How do you like your coffee?

Hooked on your morning cup of coffee? Welcome in the club. Since you may feel a bit embarrassed to ask your local barista what those other coffees on the menu are, here is our quick guide to all sorts of coffees.

THE BLACK COFFEES

Ristretto - The first dribbles from a single shot - max strength, small and oily.  Take with a glass of water.  This will make your pupils spin!

Espresso - The full single shot dark black with a natural caramel 'crema' floating on top.

Americano - single shot of espresso topped with hot water... some put the water in first for better mixing - you decide. Often taken with cold milk. Sometimes also known as a longe not to be confused with a doppio which is of course a double shot espresso.

THE WHITE COFFEES

Macchiato - an Espresso with a blob of milk foam floating on top.

Flat white - a double shot espresso. The milk is prepared and knocked back to remove most of the air bubbles to create a smooth velvety texture and then slowly trickled into the espresso floating the crema to the top... good for artistic baristas.

Cappuccino - an espresso topped with the same volume of steamed milk and the same volume again of foamed milk froth.

Latte - as a cappuccino but the volume of steamed milk is greater and should have the velvety topping of a flat white rather than the froth of a cappuccino.

New restaurant openings in London

New restaurant openings in London

There are new exciting restaurant openings heading our direction next month. Here are just few of the best picks. The wait is on!

Chick 'n' Sours

Dalston, opening on 17^th April 2015

Chick 'n' Sours is a local fried chicken shop with an exciting menu of herb fed fried chicken along with interesting and delicious sides, sour cocktails and beers and a soft serve ice cream point.

Maze Grill

Fulham, opening April 2015

The Maze Grill opens in April 2015. Inspired by the grill rooms of Manhattan, the vibrant new 60-cover restaurant will offer the concept's signature rare breed steaks, fish and poultry from the Montague grill, alongside a vast selection of sushi and sashimi from a raw bar.

Top Dog

Soho, opening April 2015

There is a new addition to the organic hot dog food scene in London.  Diners will be able to choose their 'dog' - from classic veal & pork, beef or chicken (with vegetarian options too) as well as a bun - a choice of three - with approximately 9 hotdog choices on the menu including a classic caramelised onion finish, a Chicago Dog, a Kimchi dog and even a pulled pork and apple slaw dog. The Top Dog team also promises ice cream milkshakes, rapeseed-cooked fries and hand-made relish.

The Ivy

Covent Garden, re-opening  May 2015

Following a significant redesign, London’s iconic restaurant, The Ivy, has announced that it will re-open its doors in May 2015. Art, as in the past, will be an important point at The Ivy, with major commissions being installed by renowned British artists, as well as a range of pieces created by emerging names from the British art scene. What can we expect? A new menu that comprises Ivy staples alongside modern dishes with international influences, with a particular nod to Southern Europe and Asia.

Look like a true Londoner...

How to look like a true Londoner when visiting London

How to greet someone:

Greetings such as “Good morning/afternoon or evening” go long way in London. “Hello” is more informal, and appropriate in younger crowds when being introduced to someone or when meeting someone. Use your indoor voice when speaking, especially on public transport.

Dos and Dont’s:

It is a good idea to wear a hat. The weather can be unpredictable, and hats will protect you from rain, sun and wind while giving you a touch of Britishness.

Don’t bother carrying an umbrella. Opt for a trench coat and a hat, or simply a copy of today’s newspaper.

Don’t make eye contact on public transport. Londoners prefer it that way.

When to eat:

Good news is there are no fixed times for meals. Have a tea anytime you like and good afternoon tea will certainly fill you up more than enough.

Where to go:

The area of Marylebone is full of interesting, independent shops (incl. Daunt Books and the Conran shop) or browse books at John Sandoe in Chelsea. Watch a movie in one of the many independent cinemas also try the Lounge, a movie theatre where you can get a Rowley Leigh meal delivered to your seat. Londoners like visiting markets especially during weekends.

London’s dress code:

Relaxed yet stylish is the way to go in London!

We hope you find these rules useful and will have a wonderful time visiting London.