The Electric Diner

Last night I ventured back to The Electric on Portobello Road, Notting Hill. It was the first time I had been back since the renovation post the 'big fire'. I had heard rumours that the burgers being served up on the French-American menu were 'to die for', and that the atmosphere was much more relaxed and enjoyable... so I was keen to try it out.

We decided to kick start the evening with some drinks at Montgommery Place, a quirky atmospheric cocktail bar whose trademark and philosophy is 'just great drinks, great food and great service.' The cocktail menu was loooooooong, however once we had ordered off the 'Vertigo' section, which covered the long, cool summertime cocktails and ordered the Gin Gin Mule, Dark & Stormy and South Side Fizz, we were flying! The drinks were delicious and it's a fun place to be - the decor includes fabulous instruments dotted all around the bar  - an antique trumpet was the base of one of the  table lamps for example. The place definitely gets my vote.

Arriving at The Electric having received a call from the lovely hostess informing us that our table was ready, we were seated in a cool little booth. The restaurant was very lively and full of an eclectic group of people all chatting and drinking away accompanied by a great soundtrack being played throughout from the Diner's reel-to-reel machine.

The Electric Diner's menu includes the fried house-made bologna sandwich, roasted bone marrow with beef cheek marmalade, classic burgers and honey-fried chicken with chilli and sesame seeds. I went for the single cheeseburger with a side order of fries, which I shared along with the chicken with chilli and sesame seeds. And....... the verdict, the burger was INSANE! By far the best burger I have ever tried in London (just pips Meat Liquor's)... the bun was soft, the meat cooked to perfection and the sauce... well am sure there is some secret ingredient in there! I would happily go back again tonight and order the same thing... 10/10.

A really fun and enjoyable evening with great food, drinks and cocktails... which all went downhill when we ended up in Mau Mau, an old school multicultural melting pot, Bohemian to its core and utterly fabulous, but am afaraid left me with a very sore head this morning (sadly don't think blaming it on the bar is fair, but hey ho)!!!!

Branche d'Olive - the ultimate destination for gifts and lifestyle accessories

Branche d'Olive, purveyors of luxury in the lifestyle arena and unequivocally my new label of love. If you aren't familiar with the brand, I suggest you get familiar! Everything about it, from the products to the brand philosophy, is something I really admire. 

Founded in 2002, by Jane Comyn and Ruthie Watson, Branche d'Olive is the ultimate destination for gifts and lifestyle accessories. The brand ethos unequivocally champions quality, authenticity and craftsmanship, which is reflected across the range of premium home fragrances, bath/beauty products and lifestyle accessories.

I was delighted to discover that all their products are hand-sourced, principally from local producers in Provence, France (indeed a a country whose craftsmen celebrated for their passion and attention to detail), and each product is lovingly selected for its unique credentials, which to me really showcases Branche  d'Olive's commitment and dedication to providing only the very best. 

I also love the name, the image conveyed by an olive branch makes me think of offering a token or a symbol of peace, which is in keeping with the brand... sourced, packaged and sold, all, with love.

I definitely won't be needing to shop around for beautiful gifts anymore... I have finally found my one stop shop to affordable luxury. And, what's very exciting, is that I have also discovered a lovely idea for a possible wedding favour... these gorgeous hand wrapped traditional soaps.

Stocked on their very own website Branche d'Olive, you can also purchase the products in leading stores including Fortnum & Mason and Liberty. For anyone lucky enough to stay at Raymond Blanc's Michelin- starred hotel: Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, the products are used throughout... enjoy!

branche-dolive.com

@branche_dolive

Wedding Bells!

As any newly engaged girl will know, once you have a wedding to start planning, everything else seems to fade into the background and it becomes an all consuming experience! So I am afraid that the focus of this blog is likely to change rather rapidly!!!!!

Having said that, I am not sure where to start... there is the church and the reception venue to choose, the theme, the flowers, the food, the music...etc etc, but for me, the hardest thing will be the dress. There is so much pressure on selecting something perfect and something which will (hopefully) make you look and feel amazing. 

Before I get too carried away, I think the best piece if advice I can give to anyone planning a wedding, is to buy a notebook to jot down all the ideas that are flying around in your head. I was very lucky to be gifted the most beautiful Smythson wedding planner from one of my bridesmaids (yes there is the fun task of appointing bridesmaids to think about too), and it's such a lovely gift to carry with me all the time.

Smythson offer a personalisation service, so I have my initials embossed on the bottom just to make it extra special and personal to me. It's definitely something I will always treasure.

Available in an array of colours, buy yours here 

http://www.smythson.com/fuchsia-panama-wedding-planner.html 

Burberry Sandals I Wish!

It's summer time and you always need that perfect pair of sandals that you can wear with any outfit. I always find it hard to find shoes that work well with dresses as well as look great teamed up with some jeans....... BUT then whilst on a casual trip to Westfield, I saw these in the window of Burberry and couldn't resist going into the store.

After being told they were only on display for visual merchandising purposes, I convinced the assistant to check in the stock room and there was one pair left in my size...Fate! Despite being high, they are super comfortable and mould to the foot - ideal for wearing all day or all night!

I spent a good while walking round the shop in them and taking pictures... I fell in love with them immediately! However at £425, I thought it would be sensible to think about it... WRONG!!!! On my return a few days later, they had already been snapped up and I cannot seem to find them anywhere else! Moral of the story - TRY... LIKE... BUY!!!!!

The Burberry new season selection is still beautiful - check out the collection here http://uk.burberry.com/store/womens-shoes/sandals/#heels=true

For anyone looking for something more classic, these are beautiful - Equestrian Black Flat Leather Sandal £315

And so my search reluctantly continues!!!

xx