Sabrina's Passions' Forum Posts

Go to Buddha Bar… Although ridiculously expensive, it has always been fantastic. So much better than the awful one that came to London. The food is fabulous (would advise ordering lots of starters and sushi over mains, which can be bland) and great cocktails and vibe. It still retains all its coolness in Paris. More

I stopped doing Turkey a few years ago. Family hated it. A stunning rib of beef from the butchers is such a treat and is very popular. Rub Colemans mustard powder into the fat along with some Maldon sea salt and bung in oven! Used to serve duck also… Google Delia Smith's famous duck with cherries recipe, its actually really lovely. More

I'm very lucky working in events because I get to attend most of the summer events (except Wimbledon which is way too expensive!) But Hospitality wise, I would say the opening day of Aegon Tennis champs is really great. The hospitality is not overpriced compared to others, its top quality and Andy Murray was playing, so good value. We also do Ascot, Grand Prix and a few others… But the best ticket of the summer has to be The Cartier International Polo in the Chinawhite Hospitality enclosure. Fab day. Long but fun and it can be quite hedonistic after dark! More

One of my absolute favourite pubs is called The Olde Bell in Hurley, Berks. theoldebell.co.uk It's such a lovely place and they do BBQ's and hog roasts every weekend and they have a huge garden. Not sure whether they are showing the final, but its worth a try because it is lovely! More

Dismissive tactics are always employed, especially with Formulaic chain restaurants. I think they need to invest in paying staff higher salaries, so that they can demand the best service from them. Training wouldnt go a miss either!! Oh well, £20 is better than nothing, eh? I do love Strada's food though, it's one of the better high street chains. More

As I worked in restaurants, I do struggle with the concept of punishing ALL staff just because of a single isolated incident… However, if it was the manager that was rude to me, that is a very different affair. If someone, actually anyone, was rude to me… I would verbally ‘take them down’ and remind them who the customer is and that the customer is king. Its not about being rude, shouting or losing your cool (which most people seem to think is a good way to assert your power) but its about being calm, stern and brutally honest about what you are not happy with. Pointless waiting til you have left the restaurant, because how will head office know what you went through, when they will only verify with the exact same staff that were rude to you. I would suggest you say you tell them that you expect some gesture of good will from them seeing as they were so rude to you. Having said that in certain situations, I find being direct comes easily to me, but I know that this isnt the case for everyone. But dont be afraid to get ‘value’ from your meal, most restaurants operate a food cost of 30%, so there is 70% for you to play with and if that means getting a comp dessert or even coffee (which costs them pennies) then do it! But ONLY if you are just! This way, you dont need to stiff the poor hard working staff who were nice to you and also you dont feel out of pocket! More

Galvin at Windows, gorgeous views from 28th floor of London Hilton Park Lane, across Hyde Park and the food is incredible. Not cheap, but really hard to beat for Christmas Day. More

Galvin at Windows 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane. Gorgeous views, lovely drinks, impeccable service and not your average boring Hotel bar. More

Arang – Korean restaurant in Golden Square (Soho)… Cannot believe it isn't listed on here! The food is amazing and sooooo reasonable! More

It has to be ‘Lime Wood’ hotel in the New Forest. Absolutely stunning with a wonderful restaurant and stunning setting: limewoodhotel.co.uk More