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It’s summer brunch season and the Maison Mirabeau Rosé Brunch at Plateau is giving us all the vibes. The combination of French cuisine, Mirabeau gin cocktails, free-flowing Côtes de Provence Rosé, unparalleled views of Canary Wharf and a kicking soundtrack from the in-house DJs, makes this a great location for sips with friends.

Located at the top of Canada Place, Plateau is the perfect spot for those looking for a more sophisticated brunch. This contemporary space is spacious and minimal. Huge glass windows run across the side of the restaurant bathing the dining area in natural light. There’s a private dining room and at the back of the restaurant you’ll find an outdoor terrace for those wanting to soak up the summer sun.

Kick off your brunch with one of the delicious cocktails and take in the city skyline. I tried the Rosé Garden Blitz which combines Mirabeau Dry Gin, Mirabeau Rosé wine, grapefruit juice, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, Aperol and fresh strawberries. This refreshing tipple packs a punch but goes down a treat.

The menu here includes the usual brunch staples such as eggs Benedict and guacamole on sourdough however Executive Head Chef, Sean Kimpson has put his own signature twist to each dish and added large plates and starters to give you more variety. Choose from two or three courses depending on how hungry you feel. I tucked into the Puglia Burrata with grilled courgette, minted petit pois pistou to start, this indulgent, creamy soft pearl was decadent and morish. At one point I wanted to ask for chunk of crusty bread to smother it on but had to remind myself that this is a classy joint.

My brunch date and I decided there was just too many mouth-watering choices on the menu and settled on sharing Crispy Plaice Goujons with Pomme Frites along with the Soft Shell Crab Burger with mango slaw and spiced mayonnaise, and we weren’t disappointed. The plaice goujons were plump and had a delightful crunchy texture while the crab burger smothered in spiced mayonnaise was a match made in food heaven.

The music and gentle bustle of Plateau create a buzz and ambience that says elegant rather than raucous. Throughout the afternoon the waiter kept our glasses topped with Rosé and recommended we end the day with their chocolate Delice served with mandarin sorbet, a big hit with brunch goers and the highlight for me and my date. The bitter dark chocolate was perfectly paired with a refreshing mandarin sorbet and a delicious sign off for the afternoon.

Taking place every Saturday between 11:30am-3:00pm get the weekend started by booking into the Rosé Brunch with Maison Mirabeau at Plateau. Starting at £32 pp.

Here at House of Coco, we are always on the lookout for ways to make your summer that little bit sweeter. Truly live La Dolce Vita and say Buongiorno to the sun at Mayfair’s must-visit al fresco terrace, the Courtyard at Hush Mayfair. Back with a brand-new look, ‘The New Dolce Vita’ Courtyard, in partnership with Disaronno, is the season’s hottest spot, set to whisk you away to the golden age of Italian glamour.

Designed to give a taste of the indulgence, luxury and the spontaneity synonymous with long Italian summers, the Courtyard has been adorned with an abundance of blooms and floral arches in pastel shades of peach, cream and blush. Inspired by Disaronno’s sultry, oh-so-Italian aesthetic and timeless charm, black and white polaroid pictures are strewn across the terrace, reminiscent of the paparazzi that relentlessly snapped Rome’s film stars in the 50s. An Instagrammers dream, perch for the picture-perfect moment on a vintage white vespa ladened with cascading roses or take a selfie on the picturesque swing against a black and white backdrop of the Trevi Fountain.

Disaronno’s distinctive amber shade and signature sweet almond and apricot notes are sure to summon the sunshine with every sip. Available to enjoy exclusively on the Courtyard, the range of Disaronno delights, priced at £15 each, include the sensational Velvet Batida made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur and coconut. For a refreshing tipple, try the Disaronno Fizz with Disaronno Originale, lemon and Fever-Tree Soda Water, or opt for the Velvet Espresso Martini, a must-try for any caffeine lovers and made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, Sauvelle Vodka and coffee. The Mai Tai Sbagliato is an intriguing blend of Disaronno Originale, Plantation Dark Rum, Dry Curaçao, lime and pineapple; whilst the Almond and Strawberry Daiquiri is a unique take on the much-loved classic, mixed with Disaronno Originale, Cut Spiced Rum, strawberries and lime.

The ideal pairing to any summertime sip, enjoy a range of plates from the all-day Brasserie menu. Think summery serves of La Latteria Burrata with English asparagus, wild garlic and balsamic; beef fillet carpaccio with Bloody Mary Dressing, gorgonzola and walnut; squid and smoked bacon noodles with tomato, lime and coriander; and a zingy Amalfi lemon tart with Neal’s Yard crème fraiche.

Hannah Tan-Gillies checked out The Act, Notting Hill’s all-singing all-dancing new weekend destination for an evening of delicious cocktails and excellent show tunes.

Live entertainment in Notting Hill never looked so good. At least, that is what we thought after visiting The Act. The Act is livening up Notting Hill’s usually quiet neighbourhood scene with fabulous live performances featuring everything from West End hits to bangers from the 80s, 90s and the early aughts.

We visited The Act at dinnertime on a Saturday Night, and while the bar may have just opened in March, inside it was filled with a vibrant, effortlessly cool crowd that was dancing and singing as if it were peak nightclub hours, just before closing time.

The stars of The Act are the staff themselves and when they are not serving up delectable cocktails, they are jumping on tables, singing, dancing and leading flash mobs to hits from Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, ABBA, Prince and so much more. The performances are a sight to behold, adding an element of grandeur and spectacle never before seen in Notting Hill. The Act is rotating different themed performances monthly, giving you endless reasons to keep coming back.

Everything about The Act pays homage to the spectacle of theatre. This is reflected in the cocktail menu which draws inspiration from some of the biggest characters on stage from Jean Valjean, Grizabella, Elder Price and Elphaba.

Elphaba, named after the ‘wicked’ witch of the west, was our favourite. Made with a blend of Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, Agwa Cocoa Leaf Liqueur, apple, cucumber and mint – this cocktail is a perfect refresher in between the performances at The Act.

Another favourite was Viscount Raoul, which blends Grey Goose Vodka with sparkling Yuzu, strawberry puree and Limoncello. This devilishly sweet cocktail is just as devilish as its namesake — and sinfully delicious too.

No matter what cocktail you select though, one thing is for sure, you better get your dancing shoes ready for your visit to The Act, which brings all the joys of the West End into the heart of Notting Hill.

Home

If you’ve never heard of lymphatic drainage before – then now is the time to jump in the body rolling bandwagon. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured to RE PLACE London to be one of the very first people to try its innovative lymphatic massage treatments. Here is what went down.

RE PLACE, the first of its kind in town, is bringing the lymphatic massage concept from LA and New York to London. Its Body Roller machines are a game-changer for banishing stubborn fats, loose skin and ridding your body of nasty toxins.

Walking into the RE PLACE London studio in Westbourne Grove is like entering a wellbeing sanctuary from the future. Before starting your treatment, the lovely Jade at front of house will tell you all about the myriad of benefits of lymphatic drainage massage and myofascial release, which (as we learned) can help boost your body’s natural lymphatic systems to get rid of bloating, excess fluids and toxins.

Before getting down to business, we visited the RE PLACE London café for some delicious, dairy-free coffees and protein snacks. The staff at RE PLACE London make a wicked cup of joe, and it’s easy to get lost exploring the different healthy snacks and drinks on offer here too. We especially liked NUCCY’s Nut Butter, which offers deliciously nut spreads, the 111Skin face mask and the Served Hard Seltzer.

Downstairs in the treatment room, you will find several of RE PLACE London’s innovative Body Roller machines. These machines combine the benefits of lymphatic rolling with infrared and collagen lights that can help reduce inflammation and boost circulation leaving you feeling revitalised and recovered.

Don’t expect a relaxing massage though, because the 45-minute Body Roller experience is just as much a workout as it is a massage. As a Body Roller novice, I mistakenly thought you were going to lie underneath the roller and have all your toxins squeezed out of you – unsurprisingly that was totally inaccurate. Instead, the 45-minute session is broken down into 3 minute intervals, rolling different parts of your body starting from the feet all the way to your arms. The secret, according to Jade, is to roll towards your heart. This is the best method to maximise your body’s lymphatic drainage system.

Indeed, after the 45-minute session, I felt light, toned and svelte. RE PLACE London takes a 360-degree holistic approach to wellness and so after the rolling session, we were invited to try Somadome, which is a kind of futuristic meditation dome that will help you relax the mind.

Overall, the RE PLACE London experience left us feeling rebalanced in mind, body and soul. RE PLACE’s treatments were designed to complement any form of training – no matter how active – and are excellent for people looking to diversify their fitness and wellbeing routines. RE PLACE London is a wonder – and we shall surely be returning.

For more information please visit: https://replacelondon.com/

Game, set, match! Wimbledon is back and whilst you might have missed out on tickets it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. Here’s our roundup of the best places to watch Wimbledon 2022 with a serving of delicious grub!

WHERE TO WATCH

The Refinery Bankside, 110 Southwark St, SE1 0TF

For one of the largest outdoor screens in the capital, head down to The Refinery Bankside’s alfresco terrace, just a short walk from Southwark and Waterloo stations. Kitted out with plenty of deck chairs, a large HD screen, and a fully stocked bar, don’t miss an ace or serve this summer – book your spot today! Open Tuesday – Sunday | 11am – 11pm.

www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-refinery-bankside/

The Alexandra, 33 Wimbledon Hill, SW19 7NE

A firm favourite for tennis fans, soak up the great British summer and go ‘Alex fresco’ at The Alexandra. Located within walking distance to the tennis club, the pub will be getting into the swing of things with broadcasts of all the matches throughout and on the alfresco terrace, with Sipsmith taking over St Mark’s Place with a street party. For food, look no further than chin-dribbling burgers from the Burger Shack.

www.alexandrawimbledon.com

The Hand in Hand, 6-9 Crooked Billet, SW19 4RQ

Paying homage to manicured lawns, catch a taste of the action at the Hand in Hand in the heart of Wimbledon Village. Watch the matches on one of its six TVs or head outside to the pop-up Tree Bar serving Sipsmith gin spritz, Camden Hells and wines. Just a stone’s throw from the common, there is no better space to soak up the tennis fever.

www.thehandinhandwimbledon.co.uk

The Dog & Fox, 24 High Street, SW19 5EA

With the biggest screen in Wimbledon, and a summer Sipsmith sipping terrace, The Dog & Fox is at the heart of the action. Come rain or shine the pub will be showing every serve live, while outside will be home to the sun-soaked terrace, flowing with gin and Pimm’s. Watch the sun set while delving into seasonal British dishes and fizz, while upstairs is home to 28 boutique bedrooms for those looking to retire after the matches.

www.dogandfoxwimbledon.co.uk

The Westin London City

This month, The Westin London City joins forces with Taittinger to celebrate Wimbledon; with a limited-time only pop-up champagne bar, offering a riverside viewing destination like no other.

Watch the legendary tennis tournament unfold whilst sipping on a sparkling glass of Taittinger Prestige Rosé; the ultimate refreshing rosé with aromas of freshly crushed red berries. Nothing symbolises the great British summer like strawberries and cream, so enjoy your chilled glass of fizz with delectable baked strawberry and cream macaron.

A hidden gem in the heart of the capital, The Westin London City is the perfect place to watch the tournament unfold if you haven’t been able to get your hands on tickets. In between matches, take in unrivalled views of Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate whilst the sun sparkles on the Thames, surrounded by the Haven’s breathtaking installation of three-metre paper flowers. Game, sip, match!

The Taittinger Wimbledon pop-up bar will run from 20 June to 24 July, serving Taittinger Prestige Rosé 125ml with a Strawberry and Cream Macaron for £12.

WHAT TO EAT

Mariage Frères serves up an ace for Wimbledon, 38 King St, London WC2E 8JS

Luxury French tea emporium, Mariage Frères in Covent Garden, has created an ace limited-edition dessert in honour of The Championships. The eye-catching serve features a true-to-life tennis ball filled with a soft mara des bois strawberries and pink rhubarb confit, covered in a silky white chocolate ganache flavoured with Mariage Frères’ signature London in Love® tea, sitting on a green ‘court’ of Parisian shortbread. The Wimbledon dessert (£13) is available to enjoy in the Salon de Thé on Covent Garden’s King Street throughout the tournament from 25th June – 10th July.

www.mariagefreres.com

Quintessentially British Afternoon Tea at Down Hall Hotel & Spa

Especially for Wimbledon finals weekend (8th – 10th July), country house hotel and spa Down Hall will be serving up an ace with a special edition tennis-themed afternoon tea on the hotel’s newly launched al fresco terrace. Priced at £45pp with a glass of Pimm’s, the afternoon tea will include three decadent tiers of quintessentially British flavours, with dainty finger sandwiches, plain and fruit scones and delicate desserts and patisserie. And, if you fancy hitting the courts yourself, Down Hall has two hard courts and a padel tennis court for a friendly game of tennis between family and friends.

To book, visit the website here: www.downhall.co.uk

Creams Café’s Berry Slice Sundae

Creams Café is set to cause a racket ahead of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, with the launch of the Berry Slice Sundae. Serving up a smashing twist on a selection of Wimbledon staples, Creams Café is set to ensure you get your strawberry fix even if you can’t hit Centre Court. The Berry Slice Sundae features the perfect shot of strawberry gelato, marvellous mango sorbet and the classic Creams Café soft vanilla ice cream, topped with strawberry slices, strawberry sauce, crushed meringue and a Creams Café wafer. Get yours now for £7.95 (£8.95 delivery) and fall in love!

www.creamscafe.com/

Summer is the season for al fresco – but it’s also when the London restaurant scene comes to life. While there seems to be an endless, ever-changing roster of cool restaurants in London town, we’ve rounded the top five most exciting London restaurant openings so you can get your reservations in order this summer.

Laurel’s On The Roof: Shoreditch

With its doors officially opened on Thursday 5th May, Laurel’s On The Roof is London’s newest and most laid back rooftop restaurant, bar and pool. Located at the Mondrian Shoreditch, Laurel’s is nspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. Who/What is Laurel’s you say? – Laurel’s is an all day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour and offering London’s most sought after tables. This effortless rooftop spot is the epitome of laidback California cool and takes diners on an exploration of Los Angeles. Laurel’s offers an evolving all-day, highly seasonal menu, the perfect spot to while away long summer evenings whilst overlooking the bustling Shoreditch neighbourhood. Definitely a London restaurant to hit up this summer.

Riding House: Bloomsbury

On 8 June, Notting Hill will welcome its new neighbourhood spot. Riding House Bloomsbury is the long-awaited second iteration of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café from restaurateur Adam White. This casual bistro-style restaurant had a successful soft launch on 25th May and is set to be a lively modern brasserie with a members’ club-like atmosphere. We’re sure Riding House will add to Bloomsbury’s burgeoning reputation as the latest dining hotspot.

Riding House Bloomsbury’s all-day dining style menus will be cooked up by Chef Partner Henry Omereye. The menu is international, contemporary and unfussy, with Afro-Caribbean and Asian influences throughout. Riding House Bloomsbury is located in Bloomsbury’s The Brunswick Centre, a listed, Brutalist piece of architecture with interiors contrasting the stark exterior with an inviting interior. Surely this will become one of your new favourite London restaurants.

Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary Mayfair

Mr Fogg’s Apothecary is opening a much-awaited new location in Mayfair. Located on Brook Street directly opposite Claridge’s, the elegant new venue will transport you into Phileas Fogg’s wonderfully eccentric world. The bar will be stocked to the rafters with an extensive apothecary collection, with precise weighing scales on hand to measure out the perfect cocktail serves, perfect for cocktail connoisseurs.

The main drawing room was inspired by an elegant Mayfair townhouse with grandfather clocks, large armchairs and sofas to create a comfortable space to encourage visitors to settle in for the evening. With its own separate entrance is the Elixir Room which houses 24 Hennessy cabinets, each with their own unique key locks which will be gifted to lucky regulars to house their own bottles of spirits within. This cosy backroom has three large wallpapered booths which offer a perfect place to hide away and sample Fogg’s most restorative tipple – what a fantastical place for afterwork drinks.

Walmer Castle: Notting Hill

After being reimagined as a contemporary Scottish restaurant and dedicated whisky bar, Notting Hill dining and drinking institution the Walmer Castle has officially opened its doors. Walmer Castle was relaunched in collaboration with Scotland’s oldest whisky hotel, the Craigellachie Hotel. The Walmer Castle is inspired by the uniquely restorative, mineral rich waters of the River Spey twinned with the eclectic nature of London’s Westbourne Grove. Entrepreneur and hotelier extraordinaire Piers Adam is at the helm of Walmer Castle which serves as a local’s local and capturing the essence of Scotland within the neighbourhood. Walmer Castle spans two floors with a ground floor dining room and bar serving exceptional modern highland cuisine and the first floor Spey Bar with over 400 of the world’s finest whiskies.

Cellar: Hammersmith

Located in the ground floor of private member’s club Kindred, Cellar recently opened its doors the heart of Hammersmith. Cellar boasts a fabulous menu crafted by acclaimed chef Andrew Clarke, whose signature style is instantly recognisable in an ingredient-led and micro seasonal all day menu. Cellar showcases an eclectic range of dishes that celebrate the arrival of Spring produce, using the highest quality local meat, fish and seasonal vegetables.

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and with a gorgeous summer terrace, guests can while away the hours whilst feasting on dish highlights such as Fried cod cheeks with harissa mayo and lemon, Celeriac schnitzel with cavolo nero and wild mushrooms and Korean spiced tartare of Dexter beef served with straw chips. Expert mixologist Julian de Feral has created the cocktail menu which offers crowd favourites like the Kindred Spritz, blending Everleaf Forest aperitif, Bonanto cherry aperitif, peach, jasmine soda and sparkling wine and the West 6 Buttered Up.

The Act: Notting Hill

The Act is now open, serving up an all-singing, all-dancing programme of live entertainment and cocktails – seven nights a week. Located in the heart of Notting Hill Gate’s vibrant neighbourhood, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable night out, with performances from The Act’s talented team, as well as appearances from stars of the West End stage. The Act team will spontaneously serenade you with 80’s – 00’s crowd pleasers. Expect nightly flash-mob-style performances of musical favourites such as: Grease, ABBA and The Greatest Showman. Who said show tunes were limited to the West End.

The Umbrella Workshop: Shoreditch

The team behind our favourite East London bars The Sun Tavern and Discount Suit Company recently opened the doors to their third venue, The Umbrella Workshop. Located on a cobbled lane just off Boundary Street and housed in a C19th atelier, the Umbrella Workshop team have carefully restored the space to offer an interactive cocktail experience. The bar is set against an impressive, floor to ceiling display of spirits which include locally made and independent brands, as well as bartender favourites and rare whiskies.

Umbrella Workshop also hosts tastings and workshops, with everything on the menu available to buy and take home. With just 12 seats inside and the same outside, this intimate drinking spot is a hidden gem amongst bustling Shoreditch and perfectly located for pre-dinner cocktails before heading off to local favourites, Brat, St John and Rochelle Canteen.

Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery: Bishopgate

City institution Boisdale of Bishopsgate recently opened its new art exhibition and oyster concept, ‘Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery’. Blending a stunning marble topped bar with a characterful gallery of contemporary art, Alice’s features works from some of the most talented up and coming artists living and working in London. Alice’s Oyster Bar and Gallery also offers some of London’s finest oysters, a generous array of bar snacks and dishes charged with a taste of Boisdale’s Scotland sitting alongside a creative cocktail menu and a range of outstanding artisan beers from Hawkshead Brewery. Art and oysters? What’s not to love.

Since dining at Colonel Saab last October I have been struggling to think of a better place to eat in London – the best food, the best service, the best decor, so when I was invited back to sample their new art and food pairing I jumped at the chance and this is your notification that you should too.

Guests can expect a feast for the eyes and stomach, as Holborn’s unique, luxury Indian dining concept Colonel Saab launches its Art and Food Pairing Experience on 24 May.

Colonel Saab’s founder, Roop Partap Choudhary will personally take diners on a culinary journey across India, with a nine-course tasting menu of dishes and carefully paired and curated art collected by the award-winning entrepreneur and his family across the continent and lovingly brought to London.

Roop’s father, Colonel Manbeer was given the honorific name Colonel Saab – shared by the restaurant – and the extensive menu is inspired by places he was stationed in the army, from local lunches in the tents of Rajasthan to British-inspired Indian breakfasts in the Officer’s Mess and stunning banquets hosted by Indian nobility and Maharajas.

The art-festooned restaurant was meticulously crafted as a love letter to Roop’s family and India, with a treasure trove of eclectic and museum-worthy Indian art and artefacts collected by his family on their travels.

Roop spent a year retracing his father’s footsteps across India by train, bus and car with Indian food royalty, Karen Anand (Dishoom) to curate contemporary twists on dishes passed down through the generations of people they met, with many regional specialities appearing for the first time on a London menu.

And for this event, Roop and his team pair extraordinary art including 17th and 19th Century Tanjore paintings, the Maharaja of Patiala’s Asprey drinks bar, pure silver Gujarat temple doors and a canopy of ornate chandeliers from Firozabad with dishes which tell the stories of those regions and people.

The multi-sensory experience of India will also incorporate drinks. A Masala Dabba – or spice box – of artisanal gins, whiskies and rums based on Indian botanicals has been created with the Diageo mixology team, along with innovative cocktails by celebrated mixologist Antony Bertin, designed to complement the food and named after Choudhary’s family members.

Roop said: “We are passionate about food, art and India so this event combines all three and brings them to life, in a multi- sensory experience which will take you across the vast continent and its diverse and beautiful sights, tastes and fragrances, showing the powerful roles food and art plays in India.”

The nine-course menu costs £150 per person and includes progressive and exciting dishes, from Pulled Charcoal Lamb with Jeera Aloo and Biryani to Chicken Chettinad with Malabar Paratha and Chocolate Silk Cake, Thandai Crumble, Candy Floss and fresh berries. The vegetarian menu includes Gutti Vankaya, Andhra-style Eggplant Curry and Cauliflower 65, South Indian curd rice with fruit sorbet.

Each mouthful will bring the continent and its rich history to life, with fascinating stories and insight about the carefully paired art and artefacts, from a stunning, carved temple door from South India, to handwoven Persian carpets and precious decanters and crockery from the palace of the Maharaja of Faridkot.

The modern Indian restaurant has made its home in the elegant, former Holborn Town Hall, continuing his family’s proud legacy of hospitality that spans more than three decades, celebrating the vibrant and diverse culture of India’s food and history with humility, elegance and originality.

You can find out more and book your tickets here.

Our sleep has a huge impact on our wellbeing. Lack of sleep can leave us mentally and physically drained and a chronic lack of it puts you at greater risk of obesity and developing health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Since the loss of my dad last year, I have had an up and down relationship with sleep, so when The Langham, London invited me down to road test their new sleep wellness package I packed my suitcase quicker than you can say goodnight.

One in three of us struggle with their sleep which is why Langham Hospitality Group has developed a comprehensive global sleep wellness programme in conjunction with the World Sleep Society. The new Sleep Matters programme focuses on the holistic benefits of sleep providing solutions from white noise sleep machines to wellness rituals and bedtime advice to help you get a good night’s rest.

The Langham, London is super stylish and situated within walking distance of Oxford Circus. This impressive property is perfect for a luxury five-star, city break. Inside the vibe is glamorous and opulent. As soon as you enter the grand lobby you are faced with huge dramatic chandeliers and marble columns. Beautiful flower arrangements adorn the lobby and after a swift check in I am shown up to my suite.

The Suite at The Langham, London

My suite is like a sleep haven and kitted out with a selection of goodies to help ensure I get the best night’s sleep. The décor inside is contemporary and clean, there’s lots of natural light and it’s spacious. In the corner of my room is the Mirror screen by ZENi, a virtual personal trainer that offers 10,000 classes on demand with a workout to suit you. Studies show that a light workout consisting of stretching and meditative moves like yoga help to improve sleep quality. There’s an OTO sleep pack full of CBD products and expert tips on how to get more healthy sleep.

If you are booked in a suite or Executive Room you get access to The Langham Club, an exclusive, residents-only sanctuary where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and cocktails with a selection of Hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie and cheese platters.

I was booked into Chuan Wellness Spa for a full body Harmony massage, designed to stimulate meridian harmony. This unique mind, body and soul experience uses the therapeutic elements of acupressure with various relaxation massage techniques to induce a deep sense of calm. It successfully hits the spot as I drift off to sleep just 15 minutes in. The therapist gently wakes me with an Elemental tea to compliment my treatment. The delicious combination of rose petal, hibiscus, and pepper is to help enhance my fire element. I float out of the spa and ditch exploring the West End in favour of a relaxing afternoon in my suite.

After an aperitif in The Langham Club, I head to Palm Court for dinner. Cream leather booths, ceiling to floor wall art and a plethora of chandelier and glass lighting gives the place a dazzling, Art-Deco feel. The service is slick and attentive. Dining at Palm Court is both relaxed and sophisticated. The menu is inspired by the grand cafés of Europe and uses the finest seasonal and local ingredients. I opted for a succulent steak served with greens, it was delicious. I decided to have desert back in my room so I could make the most of the sleep package.

Guests have access to a Sleep Matters Menu, which allows you to order a selection of wellness-related items during your stay, including a yoga mat and fitness ball for pre-sleep stretching; weighted blankets, a selection of pillow options and white noise sleep machines and in selected locations, Chuan elemental oils and lavender bath products for a restful soak before bedtime.

When I return to my room, I’m greeted with a chill out playlist, specially curated to help me relax. My Sleep Matters Turndown Kit includes herbal tea, branded ear plugs, pillow spray, cushioned sleep mask and Sleep Tips Cards courtesy of World Sleep Society.

After spraying my pillow and drinking my herbal tea I settled into my bed for the night. So did I get a good night’s kip? I drifted off quickly and woke up once during the night however, I managed to get straight back to sleep which I don’t often do.

The Sleep Matters package is available at global outposts of the The Langham. You can book The Langham, London Sleep Matters, Refresh and Renew Package from £800 per night for a double occupancy room. This includes:

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Daily revitalizing breakfast
  • One 60 minute Chuan Harmony massage
  • CBD OTO Mini Sleep Collections pack
  • Yoga mat or Fitness Bag in all rooms, subject to availability
  • Fitness Mirror if booking suites, subject to availability
  • Turndown amenities, including earplugs and pillow mist in all rooms and sleep masks in suites.
  • Late checkout, upon availability

There isn’t a hint of beige at nhow London, a bold and creative new hotel that is oozing with style and panache.

Our roving doggy reporter TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured out in the vibrant hotel for a luxury penthouse stay that’s fit for VIPS (very important pooches).

‘London Reloaded’ is the theme of nhow London, the new kid on the block in the city’s hotel scene. The lobby is an explosion of London-themed motifs, from Big Ben lifting off to armchairs donning Queen’s Guard uniforms.

Nhow London is a colourful celebration of East London’s art, culture and community. All the striking artworks in the space is curated by Jealous Gallery in partnership with Project Orange. Indeed, there is something to feast your eyes on at every corner at nhow London, much in the same way that London always offers something new to discover for residents both new and old.

TeamCocopup Charlie checked-in for the VIP Pet Package and was greeted with a dog bowl upon entry. One of the best things about the hotel’s pet policy is that there was no size restriction on pets. All paw friends are welcome regardless of size, which is great for a medium-sized dog like Charlie.

The Penthouse Suite is located on the eighth floor at the end of an Alice In Wonderland-esque hallway, with each room door fashioned like the doors at Notting Hill, complete with classic brass knockers. Green shag carpets may seem like an odd design choice at any other establishment but fits right in at the Penthouse Suite, which is stylish and full of personality.

The triangular layout offers cosy little pockets, while maximising the city views on the eight floor. Modern and contemporary furnishings are balanced with bold wall papers, and of course plenty of art. The Penthouse is home to one of the most opulent bathrooms we have seen, complete with free-standing bath and gold sink. The bathrobes, with ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ embroidered accordingly, reflect the same royal theme, ensuring that all guests feel like kings and queens during their stay.

While the Penthouse Suite missed a couple of doggy essentials like a doggy bed or bowls, we appreciated how Charlie was allowed in every communal space at the hotel. The hotel restaurant, Bell & Whistle, is part of the lobby and anchored by a striking fireplace with wood planks designed to almost extend out of the space. Neon signs, kitsch royal family mugs, a curious selection of books, miniature boats and porcelain pooches are dotted around the cosy yet vibrant space.

The menu, while small, offered plenty of flavour. We tried BBQ Fillet of Mackerel which was served with baby lettuce, pickled heritage carrots and a punchy anchovy dressing. For mains, you simply must have the nhow Burger, which comprises a dry aged Angus beef patty with all the trimmings. The Spatchcock Roast Baby Chicken, served with a warm courgette and cherry tomato salad, also impressed. For dessert, the Vegan Eton Mess is a must-have and perfect for dairy/egg intolerance sufferers like me.

There is no better way to end the evening than with a drink at the bar. The nhow bar is the place to be for a vibey cocktail. It has a vast range of craft beers and ciders and specialist spirits that would impress even the most knowledgeable connoisseur.

With so much going on at the hotel and in buzzy East London, the Penthouse Suite is a haven from the busyness below. It is stylish place to recharge and call home, even for just a short stay and we almost didn’t want to leave. From the punk meets pop interiors, the effortlessly cool vibes and the fabulous service, there’s certainly plenty to love at nhow London – we shall surely be returning.

Fore more information, visit nh-hotels.com

It is regarded as one of the capital hotspots of the world, but beneath the glitz and glamour, London can be a costly city to visit.

Unfortunately, this is always likely to remain the case. While the Big Smoke is no longer in the top handful of most expensive cities in the world, it is still up there.

Today’s post isn’t about telling you the latest and greatest Oyster card tricks but instead looking at some more unique methods that can cut your costs if you’re considering a trip to the capital.

Don’t stay in London!

It sounds counter-intuitive. However, as the press have kept telling us over the years, London hotels are expensive. They can quickly eat into your budget and mean that you have little left to do the things that matter in the capital.

As such, the alternative is to look a little further afield. Look to places like Bracknell for a hotel, which will see you on the edge of the capital and provide you with easy access. It also means that you don’t have to base your stay in the hustle and bustle of the city, but you can pick and choose your days. This can be a welcome reprieve if you’re staying for more than a few days!

Don’t immediately jump on the tube!

This is another cost-saving measure that is often overlooked in London. The tube can be expensive, and if you’re not careful, you can quickly rack up a hefty bill.

The alternative is to walk. London is a very walkable city, and you’ll see plenty of sights and attractions on the way. Not only is this great for your wallet, but on some occasions, it has actually been found to be quicker to walk between some tube stations!

There are a lot of free experiences on offer!

London is, of course, a city that is famed for its culture. And as such, there are several free experiences on offer that can help you save money. The most obvious example of this is the many free museums and galleries. However, there are also many free walking tours and even free concerts.

This is something that is often overlooked. Sure, there are all sorts of attractions that cost a small fortune to visit, but despite its expensive reputation, the capital has a lot of free experiences that people don’t realise before it’s too late.

Don’t blow your budget on street food!

Street food is one of the great joys of London, and it’s something that you should definitely experience while you’re there. However, it’s also something that you should do in moderation.

One of the best tips we can give is to start your day with a big breakfast and offset some of the temptations that the umpteen street stands will prompt. The worst thing you can do is visit London hungry. It’s a city full of some of the best food in the world, and your pockets will empty by lunchtime if you’re lured into all of these street food stands and restaurants.

All of this will help you save money and enjoy a visit to one of the most exciting cities in the world!