London boasts a plethora of dynamic rooftop restaurants in the city centre. One that has stood the test of time is Galvin at Windows. Being situated on the 28th floor of the historic London Hilton on Park Lane, you won’t be surprised to find unimpeded views of London’s fascinating skyline.
Chef Patron is Chris Galvin. Along with his brother Jeff, they’ve dominated the London restaurant scene for years with their Michelin-starred cooking skills at restaurants like Galvin La Chapelle. They famously opened the Wolseley restaurant in 2003 and Chris had already earned his first Michelin star at the Orrery back in the year 2000.
At Galvin at Windows, he has appointed talented Marc Hardiman as head chef. Marc had perfected his skills at the Ritz as Senior Sous Chef. Interestingly, Chris had worked as a commis chef at the Ritz back in the day.
With such power-packed CVs, you wouldn’t be surprised to find the food at Galvin at Windows is remarkably polished. Service is attentive yet discreet from the moment you step into the restaurant.
A great way to experience their menu is to try their Sunday lunch menu. For the quality of food and service and the views on offer, it is very reasonably priced at £59 per person for 3 courses. It is available from 12 pm to 3 pm every Sunday lunch.
Furthermore, they are dishes you readily pay a premium for, as the ingenious combination of ingredients is unlikely to be recreated at home. Think locally sourced Halibut paired with St Austell Museels, yuzu kosho, nori, Champagne and rose. It is rightfully decadent as you would expect dining at a rooftop restaurant in the heart of Park Lane.
Dishes I would recommend trying include a beautifully sweet heritage tomato salad. It has a beautiful zestiness due to the addition of ponzu dressing and has some weighty substance with the presence of moreish goats curd.
Their beef carpaccio was a delightful surprise. It had a real depth of flavour due to the fact it has been dry aged and they used the finest quality black Angus. It was very cleverly paired with artichokes, mustard seeds and a smoked egg yolk for added complexity.
Enhanced flavours were also the order of the day with the main courses. Cornish Brill had an extra umami kick with the inclusion of Porthilly oysters and coastal herbs. The extra ingredients are always given careful consideration on how they can enhance and support the main act.
They had a very healthy take on the classic lasagne. The ‘lasagne’ sheets were made with celeriac whilst the filling was stuffed with meaty confit king oyster mushrooms. There was a hint of truffle used, but it was never overpowering. This is very much unlike less celebrated restaurants, which often use truffles to compensate for a lack of flavour in their dishes.
The highlight of their not-to-be-missed dessert section is the blackcurrant soufflé. Blackcurrants are incredibly underrepresented in fine dining menus. They have high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants. The soufflé rose to just the right height and it had the perfect smooth consistency inside. It was paired with a delectable cheesecake ice cream and topped with crème de cassis to add to the blackcurrant notes.
Pairing the right ingredients to enhance the flavours is also evident in most of the other desserts on the menu. Case in point is the exquisitely executed white chocolate and blackberry crème brûlée. They’ve included a blackberry sorbet, so the tart and sweet notes come through even stronger. The texture was silky smooth along with the requisite crunchy topping. The dessert was finished off with a muscovado sugar shortbread.
When booking your table, check which side of the restaurant you might be sitting on. For example, when we visited for Sunday lunch recently, it was particularly glaring on the Hyde Park side. I would recommend booking for the Oxford Street side of the restaurant for Sunday lunch. You will still enjoy spectacular views of the London topography.
If you want a great recommendation for an apéritif or digestif, do check out their neighbouring bar, 10 Degrees Sky Bar. They offer some highly innovative cocktails and you can still admire the stunning views from the 28th floor.
For more information on the restaurant, please visit –
Have you ever had to stay 48 hours (or less) in a city – on purpose? I’m not talking about layovers where you manage to sleep on hard plastic chairs because there is no airport lounge open in the wee hours of the morning.
Due to flight schedules, I found myself with a mere 48 hours (technically it was 35 hours) in London in early September. I welcomed the short time in the city, as I have not visited since March 2020. Clearly, I needed to make the best of my time and being that this was my 5th time to the UK capital, I was not queuing up to go to the London Eye.
How does one spend a short time in London? Here are my suggestions to help manage your time well.
Stay:
Choose one property, in one central area, near transit. Thanks to the Tube, its’ all very accessible. Yet depending upon the airport in which you land (Heathrow or Gatwick), you can guarantee an hour (or depending upon traffic) more has gone by.
My area of choice for this trip was the Mayfair/Kensington/Soho area, which is the fanciest area in London that I have ever stayed in. You really can’t go wrong as there are so many great boroughs in London, each with their own highlights. There is no need to travel across the city to only spend an hour or so to get back.
My wonderful, but short stay was at the COMO Metropolitan London just off the landmark Hyde Park Corner. If you have ever played the original version of Monopoly – you will know the address, its Park Lane. Conveniently, Bond Street, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Piccadilly are within easy walking distance.
There are 144 rooms and suites, as well as 19 long-stay apartments. Additional amenities include Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and COMO Shambhala Urban Escape for Asian-inspired therapies. At COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, Guests can indulge in award-winning wellness treatments such as facials, massages, and acupuncture. There is also an onsite steam room and 24-hour fitness center, where personal trainers are available upon request. Barring my time limit, I would have visited the Shambhala Urban Escape.
Should you have any questions about an itinerary, the concierge is happy to answer questions and help plan your stay. The helpful concierge was able to secure two tickets to the Victoria Albert Museum’s DIVA exhibit, which was already sold out for the Saturday afternoon.
When I awoke from my restful slumber (Sadly, I had to pull myself out of the comfortable bed for my flight) I was served the most delicious breakfast in record speed. The coffee was strong, the hash browns were crunchy and the omelette had everything I requested. In 30 minutes, I had left the hotel and was whisked away back to Heathrow.
Activities/ Eats:
Perhaps you are jet lagged and tired, and all you really want to do is close the dark-out blinds and hibernate with room service. Fight the urge. The city is calling your name to explore.
South of Hyde Park is the Victoria Albert Museum (V & A South Kensington). The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects, books and archives that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum holds many of the UK’s national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.
It’s one of my favourite museums in the world and the main entry is free (tickets are needed for special exhibits). While I managed to check out the DIVA exhibit, the new Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibit just opened (and sadly sold out – unless you become a member).
The Victoria Albert Museum is right beside the beautiful Natural History Museum, and if you have time and the attention for it, it’s also a great visit.
Pressed for time, I needed to get my fill of all the London institutions I could – my first stop was Fortnum & Mason. First founded in London in 1707, after Queen Anne permitted her footman William Fortnum to sell discarded candles from St James’s Palace, Fortnum’s has forged a close relationship with the British Royal household ever since. Fortnum & Mason has held several warrants, including one from Her Late Majesty, The Queen and continues to this day with His Majesty The King.
I have only had Afternoon Tea at the Piccadilly flagship once, but should your schedule allow 3 hours, it’s a quintessential must do. I left with a large bag filled with tea, chocolates, cookies and lemon curd spread. Had my bag not been filled to the brim, I would have brought more. While there is a store in Terminal 5 at Heathrow, nothing beats a visit to the beautiful flagship.
From food to textiles, Liberty is another one of London’s great retailers. In 1875, Arthur Lasenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his future father-in-law and took a building on Regent Street, with just three dedicated staff and plenty of ambition. The Tudor style building is magnificent with flooring constructed by the timbers of two ancient ‘three-decker’ battleships. The HMS Impregnable – built from 3040 100-year-old oaks from the New Forest – and the HMS Hindustan, which measures the length and height of the Liberty building. Shoppers can find luxuries from around the world, and most notable is the Liberty textile archive. Around the holiday season, Liberty comes out with a massive Advent Beauty Calendar that draws queues and always sells out. I love browsing through their section of stationery and Liberty print products.
If you are a fan of stationery and leather essentials, the Smythson flagship on New Bond Street is a must-stop. Since 1887 Smythson has been creating bags and accessories to notebooks, diaries, stationery, and home accessories to suit every adventure. Of course, a brand with so much heritage also has several Royal warrants under its belt. Pick up a notebook or two and have initials embossed in the cover, makes for a perfect gift to give (or keep).
Perhaps you are wondering if I had a chance to stop, sit and enjoy London’s finest food? With such a short timeline, I unfortunately did not. However, if you can make reservations over lining up in a queue for time-management sake, try one of the establishments in the area below.
Sometimes it is nice to visit familiar restaurants in other cities, so the expectations of service and food quality is clear. While I have visited the LAVO in New York, the restaurant recently opened during London Fashion Week at the BoTree Hotel. Split over two floors, LAVO is flooded with natural light, complete with a grown Olive Tree and features a sleek bar area with an intimate terrace. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features a selection of high-end Italian dishes created by Chief Culinary Officer Ralph Scamardella and Head Chef Stefano Lorenzini.
SUCRE opened in London after a successful open in Buenos Aires in 2001. Founded by Chef Fernando Trocca the restaurant pays tribute to Argentina and its Mediterranean roots. The beautiful dining room is adorned with massive decanter chandeliers with a wood oven and huge “parilla” (or grill) at the centre. This ensures cooking is done the Argentine way, using embers rather than the live flame. The Sunday Asado prix fixé 3 course menu starts on October 15, where guests can choose from several mains, including a mouth-watering 300 g Striploin with Chimichurri.
If you are looking for something exclusive to London, try Franco’s. Established in 1945, Franco’s is considered as one of London’s first Italian restaurants. Head Chef Stefano Turconi’s menu offers homemade bread and fresh pasta, a variety of fish and meat as well as vegan and gluten free options. Franco’s opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bar and heated outside terrace are open all day. Perfect for a quick chat over a drink. I have heard that the dedicated rosé wine section is one of the largest in the city.
Nestled in The Bloomsbury Hotel, you will find the Dalloway Terrace. This restaurant has been on my list for a while, as it has a dreamy ambience. It is a year-round garden terrace (fully heated in the winter). Open all day, the restaurant offers brunch, afternoon tea and a pre-theatre menu. The Dalloway recently partnered exclusively with Neal’s Yard Remedies and London Essence to celebrate their commitment to British biodiversity and sustainability.
Side Hustle’s newly launched brunch menu is what we were here to sample / devour. Having had a quick peruse of the menu ahead of visiting, my mouth was already watering at the thought of Mexo Benedict- the Side Hustle version served with lashings of siracha spiked hollandaise and guac, not to mention anywhere that serves tacos for brunch gets my vote.
The day I chose to eat at Side Hustle was one of those days in London that starts off blue and then from nowhere turns black. Big, fat, heavy rain drops fall from the sky with such force you wonder if you will end up with bruises. The most well-seasoned Londoner’s become drowned rats, hair sticking to cheeks, anything and everything being used as make shift umbrellas – newspapers, handbags, small children. Puddles the size of lakes appear out of nowhere, drivers appear to adopt a private joke style game of seeing how many people they can drench. Tubes over crowd, buses stop working, basically it’s the apocalypse and every man for themselves.
Falling into Side Hustle, heaving open the heavy wooden door and hearing the screams of the drenched ebb away as it slowly closed behind me, I felt as if I had entered another world. Calm, serene, heavy with the scent of opulence, the host team perfectly coiffed and manicured, ready to welcome you into the dark panelled room complete with countertop seating and booths plus the option for diners to snack at the incredibly atmospheric bar littered with potions and blends destined for the signature cocktails on offer and curated with such flair that it has earned the bar a spot on the 50 Best list. The vibe was luxe, as a NoMad off shoot should be. Dark wood panelling, earthy deep greens and brass accents cutting through the moody aesthetic are balanced by warm lighting with subtle nods of Latin America bleeding into the décor – a whole shelf of curated tequilas, large skulls reminiscent of those synonymous with Day of the Dead that act as vessels for the house tequila laced Pina Coladas sit amongst huge vase style urns used to house the self titled ‘cocktail explosions’ that feed 6 and come with a warning.
It is one of those spaces that on entering you feel safe and at ease, content in the knowledge you will be taken care of, the booth seats are ready and waiting to receive you and the blinds offer the perfect balance of privacy from the outside world but just the right amount of give to people watch… or watch people drown, depending on the weather.
And so, settled and safe from the biblical monsoon outside we began our meal.
Drinks first and on a mission to remind myself it was actually July despite the madness taking place outside, I ordered the aforementioned Pina Colada. At this stage in the game I was unaware it came in a skull larger than mine, crowned with wedges of the golden fruit and her green stalk. She was giving Carmen Miranda albeit, a little darker. The drink itself was delicious, a Pina Colada stan, I was nervous for a tequila based rendition(that and it has been known that tequila can make me a little lary but in the name of good journalism I took the risk), this was the perfect balance of coconut and pineapple, not too rich nor too sweet.
Side Hustle offers both small and large plates that can be taken as starters and mains of ordered on mass to share amongst the table. First to arrive was the Mexican staple of some form of chip and dip (although in Mexico they are usually on the house). With three salsas on offer, we settled on the Pipian, a blend of pipitas, red pepper and chili arbol – an expertly seasoned offering balancing chilli heat and earthy seeds. It was one of those dishes where you felt the nutrition of the salsa outweighed the fried tostadas provided to scoop with.
We also shared Croquetas de Esquites and yellowfin tuna tostadas served with Aguachile. It never ceases to amaze me to see the different way corn is played with in Mexican kitchens and so I was excited to see the Side Hustle rendition – sweet kernels, running through crème fraiche, spiked with epazote, rolled and deep fried.
The tuna was fresh and light, a wonderful opener to the mains heading our way.
In preparation of the tacos and burrito, an apothecary style bottle of homemade hot sauce was delivered to the table – a nice touch and a welcome edition to our main plates. It was well made, you can taste the ingredients and feel the heat start to build rather than the instant fire that many hot sauces tend to deliver. Onto the main event – a plate of lamb birria tacos complete with tomato and radish salad and a breakfast burrito for my dining partner, served with a well made mole for max dunking.
The tacos were good, and yes I know I said my mouth was watering at Eggs Benny but what can I say, tacos are my love language and who am I to stand in the way of love.The lamb was melt in the mouth, falling apart and topped with wafer thin, perfectly pickled discs of radish, a welcome hit of acid to cut through the fat. The obligatory consommé served on the side, rich and fatty and delivered the perfect drip on every bite of the taco. The tortillas were perfectly cooked, pliable and full of flavour and when loaded with the rich lamb, the coriander heavy tomato salad and a few drips of hot sauce made for a winning combination.
The burrito was heavy and substantial – thank goodness, there is nothing sadder than an underfilled burrito. The mole complex and full of layers of flavour.
We completed our meal with another round of cocktails, this time I went for the ‘Pardon Plea’, a blend of rum, tequila, green apple, coconut and palo santo – which was eye wateringly punchy which in turn made it incredibly refreshing. My partner who doesn’t drink was equally well looked after as the bar has a fantastic mocktail menu that you can tell are as expertly thought out as the alcoholic menu. His first El Diablito, alight and refreshing blend of ginger, hibiscus and lime. His second incredibly unusual pandan situation which you could have easily mistaken for a sour – truly exceptional drinks.
And so, as much as we wanted to squeeze in a desert of Mango Prepardo or an ice cream sandwich, we were just too stuffed and with that we braced ourself for the carnage of the outside world, lucky for us, our Mexican morning had trickled out of the restaurant and into the streets of London and we were back to blue skies.
Just a quick hop on the subway and you will find yourself in Brooklyn. There are so many great eats across the East River, I simply could not leave Brooklyn out of this New York City guide.
Dumbo’s premier destination for elevated, distinctive cocktails, Gair serves locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired dishes in an unmatched environment. Located on Washington Street, guests can snap their iconic Manhattan Bridge photo before heading to Gair for delicious cocktails and appetizing share plates. My drink pick is the Mezcal based cocktail, Under the Influencer and you will want to order the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Conceptualized and owned by architectural designer and Dumbo local Kevin Cimini, Gair was developed to create an elegant yet approachable destination that serves as an oasis for its community, and an authentic New York experience for visitors.
The Norm’s food is inspired by the cultural diversity of the Brooklyn Museum’s namesake borough. The menu encourages a gastronomic exploration of the borough’s multi-cultural heritage, using local produce and global flavours. As it is a Great Performances restaurant, seasonal ingredients from the catering, hospitality and events company’s organic Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY are incorporated throughout the menu. While located in the Brooklyn Museum and designed to give guests the sense of dining within the cultural institution’s inner sanctum, The Norm can be accessed directly off the museum’s lobby without any admission payment.
Located on the 11th floor of The Penny Williamsburg, the name is derived from ancient Greek and Italian roots meaning “victory for the people.” At the helm, is emerging Chef Fernanda Serrano who comes to elNico after serving as executive sous chef at The NoMad London. A native of Mexico City, Serrano’s menu is a journey through her life, featuring casual, yet elegant colourful dishes that are rooted in her Mexican heritage. elNico is filled with colorful and unfussy elements that are both relaxing and bold, setting the stage for an elevated but approachable food and drink adventure.
Positioned in the heart of Williamsburg, Fandi Mata is a bi-level space featuring a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant downstairs, with a secluded mezcaleria upstairs. The rustic and industrial establishment is shielded by sky-high ceilings, with lush, verdant foliage and colorful mosaic accents giving an indoor-outdoor feel. On the ground level, the restaurant offers a seasonal, cross-continental menu, ranging from seafood-focused small plates and vegetable-driven mezze platters to hearty, spice-fueled mains. Meanwhile, on the second floor, an intimate mezcaleria, Little Oaxaca, brings a line-up of delicious and creative cocktails, crafted by bar industry veteran, Milos Zica.
The Osprey at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is pleased to announce its partnership with Dan Churchill, Australian performance chef, author, and CEO, to offer The Osprey by Dan Churchill, a brand-new dinner and brunch menu. The menu will prioritize creative, plant-forward, and locally inspired cuisine with a robust selection of Australian wines and beverage pairings. Every bite and beverage will spotlight indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking methodologies, and local customs that honour Australian culture and emphasize our shared desire to prioritize the wellbeing of the planet in everything we do.
Sustainability has always been a key ingredient at The Osprey—from supporting local farmers and growers to upcycling food scraps—and Churchill’s passion for healthy and sustainable cuisine makes this collaboration a seamless fit. He has mastered the art of designing flavorful meals that nourish the body, mind, and palate while minimizing food waste, uplifting the planet, and telling a beautiful story of culture and unification along the way.
Ainslie offers year-round dining in the heart of Williamsburg, with decor and a menu that enchants. Under the masterful guidance of Executive Chef John DeLucie, savor the sublime, from wood-fired pizzas that dance with charred perfection to succulent pastas, free-range chicken, New York Strip Steak, and Atlantic Salmon. Foodies who drop by on weekends can enjoy All You Can Drink Brunch, a delightful affair from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, that promises to elevate your senses and raise your spirits.
Nestled beside The William Vale in Williamsburg, this gastronomic haven beckons foodies with an Australian menu that traverses culinary boundaries while retaining its distinct essence, evolving with the seasons to tantalize your taste buds with signatures like Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni, and a supreme brunch spread. My pick is the Kangaroo Tucker (Australian rubbed Kangaroo skewered over herbed tahini, marinated cucumbers, pickled onions, fried lentils) and Crispy Halloumi (almond romesco, honey, Spanish dukkah) to share, with the Braised Lamb Shoulder (Swiss chard, crispy fingerlings, labneh, zhoug) as a main.
A warm, intimate gathering place founded by brothers Halil and Öner Gündogdu, the cocktail list at Little Rascal features unexpected flavor combinations, classic techniques, and house-made ingredients led by world-renowned bartender Keith Larry. Try the Flaco and Audrey (Fundy Gin, preserved cherry blossom, chamomile cordial, London Essence, white peach soda, egg white), or the Dough of Existence (rum, soursop, lime juice, house-made falernum, avocado-pit orgeat, wormwood bitters). Add a Mediterranean-inspired plate or two (Fan-favorite Smoked Salmon Fattoush) to complete your visit at Little Rascal.
Visit the Slate Rooftop above The POD Brooklyn Hotel (247 Metropolitan Avenue) for breathtaking, open-air views. The atmosphere pairs perfectly with an amazing menu of shareable bites, and frozen drinks from Executive Chef Darryl Harmon and Liquid Lab NYC. As the sun bids adieu, engage in an evening of spirited amusement with signature games like Sub Soccer and Giant Jenga, igniting the night with playful camaraderie.
Experience the Fornino legacy and watch the sunset at their seasonally open Brooklyn Bridge location, a quaint rooftop at Pier 6, overlooking Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River. Chef Michael Ayoub’s masterfully crafted menu, found at Fornino’s year-round Greenpoint (849 Manhattan Ave.), and Time Out Market New York (55 Water Street) locations, provides a historical approach to delicious pizza with First Generation Neapolitan, Second Generation Regional Italian and Third Generation Original Fornino varieties made in a wood-burning oven plus salads, sandwiches and a comprehensive wine list.
The Springs is a Palm Springs-inspired retro bar, lounge and massive patio located in Greenpoint at 224 Franklin St. Guests can come to chill, soak up the sun, and drink frozen Aperol Spritz cocktails on Monday – Friday beginning at 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 2 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests will be able to order small bites and Brioche Donuts from Eat with Nana NYC. The spot is also dog-friendly as long as you keep a leash on your furry friend.
Ten Hope’s new brunch with bottomless brunch options is sure to delight taste buds and satisfy brunch cravings in Williamsburg. The brunch deal offers a generous 90 minutes of bottomless brunch for $35 per person with the purchase of just one entree. While their menu boasts an array of mouth-watering options, some standout items include their Mezze Platter with assorted Dips like Stuffed Mushroom and Babaganoush, the New England Crab Cakes, and the Chorizo Hash.
The contrast could not be greater. Tai Kwun in Hong Kong was formerly the much-loathed Central Police Station, Magistracy and Victoria Prison. It was a symbol of the colonial times back when Great Britain ruled Hong Kong. Nowadays, it has been revitalised and reopened since 2018 as Tai Kwun. A centre of excellence for heritage and arts.
Located at 10 Hollywood Road, Central. It is mere steps away from the likes of Lan Kwai Fong and the business district. It is a minor miracle, that this prime real estate wasn’t sold off to developers but instead turned into a cultural hub for locals and tourists. Tai Kwun Contemporary is a non-profit visual arts program and they try to curate five to eight exhibitions each year to highlight socially relevant issues. This September, they will present “Killing TV”. It is a fascinating, brand-new exhibition on how modern-day artists deploy, disrupt, and deconstruct television as a medium. The different artists involved in the exhibition explore the themes of identity, consumerism, and human connection in society. This is often displayed in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
The venue is also a wonderful performing arts centre. Throughout September, they have the “Chilled Steps” concert series. In their fourth year, they previously the focus was on jazz music. However, this year, they’ve expanded to cover pop, folk, Western and Chinese music. Between September and October, they are also offering free film screenings of classic teen films from the 1950s to the 1980s. The carefully curated films show the youth of Hong Kong from a bygone era as they embrace the increasing influence of Western culture.
A significant part of the Tai Kwun experience is about the heritage of the site. The former Central Police Station compound had more than 170 years of history. This is brought back to life for the audiences of today through interactive tours, heritage storytelling areas, eclectic education programmes and focused heritage exhibitions. The guided tours are 45 minutes long, in Cantonese, English or Putonghua. It runs twice a day Monday – Friday and three times a day during the weekends. It is also free of charge. They have an insightful behind-the-scenes online section on their website where you can visit the hidden gems of the site. You can see the secret underground passage to the Central Magistracy or see how the compound was once a WWII Air Raid Shelter.
Of course, it isn’t all about education and learning. Tai Kwun is also a great venue to savour gastronomic delights, sample innovative cocktails and shop at independent boutique stores. One of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Hong Kong is based in Tai Kwun, Madame Fù Grand Café Chinois. The refined, colonial decor is matched by tantalising dishes such as sautéed diced Angus beef with Yunnan chilli and garlic. Their free-flowing dim sum offering during lunchtime Monday – Thursday is always popular with locals and tourists alike. The art noveau-inspired, Dragonfly bar offers some of the most innovative cocktails in town. Expect to sip on the likes of Hi Lazies, which contains Irish whisky, pineapple, lime, pimento liqueur, orgeat and baby spinach. It might sound peculiar but their talented mixologists know how to serve up a winning concoction.
Numerous world-class art galleries are also based at Tai Kwun such as Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery and Ora-Ora. The former focuses on 20th-century French art and modern and contemporary art in Asia. While the latter sell groundbreaking, modern art pieces from across the globe. There are also numerous boutique shops on offer such as Pap Studio which sells handmade Turkish-inspired lamps and Touch Ceramics which sells beautifully crafted and handmade ceramics and porcelains.
Although it only opened in 2018, Tai Kwun has rapidly developed into a must-visit destination for tourists when they visit Hong Kong.
Having only visited Athens once before, I wanted to see beyond the ancient city and visit the islands. Not just for a change in landscape, but also I was curious to hear the stories of the Greek artists/artisans who lived and worked there. After traveling from Athens to Crete, to Santorini and then north to Thessaloniki, I discovered the real magic behind all of the passion and inspiration that Greece generates for creatives and travelers alike.
Athens:
It was only fitting that my first stop was to see 5th century art and architecture at its finest: The Acropolis. Built as a love letter to honor the city’s patron goddess, Athena – the goddess of both wisdom and war, it was nice to see the progression of the restoration since my last visit in 2018. The timeless design has stood through the centuries and continues to inspire and inform the work of today.
The Acropolis Museum is one of my favorite museums in the world for two reasons. The number of artifacts is outstanding and the incorporation of, both ancient and modern designs are incredibly unique. On the last night, I visited the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone amphitheater built in the 1st century. I experienced what the amphitheater was built for, enjoying the modern and classical compositions of the German musician Nils Frahm.
Turning to fashion, I sat down with Nikolas Minoglou, one of the co-founders of Ancient Greek Sandals and his wife, Whitney in their flagship on Kolokotroni. Following the brand for over a decade, it was fascinating to learn their origin story and that all production still remains within 4 factories based in Greece. Their commitment to Greek style and quality remains at the forefront with new collaborations and a stylish homeware collection.
Down the street, I met clothing and accessory designer, Daphne Valente at her flagship. As she spoke candidly about her journey, my eyes were drawn to the pleated designs along the wall. She draws inspiration from the Ancient Greek pleating of Mariano Fortuny. Using only a dress form, Daphne drapes the Greek fabric to make size-inclusive designs. Her collections are sold in Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon in exclusive hotels, resorts and in museum art shops.
The saying, ‘Food is love” when it pertains to Greek culture is clearly an understatement. And there is a lot of love to give.
A favorite of our House of Coco family, I had dinner at Dopios. A modern Greek mezze restaurant by chef Christoforos Peskias. Guests are served Greek favorites sourced from local products and small producers. My favorite was the Yellowtail tartare with tomato and caper sauce and of course, the Dolmadakia Stuffed Vine Leaves with rice and yogurt from cashews.
After receiving a tip from the Bar Manager at The Clumsies, I went to the city’s latest culinary delight, PHARAOH. It only makes sense as the co-owner is a well-known Greek journalist/traveler/food aficionado, Fotis Vallatos. I was treated to an array of wood fire-cooked food, natural wines and to a DJ spinning vinyl at the bar. My new favorite leafy green (native to Mediterranean seashores) is now Monk’s Beard. PHARAOH’s Milk pie was outstanding and established a standard throughout the trip. Galaktoboureko, as it’s traditionally called, has layers of crispy phyllo, butter, creamy custard topped with scented syrup.
For a pre-dinner drink, I checked out number 19t on the World’s Best Bar (2022), The Clumsies. A collaboration between friends, Vassilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis met in 2012 and their friendship spurred a passion that has grown into an all-day cocktail/drink destination. The Lucky #3 (a sweet and sour concoction featuring pomegranate and cardamom) and Eden Garden (Negroni with Eden Flower) were my favorites.
Crete:
My interest with Crete started with a Minotaur and ruins of a Labyrinth, and has since grown to include the diverse terrain and the multitude of farms and families that care for them.
I visited siblings, Maria and Stavros Kokkiadis at the Kokkiadis Honey Farm. Maria explained the entire process from hive to honey. Her family has produced Cretan honey, beeswax, bee pollen and propolis without being processed by sugar, antibiotics, pesticides and insecticides for the last 14 years. The bees feed on the flowers and herbs in the mountains of Lassithi region and the surroundings of Athanati village in the Heraklion region of Crete. Accolades include the most recent Dubai International Taste Awards 2022, where the honey was awarded Sliver and the Bergamot and Cherry Sweet spoon were awarded Platinum and Gold. Sweets spoons are sweet preserves, served in a spoon as a gesture of hospitality and a Cretan tradition.
Pulling up to Elli’s Farm, I was greeted by the entire Kamnaki family. After a thorough team presentation by the youngest son, and oldest daughter of the family, we were treated with the most bountiful tasting Cretan dishes. As each dish came out, the oil only enhanced the flavors, the rusks with tomatoes and vine leaves were a favorite and who can resist chocolate ice cream with olive oil?
The family’s award winning Eliama Daily Value olive oil, is made with a strict process including grinding the olives within 8 hours of the harvest, very low melting temperature, stainless tanks and the storage temperature strictly from 12ºC to 15ºC all the while using zero chemical pesticides. While the Eliama Daily Value early harvest extra virgin olive oil has won numerous quality awards in international competitions, the Eliama Daily Value Gold has been used in clinical trials for patients with Multiple Sclerosis conducted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and University of Cyprus.
Santorini:
Aside from the white building surrounded by blue waters, Santorini is known for their volcanic terroir. Since the 17th century eruption, over 24 indigenous varieties of wine have made their home on Santorini. The vineyards in Santorini are self-rooted, never affected by phylloxera, and have a 3,500-year history.
At Domaine Sigalas, I was introduced to the Sigalas family’s boutique wines over a sizable food pairing. I learned that the hand-pruning technique of the vines or kouloura (meaning “coil”, “basket”, or “wreath”) was a necessity for vineyards on Santorini. This pruning method protects the vines from the strong wind and intense sun. These are dry vineyards, meaning no water is added (unless they are starting young vines). Santorini’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) has low-yield production which creates unique, flavorful and concentrated fava, tomatoes and grapes. Assyrtiko is the most dominant white wine grape covering 90 percent of this area.
Santos Wines welcomes more than 600k yearly visitors from all over the world to the new winery completed in 1992 on the caldera. Santo Wines is a cooperative winery, producing single variety Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athiri and Mavrotragano wines. Santo’s facilities include the winery, a tomato processing factory (the only active one on the island) and the Wine Tourism Center. The 4,000-ton capacity winery utilizes gravity instead of pumps to transfer must and wine, upgrading the quality of the wines produced.
Thessaloniki:
Travel north and find Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. Its nearby peninsulas form 3 prongs of Poseidon’s trident.
In the village of Nea Gonia, south of Thessaloniki, I met with brothers Sakis and Pangalos Kazakis, whose family businesses Marianna’s Vine Leaves and ABELON® are produced. Matriarch Marianna was a guest judge on The Amazing Race Season 33’ episode 8 teaching the teams how to roll their own dolmades (vine leaf wraps with rice and herbs) and we too learned the secrets to roll perfect dolmades after visiting the Sultana vineyard. After tasting a variety of the other vineyard products, such as pickled vine tops. Certified organic products since 1997, they have been awarded multiple Great Taste Awards.
Pangalos Kazakis spearheaded ABELON® after learning the technique of distilling from his father, Demetrius. It is a 100% certified single variety organic Grape Spirit, aged in new French Oak Casks and distilled twice in copper stills. Each bottle is sealed with a pure Portuguese cork and crowned by an engraved golden ring and the Kazakis family’s crest.
Sakis introduced me to the owner of Handmade Pianos, Panos Ioannidis. Panos specializes in custom made pianos, laternas (barrel piano) construction and maintenance. Only a few workshops in the world remain producing handmade pianos and Panos’s deals with all aspects of piano designing, building and reconstruction. Gracious with his time, he treated me to a mini concert in his workshop.
In the city, (and again thanks to Sakis) I met with Designer, Vangelis Liakos of Beetroot Design. The firm has worked with clients such as Greenpeace, Monocle and Wired. Initially designed in 1926 as a hotel, the Beetroot Design building has a café-gallery space and an adjacent concept store for Yiayia and Friends (a Greek lifestyle brand featuring loveable characters). The offices of the firm are found on the second floor complete with refurbished original tile and a skylight.
The city is known for its rich gastronomy and the newest venture for Beetroot Design is Poster restaurant. The restaurant is in an adjacent building from the studio and the restaurant utilizes the cobble stone street as additional seating for patrons. Poster’s head chef, Vasilis Chamam was launching his new menu. A graduate from Central St. Martins, the Greek and Palestinian chef’s creation coffee sriracha is unique and flavourful.
At Poster, I met architect turned jewelry designer, Nikoletta Lekka. Using inspiration from a woman’s breast and designs, and pulling from two powerful civilizations of Ancient Greece, the Cycladic and the Minoan civilization Nikoletta’s jewelry collection uses mediums like brass, silver and pink gold to bring her vision of femininity and fertility to life.
During the evening at Poster, Natural winemaker Jason Ligas of Voï Wines hosted his own tasting. Jason first started working alongside his father Thomas Ligas and sister Melia in their family vineyards, Domaine Ligas. Since then, he has worked all over Greece as a consultant and partner with other natural winemakers. Voï Wines is his latest project with the vineyards located in Rapsani by Mount Olympus.
From north to south, whether it was a new venture between friends or a multi-generational family business, the driving force behind the passion and purpose lies in proud artists and artisans willing to, in small ways, honor centuries of work before them. Artists and artisans who are both genuine and generous, willing carry on traditions rooted in hospitality and an openness to share those gifts with the world.
Found in the central Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens, The Modernist Athens hotel occupies a former Canadian embassy building from the fifties. The chic black and white décor makes a stunning addition to the quiet, tree lined block.
After the long journey, I happily melted into the mattress of our room after showering with the local Greek-based brand, Physis Laboratory products. After the scrumptious Greek breakfast, I was ready to face the first full day. Located in the hotel lobby, the Modernist Café, had a diverse menu with a staple of (Greek) yogurt on hand with all the fixings, along with all the savory pies (spinach and mushroom).
Although I missed the morning rooftop yoga class, I took in the evening cityscape at the end of the day. Complete with lounge chairs and small tables, the rooftop is open for drink service and is perfect for your next tête-à-tête. Other amenities available at The Modernist Athens include the 24/7 gym and the pillow menu.
Stay between the two largest cities of Crete – Chania and Heraklion in Rethymno, at either of the sister properties, The Royal Blue Resort and Spa and The Royal Senses Resort and Spa. The resorts are part of the Troulis Royal Collection portfolio, and operated by Kostas, Manolis and Zaharias – the sons of the late Georgios Troulis. Georgios had the foresight in the early 80’s to invest in and pave the way for Crete tourism today.
The newly renovated Royal Blue (opened in 2009) is located directly on the Sea of Crete, whereas The Royal Senses is slightly south, and still has ocean views. Guests of both properties can utilize the sixteen different food and beverage options at either of the resorts. I’m not usually partial to buffets, yet my favorite was Gea, the main restaurant in The Royal Senses. The menu is on the variety and quality of the food. MITATO serves traditional Antikristo Cretan lamb. This process lets the meat cook in its own fat and salt with the heat coming from the flames instead of coals.
Whether it’s the public or shared pool, or the well-equipped spas, there are plenty of areas at either resort for R&R with your friends and family.
Located in the Cyclades, Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece. Travel to Akrotiri, the other side of the island’s crescent and you will find the COCO-MAT Hotel Santorini. Like the other five COCO-MAT properties, the rooms feature namesake all-natural pillows and mattresses (which can be purchased at the COCO-MAT concept store). Sustainability is part of the brand’s ethos from the sleeping products to the iconic wooden COCO-MAT bicycles are available for guest use.
Take in the breathtaking caldera, volcano and sea view in complete solitude, as the hotel has a no children and no pet policy. It’s a boutique hotel at its best, with less than 20 rooms and suites for guests. The whole minimalist design of the hotel does not take away from the beautiful environment. Designed after the archetypal cave-houses of the island, my suite was built into the face of the volcanic rock overlooking the sea. It only made sense to take advantage of the beautiful hotel restaurant overlooking that same picturesque view for both breakfast and dinner.
The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has been a hub for food and fashion since the 80’s. My home base was the boutique Teight Hotel, located downtown, a block away from the Aegean Sea. Take advantage of the proximity of the best sites and scenes including walks along the waterfront to The White Tower and the notable Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
Capturing sleek city vibes, my stylish hotel room incorporated interactive technology and modern décor with photography curated by Yannis Bournias.
A stay at the Teight Hotel would not be complete if you did not check out the all-day restaurant, Moldee. The restaurant serves a mix of fusion Greek and Mediterranean food from collaborating local chefs Vassilis Mouratidis and Sofoklis Maragoudakis. While I had the pleasure to dine for both breakfast and dinner, I took note that the food is complemented by the award winning modern interior design and décor.
Summer has arrived in New York City. What better way to admire the striking skyline than from a rooftop bar? With breathtaking views, happy hour specials and tasty food, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the summer. Below is a list of some notable ones around the city from Central Park, all the way Downtown.
Don’t forget to check out nyctourism.com to help you plan your next NYC getaway.
Located on the 47th floor of Park Lane Hotel, Darling is Central Park South’s only rooftop lounge offering a chic experience against a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and iconic park. Darling provides an intimate and whimsical gathering space with an elevated cocktail menu and selection of thoughtfully curated food and beverage programming. Featuring a bold lounge with a wrap-around outdoor patio oasis, designed to embrace the expansive views. It is the final piece to the hotel and is the newest addition to Manhattan’s nightlife scene, bringing the eccentric spirit of the hotel to life. The food and beverage program has been created by Scott Sartiano, and includes a menu that features an eclectic mix of offerings such as seafood towers, caviar grilled cheese and A5 Wagyu Katsu Sando. This is complemented by extensive and inventive cocktails and spirits.
Midtown’s Refinery Hotel boasts a glamorous rooftop bar and lounge with impressive views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline. The American menu is designed for snacking and is accompanied by a signature cocktail list that is centered around natural ingredients and surprising pairings. Groups can order ‘cocktail caddies’ – four servings of their handcrafted cocktails, meant for sharing. The rooftop bar is a year-round destination, thanks to its retractable glass roof, there is a buzzing atmosphere no matter the season.
Located on the 33rd floor, RT60 delivers masterfully crafted cocktails, shareable bites and an effortlessly stylish scene. The music-themed bar is set to host world-renowned DJs and emerging local talent and boasts two outdoor terraces which offer incredible views of the surrounding Midtown skyline.
Set atop the 54-story tower of the Hyatt Centric Times Square, Bar 54 offers views that stretch across Manhattan from the East River to the Hudson River. Officially the highest hotel rooftop lounge in New York City, inside and outside, Bar 54 serves up tantalizing handcrafted cocktails and gourmet small plates.
Perched atop the AC Hotel New York Times Square, offering iconic views, this cozy but modern rooftop bar has the spirit of the classic lounge, with extra emphasis on martinis. The venue’s contemporary décor provides a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere to let off some steam. Guests can gather around the intimate fireplace lounge or the luxe granite bar or soak up some sun on the verdant, open-air terrace.
The Haven Rooftop, above The Sanctuary Hotel offers a perfect happy hour escape in Midtown. It’s just steps away from Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and The Museum of Modern Art. Haven Rooftop offers $6 select beers, $9 glasses of wine and champagne, and $10 margaritas and from 4pm – 6pm, Monday – Friday. They also offer lunch and dinner service Monday through Sunday as well as bottomless brunch service on weekends. To capture the warmth of sunny days, order the Watermelon Mule featuring Tito’s Vodka, Watermelon, Orange Liqueur, and Ginger beer, or a glass of their Summer in a Bottle Rosé.
Enjoy a modern take on traditional sushi from Executive Chef Frankie Chen at the Sushi Lab Rooftop. Delight in one-of-a-kind Japanese inspired cocktails Highlights like their Strawberry Geisha, featuring sake, shochu, yuzu, muddled strawberries and lychee or Spicy Toki 18, featuring Japanese whiskey, jalapeno, fresh lime and sparkling water utilize exotic fruits to craft a signature experience. Besides the creative Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki sushi, the star of the show is their omakase experience, utilizing only the freshest ingredients for lunch and dinner.
Featuring a cellar speakeasy, penthouse lounge, and rooftop terrace, Apotheke NoMad is the second NYC outpost for the brand, expanding Apotheke’s apothecary-inspired cocktails and experience. Each week on Mondays from 8:30pm – 11:30pm Apotheke’s cellar speakeasy hosts a range of live music performances. The bar also offers bespoke academy mixology sessions in their penthouse lounge, which allows groups of up to 12 to choose a theme, liquor, or ingredient to be schooled in.
Nicolas O’Connor is behind the elaborate Garden-to-Glass cocktail menu, with many of Apotheke’s classic cocktails brought along with brand new creations such as sustainable caviar service and a selection of dumplings inspired by the bar’s Chinatown roots.
An NYC OG rooftop is Mr. Purple. It offers a menu focusing on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients and an expansive collection of small-batch spirits, regionally brewed craft beers, universal wine offerings and a rotating cocktail menu. Mr Purple captures the vibrant and artistic spirit of the Lower East Side in its modern industrial vibe and offers panoramic views of the city.
In March, I had the pleasure of staying at the brand-new 303-room Moxy Lower East Side hotel. Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group worked on the hotel interior and architecture by Stonehill Taylor, giving references to the Lower East Side’s eclectic social history with the vibrancy of today.
Its convenient location houses five new food and beverage establishments created in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality. Look up 16 stories above the intersection of Broome and Bowery, and you will find The Highlight Room. The glamorous rooftop bar is encased in glass and a majestic tree spreads its branches across the room and outdoor terrace.
A nod to the Flower District, you will find the Moxy Chelsea’s Fleur Room at 35 stories high. The new concept by Tao Group Hospitality and Angelo Bianchi, interiors that reference the Flower Market (a chandelier that resembles oversize water droplets; dazzling floral-patterned seating; and a copper-clad bar). A list of creative cocktails is accompanied by a simple, elegant menu of elevated bar snacks—warm olives with Marcona almonds, king crab club sandwich, truffle grilled cheese toast. The lounge area comes complete with a DJ booth and a massive vintage disco ball—a one-of-a-kind artifact salvaged from the 1980s L.A. nightclub Vertigo. The glass-enclosed rooftop lounge has expansive 360-degree views that stretch from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. Like magic (and at the touch of a button), a retractable window wall transforms the lounge into an alfresco sky veranda.
The original New York City Soho House is set over six floors of a former warehouse in the heart of the Meatpacking District. A stone’s throw from The High Line and Chelsea Market, it’s home to (no pun intended) Soho House’s first-ever rooftop pool. The rooftop underwent a complete refresh ahead of the summer 2022 season and embraces a new floral-inspired design featuring Rosé-hued pastel tones and two new fully renovated bar areas. The pool is surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas and boasts views of lower Manhattan. A menu of poolside fare, Soho House Favorites, and specialty cocktails also grace the House in addition to a whole host of events and pop-ups on the rooftop terrace.
Daintree sits atop Hotel Hendricks in Chelsea, and offers an unforgettable happy hour, two times a day! Pop in for an evening drink between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. or a nightcap from 11pm till close. Enjoy $12 sips such as the Aussie Spritz, Blood Orange Mule, Negroni, Old Fashioned and Mojito, discounted beers and wines like $10 Domaine De Moulin or $6 Reissdorf Kolsch, $8 bubbles, as well as a rotating list of bar snacks such as Hummus & Crudite, Boudin Balls, and and House Fries with Black Garlic Aioli for $6-$12.
Somewhere Nowhere NYC is a bi-level lounge, nightclub and rooftop pool complete with floor-to-ceiling windows with 360-degree views. Escape the busy Chelsea streets to the 38/39th floors of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel to this 5,516 square foot luxury daylife and nightlife destination.
Guests can wind down after work with creative yet delicious cocktails and tapas or dance to live music. Ongoing events include Gotham Jazz on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Trusted Mic with The Rakiem Walker Project Band on Fridays at 5 p.m.
PHD Rooftop Lounge is Dream Downtown’s rooftop nightclub and lounge bar decked out with uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and Empire State Building. With two full-service bars, a fully-equipped DJ booth and a retractable canopy for an outdoor terrace, PHD is one of the best rooftops in New York City. Located at Dream Downtown, a New York City lifestyle hotel with an emphasis on service and after-dark possibilities, there is no better place to experience exquisite Manhattan views.
With the temperamental British weather finally making way for some glorious rays, the team at The Churchill Bar & Terrace on Portman Square is ready and waiting to welcome guests with a new cocktail menu and the opening of their summer terrace. Located inside the Hyatt Regency hotel, the award-winning art deco cocktail bar pays homage to some of the capital’s most iconic residents: Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine (there’s even a life-sized bronze statue of a young Churchill sitting on a bench in the terrace).
Written by Guest Contributor Ina Yulo-Stuve
The team is serious about their cocktails and recently announced new additions to the squad, bar manager Gaston Fusco and head mixologist Mitsuhiro Nakamura, who join senior bartender Vitor Sousa. Fusco spent nearly a decade in the UAE, where he worked at luxury properties such as the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. His appointment coincided with the bar’s decision to double down on having sustainability as a focus for their menu.
“Nowadays, it is crucial for all of us to have an awareness of sustainability. It is something the world is placing a focus on and therefore, at the Churchill Bar & Terrace, we wanted to shine a light on it too and show care for the world we live in. It’s interesting to try to come up with ideas on how to do our bit to help through making delicious drinks!” says Fusco. Describing their ethos as “cocktails with a conscience”, the new menu, a 12-drink collection called UNITY, pays homage to the bar team’s different cultural backgrounds and traditions whilst staying both innovative and eco-conscious.
UNITY fuses the traditions and tastes of Asia, Europe, and the Americas to deliver an enticing offering that is best enjoyed al fresco, where the sustainability focus continues with specially chosen long-lasting flower displays throughout the terrace. Surrounded by lush greenery and colourful plants, guests will be taken on a trip around the globe with cocktails such as the fragrant, grassy, and bitter Be Mate—with bergamot liquer, bitter bianco, orange yerba mate, and peppermint perfume—based on a favourite drink from Fusco’s native Argentina; the vibrant, pleasant, and provocative Longitude 40°–bringing the flavours of fresh green grapes, Ginjo plum sake, Junmai Dagnjo sake, and elderflower liquer—inspired by the wine-making traditions of Sousa’s Portuguese family; or the mysterious, leafy, millennial Ikigai—a blend of dry Vermouth, fresh shiso, organic matcha, bamboo white tea cordial, and lemon juice—a crisp and clean choice from Nakamura’s home country of Japan.
Fusco says it was a real team effort to conceptualise every drink on the menu, but notes that he’s already seen an increased satisfaction from guests who appreciate being able to play their part in being more eco-conscious. “One of the opportunities we acknowledged was waste reduction. We saw the chance to collaborate with the kitchen and use elements of ingredients the chefs may not need, repurposing them for a different use.” He talks about the bar’s custom-made lab, where the team is encouraged to reinvent the status quo and challenge each other to think outside the box.
Nakamura, the former head bartender at renowned Tokyo outpost Peter: The Bar and a veteran of the international cocktail competition scene, will no doubt bring his flair for experimentation to an already thriving team. He says: “I am thrilled to be part of The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s team, whose acclaimed reputation and enticing drinks list focusing on sustainability is what drew me to the establishment initially.
Since attending a cocktail competition in this bar years ago, I have wanted to return. As an avid traveller, it has always been a dream of mine to bring my global knowledge to a new location, particularly one as exciting, energetic, and trend-setting as London, the pioneer city for the drinks industry, and so I very much look forward to combining all these aspects at The Churchill.”
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
Address: Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Pentire is all about active living and being outdoors; we set out to create healthy drinks for folks who shared our love of those things.
After spending almost a year working experimenting with plants from our local coastline in Cornwall, UK; we landed on our first non-alcoholic spirit, Pentire Adrift. There are now 5 products in our range including our non-alcoholic aperitif, the Pentire Coastal Spritz, which is bright red and has quickly become our best seller!
I joined Frosty, my co-founder, a few months into starting the business and fast forward four years, I’m now living on Venice Beach in California. Since launching Pentire in the USA, our growth has quadrupled and it’s super exciting to see our active community growing across the pond. There’s something pretty special about seeing people drinking Pentire at Malibu Farm after starting the brand in our tiny flat in Cornwall a few years ago.
How is Pentire different from other non-alcoholic beverages on the market?
Pentire is all about health and active living and we’re more interested in building a brand centred around that lifestyle than pushing sobriety.
We’re not trying to encourage people to stop drinking (and interestingly 80% of our customers still drink alcohol) – just making sure there’s a healthy and delicious option out there for folks that share our love for keeping active and healthy.
All of our drinks have this delicious coastal flavour profile too, which is pretty unique in our space.
Why is being a certified B Corp company important to Pentire?
Ultimately, Pentire is about giving people clarity of mind to enjoy meaningful experiences outdoors, so looking after mother nature from the start and making sure our whole team can get outside and be active during the working day was a non-negotiable.
We’ve tried to make ethical decisions at every stage of building the business to stay true to this, from using carbon-offset deliveries to recyclable packaging and working with amazing charities who share our love for the ocean like Blue Marine Foundation.
Probably the best thing about being a B Corp is being part of the community that comes with it. Everyone is super inspiring and we learn a lot from each other.
What’s next for Pentire?
We’re just super excited to grow our like-minded community in the USA.
There’s a great surf scene in Cali and Pentire feels like a really natural fit here – we’ve actually just launched our range of pre-mixed cans in Erewhon Market and have listings in places like Butchers Daughter, Malibu Farm and Soho House – so we’re excited to see what happens next.
Where can one purchase Pentire?
You can shop Pentire from our online store and we’re also stocked in a range of retailers across the USA like Erewhon, Boisson, and activewear store, Huckberry – the best way to find your local store is to visit the stockist page on our website.
If it’s luxury in the sun you’re after (duh), prepare to be swept away by the charms of Tivoli Marina Vilamoura.
This exquisite beachside haven boasts comfort and style that will leave you breathless. Throughout the entire hotel you’ll spot impressive works of art, and inspirational fabrics and displays.
Nestled along the captivating Algarve coastline, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura exudes a cool, understated luxury that will leave you under no doubt, that this is the break you needed.
Get ready to immerse yourself into a world where everything is catered for and you really can choose between party time or time to relax.
Extraordinary dining experiences at Oregano, Peppers, and Puro Beach, as well as handcrafted libations at Argo cocktail bar, blissful spa massages, and sun-soaked days at Puro Beach await.
Eat It Up
At Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, culinary masterpieces are elevated to an art form in each of the restaurants available to you.
Oregano Restaurant, with stunning garden placement and chic internal ambiance, invites you to embark on a gastronomic journey. Let the flavours of Portugal and the Mediterranean seduce your taste buds as you savour succulent seafood delights and delectable pizza and pasta creations, expertly prepared using only the finest local ingredients. Here they ‘invite you to slow down and savour the simple pleasures in life’.
For a dining experience drenched in sophistication, Peppers restaurant is the epitome of culinary grandeur. Set against the picturesque marina, this haute cuisine hotspot showcases a symphony of flavours. Chef Andre Basto exudes a passion for flavour, texture, and ensuring that each dish is visually enchanting. Prepare to be captivated by perfectly seared steaks, delicately handled cervice, and an extensive wine list that will transport you to vinous paradise.
If eating within the hotel isn’t your thing, head through the gardens and out of the gate over to Puro Beach. It’s literally right next to the hotel and offers an island paradise vibe of pure sunshine white interiors. With an open kitchen it is possible to get lost in the magic as you watch your seafood being grilled to perfection.
Bubbles and a Beach Tan
Indulge in the epitome of luxury at Puro Beach, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura’s slice of coastal chic. Lounge upon elegant sun beds beneath leafy parasols, Mumm champagne in hand, as you soak up the sun’s golden rays amidst the breath-taking beauty of the Algarve.
Allow the rhythmic sound of lapping waves to lull you into a state of utter bliss whilst staff do their utmost to ensure you’re topped up with fresh fruit and water.
Whether taking livening dips in the refreshingly cold Atlantic Ocean or dancing like it’s 1999 to the live DJ and instruments… Puro Beach is the ultimate sanctuary for those seeking unabashed luxury and a vibrant social scene.
‘Elixir’ Sounds Better Than Booze
Unwind in an atmosphere of refined elegance at Argo cocktail bar, where the art of mixology takes centre stage. This sleek and stylish marina-view bar invites you to indulge in meticulously handcrafted libations.
Let skilled mixologists concoct liquid alchemy, pushing the boundaries of flavour and presentation. From classic cocktails with a contemporary twist to bespoke creations tailored to your taste preferences, every sip at Argo is a testament to the fine art of tippling your elixirs.
We Love A Spa
Step into a world of opulence and serenity at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura spa. Let the cares of the world melt away as highly skilled therapists pamper you with luxurious treatments designed to restore harmony to your body and soul.
From blissful massages to indulgent facials and body rituals, each moment in the spa is an exquisite escape into pure relaxation (unless you get the room that’s right next to Puro Beach Poolside and the music features a very heavy bass). If you can, surrender to the sensory bliss outside of any other noises and emerge feeling rejuvenated, revitalised, and utterly radiant.
Try the Tivoli Fusion Massage, an experience that transcends the ordinary, on the last day of your break to pop your body back into action and sooth those aching adventure muscles. Then settle into your own curtained off relaxation station with a Japanese tea set and dried fruit.
You’ve Got To Sleep
The meticulously designed, yet simple, rooms are bathed in natural light from your sizeable balcony, offering unrivalled views of either the shimmering sea across the pool garden or the vibrant and luxury laden marina.
A good night’s sleep is inevitable as you sink into plush comforts, revel in the harmonious ambiance, and let the atmosphere of seaside sophistication envelop you in its embrace.
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
The hotel has everything you could need for your stay, if you have forgotten anything at all, the concierge has got your back.
In our opinion the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura is a welcome paradise set within the slightly chaotic Vilamoura. Don’t let the side of the marina that hubbles and bubbles with golf bars and beer bellies (out on show) put you off. The hotel itself, Puro Beach, and the views of the marina are phenomenal. Plus there is a whole host of sea and mountain excursions you could take yourself off on should be adventure bug get start buzzing.
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura you are the crown jewels of Vilamoura, the only place one should find themselves in the area, and a world away from some of what is around you. You are worth every precious second of a persons well-earned break and we love you.
Rates at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura start from €300 per night, for a Premium room including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-marina-vilamoura.
