Just My Type = Archetype

Image from Instagram @archetypenapa

Everybody knows I love a good brunch.* In fact, the only people in the world who could possibly like brunch more than me are Americans – they can't get enough of the stuff and, let's be honest here, nobody does it better.

I, like every other basic bitch in the land, have a few top brunch spots in the world: Brickwood Clapham is number one, primarily due to proximity but also because their avo toast tastes much better than skinny feels; Holybelly in Paris is a close second and the latest addition to the list is Archetype in Napa.

Guilt Free Feasting: Ethos Review

I love nothing more than a good veggie restaurant- I would happily go meat free Monday to Sunday if I could afford to eat out every night. Experimental, exciting and packed full of flavour; today's veggie options are a million miles from plates of insipid steamed carrots and gelatinous tofu.

London has always been abundant in vegetarian restaurants, but the veggie food boom is arguably the best bi-product of the capital's wellness wave. Now, even the most ferocious of meat eaters could be tempted to veg out.

Of all the new openings worth raving about, my favourite is Ethos. On paper, it sounds hellish- it’s just by Oxford Circus, it has curry and arancini on the same menu and it is self-service- but in reality, Ethos is heaven.

A Pretty Plateful

There is much more to healthy eating than crudites and cold pressed juicing. While working on my final major project, a magazine combining health and fashion content, I have come to appreciate how exciting and diverse healthy eating can be. It is not just for budding Gwyneths or yummy mummies, nor is it just for those with pockets deep enough to splurge on 'superfood' powders and organic veg. It also isn't as London-centric as most would think.

Healthy eating is actually very easy to do, regardless of your age, location and occupation. It is just about making clever choices and allowing yourself enough time to prepare lighter meals at home. I  look to the Deliciously Ella app for balanced tasty meals, but I am also rather smitten with The Detox Kitchen.

Lily Simpson founded The Detox Kitchen in order to design and deliver meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Lily started off by working with chefs and nutritionists to create a range of calorie-controlled meal plans to deliver directly to her clients across London. Reacting to the restrictive nature of traditional "diets" or "cleanses", the daily packages are not ridiculously low calorie and are far more manageable than juice cleanses. They also taste great.

Holiday Wardrobe: Yosemite Evenings

There are a few sights in the world that are enchanting beyond description. While words are my one true love (after Gosling, obviously), even they cannot do the beauty of this world justice.

One such example is Yosemite National Park in California. It is all too easy to mistake Yosemite for a stuffy hikers haunt, but there is something utterly captivating about the area.

Almost wholly unspoilt, the scenery is dramatically sculpted by glacial erosion, with rolling plains and ragged cliffs meeting seamlessly at rows of giant redwoods.

If ever we are lucky enough to return to Yosemite, we hope to stay in the park itself, as this year we opted for a chateau outside the town of Oakhurst. Oakhurst is, comparatively, rather mundane.

Our chateau, however, was glorious. Chateau du Sureau proposes a totally different experience to Solage, but is almost as enjoyable. With acres of forestry and secluded gardens, including a fairytale trail complete with antique swings and a lakeside gazebo, Chateau du Sureau is inspired by traditional traits of romantic resorts in Europe.

The Austrian founder Erna has an enthusiasm and warmth that enhances the elegance of the welcoming resort. Each lodge is stocked with treats including fresh lemonade and cookies studded with golden raisins, and every morning guests are offered freshly baked croissants and brioche with homemade jams.

The true gem of the hotel is Erna’s Elderberry House, a dining establishment with an inspiring five-course menu, which changes daily. The restaurant is suitably refined, with a smart dress code and exceptional service to match the carefully considered cuisine.

Our meal began with tender sea bass, followed by a sweet plum gazpacho, a rich beef dish, a palette cleansing strawberry salad and a duo of desserts. Decadent, yes, but delicious nonetheless.

WHAT I WORE

It’s been a good while since I’ve dined at a restaurant with a dress-code, so I thought I may as well make an effort. No H&M menswear hoody here, folks.

Somewhat predictably, I opted for a tan-enhancing strapless dress in finely pleated ivory silk. This prom style is from H&M a couple of years ago, but I still love its elegant look. Try this cute style or this delight in Champagne.

To inject a little colour, I added a Zara statement necklace in jade and aqua and complimentary hoop earrings with turquoise drops. I loosely parted my hair off-centre and tied it in a low-slung ponytail before teasing out strands for a messy look.

Last but not least, I popped on my beloved Zara sandals and set off for Erna’s Elderberry House. 

SIMILAR STYLES

The London Edit: Foodies

Everyone knows that London is full of gorgeous restaurants. Michelin-starred joints are all over the shop and you can sample everything from Mexican to Moroccan in this diverse and delicious city!

I have made it my mission to find some gorgeous London restaurants in my first year here and I do think I have succeeded! I have edited it down to my all-out favourites (some more known than others) that I would highly recommend to any visitors to London.

As with my other London edit posts, I would love you all to give me your recommendations for London restaurants!

I'm finding it very tricky to narrow it down so here are my top five restaurants (in no particular order!)

I'm also hoping to try Ceviche, Bodega Negra, Mildreds, Cabana, Fornata, Roti Chai, Dinings, Dinner by Blumenthal, China Tang, Hawkswmoor and Yashin. I can dream, eh? If you've been to any of these restaurants please do let me know whether they are worth a visit!

1. Dishoom, Covent Garden (££)
The best Indian I have ever eaten, with the exception of The Cinnamon Club and Mumbai Mansion in Edinburgh, comes courtesy of this stylish little Bombay cafe in the west end. Central and just a little walk to Leicester Square station, I have had some of my favourite meals in this cosy little restaurant. Almost like an indian tapas, you can share a selection of street food delights including Dishoom Calamari (gorgeous!) and chilli cheese on toast before indulging in a delicious biryani or gorgeously spiced curry served with your choice of bread made right before your eyes! Spicy dips are on the table to add to taste and you can wash it all down with an authentic cooling lassi. My picks are the Dishoom Frankie- a naan bread wrap with chicken- and the delectable salads- the tastiest Indian food in London I reckon!

2. Fino, Charlotte Street (£££)
I'm sure you will have heard of the famous Barrafina in Soho, but I am afraid I have yet to try it! However I just had to try their sister restaurant Fino, and I was certainly not disappointed. A more formal dining experience than the bustling Barrafina, Fino offer some seriously delicious tapas (from a bit of a tapas enthusiast!). The fish is delicious, as are croquettes and tomato bread, but i'd suggest ordering a selection and sharing- it's a lovely restaurant with a great atmosphere! If you fancy trying another Spanish i'd recommend Iberica on Great Portland Street and i've heard good things about The Salt Yard. Any other suggestions just pop a comment below!

3. Manna, Primrose Hill (£££)
My favourite weekend lunch spot has to be Manna in Primrose Hill. I would kill to be a Primrose Hill resident, not least because this little restaurant is quite something. Tucked away opposite the TriYoga studios off Regents Park Road, Manna is all vegan and all bloody delicious! Try the Manna Mezze, a selection of four starters of your choice (the basil and cashew croquettes were just gorgeous) or the Manna Nachos. Finish it off with a vegan cake and glass of vino! Seriously, I can't rave about this little eatery enough! Another favourite Primrose Hill restaurant is the esteemed Odettes on Regents Park Road. It is unpretentious and great value for money (a reasonable £50 tasting menu) as well as offering some delicious great British food. 

4. Nobu, Park Lane (££££)
Having been to both the Berkeley and the Park Lane restaurants, I have to say that Nobu Park lane gets my vote. I'm a total Japanese fiend and in London, so far, Nobu is unbeaten. I love Roka on Charlotte Street, but the sashimi salad at Nobu and that delectably sweet black miso cod give it the edge. I love the sashimi lunch option, followed by one of the stellar desserts (Banana Split 3000 is quite something!) It's not cheap, but it's quite an experience and I would eat at Nobu every day for the rest of my life if I could. I have only ever had better sashimi in two other restaurants, both of which are in Spain, believe it or not! (Koy Shunka in Barcelona and Nu in Gerona)

5. Wahaca, Soho (££)
Okay, so Wahaca is a chain of Mexican restaurants and it is hardly a hidden gem, but I love the Soho branch best! It is my favourite place for comfort food sans guilt. I love the small sharing plates of cheesy quesadillas, zingy tacos and spicy taquitos and I adore the atmosphere and friendly staff. It is a bit of a pain having to wait for a table (no reservations ya see) but it's 100% worth it. Sit back and wait while sipping a fiery Bloody Maria and munch on a few tortilla chips with chunky guacamole. Finish off your meal on a sweet note with the churros with dark chocolate or the delectable hotcake with dulce du leche- so good! You will not be disappointed with Wahaca- I actually miss it when i'm not in London.

Foodie Porn: El Celler de Can Roca

MMM! I know what you're thinking, right? What a fat bitch. Yes. I ate it all. And i'm glad I did.

El Celler de Can Roca is San Pellegrino's 2nd best restaurant in the world, clutching a Michelin star for each Roca brother (3, obv). While it's not the best meal i've had in terms of taste, and perhaps wasn't the best meal of my holiday (it would have been were it not for Nu in Gerona- mmm!), it was the best culinary experience i've ever had. It certainly is all about theatre at this amazing restaurant. So feast your eyes on the Feast menu of Spain's finest restaurant. 

Top 3 Afternoon Tea

First off the blocks is a revised afternoon tea offering from my favourite London restaurant: Nobu Berkeley. I love everything about Nobu, from the ruby red tuna sashimi through to the unrivalled desserts, and when I saw their take on the great British afternoon tea I went weak at the knees! Served 3PM- 5.30PM Monday to Friday, the menu involves Takoyaki (delicious battered octopus balls), smoked salmon sashimi with cucumber and wasabi sour cream, green tea and Yuzu doughnut and fruit skewers. The quirky menu is available with infusion tea for £30, with the fabulous Nobu collection of teas for £32.50, with a glass of Billecart Salmon Brut for £40 and with both for £42.50. Perfect to round of Jubilee weekend in style, click here to reserve a table.  

Hot on Nobu's heels from the Caramel Room at the Berkeley is the new take on the famous Pret-A-Portea. This season it is all about her majesty with some patriotic pastries. All served on iconic Paul Smith crockery, the Royal Collection has a number of cheery royal treats including a praline profiterole inspired by Beatrice's fascinator, a pannacotta macaroon inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge and a delightful studded vanilla biscuit resembling the crown. This little piece of patisserie heaven is available from 1-6PM until 9th of June, so get your skates on! It is £39 per person, £49 with a glass of Laurent Perrier and £55 with couture champagne- if you are really ready for a royal indulgence. Click here for details- spaces are limited and reservations are very much advised.  

Whether you love it or hate it, I don't doubt that you will be a little endeared by the limited edition jars of Ma'amite all over the shops at the moment. The salty spread has the UK divided, but is now the centrepiece of a delicious afternoon tea spread at one of Chelsea's finest hotels. The Botanist are serving the Marmite Afternoon Tea until the 10th of June and it really is a treat. The ladies offering (£18 without Champagne, £25 with) involves assorted finger sandwiches, delicious cheddar and Marmite scones, Marmite cheese straws and some bizarre but intriguing desserts including chocolate cake with Marmite caramel buttercream (presumably a salted caramel effect?), Black Velvet cupcakes and a Marmite and peanut butter brownie. Not for traditionalists, but certainly worth a try. Gents can opt for a manly version (£25 with a Marmite Mary) without all the fancy pastries and instead with a hearty marmite rarebit. Intrigued? Click here to make a reservation. 

One for the boys. For £50 you can enjoy a full-on gentleman's feast at the Sanctum hotel in Soho. It really is a feast! It kicks off with a poached oyster with bloody mary relish, steak and mushrooms on sourdough and smoked salmon and  caviar on a bagel. The hearty mini mains include a lamb and potato hotpot, a mini beef burger, a rabbit and pancetta pasty and a roast beef stuffed Yorkshire. If that wasn't quite enough, the sweet comes courtesy of a dark and unctuous twice baked chocolate fudge cake with Jack Daniels ice cream. It is all washed down with tea and coffee, a tankard of Jack Daniels and a cigar to be smoked on the roof garden. Wow. Think you can handle all that? Click here. 

Alas, it is the last day of the Diamond Jubilee, so what better way to spend your day than with one of London's fabulous Afternoon Teas. 

There's nothing more British than tea and cake, and the staid afternoon tea- those tiers of mini sarnies and sickly petit fours- has had a culinary makeover, and it is officially chic. 

From royal themed biccies to Japanese fruit skewers, Afternoon Tea has never been cooler for us ladies.

Also there is one for the boys! The latest foodie trend is afternoon tea for men, the best of which is available at The Sanctum in Soho. The Ma'amite afternoon tea is also available in a gentlemen friendly guise.