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Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London

Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London


Seriously who doesn’t love a pub quiz? There is something about a good old get together over some drinks, arguing over what the answer is to that theme tune that “I know it! I know! Damn it’s on the tip of my tongue!”

Who doesn’t love trying to name those celebrity faces that have had their eyes crossed out, or shouting out the answer by accident, to the groans of you team

I hosted a quiz myself a few weeks ago for my charity and God I had a blast. So as you might have seen lately, I’ve been trying to tell you more about things that are going on, and not just what I’ve been up to.

So there’s a new National Day happening. I know, there seems to be one every 5 minutes; National Burger Day, National Hash Brown Day, National Love My Red Hair Day (True fact it’s November the 5th), but now there is National Pub Quiz Day starting.


Started by Orderella, the quiz specialists MyBigIQ and Digital Marketing Specialists, D-Mediathe UK’s very first National Pub Quiz Day is where hundreds of people will battle it out over the same quiz simultaneously around the whole of England, with the winner’s crowned the nation’s Brainiest Pub Quiz Team! Like the Egg Head’s, only more fun…

But there’s more. It’s actually for a really good cause, see, this national event will raise money for the charity Team Margot Foundation, a charity which raises money to support people affected by and aid research into bone marrow and stem cell illnesses. Sadly there are over 37,000 people who need a bone marrow transplant, but on average only half of those who need one find a matching donor.

I’m ashamed to say I registered at university and then never donated. So I’m pledging to donate in December. If you are in London and interested in donating too, why not join me?


But in the meantime, you can help support the charity by getting down to one of Orderella’s venues.

There is a full list of venues here: www.nationalpubquizday.com but here’s a sample:

Salford Arms Hotel
146 Chapel Street
Salford, Manchester M3 6AF

Crown & Anchor
222 Fore Street
Edmonton, London N18 2QD

The Brookhouse
240 Kingshill Avenue
Hayes, Middlesex UB4 8BZ

The Abbey
126 Stonebridge Lane
Liverpool, Merseyside L11 9AZ

The Belgravia
152 Ebury Street
Belgravia, London SW1 9JL

Inn On The Green
2 Westley Road
Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7UH

But what exactly is it? How does it all work?

So on 1st December 2015 the same quiz will be played simultaneously and in real time in each venue. At the end of the night the National Pub Quiz winning team will be crowned the glorious elite and have ultimate bragging rights. 

It’s pretty much general knowledge but your scores got to a leader boards shared nationwide.  But don’t even think about checking Google though, the faster you answer the more points a team gets.

So head down to your local, and join in for charity. Enter your team on the night at your nearest participating venue, I’ll pop the link below, and pay your £5 to the pub. All proceeds from team entries go to the charity.

Have fun.
LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (11)

That Saturday in Paris we found ourselves in need of some lunch. Everywhere was closed due to the events of the night before. However there was one restaurant open where head chef Clément Le Norcy, had been trained by Michelin stars chefs. Where was this? Well it was in our hotel. Just perfect.

Le Lulli is the restaurant housed within the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal. Serving a mix of French and European food, the menu's constantly change with the seasons.

Sticking with what the hotel does best, serving luxury with class and with an attentive, genuinely friendly staff, it makes for the perfect refined, but casual lunch.

LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (2) LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (4) LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (1)

We opted for the set autumn menu, as it would be a great way to see what they could do.

I have to say, the bread they provide on the tables here is just gorgeous. I don't know if it is them, or French bread in general, but it's so fresh, and soft on the inside, crunchy with a snap on the outside. Oh and don't get me started on the salted butter!

LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (3)

We started with two starters. Well what can I say, I love French food.

First was Foie Gras. Now I know it comes with controversy, but I do eat it but Dan doesn't.

The foie gras was incredibly rich, probably the richest I've ever had. It was silky and smooth and coated the mouth. It was delicious, although look at the size of that piece. Certainly no dainty portions, which is very well appreciated.

LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (5)

Our next starter was an organic egg with spinach and chorizo. I honestly think this dish was made for me. Poached egg, check. Chorizo, check. Wilted spinach, check. Yes I know, I actually love spinich- such an odd ball.

I think I devoured this is seconds, as the flavours worked perfectly together.

LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (6) LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (7)

When the main arrived we both gave each other this look of love, not for each other, but for the lamb sitting in front of us. Marinated in Thyme and lemon with a spicy yogurt sauce, it was just what we both wanted. 

I had mine medium rare, and it was so tender and sliced clean through. 

Now, unlike me Dan is not a foodie at all. He can go for a whole day and "forget" to eat. However, and it took me by complete surprise, he uttered "The was amazing". Sorry? What now? See for Dan, that is one of the highest praises he can give. We've been to some of the best restaurants in London and he'll say Good or Fine. So when Dan says Amazing, you know it was truly was. 

LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (8)

Pretty ready to burst, we just managed to squeeze in some chocolate. Ok who am I kidding, there is always room for dessert. Only described as Melty and Crunchy from Tanzania, it was interesting to discover what it was. Cutting through though and there was a brownie wedge inside. Now I liked that surprise. 


LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (10)

In a sort of food induced sleep, we decided moving was too much, but luckily the bar was just a few feet away, and so we thought a couple of drinks would help pass the time whilst we let our stomachs recover. 

LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (12) LE LULLI RESTAURANT Paris (13)

Espresso Martini's are becoming my go to drink. It's like a win win. Coffee and alcohol. Perfect. I have to say, Le Lulli's espresso martini is delightful. A must order.

After a couple, we really needed to lie down and rest after that feast. 

But whether your a guest or not, I'd really recommend heading down to Le Lulli for some lunch or dinner. You won't regret it.

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (24)

Last week, as the world looked on in horror, I was in Paris. The world turned very dark that day, as the most atrocious attacks were carried out. Luckily I wasn’t near when it happened, but my heart breaks thinking about what was happening outside. I wasn’t too sure how to write about my trip to Paris. As one out of respect, and two because I didn’t leave the hotel except for a quick stroll. 

However I decided to post as we can’t let the terrorist’s win. Paris is one of the most beautiful cities, and I truly have fallen in love with it, so it deserves to be written about. We have to carry on, and show them we can’t be terrorized. I’m not avoiding talking about what happened, but I want to focus on the good of Paris, and the places that make Paris special, so don’t think I’m glossing over the tragedy. 

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (22)
*I apologize for the line across the photos- my brand new camera's sensor went faulty whilst in Paris, so it need's to be returned.

A while back I fancied a weekend away, some time to de-stress and just escape. As they say, Paris is always a good idea.


Me and Dan hopped on the Eurostar after work on Friday and headed to Paris. I was excited as the Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal has been in touch and asked if I’d like to stay with them, and from their website it looked incredible. I was even more excited as Dan didn’t know where we were going, so I hopped to surprise him.

Stepping in through the front doors we were greeted so warmly, with genuine interest in how are day and travel was.

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (21)


The Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal is the only luxury hotel in the vicinity of the Palais Royal, and once you go up a level or two, it overlooks the Palais Royal gardens. I actually noticed a sign in the lobby announcing they had just won  the award of Europe’s Best Boutique Hotel. I was in for a treat then.

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (23)

The interiors of the hotel are absolutely stunning, but the thing that got me was the giant Hermès luggage box! Which has a door and they actually store guest’s luggage in! So much love right now!

However we decided to head up to our room for the night.

We arrived on the 6th floor, to be told we were staying in the Suite panoramique. A suite? In Paris? It’s like the dream.

I opened the door in gusto… only to be faced with a tony 2*2 room. I was so confused- and yes more than my usual state.

Noting my puzzled face, the concierge said “We have one more floor to go up” and pressed a button next to a pane of glass I had failed to notice. 

A lift came down. A lift, my very own private lift to my room. I think I must have felt what Charlie felt in the glass elevator. 

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (16)

Shirt, Skirt and Shoes from Zara

The suite was unbelievable gorgeous. We had rooms- plural.  With it's chic white walls, gorgeous gold and metallic accents, and refined designer interiors, I think this is what the Parisian dream apartment is like.

But let me show you instead of trying to tell you...

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (3)
Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (2)

A gorgeous dinning room with fresh flowers and gifts. 

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (1)

The perfect Parisian welcome.

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (5) Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (10)
Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (9)

The lounge had these fantastic corner mirrored walls, and a huge sofa, which when you actually don't own one currently, was the first thing I made a beeline for. Oh the simple things in life eh.

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (7)

Erm can I get a oh wow for this chair? I'm a little bit obsessed with furniture at the moment- blame Pinterest- and this is certainly pin worthy.

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (8)
Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (4)

But a hotel's crowning glory is it's bed, and this sure did impress.

Of course being that fateful Friday, we were in doors, and so ordered room service, and I curled up in bed, glued to the TV. 

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (17) Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (18) Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (19)

The food comes from their Le Lulli restaurant, which is headed up by chef Clément Le norcy, who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants. 

This ladies and gentleman is a Croque Madame. Have you ever seen such a more picture perfect one?

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (20)
Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (12)

Oh and it wouldn't be right to go to Paris and not have cheese!


Now the suite panoramique is called so because it has stunning 180 degree views over all of Paris, and what better way to view them than from the humongous private terrace. I can't wait for you to see it more in the next post in the day light.

But seriously, just look at Paris...

Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (15)
Suite Panoramique - Grand hotel du Palais Royal Paris (14)

It is so strange though as that terrace became the place we stood, numb, not with cold, but with just shock. All you could hear was the thunderous roar of siren after siren, after siren. 

It crushes my heart to think what happened in this gorgeous city. But not just gorgeous but kid, as the the hotel staff proved immensely. They really are a credit to the hotel. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and even  in the face of adversity, they were so generous. 

I can't wait to show you more of the place in the next post, as this hotel is just amazing. 

Paris, I love you, stay strong.

BT Tower (6)

Life sometimes can just get a little too much. The stresses of work, friends, relationships; it can all seem like one big mess, and like there is no other alternative.

But how often do we actually just stop and try to think of things from a different view?

It’s incredibly important to take time out for yourself, to make sure you are enjoying life, and are thinking clearly. For me, travel has become something so meaningful in my life. I only really started traveling this year and what a year it has been! I’ve traveled with friends, with my partner, on my own and with complete strangers. I find a sense of peace and clarity from discovering new places, cultures and sights. It gives new perspective to things in my life.

Which is why I’ve teamed up with Celebrity Cruises, the luxury cruise company for those who enjoy the finer things in life, but with a difference; to offer you the chance to win some travel related prizes if you take some time out and discover #ADifferentView

To help people take ‘A different view’, Celebrity Cruises are running an exciting week long campaign and have placed a series of 20 frames around the UK to encourage you to take some time out of the usual daily routine, visit somewhere new, and take a moment to look through the frame and appreciate things from a different perspective. 

My frame is located in the gorgeous Chiswick House and Gardens. I’d never been before, and so I went early in the morning before work. It was nice to get off the train early, and hop on to another in a completely different direction, breaking up my daily commute. Each frame is made of a different substance, but mine was made of turf which is something living in London often isn’t seen by me much!


Once I found the frame, it was time to look through. 



If you’ve never been, I’d really recommend going. The gardens are so beautiful, with waterfalls, and statues and of course the house.


A gorgeous sight to behold. One of beauty and serenity. For me the view meant broken away from my daily routine to just take some time out for myself.

And now it’s over to you.

Get you camera’s ready as I’m asking you to head over to Chiswick House and Garden’s and take your own photo of the view.
  • I’m personally giving away two set’s of two Aspinal leather luggage tags in Navy to the people who’s photos I think really embodies the idea of taking time out for yourself.
  • And Celebrity Cruises is giving away a Caribbean Cruise to one lucky winner for the best photo.
To win all you have to do is take your photo and upload it on Instagram or Twitter online using #ADifferentView for a chance to win. Also @LauraJHyatt and @CelebrityUK (Twitter) or @ CelebrityCruisesUK (Instagram) so I know you’ve done it.


The competition ends of the 21st November, so quickly now. 

If you want to know more about the location and the competition, all the details are here on my very own Celebrity Cruise microsite   
     
Good luck, and remember to take some time out for yourself.

Open to over 18s UK residents only. For full competition details: Competitions T&C’s: https://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/a-different-view-frames-terms

The Churchill Bar & Terrace in Winter

The Churchill bar is just off Bond Street, making it already the ideal get away from the manic Christmas shoppers. But now they have transformed their terrace into a Narnia themed winter wonderland. You actually step through a wardrobe door into a snow covered sheltered terrace, complete with fur covered seats, heaters and even hot water bottles meaning you’ll stay snug and warm even outside. 

Yet if that isn’t enough, then their warm cocktails will soon heat you up. Oh and for the indulgent ones, they even have a cocktail menu curated by Green & Black’s. Now that’s what winter is about; chocolate and booze.



The Goring St Moritz Ski Lodge

Fancy something a bit more luxury? Well The Goring have only gone and opened up a pop up- the St. Moritz Ski Bar. Bringing alpine glamour to central London, there are vintage skis, fur throws and a touch of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra playing from vintage gramophone in the corner.

Cocktails are of the winter but glamorous side and Swiss-inspired canapes are of the luxury kind thanks to Michelin-starred chef Shay Cooper.

What could be more perfect? Well the waiters wear classic Christmas jumpers. I think that tops it off. 

Now open from 6pm each evening until February 2016. Reservations are not required. 



FORZA WINTER '15

Forza Winter pop ups are something of legend in London. Everyone looks forward to them each year, as it’s a good old knees up with lots of food and booze thrown in.

It’s a real fireside feast, served communal style on wooden benches with spit roasts in the background, woodfired porchetta, pumpkins, chesnuts and cheese fondue. So grab your blanket’s your signing voices (someone always starts signing round the fire) and an empty stomach.

Ticket’s sell fast, so grab one quick.



South Pole Saloon

The creative teams behind a number of the top UK festivals and the Heartbreak Hotel in London have come together to create the ultimate drinking, dining and immersive theatre experience to help celebrate the dark side of Christmas.

Set under a covered rooftop in the heart of Brixton, the South Pole Saloon is a Christmas dive bar that certainly is more naughty than nice. With a selection of winter cocktails on offer including Hot Tennessee Toddy’s and Chocolate Old Fashioneds, along with some of London’s favourite headline DJs, the dance floor is set to come alive. 

This may also be the event where you can wear your naughty elf outfit and get away with it. 

Opening 20th November.



ONCE UPON A WIGWAM- Queen of Hoxton

The Queen of Hoxton’s new winter rooftop pop-up is their most ambitious concept yet. Once Upon A WigWam, will cast its spell over the skies of East London with the help of festival production maestros, Mad Ferret. This year it is inspired by the Grimms’ brothers Fairy Tales, with an enchanting forest, fire pit's, dancing and even a tree house, all paired with a magical fairy-tale inspired menu’s, all under a wigwam on a roof of course.

If drinking isn’t your thing, then there are also some unique and workshops on in the wigwam including Gingerbread House Decorating and Christmas Wreath-Making, to help get you in the winter spirit. 

Once upon a wig wam


The Winter Chalet- York and Albany

The York & Albany’s Winter Chalet, is housed in the courtyard of their townhouse bar. Only a stones throw away from Regent’s park and the hustle of Camden, it’s the perfect hideaway. Decked out like a mountain retreat, with lanterns guiding your way to an open fire roaring.

Wrap up in soft blankets whilst eating such feasts as raclette, venison kromeski and baked Alaska, and drinking Winter Spiced Old Fashioned and Bombardino and Cream.

Hire for four to twelve people exclusively (minimum of six people on Fridays and Saturdays).


Which ones will you be going to this year?

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