Taste of London Festival with ASDA

A few weeks ago ASDA got in touch to see if I wanted a couple of tickets to enjoy the Taste of London Festival. They were showing off the UK's first ever edible Christmas house as the official supermarket sponsor of the event. Pretty cool eh? If you scroll down you'll spot the incredible house.  Cabbage and broccoli made up the garden, a sausage roll wreath hung on the door, giant pies made up the bricks alongside a staggering 1000 potatoes. There was even a prosecco wishing well next door - definitely something I could get on board with!

So what was the rest of the festival like? Blooming good! Set in the cool, industrial venue of Tobacco Dock - useless trivia, my darling dad actually did the roof when he was younger! - it was a maze of delicious food stalls. After we purchased our crowns - the official currency - we set off to feed our fat faces.

First off we made a beeline for Gordon Ramsey's Maze Grill. Promising juicy beef brisket topped with pickles and cabbage slaw, it seem worth waiting in line for. And it most certainly was! Washed down with a potent Pogues whisky cocktail, we set off in search of some prosecco. Obviously taking advantage of the free samples along the way!

It was such a brilliant day and my mum and I returned home with bursting at the seams and a little bit merry. It may have resulted in having to go to bed at 8pm... We came home with lots of the above fudge for Christmas presents and some delicious pink prosecco to open on the special festive day. Job well done I say.

Thanks so much for the tickets ASDA!

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Review: Boneyard, Shoreditch, East London

I've mentioned the street food market Pump before and now i'm writing about another tasty venue inside. Let me introduce you to Boneyard, a US-style meat joint with a relaxed vibe. Boneyard is actually a wooden restaurant inside so you don't have to brave the cold. Rows of communal wooden tables line the eatery and you wander up to the till to place your order.

As always I arrived hungry and zoomed in on the bone marrow burger on the menu. Intrigued, I added this to my order. A double patty is loaded with heaps of strong cheese and fresh salad. The meat is rich and juicy inside a toasted brioche bun. The bun soaks up the juices and manages to stay in one piece. It's certainly not the best burger in town but it still got my nod of approval.

Sadly the Tator Tots were sold out, so for a side I opted for the salted crinkle crisps smothered in spicy chilli, grated cheddar cheese and a heap of sour cream. Perfection! I'd have preferred for the cheese to be slightly melted but the chilli had just the right amount of kick.

Overall Boneyard was a good shout. I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to visit again but if I'm in the area it's definitely one I'll pop in to.

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5 of the best snacks to eat mid-morning

The period between breakfast and lunch is a killer so here are some snack suggestions you can keep on your desk for when hunger strikes. And save you from raiding the chocolate in the vending machine.

1. Perkier bars*
These new 100% plant based quinoa and sprouted grain oat bars are packed with goodness and perfect to help keep your energy levels up mid-morning. They're also free from wheat, gluten and dairy. Thanks to the quinoa, the bars really fill you up. The slow burning energy keeps you feeling satisfied before you can tuck into lunch. And keeps you away from the dreaded biscuit drawer! My personal favourite is the fruity goji and cranberry flavour. Who needs a chocolate bar? #getyourperkyon!

2. Yogurt drops
I got this idea from Sarah a while ago and it's genius! Simply pick your favourite fat free Greek yogurt and using a teaspoon, drop into a baking tray. Pop in the freezer over night before taking to work the next day. It's a great way to keep your sweet tooth at bay but without the guilt.

3. Fresh fruit salad
Is it me or does fruit taste so much nicer when it's cut up in a bowl? All the peeling is too much of a faff when you're in your flow. Make up a fruit salad the night before. Try something a little out of the ordinary and choose fruit that's in season. Clementines, apples, pommegrantes and cranberries are all in abundance in December.

4. Hummus and vegetables
Hummus comes in all different forms now at the supermarket but if you're feeling adventurous, whiz up your own batch at the weekend for the working week. I'm loving red pepper hummus at the money with carrot batons and sticks of cucumber

5. Popcorn
Popcorn is great because you can satisfy your sweet or savoury tooth. There's more varieties on the market than ever. Plenty of brands offer healthier versions too. It's better for you than a bag of crisps but you still feel like you're treating yourself. Win win situation!

What are your favourite snacks?

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