Osteria Basilico in Notting Hill

I know this one is an absolute classic, and the hip crowd is already familiar with it, but a dinner last night with my friends reminded of how good the food is and I felt the urge to write about it. 
Located in Kensington Park Road, one of the cutest streets in Notting Hill, Osteria Basilico is ideal for a romantic first date or any other occasion actually. You can seat outside during the summer - watching Sienna Miller pass by- or indoors during the winter enjoying the warm, rustic typical trattoria environment. But let's face it, it is the great food that will attract you the most. From the mouthwatering antipasti, to the delicious pasta, main courses, proper Italian pizzas and finger licking desserts...It is always a pleasure dinning here. My personal favorite is the "Veal Ossobuco served with Saffron and Parmesan Risotto". Just yummy!

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Town Hall Hotel

The latest hotel opening from Design Hotels, is the Town Hall Hotel in Patriot Square, one of London's up and coming most energetic neighborhoods.
Set within the impressive surrounds of Bethnal Green’s Town Hall, the 98-room Town Hall Hotel has been designed by entrepreneur and hotelier Peng Loh, while the Edwardian building itself has been brought back to life by French architecture team, Rare.
The most interesting element of the new residence however –aside from the fact that star chef Nuno Mendes opened his much lauded eatery Viajante here earlier in the summer – is the series of artworks that will populate the corridors and public spaces.
Town Hall Hotel is a true design gem and I highly recommend a visit.

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Acne Finally Opens in London

Swedish fashion label Acne, has finally opened a flagship store on Dover Street, London. Brainchild of Acne co-founder and creative director Jonny Johansson, the gallery-esque interior and four floors of impeccable Acne tailoring all attest.
The store's space is a distillation of the brand’s many composite parts, from the Acne-designed furniture to work by artists – including Helmut Lang and Jeremiah Goodman – handpicked by Johansson to line the floors and walls of the store. There's a floor dedicated to denim, one for accessories, one for womenswear and one for men's and there's even a roof terrace to relax on when the shopping gets a bit too much. And the yellow piano on the ground floor will be played every Saturday morning to give a soundtrack to your spending. We couldn't ask for anything more!

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The Garden Room at Lanesborough

Since (as I have mentioned before) this is one of the warmest summers in London, we should all make the most out of it and take advantage of every open space. The Garden Room at Lanesborough Hotel is one of the best options, offering one of the prettiest gardens, as well as the opportunity to smoke, housing an extensive collection of Cuban and Pre-Castro cigars. The drinks list is also very impressive and the service equivalent of a 5 star hotel . Once you step in, you will get the feeling that you have stepped into a different era and you are in a drinking gentlemen's club back in the colonial days. If you always wanted to live Robert Redford's and Meryl Streep's 'Out of Africa' romance, this is your chance and your perfect place. Also great for a cigar and Whisky men (or women) night out.

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Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2010

Some of the nicest jackets for the new season by pure British talent: Mr. Christopher Bailey.

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Ristretto: Penny University

Pics are courtesy of the NY Times

Another great coffee company in London is Square Mile Coffee Roasters, who recently opened Penny University- their first ever coffee bar. Located in hip Redchurch Street, just off Shoreditch High Street, this is a very small place, consisting of a burnished wood counter with six stools in a warm if austere room. The decor is limited to a framed map of the world on the wall and the scuff patterns on the floor.
You will also notice that there’s no espresso machine, so if you want a cappuccino you’d better go around the corner : Penny University only offers brewed coffee. Yea, that's right. The concept of Penny University is to serve only brewed coffee, as owners believe that "brewed coffee has unjustly been overshadowed by espresso". Moreover they explain that "we will be asking guests occupying our mere six seats to appreciate the drinks served in their simplest, cleanest and most clearly articulated form." I personally love my brewed coffee, so I found Penny University fascinating! I dare you to try it out!

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Proper Hamburgers at Byron

I have to admit that I love my burgers! And in search of London's best burger place, my personal favourite is Byron. I remember when Byron first opened in High Street Kensington in 2008. It started as a common secret and two years onwards it has become a huge success with restaurants all around London. However, food is still as great as the first day, not falling into the usual "chain" restaurant trap. They have the best buns ever! Burgers are juicy, mayo is handmade and do I need to mention the Oreo cookie milkshake? So if you are a fan of straightforward, delicious, fresh and unpretentious food this is your place. And it won't break the bank either!

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Have a Splash at the Berkeley

Quite unusual for London but the Berkeley Hotel boasts one of the best swimming pools in town! Located on the 7th floor of the glamorous hotel near Hyde Park Corner, this pool makes the most of its prime Knightsbridge location, featuring views of Hyde Park. Since this could be the summer that everyone has anticipated for the last 34 years and the heat in London can be unbearable, I think this is the perfect opportunity to visit. Madonna, Kate Hudson and Naomi Cambell are regulars.

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Glastonbury 2010

Pics are a courtesy of Rex and Getty images.

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Frank's Cafe and Campari Bar

Another great place to visit in London during the warm summer days is Frank's Cafe and Campari Bar.
Frank's Cafe and Campari Bar was designed by Practice Architecture's Lettice Drake and Paloma Gormley and built over three weeks with a team of volunteers! Part of the BOLD TENDENCIES SCULPTURE PROJECT in Peckham, an annual sculpture exhibition initiated by Hannah Barry Gallery is held on the top four floors of the disused car park at Cerise Road. The brainchild of Frank Boxer and head chef Michael Davies – both of whom cut their teeth at Southwark institution, The Anchor & Hope – Frank’s will serve up a range of fairly priced seasonal dishes including cured salmon with dill & soda bread and braised cuttlefish with tomatoes, all washed down by bucket loads of Campari.
Both “Bold Tendencies” and Frank’s will be open from Thursday to Sunday throughout the summer. Admission is free, though be sure to carry plenty of cash as Frank’s, rather irritatingly, doesn’t accept cards.

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