New openings this month include Empire Empire for drinks and dancing, a new immersive cocktail experience, Pride Month, a luxury cigar room in Mayfair and a brand new brunch at London’s newest roof top terrace. This is the Luxe List June.
Renais Gin Cocktails at Scarfes Bar
Renais Gin from Emma Watson and her brother Alex is a bold, vibrant gin which captures the essence and unique taste of Chablis. Cultivated in France & distilled in England, the Watson family have been creating award winning wines for in Chablis for more than three decades! Renais Gin is made from upcycled grapes with a distinctive flavour from Grand Cry grapes in the region. You can try Renais for the whole of June on a gorgeous new menu at Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London.
Try the Chou Chou made with Renais Gin, Noilly Pratt, Lychee lemonade & Linden & Hay – a refreshing serve which is perfect for the London Summer. Meanwhile the Madeleine is sweet & sophisticated made with Renais Gin, Muscat, clarified Madeleine, fig leaf and Verbena. A range of snacks & small plates are available to compliment these beautiful cocktails. We loved the aubergine & cauliflower with pomegranate, cumin, coriander & a kick of spice, & the delicate beetroot tuille – beetroot wrapped around creamy Bute Island cheese with truffle.
Scarfes Bar is often found on the list of World’s Best Bars – with stunning interiors & captivating artwork from renowned British artist & caricaturist, Gerald Scarfe.
Launch of OFF THE CUFF – Cocktails You Call the Shots On
Ever arrived at a bar when you have something specific in mind but the barman won’t make it? That’s all about to change with the arrival of OFF THE CUFF – an immersive event where you dump the menu and call the shots. July 8th sees the launch of this awesome immersive event – a two and a half hour experience where the guests conceive their cocktail creations. It’s the brainchild of Asia Diaz who’s combined her bar and event knowledge to bring something new to London. Held at the London Art House in London and sponsored by The Berry Company, tickets are priced at £85pp and include three extraordinary cocktails (additional drinks can be purchased), a range of carefully curated canapes, live music and the chance to get sociable and mingle! Check out the full details here.
London Cabaret Club’s New Show – Copacabana
Bringing Brazilian beach vibes to the Bloomsbury Ballroom, Copacabana at The London Cocktail Club launches their brand new show this Thursday 8th June. Running until the 26th August, the high energy showed created by Artistic Director and choreographer Doni Fierro is set over three acts. Guests will be transported to the shores of Rio with samba dancers and exotic costumes, followed by a New York City club vibe, and finally, the introduction of ‘Lola The Showgirl’ in part three – the Latin dancer from Barry Manilow’s famous tune. With a newly opened outdoor beach terrace so you can sip on tropical cocktails before bouncing to the beat of the samba in the ballroom, you’ll be mesmerized by the outfits, music and showmanship. There’s a number of different ticket options available (we’d recommend The Diamond Ticket with VIP three course dinner and canapes on arrival), but you can get the full details and book, here.
New Bombay Sapphire Installations at Sketch & Silverleaf
A new installation has launched at Sketch featuring a collab between visual artist Tishk Barzanji and Bombay Sapphire. ‘Into the Blue’ channels the trademark style of Tishk’s work with inspo taken from the unique visual identities of Sketch. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the art, before enjoying a bespoke ‘Saw This, Made This’ Bombay Sapphire based cocktail which has been inspired by the installation and created by Sketch. Running up until 16th July, the collection is designed to highlight the creativity and beauty that exists all around us. Meanwhile, visual artist Shaquille-Aaron Keith’s installation will showcase from 1st August to 24th September at Silverleaf, Pan Pacific London.
Celebrate Pride Month at the Hilton London Bankside
To celebrate Pride, there’s a whole month of festivities at Hilton London Bankside including a Pride-inspired brunch every Saturday in June between 12 – 4pm, as well as a one-off drag brunch on Saturday 24th June hosted by Tik Tok sensation Sophia Stardust. The celebrations extend to The Distillery where you can enjoy the limited edition ‘Be Pride’ cocktail priced at £12, and on top of that, there’s a month long ‘Very Happy Hour’ every Tuesday to Saturday in June with two cocktails for just £10, two glasses of wine for £9.50 and two bottles of beer for £9.50.
St Martins Hotel TRIP CBD Terrace
Smack bang in the West End, St Martins Hotel in Covent Garden’s Theatre District has a stunning outdoor terrace which is the perfect place in the city to enjoy mouth watering cocktails in partnership with TRIP CBD. We love the sound of the Bon Voyage featuring TRIP’s Peach & Ginger CBD, Aperol, Boudier crème de pèche, rosemary and fresh lemon as well as the Aurora Boreal with TRIP’s Lemon & Basil CBD with Limoncello, Pisco and fresh cucumber, lemon and basil. With neon signage and a mesmerising mural painted on the side of the hotel as well as beautiful foliage, it’s a great setting in which to enjoy light bites and cocktails. Dishes include Spiced Gazpacho with watermelon, pomegranate, sumac and mint sorbet, Tempura Soft Shell Crab with avocado puree, pickled black radish and mains like Beef Fillet with confit carrot, mushrooms, ketchup and onion dust as well as Atlantic Cod with roesti, pea puree, anchovy caper relish and squid ink tuille. Book here.
Heliot Steak House’s New Bar The Balcony
Heliot Steak House has launched a stylish new destination bar The Balcony with rotating menus that change with the seasons along with small plates, cocktails, spirits and a mammoth wine list with over 120 options! The eight cover bar in the centre of the action is lit with hanging lights and LEDs, with a great view over the casino. The first menu to launch is a fresh seafood menu of six carefully chosen dishes priced at £10 each and including Oysters with Lime Cavia; Kiwi Mussels with Green Thai Curry; Salvo’s Salmon Bagel; Pikios Grilled Octopus with Lemon Fava; Valparaiso Ceviche with Pink Grapefruit, and a vegetarian Sabish Aubergine with Tahini and Amba Sauce.
Pasta Evangelists Summer Events
Pasta Evangelists are going all out this summer with a number of fun summer events in the capital. Take part in Britain’s biggest ever pasta masterclass – the exclusive Pride Pasta Party on Saturday 1st July in Shoreditch’s The Trampery. Head chef Roberta d’Elia will be on hand to make coloured pasta from scratch along with bottomless prosecco on tap! Book here priced at £85pp. For Father’s Day, there’s also a series of Italian beer tasting and pasta making classes in partnership with Birra Moretti. Taking place on various dates across June, July and August and priced at £65pp, find out more and book here.
New Opening – Dance and Dine at Empire Empire, Notting Hill
Yes, we love any venue that encourages us to eat a load of delicious grub and then dance it off. Empire Empire will launch on June 15th – the latest venture of Harneet Baweja of Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants. Taking inspiration from the late 1970s Indian disco era (literally a dream combo), music and art is at the heart of this place with works by two of the 20th century’s most respected Indian artists, Jogen Chowdhury and Rabin Mondal. With a menu inspired by the north western cuisines stretching across the old Punjab Empire from Bihar across to Afghanistan, you can expect dishes like Lasooni Tangdi Kebab, Nizam Chicken Kebab and Bihari Boti Kebab (made by slowly charring the meats over hot coals ). Meanwhile, the showpiece signature of Lobster Dum Biryani (complete with the crustacean’s head emerging from the pastry lid) will definitely be a talking point at dinner!
New Cocktails at Swift Soho
Currently positioned at Number 30 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, Swift Soho have just launched their amazing new cocktail menu – Postcards From Swift. Inspired by the team’s personal memories from around the world, the 20 drinks on the list will transport guests to their fave places whether it’s Singapore or Scotland, while the menu also includes a handful of the bar’s best loved cocktails over the years. The Casablanca will transport you to the sights, sounds and smells of the souk, with Del Maguey Vida mezcal Mango Kummel Lemon Peychaud’s, while the White Water evokes the magic of Iceland and the Northern Lights made with Monkey Shoulder and Ardbeg Wee Beastie scotches Coconut falernum Banana Angostura. Check out the full menu here.
Chesterton’s Polo in the Park
If somehow Polo weekend had escaped your social calendar, here’s your reminder that it is fast approaching and will take over Hurlingham Park in Fulham from Friday 9th – Sunday 11th June. The incredible three day event is one of the highlights of London’s summer experiences and will feature teams from across the globe as well as food market, VIP hospitality, champagne tent and fun for all the family. This year, Champagne Lanson, Fever-Tree, Guinness, Mahiki and Sheerluxe are all getting involved and you can even watch the polo from the AspenX Polo Club this year. Check out the full programme of events for Northern International Day, Ladies Day and Family Day here.
New Opening – BOSSA
He’s a multi award-winning globally renowned chef, so it was only a matter of time before Brazilian chef Alberto Landgraf opened his debut restaurant in the London capital. Bringing the soul of Brazil to the British capital, Alberto is hoping for similar success in the UK as his restaurant Oteque already holds two Michelin stars. With an open plan kitchen, ten seater dining counter, comtemporary interiors, banquette seating and atmospheric lighting, you can expect a range of gorgeous small and large sharing plates. Skewered Duck Hearts with Farofa, Heart of Palm Whole on the Barbeque & Caramelised Brazil Nut Vinaigrette and Roasted Scallops, Leeks, Toasted Buckwheat & Tucupi Sauce are just some of the delights you can expect as well as an incredible wine line courtesy of sommelier Laís Aoki. Find out more and book your table here.
Sparrow Italia’s New Luxury Cigar Room
In the heart of Mayfair, Sparrow Italia have launched a new luxury Cigar Room. The brand new lounge offers a selection of carefully curated high quality cigars from all over the world. With the cigar lounge led by Syafiera Rosidi who is a Master of Havana Cigars (a prestigious title held by less than 40 people in the world), guests will be invited into the walk-in humidor to select a cigar of their choice. Offering a unique and exclusive experience with cigars from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Costa Rica, Mexico, and select areas from South America, each cigar is handmade with full-leaf tobacco, chosen for its taste, draw, and overall quality and consistency. Open Monday to Saturday from 5pm – midnight.
Whispering Angel @ The Rooftop at Trafalgar St. James
The Rooftop at Trafalgar St. James have teamed up with Whispering Angel for a gorgeous al fresco experience – perfect for long summer lunches, brunches, dinner and sunset drinks. With incredible views across Trafalgar Square, the floral summer space will showcase a range of the best Provence rosé wines from Château d’Esclans, including the iconic Whispering Angel, and the high energy Rock Angel. Cocktail lovers won’t be disappointed with rosé based cocktails available too including the ‘Taste of Provence’ inspired by the Provence region of France made with lavender syrup and fresh notes of Whispering Angel Rosé, finished with a touch of soda. Meanwhile small sharer plates include Crispy Prawn with, lime, vegan ‘Nduja, chilli, green onions, halloumi fries, and Grilled Seabass Fillet with salsa verde. Brunch is also available every weekend from 10th June. Grab more details here.
Seafood and Sangria Brunch at Cavo
Cavo – Central London’s newest rooftop bar and Mediterranean restaurant have launched their awesome seafood and sangria brunch just in time for the sunshine. With sweeping views across the city and a laid back vibe, fresh seafood will transport you right out to the Med, while you sip on a Spanish staple. Some of the highlights include a tartare selection of red snapper, Spanish mackerel, baby octopus stew and the impressive Cavo seafood platter (langoustine, lobster tail, oysters, razor clams, Mazara prawns and mussels served with a selection of piquant mignonette, burnt garlic, and citronette dips and dressings). Basically if you are a seafood fan, this is your dream weekend brunch! Find Cavo in Tottenham Court Road’s Outernet building. The Seafood & Sangria brunch is available from 12pm-4pm every Saturday & Sunday from £65 per person (including full set menu and one carafe of sangria or fizz per person). To book visit cavorestaurant.com
