Adrie Reinders

Lebanese at Buckingham Palace

Noura Belgravia
16 Hobart Place
London, SW1
www.nouralounge.com

During my stay in London this past week, I had lunch at Noura, a small chain with several (4) restaurants in London. Whilst I can tell you that London is a different city as soon as the sun comes out, you get the sense that at Noura the sun always shines. They have a small outdoor area, but inside is the place to be – spacious, but done in such a way that you don’t feel like you are drowning, beautifully decorated with great eye for detail and very comfortable. The staff are all from Lebanese descent, and the food is based purely on Lebanese cuisine.

After some delicious warm pitta and olives and marinated radish, I opted to for a chicken skewer with salad and humus. As dessert I had a plate of lebanese pastries, inlcuding baklava served with a Lebanese coffee which had a lovely hint of cardamom.

The food was pure and fresh and simply great. A really strong recommendation. Good to know also is that Noura was awarded the “Best Vegetarian restaurant” award in 2005.

Food: 8.5
Comfort: 8
Service: 8
Price/Quality: 8.6

Private Member Clubs

I had the pleasure today of visiting two private member clubs in London. These type of clubs, although popular in the US as well, really stem from the old fashioned gentlemen clubs typical to the UK.

The last club I visited was “Home House”, 20 Portman Square. London. The service was friendly, fast and professional, which is a nice combination. The Director of Marketing, Reece Williams, took time out to show us around – it is clear that he takes great pride in the facilities and he certainly has every right – members here are pampered in an astounding way. Home House has its own Spa with a complete Health Club, it has formal dining, a traditional bar and a very futuristic one – as well as public seating throughout the three great period houses that make up the entire Club. All in all, a great place to be a member – with an atmosphere which is lively without being intrusive.

Comfort: 8,5
Service: 8
Price/Quality: 8.5

Earlier in the day I also visited the Groucho Club in Dean Street in London. Another private member club where you will find a lot of people from the advertising and creative professional circles. Service was OK< but rather slow and the whole club looks more like a normal restaurant/bar facility then what I would classify as a “Club”. Not a place I’d easily become a member.

Comfort: 7
Service: 6
Price/Quality: 6