Restaurant Review – Oink – Swine Dining
By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food As soon as the news spread of a new pop-up restaurant that serves only Pork, I knew that I was in love. Situated directly opposite a Subway ‘restaurant’ that substitutes the Bacon in it’s B.L.T for revolting strips of Turkey, it’s a brave move to open a restaurant of this type. Upon entering the weekend revamp of The Café From Crisis on Commercial Street, just metres from Spitalfields Market, the interior is everything that...
Why Montsec is Europe’s star-gazing capital
It was on a starry night, when the hills were bright, that astronomists realised they needed to move away from those darn light-polluted hills. And with a steady interest in star-gazing, the Spanish mecca of Montsec has seen a steady rise in tourists visiting for its glimpse of our galaxy. Set in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountain, the Montsec Astronomy Park has become recognised as a world-class spot for star-gazing since it opened its doors to the public in 2009. The conditions...
The Weekly Cocktail Recipe – Reverend JW Simpson’s ‘Southside Retox’
By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food Perfect for Summer days, the Southside is a feel good mix of Rathbone New London Dry Gin, Agave Syrup, fresh Lemon Juice and The Reverend’s Detox Juice (Made with fresh Cucumber, Mint, Ginger & pressed Apples) then topped with Sparkling Wine for a light, bright & healthier-than-most long and refreshing sipper. Here’s a recipe courtesy of Fitzrovia Cocktail Bar Reverend JW Simpson, allowing readers to attempt to replicate the celebrated drink at home this...
USA Nails Announce Second Album ‘No Pleasure’
USA Nails, who feature former members of Oceansize, Kong, Hawk Eyes, Future of the Left & Silent Front have revealed initial details for their 2nd album. ‘No Pleasure’ will be released in November on Smalltown America. The band left an impression on the burgeoning London punk scene in early 2014 with a series of ferocious live shows and a slew of demo tracks. Their debut 'Sonic Moist' was soon to follow, a noisy, filthy, direct record; exactly what you'd expect from a band...
Restaurant Review – Tom’s Kitchen St. Katherine Docks
By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food Situated just moments away from both Tower Bridge and the City, the St. Katherine Docks branch of Tom’s Kitchen, and its new al-fresco area, seems perfect for London dining when the temperature is exceeding 30 degrees. Looking over a marina filled with luxurious, gleaming white Yachts as the sun blazes down onto the water, almost blinding everybody in site, we find ourselves seated on the cusp of the restaurant and its terrace. During our...
It’s a 5* hotel – surely? No? Luxury Student Accommodation?
By Bea Patel, TLE Property Editor and Director of Shop for an Agent, the estate agent comparison site Single beds, cramped rooms, shared kitchen and bathrooms, mould and leaks are the stereotypical student pads of old. It was, as they say, the ‘norm’. But has this all changed? Over the years, a growing demand for luxury student accommodation has emerged. Demands of modern urban life have become unavoidable. Smart phones flashing continuously. Social media and WhatsApp notifications demanding our attention....
Get out my Country
By Sean Michael Wilson Has any one else picked up on a perverse territorial defence mechanism being used against immigrants who challenge aspects of their adopted country? I recently saw a Japanese person say the following to a foreign person on Facebook during a long debate involving several people, both Japanese and non-Japanese: “…if you don't like Japan, you can get out from Japan any time you want!!! This is not your country. Why don't you go back to your country…” It was...
Food & Drink Guide To Independence Day In London
By Jonathan Hatchman, Food Editor, @TLE_Food With plenty of American Independence Day celebrations taking place this weekend, London may be thousands of miles away from our transatlantic neighbours, but plenty of bars and restaurants are jumping on board to celebrate the American Holiday. Some American, and some not so American, here's our guide to the best food and drink events that the Capital has to offer for Independence Day. Marylebone’s The Lockhart will be serving some truly authentic Southern American dished...
Iran: a New Land of Business Opportunity?
By Shahin Shamsabadi, Head of Business Intelligence MENA at The Risk Advisory Group We are perhaps only days away from a deal that could open up a country that has been shunned for nearly four decades. This is a country that in spite of crippling sanctions boasts an established banking sector, infrastructural foundations in the transport, aviation and energy industries and a sophisticated consumer market. A large, well-educated workforce, an abundance of natural resources, as well as more than 20 free...