Biffy Clyro

A few summers ago Marshall and I managed to score some spots watching Biffy and the Foo Fighters create absolute epicness at the Bowl in Milton Keynes... At the time we also managed to run into a man claiming to be Jesus who tried to prove this by standing on his head without spilling his drinks, but that's a different story altogether. 

Since then I've been wanting to repeat the moment, and for my birthday last year my lovely munchkins got me tickets to see them again at the O2 in London (cue excitement and a 5.5 month wait)! 

When it finally came round the man and me made our way down, had beer in plastic cups and (shock horror) stood in the seated area singing (me) and actually seeing what the stage show was all about :). 

All in all a lovely night of music and bubbles :). 

xoxo

Home-made Chicken Wing Challenge

Anyone who knows me is well aware of two things. I have a Zara addiction, and I have a frequent chicken wing craving... So after spending the fall finding the best chicken wings available out there in London, my lovely man and I decided to take matters into our own hand. 

It was time for the ultimate home-made Chicken Wing Challenge. 

First off, the flavour contenders...

We went with Sticky BBQ, Spicy Cajun, and Nandos' peri peri Marinade.

For the dip we chose a roquefort cheese based option (mixed with primarily Lactofree products).

You'll need

1 pack Roquefort Blue Cheese

1 (lactofree) creme cheese

1/2 cup Mayonaise 

1/2 cup sour creme

1 Tblsp White Wine Vinegar

1 Tblsp Lemon Juice

For the wings, spread them out in oven dishes (you can butter up the dishes if you want) and massage them up with your chosen marinade (this can be any flavouring really depending on your preference).

Shove these into the oven for about 45-55 minutes (turning them after ca 30 min).

For the dip, start by crushing up your roquefort.

Add the creme cheese and mix thoroughly until smooth.

Add all other ingredients and mix up in your bowl until it's a yummy smooth texture.

For those of you like me suffering from lactose intolerance do not fret, there are options. I used Arla's lactofree products and a swedish imported sour creme where possible. Safer then just popping a lactopill before the meal. Your tummy should enjoy it, not be in pain after something this good!

Shove the dip into the fridge for as long as possible. 2 hours is preferred but I just kept it in until the chicken was done. Makes the texture a bit harder and adds that cool feel that goes so well in contrast to the burning wings.

Ta-da! All done, now serve up!

If you want extra crispy wings there is also the option of frying them instead and then shoving them into a bowl of already heated marinade. Haven't tried it myself but it comes well recommended.

Enjoy your wings ladies and gents, we definitely did! Add a movie into the telly and revel in the fact that ones your done you can just fall back into the sofa and relax your belly.

For the top chicken wings in London? My personal preferences are

Mayor of Scaredycat town

Bodeans (hot)

Honorable mention goes to Hache who surprised us with some excellent options!

xoxo

'P'

#momentsbypeach

Cocktail Hour

Brambles. Espresso martinis. Mojitos. Ice made from spring water. London has it all on offer, but what're the best places found so far? 

After much (about three years worth) testing and googling and blog watching and ears to the ground this little (currently temporary) overview of experiences in various states of sobriety will have to suffice.

1) Milk & Honey

Members-only that let's anyone book in until ten o'clock. Down the street from Bodean's Soho location (best post-drinks feel good meal) you'll find a black door with no sign. Ring the buzzer and enter into a world of comfortable dark and atmospheric cocktail expertise. Frequently named in the top list based on Cocktail quality this is not to be missed. Yummy and strong, with waiters who can tell you all the backstories. Try the popcorn shrimp too, mmm...

2) The Landmark - Mirror Bar

Pretty. It probably shouldn't be on here but there's something so old school, grand and pretty about this place. Good drinks and the bartender will concoct pretty much anything your heart desires. 

3) Evans & Peel

1920's detective agency. Literally. Knock on the door, enter and tell the detective your pressing case. Be convincing and maybe you'll get a sneak into the bar behind the revolving book-case ;). Top tip? Tea cup coctails (eat first, they will require comfort food after if not!). 

4) Covent Garden Cocktail Club

Not. A. Tourist. In. Sight. Awesome bartenders throwing flames in the air and there are biscuits on your cocktail mixes. Can you ask for more, dessert and drink in one? Epic, also try their Goodge Street Location, bit less hidden but also great drinking time. 

Honorary mention: Mayor of Scaredycattown

Breakfast club up in Shoreditch. Ask to see the Mayor. Poke your head down through the Smeg fridge. Order the chicken wings! Enjoy. 

xoxo

P

#momentsbypeach

Hello World

Morning world

So in a little effort to get with the times (and stop limiting London food-porn to Instagram) I figured it might be time to update this little place and share some adventures without invading the Facebook newsfeed (sorry Zuckerberg…).

On that note why would this be any more worthy of picture-scrolling time than all the other Blog lists? Well, frankly I’ll leave that judgement to you.

xoxo

P

#momentsbypeach