Category

Restaurants & Bars

Category

There’s nothing better than hanging out in the water, whether it’s lazing on the side of a catamaran, playing in the shallows, snorkelling amongst the fishes or sleeping by the sea. What about sleeping in the sea? Or having dinner with the fishes? Underwater destinations are a seriously luxe way to explore the water and we can’t get enough of them. There aren’t any off England’s coast yet which just means you’ll just have to find your passport and head off to one of these international spots in the sea.

Under, Norway

Up until now it’s been all about Maldives, Fiji and Dubai when it comes to underwater dining, but now Under has opened in Norway. Europe’s first and the world’s largest underwater restaurant is five metres below sea level in Lindesnes in southern Norway. Half-sunken, the Scandi-chic restaurant juts out of the sea making it an architectural interest in itself, but really you want to get inside and down to the panoramic window. The sea might not be as a crystal blue as in the tropics, but the rugged coastline still makes for perfect dinner viewing, you can expect to see urchins, crabs, mini sharks, battling lobsters and even the occasional seal!
www.under.no

The Manta Resort, Tanzania

If staying on your own private floating island surrounded by reef fish wasn’t already dreamy enough, the base level of this three-tiered hotel room is submerged entirely underwater. At night underwater spot lights attract the likes of squid and octopus and coral has started to grow up around the anchor. With a minimum three night stay, you can spend one night sleeping on the top deck under the stars, one on the middle deck with 360 views of the reef and conservation area and one night below the water, watching the fish for a truly unique experience.
www.themantaresort.com

Subsix, Niyama Private Islands Maldives

If you want to dine at the dramatic Subsix then you’re going to need to catch a speedboat or board a seaplane to get there as the restaurant and club sits 500 metres off the shore and six metres below sea level. Inspired by the setting the restaurant’s shape emulates a clam, the chandeliers mimic coral and there are sea anemone chairs. That said, however glamorous the interior is, we can guarantee that as you’re sipping on your Champagne you’re going to be transfixed by the lagoon outside where moray eels, parrotfish, groupers, butterflyfish and even Hawksbill turtles glide past.
www.niyama.com

Ithaa Underwater Restaurant, Maldives

Starting this luxe trend, was Ithaa, the world’s first underwater restaurant. Sitting five metres under the Indian Ocean, Ithaa at the Conrad Rangali Island in the Maldives is surrounded by coral gardens teeming with fish, giving you one incredible view as you dine – no need for people watching or trying to think of topics if the conversation runs out. Open for mid-morning cocktails through to dinner, this really is one special restaurant that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
www.conradmaldives.com

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

The underwater suite at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai is pure decadence. You won’t just be curling up on an opulent king sized bed or relaxing in a marble jacuzzi, you’ll be doing both of these whilst watching 65,000 marine animals including sharks and stingrays glide past your window. With mesmerising private views of the Ambassador Lagoon and a butler to boot and you’ve got yourself one very decadent holiday.
www.atlantis.com

We made our way high above London’s glittering skyline to try out the latest experiential cocktail menu from Aqua Shard. Amidst jaw-dropping views and lush interiors, Aqua Shard’s Downtown Abbey menu will surely transport you to the Crawley manor, albeit 31 floors above the ground.

The quirky cocktail menu takes historical inspirations from the hit period drama and is availably until the end of the year. Aqua Shard Bar Manager Sophie Bratt has added some unexpected twists to your favourite cocktail classics and gave that will surely get the Edwardian stamp of approval. Here are a few of our favourites…

The Lady

The Lady was inspired by the Crawley family’s matriarch, Lady Violet. It’s a subtly sweet mixture of The Violet Fog Gin, Graham’s blend No 5 white Port, Creme de Violette, and lychee juice, finished off with some violet flowers and served in an equally lady-like compete glass. Now that’s a drink that’s fit for a lady.

The Head Housekeeper

This eccentric gin-sour inspired concoction is served in a stemmed teacup and will make you question whether to hold it by the stem or by the handle. It is updated with Warner’s Honeybee gin, lemon and raspberry jam and takes inspiration from Downton Abbey’s housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes.

The Butler

Mr. Carson, the Crawley family’s butler, is probably one of England’s most famous fictional butlers and this drink is a fitting tribute. It’s made with Roe and Co Irish Whiskey, Poire William, Absinthe – and a touch of vanilla sugar. Not to mention, it’s served in a brandy balloon – and with a matching bell too!

The Manor House

This drink takes traditional Yorkshire flavours (where the program is set) with some contemporary twists. Its made with rhubarb and Yorkshire tea, Warmers rhubarb gin, Belsazar rose vermouth, Supasowa citrus, and Cointreau.

The Downton Abbey menu is now available in www.aquashard.co.uk. For more information visit the website or call 020 3011 1256

We stepped into Mimo’s Culinary School after a meander through London’s Borough Market, a sweet intimation of what the night held in store for us.

Earlier this year, Rémy Martin, one of the finest Cognac houses in the world, challenged UK’s top pastry chefs and sommeliers to team up and compete. An industry first, the Remy Sprint (Rémy Sommelier Pâtissier Rooted In Talent) competition aimed to utilise the duo’s collective talents to create the ultimate dessert pairing with Rémy Martin XO.

It might not be the done thing to dive into a digestif before a meal; however, standing in Mino’s showroom surrounded by exquisite desserts and glasses of the finest Cognac, we knew we were right to have skipped dinner.

Michelin star chef, Claude Bosi, and Imbibe editor, Chris Losh, had sat on the judging panel in July 2019, weighing up the concept, storytelling, taste and wow-factor of each dish before choosing the top five.

We moved around the room, learning, sipping and sampling each dessert pairing. Each pâtissier and sommelier spoke passionately about their inspiration:

WALK THROUGH THE KENTISH COUNTRYSIDE
Scott Goss & James Harrison
at Verdigris

“We wanted to showcase the drink throughout the seasons with seasonal fruit so it’s relevant throughout the year, so it will work for autumn fruit like plums too.”

DESSERT TRIO
Aurel Istrate & Romina Vasquez
at The Connaught

“Our natural instinct was to use chocolate; the cherry, which is seasonal at the moment compliments the bitter and sweetness of XO perfectly and the addition of malt was inspired by a whisky visit”.

CHOCOLATE COGNAC
Solene Bonhumeau & Loic Pellegry
at The Five Fields

“We wanted to create a gastronomic experience of drinking cognac with the classic pairings of coffee and chocolate which is traditionally paired with XO – this is our take on that.”

MERE MARTIN
Enzo Housseau & Hugo Danjou
at Mere

“We wanted to bring the terroir and cognac onto the plate. The dessert is essentially a map of the heart of the Cognac Region: the outer circle of grapefruit and hazelnut and the astina crisp indicates Petite Champagne and the middle is Grande Champagne. The dessert is layered to represent the terroir and the meticulous chalky soil and consists of gianduja feuilletine, hazelnut dacquoise, confit grapefruit and caramelised grapefruit mousse. Topped with earl grey ice cream.”

THE OPERATIC
Sarah Riddle & Marie Lau
at Sketch

“We’re bringing everything back to basics the land is agriculture the vines (the tuile) is what’s discarded. The dessert is like an opera symphony with different layers and will never be the same, even if enjoyed multiple times.”

The winning teams will enjoy the ultimate trip to Cognac in January 2020, while our readers can indulge a little sooner. Each restaurant will be serving their winning dessert pairings from October through to Christmas, so take your lover, family or friends, and treat yourselves.

Follow @RemyMartinUK #RemyMartin #remysprint

Ah, October. The month of change. The so-called Indian summer is long gone, dark evenings are drawing in and one’s diet is swiftly changing from light summer dishes to all-encompassing comfort food.

It’s a month for roast dinners and autumnal soups, for seasonal squashes and cosy crock pots. Times are a-changing and your dinner’s a-changing with them. Here’s our pick of some of the best dishes doing the rounds in London this October.

1. Taste some glorious game at Cinnamon Club

This month sees Executive Chef of Cinnamon Club, Vivek Singh, team up with three of London’s most talented chefs to celebrate the game season at his flagship restaurant, The Cinnamon Club in Westminster. Ollie Dabous, Marcus Wareing and Brett Redman will be showcasing theversatility of these seasonal meats, with each chef’s dish available for two weeks alongside all the existing Cinnamon Club Classics.

HIDE’s Ollie Dabbous will be first up, showcasing his quirky take on traditional venison cookery with a dish of spiced venison loin cooked over charcoal with fennel yoghurt, pumpkin and pistachio pilaf. From 14th – 27th October, guests can enjoy Marcus Wareing’s wild mallard glazed with juniper, black pepper and orange, roasted Delica pumpkin, Espellete pepper and pumpkin seed with offal. The season ends with Brett Redman, who will give Jidori’s signature skewer a seasonal twist, serving up Venison Tsukune with homemade juniper Tare sauce from 28th October until 10th November. www.cinnamonclub.com

2. Dine at a revamped London legend

With the long-awaited return of Julie’s in W11 comes the revival of a London legend; originally opened in November 1969, Julie’s quickly became a favourite haunt of rock n roll royalty and celebrity fans, from the Rolling Stones and Sir Paul McCartney to Kate Moss and Nicole Kidman.

The Holland Park institution has undergone an extensive refurbishment ahead of its 50th birthday in November, with old-time fans sure to recognise some of the restaurant’s original features with a host of pieces from the sixties sitting alongside colourful new decor. The menu however is all new and will be a regularly-updated offering of modern British cuisine. With seasonal dishes including the likes of buttermilk fried quail, charred kale risotto, Hereford beef tartare and salt marsh lamb with pressed cabbage, garlic potatoes, crisp lamb breast, preserved lemon, chef Patron Shay Cooper is keen to ensure that Julie’s, a neighbourhood restaurant with an international profile, gains a loyal following for great food, as well as for its renowned ambience and party atmosphere. www.julierestaurant.com

3. Take a trip to Porto via Tufnell Park

Summer holidays might be over, but the senses of the Douro Valley come to London this month in the form of Graham’s Port and Disappearing Dining Club’s supper club series. Following the success of previous ‘Little Porto’ events, the new-look dinners will be hosted at The Dartmouth Arms in North London, offering guests a four-course dining experience inspired by Port and Portuguese cuisine and accompanied by some delectably smooth jazz. Combining its 99 years in the wine-making business with the culinary expertise of Head Chef Fred Bolin and his crack team at Disappearing Dining Club, ‘A Taste of Porto’ will showcase a menu with highlights including slow roasted pork belly, prawn carpaccio and apple and port braised celeriac, with each dish expertly paired with a Portuguese wine. The pièce de résistance will be a port flight, offering diners the chance to sip their way through different varieties and vintages of Porto’s most famous export, accompanied by the dulcet sounds from award-winning DJs Ricardo Paris and Jorge Montiel playing Latino and Portuguese inspired jazz.

Running every Thursday from 17th October – 21st November at Dartmouth Arms, NW5 1SP. www.disappearingdiningclub.co.uk

4. Make the most of mushroom season

In the last few years I’ve gone from loathing mushrooms with a burning passion to not being able to get enough of them, so I was thrilled to discover Carluccio’s is celebrating mushroom season with a fungi wonderland at its Covent Garden branch. Fitted with outdoor toadstool seating and an impressive mushroom archway surrounding the entrance, a mushroom throne for the perfect Instagram moment and special mushroom menu encapsulating the very best of the bunch.

There’s a Mushroom Fonduta – mixed mushrooms in a rich taleggio sauce with white truffle oil, Porcini and Truffle Lasagne, Porcini and Portobello Risotto and Fillet Steak with truffle butter, served with a rich mushroom and porcini sauce. Thankfully mushrooms don’t quite stretch to the dessert, the ‘Bosco Incantato’, inspired by Antonio Carluccio’s vast collection of mushroom memorabilia – a ‘toadstool’ made with vanilla & chocolate ice cream, chocolate & hazelnut sauce, pistachios, hazelnuts, fresh raspberries and panettone.

Mushroom lovers can also indulge in a limited edition range available in the shop, including an easy-to-make mushroom and truffle risotto and truffle butter, or sign up to Carluccio’s Mushroom Foraging Workshop being held in the beautiful Essex countryside on Sunday 13th October. The day comprises an educational workshop about wild mushrooms and a three-course mushroom feast served for lunch, followed by a guided mushroom hunt and cooking lesson, plus a copy of Antonio’s ‘Mushrooms’ cookbook to take away. Tickets £85 each from www.carluccios.com/mushroomforaging

5. Tuck in to the world’s first ever cheese conveyor belt

Recent visitors to Covent Garden might have noticed the appearance of the hotly anticipated Seven Dials Market. The latest venture from KERB, the gurus behind elevating London’s street food scene, the historic warehouse has become their first permanent venue. The 24,000 sq ft space is home to 25 independent food businesses all with roots in the city’s streets and markets, alongside a bar and bookshop that support KERB’s dedication to all things tasty in London.

Cucumber Alley is a strip dedicated to London produce, bringing the likes of family-run bakery Karaway, purveyors of Lithuanian heritage breads and pastries, and champions of British charcuterie methods Crown & Queue, to the West End. The Banana Warehouse is home to 13 diverse and independent food and drink traders, including London’s favourite Jewish deli Monty’s Deli, Strozapretti, the new pasta restaurant from the team that founded Franco Manca and Venezuelan fried chicken experts El Pollote. High up on your to-do list however should be Pick & Cheese, the world’s first ever cheese conveyor belt, with 25 different cheeses sourced from around the UK and each paired with individual condiments & small producer wines. www.sevendialsmarket.com

There’s nothing beats a night out with the girls but with cocktail bars popping up every week in London it’s hard to know where to go. Luckily here at #TeamCoco we have the inside scoop on the best places to take your girl gang for a catch up and cocktail in the Capital.

Disrepute

This glamorous members bar has a 60s vibe, with lots of plush jewel coloured velvet and touches of marble and brass. DRP (to those in the know) was once known as the Kingly Club, and before that the Pinstripe Club, has had its fair share of scandal: it was one of the places cabinet minister John Profumo met call girl Christine Keeler in 1961, and has hosted the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Peter O’Toole and Audrey Hepburn. The extensive cocktail list is told in stories, with fictional descriptions in place of ingredients. Sip on a Scandal and Espionage, made up of vodka, brandy and honey syrup. Book a booth in advance as this place gets busy.
www.disrepute.co.uk

Cahoots

Cahoots is a 1940s-themed bar located in the heart of Soho. Set in an abandoned train station this speakeasy serves up spiffing cocktails and live music seven days a week. The venue was once used as an air-raid shelter and has been transformed into an Underground station, complete with tube carriage and sandbags. Get in a round of Vera Lynn cocktails, a delicious combination of gin, ginger wine, apple juice, lime juice, peach puree and elderflower.
www.cahoots-london.com

Archer Street

This is a great venue to get together with the girls. The sumptuous décor, candle lit tables and fresh flowers are more like a hotel lounge than a Soho bar. This is a cocktail bar with a twist, once your waiter has served your drink don’t be surprised if he jumps on the table and bursts into song. The staff at Archer Street are made up of West End performers and throughout the evening they all grab the mike and belt out some classic hits. After a couple of cocktails, you’ll be dancing on the tables.
www.archerstreet.co.uk

Tonight Josephine

Tonight Josephine is an Instagrammer’s paradise with more glitter and neon than you can shake a stick at. This basement cocktail bar is oozing sass and a great place to go with your girl gang. The drinks menu is as pretty as the venue, try The Violet Femme, a purple, gin-based drink, which comes with a tube of Parma Violets balancing on its fluffy egg-white top.
www.tonightjosephine.co.uk

The Blind Pig

Tucked upstairs from Jason Atherton’s Social Eating House is The Blind Pig. It’s easy to miss from street level, hidden under the vintage ‘Optician’ sign is a blindfolded hog doorknocker, give it a tap and you are in. There’s a real retro feel to this bar, lots of dark wood panelling and antique mirrors are peppered around the copper topped bar. The mixologists here are super talented and are always experimenting with new flavours. Signature drinks include the Silver Screen, which is comprised of popcorn-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, a “bespoke-a-cola” reduction, “3D” bitters, and lemon oils, served with a tiny striped bucket of popcorn pinned to the glass. Reserve one of the leather booths for you and your gals and make your way through the cocktail menu.
www.socialeatinghouse.com

The Arches is situated in Bethnal Green and it one of East London’s coolest and also newest drinking spots. The space is ideal for pop up food events to shake up London’s food scene. We checked out the Spanish Supper Club with the Modest Merchant. These Supper Clubs, intimate, fun and entertaining are set to run on the last Thursday of every month.

The bar in the venue, aptly named Bubbles, is situated in the railway arch of an old car wash. It was truly fizz galore with an amazing choice of tipples from around the world. The Bubbles menu features 15 sparkling wines from around the world. Each wine paired perfectly with different dishes from the spectacular tapas style supper that we were served.

The Modest Menu supper club series returns to The Arches on 26th September with an evening extravaganza by Oxalis and The Modest Merchant. Expect an evening filled with wonderful wine and a Modest Menu focused on the Oxalis specialty, Game.

The Arches is situated in South Bethnal Green and housed underneath 6 Victorian railway arches, of which exist 3 brand new venues – 640East, Taproom by Bethnal Green and Drop Yard. The Arches can be found at: Railway Arches, 157-162 Malcolm Pl, Bethnal Green, London E2 0EU.

Sky bars are the in-places to be seen, they are the hangouts of the rich and famous, the chill out places for those who lead full-on lifestyles, the way to relax for those who simply want to live their best lives with friends.

#TeamCoco are loving the amount of sky bars in London from the contemporary designed, to the urban-styled and Asian inspired, there are plenty to choose from.

We have compiled a list of 5 must visit sky bars in the capital for different occasions, which will you visit?

Golden Bee in Shoreditch
The Best Rooftop Bar for Corporate Events & Parties

Every day is an occasion at the Golden Bee, so whether you’re just after post-work drinks or ready for an entire night on the town, the Golden Bee Old Street bar in London is ready to welcome you with ambience, atmosphere, and music curated by house DJs. And, guess what… the rooftop terrace is ideal for all seasons because no matter what the weather you can still enjoy the view thanks to a retractable canopy.

Address: Singer Street, Shoreditch
Open: Monday – Saturday
Image credit: Golden Bee website
Words: Golden Bee website

Gong at The Shangri La at The Shard
The Best Bar for being the Highest in Europe

This bar offers unparalleled elegance to the city’s social scene. Elevated on Level 52 of The Shard, this is the perfect place for sunset cocktails and late-night drinks, featuring the dramatic backdrop of London’s skyline, with views to the west, north and east. The bar offers three areas: the cocktail bar, the Champagne bar, and the Sky Pool.

Address: Gong Bar, Level 52, Shangri-la Hotel, The Shard, Thomas St
Open: Monday – Sunday
Image credit: Gong website
Words: Gong website

Radio Rooftop Bar London at The ME
The Best Rooftop Bar for Striking Views

Radio Rooftop is one of London’s most iconic venues situated on the 10th Floor of ME London, with striking views across the River Thames and London’s impressive skyline. From sunrise to sunset guests can enjoy the changing views of the capital stretching from the Shard and St Paul’s downstream, to the London Eye and Big Ben. The perfect setting for a casual lunch with family and friends or to impress business clients in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

Address: ME London, 336-337 Strand
Open: Monday – Sunday
Image credit: Radio Rooftop website
Words: Radio Rooftop website

Sushisamba London City
The Best Rooftop Bar for Highest Outdoor Dining in Europe

Located on the 38th and 39th floors at 110 Bishopsgate, SUSHISAMBA City features the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, offering unparalleled, 360-degree views of the City. Two panoramic glass elevators whisk patrons from the ground to the 39th floor, opening up London from inside out as the lifts climb further and further upwards.

SUSHISAMBA’s main dining room overlooks views of London with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A grid of lights hung through the open bamboo ceiling at varying heights creates a magical experience during daytime and a truly intimate setting in the evening.

Address: 38th & 39th Floors, 110 Bishopsgate
Open: Monday – Sunday
Image credit: Sushisamba website
Words: Sushisamba website

The Rooftop at St James
The Best Views Over Trafalgar Square

The Rooftop is a space for sipping individually crafted cocktails and drinking in the inimitable city view. Complete with alfresco and canopy-covered seating, the sky-high space lends itself as a year-round experience. Outdoor heaters and blanket selections provide warmth through cooler months. Small plates are available, with table service provided throughout. Opt for The Gallery, complete with breathtaking views over London. Alternatively relax at The Deck, the sun-drenched conservatory that is perfect for catching up with old and new friends alike.

Address: The Trafalgar St James, 2 Spring Gardens
Open: Monday – Sunday (over 21s only after 7pm)
Image credit: The Trafalgar website
Words: The Trafalgar website

On a hot July afternoon, #teamcoco set out on their very own expedition with Whitley Neill gin to seek out all things safari… without ever leaving Charing Cross.

The destination in question:Mr. Fogg’s Society of Exploration. Their Summer Safari experience has been running throughout summer and its not one to miss if you’re looking for something more unique from your night out.

Set in the Victorian era and themed on Around the World in 80 days, staff were kitted out in safari khakis and helmets from the get-go. Wanting to be in-theme, I also donned a pair of beige trousers and a white flannel shirt, already excited for what lay ahead of us (and also partly because it was a sweltering hot day- very fitting for a summer safari themed evening!).

Our adventure started as soon as we approached the entrance. The jungle decor, plants and traps spilled out from the stairway, and safari sounds of birds chirping and atmospheric drums lured us in. Both doormen greeted us in character ahead of our trip, and set the ball rolling (quite literally) down a long slide which announced our arrival to the staff downstairs.

First up: Vaccination Libations

Now happily seated in an old Victorian train carriage, decorated with suitcases and pith helmets galore, our ‘tour guide’ was on-hand to offer us all our safety measures in the form of our first taste experience of the evening. The Summer Safari Survival Kit is made up of ‘Electric vaccinations’ with whiskey and flower powder (that made our mouths tingly and numb!), ‘Emergency Rations’ and our favourite frothy ‘Edible Sunscreen’ coconut flavoured mousse. To finish off our safety checks, our ‘Anti Mosquito Measure’ was a cool Whitley Neill Original Handcrafted Dry Gin & Tonic, featuring a quinine-rich tonic, which we were informed was a natural mosquito deterrent! As if we needed any more reason to kick back with a cool glass of gin in the summer!

Our Mission: Finding The Big Five

We were all geared up for our next mission which involved donning a very special pair of binoculars in search of our next beverage. Through these binoculars, we were able to spot many animal-themed drinks from their Big Five menu, such as ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ and ‘Grabbed by the Horn’. After some careful wildlife watching, we settled on two very different but delicious drinks: Feline Fine* a short, strong and sweet cocktail served alongside edible insects and pollen, and Elephant in the Room* which was a long, crisp and refreshing drink thanks to Whitley Neill Blood Orange vodka and fresh lime juice. At first we really didn’t know what to expect from these choices, but safe to say they went down a treat! We started to feel peckish after this, so we decided to end our exciting evening with a charcuterie board of meats, pickles and bread.

Venue Inspo: The Space

We absolutely couldn’t leave without exploring more of the gorgeous Victorian-inspired venue we were in. I couldn’t get enough of the bar with the mechanical mixologist! Luckily, one of the friendly staff were equally if not more passionate about the venue, and offered to show us into Mr. Fogg’s map room, too. The walls were covered with antique maps, clocks and travel books, with plush cosy chairs and the familiar old-world travel aesthetic continuing from the rest of the venue.

Good news: There’s still time

There’s still time to experience it all for yourself. The Summer Safari will be running until 1st of September and you can go through to the website: www.mr-foggs.com to book the full immersive experience.

Explore Whitley Neil Gin: https://www.whitleyneill.com

*Feline Fine a mix of Whitley Neill Original Handcrafted Dry Gin, Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato vermouth and maple & physalis syrup served in a wooden cup alongside edible insects and pollen.

*Elephant in the Room with with Whitley Neill Blood Orange vodka, juniper berry & maize tincture and fresh lime juice.

See below five great bubbly experiences around the world that pay homage to the Italian sparkling wine that has taken the world by storm. From expert wine pairings on board luxury cruise ships to dining out at a restaurant named after the tipple itself, we’ve got you covered this National Prosecco Day!

Dom Perignon Experience with Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruiseshas unveiled its exclusive Dom Perignon Experience at La Reserve onboard the Marina and Riviera – the only place in the world to offer such an experience. The dining experience is the first of its kind and pairs six palate piquing courses with a different vintage of Dom Perignon’s acclaimed champagnes for the ultimate pairing dinner. Limited to only 24 guests, cruisers can experience the true meaning of luxury whilst enjoying the exceptional flavours of The Finest Cuisine at Sea ™ including blue lobster and seared wagyu beef alongside some of the world’s best champagnes during this one-of-a-kind experience, totally exclusive to Oceania Cruises. We know what all the fizz is about!

Prosecco, Chicago

Chicago’s Prosecco Ristorante offers guests upscale Italian dining in the heart of the River North Gallery district. Named after the drink itself, it only seems fitting that this chic, yet welcoming restaurant serves Chicago’s largest selection of sparkling wine to pair with both classic and unique Italian comfort dishes from home-made pesto pasta to fresh fish and game dishes. With over 17 different sparkling wines to choose from, guests can enjoy the perfect pairing to any of the exceptional dishes on the menu with a glass or bottle of delicious bubbly.

Sparkling wine, made in Illinois

The Illinois Sparkling Co., located in North Utica is the ultimate destination to appreciate award-winning sparkling wines. The relatively inhospitable soil of the Illinois Valley combined with arduous craftsmanship has proven key in producing local white grapes to make a truly superb bottle of bubbly. Founders Mark Wenzel and his wife, Teri, produce a number of delicious sparkling wines including their popular Extra Brut, a crisp, gold, Silver Medal-Winning sparkler that offers notes of pear and lavender. For wine lovers out there – visit their tasting room on Mill Street or sample the finest sparkling wines now gracing the menus of top restaurants and bars across the state.

Chin-chin with Cosmos

Cosmos’ Highlights of Australiatour offers its guests a truly memorable champagne toast while watching iconic Uluru at sunset. After journeying through the heart of the Outback, keeping a lookout for kangaroos and camels, travellers will visit the Sunset Strip to enjoy a champagne toast with family, friends or a loved one while experiencing one of the world’s greatest spectacles – Uluru at its prime during the glorious golden sunset. There could be worst backdrops to cheers to with a glass of fizz! We’ll drink to that!

Wine & Dine at Wolwedans, Namibia

All meals at Wolwedansare a lavish, but unpretentious affair. They dining exudes a sense of occasion with elegant
table settings, candlelight and exuberant menu announcements in the local Nama language. The skies above the lodge are some of the darkest on the planet, and the extraordinary landscape was declared Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) in 2013 and was the first IDSR to be awarded the Gold Tier. Guests can marvel at inky blue skies and twinkling stars in the desert with 360-degree views from a starlit supper at the lodge, with Wolwedans having the reputation as serving the best innovative, wholesome and sophisticated ‘bush-cuisine’, in Namibia prepared lovingly with homegrown organic fresh produce and paired with excellent local and South African wines from the in-lodge wine cellar.

Lisbon is fast becoming a real hot spot for travel, whether visiting for a week or just a weekend, you cannot go wrong booking your next city break to Portugal’s bustling capital. If you’re lucky with the weather you can enjoy the many roof top bars and restaurants serving local Portuguese food and exciting contemporary cocktails. If you’re searching for cool accommodation, look no further than The Vintage Hotel.

Bomporto Hotels is a is a boutique hotel group in Lisbon owned and run by English duo Peter Lowe and Chris Eddis as the hotel management arm of Morningbridge Lda. The pair are experienced in creating new 5 star boutique spaces from derelict buildings in Portugal and The Vintage hotel is the second to open in their portfolio. Previously a an ‘old vintage’ style hotel, Bomporto have transformed it into cool, mid-century, retro chic hotel with individually selected furniture pieces and art work.

In each of the 56 rooms you have a DIY gin and tonic station on a vintage Mad Men style hostess trolley. The hotel group actively chooses to use and showcase the ‘best of Portugal’ which means collaboration with a wide range of local businesses, artists and manufacturers. What is successful about the design is that whilst it is in every sense the vintage style, it manages to feel effortlessly contemporary and cool.

Nestled between the commercial centre of Avenida da Liberdade and the cosmopolitan design district of Principe Real, staying at The Vintage means you have the opportunity to explore the best that Lisbon has to offer with ease, either on foot, tuk-tuk or by tram.

In the hotel’s restaurant BLUE, there are fantastic photographs of Portuguese fisherman and this alongside the name BLUE, you are sensitively connected to the history of Lisbon, Portugal and the sea.

The hotel is built around the philosophy of Inspire, Relax, Play, as the mood takes you. The rooms are therefore decorated in three way colour palettes of Terracotta, Blue and Green. The rooms are all a great size and you will enjoy discovering all of the little treats that are waiting for you.

You will find waterfall showers and beautiful shampoos, conditioners and soaps from the world famous Portuguese brand Claus Porto, who have a store in a restored pharmacy shop not far from the hotel where you can pick up beautiful gifts or treats for yourself to remember the scents of Portugal.

Each room has all the amenities you would expect, including hair dryers, comfortable seating areas, large beds with luxury bedding and beautiful artwork by local artists. There are also coffee machines with Costa Nova cups and saucers to start or end your day in style.

Once you have settled into your room you can make your way to the roof and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, chilled out music and wonderful pre-dinner cocktails with lovely views overlooking the city. In the evenings, there will often be DJs or film screenings programmed.

If relaxing is high on your list then you can ride the lift to the bottom of the hotel and visit the Spa. You can enjoy the signature full body massage the Vintage Ritual. You can either start in the sauna, followed by a body exfoliation and finish with a massage or have the massage followed by a gold facial.

You can also simply chill in the pool and on the poolside loungers with a book and a pot of tea. The staff at the Spa are incredibly friendly and attentive and will do their utmost to ensure you relax and have everything you need.

What sets the Bomporto Hotels aside from the competition in this fast growing tourist destination is that they are effortlessly cool but without any pretention. If you’re looking for an affordable, stylish break than these guys are offering just want you need. The staff are all warm and friendly and always on hand to help. Bomporto Hotels manages The Lumiares and The Vintage Hotel and is set to manage future hotel, The Rebello in Porto (2021).

Book your stay at The Vintage, Lisbon

Images by Carlos Luque, Francisco Nogueiro, Luis Ferraz and Dale Ellis.