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As co-owner of Bistrotheque, weekends are precious things in my business. However, when a free one does come along I like to potter about with no real agenda, bump into friends, and spoil myself with good food and great drinks. The only problem is choosing where to go… Or at least it used to be.
We're very excited about working with Frieda Gormley and Javvy M. Royle from House of Hackney and with Bombay Sapphire on our secret Gin Den, which just launched last week at Bistrotheque and runs till the end of the year. It’s going to be the perfect spot to hide away from now through to the autumn and winter months – trust us.
I hope you enjoy my guest edited UJ Weekend Guide,
David Waddington
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Join Us
Bombay Sapphire
Infused with Imagination
House of Hackney Gin Den at Bistrotheque
For a limited time only, House of Hackney is bringing its take on traditional British design to East London with a Hogarth-inspired Gin Den, infused with imagination by Bombay Sapphire. Inspired by their ‘Hackney Empire’ collection, the maximalist interior features a riot of colourful characters to create a world where bush babies play the accordion, frogs wear bowler hats, and inspired Londoners can sit amidst this evocative décor, sipping on the bespoke Bombay Sapphire Hackney Empire cocktail created by David Waddington and Bombay Sapphire’s brand ambassador Sam Carter.
House of Hackney Gin Den Infused with Imagination by Bombay Sapphire.
House of Hackney Gin Den Infused with Imagination by Bombay Sapphire at Bistrotheque, 23 Wadeson Street, E2 9DR.
www.facebook.com/bombaysapphire
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Party Photos
House of Hackney Gin Den Infused with Imagination by Bombay Sapphire Launch Photos
Last week saw the launch of the new House of Hackney Gin Den (check out the lush wallpaper, matching curtains and three-pronged sofa!). Hosted at East London’s Bistrotheque and Infused with Imagination by Bombay Sapphire, drinks included the herbaceous Bombay Sapphire Hackney Empire Cocktail, created by Bistrotheque’s own David Waddington, while guests included House of Hackney’s Freida Gormley and Javvy M. Royale, Jaime Winstone, Jonathan Saunders and McQueen’s Trino Verkade.
To everyone that made it: thank you for such a great night! And if you missed out, have no fear: check facebook.com/bombaysapphire for more upcoming Infused with Imagination events.
Click here to see the photos...
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Jetsetter: Dream Downtown hotel in NYC
Sponsored Listing
We love Jetsetter’s favorite pick in New York, the new Dream Downtown hotel. Housed in a stylish 1960s building between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, it's at the crux of Manhattan’s art and nightlife scenes. There’s a hot rooftop bar, a Miami-style pool, and rooms with classic downtown views – so you can party as much as you want, and enjoy a luxurious night’s sleep too. Definitely our kind of place, especially when you can get exclusive deals via Jetsetter. Click here for privileged access to Jetsetter.
Dream Downtown, 355 West 16th Street, NYC |
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| FRIDAY |
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David’s Restaurant Recommendation
The Towpath / Brunswick House
There are so many great restaurants in London. But my current favourites are The Towpath on the bank of Regent’s Canal just off Kingsland Road (super delicious, impeccable ingredients and jolly good fun), and for dinner the theatrical Brunswick House in the unlikely position in the middle of Vauxhall one way system is fabulous.
Towpath, Regent's Canal, N1 5SB.
Brunswick House, 30 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LG
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David’s International Recommendation
Contramar
My favourite secret escape has to be Tulum, Mexico (although a 10 hour flight to get there can be a little tricky for a weekend). And if you make it to Mexico City during your travels, look for a busy, bustling restaurant called Contramar where they serve some of the most amazing seafood – the Tuna Tostadas that are simply incredible! But try to book ahead…
Contramar,
Calle Durango 200, Colonia Roma, Mexico City. Open daily from 13:00 until 18:30.
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David’s Inspiration Recommendation
Hampstead Heath / Kew Gardens / Barbican
While it’s a bit of a stretch to get to, for inspiration nothing beats a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Alternatively (and somewhat more accessible) the whole of the Barbican Centre is very special indeed. But since I’m not a big spa fiend, total relaxation for me involves lying on Hampstead Heath in the sun, and then swimming in the ponds. Pure elemental inspiration!
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB
Barbican, 1 Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
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Nomad Cinema:
The Talented Mr Ripley
Sponsored Listing
With crisp Fifties outfits, pastel Vespas, stunning Italian scenery and Matt Damon as a brilliantly sinister psycho, we could stand to watch The Talented Mr Ripley one more time – especially when it’s a balmy Saturday evening and the setting is the idyllic gardens outside the Houses of Parliament. Take a blanket, but don’t worry about a picnic: there will be upmarket food and drink stalls on the site.
The Talented Mr Ripley, Sat, 9pm (doors 7pm), Victoria Tower Park, Millbank, E2 9DR. £12.50
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| SATURDAY |
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David’s Favourite Weekend Spot
Cecconi’s / The Riding House / Bistrotheque
The weekend is all about long, relaxed brunches. And my London favourites would have to include Cecconi’s in Mayfair, The Riding House in the West End (perfect for taking your time) – and of course I’m very fond of Bistrotheque. Try our smoked trout tartine next time you’re feeling brunch-ish: it really is amazing.
Cecconi’s, 5A Burlington Gardens, W1S 3EP
The Riding House, 43-51 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PQ
Bistrotheque, 23 Wadeson Street, E2 9DR
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Top Girls Theatre Offer
Sponsored Listing
The 1980s revival is still going strong, what with Bistrotheque’s ‘88 dinner and Meryl Streep looking imposing in the new trailer for The Iron Lady, so we’re in the right mindset to enjoy this play
from 1982 about tough businesswomen and Thatcherism, directed by Max Stafford-Clark. The production got rave reviews in Chichester for its emotional force, continued relevance and that dazzling dinner party scene with an army of female historical figures. See it yourself with our exclusive UJ ticket deal and judge how much, or little, has changed.
Best seats (usually £45) available for Top Girls at Trafalgar Studios for £15
To book call 0844 871 7632 and quote ‘Urban Junkies’ or book online with promo code ‘URBAN’
Offer valid Mon-Thurs until 29 Sept, excluding 16 Aug.
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Podcast
David Waddington’s Playlist
I always, always have some David Bowie, plus Metronomy, XX, Florence and the Machine, and of course Horsemeat Disco mixes for the gym or a run along the river…
Listen to David's Podcast…
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| SUNDAY |
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Recipe
Bombay Sapphire Hackney Empire Cocktail
Ingredients:
37.5ml Bombay Sapphire Gin
12.5ml Martini Rosso Vermouth
30ml Cloudy Apple Juice
20ml Pineapple Juice
Method: Shake all the ingredients thoroughly with plenty of ice, then fine strain into a pre-chilled martini or cocktail glass (either keep them in the freezer before hand, or fill with ice and chilled water while you make your Hackney Empire Cocktails). The shaking and Pineapple Juice will create a thick, tasty foam so there’s no need for a garnish.
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| Weekend guide by DW |
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