Top 5 Unexpected Date Ideas in the City

Nicole Pottle

March 23, 2023

Valentine’s Day may have passed, but if you’re looking for a reason to treat yourself and your loved ones, read on!

You won’t have an excuse not to with the help of our trusted guide recommending you the City’s Top 5 Unexpected Date Ideas.

Climb The Monument – did someone say 311 steps?! You heard us. Don’t panic though, apparently the record time to climb to the top was just over a minute, (trust us, it wasn’t us). If you’re looking for something active and unique to do on a date – you should give this a go. Not only will you feel a huge sense of accomplishment at the top, you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal 360 degree views of the City (highlights include Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Walkie Talkie building). Well worth the climb, if you ask us!

2. Premium Whiskey Tasting at Alba Bar – an exclusive hidden gem nestled within Silverleaf bar, Alba is a private, intimate bar offering you a journey of sensations during their premium whiskey tasting sessions. With only up to 12 people per session invited, the team will take you through an incredible journey – from cask selection, to the ageing process, you will be submerged into the journey of whiskey creation. If an exclusive drinking experience sounds up your street, we’re certain you’ll love this. Memories to last a lifetime!

3. Shopping at One New Change – Why not take your date on a shopping trip? In the heart of Cheapside, One New Change gives you all your shopping needs. Expect an abundance of high street and designer shops and restaurants. Why not stop for a cheeky pastry and coffee after at Paul, and enjoy the world-class views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, just a 2 minute walk from One New Change?

4. Dining at Terra – Looking to wine and dine in the City? Join us in Terra, part of Eataly, just next door to Liverpool St station. Terra, the wood-burning grill restaurant, offers you quarterly-changing menus, keeping seasonality at the forefront of the produce-led kitchen – covering antipasti, a curated selection of pasta & risotto, and most importantly, ‘alla griglia’ – the grill, which is the beating heart of Terra.

See you there!

5. Discover classic & contemporary art at The Guildhall Gallery – Finally, we have another freebie for you. Visit the Guildhall’s Art gallery – free entry and guided tours. The City of London Corporation had commissioned and collected portraits since 1670, to hang in the Guildhall. Right now, you can also check out ‘The Big City’ exhibition, which celebrates monumental painters of the capital, and London’s only Roman amphitheatre from 70AD which was discovered during the construction of the gallery in 1988.

Whether you’re tasting exceptional whiskies in an immersive experience, viewing influential pieces of art at the Guildhall Gallery, or treating your date to an impressive Italian meal at the wonderful wood-burning grill restaurant, Terra, we know you’ll have a great time.

Albion Waves by Oliver Beer at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

Jade Steward

March 10, 2023

*Photo by Marcus Leith. Courtesy of London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE.*

Albion Waves by British artist Oliver Beer brings together vessels of various shapes, sizes, forms and functions for an immersive installation at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE. Located on the ground floor of the London Mithraeum, Bloomberg SPACE showcases a series of contemporary art commissions responding, and bringing fresh perspectives, to the site’s rich archaeological history.

Each vessel contains a microphone that, once activated by visitors’ movement, amplify the vessels acoustic resonance, or it’s “voice”. Although there are 2,000 years between the oldest and most recent vessels, as you move around the room they are united by a harmonious symphony.

Some quirky, kitsch, austere, royal and even familiar, these vessels suspended from the ceiling each represent a different time in Britain’s object making across the centuries. Here are some of our favourites:

Roman pots

Among the eclectic collection hangs two vessels of a similar simple shape and neutral tone. Though unassuming, these are Roman vessels found in the artist’s home county of Kent. The older of the two is dated to the 2nd – 3rd century and was excavated from the Upchurch Marshes in the 1980s.

Savoy Champagne Bucket

A unique, and perhaps surprising, inclusion in the assemblage is a silver-plated champagne bucket from the Savoy, the luxurious London hotel. Showing its age, this bucket, having once catered for many extravagant events, is now retired.

Burleigh Cabbageware

Shaped like a cabbage head, this pot comes from Staffordshire and dates from the 20^th century. However, vegetable-shaped pottery has been popular since the 18^th century. Burleigh is the world’s last pottery still to use underglaze tissue printing, a traditional English process dating back over 200 years. The vessel’s blue and white colour draws a visual connection with Beer’s lighting choices and hung Resonance paintings.

Resonance Paintings

Accompanying this installation are six of Beer’s ‘Resonance Paintings’ which, incredibly, have been created without the artist ever touching the canvas. By positioning a speaker beneath a horizontally oriented canvas, a played tone causes the canvas to vibrate and the powdered pigment to move into visual representations of the sound waves. This creates a beautiful and unique design, that combines both the auditory and visual senses.

To get the most out of your experience, the artist has shared with us the following top tips:

– Make sure you look at the underneath of the vessels, this is where you can gather clues on the makers’ practices and vessels’ history.

– Find out even more information about the exhibition, vessels and access an audio tour by the artist himself, by downloading the Bloomberg Connects app.

Not just for pottery or painting lovers, this is an exhibition where city workers, residents and visitors can come together in sweet harmony. Book your free ticket today!

For updates on what’s happening in the City plus exclusive offers, events and content for One City Friends, sign up for our newsletter here!

Jose Pizarro Bottomless Brunch…

Nicole Pottle

March 1, 2023

Okay. Did someone say tapas, bottomless cava, and first-class service? That’s exactly what you can expect at José Pizarro Saturday Bottomless Brunch.

José Pizarro have recently launched their bottomless brunch offering at their Broadgate Circle venue, and we are here for it.

You’ll be greeted by super friendly staff that are there to serve you every step of the way. Once seated, prepare for a menu as authentic as if it was served in Barcelona itself. You’ll be treated to a delicious selection of tapas dishes, giving you the full flavour of Spain. Drinks, (bottomless, may we add), range from sangria, cava, to Sherry Merry… can you get any more Spanish than that? This has our name all over it.

Let’s talk about the food. First, the team served us ham croquettes, and boy, these didn’t disappoint. When we tell you these were 90% cheese, we aren’t lying. Honestly, cutting through this looked like an M&S advert. The type where the cheesy goodness explodes out as you’re cutting it in half. Insane.

Following on from a cheese lover’s dream, we were served the most beautiful ibérica pork ever cooked. With a gradient from rare to well done, this dish was a crowd favourite. What is there not to love? It was accompanied by fresh honey vinaigrette salad, and patatas al horno, aka potatoes soaked in garlic butter and herbs. Tastes as good as it sounds.

All in all, if good drinks and authentically Spanish tapas is your style, what are you waiting for? You need to try José Pizarro’s Saturday Bottomless Brunch. Available every Saturday from 11:30am-5pm. Book here.

Pancake Day in the City

Jade Steward

February 20, 2023

We’ve been thinking about it all year and now it’s finally here… Pancake Day.

Traditionally Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shove Tuesday, marks the feast day before the start of lent on Ash Wednesday – that’s 47 days before Easter Sunday.

Back in the ‘olden days’ pancakes were the dish of choice as they gave people a last opportunity to use up their perishable ingredients: eggs, butter and milk before committing to fasting.

This year Pancake Day falls on the 21st of February. Whether you like your pancakes thin and flat, or small and airy, the city has lots of exciting events in store to ensure that you have a fun day – and a full stomach.

First up is the ‘19th Inter-Livery Pancake Race’ organised by the Worshipful Company of Poulters at Guildhall Yard on Pancake Day.

This is an age-old tradition in the City of London which, this year, will see 30 teams in funky costumes take part (plus those not able to submit a full team in the Master’s Qualifying Race). After the race there’ll be a well-earned buffet lunch in the 13th century Crypt of the Guildhall!

Next, is the legendary Leadenhall Market Pancake Race on the 1st of March. Teams will be involved in a 20m flipping relay competing for the golden frying pan trophy. Year after year the One City team love to watch this event and it never disappoints. There are loads of free pancakes going and as the event is hosted by the Lamb Tavern pub, post-pancake drinks are sorted!

Finally, if you fancy a savoury or sweet pancake treat why not try The Breakfast Club, Spitalfields? While available to visit all year round, a meal here might just make you want to ditch the classic lemon and sugar, Nutella and banana, or golden syrup, for an all-American experience.

Keep us updated on what you do in celebration of Pancake Day on social media, by tagging us in any pictures you take!

Exploration Whisky Tasting at Silverleaf’s hidden bar Alba

Chris Forsdike

February 13, 2023

Whether you’re new to spirits or an erudite scholar, the team at Silverleaf – part of the luxurious Pan Pacific London – have the expertise to open new worlds of sensory appreciation.

Just a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street, you’ll find Silverleaf on the third floor of Devonshire House, a 128-cover bar featuring its very own rich and opulent hidden bar; Alba.

Upon arrival, the friendly and attentive bar staff were quick to introduce us to their expert whisky resident, Chris Tanner, who guided us through Silverleaf’s lavish corridors, further away from the bustling main bar, until we reached the concealed and intimate private bar that is Alba. The high-end design of Silverleaf spills into the space, from the lighting through to the luxurious bar – large enough to host a party of twelve, small enough to feel exclusive.

Chris Tanner’s wealth of whisky knowledge is impressive, delivered in an unpretentious manner that creates a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere open to all – regardless of your previous whisky knowledge, or lack of.

Guiding us through five elegant whiskies with varying personalities – some fruity, tropical and savoury, while others smoky with an overriding richness, we were taken on 25ml journey from the science of ageing and cask selection, through to the history behind each bottle and how to have the best drinking experience. If you haven’t found a whisky that you like, Chris Tanner is sure to guide you in the right direction.

Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur, or simply looking for an alternative date night, whisky tasting at Alba is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation of one of the world’s most loved and historic spirits, forging a drinking experience that you won’t forget.

A unique and immersive experience, ‘Exploration Whisky Tasting‘ is available at Silverleaf at the Pan Pacific London every Tuesday with tickets starting from £50.

Book now!

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