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15 European Destinations You’ll Pretend You Discovered First

You can tell a lot about someone by how they do Europe in the summer. There’s the forest-and-lakes type, who pretends not to care about Wi-Fi but posts perfectly lit hiking shots from a thermal pool. There’s the city-lover, who somehow always finds the coolest rooftop bar and remembers the names of emerging designers in Antwerp. And then there’s the beach person—let’s be honest, we all want to be her—wearing Loewe on a boat and pretending she’s “just here to decompress.” So, where are they all going in 2025? From alpine design hotels to Grecian glamour, here’s your European travel cheat sheet—based entirely on your seasonal personality. 🌲 You Romanticise Trees: For Forest & Mountain People 1. The Dolomites, Italy Not your average mountain moment. This is where you go when you’ve outgrown Switzerland and want something with more edge—and better pasta. Book Forestis if your suitcase is full of cashmere and you plan to meditate at sunrise. Go hiking for the content, spa for the silence, and stay for the altitude-induced clarity. 2. Lake Bled, Slovenia It’s giving fairy tale but make it minimal . A mirror-still lake, medieval castle, and an island church you have to row to (not optional—it’s half the charm). You’ll swim, paddleboard, and pretend you're writing a novel. Think of it as your Wes Anderson summer chapter. 3. Lofoten Islands, Norway No one casually “ends up” in the Lofoten Islands. This is intentional travel, a place where you wear your Patagonia over your The Row trousers and kayak past mountains that look like they were Photoshopped. Come for the midnight sun, stay because your soul insists. 4. Geneva, Switzerland A luxury that doesn’t scream. Think quiet watches, quiet water, quiet wealth. Base yourself at The Woodward , do laps in Lake Geneva, and book a boat out to Montreux if you’re feeling jazz-curious. Not a “flashy” destination, which is exactly the point. 🏙️ You’re Here for the Vibe Shift: For City Travellers 5. Paris, France With the Olympics descending on Paris this July, expect crowds and couture in equal measure. It’ll be chaos. It’ll be chic. Stay at Cheval Blanc if you’re feeling spendy, or Hotel Grand Mazarin if you want something slightly less obvious. Pack sneakers and a silk slip—you’ll need both. 6. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon is still cool, in that undercut-and-ceramics kind of way. Spend mornings in Alfama, afternoons on rooftops, and evenings pretending you know how to pronounce “petiscos.” The Marvila district is where the gallery girls are, and the food scene keeps surprising even the jaded. 7. Venice, Italy Yes, Venice in summer is humid. Yes, it’s crowded. But it’s also Venice. And if you do it right—water taxis only, spritzes by the canal, avoiding San Marco like it’s Times Square—it becomes cinematic. Stay at Aman Venice , bring your best vintage linen, and let the lagoon do the work. Find our comprehensive guide on visiting Venice here . 8. Antwerp, Belgium If you like your cities small, stylish, and obsessed with silhouette, go to Antwerp. Home of the Royal Academy, concept stores, and more gallery openings than time allows. It’s a fashion week without the stress. Bonus: fewer influencers, more designers. 9. Tbilisi, Georgia Tbilisi is not trying to be anyone else. It’s part Soviet, part Parisian, part psychedelic rave. You’ll find wine bars inside brutalist buildings, sulphur baths next to fashion studios, and possibly the best bread in Europe. You’ll leave feeling smarter, dirtier, and wanting to go back immediately. 10. Vienna, Austria Vienna’s thing is being effortlessly elegant. It’s not screaming for attention, it’s just serving candelabras and Klimt and perfect patisserie. Come in July, walk everywhere, and book into Rosewood Vienna if you want to live like you’re married to a conductor. 🏖️ You Packed Six Swimsuits: For Beach People 11. Mykonos, Greece You already know the story: dancing on tables at Nammos, martinis at Scorpios , and the kind of beach hair that only happens when you don’t try. But 2025 Mykonos is a little calmer—think private villas, sunrise swims, and post-party pilates. Still bring your best swimwear. It’s still Mykonos. 12. Menorca, Spain For those who want the Balearics without the scene. It’s all hidden coves, soft beaches, and rustic-chic villas. Vestige Son Vell is where the design crowd books in. You’ll eat sobrasada, drink too much vermouth, and start googling local real estate. Again. 13. Comporta, Portugal The coastal crush of fashion editors. Comporta is a barefoot-luxury fantasy: pine forests, thatched rooftops, sand everywhere, and no one’s wearing makeup. It’s like someone turned down the volume on Ibiza. Try Sublime Comporta or rent a house. Either way, pack white. 14. Sorrento, Italy It’s Capri’s quieter, slightly more grounded cousin—easier on the budget and heavy on lemon-scented romance. Spend your days boat-hopping, eating gelato, and wearing silk scarves like you’re being followed by Slim Aarons. Stay at Bellevue Syrene or Maison La Minervetta for serious retro appeal. 15. Sardinia, Italy Sardinia’s secret is out, but it’s still glorious. Yes, the Costa Smeralda is very yacht-core. But if you move south—toward Chia or Villasimius—you’ll find emptier beaches and unfiltered beauty. Come for the water, stay for the ravioli. Fashion-wise, it's all about understated glamour. Final Thought Whether you’re running toward a beach club or away from your inbox, summer in Europe this year has a destination—and a wardrobe—for everyone. Book early, bring linen, and don’t forget to leave room in your luggage for whatever you accidentally buy on the way.

Summer 2025’s Shoe Trends Are Wild—Here’s What to Actually Wear

The Summer 2025 shoe trends are—how do I put this gently?—a riot. Not in the “laugh-out-loud” sense, but in the “chaotic catwalk stampede” kind of way. We’ve got jelly shoes mingling with clog sandals, buckles competing for dominance, and sneakers that look like they went on a juice cleanse. Somewhere in the fray, peep toes have returned from exile, and ballet shoes have rebranded themselves as “sneakerinas.” It’s all very high-fashion and extremely unserious at the same time. Which is, of course, the point. I spent an embarrassing amount of time scouring look books, runway recaps, and the shoe departments of Selfridges and Browns (for research, obviously) to bring you this comprehensive breakdown of what your feet will be wearing in two months. Did your go-to summer sandal make the cut? Or will you be seduced by a slingback with sculptural metal? Let’s find out. Buckle Up If there’s one thing designers are making sure of this season, it’s that your shoes are secure . Bucklemania is very much still with us—big, shiny, aggressively over-the-top hardware is clamping down on everything from Ganni’s cowboy-ish clogs to Ferragamo’s polished loafers. Even Balenciaga’s strappy sandals have gotten the hardware memo. Consider this the official transition from “quiet luxury” to “loud fastening.” GANNI Buckle Ballerina Pumps - £325.00 - Click here (UK) Ferragamo F buckle loafer - £685.00 - Click here (UK) Clog Sandals: Your Summer Boho BFF Clogs—yes, the shoes we once associated with an aunt who owns several caftans—are being rebranded as It-girl essentials. Chloé, Hermès, and Ulla Johnson all gave them a high-fashion facelift, but let’s be honest: the best ones still look like something you’d wear to a Scandinavian midsummer festival. That’s the charm. Style them with linen dresses and unbrushed hair for that “I just bought crystals on Etsy” energy. KURT GEIGER LONDON Mayfair buckle-embellished woven heeled clogs - £179.00 - Click here (UK) BIRKENSTOCK Boston Logo-Embossed Suede Clogs - £140.00 - Click here (UK) Sneakerinas: The Controversial Hybrid Somewhere between a Repetto and a Nike, the sneakerina was born. Equal parts ballet slipper and athletic trainer, this new silhouette is having its moment thanks to Louis Vuitton, Simone Rocha, and Bella Hadid (who is apparently contractually obligated to wear at least one divisive shoe trend per season). Are they practical? Not particularly. Are they weirdly chic with tailored trousers and jorts? Absolutely. LV Sneakerina - £735.00 - Click here (UK) SIMONE ROCHA Tracker Mesh Ballerina Trainers - £695.00 - Click here (UK) T-Bar Throwbacks T-bar shoes are officially back, and they’ve never looked more polished. Designers from Khaite to Versace have embraced the retro silhouette, often with a demure heel and just enough 1930s glam to make you feel like you're headed to a jazz club rather than the office. Pair with a tea dress, a martini, and something to gossip about. KHAITE "Mia Leather Pumps 2" - £870.00 - Click here (UK) VERSACE Logo-Hardware Strappy Heeled Patent Leather Sandals - £880.00 - Click here (UK) Ultra-Slim Sneakers Meet the shoe that whispers, not shouts. Dries Van Noten kicked off the trend (naturally), but now everyone from Loewe to Miu Miu is offering their version of the skinny sneaker. They’re not built for running. Or walking very far. But they are ideal for Instagram Stories, and isn’t that half the job of a summer shoe anyway? ADIDAS - Tokyo Leather Low-Top Trainers - £85.00 - click here (UK) PUMA Speedcat OG Suede Low-Top Trainers - £100.00 - click here (UK) The New Loafer The loafer has had a personality transplant. Out with the stiff soles and prep-school energy; in with buttery-soft construction and slipper-like ease. Hailey Bieber’s been spotted in multiple pairs, which should be your cue to invest. Look to Prada and Bottega Veneta for chic, backless styles that feel more “fashion editor en route to Erewhon” than “finance bro at Liverpool Street.” PRADA Logo-plaque brushed leather loafers - £870.00 - Click here (UK) BOTTEGA VENETA Astaire Sabot chain-embellished leather loafers - £800.00 - Click here (UK) Peep Toes Return Somewhere between Y2K nostalgia and ‘50s pin-up revival lives the peep toe. It’s made its inevitable comeback, this time with slingback straps and kitten heels that beg for a pedicure. Bonus points if you match your polish to your bag. Extra bonus if that bag is Loewe. KURT GEIGER LONDON Regent crystal-embellished peep-toe leather heeled courts - £179.00 - Click here (UK) CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN New Very Prive 120 patent-leather courts - £780.00 - Click here (UK) Jelly Shoes (Yes, Again) If you’ve been waiting since 1999 to wear jelly shoes again, congratulations: your time has come. But forget what you know—Chloé’s adult versions are streamlined, minimal, and practically sophisticated. Think less “sandcastle contest” and more “beachside Aperol spritz.” CHLOE Jelly Rubber Sandals - £450.00 - Click here (UK) TORY BURCH Mellow Mary Jane Jelly Shoes - £195.00 - Click here (UK) Flip-Flops, Reimagined Summer and flip-flops are the couple that just won’t quit. But this season, they’ve upgraded. Dior sent out a hybrid flip-flop-boot, while Ferragamo is offering fringe-trimmed thongs with architectural heels. These aren’t the rubber throwaways from your last girls’ trip to Ibiza. These are...designer flip-flops. Which means they’re both uncomfortable and expensive. ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS Charys Flatform Leather Sandals - £290.00 - Click here (UK) LE MONDE BERYL Micro Wedge Thong-Strap Leather Sandals - £485.00 - Click here (UK) FITFLOP Lulu Glitter rhinestone-embellished rubber sandals - £80.00 - Click here (UK) HAVAIANAS Sunny II slingback rubber sandals - £32.00 - Click here (UK) Strappy Flats One extra lace, infinite style points. Whether you go with dainty ribbons at Chloé or sporty laces at Dries Van Noten, this season’s strappy flats are a nod to balletcore with just enough edge to work in real life. Just be prepared to re-tie them every hour. Beauty, after all, is pain. Ferragamo ankle-ribbon ballet flats - £738.00 - Click here (UK) Alevì Patty ballet flats - £250.00 - Click here (UK)
A gondola passing under an old bridge in Venice, the perfect summer holiday

Where to Eat, Stay and Shop Like a Style Icon in Venice

Let’s get one thing straight: Venice is not for the minimalist. It’s for the romantic, the maximalist, the person who thinks an embroidered velvet slipper counts as a neutral. It’s a city that has perfected the art of the flourish. Gilded palazzi rest on the water like couture gowns suspended mid-swirl. Gondoliers wear striped shirts with the casual elegance of a Saint Laurent campaign. Even the pigeons seem to loiter in St Mark’s Square like they’re waiting to be photographed for a Loewe lookbook. Venice is a city where the line between past and present, reality and theatre, is not just blurred—it’s stylishly smudged. But Venice isn’t just a backdrop for fashion—it’s a destination about fashion. It’s where tailors once dressed doges, and where masked balls set the template for everything from Dior’s high fantasy to Gucci’s decadent reinventions. Today, the city’s floating beauty plays host to high-gloss events like the Venice Film Festival and Biennale, both beloved by editors and celebrities who treat the city like a runway. So if you're going to visit, you do it properly: you arrive looking like you belong on the front row. When to Visit (And What to Wear) Timing matters. While Venice has a year-round charm (think moody fog in winter, golden haze in autumn), the most fashionable season to visit is early spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) . That’s when the city blooms without being besieged by cruise crowds, and you can stroll the streets in gauzy linens or cashmere-light trench coats without melting. Avoid August—unless you like heat, humidity, and the smell of canal water stronger than your Byredo. Byredo Inflorescence Eau de Parfum - £150.00 - Click here Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo – Fico di Amalfi - £147.00 - Click here The nearest airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) , about 20 minutes by water taxi to the city proper. And yes, we do mean water taxi—skip the land transport. There is nothing chic about dragging Rimowa wheels over cobblestones. Where to Stay: Five Hotels as Stylish as You Are Aman Venice Set inside a 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice is the hotel for those who understand that true luxury whispers. With museum-worthy interiors, original Tiepolo frescoes, and a private garden (a rare Venetian luxury), this is where fashion designers and discreet celebrities check in to disappear. Karl Lagerfeld once hosted a Chanel soirée here—need we say more? Vibe: Couture-level elegance meets monastic calm. Book if: You want to feel like the protagonist in a Luca Guadagnino film. The Gritti Palace Overlooking the Grand Canal with views of Santa Maria della Salute, The Gritti Palace is unapologetically ornate. Rooms are filled with antique Murano glass, Rubelli fabrics, and oil paintings worthy of a Sotheby’s lot. It’s also home to the legendary Gritti Epicurean School and the always-buzzy Riva Lounge terrace. Vibe: Decadent, baroque, and utterly photogenic. Book if: You packed a wardrobe of maximalist silks and brought three books you won’t read. Ca’ di Dio This newcomer sits quietly near the Arsenale, away from the cruise crowds. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Ca’ di Dio is minimalist, architectural, and soothing—almost spa-like. The interiors blend stone, wood, and subtle luxe touches that whisper sustainability without shouting “eco-resort.” Vibe: Contemporary Venetian chic with a conscience. Book if: You prefer a hidden gem with design credentials and zero foot traffic. Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel Located on Giudecca Island, just across the water from the main hubbub of San Marco, the Cipriani is cinematic in every sense. Think: 1950s jet-set glamour, gondola arrivals, and guests in headscarves and silk kaftans sipping Bellinis by the Olympic-sized pool. It’s not quiet luxury—it’s confident luxury. Vibe: Old-school glamour, Aperol in hand. Book if: You like the idea of arriving to Venice by private launch with matching luggage. Nolinski Venezia A new favourite among the art-and-fashion crowd, Nolinski Venezia brings Parisian cool to Venetian grandeur. Housed in the former Chamber of Commerce near Piazza San Marco, the interiors are pure visual drama—designed by Le Coadic & Scotto , it’s a moody blend of velvet, marble, and gold-leaf finishes that feels like Studio 54 met a Renaissance palazzo. The rooms? Plush, sensual, impeccably dressed in tonal layers. The vibe? Intimate and theatrical. There’s also Il Caffè , a contemporary take on the classic Venetian café-bar, and a subterranean spa for post-gondola recalibration. It’s where stylists go when they want to not be seen but still be seen. Vibe: Editorial shoot set meets Italian aristocracy in after-dark mode. Book if: You love Loewe, order martinis dirty, and want to stay somewhere with real edge. Where to Eat: Fashion Girl Dining Approved Antiche Carampane A local favourite tucked away in San Polo, this trattoria is as unpretentious as it is exceptional. Must try: Spaghetti alle Vongole . Order the fritto misto and act like you’re on a Vogue food shoot. Ristorante Quadri Overlooking St. Mark’s Square and boasting a Michelin star, Quadri is where you go when you want to dress up and dine like a Medici. Must try: Risotto with red prawns and saffron . The interiors? Restored by Philippe Starck. Osteria alle Testiere Tiny, intimate, and wildly sought-after—book ahead. Their grilled scallops with orange zest and basil are legendary. Bring someone you’re trying to impress, or take yourself and be impressed anyway. Glam Two Michelin stars and a terrace on the Grand Canal. Glam, helmed by Chef Donato Ascani, delivers Venetian cuisine that’s modern without trying too hard. Must try: Smoked eel risotto . Très editorial. What to See in Three Days (Besides Yourself in Every Mirror) Day 1 St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace : Start traditional—there’s fashion in the frescos. Aperitivo at Caffè Florian : Iconic, opulent, and the birthplace of many accidental fashion campaigns. St. Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s original statement piece—proof that maximalism never really goes out of style. Day 2 Take a private boat to Murano for a glassblowing atelier visit. Book in advance and wear something flowy—it looks better with fire. Visit Fondaco dei Tedeschi : A historic palazzo turned luxury shopping haven curated by DFS, with brands from Gucci to Bottega. Head to the rooftop for panoramic views. Walk on the Rialto Bridge , where designer boutiques now flank the centuries-old span once lined with spice traders—proof that fashion and commerce have always been at the heart of this city. Day 3 Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for modern art and stylish ghosts. Afternoon walk through Dorsoduro for quieter alleys and independent boutiques. Book an evening at Teatro La Fenice . Yes, the opera. No, you don’t have to stay awake the whole time. But the outfits? Worth it. Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors Pack for water: Always have flats or sandals that won’t drown. And for the love of Anna Wintour, no stilettos. Get lost on purpose : Venice is a labyrinth and the best moments happen when you’re off Google Maps. Invest in a 72-hour Vaporetto pass : It’s like public transport, but make it nautical. Skip the tourist traps in Rialto for aperitivo : Head to Campo Santa Margherita or the bars in Cannaregio for spritzes where the locals go. For the Fashion-Focused Itinerary Personal shopping experience at Fondaco dei Tedeschi : Book a concierge session and let someone else carry your bags. Visit the Rubelli textile showroom : An insider spot where haute couture meets Venetian fabric heritage. Attend Venice Fashion Week (October) : Intimate, artisanal, and refreshingly anti-Milan. Commission a custom mask or accessory from local artisans in San Polo. Think of it as wearable history. Private gondola ride with prosecco and a violinist : Yes, it’s cliché. It’s also perfect. In Conclusion: Venice Is Always a Good Idea (Especially in Designer Sunglasses) Venice is not a checklist city. It’s a mood. It demands that you slow down, look around, and maybe change your outfit twice a day. It rewards drama, extravagance, and old-school charm. Whether you’re eating tiramisu by the Grand Canal or drifting under bridges in silk trousers, Venice reminds you that beauty, like fashion, is meant to be experienced—not just observed. Pack your best vintage Valentino, book that water taxi, and let Venice do the rest.

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Courtyard image of Annabel's - one of the most exclusive and oldest members clubs in the heart of Mayfair.

Inside the World of London’s Private Clubs: An Invitation-Only Affair

Whether you're networking with the new Chelsea set or toasting Champagne under a gold-tiled ceiling in Mayfair, private members' clubs remain London's ultimate status symbol in 2025. But this isn't your grandad's gentleman's club roundup. From fashion-forward rooftops to plush dog-friendly lounges, we've curated the most relevant and remarkable places to be seen (and ideally invited) this year. Annabel’s, Mayfair For glamour, spectacle, and a little hedonism. Private members’ clubs don’t get much more storied than Annabel’s. Originally opened in 1963 by Mark Birley at 44 Berkeley Square, it was one of the first nightclubs in London to welcome both high society and celebrity under one glittering roof. Elizabeth Taylor danced here, Princess Diana drank here, and Mick Jagger once jumped behind the DJ booth. Today, under the stewardship of Richard Caring, Annabel’s sits grandly next door at 46 Berkeley Square in a jaw-droppingly lavish Georgian townhouse where each room is an aesthetic fantasy — the powder-pink ladies’ room has become practically Instagram folklore. From its maximalist interiors by Martin Brudnizki to its rotating seasonal façades (think: a festive Alpine chalet or a 20-ft high pumpkin tower for Halloween), the club is a masterclass in theatrical hospitality. Whether it's a Dior dinner, a Harper’s Bazaar party, or a red carpet film screening, Annabel’s is where the capital’s elite come to see and be seen — provided you’re lucky enough to secure an invite. Need-to-know: Entry is strictly members and guests only. Membership: £3,750 annually (£1,850 joining fee); under-35s: £2,250 + £600 joining fee. Recommendation required: Yes — by a member of a Birley Club. Home House, Marylebone For decadent nights and debaucherous weekends. Home House blends 18th-century aristocratic opulence with a very 21st-century appetite for partying. Once the residence of Lady Home, who scandalised Georgian London and earned the nickname "Queen from Hell", the building now plays host to a different kind of high society. Lavish parties and Champagne-fuelled dinners are the norm — it's estimated members go through 20,000 bottles of bubbly a year. But the club isn’t all velvet booths and late-night mischief. By day, it transforms into a serene space for business meetings, leisurely breakfasts, and afternoon teas in chandeliered drawing rooms. There’s a subterranean gym and spa, lush garden for al fresco lunches, and a handful of plush bedrooms to sleep off the night’s festivities. Home House is also one of the most pet-friendly clubs in town — dogs are allowed practically everywhere, and they’re often seen curled up in a corner of the bar. Need-to-know: You can book a stay even if you’re not a member. Membership: £2,250 + £499 joining fee; under-35s: £1,450 + £399 joining fee. Recommendation required: Not mandatory, but advantageous. George, Mayfair For caviar, cocktails and dachshund-friendly decadence. Playful, irreverent, and wildly stylish, George is Annabel’s cool younger sibling — the one who drinks mezcal at brunch and lets their dog sit at the table. Fresh off an 18-month renovation led by Richard and Patricia Caring, the club reopened with a dog-themed art collection (including a David Hockney), a bronze dachshund sculpture, and a gold-tiled ceiling. Interiors are opulent but not overly formal — a blend of 1930s glamour and Italian riviera charm. On weekends, brunch on the terrace is a Mayfair ritual; by night, things move underground to The Hound Bar, an Art Deco den with plush velvet seating, tapas, and well-heeled young creatives sipping espresso martinis. There’s even a dedicated dog menu — so yes, your pampered pooch can snack on wagyu biscuits while you have oysters. Need-to-know: No walk-ins — guests must come with a member. Membership: £2,250 + £1,250 joining fee; under-35s: £1,000 + £500 joining fee. Recommendation required: Yes, by an existing member. Ned’s Club, The Ned, City of London For high-flying finance meets high-end hospitality. Housed in a former Midland Bank building, The Ned is a dazzling 1920s playground with eight restaurants, live jazz daily, and a buzz that never really dies down. But beyond the grand public spaces lies Ned’s Club — a labyrinth of members-only perks spread across the rooftop, basement and behind locked doors. The rooftop, with its pool, skyline views, and alfresco dining, feels more Los Angeles than Liverpool Street. The basement brings back the Gatsby-era speakeasy, complete with live music and vintage cocktails. Upstairs, the Library Bar is a leather-clad sanctuary, while members also benefit from priority bookings, hotel discounts and Soho House-style wellness benefits. Crucially, The Ned is one of the few private clubs where a more affordable ‘Friends’ tier exists — ideal for the upwardly mobile crowd who aren’t quite ready to commit to a full membership but want access to the vibe. Need-to-know: Non-members can join Ned Friends for limited access. Membership: £3,465 (under-30s: £2,200); Ned Friends: £250/year. Recommendation required: Yes — two existing members. The Sloane Club, Chelsea For co-working, cocktails, and quiet luxury in SW1. Steeped in royal history, The Sloane Club started life as a sanctuary for servicewomen and has since evolved into a chic haven for Chelsea’s global set. You’re as likely to meet a Paris-based art consultant as a tech founder from Tel Aviv. By day, members plug in at The Chelsea, a co-working space filled with light and fashionably quiet conversation. At cocktail hour, the vibe switches to casual glamour — signature cocktails and Asian-European sharing plates in The Garden Room, followed by fine wines in the velvet-draped bar. The rooftop is a secret weapon in summer, while dog owners adore the all-access pet policy. Add to that over 100 global reciprocal clubs, and it’s no wonder The Sloane Club is fast becoming the modern Sloane’s club of choice. Need-to-know: Apply directly or be proposed by a member. Membership: From £1,950/year + £750 joining fee. Recommendation required: Not essential, but recommended. The Arts Club, Mayfair For the creatively connected (and quietly affluent). Once the domain of Dickens and Whistler, The Arts Club has undergone a glamorous renaissance — gone are the dusty reading rooms, replaced with Art Deco elegance, modern art, and an impossibly curated crowd. Set across several floors of Dover Street real estate, the club offers Michelin-level dining, live music in its brasserie-style lounge, and an art programme that rivals Mayfair galleries. Upstairs, members can stay in sumptuous hotel suites with butler service, while below street level, there’s a moody speakeasy with some of the city’s best negronis. And yes, the health club really does have its own MRI machine. Need-to-know: Members must be part of the creative industries. Membership: £3,200/year + £1,600 joining fee. Recommendation required: Yes — one proposer and one seconder. Soho House (Multiple locations) For creatives, founders and international cool kids. The OG of cool member spaces, Soho House is now a global lifestyle brand with outposts from West Hollywood to White City. In London, the choices are endless: 180 House offers East London edge, White City House is a media hub, and Shoreditch House has that rooftop pool. Each House blends co-working, dining, events, and serious interior design cred — think vintage Italian furniture, curated art, and members wearing The Row. The global network is a key draw: get in once and you can House-hop across the world. If you’re not quite ready for full membership, opt for Soho Friends, which gives access to bedrooms, retail perks, and events. Need-to-know: You’ll need to work in a creative industry to get in. Membership: £3,450/year for Every House access (under-27s pay less); Soho Friends: £100/year. Recommendation required: Yes — two member nominations. The Hurlingham Club, Fulham For polo whites, Pimms, and prestige. The Hurlingham Club is the most exclusive club you’ve (probably) never been to. A leafy 42-acre estate in SW6, it’s the closest Britain gets to a true country club — immaculate lawns, tennis courts, croquet, cricket pitches, and a Georgian mansion to host it all. The waiting list is the stuff of legend: closed for years and rumoured to be three decades long. Unless you were born to a member or marry into one, entry is borderline impossible. But the reward is access to one of the most elegant and relaxed clubs in London — perfect for families and anyone allergic to Soho-style scenesters. Need-to-know: Membership is closed to newcomers. Membership: £1,400 annually, plus a joining fee (when available). Recommendation required: Yes — and then some. Century Club, Soho For rooftop drinks and creative energy. Hidden behind a black door on Shaftesbury Avenue and accessed via 100 steps (hence the name), Century Club is an under-the-radar Soho gem that favours the in-the-know crowd over glitzy scenesters. Across five floors, you’ll find stylish lounge areas, cocktail bars, event spaces and private dining rooms, but the real draw is Soho’s largest rooftop — expanded during lockdown, it's an unrivalled sunset perch. Century leans into its creative roots with regular live music, industry talks and theatre afterparties. The vibe is more "art director on their third negroni" than buttoned-up banker — and that’s just how members like it. Need-to-know: Open to online applications. Membership: £875/year. Recommendation required: No, just apply. Mark’s Club, Mayfair For old-world charm, culinary precision, and quietly serious style. Tucked away on Charles Street behind an unassuming black door lies one of Mayfair’s best-kept secrets: Mark’s Club. The recent redesign has brought new elegance to the historic townhouse, without disturbing its unmistakable DNA. Inside, it’s all polished oak floors, Old Master artworks (including a newly acquired George Stubbs painting), and the quiet hum of members who look like they might own several racehorses. The dining experience here remains resolutely old-school in the best possible way — the kind of place where dishes are carved tableside, waistcoats are pressed, and Champagne flutes never go dry. The Greenhouse, a new addition, brings natural light and a slightly softer formality to the club’s otherwise impeccably traditional dining ethos. Signature dishes include the famed chicken pie and prawn curry, but the true joy lies in the theatre of it all — a Dover sole filleted before you, a menu that reads like a love letter to British produce, and a level of service that borders on telepathic. Need-to-know: Dining jackets encouraged; phones frowned upon. Membership: Undisclosed; applicants must be proposed by existing members. Recommendation required: Yes — and discretion is essential. Savile Club, Mayfair For artistic heritage, literary ghosts, and ballroom-level drama. Occupying a grand 18th-century mansion on Brook Street, the Savile Club exudes a romantic, old-London glamour rarely seen today. Once the London residence of J.P. Morgan, the building now plays host to a more bohemian set: actors, authors, playwrights, and media types who enjoy the club’s offbeat elegance and unapologetically intellectual leanings. The interiors are dramatic — especially the ballroom, which feels plucked from a Merchant Ivory film — and the events calendar reflects the club’s literary and artistic roots, with poetry readings, concerts, and spirited debates taking place weekly. It’s a club where the service is warm but never stiff, the food far better than it needs to be (try the wild mushroom risotto or the roast pheasant when in season), and the atmosphere less about networking, more about nurturing creative connection. If Annabel’s is flash, and Home House is flirtation, Savile is where the conversation actually happens. Need-to-know: A favourite for weddings and private parties thanks to its striking ballroom. Membership: By application and committee approval. Recommendation required: Strongly advised; creatives encouraged.

The End of the Era: Why Sneaker Culture No Longer Matters

Not long ago, a sneaker could make you cool. A Nike collab with an obscure Japanese graffiti artist could elevate a TikTok nobody into a street-style somebody. The right Jordans (in a rare colourway, naturally) gave you an aura of knowingness: you were in the club, you knew the codes, you were part of culture. But like all trends that burn too bright, sneaker culture is now on life support, bloated by hype, resellers, and a saturation of bad taste disguised as exclusivity. Sneakers — once a subcultural shorthand for rebellion, sport, or identity — have become the default footwear of everyone. Your boss wears them to the office. Your cousin wears them to his wedding. Your dentist wears them, which really says it all. When everything is sneaker culture, sneaker culture is nothing. This isn’t to say sneakers are going anywhere. They’re functional. People will always need to walk. But the culture around them — the queues, the raffles, the resale bots, the obsessive collector energy — is fading. What we’re witnessing isn’t a style evolution. It’s the fashion equivalent of a candle sputtering out after a party that went on too long. The death knell sounded not with a bang, but with a Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1, designed by the late Virgil Abloh. A beautiful shoe, yes. A historic collaboration, absolutely. But also: a high-fashion eulogy. When you put a sneaker in a Sotheby’s auction house and sell it for the price of a small car, you’re not celebrating a movement — you’re embalming it. And even Abloh, who helped catapult sneaker culture into the luxury space, saw this moment coming. In 2020, he predicted that the new decade would be less about hype and logos and more about “thrifting, finding your personal style,” and valuing “archival pieces and your knowledge on the fashion you consume.” If sneaker culture had a prophet, it was also its philosopher-critic. That shift is already visible in data. According to Lyst’s 2024 “Year in Fashion” report, searches for “quiet luxury” surged 138%, while brands associated with more logo-heavy, hype-driven aesthetics — think Off-White, Balenciaga, Yeezy — saw declining demand. Meanwhile, brands like The Row, Khaite, and Loro Piana gained traction, thanks to their understated, ultra-refined silhouettes. The most-wanted shoe of the year? Not a sneaker, but a pair of sleek, minimalist Mary Janes by Alaïa. Drop fatigue is also real. Sneaker launches used to be an event. Now they’re an algorithmic grind. You don’t score shoes because you’re stylish — you score them because you’ve learned how to hack SNKRS or you paid someone in Discord to do it for you. When the aesthetic of a subculture becomes indistinguishable from financial speculation, it stops being cool. Luxury fashion has already pivoted. In case you missed the memo (maybe you were busy defending your Travis Scott x Jordan 1s), the new codes are quiet, flat, and often hard-soled. Even A$AP Rocky, once sneakerhead-in-chief, has been spotted in square-toed Bottega Veneta shoes. The new status symbol is not a shoe you had to fight the internet for — it’s one no one recognises at all. That’s the real shift: taste has replaced hype. People are tired of queuing for a product they’ve been told they need. They want to feel like they discovered something. They want minimalism, quiet craftsmanship, even (gasp) elegance. You know what feels elegant? A hand-stitched Italian loafer. You know what doesn’t? A size 11 sneaker covered in plastic zip ties and irony. So no, sneaker culture isn’t dead. Not quite. But it’s limping. And in the world of luxury fashion, that’s the first sign of rigor mortis.
Kanpai Classic London offers a rich selection of wagyu meats and exquisite caviar

Kanpai Classic Soho: A Luxurious 14-Course Wagyu Tasting You Can’t Miss

We were recently invited to Kanpai Classic, the Japanese restaurant that opened last year in the heart of Soho, London, to experience first-hand the wonders of Wagyu and the art of Yakiniku cuisine. As the newest Japanese steakhouse on the scene, Kanpai Classic offers an extraordinary selection of 15 cuts of Wagyu beef — from delicate sliced cuts to richly marbled steaks — and presents them in ways both surprising and elegant, from Wagyu-topped sushi to indulgent caviar pairings. Opting for the 14-course Signature Wagyu Cuisine Omakase, I settled in for an unforgettable tasting journey through one of the most luxurious beef experiences available in London today. Kanpai, meaning “cheers” in Japanese, is more than clever branding. It’s a philosophy of hospitality woven into every corner of the experience. The moment you step inside Kanpai Classic, you’re enveloped by the aroma of gently sizzling beef, an intoxicating welcome that lingers in the air. Soft lighting dances across the dark interiors, while an open kitchen hums with quiet precision, framed by a glittering glass wine cellar. Even before the first bite, the mood is set: you are here to be transported. We were invited to experience the Signature Wagyu Cuisine Omakase , a 14-course tasting menu that reads like a love letter to Yakiniku — the Japanese art of grilling meat in small, exquisite bites. At Kanpai, this is done with an almost cinematic flair: each table is outfitted with its own smokeless charcoal grill, where your personal waiter cooks, guides, and educates you through the experience with graceful expertise. You can book the experience here , with 30% off food until 11 May during select hours. The journey begins with Wagyu Tallow Truffle Chips — a lesson in restraint and balance. The earthiness of truffle glides over the crisp, tallow-kissed chips, offering an elevated take on a familiar pleasure. Next arrives the Wagyu Treasure Caviar , an opulent arrangement of sea urchin, king crab, and salmon roe — a shimmering jewel box of the sea. By the time the Wagyu Tartare with celeriac purée and salmon roe arrives atop a sheet of crisp seaweed, you are fully immersed in Kanpai’s world of textural play and precision. Then comes the dish that divides — beef tongue — but in the hands of Kanpai’s chefs, skepticism melts away. The cut, taken from the middle and back where the fat marbles just so, yields a bite so tender and complex, it reshapes your understanding of this humble ingredient. The tempo picks up with the arrival of Sugatayaki Chuck Flap , dressed with Yakiniku sauce and garlic purée, and a trio of marvels: Negiyaki from the hind leg, with a house-made spring onion sauce that soaks into the just-seared meat; Karubi , the crown jewel of Yakiniku, its snowflake marbling melting into an umami crescendo; And Rib Finger (Geta) , a delightful dance of chewy, fatty, and lean, served with lettuce, miso sauce, and a spicy miso kicker. By the time the Mizoreyaki arrives — delicately grilled with grated daikon — the ritual of fire and flavour has become hypnotic. The Sugatayaki Tri Tip , grilled tableside and paired with Nanatsuboshi rice from Hokkaido, is a masterclass in simplicity: the meat speaks, the sauces whisper, and the wine — a silken pinot noir from Spy Valley, New Zealand — completes the conversation. The evening crescendos with the Moriawase Platter , showcasing three more cuts, each an ode to Wagyu’s incredible versatility. And just when you think you’ve reached the peak, a playful Wagyu Gyoza arrives, nestled in a delicate tomato Surinagashi soup with Japanese yam noodles. But it’s the final savoury course — the Japanese A5 Wagyu Steak, Filet Mignon, and Rump — that delivers the showstopper moment. The filet, so tender it nearly dissolves on the tongue; the rump, richly flavoured and assertive. It’s an unforgettable demonstration of why Wagyu has become the global symbol of indulgence. As a gesture of generosity, the chef sends out an off-menu Wagyu Beef Curry , its fatty richness infusing the sauce with a depth that lingers. Then, a thoughtful nod to tradition: Chicken Kamameshi Rice (a classic iron-pot rice served at the end of a meal), perfectly cooked and steeped in broth, the kind of simple perfection that punctuates a meal with quiet satisfaction. And finally, dessert: a dark chocolate soufflé , crowned with strawberry powder, raspberry jam, and delicate chocolate flakes. It’s less a sweet ending and more a joyful exclamation point, designed to be mixed, matched, and devoured in one perfectly indulgent spoonful. What elevates Kanpai Classic beyond its (already lofty) culinary ambitions is the passion that runs through the entire experience. The staff are not just servers; they are storytellers, educators, and guardians of a tradition honed over decades. It’s no surprise — the Kanpai Group, with 68 restaurants across Asia and a Michelin-starred Yakiniku outpost in Shanghai, has arrived in London with something to prove. For those eager to enter this world, there’s even more reason to book now: Kanpai Classic is offering 30% off food until May 11, in partnership with The Fork, for both lunch and select dinner seatings. In a city where culinary experiences are increasingly vying for your attention, Kanpai Classic doesn’t just demand it — it earns it. This is not a place you visit casually; it’s a destination for those who seek the rare, the refined, the truly exceptional. So here’s my advice: book the table , clear the evening, and let Kanpai Classic take you on a journey you won’t soon forget. Kanpai, indeed.