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A new pétanque venue has opened in Shoreditch, bringing a slice of southern France to East London. Spread across two levels, it balances a laid-back upstairs restaurant area with a livelier lower floor, where games and socialising take centre stage. Upon entering the venue, it was clear to us that everything has been designed to immerse you in the atmosphere of a late-night summer game in a coastal town. From pastel murals and old maps to concrete benches, fairy lights, and traditional esprit pétanque touches, the decor is tastefully done. The vibrant interior is inspired by a Marseille park, with lush greenery and gravel courts reinforcing the laid-back southern French vibe. The playlist mainly features into light house music with fun remixes, setting a relaxed but upbeat mood. Pétanque itself is played in teams, each taking turns to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden one, the cochonnet. It’s a very fun and easy game, with great potential for unexpected comebacks: only one well-thrown ball is enough to turn the game around. A dedicated pétanque guide is on hand to teach the rules, and mediate any disputes with a tape measurer in hand. It’s ideal for large groups: the venue has multiple lanes -10 indoor courts in total- and plenty of space. Group packages start at £44 per person, which include court hire, food, drinks, and optional guidance from the pétanque hosts. A photobooth is also available to capture the night, adding a fun extra to the group experience. The food menu mainly sticks to a classic apéro mood: cheese and charcuterie boards, French fries, and oysters. A favourite of the evening was the Merguez la Ciotat, a spicy sausage in a baguette, with Dijon and harissa mayo. There are great options for vegetarians as well, such as their Tour de Verte board, that features an excellent artichoke dip. The casual, finger-food style suits both table dining and snacking by the lanes. The only downside might be the lack of vegan options. On the drinks side, the wine list is very qualitative – we recommend going for a glass of rosé for the full pétanque experience. Cocktails, and their mocktail counterparts, are light and summery: try the spicy and sweet Watermelon Picante (tequila, chili, watermelon, agave and strawberry) or the Angélique Papon (cucumber, elderflower & gin) if you want something refreshing. A strong list of premium French drinks like Ricard Pastis, crémant, cidre, and 1664 Blanc are also available. Finally, I really want to stress how great the members of staff were. Their friendliness and helpfulness played a significant part in our experience at Boulebar Spitalfields. Thus, whether you're gathering friends for a casual evening or planning something a bit more competitive, it is worth giving this pétanque bar a go. Pastis optional, good vibes guaranteed. Address: 7 Frying Pan Alley, London E1 7HS To book click here . Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Boulebar

Planning a family holiday when you’ve got a toddler in tow often sounds equal parts thrilling…and daunting. Will there be tantrums? Hilarious mishaps? Epic adventures? So when the idea of booking Centre Parcs came to mind, I instantly thought, well, it’s a place geared up to entertain families especially kids, so this must be the way to go right… We packed the car to the brim, definitely a perk as there is no baggage allowance when you drive, so no stress when it came to packing our belongings. We even did a big food shop beforehand to equip ourselves with a fully stocked kitchen at the lodge. Roaming around the forest Check in is at 4pm, but you can arrive earlier and enjoy what Centre Parcs has to offer. We turned up at 10am, got out wristbands at the entrance while in the car and proceeded to the car park, it felt effortless and welcoming. Once parked, we headed to the Plaza to look around, which had a Starbucks, restaurants, indoor sports activities and a supermarket. The mini man-made beach caught our attention immediately and that’s where we ended up spending a good chunk of our time, Perfect for our toddler to run around, playing with the sand and enjoying his surroundings. The location itself is beautiful—nestled in a forest with peaceful, tree-lined paths and plenty of fresh air. Our Executive Lodge The lodges are modern, clean, and well-equipped, providing a comfortable base for a relaxing break. There are different lodges to choose from, the more expensive you go the better the facilities are in the lodge. We opted for the Executive lodge, which is one step up from the very basic lodge. It had two rooms and two bathrooms, one of the bathrooms had a hydra bath, which was definitely a sweetener. And yes I most definitely indulged in two baths while I was there. The lodge is cosy, nothing aesthetically amazing on the inside, but that wasn’t why we were there, so that didn’t matter as much. It was clean and pretty good enough for 5 days. (A heads up the Wi-Fi can be spotty, so if you have work calls, scope out the Starbucks… if it’s open!) Activities What really stood out was the variety of activities available. Whether you’re into high-energy adventures like zip-lining and archery or prefer a slower pace with spa treatments and nature walks, there’s something for everyone. For our two year old we booked in messy play, baby owl watching, balance bike play and football for little ones. The messy play was a real hit, but to be honest he gravitated to the two outdoor play areas and soft play areas inside the restaurants a lot (all with free access). So don’t feel like you need to go crazy in paying for a lot of different activities. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise was a huge hit with us all, it has a small pool for little ones, along with thrilling rapids, gentle lazy rivers, and a splash-friendly zone. We were hooked for hours. Spa Make sure you sneak away for a few hours and visit the spa. It has 25 nature-inspired spa experiences, from bubbling hydrotherapy to steam rooms and eucalyptus saunas. It’s the ultimate adult playground for relaxation. I booked in three hours for £69.00 via the app before we arrived and it was worth every penny. Eating and drinking out Dining options were plentiful and we appreciated the flexibility of self-catering when we felt like a quiet evening in. There is a supermarket so you can buy most food items, It isn’t a huge supermarket, so I do recommend bringing some of your favourite essentials. We made our own breakfast and had a few pasta nights—essential when your little one declares, “I’m starving!” at 6 PM sharp. Summary Woburn Forest strikes the ideal balance between adventure and relaxation, perfect for families and groups of friends eager to unwind and reconnect with nature. With daily activities booked for our toddler, we had a gentle structure to our days, which helped us ease into a routine without feeling rushed. But the real magic came from the freedom to explore at our own pace, discovering quiet corners of the forest and letting each day unfold naturally. It was the first time we’ve all been away and genuinely felt we could have stayed longer. We left feeling happy and recharged, and already talking about visiting one of the other Center Parcs locations. We booked about 6 months in advance and got a deal for 5 days and 4 nights for £549.00, it was early May, so off peak, which was another reason we got this offer at such a good price. For more information and to book click here . Words and photography by Nyla Sammons

Canary Wharf’s wellbeing festival, Wharf Wellness, is back this summer, running from Monday 2nd to Thursday 26th June. Following a sell-out year in 2024, the month-long celebration of health, fitness, and self-care is set to be even bigger this time around, with a full schedule of free and ticketed activities across the estate. The festival invites Londoners to embrace a holistic approach to wellbeing, offering everything from reformer Pilates taster sessions at Freedom Clinics to lululemon’s Run Club and yoga classes, Jo Malone hand massages, and body care consultations at Malin+Goetz. Activities are free but require advance sign-up. Highlights also include waterside Pilates at Eden Dock, introductory paddle sessions at Padium with goody bags, and wellness-focused discounts at top brands like Townhouse, Get A Drip, and Space NK. Eden Dock, Canary Wharf’s floating green sanctuary developed with the Eden Project, will be in full bloom for the festival, offering a picturesque backdrop for wellness sessions and open water swimming, returning from Thursday 5th June. Festival goers can explore cultural experiences too, with the Alfresco Arts programme of outdoor theatre and music, and Short Story Stations dispensing literary bites perfect for commuters. Always-on activities like mini golf, ping pong, and the Raise Your Art Rate trail also remain open for visitors to enjoy, as well as over 80 cafes, bars, and restaurants on-site to refuel between events. To view the full programme and book your free or ticketed experiences, visit: canarywharf.com/wharf-wellness Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Canary Wharf

Shoryu Ramen may be best known for its soul-warming Hakata-style ramen, but they have now ventured into the breakfast and brunch world, opening for morning service at their Covent Garden venue. 
A clean, modern, and subtly stylish space, think light wood, soft lighting, and just enough Japanese detail to set the tone. The staff are friendly and efficient, offering helpful recommendations with a sense of non-intrusive ease, ideal for the morning when you have yet to have a coffee! Blending traditional flavours with modern brunch flair, the menu offers Japanese twists on Western favourites. Our recommendation would be the Smashed Avocado Shokupan; thick slices of soft Japanese milk bread topped with creamy avocado and an optional onsen egg. A simple dish done incredibly well, it was fresh, light, and deeply comforting, with a lovely citrus and black pepper flavour finishing off the avocado perfectly. The Chicken Karaage Waffles were also a standout. Crispy, well-seasoned Japanese fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles and a drizzle of yuzu honey; a clever fusion of sweet, savoury, and citrus that really works. One plate is definitely enough to fill you up, but both of us wanting to try a sweet option we also shared the Matcha & Kinako French Toast. The matcha-soaked toast is custardy and rich, with a dusting of kinako which adds a nutty depth. Served with seasonal fruit and a jug of syrup, this was delicious, perhaps too decadent for a morning business meeting but absolutely perfect for a weekend brunch option when you are craving something sweet. We paired our meal with a matcha latte, banana milkshake and an espresso, all of which were super fresh and much needed. 
Shoryu Ramen’s breakfast menu is a refreshing twist on the usual brunch fare, combining Japanese comfort food with creative flair. Whether you’re craving something hearty, light, or indulgent, there’s something here to satisfy everyone, well worth the early start. Breakfast Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM​ Address: Shoryu Covent Garden, 35 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AA
For more information visit shoryuramen.com Written by Jordan Crowley Photography by Steven Joyce

Psycle has opened the doors to its latest London studio in Bank, marking the brand’s sixth location in the capital. The new space brings together all four of Psycle’s signature workouts: Ride, Reformer, Yoga and Barre. The studio houses a 48-bike spin studio, a 23-bed Reformer Pilates room, and a 21-person space for Yoga and Barre, reflecting Psycle’s commitment to immersive, music-led fitness experiences. Psycle Bank also introduces a new concept for the brand, namely, their first-ever infrared workout studio. This space features two new class formats, Infrared Sculpt and Infrared Release, which combine movement with the restorative benefits of infrared heat. Designed to support circulation, reduce muscle tension, and enhance mental clarity, the sessions add a distinctive wellness dimension to Psycle’s existing high-energy classes. Across its studios, Psycle offers a holistic fitness approach that blends physical challenge with mental focus. As with other locations, customers can access facilities like complimentary cycling shoes and changing areas, plus a plant-based shake bar. If you’re interested in giving Psycle a try, now is a perfect opportunity, as their launch promotions include discounted class packages and membership deals starting at £155 per month for 10 classes. Address: 40 Coleman Street, London, EC2R 5EH For more information visit psyclelondon.com Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Psycle

London’s newest foodie destination lands in the heart of the City next Month, as Market Place St Paul’s opens its doors on 27th May. Spanning two floors, this vibrant food hall promises a global culinary adventure with nine world-class traders serving everything from Greek gyros and Thai street food to flame-grilled Argentinian steaks and Aussie-style sushi rolls. More than just a lunch spot, the venue features buzzing bars, live DJs, comedy nights, and even pool tables, making it a day-to-night playground for city workers and food lovers alike. Expect signature cocktails, neon-lit interiors, and a basement lounge designed for post-work unwinding. Whether you're celebrating a deal or just craving duck pancakes and craft beer, Market Place St Paul’s is set to become the Square Mile’s go-to dining destination. The Market Hall's trader line-up includes: Free Wheelin Pizza - Sourdough pizza perfectionists crafting wood-fired masterpieces that'll ruin you for high-street pizza chains forever OPA  - Michelin-starred Greek street food heroes bringing authentic Mediterranean flavours with their legendary gyros and halloumi fries  Streat Latin  - Vibrant South American flavours from Venezuelan arepas to Colombian empanadas Thai House  - Bangkok-inspired street food showcasing fiery regional specialities that go way beyond the usual curry classics Duck Shed  - Duck specialists transforming the humble bird into everything from crispy pancakes to innovative burgers  Hot Scotch  - Fusing flavours of the Caribbean with authentically delicious patties, fritters and jerk chicken Tikka Nation  - Award-winning Indian kitchen where charcoal-grilled tikka takes centre stage alongside fragrant curries that'll transport you straight to Mumbai Argentinian Grill - South American asado experts showcasing premium cuts seared over flames  Rolled - Aussie-style sushi for grab n’ go. Rolled fresh every day For more information visit marketplacehall.com Address: Market Place St Pauls, 150 Cheapside, City of London, EC2V 6ET Written by Jordan Crowley Imagery courtesy of Market Halls

Looking for something different this Father’s Day? Treat Dad to a hands-on dumpling masterclass at Spitalfields’ beloved Xi Home Dumplings Bay.  Every Sunday in June—including the big day itself, 15th June—Dads can learn to craft authentic Northern Chinese dumplings from scratch at a hands-on class right in the East London kitchen. Led by Head Chef Minnie Wang and Owner Wenjun Xiang, each two-hour class (3–5pm) takes guests through the traditions of dumpling-making, from mixing dough to folding flavour-packed fillings. And Dads get a free bottle of beer to sip as they roll and wrap. The experience includes expert tips, your own dumplings to eat, a take-home apron, and even a certificate to show off. Whether Dad’s a kitchen pro or a total novice, this is a gift—and a memory—that beats boring socks hands-down. Tickets are on Eventbrite now at £49.46 pp, to book click here . Address: XI Dumplings is at 10 Blossom Street London E1 6PL Written by Claire Selby  Photography courtesy of XI Dumplings

Spring is heating up, and so is our craving for something cool and delicious! Black Sheep Coffee has heard your thirsty pleas and is bringing the chill with a brand-new lineup of lemonades that are anything but ordinary. Think bold, zingy, and just the right amount of fancy. Matcha lovers will enjoy the matcha-spiked option along with the new matchas on offer too! The new Black Sheep Coffee collection includes: Peaches & Cream Matcha Latte Iced Peaches & Cream Matcha Latte Lychee Lemonade Lychee Matcha Lemonade Lavender Lemonade Lavender Matcha Lemonade Passionfruit Lemonade Passionfruit Matcha Lemonade Peach Lemonade and Peach Matcha Lemonade Back by popular demand: Norwegian Matcha Waffles Black Sheep Coffee has also brought back fan-favourite Norwegian Matcha Waffles. Crafted using Black Sheep Coffee’s signature Norwegian waffle dough and blended with Perfect Ted’s organic, ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha. Opt for the classic or new matcha dough, with toppings like whipped cream, Nutella, fresh fruit, and more. Feeling indecisive? Get one of each dough and thank us later. For more information visit Black Sheep Coffee Photo courtesy of Black Sheep Coffee

Ole & Steen’s beloved Cinnamon Social has had a sunny glow-up, and from 5th May, the brand-new Summer Social is here to steal the spotlight. Imagine this: soft, braided sweet dough filled with silky vanilla custard and a zingy mixed berry compote, topped off with a light icing drizzle and a scattering of dried berries. It’s fruity, creamy, and made for long, lazy days in the sun. Grab it by the slice (£4.65), half (£12.45), or whole (£20.95)—perfect for picnics, parties or just treating yourself. And here’s the best part: on launch day (5th May), slices are just £3. Yes, really. It’s officially the Must Eat Treat of the season. To make things even more delicious, Ole & Steen have teamed up with Rude Health to create the Iced Oat Berry Matcha—a dreamy mix of raspberry purée, organic oat milk, and a bold matcha shot, served over ice. It’s fruity, creamy, and the ultimate match for your Summer Social slice. But the fun doesn’t stop there! All through May, Ole & Steen and Rude Health are rolling out tasty events and giveaways: 8th May – Buy an Iced Oat Berry Matcha at selected bakeries and get a free Rude Health goodie bag. 12th May – Enter their Instagram comp to win a luxury summer picnic hamper packed with treats. 26th May (Bank Holiday Monday) – Ole & Steen and Rude Health will co-host the Summer Social Run, a community 5K weaving between three iconic London bakeries - Notting Hill, South Kensington, and High Street Kensington. Led by fitness influencer @emmahitsthespot. Collect stamps, earn a goodie bag, and finish with a dreamy al fresco breakfast picnic in Hyde Park. Which include creamy yoghurt pots topped with Rude Health granola, nutritious Breakfast Buns, a spread of fresh baked goods, including the brand-new Summer Social pastry and iced coffee and the limited-edition Iced Oat Berry Matcha. For more details on the Ole & Steen app, latest menu offerings, and Summer Social events, visit oleandsteen.co.uk/app Photography courtesy of Ole & Steen

Wahaca has unveiled a sunshine-soaked summer menu bursting with bold flavours, seasonal ingredients, and irresistible new dishes. Creating quite the stir is the Griddled Cactus & Courgette Tacos, roast courgettes and griddled cactus are tossed with fresh lime, a hint of chilli and topped with fresh cheese and crispy corn strips. Seafood lovers will want to dive straight into Wahaca’s take on a coastal Mexican classic: Prawn Aguachile. Inspired by the vibrant flavours of Sinaloa, this dish sees fresh prawns marinated in habanero chilli and lime, served alongside creamy avocado, salsa macha, and crisp tostadas. The Hibiscus Glazed Aubergine, is perfect for sharing with a loved one. Wedges of aubergine are roasted in a delicious hibiscus salsa until tender and slightly charred, and then served with dressed quinoa, avocado cream and homemade, nutty salsa macha. Wahaca’s colourful Sunshine Bowls are also stealing the spotlight. The mouthwatering flavours in these wholesome bowls comes from nearly 30 different plant varieties including baby spinach, avocado, sauteed corn, Mexican-style ‘chiltatis’, pickled cabbage, quinoa, black beans and esquites. They’re served with coconut-lime dressing and a crisp tostada plus your choice of free range chicken, ‘Halloumi al pastor’ or garlic sweet potato. So whether you're dining in for a sizzling feast or grabbing your favourites to enjoy in the park, Wahaca’s new summer menu is your ticket to a taste of Mexico under the sun. For more information visit https://www.wahaca.co.uk/ Photography courtesy of Wahaca

This summer, Island Poké is teaming up with Pimentae Tequila Cocktails to bring you Island Hour – a fresh, sunny twist on Happy Hour that's all about park picnics, tequila cocktails, and delicious poké. Starting 8th May, you can grab a Poké Picnic Bag — packed with refreshing tequila cocktails, zesty Margarita salsa, and the signature poké — available every Thursday from 5PM to 8PM at all Island Poké locations and on Uber Eats. It's the perfect way to level up your post-work vibe, going from al-desko to al-fresco in one clever move. And to kick things off in true Island Poké style, they’re throwing a launch party you won’t want to miss! Join them on Thursday 8th May at Island Poké Shoreditch for a night of free-flowing poké, Pimentae tequila cocktails, and a live DJ set. Entry is free, but spots are limited — so you’ll want to jump on that guestlist fast. To get your ticket visit https://www.islandpoke.com/island-poke-x-lebab-present-the-poke-bab-pop-up/ Written by Claire Selby  Photography courtesy of Island Poké

Tucked away in in the heart of Fitzrovia, The Newman Arms, has reopened its doors, breathing new life into a much-loved London pub. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, this quaint pub has been newly refurbished and now features a cozy upstairs restaurant that blends old-worldly charm with some modern touches. We visited early one evening while the atmosphere was still quiet before the after-work crowds descended. Greeted upstairs by a friendly and highly professional waiter, we were immediately made to feel at home. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and understated elegance—think warm lighting, wooden accents, linen tableware,  and just the right touch of modern polish. To start, I chose the chicken liver pâté, served with caramelised red onion and sourdough bread. The pâté was incredibly smooth and rich, its depth of flavour beautifully offset by the sweet tang of the onions. The sourdough added a satisfying crunch, rounding out a truly indulgent first course. We also sampled the crispy lamb belly scrumpets, which arrived paired with a fresh pea salad and a zingy tartare sauce. The scrumpets were golden and crisp on the outside, with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness within. The pea salad brought a lightness to the dish, while the tartare sauce offered a sharp, creamy counterpoint – a surprisingly good pairing. For mains, I couldn’t resist the aged beef shin & rib pie, served with Murphy’s stout gravy, creamy mash, and roasted hispi cabbage. This was truly comfort food at its best—a golden, flaky crust encasing deeply flavourful beef in a rich, velvety gravy. The creamy mash and roasted hispi cabbage were a good accompaniment, although for me I would have like to have seen some more vegetables. My guest opted for the chicken, ham hock, and creamed leek pie, which proved equally satisfying The filling was well-seasoned, and with a perfect pastry shell. Again, the same mash and hispi cabbage completed the plate with rustic finesse. Both dishes came with extra gravy boats , making it a delight to generously pour the delicious gravy over our pies,   Unfortunately, we abstained from their very well-known stout but we did partake in a very smooth Malbec which complemented the food perfectly   Service throughout the meal was warm and attentive without being intrusive. The staff clearly take pride in their work, and their enthusiasm adds to the welcoming feel of the place. Prices are reasonable too, which is always a bonus   Whether you’re after a relaxed evening meal, a cozy date night, or simply craving some expertly crafted comfort food, The Newman Arms delivers on all fronts.   This newly reopened gem is definitely a go to spot in Fitzrovia’s dining scene—and well worth a visit.   Website: www.thenewmanarms.co.uk Location: 23 Rathbone St, London, W1T 1NG Written by Lorna Bryn Photography courtesy of The Newman Arms