Kahani: Fine Dining Indian Restaurant in Chelsea

Kahani: Fine Dining Indian Restaurant in Chelsea

Located in the heart of Chelsea, opposite the iconic Cadogan Hall, Kahani combines luxe, seductively lit interiors with a high-class, yet inclusive, dining experience. It is perfect for any Papapreneur, but I would be careful of Minipreneurs here, although welcome they do politely suggest to be finished dining by 7 pm with a little one, and also the spice and flavours may not be to all little palates delight. However, it is a must for any adult for sure.

Kahani was set up in 2018 by Peter Joseph, who held a Michelin star at Tamarind for six years, before leaving to set up Kahani. The space is sophisticated yet welcoming with a semi-open kitchen and a cast wine cellar visible behind glass panels.

The main restaurant seats up to 90 people which is overlooked by The Peacock Room, an intimate private dining room that seats up to 14 guests and overlooks the main restaurant. The Peacock Room is perfect for intimate parties or business meetings, and Peter will devise a specially curated menu to suit the requirements of each guest to give them a personalised experience.

All Rights Reserved

The a la carte menu is made up of small plates, the chargrilled meats and fish, curry & biryani, all to go with the classic dal, roti, naan, rice, chutneys and raita. The dishes are packed full of flavour and are designed to be shared, to encourage guests to try dishes from all over the menu.

To complement the food, Kahani boasts a top-notch cocktail and wine list. The cocktails are infused with Indian flavours, and consumers can use the help of the wine sommelier to choose the best wine to complement their meal.

Kahani also has an irresistible Bottomless Brunch offering for those who love Indian food and want to slip it down with delicious prosecco. The food menu comprises three courses for just £38, and for only £17 more prosecco lovers can have unlimited fizz on top.

Peter Joseph loves putting together tasting menus as they show Indian food doesn’t have to be all curries and kebabs, so Kahani has a 6 course tasting menu and regularly runs set menus for the likes of Mother’s Day, Easter and to celebrate key festivals such as Holi Festival.

Kahani’s General Manager Shoaib Malik & Head Chef Peter Joseph

The regular tasting menu is for those looking to indulge in a 6-course feast so they can try a huge array of dishes from the menu. For £75 per person, the tasting menu has some of Kahani’s signature dishes, including the spiced chickpeas with sweetened yoghurt, mint, tamarind chutney and papdi, the Smoked Malabar prawns and the Somerset lamp chops.

And to get the full experience, why not get the wine pairings for an additional £55, chosen especially by Kahani’s in-house wine sommelier and paired to perfection. Here are some of our personal highlights from the A La Carte menu at Kahani this season.

Poppadums with tasty chutneys to whet the appetite at the start of the meal.

Seared scallops with star anise coating served with pepper chutney and barley khichdi

Come in for a closer look…

Soft shell crunchy crab with Mangalorean spices, kachumber, smoked tomato chutney

Black chicken with Chetinaad roasted spice and curry leaves

Smoked Malabar Prawns – marinated with fresh turmeric, coconut, curry leaves

Guinea fowl tikka with Chettinad spices and smoked tomato makhni sauce served with Ajwain roti

Kashmiri Nihari – Somerset lamb shank slow-cooked with browned onion and Kashmiri spices

Hydrabadi Lamb Biryani – Braised fragrant basmati rice, exotic spices, mint, corriander

For those with a sweet tooth, we highly recommend the Dessert Platter which can be paired with the excellent Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2017.

I have frequented this fine establishment with fellow Papapreneurs, work colleagues and also on a romantic date with Mrs Papapreneur. It really does fit any occasion because the food is something you will want to be sharing with those in your life too.

Kahani
1 Wilbraham Place, London, SW1X 9AE
020 7730 7634
www.kahanilondon.com

St Ermin’s Hotel: Family-friendly luxury in Westminster

St Ermin’s Hotel: Family-friendly luxury in Westminster

Located in the heart of historical London in Westminster, the family-friendly St Ermin’s Hotel invested over £1.8m during lockdown to create two dedicated Family Suites and convert many of the guest bathrooms into luxurious wet rooms.

The state-of-the-art Family Suites come equipped with teepees, two double beds plus sofa bed, two bathrooms, LED TV entertainment systems and a collection of children’s books and toys.

Designed to keep children entertained and adults reassured, the hotel’s recently launched Kid’s Concierge ‘Buzz the Bee’ has developed a series of family-friendly experiences to suit all ages both inside and outside of the hotel. Guests can also pre-order a variety of essential baby and toddler items for their stay to lighten the packing load.

Inside the hotel, families can watch Buzz and his friends at work making honey at the Bee Hotel on the third floor and children can become secret agents for the day.

On check-in, each child receives their own spy activity book, undertaking a mission to uncover the hotel’s rich espionage history.

Once the clues are cracked, children are awarded a secret spy pass that wins them a special mocktail in the award-winning Caxton Bar, where the real spies used to meet.

Outside of the hotel, Buzz directs families to carefully chosen local places of interest including Peter Pan Gardens in Kensington Gardens, London Transport Museum, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, Natural History Museum, and Hamleys.

Tucked away in a tree-lined courtyard, just a five-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square, the hotel’s kitchen roof garden supplies fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables to the chefs and 350,000 Buckfast bees on the third-floor bee terrace provide the hotel’s honey.

Dinner at Caxton Grill – the hotel restaurant within St Ermin’s – was a relaxed affair with attentive service, tasty food and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Here are some of our favourite dishes on the menu.

Beetroot cured salmon with apple and fennel salad, sour cream, dill and crispbread.

Smoked ham hock and potato cake served with poached egg and mustard sauce.

Confit guinea fowl leg salad served with smoked almonds, white beans and rainbow chard.

Cod with monks beard, mussel, lemon and chive sauce.

Rib-eye steak with braised shallot, barbeque parsnip and red wine jus.

Sea bass marinated in Indian spices served with green beans and pickled mustard dressing.

Potato Dauphinoise was a comforting side dish.

Vegan carrot & cardamom cake served with carrot and orange gel, crispy carrot and carrot sorbet.

St Ermin’s Hotel is the ideal family-friendly deluxe destination in central London that offers something special for little ones and their grown-ups.

St Ermin’s Hotel
Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QW
+44 (0)207 222 7888
www.sterminshotel.co.uk

Pastaio: Kid Friendly Pasta in Shepherd’s Bush

Pastaio: Kid Friendly Pasta in Shepherd’s Bush

First opened on Ganton Street in the heart of Soho followed by a much-anticipated second restaurant at Westfield London in 2020, Pastaio is the popular fast-casual pasta joint by serial restaurateur & food entrepreneur Stevie Parle. Not only does it have an amazing menu, it has a kids menu too.

Pastaio Westfield brings the high-quality pasta dishes that Pastaio is known for to West London for the first time, alongside new plates that Stevie has developed specifically for the Westfield London site.

Renowned for its upbeat playlist, bright and energetic interiors and modest prices (pastas from £6.50 and prosecco slushies from £4.50), Pastaio also offers a range of regularly-changing mains, sharing pastas for the table and communal dining, alongside wines on tap, seasonal prosecco slushies, and house-made limoncellos.

Serial restaurateur, writer and food entrepreneur Stevie Parle started his career in some of the most internationally renowned restaurants – such as the River Café, Moro, Petersham Nurseries and the Spotted Pig in New York. He also spent this time travelling extensively through Asia, Europe and the Middle East which heavily influenced his cooking style and references. Stevie has written countless recipe features, several books and presented a food documentary series for Channel 4.

In 2010, shortly after opening Dock Kitchen, his first restaurant on Portobello Docks, Stevie was named Young Chef of the Year and in 2014 formed Stevie Parle Restaurants with business partner Liam Nelson. He has since opened Rotorino, Craft London, Palatino, Sardine and now his primary focuses are the critically acclaimed pop-up plant shop and supper club JOY in Marylebone and his casual fresh pasta brand Pastaio with its locations in Soho and Westfield London.

The devoted team of pastais at Pastaio’s pasta joints in Central and West London make fresh pasta by hand every single morning and combine it with the best seasonal produce around.

Using top quality ingredients, Pastaio is committed to giving you the best plate of pasta you’ve ever had.

Pastaio Westfield is just across from Waitrose and the entrance to Westfield London and is built over two floors with a special room that’s dedicated to making fresh pasta by our entrance, super bold interiors and furnishings from the team at Tom Dixon and two brilliant new murals on each level created by artist Rob Lowe (aka @supermundane).

Pastaio Westfield is open 7 days a week, and alongside the standard pasta menu they also offer a sharing pasta dish, a full vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as a kid’s menu.

You can also enjoy unlimited fresh pasta plus an Aperol Spritz for £25 per person every Thursday. The restaurant’s eclectic hip-hop playlists are available on Spotify to bring the Pastaio vibe to life outside the restaurant.

Pastaio Westfield
Unit 1032, Lower Southern Terrace, Westfield London, London W12 7SL
0208629 2268
pastaio.co.uk

Kid Friendly Afternoon Tea at Bluebird Chelsea

Kid Friendly Afternoon Tea at Bluebird Chelsea

This Spring, Bluebird Chelsea has partnered with Fever-Tree and Tanqueray to offer the seasonal Afternoon Gin & Tea. They also have a tiny tea afternoon tea too, which was perfect for Minipreneur.

It’s available for £29.50 per person from Thursday to Sunday between 3pm and 4:30pm in the main restaurant upstairs. Also available is a special Tiny Tea for children up to 10 years old.

As our visit was during the Easter holidays, both afternoon teas for grown-ups and their little ones had an Easter theme. However, we’re told that the Tiny Tea and Afternoon Gin & Tea are available until 15th May.

Tea infusions include a choice of Earl Grey, Chamomile, Jasmine and English Breakfast.

The Afternoon Tea is served in a stylish birdcage-inspired tiered stand.

Sandwiches included Scottish Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese, Coronation Chicken, Classic Cucumber and Rare Breed Hen Egg, Mustard Cress & Truffle. Guests are offered unlimited sandwiches which is very hospitable although, on the day we visited, the sandwiches were a tad stale.

It wouldn’t be afternoon tea without scones. Bluebird offers Warm Plain & Raisin Scones served with Rodda’s clotted cream and Bluebird’s own strawberry preserve.

The Sweet offering included Easter Bonbon, Mini Hot Cross Bun, Mango Passion Fruit Easter Egg Macaron with Pistachio Bunny.

Let’s take a closer look at Bluebird’s Tiny Tea which is available for children up to 10 years old and includes a choice of apple juice, orange juice or milk.

Priced at £14.95, the Tiny Tea included three different sandwiches – cheese on white bread, ham on wholemeal bread and cucumber on white bread. Little ones are also served Mini Scones with Jam.

For the Sweet offering, there were an Easter Bonbon, M&Ms Cookie Bunny and a Strawberry Milkshake.

This Spring, D&D London has also collaborated with Fever-Tree and Tanqueray to bring guests an exclusive Gin & Spritz cocktail menu across four of their London restaurants: Bluebird Chelsea, Coq d’Argent, Fiume and Le Pont de la Tour.

D&D Blubird Cafe www.jamesbedford.com

Boasting the perfect pairing of gin & tonic plus spritz and coolers, the cocktail menu is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of the warmer months.

D&D Blubird Cafe www.jamesbedford.com
Bluebird Chelsea
350 King’s Road, London SW3 5UU
020 7559 1000
www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

Minipreneur’s Book Club: Favourite Children’s Books This February

Minipreneur’s Book Club: Favourite Children’s Books This February

Here are some of Minipreneur’s favourite picture books this month.

The Weather: Pop-up Book by Maike Biederstädt

From stormy seas to a vivid rainbow, weather’s most exciting moments come to life in this fantastic new pop-up book.

The Weather: Pop-up Book by Maike Biederstädt takes book engineering to new heights as readers are immersed in five electrifying weather scenarios.

As each spread unfolds, a meticulously designed landscape emerges with each page featuring an informative description of its weather event and the book closes with sobering commentary on the effects of climate change.

£19.99 published by Prestel

Where is Everyone by Tom Schamp

The celebrated illustrator, Tom Schamp, has turned everyday objects inside out in marvellously zany ways in his latest lift-the-flap board book.

Each highly-detailed whimsical illustration offers a chance to explore, discuss and giggle at the unexpected.

Every page will encourage kids to think creatively and differently about the world around them and the possibilities that lie hidden in the things we see every day.

£10.99 published by Prestel

The Day Time Stopped by Flavia Ruotolo

In different time zones but at the same single moment on Earth, this brightly coloured book hops across the globe to deliver a simple but profound message about diversity. Minipreneur loves learning about the world so this is the perfect picture book to introduce him to some early geography.

When time stops, people and animals are frozen in action – captured by this book’s warm, quirky illustrations and clever, time-stamped captions.

In this playful introduction to time zones, hemispheres and life in different climates, kids will identify with all the ordinary things going on at the same time on our extraordinary planet Earth.

£10.99 published by Prestel

Before I Wake Up… by Britta Teckentrup

This book is a dreamy, colourful nighttime journey that will captivate and soothe young children everywhere. Award-winning children’s illustrator Britta Teckentrup’s collage-like artwork creates a magical world of captivating colours, classic shapes and softly detailed textures. The gently told story reassures children that they are never alone, even in their dreams.

£6.99 published by Prestel

The Wood Norton: The Next Generation

The Wood Norton: The Next Generation

Located in the Vale of Evesham, The Wood Norton is a beautifully crafted luxury Worcestershire hotel built in 1897 by the Duc D’Orleans – a member of the exiled French royalty. It boasts original 19th-century French decorative interiors and the very best that the modern world has to offer. All regular readers will know how much we love The Wood Norton. We had to pop back to show how much fun it can be for the next generation of readers. The Wood Norton is adaptable for nearly every occasion, whether you are on a business trip and want a home away from home or you are looking to have a romantic getaway in a beautiful and idyllic location.

The Grade II listed Victorian manor house hotel offers fifty rooms including five spectacular suites, a restaurant using the finest local produce, a contemporary bar and alfresco dining terrace, sumptuous private dining, state-of-the-art boardroom and meeting facilities, extensive grounds and formal gardens, and a beautiful wedding venue. Although you do not need to book the venue for exclusive hire for the wedding, we very much think this venue lends itself to just that be it for events or weddings. Just look at the interior of one of the suites. Pure heaven!

Equidistant from Worcester, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cheltenham, The Wood Norton is the perfect location for exploring the Cotswolds, Worcestershire and the Malvern Hills, recognised as some of the most beautiful parts of the UK. The Wood Norton is popular with both visitors to the region and local residents alike, who are wowed by its 19th Century French decorative interiors, luxurious bedroom suites and extensive grounds and formal gardens. After a busy day exploring, what better to do than to relax in a beautiful bath fit for a princess (or a prince!) like the original royal owners before.

Talking of princes, our very own Minipreneur has arrived. After a wonderful welcome from General Manager Steve Sweeny and his team, he ventured up the grand stairs into his room.  The suites are a very generous size and immediately he decided that the room is so large it is the perfect place to play hide and seek. But, are the regal-looking green chairs high enough to hide him?

He thinks not. Perhaps the ornate fireplace would be better?

Oops! No such luck. He was found pretty quickly and went off to try out his bed.

A super comfy verdict. A very lovely-sized bed perfect to roly-poly from one side to the other or to have an amazingly refreshing sleep. The brilliance about The Wood Norton is that it really is multi-generational. There is space to do what you want and so many opportunities within the grounds and further afield to entertain yourself for far more than a long weekend. Talking of grounds, Minipreneur has spied a perfect lawn to test out his latest toy.

But first, a quick snack to build up his energy while he plans his latest adventure.

Crisps in a chair fit for a king!

It’s time to get Daddy involved in the fun and games, and take to the garden in front of the terrace which is a perfect place to spend an afternoon, listen to live jazz in the evening for special event nights that The Wood Norton holds or rent out to have your own party for a special occasion. But Minipreneur also thinks it’s the perfect place to launch a rocket! Let’s hope the rain stays away.


Ready. Steady. STOMP!

Couldn’t ask for a better backdrop for the rocket launch. The gardens at The Wood Norton are spectacular and the building is stunning inside and out.

Uh oh! The rain came in but Minipreneur was prepared. He was also in keeping with the polar bear theme which is an interesting story about the hotel’s previous owners who kept polar bears in their swimming pool back in the day. Do ask about the polar bears when you visit.

Come rain or shine, there are so many places to take a rest and enjoy the scenery. And the sun came back, so a perfect time to lounge about!

Committed to ‘going greener’, The Wood Norton has unveiled a new sustainability pledge to proactively reduce its impact on the environment. The Wood Norton has already made a series of positive steps in achieving its new ‘Green Pledge’, having removed all plastic straws, stirrers and plastic bottles from the bar, restaurant, and rooms, while replacing all gas kitchen appliances with electric or induction units.

Most recently, The Wood Norton has teamed up with Wood Norton Richmond Villages and SPE Ltd to install a new state of the art sewage treatment plant, which was approved by Wychavon Council and the Environmental Agency, and will significantly improve wastewater quality prior to discharging it into the environment. It also has some amazing plans for taking itself into the future of electric cars and much more.

Steve Sweeny, General Manager of The Wood Norton said: “We have other, larger-scale plans in the pipeline to make our hotel greener, including the installation of solar panels so we can generate our own renewable energy, plus much more. As a hotel, we are continuing to look at our internal practices to ensure we are as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible and are asking our guests to support us in achieving our Green Pledge objective.”

Each action made by those who care about the environment is making the future for the next generation a better place. We thank The Wood Norton for doing its part so generations to come can enjoy not only this hotel but the planet.

Time to go in and grab a bite. I can hear a mini tummy rumbling!

The Wood Norton is a stunning must-visit destination for all those looking for a fabulous country weekend break, an impressive business event or the perfect wedding venue but even if you are not staying the night we highly recommend it for dinner too.

The Bar at The Wood Norton is the hub of the hotel. Overlooking the formal garden, The Bar is an eclectic mix of colour and design

Overlooking the South Terrace, with views stretching to Bredon Hill and way beyond, is the Fleur de Lys Brasserie where we dined in the evening.

This beautiful salmon appetiser was fresh, flavourful and a fantastic start to any meal.

For those who prefer something greener, we loved the asparagus with a yolky surprise.

However, the show stopper was the tuna tartare which tasted as good as it looks.

For mains, we chose the quintessentially English dish of fish and chips. We highly recommend this to all oversea visitors who want to try something traditional, complete with mushy peas, tartare sauce and triple cooked chips which were to die for.

The Wood Norton is in the process of having a Robata grill installed and will be taking its meat to the next level but it already tastes so good they will be hard pushed to make it any better. This steak below with chimichurri sauce was delicious.

The most interesting dish was the lamb which was served with a samosa and asparagus. The perfect balance of tender medium-rare meat with the crunch and texture of the fried samosa. The flavours were a delight on the palate.

The desserts were also scrumptious but the sticky toffee pudding stole the show.

For those with room in the morning, there is a wonderful selection for breakfast. The team are also flexible, so when asked to replace the poached eggs with scrambled they happily were able to accommodate.

Alternatively, you could opt for a Full English Breakfast complete with black pudding. They also have a buffet with continental pastries for a lighter choice.

Minipreneur saved himself for later as he had already spied something very delicious the day before on the table of a lovely couple who were staying over as well, but first, he had a mission to find a polar bear. He spied a robot which paired with the Dr Who connection, then found a big black cat that just had to be mentioned, but third time lucky he looked again and saw what he had been looking for – his little frosty friend!

It wasn’t long before photos were done, and Minipreneur was seated for some afternoon tea fun.


Is this strawberry? Is this raspberry? Does the blackberry give us a clue? The only way to really know is to visit The Wood Norton to order one and try it yourself!

What we can tell you is that it is delicious. However, with so many choices, little eyes are mesmerised.  The berry fool or the pistachio macaron? Why save yourself for one yummy bite when you can try them all!

Mummy says desserts are last and that some start with sandwiches and some start with scones, but it’s time to grab some more while the adults are busy taking pictures on their phones!

The Wood Norton is the perfect place to stay for any age, from 9 months to 90! This is a special place that is somewhere to share with those you love the most. Time is precious and so is making time for the whole family. Your quality time is well spent at The Wood Norton – a place where the whole family can be their authentic selves.

The Wood Norton
Worcester Road, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4YB
+44 (0)1386 765 611
www.thewoodnorton.com

Minipreneur’s Favourite Books for National Reading Day

Minipreneur’s Favourite Books for National Reading Day

Here are some of Minipreneur’s favourite picture books for National Reading Day.

Swim, Shark, Swim by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou

Featuring Hammerheads, Great Whites, stingrays, dolphins, ocean forests coastal reefs and more, this is the second book in the Wild Wanderers series of poetic picture books exploring the natural world around us. Each book takes a gentle and lyrical journey through biodiversity, environment and challenges to unlock a world of wonder. With rich language and enchanting art, Wild Wanderers is a landmark series delivering STEM education with fascinating facts about principle species and key topics in order to embed a love of science and the natural world.

£7.99 published by Graffeg

George the Wombat by Eva Papoušková and Galina Miklínová

A tender, humorous picture book helping to introduce potty training to young children through the character of George the Wombat. Originally published in Czech, this book has been expertly translated by Alexandra Büchler. Features a relatable and lovable main character brought to life by fun and original illustrations.

£7.99 published by Graffeg

Rita wants a Robot by Máire Zepf and Mr Ando

This is a humorous story encouraging children to tidy up after themselves. Rita has a messy bedroom and wishes for a robot that could tidy it for her. But how much chaos could a super-sorting robot make? With colourful illustrations by Andrew Whitson, an award-winning artist and Belfast native who likes to be called Mr. Ando! The picture book is part of a new series helping parents with challenging behaviour.

£7.99 published by Graffeg

I am an Artist by Kertu Sillaste and Adam Cullen

This book provides an insight into the life of an artist and introduces children to a range of different art forms including drawing, sculpture, painting and photography. The creative and encouraging text inspires creativity and discussions about determination and careers accompanied by colourful illustrations. Originally published in Estonian, this book has been expertly translated by Adam Cullen.

£7.99 published by Graffeg

Albert and the Wind by Ian Brown & Eoin Clarke

Comical, charming illustrations with a classic feel bring this timeless tale to life, revealing the importance of helping others and showing gratitude for that help. Based on a real-life pet tortoise owned by the author’s family.

£7.99 published by Graffeg

Minipreneur’s Favourite Early Learning Books

Minipreneur’s Favourite Early Learning Books

Here are some of Minipreneur’s favourite Early Learning picture books this month.

I Can…

Perfect for younger children, these colourful board books presented in a handy slipcase feature beautifully illustrated scenes feature a different animal completing an activity related to the themes of eating, feeling, moving and trying. Minipreneur loved guessing what each animal is trying to do and then used his little fingers to fold out the page to reveal each scene.

£28 published by Miles Kelly

Busy Machines by Amy Johnson

Minipreneur loves cars, trucks, fire engines… in fact any vehicle on wheels! Bursting with bright illustrations of tractors, trucks, diggers and emergency vehicles, this is ther perfect book for him and any other little people who love exploring the world of busy machines. With engaging text, action-packed scenes and delightful characters throughout, this big book contains plenty for vehicle fans to look at, talk about and discover on every page.

£12.99 published by Miles Kelly

100 Nursery Rhymes

Classics such as Little Bo Peep, Humpty Dumpty and Old MacDonald Had a Farm sit alongside new favourites to discover – however sadly these are not in any particular order which can be confusing. However, Minipreneur loves reciting nursery rhymes so he was still a fan of this book which features stunning cover effects and bright illustrations. Containing 100 nursery rhymes, it makes the perfect gift for little ones.

£12.99 published by Miles Kelly

My First 1000 Words

Minipreneur loved exploring the busy world around him with this beautifully illustrated, engaging book. Through words and pictures, your little ones can learn the names of 1000 familiar objects around the home and on the farm, different foods, amazing animals and all kinds of vehicles. Each page is packed with lots to spot and talk about so Minipreneur had hours of fun discovering new and familiar words during his explosion of language as a two-year-old.

£14.99 published by Miles Kelly

5-Star Staycation at St James’s Hotel & Club

5-Star Staycation at St James’s Hotel & Club

Favoured by film stars, celebrities, authors and diplomats, St. James’s Hotel & Club in the heart of Mayfair is a 5-star boutique London hotel with a luxurious home away from home feel, combining contemporary chic and traditional charm.

As one of the most prestigious townhouse hotels in London, it is home to the capital’s most exciting new Port bar at the newly re-launched 1857 The Bar and the newly renovated Michelin-starred Seven Park Place, with interior design by award-winning Russell Sage Studio.

St. James’s Hotel & Club is situated just off St. James Street, a stone’s throw away from London’s most exclusive shopping destinations, New Bond Street and Jermyn Street. Green Park is also easily accessible through a secret shortcut via one of the hotel’s back entrances.

As one of the leading luxury 5-Star boutique hotels in Mayfair, St. James’s Hotel and Club is a member of Althoff Collection and Small Luxury Hotels.

The interiors of St. James’s Hotel & Club were completely renovated by an international team of architects and designers led by award-winning interior designer AMJ Design, from Berlin.

Every piece of furniture and every metre of fabric – from the Murano glass chandeliers to the walls lined with Loro Piana cashmere – has been carefully selected to give the hotel its luxurious ambiance.

Each of the luxurious 60 guest rooms and luxury hotel suites reflects the house’s attention to detail, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and exquisite furnishings. Many have their own balcony and views over the rooftops of the historic St. James’s district, in the heart of Mayfair. The Penthouse Suite features a large rooftop terrace unrivalled in this part of London.

St James’s Hotel and Club boasts a beautiful art collection including fine examples of Impressionist, Expressionist and Cubist work from all over Europe. Artwork is displayed both in public areas as well as guest rooms.

With a long history of hosting celebrities, St James’s Hotel and Club has welcomed through its doors both British and international stars such as Samuel L. Jackson, Cher, Luke Wilson, Keith Richards, Alice Cooper, Elle Macpherson, Robert Redford, Dita Von Teese, Colin Salmon, Damian Lewis, Helen McCrory, Michael Bolton, Jack Johnson, Katherine Jenkins and Liza Minnelli.

For our visit to St James’s Hotel and Club, we stayed in the Junior One Bedroom Suite which benefits from a separate living and sleeping area in 36m² of space.

Exclusively designed and in harmony with the elegant Victorian building, the Junior One Bedroom Suite is perfect for the discerning traveller or young family.

The exquisite furnishings in the spacious living room adds a sense of sophistication that’s in keeping with the prestigious location of the hotel.

With LCD televisions throughout the suite, the bedroom features a king-size bed with Hypnos mattress and beautiful bedlinens and soft furnishings.

The spacious bathroom is the perfect place for a ‘me time’ soak in the tub and benefits from luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries.

The front lounge has a dramatic feature bar with window banquette seating, alongside an elegant wine cellar and sommelier station. Whilst bespoke lighting levels transform from day to night into an impressive illumination scheme for an added touch of glamour.

St. James’s Hotel & Club is home to Seven Park Place – an intimate and stylish Michelin Starred restaurant created by Executive Chef William Drabble. Re-launched in 2019 in collaboration with Russell Sage Studios, the new interiors of the restaurant take inspiration from the Art Deco period.

As one of the capital’s best-loved chefs, William Drabble creatively combines classic French cooking techniques with the very best seasonal British produce. Click here for a closer look at his latest menu.

William Drabble – Executive Chef at Seven Park Place

Following the successful re-launch of Michelin-starred Seven Park Place, St. James’s Hotel & Club Mayfair also re-launched their bar: 1857, which refers to the year that the historic club was established. It is a celebration of the hotel and club’s rich history and specialises in port.

St. James’s Hotel & Club, located in this quintessential British heritage London neighbourhood, has joined forces with the Symington Family Estates, producers of premium port wine for five generations, whose stable of companies include W. & J. Graham, Warre, Dow, Quinta do Vesúvio, Smith Woodhouse, Cockburn and Quinta de Roriz. They are also the leading vineyard owner in the Douro Valley and one of the top Portuguese wine producers.

1857 serves the widest variety of port found in any London bar, including limited, rare and unusual wines, aged tawnies, single quintas and vintage ports. Also on offer is the oldest wine in the UK, sold by the glass. The bar showcases the exceptionally rare Graham’s 1882 Ne Oublie port that dates back to the arrival of Andrew Symington in Portugal that year – this is the only bar where this is currently served to the general public. This port is named after the family’s original motto and is bottled in a hand-made crystal decanter within a Smythson leather presentation box.

Catering to both port lovers and newcomers to the drink, port cocktails are also on offer. We tried Queen of the Night (Graham’s Tawny 10 year old port, Blandy’s Verdelho 10 year old Madeira, Seignette Cognac VS, Crème de Rose) and Prince of Wales (Blandy’s Verdelho 10 Year Madeira, Seignette Cognac VS, Orange Liqueur, Champagne Philipponnat)

Both cocktails had a base of cognac and Madeira, however, the Prince of Wales had sweetness and light added to it with the addition of orange liqueur and champagne, whereas the Queen of the Night took a slightly darker turn with port and a hint of rose. Both were delicious. Lovely to see a nice selection of port cocktails, that too a couple of refreshingly light ones such as the White Port & Tonic and the Port Sour made with Graham’s Blend Series No. 5 (specifically intended for the bar scene and non-traditional port drinkers) which is mixed with egg white and lemon.

The bar nibbles menu has been formulated to include produce that pairs extremely well with port, including stilton, foie gras, tuna belly and burrata. 1857 also caters for non-port drinkers, with a range of premium spirits, classic cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails.

St. James’s Hotel & Club
7-8 Park Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1LS
+44 20 7316 1600
www.stjameshotelandclub.com

Minipreneur’s Book Club: Favourite Children’s Books This January

Minipreneur’s Book Club: Favourite Children’s Books This January

Here are some of Minipreneur’s favourite picture books this month.

Hungry Animals by Carly Madden & Natalie Marshall

Little ones are presented with a series of bright and engaging wild animals, each with their mouth open (a v-fold pop-up), eagerly awaiting a tasty treat. The child can choose which snack (a ‘dangly’ hanging from the spine of the book) they will feed to each safari animal. Minipreneur loved this hands-on activity book and keeps returning to it time and again.

£7.99 published by Happy Yak

5 Wild Animals illustrated by Margaux Carpentier

This innovative book uses finger trails with sliding discs to introduce young children to the numbers 1 to 5. Children can count the animals on each page and trace their fingers over the numbers. Perfect for developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Minipreneur can now count up to 30 but he still finds time to enjoy this book which will also help develop pre-writing skills.

£11.99 published by Happy Yak

Sleeping Beauty illustrated by Cynthia Alonso

Minipreneur – like most toddlers – can have a short attention span when it comes to reading long fairytales so when I first saw this exquisite board book, I simply had to get it. Sleeping Beauty illustrated by Cynthia Alonso introduces the classic story to the youngest children with engaging text, beautiful illustrations, and die-cut and layered pages. Clever abridged, modern text matches the beautiful, bright contemporary illustrations.

£9.99 published by Happy Yak

Croc O’Clock by Huw Lewis Jones & Ben Sanders

Minipreneur started to show an interest in telling the time from an early age. I think it was when he saw Papapreneur’s watch collection! As he began to be able to tell the time on the hour when he was just two, I found this book was invaluable in getting him excited about his emerging abilities with clocks. Croc O’Clock is a hilarious sing-a-long counting book starring a very hungry crocodile. Providing a unique, alternative spin on a familiar song, this delightfully silly story is contemporary, quirky and playful – kids will love to follow Croc’s antics and sing along with him as he guzzles all the food he can snap up. The illustrations are stylish, bright and eye-catching whilst the tone is light-hearted, accessible and funny with clever rhyme that helps children practise counting skills.

£6.99 published by Happy Yak

 

My Beautiful Voice by Joseph Coelho & Allison Colpoys

This beautifully illustrated and powerful book shows children that everyone’s voice can be powerful and beautiful, however small. Written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho with Allison Colpoys’ gorgeous artwork on every page, the picture book encourages empathy in young children and shows shy children how to feel brave. The book is also a nod to the role that teachers play in shaping children’s lives and self-confidence. Minipreneur really enjoys listening to this story at bedtime.

£11.99 published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Minipreneur’s Favourite Children’s Board Books

Minipreneur’s Favourite Children’s Board Books

Here are some of Minipreneur’s favourite board books this month.

Hidden Animals by Mia Cassany & Albert Corberó

Minipreneur loves animals and can’t wait for his next visit to London Zoo. So it’s no surprise that he loves this unique, beautifully illustrated board book that teaches kids brilliant animal facts. With something new to spot on every page, the bright colours, hidden animals and graphic style helps to develop attention skills with counting activities at every turn of the page.

£8.99 published by DK

Jonny Lambert’s Bear and Bird: Learn to Share by Jonny Lambert

Minipreneur is a big fan of the stunning illustrations by renowned artist Jonny Lambert. This is the latest beautiful book by the author & illustrator all about friendship and the importance of sharing with others – vital life skills that I’ve already started teaching Minipreneur. All grown-ups should be teaching these skills to their children around the age of three.

£7.99 published by DK

This Is How…

This Is How We… is a series of handy books that teaches little ones the key skills for starting school, and for life! This Is How We Get Ready encourages the parent and child to share this crucial experience and milestone in a fun, nondidactic way. It also includes a handy morning checklist.

This Is How We Make Friends explains how to share and take turns plus remembering when to say please & thank you, teaching the skills needed to be a good friend.

£4.99 each published by DK

Once Upon A Time…

The Once Upon A Time series introduces your little one to lesser-known fables and fairy tales from around the world. Maja Andersen’s colourful illustrations bring the magic and wonder of the stories to life and the board books are the perfect length for bedtime reading. The series taps into the growing movement for greater diversity in children’s literature and a renewed commitment to tell stories from varied world cultures.

The latest books in the series are Once Upon A Time… there was a Thirsty Frog, a tale about sharing based on an Aboriginal Australian story, and Once Upon A Time… there was a Little Bird, a tale about kindness that teaches children how important it is to care for others.

£7.99 each published by DK

Spin and Spot: Moon and Stars

This interactive board book has a picture wheel which supports fine motor development and encourages interaction and engagement between toddlers and adults. This introduction to night-time features nocturnal animals and the moon and stars. Beautifully illustrated by Anna Süßbauer.

£7.99 published by DK

To Get Balance At Home, Use This Affirmation

To Get Balance At Home, Use This Affirmation

Affirmation: “I balance my desires with the needs of my family”

I am able to separate and balance different needs in my life. My children depend on me for their care and to meet their needs. I spend time doing things for my partner, too. Even so, I understand how to take care of both my needs and theirs.

I know my children have important needs that require my attention. I am able to help them with their emotional and material needs. I understand the role I play as a parent in this process.

I know the difference between wants and needs. I teach my children about this important difference, too. They understand that personal desires are one part of a bigger equation.

I am aware of what really matters in my life and can focus on my priorities.

Sometimes my needs might conflict with the needs of others in my family. However, I can work through the issues to find solutions that are equitable for everyone.

I might rotate time for myself with family time. I might share personal time with my partner, doing something we both want to do.

Today, I feel proud of myself because I can effectively handle the varying needs of my family members. I can find the right balance for any situation. As a result, my children, my partner, and I all benefit.

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. How can I help my partner find a balance between personal desires and the children’s needs?
  2. How can I help my children appreciate the sacrifices we make for them?
  3. What are some ways I can teach my children the differences between wants and needs?

Ready to take your self-reflection journey to the next level? Imagine having access to personalised guidance and support whenever you need it most. With our coaching courses, you’ll gain exclusive access to your dedicated coach 24/7 through our private feed, coaching calls, action points, worksheets, metrics, power words, and online journals. No more navigating your self-reflection journey alone – our coaches are here to provide the guidance and accountability you need to succeed.

Affirmations & self-reflection questions are powerful tools for growth, but without the right guidance, they can lead to confusion or feeling stuck. Our coaching programs are designed to help you ask the right questions, guiding you towards clarity and progress. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back – invest in your personal development today and unlock the path to your dreams and goals.

Ready to take the first step towards a brighter future? Choose your coaching package now and let’s embark on this transformative journey together!

  • Decision Making Coaching

  • Solve It In 60From confusion to clarity in just one structured call

  • £175

  • > 10 Years Coaching Experience
  • Multi Decision
  • 60-Minute Call Duration
  • Situation Statement
  • Follow Up Email
  • Suggested Answer
  • Buy Now
  • 60-Day Implementation Coaching

  • Goal GettersStay on track for long-term success

  • £297/month

  • > 6 Years Coaching Experience
  • 1-Hour Coaching Call Every Month
  • 60 Days Coaching Duration
  • 3 Touchpoints Per Week
  • Online Coaching Feed
  • Free Online Course & Metrics
  • Buy Now
  • 7-Day Setbacks Coaching

  • Quick DiveMove forward with purpose

  • From £80

  • 7 days of online coaching feed
  • 20 minutes of live calls included
  • Up to 5 touchpoints
  • £80 with Associate Coach
  • £125 with Senior Coach
  • £215 with Head Coach
  • Buy Now
  • 14-Day Setbacks Coaching

  • Deep DiveMaster the art of getting things done

  • From £125

  • 14 days of online coaching feed
  • 30 minutes of live calls included
  • Up to 10 touchpoints
  • £125 with Associate Coach
  • £170 with Senior Coach
  • £260 with Head Coach
  • Buy Now

The Real Greek: UK’s only group of authentic Greek restaurants

The Real Greek: UK’s only group of authentic Greek restaurants

As the UK’s only group of authentic Greek restaurants, The Real Greek embodies the culinary heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean, taking in the best of Greece’s gastronomic traditions, from its hundreds of islands to the fertile mainland and mountains to the latest innovations of the capital’s restaurant scene.

The food served at The Real Greek comes from the delicious and healthy diet of the Eastern Mediterranean. The wide variety of dishes on the menu capture the Greek passion for food, family and life, and the freshness and health of the region. There are options for everyone, from meat-eaters to pescatarians and vegetarians and the restaurants also serve a dedicated menu for vegans.

The Real Greek’s Celebrity Consultant Chef Tonia Buxton is the face of Greek food in the UK and presenter of the award-winning ‘My Greek Kitchen’ TV series on the Discovery Channel.

As a Greek Cypriot herself with a passion for food, born from an early apprenticeship in her mother’s kitchen, Tonia has brought this passion to the development of the dishes at The Real Greek, working with the talented team of chefs to create an authentic culinary experience that lets you enjoy the dining adventure of eating like a Greek.

Tonia Buxton has created dishes that are inspired by traditional Greek food and benefit from the many different cultures and influences that now shape modern Greek cuisine. At The Real Greek, dishes are created using premium ingredients sourced from Greece and Cyprus whenever possible such as Greek Mountain Oregano or Cypriot Halloumi.

At The Real Greek, the menu is divided into different sections starting with traditional Cold Meze and Hot Meze platters then moving to Grilled Meze and Souvlaki Wraps followed by Sides & Salads before ending with dessert.

On the Cold Meze menu, creamy Taramasalata is made daily using the best ingredients including naturally undyed cod roe – did you know it’s not meant to be the pink stuff you might have bought at lesser supermarkets?!

On the Hot Meze menu, in addition to classics like Greek Moussaka, Dolmades and Falafel, you will also find other interesting options like Jackfruit Stifado, Salt Cod and a tasty Pork Skewer where 25p of each sale of this dish is donated to Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The Real Greek – Soho

Souvlaki Wraps are gorgeous flatbreads filled with chips, fresh tomatoes, red onion and sweet paprika on top of a host of tasty options such as Loukaniko Sausage from Thrace, Lamb Meatballs or Halloumi. The Kalamari Souvlaki Wrap doesn’t include chips, tomato, onion or paprika but is instead filled with Taramasalata and cucumber ribbons.

Sides and Salads include a traditional Greek Salad of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, Greek olives, red onion, feta and olive oil, finished with Greek oregano from Mavrouda, Thessaloniki. There is also the classic Cypriot dish of Pourgouri made to Tonia’s mother’s recipe using cracked wheat with tomatoes and onion. Saffron Rice uses fragrant Kozanis saffron to flavour long-grain rice which is then dressed with Greek olive oil.

Last but by no means least is the Dessert menu featuring classics like Baklava that’s homemade with crisp filo pastry with walnuts, peanuts, almonds and honey. Other traditional desserts include Greek Filo Custard Pie known in Greece as Bougatsa which is a traditional dessert from Sérres, North Greece where filo pastry is filled with custard cream and here served warm topped with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon.

Having opened its first North East location in Newcastle’s bustling Eldon Square, The Real Greek now has 24 sites around the UK. The opening marks The Real Greek’s positive expansion plans and rapidly advancing pursuit into the North of England, where the restaurant group has opened two locations, both in Manchester, in the past four months.

The Real Greek – Bankside

Eldon Square is The Real Greek’s eleventh outlet outside of the capital and its second new restaurant to open in 2022. Following strong demand for authentic Greek cuisine, The Real Greek continues to expand its portfolio of restaurants around the country, with a focus currently on the North.

For more information and to find your nearest restaurant, please visit www.therealgreek.com

Poke House: Europe’s biggest poke bowl brand

Poke House: Europe’s biggest poke bowl brand

As Europe’s biggest poke bowl brand, Poke House is all about choice and providing their guests with the ultimate bespoke, Cali-inspired experience. Using its customers most loved ingredients, including bases such as fresh kale and tricolour quinoa, over 15 vegetable options, seven proteins and a selection of sauces and toppings, there are more than 1 million ‘make-your-own’, customisable bowl combinations guests can make, giving them a wealth of balanced options to choose from.

Customers can choose whether to create their own poke – the most popular option – or select a House Specials. Sunny Salmon is the top seller and most iconic, a mouth-watering combination of some of the most loved ingredients including juicy salmon, crispy edamame and avocado. Others are Spicy Tuna, Chicken, White Fish and Vegan. Every season a special recipe is introduced in limited edition to complement the main offer.

Taste is at the heart of everything that the brand does, never compromising on quality and ensuring that everyone (vegans, meat eaters and flexitarians alike), can come into store and enjoy a wide range of satisfying options. Innovation is at the brands core and their menu is one that is ever developing, being one of the first poke bowl brands to use the cutting-edge ‘THIS isn’t chicken’ (vegan protein), creating its ‘star of the show’ Vegan House Bowl – Tricolour Quinoa and Kale, THIS isn’t chicken (Vegan), Carrot, Chickpeas, Fresh Avocado, Teriyaki Dressing, Crushed Almonds, Sesame Seeds.

Poke House has recently unveiled their ‘Seasonal Special K-BOWL’, which is full to the brim with veggies and seared salmon in addition to Sushi White Rice, Cucumber, Carrots, Broccoli, Spicy Korean Sauce, Special Sauce, Nori Seaweed and Sesame Seeds.

Other bowls like the ‘Teriyaki and Ginger Chicken’ are fast becoming favourites with their customers with its delicious combination of Sushi White Rice, Teriyaki & Ginger Chicken, Courgette, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Cabbage, Teriyaki Dressing, Spicy Mayo, Spring Onion, Crushed Almonds and Sesame Seeds.

Poke House is all about options and with plenty of fish, meat and vegan choices to suit any taste, the brand’s founders strongly believe the key to great-tasting gastronomy is all about fresh, quality ingredients. All dressings are curated in-house from a closely guarded secret recipe and every bowl is hand-made with the freshest ingredients, personally sourcing all fruit and veg where possible from hand-picked suppliers.

The origins of Poke House were born amongst the California sand, surf and sunshine, and the brand believes that feeling good all starts from within. Poke House takes that naturally inspired, feel-good philosophy and invites their guests to ‘breathe, take a moment for themselves and dream big.’

Poke House launched in November 2018 from the dream of two friends – Matteo Pichi and Vittoria Zanetti to bring a slice of California to every city through a young and innovative restaurant format. Such vision encompasses both the gastronomic offer – poke bowl served in the West Coast way – and the style of the venue and packaging.

The internationally renowned poke brand is growing fast in the UK, with six different sites now operating across the Capital and 65 more ‘houses’ planned across the UK:

  • Portobello (214 Portobello Road)
  • Victoria (11 Sir Simon Milton Square, NOVA)
  • Fitzrovia (3 Percy Street)
  • Spitalfields (111B Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market)
  • Canary Wharf (Lower Mall -2, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf)
  • Bank (14 Bloomberg Arcade)

Poke House is available for delivery in London exclusively on Deliveroo.

For more information, please visit poke-house.com

Older Posts
Newer Posts