Forza Winter...

As the crisp weather and dark mornings roll in, we need to no longer focus on post work rooftop hot spots and lazy beer garden Sundays, but cosy pubs and big glasses of red wine instead! 

Now as you may already know, us Mice are pretty obsessed with sunshine, beaches, pimms...actually scrap that...anything that's linked to being outside, relaxing and sipping ice cold beverages! However when the time comes to dig out that cashmere, those cosy cocoon coats and our mile long scarfs we also feel a sense of glee! It may not feel so great whilst huddled under your umbrella at 7am but it does mean Christmas is coming, Starbucks will crack on with their red cup ginger lattes very soon and there will be a tonne of exciting seasonal events and pop-ups coming our way!

Now that I've started to get into the wintry spirit, there's probably a scorching weekend just around the corner, however, while I'm in the moment and because a very exciting email just popped into my inbox, I'm going to go with it!

Back last summer when HK Mouse was visiting London we stumbled across the fabulous Forza Win - if you missed our post speed read it here...

Bottom line, we're talking a secret East London rooftop, delicious fresh stone baked pizzas along with many other mouth watering treats, twinkly lights, aperol spritz, sharing tables and a killer wine list!

This summer they shacked up in Peckham instead of Shoreditch and now they're back with Forza Winter - a cosier, snugglier version of course!!!

Bag yourself a ticket here whilst you still can and you'll have this little lot to look forward to...five courses of Italian classics...think Porcini Arancini, Polpette, Raddichio, squashes, hams, and all sorts of other winter delights! Not forgetting a pot of Fonduta bubbling away waiting for some ripping, dipping and devouring! All topped off by a hot cocktail bar and it goes without saying another killer Italian wine list...all for a fabulous £30!

What the are  you waiting for my friends....!!!


Forza Winter
Unit 4.1
133 Copeland Road
London
SE15 3SN

The Proof of the Pudding...

So what makes a Tuesday and a horribly hectic day at work partially bearable? Copious amounts of cake of course, or, more specifically The Pudding Bar pop-up on Greek Street, which is exactly where I headed when the clock chimed 5.30pm last week. 

Every month I have a hot London date with my gorgeous uni pal, Jess. More often than not we'll end up getting boozy at a brand new bar in town but this particular Tuesday, we thought we'd mix things up and swap our usual Sauvignon Blanc for a sweet treat or six! I had checked out the calorie-laden menu earlier in the day and had already pre-selected my puds of choice - honestly one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in a while! 

So 5.30pm arrives. Computer shut down complete. Givenchy handbag on arm. Ray-bans in place. And off I scurry, as fast as my Zara sandals could take me in search of the sweet treats I'd been craving all day! I'd heard great things about the pop-up and was super excited to see and taste for myself.

I was running slightly late, as always, but Jess was waiting patiently for me inside! In all honesty, first impressions were fairly nondescript. It doesn't look much from the outside or from the inside for that matter, but don't let that fool your sweet tooth because the proof is in the pudding!

Ex-Gordon Ramsey chef, Laura Hallwood rules the kitchen and what a fine ruler she is! We very quickly ordered up two ice cold glasses of Prosecco and a selection of choux buns with assorted chocolate creams, caramel sauce and pistachios - one word - J'adore...

And then we opted for a platter of assorted cheeses, bread and chutney - mixing the sweet with the savoury. We sadly didn't sample the next two desserts but our pud neighbours did sooooo... with severe dessert envy, I whipped out my camera to capture both masterpieces!

First up, the blueberry cinnamon baked Alaska with elderflower gel and fresh blueberries...

And then the S'more Cheesecake - milk chocolate cheesecake on a ginger nut biscuit base with peanut butter ice cream... 

In summary, Pudding bars are the way forward in my opinion, all washed down with a glass or six of champers! MY HEAVEN...

This Week The Mice Have Mostly Been...

How is it Friday again already? Don't get us wrong, we're not complaining, but this week has just zoomed by in a blur of work, work and more work!

But, let's not dwell on all things grey and officey, because in brilliant news, winter has finally drawn to a close and we can officially shout...

The London Mice kicked off the new season with a pop last Sunday by starting the day with Champagne and pedis in their pyjamas...

When we haven't been getting boozy in our PJs, this week the Mice have mostly been...

Getting our Chef Thinking Hats on and dreaming up some scrummy Easter recipes. Last year we baked up a storm with our MaltEaster Bunny Cupcakes which were gobbled up by a band of willing tasters (AKA our colleagues) quicker than you can say "crumbs"...

This year we're thinking something delicious which includes everyone's favourite Easter treat, Cadbury's Creme Eggs. We plan to spend the next couple of weeks perfecting our bakes and have been pinning like crazy in search of sweet-treat-inspiration. Watch this space for what we come up with...! 

Powdering our noses at a pop-up experience with a difference! Let me set the scene - what girl in their right mind would say no to a night of make-up, Champagne and beauty top tips? Not us, that's for sure... 

So we did as the invite instructed and took ourselves off to the The Attendant...

For those of you who haven't heard of this alternative spot, shame on you! It's wonderfully random but a hidden gem through and through - a nineteenth century gents toilet that has been cleaned, buffed and transformed into a cosy coffee bar and check this out... the original urinals are still alive and kicking and form part of the seating for customers! 

Toilet talk aside, what did the night have in store for us? Well the occasion was in celebration of the DVD release, Powder Room (out now) starring Kate Nash, Sheridan Smith and Jaime Winstone. The on-set make up artist to the cast, Claire Carter, was on hand to treat guests to an exclusive demo on how to touch up your make-up to perfection on a night out - the theme of the film. Something I definitely needed a lesson in - goodbye panda eyes, hello fresh-faced fancy!

We thought it was only fair to share her words of wisdom with you lovely lot...

First up, top touch-up products to invest in:

• Urban Decay Complexion Primer - apply to skin and then layer foundation to achieve a silky smooth, long-lasting and pore-free look. 
• MAC Studio Fix Powder plus foundation - a velvety powder and foundation in one that will guarantee good coverage for the night ahead. 
• NARS Multi-stick - snap up this all-purpose shimmer highlighter that you ca use to add a dash of glimmer to your eyes, brows, lips, cheeks and frankly, anywhere else on your body that you want eyes to linger... 

Second up and most importantly, how do we overcome those common out-and-about no no's that leave us looking dragged through a hedge backwards...

Going overboard on the bronzer - let's admit it girls we all do it! We leave the house feeling suitably glowing, but as soon as we enter those artificial strip-lit loos, the colour drains from our fabulous faces! It's of course not in the least bit representative of what we actually look like, but we still reach for that bronzer brush and apply layer upon layer until we look like Charlie's Oompa Loompa friends! The top tip to solve this dilemma is simple - STOP... you don't need it, step back from the mirror and put the brush down!

Panda eyes R us - when it comes to a night out, we've got to admit we regularly suffer from serious panda eye syndrome! We spend ages carefully applying eyeliner under our bottom lashes to create that smoky sultry look, but as soon as we start drinking, that desired effect very quickly turns sour. BUT not with Claire's nifty tips... 1. Apply black eyeliner as normal but layer with black eyeshadow which will intensify the colour, set it and keep it in place all night long 2. Mist your make-up with Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray to ensure it's fixed super glue style... Clever stuff huh?!

Unkissable scaly lips - there's nothing worst than talking to someone with a dry lipstick-patchwork pout! There really is no excuse when it's so easy to resolve... 1. Take a damp toothbrush and gently scrub up and down to exfoliate 2. Moisturise lips using Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream a good few hours before, allowing plenty of time for it to sink in and Voilà - kissably gorgeous lips good to go!

And on that note, we think it's high time we started prepping for some Friday night fun! All that's left to be said is...

Hope it's an awesome one!

x

The Mice

The House of Peroni : Italian Fashion & Red Carpet Glamour...

For those of you who liked our recent House of Peroni post, you'll be happy to hear we're back with part two. If you read and paid attention, you'll remember me saying that honorary mouse and jolly good friend, Julia McColl went along to a talk held at ‘The House’ on the influence Italian fashion has had on the Oscars’ red carpet. Take it away Julia Mouse...

When the email from Middle Mouse popped into my inbox with the opening line "I thought you might like this..." I immediately said yes! A chance to check out The House of Peroni and to talk red carpet fashion was far too good to turn down! 

The venue is an artistic pop-up, housing a restaurant hosted by Michelin starred brothers, a rooftop bar and copious art and design exhibitions. Having scheduled a super cool events calender for July, The House of Peroni is being reincarnated in November for what I hope is a more permanent post.

So I arrived, slightly more fashionably late than planned and significantly hotter than planned, wishing that I had a wardrobe of Italian designer outfits from which to dress. Now I do not pretend to be a fashion expert (far from it!) and I must confess I didn't immediately recognise all of the speakers (Sorry Three Bad Mice!) It's fair to say I had a lot to learn!

The evening was hosted by Colin McDowell and he was accompanied with three top speakers; Stylist Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, Laura Weir from the Sunday Times Style and Designer Antonio Berardi for an evening of chat, questions and gossip. 

 

The night was spent discussing a number of red carpet classics with some great insight into the gossip and stories behind them. I've included my favourites below... 

The shock effect as Gwyneth loses the squeaky clean image, in a Berardi dress of course...

J'Lo at her hottest - stopping just before the line of vulgarity is crossed...! 

Emma Watson's Berardi jacket with 'that' dress... 

Even Victoria needed a style evolution "she would hate you for digging that photo out"...

Anniston rocking the new regime of Valentino... 

The chat was lighthearted and fascinating, these were a group that not only knew their stuff but really had a passion for red carpet glamour. I listened in awe as they recounted countless tales of last minute outfit changes, financial 'incentives' to encourage certain outfit choices and hotel rooms taken over by dresses and jewellery - total dream! I can honestly say I had never realised how little I knew surrounding this subject and would highly recommend the events regardless of your fashion know-how. 

 

The House of Peroni doors are now sadly shut but I'll be first in line when they re-open again in November - watch this space...

 

Shoreditch Rooftop Pop-Up : Forza Win...

We hit full mice quota in London this weekend and as always we decided to celebrate by packing it full to the brim with plans! Luckily it was scorching hot so we spent the majority of our time soaking up the sun with jugs of Pimms to avoid dehydration! 

As we only had a few nights together I was intent on making it super fun and full of new gems for HK mouse, (maybe slightly tactical to entice her home) and this was just the ticket!

For those of you who haven't heard of Forza Win, it's a pop up restaurant serving freshly made pizzas on a secret rooftop in London. They got lots of rave reviews last summer and were even touted as the best pizzas in London, but i was sadly too late to sample and confirm this! As soon as I heard whispers last winter that they were returning with a cosy version, I manically clicked through to the site only to find tickets were yet again sold out!

So this time round we made sure we got in there and bagged ourselves three tickets for the Saturday night!

When you purchase the tickets you're told the address but that's about it. Luckily for us it was a short skip from Mice Towers, despite this we still managed to be twenty minutes late! After climbing a trillion stairs we were finally at our destination for the evening....!

The rooftop is situated slap bang in the middle of Shoreditch, providing London skyline views complete with towering blocks of flats and office buildings. On paper this doesn't sound too appealing but in reality you feel a million miles away in the secluded little sun trap. Strings of exposed light bulbs and market stall awning create a retro feel and the smokey aroma from the pizza ovens make your tummy rumble as soon as you arrive! 

As soon as we sat down we were served three icy cups of Aperol Spritz, the perfect refreshment for a hot summers day! The atmosphere is pretty laid back with sharing tables and chairs very close together, however don't be put off as the whole idea is to encourage everyone to socialise and after a few drinks this makes for a really fun evening! 

Onto the food....simple yet delicious! We were all served a starter of lemon and garlic marinated courgettes, creamy ricotta and homemade sourdough. Not ideal for a date but otherwise a 'lick your plate clean' moment, one word of advice don't be polite when they offer second, like us, you will regret it as no one else holds back! 

After polishing off course number one we decided it was time to give the beach hut bar a visit and get some wine flowing! Forza Win boasts a carefully selected Italian wine list all from family owned vineyards, the one we opted for was perfectly crisp, cold and far too easy to drink!

Unfortunately the council have banned music being played, however everyone gets chatting so it really isn't missed. Plus the pizza stretching, flipping and spinning is quite enough entertainment for one evening! 

And the results were just as impressive! Pizzas bursting with flavour, quality being far more important than quantity when it comes to toppings - with your first bite it is clear only the freshest ingredients are used. Even the simple tomato and basil left you reaching out for another slice! The evening continued with sharing...your table is served two pizzas at a time and you're to slice them, share them around and swap between your group! There are four rounds of pizza so the idea is by the end of the evening you will have had 8 slices, a whole pizza but different slices! My favourites had to be the Courgette and Lemon Bianca and the Parma Ham and Fig combo...pizzas will never be the same again!

Our Final course was ricotta ice cream topped with sea salt and olive oil, sounds strange but surprisingly it worked really well!

Three carafes of wine down and we were all feeling suitably full with a large dose of summer time buzz! The rooftop closes at half eleven so we popped to the bar downstairs for a quick drink before moving on for cocktails with our neighbours for the evening Natalie and Henry! 

I would highly recommend the evening to anyone, perfect for a fun night out or even as a quirky date idea! Tickets cost £30 which includes a welcome Aperol Spritz and all three courses, drinks are on top from the cash bar so remember to stop by an ATM beforehand! All evenings are sold out, however further tickets/cancellations are released so drop them an email now and keep those fingers crossed!! 

NYC Comes To London

We've been getting all excited about the New York restaurant/nightlife invasion on this side of the pond for some time. Over the last year or so London outposts of the best of NYC scene have started popping up and we just can't seem to get enough of them with the latest opening of Balthazar this week and Shake Shack set to open mid-2013. Here's our run down of our of top five:

Balthazar
Keith McNally's New York institution Balthazar has finally opened in Covent Garden. Open all day so it's perfect for breakfast meetings through to the perfect date night. The menu features classic French brasserie dishes with a focus on seafood - totally up our street. We'll be making a reservation for a lazy weekend brunch followed by a spot of shopping very soon.

image via Londonlovesbusiness.com

La Bodega Negra

From New York's nightlife King, Serge Becker (behind The Box and La Esquina) and Will Ricker (E&O) comes La Bodega Negra, Soho's answer to Mexicana street food. Featuring two areas accessed through separate entrances on different streets -  upstairs features a buzzing walk-in bar and cafe and the hidden downstairs a more dark and delicious dining experience. We've tried out both and recommend you do too - but we loved the downstairs diner hidden behind a neon-lit sex shop facade, it mirrors the speak-easy secret (a bar through the kitchen) of it's NY sister La Esquina. Serving mouthwatering tacos, tostadas, guacamole and (on the evening we went) the most amazing marinaded steak with chimichurri - this the perfect place for a dinner date. Oh.... and did we mention the margaritas?

image via squaremeal.co.uk

Shake Shack
Almost 10 years after it first opened its doors in Madison Square Park in New York, the Shake Shack is finally set to open it's first London outpost in mid-2013... and we cannot wait! Tipped as a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its delicious all-natural (phew no horse here!) burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard (you gotta try it!) - this burger joint has earned a cult-following Stateside and we will be first in line when its doors swing open in Covent Garden.

image via lovingmyjetlag.blogspot.com

The Spice Market
Set in the heart the achingly cool meatpacking district in New York, this has been a New York destination for years with a old-world feel. When it came over to London with the opening of the W Hotel and got an infusion of modern cool reflective of the architecture of the W. It's situated on the edge of Soho and close to the heart of Leicester Square. Serving pan-Asian food from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten - we opted for the tasting menu to share and our favourite dishes were Black Pepper Shrimp with Sun Dried Pineapple, Spiced Chicken Samosas, Coriander Yoghurt (which stole the show) followed by Cod with Malaysian Chilli Sauce, Thai Basil and Celery and amazing House Made Ice Creams and Sorbets. A little on the pricey side for the amount of food served, we did leave a little hungry, but impeccable service and it's definitely jam-packed with high-octane glamour. Great for a client lunch or dinner!

image via spicemarketlondon.co.uk

The Box
Arguably the Daddy of New York's mysterious and secretive night life... The Box hit London back in 2011 and has held onto the same mystique and appeal over here.  Pipped as the Theatre of Varieties - this cabaret nightclub is renowned for some of the most risqué entertainment and frivolity! It's not for the faint-hearted or the early to bed, the show starts at 1am. You'll need to be prepared to spend a fair amount (drinks aren't cheap)- but we've heard great reviews and will be sure to be booking our table in the near future.

 image via cosmopolitan.co.uk

King of Cocktails: House of Wolf...

The London Mice are, as always, on the look out for a new place to go for an expertly mixed cocktail, a great vibe and lots of fun! As luck would have it, we just happen to have a little gem to add to your London black book of bars - the fabulous House of Wolf.

The website describes House of Wolf as 'a multi-functional, multi-sensory pleasure palace, dedicated to the creative pursuits of dining, drinking, art and entertainment', from this I was none the wiser as to what to expect but intrigued to say the least. And after one pretty awesome visit, I have a suspicion that it still has even more to give...!

House of Wolf is located in a three story Victorian building on Upper Street (Highbury and Islington end) - immediately impressive, seeminlgly popular and distinguishable by the grey wolf welcoming you in!

Image via http://houseofwolf.co.uk

You enter on the ground floor walking straight into The Music Hall, this comprises of the main bar and infamous stage that houses the 'entertainment' - unfortunately we didn't get to experience this element when we were there but I believe the likes of burlesque and cabaret feature throughout the week and the website nods towards other more mysterious goings on ...'creative events for discerning adults, high profile club nights and fun filled 'get-on-down' parties...' The interiors are beautiful yet quirky with oversized mirrors, diamond encrusted wolves, mushroom printed chairs, candles littering all surfaces and decadent light fixtures...

Image via http://houseofwolf.co.uk

The main pull for me was the much raved about Apothecary bar - experimental cocktail king, Stephen Quainton and his team claim to push the boundaries of taste through unusual combinations, drama and fun! This they most certainly did, providing a definite experience that we can't recommend enough! Located on the first floor, the Apothecary bar is compact to say the least but this only adds to the exclusivity. The main feature among the Victorian knick-knacks and oversized street lamps is the impressive 'Prescriptions' bar complete with a bartender mixing his personalised concoctions in a white lab coat and a flat cap! 

Image via http://houseofwolf.co.uk

When we arrived our enthusiastic waitress raved that we had the best seat in the house and led us to a bookcase at the back of the room, this was pulled away from the wall and behind was a candlelit cubby hole with a table for four! Perfect! Especially as we hadn't all caught up since Christmas Eve so there were lots of raised voices, squawks and excitable shouting over each other ... where better to be concealed than within a secret book case?!

 

Image via http://houseofwolf.co.uk

SO the drinks ... we decided to pick from the Apothecary menu - the real essence of what the House of Wolf does best - how could we refuse! We decided on 'Over the Pop' - a popcorn infused Bourbon sour which came with a side of iced cherries and a shot of popping candy, a 'Crumble' - a group favourite of spiced fruit jam, vodka, egg white and apple juice all topped off with cinnamon foam, a 'T.I.K.I' described only as a ridiculous rum drink served with an edible beach scene and finally a 'Black Treacle' - Middle Mouse's adventurous choice of black pudding infused rum and apple served with a side of black pudding! They were all devoured (bar the side of black pudding!) with top taste points going to the Crumble and the award for most quirky and never to be forgotten going to Black Treacle - strong, unusual and like nothing you've ever had before!

Finally, on the top floor you'll find the Attic Dining Room - we weren't eating, so we didn't visit this section but it's said to be a den of decadence ... velvet, beams, impressive light features and with a totally unpredictable menu! Once again House of Wolf boasts another unique slant by presenting a permanent series of pop up chefs - currently Kemble and Rodgers have taken over the kitchen space with their 5-course tasting menu which apparently has a progressive British style and Japanese aesthetic ... confused? Why not head on down and try it out for yourself? Kemble & Rodgers are set to reign the Attic until 23rd February, so plenty of time to get it scheduled in! 

This is a difficult one to do justice in a blog post, you can't quite describe the unpredictable, unusual beauty and creative genius behind this project. Having visited I now understand the shroud of mystery the website creates - I predict that every time you go, you'll have a completely new and unknown experience! 

We spent the evening drinking behind a bookcase, discovering hidden dens and snugs...



and finally stumbling back to the Music Hall to be taken through the decades in music - I can safely say this was the most fun I have had in a long time! Dancing to songs from the 40's, 50's and 60's and a few top tunes of today all spun by a DJ in goggles ... which of course Middle Mouse was given a challenge to steal...

Final word...not your average run of the mill bar, but instead a totally unique immersive experience with delicious cocktails waiting to be explored. 

GO. 
IMMEDIATELY!

House of Wolf

181 Upper Street

Islington

London 

N1 1RQ

020 7288 1470