NEWS NearlywedCatch up on news from around London NEW BEGINNINGS Since opening its doors in 1908 in the heart of London, a historic Bloomsbury landmark has remained a cherished haven for travellers and locals alike! Fast forward time, the team has announced a bold new identity following its total refurbishment and relaunch as The Memoir Club, a transformative reinvention of The Ambassadors Bloomsbury Hotel. Costing more than £7m, it blends enduring heritage with modern sophistication and caters for a dynamic new generation. General Manager George Konstas says, “We’re immensely proud to unveil our new transformation, a celebration of both our storied past and dynamic future. Guests will not only experience world-class hospitality but also immerse themselves in a living narrative of culture, creativity, and community.” Leading the design overhaul, ICA Studio has woven a crisp new design into the 100 guestrooms, reminiscent of the Art Deco movement of Bloomsbury’s heyday. Each of the six guestroom categories features all the modern comforts expected. Guests can delight in the invigorated restaurant, Adeline, which offers an innovative Eastern Mediterranean menu paired with distinctive cocktail creations for the ultimate stays. Book now: memoirclublondon.com NEW BEGINNINGS Nestled in the heart of Brockwell Park, the newly restored Brockwell Hall offers an enchanting setting for London weddings. This Grade II Listed Georgian mansion, dating back to 1813, blends timeless elegance with modern amenities, all within 125 acres of parkland. Thanks to a £3.9 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from Lambeth Council and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund, Brockwell Hall has been beautifully brought back to life. The renovation features a light-filled contemporary event space, the Cressingham Suite, ideal for wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations surrounded by loved ones. Ceremonies can be held in one of several elegant rooms or outdoors in the charming Cressingham Courtyard. As a dry-hire venue, couples can create a personalised day with support from VenueLambeth’s trusted local wedding suppliers. Beyond the venue, the wider park has also been transformed with new trees, wildlife ponds and upgraded green spaces, offering a beautiful backdrop for photography and a joyful experience for guests. The revitalised landmark is more than a wedding venue; it’s a celebration of heritage, sustainability, and community. With ecoconscious features like ground source heating, a new café, and a volunteer hub, Brockwell Hall is a meaningful setting. Whether couples are planning intimate gatherings or grand celebrations for up to 160 guests, the venue offers history, heart and a breathtaking setting for special events. Discover the venue: loveat.lambeth.gov.uk/venues/brockwell-hall © SouthLondon Visuals EDITOR RACHEL WESTALL REVIEWS CHOTTO MATT In the very heart of Soho, Frith Street to be precise, is Chotto Matte. This contemporary restaurant embraces the best of Nikkei cuisine. What’s Nikkei? I didn’t know either – it’s Japanese/Peruvian cooking – a fusion that’s oh-so-good. As you’d expect from a trendy Soho establishment, the restaurant interior is uber-stylish. Walk-ins can sit downstairs in the cocktail bar area (good to know!), and restaurant bookings will be led up the grand spiral staircase to your table, with views of the chefs at work. I chose the Signature Sharing Menu, the perfect entry into experiencing what Nikkei food is all about, and it didn’t disappoint. I started my Peruvian journey with a Pisco Sour, a classic cocktail originating from the Lima region in Peru. Following this, a bowl of miso soup and moreish padrón peppers – the best I’ve ever had, drizzled with a sticky miso sauce. Following this, Yellowtail ‘Nikkei Sashimi’ is elegantly served, and fish so incredibly fresh you could be on the coast. And from there, little eye-catching, mouthwatering dishes kept coming, from crispy squid to pork and prawn gyozas and, when I didn’t think I had any space left, our maître d arrived with slow-cooked braised beef short rib, purple potato purée, with a teriyaki jus. My advice – maybe skip lunch. The menu finishes with a decadent dessert of Kuro Goma Ice Cream, made with black sesame and chocolate. Founder and Owner Kurt Zdesar continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries and vision of the restaurant scene, and Chotto Matte has locations worldwide. Maybe this is just the first one ticked off the list – next stop, Miami! To visit Chotto Matte Soho, book now: chotto-matte.com Where to wine, dine & unwind 8
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