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This week we caught up with Chef Kerth Gumbs, to talk about who his biggest inspiration was in becoming a chef, the residency takeover he is planning and much more. Can you tell us what / who inspired you to become a chef and your journey in becoming a chef? Cooking was always an interest of mine and it’s my mum who inspired me to pursue a career as a chef. She was a very well-known cook on Anguilla – the tiny Caribbean island where I grew up. At school, I had to decide whether I wanted to do auto mechanics, woodwork or food and I chose food and nutrition. At the time I was working in a five-star hotel on the island as a waiter, but then I got a scholarship to pursue my passion in track and field and even competed professionally in 2002. Ultimately the scholarship fell through, and I had to look at other alternatives, so I spoke to my father about pursuing a career in cooking. I flew to London in 2004 to study at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, where I obtained a grand diploma in French cuisine and patisserie, before joining some notable kitchens such as Tom Aikens at his Elystan street Michelin-starred restaurant, followed by L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon which gained two Michelin stars. For those who haven’t eaten your incredible food at Fenchurch, Sky Garden, how would you describe it? I would describe my food as vibrant, playful and flavour forward. My Caribbean-inspired tasting menu at Fenchurch showcases a contemporary approach to this, in everything from the Johnny Cake starter, served with pickled crab, scotch bonnet mayo and roe to my take on an Anguillan specialty – a Conkie dumpling-inspired ducana cake featuring sweetened sweet potato, caramelised white chocolate, coconut and salted milk ice cream. Do you have any culinary heroes? My culinary heroes are chefs of both the past and present who have made a big impact and contribution to the world’s food scene, whether it be through sharing new techniques, knowledge or their signature pure lustful food. Some of my culinary heroes include chefs such as Bjorn Franzten, Joël Robuchon, Grant Achatz but really there are too many for me to name. Incredible to see you as a judge on Young MasterChef, what’s it like being a judge on the show? It was awesome being on the show and there was lots to learn about, not only presenting, but also how to use your feedback to inspire the contestants. One of the things which I realised is that you never really get a second chance to conjure up 100% authenticity again if you’ve forgotten something or stumbled on your words so it was a great new experience for me too. It also meant I got a chance to experience both sides, from behind the scenes as well as in front, to going from a competitor to a host. Is there anything you are currently working on that you can spill the beans on? I’m currently planning a residency takeover at the Four Seasons on my home island for a couple of weeks which I am so excited about. If you had a free day in London to do what you want, where would you go? On a day off, I like to spend time watching movies with my kids. Or I like to visit either Ladbroke Grove Market, Camden Market or Spitalfields. Then I like to take a walk with the kids from London Bridge along the South Bank before heading onto Covent Garden. To book a table at Fenchurch visit https://skygarden.london/restaurants/fenchurch #skygarden #ChefKerthGumbs #KerthGumbs #chef #fenchurch

This week we caught up with Colombian Tattoo artist, Steve Niño to talk about what inspired him to become a tattoo artist, his style and much more. What inspired you to become a tattoo artist? At a younger age I was into watching Miami Ink which was my first exposure to the tattoo word. Years later around the age of fourteen, I got into hardcore punk music and submersed myself into the culture. Everyone I met had cool tattoos and I thought to myself “One day I would love to create art and tattoo people all over the world”. When I started university I felt lost and a close friend advised me to leave my fears behind and to start a tattoo artist apprenticeship. While on my journey to becoming a recognised tattoo artist, all my friends that I had made in the hardcore punk scene supported me by getting a tattoo. What are your views about the tattoo industry? Throughout the years I have been able to see how this industry has been accepted more and more in society, and it warms my heart to know that we as artists are not seen as negatively as before. The industry has also grown so strong, more techniques and machinery have evolved and this has helped the artist to grow in their capacity to create amazing art. Also there has been new tattoo styles that have become popular and there are more options accommodating individuals’ tastes. In my opinion, it is important that each client can pick freely what style they would like because the main job of a tattoo artist is to create an art piece that reflects our style and what the client is asking for. How Long did it take you to discover your style and do you have any tips for other tattoo artists? I am still figuring out my style but I have had the fortune of trying different techniques and styles which have helped me become a versatile artist. My biggest advice is to try and find your unique style by first exploring any style that you identify with and feel that you can eventually master. I also believe that it’s a good idea to look up different types of references like painters, other tattoo artists, imagery and nature, as this will open your eyes to a greater spectrum that feeds your creativity. What plans do you have for the future? In the future, I would like to take an art course to improve certain techniques, acquire others and expand my knowledge and continue my progress as an artist. I would also love to start a clothing line with my designs printed on them, and create a book with quotes and illustrations. Do you believe a career as a tattoo artist is flexible? I would say it is a really flexible career, it all depends on your mentality and how you manage your lifestyle. In my experience I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot and work abroad, on the other hand, I’ve met some tattoo artists in Colombia that haven’t taken advantage of this opportunity and it may be due to them not wanting to venture out of their comfort zone. Are there any other ventures you see yourself doing? As an artist, I believe it’s important to learn about our culture and history, so I would like to take a course in: History of arts, history, English literature and other languages. Learning languages is such a key aspect in understanding other cultures and truly getting to know them. If you weren’t a tattoo artist, what would you be? That’s a hard one, I would have maybe been an interior designer because I love decorating and creating colour boards/ mood boards. If you had one free day in London what would you do? London has so much to offer so that is a tricky question. I would probably go to Green Park, walk around, go to a gallery or a museum and finish off In a cool café. #ColombianTattooartist #SteveNiño #Tattooartist

This week we caught by with Alistair Frost, the Co-Founder of Pentire Drinks. Can you tell us where the idea of creating Pentire Drinks came from and how it stands apart from other non-alcoholic spirits? Pentire Drinks is an outdoors-inspired drinks company. The inspiration was from home in North Cornwall where our community is into active-outdoor living. Surfing, running, yoga, being around the ocean and super healthy. Mixed with years working in bars and serving drinks that didn’t leave people feeling that great. That was something I really wanted to solve. Where do you make Pentire? We make Pentire by distilling fresh plants that are native to our coastline. It’s awesome to be sourcing sustainably grown ingredients of local growers and growing partners around the UK coast. Are there any new flavours you are working on? We’ve just launched a couple of new formats, a sharing large bottle of our pre-mixed margarita plus a canned version of our coastal spritz. Our core products are Pentire Adrift, Pentire Seaward and Pentire Coastal Spritz. What does your favourite mocktail entail? We don’t make mocktails. However my favourite cocktail is a Pentire Martini  – Pentire Adrift, olive brine, fresh grapefruit. Stirred. Best piece of advice you have been given? Maybe that how you deal with what you don’t know, will be more important to your success than how you deal with what you do know. So listening and asking questions is essential. What would your ideal day in London be like? When I’m up in London I love to start with a run in the park or a morning gym session with some circuits, stretching and cardio, followed by some hot cold from sauna and ice bath or cold shower. We have a hub in Farringdon so I love working in there with the awesome Pentire London team. Then heading out to visit some of our trade customers like Selfridges, Soho House, Spring and so on. And see what learnings we have and how it’’s all working. I speak to the guys in the Pentire USA team most days and clock in with co-founder and friend Ed in LA. So it’s pretty varied and a mixture of deep work and on the go which I love. For more information on Pentire Drinks visit https://pentiredrinks.com Photos courtesy of Pentire Drinks #dryjanuary #nonalcohlic #pentire #pentiredrinks

Imagine surprising your little one with a trip to Peppa Pig World? A magical and fun day with theme park rides, Peppa Pig characters and much more. You have the chance of winning tickets, thanks to the generous folks behind Kingsmill. All you need to do is buy Kingsmill bread and bakery products at Asda, in an exclusive 2 for £2 promotion, running from 16th May – 5th June. The top prize is tickets for four people to Peppa Pig World, plus 100s of other Peppa Pig prizes. Peppa Pig World, based at Paultons Park, brings the world-famous TV series to life. Families can visit Peppa’s home, ride Grandpa Pig’s little train, jump in muddy puddles, and much more. The prize draw will commence at the end of the promotional period with qualifying products being listed on the two for £2 promotion. Customers must have two listed products on their receipt to enter. To enter, visit the website here and upload your receipt for your chance to win, good luck! Product List: Soft White Medium 800g, Soft White Thick 800g, 50/50 Medium 800g, 50/50 Thick 800g, 50/50 Vitamin Boost Medium 750g, Tasty Wholemeal Medium 800g, Tasty Wholemeal Thick 800g, 6pk Large Soft White Rolls, 4 Mixed Berry Fruit Fingers, 4 Apple and Raisin Fruit Fingers, 4 Muffins. Image courtesy of Kingsmill

Prepare to experience the ultimate in Carnaby nightlife with the arrival of The Little Violet Door on Kingly Street. The creative minds behind The Little Door & Co. are set to revolutionize the Carnaby bar scene with their latest venture, The Little Violet Door. Following in the footsteps of its renowned sister bars like Soho’s The Little Scarlet Door and neighborhood favorites such as The Little Yellow Door in Notting Hill, The Little Blue Door in Fulham, and The Little Orange Door in Clapham. The Little Violet Door promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Located in the iconic former ’60s music venue Bag O’Nails, the space boasts eclectic and contemporary interiors adorned with colourful prints, vintage knick-knacks, and collections of books and records. Each room is meticulously designed to emulate the ambiance of a lived-in home, leaving guests envious of the decor. At the heart of The Little Violet Door lies the kitchen disco, where DJs spin tunes from the island turntable while cocktails flow in unconventional home essentials. Drawing inspiration from the flat’s DVD collection, the menu offers a delectable selection of party foods, including mezze boards, tacos, and more. Setting itself apart from its counterparts, The Little Violet Door opens its doors earlier, inviting guests to indulge from noon daily, seven days a week. For those craving a more intimate affair, the basement area is available for private hire, offering an exclusive soirée experience without the hassle of cleanup. So, mark your calendars for this summer and be sure to experience the magic of The Little Violet Door. With its irresistible blend of music, creativity, and good vibes, it’s destined to become Carnaby’s hottest destination for an unforgettable night out. Address: The Little Violet Door, 9 Kingly Street, Carnaby, W1B 5PH Website: www.thelittlevioletdoor.co.uk Written by Lorna Bryn Photo courtesy of The Little Violet Door

Get ready to fire up your taste buds, with international Head Chef Sang’s exotic Pan Asian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from traditional Asian flavours, and expertly reworked with a contemporary twist, these delicate small plate dishes are great for sharing and comparing. Located in the heart of Kensington within the grand Copthorne Tara Hotel, Bugis provides an intimate and sophisticated dining experience. Ideally situated for hotel residents, locals and shoppers on the famous Kensington High Street, the rich interior and friendly staff are dressed to impress. We were invited to indulge in their new fusion menu for the restaurant’s grand opening. Their repertoire of exotic dishes incorporates classic spices and flavours from the Orient with expertly sourced ingredients. These reimagined delicacies pay homage to traditional Malaysian, Chinese and Thai cuisine, along with Bugis very own special sauce. Stand-out dishes include spiced corn-fed Chicken Satay Skewers with a sticky soy and peanut glaze, an imaginative update on the traditional satay recipe. Egg Fried Rice is given a make-over by using delicious Burford Brown eggs for added depth of flavour. For vegetarians, the Salt & Pepper Chicken can be adjusted to include a mouth-watering cauliflower creation, all tossed with Bugis spice and garnished with garlic aioli. Traditional squid is also available. The Nasi Goreng, a tantalising spicy fried rice with emulsified preserved chilli, shrimp sauce, pickled cucumber and fried egg is expertly fiery. Other hero dishes include Hainanese Chicken with Bugis Signature Sauce and Peppered Hereford Sirloin Steak. Prime cuts of feather-soft steak, presented on a bed of savoy cabbage and topped with a pepper sauce. A rich and hearty dish which should satisfy the hungriest diner. Another unexpected delight was a Black Rice Pudding with ice cream, this creamy and light dessert is delicate and not too sweet. The restaurant has an impressive wine list, with pairing wines to suit all tastes, plus a menu of exotic cocktails, with and without alcohol. On this occasion, we indulged in minty Mojitos with plenty of crushed ice, as well as a refreshing fruit punch. To book visit www.millenniumhotels.com/en/london/copthorne-tara-hotel-london-kensington/bugisstreet Address: The Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place Kensington London, W8 5SR By Claire Bloom Photos by Tara Copthorne

For those seeking a truly authentic yakitori experience in London, look no further than Junsei. Nestled in Seymore Street, the Junsei philosophy is pure, simple food, to be enjoyed and shared. The menu consists of delicious small plate platters prepared in an open kitchen, allowing diners to experience the sensory journey of yakitori. This traditional style of cooking respects and enhances every part of the chicken, with a zero-waste approach, every part of the meat is used and grilled over white-hot binchotan charcoal for an incredible depth of flavour. When we visited, we were inspired to see that most of the patrons were Japanese, denoting the level of authenticity in the cuisine. The restaurant staff are open to adapting dishes for allergies and intolerances, they had no problem removing onions for me and gluten for my friend. Along with many vegetable dishes, the menu is based on using every part of the chicken, so you will see gizzard, thigh and liver listed as ingredients, all of which are used in traditional yakitori. We decided to take the plunge and do as the Japanese do, we tested the crispy chicken skin chips, thigh, wing and grilled chicken skin as well as their unique vegetable dishes, and of course some delicious warm sake. Junsei has an extensive sake menu and a comprehensive list of Japanese whiskies for those who want to indulge in complimentary warming liqueurs. Dishes come piping hot and direct from the grill. Starting with the crispy chicken skin chips, which are precisely that, incredibly crispy and light, if you enjoy your roast chicken skin you will enjoy these very much. Next, our attentive and knowledgeable waiter bought us a selection of small plates, kushiyaki okra with katsuobushi shoyu dressing, courgette, and Padron peppers, alongside yakitori chicken skins, thigh and wings. All of which were delicious, clean and healthy. The type of Japanese oak charcoal used is the purest in the world, a quality which is evident in its unique flavour. The grilled lettuce on a bed of whipped tofu, has a creamy miso flavour and a velvety texture. Our hero dish though was the lobster salad with caviar mayo, so refreshing and sweet, a great balancer to the more salty notes of the yakitori. To finish off we delved into the world of Japanese desserts, smoked chocolate mousse with plum liqueur, the dish lives up to its smoky name, very unusual and not too sweet. The seasonal granita was a great palate cleanser and came presented on tasting spoons, icy and sweet in just the right portion. We left feeling full and satisfied. The overall experience is one of authenticity, the use of charcoal and warming spices, miso and soy allows diners to access the true taste of Japan. Address: 132 Seymour Place, London, W1H1NS Website: https://junsei.co.uk Words and photos by Claire Bloom

East London hot spot Light Bar has unveiled a tantalising new menu, championing the humble British roast in all its glory. Set against the backdrop of its iconic converted warehouse, guests are invited to soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying some of the finest food and drink the area has to offer. Carefully curated by talented Head Chef Ali Borer of Smoking Goat, the Sunday Sessions menu creatively incorporates an array of Sunday roast-inspired dishes. Pairing pan Asian flavours with the finest British produce, the innovative new dining experience uses a variety of techniques and vibrant flavours to create something truly unique, with Ali Borer drawing upon his rich experiences and passion for Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisines. With a commitment to sustainability playing a strong part in the brand identity, the offering showcases a ‘head to tail’ approach, with each ingredient thoughtfully utilised to minimize waste and maximize flavour. Light bar furthers this by working with a range of British suppliers including Lyons Hill Farms in Dorset and sourcing their fish from British waters via Woods Fish. Menu Highlights include Spiced Cured Trout with Shiso, Roasted Iron Age Pork Loin and Slow-grilled Whole Fish of the Day. Address: 233 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6PJ Website: www.lightbarlondon.com Written By Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of Light Bar

Biscuiteers have certainly got themselves a reputation of being one of the most photogenic biscuit shops in London. The monochrome exterior attracts a lot of influencers to both their stores, you will regularly find a stylish influencer posed beautifully outside with a biscuit to match their outfit. And to be honest you can see why! Biscuiteers in Battersea isn’t just a place to buy a biscuit, it’s a biscuit wonderland, filled with beautiful hand-iced biscuits, cakes, a cafe and a DIY icing school. Pre-lockdown, we visited the Biscuiteers branch in Battersea, and tried out the London luxe biscuits, my first thoughts were ‘these are too beautiful to eat’ so I marvelled at them for a while, whilst I drank my hot chocolate. Individually the bus biscuit costs £9. Yes this is on the pricey side, but don’t be put off, there are cheaper biscuits in store and just as damn delicious! The level of detail gone into creating and icing these biscuits are incredible and you can see why they charge what they do! The tins make for excellent gifts and the London Luxe tin costs £45, which contains sixteen biscuits, beautifully wrapped in a gorgeous wax paper. You get to feast your eyes on a phone box, red bus, big ben, tube station logos and the very iconic London black taxi. Biscuiteers only use natural ingredients, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing there are no E numbers used in the making. Once you try these biscuits you’ll never go back to dunking plain old digestives in your tea again. Stores: Notting Hill and Battersea Website: https://www.biscuiteers.com #battersea #Biscuiteers #biscuits #nottinghill

Setting you up for an epic summer, the hottest line-up of UK chefs will be bringing tasty dishes to your town from April 2021, with the new Alfresco Theatre Drive-in Tour. Brought to you by the the creators of Pub in the Park, think of it as the ultimate travelling restaurant. Curated by absolute chef royalty, Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein, Atul Kochhar, Paul Ainsworth and Jason Atherton will be joining forces to create an exclusive menu of one-off, not-to-be-missed dishes. The only place in the UK you’ll be able to taste these incredible dishes this summer, The Alfresco Diner offers exclusive access to such talent alongside entertainments like comedy gig or big-screen movies. The band of travelling chefs will be bringing fantastic food and good times to six locations across the UK, for a highly anticipated weekend of excitement and much needed fun.The mouth-watering menu will be revealed in the coming weeks and will be available to pre-book ahead of arrival at your chosen Alfresco show. Eating in restaurants and live gigs? This is what we have all been missing! The team will also be serving craft cocktails, beers, wine and alcohol-free drinks, so it really is the full package. The entertainment includes comedy from the likes of: Mark Watson, Dara Ó Briain, Nish Kumar and more. Blockbuster movies including Dirty Dancing, Bohemian Rhapsody, Grease singalong and more; toe-tapping live music from SPICE, Bjorn Again and The Bootleg Beatles and family friendly show The Gruffalo Live. Book your tickets via  www.thealfrescotheatre.co.uk  *Music acts, movies, theatre show and comedy line-up vary by venue, visit the website for full details. Dates at the following venues: Tunbridge Wells: 28th April – 3rd May 2021 at The Hop Farm Bath  Spa: 6th – 9th May 2021 at  Warleigh Lodge Farm Henley & Marlow: 12th – 16th May  2021 at  Calden  Faw  Estate Warwick: 19th – 23rd May 2021 at  Sherbourne Park St Albans: 2nd – 6th June 2021 at Hertfordshire Showground West London: 9th – 13th June 2021 at Syon Park Written by Jordan Crowley #AlfrescoDiner #chefs #syonpark

Oh dumplings, those deliciously soft pillowy parcels concealing their savoury hot surprises. Who doesn’t love dumplings? Many a Chinese menu have slim pickings much to our dismay but New kid on the block Mama Chen’s is here to place the focus on one of our favourite bites. Founder, Michelle Liu, learnt how to cook dumplings from her grandma Chen whilst growing up and decided it would be a shame not to share her family secret recipe with the world. So during lockdown, Mama Chen’s was born, offering home made dumplings, delivered straight to your door. The kits contains 12 delicious frozen dumplings, each one hand made by Michelle’s expert hands, frozen immediately and packaged up ready to deliver. You can choose from: OG Wontons, the original star of the show with traditional prawn and pork filling Golden Nugget chicken dumplings Green Panda veggie dumplings Prawn Siu Mai For the commitment-phobes who just can’t pick one flavour, order the Full Moon Tasting Set which includes all dumplings for only £17.80 (Pack of 16 – and ready to serve in under 15 minutes). All kits include cooking instructions, chilli oil, soy sauce, and chopsticks. Don’t forget to add Mama’s homemade dipping sauce, as they say the secret’s in the sauce. Visit https://www.mamachens.co.uk to order your dumplings. Written by Nyla S. #chinese #diykit #dumplings #mamachens

Ladurée, the charming French patisserie has launched the gorgeous Color Block gift box just in time for Easter. If you’re a little bored of gifting the same old chocolate egg to your loved ones, look in the direction of the new Color Block gift box. You get to choose your own assortment of macarons, allowing you to mix 18 delicate, sweet and scrumptious macarons. You can choose from pistachio, chocolate, caramel, orange blossom, rose, vanilla, passion fruit and even vegan caramel coconut. Priced at £39.50, you can order online at https://www.laduree.co.uk/color-block-gift-box.html#collections You can also buy the Color Block gift set from the Covent Garden and Burlington Arcade Ladurée stores. Photography by Nyla Sammons Styled by Claire Bloom #coventgarden #easter #Ladurée #macarons