Restaurant review: Bar & Block, Kings Cross, north London


Despite the huge regeneration scheme Kings Cross isn't an area of London that I frequent too often. My Essex train comes into Liverpool Street so naturally I spend a lot of my time in east London. But when an invite popped up to to try out the new Bar & Block in that part of town, I took it as a sign that I should head north and catch up with Kim. And I'm very glad I did!




Located just a five minute walk from the station, the specialist steak restaurant looks slick and welcoming. After being ushered into our booth, we were almost immediately presented with some addictive beef-flavoured popcorn. After pouring over the cocktail menu, we decided to opt for the refreshing gin smash cocktail. A lovely light choice to go alongside our starters. 

The juicy meatballs were covered in a tangy tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, Served with crusty ciabatta bread, this was just the right size for a starter and had me looking forward to the main course. My dining companion had creamy mixed mushrooms on two slices of ciabatta topped with a poached egg. I have it on very good authority that this was great too. It certainly looked it!




Given that it was a steak restaurant I opted to go for the butcher's block. This changes daily and I thought it would be good to try something I hadn't had before. On this particular day it was short rib topped with samphire and served alongside beer dripping chunky chips and chimichurri sauce. The meat was tender and the chips were beautifully crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside. Kim went for the slow-cooked pork belly on a bed of wholegrain mustard mash with a smattering of rocket and apples. This looked divine and got the thumbs up!




Despite declaring we couldn't eat another thing, we took one for the team and ordered another cocktail - strawberry mojito - and poured over the dessert menu. As soon as I clocked the churro sundae there wasn't any other option. It was a monster when it appeared! Two gigantic churros were on top of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, clotted cream, brownie chunks and biscuit bites. Drizzled with a toffee sauce, it was pure indulgence. Kim's apple and blackberry crumble looked divine too.

Bar & Block is a great addition to the buzzing Kings Cross restaurant scene. There's something for everyone on the menu - even if steak isn't your favourite thing - and portion sizes are pretty decent. Our waitress couldn't have been more helpful or attentive and really made the restaurant experience all the better. Thanks for having us guys!

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How to wear leopard print heels





Outfit:
White shirt: H&M (similar)
Grey tailored coat: New Look (similar)
Grey skinny ripped knee jeans: New Look (similar)
Leopard print pony haired shoes: Lotus*

I've mentioned before that leopard print in my jam so these Lotus shoes were a welcomed addition to my wardrobe. Thanks to the comfortable midi heel, they're the ideal shoe to go from day to night. Comfortable to wear all day to work and then smart enough to go out in the evening for a few drinks. What more could you want? To make sure they pack a punch, I've paired them with a simple crisp white shirt and a classic grey tailored coat to let the shoes be the talking point. I always think statement shoes really help to bring an outfit up a notch. That and a slick of lipstick!


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Why you should stay in the West End in Glasgow

We went to Glasgow for a wedding and when I asked my friend for a recommendation on what part of the city to stay in, she suggested we choose the West End. What a great shout!





Known for it's imposing Victorian architecture, trendy food scene and leafy parks, it was right up our street. In fact, there's really no need to go into the city centre as in my opinion all the best places to eat and best places to see are right on your doorstep. Here you'll find Glasgow University, Kelvingrove park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Hunterian Museum and the Riverside museum is a 15 minute walk away. It's on my list for my next visit.



The high quality of restaurants will have you spoilt for choice. The majority of the restaurants in my guide are located in this part of town. From the only Vietnamese restaurant to Glasgow to an Indian will make you wish you lived closer, there are cuisines from all over the world.

Full of independent and vintage shops, you'll have a field day picking up some goodies to take home. Ruthvan and Downside lane have an abundance of different quirky shops selling everything from records to bric and brac. Just keep wandering and you never know what you might come across.




We opted to stay in an Air BnB for our week in Glasgow and it was incredible. The apartment was located just a 15 minute walk to the nearest subway station, Hillhead, Glasgow University and Kelvingrove Art Gallery, so we couldn't have been in a more perfect location. With two bedrooms, gorgeous high ceilings, enviable interiors and situated on the top floor of a stunning Victorian mansion block, it felt like a home away from home. I can't recommend it enough and the owners really helped to make us feel welcomed - the box of Turnocks teacakes were a wonderful surprise. Make sure you book it if you ever find yourself in the Scottish city!

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A Essex based lifestyle blogger who lives a champagne life on a lemonade purse!

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