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Accessories December 2, 2021

Meet the duo behind enigmatic luxury bag brand Emotional World Vintage

Inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship yet with a decidedly modern aesthetic, Emotional World Vintage is undoubtedly the luxury bag brand of our dreams.

Founded by enigmatic duo Log and Liao and conceived to be a ‘cultural transmission’ of traditional craft cultures, Emotional World Vintage is a luxury bag brand brand that is so much more than just a passing trend.

Explaining the brand’s unique philosophy, A said: “Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.”

TeamCoco sits down with the fashionable trio to discuss Emotional World’s Eastern influences, its sustainable practices and also how fashion can be used to convey authentic meaning and culture in a world full of vapid excess.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background – what inspired you to start Emotional World?

Our common goal and original intention for the brand is cultural transmission.

Log: I live in Japan and have been deeply influenced by the lifestyle and attitude of the Japanese. Having spent a long time working the fashion and apparel industry, it has been my greatest wish to continue tradition of Japanese craft culture. I hope that through our Japanese-inspired craftsmanship and our natural and unique fabrics, we can preserve this traditional craft — whilst coming from a familiar aesthetic perspective that today’s luxury consumers would recognise.

Liao: I’ve always been deeply influenced by the heritage of European craftmanship and am inspired by traditional crafting techniques. I have a wealth of experience in the research and production of high-fashion products. I want to redefine familiar aesthetic elements through the lens of ‘remade craftsmanship’ and spread the charms of craft culture more widely. I have a lot of knowledge in bag production and to help preserve the environment, all Emotional World Vintage’s bags are made with only pure natural fabrics.

Where did the name Emotional World come from?

Quite simply, it conveys our wish for the world to be filled with emotions and vitality.

Why have you decided to launch a vintage luxury bag brand? What was the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far?

We have been exploring rare and unique fabrics and processes but didn’t want to be limited to any of them. We wanted to create a luxury bag brand that could be a cultural carrier that can simultaneously conform to modern aesthetics and offer more interesting designs and diverse products. We believe our brand vividly conveys the charm of craft culture.

Emotional World has a sustainable element too. Could you walk us through the production process of a bag in your line?

We source unwanted fabrics and bring them to our studio to be remade. We also use natural dye through an exclusive process that puts colour directly on the fabric. Afterwards, we invite craftspeople to transform the fabrics into bags with our high-quality accessories.

How would you describe the Emotional World aesthetic in three words?

‘Craftsmanship, nature and classic’ are the three words can express our luxury bag brand’s aesthetics.

Tell us about your Timeline Series – what makes this collection unique from other items in your range?

The Timeline series was inspired by Boro craftsmanship and represents the core of our Emotional World aesthetic, Boro craftsmanship is made through the Sashiko pure hand-stitch sewing process, wherein natural rags are woven and dyed through the natural dyeing processes, so that each Timeline series bag is presents a unique seam. From the texture to the fabric, each stitch embodies the human touch, reflecting the charm of traditional crafts and culture.

In your view – what sets Emotional World apart from other luxury bag brands today?

Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.

Our focus on combining both sustainability and traditional craftsmanship techniques is something we feel that other luxury bag brands these days forego. Other brands simply follow trends and cater to the market, whereas our goal is to be ourselves and to attract people who can appreciate our original style.

What’s next for you and Emotional World? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

We just launched a new collection that contains more than 100 styles. Everyone is welcome to check them out at our website at emotionalworldvintage.com and see the quality and craftsmanship of our bags for themselves!

WWW.EMOTIONALWORLDVINTAGE.COM

Dog-friendly November 21, 2021

The Duncombe Arms is your new ‘home from home’ in Staffordshire

It’s easy to mistake The Duncombe Arms as just another idyllic country-side pub in Staffordshire, but driving past this truly fabulous locale without entering its world would be a true travesty. Don’t be fooled by an unassuming stone façade, because The Duncombe Arms is so much more than a country-pub (although in that regard, the Michelin-recommended pub is excellent too).

TeamCocopup Charlie and I stayed in The Walnut House, located just a few paces away from the main building. The dog-friendly Walnut House offers ten individually-designed bedrooms that exude country-side chic. While designed as ‘pub with rooms’, in many ways The Walnut House is more of a ‘home from home’ with each room expertly balancing modern luxuries with familiar touches of home.

We stayed in the Game Birds room. A dark mouse grey shade from Farrow & Ball is balanced a rich and vibrant artisanal wallpaper of – you guess it – game birds. A wool throw, a handsome collection of books, and a Roberts Radio add a softness to the interiors. Large French doors open to a patio with pastoral views of The Dove Valley, perfect for those travelling with hyper-active pooches.

Outside of your room, a quirky selection of art from the Crane Kalman Gallery in London adorn the walls, giving The Walnut House a decidedly boutique-hotel appeal, which doesn’t feel out of place amidst the pastoral landscapes of Ellastone. The Duncombe Arms also offers self-catering accommodation for those travelling in larger groups. The Garden Cottage is peak cottage-core, while the Old Barn is rustic chic at its finest.

The heart of The Duncombe Arms must be the pub, which during our stay, was always filled with clinking glasses, familiar chatter, and wonderful aromas. Look for Hotel Manager James Oddy who has all the best recommendations on what to order – whether that’s with the hotel’s excellent elevated pub menu or extensive 200-wine strong wine list.

The food at Duncombe Arms is second-to-none and it quickly becomes apparent why The Michelin Bib Gourmand, The Good Pub Guide, and included in Estrella Damn Top 50 Gastro Pubs have all included it on their best pubs lists.

There are several dining rooms at The Duncombe Arms to suit whatever you fancy, each one offering a slightly different take on the classic English pub, from a cosy snug to a fairy-light covered conservatory. A new addition is the glass-walled extension that offers plenty of romance in the evenings and is also the ideal spot for Sunday brunch.

The menu mixes pub classics with a creative spattering of modern British dishes. The menu is full of surprises and maximises the high-quality locally-sourced ingredients available in Staffordshire. From the autumn menu, the caramelised cauliflower (a humble side) was a clear standout, as was the Mackerel with aioli and tarragon and the buttered baby carrots and aubergine. It truly says something about the quality of the cooking when even the sides, often an afterthought in many other establishments, continue to delight in new and exciting ways.

For mains, the pork loin with white bean, truffle and parsnip tantalises with its perfect balance of texture, flavour and pizazz while the 40-aged dry wood rib eye steak, served with tick cut chips, was (unsurprisingly) delicious too.

So, if you are looking for a dog friendly staycation that will surely dazzle, we highly recommend The Duncombe Arms. There is no other place in Derbyshire that will, not just serve an impeccable pub meal, but will welcome you to your ‘home from home’ quite like it.

A deluxe double room at The Walnut House at The Duncombe Arms starts at £195 for double occupancy including breakfast. For more information visit https://www.duncombearms.co.uk/

Accessories November 21, 2021

18 men’s gift ideas to wow your beau this Christmas

Unless you’re willing to splurge on the latest console, men are notoriously difficult to shop for during the holidays. Not to worry – because we’ve searched high and low to curate the very best men’s gifts so you can reward your beaus #TeamCoco style (but only if they’ve been nice!)

From the best men’s grooming products, versatile fashion finds, functional backpacks and the coolest new gadgets, our editors have done all the hard work for you by rounding up the top 18 best (fool-proof) gifts to wow your stylish beau this Christmas.

1. Archive V Neck Cable Jumper by Lyle & Scott available at https://www.lyleandscott.com/

2. Olive Cargo Trousers by Lyle & Scott available at https://www.lyleandscott.com/

3. Advanced Moisturiser by The Fellowship available art https://the-fellowship.co.uk/

4. Roll Top Backpack by Stubble & Co available at https://www.stubbleandco.com/

5. Blue and White Trainers by Valentino Garavani available at Harvey Nichols https://www.harveynichols.com/

6. Another 13 edt by Le Labo available at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/

7. Santa Claus Airport Socks by Falke available at https://www.falke.com/

8. Everything Cream by Non Gender Specific available at https://www.nongenderspecific.com/

9. Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset available at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/

10. Timex x Coca Cola Watch https://www.timex.co.uk/

11. Multi-coloured teddy Hoodie by Polo Ralph Lauren available at Harvey Nichols https://www.harveynichols.com/

12. All Black backpack by Stubble & Co available at https://www.stubbleandco.com/

13. Black Sunglasses by Larson & Jennings available at https://www.larssonjennings.com/

14. Robert’s Radio available at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/

15. Navy Men’s Wool Runners by Allbirds available at https://www.allbirds.co.uk/

16. Green and Silver Cufflinks by Tateossian available at https://tateossian.com/

17. Bentley Green Chronomat Watch by Breitling available at https://www.breitling.com/

18. Men’s Pyjama Set from Hanro of Switzerland available at https://www.hanro.co.uk/

Cocktails November 21, 2021

Ten drink gift ideas to ring in Christmas party season with a bang

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Inspiration November 21, 2021

More than a golf destination: A second look at Argentario Golf Resort & Spa

During those hopeful summer months, in between lockdowns 1 and two and when international travel seemed optimistic, Hannah Tan-Gillies hopped on a flight to Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, to see what makes this five-star golf resort so much more than a golf destination.

It seems only fair, that after months of lockdown that my first international jaunt would be to the truly impeccable Argentario Golf Resort & Spa. Located in between the Mediterranean Sea and Tuscany’s rolling hills, Argentario maximises the idyllic natural surroundings of Maremma, Tuscany.

While the resort is primarily known to golf enthusiasts, especially with its striking PGA 18-hole course, there is plenty of reason for non-golfers to venture to this side of Tuscany and experience everything that this resort has to offer.

The resort itself is a sight to behold. Designed by Andrea Foglli, the interiors instantly envelope you in an atmosphere of sleek yet tranquil oasis blending contemporary design with a distinctive retro feel. Outside, the hotel blends in with the natural landscapes of Maremma, surrounded by cork-oak woods and centuries-old olive trees.

A grand spiral staircase commands attention at the heart of the resort, whose eco-conscious design philosophy permeates every design detail. The enormous glass windows and ceilings maximise the pastoral views, which are in stark contrast to the tabarca-stone pavements, arched countertops and striking black structural elements. The hotels’ unique dragon-fly shaped silhouette means that every room offers panoramic views of the nearby lagoon and tranquil blue sea on the horizon.

The resort offers 73 generously-sized rooms and five luxury villas, which are perfectly suited for those looking for an extended stay. Each room features panoramic terraces and all the modern amenities that a luxury traveller requires.

The villas each offer individual interpretations of Tuscan country houses, imbued of course, with Fogli’s extravagant touches. Art lovers will notice the social table by Vincent Van Duysen or the Cappellini chairs and Pig Tables by Marcel Wanders, or even the Ron Gilads chandeliers at the bar.

Beyond golf, Argentario also offers an endless array of wellness and sports activities to make any visit, no matter how short or long, as enriching as possible. During my stay, I tried my hand at an outdoor workout, a run along the perfectly manicured golf course, yoga, and even olive-tree picking. Truly there was something for everybody.

For those looking for a more relaxing way to spend their days, the resort’s Espace Wellness Centre offers a wide range of treatments and massages, and offers a bio sauna, Turkish bath, and even one-on-one sessions with the resort’s in-house nutritionists.

Foodies also have plenty to chew on at Argentario, with the Club House Restaurant offering casual Italian favourites, impeccably made with only the freshest locally-sourced ingredients, and the gourmet Dama Dama restaurant serving some wonderfully creative gastronomic creations.

The menu at Dama Dama is bold and refreshingly contemporary, offering Tuscan and Italian specialties with Chef Emiliano Lombardelli’s inimitable flair. We highly recommend trying the Tasting Menu – which takes you on a colourful voyage of Tuscan flavours perfectly paired with local Italian wines from the resort’s vast wine cellar.

We also recommend trying a cocktail masterclass at the Aper Bar, named after local wild boars (Aper in Latin) which offers alchemic concoctions that will delight those who enjoy a little tipple.

While it may seem counter-intuitive to leave the hotel, the nearby towns of Porto Ercole and Orbitello offer plenty of quintessentially Italian sites to behold. These two towns reveal a non-touristic side of Tuscany that we haven’t seen before. The squares and restaurants are filled with locals, exuding a relaxed and unique community atmosphere that you don’t often see in Italy’s more popular tourist destinations.

If you are lucky, you should take a quick drive to the Convento della Presentazione al Tempio, where if you are lucky, you can get a blessing from the priest who will wish you a blessed and happy stay at Maremma. This is also the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Silver Coast, a view that is not known to many other visitors in this magical place.

Despite all the ceaselessly fascinating things on offer at Argentario, what sets this place apart from the rest if the truly marvellous service and care of its staff. In the era of COVID, where smiles and genuine human connection are few and far in between, it is truly impressive to see the staff at Argentario go above and beyond to ensure that you enjoy your stay. That is a rarity in and of itself and in my opinion, truly what makes Argentario more than a golf destination.

Hannah stayed in a Junior Suite Club Travel Room starting at €650 per night for two people. For more information on Argentario Golf Resort & Spa’s latest offers and packages contact Tel: +39 0564 810292 booking@argentarioresort.it or visit argentarioresort.com

Chef's Table November 21, 2021

Three Uncles is taking authentic Hong Kong street food to Camden

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.threeuncles.co.uk

Arts November 9, 2021

International Elf Service shows us 12 Christmas crafts to make a magical December

With the festive season fast approaching, House of Coco caught up with the team behind International Elf Service to get their top tips on 12 Christmas craft ideas that can make this December Extra-Special for the children as well the planet.

Here at Elf Towers, we eat, sleep and breathe Christmas 365 days of the year and 24-7. But even for us, there’s nothing that quite beats the festive taste bud explosion of that first mince pie when December finally arrives. Or the thrill of opening the decoration boxes and singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town on constant repeat. We get tingly with excitement just thinking about it!

And we don’t stop there! Each year we add to the Christmas cheer by thinking up new traditions for our ever-expanding Christmas list. This year, we’re getting Christmas creative with all the children…

Festive activities and Eco-friendly Christmas traditions

At International Elf Service, we all agree that the best part of Christmas is being together and creating memories to treasure. After all, your children probably look forward to these times more than their presents or the food! And the simpler the tradition, the better – for you and for the environment! So why not try one or two of our “12 Ways of Christmas” – a list of fun and sustainable things to do with your chidren to make Christmas even more magical:

Make edible Christmas trees – cover upside-down ice-cream cones in green icing and sprinkles.
Create a Christmas collage using cut-outs from last year’s Christmas cards. Leave it as a surprise for someone to find.
Play Christmas charades with the whole family using only Christmas themes!
Make edible reindeer poo – dip raisins in chocolate, cool to harden and sprinkle them on your breakfast cereal.
Video each family member saying “My favourite thing about Christmas is …”. Put them together for a new Christmas memory.
Make a mini Christmas tree forest – forage for different-sized pine cones, paint them green and add colourful decorations and a cut out star for the top.
Make bird-friendly reindeer food – mix sunflower hearts, naked rolled oats, dried mealworms, yellow millet and kibbled peanuts. Sprinkle on your lawn or bird table, or leave outside in a bowl.
Create natural Christmas decorations – weave twigs together with strips of bright material or wool to make stars, snowflakes or mini Christmas trees.
Make homemade Christmas Crackers – wrap toilet roll tubes in leftover Christmas paper, tie the ends with colourful string, write your own joke, cut out a hat, and make or find a little gift for inside (no buying allowed!).
Bake Gingerbread biscuits and have a Christmas Cookie decorating party.
Design and decorate homemade Christmas cards using items from around the house – shiny buttons, tinsel, wrapping paper, ribbons, recycled material, colourful string etc.
Draw or paint Christmas pictures and put them in the window for passers-by to enjoy. Or take them to a local home for the elderly (staying to talk with some of the residents).

About International Elf Service

International Elf Service is passionate about extending those precious believing years for longer, while supporting children’s well-being and literacy. Their unique, eco-friendly personalised letters combine magical and captivating stories with whimsical, handcrafted illustrations from the worlds of the Christmas Elves of the North Pole!

Featuring new adventures every time, each letter delivers the most fantastical surprise, sparking children’s imaginations, promoting one-to-one time and creating childhood memories and family traditions to be cherished for years to come.

Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letter Bundles are a multi-award-winning way to deliver Extra-Sparkly Christmas Spirit to your home. The Ultimate Story Bundle (link) acts just like an Advent Calendar, with 26 personalised daily letters bringing brand new updates from the North Pole, for your children to discover hidden mysteriously around their home! It also includes a North Pole Village Map and an Extra-Special Letter from the man himself (Father Christmas or Santa Claus – you choose)! And everything’s printed on 100% recycled paper, tied together with natural jute twine or biodegradable cotton candy-cane cord, and presented in compostable gift boxes filled with natural wood shavings from the Elves’ workshop (and sustainably managed forests, of course!).

For younger children, there’s a bundle of 7 handcrafted and personalised Christmas Elf letters, bursting with Christmassy activities for 3-5 year olds (link), and a Baby’s First Christmas Certificate for new additions to the family. (link) And everything can be paired with our Christmas Memory Box – 20 beautifully illustrated pages, one for each year for the next 20 years, for you to record the most magical moments, memories and traditions from Christmas Day – an enchanting gift for everyone in the family.

House of Coco recently caught up with Emily Beckloff, Founder & Chief Elf at International Elf Service, who told us all about her journey to becoming Chief Elf. Check out our interview with Emily here.

For further information on more Extra-Magical Christmas traditions, visit internationalelfservice.com

Dog-friendly November 7, 2021

The Cadogan and Pet Pavilion launch the ultimate staycation package for pampered pooches

Get your posh paws on because The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel has partnered with pet care brand, Pet Pavilion, to launch the ultimate dog-friendly experience.

The Belmond property is rolling out the red carpet for posh pooches, who can now snooze on luxury pet beds and be whisked away in style by a doggy taxi service for professional grooming and pampering treatments at Pet Pavilion’s and enjoy a menu of nutritious doggy delights.

Located just a stone’s throw away on King’s Road, Pet Pavilion’s expert groomers provide a stress-free environment for pets to be pampered, with an amazing treatment menu that includes a classic bath, trim and blow dry to mani-pedis and dog facials. Four-legged will be picked up from The Cadogan by Pet Pavilion’s doggy taxi and chauffeured to their appointment, where they will be pampered in doggy spa rituals before being transferred back to the hotel. Guests can book the grooming services in advance or request them while on the property at the concierge, subject to availability.

The culinary team at The Cadogan hotel have developed a carefully curated menu of dog-friendly dishes to get all tails wagging and ensure that every breed and palate is catered for. Pampered pooches can even have their meals delivered to their rooms by a dedicated butler service – bone appétit!

Pet Pavilion products are also available in-room at The Cadogan, ensuring the finest experience for canine guests, including stainless steel feeding bowls and sumptuous bedding, perfect after a walk at the beautiful Cadogan Place Gardens. Gift boxes are also available, featuring delicious treats and toys to keep playful pups entertained.

Primely positioned midway between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, The Cadogan is an intimate home in the heart of the city. It boasts 54 individually designed rooms, captivating artwork and design details honour the hotel’s rich heritage.

Chef's Table November 7, 2021

Three Uncles is taking authentic Hong Kong street food to Camden

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.threeuncles.co.uk

20 Gifts for that friend who really needs a good night’s sleep

Nothing in this world is more rejuvenating than a good night’s sleep and here at House of Coco, we’re all about creating night-time rituals that can help relax and restore us for the day ahead.

This Christmas, we’ve rounded up the best sleep-enhancing gifts from silky pyjamas, luxurious eye masks, pillow mists, essential oils, fluffy slippers and even bath soaks that will put even the most restless sleeper to bed. Because there truly is no better gift than a good night’s sleep.

1. Marylebone 1596 Robe by Fable & Eve available at https://www.fableandeve.co.uk

2. Star Sheepskin slippers by ONAIE available at https://onaie.com/

3. Snooze Therapy Mist by Freya + Bailey available at https://freyaandbailey.com/

4. Sonic Toothbrush by Spotlight Oral Care available at https://uk.spotlightoralcare.com

5. Midnight Blue Silk Eye Mask from Drowsy available at https://www.drowsysleepco.com/

6. Chelsea 1951 Pyjama Set by Fable & Eve available at https://www.cyberjammies.co.uk/

7. Balancing Body Oil Set by Gaia available at https://www.gaiaskincare.com/

8. 24k Gold Plated Ear Seeds by Point Zero available at https://www.acupointzero.com/

9. Deep Slumber Pillow Mist by Wild Planet Aromatherapy available at https://wildplanetaromatherapy.co.uk/

10. Pure Shea Butter by Aviela available at https://aviela.co.uk/

11. Five Minute & Foot Mat and Mindful Aromatherapy Balm by Scentered available at https://scentered.me/

ONAIE’s new Star Sheepskin Slippers not only look and feel wonderful, but they’re completely unique, sustainably made, and built to last. Each pair is crafted by hand using the finest quality materials, and no two pairs are ever the same.

The Sonic toothbrush uses professionally designed sonic technology, allowing for the gentle feel of a manual toothbrush with an actual deep clean effect that was designed with both efficiency and comfort in mind. It’s a real game changer! You can even have the Sonic Toothbrush personalised in time for Christmas.

Drowsy’s luxurious Deep Sleep Collection Gift Box is the ultimate sleep kit that promises uninterrupted rest. Like a hug for your face, the sell-out Silk Sleep Mask features a heavenly padded lining for total blackout with skin ageing and hair-damage protection properties.

Treat someone that deserves some me-time to three nourishing handmade body oils, complete with a Gaia gift box, to attend to the body and mind’s every need over the busy Christmas period. Awakening to uplift spirits and provide support throughout the day, Balancing brings harmony and Calming provides comfort and relaxation at the end of a busy day.

Perfect for those looking to add something new to their wellbeing ritual, Point Zero’s 24K Gold Plated Ear Seeds can be used to stimulate pressure points in your ear to clear energy blockages in order to bring your body back to balance in all facets – work/life, physical and mental aka ‘point zero.’ Just the thing to get you in the right mood for a good night’s sleep.

Scentered’s Five Minute Acupressure Foot Mat & Mindful Aromatherapy Balm is compact and easy to use for every space, it helps restore balance to the body’s energy flow and promotes a sense of wellbeing to the body and mind, after just 5 minutes! Aviela’s sumptuous hair-to-toe shea butter is rich in fatty acids, Vitamins A and E, and natural soothing properties to help deliver intense hydration, superior nourishment and incredible skin softening properties to all skin types, whilst working hard to alleviate dryness and calm irritated skin.

12. Weighted Eye Mask by John Lewis available at https://www.johnlewis.com/

13. Short Pyjama Set by Made Your Day available at https://www.madeyourday.co.uk/

14. Gingerlilly inspired Candle by Botanicals Collection available at https://drbotanicals.com/

15. Go to Bed Gift Set by Sunday Riley available at https://www.johnlewis.com/

16. Chill Pills Bath Bombs by OUAI available at https://www.johnlewis.com/

17. Snooze Vitamin Gummies by Starpowa available at https://uk.starpowa.com/

18. Flowering Jasmine Tea Set by Jing Tea available at https://jingtea.com/

19. Tie-dye Pyjama Set by Thelma & Leah available at https://thelmaandleah.com/

20. Fluffy Pink Slippers by Laines London available at https://www.laineslondon.com/

We love Made Your Day’s organic cotton pyjama sets which look just as good in bed as it does in your lounge. Ethically crafted in Portugal, the fit is contemporary and relaxed, flattering and not skimpy, to ensure maximum comfort as loungewear and nightwear.

Starpowa’s vegan Snooze Gummies are made with 5-HTP, Vitamin B6, L-Theanine, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm Leaf and Montmorency Cherry, these gummies promote sleep by increasing melatonin production, an important sleep-regulating hormone, key for sound, peaceful sleep. They also work to ease anxiety, stress and having natural calming effects.

The Jing Tea Flowering Set is perfect for the experienced tea drinker. This gift set is guaranteed to impress. It includes 4 bulbs of Jing’s floral showstoppers, which are made from spring-fresh green tea from Fujian, China, hand-tied with sweet jasmine blossoms and soft lily petals. Each bulb blooms into a vibrant display when added to hot water. The tea is paired with JING’s Two Cup Tea-iere and two Glass Cups and Saucers.

Thelma & Leah perfect for those who like to add a little sunshine to their winter wardrobe! This travel-inspired brand uses traditional block printing all hand finished in Rajasthan by collaborating with local artisans before being sent to Spain for production. Thelma & Leah continues to work and support independent artisans and is hoping to include charities and philanthropy into the brand’s ethos soon too.