Review: Jackson & Rye

Not working in London anymore means I'm usually always late to the party - I can hardly keep up with all the new openings. My list doesn't seem to be getting any shorter!

When I arranged a dinner date with Elodie in central I suggested - well maybe bullied - her into going Jackson & Rye. She'd already been quite a few times already so was all too happy to go along with my suggestion. I booked a table for 6pm and when we arrived it was already starting to get busy so I really would suggest booking before turning up! We had such an attentive waitress who made the meal really enjoyable. I loved the old American feel of the place - it felt like you'd stepped back in time to the Deep South.

After being persuaded to stay away from the burger I went with the crispy buttermilk fired chicken with spicy white cabbage slaw and a side of sweet potato fries. The portion was absolutely huge so I'm glad we didn't opt for a starter. The chicken was succulent and perfectly crunchy. There's nothing worse that soggy fried chicken.  The fries were very moreish with a tasty spice to them. The batter did get a bit too sickly and greasy towards the end but I'd still have it again! I loved the white cabbage slaw. The ratio of mayo and lemon couldn't be better and I could have eaten a whole bowl of the stuff. I'm not even much of a slaw fan either!

On a side not this whole mood lighting trend in restaurants really doesn't help me to take pictures - sort it out owners!

Have you ever eaten at Jackson & Rye?

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When I look into your eyes I see something that money can't buy

Outfit:
Green floral midi wiggle dress: ASOS (similar)
Yellow peep toe heels: Karen Millen (similar)
Grey and yellow laser cut clutch: Primark (similar)

I was on a spending ban and then during a daily browse on ASOS - I'm not the only one who does this surely?! - I spotted this in the sale and promptly added it to my basket. There was an additional 15% off sale code so it came to £21, down from £48. I couldn't not buy it right? That's what I'm telling myself anyway. There's just something about the shape and style of this dress I've fallen in love with. My collection now consists of three and I'm trying to think of an excuse to buy another one. These shoes were a very kind hand me on from my mum's boss after she bought them in the sale and they turned out to be too small. Luckily for me they fitted just right! The colour is gorgeous and I've been itching to wear them for the past few months but just never found the right dress. Another reason why the dress was a good buy...

This morning I'm doing a bootsale with my nan and then rushing back home to get ready for a curry in Brick Lane this afternoon. I was kindly given a voucher via work so looking forward to stuffing my face with one of my favourite cuisines. You can't beat a Sunday afternoon stroll along Brick Lane - it's one of my favourite places in London.

Have you got anything planned for today?

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Review: Barbican Afternoon tea

Last Sunday I took the tube into Central London to the Barbican and met Lily along with the other blogging buddies for a spot of afternoon tea to help celebrate her birthday. It was a lovely sunny day so we sat outside to enjoy the view over the lakes.

For only £13.95 you were given unlimited tea and a selection of sandwiches and cakes. The scone was ah-mazing! The service was a little hit and miss but the cakes made up for it. The sandwiches were a variety of fillings such a cucumber, smoked salmon and cheese, ham and mustard and egg cress. The ham and mustard ones were my favourite - they had just the right amount of kick. The lemon cheesecake went down a treat - tangy and creamy always make a good combination. I wasn't too keen on the custard-like filling of the éclair - I much prefer whipped cream in the middle.

It's nice little treat if you're in the area at the weekend. We all need an indulgence on a Sunday!

Have you ever eaten at the Barbican?

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