Food, Days Out and Travel stories from Brighton, London and the Rest of the World

Saturday

16 Brighton and London Food Highlights for 2016

It was the year I discovered new ways to enjoy food with pop-up supper clubs, a food tour, discounted fine dining and free organic breakfasts.

It was also the year I discovered food markets to rave about in London and Lisbon as well as places to suit breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner in the great eating destinations of Brighton and London.
With little more to add, sit back and enjoy my list of personal favourites from a year of eating well in 2016.

Best Brighton Breakfast / Brunch


Long after my goodie bag of granola bar, muffins and fresh almond milk with turmeric had been consumed the memory of a cosy and comforting breakfast has stayed with me. On a dull morning last winter I joined a group of fellow breakfasters for a pop-up breakfast provided by One Supper Club at Pharmacie Coffee Roasters in Hove. The definition of hygge, healthy and hearty, food was in abundance with muffins, Nordic porridge, fresh juice and delicious coffee on the menu. Overall it left a warm hug of an impression and has given me a lasting obsession with making almond milk. This event was organised through the pop-up supper club website Tabl, who run lots of interesting nights in Brighton and London. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday  - A Pop-Up Brunch

16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Brighton Cafe


This year my best cafe experience has got to go to the ever chic, minimal and muted colour schemed I Gigi in Hove. Once you have somehow managed to make it to the stairs without buying everything
in the homewares shop, you'll be faced with the dilemma afforded by a sideboard of delectable cakes. This is cafe culture at its best, beautiful cakes in a refined setting. If you're going for brunch I'd heartily recommend the warmed breakfast loaf with yoghurt and a flat white for £6.50. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - The best Cafe in Hove.

I Gigi, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Lunch in Brighton


If you are lunching in Brighton then it's best to head to somewhere in the centre of it all. A pedestrianised street for people watching and yet removed from it all in a wood-dominated interior for instance. In fact, one just like Grow 40 (not sure about the name, btw). Inside they serve freshly cooked simple dishes such as their omelette for £6.50, this is very much the cheaper end of their offerings. It's always nicer to go to an independent rather than a chain, you get more of a unique experience and there is a sense that there is a lot of pride that goes into all they do. I loved it and I intend to go back and try their rather tempting sounding lobster. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - Why you'll love Lunch at Grow 40 in Brighton.

Grow 40, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best London View


Enough of Brighton and Hove for a while, while I take you back to the superb Barbecoa. Really to sell this place just on the view seems completely unfair, but then the view is of St Paul's Cathedral, my favourite building in London and I really love buildings, just take a look at my Instagram account to see what I mean. With floor to ceiling windows on the first floor and directly opposite St Paul's, the view cannot be beat. However, Jamie Oliver's Barbecoa also produces the goods when it comes to amazing dishes, such as tandoori prawns cooked in their own tandoor oven, plus a Bloody Mary that should win awards. They've even got their own distillery. This place is unique and I highly recommend booking a table. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - Dine with a view in London.

Barbecoa, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best London Fast Food


If you're thinking a smash and grab is more appropriate for your lunchtime requirements then look out for the Pod chain that I discovered this year. My absolute favourite choice is their lemon curd pud with chia seeds. I'm still thinking about it. Thanks to an invite to listen to a talk by Nutritionist Helen Money I found out that links have been made to greater creativity and eating more fruit. For more food news read my blog post Foodie Friday - What Bloggers should eat and more stories.

Pod, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Brighton Curry


This is a hotly debated topic and quite rightly, because in Brighton and Hove we really do have an incredible selection. Since discovering Azaro, in particular their naan topped Biryani I have not stopped talking about it. Friends have taken friends and all have been equally impressed. There are some other great places to try, more central to Brighton, such as Curry Leaf that does the best chai tea and Chilli Pickle that top the charts with their amazing plain naan and desserts. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - All About the Biryani at Azaro.

Azaro, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Organic Event


Wake Up to Organic is an event that I'm expecting to see grow in popularity and reach in the coming years, so keep a look out. Designed to spread the word about organic producers and suppliers, they come together at the beginning of June to offer free organic breakfasts nationwide. It's a chance to check out local cafes, shops and grocers that you may not have visited before or try new products and literally wake up to organic. In 2016 my stand out discovery was the smoothie shop in the Open Market on London Road. Go check out these guys with their truly fresh, affordable and healthy smoothies. I had an Echinacea Boost for £2.50. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - Get your free Breakfast and Wake up to Organic.

Organic Smoothie, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Brighton Vietnamese


Milk No Sugar is currently doing a great job of posing as a coffee shop in easy reach of Brighton station. Step inside and you'll find yourself looking up at simple chalked lists of Vietnamese dishes at very affordable prices. I loved it. I loved the Ibiza vibe soundtrack and since then have tracked it down on Soundcloud and totally rinsed it (listened to it loads). I loved my chicken and rice dish and when I posted up about this on Instagram I found a lot of love coming back about this place. If you want a Brighton insider tip then this is the place for you. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - Vietnamese Milk No Sugar.

Milk No Sugar, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Brighton Food Tour


It's the only Brighton food tour I've ever been on but that doesn't mean it's not the best, does it? This tour combines two great loves of mine, trivia and food. What a pleasurable way to discover food delights in the bustling hub of Brighton. My stand out favourites were the hot chocolate drink we had at Rainbow Chocolates (I've been back since) and oysters at English's. For the ultimate in sophistication stop at the bar of English's for a glass of wine and a couple of oysters. This really is a must experience. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - Trying out the Brighton Food Tour.

Brighton food tour, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Brighton Fine Dining


To be honest I have a lot more places to try before I can give you the ultimate fine dining experience, as there really are quite a few for me to try. That said and thanks to Wriggle for offering a discounted deal, my Welsh One and I had the chance to enjoy a marvellous meal at Isaac At. I loved the Bonobo soundtrack, I loved how the chefs took it in turns to introduce the dishes before all the diners commenced eating. I loved the care and creativity that went into every dish, the combination of flavours, the interesting cooking techniques employed and I loved the recommended white wine, we drank two bottles of the Davenport. I challenge you not to love this too. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - What makes Isaac At so Great.

Isaac at, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Brighton Burger


Really this could feature quite easily in my Best Brighton Breakfast and Lunch categories too. Organic, locally sourced and with ethical credentials by the sack full. Choose interesting burger toppings like fig jam and hazelnuts with truly gorgeous burgers. I remember being so impressed that I just kept muttering the word phenomenal to my Welsh One, whose recommendation it had been. Literally, everything we had was delicious and I always try everything that comes within a fork's reach. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - Lucky Beach burgers.

Lucky Beach, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best London Lunch


Back to London I think and to the recently re-developed Kings Cross area. A lunchtime visit with the Sis and little Miss to Granger and co had us enjoying fine dining Ozzie style. My stand out was on Little Miss' plate, the creamed corn, although all our dishes were winners, combining unusual ingredients, such as siyez, zhoug and avocado poke in a totally tasty way. Find out more in my blog post Foodie Friday - Granger's in London for Ladies who Lunch.

Granger and co, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Staycation in Surrey


Slightly off point, but oh! The pool. So warm it was like swimming in a bath (in a good way). Situated outside, the perfect place for a pool, surrounded by trees at the base of Box Hill in the North Downs and most importantly empty. Bliss. Combine that with a delicious breakfast. The quality of a hotel breakfast can be a deal breaker in my view and this one got top marks. Fresh orange juice, fresh fruit, fresh pastries. I was happy. Plus surprisingly good bar food and a picnic full of treats all emanating from the same kitchen run by Nick Sinclair and you've got a wonderful staycation at Mercure's Box Hill Burford Bridge. Find out more in my blog post Days Away in Surrey - A Mercure Summer Stay and Picnic.

Mercure Box Hill, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Dining Room Experience


While on the subject of hotel dining I'll have to mention The Pig in Southampton. Visited on a sunny summer's night. It was as if we had entered a little haven of calm. A fabulous rum cocktail that was so good I had another straight away, a setting sun and boards with inviting looking pizzas. It was a proper relaxed date night that I'd recommend to anyone. Find out more in my blog post Days Away - Stay and Eat at The Pig in Southampton.

The Pig, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Food Market


I'd heard about Borough Market for years and unfortunately never been in the area when it was open. Well. What a great place. I bought cheese from the Bath Cheese company that went down a storm at a recent festive gathering. The cranberries I bought became the main ingredient for a Christmas chutney. My stand outs are quite numerous as is befitting of such an impressive establishment.
For starters, I seriously recommend the meat empanadas at Portena's plus the mulled wine with rum at Borough Wines. Next time I'll have to pluck up the courage to try a sea urchin at the Cornish Fish stall. Find out more in my blog post Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market.

Borough Market, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Best Overseas entry


A food hall so good it's worth visiting Portugal just to go there. This isn't any old food hall. Here top chefs jostle for prominence in Time Out's Mercado da Ribeira. I had chicken in a bap that turned my head. It's not just me who's going a bit crazy about this place. I pretty much loved Lisbon a lot too. Find out more in my blog post Portugal - 8 Great Discoveries in Lisbon.

Time out mercado da ribeira, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac


Wishing you a full fat, organic and locally sourced New Year

Barbecoa, 16 Brighton and london food highlights for 2016, photos by modern bric a brac

Sarah xx


photo 
Sarah Agnew
Blogger, Modern Bric a Brac
    

To find out about the best places to eat in Brighton and London plus beautiful places to visit, click here to Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Friday

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market

Truly delicious Argentinian street food, lull-you-to-sleep mulled wine, a wreath that's going to start trending, cheeses to tell everyone about, a sea urchin, golden milk for breakfast and spices I've never even heard of.

Borough Market is somewhere I have heard about for years and yet never visited. "You must go, you'll love it." "A food lover's heaven". But whenever I've been in the area all I've ever seen is an empty space to the side of Southwark Cathedral.

Wednesday last week and I finally had a chance to see Borough Market at its thriving bustling best. Transformed into a food lovers heaven, food stalls of small producers and those specialising in a particular area such as fish, meat, cheese, fruit, tea and oil came alive with noise, colour and aromas.

The Golden Milk shot


Literally busting with goodness, my first discovery was a steaming cup of coconut milk, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. This short drink, packed with ingredients known for their healing properties at Greenfield Farm Organic Life cost £1.50 and it's warming flavours with it's inviting liquid gold colour also had a bit of a kick.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

The Free From chocolate torte


It was the raspberry and pistachio topping that had made me stop at this stall, a green and pink topped cake made with rose water looked fabulous. But when I was asked what I'd like to eat I chose a slice of the chocolate, chestnut and rum torte (that I didn't take a picture of) instead. Expecting the torte to be rather rich I carried it home and shared it the next day with my lady friends. The verdict was that you could taste the rum and that it tasted very rich, smooth and not at all bitter even though it was dark chocolate.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

The Christmas Pudding stall


I'm not a fan of Christmas puddings, but for a Christmas post this had to be included and I'm sure the brandy and Guinness puds at Mclaren's would be very tempting if I did like them.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

The wreath that'll start trending


Made in Turkey of myrtle leaves, this compact little wreath costs £12 and isn't she beautiful. I'm in love with this wreath. What's not to love? Find her at the Gated Garden.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

The cheeses to please us


Little mouse sized mouthfuls of cheese lay invitingly on a board for passers by to try. The Sussex gold medal winner Mayfield was very tasty. Next door I tried more cheeses and the Wyfe of Bath from the Bath Soft Cheese Company had me hooked with her mellow creaminess. At the same stand the lady told me about their scamorza, which is like mozzarella but less wet and makes a fabulous cheese on toast.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac


The lull-you-into-a-warm-happiness mulled wine


The sign read "Best mulled wine in town". Said mulled wine was located at the edge of the wine stall for Borough Wines. To my reckoning wine merchants are likely to be a safe bet for a good mulled wine. Did I want it super-sized with a medicinal glug of rum? I was asked. Yes, of course, I said. Simply divine. After a little chatting with the man in the stall it turned out that Time Out London are fans of this mulled wine too and have made a video of the mulled wine being made. £4 for the wine, £5 with added rum.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

The Sea Urchins I didn't try


Just beside the cheese and wine was a stall with a big sign saying Cornish fish where Furness Fish and Game sell sea urchins for £3. Apparently, they'll cut one open and to eat it you just slip it into your mouth. I didn't feel this was my moment for trying this delicacy. Instead, I took a photo of the lads larking about with a blow fish. What a crazy looking fish.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

The Argentinian Empanadas that I did try


OMG. Go for an empanada big time when you are near Portena's. I tried the meat one and it was slurp-serious hot, meaty and filling. Despite all of the other great offerings I'd have to say this was the best of all. Apart from that, I want to return so that I can also try their yerba mate, a South American infusion drunk from a gourd through a filtered straw called a bombilla; and their alfajores, homemade biscuits filled with a sweet and gooey dulce de leche.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

What did I miss?


Kappacasein Dairy, apparently, he has large queues for his £6 Raclette and toasted cheese round the block.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac


My day out at Borough Market had left me feeling that I wanted to go back for more. I think for a perfect day out, a sense that you want to return is the best way to judge that you've had an excellent day out and Borough Market had that in spades.

Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Every Thursday and Friday 12:30 - 2:00 pm they have recipe demonstrations from top chefs using fresh market ingredients. Join them in the Market Hall for tips, tastings and inspiration from Demo Kitchen.

They also have a Cookbook Club, free to join, members meet up over drinks and share dishes cooked from a chosen cook book. The theme of the next event in January is How to Eat by Nigella Lawson. Find out more at the cookbookclub.

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

Christmas Days Out - London's Foodie Borough Market, photo by modern bric a brac

Best wishes

Sarah xx


photo 
Sarah Agnew
Blogger, Modern Bric a Brac
    

To find out about the best places to eat in Brighton and London plus beautiful places to visit, click here to Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Tuesday

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon

This hotel is so brand new the paint is still wet. Ok, maybe not, but this luxury destination for families is my second great recommendation from Cascais, a 20 minute drive from Lisbon and worth checking out. I promise!

Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Hotel


Thanks to my role as Blogger I sometimes get to peek inside places you wouldn't normally, in this instance a luxury holiday resort. Who wouldn't love this? With a love of buildings and interiors this was an opportunity I didn't want to miss.

It's also, I thought, a great way to find out whether the slick photos online really live up to the hype. In comparison the photos in this blog post are just my point and click, so let me know what you think.

Now, let me take you back to Cascais with me where I was staying in a pretty fabulous setting with my sis, little miss and mum at the Pestana Cascais. Despite our very happy accommodation we were all intrigued to find out about Martinhal's family hotel an eight minute drive away.

The taxi pulled up to reception and I was struck by the amount of trees and green space that surrounded the hotel. We were just outside Cascais and yet we were now within the Sintra Cascais National Park at a hotel set between two championship golf courses.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


Before our arrival we had been caught in a heavy burst of rain during a walk through Cascais that had left my canvas shoes stuck to my feet. As we sat in the enormous glass lobby designed by the award-winning Lisbon architect João Paciencia the sun had come out and it was as if we had landed in a completely different place, everywhere was light and bright.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


I was immediately drawn to look out the vast glass windows on the other side where the gardens designed by landscaper Francisco Cabral offered a glimpse into another world. An area nestled between two wings of the hotel was covered with water features, manicured lawns, trees and shrubs.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


At this my guide arrived and saw me looking at the fabulous scenery. "All our 72 rooms have huge windows and large balconies that overlook one of our beautiful views. Whether it's one of the water features, the garden, pool area or one of the greens of the Quinta da Marinha golf course there's a great vista from every room."

"Would you like to see one for yourself?" "Of course", I said and we headed off in the direction of one of the rooms. As we continued on I noticed how fresh and new everywhere looked. Monica opened the door to one of the rooms and the first thing I noticed was how large the room was. Through another door the bathroom had a glass window that looked through into the bedroom and beyond that the vast green vista of the landscaped gardens.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac



Downstairs the Finisterra spa reception again surprised me in size, just like the lobby the reception area was expansive and through a large floor to ceiling window there was a view onto the indoor pool. Along the side ran treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room for further relaxation.


Meanwhile, my sis, little miss and mum had disappeared into the park secured by card access opposite reception. Looking relaxed and enjoying their surroundings I joined them for lunch at the M-Bar located at the Kids Clubhouse in another welcoming and airy space.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


We had been invited to try out the menu and I noticed on the back Martinhal had included a selection of baby food for their smallest patrons. Mum and sis thought this a great addition to a family friendly hotel and we soon ordered a hearty lunch.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


With lunch over little miss was keen to go outside and play and we were soon downstairs beside the table tennis and an outdoor pool that is overlooked by the twelve Martinhal villas, also available for accommodation.

The autumn sunshine beamed down and huge cushions invited us to sit back and relax, it was a moment of absolute bliss.

Little miss ran off to the playground and in no time we were trying out the zip wire (takes the weight of an adult) and the bouncy mound.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


Our lunchtime visit had ended and as we headed back to the enormous light filled lobby I noticed a family of four disappearing from view on a set of bikes.

With only a moment to wait before our taxi arrived to take us away I noticed a board of daily activities 8:30 yoga, followed by dolphin watching, horse riding, salsa and family football. It sounded like fun.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac


The consensus was this was a great destination for family entertainment and relaxation.

With thanks to Martinhal for our delicious lunch.

Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Resort Hotel, R. do Clube Casa 36, Quinta Da Marinha, 2750-002 Cascais Portugal

They currently have special late deals for Christmas with prices starting from £87

There will be Christmas-themed activities for the little ones plus a wonderful three-course meal made up of festive favourites prepared with a fresh Portuguese twist. The special kids menu will make sure that even the fussiest of eaters are well-fed. After clearing their plates, the kids can escape to the supervised play-areas leaving the parents to finish their courses in peace and toast the fact neither will have to tackle the washing up.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the “California of Europe”: Prices start from £156

On New Year’s Eve, the properties dress up to the nines with Martinhal’s Gala Dinner where adults can enjoy cocktails and an evening of bubbles, while the children enjoy their very own party in between courses.

Both Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel and Martinhal Lisbon Cascais Family Hotels provide special festive offerings including:
Luxury Dinner and Party on 31st December 2016
Dinner on the 30th December 2016 or 1st January 2017
New Year’s Day lunch on 1st January 2017
20% discount in Finisterra Spa
Complimentary Kids Club and Crèche
TandC’s apply; Subject to pre-booking and availability.

Portugal - Martinhal Luxury Family Holiday in Cascais, Lisbon, photo by modern bric a brac

Happy Holidays and
Best wishes

Sarah xx


photo 
Sarah Agnew
Blogger, Modern Bric a Brac
    

To find out about the best places to eat in Brighton and London plus beautiful places to visit, click here to Follow my blog with Bloglovin
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