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REVIEW: Osteria London Restaurant, Barbican

Burrata, dattarini tomatoes and broad beans at Osteria London

Thinking of booking a table at the Barbican’s Italian restaurant, Osteria London? Find out more about the food, menu, service and more in this detailed review.

With top restaurants Arbutus and Wild Honey already established, Osteria is an exciting addition by Anthony Demetre to the London food scene. Specialising in bold, ingredient-led Italian cooking, the menu features gourmet fish, meat, and pasta dishes… But before I could think about food, I was distracted by the cocktail menu!

My sweet strawberry and prosecco cocktail (named La Dolce Vita) arrived just as the clouds outside started to turn a beautiful shade of peach. Osteria is in a lovely location overlooking medieval church St Giles’ Cripplegate and the area of water outside the Barbican centre. Oh and from some angles you’ll be able to spot a slither of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Testing out my sushi making skills at Buddha-Bar Marrakech.

They say it takes years of training to become a sushi master. I had only a few hours, but I was determined not to make a fool of myself. The setting? Buddha-Bar Marrakech – the city’s hottest new bar and restaurant.

My Buddha-Bar experience started here, with a delicious dinner of Asian fusion dishes. After enjoying it so much, I was invited back the following day to don an apron, and spend some time learning from the masters. It wasn’t just about sushi, I also had the chance to test out my pastry skills too!

Check out the video of my luxury weekend in Marrakech and scroll down to read all about it!

I love the buzz of a professional kitchen. Considering the high level of stress, I’m always amazed at how tidy they are. Between 4-7pm, the stark white polished kitchens of Buddha-Bar were a hive of activity, with sushi rice being prepped, ice cream being churned and pastry being baked. Piles of sliced spring onion and strips of avocado lay ready to be rolled into sushi, while across the room the deep fat fryer was crisping up some spring rolls. The air was rich with the scent of ginger, garlic and chilli, and several sous-chefs were busy on prep duty. It’s easy to lose sight of how much labour goes into creating one gourmet dish, but as I stood there, I appreciated the previous night’s meal even more.

Considering booking L’Ecrin Du Val Claret in Tignes for your ski holiday? From more about the rooms, food quality and the spa in this detailed review.

As outlined in my Wanderlust Bambi post I wasn’t a natural skier… but after a few days in ski school, I started to get the hang of it! Thankfully, when I wasn’t on the slopes I had a cosy mountain hideaway to warm up in – the Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin in the village of Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps.

Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the chalet style hotel had a spacious reception area, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, bar, restaurant, a luxurious spa, and 52 bedrooms.

Lounge area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret — Lounge area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret

Spa area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret — Spa area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret

The Mark Warner experience is all about warm service, comfort and convenience. Over the course of a few days I got to know the hotel staff – from the front desk team to the spa girls and the barmen. Everyone was friendly, full of info and brought a really lovely social vibe to the hotel. For families, they offer childcare – a great option when the grown ups fancy a day on the slopes.

Fancy shaking up some cocktails at a brand new mixology festival?

In January, I popped over to Marrakech for a weekend of sunshine and pampering. After an exhausting Christmas (my 4 nieces and nephews sure kept me busy!) I was in need of a few days of relaxation, good food and the company of one of my best friends. It certainly hit the spot.

Enjoying the pool at Royal Palm Hotel Marrakech

Forget New York, Marrakech is my new favourite city that never sleeps. From its international film festival every December to Marrakech Bienniale (it successful arts festival) in the spring, there’s plenty going on.

As I wrote in this blog, Buddha-Bar Marrakech was a great find in January. Serving some of the best Asian-inspired food I’d ever eaten, and with a top team of mixologists, I ate and drank my way merrily through the weekend! Good news, to add to Marrakech’s constant stream of events and festivals, Buddha-Bar are launching a Mixology & Cocktail Festival.

**Looking for a luxury hotel in Santiago? My review of 5* Noi Hotel will have you even more excited for your trip!**

In the upmarket Vitacura neighbourhood, the five-star Noi Hotel is attracting a stylish clientele in search of a luxurious base in Santiago. Enticing them – contemporary décor, a plush spa and an incredible rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city. After 23 hours of travelling, I couldn’t wait to check in.

The Noi group is proud to own luxury boutique hotels in several areas of outstanding natural beauty across Chile, including San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. They aim to deliver a unique experience via their locations and facilities – something that the Noi Vitacura certainly achieved. Close to Alonso de Córdova Street (filled with exclusive boutiques, restaurants and art galleries) and near to Bicentennial Park, Vitacura is one of the most desirable parts of the city.

From the contemporary wood-clad exterior, to the polished floors and grand lobby area with its criss-cross view of overhead walkways, arriving at the Noi was a sophisticated experience.

REVIEW: Osteria London Restaurant, Barbican

Thinking of booking a table at the Barbican’s Italian restaurant, Osteria London? Find out more about the food, menu, service and more in this detailed review.

Sushi Masterclass Experience at Buddha-Bar Marrakech

Testing out my sushi making skills at Buddha-Bar Marrakech.

REVIEW: Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret

Considering booking L’Ecrin Du Val Claret in Tignes for your ski holiday? From more about the rooms, food quality and the spa in this detailed review.

Shake it, Shake it! New Mixology Festival launches at Buddha-Bar Marrakech

Fancy shaking up some cocktails at a brand new mixology festival?

REVIEW: Noi Hotel Vitacura, Santiago, Chile

**Looking for a luxury hotel in Santiago? My review of 5* Noi Hotel will have you even more excited for your trip!**

READ MORE: The Best Luxury Hotels In Santiago