Skylon

By Sarah Redman

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My Skylon coat chip – really wanted to keep this but I did kind of need my jacket back!

I love eating out, personally I would rather save up and go out somewhere nice and maybe even treat friends or family (thats if I’m feeling really nice!)

The other evening I ended up in Skylon at the Southbank Centre.

The restaurant takes its name from the original, iconic structure that was built for the 1951 Festival of Britain and the restaurant’s design echoes the style of the Royal Festival Hall during the same time period.  It is filled with more contemporary accents too – not going to lie their chandeliers caught my eye.

Skylon’s floor to ceiling windows hold an amazing view across the River Thames. When we turned up the blinds were draw as the sun was setting and creating a rather undesired greenhouse effect. I always run cold so I wasn’t complaining – but I think most people appreciated the cooler air that came after the sun had dipped below the buildings. The blinds then opened – working their way slowly up the massive windows – revealing water sparkling in the last of the suns rays and leafy green trees lining the banks. Not the worst view for dinner!

The food is seasonal and modern British, but if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere the restaurant and grill are divided by a statement circular bar in the centre of the room. It’s known for its cocktails but after a glass of wine over looking the river before we headed to the restaurant I felt I should maybe just stick to the food… and a bottle of wine to go with. Obviously.

I went for a simply mouth watering Haddock Risotto to start – it arrived in a small sauce pan and I got kitchen utensil eveny. I then had the Duck with hands down the best Pea Puree I have ever tasted. I genuinely could have just had a bowl of it!

For me pudding was the best bit (and the only bit I managed to remember to photograph)

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I tried what was simply called ‘Strawberries’ – a strawberry sorbet on a crumb bed and a strawberry salad topped with a lemon curd filled meringue. Cue taste bud heaven.

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My dining companion chose ‘Peanut Butter’ – I was too preoccupied with mine to steal a spoon but from the rate it disappeared this chocolate and peanut butter, I want to say mousey, delight was a good shout too.

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I couldn’t possibly tell you how I still had enough room but in my mind it would have been rude not to have at let tried some of these beauties.

First up: Rose Marshmallow – melt in the mouth heaven.

Second: Chocolate Truffle – when you break through the chocolatey shell you are surprised with a mouthful of salted caramel. Don’t mind if I do.

Finally: Coconut balls – I’m not a coconut person so I didn’t try these, I also didn’t have the room but I’m sure they tasted amazing.

I was too full of all this amazing food for a decent picture of my outfit – so I’ll just describe it instead. I wore a Navy Floral Jacquard Bodycon Dress from River Island, retailing at £28.00, this dress is a classic cut, low scoop back, a short sleeved, simple, statement dress. I teamed this with a simple H&M denim jacket and classic wooden T -bar heals from Clarks.

Did you like what I wore or like the sound of Skylon? Let us know and leave a comment, Tweet us @thesarahsblog or post on our Facebook page.

Shinning little lights

By Sarah Redman

I have always been a big candle fan, i guess it mirrors my love of perfume.

Candles - wilko

Candles – wilko

This year i moved into a house for my second year of uni and the musty un-lived in smell, combined with the previous years delightful lingering pot smell meant i have gone a bit candle crazy – but hey my room smells amazing so i don’t care!

Candles are a great, cheaper version of heating in a student house, a coupe of candles burning in my room for a little bit, with the door closed and even me (a compulsive cold person) can deal with the cold. They also look really pretty and the smell can be so calming.

These are the latest edition to my collection, from Wilkinson’s, they actually smell great for the cheep price of £1.75 and the pots are really cute. So i bough three: Lavender fields, vintage rose and vanilla pod.

Candles - wilko

Candles – wilko

Are you a candle person or will you be starting a collection this winter? Let us know and leave a comment below or Tweet us @thesarahsblog