Known for their innovative way of disrupting fitness, iconic gym chain Gymbox recently unveiled its latest innovative offering, 'Composed', creatively pairing restorative yoga with live classical music. Heading down into the Gymbox Farringdon basement, it was hard to believe that such a calming class would take place in a high energy gym like this. Walking by boxing rings, tracks and rows of machines, it’s a bit of a maze there but everyone was super friendly and happy to direct. Stepping out of the madness of the gym into a calm, dimly lit wellness studio with soft purple lighting and mirrored surroundings. I gathered my props and settled in, happy to see that they had super fresh Yogi Bare mats available. Once everyone settled in, our teacher Tia started to explain the concept whilst the beautiful sounds of a classical Cello began to radiate from one corner of the room. Structured around a finely tuned playlist curated by professional classical musicians, this unique holistic class invites members to melt into the melodies while working the mat – adjusting the tempo and intensity of movement to mirror the score. Moving in time with the notes played by the incredible musician, Schrello, we found ourselves gliding in time with the music, with the notes matching the pace and verbosity of our practice. Having expected a very yin style class I was pleasantly surprised to find the practice was spicier than that, fusing restorative with more dynamic sequencing, allowing me to melt deeper into my flow state and move mindfully with my breath. Of course, the savasana was incredible. I’m not sure if I was asleep or in a state of meditation but what I do know is that the relaxation was DEEP and undeniably more intense than what I usually experience. For keen yogi’s who want to try something new, or gym goers looking at a way to supplement their usual work out, 'Compsed' offers a fresh new take on an ancient practice, allowing attendees to really tap into their flow state. With the proven impacts of classical music on reducing stress, boosting wellbeing, and even improving physical rehabilitation, 'Composed' encourages members to melt into the music for the ultimate body and mind recharge. Composed class schedule and locations: Bank, Wednesday @ 1pm Ealing, Tuesday @ 1:15pm Elephant & Castle, Thursday @ 7:30pm Farringdon, Monday @ 7:30pm Holborn, Tuesday @ 5:30pm Old Street, Monday @ 12:30pm Westfield London, Monday @ 7:30pm Westfield Stratford, Monday @ 5pm Victoria, Friday @ 12pm For more information visit https://www.gymbox.com Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Gymbox

House of Ming , located in the 4 star St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel offers an authentic Sichuan and Cantonese menu, in a chic and luxurious setting. Step inside and you are greeted with opulence and style, with hand-painted ceilings, velvet booths, red lacquer and luxury gold touches. Dining with a loved one? I’d book ahead and reserve the cosy “love seats” and if booking with a big group? Opt for the elegant private dining room. This restaurant is a real beauty and once inside I suggest you take a little walk around and soak it all in. Especially if you are seated at the front of the restaurant like we were, if you don't go fully inside the restaurant you will miss all of the beauty. Our waitress was very welcoming and didn’t hold back in suggesting some of her favourites, which was a definite help for two very indecisive diners (the menu looked amazing!). We started our meal with some dim sum, we opted for the Spinach, Almond, Golden Garlic dumpling, Scallop Golden Garlic and Prawn Wanton Chao Show. All three dishes exceeded our expectations in flavour and delicacy. However the scallop dim sum stole the show, scallop wrapped in a delicate, thin casing, it was tender and utterly delicious. For my main, I ordered the Stir-Fried Sliced Lamb leg with Broccoli. The lamb was marinated in chilli, cumin and light soy, there was a kick of heat, which was a nice welcome. We were advised to order the Burnt Garlic Jasmine Rice over the steamed Jasmine Rice and I’m so glad we did. It was full of flavour and it brought a softness to my Stir-Fried Sliced Lamb leg, complementing it beautifully. For a side, I ordered the Stir Fried Chinese Greens, a staple when ordering from a Cantonese menu, and it didn’t disappoint. Fresh and moreish, it was an absolute delight. For dessert, I went for the Melting Pot - Chocolate Mousse and Passion Fruit Cream UX. Sadly, this was the only dish that wasn't to my liking; it was far too sweet. The dessert menu does offer a range of desserts, so I would suggest trying out another dessert. I have to highlight the staff at House of Ming, from the warm welcome when we arrived to the attentiveness and recommendations. We felt looked after and truly taken care of throughout the meal. It was a luxury dining experience and no doubt I will be back. Next time I will boo k myself and my loved one the ‘love seats’! Address: St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, 54 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AF. Website: https://www.houseofming.co.uk/en/ Written by Nyla S.

Tottenham’s Northumberland Park is the new home of a vibrant 120m² outdoor gym, thanks to a collaboration between leading gym brand Gymbox and not-for-profit organization Raza Sana, along and funding from Haringey Council. This innovative space is designed to foster community spirit and fitness with six weeks of complimentary personal training and group classes, available to all residents. The outdoor gym is equipped with top-tier calisthenic apparatus, including monkey bars, dip bars, and pull-up bars, inviting residents to swing, dip, and pull their way to fitness. Catering to all fitness levels, the gym’s variety of classes ensures that everyone, from beginners to calisthenics enthusiasts, can participate and benefit. The six-week Summer Programme started in July 2024, Gymbox professionals will lead free and accessible exercise classes three times a week, promoting fitness and fun while building a stronger community. The schedule includes: Tuesdays: 12pm - 1pm (Over 50s Stretching & Mobility), 6pm - 7pm (Adult Calisthenics) Thursdays: 4pm - 7pm (Youth Calisthenics) Saturdays: 12pm - 2pm (Community/Family Basic Exercise) Raza Sana’s '1st Rep' programme, implemented at the new facility, focuses on helping disadvantaged young people develop personal strategies through fitness and calisthenics. Gymbox recently launched the 'Gymbox Academy'. This initiative provides participants from the 1st Rep programme with the opportunity to train with Gymbox professionals, gaining experience and qualifications to pursue a career in fitness. The Northumberland Park outdoor gym is part of a larger vision by Gymbox and Raza Sana to create similar infrastructures across London and the UK. Over the next two years, they aim to open ten more parks, helping disadvantaged young people and communities develop new skills and reach their full potential. Head on over to Northumberland Park to get fit, have fun, and be part of an inspiring community initiative. Address: Kenneth Robbins House, Tottenham, London, N17 0SY Website:  www.razasana.com/contact Written by Stephanie Sowaha Photography courtesy of Gymbox

Next month Oriole will open a new cocktail bar in The Yards, Covent Garden. Launching on 28th August, the space will extend their cocktail offering with an eagerly awaited restaurant accompanying their usual bar offering. Upstairs in the Bamboo Bar, you will find an impressive selection of aperitivo-style cocktails as well as classic cocktails, with serves which include the Odyssey (Don Julio Blanco tequila, The Lost Explorer Espadin mezcal, pickled pink ginger, Lillet rose, and timur berry soda) and Chincha Alta (Ketel One vodka, moscatel pisco, apple marigold, absinthe, champagne). Drawing on the success of the team’s research and development pop-up, PRELUDE by Oriole, the food menu is robust, expertly crafter by chef director Gustavo Giallionardo. Drawing on Giallionardo’s Argentinian heritage to celebrate the fusion cuisines of Latin America, the food takes inspiration from Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese), Argentine-Italian and regional Mexican tradition. Options include Hamachi tiradito with kimchi aguachile; Lamb rump with spring greens, huacatay (Peruvian black mint), carrot and yeast sauce; Sea trout with Torrontés beurre blanc, trout roe and daikon fondant, and Coconut tres leches with fig leaf sauce and coconut sorbet. In keeping with the themes of the original Oriole, a soundtrack of live jazz, cabaret and world music will of course be on rotation, which can also be enjoyed alongside a delicious three-course meal. Address: 7-9 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9AB Website Address: https://www.oriolebar.com Written by Jordan Crowley Photography by David Robson

West Hampstead's vibrant and bustling atmosphere, is the perfect location for the first Lola’s Bakery. Just a stone’s throw from their flagship bakery in NW10. Housed in a stunning 100-year-old building, the bakery boasts high ceilings and original architectural features that create an inviting and spacious environment. With a focus on wholesome dishes that cater to a variety of palates. On a recent visit, we had the pleasure of indulging in some of their standout dishes, each of which left us extremely satisfied. The Roast Vegetable Tart is a delightful composition of yellow and red peppers, courgette, and onion, all perfectly baked into a crisp tart. The filling, a blend of free-range eggs, mature cheddar, and aromatic herbs, creates a rich and savoury profile. Each bite offers a burst of flavour, with the roasted vegetables providing a subtle sweetness that complements the creamy, cheesy base. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of fresh, quality ingredients. In contrast, the Roast Chicken Salad offers a refreshing and hearty option for those seeking a lighter meal. The cold grilled chicken is tender and juicy, providing a delicious protein base that is beautifully balanced by the assortment of fresh vegetables. The shredded carrots and cabbage add a crunchy texture, while the cherry tomatoes brings a burst of juiciness. The tenderstem broccoli and edamame beans enhance the salad with their earthy notes, and the almond flakes add a delightful crunch. The sweetcorn and sesame dressing ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that are both nutritious and delicious. For the mains, we opted for the Quinoa Burger and Halloumi Cheese. The quinoa burger, with its nutty and slightly chewy texture, paired wonderfully with the salty and firm halloumi cheese. This side dish was a wonderful addition, offering a unique and satisfying alternative to traditional sides. The combination of quinoa and halloumi is both innovative and delicious, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Lola's Bakery. To round off our meal, we indulged in two decadent desserts alongside a refreshing iced latte. The Salted Caramel Cupcake is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a moist and fluffy cake base topped with a generous swirl of rich caramel frosting. The hint of salt elevates the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that is simply irresistible. For those seeking a vegan option, the Vegan Chocolate Cupcake does not disappoint. This cupcake is a chocolate lover’s dream, with a rich and dense cake base that is both moist and flavourful. The vegan chocolate frosting is smooth and creamy, providing a luxurious finish. Lola's Bakery excels in creating dishes that are not only delicious but also thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty main course, a unique side, or a decadent dessert, Lola's Bakery has something to offer. Address: 168 West End Lane, London, NW6 1SD Website: www.lolasbakery.co.uk/ Words by Stephanie Sowaha Photography by Stephanie Sowaha

In response to the evolving demands of today’s professionals, citizenM is expanding its innovative membership program to include co-working benefits across its 34 hotels globally. This initiative caters to the growing need for flexible workspaces and embodies citizenM's commitment to fostering creativity and community. Previously, citizenM’s living rooms were popular with hotel guests for work and relaxation; now, these spaces are open to non-guests. Allowing freelancers, entrepreneurs, hybrid workers, and café culture enthusiasts to work seamlessly at any citizenM hotel. Whether for a quick meeting or a full day of productivity, citizenM’s affordable co-working spaces offer an inspiring alternative to home offices or crowded cafés. CitizenM hotels are designed for comfort and functionality, featuring designer furniture from Vitra and flexible layouts. Co-working at citizenM can be accessed by becoming a mycitizenM+ member. Additional member benefits include 15% off hotel rooms, free late checkout and free upgrade to premium view room (both subject to availability), 15% off societyM meeting rooms, 15% off F&B, early access to discounts, and members-only events. For just £90 a year, citizenM’s membership provides incredible value, offering benefits to work, sleep, and play. Membership Program: www.citizenm.com/membership/work Photography courtesy of CitizenM

We were transported to Peru this week with a visit to Coya nestled by Bank station in the heart of the city. No passport was required as we stepped inside this buzzing space with a live DJ and hand-mixed cocktails branded with the Coya logo. We were lucky enough to try the tasting menu which took us through some fabulous speciality dishes, perfectly showcasing the Peruvian-inspired cuisine with plenty of new flavours and some real dining theatre. We started with some pisco sours and non-alcoholic mojitos and the waiters were incredibly knowledgeable about which wines to pair with the meats.  Our experience began with guacamole, hand-mixed at our table in a beautiful stone bowl with some huge tortilla chips, absolutely delicious and the best we've ever tried. Our tastebuds were immediately fired up by the ceviche duo of tuna and salmon, the restaurant's signature dish. Both were served with a delicious citrus broth with a real riot of colours, textures and flavours. We enjoyed the mini pork bao accompanied with beef skewers, and spicy mouthfuls to tempt our next course. Next came the highlight - a beautiful Chilean seabass risotto, light and moreish served in a stunning clay pot, perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection. This came with crispy potatoes drizzled with tomato and huancaina dressing. Next came the grilled rib eye served with some delicious chimichurri, to pour over and sliced for easy consumption! It really was the best steak we've had for some time. For dessert we were sent the chocolate dipping churros and a lime cheesecake, with a silken fruity sauce poured at the table. We wholeheartedly recommend Coya for a special occasion, date night or. catch up with friends - for a rainy Tuesday night the place was buzzing. We definitely found our inner Inca! Address: 31-33 Throgmorton St, London, EC2N 2AT Website:  https://coyarestaurant.com/ Written by Claire Selby  Photography by Coya

An exciting new oasis for low impact movement has arrived in Fitzrovia, as the Energy Studio at Volonté Fitrovia unveils their latest class timetable. Set to bring a wave of new fitness concepts to their 784 square metre studio, the schedule has expanded to include; Reformer Pilates, ‘Total Body and Barre’ and Zumba inspired ‘Rhythm and Burn., alongside their staple Pilates, yoga, total body conditioning and meditation sessions. Fastly becoming London’s go-to destination for healthy living, Volonté supports all-around wellness, with their empowering wellbeing classes complemented by a delicious café offering. A menu of nutritionist-curated food and drink embodies the brand’s ethos of sustainable wellbeing, with tantilising options like Chilli Bowl, fluffy Whipped Egg Omelette, fragrant Bangkok Bowl and an intriguing collagen Kinder Bueno smoothie all on offer. There are also new freshly made ‘grab and go’ salad bowls made to order in-house with homemade dressings, perfect as a post-workout dinner or healthy but delicious workday lunch option. Address; Volonté Fitzrovia, 10 Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 3JJ Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 7am – 7pm, Sunday: 9am - 6pm Website www.cafevolonte.co.uk Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of Volonté .

On July 17th, Wagamama is rolling out an exciting new brunch menu! This is a first for the iconic restaurant chain, and we are very excited! Wagamama's chefs have crafted a menu that combines beloved classics with innovative new dishes. Guests can choose from small plates, larger plates, or shareable dishes for the table. Highlights include: The chicken katsu waffle, bringing together two iconic dishes, the waffle and katsu chicken. It features a perfectly golden-brown waffle topped with wagamama’s infamous crispy panko-crusted chicken. Customers can opt for either the classic katsu sauce or a miso caramel vegan ice cream with rich toffee sauce. For a plant-based alternative, wagamama will serve up delightfully indulgent banana katsu waffles, for a sweet, soft and crunchy dish. Morning baos - filled with bacon, sausage, vegan bacon, or vegan sausage. Açaí bowls with fresh fruit, toasted soya wow butter and crunchy granola. We all love a delicious looking dish that we can show off on the gram and Wagamama are certainly dishing up the goods on this one, with Instagrammable smashed croissants, dipped in your choice of matcha or strawberry white chocolate and wagamama’s version of French toast, tomago toast with either matcha and ube vegan ice cream or sour cherry compote with lemon balm. Come hungry, every dish sounds amazing! Wagamama has partnered up with sustainable London-born coffee brand, Grind, so you can sip on the perfect cup of coffee. Or if matcha lattes are your thing you are in for a treat as, wagamama continues its partnership with Jenki, offering new matcha lattes and the iced strawberry and matcha latte. There will also be a good selection of cocktails and mocktails on offer. Wagamama may have been your favourite spot for lunch, but now with the new brunch menu, you may have some competition… To brunch or to lunch,… You decide… Or if you're feeling extra hungry dine in twice! You can enjoy this new offering at 22 key spots in London and across the North and South of the country, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. London locations include Bankside, Battersea Power Station, Bromley, Camden, Covent Garden, Kingston, Royal Festival Hall/Southbank and Wimbledon. Website: https://www.wagamama.com/ Photo by James Moyle

South Asia comes to Northwest London with the opening of Dhakaah this month. Named after the capital city of Bangladesh, this casual dining spot adds yet another option to Hawley Wharf market in Camden which is fast becoming a food mecca with over 20 options from across the globe with pho to hot dogs to ice cream. Dhakaah specialises in spicy street food with free range British ingredients: so expect fuchka: the Bangladeshi version of Pani Puri, filled with spiced potato, chickpeas and spiced tamarind; Beef Kathi Roll: spiced mezbani curry wrapped in handmade parotta flaky flatbread - peyaju: crisp dahl fritters of Shingara shortcrust pastry filled with soft potato and spiced vegetables and the crown jewel of the menu: free-range chicken leg caramelised with onion, mixed nuts and masala spices. If you've got room for dessert there are different flavours of Kulfi and you can wash it all down with a selection of authentic drinks such as lassi and Borhani: a yogurt based drink with green chilli, black salt coriander and mint. These guys even plan to brew their own beer! Website:  https://www.dhakaah.com/ Address: Camden Market Hawley Wharf, London, NW1 8QH Written by Claire Selby Photo courtesy of Dhakaah

This summer, Soho’s Carnaby street will be full of life with music event Sound of Summer starting July 20th. Expect weekly performances from DJs and artists, all curated by local broadcasting trendsetters Soho Radio. This dynamic celebration promises to energise the neighbourhood. The grand opening kicks off with an exciting lineup featuring the soulful Kitty Liv and the innovative Sans Soucis. Throughout the afternoon you can expect DJ sets hosted by Soho Radio and a surprise headline act to close the night. The festivities continue every Saturday from July 27th to August 17th at Kingly Court where performances will be showcased.  But the party doesn't stop there. New bar, ‘Little Violet Door’ will host DJ-led house parties from Wednesday to Saturday, while ‘Under The Counter’ will feature an eclectic mix of jazz, R&B, and funk daily, with guest DJs every Friday and Saturday night. ‘Ain’t Nothin But’, will offer daily jam sessions for blues lovers. There will be a vinyl night at The Broadwick Hotel on July 17th, and DJ nights at the unconventional Japanese restaurant Inko Nito every Friday from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Sounds of summer promises an exhilarating array of live performances all amidst the culinary and cultural vibrancy that Soho offers. Do not miss out on an unforgettable summer of music!  For further information on artists, DJs and more visit https://Carnaby.co.uk and https://ThisisSoho.co.uk Location: Carnaby St, London, W1F 9PS   Written by Ismelda Nela Photo credit: Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid and Dean Chalkley

If you enjoy steak and meat, Macellaio RC needs to be on your must-visit list. With three locations across London, we visited the Exmouth Market spot and were extremely impressed. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by a wave of warm smiles from the staff. The interior was cosy and well-laid-out. The decor felt authentically Italian, with a nod to traditional butcher shops, adding to the charm of the place. It is certain that Macellaio RC is much more than just a restaurant chain; it's a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Founded by a team passionate about Italian food and culture, Macellaio prides itself on its dedication to high-quality meats. In Italian the word "Macellaio" translates to "butcher", highlighting their promise to offer the finest cuts of beef, making it a perfect place for meat-lovers. Our dining experience began with a special treat: a platter of their freshest selection of raw beef, our waitress took us through the different options of meat-cuts, their taste and texture.  Although steak is their specialty, you will also find pastas and burgers on their menu. The staff's knowledge on the menu was also very impressive. Their enthusiasm about the menu and  founding story of Macellaio set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. For our starters, we feasted on olives, bread baskets, and a very aesthetic-looking edible butter candle (you may have seen this on instagram….) The Lard on Toast with sweet honey, crunchy walnuts, and salty Lard was the perfect appetiser. Additionally, the traditional Tigella, served with mortadella in soft buns, was just as delightful. We also had beef carpaccio, following a recommendation from our waitress. The delicate buttery texture and rich flavour were a revelation. These dishes were unlike anything we'd been offered at other Italian restaurants. The highlight of our lunch was definitely the Revolver Steak which was cooked to medium-rare perfection. Served in a cloche plate, this was 500g of juicy and flavorful beef with a side of bone marrow and seasoning. It was simply outstanding and one of the best steaks we have had in London. We also ordered Truffle Chips, Rosemary Potatoes, and Carrots, along with smaller plates of Ragu and Tomato Spaghetti. Each plate was a testament to the quality of food at Macellaio. If you are not visiting for the steak, the Ragu pasta was equally as delicious as the Revolver Steak. Despite our starters and mains being enough to satiate our appetite, we couldn't resist the dessert options. We opted for the Apple Tart and homemade Tiramisu. The Tiramisu, made from a recipe handed down by the owner’s grandmother, was a standout dish. It was rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. Similarly, the Apple Tart was not only tasty but also Instagram-worthy, shaped like a beautiful rose. Overall, our dining experience was impeccable Macellaio RC's commitment to quality extends beyond their food. Their impeccable service made us feel valued and well taken care of during a relaxed meal. We were also very impressed by their innovative approach to traditional dishes-like the edible butter candle and creatively presented desserts. Macellaio truly lives up to its reputation, making it a must-visit for any food lover who appreciates culinary heritage, quality and meat. Address: 38-40 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE Website: https://www.macellaiorc.com/ Written By Ismelda Nela Photos courtesy of Macellaio