Last night I hit the town with 'Fenella' to celebrate her
birthday. It was lovely to glam up a
little and do something a bit different as, apart from our theatre trips, we
tend to stay fairly local.
Mr Misfit offered to be our cabbie for the night, despite
the fact that we said we wouldn't give him a tip - other than telling him to
avoid cyclists or keep further to the left. Top tip!
First we hit Cafe des Amis in Covent
Garden and we were greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne
as promised to me on Twitter for giving them a shout out for their excellent service in the past. What can I
say about this restaurant? I love it -
friendly staff, excellent and varied food and surprisingly good value for
money, considering its location.
We'd planned to walk to our next venue but, having both worn
heels for the first time in a while, we hailed a cab and set off to High
Holborn and Scarfes Bar.
Scarfes is part of The Rosewood Hotel, a beautifully
restored Grade II-listed building which you approach through an arch leading to an Edwardian courtyard. The
entrance certainly has the WOW factor.
The bar itself has been ‘lovingly evolved into a living
canvas by political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe’ and ‘meticulously designed’ by
the renowned Martin Brudnizki. Think opulent
gentleman's club without the stuffiness, with its roaring fire, bookcases
filled with over 1,000 antique books (heaven!) hand-picked by a Portobello antique
dealer, low-key lighting, plush velvet armchairs and sofa seating.
I was slightly surprised to find that many tables were
reserved, despite the fact that I'd been told that there was a 'no reservation'
policy (maybe we're not posh enough!) but we were lucky enough to find a cosy table for two with a good view
of the entertainment. Admittedly, we
almost fell off our beautifully upholstered leather arm chairs when we discovered that
the House
Wine was £50 a bottle!
£50!!! I guess they have to pay
their musicians somehow as there is no entrance fee but ...! Anyway, after we'd slithered back into upright positions we settled in for the night and chatted as we waited for The Nick and Kitty Trio to start.
We were not disappointed!
With Nick Shankland on piano, accompanied by a trumpet player (sorry I
have no name) Kitty LaRoar performed jazz standards with a voice that ran through us like
deliciously thick whipped cream - what a talent!
I love to listen to a singer and feel that I have complete confidence in
them and as Kitty sang and scatted away, expertly playing her miniature drum
kit, I felt in wonderfully safe hands.
She was faultless. When her
husband Nick joined her, the feeling continued - his tone is easy and smooth,
like molten treacle. It's clear to see
that they're married - wordless connections made their act
classy and a joy to watch.
When other guests were presented with birthday cakes, Kitty
sang Happy Birthday in a breathy Marilyn Monroe style which so suits her
delightfully quirky look - a glamorous pocket rocket who makes you wonder where
that huge (and sometimes small but incredibly effective) voice is kept.
If you want to listen for yourself, here's a sample:
It was a magical night. If you're in or around
London, love live entertainment and are looking to do something a bit different,
Scarfes Bar is like stepping back in time and will leave you feeling spoiled,
if a little poorer!
DON'T FORGET! 'Lottie's Luck' is free until the end of today and you can pre-order 'Recipe for Change' NOW for delivery to your Kindle on Wednesday.
