You always know when you’ve found a good place when you’re reluctant to write about it, in fear of giving the secret away. But letting you in on a hidden gem... add the Aman to your Venice must-see list. This hotel, restaurant and spa is opulent and discreet. A slice of heaven on earth. The complex is housed within a grand 16th century palazzo, which is still owned by the family and leased to the Aman. The original features are intact, with dreamlike frescos, playful plasterwork and magical murano glass chandeliers. Careful care has been taken to blend the old with the new and the Aman’...
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I wasn’t sure what I’d make of Emily Ratajkowski’s new headline film, Welcome Home, knowing her better for her sultry Instagram shots than her acting. But I was pleasantly surprised by the nail-biting psychological thriller, which has now hit cinemas in the UK and will debut in the U.S. this weekend. The 97-minute-long movie kept me on the edge of my seat for the duration, with intense moments intersected by moments of humour, and gory scenes lifted by some smouldering sex. The film stars Gone Girl actress Ratajkowski, Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul, and the promising talent, Riccardo S...
Read more →With the cold weather drawing in, what better than a punchy cocktail to warm the cockles. On a recent trip to Polpo in Notting Hill I was transported to the dreamy haze of Italy as a sipped on one of the eatery's Venetian-inspired libations. The great thing about all of the Polpo venues around town (six so far), is that they're warm and inviting, with a buzzing atmosphere to boot. 'I didn't even know there was a bar here,' my friend exclaimed as we perused the drinks menu. That's one of my favourite things to do at Polpo - stop by for a drink. You don't necessarily have to be booked int...
Read more →I've never been to Turin but last night I got a taste of the northern Italian city after discovering Savure. The new canteen-style eatery, just a stone's throw from Liverpool Street, offers a simple menu where diners are invited to have a stab at creating their own DIY pasta dishes. First they can choose a base pasta, before selecting a sauce. It's a steal, with generously-portioned plates starting at just £8. So far the restaurant has proved a hit at lunchtime, with hundreds of office workers eager to get their fill. I picked a 'filled pasta' from the dinner menu, stuffed with Ita...
Read more →Three days in one of the food capitals of Europe; what could possibly go wrong….several bowls of pasta, two gelatos and countless shots of limencello later, we dragged ourselves to the airport, bellies full, spirits high and suitcases packed with local food treats.
Read more →Sipping on a negroni with an olive to hand and the soft sun on my skin, I felt like I could have been in Venice where I'd been just the week before. It was only when I spotted a red London bus peeping over the top of the manicured garden hedgerow that my Italian mind trip suddenly veered off track. I'd stopped by at the 5-star Baglioni hotel's recently renovated restaurant, renamed Osteria 60. Nestled in the heart of Kensington, it's just a hop, skip and a jump away from Hyde Park and the Royal Palace - or for the shoppers, Harrods and Harvey Nichols are also within close proximity. A...
Read more →Frascati is a quaint, charming town around 25mins (on the train) from the centre of Rome. A summertime destination for those living in Rome (it's a few degrees cooler so Italian's come her to escape the city heat). Frascati amongst other things is famous for its white (house) wine. So popular in fact that the official 'town' mascot is a three boobed lady that we're told represents mums; two boobs for milk one for wine (to calm the baby down). Porchetta (Pork is also a winner here) we tried some of the best roast pork we've ever had.
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