The Reveal - Her Majesty's Pleasure
Sips and nibbles with beauty benefits
Life has never been busier, so multitasking has become a necessity. Which is why if you have a manicure, pedicure, blow-out, facial, waxing, make-up or all-natural body-bronzing on your list, you should head to Her Majesty’s Pleasure. Grab a bite and a drink while you get your hair/nails/makeup done. Because really, who has time for both anymore?
And it’s so much fun here. Husband and wife team Sara Kardan and Jeff Armstrong have created a lush setting bustling with activity. Dance-worthy tunes play while people catch up over the whir of hair dryers and the din of the café. The boutique’s stunning design (done by +tongtong, HMP was voted Best Salon Design and Top 10 Global Interior Design by Azure Magazine) makes it easy to want to spend time here too. A playful curation of milk glass vessels mixed in with contemporary copper bowls and tiles makes you want to redo all of your shelving at home. Lounging in Muskoka chairs while you get a pedicure, and sipping on champagne or cocktails while your nails get all prettied up at the marble bar is a staycation in itself. Shop at the tiny boutique for skincare and wellness products for him or her. Stay for drinks and nibbles at marble bar on the other side with thin, stylish cooper stools or table seating on either side.
Lingering at the lounge bar over beer, wine, champagne and signature cocktails is easy. An Irish lad with Colin Farrell similarities, has created a signature Old Fashioned ($14) - Woodford Reserve Bourbon, simple syrup, orange twist, Angostura bitters, and a plump cherry - that he makes while telling the story of its inspiration and how it’s made (hint: it’s all about building the flavor right in the glass). There is also a very boozy Truffle Martini ($14) with Belvedere, Criollo, Kahlua, espresso, and vanilla syrup that enticed elegantly dressed ladies in their seventies who stopped in after shopping nearby, despite it being well before 5pm. The accolades continue - a regular, a gentleman who lives upstairs in The Fashion House condos, swears by them. Should you wish for something non-alcoholic, fresh juices made by Colette are fantastic – refreshing and revitalizing.
Colette Petit Cafe - a permanent pop up café, with food provided by Colette Grand Café, features a daily selection of salads and sandwiches, breakfasty items, quiche and of course, desserts. The marble counter near the entrance is festooned with handmade pastries that are as beautiful as they are satisfying. Executive Pastry Chef for all Chase Hospitality properties, Leslie Steh, is a dessert lover’s dream.
A sampling of macarons (flavours change seasonally – 1/$3.50, 6/$20, 12/$35) on one visit includes: Pistachio Cranberry, Chocolate Hazelnut Quince, Coconut Passionfruit and Crème Fraiche Caramel. Not-to-be-missed – The Chocolate Stone Cake ($7). You might think it’s too pretty to eat, but go ahead and dig in. It’s sublime. There's also amaretti, shortbread and croissants and well, you're going to have to make multiple visits.
If you’re in need of an updo, express blowout, lash extensions or organic spray bronzing or simply want somewhere fun to grab a bite or drink, head to Her Majesty’s Pleasure on King.
The Café opens weekday mornings at 8am, and The Lounge is open until midnight Friday and Saturday.
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