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 →Sadie Whitelocks 9
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 ...
Read more →If you're a fan of gin, then I steer you in the direction of The World Atlas of Gin. This detailed compendium from drink aficionados Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley will allow you to explore the world of gin from the comfort of your armchair. If you are swayed in one direction, then you can pursue your destination with a swig of choice. Their comprehensive gin journey takes you around the globe, from from the flats of Mexico to the humid wilds of Malaysia. Landing the pin in France, one of the duo's top recommendations is Citadelle Gin. Joel and Neil reveal how the gin brand was conceived...
Read more →I was watching some of the Japan Rugby World Cup the other weekend, so I’d built up an appetite for some Asian-inspired nibbles. With the cold dark winter nights drawing in, one of my favourite cosy spots to head for Japanese in the city is The Ned. The sprawling venue next to Bank tube station has eight restaurants, but a lot of people I know rate the Japanese-inspired restaurant, Kaia, above the rest. The eatery serves up a salivating spread of sushi and it has recently released its new autumnal menu, with everything from crispy prawns to plum soy pork belly to tempt guests. I checked ...
Read more →Our taxi ride from the airport had been pretty hellish with our non-English speaking driver taking some very bizarre routes. But on walking into The Peninsula Bangkok all feelings of discontent were quashed. This distinctive tower, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river (the hotel has its own boats to shuttle guests across the waterway), is a true sanctuary in the city. We had less than 24 hours to go about exploring its inners during an overnight stop off on the way home from Bhutan. After a trip trekking through the Bhutanese wilds, the comfy confines of The Peninsula Bangkok...
Read more →There were some cool beats playing, I felt pretty warm and we were sat outside with the sea twinkling under the night sky beyond. 'It feels like we're in Ibiza,' My friend Ellen said as she sipped a shimmering pink cocktail. I agreed, it did feel like we were in some chilled-out spot on the continent. However, we were in fact on the beachfront after landing into Southend-on-Sea. The two of us had taken a train from London Liverpool Street to the Essex coast to check out the Roslin Beach Hotel which is around a 7 minute taxi ride from Southend Victoria station. The 62-room property under...
Read more →‘I feel like a kid,’ I squealed as I rolled into a rather small compartment with others following suit. Normally, dining out is made to make you feel all ‘adult’ but if you head to Gingerline’s Chambers_ the reverse happens, as you’re encouraged to play with your tastebuds and escape the confines of a clothed table, knife and fork. The whole dining extravaganza is a closely guarded secret, so I can’t give too much away. But one thing I can promise is a sensory adventure that you certainly won’t forget. The multi-course immersive dinner takes place in different universes, ranging from the...
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