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  • RESTAURANT REVIEW: Hunter 486 @ The Arch, London

    Hunter 486 is situated within the Arch Hotel (we sneaked a peak at one of their delightful, bright and cosy rooms before we were seated- always a good sign to see a Bang & Olufsen phone in a bathroom).

    486 being the original dialling code for the area that the hotel appears to show much loyalty to via adorning walls in artistic photographs of local architecture, and even a one off piece of art by Vincent Poole concocted from the names of local streets, shops and galleries.

    There are three elements to Hunter 486; the bar, the champagne lounge (with leather booths, curtained for privacy), and the main restaurant, with an open kitchen on view, equipped with stone oven, hanging pots from the ceiling, and the chefs are pretty cute to boot too, which surely is the best thing about an open kitchen from a diner’s perspective, right?

    Some delightful options for tidbits / pre-starters are available, us opting for the Quail Scotch Eggs (£3), beautifully presented with trickling sunny yolks next to a pot of crunchy teeny cubed vegetable piccalilli. The scotch eggs deep-fried in a fine golden batter, encasing a wonderfully intense herby pork sausage, and perfectly cooked lovely, runny, quail’s egg (fab with the piquant piccalilli). This was an absolute peach of a dish, I feel it should feature as a proper starter option, somehow.

    Along with the eggs we tried some Homemade Crisps (£3), which were channelling an epic roast dinner via flavours coming from lemon and sage. Also at the table were a couple of homemade breads; the brown being nutty and sweet, slightly heavy for me – but the breadwinner of the plate being a crusty fluffy olive bread, which makes some seriously charming chemistry with mopping up of the scotch egg yolk.
    Never one to ignore scallops on the menu, it was medleyed with scorched chunks of chorizo and silky smooth strips of roast red pepper, altogether creating a flavourful din atop a pale green rocket salad (£12.50). Aesthetically the plate is perfection, which matches the cooking of the scallops.

    However, rivalling the scallops’ splendour, a colourful and fragrant Heritage Beetroot & Orange Salad (£8). Beautiful beets in three shades with bright orange slices create earthy and tart boldness that crave the mellowness that the chopped hazelnuts and goats’ cheese crouton bring to the dish. A symphony on a plate.

    What strikes me from the mains menu, is that nothing really strikes me. We both struggled to pick something, which is a shame as decisions were instantaneous with the starters (and we had even chosen desserts). The mains lack the creative flair that’s seen throughout the rest of the menu, and even in the hotel itself. Nothing jumps out from the “pubby” selection of burgers, steak, pizza, fish & chips etc.

    Due to season, Hunter 486 also had a thanksgiving menu, so we ordered one of the Norfolk Bronze Turkeys with roast sweet potatoes, glazed root vegetables and cranberry sauce. The meat was not dry at all, perfectly moist. Essentially a very good roast dinner, and it is what it is really, but there was no wow factor.

    The same enthusiasm with the other main on the table, in the form of Braised Lamb Shank (£19), with Mediterranean spiced aubergine and chickpeas. Served in a bowl decorated by a rim of an intensely sharp and minty sauce that was fab, and looked great against the dominant reds of the dish, adding a bit of zing to counteract a rich gravy from the lovely lamb. The chickpeas could have done with a couple more minutes cooking but other than that the dish was great, but again no wow factor. All down to, I feel, an uninspiring selection on offer.
    Desserts? Here we go, Hunter 486 back on form. There were so many enticing options (all @ £6.50) that we ordered three to share between the two of us. Hazelnut & Apple Tart – Sweet dreams are made of THIS; Pastry perfection with sweet toasty cinnamon lacing the nutty and dewy apple filling. A few sticky syrupy globules encasing crunchy whole hazelnuts decorate the plate, and i mourn for it as i pass to my friend to share.

    Coconut Panna Cotta and its creamy, silken texture paired with a bold, icy mango sorbet takes me somewhere tropical. The sorbet was leaning on the over powering side as the coconut flavour of the panna cotta was a little shy. A few toasted coconut flakes on the plate attempt to reinforce the flavour. Passing the plate over, the panna cotta delightfully wobbling as it went, i was almost tempted to wolf whistle at it.

    A refreshing clementine salad made a wonderful close to the meal, being zesty, cleansing and uplifting. Paired with toasted almonds, and another burst of freshness from pomegranate jewels, strewn with a herby hint of mint. I cleverly saved this for last as its healthy exuberance and feel good factor makes me forgive (but certainly not forget) the indulgence of the two desserts prior.
    As our plates were being cleared by the very well dressed and charming service staff, I go over the dishes that we had in my mind, and it is such a shame that there was that creative and flavour lull mid-meal with the mains. Everything else around this however, was absolutely enchanting; the starters and desserts stick with me still, and I would come back to Hunter 486 if not only for those gorgeous scotch eggs (and yes perhaps another slice of that hauntingly good hazelnut & apple tart). The good by far outweighs the disappointing, and i would even say it’s now on my list of the most memorable meals I have had for various reasons, and that surely, is good food.

    Reviewed by: @Lohanjordan

    ADDRESS: The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London, W1H 7FD

    PHONE:+44 (0)207 724 4700

    PRICE: ££££

    STAR: ****

    TIPPING POLICY: Optional 12.5% will be added to your bill.

    MAKE A RESERVATION: http://www.opentable.com/hunter-486-brasserie?page=5

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Blues Brothers

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Blues Brothers

    The blues are back in town in the form of ‘The Blues Brothers Christmas Special’ at the Arts Theatre in Covent Garden. ★★★★

    (more…)

  • Celebrity Big Brother Confirmed For January 2016

    Celebrity Big Brother Confirmed For January 2016

    Hold on to your seats… Celebrity Big Brother is confirmed for a new series on Channel 5.

    (more…)

  • Janet Devlin Hits Out On Cyber Bullies

    Janet Devlin Hits Out On Cyber Bullies

    X Factor star Janet Devlin has hit out at cyber bullies including Lord Sugar for “mean tweets”.

    Teaming up with anti-bullying charity Ditch The Label to tackle bullying, Janet Devlin has revealed that she still gets trolled on social media. When asked which she thought was worst, cyber or real life bullying, she told THEGAYUK, whilst promoting her new EP December Daze that potentially Internet bullying could cause more harm.

    She said,
    “If you get hurt physically it’s easier to brush off because you know bruises fade, but Internet bullying is a totally different kettle of fish.
    “People think, ‘oh you’ve been bullied online why don’t you just shut off your computer, why don’t you just step away from the Internet’, but no, that doesn’t work that way, what people say to you works its way into your head.”

    Janet Devlin was most notably trolled by Apprentice boss, Lord Sugar during her time on the X FACTOR in 2011.

    She said,
    “I even had mean tweets coming in from bloody Alan Sugar – or Lord Sugar,
    “what does that show – money can’t buy happiness if you’re giving abuse to a 16-year-old girl on the Internet – why would you do it – you know?”

    Read Janet Devlin’s full interview in Issue 17 of THEGAYUK.
    If you are affected by issues raised in this article you can reach out to Ditch The Label or Switchboard by calling: 0300 330 0630.

  • ADVICE | I Am Thinking About Bottoming For The First Time… How I Can I Be Clean?

    ADVICE | I Am Thinking About Bottoming For The First Time… How I Can I Be Clean?

    This week one reader is concerned about being unclean during sex.

    I Am Thinking About Bottoming For The First Time... How I Can I Be Clean?

    Dear Jose

    I’m thinking about bottoming for the first time and I’m a little worried about being “dirty” down there during sex. I’ve heard about certain things you can do to make sure you’re clean and that there’s no sh*t when you’re having sex?
    Is there anything I can do that’s safe?

    Thank you for your advice

    Tom, 25 Huddersfield

    Dear Tom,
    Hi there it depends what you mean by dirty. Obviously proper preparation prior to undertaking sexual activity such as anal sex reduces the chances of embarrassing things occurring such as “sh*t dick”.

    This can be accomplished by proper douche technique or commercially available enemas.

    From a sexual health point of view, any sexual act is broadly safe so long as you or your partners do not have any STIs, id you do have any underlying STIs then get them treated.

    The best way to protect against these is to use condoms and to get regularly tested for STIs, at least every 3 months, this testing is available free at NHS sexual health clinics and some Terrence Higgins Trust offices. I would also recommend using condoms with a good water-based lubricant, again these are available free form Terrence Higgins Trust.

    Advice by: Jose Perez de la Cruz, BPubHtlth,
    Public Health Practitioner

    BACK TO SEX HEALTH CLINIC

  • Harry Styles Has An Unusual Way Of Keeping In His 26 Inch Jeans

    Harry Styles Has An Unusual Way Of Keeping In His 26 Inch Jeans

    It seems that Harry Styles has embarked on a diet consisting of nothing but Coffee, Butter and Coconut oil.

    CREDIT: DFree/bigstock

    ◼︎ Diet consists of just cups of black coffee, butter and coconut oil.

    ◼︎ Diet dramatically reduces your calorie intake

    ◼︎ Star looking tired and drawn in latest press conference

    One Direction star Harry Styles is reportedly on the Bulletproof diet, a diet that claims to keep hunger pangs at bay, but is helping maintain his 26 inch waist.

    Speaking about the diet, Harry has claimed that the diet which consists of nothing but black coffee, butter and coconut oil stops him from feeling hungry. It is said that he replaces meals with the foul sounding concoction.

    In an interview with The Sunday Times Style magazine, Harry explained how his hunger pangs are avoided on a busy day,
    “Bullet coffee. It’s black coffee with a spoonful of butter in it and a spoonful of coconut oil, all mixed up together. I’ve been on it for two days. You don’t get hungry.”

    The British Dietetic Association has said that the diet is not a good idea. Saying,”While the idea of minimising alcohol and processed food is positive, the classification of foods is at odds with health recommendations and lacks evidence. Time restricted eating is also at odds with many lifestyles.

    “The negative of the recommended Bulletproof Coffee is that consuming 400-plus calories from one beverage provides a lot of energy but few nutrients from a drink, rather than individuals choosing food and drink with more nutritional content for the same calorie value.”

  • 6 Weird Things: Ant And Dec, Andi Peters, Zac Efron and Lady C

    Sometimes we get all nerdy and go through out analytics to search out what people on the world wide web are looking for. Here’s 6 of the weirdest searches that lead people to come to THEGAYUK this week.

    why are ant and dec wearing red ribbons

    A surprising large proportion of people asked the Internet why Ant and Dec were wearing Red Ribbons – well unless you had your eyes and ears closed on the 1st December, it was World AIDS Day and the red ribbon is the international symbol for that day.

    fused labia and a deformed clitoris

    Dear god, over 500 people searched TheGayUK for this term, which was used in an article for I’m A Celebrity star Lady C – this is terminology widely used in the media to describe a condition she was born with.

    zac efron masturbate

    Earlier this year Zac Efron masturbated (without hands) in a spoof interview with James Franco. It was amazing. So amazing we screen grabbed it and made an article on it.

    top 10 gay names

    Last time we checked names aren’t gay, but we did find that Christopher seemed to be a really ‘gay name’ for some reason.

    andi peters personal life

    Andi Peters is an extremely private person. All we know is that he likes burgers and jokes that he’s still only 21. Yep we’re not buying that either.

    what makes cum taste bad

    Basically everything that is generally bad for you makes semen taste bad, here are our tips on how to make it taste better!

  • Someone Just Made The Batman V Superman Trailer Gay And We Love It

    Someone Just Made The Batman V Superman Trailer Gay And We Love It

    When two superheroes collide, there’s bound to be lots of testosterone flying about.

    Which is why we think that Batman V Superman, starring Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck, out next year might just be the homoerotic event of the century – or of 2016.

    However somebody upped the gay stakes and has put the Brokeback Mountain theme tune to the trailer and although it’s not as haunting as the love story between two cowboys, it makes us think about them both “stemming the rose” rather than saving the world.

  • Welsh Lib Dems Call For PrEP To Become Available On NHS

    Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Eluned Parrott has suggested that PrEP should be made available on the NHS for people most at risk of contracting HIV.

    Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug, which if taken as per a healthcare professional’s advice is incredibly successful at halting new HIV infections. Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Eluned Parrott has called for the Welsh Government to take steps to ensure that the drugs are made available to people who are most at risk of contracting HIV.

    Recent results show that gay and bisexual men are still one of the highest at risk groups – with over 6500 in the UK unaware that they are HIV positive are at risk of spreading HIV even further.

     

    In 2014 the number of gay or bisexual men in the UK who were diagnosed rose by a further 110 new cases to 3360.

     

    Eluned Parrott AM, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales Central, said:

     

    “Over the last 20 years huge steps have been taken forward in helping people with an HIV infection to manage their condition. While this is a way from a cure yet, it still represents huge progress.

    “However prevention of HIV infection is now possible thanks to the development of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). A tablet a day can prevent people who are at risk of being exposed to the HIV virus from contracting HIV. This is a massive step forward, and yet three years after the Federal Drug Administration in the USA approved PrEP for use, it still isn’t available in Wales.

    “People who have partners with the HIV virus and other high risk groups should be offered this treatment as a matter of urgency, not only for their own health and wellbeing but also to help reduce the prevalence of HIV in the population as a whole. Perhaps one day, HIV could even be eliminated.

    “I call on the Welsh and UK governments to work together to ensure those who need it most are aware of this treatment and have access to it.”

  • FILM REVIEW | Chemsex

    A hard-hitting and eye-opening look at gay men and their sexual lifestyles is on full display in the new documentary ‘Chemsex.’ ★★★★

    It’s not all gay men, but, as the documentary tells us, it’s but a few who go on drug binges, coupled with lots of unsafe sex, that last all weekend. And it’s these men who are more than likely to become infected with HIV.

    We meet several of these men. One of the first is Dick, who is not shy to tell us about his sexual exploits, while on drugs, and freely admits that he’s just taken drugs before the camera crew arrives (a couple of the guys interviewed admit to this). We also meet clean cut Simon, a well-educated man who happens to be a geneticist. He’s had a hard time beating the temptation to take part in drugs and unsafe sex. He also admits that he’s HIV+, but he’s also a denialist who doesn’t believe that he’s got it. We then meet Enrique, a 30-something good looking Spanish man who says he was a commercial banker for 10 years but lost everything because of his chemicals habit.

    After losing pretty much everything, including his job, he resorted to prostitution to make money. More importantly, we meet David Stuart, Substance Use Lead, GUM/HIV Manager at Soho’s 56 Dean Street Clinic. We see his discussions with Simon, who he tells to try to go a week, and two weeks, then another without taking drugs. Stuart is the voice of reason in ‘Chemsex.’ He’s there as an advisor, and also as a friend, to many of his patients. Stuart bluntly says in the film that him and a friend used to regularly do cocaine while he was hooked up to a IV drip while he was close to death with an HIV illness many years ago. No doubt his experience with both HIV and drugs enables him to relate to his patients at the clinic. And his program at the Clinic is one of its kind and is being used as a model for clinics in the country.

    It’s a disturbing documentary. Not only after hearing about these men’s behaviour but also to digest the fact that there are organised private parties for men who want to combine unsafe sex and various types of drugs. We meet one party organiser who opens up his home to the cameras, and we see the men who are there, engaging in unsafe sex all around the house, with most of them openly taking drugs, mostly provided by the host.

    Of the estimated 107,800 people living in the UK with HIV, 24% are undiagnosed and possibly spreading the virus. And men who have sex with men have the highest risk of infection in the UK and, in 2013, they accounted for 54% of new diagnoses. One in 11 gay men in London is living with HIV. And a record high of 3,360 gay men were diagnosed with HIV in 2014. It’s statistics like these that make you wonder why gay men partake in drugs and unsafe safe, with Chemsex being the term for this. Directors William Fairman and Max Gogarty spectacularly highlight this epidemic in the gay community in a very powerful and potent film about the underworld of modern gay life with it’s easy access to sex using mobile apps and the internet, and drugs.

    Statistics in a chemsex study from 2014 by 56 Dean Street Clinic showed that 3,000 gay men accessing the clinic each month are using recreational drugs, though not necessarily wishing to address their drug use. 100 new gay men access specific ChemSex support each month; 70% of these reported no ‘chem-free’ sex in previous six months while 98% had never accessed statutory drug use support.

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | 108 Brasserie

    Entering 108 Brasserie you are welcomed with festive cheer in the form of smiles from the bar, and a wonderfully humungous autumnal wreath adorned in oh so trendy right now copper highlights and leaves.

    The aroma of the room is dominantly sweet, and I’m pretty certain the sugar and spice smell is emerging from the 108 Pantry adjacent to the restaurant, which deals in everything from sandwiches to scones, and gluten-free/low-sugar-healthy-feel-good options to sumptuous cake extravaganzas that just make you want to hit the f*** it button.

    The decor contemporary, and a bit ritzy cliche – cream walls, marble tables, red leather seating, with walls studded in black & white photography. Ceilings are high and so are expectations.

    To accompany our lovely, floral & fruity cocktail; The Marylebone (named after the hotel the restaurant is situated in)- which was made out of champagne, vodka, raspberry liquor, and elderflower, came a selection of homemade breads (from the 108 Pantry). I’ve never been a fan of bread before a meal, I find it far too filling. As my friend and began to discuss the bread, she told me a story she had heard of whenever Nicole Kidman is served bread at restaurants, she tips a glass of water over it, so she is not tempted by the captivating carb.
    The Rye bread was so dense and far too heavy – Though I’ve never really understood rye bread that has not been toasted. Eager to try the guinness brown bread, we tucked in and it was absolutely delicious but it was so cake-like and sweet it felt like it was at the wrong point of the meal, what’s more, because it was sweet, we wanted to keep going back for more of it. The soda bread and pumpkin seed loaf was much lighter, and solidly savoury- this was just right.
    Crispy Pig Cheeks with mustard creme fraiche, and an apple & raisin chutney (£8), caught my eye immediately on the starter menu (the menu in its entirety is full of tempting options, however those of you that are vegetarian/vegan may feel a little restricted with choices). Flakey and fleshy peppered pig cheeks in a light crispy batter were delicious and generous in portion, complimenting and working with watercress’ natural peppery pow. The only thing that let the dish down for me was the chutney, it just tasted like something mince pie, but the plate was still very enjoyable without eating the chutney.

    Also coming as a starter, the Balmoral Estate Venison Capaccio (£11) – very french in its style and presentation. The venison, like red velvet draped on the plate, pretty against the pale green frisee salad it’s freckled with. The venison pretty much melts on your tongue, all buttery and rich, which is fantastic combined with the pickled walnuts on the plate, bringing something sharp and sweet. A very well designed plate of food.

    Taking one for team vegetarian, I ordered the Spelt & Roasted Squash Risotto (£15). With it being the only main suitable for vegetarians (other than from the salad menu) it should have been a lot more than what it was. Texture wise the dish was on point, I love grains like spelt and pearl barley for their ridge down the middle that is just a treat on the tongue, as was the dishes creaminess. To look at the dish was underwhelming being basically beige. The dish could definitely handle more sage than just the one crispy leaf served, and way more black pepper.

    Served in their shells, the Seared Isle of Skye Scallops (£16), wonderful colours with the scallops sat atop an amber dahl-like spiced lentil dollop, flavoured with fresh coriander. This was an unusual dish in terms of its flavour pairings, although every other table in the restaurant was eating the scallops (the portion size is generous too). My friend loved this dish, but for me I thought where scallops are sometimes susceptible to being gritty, it was odd serving with lentils.
    For something light on the side we ordered a Superfood salad (£8), which I’m not really sure restaurants are allowed to put on the menu as “superfood”, unless it states specifically with scientific backup as to why it is superfood. It’s not just the name i would take off the menu, it would be the dish itself, as it just felt like a bunch of everything thats deemed “in” was put in a bowl and served; quinoa, pomegranate, edamame beans, raw broccoli. It had no flavour and too many textures.
    Blaming bread and generous portions we were struggling with the idea of dessert so opted for something light to share in the form of the Josper Grilled Pineapple (£7) – the josper is a grill and an oven in one, there is also a josper menu for mains featuring fish, tiger prawns and steaks. Unfortunately the dessert did the josper no justice. The pineapple tasted limp as did its chilli and lime sauce. Expecting fire and sweet and it was just overly sweet and syrupy. Topped with a scoop of coconut sorbet which lacked flavour altogether, which was a real shame.
    The end of the meal was sealed via a limoncello each, and some lovely small homemade chocolates (again from the 108 Pantry), large chocolate buttons topped with pistachio, cranberry and a bit of salt- they were delicious and had a great salty tang to them. The variations change daily.
    The service throughout was amazing, the staff that looked after us are certainly a credit to the establishment. I just got the feeling that they really enjoy working in 108, they knew the menu really well, were proud of the ingredients when talking us through them and where they came from etc. The 108 Brasserie has a lovely vibe, if it hadn’t have been for an appointment i had to get to, we could have easily just mooched around soaking up the atmosphere, and probably be tempted to explore the fantastic cocktail menu too.
    Reviewed by @Lohanjordan

    ADDRESS: 108 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QE, United Kingdom

    PHONE: +44 (0) 207 969 3900

    PRICE: ££££ (explained)

    STAR: *** (explained)

    TIPPING POLICY: http://108brasserie.com/location/

    MAKE A RESERVATION: http://108brasserie.com/book-now/

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