Plant-Based

March 5 2024

Elegance Meet Modernity – Mint Leaf Lounge

Urban Adventurer Bar, Cocktail, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Restaurant Authentic Indian Cuisine, Fine Dining Experience, Fine Dining Restaurant London, Indian Cuisine, Indian Food, Mint Leaf London, Mint Leaf Lounge, Where to Celebrate Mother's Day, Where to Celebrate Women's Day 2

Tucked away in a narrow alleyway, the imposing building of Mint Leaf Lounge elegantly towers over the intricate labyrinth of Bank of England.

Mint Leaf Lounge is an award-winning urban cocktail bar and fine-dining Indian restaurant offering authentic South Asian flavours with a twist.

@urbanadventurerldn

💫 *invite* [BLOG POST IN BIO] Come with me for a magical dining experience at Mint Leaf London @Mint Leaf London 🌱 Mint Leaf Lounge is an award-winning urban cocktail bar and fine-dining Indian restaurant offering authentic South Asian flavours with a twist 🏛️ Nestled in a redesigned bank building, Mint Leaf Lounge blends modernity and classic sophistication 🍄🍸Mint Leaf’s signature cocktails are more than just beautifully presented cocktails. They tell stories of Indian history! 🥘 The food menu combines authentic, seasonal Indian ingredients, contemporary cooking techniques and stylish presentation #mintleaflondon #indianfinedining #indiancuisine #finedining #indianfood #cocktails #datenightideas

♬ Classical Violin – StudioMaxMusic

Moody Interiors, Artistic Cocktails, and Innovative Indian Dishes

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Nestled in a redesigned bank building, Mint Leaf Lounge blends modernity and classic sophistication while creating timeless elegant atmosphere.

The high ceiling building houses a stylish cocktail bar and an Indian fine dining restaurant on the ground floor and a chic mezzanine champagne bar.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The champagne bar provides a beautiful view to the grand columns, the illuminating bar, and the cosy dimly lit dining area enclosed in monumental stone walls decorated with river-washed pebbles.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The glorious modern chandeliers and the spectacular bronze statues are perfect additions to the restaurant’s modern classic ambience.

The Drinks

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Mint Leaf’s signature cocktails are more than just beautifully presented cocktails. They tell stories of Indian history!

We started the night with the ‘Sunderban’ and ‘The Lost Treasure Cocktails’.

‘Sunderban’ was served in a lovely mushroom-shaped glass placed on the top of a mini log, decorated with mini mushrooms, pinecones and lichens. It was a sweet blend of Vodka, peach, pineapple, Grenadine & lemon juice.

Originally Sunderban is the name of a delta formed by rivers in the Bay of Bengal, famous for its magnificent Bengal Tiger you might be familiar with from the famous movie, ‘The Life of Pi’. It’s a very dense forest with lots of secrets and stories to tell.

‘The Lost Treasure’ cocktail was served in a mysterious treasure box as a symbol of the treasures those two ships carried that had belonged to the East India Company. The ships, full of gold, had been sank by a heavy storm on their way back to the UK from India. According to legends, the treasure is still at the bottom of the sea today.

‘The Lost Treasure’ is a perfect balance of Rum, Luxado, caramel syrup & Chambord.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If you are a Gin lover, make sure you embark on a Mint Leaf Gin Experience by ordering one of the Gin-based cocktails made with inhouse infused Gin specialities.

The Menu

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The menu at Mind Leaf Lounge is combining authentic, seasonal Indian ingredients, contemporary cooking techniques and stylish presentation.

We started our three-course meal with appetisers: ‘Lamb Seekh Kebab’ and ‘Dahi Papdi Chaat’.

‘Lamb Seekh Kebab’ was skewed lamb mince, expertly spiced and char-grilled to perfection, served with vegetables.

‘Dahi Papdi Chaat’ was a spicy, tangy Indian street food, served with yoghurt and crispy cracker.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

As for the main, we ordered ‘Jackfruit and Spinach Kofta’ which was basically pieces of soft Jackfruit and paneer dumplings in a rich, spiced sauce.

We also tried a special slow cooked a rabbit dish, called ‘Bhuna Khargosh’ which came with spicy Indian gravy.

We had both of the dishes with plain white rice.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

To finish the course, we ordered Mango Mousse and Chocolate Cake. Both were heavenly creamy and flavourful, not too sweet and not heavy.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If you are looking for the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day or spend a romantic date night with your significant other, Mint Leaf Lounge is definitely a great choice.

Ready for your next adventure? Embark on a celestial cocktail experience at The Alchemist’s newly opened bar and restaurant next to Victoria Station.

February 29 2024

Celestial Cocktail Experience – The Alchemist Opened a New Branch in Victoria

Urban Adventurer Bar, Cocktail, Experience on the go, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Restaurant, Things to Do, Unique Experience Cocktail London, Cocktail Time, Cosmic Oyster, Date Night Idea London, Quirky Cocktail, The Alchemist, The Alchemist Bar and Restaurant, The Alchemist London, The Alchemist Vicoria, where to go in London 0

Step through a celestial portal and embark on an exciting theatrical cocktail experience like no other. Immersive theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant, The Alchemist opened their new branch on the 24^thFebruary 2024 just opposite Victoria station, and it promises a transcendental cocktail and dining experience.

@urbanadventurerldn

🪐✨[BLOG POST IN BIO] Step through a celestial portal and embark on an exciting theatrical cocktail experience like no other @The Alchemist UK 💫🍸 Immersive theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant, The Alchemist just opened their new branch next to Victoria station, and it promises a transcendental cocktail and dining experience #thealchemistuk #thealchemistbar #cocktails #cocktailexperience #weekendvibes #datenightideas #immersiveexperience #cocktailtime #bestbarsinlondon

♬ Emotional Cinematic Sad Violin and Piano – ISAo

The Location

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Once described as the Devil’s Acre by Charles Dickens, Victoria has many tales to tell. If you listen closely, you may hear the echoes of the suffragettes as marching on the streets or the pleasant tunes of Mozart’s symphonies.

But something alluring casts over Grosvenor Garden…the vibrant lights of dazzling supernovas and the vivid bursts of the cosmos.

Immersive theatrical cocktail bar and restaurant, The Alchemist Victoria invites you for an unforgettable transcendent voyage through the cosmos.

The Interior

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The illuminated entrance tunnel guides guests through a celestial portal into an enchanting dining area with a glowing bar in the central.

The bar is adorned with symmetrical illuminated arches framing the glowing shelves.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The walls are decorated with space-inspired lighting and artworks projected onto meshes and mirrors creating celestial motifs and the illusion of the outer space dotted with flickering stars.

Curved forms and opulent materials describe the furniture that create an intercosmic experience.

The Menu

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The cocktails are created by expert mixologists with a pinch of devilish dash of theatre.

Let yourself enchanted by the mysterious ‘Cosmic Oysters’ served in metal oyster-shaped shells in ‘Disco Bule’ or ‘Disco Geraldine’ served on glimmering crushed ice.

If you’re looking for something low-alcoholic or alcohol-free, go for a spacewalk with ‘Cos-No’, a blend of Lyres Italian Spritz, Everleaf Forest Cranberry, Lime & Sherbet Air; or pop through the night with ‘Bubblygum’ that is a delicious mix of Bubblegum, Apple, Cranberry & Lime, producing endless bubbles in your glass.

Whether you choose to experience The Alchemist’s chemistry and theatre – light or dark -, discover the secrets of the outer space with the ‘Cosmic Oysters’ or just sip something simple with less theatre and smoke, you’ll surely land back to Earth with amazing memories after your experience.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The food menu offers a wide range of options, including vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian. The chef at The Alchemist is just as skilled as the bar tenders, so expect glorious food inspired by worldwide cuisines with an Alchemist twist.

They have pancake stacks, avocado toast and veggie Benedict for breakfast, nibbles and starters, such as cauliflower bites with spicy glaze and pan-fried gyoza with Vietnamese sweet chilli dip.

They also serve sharing platters and burgers, Halloumi flatbread, Katsu Curry (with chicken or cauliflower), fish and duck dishes, just to name a few.

To crown your experience, there are about ten different desserts and liquid desserts to choose from, including brûlée, churros and S’mores.

Ready for your next adventure? Learn more about The Alchemist’s poison-inspired cocktail menu here.

February 29 2024

Trejo’s Tacos Now Open in Notting Hill

Urban Adventurer Bar, Cocktail, Movies, Plant-Based, Restaurant Danny Trejo, Notting Hill London, Tacos London, Tacos Restaurant London, Trejo's Tacos, Trejo's Tacos London, Trejo's Tacos UK 0

Hollywood hero, Danny Trejo – famous for portraying bad guys in the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, such as Con Air, Machete, Spy Kids, and Desperado – has finally opened his very first UK branch of his taco restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos on the famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill.

@urbanadventurerldn

🌵☀️🌮 [BLOG POST IN BIO] Famous Hollywood hero, Danny Trejo has finally opened his very first UK branch of his taco restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos on the famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill @TrejosTacosUK @Trejo’s Tacos What to expect: 🌵100% Mexican vibes 🌮 Delicious tacos (vegan, gluten-free available) 🍸 Margaritas 🍴 Brunch (breakfast taco and breakfast burrito, chorizo pancakes, waffles and more!) 🎨 Cool murals ☀️ Super friendly staff #trejostacos #trejostacosuk #dannytrejo #taco #mexicanfood #tacorestaurant #taco🌮 #desperado #machete #dannytrejostacos #trejo

♬ Mexico Cruise (Interlude) – DJ Zone

Trejo’s Tacos – What to Expect

299-301, Portobello Rd, London W10 5TD

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Tacos, of course (duh)! From classic Mexican tacos to gluten-free and vegan options, Trejo’s Tacos are determined to serve healthier Mexican food that “won’t clog your arteries.” – as Danny Trejo said.

Following the Mexican tradition of passing through recipes from generation to generation, Trejo’s Tacos use family recipes that have been improved over decades to serve you finger licking authentic Mexican dishes.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

On the menu, you will find brunch, such as breakfast taco and breakfast burrito, chorizo pancakes and waffles, salads, bowls and more.

To wet your throat, you can choose from a range of delicious cocktails and mocktails, Margaritas as well as draft beer, bottled beer, wine, and shots.

We tried the Grilled Chicken Tacos, Chips & Guacamole, Frozen Mangonada, and some churros for dessert.

The Grilled Chicken Tacos had a filling mix of chipotle slaw, Pico De Gallo, chipotle crema, lettuce, and delicious grilled chicken chunks.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The Frozen Mangonada was served in a quirky cactus glass (which I instantly fell in love with) and the orange drink on the top looked like a big flower. The portion was huge, I was barely able to finish my drink which came with real mano puree and mango chunks.

The Chips & Guacamole was also a big portion and the Guacamole it was served with was more than enough for all of the chips around it. The Guacamole was rich and flavourful.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The Churros was nice and soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, thickly sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and came with two different sauces. The portion was not big, but after the food, it was just enough for me to sit back on my chair with full stomach, satisfied.

The Interior

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The interior is fun and welcoming. Natural colours and materials are dominating throughout the restaurant. The colours are warm, mainly different shades of brown and orange.

Upon your arrival, there is an adorable small waiting area where you can sit down if you happen to arrive a bit too early or just need to wait a few minutes for your table to be set up for you. Here you can sit on a comfortable couch decorated with Mexican-style cushions.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Adding to the Mexican vibe, big, beautiful cactuses are planted everywhere inside the restaurant.

The main dining area is light and airy. There are hand-painted murals of on the walls to provide the perfect background for your Insta pics and TikTok videos.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Notice the small details, such as the cute neon sign at the food serving area, the skulls at the bar, the metal sign saying “Tequila por favor” sitting with the cactuses or the random posters on the ceiling.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Downstairs there is an intimate speakeasy bar with cosy armchairs and dim lights to make it more atmospheric.

“Everything good that has happened to me has happened as a direct result of helping someone else.” – Danny Trejo

Ready for your next adventure? Inspired by Jules Verne’s famous novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days”, Mr Fogg’s Hat Tavern & Gin Club teleports you back in time to the Victorian times offering a whole cocktail menu revolving around hats and hat making from the 17^th century to the present days.

February 13 2024

London’s Biggest Asian Foodhall – Bang Bang Oriental

Urban Adventurer Bar, Cafe, Experience on the go, Festival, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Restaurant, Shopping, Things to Do Asian Food Hall, Asian Food Hall London, Asian Food London, Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall London, Chinese New Year 2024, Chinese New Year London, Year of the Dragon 0

Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall is not only the largest Asian food hall in London, but also offers the widest range of specialist Asian restaurants in the whole UK under one roof.

@urbanadventurerldn

🏮 [BLOG POST IN BIO] Welcome to Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall London @BANGBANGORIENTAL 🍣🍙🥟 It’s the largest Asian food hall in London and also offers the widest range of Asian restaurants in the UK under one roof 🍱 Over 25 Asian food vendors with a seating capacity of 450 ✅ Vegan and Halal options available 🐉 Golden Dragon Restaurant downstairs offers a more formal dining experience 🧧Bang Bang Oriental is currently running a Chinese New Year celebration from 12 – 18 February 2024 with lion dance, pop-ups, workshops, giveaways and much more! #bangbangorientalfoodhall #asianfood #asiandish #asianrestaurant #japanesefood #chinesefood #vietnamesefood #indianfood #asianfoodlondon #CapCut

♬ Chinese New Year – Lux-Inspira

Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall

399 Edgware Rd, London NW9 0FH

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall is a 32,000 square feet food hall, packed with over 25 Asian vendors offering the widest range of Asian cuisines where you can eat your way from Mumbai to Tokyo.

Whether you’re craving for sushi, fried noodles, rice dish or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Bang Bang Oriental gets you.

They have kiosks and food stalls from China, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, India, and Vietnam offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favourite Asian dish or embark on a culinary journey to try new flavours.

The Atmosphere

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The atmosphere is light and breezy and there are lots of tables and seats. Bang Bang Oriental has a seating capacity of 450.

The stylish orange lanterns, the wooden wall decorations and the wooden tables create that perfect bustling Asian food hall atmosphere where the sound and smell of sizzling meat and veg, the sound of clinking cutleries and cheerful chatting all blend together.

Food & Drink

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Bang Bang Oriental houses nearly 30 different Asian food vendors, so it takes a little time to go around and decide where to begin.

Enjoy the spicy taste of New Delhi at the kiosk of Indian Street Food. From Massala Dosa to Chicken Biryani to Lamb Curry, they serve all the traditional Indian flavours.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Bali Grill & Asian Cuisine is serving authentic Indonesian cuisine, such as Spring Rolls, Bali Style Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken and Bali Style Fried Squid or Prawn.

Very Duck is known for their hand-pulled and hand-cut noodles. They serve spicy noodles with various meat options, big noodles plates and soups.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, Bang Bang Oriental won’t leave you disappointed.

Many of the food vendors offer vegetarian or vegan options, and there is a kiosk that serve pure vegetarian Indian and Chinese dishes.

Veggie Wok does not only have delicious dishes and specials on their menu, but they also have the option to build your own dish by choosing base, sauce, protein, and exotic veggies.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Hakka serves a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. We tried the vegan chicken with noodles and black pepper sauce. The portion was huge, and the vegan chicken was one of the best we have ever tried.

If you’re looking for Halal options, you’re at the right place.

Coconut Tree Malaysian cuisine has an unbeatable selection of Halal dishes. They prepare and serve the dishes with separate plates and cutleries and ensure the Halal dishes never contact with pork or alcohol.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

If you’re craving for some booze drink head your way to The Pearl Lounge Wine bar. They serve a wide range of fine wines as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Craving for something sweet? Yaki Ya! is specialised for personalised desserts, including waffles, shake, crepes and cookie dough. Plus, all desserts are Halal friendly!

Find all the food vendors and their menus here.

Formal Dining Experience – Golden Dragon Restaurant

If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience with classic Chinese cuisine, Golden Dragon welcomes you with elegant interior, relaxing environment, and traditional Chinese meals, including dim sum and hot pot.

The restaurant has a seating capacity of 360, allowing them to accept bookings of large groups, parties or weddings.

More information here.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Throughout the year, Bang Bang Oriental hosts a number of events. To celebrate Chinese New Year, the year of the dragon, they are currently running a week-long (12 – 18 February 2024) celebration series with workshops, lion dance, Kung Fu demonstration, pop-ups, giveaways and much more!

More details here.

More Than Just a Foodhall

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Bang Bang Oriental is more than just a food hall.

The Oriental Chinese Community provides support to their local community. They are helping the elderly to integrate into the English community by organising English classes, information services, medical support and more.

The community also holds special celebrations for festivals, such as Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year as well as cooking classes and other activities.

Learn more about how to become a member here.

Now, what are you waiting for? Head down to Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall and tantalise your tastebuds with the best Asian food and drink or become a member of their community and meet new friends!

Ready for your next adventure? New pan-Asian restaurant opened in Chinatown London. YiQi invites you for an exciting culinary journey to discover the flavours of the Korean, Japanese and Chinese traditional kitchen.

January 7 2024

Hollywood Movie Star Opening His First Taco Restaurant in London Soon – Trejo’s Tacos

Urban Adventurer Bar, Cocktail, Experience on the go, Plant-Based, Restaurant Danny Trejo, Hollywood Actor, Hollywood Star, Notting Hill London, Portobello Market London, Portobello Road, Taco London, Trejo's Tacos, Trejo's Tacos London 0

Hollywood movie and TV star, Danny Trejo is opening his first taco restaurant, Trejo’s Tacos in London soon. Danny Trejo is famous for portraying bad guys in Hollywood blockbusters. You’ve seen him in Con Air, Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn and Machete just to name a few.

(Featured Image Source: trejostacos.com)

Trejo’s Tacos

Image Source: trejostacos.com

Alongside his long career as an actor, Danny Trejo has always had a passion for food. After teaming up with film producer Ash Shah, Mr Trejo opened his first taqueria restaurant in Los Angeles in 2016 which were quickly followed by Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts.

Grand Opening

299-301 Portobello Road, London W10 5TD

Image Source: @trejostacosuk

Today he’s running multiple venues across LA, and now it’s time to expand Trejo’s Tacos outside of the US.

In September 2023 Trejo’s Tacos announced their opening in Notting Hill by the end of the year. However, no official opening date was announced by the end of December, so it’s likely that the restaurant will open in early 2024.

Trejo’s Tacos is set to open in Portobello Road in the heart of Notting Hill, one of London’s most frequented areas, loved by tourists and locals alike.

Keep your eyes on Trejo’s Tacos official UK Instagram profile and make sure you subscribe for their newsletter on their website to be among the first who know about the grand opening.

What to Expect from Trejo’s Tacos

Image Source: @trejostacos

Alongside with classics Mexican tacos, Trejo’s Tacos will also serve healthier taco fillings as well as options for the most different dietaries, such as gluten-free, celiac, paleo and vegan, just to name a few.

“When we launched Trejo’s Tacos in LA, our aim was to serve better version of Mexican food that won’t clog your arteries.” – Trejo said when asked about the new opening in London. “We’ve taken out the stuff that isn’t healthy, without losing the great taste and flavour.” – he added.

In Mexico, recipes are typically passed through generation to generation and that’s what inspired the original concept of Trejo’s Tacos. They use generations of recipes the Trejo’s family constantly improved over decades.

On the menu there will be breakfast burritos, steak asada tacos with pepita pesto, cauliflower taco, Baja-style beer-battered fish and blackened salmon, along with tons of other mouth-watering dishes.

The restaurant is a massive 3,000 square feet 2-storey building with about 100 seats: 70 inside and 30 at the al-fresco terrace.

There will be a stylish cocktail bar offering mezcals, OG Margarita and Lavender Paloma for guests to complete their Mexican dining experience.

The basement will give space for a speakeasy bar with live DJ and late-night opening.

“I’m so ready to bring Trejo’s Tacos to London. I love the creativity that the city inspires, and I can’t think of a better place to launch internationally than with our friends in London.” – said Trejo.

Hope we’ll have a chance to see him in person at the opening! How excited are you about Trejo’s Tacos? Let us know in the comment section.

Ready for your next adventure? The UK’s biggest kebab house just opened in London. Keb Houze is a 3-storey venue in Oxford Street and it’s nothing like an ordinary kebab restaurant. It has arcade games, table football, kebab-inspired graffiti, a 7-metre-long inflatable art installation and so much more!

December 28 2023

It’z Kebab baby! – The UK’s Biggest Kebab House Opened on Oxford Street

Urban Adventurer Experience on the go, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Restaurant, Unique Experience Gianluca Vacchi, It'z Kebab Baby, Keb Houze, Keb Houze London, Kebab House, Oxford Street London 0

Italian-born franchise, Keb Houze opened the UK’s biggest kebab house in London. Located on Oxford Street, the three-storey restaurant is not like an ordinary kebab shop. It has arcade games, table football, and a 7-metre-long art installation by British artist Philip Colbert aka the Lobster.

@urbanadventurerldn

🌯 It’z kebab baby! @Kebhouze opened the largest kebab house in the UK! Located on Oxford Street, the three-storey venue is also the UK’s first immersive kebab house with arcade games 🕹️ & and table footbal ⚽️! #kebhouze #kebhouzeuk #kebablondon #kebabshop #oxfordstreetlondon #immersiveexperience

♬ Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) – Dua Lipa

Keb Houze – It’z Kebab Baby

159 Oxford St, London W1D 2JL

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Founded in Milan in 2021 by multi-millionaire businessman and social media star, Gianluca Vacchi, Keb Houze has 24 venues across Italy and Spain.

This is Keb Houze’s very first restaurant in the UK and they wanted it on Oxford Street because they realised there were not many restaurants and food options there. “It is a void we hope to fill”. – says Chief Marketing Officer Giulio Paterno.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

“When it comes to the UK, you either go big or go home. We of course decided to do one better than that and go for the biggest, opening the nation’s largest kebab house ever”. – he said.

Keb Houze does not stop there! They have plans to further expand across London and open a second venue, very likely in Camden Town in 2024.

An Immersive Kebab House

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Keb Houze is nothing like an ordinary kebab house! It promises a fun immersive place packed with entertainment for all ages. And when they say entertainment, they really mean it.

There are arcade games, table football, kebab-inspired street art and a massive, 7-metre-long installation, created by British artist Philip Colbert aka the Lobster.

The Menu

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Keb Houze offers a variety of options to stop for, such as wraps and ‘Kebowls’ with 4 types of meat to choose from (chicken, veal, beef, and turkey), ‘Keb burgers’, pea protein-based vegan alternative, named ‘planted’, chicken nuggets, vegan nuggets, desserts and more. Plus, they offer bottomless soft drink!

They have kid’s menu, called ‘Kebby Meal’ for only £7.99 and it contains a kid’s burger or chicken nuggets, fries, still water and a fun ‘Keb tattoo’.

Check out their menu here.

Keb Houze opened on 21 December 2023 and now open every day 9am – 12am.

Ready for your next adventure? Bubble tea shop, The Alley have launched an exclusive collaboration with popular anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen! The first part of the collab which featured two character-inspired drinks (‘Gojo’s Limitless Coconut Smoothie’ and ‘Geto’s Powerful Tropical Smoothie’) is about to end to be followed by the second phase which is yet to be announced! Keep an eye on The Alley’s social for the announcement.

November 26 2023

London’s First 2D Candy Shop Opened a Second Store – Doodles London

Urban Adventurer Cafe, Experience on the go, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Quirky Sweet Treats, Shopping, Things to Do, Unique Experience 2D Candy Store, 2D Shop, Candy Baba London, Doodles, Doodles London, Hidden Gem London, Monochrome Shop, Quirky Shops in London, What to do in London, where to go in London 0

London’s first 2D candy store, Candy Baba, just opened their second shop near Angel Station. This time they had re-thought the concept and opened the UK’s very first Doodles-themed candy shop.

@urbanadventurerldn

🍭🖤🤍London’s first 2D candy shop opened their second store @Candybaba.official | Doddles London, the UK’s very first doodles-themd candy shop | 281 City Road EC1V 1LA #doodles #doodleslondon #2dcandyshop #2dshop #monocromelook #wheretogoinlondon #londonhotspots

♬ Downtown Nonsense – Mark Fabian & Alexander Smith & George King & RK Masters

Candy Baba – London’s First 2D Candy Store

3 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6PP

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Located near New Cross Gate Station, Candy Baba opened their first store this May. This was the very first hand-drawn 2D candy shop in London.

Candy Baba is a retro candy shop to bring your sweetest childhood memories back. They have an amazing selection of vegan, Halal, sugar free, gluten free and retro candies from all your favourite brands.

Featuring purely hand-drawn monochrome design, visitors really feel like they were inside a black and white comic book.

This lovely little store has so much to offer!

There are plenty of photo opportunities and so much to see and discover. The more time you spend in the shop, the more amazing details you find.

Fancy playing a little game?

Can you count how many mice are there painted on the walls and the ceiling?

Doodles London – The UK’s First Doodle-Themed Candy Store

281 City Road, London, EC1V 1LA

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Taking a step further, this November Candy Baba opened their second store just 9-mins walk from Angel Station, but this time with the theme: Doodles.

It’s still the black and white theme but with thousands of adorable little scribbles on the walls and the ceiling.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

There are lots of photo opportunities! You can literally sit on the doodles on comfy furry pillows and take the perfect kooky doodle selfie with your favourite candies.

Doodles London, just like Candy Baba, offers all your childhood favourites and more!

They have a healthy selection of pick ‘n’ mix, your all-time favourite retro candies, plus some crazy items to fit to the shop’s unusual theme. Think of candy noodles, candy sushi, Sour Green Apple Soda, Kosher Pickle, or Birthday Cake flavoured canned drink.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Now that we are in the festive season, they have a lovely selection of Christmas candies, including Christmas gummies gift box, Elf on a Shelf Jelly Bean Candy Cane and snowman marshmallow on stick.

And Doodles London doesn’t stop there!

They also serve cakes and hot chocolate to help you get into the festive spirit.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Don’t forget to grab a loyalty card because you’ll get discounts and free items after, 3, 6, 9, and 10 stamps.

Fancy playing a little game?

Spot the ‘Word List’ at the entrance. Can you find all the words on the opposite wall?

Special Events

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Candy Baba and Doodles London offer catering for weddings, birthdays, and other special events.

Doodles London’s event space is soon to be open downstairs. Stay tuned on their social for updates.

Ready for your next adventure? Learn more about Candy Baba’s monochrome world in my previous blog post.

September 28 2023

The Taste of South Korea – Jongga Flavourverse Pop-Up in Covent Garden

Urban Adventurer Cocktail, Cool Activities, Exhibition, Experience on the go, Immersive Experience, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Pop Up, Things to Do Covent Garden, Jongga, Jongga Flavourverse, Jongga Kimchi, Korean Food, London Pop Up, Pop Up London 0

South Korea’s No.1 Kimchi brand, Jongga opened a free pop-up in Covent Garden this September. Get ready to immerse yourself into the world of Kimchi by tasting tangy cocktails, try flavourful bites, win limited-edition merch and more.

@urbanadventurerldn

Jongga Kimchi pop-up in @Covent Garden | Take your tastebuds on a wild journey and discover why Jongga Kimchi can be found in every kitchen in South Korea #jonggakimchi #jonggaflavourverse #popuplondon #coventgardenlondon

♬ Super Shy – NewJeans

Jongga Flavourverse

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Take your tastebuds on a wild journey at Jongga Flavourverse immersive pop-up exhibition where you can discover why Jongga Kimchi can be found in every kitchen in South Korea.

The pop-up came into being after a research by Jongga that revealed that 80% of British people consider themselves as ‘adventurous’ when it comes to food, and over 50% said they want to travel more to experience more authentic foods.

Cost-of-living-crisis, however, prevents many from being able to travel, so Jongga decided to bring Seoul to London to give visitors the chance to experience the authentic tastes of South Korea.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

The exhibition, that runs from 16 Sep – 8 Oct 2023, is completely free, secure a time slot on Evetbrite. Walk-ins welcome on a first come first serve basis.

NOTE: The pop-up is closed on Mondays!

The experience will take at least 25 minutes, during which you’ll explore different rooms, each offering immersive experiences, take fun selfies, taste Kimchi-infused cocktails and food while getting the chance to play games and win limited-edition merch.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Jongga teamed up with three London restaurants: Seoul Bird, Bad Boy Pizza Society and Darby’s, each taking up a week of residence and serving up indulgent bites using Jongga Kimchi. Expect creamy mac & cheese, Bibim-inspired Kimchi pizza slices, Kimchi slaw buns and more.

If you cannot visit the pop-up, don’t worry! Each restaurant keeps the new dishes on their menu for 20 days after the pop-up ends.

Seoul Bird: 25 Sept – 14 Oct

Bad Boy Pizza Society: 2 Oct – 22 Oct

Darby’s: 11 Oct – 29 Oct

Jongga Flavourverse is a perfect opportunity for adventurous foodies to learn more about the rich history of Kimchi and its health benefits and take a culinary trip to Seoul without traveling.

Ready for your next adventure? New Korean-style photo booth and coin karaoke opened in Shoreditch this Summer: Pick Pic. Colour-themed photos booths, a special high-angle photo booth, free-to-use accessories and karaoke rooms awaits you to make memories with your bestie, partner or in solo.

September 27 2023

Clash of the Foods: Meat vs Plants – Welcome to Wonderland

Urban Adventurer Bar, Cafe, Cocktail, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Quirky Sweet Treats, Restaurant Best Burger in London, Meat vs Plants, New Opening, Retro Restaurant, Retro Vibes, Soho London, Themed Restaurant, vegan, Vegan London, Wonderland Meat vs Plants, Wonderland Soho 0

Welcome to the rabbit hole! London’s new fast-food restaurant, Wonderland, takes you on a culinary journey with finger-licking dishes inspired by nostalgic cartoons and movies. Think of Alice in Wonderland, The Simpsons, Pulp Fiction or Futurama.

@urbanadventurerldn

🍔🍟🥤 New retro cartoon and movie-inspired restaurant opened in Soho! Welcome to WONDERLAND 🃏♥️ #wonderlandsoho #newrestaurantalert #quirkyrestaurant #aliceinwonderlandinspired

♬ Alice in Wonderland – Blasterjaxx & Hard Lights & DJ SODA

Meat vs Plants 💥 – Let the Battle Begin

49 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HL

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Wonderland take you on an exciting journey between two different worlds: carnivore and vegan.

The menu is split into two and each burger, chicken wings, burrito bowl and nachos, as well as dessert and milkshake have their vegan substance on the other side of the menu.

In the middle stands the fries that come with the most different month-watering sauces, such as their signature ‘wonder sauce’ which is a satisfying balance of celery and mustard or ‘Aloo Chaat Fries’ that comes with sweet yoghurt, tamarind ketchup, mango chutney, pomegranates, red onion, coriander and crunchy sev.

Whether you’re a big meat eater or a true vegan, you’ll definitely find something to satisfy your cravings.

At Wonderland, they take both meat eaters’ and vegans’ needs seriously. That’s why they have separate work-stations, friers and grills in the kitchen for vegan and meat-based dishes.

One the Red Corner: Meat 🥩

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Wonderland pride themselves in sourcing the highest quality, sustainable and organic ingredients. That’s why they work with artisanal and award-winning suppliers that provide nothing but organic grass-fed meat.

The chicken is organic, and the beef is Aberdeen Angus beef from British and Irish farmers who don’t use GMOs or antibiotics.

On the Green Corner: Plants 🌱

Everything on the plant-based menu is free of chemicals, ultra-processed ingredients and all the sauces and gherkins are home-made. Everything on the meat side of the menu has vegan alternative.

Which corner will you choose?

At Wonderland even the packaging is entertaining. Just open your burger box to see the cool cartoon design with a fun quote to keep you entertained while eating.

Plus, all food is served in 100% recyclable or compostable packaging.

The Ambience

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Being inspired by classic cartoons and movies, Wonderland brings you the vibes of a comic book. The colour scheme is pink, purple and chrome with a little bit of green.

Upstairs, all the walls and furniture are painted and lit purple or holographic chrome. Giant, vibrant graphic posters (Alice in Wonderland, The Wicked Witch and The Grand Wizard) are lining on the walls blending the concept of the restaurant and the retro pop culture perfectly.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Now let’s head downstairs. A long, green-lit staircase lead us to a cheeky electric pink room.

On the left-hand side, there is a vibrant pink neon sign saying, “Atomic Love” and there are more graphic posters on the wall. Notice the comic-themed custom rug on the floor as you enter.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

There are intimate separated tables here, all lit by pink neon tubes, and each has their own chandelier.

Wonderland brings you a new, never seen before concept by keeping both meat eaters and vegans happy with a special menu giving you the chance to try the plant and meat-based version of the same food while providing a quirky, retro cartoon-inspired atmosphere.

Make sure you visit Wonderland Meat vs Plants in Soho and lose your way “somewhere between worlds”.

Ready for your next adventure? Add a quack to your life! Duck World is specialised in the most adorable collectable rubber ducks. Find the rubber duck version of your favourite movie character, own a president duck, or find your zodi-duck sign. Only a 6-min walk from Wonderland.

August 15 2023

Take Your Taste Buds on a Trip – Araw’s Summer Ice Cream Pop-Up Shop in Spitalfields

Urban Adventurer Experience on the go, Instagrammable Places, Plant-Based, Pop Up, Quirky Sweet Treats, Summer Araw Ice Cream, Halo-Halo, Ice Cream Lover, Ice Cream Pop-Up, Old Spitalfields Market, Philipine Dessert, Pop Up London, Summer in London, Summer Pop-Up 0

Following the huge success of their first-ever pop-up this July, Araw Ice Cream decided to open a second one in Old Spitalfields Market.

@urbanadventurerldn

💜 Following the huge success of their first pop-up this July, @Araw Ice-Cream opened their second pop-up store in @Spitalfields Market on the 1st August #arawicecream #summerpopup #popuplondon #filipinodessert #urbanadventures #londonadventures

♬ Little Things x Gypsy Woman – L BEATS MASHUP – Jorja Smith

Araw Ice Cream

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Araw Ice Cream is best known for their incredible range of unique ice cream flavours and combinations to take your taste buds on an exciting trip around the world.

Founder Keizah says: “I launched my own small batch artisanal ice cream brand with the goal to allow people to travel back home or anywhere they care to escape. I started to crave both old and new flavours that offered unexpected combinations and the opportunity to escape.”

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Some of the flavours are: Honely Levander with Mixed Berries, Basque Cheesecake, Dirty Horchata, Brown Butter Sage with Spiced Apple Compote, Earl Grey Malted Crumble and the list goes on. Vegan options available.

TIP: Make sure you grab a flyer to get 10% discount on your next online purchase using a special code.

Araw pop-up shop offers ice cream tubs for grab and go. If you have time to stay and enjoy your dessert on the spot, I highly recommend trying one of their Halo-Halo Filipino shaved ice desserts or the Ube Bibingka dessert which is basically baked Ube coconut rice served with ice cream and toppings.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

No pop-up is complete with cute merch. Make sure you support Keizah’s small business by purchasing a lovely Tee, baseball hat or tote bag.

Don’t forget to write or draw something nice and cute on the message boards as well.

Practical Info

The pop-up shop is there until the end of September.

Address

8 Market Street, E1 6DT

Opening Times

Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm

Sun: 12pm-6pm

Ready for your next adventure? Did you know that there is an adult-only funfair in Canary Wharf? Fairgame allows 18+ only to enter and they offer all your favourite fairground games, Prosecco-flavoured candy floss, cocktails and boozy slushies. A perfect fun day out with friends!