London: Tea Time in Wonderland » Barbican http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk The magic of London Thu, 24 May 2012 22:43:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 The Jugged Hare http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/03/27/jugged-hare http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/03/27/jugged-hare#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:18:53 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=11795 You can count on Tom and Ed Martin, the gastropub stars, to amaze you. Each new address seems to be even better than the previous one when you did not think it possible. They just get everything right. The Jugged Hare is probably the most atmospheric, the best of the British touch. It has the warm, homey and welcoming feeling of a pub, lots of dark wood, beers taps with gorgeous enamel levels, beers from the Redemption Brewing Company, the Sambrooks Junction brewery, the house one too, a pale ale with citrus and spice notes. There is a touch of mystery too, with the fascinating collection of animals around the bar that just catch the eye, initiate the conversation with complete strangers, such beautiful poses, oh, have you see the robin? The hedgehog? People stay there, pint in hand, admiring, chatting. A little bit further is a magnificent wine cellar.  The gourmet attitude rules here, the staff know their wine and cheese to perfection. The menu follows seasons, puts British artisans forward, forgotten ingredients too such as dandelion in salads. Dishes appeal to timeless traditions with modern skills -  from Yorkshire wood pigeon and lentil dripping to diver scallops, mussels and brown shrimp gratin via a nettle, onion, blue cheese and quail egg tart… At the heart of the room is the rôtisserie -  just follow your nose, it is just impossible to resist. The meat is roasted slowly and oh, you just want to try this. On the launch night, we were all queuing for it -  so much fragrance, so juicy! One bite and you join the crowd again. You haven’t finished your first bun but you already want some more. Chips are served with gravy from the roast too. Just a few minutes from the Barbican – this is THE place to wow any of your friends. The quality of a top restaurant with the atmosphere of a Victorian pub. Splendid, just splendid.








The Jugged Hare
49 Chiswell Street
London, EC1Y 4SA

A few more addresses by Tom and Ed Martin this way.

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/03/27/jugged-hare/feed 1 A week-end in London: March 01-04, 2012 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/02/29/a-week-end-in-london-march-01-04-2012-un-week-end-a-londres-01-04-mars-2012 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/02/29/a-week-end-in-london-march-01-04-2012-un-week-end-a-londres-01-04-mars-2012#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:15:53 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=11065 There is something in the air. A softness, a lighter texture, a cheerfulness. Makes me feel like walking along a beach, breathe in the salty air, listen to the waves, maybe fly a kite. What about you? Doing anything nice this week-end? You can also fish in the ideas below!

That’s art, baby:
* Make a little detour to see those East London pictures of yesteryear.

* A new artistic venue, in a lorry container. Oh, and linked to a pizza bus, of course.

Yummy time ahead:
* A delicious idea to start the week-end -  every Saturday, there is a homemadefood market in Hackney

* To celebrate St David’s day -  Wales’ patron -  the Real Food Market on Southbank will put lots of Welsh favourites on their stalls.

* In Chinatown, you are gonna melt for those new treats on skewers. And they’re chep too!

* Caffeine alert. Oh, and there too.

Out of the ordinary:
* Before the Louboutin exhibition starts at the Design Museum at the end of the month, the iconic creator has redesigned the whole Concept Store and the surrounding windows.

* Hoorray, the Barbican week-ends are back! There will be urban stories, poetry, digital graffiti, live music and much much more.

* Oh! A new pop-up cinema. Saturday, if you have an appetite for it, you can go and see dracula. In a church, of course. No obligation to take a necklace of garlic along.

* The dancing theatre is inspired by the 1920ies this week-end.

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/02/29/a-week-end-in-london-march-01-04-2012-un-week-end-a-londres-01-04-mars-2012/feed 2 Morgan M http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/02/24/morgan-m http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/02/24/morgan-m#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:44:10 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=11048 I am often asked which French restaurant I go to in London. The answer is not that many as I can have this when I go back home, so I never expect much surprise. I now stand corrected. I have been wowed by Morgan M. Not only would I recommend it to any British friend, I would not hesitate to bring my visiting French friends over too.

Why? Ingredients are as seasonal as possible, presentation is meticulous, artistic, the thinking modern. Most importantly, the flavours and textures bring some unusual combinations that make you rediscover a dish entirely. No wonder chef Morgan Meunier is used to Michelin stars and rosettes

I was late on that day, cheeks all pink for having run. I rushed in and asked in a half broken voice where the event was taking place. the team proved adorable, took coat and bag from me, let me catch my breath, asked whether I wanted to drink something, water, wine, whatever I needed, admired my camera, made my smile. The French charm without the arrogance.

A look at the menu and you know straight away this is going to be a wonderfully festive meal. Even the amuse bouche is a surprise -  a cream of Mojettes beans. The waiter brought the plate with just a few ingredients – fine lemon zests, melt-in-the-mouth beans, diced pepper, a spoonful of fragrant pesto – then poured the velvety soup. Exquisite. Unctuous. Each note reveals itself slowly as you make your way through the dish. So very soft on the palate, a citrus infused perfume. You get to the last spoonful with a pang of regret, look with envy at your neighbour’s. Just in case.

This was matched to a glass of Le Lesc 2010.This blend of ugni blanc and colombard proves very floral, very poetic with green apple, lemongrass, lime, basil -  enchanting and very refreshing indeed.

The starter is a quite a dream creation -  crayfish and lobster cannelloni, enhanced with tarragon, moist and tender, with a slightly aniseed note. With it, perfectly cooked spinach and a smooth Jerusalem Artichoke soubise. Even better still, a shellfish cappuccino, light as champagne bubbles. Each mouthful combines the different creams and you just have to close your eyes and smile.  You stop talking. There is no need. You are enjoying the moment fully. This is THE dish you absolutely have to order from that menu, even make a detour for.

Try it with a Château Clement-Termes Gaillac Sec – there is mucadelle in it, my favourite grape for its honey hints. You will also taste pear, peach, passionfruit. A very cheerful wine, a must with seafood.


Follows another sea delight – seabass grilled to perfection, crusty on top, with an exotic carrot and ginger risotto, infusing the fish. The cloud like broth with lemon and saffron transports your senses  entirely – memories of fresh pineapple and mango, a ray of warm sunshine. Have it with some Albarino from the Rias Baixas region, a sauvignon blanc with a fruity and sparkling heart, pure happiness.

The meat dish was fascinating -  look at that plate, a real contemporary work of art, clever mix of textures and flavours. I tried the venison first – first class meat and such character, on a bed of cabbage in beautiful peppery sauce chasseur. On the side, a farci of hare with quince purée, so unusual, such a range of sensations on the tongue. So new that you have to discuss it this time, compare notes with your friends, try to understand it further.

This is an excellent Bourgueil 2010 with a floral bouquet, a touch of liquorice (ideal with meat of such strength), lots of red fruit, raspberries and cherries.




Sweet time! To prepare the palate, we go back to childhood memories. A crunchy orange tile – think crepe Suzette -  is folded very stylishly and filled with creamy vanilla rice puddings. A very jewel presentation, crowned with a quenelle of pinacolada sorbet, great coconut texture, a real treat.


Last but nor least, a dark chocolate moelleux with a melting heart. Wonderful with the handful of pistachio on the side and the milk sorbet with its caramel circle. And yes, you will end up with chocolate moustaches. Sumptuous with some Mas Amiel 2009, one of those cult wines that you can only imagine with cacao – explosion of blackberries and red fruit, nutmeg and cinnamon, sweet spices, toffee. Satin-like.


Verdict ? Bravo. Really. And this winter menu – 6 dishes -  is only £50/person, £80 if you go for wine (6 glasses in total). A rare price for such a quality, refinement and skills! If you are vegetarian, rejoice: a full menu similar to that one and as mouth-watering, has been designed too. Dimmed light, quiet atmosphere, no background music, no need to raise your voice to chat -  a fabulous choice for romantic dinners. Just saying.

Morgan M
50 Long Lane
London EC1A 9EJ

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of Morgan M

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2012/02/24/morgan-m/feed 3 A week-end in London: July 01-03, 2011 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/06/30/a-week-end-in-london-july-01-03-2011-un-week-end-a-londres-01-03-juillet-2011 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/06/30/a-week-end-in-london-july-01-03-2011-un-week-end-a-londres-01-03-juillet-2011#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:41:21 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=6781 Are you a big screen fan? Rejoyce. This summer, cinemas are taking the scene over. You’ll find them on the roofs (Queen of Hoxton), parks (Nomad Cinema) and… canals with the Floating Cinema. With or without an umbrella, London’s outdoors are to be enjoyed by all means.

A few more ideas for the week-end:

* Knit your way round the tube. Grannies rock!

* Wow, Waterloo really is turning foodie these days.

* The new Serpentine pavillion opens this Friday -  it is all about emotions, a travel and a secret garden.

* The favourite trend for the summer? The beach.  Even The Goring Hotel has adopted the concept.

* Join The Big Feastival for 3 days of music and gourmet dishes. All profits will support Jamie Olivers and Prince Charles’ charities. Top cooks and restaurant pop-ups are on the program – think Taste of London with a fun twist. Even better – kids under 12 go free.

* Free cakes at St Martins Courtyard Summer Fête.

* Pac-Man your way through the tube…

* Enjoy a guided tour in one of London’s most beautiful Victorian cemetaries, Kensal Green.

* An Arab festival is to enchant London throughout July.

* Look up! Billboards turn artistic.

* See London in black and white.

* Have you seen Nemo?

* Always trying for a balanced diet? Well, Purl has just added a salad bar to their famous cocktails.

* An elegant airy architecture is building up at the Barbican Curve.

* Fly away.

Pssst: Love urban games? Quick, register for the Search Party, it’s free!

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/06/30/a-week-end-in-london-july-01-03-2011-un-week-end-a-londres-01-03-juillet-2011/feed 5 A week-end in London: June 24-26, 2011 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/06/22/a-week-end-in-london-june-24-26-2011-un-week-end-a-londres-24-26-juin-2011 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/06/22/a-week-end-in-london-june-24-26-2011-un-week-end-a-londres-24-26-juin-2011#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:23:21 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=6688 I watch the rain pouring down and cannot get this word off my mind: beach.
Toes in warm sand, grains rolling on skin made golden by the sun.
Soft wave music. Listen to the lids splash, laugh, collect shells and make castles.

London seems to have a thing for it too. London-on-sea. Southbank has a mini-kids-beach for the summer. The Red Market, who is finally opening in Shoreditch this week-end after many delays, is proposing an urban version. Palmtrees, pétanque, deckchairs and cocktails. Even pop-ups go sea-food style!

Are you next holidays way too far? Look for a few London ideas here insteas:

* Come and join hundreds of musicians on Southbank this Friday.

* Peyrton & Byrnes are opening a pop-up within Kew Gardens. Dinner will be enhanced with herbs and eatble flowers foraged in the park and served with a little jazz.

* Pretend you are Sherlock Holmes at the Natural History Museum.

* Sleep at the Barbican. No kidding: cushions, duvet and breakfast included!

* Didn’t get your tickets for Wimbledon? Opt for plan B: a 360 degree-view platform at Selfridges.

* Rush to Greenwich for their extraodinary summer festival.

* Be a yogabunny in Hyde Park.

* Food party in Soho.

* Learn to be a barista.

* Did you there now is a farmers’ market every week-end at Portobello?

* Manucure and champagne? Luxury down to your fingertips.

* Discover a roof garden in Southwark -  only open to the public this Sunday. Have a look at the artist’s (Mathew Bell) other creations in London.

* Look up and hunt for hints of the Old London.

* Next stop: Murakami!

Pssst: Are you one of the bloggers chosen by #Regenttweet to tweet the fashion news this Saturday? Leave us a comment and see you on Saturday at Swarowsky’s! Don’t forget your shopping bag…

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/06/22/a-week-end-in-london-june-24-26-2011-un-week-end-a-londres-24-26-juin-2011/feed 9 Post-it for the week-end: March 04-06, 2011 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/03/02/post-it-for-the-week-end-march-04-06-2011-post-it-pour-le-week-end-04-06-mars-2011 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/03/02/post-it-for-the-week-end-march-04-06-2011-post-it-pour-le-week-end-04-06-mars-2011#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:48:32 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=4961

Each day brings a few more minute of light – don’t you love it, makes you feel so alive! Camelia are blooming like little fireworks, cherry trees will soon be covered in sweet cascades of white and pink. And if we arlucky to have a little sun this week-end, I might go and enjoy spring with a Jasmine tea and a good book in the Phoenix Garden. Want alternative ideas?

- Wold book day soon with a give-away on Friday evening on Trafalgar Square!

- Hey girls, fancy a free makover?

- Have a musical time in a pub…

- Explore the Barbican center -  two days of creative workshops -  great ones for kids too. Symphomic music and even a free nail bar for grown upsor why not the strangest Barbican tour ever?

- Discover secret galleries…

- …or a theatre play in the most unusual place…

- Marvel at a new version of Alice in wonderland -  all in elegant danced steps…

- Sail away!

- Letter posting just turned musical…

- Yes, royal weddings can be ever so fun!

- Remember Slinkachu’s small but ironic world? The artist’s back…

- Enjoy your Sunday Russian style!

- Or have a perfect family Sunday…

Pssst:
- March the 08th is pancake day: race it!

- Why not try to win a Royal Wedding street party, hey?

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2011/03/02/post-it-for-the-week-end-march-04-06-2011-post-it-pour-le-week-end-04-06-mars-2011/feed 3 Post-it for the week-end Oct 15-17, 2010 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/10/13/post-it-for-the-week-end-oct-15-17-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-15-17-octobre-2010 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/10/13/post-it-for-the-week-end-oct-15-17-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-15-17-octobre-2010#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:20:48 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=3072 What a strange week, which celebrates chocolate, cocktails and… wool! So, what’s on this week-end?

- Play the arty card. I have tried quite a few opening this week! The Shadow Catchers @ the V&A on photograms -  some really great works there. Barbican presents Japanese fashion (and don’t forget their late evening!). You’ll find more fashion @ the Somerset House… Do your gym @ the Hayward with Move! Balance, rings, hula-hoop… Very interactive and playful. If you’re into something more classic, try Canaletto -  great paintings of the Venice scene.

- On the street art line, try and get one of the last spaces for Hell’s Half Acre. Right in the Waterloo tunnels and extraordinarily good. The best show I have seen for a while! You will also find Eine and Polly Morgan @ the Moniker Art Fair that opens tomorrow…

- Get ready for Halloween with this themed afternoon tea… (or get yourself this book on monstruously cute cupcakes!)

- Have a free gin and tonic in a Victorian carriage of curiosities. And on the 16th, there is a croquet competition for barmen!

- Alternatively, say cheers in the pop-up Courvoisier…

- Or do you prefer wine? You can also try the Real Food Market…

- Taste some (free) chocolate @ Harrods! Or even better, have a chocolate orgy @ Chocolate Unwrapped…

- Be zen in the British Museum…

- Hop, go and see art in a park for once with the Frieze Art Fair…

- Rediscover St Paul…

- Have a pint in a fab pub…

- Lost your jacket? It may be here….

- Take the kids to cut and pastes paper templates…

- Contribute to this strange harvest @ the Wellcome Collection…

- Sci-fi fans, head that way!

- Go, on, have a very French dinner… you know it is soooo worth it…

- And last, order yourself the cutest cupcake in a jar. Just out of curiousity…

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/10/13/post-it-for-the-week-end-oct-15-17-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-15-17-octobre-2010/feed 2 Utopic parasites @ the Barbican http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/07/26/utopic-parasites-the-barbican-parasites-utopiques-au-barbican http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/07/26/utopic-parasites-the-barbican-parasites-utopiques-au-barbican#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:02:46 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=2646 Sci-fi addict? This is so for you: Bock’s surreal bugs.

Or are those aliens? Giant spiders escaped from Matrix? Eccentric parasites from Moebius? Nomad shops from the 5th Element?

Each pod shelters an ecclectic universes of its own. Here an Asian bazaar, lanterns, chopsticks, Chinese noodles. There, the back room of a charity shop, each scale offering a shirt. Over there, a giant version of 4 fixed on a black cab chassis… Everything is mixed: a collection of clocks, kitchen tools, CDs, kitsch glasses…

Entry is free, and the atmosphere joyful. The only risk is to have your kids compare their chaotic bedroom to a work of art!

Barbican
The Curve
Silk Street
London EC2Y 8DS

Until Sept 12, 2010 – free

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/07/26/utopic-parasites-the-barbican-parasites-utopiques-au-barbican/feed 0 Post-it for the week-end June 25-27, 2010 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/06/23/post-it-for-the-week-end-june-25-27-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-25-27-juin-2010 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/06/23/post-it-for-the-week-end-june-25-27-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-25-27-juin-2010#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:14:26 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=2481 A whole week of sun, even a mini heat-wave… guys, it’s barbecue-time and Pimms: let’s celebrate!

- The pianos are back! pretend you’re Mozart, improvise, make everybody dance…

- Oooh, it’s time for the V&A late night, on architecture this time. And there will be jazz too…

- By the way, it’s the festival of architecture with plenty going on!

- Be zen this week-end with taichi and yoga workshops @ Greenwich park…

- The summer festival is back @ the National theatre and there will be plenty of free shows on the stage on Southbank…. check out the program!

- Great, the beach is still there!And the appearing rooms also are back at the Southbank centre – the kids love those…

- Make your bets for the dragon boat race!

- Have a taste of honey @ Barbican…

- Rediscover London with songs …

- Are you ready for Wimbledon? I’m not but this tennis themed afternoon tea looks just perfect to me….

- Take your little ones to see the Charlie and Lola exhibition…

How will you enjoy the sun? I’m escaping to Paris for the week-end, ohlala!

]]> http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/06/23/post-it-for-the-week-end-june-25-27-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-25-27-juin-2010/feed 4 Post-it for the week-end : June 11-13, 2010 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/06/09/post-it-for-the-week-end-june-11-13-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-11-13-juin-2010 http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/lang/en/2010/06/09/post-it-for-the-week-end-june-11-13-2010-post-it-pour-le-week-end-11-13-juin-2010#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:11:18 +0000 Chocoralie http://teatimeinwonderland.co.uk/?p=2404 Ready for the week-end? Steady… go!

- Wish the Queen a happy birthday: every year a special parade takes place but do arrive early!

- Vintage and retro shopping? Try the Cabbages and Frocks market every Saturday…

- Enter the Matrix @ the White Cube gallery…

- Have a free ice cream @ Covent Garden on Saturday

- Go for a magical and musical bus ride on Saturday -  it’s all part of  Spitafields’ music festival!

- Love knitting? Give up pub-crawls for a knit crawl for a change…

- It’s summer fair time! Try Marylebone for a farmers’ market, kids’ games and music, of course! There’s also a summer pop-up bar around there….

- Use forgotten empty spaces in London? The answer in pictures…

- Barbican plays it mysterious, surreal and full of desires…

- Meet Marvel’s superheroes @ Mme Tussaud…

- Get a new skin @ the Wallace collection…

- There’s still time to grab a ticket for the Hampton Court Festival – always with a fireworks finale…

- Decide to take a day off next week for a £3 lunch!

- This way for a brand new look on London….

- England, shocking? @ the Tate only…

You’ll find me… all around London, discovering secret gardens open specially for the Open Garden Square week-end…

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