I’m usually a bit of a midweek hermit, but the sunshine has made me go all doolally and sociable, so I’ve been out burning the candle at both ends. Here’s what I’ve been up to…
Dinner at Fenchurch at the sky garden
Last time we came to Darwin at the Sky Garden, the views were incredible but the food was a bit so, so. This time we tried out Fenchurch – the highest restaurant up the Walkie Talkie building and were much more impressed. (Please note – we didn’t have to pay, but if we did, our bank balance would not be impressed…Eesssh.)
The rabbit Bolognaise was a standout – the warm smoked eel – also delicious, but the air-dried duck was so chewy I had to spit it out. The chef then came running over to apologise which was highly embarrassing. For mains we had the Scorched cod and pork belly, which were quite small portions, but in hindsight – after filling up on bread and wine, just about right.
The highlight of the evening (food aside) had to be when the window cleaner started his descent down the side of the building in the glorious London sunset. As an adrenaline junkie myself, I couldn’t help but think – could there be a better job than this?
VIP Casino experience at Empire Casino
When we first got invited for a VIP experience in a casino, my immediate thoughts were cringe. But then thought, why the hell not. And I’m glad I did, it was a giant laugh. My boyfriend got picked up in Golden Square by a 2-seater green Lamborghini and escorted to the Empire Casino, while young men all around us gawped and took pics – the male equivalent of seeing Channing Tatum, I guess?
Once at The Empire we had some cocktails made by some seriously talented and passionate mixologists who infused stuff, blended stuff, blowtorched stuff and god-knows-what to produce some pretty delicious cocktails. I wasn’t expecting much from dinner at the casino to be honest but was pleasantly surprised. I mean it was no Michelin Star grub, but it was better than average.
This was followed by a private lesson on the blackjack and roulette table (with pretend money.) I took all my chips and put them on black – typically I won. When I later bet a real tenner on black – I lost, so I stopped right there.
Now I don’t condone gambling at all and it was pretty sad to see people there who were obviously addicted, but for a bit of a laugh on a night out, it can be quite fun – expensive fun, mind.
And this weekend? Tonight I’m off to see Amy – the documentary about Amy Winehouse at the Everyman Cinema in Canary Wharf, which I’m really looking forward to. And tomorrow, I’m off to the Chinawhite tent at the Henley Regatta. And Sunday I’m reviewing Palomar in Piccadilly – with its take on modern day Jerusalem grub. Then I’m sleeping. Forever. And detoxing.
Have a great weekend all.
