Fashion lunch
Mayfair restaurant Sketch is hoping to appeal to the fashion-concious customer with the launch of its my-Gourmet Rapide lunch promotion. The restaurant has teamed up with online retailer my-wardrobe.com to offer diners a three-course lunch from the Gourmet Rapide menu in the Lecture Room, a glass of Champagne and a goody bag including a £50 gift voucher to spend at my-wardrobe.com and an autumn/winter 2011 style guide. The £60 deal will be availabe from the start of London Fashion Week on 16 September to the end of Paris Fashion Week on 5 October. Sketch's pastry chef has also created three macaroons inspired by key fashion trends - floral and gingham - for spring/summer 2012 that will be served in the Parlour during the same period.
Dishonourable drinks
Leeds pub Town Hall Tavern has created a cocktail list that takes inspiration from its buildings former use. On 27 August, the venue, previously a place where solicitors and police officers would prepare cases, will host A Night of Dishonourable Intentions where general manager Mat Atkinson Mat Atkinson and Nick Ord of Fluid Dynamics, will unveil their new drinks menu. One-of-a-kind mixes include Juror’s Relief, Gin Disorder in Court and Lady Justice.
Feast for friends
Whitechapel Gallery Dining Room is starting a monthly feast night designed to appeal to large groups of six diners or more. Starting on 14 September, head chef Emma Duggan and consultant chef Angela Hartnett will devise themed menus for each month. Prices start from £30 per person with September’s menu including platters of charcuterie and Cornish sardines on toast with tomato and piquillo pepper salsa to start and a main course of whole roast Goosnargh chicken, truffle chips, Panzanella salad, autumn slaw and aioli. For dessert there will be classic English puddings such as mixed berry pavlova to share.
Preferred Pride
Almost 100 Preferred Hotel Group members around the world have joined together to create Preferred Pride, a recognised group of hotels that pledge to understand and cater to the specific needs of the LGBT traveler. To be eligible for Preferred Pride, hotels must be either TAG Approved® (Community Marketing’s Travel Alternative Group) or belong to IGLTA® (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association). Hotels within the group are given diversity training which suggests moves such as providing bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries befitting same sex couples; having a knowledgeable concierge who can provide a list of the area’s best attractions, dining and nightlife; or simply including publications within the hotel that acknowledge the specific guest’s interests.