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5 East London Coffee Shops you need to visit

5 East London Coffee Shops you need to visit
(Left to right: Cafe Melo, Ngopi, Lodestar, Haru Coffee, Batch Baby)

East London Coffee Shops you need to visit

Whether I’m looking for a spot to chill with my book or somewhere to start a conversation with staff or patrons, East London has a coffee shop for my every need. I’m not joking; I often ask myself, “What kind of mood am I in today?” when deciding which coffee shop to visit. And it’s no surprise when there’s a coffee shop on pretty much every corner.

Lodestar – The Chilled One

Lodestar is my go-to spot for expertly brewed coffee in a chilled setting. During the autumn-winter months, Lodestar hosts a night cafe, aimed at offering a late-night spot to read, catch up with friends, or just enjoy an evening coffee/hot chocolate, all with some smooth music. It really sums up the vibe at Lodestar—relaxing, easy-going, and creative.

Melo – The Cosy One

Melo was one of the first coffee shops I discovered when we moved back to Stoke Newington. Five years later, I still visit every week. Reading a book in the bay window is one of my favourite things to do. Not only do they offer up a variety of coffees, pastries and hot dishes, they do it all in a proudly LGBTQIA+ safe space.

Ngopi – The Foodie One

Indonesia is globally recognised as being one of the top coffee hotspots in the world. Now what if somewhere in East London brought that expertise alongside innovative drinks you won’t find elsewhere, and some of the best Indonesian comfort food? Well, you’d have Ngopi!

HARU Coffee – The New One on The Block

Ok so at the time of writing HARU has been around for a few months, but it’s still relatively new to the coffee scene in East London. Serving up the usual suspects, as well as some Taiwanese specialities. I love how friendly the owner is; the last time I visited I left with a hotpot restaurant recommendation and a killer flat white.

Batch Baby – The Speciality One

I suppose Batch Baby may seem like the stereotypical East London coffee shop with speciality coffee, uber cool baristas, and a bustling environment. A hotspot for those working remotely, it can be hard to grab a seat at busy times. But if you do you’ll not only be rewarded with a feeling of smug self-satisfaction, but an expertly made coffee.

Don’t forget to check out more of my ‘Where to Eat in London’ posts.

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Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse with Côtes du Rhône

People stand around chatting whilst drinking Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse

I’ve been bringing the Côtes du Rhône into my home for a few years now, through the beauty of wine and food. It’s been a welcome reminder of the South of France, and all of the delicious produce the area has to offer. Most recently I was invited to a wine tasting of white wines from the region at Shoreditch Treehouse.

Dîner en Blanc at The Shoreditch Treehouse

Our evening began with a guided tasting of AOC Côtes du Rhône white wines with the lovely Julie Coutton, shortly followed by canapés, small plates and some delectable chocolates, provided by Native Feasts Michelin star chef Chris Godfrey. All of which were expertly matched to the wines, and set among the gorgeous backdrop of Shoreditch Treehouse.

White Wine From the Côtes du Rhône

When someone says Côtes du Rhône you’d generally think of red wine, but the region’s white wines also offer a delicious range of styles. From rounded peachy and apricot, sometimes floral character of southern wines which gain their juicy ripeness from the area’s Mediterranean climate, to the more refined creamy, nutty and honeysuckle-scented wines of the north; the variety of the landscape and climate means there’s plenty to discover.

We tasted a selection of 12 wines (favourites in bold) throughout the evening, including:

  1. Domaine de l’Espigouette 2021
    Viognier 40%, Clairette 20%, Grenache blanc 20%, marsanne blanche 20%
  2. Le Coq Valant Blanc 2020, Domaine de Galuval
    Grenache blanc 25%, Viognier 25%, Roussanne 25%, Clairette 25%
  3. Elements Luna 2021
    Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Viognier
  4. LAUDUN CHUSCLAN VIGNERONS 2021 Maison Sinnae, Eléments Terra 2021
    Clairette, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Ugni blanc, Viognier
  5. E.GUIGAL 2021
    Viognier 60%, Roussanne 15%, Marsanne 10%, Clairette 8%, Bourboulenc 5%, Grenache blanc 2%
  6. M. CHAPOUTIER, BELLERUCHE 2021
  7. DOMAINE DES CAPTIVES Château de Montfrin “à la rêverie” 2020
    Grenache blanc 60%, Roussanne 40%
  8. Domaine Grand Veneur GRAND VENEUR 2021
    Clairette, Roussanne, Viognier
  9. CHÂTEAU DE MANISSY EARL Chateau de Manissy Oracle 2021
    Grenache blanc 60%, Clairette 40%
  10. Cellier des Dauphins Les Dauphins 2020
    Grenache blanc 50%, Viognier 40%, Marsanne 5%, Roussanne 5%
  11. FAMILLE RAVOIRE Famille Ravoire Banderet 2021
    Grenache blanc 70%, Viognier 30%
  12. EARL EYGUESTRE Domaine Eyguestre AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Blanc Le Maupas 2020
    Viognier 80%, Marsanne 20%

If you’re looking for a bottle to adorn your dinner table this summer, I’d suggest you keep a lookout for the above next time you’re perusing your local independent/supermarket wine shelves. You can find out more about Côtes du Rhône white wines and where you can purchase them here.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.
Words and opinions are my own, photos are by Robin Boot.

  • Someone holds a glass of Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey grating cheese on to canapés at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Cote du rhone white wine in a glass next to a bowl of mushroom risotto by michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Cote du rhone white wine in a glass next to handmade chocolate by michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • A bottle of Cote du rhone white wine at Shoreditch Treehouse
  • Bottles of Cote du rhone white wine
  • Someone holds a bottle of Cote du rhone white wine
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Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch Restaurant Review

issho-ni Japanese bottomless brunch
Issho-ni | Bethnal Green, London | Japanese | Map

Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch

Located in the heart of Bethnal Green, East London, Issho-ni’s Japanese bottomless brunch is the only one of its kind in the capital. Issho-ni takes Japanese Izakaya style food and gives it a modern twist. Guests can enjoy scrumptious Japanese delights with Issho-ni created cocktails, Prosecco and non-alcoholic drinks.

What’s included?

What’s included in the Issho-ni Japanese bottomless brunch?

  • Unlimited starters
    • Sashimi, Maki Rolls, Edamame, Chuka seaweed, Kimchi, and Wasabi peas
  • Main dish (one per person)
    • Vegetable Tempura, Nasu Dengaku, Wagyu Steak, Salmon Teriyaki and Chicken Katsu Curry
  • Unlimited drinks
    • Prosecco, Bloody Mary

You can view the full menu here.

My Review of Issho-ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch

I was invited by Issho-ni to experience their bottomless brunch for free, however, all words and opinions are my own.

I booked a table for two at 12pm on a Saturday (this is the only day they do bottomless brunch). We were one of the first tables to be seated, but the restaurant quickly filled up with couples, groups and even a few parties. We started with a glass of Prosecco and all of the starters.

The starters were insanely moreish, especially the sashimi and the prawn maki rolls. So much so that we tested out the bottomless feature and ordered a couple more plates after finishing the first round. I really liked that we were able to ask for “only salmon sashimi” and “just a plate of prawn maki rolls” – I’m not kidding when I tell you I scoffed down 12 prawn maki rolls in record time. After a few more dishes, we moved to the mains – vegetable tempura and salmon teriyaki. The tempura was super fresh – perfectly crisp outside, soft and hot on the inside. The salmon was bursting full of flavour, and my favourite part, the skin, was crispy, juicy and ever so slightly fatty – perfection!

During our feast, the lovely wait staff walked around with a bottle of prosecco, ready to top up anyone’s glass. I really appreciated this as it didn’t pressure me to flag someone down, which has been my experience in the past. I had four very full glasses of prosecco before calling it a day.

At £54pp (alcohol included), I feel the quality and value are fairly reflected in the price.

Don’t forget to check out more of my ‘Where to Eat in London’ posts.

  • Issho-Ni Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar
  • Issho-Ni Japanese Bottomless Brunch
  • Issho-Ni Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar
  • issho-ni Japanese sashimi
  • issho-ni Japanese maki rolls sushi
  • issho-ni Japanese vegetable tempura
  • issho-ni Japanese teriyaki salmon
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The Unexpected Tasting – Cru Wines from The Cotes du Rhone

A selection of
The Unexpected Tasting – Cru Wines From the Côtes Du Rhône

Cru Wines from The Cotes du Rhone

I’ve been bringing the Côtes du Rhône into my home for a few years now, through the beauty of wine and food. It’s been a welcome reminder of the South of France, and all of the delicious produce the area has to offer. Most recently I was invited to a wine tasting of Cru wines from the Côtes du Rhône – in particular, Cairanne & Lirac AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée – controlled designation of origin).

The Unexpected Tasting

On the banks of the Rhône river lie two significant Cru (the most demanding level of distinction) AOC Appellations, Lirac and Cairanne. Both produce wines of spectacular quality, beautifully accessible with great ageing potential but tend to be a little lesser-known.

Our evening began with a guided tasting of Lirac and Cairanne wines with the lovely Helena Nicklin, shortly followed by small plates and canapés, provided by Native Feasts, which will be expertly matched to the wines by Michelin starred chef, Chris Godfrey. All set among the unforgettable backdrop of God’s Own Junkyard.

The wines from the evening included (favourites in bold):

Whites

Reds

If you’re looking for a bottle or two to adorn your dinner table this Christmas, I’d suggest you keep a lookout for the above next time you’re perusing wine shelves (virtually or physically). You can find out more about Côtes du Rhône wines and where you can purchase them here.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.

Helena Nicklin discusses cru wine from the cote du rhone
A glass of cru wines from the Cotes du Rhone
Helena Nicklin pours a glass of cru wine from the cote du rhone
Cru wines from the Cotes du Rhone
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Taste of The Côtes du Rhône | Masterchef Exose Grant’s Recipe

A taste of the Côtes du Rhône with Masterchef Exose Grant’s Rosé Poached Peach recipe

I’ve been bringing the Côtes du Rhône into my home for over a year now, through the beauty of wine and food. It’s been a welcome reminder of the South of France, and all of the delicious produce the area has to offer.

MasterChef finalist, Exose Grant has created two recipes, at home, that are inspired by and work well with Côtes du Rhône wine, reflecting just how accessible and high quality the wines are. I was challenged to replicate one of Chef Exose’s recipes – queue me running around a hot kitchen shouting “yes chef!” to myself.

Rosé Poached Peach

I find cooking/baking incredibly relaxing & satisfying, and this was no different. I had such a wonderful time trying out a new recipe, with some of my favourite ingredients; peach, star anise and rosé. I added my own little twist to the final plated dish by soaking the cake in the syrup from the peaches, sprinkling orange peel onto the cream, and decorating with fresh herbs and star anise on top! I didn’t want to deviate from Chef Exose‘s amazing recipe, but I wanted to add my own flare to it – something I like to do whilst cooking/baking.

You can view the Rosé Poached Peach recipe that I created on Chef Exose’s Instagram, as well as a complimentary savoury main dish.

Taste of The Côtes du Rhône

I love sharing food, so I made the dish for myself and my partner. He actually prefers red wine though, so he paired the dish with a Côtes du Rhône Plan de Dieu, whilst I had a glass of the Chateau Saint Nabor – the same rosé I used in the dish itself. Although it would equally go well with a white. If you hadn’t guessed it yet, all of the wines in this post are pretty versatile and suitable for most occasions and dishes. Perfect for a taste of the Côtes du Rhône.

You can find out more about Côtes du Rhône wines and where you can purchase them here.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.

Three cote du rhone wine bottles stand on a wooden dish

Items were gifted by The Belleville Collective, however, all images, words and opinions are my own.

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Côtes du Rhône at Christmas | Lifestyle & Food

Côtes du Rhône at Christmas
Bringing a little bit of the Côtes du Rhône at Christmas this year

Remember how I boasted about enjoying the Côtes du Rhône at home this summer? Well I’m back to do it all over again, but this time with a festive hat on and a bottle of Rasteau wine in tow. I was lucky enough to be sent a beautiful Christmas hamper including a bottle of Rasteau wine, as well as some delicious cheeses, chocolate etc to enjoy alongside it.

Côtes du Rhône at Christmas

Picture this – a village nestled deep in the heart of the Southern Rhône Valley, perched on a sun laden hillside with ancient Château ruins. This is the village of Rasteau – the wine’s namesake.

This November, the Rasteau appellation celebrates 10 years of being recognised as a Cru (recognised for its quality and distinctive terroir) of the Cotes du Rhone; the highest accolade given within the region. It’s well known for producing a small, yet impressive, selection of both still and fortified wines.

Typically, Rasteau red wines have a spicy warmth, which in my opinion is perfect for this season. They’re also ideal for food pairings, such as stew, charcuterie, blue cheese, slightly spicy dishes and chocolate – so I know what I’ll be doing with my bottle. If you’re looking for a bottle or two to adorn your table this Christmas, I’d suggest you take a look next time you’re perusing wine shelves (whether they’re virtual or physical).

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.

Items were gifted by The Belleville Collective, however all images, words and opinions are my own.

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Enjoying the Côtes du Rhône at home | Lifestyle

Côtes du Rhône at home
Enjoying the Côtes du Rhône at home

This time last year, long before lockdown was even a thought in people’s minds, I was holidaying it up in the South of France. Provence to be precise. I was basking in the sun, enjoying everything the region had to offer – food, laid-back culture, stunning scenery… and of course, wine.

Funny story, I actually didn’t drink wine until I met my now husband. His family are wine lovers, who coincidentally shared their passion with me. In fact one of my best memories from recent years is holidaying with them for the first time; travelling around Provence to different vin yards, tasting the wine on offer, and getting an in-depth understanding of the people and their craft.

Enjoying Côtes du Rhône at home

I’m by no means a wine connoisseur, but I can get by. One of the areas I know more of (thanks to it being my father-in-laws favourite) is the Côtes du Rhône region. The Côtes du Rhône Villages is a French wine Appellation d’Origine Controlle (AOC – you’ve probably spotted this on your bottle of wine), in the southern wine region of France. They produce red, wine and rosé wine, which only 21 select areas can claim the ‘village’ title to.

I was lucky enough to be sent some amazing bottles of wine (which you can see in my photos) from Côtes du Rhône, as well as some delicious cheeses, bread etc to enjoy alongside them. We enjoyed this with the rosé on one of the hotter days this year, with the 21 Stories of the Côtes du Rhône podcast on in the background, it almost felt like we were back in the South of France.

Check out more of my lifestyle and food posts.

Côtes du Rhône at home
Côtes du Rhône at home

Items were gifted by The Belleville Collective, however all images, words and opinions are my own.