Have you seen Valentine on the telly? He’s a bit hard to miss actually. When I first spotted him I thought my box had gone on the blink, as his head seemed disproportionally large for his body. I then discovered he is the son of Sir Frederick Archibald Warner, GCVO, KCMG ex Conservative MP and that his mother is the wonderfully named Simone Georgina de Ferranti. So it’s probably genetic; like floppy fringes.
The South will rise again
Down in Balham SW12, where cool young professionals are now outnumbering the original old locals, Sam Harrison co owns and runs Harrison’s, a smart restaurant and bar that shows his gift for giving the people exactly what they want and for doing it well.
Pulling a pint with Fuller’s Head Brewer
Real ale is really different. Following on from our visit to the Fullers Brewery last week, we settle down for a glass and a chat with their head brewer John Keeling
Campari- the classic Aperitivo you can make at home
Fancy being all sophisticated? Then Campari is for you.Fans of the unique taste of Campari include Jessica Alba and Heston Blumenthal and the latter knows a thing or two about great taste. Created in 1862 by Gaspare Campari of Milan Campari’s brilliant red hue, bittersweet taste is unique
Campari and Harvey Nichols arrange some super summery events
This summer, iconic brand Campari is bringing the full flavour of Italian entertaining alive for Brits through a collaboration with shopping mecca Harvey Nichols. Foodie fans nationwide can enjoy a series of in-store events and pick up a lip-smacking summer hamper.
My Path: Richard Bigg
Richard Bigg, 46, has been described as ‘the grand druid of hip hangouts’. He founded Shoreditch’s ‘Cantaloupe’ bar in 1995 followed by ‘Cargo’, ‘Market Place’, ‘The Big Chill’ and ‘Camino’. He lives in Sussex with his wife and two young children. Douglas Blyde meets him at Camino in Kings Cross, London, in his Observer Food Monthly’s Bar of the Year 2008, over silken octopus, gooey croquettas and succulent veal belly…
Here’s to you Mr Robinsons – all natural squashes for the summer
Whenever I think of Robinsons drinks I think of a small boy in grey shorts, an S-belt holding them up and a pair of Startrite sandals on his socked feet. Me in fact. However the makers themselves move with the times and have now launched their first squash made entirely from naturally sourced ingredients. Robinsons be Natural™ is designed to appeal to mums and kids alike.
‘40:30′ restaurant London
Expecting ‘Pea’ and mint soup, my father looked startled when he received almost bare crockery (albeit by Thomas Keller). He soon relaxed when this was flooded at table with chilled, softly textured liquid that captured the verdant spirit of an English garden. It came with a crusted tuille of polenta and fresh, yielding Parmesan custard, served separately. Inspired and invigorating
Bingham restaurant introduces floral tasting menu to celebrate Hampton Court flower show
From 7th – 11th July, to coincide with nearby Hampton Court Flower Show, diners at the Bingham restaurant in Richmond, recently awarded its third AA rosette, will be able to enjoy head chef Shay Cooper’s special floral tasting menu, an opportunity to sample six courses of Shay’s cooking, with a flower theme. The menu is priced at £55, and will be available in the evenings.
Talking balls at the Bluebird Cafe in Wimbledon fortnight
The giant sunglasses of the cool clientele are rotated like satellite dishes to the TV screen showing ten-foot tall tennis players. It’s not Wimbledon but maybe somewher better, the forecourt of the Bluebird café. Nick Harman asks Chef Mathew Burgess about his service at this Chelsea icon.