London, a Michelin star-studded playground for the world's most renowned chefs, is about to welcome a host of new dining destinations that promise to redefine luxury and culinary excellence. As the gastronomic capital of Europe, London is a city where culinary innovation meets timeless elegance, and each year brings a fresh wave of excitement as new restaurants prepare to open their doors. 2024 is set to be an extraordinary year for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs, with a line-up of highly anticipated restaurant openings that will showcase diverse cuisines and cutting-edge culinary techniques. From the chic streets of Mayfair to the artistic hubs of Shoreditch and the verdant corners of Notting Hill, London's dining scene is about to get even more vibrant and varied. The anticipation is palpable as food lovers, critics, and trendsetters eagerly await these new establishments, each promising unique and unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you're looking to indulge in the opulence of Michelin-starred menus, explore avant-garde culinary arts, or enjoy plant-based delights in serene settings, there’s something for every discerning palate. As you plan your culinary adventures for the upcoming year, here’s your guide to the hottest new spots where you can take friends, impress dates, or simply treat yourself to an unparalleled feast. Make sure to secure your reservations early, as these dining gems are poised to become the most sought-after tables in town. Clap, already celebrated in Beirut and Dubai, makes its European debut in the heart of Knightsbridge. Known for its exceptional Japanese cuisine, Clap has consistently featured on the World's Best Restaurants list for the Middle East and North Africa. Expect a culinary journey that blends tradition with innovation, set against a backdrop of stylish elegance. Opening in February, Bellazul in Marylebone is a Mediterranean-inspired gem led by Simone Serafini, former Head Chef of Cecconi's Mayfair. With dishes like Moroccan lamb tagine and lobster, Bellazul promises to captivate diners with its blend of traditional flavours and contemporary flair. The azure-toned ambiance offers a serene escape from London's bustling streets. Claude Bosi's latest venture, Josephine, opens in Chelsea in early 2024. Embracing the essence of a Lyonnaise bouchon, the menu pays homage to Bosi's roots and his family's bistro in Lyon. Diners can expect a classic Lyonnaise menu, reflecting the region's rich culinary heritage. Tim Jefferies and Chef Larry Jayasekara introduce The Cocochine in Bruton Place, Mayfair. This intimate restaurant focuses on personal connection and old-school hospitality, with no online bookings. The Cocochine features a 28-seat dining room and a mosaic-covered chef's counter, creating a space that celebrates art and craftsmanship. Arlington, opening in early 2024 in Mayfair’s St. James's, revives the iconic Le Caprice. Under the direction of Jeremy King, Arlington aims to bring back old-world glamour with a timeless menu featuring transatlantic favourites. This legendary spot promises a dining experience infused with the spirit of its predecessor. In February 2024, Mayfair will welcome Mistress, a new French restaurant and members club inspired by historic clandestine tunnels. This subterranean venue offers refined French cuisine and an exclusive, hedonistic atmosphere, complete with a roaming Champagne trolley and classic cocktails. Julie’s, a renowned restaurant and champagne bar established in 1967, is being transformed into a modern French brasserie by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Tara MacBain. With a glamorous menu featuring seafood towers, oysters, and tableside martinis, Julie’s is set to revive its effortless elegance. Korean-born, Colorado-raised Chef Akira Back brings his Michelin-starred expertise to his first UK venture in Mayfair. Blending Japanese and Korean influences, the restaurant offers all-day dining with dishes inspired by his heritage and global travels, highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced locally. Simpson’s in the Strand, an iconic London institution, is also making a grand comeback in 2024. This storied establishment, renowned for its traditional British fare and historic charm, promises to blend its rich heritage with contemporary culinary excellence. Nestled in the heart of the City, Simpson’s will continue to offer its classic dishes like roast meats carved tableside, while introducing new, innovative menus crafted by top chefs. This revival aims to attract both loyal patrons and a new generation of diners, cementing its status as a must-visit landmark in London's vibrant dining scene.

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.

In the dynamic world of fashion, where a myriad of brands and fresh designers constantly vie for our attention, each season brings forth a flood of innovation and creativity. Yet amidst this ever-evolving landscape, there are perennial trends we eagerly embrace and others we're quick to consign to oblivion. Thanks to the omnipresence of social media, the lifespan of a trend can be as fleeting as a mere 24 hours, leaving us in a perpetual whirlwind of style sensations and forgotten fads. As we reflect on the past year, it's impossible to overlook the seismic shifts in pop culture, the audacious fashion statements gracing red carpets, and of course, the plethora of footwear designs that captivated our imaginations. MSCHF red inflated boots Adidas Samba Barbiecore Maison Margiela's Tabi Boots Return of Denim Sheer everything No-pants trend Friendship bracelets Quiet Luxury It's understandable to feel frustrated by the pervasiveness of certain trends, especially when they seem to miss the mark on what true luxury embodies. The concept of "quiet luxury" is rooted in understated elegance and refined taste, yet it's often overshadowed by the ostentatious display of logos and brand names. The irony of influencers hashtagging their outfits with "quiet luxury" while loudly flaunting designer labels can be quite glaring. What's more disheartening is the oversimplification of the concept, such as the TikTok channels advocating for cheap white t-shirts tucked into trousers as a representation of quiet luxury. While a classic, logo-free aesthetic certainly has its appeal, it's unfair to pit branded and non-branded clothing against each other without acknowledging the craftsmanship and creativity behind each piece. At its core, true luxury transcends labels and logos; it's about quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. It's about appreciating the subtle details and the artistry that goes into creating a garment, regardless of whether it bears a prominent brand name. Perhaps the true essence of quiet luxury lies in celebrating individual style and discerning taste, rather than conforming to trends dictated by logos and labels.

As 2023 draws to a close, we revisit some of the most memorable looks on the red carpet this year. This year the red carpet was dominated by cat cosplay outfits which made waves online. Starting off with the videos of Kim Kardashian trying to befriend Karl Lagerfeld's cat Choupette, to the iconic Doja Cat red carpet turnup and interview where she just continuously mewed to the camera; and the unforgetable Jared Leto costume show off. Margot Robbie in Vivienne Westwood Rihanna in Valentino Harry Styles in Egonlab Anne Hathaway in vintage Valentino Jared Leto at the Met Gala Elsa Hosk in Viktor & Rolf Sienna Miller in Schiaparelli Cardi B in Gaurav Gupta Fan Bingbing in Christopher Bu Rihanna in Schiaparelli

With Christmas only a fortnight away, I must confess that I'm in a festive mood, and I hope you are too. So, why not embrace the holiday spirit by snagging a Christmas sweater and filling your favorite mug with hot chocolate? In this brief guide, we'll explore our top Christmas knit picks for the year, ranging from classic to novelty and standout styles – ensuring you're all set to dive into the holiday cheer.

London is a cosmopolitan city that carries tradition and carefully blends it in with the contemporary, and as such it hosts a plethora of members clubs scattered across the central area. In this article we will explore the best clubs, but also figure out the ones that might most suit your personality and interests. You should remember - a members club isn’t made up of the facilities or perks it offers but rather by the people who visit it. Annabel's Guided by the design prowess of Martin Brudnizki, an omnipresent figure in crafting the aesthetics of some of London's most elite establishments, Annabel’s has become a playground tailored for the affluent and famous. Boasting multiple restaurants, bars, and its notorious nightclub, Annabel’s re-entered the bustling members' club market with an offering that impresses on multiple fronts. WHERE: 46 BERKELEY SQUARE, MAYFAIR, W1J 5AT WEBSITE: WWW.ANNABELS.CO.UK Home House WHERE: 20 PORTMAN SQUARE, LONDON W1H 6LW WEBSITE: WWW.HOMEHOUSE.CO.UK AllBright Mayfair WHERE: 24-26 MADDOX STREET, MAYFAIR, W1S 1PP WEBSITE: WWW.ALLBRIGHTCOLLECTIVE.COM Ned’s Club Ned's Club is located inside an old 1920's bank, the rooftop features a heated pool and a restaurant, and the basement offers a club with live music. It is kitted with a spa and a gym, and since it's under the umbrella of the hotel under the same name, as a member you receive preferential rates for room bookings, and access to a roaster of exclusive members only events. WHERE: 27 POULTRY, EC2R 8AJ WEBSITE: WWW.THENED.COM Apollo's Muse Crafted by Mayfair's billionaire club mogul, Richard Caring, the remarkable Greco-Italian space takes inspiration from the impressive influences of Martin Brudnizki and Damien Hirst evident in Bacchanalia. Going toe-to-toe with some of the world's premier museums and galleries, visitors can bask in the splendour of a collection of priceless antiquities, including a Roman marble Venus (circa 1st/2nd century AD), a Greek funerary Lekythos (circa 4th century AD), and, naturally, the club's eponymous centrepiece: Apollo’s Muse (2nd century AD). The room's opulent grandeur is further accentuated by mirrored tables, velvet-clad bar stools, custom Murano wine glasses, and napkin rings inspired by gold leaf. WHERE: 1 MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR WEBSITE: WWW.APOLLOS-MUSE.CO.UK The Ivy While The Club exudes a theatrical essence, influenced by its prime location, its membership spans across diverse realms such as film, music, art, media, and advertising. Noteworthy events, including the judging of the Booker Prize and hosting NME Awards after-parties, have added to its illustrious history. The allure of The Ivy Club lies in its unmatched class and style, a standard many aspire to achieve but few manage to equal. WHERE: 9 WEST STREET, COVENT GARDEN, WC2H 9NE WEBSITE: WWW.THE-IVYCLUB.CO.UK