Several months ago a group of us vintage loving ladies had arranged to have a jolly to London. This was for two reasons, one because we love a good catch up and secondly that we love a good booze up!

On our previous escapades, we ended up drinking ourselves silly at a Tiki Bar, before heading for Vietnamese food, Oh, and then even more potent alcohol at the train station before arriving home very late and very tipsy.

December’s Tiki Party

Because of this, we had decided to get together and have a night out, before a day at Kew Gardens, where one of our lovely tribe works in the Herbarium. Rhina had offered to show us around the Gardens, before having cake and tea.

In order to make this a proper weekend, I had contacted the lovely Alice at the Montcalm at The Brewery London City to ask about reserving a room. I had stayed there when I went to the Plus Size Awards, and whilst that event was a washout, the Hotel was out of this World.

I had arranged to book a room for the Friday as a few of us had organised to meet up and have a meal before going for cocktails. Well, I had to be persuaded didn’t I?

I checked into my room around 2pm and to my surprise Alice had organised an upgrade to one of their Montcalm Club rooms. Well, I was just blown away! The room was just out of this world and I felt like royalty! You can read my full review here

The Montcalm Club Room

I spent a couple of hours unpacking, relaxing and beautifying myself for the night ahead. Putting on my Red and Orange Tiki dress with matching hair flower, I was all set for the night.

I was meeting a few of the girls in Dalston for a Turkish meal, before crossing over to this wonderful little cocktail bar that Rhina and I had visited previously called Fontaines. Run by the stunning Ruby, it was an Art Deco paradise with wonderful cocktails mixed by Ruby herself.

When I visited before, I had tried their hot buttered rum which was served in a teacup. This time they had a whole new menu for us to try.

Now if you have read my hotel review post, you will know that I had a fall as I was leaving the hotel to head to Dalston, managing to bash my knee, thigh and shoulder up quite badly.

Ouchie

I got an Uber into Dalston and whilst waiting for the others to arrive, went into Fontaines to have a drink.

Wray and Nephew to the rescue

A rhubarb drink… the name escapes me!

To get over the shock, I ordered a Wray and Nephew and Coke (my favourite) and then a Rhubarb cocktail which was so potent yet tasty.

I left Fontaines to go a couple of doors down to a lovely Turkish restaurant, Devrans where I met the Lovely Leanda and the Amazing Amelia. All we needed now was the Ravishing Rhina.

Sadly Rhina was stuck in traffic at quite a nasty accident, so she told us to start without her.

Stuck on the Bus

Warm bread with dips arrived and we tucked in. Being the only meat eater in the bunch, I went for the Lamb Shish, whilst the others had Halloumi Wraps.

I have to say, it was so good! The lamb was succulent and very tasty, it also really filled a hole.

Rhina managed to join us almost at the end of the meal, and we then hustled along to Fontaines to be greeted warmly by Ruby.

Jungle Lady

Seating us in a lovely arrangement of sofa’s and chairs, we perused the new menu and decided what we were going to have.

As I had already tried the Rhubarb concoction, I decided to head for the drinks made with Rum, so as to not mix things too much.

Choosing a Hurricane seemed like a good idea, and I have to say I was right. Fruity yet very alcoholic, it went down a treat.

A Hurricane in a glass

The wonderful barmen kindly provided me with a tea towel filled with ice, which I classily sat with nearly all night, but can confirm it really did help with the swelling!

How classy! Ice Pack times

After the Hurricane, I went for the Jungle Lady which was again Rum based. I have to say I liked this even more than the Hurricane and it stayed my cocktail of choice for the rest of the night.

Jungle Juice

We did however try each others cocktails, so I got to try several including an “old fashioned”, a “banane about the boy” and even a “Georgia Julep”.

Banane About the Boy

Georgia Julep

All of them were so good that I gladly would have had them all!

The lovely Rhina

They say a change is as good as a rest, and the new menu certainly is that. Lots of variety and certainly not your average run of the mill cocktails that everyone serves. You really are spoilt for choice with which new cocktail to try and we certainly worked our way through a lot of them between us!

Drinks to match my dress!

Fontaines is an amazing cocktail bar, where the decor and atmosphere are simply wonderful. If you are visiting the area I heartily suggest popping in. And if you aren’t visiting the area it is certainly worth making a detour!!

Thank you Ruby for your amazing establishment, I hope to return for more alcohol and frolics soon!

A little the worse for wear

Till next time,
Tx