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Ramp up the romance this Valentine’s Day with these 13 London restaurants

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, don’t get caught up making last minute plans. We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting special events in some of London’s most romantic restaurants, so you can wow your partner this V-Day.

A cosy dinner at Kutir, Chelsea

Behind the doors of an elegant Chelsea townhouse, acclaimed restaurant Kutir boasts beautifully decorated interiors in an intimate, cosy setting that is perfect for a lowkey Valentine’s Day meal.

Chef Rohit Ghai has created a 6-course Valentine’s Day menu of signature dishes, including masala prawns and pheasant with beetroot chutney. The menu is priced at £80pp with additional wine pairing options, and a vegetarian menu is available too.

A romantic meal in private booth at The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair

Transport your date back to the roaring 20’s at The Colony Grill Room, the Beaumont Hotel’s glamorous 20’s-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is led by Chef Ben Boeynaems and offers an incredible menu of transatlantic dishes. Finish off with drinks at Le Magritte which offers creative cocktails inspired by René Magritte and can be enjoyed alongside a luxurious Oysters & Caviar menu.

Champagne and Caviar at Trivet, Bermondsey

For a truly exceptional dining experience, look no further than Trivet, the first solo restaurant from Fat Duck alumni Jonny Lake and Isa Bal. Here, you can enjoy stand-out dishes, including the signature ‘Hokkaido Potato’ dessert, as well as exquisite wines from the 350-strong wine cellar.

For added luxury on Valentine’s Day, indulge in champagne and caviar – in the form of a buttermilk fan-tan with cultured butter and caviar – can be arranged on arrival on February 14 for £95 per couple.

Drag Bingo at Double Standard, King’s Cross

Valentine’s Day certainly doesn’t have to be a drag – especially if you’re going to an incredible night of drag bingo at the Double Standard.

This month’s Valentine’s special will be held on February 14, and will be hosted by long-term host Grace Shush, who will be accompanied by fellow drag superstar, Sue Gives a Fuck. Perfect for those looking for a non-conventional Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s puddings at The Proof, East London

Tantalise your partner’s sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day with a visit to East London bakery, The Proof. This year, The Proof is offering a range of special Valentine’s Day pudds including the L’Amour cake and Profiterole Heart.

The Proof will sculpt their signature profiteroles into heart-shaped wreaths, each pastry filled with crème Chantilly and topped with dark chocolate and gold leaf.

The L’Amour cake features three layers of sponge – either chocolate or vanilla – and is topped with red and white Swiss meringue buttercream. Perfect for a sweet ending to Valentine’s Day.

Dress to the nines at The Ninth, Fitzrovia

Perfect for a romantic meal, The Ninth is a Michelin-starred restaurant that encourages intimate dining with a sharing plate menu, which focuses on simple yet refined Mediterranean-style cooking made with the best seasonal ingredients.

This contemporary French restaurant is a beautifully decorated, sophisticated spot on Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street, perfect to ramp up the romance on Valentine’s Day.

Leave room for the dessert menu, which includes Chef Jun Tanaka’s signature Pain Perdu.

Native at Browns, Mayfair

The epitome of sustainable chic, Native at Browns sees the foraging-focused restaurant take residency in one of Mayfair’s most luxurious department stores. So, you can finish off your next Valentine’s date with a little retail therapy.

Perfect for treating your eco-conscious partner, small plates to share include wood pigeon kebab with Native harissa, while dessert-lovers can indulge in the signature Marrowmel – a bone marrow and white chocolate caramel. Natural wines and cocktails made with foraged ingredients complete the date. Romance and sustainability going hand in hand – now that’s something we really love. While Native isn’t open on 14 February, it’s open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Go on a culinary escapade from Italy to Japan at Angelina, Dalston

This Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a 10-course Italo-Japanese omakase tasting menu at cult Dalston restaurant Angelina. Dishes include chawanmushi (savoury egg custard)andhamachi with truffle and handmade pasta, all served up in the intimate, candlelit dining room.

For a real celebration, match the menu with Angelina’s ‘rare and old wine’ pairing, showcasing a hand-picked selection of unique and exceptional Italian wines.

Authentic and intimate Italian dining at Luca, Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell’s much-loved Luca is one of London’s most beautiful restaurants and the ideal spot for an intimate dinner on Valentine’s Day.

You can start the romance at Luca’s gorgeous bar for a cocktail and plate of their signature parmesan fries, before moving either into the main dining room or to dine al fresco (if you dare to brave the weather).

The secluded terrace surrounded by olive trees and jasmine is warmed by the open fire, and makes for an idyllic spot to enjoy dishes of rigatoni with pork sausage ragu or taglierini with black winter truffle. It’s amore!

Disclaimer: While Luca isn’t open on 14 February, the restaurant is operating on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Spice up your night at Decimo, The Standard, Kings Cross

Spice up your Valentine’s Day at Decimo which is widely hailed as one of London’s sexiest restaurants. Decimo is the ultimate date night spot, thanks to a mix of incredible Spanish-Mexican cuisine from Michelin-starred Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, playful drinks, plush interiors and unmatched views across the city.

Unmissable menu highlights this Valentine’s Day include the iconic Spanish tortilla (with a caviar-topped version available for those looking to indulge), gambas rojas and chistorra and black bean tacos. While Decimo may not be open on 14 February, it is open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

A Love Parade at Chotto Matte

Chotto Matte is putting on a luxurious Love Parade on Valentine’s Weekend to celebrate love in all its formsincluding love for your girls. The incredible activation has been designed for everyone to enjoy and it’s perfect for a Galentine’s night out!

The event will see the return of the brand’s entertainment programme Chotto Lates, with flamboyant live shows and sensual acts inspired by the wild bird love parades of Peru, perfect hot spot to celebrate love with friends or loved ones.

Fall deeply in love at Sumosan Twiga

Sumosan Twiga invites guests to fall truly, madly and deeply in love this Valentine’s Weekend!

On Saturday 12th, guests will enjoy celebrations late into the night at the famous Sloane Street location. Live entertainment throughout the night will feature the best of Cabaret, from pin up singers and cancan dancers to trumpet players, drummers, and even a mime, captivating the audience all night long.

Meanwhile, on Monday the 14th of February, Sumosan Twiga will ensure guests have a wonderfully romantic experience with live music, saxophone players and an incredible tango duo to set the mood alight.

The earlier sitting, costing £120 per person, will welcome guests from 6:30pm with a glass of Kir Royale followed by a selection of Sushi and Maki Rolls, carefully chosen by Chef Alessandro Scala.

Get Lovestruck at Bill’s

Enjoy a ‘Lovestruck’ cocktail composed of Beefeater pink gin, sour mix, strawberry puree and topped with basil leaves alongside a three-course set menu (£24.95) including Bill’s infamous Crispy Chicken and Sesame Dumplings.

No Valentine’s meal is complete without dessert, opt for either the Sharing Profiteroles, complete with vanilla ice, hot chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of gold glitter, or the ever-indulgent Carrot Cake Doughnuts.

If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate with your partner or gather your best friends for that ‘Galentine’s Day’ experience, Bill’s is ready to treat you to the most romantic evening.

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Adventures

WINTER SUN: BEAT THE BLUES IN DUBAI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, see visitdubai.com

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Food & Drink

Al fresco or indoors: 7 restaurants to book now

It seems as though most people have been supporting the hospitality industry since things opened up on 12th April, seeing as it’s been almost impossible to get a reservation anywhere. However, I was lucky enough to secure a spot or two to dine out this past month. Whether you’re looking to dine al fresco for the next week or make indoor reservations for the date everyone has marked in their diaries (17th May), these reviews may help you decide on where you’ll be eating.

From courtyards to terraces and even indoor restaurants’ takeaway hatches, here’s a variety of spots to dine out at, as the world continues to open up. Here’s seven restaurants to book now for al fresco dining or for when we can eat indoors.

Zuaya

Zuaya has such a sultry vibe that it is such a shame it’s currently restricted to it’s outdoor terrace dining – but only one week to go. The London to Lima is the cocktail to go for here – the restaurant’s take on the Pisco Sour – and let me tell you, it goes down a treat with some guacamole and sweet potato chips. Always a fan of the starters section of a menu, Zuaya’s particularly impressed me, with both the tuna avocado taco and the lamb taco being thoroughly good. The lamb, especially, was cooked so well; it was pulled and juicy and what dreams are made of. Other appetisers that delivered were the daily croqueta – squid – and the beef empanada with red pepper sauce.

The seafood beat the meats, in my opinion. The marinated lemon chicken was tasty but, unfortunately was no comparison to the garlic prawns with lime and chilli and the octopus with sweet potato. The seabass ceviche was also delicious, arriving in a creamy, fruity sauce and garnished with red berries. The mix of flavours in this dish worked really well together, making it unique in flavour. Although it was a struggle to fit it in, I’m never one to leave a job unfinished and so the classic chocolate tart was the last thing we ordered. A luxurious and indulgent chocolate dessert, it was the perfect ‘something sweet’ with which to end the meal.

Barrafina

There are many streets in London are blessed by a Barrafina. Probably with good reason, given the recent travel news too – if Spain is on the green list, you can at least indulge in the cuisine. Barrafina is one of those spots that’s amazing to revisit, particularly with the Dean Street location being known for its chalkboard specials, in addition to the firm favourites on the regular menu.

A glass of Albariño firmly in our hand, I got to work on the menu. Selecting ‘a few small eats’, I started off with the iconic crab croquetas, chiperones (which are like candy to us) and the prawn and piquillo pepper tortilla – oozing in all its beauty. Moving onto that chalkboard of specials, we opted for the scallops wrapped in pancetta, which are succulent and so tasty, while the tuna tartare thoroughly surprised us. Not that I thought it would be bad, but it is just not one of my go-to orders at the restaurant.

I spied turbot on the menu, along with clams and brandada (a mixture of salt cod and potatoes) and it was the fastest and most successful order to date. A perfect combination of premium fish and our favourite cockles, this was the standout dish of the dinner. Moving on to select a meat course, I rounded off the main meal with the Iberico pig cheeks in brandy with girolles, which fell apart instantly – a credit to the produce itself, as well as how it was cooked. To finish things off, a lemon and fig Basque-style cheesecake – a personal win, with cheesecake being a favourite dessert and this one certainly not disappointing.

Juma Kitchen

Iraqi restuarant Juma Kitchen has been holding the fort down via its street food stall KUBBA, in Borough Market. Usually serving a fine dining menu, – and it will again, come 17th May – KUBBA is where you can find a variety of Iraqi treats. I ordered a selection: the potato chap with Juma’s homemade date and tamarind sauce was something special. The only criticism I have about these tasty treats is that my smile soon turned to a frown, due to their bite-sized nature. The haleb was also delicious: a crunchy rice shell filled with spiced beef, lamb and onion. Dipped into Juma’s signature amba sauce, it sparked all sorts of satisfaction among my tastebuds.

The mushroom chap was also great but the first two fried bites stole the show. In addition to the chaps and halebs, I also tried Juma’s chargrilled chicken kebab with salad, sauces and freshly baked tanoor bread. There’s something about the way this part of the world cooks its meat that’s so flavoursome, succulent and tender – and it doesn’t need to add spice to get it this way.

Como Garden

I truly felt for Como Garden, having opened days before London’s third lockdown was announced before Christmas. However this Italian gem in High Street Kensington is a secret which needs to be spread. With gorgeous interiors – come 17th May – and a cute little corner for outdoor seating, Como Garden should be high on your booking list. Starting off with delicious cocktails, the Como Fizz immediately caught my attention with its refreshing taste of basil and cucumber paired with gin. The Lago Amaranto is another Como Signature, this time going a bit more rich and fruity, mixing blackberries with limoncello, gin and egg white.

As I’m usually not a fan of having our menu selected for me, it was a huge trust exercise to let my waiter take the reins on this. However, I soon realised I had nothing to fear, feasting upon delicious plates of arancini with parmesan & fontina cheese; confit artichokes and melanzane alla parmigiana. The star of the starters show had to be the gorgonzola & pear raviolo, with the mix of blue cheese and fruit being a beautiful marriage; so simultaneously sweet and tangy.

Don’t miss out on the Trofie Al Pesto – Como Garden serves up no ordinary version of the pasta dish.Using fresh short pasta from Liguria, this recipe is actually one handed down from one of the chef’s grandmothers. Hands down, best pesto pasta I’ve ever tried. Having been let down by a few octopus dishes in the city, I felt justified in having a few slight trust issues upon this part of the order. However, what a waste of a worry: the octopus was grilled to perfection – moist and tender and not at all chewy. Served with gremolata and beautifully roasted potatoes, it was a definite highlight.

I feel no Italian restaurant should be visited without trying the tiramisu so this was an immediate order – and with good reason. The Como Ferrero Rocher is one of the eatery’s famed desserts and it certainly is impressive in presentation and taste. Just maybe get a few spoons as you might – regrettably – want to share this one.

Koya

Although we are meant to be headed toward the summer months, the weather in the UK isn’t completely on board. It seems as though there’s no better time to dive into a delicious bowl of udon. Koya London offers both atsu-atsu (hot udon in hot broth); hiya-atsu (cold udon in hot broth); hiya-hiya (cold udon with cold sauce to dip or pour). There’s also a selection of donburi and small plates from which to choose. Koya City offers shelter under the cover of the Bloomberg Arcade so there’s no concern whether you’re dining inside (post-17th May) or outdoors.

A huge fan of tempura, the prawn tempura hot udon had to be my choice and nothing was more welcoming on a windy day that a steaming bowl of udon noodles and broth. Adding wakame seaweed and a poached egg gave the broth more texture and a little bit of dinner theatre is always fun. I’m still a bit sore that the karrage chicken was removed from the small plates menu in the City location but the fried and grilled tofu and vegetable tempura made for nice sides/starters to the meal. The katsudon (breaded pork) with an egg was also delicious, so I definitely wouldn’t write off the non-udon dishes from your order upon your next visit to Koya.

Passo

Another Italian restaurant to make note of, Passo is a place of solace off the Old Street roundabout. The arancini to start with was paired nicely with a lemon mascarpone, making it slightly different to the regular rice balls you get at other Italian spots. A couple of pizzettas graced our table as I chose a classic mozzarella with garlic butter – simple but so satisfactory – and a salami, n’duja and pickled chilli pizza. The latter was great for adding some heat and flavour, complimented by the sweetness of the honey drizzled over the spicy meats. Pasta-wise, I’ve already said how I’m a sucker for clams (read: I would marry a clam), so is it any surprise that the linguine with clams, garlic, chilli and parsley was a cemented part of my order from the moment I sat down? Again, such a simple dish but providing so much satisfaction and genuine happiness.

Jolie London

The Jolie Jardin is now open at the end of King’s Road and the restaurant’s outdoor terrace has some small plates and nibbles to accomapny your champagne cocktails. In partnership with Piper Heidsieck, the bar will make you other drinks but the champagne is the obvious star of the show.

In terms of the food, I did feel that this spot is definitely more a drinks and nibbles spot, rather than somewhere to go for dinner. The pulled chicken and truffle sliders were a delight, as was the King scallops en croute – the latter releasing a pool of fondue leeks as the pastry breaks apart. The wild mushroom croquettes were tasty – if a little small for my liking – but I could not recommend the mussels from the visit I made to the jardin. The fries were stellar though – and I know what you’re thinking, but fries are so commonplace that few places now actually do them justice.

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Germany

Women Worldwide : The One with ACHIY and their amazing mission

Vivica Pietz is the founder of ACHIY, a brand that has an incredible mission and values they should be proud of. They stand for the opposite of exploitation and they see their knitters as artists. A brand to be admired, we spent some time with Vivica to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Achiy…

ACHIY originated out of the desire to “give back”. I fell in love with the culture, people and textiles of the Peruvian communities during a Volunteer project back in 2014. I was stunned by the colourful and lively clothes and the fact that every pattern has a special meaning. Moreover, what has inspired me most is that the lively textiles lightened up the darkest place. Most of the Peruvian people live in extreme poverty but instead of giving up, they seem to enjoy life with all its challenges and transmit and carry that positivity in their clothing.

Unfortunately, we as modern fashion consumers have completely lost the appreciation for clothing. In Germany for instance, the average shopper purchases 60% more clothing than 15 years ago. Worldwide a truckload full of textiles is thrown away every second. Let alone all the environmental damages that are caused by the Fast Fashion Industry.

I took all of the unique and precious experiences that I had in Peru and formulated one goal: to change the resource-damaging fashion production and encourage more conscious consumption. By returning to the origins of textile art and drawing inspiration from the lives and spirituality of indigenous people, ACHIY manages to bring back meaning into our clothing.

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

How to best connect sustainability with conventional fashion consumption. In the beginning I assumed that our strong story and mission alone will sell our products. I quickly learned that sustainability definitely plays a role in our purchasing behaviors, however, it is not the dominating driver in most cases. Adapting the mechanisms of the conventional fashion industry and combining it with sustainability measures has been the biggest but also most interesting challenge. Questions like, how do we compete with conventional fast fashion brands (which are representing the mainstream) in terms of pricing, how do we communicate our diverse sustainability message within seconds at the point of purchase or how do we look different and sustainable but still similar too conventional fashion brands to not break “routines” are our constant companion and keep us challenged.

Your company ethos is something to be admired and you do not believe in fast fashion, can you tell us more about what you stand for?

Fashion with a purpose. Inspired by the spirituality of indigenous people, handmade by true artisans in harmony with Mother Nature. This is what we stand for!

ACHIY is one big family. My brother Lennard and I are a Hamburg based slow fashion label with the mission to take fashion back to its origins to give indigenous communities in their countries of origin (our new “families”) the opportunity to make fashion the way it should be – entirely natural, unique and spiritual.

The indigenous origin of our fashion gives each of our handmade artworks a unique story. We started with the country of Peru, the mystical Inca culture and the divinely soft alpaca wool. More countries will follow this year.

What’s the process behind adding new pieces to your collections?

As we are inspired and guided by the traditions, spirituality and textile art of indigenous communities, every piece has to be and is a reflection of these elements. Every single design has to tell a story about the life with and respect for our mother nature. Most of our garments carry traditional symbolism in their designs that each tell these stories. Some of our garments are simply pure to express the simplicity and beauty of nature.

Who’s involved in the brand and what roles do they play?

Our friends and partners in our production countries play a key role for ACHIY. They are the heart of everything. We consider them as true artisans and are guided by their traditions, culture and their handicraft. Without them ACHIY could not exist. All of our artworks are 100% produced in the country of origin. To name them, our sourcing partner or “partner in crime” is Peruvian Traditions. Carlos & Claudia support us in the entire manufacturing process of Achiy’s artworks. From the fine tuning of the designs, sourcing of our baby alpaca wool, supervision of the family production workshops up to the shipping to us in Hamburg. The topics of fair work and sustainability are very important to Carlos and Claudia. Here in Hamburg, my brother Lennard and I run the show with great support from our family and friends.

How do you want people to feel when wearing your designs?

We want them to feel proud. You are doin the right thing when choosing ACHIY.

Our customers know that they are supporting ancient cultures and carry their spirits.

With ACHIY you set a statement for natural and fair clothing.

What sets you apart from other fashion brands?

Our comprehensive approach. We preserve ancient cultures, ancient wisdom and ancient production techniques that have been passed on for hundreds of yours and through many generations. It is natural for us to therefore only work with local materials and produce 100% in the countries of origin. Moreover, we put our producers – our friends – in the forefront of everything we do. It’s not about us. It’s about the local communities worldwide and their knowledge about life in harmony with Mother Nature.

What also sets us apart is our radical transparency. We name all of our partners. We show you the calculations behind our prices. We explain in detail how we live sustainability.

Our goal is to empower the ancient textile artisans around the world and tell their stories. So making this journey as transparent and credible as possible simply feels natural to us.

What’s your WHY?

We want to change the resource-damaging fashion production and consumption

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to launch a brand in the fashion industry?

You need to be extremely ambitious and you have to hang in there;). The fashion industry is such an overcrowded and complex market which makes it quite challenging to find your place and get heard. But that’s also a very interesting challenge. I would advise to be clear about your purpose. If you are not completely convinced about your WHY it is easy to get demotivated or lose track. The fashion industry is changing. The change towards a more sustainable system offers many opportunities. But again you need to be different and most importantly be credible.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

I don’t really have a go-to quote. Every time I lack motivation, I think about the people in our production countries. I tell myself that with ACHIY I want to support them in preserving their rich and colorful cultures and that it makes me proud to give work to the traditional knitting artists. That’s all I need.

What’s next for the business?

We are currently looking to expand into new markets and explore other indigenous cultures and their textile traditions. We are already in conversations with local and traditional producers in Mongolia. The country has such a rich and colorful history. We can’t wait to tell the stories about how Mongolian nomads traditionally manufactured textiles.

In the short-term, we are about launch a new material from Peru: pima cotton. It is one of the oldest types of cotton that finds its origins in the Inca empire. Our friend and filmmaker Lizeth from Peru is about to visit the local pima cotton growers to capture their stories and explain the meaning of this precious material to the local communities.

Where can people find out more?

On your website: achiy.com and IG @achiy___

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Barbados

10 Top Tipples for Spring Picnics

With last week’s freak heatwave catching some of us a little off guard, we’re adamant that we’ll be prepared whenever the next one decides to grace us with its presence. While pubs are on the brink of reopening their beer gardens (hurrah!) we know on a sunny day we won’t be able to get a table for love nor money, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite tipples to stock up on ready for the next park picnic. Now we just need the sunshine…

1. A Funkidory Cocktail Delivery

Peckham bar and record store Funkidory has a slew of slick serves for collection or delivery, perfect for garden entertaining. Their bottled cocktails include an Oolong Martini made with Fino Sherry and New Zealand Waikato Oolong, their most recent creation Bandito, a tequila drink made with pink peppercorn and hibiscus cordial, is currently available on Drinks Drop.

2. Otterbeck Distillery’s Cotton Gin

Distilled in the Yorkshire Dales in an 18th century cotton mill, Cotton Gin (£37.95/70cl www.otterbeckdistillery.co.uk) uses locally foraged botanicals to create a creamy and rounded spirit, perfectly balanced and incredibly smooth with a hint of citrus and fragrant earthy pine notes.

They recently teamed up with TV’s Andy Clarke to create a new Martini recipe, a mix of tantalising tarragon, zingy pomegranate, rosé vermouth and crisp Cotton Gin that we can’t wait to try. Chill two Martini glasses before shaking 3 Parts (150ml) Cotton Gin, 2 Parts (100 ml) Londinio Rosé Vermouth, 1 Part (50ml) Pomegranate Juice and a large handful of ice in a cocktail shaker, for 20 seconds or until the shaker condensates and is extremely cold to the touch. Pour into your glasses and decorate with pomegranate seeds and tarragon leaves; summer in an instant.

3. Pack a Punch with a Pocket Negroni

Aberdeen based distillery, Porter’s Gin, which launched its letterbox gift delivery service, Send A Negroni last year is now offering its popular Negroni recipe in perfectly portioned and transportable small cans that fits in your pocket. The renowned Negroni recipe from Send A Negroni is available pre-batched into individual servings ready to be enjoyed in your garden as well as perfect for summer picnics and parties, once lockdown restrictions are lifted. Available to purchase at ShopCuvee.com (RRP £5)

4. Take It Easy With Mother Root Ginger Switchel

For a midweek tipple with all the taste and none of the booze, Mother Root’s Ginger Switchel. Inspired by an age-old American recipe, this all-natural infusion of pressed ginger juice, blossom honey and organic apple cider vinegar will excite your tastebuds and leave you feeling revitalised. Check out the website www.motherroot.london for a host of delicious recipes, we’re looking forward to trying the fruity Switchel Cobbler on a balmy summer’s evening. £19/480ml, www.motherroot.london.

5. Sip On A Dutch Beer from Lowlander

The pioneers of botanical brewing from the Netherlands, Lowlander Brewing, has added two new low alcohol expressions to its range, just in time for spring. Sitting at 0.3% abv and 4% abv, Lowlander’s 0.3% IPA and 4% Cool Earth Lager is are made using Lowlander’s unique botanical brewing method; a hybrid infusion of botanicals and beer, as well as herbs, spices and fruits. Available exclusively from www.sainsburys.co.uk and in 70 stores nationwide.

6. Smarten Up Your Tin Gin

Now we all love a gin in a tin, but with Slingsby Gin’s new ready to serve options, it might be time to elevate the experience from the supermarket own brands. The Slingsby Solo is a pre-mixed G&T, while the Slingsby Spritz is a combination of Slingsby premium gin, sparkling water and a burst of fruit flavours. Both new products can be purchased from the Spirit of Harrogate website and from the Spirit of Harrogate experience store. Available for a trio pack at £7.50 or treat yourself to a full case of 12 for £30. We know what we’re going to be stocking up on…

7. A Taste of the East from Lanique

Made by steam-distilling thousands of hand-picked rose petals sourced from the East, Lanique is perfect paired with prosecco for a unique fizz, served simply with a squeeze of lime, or added as a splash to prosecco and tonic for a rosy twist on the classic Spritz. It’s definitely one to liven up cocktail hour. £29 from www.lanique.co.uk

8. Indulge in an English Wine from Hattingley Valley

Family-owned Hampshire winery Hattingley Valley, has added its first-ever white wine to its collection of award-winning English sparkling wines. The 2020 Chardonnay joins the brand’s STILL By Hattingley range that includes a 2019 Rosé and 2016 Pinot Noir, both released last year. Available online now (£19.50) the new release is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes with clean, fresh palate, with green apple flavours, and a creamy texture that is nicely balanced with its natural vibrant bright acidity. A fine and rich mouthfeel, with a long dry finish, the Chardonnay is perfect for alfresco drinking, pairing beautifully with barbecued monkfish or chicken – a crowd-pleaser when entertaining in our gardens this spring/summer. www.hattingleyvalley.com

9. Spice Up Your Summer With Spirited Union Rum

Balmy evenings in the garden call for a sexy spiced rum and the range from Spirited Union will be calling our name this summer. We’re desperate to try the Spirited Union Queen Pineapple & Spice Rum (£27.50/70cl) is made by macerating the flesh of the fruity Queen Victoria pineapple in Panamanian Rum. The Spirited Union Spice & Sea Salt (£29.95/70cl) is a smooth cask-aged Barbados rum infused with five delicate spices, including Guatemalan cardamom, Madagascan cloves and vanilla for a sweet spice aroma, as well as Peruvian cacao adds a deep richness and moreish honey-nut finish, enhanced with a pinch of Añana sea salt.

10. Embrace the South of France with Domaine du Météore

This dreamy rosé is the stuff holiday dreams are made of. The delicate blend is a mix of organic Cinsault, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre; dry and delicate, it has aromas of raspberry, strawberry and grapefruit, with a hint of white pepper, while round, smooth and fresh. It’s dangerously drinkable, utterly delicious and desperately moreish. £15.50 at www.domainedumeteore.com or £93 for a case of six… which we’d recommend investing in as a bottle won’t last long.

Ok…We’re adding one more for luck…

Get the Taste of Italy with Hotel STARLINO Rosso

It might still be a little while until we’re boarding a flight to Italy, but with Hotel STARLINO Rosso Vermouth we can recreate the experience in the garden. Launched in the UK last year, it’s a blend of Italian white wine Sicilian Ansonica, Catarro wines and Marsala wine blended with a careful selection of botanicals including wormwood, bitter orange and cloves. The Red Vermouth is then aged in ex-Kentucky Bourbon Barrels for six months to give a rich, spicy, vanilla flavour. £19.84 at www.masterofmalt.com

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Colombia

Five epic Colombian adventures for 2021

Here at House of Coco, as you can imagine, we have some seriously itchy feet but with travel back on the near horizon, travellers eager to embark on epic adventures need look no further than Colombia. From vibrant cities to unexplored jungles, incredible wildlife and a variety of ecosystems, from Salsa beats to the best epicurean trails, Colombia has it all.

The Lost City trek: a Colombian adventure to top Machu Picchu

Hidden deep in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains sits Ciudad Perdida, the ‘Lost City’. Built by the Tairona people more than 1,000 years ago in 800AD, the Lost City is more than 600 years older than Machu Picchu. Astonishingly quiet and still largely undiscovered, the Lost City can only be accessed by a single trail traversing forests of exotic flora and fauna, crossing waterfalls and hanging bridges. After days trekking in the jungle, a final challenging climb up 1,200 stone steps reveals the ancient entrance. Although 90% of the Lost City still lies under thick jungle, upon reaching the summit, hikers will discover a series of 169 terraces, a net of tiled roads, and several small circular plazas, all perched high up in the lush jungle mountaintops. Led by a local guide, the rewarding experience will also support sustainable community-led tourism in the region, specifically the rural communities of Kogi ‘jaguar’ and Wiwa people, descendants of the Tairona tribe. Awe-inspiring and remote, a trek to Colombia’s Lost City is 2021’s ultimate challenge.

G Adventures offers a seven-day Lost City Trek from £441 per person. www.gadventures.com

Dancing through Cali, the salsa capital of the world

Cali, the salsa capital of the world is a city with music and rhythm pulsing through its veins. With lively salsa bars and fun-loving locals, the city’s sizzling nightlife is world-renowned and makes visitors feel truly alive. Colombia is hailed as the Land of more than 1,000 rhythms with every corner of the country moving to its own distinct beat, and Cali is famed for its salsa scene and local interpretations of the dance. Visitors can take private daily lessons with a Cali dance instructor who will teach them the ‘salsa choke’, the city’s latest salsa trend, as well as the classic salsa, the mambo and the bachata. Key skills are taught in the classroom but the bars are where dancers will master the attitude. Locally-revered dance spots welcome tourists and beginners with open arms, capturing Cali’s zeal for life. Tin Tin Deo is an old school salsa bar that comes alive with locals at weekends, and continuing on to the thriving string of bars on La Sexta means visitors can dance until the early hours. Over Christmas and New Year, locals celebrate the vivacious culture of the city when ‘La Feria de Cali’ comes to town. This five-day celebration is Cali’s biggest annual event with salsa marathons, all-night dance parties and horseback parades taking place.

Responsible Travel offers a Salsa Holiday in Cali, Colombia trip from £975 per person. www.responsibletravel.com

Discover the only South American country with coastlines on two oceans

Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, offering a variety of different beach escapes. Along the Caribbean coast, travellers can visit archipelagos of quiet Caribbean islands surrounded by azure waters, where sandy beaches nestle against deep jungles. One of the jewels of the area is Tayrona National Park, a lush, tropical protected area where the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains meet the ocean. Dozens of secret trails and jungle routes through the park lead to quiet beaches, where travellers can soak up the laid-back vibes. Heading west, Colombia’s Pacific ocean is where action-packed, opportunities await. Rugged and dramatic, Colombia’s Pacific beaches are home to world-class scuba diving spots, miles of deep, unexplored rainforests and remote beach lodges. Travellers can catch coveted glimpses of humpback whales from July to November, as they journey 8,500 kilometres from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific Coast to give birth to their calves. With some of Colombia’s best waves, the secluded Pacific waters also attract surfers who see the area as Latin America’s final surfing frontier.

Abercrombie & Kent offers a Colombia: Caribbean Coast to Pacific Coast 12-night trip from £4,999 per person. www.abercrombiekent.co.uk

An intrepid Amazonian discovery

Referred to locally as Amazonia, Colombia’s Amazon region is a vast slice of rainforest that accounts for a third of the country’s total area, yet feels worlds away. The lush rainforests are home to chattering monkeys and sloths hanging from high branches, whilst exotic toads and frogs take shelter on the forest floors. Along the river on the way to the entirely car-free village of Puerto Nariño, visitors can catch coveted sightings of black crocodiles and the Amazon’s pink river dolphin. Tourism is still relatively undeveloped in Amazonia, with little human impact on nature and the indigenous population. Encounters with Colombian Amazon locals provide crucial insights into this beguiling region: most inhabitants belong to indigenous riverside communities such as the Mocaguans, the Ticunas and the Yaguas, who are self-governed according to ancient traditions and beliefs. Visitors can become immersed in the natural and laid-back way of life in the Colombian Amazon, discovering some of the least explored territories of an already intrepid region.

Journey Latin America offers an Off the Beaten Track Colombia: San Agustin and the Amazon 13-day trip from £3,130 per person. www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk

A tale of two cities, from Bogotá to Cartagena

City lovers will not be disappointed by the array of choice in Colombia. Travellers can begin in the high-altitude capital of Bogotá, before heading north to Cartagena, the electric city that reigns as the queen of the Caribbean coast. Bogotá has been a mecca for street artists since graffiti was legalised in 2011, with intricate urban artwork adorning the buildings and public spaces. In historic downtown, La Candelaria is Bogotá’s cultural epicentre and home to some of the country’s most renowned museums including Museo Botero, where one of Latin America’s most important art collections is found. Bogotá also offers a taste of regional Colombian delicacies at LEO, the innovative restaurant founded by Latin America’s game-changing chef Leonor Espinosa, which serves the ancient, ancestral flavours of the nation. Visitors can also indulge in the famous coffee region to reach Cartagena, the brightly coloured coastal city that oozes romance and charms with its traditional architecture, ancient walled city centre and cobbled streets. Local music and rhythms flow through the city, with lively festivals and buzzing nightlife that keep Cartagena moving year-round. Bocagrande beach’s sandy shoreline is just 10 minutes outside Old Town, and to really escape the city, the archipelago of islands just off Cartagena’s coastline boast some of the finest beaches in Colombia.

Hayes & Jarvis offers a Colombia Tour From Bogota 7-night trip from £2,399 per person www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk

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Brazil

Think outside the (TV) box: a series of tours inspired by Netflix

Here at House of Coco we’re not shy to admit that we’ve spent more time watching Netflix than we care to admit. It’s almost been a year since Tiger King became a lockdown sensation and since then we’ve been getting Down to Earth with Zac Efron in South America, seeking multi-million-dollar dream homes in Selling Sunset and falling in love with ‘the ton’s’ most eligible members of the elite in Bridgerton, which has become the most watched series on Netflix to date.

From Paris to Peru, we have rounded up a series of tours to inspire your next adventure, based on Netflix favourites from around the globe.

BRIDGERTON: PROMENADE THROUGH BATH’S BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC STREETS

Bridgerton is a period drama like no other. Watch as the powerful Bridgerton family navigates through love, marriage and scandal. This season, much of the filming took place in Bath, where ToursByLocals guide Cheryl can take visitors on a stroll around the beautiful city which was one of the most fashionable places to be seen in the 18thcentury. The city of Bath is designated with UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is famous for the Roman Baths built around hot springs, the awe-inspiring architecture of the Royal Crescent and its spectacular Abbey. Indulge in historical gossip and find out about the local stories of time gone by, full of salacious scandal and secrecy.

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers a private Bath City Walking Tour from £125 per tour, for up to ten people. The two-hour fully customisable tour includes a leisurely jaunt around Bath taking in the highlights with a local Blue Badge tour guide, with the option to extend to visit a museum.

DOWN TO EARTH WITH ZAC EFRON: EXPLORE THE ICA DESERT AND SAND DUNES IN PERU

Ever dreamed of travelling the world with Zac Efron? Of course you have. The eight-part series follows his travels highlighting stunning natural scenery, sustainable living and green energy. Combine an adrenaline rush with the majestic beauty of the Ica desert on an epic adventure with ToursByLocals. Try your hand at sandboarding, just like Zac when he visited Peru; after an action-packed day, watch the sunset as it dips below the dunes.

Local guide, Karina was born and raised in Nazca on the southern coast of Peru and also hosts the Nazca Lines Flight Tour, which takes in thirteen of the mysterious ancient geoglyphs, featuring the hummingbird and the astronaut.

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers a Dune Buggy Ride & Sandboarding tour at the Huacachina Oasis from £140 per tour, for up to three people. The two-hour private tour includes guiding services from a local expert guide and admission tickets.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE: ESCAPE TO PARADISE IN MEXICO

Netfix’s megahit dating show, Too Hot To Handle was filmed in dreamy Riviera Nayarit, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. With a coastline framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, lush white beaches, and sparkling blue seas, Riviera Nayarit offers luxury, natural scenery, and privacy. This paradise has become the inspiration for many holiday-starved viewers stuck at home during lockdown. The stunning beach house in Too Hot to Handle is in Punta Mita, one of the most sophisticated and exclusive areas of Riviera Nayarit.

Nestled within a 1,500-acre private peninsula, Punta Mita is the type of place where heavenly dreams of idyllic tropical getaways turn to reality. The gated, ultra-luxurious location is home to multimillion-dollar villas, two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, and top shelf luxury hotel brands, such as St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. The luxury continues as the destination is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in Rivera Nayarit and beautiful boutique hotels tucked away among the trees. The destination offers a combination of tranquil bays for swimming, as well as hundreds of acres of protected tropical forest for exploring. For more information, visit: www.RivieraNayarit.com

SELLING SUNSET: LIVE THE A-LIST LIFE IN LA AND PERUSE BEVERLY HILLS REAL ESTATE

Welcome to the Oppenheim Group. The stylish and feisty squad of real estate brokers are on a mission to sell multi-million-dollar dream homes to the rich and famous of Los Angeles. Take a VIP trip to the Hollywood Hills with ToursByLocals guide Lawrence and get the inside scoop on Hollywood movie stars, how they live and what secrets they keep behind their star-studded gates. Cruise down Rodeo Drive and check out the Sunset Strip and imagine yourself transporting your life to the mecca of all things glam – it is La La Land after all.

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers The Hollywood Movie Star Homes, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive Private Tour from £408 per tour, for up to five people. The four-hour tour includes transportation in a luxury SUV rental and expert guiding services.

THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT: EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF BERLIN

Set in Kentucky and filmed in Berlin, the ever-popular story follows the life of Beth Harman, a young chess prodigy from lowly beginnings. The orphanage where Beth grew up was filmed at the Schloss-Schulzendorf, which was built in 1889 and stands on the outskirts of Berlin. Explore the cultural heritage of Germany’s capital and visit the fantastic museums on Berlin’s so-called Museum Island, which reflects new ideas in philosophy, science and politics.

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers a Berlin Art and Culture Tour with an Art Historian from £251 per tour, for up to two people. The three-hour town is fully customisable. Local guide and historian Hilke has been working as a certified Berlin guide for over 30 years and studied in Berlin, Rome, Paris and Washington.

EMILY IN PARIS: ENJOY ALL THINGS CHIC IN THE CITY OF LIGHT

While following in the footsteps of a cheerful American marketing exec who lands a job with a French agency, each episode of Emily in Paristakes viewers on a tour around the glamourous French capital. Nominated for a Golden Globe, the series takes in breathtaking views over the Seine and world-renowned locations that reaffirm the popular belief that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From walking across the iconic Pont Alexandre III bridge to high-end dining in Le Café de L’Homme, a contemporary Parisian brasserie known for its unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, the series’ fans will be able to recognise plenty of the city’s landmarks to create an Emily-inspired recreation on their own.

For the most glamourous experience, which doesn’t break the bank, Bidroom, the membership-based travel club for travel lovers, offers better hotel deals than anywhere else, along with in-hotel perks such a complimentary room upgrades, arrival drinks, late check-out, and free WIFI as standard. Become a member for free and enjoy discounts on other travel services such as car hire, insurance, tours and luggage storage, or upgrade for £29 per year to unlock even more hotel deals, bigger discounts of up to 40% on travel extras and share your membership benefits with friends.

Conveniently located within a short walk from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the four-star Hotel La Lanterne is a perfect example of Parisian chic. Bidroom (bidroom.com) offers a three-night stay at this independent boutique hotel priced from £606 per couple, including spa access in addition to a range of Bidroom’s membership perks.

THE LAST KINGDOM: WALK THROUGH FAMOUS ANGLO-SAXON BATTLEGROUNDS

The year is 872 and many of the separate kingdoms of what we now know as England have fallen to the invading Danes, leaving the great kingdom of Wessex standing alone. The Last Kingdom portrays the conflict between the Danes and the Saxons as they battle it out, with swoon-worthy Uhtred of Bebbanburg at the helm. With the Danes eager to take more land and the Saxons fighting to hold the ground they have and repel the ‘marauding heathens’ from England, viewers have been on the edge of their seats this lockdown.

Discover famous Anglo-Saxon sites and frequent Viking/Saxon battlegrounds with Headwater’s six-night North East Wales Heritage Trail self-guided holiday. This trip takes travellers along various sections of Offa’s Dyke Path, where they will discover the history behind Britain’s longest ancient monument, as well as past hill forts, castles, rich in Anglo-Saxon history.

The holiday is priced from £959 per person including B&B accommodation, luggage transfers between hotels and route directions and maps. https://www.headwater.com/

OUR PLANET: DISCOVER THE NATURAL WONDERS IN REMOTE GUYANA

David Attenborough’s Netflix exclusive, Our Planet, picked up two Emmy Awards for its exploration of the rich natural wonders, iconic species and wildlife spectacles that still remain, and revealed the key issues that urgently threaten their existence. The remote South American nation of Guyana is one of the last remaining places in the world where travellers can experience nature in its purest form. Part of the Guiana Shield, one of four primary rainforests left in the world, 87% of Guyana’s territory is made up of pristine Amazon jungle, home to over 820 bird species and 225 mammal species and counting. The variety of ecosystems from dense jungle to grassy savannah like plains are home to iconic species such as the elusive jaguar, harpy eagle, giant river otter, giant anteater and black caiman as well as lesser-known species endemic to the Guiana Shield such as the Guianan cock-of-the-rock and the golden rocket frog.

Wildlife Worldwide’s (wildlifeworldwide.com) offers a 15-day ‘Guyana: A Pristine Wilderness’ tour priced from £5,845 per person including international flights, internal transport, accommodation and most meals.

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Food & Drink

Food and Drink to Help You Celebrate Valentine’s Day

The most miserable month of the year has come and gone and now, with Valentine’s Day coming up, love is in the air. Aside from a perfectly squared calendar this year, we’ve got some treats in mind to make your February special. We’ve selected all the gifts and ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day about which any food and drink obsessee will get excited.

While we may not be able to go to our favourite restaurant or travel anywhere this Valentine’s Day, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a romantic move or two up your sleeve. From pink drinks to dinners to create the most romantic meal at home, we’ve got you covered so your Valentine’s Day celebrations will be just as special at home this year.

Lanson Le Rosé Champagne

Lanson Le Rosé champagne is one of the world’s first champagnes and benefits from more than 60 years rosé-making experience. We wouldn’t want to be dealing with any risky business when celebrating Valentine’s Day this year either. The rosé champagne is sought-after because of its pale blush colour and characteristic freshness. Simultaneously fruit and delicate, it’s the perfect treat to pop open this Valentine’s Day with your loved one(s).

75cl bottle – £45

COYA x Byredo

COYA Mayfair has collaborated with Byredo to bring those celebrating Valentine’s Day a decadent rose-inspired Peruvian feast. Although we’re in lockdown, this Valentine’s Day will be one to remember, thanks to a finish-at-home tasting menu featuring tunat tostadas, wagyu rib-eye and lobster. Not to forget: there’s also a speical rose-shaped dessert, filled with lychee mousse and with raspberry, pistachio, frangipane and white chocolate and a playlist curated by the COYA Mayfair team. The menu will be accompanied by a two Cupid’s Arrow cocktails, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne and Byredo’s Rose Hand Wash, with opening notes of pink pepper and raspberry.

Valentine’s Day celebratory experience for two – £260

Bottle Bar & Shop Elixir of Love

Another pink drink to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day – this time, thanks to Bottle Bar and Shop’s Strawberry Gin Liqueur. The, understandably, hero product of the month, the strawberry gin liqueur is handmade using Rock Rose Gin and infused with fresh English strawberries – just bursting with natural flavour. Whether you want to enjoy this tipple on ice or mix into your favourite cocktail, it’s the perfect sweet something for Valentine’s Day.

20/50cl bottle – £17/£28

The Cherry Tree Breakfast in Bed

The Cherry Tree’s special Valentine’s Day gift box is themed around breakfast in bed – something we hope you’ll be lucky enough in which to indulge. The seasonal hampers come complete with a delightful range of chutneys, jams and more, along with a hand written message of your choice. Enjoy the likes of Strawberry with Marc de Champagne Extra jam, as well as Cherry with Amaretto Extra, as well as the classic Seville Orange Breakfast Marmalade and Raspberry Extra jam. There’s also a selection of chutneys, including Spict Tomato and Caramelised Onion and Smokey Tomato and Garlic. Stock up on those croissants and crackers!

Breakfast in Bed Gift Box, £35

The Last Talisman Valentine’s Day Mixology Class

Something to get you into the Valentine’s Day spirit, The Last Talisman is putting on a virtual cocktail class for you to celebrate. Be led by world-renowned mixologist Dre Masso on Saturday 13th February, as he teaches you how to make three classically romantic cocktails. Hosted over Zoom, the 60-minute class will give all couples a fun and interactive experience of cocktail making. Each cocktail kit will include the necessary ingredients: premium spirits, garnishes, mixers and a measuring jigger. There will also be a box of six chocolates to pair with each cocktail. Their drinks, your home – what’s not to love?

60-minute class, £90

Juici Jerk ‘Feel the Love’ Meal Kit

Dine in this Valentine’s Day and enjoying a Caribbean feast of dreams, thanks to Juici Jerk. ‘Feel the Love’ as Juici Jerk suggests, with this Valentine’s Day being in lockdown, and enjoy a meal kit to set the mood for all you loved-up lot at home. Each meal kit features a three-course Caribbean feast for two which includes pan-fried garlic king prawns to start; butterfly jerk chicken with rice and peas, macaroni cheese, plantain and coleslaw for mains and a luxury assortment of sweet treats such as chocolate-covered strawberries, triple-stacked fudge brownies, doughnut rings and chocolate hearts for dessert. To add to the atmosphere, the meal kits also come with a bottle of Prosecco, tea light candles, rose petals and a romantic Spotfiy playlist, specially curated by Juici Jerk for the occasion.

Meal kits, £70

Absolut Vodka Sustainable Bottle

Absolut has launched its latest limited-edition bottle – and it’s made of 60 per cent recycled glass. The brand’s most sustainable bottle yet, this is the perfect gift for vodka lovers who love being eco-friendly. The limited edition bottle is new for 2021 and is part of a wider sustainability plan from the brand, including Absolut Paper; a prototype made up of recyclable content (57 per cent paper and 43 per cent recycled plastic). Absolut aims to create the world’s first 100 per cent bio-based and recyclable paper bottle in the long term.

70cl bottle, £20

Novikov Set Menus

Just because you’re not able to dine at a fancy restaurant, doesn’t mean the culinary experience should suffer this Valentine’s Day. Novikov’s ‘to go’ set menus bring both romance and glamour to your home, with both the Asian and Italian restaurants going out of their way to create a satisfying set menu selection. Luca Malacarne and his team are offering melt-in-the-mouth caviar, as well as a variety of sashimi, maki and tempura. It also wouldn’t be a true Novikov experience without the restaurant’s famous miso black cod, which is also on the menu for this experience.

The Italian team are offering a competitive alternative, as Marco Torri and his chefs present four different four-course menus to choose from, featuring dishes such as roasted sea bass with spiky artichokes, beef carpaccio with black truffle and beef tagliata with rocket and parmesan. Enjoy a bottle of Louis Roederer champagne with either set menu meal, as you might if dining out, for just £50 extra.

Asian Dinner for Two, £150; Italian Fish/Meat for Two, £120; Italian Vegetarian for Two, £65

Caorunn Raspberry Gin

Why not share the ultimate Valentine’s Day tipple this year with Caorunn Gin’s raspberry flavour. Combining the dry and crisp taste of the brand’s gin with the sweetness of the raspberry flavour, it makes the perfect drink to sip in style at home. Why not mix it with lemon juice, Chambord, sugar syrup and soda to create a refreshing Valentine’s Day Raspberry Collins?

70cl bottle, £19.94

Krispy Kreme x Uber Eats Love Hearts Doughnuts

Valentine’s in lockdown just got a lot better thanks to this Doughnut Dozen from Krispy Kreme. The doughnut connoisseur has partnered with Uber Eats to offer this limited edition doughnut delivery – available to order to your door via the Uber Eats app. The Valentine’s Dozen includes a selection of Krispy Kreme’s Oriignal Glazed and the new limited edition heart-shaped doughnuts, decorated with iconic Love Hearts messages. If you are a Krispy Kreme fan, you’re not going to want to miss out on this: order quickly as this Valentine’s fling is only available from tomorrow (Friday 12th February) until Sunday 14th February.

Doughnut Dozen, £18.95

Montezuma’s Love Bites Truffle Collection

Montezuma’s has something in store for those needing a sweet treat come Valentine’s Day. The perfect gift for chocolate lovers, this collection of 16 chocolate, heart-shaped truffles will put a smile on anyone’s face. Each milk chocolate heart is filled with salted caramel, with a hazelnut praline filling the dark chocolate ones. The box itself is made from 100 per cent recycled packaging, making it a treat for you and the planet.

Truffle box, £14.99

Creams Valentine’s Cookie Dough Dessert & Milkshake

Creams Café has launched two deliciously decadent dessert specials just in time for Valentine’s Day this year. Not ones to let lockdown affect how we celebrate, customers can choose from two limited edition treats: a Red Velvet Hugs cookie dough or a Red Velvet Kisses milkshake. Available until 16th February, either of these are sure to fill your heart – or tummy – of love. Enjoy the cookie dough topped with strawberries; white chcoolate sauce and shavings; strawberry gelato and a Creams wafer. Alternatively, the pink milkshake mixes red velvet cookie dough with soft serve ice cream, before being topped with whipped cream and crumbled cookie dough. Whether you care to share or indulge alone, it’s a Valentine’s Day treat for sure.

Red Velvet Hugs cookie, £8.95 and Red Velvet Kisses milkshake, £5.50

Lavazza Jolie Coffee Machine

Small in size but mighty in the goodness it can deliver, the Lavazza Jolie makes an authentic Italian espresso. Preparing the much-needed coffee fix we need each morning, it uses a 10-bar pressure for a perfect espresso. Enjoy a single or double, worthy of your favourite coffee shop, all in the comfort of your own kitchen. Equipped with a 600ml water tank, drip tray and auto-off function, it’s the Valentine’s Day gift for coffee lovers everywhere.

Lavazza Jolie, £69

Della Vite Prosecco

So you fancy bubbles this Valentine’s Day but don’t need it to be pink or anything. Cool. Della Vite is is a new, premium Prosecco brand from Chloe, Poppy and Cara Delevingne. Light and delicious in taste, it is vegan and sustainably-produced too. It also comes in a beautifully-pacakged box, adding to the atmosphere come February 14th. This Prosecco is the perfect thing to pop open for a boozy breakfast (in bed…?) or to accompany your romantic Valentine’s Day meal. Both the Superiore D.O.C.G. and the Treviso D.O.C. are available to purchase.

75cl Superiore D.O.C.G. bottle, £25.95

Core Collective x Poké the Bear Coregasm

Core Collective has teamed up with Poké the Bear to give you something a little different this Valentine’s Day. If you’re over the usual romantic celebrations, why not join in on Core Collective’s free online HIIT class? There’s a free workout and special poke dish to celebrate their new Coregasm Poke Bowl in collaboration with Poké the Bear. The nutritious and delicious bowl is the brainchild of the boutique fitness studio and Calum Best and Fraser Carruthers. Enjoy soy-marinated tuna or tofu on a bed of brown rice, topped with baby spinach, salad, pickled ginger, edamame and mango. A healthy and energeteic treat for you and your Valentine this February.

Poke bowl, £12.95 from Deliveroo and Live Stream Core Collective HIIT class on Valentine’s Day, free.

Cahoots Love Letters Cocktail Experience

Popular bar Cahoots is also launching an at-home cocktail experience just in time for Valentine’s Day. It’s a great way to have the ‘cocktails at a bar’ experience – but in the comfort of your own home. Each kit includes all the necessary ingredients and garnishes for two cocktails, with two servings of each. Enjoy trying to make The Metropolitan, featuring Bombay Sapphire gin; Chambord; lemon, thyme and rosemary-infused Martini Rosato vermouth, pineapple, berry cordial, orange bitters, grapefruit tonic and fresh lime on February 14th. Or perhaps you’ll find La Petite Mort more to your taste, with its Woodford Reserve bourbon whisky, Amer Picon, D.O.M. Benedictine liqueuer, Lillet Blanc vermouth, chestnut liqueur and liquorice bitters.

Cocktail Kit, £39

SERVED Hard Seltzer & Humbug Sweets

SERVED has created its limited edition Hard Seltzer Humbug sweets. A take on the retro sweet, it’s been given a makeover for the most romantic day of the year. A great gift for February 14th, these sweets have a sweet raspberry flavour with a hint of zingy lime. Whether you’re enjoying these sweets with a special someone or a bubble of all your loved ones. Emulating the boiled sweet version of the Hard Seltzer, these alcoholic humbugs a fun twist on the classic sweet.

Jar of Humbugs, £6.50

Little Moons Mochi

Little Moons mochi is now available to order via Deliveroo if you live in London. If you’ve been eyeing up the latest craze on TikTok and are a little put out you’ve not been able to get your hands on some for yourself, this Valentine’s Day treat is for you. The perfect after-dinner dessert or last minute gift, these special Valentine’s boxes are available from today (12th February) through this Sunday. A customised box of seven, you can choose your ice cream mochi from the Pick ‘n’ Mix bar and have them delivered straight to your door.

Box of seven, £9.75

Lanique Love Box

Indulge this Valentine’s Day with this beautiful gift box from Lanique. The Love Box includes a 50cl bottle of Lanique Spirit of Rose, a spirit made from thousands of hand-picked, steam-distilled rose petals; a Blodau Bae ‘Be My Valentine’ bunch of dried flowers, mixed with grasses and preserved roses; a handmade and hand-poured soy wax Zephryos candle from Opali London and a box of three luxury Oh La La! macarons – in rich raspberry, ruby rose and passion rose. All macarons are filled with English rose buttercream or ruby chocolate and rose ganache and embellished with 24k gold leaf and edible dried rose petals. Sorry, we had to stop for a second to stop salivating at that description. If you’re the same, order your box – if anything just for those heavenly macarons.

Lanique Love Box, £85

Tesco Valentine’s Egg Cups

Well, breakfast is meant to be the most important meal of the day, right? This egg-cellent breakfast set will help you start your Valentine’s Day in a good mood. Consisting of two egg cups and spoons, this heart-decorated set is such a cute addition to any kitchen cupboard. Whether it’s breakfast in bed or you’re planning on setting the most romantic table spread, these egg cups will put a smile on you and your partner’s face on the special day.

Breakfast set, £5

The Landmark’s High Tea

This Valentine’s Day, couple scan treat their loved one with experience vouchers from the five-star Grand Dame hotel, The Landmark London, in Marylebone. Yes, sadly, restaurants and bars are still closed but that doesn’t mean you can’t book yourselves a little treat to look forward to when we return to some sort of normality. The vouchers are priced from £20 and can make the most romantic present to use at a later date. Why not use them to experience a romantic afternoon tea; The Landmark puts on its High Palm High Tea at the hotel’s Winter Garden Restaurant. Set in the hotel’s grand, eight-store glass atrium, this could be the tranquil oasis you’re looking for post-lockdown. Who doesn’t love an afternoon tea – get the Laurent Perrier Champange ready, please!

The High Palms High Tea is £52 per person

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Ecuador

Girlbosses of Great Britain : The One with the Chief Elf Emily Beckloff

Emily Beckloff is the Founder & Chief Elf at International Elf Service, a brand that is passionate about creating a small window of make-believe time, which young children are able to believe in. Formed in 2010 when Emily used to write Elf notes to her children, the company has gone on to spread copious amounts of joy and magic ever since.

The international Elf Service is the kind of positivity we all need in our lives right now and so we spent some time with Emily to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launching the International Elf Service…

I first started writing the International Elf Service letters when our eldest child was 3, back in 2009. In 2014, after enjoying the letters as a family ourselves, I launched International Elf Service online for other families and children – anyone really aged 3 to 99! – to enjoy. I love seeing so many families enjoy our Christmas Elf Letters year on year and seeing the children’s’ names on their personalised letters each year, brings a smile to my face every time. It’s a real honour to be a part of their growing-up.

I was curled up in front of our fire reading ‘Letters from Father Christmas’ by JR Tolkein, where he wrote notes to his children from the North Pole. I suddenly thought … I could leave our two very young children a note each day from the North Pole in their wooden Advent House. It would be such a lovely, experience-rich and chocolate-free Advent Calendar idea. They were teeny tiny notes at first: things like, ‘Father Christmas lost one of the buttons off his jacket! He ate nine helpings of Cherry Pie, and it pinged off and flew somewhere behind the Giant Lollipops in the Elves’ Workshop!’.

Then as the children grew, the letters got more substantial … until they turned into one long Christmas story with a new ‘bit’ being published each day, just like the pages of a book. And there, International Elf Service was born!

I grew up in the countryside, and would spend all my time submerged in books, crafts, music and nature. I’ve always been so Christmas-mad that I drove my parents potty! I constantly wanted to be making or doing something ‘Christmassy’, and I wanted more than anything, to know what life up in the North Pole was really like! I’ve never really warmed to the big brother concept that ‘Father Christmas and the Elves are watching you’, because to me Christmas magic is for everyone, no matter what. It isn’t related to behaviour in any way, and it’s there to be enjoyed and experienced by all. I’ve always been an avid reader, devouring piles and piles of books as a child – often reading several at once! I loved being inside the different worlds and the riches that reading can give. I’ve always wanted to pass that love on to others, and write stories that children really want to read and immerse themselves in.

You’re passionate about Children’s’ wellbeing, why is this important to you?

Children’s mental health and them having a sense of wellbeing and ‘belonging’ is so important and something I am deeply passionate about. Sometimes children find their ‘big’ feelings can be a little difficult to understand or manage, which in turn can affect their relationships with others. This is where we hope our magical personalised Fairy letters and Tooth Fairy letters can help. I’m a firm believer in talking things through as a really helpful way to process thoughts. Talking with and listening to our children does all sorts of wonderful things. It improves our bond with them, which ultimately helps them to form relationships and to build self-esteem. Our Fairy & Tooth Fairy personalised letters are designed to support children’s emotional health & development, and to make brilliant conversation starters between parent and child. We have a range of letters addressing a variety of normal childhood worries and feelings, where our Fairies do their best to help reassure and teach children a little bit about them. Big messages in little letters.

As a mother of three, how do you juggle being present for the children and also building a brand?

Having three school-aged children, I’ve found I need to be very organised with my time, both for work and family time. I’m so lucky to be able to work from home, which means I get more time with my children than I would otherwise. I make sure I protect the blocks of time before and after school to spend time with them, and we all eat together as a family too … which I think is so important to do if you can. This is the one part of the day we’re 100% focused on the kids and they love it. It’s such a precious time, which I’ll miss so much when they’ve grown up and left home.

I start work in the morning as soon as our children have gone to school. I go for a run three mornings a week and then I answer emails and do any urgent ‘task based’ jobs first. Once I’m on top of things for the day, I put my creative hat on and get creating!

I’m always frantically finishing off emails as I walk up to collect my youngest from school. I also work every evening, often until 1am on the run up to Christmas … replying to customers, sorting out orders and making sure I have enough materials and stock. It’s very busy!

Christmas is most likely your busiest time, how do keep the business flowing throughout the rest of the year?

It’s Christmas all year-round at International Elf Service! We make personalised Birthday, Fairy & Tooth Fairy letters all year round, but I start writing the new Christmas letters each year from January to March, working closely with my fabulous Editor who lives in Italy. Then my amazing illustrator, who lives in France, works away at creating the bespoke designs and illustrations for each individual letter – so each one is different every year. We then ‘tweak and perfect’ and then the boring tech-side kicks in; stitching everything together and putting it all into the backend of the website, ready to have the children’s individual names added to every personalised letter and envelope. We make fun and magical new videos and take new photos each year – one featuring our adorable, obliging and much-loved Christmas mouse! Then it’s time to source our recyclable, eco-friendly materials, wood spirals and twines, making sure we have enough materials for the orders. The orders usually start coming in from around June/July when the new annual Edition becomes available. Then it ramps up to dizzying heights in November ready for International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Ultimate Story Bundle Advent Calendar to make it into people’s houses on time for the first letter to arrive on 1st December!

Do you plan on expanding the brand in the future, if so, how?

International Elf Service is all about taking children on unforgettable, magical literary journeys to both the North Pole and Fairyland – all through handcrafted, personalised letters. We offer a range of magical letters for all children including giggle-inducing Birthday letters; themed fairy letters covering a range of big feelings or experiences that help support children’s emotional wellbeing and development; and enchanting letter bundles from the Tooth Fairy. We’ve already launched our new International Elf Service Personalised Christmas Memory Box Tradition and International Elf Service Personalised Baby’s First Christmas Memory Box Tradition boxes. They enable you to preserve 20 years of special Christmas Day family memories, by recording key events on 20 beautiful personalised pages.

We have a lot more to come too – our Elves and Fairies are very busy right now!

We have some very exciting 2021 plans, but unfortunately Mother Christmas made Elfie, Father Christmas, me and the team swallow a bright-yellow-fizzy-not-giving-secrets-away-drop (so delicious I wanted another!)

But I can tell you that our product range is expanding (much like Father Christmas’ waistline during lockdown!) and we have some really exciting new literary options coming for older children and newborns.

We are constantly evolving our products and listening to our consumers, asking our Elves and Fairies what they think too! We’ve had huge demand for more family keepsake traditions, which is why last year we launched our Personalised Christmas Memory Box Tradition and Personalised Baby’s First Christmas Memory Box Tradition boxes for families.

There’s so much more to come and all designed to encourage children’s literacy and support their overall wellbeing and development through reading. Mother Christmas also suggested that lots of elderly people (much like herself) also love to read the news from the North Pole. So, we are working closely with her to help spread Christmas magic and cheer … not just to our younger audience, but to everyone who loves to transport themselves to magical worlds and immerse themselves in the magic of literary journeys.

Looking back since launching, is there anything you would do differently?

Starting your own business is both exciting and utterly terrifying. In hindsight, after the enormous interest shown and the natural growth of the business, I would have scaled faster. I would also have totally ignored any signs of Imposter Syndrome (the feeling that you’re totally inadequate compared to everyone else) and just got on with it. It really is the most unhelpful feeling and doesn’t actually change anything, except make a nuisance of itself and make you more cautious.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I really love travelling and have been lucky enough to go to all sorts of places, including the Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland, which is north of the Arctic Circle (mind blowing), Egypt, Peru, Ecuador, The Galapagos, Africa, Asia … but I’d really love to go to Northern Greenland. It looks and sounds so incredible and there’s something so very special about being in the arctic – the air, the light and the sheer enormity and beauty of all that nature around you. It’s an indescribable feeling.

For any aspiring entrepreneurs, what advice would you offer?

Be passionate about your business and be you. You are your brand, and no-one can be you as well as you can. Keep moving forward, taking one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice and feedback. If there’s a problem, there will be always be a solution … it’s just a case of finding it.

What has been your proudest moment since launching the brand?

My proudest moment came the first year I launched. A mum wrote to me to tell me that her eldest daughter (who has autism) never really engaged with her siblings, but since receiving Elfie’s Christmas Advent Calendar Letters, she’d been reading them out to her siblings each day through December and it was really helping them to connect. I hadn’t anticipated that my letters could have such a positive impact on family life in this way and I found it incredibly heartwarming.

When lacking motivation, what quote do you like to read?

It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done – by Nelson Mandela.

This quote is so, so true! Just keep at it and suddenly everything will slot into place and you’ll feel really happy with what you’ve done.

Where can people find out more?

Grab a hot chocolate, get cosy and join us at https://internationalelfservice.com/ (or @internationalelfservice on insta) to escape with us into a world of magic, adventure and the perfect literary gift for any occasion!

Photos by Petra Gatek @petras_gatto

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LAURA PROMO

The Impact of COVID-19: Could the Pandemic Turn More People Into Vegans and Vegetarians?

The pandemic has been devastating as millions of people around the world catch the virus on a daily basis and thousands of people die from complications associated with the illness every day. But if there is one silver lining to the ongoing public health crisis, it is this: People are paying closer attention to their eating habits and re-evaluating their relationship with meat.

Veganism has been on the rise in the past decade as meat alternatives become more accessible and obesity rates skyrocket, especially among young people in the United Kingdom, the U.S., and other countries. However, COVID-19 seems to have accelerated the shift of the public from eating large amounts of meat and meat products to a plant-based diet.

As Pandemic Rages, Public Turns to Plant-Based Diets

People in the UK eat a lot of meat. The full English breakfast, one of the most iconic dishes to come out of England, is not complete without bacon or ham and sausages.

However, the reputation of meat has changed in the past decades. Numerous studies found that eating processed meats increases the risk of colorectal cancers, an illness that used to only affect older adults. Nowadays, the occurrence of colorectal cancers has shot up among younger people.

Meanwhile, there is substantial scientific evidence that links a plant-based diet to a reduced risk of colorectal cancers. A large-scale study that examined the eating habits of 78,000 people found that vegans had a16% lower risk of colorectal cancers compared to non-vegans. But it was the pesco-vegetarian diet (eating mostly fruits and vegetables plus a small amount of fish) that displayed the largest benefit, decreasing an individual’s likelihood of colorectal cancers by 45% compared to those who eat meat.

A decreased risk of colorectal cancers means that people will have to visit anendoscopy clinicless frequently. The non-invasive procedure examines the person’s digestive tract, including the large intestines (the colon). The endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera, can be inserted through the rectum to prevent colorectal cancers.

The pandemic has also forced people to eat a balanced diet and to lose excess pounds. More than masks and social distancing, a strong immune system is the first defence against infections. Obesity increases a person’s risk of experiencing serious symptoms of COVID-19.

Shortage in Grocery Shelves Push People to Embrace Plant-Based Diets

In the past year, the demand for plant-based products went up for another reason. While offices and restaurants closed because of the pandemic, factories continued to operate. This resulted in outbreaks in meat-processing facilities across the world.

In the United States, at least 5,000 workers in meat-processing facilities have tested positive for COVID-19.

Despite efforts to remain open, there has been a shortage in meats and meat products for most of the year. Instead of waiting for the chicken, pork, or beef to appear on grocery shelves, the public turned to vegan alternatives.

According to reports, the sales of plant-based meat substitutes increased by 35% between April 2020 to May 2020. Beyond Meat, a popular vegan brand had record-high sales during the first quarter of the past year. Meanwhile, Impossible Foods, also a vegan brand, has been hiring new people to increase their capacity and respond to the higher demand for meat substitutes.

These vegan alternatives have, for years, been popular only among those who do not eat meat. However, now, for the first time, the rest of the public has to settle with plant-based meats which, contrary to popular belief, are more affordable than the real thing and can taste exactly like beef or chicken. The availability of meat alternatives, the competitive pricing of vegan products, and the almost identical taste could push more people toward shifting to a plant-based diet.

The Meat Industry and the Next Pandemic

Meat has also been linked to climate change. The beef industry alone is logging greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, into the atmosphere. In addition, the demand for cattle products is causing deforestation around the world, including in the Amazon region.

Because people are more aware of their impact on the environment, many are making major lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprint. To most of them, eating meat and meat products is one of the first to go.

Experts have also been warning about the emergence of virusesfrom farming and eating animals, which can infect and kill humans. In large-scale farms, animals are packed together in one space, providing a breeding ground for pathogens to multiply and evolve. For example, the swine flu epidemic of 2009 has killed over 500,000 people. The illness came from pigs and then jumped to humans.

A switch to veganism could be one of the permanent changes that will happen because of the pandemic and will continue to persist after the virus is gone.

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