The Modern Pantry

Finding time to go out for meals with friends and a toddler in tow is a challenge; a lot harder than I had appreciated. When Noah was first born he would happily sleep or coo through an entire meal. However, as soon as he reached seven months he was on the go all the time needing constant entertaining and as such eating and enjoying it became a very different story; even stressful at times if he hadn't slept. 

So when friends suggested a catch up over breakfast without Noah, I had one thought in mind; wherever we went it had to be good. I've spent a large amount of time recently thinking about food and a relaxing meal out. I've even been salivating at cookery programmes on television.

The Modern Pantry just off Finsbury Square has been on the foodie list for a while, as it combines two loves of mine, food and beautiful architecture. 

The Modern Pantry is set in the beautiful Art Deco grade II listed Alphabeta Building. The historic exterior hides a modern architectural delight which has just recently undergone a huge reinvestment. Its updated atrium and the first ever ride in cycle ramp are two such changes. I Imagine that you could in theory cycle almost to your desk, should you wish too that is. It even houses a basket ball court and terrace offering amazing views of London's sky line. 

The design of the The Modern Pantry is in contrast to the office space next door, with the restaurant opting for crisp white lines, high ceilings that any interior designer would be envious of, beautiful Walnut tables and orbed lights. 

Their breakfast and brunch menu (7.30-11.30 am) offers lots of choice from fresh fruits, muesli, pancakes, omelettes and cooked breakfasts.

My friend like me has been dreaming about her breakfast long before we step inside, in fact she had studied the menu before coming. She chooses scrambled eggs, toast with; crispy halloumi, buttered spinach, lemongrass roast vine ripened tomatoes (£10.50). 

I'm reliably informed that it was delicious. Especially the scrambled eggs which were perfectly cooked moist and creamy. 

I opt for grilled smoked streaky bacon, coconut & soy braised Portobello mushrooms, lemongrass roast vine ripened tomatoes (£10.50). 

It does come with two eggs and I ask if I can substitute them out, to which I'm quickly advised they don't do substitutions. So I choose halloumi cheese (£2.50) instead to go with my breakfast. 

The final choice on the table is two soft boiled eggs, buttered Vegemite soldiers (£6.00). With an addition of hot smoked scotch salmon (£4.50). 

I had really high expectation for The Modern Pantry but the service for my taste was a little too relaxed. With only six tables occupied, the restaurant was nearly half empty, the service was underwhelming and nearly non existent. The food whilst lovely and fresh was small and considerably overpriced for what you get. I did however love the ambience, the environment is spacious with wonderful lighting and a lovely place for a catch up.

So if you want a very relaxed breakfast in the heart of the City in a beautiful environment, can over look the price, then The Modern Pantry is a good offering. 

www.themodernpantry.co.uk

Do you have any good breakfast or brunch suggestions for me?

A weekend in Lewes

Well eighteen months of little to no sleep has finally started to take its toll and I've really started to look like the proverbial. 

So when the other half suggested we go away for the weekend I jumped at the prospect of different scenery. 

We rented a little house in Lewes a quaint British town in East Sussex. For the historians amongst us you may well remember learning about the battle of Lewes (1264) but more on the landmark castle later. 

Lewes is a sweet little town with plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes. The perfect place for a foodie, to spend the weekend happily eating. 

Harvey's the Sussex brewers is right in the centre of town with a brewery shop and John Harvey tavern, were you can have a nice cool pint. They have a great selection of Ales and Bitter. 

You can build up an appetite wandering its antique and charity shops. 

We opted to have lunch in The Real Eating Company, an independent restaurant which uses good quality locally sourced produce. 

We quickly decided on a sharing platter of flat bread, meatballs, chicken and fried cheese, chips and local drinks. 

Just off the high street and hidden down a lane is Lewes castle. Now whilst the castle site is small we really enjoyed looking round.

The base of the castle offers a beautiful garden with wonderful flowers and shrubs. 

A steep climb up the stone stairs offers a great way to stretch your legs, where you are rewarded with stunning views of the beautiful town upon reaching the top. 

Noah very much enjoyed exploring the castle he even turned his hands to putting himself in the stocks. 

We completed the day at Bills restaurant, a favourite of ours and this one is special as it's their very first restaurant. 

Despite the weather outside being over ninety, I chose Thai Green Chicken Curry (£13.25). 

Green curry is a favourite but be warned this is really spicy, with a wonderful coconut broth, sugar snap peas, courgettes, lemongrass, ginger and coconut rice. 

The other half sensibly opted for the salmon salad (£14.50) with the addition of chicken skewers. 

Bill's offers some wonderful desserts and picking is always incredibly difficult. We settle on Melting Chocolate Bombe (£6.95) and Strawberry and Mango Eton Mess (£5.95). 

We absolutely loved Lewes and will definitely be back it was the perfect weekend get away and certainly helped to recharge the batteries. 

www.lewes.co.uk

Do you have any recommendations for weekend getaways? 

Beauty on a budget

If you've been reading this blog for a while you will know that whilst I love luxury beauty products, I also love a bargain. Elf is one such beauty brand, and today i'm sharing some of their latest new offerings. 

Elf skincare hydrating serum (£14.50)

I've been using this serum for a number of months in the morning, the Green Tea scent does wonders to wake me up. I love the consistency too, it goes on smoothly, feels silky and is easy to rub in. The vitamin E and Aloe Vera is lovely and soothing. It's perfect for applying before makeup. 

The packaging and product feels considerably more expensive than its under £15 price tag. 

The only thing I wish was that the packaging was transparent so you could easily see how much of the product is remaining. But that is a small negative and I would definitely repurchase this. 

Elf Nourishing Night Cream (£14.50)

The first thing to say about this, is that a little bit goes a long way. The consistency of the cream is thick and incredibly moisturising with vitamin E, Jojoba, cucumber and Shea Butter. The smell may put some people off. But for the price and the fact that similar products from Clinique and Clarins would be treble the price, it gets a huge thumbs up from me. 

Elf hydrating Gel mask ($12)

I have some brilliant face masks that have done absolute wonders for my skin but these are expensive and have to be left on for a considerable amount of time. This mask is ready to go and gets working straight away. The consistency is not a gel though, definitely more like a cream. 

I have really dry skin and this mask is perfect, it is wonderfully moisturising with the addition of coconut and Aloe Vera. My skin after using it felt really soft and nourished. I would definitely repurchase this and I hope that they will bring it to the UK soon, as it is currently only available in the States online from the Elf store.

So if your looking for luxurious beauty at an affordable price, Elf is well worth giving a try. You can buy online and at Superdrug stores. 

www.eyeslipsface.co.uk

What beauty products on a budget do you rate?

A beautiful oasis outside of London

London is a vibrant City. Whilst I love its busyness sometimes working and living in the same space can become too much. 

The Royal Horticulture Societies Wisley Garden less than an hour outside of London, offers the perfect setting to spread your wings. 

Over 240 acres of beautiful and relaxing gardens set in the English Surrey countryside, Wisley is the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs. 

The large glasshouse the same size as ten tennis courts offers a wonderful oasis of Orchids, tropical and desert plants. 

One of the highlights for me was walking through the meadows of Allium Camassia, breathtakingly beautiful at this time of year. 

And walking around the lake, if you keep your eyes pealed you might even spot a few wonderful pheasants secretly hiding in the undergrowth. 

Wisley offers the perfect place to let the little ones loose to burn off some energy. Noah loves roaming around inspecting the plants, a future David Bellamy or Monty Don in the making. 

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of London, then dust off your picnic basket and head down to Wisley Gardens for a great day out.

RHS Wisley Garden

Wisley Lane

Woking

Surrey

GU23 6QB

Where is your favourite place to escape?