Rocking steak at Roxie

Ladies who lunch/dine/enjoy consuming food are generally well provided for in Fulham. There are tons of options for salads, "light bites", sushi and the like, but when a girl wants steak (juicy, bloody, deliciously carnivorous steak) suddenly the options seem either super swanky, super expensive, or just plain super-size. That's why we thought the concept behind Roxie, on the Fulham Road, was such a good one. A beautifully designed 'steak and wine cafe', it was conceived as a lighter and more casual way to get your meaty fix (with fishy and salad-based fixes too, for those who lean that way) with lighter fillets as standard, and a beautiful selection of wines, cocktails, salads and side orders to build around your meat.

When we were invited down last week, we were struck by the friendly and casual atmosphere, the décor at once sleek, modern and inviting. And once we got over that... we were struck by the food. Although the options are by no means ground-breaking, the steak is done to a T, and because you build a meal out of smaller dishes, it makes for a really convivial evening. The starters and mains mostly come with a small side salad, so for those on a diet, you needn't overdo it: but we recommend you do.To accompany our surf and turf (light fillet and sizzling prawns) and flame-grilled ribeye and fillet strips, we chose some devilishly good (and devilishly fatty, I'm sure) homemade double-cooked chips, a refreshing greek salad and lashings of bearnaise sauce and garlic butter. The starters are also a bit of a must: lemon and herb prawns were sizzlingly flavoursome, and the seared scallops with jerusalem artichoke puree and pancetta had us signalling our appreciation through a series of smacked lips, mmm noises and other (probably unladylike) sound effects.

Washed down with a bottle of Argentine Torrontes, and a healthy splash into the cocktail menu, the evening was spot on for ladies (and gents - all steaks come with the option of sizing up to standard, large or 'ravenous') looking for a much needed catch-up dinner with friends and loved ones. The staff are super-friendly, the service unpressured, and there are plenty of options on the menu everyone should like, so you can sit back, enjoy your food and concentrate on good times with friends. Now go forth, and get thy protein fix.

Roxie Steak and Wine Cafe

803 Fulham Road

London SW6 5HE

For bookings call: 0207 371 5785

Apologies for the lack of interior shots, they came out all fuzzy. But check out Roxie's gallery for an idea - it's really gorgeous!

The Moroccan Madness is Back! Soul Saturdays

 

Following the success of last summer’s ‘Moroccan Soul Saturday’ event organized by drummer and entertainment-extraordinaire Russell Cowie it's no surprise that it’s back with a bang this year on Saturday 28th July. With a rotational set by four gorgeous DJ’s which will include everything from Raggae, Dubstep to Dan Browne’s seriously hot house mixes, the party will be one to remember. 

 

Those who went last year (our review here) will remember the blazing sunshine, flowing cocktails and beautiful people partying on the roof of swanky Kings Road hotspot, Kings Club. Kicking off at 12pm and going on all afternoon, Soul Saturdays is an intoxicating and heady mix of day-time partying and Moroccan-style lounging (think day beds and champagne à la St Tropez). 

                                             

RSVP is essential and recommended sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment, join the facebook event to RSVP and for updates and further details.

Dates for your Diary: June and July

Although it may not feel that way, summer is upon us and there's plenty of fun to be had in Fulham over the next 6 weeks or so. Here's our round up of events you won't want to miss.

Eurovision madness at Bunga Bunga - from 22nd June:

The excitement of Jedward, the Dink and all at Baku may feel like a distant memory, but you needn't wait for Stockholm 2013 for your next Eurovision fix. Bunga Bunga, best known for its exquisitely kitsch Italian theme, is opening up its second floor to host the The EDC - Euro Disco Club, an entire nightclub dedicated to the world’s most kitsch competition: The Eurovision Song Contest. The walls will be covered with memorabilia from this annual institution, including gold discs, photographs of Jedward and Terry Wogan, and oversized blinds embossed with Abba, Scooch and other Euro Hall of Fame legends. 

Open each Friday and Saturday from June 22nd

Bunga Bunga

37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11

                              

Jazz nights at Del Aziz - Thursdays and Del Aziz Fulham Broadway

Thursday nights at Del Aziz are fairly eclectic. Whilst you chow down on their legendary Middle Eastern fare, treat your earbuds to their live performances of global pop and jazz. On June 21st, Aimee Penman will take to the stage to show off her versatile voice, with an act comprising of easy listening pop, folk, jazz and and classic. On June 28th, it will be Mel Pashova's turn to perform, with her act of jazz standards and modern classics. 

                                            

Celebrating Fulham Festival - Saturday June 30th to Sunday July 8th:

A whole week dedicated to celebrating our favourite borough, what could be better? Highlights include:

‘Elizabeth to Elizabeth’ - Tuesday 3 July, Great Hall, Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, SW6, 7.30pm

Concert trio ‘In Voice and Verse’ celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Actor Lance Pierson, soprano Belinda Yates and pianist Heather Chamberlain present a pageant of readings and music from across the centuries to celebrate the Nation’s Monarchs and highlights of our history.

The music includes pieces by Handel, Beethoven, Purcell, Holst and Britten, as well as ‘Rule Britannia’ and the National Anthem. The words will include poetry by Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, Milton, Tennyson and John Betjeman. Tickets £12.00 available from the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, 0871 22 11728,or http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on and view Events Elsewhere or type Fulham Palace into the search box.  Further information  020 3080 0655 or info@fulham.society.org

The Fulham Swish  - Thursday  5 July, Durell Arms, 704 Fulham Road, SW6 5SB, 6.30pm

Swishing is a fantastic way for you to breathe new life into your outfits for free and involves a group of people together to swap unwanted clothes. 

Bring between one and five items of clothing, pairs of shoes, bags or accessories. Items must be clean, good condition and something that you are proud to hand on. No children’s clothes please. Booking is required as places are limited. Email  swishing@lbhf.gov.uk 020 8753 1888

Fair on the Green, Saturday, July 7,  12 noon to 5pm

A fabulous day out for all the family. Two live stages of music and entertainment, over a hundred stalls, a food court, bouncy castles, Punch and Judy, carousels,  magician’s, climbing frame, fun fair,  and much much more. Call 020 7731 3964 for more details

Paggliaccio Cup, Sunday, July 8, South Park, Fulham

This youth football tournament is free for youngsters between the ages of five and 16. For more information 02073715253, www.paggs.co.uk

Bat Walk, Sunday, July 8 Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, SW6 6EA, 9.00 pm

Bat Walk around the Gardens of Fulham Palace, led by John Tovey of the London Bat Group.  Meet at the pedestrian entrance to the Palace Grounds. Wear solid footwear and bring a torch! Please ring 020 3080 0655 to confirm your attendance. This is a free event but donations to the London Bat Group are welcomed.

                                    

Concours D'Elegance - The Hurlingham Club, 4th/5th.6th July

This yearly event is pretty much Fulham's most glamorous luxury event. If you like champagne, powerboats, helicopters and sweet cars, Concours D'Elegance will more than likely float your boat (excuse the pun). Enjoy the Hurlingham's beautiful gardens, attend lectures from the world's leading style authorities and learn about the heritage of these fine goods whilst you browse, and maybe even treat yourself. Buy your tickets on their website here.

                                                      

Dayzed and Confused at Broadway House - Saturday July 14th, from 3pm - 10pm:

Held on the roof terrace of members' club Broadway House, soak up the sunshine (hopefully), New York vibe and plenty of champagne whilst you party to the sounds of DJ duo LIV3 RAT (billed as DEAD MAU5's evil twin) and DJ Optimus Times. May's event was a massive success, so July's event is sure to sell out quickly: snap up your ticket here before they're all gone.

                                     

Alice in Wonderland, cycle theatre tour - Chelsea, 18th to 22nd of July

RBKC Bikeminded have already brought us a plethora of interesting cycle tours, themed around things as diverse as Bond, Music and Cupcakes. This July they have teamed up with the Exquisite Folly theatre group to create an innovative and interactive storytelling concept. Follow Alice's adventures around Wonderland (aka Chelsea) on your bike and rediscover Lewis Carroll's classic tale in a way you won't have seen it before. Tickets available here.