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Keir Starmer has condemned last night’s “horrific antisemitic attack” on four ambulances run by Jewish volunteers in north London. As police pursue three suspects for criminal damage and hate crime, the prime minster said Britons must “all stand together at a moment like this”.

This attack comes less than a week after two men were charged with spying on London’s Jewish community for Iran, and less than six months after the Yom Kippur attack on Manchester's Heaton Park synagogue – renewing fears that antisemitism in British society is on the rise.

What did the commentators say?

“The Jews of Britain are facing conditions not seen in my lifetime,” said Danny Cohen in The Telegraph. “There is a whiff of the 1930s in the air.” The antisemitism “is toxic and it is heart-breaking”. It has “come striding out of the shadows”, and “entered the mainstream” on a wave of social media and “age-old racist hate”. We’re facing constant harassment, “violent attacks on property” and “cold-blooded attempts to kill”. People in positions of power “must speak up consistently and unapologetically in support of Britain’s Jews”.

“Anti-Jewish hatred is now clear, present and mortally dangerous,” said Jonathan Freedland in The Guardian. Incidents of antisemitism are “through the roof”. Of course, “every minority faces discrimination”, but “next to no other diaspora community goes through this”. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine does not mean Russian Orthodox churches require “round-the-clock protection”; people may “loathe” Donald Trump’s aggression in the Middle East, but “US-branded stores on UK high streets are not smashed and daubed”. Yet “Israel and Jews are the exception”.

At British universities, “campus antisemitism has been a problem for decades”, said Stephen Pollard in The Spectator, but now it is a “critical problem that is out of control”. The “sheer scale of the hate” is borne out by last week’s Union of Jewish Students report that one in five students wouldn’t share a house with a Jew, and that 47% see the 7 October attacks as “justified”. This is “yet more evidence of the normalisation of Jew hate” and a “signal” that “we are heading to a dark place”.

What next?

Counter-terror police are investigating a claim from an Iran-aligned group that it was responsible for the ambulance attacks. “This will raise concerns that Tehran is mounting a concerted campaign of attacks across Europe,” said The Telegraph.

Simply taking “measures to ensure the safety of Jewish people” is not enough, said Prospect. They must be “supplemented by a politics that promotes broad alliances against racism, of which antisemitism is one example, and by the practice of anti-racist solidarity”. This won’t be easy while the Iran War continues and while the politics of Israel/Palestine continues to feed “distance and suspicion”.

Diners are spoilt for choice in London. The capital is a delicious melting pot of different cuisines – from flavour-packed Filipino dishes and the finest sushi to classic Greek meze and authentic Indian street food. These are some of our favourite spots.

Belly, Kentish Town

Small and buzzy, Belly (pictured above) in Kentish Town has all the warmth of a neighbourhood bistro – with a frisson of Filipino flair, writes The Week’s Helen Brown. The brainchild of restaurateur Omar Shah (Ramo Ramen, Hoodwood, Mamasons), it serves up bold dishes that blend European and Filipino flavours. Scallops, for example, come cured in a chilli, annatto and coconut cream, and tiramisu turns an Instagrammable shade of violet with blueberries and purple yam. The smoked trout kinilaw, with its citrus, cane vinegar, coconut milk and shiso leaf dressing, is a top-notch starter if you arrive too late to bag the super-popular but limited tempura cod pandesal: a shareable slider of warm, flaky cod in a soft fluffy Filipino breakfast roll, with American cheese and salmon roe – like a clever, tangy take on Filet-O-Fish. For mains, there’s a paprika-spiked seafood caldereta, with clams, mussels, squid, roasted tomato, red pepper and prawn-head emulsion, wagyu bistek with braised shallot and charred lemon and woodland mushroom arroz caldo with soy-cured egg yolk. But the stand-out dish is the oak-smoked tinola herb chicken in a buttery, herby, ginger, caper and coriander sauce. Order it with the beef-fat fries and dunk deliciously away. There’s an esoterically good wine list, including a Lebanese Grenache, and a small but wickedly inventive selection of cocktails: the watermelon and calamansi margarita is definitely worth a try.
bellylondon.com

Sushisamba, Covent Garden

It’s early evening midweek but there’s already a queue of people trying to get a table at Sushisamba, writes The Week’s Irenie Forshaw. Set in the Opera Terrace on the top floor of Covent Garden’s historic Market Building, the buzzy restaurant is thrumming with life. Lush greenery springs from every corner and a team of chefs are hard at work behind the counter in the sleek open kitchen. The menu is filled with unexpected delights: inventive dishes that fuse elements of Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine. Plantain chips, served with a spicy aji amarillo dipping sauce, and salted edamame beans set the tone of the signature tasting menu. The salmon ceviche doused in a rich sesame dressing and topped with crispy slices of sweet potato and toasted sugared macadamia nuts was the highlight of the evening. Other twists came in the form of California rolls (drizzled with truffle oil) and yellowtail tuna (diced and served in mini taco shells). Be sure to save room for the chocolate banana cake, and wash everything down with a cocktail or two. The fiery Tom Yam – a heady mix of gin, coriander, chilli, ginger and lime – is a must.
sushisamba.com

Luna Omakase, City of London

Tucked away in a private room inside Los Mochis London City, Luna Omakase is a sensory Japanese dining experience for those with adventurous palates, writes The Week’s Deeya Sonalkar. Its chef-selected nut- and gluten-free menu has 12 courses inspired by the rhythm of the moon, and changes as the lunar cycle shifts. The 12-seat counter is designed to allow diners to immerse themselves in the preparation of the dishes and learn about the ingredients selected for the day. The venue has low lighting, to mimic moonlight, and the courses are served on wood or stone plates. Each course is intricately crafted, and every ingredient plays a crucial role. The chef’s take on the onigiri was one of the best courses, with a single bite offering a world of flavour. A good number of dishes featured caviar, an ingredient that can sometimes overpower others. The taco maki, a Japanese-Mexican fusion of tacos and maki sushi, with avocado, jalapeño salsa and coriander, was simple, fresh and unique. Every dish offered something new: this place is a joy for anyone who loves traditional Japanese cuisine and fancies an experimental tasting adventure.
luna-omakase.com

Pyro, Southwark

With its open-fire chef’s station, rustic wooden interior and huge outdoor terrace, Pyro, in Borough, combines the warmth of a taverna with a super-elevated take on traditional Greek food, writes The Week’s Helen Brown. It’s the debut restaurant of Athens-native Yiannis Mexis, formerly of Hide, The Ledbury and Petrus, and radiates energy, refinement and excellently inventive cocktails. Most of the plates – from the small potato pittas to a showstopper slab of Dorset lamb – are made for sharing, and bear the charred, smoky marks of the flame. Classic Greek meze, like tzatziki and melitzanosalata, are uplifted to top-quality taste and texture experiences; spanakopita, made with barrel-aged feta, is served as dainty tartlets, and ember-cooked pork souvlaki skewers reach a whole new level with prunes, radicchio and sour apple. Stand-out dishes include a sea bream crudo, with green olives and caper leaves, crispy-topped, fluffily layered potatoes with skordalia, and that hunk of alder wood-cooked Dorset lamb, served with a smoked anchovy yoghurt and a fabulous bitter-leaf salad. Food to fill the stomach, and fire the soul.
pyrorestaurant.co.uk

Sachi, Belgravia

Discreetly hidden on the second floor of the Pantechnicon building, Sachi is one of Belgravia’s swankiest sushi spots, writes The Week’s Irenie Forshaw. The kappo-style (cut and cook) Japanese restaurant reopened in November after an extensive revamp, adding a moodily lit rooftop bar. Expect minimalist interiors with flowing cream-coloured drapes, plenty of teak and potted plants positioned in every corner. For a buzzy atmosphere, book a table upstairs in the bar or escape the after-work crowd by requesting a quieter spot downstairs.

The pared-back menu features an assortment of dishes from tempura and sashimi to decadent sushi platters and oscietra caviar. Everything is simply yet elegantly plated, allowing the quality ingredients to shine. The wagyu, eringi mushroom and yuzu maki rolls are perhaps the most inventive dish; topped with a sliver of marbled Japanese beef, each morsel tastes like a bite-size burger. But the real highlight is the bluefin tuna: both the truffle-dusted carpaccio and the maki rolls are delicious. There’s also a drinks list filled with Japanese whiskies and enticing cocktails, as well as a collection of sakes. Be sure to enlist the help of the knowledgeable sake sommelier for perfect pairings with every dish.
sachirestaurants.com

Patri, Hammersmith

You might miss Patri on the street outside but, once you step inside, it is like being transported to a train in New Delhi, writes The Week’s Rebekah Evans. With its shutters, dark wood interiors and multicoloured hanging light bulbs, the intimate setting cocoons you. But once the food starts to arrive, the last thing you will be thinking about is your surroundings. Patri offers The Grand Thali, a unique experience allowing a group to sample two starters alongside 26 authentic Indian street-food dishes, with rice and garlic naan. You should be prepared for a wait, but it’s certainly worthwhile. With so much to choose from, it’s difficult to pick a stand-out dish. Surprisingly, the vegan chatpati aloo tikki chaat starter is perhaps one of the best: fragrant spicy potato patties and chickpeas, tossed in a chutney bursting with flavour. Dishes like this that really sing are truly cooked with soul. The butter chicken has a rich, creamy, and so moreish, sauce, while the paneer curry is soft and delicious. Be sure to wear trousers with a loose waistband; you’ll certainly test its capacity to give.
patri.co.uk

Sông Quê Pho Bar, Tower Hamlets

Some hot dining spots seem to open a new outpost within days of opening, says Grace Dent in The Guardian. But that’s not the approach taken by “London’s Vietnamese stalwart Sông Quê”. Launched 25 years ago, it has only now spawned a “little sister”. The new branch, located “a mile or so down the road”, has a “tiny menu focusing on pho” – Vietnam’s noodle soup dish – and a “smattering” of small plates. I opted for a pho of rare beef flank, which came “blushingly pink” on top of a bowl of al dente noodles drowned in a “very meaningful broth”. Star anise was the shining light of this “warmly spiced soup”, which I reckon is the “best pho in town”. But the small plates are also well worth trying: they include “little juicy bullets of spicy tempura squid”, and grilled lamb chops with a “truly gorgeous char”. Surprisingly, on Sunday lunchtime, this “jolly handy little spot” was nearly empty (the original Sông Quê, by contrast, attracts “regular weekend queues”). My advice is to go “right now”.
songquephobar.co.uk

For those who want to eat well without spending a fortune, here’s a selection of restaurants newly awarded a Bib Gourmand (given to establishments offering excellent, good-value cooking) in the 2026 Michelin Guide. Prices are between £25pp and £50pp for three courses.

The Clarence

At this “likeable neighbourhood spot” from the team behind the popular Cail Bruich, there’s a “generosity in the portions and pricing”. That’s especially true if you choose the set menu, which offers three courses for £29. The chefs use “prime Scottish product” – seasonal girolles, “super-fresh Loch Fyne mackerel”, Barnsley chop – and make ample use of the charcoal grill. Excellent service “adds to the appeal”.

168 Hyndland Road, Glasgow

Norman’s Neighbourhood Kitchen

If you “find yourself near Huddersfield”, then a diversion to this “wonderful” bistro is a must. Named after the owner’s dog – and his grandfather – it offers great-value sharing plates in a rustic setting. The menu roams the globe (with Japanese and Indian influences), but local fare features too, as in a dish of pig’s cheek glazed in “cult” Sheffield condiment Henderson’s Relish.

22A North Road, Kirkburton, West Yorkshire

The Yurt at Nicholsons

Lunch in this “lovely yurt” – fashioned from upcycled materials – is certainly “a little different”. But it’s an experience that will make you smile. Located at Nicholsons nursery, where some of the ingredients are grown, it offers generously sized, Mediterranean-inspired dishes packed with “bold, natural flavours” – cider-cured Chalk-Stream trout with crab bisque is a “wonderful example” – as well as “bright and breezy” service.

The Park, North Aston, Oxfordshire

Post

“Straightforward is the name of the game” at this “delightful bottle shop and bistro” close to the River Severn. The concise menu – which is chalked up each day on a blackboard – uses produce from the restaurant’s nearby smallholding. Dishes might include homemade pappardelle with braised ox cheek ragù and salt-baked celeriac with hazelnut cream and black grapes. On Sundays, there’s a sharing set menu offering three courses for £35pp.

Horwood House, High St, Newnham, Gloucestershire

Ssam Ssam

This family-operated Korean restaurant is “run with palpable pride”. Some tables have their own BBQ, allowing you to grill the sensibly priced meat, such as spicy pork belly or Wagyu ox tongue. At the standard tables, “bansang” dishes – consisting of a main component such as grilled mackerel along with three sides and “top-drawer kimchi” – are “surefire winners”.

149 Merton Road, London SW19

Counter Culture

This “lively restaurant” – inspired by the “pintxos” bars of San Sebastián – offers “terrific Spain-meets-Cornwall cooking”. Local seafood is the “bedrock” of many dishes, as in Cornish monkfish tail with cavolo nero, salsify and anchovy jus. For those who want a drink and a quick bite, there are cocktails and delicious snacks, including smoked eel with apple and cauliflower, and smoked cheese “croqueta”.

4 Beach Parade, Newquay, Cornwall

A Norwich market, a Manchester railway station and a London street have become battlefields in a new culture war as people get in a right flap about pigeons.

With flocks swelling, concerns about hygiene and health are rising, but are we all to blame for all this feathered friction?

Ruffled feathers

There are “pigeon wars” in Norwich, said The Guardian. The birds are appearing in higher numbers around the city’s open-air market, causing “an increasing number of complaints from shoppers and traders”. Critics say the pigeons are “creating a Hitchcockian nightmare” by “defecating, stealing and spreading disease”.

Norwich City Council hoped to introduce a hawk to “ruffle some feathers and deter” pigeons from the market, said the BBC. But the project was scrapped because local bird feeders ignored calls for them to not to feed the birds and in fact started feeding them more. This showed that pigeon feeders are “unshakeable in their determination to spread a bit of bird seed”.

The council also had to abandon a plan to use contraceptives, hidden within food, as a “humane and non-lethal” population control method, after finding out that this approach is not licensed in the UK. So local officials are now considering the possibility of fines for feeding pigeons at the market.

Another feathery flashpoint came in Harrow, London, in January, when a woman feeding pigeons on a street was arrested and handcuffed. She was detained by a “group of at least six” police officers and council enforcement workers, and a passer-by described the scene as “ridiculous”, said The Independent.

An even more direct approach was used at Manchester Victoria railway station, where “bungled” raids by “pest control marksmen” left nearly 100 birds “dead or maimed”, said The Telegraph. A spokesman for Northern Trains said the cull was ordered because pigeons were “posing a risk to colleagues and customers”.

A former love

“We loved them, once,” said Joseph Earp in The Guardian. “We might not remember that, but pigeons do.” They are the victims of “rampant animal welfare crimes”, being “pelted with rocks, chased from dwellings, killed and maimed en masse”.

But as with “so many problems we face, pigeons are a ‘problem’ that we have caused”. Feral pigeons are “descendants of homing pigeons that we kept and domesticated”. They’re “naturally predisposed to want to be close to us”, so “they gather where we gather” and they root through our rubbish.

So if they’re “dirty or disgusting”, it’s only because “we are dirty and disgusting”. We live in a “natural world that, rightfully, flinches from human touch”, but pigeons are one of the “few creatures that don’t”. Yet “for that, we punish them”.

Yes, feral pigeons can “carry disease”, Will Smith, an evolutionary biologist, told the BBC, but this is true of all wild animals and pigeons are “very resistant” to avian influenza. They “get the quite nasty name of ‘rats with wings’”, but this is “not quite fair”.

Tom Stoppard’s “teemingly intelligent” and “breezily witty” 1993 play “Arcadia” is often seen as his finest, said Nick Curtis in The London Standard. Unfolding in two separate timelines – 1809 and the 1990s – in the same room in a stately home in Derbyshire, it’s a “meditation on love, death and mathematics” that also encompasses poetry, landscape design, sex and more. Indeed, “Arcadia” “packs in more challenging matter than most writers would attempt in a lifetime” – but has the “seeming effortlessness of pure entertainment”.

What a shame Stoppard, who died in November aged 88, didn’t live to see its “triumphant return”, said Dominic Cavendish in The Telegraph. Carrie Cracknell’s production is presented in the round, beneath two elliptical lighting rigs that suggest planets in orbit. This creates a sense of “magnified scrutiny” that “grips like a thriller”. It’s a “must-see” production of a “masterpiece”.

Isis Hainsworth gives a “gorgeous” performance as Thomasina, the precocious teenager who, in 1809, is “buzzing with life, passion and intellectual brilliance”, said Sarah Hemming in the Financial Times. And she is “beautifully matched” by Seamus Dillane as the tutor who slowly realises she has a mind and spirit to cherish. In the present day, said Sarah Crompton on WhatsOnStage, the attraction between Prasanna Puwanarajah’s “odiously self-satisfied” academic Bernard and Leila Farzad’s gentler Hannah “registers less strongly. They seem a little self-consciously smart; the lines between them don’t always flex and fly.”

I enjoyed this revival, but only up to a point, said Robert Gore-Langton in The Mail on Sunday. Some of the cast seemed a bit “daunted” by the in-the-round staging, and while the “play’s long, spooling speeches on science and physics” should feel “tantalisingly just beyond our reach, here [they] seem like downright hard work. Pay attention at the back!” “Arcadia” is so clever, it “can make your head hurt”, agreed Arifa Akbar in The Guardian. But this production has an “inbuilt exuberance and is invigoratingly realised. It’s like a complicated piece of algebra, exquisite in its difficulties, unsolvable to the end.”

The Old Vic, London SE1. Until 21 March

During Rupert Goold’s “gilded” 13-year tenure at the Almeida Theatre, in north London, it has staged 72 shows, 14 of which have transferred to the West End, and 11 to Broadway. In that time, the powerhouse venue has also bagged 21 Oliviers, said Dominic Cavendish in The Telegraph, for plays including Mike Bartlett’s verse-drama “King Charles III” and James Graham’s “Ink”. It is quite a legacy for Goold – the “most exciting director of his generation” – who is now heading south of the river to take over at the Old Vic.

For his swansong in Islington, said Arifa Akbar in The Guardian, Goold has restaged his debut production: an all-singing, all-dancing musical adaptation of “American Psycho”, Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel about a murderous Wall Street banker. In a typically slick, visually thrilling evening, the dark satire is “amped to ten” as it “sends up” 1980s yuppy culture. But the show “never spirals into kitsch, and our contemporary world of toxic masculinity, Trumpian capitalism and Insta-fuelled solipsism slowly, chillingly, creeps out of it”. Arty Froushan impresses as Patrick Bateman, the preppy boy-next-door who “turns gradually lunatic” (while being a lot less sinister than Christian Bale in the film version). Duncan Sheik’s score consists of “one great electrosynth number after another”, and there’s a “razor-sharp book” by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

The “catwalk-style stage” works brilliantly, said Alex Wood on What’s on Stage, especially for “dance-heavy moments”. Combined with imaginative use of video projections and often “garishly overwrought” lighting, like a “nightmarish 1980s music video”, the effect is “hypnotic”.

For all the “demonic razzle dazzle”, “American Psycho” is a “deadpan show with a downbeat story that sometimes feels in conflict with the maximalist nature of musical theatre”, said Andrzej Lukowski on Time Out. I am not sure it was really worth reviving, said Clive Davis in The Times. Sure, this production is slick and polished, but it hasn’t a lot to say. Watching it is “an oddly bloodless exercise in nostalgia, like being forced to sit through a re-run of ‘9½ Weeks’”.

Almeida Theatre, London N1. Until 14 March.

Pie and mash shops have been “pushed to the brink of extinction” in recent years, as gentrification sent Londoners out of the East End – taking the traditional Cockney cuisine with them, said Demi Perera in The New York Times.

But could the push to give pie and mash special protected status, and a younger generation’s renewed interest in jellied eels, spell a revival of the capital’s beleaguered eateries?

‘An acquired taste’

“Pie and mash is an integral part of Cockney culture,” said Perera in The New York Times. The first dedicated shop opened in the mid-19th century as shipping docks began popping up in east London, and workers needed “quick, cheap, warm meals”. To begin with, the pies were stuffed with eels (which were easy to source from the River Thames) but mincemeat fillings soon grew in popularity, relegating jellied eels to a side dish. The meal has remained intact ever since: “a handmade minced beef pie served with mashed potato scraped onto the side of a plate with a well of parsley sauce, known as liquor, poured into the middle”.

But London’s pie and mash shops have been “dwindling” in recent years, said The Economist. There are now fewer than 40 in the capital – down from almost 300 in the mid 1800s. Soaring rents and property prices have “pushed” many of the locals who once lived in neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Hackney out to nearby counties like Essex and Kent. Food preferences are also shifting: “Jellied eels are an acquired taste.” For the same price as a pie and mash, young people are choosing to spend their lunch money in chains like Greggs and Pret a Manger.

Last year, the “iconic” family-run Harringtons Eel and Pie House in Tooting, south London, shuttered its doors after 116 years on the high street, said Freya Parsons in The Sun. In an “emotional” post on social media, the shop’s owner said the “very upsetting” decision had been made to sell the property and “move forward”.

“We have to save London’s pie and mash,” said Fat Tony in The Standard. It’s one of the capital’s “important” institutions, “as famous as Tower Bridge”, and jellied eels are “East End delicacies that you can’t find anywhere else”. He said he found it “bizarre” that people would rather go to Pret than enjoy the traditional “quintessentially London” dish. “It’s up to us to keep it alive.”

A new homeland

There are encouraging signs that pie and mash is “making a surprise comeback”, said Jonathan Thompson in The Washington Post. A younger generation is unearthing the “delights of minced beef pies and mashed potato, served with lashings of a Kermit-green parsley sauce”. And David Beckham celebrated his knighthood last year by taking his mum Sandra to a pie shop for a bowl of jellied eels. There has even been a “push in parliament”, led by Conservative MP Richard Holden, for traditional pie and mash to receive protected status like Scottish salmon and Welsh lamb.

London’s “elite restaurants” are keen to cash in on the buzz. The Wolseley in Mayfair added “the ultimate Cockney classic” to its menu last year to celebrate British Pie Week, served with a “twist of chilli vinegar”, priced at £24.50, “roughly four times the price” of an average pie shop. Going one step further, the five-star Rosewood Hotel has opened a dedicated “Pie Room” where “waiters in jaunty tartan trousers and bow ties serve braised-beef pies with bone marrow and an optional champagne pairing for a whopping £36”. This is a “far cry” from the origins of the “cheap, nourishing food”. Tony Lane, owner of Tony’s Pie & Mash in Waltham Abbey, isn’t impressed. “They’re taking the piss, to be honest”, he told the publication.

The pie and mash scene is “alive” and thriving in Essex, said Tomé Morrissy-Swan in The Guardian. New shops are cropping up everywhere from Basildon to Chelmsford, and “diners of all ages are tucking into pies”. It seems “London’s original fast food is finding a new homeland”.

Goggles ready, sledgehammer steady, go smash that TV! Booking a “rage room” – in which you can let out your anger by breaking furniture – is the new stress release for anyone feeling “a bit wound up” by “the state of the world”, said Channel 4.

Thought to have originated in Japan in the late 2000s, the pay-to-destroy concept is gaining great popularity in the UK – although experts are divided about how effective it can be at venting pent-up anger.

Release of ‘complex emotion’

In a rage room, you can smash as many items as your heart desires. Typical 30-minute sessions cost between £35 and £70, although some slots can rise to £200, depending on the size of the room and the number of items up for smashing.

They have been “touted” as a great way to “alleviate stress”, said the BBC. Customers, wearing protective gear, are handed an implement, and left to wreak havoc on old pieces of furniture, washing machines, ceramics and old electronic equipment. There are now venues “where people are handed a baseball bat and let loose” in London, Brighton, Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow.

Rage rooms are even prescribed by some health professionals. “People are being referred to us from GPs, psychiatrists and charities”, as a safe and controlled way to release complex emotion, rage room owner Amelia Smewing told ITV.

However, some experts are sceptical about the benefits. “It feels good, so people assume it’s good for them,” Ryan Martin, a professor of psychology and author of several books on anger, told The Guardian. But the evidence suggests that people who rely on bursts of venting tend to stay angrier for longer, and are more likely to lash out aggressively. Sophie Kjærvik of the Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies has found that “meditation and mindfulness and muscle relaxation activities are way more productive ways of dealing with anger”.

Women can ‘let it out’

One of the main reasons rage rooms have become a “smash hit” is their “popularity among women”, said The Times. At The Activity Dome in Weston-super-Mare, for example, where there has been a 150% surge in reservations, around 90% of customers are women.

From an early age, women “are often discouraged from expressing overt anger”, leading them to “internalise” it, Fraser Smith, of MAPP Psychology, told the paper. Many women are “at breaking point, permanently teetering, living in survival mode”, rage room owner Lucy Bee told The Guardian. “And this gives them a way to just let it out”. It can often be a “gateway towards seeking further help”.

A higher proportion of homes in London were sold at a loss last year than in any other region in England and Wales as the capital’s property market continues to slump.

Owners of flats have reported losses of up to 34%, with hundreds of thousands of pounds “wiped from the value” of their properties, said This Is Money.

What did the commentators say?

The problems include “affordability pressures from higher house prices, greater supply, higher stamp duty costs since April 2025” and “speculation about the autumn Budget”, said London’s The Standard.

The capital has become a two-speed market because in “more affordable areas”, demand “tends to be strongest”, said City A.M. For instance, in the boroughs of Havering, Waltham Forest and Lewisham, the average house price reached an all-time high last autumn. But many of the capital’s most expensive boroughs “registered a contraction”.

Also, new-build properties are “increasingly unloved by buyers”, said The Telegraph. The building of new homes in London “ground to a halt” last year because of “everything from onerous red tape” to Sadiq Khan’s “mandate that over a third of new housing be sold at a discount”. The reality is “almost nobody” is buying a new-build home in London.

It is “no secret” that new-builds are “often sold at a premium to similar homes on the second-hand market”, said This Is Money. So it will “take longer for these properties to increase in value. Anyone selling a new build in the first few years can typically expect a loss.”

This is “going to become a serious political issue”, said Will Dunn in The New Statesman, as the crash in prices “brings together two groups of people”. On one side are those renting, “who are furious they have been excluded from the market”. On the other are the owners “who are furious that the market has failed to reward them as they were led to believe it would”.

What next?

The “tide is beginning to turn”, Marc von Grundherr, director of estate agents Benham and Reeves, told The Standard, because there have been fewer price reductions since the beginning of the year.

Forecasters are divided over what comes next. A study by Rightmove predicted that London house prices will rise by just over 1% next year, compared with a 2–3% increase in prices on average in the UK.

While that might not sound like a crash, said Dunn, “prices are all relative to the price of everything else” and the price of everything else in society has risen more quickly than that. Nominal house prices across the UK have roughly doubled since 2003, “a fact that is often cited when talking about the affordability crisis”. But because “£1 today has lost almost half of its purchasing power relative to 2003, the real value of the average UK property is basically the same as it was then”.

The proposed Chinese embassy in London is once again under intense scrutiny as the government struggles to balance opportunity with security concerns in its approach to Beijing.

Following multiple delays, Keir Starmer is set to approve plans for the biggest Chinese embassy in Europe, after MI5 and MI6 declined to raise formal objections. But concerns persist over the site on the Royal Mint Court complex, next to “some of Britain’s most sensitive communications cables”, said The Times. These carry financial data to the City of London, as well as “email and messaging traffic for millions of internet users”.

According to unredacted blueprints seen by The Telegraph, China plans to build a network of “secret rooms” beneath the embassy, including a “hidden chamber” over these cables, “raising the prospect that they could be tapped”.

What did the commentators say?

“China won’t say what the basement is for,” Alan Woodward, security expert at the University of Surrey, told The Telegraph. It could be “legitimate classified communications equipment”. But the demolition of the basement wall is a “red flag”. One possibility is that “China plans to install extensive computer infrastructure as part of an espionage operation”, said the paper. Security services have warned that Beijing is “carrying out mass espionage against British targets”, said The Times. The head of MI5 has previously described Chinese state actors as a daily national security threat.

A group of Labour MPs has written to Steve Reed, the housing, communities and local government secretary, “urging the government not to approve” the embassy. Concerns remain “significant and unresolved”, including fears the complex could be used to “step up intimidation against diaspora and dissidents”.

“There have been a lot of examples before, where China used diplomatic premises to harass citizens or force people to travel back to China to face trials,” Carmen Lau, a prominent activist from Hong Kong who has been living in Britain since 2021, told Le Monde. “When I first arrived here, I felt safe. Not anymore.”

Approval of the complex could also jeopardise intelligence sharing with the US and the Five Eyes alliance, said the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Last year, a senior Trump administration official said the US was “deeply concerned about providing China with potential access to the sensitive communications of one of our closest allies”. Any reduction in sharing between two of the world’s most advanced intelligence agencies “would have serious consequences for both countries’ national security”.

But consolidating the seven sites in London that currently comprise “China’s diplomatic footprint” would “clearly bring security advantages”, the prime minister’s spokesperson said in December. China is “engaged in surveillance and interference operations, whether it has a new embassy or not”, Nigel Inkster, from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Le Monde. “And it will probably be easier for British intelligence services to monitor its activities if they are all grouped together in one place.”

What next?

“National security is our first duty and government security experts have been involved throughout the process so far,” a government spokesperson told The Telegraph. All security implications “have been identified and addressed”.

China’s London embassy did not respond to The Telegraph’s requests for comment on the unredacted blueprints, but Beijing has previously denied all allegations of espionage at the site, saying that “anti-China elements are always keen on slandering and attacking China”.

Starmer will approve the plans by 20 January, ahead of his trip to Beijing, where a £100 million scheme to renovate the ageing British embassy is awaiting approval by the Chinese authorities.

It has been more than 200 years since “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Emma” were published, yet the words and wit of Jane Austen remain enthralling as ever. This is a big year for Austen fans: Dec. 16 marks the author's 250th birthday, and boutique hotels on both sides of the Atlantic are celebrating her life and legacy through special programming and events.

Henry’s Townhouse, Marylebone, London

This “charming” Georgian townhouse once belonged to Austen’s brother Henry, and it “played a pivotal role” in Jane’s life, said Elle Decor. She spent the night here during visits to London, and now you can too, as it has been transformed into a six-bedroom boutique hotel. Each room is named in honor of an Austen relative and “designed as a glamorous reimagining of the Regency period,” with rich fabrics and antique art and furniture. There are modern amenities too, like Dyson hairdryers and a mini-bar filled with Press smoothies and British artisan spirits.

The Queensberry Hotel, Bath, England

Austen called Bath home from 1801 to 1806, and the city still celebrates its most famous resident with events like the annual Grand Regency Costumed Promenade through the streets. The Queensberry Hotel, just down the road from the Jane Austen Center, is in the middle of the action. Comprising four Georgian townhouses, the property is “full of personality, without ever laying it on too thick,” said the Michelin Guide. The floor plans are a little “quirky” and the “architectural details distinctive,” leaving you to wonder how Austen herself would have described the place. To commemorate her birthday, the hotel is offering the Jane Austen Experience, which includes two tickets to the Jane Austen Center and a special 250th anniversary tote bag.

Oakley Hall Hotel, Hampshire, England

This Hampshire countryside escape was built in 1795 by Austen’s friend Wither Bramston, and the writer would detail her visits to the home in letters to her sister Cassandra. Legend also has it that the Lady Bertram character in “Mansfield Park” was based on Bramston’s wife, Mary. It’s easy to see why Austen enjoyed coming over: The manor sits on 315 acres of beautiful lawn and gardens and boasts original features like parquet wooden floors and big fireplaces.

Book the Jane Austen Experience for perks like a ticket to Jane Austen’s House in nearby Chawton, where she penned “Pride and Prejudice” and her other novels. Oakley Hall Hotel is close to many Austen sites, including Steventon, the village she lived in as a child, and Winchester Cathedral, her burial site.

One Aldwych, Covent Garden, London

Covent Garden was one of Austen’s haunts, where she attended the theater and stopped by her brother’s home at 10 Henrietta Street. Around the corner at One Aldwych, guests can learn more about the author’s time in the area through the hotel’s Curators program.

Writer and historian Dr. Matthew Green leads a spirited guided walk past the places she visited, and the tour ends with mince pies and mulled wine. This is one of several events happening over the holidays to celebrate Austen, with other highlights including special drinks at the Lobby Bar (try the Gin Austen with apricot brandy and Champagne) and a silhouette portrait artist.

Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest, Illinois

Stepping into the Deer Path Inn feels like being “transported back in time to an English countryside estate,” said Travel and Leisure. The “Tudor-style facade” and “nostalgic wood paneling” are warm and inviting and dining on bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie in the White Hart Pub is “like a vacation to the Old World.” The Austen Escape package ties in perfectly with the storybook setting, and includes an English-themed welcome amenity, English breakfast in bed, candlelit dinner with a Regency-inspired menu and nighttime turndown service with tea and sweets.

At the age of 88, David Hockney “is enjoying a volcanic burst of late energy”, said Waldemar Januszczak in The Times. Although he now uses a wheelchair, the artist continues to produce paintings at a prodigious pace; and, if anything, his work rate “seems to be accelerating”. Following his hugely popular retrospective in Paris earlier this year, he has returned to London to show off a “delightful and thrilling” selection of new work – under the title “Some Very, Very, Very New Paintings Not Yet Shown in Paris”.

The exhibition testifies to his “extraordinary vitality”. Bringing together interiors, still lifes and portraits, it’s “a blast of fearlessness, innocence and the uninhibited enjoyment of colour”. Hockney has always seemed to look at the world with “childlike curiosity”, and these recent pictures find him returning to life’s simple pleasures with renewed vigour. Whether he’s painting a pair of empty chairs – a nod to van Gogh and a touching tribute to absent sitters – or a display of fruit on a rumpled tablecloth in a Smarties-style palette, his colours “pop about with all the fun of a birthday party”.

Any Hockney show is worth visiting, said Rachel Campbell-Johnston in The Times. This one is no exception; it certainly “has its moments”. A series of drawings of the moon the artist created on his iPad “feel as cool as an eye bath”: playing with the tradition of the nocturne, he “conjures a mood of mysterious serenity”, conveying his wonder at the beauty of nature through these “shadowy landscapes”.

Some of his acrylic paintings of furniture are “eye-popping”, all reversed perspective and exuberant colour: “chairs cavort wonkily about empty spaces and bunches of flowers explode like fireworks”. But, for all “the frenzied delight in colour”, they mostly seem like pale imitations of his greatest hits; the excitement “has vanished from paintings that look as if they’ve been dashed off in an afternoon”.

“The portraits are where this show fails the hardest,” said Eddy Frankel in The Guardian. Hockney now takes a pointillist approach to skin tones, “and the result is a bunch of bodies that look as if they’re covered in sores”: they seem more like “fresh corpses” than living humans. The exception is a self-portrait in which we see the artist painting from his wheelchair; the painting works “because it’s so vulnerable but also so funnily self-aware”. You can’t help but dwell on mortality here: where Hockney was once so assured, his brushstrokes now look “shockingly unsteady”, the compositions frequently verging on the chaotic.

Yet they couldn’t have come from another hand, and it’s oddly “affecting” to see one of the great artists of our time ageing before our eyes. We’ve seen a lot of Hockney exhibitions lately. Perhaps we don’t really need another one. Still, these new works, with their “wobbles” and colour and humour, “prove that he’s still at it, and he’s still got it, all these years later”.

Annely Juda Fine Art, London W1. Until 28 February

Joseph Wright of Derby is a painter “all too often underserved in accounts of British art”, said Mark Hudson in The Independent. Born in Derby in 1734, he trained in London but returned to the Midlands to capitalise on the money flowing into the region in the wake of the Industrial Revolution.

A “prodigiously gifted” artist, he developed a style inspired by Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro technique, painting scenes that blended “heightened realism” with “powerful contrasts of light and shadow”, as well as portraits and landscapes that flattered the local industrial elite and their domains. Yet while several of his paintings have become renowned as “seminal” images of the British Enlightenment, he is – possibly on account of the “parochial suffix” attached to his name – often remembered as “a jobbing provincial painter”. This show at the National Gallery seeks to correct that assumption. It brings together many of his best-known works to reclaim him as one of the great British artists of the 18th century, confounding expectations at every turn while creating several bona fide masterpieces. It is “revelatory”.

At the show’s heart are two “spectacular” paintings, said Alastair Sooke in The Daily Telegraph. The first, the National Gallery’s “An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump” (1768), is “an electrifying, life-and-death composition”, depicting a white cockatoo placed within a glass vessel. A red-robed scientist is seen drawing the oxygen from the contraption as the creature thrashes around, fighting for survival. The second is “A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery” (1766), normally on display in Derby. It’s “just as spectacular”, presenting “an impresario-cum-philosopher with flowing grey locks” performing a scientific demonstration with a clockwork model of the solar system. Both works have long been seen as archetypal images of the Age of Reason. Yet, as the wall texts remind us, they may not be “entirely in sync with it”. While apparently championing rationality, they are “animated by childish wonder as much as intellectual enquiry”, and they show off Wright’s virtuosic skill at replicating artificial illumination.

Wright was certainly interested in science and technology, said Jonathan Jones in The Guardian. But the paintings he made on these subjects make humanity’s new knowledge look terrifying. One girl hides her face from the air-pump experiment, too appalled to look. “This is meant to be a rational exposition of the vacuum, but has become a nightmarish theatre of science, power, cruelty and death.” Wright is perhaps better understood as “the first gothic artist”, using his mastery of light and shade to create truly uncanny pictures. “A Philosopher by Lamplight” (1769), for instance, sees two travellers crossing a moonlit stream to find an old hermit looking at a skeleton, trying to discover what happens when we die. “The bloodcurdling secret at the heart of these paintings is scientific not supernatural.”

National Gallery, London WC2. Until 10 May

The death of industrialist Gopichand “GP” Hinduja, head of the Hinduja family who topped the Sunday Times Rich List 2025 with a net worth of over £35 billion, has made public a long-running family feud.

The Hinduja dynasty has been “riven by a decade-long 'Succession'-style feud”, said John Arlidge in The Times. With the two remaining brothers, Ashok and Prakash, taking control in the interim, major questions over how “power, control and money should pass from one generation of the family to the next” are still unanswered.

‘Publicity-shy’

The second of four brothers running a business empire, GP ran the Hinduja Group since the death of his older brother Srichand (“SP”) in 2023. Since it was founded in 1914 by their father Parmanand, trading carpets, tea and spices to the West, it has grown to 11 sectors (including healthcare, banking, IT, trading, media and real estate), operating in 48 countries with up to 250,000 employees.

Though the “publicity-shy” Hinduja Group may not be a household name, its UK and global reach is profound, said Josh Spero, Chris Kay and Krishn Kaushik in the Financial Times. GP and his older brother transformed the family’s “modest trading operation” in India and Iran, into a “major”, global “conglomerate”.

GP was a “very vocal champion” of closer economic and political ties between his ancestral homeland of India and naturalised country the UK, said The Hindu. He would often address gatherings in London to “exhort” businesses to “invest in the booming Indian market”.

‘Embroiled in controversy’

“The family has had to endure publicity – all of it bad – since the feud erupted”, with the dispute “likely to get worse” after a period of mourning, sources close to the family told The Times. The fighting within the family has become so intense that the “total legal fees are said to have reached £20 million”, with “one wing of the family communicating with the others via lawyers”, said the outlet.

The unrest began when GP’s elder brother Srichand claimed sole ownership of Hinduja Bank, which is based in Switzerland, which “shattered” the “sense of family harmony”, said Rory Tingle in The Daily Mail. The struggle intensified as Srichand developed dementia, with a High Court judge raising concerns that the family had “failed to arrange adequate care for him”.

The surprising initial request undermined the “age-old” motto of “everything belongs to everyone and nothing belongs to anyone” held within the family, said Benjamin Stupples in Bloomberg.

Most notably, GP was “embroiled in controversy” in 2001 after it was revealed he had written to Peter Mandelson, then the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, about “obtaining a UK passport for his brother Prakash”, said Lauren Almeida in The Guardian. The brothers had “donated £1 million through their charitable foundation” towards the Millennium Dome, a project that Mandelson was overseeing. Mandelson resigned, but was later cleared following an inquiry.

The Hindujas also faced allegations over international arms policy, said Ishani Sarkar in Style. The family was involved in the “so-called Bofors scandal”, which was a “major weapons-contract political scandal between India and Sweden”. However, the allegations made against the family were dismissed by the Delhi High Court in 2005.

Most recently, the family has faced serious accusations from abroad, said Imogen Foulkes of the BBC. The third Hinduja brother, Prakash, and his wife, son and daughter-in-law, were sentenced to jail by a Swiss court last year for “exploiting staff” in their “Geneva villa”. The family is appealing the charges.

There is no shortage of ultra-luxury hotels in London and, with more on the way, competition at the top level is fierce. For the luxury traveller, this is hospitality heaven: heavyweights constantly striving to improve in a bid to stay relevant means more services and better experiences just keep coming, albeit at ever-rising prices.

For the brands, life is more difficult. Staying ahead is a difficult game, especially when the rest are so good at what they do. The Peninsula has almost a century of experience at the top of the Hong Kong hospitality pyramid, another notoriously difficult market in which to stand out, and it’s using all of that savvy to remain among London’s best hotels.

Why stay here?

The location has been perfectly chosen. Many rooms have views across Hyde Park Corner, and Knightsbridge, Hyde Park itself, Belgravia, and Mayfair are all just a few steps away. Tourists can walk to the highlights if they so wish; more seasoned London visitors will be more likely to appreciate the proximity to shopping, restaurants, and bars.

If your desired destination is within two miles of the hotel, a stand-out perk is the house car service – my fiancée is still talking about having been whisked off to the nearest Elizabeth Line station in a brand-new Bentley. A dangerously addictive luxury.

There is also plenty to keep you on-site. Rooms are exceptionally spacious, with enormous beds perfect for a lazy evening watching Netflix. With a little notice, guests can take advantage of Peninsula Time, the brand’s signature flexible check-in/check-out system which gives you all the advantages of the hotel until you’re actually ready (or forced by your schedule) to leave. As well as the in-room comforts this means added use of the spa and pool facilities, which are among the biggest in the capital.

Exclusive to Peninsula London’s spa are treatments by Ricari Studios. This cutting-edge system employs a hybrid of technology and traditional lymphatic massages to stimulate blood flow and cell regeneration, particularly useful after long flights. Arriving at the treatment room, I was a little bemused by the sight of the machinery and protective stocking I was instructed to wear, but the treatment itself really did what it promised, leaving me feeling energised and refreshed.

Eating and drinking

Breakfast is served in the sprawling lobby. A combination of continental and cooked is offered, as well as a Cantonese breakfast option which was given rave reviews by my Taiwanese partner.

Throughout the day this space serves as a drop-in area for snacks and light bites, with a pianist adding atmosphere from the late afternoon. Around the corner Canton Blue serves elevated dim sum and Cantonese cuisine while Little Blue does a fine array of quick noodles, but the crowning glory of Peninsula London’s dining is, fittingly, on the roof.

The dramatic panorama over London from the Brooklands Bar terrace is the perfect backdrop for some seriously good cocktails. The drinks themselves are delicious; creative takes on classics and some intriguing signatures blending dark fruits with dark spirits. It’s a good idea to arrive early for two reasons: you have a better chance at securing front-row seats for the view, and it’ll bring you to dinner at Brooklands by Claude Bosi that little bit quicker.

The flagship dining experience of this restaurant can last upwards of three hours – time well-spent in the care of the excellent team. An elegant sliver of Cornish squid was a highlight (menus will naturally evolve with the seasons) but all courses were brilliantly executed. The Concorde model on the ceiling may be the immediate eye-catcher (aviation references are another Peninsula signature) but when the food starts arriving your attention will be completely captured. Well worthy of its two Michelin stars.

Things to do

This is the heart of London so pretty much anything is on your doorstep. Almost on the hotel’s doorstep is Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, viewings of which can be arranged by the concierge. Alternatively, take the house Rolls-Royce Phantom to the National Gallery for an exclusive and private after-hours tour. Or just stay in; an evening of magnificent dining followed by a good night’s sleep and a day of spa indulgence never hurt anyone. There’s even a fully equipped gym if you feel a little guilty, but we won’t judge you for ignoring it.

The verdict

Peninsula London faced two major challenges when it opened: competing with some of the best hotels in the world that were already in the city, and living up to a brand which boasted some of the best hotels in the world elsewhere. It succeeds on both counts, and then some. There may be more pretenders to the throne of “London’s Best Hotel” to come in the next few years, and consensus will likely never be reached on which property actually deserves the title, but you’d be hard pressed to find many better than ‘the Pen’.

Nick Hendry was a guest of Peninsula London; rooms from £1,300 including breakfast at peninsula.com

These extra-special breakfasts and brunches are worth waking up for. From the perfect eggs benedict served at the marble counter of a Michelin-starred restaurant to soft, fluffy waffles enjoyed on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, these are some of the best spots in London.

Booking Office 1869 at St. Pancras London, King’s Cross

This softly lit cocktail lounge and brasserie is set within the original 19th-century ticket hall of the famous station, now a part of the five-star St. Pancras London. The restaurant looks out over the platforms – you can even see the Eurostar trains pulling in from your seat. Decked out with gleaming dark woods, towering palm trees and colourful patterned fabrics, it has an intimate, buzzy atmosphere even in the afternoon. The new jazz brunch (Sundays from 12-3pm) features live music from talented musicians. We were treated to a guitar and vocal duo performing gently swinging standards by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Dishes are tasty and indulgent; highlights include waffle and buttermilk popcorn chicken drizzled with maple syrup, and shakshuka with herby feta and crispy flatbread. The real draw, however, is the cocktail menu which features a fun, inventive tipple for each decade dating back to the 1860s when the station opened. For the wow factor, try the 1890s creation: a heady mix of Eagle 10 Year Bourbon Whisky, bitters and demerara sugar, served with a touch of theatre at the table in a box filled with pecan smoke.

St. Pancras London, Euston Road, NW1 2AR, booking-office.co.uk

Engel Bar, City of London

Located on the mezzanine floor of The Royal Exchange, the Engel Bar is a great spot for those wanting to take in the beauty of the historic architecture while soaking up the 1920s Berlin-style atmosphere. The Marlene Brunch, available only on Saturdays, takes it up a notch with a specially curated menu alongside live R&B, soul and jazz performances. With an amazing line-up of singers on the roster (such as Jermain Jackman and Natalie Williams), the experience is not to be missed.

The food is sublime: a mix of classic brunch go-tos and a few fun fusions. It’s hard to go wrong with the fried chicken and waffles. The sea bass with a yuzu and soy glaze is bursting with flavour. Diners are spoiled for choice drinks-wise with the option to pick bottomless fizz, Bellini or Aperol spritz. If that’s not enough, there is a champagne menu that’s 50% off for the afternoon. In all, the Marlene Brunch makes for a memorable experience in the heart of the capital. Something definitely worth leaving the house early for.



The Mezzanine, First Floor, Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LQ; engelbar.co.uk

Pavyllon London, Mayfair

There’s an effortlessness to dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Pavyllon London achieves this in its breakfast offering but without forced pretension. This is impeccable, attentive and refined service at a marble counter, an experience that offers a front row seat to the theatre of the kitchen.

A health shot to start will zap you awake. It is followed by a fluffy vanilla muffin, an amuse-bouche of sorts – and, of course, your choice of tea and coffee.

The eggs benedict here is certainly a contender for the capital’s best: toasted muffins are topped with pillowy eggs that break into golden silk with the puncture of a knife. The dish is drawn together with a rich, creamy hollandaise and paprika – flavours that make the breakfast sing.

Another must-have is the Frenglish platter, offering a bridge to Gallic finesse – it’s everything you’d expect of a full English, but with interesting twists like the crispy Pommes Anna, soft sourdough bread and tomatoes that taste as if they’ve just been picked from the vine. To finish, try the crepes. Thin and velvety with caramelised brown sugar, their flavours are elevated through a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries and a cloud of vanilla whipped cream.

Four Seasons London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, W1J 7DR; pavyllonlondon.com

Duck and Waffle, Liverpool Street

No list of Britain’s best breakfast and brunch spots would be complete without Duck and Waffle. Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower right in the heart of the City of London, the restaurant is one of the highest in the capital, and boasts some of the best dining views on the planet.

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the restaurant attracts City types, foodies and tourists, with different menus for different times of the day. Brunch is available between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, and includes the eponymous duck and waffle, alongside the more traditional fare of smoked salmon royale, the full English breakfast and vegetarian options, too.

110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY; duckandwaffle.com

Dishoom, various locations

Breakfast at this Bombay cafe chain is an evocative experience where flavours dance on your tastebuds. Bacon and eggs may be morning stalwarts; naans less so. But this combination, in tandem with some killer chilli tomato jam, cream cheese and fresh coriander, makes for a very tasty breakfast.

Dishoom also offers a host of other options, including Bombay omelettes, cinnamon-jaggery pancakes and the “Parsi power breakfast” of spicy chicken keema served with chicken liver, fried eggs and home-made buns. The chain has acquired a cult following since it was founded in 2010 and it is easy to see why.

Various locations; dishoom.com

45 Jermyn St, Green Park

It is no good adding salmon or caviar to eggs in a bid to improve them if you haven’t got the eggs right in the first place. Fortunately, that essential building block of the very best breakfasts is done perfectly at 45 Jermyn St.

And that isn’t the only basics the swish St James’s establishment does well. Coffee, juice, avocados and toast may all sound simple enough, but in the hands of the chefs at 45 Jermyn St, they are all elevated into something spectacular. The eggs, scrambled and mixed with cream, are quite possibly the most indulgent in London. And with a dollop of caviar or a side of salmon, they are pure brunching perfection.

45 Jermyn Street, St James’s, SW1Y 6DN; 45jermynst.com

St Pancras Brasserie by Searcys, King’s Cross

Sitting below St Pancras’ magnificent vaulted ceiling, with an art deco design by Martin Brudnizki, St Pancras Brasserie by Searcys feels like a throwback to the golden age of travel. It offers Europe’s longest champagne bar and the fizz to go with it.

The breakfast menu is available from 8am to 11.30am on Monday to Friday, and 10am to 11.30am on Saturdays, where visitors can enjoy a dish from the “bakery and bowls” section of the menu, eggs or the full English breakfast. Searcys also has a substantial menu for its bottomless Sunday brunch. Two courses and 90 minutes of free-flowing lager, prosecco or mimosas are available, and there is plenty to choose from. Stand out dishes include the mouth-watering breakfast cheeseburger, the pork belly benedict and the buffalo chicken waffle.

St Pancras International Station, N1C 4QL; stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk

Quaglino’s, Green Park

Brunch at Quaglino’s can be a disconcerting affair. The food, the wine, the dramatic lighting – and your fellow diners, dressed to impress – lull you into a late-night frame of mind, and you may well find yourself blinking in surprise as you emerge into the early afternoon sunshine.

The illusion starts the moment you step into the dark, cavernous restaurant and descend the illuminated stairs. Art deco glamour oozes from every surface, from the velvet curtains of the cabaret stage to the gilded marble bar. The menu is also suitably starry. Brunch classics – eggs benedict, royale or florentine, with avocado and smoked salmon – are tucked away in one corner, but there are also surprising options on offer. Take the Cygnet 22 gin cured trout, or asparagus and ricotta tortelloni, for instance. The brunch is available on Saturdays only.

16 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AJ; quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

Theo Randall at the InterContinental, Park Lane

Celebrity chef Theo Randall’s Saturday brunch invites diners to enjoy la dolce vita in true Italian style, with a three-course festa in famiglia – a chance for families and friends to experience the best of the country’s produce.

Try not to fill up too much on the help-yourself antipasti – as tempting as the platters heaped with vibrant salads and cured meats are – as to follow is your choice of secondi, with options including porchetta (a slow-cooked crispy pork with potato and fennel al forno), as well as a sumptuous baked fontina cheese soufflé. Those with a sweet tooth will want to hold out for the desserts – a highlight of which is Randall’s palate-cleansing Amalfi lemon tart.

1 Hamilton Place, W1J 7QY; theorandall.com

Yauatcha City, Liverpool Street

On Fridays and Saturdays, this high-end Chinese restaurant offers one of the capital’s most sophisticated brunches: the Infinite Yum Cha Brunch.

Unlimited rounds of delicious dim sum (featuring black truffle dumplings, pork and prawn shui mai, and shrimp har gau) and soft bao buns are followed by a selection of signature main courses. Guests can choose from options including stir-fried rib eye beef in black bean sauce, sweet and spicy sea bass curry, and more, perfectly complemented by steamed jasmine rice or egg fried rice. End the experience with delicious soufflé pancakes topped with honeycomb.

1 Broadgate, EC2M 2QS; taogroup.com

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a couple of frazzled parents in possession of two tyrannical toddlers must be in need of a cold glass of fizz once in a while. And so it is that my husband and I head to the Mandarin Oriental in London’s marvellous Mayfair to experience the hotel’s latest family offering. Mini-Mayfair is a bespoke stay designed to immerse families in the heart of London’s vibrant art, fashion and cultural scene.

Why stay here?

The Mandarin Oriental is the perfect place to depart, however briefly, from the reality of modern parenting. There may still be toddler tantrums, but set against the backdrop of this splendidly smart hotel and with a cold glass of champagne in hand, they seem so much more manageable.

The realisation that there is a bedside button to control the blinds and curtains has bought us at least 20 minutes of quiet time, as a blend of suspicion and awe dances across their faces. The hotel also sits right in the heart of Mayfair, which makes it a very convenient jumping-off point for exploring one of London’s most beautiful and treasured neighbourhoods.

It should be stated early on that this is a venture for parents with deep pockets – prices start from an eye-watering £2,790 for two nights. Yet the hotel has gone all out to create something of a children’s paradise, with plush Ben teddy bears, panda dressing gowns, superhero costumes and story books all laid out in our beautiful suite, which caused no end of excitement for the children (and adults) – not forgetting the iconic Mandarin Oriental bath duck.

The interconnecting suites, which are expensively yet tastefully decorated, means separate rooms for parents and children so that you never feel as though you’re all piled on top of one another, and the kitchen and lounge are well-appointed with a range of top-end amenities. It was a shame not to have a bath in either of the marble bathrooms, but the spa more than makes up for it.

Eating and drinking

We headed to the Atrium Restaurant for dinner – modern, chic and open-plan – for a fresh take on Mediterranean dining, elevated with Asian influences, from yellow-tail crudo with ponzu dressing to gochujang-glazed heritage beef ribeye. The food was beautifully served and the attention to detail – even on mini potato croquettes that resembled pretty petits fours – was impressive. The fusion between Asian and Italian worked well, with cacio e pepe stuffed courgette flowers and delicate tuna crudo and scallop tartare, although plates were on the modest side.

Room service offered up the classics – we enjoyed generous and tasty club sandwiches and a sumptuous breakfast of eggs shakshuka and full English. Elsewhere, the rooftop Hanover Bar has incredible views over the capital and serves seasonal and locally inspired cocktails with light bites.

Things to do

The hotel offers two experiences for children. Mini-Maestro offers families a visit to the renowned Cartoon Museum, home to more than 6,000 original cartoons and comics. There is also a create-your-own cartoon book, crayons and a copy of “Little People, Big Dreams: Yayoi Kusama” about the celebrated Japanese artist as part of the offering. Mini-Fashionista, which we thought far too sophisticated for our tiny people, offers a personal shopping appointment at Selfridges, where children can explore the dedicated children’s department and redeem a gift card to spend on toys, clothing, accessories and more.

An illustrated map – “London Block by Block” – is a really nice touch and guides families through Mayfair’s most celebrated fashion landmarks, art galleries, museums and cultural hotspots, including blue plaques and iconic sculptures near the hotel. We caught a bus from Mayfair over to South Kensington’s museum land, which was wonderfully easy and enjoyable.

The hotel has a 25-metre pool – Mayfair’s longest swimming pool – and three hydrotherapy treatments, which were of endless fascination for two toddlers and very relaxing for the adults too. Quite frankly, the whizzy see-through lifts in the hotel were all the excitement our toddlers needed.

The verdict

There's nothing mini about the Mini-Mayfair experience – it is wonderfully grand and luxurious. There were some teething problems – such as the lack of a requested cot in the room for our baby – but the hotel did assure us that these glitches would be ironed out. A few other issues could cause consternation for parents, such as the fabulous decor of our suite, which was beautiful but did comprise glass coffee tables and ornaments with sharp edges – although this wouldn’t cause a problem for older children. The menu in the Atrium didn’t come with any children’s specials, and the tempura fish sent up to the hotel room was delicious but slightly lost on our fish-finger-raised children.

Ultimately, though, this is a stylish hotel that will please exhausted parents and wow mini guests – although caution: a trip as luxurious as this could set them up with unrealistic expectations of family vacations for life.

Felicity was a guest at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, mandarinoriental.com

Inconspicuously set in the heart of Bloomsbury, while walking up Kingsway, you might miss L'oscar London – but in some senses, that seems to be the point.

A stay at this hotel allows you to explore the hustle and bustle of London, before escaping back to indulgent accommodation at the end of the day.

Stylish, immersive, and unmistakably theatrical, L'oscar truly sets the stage for a memorable stay.

Why stay here?

The main draw of L'oscar lies in its sense of theatre, which extends to every aspect of the hotel, from its gorgeous library on the second floor to the cosy yet opulent feel of the lobby. Housed in the former headquarters of the Baptist church, this Grade II* listed building has been wonderfully restored and refurbished, maintaining some of its original architectural features while also being firmly rooted in the present.

As the name suggests, this is a property dedicated to acknowledging the work and talents of playwright Oscar Wilde. The Irish writer famously said that he could "resist anything except temptation", and this hotel feels like a natural extension of that philosophy, offering drama, decadence and attention to detail at every turn.

The hotel's Bloomsbury location adds to the allure, making it as practical as it is enticing – the perfect base from which to explore the capital.

The rooms

Our stay is in a beautiful Junior Suite Grande room, which at times feels more like stepping into a refined drawing room in a Wilde play, albeit with modern creature comforts to enjoy.

Every detail in this suite is indulgent, from the thick velvety drapes and lacquered finishes to the double bed, so soft and inviting that it almost dares you to miss your curtain call. It's a generous room complete with playful design touches like the lamp shaped like a pair of hummingbirds and the bursts of colour in the thoughtful floral arrangement. A chaise longue, high ceilings and a marble-clad bathroom complete with twin sinks, a spacious bath and a rain shower prove this suite is designed for both rest and reverie.

And there are little touches that mean a lot. A sprawling desk is ideal for those who have work to do during their stay, while PressReader access is a perk that allows guests to catch up on their favourite newspapers and magazines when it's time to unwind. Round-the-clock in-room dining is also available for those reluctant to leave the comfort of their suite.

Eating and drinking

Part of L'oscar's offering is The Gatsby Escape, an immersive theatre package giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the world of 1920s glitz and glamour.

It begins with bespoke Gatsby-inspired amenities in your room, including indulgent chocolates and juicy peaches. The journey extends downstairs at the hotel's decadently decorated restaurant, where guests can indulge in a carefully curated pre-theatre menu, inspired by the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic.

Echoing the spirit of the roaring 1920s, the menu features dishes such as the tender New York strip steak complemented perfectly by crisp yet fluffy chips and a rich béarnaise sauce. Dessert tantalises the senses, and it's difficult to pick between a creamy New York cheesecake with fresh berries, or a "West Egg" Eton Mess – classic and light and a perfect summer treat. Regardless of what you choose, each plate arrives with a sense of occasion – polished, thoughtfully portioned and bursting with flavour – making it the ideal prelude to an evening ahead.

Mornings at L'oscar need not feel like a sheepish scurry into the daylight after a long evening. Instead, the hotel carries the same elegance from dinner into the next day, albeit with a softer touch. A must-have is the full English breakfast where every element from the perfectly crisp bacon to the poached eggs (cooked to order) feels elevated. Freshly baked pastries and a velvety hot chocolate complete the offering. Of course, if you'd rather skip this option, a host of à la carte dishes are available including fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit salad.

Things to do

As a stay at L'oscar is so incredibly steeped in literary and dramatic history, it would be remiss to pass up a trip to the theatre.

In our case, The Gatsby Escape continues with a short stroll to the London Coliseum, where "The Great Gatsby Musical" is showing. A spectacle in and of itself, this Edwardian masterpiece features gilded balustrades, soaring arches and intricate artwork. While most London theatres are made to be marvelled at, the Coliseum feels like a cut above the rest.

A space at once both grand and intimate, it's the perfect setting for an incredible showing of a 1920s classic. While the execution of the plot might pale in comparison to the tender spectacle of the Baz Luhrmann film, costume and set design are exquisite, and solid performances make this a night to remember. This visit to the theatre feels less like an outing, and more like a continuation of the fascinating story L'oscar has sought to weave. And there are a host of other on-stage options nearby as the hotel is a hop, skip and a jump away from London's theatre district.

L'oscar is also an ideal base for exploring the rest of the capital with Covent Garden and Soho just moments away, while the nearby Holborn tube station offers a chance to explore further with ease.

The verdict

L'oscar delivers not just luxury and top-notch service, but also a sense of occasion. It's a place for those seeking relaxation, plus a touch of the unexpected.

And despite being perfectly located for exploring the city, the hotel doesn't feel urban or industrial. Instead, cocooned in its own world of velvets, golds and purples, it provides the perfect enclave to escape the noise, creating an impression that lingers long after you leave.

Rebekah Evans was a guest of L'oscar, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, experiencing The Gatsby Escape.

Soho House has made an "ambitious move" to get its "mojo back", striking a £2 billion takeover deal to take the international members' club private after four years listed on the New York Stock Exchange, said The Telegraph.

The takeover, led by one of the largest hotel operators in the US, could give the company a much needed boost. "Can Soho House become the playground of the rich and famous once again?"

Star appeal

Nick Jones opened the first Soho House three decades ago. Located above his restaurant, Cafe Boheme, on London's Greek Street, it was envisioned as a "networking destination for 'creatives'", as opposed to the corporate clientele that dominated other social clubs, said the Daily Mail.

It soon became a "favourite hangout spot for celebrities"; in 2016, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose the club's Dean Street Townhouse as the location for their very first "clandestine rendezvous", said The Telegraph, reflecting the brand's "enticingly exclusive appeal".

Soho House has since turned into a "sprawling global empire" with around 200,000 members in 46 outposts around the world, including Paris, Mexico City and Hong Kong. Membership – which costs around £3,400 for global access – isn't easy to secure; applicants must be nominated by two existing members and provide a biography detailing their career and interests. Kim Kardashian was reportedly denied membership multiple times because the process was "too selective".

After the pandemic, the group relaxed its "stringent" membership requirements and "ballooned" in size. But the rapid expansion brought fresh issues as members began complaining about crowded clubhouses and "lacklustre service".

Soho House's "glamorous star has faded" and the group's share price has plummeted since it was listed back in 2021. Last year, the New York-based short seller GlassHouse published a "damning criticism of the company's 'broken business model and terrible accounting'". The chain, which appointed Andrew Carnie to replace Jones as CEO in 2022, said it "fundamentally rejects" the report.

A return to form?

Soho House has spent decades styling itself as an edgy hangout for creatives seeking to set themselves apart from "boring old City suits", said the Financial Times. But the buy-out means the "finance crowd" has finally managed to "elbow its way in".

While MCR Hotels is leading the takeover, a group of existing shareholders, including Nick Jones, will retain their stakes in the company. Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher will also invest and join the new board of directors.

The "upshot" is that the deal will bring together investors with experience of running successful hotels and expert financiers, while keeping "faithful insiders" as part of the journey. "But make no mistake: faith is exactly what's needed to turn this into a good deal for the buyers."

The acquisition valued Soho House at a "punchy" 16 times its ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) this year. In order to deliver a solid return, the company will need to "find more members, charge existing ones more, or spend less on showing them a good time", and "probably all three".

Still, the deal will "undoubtedly" free Soho House bosses from the "expensive and time-consuming requirements from life on the stock market", said The Telegraph. And there are already signs that it is "rekindling its reputation as the place to be seen", with Dua Lipa hosting a star-studded after-party at the White City venue in June.

Members are "hopeful" that the buy-out will mark a "return to form", transforming the global chain into something closer to the "exclusive refuge" it once represented.

"In case more evidence was needed of the death of civilisation," said Ed Cumming in The Telegraph, "a boom in 'early dining' is reported."

According to online reservation platform OpenTable, 6pm bookings are up 11% year on year in London, and 6% across the country. "Worse still", 5pm bookings in London are up 10% year on year – "presumably for diners eating with their nursery-aged children". While some find the trend hard to swallow, the new appetite for early dinner is clear.

'Decadent' early dining

The average dinner time in the UK is now 6.12pm, according to hospitality tech service Zonal. And restaurants are "adapting to meet demand", introducing early set menus in response to the "cultural shift", said The Times.

There's a rising awareness that late-night dining isn't as healthy as an earlier meal. "Wellness-focused" and "sober-curious" diners are swapping "late-night indulgence for early evening sobriety".

But it's the post-pandemic world of work that's been pivotal. Working from home means finishing earlier, which "naturally leads to earlier dining", Lucia Reisch, professor of behavioural economics from the University of Cambridge, told the paper.

Even for those who make it into the office, the early table booking comes down to "the very mechanics of metropolitan living", said restaurant critic Tim Hayward in the Financial Times. "It's getting harder to live close to the centre of town if you're not old and rich," said one maître d'. "People can't afford to go home" and "then come back" again.

Many Brits are also "adopting more American working hours, getting into work earlier", and therefore less keen to be "dining into the night", Sam Hart, London restaurant group owner, told the paper.

Data suggests Americans typically eat dinner between 6pm and 7pm, said Lauren Collins in The New Yorker in 2019. And early dinner in a restaurant is a great experience: getting a reservation is "no problem" and the room is "clean and fresh and running smoothly".

Despite "its connotations of denture-friendly fare and penny-pinching, early dinner is the most decadent meal there is. You're familiar with dinner and a movie? Well, how about dinner and a movie and a bath and a book and sex and rearranging your whole spice drawer if you feel like it?"

'Unarguably sexy' late dinner

"In an era of hyperoptimisation, we've become accustomed to prioritising efficiency and speed over the process and pleasure of minutiae," said Arielle Domb in London's The Standard.

Eating early means going to bed early, and "feeling rested before a morning workout", which is "no doubt appealing to Gen Z". But there is "something unarguably sexy about a late-night dinner". It means "resisting toxic ideas" about "efficiency and 'healthy' consumption", and "tuning into the life-affirming joy of dining slowly" with those you love.

Yes, "a fightback is afoot", said The Telegraph's Cummings. Some restaurants are "following the example set by Chinatown or the Middle Eastern spots on the Edgware Road which have always understood" the later meal, and offering cheaper drinks or a discounted menu to late-night diners.

Early dinners "might be perfect for booze-dodging Americans who need to get back into their hyperbaric chambers" before work starts at 4am. But, for the rest of us, "there is a kind of magic" in "making friends at a party and scurrying off to find somewhere to eat". After all, "nobody has ever fallen in love over a salad at 5.30pm".

When it's too hot and busy for sightseeing, try cooling off in a shady garden. These secret spots are far enough off the beaten track to avoid most of the crowds – and so beautiful that it's easy to spend an afternoon strolling along their winding paths and admiring their perfectly manicured lawns. Here are some of our favourites.

Camley Street Natural Park, London

Bustling King's Cross feels like an "unlikely place to find a verdant nature reserve", but that's exactly what you'll discover just over the canal from Coal Drops Yard, said Condé Nast Traveller. Moments from the station lies Camley Street: "two acres of thriving grassland, woods and wetlands". A "meandering path" leads you through the reed beds and marshes, which are home to an "impressive amount of wildlife". Be sure to stop off for a cup of tea and slice of cake at the charming cafe.

Dr Neil's Garden, Edinburgh

"Hidden and alluring", this beautiful haven boasts "cinematic views of Arthur's Seat", said Culture Trip. Situated next to Duddingston Loch, the neglected land was transformed into the garden it is today by local doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil back in 1963 so their patients would have an outdoor space to enjoy. The "secluded" spot is known as "Edinburgh's secret garden", and its flower-filled lawns have long been a source of artistic and literary "inspiration" for visitors to the Scottish capital.

Vrtba Garden, Prague

This pretty garden on Petřín Hill is "hard to find", said The Guardian. Visitors who make the effort to "seek it out are rewarded with baroque beauty". The Italianate garden – created around 1720 on the site of the Vrtbovský Palace's former vineyards – comprises three terraced platforms brimming with thousands of flowers and shrubs, and dotted with statues. Climb to the pavilion in the highest garden for spectacular views over the city.

Giardino degli Aranci, Rome

"The crush of Rome can be overwhelming," said The Telegraph, so escape the throngs of tourists with a stroll beneath the pine trees at this hidden gem. Located atop the city's Aventine Hill, the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) is free to enter. The sprawling garden is "part lookout, part sanctuary, with a staggering panorama of Rome's domes, rooftops, St Peter's Basilica and the Tiber River threading it all together".

Parc de Bagatelle, Paris

Tucked away in the Bois de Boulogne, this peaceful spot is a "mischievous hotch-potch of waterfalls, a grotto – even a Chinese pagoda – surrounded by stunning blooms", said The Telegraph. The park is home to a sprawling garden of more than 10,000 roses; visit during Week-end de la Rose à Bagatelle in June and "you'll have crashed Paris's most fragrant secret".

Centralbadet Garden, Stockholm

This "hidden courtyard garden" lies right in the heart of Stockholm, moments from the main shopping street, said The Guardian. Architect Wilhelm Klemming bought the property back in 1901, restoring the park and building an "affordable day spa" that remains open today. Expect "winding paths", an idyllic pond filled with koi fish and lots of "shady places to sit".

As the summer rolls on, there is "nowhere better to soak it all in" than a pub on the water, said The i Paper. With their "waterside charm", these picturesque spots greet you with the "calm of flowing water" and "the clink of cold pints", perfect for these long hot days that "call for life at a slower pace".

The Meikleour Arms, Perth & Kinross

Right beside the River Tay, this "grand yet relaxed country inn" is an hour from Edinburgh and offers "estate-sourced food and excellent whisky", all while honouring its "Franco-Scottish heritage". Using vegetables from a "walled garden" and venison from Meikleour Forest, this is a boutique pub "wrapped in ancient woodland". Visitors can go fishing for salmon, attempt to spot wildlife and enjoy the "historic estates and distilleries" of the Meikleour Arms, one of the oldest historical estates in east Scotland.

The Dove, Hammersmith

This record-breaking pub, featuring a "beer garden that backs directly onto the River Thames", is "a win any time of the year", said TimeOut. The Dove embodies the "old-meets-new theme" with its low 18th-century beams and wooden panelling, and a contemporary "greenery-dappled conservatory". Its spirits match this idea, with "cask classics rubbing shoulders with guest beers" and an "extensive wine list". Additionally, the pub's side bar holds a Guinness World Record as Britain's smallest bar room, with dimensions of "four-foot-two-inches by seven-foot-10-inches".

The Inn at Whitewell, Lancashire

With his fish pie and slow-cooked shoulder of pork with ham hock fritter, this pub's chef, Jamie Cadman, has "put this quiet corner of Lancashire on the map", said The Times. Throughout his two decades cooking at the pub, Cadman has produced dishes from locally sourced ingredients, including salmon and trout from the River Hodder, all of which can be accompanied by a selection of 400 wines curated by the pub's vintners. The natural scenery of this waterside pub is what makes it unique, offering views of an "idyllic bend" in the Hodder and also a panorama of the fells of the Forest of Bowland. This landscape influences the interior design of the inn, with its "heavy wooden bedheads, unusual framed fabrics and antiques", producing a charming "country house character".

Pandora Inn, Cornwall

Recently renovated and reopened in March of this year, this "popular Cornish riverside pub" overlooks the Restronguet Creek and features an "on-the-water pontoon beer garden", said Cornwall Live. Run by two friends who worked at the Pandora Inn 15 years ago, the renovation has given the pub a "fresh new look" that maintains its character while adding a "new contemporary colour scheme to complement the pub's historic features". The makeover includes "a new menu for its new era", which showcases seasonal ingredients from local and independent sources. The best way to arrive at the "thatched 13th-century inn" is by boat; there are water taxis and moorings, said The Guardian.

The Chain Locker, Falmouth

The "old bones of the 17th-century sailors' drinking den" can still be seen in this pub overlooking the Carrick Roads estuary of the River Fal, said The Telegraph. Its "stone fireplace and the flagstone walls" point to its history. It also offers a "good selection of pub classics" and other "left-field options" that together make for a "good range of favourites" characterised with "rich flavours and hearty portions". This St Austell Brewery pub has a good range of Cornish beers on tap, and is often frequented by students. The outdoor terrace overlooking the estuary "comes into its own on warm summer evenings".

Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick

This "trendy" brewery and pizzeria, on the River Lee Navigation in east London, opened in 2012, when the Olympic Games were on just over the water. But it has proved "no mere passing fad", said TimeOut. Its "longevity proves that beer and pizza never go out of fashion", but it does have alternatives for "non-beer lovers" with a "good range of wines and canned cocktails". It is possible to kayak from Limehouse to Crate Brewery – an "oar-some" experience, said Secret London. This 5km "urban adventure" is available until the end of August for adults over 18 – who can swim.

As the media reports a "surge" in the "dangerous crossings" of migrants, I'm "seeing an invasion of a different sort", said veteran actor Joan Collins in The Spectator: the rental bikes that "litter our pavements".

I've been "almost run over twice" by Lime bikes and I've also tripped over discarded cycles "on the streets of Belgravia". Their riders "seem to care not for road rules, pedestrians, safety, or anyone but themselves".

Take them away

I was hit by a Lime bike and "my knees ate gravel, my side was rammed by a metal basket", my palms only just stopped me from "faceplanting the ground". It "hurt. A lot", said Maddy Mussen in London's The Standard.

Now there are so many of them; "that mass of green scares me", and there have been many "issues". The e-bikes "end up littered on the streets" which is a "real issue for blind and visually impaired people who trip over them", and people "regularly" ride them while drunk.

Lots of riders also wear "AirPods or headphones" so "not only are Limes super-silent, but everyone's walking around with ears full of cotton wool". We're "not ready yet" so until we learn to "use the Limes safely", perhaps they "need to be taken away".

Despite their semi-silent operation, the bikes do cause a noise problem – to the "ire" of many Londoners: the "piercing and persistent" alarm of stolen Lime bikes, which sounds like a "half-bothered fire alarm you accidentally set off", is "everywhere", said Sammy Gecsoyler in The Guardian.

Stop whining

But fans of the rental e-bikes insist that they're a convenient and money-saving mode of transport.

So perhaps we should "stop whining" about them, writes George Hill on Road.cc, because "let's be honest, they're brilliant". I recently took one across London for a journey that would have cost me £20 and 20 minutes in a taxi each way, or 25 minutes by tube, but on a Lime bike, I did it in 12 minutes. It "cost me about three quid" and I arrived without being "sweaty" or "poor".

For many older people they're a "godsend", said Matt Sinha in The i Paper, and their "rapid acceleration gives me a buzz". Wherever you live, thanks to a Lime bike you are "part of the scene" with a "different take on your surroundings".

Also, "touch your mental brakes" on "that thought about poorly parked bikes" because for all the "teens or revellers" who push over a stack of Lime bikes, or people who "create potential obstacles", I can "set an example" by "finding a space" and "stacking one correctly".

So "why not give a Lime bike a spin"? Not only are they "mood enhancers", but they're also affordable, good for the environment and easily available.

Twenty years ago today four terrorists killed 52 people and injured more than 700 in suicide bomb attacks on London's public transport.

Two weeks after the horrors of 7/7, there were four more attempted attacks. This time the devices failed to detonate properly but once again London was "unnerved", said historian Dominic Sandbrook on the BBC, but the police investigation led to the tragic death of one innocent man.

What happened?

In an attempted repeat of the 7/7 attacks, four Islamist extremists targeted three London Underground trains and a bus, but their devices failed to explode and only the detonators of the bombs went off.

These minor explosions caused nothing more than the popping sounds mentioned by witnesses, and the only reported injury was one person having a minor asthma attack.

Although no one died on 21/7, it was "nevertheless a terrible reminder" of the capital's "vulnerability to domestic terrorism" and the "apparently ubiquitous threat of Islamist extremism", said Sandbrook.

The offenders apparently "intended to kill themselves in acts of martyrdom", said The Jamestown Foundation, but they fled the scenes after their bombs failed to explode, sparking an "international manhunt", said Cosmopolitan.

The Metropolitan Police commissioner at the time, Sir Ian Blair, said the investigation became "the greatest operational challenge ever faced" by the force.

How were they caught?

The failure of the bombs to go off meant police were able to recover forensic material from the scenes, while CCTV images of the bombers were also widely shared.

With public transport passengers in the capital on edge, the investigation took a tragic turn when, the day after the failed attacks, police shot dead Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian electrician who was mistaken for one of the bombers.

Within eight days, police had arrested all four of the main suspects. One was apprehended in Birmingham, two were arrested in London and a fourth was caught in Rome and extradited to the UK.

At their trial, the judge described their plot as a "viable attempt at mass murder". Ramzi Mohammed, Muktar Said Ibrahim and Yassin Omar were found guilty of conspiracy to murder and sentenced to minimum terms of 40 years' imprisonment.

A fourth man, Ismail Abdurahman, was convicted of assisting one of the failed bombers and failing to disclose information about the planned attacks. He was sentenced to 10 years, reduced to eight on appeal.

What happened next?

In 2008, the men lost a court appeal to challenge their convictions. Judges rejected their claim that the devices were made to look realistic "but included flaws" that were meant to "ensure that the main charge of each of those devices would not detonate".

The judges also dismissed applications from two of the men to challenge their sentences, ruling that "as they were rightly meant to be", the sentences were "severe and extreme".

In 2014, they lost an appeal at the European Court of Human Rights. Three of the men had claimed their human rights had been breached because statements they made to police without lawyers present had been used as evidence, and a fourth man argued he had been treated unfairly when he was interviewed as a witness.

The court ruled that it had been "convincingly established" that at the time of the interviews there was an "exceptionally serious and imminent threat to public safety", which provided "compelling reasons" to "delay" all four applicants' access to lawyers.

The following year, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights agreed to look again at the case. It ruled that there was no violation of rights for Ibrahim, Ramzi Mohammed and Omar, but there was a violation in the access to legal counsel for Abdurahman.

Archaeologists have pieced together thousands of ancient fragments that suggest that Southwark was once the "Beverly Hills of Roman London".

The South London borough has "always been seen as the scruffier, rough-around-the-edges" part of the capital, said The Times, but this "extraordinary" new finding suggests that its backstory is "a little grander than originally thought".

Shattered plaster

The fragments of painted plaster were discovered during excavation work and collected into 120 boxes. It was only when a team of archaeologists started fitting together the plaster shards – in what they called "the world's most difficult jigsaw puzzle" – that they realised they had discovered a group of 2,000-year-old wall paintings. They feature "beautiful drawings of birds, fruit and flowers", said The Independent. One fragment depicts what was first thought to be a bunch of grapes but archaeobotanists now believe it's actually a plant that grows more locally: mistletoe. Other fragments include details of musical instruments and "unusual graffiti" of the ancient Greek alphabet.

It is, said The Times, one of the largest collections of painted frescoes ever found in the capital, and most likely graced a "luxurious suburban" villa beyond the "hustle and bustle" of what was then the main city. Alternatively, the paintings could have decorated a "mansio" – a type of inn or hotel for travelling government officials. Either way, the walls the frescoes were painted on were built soon after the Romans founded Londinium in 43AD.

Several of the pieced-together panels are bright yellow, a rare colour in British Roman artefacts, suggesting that the artist took inspiration from decorations in other parts of the Roman world, including Pompeii.

But the actual identity of the artist remains a mystery, said the BBC. One fragment is scored with the Latin word fecit, which means "has made this", but the piece that fitted next to it, and would have borne the artist's name, hasn't been found.

Londinium's footprint

The discovery is already updating experts' knowledge of Londinium. The settlement's "main footprint" was north of the river in what has become the City of London, but this find suggests that the Romans were "committed to more than just that square mile", said The Times.

It's really adding to "our understanding of what life was like in the area, relatively early on in the Roman period", Andrew Henderson-Schwartz of the Museum of London Archaeology told the paper.

And there's "still much to discover" from the fresco fragments, which will continue to help archaeologists "reconstruct the story" of the UK's "rich Roman history", said the BBC.

Tucked away on a leafy London street, The Chelsea Townhouse feels less like a hotel, and more like a traditional upscale residence with a secret.

While its exterior may be defined by the traditional Georgian red brick and a rather imposing British flag adorning the entrance, from the moment you step through the door, everything feels slightly more understated – but in the best possible way.

In a city that often bursts at the seams with pomp, flash and noise, inside this hotel, luxury is never loud. Instead, every room and entryway oozes understated elegance, and detail over fanfare.

An invitation to step inside is one that surely cannot be turned down.

Why stay here?

The Chelsea Townhouse feels like a private home from the "Bridgerton" series, with sophistication, poise and polish to boot. Yet, this is also balanced with a surprising lack of pretentiousness. You are unlikely to feel out of place here, as the open-plan layout and impeccable service create a relaxed atmosphere. And there are none of the gimmicks you might find in a larger hotel – instead, there is calm and quiet, whether in the cosy library nook, near the bar, or up in your room.

The rooms are quintessentially British, offering guests a peek into the past, while thoughtfully designed to capture the present. My room – a Chelsea King – is a luxurious open-plan space featuring sketches and paintings of connected properties such as Cliveden. Perhaps the highlight is the restored furniture throughout the room, including a beautiful desk that is clearly a heritage piece.

While you'll certainly find the ornate chandeliers, marble fireplaces, large sash windows and high ceilings you'd expect here, it feels modern, too. An en-suite shower room is complete with a rain shower and Noble Isle toiletries, while the super king-sized bed feels like sleeping on a cloud.

Eating and drinking

At The Chelsea Townhouse, there is no restaurant to speak of, and this feels like a deliberate choice, designed to add to the homely feel of the property. This is enhanced by the drawing room, where sunlight streams in every morning, leading onto a gorgeous garden enclave.

Here, guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, either continental, or with a hot dish included. The prices may be on the high side – the full breakfast with cold and hot options will set you back £35 – but this does seem in line with the experience, namely the impeccable service offered by the hotel staff.

We opted for the full English breakfast and the eggs benedict, both of which were incredibly enjoyable, leaving us satiated for the morning ahead. But the continental –should you choose that option – is equally delicious, featuring an array of pastries and homemade granolas. Given your location, you shouldn't miss the hotel's unforgettable Chelsea bun: a perfectly soft and sticky pastry pillow to really sink your teeth into.

If you would like to enjoy an evening meal close to home, look no further than Hans' Bar & Grill: the modern bistro-restaurant connected to the property's sister hotel: 11 Cadogan Gardens. A mere stone's throw away – five minutes' walk at a very gentle pace – the restaurant features botanical-inspired decor with bucolic greenery sprouting from ceiling planters, marble tables and dark wood panelling with brass accents.

To start, ask for the soup of the day. Carrot and lentil was ours and the hearty helping was smooth and flavoursome. The starter is perhaps beaten by two dishes – the chicken supreme being the first. The tender meat is flawlessly served alongside crunchy chantenay carrots and cavolo nero. But a personal favourite was the 8oz rib eye, served with chunky chips and a perfectly crispy onion ring. Cooked to order – medium-well in my case – it cut like butter and was incredibly tender.

The bar is also the perfect place to enjoy a couple of cocktails, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, as the whole place has a cosy and welcoming feel.

Things to do

Cadogan Gardens and its surrounding area are epitomised by Georgian terraces and blue plaques, reminding passers-by of the rich and famous who once inhabited this beautiful neighbourhood, and the exclusive individuals still fortunate enough to claim its postcode. But The Chelsea Townhouse also serves as the perfect base for exploring the rest of the capital.

Retail therapy is a must. Whether you're splashing the cash or just window shopping, you're a mere two-minute walk from shops like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Peter Jones, and of course, a plethora of stores on King's Road.

And there are also plenty of nearby cultural experiences to be had. A mere 10 minutes away is the Saatchi Gallery, while nearby Kensington offers the capital's best museums, such as the V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museum. Nearby, Sloane Square tube station offers quick transfers to popular landmarks including Big Ben, The London Eye and Buckingham Palace.

The verdict

You might expect a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to leave you feeling disconnected from the buzz, but this experience offers a refined blend of classic charm and modern comfort, in effect the best of both worlds. You feel truly connected to London while also enjoying the spirit of quiet British luxury. And whether you choose to visit for business or pleasure, this is certainly a stand-out choice – the essence of boutique hospitality for the discerning traveller.

Rebekah Evans was a guest of The Chelsea Townhouse, a Relais & Châteaux and Iconic Luxury Hotels property

"You never forget your first RHS Chelsea Flower Show", said Tabi Jackson Gee in Country Life. The annual horticultural event is back from 20–24 May 2025, with a "heady concoction" of colourful plant displays, innovative show gardens and flower-filled marquees. It's the perfect time of year to while away a couple of sunny hours enjoying afternoon tea in London. Here are some of our favourite spots.

The Goring

This historic hotel will be hosting its Bloomin' Lovely Afternoon Tea until 5 June. Refreshments are served out on the veranda overlooking the leafy gardens. On arrival, you're served a refreshing glass of non-alcoholic Seedlip Garden with apple juice and apricot syrup. The floral-inspired menu is filled with sweet treats spanning everything from blackcurrant and hibiscus scones to raspberry and lychee macarons. Even the sandwiches are dotted with herbs from the garden, and you can upgrade your afternoon tea with a chilled glass of fizz.

From £75pp, thegoring.com

11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

The afternoon tea menu at 11 Cadogan Gardens, just a short walk from the Royal Hospital, home of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, has been specially designed to evoke the aromas of the hotel's beautiful private garden. Its newly launched spring menu features a champagne cocktail inspired by the nearby Saatchi Gallery's "Flowers" exhibition (30 May–31 August), as well as delicious rhubarb custard choux buns. Afterwards, take a stroll beneath the mulberry trees in the shady garden and take a moment to listen to the birdsong. Bliss.

From £55pp, 11cadogangardens.com

Petersham Nurseries Richmond

Served every Thursday to Sunday in the elegant greenhouse surrounded by greenery, Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is a wonderful setting for a spring afternoon tea. Among the mouthwatering delights on offer is a rhubarb and ginger crumble tartlet, and a caprese coffee and almond cake. The savoury bites are just as enticing: think smoked trout and pickled cucumber brioche buns, and broad bean, pea and goat's cheese filo cups. Wash everything down with a glass of prosecco or pot of loose-leaf tea.

From £60pp, petershamnurseries.com

Sketch, Mayfair

This spring, Sketch is back with its annual floral installation – this time paying tribute to Jane Austen in celebration of 250 years since the author's birth. The dreamy display is inspired by the landscapes that form a backdrop to Austen's books; the show-stopping floral arch at the entrance is adorned with a vibrant patchwork of foxgloves, geraniums and buttercups, while the Lecture Room and Library feature cascades of wisteria surrounded by hydrangeas and lupins. Served until 1 June, the Jane Austen-themed afternoon tea will be accompanied by actors performing a scene from "Emma", and a classical string trio.

From £115pp, sketch.london

Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury

Dalloway Terrace has undergone a gorgeous transformation for spring with cascades of hydrangeas, soft blush peonies and roses. The restaurant has also partnered with Silent Pool gin to craft a botanical-inspired cocktail menu including the Surrey Hill Fizz – a heady mix of gin, peach, lemon and sparkling honey wine. As for the food, as well as tasty savouries, expect an array of floral-themed sweet treats from delicate strawberry, elderflower and lemon tarts to buttery scones slathered with Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry and hibiscus jam.

From £55pp, dallowayterrace.com

Ask someone to think of an animal beloved around the world, and more often than not, their reply might be, "horse." These beautiful, intelligent creatures form tight bonds with humans, both through work and pleasure. They also embody the urge so many of us have to wander and roam. Whether you want to interact with or simply better appreciate horses, consider one of these equestrian activities during your travels.

Attend the Argentine Open Polo Championship in Buenos Aires

Polo got its start approximately 2,000 years ago when a "very inventive person living in central Asia" hopped on a horse, grabbed a stick and started to "knock around a ball with some friends," The Times said. Today, one of the sport's most "prestigious" events is the Argentine Open, held at the Campo Argentino de Polo, or Cathedral of Polo, every November and December. Tickets are pricey, and if you visit another time of year, you can instead watch local clubs play. Even if you are a newbie to polo, there is "something thrilling about watching athletes on ponies racing across a field," Condé Nast Traveler said.

See the wild horses of Assateague Island in Maryland and Virginia

No one is sure how the first wild horses arrived on Assateague Island several hundred years ago, and the mystery is part of the equines' charm. This mid-Atlantic barrier island is shared by Maryland and Virginia, and during the spring, it is "not uncommon to spot mares strolling around with their foals," Travel and Leisure said. Horses are spotted more frequently on the Maryland side, but you can ride them year-round in Virginia (this is a seasonal offering in Maryland). Assateague Island does not have any hotels, but camping on the Maryland side is an option and lets you "fall asleep to waves crashing" and "wake up to horses roaming free along the beach."

View Przewalski's horses at Hustai National Park in Mongolia

In Mongolia, horses play a "significant" role in the country's culture, Travel and Leisure said, inspiring music, art and even drinks: Airag, made of fermented mare's milk, is the national beverage. Hustai National Park was created in 1998 as a refuge for Przewalski's horse, or takhi, the only wild horse species still left in central Asia. The animal was hunted to extinction in the wild five decades ago, but thanks to a successful reintroduction program, there are now more than 400 takhi living in the national park.

Go trail riding through Iceland

Seeing Iceland from the back of a horse is quite memorable. Icelandic horses are "unique," Condé Nast Traveler UK said, with a "fifth gait, the famously smooth tölt." When riding, it feels like the "equestrian equivalent of driving in a Rolls-Royce," and makes a long journey seem over in the blink of an eye.

Visitors can book multi-day trail rides that take them along golden and black sand beaches, through lava fields, past waterfalls and between glaciers, depending on the season and weather. During these treks, you "travel through spaces that cannot be traversed on foot," and it is "amazing" how the horses navigate "difficult, rocky terrain with such plucky, surefooted lightness."

Check out the International Museum of the Horse in Kentucky

The connection between horses and humans is strong and has been for centuries. At the International Museum of the Horse, the ties that bind are on display in fascinating exhibitions like Legacy of the Horse, which looks back on five million years of history; Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf; and Draft Horse in America. Fans of horse racing will enjoy spaces dedicated to Triple Crown winner Affirmed and Calumet Farm's Thoroughbred racing trophies. The museum covers 64,000 square feet and is filled with more than 16,000 artifacts, from folk art to horse-drawn vehicles.

Visit the Royal Mews in London

You can't stroll into Buckingham Palace and meet the king, but you can visit his stables at the Royal Mews. Considered one of the world's finest working stables, it is home to about 30 horses and the royal family's dazzling collection of coaches and carriages. The centerpiece is the opulent 260-year-old Gold State Coach used during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

Witness the Sa Sartiglia festival in Sardinia

The start of the yearly Sa Sartiglia festival may look like "some occult apocalypse," Atlas Obscura said, but this "strange and fascinating sight" is an ancient medieval celebration dating to the 1500s. It involves "horsemen in terrifying doll masks" racing through the streets of Oristano and trying to grab a tin star with their sword. Being part of the "raving" crowd, watching the action unfold, is a thrill.

Ditch those notions of complimentary water bottles and tiny toiletry bags. These six hotels have stepped up the amenities game, giving guests unforgettable experiences and insisting they keep room in their suitcases for some very nice niceties.

Cultural gifts at Amanera in the Dominican Republic

Every evening, guests at the oceanside Amanera find a surprise waiting for them in their casita: a gift connected to Dominican culture with an attached note describing the item's significance. This "focus on the details" is what makes this gorgeous resort "a cut above," Elle Canada said, with recent presents being rare larimar stones that can only be found in the Dominican Republic, a collection of Dominican chocolates and a set of handmade maracas, an "essential part of local Bachata music." This educational amenity supports local artisans while also giving guests something special to take home.

A pillow menu at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta, New York City

Ensuring guests get a good night's rest is a priority for the Benjamin Royal Sonesta, where "sleep is taken seriously," Good Housekeeping UK said. The hotel worked with Dr. Rebecca Robbins to create the Rest and Renew program, which includes Loftie alarm clocks and nightlights, Nodpod weighted blankets, meditation cushions and white noise machines in the rooms. Kids have options too, with Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleepers, aden + anais play mats and a mindfulness owl night light available for use.

A highlight is the pillow menu, with guests able to choose from 10 options depending on their needs — the self-molding Swedish Memory is great for back sleepers, while Snore-No-More elevates the chin from the chest, allowing the airway to remain open.

Door-to-door breakfast delivery at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, Puerto Rico 

Three mornings a week, guests at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico get the best wake-up call. A cart goes from room to room, dropping off a traditional Puerto Rican breakfast of pan sobao (a fluffy bread) and rich coffee brewed from locally grown beans. After your meal, keep the good times going by visiting the "near-perfect beach" outside the hotel or wander the property's "72 lush acres," The Points Guy said.

Popcorn on demand at The Lanesborough, London

The stately Lanesborough is the only hotel in London that offers every guest complimentary, round-the-clock butler service. Helpful offerings include unpacking luggage, arranging reservations and taking any dogs in your party on walks through Hyde Park, and there are fun perks too, like requesting popcorn. Your butler will bring "sweet and savory" selections "straight to your room on a silver tray," Travel and Leisure said. Ask for a movie, and you can enjoy a night at the cinema without going out.

A roaring fire at The Newbury, Boston 

The boutique Newbury Boston sits on one of the city's "most picturesque corners," Condé Nast Traveler said, and its "ultra-stylish" rooms also have great views inside, in front of the fire. With the Fireplace Suit Experience, a dedicated butler comes to the room and gives guests a choice of wood varietals, based on the type of fire they want (birch burns hot and fast, while lightly scented oak takes its time), then gets the fire started. Increase the cozy factor by heading to the guest-only library, where you can peruse the book selection curated by the Boston Public Library and enjoy snacks and beverages.

Toys and musical instruments at Pendry, San Diego

Guests never utter the words "I'm bored" when staying at The Pendry San Diego. The hotel's amenities include being able to rent a Sector 9 skateboard, have a Taylor guitar delivered to your room for a jam session, borrow an UPPAbaby stroller for a walk around the Gaslamp Quarter and take a Cadillac "out for a spin," courtesy of the Pendry's "nifty Ride & Drive Program," Travel and Leisure said. Anyone taking a vacation from driving can ask for a chauffeured ride instead.

During your travels, you don't have to go to the Louvre or The Met to see a masterpiece. At these 9 hotels, art is everywhere and in all forms, including original sculptures that greet guests in the lobby, hands-on photography workshops and full-on museums that are open to the public.

Almanac Barcelona, Spain

Almanac Barcelona gives you the chance to play the ultimate game of hide-and-seek. Through the Hidden Art package, guests stay in one of the hotel's Art Suites, which feature works by emerging Spanish creatives. In every suite, artist Catherine Parra conceals an original abstract piece of art, and if you find it, you can take it home.

Hotel Ranga, Iceland

Nearly every wall tells a story at Hotel Ranga. Murals by local artists depict scenes from Icelandic sagas, like the Story of Burnt-Njal, but the focus is not just regional. Several suites are also "designed with themes inspired by the world's continents," Travel and Leisure said, "adding a fun, unique flair."

One Aldwych, UK

Art is an "integral" part of One Aldwych in London, Condé Nast Traveler said, the common thread that ties together the suites, the grounds and even the Lobby Bar's Gallery Cocktails menu. The hotel's impressive modern art collection includes 400 pieces, with an original work in every room. As part of One Aldwych's Curator program, guests can tour Covent Garden with royal silhouette portraitist Charles Burns and walk away with their own paper silhouette as a keepsake.

Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla

The Haitian art collection at Quintessence Hotel rivals any you could find in a gallery. Carefully curated by owner Geoffrey Fieger, this colorful assembly of more than 600 artifacts and works is spread across the manor and on-site art gallery. The view of Long Bay Beach's "white sands and sparkling blue waters" also wows guests, Forbes said.

Solaz Los Cabos, Mexico

The art at Solaz Los Cabos is not confined to Gabinete del Barco, its museum and gallery filled with Indigenous artifacts, tool replicas and a suspended grey whale skeleton.

Mexican visual artist César López-Negrete created more than 400 pieces that dot the property, including massive marble forms and gold sculptures. They take inspiration from Baja California's natural beauty and history.

The Memphian, US

The Memphian Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, was a blank canvas for artist Mary Loeb. With her team, she selected its playful art and decor, amplifying the work of 15 local creatives (with some of her pieces sprinkled in). The result is a "one-of-a-kind lodging experience," National Geographic said, with "nods to the city's heritage." Example: The chandelier in the lobby made of bobbins acknowledges the Mississippi River and Memphis' "love for fishing."

The Siam, Thailand

All of The Siam in Bangkok is infused with art. Every suite is "furnished around one specific theme and outfitted with artwork, antiques and other decorative pieces," Forbes said, and guests can even get a traditional Sak Yant tattoo at the on-site tattoo studio. For a different type of permanent memory, sign up for the collodion wet plate photography experience. This process dates to the 1850s and results in a photo that lasts forever.

21c Museum Hotel Lexington, US

Come here to live out your "Night at the Museum" dreams. Housed in a former bank building, 21c Museum Hotel Lexington has 88 rooms and a contemporary art museum with more than 2,000 works. Accommodations in the Lexington, Kentucky, hotel are "adorned with original artwork that's well-lit with natural sunlight," Condé Nast Traveler said, and guests can take free guided tours of the museum or do a yoga session in the main gallery.

Villa Bokeh, Guatemala

Villa Bokeh looks like a work of art. The "palatial" villa is in the middle of a six-acre garden, Elle said, with a "glittering pond" in the backyard. The owners' art collection is on display throughout the property, with paintings, photographs and sculptures in every room. Guests can unleash their own inner artist during Paint and Sip events held outside, with French wine serving as a conduit.

The spring half-term break is a great time to take the kids on a fun-filled trip to some of the UK's most child-friendly attractions. From interactive exhibitions to a circus cabaret, here are some of our favourite days out for the whole family.

Making Egypt, Young V&A

At the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, east London, the exhibition about ancient Egypt has "plenty to keep young visitors occupied", said The Telegraph. Over 200 artefacts are on display, from a Lego set of the Great Pyramid to the inner sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt. The curators provide "fun, themed displays about, say, the animals of the Nile", and there are interactive games for kids to learn about hieroglyphs, as well as various zones for drawing and reading storybooks. "Making history for schoolchildren isn't easy – but all the work that's gone into this imaginative, effective show pays off."

From February 15, vam.ac.uk

Robot Zoo, Horniman Museum and Gardens

This "delightful" exhibition at Horniman Museum and Gardens in south London's Forest Hill "explains the wonders of the animal world" using "robots made from household items", said Time Out. The interactive show is back, eight years after its popular debut, with a new set of robo-animals. Kids will be kept busy with an array of activities, from shooting a chameleon's "tongue-gun" to trying out jet-propelled squid racing.

From February 14, horniman.ac.uk

Imagine Festival, Southbank Centre

The Imagine Festival is back at London's Southbank Centre this February half-term to "spark creativity with world-class performances, art and free fun for children and their grown-ups", said Stylist. Be sure to book tickets for "There's a Bear on My Chair", the first-ever stage adaptation of Ross Collins' beloved rhyming picture book. Other highlights include an afternoon drawing with the children's book illustrator Rob Biddulph, and the CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

From February 18, southbankcentre.co.uk

Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens

The annual "mind-bending orchid display" at London's Kew Gardens is back, and, this year, the Princess of Wales Conservatory is getting a "Peruvian makeover", said Time Out. "You never need an excuse to take the kids to Kew" but the stunning flower festival is "really a sight to behold": "a blaze of astonishing colour to light up the February gloom". Celebrating Peru's wonderfully diverse landscapes, the festival will feature a series of displays, including an alpaca structure crafted entirely from "tropic blooms".

From 1 February, kew.org

Jacksons Lane Circus Cabaret For Kids

Jacksons Lane's "unmissable" circus cabaret for kids will leave the whole family "grinning from ear to ear", said Stylist. The show, at one of north London's most youth-friendly cultural hubs, features a "thrilling mix of acrobatics, jaw-dropping aerial feats, mind-bending juggling and tricks".

From 18 February, jacksonslane.org.uk

Zoo Detectives at Bristol Zoo Project

The Zoo Detectives interactive family trail at Bristol Zoo Project is a great way to keep two to 12-year-olds entertained. You can "join the eco guards on a secret mission" to collect case notes and start "piecing together clues" to find the secret hideout, said Bristol Live. Along the way you'll "send commands through a walkie talkie", "navigate with a compass" and "study animal tracks" – all while hiding from the illegal hunters.

From 15 February, bristolzoo.org.uk

Half-term History Makers at Dover Castle

Dover Castle will be "teeming with characters from the past", as the historic site transports half-term visitors back to the Victorian era, said Kent Online. "Cheeky street performers" will be singing and dancing "in the hopes of earning a shilling or two", and there will be a "glowing lantern show".

From 15 February, english-heritage.org.uk

Actively immersing yourself in a foreign culture and becoming a participant instead of an observer is a powerful way to travel. But if gaining access to new customs and traditions in an unfamiliar setting feels daunting, use hotels as a helping hand. These four properties offer authentic experiences sure to spark curiosity and leave a lasting impression.

Create your own jewelry with Alex Monroe and Shangri-La The Shard, London

London and fashion go hand in hand. This is, after all, where Vivienne Westwood pioneered punk, Mary Quant led the miniskirt revolution and Alexander McQueen embraced hourglass silhouettes and impeccable tailoring.

Shangri-La The Shard, London knows something about style. Occupying levels 34 through 52 of Western Europe's tallest building, this hotel makes a "jaw-dropping impression," Condé Nast Traveler said. Its rooms have exceptional views and are decked out in "opulent" silks and marble. Through the Shangri-La's Local Experiences program, guests can tap into their own creativity through a workshop with Alex Monroe, whose boutique is a few blocks away. Known for his nature-inspired designs, Monroe's "British heritage jewelry" is "quintessentially chic," said Who What Wear. Visitors will learn how pieces go from sketches to reality, and led by the experts, they will also transform recycled sterling silver into nugget pendants.

Learn traditional Maasai beading at Mara Bushtops in Kenya

Intricate beadwork is a fundamental part of Maasai culture in Kenya, with one generation of women teaching the next how to turn vibrant strings of beads into jewelry. The finished product "carries great significance," WE said, representing "beauty, tradition, strength and sometimes even social status." In recent years, this "cherished pastime" has also turned into an important source of income.

As part of its Bushcraft Challenge, Mara Bushtops on the Maasai Mara brings in local beading experts who share the history of their craft with guests and teach them to create their own pieces. Other Challenge activities include archery, spear throwing and learning how to bake mahamri, a fluffy Swahili donut. A bonus: Guests can "marvel" at the zebras, giraffes, elephants and "wealth of other fascinating fauna" that go by the camp, Forbes said.

Practice Chinese calligraphy at Amanfayun in Hangzhou

The art of calligraphy goes back thousands of years in China. It is still respected today, with modern adherents painstakingly moving their ink-dipped brushes across rice paper like their predecessors.

Guests at Amanfayun in Hangzhou learn about Chinese calligraphy and other traditional arts in Fayun Place, the resort's cultural center. Amanfayun is a "conversion of an entire village whose inhabitants once harvested tea," Condé Nast Traveler said, and remains steeped in history, with some rooms offering the "breathtaking sight of 13th-century bodhisattvas and Buddhas carved into the nearby cliff." Along with calligraphy courses, Fayun Place hosts concerts from local musicians and workshops on ancient skills like rubbing relics and learning how to play the chiba, a type of flute.

Waltz the night away with Almanac Palais Vienna

Ball season in Vienna is as "glamorous as you'd imagine," Marie Claire Australia said, a dazzling spectacle of "live orchestras, waltzing and, of course, tiaras." This tradition dates back to the 18th century, with 450 balls taking place November through February.

At Almanac Palais Vienna, guests have access to these festivities through the Night at the Ball experience. The palatial hotel is "positively beautiful," Travel and Leisure said, and the package includes private classical dance lessons. In preparation for the renowned Opera Ball, visitors will select an ensemble to wear from Juergen Christian Hoerl atelier, get their hair and makeup done, have a photoshoot, enjoy dinner and drinks at Donnersmarkt and arrive at the ball in a horse-drawn carriage. Straight out of a fairy tale.

Catherine Garcia was a guest of Shangri-La The Shard, London

The Yellow Bittern on the Caledonian Road is not your typical London restaurant. Seating just 18 diners, the somewhat old-fashioned establishment is open only at lunchtime on weekdays, takes cash only, sells books, and reservations must be made by phone – or postcard.

However, having opened just three weeks ago, it's not the slightly quirky features that have got people talking, but the complaints about customers by the restaurant's owner, Hugh Corcoran.

'A two-way street'

The Belfast-born restaurateur took to Instagram to decry a lack of "etiquette" from diners who were not "worth serving" because they shared courses or did not eat and drink enough to "justify [their] presence in the room that afternoon".

His post was met with hundreds of comments, some accusing him of "entitlement" and being "tone-deaf", while others were supportive of his outspoken approach to customer eating habits.

Corcoran doubled down on his take in an interview with The Guardian by telling customers "if you're not hungry, don't go" and lambasting "restaurant tourism", in which people go "to show that you've been to that place, without actually eating".

The Yellow Bittern's "defiant attitude to fine-dining" has been "praised" by some fellow restaurant owners, said Lucy Bannerman in The Times. However, it was "inconceivable" for most to open only at lunchtimes, not at the weekend, and to expect people to engage in a "long, boozy lunch".

But restaurant dining is a "two-way street", argued Adam Hyman in The Good Food Guide. While owners should make their establishments "egalitarian places" where "people from all walks of life can break bread together" and not look at customers "as pound signs", it does not mean the customer is "always right".

Diners need a "greater understanding of how restaurants work" to gain a "different perspective", Hyman added. A spell working in hospitality would be a "simple way" of doing this, just "don't tell anyone they’re not spending enough money".

'Throwing their toys out the pram'

Questions have also been raised over whether Corcoran's move to chastise customers is a ploy for publicity. If it's true that the "borderline insulting comments" are just "designed to fill a few column inches", then "it's working" and "people are talking", said Mike Daw in London's The Standard. But it "smacks" of owners who have hit the "stark reality of running a restaurant in London" and are "throwing their toys out the pram" because it isn't "going their way".

The model of the restaurant and the owner's comments will do nothing but "alienate diners", said Hannah Twiggs in The Independent. Corcoran has missed the "simple truth of running a restaurant" that you need to offer "flexibility and respect" to diners and, while his "frustration might be genuine", it is "misguided" to blame "diners for these problems".

Corcoran should be "applauded for fighting back" against customers "always thinking they are right" and for "coming out swinging", wrote Ed Cumming in The Telegraph. Though it "might not work" in making The Yellow Bittern a commercial success, it is "gratifying to see an ancient debate" between owners and customers "given a 2024 twist".

A hotel bar is more than just a place to grab a cocktail. It can be a peerless location for people watching, a place to strike up conversations and even a mini-academy where you can learn about the local culture by ordering the region's signature drink. Not every hotel bar tenders its stools the same; at these seven spots, with their impeccable vibes and thoughtful menus, having a good time is all but guaranteed.

BKK Social Club, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

The BKK Social Club routinely tops "best of" lists, and its lively atmosphere is just one reason why. This "sultry and swish" cocktail bar is in Bangkok, yes, but the bar is an ode to the glamour of Buenos Aires and known for "serving up a killer Negroni flight" and "cocktails with South American flavors," Time Out said. Its signature drink is the Evita, a tangy twist on the classic Negroni, and another winner is the bottled piña colada. These premade offerings are a home run, Food & Wine said, and "work to create a unique five-star hotel bar that ditches pretension in favor of approachability."

Blaue Bar, Hotel Sacher Vienna

For a regal time, head to Blaue Bar. The Hotel Sacher is Vienna's "undisputed grand dame," and you can order a slice of the famous Sacher torte in the bar alongside a cup of tea or "something stronger," The Points Guy said. The crystal chandelier-filled lounge is named after its decor — blue velvet couches, lacquered furnishings, rich brocade walls — and buzzes with a mix of hotel guests, "politicians, movie stars and dignitaries," said Travel and Leisure.

The Coral Room, Bloomsbury Hotel, London

The Coral Room comes alive as the sun sets, with merrymakers pouring in for a cocktail (or two) with friends or Champagne before the theater. The bar is "a tonic for the eyes," Secret London said, "with vibrant colors, parquet flooring, a classic marble-topped bar and other refined features," and the bubbly atmosphere fosters conversations between friends and strangers alike. Consider ordering one of the craft cocktails on the special menu developed in partnership with the West End production of "The Devil Wears Prada." Each, like the Cerulean, is served in a gorgeous glass with its own special flair. A lovely — and strong — concoction made of Silent Pool Gin, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, vermouth and butterfly pea tea, the Cerulean is topped with a tiny edible pink stiletto.

English Bar, Country Club Lima

When in Lima, you must order a tart, herby pisco sour, and the English Bar is known for its especially tasty version. This classic spot "exudes sophistication and glamour," The Points Guy said, and was once the go-to bar for William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway. With its dimmed lighting, every conversation feels intimate, and while you might plan on coming in for only one drink, the space might pull you in for the night.

Hassler Bar, Hotel Hassler Roma

Despite being in one of Rome's most iconic properties, the Hassler Bar feels like your own little secret. The lounge is "dark and broody," Virtuoso said, with leather upholstery and wood everywhere, but is anything but stuffy. Because of the intimate setting, there is a sense of camaraderie among guests, who chat easily while sipping Prosecco, martinis and cappuccinos. Since opening in the 1940s, the bar has attracted big names, and rumor has it that Princess Diana once shared with the general manager that the bar's Bellini was her favorite.

The Pinky Ring, Bellagio Las Vegas

The Pinky Ring keeps the drinks flowing and music going all night long. Equal parts old school Vegas and uptown funk — after all, it was designed by Bruno Mars — Pinky Ring delivers "glam and grandiosity," Las Vegas Weekly said. To enter the space, revelers must first walk down a hallway lined with Mars' many Grammys; once inside, the cozy booths or dance floor beckon. Mars is known to show up with his band for surprise performances, but what happens here, stays here — it is a strict no phone zone, and while this "might sound inconvenient or even sacrificial, it's the best thing that's happened to nightlife."

Rock Bar, Ayana Bali

Getting to the stunning Rock Bar at Ayana Bali is part of the fun. It sits 46 feet above the Indian Ocean, and "guests have to ride a cable car down a cliff face" to reach it, Travel and Leisure said. The payoff is worth it. Not only are the water and sunset views spectacular, but the drinks stun, too. From your perch, bop along to the music "echoing from the DJ booth carved into stone," or just enjoy observing the festivities.

Catherine Garcia was a guest of The Bloomsbury Hotel.

There is a place for bare bones hotel rooms — just not on this list. These six accommodations are a feast for the eyes, with ornate woodworking, dramatic draperies, lavish wallpaper, gilded frames and other over-the-top touches. Stepping into each one feels like entering a human-sized jewel box.

Arq Pichola by The Leela Palace Udaipur, India

The Leela Palace Udaipur "needs no introduction," Elle India said, as it has "become synonymous with luxury, defining the very essence of grandeur." The property's newest collection of villas, Arq Pichola, offers the same ritzy experience, with expansive views of Lake Pichola. Deep blue lapis stones, gold-plated ceilings and brass-inlaid wooden floors are among the glittery design elements that pay homage to India, along with traditional Thikri art on the walls.

Maison Proust, Paris

Opulence is the polestar at Maison Proust. The hotel takes its inspiration from French writer Marcel Proust, with "lavishly furnished Belle Époque-style suites" and a "sublimely elegant salon/bar," Condé Nast Traveler said. Rooms are named after Proust's circle of friends and filled with "19th century paintings galore" and thousands of vintage books. The rich jewel tones and deep brocade add to the hotel's romantic feel, and in the spa, the "swoon-worthy Moroccan-style heated pool exudes unpretentious luxe at its best."

Mining Exchange Hotel, Colorado Springs

The Mining Exchange Hotel offers a vintage take on elegance. More than a century ago, this was a stock exchange for precious metals and today it is a "glamorous addition" to the downtown Colorado Springs scene, FOX 21 said. Elements of its past are apparent in the rooms, from the exposed brick walls to vaulted ceilings, alongside new additions like warm leather furnishings and bold patterned wallpaper and bed frames. Every type of sleeper is comfortable; each room comes with two firm and two soft pillows.

Royal Mansour Casablanca, Morocco

A few steps from the Old Medina, in an Art Deco skyscraper, is the rejuvenated Royal Mansour Casablanca. Its "sheer splendor" can "feel a little overwhelming," Vogue said, but soon your eyes will "adjust to all that shimmer and all that marble." In the guest rooms, marble walls and rich wood paneling plus patterned rugs and drapes come together for a sumptuous look accented by "exquisitely lacquered wooden desks carved into elegant modernist curves" and "delicate glassware and ceramics created by local artisans in smoky caramels and golds." When you are ready for dinner, head to the elevators and go up to the equally swanky Le Sushi Bar and Le Rooftop.

The Maker, Hudson, New York

No two rooms are alike at The Maker. The 11 accommodations, spread across three buildings, have their own themes but are tied together by commonalities like rich woodwork, fireplaces, stained glass windows and original art. One standout is The Architect suite, which "could have been the apartment of some Bauhaus luminary," Travel and Leisure said. The "best part" of it is the "massive — like, swimming-pool sized — bathtub, made using two slabs of Roman black marble."

The Witchery, Edinburgh

The Witchery offers maximalism at its finest. Each of the nine suites in this Edinburgh charmer feels like its own cabinet of curiosities, filled to the brim with antiques, tapestries, statues and baubles. Book the Inner Sanctum for an over-the-top experience, as you must "climb the stone turret staircase" to enter this accommodation "swathed in crimson, claret and port," Condé Nast Traveler said. Everything is grandiose, from the "claw-footed, roll-top bath" to the "huge four-poster bed made from an old church pulpit." The Witchery is also known for its baroque Original Dining Room and candlelit Secret Garden featuring a painted ceiling.

A Michelin star may be the ultimate fine dining accolade, but for some chefs who receive the prestigious award, it would seem all that glitters is not gold.

In fact, recently updated research in The Strategic Management Journal suggests restaurants "might be better off remaining starless", said The Economist.

University College London (UCL) School of Management researchers tracked highly reviewed New York restaurants that opened between 2000 and 2014. They found those that earned a Michelin star were more likely to close than those that didn't – even allowing for location, price and type of cuisine. By the end of 2019, 40% of the restaurants awarded Michelin stars from 2005 to 2014 had closed. Fame, it seems, "comes at a price".

A star-shaped target

Being in the limelight "puts a star-shaped target" on restaurants' backs, said The Economist.

Receiving Michelin star status "intensified bargaining problems with landlords, suppliers, and employees", according to researcher Daniel Sands – all of which push up costs. This combined with "heightened consumer expectations" created new challenges, which made it more difficult for them to stay in business.

"There are few cities in the world that can go toe-to-toe with London when it comes to restaurants," said the Michelin Guide. But the capital is far from immune to the phenomenon. In June, acclaimed restaurant Cornerstone announced that it would be closing its doors: the "end of an era" for the Hackney-based hotspot which earned a Michelin star just a year after opening in 2018, said Harpers.

Cornerstone is the latest in a "troubling trend" in the UK which has also seen the closure of Michel Roux Jr's "trailblazer-turned-stalwart" Le Gavroche in January, and two-Michelin-starred Mayfair institution The Greenhouse, "ending a 19-year legacy of culinary excellence".

Longstanding pressures on the hospitality sector – such as high rents and tiny profit margins – have been exacerbated in recent years by rising costs and labour shortages, and fine dining is not immune.

Five of the "highest-awarded fine dining restaurants" in Berlin have closed in the past year, said Euronews. Before they could recover from pandemic shutdowns, restaurants were "hit by soaring inflation", with no choice but to pass on those higher costs to customers. People's willingness to spend has "significantly changed", said Sebastian Frank, head chef at double Michelin-starred restaurant Horváth, and this crisis is "just the beginning".

From fine dining to food truck

For some in the culinary world, stars have begun to "seem more of a burden than a blessing", said CNN. Several chefs have "handed back their Michelin status" and left their haute-cuisine establishments for "a new foodie life". Among graduate chefs, supper clubs and street food trucks are becoming as desirable as the "hallowed halls of established restaurants". Michelin is giving stars to street vendors.

In 2018, Spanish chef Dani García received a third Michelin star for his eponymous restaurant in Andalusia. Just 22 days later, the 42-year-old told staff he would be shutting the restaurant in 2019: the "shortest triple-Michelin-star period" in the world, said Eater. García told staff that he doubted he could "continue to devote the focus required" to maintain the stars. "This achievement could undermine my freedom to do new things," he told the food news site.

The decision to close a restaurant "in its pinnacle moment" seems "baffling". But cases like these offer insight into the modern business model of fine dining, which "demands more and more from chefs who must constantly innovate".

A Michelin nod certainly boosts publicity – the UCL study found that Google search intensity about a newly starred restaurant rose by more than a third – but announcing the closure of a restaurant during "the height of its acclaim" can yield even more headlines, and good publicity for a chef's next venture. Ultimately, "closing one restaurant in service of another isn't a bad strategy".

The London mayor said "urgent action" is needed to regenerate Oxford Street as he announced a new plan for the West End's famous high street.

Oxford Street was "once the jewel in the crown" of Britain's retail sector, said Sadiq Khan, and he is resurrecting a previously rejected plan to pedestrianise part of the street.

Antidote to gaudy US candy shops

MPs and retailers alike have long "sought to breathe new life" into a street whose "renown and cultural position on the most expensive side of the Monopoly board has long been at odds with a down-at-heel reality", said The Guardian.

The way people move around the street has often been at the heart of the conversation. During the 1960s there was a plan to "carry shoppers via a travelator" and in the 1970s there was a plan for a "track carrying cars on air cushions" but both ideas "failed to take off".

More recently, Oxford Street has been "blighted" by an "influx of gaudy US candy shops, vape vendors and empty store fronts", said the Daily Mail. "Rising crime, the Covid-19 pandemic and online shopping" were blamed for its "shocking demise".

This summer, hopes emerged that a "series of new businesses" could "signal a change and return the world renowned road to its former glory".

An easy win

Khan hopes to keep that momentum going with his new plan. "Almost a century after horse and carts were banned in an attempt to end slow moving traffic" a big change is planned, said The Guardian.

A 0.7-mile stretch would be pedestrianised between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, with the prospect of further changes east, towards Tottenham Court Road. The project is expected to cost around £150 million and Khan hopes that "local businesses, private funders and new revenue streams could foot the bill", said the BBC.

"All the evidence suggests a pedestrianised street, a well-designed street is safer, is greener, is healthier," Khan told Marie Claire. It would entice customers back, attract better retailers and leave fewer vacant stores, a "win win win".

Pedestrian panacea or problem?

Oxford Street's "spiralling tawdriness" is a "miserable advert" for London, said James Innes-Smith in The Spectator. The "candy stores and tourist tat 'luggage' emporiums, the gang fights and phone snatchers are an embarrassment". So "something has to change" and once traffic has been removed, the street's "astonishingly varied architecture will finally come into its own".

But "the Oxford Street of our youth is never coming back", said Hannah Ewens on the i news site. London rents are "excruciatingly high" and if government support "isn't there", the street will "continue to be lined with businesses that contribute absolutely zero to both tourists and those living in London".

The move "will not be the panacea for shoppers on foot" that Khan imagines, said Paul Clements in The Independent. The "masterplan" is "guaranteed to infuriate black cabbies" and means the "elderly shopper or busy mum" will no longer be able to "hop on a double-decker outside John Lewis or hail a cab outside Selfridges".

The Labour head of Westminster Council said the plan could increase crime and make it a target for terrorists, said LBC. "A pedestrianised scheme poses a different set of challenges for hostile vehicle mitigation" than one that retains traffic, in "order to keep shoppers safe from terrorism", said Adam Hug.

There has also been pushback from Conservatives, who blocked Khan's previous attempt to pedestrianise part of the street in 2018. Now, they say the plan will be unpopular and that Khan is "forcing things through", said the BBC.

In an immersive experience, the boundaries blur — once you enter this themed space, your senses get overtaken and you are no longer a witness but a participant. Lose yourself in art, games, food and other pleasures at these six innovative endeavors.

Activate

Integrating physical and digital gaming, Activate lets you choose your own adventure. Start by selecting an interactive room, then pick one of the room's games and a difficulty level. Stay in one room and play the same game on repeat, try every space and every game, or go back and forth — it is up to you. Each game is no more than three minutes long and calls for different actions, from jumping to climbing to problem-solving. Activate has more than 40 locations in the United States and Canada, with spots opening soon in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

Arte Museum

Using projectors, massive screens, colorful lights and booming sound systems, the Arte Museum transports visitors to gardens, jungles and forests — real and imagined — around the world. The Arte Museum's overarching theme is "Eternal Nature," and digital waterfalls, virtual waves and aurora borealis projections can be found at its eight locations in Asia and the U.S. In Las Vegas, visitors in the live sketchbook room draw animals, scan them and then watch as they almost immediately come to life on the walls. "It's a lovely communal moment, and one that ignites the inner artist in each of us," the Los Angeles Times said.

Artechouse

Art and technology collide at Artechouse. There are three spaces — Houston, New York City and Washington, D.C. — and each has its own programing that changes with the seasons. One aspect across the locations is constant: All of the art is made digitally with cutting-edge tools. In D.C., "Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds," is an annual anime-inspired ode to cherry blossoms. "While it mostly offers intense audiovisual sensation and eye-popping backdrops for selfies, 'Isekai' does pack some educational content," The Washington Post said, like explaining the history of cherry blossoms in the Capitol.

Flyover

Sit down, buckle up and get ready to soar over some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Flyover is an immersive attraction where riders sit in front of a gigantic spherical screen in seats that turn, dip and swoop, so it feels like being in flight. Special effects like wind, mist and scents intensify the experience. There are Flyovers in Las Vegas, Reykjavik, Vancouver and Chicago, the newest location. With shots of Lake Michigan, Wrigley Field, Tribune Tower and other area icons, the film is "dizzying and inspiring," the Chicago Tribune said, and enough to "restore one's faith in this city's beauty, resilience and fortitude."

The Murdér Express 

Billing itself as "where gastronomy meets entertainment," London's Murdér Express takes dinner theater to the extreme. It starts with guests boarding a train in the fictional Pedley Street Station and quickly escalates to someone getting murdered and the rest of the group needing to figure out whodunit. The food is "impressive," Secret London said, and the set design "super cool," with "commitment to detail" everywhere. Screens next to the tables showing country scenery make it feel like you really are heading somewhere, and the audience participation elements cause "side-splitting sputters of laughter."

Omega Mart

This is anything but your typical grocery store. At Meow Wolf's mind-bending Omega Mart in Las Vegas, visitors first enter a mock market filled with absurdist products only found here, like bottles of Plausible Deniability laundry detergent (if an item is not bolted down, it is available for purchase). This leads to "not-so-hidden portals into the large-scale exhibitions beyond," the Los Angeles Times said, which are "wildly colorful" and "all-enveloping." Different narratives are told along the way, "allowing guests to place themselves in a mystical story" that keeps them guessing.

Even if its bulk is familiar from a distance – and it's hard to miss, by the Thames next to Vauxhall – you'll still be impressed by the scale of Battersea Power Station up close.

Built between 1929 and 1955, this Art Deco edifice is one of the world's largest brick-built buildings. One of its architects, Giles Gilbert Scott, also designed the famous red phone box, as well as Bankside Power Station, now home to Tate Modern. 

At peak production, Battersea supplied a fifth of London's electricity, but stopped generating power in 1983. In 1980 it was Grade II listed.

After many years derelict, in 2012 the building was sold to Malaysian developers, in what was then Britain's biggest property deal, and the power station reopened in 2022. This year its restoration won three awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

For the best first impression, catch the River Bus to Battersea Power Station, and get a great view from the Coaling Jetty, where ships delivered coal to fire the turbines, now home to a couple of bars. Its eponymous Tube station, on a spur of the Northern Line, opened in 2021. 

Take Lift 109 to the top of the tower

Before the ascent, there's an exhibition on the building's history. You're shepherded into a small room, where an immersive-type lightshow reveals more about its past. Then up 39 steps, and as the staircase curves, you realise you're in the bottom of the chimney. 

The lift is circular with see-through walls and roof, and ascends quickly and quietly through coloured rings of light, before popping out of the top of the chimney. 

There's no room for a platform so you stay in the lift, but the 360-degree view is stunning. You can, of course, see the other chimneys, the power station roof, the new high street, Electric Boulevard, behind the power station, river traffic, and across to the Royal Hospital. Further afield we picked out MI6 HQ, Crystal Palace, The Shard and Wembley Arch.

And after you've spotted London landmarks, look at the wall of the chimney and see  how disturbingly thin it is!

Back down to earth, it's an exit through the gift shop.

Adults from £17; children (three to 15) from £12.60. Booking online is cheaper – prices on the door are £23.60 and £17.55. It's called Lift 109 because it's 109 metres to the top.

On the inside

In contrast to its noisy, hot and dirty origins, inside it is light, airy and calming. The simple tiled walls are punctuated with occasional details such as scrolling, or brick patterns, with no garish ad displays.

Walkways lined with shops, bars and restaurants, plus a cinema, table-tennis, and virtual reality gaming, run the length of the turbine hall. 

On the first floor there's an exhibition of redevelopment plans over the years, some of which we must be grateful never came to fruition. Keep your eyes open for hints of the building's past – pop into Uniqlo to see retro metal-framed windows, and look up for gantries and cabs. 

Eating and drinking

There are over 50 places to eat and drink, from fine dining to a grab-and-go snack. Find Mexican tortillas at El Pastor, a Mediterranean menu at Megan's, comfort food at Tashas, and Portuguese custard tarts in Santa Nata, or gelato at Venchi.

We opted for fresh pasta at Noci. Our mains were a crab and ricotta raviolo with baby courgettes, and rigatoni with spicy green olive and chilli pesto, both featuring perfectly al dente pasta enhanced by fresh-tasting ingredients. 

From our table at Noci we could see Control Room B, which oversaw the output of Turbine Hall B, and as it's now a cocktail bar, it was about to oversee our input. Sit at the back for a close-up view of the control desks, switch gear and mysterious knobs, switches, dials and displays dating from the 1950s. 

The menu is presented as a rolled-up blueprint and contains drinks named after power-generating processes and equipment, such as Voltmeter, Synchroscope and Feeder B1. The Ammeter topped vodka, peach and passion fruit with a sparkling wine froth and – with its nod to the 1930s by the inclusion of fassionola, a red fruity syrup – made the perfect toast to a south London day out with height and a sense of history.

Adrienne Wyper was a guest of Lift 109.

Visit a street market and your senses go into overdrive. There are artisan crafts to see, spices to smell and delicacies to taste, all sprawled out before you. There is an outdoor market ready to short-circuit you, from India to London to Thailand. 

Camden Market, London

For 50 years, Londoners looking for one-of-a-kind attire have headed to Camden Market. It started as a "beacon" for nonconformists, Condé Nast Traveler said, before attracting "grunge devotees, rockers and hippies." Despite being more popular than ever, the market's independent spirit remains, with stores selling an eclectic mix of vintage and upcycled clothing and all kinds of handcrafted works of wearable art, from leather handbags to silver jewelry to fascinators. The adventure continues at the food stalls, where hungry visitors can globetrot, trying Afghan barbecue, Greek street food, Korean hot dogs, Hawaiian poké bowls and traditional Turkish coffee.

Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Chandni Chowk is as busy and spirited as its host city. Here, you can find just about anything, from staples like spices and flowers to colorful saris and wedding dresses. Stock up on nuts and dried food to snack on during your tour of Chandni Chowk, but save room for street food. For a great paratha, visit the "renowned" Paranthe Wali Gali and savor flatbreads with "several fillings, including potato, paneer and even chile," the Times of India said. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Jalebi Wala, where the fried pastries are "soaked in sugar syrup and taste super delicious."

Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok

Brace yourself: With 15,000 stalls set up across 35 acres, exploring Chatuchak is a marathon, not a sprint. Every weekend, about 200,000 people visit the market — the largest in Thailand — to pick up fresh produce, clothing, accessories and home goods. Bartering is part of the deal, and visitors are encouraged to start their negotiations with a smile. Plan on eating at least one meal at a street food stall, with the popular culinary delights including khao man gai (chicken and rice), khao moo daeng (red pork with rice), pad thai and mango sticky rice.

Chichicastenango Market, Chichicastenango, Guatemala

This vibrant market offers a "rich mix of the traditional and the tourist," Lonely Planet said, "where local women shopping for a new huipile [blouse] rub shoulders with travelers looking for a textile souvenir." Mayan villagers bring their artisan crafts  twice a week, setting up their colorful wares alongside griddles used to puff fresh tortillas. The atmosphere is lively, and the people watching is as stimulating as the shopping.

Khan El-Khalili, Cairo

The Khan El-Khalili market has been delighting shoppers since 1382. Hundreds of stalls fill this historic bazaar and as you move through the winding alleys, "you might be enticed to buy incense sticks, small cups of mint tea or mini hookahs," Condé Nast Traveler said. Plan on arriving early in the day so you can take your time looking at the jewelry, smelling the perfume and sampling local favorites like the flaky pastry feteer meshaltet without the later crowds. This timing also gives you a chance to chat with the vendors, ask questions about their products and try to score better deals.

Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, Tokyo

This is seafood central. While tourists are allowed to visit Tsukiji Outer Fish Market any time, professional buyers get priority in the early mornings, and it is common courtesy to hang back before 9 a.m. so they can quickly visit the different stands and purchase their wholesale goods. After that, feel free to get close to the fish (without touching) and start planning where you want to eat. Tsukiji Yakiuo Ishikawa is a "rare gem," Time Out said, where diners select sashimi-grade fish to grill at their table, each piece having "just a light seasoning of salt or soy sauce to accentuate their natural flavors." Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Honten is another standout, with sushi rice that boasts a "rounded, slightly earthy and nutty flavor that harmonizes perfectly with fresh seafood."

Banksy unveiled his ninth animal artwork in as many days this morning, the latest in a series that has delighted Londoners. 

The elusive street artist confirmed that the mural of a gorilla, seal and birds on a London Zoo shutter was his work in an Instagram post at 9:30am, after speculation by the zoo earlier. It's a departure from the last eight days, when he has posted a picture of an animal artwork around the capital at 1pm each day, with no captions or location details.

Many of Banksy's previous artworks have been "analysed for their political statements", said the London Evening Standard. The anonymous artist recently made headlines for a controversial installation of an inflatable boat filled with migrant dummies, used to crowdsurf during Glastonbury. Naturally, the whimsical animal series has "sparked debate online about a possible deeper meaning". 

An animal a day

Banksy's latest "graffiti campaign" began last Monday, when an ibex goat painted in his "signature stencil-style silhouette" appeared perching on a pillar near Kew Bridge in Richmond, said Sky News. This was followed on Tuesday by two elephant silhouettes near Chelsea, monkeys swinging over Brick Lane on Wednesday, and a wolf howling on a satellite dish on a Peckham roof on Thursday. Less than an hour after the wolf was unveiled, the satellite dish was stolen. Banksy's spokesperson said they had "no knowledge as to the dish's current whereabouts".

Then came a pelican stooping to scoop up fish on the sign of a fish and chip shop in Walthamstow, east London. "We're over the moon," posted Bonner's Fish Bar on its Facebook page. The sixth piece, a cat stretching out on an advertising billboard, was unveiled on Saturday in Cricklewood – but removed hours later. Crowds booed at the three men dismantling the artwork, who said they had been "hired" by a "contracting company" to take down the billboard for safety reasons.

In a "departure" from his usual style, Banksy then painted the windows of a City of London Police box with swimming piranhas on Sunday, turning the box into a tank. It was moved on Monday from near the Old Bailey to a "safe location". "A permanent home for the piece will be decided in due course," said a City of London Corporation spokesperson.

Monday morning brought a "cheeky" mural of a rhinoceros "mounting" a car parked on Westmoor Street in Charlton, southeast London. The artwork was defaced hours later by a man wearing a balaclava, and the car has now been removed. 

But fans believed the series would finish on Sunday, said Sky's culture reporter Gemma Peplow. The question now is, "how long will the anonymous artist continue?"

Deeper meaning or silly season?

Each artwork shows animals interacting with their environment, but the latest work may be the "biggest clue yet" as to the meaning of the campaign, said Metro. The gorilla is painted in a way that suggests it is lifting the shutter to free the birds and a seal "from captivity". Previous Banksy pieces have featured "similar themes of confinement and escape". 

But such theorising has been "way too involved", said The Observer's arts correspondent Vanessa Thorpe. The purpose of the series is simple: to "cheer up the public" after weeks of "bleak" headlines. 

The artwork is reminiscent of his series during the Covid-19 pandemic, known as the Great British Spraycation, which featured a seagull hovering over oversized chips in a skip, and a rat relaxing in a deckchair. Banksy hopes the animals will provide "a moment of unexpected amusement", while highlighting the "human capacity for creative play, rather than for destruction and negativity".

The series is intended to inject some fun and lightheartedness into summer, confirmed Pest Control Office, Banksy's support organisation.

And it seems to be doing just that, said staff at London Zoo. The latest London artworks have "brought so much joy and cheer" to the city, Rebecca Blanchard, media manager at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), told the PA news agency. The gorilla mural is already "sparking a lot of smiles".

One of the world's leading cultural capitals, London's neighbourhoods are brimming with history and creativity. But tapping into the city's vast wealth of legendary tales and artistic networks isn't always easy, even for seasoned residents. More often than not, a little insider knowledge can go a long way. 

A proudly independent hotel, One Aldwych has been a gateway to the best that London has to offer for more than 25 years. And now this distinguished establishment has gone one step further in helping its guests to crack open the bountiful trove of the city's rich treasures by partnering with some of its most talented and knowledgeable curators. 

So, whether it's a theatrical spectacle or pop culture exploration that takes your fancy – or perhaps just a night of excellent dining and indulging – a stay at this Covent Garden cornerstone is sure to deliver a different side to the London you already know and love.

Why stay here? 

Standing proud just off the Strand, this striking Edwardian building's location is unrivalled. The imposing premises were designed by Mewès & Davis (the architects behind London's The Ritz Hotel) in 1905 to house The Morning Post newspaper; how lucky those reporters were to work in such a spot. That said, the paper's printers would probably have preferred the contemporary remodelling of their workroom, the former printing presses having now been supplanted by an 18-metre swimming pool.

You'll be struck by One Aldwych's full wow-factor as you enter through the imposing double-height Lobby Bar, which is flooded with natural light thanks to lofty arched windows. Original art nouveau elements have been thoughtfully reflected in its contemporary renovations, with the black and white marble floor, curved timber panelling and swish seating all setting the scene. The elegant atmosphere is continued in the library opposite, which has a slightly softer feel – perfect for meetings, a stint of inbox clearing or a few hours curled up with an excellent book.

Always with a curator's eye, there is an immense attention to detail since British designer Robert Angell's reimagining of the hotel's 86 rooms and 16 suites was brought to life five years ago. From the pastel hues and soft furnishings, to the lotions and luxurious touches in the bathrooms, every element of this five-star hotel's not-so-humble abodes has been carefully considered to optimise comfort, style and ease. The interiors are no doubt pleasing, but we also struggled to tear ourselves away from our room's view across the Southbank's idiosyncratic skyline.

What to see and do 

It's probably best to let the hotel's team and their coterie of curators take control of your itinerary; with ins at many establishments you might want to visit in London, they won't be short of recommendations. We were treated to the full Curators programme during our stay and, packed as it turned out to be with buckets of expert knowledge, surprising details and enlightening conversations, it surpassed all expectations. 

How better to live out the history of London's pop culture scene than with a walking tour through Soho's famed streets? We were expertly navigated by Victoria Broackes, director of the London Design Biennale, and Geoffrey Marsh, who together co-curated the Victoria & Albert's most visited exhibition in the illustrious museum's history: "David Bowie Is". The pair's knowledge of the icon and the wider context of the city's music scene in the 1960s and 70s is surely unrivalled; if I'd asked about any particular building, or even room, on Denmark Street at random, I've little doubt they'd have been able to tell me which rock stars had performed, stayed or worked there. Broackes also leads a "West End and Theatreland" tour, as well as "The City in 1600", focusing on William Shakespeare's London. All can be tailored to guests' interests.

We were made to feel like stars ourselves – or perhaps more accurately "Bridgerton" extras – meeting silhouettist Charles Burns. An artist self-trained in the deft art of carving portraits from card using just a pair of surgical scissors, Burns captures a person's image in only a few moments. 

Having spent years reviving interest and enthusiasm in this lost art from a stand in Covent Garden, the number of cuts he's completed during his more than three-decade-long career is now well into the hundreds of thousands – and that expansive archive includes the silhouette of Queen Elizabeth II (several times over). 

One Aldwych's guests can enjoy a unique "Stroll Along the Strand" tour with Burns, before getting their own portrait cut over a fresh brew. His silhouettes are artworks to be treasured.

Our programme continued with a theatrical flourish, performed by the Donmar Warehouse's fundraising lead Silvia Melchior, whose impressive career has taken her everywhere from the Royal Opera House to the Southbank Centre and Handel House Museum. We wound our way through Covent Garden to the Donmar, a wonderful 250-seat not-for-profit theatre near Seven Dials, for the penultimate performance of Benedict Andrews' five-star take on Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard". The star-studded production was superb, and exemplified just how important spaces like the Donmar are in London's increasingly costly theatre scene. Part of Melchior's role is to ensure the company has the funds to keep tickets affordable and high-quality theatre accessible for audiences. 

Through One Aldwych, guests can offer their support by attending a production and going behind the scenes with the creative team. And knowing probably everyone in the biz, Melchior can also help to arrange last-minute tickets to the city's most popular shows and spectacles too. 

To round off our action-packed programme, historian and broadcaster Dr Matthew Green took us on a lively walking tour through the oldest part of the city to find out how coffee and the very earliest coffee houses transformed London. 

As I'd found with Broackes, I've little doubt I could have quizzed Green on almost any building we passed, his knowledge of the area being so thorough and wide-ranging. With a knack for storytelling and highlighting surprising and unexpected facts, he brings to life the city's history in an extremely engaging and enjoyable manner; our two-hour tour whizzed by. 

Green leads several tours for One Aldwych's guests, including a "Medieval Wine" tour, the "Five Drinks" tour (exploring how five beverages shaped the capital) and the "City Soul" tour, for those looking for a more in-depth exploration of London's lesser known histories.

After clocking up a significant step count with the help of the hotel's curators, get some well deserved rest and relaxation in One Aldwych's spa. There's the aforementioned (and chlorine-free) pool, complete with an underwater soundtrack, as well as a steam room, sauna, treatment rooms and high-tech gym. Or simply unwind in your room before making your way down to the hotel's restaurants for an evening of feasting.

Eating and drinking 

The hotel's signature restaurant, Indigo, is a warm and sophisticated space, a feeling reflected in its very pleasing menu. Slide into a banquette and opt for a loose waistband, because the seven-course tasting menu is the way to go. Head chef Dominic Teague makes the most of seasonal produce and flavours, partnering with independent British producers to demonstrate that sustainable cooking doesn't mean compromising on finesse. And if that wasn't already impressive, every dish is dairy- and gluten-free too. 

This was my dining companion's first experience of a tasting menu, and Indigo has certainly set expectations high for future ones. A seared Orkney scallop with fennel, confit chicken thigh and basil was beautifully fresh and hit all the right notes, which was followed by a delicately balanced lemon sole bouillabaisse, with fish caught fresh that day. The cutlet course was sumptuous, pipped only by the Cornish bitter chocolate tart with a scoop of peanut ice cream for us. There's a curated wine pairing too, or delve into the restaurant's extensive wine list to find a bottle of something special to savour. 

Downstairs, the Lobby Bar is the place to be for an evening of cocktails and conversation. The recently unveiled Gallery Menu has been crafted to complement One Aldwych's rich and varied modern art collection, offering an almost synaesthetic experience. 

The blueberry enzoni, inspired by Philip Diggle's "Michel Foucault", was a top choice for me, packing a fruity punch to match the artist's punk-inspired piece. The quince and Earl Grey martini and morello cherry mai tai were also popular choices. I'll have to wait for a return visit to summon the strength for the horseradish martini, inspired by the bar's artistic centrepiece, André Wallace's "The Boatman".

There's all the classics too, including signature One Aldwych mixes. Enjoyed over small plates of pork sliders, crab cakes and artisanal cheese and meats, what better way to spend an evening before getting ready to rest and repeat?

The verdict 

It took no time at all to make ourselves at home at One Aldwych, where the team are truly a breath of attentive, friendly and welcoming air. Service throughout our stay was superb, and every request readily met – but it was the warm nature with which staff were willing to take a little extra time to chat, to share a personal recommendation, or simply to find out a bit more about what we'd been up to with our day that really made our stay feel really special.

One Aldwych has been doing things its own way for more than 25 years and thankfully there's no sign of that slowing down. With a considered and forward-thinking approach to going the extra mile for its guests, there's no doubt its success will long continue. 

Julia was a guest of One Aldwych, where stays start from £650 per night on a room-only basis.

Francis Alÿs "is one of the most humane and poetic artists at work today", said Laura Cumming in The Observer. 

Born in Antwerp in 1959 and long based in Mexico, he is probably best known for his "tremendous" ongoing video series "Children's Games". Since 1999, he has been filming children at play all over the world, his camera recording everything from snail racing in Belgium to improvised games of jacks in Nepal to kite flying in Afghanistan – an activity famously banned by the Taliban. 

Each film is "brief, enthralling to watch and beautifully observed". Each shows "inventiveness, vitality, resourcefulness, joy" – the "power of resilience and solidarity" of childhood play. This show at London's Barbican brings together many of the 40-plus videos the artist has made to date, alongside drawings and animations created over the course of his travels. 

It is a "mesmerising" exhibition that demands to be seen. "Ricochets" is a "cacophonous" experience, said Anna Parker in ArtReview magazine. Ten films play at once in a single gallery, filling the space with "shrieking and laughing", as well as the onslaught of sound created by the games themselves: in Havana, children race across "unfinished concrete" on improvised go-karts; snow makes a "squeaky crunch" as it is compacted under the weight of sledges in Switzerland; in Morocco, kids clack pebbles together before skimming them across the sea towards Gibraltar.

That many videos have been made in combat zones is no coincidence: "in wartime settings, children are powerless, but because ordinary routines have been disrupted, perversely they are left freer to play". Alÿs captures one example in Kharkiv, where he films boys dressed in combat fatigues manning a makeshift checkpoint and flagging down cars to inspect papers or demand a password (the Ukrainian word for bread, which Russians find hard to pronounce).

Violence frequently punctures the fun, said Adrian Searle in The Guardian. One film sees a group of Ukrainian children playing a game called "Air Raid Alert", in which voices imitating the noise of sirens become "intolerable" for one young participant, who "suddenly flees the camera". 

In Mosul, Iraqi adolescents play football, running and tackling amid "burnt-out cars and shattered buildings", stopping only when gunfire interrupts play. It takes a moment to notice that they don't actually have a ball; in 2015, a caption informs us, 13 teenage boys were publicly executed by Islamic State for the crime of watching a televised football match. 

The show never feels intrusive or voyeuristic: whatever he does, Alÿs's work is always "a collaboration with the participants" and he knows "when to stop". "Ricochets" is "an often heart-stopping and frequently beautiful" exhibition.

Barbican Art Gallery, London EC1. Until 1 September

If you've walked from Big Ben to Trafalgar Square, or meandered from St James's Park to the Thames, the chances are you've seen – and admired – the Old War Office. The turreted, dove-grey building is one of the jewels of Whitehall, completed in 1906 to house Britain's imperial military machine.

For much of the 20th century, its offices were inhabited by Britain's leading politicians, from Lord Kitchener to David Lloyd George, along with their armies of staffers, cooks and typists. 

For a time it was the workplace of T.E. Lawrence, later Lawrence of Arabia. In 1914, he lamented to a friend that the grand marble staircase at the heart of the building was allowed to be used by "field marshals and charwomen" alone. 

A century later, in 2016, the Ministry of Defence sold the building for a reported £350 million; and last year, after extensive but historically sensitive renovations, it opened as a five-star hotel, Raffles London at The OWO. 

From the street, The OWO looks much as it has since it was constructed but, inside, a transformation has taken place. Two new floors have been built, as have three new basement levels to make room for a ballroom, a swimming pool, an underground car park and more. Thousands of square metres have been added to the building's already considerable acreage, taking its total footprint to some 76,000 square metres.

The result is easily the most major hotel to have opened in the capital in a generation. 

Why stay here?

London isn't short of ultra-high-end hotels, but Raffles London at The OWO distinguishes itself from its peers in several ways. Its location couldn't be better: situated opposite Horse Guards Parade, it is ideally placed for visitors wishing to walk around the capital, or needing a central place to stay while doing business.

The hotel also has a tangible sense of place. You couldn't wake up in one of its rooms thinking you were in any major world city: it feels deeply English. The interiors, which were overseen by the feted designer Thierry Despont, skilfully marry old and new, allowing visitors to appreciate the old-world aesthetics of wood panelling and other original features, while enjoying high-tech loos, vast, comfortable beds and generously sized marble bathrooms.

The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, as willing to suggest childcare options as they are to come up with last-minute wardrobe help (during my stay, my dress's zip broke; within five minutes, room service had sent up a bag of safety pins). There are also a serious number of them: the ratio of staff to guest room is an astonishing 3:1.

Rooms and suites

There are 120 rooms and suites to choose from, none of which are the same, and none of which come cheap. Prices start at about £1,100 per room plus service and tax (and may not include breakfast, so look out for that). 

Many of the grandest suites are named after the great figures that worked in them: the Haldane, for instance, was occupied by successive Secretaries of State for War; while the Churchill Suite was originally the army council room, where critical decisions were made during the Second World War. There are also 85 residences – privately owned apartments with access to the hotel amenities.

Eating and drinking 

The OWO has nine restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant with views over St James's Park. If you don't want to order room service for breakfast, it can be taken in a light-filled atrium where the buffet options are superb (the almond croissants are particularly good) and the menu options even better.

Acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco is in charge of three of the nine restaurants, which include Mauro's Table, a private dining room with views over Whitehall. A pre-dinner drink at the Spy Bar, the hotel's "speakeasy", is a must, and gratifyingly hard to find.

 Other things to see and do

The spa is a big draw. Situated far beneath the ground floor, extending over four floors and designed by Goddard Littlefair, it features the usual steam rooms and saunas, and a large pool in a hall that is surprisingly tall for a room so deep underground. 

For those fussy about lighting, the spa – and in fact the rest of the hotel – knocks it out of the park: the lighting is warm and not abrasive; subtly different according to each space's requirements, but always exactly right. 

Look out for the hotel's remarkable collection of art, too: there's a six-metre high sculpture by Saad Qureshi and an oil painting, "Naval Officers of World War I", by Sir Arthur Stockdale Cope, on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, among other works.

The verdict

What the impressive statistics of The OWO don't capture is the hotel's style and grown-up charm.

Notable too are the warmth of its staff, and the intelligence with which this most storied of buildings has been coaxed into the 21st century, making this a truly unforgettable stay.

Leaf Arbuthnot was a guest at Raffles London at The OWO, Old War Office Building, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX; raffles.com/london

Flooding in London three years ago caused widespread damage and disruption. One way to avoid a repeat is for the capital to become more… spongy. 

Sponge cities use green spaces like parklands and blue spaces like lakes and rivers to absorb rainwater and allow it to drain away safely. Given that flash flooding has been named a "lethal risk" to people living in London, the park-rich capital seems a natural fit for the concept. But it might not be that simple.

What are sponge cities?

The concrete jungles of the 21st century are proving inadequate in the face of increased rainfall and surface flooding. This type of flooding happens when large amounts of rain fall on "hard, impervious surfaces such as concrete, overwhelming the local drainage system", said the BBC. As more rain falls the system backs up, "leaving water to pool on roads and pavements".

In the UK, sewage and rainwater are often carried in the same pipes, so heavy rainfall can lead to overflows of polluting wastewater into our waterways. A sponge city is designed to absorb rainwater by using green and blue spaces to lower the amount of excess rainwater entering the sewerage system.

Sponge cities "mimic natural processes", said The Rivers Trust, allowing urban areas to "absorb, store, and purify rainwater, much like a sponge soaks up water". They deploy various green infrastructure techniques, including permeable pavements, green roofs and urban wetlands, to slow down the flow of rainwater and gradually release it into rivers and streams. 

The natural systems of sponge cities "not only catch the water", said CPRE London, but "store and purify it, alleviate water shortage, support habitat and biodiversity, and keep cities cool rather than asphalt-heavy cities which insulate heat".

Cities such as Shanghai, New York and Cardiff are already "embracing their 'sponginess' through inner-city gardens, improved river drainage and plant-edged sidewalks", said Climate Champions.

But some researchers have criticised the model, said Jenny Knowles in a blog on MDPI. She argued that it is "not suitable for extreme, large-scale flooding" and that in denser areas, there may be "insufficient space to implement sponge city features".

Could London become a sponge city?

London has "an array of green spaces" with an estimated 8.4 million trees, so you might imagine it is spongy already. But in 2022 a development firm used computer modelling to compare London's sponginess with seven other cities: Auckland, Mumbai, Nairobi, New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. It found that London ranked sixth, ahead of only Sydney. 

In 2021, torrential rain "battered" London, said the BBC, damaging thousands of properties, flooding dozens of Tube stations and causing patients to be evacuated from hospital wards. Following that chaos, City Hall created the Surface Water Strategic Group to draw up a new flooding strategy for the capital.

A spongy feature being considered is the use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) but sceptics say that SuDS take up valuable space for parking and they need regular maintenance, which would need to be carried out by local residents. London is also very built-up so creating new green spaces is difficult and can be unpopular.

"As a concept, sponge cities is great; the issue is with its implementation," Susanne Charlesworth, professor of urban geography at Coventry University, told the BBC. But Alastair Chisholm, director of policy at the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, said it is "one of the most deliverable solutions we can do". He called on "all of our political leaders to really push the concept of sponge cities".

Think of a May vacation as being one last spring fling, a chance to enjoy a getaway before the summer crowds arrive. When you are one step ahead of the masses, you are assured a more pleasant travel experience — and you also usually score lower hotel rates, too.

The Stafford London in London, England

The choice is yours at the graceful Stafford London. There are three buildings at this boutique hotel: the Main House, where each room and suite has its own color theme and handcrafted furniture; the more modern Mews Suites in the courtyard; and the Carriage House, renovated stables that bring the country to the city. The Stafford London is in the St. James's neighborhood, close to major landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. After a day of sightseeing, come back for afternoon tea at the Game Bird, a drink at the American Bar or an evening with the head sommelier for a five-course dinner with wine pairing.

The Sarojin in Khao Lak, Thailand

The Sarojin feels like a dream. This alluring resort is on a secluded white sand beach, surrounded by acres of tropical gardens. Privacy is paramount, and the guest residences are spread out across seven buildings. There is a beautiful pool for everyone to use, but spring for one of the 14 residences that come with individual pools, spa-like bathrooms and outdoor pavilions. The hotel works with guests to craft special experiences and will do everything from booking a snorkeling adventure at the Similan and Surin Islands' Marine National Parks to setting up a private candlelight dinner by a jungle waterfall.

Cayo Levantado Resort in Samaná, Dominican Republic

You feel good staying at the new Cayo Levantado Resort, and not just because this is a luxurious, all-inclusive wellness retreat. Cayo Levantado is also an eco-friendly property that uses clean energy, produces its own drinking water, grows its own organic produce and gives guests the opportunity to help maintain coral nurseries and participate in reforestation efforts. Each stay is personalized, with guests picking a wellness path — refresh, restore, relax or renew — that offers activities, therapies and treatments tailored to what their bodies need. The chic suites and villas are warm and inviting and the perfect place to unwind further after a day of rejuvenation. 

The Burrard in Vancouver, British Columbia

The Burrard is a mid-century gem in downtown Vancouver. This retro spot opened in 1956 as a motor inn and today offers modern amenities along with vintage charm. Guests choose from double, queen and king rooms, all with pillow-top mattresses and Nespresso machines, and can borrow one of the hotel's bikes or e-bikes to tool around town. In between games of ping pong in the courtyard or while headed to dinner on the patio at Burgoo, make sure to look around the hotel and check out the original murals and photographs on display by local artists. 

Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa

The 125-year-old Mount Nelson Hotel is a pink palace, painted a rosy hue at the end of World War I to symbolize hope and joy. It still feels jubilant, with guests spending their days playing tennis, swimming in the heated pools and indulging in spa treatments. There are rooms and suites to meet all needs, including deluxe cottages with fireplaces, terraces and rose gardens. If you put one item on your to do list, make it this: Afternoon Tea in the lounge. With a menu crafted by Vicky Gurovich, the executive pastry chef, and Craig Cupido, South Africa's first expert tea sommelier, it is an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez, France

Experience the good life at this legendary property by the sea. The colorful hotel opened in 1967 and over the years has welcomed the likes of Cher, Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson and Brigitte Bardot. Fashion lovers often opt to book the Suite Missoni, featuring vibrant silk and cotton fabrics by the Italian luxury brand, and starting in May guests can also stay in one of the four new suites designed by Laura Gonzalez. Plan on spending some time at the recently renovated and expanded Byblos Spa by Sisley, and book an Epic Journey. Customized for each guest, the Epic Journeys are based on the elements and include yoga sessions, wellness classes, spa treatments and time in the hammam, sauna and sensory waterfall shower.

Hotel Magnolia in Santiago, Chile

Housed inside a stately restored 1929 mansion, the charming Hotel Magnolia is in the heart of the historical Lastarria neighborhood, close to restaurants, boutiques and parks. The deluxe room with a balcony offers views of Santa Lucia Hill and the busy city streets, while the larger junior suite is covered in wood, from the walls to the floors. Once night falls, head down to the Magnolia Restaurant for dinner and drinks. The menu is heavy on seafood and beef dishes like steer tartar, but there are several vegetarian and vegan options as well.

Detectives are investigating why a man armed with a samurai sword went on a deadly rampage in northeast London.

A 14-year-old schoolboy was killed and four other people were wounded in an apparently random attack in Hainault early yesterday morning. Two of those injured were police officers, one who "suffered a badly damaged hand" and a female officer who "needed her arm 'put back together'", the BBC reported.

The suspect, who was Tasered and arrested near the scene, is being treated in hospital for injuries he sustained when his van collided with a building just prior to the attack. Detectives have not yet been able to interview him.

Counter Terrorism Police have said the incident is not being treated as terrorist related and confirmed that the suspect's mental health history is a key line of inquiry.

"If the police hunches are correct", said The Guardian's social policy editor Patrick Butler, the tragedy would be the latest in a series calling into question the "adequacy of mental health treatment" in Britain. The murder rate has fallen in recent years, but "there has been a rise in the proportion" of perpetrators diagnosed with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said violence of the kind seen in Hainault yesterday "has no place on our streets", while a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the king's "thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, in particular the family of the young victim who has lost his life".

The attack came as new figures show knife crime in London has hit a record high, said The Telegraph, "overtaking the previous peak in 2019, when there was also a surge in murders". 

It also took place just ahead of tomorrow's mayoral election in which "violence in London is expected to be a key issue as Sadiq Khan's record comes under scrutiny".

Mayors are more recognisable than MPs and local authority leaders in almost every area that has one, according to new research.

As the 2024 mayoral election campaigns kick off, polling from the Centre For Cities think tank found that around three-quarters of residents were able to name their mayor, compared with 43% who could identify their MP and 20% who could identify their council leader.

While the "mayoral model around England remains a patchwork", said the BBC's political editor Chris Mason, mayors themselves are "currently fashionable". Both the Conservatives and Labour like the idea, so "if you haven't got one yet, that may change before long".

How did the mayor model begin?

The first directly elected mayor in England came in 2000, as a result of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. Ken Livingstone won the vote to become the first mayor of London.

Mayors who are directly elected to cover combined authorities or combined county authorities are often referred to as metro mayors, because they usually cover metropolitan areas.

They are not to be confused with the more historic role of mayors and lord mayors, with their robes and chains. These posts, elected by town, borough or city councils, are largely ceremonial.

How many are there now?

On 2 May, the same day as the local elections, 10 mayors will be elected around England. London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Tees Valley already have mayors. For the first time, they will be chosen in the East Midlands, the North East, and York and North Yorkshire, too. The mayor of Salford, the directly elected leader of the city council, will also be selected by voters.

The model "has gradually become the new normal" in the North, said The Guardian, and the rise carries "gamechanging political implications" for levelling up. An "expanding and increasingly assertive alliance of northern metro mayors" could become "the biggest sea change in local politics since the 1980s".

What powers do they have?

The role has been "growing over the last decade", Millie Mitchell, from the Institute for Government, told the BBC. Mayors are "increasingly powerful figures, with power over transport, skills, the local economy, the environment", and with collective control of £25 billion of public spending, "which is really quite substantial".

For a nation that is "often decried as the most centralised in the Western world", said Sebastian Payne on the i news site, "huge progress has been made in shifting power closer to people".

Metro mayors such as Andy Street in the West Midlands and Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester have become a "rare success story" in Britain's "otherwise lacklustre and inconsistent approach to regional growth", said the Financial Times. And those living in mayoralties support "greater decision-making powers for their mayors".

What is next for metro mayors?

The "politics for the rest of 2024" will be "defined" by whether Conservative mayors Street and Ben Houchen win third terms in the West Midlands and Tees Valley, said Payne. The results of the 2 May elections in these two areas will "dictate the next mood swing of Conservative MPs, whether further turbulence lies ahead in the party leadership, and when exactly the general election will be called".

In the longer term, the country should expand the model, said the FT, although it needs to be an "incremental process". Metro mayors "will not be suitable for all geographies, and there will be good leaders – as well as bad ones". 

"But the experiment is working. Time to double down on it."

Once a month, in countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, people are gathering to eat cake and talk about the typically taboo topic of death.

At Death Cafes, said Emma Freud in The Times, people with a range of interests in the subject come together to discuss "the end of life experience in any of its forms", in what is widely viewed as part of the "death positive" movement.

The background

Death Cafes were founded by Jon Underwood and his mother, Sue Barsky Reid, a psychotherapist. They were inspired by the work of Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who had developed a project called Café Mortel, where people would gather to talk about death.

The first Death Cafe in the UK was held at Underwood's home in Hackney, east London, in September 2011. It was a "wonderful occasion", said the Death Cafe website, and more were then held in places including "funky cafes, people's houses, cemeteries, a yurt and the Royal Festival Hall".

The four rules are that Death Cafes are offered on a not-for-profit basis; in an accessible, respectful and confidential space; with no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action; and that cake is offered. The gatherings are a "discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session", said the website.

Death Cafes spread nationally and internationally, with the first overseas version held in Columbus, Ohio, in 2012. There have now been more than 18,000 groups worldwide, but "they seem to be most prevalent in countries where people are uptight about the subject" and "hence we have more than 3,400 in the UK", said Freud.

Underwood died suddenly in June 2017, at the age of 44, and Death Cafe is now run by his mother and his sister, Jools Barsky.

The latest

Visiting a Death Cafe in London, Freud found "there were no formal objectives" or "grief counselling", but there was "tea and, naturally, cake – that great lubricant of awkwardness". The discussion was "riveting" and free of "small talk". A woman with terminal cancer spoke and "because we were strangers, her words had no consequences she would need to deal with, and that seemed to set her free".

After joining a Death Cafe in Willesden, northwest London, Gaby Wine wrote in The Jewish Chronicle that it was "heart-warming" that "while not everyone agrees with one another, everyone shows great respect". Despite the subject matter, she had a "surprisingly jolly chat".

Attendees will "seamlessly switch" between "sombrely discussing subjects like the difference between suicide and medical aid-in-dying" to "joking about the sayings they'd want written on their tombstones", said The Huntington News.

The gatherings are seen as a sign of the rise of the "death positive" movement, which "seeks to normalize the recognition and embrace of the ultimate elephant in the room", said Steffie Nelson on TruthDig. The term "death positive" originated with Los Angeles undertaker Caitlin Doughty, who in 2011 founded The Order of the Good Death, advocating for funeral industry reform and more openness around death and dying.

The reaction

A newcomer to her area, Freud "learnt more about the soul of my neighbourhood in those two hours than I had in the previous two months". There was "joy" in the "deep connection with a hall full of strangers", the "licence to show vulnerability without judgment" and "the privilege of being granted access to the most tender and unprotected place in the hearts of my neighbours".

During the Victorian era people hired professional mourners to "weep" at burial sites and funerals and help attendees "feel safe enough to do the same", said Anna Wolfe on Huck. And "in a way" Death Cafes provide "something similar".

Meanwhile, if you want to find or even host one, check the organisation's website. It's easy to set one up, wrote Wolfe. "All you need is a set of Death Cafe guidelines, a venue and the ability to bake or buy a pack of Mr Kipling's."