In the race to charm both the collector and the cocktail crowd, distilleries are trying just about everything short of aging whisky in lava. But Ad Gefrin, the Northumberland-based distillery tucked inside an Anglo-Saxon museum (because of course it is), is doing something refreshingly old-school: making heritage feel exciting. The name Tácnbora (Old English for “standard bearer,” in case your medieval linguistics is rusty) isn’t just a historical flex. It’s also the through-line for Ad Gefrin’s growing whisky story, one that leads to their first Single Malt release next year. But for now, we’re left with just 1,800 to 2,000 bottles of this Cognac-finished expression—and yes, there’s already a membership list if you’re the type who likes bottle #1. Expect honey, raisin, and sandalwood on the nose; apricots and fudge on the palate; and a finish that’s basically your countryside dreamscape in flavour form: gorse flowers and freshly cut wood. It's giving Game of Thrones, but with a better aftertaste. Is it niche? Definitely. Is it indulgent? Of course. But that’s the point. With this release, Ad Gefrin isn’t just making whisky—they’re making a moment. You can purchase your bottle here .

If you’ve been paying attention to the subtle yet unmistakable shift in the wine world—the way fashion types have suddenly started name-dropping Stellenbosch and corking bottles of Swartland Chenin like it’s Chablis—you’ll know that South Africa is having a moment. A long-overdue one. But if there were ever a wine label poised to turn that moment into a movement, it might just be Belle Montagne . Launched this year out of South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, Belle Montagne is the kind of brand that doesn’t whisper about exclusivity—it builds a wine club so selective you have to apply to join. With its debut cuvée, a 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon of which only 1,000 bottles exist, the label is positioning itself as less a vineyard, more a luxury maison. And it’s working. The wine, a layered expression of dark fruit, chocolate, and dried herbs, was created in collaboration with award-winning winemaker Coenie Snyman , who calls it “structured and ageable,” though it’s already drinking beautifully. It’s not just the wine that’s turning heads. Every detail—from the hand-stitched leather strap sealing the bottle to the Italian-textured Fedrigoni paper wrapping and velvet-lined wooden box—feels more Louis Vuitton trunk than winery merch. Behind the label are Nick and Roslyn Holland , a South African couple with global taste and what seems like a designer’s eye for storytelling. Rather than simply slap their names on a label, they’ve gone full couture. The duo took over a historic Franschhoek farm, uprooted its underperforming 25-year-old vines, and began again—literally. With help from Vinpro, South Africa’s leading wine body, they mapped the terrain using heat sensors and soil analysis to replant for the long game. The estate’s first estate-grown vintage will be ready in 2027. Until then, this 2022 Cabernet serves as both a teaser and a statement of intent. The label’s membership model mirrors the drop-culture mechanics of streetwear and the scarcity-driven tactics of luxury skincare. Only 500 memberships are available globally. Members receive three annual cuvées—Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Shiraz—delivered at their optimal release moments. Think of it as a wine calendar curated by someone who understands both terroir and timing. And while the bottles are rare, the brand isn’t shy about its ambition. “Belle Montagne,” the press notes read, is not just a wine club, but “a symbol of African ambition, refinement, and excellence.” That may sound lofty, but maybe it’s time the global wine conversation got a little less French—and a lot more bold. Applications for Belle Montagne’s Members Club are now open. Just don’t expect a waiting list—you’ll need a velvet rope-worthy reason to get in.

There’s something undeniably charming about entering a bakery and heading upstairs to a hidden tea room—as though you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret that Chelsea women would rather you not know about. That’s exactly the feeling Bread Ahead conjures with The Tea House, its new afternoon tea concept perched above the much-loved Pavilion Road bakery. Bread Ahead may be best known for its pillow-soft doughnuts and queues of tourists outside Borough Market, but this foray into the more rarefied world of afternoon tea is a subtle flex—and a rather good one. Founded by Matthew Jones, the brand has always tiptoed the line between classic and cultish, but The Tea House brings its patisserie credentials centre stage with an offering that feels at once traditional, generous, and knowingly unfussy. Bread Ahead may be best known for its pillow-soft doughnuts and queues of tourists outside Borough Market, but this foray into the more rarefied world of afternoon tea is a subtle flex—and a rather good one. Founded by Matthew Jones, the brand has always tiptoed the line between classic and cultish, but The Tea House brings its patisserie credentials centre stage with an offering that feels at once traditional, generous, and knowingly unfussy. The menu is both familiar and self-assured. We began with pots of Fortnum & Mason loose-leaf tea—Earl Grey and Royal Blend—elegantly poured and served with all the ceremony you’d expect, minus the pomp. Soon after, the first course arrived: the bridge rolls. These are often forgettable—supermarket-style buns stuffed with uninspired fillings, more canapé than culinary moment—but here, they were a quiet triumph. The cloud-soft texture of the rolls, paired with pulled meats and carefully balanced flavours, made for an unexpected delight: London smoked salmon with lemon butter, bright and briny Coronation chicken, creamy but never cloying Egg mayonnaise sharpened with mustard cress—so balanced it would satisfy even the pickiest eater Cucumber with whipped cream cheese and dill—a nod to tradition, reimagined with freshness Then came the showstopper: a three-tiered tray, the kind that demands a moment of quiet admiration. The middle tier, in particular, was a carousel of nostalgic British bakes—each one precise, thoughtful, and baked with real technical finesse. We devoured a flawless traditional Battenberg (light as air), a jammy apricot and almond tart with a hint of lemon thyme, and a decadent Matthew’s chocolate cake layered with raspberries and even more dark chocolate. Rich, unapologetic, and utterly satisfying. On the top tier, the scones—still warm from the oven, crisp-edged and pillowy inside. Both plain and fruit, served with Cornish clotted cream, strawberry jam, and a zingy lemon curd. If you judge an afternoon tea by its scones (and you absolutely should), these could make a convert of you. At £35 per person, it’s more accessible than many of its West End counterparts and all the more special for it. There’s no hotel lobby clatter, no need to whisper. It’s relaxed, well-paced, and just the right level of indulgent. For those wanting to take things further, The Tea House now offers afternoon tea masterclasses—hands-on, intimate sessions where you can learn to craft these bakes yourself. Just don’t be surprised if your scones don’t quite reach Bread Ahead standards. It’s rare to find an afternoon tea that feels as personal as it is polished. The Tea House is that rare gem: rooted in tradition, elevated by skill, and entirely worth the indulgence.

The cult of flame shows no sign of cooling — and in Marylebone, it’s just found a new home. On June 17, Boxcar Bar & Grill , a long-standing local favourite with a quiet confidence, relaunches as Boxcar Fire & Wine — a reimagined dining room where wood smoke, elemental cooking, and natural wines set the tone for a decidedly grown-up experience. Think elevated neighbourhood bistro, if your neighbourhood happens to be quietly obsessed with Galician beef and low-intervention rosé. It’s not just a rebrand — it’s a reset. A new name, a new direction, and a new chef: Zisis Gkalmpenis , whose résumé reads like a love letter to refined kitchens (Pied à Terre, Cord by Le Cordon Bleu, The Greyhound in Beaconsfield), brings a distinctly Southern European point of view to the table. The grill takes centre stage — both metaphorically and literally — and from it come plates that feel both primal and precise: Iberico pork presa lacquered with Morello cherries, wild brill served with asparagus and wild garlic, or a Brie tortelloni so soft and savoury it belongs on a tasting menu, not a Tuesday night. Zisis puts it best: “We work with the best seasonal produce, and cook in a way that’s straightforward but deeply respectful.” It’s a kind of fine dining without the white tablecloths. And that’s exactly the point. The wine list , too, gets its moment in the firelight. Curated from small, sustainable producers with an eye for the natural and the expressive, it’s the kind of list that rewards curiosity. There’s even an own-label rosé, Tinted Glasses , made in collaboration with Château Saint-Maur in Provence — as charming as it is intentionally Instagrammable. Crucially, many bottles are available by the glass or carafe, so you can actually try the skin-contact white and the Syrah without feeling like you’re on a tasting flight. Behind the transformation is the Boxcar Group duo Ankur Wishart and Barry Hirst (also behind Open House London and The Italian Greyhound), who know how to build restaurants people want to return to. “This new chapter is about creating an ingredient-led destination in a warm neighbourhood setting,” says Wishart. “We’re pouring wines with personality and cooking food that lets the fire speak for itself.” And the room speaks too. The newly renovated space blends raw wood, rustic finishes, and just the right amount of polish — the kind of restaurant where the open flame is not just a kitchen feature but part of the conversation. Tables are close enough to create a buzz but not so close that you hear your neighbour's thoughts on biodynamic fermentation. It’s intimate, but it’s not trying too hard. Boxcar Fire & Wine opens its doors Tuesday through Sunday, with options for private hire. It's the kind of place you'll want to claim as your own — but probably won’t keep secret for long.

Every August Bank Holiday, Reading Festival ignites the cultural calendar with a heady blend of music, fashion, and unforgettable experiences — and 2025 promises to be its most electric edition yet. Set against the backdrop of Richfield Avenue from 21–24 August, this year’s festival offers a sleek new vision for luxury festivalgoers. Rockstar Energy presents a meticulously curated line-up headlined by Travis Scott, Hozier, Chappell Roan, and Bring Me The Horizon — with UK rap titans D-Block Europe and nu-metal legends Limp Bizkit just announced to join the bill. Whether you’re there for the exclusives (Travis Scott’s only European show), or the cultural cachet (Chappell Roan’s first UK headline), Reading 2025 is where high fashion meets high energy. Far from muddy wellies and lukewarm cider, the festival’s recent overhaul signals a new era: five redesigned campsites, premium hospitality offerings, and backstage-worthy experiences are drawing in a more style-conscious crowd. With names like Bakar, Jazzy, Example, and Matilda Mann adding range to the weekend’s soundtrack — and fashion-forward acts like Heartworms, VLURE and Pozer defining the visual aesthetic — Reading Festival 2025 is shaping up to be the place not only to be seen, but to see the next wave of music and style icons take flight. Friday 22 August The weekend opens with something few festivals manage to pull off: a rock line-up that doesn’t feel like a museum. Bring Me The Horizon , once the black sheep of the metalcore world, now headline with the confidence of stadium veterans — part emo nostalgia trip, part futuristic audio spectacle. If the laser show doesn’t get you, the crowd screaming “Can You Feel My Heart” definitely will. Just before them: Limp Bizkit , who, yes, are still rolling (what?), and no, they haven’t aged out of their ironic-meets-iconic appeal. You’ll want your cargo pants and a flip phone for this one. But Friday isn’t just for the former Hot Topic generation. Over on the rising stages, there’s a clear pivot to genre-blurring: Matilda Mann and Nell Mescal bring soft, heart-wringing lyricism for the cottagecore-to-Coachella set; Nemzzz reclaims the mic for Manchester’s Gen Z rap scene; and SNAYX , somewhere between punk and pure attitude, remind us that guitars aren’t dead — they’ve just been on TikTok. It's a day that flexes the festival’s range: one moment you’re in a mosh pit, the next you're crying in a crowd of strangers. A strong start. Saturday 23 August If Friday is for the emos, Saturday is for the It crowd. Travis Scott headlines with his only European performance of the year — a detail not lost on the crowd who likely booked tickets before reading the full line-up. His shows are less performances and more world-building: pyrotechnics, 3D visuals, auto-tuned philosophy. He might be the only artist who could close a festival while also launching a sneaker drop mid-set. Before Scott takes the stage, UK rap duo D-Block Europe bring their signature mix of moody beats and melodic bravado — think heartbreak, hustle, and a lot of designer sunglasses after dark. Example , a surprise highlight of the day, makes his long-awaited official Reading debut (he’s popped up unannounced enough times that fans had stopped checking the timetable). Expect a throwback dancefloor wrapped in new energy. Saturday also leans hard into the style-forward side of the festival. Bakar , the indie polymath with both a Prada campaign and a cult fanbase under his belt, takes genre fluidity into his own hands. And if you’re looking to dance without sacrificing your outfit, Badger brings a heavy, bass-driven set that’s all house, jungle and UKG — and probably the only place on-site where cowboy boots and body glitter are considered casualwear. Sunday 24 August Closing out the weekend is a Sunday line-up that reads more like a fashion week afterparty than a festival setlist. Hozier — yes, that Hozier — brings the church, the gospel, and the heartbreak. He’s everyone’s emotional support headline act, and his return to Reading is set to be one of the weekend’s most cinematic moments. Imagine Take Me To Church under a dusky sky, in a crowd full of people who have definitely made a soft-focus TikTok to Unknown/Nth. Then there’s Chappell Roan , the breakout pop phenom who’s redefining what it means to headline in 2025. Her first UK headline set is not just a performance; it’s an aesthetic moment. Think RuPaul runway meets prom queen meltdown — but in the best possible way. Her glitter-drenched set promises to be one of the most talked-about, memed, and outfit-inspiring performances of the year. Elsewhere on Sunday, the programming leans maximalist and a little bit mad — in the best way. Heartworms channels goth girl energy with military precision, VLURE bring warehouse rave chaos with live drums, and Pozer give high drama with a side of eyeliner. These are the acts your favourite fashion interns are already tweeting about. If Friday was for feelings and Saturday for selfies, Sunday is for spectacle.

In the verdant heart of London, where the city's pulse softens to the rhythm of rustling leaves and distant melodies, BST Hyde Park 2025 emerges as the season's most anticipated cultural rendezvous. This year's festival is not merely a sequence of concerts; it's a curated tapestry of musical narratives, each day unfolding a new chapter in the ever-evolving story of contemporary soundscapes. From the introspective ballads of indie prodigies to the electrifying anthems of seasoned legends, BST Hyde Park promises an auditory journey as diverse and dynamic as its audience. For 2025, the headliners read like the For You Page of a Gen Z fever dream, crossed with your dad’s vintage vinyl shelf. Think Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, and Sabrina Carpenter—each commanding a day in Hyde Park as if Buckingham Palace weren’t just a ten-minute walk away. Below, we break down the line-up day by day. (Pro tip: plan your outfits now. Yes, all of them.) As the summer sun casts its golden hue over the iconic Great Oak Stage, attendees will find themselves immersed in performances that transcend mere entertainment. This festival is a celebration of artistry, a confluence of genres and generations, where every note played resonates with the collective heartbeat of thousands. In the spirit of Amy Odell's keen eye for cultural zeitgeists, let's delve into the daily line-up that positions BST Hyde Park 2025 as the epitome of musical sophistication. Friday, June 27: Olivia Rodrigo Kicking off the festival with a fervent blend of vulnerability and vigor, Olivia Rodrigo takes the stage, marking her most significant UK performance to date. Her meteoric rise from Disney ingénue to Grammy-winning artist is a testament to her authentic storytelling and resonant melodies. With tracks from Guts and SOUR , expect a setlist that traverses the emotional landscapes of youth, heartbreak, and self-discovery, delivered with the raw intensity that has become Rodrigo's hallmark. Supporting acts have yet to be revealed, but given Rodrigo’s high-fashion-meets-heartache appeal, this night is poised to be a generational touchstone—equal parts tearjerker and scream-along. Saturday & Sunday, June 28–29: Zach Bryan Zach Bryan brings his stripped-back Americana to the Great Oak Stage for two consecutive nights—a feat that signals just how firmly he’s rooted himself in the UK’s collective consciousness. Hailing from Oklahoma and shaped by his years in the U.S. Navy, Bryan’s storytelling unspools with rare vulnerability and restraint, more handwritten letter than TikTok snippet. On Saturday , he’s joined by Mt. Joy —whose sun-soaked indie-rock will warm the early crowd—and Gabrielle Aplin , who offers a homegrown dose of lyrical sincerity. On Sunday , the lineup pivots slightly more country: Turnpike Troubadours bring their swaggering, fiddle-laced sound, while Dermot Kennedy (appearing both nights) ensures the emotional tempo never dips below full-body goosebumps. Friday, July 4: Noah Kahan On the Fourth of July, Hyde Park welcomes Vermont’s finest export: Noah Kahan. Dubbed the “folk Malone” for his blend of earnest lyrics and meme-friendly relatability, Kahan’s 2025 BST set feels like a long-awaited communion with his British fanbase. His debut at Hyde Park promises soul-baring renditions of Stick Season , wrapped in the kind of vocal ache that turns a crowd into a choir. Also on the bill is Gracie Abrams , whose gauzy, confessional pop reads like pages torn from a diary. It’s a night for introspection and Instagram captions alike. Saturday & Sunday, July 5–6: Sabrina Carpenter If last summer belonged to Taylor, this one might be Sabrina’s. Following a viral year marked by global chart domination and a Met Gala entrance that launched a thousand think pieces, Sabrina Carpenter is no longer just a pop princess—she’s the pop provocateur of the moment. On Saturday , the mood leans indie-chic with Clairo , whose hushed vocals and diaristic lyrics lend a dreamy counterpoint to Carpenter’s glossy theatrics. Beabadoobee , a Gen Z guitar heroine, adds a grungier edge with her ‘90s Britpop aesthetic. By Sunday , the vibe shifts subtly more soulful, with Olivia Dean joining the bill alongside the return of Clairo . Expect sequins, synchronised dancing, and, yes, a crowd full of very online fashion moments. Friday, July 11: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts The penultimate evening at BST Hyde Park delivers a masterclass in musical legacy, courtesy of Neil Young and his new band, the Chrome Hearts. As part of his Love Earth World Tour , Young promises a set that reaches deep into his colossal catalogue—think “Heart of Gold,” “Harvest Moon,” and “Rockin’ in the Free World”—while also embracing new material written as recently as last winter. With Spooner Oldham on Farfisa organ and Micah Nelson (Willie’s son) lending his guitar and vocals, the Chrome Hearts lineup is an homage to Young’s enduring knack for finding the right collaborators at the right time. Saturday, July 12: Stevie Wonder The incomparable Stevie Wonder headlines a Saturday that already feels historic. His "Love, Light & Song" tour lands in Hyde Park like a spiritual revival—expect joy, expect dancing, expect tears. While support acts remain under wraps, the mere presence of Wonder is enough to guarantee a soulful spectacle. From "Superstition" to "Isn't She Lovely," this is the set where generations will dance side by side under the London sky. Sunday, July 13: Jeff Lynne’s ELO BST 2025 closes on a high—and final—note with Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra , marking their last-ever UK show. For decades, Lynne has fused orchestral flourishes with classic rock in a way that still feels futuristic. Sunday’s lineup reads like a tribute to that legacy. The Doobie Brothers bring California cool, Steve Winwood offers a masterclass in genre-bending grooves, and Dhani Harrison (yes, George’s son) injects the evening with a reverent nod to rock ‘n’ roll lineage. A night of light shows, strings, and singalongs—it’s less a concert, more a curtain call for an era.