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With the nights drawing in, sun-starved Brits are craving some much-needed vitamin D. With so much up in the air, deciding on the perfect destination for that first big trip is a hard feat. However, things are reassurinngly Covid-secure in Dubai, and the UAE on a whole as we go into the New Year and dream of a getaway.

Nothing is overlooked and masks are mandatory in all enclosed public places, until you sit down for food of course. Social distancing is still practiced and people remain very respectful of space; with Dubai being the centre of the world and home to countless nationalities, people are aware of different boundaries and levels of comfort in regards to closeness. My room at Jumeirah Beach Hotel was laden with hand sanitisers, information on local rules and the staff could not have been more attentive from the moment I arrived. With azure Arabian Gulf views, endless sun, a long golden beach on the doorstep and sumptuous dining options, the five-star hotel is the perfect place to beat the blues this winter.

Yes, the flight is lenghtly – especially if you haven’t travelled far in the last two years but you can tick off every country in the world from the safety of one Emirate, ideal for those wanderlust cravings. This is particularly prominent in the mind-boggling array of world-class restaurants in Dubai that feature cuisine from Cannes to Chiclayo. My taste buds rejoiced after maxing out on the same boring Deliveroo order for the last 18 months. You can head to the breezy European style bistro, Cassette, in the atmospheric The Courtyard in Al Quoz for croissants, cold brew coffees and nomad working. During the sun-soaked days, chow down on contemporary Indian food at Bombay Bungalow by the beach, and, come evening, jump in a golf buggy and hop over to the other nearby Jumeirah hotel along the glittering coastline, Jumeirah al Qasr, and tick off Monte-Carlo at the ever-chic French Riviera restaurant.

For those distinctly Dubai moments that the glittering Emirate is famed for all over the world, I went first on an exhilarating Desert Safari Experience to thrash around in the endless dunes and learn about the local culture from the expert guides, before heading to SAL at Burj Al Arab for balmy sundowner cocktails, a hotel that is synonymous with luxury, hospitality, and decadence across the globe. With so much to take in, the Dubai Frame is a great way of bridging the gap between old and new. The monument offers panoramic views of the entire city with its futuristic skyscrapers touching the clouds right across to the older section of the Emirate located near the river that has remained the same for generations.

Looking to be totally transported? Dubai Old Town on the banks of the creek takes the top spot. Gypsum buildings have been beautifully restored to their original glory, complete with wind towers that cast a contrasting silhouette to the modern skyline. Start at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and learn about the rich cultural history of the past and also of the present. Perch on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows, and feast on a selection of delicious dishes whilst your local host answers questions about life in the UAE. With its motto ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ – all questions are welcome and answered, no matter how sensitive. I left feeling humbled and thoughtful, before being thrown back into the hustle and bustle almost straight away in the kaleidoscopic gold, spice and textile souks.

The energy and forward-looking feeling in the Emirate was received like a welcome tonic after months of reminiscing in lockdown about what life used to be like. As we flew over the silver metropolis on a Seawings Seaplane Tour there was a buzz of construction of brand new restaurants, new hotels, and new homes. One to watch is the opening in 2022 of Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences which will be made up of a staggering 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites. The hotel will exclusively host restaurants helmed by international celebrity chefs, including Gaston Acurio, Costas Spiliadis, Ariana Bundy, Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres.

Our trip ended with an exquisite meal at Cé La Vi as we toasted how far travel has come and gazed up at the astonishing Burj Khalifa in all its glory. We clinked our glasses with the restaurant’s name on our lips 220 metres above sea level and sipped on one of the famous ‘Not You Last Word’ cocktails (or two!).

Travelbag offers five nights in Dubai staying in the 5* Jumeirah Beach Hotel on a half board basis from £1,479 including direct return flights from London Heathrow with Emirates. Selected January 2022 travel. Based on two adults sharing. To book, Call Travelbag on 0207 001 4112 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk. All packages subject to availability. Free unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™

For more information, see visitdubai.com

From toddler tantrums to pandemic breakdowns, our mums are with through thick and thin. This Christmas, Team Coco has rounded up some of the best festive gifts out there to really make your mum special. Because we believe that while every mum makes Christmas as magical as can be, they deserve some Christmas sparkle too.

1. Marylebone 1596 Pyjama Set from Fable & Eve available at https://www.fableandeve.co.uk/

2. Large Format Triple Wick Candle by Acqua di Parma x Emilio Pucci available at Harrods https://www.harrods.com/

3. Micro-Needling Serum Serenity Kit by Environ available at https://www.environskincare.com/uk/

4. Disco Small Earrings by Monica Vinader available at https://www.monicavinader.com/

5. Multi-Coloured Jumper by Belle Modelle available at https://belle-modelle.co.uk/

6. Crossover Bag by Meg & Bee available at https://megandbee.co.uk/

We absolutely adore Fable & Eve’s super stylish and cosy pyjama sets that can go from bed to lounge with ease, and we’re sure your mum will too. Also, who doesn’t love a large triple wick candle from Acqua di Parma and Emilio Pucci’s stunning new collaboration to elevate your Christmas with the fam. It is the perfect festive gift.

We love female-owned independent fashion Belle Modelle’s joyful, brightly coloured knitwear that’s totally flattering and affordable too. Leila Gregory is the creator of Belle-Modelle’s joy-inducing collection and her mission is to inspire real women of all shapes and sizes to embrace stylish, colourful clothing.

Meanwhile, Meg & Bee’s leather bags, which feature vibrant multi-coloured straps that can easily be mixed and matched – can be worn with any outfit. The perfect festive gift, Meg & Bee boasts a variety of different-sized crossbody bags named Major Kit, Classic Kit, Mini Kit & Limited Kit as well as their New Mobile Kit, all of which can be customised with various straps, tassels and charms. Each design bears the brand’s unique signature gold star disc charm, the hallmark of a Meg & Bee bag.

7. Luxury Hamper from Wild Cornwall available at https://wildcornwall.net/

8. Woven Tie Front Quilted Jacket by Lyle & Scott available at https://www.lyleandscott.com/

9. Hand Sanitiser from Never Go Alone available at https://www.nevergoalone.com/

10. Dark Green Watch by Maurice Lacroix available at https://www.mauricelacroix.com/

11. Liga Tea for 2 Set by Liga available at https://loveliga.co.uk/

12. Hug in a Box Gift Set by Atlantic Blankets available at https://atlanticblankets.com/

Mum will swoon with Wild Cornwall’s luxury gift hampers which are filled with a curated selection of delicious, locally sourced foodie treats, while the Liga Tea Set will surely elevate her next cuppa. Never Go Alone’s minimalist hand sanitisers will also work well as a last-minute stocking filler for mum – which will undoubtdely become a staple for her purse in these covid times.

What mum wouldn’t appreciate a ‘hug in a box?’ which is exactly what Atlantic Blankets are offering with this fabulously cosy festive gift set.

13. Gradient Sunglasses from Longchamp available at https://www.longchamp.com/

14. Jurassic Quilted Coat from Temperley London available at https://www.temperleylondon.com/

15. Gold Necklace by Aurum available at https://aurumiceland.com/

16. Theragun available at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/

17. Nuit Bouquet by Shida Preserved Flowers available at https://www.shida.florist/

Mum will love this quilted Jurassic Coat from Temperley London which is a new feminine take on classic, robust outerwear. Not to mention, the beautiful coat is designed to train local talent in the craft via an apprenticeship programme, as every step of the garment-making process is rigorously sense-checked to minimise carbon and waste and to maximise local industry.

We love Aurum’s sustainable, Icelandic inspired jewellery pieces and we’re sure mum will too. Each piece is fully sustainable and was designed, with love, by Icelandic goldsmith Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, who is the feature of an inspiring Women Worldwide interview here.

Shida Preserved Flowers’ Christmas collections have been designed to add some extra luxury to the upcoming holidays. For the ultimate in Christmas luxe, the Nuit collection has all the drama! From the statement king protea flower and gorgeous black ostrich feather to the pretty black glixia flowers and lush eucalyptus greenery. Fluffy pink cloud bush adds a whimsical touch to this stand-out bouquet that mum will surely love.

Picture the scene, it was a Friday afternoon in mid-November and the people of Leeds were enjoying a mild, bright autumnal day. Shoppers were smiling, diners were browsing menus, and office workers were going about their business as usual. It was going to be a good day!

#TeamCoco was invited to experience the new seasonal menu at The Lost & Found Leeds Club. Our Editor-in-Chief, Laura Bartlett and contributing writer, Rachel McAlley took the opportunity to relax and unwind over lunch in this renowned restaurant.

For many years The Leeds Club was a private members venue until the team from The Lost & Found spotted an opportunity and reopened the venue as a luxurious contemporary restaurant full of stunning original features.

It’s not just the features within the venue that stand out, the cocktail menu is another level too. A massive selection of drinks including sharing, lost, found, spritz, Professor’s, and low/no alcohol cocktails. And, the restaurant menu is worth taking time over, because the dishes all look divine!

We chose Black Truffle Croquettes (£5.50) to enjoy whilst we waited before choosing from the special seasonal lunchtime menu (£15.95 for 2 courses, £19.95 for 3 courses). Our starters included Beef Ragu and Mozzarella Arancini with truffle and Madeira mayo, and Crispy Squid with a salt and pepper coating, pickled vegetables, and nam jim dressing. Both starters were absolutely delicious, especially the arancini which was full of flavour from the ragu and truffle mayo.

Black Truffle Croquettes and Seedlip Summer Crush Cocktail (L) Ragu Arancini and Squid (R)

It was a difficult decision with the mains as there were so many to choose from, and in the end we opted for the same dish, because it sounded so good. The Masala Fish & Chips took both our votes! Fried cod in a poppy seed batter sat alongside masala spiced triple cooked chips, minted pea raita, and mango chutney. OMG this was perfection, the fish was delicate, the batter oozed spice, and the mango chutney with the raita was a combination made in heaven. Honestly, we would go back every day just to have this particular fish dish!

Masala Fish & Chips (L), Chocolate Cake (R)

We had zero room for puddings but how could we resist after being presented with the menu? Just putting it out there that the Warm Chocolate Cake with chocolate fondant centre, sesame biscuit and malted ice cream was worth every single mouthful of indulgence.

Whilst dining at The Lost & Found Leeds Club we tried a couple of the low and no alcohol cocktails, the Seedlip Summer Crush (£5.75) and the Hedgerow Cooler (£5.75) were both perfect to have alongside our lunch.

The visit was a resounding success and we would advise anyone thinking of dining at The Lost & Found Leeds Club to book a table in advance because we arrived at 12 noon and every table was taken by 2pm. If that’s not a sign that the food is excellent then we don’t know what is!

The Lost & Found

With the evenings growing longer and the weather getting chillier, we’ll soon be welcoming the arrival for Christmas party season.

Whether you’re the hardcore club kid, the shy office Christmas party-goer, the homemade Christmas party planner, or even the designated driver — Team Coco has rounded up some of the best new spirits, tipples, no-and-low blends, wines and wine subscriptions to fuel next Christmas do – or simply to gift to your favourite boozy friend.

1. lsle of Barra Atlantic Gin available at https://isleofbarradistillers.com/

2. Wild Eve Botanical Infusion No. 1 available at https://www.wild-eve.com/

3. The King of Soho London Dry Gin available at https://spiritofsoho.com/

Isla of Barra’s Atlantic Gin’s main botanical is carrageen seaweed, collected wild and sustainably, from the shores surrounding the island, creating a pleasing, bold flavour and rich in maritime notes. It is perfect for the family’s gin connoisseur.

Incomparable to anything else, Wild Eve Recipe no 1. is well thought out, rich and as intense as a good alcoholic drink. It has heat, length, and real complexity with that moreish desire to keep on sipping. This delicious blend was created by award winning Apothecary and Herbalist, Amanda Saurin.

4. Jasmine Pearls Sparkling Tea by Jing Tea available at https://jingtea.com/

5. Snow Globe Gin Liqueur by Gravity Drinks available at https://gravitydrinks.co.uk/

6. STRYKK Not V*dka by STRYKK available at https://www.strykk.com/

7. A Wine subscription by Bottle Bazaar Wine Club join via www.bbwineclub.co.uk

STRYKK’s Not V*dka, Jing Tea’s Sparkling Tea and Belvoir Farm’s non-alcoholic Passionfruit Martini’s make excellent gifts for those who have decided to skip the alcohol altogether this party season. Alternatively, they also serve as good companions for those looking to minimise their alcohol consumption this December. Meanwhile, the Snow Globe Gin Liqueur from Gravity Drinks adds some enchantment to your drinks trolley with edible gold leaf and a festive gingerbread and orange flavour.

Laid-back, accessible, not in the least bit intimidating… The Bottle Bazaar Wine Club is perfect for those who are curious to learn more about the wines they love – and discover new ones – in a friendly, unfussy way. In a world where we’ve learnt the joy of joining in from home, a gift membership to the Bottle Bazaar Wine Club is a really refreshing choice this Christmas (stay tuned for our review soon!)

8. Belvoir Farm Non-Alcoholic Passionfruit Martini available at https://www.belvoirfarm.co.uk/

9. Ron Zacapa Gran Reserva Premium Rum available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/

10. Coravin Sparkling Wine Preserver available at https://www.coravin.co.uk/

Why not celebrate this year with the gift of liquid magic from the world’s leading ultra-premium rum, Ron Zacapa 23? Created 2,300 metres above sea level this unique Guatemalan rum will transport your taste buds and serves as the ideal toast to the reuniting of friends and family. Ron Zacapa 23’s unique smoothness and exquisite taste is perfect for pairing with any festive meals or alongside delicious, sweet treats and always injects a hint of magic into any celebration.

Coravin is on a mission to change the way we experience wine. The brand’s new Coravin Sparkling is a ‘first of its kind’ product which will end all attempts of the many mythical solutions we currently use (such as spoons placed in open bottles!) to maintain the fizz in sparkling wine. The sparkling wine preservation system retains the flavour and effervescence of sparkling wines for two weeks, meaning we can now enjoy sparkling wine by the glass without affecting the rest of the bottle.

Three Uncles, which has opened a second location in Camden’s new Hawley Wharf Food Hall, is bringing truly authentic Hong Kong street food to London and (in our humble opinion) changing the Asian street food game for good.

The popular Hong Kong style Cantonese roast meat kiosk, which first opened in Liverpool Street, was created by childhood friend and chefs Cheong Yew (Uncle Lim), Pui Sing Tsang (Uncle Sidney) and Mo Kwok (Uncle Mo). The eponymous ‘Three Uncles’ specialise in chopped-to-order Cantonese Roast Duck, Crispy Pork Belly and Char Siu Pork, bringing genuine Cantonese flavours to Camden’s food scene.

There are no bells and whistles at Three Uncles, and the menu is as simple as they come, but all the fanfare is reserved for the truly delicious food on offer. We tried the combination platter, mixing Three Uncles’ Cantonese Roast Duck, Char Siu Pork, and Crispy Pork Belly – the Siu Mai trifecta that offered a flavour and texture explosion in your mouth.

The Crispy Pork Belly had wafer thin yet perfectly crisped skin, while maintaining soft and tender belly meat (a difficult task even for the most gifted Sui Mei master). Meanwhile the Char Siu Pork was marinated to sweet barbecue perfection, while the Cantonese Duck balanced texture and flavour perfectly. It was so good – we ordered two – and had our second serving later that evening.

Three Uncles has also added two new Hong Kong dishes to the menu, Auntie Jun’s Char Siu Sou (sinfully delicious, sweet BBQ pork pastries) and Curry Fish balls, traditional fish balls served with Uncle Lim’s special curry sauce. Both additions boast the same comforting home-style of cooking, evoking memories of home, yet adding something fresh to the already fantastic menu.

Three Uncles, while offering truly excellent Hong Kong style comfort food, is undoubtedly leagues away from the average takeaway. As a foodie with mixed Chinese/Filipino descent, these dishes, genuinely authentic and so wonderfully executed, reminded me of busy Sunday evenings in my grandmother’s kitchen, bringing me closer to home in a way that only good food can achieve. I am thrilled to have discovered Three Uncles, and will undoubtedly be back for more.

www.threeuncles.co.uk

If you randomly sample travel experts for their top Hong Kong hotel recommendations, you are guaranteed Mandarin Oriental will come out in the top 2 such is the iconic, revered status of this institution. However, they are not one to rest on their laurels and earlier this year undertook extensive renovations for their Cantonese restaurant Man Wah. With the stop-start nature of business in the last 18 months or so, plenty of establishments have taken the time to refresh their décor, refresh their staff training and their menus.

Interior design firm Silverfox studios have introduced a more sophisticated blue hue to proceedings. I was told previously it was more of a garish red colour to the restaurant. There are retro-lampshades and soothing Chinese paintings, but it’s all delivered in an understated manner. Instead, your eyes are invariably drawn to the jaw-dropping Hong Kong skyline being on the 25th floor of the hotel with uninterrupted views of the fragrant harbour.

The view might steal the show, but the cuisine served up offered stiff competition. Their set lunch menu is a great way to sample the best of Cantonese cuisine. The 5 courses with petit fours highlight the tremendous variety which you might not experience outside of restaurants in Hong Kong. A case in point is the exquisitely presented, crab meat, crab roe puff. It’s hairy crab season right now in China, so naturally, they’ve stuffed their pastry with juicy, sweet crab meat. The dumplings are dainty and understated; the scallop and beetroot dumpling only has a hint of red, whereas other dim sum restaurants often over-dye their food with zero subtlety. The next course was a particularly healthy yet tasty nourishing boiled soup. In this case, they’ve used heritage carrots of varying colours which have been simmered for a considerable time along with Chinese herbal/medicinal ingredients to deliver Hong Kong’s equivalent of a “hot toddy” which will guarantee to starve most illnesses like a common cold.

The stand-out dish is the stir-fried spotted grouper fillet with crab meat, crab roe. The first thing to note is Hong Kongers notoriously demand fresh fish. Rarely would you find frozen fish served in any top-quality fine dining establishments. The grouper was not cooked a second too long or short with a freshness that exemplifies why Hong Kong is arguably the seafood capital of the world. And the addition of the crab meat, crab roe adds that extra savouriness so you shouldn’t need to add further salt. The main course section was finished off with a braised rice and whole Japanese Yoshihama abalone. Abalone is very much a status-symbol ingredient much like truffle is in the western world.

Our lunch experience was concluded with elegant almond cream, egg white, sesame dumpling. Cantonese desserts are extremely underrated, if more restaurants would offer them outside of Hong Kong, people might learn to appreciate the culinary excellence of this undiscovered gem.

Make sure you put Man Wah top of your list for restaurants to visit when you next fly into Hong Kong

https://www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/victoria-harbour/fine-dining/restaurants/cantonese-cuisine/man-wah

Crafthouse + Campari + Christmas = fun times! Crafthouse is welcoming the colder days ahead with an Enchanted Winter Forest, in a partnership with Campari, and we are here for it.

Leeds’s fine dining rooftop restaurant and bar is to replace its autumnal florals with a transformation befitting the colder days this month.

The city centre’s most popular fine dining rooftop restaurant is transforming from November – February into a beautiful Enchanted Winter Forest, taking inspiration from the warming tone of Campari for its winter florals throughout.

Crafthouse will bring the magic to the heady heights of its rooftop restaurant and bar with silk warm toned florals and overhanging foliage, and guests will be able to enjoy a bespoke Campari Aperitivo Menu curated using seasonal produce found in the restaurants dishes whilst sitting cosy in the bar.

D&D Marketing Manager of the North Natasha Davies said: “We are extremely excited to be collaborating with Campari for the winter months. We wanted to bring a sense of magic to the Crafthouse restaurant and in creating the Enchanted Winter Forest, it will give a whole new ambience to our rooftop restaurant and bar.”

She added “All of the cocktails have taken inspiration from our Head Chef Simon Jewitt’s key seasonal ingredients, so we have married both the cocktail and food menu to really bring your experience to life.”

Crafthouse’s Enchanted Winter Forest activation will feature throughout the months of November – February in partnership with Campari. Alongside the seasonal menu and curated drinks, Campari will be celebrating their recent launch of the Red Diaries documentary ‘Felini Forward’ which guests can view at Crafthouse via a QR code on the menu.

Issho is saying goodbye to Autumn and hello to Winter with a glamorous Snow Terrace.

Leeds’s Japanese inspired restaurant is to replace its autumnal florals with a transformation befitting the colder days this month.

The city centre’s coolest rooftop restaurant is transforming from November – February into a beautiful snow terrace taking inspiration from the winter months in Japan thanks to a partnership with KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin to create a ‘Yuki Sapporo Terrace’.

Issho will bring an authentic winter in Japan to the heady heights of its rooftop restaurant and terrace with silk warm toned florals and snow like accents, and guests will be able to enjoy a bespoke KI NO BI Cocktail Menu whilst sitting cosy underneath faux fur blankets overlooking the breath-taking Leeds skyline and away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below.

Issho Marketing Manager Natasha Davies said: “We wanted to bring a sense of winter in Japan to Issho this season. The snow terrace we are creating will give a whole new ambience to our rooftop terrace and restaurant, and we are sure our guests will love it every inch as much as we do.”

Issho’s Yuki Sapporo Terrace will feature throughout the months of November – February in partnership with KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin.

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@thekyotodistillery

ABOUT KI NO BI KYOTO DRY GIN

KI NO BI is a small-batch, artisanal gin created at Japan’s first dedicated Gin distillery built in Kyoto in 2016. It is made with obsessive attention to detail, care, and precision, from a high-quality rice spirit and 11 Japanese botanicals including yuzu, lemon, sansho pepper, ginger and gyokuro tea.

KI NO BI means ‘Beauty of the Seasons’ and true to the name, gin botanicals are sourced in season, when they are at their best then divided into 6 elements: base, citrus, tea, herbal, spice and fruity/floral. Each category is then distilled individually

The Kyoto Distillery was recently awarded International Gin Producer of the Year (IWSC) 2021.

For over 50 years the IWSC has been one of the most prestigious and rigorous blind tasting competitions in the world.

There is only one thing we love more than lunch and that is brunch. Picture this ; you and your girls, bottomless brunch and amazing music. Sounds like a recipe for success, right? Now you can elevate your weekend brunch plans this festive season and secure one of the hottest tables in town. From disco, drag and Motown to live brass bands – experience knockout entertainment and bottomless drinks, running from 27th November – 19th December.

Saturday Disco Brunch at Devonshire Terrace

Boogie on down to Devonshire Terrace for its Disco Brunch running every Saturday. With tables available to book from 12pm – 5pm, outdoors on the covered terrace and inside, expect smoke machines, disco balls, throwback tunes and plenty of glitter! Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, lager or fizz as well as your choice of a brunch dish, including a Buttermilk Chicken & Waffle or a vegan Symplicity Burger.

Available on Saturdays, priced at £39.95. Book HERE.

Devonshire Terrace, Devonshire Square, EC2M 4WY | @devterrace

Festive Gospel Motown Sunday Brunch at The Anthologist

Show R.E.S.P.E.C.T to the greats at this soulful brunch – the only one of its kind in the capital with an incredible gospel choir and live Motown singers. Sip on unlimited Bloody Mary’s, Alpine Spritz cocktails, prosecco or selected beers and tuck into a tempting brunch dish of your choice, including a Festive Turkey Burger topped with deep-fried camembert.

Available on Sunday 12th & Sunday 19th December, from 12pm – 4pm. Priced at £54.95. Buy tickets HERE.

The Anthologist, 58 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BB | @theanthologistbar

West End Drag Sunday Brunch at The Folly

Sashay down to The Folly for the festive West End Drag Brunch hosted by fabulous Drag Queens. Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails including Pornstar and Espresso Martinis or beer alongside a brunch dish, from festive Roast Pork Belly to classic Eggs Benedict, there is something for everyone.

Available on Sundays from 1pm – 4pm. Priced at £54.95. Book HERE.

The Folly, 41 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0BT | @thefollybarlondon

Live Brass Band Saturday Brunch at The Sipping Room

Get ready to experience a music sensation with live tunes from a brass band whilst tucking into dishes such as a Crispy Duck Salad, Fish & Chips or a Festive Turkey Burger, alongside 90 minutes of unlimited drinks including pints, prosecco, Aperol Spritz and Bloody Marys. Book from 12 – 5pm.

Available every Saturday. Priced at £44.95. Book HERE.

West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, E14 4AX | @thesippingroomlondon

Saturday Bottomless Brunch with a Musical Punch at The Drift

Looking to inject some spritz and singalongs into your weekend? Head to The Drift for its musical brunch experience, running every Saturday between 12pm – 5pm. From pints to prosecco, Aperol Spritz and Bloody Marys, enjoy free-flowing drinks for 90 minutes whilst singing along to non-stop live music, from old-time classics to the latest chart-toppers, and a dish from the specially curated brunch menu.

Available on Saturdays, priced at £39.95. Book HERE.

The Drift, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY | @thedriftbarlondon

So, which one will you visit first?

Famous for its fantastic ski runs, the Dolomites may not be the first place that comes to mind for a foodie getaway however, this rugged, dramatic landscape is the backdrop to some of the finest Italian cuisine. I took an out of season trip to this beautiful corner of Italy and took a culinary journey up the mountains.

Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti

I checked into the luxurious Lefay Resort and Spa, a modern, mountain hideaway located in Pinzolo This oasis of calm is the perfect base to explore this gastronomic region, rich in tasty, unique dishes.

This expansive mountain range is dotted with restaurants. After a morning hiking up to Vallesinella in the Madonna de Campiglio region, I was ravenous and ready for lunch. Hugging the side of the mountains is Chalet Fogajard, an alpine lodge straight out of Heidi. This beautiful rustic retreat offers spectacular views of the Brenta Dolomites and is the perfect location for lunch. As the afternoon sun sneaks through the rugged rocks and clouds, I enjoy a well-earned, cold glass of Nosiola and soak up this outstanding location. The charismatic owner, Eduardo greets me and swiftly seats me opposite the fire in a snug nook of this charming restaurant. All the menu uses local in season produce. It’s simplistic, fresh but the finish and presentation of all the dishes makes it feel that bit more special than your run of the mill Italian mountain hut.

Views at Chalet Fogajard

Starter was a flan of ricotta cheese with fondue and cannelloni served with cabbage and beef Carne Salada – a classic Garde Trentino dish bursting with flavour. Now this is a bold statement, but I stand by what I say, the lasagne here is by far the most delicious I have ever tried. Unlike traditional lasagne this had no meat and was instead made with four simple local ingredients – homemade pasta, radicchio, butter and casolét, an Italian cheese produced in the mountains and valleys of Trentino-Alto Adige. This Italian staple was delicate yet rich in flavour. Desert was a light, fluffy chocolate mousse served with homemade biscuit followed by a selection of liqueurs made by Eduardo’s wife, using herbs and plants foraged from the local hills. Be warned, these fragrant sips pack a punch.

Alimentari Caola, Pinzolo

Back in Pinzolo, I head to Alimentari Caola, an Aladin’s cave of tasty morsels. Owner Antonio lives and breathes his business. This 100-year-old delicatessen has been in the family for three generations and stocks some of the best produce from the surrounding area. His passion for all things local is reflected in this modest two floor store that houses over 350 local wines, 167 types of Grappa (17 of which are from the region) as well as some of the finest cheeses including some produced by his son. Downstairs Antonio has created a space to sample these delectable wares. I got to try the delicious creamy Fiori, Crozzon and Malga cheeses as well as rich, juicy hams from the region. Nibbles of local bread and Carne Salada are served with oils from Lake Garda. This is accompanied by a glass (or two) of Ferrari Rose, a dry and delicate sparkling wine. Alimentari Caola is more than a delicatessen, it’s a hidden gem, a place you must go if you want to buy some authentic Italian produce. Pick up some amazing chocolate and wine or Italian oil and cheese while tapping into Antonio’s knowledge of all things local.

The tasting menu at Grual

I conclude my stay with a gastronomic treat back at Lefay Resort. There are so many great places to eat in the region but the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Grual, offers a unique, culinary experience that’s a real tribute to the Dolomites. Executive chef, Matteo Maenza, has designed an eight-course ‘altimetric’ tasting menu that reflects the territory and a specific altitude. The menu highlights the natural characteristics of the three mountain ranges, starting from the valley floor with ingredients such as red turnips and white fish, then moving up to alpine pastures with wild herbs, apple and brown trout then finally reaching the high mountains with char, deer, and roe deer. The menu is 100% seasonal and Maenza often takes mountain walks with his sous chef for inspiration. Every course was paired with an excellent wine and beautifully presented. I adored the Spaghetti Monograno Felicetti with smoked mountain butter, cornelian, and deer. The Arctic char, Trentino bread purée with wild broccoli was to die for but the pièce de resistance was desert which consisted of Caramel Tarte Tatin, puff pastry ice cream and almond chips as well as a final course of walnut emulsion, chocolate mousse, blackberry compote and mountain pepper ice cream. I finished the evening with a bespoke herbal tea made from herbs locally foraged. I was truly spent, while each course was modest in size by the time I finished my eighth I was full up.

Lefay Resort is a great location to explore this gastronomic region and experience a fusion of Italian and Alpine cooking.

A stay at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti costs from 350 Euros per room, per night including breakfast and taxes.