London Fashion Weekend

I wanted to share some photos that I took over London Fashion Weekend in the gorgeous Somerset House

People were going nuts in this area eyeing up all the goodies but the first thing I noticed was this gorgeous chandelier.

Also, I stumbled across a pop up gallery on the first floor...

A selection of brightly coloured scarves in the centre of the stairwell

And finally walking along Embankment...

Le Mercury, London

Restaurant: Le Mercury

Cuisine: French

Location: Islington

Love/Like/Loathe: Love

Score:  9/10

Great for: First dates, couples, families, pre-theatre dinner

Experience:

As this is officially my first review on my first blog I feel I have to begin this blogging journey with a truly outstanding and unique eatery.

Le Mercury sits quietly on Upper Street in the delightfully upmarket area of Islington. Round the corner from the Almeida theatre it is charming bistro full of character and brimming with hungry diners. I made the mistake of turning up on a Wednesday evening with no booking and was turned away. This not so hidden gem clearly has a loyal following which ensures that there are no empty tables in sight. Ever.

As a lover of French food and always on the hunt for a good deal I was amazed when I stumbled across this bistro. You can enjoy a heavenly three course meal for as little as £15. As you squeeze through the narrow double doors and enter the restaurant it is as though you have been transported to Paris. The tiny interior is packed with tables and slim waiters are expertly weaving in and out. The candle lit setting and cosy interior makes for an intimate dining experience. Garlic, butter and red wine fill the air making my stomach rumble before I have even sat down.

For starters I have the Ravioli de la Mer, crayfish and lobster ravioli with spinach and shellfish sauce. The pasta is wonderfully cooked and the shellfish sauce is light and creamy. I mopped up the rest of the sauce with the fresh bread provided. I chose the Magret de Canard for my mains which is the roast duck breast on garlic potato mash, savoy cabbage and red wine jus. The duck breast is flavoursome and medium rare. The combination of sweet jus and garlic mash is just perfect. The dish has all the richness you would expect in French cuisine. I enjoyed the dish too much to even contemplate whether my daily calorie allowance was exceeded by the mash potato alone. For dessert it had to be the crème brulee and this did not disappoint. I believe the French use a different kind of sugar so it forms the crispy layer on top of the cream. At least I think Bonne Maman does when she makes her crème brulees!

Le Mercury ticks so many of my boxes. It offers authentic French cuisine at great prices and in a charming, Parisienne setting. I lived in Paris two years ago when I worked in banking and when I go to this bistro I feel like I never left.