Bistro du Vin Clerkenwell wine and Miller Harris fragrance pairing

With nose and tastebuds at the ready I took myself off to the Bistro du Vin wine and Miller Harris perfume pairing, a civilised evening hosted by the bistro in Clerkenwell. A group of stylish girls gathered at 6.30pm... we were handed deliciously crisp champagne and offered numerous tempting canapés: hot arancini balls, steak tartare and smoked salmon blinis. The evening was relaxed and friendly and was the perfect chance for me to chat to a few other bloggers and compare notes.

Having recently visited the Soho Bistro du Vin, it was intriguing to see this other branch of the chain. The decor here is sophisticated and smart, but also feels snug and comfortable, thanks to the warm lighting and plush sofa seats. After an enthusiastic welcome from the head sommelier Romain Audrerie and fragrance expert Robert Gorman from the Miller Harris team, we sat down for the tasting and smelling session. It was lovely to be at an event and learn about two luxuries that we all enjoy in ours lives; all the way through I felt very much like our needs were at the forefront of the discussion.

We were presented with six pairings, first a glass of wine and then an accompanying scent that had been picked for its similar qualities. Here are the selections we tried and tasted:

1) Scent: Noix de Tubereuse Wine: Verdejo, Rueda ,Spain
2) Scent : Figue Amere Wine : Pinot Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
3) Scent: Encens de Bois Wine: a special bottling, Chateau Musar, ‘Hochar&Fils’, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon HIM
4) Scent : Feuille de Tabac Wine : Fiano di Avellino, Campania, Italy
5) Scent: Vetiver Bourbon Wine: unique blend, Veneto – Corvina/Syrah from Allegrini
6) Scent: L’Air de Rien Wine: Vina Ardanza, La Rioja Alta, Northern Spain

Each fragrance and wine had been picked for their special character and matched to complement one another. I am no wine expert, but have been to tastings before... this selection was far superior to those I’ve tried previously. I have always preferred white, but at Bistro I truly began to understand the merits of good red wine - the colour, smell and different tones, where the vintage was made and how the climate and surroundings can affect the taste. I found as the presentation went on that I could gradually recognise the different flavours, some more obscure than others. The Verdejo, Rueda from Spain was particularly delicious with a light and slightly sweet taste, it was paired with a scent that had sensual tones of orris and amber, a mysterious and exotic smell with a girly sweetness. Of the reds I preferred the Vina Ardanza, La Rioja Alta - a rich mature red, with a rustic feel; this was matched with the L’Air de Rien a very individual smell that reminded me of incense.

The perfumes were all exquisite, high quality fragrances with real personality. It was very interesting to hear about how a perfume changes once it is on your skin, from the zingy initial top notes to the lasting base that stays with you for the whole day. Apparently scents are suited in relation to your skin tone, hair tone and even temperament. Miller Harris offer a bespoke service, for £8000 you can have your very own perfume made, including three days with Miller Harris creator, perfumer extraordinaire, Lyn Harris. This fragrance is then exclusively for you and cannot be created or sold to anyone else. One exception is the scent, L’Air de Rien (‘Air of Nothing’) made for icon Jane Birkin - this perfume has an eccentric but beautiful mix of flavours that has become one of Miller Harris’ most successful sellers. We tried it last and though I was initially shocked by the unconventional and nostalgic blend, after it settled on my skin I found it the most alluring.

With our new found knowledge, my friend and I left Bistro du Vin with lovely Miller Harris goodie bags on our arms... a really special and informative evening, I just feel sorry for those on the tube who must have been intoxicated after my excessive perfume sampling!

Visit the Bistro du Vin website here, and Miller Harris here.

GLEE LIVE at The O2 Arena

I have to confess I was originally not too enthusiastic about the prospect of accompanying my little sister to the GLEE LIVE show at the O2 Arena. I have always watched the programme and enjoyed it, but trekking to the massive Greenwich venue in the heat of summer, among fifteen thousand squealing teenagers is not my ideal way to spend an evening. However, in retrospect, after seeing the epic performance, I can honestly say I’d happily go again.

I collected my overexcited sister and we travelled through the London rush hour to take our precious seats at the O2. Merchandise sellers were lining the walls tempting visitors with Glee inspired t-shirts, mugs and bags. I was particularly drawn to the quirky white tees with slogans like ‘Can’t Sing’, ‘Like Boys’ - they come directly from the TV series and were also worn by the cast on stage.

Once seated at our top row seats we could sip our lemonade and relax while the support act (a group of awe-inspiring dancers) wowed with their triple backflips and headspins. Another half hour of waiting and then, eventually, it was time for our favourite high school crew to perform... but not before a quick introductory speech from absent Glee teacher, Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) and cruel bullying cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), unfortunately ear-splitting screams meant little could be heard of the video clips!

The evening was well rehearsed and arranged, and thank God because the fans were hungry for a pitch perfect performance. We heard Glee versions of many famous classics including songs by legends: Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Queen, Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Judy Garland amongst others. Unlike the TV series, which heavily relies on starlet Rachel (Lea Michele) and jock Finn (Cory Monteith), most cast members got a fair share of the solo vocals, though I would have liked to see more from shy dancing talent Mike Chang (Harry Shum), and pretty blonde Quinn (Dianna Agron).

The best performances on the night came from Mercedes(Amber Riley) with some incredible vocal gymnastics, a stunning duet from Rachel and Kurt (Chris Colfer), and a surprisingly spectacular showcase from Artie (Kevin McHale), who got up from his wheelchair to dance and sing with style.

The sound levels seemed to intensify when rival band, the Dalton Academy Warblers took to the stage. Headed up by the heart-throb, and particular favourite of my sister’s, Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) the a cappella team performed three uplifting numbers with Criss giving some stunning lead vocals.

The journey home could not dampen the spirits of the departing fans; everyone seemed truly inspired by the music and energy of the young performers. I was amused to overhear two dads compare notes on the show, the wives giggling at their respective spouses unexpected enjoyment of Glee, a programme I’m sure they had previously only smirked at condescendingly!

I’m sure many are sceptical about whether these young stars are really as good live as they are on our TV screens, a few were a little weak vocally (Finn, and more surprisingly Kurt) but most excelled and really impressed me. And aside from the fun factor, if this American phenomenal inspires young singers to get up and perform then it’s certainly a good thing. I just hope we get our own Glee Club craze over here in Britain, I think kids are craving it.

One thing is for sure...I’m definitely a bigger GLEEK than ever.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 59

I have never been a big Benefit fan, I tend to find their make-up greasy and overpriced... however I couldn’t help noticing their newest summer product, Cha Cha Tint. This mango tinted lip and cheek stain is the third in a series preceded by the very popular Benetint and Posie tint. The Benetint is very vividly coloured, a bright red that can be quite lethal when you apply it. Posie tint gives more of a shimmery girly sheen, and is used best as a cheekbone highlighter. Cha Cha tint is a safer bet, a more mature, delicate colour that gives a gentle pretty blush.

This tropical sunset hue is perfect for summer days when you want to be as bare-faced and fresh as possible, requiring little effort. The pale orange-pink colour is good for most skin tones, and will give you a subtle sun-kissed glow all year round. I have tried Cha Cha tint on my cheeks and love the orangey glow, it is not as harsh as many blushers and feels creamier and softer on the skin. I am yet to try it on my lips but can imagine it looks glam with a coat of clear lipgloss on top.

Cha Cha tint is a perfect way to update your make up bag for summer - it is priced at (a rather expensive) £24.50 and is available in most big Boots stores, buy online here.

Fox & Anchor hotel and restaurant, Clerkenwell

The Fox and Anchor is tucked away on Charterhouse Street in Farringdon, an area that never ceases to amaze me with its endless supply of original fun places to eat, drink and hang out. Unlike most gastro pubs in London the F & A also caters for stay-over trips as a mini hotel making it a perfect home away from home. Character it has in abundance, a bustling gloriously English pub with a top notch and cosy dining room at the back, and six lavish rooms upstairs.

Squeezing past a group of happy drinkers, we followed the kind waiter up the small staircase to our room. The door swung open and ahead a deluxe suite waited patiently and beautifully for us to try out all its amenities. We were staying in the Market Suite, perhaps the most extravagant of the six, with a spacious separate living room and mini terrace. We walked round to discover a plush sofa and working desk, a king size bed, two plasma TVs with sky, DVD player and Bose speakers, and best of all a stunning bathroom area with an enormous free standing copper bath, two sinks, a large walk in drench shower and a detached loo; stylish Miller Harris toiletries were conveniently placed for our use. I found the whole room truly breathtaking, especially considering the bustling little pub that it sits above. Each of the rooms are named after a London location (Barbican, Smithfield, St Pauls, Charterhouse, St Bart’s and the Market Suite) and are decorated accordingly and uniquely, with a large silkscreen print of the place above the bed.

Once I had examined and admired every fascinating feature of our room we wandered down for dinner. We were seated at the cutest little alcove table, intimate and romantic, lit by candlelight with elegant art deco vases arranged around us. The staff in the pub are helpful and friendly and made us feel immediately relaxed. The pub space is limited, but they utilise it well with wooden tables occupying every gap; in one corner a jazz duo gently strummed some familiar standards. I found the ambience, complete with the music quite idyllic, exactly the right kind of setting for an enjoyable meal.

When I couldn’t decide on a white wine, our waiter bought three tasters from his recommended bottles, a kind gesture, we settled on a light French variety that was delicious and very drinkable. With the chilled wine came a complimentary snack, a little bowl of chewy salty and very yummy pork stratchings, homemade on the premises, with a little dish of spicy English mustard to dip into. Another waiter came to reel off a long list of delectable specials, but we decided to go for choices from the menu. To start: scotch egg & curried mayonnaise (£6.50) and summer salad of merguez & rocket (£6.95) and for mains: the fox and anchor burger with chips (£15.50) and Camden town beer battered cod, chips & mushy peas (£14.50). The portions were very generous and the ingredients fresh and of high quality.

My salad was exquisite, a wonderful combination of salty spicy sausage with peppery rocket, and the most delicious vinegary dressed... apparently the scotch egg was very good too! Our mains came swiftly, I noticed the waiters enquire at each of the tables regularly if everything was alright, an attention to detail that I always appreciate - impressive considering the restaurant was full to the brim. My burger was delicious, made from the finest meat with crispy bacon and melted cheese and a bowl of the best goose fat chips, thick but perfectly cooked. The cod looked just as fresh, accompanied with a hefty portion of chips and peas. The meal was faultless but all the dishes are very rich, and looking through the menu there aren’t many lighter options.

Desserts came immaculately presented in pretty dishes: I had a very naughty Eton mess, piled high with strawberries, cream and super sweet meringues, calorific beyond belief but totally worth it. My friend had the apple and blackberry crumple that arrived steaming hot with a dollop of creamy vanilla ice-cream. We were offered digestifs but retired upstairs to our boutique suite, the envy of all the other diners!

I slept blissfully, the bed was adorned with the softest, bounciest pillows and duvets. I was overjoyed in the morning when I got to make a splash in the epic bath, fast running and powerful taps ensured the vessel was filled within minutes and it was surprisingly comfortable once in. Breakfast had less of the cosy charm - the pub, now empty felt a ghost of its former self, tables were bare and the sound of last night’s laughter was long gone. Needing to get off to an early appointment I went for breakfast just after 7am. The morning menu is a meat feast, I wasn’t too hungry so just opted for a large mug of Earl Grey tea, but perhaps it would have been nice to have something a little more continental if it had been available.

It sounds silly but I couldn't help feeling a little like Eliza Doolittle as I wandered through the early morning streets of Farringdon, past Smithfields market and the tall dusty buildings. I had a happy skip in my step after an absolutely fabulous stay at the Fox & Anchor. You’d never think from the exterior that this venue is so magical, luxurious and special inside. It is worth visiting either for a hearty meal and a tankard of F&A real Ale, or for a luxurious night’s sleep. With weekend rates starting at only £115, this hotel is much more worthy of your money than a far inferior room in the centre of town.

115 Charterhouse Street, City of London EC1M 6AA020 7250 1300, visit website and book here.

The Fish Place, Battersea

I am ashamed to come away from a delicious meal at ‘The Fish Place’ and admit to you that I didn’t really eat much seafood. Then again, it truly says something about a speciality restaurant, if it is able to excel in other areas of the menu too. I’m not much of a fish-eater, and will always choose meat or vegetarian options first, and here the steak and lamb on the menu was too tempting to pass up.

‘The Fish Place’ aims to serve the freshest and finest fish, so it seems right that it is located on the bank of the Thames, next door to the London Heliport in Battersea. Elegant and understated, the venue has an instantly calming effect, which my friend and I needed after the frantic rush to find it! Clean contemporary decor gives the setting an unpretentious but smart feel. We were seated at perhaps the best table in the restaurant, on the first floor. From this vantage point even the grey sludge of the River Thames manages to look romantic - the bright sun twinkling behind the London cityscape. Helicopters buzzed past and I couldn’t help wondering about the exciting missions on which the passengers were embarking.

A kind waiter brought us menus, while our glasses were filled with mineral water. The restaurant is relatively small, and on this night was about half full, a good show considering we were visiting on a Thursday. It’s worth pointing out now, while I remember, that The Fish Place is only open Tuesday-Sunday, and on Sundays they only serve lunch. I quizzed our waiter on his favourite white wine from the list, and when I gave my exact preferences he seemed confident that he could pick a bottle that would satisfy my very picky taste buds. He returned swiftly with a gorgeous bottle (annoyingly I have forgotten the name), a wonderfully light variety that was very drinkable and would complement any fish dish.

Before starters we were treated to fragrant warm bread and salted butter, and delectable prawn and pea puree amuse bouches. Well balanced and deliciously flavoured these little mouthfuls didn’t last long. Soon after, our starters arrived: Grilled Devon scallops with sautéed girolles, chorizo, tomato and chicken jus for my friend, and Teruel Serrano ham and goat’s cheese with wild rocket and asparagus salad with vincotto dressing for me. There was a crisp freshness about my salad that made it refreshing and enjoyable, a happy marriage of sweet meat and soft cheese with perfectly picked greenery. The scallops received a hearty thumbs up from my friend, who especially savoured the chorizo and shellfish combination. Before our main courses, a shot glass of sorbet came as revitalizing palate cleanser, a thoughtful touch.

We were both starving so ordered the Chargrilled sirloin steak with crispy pomme-pont neuf, carrot puree and green peppercorn sauce for our mains. A premium cut of meat was delivered to us, presented magnificently on large white plates. Bright smudges of orange carrot puree added an extra sweetness to the rich peppery meat and thick potato chips sat in a neat tower ready to mop up the remains of the sauce. My only complaint with this course is the sauce, that though nicely flavoured with whole peppercorns, it had a rather slimy texture that I am guessing is the result of some kind of thickening ingredient.

The dessert menu is brilliantly designed to offer a selection of light, mostly fruit based puddings. I chose Alfonso mango mousse with coconut tuille and my friend had English strawberry and lemon curd tart with mint syrup. I was pleasantly surprised with how good both desserts were, they tasted like they had just been made and were both very original too. The mango mousse was beautifully arranged piled between extra thin honeycomb like sheets accompanied by the best coconut ice cream with real slivers of coconut inside. Soothing fresh mint tea finished our perfect girly meal.

As my companion rightly pointed out, this is a lovely and luxurious restaurant for locals, or those living in a surrounding borough, perhaps not so much of an ideal choice for those further afield. With such a hidden location I hope it gets the recognition it deserves - for fish lovers this place is a must!

Vicentia CourtBridges Court Road, London SW11 3GY020 7095, visit website here.

Hop Farm Festival 2011, Kent

Just one hour away from London, in an open field, music lovers gathered in their masses to witness a weekend of musical phenomena. Hop Farm’s fourth year role-call was the best yet with headlining performances from none other than The Eagles, Morrissey and Prince! Luckily, unlike for the poor Glasto crowd, we had gloriously fine weather, blue skies and sunshine all weekend. Vince Power’s Kent festival prides itself on no sponsorship, branding or VIPism, focusing solely on the music - a vision that has set his festival apart from all the others. I can confirm, after my second year at Hop Farm that there is certainly something special about this relaxed, but musically rich event.

We drove down on Friday lunchtime with a car full of bits and bobs prepared for any possibility! Parking is free, but Hop Farm also caters for non-drivers with frequent coach rides to and from London, and is conveniently close to Paddock Wood train station. After setting up our £20 (!) Sainsbury’s tent in the field of excited campers, we grabbed a cold beer and trundled off to check out some bands. Hop Farm offers three stages: the Main Stage, Big Tent and the Bread & Roses tent - I spent most of the weekend darting between the first two arenas catching as many sets as possible.

Independent food stalls provide sustenance of every variety and from every culture: Indian, Mexican, American, Italian, vegan - anything you could ever desire, and prices are relatively reasonable. Cider and beer is served in reusable hard plastic cups that you are encouraged to ‘rent’ for £3, keep and use for the whole festival, then return at the end for a full refund... a brilliant idea that avoids excess rubbish, saving money and resources.

On the Friday night it was the Big Tent that was most exciting. We saw a sublime performance from Ocean Colour Scene, the much loved Birmingham band who celebrated their 21st anniversary last year. The set was varied and exciting with tuneful singing and some contagious groovy bass riffs, their enthusiasm and enjoyment was clear in an assured and diverse performance. The Walkmen also deserve a mention, the New York based five-piece have been getting a lot of hype and critical acclaim from the press. At Hop Farm they didn’t disappoint, playing some extraordinary songs and impressing the crowds. I look forward to hearing more from them when they take to the Word stage at Latitude festival. It felt very special to see the Eagles together on stage, their musical ability is still very much intact and they easily made it through a 90 minute set; however I felt there was a slight lack of chemistry on stage which definitely affected the audience’s enjoyment of their much loved music.

Saturday was an all star line-up, unfortunately I couldn’t stay for the whole day (I was seeing Don Airy from Deep Purple play in a private shindig) and was particularly sad to miss my childhood favourite Manu Chao. I did manage to fit in a quick music fix before leaving though, and saw an absolutely magnificent performance from quirky singer Newton Faulkner. A born musician, Faulkner exceeded all my expectations with his magical set, his distinctive way of playing the guitar is a wonder and his voice is soothingly beautiful. His charismatic and witty stage demeanor made him a memorable highlight of the weekend for me. It was also fun to see The Paris Riots and Frankie and the Heartstrings who both made an impact on the audience in the Big Tent on Saturday.

Extra crowds seemed to flock to Kent for the final day of Hop Farm Festival, no doubt to see the quite extraordinary icon Prince, who as the Sunday headliner, made his first ever UK Festival Appearance. But there were treats in store before this finale in the form of: Eliza Doolittle, Imelda May and Tinie Tempah who all graced the Main Stage with their very individual characters and gave strong, energetic performances. I also enjoyed a very natural performance from sister act The Pierces; the audience were transfixed, some blowing bubbles. I felt almost brainwashed by the girls delicious voices and hippy dancing. I completely adored the enthusiastic band The Go! Team who jumped about on stage joyously singing wonderfully and playing a variety of makeshift instruments, including a percussive typewriter. Their newest album ‘Rolling Blackouts’ is going on my ‘to buy’ list.

After a 30 minute delay, and a lot of crowd pushing and shoving the fabulously eccentric Prince arrived on stage, smiling and ready to party. It was, quite possibly the best live show I have ever seen, but perhaps I say that still under the influence of his spellbinding performance. Everything you could hope to see from Prince was there plus a great deal more: staggering guitar playing, funky dancing, theatrical solos, glitter and glory... and as Prince kept reminding us, “all REAL music”.

Even in his sparkly designer heels he wasn’t afraid to get down, sprinting from one side of the stage to another, almost launching himself into the desperately excited crowds. Prince left the audience after three encores, but would clearly have been happy playing all night, "I wish there wasn't no such thing as a curfew. Parties are supposed to go on till everyone's asleep". Unfortunately there was a curfew and eventually the hysteria subsided. Prince certainly had an effect on this crowd, even those who weren’t particularly fans left feeling like the most die-hard followers, only missing the worn out faded tour t-shirts. The audience seemed shocked by the quite unbelievable effect of this man’s music - some were crying, others commenting “I can’t believe it, was it a dream?”

I left Hop Farm 2011 on a euphoric high, and despite the two hour traffic jam to leave I couldn’t help but smile. How Hop Farm manages to always come up trumps with their legendary headliners I just don’t know, they sure have beaten Glastonbury’s Beyonce offering. Bob Dylan last year, and then Prince this, who knows what 2012 will bring for this festival? One thing is for sure, with names THIS big, the festival won’t remain a well kept secret for long.

Visit Hop Farm website here.

The Beggar's Opera at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

The weather forecast predicted rain so I was sceptical as to whether ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ would go ahead in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The policy for this seasonal venue is never to cancel any performance, with the hope that any showers will clear and the play can go ahead. With a completely uncovered stage and auditorium every show is unique, with the weather and open skies adding extra transient effects each night.

Written in 1728, John Gay’s satirical drama was the first ballad opera, poking fun at the very popular extravagant Italian opera of the time. Poor Polly Peachum is in quite a pickle – newly wed to her beloved Macheath, a famous highwayman; her parents are furious that she can no longer be of use to the family business, and decide the only solution is to kill Macheath for his money. Aware of this plan, Polly hides Macheath before ordering him away for protection. In a tavern, he is surrounded by dubious women, and enjoys flirting with them but discovers, too late, that two of them (Jenny Diver, Suky Tawdry) have been sent by Mr Peachum to capture him - he is taken to prison to await trial and be hung. Pregnant women come from near and far to claim him as their rightful husband, particularly a very persistent Lucy Lockit (daughter of the gaoler), while his wife Polly struggles to win him back. Morally Macheath should be hung, but the audience demands a happy ending and so the play concludes with the celebration of Polly and Macheath’s marriage.

It is a silly story, but one filled with vivid characters and popular folk tunes. To one side of the stage a small band, the City Waites, provide the music using authentic instruments. Led by a lively Roddy Skeaping on violin and bass viol, I thought the band was fantastic - rich in tone and character, a gentle purring accompaniment that adds depth to the narrative. The stage is appropriately decorated with beds and wooden carts, a clever and adaptable design from William Dudley. Big bosomed women hang around the edges, lurking in the bushes, waiting to pounce. It is quite a sight and gloriously romantic in the leafy setting of Regent’s Park.

Unfortunately on the night there were a few technical hitches with the microphones, aside from being rather distracting this also disrupted the flow of the drama, and swallowed up the occasional word or song lyric. On the whole though, I was impressed with the cast, especially considering the 32 degree heat - their energy was commendable.

Jasper Britton is a suitably stern Mr Peachum, and Janet Fullerlove is hilarious as his wife; she seems to revel in Gay’s wickedly naughty script. I loved watching the frantic catfights between Lucy (Beverly Rudd) and Polly (Flora Spencer-Longhurst) who certainly got the most laughs on the night. I saw Rudd last year in the Regent Park’s version of Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’, she was outstanding then and is just as brilliant here... with a buoyant attitude and a belter of a voice, she conquers the expansive Regent’s Park stage; there is so much to look at and yet I always feel gripped by her presence on stage. Spencer Longhurst, bright faced and wide eyed as the innocent but crafty little Polly, acts with great assurance and in addition has a bright soprano voice that soars in this theatre.

What this play lacks in excitement, it makes up for in charm: Regent’s Park is the loveliest of settings, and ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ is a witty, sometimes neglected work sure to provide a pleasant summer’s evening out.

The Beggar's Opera continues until 23 July, book here.

W11 Children's Opera 40th Birthday Party

W11 Children’s Opera was a big part of my life as a young performer. From the age of 11 to 18 I took part in the winter production every year, eight operas in total! This year the inspirational company celebrates its 40th Birthday, an impressive milestone deserving a big party. Cast members, crew, group mothers, directors and musicians reunited last week at the Louise Blouin Foundation, an amazing cultural space in West London, to reminisce with a glass of fizzy and watch some of the current W11 cast perform.

Arriving at 7pm the hall was just beginning to fill up, I accepted a bubbly bellini and headed in to check out the canapés. The room, with a stage at one end was appropriately decorated with photos, costumes and rolling films of past W11 productions, highlighting some of the most memorable moments. I spent the evening greeting and chatting with old friends, sharing our favourite ‘W11 moments’ and catching up about our current activities. The night concluded with a triumphant chorus from last year's opera, ‘Rain Dance,’ sung by the large group of kids with great energy.

This year, W11 have once again commissioned the talented Julian Grant to write an opera. With librettist Christina Jones, he has composed ‘Original Features’ a story set in 1920 about a family who are separated by the Depression. I cannot recommend this company enough, W11 Opera nurture young people’s musical talent and give them the means and encouragement to express themselves on stage. I am delighted that this year my little sister will be auditioning for the production - it is lovely to feel my family are still part of the W11 crew. Are you destined to be a diva, or a keen performer between the ages of 9 and 18? If so, you should audition too - find out more here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 58

Having just returned home from Hop Farm Festival I thought it was only right that I do a festival Hot on the Highstreet. Festival fashion has become a genre of its own in recent years with certain items now firmly established as ‘must take’ essentials: denim cut off shorts, wacky sunglasses, bohemian silk head scarves, and of course wellies.

You never know when the English clouds are going to rip open, and drench the festival parade so always best to have some standby wellington boots even if the skies are sunny when you leave home. Hunter wellington boots have surely become the most renowned - that little red label was seen adorned on most of the muddy legs at Glastonbury this year, though some opted for more unique Superga or Jimmy Choo pairs.

I’ve always worn black Hunters, but this year decided to be a little more adventurous and went for the neon pink Hunter variety, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are so dazzlingly luminous they can be seen glowing through the crowds of thousands – a handy way to find your friends. They are also a fun way to add a little wow factor to an eclectic festival outfit. I think they look particularly good teamed up with a 60’s shift mini dress.

Sold in various retailers for around £80. Buy on the Office Shoes website here... I recommend going up a size, so you can add a pair of thick socks underneath.

Viet Grill in Hoxton

Deciding where to eat in Hoxton takes a while - there is everything and anything you could ever desire, a juicy burger in The Diner, a veggie treat in Saf, or something a bit more exotic from the selection of Thai and South East Asian eateries. We chose to venture to the huddle of restaurants on Kingsland Road, specifically to the very popular Viet Grill, a great hang-out serving as authentic Vietnamese food as you're likely to find anywhere in London.

The restaurant was bustling as you might expect on a Saturday night. The success of this venue has led to the opening of two other restaurants, both with a similar menu. We passed sister restaurant Cay Tre on our way, where hungry Hoxton hippies stood in a long line outside awaiting a table and some grub.

We were seated downstairs at the bar where, with a Hanoi beer, we waited till a space became available. Before too long a waiter showed us to a nearby table and gave us menus. There are certain categories on the menu but many of the dishes seemed very similar to me. Unfortunately our confused waiter seemed to know nothing about the food which didn't help much with the decision making process. For mains we opted for two meat dishes: sitting duck curry and ginger roast duck, the food came very promptly - very generously sized, steaming bowls of aromatic fare. Silence fell over the table as we scrambled over the food. Rich and delicious and very fresh tasting, the duck was cooked to perfection. In a hope of finding the 'morning glory' vegetable that I am addicted to in Busaba Eathai, we ordered a portion of wokked Bo Xoi greens cooked with crushed garlic and a touch of rice wine, this was a lovely complement to our main dishes.

I wouldn't recommend Vietnamese desserts unless you've experience of these curious delicacies - sweet treats that tend to taste rather odd to western tastebuds, often consisting of slimy jelly or strange fruity flavours that I find rather challenging and unpleasant. So we left on a high from our mains.

Viet Grill has a great vibe and fresh delicious food that is reasonable and comforting. Definitely worth the trip.