London has been hit by a whirlwind of temporary watering-holes and discrete eateries in recent years; the rise of the pop up is a serious tour de force! What are your thoughts on pop-up pads? Fad or fashion?

Some of the pop up places I am most looking forward to visiting are:

Forza Win (www.forzawin.com), Hackney LDN – Born out of the ashes of it’s extremely popular summer 2012 predecessor, Forza Win, is essentially a delightful rooftop hideaway smothered in beautiful animal skin rugs serving winter warming drinks and comfort food. Instead of their ever popular pizza menu, the winter remake shall focus on a Northern Italian fondue style dish – Fonduta. Follow my blogging course religiously and you will understand why I am most excited about visiting this pop up – I have a serious cheese addiction! Fingers crossed I am able to book a table this side of Christmas as it seems ForzaWin shan’t be around for long….

Old Vic Tunnels (www.oldvictunnels.com), Under Waterloo Station – One of this year’s feasts that I wish I hadn’t have missed was the Wahaca sponsored Day of the Dead Festival. Taking place over Halloween within the Old Vic Tunnels situated below Waterloo Station, you couldn’t get a better central location! Primarily an underground arts venue, they shall be screening movies on various days through the festive period. I have my eye firmly fixed on December 1st (The Goonies at 6.30pm – what a classic!) but there is plenty on offer for all tastes.

Southbank Christmas Market, Nov 16 –  Dec 23, Nr Waterloo – If you don’t agree that a Christmas market is the opitomy of heaven on earth then you shall be labelled a scrooge from here on in. The Southbank Centre fills London with festive cheer (and Gluhwein) when it’s Christmas market comes to town. You’ll know it’s started as you can see the German style wooden huts lining the banks of the Thames from Waterloo. Hate to go all gooey on you, but this is one of my favourite days out! Visit here for more info

There you have it… those are a few of my recommendations for this festive season – watch this space for reviews very soon! On another note, here is a list of some restaurants / cafe’s I’ve been meaning to visit for a while (in no particular order)…

1. Duck and Waffle, Heron Tower (Aldgate)      duckandwaffle.com
2. La Fromagerie, Marylebone High St             www.lafromagerie.co.uk
    
3. Benito’s Hat, 4 locations – Kings Cross, Covent Garden, Goodge St and Oxford St   www.benitos-hat.com

Have you visited any of the restaurants or pop-ups listed above? Do post your views as it would be fantastic to hear what you thought!