Food and Drink
The Dumpling Delights of Din Tai Fung
Passionate about dumplings? Feed your addiction with this latest article by our food & drink expert Baldwin Ho, as he visits the world-renowned Din Tai Fung Selfridges branch...
Din Tai Fung has been one of those bucket-list restaurants I've always wanted to visit but not made time for due to the rumoured lengthy queues. Thankfully, with a branch in Covent Garden and Selfridges and a third one opening at Centrepoint in September, the massive cravings for high-quality dumplings should be satisfied without the need for queuing. The Selfridges branch we visited was particularly...
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LOVE LAMB WEEK: The Gower Salt Marsh Lamb
The eighth annual Love Lamb Week ran from the 1st - 7th of September, showcasing the sustainability of UK sheep production, whilst also reminding consumers of the exceptional taste and quality that UK lamb brings to the table. In particular, the distinctive and delicious Gower Salt Marsh lamb originating from a small farm in South Wales.
Review of Our Lifestyle Expert reviews Bancone’s new menu
That, my friends, is the masterpiece that is Bancone's signature dish. But this summer evening, I'm not there to have my umpteenth plate of the famous silk handkerchiefs. I'll admit, it isn't easy to make a trip to Bancone without ordering it, but because I've always been amazed at how the team behind the restaurant group continues to innovate, I was excited to see what their new menu had in store, especially now that they're open all day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. "It's all about using ingredients that are in season," explains Executive Chef Ben Waugh, who is himself a new addition to the group, having spent the last decade at Gordon Ramsay's Pétrus and the Savoy Grill. "We have spent our time lightening the menu for the warmer months," he adds.
Featuring Churchill's luxury port house escape
For three days in September, Churchill's is offering tourists the opportunity to get under the skin of the local fruit and trend grapes in the company's traditional granite "Lagares", which date back to 1852. Quinta da Gricha, the company's flagship vineyard, is inviting visitors for its annual 'vindima' on 10, 11 and 25 September. The day begins with a grape picking challenge with Churchill's viticultural team, and a tasting follows the shift on the terraces.
Featuring New opening: Tatale, 2022’S most anticipated restaurant...
Partnering with iconic The Africa Centre in Southwark, London, Tatale rekindles the nostalgic classics of Pan-African cuisine with the contemporary dining energy of South London and its infectious culture. Settled into Great Suffolk Street, the menu is full of modernised delicacies, including Berbere King Oyster Mushroom with Jollof Couscous; Chichinga Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings with Dill Emulsion; and a personal favourite of ours, the Red Stew and Palm Wine Pickled Shallot. Akwasi Brenya-Mensa’s approach to contemporary cooking is brimming with experimental flavour, which would stem from his time spent hosting supper clubs and immersive pop-ups in Belfast, Lisbon, Puerto Rico, Accra, Berlin, Amsterdam and San Juan. You’ll also note this reflected in the combination of music from the Black diaspora, matched with trendy collaborations and intimate talks frequently hosted.
Featuring Ragdale Hall – pure heaven in the Leicestershire...
What better way to treat myself than head to Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa. With a team of over 460 staff, this privately owned retreat set amongst the soothing peace of the Leicestershire countryside is a relaxing heaven. The guests are predominantly women (90%) and the 93-bedroom spa offers luxurious pampering with a huge range of facilities including six pools, heat experiences, tennis, boules, pitch ‘n’ putt, croquet, cycling, and a mind gym are all available. My aim for my Overnight Reviver Break was total relaxation. On arrival, my mum and I were greeted by the friendly and polite Guest Liaison team who offered a refreshing drink while we were booked in. Valet parking is offered to all guests, and our luggage was whisked up to the room in a matter if minutes.
Review of Hong Kong’s best kept secret – the Pottinger review
Discover this luxury Hong Kong hotel in the centre of the city's hustle and bustle is actually a quiet respite from the busy pedestrian-filled streets of Central. With 68 beautifully adorned rooms, The Pottinger stands out as a true luxury boutique hotel in a city that is already saturated with much larger five-star establishments. The aesthetic appeal is second to none, adorned with chinoiserie objects and oriental decor throughout the internal spaces. This is quite befitting as Pottinger Street is one of the oldest streets in the district and named after Hong Kong’s first Governor, Sir Henry Eldred Curen Pottinger.
Review of The Middle House Shanghai review
Floor to ceiling windows seem to be an important theme for each of the hotels as is the service, and most notably, the locations and architecture. Take for example The Upper House in Hong Kong, though located in the city center its infrastructure evokes discretion, minimalism and above all the characteristics of luxury living in a subtle sort of matter. These qualities are intrinsically similar to The Middle House except for its architecture. What you get at each of these houses are individualism at its core and by that we mean to say that each house has been designated an architect to design the hotels based on their own style whilst heavily incorporating the essence of the brand. Located on Shanghai’s Hongqiao side of the city, The Middle House is well advantaged when it comes to proximity from the city center whilst maintaining an air of discretion and calm. Not far from the main high way and directly in between the shopping centers, boutiques and the park within walking distance, The Middle House makes for a well-positioned luxury hotel in Shanghai.
Review of The perfect brunch hideaway in Hackney, London
When double checking the location of the restaurant on my phone, I saw that it was located a minutes walk from Hackney Central Overground Station - and it wasn’t lying. Within a minute of stepping off the train, I was stood outside the seemingly secluded venue and was pleasantly surprised with what I found. Stepping inside the large Nordic themed restaurant I was expecting to hear the trains rumbling past, but for the entire duration of my meal - not a peep was heard from them which helped to create the illusion of actually being in a secluded Nordic restaurant. The room was open and spacious with grand high ceilings, however, felt really intimate and cosy making this venue the perfect place for brunch dates - or if you're visiting with a group of friends you can take advantage of the long tables and benches which are perfect for socialising.
Featuring The iconic Marbella Club launches a clubhouse just in...
Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s bohemian beginnings in the Fifties as a purposefully low-key hangout for Prince Alfonso and his glittering A-list friends, from Brigitte Bardot to Cary Grant, this reimagining of the hotel’s original Clubhouse champions the best things in life – food and drink, fun, nature, friendship and family. Guests can take advantage of several new additions: El Patio restaurant, the beating heart of the resort, overseen by the Marbella Club’s newly appointed head chef, Sergio Arconada; Rudi’s bar, a fitting tribute to Count Rudi, the hotel’s first GM – who, at eighty-odd years old, still casts a watchful eye over proceedings; La Bodega, scene of wine tastings with head sommelier, Ángel González; bespoke private dining spaces; and an inviting central patio flanked by a hair & beauty salon, hair spa, barber, florist, gift shop, and flexible spaces for art exhibitions and pop up collaborations.
Review of The Maldives edition – Paradise of your dreams at JOALI
“The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express” - Francis Bacon. Like it has taken our imagination for a ride and brought us to a destination one can only dream of - a true paradise located in the Raa Atoll, the northern part of the Maldives. One has to see it to truly understand how such beauty is able to captivate the heart so much so that even we have to admit, we’ve left our hearts in JOALI. We are certain that if you come here, that same feeling will apply to you. It is the best combination of contemporary art, absolute attention to design and detail, that feminine touch, aesthetic uniformity with of course the lush tropical vegetation and blossoming flowers and the stunning crystal clear waters at your immediate reach that you’re here and you know it’s worth it. It is not something which you need to think twice about - you’ll be catered for and looked after here, but more than that you won’t tire of the beauty and the absolute comfort you receive during your stay.
The Doldergrand – the finest place to stay in Zurich
Swerving up onto the hill where The Doldergrand is perched up on, it was the panoramic mountain views against the backdrop of the hotel that made it stand out for us. Art is a major feature throughout the hotel with original works from Takashi Muramaki and Salvador Dali as well as other prominent artists whose works feature in various places. With a history spanning since 1899, The Doldergrand has without a doubt become a prominent address not just for overnight guests but a true social hub where guests come together to wine and dine, to see and be seen, and to just enjoy the act of socialising in style. Though it may seem like an enormous hotel, which it is, given there are 175 rooms and suites on site, the service is impeccable as is the discretion. What drew us to the hotel and what made it even more pleasant for us especially as we were travelling with our children, was the convenience and location of The Doldergrand.
Review of The Luxury Insider Christmas Drinks Gift Guide
Having some special friends in the drinks industry means I am always introduced to some of the best tasting and impressive looking tipples on the market.