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Tag: Ronel Lehmann

  • From Ukraine to London: how the Finito bursary scheme helped Ukrainian refugee Valeria Mitureva

    Christopher Jackson reports on the moving success story of Valeria Mitureva from Ukraine and her experience of the Finito bursary scheme

    Very often mentoring can deal with minutiae – the creation of a LinkedIn profile, the process of CV-writing, and all the small steps which, taken together, move a job hunter into the category of employee. These things are very important, of course, but they can seem to be a long way from the daily drama of news headlines. But everything we do in this life has a historical context; we can’t escape history even if we’d sometimes like to.

    This truth was brought home to us at Finito by the arrival on our bursary scheme of refugee Valeria Mitureva from Ukraine. Valeria grew up in eastern Ukraine and says of her upbringing: “I grew up as a curious child. From early childhood I was interested in books, other countries and cultures. At school everything was interesting, so in my youth I was faced with the fact that it is very difficult to choose one thing and move in that direction.”

    Valeria’s instinct was towards broad enquiry and international travel, and in ways which she couldn’t then predict, these wishes would indeed be granted. But initially, she decided that it would be better to specialise. “I decided to enrol in a technical specialty at the university – technical information security systems,” she recalls. Characteristically, she didn’t leave it there. “I additionally studied French and English in my free time,” she recalls. This latter decision would prove useful, again in ways she couldn’t have imagined at the time.

    So what happened after university? “I accidentally got into IT in the sales field while finishing my bachelor’s degree,” she recalls. “But I was still ready to explore the world and decided to change my career to the design sphere, and I am glad to have been doing it for four years now and I see incredible opportunities for my development,” she says cheerfully.

    All this might have proceeded upon the expected track, and Mitureva would have continued her progress towards a design career within Ukraine. But, as the world knows, Vladimir Putin was gearing up for his 2022 illegal invasion of Ukraine – that appalling violation which would upend so many lives, including Valeria’s.

    Valeria recalls the terrible ructions which took place a year ago. “I did not plan to move: everything happened very tragically and quickly. A full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into the territory of Ukraine began in February 2022. We call it full-scale, because in 2014 the Russian Federation already occupied part of the Eastern region of Ukraine, where I grew up, and where my home is.
    Therefore, for my family, this is already the second war.”

    Valeria was proactive during that terrible spring. “I read about the Homes for Ukraine program and decided to apply. I contacted my future sponsors (my British family!), packed my suitcase and all that was left of my courage and landed in Heathrow on April 30th.”

    It is impossible to imagine her emotions on being forced to leave her homeland and making the leap into the unknown. So what were Valeria’s initial impressions of the UK? “It felt as if it was my second home. The culture is familiar through books, films, music. It’s also a very friendly and open people, with incredible stories – and, of course, I was shocked in a good way by the incredible support of the British people. You have a beautiful country and incredible people.”

    When Valeria refers to her British family, she is referring to the family of Amy le Coz, the founder of Digital Media Services, who immediately took to Valeria’s infectious and optimistic spirit. “In those first few weeks when she lived with us, my husband and I were immediately very impressed and delighted with her work ethic and proactive attitude both for her job for her Ukrainian employer, as well as around the house,” Le Coz recalls. “We were both also profoundly moved by all that she had had to endure and at such a young age.”

    By good fortune, Le Coz met Finito Education Chief Executive Ronel Lehmann at The Spring Lunch which raises money for Conservative Marginal Seats and Women2Win soon after Valeria’s arrival in the country. Valeria recalls: “My sponsor met Ronel at the event, who explained to him that they were hosting a Ukrainian woman and he immediately offered his help. I was impressed with the approach, professionalism and, most importantly, the structure of the organisation. Finito has a huge team of mentors with a wide variety of expertise. It was indeed like a guiding light for me at that time.”

    Le Coz recalls that Valeria was “buzzing with excitement” upon hearing of the opportunity – and it was certainly one which she took with both hands.
    Valeria worked mainly with three mentors: “I worked with Robin Rose, Claire Messer, and Kate King. I’m grateful for their support, ideas and that they let me work it out myself, rather than tell me exactly what to do. Sometimes we would discuss my hobbies – so, for example, Robin gave me links to music events, which was helpful for a person who had just moved to a new country.”
    Mentorship is sometimes really a kind of friendship. But the pair also got down to work.

    Initially, Rose held two Zoom meetings in order to get himself up-to-speed on Valeria’s situation, and began to carve out a plan. “We needed a workable strategy to find her a role in web or graphic design at a level which matched her experience and which would provide sufficient income for her to fund an independent lifestyle,” he recalls.

    But there were initial headwinds, partly due to the uniqueness of Valeria’s situation. “Valeria had had a good education and relevant training throughout her career in Ukraine. She is personable and speaks good English,” Rose continues. “However, recruiters and HR people were unlikely properly to appreciate her potential from just seeing her CV when evaluating her documentation against other candidates particularly at junior or entry level. She had sent off over 50 applications and had had just one video interview.”

    Rose looked hard at the situation, and made the following assessment: “This shotgun approach was unlikely to return any result for the time invested and continuous rejection was likely to sap her confidence even further.” Rose saw that the starter salary jobs in the sector – typically around £20,000 per annum weren’t a fair reflection of Valeria’s experience in Ukraine: “I felt that Valeria was, in reality, better experienced and should have been competing for jobs in the £30-40K bracket. She had, however, an understandable confidence issue with this approach.”

    This meant that Valeria needed confidence training: “She needed to re-establish her belief in her own abilities. We needed to set up exploratory meetings with people working in the industry so that she could see how she would be of value. I thought that this activity in itself might lead to opportunities.” Rose also suggested that the pair conduct web research to identify at least four organisations she’d like to work with.

    In time, Rose worked closely with Valeria to make more targeted approaches, and provided her with a list of London-based creative agencies. Meanwhile, Valeria was also paired with another Finito mentor Claire Messer, who worked with her in August 2022, casting an experienced eye over her CV.

    Messer says: “I explained to Valeria that recruiters look at CVs for an average of six seconds, and so it was important to make sure we had complete clarification over what kind of visa Valeria had obtained, right down to the number of hours a week which she was able to work. I also worked on clarifying the CV, and making sure that her work experience was tailored to the companies she was applying to.”

    Valeria was beginning to realise that she didn’t want to work for a large company but for a smaller graphic design or creative agency. Claire explained to Valeria the valued of LinkedIn Premium, and showed her mentee how direct messaging of creative agency owners might be to her advantage: “I suggested that messaging owners and CEOs might have traction,” Messer recalls. “This is because some smaller agencies tend not to use recruitment companies as the fees are too high for them. I told Valeria they tend to work by word-of-mouth referrals.”

    In time, Valeria was put in contact with another Finito mentor Kate King, and this led to her first interview. “She felt that the interview went well but that the actual role was outside her technical skill,” King recalls: “It was a great practice interview and helped her to increase her confidence.”

    Her confidence had in fact been transformed and Valeria was then well-prepared when she had the interview with the design studio where she now works, as she had hoped she would: “I’m currently working as a graphic designer at a company called Spark,” she tells us. “I mostly do packaging design but also I do some motion graphics and am learning to use new software as well.”

    Most of all, she feels part of a team. “I am participating in design studio brainstorms and I learn from my experienced colleagues how to deal with nontypical issues. I am happy to have the opportunity to be involved in most of the projects the studio creates. I simply love what I’m doing now as there are a lot of training and a lot of challenges.”

    So how does Valeria see her future now? “The main task is to keep enjoying my job and do everything possible for it. I want to be a worthy professional and to be proud of my projects. For now I’m concentrating on feeling more confident in my role in the UK, studying the culture, the people and concentrating on developing as a designer.”

    For Ronel Lehmann, Chief Executive of Finito Education, this has been an important mandate: “I myself finally got to meet Valeria in person at a Women2Win Business Club dinner in Fenwick of Bond Street. The guest speakers were Gillian Keegan MP, who was at the time Minister for Care and Mental Health and Virginia Crosbie MP. It was particularly apt to be able to listen to two Parliamentarians speak about overcoming adversity. I felt that it resonated with Valeria who is simply inspirational”.

    The support which our bursary scheme has given to Valeria would have been impossible without the generosity of one donor in particular.

    We would therefore like to thank Dr Selva Pankaj, the CEO of Regent Group, who says: “As CEO of a UK education group, I fully appreciate how difficult it can be to take those first steps onto the career ladder, especially in the volatile landscape during and after the pandemic. Hopefully, by supporting this initiative, we can help more individuals find the path that is right for them.”
    That’s certainly the case with Valeria, who now has a bright future ahead of her. We will continue to help her in her career journey and report back in these pages on any developments.

     

    Interested in our bursary? See these other stories:

     

    2022 Highlights: How the Finito Bursary scheme changed my life

    Finito Bursary Candidate Nick Hennigan: “I Want to Do My Family Proud”

  • Ronel Lehmann reviews Jeremy King’s new restaurant Arlington: “an inspirational overcoming of adversity.”

    Arlington Restaurant Review: A Delightful Dining Experience with Jeremy King, by Ronel Lehmann

     

    When Karin Stark, wife of the late Dave Allen, described how life was without her comedian husband, she movingly said: “It’s like being a very long way from home.” Those words always struck a chord with me. To an avid restaurant goer, it felt the same, only this time on a happier occasion to be greeted by Jeremy King in his new abode, Arlington in St James’s.

    I had to research whether there had ever been a battle of Arlington. Indeed, there had, at the time of the American Civil War. The Arlington National Cemetery is also the final resting place for many of the United States’ greatest heroes, including more than 300,000 veterans of every American conflict, from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan.

     

    The reason for my own sudden conflict was learning that my own Editor had wanted to visit Arlington and write a review, and I had unintentionally usurped him.

    My marketing director guest had arrived just before me, although I wasn’t late, and she was by then well tucked into a small table facing other diners. I had the window outside view, although I was totally focussed on the dazzling finish of the interior, with its new tablecloths, black furniture, polished steel, mirrors, lighting and framed prints.

    The menus arrived and felt immediately comforting. It was a Monday lunch, the start of a new week and we both decided to decline wine. For our starters, we ordered Plum Tomato and Basil Galette and the Spinach and Ricotta Tortelloni. I felt the infusion of wild garlic in the tortelloni which was served warm.

    The main courses of Risotto Nero and Chicken Milanese, Rocket, Parmesan followed suit. My own chicken was beautifully flavoursome. If I am honest, I struggled to finish the huge portion. It was at that moment that I noticed the teeth of my guest opposite. Her mouth had turned completely black. I felt that I needed to do the honourable thing and gently alert her. She was shocked and her white serviette also began to turn black as she delicately wiped her mouth to try and remove traces of the squid ink. At moments like these, we could only laugh together, as I thought that Dracula had arrived.

     

    After the drama of the risotto, we decided to pass on the puddings but enjoy an expresso coffee with some chocolate truffles. Readers will know that I have a sweet tooth and my big eyes noted the temptations of Cappuccino Crème Brûlée, Mousse aux Deux Chocolats, Hokey Pokey Coupe, Treacle Tart with Cornish Clotted Cream, Scandinavian Iced Berries with White Chocolate Sauce, Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Ice Cream and Rhubarb Crumble with Custard.

    Leaving the restaurant was a bit like old times. You feel valued and don’t receive such a personal and caring gratitude expressed like it anywhere else. Jeremy and I reminisced about what happened to him before. I told him that he was inspirational overcoming adversity and making such a grand return. His long-standing commitment and service to his diners is legendary.

    As I walked away, I remembered Dave Allen again. He once said “You wake to the clock, you go to work to the clock, you clock-in to the clock, you clock out to the clock, you come home to the clock, you eat to the clock, you drink to the clock, you go to bed to the clock, you get up to the clock, you go back to work to the clock… You do that for forty years of your life and you retire — what do they fucking give you? A clock!”

     

    I hope the King of Arlington continues to reign over us and never retires.

  • Ronel Lehmann on 2Veneti: “right up there with the best”

    Ronel Lehmann on 2Veneti

     

    As I was making my way to join a senior colleague in this Wigmore Street restaurant, my thoughts abruptly turned to a breaking news alert on my mobile phone that a new satellite is now able to detect emissions of methane, an invisible yet potent gas that is dangerously heating the planet.

    It reminded me that the day before I had succumbed to a Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté at Coq d’Argent, a French restaurant perched high up in the heart of the city. The significant side effects of dietary inulin fibre apparently is a contributory factor and the cause of flatulence.

    To my abject horror, I noticed that my host had one of her two wrists in plaster. The greeting at 2Veneti is “Magna e Tasi, Bevi e godi” which translates to “Eat and shush, drink and enjoy.” Although I was immediately made to feel at home, I was concerned about whether I would be required to cut up her food as clearly operating with one hand in 2Veneti was going to be challenging. There was real trattoria décor and character in the restaurant which filled up quickly with the lunch service.

    Although we were supposed to be working afterwards, the owner charged our two glasses of wine to accompany our meal. My colleague enjoyed a glass of Lugana di Sirmione. Avanzi. 2022 Veneto, Turbiana grape, which she remarked was rounded with a pleasant generous velvety taste. From lake Garda I myself enjoyed the Bardolino Chiaretto. Cavalchina 2022 Veneto which was a Light pink Bardolino, Provence in style, smooth and elegant.

    A bread basket of focaccia was served and it was light, airy and Moorish. My colleague began by ordering Carpaccio di Manzo con maionese al Parmigiano e tartufo nero, beef carpaccio with parmesan mayonnaise and black truffle whereas I chose the vitello tonnato, thinly sliced veal with tuna, capers, mayonnaise and pickled onion. Both starters were delicious and beautifully presented.

    As the plates were cleared, I noticed that my colleague was managing to eat the food very respectfully. I asked the owner about the name 2Veneti. He responded that there were two original partners from Venice, hence 2Veneti. A simple and plausible explanation which made perfect sense.

    The ravioli del plin con fonduta di formaggi arrived. This was baby ravioli filled with beef and cheese fondue. I decided not to have the black truffle sauce and was encouraging the waitress to provide additional aged Parmigiano-Reggiano which she readily obliged.

    My colleague enjoyed a plate of gnocchi di patate fatti in casa con radicchio e formaggio Monte Veronese, a wonderful homemade potato gnocchi with radicchio and Monte Veronese cheese.

    No Italian meal is without a resplendent bowl of zucchini, and we shared a giant helping together. The pudding menus arrived, and we decided to share a pistachio and vanilla ice cream.

    When you think of the great Italian restaurants in London, you might be minded to mention The River Café, Sartoria and Santini. 2Veneti is right up there with the best. The service is welcoming, friendly and efficient. Regulars in Marylebone and Mayfair will tell you it is a best kept secret. I cannot wait to try the other dishes when I return. Hopefully the satellite picked up the heat of our smiling faces as we returned to the office.

  • Saison Review by Ronel Lehmann: “If only our politics could be as sweet as this’

    Saison Restaurant Review, by Ronel Lehmann

     

    It was absolutely bucketing down. There was only one thing for it. My guest was coming from the Palace of Westminster, and it seemed sensible to book a table with the shortest stroll to the Old War Office. This is one of the great buildings from the Edwardian Age, originally completed in 1906 and recently reincarnated as Raffles, with an eye watering refurbishment.

    Having parted with my umbrella, I arrived a few minutes early in this Mediterranean all-day dining atrium. The waiter was quick and attentive and sparkling mineral water was immediately served. I decided to use the wine list to cover the uplighter spotlight which was beaming from the floor right in between me and my companion.

    The first thing that I noticed after my retina had adjusted was my side plate appeared to be used. On closer inspection, the waiter explained that this was the design of the plate to incorporate the yellow splashings of citrus. After the reassurance that it wasn’t uric acid, I felt able to place my freshly baked focaccia on the plate. The focaccia was so airy and melted in the mouth with a dunking of olive oil.

    Over the years, my surname has been refashioned as lemon, layman, leeman and lenor, and the table theme continued with a fresh lemon and lime decoration in keeping with the celebrated Argentine Chef, Mauro Colagreco’s philosophy, and approach to seasonal cuisine.

    We elected to have a main course only. Parliamentarians are under pressure to be able to vote at short notice and the ravioli dish was hastily ordered. The presentation of the Pumpkin Ravioli was exquisite, small wheels of patterned pasta, roasted chestnut, more lemon confit, and winter black truffle. We were hungry and didn’t notice that parmesan wasn’t offered. The seasonal leaves described as a Crate to Plate Salad with herb vinaigrette was a colourful accompaniment to the ravioli.

    By this time, we had looked at the other tables and had begun to recognise other notable Members of Parliament and strategists deep in conversation.

    Rather than be distracted further, we decided to share the Citrus Tart and lemon leaf ice cream. When it arrived a reduction of fruits and herbs were gently poured over the pudding. I was thinking if only our politics could be as sweet as this, and then why did we share, when overcome by such a rich and divine lemon taste. The espresso cup was served in a cacophony of colours together with a small freshly baked biscotti.

     

    Before we left the Attrium, there was time for a photograph. This place is Instagram heaven and I suspect that the waiters are getting used to being paparazzi. If there was a criticism after the faultless cuisine and service, the piped music didn’t match the grandeur of the establishment. I am reminded of the famous quote “Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.” It is a bit like that, I might visit Saison again in the Spring.

     

    To book go to: https://www.raffles.com/london/dining/saison/

  • Chelo Review by Ronel Lehmann: “the welcome doesn’t live up to the quality of the food”

    Chelo Review by Ronel Lehmann

    I was invited to Jin Kichi, a Japanese restaurant in Hampstead. I always like on such occasions to drink hot saké, wine made by fermenting rice which has been polished to remove the bran. During our discussion about the cuisines that we most enjoy, my host mentioned another restaurant which I hadn’t heard of: Chelo, which serves Persian food. I made a note to try it.

    Chelo is based in Maida Vale, it can just about at a squeeze seat 13 people on four tables inside and has a buzzing community which doesn’t seem to mind sitting outside under heaters adjacent to the pavement. I had made a reservation for two and managed to park right outside the restaurant.

    There was only one available table inside and after having confirmed our name, we were seated by the window. Then came a warning that the table was required within 90 minutes which was suddenly discourteously downgraded to one hour and telling us that we had booked outside.

    I explained that we were expecting to be seated inside and wouldn’t be moving from our comfortable chairs. The waiter did apologise for any confusion and the menus were provided somewhat in haste. Looking at the other diners’ table spreads and the continuous barrage of takeaway drivers collecting food, we were clearly in for a freshly prepared treat.

    We ordered Zeytoon, marinated mixed olives and they didn’t disappoint. As soon as these had arrived, our other chosen dishes followed in quick succession, including Mast Khiar, yogurt, cucumber and mint dip, Truffle Olovieh, potato salad with chicken, pickled cucumber and mayonnaise, Shirazi Salad, chopped cucumber, tomato and onion with lemon and oil dressing, hummus, chickpea and tahini dip with extra virgin olive oil, Kashk Bademjian, grilled aubergine, caramelised onion, yoghurt, walnuts and mint, and naan bread.

    I must admit the hummus was delicious, but I found it a bit over drenched in olive oil. No sooner had we finished our starters, Tahchin Morgh was served, a chicken fillet de-skewered with saffron rice. We elected not to have the dish baked and topped with Zereshk, silvered pistachios and almonds.

    There was no room for desserts, in fact we had run out of time. The bustle of collections and new hungry diners queuing outside, meant that we could not really overstay our allotted time slot. This is a wonderful restaurant. The food is prepared with a good deal of care, and I could see why it is so popular. It isn’t a place where you can have a leisurely meal. The accommodation is completely outstripped by demand.

    I think that the staff are under extreme pressure to ensure that as many people can get served as possible. This means that the welcome doesn’t live up to the quality of the food, which is a shame. I couldn’t fault what we ate or the service, but just wish that we hadn’t been so rushed. You couldn’t move away from the front door which reminded you when ajar with a cold draft blowing, that you would soon have to be on your way. As we left, my mind raced back to Jin Kichi and the warmth of the carafe of hot saké.

  • Yalla Yalla Restaurant Review: A Delightful Journey Through Lebanese Cuisine

    Yalla Yalla Review, by Ronel Lehmann

     

    The name of the restaurant means “Let’s go.” And go we did. In fact, I managed to go there twice. On the first occasion, we booked in Winsley Street, Fitzrovia.  Upon arrival, you could not help but notice the Lebanese art themed interior. We had stepped inside to a place full of character, lanterns and Middle East promise.

     

    The banquette seating was made more comfortable with decorative pillows and the table was suddenly full of small plates. It seems that we had ordered quickly. The sharing mezze platter for one, was really enough for two and we devoured hommos, baba ghanuj, tabbouleh, falafel, natural labné, cheese samboussek, warm flatbread and pickles. I ordered an additional plate of Falafel as they were delicious. The Menabrea Blonde beer mixed bitter, floral and fruity undertones with a malty, hoppy taste and was served ice cold. It was a perfect accompaniment to the Chicken Kofta grilled ground chicken, herbs, peppers, onion & spices which followed.

     

     

    There is something about sharing food which this restaurant encourages so well. At this point we felt quite full but remained eager to try the desserts. After a short interlude, we elected to order mango and vanilla cheesecake topped with a layer of sweet mango, pomegranate seeds and pistachio nuts and baklawa and fresh rose and mint infused tea. A second teacup was proffered without drama.

     

    Now we really didn’t want to go from the restaurant.

    Until that was a few weeks later when Dr Watson, messaged me to say that he was in London and would I have time to join him for a coffee. No this wasn’t Dr. Watson, the fictional English physician who is Sherlock Holmes’s devoted friend and associate in a series of detective stories and novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

    Arrangements were made, then postponed, throughout a busy day, until I dropped everything when I heard he was already ensconced in Yalla Yalla, Soho.

    “Let’s go” beckoned again, only to arrive in a much smaller version of the Fitzrovia restaurant with packed tables and to be told that Dr Watson and his friend, who had already eaten, had to vacate the table within ten minutes of my arrival. Not to be disheartened, I decided to order a similar menu to the above, whereas the manager graciously decided to move us to a table of three and afforded me the requisite time to eat my dinner. The beers arrived and then the cheesecake.

    I can honestly say, the second time was as good as the first. There is something about this Lebanese food and preparation which makes me really excited. Whenever I hear the words, Yalla Yalla, I want to go. If you haven’t, I really urge you to. Maybe I will join you.

     

  • Tim Clark’s ‘Better Schools, the Future of the Country’: Education Improvement Report, an introduction by Ronel Lehmann

    An Introduction to Tim Clark’s Education Improvement Report, by Ronel Lehmann

    We often hear at first-hand from our mentees about their own journeys and experiences in school and it is for this reason that we have been encouraged to publish a bi-annual report, which makes practical suggestions for improvement. It is not intended to criticise current or previous practices, but to constructively debate the issues.

    Tim Clark, an acclaimed Head and author, writes from real-life and wide experience. His whole career has been devoted to supp (more…)

  • Crown London Restaurant Review: A Culinary Delight Beneath the Casino

    Ronel Lehmann

     

    It is Safer Gambling Week (13th – 19th November 2023) and I decided to visit a restaurant below a casino where they have launched a new menu.

    Located in the historic heart of Mayfair, the building that houses Crown London dates to the 17th century. Once fondly known as The White Elephant Club, this private dining institution was the place to be and frequented by Hollywood stars and high society. We were greeted by a brass elephant on the front step; a beautiful nod to the past, whilst embracing the present and welcoming in the future.

    As this is a private members club, it took quite a few minutes in reception to register on their iPad, join the Aspinall’s membership and to prove my identity and progress into Crown London. My guest did find this a bit disconcerting until at the end of the next final enrolment pages, we were told that this could have all been completed online before we arrived.

    I hadn’t brought my Passport or Driving Licence, but my guest did, and she was cleared for the dining room before me. I followed behind her to the warmest of welcomes, first from the bar manager who proffered an aperitif or cocktail and then the Restaurant Manager who so welcoming, it felt like coming home.

    It was a cold crisp evening and we elected to be shown straight to the table. We like round tables, and the seating was extremely comfortable. Our serviettes were immediately placed onto our laps, a refreshing warm towel was provided and still water chosen, before a warm breadbasket arrived, and menus placed before us. My guest’s handbag was given a special sofa stool much to her delight so that she wouldn’t have to lean far to grab her mobile phone.

    The dining room was extremely visually attractive as there had been Diwali celebrations the night before. There were more elephants, striking coloured parasols and a variety of spotlights. We hadn’t seen any food yet, but I sensed that it was going to be featuring on Instagram before too long and her handbag was within easy reach.

    As my guest was driving, she elected to have a refreshing blackberry mocktail. There was a debate about whether she preferred sweet or bitter, and when it arrived in all its glory, a punnet of blackberry’s was presented to show the freshness from the hand-picked blackberry bush. It tasted divine until I ordered a glass of Bourgogne Pinot Noir Maison Nuiton-Beaunoy 2020. This was so smooth and chilled.

    Our orders were taken, and the starters arrived promptly. Asparagus soup, poached egg, toasted almonds, black truffle and Devon crab with avocado and lemongrass dressing. The mobile phone camera came out the handbag before we had a chance to savour and savour, we did. The asparagus soup was silken green, and my guest found the egg delicious. I requested some extra lemon but to be fair, the crab had the citrus fruit infused together with chilli.

    After a short pause in which we discussed our new favourite place, the mains arrived. My guest had selected a Sirloin steak served medium with sweet miso sauce and grilled hispi cabbage. She wasn’t a fan of the cabbage, but I tasted it, and found that it was sweeter than others and served with a grilled gratin.

    I ordered the beef cheek, which is one of my favourite dishes. It was served with a celeriac purée, a leek and mushroom croquette. The Barolo 34 sauce was poured around the edge of the plate. I was pleased that we didn’t order any potatoes in preference to two side dishes, a Lebanese salad, cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, mint with pomegranate dressing and grilled vegetables with a rosemary dressing. I chose another glass of red wine and enjoyed the Château Garraud Lalande de Pomerol 2016.

    For puddings, Ginger & lime crème brûlée and Pistachio Lamington with cherry ripple ice cream followed. We were both in heaven and sipped mint tea at the end of the meal. I asked to see the Head Chef and thanked him for the feast.

    As we left the exquisite taste of both deserts lingered on. I imagined that eating at Crown London was better than winning at the roulette table. Let’s talk about Safer Gambling. We never saw a croupier.

     

    www.27restaurantandbar.co.uk

    www.safergamblinguk.org

     

  • Bellamy’s Restaurant Review: A Regal Dining Experience in Mayfair

    Bellamy’s Restaurant Review, Ronel Lehmann

    Hidden off Berkeley Square down Bruton Place is one of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite French restaurants, Bellamy’s in Mayfair. I had never dined there and was delighted when one of my senior colleagues decided to treat me to dinner. There she was sat resplendent at the bar holding fort with a cocktail when I arrived.

    I was immediately relieved of my coat and umbrella whilst the receptionist welcomed me and took a phone call at the same time. I thought about my busy day and how deft I was at multitasking, but she was on another level. Luigi Burgio, Bellamy’s Manager, greeted me as a regular customer which helped set the scene for a special dining experience and ushered us to a corner table.

    Normally I am the host, but my colleague insisted that I behave as a good guest, so I sat regally on the banquet. The first thing that I noticed was the upholstery. It was firm and very supportive of the back, and for once I didn’t need a pillow or be seated on a chair. The waiter was very attentive and sparkling mineral water was chosen.

    Bellamy’s restaurant is a calm oasis, tables are positioned to afford privacy and the walls were full of interesting art and prints. The mirrors positioned beside us allowed you a real time reflection of guest’s arrival and departure without having to look away.

    Gavin Rankin, the owner then arrived and extended us a warm welcome. He stopped by all the tables. I liked his style and genuine care for diners. I learned that his nonagenarian mother still makes the chocolate pudding for the restaurant, and I was salivating at the prospect.

    The menus arrived. It was very comprehensive, and I noted some favourites including, Apple, Endive and Walnut gratin; Salad of Artichoke Heart & Haricot Verts; Ravioles de Royans; Smoked Eel Mousse; and Entrecôte frites. For a moment, it reminded me of my student days in France, when ordering Steak frites. I only discovered after enjoying the meal, that it was in fact horse meat. It was therefore reassuring to read that the Entrecôte was Baynards Park Beef and not from one of the Royal fillies.

    We both elected for the Table D’Hôte, which translates as Table of the Host. Three courses were priced at £35 which struck me as extremely good value.

    We both decided to select the Soupe Paysanne, it was a cold night, the hearty bowl was hot, filling and delicious. After a short break Chicken Breast a l’estragon with mashed potato arrived. It was exceptional and very tender. The potato soaked up the delicious tarragon infused sauce on my plate. When I had run out of potato, I helped myself to my hosts chips. The chips were some of the best I have tasted in London. I continued eating chips. The chopped salad du jour was a perfect accompaniment to our main courses. The sommelier suggested a pairing of red and white wines and my lips still found time to enjoy the lingering after taste of tarragon.

    You cannot ignore the pudding menu and we both went off piste ignoring Crème Catalane. My host chose salted caramel ice cream which was served soft in a frosted glass. I elected to go for the Ile Flottante, so that I could return to the chocolate pudding another time. Yes, I did try the ice cream and it was sensational. My host had enjoyed Ile Flottante before, so by the time I had tried to stop eating her ice cream, I was ready to go to floating heaven. The Ile Flottante was sensational, better than in France. This famous dessert consists of meringue floating on crème anglaise. It was so light and airy.

    We declined coffee, tea and digestives and then a bowl of smooth milk chocolates arrived. Being a gentleman, I did offer to the pay the bill before being chastised and beginning my lonely walk of shame back to transport home. I was sure that I heard a Rossignol (a French Nightingale) sing in Berkeley Square.

     

     

  • Ronel Lehmann on tackling employability nerves

    Ronel Lehmann

     

    As children, we have all experienced not being able to sleep the night before a new school term. This anxiety may repeat itself before meeting new classmates or excitement at catching up after the holidays.  I remember having to address 900 pupils aged 16 years as Chairman of the School charity appeal and being terrified that the microphone would fail to work.

    For many people this worry continues during exams, when moving away from home to go to university, or when starting a new job. Later in life, the same anxiety can appear when under pressure from an employer, being asked to make a presentation in front of your colleagues or pitching to win new business.

    Recognising the signs and symptoms can prepare you for the unknown. Once I was pitching for an insurance professional indemnity mutual in front of 30 people when there was a 41-gun salute from The Tower of London. I never uttered a word as the Board of Directors simply renewed the contract, to much hilarity.

    I often remind our student candidates that it is normal to be nervous before an interview. At their age, I was so very fortunate to shadow Esther Rantzen from her green room to live broadcast on BBC That’s Life and Hearts of Gold. The minute before she waited to walk on to receive rapturous live audience applause, you could see stage fright kick in and the shear look of terror on her face. Of course, it was all gone as quick as it arrived once the programme titles started rolling.

    A candidate we had helped, found himself in the middle of an interview when the fire alarm went off. To the consternation of his prospective employer, he was a little too insistent in trying to collect his personal effects instead of simply leave the building. This didn’t augur well for his employability chances.

    What are the practical steps that you can follow to tackle your employability nerves prior to an interview? Firstly, if the meeting is virtual, practice with a mentor who you don’t know so that you gain confidence in the type of questions that you might be asked. Secondly, if you are invited to an in-person meeting go and visit the office location to familiarise yourself before the interview, ensuring that you allow enough travel time to turn up at the requisite hour. Thirdly, there is a tendency to wear new clothes and shoes, make yourself comfortable and don’t dress to feel awkward. Fourthly, speak to the receptionist about what life is like in the office. You may find that your future employer might seek a second opinion about you, after you left the building.

    There are many techniques which can help those who panic, including taking slow deep breathes or exhaling by screaming under a railway bridge. Whatever works for you, never drink a double tall latte before you arrive at interview. A little caffeine is good but don’t overdo it.

     

    Ronel Lehmann is Chief Executive of Finito Education