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

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