Alpine school holiday heaven July 22, 2012 JAKE’S huge grin said it all. But in case I’d missed his wild enthusiasm as our raft careered down the white waters of the River Arve, he spelled it out with a series of whoops: “Best. Fun. Ever.” Chamonix, which bills itself as the ultimate summer playground for children, had really delivered on its promise. [...]
Hideaway in the Highlands June 17, 2012 For non-members, visiting Skibo Castle, home of the ultra-exclusive Carnegie Club, is bittersweet. Allowed just one stay pre-membership, those who are invited to sample the castle’s delights and the lifestyle offered by the Club, named after Skibo’s former owner Andrew Carnegie, are exposed to such a confluence of pleasures that the predominant feeling on departure [...]
DEALMAKER OF THE YEAR August 1, 2012 INVESTMENT bankers have had a difficult year, with London’s IPO market virtually closed, and M&A deals few and far between. Our fourth short-list for the third annual City A.M. awards, though, highlights some superb individual performances in such difficult markets. Jonathan Rowley, for example, was on at least three M&A deals in just one week [...]
Hot stuff: Trishna is great for date night but mind the spice April 23, 2012 RESTAURANT TRISHNA 15-17 Blandford Street, W1U 3DG FOOD *** SERVICE ***** ATMOSPHERE **** Cost per person without wine: £45 TRISHNA is that rare thing: a rustic-chic restaurant serving top-dollar Indian cuisine. Elsewhere in London, posh Indians are in over-sleek rooms without windows and rustic is the very last word you’d apply to them. At the [...]
Live like a true king in Kingston July 8, 2012 THE SUN descends over Kingston town, casting a warm blood orange-hued glow over the city and dramatic dock beyond. At street level music systems crank out raga, cars beep, locals chat animatedly by beer shacks and jerk chicken stands as our car weaves masterfully through the throng of traffic. “Rush hour,” explains our driver, handing [...]
Miami Nice: there’s lots more to Florida than Disney World April 15, 2012 FOR most of the 1.5m Brits who travel to Florida each year, it’s the allure of the Mouse that does it. But there’s much more to the state than Disney. While Orlando promises wholesome family entertainment (especially for those who don’t mind queuing), the rest of Florida offers some serious fun for grown ups. Miami [...]
GOING OUT March 22, 2012 The new Cinnamon Club Soho opens this week on the old Bar Red site on Kingly street. This is the third establishment from executive chef Vivek Singh who brought you the original Cinnamon Club in Westminster and the more contemporary Cinnamon Kitchen in the City. This time they have a younger, cheekier outlook and are [...]
Affordable yoga retreat in Goa delivers a great detox April 15, 2012 What price would you put on bettering your general wellbeing? If you can stretch it to £500, and don’t grimace at the idea of yoga and meditation in India (it’s not just for hippies, honest), then get thee to Goa. Worn out from London life – too much eating and boozing, too little exercise and [...]
Dubai nightlife gets an injection of Mayfair fun May 20, 2012 LONDON night owls tired of seeing the same old faces – and tired of the chill – might do well to make a trip to the United Arab Emirates. Die-hard City folk can easily feel an affiliation with Dubai thanks to an influx of club, bar and restaurant openings all mimicking the best of what [...]
iPad, I saw, I conquered March 21, 2012 1080P HD VIDEO The new iPad’s camera is capable of shooting quality high definition video. If you’re filming in good light, the results can be pretty astonishing. It has an image stabiliser to reduce “wobble”. The new screen also makes video playback noticeably better “THAT” SCREEN The new iPad’s biggest selling point is its retina [...]