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Step into our Christmas Gift Guide for men, your go-to destination for finding thoughtful, exciting, and joy-filled gifts for the remarkable men in your life. Presents to make the season shine a little brighter, and his smile a whole lot bigger. World's Greatest FATSO Bundle Bring a burst of imagination (and a whole lot of chocolatey joy) to his world with the ultimate FATSO bundle, four chunky, cheeky chocolate bars packed with flavour and personality! Each bar contains unbique flavour combinations and even bigger attitude, ready to satisfy both his curious mind and his sweet tooth. The gift set includes:  Home Run - salted pretzel, whole almond & honeycomb   Morn’n Glory - Cornflake, toast & marmalade  Nan’s Stash - Peanut, toffee and biscuit  King’s Ransom - Mint, pistachio & cocoa nibs  Price: £27.00  Available from https://sofatso.com/greatestfatsobundle/   HORL®3 For those who rule the kitchen, only the finest tools will do and that’s where the HORL®3 Cruise steps in. Sleek, stylish, and seriously effective, this top-tier knife sharpener keeps every blade performing at its best. With a chic sand finish and minimalist design, it’s as much a statement piece as it is a kitchen essential. Whether he’s dicing, slicing, or showing off his chef skills, this is the gift that keeps his edge razor-sharp (and his kitchen game on point). Price: £99.00 Available from horl.com For the booze lovers Ron Santiago De Cuba 11 year old extra Anejo For the one who appreciates the finer things, this impressively aged Cuban rum from Santiago de Cuba is a toast to craftsmanship and celebration. Matured for 11 glorious years in oak, it captures the essence of the tropics - rich, smooth, and beautifully complex. Each sip unveils layers of cinnamon spice, green banana, black pepper, caramel, and vanilla, rounded off with hints of grilled pineapple and creamy coconut. Price: RRP: £35 - £45 Available from Harvey Nichols | Drink Supermarket Takamaka Extra Noir Bring a splash of tropical warmth to the holidays with Takamaka Extra Noir, a dark rum crafted in the heart of the Seychelles. Aged to perfection in a blend of new French oak and bourbon barrels, it’s rich, smooth, and irresistibly sophisticated. Rich yet elegant with high ester funk and notes of vanilla and wood spice.  Ideal to be sipped neat by the fire or shaken into a festive cocktail, RRP £37.55 Available from Amazon , Master of Malt , The Whisky Exchange Michter's Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Celebrate the season with Michter’s, a whiskey steeped in legacy that traces back to America’s first distillery in 1753. Revered by whiskey lovers for generations, it delights the senses with rich toffee sweetness and warm, comforting spice. The perfect companion for cozy winter nights. Michter’s is more than a gift, it’s a taste of American whiskey heritage, beautifully wrapped in every bottle. RRP £62.08 Amazon , Waitrose , The Whisky Exchange Babur Chutneys  Bring the vibrant tastes of India into his kitchen with Babur’s irresistible chutney gift sets, perfect for adding a burst of flavour to every dish. Babur Chutney Selection features classic favourites: Garlic Chutney, Ginger & Chilli Chutney, and Tamarind & Raisin Chutney, ideal for elevating curries, grilled dishes, or simply enjoying as a zesty dip. For something truly special, the Ruby Jubilee Chutney Selection offers a twist on tradition with Green Apple (crisp and tangy), Forest Berry (sweet and tart), and Carrot Pickle (spiced and bold). Perfect with cheese and meat, it’s a limited-edition treat that any foodie will treasure. Each gift set is £9.00  Available from Babur.com Spanish Made Easy: Simple, Modern Recipes for Every Day Bring the vibrant flavours of Spain into his kitchen with Omar Allibhoy’s Spanish Made Easy cookbook. The ultimate guide to cooking delicious Spanish food without the fuss. From a perfectly seasoned paella that bursts with flavour, to a tapas feast sure to impress friends, and even quick, indulgent Spanish desserts. Using simple, supermarket-friendly ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques, it’s perfect for seasoned cooks and complete beginners alike. Price: RRP £22.00 Available from Amazon 8 Spice Starter Set Take his cooking to the next level with the Spice Dept’s brand-new spice kit. A carefully curated collection of fresh, single-origin spices, each bursting with flavour. From beloved staples like Ground Turmeric, Fennel Seeds, and Whole Cloves to exotic gems like Byadgi and Kanthari Chilli, this kit is a treasure trove for adventurous cooks and flavour lovers alike. Price: RRP £39.99  Available from Spice Dept   ABERFELDY 16-Year-Old ABERFELDY Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled a limited-edition collaboration with Scottish artist Steven Cox. This collaboration, inspired by the Scottish landscape, celebrates Aberfeldy's Scottish heritage and ABERFELDY’s appreciation for artistry and craftsmanship, reflecting the spirit of the Highlands. Price: RRP:  £99.75 Available from   JPHA  and   Woodwinters GOOD PHATS Cooking Set Take his cooking to the next level with the GOOD PHATS Cooking Set, four versatile kitchen essentials that every home chef will love. Featuring Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Grass-Fed Ghee, Light Avocado Oil, and Organic British Grass-Fed Beef Tallow, this set has everything he needs to roast, fry, drizzle, and elevate his everyday meals. Price: RRP £52.80 Available from GOOD PHATS

Our women's Christmas gift guide is here, packed with inspiration for the extraordinary women who make your world shine. From elegant treats to thoughtful surprises, it’s your ultimate roadmap to finding gifts that sparkle as much as they do. Celebrate the queens in your life with presents that show just how much they’re loved. Rare Rose Hydrate & Glow Ritual Treat her to a luxurious skin-loving ritual gift set featuring Jurlique’s  iconic Activating Water Essence+ alongside two rose-infused formulas that leave skin feeling hydrated, luminous, and utterly pampered. Ideal for anyone who adores glowing skin and indulgent rose rituals. Presented in a stunning 100% recyclable gift box with elegant double doors, this set is a true delight to give, complete with bespoke botanical artwork by Australian artist Steph Brooke, inspired by the Adelaide Hills farm. A thoughtful, beautiful, and festive gift that turns skincare into a holiday ritual she’ll treasure. Price: £55.00 Available from Julique Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Magical Matcha Selection Box Perfect for both matcha newbies and devoted fans, this Matcha Selection Box invites them to explore 12 delicious blends, enough for a magical cup every day for a whole month. From fan-favourites like Ice Cream, Salted Caramel, and Pure Grade, each sip is a little moment of joy. The box contains 12 x 3g matcha tins (enough for 2 cups per tin), it’s a gift that keeps on giving, it will be a month-long journey of flavour, fun, and festive cheer. Price: £36.00  Available from Bird & Blend Tea Co ST-GERMAIN X GLASSETTE tablescape edit If she loves entertaining, the St-Germain x Glassette Tablescape Edit is the ultimate festive gift. This limited-edition collection brings Parisian-inspired elegance straight to her table, blending beautifully crafted homeware with the signature fresh, floral notes of St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Curated by Glassette co-founder Laura Jackson, every piece is designed to elevate gatherings, turning ordinary meals into sophisticated celebrations. Perfect for stylish entertaining, and her love of the finer things this Christmas. The edit includes a 50cl bottle of St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, a half bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte ‘Grande Réserve’ Brut Champagne, a St-Germain cocktail stirrer, Arkitaip embroidered linen napkins, Joanna Ling ceramic candleholders, Pygmalion London dinner candles, and a Glassette hosting tips card. Price: £150.00  Available from St Germain  and Glassette   Marcolini- Malline Christmas Classics The essential festive chocolate box is a delightful gift for the special lady in your life, featuring 36 luxurious chocolates bursting with comforting, indulgent flavours. Perfect for cosy evenings by the fire, sharing with friends, or simply savouring a moment of holiday magic, it’s a gift that says “you deserve something sweet this season.” Price: £43.00  Available from Marcolini   Indian 101: Real Indian Recipes Made Simple Indian 101 is the perfect present for anyone who loves to cook, whether they’re a curious beginner or a seasoned home chef, they will discover Indian recipes made simple, intuitive, and full of flavour. Mumbai-born food writer and chef-patron Karan Gokani (of the acclaimed Hoppers restaurants) shares easy-to-follow recipes that showcase the incredible variety of Indian home cooking. From vibrant curries to fragrant street-food-inspired dishes, this book brings the heart and soul of India straight to the kitchen. A thoughtful, flavour-packed gift that turns everyday cooking into a festive celebration of spice, colour, and taste. Price: £28.00  Available from Waterstones Cricut Joy Xtra For the crafty lady in your life, the Cricut Joy Xtra is the ultimate present. This smart, versatile cutting machine lets her bring her imagination to life, whether she’s designing custom decals, heartfelt cards, or one-of-a-kind creations. This bundle includes a comprehensive set of tools and materials to help you jumpstart your crafting journey. It includes: Light Grip Machine Mat, Mini Weeder, Small Scraper, Premium Fine-Point Blade and Housing and a Cricut Joy Fine Point Pen. The bundle is thoughtfully curated with a variety of materials, providing everything you need to begin creating right out of the box. Price: £169.99  Available from John Lewis    Discovery Journal - Purple The Discovery Journal is more than just a notebook, it’s a thoughtful tool designed to help someone track moods, understand emotional patterns, and explore the triggers that shape their mental well-being. With its clear, structured format, it turns self-reflection into an approachable, empowering daily ritual. Perfect for anyone looking to cultivate self-awareness, calm, and emotional balance, this journal is a meaningful gift that shows you care about their wellbeing. Price: £24.99 Available from Discovery Journal Jurlique Rose Soy Blend Candle Treat her to a rose-infused soy blend candle, thoughtfully crafted to elevate her self-care moments. With its delicate floral fragrance and warm, soothing glow, it’s perfect for unwinding after a busy day, enjoying a cozy bath, or setting a serene ambiance for mindful moments. Beautifully designed, this candle is more than just a scent, it’s a little ritual of calm, indulgence, and festive magic, making it a perfect gift for the special lady who deserves a pause and a little luxury. Price: £15.00  Available from Jurlique For the Boozy Lovers Teremana® Tequila  Teremana® Tequila. Founded by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, is a premium tequila bringing serious star power and smooth sipping vibes.The Teremana® Blanco  features tasting notes of bright, fresh citrus with roasted agave, tropical fruit, and a hint of lemongrass, with a smooth, fresh finish. Each bottle is handcrafted in small batches with an artisanal touch that shines through in every pour.  Price: From £39.99 Available from Selfridges Takamaka Extra Noir Takamaka Extra Noir is a dark rum crafted in the heart of the Seychelles. Aged to perfection in a blend of new French oak and bourbon barrels, it’s rich, smooth, and irresistibly sophisticated. Rich yet elegant with high ester funk and notes of vanilla and wood spice.  Whether it’s sipped neat by the fire or shaken into a festive cocktail, Takamaka Extra Noir is a special gift that will be cherished.  RRP £37.55 Amazon , Master of Malt , The Whisky Exchange No.3 Organic London Dry Gin No.3 Organic London Dry Gin was born from the pursuit of perfection to create the world's finest gin.  Now crafted exclusively with organic botanicals and fully certified organic at every step of distillation and bottling. Its perfectly balanced blend of juniper, citrus, and spice makes it a sublime choice for a refreshing G&T, a crisp, clean martini, or a distinctive negroni. Beautifully presented and full of character, it’s a thoughtful and luxurious gift for the lady who loves to savour life’s finer moments this festive season Price: RRP £39.50  Available from fine wine retailers including   Berry Bros. & Rudd

Immerse LDN is set to open another one of their signature Immersive Exhibition: The Last Days of Pompei, which will be made available to the public on the 14th of November, for a limited 16-week run. The ground-breaking exhibitions allows visitors to explore the culture, stories and lives of Roman citizens in Pompei almost 2,000 years ago, before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can expect to see the beauty of the ancient city, uncover the secrets of daily Roman life and experience what it was like to witness the eruption. The Last Day of Pompei is set across 3,000 square metres and 10 different galleries, and makes the most out of its immersive nature, for the exhibition to be as educational and exciting as possible. It features impressive technology, including 8-metre-high immersive video mapping hall, a seated 360-degree Virtual Reality experience, a free-roaming Digital Metaverse room, as well as Roman times replicas & artefacts. General admission tickets are £30 per person, to book tickets click here . Address: Immerse LDN at Excel London Waterfront, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Immerse LDN

The countdown to Christmas just got tastier  with the launch of Joe & The Juice’s first-ever Christmas sandwich, the Joe Ho Ho! A Joe-style twist on everyone’s favourite post-turkey-day classic. The Joe Ho Ho is everything you love about a Christmas sandwich, only juicier, fresher, and a whole lot cooler. Think succulent turkey, a luscious gravy mayonnaise, tangy red cabbage ketchup, crunchy slaw, and peppery rocket, all wrapped up in Joe’s signature fibre-rich rye flatbread. It’s topped with crispy sage shallots for that perfect touch of Christmas magic. Even the signature Joe & The Juice sandwich box has gone festive, turning every unboxing into a mini Christmas moment, like unwrapping an early gift (that you actually want  to eat). So, wave goodbye to boring lunches and say hello to the Joe Ho Ho — the limited-edition festive sandwich. Available now until 30th December, priced at £9.95* ( *Take-Out pricing only). For more information click here . Photo courtesy of Joe & The Juice

This winter The Curling Club is back with another immersive, festive experience, this time at Marceline Brasserie, Canary Wharf, opening 14th November 2025 and running through to 28th February 2026. This is the third new venue launch for The Curling Club in 2025, joining its established Vinegar Yard site in London Bridge and new pop-ups at Chelsea Winter Illuminations & Winter Village and Manchester’s New Jackson. Together, these destinations promise to bring a dose of winter magic to city dwellers across the UK and Canary Wharf’s addition looks set to be a standout spot, combining sport, style and social dining. If you’ve never tried curling before, this is your chance, think of it as a mix between bowling and boules but on ice. Players slide polished granite stones towards a circular target area, while teammates use brushes to sweep the ice and influence the stone’s path. It’s surprisingly addictive and easy to learn. Marceline Canary Wharf will feature five modern curling rinks, each designed for groups to enjoy friendly competition without needing any experience. There are flexible session options, including Pay & Play from £15 per person, making it an easy pick for a post-work outing or weekend adventure. With the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to give curling a go. So grab your teammates, bundle up, and get ready to slide into the season in style. Open: 14th November 2025 – 28th February 2026 Location: Marceline, Canary Wharf, from: £15 per person for Pay & Play sessions Visit www.thecurlingclub.com  to book tickets and for further information. Written by Claire Bloom Photo courtesy of The Curling Club

The LEGO Group is bringing festive cheer to the heart of London this Christmas with the launch of The Chalet of Play; a free, family-friendly wonderland opening in Covent Garden from Saturday 8th November to Sunday 30th November 2025. Set against the iconic backdrop of The Piazza, The Chalet of Play promises a magical celebration of creativity, imagination, and festive fun. Visitors can immerse themselves in a world of colourful builds, playful challenges, and hands-on activities designed to delight LEGO fans of all ages. Wander through a Christmas market reimagined through the lens of play, where every corner is packed with festive sparkle and interactive fun. Highlights include the Tinsel Toss, where guests test their aim by throwing tinsel rings at LEGO brick-built characters such as LEGO Santa, Cataclaws, Young Simba, and Dancing Groot. The LEGO Minecraft Zone invites young adventurers to track down hidden gifts stolen by Creepers and Zombies, while the Build to Give area captures the true spirit of giving; with every LEGO heart built and displayed, the LEGO Group will donate a set to a child in need. At the centre of the chalet stands the Creativi-Tree; a living symbol of imagination. Visitors are encouraged to build their own festive LEGO creations to hang proudly on its branches. With every decoration added, the shining star at the top glows even brighter, turning it into a collective masterpiece of creativity. Younger builders can explore, play, and take part in special photo moments with life-sized LEGO Santa and Rudolf builds. The celebrations continue just a short walk away at the LEGO Store Leicester Square. From Tuesday 4th November, visitors can step inside its very own winter chalet on the first floor, featuring more building zones, musical LEGO props for photo ops, and festive product displays. Families can also design their own decorations to add to the tree, keeping the creative spirit alive across the capital. With its joyful mix of imagination, play, and festive goodwill, The LEGO Chalet of Play is set to be the ultimate Christmas day out in London; where every brick helps build a little more holiday magic. The chalet offers free entry and an array of festive activities, making it an unmissable destination for families this holiday season. No ticket required, just turn up and play! Where : The Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF  Time:   Monday – Saturday: 11:00am – 19:00 and Sunday: 12:00am – 18:00   Website: www.LEGO.com Written by Enytha Peer   Photography courtesy of The LEGO Group

A mere five minute walk from main London Liverpool Street station, Spitalfields Market is set to become the ultimate festive destination this winter. Launching on Wednesday 12 th  November, Bishops Square will be transformed into a pop-up Christmas experience; with dazzling festive lighting displays and cosy chalets serving delicious seasonal food and drinks.    Throughout the festive season, there will be a wide range of family friendly activities on offer. Live choirs, festive crafts, a brand new Gingerbread Hut to name just a few, there will also festive chalet bar will be serving mulled wine, hot chocolates (served with Malibu rum for adults), winterberry spritz, espresso martinis, festive pina coladas, beers, ciders, coffees and soft drinks. With a happy hour every weekday from 5-6pm, it also makes for the perfect after work stop for workers in the area. There will also be an artisan food offering from specialised global food traders, serving dishes including; churros, cheesy Khachapuris and parmesan truffle fries. There will be a Santa Claus meet & greet where visitors can take a festive photo with Santa Claus and his elves, sharing a seasonal moment together; free for everyone to enjoy, the meet and greet will take place on Saturday 6 th  December (2pm – 4:10pm). Dates: From Wednesdays 12 th  November Address :  30 Spital Square, London, E1 6DX  For more information click here . Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of Spitalfields Market

The UK’s largest immersive art experience, FRAMELESS, joins forces with the Royal British Legion (RBL) to create a powerful and breathtaking, poppy-themed commemoration that honours the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces. From Saturday 8th to Tuesday 11th November, visitors will have the chance to step into this remarkable immersive gallery themselves. Surrounded by waves of digital poppies and accompanied by a moving soundscape, guests will be invited to pause, reflect, and remember. Those attending will not only experience the immersive poppy field but also enjoy access to all four of FRAMELESS’ permanent galleries, each celebrating the beauty and emotion of art through cutting-edge technology. Throughout the weekend, RBL volunteers will be at FRAMELESS collecting donations in support of the Poppy Appeal 2025 — a campaign that helps provide vital support to the Armed Forces community. UK Armed Forces personnel and veterans are also invited to experience FRAMELESS free of charge throughout the Remembrance weekend (8th–11th November). Ttickets must be booked in advance online.  For more information and to book tickets click here . Address: 6 Marble Arch, London, W1H 7AP

This autumn, legendary pizza establishment Crust Bros and Eastern Mediterranean restaurant brand Brother Marcus have teamed up to create something truly special: the Ultimate East Med Pizza. Available until 24th November, this limited-edition collaboration brings together Crust Bros’ award-winning Neapolitan craft and Brother Marcus’ bold Eastern Mediterranean flavours. We headed to the Crust Bros Waterloo restaurant to try it for ourselves. The atmosphere here captures everything the brand is known for: laid-back, lively, and filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pizza. The team were already busy firing pizzas in the open kitchen when I ordered my East Med Special. After settling in with a cosy glass of red wine, our pizzas arrived straight from the oven.  I went for the special, but my partner went for one of the build-your-own pizzas with hot pepperoni and chilli oil. Visually, the pizzas are a showstopper. Crust Bros’ signature base is cooked at 500 degrees using fresh dough made daily, light, airy, and full of flavour. The striking leopard print crust, crispy on the outside, deliciously soft on the inside. My pizza came loaded with a rich harissa tomato sauce, tender lamb kofta, cooked with pomegranate molasses, along with delicious mouth-watering dips for your crust. The Scotch Bonnet and soothing Lemon Garlic just hitting the spot to mop up any remaining pizza dough edges.  For those skipping meat, the vegetarian version swaps the lamb kofta for Aleppo butter-roasted aubergine, which soaks up the flavours beautifully and offers a satisfying, smoky alternative. To complete our feast, we threw out the diet and indulged in a velvety Tiramisu, and, as you would expect, this dish was perfectly balanced and tasted just like your Nonna would make. Bold, balanced, and bursting with personality, this culinary collaboration perfectly captures both brands’ passion for flavour and creativity. The Ultimate East Med Pizza is available across all Crust Bros locations until 24th November 2025. Find your nearest location and get a slice before it’s gone:   www.crustbros.co.uk Written by Claire Bloom Photo courtesey of Crust Bros

Following a sell out season in Australia, Wundrful World of Christmas will open in Southwark. Running from 7 November to 24 December 2025, the immersive, 50 minute experience will transform one of London’s most historic neighbourhoods into a world of festive wonder and imagination. The much loved festive phenomenon will offer families the opportunity to step inside a multi sensory journey to the North Pole. Filled with storytelling, live performance, animated characters, and intricately detailed set, visitors can help Santa’s elves sort magical mail, take a skyward ride to a snowy “Wundrland,” enjoy stories with Mrs Claus in her cosy cottage, and finish with a heart-warming meeting and photo with Santa himself. Created by immersive entertainment company Wundr, the experience is designed especially for children aged 3 to 8 and their families, and promises a a celebration of joy, creativity, and the spirit of the season. Tickets start from £17.50, including a complimentary family photo with Santa. Address:  Wundr, Borough Yards, Units 219-221, Clink St, London, SE1 Dates:  7 November to 24 December 2025 Duration:  Approx 50 minutes (timed entry).   To book yout ticket, visit www.wundr.live/london Written by Jordan Crowley Photos courtesy of Wundr

Get ready to jingle all the way to Marylebone Village on Wednesday 12 November 2025, from 3–8pm, as the neighbourhood transforms into a magical winter wonderland! For one unforgettable evening, Marylebone High Street will be pedestrianised and bursting with festive cheer — think twinkling lights, heart-warming music, delicious food, and plenty of Christmas sparkle. Head to Devonshire Street, the beating heart of the celebration, where BBC Broadcaster and proud Marylebone local Jo Good will host an afternoon packed with live performances , school choirs , and feel-good festive tunes  to get you in the spirit. All around the village, you’ll find an exciting line-up of  seasonal activities  and festive workshops: Meet Santa himself in his cosy grotto. Try your luck at the charity tombola Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel or hop on classic fairground rides Wreath-Making Workshop (£45pp) Christmas Candle-Painting Workshop (£15–£20pp) Food delights Follow the scent of mulled wine and roasted treats along Marylebone High Street, transformed into a foodie paradise! Indulge in: Hot chocolate and festive treats from 28-50 , Home Marylebone , LAVO , Le Vieux Comptoir , Orrery , Rococo Chocolates , and The Ivy Fischer’s  famous Frankfurter hotdogs The Ginger Pig’s  festive sausage rolls Carlotta’s  irresistible Italian desserts and so much more! Local boutiques will be spreading festive joy with exclusive discounts, gifts, and in-store experiences: MISSOMA  – 15% off all purchases, free tote bags for the first 50 shoppers & refreshments in-store RIXO  – Free Christmas cards with every purchase + a complimentary Noora tote when you spend £150+ Farm Rio  – Free Christmas ornaments and cards with every purchase Jorum Studio  – 20% off fragrances with drinks and canapés in-store David Mellor  – 20% off all David Mellor designs Caldesi  – Mulled wine for £8.50 & free panettone bites with dinner bookings Tracey Neuls  – Shoe-inspired collage workshops (6:30–7:30pm & 7:30–8:30pm) with artist Louisa Tan of Common Exception Studio. [Book here] This year, Merry Marylebone  proudly supports The Marylebone Project , a local charity offering life-changing support to homeless women. Visitors are encouraged to donate generously throughout the evening. For the latest updates, participating brands, and full event details, visit MaryleboneVillage.com  and follow @MaryleboneVillage  on social media. Photography courtesey of Marylebone Village

There’s something quietly magnetic about Toum, the French-Lebanese rotisserie spot tucked in the heart of Mayfair. On the surface, it’s all about the chicken; golden, crisp-skinned, and fragrant from the rotisserie but step inside and you quickly realise there’s a lot more to fall in love with. The atmosphere is warm and softly lit, perfectly straddling that sweet spot between refined and relaxed, where the scent of garlic and roasted spices fills the air.   The menu begins with dishes that are deceptively simple yet deeply satisfying. The now-viral hummus with crispy chickpeas and green olive oil deserves every bit of attention it’s received; impossibly smooth, nutty and laced with citrusy olive oil that elevates every bite. Then there’s the Lahm Bi Ajine, a thin flatbread layered with spiced lamb, tomato and pickled peppers: a perfect balance of heat, tang and texture. The Hot Honey Halloumi Kataifi arrives golden and crunchy, its sweetness offset by the salty bite of the cheese; it’s the kind of dish that lingers in memory long after the plate is cleared. But the star of the show remains the roasted chicken. Juicy, smoky and cooked to perfection, it comes with a quartet of sauces that tell you everything you need to know about Toum’s personality - confident, playful and indulgent. The classic Toum sauce offers a creamy garlic punch, while the chicken jus is rich and comforting. The Café de Paris butter sauce adds a touch of French decadence, but it’s the Chimichurri that steals the spotlight - bright, herby and unexpectedly addictive, easily my personal favourite. Dessert keeps things grounded in Middle Eastern comfort, with a baked tahini cookie that strikes just the right balance between nutty and sweet. A mix of white and dark chocolate gives it depth, and the scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top makes it even more irresistible.   And just when you think the evening’s done, you’re invited to head downstairs to Encore, Toum’s newly opened listening bar. The shift in mood is instant; think low lights, vinyl spinning, Arabic disco and Habibi funk humming through the speakers. I settle in with a Sumac Negroni, sharp and citrusy, followed by the Glow Zombie - their signature concoction blending over eighteen Lebanese-inspired ingredients, including three rums and absinthe. It’s bold, mysterious and a little dangerous; much like Encore itself.   Together, Toum and Encore make for one of London’s most exciting dining and drinking experiences: soulful, stylish and effortlessly cool.   Address: Toum, 18a Maddox Street, London, W1S 1PL Website: https://www.toumrotisserie.com/ Words and photography by Enytha Peer