Believe it or not but warmer weather is round the corner. This means, wedding invites, open toes sandals, spontaneous visits to your favourite roof top bar and generally wanting to look like a million dollars. I am here to save you from holding that Martini glass with chipped nails or having to paint yet another layer of nail varnish on top of those ill-painted toes when the sun suddenly shows it face- trust me we have all been there.All welcome and show some love to Sudan’s Nail Artistry!
Located in the heart of Tooting this new salon is the perfect place to feel and look like a pampered Princess/ Prince. Lavishly decorated, staff are on hand to ensure you receive the best service. Whether you opt for a simple manicure or like myself fancy letting your nails doing the talking through creative and unique designs, Sudan caters for all of this.
My personal favourite is the pedicure bar as you are able to give your feet some much needed TLC and soak your troubles away with some real pampering. So, make sure you head on down to Sudan’s Nails Artistry and make sure you are ready whatever the weather!
Let’s face it we have all been there, the moment when we need to let our hair down have an amazing time with the gals or guys (or both – no judgement ha) but don’t know where is good to go. Have no fear! I am here.
Start At :
Don’t get me wrong you can never beat pre-drinks at your house but lets face it, sometimes that means you do not leave the house. So to solve that problem :
Tequila Mocking Bird (Clapham Junction): This little beauty is a new favourite of mine. Cocktails are amazinggg! and are presented Instagram worthy. TMB grace our pallets and pockets with 2 for 1 cocktails which are both delicious and sophisticated. My personal favourite is “Disney Princess” as not only doesthe title fit my obvious alter ego (I wish) but the combo of candy floss and vodka is a mix of perfection.
Radio Rooftop Bar (ME Strand): When you are wanting to start of your nights with a touch of Class, Radio offers you just that. Giving you panoramic views over London, cosy outside chairs and fire lamps as well as inside modern decor this bar aims to please. Cocktails are classic with a wide variety and is accompanied by a tasteful live DJ.
Sketch Bar ( Mayfair): Even though Sketch is known for its restaurant and weird Egg shaped toilets (for those who have been there!). This place definitely caters for your imagination and embraces the creativity of London. On site there are 4 bars so be sure to look around before you fall in love with one room. Cocktails vary according to what bar you choose but, is a certified and must visit place whatever the occasion.
Time to Shake a Leg..
Providing you have survived the pre-drinks you may find it is time for you to let off some steam on the dance floor – a personal favourite pass time of mine!
Market Place (Oxford circus) : Many surprisingly do not know that Market Place is actually home to one of THE best basement clubs I have been to so far. One of the few places where the bouncers now know my name. Anyway, Market Place offers a great haven for old school r’n’b and urban classics mixed with a reasonable priced bar. My recommendation would be to go on Fridays as for me that is when the vibe is at it’s best!
Disney Princess Cocktail
Faces ( Essex): I mean I literally do love this place and have had some of my best nights here. Not only are you graced with the probability of casually bumping into celebs/reality TV stars but Faces offer great deals such as Bottomless Prosecco on Saturdays and my personal favourite- Ladies night on Friday (wooop free entry). Music is varied and caters to all, drinks are very reasonably priced and is definitely a safe place for wearing that new bandage dress that has been too overdressed for anywhere else! Lad’s umm you can wear that shirt you wanted to wear out too?
Bonbonniere (Wardour Street): This club may have relocated but has definitely not lost its electric Charm. This high-end club is a guaranteed great night out with current music and classics played the atmosphere is magnetic, accompanied with tasteful, fun and grand decor you will be obsessed. The club regularly has events running is is a MUST.
FOOD !
I mean yes, getting your Uber driver to drive through a 24 hour McDonald’s and order a medium nugget meal is kind of a must after you’ve worked so hard on that dance floor. But my lovelies there is alternatives such as :
VQ: This 24 hour restaurant sent from heaven is brilliant for satisfying those alcohol drenched taste buds. Located in Chelsea and Soho, you can opt for pastas, all day breakfast and burgers. Literally diners delight. Be warned however, this is a popular spot so it might feel like you are queuing for club entry again, but when you get there it is totally worth it!
Enjoy your next Night’s out and make sure you party and drink responsibly 😉 xxx
As a self professed lover of all things smothered in cheese and fried with breadcrumbs, Joe’s Southern Table and Bar is literally home for me. This restaurant is guaranteed love at first bite!
What’s on the Menu?
Dang Good food! I am just going to jump in and say Joe’s hands down serves the best Mac’n’ Cheese I have ever tasted!! Like EVER! I mean not only is it presented like a tempting bowl of heaven, but the taste is second to none. The christening of breadcrumbs on top gives it a beautiful texture and is definitely a filling tasty side.
Trying to not neglect the rest of the menu, Joe’s also perform with their chicken wings and boneless bites, topped with a variety of sauces such as traditional BBQ and Tabasco Honey which are finger lick’n goood!
If you are wanting to get a real taste of america, Joe’s have you covered with their delicious southern classics, including New Orleans Vegetable Gumbo and BBQ Beef Short ribs.
Cocktail O’clock…
Another of my many reasons I like to sit at Joe’s Table is because of their perfectly blended Cocktails! There is so much to choose from, but of course I will guide you through this wilderness!
Joe’s Popcorn Cup
Advised for two people, but who wants to share (kidding …. or am I). Any way this cocktail is perfect for those with a sweet tooth as it includes coconut rum, popcorn (duh) and Vanilla ice cream- as I said, who wants to share!
Watermelon Martini
A beautiful twist on a classic. In reality is what I always order when I come as it has the paradisiac mix of sweetness and alcohol tang ,perfectly aided by the combination of red vodka, watermelon and lime.
So Folks! Make sure you check out Joe’s Southern Kitchen in Covent Garden you will leave full and happy, I promise!
Innside Manchester: Definitely one of my favourite hotels I have stayed at so far in Manchester. Rooms are tastefully decorated with a very modern edge. The Innside comes with a fully equip spa and gym. In terms of location it is only a 5-10 minute taxi ride to some of the main sights in Manchester.
Other Hotels to consider : Double Tree by Hilton, MacDonald Manchester, Premier Inn (Deans gate)
Eat at…
Rosso Restaurant: When you walk into this restaurant it is almost like walking into a majestic Italian courtyard luxuriously vanished with white and marble walls. Now I have wet your appetite with this beautiful scene, lets move onto food! Fresh, Fancy and Full of flavour! The menu presents a flavoursome twist to authentic Italian dishes.
Tattu: One of my favourite restaurants people, it is a must to eat at! Food is delish! Ranging from the tastiest chilli fried egg rice to succulent ribs. Cocktails are insta ready and is the perfect venue for celebrating. One of the beauties of this restaurant is the inside Cherry tree which graces the dining area and glows at night. Combine this with the best food ever and its romance in an enchanted Japanese garden.
Party at…
Club Liv: This venue does require guest list entry usually £10 at the door. Drinks are reasonably priced (definitely in compared to London prices) and options of buying a table is available. Music caters for those old school, grime, house, dance hall and chart music lovers. I would recommend as it is a guaranteed great night out!
Other choices: Neighbourhood, Tiger tiger (on very selected days), Revolutions
Getting around..
Uber Uber everyyyywheerre! take it from me, Uber is easiest if you have access to the app. Most trips cost £3-5.00 to get into the city and places to eat. There are of course buses, taxi’s and the tram link. Trams are very easy to navigate and is perfect if you are wanting to take a trip to watch the football ( united all the way!).
After being in desperate need of some winter sun, the vibrant city of Marrakesh came under my radar and with raving reviews from friends, I was eager to see what this gem within Morocco had to offer!
After being in desperate need of some winter sun, the vibrant city of Marrakesh came under my radar and with raving reviews from friends, I was eager to see what this gem within Morocco had to offer! 3 hours on a fully booked flight, led me and my best gal pal/ travel buddy to a memorable and exciting holiday and here is a few highlights and tips so you can have the best time in Marrakesh!
Embrace the culture & Get your Hustle on!
Picture this; the golden sun beating down on you whilst you sit and enjoy the freshest mint Moroccan tea at a near by cafe on the corner of the town square, serenity whilst overlooking the hustle of the Medina. Yes- it is a must that you visit the souk markets of the Medina Old town as it is definitely what adds to the character of Marrakesh. With an array of spices- for those budding chefs out there, textiles, pottery and sweet, refreshing Moroccan Tea it is no wonder why many flock to share in the hustle. Whilst I was meandering through the market, I found the people to be friendly and helpful. Some stalls are selling similar if not the same product so it is important that you bargain a good price. The Medina is a great place also to buy original memorabilia and jewellery which trust me will make a way better gift then the cliche “My friend went to Marrakesh and got me this Mug”.
Receiving Henna at the Medina Markets
Tip: When visiting the market make sure you have a good idea on how much you are wanting to spend so you can whittle them down to the best price.
What to wear: Obviously every outfit is weather dependant however, I would say ladies cover up! I found it a much more comfortable walk through the market wearing an outfit which was stylish but not too revealing.
For those in need of Adventure:
As a self confessed adrenaline junkie I looked for ways to combine this need with also seeing the beautiful scenery of Marrakesh and out popped Quad biking in the desert. I had so much fun! We booked this package from the hotel which on hindsight would have been cheaper online. However, it allowed us to get transfers to and from the hotel.
We quad biked for 2 hours around the desert, making a stop of in the mountains. On the way back to base, the sunset crept up upon us making it a perfect finish to our quad biking experience. This is definitely value for money and no fear to those less experience quad bikers, there is a guide on hand and the bikes are automatic.
Tip: As stated you will save your money if you book online! For example the price we paid for Quad biking via the hotel we could of paid online for both the Quad bikes and Camels. What can I say.. I make these mistakes so you don’t have too!
The Freaks come out at night:
Admittedly we did spend some of our nights in our hotel making good use of the all inclusive bar and good ol’ hotel entertainment, but, when we did go out we had the best time! Marrakesh is home to what has been labelled as the ‘Best Club in Africa’ and although I have not been to other clubs in Africa to compare, I would definitely say they know how to host a good party.
Clubs in Marrakesh usually start at 11/12 and end at 5 pm. They offer a variety of themed nights throughout the week such as Hip hop and R&B and also my personal favourite… LADIES NIGHT. I mean, ladies I am talking free entry and free drinks for the whole night.The only catch is, that you have to be unaccompanied by a male to get the deal-which for me was no problem ha! For those unfortunate men who will need to pay or on normal nights, there is a 200 Dirham, the equivalent of £20 but this too comes with a free drink in some cases. The standard of clubs are like London’s Libertine, Cirque or Toyroom. The two clubs we visited were called Theatro and 555. Other places which I would recommend are: Buddha Bar, Le Comptoir, Lotus and Le Palace Marrakesh where you can enjoy great cocktails, food and traditional Belly Dancing.
What to wear: Dress as if you was at home
Tip: If you establish a good relationship with a Taxi driver during your stay, arrange for them to either wait for you or arrange for them to pick you up after your night out of town. This usually cost 200 Dirham each way.
Quick Tip Medley:
When arriving at the airport the hustle begins! Do not let that beautiful weather woo you off guard and do not pay more then 200 Dirham for a journey less then 30 mins to your hotel
New Town brings a more modern vibe to Marrakesh as you will find Mcds, KFC, Zara and H&M as well as many other shops within their shopping centres and promenades. There is also a YSL cinema which is recommended for all fellow fashionistas out there.
The weather can be very stunning during the day but drops considerably at night! So do be sure to bring a light jacket or coat depending on the time of year.
From experience it is definitely best to bring pounds and then convert your money out there. We found we received a better rate through changing our cash at the Hotel rather then withdrawing money via a Cash point.
I hope you enjoyed and if you are planning to visit Marrakesh have an amazing time!
Also, check out my two part Marrakesh Vlog on my Youtube channel!!
I just love this place! The food, the atmosphere, the decor, everything screams YES! If you a planning a trip to Marrakesh then lovely people, Le Palace Marrakesh is a must!
I just love this place! The food, the atmosphere, the decor, everything screams YES! If you a planning a trip to Marrakesh then lovely people, Le Palace Marrakesh is a must!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Food:
Divine! As a self professed foodie Le Palace Marrakesh ticks all the boxes and easily is the best restaurant in town. Specialising in fine European cuisine your taste bud’s will be tantalised by the expansive choice of food on the menu which includes mouth-watering personal favourites of Lobster, Lamb shank and Apple Tart cooked to perfection. Accompanied with a glass of white wine (or beverage of your choice) you will definitely have something to celebrate.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Atmosphere:
All I can say is when I sat down I was already planning my marriage proposal – it may be 1000 years till that happens! However, Le Palace candle lit table’s create a cosy but very romantic environment to indulge in fine food and have an enjoyable night. You can either choose to dine upstairs, which carries a Mod- period vibe with floor mosaic tiles and cosy leather seats or indulge in red luxury downstairs which I nicknamed the ‘red palace’. With its dim lighting and mirrored walls you definitely feel like royalty as you read from their smartly designed LED menus its perfect! Le Palace Marrakesh live by the motto of “first we eat.. then we dance” which I feel they perfectly embody as whilst dining, you are blessed with the sultry tones of a live singer and DJ.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Staff are attentive and know the menu well as they honestly give the best suggestions. Overall, Le Palace Marrakesh lived up to its name and I will definitely be visiting again without a doubt! If you are looking for full-flavoured food, beautiful atmosphere to enjoy with a loved one or friends and excellent service then Le Palace is the place for you!
It was after a couple cocktails that I stumbled across this little beauty, in need of something substantial and preferably doughy to get me through the rest of the night!
It was after a couple cocktails that I stumbled across this little beauty, in need of something substantial and preferably doughy to get me through the rest of the night!
This Neapolitan-style Pizzeria based in Waterloo caters perfectly not just for those pre/post night out cravings but also makes it a brilliant healthy option for those everyday cravings. Sticking to tradition, Crust Bros pizza is cooked in a traditional wood fire oven and topped with fresh combos such as Mozzarella, Sun dried Tomato’s, Spicy Salami and Sweet Peppers ( My personal favourite!).
You can either choose a Pizza from their quirky named menu or be creative and design your own- this would allow you to choose from the wide variety of toppings and cheeses which also includes a Vegan option. All Pizza’s are prepared freshly in front of you taking around 15 minutes to cook and prepare.
If you are looking for a Pizza place that doesn’t leave you with that guilty feeling or unforgiving belly bloat, then I do recommend Crust Bros- It will be love at first Bite ;).
Feeling Lazy or Anti?
We all get those days – Trust me! But do not worry, Crust Bros also delivers via DeliverRoo and provides a takeaway service, served in tastefully decorated leopard print boxes!
How I Rate it ?(Out of 10)
Menu : 7 – Wide variety and you can not complain if you are able to make your own pizza.
Taste: 7 – Very Fresh and just so Yum!
Atmosphere : Cosy – Seating is available but on busy days you will feel like one big pizza eating family which, is not necessarily a bad thing.
Location 8 – Opposite the station and easy to get to.
Trust me when I say if you haven’t visited Mercato Metropolitano (MM) already then plans are needing to be made! Based in Elephant and Castle, this vibrant space allows you to satisfy every craving imaginable from foods around the world.
Dear Fellow Foodies!
Trust me when I say if you haven’t visited Mercato Metropolitano (MM) already then plans are needing to be made! Based in Elephant and Castle, this vibrant space allows you to satisfy every craving imaginable from foods around the world.
Highs:
Variety: I’d say it is the perfect place to go when your stuck with people who either never know what they want or inconveniently never want what you want- yes we’ve all been there! MM leaves no room for the difficult eater as you can help yourself to Vietnamese, Mexican, Steak and Soul food just to name a few.
Atmosphere: There is a definite buzz from the moment you step through those large black doors. You are first met by a pebbled garden where if the English weather is kind, you can enjoy your food of choice and a glass of wine on benches or soft chairs outside. Inside, the MM embraces the food market vibe as sweet aromas greet you and seating is readily available. You can try before you buy your food and wine which adds to the hospitable nature of the venue.
Food: Fresh! The MM brands itself on the basic principles being; ‘ small is beautiful’ and ‘natural is good’ which I feel it embraces perfectly as they focus on what the individual wants. Food is sauced from small scale farmers and then prepared freshly in front of you making it that but sweeter, knowing that your helping to give back. The complex has an onsite bakery, coffee roasters, pizza chefs and gives you the opportunity to learn about food and how to cook like a pro!
Drink: After a long week at work its only right that we reward ourselves modestly and the MM aids this process. Housing a large selection of Italian wines with staff on job to help you pick, I have not tasted a bad wine yet! For those non wine lovers, all is not lost as there is a German beer bar and also an outside cocktail bar which would be criminal to miss!
Overall, the MM is a perfect place to as it caters to everyone’s needs, as the options are endless. The food is fresh and presentation is definitely insta worthy #FoodIsBae. It is a guaranteed good time out with friends or family and you will leave feeling satisfied.
Shalishah Loves:
Take a trip to the ‘Slow Smoked BBQ’ stand and try there pulled pork fully loaded fries. Tastes even better then it looks.
I have officially branded Tonight Josephine’s the cutest cocktail bar in town and here’s why
I have officially branded Tonight Josephine’s the cutest cocktail bar in town and here’s why:
Yaass Josephine:
It Looks Amazing: If your a lover of all things fabulous, then this has your name all over it! Josephine’s is stylishly kitted out with neon slogans, mirrored ceilings and snazzy interior. All I can say, is if Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn were still alive, they would approve.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Josephine’s Cocktails slay: For starters, Prosseco is 2 for 1- I know, how perfect! Happy hour runs from 5-7 every single day of the week on all cocktails and boy! do the bar tenders know how to mix and good one. My personal favourite of the night had to be the ‘Flaming zombie’ which consists of Bacardi rum, triple sec, passion fruit, pineapple and topped with of course- fire.
Atmosphere: Josephine definitely caters for every type of women with a variety of well known songs setting the mood in the background, it is every bit of a women’s paradise. However, the crowd is very mixed with men and women. Where the guys present must have secretly love the quirky girl power nature of the bar or they’re smart and know where to find the ladies! Either way all enjoy the vibrant night that ‘Tonight Josephine’ offers.
The Debbie Downer 💔
This is by no means something that can be helped by a Bar tucked away in a basement however there isn’t a lot of space! Tables are available to book either online or by calling the venue (which I suggest you do well in advance) but there are not a lot of tables and if you haven’t been lucky enough to sit like loyalty, then you are left walking around trying to perch on the any space you can find. This does not take away from the class of the venue as it does make it intimate and brings a sense of ‘girls night in’ (with a bunch of additional strangers) that is very manageable! I do hope in the future ‘Tonight Josephine’ is able to expand like it’s famous Brother ‘Adventure bar’ and is able to have bigger venue. That would be an icing to an already brilliant cake!
Believe it or not but warmer weather is round the corner. This means, wedding invites, open toes sandals, spontaneous visits to your favourite roof top bar and generally wanting to look like a million dollars. I am here to save you from holding that Martini glass with chipped nails or having to paint yet another layer of nail varnish on top of those ill-painted toes when the sun suddenly shows it face- trust me we have all been there.All welcome and show some love to Sudan’s Nail Artistry!
ow perfect! Happy hour runs from 5-7 every single day of the week on all cocktails and boy! do the bar tenders know how to mix and good one. My personal favourite of the night had to be the ‘Flaming zombie’ which consists of Bacardi rum, triple sec, passion fruit, pineapple and topped with of course- fire.
Shalishah kay 