Sarah's reviews
Review of Turnbull and Asser
15 May 07, 11:37
A cut above 
This beautiful store is testament to all things old and lovely about London's tailoring tradition. Piles of peacock-coloured shirts, ties, braces and handkerchiefs line the wood-panelled walls, while cases of cufflinks and accessories are stowed under glass counters. This is one (if not the?) last places where you can have a bespoke shirt made in London - and specify literally every detail: collar height, number of buttons, vents and, of course, fabric and cut. The charming, old-school service is expensive, but then this is a luxury and should be kept that way.
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Review of Twenty Twenty One
13 May 07, 12:55
Home is where the heart is
This exquisite but eye-wateringly expensive designer homeshop is ideal for the committed design enthusiast looking for something different. Specialises in Swedish / Scandinavian minimalist pieces.
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Review of Gilding the Lily
12 May 07, 15:09
Who will buy?
This flower stall, inches from south kensington tube is a lovely landmark. Stuffed with glorious blooms all through the year. They'll make up bouquets to order, or you can buy one of the hand tied ready made bouquets which are truly gorgeous. It is expensive but the quality is worth it really. Perfect for surprising someone.
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Review of Rosies Deli Cafe
11 May 07, 16:53
Johnny loves Rosie: so do I
This gorgeous deli and cafe, run by 27-year-old Rosie, is tucked away in Brixton covered market, and sits side-by-side with the more classic Brixton fare of bling clothes and off-beat fruit and veg. Presentation is everything in this shop, and if you order takeaway sandwiches (focaccia, ciabatta or panini, piled high with meats, cheeses, salad and drizzled with olive oil) they come wrapped in grease-proof paper, tied with string and fastened with pretty Rosie's stickers. In addition to the sandwich service, there are deli classics like olives, sub-blush tomatoes, cheeses and lovely oils. Deal-clinchers include the freshly pressed and glass-bottled apple juice, old-fashioned ginger beer and lemonade. Rosie also does catering - think charcuterie platters and light bites - in local bars such as Mish Mash on Lavender Hill or to order for businesses/private parties.
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Review of Sanderson Hotel
11 May 07, 15:36
Sexy Sanderson
This has the usual slightly wonky Schrager styling and eccentricity, but the best thing about staying in the Sanderson are the incredible beds. Huge, silver, sleigh style things with thread counts to die for. The service at this hotel is exceptional, and despite all the posing around, the actual "hotelness"Â of the place is really impressive. My room was quite noisy as it backed on to the terrace/garden/courtyard area at the back and it was a summers evening so everyone with a job in media and advertising were ensconced there. But otherwise I got a great nights sleep.
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Review of Swarovski
10 May 07, 17:33
Shiny happy shopper 
This is a branch of the famous crystal company. It sells everything from the higher end fashion jewellery through to those dreadful crystal swans and teddy bears that are so very useful. Some of the fashion stuff is really rather lovely (though no substitute for the real thing) so for anyone who has a bit of the magpie in them, this is a good place to stock up on some bling.
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Review of Ad Lib
10 May 07, 12:28
Boring bar 
This bar looks more exciting from the outside than it is once you're in. And this has everything to do with the single strand of fairy lights in the window. Beyond that it's nothing to write home about. This is like every other soulless and faintly sleazy bar on the Fulham Rd, only this one is a bit pokier.
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Review of Soho Hotel
10 May 07, 11:03
Big screen
The Soho Hotel works on a Marmite philosophy, and I subscribe to the "love it"? camp. While it may have been criticised for a paint-by-numbers approach to boutique-cool, the eclectic mix of style, plus great service and a good mix of clientele make for a great destination. Its screening rooms are ideally located in the heart of media land. There are two on offer: one to seat 100 and the other catering for a more reasonable 45 people (£250/hour). The smaller of the two is furnished with huge armchair seats in cowhide or red leather with drinks trays and masses of legroom. Pre-screening refreshments can be laid on and there is a bar that can be exclusively booked. It's a great platform for a film preview or for your own private party.
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Review of Milk and Honey
09 May 07, 23:30
Food of the gods
This blissful hideaway is members only. Unless you've read this review of course, and found out that non members are actually welcome until 11pm every weeknight , just make sure you call or email in advance to make a reservation. Quite rightly, members get priority , that's what they pay their 600-odd-quid for. But more about the bar , booth seating and discrete tables fill most of the floor space as this is definitely out of the meet and drink school of bars, rather than a dancing on the table kind of place. Cocktails are well mixed and the wine list excellent. The staff is charming and the clientele are all like-minded folk governed by actually quite a strict set of rules, such as no unsanctioned approaches to other groups of people , which means you're left to enjoy your evening undisturbed.
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Review of Pinko
09 May 07, 12:41
Fashionista -ish
There aren't many branches of this womenswear fashion label in London and this is one of the few stand alone stores. It has two floors. I really like some of their clothes, they tend towards the directional and flashy end of the fashion spectrum so lots of sparkles and slashed necklines. You have to go a bit out of the way to get to the store, its at the less popular end of the Brompton rd, but they have a far bigger selection of the current collection here than they do at the concessions in Harrods or Harvey nics.
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