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uniproperty-blog · 5 years

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Best 7 restaurants in Istanbul

Istanbul is a cultural hub where enchanting history and contemporary creativity collide. This is showcased perfectly in its restaurant scene. The dining options are infinite in their variety, from classic street carts to mind-blowing rooftop fine dining, a strong cup of Turkish coffee to surprising Turkish wines, a humble simit to perfect meatballs. Vibrant, delicious, bold, hip, yet subtle: Beware, Istanbul can be addictive.so we’ve rounded up the best places to eat in the city.

-Adana Ocakbasi

Tucked away on a side street in the busy Kurtuluş neighborhood, this small, shabby grill was once a hidden gem, but now its reputation has spread all over the city. Adana kebab is its signature dish, served with grilled tomatoes and peppers, thin lavash bread, and onions with sumac. Sip raki and watch the usta (master cook) prepare your order on the charcoal fire as the heat slaps your face. Start with liver cubes on skewers. Come spring, don’t miss the sweetbreads.

Bozkurt Mahallesi, +90 212 247 01 43, Bay Sungur Sk. No:2. 34375 Şişli/İstanbul

Mikla

Opened in 2005, Mikla is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants Istanbul has to offer. The restaurant is on the roof of The Marmara Pera Hotel. It offers beautiful views of the city and its most treasured buildings, including the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. Chef and owner Mehmet Gürs brings his Turkish-Scandinavian background to the fore in the beautiful designed, tantalizing menu. Dishes served include grilled prawns with vegetable firik, chickpea flour, and zucchini blossoms. The restaurant also recently opened its new Anatolian Kitchen, transforming and updating traditional dishes through both contemporary and ancient gastronomic techniques.

The Marmara Pera, +90 212 293 5656, Meşrutiyet Caddesi 15, 34430, Beyoğlu, İstanbul

Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Although Hafiz Mustafa 1864 is not a restaurant, it deserves a mention as a must-visit for all sweet toothed travellers. Internationally renowned for the Turkish desserts it creates, this veteran bakery, candy store and cafe’s history date all the way back to 1864. It was originally opened by Ismail Hakkı Zade as a rock candy shop and it was Ismail’s son Hafız Mustafa who brought true glory to the venue when he invented poğaça (palm size buns with or without filling). Hafiz Mustafa 1864 serves some of the city’s best sweet treats such as delicious Turkish delights, irresistible baklava, sensational halva and much more. There are several branches of Hafiz Mustafa 1864 around Istanbul.

Hafiz Mustafa 1864, +90 212 513 3610, Hobyar Mahallesi Hamidiye Cad. No:84 Bahçekapı Eminönü, 34080 Istanbul

Karadeniz Pide ve Döner Salonu

Don't leave Istanbul without having a proper döner. Karadeniz Pide Doner does right by that big rotating luscious hunk of meat: They serve it thinly cut by with a big döner knife atop their house-made pide bread. You may also order it plain, as a sandwich or in a wrap. Asım Usta starts serving his famous döner around 10.30 a.m. and it hardly lasts into the afternoon. Prepare to wait in line , it's worth it.

Sinanpaşa Mahallesi, +90 212 261 76 93 Mumcu Bakkal Sk. No:6 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Lades 2

In Turkey, breakfast can be many things: an array of cheeses, eggs cooked with sucuk or pastırma, omelets, or simple hard- or soft-boiled eggs. One of the most beloved breakfast stops in town is Lades 2. All day long the shop serves its famous menemen: eggs, tomatoes, and peppers cooked over immensely high heat. You may add chicken, cheese, or sucuk (Turkish sausage) to taste; you’ll need a lot of bread and tea as well. It’s fast, it’s delicious, and most importantly, it’s a local favorite.

Katip Mustafa Çelebi Mahallesi, +90 212 249 52 08 Sadri Alışık Sk. 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

Hatay Medeniyetler Sofrası

One of the best traditional restaurants in turkey that has hosted several celebrities over the years. A must to visit to enjoy delicious food. in short words it’s the best choice to have a pure Turkish food with great taste. you will never regret although the prices are high, but the taste deserves more Not much English spoken but sign languages and photos will take you anywhere! Definitely go for the salt crusted stuffed chicken. Celebrity photos are all over the place of patrons enjoying their special meter-long kebab. Their meat is awesome, you just enjoy the freshness in every bite, the spices they use is something else!

Katip Mustafa Çelebi Mahallesi, +90 212 2933131 İstiklal Caddesi, No 39, Beyoğlu, İstanbul

Nusr-Et Steakhouse

Nusr-Et Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses in Istanbul, Nusr-Et is a Meatlover’s paradise, with a wide selection of delicious meat, such as Lamb T-bone, T-Bone Steak, Lamb Chops, two kinds of meatballs and more. It offers its customers an extraordinary experience and the best quality of the meat. The meat is “mouth-watering” and always perfectly cooked and served on wood. Don’t miss the freshly baked baklava in a pan which they serve stuffed with vanilla ice cream.

Nispetiye Caddesi, +90 212 358 3022 No:87 Etiler, 34337 Beşiktaş

#istanbul #turkey #restaurant #toprestaurant #food #celebrities #tourist #tourism #uniproperty #real estate #Realtor #Property

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eyecandybarnes · 6 years

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Daydreaming

Summary: Bucky Barnes is a superstar actor in Hollywood, and the reader works as a photographer for an upscale fashion and pop culture magazine. One day, she is assigned to take photographs of Bucky to promote his upcoming movie, but her schoolgirl crush on Mr. Barnes proves to be a problem.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words: 3,547

Warnings: Smut (a little bit of D/S undertones). Also some fluff, it’s not 100% smut.

A/N: *THIS IS A REPOST FROM MY OLD ACCOUNT.* This is my submission for Kait’s (@bionic-buckyb) 5k AU challenge! My prompt was “Model/Photographer”. Hope you enjoy! (also if anyone can guess what reference I’m making with the fake movie title I put in this fic, you get brownie points!)

Another day, another photoshoot in the studio with some rude celebrity who thinks they’re better than you.

You sigh, shuffling over to the strobe to make sure it’s synced properly to your camera. With a quick press of your shutter button, the light goes off, and you’re satisfied that everything is set up perfectly for today’s shoot. Your contentment doesn’t last long, though; the thought of having to deal with another snobby subject clouds your brain. Sure, the concept of meeting celebrities every day at your job seemed cool, but once you got used to it, you realized that they’re all just regular people. There was hardly anything special about anyone you met, aside from the few who were very nice and complimented how good you made them look with your camera.

“Oh, wonderful, you’re all set up!” Michael, the fashion consultant and your bosses’ assistant, bursts through the studio doors. “James will be here in a second. I want you to make him look SO sexy in these photos, got it, Y/N? Carol needs to be proud of our work when she’s back from vacation.”

You shake your head and give him the slightest pathetic smile you can. “I can’t make someone sexy if they already have an ugly face, Michael. Now which James are we talking about?”

“James Barnes?” Michael looks shocked, his eyes widening as he says the name. “For his new movie, ‘Farewell, Atlantis’?”

“What?!” You almost drop your camera in shock, your heart racing. “Y-you mean, like, Bucky Barnes? The guy from Gossip Girl? The guy from that horrible movie last year about gymnastics? THAT James Barnes?”

“Yes?” He seems scared of your response. “Did Carol not tell you?”

“No!”

“I’m sorry, am I interrupting something? I can step out for a minute if you need me to…”

The new, yet familiar voice catches you off guard. You whip around so fast that your ponytail hits you in the face rather unceremoniously. You feel your eyes grow wider as you see him standing there; dressed in a simple light grey v-neck and ripped skinny jeans, a thin black jacket on, and a ball chain around his neck. His soft brown hair is slightly tousled in a way that makes him look not too perfect, but unbelievably irresistible. When your eyes meet his, you can’t help but stare at how clear and blue they are, sparkling like glass.

“No, no, Mr. Barnes.” Michael makes his way over to your frozen form, shutting your mouth with a hand under your chin. “Just a little miscommunication, is all. This is Y/N, our resident photographer. She’ll be capturing your essence today.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Y/N. I saw the work you did last week with Natasha Romanoff. You made her look like a freakin’ goddess.” James sticks out his hand, and you subtly wipe your palm on your pants before taking it in a handshake. “And please, call me Bucky.” “Oh, isn’t he just delightful!” Michael claps, turning his back to the two of you. “Now let’s get this show On. The. Road!”

You turn away from Bucky quickly, allowing yourself to blush and gather your things before getting started. You hand Michael a light meter, directing him to hold it in front of Bucky so you can get a good reading off his shirt and make sure your settings are right. As you look through the viewfinder of your camera, you see Bucky sticking his tongue out at you, behind Michael. You try hard not to let out an ugly laugh, concealing your face behind your camera as you blush more.

“Okay, Michael, I’m good.” You say, looking down in more efforts to hide your red cheeks. “Care to get started?”

“It’s actually kind of hot in here, from all these lights…” Bucky says, keeping his innocent eyes on you. “Mind if I take my jacket off?”

“That’s a great idea for a photo!” Michael interrupts, his face beaming. “Y/N, take pictures of him taking his jacket off. In a showy way, of course.”

“You got it.” You step back and sigh quietly. Placing the viewfinder to your eye again, you watch as Bucky removes his jacket, in an alarmingly seductive manner. As the material comes off his arms, you can’t help but stare at how perfectly muscular and toned they are. You get a few shots in before you find your legs shaking, your body feeling like you’re doing something you shouldn’t be. You have to put your camera down and straighten up to regain your composure. You’re not sure if you can do this shoot, with this hunk of man standing in front of your camera lens.

Michael’s shrill tone brings you back to Earth, your heart racing. “Did you get it?”

“Y-yeah. Got it. Let’s do the next pose?” You fumble with your camera, only taking a quick glace up at Bucky. He’s staring at you, a little bit of curiosity in his eyes. It makes you feel unsettled.

“Alright, James. Now I want you to give the camera a mischievous smile, alright?” Michael stands behind one of your light stands, directing Bucky. “And, I don’t know, tug on your shirt or something? I want you to look playful.”

“Like this?”

You look up, and Bucky’s got the bottom of his shirt balled up in his fist, just enough that a peek of skin and the waistband of his pants become visible. His other hand is on his torso, and he’s looking into the camera with a devilish grin. You swallow dryly, trying to keep yourself calm. This might be the first time you can’t finish a photo shoot, because you’re too busy swooning over your subject. Your finger shakes as you press down on the shutter button, capturing the photograph. You can only hope that your reaction to Bucky isn’t a visible one.

“You’re doing great!” Michael claps his hands again, excited. “How about we show a little more skin this time and put the hem of your shirt in between your teeth? Show off those abs!”

You glance over at Michael, screaming in your head for him to stop. Taking a deep breath, you raise your camera again. In front of you, Bucky’s got his shirt in his teeth, with a playfully aggressive look on his face. His thumbs are hooked into the sides of his shirt, pulling it down to form a ‘v’ shape of material around his six pack. You feel your breathing hitch, and suddenly become aware of a rather uncomfortable situation between your legs. This is all too much for you. “You know what, Michael? I really need to go take a quick break.” You stumble, heading towards the door. “It’s really hot in here.”

Without looking back, you exit the studio and make a beeline for the bathroom. Luckily, no one’s inside when you enter, allowing you to let loose. You turn on the sink faucet and splash your face with some cold water, putting out the fire in your cheeks. You look in the mirror to find your pupils wide, your reflection not looking familiar to you. “Oh my god…” You pace the bathroom floor, running your hands over your hair. “How am I supposed to do this?”

You look at your watch, noting that five minutes have passed since you stormed out of the studio. You need to get back and finish this job, or your boss will have your head. You can’t afford to lose this job; you just got it several months ago after being unemployed and you know no other magazine company is looking for a photographer right now.

You take a deep breath, before exiting the bathroom. It’s knocked out of you rather quickly, though, as you slam into a solid object just outside the bathroom door. You expect your backside to meet a hard floor, but instead, someone’s strong, gentle hands catch you.

“Are you okay?”

You look up to see those irresistible blue eyes staring back down at you, a soft concerned look on his face. You can feel your heart pounding against your chest as you stare back, the only thing holding you up being Bucky.

“You seem a little distracted.” Bucky stands you back up, but keeps a hold on your arm. “Let’s go somewhere quiet, maybe?”

Before you know it, Bucky is pulling you into your bosses’ office. It’s cool inside, and goosebumps form on your skin where Bucky was holding you. He keeps the lights off, and shuts the door, swiftly. All you can do is stand in the middle of the room, your mind racing.

“Is this better?” He smiles at you, sitting on the desk. “Everything’s okay?”

“I… I guess.” You almost have to force yourself to answer. “I’m okay. I was just… daydreaming.”

You want to kick yourself in the head for admitting that.

Bucky laughs a little, reaching out and pulling you closer. “About what, may I ask?”

You swallow again, feeling a lump in your throat. You can’t keep your eyes off his gorgeous smile, his lips pulled back to reveal his teeth, his eyes smiling too. You find yourself once again unable to speak.

You don’t even move when you feel his hands take yours again. He pulls you closer to him, your legs colliding with his. You can’t control your breathing anymore as you’re held close to him, your face within inches of his. He gives you a little smile before leaning forward, pressing his lips to yours gently. You feel your heart race, his lips unbelievably soft and warm against your own. Bucky brings his hands to your waist, pulling you even closer. You can’t help but melt into the kiss, your hands finding their way to his arms, stabilizing you.

“Was that it?” Bucky whispers, pulling away from the kiss, leaving you breathless.

“I-uh…” You’re frozen again, in his embrace. “Pretty much.”

His lips curl up in a sinful smile before he brings you back to him, once again engaging you in a kiss. He puts more passion into it, pulling you even deeper into his spell. His hands slide behind you, grabbing your rear, pulling you up onto the desk and into his lap. Seated, you feel his fingers poking under the hem of your shirt, lightly dragging along your skin.

“Oh my god…” You gasp, pulling away to look at him for a second. “Is this… Is this really happening?”

Bucky’s chest rises up and down, against yours. He has an unsure look on his face, providing you with a slight relief. “Only if you want it to?”

“Of course.” You say, grabbing his collar and pulling him to you. This time, it’s you who initiates the kiss. Bucky follows, deepening it, his tongue poking into your mouth. You can’t help but let out a little groan as he kisses you, the feeling like none other you’ve experienced before.

You feel Bucky’s hands at the top of your shirt, trying to undo the buttons. You try to keep still while he fumbles with them, but you’re too impatient.

“Just rip it.” You squeak, in between kisses. “I’ve got another shirt in my office.”

He gives you a raised eyebrow and a cute smile, before forcing your shirt open, the buttons clattering onto the floor. Bucky’s hands immediately make their way to your breasts, gently, yet greedily, kneading them. He slips a finger in between the cups and yanks your bra, the clasp in the back giving way, the garment coming off of you. He tosses your now-ruined bra to the floor, and his fingers immediately return to play with your nipples.

“Oh my god, Y/N…” Bucky almost moans, his fingers running over your nipples. You feel a shiver run down your spine. He brings his lips to your neck, attacking you with kisses, while he caresses your breasts. “So perky… and all because of me?”

“Yeah…” You breathe out shakily, your eyes closed, letting yourself focus on his touch. “Please, Bucky…”

“Please what, doll?” His lips ghost over the skin of your neck, just under your ear.

“I need you…” You half-moan out, breathless.

“How about you bend over the desk for me, then?” He whispers by your ear, causing you to shiver. “If you’re so ready for me?”

His hands are on your waist, guiding you back down off the desk gently. You feel his hand on your back as he puts you over the desk. The cool wooden surface provides relief to your burning skin, while his fingers dragging down your sides send tingles throughout your body. You feel Bucky hook his fingers in your belt loops, tugging down your pants to your knees, letting out a small laugh.

“Pink polka dot lace panties…” He breathes, his hands on your ass. “What an interesting choice.”

“They were from Victoria’s Secret and they were a lot of money. Please don’t ruin them.” You sigh, feeling his hands cupping your bottom. You know, deep down, that you wouldn’t care what happened to those panties right now.

“What would your boss think about these panties, doll?” Bucky rubs up against you, and you can feel his arousal. “What if she walked in here, right now, and saw us doing this in her office?”

“She… she’s on vacation.” You squeak, your breath becoming uneven again.

“I bet she’d punish you if she was here.” Without warning, you feel his hand come down on your ass with a loud slap. You let out a yelp, the skin on your bottom feeling warm. “Just like that.”

“Bucky, please…”

“Do you normally screw your clients in your bosses’ office?” Bucky lands another slap to your other cheek. “Are you a naughty girl, Y/N?”

“Yes, Bucky!” You cry out. “Please… stop teasing me.”

“Alright, but only because you asked for it.” He brings his hand down on you one more time, releasing a moan from you as he pokes his fingers into your panties. He finds your dripping core, sliding a finger into you. “Shit, doll, you’re so wet already…”

“I have been since we were in the studio…” You moan shakily, grinding your hips against Bucky’s hand.

One hand rubbing your bundle of nerves in circles, you can hear Bucky undo his belt with the other. His pants hit the floor, as he pulls your panties to the side giving him access to your core. You feel your heart beating against the desk as he places his tip at your entrance.

“Are you ready, doll?”

You swallow and nod, bracing yourself against the desk. He thrusts forward, filling you up easily, stretching out your walls in a way no man has ever done before. A high pitched moan escapes your lips, followed by a yelp as Bucky grabs your ponytail in his fist. He pulls it so your head is angled to the side, leaning down face-to-face.

“How soundproof are these walls?” He whispers, keeping still inside you.

“They’re… pretty good.” You whimper, shaking.

“Perfect.” Bucky presses a kiss to your cheek before thrusting his hips again, slamming the two of you into the desk. He holds onto your hair, making sure your head doesn’t hit the desk, continuing at a fast pace.

“God, Y/N, you feel so good…” He groans, bringing his other hand back to your clit for extra stimulation.

You can’t help the moans rising from your chest as Bucky fucks you over your bosses’ desk. Pens and frames fall from the desk and onto the floor, but you’re too consumed in the moment to care. You grind down on Bucky’s hand as he flicks and rubs your nub, craving the most stimulation you can get.

Bucky leans back down and starts gently placing kisses upon your back. He runs his fingers down your sides just barely, your skin too sensitive. You don’t know how much more you can take.

“Oh my god…” You moan, feeling your walls clench around him. “James!”

Hearing his first name escape your lips makes Bucky let out a groan. “That’s a good girl, Y/N…”

“Bucky…” You whine, holding on to the edge of the desk. “I’m getting close…”

“Let it happen, Princess…” He breathes, going faster. “We need to get back out there…”

“Oh… Oh shit, oh shit…” You gasp, squeezing your eyes shut. Bucky rubs your clit faster, and you can feel a knot of energy tightening itself within you, just threatening to come undone.

The next few minutes are a mess of tangled, sweaty limbs, jerky movements, moans and groans. Coming down from his high, Bucky leans over you on the desk, desperately trying to catch his breath. He places a few more kisses to your cheek before removing himself from you.

“We need to get back out there and finish that photoshoot…” Bucky says, breathless, as he pulls his pants back on. “I just remembered I have a flight to Italy later today that I can’t miss.”

“You go out first.” You sigh, pulling you shirt back on you to cover yourself up. “Tell Michael I’ll be out in a minute. I’m gonna go fix myself up.”

It’s been months since you did that photoshoot with Bucky Barnes. The photos wound up coming out great, getting extremely popular on the internet. The issue of the magazine that featured Bucky was one of the best-selling issues the company had ever put out, and your boss was over the moon. You even managed to clean up her office before she got back, with zero evidence of your day with Bucky left in there.

It’s also been months since you heard from him. After the photoshoot, he had to leave for Italy, to finish filming “Farewell, Atlantis”, and departed without a word. You hadn’t even given him your number, so why did you expect him to try and contact you? Then again, he probably slept with every girl he came across, with that handsome face and irresistible smile. You probably weren’t the only one.

To combat the loneliness, you’d texted your friend Wanda to have a pajama party. You were armed and ready with a box of pizza and three different movies to watch, all cuddled up on the couch and ready to go. She would arrive any minute. Your Australian Shepherd, Franklin, jumps up on the couch and curls up by your side. You run your fingers through his fur, grateful that you have his presence, so you’re never truly alone. He was the best gift you could have ever gotten in your life.

As you and Franklin relax on the couch, a trailer for “Farewell, Atlantis” starts playing on the tv. You watch halfheartedly, your attention only fully on the television when Bucky’s character shows up onscreen. Franklin lets out a whine, his wide blue eyes staring at the tv.

“I know, boy.” You sigh, petting the fur down smooth on his head. “But at least we have each other, right?”

Your conversation with your dog gets cut short when there’s knocking at your door. Franklin’s ears perk up, and when the knocking happens again, he’s off the couch and barking at the door. You chase after him, grabbing his collar as you reach out for the doorhandle. “Relax, Frankie! It’s just Wanda! I told you she was coming over, silly.” You pull your dog behind you before answering the door.

Standing in front of you, however, is not Wanda. Instead, a tall, handsome, slightly tanner Bucky Barnes has appeared at your apartment, his face lighting up when he sees you.

“Hey…” He smiles, quite genuinely. “I, uh… I got your address from your boss, if you were wondering… Surprise?”

“Bucky…” You feel your heart almost stop in your chest. “Why are you here? I-I mean… not that I don’t want you here…”

“Well, I came to apologize.” He shrugs, smiling sheepishly. “I shouldn’t have just ran out on you after what happened between us, but I was kind of rushed, and had no other choice.”

You sigh, at least getting closure for the situation. “Thank you. I understand you had other things to do. It happens.”

“I was also wondering…” Bucky stretches out his words, bringing his arm out from behind his back to reveal a small bouquet of roses, “…if maybe you were interested in going out on a date with me? I’m done filming, so, I have time…”

“Oh my gosh…” You grin so hard that you’re sure your ears are going to fall off. “Yes, Bucky, I’d love that.”

“Oh, thank god.” He breathes out, his shoulders relaxing. “I’ve been worrying about this for four months… oh!”

You look down to see Franklin bumping his nose against the back of Bucky’s leg, pushing him into the apartment. You can’t help but laugh at your beloved pet’s antics.

“He wants you to come in.” You giggle. “And have some pizza with us.”

Bucky smiles wide, his eyes sparkling, just like the first day you met him. “I can’t say no to pizza. Or cute dogs. Or their beautiful owners.”

“Bucky!”

“Oh, come on.” He rolls his eyes at you playfully. “You know it’s true.”

Before you can protest, Bucky’s lips are on yours again, just as amazing as the first time.

Hope you enjoyed this! It was my first smut and a little rushed so not that good but whatever.

Permanent tag list is OPEN. Let me know if you would like to be tagged. Crossed out usernames mean the tag wouldn’t work. If I tag you five times and don’t get a notification from you, you will be removed from the tag list.

Tags: @caplansteverogers, @livenicebebeautiful, @willowtighe, @earinafae, @ek823, @sebstanthemanxo, @lilasiannerd, @coffeeismylife28, @archer-whovian-violinist, @badassbaker, @lost-ina-daydream, @melconnor2007, @betherz5683, @palaiasaurus64, @ispeakforthebooks, @mindingmyownbusiness @bionic-buckyb

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes smut #bucky x reader #bucky barnes au #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #marvel smut

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wineanddinosaur · 5 years

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London’s Hotel Bar Scene Has Never Been Cooler

If hotel bars are the sexiest bars, then London, an age-old mecca for grand hotels and historic watering holes, might just have the sexiest bar scene on the planet.

It was at a London hotel bar — DUKES Bar in the tony Mayfair district — that Ian Fleming created his “shaken, not stirred,” Martini-sipping secret agent. The American Bar at the Savoy not only gave mixology foreparents Ada “Coley” Coleman and Harry Craddock their start, it also served astronaut Neil Armstrong his very first drink after returning from the moon (imagine that thirst).

According to British-born Simon Ford, founder of Fords Gin and a longtime fixture of London’s cocktail culture, the city’s love affair with these in-house hideaways is rooted in its status as a cross-cultural hub.

“London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. It also happens to be one of the most connected — Heathrow has flights serving more international destinations than any other airport in the world,” Ford says. “All of this makes London a melting pot for what is happening in food and drink and the hotels have always been at that forefront.”

The Savoy Hotel, founded by Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier in 1889, was influential. “That opening set the stage for hotels around the world, not just as a destination for accommodation but also for fine food and drink and for high society to mingle,” Ford says.

The Punch Room at Ian Schrager’s London EDITION hotel. Credit: Nikolas Koenig

While iconic institutions can all-too-often rest on their highly decorated laurels, sinking into overstuffed oblivion, such is not the case at the Savoy. It, like all of London nightlife, is continually reinventing itself. The Covent Garden institution went so far as to undergo a three-year, £220 million renovation in 2010, painstakingly restoring its groundbreaking American Bar and even installing a snazzy new cabaret bar called The Beaufort.

“I first started surveying the scene in the late ’90s when bars at The Savoy, The Lanesborough, The Dukes, The Berkeley, The Sanderson, and so on were already among the world’s most celebrated,” Ford says. “A world-class cocktail bar has been a required element… And every time a hot new hotel bar opens, existing spots upgrade their offerings to ensure that the newcomers do not outshine.

“The momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down.”

In 2007, the Langham Hotel celebrated its 142nd birthday by debuting Artesian bar. Outfitted with stately Victorian chandeliers and a crisp, royal-blue-and-white color scheme, it had one of the most forward-thinking cocktail programs the U.K. had ever seen. Drinks International named it the World’s Best Bar from 2011 to 2015, and it received a bounty of nods from Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards, including World’s Best Hotel Bar, Best International Cocktail Bar, and multiple International Bartender of the Year awards.

Less than a year later, the 1897 Connaught Hotel gave its treasured eponymous bar a sleek Art Deco-inspired facelift. It soon began accumulating its own arsenal of awards, thanks, at least in part, to its completely irresistible Martini trolley.

Fitz’s at the Kimpton Fitzroy London. Credit: Tom Mannion

In the decade that followed, properties citywide followed suit, creating its now-flourishing hotel bar landscape. New openings and renovations continue to inspire this constantly evolving city by combining contemporary design, boundary-pushing drinks, and decadent hospitality and attention to detail.

These five standouts prove there’s never been a better time to sip and stay in Londontown.

Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood Hotel

This plush, handsome Holborn staple has paid homage to political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe since its inception in 2014. The illustrator’s quirky caricatures hang on the walls and dot the pages of the novel-like menu, bringing a dash of levity to the library-esque atmosphere (read: massive fireplace, built-in dark wood bookshelves, slick marble, tufted leather armchairs). Look for celebrity-inspired cocktails like the Zingy Stardust, made with Absolut Elyx, lemongrass, and kaffir lime; and Booyakasha, a fiery Sasha Baron Cohen tribute featuring Patron Silver, Martini Rubino, habanero, verjus, pink grapefruit, and gusano.

“Scarfes is far from your typical 5-star hotel bar, with nothing stuffy about it,” bar manager Martin Siska says. “Between 60 and 70 percent of our guests visit from outside the hotel property.” Siska has also noticed several travelers book a stay at the hotel because of its bar.

If you ask Ford, that kind of following is a one-way ticket to greatness. “A good hotel bar has the challenge of not only staying ahead of drinking and bar trends around the whole world but it also needs to cater to an international audience,” he says. “If a bar is the reason that people are choosing to stay at the hotel then you have yourself a great hotel bar, and if that bar manages to mingle an international crowd with locals, then even better.”

The Green Room at The Curtain

Shoreditch’s boutique Curtain Hotel threw a big ol’ splash of color onto London’s hotel bar scene when it opened its Green Room in June 2018. Polished concrete floors and giant steel-trimmed windows play off the area’s industrial past, while blue velvet bar stools, glossy emerald tiling, hanging ferns, and a meandering snake of a plush green banquette speak to its youthful, street-savvy present. The drinks list is also tailor-made for the neighborhood’s brunch-craving crowd, with playful numbers like Holiest Harlot (Braemble gin, Martini Riserva Bitter, lemon sorbet, rosé) and Sunday Service (Tapatio Blanco tequila, eucalyptus, pear, lemon, floral bitters) leading the pack.

The Green Room at Shoreditch’s boutique Curtain Hotel. Credit: Justine Trickett

The Punch Room at The EDITION

Nestled deep inside Ian Schrager’s chic London EDITION hotel lurks this intimate haunt, opened in 2013 with floor-to-ceiling wainscotting, soft blue banquettes, and tobacco-hued club chairs. Beautiful as it is, what really makes this place pop is its central theme: punch, the communal English drink first invented by British East India Company sailors.

“I like the versatility of punch, but it’s the drink’s history that really fascinates me,” EDITION’s director of beverages, Davide Segat, says. “It was the first mixed drink that would touch all parts of society, from any social class or position. For hundreds of years, it would reflect society in a bowl — it’s beautiful.”

Punches here are expertly concocted using traditional and offbeat ingredients. Seasonal menus range from tart refreshers (the Enotria features Banks 7 rum, lavender and thyme cordial, Vermentino, and lemon juice) to hearty stalwarts like an English Milk Punch made with Havana Club 3 Year, Somerset Cider brandy, fermented red rice liqueur, milk, and a whole host of belly-warming juices and spices.

Fitz’s at The Kimpton Fitzroy London

In operation since April 2018, Ford deems this newly minted Russell Square addition as “a perfect juxtaposition between classic hotel bar and a modern-day disco vibe.” And trust us, from the velvet clamshell sofas, to the illuminated Art Deco-style back bar, to the massive disco ball hanging amid a thick halo of real ostrich feathers, it lives up to the description. Fitz’s opened in April 2018 and is helmed by Sean Fennelly of Milk & Honey fame, and Carey Hanlon from the trendsetting Callooh Callay. The list includes jazzed-up twists like the silky, bittersweet Vesca Negroni, served atop a bright pink hunk of strawberry- and rosehip-flavored ice. It’s art in a glass, with a sidecar of smirk. Elsewhere on the menu, complicated originals like the pleasantly nutty Golden Echo (St. George Pear Brandy, Noix de la Saint Jean, Smith & Cross rum, lime, toasted sesame, pimento bitters, ginger beer) exhibit skillfully composed balance.

Celebrated London proprietor Ryan Chetiyawardan’s Dandelyan at the Mondrian. Credit: Dandelyan

Dandelyan at the Mondrian (For Now)

Celebrated barkeep Ryan Chetiyawardan’s Dandelyan at the Mondrian quickly rose to the top of the ranks after opening in 2014. And though he recently announced its imminent closure via Instagram, Mr. Lyan, as he’s known, and his swanky, multi-award-winning Southbank digs remain, at least for now, a titan within the scene. The cocktail program is famous for incorporating foraged ingredients, bizarre housemade tinctures and syrups, and other one-of-a-kind finds. All are presented in a menu that resembles a coffee table book of mad scientist creations.

When and if it goes, it will undoubtedly be hard for any bar to fill the Dandelyan’s shoes. But London imbibers should rest assured that the city’s inevitable next class of hotel bars will be primed and poised to try.

The post London’s Hotel Bar Scene Has Never Been Cooler appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-hotel-bars-london-travel-guide/

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sportsandfitnessinfo · 7 years

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New Post has been published on http://fitnessandhealthpros.com/beauty/swoon5-super-hot-male-celebrities-who-support-the-womens-movement/

Swoon…5 Super Hot Male Celebrities Who Support The Women’s Movement

“Crises are always positive because they force you to think,” Miuccia Prada said in a recent Vogue interview. At least in terms of the women’s movement, I would say that the current political instability has had a positive effect. Not so long ago, many women and men I met were barely tolerant of the word and idea of feminism; in the media, celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift used to directly reject the term feminist or coyly avoid answering the question. Now, though, the tide has definitely turned, and being a proud advocate for women’s rights is de rigueur for female *and* male celebrities.

Without further ado, I’ve compiled for you a list of male celebrities who have supported the women’s movement, thus winning our hearts forever.

John Cena

This one is a total surprise. Cena is a WWE star and, well, he looks like the burliest, most protein-powdered up of bros. (He was even cast as Amy Schumer’s dumb jock lover in Trainwreck. Watch it–he’s hilarious in it.) Not only does he have arms the size of your thighs, he also went on to say *this* about the recent surge in female bodybuilders, #fitchick, and #girlswholift.

“Why tell someone they can’t do something because it’s not typically feminine? Who is to define what is typically feminine? I think it’s wonderful. If someone has a gift at being overly strong, or someone has a passion [they should do it]…why should [gender] define what I do and what I don’t?”

Word, Cena. Or John. Can I call you John?

On the day of the Women’s March, Cena also sent out this awwww-inspiring tweet.

It’s days like this that make me love this country so very much. #WomensMarch country wide sending a strong message with peaceful protest.

— John Cena (@JohnCena) January 21, 2017

Call me a mush, but I think this wrestler is totally adorbs. Oh and he’s a 16-time WWE champion–which I never thought I’d say, but is kind of hot when mixed with feminism. Jake Gyllenhaal

On the other end of the bro-spectrum is Jake Gyllenhaal, who always seemed like a sensitive, compassionate soul–and indeed is, in real life. Hallelujah! First, let’s bask in the warmth of this irresistible photo of siblings Gyllenhaal at the Women’s March…

And then admire this Facebook post by Gyllenhaal, wherein he calls women “the real stewards of our country’s soul.” That beanie! That beard! That right hand balled up into a fist! That cheeky sign!! He is perfect. (Side note: Look at that young woman on the left photo-bombing Jake with the happiest smile ever–probably thinking “OMG IS THAT JAKE GYLLENHAAL?!”)

John Legend

On the day of the Women’s March, John Legend took to the streets in Park City, Utah while wifey Chrissy Teigen (also an outspoken feminist) joined the femmes in Washington D.C. But don’t you dare think Legend is just hopping on the recent pussy hat trend! He went on record in 2013 to say “All men should be feminists. If men care about women’s rights the world will be a better place… We are better off when women are empowered — it leads to a better society.” Bravo!

Mark Ruffalo

In 2013, Ruffalo penned a public letter defending the women’s right to choose. “I am a man. I could say this has nothing to do with me. Except I have two daughters and I have a mother who was forced to illegally have an abortion in her state where abortion was illegal when she was a very young woman,” Ruffalo wrote, and his I’m-a-guy-but-I-care-about-this thing going on is really making us weak in the knees.

Then in 2015, he further cemented his feminist hottie status by posting on his Tumblr a warning to all “I’m not a feminist” women (cough Taylor Swift cough). “First of all, it’s clear you don’t know what feminism is. But I’m not going to explain it to you. You can google it… You’re insulting every woman who was forcibly restrained in a jail cell with a feeding tube down her throat for your right to vote, less than 100 years ago. You’re undermining every woman who fought to make marital rape a crime (it was legal until 1993)…In short, kiss my ass you ignorant little jerks.”

Finally, Ruffalo is also a climate change and pro-environment advocate. All right, it’s official–he should be crowned a Peaceful Dumpling Crush of the Year.

Ryan Gosling

Not only is everyone’s internet boyfriend the subject of a runaway hit Tumblr Feminist Ryan Gosling (note: not authorized by him), he’s also super outspoken about his appreciation of women IRL.

Gaaaaahhh… Can you make it a vegan seitan sandwich? 😀 😀

“I think women are better than men,” the La La Land star has said. “They are stronger, more evolved. You can tell especially when you have daughters and you see their early stages, they are just leaps and bounds beyond boys immediately…I’ve always liked women more. I was brought up by my mother and older sister… I found my way into dance class. My home life now is mostly women. They are better than us. They make me better.”

Which feminist hunk are you crushing on?

Related: Why Vegans Should Identify As Feminist (& Vice Versa)

3 Modern Feminist Icons to Inspire You

Why “Man Tax” Is Actually A Brilliant Way to Fight Gender Gap

Get more like this—Subscribe to our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!

Photo: Tapout; Maggie Gyllenhaal; Jake Gyllenhaal; John Legend; Mark Ruffalo; Feminist Ryan Gosling

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Juhea now lives in NYC with her Oreo cookie cat, Zeus. When she is not writing, she enjoys running in Central Park, yoga, and teaching Barre classes. Follow Juhea on Instagram @peacefuldumpling, Google+ and Pinterest.

Originally at :Peaceful Dumpling Written By : Juhea Kim

#Celebrities #Male #Movement #Super #Support #Swoon…5 #Women’s

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