The room is simply decorated in bright orange and white with an open kitchen and lovely open windows, from which light pours through on to the diners sharing large pine tables.
The real draw of the place for me is the menu. It is rich and varied, but a treat when you know that everything is made from mostly raw, vegan, wild, foraged, and incredibly healthy ingredients.
A choice of blended juices use extra ingredients such as algae, cacao liquor and Irish moss – but none of them bring peculiar and unpleasing tastes to the palate, in fact the opposite. The ‘Incredible green’ smoothie is a delicious blend of avocado, moss, kale, aloe vera, coconut, banana and apples. It tastes as good as a proper banana milkshake. The popular ‘Forgotten Ecstasy’ combines cacao, dates, figs, almonds, coconut, cinnamon and vanilla and there are also fresh coconuts on the menu, which you really can’t beat amongst the ever expanding choice of bottled versions in the shops. These juices are not cheap, at £6 a go, but they are really well made and perfectly blended. There are also organic Spanish and Chilean wines, British beers and Devonshire ciders to choose from.
The food choices leave you wanting to try everything. Wild humus – really thick and made from sprouting chickpeas and tahini heavy, various sandwich and burger options using sprouting breads, sourdoughs and other wheat free alternatives come with well-dressed and incredibly fresh salads which complement the potential dryness of some of the breads. A favourite amongst diners is the homemade pizza – which uses coconut ‘cheeze’, lovely Turkish olives (a feature in many of the dishes which give wonderful flavours), and a raw tomato and goji marinara. Delicious! There are daily specials on a blackboard too, always a soup, a salad and a main dish often drawing from Asian flavours.
The puddings are a real treat, using no sugar or dairy products, but instead almonds, dates and figs to bring sweetness and proper richness. Raw cacao features heavily and all the delicate individual chocolates are hand made on site with real love.
This place is a haven. Services is friendly and passionate, and it is quick enough that you can go there on your lunch break, happily dine alone anytime, or go with friends in the evening and make more of a special occasion of it. It currently features in my five of the best Covent Garden dining experiences.

The Wild Food Cafe

1st Floor

Neals Yard, Covent Garden

London

WC2H 9DP

By Jessica Hamilton

As well as being both gripping and saturated in ‘atmosphere of evil’, her books also offer the contemporary reader a charming ‘between the wars’ insight into a quintessential England and a world now almost forgotten.   Her books are the perfect holiday read, but with over 70 to choose from which are the real page-turners and describe the most marvellous of pre-meditated murders? I asked an expert and here is the Agatha Christie pick of the crop:

1. Nemesis
2. Dumb Witness
3. The Mysterious Affair at Styles
4. Evil Under the Sun
5. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
6. A Pocket Full of Rye

1. Cliveden, Taplow, Buckinghamshire
A beautiful Italianate house set high above the Thames and surrounded by almost 400 acres of the most beautiful parkland imaginable (now managed by the National Trust). This stunning house, once owned by the Astor family, was of course made infamous by the Profumo scandal in the 1960’s.

Barely 40 minutes outside of London this elegant country house hotel is also home to a rather gorgeous spa. Indulge yourself with an early evening soak in the outdoor Canadian maple-wood hot tub before getting ready for dinner, or take a stroll on the beautiful parterre, dating from 1855.

The rooms are classically beautiful and steeped in history, particularly the ones in the main part of the house. The food is beyond delicious with the very talented André Garrett at the helm and a real emphasis on season guided English ingredients. Spend the day in the spa; enjoy a riverside walk, afternoon tea overlooking the lawns, or a champagne sipping evening boat ride on one of the hotel’s vintage launches.

http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/index.aspx

2. The Bear, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
This fabulously atmospheric 13^th Century coaching inn is covered by a thick blanket of ivy which has the effect of concealing the hotel from prying eyes; perhaps this is why the hotel was a chosen place of assignation for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton!?

Situated in the centre of the exquisitely pretty village of Woodstock, it is also right next to Blenheim Palace, the birth place of Churchill.  Blenheim is surely one of the grandest of England’s stately homes and the surrounding ‘Capability’ Brown parkland is both magnificent and beautiful.

The hotel has a selection of really lovely ‘feature’ rooms – we stayed in cosy courtyard suite with mezzanine bedroom and sitting area.  As well as a day at the palace, there’s a lot to do in the area – the dreaming spires and museums of Oxford are only a short drive away, and for fashionistas in search of designer chic Bicester village is close by too.

http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-bear-hotel/
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/

3. Hartwell House, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
This beautiful country house hotel and spa is nestled in the serene Aylesbury Vale.  With elements of both Georgian and Jacobean architecture and sumptuous reception and dining rooms it has a wonderful ambience of an elegant country home.

Try the mouth-watering afternoon tea served on the terrace overlooking the lawns, a game of croquet, or a simple stroll along the banks of the river that meanders lazily through the parkland.  Relax and melt in the spa, where there is an array of treatments on offer – I suggest beginning with the 85 minute aromatherapy massage.

The food is spectacular and the wine list is as comprehensive as you would expect.  While in the Vale of Aylesbury Waddesdon Manor is well worth a visit – a Rothschild owned manor house in the style of a 14^th Century French chateau.

http://www.hartwell-house.com/
http://www.waddesdon.org.uk/

4. The Mermaid Inn, Rye, East Sussex
Once described by Victorian poet Coventry Patmore as: “A little bit of the old world living on in pleasant ignorance of the new”; Rye is a charming historic town close to the Sussex coast.  The Mermaid Inn is situated on the picturesque cobblestoned Mermaid Street.

Crossing the threshold of the Inn you can be forgiven for feeling as though you have gone back in time to the 15^th Century; indeed the building dates back to the 1420s, when it was a popular haunt for smugglers; the cellars date back to the mid-12^th Century – it feels absolutely steeped in history and is complete with secret passages! The bedrooms are cosy, several with panelling, hand-carved 4-poster beds and paper-thin lattice windows overlooking pretty rose and wisteria covered cottages.

There are some beautiful walks around Rye, or if you fancy the seaside the beach at Camber Sands is only a short drive away.  Local places of interest include: Bodiam Castle and Derek Jarman’s garden at Dungeness.

http://www.mermaidinn.com/

5. Kingfisher Yurt, Wendover, Buckinghamshire
Get back to nature with a weekend in this funky little handmade yurt in the Chiltern Hills.  Totally secluded and surrounded by the sounds of nature and a babbling brook, any thoughts of the City will soon trickle away.  The yurt is very cosy and features a king-size bed.  Fall asleep to the sound of owls and a crackling fire as you gaze up at the stars through the central roof wheel.   There are a plethora of tranquil and scenic walks in the area, as well as several National Trust gardens and some great pubs offering delicious fare and thirst quenching local ales.  If this wasn’t enough, the hosts, are both complementary therapists, so book yourself an aromatherapy massage, reflexology or reiki session – pure bliss.

http://www.canopyandstars.co.uk/britain/england/buckinghamshire/chiltern-yurt-retreat/kingfisher-yurt#back

I had a fabulous night on Saturday at my friend and client Lulu Guinness’ Perspective in collaboration with Impossible, celebrating her brilliant brand’s 25th anniversary. The event was as original and innovative as the lady herself; think outrageous miming transvestites, cocktails with a straw and a host of friendly faces including my gorgeous girls: Laura Whitmore, Millie Mackintosh and Alexandra Roach. The DJ’s set was as eccentric as you’d expect, but the Pièce de résistance was Lulu’s incredible installation of hundreds of photos of friends and celebrity’s lips. Too many to count but I did notice among them (apart from my own): Paloma Faiths, Ophelia Lovibonds, and even Dermot O’Learys! The assembled snaps looked like a breath of smoke emanating from a giant pair of glossy red lips – fabulous! If that wasn’t enough, naughty Lulu has only gone and created a 25th anniversary limited edition collection in mirrored silver! That’s more shopping for me. I was also thrilled to meet the wonderful andfunny Laura Jackson and the brilliant photographer Jon Gorrigan. All in all a great evening!

NYR – Chamomile And Aloe Vera Spf 25 Sun Lotion -

NYR are very friendly towards your skin. The organic ingredients mean that you are treating your body with goodness while being protected, you will also smell an absolute treat.

Murad – Water Resistant Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Spf 30 -

If you are into your sports or like to take a dip in the sea this has a waterproof formula which will stay on if you get wet or sweat.

Melvita – High Protection Sunscreen Spf 50 -

Melvita is a great organic skin care brand which has a lovely range of products with SPF. The High protection sunscreen can be used all over the body or on the face. If your everyday skin base doesn’t contain any sun protection then use this underneath as a moisturiser.

Trish McEvoy – Beauty Balm Instant Solutions Spf 35 -

This is my favourite BB cream which has a high SPF. If you like to wear a light base throughout the day then this is for you. It gives the skin a gorgeous glow but covering any unwanted redness. It’s pretty pricey, but, a little goes a long way!

Liz Earle – After Sun Gel -

After a long day outside in the sunshine this will cool your body down and soothe any redness or highly exposed areas. The smell of lavender and aloe Vera is divine.

Bare Minerals – Natural Sunscreen Spf 30 -

This is a very clever sun care product. If your skin is oily and you suffer from shine then this product doesn’t give you that greasy finish which a lot of sun creams do. It has some colour which you can match to your skin tone or bronze yourself up. It has an easy-to-use brush which allows you to buff the product evenly onto the skin.

• Many people suffer allergic reactions and/or have allergies to animal hair.
• Synthetic brushes are cheaper and last longer.
• Synthetic brushes repel dirt and bacteria more effectively than animal bristles.
• Synthetic brushes shed less, if at all. They are also easier keep clean and therefore more hygienic.
• They actually work better with cream-based products.
• Purchasing synthetic brushes is guilt free!
Here are my pick for the best synthetic brushes on the market:

Liz Earle Foundation Brush -
Liz Earles brushes are 100% man- made fibres so totally animal friendly. This brush is great for applying your foundation. The texture is very soft so feels nice and smooth on the skin.

Hourglass No.8 Concealer Brush -
I absolutely love this brush! It’s the perfect size to reach the nooks and crannies such as under eyes, around the nose and chin. You can also use this to apply foundation if you only want to cover certain small areas of the face.

Occ Angled Blending Brush -
This is a great synthetic brush which makes blending easy. I use this after applying my eyes shadow. To create a seamless finish use light circular strokes.

Liz Earle eye colour brush -
If you have a low makeup budget an eyeshadow brush is a key item to have. This will make the best of your shadow application giving you a nice even finish.

NYR Blusher Brush -
This is a good synthetic brush which will work with mineral powder blusher or normal powder blush.

Hourglass No.9 brush
This brush is a nice size to apply shadow along the lower lash line. It really picks up eyeshadow pigment so you can either create a soft smoke or intense line.

Bare Minerals Eye Liner Brush -
If you like to use a gel liner this is the perfect brush to use. The size is great for creating a 50s flick or if you want to trace along the lash line for definition.

Occ Large Powder Brush -
This large powder brush is great for giving your face a wash of colour. I would use this for bronzing. Dip your brush into the product, dab of the excess on your hand and apply to the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face.

NYR Lip And Concealer Brush -
This is a brilliant Multi purpose brush which can be used as a lip or concealer brush. The shape and size is perfect for creating the perfect lips its also good for pin point concealing.

I have the privilege of working with a wonderful array of celebrities of all ages including: Kelly Hoppen, Alexandra Roach, Joanna Lumley, Keeley Hawes and Laura Whitmore. They are all beautiful and striking women and it’s my job as a make-up artist to enhance their looks. I am a big advocate of the importance of a great skincare regime using the best cruelty-free products. I was therefore very excited to hear that one of my (and my client’s) favourite mineral brands, Pűr Minerals, have recently launched a fabulous new skincare collection of power-packed products that are not only anti-aging, but really deliver flawless healthy skin.

Here’s my pick of best products from their new range:

1. Simplicity – Soothing Gentle Cleanser: A fresh, light, cleansing product that calms and soothes the skin.

2. I love the Dirty Girl – Detoxifying Mudd Masque: This is a luxurious creamy clay facial masque which is suitable for all skin types. It is highly effective at unclogging pores, clarifying and gently exfoliating the skin. Great when used in conjunction with self-indulgent baths with candles and wine!

3. M.M.C. – Anit-Aging Moisture Complex: I absolutely adore this moisturiser! A rich nourishing cream that absorbs easily into the skin. It seems to visibly transform the texture and tone of the skin, leaving it radiantly hydrated and silky. I’ve been telling everyone about this!

4. Miracle Mist – Hydrate & Set: This has immediately found a place in my kit as a great make-up setting mist. It is a delicate hydrating mist formula packed 70 vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It infuses your face, body and hair with vital moisture. A great summer and travel product!

5. I have been using Get Bright – Brightening Serum on all of my clients. This ‘miracle’ concentrated serum corrects uneven skin tone beautifully and radically reduces the look of dark spots. A great product for all skin types, tones and ages!

6. Tone Up – Total Eye Fitness: This is a really effective lightweight eye serum. Remember to use any eye product sparingly and always apply with the ring finger using gentle ‘pats’. This is a brilliant ‘morning after’ product as it removes dark circles, puffiness and highly effective against crow’s feet.