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

Keep the kids engaged and entertained during the summer holidays with a variety of fun activities around London. From kid-friendly museums and galleries, immersive experiences, and special events, there's plenty to explore. We've curated a list of our top family-friendly spots for you to visit. Interactive Aardman ‘Bug Hunt’ at new insect garden at Stratford Cross An interactive Lloyd of the Flies augmented reality trail is set to captivate families, children, and insect enthusiasts at the Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden in Stratford Cross. Visitors will join Lloyd, the first-ever non-human Royal Entomological Society Ambassador, in his quest to find his friends and guide them back to the garden's 'luxury bug hotel.' This engaging experience offers a fun and educational way to discover fascinating facts about the tiny creatures that sustain all life on Earth. For further information visit https://www.royensoc.co.uk/the-res-garden Frameless Immerse yourself in the world of some of history's greatest artists as Frameless, the UK’s largest immersive art experience, unveils a revamped version of one of its four main galleries, ‘The World Around Us.’ Marking the most significant update since its 2022 debut. Frameless introduces reimagined masterpieces that blend art, music, animation, and cutting-edge technology. Visitors will find themselves in a vibrant, imaginative playground where storytelling comes to life like never before. The experience features five new immersive artworks from some of the world’s most revered artists, including Hokusai and Van Gogh, alongside seven existing masterpieces which have been reimagined in collaboration with BAFTA award-winning VFX studio and Frameless’ Official Production Partner Cinesite. For more information and to book tickets visit https://frameless.com/ The Giant’s Garden at Westfield London Get ready for a magical summer adventure at Westfield’s ‘The Giant’s Garden’ event! From 16th August to 1st September, Westfield Stratford City’s indoor event spaces will be transformed into enchanting gardens where everything is larger than life. You can try walking on water in the Zorb pool, rolling around in giant inflatable balls—a thrilling activity for kids aged five +. There will also be classic garden games, a giant swing ball setup perfect for some friendly competition with foam racquets and much more. Every day at 12pm and 3pm, there will be storytime sessions featuring popular books, plus garden-themed arts and crafts activities where kids can create their own masterpieces to take home. All free of charge, open daily from 12pm to 8pm*. For more information visit https://www.westfield.com/united-kingdom/stratfordcity/events-detail/the-giant_t_s-garden Theatre at Kew Gardens The Australian Shakespeare Company is back for its sixth season at Kew Gardens, bringing back the Dream Fairies production. This interactive story follows four fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream who get lost and cross paths with Tinkerbell on their journey. Dream Fairies is a charming mix of song, dance, and fairytale magic, perfect for younger audiences. With plenty of interactive adventures, it’s a magical experience designed to keep the little ones engaged. Book tickets at: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/theatre-on-kew-24 ECLIPSO This summer, both kids and adults can journey through 3.5 billion years of Earth's history, from the evolution of cells to modern day, all thanks to Eclipso Entertainment's latest creation, Life Chronicles. Using cutting-edge VR technology, you can experience the incredible story of our planet firsthand, fully immersed in a wireless VR environment that lets you move around and interact with others. Located at Westfield Stratford, the Eclipso Entertainment venue welcomes everyone aged 6 and up, making it a perfect adventure for the whole family. For more information visit https://lifechronicles-experience.com/london/ Jumeirah Carlton Tower x The Roald Dahl Story Company Jumeirah Carlton Tower has teamed up with The Roald Dahl Story Company to create an awesome experience for kids aged 2 to 12. It is exclusive for families staying in any of the hotel’s 186 rooms. The rooms are transformed into a book lover’s paradise, with all sorts of fun goodies waiting for the little ones. When families arrive, they’ll find a room filled with soft toys, games, and movies to enjoy during their stay. There’s even a Roald Dahl-themed Monopoly game where kids can race Matilda to outsmart Trunchbull in a fun twist on the classic board game. And when it’s time for bed, the kids can get cozy in exclusive Roald Dahl dressing gowns and slippers, or snuggle up with a special Enormous Crocodile blanket and pillows as they fall asleep to a Roald Dahl audiobook. For more information visit https://www.jumeirah.com

Tired of the same old dash to Pret for a quick sandwich? Craving a more satisfying meal during your lunch break? Plume has just rolled out The Power Hour menu, and it's a game-changer. For just £14, you can dig into a Golden Boy or Bacon Boy sandwich, inspired by its popularity in New York City . If that doesn’t tempt you, there are other tasty options like hot honey halloumi, beef, or aubergine flatbread with chips or a side salad. Plus, a glass of wine is included—how sweet is that! Available Monday to Friday from 12-3 pm, all dishes are served within 20 minutes, with a complimentary glass of wine if they take any longer. Address: 26 Wellington St, London, WC2E 7DD Website: https://www.plumewinebar.com/ Photo courtesy of Plume

This week we caught up with Vidushi Binani the Co-Founder of Volonté to talk about her inspiration behind Volonté, why nutrition is important, her biggest achievement and much more. Can you tell me how Volonte came about, what was your inspiration? We know how important nutrition is to you, can you tell us how you came about planning the dishes at Volonté? I love food. But, to be brutally honest, I used to have a very unhealthy relationship with food. In my childhood, I ate too much and unhealthily and then ate too little or almost nothing on some days in my late teens. In early adulthood, after trying to navigate my strange relationship with food, I learned the basic principle of maximising without sacrificing too much and making balanced choices when it comes to eating and drinking. During university, I would try and make better choices when eating at home and allow myself to indulge when out with friends. I trained smartly 4-5 times a week, walked whenever I could, and tried to break the cycle of eating very unhealthy food and then punishing myself by not eating anything at all. This cycle never works - it’s not sustainable. I also learned that portion sizes play a big role when it comes to indulgence. Moderate indulgence does not do much harm, yet allows you to satisfy your mind and body. I became fascinated by the ways in which flavorful food could intersect with healthy eating habits which inspired me to study nutrition, and the practical gastronomic application of it at Le Cordon Bleu after university. My studies - frankly a lockdown obsession - in nutrition provided me with a deeper understanding of how our bodies work and helped me to formalize the theory behind some of my self-learnings. While in university and at Cordon bleu, to help maintain my balanced lifestyle approach, I tried to look for “healthy” spots in London where I could grab a quick lunch or even a fun brunch with friends. Most places had very boring menus or food that was not freshly prepared. Being a vegetarian I also found it difficult to find places that had a variety of tasty options for me to choose from. After not having much luck, stemmed the idea of creating Volonté. Today I am passionate about how people can fuel their love for food in a sustainable, balanced way, without having to remove what they love the most. At Volonte you will find familiar elements in dishes, inspired from trying to recreate my favourites from all over the world in a fresh and cleaner way. I used the Covid lockdown to experiment with recipes - having access to limited ingredients forced me to be creative and achieve flavours by not adding too many ingredients. Trying to use homemade sauces and bases to all dishes and balancing each plate with elements from all food groups is the ethos behind everything we create. All food groups are allowed - in the right portion size. This is why high-quality chocolate, wine and prosecco can also be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle at Volonté. I believe that balance and moderation allows you to enjoy everything you desire without causing harm while maintaining a moderately active lifestyle. Translating as the French feminine noun for ‘willpower’, Volonté is a place built upon feminine strength and a core belief that optimum wellbeing is achieved through a life of abundance rather than restriction. What has been your biggest achievement since starting Volonté? I think being able to have 3 sites in two years has been an achievement that I am proud of. I still make mistakes but I think having the strength and confidence to battle each new challenge that comes with a new site has been an incredible journey - and most of the credit will go to the people who support me and allow me to focus so hard and take these risks. My family and fiancé have encouraged me from day one and Volonté would honestly not be standing 3 stores strong without them. I also think I have now built a great core team that keeps all sites running smoothly. In a tough labour market, especially in the hospitality sector, I am thankful to have some great team members who have helped me through the journey too. I also believe building a good team has been an achievement of its own (this journey has had its own several ups and downs). How do you prioritise your own wellbeing while running a business? If I am completely honest it's difficult. My mind tends to be working non-stop so sometimes even when on holiday, I am only thinking about work and not switching off mentally even though I am not physically at work. Making work your life tends to not be sustainable. I’ve learned that my work is a large part of my life, but I cannot let it consume me fully. I need to learn how to balance my life the same way that I balance my food. I try and exercise at least 3 to 4 times per week, I used to only like exercising in the mornings and during busy times I would not get time in the mornings so I would end up skipping exercise. Now I exercise at anytime I can, on days where I can’t carve out time early in the morning. Having your own business means that you are in charge of your own time (mostly) - which is a boon and a bane. A boon as you can have a more flexible work schedule, but a bane as if not physically tired or forced to stop - you can spiral into working nonstop. It’s important to remind yourself that every problem has a solution and that the solution can even be found tomorrow. On vacations - I try to focus on the more creative aspects of work as new places and people can inspire new ideas and can help get creative juices flowing, I try and finish any urgent admin beforehand so that I can work on “fun” elements which keep me inspired and excited. Congratulations on your new studio, Volonté - Fitzrovia, how does this studio space differ from your other studios? Fitzrovia is an intimate low impact studio, focussed more on classes such as reformer Pilates, Yoga, Dance, Barre and meditation - which has a wider audience across all age groups and fitness levels. The Chelsea studio has a more strength and functional training based set up - now used mainly for personal training and small group training. You host amazing events at Volonté, do you have anything coming up you can share with our readers? We recently updated our wine list and added some exciting new cocktails too. We will be hosting some wine tastings and Pilates events in the next few months. What would your ideal day in London be like? Even after living in London for 8 years I am yet to see so many parts of it. An ideal day would be one where I have enough time to go and explore a new area and try out some hidden food gems. I have a long list of places to try that are not in my immediate local areas and I would love to have a day to go try some of those and just walk around a new area as each locality of London is unique in its own way. To find more about Volonté and to book a class visit https://www.volonte-energy.com/ Photography by Nyla Sammons

Pravaas, in the heart of South Kensington, and close to the National History museum, The V&A and Science museum is redefining the Indian culinary scene with an exciting new breakfast menu. For those who can't resist a weekend without a hearty fry-up, Chef Patron Shilpa Dandekar’s version of the Full English Breakfast is a must-try. Visualise lamb merguez sausages, crispy turkey bacon, grilled heritage tomatoes, alongside a delicious mix of potato and kale. And the menu doesn’t stop there, there are plenty of savoury options such as lentil dumplings served alongside two eggs and a rich hollandaise sauce, egg paratha, and a delectable avocado toast. For pancake enthusiasts, Pravaas offers savoury varieties including malpuas with a combination of spinach, cheese, mushrooms, and dosa… Those who prefer their breakfast on the sweeter side will find their cravings satisfied with traditional Indian malpua pancakes. These pancakes are given a sophisticated touch with crushed black pepper and fennel, then topped with mixed berries, clotted cream, and maple syrup. Pair your breakfast with a sweet and spicy masala chai or choose from an array of refreshing teas like Jasmine Queen Tea, Royal Darjeeling, and Assam Tea for the perfect morning pick-me-up. Breakfast is served exclusively on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10am to 12pm, making it an ideal weekend treat. Address: 3 Glendower Place, South Kensington, SW7 3D Website: https://www.pravaas.com/ Written by Lorna Bryn Photo courtesy of Pravaas

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the mystical Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and its mesmerising cenotes? El Cenote Camden brings that magic to life, offering a dining experience that transports you to these serene natural wonders. Named after Mexico's spiritual cenotes, this restaurant celebrates the beauty of Mexican heritage and takes diners on a metaphorical journey to these natural wonders through its ambiance, cuisine, and decor. The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that feels cosy yet captivating, just like the cenotes. It's a must-visit for lovers of Mexican food and culture alike. First and foremost El Cenote Camden impressed us with their exceptional customer service. The friendly and passionate staff are dedicated to sharing the rich traditions of Mexico. This passion is evident in every detail, from the beautifully decorated interior to the carefully curated music playlist. Traditional Talavera tiles line the bar and staircase, adding to the interior charm, making for beautiful Instagrammable moments. Additionally, melodic sounds of Latin American and pop hits fill the air at a perfect volume for conversation, creating an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings with friends. The Margarita Madness offer also seemed perfect for those friendly get-togethers: taking place from 4-7 PM and 9-10 PM daily, selected cocktails are £6, along with promotions on beers and prosecco. After a warm welcome, we were seated in a booth, there is also outdoor seating available for those who prefer dining al fresco. Our enthusiastic waitress guided us through a diverse menu featuring a wide array of taco options, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian varieties. Beyond tacos, the menu boasts enchiladas, steaks, nachos, quesadillas, a refined selection of traditional Mexican desserts, and much more. We initially settled on ordering drinks that were as unique as they were refreshing. The Horchata mocktail and Lavender Margarita stood out, offering flavours we'd never encountered before. The Lavender Margarita, in particular, was a delightful twist on the traditional Margarita, aromatic and lemonade-like in its freshness. For those with a sweet tooth, the Horchata's blend of vanilla syrup with cinnamon is sure to please. For appetisers, we opted for a classic: tortilla chips with four different salsas. Each salsa presented a unique picante flavour, from guacamole to cheese. We were also recommended the popular Baja Fish Tacos, which were not only beautifully garnished but also tasted extraordinary. The battered Sea Bass was perfectly complemented by the Habanero sauce. Our main courses continued to impress. The Arrachera "Make Your Own Tacos" was a fun and satisfying concept, we found it allowed us to tailor each taco to our own taste, and the well-done beef was very flavorful. After being impressed with the Baja Fish Tacos, we felt inclined to opt for a seafood main course as well. The King Prawn al Tequila dish featured fresh, marinated king prawns served with a generous portion of rice and salad, perfectly balancing flavours and textures.  We were a little to full from our starters and mains, we decided to pass on a dessert. However, the menu’s offerings, like the popular Pastel de Elote, looked very tempting and we imagine would be well worth a return visit. Despite being open for only three months, El Cenote Camden has already made a significant impression. It is evident that the team have poured their hearts into every aspect of the restaurant. The culinary team, led by skilled chefs, is dedicated to embodying the spiritual essence of Mexican heritage. The dishes were rich in flavour and impressive. The waiting staff were extremely attentive and radiated positivity and passion. We can confidently say El Cenote Camden is a new favourite of ours in the city and whether you’re a Mexican food aficionado or a culture enthusiast, El Cenote Camden offers a dining experience that is both authentic and enchanting. Address: 2 Inverness St, London, NW1 7HJ Website: https://www.elcenotecamden.com/ Written by Imelda Nela Photo one courtesy of El Cenote Photo two by Ismelda Nela

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Fulham's High Street, The Brown Cow Pub offers a serene haven paired with an exceptional brunch experience. For starters we chose the Grilled Summer Courgettes. Grilled summer courgettes were perfectly charred and paired with succulent Isle of Wight tomatoes. The vegan burrata was creamy and indulgent, and the Fresh basil provided an aromatic finish that tied the dish together beautifully. For my main I opted for the Ravioli of Simplicity 'Nduja' and Olive Ragu, a standout dish, featuring ravioli filled with spicy 'nduja. The robust olive ragu added depth, while the slow-roasted tomato and fennel provided a touch of sweetness. My companion opted for the 8oz Ribeye Steak. The steak was cooked to perfection, with a rich, flavourful garlic butter melting over it. The thick-cut chips were crispy and golden, the roasted mushroom earthy and tender, and the fresh watercress added a peppery bite. For an extra touch of indulgence, the peppercorn and béarnaise sauce options are highly recommended. To accompany our mains we picked the BBQ Sweet Potato with Pineapple Salsa. The BBQ sweet potato had a smoky, caramelised exterior which was delicious, perfectly balanced by the bright, tangy pineapple salsa. To round up the meal and satisfy our sweet tooth we shared the Vegan Three Little Biscoff-Filled Donuts: These donuts were a vegan delight, each bite revealing a creamy biscoff filling. The donuts were light, fluffy, and indulgently satisfying. We also shared the Vegan Cheddar Valley Strawberries: This dessert was a perfect end to the meal. The fresh Cheddar Valley strawberries were juicy and sweet, beautifully paired with whipped lemon cream. The pistachio shortbread added a delightful crunch, and the strawberry sorbet was refreshing and vibrant. The Brown Cow Pub offers an unforgettable dining experience that begins with a relaxing brunch and extends into a delightful evening. Whether you're in for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this Fulham gem promises culinary excellence in every dish. Address: The Brown Cow, 676 Fulham Rd, London, SW6 5SA Website: https://butcombe.com/the-brown-cow-pub-fulham/ Written by: Stephanie Sowaha Image one courtesy of Brown Cow Photography by Stephanie Sowaha

art'otel London Battersea Power Station proudly overlooks one of London’s most exciting new neighbourhoods and the iconic Battersea Power Station. Although the hotel is a relatively new addition to the skyline, it holds itself with poise, confidence and style. Joia - meaning “jewel” in Portuguese - is the aptly named title of the hotel’s 15th floor restaurant. The restaurant serves up contemporary twists on Portuguese and Catalonian dishes under the guidance of two Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. In keeping with the theme of old and new that the hotel and the Battersea Power Station area represent, Joia serves up a very traditional British afternoon tea and somehow makes it feel very modern. With spectacular sweeping views over the power station's chimneys and the London skyline in the background, you almost get the sense of an immersive history lesson. With the brutalist architecture of the power station framed in the glass viewport of Joia, and juxtaposed against the slick contemporary aesthetic of the space. The restaurant is bright with pink pastels, touches of gold and all the curves that provide all the modern mid-century feels. Afternoon tea is a familiar three-tiered medley of sandwiches, sweet treats and of course the beloved scones, jam and clotted cream. The sandwiches are punching a little over their afternoon tea category with a smoked salmon, cucumber, dill and cream cheese, a salted egg & dijon mustard mayonnaise and our personal favourite, the beef and horseradish which is tender with a light heat from the horseradish. The sweet treats are delectable and look every inch as good as they taste. What appears to be some sort of chocolate roll sandwiched between two white chocolate walls, reveals a surprising chocolate and banana mousse. There’s a pear & almond choux bun with passion fruit crémeux. And our personal favourite a sumptuously crusted cinnamon custard tart topped with raspberries. The sandwiches and sweets bravely stand out from the very familiar scones, with Jam (first), then thick cream, but what would an afternoon tea be without this addition? Joia offers Afternoon tea with an iconic view and an environment that makes it all feel that little bit more special. For a laid-back weekend afternoon, it’s a winner in our books. Afternoon Tea is available at Joia every Saturday and Sunday for £55pp or you can push the boat out that little bit more with the Champagne Afternoon Tea, including a glass of Telmont Brut Réserve Champagne for £65pp.  For more information and to book visit https://www.joiabattersea.co.uk/ Written by Rick Hartley Photography courtesy of Joia Battersea