House Curious

Lifestyle and interior shop. Social workshops for the creatively curious.

June

May 31, 2019Sommer Pyne

Summer officially starts this month and we are loving the warmer weather. People are descending to parks and BBQ’s are making an appearance. Summer in London is on another level and the happy vibe is infectious. We truly appreciate the warmer months because we know it won’t hang around for long ;) We’ve pulled together some of our favourite hits in the capital this month, enjoy. And please feel free to share your hits this month below in the comments x

1st June - Lavender Fields - Mayfield Lavender Farm.

Picture this: it’s a gorgeous summer’s day, and the wind gently ruffles your hair as you wander lazily through a field of lavender. Does that sound like perfection to you? If the answer is yes, you need to get yourselves down to Mayfield Lavender Farm. (If the answer is no, you clearly need to rediscover the joy in life, so head there anyway.) This perfectly purple paradise reopens for 2019 on June 1, and it really is the place to be this summer. For more info and to discover the best time to visit click here. Words by Secretldn.com

7th-8th June - Field Day Festival

Field Day 2019 takes place in a groundbreaking new festival venue, The Drumnsheds, with state-of-the art production and the loudest festival sound system in the capital. Open until 3am, their new home features 10 acres of outdoor space and four gigantic interlinking warehouses. See the likes of Skepta, Jorja Smith, Diplo, Jungle, Pusha-T, Bonobo (dj set), Octavian, Death Grips, Earl Sweatshirt, The Black Madonna, Deerhunter, HOMESHAKE, Mahalia, Seth Troxler, Tiga, Todd Terje and many more! Sample sensational food from some of London’s finest traders in the Street Food Arcade, check out 10 independent breweries in the Beavertown & Friends Beer Market, take a Photography Masterclass with the Guardian, be part of Boiler Room’s first live festival broadcast and much, much more. Then experience the first-ever Field Day Late Night after parties when the likes of George FitzGerald dj, LEON VYNEHALL, Modeselektor dj, Nocturnal Sunshine, Denis Sulta, HAAi, Mella Dee and Tiga take over the main warehouse space and keep the festival alive until 3am! For ticket and more info just click here. Words by Field Day Festival.

8th -9th June - Open Garden Squares Weekend.

Open Garden Squares Weekend highlights some of the best gardens and green spaces that make up the rich tapestry of London’s green infrastructure, but there are many others – just as valuable to their communities – which are in decline or under threat of development. For one very special weekend in June, London's hidden green spaces open their gates for public enjoyment and discovery. With the purchase of a Weekend ticket, you can explore a huge variety of gardens which are usually closed to the public - and enjoy a host of activities and experiences for all the family. For more info click here. Words by Open Garden Squares Weekend.

12th June -15th September - Zip Now London

The world's highest and fastest city centre zip wire returns to London this summer. Zip Now London is setting up camp in Archbishop's Park in Lambeth for a third consecutive year, with a 225m-long zip line to keep the capital's thrill seekers happy. Climb to the 35m-high launch platform (that's about 10 storeys high and — sorry — there's no lift), and enjoy the view before launching yourself off the platform and across the tree canopy below. Previously, three lines ran parallel, but this year, a fourth has been added, meaning you can add an extra mate to race. And once you've reached the other end, there's a further treat for adrenaline junkies, with the option to take part in a free-fall Mega Drop to get back to the ground, stairs are also an option, if you've has enough excitement for one day. For tickets and more info click here. Words by Zip Now London.

Now Open - Bao Borough

Looking for a restaurant experience with a difference, then why not try out the latest offering from Bao. Cult Taiwanese favourite Bao has launched its third site on the edge of Borough Market. A prevalence for fun is exemplified by BAO KTV, the gang’s first karaoke room, which is bookable for up to 12 guests. For reservations and more info click here. Words by Bao.

19th-23rd June - Taste London

Popping up twice a year in June and November, Taste of London is the highlight of the foodie calendar. Each June, over 50,000 people flock to London’s Regent’s Park for an alfresco summer feast like no other. Sample signature dishes from London’s latest, greatest and most exciting restaurants, as well as off-menu items they've created exclusively for Taste. For tickets and more info click here. Words by Taste London.

19th - 20th June - Water Zorbing

Water Zorbing is back to Merchant Square for the ‘Summer of Fun’ programme! Walk on the canal on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th June with all your friends from 12PM – 8PM each day. If Water Zorbing isn’t for you why not try paddle boarding or Yoga at Merchant Square. There is so much more to checkout throughout the summer. All activities are free to partake in and bookings can be here. Words by Merchant Square.

Now Open - Fulham Beach at Neverland London

Escape the city, tucked away by the Thames, Fulham Beach provides guests with a stylish and multifaceted venue consisting of the brand’s signature beach, an large indoor jungle themed pergola, two pop up restaurants, two bars, live Dj's, weekly events and games for all to enjoy. Other offerings include, bottomless brunches, Rose Saturdays, yoga sessions on the beach, cocktail masterclasses, glitter artists an outdoor cinema on the beach, showing cult classics every Tuesday! For tickets and more info click here. Words by Neverland.

categories blog, Culture Fix
tags Culture fix, june, what to do in london

Happy Hour - Strawberry and Basil Margarita

May 31, 2019Sommer Pyne

It’s happy hour here at House Curious and we have a delicious and refreshing Strawberry and Basil Margarita recipe for you. The perfect summer cocktail which is super easy to make and you can follow along with Sommer over on IGTV. It’s a fun twist on a classic and a great way to use seasonal strawberries. So, why not have a go yourself for your next summer soirée

Serves: 2 Margarita
Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Instructions:

2 large handfuls of strawberries

100ml blanco tequila
50ml Cointreau
Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp honey (raw if you have it)
3-4 basil sprigs
Handful of ice
Salt flakes
Zest of 1 lime
1 lime for the glass

Instructions:

Ground the Salt and zest of 1 lime in a mortar and pestle. Place on a small side plate that is wider than the diameter of the margarita glass. Make sure you have enough so that the salt covers the plate and is about 0.5cm deep.
Cut 1 of the limes in half and rub it around the edge of your margarita glass, then dip each glass into the plate of salt and lime to cover the rim in a layer.
Place the strawberries, basil, tequila, cointreau, lime juice, honey and a few handfuls of ice (6-8 cubes) into a blender. Blend thoroughly on high.
Pour into the salted glasses and serve immediately.

Tip: Add slices of strawberry and small sprig of basil as a garnish to serve.

categories blog
tags cocktail recipe, happy hour, Margarita glasses, margarita, strawberry cocktails

Mega Berry Pavlova with Lemon Curd & Fresh Mint

May 28, 2019Sommer Pyne

I’ve always been a huge fan of pavlova but haven’t had much success in making my own until now thanks to Ashley from Gather and Feast. You may have seen the beautiful berry Pavlova I made the other week on instagram, which is proving to be very popular. So many people asked for the recipe so I wanted to share it with you. I wish I could claim this beauty as my own but I borrowed it from @gatherandfeast. The great thing about this recipe is that instead of chucking away the yolks you use them to make the most delicious lemon curd. This is the ultimate summer desert and not only looks gorgeous but tastes delicious. Make it the night before and dress it with the toppings just before you’re ready to serve. Check out Ashley’s blog for more yummy aussie recipes. Enjoy! x

Ingredients:

Meringue

300ml egg whites (roughly 8 large eggs)
2 ½ cups castor sugar
1 tsp lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

Lemon / Passionfruit Curd

8 egg yolks
1 cup raw castor sugar
4 lemons, zest & juice (250ml) or 250ml of passionfruit pulp
170g unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy free option)

Vanilla Cream (or for a DF option a thick vanilla coconut yoghurt)

600ml pure cream
250g mascarpone, thick vanilla custard or thick greek yoghurt
1 tbs vanilla extract, paste or powder

Toppings - for Mega Berry Pavlova

250g fresh strawberries, sliced
250g fresh blueberries
250g fresh raspberries
250g fresh blackberries
1 small bunch fresh mint
Freeze dried strawberries or raspberries (optional)

Method:

Meringue

Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees Celsius (300 Fahrenheit).
Whip the egg whites on medium speed in a large clean bowl using a stand mixer or hand beaters.
Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes).
Gradually add the sugar to the egg whites (whipping the whole time) by adding 1 tablespoon at a time, waiting 20-30 seconds between each addition.
Once all the sugar is incorporated whip the mixture on medium speed for 6 minutes.
Next, add the lemon juice or vinegar and beat for a further 3-4 minutes.
The final egg white mixture should be really thick and glossy. When you rub the mixture between your fingers there shouldn't be any grit from the sugar. If there is, whip the mixture for a few more minutes to ensure all of the sugar has dissolved.
Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
Scoop the meringue into a large mound in the centre of the tray.
Shape the meringue into a round shape on the tray and spread out lightly with a spatula.
Using the spatula around the outside of the meringue, create sweeping up motions to create a rounded and tall edge.
Place the tray into the preheated oven and lower the temperature to 110 degrees Celsius (230 Fahrenheit).
Bake for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Turn the oven off and leave the meringue in the oven with the door closed to completely cool. This step is very important, don't be tempted to remove the meringue any earlier. Leaving it overnight is a great way to ensure its completely cooled. Otherwise, 4-5 hours should be enough.
Remove the meringue from the oven once its cool.

Curd

While the meringue is cooking, let’s make the curd. This is a great way to use the egg yolks that may otherwise go to waste!
In a medium saucepan whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice (or passion fruit pulp).
Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick.
Add the chopped butter (or coconut oil) and stir to combine and until it’s all melted and well incorporated.
Set aside to cool.

To Assemble

Whip the cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form - whip on a low to medium speed or by hand, ensuring the cream stays smooth and doesn’t curdle.
Fold the mascarpone (or vanilla custard or thick yoghurt) into the whipped cream.
Dollop the vanilla cream over the meringue.
Top with the fresh berries, curd, mint and crushed freeze-dried berries (optional) -OR- the fresh mango, passionfruit curd, fresh passion fruit, coconut and lime zest.