REVIEW: The Artichoke Restaurant, Amersham

Smoked haddock with radishes, beetroot and horseradish cream at The Artichoke, Amersham

The Artichoke has consistently been rated as the best restaurant in the Amersham area. After an impressive experience in January, I couldn’t wait to sample their autumn menu.

Amersham’s old town offers a range of dining options. Along with upmarket coffee house The Grocer, chain restaurants Cote, Prezzo and Ask, and several historic pubs, there’s a gourmet neighbourhood offering – The Artichoke.

The Artichoke, Amersham
The Artichoke, Amersham

Chef Patron Laurie Gear and his wife Jacqueline opened the Artichoke in 2002. The restaurant focuses on high quality, beautifully presented seasonal dishes, served with a dash of magic. I visited on a weekday evening to sample the seven-course autumnal tasting menu (with wine pairings). But first… a glass of rosé champagne to kick off a very special dining experience.

The menu at The Artichoke, Amersham
The menu at The Artichoke, Amersham

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REVIEW: Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T, Indonesia

Swimming pool at Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T

Hotel Ombak Sunset provides a relaxed base for exploring the kooky island of Gili T in Indonesia, with its legendary sunsets, tasty food and famous Datu Swing.

Beautiful flower arrangement at Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T
Beautiful flower arrangement at Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T

My time on Gili Trawangan started not at Hotel Ombak Sunset but at its sister hotel – Vila Ombak. It was a smart complex of villas and deluxe rooms just moments from the hubub of Main Street. After a day checking out the hippie beach shops and lively nightlife I was ready to slow things down and head 15 mins by horse and carriage to the quieter side of the island.

Exploring Main Street in Gili T
Exploring Main Street in Gili T

Gili T at night
Gili T at night

Gili T
Gili T

Hotel Ombak Sunset’s reputation preceded it.

“The swing! You just have to go on the swing,” my friend Hazel said.

She’d visited earlier in the year, and like many tourists queued up for a photo on the swing at sunset. While there are a few swings located around the island, this hotel is home to the most famous one.

Enjoying the famous Datu Swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T
Enjoying the famous Datu Swing at Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili T

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Best Ramen In London

Where to go for the best ramen in London

Time to share where to eat the best ramen in London. From Tonkotsu and Ippudo to Bone Daddies and Kanada-Ya, where will you go for your bowl of noodle soup?

Who doesn’t love ramen? When it comes to ramen joints, it seems Londoners just can’t get enough of them. Once a dish you’d only spot on a Wagamama menu, the humble Japanese noodle soup is really making a name for itself in the capital. It’s cool to slurp… in fact, it’s something we want to do regularly, and in public! And it’s something we’re happy to wait for. Yes you’ll find with all of the options below, you’re likely to pay your dues in queues.

Where to go for the best ramen in London
Where to go for the best ramen in London?

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REVIEW: Weekend Brunch At Hakkasan, London

Delicious dim sum at Hakkasan, London

Hakkasan’s Weekend Brunch is a delicious, generous and beautifully boozy!

N.B. I reviewed Hakkasan’s Dim Sum Sunday menu, which has now been extended to run all weekend, under the name Hakkasan Weekend Brunch. 

As I descended the dark staircase into Hakkasan’s Central London lair, I wondered what would await me. Emerging into an area of blue mood lighting, beautiful flowers and with the scent of jasmine and patchouli in the air, it felt like the entrance to a high-end spa.

Hakkasan, London
Hakkasan, London

The bar at Hakkasan, London
The bar at Hakkasan, London

Soon enough, the buzz became apparent. Divided into several seating areas, the restaurant was sleek, dark and sophisticated. Peeking through mahogany partitions, I could see a DJ playing a soothing chill-out mix while a fashionable crowd enjoyed fruity cocktails and steamers filled with brightly-coloured dim sum.

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