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On Saturday 13th September, Marylebone Lane will be transformed into a lively pedestrianised hub as Marylebone Village hosts A Day on the Lane, an outdoor shopping and dinning event running from 10am to 4pm. The day promises a mix of creative workshops, alfresco dining, street food, live music, wellness sessions and special retail experiences, with the atmosphere set against the backdrop of one of central London’s most charming streets. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Young Westminster Foundation, a local charity supporting opportunities for young people across Westminster. Visitors will be able to try their hand at a variety of creative workshops designed to be beginner friendly and hands on. Options include flower arranging with Bayley & Sage Abode, flower pot painting, knitting lessons and embroidered mending sessions at PLATFORM, all offering the chance to learn a new skill and take home something personal. Food and drink will play a central role throughout the day, with restaurants extending their terraces onto the lane. St. JOHN will showcase its signature “nose-to-tail” philosophy, Delamina will bring an Eastern Mediterranean flavour, and The Ivy will provide classic British dishes accompanied by live music. 108 Brasserie is marking the occasion with a summer terrace closing party, serving tasters such as gnocchi and mini lobster rolls. Street food and pop-up bars will add to the festivities, with Cavita serving mezcal cocktails and skewers, Lina Stores offering aperitivo bites, Caldesi mixing Aperol Spritz and Le Relais de Venise pouring champagne. Local pubs are also getting involved, with The Coach Makers Arms teaming up with Harbour Brewery to serve roast beef and lamb buns, and The Golden Eagle joining St Austell Brewery to host a Korev pop-up bar. For those seeking a moment of calm, London health club Third Space will run complimentary Breathwork and Soundbath classes in the morning. Each 45-minute session comes with added perks, including a smoothie at The Ivy and access to Rebase’s ice bath and sauna facilities. Spaces are limited, so booking ahead is recommended. The retail offering across Marylebone Lane will also feature one-off experiences and promotions. Jewellery brand Dinny Hall will be offering discounts alongside live demonstrations by jeweller Sam Holmes, while Larry King will invite visitors to spin a prize wheel for hair products and enjoy complimentary ice cream. Independent boutiques will take part too: O Pioneers will run card-making sessions using Liberty prints, shoemaker Tracey Neuls will host a prize competition involving traditional Korean shoe candy cutting, and PLATFORM will showcase chakra stones with an option to have gems engraved. a With its blend of food, music, wellness and shopping, A Day on the Lane aims to capture the spirit of Marylebone Village and offer visitors a chance to discover the area’s community of independent shops and restaurants in a new way. For the full list of brands and activities, click here . Written by Jordan Crowley Photos courtesy of Marylebone Village

If you thought burgers couldn’t be fine dining, think again. Following the buzz of its Borough opening earlier this year, the elevated burger restaurant from two Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, Heard, is bringing its cult smash burgers to Soho this September. Located just off Carnaby Street, the sleek multi-level restaurant was designed with London studio Superfutures. Upstairs, a buzzy open kitchen and counter seating make it ideal for quick eats and casual nights out, while downstairs is all about laid-back banquettes, pre-dinner cocktails, and lingering over food and drinks in style. Bailey, best known for his work at Oslo’s three-starred Maaemo and his own two-star Aimsir in Ireland, has swapped tasting menus for patties but with the same obsession for world-class ingredients and precision cooking. The result? Smash burgers made with aged British beef, English cheese, homemade pickles, and a buttery roast potato bun that has quickly won Heard a devoted following. The Soho opening promises even more, including the debut of the Soho Burger; the restaurant’s first non-smash creation, alongside an expanded menu that pushes the boundaries of what a burger joint can be. And it’s not just burgers on the menu. Drinks are central to the Heard experience, with a wine list curated by acclaimed sommelier Majken Bech-Bailey. Expect pairings that go way beyond beer with low-intervention wines, independent producers, Majken’s own non-alcoholic BÆK wine, plus craft beers from Forest Road Brewery and a line-up of cocktails designed to sip with every bite. Examples from the menu and the pairings include: The Heard  (Jordan’s Pick, The OG!) – £12.50 Double smash patty, Jalapeño hot honey, Ogleshield, white onion, Heard’s secret sauce and pickles RIDE, Pale Ale, Forest Road Brewery 4.6% (Can) - £6 Riesling, Domaine Rolly Gassman, Alsace, France, 2021- £8.50 Launch date: 12th September 2025 Address: 31 Foubert’s Place, Carnaby, W1F 7QG For more information, click here . Written by Jordan Crowley Photos courtesy of Heard Burger

This week we caught up with Jennifer Sutcliffe - Founder of The Working Mums Club to talk about her why it was important to set up The Working Mums Club, how mums can benefit from TWMC and much more! Can you tell us the inspiration behind starting The Working Mums Club? The idea came during a moment of pure frustration. As a working mum of two under four, I wanted a space that simply didn’t exist. After my second maternity leave, I realised the problem wasn’t me - it was the system. Childcare in the UK is wildly unaffordable, and most providers are built around rigid hours that don’t reflect the realities of parents who need flexibility. So I decided to build the space I needed: somewhere women can work, parent and breathe without having to choose between their career and their child. The Working Mums Club has been designed with every detail built around real mum-life, to support both mothers and their children. We offer Montessori-led nursery care, flexible memberships, and a warm, like-minded community. Even the food has a purpose - hormone-balancing, nutrient-rich meals that support energy, mood and stress, particularly in the months and years after birth. Our core mission is to dismantle one of the biggest barriers to gender equality: the childcare gap. At present, 76% of working mums face career stagnation or drop-out because childcare and workplace flexibility simply don’t align. If we can change that, we not only empower women - we unlock huge economic potential. The numbers say it all: The UK childcare sector contributes over £6.7 billion to the economy annually, yet only 24% of mothers return to full-time work after having a baby, and 79% of those leave again due to a lack of flexible, affordable childcare. The Working Mums Club is here to change that. 2. What personal challenges as a working mum have shaped the way The Working Mums Club runs? My own experience has shaped everything. I’m living the chaos - trying to meet strict deadlines with a toddler off sick, tapping away on my laptop late at night after bedtime, and feeling the guilt of yet another rushed nursery pick-up. I also know from first-hand experience that not all parents work 9 to 5. That’s why we offer weekend childcare, breakfast clubs, after-school care, and holiday clubs for children up to eight years old. When I became a mum, I realised the systems in place didn’t fit my work life or the routines I had for my children - something so many mothers experience. Our spaces are designed to break away from the rigid norms of childcare. We provide flexibility, creativity and timings that work for a mum, not just for us as a provider. The aim is to make the return to work less of a mountain to climb. 3. What has been the most surprising feedback you’ve received from your community? Mainly how many mothers are on board with the flex model and don’t want to be constrained by normal nursery hours. Also saddened by how many women we have come across who have been made redundant while pregnant or on maternity leave, it is truly shocking. Employers need to look at the bigger picture on how much a parent will bring to their business. Adaptation is what is needed not rigidity - mothers want to work but many employers make it impossible to do so. 4. If you could change one thing about the way workplaces treat working mums, what would it be? Respect. Too often, working mothers are seen as a burden because they may need to take time off when their children are unwell, during school holidays, or to make the school run. What employers often overlook is that parents - especially mothers - are masters of multitasking, organisation and delegation. When mothers are nourished and supported by their employers, they don’t just keep up. They thrive. 5. Where do you see The Working Mums Club in 5 years time? Our ultimate aim is to have spaces on every high street in the UK, so mothers nationwide have somewhere to work, connect and breathe. Deptford is just the start. In five years we are aiming to have 25 sites across the UK. We want to create authentic communities, where mothers can seamlessly switch from serious business discussions to sharing weaning tips without missing a beat. That blend of professional and personal support is where the magic happens. 6. Best piece of advice you have been given? “Don’t wait for the perfect time, because it doesn’t exist.” In motherhood, nothing is ever perfectly aligned. You have to start, and trust you’ll figure out the rest along the way. You can read all the books in the world with parenting but nothing will equip you for the craziness kids throw your way. Trust your instinct - this is true in business too. 7. What would your ideal day in London be like? Going to keep in local to Greenwich and Deptford as it’s where we live near and home to our first site! A run in Greenwich Park to start the day - incredible views of London, loads of green space and if early enough no cars around so the closest you’ll get to quiet in London. On the way back via Royal Hill pick up some meat from Drings Butcher Bread and cheese from The Cheese Board and any refills I need from Art of Zero Living . Back home and kids are deposited at pre-school nursery and with the nanny and I head to my temporary office at Deptford Library while our first site is being built on Crossfield Street. Would sneak in getting my nails done by the amazing Maylene at LB Studio . Lunch would be my absolute favorite Viet Rest that do the best Bánh cuốn and Pho - adore them. If it’s market day in Deptford (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) I’ll pick up fresh fish from Bob and his stall - so fresh, so delicious and bargain prices - three sea bass for £15. How can you go wrong?! If I had time would also get my hair cut by Susi at Bohemians Deptford who does an incredible curly hair cut. Pick up some great presents and art for our site from @deptforddoesart Zuzana and Dan are real champions of the local artist and creator community. When my daughter is back at school I try to pick her up at 3pm and then we head home for an early dinner - I will do some more work before the nanny leaves at 5pm then as much as I can, I put down my phone and spend time with the kids (ideal scenario). My partner and I, often shattered from the day and are spoiled by restaurants near by Jin Jiang is amazing for Sichuan and roast meats and The Tea House for dim sum. Jazu has awesome cocktails and rotating chef pop ups and Marcella is a firm favourite too for simple Italian and great wine. For more information on The Working Mums Club click here . Interview by Nyla Sammons Photography courtesy of The Working Mums Club

This September, Covent Garden becomes the beating heart of beauty as BIG BEAUTY arrives — a spectacular ten-day celebration dedicated to beauty, wellness and self-expression. From 4–14 September, London’s iconic Piazza and its surrounding streets will be transformed into an immersive world where fragrance, skincare, makeup and wellbeing take centre stage. Step into a multi-sensory playground alive with colour, creativity and innovation. Across ten days, discover exclusive pop-ups, masterclasses, giveaways and experiences from the most coveted names in beauty, alongside inspiring voices shaping the industry. Some highlights: Headline pop-ups: ELEMIS’ travelling Skin Spa Airstream, Dolce & Gabbana Beauty’s Sicilian lemonade cart, Ancient + Brave’s collagen coffee bar, Creed’s floral fragrance cart, and Liberty’s Beauty Advent Calendar reveal. The Fragrance Garden: A beautiful floral installation inspired by scent icons including Diptyque, GUERLAIN, Jo Malone London, and Penhaligon’s. In-store exclusives: Facials, masterclasses, launches and personalised services from Charlotte Tilbury, CHANEL, TOM FORD, MAC, Glossier and more. Wellness & fitness: movement classes in the heart of the Piazza with Peloton, as well as run clubs, in store wellness offers and activity from HOKA, Alo, Saucony and Vuori. Whilst in Convent Garden, explore the neighbourhood’s celebrated cafes, bars, restaurants and fashion and accessories stores. Beyond Beauty is open to all to attend, so grab your beauty fanatic friend or bring the whole family, and have some fun, while waving your beauty brush around! Photography courtesy of Covent Garden

Everything appears normal on a sunny afternoon on London’s Brompton Road. Shoppers and photo opportunists alike bustle around Harrods, taking photos of the impressive building. A few yards away, a small doorway offers a stairway to an experience that's a little more out of the ordinary. A chance to boggle your mind, stretch your perspectives, and take away some great photos to boot. Paradox museum is a fun, interactive family experience which is packed full of head scratching rooms and experiences designed to challenge your senses. Think optical illusions, infinity mirrors, and innovative ways to put a smile on your and your family’s faces. To really test out how engaging it is, we took our toddler who is a tough crowd when it comes to attention span. Themed for the summer season, the reception area is "tropical beach" themed, with beach Barbie displays lining the staircase and a faux beach which introduces you to the first family photo opportunity. We leave our pushchair in the bay provided and proceed around the route, following an eager 2 year old as he points and runs from room to room, eyes wide open. Perhaps a little young for many of the exhibits, but that’s OK as there’s plenty to make Mum and Dad feel like giddy children. We giggle, camouflaging ourselves with patterned cloaks that pattern-match the wall behind, and appearing the same height as our toddler in the skewed-perspective room. We appear to float, legs akimbo, whilst standing on a raised platform with half our body visible next to a floor-to-ceiling mirror. ` We marvel as we appear to walk up walls in the zero-gravity room, or lean to a 45° angle in a slanted room. Our boy crawls across the ceiling of a London underground station, and is slightly concerned to see mummy’s torso separated from her legs (actually daddy’s legs) on a paradox sofa. Feeling brave? Don't miss out on the mirrored tube that appears to descend and ascend in perpetuity, and the mirrored maze. I may have skipped the mirrored tube, that deffo got my stomach in knots... This only scratches the surface of all the befuddling and sense defying experiences that the paradox museum has to offer, and a fun afternoon was had by the three of us. A unique birthday party experience Birthday party packages are on offer at the Paradox Museum, with or without catering, which would make for an alternative fun experience. Packages include: Standard package - Full museum access and celebration space, not catering Mayfair Chippy Package,  which includes hot food by Mayfair Chippy, cake, soft drinks, and full tableware VIP Package,  includes sandwiches, cake, soft drinks, and tableware. Whether it’s a special celebration, a fun family day out, or even a date with a difference, the Paradox museum is a great way to inject a spot of joy into your day, and have some wacky photos for your memory books. For full details and pricing, click here . Written by Rick Hartley Photography courtesy of Paradox museum

Perched high above Canary Wharf on the 39th floor, Bōkan Terrace has had a summer glow-up you don’t want to miss. Teaming up with Hendrick’s Gin, the rooftop has been transformed into a whimsical sky-high escape, pairing panoramic city views with seasonal cocktails and sun-soaked vibes. Whether it’s golden-hour spritzes or late-night skyline sessions, this is London summer living at its finest. The bar team, led by Generoso D’Avino, has created a new cocktail line-up for the season. Highlights include the floral Lychee & Blossom with Hendrick’s Gin, the herbaceous It’s Thyme with Monkey Shoulder, the fig-forward Highland Fig with Glenfiddich 15, and the tropical Island Breeze with Discarded Banana Peel Rum. Pair your drinks with Executive Chef Robert Manea’s elevated bar plates from wagyu beef burgers and seafood platters to indulgent desserts like Speculoos gnocchi and Baileys cheesecake. Bōkan’s rooftop terrace operates on a walk-in basis, while tables at Bōkan 38 (the indoor bar) can be booked in advance. Open daily and running late on Fridays and Saturdays it’s the perfect spot to toast to summer, cocktail in hand, with the London skyline glittering around you. Address: Bōkan, 40 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9TP For more information and to book click here . Written by Claire Selby Photos by A Dash and a Splash

Dust off your Nokia 3310 and dig out the glowsticks — Bunga 90 is coming to Covent Garden! Opening 19th September, the former Bunga Bunga on Drury Lane has been reborn as a full-blown love letter to the 90s. Think retro cocktails, giant pizzas, karaoke that will make you feel like a Spice Girl, and enough nostalgia to transport you straight back to your Friday night video rental days. From the outside, it looks like your local Blockbuster — shelves of VHS tapes, SEGA consoles, and chunky TVs. Step inside and the journey gets wilder: karaoke in a video store, a teenager’s bedroom hideout, arcade madness, a claw machine that mixes your cocktails, and even a mini rave hidden in the toilets (yes, really). Everywhere you look, the 90s are back baby! On the menu? Giant 20-inch pizzas perfect for sharing, loaded bar snacks, and cocktails served in Britney Spears’ head, and even a trusty Nokia brick. Karaoke is the heart and soul of Bunga 90, with private rooms, open mic spots, and a central stage for anyone brave enough to belt out a classic in front of the crowd. Saturdays turn it up another notch with a bottomless 90s brunch — live music, endless drinks, and pizza galore. Address: Bunga 90 is at 167 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PG For more information and to book a ticket, click here .   Written by Claire Selby  2nd photo by Johnny Stephens

Soho may be sleepy on a Sunday, but step through the arch on Greek Street and suddenly you’re in Ibiza. Milk Beach’s Sunday Sessions bring the sunshine vibes every week until the end of September, with al fresco dining, a live DJ, cocktail pitchers, and a special brunch menu running from 11:30am to 5pm. The Aussie-inspired interiors set the tone straight away with natural hues, quirky artwork, and even seaside sounds in the loos. It’s holiday mode from the first sip. Food-wise, the menu doesn’t disappoint. Our avocado toast arrived stacked high on thick sourdough with feta, watercress, and seeds - a whole avocado’s worth, no skimping here. The sweet potato fritters with smoked salmon and poached eggs were light yet indulgent, while the house special prawn toast was a serious crowd-pleaser. Drinks flowed just as freely, we went for a spicy margarita (punchy but balanced) and a green juice so good we immediately refuelled. The blend of mango, avocado, banana, apple, lemon, and spinach was refreshing and surprisingly moreish. Dessert sealed the deal: the “Golden Gaytime” parfait with layers of toffee, buttermilk, dark chocolate malt, and honeycomb crumble. Rich, nostalgic, and the perfect sweet finish to a sun-soaked brunch. Milk Beach’s Sunday Sessions are the kind of weekends you’ll want to put on repeat. Book your table at  https://www.milkbeach.com/reservations Address: 14 Greek St, James Court, London, W1D 4AL Written by Claire Selby  Photos courtesy of Milk Beach

Bombay Brasserie Weekend Buffet ReviewOpulent and sophisticated are adjectives that suitably describe the area of Kensington, an area of impressive residences, and sprinkles of Royal grandeur. One of the jewels in the Kensington crown has been providing fine Indian cuisine to the West London set since 1983, and it’s still going strong. Bombay Brasserie was established to challenge the Vindaloo stereotype, showcasing higher end craftsmanship, and authentic flavours rooted in Mumbai yet influenced by India’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. Up the short steps of a grand beautiful building, Petrol Lanterns adorn a glowing fretwork screen providing a transition from the black metal gates of Victorian London, to Vibrant Mubai. It’s lunchtime so one can only imagine the warm glow that would act as a beacon for evening diners.  Beyond the screen, a sophisticated bar and lounge is dressed with artistic impressions of the Raj, plush Indian armchairs and a ginormous fireplace. Giant wooden doors open up to a bright dining hall of white clothed tables and green velveted booths. Animal carvings and tapestries accentuate the surroundings and occasional plants hang from the ceilings. The foliage almost guides you around to a grand conservatory where a large lunchtime buffet awaits. Bombay Brasseries offers an a-la carte menu during the week, including various familiar tandoori, daal and tikka dishes alongside more intriguing, provoking options such as spiced soft shell crab, venison and duck. We were lucky to be offered the palak patta chaat from the a-la carte menu- pehaps a favourite dish -  of garam flour coated spinach leaves, dressed in tangy tamarind and yogurt, and jewelled with sweet pomegranate seeds. Being the weekend, we were there for a brunch feast. Buffets can conjure images of all you can eat slop, value over quality, but this is not Bombay Brasserie’s modus operandi. Distinct areas of the conservatory reveal selections of beautifully presented appetisers, sides, main dishes and desserts. It’s high quality and we are here for it! A gentle reminder that you can return to a buffet as many times as you like, we work the room systematically aiming to enjoy the flavours as they have been carefully crafted to experience. Starters and sides are always a firm Indian favourite of mine and this place delivers. We dressed our starter plate with delightfully crisp samosas striped with a fresh and zesty coriander sauce, a delicate and crisp sort of arancini ball, charred spiced cauliflower and buttery tandoor chicken. Tangy tamarind and fresh zingy coriander sauces steal the show. A spectacular herb crusted giant prawn sits proudly on the plate and almost smugly brings a smile to our mouths. We sample various spinach, daal, meat and rice dishes from the mains section, a highlight being the Lamb Biriyani, with substantial yet tender chunks of quite flavoursome lamb. For dessert my favourite was the Gulab jamun a soft, fried dough ball soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup. It’s so sweet but incredibly delightful to eat, so moreish, I went up a couple of times. I also tried the raspberry cheesecake, another incredible dessert to finish with. For affecionados of Indian flavours who want something a little more special than the usual Fayre, Bombay Brasserie will meet your brief and more. From the superbly crafted food, expertly mixed drinks and elegant environment, it’s a dining experience we certainly want to relive. The buffet is great for an afternoon with friends and family or with a loved one. For more information or to book click here . Address: Courtfield Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 4QH Written by Rick Hartley Interior image courtesy of Bombay Brasserie

Kapara’s turning the Sunday Roast on its head with a bold, sunshine-filled twist. With his Syrian and Tunisian roots, Chef Eran Tibi brings Eastern Mediterranean vibes to Soho. Think zesty marinated meats, shawarma spices, and fresh vibrant vegetables, all served up on a sunlit terrace; perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons.   Start with snackable bites like Damask olives, twisted Jerusalem bagels,  or pita crisps with tahini and shawarma spice or something a bit more substantial such as Date & Miso Aubergine or Black & Gold baby squid with green shawarma, black garlic, and nectarine. The roast lineup includes  Short Rib on the Bone (£27), Braised Lamb Belly (£29), or Roast Chicken with coriander, garlic, cardamon and lemon (£25),  all slow roasted and packed with flavour. Sides get a Mediterranean makeover too. Each comes with shawarma spiced Yorkshire pudding, crispy Yukon potatoes, roasted  heritage carrots, Swiss chard and a rich Madeira and cherry gravy. If you prefer the vegetarian option, you can choose the Sweet Potato & Spring Greens Wellington, served with a garlic and spinach velouté, herb salad and pickles. Kids portions are available too (£12).    And for that sweet ending, try their Sticky Treat with Medjool dates, treacle, and Baharat Chantilly.   The fun doesn’t stop there, this summer as Kapara teams up with neighbours Milk Beach and The Little Scarlet Door to bring the good vibes and tunes to the terrace with DJs from 1pm every Sunday   For everything in one place, gather your crew and settle in for a chilled afternoon at Kapara.   Address 14 Greek St, London W1D 4AL For more information, click here . Written by Lorna Bryn Photography courtesy of Kapara

London’s much-loved Neapolitan pizzeria, Santa Maria, is heading back to its West London roots with the reopening of its refurbished Ealing restaurant on 28th of August. Located at 11 Bond Street, London W5, the updated space celebrates the brand’s 15-year journey while thanking the community that helped launch its success. Founded in 2010 by Neapolitan friends Angelo Ambrosio and Pasquale Chionchio, Santa Maria began on St Mary’s Road in Ealing with just 26 seats and a mission to serve authentic, uncompromising pizza. Within months, it had been named London’s Best Pizza by Time Out, drawing queues down the street and quickly becoming a cult favourite. In 2020, during the pandemic, the team relocated to a larger site on Bond Street to adapt to new operational needs. Now with locations in Fulham, Fitzrovia, Islington, Kew Gardens, and Paddington, Santa Maria’s return to Ealing is a celebration of both the brand’s roots and its ongoing role in shaping London’s pizza scene. The refurbishment of the Bond Street location brings a brighter, more spacious dining room while holding onto the warmth, quality, and hospitality that made Santa Maria a household name among pizza lovers. To mark the reopening, the pizzeria will be giving away 150 free pizzas on the day, as a thank-you gesture to the Ealing locals who have supported them from the start. Address : 11 Bond Street, London W5 5AP Website: https://www.santamariapizzeria.com/ Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Santa Maria

Nestled in the heart of historic Spitalfields, Galvin La Chapelle offers one of London’s most accessible Michelin-starred dining experiences. Celebrating 20 years in the restaurant industry, brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin remain true to their mission: to deliver exceptional French cuisine rooted in quality, seasonality, and elegance—while keeping it refreshingly within reach. Their new 'Taste of Summer' menu is a shining example of this ethos, offering two beautifully prepared courses for £49 or three for just £55, a remarkable value in the fine dining world. The restaurant is housed in a Grade II-listed Victorian school chapel, and the setting alone is worth a visit. Towering stone-vaulted ceilings stretch high above, their grandeur softened by warm lighting that pours in through soaring arched windows. Ornate chandeliers sparkle overhead, and a dramatic central bar draws the eye. The atmosphere is majestic yet welcoming, combining the reverence of a cathedral with the intimacy of a well-loved dining room. It's a space that invites you to linger, to savour, and to appreciate. Arriving on a sunny afternoon after a stroll through the vibrant stalls of Spitalfields Market, we were greeted warmly and led to our table in the centre of the grand dining hall. A glass of Galvin Champagne—crisp, balanced, and developed by the brothers themselves—set the tone for the meal ahead. The menu, thoughtfully curated to showcase peak seasonal ingredients, was bursting with colour, creativity, and flavour. Even the side of fresh bread and salted butter was exceptional, leading us to ask for a second helping. To begin, we chose the heritage tomatoes with almond cream, saffron and lavender—an elegant composition that was as fragrant as it was fresh. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe, their natural sweetness elevated by the gentle floral notes of lavender and the richness of the almond. Alongside it came the barbecued aubergine with pine nuts, Taggiasca olives and piquillo pepper—a dish layered with aromatic depth and Mediterranean brightness. Each course was expertly paired with wine, with our server explaining the selections with genuine passion and precision. The service throughout was warm, charming and exceptionally well-informed. For our mains, the potato gnocchi arrived dressed in saffron, Scottish girolles and a truffle cream so fragrant it turned heads as it was placed on the table. The gnocchi were feather-light, the sauce indulgent yet balanced. A standout dish followed—the wild halibut, which carries a £20 supplement, but is well worth the indulgence. Served with quinoa-stuffed courgette flower, marine plankton and sauce meunière, it was almost too beautiful to eat. The plating was precise and delicate, the flavours harmonised to perfection, with the sauce tying everything together in a sensational taste embrace. Dessert brought a final wave of creativity. The Amalfi lemon mascarpone cheesecake was a triumph—light and ethereal, with just the right snap to its base, and paired with a surprisingly successful coffee and liquorice ice cream. The apricot soufflé, towering and airy, was branded with the Galvin insignia, and when pierced, revealed a dreamy white chocolate and elderflower centre. A perfectly matched dessert wine complemented both selections. As a final flourish, a petite box of petit fours arrived, presented on a bed of raw cocoa nibs, along with a pot of fresh green tea. It was a thoughtful and tactile ending to a meal that had been generous, elegant, and entirely unpretentious. What stands out most about Galvin La Chapelle is not just the food, nor the beauty of its setting, but the atmosphere the team has cultivated. Despite its Michelin star and grand architecture, the restaurant is genuinely welcoming. It doesn’t whisper exclusivity—it invites you in. The staff are friendly without being fussy, knowledgeable without pretence, and clearly proud of what they do. The 'Taste of Summer' menu is available for lunch, Monday to Saturday, from 12pm to 2pm. It’s a rare opportunity to experience high-end cuisine at a modest price, in one of London’s most beautiful dining rooms. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply treating yourself to an afternoon of elegance, Galvin La Chapelle offers an unforgettable journey of taste, texture, and hospitality. For reservations and more information, visit  galvinrestaurants.com Written by Claire Bloom 1st image by Patricia Viven