Breakfast Club, Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town and Bubbledog

Its that time again.....FEATURE BLOGGER TIME and my friend Stephanie has been very busy hitting up  some of London's favourite hotspots!

Not a natural writer, Steph has chosen to use more pictures than words to share her experience.

Lets start with the Breakfast Club (Spitalfields) :

What a quirky little place this is, with funky interior to match the cool vibe this restaurant holds.

A very well needed catch up with a friend was most pleasently fulfilled here with both of us devouring our food quicker than it took for us to decide what to have. With a huge menu ranging from burgers to a full English brekkie, this place certainly caters for all. 

And did they taste fine or what?! Even better with prices falling just below 10 quid.

So after filling our bellies we wondered through the doors of the secret smeg fridge which is neatly camouflaged among the decor. We followed the stairs, and were led to the lucrative bar named the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town.

Now this place does get quite busy but if you get there early enough you will have no problem getting in.

But don't be put off because this bar serves up all the finest cocktails which range from 8 - 16 quid .

I had a raspberry champagne cocktail

AND

 the toilets were decorated in my little pony wallpaper. 

cool eyyy...

Now off to Bubble Dog we goooo.....

We got their relatively early to avoid dissapointment as this is another one of those new restaurants with limited seats and a no booking policy!

I had the Veggie Hot dog with cheese, grilled onions and egg, which was mouth watering to say the least and a side of sweet potato chips.

In terms of Champers, glasses range from 6-11, and you can also buy bottles!

There was a good vibe that comes with this place from the animation of hotdogs on the walls to the waitresses dressed up in champagne cocktail attire. The owners have really thought about the whole experience!

THERE WE GO GUYS, FEATURE BLOGGER NUMBER 2! 

NOW GO AND EXPLORE YOURSELF!!

 

La Rugoletta

Are you looking for the perfect romantic date/cheap eatery in North London?

SEARCH NO MORE

Don't let the exterior fool you, but readers I have found or to be more honest, I was recommended by one of my mother's friends a small cozy Italian restaurant nestled away down a cobbled street in North Finchley. 

North Finchley did I say?! Well yes North Finchley

La Rugoletta is a little family run restaurant that still has the intimate warm atmosphere people like when dining out. 

Customers these days want to feel special and this place certainly knows how to do that!

Not only is this place cheap but it serves up some of the best Italian food I have tasted for a long time. Which says something because I am not a big Italian lover, Italian to me is just a carb lovers dream and a dieters vision of hell! 

Saying that this place was definitely worth the amples of carbs I devoured. 

From the the £3 huge garlic pizza to the mushroom and white wine sauce pasta. Which was perfectly al dente if i must say my self. I must say all that Australian master chef has really rubbed off! 

We also ordered mussels in a tomato based sauce, which was beautifully rich and hearty and served with a healthy amount of rustic bread, which of course I ate as well as the garlic bread. 

The best bit about this restaurant is that its a BYOB (bring your own bottle). You only pay two quid for corkage, making getting drunk a lot cheaper and more enjoyable. Also no worrying about whether they have wine you will like because the choice is all yours! 

Unfortunately there are no pictures because as luck has it, my friend and I both forgot our phones in the car!

ANYWAY

Our bill came to £30 and that was with 2 starters and 2 main courses and we brought our own £6 bottle of the finest and cheapest white wine. 

This restaurant is a definite MUST GO. I am bit upset  have revealed this little north London secret. 

Don't all rush as once and if you do decide to go don't forget to book! The place only seats 40 people. 

VERDICT

8/10 

Daily Tune

My lack of posting if causing me serious distress and I apologize to my readers!

But to keep you occupied whilst you wait for my next post, which will be out shortly, have a listen to these songs .



Go on, take a break from whatever your doing and have a listen.

Daily Tune

I belong to a group on Facebook called the Sample Room, it's a little group one of my friends set up and we all post new music we have found or songs we think are worth sharing.

Here is a quality tune that was most recently put up by Mr Michael Diggins

Check out the sample room:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/110695002339851/.

Aint Nothing But...Blues Bar

Thursday drunken nights have become a bit of a routine the last two weeks. Not the wisest when you have to be at work the next day at nine! Regardless of this, last Thursday night I was joined in town by my lovely friend Geneve to cause some London havoc. 

We ended up going to a bar that I have been trying to go for a while now but due to long queues and friends that don't bring id's with them, my attempts have been unsuccessful. 

However, last Thursday I was determined to try once again and finally my efforts were rewarded and I entered :

Now if you are a fan of live music, especially blues, as much as I do, I just know your going to love this little gem of a place.

Located in soho, its a rather small bar, that hosts live bands nearly every night! 

I would recommend getting there early though to avoid any disappointment because this place does get pretty busy. Saying that though me and Geneve ended up there about 9 ish, after hitting up Gem Bar, also located in soho and has a fantastic happy hour which lasts from 5-10! Additionally they serve up lovely food, which was half price as well. I suggest heading there for pre drinks, they have a great main stream playlist churning out all the songs you want to hear to get your going for a big night out!

So back to blues bar, after queuing for 5 mins we went in and squeezed past the mountain of people to end up at the front. The band who I unfortunately have no idea who they were, were bloody unbelievable. I was getting very into it and from looking around it was clear so was everyone else.

Sweat dripped down my face, but I did not care , i was having the time of my life and so was Geneve, just look at her:

All I am going to say is 

GO TO AINT NOTHING BUT

I would go there any day of the week!

Entry is Free

Drinks are Cheap 

They serve food

WHAT A PLACE!

Check it out here:

http://www.aintnothinbut.co.uk/

WHATTA TUNE

If you have not heard of these guys - then get listening!

My music searching has slowed and I have become lazy so 

let me know of any good songs your have heard!

WHATTA TUNE

Not a new song, but very happy when shuffle churned this beauty out!

Daily Tune

Kinda scary drop, but I like it!

PING

PRESS PLAY AND READ 

Ping's vibe in one song!

WHY PING?

PARIS'S 23rd BIRTHDAY

That's Paris on the right - she has grown up so fast!

Basically the real reason why Paris chose Ping, is because apparently the
"Talent in Ping is insane.."
(Her words)

ANYWAY

Ping Bar is situated in Earls Court and has been described as one of London's hottest and trendiest bars at the moment. With an impressive cocktail list, food menu and ping pong tables, it's certainly becoming the new hangout spot for London's swankiest people.

The space is bigger enough to move around but smaller enough to never lose your friends.

Not my picture - just incase someone pulls me up for copyright :s

Paris had booked a table for 10 of us and we ended up having to pay 20 quid each and included in that price was a pizza or salad of your choice and four bottles of white wine. Which is a pretty fair price I would say.They also gave us pitta with hummus and yoghurt dips to start.

Alternatively you don't have to book a table, you can just rock up any time and if you arrive before 11 your entry will be free.

I cannot recommend this place highly enough, the atmosphere is friendly and the people were really chatty. The food was not amazing, but it was nice, there is a large pizza selection which is good.

To put it bluntly this place is more a bar than a restaurant, so don't come here if you are looking for a quiet one or to eat top dog pizza. What you will get is a loud fun environment and pizza that acts as a great pre booze stomach liner! 

Additionally the DJ was wicked, blaring tunes from:

TO:

I have not even spoken about the Ping Pong tables! Well everyone on them looked like they were having a great time, we unfortunately could not get on. But the trick I was told, is to call prior and book one for an arranged time and then you nearly will always be able to hit some balls!

Here's people having fun on them:

It seems like ping pong tables are the new thing, here are a list of places in London to go to if you want to drink and play ping pong:

http://blueberrybar.co.uk/listings/

http://www.richmix.org.uk/

http://www.bouncelondon.com/


As you can see there are not that many pictures to show you this place, mainly because I was having way too much fun to bother to get my camera out!

But I know a good place when I see one, and will definitely be returning here very soon!

Check it out here:

http://www.weloveping.com/

• 
  

TRAMSHED

Right readers, times are getting hard and my pockets are slowly but surely getting emptier!

Don't FRET though, cause I have thought of a sneaky little plan to produce more posts without spending my own money. 

And NO it's not by getting men to take me out , however that would be great! *Hint Hint*

But by getting my friends to blog about any places they go to which they think are worth sharing with the rest of the world...slightly ambitious with how many people I think read this! 

So here she is, the one, the only, NATALIE RETTER reporting about one of Shoreditch’s top restaurants, Tramshed

Take it away!

Hello...

 I am Natalie and last week I went to the Tramshed with my friend Charlie. I ventured passed this place when I went for Tapas with Sasha and I decided I just had to try it out.

 The Tramshed is a one-of-a-kind restaurant close to Old Street station that serves high-grade chicken and steak.

The first thing you notice when you walk in, is a massive Damien Hirst artwork called ‘Cock n’ Bull’. 

Wow! 

I wasn't quite sure though if this huge raised cow wet or dried my appetite; entertaining all the same.

There was also a big canvas picture in the upstairs seating area of the childhood cartoon, Cow and Chicken. Such a blast from the past, and a real good conversation started especially if you're on a date! 

Charlie and I had decided to go for steak over chicken, . Our lovely waitress, Emily, suggested we share a bigger steak between us rather than two separate steaks, as it would be juicier. So we went for the 500g steaks and boy was it juicy! Chips accompanied our Steak and onion rings- just to get in one of your 5 a day. Deep – fried goodness. Half way to a heart attack, but friggin’ tasty.

I would like to suggest a lovely wine as they did have a wall lined with wine bottles, but I went for the usual when eating red meat – your cheapest, largest red please! Or alternatively, the cheapest way to get drunk the fastest, please. (Don't blame me, Im English, and I was a student about 4 months ago)

 The food was really amazing! 

Our medium rare steak was cooked to perfection and we munched it all pretty fast! I did see some customers order the chicken, which was presented upside down with its legs in the air!

VERDICT:

 I would highly recommend this restaurant for people that love steak or chicken. The prices are also acceptable at £20 for a 250g steak and chips. The staff were very lovely and attentive and the atmosphere is warm and chatty.

Some extra facts that the lovely Emily gave me:

-The steak is aged for 45 days in a salt chamber in Northern Island.

-the only retaurant of its kind in Europe

-Damien Hirst cow is called Roberta and the cock is called Boneparte

GOODBYE AND REMEMBER

No vegetarians allowed!

shout out if you too want to have your say on my blog

Daily Tune

Nice Little Remix

BUDDHA BAR

• 

  
  

  Buddha Bar in Knightsbridge has replaced Chicago Rib Shack, which makes me really sad because not only did I LOVE that restaurant but I also used to work there when I was 18! So walking in there was like a blast from the past, except everything looked very Asian and there were no Eastern European chefs flirting outrageously with me. 

  
  

  
  

  WHY BUDDHA BAR?

  
  

  I read this website called Hot-Dinners ( http://www.hot-dinners.com/) which you should read if you're into finding out new restaurants or just generally different places to eat around town. 

  
  

  ANYWAY

  
  

  I saw that Buddha Bar are currenly doing a soft opening and offering 25% off all meals. 

  
  

  BARGAIN I thought! 

  
  

  ALSO I had heard about this place from friends that have been to the one in Paris and they said it was definitely worth going to, additionally my brother, who lives in Washington all year round, was back in London for the week. If that's not a reason to celebrate with the family then what is ey!
  

  
  

  On arrival the first thing you notice is how posh this place is. What do you expect though when its situated in the heart of Knightsbridge. Saying that I had just come from work, slightly sweaty, and perhaps a little under dressed for the occasion.
  
  

This place is decked out to the max with crystal chandeliers and floating Buddha's. The lighting is dim and its all very suave, with a wave of black tiling, furniture and table tops completing the look.

After being seated by this guy: 

I peered at the menu, and suddenly realised the word bargain was no longer an adequate word to describe the meal we were about to have! 

The prices are extremely high, and I genuinely felt bad that I had brought my family here without checking the menu and only really focusing on the 25% discount they had on offer. 

 Now I'm not going to sit here and say that I'm poor, but I'm definitely not part of the elite rich that stroll around Knightsbridge and venture into Harvey Knicks and Harrods to do their local shopping.

Saying that the food was outstanding, each perfectly presented and looked the part. Size of portions varied as well, some were pretty small for the amount of money they charging for it and others, and others were relatively large like the ribs and the lamb curry

I made some collages of the food...I know I have way too much time on my hands!

STARTERS:

TOP - SALMON, SCALLOPS, PRAWNS AND YELLOW TAIL FISH
BOTTOM: CRISPY CRAB SUSHI

Mains:

LEFT: SUCCULENT PORK RIBS
RIGHT: DUCK AND CHUTNEY

LAMB CURRY
RICE AND NOODLES

DESSERTS:

CHOCOLATE FONDANT WITH COCONUT ICE CREAM

Salted caramel and Chocolate biscuit Sticks 

This dessert was heavenly. Dad made the mistake of going to the toilet just when these arrived, and if he thought me and mum were going to share with him, he had another thing coming!

The Risner's don't believe in sharing is caring!

Ginger and Lemon Cheesecake

Of course my descriptions of the food is not entirely how they worded it on their menu.

I don't think I will be coming back here again any time soon, as a working girl making not that much money, I simply cant afford it without the help of the big dog to pay for it. Its a place you go for a special occasion, a very special occasion, unless you got the money and then go crazy cause this place is awesome.

Also at night time on weekends, the bar gets flocked the music get pumping and then at 12 it all stops because the people who live at number 1 Hyde Park, the most expensive flats in London, start to get a bit ancy! G-d forbid we upset them!

UNTIL NEXT TIME, WHICH IS WHEN I GET PAID!! 

Daily Tune

I love Mumford and Sons, their new album is wicked and this song is by far the song I belt out the most! 

If only I was a good singer! 

BARRIO CENTRAL

Just a small mention to a new bar a friend took me to in Soho a few days ago.

Barrio Central, is a small funky Mexican/Latin style Bar that also offers good food.

Here is a little link to the menu if you want to see what they have on offer
http://www.barriocentral.com/pdf/food-menu.pdf

I got there after work, so was there quite early, but was all good because between 3-8 they have happy hour on a selection of cocktails and all beers are £3, which is really cheap for London.

I ended up only having Mojito's because they were too good to try anything else.
They did put a ridiculous amount of ice on top, trying to be smooth without ice spilling over the edge proved to be very hard!

The layout of the bar is small and the decor is pretty snazzy and is nothing too pretentious

There are two floors, and it seemed the downstairs was where the real party happens.  The owner told me over the weekend they have a DJ playing salsa and Latin music. 

They also have little areas you can rent out, I would have photos to show you, but I got embarrassed to take pictures.

So here is a link:
http://www.barriocentral.com/photos.php

If you like what you see, check it out. Its a nice alternative to all the posh and overpriced bars you can find in Central London. Additionally it has some good Vibesss going on!

Play this song and you will know what I will mean.  

Daily Tune

I heard about The Lumineers around a year ago, and so pleased they have released an album,

I am loving this song:

CHOCKYWOCCY...I CAN'T EAT ANYMORE!

WHAT A PLACE!

Now after a pretty hefty night the night before I have to be honest I was feeling pretty shabby and the thought of eating a great deal of chocolate was quite a horrific thought. However Charlotte, who has been repeatedly mentioned in this blog, had especially organised a day out to bring all her closest friends together under one roof....How sweet of her.

On arrival and after taking one look at the most elaborate and intricate cakes I have ever seen, all hungover feelings left the room and all of a sudden I was slightly peckish!

We were taken up the two flights of stairs by the lovely Andrew, who was a fantastic host, and shown into our tea room for the day. 

And what a tea room this was.

It was like every kids dream and it felt as if you had accidentally stumbled into the mad hatters tea party:

The floor was lined with fake grass 

 Little grass bunnies were dotted all round the room, and the shrubs had lollipops poking out of them

There were a whole variety of chairs, from sofas, to garden chairs to hanging chairs...chair crazyyy!

There was even a fountain with water trickling out of it. 

The table was lined with cakes, nibbles, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

 What we misread is that you can bring your own alcohol into the building, which was a shame because a few bottles of champs could have made the day a lot more interesting.

I can see it now 

After settling in, you are given, on top of all the sweets and chocolate they provide, a large bit of chocolate cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and ice cream. 

Admittedly not one of us finished it...poor effort I say.

All this talk of Ice cream made me think of that Michael Mclntyre sketch and thought I would share it with you, but in the end I could not find it but instead stumbled upon another one of his sketches, which brought me to tears. 

This sketch has absolutely no relevance to Chockwoccydoodah but its funny as hell!

I hope that made you laugh as much as I did

Anyway back to Chocolate...

So the crack is, you pay 25 quid each and you get all the scrumptious goodies included and the room for two hours. You also get given a cake to take home with you, which they kindly split for us.

The tea room on a whole is large and I found it the whole experience rather relaxing. Perhaps it was the double red velvet couch which I decided to call my home, or the quiet chirping of birds and waterfall sounds they had loop in the background.

I just don't know.

What I do know is that after I ate my weight in Chocolate I did feel rather ill.

Now to the most important bit - Would I recommend it?

Well Yes

BUT:

I personally would not go back there again, not because I did not enjoy myself, I had a lovely time, but because its one of those things you only do once.

If the sweets and chocolate were out of this world then maybe I would return, but they just weren't. For instance they gave us smarties, but the cheap ones - you know the one you get out of those 50p machines. It's not right.

I also think this place though is more directed at girls than boys, I just cant imagine a bunch of lads sitting around, sipping coffee and eating cake in a civilized manner.

This place would be good though for 21st birthdays, hen parties and all events of that sort. 

If you want to book, here is the email address

http://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/