Experience some of the world’s best chefs, finest wines, champagnes, spirits and gourmet produce for two days in one of the most exquisite venues in London

September 2011 will see the launch of Quintessentially Epicure, the latest addition to the leading luxury lifestyle group, Quintessentially.

Quintessentially Epicure is a two day luxurious gastronomic event sponsored by Coutts, taking place at one of London’s most exquisite venues, The Hurlingham Club.

September 9th and 10th will see some of the world’s most renowned chefs, top international gourmet producers and the very finest wines and spirits from across the globe brought together in London for two days of epicurean bliss.

The event will offer guests the chance to experience demonstrations and tastings from a selection of the world’s best chefs, learn about global trends and innovations in food, beverage and cooking, sample the finest produce available, taste complimentary dishes from London’s leading restaurants including Maze, Tamarind, China Tang, Babbo, Aqua Nueva, Quince at The Mayfair Hotel and Bennetts Oyster Bar, experience the best wines, spirits and champagnes from around the globe and participate in talks from leading culinary experts.

Participating brands showcasing at the event include Taittinger (Quintessentially Epicure’s exclusive Champagne sponsor), Johnnie Walker Blue Label, La Masion du Chocolat, Pierre Hermé boutiques, Rougié Fois Gras, Imperial Caviar, Badoit, Evian, Oliveology, Iberica, Ibiza Delivers, Quintessentially Travel, Delonghi and more.

Guests will have a chance to:· Experience demonstrations and tastings from some of the world’s best chefs.Learn about new global trends and innovations in food, beverage and cooking. Sample the finest produce available - caviar, fois gras, chocolates, fine Spanish hams and more. Savour dishes from London’s leading restaurants.Taste the very best wines, champagnes and spirits.Participate in talks from well-known leading culinary experts

Participating chefs include:
·Marcus Wareing, Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley and The Gilbert Scott, London .Hélène Darroze, The Connaught, London and Helene Darroze in Paris .Brett Graham, The Ledbury, London. Giorgio Locatelli, Locanda Locatelli, London.William Curley, Belgravia and Richmond, London .John Campbell, Dorchester’s Collection Cowarth Park, Berkshire.Shaun Hill, The Walnut Tree, Wales.Pierre Hermé, London, Paris, Tokyo, Osaka, Strasbourg.Phil Howard, The Square, London.Heinz Beck, Aspleys, London; La Pergola, Rome

A highlight of the show will be a controversial and exciting blind tasting of a selection of New World Wines hosted by expert wine writer and critic Matthew Jukes.
Quintessentially Epicure will also be creating a unique coffee table book including profiles on all the participating chefs giving an intimate portrayal of their recipes, techniques and backgrounds as well as menus from participating restaurants, content from leading food writers and critics and trend features from the world’s leading luxury brands and names.

http://www.quintessentiallyepicure.com/

BURLINGTON ARCADE CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TUXEDO WITH LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION September 2011

London’s stunning Burlington Arcade is to host an exhibition celebrating the 150th Anniversary of The Tuxedo. The ‘Little Black Jacket’ exhibition, in collaboration with London College of Fashion (LCF), will be exhibited in Burlington Arcade during September and showcase heritage pieces from renowned Tuxedo wearers Frank Sinatra and Truman Capote, alongside inspiring reinterpretations for the 21st century.

Visitors will discover more about the history of this very British style icon, a garment that effortlessly sums up traditional values of Britishness, craftsmanship and sophisticated style – from its invention by Henry Poole and Co in Saville Row to the legendary status that it has today. The exhibition will showcase an exclusive selection of heritage Tuxedo pieces, including pattern pieces from the fabulous Frank Sinatra and the original tuxedo made for Truman Capote to wear at his infamous Black & White Ball.

These pieces will be displayed alongside Tuxedos created by talented LCF Bespoke Tailoring students, who teamed up with tailor Henry Poole & Co to create bespoke versions for rising stars from the Drama Centre at LCF’s sister college Central Saint Martin’s – a relationship captured through a stunning black and white fashion short that will be on display. Shop windows throughout the Arcade will also display stylish black and white photography of fashion superstars wearing their favourite Tuxedos, including Chairman of The British Fashion Council Harold Tillman, supermodel Marie Helvin and musician Mr Hudson.

Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, comments “The Tuxedo and Burlington Arcade are two British icons that remain the epitome of timeless fashion. I can’t think of a more fitting environment to display this fantastic show, which is a perfect example of some of the finest British craftsmanship”.

The exhibition will then travel to New York, where it will be displayed at the Tuxedo Historical Society, before embarking on an international tour in 2012. With a huge resurgent interest in menswear and tailoring, this Autumn’s Tuxedo tour is the ideal opportunity to celebrate this most British of style icons.

Tuxedo at Burlington Arcade:
Mon-Wed: 08.00-18.30?Thu: 08.00-19.00?Fri: 08.00-18.30?Sat: 09.00-18.30 ?Sun: 11.00-17.00

London of College would like to thank the following supporters for making this project possible: Original Tuxedo tailors, Henry Poole & Co who have kindly given their specialist knowledge and expertise to the project, Dormeuil producers of the world’s finest cloths who have supplied the student designers with their luxury fabric. Fedrigoni – specialists in fine Italian paper who have generously supported the printing of the exclusive Tuxedo publication. Tateossian – the men’s jewellery specialists who have provided jewellery for the publication photoshoot and exhibition. LCF alumna Beatrix Ong who loaned footwear for the photoshoot. The Victoria & Albert Museum for generous access to their expansive fashion archives and Weavalabel for the specialist labels and to Hasselblad for lending photographic equipment. David Downton – LCF Visiting Lecturer and Fashion Artist at Claridges Hotel for designing the beautiful Tuxedo logo.

About the Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcade is a truly enduring destination in the heart of Mayfair, uniting Piccadilly and Bond Street. It is a place where old and new worlds meet, united by a common thread of exceptional quality, authenticity, bespoke craftsmanship and creativity.

The longest and most beautiful covered shopping street in Britain, the Burlington Arcade has been heralded as an historic and architectural masterpiece and a true luxury landmark in London ever since it was first unveiled to great acclaim in 1819. As Britain’s first shopping arcade, it has led the way in retail trends and remains a pioneer to this day.

www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

About London College of Fashion
London College of Fashion has an international reputation as a leading provider of fashion education, research and consultancy. The unique portfolio of specialist courses range in level, from short courses to Postgraduate. The subject range corresponds to the process of the creation, production and promotion of fashion and the management and marketing of those activities. Many of the College’s courses are unique to the UK and offer students an experience unmatched by even a handful of specialist colleges worldwide.

The College's work is centred on the development of ideas: its staff and students use fashion alongside historical and cultural practice to challenge social, political and ethical agendas. This, combined with its forward-thinking business and management portfolio and its relationship with the global fashion and lifestyle industries, is the underpinning of its mission to "Fashion the Future."

Every dimension of the fashion industry employs LCF graduates from established designers like Jimmy Choo OBE and Beatrix Ong OBE (footwear) to rising stars like William Tempest (fashion designer), and respected entrepreneur and Chairman of the British Fashion Council, Harold Tillman CBE as well as fashion journalists Melanie Rickey and Sarah Harris.

www.fashion.arts.ac.uk

HIGH STREET FASHION WEEK AND METRO HIT OXFORD STREET TO OFFER THE BEST HIGH STREET FASHION ADVICE THIS AUTUMN

High Street Fashion Week, this year’s go-to event for every London fashion addict, will launch on 5 September 2011 in partnership with Metro.

This is the third High Street Fashion Week, an initiative of New West End Company, which will see fashion shows, exhibitions, late-night shopping evenings and glamorous launch parties where high street brands will unveil their autumn/winter collections.

This is the third High Street Fashion Week, an initiative of New West End Company, which will see fashion shows, exhibitions, late-night shopping evenings and glamorous launch parties where high street brands will unveil their autumn/winter collections.

Metro, the official media partner of High Street Fashion Week, will host events on Oxford Street throughout the week at a range of high street stores.

Metro highlights of High Street Fashion Week:
Wednesday 7 September - Metro High Street Fashion Week Party in association with Gallo Wines, 6pm-9pm at Red Bar on Kingly Court, this is an RSVP event only.

Wednesday 7 September - Vlogging at Selfridges. Customers can create video blogs about their high street purchases and why they love high street fashion. The video blogs will be aired on Selfridges and Oxford Street’s websites and social media sites. Participating vloggers are in with a chance of winning a prize worth up to £50.
Thursday 8 September - Vogue’s Fashion Night Out, full details can be found at fashions-night-out.vogue.co.uk.
Thursday 8 September - Marks and Spencer shopper night at the Pantheon Store on Oxford Street from 6pm-10pm with a DJ, complimentary drinks, a free nail bar, style talks and discounts with Thursday’s copy of Metro.
Friday 9 September - Menswear day including free beer, snacks and gifts at Topman Oxford Circus with a copy of Friday’s Metro.
Events will also take place at MOSS, New Look, The Plaza, Debenhams, BHS, H&M, Office, River Island, John Lewis and many more high street stores . Full information for all High Street Fashion Week events will be available at www.oxfordstreet.co.uk from 3 September.
‘Metro The High Street Edition’, a bespoke 24 page fashion edition of the paper, will be handed out in central London on 5 September with fashion and beauty news and features, event listings, special offers, competitions, celebrity interviews and top tips on what to wear this Autumn and Winter. An e-edition of the paper will be available all week at e-edition.metro.co.uk

Metro will also launch the week with a cover wrap highlighting High Street Fashion Week events and a competition to win £1,000 worth of vouchers to spend on the high street.

Bel Jacobs, Fashion and Beauty Editor at Metro, said: “At Metro we’re proud to be supporting the high street, the UK retail industry and its diverse talent. High Street Fashion Week is a fabulous initiative for London's fashion industry and we hope that by highlighting what great style we have on the high street people will flock to Oxford Street this autumn.
“This year’s High Street Fashion Week is going to be really exciting and we’re delighted to be able to offer our readers the very best fashion advice and offers from high street shops. I’ll also be tweeting my top tips throughout the week from @bel_jacobs.”
Jace Tyrrell, Director of Communications, New West End Company, said: “Oxford Street’s High Street Fashion Week launched in 2009 with the aim of affirming and celebrating Oxford Street’s credentials as the world’s greatest high street.
Fashion spend is crucial for September and a good period now will be seen as a positive indicator for Christmas, so retailers on Oxford Street are pulling out all the stops to generate an increased footprint of shoppers in the West End. We are delighted to be able to raise the roof of the campaign with this year’s Metro partnership.”

SEVEN DIALS, COVENT GARDEN CELEBRATES VOGUE FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
5-10pm, Thursday 8th September

For the first time ever, Seven Dials and the Covent Garden area including The Piazza, Market Building and St Martin’s Courtyard will take part in Vogue Fashion’s Night Out on September 8th making this year’s event the largest it has ever been.

For Vogue Fashion Night Out, Seven Dials will be transformed into a fashion extravaganza with in-store treats including DJs, complimentary food and drinks, style advisors, makeovers, exclusive products, gifts with purchase, prize draws and over 30 participating stores. During this must-not-miss fashion evening, visit Seven Dials for:

· A sexy window performance from The Box Club, 8pm, at Coco De Mer plus champagne, advice from staff about how to wear the latest fetish trends this season and a free gift with purchase.

· A meet with Tatty Devine designers Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine plus be first to own their new Tiger Brooch and Tiger silk scarf designed exclusively for Tatty by Cleo Ferin Mercury (ex-Alexander McQueen).

· Poste Mistress’ 10th birthday tea-party including tea-cup cocktails, cupcakes and 20% off.

· Kopapa’s special menu of pan fried scallop with chilli sauce & creme fraiche and a glass of Taittinger champagne for just £12.95.

· A limited edition piece from the Spirit Of Fashion collection - an exclusive capsule range designed by award-winning emerging designers Carolyn Massey, Matthew Miller and Rachael Barratt, new to 4 Monmouth Street.

· Kiehl’s’ Vogue Fashion’s Night Out Survival Set plus personalised consultations, cocktails and nibbles.

· Free gift with every purchase over £75 worth £20 at Firetrap.

· Complimentary bareMinerals make-unders, Bare Bellinis and an ‘In Fashion’ patent black make-up bag gift for all purchasers at Bare Escentuals.

· A free goody bag with purchase including shopper bag and printed scarf at Orion London.

· Mimco’s lucky golden ticket search for a £500 shopping spree, plus fabulous fizz, sweet treats and an exclusive pamper hamper for purchasers.

· Screen Face’s vintage Vogue covers make-up demos.

· N2’s new season launch and limited edition items over complimentary drinks, DJ set and take home goodie bag.

· In-store competition to win ‘A Superga For All Seasons’ at their recently new store on Neal Street.

· Receive 15% off, sample the NEW Beauty Sleep Concentrate, sip complimentary Beautiful Skin Tea and indulge in free mini-massages at Neal’s Yard Remedies original store.

· A model show of Sassoon’s new Salon Collection including a Pimms reception, complimentary consultations & fringe trims, gifts and giveaways.

· Footwear giveaways and complimentary drinks at Superdry.

Elsewhere in Covent Garden, St Martin’s Courtyard will host a pop-up bar serving complimentary cocktails, Duo will be serving fizz and fabulousness over smooth tunes played on the baby grand and don’t miss champagne and cupcakes in store at Jaeger London. In and around the Covent Garden Piazza and Market Building you can enjoy pampering in Betsey Johnson, an exhibition from renowned photographer Martin Parr at Agnes B and join surprise musical guests at Burberry Brit. Plus Canteen will launch their new pop-up restaurant with celebrity DJs taking to the decks.

Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British VOGUE, comments, “I’m delighted that Covent Garden is going to participate in Fashion’s Night Out. The event, which celebrates fashion and retail, is perfectly suited to the lively atmosphere of the area. It’s very exciting to have some new stores joining in.”

Further events and more participating retailers will be announced in the lead up to Vogue Fashion’s Night Out on September 8th. Please visit www.fashions-night-out.vogue.co.uk for more details.

TENPILATES OPEN WEEK 5TH–11TH SEPTEMBER
If you’ve never experienced TenPilates’ innovative and impressively effective Dynamic Pilates, here’s the ideal opportunity.
TenPilates Notting Hill and TenPilates Chiswick invite you to try a class completely free, at their open week starting from Monday 5th to Sunday 11th September 2011.

Spaces are limited, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Either call or email your preferred Studio on:
Notting Hill – 020 8969 9677, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Chiswick - 020 8996 1710, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.tenpilates.com

FLORENCE LUXURY FOR 80% LESS

This Autumn Il Salviatino is offering guests an unbelievable 80% saving on its stunning Signature Suites.

Guests will experience limitless luxury in The Marcello, Ojetti, Melodia, Tegliacci and Affresco Suites from just €880 per room inclusive of à la carte breakfast.

The Signature suites which usually cost up to €4,450 per night are a stunning collection of unique lavish spaces, housed within the main 15th Century villa which is located in the picturesque hills above Florence, yet only a 10 minute shuttle ride from the city centre.

Il Salviatino is a luxury villa, recognised as a cultural gem and is steeped in heritage. Featuring ceilings adorned with frescoes by Bruschi dating from 1886, and the first Devarana spa outside of Asia, the villa is the ultimate setting for an inspirational weekend away and offers an unparalleled guest experience.

To book, and for more information about Il Salviatino’s Sweet Suite offer please call: 0039 055 904 1111 or visit www.salviatino.com

NB: Offer is valid for stays between 01 October – 31 November 2011. Prices are exclusive of 10% VAT and bookings are subject to availability.

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR NICOLE SCHERZINGER TO PERFORM AT LAUNCH OF WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY

Global superstar Nicole Scherzinger will officially launch Westfield Stratford City on Tuesday 13th September. The singer/songwriter will enthral invited guests and shoppers with her sublime vocals and energetic dance moves ensuring an awe inspiring opening to Europe’s largest urban retail and leisure destination, Westfield Stratford City.

This exclusive performance by Nicole, who had a number 1 hit in the UK singles chart with ‘Don’t Hold Your Breath’, promises to be a show-stopping event that will be enjoyed by the thousands of shoppers who will be helping to celebrate the opening of London’s newest and largest shopping experience all at the Gateway to the Olympic Park in East London and in front of the incredible backdrop of the Olympic Stadium.
Ms. Scherzinger says ‘I am hugely excited about performing at the Official Opening of Westfield Stratford City and I am looking forward to making this an event East London won’t forget!’

Westfield Stratford City is giving away tickets to 200 lucky winners who will be able to bring a friend and experience the excitement of the opening and Nicole’s performance in a special area, right in front of the stage. To sign up to win tickets now, visit the Westfield Stratford City launch website.

More details about the opening day celebrations will be available in the run up to opening via Facebook, Twitter and www.westfieldstratfordcity2011.com.

ART DECO FAIR OFFERS A TOUCH OF 1930s GLAMOUR

What: Art Deco Fair
When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, 10am-5pm
Where: Eltham Palace, Greenwich, SE9 5QE
Prices: Prices: Adult: £9.30/ Concession: £8.40/ Child: £5.60/
Family: £24.20 / English Heritage members: Free
(Ticket price includes entry to event plus, entry to the Palace & Grounds)

Returning to Eltham Palace due to popular demand, English Heritage’s Art Deco Fair event will offer members of the public an opportunity to buy unusual and stylish 1930s objects in magnificent surroundings.

With items from across the Art Deco period on sale, visitors can browse quality antique and reproduction pieces at affordable prices and meet knowledgeable stallholders and other shoppers that share a passion for the period.

Comprising over 30 stalls, selling items ranging from beautiful art deco furniture to elegant jewellery and objets-d’arts, there is certain to be something for everyone at the event. And this year, in addition to art deco collectables, items from the 1900 – 1950’s will also be on show in the adjoining marquee.
Art nouveau
Richard Smith-Gore, Visitor Operations Manager at Eltham Palace, said: “Our Art Deco Fair has now established itself as a firm favourite in the event calendar and we are fortunate to attract leading dealers from around the country, selling specialist items and sought after names. If members of the public have a penchant for vintage, we would love to welcome them to Eltham Palace, which itself is one of the great Art Deco classic designs.”

Originally built as a medieval Palace, Eltham Palace today is an interesting juxtaposition between the atmospheric Great Hall; the main surviving part of the original Tudor palace where Henry VIII spent much of his childhood; and the 1930s mansion, lovingly restored by textile magnates Stephen and Virginia Courtauld.

Used as a party pad by the Courtaulds for the pre-war elite, the mansion’s distinctive glamour and stunning interiors are just as relevant today for its contemporary audience. Highlights include Virginia’s indulgent gold plated bathroom, the family lemur’s sleeping quarters and the iconic Art Deco entrance hall. The 19 acres of gardens at Eltham Palace are another delight and ideal for a late summer picnic or leisurely wander.

For details of other events to enjoy with English Heritage, call 0870 333 1181 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/events.

• Eltham Palace is located off Court Road, SE9 5QE and can be contacted on 020 8294 2548. To get there by car, take Junction 3 (M20) off the M25 and then follow the A20 towards Eltham
• Disabled access throughout (and parking via Court Yard entrance)

The Courtaulds’ Art Deco inspired home attached to the palace was completed in 1936, and with it Stephen and Virginia created a masterpiece of 1930s design. Whilst the exterior was built in sympathy with the adjoining Tudor building, the interior is a unique juxtaposition of Art Deco glamour and the Tudor Great Hall, which is still much as it would have been when Henry VIII played there as a child.

NEW BBQ RANGE ‘CALIFORNIA RANCHER’ SCOOP FOUR PRESTIGIOUS FOOD AWARDS
Bristol based California Rancher is celebrating after grilling up top awards from two of the UK’s leading food organisations.

Taste of the West awarded the newly established BBQ seasoning and condiment company a GOLD Award for its Oaky & Smoky BBQ Sauce and a SILVER Award for its Santa Maria BBQ Rub whilst the Guild of Fine Food awarded them GOLD Great Taste Awards for each of the two products.
Three friends who shared a love of great BBQ food established California Rancher in 2010. Inspired by the traditions of early Californian settlers who cooked whole joints of meat over big open log fires, the company now offers authentic, all natural gourmet BBQ rubs, seasonings & condiments.

Jon Finch, Director of California Rancher, said “One of our partners, Mike, would regularly fly over from the US to visit and the three of us would spend the whole time outside at the BBQ, conjuring up spice blends and seasonings to really get the best out of the fabulous meat we were cooking. As more and more of our friends began to ask for our rubs and sauces, we began to realise we had a great opportunity to go into business doing something we love! A few years later and countless hours in front of the hot coals we have a range of four unique BBQ rubs and a BBQ Sauce that we’re really proud of. We’re a brand new business and to win these huge awards in our first year of trading is amazing”

Taste of the West is the South West's food and drink trade organisation and works to develop the region's exceptional food and drink industry. GOLD award is the highest level of achievement issued by the organisation and recognises the care and attention that we put in to our products

The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, are now in their 18th year and going from strength to strength. Over 7481 products from 1600 companies were entered and judged over an intense two-month period. It took 350 experts 34 days to blind taste all the entries and decide which entries would achieve the coveted gold awards.
Bob Farrand, Chairman for The Great Taste Awards, said: “Winning Gold in the country’s largest and most respected independent food accreditation scheme is a massive pat on the back for any producer - independent proof their products are of the highest quality. “

California Rancher Awards Winning products:
California Rancher ‘Santa Maria’ BBQ Rub
This authentic Santa Maria rub is our go-anywhere, season-anything blend. Wake up your grilling and roasting by sprinkling liberally over roasts, steaks, chicken, burgers, pork, seafood, ribs, potatoes and even veg. - £2.50 for a 50g shaker
California Rancher ‘Oaky & Smoky’ BBQ Sauce
This classic BBQ sauce contains our ‘Oaky & Smoky’ BBQ rub to deliver its unique depth of flavour and subtle spice hit. Great used as a dipping sauce, livening up burgers and steaks, waking up scrambled eggs, for marinating or basting BBQ fayre or to give chilli-con-carne or stews a great boost. - £3.95 for a 270g bottle
Also included in the range are Oaky & Smoky BBQ rub, a great all round seasoning. Rump Rub specifically for cuts of beef and Wild Hog Rub developed for pork cuts

(California Rancher are also looking for stockists)

For more information on California Rancher: www.california-rancher.com

ORIENT-EXPRESS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF BAR ‘21’AT THE ICONIC ‘21’ CLUB IN NEW YORK
‘21’ Club, for over 80 years one of New York’s most iconic restaurants, is undergoing a bit of a makeover. This autumn, ‘21’ will unveil Bar ‘21’ (21 West 52nd Street, www.21club.com), a bar and lounge on the ground floor serving approachable yet refined bar food by Executive Chef, John Greeley. Bar ‘21’ will feature a brand new 10-seat bar that will open up onto the current lounge area, blending an already popular watering hole with a less formal, welcoming vibe. Spirited bartenders will be mixing classic and contemporary cocktails on a nightly basis, and for the first time, a patron can pull up a bar stool at the ‘21’ Club and order a beer on tap!
Chef Greeley has put together a delicious menu that features playful bar snacks like Fried "Buffalo" Shrimp with a creamy goat cheese sauce, Soft New York Pretzels with a jalapeño cheddar dip and Grilled Chicken or Fish Tacos with salsa verde and avocado. Bar ‘21’ will also serve lunch five days a week from noon to four, offering patrons of ‘21’ Club an additional dining option in this multi-tiered establishment. Chef Greeley’s lunch menu accounts for all size appetites, big and small, with an assortment of dishes including: Crisp Ale Battered Cod served with a lemon aioli, Sesame Crusted Salmon with a quinoa salad and steamed bokchoy, a Sliced Sirloin Baguette with a horseradish cream and fresh arugula and a Scallop Salad served on a bed of lightly dressed greens. One of the most highly anticipated dishes on the lunch menu is the new Bar ‘21’ Burger, an 8 oz. version of the famed ‘21’ Burger served with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun.
Designed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architecture & Planners LLP, Bar ‘21’ aims to stay true to the inspiration of the original ‘21’ Club space. The new bar area’s warm, lounge like feel complements the existing ambiance by blending together contemporary ideas with traditional materials. The design consists of antique pine panelling, damask floral patterned carpet, and handsome red and brown leather furnishings. The back wall of the black granite bar features a beautiful antiqued mirror with a golden patina, which aids in opening up the bar to patrons upon arrival and contributes to the life and energy of the space.
Bar ‘21’ is due to open on September 15th with lunch served Monday through Friday 12pm - 4pm, and an evening lounge menu Monday through Saturday from 4pm - close. Perfectly positioned in midtown Manhattan, '21' is in the centre of it all. A short walk from the Broadway theatre district, many of NYC's leading hotels and top sights, this iconic Orient-Express restaurant offers superb American cuisine, a Grand Award-winning wine list, and attentive service in a setting that is sophisticated yet fun.
21’ (21 West 52nd Street, www.21club.com)

THE BROMPTON ORATORY JACKET
From bike to boardroom – the unique apparel solution for chic city cyclists

The design team behind the iconic, award-winning Brompton bicycle recently unveiled the Brompton Oratory Jacket – an innovation in cycling apparel that can be worn throughout the day straight from bike, to boardroom, to bar.

Combining bespoke tailoring and intricate detailing with high-tech durable materials, Brompton’s innovative men’s jacket has the functionality of performance clothing but presented with classic British sartorial elegance.

The Brompton Oratory was the view that Brompton founder, Andrew Ritchie, had from his bedroom as he developed the original Brompton prototypes in the mid-70s. And Brompton’s latest concept product is based around the same approach to design and the same principles of freedom and independence that inspired their now world-famous bike; like the Brompton itself, the Oratory Jacket is intended to make cycling more feasible, more often, for more people.

A relaxed light brown cord traditional two-button style jacket, the Oratory Jacket has been designed with a host of concealed features and is cleverly cut to ensure it is robust enough for both city commuting and all-day use. It is made from Epic cotton, which provides total protection from the elements whilst also offering sufficient poise for more formal occasions.

Reflective panels under the lapel, a pull-out lightweight Hi-Viz rear panel and fold-down cuffs provide outstanding visibility for cyclists as the autumn nights draw in, while a pop-up storm collar (with felt trim, neck fastening and underside reflective material) and adjustable cuffs provide protection in bad weather.

Pit zips provide additional ventilation and an innovative but discreet ‘action back’, taken from traditional shooting jackets, gives freedom of movement and flexibility while riding. Alongside a quintessentially British style, Brompton has incorporated modern technology with an inbuilt Oyster®card sleeve pocket, internal zip-up valuables pockets, headphone port and cable loops. The Oratory Jacket is lined with a wicking bamboo fabric, printed with a specially-commissioned drawing of the Brompton Oratory by acclaimed Sheffield graffiti artist, Kid Acne.

Brompton’s Head of Design, Will Carleysmith, commented: “Brompton designs are solution-oriented. Having designed a bike that cyclists can use wherever and whenever they want, the natural next step for us was to design a Brompton apparel range that was equally flexible.

“The Oratory Jacket has been designed to meet the disparate needs of people who want to use a bike in daily life without having to change into or out of garish cycle attire or waterproofs. It’s about giving cyclists greater choice but also about normalising cycling.

“The jacket can be worn from the bike straight into the boardroom; in a world where cycling is increasingly encouraged as an effective and sustainable form of urban transportation, it’s important that we make cycling as easy as possible.”

Artist Kid Acne commented: “Sometimes my work is bold and brash, but I'm also interested in the subtle nuances of things. When I first visited the Brompton factory, I discovered the hidden detail is what's important. Intrigued by the name and heritage of the company I chose to visit the Brompton Oratory for inspiration. The lining of the jacket was a great opportunity to do something different and was essentially a blank canvas. I wanted a quintessentially British aesthetic with a modern twist. I’m really happy with the result on the final product and have enjoyed collaborating with Brompton.”

The Brompton Oratory Jacket will be available to purchase in the UK through the Brompton website and selected Brompton dealers from 1st September 2011, including London’s Velorution and On Your Bike, Somerset’s St John Street Cycles and the UK’s largest cycle retailer, Evans Cycles.

For more information about the Brompton Jacket visit www.brompton.co.uk

SHEEKEY'S SPEAKEASIES
J Sheekey Oyster Bar is proud to announce its new season of performances called the Sheekey’s Speakeasies. From July 2011 to February 2012, on the first Sunday of each month, the oyster bar will transform into a speakeasy, hosting a variety of music and comedy ensembles for dining patrons.

This is the first time that J Sheekey Oyster Bar has combined dinner with live performance to create an evening of entertainment for patrons.
Hardeep Singh Kohli, Scottish comedian, writer, and broadcaster, will curate the season, hand-picking the most exciting contemporary acts. The first act to be showcased in June were The Showstoppers, an improvised musical group who make up fully-fledged musicals on the spot, based on suggestions from the audience.

"Anyone attending the Sheekey's Speakeasies should expect the unexpected. The atmosphere is relaxed and playful... perfect for a Sunday evening. We plan to offer unusual entertainment of the highest order. That, and braised octopus." – Hardeep Singh Kohli

While watching the series of performances, diners will enjoy a seasonal menu for £30 per person. Some examples of dishes that will be featured include Strangford Loch oysters with spicy boar sausage, stone bass ceviche, asparagus and spice-cured salmon, grilled tiger prawns with piri-piri butter and sautéed octopus with chorizo. The menu will also include a ‘Twinkle’ cocktail made with Ketel One vodka, elderflower cordial and Champagne.

J Sheekey Oyster Bar is situated next to its alma mater, J Sheekey, one of the most iconic fish restaurants in London. Located on St Martin's Court in the heart of Covent Garden, Sheekey’s Speakeasies pay homage to their theatre land roots.

Open to the public with reservation only
Address 28 - 34 St Martin’s Court, London WC2N 4AL
Phone number: 020 7240 2565
Website: www.jsheekeyoysterbar.co.uk

TORTILLA TO LAUNCH SEVENTH SITE AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD, MAKING IT THE UK’S BIGGEST BURRITO GROUP

Pioneering fast-casual Mexican restaurant group Tortilla launches its seventh site, Tortilla Stratford City, on Tuesday 13th September 2011 at the brand new shopping centre Westfield Stratford City London. This urban shopping centre, the largest in Europe, is located adjacent to the Olympic park offering stunning views across the redeveloped city as well as the Olympic site. The launch will provide the perfect platform for Tortilla to showcase its much loved chicken, steak, pork and vegetarian burritos and tacos to the sporting elite, international visitors, East London locals and hungry hordes of shoppers alike.

The new restaurant will be situated on the first floor within the food court. It will retain the group’s signature modern, clean design, with red and cream tiles, warm wood walls and a trademark Tortilla Corona™ Chandelier. It will also feature an open kitchen with a barbeque pit, fresh ingredients on display and Tortilla will even grow chillies, limes and tomatoes onsite as well!

With the opening of its seventh site, Tortilla will be the largest burrito group in the UK. It was founded by managing director Brandon Stephens, who was inspired by the abundance of Mexican food available in his native California, and aims to give Londoners the same affordable, top-quality Mexican food that millions of Californians enjoy every day. Tortilla launched its first restaurant in Islington in October 2007, followed a year later by the Southwark site. Since opening, Tortilla has quickly established itself as one of London’s most exciting restaurant groups; in the 2011 results of the Peach Business Leaders Survey Tortilla was named “one to watch” along with four other catering businesses.
www.tortilla.co.uk

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