London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Until now, going to the hairdresser was, mmh, a little torture-like. Laugh if you wish. I usually leave half-disappointed with the feeling I was not quite listened to. And so the whole session seems to last an eternity. I ruffle my hair back in place as soon as I step out, avoiding the following time as long as I can.

That was before.
I found my paradise hair salon.

Huge, warm smiles welcomes me immediately. A young, dynamic team, a wide space, lots of natural light – you almost feel like putting the radio on and dancing. On the walls, pictures taken by Mr Skött, you get lost in the landscapes, dream away. A touch of  holly, here and there. I was kindly allowed to look around, marvel at the collection of Phyto products and shiny Paul Yacomine bottles, admire the palette of hair colouring tints, ask questions about the Mist machine, which waves hydrate in depth.

I am sat comfortably, cocooned. Here, drinks and home-made brownie are part of the experience. The seasonal choice include cinnamon hot chocolate, Christmas tea, gingerbread latte… The list is long -  you could even indulge in a glass of wine. Previous work or life worries just fade away.

My hair is washed, lathered in beautifully scented products. I had in the past had scalp massages but this one is wonderfully tonic, covers the neck, gives energy back. I feel wonderfully awake.

A little shy, I had not opted for a haircut but a brushing -  I do not give trust immediately. Alexandra, rather than just telling me what would fit me best, asks about my lifestyle, which products I have the time to use. She wants me to feel comfortable, to be able to maintain the hair style easily without having to change my habits or get a top-level training. This is all  about adapting it to me rather than the other way round. She notes details, the way I comb my fringe for example and will not ask again. She also understands my hesitations, completes my half spoken questions, guesses what I am looking for, So very comforting.

I also chat with great pleasure with Raluca, who has a heart of gold, of the local shops, of Bike Minded‘s efforts to get more people cycling, of formidable restaurants in Notting Hill. I learn that the owners, Mr & Mrs Skött, have two dogs, Max & Blue, absolutely adored by the customers. They got so famous they now have products in their name.

I barely remember I am here to get my hair done, although it is being brushed neatly, given volume and shine. An ipad is available, much more pratical than magazines. I look at the mirror. Wow, it it me? The hair looks longer, healthier, silky, end in lovely curls, a star effect for me who always leaves it up. Not only this but it survived the day, the wind, the rain. I felt so much more glamourous.

Verdict? I immediately booked my next appointment, this time for a hair cut, a short version. The atmosphere is so friendly, so turned towards the customer that you can only be seduced by it. It is not about being trendy, competitive or modern, just a human and kind approach. No empty conversations but lots of sharing about anything and everything. Even though I live just outside London, I really felt part of the local vibe. Priceless.

Bonus: at the first visit, you will be given a bag with information and a few samples and a £5 reduction on your next appointment. Even better, the loyalty cards will help you collect points to be exchanged for treaments.

Kel Skött
2-4 Lambton Place,
London W11 2SH

Or

93 Golborne Road,
London W10 5NL

My advice of the week? Go for a Christmas afternoon tea at the Mandeville hotel. They had already won my heart (and my stomach) with their traditional version and I fell for that one too. Tangerine tartlet with a touch of gold, light but delicious Stollen the best scones in town, mince pies to die for, cupcakes decorated as a Christmas tree, a brownie teaxture to the chocolate cake with a touch of mint… What better way to celebrate the season before, during or after a shopping session? Even better, match it to one of theur fantastic cocktails -  the Via con me is a drink-it-up tiramisu version and the Dragonfly is very Turkish Delight like… You will be back for more!

‘Tis the season to be jolly:
* The Xmas tree dresses up in Legos at St Pancras.
* Don’t forget the Pudding Race!
* Woodlands get enchanted.
* Celebrate Xmas with a Swedish touch -  gorgeous food and drinks, ski lodge atmosphere and soft furs…

That’s art, baby:
* Open space and green!
* Robots invade the Science Museum.

Yummy time:
* Shhh -  a secret place for Whisky lovers.
* The Real Food Market gets festive.
* Learn to cook Tudor style at Hampton Court.

December, your best excuse to do some shopping:
* Do your shopping at this night market. Chinese lanterns and DJ – what a lovely atmosphere!

Out of the ordinary:
* Turn back the clock and head for a sensational Victorian evening.
* Brave the cold.
* Fingercross for a chance to see the Cointreau Cabaret.
* Beat that winter-blues with a ray or two of light.
* Discover Mrs Marmite Lover’s London.

Trafalgar Square. The night has wrapped the city in a dark coat, garland of light are being switched on here and there. Hands in my pockets, chilled, I hurry towards Boyd’s brasserie where I am meeting a friend. I picture a very classical place, white tablecloth, waiters coming back and forth, the clinking of cuttlery.

I push the door open. I stop right there, amazed.

In front of me opens a beautiful room, high ceiling, wals and columns of marble, diamond-like chandeliers, heavy velvety curtains, old style mirrors reflecting the scene, comfortable armchairs and sofas.  Luxury meeting contemporary design.

Just after the lounge is the restaurant – large round tables circled by Starck’s famous Ghost chairs. A softer, more intimate space, quiet enough to have a conversation without raising your voice (so rare in London!). The decoration is wel balanced -  the richness is not overwhelming and brings a reassuring atmosphere. Service is very kind indeed and it is a real pleasure to ask for advice an recommendations.

What’s om the menu? British tapas as starters and we love the idea. Choose from the 16 miniature choices (2 each are enough and will only cost £7.90) and share. We decided to go “all fish”: a crab macaroni gratin (creamy and very refined, an idea to try an home), a velvery lobster soup (sublime – immediate flashback of seaside holidays and traditional French fish soup and croutons), extra-tender skate cheeks croquettes with a lemony sauce (a must-try) and, more classical, a crayfish salad with a slightly sugary sauce. Let me tell you -  the forks never stopped moving from one dish to another.

Fancy a wine match? The white Sauvignon 2009 by Katnook was a lovely surprise -  tropical, lemongrass notes, very fruity. It definitely brings a festive touch to all fish-based dishes.

The ultimate test for any Froggie in London is red meat. You probably know that we love ours rare and it seems difficult in Britain to get it that way, it generally arrives too cooked for our taste. The Scotch rib eye steak may cost £23.90 but my, was it tasty and juicy, pefectly prepared.  did I mention you get almost 300g – this alone should be enough to make all the carnivorous readers drool. The Dauphinoise potatoes (£2.70) we ordered were tasty, yet could have been cooked a little longer to our taste.

I am a lover of fish pies and Boyd’s is famous for theirs. Very generous in fish, impeccable texture of the cream – I just had to pour all the peas in my dish to wrap them in the sauce. Very filling too. The menu also proposes a pie and pint (of claret, not ale) to be shared for £37.20.

The duo of British cheese is worth leaving a space for. Served on a slate, it comes with celery sticks, grapes, home made chutney and walnut bread -  a savoury way to finish the meal. If you are more a sweet-tooth person, go for the chocolate tart, dense, extra-thin pastry (£6.50) and alternate with the lightly sour dark cherry sorbet…

Verdict: a great selection of classical British dishes at a reasonable price for the heart of London, especially is such a gorgeous place. Theatreland is nearby and you could have an early 3-course dinner for just £18.90. Oh, un afternoon tea y est également disponible… A fabulous place to meet friends for a cocktail, far from the toursity restaurants of Covent Garden, have a quiet meal with them. Oh, and they do afternoon teas too…

Boyd’s Brasserie
8 Northumberland Avenue
London, WC2N 5BY.

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of Boyd’s Brasserie.

A few traditional pubs in London continue to serve beer in those glass mugs. Created for a better grasp, they reduced breaking costs, especially at washing time. They started disappearing a decade ago, modern dishwashers allowing for normal glassware again.

The Nag’s Head (53 Kinnerton St,  London SW1X 8ED) – a tiny pub hidden in the streets of Belgravia – still uses them. No tourist here, just locals, two chimneys to warm up in winter, a classical list of drinks but fascinating memorabilia all around that are worth stopping for. Mobile phones are firmly forbidden, leaving space for conversation, a soothing lulling song around you.

Each year, rather than adding yet another toy to the house, I take my daughter to see a musical. Girly time and fabulous memories. The Cirque Invisible, the Lion King, the Wizard of Oz. This year,  Wicked put a spell on us. The theatre in itself is already magical, a different universe. Do take the binoculars (£1, one between each seat) to better see the details of the decors and costumes. The story? A different version of Oz, each role being reversed, sprinkled with formidable humour. Quick, go and see it!

Christmas is coming to town:
* Go gift hunting on that adorable Finnish market.
* Plenty of ideas at the Chelsea Physic Garden fair too.
* On the craft side, you will find real wonders at the Merry Magpie pop-up.

That’s art, baby!
* Nothing better than 4D projection to bring life back into a building.
* Is art really rubbish?

Yummy time:
* Burger revolution.
* It is winter time and Dickens then rhymes with punch and Courvoisier.
* Still on the Dickens’ theme -  opt for the pub crawl!
* Food allergies? Go and enjoy this free from festival.

Shopaholics, beware:
* Remember Upper Street? Great news -  they are having a sample sale of unique models this Saturday, up to 50% off the original price. Just go to Upper Street Studios, 1A Clarendon Buildings, 11 Ronalds rd, London, N5 1XJ. From 10.00 to 16.00, payment by card only.

Take the little ones along:
* Especially for adventurers-to-be: a tour of the HMS Belfast with a hot chocolate.
* This adorable kids festival in South Kensington should make the whole family happy.

Out of the ordinary:
* Le Cool and Fiji Water have thought of a wonderful winter stroll along a forgotten river -  click here to see the app / map, it’s all free!
* Underground tales, this way.
* Discover London… aboard a kayak.
* Manga fans, rejoyce: this one takes place at the British Museum.
* One of the mysteries of London…

On a chimney mantel. Under an aged mirror, glass replaced by gold in places.
Carefully chosen jewels. A candle flame dancing.
A delicately decorated case.

What could it be?
Clic.

It opens.
A powder compact.
Rose fragranced, divine.
An enchanting lip balm.
Essential oils.

A creation by Andrea Garland.
Aromatherapist, natural products only.
Inspired by vintage boxes, jewels too.
Rings, brooches with a secret.
At Liberty.
Love it.

Andréa Garland

My mind is elsewhere this week. Partly in endless Xmas shopping lists, partly in the mountains of leaves in the garden that I keep jumping in with my daughter and partly in packing a suitcase. I will be enjoying the sun of New Delhi next week. A few days with spices and exotic colours…

We wish you a merry Xmas (no, it’s never too early)
* Bond street lights will be switched on on the 17th – the shop windows always are worth making a special detour…
* Also on the 17th – 20% reduction in Carnaby street!

That’s art, baby:
* Tip your hat to Terence Conran‘s genius at the Design Museum.
* With birds… or without?
* Art vs postcard. Love at first sight, buy one and learn at the very end who did it. You may well have a Tracey Emin or an Anish Kapoor!

Yummy time:
* Say no to food waste. On Trafalgar Square Friday evening, learn to cook a better way and nibble delicious treats.
* Indulge in delicious breakfasts.
* Coffee or tea?

Out of the ordinary:
* You knew speed-dating. The new trend is speed listening – ipod music sharing with a cocktail.
* Try a less known park.
* Sleep in an Ikea.
* Give aquatic siatshu a try – you can’t get bored in this town!

Read – meat lovers’ heaven.

This is the place to bring your favorite guys. Make the test at the office on Monday: mention it and see their eyes sparkle. The decoration is pretty simple for sure but I guarantee the man in your life will be telling everyone how wonderful you are after that.

Rodizio, mind you, is not a random name. Meaning rotation, it actually is a type of service – think all you can eat grilled meat, staff bringing you skewer after skewer, all this with a salad bar. Mark my word: skip breakfast and lunch before coming.

So how does it work? Nothing could be simpler. On your table will be a double sided-disk. Put it on the green side and you will be presented with the meat just out of the kitchen, all nice and warm. The waiter will cut as many slices of it as you may wish. Turn it to the red side whenever you want to take your time ou head for the vegetables instead.

Do start with the meat. 14 different cuts are being prepared: chicken, lamb, pork, spiraled sausages, different parts of beef, including one with cheese (to die for), another well peppered… Tender, juicy, full of taste -  even girls will fall for this. One choice is of chicken heart – very unusual but taste before you judge. A two bites pleasure and you will ask for more. If you prefer your meat rare or well cooked, let them know.

At the back of the room is an open space kitchen when you can have a look at the skewers cooking – the aromas are just mouthwatering. The only reason you will go back to your seat is because your favourite meat is ready.

The counter proposes a wide range of salads (from classic to exotic), sauces and condiments if you want to spice those up and a selection of hot dishes including rice balls, potato and chicken ones and crunchy banana nuggets (for which I went back 3 times, no less)… The staff is careful not to let any dish go even near empty and believe, we certainly honored those.

On the drinks side – cocktails and of course the very famous Caipirinha. I was more intringued by the Brazilian wine – too very little known. They offer a selection of Miolo – one of the biggest names as they represent 40%  of the local market. Their Pinot Noir 2009 is easy to drink, red fruit, raspberry notes, lingers nicely on the tastebuds and matches quite well the wide variety of tastes in your plate.

However, if you are in a non-alcoholic mood, mango and guava juices also are on the menu. Or try the national soft drink – guaraná: bubbly, a slight bubble gum flavour, a pleasant alternative to the usual colas.

Even if you think you cannot have another mouthful, believe me, order the grilled pineapple – it is divine. The tangy juices, almost caramelised, mix wonderfully with the sweet cinnamon, the melting vanilla ice cream, the sugary syrup…

Verdict: Unlimited meat and vegetables for £23.50/person – need we say more? £12.50 for kids under 12 (and yes, they do have chips too). An excellent adress to meet your friends for a yummy time without breaking the bank.

Rodizio Rico
11 Jerdan Place,
Fulham Broadway,
London SW6 1BE
More addresses in London here.