Shoreditch House

Fashionable London is mesmerised by the latest opening from the Soho House group, a new private club in Shoreditch that has rapidly become THE place to be seen. Shoreditch House is a huge space located on the top three floors of the old Lipton Tea factory and is more ambitious than any of Nick Jones' previous projects. The fifth floor is the main reception area with different bars, meeting areas and dining rooms plus a games room and a cosy Snug where up to 18 people can watch crucial sports matches on a big screen. There is also a gym and spa, all part of the Soho House Cowshed brand, plus sauna and steam rooms and changing facilities. There are two distinct areas on the fourth floor, the Biscuit Tin for parties, events and meetings, and the Biscuit Tin, a two-lane bowling alley with its own private bar. On the roof there is an open air heated 16metre pool open all year round plus a bar and kitchen open May - October, weather permitting. The Lounge adjacent to the pool area is for meals and drinks whatever the weather. It has an open fire and is waterproofed against the elements and this year's monsoon summer. Children are welcome but access is sensitively controlled so that East London's cool crowd aren't submerged by childish pranks and noise. So grown-up.
Ebor Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6AW, 020 7739 5040. The website is still under construction but is improving every day. www.shoreditchhouse.com

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The rooftop pool at Shoreditch House

 
 
 
 

The Palm Beach Casino

Gambling has been glorified by movies and demonised by do-gooders, but the truth lies somewhere in between. Yes people can gamble themselves into dangerous debt but for most punters, it's simply cracking good fun. Consequently the law in Britain has changed to make entry to casinos significantly easier, while enforcing strict rules of fair play. The Palm Beach casino has been a Mayfair landmark since 1965 and new owners, Stanley Leisure, completed a major refurb in 2006. While membership is still a legal requirement, immediate enrolment and entry is guaranteed with proof of identity (passport, credit card etc). The Palm Beach is a very pleasant, unpretentious place to spend a few hours playing roulette, blackjack, poker and baccarat. There are slot machines in the lobby for the Vegas experience but for real glamour, team up with friends (or clients) and book the Gold Room with comfortable private tables, lounge area and, if you wish, a totally private entrance in Berkeley Street. You must try the bar or the restaurant at Palm Beach where chef David Laval serves his own dramatic style of spicy fusion cuisine drawn from his experience in exotic places like Reunion in the Indian Ocean, Melbourne, Tokyo, the Seychelles and Jakarta. And as with all casinos, the food and drink side of things is remarkably good value.
30 Berkeley Street, London W1, 020 493 6585

 
 
 
 

Wolseley Parts

Did you know the Wolseley had a virtual shop selling items used every day in the restaurant? No, neither did I. It's part of the subtle modus operandi that owners Chris Corbin and Jeremy King have used since opening this mould-breaking restaurant in 2003. The website evolved as clients increasingly asked about the china, table linen, glassware and individual items that give the Wolseley its charm. Many of the designs are inspired by French art deco and English Regency and Georgian styles, along with new commissions from modern artists like Nick Munro. He has designed octagonal salt and pepper sets and a cute spherical pepper mill from the same designer with a curved crank handle and a French Peugeot stainless steel mechanism. There is a range of the Wolseley's own tea and coffee, wines and Champagne, and a brand new arrival, delicious extra virgin olive oil with the robust fruity taste that is typically Tuscan. You know where to go for your Christmas presents now, don't you?
160 Piccadilly, London W1, 020 7499 6996
www.thewolseley.com

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Glass honey pot with polished steel lid and twizzler

 
 
 
 

Ship ahoy

Fingers crossed for better weather next month when Cowes Week 4 - 11 August gets going on the Isle of Wight. This sailing regatta, first held in 1826, is an essential part of the international sporting calendar as well as a traditional part of the British social Season. The 2007 event expects more than 1,000 competing yachts and 8,500 competitors, ranging from Olympic and professional sailors to enthusiastic amateurs of all ages. During the week, 100,000 people come to watch the racing and enjoy the festival shoreside atmosphere, including the spectacular firework display staged on the last Friday of the event. The title sponsor of Cowes Week for the 13th year is the Scandia financial group but one of the week's highlights is Ladies Day on Thursday 9 August sponsored by Champagne G.H.Mumm. Mumm has a long tradition, dating back to 1904, of supporting high-profile yachting events across the world and today's successful sailors like Dame Ellen MacArthur, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and the Offshore Challenges Sailing Team all celebrate their victories with G.H.Mumm Cordon Rouge. Cowes Week is a great experience for everyone. Take a look at the official event website for news, happenings, timetable and how to find accommodation www.scandiacowesweek.co.uk

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The Champagne G.H.Mumm boat in full sail