The West London bakery selling 'London's best baguettes' that's vowed never to open another branch

A French bakery in West London's Notting Hill has won the capital's ‘best baguette’ award.

Maison Puget, on Portobello Road, took part last month in a competition to determine the best baguette and speciality bread made in London. The contest, organised by French Morning London, saw several local bakeries present their products to the public and a qualified jury.

And the French establishment won both categories. Amandine Puget, 38, said: “It was very emotional, but we never doubted our work and the quality of our products.

READ MORE: The 9 London restaurants shortlisted for Best Restaurant of the Year at the Uber Eats Awards 2023

The bakery has become immensely popular - and it's easy to see why

“It’s a great reward for our hard work.”

Amandine and her husband Jean-Christophe, 39, also won it the last time the contest was held, back in 2019.

The mum of two added: “We felt the pressure even more this year, especially as our reputation has grown since then.

“But when customers were voting for us to get to the final, they’d tell us ‘why are they even doing a competition, we know you make the best baguette’.

“And after we won, we had quite a few customers coming in not to buy anything but to congratulate us on our victory. It’s really heartwarming to get this type of feedback, to know that our customers are satisfied.”

Their produce is as close to perfect as it's possible to be

Before they moved to London, Amandine and Jean-Christophe used to own three bakeries in their small village in the east of France, but the pair left everything behind in 2017 to start a new chapter in the UK with their children.

And a few months later, they opened Maison Puget, their one and only shop in the UK. All of their products are homemade, with local ingredients and a high-quality flour from France.

Amandine said: “We always try to do better, to improve the quality of our products. We know that past success is no guarantee for future performance.”

To keep their quality promise, the two owners have decided not to open another bakery in London, or in the UK.

Maison Puget will remain a Notting Hill exclusivity, where they’re now part of the community.

Their ambition however knows no bounds, as they are now waiting to find out whether they will be awarded the prize for the ‘best croissant in the UK’, for which they are finalists.

Don't miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MyWestLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Live Tottenham stabbing updates as huge crime scene in place after horror 2am attack

A man has been rushed to hospital this morning (July 28) after being stabbed in a 2am attack on the streets of North London, with his attacker still at large today.

Police say they were called to the scene on White Hart Lane in Tottenham at 2.01am this morning after reports of a knife attack.

They found the victim, at the scene where he was treated by paramedics from London Ambulance Service and rushed to hospital.

A huge crime scene is now in place across three different streets including William Street, White Hart Lane and Tottenham High Road, with a number of traffic and bus diversions as a result.

Police say at this stage a suspect has not been identified and the investigation is ongoing.

Did you see what happened? Get in touch at dan.wiggins@reachplc.com

For more live updates on this breaking news story follow our blog below

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Musical rapture

Musical rapture

ON Saturday, July 15, I had the privilege of attending Yuvan Shankar Raja’s concert at the Axiata Arena. Following his highly acclaimed previous concert, Yuvan returned to enthral his fans once again.

The event began with a sensational lineup of Malaysian singers who captivated the audience with their remarkable performances. However it was the DJ duo of Jay and Ruckes who truly stole the show, igniting the crowd’s excitement and setting the stage for the main act.

Thrilling atmosphere

As Yuvan made his grand entrance, the energy was electrifying. The stage design, lighting, and music production were meticulously executed, creating an extravagant and fascinating spectacle. The audience was immediately captivated, eagerly anticipating the performance that lay ahead.

A musical journey

Yuvan showered the crowd with his biggest hits, and every song became a collective experience as the audience enthusiastically sang along. The sheer energy and passion emanating from the stage were infectious, and the bond between the performer and the fans was undeniable.

Star-studded surprises

Adding to the excitement, Yuvan brought along some popular guests to join him on stage. Actors Pradeep and Simbhu, two beloved figures in the entertainment industry, graced the event with their presence. The crowd erupted with excitement and couldn’t contain their joy.

Pradeep showcased his talent by performing songs from his film Love Today, while Simbhu delivered an unforgettable performance with songs from his highly acclaimed film Manmadhan. The anticipation for Simbhu’s appearance was palpable, and when he finally took the stage, the crowd erupted into 10 minutes of non-stop cheering.

Interaction and special moments

Yuvan demonstrated his genuine appreciation for his fans by engaging with them throughout the concert. He interacted with the crowd, shared anecdotes, and even distributed free merchandise to lucky fans. One particularly memorable moment was when a fan was invited on stage to sing a duet with Yuvan, showcasing the deep connection he shares with his admirers. Additionally, Yuvan led the entire audience in singing a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” to a lucky fan, creating a sense of unity and celebration.

Humour and camaraderie

Another highlight of the concert was the delightful camaraderie between Yuvan and the talented actor Premgi. Their comedic chemistry on stage added an extra layer of entertainment, bringing laughter and joy to the audience. The seamless blend of music and humour created an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Dazzling dance performances

The concert’s small stage did not hinder the mesmerising performances of the talented group of dancers. Despite the limited space, their skills and choreography were truly awe-inspiring. Each dancer had their moment to shine, showcasing their exceptional talent and adding an extra layer of visual spectacle to the concert. Their synchronised movements and dynamic routines perfectly complemented Yuvan’s music, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.The dedication and precision displayed by the dancers were truly commendable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Their contributions added an additional element of excitement and artistry to an already unforgettable evening. This remarkable night was made possible by the organisers, Don’t Run Away Asia. Despite it being their first time organising a concert, they excelled at delivering an exceptional experience. Their efforts and expertise were evident, ensuring a successful and memorable event. Attending Yuvan Shankar Raja’s concert was a truly enjoyable and unforgettable experience. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the fans throughout the event were unparalleled. It was a night filled with music, laughter, and pure entertainment, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for Yuvan’s artistry and a dream fulfilled by witnessing Simbhu’s live performance.

This concert will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I’m certain that every fan in attendance had an incredible time, as the energy and excitement never wavered even for a moment. For more captured moments from the concert, check out instagram.com/ dontrunawayasia.my/

Read more:

https://www.thesundaily.my/style-life/musical-rapture-IF11274936

Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets back on sale for Wembley but fans must follow one rule

If you're like me and didn't get a ticket to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, fear not. There are tickets available to purchase if you have a code, with prices in the level 1 reserved section costing £194.75 per person, according to reports.

A fan account for the UK and Ireland leg of the tour shared the news this morning, saying on social media: "PL1 tickets just became available for Wembley! Take a look if you still want for tickets and have a code!"

One die-hard fan tweeted: "London swifties! There are PL1 tickets for Wembley available! I just bought 4." Many other fans quickly picked up on the news and have managed to bag tickets either through Ticketmaster or AXS.

READ MORE: The best Taylor Swift pre-party for her Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium announced at famous art-deco nightclub

A second person commented: "I managed to get two tickets for night 3!! It was on ticketmaster last night and there were loads of £194 tickets left in the 200’s section!"

One person shared a screenshot of the seating plan and prices for the Sunday 23 June performance at Wembley during the tour, confirming that PL1 seats cost £194.75 including ticket fees.

The stadium shows six different sections, with PL1 seats located in the highlighted green. According to the map, Wembley’s map sections include Front Standing Right (Blue), Front Standing Left (Pink), General Admission Standing (Yellow), Level 1 Reserved Seating (Green), Level 2 Reserved Seating (Purple), and Level 5 Reserved Seating (Red).

Currently, if you head to the Ticketmaster website, you will then be taken to the lobby when you've selected your chosen date. Ticketmaster users will be asked if they want to join the queue, but you must have been given a pre-sale code to be invited to join the queue.

If you use a different email address to join the queue, you will be asked to sign out and use the correct account associated with the same email address that you received your sale notification.

Taylor Swift The Eras Tour tickets for her European dates are available for purchase via Ticketmaster and AXS.

Do you have a story you think we should be covering? If so, please email whatson@mylondon.news or alexandra.bullard@reachplc.com

Our What's On newsletter, Going Out Out, features everything from the most exciting events to the new bars and restaurants in the capital. You can sign up HERE.

Life through a new lens. We are Curiously. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

The new Croydon butcher everyone is raving about selling spicy meat cones branded 'best snack ever'

When you're asked to review something that's on the other side of London from you, you always hope it's worth the trip. I live in North London and was asked to make the almost 14 miles journey to Norwood Junction for a snack. Just a snack.

A new Brazilian butcher's had opened up recently on the high road and people were raving about it online. Called Gringo Butcher's, people online had said stuff like 'Definitely going to be a regular' and 'This may have to become a regular haunt' so was gaining attention.

One review said: "Bought one of those cone things - fried, filled with spicy meat. Gave it to my teenage son who said it was the nicest snack he’d ever tasted, which is high praise coming from the king of snacks." So on the recommendation of this 'King of Snacks', I made the one hour and 20 minute journey to see what all the fuss is about.

READ MORE: One of London's newest restaurants where guests who say a very specific phrase could get a free tattoo

Gringo Butcher is just round the corner from Norwood Junction (Image: MyLondon/Tai Kolade)

When I finally arrived I was warmly welcomed by the two staff with beaming smiles and a friendly hello. The store is bright and new with a counter full of inviting looking meats that would make the carnivores inside us drool.

But this is not what I had come for: I came for a spicy meat cone of some sort and after asking what they were I found out they were called Coxinha. It's a popular street food in Brazil and is basically a meat croquette. Their official description is: "shredded chicken meat, covered in dough, moulded into a shape resembling a teardrop, battered and fried."

The Coxinha just waiting to be eaten (Image: MyLondon/Tai Kolade)

I bought a beef and a chicken coxinha (one for the review and another for the Duke of Edinburgh award I had to do to get home) at £2.49 each. I found a local park to sit, take in the limited sights before I tucked into my snacks.

So here I was, at the culmination of my journey, the reason for the trip, snacks in front of me and a rumble in my belly ready to devour everything. They smelt great and were warm enough to take a big bite straight away. And my verdict? Truly delicious.

The dough was soft and thick, the meat spiced and salty. It all stuck to the roof of my mouth and needed some consistent tongue action to clean everything away, but that mild annoyance was nothing on the taste. The first bite was delicious and then the flavours intensified meaning you don't scoff the thing down, you indulge your tastebuds with small bites and savour each one.

The meat filling is cased inside a flour and potato dough before being fried (Image: MyLondon/Tai Kolade)

I couldn't tell the difference between the chicken and the beef but that was an afterthought as I ate the second one as happily as the first. I must have been making all sorts of faces with each bite as the looks I was getting from each passerby was full of intrigue and concern.

At the end of the meal I looked up and suddenly the park became beautiful, the sun started shining and the birds were singing again. I skipped off to the train station gleefully, with all my annoyance of the day having dissipated.

An hour and a half to get home again? Don't mind if I do, nothing to bring this mood down now after eating such a wonderful piece of food. As I sat on that train and looked out over our city that 'King of Snacks' was out there somewhere, and fair do's, he really knows his stuff.

I just managed to remember to take a picture before I ate the whole thing (Image: MyLondon/Tai Kolade)

You can find Gringo's Butchers at 73 High St, London, SE25 6EB.

Do you have a story that you think we should be covering? If so, please email tai.kolade@reachplc.com

Don't miss out on the biggest stories from across the city. Sign up to MyLondon's The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)