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

Rekorderlig Cider is bringing a unique experience to the heart of London with the world’s first-ever ‘Cold Sauna’. Celebrating the launch of their latest Peach-Raspberry flavour, this pop-up offers Londoners a playful escape from the city’s current heat-wave. On August 22nd, from 12 PM to 6 PM at Broadgate Tower, Liverpool Street, the public are invited to chill out in this Swedish-inspired, peach-shaped sauna, where the temperature is set at a cool 16 degrees Celsius. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from the bustling city streets and indulge in the fruity notes of Rekorderlig’s new cider flavour. The ‘Cold Sauna’ experience isn’t just about cooling down, it's a chance to reconnect with your carefree spirit. In stark contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle and sweltering tube commutes, Rekorderlig invites all to take a moment to relax and chill-out, with the first 200 guests receiving a complimentary can of Peach-Raspberry cider. The Peach-Raspberry flavour combines the juicy sweetness of peach with a hint of raspberry, delivering a refreshingly lighter cider that’s perfect for summer! Following its debut in London, the ‘Cold Sauna’ will be travelling across the UK, popping up at events like Hackney Bridge from August 23rd to 27th. It’s the latest in a series of exciting initiatives from Molson Coors Beverage Company, who have been brewing beverages for over two centuries. Rekorderlig Peach-Raspberry can be found in most supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDA and Waitrose, starting from £1.75-£2.59 and ensuring a refreshing and tasty summer for all. Website: https://www.rekorderlig.com/ Written by Imelda Nela Photo courtesy of Rekorderlig

For those of you familiar with Shoreditch, you are probably already aware of Gloria. Even if you haven’t heard of it, you will almost certainly have stopped and admired the plant-endowed establishment sitting at the junction of Great Eastern Street and Charlotte road and thought “I must try that place”. Gloria looks as if it has been sliced right out of Italy’s Campania region and pasted into the urban landscape of East London, making it an inviting prospect, so we headed down one lunchtime to move the eye-catching Trattoria out of our “must-try” list. If the exterior gives you Southern Italian dining vibes, the interior takes it up a notch, with all of those Amalfi feels. Marbled floors support rounded banquette seating adorned with striped fabrics. Greenery drapes from the ceilings in an environment that feels like a maximalist garden yet also calming and serene. We get right into the Italian spirit by asking for an Aperol Spritz whilst we peruse the menu, we are however, expertly guided by our fantastic host to try the Albicocca Spritz instead. A much more mellow drink made with apricot brandy, elderflower, lemon juice, soda and Prosecco. Now they have gained our trust we open ourselves up to suggestions from the menu. Gloria is known for its burrata, and who are we to ignore this. Their Burrata E Frigitelli is a silky soft ball of heaven laid upon a bed of sun-dried tomato and almond pesto, and frigitelli peppers, it’s warm but not fiery. One of our surprise favourites of the day is the quirkily titled “Honey I truffled the Crochetta”, the most delightful crisp balls with a gooey provola cheese centre and an earthy sweetness provided by a truffle honey finish. We accompany this with silky thin slices of 40 day cured beef leg. The flavour is deep and only a touch of olive oil and lime zest is needed to finish. We obviously had to sample one of the menu’s Napolitan pizzas, and persisting with the advice of our host we opt for the Dancing Queen. A typical mozzarella and tomato base oozes on top of a super soft dough, topped with prosciutto and rocket. It’s surprisingly fresh. Our Italian feast ends with an insanely delicious chocolate tart with salted caramel and coffee praline. Now this dessert is rich with a capital R, but with that kind of quality that keeps you digging in your spoon, mopping up the bed of whipped cream underneath. Gloria is a place to impress. Not just for the incredible surroundings, for the slice of Italian riviera, but also for the impeccable food, and with a reasonably priced menu, Gloria is Capri without the price tag. So if you know of the restaurant covered in plants, it’s about time you knew it for what’s inside. Go book a table and check out the menu on the Gloria website - https://www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/gloria Address: 54-56 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3QR Written by Rick Hartley Photography by Joann Pai and Jérôme Galland

Hijingo's new offering, Generation 2.0, has come to Shoreditch, presenting an innovative new immersive experience from London’s most electrifying multi-sensory bingo brand. Retaining its trademark futuristic decor and neon lights, this updated version promises a breathtaking array of stunning new visuals, mind-bending special effects, and original compositions of high-energy music. Upon checking in at reception, we were given a paper bag containing four bingo sheets, our drinks tokens, and two adorable bingo stampers with little lucky cats on them. We stopped to grab a drink from the bar before traveling through an intriguing corridor with flashing overhead bulbs, red lighting, and images of lucky cats. We could feel the excitement building simply by walking into the main space. Entering an expansive room with lines of tables ready for eager bingo goers, we saw a stage in front of us with two huge screens and digital counters. Catchy dance music played while our hosts, two faceless ‘Hijingobots,’ danced and started riling up the crowd, getting everyone into the full Hijingo spirit. The music stopped, the lights dimmed, and a "voice of God" came over the speakers, welcoming us to Hijingo. The voice, named AVA (Artificial Virtual Architect), introduced itself as the AI bot who now powers Hijingo and simultaneously hosts the game. Explaining the rules while mocking our ‘tiny human brains’ ability to recall numbers, it was a great mix of immersion and clarity. Not being an avid bingo player myself, I was thankful for the in-depth explanation of how the game would work. With two bingo sheets and three rounds of bingo on each, there were six chances to win at Hijingo, with prizes ranging from umbrellas to holidays! Vibing music continued throughout as the numbers flashed up on the screen, and we found ourselves getting seriously into the game, although a bit scared of being drawn up onto the stage to dance in front of the crowd if we did. Fuelled by table service wines and an epic snack tray including skewers, deep-fried cheese, fried chicken, fries, and more, we left feeling adequately full albeit somewhat gutted for not winning anything. Hijingo’s new Generation 2.0 offers a fresh take on the modernized bingo experience. There are some seriously good prizes up for grabs, as well as great food and drinks. With the new bottomless brunch package available on Saturdays and Sundays, it's a great option for a fun date night or a special occasion with friends. Price: Tickets from £12 and food and beverage packages from £29.  Tickets are available via https://www.hijingo.com Address: 90 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2BA Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of Hijingo Bingo

The Battersea Games has returned for a second year of sports with a 100m running track, climbing wall, and all manner of activities including Padel and table tennis to get you inspired alongside the Paris Olympics and Paralympics Fanzone during August and September. All the activities are free to access and suitable for all ages, giving you the chance to try your hand at something new or old while the sun shines! Indoors in the Grade II* listed Power Station, a climbing wall will give you the chance to race to the ceiling of Turbine Hall B and check out the views of the historic building - how many places in the world can you do that? The free activities are running until 8th September 2024. Find out more at  www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/battersea-games Written by Claire Selby  Photo by Charlie Round-Turner