November Discoveries

It’s been a while since I shared some Monthly Favorites with you. November has been a pretty nice month and fortunately, I had discovered and tried a few places and a couple of new TV shows that are worth a mention!

1.- Off Piste – Canary Wharf

There is a new establishment in Canada Square! Those who live in London and have the chance to visit a bar with a very different “Northern Aesthetic” will love it.

What makes this place special? The cabins! If you book a cabin (which has no additional cost), you can enjoy the privacy of a warm, covered deckhouse with your friends or family. The establishment is composed of a Pub and a bunch of cabins. Between them, there is a massive screen that broadcasts images and videos of natural phenomenons like the Aurora Borealis, Snow, Frozen lakes and mountains. It’s a beautiful sight while you drink hot chocolate…

The staff wears a very warm looking coat that made them look like they are working on a ski resort, which gives the place some extra Christmassy feeling.

Remember to book if you want to stay in a cosy cabin! We wanted to go around 6 p.m, but due to the location and timing, there weren’t any spots left for us. We had to pick one for 9 pm, which makes me assume it must be a very busy place!

I have no idea if it’s going to stay there after January, but judging by the theme, I don’t think it’s likely to stay the whole year.

2.-Enchanted Woodland

Why did nobody tell me about this before? From all the Christmas places I have visited, this is by far the most romantic one. I remember I found on a random website that listed “Things to do in London during the winter”.

Enchanted Woodland is the name they give to Syon Park after being covered with colourful lights in the night. The views are marvellous, it makes you feel like you are in a magic forest.

Apparently, the place is pretty much announced “for kids”, but as far as I know, illuminated trees can be appreciated by everyone. If you like taking photos, this is maybe the most grammable place ever!

3.- Chambers – TV Show

I found this TV show by accident and it’s delivering so far!

A girl has a heart attack and undergoes surgery, where she gets a heart from a different girl who just died. After a few days, she starts feeling changes in her body and mind, so she decides to investigate who was the girl whose heart is now hers.

I haven’t finished it yet but there aren’t many episodes left. It’s interesting and as weird as it sounds, I love the song which plays at the end of every episode.

4.- Servant – TV Show

I have only watched 2 episodes so far, but it has me super intrigued!

A nanny is hired to take care of a baby while the mother is at work. But the thing is, the baby is just a doll…

Check the trailer and let me know if you are watching it. I love psychological weird movies. The problem is, I almost always find the ending to be disappointing. I hope this time is different though!

5.- Mulled Wine

The first mulled wine of the year is always the best one!

Hot drinks in Winter are extra delicious and there are a few I need to try soon. Did you know mulled wine was created on ancient Rome? Apparently, the Romans that lived in the 2nd Century used to spice drinks (including wine) in order to keep their bodies warm and protected from the cold weather. After conquering multiples countries across Europe, some of them (the cold ones) kept this successful recipe and drank it like Asterix and Obelix’s magic potion at Christmas.

I had mine at Off-Piste, but I know almost every street maker in winter has at least 1 stand that offers delicious Christmas beverages like mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate.

6.- Pumpkin Spice Latte

More autumn scents…

This one had more of  an “autumn” flavour. I often avoid spiced coffees, but I was fairly surprised by this one! The creamy pumpkin paste adds a sweet flavour without making it too sweet. Unlike mulled wine, Pumpkin Spice Latte has a much more recent origin. In 2003, a Stanford Athlete that had been working for Starbucks for a couple of years was requested to bring a new winter drink. His idea had a wonderful welcome and, apparently, many other coffee places added this original new flavour to the beverages they offered.

I know finding a decent Pumpkin paste isn’t easy. Many supermarkets don’t even seel it! However, yesterday I found one at Whole Foods!

7.- BAO Soho

I wanted to try this place for a few weeks now and 2 weeks ago, I had the chance to book a table and eat some of their yummy Baos. This is one of the Baos that I had. The powder you see is peanut powder used as a topping.

I loved them. I loved it, which is no surprise if we consider that I have always been fond of this type of cuisine. The sauces and garnish they use on the small dishes make them extra juicy and full of flavour.

The dishes are fairly small tough. If you are very hungry you may need a few to satisfy yourself.

What are your November discoveries? Let me know!