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...
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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 ...
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 ...
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