Food and Drink
Valentine’s Day 2026: 16 Seriously Chic Gifts For Her
From decadent chocolate to glittering gems, discover our curated round-up of the best Valentine's Day gifts for her.
With Valentine's Day around the corner, we've put together a guide jam-packed with thoughtful gifts for that special someone in your life. Beauty lovers will swoon over MERIT's Lip Blush and Mauli Rituals' gift set, while chocophiles will be lusting after our selection of luxurious sweet treats. Elsewhere, trendsetters will adore our sartorial picks in red and pink, while scent enthusiasts will fall head...
Read the full story
Exclusive Event Access
Insider access to the world’s most iconic events, from the Cannes Film Festival to the Grammys and beyond. Experience unparalleled VIP treatment, priority entry, and unforgettable moments at prestigious occasions, curated exclusively for our clients.
RED CARPET ACCESS
AFTER-PARTY INVITES
VIP ENTRANCE & SEATING
BACKSTAGE PASSES
Hauntingly Good Halloween Events in London in 2025
28th October 2025
Iced coffees have been replaced with hot chocolates. Hats and scarves are slowly making their way out of retirement, and there’s a cool crispness lingering in the air. Autumn is well and truly in full swing, and Halloween is lurking just around the corner. Cue the glowing pumpkins, the fiendish costumes and the haunting home transformations.
Women Who Launch: Amelia Christie-Miller of Bold Bean Co
22nd October 2025
“I’m here to show you that the food you have so long neglected can be exceptionally delicious,” says Amelia Christie-Miller as she looks directly at the camera before walking in to make her pitch on the legendary show Dragons’ Den. Standing in front of the dragons, Amelia told the story of how she had a revelation while living in Spain that involved, of all things, beans. The hungry student found herself at home, too lazy to cook, and with only a jar of beans in the cupboard. After eating a spoonful straight from the jar, she was astonished to find they were delicious, especially compared to the tinned versions she was used to in the UK. Armed with a lifelong passion for food and years working as a private chef before eventually diving into foodtech—notably, she worked at sustainability startup Foodchain where she spearheaded its growth and partnerships strategy—Amelia founded Bold Bean Co in 2021 with a mission to make the world fall in love with beans.
Luxury Things to Do in Paris in Winter
21st October 2025
Paris in winter feels different from the postcard-perfect snapshots you see splashed across magazines. The Seine and the bridges aren’t as crowded, and the city slows down without ever really stopping. But Paris is still Paris, no matter the season. There’s still music pouring out of churches, windows glinting with gold displays, steam rising when someone cracks open a chestnut bag on the corner. Every hotel lobby boasts a roaring fireplace, there's ice skating at the Grand Palais, and cosy dinners that stretch into the evening. Winter certainly doesn’t dim Paris's magic, it simply shows the city in a different light.
In Conversation: Anne-Laure Pressat, Executive Director...
21st October 2025
Legendary Cognac, LOUIS XIII, has ventured into fine tableware with its launch of Art de la Table: two unique collections inspired by nature and time. Below, read The Sybarite’s exclusive interview with LOUIS XIII’s Executive Director, Anne-Laure Pressat, where we take a deep-dive into Pressat's career, the legacy of LOUIS XIII, and the maison's exciting new venture.
Meet The Chef: Larry Jayasekara of The Cocochine
16th October 2025
Jayasekara's CV is impressive. He's worked under Marcus Wareing at The Berkley's Petrus as Head Chef, and worked in the kitchens of notable culinary heavyweights including Alain Roux, Michel Bras, Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay. In 2024, he embarked on a new chapter, opening his first solo restaurant, The Cocochine, which reopened in September this year with renewed vigour.
What’s On Our Radar This Month: October 2025
15th October 2025
Ask anyone who lives in London, and they’ll surely tell you there is no shortage of exciting openings, launches and events taking place each month — the trouble is usually hearing about them. From hot, new restaurant openings to the latest beauty drops, consider The Sybarite your luxury barometer when it comes to noteworthy newcomers each and every month. Below, find our curated list of launches and openings to add to your calendar this October.
British Bubbles
25th October 2024
Champagne houses are increasingly turning to the chalky soils of Kent and Sussex to grow the grapes for their famous fizz, so it’s no surprise that England’s own winemaking industry is flourishing, establishing itself as a key player in the global wine landscape. Eager to expand my palate, I found myself on a sunny April day on the train from London to West Sussex’s sprawling Wiston Estate, one such winery establishing England as a key player in the global wine landscape.
In Conversation With The Duo Behind Chiave, Shoreditch
25th October 2024
When Selin Duren and Cem Ozden decided to open a bar, they wanted to create their ideal hangout spot. Having both been regulars on the London music/ European nightlife scene for some time, they certainly had the inside track. The end result of their joint effort is Chiave, a hedonistic destination of drinks, music and art. Spread across two floors, a moodily-lit bar area can be found on ground-level. Sit at the table by the window for an unbeatable view of the street outside, watching the best of Redchurch's bustling neighbourhood pass by. Downstairs houses a basement DJ and dance space with a bespoke sound system flown in from Copenhagen. Genres range from house and minimal techno to electro funk and hip hop, alternating secret ticketed gigs with open houses where everyone is welcome. The drinks menu is wonderfully unique, with original twists on cult classics and entirely new concoctions, too. Standouts include the Capybara, made with Tanqueray no.10, palo santo, rose sakura and Jasmine Verte. The Limbo is perfectly punchy, while the Street Spirit offers a sweeter touch. And, despite the caffeine content, the alla turca jazz espresso martini makes for a surprisingly good nightcap. A curated selection of wine and quintessential bar bites can also be enjoyed. Below, our full conversation with Selin and Cem.
Londons Most Innovative Restaurants to Try Now
18th October 2024
In a city known for its culinary innovation, certain restaurants stand out for their unconventional menus and unparalleled experiences that transcend the ordinary. From dining in the dark to sipping Champagne at the push of a button, there is no shortage of captivating dining destinations in this city. So, whether you're a food enthusiast or an adventurous epicurean, be sure to add these gastronomic gems to your list of must-visit destinations in the capital.
Luxury City Breaks: Paris
30th October 2023
Dear Sybarites, when it comes to luxurious travel, few cities compare to the timeless enchantment that is Paris. The City of Light beckons with its art, culture, and, of course, its legendary gastronomy. In this ultimate Paris travel guide, I'll take you on a journey through the most exquisite experiences this captivating city has to offer, from stylish stays to sumptuous dining and unforgettable activities.
Where To Celebrate Global Champagne Day With A Tipple Or Two
24th October 2023
Global Champagne Day, which is celebrated every year on the fourth Friday in October, is nearly upon us. In 2023, it falls on the 27th October, with the international event presenting an opportunity to celebrate this diverse tipple in its many forms. Whether you're fond of a glass alongside a dozen oysters, mixed with orange juice for a breakfast cocktail or enjoyed with a spot of afternoon tea - there are endless ways to savour its unique flavour profile. Given the beverages popularity and versatility, there is no shortage of specialised Champagne rooms and bars championing the star tipple. Read on for our curated selection of the most esteemed venues around the world to do so.
Meet the Chef: Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze crafting...
20th October 2023
Step into the world of Hélène Darroze, a culinary virtuoso with multiple Michelin stars, as we delve into her roots in Southwest France, the profound influence of her family's culinary lineage, and her commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients at The Connaught, one of London's iconic luxury hotels.
Irish Distillers Have Just Launched A World First Whiskey
13th October 2023
The coming together of worlds can be a truly spectacular feat, and when it comes to the world of whiskey, the sky is well and truly the limit, as Irish Distillers have once again proven. The distiller, who is renowned for its Midleton Very Rare 2023 Vintage, has released an even rarer drop, in collaboration with Taransaud cooperage in France, which is certain to make a splash.
The Sybarite St Maur, an Exclusive Cocktail Recipe
24th October 2022
Here, you'll find the recipes for "The Sybarite St Maur", and some perfect autumnal drinks to treat yourself ahead of Halloween, including "The Vampire Cocktail" and "Daylight Martini."
Your A-Z Guide of Britains Finest Chocolates for National...
18th October 2022
The Swiss and Belgians aren’t the only ones making luxury hand-made chocolate! Britain now boasts some of the world’s best chocolatiers. Well-known and should be better known, I'm sharing my guide of the UK's best, high-quality confectionary in celebration of National Chocolate Week! Running from 17th - 21st October, Chocolate Week aims to promote fine flavour chocolate, the independent artisan chocolatiers and the chocolate companies who work in direct partnership with cocoa farmers, encouraging consumers to pay a fairer price for their chocolate.
Celebrating UK Coffee Week: The Coffee Politik
12th October 2022
Since the 17th century, coffeehouses have been central to British cafe culture, depositing political importance due to their popularity as places of debate. Known as "penny universities", the crowds that they attracted were synonymous of scholars and students alike, and anyone with a penny could enter and sit in on a lecture or have access to books or print news. Coffeehouses boosted the popularity of print news culture and helped the growth of various financial markets including insurance, stocks, and auctions, as they became arenas for culture and politics.
Celebrating the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022
7th October 2022
Each year, The World’s 50 Best Bars awards send waves through the drinks industry as it unveils its lineup of unmissable venues who’ve gone above and beyond in the world of hospitality. With the 2022 list now revealed, The Sybarite pays homage to the Top 5 within the Top 50 following an in-person ceremony held in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, which was live streamed globally. 2022 marks the first year the Number 1 spot was awarded to a bar outside of London or New York, and 14 new entries from Europe, the Arabian Gulf, Asia, and the U.S.
Bloody Good Cocktails for the Wicked: A Halloween...
5th October 2022
We've compiled a list of the 10 best halloween-themed cocktails using only the finest spirits for the drink connoisseurs amongst our readers. Sit back, relax, and learn how to make some bloody good cocktails for the upcoming spooky season. Legend has it that if you say bloody mary 3 times, you won't remember the evening of debauchery you will participate in this halloween... although that could be attributed to the copious amounts of vodka you will likely consume. Either way, here's The Sybarite's guide to the best halloween cocktail recipes you can recreate this October!
Featuring International Scottish Gin Day
1st October 2022
The owners of mainland UK’s most northerly mainland distillery will be welcoming gin tourists on Scotland’s first nationwide chauffeured gin-immersive tour. Luxury Scotland represents twenty-six luxurious and exclusive Scottish properties including the country’s floating hotel, Fingal, next to the Royal Yacht Britannia. In celebration of International Scottish Gin Day, they are offering a seven-day motorized gin crawl, starting and ending in Edinburgh.
Review of Through The Lens: Cocotte, Your Favourite Spot in South...
29th October 2021
Cocotte South Kensington is the restaurant’s fifth door, with other spots in buzzy locations in Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Parsons Green and Queen’s Park.
Review of The wonderful world of premium tequila
29th October 2021
Tequila consumption in the US rose by almost 50% in 2020. Although many say, ‘When times are good people drink, but when times are bad people drink more’, the pandemic is not solely to blame for the increase in popularity of tequila.
Our Lifestyle Expert Speaks with Wine Entrepreneur Rollo...
26th October 2021
“One of the challenges we had was the perception that South Africa was a high volume, grocery, mid-tier producer. Not premium,” explains Rollo Gabb, managing director of Journey’s End Wines.
Review of El Pastor, A Taste of Mexico City in London
22nd October 2021
We recently popped into buzzing Soho to check out the newest member of El Pastor Taquerías: El Pastor Soho. This Mexican restaurant in the heart of London brings you the very best of Mexican cuisine.
Review of TOKii, Japanese Perfection in Marylebone
22nd October 2021
Nestled in the 5 star luxury hotel The Prince Akatoki in Marylebone, TOKii brings an entirely new elevated dining experience. This Japanese inspired cuisine restaurant offers the finest quality fresh seafood, sushi, sashimi and meat cooked on the Robata Grill.
Review of Fish Market - A Taste of the British Seaside
6th October 2021
Fish Market which is located in the Old Bengal Warehouse, just minutes from Liverpool Street Station, is one of those places. This relaxed venue which is part of the highly acclaimed D & D restaurant group offers an all day dining menu and in summer months there is a terrace at the front of the building for al fresco dining.
Romulo - A Unique And Unforgettable Taste Of The Philippines
31st October 2020
On entering we were greeted by a smile from the lovely owner Rowena Romulo, who is the granddaughter of the Filipino diplomat, statesman, soldier, journalist and author Carlos P. Romulo whom the restaurant is named after. Her ambition is to make the restaurant the number one destination for Filipino food through heirloom recipes and dishes handed down from generations past. The space itself is bright and colourful, with shades of lime green and grey throughout. The overall look is smart and contemporary. Philippine cuisine is a reflection of the country’s history and colonial past, blending together influences from Spanish, Malay and Chinese cooking. The result is a unique amalgamation of flavours that work together beautifully.
Club64 - Salon by day, private members club by night
24th October 2020
But what you may not be aware of is how it’s planning on ringing in its second anniversary… by opening CLUB64; the hottest new private members club in the city. I was lucky enough to be invited and I wasn’t disappointed.
Review of Zuaya - The True Taste of Latin American in the heart of...
16th October 2020
Nestled just off Kensington High Street, today’s restaurant of choice is Zuaya, a vibrant Latin American restaurant and bar offering the perfect combination of mouth-watering tapas, imaginative cocktails and exceptional service in a uniquely chic, exotic and lively ambience. Whether you are looking to relax and indulge over cocktails in the snazzy bar or wish to be taken on an exciting culinary journey of Latin America, Zuaya offers a wonderful culinary experience with tempting, exotic and inventive Latin American (Brazilian, Peruvian, Mexican) & Spanish dishes.
Chef Series - Alessandro Cozzolino of Belmond Villa San...
13th October 2020
Originally from Caserta in southern Italy, Alessandro has trained internationally with Michelin-starred chefs, also spending time in Hong Kong, and his food is a combination of daring modern twists and unique ingredient combinations. The Sybarite speaks to Alessandro to learn more about this young chef’s passions, work and his very bright future.
Review of Harry’s Dolce Vita - Italian Vintage Glamour in...
9th October 2020
The restaurant is perfectly placed behind Harrods in Knightsbridge, where the spiritless Café Rouge used to sit. It is owned by Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings, owner of J Sheekey, as well as The Ivy and Scott’s. Knowing this, you won’t be surprised to hear that the décor at Harry’s screams elegance and luxury, with mirrored ceilings, russet-hued leather furniture and a long, sexy bar perfect for a tipple or two. Harry’s Dolce Vita is a nod to Harry’s Bar in Mayfair, an exclusive members club, as well as to the iconic Venice original. The tunes in Harry’s Dolce Vita live up to its name too, with plenty of Italian crooning going on, a perfect accompaniment to all the retro-glamorous photography.
Duval-Leroy - a vineyard perfectly balanced between...
8th October 2020
But most exceptional of all is the brand’s commitment to involving the consumer in the production of the Champagne. Their philosophy is “It is with you that we make the best Champagnes”, and this is evident from everything that the vineyard offers. Driving this commitment to the consumer is the Duval-Leroy family themselves, who have remained an integral part of the Duval-Leroy vineyard and the Duval-Leroy champagne making process. Although educating people about Champagne is a great passion of the CEO of Duval-Leroy, Carol Duval-Leroy, where her true passion lies is sharing the creation of champagne with the masses.
The Chef Series - Jeremy Chan from Ikoyi
7th October 2020
Young and ambitious, 33 year old Jeremy Chan opened and became Head Chef of Ikoyi by the age of 30, with the restaurant gaining its first Michelin star within a year. Together with his close friend and co-owner Iré Hassan-Odukale, Ikoyi seems to be going from one strength to the next. And most importantly, the food is fantastic.
An Icon of Italian Culinary Arts - Exclusive Interview...
6th October 2020
The ‘Food for Soul’ project focuses on the vulnerable in the community by providing them sustenance, nourishment and encouragement.
The Baroque Baron of Notting Hill gets a lockdown...
5th October 2020
An exception to such an unfortunate demise is Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill, a British institution in every manner of the expression. The floors of this unique mansion have been graced by everyone from Kate Moss to Prince Harry to Selena Gomez, and the exclusive gatherings hosted in private party rooms are ones we all wish we were a fly on the (rococo style) wall at. Beach Blanket Babylon has not fallen under the weight of its 1990’s hot spot reputation, but has instead gone in full lockdown makeover mode, while maintaining the character of those times. The first floor ‘ballroom’ has been described as ‘part ancient Rome, part Versailles’, and has maintained its lavish integrity, working perfectly for a private restriction-abiding raucous dinner party.
Review of Yauatchas Delectable Mooncakes
1st October 2020
We were anticipating Yauatcha’s mooncake this Mid-Autumn Festival in London and were delighted to be able to get our hands on not only one but two of their mooncake versions - custard-filled and snowskin filled with a sweet pandan and salted egg center. Both versions are worth ordering as they offer a semi-traditional and non-traditional style of mooncake, and of course they tasted wonderful.
Review of Bank House Wine Bar and Kitchen in the heart of Chislehurst
29th October 2019
Before the opening there was a real buzz in the community, expectations were high and just like everyone else I couldn’t wait to book a table. The Bank House was originally designed by William Campbell-Jones in 1907, a British architect who was commissioned to design a building to stand the test of time for the National Provincial Bank, now it has been lovingly restored into a high-class eatery. I felt a tad nervous entering the Bank House; with this being just a stone's throw from home, I wanted it to be fabulous! I am used to dining in some of London’s best restaurants and nothing locally has ever come close - until now.
Review of Vardo Takes its Place on the Chelsea Restaurant Scene
24th October 2019
Backed by the team at expert coffee roasters and all-day-dining purveyors, Caravan, VARDO is a new nomadic concept that recently opened its doors on the square this autumn. The word “vardo” refers to the traditional horse-drawn wagon used by the British Romani to traverse from place to place, gathering spices and learning about different flavours wherever they went.
Celebrating 150 years of Moët & Chandon
2nd October 2019
The saga of Moët Impérial began in 1869, when Moët & Chandon chose to create a brut non-vintage champagne named “Brut Impérial” – known today as “Moët Impérial” – to pay tribute to the relationship established since 1801 with Napoléon Bonaparte and Jean-Remy Moët, grandson of the Maison’s founder.
Featuring Onima – five levels of decadence in the heart of Mayfair
25th October 2018
Onima is a unique hybrid of bar, restaurant, private dining lounge and rooftop terrace, and is the brainchild of founder Alexandros Andrianopoulos, who set out to capture the atmosphere and reputation of Mykonos, a Greek island which has fast become one of the world's most sought-after destinations. Andrianopoulos has managed legends such as Nammos and Interni, building success internationally for NYC’s Bathtub Gin and Bagatelle in Dubai, and his newest venture, Onima, is set to be the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience to captivate Londoners. Onima's five-floor residence was once the headquarters of Cartier's watchmaking empire, and has been skilfully re-imagined by leading Greek interior designers Archset to become a sensory experience from start to finish. The first level of the Onima experience, the ground floor restaurant, is dominated by a huge bar covered in rich bronze details, and the whole room oozes style and sophistication, flooded with natural light.
Meet Iain Robertson, head distiller at the R&B Distillery
4th October 2017
The Sybarite spoke to Iain Robertson, distiller at the Raasay Distillery, about life on the island and the pressures surrounding his new role.
Just how much can you customise your meal at a top...
26th October 2016
Stepping up to the challenge was Mayfair’s Avista restaurant. Winner of three prestigious AA rosette awards, Avista is an arm of Millennium Mayfair Hotel in Grosvenor Gardens and a favourite with travelling business people and discerning locals looking for a quiet and relaxing, yet innovative meal. Plush booths give the dining room an intimate feel, intriguing artwork from the Tanya Baxter Contemporary gallery adorns the walls, and to the side by the kitchen, talented chefs prepare cold starters on a bar in full view of guests. The staff were all too obliging to meet my culinary whims; even taking it on as a challenge. Being a vegetarian myself and my friend a pescatarian, Executive Chef, Arturo Granato, and Maître d, Andrea Mick Barni, animatedly talked me through their suggestions for each of our seven-course meat-free, seasonal dishes. The restaurant’s sommelier apparently also enjoyed the task of specially selecting a wine to pair with each of our customised courses. First on the table was a bowl presenting two toasted and deep fried rice and mushroom crisps and two beetroot meringues, filled with horseradish ganache. These literally melted in the mouth like candyfloss and set the bar for presentation for the rest of the night. Secondly, a bread selection with Puglian olive oil and a triad of dips. Now, I’ve eaten a lot of bread in my time and this has to be up there with some of the best. Everything at the restaurant is made ‘avista’, meaning ‘on-site’ in Italian, so customising dishes was easy for the skilled chefs, especially as Arturo told me that all the food is prepared ‘à la minute’ once ordered, meaning everything is as fresh as possible.
