For me, cheese is the ultimate comfort food. From gooey, stretchy melted cheese to crumbly wedges of blue cheese packed with flavour, it never fails to satisfy. Over the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to discover 10 of the cheesiest, most indulgent dishes London has to offer, sharing my findings on my food Instagram account, @comedinewithmegs Whether you’re a fan of rich mac and cheese, crispy cheese toasties, or simply a slice of bold blue cheese, London’s food scene has something for every cheese lover. Let’s dive into my top ten spots! Pick and Cheese – Seven Dials Market At the heart of Seven Dials Market lies the world’s first cheese conveyor belt restaurant. Here, you can sample a revolving selection of artisanal cheeses, paired with accompaniments like chutneys, crackers, pickles, and some interesting sweet pairings like fudge, brownies, and flapjack! A must-try plate is a doughnut filled with apricot chutney and whipped goat's cheese – a surprisingly delightful mix of sweet and savoury. There are over 25 different plates to choose from, priced between £4 and £7. On Wednesdays, they offer a deal for £28 per person for bottomless plates of cheese – an irresistible option for those looking to fully indulge. I loved this unique dining experience – the concept is both indulgent and fun – and the variety of dishes makes it a true cheese lover's paradise 2. Two Drops – Battersea For fans of cheese toasties, Two Drops in Battersea is a cosy pub on the Battersea waterfront that boasts a fantastic toastie menu. The signature toastie of marmite and shallots had a great umami flavour which complemented the cheese perfectly. I also really enjoyed the salt beef toastie with pickled gherkins, horseradish and (of course) cheese! The pub’s relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, combined with its stunning view of Battersea Power Station, makes it easy to linger over a pint or two while savouring the simplicity of a well-made, cheese-packed toastie. 3. Chiswick Cheese Market – Chiswick Chiswick Cheese Market is London’s only dedicated cheese market, held on the third Sunday of every month. With over 200 different types of cheese to choose from, I was blown away by the variety on offer and discovered a new favourite – a blue goat’s cheese, something which I’d never seen before. But the market isn’t just about cheese. There are also hot food stalls (all selling cheesy dishes of course), and you’ll also find vendors selling chutneys, olives, crackers, and other accompaniments that perfectly complement your cheese selections. Whether you’re looking to discover a new favourite or pick up an old classic, this market is a playground for cheese lovers. 4. The Black Pig – Borough Market Tucked inside London’s bustling Borough Market is The Black Pig, a sandwich shop known for its packed-to-the-brim ciabattas. I went for their signature honey truffle and pork sandwich which was topped with a mountain of freshly grated parmesan. The saltiness of the parmesan cut through the rich, tender pork and the drizzle of honey added sweetness. A truly indulgent, cheesy sandwich! 5. The Mac Factory – Locations Across London For those who love mac and cheese, The Mac Factory is a street food spot that’s well worth a visit. Opt for their classic mac and cheese with a gorgeously decadent cheesy sauce, or elevate it further with optional toppings like crispy bacon or jalapeños for an added kick. Whether you’re in need of comfort food or just want to indulge your love for pasta, this spot will have you coming back for more. 6. Asador – Camden Market For the ultimate cheesy fries, look no further than Asador in Camden Market. Their signature dish is a decadent pile of crispy fries topped with Argentinian steak, caramelised onions, and melted cheese (duh!). The rich, gooey cheese goes really well with the juicy steak. 7. La Maritxu – Basque Cheesecake To finish on a sweet note, La Maritxu offers an incredible Basque cheesecake. This creamy, crustless rich cheesecake is perfectly balanced by the slight bitterness of the burnt edges, making for a dessert that is both simple and indulgent. This cheesecake is popular for good reason, and a very fitting way to conclude a cheesy adventure around London. London’s cheese scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering everything from gourmet creations to street food classics. Whether you’re a devoted cheese lover or simply looking to indulge in a decadent treat, I hope the ten spots I’ve shared will satisfy your next cheesy craving! 8. Funky Chips – Camden Market For a fun, over-the-top cheesy experience, try Funky Chips, where the portions are colossal and the cheese is plentiful. I opted for the garlic fries with nacho cheese, which come in a whopping 1kg serving! As the staff add the cheese, they even shout "cheesy cheesy" as they’re smothering your fries with the gooey layer of nacho cheese! Despite being drenched in cheese sauce, the fries were lovely and crispy and fluffy in the middle. This is the kind of indulgent street food that’s perfect for sharing with friends (or tackling on your own if you’re feeling extra hungry!). 9. Grape and Fig – Takeaway Cheese Grazing Boxes Sometimes, the best way to enjoy cheese is in its purest form. Grape and Fig offers takeaway grazing boxes which you can fill with your choice of cheese, charcuterie, sourdough crackers, and antipasti. Perfect for a picnic or a cosy night in, these boxes allow you to try a range of artisan cheeses, from creamy soft varieties to mature, crumbly blues. 10. Cheese Soufflé at Sam’s Waterside – Brentford I found an unexpected cheesy delight at Sam’s Waterside in Brentford. This neighbourhood gem serves locally sourced food, and when I saw they had a cheese soufflé, I knew I had to try it. Light, airy, and extremely cheesy, this classic French dish was executed to perfection. I loved the contrast between the golden crust and the rich, velvety interior. An honourable mention goes to the parmesan churros, one of the restaurant’s bar bites — they were also fabulous! Be sure to follow along on my food Instagram account, @comedinewithmegs , for more cheesy finds and delicious recommendations across London. Written by Megan d'Ardenne Two Drops photo by Safia Shakarchi

Love your pet? Then join Amazon for a celebration of pet love with Pet Fest. This free event, hosted by Amazon is set to be a great day out for all the family. During this special weekend, customers and their dogs will be able to take part in a range of activities celebrating pet ownership. Activities include an agility park, splash pool, dog yoga and products from the best in pet accessory brands, including Amazon Devices’ (Ring) indoor cameras which allow pet owners to keep an eye on their pet throughout the day and talk to them with the Two-Way-Talk feature. Bring your dog along to enjoy the fun and discover the exciting range of pet products available from Amazon Private Brands – everything from pet food and water bowls to toys and beds. Activities include: James Wellbeloved Sensory Trail:  an engaging scent-based track dedicated to refocus dogs with sniff work, where they will discover surprising treats along the way, stimulating their natural foraging instincts. YuMOVE Agility Park:  dogs of all ages are invited to run, jump and play on this challenging agility course, designed to promote agility and an active life. Barking Heads Wellness Retreat:  doggie wellness brought to you in a fresh space, designed to naturally support your pooches’ health & well-being, with guest speaker Adem Fehm Furminator Splash Pool:  a cool oasis for your furry friends to splash, play, and refresh between adventures. Paws and Play Camp:  an educational, heart-warming experience that kids will cherish, where they can become their spirit animal with our facial paints or learn about their favourite pets through hands-on games. Event details: September 14th and 15th at Haggerston Park, London, E2 8NH You can register for a free ticket here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/petfest Written by Claire Bloom Photo courtesy of Pet Festival

DF Tacos is dedicated to curating bold and innovative flavours, offering tacos like no other. This week, DF Tacos unveils a vibrant new selection of fully-loaded, flavour-packed tacos. The new flavours include: Hot Honey Chicken  - which packs in crispy buttermilk chicken alongside crunchy chip sticks, zesty slaw and pink pickled onions - finished with a sweet but spicy dash of Dr. Sting’s  small-batch hot honey. Tikka Taco  - where Mexican and Asian ingredients, including grilled Tikka chicken, Masala sauce, creamy MexRaita, buttery rice and Thai basil, come together for a full flavour, cross-continental, taste sensation.  Tamari Pork Belly - brings together slow-cooked, free range pork belly which is then topped with tamari and chipotle agave and served with diced onion and sesame slaw. The Fish ‘N Chips - brings a British classic to the fold, with crispy battered sustainable pollock, mini fries, tartare sauce, and chipotle mayo. In celebration of these new flavours, DF Tacos is offering 50% off all tacos until September 15th 2024. Grab a taco, and while you're there opt for a freshly-shaken margarita /  house cocktail. Their frozen margaritas are only £5, all day every day, what an absolute treat! Locations: Shoreditch, Tottenham Court Road and Market Halls in Victoria, Oxford Street, and Canary Wharf. Website: https://www.dftacos.co.uk/ Photo courtesy of DF Tacos

The Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel, a beacon of luxury and style, is home to Rake’s Café Bar, a sophisticated venue that transitions effortlessly from a café by day to a bar by night. The entrance is easily recognizable and conveniently located just outside Liverpool Street Station. Rake’s Café Bar unfolds across three distinct and inviting spaces. The Front Room, a garden-influenced space. The Parlour, a sophisticated yet casual lounge area; and The Orgy Room, Rake’s private dining room, perfect for those intimate celebrations. I chose to dine in The Front Room, where the ambiance is both warm and enchanting, enhanced by a pergola draped in lush greenery. The Sunday menu boasts a selection of healthy and comforting dishes, having arrived hungry I was happy to try out a salad and the tempting Crispy buttermilk chicken burger. The Rake’s vibrant rainbow salad came with a harmonious blend of pomegranate, avocado, corn, beetroot, parsley, and chicken, all brought together by a lively lemon vinaigrette. This fresh and colorful dish is the perfect choice for a summer afternoon. Equally pleasing was the crispy buttermilk chicken burger, tender chicken encased in a perfectly crispy coating, nestled in a soft brioche bun. The chipotle mayonnaise added a flavorful punch, it was a great choice! The dessert menu consists of three indulgent choices, the rosé & pistachio basque cheesecake caught my attention. This innovative take on the classic dessert was rich and creamy, complemented by small chunks of pistachio, the rosé and pistachio really shone through making this the ideal dessert to end my meal. This is a great place to dine during the day and evening and I hear this place really comes to life in the late evening when the drinks are flowing. No doubt I'll be back. A fan of bottomless brunch? Visit Rake’s on a Saturday and indulge in a bottomless brunch starting at £55, which includes three courses and bottomless cocktails/prosecco, a live DJ and weekly entertainment themes. Address: Rake’s Café Bar, Andaz London Liverpool Street, 40 Liverpool St, London, EC2M 7QN Website: https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uk/london/rake-s- Words and Photography by Nyla Sammons

From 16th to 22nd September, London's West End is set to become the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts with the highly anticipated return of Future of Food festival. This year's festival promises a culinary adventure like no other, featuring an impressive line-up of celebrated chefs and thought-provoking events. Headlining the festival are two Michelin-starred chefs, Alex Dilling of Hotel Café Royal and Oslo-based culinary star Mikael Svensson. Together, they will craft a spectacular back-to-back tasting menu. Angela Hartnett OBE of Café Murano St James will join forces with guest chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Executive Chef of the Stafford Collection, for a dining experience that promises to be truly unforgettable. Pioneering chefs like Ramael Scully of Scully St. James’s and Rishim Sachdeva of Tendril will share their visionary insights into the future of the culinary industry. Professional forager Flavour Fred will offer expert tips on creating delectable dishes using foraged ingredients, adding a unique twist to the festival. London’s finest seafood establishments, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill and Wilton’s, will offer sustainable dining experiences. Guests at Bentley’s will learn about The Crown Estate’s collaboration with the Blue Marine Foundation and the Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative (ENORI) to restore native oysters in Essex. A special highlight is the ‘Sustainable Sunday Lunch’ at Maison François, where guests can enjoy a lavish sharing feast in the restaurant’s elegant private dining room. On-street feasts will feature delicious dishes from popular restaurants such as ‘O ver, Toba, Casa do Frango, Yokocho, Heddon Street Kitchen, Piccolino, and Scully St James’s. Beyond the ticketed events, participating restaurants, bars, pubs, and coffee shops across Regent Street and St James’s will offer exclusive deals. Enjoy £10 dishes at select restaurants, 20% off the Puddings Masterclass with Sauce by The Langham, and 10% off at ‘O ver. Find out more about the Future of Food 2024 and explore the full event line-up at www.regentstreetonline.com/future-of-food-festival-2024 Written by Lorna Byrne Photo courtesy of Future of Food Festival

The globally renowned citizenM is making waves again with the grand opening of its third Miami property—citizenM Miami South Beach. Located just steps from the bustling retail and dining haven of Lincoln Road, this new addition promises to deliver the brand’s signature blend of affordable luxury and modern design, tailored perfectly for Miami’s energetic South Beach. The hotel channels the vivacity of Miami's art, culture, and nightlife and each detail of the hotel reflects the pulse of South Beach’s colourful community—from the locally sourced artwork including original pieces by prominent artists such as Austin Call, Akilha Watta to the lush rooftop infinity pool and bar. The hotel’s 168 rooms are the epitome of citizenM’s “everything modern travellers need, and nothing they don’t” philosophy. With XL king-size beds, plush bedding, and a 4K widescreen TV, guests are invited to relax and recharge in style. An intuitive iPad-controlled system allows complete control over room ambiance, from climate to lighting, all of which is customizable with vibrant colour options. Coupled with a luxurious rain shower and high-speed Wi-Fi, every room is a sanctuary after a day of exploring Miami’s buzzing nightlife and dining scene.   The hotel also features canteenM, offering 24/7 access to snacks and drinks, so guests can grab a bite anytime. Those looking to stay active will appreciate the fully equipped gym, open round-the-clock.   Whether you're in Miami for work, play, or both, citizenM Miami South Beach, blends vibrant design, high-tech amenities, and sustainable practice to offer a chic, comfortable, and tech-savvy oasis where you can truly feel at home.   Address: citizenM Miami South Beach, 1200 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida Website: https://www.citizenm.com Written by Lorna Byrne Photography courtesy of citizenM

Launching its first ever Supermarket listing, Crosstown Doughnuts are now appearing in iconic supermarket Waitrose, bringing their award-winning doughnuts to North London’s Waitrose John Barnes.   Available now, this flagship supermarket listing ties in with the re-opening of the Waitrose John Barnes branch on Finchley Road, after a period of extensive refurbishment. Shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase individually (£4.00) or in a mix & match three-pack box (£12) in a branded unit in the new bakery at John Barnes, as well as in a display unit in the food to go area of the store.   You will find doughnut flavours, two of which are vegan:   Raspberry Jam (ve) - filled with homemade raspberry jam  Tongan Vanilla Bean - topped with Tongan vanilla bean glaze and filled with Tongan vanilla bean custard Milk Chocolate Truffle – topped with dark chocolate ganache with a milk chocolate filling  Strawberry & Chocolate (ve) - strawberry glaze with Dark Chocolate Ganache filling  Matcha & White Chocolate - matcha glaze with white chocolate ganache filling Price: Starting from £4.00 Website: www.crosstown.co.uk Address: Waitrose John Barnes, 199 Finchley Rd, South Hampstead, NW3 6NN Written by Jordan Crowley Photo Courtesy of Crosstown Doughnuts

Located just minutes from Marble Arch, Connaught Village is something of a hidden gem. The area has such peaceful charm it is hard to believe you are in the centre of London. Nestled along the leafy streets is an array of independent luxury fashion and interior shops, art galleries and quirky homeware stores. The area boasts several traditional fine-dining gastro pubs, with cozy indoor and outdoor dining options, plus an array of gourmet eateries to take you through from a breakfast spread to a sophisticated dinner. Where to eat: The Stablehand This gastro pub extraordinaire offers the best in UK-sourced produce, traditional home-style cuisine along with expertly selected local wines and spirits. With the emphasis on British produce and high-quality providers, the food is consistently good - fresh and hearty. Hero dishes include bread and butter pudding for dessert and their classic Sunday roast. With outside seating available, the Stablehand is perfect for those looking to relax on the sunny side of the street. La Maritxu With a coveted ‘Great Taste 2023’ award and The New York Times calling it The Basque cheesecake, La Maritxu is causing a stir in the culinary world. Started in 2021 by three sisters, this family-run business uses the traditional Basque recipe for their cheesecake. Characterised by a burnt caramelised crust and a rich creamy interior, it’s an exquisite indulgence not to be missed. You will frequently find queues outside La Maritxu, it's that good! Kendal Street Kitchen Kendal Street Kitchen is your go-to spot for modern Mediterranean delights, where simplicity meets the finest ingredients. The all-day menu offers freshly made pasta, authentic Napolitana pizzas, shareable small plates, and perfectly chargrilled meats and fish. There is outdoor seating for those that want to dine alfresco and watch the world go by or just simply bask in the sunshine. The Royal Lancaster Open from 11am to late, the cozy Park Lounge Bar is perfect for all dining and sultry cocktail sipping. Located on the first floor of this iconic luxury hotel, the décor and views do not disappoint. The restaurant offers a mouthwatering selection of healthy fare and light bites, including salads, poke bowls and Arabic dishes. The drinks menu, as to be expected is extensive, with all your cocktail favourites and curated international wines. They also offer a good selection of alcohol-free alternatives and soft drinks. Buchanans Cheese Monger & Wine Rooms Buchanans Cheese Monger & Wine Rooms is a place for cheese lovers, stocking an incredible range of British and European cheese. Need accompaniments to enjoy with the cheese? They have you covered, with small batch chutneys to carefully sourced biscuits, it's a one-stop shop for your gourmet picnic requirements. Where to shop: West and Hill The owner’s eye for eclectic British and European home design is evident in their product sourcing. Shoppers are invited to explore carefully curated shelves adorned with timeless homeware as well as design classics, such as Moomin by Muurla and Jamida of Sweden. Along with home décor treasures, there are many small items and gift ideas, such as delightful hand-painted mugs and sustainable shopping bags, along with an array of unusual handmade greeting cards. Simon Carter Fashionistas should visit Simon Carter for their collection of incredible patterned shirts. This shop will help you pimp up your workwear, you will find bold and colourful prints inside. MUD Australia Fusing minimal aesthetic and traditional porcelain techniques Mud has taken on a cult status by those looking for individual tableware. Their sunny pastel colour palette transports you to Byron Bay beaches and al fresco dining. With an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainable design, the brand is all about building long-term relationships with its valued customers. The ranges are meant to be future heirloom pieces, allowing customers to build up their collections with classic, consistent pieces which are designed to work together. PM Flowers PM Flowers provides stunning bouquets and charming wildflower arrangements. The outdoor display is a sight to see, totally Instagrammable. The perfect place to get a beautiful bouquet for that special someone in your life or to brighten up your home. Other highlights of the village: For art lovers drop in to contemporary galleries Casildart and Matt Carey Williams . Walk to Bathurst Mews where you will find the horse stables for Hyde Park horse riding, book a slot and enjoy a magnificent horse ride in Hyde Park. Wonder the streets and find as many mews as you can, they are hidden little gems, with beauty and charm. For more information on Connaught Village visit https://connaught-village.co.uk/ Written by Claire Bloom Photography by Nyla Sammons

Inspired by the bustling port of Dalian Northern China, XI Home is a mecca for dumpling lovers. The brand was created by 27-year-old restauranteur Wenjun Xiang, who was born and raised in Dalian. Serving a range of over 20 authentic, handmade dumplings alongside tea pairings, cocktails and detox juices. With interiors designed by creative agency Blacksheep guests are taken on a journey into the splendour of Northern China. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s all about dumplings. From 8.30am, guests can indulge in Chinese Pancake with Sausages, Bacon and Eggs as well as matcha-inspired super green hot drinks and smoothies. For lunch and dinner, the range of dumplings is extensive, including classic combos such as Spicey Pork with Fennel, Open Mouth King Prawn and house favourite Lobster Dumpling. To complement the extensive dumpling menu is an array of buns, pancakes, soups and noodle dishes. Tea pairings are also available including Four Season Oolong Tea and Oriental Beauty Tea. For those who are looking for an alcoholic beverage, the concise cocktail list features an array of exotic mixes and authentic beers. Dishes range from £6.50 to £18.00 and the entire menu is available for takeaway and delivery. Address: Blossom Street, London, E1 6PL To book a table visit https://www.sevenrooms.com Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of XI Home Dumplings Bay .

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Skin & Sanctuary, a multi-award-winning clinic, to experience a facial of my choice. With my skin feeling dull and lifeless, thanks to the demands of looking after a toddler and looming work deadlines, I decided to try the Hydrafacial®. Skin & Sanctuary offers a wide range of treatments, including signature facials, skin boosters, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and much more. Conveniently located in Shoreditch, just a short walk from the station, the clinic provides a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the receptionist who guided me to a tranquil room where I could finally switch off for an hour and give my skin some much-needed TLC. My therapist, Freya, was wonderful, she took the time to explain the Hydrafacial® treatment in detail, and we also discussed my daily skincare routine and concerns. The Hydrafacial®, described by Skin & Sanctuary is a medical grade resurfacing treatment with patented technology. The non-invasive procedure integrates a multi-step process, encompassing thorough cleansing, gentle exfoliation, precise extraction, targeted hydration, and potent antioxidant fortification. Freya began with a deep cleanse, removing my makeup and any buildup from the day. Then, she used an exfoliating nozzle that gently sucked up my skin, dislodging unwanted dirt and impurities. For me, this was strangely the most satisfying part, as I relished releasing the deep rooted dirt from my skin, freeing my pores. Freya also performed a manual extraction for those serious stubborn areas. Once my skin was thoroughly cleansed, Freya applied a chemical peel containing AHAs and BHAs, to give that glow I had been craving. She followed this with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and an LED light treatment to reduce redness and stimulate collagen production. To finish, Freya applied Vitamin C and SPF to protect my skin, which I swear by to protect my skin from sun damage. After the treatment, Freya showed me what had been collected from my skin, let’s just say it was murky and gunky, and I was more than happy to part with it. I then eagerly checked the mirror, my skin looked rejuvenated, bright and glowing. Although there was a slight redness (totally normal), I was advised it would disappear the following day, which it did. Over the following days, my skin continued to improve, looking even more radiant just in time for some family time I had planned. My pores less visible, and my complexion was noticeably brighter and more hydrated. What an absolute delight. If your skin is in need of some pampering, I highly recommend booking a treatment at Skin & Sanctuary. You can easily book online at www.skinandsanctuary.com Be sure to ask for Freya—she’s fantastic at making you feel relaxed and is happy to explain every step of the process (or keep things quiet if that’s more your style). Address: 150B Commercial Street, London, E1 6NU Written by Nyla S. Photos courtesy of Skin & Sanctuary

Looking for a hotel stay with a difference? art’otel London Battersea Power Station may well just be the place! Located right next to the iconic Battersea Power Station, this hotel offers so much more than a place to lay your head. Walking in, you'll be wowed by the bold colours, stunning contemporary art, and exquisite furniture. I was so busy gawking at the decor that I was barely listening to the lovely reception staff on check-in! The hotel’s design is courtesy of the award-winning Spanish artist and interior designer, Jaime Hayon. art'otel is well equipped with a gym, sauna, team room and a dazzling rooftop pool where you can take a dip whilst overlooking the power stations impressive chimneys, perfect for a little self-care. You can even book treatments such as massages, facials, and mani/pedis. The room Our room was a super contemporary mix of vibrant and bold colour, clean curved lines, and playful touches such as funky spectacle-shaped mirrors above the bed. The floor-to-ceiling windows were great for sucking in all of that natural light, though we didn’t get the Power Station view, so definitely book a room with a view if that’s a must for you. The bed was massive and super comfy, ensuring a great night’s sleep. Original artwork pieces by Jaime Hayon are dotted around the room to gaze at, and a Lavazza machine, teas and biscuits, and a well stocked mini bar provide the room with refreshments. Our room came with a wet room, which was beautiful, but I would have definitely wanted a room with a bathtub instead, to truly unwind with a long much-needed soak. Food and Drink The TOZI Grand Café is open all day, and just like the rest of the hotel, it is beautifully designed, feeling like a modern Italian cafe with quirky artwork and bold colors. For breakfast, pastries are laid out for guests to indulge whilst ordering from an actual breakfast menu. I personally love ordering a la carte rather than scooping up food from a buffet. The quality of food is often a lot more superior, my chosen eggs royal was a real treat. JOIA, a Portuguese-themed restaurant curated by Michelin-star winning chef Henrique Sa Pessoa is located on the 15th floor. We enjoyed a fabulous afternoon tea here, surrounded by soft pastel tones, plush comfy seats and floor to ceiling windows offering you views of the Battersea Power Station. The food was a real delight and you can read our review of our afternoon tea at JOIA here . Guests can also enjoy cocktails from Joia Rooftop: a stylish bar and terrace located beside the totally instagrammable pool. We naturally took full advantage of evening drinks by the pool, and a morning dip and hot tub soak before check-out. The views over the power station are really quite special. Make sure to check out what the hotel is offering during your stay. We just missed a morning yoga session on the rooftop, which we would have loved to have joined if we were more switched on. The programme of activities will be listed on their website. What’s near the hotel The renovated Battersea Power Station is just outside, where you will find shops, cafes, and restaurants, a great place to explore and grab a bite to eat. You will also find Lift 109, which takes visitors up the north-west chimney for a 360-degree view of the city. It is such a cool experience, and there aren’t many places where you can go up a chimney at a power station and be greeted with a spectacular city view. The Battersea Power Station area is very well-connected to the rest of London, with the Northern line station just a few minutes walk away. You can easily hop over to Leicester Square, or the Southbank in less than 20 minutes. Although we live here, it did feel like a mini vacation, with what the surroundings has to offer. Check out Arcade X, near the river Thames, which has recently opened for the summer period, treating guests to a variety of street food vendors, scrumptious cocktails and loungers. To book a room visit - https://artotellondonbattersea.com Address: 1 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ, England Words and photography by Nyla Sammons

Korean Grill Kensington offers an authentic Korean dining experience, with built-in tabletop grills, allowing diners to indulge in the full BBQ process at the comfort of their private table. Our gastronomic journey started with a celebration of Korean delicacies including Sang Cha Lim, a selection of eight seasonal side dishes, including Kimchi, Jeon, Bibim noodles and Japchae Yuzu salad. These small plates were expertly arranged around the table, allowing us to sample different flavour combinations throughout the dining experience. The waiting staff then cooked the dishes at the table, immersing us in the production of several delicious sizzling plates. Along with the host of side plate samples, the main event consists of traditionally seasoned meat and fish, grilled to your preference on the BBQ. The menu is centred around high-quality beef, so it is a good choice for those who love red meat and rich textures. Our tasting menu included KGK Cut of the Day, succulent 35-day Aged Rib Eye and for seafood lovers, King Tiger Prawns, all accompanied by signature sauces, plus rice and soup to be dipped and savoured. If red meat is not your preference, then a vegan menu is also available. KGK has a quality wine and cocktail list, but to complete our Korean experience we indulged in an authentic sweet wine flavoured with green grape. This traditional wine is quite strong and has a unique fruity sweetness. To finish we sampled a Korean signature ice cream delicacy, definitely unusual, and worth a try for those who want to experience an authentic pudding. Address: KGK, Courtfield Road, London, SW7 4LH Website: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/london/millennium-gloucester-hotel-london-kensington/korean-grill-kensington Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of KGK