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There is no greater joy in life than sitting down with friends and family after a long day to enjoy good food and good drinks. On that I am sure we can agree.

Such a joy is not just a novelty over in Northern Italy, but a way of life, and that is what has been the foundation of inspiration for London’s most exciting new food and drink collaboration. It is all about sitting down to enjoy an aperitif menu as the sun sets.

As of today, iconic drinks brand, Martini, are embarking on a month long celebration of Italian food. They’ve teamed up with their friends at Clerkenwell’s Luca restaurant to create an exclusive dinner menu, and last night, House of Coco were lucky enough to sample it.

This collaboration is a match made in heaven. We knew it would work well before we even stepped into the stunningly contemporary restaurant, but the launch event affirmed our opinion. Luca is the perfect place from which to combine all that is good about Britain and Italy: the white walled court yard elaborately decorated with twinkling lights and roses has you feeling like you’re in a quiet corner of the Mediterranean, whilst the exposed Georgian brickwork and low-hanging light fittings remind you it could only be a swanky London eatery that you’re sat in.

The restaurant’s head chef, Robert Chambers, has worked tirelessly and closely with Michelin starred chef, Matteo Baronetto to develop four equisite dishes that will both reset your preconceptions of aperitivo and convince you that it needs to become a part of your life. Each dish is accompanied by a cocktail carefully curated by Martini’s global brand ambassador and one of the most renowned mixologists in Italian cocktail culture, Roberta Mariani, alongside Luca’s passionate Head of Drinks: Robert Simpson. The result? A unique menu combining the traditional flavours of Northern Italy with those contemporary of our own city, London.

COURSE 1

Veal marinated in chestnut honey, served with English pickled radishes. This is paired with Piedmonte Fizz (Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato, Bombay Sapphire, lemon juice, absinthe and soda). Why? The chestnut flavours in the dish leave a soft taste, so the drink brings a light bitterness that evokes the herbal note in a refreshing way.

COURSE 2

Tomato tart with salted green peach and gentleman’s relish. This is served with San Pietro (Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato and tomato skin infused Bombay Sapphire). Why? The tomato skin infusion means notes of the drink match perfectly with the fresh tomatoes in the tart.
Those seeking a bitter option can choose the Pedalare, which is the Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter topped with grape cider and served over ice.

COURSE 3

Lettuce leaf with citrus mayonnaise and dried green olives. Course three is paired with Amalfi Spritz. Perhaps our favourite of the cocktails here at House of Coco, it is made with classic Italian Limoncello and herb soda, complimented with the Martini Riserva Speciale vermouth. Why? Both the dish and the drink here are delectably light and refreshing. Palette cleansers, if you like.

COURSE 4

Scotch Olive: green olives encased in succulent rabbit sausage meat, seasoned with summer savoury and Calabrian chilli and coated in breadcrumbs. Served with the classic Martini Negroni cocktail: a bittersweet blend of Martini Riserva Rubino, Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter and Bombay Sapphire. Why? The richness of the drink perfectly compliments the earthy flavours of rabbit meat.

If you fancy trying this menu (and we totally recommend that you do) then it is available between 6 and 9pm from now until 4th October at Luca, London. It is priced at £35.

This price includes four courses, a Martini Negroni Cocktail and two other cocktails of your choice. Bookings can be made for 1-4 guests. Click here to book.

When you hear the name Rosie Fortescue, you may immediately envision Made in Chelsea’s charming fashionista strolling along the streets of South Kensington, brunching with a gaggle of equally stylish friends. Others may recognise Rosie for her successful fashion blog, At Fashion Forte, which has catapulted her into becoming one of the UK’s top fashion influencers. And while Rosie’s effortless charm, inimitable style, and undeniable Made-For-TV charisma has made her a household name; what most people don’t know is that Rosie Fortescue, is that she’s also a Girl Boss through and through.

We catch up with Rosie, and chat about her business/passion project – Rosie Fortescue Jewellery. Here at House of Coco, we’re all big fans of her fabulous stacking rings delicate chain necklaces. We talk about the challenges of starting your own brand, as well as all the rewards that come from a long day spent hustling so you can do what you love. Finally, we catch up with Rosie and she embarks on a special project with Huawei P20 Pro,the Spark a Renaissance Photo Competition. A competition that aims to find the next generation of creative talent across Europe, and according to Rosie, one that aims to spark an “inspiration revival”.

From Made-in-Chelsea star to top fashion influencer, and now jewellery designer — what’s a day in the life for Rosie Fortescue?
Every day is totally different which I love. I’m either in my office, in meetings, designing jewellery at home, or posting jewellery in the post office — yes I still do all the fulfilment myself!

How would you define your style? What are three things in your closet you can’t live without?
My style is comfortable, but fairly classic and definitely with some statement pieces. I always finalise every outfit with jewellery. It’s definitely the finishing touch to any ensemble, and with it, I feel most confident.

Here at House of Coco, we’re all about Girl Bosses like yourself. How do you manage all your different projects and still live a well-balanced life?
I absolutely love working hard and I love what I do; so if I have to stay up working until 2am, I will! I’m 28, so I see these years as the ones to work my ass off and establish my brand. Hopefully, I will be able to employ someone soon to take off a bit of the workload; so I can focus more on the design and creativity aspect of running a business. However, right now I’m just loving the journey. I am super organised so am just about managing to get everything done, with some late nights along the way!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face as a GirlBoss?
To trust my instincts. Because it’s just me in my company, I sometimes need to bounce some ideas off people. I luckily have very creative and inspiring friends, so it’s great to get other peoples’ thoughts on my ideas from time to time!
 
At House of Coco HQ, we’re all huge fans of Rosie Fortescue Jewellery. Where do you usually get the inspiration for your designs? Do you have a favourite piece? 
Thank you! I can be inspired by anything really. I always keep my eyes open, and a long stream of notes of my phone. The colour of a front door can inspire me for a stone colour, architecture is also a big source of inspiration. Whenever I’m away, I really make sure to take in my surroundings and make the most of every opportunity!

To top it all off, you’re also working with Huawei P20 Pro’s Spark a Renaissance Challenge. Could you tell us a little bit more about this collaboration?
The Huawei Spark A Renaissance Photo Competition is the world’s first ever photography competition judged by both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a Leica photographer. It’s really amazing what technology can do today! For this competition, Huawei’s P20 Pro smartphone’s AI will judge the photography submissions for a chance to win a Leica masterclass in Florence and one in 50 Huawei P20 Pros.

A photo competition has never been judged in this way before so I’m really excited to be working with Huawei on it. As modern creative myself, it’s great to be a part of an initiative that brings together art and science so seamlessly.

How is the Spark A Renaissance Challenge helping promote the next generation of creative talent across Europe?
The competition is part of a wider series of challenges from Huawei over the last few months. All of which have been aimed at unearthing the next generation of creative talent across Europe, and showcasing their potential to the world. Just as the Renaissance period was fuelled by the coming together of science and art, this campaign is doing the same by judging the participants with a combination of AI and the expertise of a panel of experienced artists. It’s an exciting project to be involved in and I’m looking forward to seeing the winning images!

In your opinion, how do you think our readers can “spark a renaissance” in their own lives?
I see it as an inspiration revival. I think that with everyone’s busy schedules these days, doing something for yourself that inspires you or makes you feel good is definitely key.

What’s next for Rosie Fortescue?
I have a few projects in the pipeline that I can’t talk about yet, but I am designing my new collection now. Really into body chains and stars at the moment so watch this space!

Here’s a few of Team Coco’s favourite pieces from Rosie’s latest collection…

Rosie Fortescue Jewellery
Rosie Fortescue spoke to House of Coco in partnership with Huawei for the ‘Spark A Renaissance’ challenge. To find out more, visit huawei.com

That Venice is slowly sinking can’t be denied but a more pressing issue is that the recent spate of high tide flooding is prompting many visitors to re-think their travel plans. For a city that relies heavily on the tourist dollar, this is worse than any damage caused by floodwaters. The City of Canals is both built on and surrounded by water (the clue is in the moniker!), with the Lagoon and its tides forming a hugely significant part of local life ever since the city’s inception almost 1,600 years ago. As Trisha Perolari – the founder and owner of luxury water transport service Venice Quality Transfers – explains, Venice is not underwater and visitors are very welcome!

One fateful morning in mid-November 2019, the world’s media awoke to the news of an unprecedented high tide in Venice, and the damage that many places across the city had been subjected to as a result. It was heart-breaking to see such scenes of devastation, as the citizens of La Serenissima struggled to assess the extent of all the damage. Then, just before Christmas, Venice was subjected again to a few more exceptional high tides.

Much of what was written and broadcast at the time, however, emphasised the flooding and the damage, but failed to report the situation accurately. Story-hungry journalists, focussing only on the drama, were interested only in their click-bait tales and not in the lives of ordinary Venetians. It seemed nobody thought to think ahead about what their words would do to the city.

The truth being that in the week that followed each deluge, the city pulled together in a surreal way. The Civil Protection co-ordinated assistance and relief for the areas that were hardest hit. Electricians and technicians from the mainland came in and assisted locals with re-wiring their frazzled electrics, helping to re-start fridges, freezers and anything else that had been affected by the tides. Water taxi drivers helped refuse collectors by removing water-logged furniture, while teams of volunteers went into ground floor accommodation to help wash the salt water off damaged furniture and start on the repair work. Within a week after each of these three big tides, a visitor to Venice would never have known that anything had happened.

However, Christmas and New Year bookings in local hotels have been down by as much as 40%, with many tourists apparently thinking that the city is still flooded and, to all intents and purposes, off limits. Travel forums frequently display posts titled “Is Venice flooded?” and “Should I cancel my holiday in Venice because of the floods?”

The AVA (the Association of Venetian Hoteliers) held a press conference in Rome to try to make tourists aware that Venice is open for business as usual, but it was obviously not enough. The city relies heavily on tourism and the lack of bookings is having a knock-on effect on many sectors across the city.

It seems to be that flooding in Venice is perceived much as it is in other countries when disaster strikes – that it will take weeks for the water to subside and for “normality” to be restored. In Venice, however, the floods are caused by the “acqua alta” – the high tide – and any residual floods are tidal. Yes, Venice floods – but only for as long as the tide sweeps in its direction. Even when the acqua alta is at a maximum, it usually only lasts for around five hours or so, but never any longer than that.

For many Venetians, the acqua alta floods are part of the way of life, and they stoically deal with it and get on with their day. Every single resident knows the level at which their house or shop will become flooded, and when they know a high tide is on the way, simply raise barriers and move merchandise and possessions to a higher level that the water isn’t likely to reach. Once the tide goes out and the water levels recede, the barriers come down, the salt from the Lagoon is cleaned off, and life continues as before. Transport continues to run as normal – occasionally, there will be the odd route deviation, but it is extremely rare that it will be cancelled altogether. At Venice Quality Transfers, for instance, if an arrival or departure transfer is likely to be affected, then guests are either taken to or from the major transport hubs earlier or later – but this is a service offered in cases of fog or storms too.

I wish to emphasise that the city is not underwater, and that we would love to welcome people back again. La Serenissima is ready and waiting, serene as ever!

For more information about Venice Quality Transfers, or to book a service, visit www.venicequalitytransfers.com.

Words by Trisha Perolari

It seems that I was destined to have a love affair with all things Italian from a very young age. Holidays consisted of gorging on fresh pasta and collecting broken seashells in Positano, as a teenager I slyly stole sips of limocello off of the dinner table and by my early twenties I had fallen hook, line and sinker for one of Italy’s most famous exports – Gucci. Oh, and not forgetting my boyfriend is a very suave Italian.

Last year I took a trip to Milan where my mornings were spent drinking cappuccinos (Italians never drink milky coffee post midday) and my evenings spent swilling Aperol spritz and indulging in charcuterie platters paired with tart green and black olives. I had added another Italian love to my ever-growing list – the art of aperitivo.

We all know London is great, but with the lack of sun putting a damper on post-work plans, you can’t guarantee a packet of crisps and a pint will show you a good time. Sure, we have tea, biscuits and crumpets but the Italians have effortless glamour, lip smackingly good light bites and oh course, that enviable dolce vita. Forget ‘thirsty Thursdays’, the swanky Mayfair restaurant Quaglino’s is bringing the age-old Italian apertivo tradition to town.

Expect to be seduced by the sultry sounds of an Italian live band (and maybe by a handsome waiter or two) whilst sipping on a menu of eight exceptional cocktails accompanied by a platter of Italian small bites.

For a quick Italian jaunt without the back-crushing Ryanair bucket seats, opt to enjoy one of the existing Q Aperitivo cocktails, which are each inspired by different regions in Italy – I’d highly recommend the Il Pupo. An intoxicating bittersweet Sicilian blend of oregano infused Belvedere, Mama’s homemade orange marmalade and spice ginger ale.

Cheat on your usual and spice it up with one of three new delights. The classic Aperol Spritz I’m so fond of has been given a refreshing makeover, the Italicus bergamot liqueur gives it a bold, botanical taste whilst the watermelon smooths out the La Serenissima cocktail. The Aqua Vita balances sweet and sour expertly with a Moscata Grappa infused with strawberries, honey and blood-orange. For those seeking the strong stuff, order a Flegrea. A combination of Tanquerary gin, dry vermouth and Maraschino blended with a fragrant chartreuse liqueur. When paired with complimentary charcuterie platters, feta stuffed petters and moorish arancini balls you’ll soon forget you’re still in good ol’ Blighty. That is until you have to collect your brolly at the door…

What: Q Aperitivo at Quaglino’s

Where: Quaglino’s, 16 Bury Street, St Jame’s, London, SW1Y 6AJ

When: Every Thursday from 3rd May

For more information please contact: quaglinos@notionpr.com

For anyone who has not yet been to Macao, it is most well-known for its five-star hotels and casinos, but this city is so much more than meets the eye. Located between Hong Kong and the South Coast of China,Macao is a special mix of east and west and is undeniably one of Asia’s most unique destinations.

This summer Macao welcomes a five month arts and culture festival called Art Macao. From June to October 2019, Art Macao will transform the region with 40 large scale art installations across 44 different venues throughout the city.

The five month event will feature interactive art Installations such as João O and Rita Machado’s “Sanctuary”, a 7 metre bamboo garden in Mount Fortress Garden: and “The Wanderer”, a colourful fibreglass installation in Taipa Houses by local artist Wong local artist, Wong Ka Long. The festival program will also include special performances from the Macao Orchestra and Macao Chinese Orchestra. It will also celebrate the talents of Macao’s local creative community, with events such as the International Youth Dance Festival, the International Youth Music Festival, and the International Youth Drama Festival.

The highlight of the five month long event is the Art Macao: International Art Exhibition, which brings together artists from China and around the world. The exhibition will feature celebrated artists from China and around the world; and ancient and contemporary works of art come together for an event that celebrates Macao’s unique culture and vibrant creative scene.

During our recent #TeamCoco trip to Macao, we attended a couple of Art Macao’s breathtaking pre-event showcases, to get a taste of what the festival has to offer. “Italian Renaissance Drawings from the British Museum” features 52 breathtaking words of art by some of the most iconic renaissance masters, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian and is open to the public until the 30th of June. “Beauty in the New Era – Masterpieces from the Collection of the National Art museum of China” features 90 modern and contemporary works and is open to the public until the 28th of July 2019.

From traditional ceramics, classic sculptures, interactive installations, and breathtaking multimedia installations, Art Macao is presents a visual feast for the senses, and offers up the city’s lesser known artistic side. Perfect for wanderlust thirsty travellers looking to discover Macao beyond the glitzy hotels and casinos.

For more information on Art Macao – please visit https://www.artmacao.mo/2019/en/
If that wasn’t enough reason for you to hop on the next flight to Macao – then check out our photo diary here.

It’s no secret that we love Arc Inspirations here at House of Coco, they’re the Daddy behind some of our favourite bars across the country, particularly Banyan North Leeds where you can see #TeamCoco once too often! So, when we hear that they’re adding a new addition to their family, or reworking one of their existing bars, it gets our attention.

Start spreading the news… Headingley is set to receive a slice of New York glamour this August when a new kid arrives in town. Decadent bar brand, Manahatta, has invested a cool £500k in transforming the former Arc site into a stunning new venue that is set to breathe new life into the beating heart of Leeds’ student capital.

Guests can expect innovative cocktail creations, all-day US themed dining, 14 HD sports screens, shuffleboards, and Headingley’s first bottomless brunch offering. Weekends will see the venue dial things up with the arrival of DJ’s, sax players, percussionists and other entertainers against an eclectic backdrop of club cuts, classic pop and current chart bangers.

The bar is the third Manahatta venue to open in Leeds, and experts predict it will repeat the huge success seen at both the Merrion Street and Greek Street venues. The striking renovation will include a beautiful backlit loft-style cocktail bar upstairs, feature lighting and sumptuous leather booths in the brands signature peacock blue.

Downstairs is a more informal affair, with sofas, tables and WIFI making it the perfect destination for causal business meetings, whilst a shuffleboard area will keep gamers entertained. The bottom floor will also be home to a second bar and a stage for live entertainment.

Insta-worthy cocktail creations
The cocktail list has been carefully curated by bar development manager and liquor aficionado, Mark Austin, alongside the award-winning team responsible for the Savoy Hotel’s celebrated American Bar. Featuring a mix of bestsellers from the city, including the Cucumber Cooler, Geisha Girl and Manahatta Spritz, you’ll find a range of Insta-worthy drinks designed especially for Headingley.

Those looking for something a little darker can just ask; the bar will be stocked with a variety of rums, bourbon whiskies, as well as gin, vodka and other premium pours from around the globe. There will also be a variety of sharing cocktails and Prosecco magnums on-hand for those looking to celebrate.

Taking inspiration from the eclectic New York food scene, a mouth-watering range of menus will delight diners from late morning, through to noon and night. Expect comforting Neapolitan Pizzas, hand-crafted using Manahatta’s special double fermented dough, which creates a lighter, softer crust that’s easier to digest but harder to leave behind on your plate!

Those seeking something lighter will find the range of Healthy Earth bowls packed with delicious yet balanced ingredients hard to resist, whilst the indulgent Superfood Burger is designed for those guilt-free cheat days. Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find the finger-lickin’ crispy Manahatta Chicken served with house slaw, chipotle BBQ sauce and skin on fries, and the ever-popular Katsu Chicken Curry.

Rich red velvet

Anyone suffering withdrawal symptoms from The Arc’s legendary loaded fries will be pleased to learn this shamelessly calorific dish will be back, albeit with a fresh Manahatta twist; Steak Frites, which proved to be a bestseller throughout the World Cup, are set to become a permanent fixture on the new menu. Dessert porn comes in the shape of Manahatta’s Trio of Brownies, which includes Pistachio, Chocolate Orange and Salted Caramel, as well as the rich Red Velvet Doughnut.

Bottomless Brunch will be available between 11am-3pm every Saturday and Sunday, with an incredible selection of dishes available alongside free-flowing Prosecco, Bloody Mary’s, selected cocktails, and Coors, making it the premier choice in Headingley for hens and causal get-togethers.

Throughout the week, a brunch menu consisting of hearty NY breakfasts and the new Breakfast Powerbowls will be on offer to get you through the day, and available until 4pm.

14 HD screens across both floors will ensure sports fans won’t miss a second of the football, rugby or cricket, making Manahatta the perfect pre and post-game joint for Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire cricket fans. The tap room will also house two 18-foot maple wood European shuffleboard tables, perfect for tournaments and private party packages.

The Arc’s dedicated team will be back to make sure Manahatta runs like clockwork, and will be adding their team to make a total of 55 front house staff. There is a great deal of sentiment towards the bar itself, as it was the very first Arc Inspirations venue, opening way back in 1999.

Since then, the group has gone on to build a mini-empire consisting of 18 bars in the north of England, under four unique brands; Banyan Bar & Kitchen, Manahatta, The Pit and The Box.

Everyone has a unique nose. There is no such thing as the perfect nose. There is a nose that is perfect for your face. You can have two people who have almost identical noses and one of them will love the way their nose looks and the other one will hate it. This is because for your nose to work with your face, it has to be in harmony with the rest of your facial features.

It’s common for a person to be dissatisfied with the tip of their nose, the bridge of their nose, or the width of their nose. In 2017, 218,924 people in the United States had nose reshaping procedures performed, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Advances in surgical techniques mean that several procedures can be used to reshape the nose to match the patient’s desires.

Reshaping the Tip of Your Nose

Reshaping the tip of your nose is possible. You can customize the tip of your nose without having a full-on rhinoplasty surgery that resets the bridge of your nose. There are many surgical options available that pinpoint the tip of the nose.

• If you have a bulbous tip, which is a nose tip that is round and almost ball-like in appearance, a procedure can be done that reshapes and removes excess cartilage.

• A slightly drooping nose tip can be rotated or elevated. The change is relatively minor, but the effect is noticeable.

How Is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?

The exact technique will vary, depending on the condition of your nose and what you want the end results to be. According to medical professionals, rhinoplasty surgery usually begins with incisions that are made across the bone and the cartilage that supports the nose. These incisions are made internally so that they are not noticeable once the surgery is complete. Depending on your end goal, bones and cartilage may be removed or tissue may be added.

During the procedure, special attention is paid to the nasal airway. Many have this procedure to improve the functionality of their nose. They may have a deviated septum or another blockage issue. It is common for blockage issues to affect the appearance of the nose. Often, when functional issues are corrected, patients experience improved aesthetics.

When the surgical procedure is complete, a small triangular cast is often taped on the bridge of the nose, giving the nose the needed support for the first few weeks. There may even be splints inside the nose.

Commenting on this, Dr. Anurag Agarwal, an expert on rhinoplasty in Naples, FL, remarks: “It generally takes around one week for the bruising and swelling to resolve. While this changes from individual to individual, most people should expect all of the swelling to clear up within the first few weeks. The final result of the surgery will be seen approximately one year after the surgery.”

What is the Youngest Age a Patient Can Customize the Shape of Their Nose?

Rhinoplasty should only be performed on an individual whose nose is fully developed. For females, this is between the ages of 15 and 16. For males, this is between the ages of 17 and 18. If rhinoplasty is performed before this time, some complications may arise.

Teenagers who have rhinoplasty or other plastic surgical procedures performed do so because they want to improve the physical characteristics that they see as defective. They may worry that if they do not correct them now, this defect will follow them into adulthood. There is a marked difference between the motivations for teenagers to have plastic surgery as opposed to adults. Adults are looking to stand out from their peers. Teenagers are looking to fit in with their peers.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2015, more than 64,000 cosmetic surgical procedures were performed on people between the ages of 18 and 19. In that same year, more than 161,000 minimally invasive procedures were performed.

Physical appearance is a link to a teenager’s confidence. It is good for parents to talk to their teens before any surgical procedure. The teenager should be mature enough to have the procedure performed. If the decision to get rhinoplasty is something that a teenager recently expressed interest in, parents would want to understand the ‘why’ behind this decision to help the teenager make decisions that are going to be beneficial for them in the long term.

For many teenagers, rhinoplasty surgery has helped boost their confidence and self-esteem. It has made them feel more comfortable with who they are, and it may have set them on a path for a more confident and successful future.

Is Rhinoplasty Permanent?

Rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed once in a person’s life. You will notice that as you age, your skin will change. Things like wrinkles, fine lines, and the size of your pores will fluctuate as you get older. The natural aging process will not be stopped just because you got rhinoplasty surgery when you were in your 20s. The structural changes from rhinoplasty, once they have healed, are permanent. This is why it is important to research the procedure thoroughly and have an in-depth discussion with your plastic surgeon before the procedure.

Will I Be Happy with My Rhinoplasty Procedure?

According to a recent survey done of 2,032 female and 294 male rhinoplasty patients, the overall satisfaction rate was 83.6 percent. Some of the keys to obtaining great rhinoplasty results include:

• Do Research in Advance. Rhinoplasty is a complicated medical procedure. The more you know about the procedure and the expected results, the happier you will be.

• Have Realistic Expectations. Rhinoplasty can produce dramatic or subtle results. It can be customized to address many conditions that can improve self-esteem and confidence. Each patient is different, so results may vary.

• Have a Good Reason for Rhinoplasty. You should have the surgery done for the right reasons. Don’t do it to impress others.

• Choose an Experienced Surgeon. The success of your procedure rests in the hands of the one performing it. Choosing a credentialed and experienced surgeon leads to fewer complications and side effects and increases the chance of you having a positive and successful outcome.

Rhinoplasty allows you to customize the shape of your nose. It allows you to correct issues with your nose that are robbing you of your self-esteem. You do not need to live with an appearance you do not like any longer.

There’s nothing like London in the fall, and when the autumn leaves are turning and everyone whips out their chunkiest scarves, we’re making our way to The Coral Room at the BloomsburyHotel for a taste of the tropics and the best cocktails intown.

Located in The Bloomsbury Hotel, the Coral Room is the result of a head-to-toe renovation of the original Edward Lutyens designed hotel lobby. Helmed by Martin Brudnizki, this building has been utterly transformed into a stylish oasis right in the heart of Bloomsbury. Everything about The Coral Room pops; from the art deco inspired touches, the bright coloured walls, and alluring textures. Everything makes you feel like you have stepped into a Wes Anderson film scene (the Darjeeling Limited and the Grand Budapest Hotel come to mind) Tropical motifs add a cheeky element of warmth, and the ample amount of foliage allows some reprieve from even chilliest London afternoon. The focal point however is definitely the stylish Calcutta marble bar. Interior designer Martin Brudnizki definitely outdid himself here, by successfully making the cavernous 2,100 double ceilinged space feel both glamorous and inviting. The key? — colour, and lot’s of it.The Coral walls are accented with brass, gold, Murano glass, and the clever pink-tinted details; all making The Coral Room one of the most Instagrammable spots town.

Moving from interior design to the menu, let’s talk about the brunch. We tried the delightful Chicory Salad, the veggie Shakshuka, accompanied by a generous helping of truffle fries (of course!)Although it was almost impossible to decide because the brunch menu offers a concise but tempting selection of some revamped classics. I helped myself to a couple martini glasses of the fabulous Gin Lane cocktail. A perfect mixture of Hendricks gin, St. Germain, rose syrup, and Viognier, the Gin Lane is delicious and danger in equal measure. As one can easily knock back a few of these sinfully saccharine concoctions without even thinking twice. If you are feeling a little extra indulgent, do check out their extensive list of English sparkling wines, which is one of the largest London has to offer. Take a few recommendations from the absolutely charming bar manager, Giovanni Spezziga, whose infectious Italian charm will not just provide you with some truly fantastic sparkling wine choices, but will also leave you feeling absolutely pampered.This and so much more make The Coral Room the most stylish place in Bloomsbury for a drink, afternoon tea, brunch, or everything all at once.

The Coral Room

The well-documented challenges facing tourism in Venice create exciting opportunities for travellers open to discovering other gems in northern Italy. Only a two-hour drive from Verona, Val Gardena, a valley nestled in the Dolomites, invites visitors to experience hiking, gastronomy and culture, with one of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges providing a spectacular backdrop.

Less than thirty minutes into the drive from Verona airport to the Val Gardena valley in northern Italy, you begin to catch a glimpse of what makes this part of Europe so unique. The landscape becomes slightly more dramatic as you head north on the Autostrada del Brennero, the motorway which follows the winding path of the wild Adige river.

By the time you get to Trento, halfway into the journey and just south of the Dolomites, farmland becomes hills and hills start to become mountains. You are soon surrounded by sweeping panoramas of (with all due respect) ‘lesser mountains’, lush green valleys and picture-perfect towns. Storybook scenes like these are the joy of road trips.

However, nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of the Dolomites as you approach Selva Val Gardena, one of the three municipalities which make up Val Gardena.

In the spring, Mother Nature shows off her naked beauty as the snowcapped peaks shed their white blankets. This is when ‘The Pale Mountains’ as the Dolomites are also known (their distinctive limestone composition gives them a ghostly appearance) emerge from their winter slumber.

Hiking the Flowering Dolomites

Finding a ‘room with a view’ in any of the towns (Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina) in Val Gardena is easy. The Dolomite peaks of the Sella Group and Sassolungo and some of the slopes which form part of the Sellaronda ski circuit are visible from almost every corner of the valley.

Many hotels in the area, including five-star Alpenroyal Grand Hotel where we stayed, offer seasonal prices (i.e., outside ski season) which make visiting the Dolomites in the summer an even more attractive proposition.

While the elegant rooms are filled with warmth and alpine character, there is something about the Dolomites that will make you want to spend most of your time outdoors. Their pinnacles draw the curious and their exceptional beauty invites introspection.

It turned out that we had a lot of time for introspection when we joined Karin Plancker, a local hiking guide and herbalist to explore the colourful meadows of Val Gardena and learn about the flora of the Dolomites. The period between the end of May and the start of July is the best time to do this.

“Whenever I’m among flowers, I always say, ‘thank you’ to the earth,” Karin said, demonstrating a deep appreciation for nature that she traces back to her childhood. Indeed, a feeling of personal connection to nature is a common theme among the Gardenese.

When not working as a local nurse or hiking guide, she’s studying plants and flowers, learning about their uses in gastronomy, aromatherapy and homoeopathy and showing them off to visitors like us.

Autumn is also a perfect time to hike in the region. This is when the ‘Burning Dolomites’ happens. The limestone crystals play tricks with the sun, and the Dolomites exhibit a chameleon-like character, turning into different shades of red, yellow and orange.

Stopping every few meters to name-check flowers, we hiked up Seceda with Karin, through the Puez-Odle Nature Park. A must-see viewpoint commemorates the designation of the Dolomites as a UNESCO World Heritage viewpoint in 2009.

South Tyrol offers an impressive network of ski slopes connected by cable cars and ski lifts. In the summer, those facilities are equally useful for getting up and down the mountains, something we were grateful for after our long but rewarding hike through the flowering Dolomites.

Replace the Hiking Poles with Electric Bikes

If the prospect of hiking up the side of mountains with spectacular views does not sound appealing, try cycling in the Dolomites. Electric bikes have recently become popular and Val Gardena has wholeheartedly embraced them.

The beauty of electric bikes is that they make cycling so accessible. Going uphill no longer requires as much sweat, thanks to a helpful electric power boost.

During our trip, we ditched the hiking poles and joined local cycling guide Andrea Planker for a sunset whizz around the Vallunga valley before dinner. Be warned. You’ll want to stop every few minutes for a photo of this stunning landscape.

For a more leisurely ride, cycle from Selva Val Gardena to Ortisei, the main village and cultural hub of the valley. There you can sample artisanal coffee and pastries or go shopping in its cosy pedestrian zone.

Wood Carving Tells Another Story About the Dolomites

The Dolomites hold many legends of their own. However, in the valleys surrounding them, you will find another equally intriguing story; one with historical, cultural and economic significance for the region.

Wood carving traditions in Val Gardena (Ghërdeina in Ladin, a distinct and ancient language that is spoken in five valleys in the Dolomites) go back to the 1600s. By the 19th century, the valley recorded over 2,000 woodcarvers creating toys, religious artefacts and other cultural pieces. Their work, including the famous jointed puppets, spread across the world bringing great prosperity to the region.

Ivo Piazza is a local wood sculptor and member of a local art collective known as Unika who hold regular exhibitions. Ivo has spent the last forty years honing his craft and preserving woodcarving traditions. We joined him for a walk into the Resciesa forest where he demonstrated an extraordinary ability to ‘read’ tree trunks and ancient roots.

Ivo would pick up a piece of old wood, fiddle with it and suggest the type of art he could create simply by knowing the texture, following the direction of the grain and leveraging the colour of the wood. As he pointed to a tree stump he declared, “No piece of wood is completely dead.”

His interaction with nature was fascinating to watch. Along the way, we were introduced to different types of pines and gained further insight into ancient woodcarving techniques. Our time with Ivo ended much too soon but not before a visit to his workshop to see his creations, some of which have been featured in exhibitions in cities such as Moscow and Colorado.

Eat Your Way Across Val Gardena

Any hiking (or biking) route can turn into a culinary route when you include rifugis (mountain huts) that serve food and drink. These must-try rustic huts are an excellent opportunity to sample the gastronomy of the Dolomites. The altitude of some of these huts adds to the multisensory experience that is South Tyrolean cuisine.

Culinary stops of note on our hiking/biking routes included Val d’Anna, Baita Ciampac, Baita Troier and Rifugio Toni Demetz – the highest one we visited at 2,685m and reachable via the iconic Forcella al Sassolungo gondola.

At these huts, visitors can sample a range of local savoury specialities including polenta and Canederli (dumplings), and sweet desserts such as Kaiserschmarrn.

For fine dining, we enjoyed the excellent hospitality at the Alpenroyal Gourmet Restaurant. Their six-course summer menu is a blend between alpine wholesomeness and Italian sophistication.

At the end of the meal, if you ask nicely, the barman may whip up a glass of Bombardino. Usually reserved for après-ski pleasures in winter, this ‘bomb’ of a cocktail is made up of brandy and egg liqueur and topped with whipped cream.

Feel the Dolomites

As we headed back to Verona to catch our return flight to London, I realised that I had been to this region before…but only in my imagination.

In my imagination, I had seen the pinnacles, spires and towers of the Dolomites and the vast forests and rolling meadows that surround them. I had imagined the crystal clear rivers, the alpine lakes and the rifugis nestled on their banks. In my dreams, I had pictured the wildflowers that come alive in spring and filled my lungs with the fresh mountain air.

As one of the locals told me, “Mother Nature is more beautiful than anything humans can ever create.” No longer in my imagination. No longer in my dreams. Now that I have had the chance to feel the Dolomites, I know this to be true.

Travel information

Getting there: There are multiple daily direct flights from London Gatwick to Verona on EasyJet, British Airways and Alitalia. You can also fly in to Innsbruck. Transfers take approximately two hours by car.

Where to stay: The Alpenroyal Grand Hotel offers summer (June) prices from €134 per person per night or €875 per person for 5 nights (half board).

What to do: E-bike rental from Rental Selva starts from €49 per day and €227 for 6 days.

Guests staying in Val Gardena Active member properties can enjoy many free or discounted events and activities.

Getting around: The Gardena Card offers unlimited use of all lifts in Val Gardena in the summer.

Visit Dolomites Val Gardena [valgardena.it] for more local travel guidance.

If Ischgl is the wild child of Austrian ski resorts, Fiss is the sensible older sibling – sedate, scenic and full of traditional Tyrolean charm. While this lesser-known corner of the Alps may not be the place to go if you’re looking for a week of off-your-face après, here are five reasons Fiss makes for an irresistibly low-key alpine escape.

1. Après-Ski

While it may be quieter than other Austrian ski resorts, retaining more of a traditional vibe, Fiss has plenty of al fresco mountain bars to keep you occupied if, like us, you aren’t ready to give up on the Jägerbombs just yet. Hexenalm scoops up the post-ski crowd with its Euro-pop and cheap steins at the bottom of the lifts while by night, you’ll find night skiing on the floodlit Möseralmabfahrt every Tuesday, and Wednesday’s see ski displays accompanied by Tirol’s largest laser show.

2. Pristine Piste

While Fiss’ après-ski scene is more substantial than you’d expect from a small and very local village, so is the skiing. The 200 million euros invested in the region over the last decade is clear to see – with an expansive network of lifts and cable cars as well as huge self-drying ski lockers in which to stash your stuff – a blissful alternative to having to cart your skis and boots back and forth every day. More importantly, you can change out of your boots beforehitting the bars, which, as anyone who has ever tried to stumble across one in their ski boots will know is a godsend.

3. Value for money

Fiss’ facilities might measure up to uber-luxe alternatives like Lech and Zürs but its lesser-known nature means you’re able to enjoy more for your money – breaking away from hotel chains at an upmarket yet utterly authentic hotel like the historic Hotel Tirol – just 400m from the piste. Part of the Niche Destinations portfolio and managed by the second generation of the Pregenzer family, huge, pine-scented suites boast balcony views out over the valley, while the luxurious Gipfel Spa and rooftop infinity pool are the perfect place for blissful post ski steam and soak.

4. Snow-Sure Season

Surrounded by the soaring Samnaun Alps, two-thirds of the 200km of well-groomed piste sit above 2,000m, so even on a sunny Saturday in Spring, you’re still able to enjoy the slopes. Perched on a sunny plateau high above the valley, few ski resorts can boast such snow-surety late in the season, alongside 2,000 hours of sunshine a year – ideal Aperol Spritz weather.

5. Traditional Tyrolean Fare

While Fiss may be quieter than other more well-known resorts, the traditional timbered town boasts a host of dining options, ranging from traditional Tyrolean fare on the mountainside to more high-end dining experiences. On the mountain, groups can hire out the Crystal Cube – a mirrored glass box perched at 2600m, offering breakfast and private lunches with panoramic views. While in town, The Hotel Tirol showcases a local cuisine that fuses both Austrian and Italian influences – like the glorious shoulder of Fassona beef, carved at the table. Private dining in their skylounge is ideal for groups of friends, and the host’s motto “life is too short to drink bad wine” will become ever more apparent as the evening wears on.

Hotel Tirol in Fiss (www.hotel-tirol.net) offers double rooms based on 2 sharing on a ½-board basis and a 7-night ½-board package including a 6-day lift pass from €839 per person. Hotel Tirol is included in the prestigious Niche Destinations portfolio (www.niche-destinations.com).