Monday, October 25, 2010
Posted By:
Claire Storrow
Photo:
Claire Storrow
Drink, Shop & Do
This place is an emporium of all things delicious, a delishorium if you will. Housed in an old bathhouse with wonderful pilasters and cornicing, this place just works--all three aspects of the name hold equal weight which is no easy feat seeing as there is a lot on offer and it’s all stylishly and effortlessly done. Walking through the front door I found
the "Shop" bit which sells an array of work from independent designers. But I wanted to get to the "Drink" bit which was up a few stairs. Warm, dim lighting and the sound of 1950's records were luring me in from the Autumn evening outside. I had to have a piece of cake, and a moist and more-ish orange and almond cake was the perfect accompaniment to my coffee. Having wolfed that down I was ready for a real drink: Ruby Shoes was a tall cocktail, generous and long, alcoholic but tasting of cherry candy. In fact every cocktail on the list
is original which makes a change from the endless lists of mojitos and caiphirinas etc. I'll have to come back for the "Do" bit which is fine because this is my new favourite place.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Posted By:
Anne Seymour
Photo:
Anne Seymour
The Big Chill House
The
Big Chill has such a substantial and devoted army of fans that, should they be
so inclined, they could comfortably take on the army of a small country. But
however tempting it is to set them on Wales and watch what happens, the Big
Chill's crowd is all about the happy vibe and would much rather crack open a
beer than a skull. Their easygoing warmth is fortunate for the bar staff, who
entirely take advantage of their customers' good nature with the near-stationery
speed and teenage-boy sullenness of their service. One day there no doubt will
be a mob uprising when everyone suddenly notices they've been waiting two weeks
for their pint, but until then we keep coming back because everything else is
so great. The roof terrace is awesome, the nooks cosy, the events perfectly
chosen, and you can hire sections out for your party (it will be a great
party).The food is spot-on, and the £5 lunchtime menu for a really good meal
with a drink is the best deal in the area.
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