07/01/26

Review of Masakali

Masakali has landed in central London, bringing its modern Indian offering to a spot just minutes from Warren Street. The concept is straightforward and confident: classic Indian recipes, drawn from generations of home cooking, presented with a contemporary edge that suits the city.

The menu pulls inspiration from across India’s diverse food culture, moving easily between street-food style small plates and richer, comfort-led mains. Its food is designed for sharing, lingering over, and returning to, rather than anything overly fussy or heavy. Masakali’s name, meaning “pigeon” in Hindi, is a nod to freedom and joy, inspired by the famous Bollywood song of the same name. That sense of energy runs through the restaurant, from the upbeat atmosphere to a drinks list that goes beyond the usual. Cocktails are well thought-out, with curated wines and spirits chosen to stand up to bold, spiced flavours.

We began with a Lychee Mocktail, which was heavenly, light and refreshing and not overly sweet, a luxurious way to start our lunch and fire up our taste buds. Along with our cocktails, we trialled the Soup Shots, an amuse-bouche style dish of soup tasters served in spice-dusted tiny glasses. The tomato broth packed a surprising amount of flavour, with plenty of warming spice and an unexpectedly hot kick. The Chicken & Mushroom Broth with Truffle was steeped in rich flavour and perfect for those less tolerant to hot spice.

The menu offers a range of small plates and starters for sharing. We began with the Beetroot Legacy, crisp beetroot and pine nut croquettes with beetroot hummus, which was well balanced and beautifully put together on the plate. The Tempura Cauliflower with Curry Mayo was exactly what it should be: light, crunchy, packed with spice so rich it was hard to stop eating.

Mains stick close to the classics, with Masakali flair. We opted for the Goan Prawn Curry, with the coconut, kokum, and traditional spices working in harmony, plus plenty of juicy prawns. The Old Delhi Butter Chicken delivered familiar comfort: a generous amount of tender chicken in a smooth, spiced tomato and butter sauce. Both dishes were well-balanced and served in portions which were not too overwhelming.

Leaving room for dessert, we ordered the Apricot Delight, which turned out to be the standout dish of the meal. Sweet apricots, nuts, fluffy sponge and the chef’s cream came together in a pudding that was indulgent, smooth and pure heaven, not overly sugary, well-textured, and definitely memorable.

We left feeling like we had genuinely feasted, inspired by well-balanced ingredients and textures. Masakali London gets the balance right: respectful of tradition, modern without trying too hard, and confident in what it does best. A solid addition to London’s Indian dining scene and a good option for everything from relaxed dinners to group occasions.

Address: 48 Stanhope Street, London, NW1 3EX

To book click here.

Written by Claire Bloom

Photography courtesy of Masakali

This January Puttshack is serving up vegan favourites alcohol-free cocktails and offering special offers

FOOD

Sam's Riverside and Waterside launch January Wine & Dine offer

FOOD

Review of Noodle & Beer in Spitalfields

FOOD

Review of The Circus Afternoon Tea at Vintry and Mercer

Glass House Retreat – A Luxury Wellness Retreat – Review

Nyla Sammons
Apr 6, 2022
4 min read

Updated: May 28, 2024

Let the stresses of everyday life melt away as you step into ultimate relaxation at Glass House Retreat, a detox and wellness spa retreat based in the the Essex countryside. Situated in Thurrock, the retreat offers a vegan, raw food-based meal plan, and a variety of fitness classes and activities to help your mind and body reset, recharge and feel rejuvenated. Accessible from London, it’s a tube ride to Upminster and then a taxi ride to the retreat.

Glass House Retreat offers, a Himalayan salt sauna, indoor swimming pool, gym, cryo chamber and a range of spa treatments to accommodate all wishes and desires. Step into the outdoor grounds and you will find a swimming pond for a cold water dip, an outdoor sauna, wellness dome, and sun loungers are available if you fancy relaxing with a book in the sunshine.

You can book in with a day pass, an over night stay or a full five night wellness break, perfect to fully embrace a detox for the mind and body.

The Rooms

The rooms are very spacious, with grey decor and touches of white and blue, the simple, no-fuss design provides a tranquil space to relax. With two luxurious king size beds in the rooms, you can share a room with friends without having to decide who takes the left side and who takes the right. The beds are comfy and you will have no trouble nodding off at night. White fluffy robes and slippers are provided for you to get into your optimum comfort zone around the hotel, helping you to transform into a more relaxed state of mind.

Treatments

The Glass House has 12 treatment rooms, offering facials, massages, cleansing scrubs, nourishing wraps and more. Rather have a little you time? Enter the salt block sauna, cryo chamber, steam room and for a leisurely dip, head to the indoor heated pool.

Earlier this year Glass House Retreat selected IMAGE Skincare as its core brand partner, I was booked in for an IMAGE Skincare facial. First, I got my skin analysed to find out the current condition of my skin, to allow my therapist to best tailor my facial. The results showed my skin is dehydrated (sadly not the first time I’ve been told that) and was in need of brightening and a lot of hydration.

Shortly after my skin care analysis I was taken to the treatment room where my warm and friendly therapist worked her magic. Firstly, my face was fully cleansed and a brightening mask was applied. Whilst the mask did its work, I received an incredibly relaxing head and neck massage, releasing the tension and knots that had built up over the week. Following the mask, a serum and an SPF moisturiser was applied. My skin was glowing, visibly hydrated and more plumped, needless to say I was over the moon.

After the treatment you are advised not to jump into the pool or have a sauna, so I’d highly recommend you book a facial later on in the day, so you can enjoy the full range of what The Glass House has to offer. Cryotherapy has become popular with celebs, athletes and influencers, you can enter the cryo chamber where plummeting temperatures can help reduce muscular pain, nerve irritation and supercharge your body.

Activities and Classes

Mornings will generally start off with a a crisp country walk, filling your lungs with fresh air while you sip on your hot water and lemon to kickstart the metabolism. Throughout the day you will find fitness classes and wellness sessions to join, head to the dome for a meditation or sound bath session to reset.

This is a place where you can easily get involved in the activities on offer or hang back and enjoy the calm and tranquility of not doing anything apart from indulging in treatments, tucking into healthy food, or sinking into one of the comfy velvet sofas in the lounge area with a herbal tea to have a natter with your friend or partner.

The Food

The cleansing menu consists of healthy vegan food packed with vitamins and minerals along with herbal teas and smoothies, providing a total detox break, Guests choose their vibrant, plant-based meal plans beforehand from options such as the equilibrium diet, weight-loss, or pure juice. Look out for the crystal infused water in the dining area and the herbal teas, they are a real treat.

In the dining room you will most likely see people in loungewear or wrapped up in their fluffy white robe, I highly encourage you to do the same, this place is all about comfort and relaxation.

Overall

Glass House Retreat is a must-try for anyone wanting to reset, recharge and get away from the hustle of everyday life. It’s a place that lets guests take it at their own pace, whilst indulging in healthy and vibrant food. It’s the perfect haven for those looking to take care of their physical and mental health.

Address: Glass House Retreat, Harrow Road, Bulphan, Essex, RM14 3BP

For more information and to book visit: www.glasshouseretreat.co.uk

Written by Nyla S.

Photography courtesy of The Glass House Retreat and Image Skincare

#spaday #theglasshouseretreat #wellness