Joanne Mortlock

Frankie & Benny’s has proudly teamed up with Columbia Pictures/Alcon Entertainment to salute the upcoming Garfield film. Garfield The Movie is in cinemas from 24 May.  Garfield created by Jim Davis back in 1978 has become one of the world’s most loved orange cat by millions for his lazy outlook on life with laid back observations, including “Oh no! I overslept! I'm late! For my nap.”, his hatred for Mondays and love for lasagna. As Garfield loves lasagne so much, Executive Head Chef, Ben Keegans, has created a delicious new lasagne dish for their little diners. The new exclusive menu item comes with a drink, side, and a dessert all for £8.30. The three month collaboration introducing a limited time special kids lasagne menu, Garfield inspired activity sheets, Garfield themed decorations, goodie bags, posters, limited edition T-shirts and a chance to win a once in a lifetime family trip to New York City! To win the amazing holiday, all you have to do is dine in your nearest Frankie & Benny’s restaurants, scan the QR code presented on your table, and enter your details. Do you love Garfield? Visiting for my first time at Frankie & Benny's I went to the one in The Strand, London with my friend @faded_spring I learnt that @frankienbennys are a chain restaurant that has been serving up Italian American dishes for over 20 years. There was a variety of dishes to choose from, such as burgers, Italian classics, and much more. There was certainly something for everyone! The restaurant decor is very American with dark brown wooden tables, but as they are celebrating Garfield, presently, the walls were donned with fun photos of Garfield, Odie, and Jon.  I ordered a 2 course menu. Starters mozzarella sticks, which were crisp and stringy. Mains lasagne, of course. It had good layers of meat and a good topping of white cheese sauce. As for dessert me and Anna we shared a sundae, which was loaded with ice cream, cookie dough, honeycomb and much more. Was huge, quite nice, but the honeycomb was hard.  My view as for a chain restaurant the food was not bad but the restaurant is I would say more focused for families looking for a fun place to dine with their children. Pr

Hippos are my favourite animal, so when I saw this art sculpture within London Bridge area of a hippo, I just had to dine with him and his Rabbit friend. This statue is titled THE HIPPO WAS HUNGRY TO TRY NEW THINGS WITH RABBITWOMAN by @gillieandmarcart The plaque really was an interesting read and quite a worrying one in respect to our wildlife as well as our planet. Here is what it read: 'Here's some food for thought! The hippo had a problem. Her kind was known as some of the most ill-tempered and dangerous animals, when really, she was a big softy! All she asked was to be given space and plenty of waterholes to wallow in. Unfortunately, the waterholes are drying up at rapid pace, and over 95% of hippos have disappeared in the DRC alone. She explained all of this to her friend, Rabbitwoman, over coffee and plenty of watermelons. They knew it would take a group effort to solve her problem. Rabbitwoman is part of the iconic hybrid duo who tell the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together-as best friends and soulmates. This beloved pair of characters work as our conduit with wildlife, helping us find joy in nature and rekindle our connection with the wild. In the last 50 years, 70% of the planet's wildlife has been lost. We must act now to save them.' What is your favourite animal on this earth? #GillieandMarc #LoveTheLast #savetheplanet #saveearth #wildlife #hippo #hippopotamus #diningwithahippo #rabbit #protectwildlife #artsculpture #statue #tea #teaforthree #zsl #londonbridgecity #hobbslondon #hobbs #lovepopupslondon .

Have you ever had a Masterchef cook for you in your own home? No, then I highly recommend checking out @hometainment Hometainment organises all things hospitality. Whether you need a bartender for a birthday party or a private chef. They simply want you to experience the joy of a premium hospitality experience within your own home. I won their competition last month and had the pleasure of having 2019 Masterchef Professionals Semi-finalist Chef Arbinder Singh Dugal @its_asd_official cook for me and my friends @wanderlustlynseyjane @jojoexplora @jasonmort007 Chef Arbinder Singh Dugal has worked for over 20 years in the culinary world, cooking in Mumbai kitchens and even Michelin star restaurants. In 2020, he then opened up to catering for people at home as well as for events. For 3 hours he cooked for me and my frends giving us a tantalising 4 course feast, laughs and stories. Book him or other chefs via https://hometainment.co.uk You'll get a private chef cook for you at your home or event for 3 hours (1 hour prep & 2 hours cooking) They'll bring the food and cook at yours They'll clean up after Maximum number of guests dependent Minimum spend dependent on chef you have Location dependent on chef you choose Who needs to go to a restaurant when you can have a professional chef come to yours and cook. #Hometainment #ChefaArbinderSinghDugal #MasterchefProfessionals #Semifinalist #ModernIndian #IndianCuisine #chefathome #privatehire #homehire #Eatingathome #datenightwithfriends #dinnerathome #competitionwinner #lovepopupslondon Competition win

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of having @its_asd_official Chef Arbinder Singh Dugal, who was a semi-finalist in Masterchef Professionals back in 2019 cook for me and my friends at my home thanks to @hometainment Hometainment organises all things hospitality. Whether you need a bartender for a birthday party or a private chef to treat your loved ones. They simply want you to experience the joy of a premium hospitality experience within your own home. Chef Arbinder Singh Dugal has worked for over 20 years in the culinary world, cooking in Mumbai kitchens and even Michelin star restaurants. In 2020, he established an event planning business catering for people at home as well as for events. When Chef Arbinder came over to mine, I was a little worried about how he would cope in my small kitchen with a partially broken oven, but all went fine. He bought over all the ingredients he needed and cooked up a tantalising feast for me and my friends giving us a special 3 hour experience like no other as we ate and learnt more about him during the evening. It's so much better than eating out. On the night we got to enjoy: Amuse Bouche Kothambir vadi yuzu kosho Tamarind pani puri Starters Quinoa & beetroot chaat beetroot ketchup, Papdi Mains Butter chicken Fish Moilee Dal Makhni Naan bread Raita Kachumber saladKachumber salad Dessert Miso & white chocolate Mousse, Bailey's ice cream, nut crumble, dulce de leche Book Chef Arbinder now via https://hometainment.co.uk Private chef, food, and clean-up Experience duration 3 hours (1 hour prep & 2 hours cooking) Maximum number of guests 300 Minimum spend £1000 Available locations: Cotswolds, Essex, Ibiza, London, Surrey, Sussex Chef Arbinder Singh Dugal is just one of the many chef's that you can hire for your private get-together. Who needs to go to a restaurant when you can have a professional chef come to yours. #Hometainment #ChefaArbinderSinghDugal #MasterchefProfessionals #Semifinalist #ModernIndian #IndianCuisine #Eatingathome #datenightwithfriends #dinnerathome #competitionwinner #lovepopupslondon Competition win

Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for as this is London's greatest show..... @sophiessurprise29th Over the bank holiday weekend I went along to @underbellyboulevard for a show called Sophie's Surprise 29th which is a marriage of circus performers, comedy acts, and cabaret weaved together into a nostalgic 90s house party creating a blend of utter wild craziness making it the best party ever on stage! From start to finish, I watched deaf-defying acts which blew me away. All the circus feats were performed to high energy pumping soundtracks, making me want to get off my chair and join in! If only I could do what they could do, though, which is impossible. Each and every performer was a joy to watch and made me go WOW each time! As well as scream a little with fear as I sat in the very front row within this small five row seated auditorium and that was scary as with each twist and turn of their performance I could feel their movement rush past my face giving me an adrenaline hit. Read more about the performers @katharinearnold @nathanredwoodprice @corn_1 @dru_cripps whom I saw in the comments section. Book your seat now as everything you want is right in front of you and you see the impossible is comin true as you sit back and watch thrilling deaf-defying stunts, you'll scream, laugh and cry as this show is a real roller coaster of high energy entertainment. Underbelly Boulevard London On until 28 June 2024 Various times, 90 mins including interval Prices from £25.00 #Sophiessurprise29th #UnderbellyBoulevard #CircusActs #CircusPerformers #CircusMeetsChaos #Aerialist #RollerSkating #Comedy #Goth #LondonTheatre #ThingsToDoInLondon #FunInLondon #LondonLife #LondonShow #LondonCabaret #Cabaret #Entertainment #LondonNightsOut #Soho #LondonSoho #LimitedTime #WhatsOnStage #DesignMyNight #MySohoLondon #Timeout #OnInLondon #lovepopupslondon Pr invite

Top Afternoon Tea of pure indulgence is what sums up @roast_restaurant who have partnered with @champagnelaurentperrier Roast popped up in Borough Market 2015 and serves up British cuisine. They are famous for their pulled pork and beef wellington. I went along on Saturday for a British Afternoon Tea partnered with Laurent Perrier. Upon entering I was surrounded by elegance as I stepped into a lush indoor garden, which resembled springtime blossoms. I got to nibble on delicious savoury delights, tasty sandwiches, sweet dessets and fluffy scones. Afternoon Tea menu: Savoury Roast Signature Pork & Sage Scotch Egg Braised Beef Croquettes Pork Sausage Roll Sandwiches  Bridge Roll Pulled Pork Nordic Seeded Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Swiss Lateral Roast Beef & Horseradish Desserts Vanilla Cheesecake with champagne jelly Fresh Fruit Tart with blueberry jam Choux Bun with white chocolate & strawberry mousse Scones with homemade seasonal jam & clotted cream Cocktail options Equinox made with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rose, Pangea Spiced, Basil Liqueur, Strawberry & Vanilla Liqueur and Lime Juice Big Ben made with Elephant Gin, Chambord, Apple Juice and Lime Juice Tea Various options Vegan & GF options available I liked nearly everything I ate and I must admit I don't usually like sandwiches but I loved these ones. Everything was the perfect size making it easy to eat all. The only thing I was not keen on was the Sausage Roll as was quite dense, like a pork pie and a had a thin layer of puff pastry. My best moment of the afternoon tea was the desserts as I have a sweet tooth. All so yummy. Roast  The Floral Hall Stoney Street Borough Market London SE1 1TL Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed Monday to Saturday 11:45am – 5.30pm There are different options for the Afternoon Tea. For Afternoon Tea with serving of tea £45, with tea & a cocktail £55, with tea & a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut £55, with tea & a glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut £65 or with tea & Bottomless Prosecco £69. Save this post if you love a good Afternoon Tea and book at your pleasure #roastrestaurant #britishcuisine #afternoontea #afternoonteauk #afternoonteainlondon Pr invite

Lego lovers, you won't want to miss this exhibition in London by @artofthebrickexpo There are so many pieces to discover, even this Brick Man, who was in deep thought, could not make his mind up on his favourite, so I decided for him. I chose the Lego man with a person bursting out of him as I think it is a good representation of how we all fill. We just want to shout out what we really feel but don't. The Art of Brick has toured over 100 cities in 24 countries with over 10 million visitors worldwide. Now, this “Must-See” exhibition is back in London but be quick as it's only on for a limited time. The collection includes many sculptures from sculptures representing how we feel, re-imagined versions of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, and a 6-metre-long reproduction of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. The Art of the Brick The Boiler House 152 Brick Lane London Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 21:00 hrs Sundays from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs Adult tickets starting at £15.90 and Child tickets starting at £11.90. Children under 4 enter for FREE. #ArtoftheBrickExpo #feveruk #lego #legoartwork #legobricks #wellbeing #feelings #dinosaur #artwork #exhibition #popupslondon #popup #londonpopup #designmynight #timeout #mylondontimes #lovepopupslondon

AD This is the greatest brunch on earth, a real showstopper ! BRUNCH AT THE MUSICALS every Saturday at 1pm at Juno Rooms is where the West End comes alive. Every Saturday, a different cast of West End performers each week with stars from numerous shows such as Wicked, Dreamgirls, Hamilton and more will give 3 hours of entertainment as they sing their heart out as hungry diners enjoy a brunch and sip drinks. I went along with my friends @uktravelling @wanderlustlynseyjane @londoninyourpocket and we had a smashing time as we ate, drank and sung the afternoon away as we enjoyed the host with the mostest Mercedes Bends (Priscilla Queen of the Dessert, Fame, Saturday Night Fever) as she entertained us throughout the afternoon with her jokes, moves plus her vocals. We also got to see and enjoy cast of singers Jordan Lee Davies (Book of Mormon), Emma Lindars (Priscilla Queen of the Dessert) and Freddie King (Heathers) Everything from start to finish was show stopping. I had the British Bavette Steak and even though little chewy was full of flavour and cooked to perfection plus came with lovely crunchy fluffy potatoes. The drinks all were great as well as most made using Absolut Vodka, and if you know me, Vodka is my favourite spirit. The Esiresso Martini was the best creamy, most certainly star of the drinks. I will certainly be looking to book in the future to enjoy more great West End stars to sing and party along with whilst eating and drinking the afternoon away. Juno Rooms 67-69 Watling Street London EC4M 9DD Brunch & Show – £35 per person Welcome drink & popcorn Main course Brunch, Show & Bottomless Drinks – £55 per person Welcome drink & popcorn Main course 90 minutes of bottomless drinks The food menu includes a choice of either Eggs Benedict, British Bavette Steak, Chicken & Waffles, Smash Burger, Crispy Duck Salad & Juno Plant Burger The drinks are Espresso Martini, Pornstar Martini, Aperol Spritz, Juno Sunrise, Jubel Beer & Prosecco Book via Design My Night @brunchatthemusicals #brunchatthemusicals @junorooms #junorooms #westendstars #brunch #bottomlessbrunch #singalongs #cocktails #popupslondon #lovepopupslondon

AD New the Pizza Fresca @wearezizzi have you tried it yet? Zizzi is known for their tasty pizzas, and now they have created a new kind of pizza, Pizza Fresca. I went along to Zizzi in Strand to try their healthier Pizza Fresca which is just 700 kcal. They have presently three to choose from one with chicken, fish or cherry tomatoes. I ordered the Verdura, which was topped with torn Fior di Latte mozzarella, red & orange baby plum tomatoes, red onion, and a balsamic drizzle. Was absolutely delicious, thin, crisp, and loaded with fresh flavours from the tomatoes, creaminess of the mozzarella, and had a sharp tanginess from the balsamic vinegar. What I love about Pizza Fresca is that they are not covered in tomato sauce, just topped with fresh toppings. As well as their new pizza, they have a few other new dishes on their menu. So, for starters, I decided to also check out their new dishes Burrata Caprese and Mozzarella, Basil & Tomato Arancini. The Burrata Caprese was a lovely, super creamy ball of mozzarella cheese with fresh baby plum tomatoes mixed with basil, smoky garlic oil and smothered with tangy sharp tasty sticky balsamic dressing. The Mozzarella, Basil & Tomato Arancini are golden balls of crispiness loaded with cheesy risotto rice and mozzarella, basil and tomato. It came with a smoky tomato dip. Nice. They also had a few new desserts Triple Chocolate Bomba and Chocolate Brownie Sundae. The Triple Chocolate Bomba is a rich chocolate truffle wrapped in warm brownie goodness, rolled in white chocolate curls, and comes served with warm salted caramel sauce. Very rich, creamy, and extremely sweet, highly recommend but as order to share as is big. Chocolate Brownie Sundae Chocolate comes chocolate and salted caramel gelato, chocolate brownie, and freshly whipped cream. Topped with honeycomb and chocolate & salted caramel sauce. Extremely tasty. Zizzi has a chain of restaurants across the UK is known for their Italian cuisine. #zizzi #wearezizzi #pizzafresca #chocolatebrownie #sundae #arancini #italianchainrestaurant #italiancuisine #eatoutinlondon #londonrestaurant #restaurantinlondon #italianinlondon #foodstagram #lovepopupslondon PR invite