Tag: Festive

An Evening of Cheese at Borough Market

Published on 30th October 2018

Get inspired for your festive cheeseboard at Borough Market’s annual ‘Evening of Cheese’. Wednesday 12th December from 6-9PM Try cheeses from over 20 of Borough Market’s renowned?cheesemongers UK and International producers. ? The popular event will see cheese stalls spread across the Green Market area with?experts on hand to offer recommendations for those looking to create a unique festive cheeseboard, advice on drinks pairings and delicious cheese recipes.  One of Borough Market’s guest chefs will also inspire visitors with a festive cheese-based cooking demonstration in the glass-fronted Market Hall’s Demo Kitchen. Customers will be able to see traders competing in the ‘cracking of the parmesan wheel’, a head-to-head competition with Italian stallholder Bianca e Mora, whilst performances from local choirs and carol singers will bring the festive spirit to the market, which will be decorated with Christmas trees and garlands. This is a free event. 

9 Unique Venues for your Christmas Party

Published on 29th October 2018

‘Tis almost the season! Whatever you’re looking for in your Christmas outing this year, we’ve searched out a shortlist of fabulous London Bridge venues to suit all sizes, tastes and budgets.   1. Santo Remedio For those who want to add a bit of spice to their celebrations, Santo Remedio have created a Mexican-inspired menu to share some of the country’s most iconic and festive dishes. The family-style sharing dining experience will be accompanied by music, cocktails and the best of Mexican hospitality. From £38 – £50pp. 2. The Coal Shed Perfectly placed just a stones-throw from London’s iconic Tower Bridge, The Coal Shed offer a number of celebration packages. Opt for the Festive Tasting Menu for a seasonal three-course meal, or an indulgent Festive Feasting Menu of 7 dishes, including Fire Roasted Market Fish, Coal Roasted Pork Belly, and Black Angus Prime Rib with a selection of delicious sides. From £45- £65 pp. 3. The Draft House Tower Bridge The Draft House Tower Bridge team can help you plan the perfect party to suit your needs, whether it’s for a full on festive bash, a meal with pals, or just a few celebratory drinks. They offer a Festive Finger Food Menu and a full Christmas Feast. From £15-£30 pp.  4. The Underdog Gallery For those looking for a proper knees-up, look no further than the Underdog Gallery’s Santa’s Grotto. Set in a railway arch on Crucifix Lane, party guests will find food sleighs, beer pong, the 12 Gins of Christmas and a Jagermeister Christmas tree. Contact for more information.  5. Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen Whether you’re looking for a traditional sit-down lunch/dinner, a festive drinks party area or an exclusive Christmas party venue hire, Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen have it covered in style. Their exposed brick interior will be transformed into a glittering paradise, and a tented yard bar and cosy ski lodge will transport you to the Alps. Contact for more information.  6. Londrino World-renowned Chef Leandro Carreira’s sharing menu is guaranteed to make your Christmas celebration one to remember. Ideal for the non-traditionalist, there’s no turkey in sight – instead Bisaro Presa takes centre stage alongside Portuguese-inspired dishes like hispi cabbage and black garlic biscuit. £48pp. 7. Gunpowder Tower Bridge  Home-style Indian restaurant Gunpowder offers three festive feasting options featuring stuffed game birds, whole grilled fish and root vegetable pies with an Indian twist. If something isn’t on the menu that you were hoping for – they are also happy to discuss bespoke requests. Guests can make table bookings or hire out the entire upstairs space. Contact ria@gunpowderlondon.com to discuss requirements. From £30- £50 pp. 8. Oblix West Enjoy stunning views of London’s skyline as you dine on Oblix West’s indulgent take on the traditional Christmas lunch. Mains include stuffed turkey breast, truffled lentils & chanterelles and Organic pork chop, bacon relish & rosemary oil. £50pp. 9. Hiver Beers Hivequarters The Hiver Beers Taproom and Hivequarters is tucked away in a railway arch on Stanworth Street and comes equipped with a fully licensed bar serving award-winning craft Honey beer on tap. Their friendly and knowledgeable bar staff will be on-hand to look after your event and to help everyone get into the festive spirit. Check out their rate card here/ contact info@hiverbeers.com/ 0203 1989 972 for more info. Check out more bars and restaurants in London Bridge >>  

Shard Lights 2017

Published on 06th December 2017

Shard Lights is a show full of colour and sparkles. This December, the night sky around The Shard will be illuminated with a mesmerising pattern every 15 minutes, and each hour will be marked with a dazzling display. Leading to a crescendo at midnight, Shard Lights creates a visual timepiece for the capital. If you capture a photo on your camera or phone, enter the #ShardLights competition for a chance to win photography equipment and some incredible experiences at The View from The Shard, aqua shard and oblix east. There’s a different colour to capture each day. Counting down to the start of 2018, see a unique white display on New Year’s Eve before the final colour display from when the clock strikes midnight to dawn on New Year’s Day.

An Evening of Cheese

Published on 27th November 2017

Get ready for late night shopping as Borough Market opens its gates for an evening of cheese on December 7th. Over 20 of Borough Market’s renowned cheesemongers will be ready and waiting to waft an array of exquisite cheeses under your nose. Visitors will have a chance to chat to cheese experts and producers about their craft and find something unique to take home to feature on this year’s Christmas cheeseboard. The night will also play host to Francis and Bronwen Percival, renowned author’s of new book Reinventing the Wheel: Milk, Microbes and the Fight for Real Cheese. They’ll be doing two engaging talks at the demonstration kitchen, the first all about cheese and milk microbes, and the second on farming and cheese flavour. A little later traders will be competing in the ‘cracking of the parmesan wheel’, a head-to-head competition with trader Bianca e Mora. The competition will be fierce – not to be missed!

Festive Wine Pairings with WSET

The parsnips are peeled, the turkey’s trussed and the brussels are boiled… now, what to drink? Our local experts Christine Marsiglio and Lauren Denyer from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust are here to help you select the perfect pairings. Lauren has a background in education having taught at secondary school level for 12 years, before a slight career change to teach about wine.  Her favourite regions are Languedoc Roussillon, Priorat & Champagne. Lauren is also a certified Sherry educator and has recently spent a week in Jerez. Christine holds a Master of Science in Oenology and Viticulture.  She worked in Provence before moving to London where she started working for Decanter magazine, however now she’s a full time educator at the WSET School London.  Christine is currently enrolled in the Masters of Wine programme. Her favourite wine regions include Loire valley and New Zealand.   Crayfish Cocktail  “Cremant de Jura is great alternative to Champagne and is made from the same grape, Chardonnay. This sparkling wine would complement many seafood starters and is a perfect way to ramp up your appetite for the main course. With zingy acidity and lemony biscuit aromas, it’s a great way to start your meal.”  – Christine Turkey & Trimmings “A light and refreshing red wine made from Pinot Noir, Sancerre Rouge has delicate tannins, cranberry fruit flavours and hints of spice. This will pair well with your main turkey dish as it won’t overpower the meat. Perfect, especially if serving a cranberry sauce on the side.” – Christine Nut Roast “One piece of food pairing advice is to pair like with like. An older white wine like a white Rioja Reserva will have developed lovely walnut and hazelnut character. This is a rich full-bodied dry style of wine that has also spent considerable time in oak barrels so will enhance the flavours of the dish by adding hints of smoke, vanilla and coconut.” – Lauren Christmas Pudding “Rivesaltes Grenat is a sweet, fortified wine coming from the South of France and has ripe and baked red and black fruit flavours with silky soft tannins and hints of chocolate; a perfect match with your Christmas pudding. Watch out though as the alcohol can be up to 18%; in this case a little goes a long way!” – Christine Cheese Board “Palo Cortado Sherry is a complex dry style of Sherry with some savoury olive and yeasty flavours. With age it has developed nuttier, caramel and dried fruit character making it a great accompaniment to many different styles of cheese. The fruity and caramel notes compliment the more lively goats cheeses and blue cheeses, with the nutty and savoury character adding more depth to more mature harder styles of cheese.” – Lauren ABOUT WSET Established in 1969, WSET School London is the flagship course provider for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). WSET qualifications are globally recognised as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits.  Thanks to industry leading educators and our carefully selected tasting samples, our courses help students take their knowledge to the next level. Interested to know more? Visit: www.wsetschool.com