When was the last time you spent a day without your phone close to hand? Well, in a bid to get away from the fast pace of modern day life I ventured to Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire with my mum Laura. I'd heard about the spa years ago but never found chance to visit. It's located around a 15-minute taxi ride from Leicester train station, with the rail journey taking just over an hour if you're coming from London. The hall's setting is sublime, with the imposing red brick building bobbing in a sea of fields running as far as the eye can see. Mum and I arrived at the hall around 1pm for an...
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This spring, The Botanist Gin, an artisanal hand-crafted and distilled gin from the Scottish island of Islay, have announced their collaboration with iconic London venue sketch for their new range of martinis, each inspired to epitomise the four different sketch rooms - The Glade, The Parlour, The Gallery and East Bar. To create these exceptional martinis, The Botanist Gin organised a day with the sketch bar team at Crucible, a creative hub and laboratory for bartenders to meet, work, exchange ideas and play with the latest hi-tech equipment. Through experimenting with seasonal and foraged f...
Read more →In less than an hour I'd landed into Gatwick, railed into London, settled into my hotel room and was indulging in a brief respite in my robe. I'd checked into The Nadler Victoria on a Thursday evening after flying back from Venice and it was proving to be the perfect little post-airport stop. The chic 73-room hotel is located a hop and a skip from the main train station, where the Gatwick Express pulls into, and it's on the doorstep of Buckingham Palace if the royals are your thing. I'd been given a king double room on the second floor, room 204. After navigating the very dark corridors ...
Read more →Live at The Savoy is the new evening entertainment series taking place at The Savoy’s Thames Foyer every night of the week. Highly-acclaimed jazz vocalist, Judi Jackson will launch the series as The Savoy’s musician in residence, playing on Wednesday April 24 and on three further dates. Having recently launched her debut album ‘Live in London’, the Virginia-born jazz vocalist and performer will embark on her new residency at The Savoy with an exciting new repertoire. Frequently on the road, Jackson has sold out headline shows world-wide and has collaborated with the likes of Warner Music’s ...
Read more →Launching at The Vaults in Waterloo, to coincide with the launch of the final series of Game Of Thrones, Dinner Is Coming is a new immersive spoof dining experience, inspired by the hit fantasy drama. Blending a delicious feast of indulgent food with theatre, comedy and an unhealthy dose of murder, Dinner Is Coming will recreate the world of the Several Kingdoms deep in the Vaults’ underground tunnels, for an experience that’s full of dark twists, allegiance challenges and ominous royal celebrations. Dinner Is Coming tells the story of a marriage between the heir to the Several Kingdoms, Jaf...
Read more →If you're looking to add a real dash of flare and flavour to your night, then COYA Mayfair promises to satisfy your cravings. The Peruvian-inspired restaurant and pisco lounge is a sultry lair where your tastebuds are sent on a journey to the sunny wilds of South America. I checked into the place on a Friday night and the dining room steadily packed out to create a buzzing yet refined atmosphere. Taking a pew on a table next to a window, a friendly waitress came to run us through the menu and explained that dishes were best shared and that if we weren't drinking wine there were lots of cock...
Read more →If you want a taste of classic, upper crust New York, head to the deliciously understated Mark Hotel. This historic spot, which boasts 150 Art Deco-influenced rooms and suites, recently swept to international fame after Meghan Markle picked as the place to host her baby shower party. She booked the hotel's lofty penthouse, which comes in at an eye-watering $75,000 a night. As soon as you pull up to The Mark, you're transported to a world of refined luxury, with suited doormen ready to greet you and well-groomed guests wafting in and out. The lobby features low ceilings, sparkling monochr...
Read more →The Rookery, nestled in the heart of Clerkenwell, remains my favourite place to staycate in London. It is discreet, beautifully-appointed and oozing with charm. On stepping into the 18th century property, you're transported to a world of silks, brocade and finely polished wood. To enter the building, you must press a doorbell to enter the homely reception area. I checked in on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and as ever, the staff were personable yet professional. I was shown to a room on the first floor. All of the chambers are named after historic figures in the area, and I was shown to on...
Read more →Sat in Le Pont de la Tour on a Friday night, I was suddenly drifting to a memory of dining at the River Cafe in New York. From the classic sophisticated decor, to the classic style of service and polished menu, this place reminds lots of the revered Manhattan spot. We’d settled into a window seat looking out on to the Thames, with the place embalmed in the warm glow of candle light. Topping off the convivial atmosphere was the gentle chatter of happy diners and jazz music tootling away. 'We could be a Woody Allen movie,' I thought. From start to finish, the service was on point, with th...
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