Partying 1920’s Prohibition Style
A heady mix of mischief, cocktails, vintage, dancing, gambling, burlesque and secret drinking dens awaits you in London if you know where to look!
Too few era’s offer the potential to relive such glamour and glitz as the 1920’s so we snapped up tickets for the 50th Bourne and Hollingsworth Prohibition party which was held at Bloomsbury Ballroom. I was particularly thrilled to be able to whip out my dazzling outfit from our Prohibition Tea Party for another whirl wind trip to the past.
As we descended the stairs into the ballrooms the genuine Art Deco details whispered tales of a past we can’t really imagine now but added to the authentic feel of the night. Everywhere I looked guests where decked out in pearls, glistening gowns, feathers, suits, braces, bow ties, waistcoats and the ladies pouting deep red lips while the gents tapped their lace up oxfords ready to hit the floor and Charleston!
I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when my husband told me he’d booked us in for the optional Charleston dance lesson, dancing is not something he’s keen on despite laying down some sensational moves at uni. I was so glad he had though, it was so much fun, everyone was friendly and giving it their all and best of all it meant we could have a go later too.
From sipping on seriously strong cocktails and listening to a jazz band while waiting for the photo booth in the first room we could then move on through to the main ball room where we’d had our dance lesson. Two large bars offered another chance to top up our glasses before using our faux casino money at one of the tables, having our portrait drawn or hitting the dance floor while the big band plays, or just stare mesmerised at the professional dancers! The entertainment never seems to stop, from the live music and burlesque dancer right through to the….
Secret drinking den!! Ok, so it wasn’t exactly a huge secret as the tables had maps of the venue on them so you didn’t miss out but you did have to make your way past two shifty looking fella’s, who advised us to tell anyone who asked that we’d given up drinking, and a door emblazoned with a poster proclaiming ‘Closed for violation of the National Prohibition Act by order of the Unites States District Court’ to find it. Passing down a darkened tunnel (ok my imagination was on top form by this point) we entered a room transformed into something that felt secretive, indulgent and naughty! In here we found two new cocktails served in medicine jars, and a chap playing his ukulele! Hats off to the Vintage Mafia for hosting a superb speakeasy!
I will definitely be making my way back for another raucous night of glitzy hedonism and if you fancy it too the next party is being held on 6th September 2014, visit Prohibition or Bourne and Hollingsworth for more details on their tantalisingly fabulous events!
Cheers!
Cream Tea Top Tips!
It’s here, cream tea season, Andy Murray has won his first match at Wimbledon and strawberries, scones and clotted cream are everywhere! So here are our Cream Tea Top Tips…
1. Go Fresh!
Fundamental, from the strawberries to the scones, you can’t beat fresh, local produce. For the strawberries why not get out there and pick your own, click here to find somewhere local to you. By the time you’re done picking you’ll have earned the treat but if that sounds too strenuous keep your eyes peeled for local strawberries in the super market or local markets. For the scones make your own, more on that, or find a local bakery or baker (ahem) and order them handmade fresh from the oven. Finally, nothing beats homemade jam but for convenience a good local jam will be just as delicious and far less tricky.
2. Loose and leafy tea!
Rule of thumb, if it’s mentioned in the title it’s vital! Tea is clearly a key ingredient to cream tea so make it count. This doesn’t necessarily mean trying some obscure tea you’ve never heard of before (don’t hold back if the mood takes you there) but a loose leaf tea/tea bag gives a taste worthy of an occasion like this. You get depth of flavour and colour and it really elevates the experience from the everyday to the treat it’s meant to be. Just drop us a line if you’d like some more advice on this, we stock a wonderful selection of loose leaf teas and tea bags and loved testing them all out.
3. Bake your own!
Baking scones is actually quite easy and something you can get the kids involved with too. We’d recommend finding a recipe that uses buttermilk or yoghurt for a real indulgence, here’s one from baking’s Queen, Mary Berry. Don’t forget to get those hands high when rubbing in the flour, you want the air in there to get a fluffy scone. Keep a pile of flour next to your lightly floured surface and twist your cutter through the flour before cutting into the dough, this will allow you to pull straight up in one swift motion. When brushing the tops with a glaze, go lightly this is a less is more situation for a beautiful finish. Finally, why not mix it up a bit, add a dash of cinnamon or really go for it and try our favourite savoury combo, jalapenos and mature cheddar!
4. Serve up an event!
It will come as no surprise that we love to break out the vintage china to serve our cream tea on, the glittering gold details and beautiful designs make us feel so special. If you’re after something a bit more disposable and easy to clear away then there are some fabulous paper and wooden party ware options, you can find lots of party ware at Jelly and Blancmange.
5. Oooh go on pop the bubbles!
Pretty straight forward, whether it’s Prosecco, Champagne or Schloer we love adding a bit of fizz to every occasion.
