The new Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is proof that performance and elegance are not mutually exclusive. The chronograph, featuring the IWC 69385 Manufacture calibre with a ceramic bezel and tachymeter scale, is now available for the fi rst time in an 18-carat 5N gold case. The black lacquer dial is the end-product of a highly complex manufacturing process, while the appliqués are hand-set and filled with Super-LumiNova ®. Ten-bar water resistance and a black rubber strap with the EasX-CHANGE ® system ensure maximum versatility.
CoverImage
Discover the full story on p.22.
Courtesy of Haglöfs. The Nordic outdoor pioneer’s L.I.M Series SS25 takes on the elements with less weight and more resilience.
NEVER STOP DISCOVERING
BOOK A TEST DRIVE
Find your way to the edge of the world with the New Discovery Sport. The efficient Ingenium engine coupled with all-wheel-drive will put a million miles between you and the everyday
Book your test drive today.
Hatfields Land Rover
Hull | Liverpool | Pickering | Shrewsbury www.hatfields.co.uk
CO2 Emissions 185 – 140 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. driving styles, environmental conditions, load and accessories.
Contents
{pg. 7-15}
{pg. 16-29}
Primer Fashion
Keen Steps Up
The Uniform for Summer
The Haglöfs L.I.M Series
Voice_Of Defiance
{pg. 30-53}
Lifestyle
Essential Asks
Liverpool’s quiet health revolution
The Architecture of Belonging
IWC Schaffhausen
The HEIMPLANET Cloudbreak
David M Robinson
{pg. 54-63}
Abroad
Barcelona Unbound
La Dolce Vita, Refined
One Last Drink
{pg. 64}
Contributors
SoSo Swim
Riding waves (and vibes) with SoSo Swim in Tamraght, Morocco. Dawn surfs off Agadir, paddleboarding under African sun, salt-air yoga, dusty-pink alleyway wanders. Less ‘retreat’, more euphoric crew energy bottled. Proof SoSo crafts trips as impeccable as their swimwear. Jealous? Us? Never…
Kapsule
WHERE WE’RE
Sometimes, smaller is smarter. Tucked inside Liverpool’s industrial labyrinth Invisible Wind Factory, Kapsule isn’t a club – it’s a precision-engineered intimacy engine. Forget cavernous warehouses; this space is equipped with a 4-point hi-fidelity sound system (proper nerdy-grade kit) which wraps you in crystalline bass and treble so sharp, you feel every synth in your ribs. It’s where discerning heads go when sound quality matters – techno, electro, leftfield – with zero sonic compromise.
DANCING
Find the frequency: @kapsule_club.
Dynamic performance. Distinctive character. With electrifying plug-in hybrid technology, an electric range of up to 75 miles and beneft-in-kind contributions from as little as 5%* .
Hatfelds Land Rover Hull | Liverpool | Pickering | Shrewsbury www.hatfelds.co.uk
Model shown Range Rover Sport Autobiography 25MY with optional features. Ofcial Fuel Economy Figures for the Plug-In Electric Hybrid range in mpg (l/100km) (weighted combined): 385.6-328.8 (0.8-0.9). Electric energy consumption (weighted combined) in kWh/100 miles (kilometres) 45.7-48.9 (28.4 – 30.4). CO₂ emissions (weighted combined) in g/km: 17 - 20. Equivalent all-electric range in miles (kilometres): Up to 73.9 (119). The fgures provided are as a result of ofcial manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation with a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Real world fgures may difer. CO₂, fuel economy, energy consumption and range fgures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel ftment, accessories ftted, actual route and battery condition. Of-road sequences on dedicated land with full permissions. All necessary reinstatement carried out. Leave no tracks
*2024/25 BIK Tax Rate (%).
Japanese-style Cheesecake.
Less cloying, more cloud-like. The anti-bakedAlaska: wobbly, featherlight, delicately sweet. Less sugar, fewer calories, all the elegance. Served barely set, dusted with matcha? Summer pudding salvation. Bloody lovely.
Olivia Dean
WHO WE’RE SEEING
Olivia Dean at Gorilla, Manchester. Skip the arenas – this neosoul starlet belongs in sticky-floored, heaven-voiced intimacy. Her Glasto breakthrough was no fluke; Gorilla’s sweatbox acoustics will wrap that caramel tone round you like velvet. See her here before she’s stadium-bound. Proper Manchester moment.
Image credit: ChuffMedia
The Mindful Stitch
Embroidery’s back – not your nan’s tablecloth, but bold, tactile self-expression. Trading screens for hoops, stitching florals onto denim or sketching with thread. Therapeutic, satisfying. A summer skill that leaves beauty behind (unlike our tan lines).
CHAPTER
IUNIFORM FOR SUMMER:
THE
Berghaus celebrates 2025’s biggest day {Pg. 20}
UP:
KEEN STEPS
The perfect option for British summers (and showers) {Pg. 18}
Where Inner Resolve Meets Outer Craft. {Pg. 28) VOICE_OF DEFIANCE:
THE HAGLÖFS L.I.M SERIES:
SS25 won’t be weighed down. {Pg. 22}
Men’s Jasper Waterproof Sneaker
Men’s Jasper Waterproof Sneaker
(Canteen/Black)
RRP £120
(Black/Black)
RRP £120
The stylish waterproof sneaker built for British summers (and showers). KEEN Steps Up
Meet the Jasper waterproof sneaker, where urban style meets outdoor resilience, without compromising on eco-credentials.
Let’s be honest, the British “summer” often feels like a prolonged exercise in dodging downpours. For the styleconscious individual who refuses to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality – or vice versa – Portland-based innovators KEEN have dropped a timely solution, the Jasper Waterproof Sneaker.
Landing just as our skies turned characteristically grey, the Jasper Waterproof isn’t just another shoe; it’s a declaration of intent for the modern, active lifestyle. Forget clunky wellies or sacrificing your favourite trainers to muddy puddles. This sleek offering combines a premium suede upper (sourced from an LWG-certified tannery, ensuring environmentally responsible leather production) with KEEN’s signature technical prowess.
The magic lies within. The KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane is the unsung hero here, actively blocking external moisture while letting internal vapour escape, meaning dry feet without the sauna effect. Paired with a breathable mesh lining and Eco Anti-Odour technology which provides natural, pesticide-free odour control, these sneakers are built for all-day comfort, whether navigating city streets or a sudden countryside hike.
Designed for agility, the Jasper Waterproof Sneaker features a contoured fit and a low-profile rubber outsole, offering enhanced ground feel and stability without bulky aesthetics. It’s the subtle detailing – the quality suede, the clean lines, the understated tech – that elevates it beyond mere footwear to a considered accessory for the discerning individual.
Available now in versatile Black/Black or the earthy Canteen/Black priced at £120, the Jasper Waterproof Sneaker embodies KEEN’s contemporary approach to outdoor-inspired design - ergonomic, innovative and unwaveringly committed to sustainable practices. It’s the sophisticated answer to unpredictable weather, proving you truly can have well-dressed dryness.
www.keenfootwear.co.uk
The Uniform for Summer
How Berghaus became the essential, unshakeable style companion for Oasis’s seismic homecoming.
There’s a particular, rain-slicked alchemy to a British summer, isn’t there? One minute you’re squinting at weak sunshine, the next you’re running for shelter – usually clutching a lukewarm pint. This year, for most of Manchester and beyond, a few particular days are etched into Heaton Park’s turf - Oasis, back where they belong. And threading itself through this seismic cultural moment – as naturally as a well-loved Berghaus parka shrugged on against a rogue downpour – is the brand itself. Funny, that. Newcastle-born, yes, but Berghaus has always felt like it had a bit of Manc soul.
Forget glossy ads shouting about waterproof ratings. Their ‘The biggest day of summer’ campaign – dreamt up by Ben Ellis-Rees, Ally Whitaker, and Kyle Lynd – is smarter. It’s a scrappy, five-part digital vignette played out on Instagram and TikTok through July, capturing that uniquely British pre-gig ritual. You know the one - scouting parks for elusive sun, debating transport, the glorious, fidgety build-up. It’s less buy this jacket, more this is how it feels.
The authenticity lands like a perfectly timed cymbal crash. There’s Bez, obviously – Happy Mondays’ maraca-wielding madman, grinning through drizzle like Manchester’s eternal spirit animal. Creator Harry Hume brings the Gen-Z lens. And the Berghaus gear? It’s not just featured; it’s lived in. That
anorak isn’t technical fabric; it’s the shield you whip out when the heavens open five minutes after finding the perfect spot. The pack isn’t a product; it’s the trusty carrier of questionable snacks and warm cans. This is kit as cultural currency, battered and essential.
That’s the real fashion story here, isn’t it? Berghaus gets it. On the trail, it’s performance wear. But slap it onto a heaving, singing, rain-spattered crowd at Heaton Park? Suddenly, it’s the uniform of belonging. A nod to heritage (Britpop’s heyday practically ran on parkas), a wink to resilience (of course it’ll rain), and a quiet statement of intent - we came prepared, we came ready, we came together. As Liam and Noel’s snarl echoes across the park, Berghaus provides the durable, unpretentious, utterly Northern shell for the summer’s biggest memory-in-the-making. Pack yours. The biggest days rarely come dry.
www.berghaus.com
THE HAGLÖFS L.I.M SERIES SS25 WON’T BE WEIGHED DOWN
The Nordic region has birthed many mainstays of the outdoor equipment industry. Where its rocky expanses border sunken forests and glacial peaks, Haglöfs is no exception in ensuring its apparel and accessories remain steadfast in the face of terrestrial spontaneity. Gaining its namesake from carpenter Wiktor Haglöf in 1914, when the founder set out to construct a backpack capable of enduring his native country’s topography, the Swedish label has since cemented its stature for hardy gear, now more than a century on.
So, as to never trail behind the innovations of others, nor taint the experience of explorers, a brand’s responsibility is surely to seek areas for improvement in their product line, to act, and repeat. But there’s an
area often missed, even by the pragmatist, where the carried weight of silhouettes has been accepted as a standard. At least, this was the case before Haglöfs incepted its sartorial ‘Less Is More’ series over 20 years ago, ideated for less bulk and greater ease of movement, wherever the weathervane may point.
This season, re-addressing the misnomer that trekkers should forgo the struggles of a hulking inventory, the L.I.M Series SS25 further cherishes movement without tether. Taking greater strides into weightlessness, the women’s L.I.M Airak GTX Jacket stands as exemplar, boasting a mere 220g load, halving the heaviness of competitor waterproofs. Retaining a promise of durability despite its compactability, the outline is backed
by three layers of GORE-TEX ePE membrane, all the while maintaining breathability. Whilst elsewhere, the release’s L.I.M Tech Tee provides moisture management and chafng reduction, without the added mass.
Within the collection’s accessories ofering, the L.I.M Airak Down -0 sleeping bag offers a water-resistant shell and hydrophobic down insulation, materialised in zealous palettes. Weighing just over 600g, it’s suited to temperatures of up to -15°C. Meanwhile, the Touring Pro 40 backpack comes full-circle from the early ambitions of the brand’s founder, retaining the functionality of an alpineer’s 40L go-to, but weighing far less than the average, dual-storage carrier.
Manifestly, prowess can be achieved with better equipment. But Haglöf’s latest L.I.M ofering proves that being lighter on one’s feet can also foster such empowerment. Aptly referring to its sartorial community as ‘Outsiders’, the brand then encourages an acceptance of the wandering self by ensuring there’s nothing to hold them back. That’s why, this season and beyond, Haglöfs won’t be weighed down by the limitations of so-called technical standards, instead, heading straight for the eye of impossibility.
HAGLÖFS
Words By: Millie Throp
Image Credits: Haglöfs
VOICE_OF DEFIANCE
Where Inner Resolve Meets Outer Craft
After 25 years shaping British menswear from behind the scenes, industry stalwarts Oliver and Terence are finally answering their own call. Their new label, Voice_Of Defiance, is less a clothing line than armour for the quietly uncompromising. We sat down with the founders to uncover the soul beneath the stitches.
Picture it:
Two names etched into the backbone of UK menswear, having built other people’s brands for a quarter-century, finally trusting that persistent nudge in their gut. “We knew exactly the brand we wanted to create,” they share, voices thick with the conviction of men who’ve earned their vision. “It represents our own personal style and ethos but to be perfect for the market, also.” For them, Voice_Of Defiance (VoD) is that visceral whisper we too often ignore. “Voice_Of Defiance is that voice in the back of our minds, our inner voice or intuition that we follow. We have always done that. No matter what anyone else thinks or says is possible or impossible we have an inner belief that we will succeed.” It’s a creed forged for everyone refusing to let doubters dictate their path: “Voice_Of Defiance stands for all of those people who follow their inner voice and defy the odds.”
That defiance isn’t performative angst. It’s crystallised in their mantra: ‘Never Conform. Always Evolve.’ “It’s our mentality,” they explain, leaning into the nuance. “Its about finding your own path and doing things your own way. Or at least not being afraid to try. Not being boxed in and limited by other people’s thinking.” There’s a humility here, a scrappy pragmatism. “Always evolving is part of that process. Try new things and see how it works, then adjust and learn as you go. That’s how you grow.” This isn’t bloody-mindedness for its own sake. “Its not about being defiant for the sake of it. Its not about being a performative non-conformist... Its about being confident to try new things and always be humble and willing to learn as you go.”
So who wears this philosophy? Meet their ‘modern maverick’. “Wearing VoD is an outer representation of those inner values we just spoke about,” they suggest. The debut ‘Future Classics’ collection – think impeccably cut band-collar jackets, hoodies with the drape of a tailored overshirt – is designed for longevity, not seasons. “The core pieces... should feel timeless. They are the pieces that can live in your wardrobe forever. In ten years we want you to look back at those styles as pieces that have become an essential part of the way you dress. Your go-to pieces.” Dig deeper, and the layers reveal themselves. That reversible jacket isn’t just clever design; it’s the ‘Roll Out’, named for a Ludacris track. The breezy linen shirt?
The ‘Paradise’, tipping its hat to Rex Orange County. “Each style is named after a classic tune that means something to us,” they grin. “They personify the energy of the brand.”
Nothing here is surface gloss. Consider the six-hour embroidery on a single piece. The logo’s hidden depths: its underscore symbolising your invitation to become “Voice_Of Defiance”, the rivets echoing microphone heads. “We want to put effort, thought and love into everything we create,” they affirm, their passion palpable. “We talk about resonance a lot... You can wear a piece of VoD and enjoy it for what it is, say a great jacket. But you can dig deeper... We think the deeper the foundations... the stronger the brand.” This quiet confidence defines the aesthetic, though they acknowledge life demands range. Their limited AAA+ capsule collection caters to musicians and DJs drawn to the brand’s singular spirit – “those guys, especially when on stage, like to stand out!”
For the founders, VoD mirrors their own style evolution. “As time goes on you learn what your personal style is... I buy more longer term quality pieces for my own wardrobe,” one reflects. “In VoD that’s what we are trying to do. Create pieces that will stay with you... because they make you feel good when you wear them and they represent who you are.” This feels bigger than fashion. “We are 100% focused on making VoD the best brand we can,” they state, eyes fixed on the horizon. “We want the VoD lifestyle, the Defiant Life, to be something that is a positive way of thinking.” It’s a vision amplified through Vault Brand Management, their stable nurturing labels like Moose Knuckles, Sandbanks, and Unseen Footwear. “Its in our nature to be generous and to help others.”
So what does defiance mean in 2025? Their answer feels urgently resonant: “Our revolution is internal. It’s a personal evolution. The defiance we think of is the importance to educate yourself, listen to your inner voice and then say, ‘I’m going to do this my way’.” It’s armour, yes. But more crucially, it’s permission. “To snap out of autopilot thinking... To make decisions based on your own opinions... We want people to feel confident, stylish and mentally resilient... This is exactly what we mean when we say that VoD is the armour for the modern maverick.”
Discover the defiance: www.voiceofdefiance.com
CHAPTER II
THE ARCHITECTURE OF BELONGING:
Aram prepares to open in Somerset House. {Pg. 38}
LIVERPOOL’S QUIET HEALTH REVOLUTION: The New York Public Library. {Pg. 34} ESSENTIAL ASKS:
Helfy rewrites the longevity playbook. {Pg. 32}
M ROBINSON: THE HEIMPLANET CLOUDBREAK:
The reinvention of a British icon. {Pg. 48} Accessory to Enjoyment. {Pg. 44}
The Ingenieur Legacy, Reimagined. {Pg. 42} IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN:
DAVID
Liverpool’s Quiet Health Revolution, Helfy® Rewrites
the Longevity
Playbook
While the wellness world chases quick fxes and sleep scores, Liverpool has birthed a disruptor. Helfy®, founded by medical doctor Dr Ed Lynch, is redefining what it means to invest in your health. Launched in 2021 with clinical precision and zero fanfare, this platform merges elite diagnostics, AI-driven insights and personalised coaching - all designed for those who treat their bodies as high-performance assets.
Words By: Jamie McFadden
Dr Lynch’s frustration with superficial wellness culture sparked Helfy’s creation. “Back in 2021, most brands were chasing steps and shouting about smoothies,” he recalls. “We built something clinically rigorous.” Unlike apps offering generic advice, Helfy delivers hospital-grade insights: real-time blood analysis, tumour DNA screening and quantified biological ageing.
“It’s like having a PT, a coach, a longevity doctor, a nutritionist and a strategist all in your pocket,” Lynch explains. Results feed into bespoke health strategiesfine-tuned by clinicians monitoring everything from VO2 max to cognitive performance.
Helfy’s interface translates complex science into elegant, actionable steps. Users uncover atherosclerosis risks, hormone imbalances and inflammation markers through at-home kits or in-clinic assessments. AI then flags subtle patterns - say, slipping insulin sensitivity - while coaches provide tactical nutrition or sleep adjustments.
“This isn’t about abs anymore,” Lynch emphasises. “The new wave is inflammation, mitochondrial function and biological age. Real optimisation starts on the inside.”
Born in Liverpool, Helfy is gaining global traction. Partnerships with the Royal Liverpool Hospital and Aintree University Hospital validate its clinical approach. Tech operations are expanding to Cape Verde’s innovation hub, with US and UAE interest growing. Lynch’s BeHelfy Podcast - featuring neuroscientists and Olympians - demystifies longevity science.
“It’s wild what we can do now,” he notes. “We’re blowing everything else out the water - nothing comes close.”
In an era of biohacking hype, Helfy marries medical rigour with accessibility. “If you’re serious about getting the body and mind you’ve always wanted,” Lynch asserts, “Helfy should be your first call.”
With plans to deepen clinical ties while scaling globally, Helfy proves health innovation isn’t exclusive to Silicon Valley - sometimes, it starts in Liverpool.
Essential Asks:
The New York Public Library Picture Collection
Words By: Millie Throp
Madcap. Wildcard. Recluse. Admittedly, ‘researcher’ is not a moniker traditionally tagged on the back of an artist or maker. Hence, it’s with faulty rationale that academics and artists are perceived with separate skill sets, when their modus is often more alike than dissimilar. Irrespective of finished outcome - whether a thousand-word thesis or acrylic on canvas - the work of both scholar and craftsman stems from common creative thinking.
By the same stroke, an educational institution and its hushed acoustics isn’t a setting that likely beckons the visual practitioner either. Their impulse and spontaneity proposing a seeming antithesis to its alphabetical order. Yet, take the New York Public Library Picture Collection as an exception in such case studies, and the pursuit of research bodes a more colourful affair.
Enclosed with renaissance grandeur amongst Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the archive is an abundant roster of prints, portraits, and publication clippings that predate the 19th century. Therefore, inlaid with frames of anatomical drawings, 2000s Moschino ads, and Mardi Gras captured first-hand on film, the resource has ordinarily spurred many monoliths of the city’s art circuit since its founding in 1915. Perhaps most strikingly, Andy Warhol and Diego Rivera.
What’s more, the Picture Collection’s commitment to the arts has birthed a further offshoot since starting their Artist Takeovers in 2017. Inviting neighbouring authors, studios, and store owners onboard as monthly curators of their Instagram, local talents gain exposure by responding to a theme with the archive’s imagery. Ergo, at the turn of each month, motley, handpicked snippets are paraded online for the platform’s now 50K following, echoing the modes of a global exhibition.
So, in the spirit of collaboration, Essential Journal caught up with supervising librarian Jessica Cilne to ponder the rise of the institute’s social presence, amidst a dusting-off of the library’s sepia anthologies. Responding to our queries via email, Cilne shares her doted experiences as a native New Yorker, voicing that just as anyone can become an artist, in our world of visuality, everyone’s a researcher.
With the library traditionally a resource for researchers alone, have you found that the Picture Collection has welcomed another community? Why do you feel these visual resources are important?
New York Public Library is a resource that’s open to everyone, whether they’re visual, or textual based researchers, or both. The Picture Collection is special because it allows our community to have a tactile learning experience with materials, creating spatial relationships and conducting research in a space with like-minded individuals. This allows for community connections and discussions to develop spontaneously.
What then drove you to translate this experience onto social media, and has the account grown in the direction you expected? What has been your favourite curation to date?
When we began the monthly guest artist takeovers, the library was already using social media as a form of outreach, but Instagram specifically aligned with the visual nature of the Picture Collection, so it was a natural fit. Now, we reach a worldwide audience who appreciate pictures, as well as each other’s ideas and visual senses. I’m so excited by the way it has grown. I’ve loved every curation we have had, but my favourite aspect has been seeing how personality and interest shines through in each selection.
How has it felt to provide a platform for creatives as an educational institution, diminishing chronological order in place of expression and play?
At our library, being creative and being a researcher are not exclusive to each other. The act of creating involves research, observation, serendipity, methodology, and happenstance. Each monthly curation has allowed users of the physical Picture Collection to express their aesthetic interests, artistic values, agendas, and creative practice as it meets with the resources.
In presenting their finds on a public platform they are allowing for an unexpected yet guided exchange between curator and audience. As a user, you’re carried by the exhibition that is created by the artist, but also become a curator through the outcomes of your research via browsing.
If you’re not local and the platform is the only interaction you have with the Picture Collection, that will be a singular experience unto itself. It’s interesting to consider social media as a starting point for entering the Picture Collection remotely, as a paper-based, analog collection that has over 100 years of history.
New York has a reputation for fast pace and individualism. But would you say this can also be a positive attribute? Would you say your platform has unified the community at all?
Research is often individualistic, depending on each person’s interests and goals, and fast pace is attributed purely to need. But the platform provides a window to what inspires and resonates with others, which helps us build a collection that is more meaningful to our community.
We’re also interested in building community connections, allowing for creative exchange, and meeting visual information needs outside of the physical space, while showcasing the talent of the creative researchers in New York. People discover each other’s work and shared interests, in the same way that those using the collection in person discuss their ideas. There’s nothing better than finding an image and being able to laugh at it with someone new. It feels great to reach a global audience in this way.
Finally, do you think the library’s experimental and progressive approach is reflective of the wider city? How would you describe New York to an outsider?
New York is highly stimulating. It’s full of bright (and sometimes questionable) ideas, brought together by a large, diverse group of people.
It’s such a pleasure to be here as summer begins. Bryant Park, located behind the library, removes the ice skating rink and restores the lawn where people enjoy the warm air on their lunch breaks. The lilies and roses are also beginning to break through. In midtown Manhattan, where our main building is, we see large numbers of tourists. The more beautiful the weather, the more people are on the streets.
One of my favorite spaces is Grand Central Station. The movement of people under the blue, constellation-covered ceiling has great energy. It feels full of buzzing possibilities, continuing the freedom to experiment.
Title: A print with the word ‘Sorcerer’ and depicting a portrait of a hunting dog
Image credit: Atkins, Anna The New York Public Library - Digital Collections
Image credit: Pope, Alexander The New York Public Library - Digital Collections
Title: Japanese American farm worker at swimming pool
Image credit: Lee, Russell
The New York Public Library - Digital Collections
Title: Laurencia pinnatifida v. angusta
Image credit: Abbott, Berenice The New York Public Library - Digital Collections
Title: Robert A. Bartlett
Image credit: The New York Public LibraryDigital Collections
Title: Murray Hill Hotel, From Park Avenue and 40th Street
Title: Study of iris
Image credit: L. Prang & Co The New York Public Library - Digital Collections
Words by: Jamie McFadden
Somerset House’s Georgian symmetry - a monument to empire and order - frames the Thames like a stage. But step inside Aram this September, and the air shifts: cardamom coffee steams beside za’atar-dusted croissants; the murmur of Arabic blends with London’s hum. Here, in this cafe-deli-restaurant hybrid, Imad Alarnab (the founder of Soho’s beloved Imad’s Syrian Kitchen) builds more than a menu. He builds bridges. “Food acts as a bridge between cultures,” he says, his conviction as steady as Damascus stone. “This space is an extension of my home - warm, welcoming, filled with the aromas of Syria.”
A decade ago, Imad was cooking for up to 400 fellow refugees at a time in a Lebanese camp, his Damascus restaurants reduced to rubble. Today, his journey crystallises in Aram - a collaboration with partners Michalis Ntais and Christos Georgogiannopoulos. Where Imad’s Syrian Kitchen honoured his homeland, Aram expands the lens to the Eastern Mediterranean: Syria, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan. Yet the core remains unchanged: hospitality as radical empathy. “My inspiration stemmed from my experiences as a Syrian refugee,” he shares. “I wanted to create a space that felt like home. Not just a meal, but an experience that transports.”
Aram’s design rejects mere aesthetics. It channels Damascus’ soul - the buzz of a souk, the intimacy of a family courtyard. “I aimed to evoke the vibrant atmosphere of a Syrian market, combined with the comfort of home,” Imad
explains. He curated every detail: intricate tile patterns, warm lighting, textiles echoing Middle Eastern bazaars. “I was heavily involved in every aspect. The aesthetic must mirror our food’s journey.” Even the fourth room - Salamlik, opening later - breathes purpose. Named for the Syrian household’s “room reserved for important guests,” Imad smiles: “If I ran into my grandparents’ Salamlik, I’d be in trouble! Ours? It’s for everyone - a space for charity events, supper clubs, nurturing new talent.”
For Imad, cuisine is the entry point, not the endpoint. “I absolutely see Imad’s Syrian Kitchen extending beyond food. It’s a cultural space, a creative project.” Aram amplifies this: shelves brim with Medjool dates and shatta paste; evenings where the Salamlik hosts “storytelling, sharing refugee narratives, celebrating resilience.” This ethos positions chefs as cultural tastemakers. “People connect to stories behind food - the values, the cultural narratives. It’s about authenticity. My story represents resilience. My desire is to build bridges.”
While menus feature labneh with Aleppo oil or sumac-cured salmon, Aram’s true seasoning is purpose. “Our focus is social impact,” Imad states. “A portion of profits supports refugees and Syrian crisis charities. Diners should know their meal contributes to a cause beyond their plate.”
(38 - 41)
THE ARCHITECTURE OF BELONGING
At Aram, opening this September in Somerset House, the Syrian refugee-turned-icon serves not just Eastern Mediterranean flavours - but a testament to resilience, community and the quiet power of place.
As Somerset House marks 25 years, Imad considers permanence. “I think about legacy often. In five years, I hope Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is remembered not just for food - but as a symbol of hope, resilience, and food’s power to unite.” His definition of “cult” status? Not exclusivity, but “authenticity, a strong narrative, genuine connection.” Ask about Aram’s soundtrack, and he paints warmth: “Traditional Syrian melodies, contemporary Arabic soul. Music that evokes nostalgia - transporting you to Damascus.”
When dusk gilds the Thames, lanterns will glow in Aram’s Salamlik - a beacon against London’s transience. Imad’s journey, etched in displacement and determination, finds its anchor here: “It’s about shared values, a compelling story, a space where people belong.” As doors open this September, he offers more than muhammara or pomegranate fizz. He offers a creed: “Compassion and community are everything.” In a city chasing novelty, Imad Alarnab builds sanctuaries.
The Ingenieur Legacy, Reimagined
By Cordelia Hyde, Client Advisor & IWC Ambassador, DMR Liverpool
There’s a distinct pleasure in sharing a watch with true heritage. Here at David M Robinson’s Liverpool flagship, as IWC Ambassador, I guide clients towards timepieces defined not only by their precision but by their compelling stories. The story with the most captivating narrative today is that of the Ingenieur collection – a name forever linked to visionary Gerald Genta.
Genta’s legacy, a foundation throughout modern watch design, transformed the Ingenieur of the 1970s through its blend of industrial ruggedness and bold styling. It was engineered for purpose yet conceived with an architect’s flair. This core principle – the fusion of robust functionality and distinctive design – remains the essence of the Ingenieur collection we present today. And this year, IWC has thoughtfully expanded its vision, ensuring this icon resonates with an even broader audience.
Stepping into our showroom, the contemporary presence of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in stainless steel consistently draws attention. Its clean lines and seamlessly integrated H-link bracelet speak of confident, modern engineering. We are particularly pleased to highlight two exceptional expressions. The reference IW328902, in steel with an Argente dial priced at £10,100, offers timeless clarity with its silvery-white dial presenting understated sophistication. The Ingenieur dials have a distinctive “Grid” structure of small lines and squares which reflect light at alternating angles, a visual delight to any detail-orientated wearer with a need for symmetry. Launched last year, the reference IW328907, also in steel but with a deep blue dial at £10,100, has quickly established itself as a modern classic. This specific blue hue possesses a clean, compelling depth that resonates strongly on the wrist.
For those seeking the pinnacle of material luxury within this engineering concept, the reference IW328702 is a striking new expression. This 40mm model in 18ct 5N gold, unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025 and priced at £40,200, is truly impressive. When you handle this piece in our Liverpool showroom, you appreciate the substantial feel of the gold and the subtle play of light on its polished case edges and bracelet,
a definitive finishing detail. It demonstrates how the Ingenieur’s inherent robustness can be elevated through precious materials into a distinct statement of luxury. We genuinely encourage experiencing its presence in person.
Acknowledging a desire for elegant scale, IWC introduced the Ingenieur Automatic 35 this year. This is not simply a reduction in size; it’s a considered reinterpretation, meticulously retaining the collection’s defining characteristics – the five-bolt bezel and integrated bracelet – with graceful proportion. The reference IW324901, in stainless steel at £8,900, offers remarkable versatility. It appeals equally to women seeking a sophisticated statement piece with horological substance and men preferring a refined, classic size, sitting perfectly on a range of wrists. Complementing this, the reference IW324903 in 18ct 5N gold priced at £32,700 brings the warmth and prestige of gold to the 35mm form. It’s an object of fine craftsmanship, yet unmistakably carries the Ingenieur engineering spirit.
One of the most rewarding discussions we facilitate involves experiencing the Ingenieur sizes side by side. Presenting a stainless steel 40mm model, perhaps the classic Argente IW328902 or the compelling blue IW328907, alongside the steel 35mm IW324901 creates a genuinely harmonious visual. Whether considered as complementary pieces for a couple, a shared passion between generations like parent and child, or simply appreciated for the coherent design language across scales, it underscores the collection’s thoughtful evolution. It speaks to shared values of enduring quality and timeless aesthetics.
The Ingenieur’s versatility across sizes was on full display at this year’s Gentlemen’s Singles
Final at Wimbledon. During a day out on centre court, British F1 driver, and IWC Ambassador, George Russell and his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt, were both pictured wearing Ingenieur models. Carmen chose the elegant Ingenieur Automatic 35 in 18ct 5N gold (ref. IW324903), with its warm tones and proportion making a sophisticated statement. George selected the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 in stainless steel with a blue dial (ref. IW344903), a significant 2025 novelty. This watch marries the iconic Genta design with IWC’s crown-operated perpetual calendar – a notable horological achievement in steel. Their pairing perfectly captures how the collection, from the 35mm right through to the perpetual calendar, offers distinct expressions of engineering and style for different wrists.
At David M Robinson, we understand that appreciating a timepiece like the Ingenieur transcends technical specifications. It’s about the tactile experience – the weight and balance on the wrist, the interplay of light on the dial and case, the comfort of the bracelet, and connecting with the legacy of Gerald Genta realised through IWC’s renowned engineering. My role, and the role of our entire team here in Liverpool, is to take you through this process. We will discuss the heritage, explain the nuances and help you find the Ingenieur that best suits you, based on your individual taste and appreciation of quality watchmaking.
The Ingenieur represents enduring design and technical integrity. Proud and equipped, the 40mm case models house the IWC manufacture calibre 32111, with an efficient 120 hour power reserve stretching over 5 days and fully automatic.
We invite you to visit our Liverpool showroom to experience these remarkable timepieces firsthand. Allow us to share the passion, the heritage, and the distinctive engineering character of IWC’s Ingenieur. Discover where a legendary legacy meets contemporary luxury, crafted for the wrist.
DMR, 4 South John Street, Liverpool ONE, L1 8BJ. davidmrobinson.co.uk
Image Credits: HEIMPLANET
Amongst the coastal blufs of Portugal, HEIMPLANET
founders Stefan Dieckhof and Stefan Clauss grew tired of their fumbling around in low light; an experience once indicative of erecting a tent. In turn, the two established their frst infatable tent in 2010, setting a wayward trajectory for camping as it was then known. All the while, permitting greater ease of set-up with their wunderkind concept.
Based out of Hamburg and flanked by the craggy climates of northern Europe, the label’s penchant for progressive pavilions is tantamount to Germany’s respected stature for quality engineering. In aim, HEIMPLANET seeks to forge convenience at every stage. In name, the brand hopes to lay strong bases from which to explore the earth.
In vice versa, the label wishes the earth to remain a flourishing muse; one we must co-exist with, rather than cultivate from. So, the brand’s latest evolution of a hero product, the four-person Cloudbreak tent, leans into the tech-driven, but with a softer impact. Ushering recycled polyester ripstop into its 156 square foot construction as a necessary reform, the model also opts for non-toxic, C0 waterproof coating, above other eco-harmful treatments.
In palette, the canopy’s sage colouration blends as harmoniously with the land. Yet, whilst gentle elsewhere, the base offers maximalism in height and capacity, towering an alluring, neoteric silhouette onto natural terrain. Swiftly inflated in less than five minutes, the tent is at once an aid to wild campers at dusk, and a boon to those who traipse at dawn.
Thus, reclaiming more spare hours beyond the confines of its multi-chamber haunt, recreational features like the tent’s stargazing window arise telltale signs that HEIMPLANET must stand for something greater than pragmatism alone. Manifestly, as with anything spawned at the heart of the enthusiast, an accessory to adventure is always an accessory to enjoyment.
Guest Columnist: Millie Throp
THE REINVENTION OF A BRITISH ICON
Visit the David M Robinson flagship at Liverpool ONE today to discover a legacy built on craftsmanship, exceptional quality and service where you are the focus.
DMR, 4 South John Street, Liverpool ONE, L1 8BJ
DAVID M ROBINSON
The diamonds haven’t changed, still catching the light like they did when The Beatles were recording Abbey Road. But walk into DMR today and you’ll find a new generation discovering why their grandparents trusted this Liverpool icon.
Liverpool, 1969. The Beatles are rewriting music history and across the road from their beloved Matthew Street, David M Robinson began crafting diamond jewellery in a small workshop. While Liverpool’s music shook the world, DMR perfected a quieter art - creating heirloom-quality jewellery with the same passion this city poured into its music.
Over 55 years on, their Liverpool ONE flagship is more than a showroom. Many generations of Liverpool families have travelled, and continue to travel, to DMR to find watches and jewellery as timeless as the city’s character and service as friendly as any Merseyside welcome. They understand that certain items, such as fine diamonds and well-made jewellery, never go out of fashion.
Stepping into any DMR showroom is an immersive experience, but nowhere more so than this busy, yet peaceful retail space. The deep connection to Liverpool is immediately felt. “Liverpool is fundamentally part of our identity,” shares Alisha Foulkes, Showroom Manager, her tone reflecting both pride and warmth. “This space at Liverpool ONE is DMR’s home. It’s just a stone’s throw away from where Mr Robinson began – creating quality pieces of jewellery in a small workshop on North John Street. That commitment to crafting exclusive diamond collections with real integrity? It is something that remains at our core today.”
Quality is a non-negotiable for DMR. It earned its reputation through distinctive designs and using precious materials to craft pieces destined to become future heirlooms. Every diamond is selected with a discerning eye by a team of experts at the brand’s Cheshire HQ, every setting executed with precision. “At the heart of it,” Alisha explains thoughtfully, “we believe it is design that makes the difference.”
“While the diamonds possess their own beauty, of course, it’s the unique vision behind each piece that gives it soul and real significance for our clients.”
Now, DMR is embracing an exciting new chapter, firmly rooted in its heritage. “It’s a very energising time for the brand,” Alisha reveals with quiet enthusiasm. “Later this year, we’ll be expanding our jewellery offering. While the specifics are still under wraps so I’m sworn to secrecy, it will be an exciting evolution celebrating the real essence of what we do - striking design, quality craftsmanship and our commitment to exclusivity and quality. We’re moving forwards, but we’re not forgetting our foundation and desire to create distinctive diamond jewellery that is designed to be treasured for many years to come.”
This season, DMR evolves one of its most successful collections with the launch of a new iteration, Giallo Pearl, a deliberate embrace of pearls’ modern revival in fine jewellery. Each piece features interlocking 18ct yellow gold components, with beautiful white
cultured pearls. The collection is inspired by Venice’s love-locked bridges, using precious metal and this unique gem as a symbol of unbreakable bonds. Leading the collection are a fluid 42cm necklet, priced at £3,300, and a matching bracelet for £1,800. Both of the new pieces were designed in the brand’s Atelier, before being lifted from the sketchbook by master goldsmiths, at DMR’s Italian goldsmithing partner. These are versatile pieces for romance, reimagined.
For DMR, luxury extends beyond the object itself. It is intrinsically linked to the experience in its showrooms. “Our passion is equally for the people we serve and the jewellery we create,” Alisha emphasises. “We cherish relationships that often span decades, sometimes generations. Clients know they are entering a space where they are genuinely welcomed and understood, guided by our team who share their appreciation for true craftsmanship. Whether marking a
special moment in life or just seeking something unique, the journey is deeply personal. That sense of trust and connection is absolutely vital to who we are.”
This dedication to authentic, personalised service is the thread woven through DMR’s five-decade history. It’s why clients return – for the expertise of the business’ ‘helpful experts’, the discretion and a shared value for enduring quality. Their prominent Liverpool ONE location anchors this tradition at the centre of the city’s vibrant retail scene.
But over 55 years on from its founding, DMR can now be found across the UK, with showrooms in Manchester, Canary Wharf, Altrincham and a beautiful boutique within Belgravia’s Peninsula Hotel. Their relationship with some of the finest watch manufacturers in the world, including Rolex and Patek Philippe, has led to a further expansion of its retail footprint to include
mono-brand watch boutiques for OMEGA, TUDOR and TAG Heuer across Liverpool and Manchester.
For the discerning reader who values heritage, uncompromising quality and service that feels both knowledgeable and genuinely personal, David M Robinson offers more than jewellery. It is a connection to Liverpool’s craft, a promise of timeless design and the confidence of working with passionate experts dedicated to finding or creating your perfect piece.
David M Robinson provides more than just jewellery for the discerning shopper who appreciates quality and service that feels both informed and personal. It’s a connection to Liverpool’s contemporary style, a promise of distinctive craftsmanship and the knowledge that you’ll have the help of passionate Sales Ambassadors who are dedicated to helping you find or create the piece of your dreams.
DAVID M ROBINSON
“Being the guardian of this long-standing commitment, right here in the heart of Liverpool where it all began, is a real privilege,” Alisha reflects. “And me and the team are genuinely excited about crafting its next beautiful chapter.”
davidmrobinson.co.uk
DAVID M ROBINSON
CHAPTER III
LA DOLCE VITA, REFINED:
Inside an Italian adventure. { Pg. 58)
A first-timer’s Catalan initiation. {Pg. 56} BARCELONA UNBOUND:
The perfect mill Martini. {Pg. 62} ONE LAST DRINK:
Barcelona operates on its own wavelength. Where other European capitals unfold gradually, this Mediterranean city announces itself with confdent fair - a compelling blend of Gaudí’s architectural wonders, vibrant street energy and exceptional food. My initiation came during a packed 24-hour visit that revealed why this city captivates so many.
BARCELONA UNBOUND
A First-Timer’s Catalan Initiation
Barcelona operates on its own wavelength. Where other European capitals unfold gradually, this Mediterranean city announces itself with confident flair - a compelling blend of Gaudí’s architectural wonders, vibrant street energy and exceptional food. My initiation came during a packed 24-hour visit that revealed why this city captivates so many.
We started at Park Güell, Gaudí’s hillside masterpiece. The ascent through steep staircases under 30°C sun proved challenging, but delivered unbelievable rewards. Panoramic city views were framed by mosaic-adorned terraces, showcasing the architect’s distinctive trencadís technique. The playful, yet precise craftsmanship set the tone for the day.
Descending back to the city and heading to the Sagrada Família, we encountered the expected crowds but found the ongoing construction fascinating rather than frustrating. The scale of Gaudí’s unfinished basilica - particularly the forest-like columns and intricate façadescommands attention regardless of scaffolding. With final completion expected for 2026, the next year will be an exciting time for the people of Barcelona, who have seen this masterpiece
raised from the ground for their whole life, as work began back in 1882.
Lunch at Café Pages offered authentic Catalan simplicity: perfectly crisp patatas bravas, garlic-infused mushrooms in olive oil and richly flavoured albóndigas. A reminder that Spain’s culinary reputation rests on excellent ingredients, executed well.
The Gothic Quarter provided atmospheric wandering through narrow medieval lanes, where history meets contemporary boutiques and cafes. Nearby, the Moco Museum presented a well-curated collection of modern greatsBanksy, Basquiat, Warhol - alongside engaging light installations that balanced reverence with accessibility.
A brief stop at Casa Delfín for padrón peppers preceded the afternoon’s calm counterpoint: Parc de la Ciutadella. Rowing on the serene lake offered welcome respite before a refreshing dip at Barceloneta Beach, where locals and visitors mingle in the Mediterranean.
As evening settled, Plaça Reial came alive. Beneath elegant lampposts, designed by a young
Gaudí, we enjoyed a proper seafood paella - the saffron-infused rice generously studded with fresh prawns and mussels.
Night began at Skybar 45 Times Barcelona Hotel with well-crafted Aperol Spritzes against panoramic city views. The true discovery came next: Bobby’s Free, accessed through a vintage barbershop façade into a stylish speakeasy with inventive cocktails and retro-disco ambiance.
We ended at Opium, where the beachfront location and blend of Spanish and international beats created an inclusive, high-energy atmosphere without pretension.
Barcelona excels in balancing spectacle with authenticity. From Gaudí’s architectural legacy to perfectly executed dishes, from medieval alleyways to contemporary galleries, the city offers layered discovery. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity with genuine experiences - vibrant yet unforced, sophisticated yet welcoming. For the discerning traveller seeking culture without stiffness, Barcelona delivers memorable substance.
Words By: Ruby Smallman
La Dolce Vita, Refined.
Essential Journal’s Jamie McFadden surrenders to la dolce vita - from sipping Negronis in Florentine hideaways to scaling Brunelleschi’s dome, before Roman palazzos and papal grandeur rewrite the meaning of luxury.
Stepping into the hushed courtyard of The Place Firenze, the busy, tourist pulse of Florence instantly dissolved. Sunlight dappled through ancient stone, catching the glint of polished brass and the impossibly deep green of potted citrus trees. Before I’d even reached the hotel, driving through the city, its crown jewel commanded attention. The magnificent facade of Santa Maria del Fiore, its intricate patterns of green, white, and pink marble glowing, Brunelleschi’s terracotta dome rising behind it. My visit to The Place wasn’t just a hotel stay; it felt like being granted the keys to a privileged and elegant Florentine residence, just a short walk from the spiritual and artistic heart of the Renaissance.
That sense of intimate access defined our days. Santa Maria del Fiore demanded exploration, both reverent and adventurous. Stepping inside the Cathedral itself was an immediate lesson in scale and serenity. The sheer vastness of the nave, cool and dimly lit, hushed voices instinctively. Eyes drawn upwards, the stunning fresco of The Last Judgment adorning the underside of the dome’s interior provided a dizzying insight to what awaited above. But the true pilgrimage was yet to come - the ascent of Brunelleschi’s Dome.
Climbing the Duomo is not for the faint-hearted (or the claustrophobic). The initial stone steps gave way to increasingly narrow, spiralling passages within the double-shell structure Brunelleschi engineered centuries ago. It’s a physical journey – twisting, sometimes steep, occasionally squeezing past fellow visitors. But what greets you at the end of the ascent is worth the challenge. Emerging finally, onto the outer walkway encircling the lantern, Florence exploded around us in a 360-degree panorama. The view is simply
staggering. Terracotta rooftops stretched to the Tuscan hills. The tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, the spires of lesser churches, the Arno river snaking through the city – it all lay miniature and perfect. Up here, amidst the pigeons and the wind, history and human achievement felt genuinely tangible. It’s an exhausting, exhilarating and utterly essential Florentine experience.
Later, the Accademia Gallery offered a different kind of awe. The anticipation built walking the corridor lined with Michelangelo’s Prisoners, figures straining to escape the marble. Then, David. Smaller than some imagine, yet radiating a power that takes the breath of those who wouldn’t claim to be lovers of art. It transcends art; it’s visceral. The Uffizi, a grand feast for the senses, followed. We surrendered to the river of masterpieces: Botticelli’s ethereal Birth of Venus, the raw drama of Caravaggio’s Medusa. Each hall whispered secrets of the Renaissance.
But Florence reveals its charm in quieter moments too. Wandering back towards The Place one golden afternoon, we stumbled upon a curious sight: a tiny, wooden hatch carved into the thick stone wall of a Renaissance palazzo. This was a Buchette del Vino, one of Florence’s charming medieval “wine windows.” A throwback to history, but now busy with tourists eager to snap a picture and sample the treats - I was happy to join them, purely for editorial reasons, of course.
Evenings belonged to The Kitchen & The Bar at The Place. While every meal was a masterclass in refined Tuscan flavours, the true standout was the Negroni Experience. This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an intimate audience with liquid artistry. Seated at the sleek bar, the passionate team became our
guides through the evolution of this iconic Florentine-born drink. The classic Negroni was perfection itself. But, for me, the Prince of Florence stole the show – a sophisticated twist featuring gin, vermouth, a whisper of local honey and rosemary, creating something both complex and refreshing for an Italian summer. The beauty? This bespoke experience isn’t exclusive to hotel guests. Any discerning cocktail lover can book this unforgettable journey, making it a true insider’s highlight.
Leaving Florence’s embrace was bittersweet, but the sleek Italian train ride swiftly transformed the journey south into a scenic interlude. Rolling hills gave way to the softer landscapes of Lazio, anticipation building towards the Eternal City.
An arrival at the 5* Palazzo Ripetta is nothing short of theatrical. Located on the historic Via Ripetta, moments from the Piazza del Popolo, stepping through its grand entrance felt like entering a living, breathing museum curated exclusively for the modern connoisseur. Opened in 2023 after a meticulous restoration, this independent, family-owned gem (and proud Relais & Châteaux member) is steeped in soul. Its past as a 17th-century convent and conservatory for orphaned girls, offering sanctuary and education in literature, music and gymnastics for nearly 300 years, imbues the space with a profound sense of history. Yet, it pulses with contemporary life. It’s vision extends beyond luxury to responsibility; the hotel proudly holds the Green Key certification, operating as a zero-impact structure powered entirely by renewable energy
The restoration is breathtaking. Our room, swathed in rich, orange and green velvets with chandeliers and lamps sourced from Venice, was an experience in itself. The public spaces are an immersive art pilgrimage, with sculptures by Pomodoro and Ortiz, and pieces by Warhol and Sinisca.
Dining at San Baylon, tucked within the palazzo’s elegant embrace, was an experience in itself. The atmosphere is intimate, refined, yet wonderfully unstuffy. It’s team focuses on “essential” dishes – a philosophy that translates to pure, unadulterated flavour elevated by technical brilliance. A seemingly simple plin with white ragout, seaweed cream and fermented mushroom exploded with depth and peppery warmth. A delicate monkfish tasted like the essence of the Mediterranean. Each plate was artistry, created in the open kitchen and paired by a knowledgeable sommelier. For warmer moments, the hotel’s courtyard, with its luxurious seating area, created an oasis within this busy city, and on the rooftop Etere terrace provides panoramic views to accompany a nightcap.
Rome demands engagement with its monumental past. Visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is always profound, but during this Jubilee Year a unique energy hummed through the corridors. Being just months into the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, added another layer of historical resonance. Navigating the river of visitors felt part of the experience, culminating in the hushed awe of the Sistine Chapel. Craning our necks, Michelangelo’s ceiling is still a shock to the system: the vibrant, restored colours, the sheer weight of faith and genius pressing down. A moment that etches itself onto your soul.
Palazzo Ripetta’s prime location meant the Spanish Steps Via del Corso and the Pantheon were mere strolls away. We found ourselves drawn back to the hotel’s embrace – not just as a luxurious base, but as a dynamic cultural hub. The integration of high fashion and its very architecture creates a vibrant dialogue.
From the intimate embrace of The Place Firenze to the palatial sanctuary of Palazzo Ripetta the culinary perfection of San Baylon and the overwhelming legacy of Rome’s art and faith, this journey captured the incredible spectrum of Italian la dolce vita It was a potent reminder that true luxury lies not just in opulent surroundings, but in deeply felt experiences. Italy, experienced with such refined sensibility, remains utterly, irresistibly eternal.
T he Place Firenze, P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 7, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
One Last Drink
Trufle Olive Martini
Forget predictable pub crawls. Wigan’s got a new heavyweight, The Three Mills. Opened in May as the latest addition to Heaton Group’s Cotton Works regeneration project, it’s more than a pub, it’s a destination. Housed within a stunningly restored Victorian mill, it masterfully blends industrial gritthink soaring ceilings, exposed brick whispering back to its heritage - with sleek, contemporary comfort. With low-slung leather, warm brass and lighting that makes everything – and everyone – look good, The Three Mills has rapidly become the place to be in the town each weekend, combining its food and beverage ofering with space that locals can camp out to work remotely during the week. It hums with that rare buzz - Northern confdence, meets modern aspiration.
Your perfect finale here? Ditch the standard order. Embrace their signature Trufle Olive Martini. It’s a gutsy, savoury revelation - complex, perfectly balanced and utterly of this place. A properly grown-up last sip in a space that celebrates Wigan’s past while frmly writing its future.
