Monday 28 May 2012

Bedtime Stories at 40 Winks


I went to something wonderfully odd recently. It was a regular Thursday evening and a friend and I ventured off  to 40 Winks, a fabulously upmarket B&B on the Mile End Road, where we were greeted by Mr David Carter, the eccentric proprietor. Once we'd revealed the correct answer to the secret riddle (received by email a few days earlier), he ushered us upstairs where we changed into our jim jams, then joined a bunch of strangers for cocktails and canapes whilst being read scary stories. An adult version of Jackanory if you will.


40 Winks is situated in an elegant Queen Anne townhouse built in 1717. With just two gorgeous rooms, it can either be considered a very tiny boutique hotel or a wonderfully lavish B&B. The interior is a real mixture of old and new, full of antiques and Bohemian decor, whilst exuding glamour and decadence with a large dose of Mr Carter's very apparent sense of humour. When you walk through the front door, you'll see Jesus adorning the hallway wall - wearing red slippers and a top hat. There are mannequin hands in the fruit bowl, interesting wall murals and a crown-toting ornamental dog. These are just a snippet of the curiousities that fill this wonderful house. There is even a sweet little courtyard garden full of greenery, where you can sit and sip tea and cocktails. It's David Carter's home and with his warm and theatrical flair, he certainly makes you feel very welcome and at home.


Bedtime Stories is an idea that Mr Carter came up with a few years ago and has proved to be a huge hit. Around 30 guests arrive at 7pm in time to change into their pyjamas and nighties. As David mentions, this dress code is strictly enforced by the highly-trained Pyjama Police! Glamour is also encouraged, so I opted for a negligee. Everyone then gathers to enjoy Hendrick's gin-infused cocktails in teacups and a table spread with tasty nibbles. Mr Carter gives his witty introductory talk, before dividing the guests into two teams. Each team is allocated a room where they retire to and relax on cushions whilst being read a story by a professional storyteller.


We started in the upstairs drawing room where a brilliant Danish guy called Kasper Sorensen read us an intriguing, dark tale called 'The One Handed Murderer'. Each Bedtime Stories night has a different theme - ours was 'Murder & Mayhem'. Kaspar had everyone gripped with his gruesome tale, it sent shivers up our nighties! It was then time to return to the kitchen for round two of cocktails and snacks, before swapping rooms with the other team for the second story of the evening. This time with Cat Weatherill who read an equally brilliant and suitably chilling tale.


The evening ended with all the guests congregating in the main drawing room for a spot of music. A man played merrily on his accordian whilst a pretty chanteuse sang enchanting French numbers, adding perfectly to our slumber mode. It was then time to get dressed, bid farewell to our host and step out onto the Mile End Road and back to reality.


I thought Bedtime Stories was a very enjoyable evening and certainly different. There was even a prize for the most Glamorous Nightie Award (alas, someone pipped me to that one). I highly recommend you give it a whirl, but do note that these evenings are very popular so you'll need to book well in advance. Meanwhile, if you want a night away somewhere a bit bonkers, why not book into the 40 Winks B&B. You'll love it!


109 Mile End Road
London E1 4UJ
020 7790 0259
Nearest station: Stepney Green

Bedtime Stories £25 per head
To book, please email info@40winks.org

Sunday 20 May 2012

Miss Immy's Bootleg Banquet Birthday Dinner

Last weekend, a lovely bunch of friends joined me for a birthday dinner at one of my favourite supper clubs, the Bootleg Banquet in Shoreditch. Regular readers may remember a post I wrote about the Bootleg Banquet when I went to their Thanksgiving dinner last November. It was amazing, and that turkey was the hugest bird I've ever seen! So I didn't hesitate to consider Bootleg as the perfect venue to host a party with a difference.


As guests arrived via an unassuming door next to a giant hedgehog's bottom, they made their way up to our 'private restaurant' for a welcome Kir Royale. Pieter did a stunning job decorating the table with a cluster of wild plants and twinkling candles, it gave the room a magical, ethereal glow. I added my own personal touch by painting each guest their own piece of Miss Immy art complete with mini easel as their 'going home' present (together with mini cupcakes).


Pieter and his team excelled themselves with yet another amazing feast which seriously knocked the spots off many supposedly superior eating establishments. As it was the first time various friends had been to a supper club, I don't think they quite knew what to expect on the food front, so everyone was suitably impressed and even bowled over by just how tasty and professional it was. I think Bootleg has definitely acquired a few more fans! The food, the music, the atmosphere and the service were all top notch. 


MENU

Kir Royales

* * *

Warm salad of asparagus, chorizo & queen scallops with crispy onion & fried parsley

* * * 

Courgette blossom tempura stuffed with peas, mint, Ricotta & lemon zest

* * * 

Char-grilled Moorish lamb skewers with roast butternut & beetroot salad

* * * 

Vanilla panna cotta & strawberries


It was a birthday to remember, and if you're racking your brain for ideas for a party with a twist,  I can't recommend Bootleg Banquet enough. And don't forget they host regular supper clubs too (dates on their website). Massive thanks to Pieter & the Bootleg Team for another great evening!


Bootleg Banquet
Pestle & Mortar Catering
Email: bootlegbanquet@hotmail.com
Twitter: @bootlegbanquet
£40 per head for a 4 course dinner (BYO wine)
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