Bread Ahead, the awesome bakery and baking school started by Matthew Jones, is rolling out something super exciting - the Mini Master's Baking Academy! This new program invites kids aged 7 and up to dive into the world of baking with fun, hands-on classes. Launching at Bread Ahead’s Borough Bakery School, this academy offers an engaging and educational baking experience that will spark creativity and develop culinary skills in young bakers. Each week is a new baking adventure, from scones to doughnuts! In the final week, young bakers will show off their skills in a "bake off" where their creations will be judged by some of the Bread Ahead in-house baking team. All participants who complete four sessions will get a Mini Master’s Baking Certificate. It's a fun way to celebrate their achievements and inspire them to keep baking at home. Price:  £45 per child per session (parents can attend for free but won’t be participating in the baking). Booking Options: Individual sessions or a four-week bundle for £160. Dates: July 29th to August 27th, 2024 For more information visit www.breadahead.com Photo courtesy of Bread Ahead

Hey tea lovers! You know how a nice cuppa and those tasty little caramelised biscuits go hand in hand? Well, the clever folks at Yorkshire Tea have combined them into one delightful blend! Say hello to Yorkshire Tea's Caramelised Biscuit Brew (RRP £2.29). This new flavour gives you that delicious biscuit taste in every sip, making your break time even better without the crumbs. To celebrate, Yorkshire Tea is opening the House of Caramelised Biscuit at 15 Bateman St, London, W1D 3AQ on July 18th and 19th. Come explore a world of biscuity wonders and taste the new Caramelised Biscuit Brew for yourself. You may even find a giant teapot, tempting you with more tea! Yorkshire Tea’s Caramelised Biscuit Brew can be bought from Morrisons and on Amazon. Photo courtesy of Yorkshire Tea

Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that looks after the Tower of London, is bringing back "Trailblazers: Women at the Tower of London”, a co-production with HistoryRiot, from July 1st to September 1st, 2024. We all know the Tower of London has seen some famous ladies like Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. But did you know women have been crucial to its 1000-year history in so many roles? From workers and residents to rebels, their stories are just waiting to be told. Join a guided tour through the Tower grounds with five amazing actors who will bring these inspiring women to life through performances and face-to-face chats. Don’t miss out on this chance to uncover some truly powerful stories. The five trailblazing women are: Winifred Maxwell (New for 2024) – the fearless Jacobite who smuggled her husband out of the Tower the night before his execution. Katherine le Fevre – who served as the Master Smith of the Tower during the Hundred Year War with France, making ironwork, locks and weaponry for the war. Phillis Wheatley – an intellectual prodigy and enslaved woman hailing from West Africa who became the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Catalina of Motril – a Granadan bedchamber attendant of Katherine of Aragon who was privy to her former mistress’ secrets. Leonora Cohen – the Yorkshire-born Suffragette who smashed the case holding the Crown Jewels at the Tower with an iron bar - and kept campaigning until she was 105. Included in general admission: Adults from £34.80 | Children (aged 5-15) from £17.40. To book your ticket visit https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/tickets-and-prices/#gs.c2mjxm Photo © Historic Royal Palaces

This week we caught up with Laura Mimoun, Co-Founder of Kaleido Rolls, to talk about why she launched Kaleido Rolls, the fun of experimenting with different flavour combinations and more. Can you tell us a little about Kaleido Rolls? We are a challenger in the food-to-go offering in London. We’ve been around since 2017 and were the pioneer in salad rolls when we launched. We think eating healthy should be fun and playful, so Kaleido Rolls is basically a salad you can eat like a sandwich. What could be more fun! Our menu consists of 10 flavours and half of our menu is veggie or vegan. Our rolls are low in calories yet very filling, so they’re a guilt free option for lunch or dinner. In June, we also opened our first branch with an on-site rolling station (other branches get their fresh rolls from our ‘Kaleido Rolls kitchens’ located in East London) on Kingly Street in Carnaby, which was a dream come true. Where did the idea to create Kaleido Rolls come from? It’s actually a funny story and happened – as best things often do – by accident. My husband and I were making Vietnamese rice paper rolls for dinner at home a few years ago. The next day I was making lunch from the leftovers and stuffed the rolls with a bunch of salad, and then thought it would be cool to use ingredients and combinations from around the world. That’s when we really started experimenting with different flavour combinations and fell in love with the product. It took a few months to convince myself to leave my previous job in marketing and to make a grab ‘n’ go business out of it. Fast forward six years, and here we are with five branches in London and one in the Netherlands – and counting. We have tried your Kaleido Rolls and they are delicious! How did you come up with the flavour combinations? Thank you so much, I’m so glad to hear it! Coming up with new flavour combinations is easy as I love cooking! I have hundreds of recipe books at home and I use them for inspiration all the time. All our recipes are inspired by popular food combinations (for example, salmon & cream cheese, or chicken caesar), or by salad recipes I have eaten and loved. Once you have the foundation, that’s when the fun part starts when you’re playing with different ingredients. We always try to add vibrant colours, as well as different textures, such as crunch. Kaleido Rolls is all about playfulness and we really want our customers to have fun when they’re having our rolls for lunch or dinner. Is there anything you are currently working on that you can share with our readers? We are currently working on coming up with new monthly flavours. Our newest addition to the family is salt beef, the next one will be chicken chipotle, and we’re experimenting with others as we speak. I would like to create a hoisin duck for Chinese New Year, and maybe a fried tofu for our vegan consumers… The best thing about our product is that opportunities are endless, and we are constantly mixing and matching new flavour combinations. We have also launched the first-ever disloyalty program for our customers. Throughout September, people who visit Kaleido Rolls will get a free roll of their choice when they visit one of our branches in Kingly Street, Canary Wharf, St. Paul and King’s Cross and show their Pret subscription card. It’s time to #CheatOnPret and try something new, and it’s nice to support independent businesses while doing so. Best piece of advice you have been given? ‘Better Done Than Perfect,’ is how I approach most things in life, particularly when it comes to business. Sometimes it’s best to just go for it and not wait around to ensure everything is perfect – had I done this, Kaleido Rolls would never have launched! If you had a free day in London to do what you want, where would you go? I rarely get a completely free day but on the days that I do, I love to visit Richmond, have a picnic with my children on the grass and try to spot a deer. For more information visit https://kaleidorolls.com Food photos courtesy of Kaleido Rolls Portrait of Laura by Nyla Sammons

The sunshine may have been a little shy this year, but we are sure that it is going to make an appearance soon. To encourage it to poke its head around the London clouds we believe you’ve got to act like it’s already here. El Rayo tequila is the perfect analogy of bringing the sunshine to London. Imagined in Peckham, created in Mexico and brought right back again by founders Jack and Tom, El Rayo encapsulates the vibrancy and creativity of modern Guadalajara. Although designed to drink with tonic, the El Rayo team have developed a gloriously summery serve. The Peckham Paloma is a Mexican classic mixed with El Rayo’s full bodied and golden tequila, made from 100% blue agave.   The Peckham Paloma Ingredients 40ml El Rayo Reposado •  30ml Pink grapefruit juice  • 10ml Lime juice  • 10ml Sugar syrup  • Grapefruit soda Method Combine all the ingredients into a highball glass with ice, top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a fresh grapefruit slice and sprig of rosemary. The result is an exciting mouthful of oxymorons, think sweet and tart, smooth and punchy with notes of the Resposado’s herbs, cinnamon and bitter orange. Each sip will bring the Mexican sunshine out of the London clouds. Website https://elrayotequila.com/ Written by Rick Hartley Photo courtesy of El Rayo Tequila

Just a short walk from both Sloane Square and Victoria Station, Belgravia presents a charming village vibe, with an array of pretty streets, the area plays host to a repertoire of unique culinary hotspots, independent boutiques and wellness retreats. With dining options to suit all price brackets, you are sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds, from a delicate afternoon tea to a hearty pub supper. Wander along the Pimlico Road to discover luxury homewares, designer fabrics and rare antiques and interiors. Celebrated interior designer Nina Campbell and furniture store Soane all have showrooms in the area. Visit Elizabeth Street to see the floral-incrusted shop fronts and curb-side cafés, whilst a trip to Eccleston Yard is just the ticket to experience Belgravia’s trendiest al-fresco dining and lazy drinking spots, set around a central courtyard the area is decked out with chairs and benches for visitors to relax and take in the inspiring architecture. Where to eat: Peggy Porschen Parlour As the mistress of prettiness, the brand’s iconic magical tea room with its ode to everything pink has been wowing visitors since opening in 2010. With its instantly recognisable floral draped exterior and Instagram-ready cakes it’s perfect for those who want to indulge in something sweet and pretty. Drop by for the house favourite ‘Chocolate Heaven Cupcake’ or immerse yourself in a full afternoon tea experience. Atis Located in the popular Eccleston Yard, Atis serves nourishing healthy food, with a selection of plant-based grain bowls and warming dishes alongside protein snacks and drinks. Their wholesome fare is prepared daily on-site with the option to eat their power-packed food on-site or takeaway, with many dishes starting at under £10.00. Thomas Cubitt A unique Georgian pub in the heart of Elizabeth Street Thomas Cubitt is the perfect setting for people watching whilst indulging in fine pub-grub. The restaurant menu is extensive and offers sun-drenched outdoor seating as well as cozy spaces within the oak-floored dining room. With its constant buzzy atmosphere, it’s a great spot to take in the glamorous street vibe and watch the world go by. Where to shop: A must-visit for flower enthusiasts is Moyses Stevens , as one of London’s most established and celebrated florists Moyses has been at the forefront of the flower industry for nearly 150 years. The stunning store on Elizabeth Street is noted for its couture flower arrangements and decorated storefront. A popular choice for residents and visitors alike the store is perfect for bouquets of beautiful season blooms and delightful gifts. Another notable store in the area is gourmet supermarket, Bayley and Sage, an emporium of imported fine wines, cheeses and unusual delicacies, a feast for the eyes and the belly. Get your picnic basket stacked up here. For fashionistas visit relaxed modern fashion brand Me + Em , or check out boutique shoe retailer and boot specialist Penelope Chivers . Another store not to be missed is Loquet London, where customers can design their very own locket, with a selection of charms. Where to chill: Re: Mind Re: Mind Studio provides the city dweller with an oasis of purity and calm, with breathwork and energy healing, the space is dedicated to tranquillity and relaxation. The studio offers a range of holistic treatments and classes to soothe the soul, from divine sound bath sessions where you can drift off into bliss, to individual wellness packages. In addition to a range of classes, the studio has an on-site shop selling beautifully curated oils, snacks and self-care products. Psycle For those looking to get sweaty Psycle provides workouts that harness the power of movement for both strength training in body and mind, their uplifting classes are designed to empower and tone. Try out their popular barre class or unwind with yoga. For more information on Belgravia visit https://www.belgravialdn.com/ Written by Claire Bloom Photography by Nyla Sammons

Explore the charm of Marylebone Village with a lively walking tour of this stylish shopping and dining hotspot on Saturday 13th July. Led by Rosalind Vincent from Wide Eyed London, this tour dives into the village’s fascinating history and heritage, highlights the most Instagrammable spots, and includes special offers and refreshments from some of the area’s stores and cafes. The tour will start at the brand-new Marylebone Village Elm Leaf installation on Marylebone Lane. This installation pays homage to London's oldest surviving elm tree on Marylebone High Street, which made it through World War II and the 1970s elm tree disease. The design features a green Elm leaf embossed with ‘Marylebone Village’ in gold, celebrating the area's rich history. Wander down Marylebone Lane and Marylebone High Street, you’ll pass a vibrant mix of shops, top-notch restaurants, and cozy cafes. You will also explore quieter streets like Moxon Street, a food lover's paradise, Marylebone Lane, filled with charming independent boutiques, and much more. The tour wraps up by the famous elm tree on Marylebone High Street, where you can admire its beauty and learn about its storied past. When: Saturday 13th July at 10:30am - 12pm  Where: The tour will begin underneath the village’s brand-new installation ‘The Elm Leaf’ located at the south end of Marylebone Lane.  Price: £20pp with a £1.50 booking fee, to book your ticket visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wideeyedlondon/1240722 Once the tour ends you will receive complimentary Marylebone Village branded merchandise and exclusive discounts at restaurants and stores, all very exciting! Photography by Nyla Sammons

Shoreditch’s newest luxury hotel art’otel believes in nurturing creativity and providing opportunities for everyone to explore new skills and their latest addition to their acclaimed Art’beat programme is Candle Making Workshops with ambustum London. ambustum is a charming, independent candle studio based in London, renowned for crafting small batch, hand-poured scented candles. The workshops will be led by the founder of ambustum, offering participants a unique chance to delve into the art of candle making under expert guidance. During the 90-minute class, attendees will, sample a variety of delightful fragrances, learn about candle care and the different types of wax and discover the science behind candle making. Designed for both beginners and seasoned DIY enthusiasts It’s a perfect blend of education and hands-on creativity where you can take home your very own hand-crafted candles. Fancy a go? The dates are listed below: Wednesday, 17th July – 6:00pm Wednesday, 14th August – 6:00pm Wednesday, 11th September – 6:00pm Wednesday, 16th October – 6:00pm   Price: £55.00 To book a ticket visit https://artotellondonhoxton.com/event/candle-making-workshop-2/ Address: 1-3 Rivington St, London, EC2A 3DT Written by Lorna Bryn Photo courtesy of art’otel London Hoxton

This week I had the pleasure of sampling an Amalfi Coast-inspired 6-course tasting menu at Six by Nico, which launched on the 1st of July and will be available until the 11th of August at their Fitzrovia restaurant. Our dining experience took us on a journey through the flavours of Italy's iconic southern coastline. Upon arrival, we were seated at a table which gave us an unobstructed view of the chefs working their magic, which was quite hypnotic. Our waiter, Aman, immediately set the tone for the evening with refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktails, a perfect aperitif to whet our appetites.  We were also given the option to swap between the regular and vegetarian menus, providing a versatile dining experience tailored to individual preferences. Course 1: Our meal began with Parmesan Polenta Parmesan Polenta. Although it appeared simple, the taste was surprising, lovely. The creamy texture and rich Parmesan flavour set the bar for the courses to follow. Course 2: Next was the Heirloom Tomato, paired with green olive tapenade, lovage emulsion, and whipped ricotta. This dish was visually stunning and full of flavours, with the tangy tapenade and creamy ricotta complementing the fresh, juicy tomatoes perfectly. Course 3: The highlight of the evening for me was undoubtedly the Spaghetti Nero. Featuring chilli, garlic, Provolone del Monaco foam, and toasted sourdough, this dish was a masterpiece.  The pasta was cooked perfectly, slightly al dente but it was the combination of textures and tastes that exploded in your mouth that did it for me, I just wanted more.  An amazing dish! Course 4: Black Pollock served with zucchini, braised fennel, and basil dressing. The fish was cooked to perfection, very flaky and the accompanying vegetables added a refreshing and aromatic twist. Each bite was delicate yet flavourful, showcasing the chef's skill in balancing ingredients. Course 5: My guest's dish of the evening was the Trio of Pork, featuring belly of pork, pancetta jam, nduja cannelloni, smoked onion, and pickled summer squash, a visually impressive dish full of flavour, although for me I found it a bit heavy. Course 6: Our meal concluded with a divine Lemon Mousseline polenta cake, caramelized white chocolate, and yogurt sorbet. This dessert was a perfect balance of sweet and tart, creamy and crunchy, leaving a lasting impression on our taste buds. The optional wine pairing is highly recommended. Despite needing to send back the first pairing as it tasted off, the rest of the wine selection was thoughtfully chosen to complement the respective dishes. Each pairing enhanced the overall dining experience, with even the surprisingly cold sparkling Lambrusco red wine pairing wonderfully with our dessert. Aman, our waiter, was personable and knowledgeable about both the food and wine, providing detailed explanations of each course and its pairing. His passion and expertise added an extra layer of enjoyment to our evening. Overall,  Six by Nico's Amalfi Coast-inspired tasting menu is a culinary masterpiece not to be missed. Our tastebuds tingled from the very first mouthful, right through to the dessert, the food was  just full of exquisite flavours. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a unique dining experience in Fitzrovia, Six by Nico is highly recommended. We definitely look forward to returning.   Website: https://www.sixbynico.co.uk Address:  41 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1RR Price : Amalfi Coast-Inspired Six-Course Tasting Menu £50: Matching Wines £38 Written by Lorna Byrne Photography courtesy of Six by Nico

Couldn’t get tickets to Wimbledon this year? Forget watching the games at home, instead head over to 108 Brasserie, Marylebone’s favourite neighbourhood gem, where you can watch the tournament and kick back with a tipple (between 1st - 14th July 2024) . There is a new limited-edition Summer Spritz menu, which includes: The Marylebone Passion combines Sipsmith Vodka, passionfruit, lemon, cinnamon, and soda water. The floral Bergamot Spritz incorporates Italicus, fino sherry, lavender bitters, and soda water. The Summer Calling comprises Sipsmith Blackberry & Lemongrass, Maraschino, lemon juice, and lavender bitters. The Amaro Spritz combines Amaro Santoni, Americano Rosso Vermouth, Rooibos Honey, soda water, and Prosecco. The Garden Spice Sour blends Seedlip Spice, lemon, vanilla and chilli. Order a cocktail from the Spritz menu, during Wimbledon, and the staff at 108 Brasserie will treat you to a complimentary bowl of strawberries & cream*. It’s a win-win! For more information and to book visit www.108brasserie.com Address: 108 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QE Photo courtesy of 108 Brasserie

Ever wondered what happens to the 14,000-odd artworks that aren’t selected for the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition? One of the options for a disappointed artist is to become part of the “Rejects” show celebrating those who tried and failed. You will find everything from a portrait showing a woman punching Cupid to an award-winning loaf of bread. This eclectic show is curated by “Everyone’s Art Friend” aka Shona Bland. It takes place at Stokey Pop Up with late openings on 4th and 5th and continues until 14th July.  As with the RA Summer Exhibition, everything is for sale, also on show are some Art Friend regulars with prints and works for sale. Unlike the summer exhibition, there will be live screen printing and breathwork sessions as well as artist talks and yoga amongst the works. Book your place at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/art-friend to avoid disappointment Address: Stokey Pop Up -at 147 Stoke Newington High Street, London, N17 Open: 12pm–7.00pm Mon–Fri, 11am–5pm Sat–Sun, from 4 July to 14 July Written by Claire Selby  Artwork - Michael Wallner - National Theatre

London’s food lovers, rejoice! Market Place, known for its eclectic mix of street food vendors, will soon be welcoming Wicked Fish, the city's only 100% gluten-free fish and chip shop-to its Vauxhall location. Mark your calendars for Monday, July 8th! From 11am you can enjoy a FREE portion of Wicked Fish’s iconic signature dish: crispy haddock in a gluten-free batter, served alongside perfectly golden chips and a tangy tartar sauce (all based on a first-come, first-served basis). Who could say no to this quintessentially British dish with a twist? Since its launch in 2021, Wicked Fish has become an absolute favourite among foodies and those with dietary intolerances, as they offer mouthwatering fish and chips without sacrificing flavour. Their iconic menu offerings include: Wicked Fish & Chips: A gluten-free spin on the beloved British classic; Squid Game: Gluten-free battered squid rings paired with house-made tartar sauce; Larry The Lobster: Freshly grilled lobster served with crispy chips. Market Place is London’s fastest-growing street food market, with diverse locations across London, it has become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts to discover delightful flavours parallel to an exciting calendar of events including live music, DJ sets, quiz nights and more. Join Wicked Fish at Market Place Vauxhall to enjoy a truly unique, gluten-free culinary experience! Website: https://www.marketplaceuk.com/locations/vauxhall Address: Market Place Vauxhall, 7 S Lambeth Pl, London, SW8 1SP Written by Ismelda Nela Photography courtesy Wicked Fish