Be queen for a day in Tatty Devine’s crystal tiara
Stand out from the crowd with a crown-emb...
by Verity Hogan Wednesday, 2 November, 2011
Wahaca
Wahaca is redefining Mexican cuisine by eschewing chips and dips in favour of fresh, flavourful street food, served in a laid-back setting. The menu is as vibrant and diverse as the country itself, combining meats and cheeses with fresh vegetables and a hint of South American spice. Every traditional dish has its place on the menu, from crisp tacos to cheesy quesadillas and hearty burritos. Finish with the perfect after-dinner indulgence: sugar-coated churros dipped in a hot chocolate sauce.
Searcys Champagne Bar
Relax and watch the world go by at this supremely stylish 74-seater Champagne bar. Perfectly placed for people watching, this is the place to see and be seen while raising a glass to some of the finest chilled Champagne around. With more than 100 different vintages to choose from you are sure to find a glass to suit; world-famous houses and smaller independent vineyards are represented. Food is equally delicious, served tapas style to complement rather than overwhelm the delicate Champagne flavours.
All Star Lanes
Traditional ten-pin bowling has been reinvented at All Star Lanes, where delicious diner-style food, an extensive cocktail list and a party soundtrack accompany the family-friendly sport. All Star has a retro 50s vibe and a vibrant colour scheme; lime green walls clash brilliantly with brown leather banquettes and pillar box red bar stools, accented by neon signage which adds to the old-school charm. The menu is broadly American; burgers, chicken wings and an especially spicy chilli con carne are typical dishes while the milkshakes make an indulgent, creamy, treat.
Dermalogica
Healthy skin lies at the heart of every successful beauty look and, thanks to Dermalogica, it is now within everyone’s reach. The professionally trained staff at the Stratford Skin Bar deliver a service that leaves skin feeling noticeably cleaner and healthier, using products that are free of common irritants and ingredients can that cause breakouts. The products are also available to take away, meaning that the results can be long lasting and this season’s flawless look can be recreated every day at home.
Apple
Apple products combine style with real substance and the brand’s Stratford store is a must-see for gadget lovers of every generation. The store is home to all of the company’s iconic products, from the iPod to iMac and the latest models of both the iPad and iPhone. Employees in bright blue Apple-emblazoned T-shirts are on hand to offer technical advice, while confirmed technophobes can attend one of the free workshops offered in the store to gain confidence in their computer skills. Any device can be set up as soon as you buy so that it is ready to go as soon as you get home.
Aspinal of London
Bringing a touch of high-end elegance to the East End, Aspinal of London specialises in sophisticated, beautifully designs and handcrafted leather goods. This refined boutique carries the label’s full range, including bound photo albums, wallets and travel accessories that can be given a personal touch with engraved gold lettering. Aspinal’s collections capture heritage chic perfectly.
The Kooples
The Kooples embodies the East London aesthetic with effortless cool, combining gritty urban styling with a hint of Parisian chic. Both the men’s and women’s collections look to Savile Row for tailored pieces with a vintage edge – think navy lightweight blazers thrown over rock motif tees and set off by chunky lace-up boots. Unsurprisingly, the brand is much loved by the indie music crowd and its founders now run a record label that adds authenticity to the clothes’ rock-star attitude.
Hollister
Laid-back surfer style is not immediately associated with East London, but US brand Hollister is determined to change that. Recreating the style of Southern California, its collections feature a wealth of denim, plaid and preppy letterman cardigans teamed with flipflops and simple, beach-ready hair and make up. The store features live projections from the Californian coastline, taking visitors from Stratford to Santa Barbara in moments.
245 Regent Street, London W1B 2EN Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 6251
16-18 Old Bond Street, London, W1X 3DA Tel: +44 (0)20 7647 5000
175-177 New Bond Street, London, W1S 4RN Tel: +44 (0)20 7408 5700
160 New Bond Street, London, W1S 2UE Tel: +44 (0)20 7399 4050
235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL Tel: +44 (0)20 7153 9000