Ice Cream ParadISE: Our Favorite Picks

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Those who know me well know that one of the three things I can survive without* is ice-cream (or Gelato, however you want to call it). No matter if it is summer or winter, whether it's sunny or it rains, ice-creams are part of my life all year round. In fact, I prefer to have ice-cream when it's raining and cold (and I am obviously covered in bed, binge-watching Netflix). 

However, I've been doing some tasting all over the city in the search of my favourite ice-cream parlour. I must say, there's a lot of great stuff in the city. And that is why I decided to provide you with some guidance on where is good to go. Hope you like it!

Keep on licking, Keep on loving.

TCB xx

CENTRAL

  • Gelupo is definetely my go-to ice-cream shop when in central London. Gelato from the Alps, home made and with delicious nouveau flavours.

  • Milk Train Cafe is great for those who love Japan. This ice-cream shop got famous thanks to its candy-floss ice-cream cones. They are available in three flavours, and three flavours only, including Hojicha (roasted green tea), Matcha and Vanilla.

  • Tombo Cafe or Shackfuyu for those real matcha lovers, these will give you a total energy boost!

 

 

CHINATOWN

  • Bubblewrap is the new kid in town. Expect cues of at least 1 hour to get this delicious Hong-Kong style bubble waffle filled with delicious ice-cream and as many toppings as you like. If you can't be bothered to do such a huge line to get 'just a dessert', then I suggest you going to Nosteagia in Picadilly, literally the same stuff, but not as hipster.

  • Bake serves the biggest Taiyaki in town, a japanese-style fish-shaped waffle with either matcha, vanila or chocolate ice-cream.

 

 

 

NORTH & EAST

  • Marine Ice is a north-London institution when it comes to ice-cream. The since the 1920s!

  • Chin Chin Labs is a more futuristic option in the heart of Camden Lock Market. This shop sells nitro-ice cream! Worth checking out if you are into finding something different.

  • Soft Swerve Society is also a new kid in town. And a kid that is doing very well! Located at Box Park Shoreditch, this little shop serves premium soft serves in a more sofisticated shape than your average ice-cream cone. It also serves what they call 'freakshakes', the ultimate american-style cups filled with ice-cream, whipped cream and anything sugary that you wished for.

All My Loving: Spanish Food in London

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You can take the Spanish out of the country, but you can’t the Spanish out of the girl. There’s certain things that won’t change and one of them is my culture. The more time I am away from home, the more I miss my own Spanish things. It’s crazy cause when I moved to London I wanted to run away from it all, I disliked it. And I couldn’t love it more now.

I was reluctant to try Spanish restaurants for years, but as time went by, I missed my home food, so I started trying, and trying, until I found my favourite (and non-expensive) Spanish restaurants. And when I mean favourite, I mean GOOD Spanish restaurants by Spanish standards.

Off you go!

HACKNEY: El Ganso

A classic for the East End locals (and my personal hangover cure restaurant on a weekend) , this low-key restaurant is run by spanish peeps in the kitchen. Their gambas al ajillo and paella are fantastic, but so are the croquettas and the huevos estrellados.

STOKEY: Escocesa

I LOVE the concept of this place. Using seafood from Scotland and recipes from Spain. As the owner told us, before the seafood goes further away, they have a stopover in London. They then take on the southern recipes to create an amazing menu. An absolute winner, in my opinion. Also, they have a paella offer over the weekend.

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DALSTON: Furanxo

This place is banging if you are missing all your spanish delicacies. Lots of seafood in tins (razor clams, octopus) and a fantastic selection of wines. It serves as a deli during the day and as a wine & charcuteria bar in the evenings.

BANK: Hispania. Spanish food goes lush. The venue is stunning and so is the food.

SOHO: Sabor

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Sabor means ‘taste’ in Spanish, and they certainly succeed in taste at this two-story restaurant. On the groundfloor you’ll encounter a walk-in tapas bar, whereas on the first floor you’ll find a more delicate restaurant, cooking specialisties from Galicia and Castile regions, mainly focusing on meats cooked in a traditional wood fire oven.

Also in Soho but only if you are feeling like splurging…Barrafina, OK! It is good, let’s admit it. However, I am slightly put off by their prices. I mean, 2 croquetas for £6? No comment.

BERMONDSEY: Jose.

This is another banging tapas bar. They have Jose as the tapas bar and Jose Pizarro as the “fine dining” option. We’ve only tried the tapas so far, and it is worth the visit to Bermondsey. Only suggestion: avoid ordering beer! With a £4 for half-pint, you are better off ordering wine. Nevertheless, their croquetas are the best in town, and their meat cuts are rather excellent.

And that’s all folks! If the restaurant you were thinking about it’s not here, it’s probably NOT worth going, but we would love to be challenged to it. If you think we are missing a great Spanish restaurant by all means let us know, and we’ll try it.

Buen provecho chicos,

TCB xx




Best Steakhouses in London

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If you are not into meat, I strongly suggest you stop reading this article. This is definitely not for you, fella. However, if you are one of those people who dreams about meaty treats then HALLO WELCOME! You are at the right place. TOP CHOICE steakhouses, BBQ restaurants and gastropubs, all serving the best meat that London has to offer. Trust me, you will want more.

CENTRAL LONDON:

BLACKLOCK

 

Craving Meat while having drinks in Soho? This is your place.

All sorts of chops, based on a daily menu, cooked on old charchoal. DELISH! 

Do not miss on their sides: I've NEVER ever had such good fries as the beef dripping fries (and I am an addict to potatoes). Mind you their cocktails are also a fiver! WINNING.

HAWKSMOOR

 

Known by most meat lovers by now, but a great spot to refuel. Prepare your wallets, though!

Since its first opening in, the restaurant has opened many sister branches all across London, including not only its Covent Garden location but also Knightbridge, Shoreditch and Borough.

 

EAST LONDON

 

Think of the most tasty BBQ meats you've had lately. Now think better than that and the result is this East London heaven. 

My absolute must-try dishes include the crispy ox cheek, the pigtails and the ribs. Finish off with a sticky toffee pudding and your life will be forever complete.

 

BUEN AYRE

 
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This Argentinean steakhouse is probably your best meaty restaurant across London, at least when it comes to quality-price. The most tender, juicy and tasty meat I've tasted any time I've been there. Of course, you need to have chimichurri sauce on it. 

PITT CUE

 

Only for serious meat lovers who are up for stepping up their game. In here you'll find pig's head, ox tongue and many other meats you wouldn't think of trying. All of them, freakylicious.

 

NORTH LONDON

 

Ok, I must admit I am making a bold suggestion here, as I haven't been to this place yet. Reviews, however, speak highly of it. These gastropub in the heart of Islington is meant to be providing mouthwatering meaty dishes, which to me sounds like a match made in heaven. Good drinks selection and yummy food? COUNT-ME-IN.