Food and Drink
A Scot’s Guide to Luxury Gin
Hand-crafted, luxury experiences curated by our team—speak to our concierge to learn more
In celebration of International Scottish Gin Day, contributor Kevin Pilley introduces Scotlands first nationwide immersive gin tour.
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...
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Drinks with the Earl of Yarmouth, Founder of St Maur Liqueur
Having first created St Maur to serve at their wedding, William and Kelsey Seymour turned the elderflower liqueur they poured lovingly into the glasses of guests into a multi award-winning premium, small-batch drinks business. The four international industry awards the liqueur has won in its first years of business, The Great Taste Award 2 Star rating; International Spirits Challenge Silver Award; The World Liqueur Awards ‘Best English Floral’ and, most recently, Gold at Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, show just how well-loved the product is. “St Maur” is, in fact, the name by which the family was known in medieval times but by the time Jane Seymour married King Henry VIII, it had become “Seymour.” Leaving behind a life of aristocratic privilege to create a new legacy for his sons to be proud of, Lord Seymour spills the tea on his rich family history, mixology, and what’s next for St Maur Liqueur, which he’s used to create a bespoke cocktail especially for The Sybarite.
Featuring The Epitome of British Refinement: Exton Park Vineyard
Described as "Hampshire in a bottle," Exton Park Vineyard stands as a paragon of locally-sourced excellence, curating impeccable English sparkling wines. As an exclusive vineyard producer, their commitment to sustainable viniculture and the creation of a natural ecosystem lends them a rarefied distinction. The pivotal reverence for the distinctive chalky soil that underpins each of the nine plots finds meticulous care under the guidance of Vineyard Director Fred Langdale and his team. Employing the most natural methods, they tend to their 120,000 vines, hand-picking the ripest grapes for swift conveyance to the bespoke winery atop the vineyard. The grapes are then pressed plot by plot, capturing the nuances of flavors, and the resultant fresh juice undergoes the inaugural fermentation, contributing to Exton Park's prestigious reserve library.
Women In Whisky: A Global Revolution
The ‘workmans’ perception led to early film imagery of miners, farmers and lonesome cowboys being pictured drinking whisky. However, a typically masculine drink is being diluted with femininity by women around the world.
Review of Din Tai Fung: Michelin Starred Dumplings
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 spacious with a clean, minimalist design that puts the focus all on their food. And you can see the intricate skills needed to prepare their soupy dumplings in their open kitchen. A large amount of open space is particularly helpful for their robots, Yes, some robots, help to deliver dishes to the ravenous diners.
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.
