Fortnum’s Lodge at Somerset House brings alpine glam to Covent Garden

Matilda — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 08:30:18 +0000

Of all the ice rinks in the capital, everyone knows Somerset House is the one you go to if:

1) you’re trying to impress someone (fellas take note)

2) you’re a sucker for Somerset’s glorious grounds (*raises both hands*)

or 3) you’re just posh like that.

But even if you’re a little hesitant about rolling around on ice, the alpine-style Fortnum’s Lodge on the 18th century site still ticks all those boxes – and you don’t need to skate visit it.

I was invited to try out the gourmet seasonal menu and cocktails at the cosy and festive pop-up last night, based in Somerset House’s West Wing. In the evening you’ve got your pick of nibbles, drinks or meals including yummy blinis, the indulgent tartiflette (a piping hot cheese, potato and pancetta bake), hot chocolates with fancy marshmallows or the dreamiest fondue. As for drinks, we were offered the vodka-based Bees Knee’s, the Lodge’s signature cocktail made with honey and lemon. Maybe it’s just me, but I automatically associate those ingredients with flu remedies and Lemsip around this time of the year so was a little reluctant to try it – but it was actually a wonderful tipple.

It’s a very decadent spread they’ve got going on here and while tucking in, I couldn’t help but thank God I recently kicked off my Tokyo Marathon training to burn all of that right off… but honestly, I cared for like two minutes. Me and my buddy left genuinely stuffed and happy, feeling all of the festive cheer – so file this one under “Hanging with the homegirls”,”Date night”, “I didn’t know you could do that in London” or “YOLO 2015”.

The lodge is open daily until 3rd January 2016 but for more info, visit www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink/fortnums-lodge. You can check out pics from my visit below:

Just spectating

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Somewhere you should eat…Bob Bob Ricard, Soho

Matilda — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:57:57 +0000

Real foodies know that while certain dining hotspots might be more inclined to pull in the custom through tiresome gimmickry (celebrity chefs, bougie clientele, you name it…), sometimes it’s the more off-centre places that usually succeed in ticking the boxes of great food, ambience and customer service. Saying that, the decor of Bob Bob Ricard shouts proudly of trendy designer touches – not to mention the pink-suited waiters – but it’s eclecticism is merely a compliment to its tasty British cuisine, with a mild Russian inspiration. Lunch consisted of delicious potted shrimp (£10.75) and russian salad with shaved black truffle (£4.50), followed by the old bay crispy chicken with coleslaw (£17.50) – wholesome and delish – and a homemade sorbet, featuring a quirky combination of a blackcurrant, strawberry and surprisingly pleasing basil (£5.50). I shouldn’t forget to mention that I prepped my palate the Russian way, taking a shot of the most subtle vodka (chilled at -18c, £4.75-£11.50) – and feeling that once this dining experiences was over, I’d be only too eager to repeat it again. (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

Price: £££££

For more information, visit www.bobbobricard.com

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Fortnum’s Lodge at Somerset House brings alpine glam to Covent Garden

Somewhere you should eat…Bob Bob Ricard, Soho