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Just in time for spooky season, Black Sheep have conjured up the new Iced Ube Matcha Latte  — a chillingly bold blend of earthy matcha and sweet, nutty ube. This iced-only drink casts a spell with its haunting violet hue and refreshingly unique flavour. Loved for its vibrant colour and naturally sweet taste, ube meets matcha in a fusion that’s as eye-catching as it is crave-worthy. This magical mix is only here for a limited time. Once it vanishes, it won’t be creeping back anytime soon. So if you're craving a boo-tiful caffeine hit or a Halloween treat with a twist, get your hands on the Iced Ube Matcha Latte before it disappears into the night. For more information click here . Photo courtesy of Black Sheep

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate offers an escape from the everyday. This secret garden enclave and sumptuous hotel is a true hidden gem, we went along to sample the residence’s current offering: a whimsical, theatrical afternoon tea inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.   Kona’s teas have been rated by The Telegraph best in London, so we were delighted to be invited along and went with the intention of fully immersing ourselves and indulging in every element. The experience begins before you’ve even taken a bite. Scenes from Shakesphere's Much Ado About Nothing ,  As You Like It , and of course,  A Midsummer Night’s Dream  wrap around the space, inviting you into the imagination of the playwright. Seasonal flowers bloom beside a gently bubbling fountain, and the atmosphere is tranquil and dreamy.  I took my partner’s mother and we went in the afternoon, but by the time we left, the sun had gone down to reveal twinkling fairy lights artfully festooning the gardens, adding to the magic of the experience. Inside the woodland theme continues as Kona has been transformed into a fairy glade. Upon arrival, we were led by our waitress over to a cosy corner, our table set as an enchanted forest, with imps and fairies peeking from table arrangements, whimsical flourishes throughout the room, and a magical woodland vibe that immediately drew us in. The tea is served on beautifully crafted woodland-themed crockery, designed to echo the forest scenes of the play and commences with a delicate violet-infused cake, softly sweet and almost ethereal in texture, presented on a moss-covered tree stump, a lovely way to open the experience. We continued to indulge ourselves in the ceremony with the Elixir of Enchantment, a bespoke blend of green tea, mulberry, cranberry, and lingonberry, although English tea and other options are available if you prefer something more traditional. The savouries are both familiar and surprising. We especially enjoyed the thyme-roasted chicken with apricot mayo, full of warm, aromatic notes that perfectly suited the autumn season. The Dill Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon on Spinach Bread was delicious ,  but the sweets were truly where the charm of the event unfolded. Delivered on a forest-themed tiered stand, the standout for us was The Heart of Love and Confusion, a light-as-a-feather sponge heart with a hidden tropical centre. This combination would not usually appeal, as it sounds too sweet, but this little creation was just perfectly balanced. Our waitress poured the filling into the centre of the heart at the table, further elevating the beauty of the cake. The sweet treats continued, each one a miniature work of woodland-themed art, and picture-perfect. The combination of tart berries and rich sponge-themed fondant centres was captivating, both visually and in the mouth. The scones were warm and super spongy, served with clotted cream and candied orange and jam, a nod to tradition amid all the fantasy. The drinks to complement the tea have been curated to immerse diners in Shakespeare’s imagination with our favourite Puck’s Mischief, which has a surprise twist... we won’t spoil it for you though. Our tea experience was magical, the overall attention to detail and thought that has gone into the menu make the tea well worth the price. If you are looking for a fanciful treat for a loved one, special friend or Shakespeare lover, then this is an afternoon they won’t forget. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. For opening times and to book your experience at Kona click here . Address: 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Kona

This week we caught up with Dominic Rice - the Co-Founder of CANS, to talk about why producing sugar-free soft drinks was important, his inspiration and where he would like to see CANS in the future. Can you tell us the story behind CANS? What inspired you to start it? CANS wasn’t born out of a business plan, it came from our frustration as consumers with the fact that all soft drinks seem to be packed with sugar or sweeteners. We just wanted to have a drink without all that nasty stuff that we would actually enjoy drinking. So we created CANS: unsweetened sparkling drinks made with pure Alpine water, real fruit drops, and nothing extra. Basically no sugar, no sweeteners, no regrets.  Where do you see Cans in 3 to 5 years? In 3 to 5 years, we see CANS as the leading brand in the new category of non-sweet drinks, an alternative to both sugary sodas and artificially sweetened beverages. Our goal is to cut global sugar consumption by 10,000 tons by 2030, one can at a time. We want to make “non-sweet” a normal choice — something you grab without thinking twice. By t hen, CANS will be available across Europe and the UK and US, with a growing community of people who share our belief that you don’t need sugar to enjoy a good drink. 3. Are there new products or expansions we should be watching for? We’re expanding both our range and our reach. You can expect new non-sweet flavors, we will also expand to new beverage categories so there is a lot coming, watch this space! We’re also preparing to launch in new markets in the next few months alongside growing our presence in the UK, Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Who or what inspires you? What inspires me most are the builders, people and companies who start things from just an idea, think long-term and refuse to compromise on impact. Warren Buffett for his patience and clarity, Red Bull for showing how a drink can become culture, and my own team at CANS for proving every day that it’s possible to challenge an entire category. I’m inspired by the idea of creating something that will outlive me, a brand that shifts how people think about what they drink and how they live. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve ever received was to play the long game. Whether it’s business, investing, or personal health, the compounding effect of consistent decisions is what creates real results. It’s a mindset I’ve applied to CANS: instead of chasing fads or quick wins, we’re building a brand and a movement that can stand strong ten, twenty years from now. That’s what gives us resilience. What would your ideal day in London be like?  My ideal London day would start with something grounding — a run along the Thames or training in Hyde Park. I’d then spend the morning with our retail and distribution partners, because the UK is such an exciting market for us. Lunch would be simple, somewhere local, with a CANS on the table of course. The afternoon would be spent walking the city: I love how London mixes history and modern energy. And I’d finish the day either at a live music event or a football match. For me, London is at its best when you’re fully immersed and that’s exactly the lifestyle CANS is built around: social, energetic, and present, without needing alcohol or sugar. For more information on CANS click here . Photography courtesy of CANS

This October and November, Wahaca is turning up the heat and bringing a burst of Mexican sunshine to brighten the darker days. Get ready for a month of colour, flavour and fiesta, celebrating the iconic Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the launch of a new vibrant new Winter menu. Step into any Wahaca restaurant this autumn and you’ll be transported straight to Mexico, marvel at striking Day of the Dead altars, inspired by traditional  ofrendas , beautifully decorated tributes to loved ones passed, created to honour and remember them with joy. Wahaca are also introducing a brand new Tequila Experience, a curated tasting flight, which lets you explore the depth and character of three distinct tequilas, blanco, reposado and añejo, each paired with complementary flavours and served with guided tasting notes. On 30th October, Wahaca Shoreditch throws open its doors for a one-off Día de los Muertos Supper Club, a candlelit evening hosted by Wahaca co-founder Thomasina Miers, in partnership with indie food platform DELLI. Expect: A menu that brings beloved Wahaca classics back from the dead, a welcome cocktail on arrival, live DJ beats to keep the fiesta alive, a face painter ready to give you the ultimate Day of the Dead glow-up and a goodie bag to take home the magic. Tickets are £65  New winter menu   The new Winter menu celebrates the richness of Mexican cuisine and the warmth of seasonal ingredients: Butter Bean & Confit Garlic Dip  – Creamy, rich and served warm, this dip blends slow-poached garlic, rosemary and olive oil with tender butter beans, topped with a zesty jalapeño oil for a fiery kick. Roast Ancho Mushroom Tacos  – Marinated ancho mushrooms, spicy white bean allioli, jalapeño mayo and salsa macha come together in a knockout combo of smoky heat and umami. Corn, Bean & Feta Tostadas  – A colourful, crunchy bite layered with frijoles, esquites, carlin peas and chickpeas, finished with feta, fresh herbs and a splash of salsa macha. Sautéed Guajillo Prawns  – Juicy prawns, caramelised onions and ajillo oil meet chipotle and guajillo chillies in this rich, warming dish – served gringa-style with soft tortillas, avocado, coriander and lime. Chocolate Mole Cake  – This indulgent cake is infused with cinnamon, ancho chilli, sesame and rich chocolate, topped with cinnamon sugar and served with whipped tequila cream. From fiestas to flavour, Wahaca’s got everything you need to make this season unforgettable. Whether you're sipping tequila, reviving old favourites, or diving into bold new dishes, this is a celebration not to miss. For more information and to book click here . Photography courtesy of Wahaca

Bird & Blend  Tea Co are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the 28th Bird & Blend Tea Co. retail store in Chiswick. Doors officially open on 17th October, and it promises to be a haven for tea enthusiasts, curious sippers, and matcha lovers alike. Step inside and explore a world of flavour with Bird & Blend’s award-winning teas and matchas. From fun and imaginative blends like  Chocolate Digestives ,  Strawberry Lemonade , and  Gingerbread Chai , to beloved classics such as  Builders Breakfast Brew  and the luxuriously smooth  Earl Grey Crème , there’s something to excite every palate. Adding a special twist to this new location, Chiswick joins the ranks of Bird & Blend’s other London stores in offering an exclusive blend:London Fog. This dreamy, creamy tea was inspired by conversations with world travellers dropping into London branches, asking for a local take on the iconic Earl Grey. The result? A rich, aromatic blend with that unmistakable Earl Grey character, elevated with velvety smoothness and a touch of indulgence. The passionate Bird & Blend team will be hosting a variety of interactive experiences to help you fall in love with tea in new and unexpected ways. Enjoy free live matcha demonstrations, get a personalised tea matching service, sip on expertly prepared tea and matcha-based drinks to take away, or dive into mixology masterclasses, special events, and so much more. Whether you're new to tea or a seasoned sipper, you'll find something fresh and exciting to explore. And of course, it wouldn’t be a true celebration without a proper party… Join Bird & Blend for the official opening party on 30th October, where the first 50 customers will be treated to an exclusive Chiswick goody bag, complete with a free 20g pouch of tea. Guests will be welcomed with one of Bird & Blend’s signature tea cocktails, and there’ll be plenty of seasonal tea samples to taste.  Address:  254 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 1PD Photo courtesy of Bird & Blend

This autumn, two of London’s favourite restaurant names, Crust Bros and Brother Marcus, are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind pizza collab that brings the heat, the flavour, and serious 'bro' energy. From 16th October to 24th November, Crust Bros will be serving up the Ultimate East Med Pizza across all locations, and it's set to be your new seasonal obsession. Bringing together Crust Bros’ award-winning Neapolitan craft and Brother Marcus’ bold Eastern Mediterranean flavours, this pizza is a true flavour fusion. It starts with Crust Bros’ signature leopard-spotted crust, layered with a rich harissa tomato base and topped with tender lamb kofta, caramelised onions infused with pomegranate molasses, chunks of fior di latte, and whipped lemon feta. It’s finished with a drizzle of Aleppo chilli butter, scattered pomegranate seeds and crushed pistachios, and served with a cooling tzatziki dip on the side. Vegetarians can enjoy all the same incredible flavours too, with the lamb kofta swapped out for Aleppo butter-roasted aubergine, a seriously satisfying alternative. Crust Bros is a two-time National Pizza Award-winning brand known for its customisable Neapolitan pizzas and bold, flavour-packed sides. With fresh dough made daily on-site and a menu that perfectly blends creativity and authenticity, it's no surprise that Crust Bros has become a go-to pizza destination in London. Their newest and biggest location in Covent Garden boasts 135 covers across two floors, offering the ultimate spot for pizza lovers to indulge. Known for delicious evening mezze, signature cocktails, and laid-back weekend brunches, Brother Marcus makes every guest feel like part of the family from the moment they walk through the door. This is more than just a collab, it’s a celebration of bold flavour, great vibes, and two beloved London brands coming together for a limited-time experience. Available at all Crust Bros locations from 16th October – 24th November For more information and to book click here . Written by Claire Bloom Photo courtesy of Crust Bros

Italian lover rejoice! The nations favourite fresh pasta brand, Pasta Evangelists, have announced plans to open three new London locations before the end of the year as part of its goal to launch 100 restaurants across the UK within the next five years. The first new opening on New Oxford Street, opened on Wednesday 1st October, with the restaurant offering a range of the company’s most loved pasta dishes, including its famous ragù alla Bolognese, carbonara, and beef agnolotti. In addition to a dine in service, the venue will also hos classes through the brand’s Pasta Academy, offering lessons in making fresh pasta. Guests can learn from in house Italian chefs on how to make fresh pasta dishes from ravioli to tagliatelle, all while enjoying unlimited prosecco!  Additional branches are expected to open in Queensway and Chelsea later this autumn. According to the company, the expansion could lead to the creation of up to 1,500 jobs nationwide! Address: 84 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1HB For more information click here . Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of Pasta Evangelists

Nestled along Brentford Riverside, Rottura is a modern, family-run restaurant that celebrates seasonality, craftsmanship, and the enduring bond between food and family. Rottura is the dream project of twin sisters Elena and Emily, who grew up in a traditional Italian household where food was central to daily life. Their shared passion for hospitality has been shaped not only by their upbringing but also by global culinary experiences, including time at world-renowned restaurants El Celler de Can Roca and Osteria Francescana. At the heart of the kitchen is Elena, whose inventive yet grounded approach brings seasonal ingredients to life through a fortnightly-changing menu. Everything is made entirely in-house, keeping the dining experience fresh and dynamic. Inside you will find a calm, contemporary space of soft bleached woods and neutral tones. A long refectory table, dotted with dried florals, anchors the room, while smaller tables and bar seating offer space for both casual coffee and indulgent dinners. With the open kitchen in view, diners can watch Elena at work, while Emily brings hospitality to the floor. After a warm welcome from Emily, we settled in with drinks and friendly chatter from neighbouring tables, already deep into their meals. The wine list and innovative cocktails are highly alluring, with a pear and honey Margarita on offer, along with curated wines. To start, we chose chorizo croquettes with red pepper aioli and sticky charred lamb ribs with honey and yoghurt. The croquettes — crisp and golden on the outside, creamy within, cracked open like eggs to reveal their indulgent centre. But the lamb stole the show: beautifully charred and caramelised, the meat was tender and deeply flavoured, perfectly balanced by the sweet, cool yoghurt and honey dipping sauce.  We were tempted by the pillow-soft house focaccia, but resisted, knowing the mains would be generous. The roasted N’duja chicken, served on the bone, was a showstopper. The skin expertly crisped, the meat succulent. It was the kind of dish you can’t help but eat with your hands, which my partner duly did. As a roast chicken fan, he was blown away by the tenderness of the meat, a testament to great produce sourcing. Alongside this came the Genovese ragu with fusilli and parmesan, slow-cooked beef so tender it melted into the pasta, rich without being heavy, the showering of parmesan topping off this hearty autumn dish. Sides of rosemary roasted potatoes and a vibrant tomato salad rounded out the meal. Every element, from the herbs to the meat, spoke to the high quality of the ingredients and expertise in produce selection. Though full, we couldn’t skip dessert, especially not the house special: brandy-infused tiramisu, served straight from the tray at our table. Rich, boozy, and luxuriously creamy, it lingers on the palate like satin. A fresh mint tea closed the meal perfectly, and we left feeling nutritionally satiated. Both eatery and supper club, Rottura hosts Sunday evening dining events, centred around generous, multi-course feasting menus. These intimate events based around seasonal produce are the best way to experience the full spirit of the restaurant. With heartfelt cooking, honest hospitality, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger, Rottura is more than worth the trip out of Central London. It’s a place to indulge, to connect, and celebrate the love of good food. For more information and to book click here . Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Rottura

To celebrate the launch of Umia, the world’s first-ever AI-powered nail system, we’re taking over the city with a beauty-filled scavenger hunt during British Beauty Week. Umia’s sleek, futuristic nail stations are popping up in iconic spots around town. Each one unlocks exclusive, custom nail designs that Umia applies in just 2 minutes . Yep, you read that right, flawless gel nails, no appointment, no fuss (just show up with clean and nicley filed nails). How to play Follow the clues dropping daily on @ umia.beauty and @ umia.is.here . Find a station, get your nails done, and snap your experience. Complete the full hunt and you’ll bag a £50 reward. Whether you’re a beauty junkie, always on-the-go, or just here for the thrill, this is your chance to experience the future of nails. Don’t forget to share your journey on Instagram or TikTok using #UmiaIsHere and tag @ umia.beauty you’ll automatically enter our grand prize draw. For more information and to download the app to participate, click here . Photo courtesy of Umia

Tucked away in the heart of Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace remains one of London’s most enchanting dining destinations. Known for its dreamy, ever changing floral décor and effortlessly refined atmosphere, the chef has accomplished a menu that reflects its setting with thoughtful and curated mouth watering dishes.   On our recent visit, we enjoyed a beautifully balanced meal that celebrated both comfort and creativity, from fresh, vibrant starters to indulgent mains and decadent desserts. We began with the Burrata, which was luxuriously creamy and paired with grilled grapes which brought a gentle sweetness to the rich cheese. The pumpkin dukkah added a delicate crunch and a touch of spice, while the seeded cracker provided a rustic, earthy texture. It was an elegant combination of flavour and contrast. The Green Goddess Salad was equally impressive, a bright, refreshing mix of kale, spinach, quinoa, avocado, and sprouting beans, lightly dressed with lemon. Fresh, clean, and full of life. For my main I had the Crab & Prawn Linguine, which was an instant favourite. The tomato bisque added a comforting depth of flavour, while the chilli butter gave a gentle warmth that enhanced the sweetness of the seafood. My dining partner had The Slow-Roast Corn-Fed Chicken (half), glazed with aji amarillo, it was tender and deeply satisfying. The glaze added subtle heat and vibrancy, and the accompanying watercress salad offered a crisp, peppery contrast that kept the dish feeling light despite its richness. We paired our mains with Fries and the Beef Tomato Salad, which surprised us with a clever nori dressing. The umami undertone of the seaweed elevated the sweetness of the tomatoes, transforming what could have been a simple side into something quite special. To finish, we shared the Chocolate Fondant, its molten centre rich and velvety, offering just the right level of decadence. Alongside it, the Vegan Chocolate and Strawberry Sorbet was a refreshing and elegant alternative creamy, bittersweet, and perfectly balanced by the fresh flavour of the strawberry sorbet.  Dining at Dalloway Terrace is more than a meal; it’s an experience steeped in charm. From the lush setting to the thoughtful details in every dish, the restaurant offers a perfect harmony of style, flavour, and atmosphere. Whether you visit for an intimate dinner, a leisurely lunch, or a weekend treat, Dalloway Terrace continues to embody the beauty of London dining, it’s timeless, creative, and utterly delicious. Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3NN For more information and to book, click here . Written by: Stephanie Sowaha Interior photography by Justin DeSouza Food photography by Stephanie Sowaha

If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s as theatrical as it is delicious, look no further than  Da Long Yi . Specialising in authentic Sichuan hotpot, this restaurant offers a fiery, flavour-packed journey that’s unlike anything I’ve experienced in London. Despite having dined at countless restaurants across the city, I was surprised to realise I’d never actually tried a Chinese hot pot before and I couldn’t have chosen a better place for my first time. Da Long Yi is the real deal: traditional, authentic, and unapologetically spicy, just how a Sichuan hot pot should be. Each table is fitted with an induction burner, allowing guests to cook their own meal right at the table. It’s an interactive experience that turns dining into something fun and engaging. I was lucky to be accompanied by a friend familiar with the process, and she guided me through it, but there are clear step-by-step instructions on the table, so you'll never feel lost and the staff will happily talk you through the process.  Ordering is done via a digital menu, and you start by selecting your broth. You can opt for one or split your pot into two compartments, giving you the chance to enjoy a variety of flavours. We chose the iconic  Da Long Yi  spicy broth on one side and a milder tomato base on the other for me, who tends to shy away from too much heat.   From the menu, we picked an exciting mix of ingredients: chicken, crab, fish balls, sweet potato noodles, fried pork, fried tofu and an array of fresh vegetables. While waiting for the ingredients to arrive, we visited the sauce station, one of the highlights of the experience. There, you can create your own dipping sauces using garlic, chilli, soy, and more. A handy cheat sheet helps you whip up the perfect blend.  When the ingredients arrived, the real fun began, tossing our selections into the bubbling broth, watching them cook, and eagerly waiting to taste the final result. It’s a minimal-fuss process, and incredibly satisfying. My eyes lit up as I watched the hot pot come to life, a delicious, bubbling creation of chicken, crab meat, sweet potato noodles, oyster mushrooms, fried tofu and more. Every bite was rich, warming, and bursting with flavour. It was addictive in the most wonderful way. One dish that stole the show was the Volcano Beef — thin slices of marbled ribeye or tenderloin arranged in a dramatic cone with a fiery “lava” of chilli oil, fermented paste, garlic, and aromatics cascading down like molten fire. A great dish for those that loves theatrics and spice! The beef is fiery in everyway and we were obsessed, but it’s not for the faint hearted, those that like mild dishes, opt for the fish balls or crab meat instead, another favourite of ours, minus the heat.  When visiting Da Long Yi for the first time, choose ingredients you love, you really can’t go wrong. And let the broth sit and thicken as you eat. The longer it lingers, the more complex and flavourful it becomes. This place is great for a group of friends, even more so if you have a celebration, birthday, anniversary, engagement party, you name it! Whether you're a seasoned hot pot aficionado or a curious first-timer, this spot deserves a top spot on your London dining list. It’s spicy, exciting, and above all, absolutely delicious. Address  5a Berners Street, London W1T 3LA  For more information click here .  Written by Nyla S.  Photography courtesy of  Da Long Yi

We were delighted to be invited to try the latest venture from Parminder Singh, Masterchef winner from 2022. Situated along Lower Richmond Road, Cho Asia fuses flavours from across India and China with an expansive menu and drinks list to complement.  We opted for an “ omakase”, meeting Chef Parminder on arrival and taking his recommendations for a special selection, trusting him completely after being overwhelmed by the cho ices on offer, it was really difficult to drill down on dishes with such a generous offering. We started with his twist on Dahi Puri, dusted with wasabi and filled with refreshing yoghurt - stunning to look at on the plate and absolutely delicious in the mouth with the contrast of crunchy shell and soft yoghurt. That begin the start of a journey through flavours, textures and spices - all served on the most beautiful  crockery. Particular highlights were the Jumbo Prawns with fennel seeds and Kasundi mustard which danced on the tongue and the Tandoori cho ps with green sauce which melted in the mouth. And those were just the starters - of which we tasted nine. Our mains arrived, a trio of beautifully coloured and flavoursome dishes. We had the Butter Chicken which popped with tangy tomato and the slow cooked lamb shank was comforting and unctous  with a beautifully warming brown sauce, falling off the bone as we dug in. The sea bass is a real contrast with a bright yellow sauce and again, fell off the skin as we tasted. The final triumph was the Chefs special rice pudding : coconut jaggery topped with fresh palm sugar and pistachios. The perfect end to our meal, we had an unbelievable dining experience and no doubt will be back again. Address: Cho   Asia  is at  90 Lower Richmond Rd., London, SW15 1LL For more information and to book, click here . Written by Claire Selby  Photography courtesy of Cho Asia