Your Canary Wharf

newbie

Founded in Sweden in 2010, Newbie is a lifestyle brand dedicated to children and the memories they create. With sustainability at its core, the brand offers timeless clothing for ages 0-8, designed to be worn, cherished, and passed on. Each piece is imagined with a nostalgic sensibility - soft colours inspired by nature, delicate hand-drawn prints, and details that combine comfort with enduring quality.

Newbie garments are more than clothing; they are companions to life’s first milestones. From tentative first steps to magical childhood moments, each piece becomes part of a family’s story. Designed with longevity in mind, the collections coordinate seamlessly across seasons, making them easy to share between siblings or preserve for future generations.

A spirit of care runs through the brand’s work. Organic cotton and responsibly sourced materials form the foundation of the collections, including the limited-edition Rescued Fabrics line, crafted from unused textiles reimagined into new garments. Alongside children’s clothing, the Newbie Woman range allows parents to embrace matching looks, while home accessories - from bedding to toys - bring the same gentle aesthetic into the nursery.

Now celebrating 15 years, Newbie continues to honour its founding vision: creating clothing that lasts beyond childhood. With eleven UK boutiques, including Canary Wharf, Richmond, and White City in London, the brand is expanding its physical presence, offering families the chance to experience its world in person.

For Newbie, beauty is not only in the fabric or the design, but in the memories made while wearing them - treasures to be cherished today, and passed on tomorrow.

Cinema

REIMAGINED AT HOME

During Milan Design Week 2025, two masters of design - Poltrona Frau and Leica - unveiled a vision that transforms living spaces into private sanctuaries of style and cinematic wonder. The collaboration introduces a special edition of the Fidelio Multimedia Cabinet, a piece of sculptural elegance reborn to embrace Leica’s Cine 1 laser TV with its expansive 100-inch projection screen.

Designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, the Fidelio Cabinet has always embodied quiet sophistication. Now, reimagined for the Cine 1, it becomes something more: a stage where Italian leather, ash wood, and modern technology come together in perfect balance. At the press of a button, the screen unfurls, light floods the room, and a living space is transformed into a private cinema. When the film ends, the magic vanishes seamlessly back into the cabinet, leaving behind only refined simplicity.

Every element tells a story of craftsmanship - Pelle Frau® Saddle leather stitched with precision, the warmth of natural wood, the lightness of form. And within, Leica’s Cine 1: a marvel of optical engineering. Triple-RGB laser brilliance, the legendary Summicron lens, and Leica’s own image optimization combine with Dolby Atmos ® sound to create an experience as intimate as it is spectacular.

This is more than furniture. More than technology. It is cinema as a way of living - a dialogue between heritage and innovation, between Italian artistry and German precision.

The Poltrona Frau Fidelio Multimedia Cabinet and the Leica Cine 1 are available separately worldwide, yet designed as one harmonious vision. Together, they embody the future of home cinema: discreet, immersive, and undeniably luxurious.

poltronafrau.com

yourMedia London

Editor-In-Chief

Emma Tompkins emma.tompkins@yourmedialondon.co.uk

Editorial Director

Jennifer Tompkins jennifer.tompkins@yourmedialondon.co.uk

Design Director Lyndon Ford lyndon.ford@yourmedialondon.co.uk

Commercial Director

Paul Gregory paul.gregory@yourmedialondon.co.uk

Accounts accounts@yourmedialondon.co.uk

+44(0)20 3150 2555 contact@yourmedialondon.co.uk yourmedia.london

Your Media London, Cascades, 2 Westferry Road, London E14 8JN

18 Skate

One of the first ice rinks opens its doors for the winter, and it’s one of the best.

34 The House Tweed

Holland & Holland deliver a stunning collection in a beautiful house tweed.

50 New Season Skincare

Some of the finest skincare products available to help your skin through the seasonal change.

80 Mexican Oasis

Perfectly positioned on the Cancun coast, Ava Resort offers an idyllic escape.

122 Seasonal Sips

A selection of drinks to enjoy as the weather transitions, from wine to spirits.

132 Rolls-Royce Spectre

The Spectre Inspired by Primavera showcases the very best Rolls-Royce has to offer.

STEINWAY & SONS

The world’s finest piano makers, Steinway & Sons have set an uncompromising and unbeatable standard for sound, craftsmanship, design and investment. The choice of nine out of ten concert pianists, as well as countless professionals and amateurs. The company only has two factories worldwide, based in Hamburg and New York. Since 1853, Steinway & Sons have been making fine pianos to uncompromising standards each one requiring up to a full year to complete. In 1853, Henry Steinway set the standard: “To Build The Best Piano Possible”. and today the brand is still committed to the highest standard of piano maintenance and restoration possible. The London branch of Steinway & Sons on Marylebone Lane opened in 1875 and since then, Steinway pianos have been tuned and restored directly on the premises.

Steinway Hall, 44 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2DB | steinway.co.uk

STEINWAY & SONS

Technicians from Steinway agents worldwide, as well as UK apprentices, have learnt and passed down the unique skills developed here in London for over 150 years. A reputation for the highest quality repairs and servicing on Steinway pianos has spread internationally. Here, they work tirelessly to restore and service pianos from concert venues, recording studios, conservatoires, schools and private clients including many distinguished concert pianists.

Steinway pianos are built to last. There are many instruments well over a hundred years old that are still playable and continue to give pleasure to their owners. However, the piano is a percussive instrument and has many mechanical parts which do wear out over time. Much of the instrument is made of wood and felt which can deteriorate if not kept in an ideal climate. This is why the Steinway Service Centre is such an invaluable resource for Steinway owners who treasure their pianos and want to protect its quality and performance. So, whether your cherished Steinway is in need of tuning, voicing, regulation, restoration or re-polishing, technicians are on hand to offer assessment, valuation and transport of Steinway pianos directly to the service centre. Only genuine Steinway parts are used, to guarantee that your piano remains 100% a Steinway and all work is backed by a Steinway warranty. You’ll also receive a dated certification record on all services performed which can be used for future investment appraisal or sale - not that we are sure you’ll ever want to part from your prised possession!

Aside from repairs and restoration, Steinway Hall is a fantastic place to discover a Steinway for yourself. Budding pianists are encouraged to come to the showroom to play on the display pieces, or even hire one of the two practice rooms for just £20.00 an hour and play on either a Model C Grand, Model V upright or Model B Grand. If you do not own a Steinway and would like to hire one for a concert, recording or event Steinway & Sons also offers a piano hire service.

The Hall also plays host to a series of concerts. The Keyboard Charitable Trust holds a free recital series at Steinway Hall, with concerts given by young pianists currently supported by the Keyboard Trust. Concerts are free of charge, with donations to the Trust welcomed. Upcoming concert dates include the 16th October and 13th November. The Royal Academy of Music will also play on the 9th October.

The esteemed brand recently collaborated with London-based Creative House, Based Upon. Renowned for imbuing works with meaning, Based Upon has incorporated clever references of London onto a Steinway & Sons Model B Spirio | r.

Steinway Hall, 44 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2DB

A creative house of artists, designers and adventurers, founded by twin brothers Ian and Richard Abell with Alex Welch, Based Upon has drawn inspiration from the city reflecting the brand’s dedication to displaying multi-layered narratives that showcase the profound connections between their creations and their origins.

The studio’s commitment to the highest possible level of craftsmanship, not only perfect aligns them with Steinway & Sons, but also ensures these creations stand the test of time. Telling stories and reflecting personal values that continue across many lifetimes. Each piece becomes an heirloom, carrying the essence of family history and cultural heritage.

‘The London’ Collection follows the previous one-of-one Based Upon Steinway & Sons Piano, ‘The Manhattan’.

Based Upon’s collaboration with Steinway & Sons is an extension of the studio’s initial foray into the wonderful world of pianos, following the sell-out success of its previous edition of five, ‘The Baby’. Now residing in some of the world’s most notable private collections, the question ‘Is this based upon a Steinway & Sons piano’ was frequently asked, leading Based Upon to pursue a collaborative relationship with the makers of the world’s finest pianos.

Elegantly showcasing the capital, ‘The London’ features the delicate leaves of the London Plane tree, a species found in the city’s iconic green locations such as The Mall, Berkeley Square and Regents Park. The veins of the leaf are redolent of London’s fabled streets. The tree’s leaves have been cast in brass to form the piano’s music desk. On the underside of the lid, the leaf is subtly places as through motion, caught by the wind, carried by the notes of music, while the topstick is an abstraction of a Plane tree’s branch.

London’s skyline is elegantly depicted on the piano’s hinge, based on a series of photographs taken by Based Upon as they walked the banks of the city’s River Thames.

At the heart of ‘The London’ is Steinway & Son’s Model B, handcrafted in the company’s Hamburg factory and often referred to by pianists as ‘the perfect piano’. At 6’ 11” long, it is a wonderfully balanced and versatile instrument featuring Steinway’s latest technology, Spirio | r - the world’s finest high-resolution player piano capable of live performance capture and playback.

A truly inspiring innovation in the world of music, the Spirio | r offers a wealth of new experiences of playing music in the home, enabling recording, editing of performances, connectivity for sharing music and a playback quality that is precise and nuanced. By owning one, you can tune in real-time to listen to Steinway & Sons exclusive performances with world-class musicians, all in the comfort of your own home.

Spirio | r stores and plays music and videos directly from the instrument, with immediate response and uninterrupted playback. This not only means you can play the instrument like any other Steinway but it also cleverly captures the most nuanced musical passages, precisely reproducing the loudest, softest and fastest notes with a touch of the exclusive Spirio app on the complimentary iPad Pro that’s included with purchase.

‘The London’ is available for commission via Steinway & Sons and is also now available in white.

Booking for Keyboard Trust concerts can be done by emailing Rebecca Windram (Keyboard Trust Administrator) at rebecca@keyboardtrust.org. Booking for other Steinway Hall concerts is not necessary unless specified. See steinway.co.uk for listings.

020 7487 3391 | info@steinway.co.uk | steinway.co.uk

SCULPTURE IN THE CITY

This year Sculpture in the City presents 11 distinctive artworks for its 14th edition. Transforming the City of London into a vibrant open-air gallery, three new large-scale works by Ai Wewei, Jane and Louise Wilson, and Andrew Sabin, have joined pieces by Julian Opie, Maya Rose Edwards, Samuel Ross, Richard Mackness, Elisa Artersero, Daniel Silver and Oliver Bragg.

The 14th edition of Sculpture in the City places worldclass public art in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic urban environments and is delivered by the City of London Corporation, alongside LACUNA, a leading cultural studio.

This edition marks the return of Aiwewei, following his participation in the 5th edition in 2015. Situated at St. Botolph without Bishopsgate, Roots: Palace was created in collaboration with Brazilian artisans and communities. Cast from the roots of endangered trees, it explores uprootedness, linked to Ai Weiwei’s personal exile.

sculptureinthecity.org.uk

A new work by artist duo, Jane and Louise Wilson, Dendrophiles, looks at the City’s ancient past, and its relationship with the modern skyline. The artists worked with archaeological material, ancient wooden samples that were once part of a river crossing, and combined them with DNA imagery, spotlighting hidden stories beneath London’s architecture.

Other highlights include Kissing Gate by Maya Rose Edwards in Aldgate Square and Temple by Richard Mackness on the corner of 99 Bishopsgate and Wormwood Street; and CAUCUS, by Samuel Ross, which invites interactions from the public with the sculpture encouraging familiar gestures like sitting, standing, and leaning.

The Classic Boat Festival

The Classic Boat Festival returns to St Katharine Docks on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September 2025, marking the 16th edition of London’s premier maritime celebration. This year’s festival promises to be the most spectacular yet, as over 50 beautiful vintage and exquisitely preserved vessels assemble in the historic central and west basins of London’s only central marina.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the docks, this extraordinary floating spectacle showcases the industrial heritage of the Thames and highlights the traditional craftsmanship of generations of British shipbuilders. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to step aboard legendary vessels and meet the passionate owners who have lovingly preserved these nautical treasures.

The festival’s crown jewels are undoubtedly several of the surviving Dunkirk Little Ships, which sailed across the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers in 1940. These brave vessels, once part of the legendary evacuation that saved over 330,000 troops, will be open to the public, allowing visitors to touch living history and hear their remarkable stories firsthand. Joining these war heroes will be an impressive fleet, including motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range, historic tugs, and a commanding Navy P2000 vessel. The festival extends into the west basin this year, with larger vessels such as Thames sailing barges (including previous festival favourites such as the Edith May and the Adieu) displayed along the public pontoon, creating an even more immersive experience for maritime enthusiasts.

Carefully curated to provide a perfect day for the entire family, both children and adults will be captivated by the opportunity to climb aboard many of the boats and chat with their caring owners, who are always eager to share fascinating tales of restoration, adventure, and maritime tradition.

Featuring a variety of activities, including live music, informative talks, and children’s activities, there is entertainment for all ages. Food and drink stalls, along with dockside bars and restaurants, will provide delicious refreshments while visitors soak up the unique atmosphere.

Offering free entry for all, take advantage of your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of maritime heritage at London’s largest marina on the 6th and 7th of September for a weekend of nautical wonders and family fun.

skdocks.co.uk/events/classic-boat-festival-2025

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE

Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays returns this winter, bringing the enchantment of the festive season to London’s most iconic courtyard. From November, Somerset House will transform into a scene from a beloved Christmas movie. Visitors can glide across the ice with loved ones, enjoy a cosy drink by the rink, indulge in a delectable festive feast, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in the heart of the city. The dazzling 40ft Christmas tree - decorated courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Holidays - set against the neoclassical architecture of the courtyard will create the perfect setting for a unique and unforgettable festive experience.

In celebration of Somerset House’s 25th Birthday, this year’s Skate will feature its most ambitious artistic installation to date with a special commission by artist Harold Offeh. The ice rink itself will become a communal canvas where skaters can unleash their creativity to become the latest artists on show at Somerset House, making playful movements and dynamic drawings on the ice, inspired by Offeh’s Creating Patterns series.

Rink side visitors can sit back and relax in the Skate Lounge where mulled wine, hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks and treats can be enjoyed with a view of the ice rink. Cosy Alpineinspired restaurant, The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia will return to Skate, with a winter warming menu including Jimmy’s signature freshly cut raclette, served with charcuterie, buttered new potatoes, in-house freshly baked bread, cornichons and salad. Blondies Kitchen will join the line-up at Skate for the first time with a bespoke menu featuring festive fan favourites, Mince Pie Cookie Cups.

Skate Lates will transform selected weekday nights into the most original open-air party of the season. Skaters can take a spin beneath the stars until 11pm, whether catching up with friends or on a romantic date. London’s hottest DJs will set the vibe rink-side, with special takeovers of Skate’s soundtrack each evening. This year’s Skate Lates line-up features party-starting sets from the trailblazing Foundation FM, NTS legend Ruf Dug, and queer dance collective Sue Veneers. In celebration of Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots - the acclaimed photographer’s debut exhibition at Somerset House - Skate Lates will present a special hip-hop and dancehall takeover, complete with mixes featuring

generations of influential artists inimitably photographed by Baptiste. All DJ sets will be livestreamed directly to the Skate Lounge, so visitors never miss a beat.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays will also play host to a series of themed dedicated sessions, bringing their holiday cheer and signature special touches to Somerset House. Skaters and spectators will receive five-star treatment and the chance to win exclusive prizes, to make this winter the most memorable yet.

For those looking for an extra special Christmas gift with meaning, Shelter Boutique brought to you by HSBC UK will be the go-to destination for style-savvy shoppers looking to give back. In support of Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, this year’s boutique will feature guest takeovers from premium brands like Oliver Bonas, Nobody’s Child and All Saints who’ll be donating stock each week in the run-up to Christmas - ready to be snapped up at great prices. With all proceeds going to help fund Shelter’s vital work, visitors can shop with purpose while finding the perfect gifts for loved ones. Shelter will also host a series of wreath-making workshops, using repurposed fabrics, to create a stylish and sustainable festive statement for the home.

What’s more the much-loved Skate School will return to Somerset House for another season, offering beginners and enthusiasts the opportunity to brush up their skills and become skating superstars with daytime coaching sessions run by National Ice Skating Association (NISA) accredited instructors. Children aged 6-10 can take their first steps on the ice in the safe, fun and friendly environment of Kids’ Skate Club, using individual stabilisers and support from Skate’s experienced team of ice marshals. Reduced capacity Chilled Out sessions will run on select weekday mornings, and Somerset House welcomes wheelchair users to Skate, with options for both general sessions and dedicated wheelchair sessions on the ice. Visitors are also welcome to soak up the courtyard festive atmosphere free of charge as a spectator rink side, all of which is wheelchair accessible.

Tickets are available from £11.00 and the rink will be running until 11 January 2026. Book tickets online at Somerset House from September 2025. Early booking recommended to avoid missing out.

Skate, Somerset House Trust, South Building, Somerset House, London, WC2R 1LA | somersethouse.org.uk

SOLO

Last June, during the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show (Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace - SIAE) at Le Bourget, Bell & Ross officially unveiled its partnership with the Rafale Solo Display, the Rafale’s official flight demonstration program operated by the French Air and Space Force.

This collaboration further reinforces the connection between the brand and aviation professionals. Driven by shared values of innovation, precision, and performance, Bell & Ross - already a partner of the Patrouille de France - now joins forces with this ambassador of the French Air and Space Force, whose mission is to demonstrate the excellence of the Rafale through perfectly choreographed aerial performances.

Inside the Rafale cockpit, a Bell & Ross watch feels right at home. It’s not just about design, even if the brand’s aesthetic codes are in perfect harmony with the dashboard flight instruments. It’s above all a philosophy and a demand for excellence. The pilot’s precision in flight mirrors that of the instrument - they become one.

Closely connected to the aeronautical world

since its beginnings and chosen by many civilian and military professional pilots, Bell & Ross has solidified its commitment to this field through numerous significant partnerships, especially with elite units and air forces. One of the most emblematic is, of course, the partnership established in 2021 with the Patrouille de France.

The Rafale is undoubtedly one of the best fighter aircrafts in the world. Its technological superiority and agility in flight make it the flagship of its manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, and a symbol of excellence for the French aerospace industry. To showcase its exceptional flight capabilities, the French Air and Space Force stages breathtaking aerial demonstrations.

Every Rafale Solo Display flight is a captivating show and a performance of exceptional precision. At the controls of the Rafale, the pilot operates at speeds ranging from 200 to 1100 km/h. He must be able to rely on the immediate and perfect readability of his cockpit instruments. Time is a decisive factor for the safe and flawless execution of every manouver.

YOUR WATCH

The new BR-03 Rafale Solo Display chronograph has been designed for high performance in extreme conditions. Robust, its case is made of high-tech black ceramic that is resistant to scratches. Precise, the chronograph is powered by an automatic movement, the BR-CAL.301 calibre, with a 42-hour power reserve. Readable, the dial features visual elements inspired by the world of fighter jets - such as the yellow dotted line around the date window - and highlights precision-related indicators, especially through the two orange hands for the chronograph function. The indexes and subdials are coated with photoluminescent material for optimal readability in the dark.

Finally, the Rafale Solo Display logo appears at the bottom of the dial, as a mark of quality for a chronograph used and approved by an elite fighter pilot. Precise, fast, and efficient, this exclusive limited edition of 500 pieces stands as a testament to the relationship of trust between Bell & Ross and pilots.

Designed for Rafale pilots and offered to enthusiasts of elite aviation, the BR-03 Chrono Rafale Solo Display watch celebrates the exceptional performance of this unit and illustrates Bell & Ross’s ongoing commitment to the world of aviation.

IRONMAN

Breitling continues its partnership with Ironman® by introducing two limited edition models: the Endurance Pro Ironman World Championship ® 2025 edition in titanium; and the Endurance Pro Ironman 70.3 ® World Championship 2025 edition in Breitlight ®

Made for the toughest triathletes and everyday adventurers alike, these watches celebrate the 2025 Ironman World Championship events taking place in Nice, France, and KailuaKona, Hawaii; and the 2025 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain.

The Ironman World Championship is considered one of the toughest single-day endurance races on the planet and is known for being a true test of heart, body, and soul. The real challenge begins before the gun goes off, with years of training and thousands of miles covered. With the Endurance Pro Ironman, users have the perfect tool to keep on track and take them beyond the breaking point of mere ambition.

Breitling, the Swiss luxury watchmaker that has built timepieces since 1884, has been the official luxury watch partner of the Ironman triathlon since 2021 and supports a dedicated Triathlon Squad, which includes Ironman champions Lucy Charles-Barclay and Sam Laidlow.

“The spirit of Ironman matches the essence of Breitling,” says CEO Georges Kern. “Precision, performance, and pushing yourself further. These watches are a tribute to those who commit themselves fully to the challenge.”

Limited to 500 pieces, and commemorating both the men’s race in Nice, France, on September 14, 2025, and the women’s race in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on October 11, 2025, this 44 mmdiameter Endurance Pro model is made from high-performance titanium - 43% lighter than stainless steel, and tough enough for any terrain. A blue Ironman-branded rubber strap ensures maximum comfort and durability, and the grey dial features this championship’s unique Ironman logo at 6 o’clock.

The logo depicts an eagle and a turtle, which showcase the nature of Nice and Hawaii, and also symbolise the inner strength and resilience necessary for Ironman athletes to strive toward their goals. With its limited production, unique material, and custom design, this Endurance Pro is the premium model in the lineup.

Limited to 300 pieces, and in commemoration of the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, the limitededition Endurance Pro celebrates both the women’s race on November 8 and the men’s race on November 9, 2025. The dial features turquoise with orange accents, matching the unique Ironman 70.3 World Championship logo at 6 o’clock - which uses imagery evocative of the Andalusian culture: a typical arched door and decorative tile, surrounded by nature.

Complementing the dial, the watch comes with a turquoise Ironman-branded rubber strap, ensuring maximum comfort and durability. The 44 mm-diameter case is made of Breitlight, Breitling’s proprietary material, which is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel. Breitlight is hypoallergenic, has a warmer-than-metal touch, is thermally stable, and resistant to scratches.

The Endurance Pro performs everywhere from water to land and doubles as a robust and stylish everyday watch. Both Endurance Pro models are powered by Breitling’s caliber 82, a thermocompensated, COSC-certified SuperQuartz™ movement. With their 100m water resistance, solar compass, date, pulsometer scale, and chronograph, they are designed for athletes pushing through the most demanding races on earth.

Both references will be sold exclusively at breitling.com, at select Breitling boutiques and retailers, or at the race locations in Nice, France, and Marbella, Spain. The Endurance Pro Ironman World Championship is available now, with the Ironman 70.3 World Championship Edition being available starting October 2025.

breitling.com | ironman.com

YOUR WATCH

MARINA MILITARE

The collaboration between Panerai and the Italian Navy is a defining chapter in Panerai’s history, one that began in the 1910s and has spanned over a century. Initially tasked with designing precision instruments for the Italian Navy’s missions, Panerai pioneered technical solutions that enhanced military operations in extreme conditions and environments.

This partnership extended beyond watches, encompassing innovations such as technical equipment and landing systems for aircraft carriers and helicopters capable ships. Each invention exemplified Panerai’s ingenuity in crafting tools for extreme environments. In 1935, Panerai developed the Ref. 2533 prototype, where Panerai’s technical modifications resulted in a timepiece that could withstand the rigours of underwater missions.

Today, Panerai continues to honour this shared legacy through timepieces combining robust engineering with contemporary functionality. This latest collection is inspired by Aviazione Navale - the Italian Navy aviation branch - whose commitment is providing embarked aircraft as force multipliers of the Fleet in the more challenging environments, projecting at distance operational capabilities on and from the sea wherever they’re needed. The choice of associating with the Aviazione Navale, with its heritage of operational commitment and with some of the most advanced rotary and fixed wing aircraft, reinforces Panerai bonds with the Armed Forces, closely linked to the brand’s DNA of designing professional tool watches that excel in precision, durability, and toughness. This enduring partnership between two Italian names, celebrates a mutual dedication to innovation and purpose.

The Submersible Marina Militare PAM01697 and Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech™ PAM01698 represent the maximum expression of Panerai’s enduring collaboration with the Italian Navy, reflecting decades of precision engineering and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the elite Aviazione Navale, it showcases Panerai’s ability to create purpose- driven timepieces featuring cutting-edge materials and advanced functionality while paying homage to its legacy.

“The new Submersible Marina Militare timepieces are symbols of our enduring partnership with the Italian Navy, a relationship that began in the 1910s and remains a cornerstone of our DNA. Designed as true tool watches, these timepieces honour our legacy of engineering precision instruments for survival and adventure. This launch continues our mission to create timepieces that reflect Panerai’s military heritage while inspiring extraordinary journeys in the toughest conditions,” says Alessandro Ficarelli, Chief Marketing and Product Officer of Panerai.

The new timepieces are powered by the automatic P.900 calibre, integrating expansive functions within the confines of remarkably streamlined proportions. It measures 12½ lignes (28mm) in diameter and is only 4.2 mm thick. The energy necessary to accumulate a power reserve of three days is delivered by a bidirectional oscillating weight and stored in a single barrel. Its balance wheel, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, is securely fixed in position by a balance cock. The calibre is equipped with a stop-second function that enables precise time setting.

PAM01697’s 44mm case is constructed from brushed 316LVM - 1.4441 stainless steel, and the unidirectional rotating bezel is paired with a matt green ceramic disk. PAM01698’s case is made entirely of Carbotech™, a material renowned for its lightweight and robust nature, crafted from carbon fibres. The manufacturing process of Carbotech involves compressing carbon fibre sheets at a precise temperature and high pressure along with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), a superior polymer that reinforces the composite, enhancing its strength and longevity. The resultant Carbotech plates boast superior mechanical properties and performance in terms of strength-to-weight ratio, enabling very comfortable ergonomics while being resistant to tough wear conditions. Notably lighter than titanium and ceramic, Carbotech excels in resistance to external forces and corrosion. Its uneven, matt black surface, which varies according to the cutting of the material, lends every singular watch a slightly different appearance. Both timepieces feature green-grained matt dials with a black gradient finish - inspired by Aviazione Navale aircrew flight gear and helmets - and a Marina Militare signature at 6 o’clock.

Grey Super-LumiNova®, taking after the colours of Aviazione Navale aircraft, enhances legibility in low-light conditions, while the small seconds counter’s design resembles a radar display, with the historical Aviazione Navale aircraft’s anchor insignia subtly engraved. The dials’ applied indexes are wider by 20% in diameter with an expanded Super-LumiNova surface area by 45%, ensuring enhanced readability and improved visibility in low-light conditions, an especially useful feat in challenging environments.

The case backs are engraved with the Aviazione Navale wings emblem, a first in Panerai’s collections, completing the watches’ refined yet robust design. Designed also for deep-sea exploration, the novelties are water resistant up to 30 bar (~300 meters), and as with all Panerai watches, these timepieces are tested to +25% of their stated water resistance. The two Submersible watches are matched with green canvas straps with distinctive T/T stitching, delivering durability and a nod to the military uniforms and they are both paired with a second black rubber strap.

Panerai watches are sold across the world through an exclusive network of distributors and Panerai boutiques.

panerai.com

FINE HOROLOGY

Piaget has unveiled the ultimate expression of elegance and innovation with two new Altiplano models in gold and khaki green.

Showcasing its dual mastery of watchmaking and jewellery, Piaget proudly introduces two extraordinary timepieces that redefine the limits of elegance and innovation: the Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon and the Altiplano 910P.

Since the introduction of the legendary 9P movement in 1957, followed by the groundbreaking 12P in 1960, Piaget has set the standard for ultra-thin watchmaking. The Altiplano collection, born from this spirit of innovation, has become synonymous with mechanical elegance, technical audacity, and timeless purity. With these latest creations, Piaget writes a new chapter in this storied tradition, merging Maison’s horological expertise with its deep-rooted artistry in jewellery and design. Today, the Altiplano continues to break records and push boundaries, most recently with the Altiplano Ultimate Concept winning the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the 2020 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. These new Altiplano creations mark the pinnacle of a nearly seven-decade journey - an audacious evolution of a modern watchmaking icon that continues to redefine the boundaries of elegance, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Following the 2024 debut of the Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon 150th Limited Edition, The new interpretation is distinguished by a sophisticated colour palette of khaki green and yellow gold. The cobalt alloy case is still 2.0mm thin. As has always been the case at Piaget, technical innovation is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve aesthetic purity, a vision of elegance where mechanics disappear into design.

In the AUC Tourbillon, there is no separation between case and movement - each element is engineered with the same uncompromising precision. The caseback itself serves as the movement’s mainplate, a feat of integration where not a single millimeter is wasted in Piaget’s relentless pursuit of ultra-thin perfection. Crafted from cobalt alloy, a material known for its resistance, the 41.5 mm case of the AUC Tourbillon also adds a sapphire caseback for the first time, giving full view of the calibre 970P-UC. The calibre now features a variety of satin-brushed and polished finishes, bringing a more sophisticated, contemporary character to the piece. The caseback bears two engraved tributes: the brand’s motto, “Always do better than necessary”, and “La Côte-aux-Fées,” the name of the historic village where Piaget was founded and continues to craft its most exceptional pieces.

In a nod to the Altiplano’s design heritage, Piaget has

subtly reinterpreted its signature cross-shaped motif, historically seen on the Altiplano, now replicated across the ratchet wheel, balance wheel, and screw arrangement. This symbolic touch reinforces the connection between heritage and innovation. The AUC Tourbillon is paired on a matching khaki green calfskin strap featuring a newly developed pattern called “Polish Mesh” that evokes Piaget’s goldsmithing savoir-faire.

The AUC Tourbillon will now join the AUC and the Andy Warhol collection as part of Piaget’s Infinitely Personal program. Clients will be invited to co-create their own AUC Tourbillon through a dedicated online configurator, working alongside sales advisors to select custom finishes, materials, and engravings, transforming this groundbreaking timepiece into a unique expression of personal style, true to a long-held ideal that each Piaget piece should be as unique as the individual wearing it.

Complementing the Tourbillon is the Altiplano 910P - a no less distinctive interpretation of Piaget’s ultra-thin legacy. Measuring just 4.3 mm thick, the 41 mm case is made for the first time in yellow gold, creating a radiant contrast with the rich khaki green dial and matching alligator strap.

While Piaget’s goldsmithing is celebrated in its bracelets and High Jewellery, here it seamlessly intertwines with the Maison’s other great triumph - ultrathin watchmaking - to create a timepiece where technical precision and precious metal artistry are one and the same.

The ultra-thin calibre 910P isn’t just an engineering feat - it’s a visual statement, with bridges finished in khaki green and a peripheral rotor rendered in slate grey and green tones, designed to complement the warmth of the yellow gold case and provide visual interest while preserving the watch’s svelte proportions. This new edition of the Ultimate Automatic draws direct inspiration from the AUC Tourbillon, with the same subtle cross-shaped pattern appearing on the dial screws - a bridge that ties both models together in form and philosophy.

Conceived as expressions of elegance for both men and women, these timepieces transcend conventional boundaries through their balanced proportions, sophisticated palette, and uncompromising focus on form and function. With their ultra-thin profiles and artistic detailing, they appeal to a new generation of collectors who value both mechanical excellence and distinctive design as only Piaget can. It is style and substance - ultra-thin audacity wrapped in the ultimate aesthetics.

ZEITWERK

A. Lange & Söhne have launched a new version of its progressive, mechanical digital watch, featuring a ring-shaped date display. The first model of the Zeitwerk watch family that combines the warm hue of pink gold with a grey dial, the new timepiece is a fine timepiece to behold.

In 2009, A. Lange & Söhne took the world of precision watchmaking by surprise by launching a trailblazing watch: the Zeitwerk. Its precisely switching digital time display conceals an ingenious mechanical movement. With this disruptive approach, the timepiece appeals to aficionados of traditional watchmaking artistry who also welcome progressive concepts and unconventional solutions.

Apart from the jumping numerals mechanism, the Zeitwerk Date introduced in 2019 is also equipped with an innovative date ring, circling the dial. It is made of printed glass, depicting the numerals 1 to 31. A small colour segment on a ring beneath the date ring performs one step exactly at midnight. Hence, the current date appears in red and, in the course of a month, it moves around the dial, completing one full revolution. At a glance, the wearer can perceive how far the month has progressed. The date can be corrected with the pusher at 8 o’clock: the switching impulse is generated when it is released.

Six years after making its debut in white gold, the Zeitwerk Date showcases the pink gold. Both versions come with a grey dial, elegantly showcasing the mechanical digital time

indication. In the interest of optimised, logical legibility, the two apertures for the prominent hour and minute numerals are arranged from left to right on the centre axis of the dial. The indication is a paragon of precision: within a fraction of a second, the patented jumping numerals mechanism switches the numeral discs - precisely 1,440 times throughout the day.

The time bridge made of German silver is one of the most striking design elements of the Zeitwerk watch family: it offers a fitting stage for the trailblazing and, to date unique, technical concept. It is part of the movement and frames the time indication with the subsidiary seconds dial, thus creating an instantly noticeable connection between the aesthetic appeal of the exterior and the interior mechanics.

Controlled by a patented constant-force escapement, the tremendous force needed to advance the time indication is delivered by an exceedingly powerful twin mainspring barrel. A fly governor absorbs the surplus energy and protects the entire jumping numerals mechanism.

Precisely every 60 seconds, the constant-force escapement provides the switching impulse for the numeral discs. Positioned between mainspring barrel and balance wheel, it makes an important contribution to rate stability by assuring that the balance is powered with a consistent amount of force across the entire power-reserve duration.

“The Zeitwerk Date gives traditional A. Lange & Söhne

alange-soehne.com

watchmaking artistry a distinctive, contemporary face,” explains Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development. “Precisely at midnight, it puts on an exceptional show. Because then, all three jumping numeral discs and the date ring switch simultaneously. At that moment, a force and precision are at work that you imagine can be felt through the case.”

At the heart of the Zeitwerk Date, the manufacture calibre L043.8, beats at a frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 hertz). The manually wound calibre with its twin barrel and two mainsprings assures a power reserve of 72 hours. The sapphire-crystal caseback of the pink-gold case with a diameter of 44.2 millimetres and a height of 12.3 millimetres allows fascinating insights into the exquisite artisanal finish of the 516-part movement.

Technical and aesthetic highlights include the ratchet wheel adorned with solarisation and engraved with the brand name, as well as the delicate constantforce escapement bridge - both providing vivid accents in the harmonious composition of different materials and surface decorations.

THE QUEST

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

Seamlessly blending sporty elegance and versatility with an interchangeable bracelet and two additional straps, Vacheron Constantin enriches the Overseas collection with two new interpretations of the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin: in pink gold with a matching pink gold dial and in white gold with a burgundy lacquer dial. Both models are presented in 41.5 mm cases with 18K gold bracelets and two additional rubber straps in different colours.

With its distinctive design inspired by the Maltese cross, the emblem of the Maison, the Overseas collection deftly balances sporty attributes and casual elegance while the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin model perpetuates the legacy of ultra-thin watchmaking that has long distinguished Vacheron Constantin.

Inspired by the spirit of exploration, Overseas expresses an openness to the world that has been central to the Maison’s philosophy since it was founded in 1755.

Encircling the dial of the pink gold model, a minutes track is marked in blue - a subtle punctuation in the chic tone-on-tone aesthetic of the case, bracelet, sunburst satin-finished dial and matching pink gold moon-phase display. For a more casual and sporty allure, a textured rubber strap in blue or white can be interchanged with the gold bracelet.

The cool tone of the white gold case creates a rich contrast with the burgundy lacquer dial, which is matched by a burgundy moon-phase disc; further contrast provided by white numerals and indexes. In a choice of burgundy and white, the two rubber straps that can be interchanged with the 18K white gold bracelet give the option of a richer palette matching the dial or a cooler palette harmonising with the case and numerals.

Inside, the ultra-thin self-winding movement, Manufacture Calibre 1120 QP/1, incorporates a perpetual calendar and moon-phase display. A perpetual calendar is among the most challenging complications for watchmakers to master because

vacheron-constantin.com

the calendar that governs our lives is a complex arrangement of months of different lengths and an additional day in February every fourth year. This is due to the difference between the measurement of civil time and the astronomical phenomena on which those measurements are based. Like a miniature mechanical computer, a perpetual calendar must automatically adjust to take these anomalies into account; it needs no manual correction until 2100 and, after that, only for the centenary years that are not leap years.

Calibre 1120 QP/1 drives the perpetual calendar functions

- with the day of the week, date, month and leap year on a 48-month counter - as well as the hours, minutes and moon phase display. The movement beats at a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 40-hour power reserve. Comprising 276 components, including 36 jewels, it is just 4.05 mm thick - a feat of miniaturisation that epitomises Vacheron Constantin’s approach to watchmaking.

Finally, the transparent sapphire caseback reveals a 22K gold oscillating weight adorned with a compass rose that symbolises the Overseas spirit of travel and exploration.

EXCALIBUR SPIDER FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH

THE SPIRIT OF RACING, REIMAGINED IN HIGH HOROLOGY

For more than a century, the chronograph has been the trusted companion of motor racing - a tool of precision, measuring every heartbeat of speed. Traditionally, its design leaned toward the utilitarian: bold, sporty, unapologetically functional.

Roger Dubuis dares to take the complication elsewhere. With the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, the Maison reframes the chronograph as an object of haute horlogerie, transforming function into sculpture, precision into performance art.

The chronograph is not a passing chapter in Roger Dubuis’ story - it is a defining one. Before founding his own Maison in 1995, Mr. Dubuis spent nearly a decade immersed exclusively in chronograph movements, cultivating both mastery and passion. Unsurprisingly, the complication featured among his earliest creations. Three decades later, that legacy has matured into the fifth generation of Roger Dubuis chronographs - modern, technical, and unmistakably expressive.

Beating within the Excalibur Spider Flyback is the RD780 calibre, a fully integrated movement designed from the ground up. Its column wheel - prominently displayed at 6 o’clock - is not just functional, but symbolic: a hallmark of fine watchmaking, machined from steel and finished with a rare poli-zinc polish, gleaming like a jewel at the heart of the dial. Each pusher press responds with fluid grace, controlling the start, stop, and reset functions with mechanical poise.

The vertical clutch, echoing the gear shifts of a race car, ensures precision performance while reinforcing the complication’s motor-racing DNA.

At 3 o’clock, the Rotating Minute Counter brings theatre to timekeeping. Its isotoxal form and patent-

pending design pirouette across oversized red numerals in a performance as dynamic as the racing it honors. Alongside it, the Second Braking System steadies the chronograph hand, eliminating flicker and amplifying clarity.

Roger Dubuis’ daring artistry emerges at 9 o’clock, where the tilted balance wheel - angled at 12° - commands attention. Enhanced with diamond-coated silicon escapement components, it resists magnetism while ensuring lasting precision.

The case, 45mm of skeletonised 18K pink gold, balances technical audacity with elegance. Skeletonised pushers extend the architecture; a black rubber strap grounds the piece in contemporary sportiness. Viewed from the front, the symmetrical dial unfolds like a living sculpture, revealing layer upon layer of motion and geometry.

Viewed from the back, the rotor spins like the rim of a supercar wheel - five arms sharpened into Roger Dubuis’ signature lines.

Production is strictly limited to 88 pieces, a nod to the number held dear by Mr. Dubuis himself. That same “88” is discreetly marked on the tachymeter, a secret signature for those who know. Certified by the Poinçon de Genève, each of the 333 components has been finished by hand using 16 distinct techniques - proof of the Maison’s uncompromising artistry.

With 72 hours of power reserve, the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph offers more than endurance. It delivers presence: a watch for those who live fast, embrace boldness, and demand that their timepiece embody both adrenaline and elegance.

This is not just a chronograph. It is Roger Dubuis’ vision of speed, precision, and high horology - distilled into pure expression.

rogerdubuis.com

THE HOUSE TWEED

A New Chapter in Sporting Elegance

For over a century, Holland & Holland has defined a way of life where luxury and performance meet in the field. Now, the storied house introduces a new signature - the Holland & Holland House Tweed - a cloth designed as both a tribute to heritage and a symbol of modern refinement.

This bespoke fabric draws directly from the character of the marque’s legendary shotguns. The deep walnut of polished stocks, the shimmering blues of case-hardened steel, the glint of gold inlays, and the rich green long associated with the house are woven together in a palette that feels both timeless and unmistakably Holland & Holland.

Created in partnership with Lovat Mill, the revered Scottish textile maker, the House Tweed is at once robust and elegant. Its weave carries warmth, resilience, and the understated luxury of natural fibres - tailored into the marque’s signature outerwear and accessories. Field coats, shooting vests, trousers, breeks, skirts, and classic caps are all reimagined through the new fabric, lending each piece both durability and distinction.

“How do you translate the spirit of a Holland & Holland shotgun into a fabric?” asks Emmanuel Guegan, Clothing & Accessories Manager. “By weaving the tones of steel, wood, and gold into tweed, we’ve created something subtle yet strong, elegant yet enduring - a textile that carries the very essence of our house.”

For Alan Cumming, Design Director at Lovat Mill, the collaboration was equally meaningful: “We seldom develop a tweed with such depth of story. Here, tradition and artistry converge. The result is soft, durable, and strikingly beautiful - a material with true soul.”

Available across select Northwood, Harrow, and Highgrove lines, the Holland & Holland House Tweed is offered in Gun Rooms, at the Northwood Shooting Ground, and online at hollandandholland.com/ house-tweed.

This is not simply a fabric. It is an emblem of heritage, a mark of discernment, and a new standard for sartorial elegance in the field.

OPULENCE IN OUD

Exclusively crafted for Harrods by perfumer Christian Provenzano, Rude Oud from Fragrance Du Bois is an addictive and opulent fragrance, opening with saffron and sweet raspberry, followed by a heart of rose intertwined with smoky leather. The scent finishes with a deep Oud and warming amber base to further elevate the luxurious feel of this elegant and modern scent.

This month Creed unveils their Oud Zarian fragrance that's built around one of the rarest ingredients in perfumery: 80-yearaged Oud, sourced from the ancient Sylhet forests of South Asia and entrusted exclusively to Creed.

Created using the entire harvest of this precious Jalali Oud, that's revered for its spiritual depth and artisanal purity, Oud Zarian is a wonderfully rich and woody scent with sensual amber laced through.

Layered with bergamot, frankincense, rose centifolia, sandalwood, and a hint of liquorice root, the luxurious scent marks a bold new chapter for the revered fragrance house.

Oud Zarian, 50ml £350.00 from Creed. Available at Harrods and Creed Boutiques. creedfragrances.co.uk

Rude Oud Parfum, 100ml £295.00 from Fragrance Du Bois. Available at Harrods.

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

FRESH SCENTS

FOR YOUR HAIR, BODY AND HOME

Super refreshing with crisp notes of Granny Smith apple, pear and watermelon, Phlur's Mrs Smith Hair and Body Mist, is a fruity floral blend designed to refresh both the hair and body. At the heart of this vegan body mist, apple blossom, violet and Pink Lady apple bring a gentle floral lift, for natural brightness that lasts long into the day.

Mrs Smith Hair and Body Mist, 8oz £38.00 from Phlur. Available at SpaceNK.

Dreamy, creamy and long-lasting, Lancôme's latest iteration of La Vie Est Belle takes on a vanilla twist to softly move you from summer to autumn. Inspired by the art of French pastry making, the floral fragrance has notes of jasmine, bourbon vanilla and white musk to create an enveloping second skin of warmth.

La Vie Est Belle Vanille Nude, 100ml £127.00 from Lancôme. Available at thefragranceshop.co.uk and lancome.co.uk

Summer may be on its way out but hold on a little longer with Jo Malone London's delectable Raspberry Ripple scent. Together with the sea fresh Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne, this fresh limited edition swirls lush raspberries and redcurrants with white musk for a creamy vibrant scent.

Raspberry Ripple Cologne, 100ml £128.00 from Jo Malone London. jomalone.co.uk

The Cucumber & White Sage Collection from Nest New York is a crisp, cooling blend of chilled cucumber, herbal sage, dewy waterlily, and soft lotus blossom - perfect for resetting your space as we enjoy the last of the warm summer evenings.

Cucumber & White Sage Reed Diffuser £68.00; Candle £55.00 from Nest New York. Available at Cult Beauty.

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

After the success of Le Sel d'Issey Eau de Toilette, Le Sel d’Issey Eau de Parfum takes inspiration from the power of a wave breaking on dry land.

Fresh Le Sel salt accord contrasts against the warmth of smoky incense, dry amber and burning wood. Other notes include laminaria seaweed and earthy oak moss.

Le Sel d’Issey Eau de Parfum, 100ml £126.00 from Issey Miyake. Available at The Perfume Shop.

Luminous and spicy, Castley is Parfums de Marly's latest innovation for the modern man, featuring breezy citrus notes and mineral notes that contrast with the rich and spicy Timut Pepper, amber Labdaum and regal Akigwalawood. Vibrant, confident and addictively fresh, this bold scent is a must have.

Castley, 125ml £255.00 from Parfums de Marly. uk.parfums-de-marly.com

For the third chapter in its Odyssey collection, Amouage has been inspired by its native Oman, following a journey of escapism that comes from exploring its treasures in both physical and spiritual terms. Each eau de parfum pays homage to frankincense as a key ingredient; within Decision, it’s partnered with atlas cedarwood and vanilla for a delicate expression that also boasts notes of pink pepper, bergamot and patchouli.

Odyssey Decision Eau de Parfum, 100ml £320.00 from Amouage. Available at Harrods.

ELEGANT AUTUMNAL AROMAS

A decedent ode to magical atmosphere and hospitality of the world-famed department store Harrods, Amouage's latest expression - Reception, instantly transports you to their home, the Knightsbridge store. Offering a warm welcome through a delectable blend woody and spicy notes of coffee, pink pepper, coriander and juniper, an evening of enchanting glamour awaits through warming notes of vanilla,

guaiacwood, musk, patchouli and frankincense. An experience like no other, like a long-lasting soiree of the senses, it will have you returning to experience the generous welcome time and time again.

Reception Eau de Parfum, 100ml £355.00 from Amouage. Available exclusively at Harrods.

Warm, intimate and sultry, this sustainable jasmine fragrance from Phlur blends notes of bergamot peel, mandarin and freesia with waterlily and vanilla orchid with Indian jasmine sambac absolute to deliver an alluring skin-onskin scent.

Spot

Creamy coconut and tropical tiare blossom mingle with salted musk to create this fresh solar perfume oil from Nest New York. Featuring the essence of fresh coconuts harvested from the islands of Southeast Asia, the sensual note has been artfully blended with luxurious baobab oil for a luxurious formula that melts into your skin while leaving behind a long-lasting fragrance.

from Nest New York. Available at Sephora.

Inspired by the sun-drenched hills of Andalusia where wild cistus fields warm the breeze with the ambery notes of labdanum, Jo Malone London's new Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense joins the brand's Cologne Intense collection of rich scents crafted from rare and precious ingredients from around the world.

Developed by Jo Malone London’s Global Head Of Fragrance Céline Roux and perfumer Yann Vasnier, the new Cologne Intense celebrates the ancient Labdanum at its heart, accompanied by bitter orange on a base of warming amber. Further enhanced by vanilla and roasted oak, this smooth scent leaves a rich, sensual trail.

Amber Labdanum Cologne Intense, 100ml £164.00 from Jo Malone London. Available exclusively at Harrods.

Balinese Coconut Perfume Oil, 30ml £96.00

Soft

Eau de Parfum, 50ml £99.00 from Phlur. Available at Space NK.

& BEAUTY

Gelsomino a Freddo, is Acqua di Parma's latest addition to its Signatures of the Sun collection. Launching this month, the luminous and expressive eau de parfum is inspired by tradition and innovation. Crafted from the ancient technique of cold enfleurage, a thorough and time-consuming process that gently captures the purest olfactive essence of jasmine, the vibrant and bold composition depicts an immersive image in your mind of stepping onto a sundrenched balcony, drawn by the scent of blooming jasmines. The moment calls for stillness an afternoon tea, a pause in time. Gelsomino a Freddo invites you into this suspended instant, blending artisanal heritage with the poetic contrast of light and shadow. Gelsomino a Freddo will be available nationwide from the 2nd September 2025.

Gelsomino a Freddo Eau de Parfum, 12ml vial £56.00; 50ml £205.00; 100ml £290.00; 180ml £370.00; Gelsomino Candle, 200g £85.00; and Gelsomino Diffuser, 180ml £102.00 from Acqua di Parma. acquadiparma.com

L’Interdit Parfum from Givenchy Beauty unveils a new, captivating signature scent with heaps of sensuality. Created by master perfumers Dominique Ropion, Anne Flipo, and Fanny Bal, the floral, woody, balsam fragrance is infused with bitter almond essence. First making its appearance in 1957, then relaunched in 2018, the new composition still embodies L’Interdit’s emblematic white flower bouquet - orange blossom quartet, tuberose, and sambac jasmine - but makes it even more striking, paired with the floral, velvety notes of mimosa absolute.

L’Interdit Parfum, 50ml £106.00; 80ml £130.00 from Givenchy Beauty. givenchybeauty.com

Created exclusively for Harrods, Jusbox's new London Hall fragrance is a vibrant tribute to the creative capital. More than just a city; London has inspired generations of artists. From this vision perfumer Julien Rasquinet composed an olfactory symphony that opens with vibrant spicy notes and unfolds into a floral bouquet inspired by English gardens: rose, freesia, and jasmine bloom over a deep and enigmatic patchouli base. In the dry down, the fragrance ignites into a dark, enveloping trail of Leather, Vetiver and Cedarwood, leaving a majestic and long-lasting impression - a tale of two halves, the opulence of Harrods, combined with the gritty, edgy soul of London and its iconic music scene.

London Hall, 78ml £250.00 from Jusbox. Available exclusively at Harrods.

Joining Initio’s therapeutic Hedonist collection, Lift Me Up is the latest scent designed to help boost your mood during the changing of the seasons. Effortlessly capturing the energy of sunlight thanks to notes of magnolia and bergamot, the uplifting scent further awakens with notes of Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Magnolia, Roasted Tonka Beans, Vanilla and sultry Musk. A pioneer in functional fragrances since 2015, Initio’s fragrances explore the relationship between scent and the brain’s sensory receptors creating eau de parfums scientifically proven to alter your mood.

Lift Me Up £275.00 from Initio Parfums. initioparfums.com

Kilian's new member of the Angels' Share family captures the experience of savouring cognac in Kilian's preferred way - on ice. Opening with an extra dose of Bitter Orange blended into the On The Rocks Accord, the cool cocktail offers up Grapefruit Oil, Lemon Oil, and Bergamot from Italy meet the fresh notes of aldehyde, before making way to the heart of Cinnamon Bark Oil from Laos and Tonka Bean Absolute from Venezuela. Lingering notes of Oak Absolute, expressing a refined sophistication, finish the elegant expression.

Angels' Share On the Rocks, 50ml £210.00 from Kilian Paris. bykilian.com

Aldebaran, a bright orange giant star located in the constellation Taurus, is the second star in the floral constellation imagined by Marc-Antoine Barrois and his long-time accomplice, the perfumer Quentin Bisch. This green take on Tuberose is a bright sparkling creation blended with paprika and tonka, that wears down to a subtly spicy yet sweet and sensuous scent.

Aldebaran £190.00 from MarcAntoine Barrois. Available at harrods.com

Tuberose has had a resurgence in 2025, thanks to a summer trend of bold, sultry florals. Floris London's fresh Tuberose in Silk, boasts fresh green tuberose, iris, orange flower and camphor top notes with intense tuberose and jasmine in the heart. The addition of benzoin, with its resinous mix of sweet and fruity notes, together with soft, warm mus creates a long-lasting, glamorous scent.

Tuberose in Silk Eau de Parfum £180.00 from Floris London. florislondon.com

Solar gourmand, this sparkling fragrance from Ellis Brooklyn is both sweet and salty thanks to notes of Madagascar Vanilla, musk, whipped cream, ylang ylang and sea salt accord.

Vanilla Salt, 50ml £126.00 from Ellis Brooklyn. Available at SpaceNK.

The latest Miller Harris Eau de Parfum, Melody has drawn inspiration from compelling love story; ‘Open Waters’ by Caleb Azumah Nelson. Rose and its link to love was an obvious choice to play the lead note, but that’s where the tradition ends. Created by respected perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur, rose has been elevated from simple ingredient to statement note. Pairing rose damascene absolute with white musk, cashmere wood, bergamot and blackcurrant, she has designed a contemporary scent that tells a story, with each layer designed to evoke a different emotional element.

Melody Eau de Parfum, 100ml £180.00 from Miller Harris. Available from Miller Harris boutiques and millerharris.com

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ideal for those who lean into a natural-looking “no makeup-makeup” aesthetic, this breakthrough formula from natural skincare and makeup pioneers Dr Hauschka finally solves the age-old mascara dilemma of choosing between performance and natural ingredients, delivering an impressive 12 hours of smudge-free wear while actively nourishing lashes.

Rather than simply coating lashes with mineral pigments, the mascara, available in black and brown, also works to enhance, strengthen and care simultaneously - thanks to natural ingredients including beeswax and black tea. Natrue-certified and dermatologically tested, it's gentle enough even for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, and there's no clumping or melting.

Dr. Hauschka Long Lasting Mascara, 8ml £23.00 from Dr. Hauschka. Available at selected UK stores. drhauschka.co.uk

Popular beauty brand rhode has launched two new sun-flushed shades of their best-selling Pocket Blush. Available in two creamy, buildable shades; Sun Soak (spiced orange) and Tan Line (pinky tan), the lightweight texture melts into skin to create an effortlessly glowy finish.

The two new warming shades have been designed to pair with the brand's Peptide Lip Tint in Lemontini.

Pocket Blush £24.00; Peptide Lip Tint in Lemontini £20.00; and The Summer Kit (also includes the Glazing Mist) £74.00 from rhode Available at rhodeskin.com

BEAUTY BUYS

BEAUTY BUYS

Longer lashes with added long-term lash care? Yes please! Kosas new Soulgazer mascara is peptide-infused to strengthen and support healthier lashes in 6-8 weeks, working hard to deliver the eye-opening look you want instantly, building lash strength over time. It grips from root to tip, lifting and stretching each lash for major length and buildable definition, with no clumps, no flakes, no dragging.

Soulgazer Mascara £28.00 from Kosas. Available at Space NK.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract, this micro-fine mist delivers everything you love about Urban Decay's original All Nighter - long-lasting hold, water resistance, smudgeproof wear - while giving skin a visibly plump, dewy look that lasts for up to 8 hours. While the original locks in your most dramatic looks through heat and humidity, this new version caters to the glow-seekers, the hydration lovers and those who want their skin to look as good as their makeup for as long as possible.

All Nighter Watermelon Hyaluronic Acid Setting Spray, 118ml £29.00 from Urban Decay, Available at Cult Beauty.

Brand new from Laura Mercier, the new Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra Blur is a continuous silky mist that not only locks in makeup for 24 hours, but also provides 24-hour crease and fade-proof wear and 24hour shine control!

The use of niacinamide helps to minimise fine lines, pores and imperfections, while ectoin to provides a protective barrier for the skin, and white lily soothes the skin and helps prevent oxidation. What is more, the setting spray also features innovative powered-byair packaging to provide a continuous mist which is also planet friendly with no Global Warming Potential.

“Setting is essential. It’s the key step to make sure all the work that has been done on the face is not going to smudge or disappear, and just stay in place” - Laura Mercier.

Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra Blur £32.00 from Laura Mercier. Available at SpaceNK.

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

SKINCARE

THROUGH

SEPTEMBER & BEYOND

Dr. Barbara Sturm’s award-winning Hyalyronic Serum is clinically proven to visibly slow skin aging and deliver longlasting hydration. The most fundamental creation in Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare line, it works to activate skin's natural Hyaluronic Acid regeneration to enhance hydration and boost skin's natural collagen to promote a more youthful complexion. The perfect addition to your routine as we prepare to change seasons to the more drying, harsher months, it also increases skin's natural elastin to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic Serum, 30ml £265.00 from Dr Barbara Sturm. en.drsturm.com

A favourite of Molly-Mae, ZO Skin Health's Complexion Renewal Pads slough away any dead skin cells, excess oil, and pore-clogging impurities to reveal a healthier, more radiant complexion. Saturated with potent ingredients such as 2% Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and a Botanical Extract Blend, the Complexion Renewal Pads offer a powerful dual-action exfoliation that removes dirt and oil, making them perfect for a seasonal reset.

Complexion Renewal Pads £55.18 from ZO Skin Health. Available at Face The Future.

Rehab recently launched their first body care range: Rehab. Retreat. Designed to give the full spa experience at home, the collection includes a luxurious body milk, a scalp and body scrub, and Rehab's signature capsule oils, now supersized for body care.

Rehab. Retreat Dose Hydrate Body Oil £30.00; and Rehab. Retreat Scalp and Body Scrub, 200g £22.00 from Rehab. Available at Boots. rehabyourhair.com

This is not just another facial oil, it’s a neuroscience-powered sculpting serum, engineered to enhance natural facial symmetry while strengthening the subtle, often-neglected skin-mind connection. Dermalogica has created a skincare that speaks fluently in both cellular language and emotional intuition. Crafted with the understanding that touch is transformative, Neurotouch goes beyond hydration or firming. It becomes an act of restoration, using biomimetic intelligence to respond to the skin’s stress signals, those quiet markers of modern life like tension, fatigue, and environmental overwhelm. The result - skin that not only looks more sculpted and harmonious but feels emotionally supported.

The Biomimetic Botanical Blend, including CoQ10, helps visibly lift and energize tired skin, while a curated Aromachology Complex uplifts the senses, working in tandem with coriander seed oil to gently boost oxytocin and beta endorphins - the body’s natural mood stabilizers. Bioengineered Bacillus Ferment counters the cortisol-induced loss of telocytes, preserving the skin’s regenerative intelligence.

Neurotouch Symmetry, 30ml £139.00 from Dermalogica. Available nationwide. dermalogica.co.uk

Combing tradition and innovation, Korean brand Belif has created an innovative sleeping mask that boasts a 'memory' formula that cocoons the contours of the skin to reveal a brighter, more hydrated complexion come morning.

Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask, 75ml £29.00 from Belif. Available at Harrods. harrods.com

Perfect for those who find certain creams a bit too heavy on their combination or oily skin types, this fast-absorbing moisturiser from Tatcha delivers high-impact hydration while also balancing any excess oil. Skin is left feeling bouncy and supple, with a beautiful dewy glow.

The Dewy Milk Moisturiser, 50ml £61.00 from Tatcha. tatcha.co.uk

Combining pure retinol with pure Vitamin C and soothing X-Peptides, Lancôme’s scientific innovation reaches new levels in this high-performance anti-ageing serum. More potent and more effective than retinol used alone yet remaining gentle, non-irritating and suitable on all skin tones and types, including sensitive skin, to minimise fine lines and refine pores.

Renergie C.R.X Triple Serum Retinol £118.00 from Lancôme. lancome.co.uk

More than your average SPF, Skin + Me's Daily Moisturiser with SPF50 delivers a dermatologist designed daily dose of true SPF 50 with every twist + click. Silky and fast-absorbing, it layers perfectly under makeup!

Daily Moisturiser SPF50 £21.99 from Skin + Me. Available at Boots.

Formulated with finely milled Bamboo particles, this best selling scrub from Grown Alchemist gently buffs to remove dead cells and reveal a softer, smoother and brighter complexion instantly without compromising your skin barrier.

Polishing Exfoliator, 75ml £46.00 from Grown Alchemist. Available at Cult Beauty. grownalchemist.com

Make the transition to autumn a fresh one with this aromatic duo from Baobab Collection. With a refreshing herbaceous scent of mint, thyme and basil, this beautifully packaged Body and Hand Lotion and Hand Wash Gel, imagines a moment of vacation on the port of Saint Tropez where the aroma of the Mediterranean summer meets the sun. Mint is the top note that gives the fragrance its full freshness, however, a fruitier heart with hints of blackcurrant reminds us of the seasons changing and summer becoming a fond memory.

St Tropez Gift Box £125.00 from Baobab Collection. eu.baobabcollection.com

This hybrid primer hydrates, plumps, and strengthens, to leave skin looking luminous, feeling refreshed, and prepped for makeup that looks its best and lasts all day. Using ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acids with potent antioxidants to help restore and strengthen the skin barrier this multitasker creates the perfect base for flawless makeup application. The new launch also coincides with a new Lip Oil Elixir from the same collection.

HydraKate Power Plumping Primer £74.00; and HydraKate Pro-Collagen Lip Oil Elixir

£25.00 from Kate Somerville. katesomerville.co.uk

Removing makeup, impurities and even waterproof sunscreen with ease, Youth To The People's Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm changes from an oil to a milk that rinses clean, leaving behind no greasiness, to be used as the sole cleanser or as the first step in a double cleanse. Suitable for sensitive skin, with continued use, skin is softer and more hydrated.

Superberry Dream Cleansing Balm £37.00 from Youth to the People. Available at Space NK.

K-Beauty brand Laneige has launched their Bouncy & Firm collection with a serum, eye mask lip treatment. The sleeping mask is infused with a 7.25% peony-collagen complex, which works to hydrate the skin, restore elasticity and protect the skin from damage. Furthermore, Probiotic Lysate combats inflammation and soothes the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Apply to clean skin as the last step in your routine for glowy skin in the morning.

The power of an active ingredient, the lightness of a mist, Chanel have launched a daily triple-action skincare essential that you can take on the go. Soothing the skin, the new N°1 De Chanel Serum-In-Mist helps to protect it from urban stress and revitalises its natural radiance. Enriched with red camellia oil and camellia water, this ultra-lightweight bi-phase formula deeply hydrates skin and delivers a feeling of freshness for use at any time of the day.

N°1 De Chanel Serum-In-Mist £94.00 from Chanel. chanel.com

Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask, 60ml £32.00 from Laneige. Available at SpaceNK.

Dry, peeling cuticles between manis? This fruity cuticle oil from Mylee promises to leave nails feeling stronger, shinier and smelling great thanks to the blend of sweet almond, macadamia and jojoba oil.

Raspberry Ripple Cuticle Oil

£12.99 from Mylee. Available at Boots, ASOS, Sephora and LookFantastic.

Also new from the brand are their new lipcerins. Unlike traditional lip balms, they target five key concerns of lip skin - dryness, dead skin, fine lines, loss of elasticity and dullness - and are packed full of high-quality ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Vitamins B3, C, E and B12. Available in two options - Mint Plumper and Berry Tinted, they're exclusive to Boots.

Lipcerin Balms £17.00 from Belif. Available at Boots.

Designed for intensive skin rejuvenation, combining the power of two forms of vitamin A, retinol and retinal, this innovative treatment serum works to restore collagen and elastin, promoting firmer, smoother skin.

Suitable for all skin types, it also features EGF Peptide Growth Factor to increase its effectiveness and ensure superior absorption for optimum performance, helping to refine texture and tone for a visibly healthier complexion.

Vitamin A Power 2, 30ml £115.00 from Sarah Chapman. Available at SpaceNK and Cult Beauty.

Working to minimise age spots and even skin tone, this vitamin packed serum from Votary also helps hydrate and brighten skin creating and promoting natural collagen production.

Vitamin C Glow

Serum, 30ml £70.00 from Votary. Available at SpaceNK.

Joining their incredibly popular Retinal range, Murad's new Retinal Resculpt Overnight Cream is a high-tech lifting and firming night cream powered by encapsulated retinal and NAD+ Lift Complex that's clinically proven to lift loose skin, smooth marionette lines and revolumise facial contours in just 4 weeks. Used at night to make the most of the prime-time sleep skin renewal window, the formula uses a NAD + Lift Complex to reactivates cells to deliver corrective benefits while you sleep. Inspired by cuttingedge longevity science, a potent coenzyme that enhances cellular energy and supports overnight skin regeneration helping fuel skin’s natural overnight repairing processes for smoother, firmer, more lifted skin. (precursor Sunflower Sprout Extract + Niacinamide). Delivering incredible results, yet gentle enough to use daily (thanks to the advanced encapsulation) it can be layered up with the other retinal products in the range.

Retinal Resculpt Overnight Cream, 50ml £98.00 from Murad. murad.co.uk

LUSCIOUS LOCKS

Summer can wreak havoc on delicate hair strands and it's important to get back on track if you have been guilty of neglecting your hair over the warmer months.

Living Proof Ambassador Hair Stylist, Hollie Rose Clarke says, ‘The sun’s UV can fade colour and cause dryness which makes hair more prone to breakage. Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from UV too.’

To keep your colour-treated hair healthy, use Living Proof Restore Shampoo & Conditioner, and get everything you love about silicone (shine, detangling, sleekness) but actually improve hair texture and quality. The luxe duo is proven to reverse damage and delivers 95% less breakage with every wash*.

Before using the brand's new Leave-in Conditioning Spray. The lightweight post-wash protector offers heat and UV protection as well as long-lasting conditioning for more manageable, stronger and healthier hair with much less breakage each wash. *vs untreated. **Based on consumer study.

Restore Shampoo and Conditioner £30.00 each; and Leave-in Conditioning Spray £27.00 from Living Proof. livingproof.co.uk

ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong £189.00 from ghd. ghdcurlfinder.com. ghdhair.com

Haircare experts Innersense have introduced a deeply restorative bonding treatment designed to repair, strengthen, and revitalise all hair types using clean, naturally derived ingredients. The new Hair Repair Mash uses a salon quality formula to go beyond surface hydration to rebuild hair structure from within, using powerful botanicals traditionally reserved for skincare. At its core is Hydrolyzed Moringa Protein, which penetrates the hair cortex to restore resilience, while Vitamin C boosts collagen production for improved strength and elasticity. Tamanu Oil helps smooth frizz, seal split ends, and lock in lasting moisture – leaving hair visibly healthier, shinier, and more manageable.

Featuring an uplifting scent blend of mandarin, lime, green tea, clary sage, and soft white woods, the Repair Mask turns your routine into a sensorial, self-care ritual. Use it every 2–4 washes in place of conditioner, or before colouring to prime and rebalance the hair.

Hair Repair Mask, 177ml £32.00 from Innersense. Available at Liberty.

ghd Chronos technology has finally made it to its curlers with ghd's new Chronos Curve collection.

This award winning HD technology is designed to achieve 3x faster high definition results that lasts 24 hours. With advanced curl responsive technology that reacts to your curling actions and responds to your individual hair needs.

Engineered with advanced curl-responsive technology to ensure the optimum curling temperature of 185ºC is maintained across the entire barrel, ghd Chronos Curve allows you to create easy, frizz-free curls, quickly with up to 50% more shine and no extreme heat damage.

Tools in the collection include the Max Wand, Conical Wand, Classic Tong and Grand Tong - perfect for achieving those big voluminous curls.

You can also find the perfect tool for you with the ghd curl finder quiz to discover 240 AI generated looks that can be achieved with the range and identify your perfect Chronos curve tool.

skin thérapie

skin thérapie

With over 75 trusted clinics nationwide, in Ireland and in the USA, Therapie Clinic has been one of Europe's leading medical aesthetic clinics for over 20 years. Usually when you search for topclass treatments you are directed straight to clinics in the capital, but why not head local and enjoy the latest treatments in your area.

With over an expert team that includes more than 200 Doctors, Therapie Clinic's portfolio offers a range of cosmetic injections, medical grade laser hair removal, body sculpting and toning treatments, along with the most advanced skin treatments.

Europe’s leading provider of laser hair removal, from Hydrafacials to Polynucleotides, the next generation in skin rejuvenation, Therapie is ahead of the curve and is always adding to their treatment catalogue. Most treatments are quick and pain free with no downtime so can even be done in your lunch break.

Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) have long been used for tackling frown lines and crows feet, but they can be used for a number of different concerns to combat a variety of issues from excessive sweating to migraines.

Hyperhidrosis is a popular choice for patients that want to reduce their sweating. It is especially popular for brides to be or people that do public speaking within their job. The treatment works by blocking nerve signals to the sweat glands to produce sweat. The treatment can be done within a 30-minute appointment and results will be seen at the 2-week mark.

Numbing cream will be applied to the area beforehand to make

the treatment more comfortable. Treatment intervals vary from patient to patient however expect the results to last around 4-5 months. Hyperhidrosis can be used on the Underarm area, hands and feet. The only downfall is that our bodies still need to sweat therefore the sweat will come out of more areas. Usually, the sweat is evenly distributed throughout the body however in small cases you may find you suddenly start sweating from another area.

Masseter toxin is another one of the most popular areas requested by patients. The main reason being is by relaxing the masseter muscle creates a V-Shaped face with the top of the face being wider and going down to a point. This is a sign of youth and beauty, with most women today wanting to fight the signs of ageing is an easy win.

Provided by qualified medical professionals, Thérapie Clinic prides itself on safe injectables you can trust. All injectable treatments are doctor-led and use only FDA-approved and CEmarked products to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

So whether you're looking for injectables for anti-aging or for a specific health concern, Therapie Clinic can help. It's worth noting too, that injectables can be combined with treatments like laser skin therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels as part of a comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan.

Thérapie Clinic has also recently launched Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial treatments across its UK clinics.

LUXURIOUS FAMILY RETREAT

For those looking to take the family further afield than Europe's plethora of family-friendly resorts, there's a host of options available including this stunning 5-satar destination resort in Mexico's vibrant Cancun.

ELIX

MAR-BELLA COLLECTION, PARGA

Award winning Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, Parga, is situated high above Karavostasi Beach on Greece’s western mainland, just opposite Corfu. Seamlessly combining luxury with adventure, it stands as the perfect haven for couples, grown-up families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Celebrated for its exceptional location by Condé Nast Traveller and surrounded by clear waters and pine forests, the resort’s natural environment makes it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, all featuring picturesque vistas of Paxos, Antipaxos, and Corfu islands. Guests can find the perfect balance of tailored experiences, whether it’s enjoying peaceful mornings, scenic trails, or tranquil evenings where gentle sea breezes drift through open terraces and the sky blushes pink as the sun sets above the silvered olive groves.

Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, Parga offers 146 rooms and suites, all with sea views and private balconies or terraces. Select accommodations feature swim-up access or private pools, blending contemporary elegance with regional heritage. Designed to harmonise comfort with refined luxury, spacious layouts flooded

with natural light and curated amenities ensure a comfortable, restorative stay, complemented by panoramic vistas and tranquil settings for ultimate relaxation. Several suites offer private, infinity pools allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.

For the last five years, guests have been invited to stay at Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, Parga to commemorate the fifth series of Greek Chefs Abroad, an annual festival of Greek gastronomy. Launched in 2020 to spotlight Greek chefs making their mark on the international stage, this milestone edition features five internationally recognised Greek chefs, each preparing a fivecourse menu inspired by the elements: Earth, Sea, Air, Fire, and Aether.

The 2025 edition, Greek Chefs Abroad Vol. V, honours the legacy and future of Greek cuisine with each chef presenting a tasting menu blending tradition, innovation, and personal stories showcasing Greek culinary heritage and its ongoing evolution worldwide. The 2025 celebration is a landmark edition honouring

Elix, Karavostasi Beach - Perdika, 461 00, Thesprotia, Greece

the diversity and future of Greek gastronomy. With each chef presenting a signature dish defining their style, they were also required to present a traditional Greek recipe with a modern twist inspired by their global culinary journey. The story of Greek chefs abroad is one of adaptation and reinvention. Greek cuisine, radiant with the flavours of sun-drenched vegetables, golden olive oil, and the salty breeze of the Aegean, has long enchanted food lovers across the globe

Among the chef’s invited to cook this year is George Kataras, a chef whose journey from the olive groves of Greece to the bustling kitchens of cosmopolitan cities reveals not only the soul of Greek cooking but also the power of culinary innovation on the world stage. Born in Athens and initially trained as a musician, he only decided to become a chef after graduating from university when he realised food was another way to express himself. After heading to Paris for a culinary course, his next stop was London where he worked under one of the best chefs in the UK.

His culinary journey began on the western coast of Mainland Greece, a region known for its crystalline waters, ancient olive groves, and vibrant local markets. Growing up surrounded by the bounty of land and sea, Kataras was steeped in the traditions of Greek cookery from an early age. The rhythm of seasonal produce, the pride of family recipes, and the camaraderie of shared meals formed the foundation of his culinary philosophy. George carries with him a deep love of the land and sea and the simple, honesty of the ingredients where he comes from.

Amsterdam-based and founder of CUE, George combines his passion for music with culinary expertise. With experience at top restaurants like Geranium in Copenhagen, Hytra in Athens, Fera at Claridge’s, and international work in Europe and the Caribbean, he is recognised for his bold, produce-focused cuisine inspired by North European and Mediterranean traditions. This year, George presented a one-night-only five-course tasting menu that blended personal storytelling with innovation. Each dish was crafted to highlight the simplicity and delicacy of its ingredients, paired with local wines.

ELIX, PARGA

Also this year, local experiences were featured in the Elix , Parga programme including an olive oil tasting event. The Governor, a premium extra virgin olive oil from Corfu, is cold pressed from Lianolia olives and celebrated for its high polyphenol content and health benefits. Produced by the Dafnis family using traditional and modern techniques, it has won numerous international awards and is recognised among the world’s finest oils.

Saffron, Pearl, Azure, and Indigo comprise the distinguished dining venues at Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, Parga, each offering unique culinary experiences with panoramic Ionian views. Saffron specialises in Mediterranean and Greek Italian cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere where morning light spills across generous buffets and evenings come alive with à la carte Greek and Italian classics, while Pearl is a fine dining destination which presents refined seafood dishes that highlight the region’s maritime heritage.

Indigo offers a vibrant, laid-back approach and features poolside Mediterranean fare, ideal for informal dining, while Ruby, the lobby bar, offers a sophisticated setting for drinks with sweeping Ionian Sea views. Azure, the beach restaurant perched to showcase every golden sunset, offers a menu of salads, pizzas and burgers and focuses on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. For guests wishing to explore local gastronomy, Psarokókkalo Arílla restaurant in nearby Perdika provides traditional Greek seafood in a picturesque seaside setting.

The resort’s wellness offerings include a spa, gym, yoga deck, and signature treatments using local botanicals and ancient Greek wellness rituals. Guests can relax with unique therapies for face and body using Sothys nature inspired products that combine innovative cosmetic technology with an amazing experience for the five senses.

Elix, Karavostasi Beach - Perdika, 461 00, Thesprotia, Greece

Outdoor activities feature guided hikes, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tennis. Access to Karavostasi Beach is available via funicular or a path, with food and beverage service provided on the beach. Private cruises to the Syvota Islands beckon with a constellation of secluded bays - Pisina, Bella Vraka, and Agia Paraskevi among them - each offering its own unique invitation and opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and visiting coastal sites. Luxury or traditional boat trips can be customised with options for snacks, drinks, and stops in Paxos, known by celebrities for its tranquillity and exclusivity or Parga a colourful seaside town known for its Venetian architecture.

Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, Parga also has a new Teens Club for adventurers aged 12 to 17. Launched in Partnership with Worldwide Kids, its features include outdoor adventure and creative experiences ensuring every teen enjoys a holiday filled with fun, exploration, and unforgettable experiences.

Mar-Bella Collection is a distinguished family-owned portfolio of four five-star luxury hotels, thoughtfully positioned around the breath-taking Ionian Sea in Greece. Designed to cater to the evolving needs of guests across every stage of life, each property offers a unique blend of comfort, elegance, and tailored experiences.

To book at Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, Parga please visit marbella.gr or email exclusive.elix@marbella.gr to find out more. Easyjet offer direct flights from London Gatwick Airport to Preveza (also known as Lackaday) Airport.

PAN PACIFIC

Located at One Bishopsgate Plaza, Singaporean hotel Pan Pacific London is perfectly placed for a City staycation.

Comprising old and new London architecture, the 43-storey Bishopsgate Plaza tower encompasses Pan Pacific London and private Sky Residence apartments, as well as the 144-year old Devonshire House, connected via a landscaped public plaza.

Blending contemporary design and cutting-edge technology, alongside boundary-pushing holistic wellbeing and fabulous dining, Pan Pacific London offers accessible luxury for even the most discerning traveller.

Offering a range of room options from the Executive Room through to a range of Suites. Guests have the option of booking spacious city view rooms to make the most of the spectacular skyline on offer.

Modern and luxurious, boasting a neutral calming colour palette with jewel toned accents, the bedrooms offer floor to ceiling windows, spacious marble bathrooms, luxury Jo Loves toiletries, Dyson hairdryers, and energy efficient airconditioning with intelligent technology.

Gracious Asian hospitality at its finest, nothing is too much trouble for the dedicated hotel concierge team. Spa treatments

on the innovative 1,083m² Wellness floor blend Western and South East Asian traditions and practices together for a truly relaxing stay in the heart of the bustling city. Highlights include one-of-a-kind 24-hour immersive experiences such as ‘flight mode recovery’, and ‘human performance’ to ‘seasonal ritual’ and pregnancy treatments, as well as Chinese medicine.

Match that with an impressive 18.5m infinity pool, and all the latest equipment from TecnoBody®, and the D-Wall and you will find that Pan Pacific offers some of the most technologically advanced facilities showcased by any hotel gym in the UK.

Especially for summer, the 18.5-metre infinity pool has been reimagined with Italian flair, featuring summer-inspired touches to transport guests to the lakeside calm of Northern Italy. Soak in city views from a deck chair, drift on pool floats under colourful umbrellas, and sip on Limoncello, Clementine, or Peach mimosas at Café Como.

Speaking of drinks and dining, head back downstairs to dine in Pan Pacific's Straits Kitchen. Combining the best of western techniques with the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia, the fusion dining destination boasts an extensive menu of delectable dishes to ensure there is something for everyone.

Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB

Standout dishes include Fish Finger Bao; Steamed Prawn and Chive Dumplings; Blackened Aubergine; and Hereford Beef Short Rib with miso polenta, horseradish and sweet soy. For those who find it hard to decide, the Experience Menu offers five of the bestselling plates for just £65.00 per person with an option of wine pairing for an extra £49.00 per person.

Breakfast at Straits is an equally varied affair, with Asian inspired dishes like Wonton noodle soup with Choy Sum and prawn wontons; and British classics like Eggs Benedict, and a Full English served with Burford Brown eggs.

What's more, dogs and cats alike are welcome at Pan Pacific London with its Paws at Pan Pacific Package, so there’s no need to leave your furry companion behind when you spend a night in the city. Promising an indulgent home-from-home for both guest and pet, the package includes a ‘Paws Pack’ on arrival, a pet bed and bowl in room, plus a gift on arrival. Guests will also have access to the hotel’s dedicated Pet Concierge, to cater for every need, with an impressive range of activities available to book. From puppy or kitten yoga, to walks around the city, plus day care, training sessions, grooming sessions or massages at nearby Shoreditch Dog House and even dog reiki healing - there’s something for every pet. Mealtimes are no afterthought either as the hotel has worked with dog behaviourist and nutritionist Anna Webb to create a unique menu of choices, using fresh natural ingredients. Available as an add on to any overnight stay, with rooms starting from £520, the Paws at Pan Pacific London package is priced from £60 per pet per stay.

If you can tear yourself away, other nearby attractions include Spitalfields Market, the Barbican, vibrant Shoreditch, and easy access into the West End and beyond from Liverpool Street station.

Deluxe Room: Deluxe Rooms embody classic English style with calming neutral tones, providing a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle. A Deluxe Room starts at £465 per night.

THE HARE & HOUNDS

NEWBURY

If you’re looking for an easy countryside escape, The Hare & Hounds in West Berkshire could be just the spot. Nestled in the picturesque village of Speen, This 17th century pub, restaurant and boutique hotel offers an inviting countryside escape just moments away from Newbury Racecourse and Highclere Castle. Or, if you’re into trying something different, Pennsport Shooting School is just a fifteen-minute drive away. This thoughtfully restored coaching inn strikes a balance between historical charm

and modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking relaxation and excellent hospitality in a peaceful setting.

Comprising four red-brick buildings, including the Coach House and Hunter’s Lodge, The Hare & Hounds features thirty heritage guest rooms. Each room is elegantly appointed, with racing-themed fabrics and aged timber touches that nod to the area’s equestrian heritage. Some rooms even feature opulent roll-top copper bathtubs. The inn’s long-standing connection to the racing community is reflected throughout, creating a unique sense of place.

Located within The Hunter’s Lodge, the Bridle Suite is designed for special occasions. It boasts a spacious living area with a built-in bar, making it perfect for celebrations or quiet retreats. The luxurious ensuite includes a roll-top copper bath, walk-in rain shower, and dual sinks. For families or larger groups, the suite can be connected to the adjacent Tally Ho room. Accessibility is also prioritised, and ground floor rooms welcome dogs, ensuring four-legged guests feel at home.

As popular with locals as it is visitors, The Hare & Hounds has garnered a keen reputation for wonderful farm-to-table menus, real craft beers, hand-picked wines, impressive cocktails and friendly, genuine hospitality.

Hare & Hounds, Bath Road, Speen, Newbury,

Celebrated for its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, the kitchen works closely with local producers, presenting a menu that honours traditional British pub classics while infusing them with a contemporary flair. Options cater to meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike. Highlights include dishes such as Bloody Mary Prawn Salad, Chicken, Ham Hock and Black Pudding Terrine, Oyster Mushroom Rendang, Devon Crabcake with lobster velouté and Clarence Court egg, and expertly grilled aged meats prepared on a Japanese Robata Grill.

A set-price menu is available Monday to Friday from midday to 5:30pm, offering two courses for £21.95 or three for £24.95.

Whether you’re planning a private party, anniversary, birthday, or a celebration of life, The Hare & Hounds has a variety of dining spaces suited to both intimate gatherings and grand affairs. The staff are dedicated to creating memorable experiences, tailored to each occasion.

PENNSPORT SHOOTING SCHOOL

Set in 60 acres of Berkshire woodland near Newbury, Pennsport Shooting School stands as a testament to tradition and precision, cultivating a community of shooting enthusiasts that spans generations. Built from scratch in 1990, the school began as a modest, family-run operation inspired by local marksman Nicholas Penn senior whose passion for clay pigeon shooting helped spark the club’s formation. With his both eyes open theory behind his coaching philosophy, his vision for an inclusive, educational space made clay target shooting accessible to newcomers and seasoned marksmen alike.

Clay pigeon shooting quickly became the centrepiece of Pennsport’s offerings. The sport, which simulates the flight of birds with flying clay targets, demands keen eyesight, quick reflexes, and steady nerves - qualities celebrated and honed at the school. In its earliest days, the club operated on a small plot of land donated by a local sportsman and featured a single trap range. As the popularity of clay pigeon shooting grew, so did Pennsport’s reputation leading to expanded facilities that now include multiple trap, skeet, and sporting clay fields. Through a robust calendar of classes, youth programs, and

outreach initiatives, the school remains a vibrant hub for those seeking both camaraderie and mastery.

In 2020 the school witnessed a pivotal transition in leadership when Nicholas Penn junior, a fully trained instructor, started to assume responsibility for guiding the institution’s growth and direction. Under his strategic stewardship, the club underwent significant expansion, introducing comprehensive training initiatives and embracing state-of-the-art technology. Nicholas Penn junior’s unwavering commitment to professional development and mentorship ensured that all participantsfrom newcomers to experienced competitors - benefited from high-calibre instruction within a supportive and progressive environment.

The legacy of Pennsport Shooting School lies not only in its facilities, but in the relationships forged on its ranges. Families return year after year, sharing the sport across generations. Whether introducing a newcomer to the basics or helping a seasoned shooter perfect their aim, Pennsport continues to embody the enduring spirit of its community and the heritage inspired by Nicholas Penn.

THE FEATHERS HOTEL

Located in the pretty village of Woodstock, just moments from Blenheim Palace, The Feathers is a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Oxfordshire.

Rooms are sophisticated and elegant, with soothing neutral tones, spacious bathrooms and in the suites - large sitting areas.

The upscale restaurant, The Nest, is open Wednesday to Sunday, offering modern European flair with fresh, local and British produce. Head Chef, Luke Rawicki boasts a variety of signature dishes including lamb loin, belly and shoulder with wild garlic and Jersey Royals; Hand dived Orkney scallop served with a chicken wing, dashi and smoked rapeseed; and delicate Lemon Sole, mussels, white asparagus and fennel.

Other highlights include Pot roasted Hispi cabbage with chilli and lime butter, Spring pea risotto with New Forest asparagus; and Macerated Evesham strawberries with strawberry sorbet and whipped coconut.

Each dish is meticulously crafted to not only showcase the flavourful ingredients but also create an elegant and memorable meal.

The warm and inviting dining room is also where guests can enjoy the many breakfast offerings. Start your morning with the likes of an avocado sourdough crumpet with chilli jam and feta; Caramelised porridge with vanilla and mascarpone; and Eggs Benedict on an English muffin with smoked bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise.

Next door and flowing though from the upscale bar and library area, The Aviary boasts a wide range of wines, spirits and fantastic cocktails from traditional serves like a Cosmopolitan to more innovative sips such as the The Feathers of Woodstock with Grey Goose L’Original Vodka, elderberry & earl grey cordial, clarified lemon juice, and sweet hibiscus sparkling wine.

New for this year at the hotel, the brand new terrace, also part of The Aviary, has been designed for easy afternoons, golden hour gatherings, and al fresco evenings under the stars, offering a range of stonebaked sourdough pizzas made with juicy San Marzano tomatoes and larger plates such as glazed belly pork ribs, and sticky buffalo wings with blue cheese ranch.

The Feathers Hotel, 16-20 Market Street, Woodstock OX20 1SX

Alongside the many walking trails you can take, Woodstock itself boasts a number of pubs, boutique shops and independent coffee shops meaning there is plenty to explore for a little staycation away from London for the weekend. You can even venture across to the nearby Cotswolds for a longer trip.

The Feathers is dog-friendly offering a bed, dinner and welcome treats to make sure no member of the family is left out.

WILD THYME

Wild Thyme & Honey, Ampney Crucis, Cirencester GL7 5RS

Thoughtfully renovated, Wild Thyme & Honey lies in the heart of The Crown, a 16th century inn in the heart of the Cotswolds.

A blissful 24-room countryside retreat, blending historic charm with modern luxury, the hidden gem celebrates the region's architectural heritage through exposed honeyed Cotswold stone, timber-clad walls, and a calming palette of warm greys and creams.

Located in the heart of Ampney village, the pub is still very much a community focal point, frequented by locals regularly. Proudly independent, it's this cherished connection with the location, community and heritage that has helped build a local landmark that people are proud to welcome guests from further afield to.

Effortlessly bringing the outside in, thanks to large open areas that overlook the picturesque brook that the property sits alongside, the soothing spaces showcase the best of the area through both looks and food.

Seasonal menus celebrate the area's rich agricultural traditions, while the property acts as a relaxing retreat for both visitors and locals alike.

The countryside nature of the location provides an abundance of fresh and locally grown ingredients from British farmers and trusted producers that the team of chefs has worked hard to showcase, creating an elevated menu of British classics with exciting global influences.

Offering weekly Sunday Roasts, Afternoon Tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside the cosy, modern pub dining room, there is also an expansive terrace featuring pretty garden domes, covered patios and beautiful greenery overlooking the peaceful brook.

Highlights of the award-winning pub and restaurant's a la carte menu include fresh Hampshire Watercress and Garden Pea Soup with homemade horseradish cream; Sesame Prawn and Squid Crumpet with soy and ginger dipping sauce; and Ham Hock Terrine with Olivier salad, caperberries and toasted sourdough.

Other standouts include the Grosvenor Signature Battered Haddock and triple cooked beef dripping chips; Gochujang Glazed Pork Belly with watermelon salad; and Chermoula Marinated Seabass Fillets with homemade sun-dried tomato butter and pickled fennel.

There is also a host of meats available from the Robata Grill with all beef coming from Aubrey Allen, one of the only butchers that hold The Royal Warrant. Enjoy alongside a range of seasonal salads, potatoes, and light bites like the Chicken Kiev croquettes or Corn Ribs.

Sweet toothed guests will delight at the Biscoff Cheesecake with caramelised banana, and Grosvenor Signature Sticky Toffee Pudding served with a spiced brandy snap, French vanilla gelato and miso caramel sauce. You can also opt for an incredible selection of award-winning cheeses from Carmarthenshire, Canterbury and Kent. With Perl Las, Ancient Ashmore, Kelly's goats’ cheese, served alongside artisan crackers, confit onion, thyme honey, macerated semi dried grapes if you don't fancy something sweet.

With 24 boutique bedrooms, the rooms at Wild Thyme and Honey take inspiration from the scenic landscape the Cotswolds is renowned for. Think exposed honey-coloured Cotswold stone, a calming colour palette of soft linens, freestanding copper bath tubs and rainfall showers, as well as thoughtful touches of Verden bath salts and sleep sprays and fluffy bathrobes.

A flagship suite boasts a private terrace with hot tub and sauna, and the Riverside Suites offer tranquil views of the brook just outside, along with the luxury of a freestanding bath in the bedroom.

It's worth noting that among the many amenities, guests also have 24 hour access to The Pantry where they can get fresh milk, extra tea and coffee; as well as complimentary Sloe Gin in your room.

Dogs are welcomed with gusto at the property. Treated as one of the family and allowed in every area of the hotel, they are lots of pet-friendly rooms and outdoor spaces with amenities including cosy 'Barbour' dog beds, water bowls and even complimentary treats.

After a restful night's sleep, kick-start your day the next morning with the award-winning breakfast at Wild Thyme & Honey. Packed with fresh ingredients and a tempting continental buffet of seasonal fruits, yoghurts and pastries, indulge in the hearty Full English or Garden English, or opt for something lighter like Smoked Scottish Salmon, scrambled Clarence Court rich yolk eggs on sourdough toast. Smoked English belly bacon baps in brioche buns, and a plant based breakfast is also available.

A real find, thanks to its enviable location, fantastic food, stylish interiors and warm welcome. This is understated luxury at its best. Take a trip to the countryside and find yourself wanting to return to Wild Thyme & Honey over and over again.

Whispering Angel Residential Package

In celebration of the launch of ‘Summer on the Brook with Whispering Angel’, Wild Thyme and Honey are offering a special Whispering Angel Residential Package. Prices from £325 per nightSundays to Thursdays. Not available on Saturdays. The packages includes a bottle of Whispering Angel in room on arrival, lavender slumber gift set in room on arrival, three course dining experience for two in one of the Whispering Angel themed domes overlooking the brook (£35pp dinner allowance)*, Cotswold Breakfast for Two, complimentary bedroom upgrade*, and complimentary late check out at midday.

Multiple nights stay are only entitled to one set of Whispering Angel Bottle, Cotswold Lavender Gift. Runs until September 31st 2025. *Subject to availability.

STRATFORD

Right in the heart of Stratford, by Westfield Stratford City, The Stratford Hotel provides a glamorous location to play, dine and stay.

An Autograph Collection Hotel, a group that prides itself on each hotel being a personal realisation of its individual founder's vision, The Stratford has taken inspiration from New York's legendary long-stay hotels, offering guests a stylish design destination right in the heart of East London.

Set across the first seven levels, the interiors have been designed by Space Copenhagen to effortlessly fuse Scandinavian style with time-old luxury. From the triple-height lobby to the spacious sky terrace, communal areas are just as inviting as the rooms and suites.

Calming pastel tones, plush natural materials and elegant stone bathrooms come together with modern amenities such as Apple TV, Chromecast and luxury Jo Loves Toiletries to create luxurious bedrooms that you won't have any trouble relaxing in. You can even bring your dog should you wish!

A tranquil haven, with the perks of London just moments away whether in Westfield Stratford, or nearby Canary Wharf. Central London is also easily accessible thanks to the Elisabeth Line that heads directly into Bond Street and beyond, while other overground links make it possible to venture to the coast in Essex in just over an hour.

The hotel is dedicated to sustainability and proudly focuses

on ways they can reduce our impact on the environment. Grow is The Stratford's commitment to a socially responsible way of living that nurtures the future of E20 and local lives. Initiatives include only using LED lights within the building, installing solar panels, having flush limiters and reducing plastic usage.

The three sky terraces offer a beautiful open spaces for guests, as well as the opportunity to grow herbs and other ingredients to be used in the kitchens and other beverage offerings at the hotel. Guests can even get involved and plant a seed on the premises which will be looked after by our resident gardeners.

Whether it’s a fruit, vegetable, herb or flower seed, guests then have the unique option to be part of growing something truly special here which may even be transferred to the terraces or used as ingredients in our F&B outlets.

The hotel has also gotten involved with local projects, planting fruit trees and berry bushes in the local community to give back to the area and its people.

Back downstairs and gusts can enjoy relaxed meals in all-day kitchen dining bar Kitchen E20, cocktails in vibrant triple-height space The Lounge, and a 24-hour gym. Be sure to check out the ground floor terrace and make the most of the many happy hour offers available every day. Breakfast the morning after is an indulgent affair with favourites including Full English, Eggs Benedict and fluffy Buttermilk pancakes - best enjoyed with Kiss The Hippo coffee.

Located on the 7th floor of the hotel, The Stratford's standout restaurant Kokin comes after the success of Chef Daisuke Shimoyama’s kaiseki restaurant Hannah in London’s Southbank.

Boasting two large terraces and a dedicated sushi bar to complement the restaurant's woodfire-inspired menu, Kokin offers stunning views of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic park and a contemporary dining room.

Guests can enjoy Chef Shimoyama's bold and elemental vision of Japanese cuisine shaped by fire and guided by seasonality with a deep consideration and respect for each ingredient. The name Kokin reflects a spirit of timelessness, translating directly from Japanese as “past and present”, and is a notion that's represented throughout the restaurant as Shimoyama honours traditional Japanese techniques and philosophies while embracing modern methods and a contemporary sensibility.

Cherry and apple wood is used on the terrace grill to infuse dishes with delicate, fragrant smoke, while Binchotan charcoal is used for its high heat and ability to bring out clarity and texture in food. Shimoyama has been inspired by his childhood memories, having grown up in the mountains of Gunma, Japan, where the warmth, scent, and rhythm of burning pine spurred a passion for woodfire cooking.

Using exceptional seasonal ingredients from wild Japanese mountain vegetables and A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, to seasonal British produce and seafood, the menu comes alive with dishes such as Woodfire Grilled Tuna Kama / Collar, featuring the rich, fatty collar of wild Portuguese Blue Fin Tuna, slow-cooked over woodfire; and Woodfire grilled miso iberico pork with charcoal grilled leek’.

Other highlights include the appetiser Kokin style fish & chips - crispy scale Japanese Amadai fish with thin purple potato and smoked N25 caviar; as well as Kokin’s Agemono (deep fried) section - including ‘Native Lobster Tempura with Morels and XO sauce’.

Elsewhere the Sushi bar presents customers with an experience of Sushi Omakase, with the two separate offerings of “Temae” and “Omakase”, meaning you are truly spoilt for choice. Temae Sushi allows guests to enjoy woodfire-smoked sushi rice (Kokin is the first restaurant to do this), topped with the finest wild tuna, in various forms - smoked akami, tartare chutoro, and Maldon saltcured otoro; offering a unique interactive experience, allowing diners to choose their preferred ingredients and enjoy the sushi either in Chirashi-style or wrapped in seaweed as Temaki. Kokin’s sashimi, sushi, and nigiri individual offering includes choices of exceptional quality cuttlefish, tuna, langoustine, trout, and sea bream.

For dessert, the theme continues with a woodfire ice cream or a special four piece wagashi selection. Kokin’s drinks offering presents a carefully curated selection of wines courtesy of Provisions Wine, as well as limited premium sakes alongside a diverse menu of refined Japanese inspired cocktails with a Kokin interpretation. Notable drinks include Wasabi Gin Tonic, combining Okinawa Gin, wasabi lime juice, and shiso; the Summer Breeze, a refreshing mix of Mio Sparkling Sake, Japanese Black Tea Plum Liqueur, and peace juice; and the Nara, a mocktail of sparkling houjicha tea, orange juice, and elderflower soda.

Kokin is also proud to host special evenings dedicated to sustainable bluefin tuna, showcasing respectful deconstruction and preparation of the whole fish. Carried out in-house with specialist precision, ensuring maximum usage and minimal waste, each serving is presented with care and intention, offering a theatrical yet respectful celebration of this extraordinary creature. Provided by specialist tuna fisherman Hajime Tanaka, supply comes from two locations; the rich, fatty fish comes from the waters of Spain, and wild-caught, naturally sustainable bluefin originates from the Portuguese coast.

Room rates at The Stratford start from £179 per night.

0203 961 3333 | thestratford.com

MEXICAN OASIS

Inspired by the pristine white sand and translucent blues of the Mexican Caribbean Sea, the five-star elevated all-inclusive AVA Resort Cancun has redefined the premium all-inclusive experience, offering the customised personal service of a boutique five-star à la carte escape.

Located in the newly developed Riviera Cancun is not only ideally placed for easy travel to the airport but provides a luxury holiday for all the family.

Allowing for the best of both worlds, whether you're looking for relaxation, partying or sightseeing - with party town Cancun, historic Tulum and Playa del Carmen just a short drive away - the relaxed resort offers a stunning beachside location with everything you could ever want all under one roof.

Spend your days under the Mexican sun, wining and dining as you please. The massive resort has many green initiatives in place. With solar panels on the roof that make the most of the

scorching sunshine to collect energy during the day, that is then used to power the resort in the evening from 5.30pm onwards. Even the room key showcases the hotel logo which is shaped as a sun to further cement the fact that they get energy from the sun.

Chukum, a local Mayan material that is often used for roofs, has been used on the walls to keep the building cooler, allowing for less air conditioning. The thought provoking art work dotted around the hotel celebrates artists and the culture, while the gallery showcases pieces that use an array of recycled materials to create a range of striking pieces that are available to purchase.

There a wide variety of different room categories and just under 2000 rooms, all of AVA's luxurious suites and villas have been inspired by the sunlit white sand and translucent blues of the Mexican Caribbean, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a menu of in-room amenities, each one is beachfront facing boasting a large private terrace complete with an inviting hot

AVA Resort Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcán 25.3, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

tub bath and seating area overlooking the expansive waters of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Other highlights include large double sink bathrooms, coffee machines, living areas, a mini bar that is replenished each day, complete with snacks like corn crisps and Oreos, comfortable super-king size beds, and state of the art amenities.

As you can imagine, food plays a big part of the experience at AVA and guests are truly spoilt for choice. With 17+ all-inclusive restaurants and bars, from modern Mexican to French and Italian, AVA ensures every taste and preference is catered for.

Standing out from other resorts, AVA offers full-service dining wherever you are, from poolside to in-room, oceanfront to rooftop, with menus for all tastes, plus an extensive selection of wine and cocktails to explore and enjoy.

AVA Resort Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcán 25.3, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

Located at either end of the north and south wings, the Food District offers a range of international options including charcuterie, eggs, waffles and french toast, while the other, Plaza Mx is more Mexican influenced with a range of traditional dishes such as burritos, enchiladas, and tostadas. As well as eggs, pastries, fruit, yoghurt and cereals.

Alongside a table side mimosa service and Bloody Mary cart, both allow guests to enjoy fresh coffee and pick up a range of soft drinks, sodas, beers and water at any time of the day.

Elsewhere a fully stocked coffee shop and bakery offers sandwiches, stuffed croissants, pastries, cookies and cakes. And from 11am to 11pm, there’s an Italian gelato on the south side, and a frozen yoghurt shop on the north, which is perfect for a daytime pick-me-up or any late night cravings. Standout flavours include Oreo, pavlova, green apple, and expresso. Those with a more savoury palette will enjoy the all day taco stand where you can enjoy a host of freshly made tacos with smoky Cochinita Pibil pork, spicy chicken, chorizo and fresh vegetables.

It's a good job that the resort is so big as it means you can get your steps in to allow for all the excess food and drink you consume during your trip!

Hugely popular, AVA boasts not one, but two Tepenyaki restaurants. Before they opened in October, AVA invited a top Japanese chef to come over to train the resort’s talented brigade of chefs exactly how to cook the very best Tepenyaki for a more authentic experience.

Bao is a modern Asian kitchen with influences from India, Thailand, Korea and Vietnam. Expect traditional pad Thai, bao buns, fresh sashimi and sushi and dishes such as Rendang Sumatra and whole Roasted duck served with duck rice, kimchi and hoisin sauce.

Black Iron is AVA’s Argentinian and Texan steak mix restaurant offering fantastic cuts of steak, from dry-aged rib eye to succulent tenderloin, cooked to perfection and served with a range of salads, Pecorino truffle fries, roasted plantains, marinated grilled shrimp, and grilled vegetables. Reservations aren't required but highly recommended as it's one of the most popular restaurants in the complex.

The modern Mexican restaurant, Copal, faces a shop that has been designed to mimic the central courtyards in Mexico where people gather and meet. Here you can pick up a wealth of souvenirs from top tier tequila, to hot haberno sauce and artisanal gifts and clothing.

Family friendly, there's a huge kids club, bowling alley, arcade, laser quest game, and an inflatable assault course in AVA bay, where you can also kayak and paddle board. The thrilling escape rooms, Escapology, are exclusive to the hotel chain and feature quests that you won't find anywhere else.

The 450 seat theatre also offers unmissable shows that are exclusive to AVA, with two sittings allowing for pre and post dinner shows, should you wish.

Although the hotel is has the capacity for lots of people, you never feel overcrowded at AVA. The idyllic 2.8-acre sustainable AVA Bay by Crystal Lagoon Technology ® - is the ultimate water playground for both kids and adults and the six pools boast twice the amount of sun-beds needed for the total capacity of the hotel, so you will never be fighting over a good spot in the sunshine.

When the sun goes down, be sure to make a visit to lively bar Digit, or even the in-resort club DEZ that keeps the party going with a regular roster of guest DJs, special events and its very own craft cocktail bar. AVA takes its cocktails very seriously, with mixologists and bar staff continually honing their skills to create masterful recipes for all to enjoy, whatever your preferred serve of choice.

AVA RESORT

With all that activity, you'll want to enjoy a break in the 66,000 square feet Spa. Boasting a whopping 55 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy circuit and beauty salon, discover a world of peace and serenity right in the heart of the resort.

Offering a wide variety of massages designed to provide you with the highest level of wellness. Renew your energy and disconnect from your day-to-day routine with an AVA Signature Experience or release muscular tension with the Stress Relief & Relaxation massage. The impressive hydrotherapy circuit is designed to stimulate circulation, relieve muscle pain, and uses traditional Mexican medicinal herbs to further enhance the sensory experience.

Dedicated therapists help guide you through the areas from steam rooms to jet pools, while also helping you to make your own face mask with 100% natural ingredients from plants, flowers, roots and essential oils that you can apply while enjoying your water journey. The SPA at AVA has separate areas for men, women and a mixed area, where you will find a steam room, sauna, sensory shower, bucket shower, and experience pool, so whether alone, in a couple, or with friends, every journey is tailored to your preferences.

If you prefer to unwind by doing something a little more exerting then fitness enthusiasts will delight in the 11,000 square feet of elite fitness space along with individual and

AVA Resort Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcán 25.3, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

group fitness, yoga, pilates and spin classes.

Back outside and budding golfers can escape to a golfer's paradise and enjoy privileged access to the Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts Course, an exquisite championship layout designed to challenge and inspire players of all levels.

A true masterpiece designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This 18-hole, par 72 championship course spans over 7,000 yards, presenting a dynamic challenge for every skill level with strategic bunkers and stunning water features. Classes are also available for those new to golfing.

Other resort amenities include a state-of-the-art events centre, complete with ballroom.

Nearby Tulum is well-known worldwide for its stunning Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and mystical cenotes. Located about 130 km south of Cancun, the fascinating destination offers a blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. As one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico, the ruins are perched high on seaside cliffs. Well-worth the visit, if not for the stunning seaside views alone, you can take a guided tour and imagine tradesmen bringing goods over to the Mayan people and workers in this important port town way back in 1200 to 1521.

Tulum is also one of the few Maya ruins with a beach - two, to be precise - making it a must-visit for a swim. In fact, many areas nearby are must-visits for a swim thanks to the fabulous weather and many magical cenotes. While May to September are the hottest months to visit, Mexico enjoys a wonderful climate all year round. Mayans saw cenotes as openings to the underworld. Xcaret park offers thrilling zip lining, as well as a variety of cenotes. If you only have time for one, however, make sure it's the magical Rio Secreto. The secret underground cave network was only discovered in 2006 when a man chasing an iguana came across an opening that led to a labyrinth of untouched caves and galleries.

Speaking of wildlife, Mexico has the second largest population of jaguars in the world just behind Brazil. The jaguar was seen as the maximum symbol of strength to the Mayans so therefore is hugely culturally important to the country's history. Other exotic species include pumas, spider monkeys, snakes, tarantulas and of course, iguanas - who you'll be hard pushed not to see at every turn, sunbathing and patrolling their territory.

Also nearby is Playa del Carmen, a tranquil beach paradise. Once a fishing village, used only by cruise ships coming in to the port of Tulum, the boho destination is now very cosmopolitan, world-renowned for its entertainment and ability to draw a crowd. Take a catamaran trip to discover the Meso-American Barrier Reef, the second longest coral reef in the world or journey across to Mexico's best-kept secret, Isla Holbox and explore all the tropical island has to offer, including the unique bird species that nest on the island, all while enjoying lunch on the powdery white sand beach before heading to the vibrant downtown area.

AVA Resort Cancun, Blvd. Kukulcán 25.3, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

STAYING THERE...

Seven nights at the brand new five-star AVA Resort Cancun costs from just £1,651 per person on a premium all-inclusive basis in an Oceanfront King Room with sea view and balcony with two-person spa tub. Price is based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis and includes direct return flights from London Gatwick to Cancun. Price based on select September 2025 departures. To find out more about this holiday please go to ba.com or visit avaresortcancun.com for more information.

ALONG THE WAY...

Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers. Booking an airport lounge means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. Entry to the My Lounge South at Gatwick South Terminal is available for £40.00 per person, based on travel on 18 September 2025 for three hours’ access before your flight. For more information and to book, call 0800 316 5678 or visit holidayextras.com

BROWN'S HOTEL

Part of the esteemed Rocco Forte Hotels group, established by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi in 1996, Brown's Hotel in Mayfair is a landmark in its own right.

A favourite among the who's who of the capital, the hotel has an enviable location in the heart of Mayfair on Albemarle Street.

The spacious Executive Rooms boast a contemporary design with little touches that nod back to Brown's Hotel's heritage and guests. A range of books can be found in all rooms honouring the hotel's literary past. Large marble bathrooms with luxurious Irene Forte Skincare allow guests to kick-back in style in their very own Mayfair home-from-home.

The suites are particularly spacious with nature filled designs. Hand chosen ornaments and art from local artisans and quintessentially English books fill the rooms, while sumptuous linens and furnishings invite guests to ease into the space seamlessly.

Each room, whether Suite, Junior Suite or Family room boast a calming colour palette of glistening greys and calming champagne tones with accent jewel colours tying everything together for a sense of understated elegance.

Standout suites, like the Sir Paul Smith Forte Suite combines hand-selected artworks with trademark stripes from the British designer highlighting the quirky sense of humour he is known for. Beautifully mixing classic British heritage with modernity, the spectacular suite showcases stunning antiques and contemporary artworks, evoking a quiet opulence.

Like no other, the stunning suite features an expansive sitting room with its own dining area and an exquisitely appointed, spacious bedroom with a king-sized bed. The Sir Paul Smith Suite

can be combined with neighbouring rooms to create a threebedroom suite that’s perfect for families. The large bathroom features a bath with a built-in television, double shower, double washbasins and again, Irene Forte Skincare toiletries.

Other Forte Suites include the Dover Suite and the Florence Nightingale Suite, inspired by the 1939 ballad "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square".

What's lovely about Brown's Hotel, is that due to the unique nature of the buildings, no two rooms are the same and many of the layouts vary to accommodate. All remain appointed to ensure every guest need is accommodated for.

Back downstairs, other hotel facilities include a spa, where guests can enjoy expert-led treatments using Irene Forte Skincare. Crafted in Sicily, born from decades of scientific research, and nurtured on the organic grounds of Verdura Resort. Step into a sanctuary where timeless British charm meets Mediterranean soul, guided by the Rocco Forte Wellness approach.

After all that relaxing, you can head over to The Donovan Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.

The Donovan Bar is known and loved for its boundary pushing cocktails by Maestro Salvatore Calabrese and Director of Mixology Federico Pavan. Specialising in expertly crafted, ever-evolving drinks paired with a complementary food menu by Chef Adam Byatt, served from lunchtime and into the evening, the stylish venue celebrates the work of fashion photographer Terence Donovan.

Reflecting the spirit of the famous faces and scenes captured in Donovan's work, the cocktails are not to be missed with highlights including the sparkling Pornstar Sgroppino with N3

Gin, Singani 63, Chinola Passionfruit, and Champagne; and the nutty Esprecito Martini with 8 year old Barcardi, Disaronno, Dom Benedictine, Oregano, Coffee and Salted Caramel.

The iconic venue has recently begun serving its latest menu: Our Way. Far from a reinvention, this collection is a celebration of the bar’s essence, rooted in classic mixology tradition yet reimagined with modern finesse, Our Way reflects the spirit of the Donovan Bar where heritage meets creativity not in opposition in perfect harmony. This new menu is not about radical change, but rather a refined expression of the bar’s signature style and expertise: elegant simplicity, consistent excellence, and a deep respect for the craft and flavours.

Drawing inspiration from the most iconic classic cocktails, each of the thirteen new serves reimagines familiar favourites with meticulous attention to detail. From thoughtful ingredient selection to precise technique, every element reflects a philosophy

built on care, confidence and consistency. This is mixology not for show, but for substance. The menu itself, designed to echo a bartender’s notebook, features sketches and notes that reveal the creative process behind each drink a quiet homage to the thinking, testing, and refining that defines the Donovan team’s work.

Standout serves include the Bellini Colada, a Venetian aperitivo with extra refreshment in a textural twist finished with frozen cucumber freshness.

Elsewhere in the hotel, and home to their iconic afternoon tea. The Drawing Room is a beautiful lounge area that's steeped in history.

From its nineteenth-century beginnings, the original woodpanelled Drawing Room has witnessed the passage of history’s most illustrious figures. Lords and Ladies, politicians and presidents, royals and the Hollywood elite.

Running every Tuesday to Thursday evening, The Drawing Room offers an After Dark experience transforming the historic venue into an intimate jazz club in the heart of Mayfair.

Jazz began to weave itself into London’s cultural fabric in the early 20th century, and remains a hugely popular and relevant genre today, this unique collaboration between the prestigious Rocco Forte Hotel and the varying guest performers brings the distinctive vibe of a New York jazz club to the capital.

Boldly blurring the line between artist and audience to redefine traditional hotel lounge performances, the lively yet intimate space allows guests to get up close to some of the most established figures of UK jazz collaborating with London’s most exciting emerging artists in a no-holds-barred celebration of the art form. No two nights are the same, and guests are invited to sink into armchairs and enjoy an evening of world-class smallgroup jazz while enjoying a variety of cocktails, wines, spirits

and small plates.

The dedicated menu features relaxed yet elegant dining in the form of special dishes such as Cuttlefish Arancini, Iberico Pork, Cured Monkfish, and a fantastic Tuna Sando. And, just as After Dark puts a modern twist on classic jazz nights, the Drawing Room’s extensive drinks menu serves signature cocktails, such as the Tuxedo and the Old Fashioned, reimagined by Donovan Bar’s creative team.

For a full sit-down dinner however, Charlie's is the place to be in Brown's Hotel. Headed up by Michelin-starred Adam Byatt, whose grandfather worked at Brown's too, Charlie's serves up

Parklane, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, 11 Giannou Kranidioti Street, Limassol, Cyprus, 4534

classic British cuisine with a modern twist. Offering the freshest produce of the season, enjoy dishes such as Vesuvio Tomato and White Peach Salad, Basil, Mint and Tomato Tea; Stracciatella with courgette flower, pistachio, green chilli and mint; and Grilled Iberico pork chop and mustard fruits.

Other highlights include 18oz Dover Sole, grilled or pan-fried with veronique dressing; Pasture fed beef fillet, green peppercorn

salsa verde, confit garlic and red wine sauce; and Grilled new season leeks with macadamia dressing, rocket and lime. Pair with beef fat chips, creamed spinach, and buttered British runner beans.

Those with a sweet tooth will delight in the Roasted cherries with pistachio ice cream and brown sugar crumble; and the classic baked Alaska. Meanwhile, savoury fans can opt for some cheese from Buchanan's Cheesemonger.

Enjoy alongside the fantastic wine list, with knowledgeable sommeliers on hand to guide you through. The romantic dining room has been decorated with a similar nature theme to some of the rooms and suites. With ambient lighting reflecting off the eclectic wallpaper, while you settle down into the sumptuous velvet banquettes.

Rates for a double at Brown’s Hotel start from £975 in an Executive Room. For more information and to reserve a table at The Drawing Room After Dark please visit roccofortehotels.com

parklanecyprus.com

The Kensington

QUEEN'S GATE, SW7

Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP

Made up of seven traditional Victorian townhouses, on the corner of Queen's Gate and Old Brompton Road, The Kensington is a pet-friendly hotel for all the family. Home to 116 rooms and 30 suites, no two rooms are alike thanks to the original townhouses' unique footprints.

Perfect for family gatherings and business meetings alike, the welcoming hotel's interiors have been designed in collaboration with London design studio Timothy Mather, reflecting the traditional architecture of the property, while also embracing the new with quirky touches and features.

Think open fires, high ceilings and elegant drawing rooms that are reminiscent of a private Victorian residence; as well as modern lighting, clean colour palettes and large windows that flood the rooms with an abundance of natural light.

Rooms and suites are lavishly decorated in unique wallpapers and complementing linens. Designed for couples and families alike, the well-appointed rooms act as home away from home for guests, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of central London.

A variety of suites allow those looking for something bigger to unwind in luxury surrounds as many feature sumptuous living areas, complete with decorative fireplaces, roll-top Victorian bathtubs and large balconies.

Back downstairs, unwind and relax in the Spa Treatment room featuring a range of massages and skincare to be indulged in. Or head to the state-of-the-art 24 hour Fitness Suite before enjoying a hearty dinner at the elegant Town House Restaurant.

The pretty-in-pink dining room offers a modern British menu boasting a range of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients to create a range of tempting dishes. Highlights include Dressed Dorset Crab and traditional Guinness bread; Spanish Style Spiced Prawns; Roasted Peach Panzanella Salad; Black Cod with miso glaze and pak choy; and Clams and Mussels Spaghetti with garlic and chilli.

Other standout mains include Dover Sole, locally sourced steak on the grill, and sweet treats like Pineapple Cake and Tropical Eton Mess for dessert.

Enjoy alongside the expansive wine list, or head over to the K Bar for a pre (or post!) dinner cocktail. The relaxed bar, with its oak panelled walls and glamorous lounge setting, serves up a range of innovative serves, as well as some classic sips. Enjoy signatures such as the Gibbous with Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Empirical The Plum, Mango and Ube; or the slightly sweeter Apgar with Discarded Grape Skin Vodka, Amaretto Disaronno, Lemon Verbena and topped with Popping Candy. Speaking of sweet treats, guests can also the quintessentially British tradition of Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surrounds of the Town House.

The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP

In celebration of the V&A’s hotly anticipated Marie Antoinette: Style exhibition, the hotel will be introducing a brand-new afternoon tea: Let Us Eat Cake. Launching on 20th September, this quintessentially British experience pays tribute to the opulence, artistry and enduring style of one of history’s most iconic figures.

Drawing inspiration from the fashion, gardens and lavish court life of Marie Antoinette, Let Us Eat Cake is beautifully presented afternoon tea, where each item is as ornamental as it is delicious.

Guests can look forward to a selection of intricately crafted patisserie that plays on the opulent extravagance of the Palace of Versailles. Highlights include Le Gâteau du Jardin - a strawberry genoise sponge layered with vanilla Chantilly and fresh strawberries, Le Brisé de la Dauphine - a delicate lemon shortbread shaped like a fan, La Robe de la Reine - a blackberry and lemon curd tartlet topped with blackberry mousse, and Le Macaron Petit Trianon, a raspberry and white chocolate almond

macaron. These are served alongside freshly baked traditional and fruit scones with clotted cream and homemade jam.

Savouries include refined finger sandwiches such as egg salad on brioche; French chicken tarragon on white bread; avocado purée, sundried tomatoes & crumbled feta on a savoury pink brioche roll; and pastrami, horseradish cream & baby rocket on hearty brown bread.

A dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu will also be available, with tempting options such as French tarragon tofu on white bread; vegan cheddar with pesto, tomato and watercress on white bread; avocado purée, sundried tomato and crumbled feta on a vegan roll; and hummus with black olive tapenade and piquillo peppers on hearty brown bread.

Guests can also choose to enjoy with either a glass of Champagne or a special Queen's Coupe cocktail made with Belvedere Vodka, Pimms, Earl Grey cordial, clarified clotted cream, and Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV. The majestic cocktail is finished with a rose petal and raspberry rim.

Served in the elegant surroundings of The Kensington, this afternoon tea offers a transportive experience that captures the charm and splendour of the V&A’s latest exhibition sponsored by Manolo Blahnik, which opens the same day.

Marie Antoinette Style will be the UK’s first exhibition on the French queen Marie Antoinette. The exhibition will explore the origins and countless revivals of the style shaped by the most fashionable queen in history. A fashion icon in her own time, and an early modern ‘celebrity’, the dress and interiors modelled and adopted by the ill-fated Queen of France in the final decades of the eighteenth century have had a lasting influence on over 250 years of design, fashion, film and decorative arts.

Let Us Eat Cake is priced at £59.00 per person, or £73.00 with a glass of Champagne or The Queen’s Coupe. To coincide with the launch, the hotel will also offer exclusive packages for visitors to the V&A, located just moments away in the heart of South Kensington.

Part of the Doyle Collection, who also own The Bloomsbury Hotel and Dalloway Terrace, The Kensington Hotel offers an abundance of charm and unrivalled guest service to ensure you have a wonderful stay with all the benefits of a large hotel but with a truly personal feel. A real home away from home.

Rooms start from £375.00 a night.

Burnham Beeches Hotel

Nestled within ten acres of mature woodland, Burnham Beeches Hotel in the heart of Buckinghamshire presents an exceptional retreat where historical elegance harmonises with contemporary sophistication. Having recently undergone a multimillion-pound renovation, the hotel is a hidden gem located less than an hour away from London. Several blockbuster films such as Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves have been filmed here.

Originally constructed in 1727 as a Georgian manor, the hotel’s distinguished façade extends a gracious welcome, inviting guests to experience an environment where heritage and comfort coexist. This four-star luxury hotel and spa has showstopping suites and rooms which include stunning forest inspired interiors, all of which have been spectacularly designed to immerse guests in the Burnham Beeches surroundings.

The extensive range of amenities are as impressive as its idyllic surroundings. 82 individually designed guest rooms are furnished with sumptuous bedding, modern conveniences and picturesque views of the manicured grounds. Guests can select from classic accommodations or more luxurious suites, all of which exude a sense of warmth and refinement. For business travellers and those organising significant occasions such as a wedding, the hotel offers a selection of versatile meeting and event spaces which are flooded with natural light.

The Soul Spa serves as the hotel’s premier facility, dedicated to promoting relaxation and wellbeing. The tranquil setting is inspired by the local area and treatments are designed to connect you with nature and rebalance the mind, body and soul. The extensive array of treatments ranges from revitalising facials to soothing massages administered by highly trained therapists utilising premium Temple Spa products.

The spa further features a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and a cuttingedge fitness suite, ensuring that all aspects of health and relaxation are meticulously addressed. For those seeking a restorative experience, bespoke spa days and signature wellness rituals are available.

Adorned with tall sash windows, the Arden Room provides a refined fine dining experience with a modern British menu. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing local ingredients and presenting dishes with both artistry and care, offering guests an authentic taste of regional cuisine. Brasserie 1727 serves the same hearty classics and responsibly sourced seasonal dishes as the Arden Room but in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere. Quintessential afternoon tea is served in the Evergreen Tea Room which overlooks the grounds where royalty would have hunted in the 18th century and the Verdure Lounge Bar offers an impressive selection of wines and spirits, making it a fitting venue for both pre-dinner drinks and evening refreshment.

Beyond its doors, Burnham Beeches Hotel affords guests access to the adjacent Burnham Beeches Nature Reserve, picturesque country walks, and the nearby attractions of Windsor and Eton. Distinguished by its architectural grandeur, impeccable service, and outstanding facilities, Burnham Beeches Hotel is an exemplary destination for those seeking a quintessential English country experience.

Burnham Beeches Hotel, Grove Road, Burnham SL1 8DP

CAVIAR

Epicure East Caviar available now. Royal Baerii, Oscietra and Royal Beluga Caviar from London’s premium, family run fish supplier.

A TASTE OF AUTUMN

As we pass into Autumn, seasonal menus across London transition into a more comforting offering with rich, indulgent flavour profiles taking over from the fresh tastes of summer. Prepare to relax in the warming atmosphere with a delectable glass of red wine.

Bottomless Coya in the City

Peruvian hotspot, Coya City has launched a new bottomless menu every Friday which has combined their famous mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine with free flowing drinks, perfect for the end of the week and the start of the weekend.

Known for their delicious dishes and stellar party environment, the city outpost of Coya kicks off it's free flowing offering with 90 minutes of cocktails and Veuve Clicquot champagne, accompanied with canapes and snacks, before a three-course dining experience that brings together the signature Peruvian fusion cuisine with the unmistakable spirit of Coya.

Tuck into tempting dishes such as King Bream Tiradito and Whipped Feta Quinoa, before choosing a main from the likes of Chilean Sea Bass with Aji amarillo pickled peppers and fennel; Udon Noodles with bok choy and smoked shiitake, or more, all while enjoying live saxophone performances as they dine.

Starting at 7pm every Friday, guests can also enjoy tunes from a live DJ throughout the evening. The new offering is sure to bring the fun and vibes to London City, with a celebration of flavour, rhythm and after-hours energy perfect to welcome in the weekend.

CHUCS

Head to Chucs to enjoy a slice of the Italian Riviera right in the heart of London. The original destination is located on Dover Street, just a stone's throw from Berkeley Square, and opened in the summer of 2014. With just 8 tables, the intimate dining venue is a firm favourite among locals and it's not hard to see why.

Serving up classic Italian favourites from delectable cicchetti like truffle arancini and Nocellara olives, to signature dishes like Chucs chopped Cobb salad with bacon, avocado and cave aged cheddar; and the Chucs Truffle pizza with its hand-stretched, stone-baked base; the restaurant offers something for everyone.

For those looking for a pasta fix, the Bigoli Cacio E Pepe doesn't disappoint, nor does the Lobster Linguini with fresh tomatoes, garlic and chilli. Those fancying something lighter can opt for the classic Tuna Nicoise salad; Pan fired Seabream with roasted courgette and sun-dried tomato; or the Beef Carpaccio with fried capers and Chucs special sauce.

If you're ready to let go of summer and head into autumn, the hearty braised lamb ragu with rigatoni; and salmon and prawn raviolo with lobster bisque will get you in the new season spirit.

Inspired by the glamour of the Amalfi Coast, each Chucs' location serves up timeless charm and delicious food. Drinks aren't to be missed either, with an impressive wine list and innovative cocktails and spritz's. Favourites include the Elderflower and Peach Bellini; and the Jardin de Provence with Mirabeau Rose Dry Gin, Elderflower, cucumber, mint, lime and Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Water.

A go-to for long lunches, people-watching, and aperitivo hours in style, other locations include Belgravia, and Chucs Cafe next to Chucs Mayfair which offers sandwiches and salads. Be sure to make summer last a little longer with a taste of Italy at Chucs.

Coya City, 31-33 Throgmorton Street, London EC2N 2AT | coyarestaurant.com

THE PERFECT BBQ BOX

Provenance Butcher has partnered with America's number 1 vodka; Tito's to create the ultimate big BBQ box that's perfect for making the most of the last days of summer.

With the ability to customise and add some of the fine butcher's other best selling BBQ items or remove the Tomahawk Steak (although we are not sure why you would want to).

The impressive box includes a bottle of Tito's, 2 x Grass Fed Ribeye Steaks (250g), 2 x Galician Beef Burger (150g patty), 2 x Maverick burger (120g patty), 2 x Smokey Maple marinated racks of baby back ribs, 500g Texas link sausage, 500g Tennessee marinated wings, Provenance House Rub, and a Recipe card for Tito's vodka BBQ sauce.

Crafted in old-fashioned pot stills and inspired by the distillation methods of fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs, each sip of Tito’s goes down smooth and has an impeccably clean finish that complements grilled meat perfectly.

There's also the option to add-on a whole boneless chicken in herb and garlic marinade or a brisket bundle with 1.5kg of brisket and a homemade brisket rub.

The butcher's offer same day delivery within London Local area, Mon-Sat, on orders received before 11am. For rest of London and nationwide, delivery is next day Tues-Sat.

You can also opt for free Click & Collect and pick up from your nearest Provenance shop! Locations are based in Chelsea, Little Venice, Queen's Park, Wimbledon Village and Notting Hill.

A TASTE OF PUGLIA

Pasta experts Pasta Evangelists host a range of classes so you can learn and recreate your favourite dishes at home. Lasting for 2 hours (which includes cooking and dining) you can enjoy bottomless prosecco and some delicious antipasti before getting hands on to create your very own pasta from scratch.

Everything you need to create magnificent pasta is provided, including linen aprons and beechwood pasta tools. Jovial and relaxed, the classes begin with a little bit of history into regional shapes and places depending on which class you have chosen.

The Taste of Puglia class for example, showcases what makes Puglia so special. Renowned for their love of fresh fish and simple vibrant flavours, the special region located at the heel of Italy's boot is full of warmth and great Italian hospitality. The region's orecchietta pasta shape, also fondly known as 'little ear', is one of the most recognisable amongst all Pugliese cuisine. In the masterclass, you learn how to make this special shape using just two ingredients before sitting down with your fellow students to enjoy the pasta you've created.

Once formed, your pasta will be cooked by one of the chefs, and paired with a choice of sauces and topped with cheese should you wish.

A great introduction to both the history of Italy's many regions and their famed pasta but also a great introduction to pasta cooking as a whole in a fun environment. Great for dates, with mates or even family, there's plenty of classes and locations, from Richmond and Greenwich, to choose from. Offerings include children's pasta making class, four cheese ravioli masterclasses and a beginners class.

Be sure to look out for classes hosted by Pasta Evangelists head chef Roberta d'Elia for a whole host of personal anecdotes from her childhood in Puglia and plenty of laughs.

Classes are £68.00 per person and are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Book online at pastaevangelists.com

pastaevangelists.com

Crust Bros

Two-time National Pizza Award winning London pizza brand, Crust Bros has opened its largest pizzeria in Covent Garden. Famed for their personalised Neapolitan pizzas, the new pizzeria boasts 135 covers spread over two floors on Bedford Street, just off the Strand.

Taking pizza making very seriously, dough is made fresh on site everyday with passers-by looking in to Crust Bros’ chefs making dough balls on the marble counter in the morning. It’s then left to proof for 48-72 hours to create that classic airy, fluffy dough before baking at 450 degrees for that signature charred leopard print crust.

Alongside a host of customer favourites, guests can choose between Crust Bros’ classic neapolitan dough or gluten free, before topping with an assortment of sauce, meat, cheese, and veg options. Pineapple fans will be disappointed as it's a strong no to the fruit on pizza at the brand. You can console yourself though with a range of must-try new side dishes including six hour ragu lasagna bomba donuts - Italian dough donuts.

Diners can also opt for the ‘Fave Pizzas menu’, with some Naples-inspired classics and some Crust Bros signatures - including much-loved favourites ‘Straight Outta Hell’ - tomato, mozzarella, chicken, chillies, pepperoni, nduja; ‘Nonna’s Yard’ - tomato, mozzarella, caramelised onions, goat’s cheese, mushrooms, pesto

drizzle, and ‘Vegan Harlem Truffle’ - crema tartufata base, vegan mozzarella, mushrooms.

At Crust Bros, the sides and desserts are (almost) as big a deal as the pizza. Created specifically for Covent Garden are a completely unique savoury take on bombas - Italian enriched dough donuts. The ‘Lasagna Bomba’, made with six hour ragu, parmesan, bechemal, and deep fried lasagna sheet is a must try, with the savoury selection also including ‘Nduja Bomba’, with ‘nduja mascarpone and dusted with ‘nduja sugar, and the ‘Blue Cheese Bomba’, gorgonzola, béchemhal, and a parmesan twist. Desserts include a further selection of sweet bombas - from nutella and dulce de leche, to lemon zabaglioni. Other treats include a decadent tiramisu and a selection of gelato in collaboration with Covent Garden based La Gelateria.

Ensuring a fun evening out with friends or family alike, Crust Bros also boast an incredible cocktail menu including two creative takes on the classic Italian aperitif - the Negroni. Try the ‘Crust Bros Coffee Negroni’ - Gin, campari, red vermouth, Tia Maria, chocolate bitters, orange twist; before finishing your meal with Crust Bros ‘Negroni Espresso Martini’ - gin, Campari, vermouth, tia maria, coffee. Soft drinks include Lavender Lemonade and Kiwi Lemon Soda, and there are also frozen beer tankards to make sure you enjoy the last of the good weather!

THE WIGMORE TOASTIE

Set in a former banking hall, The Wigmore opened in 2017 and is a modern British gastropub located in The Langham, London. Taking inspiration from public houses of the past, it offers a warm, social space for drinking, dining, and gathering. The menu, overseen by celebrated chef Michel Roux junior, features hearty British dishes reimagined with a refined touch, paired with wines on tap, house punches, ‘hoptails’, cask ales, and craft beers.

To celebrate the return of the now iconic toasties, a third series of the Toastie Take-over was launched this August with a strong line-up of renowned chefs and lasts through to October. Offering their own take on this ultimate comfort food, which is a firm favourite, each guest chef toastie will be available for one month, alongside The Wigmore’s famous, foot long signature XXL 3 cheese and mustard stove top creation. Served with a cast iron bacon press, each mouthful of this delightfully glorious, gooey mass of stringy cheese will leave a lasting impression. Snacks from the main menu include Masala spiced scotch egg, dahl relish or Sweet potato and spinach fritters with chilli chutney.

This year’s limited-edition guest toasties have been created by chefs from three acclaimed British pubs: The Coach (Bradley Cacela), The Pipe and Glass (James Mackenzie) and The Three Fishes (Nigel Haworth).

The 2025 Takeover kicked off in August with Bradley Cacela, the new Head Chef at Tom Kerridge’s ‘The Coach’ in Marlow.

Bradley’s indulgent toastie combines slow-cooked beef shin, fennel & chilli sausage, gorgonzola and mozzarella - a rich fusion of British and Italian flavours, crafted in true gastropub fashion.

£1 from each guest chef toastie sold will be donated to the hospitality mental health charity, The Burnt Chef Project.

The Wigmore has a fun, inviting atmosphere suitable for many private events and even has its own signature brew, “Saison’’. Perfectly positioned on Regent Street at the heart of London’s West End, it is an inviting stop for both locals and visitors alike.

el Pirata

El Pirata in Mayfair is one of London’s long-standing and much-adored tapas bars and restaurants.

With a diverse choice of quality Spanish dishes and wines, served by friendly, personable staff in a relaxed and informal setting, the neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Mayfair has guests coming back time after time.

Located between Green Park and Hyde Park, the traditional tapas bar features cosy alcoves, terracotta flooring, and a glass backed bar with all manner of spirits. Classic Spanish prints adorn the walls, while the lower level cellar is the perfect location for quiet meetings, private dining and exclusive hire for occasions - not to mention a hideaway for some of the A-list celebrities who continue to frequent El Pirata. The rave reviews of the tapas hotspot from the likes of Fred Sirieix and Nobu Matsuhisa speak for themselves.

The menu boasts more than 40 authentic dishes, with a range of brunch, express lunch and a special introduction to tapas menu. Specials include Secreto de cerdo Iberico (succulent Iberian pork), and Spain’s National Treasure the Jamón Iberico 5J Bellota, as well as the traditional and classic tapas dishes ranging from delicious seafood and light bites to carne, paella and a strong vegetarian offering too.

Highlights include traditional Gambas al pil-pil; Iberian ham croquettes; marinated cod cheeks; Padron peppers; and Ribeye steak with roquette and Manchego cheese.

Within striking distance of Mayfair’s five-star hotels and easy reach of Knightsbridge and Kensington too, if you’re pining for sunnier climes, El Pirata will transport you there without breaking the bank.

El Pirata, 5-6 Down Street, Mayfair

THREE DARLINGS

Having opened its doors in August 2024, Three Darlings, an inviting English bistro located in the heart of Chelsea is a true neighbourhood gem which has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Inspired by the lives of Irha and Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s three daughters, it captures the spirit of West London living with a focus on family, comfort, and togetherness.

Positioned on a vibrant pedestrianised corner among boutique shops and artisan cafés on Pavilion Road, Three Darlings presents a modern brasserie style marked by understated elegance and warmth. The chic interior features soothing pastels, plush velvet banquettes, and an open kitchen, all bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. The atmosphere, enhanced with ambient lighting and a welcoming attitude towards guests, including dogs, blends nostalgic charm with contemporary flair.

The meticulously crafted menu champions modern British cuisine with European influences, offering a repertoire of thoughtfully composed dishes that honour tradition while inviting innovation. Three Darlings encourages guests to treat the venue as their home from home, with locals frequenting it for everything from pastries and breakfast to brunch, lunch, or dinner. In the warmer months, the sunny terrace beckons for relaxed al fresco meals.

By evening, the Supper Club menu takes centre stage, shifting seasonally to spotlight the freshest flavours. Starters include oysters with fermented chili sauce and horseradish mignonette

or a house special oyster with tomato elixir, capers, and basil. Guests might move on to Spanish octopus with butter bean and smoked paprika, and for mains, market fish of the day or a 280g ribeye steak with comforting beef fat gravy and bone marrow. Sides such as roasted hispi cabbage with smoked onion and black garlic, Jersey Royal potatoes with brown butter and parsley, or sprouting broccoli with almond, garlic, and chili, complete the feast.

An expertly selected wine list and a refined cocktail menu designed to complement the culinary experience elevates the offering further. Signature cocktails, like the Darling Secret— vodka, elderflower liqueur, strawberry, aloe vera soda, and lime—provide the perfect accompaniment to a meal in this elegant yet welcoming Chelsea gem.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Chelsea, Three Darlings offers a delightful dining experience, all served in a welcoming and stylish setting by ever friendly and knowledgeable staff.

COMO GARDEN

Nestled among the bustling boutiques and grand Victorian façades of Kensington High Street, Como Garden is a slice of Italian serenity with a story as inviting as its menu. Opened by twin brothers Arian and Alberto Zandi, the restaurant takes inspiration from their travels around Lake Como - a region famed as much for its lush landscapes as for its rich culinary traditions. Their vision was to create a space where Londoners could step into a whimsical oasis, surrounded by hanging foliage, marble-topped tables, and the soft glow of lantern light, all echoing the romance of northern Italy.

Since opening its doors, Como Garden has become a beloved fixture in the neighbourhood, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its intimate ambiance and heartfelt hospitality. The restaurant pays homage to its namesake not only through verdant decor, but also in the way it honours the convivial spirit of Italian diningencouraging guests to linger over shared plates and enjoy the art of a leisurely meal.

Known for its romantic, garden-inspired interiors and nods to Lake Como, Como Garden has built its reputation on an array

of classic dishes: silky handmade pastas, delicately seasoned seafood, and antipasti boards brimming with Italian charcuterie and cheeses. Its menu is a love letter to regional Italian flavours, carefully balancing crowd-pleasing staples with seasonal surprises. The team delights in reimagining Italian favourites and now, alongside its classic pastas and seafood, Como Garden has recently launched a new pizza menu offering specials that celebrate both old-world recipes and contemporary twists.

Serving a line-up of wood-fired sourdough pizzas that blend classic Italian flavour with a few indulgent twists, the new menu includes classic rich toppings like 26-month aged San Daniele ham, creamy burrata, white truffle cream, and a blue cheese that’s been aged for 30 months. Everything is made using carefully sourced Italian ingredients and finished in a traditional wood oven for that perfect charred base and chewy crust.

Whether you’re settling in for a sun-dappled brunch or gathering friends for an evening of lively conversation, Como Garden is the ideal place to relax and enjoy some downtime whilst indulging a cocktail or two.

L’ETO Caffe

Whether you’re introducing little ones to new tastes or simply enjoying a family day out, L’ETO Caffe invites guests of all ages to sit down, share a plate, and make mealtimes memorable.

Now offering their brand-new 'Little Bites' menu, the company's first-ever children's menu, at four of their London locations, the menu is tailored for little ones, with smaller portions of much-loved classics designed to satisfy growing appetites and curious palates.

Available at Soho, Brompton Road, Notting Hill and Covent Garden, the dishes have been created using the same love, care and attention that the larger menu at L'ETO is known for. Featuring mini versions of favourites such as Caramel Crust French Toast with strawberry jam, maple syrup and whipped cream, creamy Tomato Pasta with fresh basil, Char-grilled Chicken with crispy herb & cheese potatoes and a summer salad, Mini L’ETO Burger with crispy fries or seasonal veggies and Breadcrumbed Chicken Escalope with chips, crispy Parmesan & a fried egg, and signature L’ETO sweet treats.

Filling and balanced, the high-quality dishes come in perfectly sized portions, starting from £6.50.

Bright and airy, the cafe's are welcome retreats in the heart of the busy capital. Take a moment to enjoy the all-day dining concept and enjoy a whole host of nutritious dishes from Beef and Pork Pelmeni dumplings; King Prawn Linguine; and a hearty Steak Sandwich. Or just indulge in one of the many, many sweet treats on offer.

So whether you're stopping for a quick dessert with a coffee or matcha, a full meal within the stylish restaurant or a hearty breakfast brunch, L'ETO caters for it all - with the whole family.

‘LITTLE BITES’ is available at the following branches:

Soho, 155 Wardour Street, W1F 8WG

Brompton, 243 Brompton Road, SW3 2EP Covent Garden, 138 Long Acre, WC2E 9AA Monday to Sunday | 9am - 11pm

Notting Hill, 174 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RW Monday to Sunday | 8.30am - 7pm

“Executive chef Salvatore Bianco’s Spaghetti ‘Caramella’ with tomato sauce is a refined interpretation of Italy’s most beloved pasta dish. Rooted in tradition but elevated with precision and elegance, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of balanced flavours and textures. Sweet, caramella tomatoes meet the depth of cold-extracted raw tomato essence, while highquality extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil bring brightness and aromatic complexity. Bianco’s approach is both respectful of heritage and deeply contemporary focusing on purity, technique, and the intrinsic beauty of each ingredient. The result is a dish that captures the essence of the Mediterranean: light, vibrant, and intensely flavourful, yet incredibly delicate. This is not just a plate of spaghetti - it’s a celebration of simplicity done perfectly.”

INGREDIENTS:

320g Spaghetti | 600g Sweet, Ripe Red Datterini Tomatoes | 1 Unpeeled Garlic Clove | 6 Tablespoons High-Quality, Medium-Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 Tablespoons ColdFiltered Raw Tomato Extract | Fine Salt, To Taste | Fresh Basil (10-12 Leaves + Small Leaves for Garnish)

METHOD:

Prepare the sauce base. In a large skillet, gently heat four tablespoons of olive oil with the unpeeled garlic clove. Let it infuse for 2-3 minutes, then remove the garlic.

Sauté the Datterini tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes lengthwise and add them to the skillet. Sauté over high heat for about 5-6 minutes - they should soften but remain whole, with the skin partially intact. Lightly salt and add half of the basil, torn by hand. Cook the pasta. Boil the spaghetti in plenty of salted water, draining it 2 minutes before it's fully cooked.

S PAGHETTI 'CARAMELLA' with tomato

sauce

By Salvatore Bianco, executive chef at Hotel Eden, Rome

Finish cooking (mantecatura). Transfer the pasta directly into the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss over medium heat with a small amount of pasta water to create a light emulsion.

ADD:

Add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (added raw) and three tablespoons of cold-filtered raw tomato extract (finely strained with a cloth or chinois). Mix vigorously - the raw extract will add shine, balanced acidity, and freshness to the dish.

FINISHINGTOUCHES:

Turn off the heat and add the remaining basil by hand. Plate the pasta by twirling it with tongs and a ladle. Garnish with small fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

THE KITCHEN AT HOLMES

Kitchen at Holmes, a sophisticated gem nestled in Marylebone, welcomes summer 2025 with the unveiling of an enticing new menu that has a strong focus on the grill. Head Chef Stefano Motta brings his signature Mediterranean flair to the table, showcasing a grill-centric selection inspired by the vibrant tastes of Italy, the Eastern Mediterranean, and North Africa. The result is a menu designed for relaxed outdoor grazing, lively dinners, and a weekend brunch underscored by the mellow notes of live acoustic music.

The restaurant’s centrepiece is its open-plan kitchen island, where guests are treated to a captivating culinary performance. This interactive setting generates warmth, excitement, and a unique sense of theatre, cementing Kitchen at Holmes as a cherished spot on the Marylebone dining scene. Motta’s travels through Italy, Southern and Eastern Europe, and North Africa are reflected in an array of inventive starters: crisp asparagus with whipped feta and pistachio, purple prawns with pea hummus and Za’atar, and Ras El Hanout beef enhanced by artichoke tahini and crispy shallots.

The grill delivers the menu’s stars: saffron fregola with red mullet, cuttlefish, and mussels; presa iberica served with chimichurri and ajo blanco; and whole sea bream finished with zesty green harissa and Amalfi lemon. The octopus steals the show, arriving with labneh, Kalamata olives, capers, raw fennel, sundried tomatoes, Za’atar, and smoked paprika. Complementing the main attractions are house-made pastas and vibrant salads that round out the à la carte offerings.

The dining room, designed by Digital Space studio, features gentle greys, elegant wood panelling, and marbletopped tables, while the open kitchen infuses the space with lively energy. Kitchen at Holmes adapts seamlessly to any occasion—breakfast, brunch, dinner, or a casual bite on the terrace. The terrace and open kitchen suit everything from spontaneous gatherings to special celebrations.

Every Saturday, a set brunch menu is offered for £25 per person, including a welcome snack, a main, and a dessert, available indoors and al fresco alongside live music. For private occasions, a hidden rooftop terrace accommodates up to 50 guests, perfect for exclusive open-kitchen dinners. With its inviting spirit and flexible spaces, Kitchen at Holmes remains a beloved neighbourhood destination.

Osteria del Mare

Inspired by Italy’s sun-soaked shores, Osteria del Mare is a new seafood focused eatery from restaurant group Bocconcino. Bringing Italian seafood opulence to the vibrant heart of the Strand this spring, Osteria del Mare offers an exquisite culinary journey and a delightful reprieve from the hustle and bustle of London’s busy streets. Inspired by Italy’s classic Osterias, this charming Italian restaurant promises an authentic experience, blending tradition with contemporary flair.

Featuring natural wood and stone, the décor includes maritime touches which have created an inviting coastal atmosphere while the open kitchen adds a lively, interactive element. Comfortable seating makes guests feel at home and soft lighting further enhances the dining experience. The ambiance here is both relaxed and refined.

Boasting a menu that is as diverse as it is delectable, Osteria del Mare specialises in seafood but also offers an array of Italian classics that cater to all palates and the starters are a testament to the culinary expertise of its chefs. The Calamari Fritti, light and crispy squid rings served with a zesty lemon aioli, are a crowd favourite. For those who enjoy fresh flavours, the Caprese Salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, is a musttry. Another standout is the Bruschetta al Pomodoro, toasted bread topped with a vibrant mix of tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.

The à la carte menu features an exquisite selection of small bites, antipasti and crudo, highlighting premium ingredients such as bottarga, red prawns, and caviar. Signature offerings like the crudo platter and char-grilled red mullet showcase Osteria del Mare’s passion for delivering the true taste of the Italian coast to Covent Garden, creating an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike. Seafood aficionados will delight in the Grigliata di Pesce, a sumptuous platter of grilled fish and shellfish, served with seasonal vegetables

Osteria del Mare in the Strand is a gem that offers an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you are seeking a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special celebration, this restaurant has something for everyone. With its exquisite food, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, Osteria del Mare is ideal for locals and visitors and is a place where every meal is a journey to the heart of the Italian coastline.

Osteria del Mare, 366 Strand, London WC2R

LUCKY CAT

ASIAN INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in London's highest restaurant above sea-level. Lucky Cat Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay has launched a brand new Afternoon Tea experience right the heart of the city with fabulous views to boot.

Bringing together Lucky Cat's signature Asianinspired dishes and flavours with the timeless rituals of afternoon tea, guests can enjoy the varied offering from the 60th floor of the iconic skyscraper.

Available on weekdays from 2pm to 4.30pm, the Afternoon Tea is served in the classic three-tiered style. The bottom plate includes a curated nigiri selection with four pieces per person, while the middle plate includes a trio of Japanese sandwiches: cured salmon with wasabi crème fraiche, Kyoto cucumber and short rib glazed in yuzu mustard with pickles. Finally, the top plate features a playful finish of yuzu meringue tartlets, matcha and strawberry sando and miso brownie with white chocolate whipped ganache.

To complement the menu, guests can choose from an expertly curated tea selection or for those wishing to elevate the occasion further, two beverage upgrades are available: Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut at £22.50 for two glasses, and Akashi-Tai Sparkling Sake at £23.50 for two glasses.

CLUELESS

Hit West-End musical of the 90s classic, Clueless has partnered with celebrity restaurant Colonel Saab for an immersive dining experience based around the iconic Beverly Hills High story.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the ever-popular Nineties movie and the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, fans can get a taste for the story at Theatreland's luxurious Trafalgar Square restaurant, with a £60 three-course menu with cocktail and amuse bouche, before a five-minute stroll to the Trafalgar Theatre to watch Cher Horowitz’s enduring tale of popularity and matchmaking.

The 'way cool' experience starts with the Chercules Signature Cocktail, a bold blend of D’Yavol vodka, zesty lime, and fresh raspberries before an amuse bouche, inspired by Tai’s makeover; a choice of four starters including You’re a Virgin who Can’t Drive - a madras-spiced pulled chicken chop served with a tomato raisin relish.

The four Main choices include The Paul Rudd Never Ages Butter Chicken, Rollin' with the Homies Prawn Moilee and Beverly Hills Royalty Paneer Pakeezah, topped with silver leaf and fit for the most popular girl at school.

The delectable story concludes with a sweet finish, with two desserts including Cher’s Perfect Match Mishti Doi Chakka

Varattiyathu Tart with ripe jackfruit, popping pearls and raspberry crumble served with Alphonso mango sorbet.

Clueless was inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel, Emma and earned a new generation of fans with the hit Bollywood remake, Aisha in 2010. Colonel Saab owner Roop Partap Choudhary says: “We’re thrilled to partner with Clueless on this exciting, theatrical menu experience.

"The film and the Aisha Bollywood remake are huge movies in India and the UK and we enjoyed transforming the story from stage to plate with our multi-sensory Clueless dining experience.”

The musical adaptation of the story with a ‘heart of gold and a card made of platinum’ has an original score by multi-platinum singer-songwriter KT Tunstall and lyrics by Grammy Award® winner Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act).

Together this unique collaboration blends the spirit of the 90s with a fresh contemporary sound, performed by a stellar London cast, forming the perfect night out for fans of the film and Indian food lovers alike.

The Clueless Menu is available at Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square daily, for lunch and early dinner Select seats highlighted with a star to book the unique package at atgtickets.com

Benares Berkeley Square

Benares Restaurant and Bar in the heart of Mayfair was established in 2003 and it stands as a celebrated venue where the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine and spices meet the very best of British ingredients. The restaurant’s menus artfully combine traditional Indian cooking methods with locally sourced British produce resulting in a unique fusion that honours both culinary heritages. Named after India’s sacred city, Benares quickly garnered critical acclaim, securing the prestigious Michelin star as a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and culinary ingenuity.

The décor is one of refined elegance and features rich wooden panels, soft ambient lighting, and subtle Asian-inspired motifs, creating a setting that is tranquil yet sophisticated. This thoughtful design reflects the restaurant’s philosophy: an effortless blend of cultural legacy and contemporary style.

Menus at Benares change with the seasons and under the direction of Executive Head Chef Sameer Taneja, the restaurant’s kitchen draws inspiration from across the Indian subcontinent, thoughtfully incorporating premium British ingredients into every dish.

Among the standout appetisers is Puchka, a famous and beloved symbol of India’s street food culture. Pushka is a culinary marvel of crisp, hollow spheres made from semolina or wheat, fried until crisp and golden and then gently cracked open and filled with a piquant mixture of apple chutney, lentils and chickpeas. Chilled, tangy apple water is then poured inside after which it should be consumed in a single mouthful, delivering an explosion of crunch, softness, and refreshing sourness in a single bite.

Moving from appetisers to mains, seasonal vegetables and the freshest cuts of meat or fish are prepared with time-honoured Indian techniques, complemented by unexpected British elements. Murg Makhani, featuring Chicken Tikka in a rich tomato and fenugreek sauce, pays homage to classic Indian comfort food. Meanwhile, the Seabass and Clarence Court Farm Free Range Eggs in Kokum Curry Sauce showcase the kitchen’s ability to seamlessly blend British seafood with Indian spices. Side dishes such as Dal Makhani - Benares’ signature black lentils slow-cooked overnight for a creamy texture - and Dal Tadka, cumin-tempered yellow lentils served with fragrant saffron rice, elegantly complement the mains.

Whether one is well-versed in Indian cuisine or experiencing it for the first time, Benares invites guests to discover familiar favourites alongside bold new creations promising a remarkable and memorable dining adventure, rooted in both tradition and modern flair.

TIGERMILK

The Paris-born, Latin-inspired hotspot Tigermilk has just arrived in London. Inviting you on a journey through Latin America, where rustic charm meets elegant interiors and bold spices. The welcoming dining room creates a convivial atmosphere for friends and family alike to come together and share a meal while taking in the vibrant spirit of Latin America.

Located just moment's from Tottenham Court Road, start the experience with one of Tigermilk's signature cocktails. Top choices include the Isabela Sour with gin, elderflower liqueur, pear juice, lime and egg white foam; and the Tiger-Spritz created with Yuzu, Aperol, peach and sparkling Prosecco. Those with a penchant for margaritas will love the Azteca Grande tequila margarita pitcher with a hibiscus twist.

Moving on to food, starter menu highlights include Tacos De Barbacoa - slow cooked shredded beef marinated in a special house spice blend, served in soft corn tortillas with fresh onions, coriander and lime; Tuna Turner - marinated tuna with aji verde sauce, pickled red onions, coriander and guacamole on a crispy corn tostada; and sharing Guacamole.

For mains, and you will want to share thanks to the generous portions, try the large carnitas quesadilla filled with tender British pulled pork, triple cheese, smoky chipotle and jalapeño cream; Carne Asada served with chimichurri sauce; and the Coco Loco ceviche. A Tigermilk signature, pollock is served in creamy, tangy coconut leche de tigre with mango, pomegranate, red onions and coriander. Roasted sweet potatoes, tortillas and Spanish rice are all available as sides should you wish.

For dessert, there's an indulgent Dulce Leche Cheesecake, Maracuya Tiramisu and Dulce di Latte hand-made ice-cream. Those not in the mood, can opt for a dessert cocktail like the classic Espresso Martini with Mezcal Ojo de Dios Cafe, or Oaxacan Negroni.

Great interiors, fab food and a fun atmosphere right in the heart of the West End, what's not to love.

Nestled within the iconic May Fair Hotel in the heart of London’s distinguished Mayfair district, The May Fair Kitchen presents a sophisticated dining experience that artfully fuses the delicate precision of Japanese Izakaya with the bold, sun-drenched flavours of regional Italian cuisine. Following an extensive refurbishment completed in August 2025, the restaurant now boasts a modern, minimal aesthetic exemplified by refined furnishings and meticulous craftsmanship. This recent transformation extends beyond the restaurant itself, incorporating a complete redesign of the hotel lobby and the adjacent May Fair Bar, further elevating the ambiance to match the locale’s reputation for timeless style.

Guided by Executive Head Chef Shailesh Deshmukh and Service Excellence Director Amir Jati, The May Fair Kitchen is distinguished by its thoughtful approach to ingredient-led cooking and elegant presentation. The menu is a celebration of seasonality, simplicity, and culinary artistry, inviting guests to embark on a journey across two celebrated gastronomic traditions. Dishes are designed to be shared, offering an interplay of East and West that is both innovative and respectful of heritage.

THE MAY FAIR KITCHEN

Menu highlights include a trio of sashimi tacos, Jumbo tiger prawns with chilli and Amalfi lemon garlic oil, Hamachi tartare with jalapeño and ponzu, and Yellowfin tuna sashimi ribbons served with kohlrabi salad and shiso soy. For those seeking heartier fare, options such as Black cod with green chilli shiso salsa and seared beef with Lombardy Gorgonzola Dolce and truffle dressing showcase the kitchen’s commitment to expressive flavours. Desserts, including a yoghurt and white chocolate mousse with Goma sponge and Calpico sorbet, provide a beautifully balanced conclusion to the meal.

The drinks programme is equally refined, featuring a curated cocktail list by award-winning mixologist Pierpaolo Schirru. Signature blends, such as the Tonka Passionfruit Martini with Whispering Angel rosé and wild strawberry foam, complement the restaurant’s layered cuisine.

Bathed in natural light and framed by leafy bay trees, The May Fair Kitchen offers a serene escape, where understated luxury and quiet sophistication prevail. For private gatherings, a dedicated dining space complete with its own bar and terrace ensures both discretion and celebration in one of London’s premier addresses.

CHAMPAGNE THROUGH THE CHANGING SEASONS

As the warmth of summer fades into the cooler, shorter days of autumn, people will most likely go back to their favourite bars to enjoy a glass of wine in a comfortable and cosy atmosphere, rather than staying alfresco. Just as seasons change, trends also evolve with studies showing that consumers tend to opt for more fuller bodied wines to counteract the cold (Stockedcellar). Champagne - with its different styles ranging from Vintages, to Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs - is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed during any season. It is also a symbol of celebration as we look towards the festive season, bridging the quiet elegance of autumn with the anticipation of winter’s festivities.

Whilst enjoyed all year round, Champagne Bureau UK* shares its insights as to why Champagne is also the ultimate drink during the Autumn and Winter seasons:

The rise in popularity of wines by the glass

Across the UK, Champagne defines the rhythm of hospitality at this time of year, with hotel bars leading the charge in reimagining how guests enjoy it. Increasingly, they are offering by-the-glass options driven by preferences for a variety of styles, moderation, and premium experiences. (The Guardian) These habits became especially visible in the post-pandemic Christmas of 2022, when 35% of drinkers confirmed they preferred to enjoy wine by the glass, prompting renowned establishments such as Nobu, The Fat Duck, The Ritz, The Dorchester and the Mandarin Oriental to expand their selections of wines by-the-glass. (Hinton Magazine). The trend has only accelerated, supported by advances in preservation technology and systems, including Coravin, and

To find out more about Champagne visit champagne.fr or enrol at champagne-mooc.com

Champagne is the symbol of the festive season

the premiumisation of drinking culture, encouraging hotels to transform their bars into destinations in their own right. As the cooler months set in, London’s hotel bars in particular evolve into chic, stylish sanctuaries where Champagne shines brightest - from the Ritz’s Rivoli Bar and the Mandarin Oriental’s sleek Mandarin Bar, to the art-deco glamour of Claridge’s, the sophistication of The Dorchester’s bar, and the curated Champagne lists at The Connaught Bar and Nobu Hotel’s Lobby Lounge. Celebrated for their expansive menus featuring both rare cuvées, vintages and prestige bottles, these venues now embody a new wave of refined hospitality, where Champagne holds a natural place as the ultimate symbol of chic autumn-winter indulgence; embracing quality over quantity.

The autumnal theatre experience

As nights lengthen, theatre and live performances become synonymous with leisure time, and Champagne naturally accompanies them to further elevate the special occasion. According to a report by The Audience Agency, nearly a fifth of all annual ticket sales take place between December and mid-January, making the colder months both culturally and commercially key for UK venues. This is the season when Champagne and the theatre form a particularly indulgent pairing – whether it’s a crisp glass enjoyed during the interval at the Royal Opera House’s Paul Hamlyn Hall or a celebratory toast at the Savoy Theatre bar. This relationship isn’t new, Champagne made its theatrical debut as early as 1676 in The Man of Mode. Today, many venues enhance the experience with pre-booked Champagne packages and VIP bundles that make the drink part of the spectacle itself.

The festive season amplifies Champagne’s presence even further. Champagne’s sparkle is widely seen to be a key component to the spirit of the UK festive season. Specialist retailer Majestic Wine predicted that a bottle would be sold every five seconds during December, with nearly 40% of its annual Champagne sales occurring in November and December (The Drinks Business). Whether it’s a Christmas party toast, a winter wedding celebration, or the countdown to midnight on New Year’s Eve, Champagne embodies the essence of celebration. Beyond parties, it has become a luxurious staple of festive hospitality, featured in seasonal afternoon teas, winter theatre packages, and dedicated Christmas menus across the country. With its rich history and inherent glamour, Champagne prevails as a symbol of joy, togetherness, and indulgence at this time of year.

Celebrate Champagne Day

Champagne Day, celebrated annually on the fourth Friday of October, marks the peak of Champagne’s seasonal significance. Widely embraced by UK retailers, wine bars, restaurants, and consumers, the day serves as a powerful reminder of Champagne’s unique ability to bring people together in celebration. This year’s event holds added resonance as it marks ten years since Champagne was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a milestone that celebrates a decade of global recognition for the region’s heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural impact.

More than just a toast to tradition, Champagne Day aligns perfectly with the UK’s enduring appetite for ritual, celebration, and everyday luxury, reinforcing Champagne’s place at the heart of seasonal gatherings.

*The Champagne Bureau UK is the Comité Champagne’s UK arm, a trade association representing houses and growers in Champagne.

Inspired by nature, and served amidst the botanical surroundings of the Maxwell Room, Pan Pacific's new afternoon tea brings together patisserie creations inspired by seasonal ingredients and the natural beauty of the Square Mile’s hidden gardens.

Priced at £58.00 per person and available Thursday to Monday between 1-4pm, delectable savouries include an Isle of Mull Cheddar Tart, and finger sandwiches of Wiltshire Ham and Mustard; Cucumber and Cream Cheese with mint; and Grant's Smoked Salmon with lemon, dill and creme fraiche.

In a twist to the usual currant scones, Pan Pacific offers plain and mixed peel and candied ginger scones served warm, with

PAN PACIFIC

NATURE INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA

Cornish clotted cream, homemade strawberry preserve and orange marmalade.

Sweet-toothed guests will delight in the nature inspired delicacies of London Honey pomegranate mousse; Passionfruit Orange tart; Tarragon Apricot Bavarois on poppy seed sponge; and a rich Chocolate Hazelnut layer cake with Gianduja hazelnut cremeux.

Afternoon tea isn't complete, of course, without tea. Pan Pacific offers an extensive list of exquisite teas including a Silver Needle from China's Fujian Province, and Japan's Gyokuro 'jade dew' green tea.

With the gift of some wildflower seeds to take home, the tea also offers guests a beautifully illustrated map revealing the Square Mile’s secret gardens. The Secret Garden trail allows you to take a journey through a stunning blend of old and new green spaces. From the exotic Barbican Conservatory to the tranquil hidden gems of Postman’s Park - famous for its poignant memorial to acts of heroism - and St. Dunstan’s in the East, these historic sanctuaries offer a peaceful space. The trail also highlights modern urban gardens like the Sky Garden and The Garden at 120, where contemporary design meets natural beauty.

SOHO HOTEL SIX

The Soho Hotel has launched a special afternoon tea in collaboration with the popular West End show SIX the Musical.

Celebrating the six wives of Henry VIII, and remixing five hundred years of heartbreak into an electrifying 80-minute pop concert, where the queens take centre stage and reclaim their crowns, the showstopping performance is a rebellious, empowering and gloriously glittering musical that’s rewriting historyone mic drop at a time.

At The Soho Hotel, created by the hotel's talented pastry chefs, the crowning glory of the brand new afternoon tea comes in the form of six themed pastries, individually designed to represent each of the iconic Wives and their roles in this much loved musical. Expect Aragon’s Crown of Honour, Boleyn’s Strawberry Biscuit, Seymour’s Heart of Stone Blueberry Choux, Black Forest Cake of Cleves, Howard’s All You Want is Rice Pudding, and last but not least, Parr’s Tudor Rose and Lemon Curd Macaron.

Priced at £45.00 per person, the limited edition menu also features a Tudor twist on the classic finger sandwich selection, accompanied by savoury specials including a Crayfish manchet roll and Mature cheddar tart with onion jam. And of course, no traditional English afternoon tea would be complete without fluffy scones paired with clotted cream and preserves.

Raise a glass to the queens with a drink crafted in their honour. Try The Ex-Wives - a crisp, peachy blend of dry white wine, grapefruit and rosemary - or opt for the non-alcoholic Lady in Waiting, with elderflower, peach and jasmine.

SIX the Musical Afternoon Tea is available at The Soho Hotel from £45 per person. Afternoon Tea at The Soho Hotel is served daily, from 12 - 4:45pm.

SLIP INTO THE NEW SEASON WITH A WARMING TIPPLE

England’s best-selling English sparkling wine is crisp and fresh and perfect for every 'big little moment’. Their Brut is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc. Available in personalised bottles, the bottle boasts aromas of red apple, lemongrass with hints of strawberry and quince on the palate and fine persistent bubbles for the perfect pour every time.

Chapel Down Brut £30.00 (Personalised £44.00) from Chapel Down. Available at Waitrose, Majestic and most supermarkets.

Awarded the Organic Farming label in 2009, a label which acknowledges a profound respect for the land and farming methods which are in perfect harmony with nature, Château La Coste uses the minerality of the soil to create lively, vibrant wines.

Following a range of biodynamic principles, the alchemy of blending different grape varieties takes place in the house's wine cellar, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, in a vat room which preserves the wines’ naturalness. The result is a range of beautiful red, white and rose wines that take you on a journey to the heart of the vineyards in the South of France.

The Grand Vin rose is a perfectly pale peach colour with notes of fresh stone fruits like peach and apricot, accompanied by iodised and aniseed notes that complement fish dishes perfectly.

Made in the world famous wine region of Bordeaux, 6Percent offers half the alcohol and calories of traditional wines. Making it the ideal lighter wine choice for those looking to create memorable and unique drinking experiences for any occasion.

Founded by wine aficionados and husband & wife team, Russell & Gabriella Lamb, 6Percent was born out of their frustration at the after effects of having a few glasses of wine, and the lack of satisfying low-no options on the market. With a desire to make special occasions more enjoyable, believing that if beer and cider can have 6% ABV or less and still taste great, then wine can too.

6Percent’s third co-founder is Jason Senitt, a well regarded alcobev marketing expert who has held senior roles at Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Suntory. Made using traditional winemaking methods and pioneering technology, 6Percent Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that features red berries, black cherry and blackcurrant, complemented by mocha oak and vanilla notes. The perfect middle ground for those who enjoy alcohol as part of their lifestyle but want a more moderate option, this mid-strength option like 6Percent Red allows pleasure-seekers to stay engaged in the moment, enhancing their drinking experience without compromise.

Red £12.50 from 6Percent. Available now from independent retailers including Club Soda and Drink Well. 6percent.wine

Nestled high in the hills of Radda in Chianti, a medieval town in the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation, Castello di Albola is a certified organic estate. It spans 900 ha, 110 ha of which are planted with vines at up to 680 m above sea level. Operating sustainably: green manuring - planting special crops in order to maintain or increase soil fertility - the estate is practised to preserve the biodiversity of the soil’s microfauna, and biodiversity is enhanced via the vegetable garden and 600 ha of woodland and olive groves which surround the estate.

One of their latest fruitions, is the 2023 Chianti Classico, which is now listed in Claridge’s Wine Cellara boutique wine shop hidden beneath the iconic Mayfair hotel. Selected by Director of Wine, Emma Denney, guests can enjoy by the glass in Claridge's Bar or at retail price (£40.00) in the restaurant, further cementing the prestigious hotel's reputation as one of the best locations to discover wondrous serves from around the world.

The 2023 vintage was characterised by a cool and rainy spring which necessitated careful green management. Warm temperatures over the summer, coupled with good water levels, provided ideal conditions for ripening. Fermentation was in stainless steel, and after malolactic fermentation the wine spent 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a further 18 months in bottle before release. The resulting wine is intense with lively ruby red notes of fresh red fruit and Mammola violet stand out harmonic and fresh, with well-integrated tannins.

Claridge's Wine Cellar can be found on the lower ground level of the hotel. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12pm to 8pm.

6Percent

Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR

YOUR PALATE

Old Pulteney Scotch Whisky has unveiled Polaris, an exceptionally rare 47-Year-Old single malt that is exclusively available via the Distillers One of One Charity Auction

As the oldest ever release from the distillery, Old Pulteney Polaris marks the first exciting announcement from the brand ahead of the iconic distillery celebrating its milestone 200th anniversary in 2026. The never-to-berepeated showpiece will be exclusively available at the biennial Distillers One of One Charity Auction in October 2025, raising vital funds in support of The Distillers’ Charity.

Taking its name from the steadfast North Star, Old Pulteney Polaris marks a bold new direction for the brand. Paying homage to Old Pulteney’s windswept home in Wick and inspired by the weathered cliffs found on the far north Scottish coast, this unique showpiece has been crafted with authenticity and deep-rooted heritage at its heart. A celebration of place, people and time, Polaris honours the industrial craftsmanship and maritime legacy of Old Pulteney.

Expertly designed in partnership with local artisans and crafted using specialist materials sourced close to Old Pulteney’s home, the spirit is elegantly presented within a striking hand-blown, blue glass bottle which has been designed and created by Tain-based glass merchant, Glasstorm. Artistic inciso cuts create a rippled effect around the glassware, evoking the tempestuous waters of the North Sea. The piece is intricately encased within a dramatic Caithness Slate structure from Norse Stone, symbolising the enduring cliffs which surround Old Pulteney’s home.

Further deepening the story of this creation is the masterful integration of copper and silver within the outer slate casing - precious materials seamlessly woven into the exquisite one-off art piece by local jeweller, Lucy Woodley. At the base of the sculpture, a secret copper disc which has been carefully reclaimed from an Old Pulteney still is revealed. This singular element, once bathed in the vapours of countless distillations, now lives on as a talisman of legacy - offering an unprecedented opportunity to own a piece of this iconic distillery’s heritage.

Distilled and aged at Old Pulteney’s home in Wick, the sea-salty air weathered these casks to create a whisky of authentic maritime character that is unparalleled. This luxurious single malt has been carefully rested for four decades in American oak ex-bourbon casks before an extended period of refinement in a meticulously selected single first-fill Spanish oak butt for seven years to grant this whisky its elegant complexity.

With a mahogany hue and an ABV of 43.6%, this whisky of insurmountable depth boasts complex aromas of sea spray that the Maritime Malt is renowned for. On the palate, delicate flavours of vanilla and sweet cinnamon pastry come to the fore and are beautifully intertwined with notes of Scottish tablet and dark chocolate before ending with a lingering sweet finish.

The Distillers One of One Charity Auction will raise vital funds for The Distillers’ Charity, with a proud focus on the event’s main beneficiary: the Youth Action Fund. The Youth Action Fund is a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in Scotland.

Estimated to achieve a value of approximately £40,000, the Distillers One of One Charity Auction in October is the only opportunity to own this truly exceptional 1.5L showpiece, complete with a 100ml tasting sample. The Distillers One of One Charity Auction will take place at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh on Friday 10th October 2025 with proceeds donated to The Distillers’ Charity. To register interest in this auction, visit The Distillers One of One website.

oldpulteney.com

With over 200 years of heritage, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the ultimate centrepiece for any US-themed celebration this summer. These thirstquenching, flavour-packed cocktail recipes bring a true taste of Kentucky to UK shores.

Straight from the heart of the most awarded and longest continuously operating distillery in the USA - Buffalo Trace Distillery, nestled on the banks of the Kentucky Riverthese cocktails are made to impress.

If you don't fancy making something at home, you can head over to the Buffalo Trace Distillery London, located in Covent Garden, to be guided through one of the four exclusive tasting experiences for your very own bourbon and American whiskey tasting. Prices start at just £19.99 per person.

The Peach Smash

Buffalo Trace 40ml | Crème De Peche

20ml | Peach Juice 50ml | Sugar Syrup

10ml | Lemon 10ml | PJ Soda 75ml

Method: Build | Glassware: Highball Ice: Cubed | Garnish: Peach slice fan

buffalotracedistillery.com/london

Ms Jo Malone CBE, the globally celebrated entrepreneur renowned for crafting some of the world’s most iconic fragrances, is set to creatively redefine the super-premium vodka category with the launch of Jo Vodka - a bold new trilogy of luxury fusion vodkas designed to ignite the senses.

Drawing on her rare gift of synaesthesia, Jo brings a completely unique perspective to the world of spirits, evoking different moods, memories and feelings. Developed over 12 months in close collaboration with Master Distiller, Joanne Moore embracing the role of alchemist, the duo set out together to craft a luxury signature vodka fusion 101, The Purist. The meticulously refined base acts as the cornerstone of the trilogy, from which 102, The Bohemian and 103, The Artist were brought to life.

Each vodka represents a different part of who Jo is, bringing to life memories and feelings from the past whilst matching her moods and personality today. 101, The Purist offers sweetness and sharp clarity; 102, The Bohemian transports Jo to a feeling of walking barefoot in the sand, no matter the season with a glorious sunny citrus combination; whilst 103, The Artist reminds Jo of her father who was an artist, taking her back to the ‘Rock and Roll’ 70’s era when the King’s Road in Chelsea was the heartbeat of London with music, food, flowers. The delicate nature of the vodka allows it to stand on its own, enjoyed straight from the freezer or paired effortlessly with soda to highlight the subtle botanical nuances of each luxury fusion. Signature serves include, The Purist by Jo served neat with a twist of lemon or olive for those who enjoy a classic dirty martini style. The Bohemian by Jo is best served in a tumbler with a large piece of ice and garnished with pomelo zest or a wheel of pink grapefruit. Whilst the Artist by Jo is recommended to be enjoyed as a highball cocktail with soda, garnished with a lime wedge or rose petal.

The collection is available for £49.99 each from Jo Vodka. jovodka.com

Born from the rebellious spirit of brothers Louis and Bruce Goddard-Watts, Sly Dog isn’t your traditional rum. Available in two bold flavours, Spiced Rum and Stoned Fruit, the award-winning spirits are crafted with the finest aged Caribbean rums straight from the Dominican Republic.

The Stoned Fruit version in particular is created using the ripest stone fruits - delivering a daringly smooth pour that’s bursting with natural flavour. Infused with juicy peach and lush apricot, whether you're building bold rum cocktails, sipping it neat, or shaking up some fruity spiced rum drinks, Sly Dog Stoned Fruit will soon become your go to sip.

Sly Dog Rum £35.00 from Sly Dog. slydog.co.uk

YOUR PALATE

Perfect for celebrations, Patrón Tequila has launched Patrón el Alto Mini, available in a sleek 50ml bottle perfectly sized taking with you for spontaneous gatherings.

The party-ready pour of Patron El Alto is the brand’s most prestigious expression to date, setting a new standard for craftsmanship and innovation. By blending Extra Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado tequilas, each aged to perfection - the ultra-premium expression achieves a remarkable smoothness and a refined taste profile. Now, all of that exceptional flavour is packed into a mini addition bringing the smooth flavour of Patrón el Alto to the heart of every celebration.

Best enjoyed neat over ice, allowing the quality and craftsmanship of the tequila to shine, you can also top with champagne for an elevated late summer serve.

Patrón el Alto Mini £20.00 from Patrón. Available at amazon.com. patrontequila.com

108 BRASSERIE

With a wonderful neighbourhood atmosphere and its own stand-alone entrance on the cobbles of Marylebone Lane, 108 Brasserie is a real gem in the heart of the vibrant London village.

Festooned with foliage and fairy lights, and marked out by its striking awnings and brick red frontage, the continental eatery features a globally-inspired menu that boasts classic but refined dishes, all day long.

The menu changes with the seasons, but at the moment you can feast on the likes of Asian smacked cucumber and charred tenderstem broccoli salad with chilli and sesame soy; Devon crab crumpet with brown shrimp, kohlrabi and apple; Tuna ceviche, avocado, fresh pineapple, chilli, crispy corn and leche de Tigre to start. Before moving on to hearty mains like baby viola artichoke risotto, with broad beans, truffle and Twineham Grange cheese; Sri Lankan Laksa curry; and Veal schnitzel with a fried duck egg, celeriac remoulade and caper and cornichon dressing.

A range of Black Angus grass-fed steaks, locally sourced from Surrey; market fish of the day; and fresh sides of minted Jersey Royal potatoes and heritage tomato and rocket salad, or roasted courgette are also available.

Those with a sweet tooth, won't be disappointed with options including zingy Lemon meringue pie, and classic vanilla creme brûlée served with English shortbread. There's also a range of ice creams and sorbets.

The dining room is inviting and spacious, offering its own bar serving a range of spirits and its very own 108 gin, as well as an extensive wine list with bottles from all over the world.

The venue also offers a monthly Jazz Brunch, as well as a classic Sunday roast at weekends. The wonderful setting, fabulous staff and excellent food make for a truly memorable evening out in the capital, while people watching on one of the most atmospheric streets in the village.

Back inside the hotel, the dedicated Cocktail Bar has also launched a tempting new cocktail menu that takes guests on a sensory tour through Marylebone’s storied history, with each drink a homage to local legends and architecture.

Enchanting and enticing, cocktails include the likes of Eau de Perfume, paying tribute to shopping paradise Selfridges' iconic beauty hall, just moments from the hotel. Citrus 'Florence's Pledge' with English sparkling wine; 'Sherlock' a modern highball inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's astute Baker Street resident detective known for his quick wit and theatrical flair; and Inner Circle - a fresh and floral spritz that takes guests on a sensorial stroll through the Queen Mary's Gardens.

PÉTRUS

Michelin-starred Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay in Belgravia has just launched a new A La Carte menu which offers an unforgettable fine dining experience for a great price.

For £85.00 per person, guests can enjoy a two-course meal which includes Canapés, Amuse-Bouche, Starter or Dessert and a Main Course. A three course menu is also available for £120.00 and includes Canapés, Amuse-Bouche, Starter, Main Course, Pré-Dessert and Dessert.

Served with flair and exceptional service, dishes include a mustard Beef Tartare, Chicken Leg Tempura, and a strawberry and basil granita - and that's just the canapés and predessert!

Starters include plump Isle of Skye Scallops artfully served with coastal herbs, lemon and olive oil sabayon; Organic Spelt with Wye Valley asparagus, morel and dashi; and Lobster Raviolo with finger lime, fennel and a rich bisque.

Standout mains of Rabbit a la Royale with black pudding, pickled cabbage and brioche; and Rack of Dover Sole with Loire Valley asparagus, chicken and vanilla make way for dessert of Plaisir Sucré and Blackberry soufflé.

The restaurant also offers a £45 lunch day menu for diners looking for fine dining at exceptional value, available between 12pm and 2:15pm Tuesday - Friday, guests can enjoy innovative dishes as Cured Salmon served with Nori, Horseradish and Tapioca, and Chicken Breast, with Cabbage, Miso and Jus Gras. Diners will be treated to two dessert courses as part of the menu: Sorbet, with Rhubarb and Champagne and Black Forest with White Chocolate and Clementine.

Having held its Michelin Star for 14 years, Pétrus boasts elegant interiors and a circular, glass wine cellar in the centre of the dining room. It therefore comes as no surprise that the restaurant features an award-winning wine list, recently recognised as the World's Best Medium-Sized Wine List by The World of Fine Wine. Opt for a pairing with your meal for a range of perfect pours that complement the flavours of each dish to bring out the best of both.

DYNAMIC DUO

Duo's don't come much more dynamic than this punchy pair from Mini. Combining the power of 'old' and 'new', these two machines don't just impress on the road, but are an aesthetic marvel for the eyes.

SPECTRE INSPIRED BY PRIMAVERA

A SEASON REBORN IN STEEL, WOOD, AND LIGHT

Spring has always been a season of renewal - a fleeting moment when the world reawakens, colour and fragrance return, and the air itself seems charged with promise. Across cultures, it is a symbol of youth, romance, and transformation. For Rolls-Royce, it is now also a muse. With the Spectre Inspired by Primavera, the marque has turned the transience of spring into something enduring: a Bespoke collection that binds the ephemerality of blossom to the permanence of a motor car.

“There is a wonderful contrast at the heart of this Bespoke series,” notes Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design at Rolls-Royce. “The transience of the season, expressed through the permanence of a Rolls-Royce.”

The Primavera collection comprises three distinct interpretations - Evanescent, Reverie, and Blossom - each a carefully constructed narrative about spring. More than colour palettes or decorative motifs, they are immersive design statements that weave natural references into every surface, detail, and stitch.

At first glance, each car appears luminous with life. The cherry blossom motif, hand-sketched by a Bespoke designer before being digitised, emerges again and again - on coachlines, on illuminated treadplates, on headrests embroidered with sculptural stitching. The blossom is not treated as ornament, but as a recurring visual poem.

Exteriorly, a new 23-inch alloy wheel debuts, its form echoing the delicate unfurling of petals, directional and alive with movement. Inside, Blackwood fascia and centre consoles have been etched with expansive cherry boughs, the effect achieved only after experimenting with 37 laser densities and a unique sanding process. It is a detail you not only see but feel, as if the season itself had been pressed into the grain.

ROLLS-ROYCE

Above, constellations tell a quieter story. Inspired by spring skies in the Northern Hemisphere, the Starlight Doors and Illuminated Fascia carry thousands of hand-placed stars - 4,796 in the doors, over 5,500 in the fascia - forming abstract constellations known as the “Spring Triangle.” This celestial layer adds a sense of seasonality beyond the floral: not just what blooms on earth, but what brightens the heavens.

The first expression, Evanescent, honours the unruly splendour of wildflowers in bloom. Its Crystal over Arctic White finish glows with luminosity, while accents in Turchese - found on callipers, wheel centres, and coachline blossoms - pulse with energy. Inside, Grace White leather is punctuated with flashes of Chartreuse piping, an unexpected yet joyful contrast. Evanescent feels light and spontaneous, like a meadow in bloom, capturing the vitality of spring at its brightest.

Where Evanescent is bold, Reverie is contemplative. Its Duck Egg Blue exterior, detailed with Forge Yellow blossoms, suggests freshness and calm. Inside, Grace White and Charles Blue leather create an atmosphere of serenity, enlivened again by Forge Yellow accents. Reverie lives up to its name: cocooning, peaceful, quietly luminous. It is spring not as riotous bloom, but as meditative awakening.

Finally, Blossom is spring at its peak. Cloaked in Velvet Orchid Metallic, it carries the richness of a rare bloom in full colour. Forge Yellow coachlines and blossoms gleam like shafts of sunlight, while the interior pairs Grace White leather with vivid Peony Pink - a palette that balances restraint with flourish. Blossom feels like spring condensed into a single brilliant moment, bold and unapologetically alive.

What makes the Primavera series extraordinary is not simply its beauty, but its philosophical ambition. Spring is fleeting; Rolls-Royce has preserved it. Each detail is a meditation on transformation: blossoms etched in wood, stars cast into doors, colours drawn from meadows, skies, and orchards.

For the critic, what stands out is the tension between impermanence and endurance. Primavera cars are not mere canvases for seasonal motifs. They are essays on the nature of time itself - fleeting emotions rendered eternal in craftsmanship. It is here that Rolls-Royce demonstrates the full depth of its Bespoke philosophy: not just making a car unique, but using design to tell a story that resonates beyond the object.

In a world where luxury often chases novelty, the Spectre Inspired by Primavera offers something rarer: permanence with meaning. It asks us to consider that beauty is precious precisely because it is brief - and then grants us the impossible, a way to hold it forever.

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16

A Collector’s Track Machine That Channels Formula 1® DNA

Mercedes-AMG expands its motorsport portfolio with its most powerful customer racing car to date: the GT2 Edition W16. Limited to just 30 units, this exclusive model is a celebration of engineering, design, and Formula 1 heritage - a machine created not for competition grids, but for collectors and enthusiasts who crave the ultimate track-day experience.

At its core lies AMG’s 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, enhanced with new turbochargers and bespoke electronics to deliver up to 830 hp when the Push2Pass function is engaged. Torque peaks at 1,000 Nm, translating to an extraordinary power-toweight ratio of 1.7 kg per horsepower. Paired with a six-speed sequential racing transmission and lightweight construction - including magnesium wheels and a curb weight of just 1,430 kg - the GT2 Edition W16 is a weapon built for speed. On track, it pushes beyond 320 km/h, its Drag Reduction System (DRS) and active aero channels drawing a direct line to Formula 1 technology.

The connection to the F1 paddock doesn’t end there. The Edition’s design borrows heavily from the Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E Performance car, complete with a hand-painted star pattern across its rear flanks and Petronas green accents. Each car carries the hand-signed sill plate of Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 driver and the patron of this project. Inside, carbon fibre dominates, accented with the team’s signature green, a bespoke Cube Controls steering wheel, and a numbered “1 of 30” badge that underscores its exclusivity.

On track, the GT2 Edition W16 is both brutal and confidence-inspiring. Antonelli himself described it best after a test drive: “The Push2Pass function is sensational. The car is not only fast, but also safe - it immediately inspires confidence.” With racing ABS, multi-level traction control, and a carbon-fibre safety cell, this car carries over Mercedes-AMG’s uncompromising approach to driver protection.

Beyond its engineering, the experience of ownership is just as exclusive. Each unit will be delivered during a private event at a European racetrack, complete with a personal vehicle handover, track sessions, and meet-and-greets with MercedesAMG Petronas F1 team members. Buyers also receive edition-specific racing gear from OMP and Bell Helmets, plus a bespoke car cover - the finishing touches for a collector’s masterpiece.

At €679,000 (before VAT), the GT2 Edition W16 is not merely a car but a statement of intent: the blending of GT Racing muscle with Formula 1 theatre. More than a track-day toy, it is an objet d’art for those who understand that true motorsport passion is measured not only in horsepower, but in rarity, craftsmanship, and heritage.

mercedesamgf1.com

There are collaborations that feel like clever marketing, and then there are those that feel like destiny. The partnership between Mini John Cooper Works and Deus Ex Machina belongs to the latter. Both brands thrive on passion - Mini in motorsport heritage, Deus in custom culture - and together they’ve created two one-off cars that are less about concept and more about philosophy. These are not just machines; they are rolling identities, each telling a story of craft, community, and a shared love for speed.

Electric at heart, The Skeg captures the essence of surf culture with a futuristic lens. Finished in vivid yellow and silver, its bodywork shimmers like sunlight on water. Semi-transparent fiberglass panels cut weight and refract light with a shifting glow, turning every angle into a new impression. At the rear, a Flex Tip Surf Spoiler mimics the hydrodynamics of a surfboard carving a wave, while roof straps recall the ritual of tying down boards after a day in the water.

Inside, the mood is tactile and minimal. Neoprene racing buckets resist water yet feel unexpectedly soft, while fiberglass

trays provide dedicated space for wetsuits and gear. The dashboard borrows directly from surfboard construction - layered, light, and resilient. Everything is stripped back to essentials: analogue switches, mechanical levers, raw authenticity. The Skeg is not a design showpiece; it is a manifesto for simplicity. A car that feels at home when sand lingers in the footwells.

If The Skeg is saltwater, The Machina is pure petrol. This JCW show car embraces Mini’s racing heritage with an aggression that borders on theatrical. Dressed in red, white, and black with Deus lettering, its widened fenders and bonnet-mounted rally lights nod to the brand’s rally-winning DNA. At the rear, a diffuser echoes the aerodynamics of Nordschleife racers, while a Can-Am-style wing crowns the car with unapologetic nostalgia.

Step inside and the story sharpens. A roll cage frames the stripped interior. Five-point harnesses lock the driver into lightweight bucket seats, while aluminium floor plates echo Deus’ custom motorcycle workshops - tough, raw, unapologetically functional. The dash, wrapped in waxed fabric with visible wear, feels more like equipment than decoration. Switches and levers

MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS DEUS EX MACHINA

X

dominate: no touchscreens, no menus, just direct control. A hydraulic handbrake stands proud, daring its driver to pull it hard. The Machina is less car, more driving instrument - a celebration of Mini’s motorsport bloodline distilled into its purest form.

What binds these polar opposites is a design philosophy. Both cars carry a stark white “X” across their roofs - a symbol of co-creation and connection. Inside and out, details carry the Deus signature: expressive graphics by designer Matt Willey, whose fascination with classic racing liveries has shaped much of Deus’ visual world. His work recalls the legendary Mini Cooper S No. 37, Paddy Hopkirk’s Monte Carlo Rally winner of 1964, tying this collaboration to one of the most important chapters in Mini history.

Carby Tuckwell, Deus’ Creative Director, calls the project a “fusion of passion, machines, and art.” It shows. From surf-inspired fiberglass to rally-derived mechanics, every touch feels deliberate, every detail rooted in story. There is no gloss for gloss’ sake - only a celebration of imperfection, craft, and authenticity.

The collaboration expands beyond the vehicles with an exclusive Mini x Deus apparel collection, launching at IAA Mobility 2025 before rolling out worldwide. Like the cars, the garments blur the line between lifestyle and performance: tailored cuts, durable fabrics, and a design language that feels both timeless and rooted in culture. The

collection reflects Deus’ reputation for authenticity, while Mini’s influence adds precision and modernity. It’s not merch - it’s a wardrobe built with the same philosophy as the cars: made to be worn, used, and lived in.

As a whole, the Mini x Deus collaboration impresses not only in execution but in intent. The Skeg is quiet rebellion, a car that redefines electric performance through the lens of surfing. The Machina is its unruly twin, loud and mechanical, a nod to Mini’s motorsport DNA. Together they create a dialogue between past and future, between silence and noise, between utility and artistry.

For critics, the triumph here is restraint. These are not overdesigned show cars destined to fade into irrelevance. They are character studies - cars that carry meaning, history, and vision. More than machines, they are storytelling devices.

The Mini JCW x Deus collaboration is a reminder that performance can be more than speed; it can be culture, craft, and connection. Seen together, The Skeg and The Machina don’t just represent two sides of Mini’s personality - they represent two lifestyles, two passions, united by design.

In an era where automotive concepts often feel disposable, these one-offs achieve something rare: they feel inevitable.

•

• Prestige, Executive, Sports, Classics and Supercars

• Professional and personable service

• Interest rates from 3.9% subject to status

• Loans from £15,000 to £3,000,000

• Wide range of products

• Private, High Net Worth Individuals and Business users

• Most assets considered

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Transform your outdoor space into an open air oasis that can be enjoyed year-round with the help of some simple tips from our new columnist Lucy Willcox - who will also be on hand at the upcoming Homebuilding & Renovating Show at London's Excel.

TOP FIVE PROPERTY FEATURES FOR LONDON BUYERS AND RENTERS

with Sophie Candlin, Head of Lettings, Savills Teddington and Christian Whittaker, Associate Director, Savills Chiswick

BUYERS

Space, setting, stations and schools form part of nearly all buyers’ and renters search criteria when looking for their next home in the capital. But when it comes to particular features, there are a few that rank highly for those considering their next move.

The five with significant pulling power for buyers include:

1. Off-street parking. Any parking space is an asset in the city, but knowing you’ve got one on your doorstep makes life that little bit easier, especially when you’re laden with shopping and young children. It can also make electric car charging more straightforward.

2. A separate playroom. Being able to shut away toys and clutter can be extremely desirable for certain buyers, again, particularly those with younger children. Ideally, a playroom will be accessible to the kitchen so that children can still be watched over during meal preparation.

3. A large kitchen/dining room. Open-plan living is well and truly here to stay and with the kitchen remaining the hub of the home for most families, it’s important that the space serves a variety of purposes. A dining area – which doubles up as a place to work and where children are able to study – can be key, as is an area to relax and socialise.

4. Downstairs utility and cloakroom. Over the years, utilities have largely moved away from the kitchen into a separate room, ensuring that certain household chores can remain out of sight and sound. For some, especially those with growing families, they are essential with features such as dog showers and areas to air laundry also coming into play. A cloakroom to store coats, school bags and shoes is another bonus.

5. Several bathrooms. In addition to a family bathroom, an en-suite to a principal bedroom is expected, but a home that has three or more will secure serious brownie points among buyers. Whether it’s for visiting family members and guests, older children or for a nanny, there is sufficient buyer appetite for multiple bathrooms.

RENTERS

Meanwhile, for renters, the main draws are:

1. High-quality interiors. Today’s renters are increasingly drawn to turn-key homes with modern fixtures and fittings. Neutral walls and contemporary finishes allow tenants to personalise the space and feel at home from day one. A clean, stylish interior not only enhances appeal but can also command a higher rental value.

2. Space to work from home. Working from home, for many, is here to stay, and so having a dedicated space to set up and leave a laptop or monitor can help sway a decision on whether the property is right for a prospective tenant. An office might not necessarily be a smaller bedroom or a separate study; it may be a large landing or a wide hallway that could host a desk and chair.

3. Outdoor space. The desire for outdoor space shows no signs of fading. Whether it’s a private balcony, a communal garden, a small courtyard, or a generous lawn, outdoor areas are a major draw. Well-presented gardens or terraces can make a lasting impression and often tip the balance when renters are choosing between properties.

4. Multiple bathrooms. Much like London buyers, having more than one bathroom is an important attribute. Whether it’s a two-bedroom flat or a five-bedroom family house, having more than one bathroom is increasingly as a must. An en suite, guest bathroom or even a second WC provides flexibility for hosting friends, accommodating families, or simply easing the morning rush.

5. Storage. The nature of renting may mean that tenants move house more regularly, and as the years go by, our belongings accumulate. Having a good amount of storage, whether that’s built in or free-standing, may help tip the balance, particularly in smaller one and two-bedroom apartments.

It is important to remember that what is a must-have for one person could be an unnecessary feature for another, and much also depends on the layout and square footage of a home. What’s true of all moves is that your property appeals to as many as possible, thus increasing your chances of securing the right buyer or tenant and achieving the best value possible.

Sudbrooke Road

London, SW�� 8TQ

7 Bedroom | 5 Bathroom | 3 Reception

This stunning home, completed in 2024, has been meticulously crafted to the highest standards, utilizing the finest materials and state-of-the-art technology. The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to maximize the expansive proportions of this magnificent property, featuring a tasteful neutral palette that allows the future homeowner the freedom to create their ideal living space.

Guide Price

£6,950,000

AUTUMNAL INSPIRATION

Olive Green Throw With Tassels

dibor. dibor.co.uk

Camille Limewash Oak Large Open Dresser

Most gardens are underused once summer ends, but a few simple changes can make them work just as well in cooler months. A patio, balcony, or courtyard can become an ‘autumn room’ - a cosy, welcoming space that blurs the line between indoors and out. According to garden designer Lucy Willcox, “Autumn is a season to embrace texture, warmth, and atmosphere. It’s not about shutting the garden down for winter - it’s about giving it a second life.”

Think Like an Interior Designer - But Outdoors

The concept of an autumn room works best when you treat the garden like an extension of your living space. That means considering layout, zoning, and comfort in the same way you would for an indoor lounge. “If you only see your patio as a place for summer dining, you’re missing half its potential,” says Lucy. “Add layered seating areas, side tables for hot drinks, and textiles that invite you to linger.” Cushioned chairs, outdoor rugs, and throws can transform even a modest balcony into somewhere you’ll want to curl up on a late autumn evening.

Warmth is the Anchor

Nothing says autumn more than the glow of a fire. Whether it’s a wood-burning stove, a fire pit, or a tabletop bioethanol burner, warmth is key to making the space feel inviting. “People underestimate how much a small heat source changes behaviour,” Lucy notes. “It turns a quick chat into an hour-long conversation.” For those in urban settings, a chiminea or compact electric heater can offer ambience without the smoke.

Play with Autumn Colours and Textures

Just as a room indoors benefits from seasonal styling, so can your garden. Rich rusts, deep burgundies, and mustard yellows - whether from planting or accessories - create a visual warmth that balances

CREATING AN AUTUMN ROOM OUTDOORS

with Lucy Willcox, garden design expert for the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show

the cooler air. “Ornamental grasses are fantastic in autumn,” says Lucy. “They catch the light beautifully, add movement, and soften the harder edges of built-up surroundings.” Pairing textured throws with natural wood or stone surfaces also helps the space feel layered and lived-in.

Shelter Extends the Season

A comfortable autumn room isn’t just about heat - it’s about protection from wind and drizzle. “The more sheltered you are, the longer you’ll use the space,” Lucy explains. Retractable awnings, pergolas with climbing plants, or even transparent windbreak panels can make all the difference. For balconies and terraces, she recommends adding trellis screens or potted evergreens to filter out gusts while keeping the space airy.

Don’t Forget the Ground Underfoot

While most people focus on seating and shelter, the surface you walk on can make or break an autumn room. “Cold, slippery paving will put you off using the space,” Lucy says. “If you can, choose a textured, slip-resistant finish and add outdoor rugs to make it more comfortable.” In smaller spaces, even interlocking deck tiles or modular mats can provide instant warmth underfoot and help define the ‘room’ feel.

Lighting for Mood and Function

As evenings draw in, lighting shifts from being purely functional to deeply atmospheric. “Avoid bright overhead lighting,” Lucy advises. “Instead, layer lanterns, festoon lights, and candles to create pockets of glow.” Solar-powered options can be a low-maintenance choice, while rechargeable LED lanterns give flexibility without trailing wires. A combination of task lighting - for reading or cooking - and softer accent lighting sets the right tone for autumn gatherings.

Make It Part of Your Routine

The real success of an autumn room lies in how it integrates with daily life. Keep blankets in a basket by the door, mugs close to hand, and plant up containers with seasonal herbs like thyme and rosemary for a sensory connection to the space. “An autumn room isn’t just décor - it’s a habit,” says Lucy. “Once you start using it regularly, you’ll wonder why you ever retreated indoors so early in the year.”

Whether you’re working with a sprawling garden or a small balcony, the principles are the same: warmth, comfort, texture, and atmosphere. Done well, your autumn room will become the place you look forward to at the end of the day - proof that the garden season doesn’t have to end with summer.

For more seasonal design ideas, visit the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (19-21 September, Excel). Readers can claim complimentary tickets via this link: www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/your-media