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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Desiree Burch's life on a plate: ‘Comedy runs on crisps'
Photograph by Alex Lake The microwave did most of the cooking in our family. My parents worked, so us kids took care of ourselves by reheating frozen foods from Costco. Vegetables were something we explored on our own. The only time we dined together was Thanksgiving and Christmas, which sounds sad but we just got on with it. At the weekend, my mom would cook a fry-up. Bacon and eggs, yes, but also Spam. It was always in the pantry and tasted phenomenal sliced and fried – much better than on the grill. My siblings and I could eat it all day. It's probably why I still like breakfast food so much. After I moved to England [from the US] I was excited to have high tea at the Savoy. As it turns out, a cucumber sandwich can be pretty great. It was lovely: the grand dining room; flights of tea I'd never heard of; getting buzzed off caffeine; the fancy trays; spending far too much on cake. Oysters with a glass of champagne is cliche, but I don't care – it feels fantastic Everybody I've made sweet potato pie for in the UK assumes it's savoury, and is delighted to learn it's a dessert made with nearly an entire bag of sugar. It's perfect for Thanksgiving; you think you can't fit more food into your body, then have three slices. My Greek-Cypriot boyfriend taught me the holy trinity of his cuisine: halloumi, olive oil and lemon. Lemon has the power to transform the taste of anything – even a fried egg is perked up if you finish it with a squeeze. He does the cooking, I load the dishwasher afterwards. Once you reach your 40s, you change the way you eat. I'm lactose intolerant now, so I lean towards food with ingredients that don't cause me pain, like spinach and eggs on toast rather than cereal in the morning. That said, visits to late-night chicken shops do still happen. There was a time when I didn't like seafood. Salmon, which is the bacon of the sea, was my gateway drug fish. Now, I even love shellfish. Oysters with mignonette and a glass of champagne is cliche, but I don't care – it feels fantastic. Comedy runs on crisps. There's always salt and pepper or salt and vinegar on my tour rider – preferably Tyrells or Kettle Chips, because I enjoy life. Prawn cocktail isn't my vibe and I stay away from cheese and onion; I can't be smelling like that when I talk to people on stage. When I perform at Edinburgh Fringe, I can't fuck with food that might mess up my voice. I know where I am with a tuna baguette from Pret. After a show I'll head to Desi Pakwan; the lamb biryani is excellent and affordable. You must also make a pilgrimage to the Deep Sea chip shop and Storries Home Bakery, because they're open late. If you drive past people queuing at a Mexican food truck in California, you turn around and come back. The meat will have been marinated for at least a day by someone's abuela [grandmother] and the food will be better – and much cheaper – than any restaurant. You can get fresh produce in the US, of course, but so much of what you buy in supermarkets is processed. Bread doesn't taste like bread. I hope the UK doesn't go further in the direction of adding unnecessary, unnameable ingredients to food. My favourite things Food It's a toss up between a burrito al pastor and a classic New York bagel with salmon, cream cheese and capers from Zucker's. Those are the two I could eat at the end of my life, then be ready to go. Drink Daytime champagne in a bar that has just enough people to have an atmosphere, but not so many that you need to yell to make yourself heard. Dish to make Good guacamole is everything. I make it fresh, which is hard to get in the UK, and it has to start with the best avocados. If you get them right, everything else falls into place. Desiree Burch's new show, The Golden Wrath, will be at the Monkey Barrel at the Edinburgh Fringe from 28 July to 10 August. She tours the UK from October 2025. Tickets at Hair And makeup by Neusa Neves at Arlington Artists using Makeup By Mario, Lashify Lashes and Color Wow Hair.
Forbes
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Ultimate Guide To High Tea In London: Twenty Must Try Venues
English afternoon tea set including hot tea, pastry, scones, sandwiches and mini pies on marble top table. getty High tea is more than a British tradition — it's an immersive cultural experience, steeped in elegance, history, and indulgence. In London, it's practically an art form. From royal favorites and grand hotel salons to quirky modern twists, the capital is brimming with venues that elevate the tradition to unforgettable heights. This guide features 20 of the best places in London for afternoon tea, each offering its unique charm, whether you're a purist or a modern tea lover. Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP Brown's is the oldest hotel in London, and the Drawing Room offers fireside coziness with timeless decor. Enjoy Brown's Afternoon Blend alongside delicate sandwiches and pastries — or try their seasonal vegan or children's teas. Brook St, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR A destination for royalty and fashion icons, Claridge's offers afternoon tea in its Foyer & Reading Room. The signature Claridge's Blend (Assam and Darjeeling) sets the tone for tiers of refined pastries and warm scones. Elegant, hushed, and impossibly polished. Connaught Patisserie – Petite Perfection Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL This stylish pink patisserie serves exquisite desserts and elegant teas in a cozy, chic setting. Try the Patisserie Blend with their jewel-like pastries. Dalloway Terrace – Literary Charm 16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN Named after Virginia Woolf's heroine, Dalloway Terrace offers floral tea sets and a poetic ambiance. The Bloomsbury Blend is floral and fragrant — perfect for a reflective tea hour. The Dorchester – Grandeur on Park Lane 53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA The Promenade at The Dorchester offers an indulgent setting for afternoon tea. Their Dorchester Blend is a full-bodied black tea that pairs perfectly with their famously light scones—a must for fans of silver service and opulent interiors. The Goring – A Royal Favorite 15 Beeston Pl, Westminster, London SW1W 0JW A short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The Goring's afternoon tea is served in a sunlit veranda or private garden. Enjoy their rich Goring Afternoon Blend with perfect finger sandwiches and Victoria sponge. Ham Yard Hotel – Urban Oasis 1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT A modern take on tea in a quirky boutique hotel, served in the Drawing Room or rooftop garden. The Ham Yard Fruit Tea (berries and hibiscus) offers a light, zesty contrast to traditional sweets. A group of young female friends enjoying an afternoon tea set. Millennial tea drinkers now exceed Baby Boomers tea drinkers. getty The Berkeley – Fashion-Inspired Treats Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea changes seasonally, drawing inspiration from current runway trends. Pastries shaped like handbags and heels pair beautifully with their Fashionista Blend or a glass of bubbly. Chic, witty, and delicious. Fortnum & Mason – The Queen's Grocer 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER At the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, indulge in the Royal Blend (Assam and Ceylon), first made for Edward VII. Afternoon tea here is a regal affair, with refills on tea and treats encouraged. Don't miss browsing the ground floor tea counters afterward. The Connaught – Refined and Contemporary Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL Afternoon tea at The Connaught combines classic flavors with a sleek setting. Their Connaught Blend is dark and malty — perfect alongside pistachio macarons or elderflower tarts. The Langham – Where It All Began 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA The birthplace of afternoon tea in 1865, The Langham continues to serve it with style in the Palm Court today. Their Langham Blend is rich and smooth, and the pastries blend tradition with innovation. The Lanesborough – Regency Romance Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA For Bridgerton fans, this might be the ultimate stop. The Lanesborough's Bridgerton-inspired tea in the Lanesborough Grill features ornate settings and delicate treats. Try the Lanesborough Breakfast Blend with dainty confections worthy of Lady Whistledown. The Milestone Hotel – Opposite Kensington Palace 1 Kensington Ct, Kensington, London W8 5DL Traditional in every sense, afternoon tea at The Milestone includes Milestone Afternoon Blend and all the trimmings — scones, jam, clotted cream, and elegance. One Aldwych – A Whimsical Twist 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspires this theatrical tea. Think candy floss, golden chocolate eggs, and a signature Chocolate Tea. Ideal for kids — or adults who still dream in Roald Dahl. The Ritz London – Classic Luxury 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR A London institution since 1906, afternoon tea at The Ritz is served in the stunning Palm Court, complete with gilded ceilings, mirrored walls, and live piano music. Choose from over 18 looseleaf teas, with the robust Ritz Royal English as the house signature. Expect finely cut finger sandwiches, buttery scones with clotted cream, and exquisite pastries — all served with theatrical elegance. Scones with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream getty Royal Horseguards Hotel – With a Secret Service Past 2 Whitehall Ct, Westminster, London SW1A 2EJ Set in a historic building that once housed British Intelligence, this tea room offers plush seating and a menu of classic teas. Horseguards Blend is a rich, malty pick. The Savoy – Timeless Tradition Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Afternoon tea at The Savoy is served in The Thames Foyer, beneath a glass dome and within a gazebo. The Savoy Afternoon Blend is part of a menu featuring over 30 teas. Expect beautifully presented sandwiches and seasonal cakes in a setting that echoes Edwardian grandeur. Sketch – Playful and Pink 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG Afternoon tea at Sketch's Gallery is a feast for the eyes and palate. Think couture cakes, quirky crockery, and Sketch Earl Grey with a twist—a favorite for Instagrammers and art lovers alike. TĪNG at The Shard – Sky-High Views 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU Afternoon tea with a view of the London skyline. TĪNG offers a refined menu with an Asian twist, complemented by a light Shard Blend white tea, which perfectly matches the lofty atmosphere. The Wolseley – Grand Café Style 160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB This glamorous 1920s venue, once a car showroom, now serves an elegant, no-nonsense afternoon tea. Try their Wolseley Afternoon Blend with a Victoria sponge in timeless style. Whether you're looking for a traditional scone-and-tea experience or something with flair, London has it all. From iconic hotel lounges to fashionable salons and literary terraces, there's a perfect high tea spot for every taste. Pair your tea with history, views, art, or a splash of whimsy — and you'll see why afternoon tea in London is more than a meal: it's an unforgettable experience. More from Forbes Forbes The Cheese Lover's Perfect Weekend: Three Days In London By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Whisky Lover's Perfect Weekend: Three Days In London By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Exploring London's Buried History: The Subterranean Tourist By Joseph V Micallef
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Taking on Kmart: Aussies flood The Reject Shop to snap up stunning new homewares range that quietly dropped
The Reject Shop has done it again with a playful new homewares range that has thousands of Aussies excited. Officially in stores on May 28, the new fairytale-inspired range draws upon common phrases and themes from Alice in Wonderland and is perfect for those who love a pop of colour at home. Very Mad Hatter-esque, the 'frabjous' collection features mushroom bowls and cake plates ($5), teacups and saucers ($8), glass magnet sets ($5) and an adorable striped toilet brush ($12.50) guaranteed to brighten up any dreary bathroom. Other highlights include scalloped plates reminiscent of those sold by No.22 and In The Roundhouse. Each one is stamped with a kooky phrase like 'We're All Mad Here', 'Eat Me' and 'Oh My Ears And Whiskers How Late It's Getting'. The soap dispensers, mushroom-themed lazy Susan, and 'Hatter' tumblers are also expected to be sell-out hits. Even though the range officially dropped on Wednesday, shoppers have been spotting the pieces on shelves for the past week and eagerly shared snaps of their finds on TikTok. 'Every week I'm absolutely stunned by what I'm discovering at the Reject Shop,' shopper Clare Jane raved. 'They understood the assignment this week. Get the girls together for a high tea mad hatters edition this Sunday.' And hundreds of others agreed. 'Yes I love The Reject Shop I got [stuff] there for my pink and white kitchen theme... I'm going to need the pink mushroom,' one shopper replied. It's the latest in a string of hits for the store, which is increasingly taking on the likes of Kmart and Target with its affordable designer-inspired collections that are designed to mix and match. Aussie bargain hunters were thrilled earlier this month with news of The Reject shop's latest multi-million-dollar takeover deal, which has promised an expansion of 700 new stores nationwide. Canadian retail giant Dollarama acquired the store for an eyewatering $259million - a deal that marked a milestone moment for the brand. Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, a Reject Shop spokesperson teased that they couldn't give away too much when it came to their future plans, but did hint they may explore more luxury-inspired offerings. 'We have some very exciting homewares collections coming up throughout the year and cannot wait to share them with our customers,' they said. 'We love home decor that gives a colourful personality to spaces, giving our customers the chance to make exciting choices with their interior design while remaining on a budget.' The Reject Shop CEO Clinton Cahn announced that he was 'excited about the opportunities that this transaction presents', as many Australia consumers are in such a cost-of-living crunch. This deal will also see a huge rise in availability for Aussies to get their hands on products even quicker, with more physical stores to cater to the rising demand. However, not all fans are convinced this is a good thing, worrying that the prices, quality and luxury 'dupes' might diminish now that Dollarama has taken over. 'Gosh... they better keep there low prices or I will never shop there again,' one said on TikTok. 'If they change the type of products that the reject shop sells I'm going to be so mad because the strawberry collection of plates and bowls are everything to me,' commented another. Even though the range officially dropped on Wednesday, shoppers have been spotting the pieces on shelves for the past week and eagerly shared snaps of their finds on TikTok According to UNSW consumer behaviour researcher Professor Nitika Garg 'The Reject Shop's buy-out signals a strong vote of confidence in the Australian retail sector'. Speaking to FEMAIL, Professor Garg said 'healthy competition between budget retailers is ultimately a win for Aussie shoppers'. 'It pushes companies to improve quality, keep prices low, and deliver better value,' she said. A deal like this will also be a huge boost to the local economy. 'This influx of capital could drive innovation, expand local operations, and create more jobs - all of which are positives for the broader Australian economy,' Professor Garg said.
CNA
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Firing it up on the grill for meat lovers
CNA938 Rewind Play 17 mins The team at one of the top steakhouses in Singapore is all fired up to showcase their exquisite grilling! What would a modern twist on high tea and a meat-lover's afternoon ritual look like? Hui Wong chats with Executive Chef Dean Bush and Chef Edwin Tan at Opus Bar and Grill.
CBC
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
High teas, artisan markets and drag brunches: What's happening in Toronto this Mother's Day
Did you forget Mother's Day is this weekend? Don't worry, we've got you covered. If you're scrambling to make last minute plans — or just want to find something to do before taking mom out for dinner — there are plenty of events, free and ticketed, going on around Toronto Sunday. High tea at a castle Casa Loma will be hosting a Mother's Day high tea. Book a table and enjoy a selection of premium teas, pastries and sandwiches, plus a tour of the castle. Reservations are required, and tickets cost $75 per person. Shopping in the park The weather's getting warmer, and the Toronto Artisan Market is headed back outdoors at Trinity Bellwoods Park downtown, with dozens of local artists selling all sorts of goods from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. As an added bonus, enjoy the cherry blossoms while you browse the stalls. Decorate a cake together Take mom to Le Dolci Culinary Classroom in the Junction Area for a delicious masterclass. Guests will be provided with a pre-baked cake and buttercream icing so you can skip the hard part and focus on decorating your own special cake — which you get to take home at the end. The class takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Take a walk through the flowers Sunday is the final day of Fleurs de Villes SPRING, a five-day floral display in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood. Over 30 floral installations, created by Toronto florists, are set up along a scenic trail that's free to walk. Perfect for a Sunday stroll and a photo shoot. Breakfast at the zoo The Toronto Zoo is hosting a special Mother's Day breakfast that starts at 8:30 a.m. The ticketed event includes exclusive early morning access to the snow leopards habitat, breakfast with a show, and a special gift for every mother in attendance. Brunch at a drag show Head out to East York for a special brunch buffet and drag show at Fantasy Farm Event Centre and Banquet Hall. This is the second annual Mother's Day drag brunch at the venue. This year's lineup includes Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga impersonators and Jada Hudson of Canada's Drag Race fame. Tickets are available here. Listen to — and paint — some records with mom Head to STACKT Market near Fort York for a special Mother's Day painting workshop Sunday for an afternoon of music and art. For $30, guests are given paint, brushes and a record as a canvas to create their own vinyl masterpiece while a special Mother's Day playlist bumps in the background. The workshop runs from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Go fishing Mother's Day isn't just about brunch, flowers and cakes. And that's why the province of Ontario has made fishing free for all this weekend, no license required. So why not hit the water for some quality time. You might even catch Mother's Day dinner. Motherless Day party Mother's Day can be a hard day for some. For those who've lost their mother, a special party is being held downtown to help honour their parent's memory. The Parentless Club is hosting a Motherless Day party at Waterworks Food Hall downtown Sunday, where people can come together to support each other through the day, enjoying snacks and activities.
