Search Results

Celebrating their 8th Birthday, Homies on Donkeys in Leytonstone takes its food seriously, but little else. Born out of a market stall in Walthamstow and now firmly rooted in East London’s Leytonstone High Road, the restaurant is run by husband a wife team Sandra Bello and chef Erik “Smokey” Bautista. This summer marks its eighth birthday, and the place shows no signs of slowing down, at 7pm on a Wednesday night the place was already full, a buzz with happy dinners. The venue is unapologetically loud and playful, splashed in hot pinks and yellows, with graffiti art on the walls. With music pumping out and laughter everywhere, we got talking to the table next to us almost immediately, the street party vibes were strong. The food is fun and creative, opting for the plant based options we were really impressed with the unique selection here. We tried the roasted broccoli taco; charred florets layered with garlic, refried beans, salsa macha and crispy onion. A smoky, crunchy, umami-packed winner, broccoli on a taco sounds a bit mad but it really did work, with the added benefit of getting in some nutrients in there. The mushroom barbacoa was a firm favourite; with guajillo and roasted tomato salsa, sweet onion and cilantro. The meatiness of the mushrooms was a great shout for a taco and the toppings brought a deep earthy richness and a touch of sweetness. A standout was the Mexican Cauliflower vegan special; finished with their signature salsa, roasted pineapple and habanera sauce, Spanish onion and cilantro cress. A bold, nostalgic creation packed with layered flavours and a playful nod to West Coast taquerías. It’s clear the kitchen gives just as much love to its vegan dishes as its carnivorous classics. For a starter / side we went for the waiter’s suggestion; refried beans (usually served with queso fresco but without for a vegan option) with salsa roja and totopos. I’m usually gauc all the way but I was glad we went with the suggestion here! It was rich, silky and packed with umami. We paired the whole meal with spicy margaritas, which cut through the richness with just the right amount of heat and citrus, balancing the meal perfectly. There’s a reason Homies on Donkeys have done so well over the last year and have become a local hero. A fun setting with lovely service and truly amazing food, they have everything right here. The tacos are truly stacked and most tacos cost around £8 for a pair and mains rarely topping £12, the pricing is really fair for what you get. Address: Homies on Donkeys, 686 High Rd Leytonstone, London, E11 3AA For more info. or to book click here . Written by Jordan Crowley Photos courtesy of Naf Castañas / @adashandasplash

On until this Sunday 10th August, Canary Wharf’s Union Square is now home to a full-sized beach volleyball court. Hosted by charity Action for Kids (AFK), the activation is raising funds to support young people with disabilities whilst offering the ultimate Summer experience to attendees. Featuring a full-sized beach volleyball court and a sitting court, adapted for those with physical impairments, people can take part in pay-to-play sessions with courts booked for £15pp with a minimum of four players per court. The perfect middle of the day pick me up for office workers, or after work experience for friends looking for something different to do, players can also take advantage of the full programme of summer activations taking place in the area, as well as enjoying over 80 cafes, bars and restaurants. Canary Wharf’s Action for Kids Beach Volleyball is now open until Sunday 10th August. For more information and to book a court, click here . Price: £15pp Address: Union Square, London, E14 9QH Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesey of Canary Wharf

This summer, Canary Wharf is turning up the heat with a jam-packed line-up of outdoor fun, foodie favourites, and entertainment galore. Whether you’re diving into the sparkling waters of Eden Dock, catching a film under the stars, or indulging in some seriously good food with friends, there’s something for everyone. Make a Splash Craving a cool down? Eden Dock is your go-to. Dive into open water swimming or try your hand at paddle boarding or kayaking. Right in the heart of London, yet once you're in the water, it feels like serenity, it's picture perfect and a great way to enjoy some alone time or with a group of friends. Another great activity on the water included hopping aboard a GoBoat for a self-drive cruise with your crew. Perfect for date nights, colleague catch-ups or a weekend family float, you can pack a picnic, sail off and soak in the Docklands’ charm. Free Entertainment Lean into your competitive side and have a go at crazy golf, gather up some friends or bring the family for some serious fun! Film buffs will be happy Summer Screens are back - free movie screenings in Canada Square Park. Just bring your favourite snacks and settle in under the stars. Or head to the lush Crossrail Place Roof Garden, where the Matchstick Theatre Company is staging playful performances as part of the Alfresco Arts series. Outdoor Art Keep your eyes out for all the exquisite outdoor art on offer, with over 100 pieces to see, you're in for a treat! Foodie Favourites You can start your day with a flaky and indulgent pastry at the newly opened Sigonelli, or for a breakfast that packs a flavour punch, head to Dishoom—sausage and egg naan roll with a steaming cup of chai? Yes please! Prefer something more classic? The Ivy delivers traditional dishes in elegant surroundings. For lunch in the sun, you’re spoilt for choice. Grab a table at Brother Marcus, Mallow, or Caravan for a menu that hits all the right notes. Or take it easy in Canada Square Park, just bring a blanket, stock up on local treats, and picnic like a pro. New kid on the block Barbarella is the talk of the Wharf—and for good reason. Step inside and you’re swept into a swirl of 70s-style Italian glam: think chocolate walls, sparkly chandeliers, mirrors everywhere, saucy artwork, and food that’s just as bold as the décor. It’s loud, proud, and perfect for dinner with a side of drama. Stay in Style at Vertus Edit After experiencing all that Canary Wharf has to offer, you may indeed, just want to lay your head on a comfy pillow, a short walk from the main square and you'll find yourself at Canary Wharf’s new aparthotel Vertus Edit. This stylish new aparthotel has flexible studio layouts, with fully equipped kitchens (ideal for whipping up midnight snacks). There are co-working spaces to work or unwind in, it’s the kind of place you’ll wish you could move into long term! For more information on Canary Wharf, click here. Written by Rick Hartley Photography by Nyla Sammons

Big news, coffee lovers! Yesterday marked the delicious debut of Black Sheep Coffee’s brand-new Iced Vanilla Oat Latte – and trust us, it’s the summer sip you didn’t know you needed. This refreshing little number is bold, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet, with a creamy oat milk base that makes it totally irresistible. Already causing a stir across the pond, the Iced Vanilla Oat Latte is a fan favourite in Black Sheep’s U.S. cafés, where it ranks as the 5th most popular item across the entire food and drinks menu. Crafted with punchy Robusta beans, lush velvety oat milk, and a sweet splash of vanilla, it’s the kind of drink that perks you up and cools you down in one glorious gulp. And while you’re soaking up the coffee vibes, why not treat yourself to a Norwegian waffle? These fluffy, sweet treats are made fresh and served warm – choose from gooey Nutella, creamy peanut butter, or keep it classic with the traditional Norwegian style. Because let’s be honest, iced lattes and waffles are a match made in brunch heaven. For more information, click here . Photography courtesey of Black Sheep Coffee

Are you ready to test your instincts and outsmart your mates The Traitors: Live Experience is now open in Covent Garden, where you can immerse yourself into the drama of the hit TV show The Traitors. From the moment you walk in, you’re met with a castle inspired setting straight out of the show with dark wood, moody lighting, velvet textiles and lots of suspenseful mystery - It's game on!  Trust no one, suspect everyone. You’ll take your seat at the iconic Round Table, and try to sniff out the Traitors hiding among you. It’s all about strategy, deception, and a bit of luck. Only the sharpest minds will make it to the top of the leaderboard. If you need a break, head to The Cloak & Dagger, the in-house bar where you can grab a drink, swap theories, and recap every twist and turn, either you’re a Faithful or a sneaky Traitor. Ready to play? Grab your tickets, gather your teammates, and prepare for betrayal, alliances, and a whole lot of fun. Tickets start at £29.50 For more information, and to book click here . Written by Lorna Bryn Photography courtesy of The Traitors

This week we caught up with Joey Li and Thuta Khin - Founders of Leiho to talk about the inspiration behind the brand, what Leiho means, why they decided on a ‘buy one, give one’ model and much more. Can you tell us the story behind Leiho – what inspired you both to start the brand? We met during 2019, whilst studying for a Masters at City University (Bayes Business School). After bonding over our shared experiences of growing up in Asia and moving to the UK, we discovered a mutual passion rooted in a deep understanding of structural inequality, something we both witnessed from a young age and felt “helpless” about the situation. This passion drove our vision to create a feel good brand dedicated to inspiring others to do good and give back. With every purchase, we wanted a percentage of proceeds to creatively help lend a hand to those in need. Leiho started with socks – why socks, and how did that evolve into a wider range of essentials? There are two factors that made this decision easy. Everyone wears socks, it’s an essential item. Secondly, socks are one of the most requested items of clothing at homeless shelters. So to start, we wanted to make a positive difference with something as simple as the pair of socks you put on in the morning. To kick things off, we started a ‘buy one, give one’ model that meant every pair of socks sold, we gave another to someone in need. What does it mean to run a “buy one, give one” business in practice, and what challenges come with that model? A buy one, give one model is a great way to support local charities but practically and operationally, it comes with many challenges. In perspective, if we sold a million pairs of socks, that would mean we’d have to donate a million pairs of socks and that didn’t sit right with us because as much as socks are a great item to donate, we wanted to give something more. Leiho means ‘how are you’ in Cantonese and that embodies all our core values of being caring, kind and checking in on one another. That’s why after four months into the business, we pivoted our impact model and now dedicate 5% of our monthly revenue towards funding projects and opportunities that really uplift and empower the people we support. What have been some of the most meaningful partnerships or collaborations you've done? Since pivoting our impact model from buy one give one to funding opportunities and skill development projects, we’ve had some great partnerships with councils and charities. One of our proudest achievements was collaborating with a candlemaker, Anu Chandy, to teach two clients from The Baytree Centre how to make soy wax candles which we then launched. Not only were we able to pay the clients an income for helping us create the products but the products were also featured in the likes of GQ, Forbes and Daily Express but were sold at a store in Brixton Village. Witnessing the impact is also touching - one of the women said “Before starting the project, I was nervous as I thought it was going to be hard. But as we went along, I grew confident and enjoyed working with this amazing team. They were very encouraging and supportive.” What’s next for Leiho – any exciting launches or ideas in the pipeline? We have just launched a new division for custom branded merchandising, named House of Impact by Leiho. Where we partner with businesses who are in need of ethical branded merchandising solutions, to also help fund impactful initiatives that support local communities. We’ve produced customised products for global brands like Spotify, LinkedIn, HubSpot and Howden for their events, employees and clients. This includes branded, trendy bespoke tote bags, stationery and socks, made from sustainable materials. We are hoping to expand our network of partners and join forces with more like-minded brands that are interested in making a difference with us. Where do you hope Leiho will be in five years’ time? We hope to see Leiho partnering with leading event organisations such as Formula 1, Wimbledon and even go as far as collaborating with hospitality companies to change the way they currently produce merchandise. Whilst all of that is happening, we hope Leiho continues to roll out limited designs of everyday essentials that customers can enjoy whilst making a difference with us too. What would your ideal day in London be like? Joey: My ideal day in London would start with brunch at Where the Pancakes Are in Southwark. I don’t usually go for pancakes but I do love savoury pancakes. Then I’d go for a walk at Battersea Park with my dog Ralphie, have an afternoon drink at Joia Rooftop (the best view in the city), before heading to Scott’s in Richmond for a boujee dinner. I would end the day sitting by the river with a nice sunset and a pint of Guinness from The White Cross. Thuta: On the weekends, my perfect day would start with walking my dog, Hugo in Epping Forest (which I don’t live too far from currently), exploring nature and taking in the fresh air. I’d end the walk with a well deserved lunch at the Oyster Shack & Seafood bar where the lobster rolls are a 10 out of 10! The afternoon would be spent thrift shopping at either Notting Hill or Portobello Road as they have an amazing variety of vintage and second hand shops - I love finding unique pieces for my wardrobe. I’d end the day with dinner at Kiln in Soho where they serve the best claypot glass noodles. If you like Thai food, this is a must try. To learn more about Leiho click here . Photography courtesy of Leiho

Pastry lovers rejoice, Ta’mini Lebanese Bakery is opening its third London spot in the heart of Kensington—and they’re celebrating in the sweetest way possible. If you get there on Saturday 2nd August, they are giving the first 50 people through the doors a free Date & Pistachio Pastry and an Iced Coffee. If you haven’t tried their signature Ta’mini’s  pastry yet, you’re in for a scrumptious treat. It’s made fresh every day with rose water-infused dough and packed with rich, nutty goodness. Pair that with their house-brewed iced coffee and you’ve got the most delectable way to start your day. The new bakery is tucked away at 15 Kensington Church Street, and it’s full of sunshine yellow charm. Bringing the comforting flavours of Lebanon to London, the founders have packed their menu with deliciousness such as Manakish from a traditional stone oven, fresh salads, Ka’ak sandwiches, and Falafel wraps. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely lunch, Ta’mini is worth a try. But remember, the complementary offer is only for opening day and limited to the first 50 guests—so get there early. For more information, click here . Address: Ta’mini Lebanese Bakery, 15 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4LF
 Written by Lorna Bryn Photography courtesy of Ta’mini Lebanese Bakery

A new addition to London’s wine scene has opened its doors on Foley Street. Tiny Wine, now operating in the former Crudo location, is the latest project from Maria Yanez and Carlos Socorro, the team behind Crudo Cocina Latina. This intimate spot offers a seasonal wine list focused on natural and low intervention bottles from small producers. Around 50 labels are available, including familiar classics and more obscure varieties. Guests can also order a range of spritzes, negronis and beers, such as a tequila ginger spritz or a mezcal negroni. Food is designed for sharing and meant to be enjoyed without cutlery. The menu includes bar snacks, Latin style Gildas, mini sandwiches and tapas. Highlights feature a smoky octopus skewer, a mixed ceviche and two Miami-inspired sandwiches. One sandwich layers pulled pork, ham, cheese and pickles, while another combines mozzarella with guava and rocoto. The space keeps a quiet neighbourhood feel, with Latin American music and a communal atmosphere, guests might come in for one glass and stay all night. Address: 21 Foley St, London W1W 6DR
 For more information and to book click here. Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Tiny Wine

This week we caught up with Henna Jooma, the Founder of House of Serums, to find out the inspiration behind the brand, misconceptions and more. What inspired you to start House of Serums, and how did the idea first come to life?   House of Serums was born from a need for simplicity in a space that often feels overwhelming. After years of navigating conflicting advice, overcomplicated routines, and products that promised much but delivered little – many containing harsh ingredients that actually worsened my own skin issues. I wanted to create skincare that does more with less and a brand rooted in clarity and purpose.    I chose to focus exclusively on serums because they are a powerful way to deliver active ingredients deeply into the skin, making a real difference without the need for extra steps. The idea first came to life when I found myself frustrated by how confusing and wasteful many skincare routines can be. I wanted products that were effective, thoughtfully designed, and purposeful. From the start, every decision at House of Serums – from our carefully selected ingredients to the protective violet glass packaging – has been intentional and focused on delivering real benefits without unnecessary extras. What's the most common misconception people have about serums – or skincare in general? That more is more. We’ve been conditioned to believe that 10-step routines are necessary, but you don’t need a shelf full of products to see results. You need a few potent, well-formulated essentials that truly work for your skin.  Another common misconception is around active ingredients – especially how they’re delivered. Serums are more effective than creams because their lightweight texture and smaller molecular structure allow ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin, rather than just sitting on the surface. But form alone isn’t enough – stability matters too. Many actives break down before they reach your skin, which is why we use encapsulated retinol: it stays potent for longer, delivers results more effectively, and is gentler on the skin. We also package our formulas in violet glass to protect them from light and preserve their efficacy. And when it comes to oils, we choose unrefined versions for their higher nutrient content, which makes them significantly more beneficial to the skin than refined oils. What is your bestseller?  We launched with one hero product – our No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum – which has quickly built a loyal customer base. It’s designed to brighten dull, tired skin, accelerate skin turnover, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all while being gentle enough for regular use. Starting with a single product was an intentional choice – we wanted to set the tone for what House of Serums stands for: quality over quantity, thoughtful formulation over trend-led drops. That same philosophy is guiding the new targeted formulas we’re currently developing. What’s one lesson you’ve learned about yourself through running your own business?   That progress matters more than perfection. It’s easy to get caught up in refining every detail before moving forward, but that mindset can hold you back. I’ve learned to keep momentum, even when things aren’t flawless – and that shift has helped me move faster, stay focused, and build with more confidence.   What’s your morning ritual like?   I start by making the bed – a small habit that helps set the tone for the rest of the day. I always get ready before breakfast, even on quieter mornings, and I keep my skincare routine simple but consistent. A good serum, SPF, and a few minutes to myself go a long way.   What would your ideal day in London be like?    I’d start with lunch with my family at Ceru in South Kensington – their Levantine food is full of flavour and perfect for a relaxed meal. We’d then head to the V&A for an exhibition, one of my favourite places in the city to feel inspired. After that, we’d take a long, unhurried walk through Hyde Park – ideally on a crisp autumn day, with a karak tea from Carpo in hand and plenty of time to talk and take it all in. London’s at its best when there’s no rush. For more information on House of Serums, click here. Photography courtesy of House of Serums

A new wellness destination has opened its doors in North London this summer. HOME, the latest venture from Jonathan Sattin, founder of triyoga, is situated in Primrose Hill Courtyard, the original site of triyoga's first studio. The new centre boasts two yoga studios offering over 90 weekly classes in a wide range of styles, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Yin, Anusara, and Yoga for Cancer, taught by some of the UK’s most respected instructors. Mat Pilates is also offered in-studio and online. For Pilates enthusiasts, HOME delivers a rare triple offering: Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, and Equipment Pilates. The Reformer studio hosts 60+ small group classes weekly, featuring just eight reformer beds to ensure individual attention. Equipment Pilates sessions are available privately or in groups of three, ideal for both rehabilitation and performance training. Additional amenities include a far-infrared sauna, two treatment rooms, and a vegetarian café from ONLY LOVE KITCHEN. To mark the opening, HOME is offering special launch deals on memberships and class packs until 1 September 2025. Bookings and further information are available at www.homewellness.uk With an inviting atmosphere and a diverse offering of movement practices, HOME invites you into a thoughtfully designed space created to foster connection, community, and wellbeing. Address: Primrose Hill Courtyard, 7 Erskine Road, London, NW3 3AJ Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt

To celebrate the opening of Eden Lounge by Sinners — the hottest new all-day spot in Shoreditch, the legends behind the bar are giving away a FREE cocktail or mocktail when you whisper the secret code “Heaven or Hell”. Just swing by between 30th July – 5th August, say the magic words at the bar or when you’re seated, and let the sipping begin. Set on Great Eastern Street, Eden Lounge has comfy seating, natural light, greenery, and super-fast Wi-Fi, a great place to work, chill, connect, and create. From breakfast lattes to late-night cocktails, it’s the new go-to from morning to evening. Cocktails include Eve’s Delight - a divine mix of Belvedere vodka, lemon juice, rose syrup, lychee juice and egg white topped with an edible flower; Serpents Touch – dark rum and ginger beer over ice, ignited with fresh lime; and Forbidden Fizz – champagne fused with crisp apple and pear liqueur.  Prefer a mocktail? Try the Virgin Paloma - a zesty grapefruit cooler with a hint of lime and agave or Berry Basil Smash - sweet berries and fresh basil topped with cranberry juice.  If you are feeling peckish, their all-day menu serves up bold, nourishing bites from brunch to a late-night munch — think big flavours, fresh ingredients, and prices that won’t break the bank. For more information, click here . Address: 78 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3JL Photography courtesy of Eden Lounge

Westfield London has teamed up with Time Out to host Time Out Presents: Sounds of the Summer, an all-new, feel-good music series hitting Westfield Square from Friday 18th July to Tuesday 26th August.   Curated and programmed by Time Out, ‘Sounds of the Summer’ will feature ‘Feel Good Fridays’ every week from 5pm to 9pm at Westfield London. There will be an an incredible line-up of DJs and performers delivering the very best in eclectic beats and party vibes. Look out for TikTok sensation DJ AG on 15th August, he will bring his viral mashups to Westfield London, with collaborations and shout-outs from stars including Ed Sheeran and Will Smith. So expect big energy!   On Saturdays from 12pm to 6pm, catch the next generation of music stars with live sets from emerging artists backed by UD Music – champions of rising Black talent in London. Enjoy performances from rising names like Malika, Ashaine White, Nicole Blakk, and plenty more. The Beach Club - A Free Family Seaside Experience  Not heading abroad this year, fear not! Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City are turning into sandy havens for the ultimate staycation, complete with seaside charm and playful beach vibes. Step through a giant sandcastle archway into a whimsical world filled with supersized beach props – think enormous ice lollies, giant deckchairs and mega surfboards, all begging for a sunny selfie. The Sensory Sandcastle is where hands-on fun begins – dive into kinetic sand surrounded by the scents, sights, and sounds of summer. Plus, enjoy nostalgic games like giant Connect 4 and Skittles to keep the whole gang smiling. So, whether you're dancing into the weekend or building sandcastles with the kids, Westfield’s Sounds of the Summer & Beach Club is your one-stop destination for summer magic in the city. Westfield London (Atrium): Thursday 31st July – Tuesday 13th August 
Westfield Stratford City (Arena): Thursday 18th - Saturday 31st August For more information click here . Photography courtesy of Westfield