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Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner and we are flipping excited to get stuck into those yummy discs of heaven! We have rounded up some of our favourite places to get a stack full of delicious pancakes! Zuaya Zuaya – the Latin-American restaurant in Kensington – is offering a special dessert to celebrate Pancake Day. The carrot pancakes are the perfect balance between a dessert and a healthy dish. The delicious and sweet dessert uses one fresh carrot per pancake, coconut sugar, organic eggs, and a supreme cream of Peruvian cocoa. Mildreds Mildreds are celebrating Pancake Day with two delicious servings, guests can choose the 100% plant-based Blueberry Hotcakes, as well as their new Buttermilk pancakes. Wild Blueberry Hotcakes (wild blueberry compote, Chantilly cream £8.50) Buttermilk Pancakes (banana, butterscotch, praline, maple cream £8.50) Both offerings will be available across all five of their sites in London (up until 12pm). Mallow Mallow, located in the heart of Borough Market, will be serving up fluffy pancakes with forest berries and white chocolate mousse, priced at only £10. Come hungry, you won’t be disappointed! Nipa Thai Nipa Thai is renowned for serving the most authentic Thai cuisine outside of Bangkok, This year Nipa Thai is celebrating pancake day with their very own special Thai pancakes, called ‘Kanom Krok’ aka The Dessert of Love. They’re a common Thai street food snack made from rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk and are served hot, with a crisp outside and creamy/custardy middle. Covent Garden Visitors can enjoy every style of pancakes; including matcha pancakes from renowned AVOBAR, hot buttermilk pancakes carefully crafted by The Ivy Market Grill, Balthazar’s iconic New York style banana and blueberry pancakes, and Ave Mario’s Italian take on the pancake served with chantilly cream and banana to name a few. For a lighter option, Crème de la Crêpe has some great sweet & savoury Crêpes, which they offer all year round.

Flower Burger can be found on Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia – a lovely street dotted with many fabulous restaurants and cute spots for coffee. Flower Burger is an all-vegan burger joint with European locations in The Netherlands, France and Italy – the Charlotte Street location is their only UK site! I visited on a Saturday lunchtime and was greeted warmly by the staff. The interior has a 70’s flower power vibe, and downstairs there are unusual seating areas; think multicoloured swings for seats with psychedelic graphics and bespoke lighting. Diners order at the counter, and then your food is brought over to your table. The menu is 100% vegan – and the burgers aren’t trying to be ‘meaty’, which is something a lot of vegan burger restaurants are trying to achieve. The colourful buns are all dyed with natural ingredients! The yellow burger bun colour is achieved using Turmeric, the black burger bun colour comes from Vegetable Charcoal, and the violet tones of the Cherrybomb’s burger bun comes from Beetroot extract. The Flower Burger team are always looking for new natural colourants and ingredients where possible. I ordered two burgers to try – the Jungle Burger and the Cherrybomb. The Cherrybomb is a Lentil, and Basmati Rice patty with Rocktail Sauce, Tomato Confit, Lettuce, Flower Cheddar, and Soybean Sprouts all sandwiched in a pink bun. It was rather sweet, which I wasn’t expecting, but it was certainly enjoyable. The Jungle Burger was a firm favourite for me. This burger was very savoury, and the patty had quite a meaty texture (even though it’s made entirely from veggies).The Jungle Burger is an Oat and Red Bean patty with Wild Sauce, crunchy Onion, Oven-Baked Aubergines, Flower Cheddar, Tomatoes and Lettuce all in a green bun. I’d recommend this one! For the month of January, there is also a special on the menu called The Earth Burger  – get down to Flower Burger to try this out before Veganuary is over! In a green bun with Red Sesame Seeds is a Barley and Seitan BBQ patty with Teriyaki Ginger Mayo Sauce, a Mustardy Sauce, Lettuce, Tomatoes and Breaded Aubergine. There are three side dishes available on the menu – two variations of wedges and edamame beans. In terms of desserts, diners can try a vegan take on Tiramisu (Tirimisun), and other treats include Chocolate Salami and a Melting Chocolate Dessert (all vegan, of course). Alcoholic drinks are also available from the fridge if you fancy a drink with your burger. The staff were friendly, and the restaurant was spotlessly clean, which I always look out for, especially in the midst of the pandemic. Flower Burger is a great vegan spot – I’ve never tried burgers like this before, so I would recommend checking out Flower Burger for vegans and veggies (and maybe even an adventurous meat-eater). Available for eat-in / takeaway and also delivery on Deliveroo and UberEats. Website: https://www.flowerburger.co.uk Address: 43 Charlotte St, London, W1T 1RS Written and photographed by Lenny Wright

How would you like to experience intoxication, without the hangover? Well with the launch of a brand new spinning concept in Chelsea, you can now experience just that. cyKO, will transform Chelsea’s iconic nightclub Raffles into a spin studio, offering the ultimate spinning experience. For those of you who haven’t been there, Raffles is a fully-functioning nightclub. This means the 45 minute high-intensity class will be set to the backdrop of Raffles’ famous strobe lighting and intense laser beams, all in sync to a world-class sound system to elevate the ride of your life. cyKO embraces high tech equipment to elevate the already epic experience, with the session being held on Keiser M3i bikes. Built with each and everybody in mind, the frame is designed to match any rider’s shape and height so they can solely focus on the high-octane ride. The ride includes everything to induce a heart-pumping, adrenaline fuelled party on a bike. Expect to surrender to the music, leaving with a serious endorphin hit, feeling motivated, empowered and strong. Monday – Friday 1pm, 6.15 pm and 7.30 pm and Saturday – Sunday –  12.15 pm, 1.30 pm and 5.00 pm Classes cost £19.50 per class | For more information and to book your class visit: https://www.cyko.uk Address: 287 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EW Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of cyKO

The Yoga Bar wellness studio launches its second studio in Richmond on January 15th, following the success of their award-winning Twickenham studio. On offer at the new studio will be classes in Yoga (Foundations, Power, Yin, Hatha, Restore, Sunrise), Pilates (all levels), and Barre (all levels). The Yoga Bar ethos is centred around community and inclusivity, and the principle that yoga can benefit all bodies both physically and mentally. The Yoga Bar’s classes are the perfect way to kick-start the year with good habits. The Yoga Bar will also be offering all of its classes as streams, using high-tech recording equipment so that clients don’t miss out on the quality of an in-person session. In support of the launch, take advantage of the Richmond pre-launch offer – £45 for a month of unlimited classes! See other offers and pricing here. Address: The Yoga Bar, Suite D, Vestry House, 21 Paradise Rd, Richmond TW9 1SA Written by Lenny Wright Photography courtesy of The Yoga Bar

Having launched in November, the Maker’s Mark collaboration with Quaglino’s is causing quite a stir in Mayfair. The bourbon super brand have produced a special Maker’s Mark Private Select bourbon for the team, exclusively for the D&D restaurant and bar group. The completely unique “Maker’s” expression has been created by taking fully-matured cask strength Maker’s Mark Bourbon and finishing it in a single barrel made up of a unique selection of oak staves chosen by the Quaglino’s bar team, before leaving to age for an additional nine weeks, giving it a truly individual flavour. Hints of vanilla, caramel, milk chocolate, coffee, and dried fruit glisten through, offering a balanced flavour that can be enjoyed either on its own or in one of the magical cocktails curated to highlight the spirit. Cocktails include: THE CHERRY ON TOP (barrel aged cocktail) – Maker’s Mark Private Select, Ratafia Cherry Wine, Amaro Santoni COCONUT AND TROUBLE – Maker’s Mark Private Select, Coconut & Cacao Soda CINNAMON TREAT – Maker’s Mark Private Select, Citrus, Aperol, Cinnamon Syrup, Egg White The limited cocktail Menu is available until 31st December. Website: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk Address: 16 Bury Street, London SW1Y 6AJ Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Quaglinos

The festive season is upon us and with that comes lots of Christmas parties, festive market gatherings and cheeky mulled wine evenings. All these festive activities can get a little overwhelming, so make sure you take some time out for some much-needed self-care. CBD brand OTO, has released an OTO Ritual Advent Calendar this Christmas, this luxurious calendar will help you re-charge and re-set with 12 CBD rituals as you count down the last 12 days to Christmas. You will find a selection of award-winning skincare favourites, alongside a sleep mask, Gua sha, pillow mists and sleep drops, all infused with calming and soothing CBD, your skin and body will thank you! The unique drawer construction is also perfect for storing your little bits and bobs, which means it can be reused long after the festive season too. Who needs chocolate when you have an OTO Ritual Advent Calendar! Price: £298.00 (Worth £599 when items are sold separately). To find out more info. visit: https://otocbd.com/oto-advent-calendar-21.html Photography courtesy of OTO

Kicking off the festive season early on Wednesday 10th November, Marylebone Village will be celebrating the start of the Christmas period with a festive light switch-on in support of mental health charity partner Mind in Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster. Shoppers will have the opportunity to experience the illuminated streets of Marylebone whilst enjoying a memorable evening packed with free festive activities, live music and inspiring decorations. Over 50 shops, cafes, bars and restaurants will take part in the festivities, offering everything from discounts to bespoke menus only available for one day only. Some of the retailers and restaurants include Paul Smith, Wyse London, agnès b., Mejuri, Dinny Hall, The Conran Shop, 108 Brasserie and Ottolenghi. Throughout the day you can join in with some of the festive activations, which include wreath-making workshops, santa’s grotto, fairground rides and personalised festive illustrations, there really will be something to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Date: Wednesday 10th November 2021 Time: 3pm-7pm For more information visit: www.marylebonevillage.com Written by Jordan Crowley

Situated right in the centre of Soho, ‘100 Wardour Street’ is the perfect spot to swing by for an after-work drink if you are in central. ‘100 Wardour Street’ boasts a minimal yet inviting street exterior and upon entering the ground floor bar and lounge area, guests can soak up the relaxed yet lively atmosphere of this Soho spot. Head downstairs, and you’ll find yourself in the restaurant that lends itself as a club after hours. ‘100 Wardour Street’  serves up food, drinks and entertainment every day/night of the week. We visited on a Thursday evening, to try out the set menu (£35pp), there was a buzz as soon as we entered the venue; the staff were welcoming, and the bar area was full of people sitting and standing having drinks. A few guests were eating in the bar and lounge area – the dining tables lit up with Mexican themed lighting for ‘Casa Wardour’ – the Mexican themed pop up running at ‘100 Wardour Street’ until the end of the month. We were taken downstairs to the restaurant area and seated at a round table near the stage; guests can enjoy the pleasure of live entertainment as they wine and dine. ‘100 Wardour Street’ has some famous Soho history as the venue was the Marquee Club back in 1964 and saw artists such as David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Sex Pistols and Jimi Hendrix on its stage over the years. The venue opened as it is now, ‘100 Wardour Street’, back in 2016. We started the evening off with a couple of cocktails; our waiter recommended the Dragon Sunset cocktail (raspberry vodka with fresh dragon fruit and raspberries with lemon liqueur and mango puree). The cocktail menu was extensive, including a range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options and these were all fairly priced for Soho, ranging from £8-£15. We ordered the ‘yellowfin tuna with almond & ginger tahini, avocado and chilli oil’, and the ‘sauteed squid, pounded yam, parsley and lemon’ for starters, both of which were beautifully presented but could have done with just a little more seasoning. The vegetarian and vegan starter options on the set menu included a mezze plate available with beetroot hummus, vine leaves, falafel, wild wheat tabbouleh, smoked aubergine with grilled flatbread for vegans and a burrata, tomato salad, basil and sherry vinegar salad for the veggies. The main courses on the menu were varied – salmon, steak, and chicken dishes as well as a vegan/vegetarian option. We ordered the ‘smoked aubergine paella with red pepper, tempura okra grilled spring onion and pil-pil’. The smoked aubergine and tempura okra garnishes were nice aesthetic additions however, a little more seasoning would have improved the paella. For dessert, we thought we’d try the Valrhona chocolate brownie, which came with raspberry sorbet – the sorbet was flavourful but the brownie could have been more fudgy. I would certainly stop off at ‘100 Wardour Street’ for a cocktail with a friend in the bar and lounge area.‘100 Wardour Street’ is a great entertainment venue. If you visit from Wednesday – Sunday you will be treated to live music and of course mouth-watering cocktails! Address: 100 Wardour St, London W1F 0TN Website: https://www.100wardourst.com Written by Lenny Wright

Award-winning artist and designer Yinka Ilori has created the ‘Laundrette of Dreams’ in Bethnal Green, an installation inspired by his childhood laundrette on Essex Road, North London. Painstakingly recreated in hundreds of thousands of LEGO bricks, the installation pays homage to the role community launderettes play in local communities and how they bring different cultures and walks of life together. A collaborative effort, the design was helped by pupils from Ilori’s former primary school, St Jude & St Paul’s Church of England. Visitors will see and experience elements typically found within a launderette that are transformed to demonstrate “how children use play and their creative problem-solving abilities to turn everyday experiences into adventures”. Yinka Ilori’s work is famed for its bright colours and intention. His work has been seen internationally (The Brits, Cannes) and across London. He recently redesigned several pedestrian crossings around central London and the now famous basketball court in Canary Wharf. The Launderette of Dreams will be open from 28th October – 6th November and is free to enter. Look out for the limited series of workshops to book too – more details will be announced soon. Address: 133-135 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 7DG Written by Paul Armstrong Photography courtesy of Laundrette of Dreams

Already a foodie London staple, Lantana has expanded its growing business once again, with a fourth venue on Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia. An award-winning independent restaurant group, the new space is centrally located moments away from Soho Square and the Theatre district. Named DL/78, it is Lantana’s first counter-service café, serving up a slight twist on Lantana’s classic menu. You will find counter salads, sourdough toasties and feel-good breakfast bites, including Green Egg, Spinach and Chilli Jam Breakfast Baps and Coconut, Chia and Rhubarb Breakfast Pots. There will of course still be the restaurant’s favourites on the menu; Australia’s multicultural cuisines, with healthy dishes, freshly baked sweet treats and house blend Lantana Coffee. Located in Derwent London’s first all-electric net-zero carbon building, DL/78 by Lantana offers sustainable dining with locally sourced produce, recyclable or compostable packaging and durable and reusable Huskee cups are provided for all Derwent London residents to take to their desks in the space, in order to cut down on take-away packaging. It’s great to see restaurants doing their part in contributing to a more sustainable way of living. Address: Lantana DL/78, 78 Charlotte Street W1T 1SN Website: www.lantanacafe.co.uk Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Lantana

If you’re a fan of Mexican food and culture and just can’t wait for the Day of the Dead celebrations next month, then you must make your way to 100 Wardour St this October. The Soho venue has had many reincarnations over the years, but in 2016 it reopened its doors as a multipurpose lounger, eatery, and dance club. This is the perfect space to put on an exciting line-up of Mexican-themed events, including a weekly Sunday Brunch with bottomless margaritas, and an immersive Day of the Dead inspired pop-up. Visitors will be delighted on arrival by a Mexican oasis, an atrium filled with Mexican décor, featuring an art wall, bringing to life the vibrancy of Mexico, you will find bunting, plants, cacti, complete with traditional poncho blankets. Starting off the Mexican vibes will be La Fiesta, a weekly Sunday brunch with a difference; namely, a roaming Mariachi band with full sugar skull face paint to accompany your margaritas! There will also be a Day of the Dead inspired pop-up called Casa Wardour, created in partnership with Don Julio tequila, where you can expect tequila-based cocktails, Mexican food, and live music. Why not don your favourite costume and head to Casa Wardour for Halloween! Full details of the month’s Mexican line-up can be found here. Written by Claire Coveney

It’s all kicking off at East Village’s The Lab E20 this month, activities for families, live music nights and if you’re still looking for that perfect Halloween outfit, make space in your diary on Sat 30th for the Halloween Make & Mend. Below are some of the events happening in October: DRINKS & DRESS UP – EVERY FRIDAY 6PM – 7.30PM Drinks, nibbles and trying on clothes with a live DJ, no booking required. FRIDAY FILM NIGHTS – FRIDAY 8, FRI 15 & FRI 29 8PM – 10PM Drop into the cinema room to watch climate action and fashion documentaries including ‘Redress The Future,’ ‘True Cost’ and horror classic ‘Scream’ on Halloween weekend. No booking required. REASONS TO SHARE – SAT 9 11AM – 12PM Join the Community Couture by sharing fashion tales and become part of the tapestry of a one-of-a-kind garment. Reasons To Share is free to book. SOFAR SOUNDS – SAT 9 & SAT 16 7.30PM – 10PM Intimate evenings of unique live performances curated by Sofar. Sofar Sounds evenings are £26 to book. REPAIR & RAVE WORKSHOP – FRI 15 6.30PM – 7.30PM Bring garments that need repairing, upcycling or customising and boogie! No booking required. MAKE TOWN WORKSHOP – SUN 17 11AM – 12.30PM Discover the beautiful, chilled-out art of embroidery – practice basic stitches and techniques before you decide on your final piece. It costs £15 to book. HALLOWEEN CLOTHES SWAP + RENT – SAT 30 11AM – 4PM Our final and spookiest clothes swap! Bring your preloved Halloween costumes at 11AM or 1.30PM. The Halloween-special clothes swap is free to book. HALLOWEEN MAKE & MEND – SAT 30 OCT 2PM – 3.30PM Recycle old costumes (or another pre-loved item) into something new, the workshop is free.