#Lifestyle

London is a Michelin star studded bustling playground for some of the best known chefs in the world, and every year we all franticly search the web to discover a list of top openings where we can take friends and dates to. Here's your call to find your favourite restaurant and book your spot as soon as booking is available. Clap, Knightsbridge Having already received widespread international acclaim in Beirut and Dubai, CLAP is now making its European debut in the vibrant heart of Knightsbridge. Recognized for its exceptional Japanese cuisine, CLAP consistently earns a place on the prestigious World's Best Restaurants list for the Middle East and North Africa. Josephine, Chelsea Scheduled to open its doors in early 2024, Josephine is the latest culinary venture by Claude Bosi, situated in Chelsea. Embracing the essence of a Lyonnaise bouchon, the menu pays homage to Bosi's roots in Lyon, his family's bistro in the city, and his sentimental connection to the region. Diners can anticipate a classic Lyonnaise menu, reflecting the influence of Bosi's formative years in a province widely regarded as the epicenter of French cuisine. The Cocochine, Mayfair Tim Jefferies, owner of Mayfair’s Hamiltons Gallery, and Chef Larry Jayasekara have opened The Cocochine in Bruton Place, London. They restored and renovated a historic property, approaching it as custodians. The restaurant focuses on personal connection and old-school hospitality, with no online bookings. The Cocochine celebrates art and craftsmanship, featuring a 28-seat main dining room with thoughtful lighting and a mosaic-covered first level housing a chef's counter. The second floor, dedicated to private events, retains original features, including a fireplace, and showcases curated artwork. The space accommodates up to 14 guests for a private and elegant dining experience. Arlington, Mayfair Scheduled to open in early 2024 in Mayfair's St. James's, Arlington is a revived version of the iconic Le Caprice, once a legendary dining spot frequented by notable figures like Princess Diana and Elton John. Situated on the former site of Le Caprice, the restaurant is under the direction of Jeremy King, one of the original owners of Le Caprice. Arlington aims to bring back old-world glamour, offering a timeless menu featuring transatlantic favorites, salads, crustacea, and steaks, promising a dining experience infused with the spirit of its legendary predecessor. The Park, Holland Park Bellazul, Marylebone Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is currently a culinary sensation in London, and Bellazul is the second restaurant opening in February to embrace this trend. Helmed by Simone Serafini, former Head Chef of Cecconi's Mayfair, Bellazul's opening menu features enticing dishes such as Moroccan lamb tagine and lobster, complemented by a Mediterranean-inspired wine list. Of special interest is the Bellazul Martini, which captivates with its unique infusion of focaccia into the gin base. Mistress, Mayfair In February 2024, Mayfair will welcome Mistress, a new French restaurant and members club hidden below street level. Inspired by historic clandestine tunnels, this subterranean venue offers refined French cuisine with shared delicacies like lobster rolls, oysters, fillet mignon, and truffle-infused French fries. The dining experience includes a roaming Champagne trolley, classic cocktails, and an outstanding wine list, providing an exclusive and hedonistic atmosphere in the heart of Mayfair. Jullie's, Holland Park Established in 1967 by interior designer Julie Hodgess, this renowned restaurant and champagne bar, frequented by A-listers, boasts the famous booth G3, affectionately called 'the G-spot,' tucked away in a curtained alcove for VIPs. Hosting Kate Moss's seventeenth birthday and bearing marks from Tina Turner's high heels on a dancing table, Julie's was an iconic spot until Timothy and Cathy Herring sold it in January. Now, Holland Park local and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Tara MacBain has taken the reins, with plans to transform it into a modern French brasserie. MacBain, a former patron, aims to revive Julie's effortless elegance with a glamorous menu featuring seafood towers, oysters, and a martini trolley offering tableside cocktails. Akira Back, Mayfair Korean-born, Colorado-raised Chef Akira Back, renowned for his Michelin-starred expertise, introduces his first UK venture, seamlessly blending Japanese and Korean influences. With a menu inspired by his heritage and global travels, the restaurant offers all-day dining, featuring Asian dishes and international classics for breakfast. Chef Back's 'greatest hits' include crafted Bento Boxes for lunch and delicate snacks for dinner, all highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Simpson's In The Strand, City

As Valentine's Day approaches, the quest for the perfect romantic surprise intensifies. For those grappling with ideas on how to create an unforgettable celebration of love, we've curated a list encompassing everything from lavish dining experiences at upscale restaurants to more laid-back dinner options. Additionally, we've included suggestions for events, exhibitions, and unique experiences scattered throughout the city, ensuring a diverse range of possibilities to make this Valentine's Day truly special. Pick a restaurant for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner with your loved one. Our top picks are: 14 Hills 14 Hills is a vibrant and versatile restaurant and bar located in the heart of London's Square Mile. Positioned on the 14th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, the establishment offers stunning panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks, including The Shard, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames. The name "14 Hills" is a nod to the breath-taking vista that extends as far as the eye can see from this elevated vantage point. The Oratory Nestled in a Grade II listed building, the five-star Milestone Hotel & Residences offers a luxurious and romantic escape, conveniently situated opposite Kensington Palace with captivating views across Kensington Gardens. Boasting a rich historical heritage and proximity to some of London's most iconic landmarks, the hotel provides couples with an intimate and elegant setting for a romantic evening, particularly in The Oratory. Clos Maggiore Situated in the bustling heart of Covent Garden, Clos Maggiore is a serene haven that draws inspiration from the chic country inns of Provence and Tuscany. The distinct interiors radiate an unmatched warmth and intimacy. The conservatory, adorned with cherry blossoms, boasts a fully retractable glass roof, providing a luminous and open dining ambiance during the summer. As winter arrives, the space undergoes a captivating transformation, with the soft glow of candles, starlight, and a crackling fire enveloping it in an enchanting and cosy atmosphere. Choose a wine tasting. We recommend: The Harvey Nichols Wine Flight for Two It's currently available for £55 for two people, it includes 6 wines from the Harvey Nichols' own label for 90 minutes and is served with light nibbles. Wine and Cheese Tasting for Two at Dionysius Shop Currently retailing at just £43, it comes with a selection of cheeses and 5 wines for two. Learn facts about wine and how to recognise different grapes and flavour notes. See a theatre play or a musical Cruel Intentions The creators of Heathers the Musical have a new production in store for us this winter and it comes in the form of a film-to-theatre adaptation. Introducing Cruel Intentions, the new must-see experience based on the Reese Witherspoon-starring 90s hit. Stranger Things: The First Shadow The stage adaptation of the Television hit, Stranger Things. Set in the 1959 version of Hawkins Indiana, Stranger Things: The First Shadow tells the story of fan-favourite characters Henry Creel, Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado through a thrilling prequel that may or may not hold the key to stopping the ongoing spread of the upside-down… The Picture Of Dorian Gray Watch as Golden Globe-winner Sarah Snook returns to London in The Picture of Dorian Gray starting in February. Snook takes on every role in this gripping, witty and vibrantly contemporary production that breathes new life into Oscar Wilde’s classic tale. Book a couples spa day. Our recommendations Mondrian Shoreditch: The Winter Couples Retreat Package Mondrian Shoreditch offers a luxurious experience. You’ll receive a Lola’s Apothecary gift box with massage oils, scented candles, body soufflés, and wellness teas to take home. While you might not replicate the hotel’s rooftop V-day menu, the 45-minute couples massage is heavenly. Bulgari Hotel London: The Couples Ritual It includes a 120-minute Cleanse and Clarify Body Ritual in their private Onyx Spa Suite. After the treatment, relax in the Bulgari’s scenic pool. Rosewood London: The Sense of Connection The Sense of Connection package includes an hour-long massage, an hour-long facial, and time in the private steam room. Ideal for time-poor couples looking for blissful relaxation.