It was 7pm and we were pulling up to a palace. This definitely beat the local London boozer on a Thursday night. After taking a speedy train from Paddington to Oxford - still enough time for an enjoyable G&T en route - we were taxiing it up to the entrance of Blenheim Palace. Built between 1705 and 1722, this place has played host to an array of fine gentry and it is where Sir Winston Churchill was born. Now the stately home - the Duke of Marlborough's primary residence - is open to the public with a mix of events on throughout the year, from musical extravaganzas to open air cinema ses...
Read more →Sadie Whitelocks 9
I first experienced Camp Wildfire last year. It rained non-stop, I was covered in mud, but it didn't deter me from returning for more. This underground festival, which mixes outdoor adventuring with musical revelry, is pretty unique. On this year's menu, there was a whole host of activities to tantalise campers, from beekeeping classes to tie dye workshops. New offerings included zorbing, ice cream-making and natural headdress building. Thanks to an online scheduling system, this year was much more organised. Before I landed in the Kent countryside - just a 30 minute ride from London Victo...
Read more →Professing your love for all things gin has just become a whole lot easier as capital bracer, Portobello Road Gin, launches the first ever gin-themed emoticons. Released in celebration of World Gin Day, the ‘Gin-moji’ i-message emoticon and sticker set is the perfect way to ‘garnish’ your texts when using your i-Phone. The collection pays homage to the marvellous botanical libation, as well as Portobello Road Gin’s home city of London and its namesake road in Notting Hill. The brand’s signature red lion bottle design also features heavily across the collection’s designs. Priced at 99p, the...
Read more →Inspired by old-school scouting adventures, musician and graphic designer Julia Lowe, 30, went about crafting a festival to reignite the spirit of adventure. Now in its third year, Camp Wildfire in the lush Kent countryside has been pegged as one of Britain's top weekenders. This year's event will consist of three days packed with outdoor activities, from beekeeping to extreme watersliding to hemp ice cream making and yoga on the grass. Just as much emphasis is put on partying too, and the live stage will be rocking until the early hours. Think scouting meets Alice in Wonderland, with a bit of...
Read more →Shepherd's Bush is a little manic for my liking, busy roads intermixed with a bizarre spread of shops where you can buy sim cards and hair extensions. But on walking into the area's new four star hotel, the Dorsett, I was transported to a much calmer world. High ceilings, polished floors and dark wood decor were easy on the eye. As was the sweet cart lurking in the corner, with bons bons, jelly beans and rhubarb balls on offer for free. We checked into a suite on the 4th floor of the giant hotel, which used to house a cinema. After weaving our way through the moodly-lit grey corridors we l...
Read more →It was 7pm on a Saturday and London's West End was bustling. But we managed to escape the rabble by diving into J Sheekey. Sat on the fish restaurant's newly-opened summer terrace we could watch the madness from a safe distance. Drunk revellers passed us by, interspersed with smartly-dressed theatre-goers. J Sheekey is one of my favourite central spots for seafood but I hadn't been for years. On my return, I was delighted to find nothing much had changed other than the re-vamped terrace area. Everything is done to perfection. Old-school character dressed with a dash of modern-day pizzazz...
Read more →I'd always wanted to be a spy when I was little and I would spend summers crafting code wheels and solving pretty unmysterious mysteries. So when I heard I could stay at a former MI6 headquarters in the heart of London, I jumped at the chance. The Royal Horseguards Hotel - located right next to the Embankment tube stop - is set within a grand government-style building on the banks of the River Thames. On walking into the place you're certainly made to feel like a special agent with a doorman in a top hat greeting you and a giant glistening chandelier hanging in the lobby. It was a Tuesday ...
Read more →On Tuesday June 6, iconic Chelsea landmark, Bluebird Chelsea, will be hosting the Blossom City Gala Dinner in aid of Lady Garden Gynaecological Cancer Fund. The sophisticated event is part of D&Ds Blossom City campaign, and will be showcasing Bluebird in full bloom. Guests will be invited to join the evening commencing with a glittering Moët champagne & canapé reception before the three course wine paired dinner party and live auction hosted by Tamara Beckwith. A showstopping event from start to finish, with entertainment throughout. A live raffle and auction will take place with pri...
Read more →There’s nothing quite like summer in the city, and while London is not best known for its balmy seasonal temperatures, this year, Searcys at The Gherkin is bringing the sunshine to the capital with a six-week pop up celebrating the Great British Seaside. Think candy coloured beach huts, deckchairs, blue skies, and a fishing boat– all at the lofty heights of one of the most iconic buildings in England’s capital. DINING On hand to create the most sumptuous summer menu will be Executive Chef Barry Tonks. Having designed a beautiful French Riviera themed menu last year, his attentions will take...
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