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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

Following the success of Sam’s Kitchen Hammersmith, Sam’s Smash Burger Pop-Up has arrived at Sam’s Kitchen Chiswick, bringing its signature burgers to even more West London locals. At Sam’s, the focus is on simplicity, quality, and flavour. Each patty is crafted using Head Chef Abbie’s signature blend of rib cap, chuck, and aged beef sourced from West London butcher HG Walter. Hand-rolled and smashed onto a hot grill, the burgers develop a perfect caramelised crust before being finished with Sam’s secret sauce, house-made pickles, and melted cheese. If you’re skipping the carbs, the lettuce burger delivers all the flavour, minus the bun. Other standout options include the Beyond Meat Cheeseburger and the Nashville Chicken Burger. Sides range from fries topped with pickled shallots, crispy shallots, jalapeños, and cheese, to chorizo fries and a corn and chipotle slaw. When we visited, it was a cold, rainy evening, ideal weather for comfort food and a relaxing glass of wine. I ordered the Classic Cheeseburger. I like my burgers simple, with the meat as the hero, and it did not disappoint. Juicy, rich, and perfectly balanced, I went for the single patty but could easily have tackled a double. My partner chose the Nashville Hot Chicken Burger, which arrived dripping in smoky BBQ sauce, sticky, spicy, and utterly satisfying. Both burgers came fresh off the grill, bubbling with melted cheese and packed with flavour. We added a Cobb Salad, crisp and refreshing, perfect alongside the rich mains, whilst sharing a portion of ultra crispy skinny fries. For dessert, we had a choice of warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream or one of Happy Ending’s decadent ice cream sandwiches – we opted for the latter, and it was every bit as indulgent as promised.  Presented in its own wrapper, the delicious buttery shortbread encases delicious vanilla ice cream with a swirl of berry jam. Portions are generous, and for those who want to go all-out for their burger night, diners can double up on patties and augment their order with a range of tantalising sides. The restaurant staff are super friendly and helpful, and tables are set up as window view seats as well as larger tables for families.  The atmosphere is relaxed, but the table service is executed with high-end attentiveness. Sam’s speciality burgers are available at the Turnham Green site Wednesday to Sunday, from 4pm to 9pm. To book or for more information click here . Written by Claire Bloom Photo courtesy of Sam's Kitchen

Holland & Barrett, the UK’s go-to for all things health and wellness, is on a mission to help the nation shine through the season ! The days grow darker quicker, so it’s no surprise many of us start feeling a little low on energy and sparkle. To chase away those winter blues, H&B is bringing a dose of sunshine to the high streets with their brand-new ‘Sunshine Booth’ , a pop-up experience designed to brighten your day and lift your spirits. Step Inside the Sunshine Booth Take a few minutes out of your busy day to unwind, recharge, and soak up the glow of specially designed lighting that mimics natural sunlight (the same kind used in SAD lamps!). Spend up to 20 minutes  inside this calming, mood-boosting space — perfect for giving your winter wellness routine a radiant reset. When & Where to Find It: London (Marble Arch):  Wednesday 5th November, 8am – 8pm Cardiff:  Thursday 6th November Manchester:  Friday 7th November No need to book — just pop in when the Sunshine Booth hits your city! Be one of the first 10 visitors  to step into the booth and you’ll walk away with a Holland & Barrett Goody Bag  worth £50! Each one is packed with winter wellness must-haves, including the Winter Wellness Bundle  — your all-in-one immune and energy support kit featuring: Vitamin D 1000 I.U. Tablets Vitamin C 1000mg Tablets High Strength Zinc 15mg Tablets, plus a few surprise treats to keep you glowing all season long. Step into the light, recharge your batteries, and let Holland & Barrett brighten up your day (and your mood) this winter. Photo courtesy of Holland & Barrett

This week we caught up with Michael Lowers, Founder of NEUE water, to talk about stylish yet thoughtfully designed water bottles, key lessons learned as a Founder and so much more. 1. Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired the creation of this brand? It was when consulting for a luxury fashion brand that I noticed a problem for the fabulous women visiting the atelier studio. Every customer wanted to take the bottle of water we gave them during their fitting home, but the bottled water on offer didn’t fit their handbags, so a lot of them were left behind. Seeing that happen regularly led me to think one day: “Why has no one designed a bottled water to fit into a woman’s handbag?” I also knew that if I was going to bring a new bottled water to the market, I wanted it to be thoughtful, not wasteful. So we created our bottles using recycled plastic, turning what would otherwise be waste into something useful. It might surprise people, but 100% recycled plastic produces 10 times fewer carbon emissions than aluminum cans, and up to 20 times fewer than glass bottles. A small detail, perhaps, but one worth knowing next time you reach for bottled water on the go. 2. The artwork on the water bottles are beautiful, where did this idea come from? Given where the brand was conceived, fashion was always front and centre in my mind in terms of how I was going to build it and the aesthetic I wanted to create. As cheesy as it sounds, I wanted the brand to be more than just a bottle of water, I wanted it to be considered an accessory. So every detail had to be beautiful in that way, in fact the way I describe the brand to new people working with us, is that we're a fashion brand that sells water, that's the mindset. So having artists design the labels felt like a natural choice. Changing them each year, like fashion seasons and styles, became the inspiration for keeping the brand fresh and dynamic. Plus, no other brand was doing that, which aligned perfectly with our mantra of being different. 3. What were some key lessons you learned along the way that shaped your approach to building a brand like NEUE Water? Building a brand is hard, especially when you’re trying to innovate. A lot of people think innovation is some kind of major technological breakthrough, but it can be much smaller and still incredibly difficult to achieve. In my case, it started with the bottle design, then finding a way to produce a bottle like that, and even harder, finding a co-packer in an industry that almost exclusively works with cylindrical bottles. Problems come up almost daily. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to just keep working through them. Don’t take them personally, see them as part of doing business. Easier said than done, especially as a solo founder, but essential. 4. Best piece of advice you have been given? You’ve got to be in it to win it - It’s amazing to me how many opportunities open up simply by staying in the market, the moment you step away, they disappear just as quickly. 5. Where would you like to see NEUE Water in the next 5 years? The world’s most-loved luxury bottled water brand. 6. What would your ideal day in London be like? Sleeping in, an Americano and this amazing swirl bacon pastry from Pophams, a winter swim at Shoreditch House, and then off to a pub to watch Arsenal. For more information on NEUE water click here . Photography courtesy of NEUE water

Tucked away in Budapest’s lively Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov is a dining experience that instantly transports you. With its open courtyard, soft string lights, and the hum of easy conversation, this restaurant manages to be both relaxed and electric, the kind of place where the scent of charred spices and freshly baked pita fills the air long before the food arrives. What follows is a celebration of flavour, texture, and balance that feels both comforting and vibrant. We began with a beautiful spread of mezze  a sharing experience that captures the heart of Mediterranean dining. The Crispy Spiced Sweet Potato Fries arrived first, golden and perfectly seasoned, paired with a bright Amba mayo that added a tangy, almost tropical note. The Roasted Cauliflower Florets, dressed in miso tahini and sprinkled with black sesame and pomegranate, were a revelation, nutty, slightly smoky, and lifted by bursts of sweetness from the fruit. The Seasonal Hummus and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus were equally memorable. The latter, made with charred kapia peppers, had a beautiful depth and warmth, enhanced by parsley tahini, honey-thyme heirloom tomatoes, and a scattering of pine nuts for texture. Served with soft, freshly grilled sourdough pita, it was the kind of dish that demanded a slow, indulgent pace, each bite layered with colour and flavour. For mains, the Chicken Shawarma Plate was everything you’d hope for: juicy, perfectly spiced chicken thigh fillet with a whisper of smokiness, paired with a vibrant beetroot salad and crisp Yemeni cabbage. A drizzle of tahini tied it all together, while the warm pita served alongside made it impossible not to mop up every last bit. The Grilled Salmon Steak, meanwhile, was cooked to perfection — crisp on the outside, tender and flaky within. The citrus cauliflower cream was unexpectedly light and fragrant, complemented by marinated and chimichurri cauliflower that added both tang and herbaceous freshness. Each dish at Mazel Tov felt like an invitation to share, to linger, to enjoy. The balance of spice, texture, and colour showed a deep respect for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions while adding a distinctly modern Budapest flair. It’s a restaurant that feels alive: communal, generous, and effortlessly stylish. Address: Akácfa u. 47, Budapest 1072, Hungary For more information and to book click here . Words and photos by Stephanie  Sowaha

Chipotle, who offers up delicious burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and bowls, is bringing back its iconic Halloween tradition for a second year in the UK. On Halloween, Friday 31st October, the party starts at 3pm! Swing by any participating Chipotle restaurant in the UK and grab your favourite main meal for just £6*. But wait, it gets even better! Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and you’ll score an extra treat on us, think a free drink, side of chips, or guac. So, get your costumes ready, bring your boo crew, and head to Chipotle for a frighteningly good deal this Halloween at Chipotle. For more information click here . Photo courtesy of Chipotle

Afternoon tea enthusiast and Downtown Abbey fabs, head to Cutter & Squidge bakery in Soho this autumn. They are unveiling an exclusive collaboration in celebration of the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. You can now enjoy an immersive afternoon tea inspired by the world of Downtown Abbey in the Cutter & Squidge bakery in Soho, from £40 per person. There are two showcases to choose from: experience Downtown Abbey’s ‘downstairs’ and step into Mrs Patmore’s kitchen. You will enjoy, among other things, their Roast Beef & Horseradish Sandwich Round, some Leftover Drawing Room Tartlets, and a Blackberry & Almond Loaf accompanied by Winter Fruit. This experience will be available from 24th October until 28th December, Thursday to Sunday.  If you opt for the ‘upstairs’ experience, you’ll find yourself in The Grantham Afternoon Tea (£55 per person), an elegant take on where the Crawley family would take tea. It is served with a glass of fizz on arrival, as well as classic finger sandwiches, such as The Crawley’s Mini Coronation Chicken, or Cucumber & Mint Cream Cheese. You can also expect decadent sweet treats, like the Lemon & Earl Grey Posset, and The Estate Scone served with Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam and clotted cream. The finale features The Drawing Room Cake Of The Day, which can be chosen from the Drawing Room trolley.   In addition to their immersive showcase, Cutter & Squidge also offer three afternoon tea at home options, so you can have a themed experience at home while watching the new movie. Afternoon tea at home options include Dainty Almond Tartlets, The Crawley Fudge Shortbread, Victoria Sponge Cake, and of course, the classic jam conserve on shortbread. If you want to party like you’re a Crawley, head to the Cutter & Squidge in Soho, or book the afternoon experience at home click here . Address: Cutter & Squidge Soho Bakery, 20 Brewer St, London W1F 0SJ  Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Cutter & Squidge

Autumn has arrived at Boulebar Spitalfieds! For the occasion, London’s home of sociable pétanque has come up with a brand-new French gastronomy-inspired menu. You can expect creamy cheeses, artisan charcuterie, and classic crème brûlée. The menu includes hearty mains, indulgent desserts and lighter aperitif.. The drinks list has also got its own revamp, with an exciting selection of new wines, sparkling crémant and inventive cocktails. With cold nights around the corner, Boulebar Spitalfied’s indoors reproduction of a sun-bathed Provence evening is set to be the ideal night out, with pétanque games, friendly competitions and authentic flavours. Boulebar Spitalfields will be hosting its release party for an exclusive first look on Friday 17th October from 6pm to 10pm. Early bird tickets are £25, while general release tickets are £55, including food, drinks, and a game. Tickets are available at boulebar.co.uk/release-party . Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Boulebar Spitalfields

Staying in Paris is exciting, there is so much to see and do, but it can come with a hefty hotel bill, which can be very off-putting for some. We found an affordable yet chic and stylish hotel called Hotel Rose Bourbon that we definitely recommend for a short stay in Paris and if you book well in advance, you can get a double room for less than a £100 a night! The hotel has 39 rooms decorated in an Art Deco style with contemporary elements designed by interior designer, Élodie Lenoir of EL’LE interior stories. The hotel is 3 minute walk from Felix Faure metro station, making it really easy to get to the metro to the hotel from the airport or main international train stations. As we walked in with no expectations of what this three-star hotel would be like, we were pleasantly surprised with how modern and stylish the reception was with an Art Deco feel. Dark sumptuous blue walls with marble panelling, beautiful stripy floor tiling to create some contrast and comfy and inviting chairs to sit on. We checked-in fairly quickly and took the lift to our room! The decor inside the room was a real treat! No dated bedsheets with drab curtains, instead we were greeted with a monochrome designed room, the walls displayed an interesting geometric design, the bed was a king size, which is always a massive bonus and was very comfy and it had a little area for your luggage, belongings, an elegant dressing table and a shelving unit for clothes and any other belongings. Yes it may have been on the smaller side, but this room was everything we could have asked for, it was clean, modern and very stylish! The rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a kettle, a hairdryer and a desk. The toilet and shower room runs the same decor throughout, monochrome and stylish. The hotel offers a continental breakfast for guests but because we were only in Paris for two nights, we wanted to explore as much as we could, and opted for getting freshly baked croissants and coffees from the Parisian cafes. The Eiffel Tower is a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel, which we felt was a short walk away and it allowed us to get familiar with the area. With the metro station being so close to the hotel it is very easy to get to all your desired attractions and locations. Looking for a modern and chic hotel to stay in that won’t break the bank, Hotel Rose Bourbon is the place to book! Address: 53 Rue de l’Église, 75015 Paris, France Website: https://www.hotelrosebourbon.com Written by Nyla S.

Bali isn’t just an island - it’s a mosaic of lush rice terraces, cliffside sunsets, beaches with perfect surf, and a cultural richness that leaves you wanting more. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, there’s something for every pace and style of travel. I recently spent three months exploring the island, soaking in both the iconic highlights and the quieter, hidden corners that make Bali truly unforgettable. When to Visit: Bali’s dry season runs from April to October, and the weather is perfect for beach days and sightseeing. July to September is peak tourist season and can be busy, while October and November are quieter months. The rainy season, from December to March, brings lush green landscapes and tropical downpours, especially in December and January. Even during the rainy months, mornings are usually bright, making Bali beautiful all year-round. Where to Stay: Choosing where to base yourself in Bali can completely shape your experience. Ubud is the island’s cultural heart, with riverside resorts, jungle views, yoga retreats, amazing temples, rice terraces, and the Monkey Forest. Uluwatu is perfect for surfers and sunset lovers, with cliffside resorts offering incredible ocean views. Canggu blends café culture, co-working spaces, and beach clubs, while Sidemen provides a peaceful valley escape surrounded by terraced rice paddies. Seminyak balances chic villas, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Nusa Penida is ideal for scenic viewpoints and quieter beaches. I’d recommend splitting your stay between at least two areas (one coast and one jungle) to give a rounded experience. Must do Activities: Bali is an island with a huge variety of activities. Surf at Uluwatu, hike to catch the sunrise at Mount Batur, or wander through the rice terraces of Sidemen. Ubud offers the Monkey Sanctuary and the Campuhan Ridge Walk, while the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset in Uluwatu provides a mesmerizing glimpse into Balinese ritual and performance. Water lovers can chase Gembleng Waterfall in Sidemen, snorkel in Canggu, or tackle the Kelingking Beach hike in Nusa Penida. For a hands-on cultural experience, try a Balinese cooking class or a silver jewellery-making workshop. Finally, after a long day of exploring, a traditional Balinese massage is the perfect way to relax. Eating Like a Local: Bali’s cuisine is as vibrant as its landscapes. I love staple dishes including Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (stir-fried noodles), and Chicken Satay with its rich peanut sauce. For a true Balinese feast, try Babi Guling (roast suckling pig) or Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked spiced duck). Sweet treats like Pisang Goreng (fried banana) and Es Campur (shaved ice dessert) are perfect for afternoon indulgence, and don’t forget the sambal relishes - they’re spicy, tangy, and utterly addictive. Getting Around: Traffic is notoriously bad in Bali, so planning transport is key. Scooters are the fastest way to navigate and bypass congestion, but if you aren’t confident to drive yourself, then Grab/Gojek cars and motorbikes are reliable alternatives.  Practical Tips: Temples require you to cover your shoulders and knees, and sarongs and scarves are sold at most entrances if you forget. Always make sure you respect local culture - remove shoes, avoid touching offerings, and keep your voice low when in temples. Carry cash for markets, street food, and small transport, and be aware that midday sun can be intense, so plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.  Final Thoughts: Bali isn’t just a place you visit -  it’s one you dive into. From surfing epic waves in Uluwatu, hiking sunrise trails on Mount Batur, wandering hidden rice terraces, to sipping fresh coconut water while watching the sunset, the island never stopped giving. Three months taught me that the best way to experience Bali is with curiosity, an open mind, and a little sense of adventure.  Written by Megan d’Ardenne and Alexander Lee @megsandalex