cakes.

Everything was well presented, with lovely floral china and welcoming staff who graced you with big smiles.

All the food is freshly prepared on site and they even made our sandwiches to order (I cannot have butter, it makes me feel very unwell – odd I know, but, alas) which was a wonderfully helpful touch.

The food is locally-sourced and tends to be seasonal produce, you can even indulge in a glass of sparkling pink Moscato if you feel inclined!

It is the perfect venue to unwind and get lost in great company or even solo. The Wellcome Kitchen is so quiet and calm, away from the vibrancy and bustle of the intrigued visitors of the Wellcome Collection downstairs.

Once you have finished your delicious afternoon tea, you will discover the spectacular Reading Room adjacent, which allows you to unwind with a copy or two and take a peek at an eccentric collection of sculptures, paintings and artefacts.

Overall, a perfect mini-day out wrapped up with lots of technology, culture and food – what’s not to love?

Have you tried the Wellcome Kitchen Afternoon Tea?

Stephanie xox

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