Gourmet

Gourmet, Lifestyle

Sirene by GAIA

A mythical Mediterranean escape on Dubai’s shoreline

Dubai doesn’t do things by halves, and Sirene by GAIA is no exception. Positioned along the exclusive J1 Beach and already drawing thousands each week, this record-breaking 9,000sqm beach club redefines Mediterranean luxury with signature Dubai flair.

From the moment you pull into the valet driveway – greeted by floral installations and a serene water fountain – Sirene whispers sophistication. The boutique-adorned lobby opens into a vast, stylish space: vines and blooms trail along whitewashed walls, sun-bleached wood accents echo the Greek islands, and the open-air layout invites a gentle breeze. With a soft fanning system diffusing the warm Gulf air, it’s both effortlessly chic and utterly comfortable.

The sophisticated lobby at Sirene by Gaia leads into a Mediterranean-inspired vast open space.

The restaurant itself flows onto a beachfront patio where live music – a trio of singer, drummer, and DJ – sets a mellow yet upbeat tone. Inside, there’s an elegant buffet installation, but table service is where the experience shines. Waiters in crisp white and navy uniforms float through the space with relaxed precision, serving up a culinary masterclass.

We began with cocktails – Odyssia and Persephone…

Gourmet

Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury

Alfresco summer dining among flowers

Tucked up behind the busy streets of the West End lies The Bloomsbury hotel, home to Dalloway Terrace, an elegant alfresco restaurant that in spring, turns into a beautiful English garden. Cascading bouquets of white and pink blooms set the backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Led by General Manager, Gio, the team at Dalloway […]

Gourmet

The Peacock Inn

A treasure off the beaten track

If you enjoy discovering hidden gems, then the Peacock Inn in Chelsworth is definitely your kind of place. Nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, surrounded by fresh streams and meadows dotted with wild flowers, this establishment has been here since the 14th century. The grade II listed building is home to one of […]

Gourmet

Smith & Wollensky

The best American steakhouse in London

Smith & Wollensky is the kind of establishment that shows what first class hospitality looks like. From the hostess to the waiting staff, everyone here is professional and welcoming, committed to make guests have an unforgettable experience. The restaurant is housed in the historic Grade II listed Adelphi Building just off the Strand. Designed by […]

Gourmet

Hidden Gems at The K Bar London

Cocktails are a girl’s best friend

Prompted by the current Cartier exhibition at the V&A, The K Bar at The Kensington has created a cocktail menu inspired by precious stones, “Hidden Gems”. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds and amethysts are attracting both London residents and guests of the hotel to this award-winning jewel, a favourite among cocktail lovers since it first opened its […]

Gourmet

Bedford Street Wines

A modest front, a superb cellar

Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Bedford Street Wines looks too inviting not to go in. Although it is very small, the space is cleverly used and the atmosphere effortlessly relaxed. High stools, wine barrels doubling as tables, and a communal table that anchors the room, together with shelves stacked with wines from all […]

Gourmet

Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London

My kind of place to while the evening away

If you’re looking for a place with the ambience of a drawing room and the sophistication of a gentleman’s club to sip on a cocktail and while away the evening, look no further than Scarfes Bar. Evoking a convivial and sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere, and located a short distance from London’s Covent Garden, Scarfes Bar […]

Gourmet

Camille Charmont 2022 and Camille Volibarts 2022

A tribute to a woman of strength and spirit

Renowned Champagne house Louis Roederer releases its 2022 vintage “Hommage à Camille” wines: Camille Charmont 2022 (red) and Camille Volibarts 2022 (white). The woman behind the brand, Camille Olry-Roederer, was nothing short of extraordinary. She took the helm of Champagne Louis Roederer on the sudden death of her second husband in 1932. Her energy, ingenuity […]

Gourmet

Love on a plate

Swoon-worthy restaurants for St Valentine’s

Valentine’s Day is an occasion for romance, red roses – and refined dining. One of the best ways of sealing a relationship is by sharing the pleasure of exquisite food. As a couple, few things beat the delight of enjoying a gourmet experience together. Our expert team of Epicureans have selected five of the best […]

Gourmet

NIJŪ Mayfair

The Art of Japanese Home-Cooked Cuisine

Recently opened and helmed by a powerhouse trio – Culinary Director and third-generation sushi master Chef Endo Kazutoshi, Executive Chef Chris Golding, and Head Sushi Chef David Bury – NIJŪ Mayfair has reimaged and reinterpreted traditional, authentic home-cooked Japanese food into a curated menu of “Katei Ryōri” style dishes to offer guests a luxury gourmet experience […]

Gourmet

French Festive bubbles

Champagnes for Christmas and treats to pair them with

Champagne adds a touch of elegance to the Christmas festivities. Its crisp, refreshing bubbles pair beautifully with a variety of canapés and tapas and its effervescence cleans the palate between bites. As someone who enjoys maximum reward with minimum effort, I have prepared for you, our dear readers, a selection of champagnes and morsels to […]

Gourmet

Four-Course Afternoon Curiosity

An original afternoon tea at Dukes Hotel, London

The Four-Course Afternoon Curiosity at Dukes London introduces an innovative twist to this quintessentially British tradition in collaboration with Louis Roederer champagne and luxury tea brand, JP’s Originals, served at the hotel’s heritage-style Drawing Room. Since it opened its doors in 1908 in the heart of St James’s, Dukes has been a favourite for royalty, […]