This Week The Mice Have Mostly Been...

Coming back from even a few days break is mighty depressing, leaving 30 degree sunshine and beach parties for humid clouds and sweaty tube journeys isn't fun! Take me back NOW!

The blues get ever worse when I am reminded that HK mouse is still diving around Fiji still having lots of fun in the sun! However with a promised heat wave this weekend, there is literally light at the end of the tunnel!

When we haven't been stuck to a sun lounger, sipping on a caipirinha or harbouring holiday blues, the mice have mostly been...

Sporting the green eyed monster at everyone basking in the sunshine in their Victoria's Secret bikinis! I did a big shop before holiday and bagged myself some fun numbers, however the rainbow hues and flattering shapes VS have created made me want to trot on down as soon as I landed! Which is pretty much what I've got planned before my next getaway in... yes only 18 days!

Take a look at our top picks available online now...

Image via www.victoriasecretsswimsuit.co.uk

£43.99

Image via www.victoriasecretsswimsuit.co.uk

£52.99

Image via www.victoriasecretsswimsuit.co.uk

£39.99

Image via www.victoriasecretsswimsuit.co.uk

£39.99

Image via www.victoriasecretsswimsuit.co.uk

£43.99

Embracing the sporting spirit with a Wimbledon evening at Bluebird Restaurant on King's Road. Having been away for five days I've pretty much missed all the early rounds and am tuning in just as it's getting super exciting and competitive! Me and my bestie Kitty decided we'd fully immerse ourselves in the tennis mania and combine our cocktails with giant tennis balls and a super sized TV screen!


Just as my favourite wedge hell broke (not what you need when in Chelsea!) we thankfully we spied a roof glowing with neon tennis balls and could hear the cheering across the street...we had arrived! Considering Murray was on the big screen on his way to victory, a twenty minute wait for a table didn't seem too shabby!

With a big Bluebird burger, a bottle of iced wine and a happy tennis crowd awaiting us, it was by far worth it! If you haven't been down you definitely should, they do great BBQ food and the people watching along will keep you amused for hours! They're even hosting a Wimbeldon closing party this Sunday with a hog roast, Pimms, the match and afterwards live music! Check all details out here, one word of advice - get down there sharpish!

Grabbing my thinking cap and starting to plan my birthday night. Every year I insist I'm not going to celebrate and every year me and my (nearly) birthday twin cave and get our closest girls together for some fun low key drinks!

Whilst starting my research to find the perfect venue, I have come across some very exciting openings that are now firmly on the 'to visit' list...

Shake Shack, the long awaited opening which Lucinda Mouse guest blogged about back in February, is finally ready to open its doors to the public today! A Shack Stack and frozen custard over here immediately please!

Soho Diner, the latest offspring from the group behind Shoreditch and Soho House, has been born in Soho just yesterday! With it's super convenient location on Old Compton Street (replacing the old timer that was Cafe Boheme) you can't go wrong, and with its late 3am licence on the weekend I think we all need to plan a visit!

Casa Negra, this is the Shoreditch addition to the Soho restaurant La Bodega Negra which is located in a sex shop, and I hear it just as good! Well I won't say too much as Middle Mouse ventured down last weekend and has a review in progress, but it's officially delicious and ready and waiting for us all to go sample!

Finally I will leave you with a Friday song, the perfect chilled sunbathing companion for this weekend, Dark Star by Jaymes Young...

Now....IT'S THE WEEKEND...get that bikini on and soak up every last ray of our potentially short British summer!

Image via http://pinterest.com

Battle of the Brunches...

There's nothing us Mice love more than a super tasty brunch on a Sunday. It's officially the day of rest which we reckon encompasses all activities, especially cooking before 7pm. The best brunches are those that also include champagne...Sunday laziness with a blurred, boozy edge is absolute bliss and the one and only way to forget the Monday blues! They always seem a great idea when planning them mid-week for the coming weekend, but after an cocktail-fuelled Friday and Saturday the thought of alcohol at breakfast can be enough to push you over that hangover cliff, but once you get involved I promise, it's the best medicine!

 

After recently trying out and loving House of Wolf for cocktails (see our review here) and hearing of the Sunday roast and unlimited mimosa deal, we were super excited to head back for another visit to try it out.  

 

As soon as we arrived we were led to the top of the old Victorian building to a little dining room. The space is quite small but beautifully decorated in a similar fashion to the Apothecary bar downstairs - shabby chic interior, natural light pouring in and crammed full of amazing knick knacks! My favourite being the centre piece chandelier made from cutlery! 

Despite this, I felt as a fun brunch venue it was distinctly lacking in atmosphere, whilst we were there only two or three other tables were seated and without background hubbub or music, there was definitely something missing.

 

 

 

The deal? Choose between roasted leg of lamb, slow roasted belly of pork, venison casserole, roast strip loin of beef or baked stuffed mushrooms, with all the trimmings and two hours of unlimited mimosas or bloody Mary's for a sum of £25.  
 

The roast was delicious and couldn't be faulted...perfectly cooked meat, crispy yet fluffy potatoes, a mini pot of knock out cauliflower cheese and even the greens were a little party in your mouth, however the drinks left a lot to be desired. A huge shame and an easy hurdle to fall down at, a flat thimble of Prosecco with lashings of orange juice does not make a happy boozy brunch! It was a similar story with the bloody Mary's...non existent vodka but enough tomato juice to make 500 vats of ragu sauce!  

 

The two hour time limit obviously puts a restraint on your blissful Sunday lounging, plus the lack of atmosphere didn't give us much reason to stay. Once our delicious food had been gobbled down we were right ready to pack up and be on our way! I would go back for the roast dinner in a heartbeat however £25 for one course plus bottomless orange juice seemed a little steep!  
 

Never ones to be disheartened, we booked our next attempt at a boozy brunch whilst we were still sitting at our table in House of Wolf! After a full on, all day drinking session last Saturday dressed as PJ and Duncan at the Rugby 7's we diligently stuck to our quest to find the best brunch and topped up alcohol levels at The South Place Hotel.

 

Having only been open since late last year, The South Place Hotel is a relatively new and hidden gem between Liverpool Street and Aldgate. From the genius brains behind Chelsea's Bluebird, it ticks all the boxes...classy and trendy without being pretentious. I loved it as soon as I saw it. It was one of those moments where you walk past, peer in and think 'I hope we're going in there'...2 seconds later I saw the revolving doors emblazoned with the name of our destination...BAM!  

 

It wasn't crammed to the rafters, but there were at least twenty odd people with the same idea as us when we walked in. The atmosphere is upbeat and buzzy, with fun music playing in the background and the instant feeling that you're at somewhere pretty fun! The decor is sleek, modern yet still chic with a long marble table down the middle highlighted by spotlights, with individual tables dotted around. 

We especially loved the quirky wall art and exhibition taking place in the foyer, all adding character to what could otherwiseasily become another lifeless hotel.  

Now onto the food and drinks...as soon as we sat down, we ordered our drinks and within a minute an ice cold, fizzy and delicious bellini arrived...this time definitely alcoholic! 

The deal? Two courses for £20 or three courses for £30 with a £10 additional charge if you want unlimited Prosecco / Bellini / Mimosa or Bloody Mary. We opted for two courses and unlimited drinks for £30, refills are served as long as you are dining so word of advice....eat slowly and chat lots! Naturally as typical girls this took place without any devious plotting!

 

This works out £5 more than the House Of Wolf Roast however there is no contest...South Place served delicious drinks and the food was divine, definitely well worth the extra! 

I chose the smoked salmon, soda bread and horseradish cream followed by the native lobster omelette with hollandaise and fries...seriously good and scoring top food points! Middle Mouse went for the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on soda bread followed by a sweet tooth craving of baked cheesecake and rhubarb compote. 

All four of us finished every last scrap, got through 6 bellinis each and were the last table to leave before trotting off to nearby pub The Jugged Hare for a few glasses more....!  
 

The South Place Hotel was a clear winner for us girls...Champagne brunch accomplished and a return visit already booked in with a different group of girls!! 

Wish you were at Wimbledon...

Wimbledon 2012 fever is well and truly in full swing...Venus was out in round one, Nadal was out in round two (to a guy ranked 100?!) and Murray is still going strong at round 4 (play has been suspended but he is one set up)...WHAT IS GOING ON?! Is it a sign that us Brits may do the country proud in at least one sporting event...surely we're due some luck after England's poor performance in the Euro, I doubt it very much but here's hoping! 


Along with majority of girls I know, I don't have a huge love for sport - I will go hit some golf balls with my dad, watch England embarrass themselves in the Euro / World Cup but that really is as far as my sport passion stretches...however I can't resist a bit of Wimbledon! Not only because it's deemed acceptable to drink copious amounts of Pimms and feast on a zillion strawberries, but there is something about the tennis championship which is just so British and quaint. 

Image via dianealdred.com

For me, Wimbledon was always linked to boiling hot days where I was torn between playing/sunbathing in the garden or sitting inside with the curtains closed (to prevent shadows on the TV not because I'm weird) and cheering with Biggie Mouse to the tennis (Middle mouse would always rather snooze!) We used to save the Wimbledon Championship league table from the Young Telegraph and dilligently fill it out together (Ok, we were a bit weird...)! 


These days I have to go to work and there doesn't seem to be an ounce of sunshine...on the up side, I am now old enough to drink Pimms and get into that side of the tennis spirit instead! The last couple of years just before the tournamnet begins I vow to go to Henman Hill / Murray Mount and pitch up with a picnic and the girls, I always see it on TV and think how fun it looks! However I haven't yet made it because a) work ruins everything and b) apparantly you have to queue (as I said, a very British event and we hate to queue for anything!!!). 


I have therefore come up with the next best thing....London Venues showing the Tennis...Pimms - Check! Friends - Check! Atmosphere - Check! Strawberries...I'm sure we can muster some up but if not M&S does the best monster strawberries that you can smuggle in!!! 


See my top picks below....

Bluebird, Chelsea

Back by popular demand, Bluebird have set up every tennis fan's dream in their forecourt on the King's Road. They have a huge outdoor screen, all day BBQ's, buckets full to the brim with beer for the boys and for the ladies - Pimms and Veuve Clicquot Champagne! Possibly the chicest way to watch the Championship, and what's more for the Men's final why not reserve your place for a three course feast for £50 pp and the best seat in the house!! Check out the website here for all the important details! 

Image via www.wimbledonatbluebird.com

The Cadogan Arms , Chelsea

I haven't managed to venture to this beauty yet but I hear it's a goodie! If you want to take your tennis with the Chelsea crowd, sit among some trophy antlers, Chesterfields and stuffed birds...then this is your place! The food is supposed to be pretty impressive and the cocktails divine...throw in big screens and a Wimbledon Martini (fresh strawberries shaken with Pampero Blanco rum, topped with a layer of whipping cream and amaretto biscuit) and Bob's your scrumptious uncle! Check it out my friends right here!

Image via http://thecadoganarmschelsea.com

Westbourne House, Notting Hill Gate


I love Westbourne House for after work cocktails, the venue has cute street side seating, delish cocktails and snug booths lit by hanging lanterns...the perfect combination of smart, cosy chic I'd say! They have pulled out all the stops for Wimbledon even going as far as laying faux green grass beneath the outdoor tables and giving the menu a complete overhaul for the occasion! We made our way through the Hendricks Posh Pimm's cup which arrived in a china teapot (refreshing if a little strange) and also sampled the Rumbling Rose! I can't remember the exact ingredients but it was lethal and pink and definitely had Hendricks in it...YUM!  I forgot to mention there are a few screens inside showing the tennis, but with the quirky menu don't feel bad if your attention is focused elsewhere! 


Some of our lucky friends have managed to bag some tickets and made it down to the real deal...reign in those boastful Facebook updates or the mice will have to 'de-friend' you....

Brunch Business...

My favourite weekend activity has to be Brunch....perfect for a gossip and a catch up, cures a hangover, condones drinking before midday and I always find calories don't count?! 

Here's my favourite London spots to brighten up your weekend...

1. The Riding House Cafe

My number one brunch venue has to be this gorgeous cafe just off Great Titchfield street - perfectly located for 3BM as we can indulge in weekend retail therapy on Oxford Street and refuel here just around the corner. As you walk in you will fall in love with the shabby chic interior, exposed pipe work on the ceiling, heavy wooden tables, mismatched oversized lampshades and the general hustle and bustle but informal atmosphere that engulfs you. The menu is to die for - my favourite is Chorizo hash brown with poched eggs, field mushroom and spinach, all washed down with a tricycle juice (apple, mint and cucumber). I always try to go for other options but I just can't bear missing out on the hash browns! Not only does it score very highly on the brunch front but it also does amazo small plates, mains and cocktails in the evening - Middle Mouse came home the other night raving about the Espresso Martini's. I promise this place will not disapoint!

Images via www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk

43 - 51 Great Titchfield Street

London

W1W 7PQ

020 7927 0840

2. The Breakfast Club, Hoxton

There are a few Breakfast Clubs across london - Islington, Hoxton Square, Soho but none like this one! As you walk in you'll immediately fall in love with the quirky interior - My Little Pony wallpaper, a 'Sex, drugs and bacon rolls' neon sign and the worlds smallest disco in the toilet complete with a revolving disco ball. And this branch has one added extra….If you're in the know and mention to your waitress 'I'm here to see the major of scaredy cat town' you will be taken to the smeg fridge at the back of the cafe and led through to a secret bar. I can't divulge any further information as it's a secret….but go check it out you will LOVE! Back to the food….delicious brekkie's ad bunches here, on my last visit I had a breakfast buritto filled with scrambled egg, chorizo, peppers and avocado - which came with lashings of sour cream, guacamole and salsa on the side. You can get your average full monty breakfast or you can mix things up a bit and go for the likes of pesto scrambled eggs - delish! Be warned, you can't book and there is always a queue but I think that's a true sign of how good it is.

Image via www.paulnulty.co.uk

12-16 Artillery Lane

London

E1 7LS

020 7078 9633

3. The Luxe

John Torode and his team own The luxe which is situated in the Old Flower Market building in Spitafields market. There are 4 floors to entice you in - a bar with live music in the basement, the cafe and bar on the ground floor, a dining room for fine food on the 1st floor and the top floor holds a private mezzanine room for parties and private dinners to impress. The ground floor is where the brunch action is at, with big comfy brown leather sofas nestled next to stainless steel chairs and dark wood tables just waiting for the breakfast crowd to queue. If you're lucky (as I was on one of my visits) John Torode will even serve behind the bar and mix a few cocktails for you. All sorts are served up on the ground floor from BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, mac & cheese, roast pork belly to true breakfast options like french toast and eggs florentine with the best hollandaise in london (melissa mouse's fav!). My top pick would have to be the Lumber Jack Stack - Pancake, waffle and french toast all topped off with sausage or bacon! I am famished just writing this...

Image via http://flickrhivemind.net

109 Commercial Street

London 

E1 6BG

020 7101 1751

4. Bluebird Chelsea

Bluebird is situated on the King's road and is the perfect place to go with the girls for a gossipy post Saturday night out brunch. You can pretend to be rich and do a spot of shopping (window or otherwise) and then enjoy a classy breakfast with champagne cocktails. Be warned do not arrive in your PJ's or tracksuit bottoms, you are in Chelsea darling. There are many different sections to Bluebird - Restarant and bar, cafe, courtyard, food store, bakery and wine cellar. I would recommend the Cafe for an informal brunch (or the courtyard if it's sunny) with a huge side of people watching! My favourite is Eggs Royale and a Rossini (strawberry and champagne) YUMMY! 

Images via www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

350 King's Road 

London

SW3 5UU

020 7559 1000

There's my London low down...now grab the paracetamol, your Ray-Bans, and your camera from last night's clutch....call the girls and be prepared for some DELISH food, good gossip and LOTS of laughing (or cringing)!!!!

P.S I Love You London...

I think we're all aware that Valentine’s day is fast approaching – we've posted quirky card ideas, a gift we'd love to be opening next Tuesday and some suggestions of what to do on the day in Hong Kong. But, the BIG question is...what has London got to offer us for the ‘special’ night itself?!?


As you can maybe tell I am not too enthralled about the day...flowers make me cringe, chocolates make me fat and over the top affection makes me feel a bit sick (the other 2 bad mice will agree I am an unusual girl in this way). Having said all that, my feelings have slightly changed since researching Valentine's options for 3BM and I'm now thinking it could actually be lots of fun.... Whether you're single and planning a night out with the girls or in a couple and lining up a night with your hot boy, here’s my low down on the 4 best ways to spend Valentine's 2012 in London....


Get Tipsy in a Teepee
For a laid back affair head to the Queen of Hoxton and to the pop up WigWagBam bar for a few drinks. The rooftop has been transformed into a candlelit Wig Wam with an open fire heating up the chilly winter temperatures and a huge grill serving up Bratwurst. You can cosy up with your valentine over a mulled cider or hot rum with apple juice - perfect! However if you're single and want to meet some fellow singletons, then head downstairs to the special Valentine's speed dating night. You never know, you might end up sharing a hot toddy with a hot new stranger...

Image via http://www.queenofhoxton.com/

1-5 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3JX
http://www.queenofhoxton.com/
0207 422 0958


Get a Room
If you're after the full works, why not try the Soho Sleepover package at Dean Street Townhouse? As part of the Soho House group, it is guaranteed to impress....amazing food, even better cocktails and Egyptian cotton sheets to end the night! The deal is that if you're dining in the restaurant after 11pm you can bag a room in the hotel for just £50 (the hotel's 'Tiny rooms' normally start at £260 a night). You'll even get a 'Morning After' kit thrown in with a razor for the men and Cowshed goodies for the girls. Unfortunately you can't book this one and the offer's subject to availability - perhaps one for the more laid back couple who don't mind working their way through the cocktail list and playing the end of the night by ear...!

Image via http://www.deanstreettownhouse.com/

69 - 71 Dean Street
Soho
London
W1D 3SE
http://www.deanstreettownhouse.com/
0207 434 1775

(Try Not to) Get Lost
If a secret bar is right up your street, then give The Bar With No Name a try...if you can find it!! (Head to Islington and you'll see a dark wooden door at number 69 Colebrooke Row). The interior takes you back to the 1920s with lots of dark wood, big black and white floor tiles and a piano, all very cosily lit. Perfect to impress your girlfriend, not only with your inside knowledge of London but also with some of the BEST cocktails she has ever tasted! Top of my to try list is the Peach and Fig Leaf Bellini - Peach puree with a hint of fig leaf topped up with Prosecco - YUM! The Bar With No Name has a special Valentine's Day deal on next Tuesday, for £60 per couple you get three cocktails each and tasty Paul.A.Young chocolates. Make sure you call ahead and book a table - it gets super busy as it's relatively new and everyone's raving about it!!

Image via http://www.69colebrookerow.com/

69 Colebrooke Row
Islington
N1 8AA
http://69colebrookerow.com/
07540528593

Get Some Posh Totty
Have you been watching Made In Chelsea? Do you secretly want to join Spencer and Caggie's gang? Well dust off your tweed, dig out your pinky ring and head down to Bluebird on Kings Road for an evening of speed dating...toff style! Pay £25 each and you'll get a glass of champagne (a necessity to get the one-liners flowing and hair flicking perfected), an hour of speed dating with Chelsea's finest followed by a tasty buffet to line your stomach for the Jaeger Bombs ahead! If all else fails I'm sure you'll find some equally posh singletons close by in Public or Embargo's!

Image via http://www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk/

350 King's Road
London
SW3 5UU
0207 559 1000


http://www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk/
So now all that remains is working out which of the four I'm going to opt for, although I'm pretty sure I won't even make it to work what with my door being blocked by the piles of cards and gifts I will no doubt receive!