ABSOLUT has thought well outside the bottle (or The Box even) for its new 2013 edition. ABSOLUT Elyx Dance of the Silk Veils. The brew is distilled in a 1920s vintage copper still for a ‘natural taste and silky finish’. And inspired by said silky finish, ABSOLUT teamed up with London’s The Box nightclub to create an actual ABSOLUT Elyx Dance of the Silk Veils (what else?), where layers of copper coloured silk are removed by the dancer until a magnum bottle of the tipple is UNveiled. The dance and the bottle were launched earlier this week at The Box and now, whenever anyone orders a magnum of Elyx, the dance will be performed for them at their table. …but unlike Soho’s ‘other’ sort of table dancing, the bottle is the only thing likely to end up in the buff.

www.theboxsoho.com

It’s said that the people make a place, and this couldn’t be more obvious than at exciting new diner Lazybones in Farringdon. Almost a stone’s throw from the station, Lazybones exudes chilled out charm, with mission of ‘slow meat, hard drinks’ and the most friendly, down-to-Earth staff you’ll ever meet. Everyone who steps over the threshold is greeted like an old friend, and although Lazybones should easily fall into the category of East London haunts too cool for their own good, the amazing, welcoming atmosphere rescues the place from that fashionable fate.

The menu at Lazybones is not the most extensive, but that’s really not a problem. You’ll want to order everything, and indeed you can, if you have several hours to spare and a very healthy appetite. Start with popcorn, which you flavour yourself with giant shakers of magic dust (delicious magic dust). Meats are covered with the to-die-for Pulled Pork & Slaw Sandwich, perfectly spiced and succulent Beef Brisket, a selection of Hot Dogs, and their double-fried Wings, in one of three marinades. Those wings are beyond belief – you can taste the two-day preparation.

Don’t forget the hard drinks. One of the (many) highlights in the Lazybones experience is the superb selection of cocktails – only three are offered, but the skilled bartenders will rustle up anything you fancy. And those three are not to be missed; our favourites being the Expresso Martini, with silky firm foam and topped with coffee beans (THE hangover cure!), and the Maple Old Fashioned – a new take on the whiskey classic, with a generous twist of orange peel.

Pair these delights with a relaxed yet buzzing vibe, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for one of the best meals of your life. Alternatively, visit Lazybones just for a chilled drink – they also serve a great range of beers and cider. Take in the open room’s eclectic scrawlings and quirky décor, get your favourite songs playing through the Secret DJ app, and experience a London restaurant on its way to legendary status.

Lazybones, Unit 5, Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DQ

www.lazybones.uk.com

This April something rather special is happening at Jam Tree Chelsea and Clapham: the Jambalaya pop up. Inspired by his travels in New Orleans, Executive Chef James Browne has devised a menu, which focuses on the indigenous flavours and cuisines from the Louisiana city. Expect dishes like Blackened Creole Hanger Steak, Battered Deep Dried Catfish tails with Slaw and Hot sauce, Deep fried Soft shell Crab, Momma's Southern Fried Chicken and Muffuletta as well as three variations of the rice dish, Jambalaya. But that is not all, infamous for being the birthplace of Southern Comfort, it seems only right that this is honoured with a great cocktail list, emulating the colours and flavours of the city. Setting the mood and sound track to the pop up will be a playlist made up of the jazz and funk that New Orleans is known for. So come April, whether you are in Chelsea, or Clapham, or anyway in between, head to Jam Tree for some truly, authentic, wonderful New Orleans food!

Jambalaya 16th -28th April

The Jam Tree Clapham, 13-19 Old Town, 020 3397 4422

The Jam Tree Chelsea, 541 Kings Road, 020 3397 3739

www.thejamtree.com

The Lab, a new experimental event from the creators of Taste of London and AEG is kicking off with a three night flavour experience next month at Tobacco Docks with a spectacular chef line-up and DJs.  Expect an array of interactive experiences, with gourmet innovators including Brazilian top chef Alex Atala whose Sao Paulo restaurant D.O.M, is currently fourth best in the world and Massimo Bottura whose three Michelin star restaurant in Modena Italy is fifth best. Lars Williams (Noma’s head of research and development) will host and curate the Noma Flavour Test at The Lab – think tutorials and masterclasses and surprise collaborations. Also joining the star studded international bill are TV chef and food writer Gizzi Erskine and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal’s Ashley Palmer-Watts, who will present on stage alongside forager Miles Irving and mixology guru Tony Conigliaro.

Event runs 25 – 27 April 2013

Tickets go on-sale today 27 March www.thelabevent.co.uk 0871 230 7132

Forget overcrowded stuffy planes and however fast flights might be now, the golden age of travel was definitely the 1950s, when everything was still glamorous, new and exciting. To fly abroad, really meant something, it was more than just a way of transport, it was an event in itself, a concept that has been lost somewhat. The pop up Mile High, brought to you by the creative Templeton family, have recognised this and are bringing this golden era to four secret West end locations. Taking guests on a lavish, adventure seeking city escape all in one evening. Last weekend saw diners being transported to Gothenburg, Sweden and throughout the year Mile High will be ‘visiting’ Beirut, Sicily and Mozambique, for a series of fabulous evenings.

On arrival, air hostesses will welcome guests to the departure lounge, where diners can ‘check in’ with cocktails and canapés before heading on to the destination with a four course meal, inspired by that country’s cuisine, the menu for Gothenburg included Chargrilled Elk with Golden Beetroot,  Mushroom, Dill and Cucumber salad and Lingonberry Ice Cream with Carrot Cake Crumble.  With food that delicious, entertainment from the cabin crew and dancing after dinner, Mile High are creating a night of pure escapism, which should not be missed. 

www.dinemilehigh.com

Paramount, in the Centre Point building, welcomes wine personality Olly Smith next month as he unveils his 50 Great Portuguese Wines. Best known for his wine matching skills on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, Olly is currently busy tasting Portugal’s finest wines to cherry pick a selection for the evening event on 18^th April. With the focus on fine wines at a budget price, Olly will be looking at those priced £7-£30 – perfectly affordable for any occasion! He says that wines from Portugal are underrated, with ‘outstanding flavours across their vineyards…the skill of local winemakers devoted to their awesome range of local Portuguese grapes has to be tasted to be believed’. If you find it hard to choose a wine, don’t know much about the different varieties, or you just fancy trying some new flavours – this event at Paramount is for you. Taste through the full selection of 50 wines, with Olly Smith himself on hand throughout, to answer questions and talk about his choices. Tickets are £10, book online at www.winesofportugal.com.

Paramount, Centre Point, 101-103 New Oxford St, WC1A 1DD

www.paramount.uk.net

It’s a four day week, hurrah! And a four day weekend coming up too means it’s the perfect time for a little indulgence, especially as it is Easter.  Where better to go than The Ampersand Hotel situated in South Kensington for a little luxury?  The Drawing Rooms are arguably the very symbol of this luxury, picture French finesse meets British style, with a fire burning and deep studded velvet sofas and this weekend they will be home to the Easter Afternoon Tea. The menu includes a selection of sandwiches as well as the irresistible sounding homemade white chocolate scones, hot cross buns, Easter egg nests and passion fruit tart.  You know it’s only right!

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, SW7 3ER, 020 7591 4706, www.ampersandhotel.com

Last week the hard working folk at The Handbook decided we needed a night to indulge in good food and wine so we headed over to Gilbert and Scott. Situated next to the Kings Cross train station sits the St Pancras  Renaissance Hotel which is the home of the Gilbert and Scott restaurant. As we walked through the entrance into the main bar we were greeted with a beautiful chandelier made from hanging bells before settling into the private dining room. We then began the evening with kedgeree canapés (made with eel and orange zest) followed by the main of lamb shank which was a real winner with everyone. The food was accompanied by two red wines, the personal favourite being the 2001 “Blacksmith” cabernet sauvignon which was served with blue cheese, pear, and malt bread. Finally to finish off the night of indulgence was a blood orange pancetta matched with a sweet carbonated white wine. 

Before each course we had a presentation from the representative (Emma Shaw) from Langmeil wine that comes from Barossa in Australlia which is “home of what we believe is the worlds oldest surviving shiraz vineyard, The Freedom Planted in 1843'. She grew up in the area and so had lovely stories from the local area and how it has changed. The grapes are all grown by the same families who have been growing them for years and emphasis is on spending more time creating a better wine than on commercialism. Another highlight of the evening was a tour afterwards in which we saw the restaurant, complete with cigar humidor and the kitchen where they have a  “kitchen table” where a group of up to 10 people can dine in the kitchen with the chef.

www.thegilbertscott.co.uk

The Paradise by way of Kensal Green is getting all warm and fluffy on Easter Sunday with a  pop-up petting zoo. Children and the young at heart can come and meet some new furry friends on the roof terrace, getting up close and cuddly with baby ducklings, just hatched chick-lets and of course, baby Easter bunnies. But if that (or this super cute picture of a baby hedgehog) doesn’t sort your hangover, we’ll raise you the task of mixing your very own Bloody Mary downstairs in the ground floor bar followed by a legendary Paradise Sunday Roast such as Pugh’s suckling pig with Bramley apple sauce; Roast rump of heritage Lonk lamb and Butternut squash, spinach, mushroom and goats curd wellington. And if you’re never too old for chocolate, finish with a gourmet ‘Blood orange Jaffa Cake, served with rum sabayon & blood orange ice cream.

www.theparadise.co.uk

The Leicester Square club Wyld, known for it's Rock ‘n’ Roll decadence theme, is launching a new mid week club night to see you through the week. Exciting new artists and producers will take to the decks at the exclusive Soho late-night venue. First up to the decks is Becky Tong, daughter of famous DJ Pete Tong, who will be entertaining guests this Wednesday until the early hours of the morning. Future artists booked alongside Becky include Anna Metronomy, the drummer of Mercury prize nominated indie-electro act Metronomy, and Future Cut who launched careers for the likes of Lily Allen, Rizzle Kicks, Wretch 32 and Olly Murs. If you want your chance to party at the trendy London bar then be sure to get your name on the guestlist by emailing wyld.bar@whotels.com or calling 0207 758 1060 by 6pm on the event day.