Sometimes I'm stuck for where to head in Kensington for a fun post-work drink other than one of the many great but not glitzy local pubs. But after stepping into Bloom on High Street Kensington, I feel like this dilemma has been solved. This bar, eatery and club ticks all the boxes when it comes to having a bit of grown-up fun with no fuss. There is no dress code and no guest list at Bloom, unlike when it operated as the Swiss-themed venue Bodo’s Schloss and the Polynesian-themed club Mahiki. The party spot, nestled under the Royal Garden Hotel, was snapped up by the Incipio Group, the s...
Read more →Sadie Whitelocks 9
This fall, The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar revealed a new menu that delves into the fabled history, dark drama and timeless romance embedded in the mysterious world of magic. Having launched this October, Interpreted Magic is a three-part menu that explores secrets, tales and tricks as it subtly journeys through the history and performance of magic through the ages. Led by the bar’s passionate Head Bartender, Elon Soddu, the creation of the new menu has been very much a collaborative effort, with every member of the dynamic Beaufort Bar team inventing their very own cocktail. Following on from the...
Read more →I opened the plush velvet bedroom curtains to a view of a golden Willow tree blowing in the breeze, grassy banks twinkling with morning dew and the Thames trickling on by. It felt all very countrified but in fact I was just a short walk from a London tube station. Following a major refurb, I'd present the Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond as the ultimate London staycation spot. The interiors are chic yet cosy and with only 15 rooms, there is a certain intimacy about the place. I checked into the quaint redbrick townhouse (a former literary hub frequented by the likes of Ruskin and Yates) on...
Read more →The Royal Albert Hall's Films in Concert series is the ultimate movie experience when it comes to surround sound. This weekend, I went to see E.T. screened at the jaw-dropping venue and having a live orchestra playing the John Williams score while the plot unfolded certainly added some extra magic. Truly out of this world! You can grab a glass of wine and a bucket of popcorn before you settle into your velvet seat and there is even an intermission so you can restock supplies. But if you missed E.T., don't worry as the Royal Albert Hall has a bunch of movie offerings for 202o... As well as ...
Read more →To mark 125 years of its distillery in style, anCnoc Single Malt Scotch Whisky has collaborated with two of today’s most exciting upcoming artists, Kate Colin and Joachim King, who use traditional methods to create refreshingly vibrant and modern pieces – much like the whisky itself. Each artist has created a special one-off piece inspired by the distillery’s story, and the two exceptional new Limited Edition expressions - anCnoc 16 Years Old Cask Strength and the new Limited Edition Peated whisky, which were created in celebration of anCnoc’s 125 year anniversary. The works have been des...
Read more →All of a sudden a man appeared dressed in a powder pink suit and straw boater. He explained he was the caviar man and was going serve us some pearls of deliciousness alongside two strips of bread and a miniature cheesy egg. This wasn’t the standard icebreaker for an afternoon tea but then we weren’t at any standard place. We’d ventured through the door of 9 Conduit Street and into the magically whimsical world of Sketch to sample the recently-launched Christmas afternoon tea. Think sandwich combinations you’d never dream of - broccoli layered on top of bread and truffle-infused cheese toa...
Read more →The Ivy Chelsea Garden has been transformed into a magical Narnia-themed wonderland, complete with the iconic Wardrobe and lamppost at the doorway, welcoming guests to step into an imaginative snowy landscape adorned with frosted florals and crystallised embellishments. This festive season, local residents, Christmas shoppers and diners will be able to admire the spectacular display on the King’s Road including a canopy dripping in snow, ice and sparkling magic alongside a backdrop of snow-covered forest scenery across the façade. The right-hand side of the doorway is themed around the ‘Gate...
Read more →I'd always heard great things about Cape Town and when I visited the city recently it surpassed expectations. It's a charming metropolis with clean streets, a buzzing marina, a mouth watering restaurant scene, mind bogglingly low prices and a wealth of nature on the doorstep. On the accommodation front, one spot that certainly won my heart was the Belmond Mount Nelson. I'd got a tip off about the hotel from a friend whose impeccable style and taste I firmly trust and with his recommendation, decided to investigate. This sprawling resort complex boasts 198 rooms and suites spread across s...
Read more →If you're looking for a casual yet cosy sushi spot in the heart of the city, then look no further than Miyako. Located within the Andaz London Liverpool Street, this wood panelled restaurant boasts a nice concise menu with a mix of sashimi. sushi, hot dishes, salad and tempura on offer. I dipped into the place on a Tuesday night with a London-based friend from Tokyo who had been before and given it a thumbs up. It was fairly quiet when we arrived but it quickly filled out, mainly with city workers and duos talking business. There was a nice warm atmosphere, with candles burning and the ...
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