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- Review of the city's Bar Douro
I have something vaguely in common with Bar Douro owner Max, a love of Portugal, its culture, people and cuisine. Max’s passion however, runs far deeper than an occasional visit to Lisbon for an authentic pastel de nata fix. Having spent his childhood in this great nation, and a family background of producing wine in the Douro valley, Max wanted to fix the gaping hole of Portuguese representation in the UK’s restaurant scene and Bar Douro sets out to achieve just that. Open since 2016 in London Bridge, we headed to the City restaurant, located in one of London’s newest - and still being developed - areas, Broadgate’s Finsbury Avenue Square. The restaurant’s interior is unmistakably Portuguese, with white and blue tiled murals, and crockery to match. You’d be forgiven for forgetting the Autumn London drizzle, sipping on a Moscatel, imagining sunnier times. As it happens, today’s forecast is bright, so we sit outside and eat al-fresco, imaginations still running wild. The menu celebrates flavours and dishes from various regions across Portugal, from octopus salads to various incarnations of Bacalhau (cod). Dishes are sized to order 2-3 per person and we’d recommend getting stuck in together and sharing as there are flavours not to be missed. We get stuck into the smoked Portuguese sausage croquetes which are crisp, savoury and dreamy, with a lemony mayonnaise, accompanied by the infamous Pataniscas de bacalhau (salt cod fritters). Each delicious bite has us grinning from ear to ear, each mouthful placing us onto the cobbled streets of Porto. We follow with an attractive and colourful plate of tender seared tuna on a bed of crisped vegetables, drizzled with a tangy Vilão sauce. The onglet steak is beautifully pink, with perhaps a bit more of a bite than we’d have imagined, but it’s the quintessentially Portuguese mustard sauce that shines in this dish. Dessert is a laid back affair of almond tart and pastel de nata (any opportunity), respectively accompanied with milk and cinnamon ice cream and both have us nodding at each other with appreciation. It's worth mentioning that Bar Douro has an extensive list of Portuguese wines that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in London. We of course accompanied our lunch with a red douro and Vinho Verde. Bar Douro’s city location is positioned perfectly for the city lunchtime crowd to be in and out within the hour and sample some of Portugal's classic and must-try flavours. Our verdict, they are pretty damn good at it. Book a table now at www.bardouro.co.uk Address: Finsbury Av. Square, Unit 3, 1 Finsbury Avenue, London, EC2M 2PF Written by Rick Hartley Photography by Nyla Sammons
- A Taste of the Spanish Sun with San Miguel's Illuminating Mural in Shoreditch
From October 26th, San Miguel is bringing a burst of Spanish warmth to London’s Shoreditch with an awe-inspiring mural that’s set to light up the city's cultural heart. Head to 112 Tabernacle Street from October 26th to November 3rd, where Europe’s largest mural by celebrated Spanish artist Asis Percales promises to illuminate London’s grey skies with the colours and vibrancy of a Spanish summer. Created as part of San Miguel’s "Summer Saving Time" campaign, the mural is designed to combat those seasonal blues just in time for the clocks to turn back. While the UK’s days grow shorter, San Miguel’s artwork will glow longer, shining each night from 4:30 PM to 2:00 AM, evoking the extra hour and half of sunlight in Spain as winter approaches so add a bright spot to your autumn city explorations and visit this one of a kind mural. While you’re there, scan the mural’s QR code to claim a complimentary San Miguel to share with a friend, and snap and share your photos with #SeekingTheSpanishSunshine for a chance to shine on social media. For more details and participating locations, visit seekingthespanishsunshine.co.uk The mural can be found at 112 Tabernacle Street, Shoreditch, London Lightshow Times: 16:30 to 02:00 on October 26th, 27th, 31st, and November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Written by Lorna Bryn Photography courtesy of San Miguel
- Review of Sticks'n'Sushi in Islington
We had the pleasure of being invited to the latest addition to the Sticks'n'Sushi empire, located on Islington's buzzing Upper Street, just a short stroll from Angel tube station. Behind its modest black façade lies an elegant, beautifully lit space that exudes understated sophistication. The restaurant offers a range of seating options, from the stylish bar at the front, perfect for casual dining, to high tables ideal for group gatherings, and more traditional seating near the open kitchen, where the magic unfolds. We sampled the Set for Success menu, an indulgent array of eleven expertly crafted dishes, showcasing the best of Sticks'n'Sushi's offerings. The experience began with the exquisite Shake Tataki—delicate salmon paired with trout roe, daikon, miso, ponzu, and daikon cress. This dish was an immediate standout, with the freshness of the salmon melting in the mouth, complemented by the vibrant flavours of the roe and ponzu. It was followed by Shake Beef, tenderly thin sliced beef served with miso aioli, artichoke chips, and a truffle ponzu sauce—a true showstopper with what was easily the most succulent meat we've ever tasted. Next, we enjoyed the Ebi Shrimp—crispy, tempura-battered prawns accompanied by a subtly spicy chilli dip, perfectly balanced by the griddled broccoli served with a tangy umami-rich Goma sauce, which we also dipped the shrimp, enhancing each bite with extra depth. Then came a delightful trio of grilled sticks: flavourful chicken meatballs seasoned with coriander, Argentinian shrimp grilled to perfection in garlic and spicy gochujang butter, and tender Iberico pork finished with a hint of miso and lemon. Each skewer offered a distinct yet harmonious flavour profile, inviting us to mix and match for a dynamic experience. The real highlight of the evening arrived with the sushi and sashimi rolls. From classic combinations like chicken and avocado or smoked salmon and cream cheese to the signature Hell's Kitchen roll—tempura shrimp wrapped in rice, avocado, and spicy sauce, crowned with tuna and a delicate touch of barbecue sauce—every bite was a revelation. The Hell's Kitchen roll, in particular, was nothing short of extraordinary, its rich layers of texture and flavour leaving a lasting impression. We savoured every one of the rolls, and had fun ranking them. For dessert, we followed our waiter's expert recommendation and shared two decadent treats: the velvety Goma Vanilla Crème Brûlée with a black sesame crumble and the indulgent Dark Chocolate Fondant with a molten matcha core, vanilla ice cream, and a matcha cookie crumble. Both desserts were the perfect finale to an unforgettable meal, offering a sweet, sophisticated close to an already exceptional dining experience. For more information or to book visit https://sticksnsushi.com/en Address: 77 Upper St, London, N1 0NU Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Sticks'n'Sushi
- Review of the new dishes at Wagamama
This autumn, Wagamama launches an array of new and original recipes in conjunction with their ‘no one way to Wagamama’ campaign which introduces guests to the many ways in which they can indulge in the Wagamama experience. From light snacks to hearty main dishes and shareable plates, there is something for every occasion and dietary requirement. A great choice for vegans and vegetarians, as well as those with allergies and intolerances, they even have the calorie count detailed by each dish to help diners make the most nutritious choice for them. During our visit to Wagamama in Stratford, we indulged in a selection of the new dishes and some trust favourites. We both wanted to go alcohol-free, so the Spiced Plum and Orange was perfect – an amber ombre colour drink of sweet plum, tangy orange and fiery ginger, the glass trimmed with chill and lime salt for that authentic cocktail experience and a little kick of umami. The drinks menu has a tempting array of beverages. New house favourite ‘a breakfast in Tokyo’ combines sweet and zesty papaya gin with blood orange, another not to miss is the yuzu sherbet topped with organic prosecco, fantastically fizzy and fun! A refreshing organic wine with a light orange hue and bold notes, perfect to accompany tangy spicy dishes. For our tasting experience, we ordered the fish coconut kare, a rich citrussy dish with a hint of chilli, this dreamy curry-style recipe is served in a deep bowl with crunchy tender stem broccoli, fine beans and rice (white or brown rice can be selected). It was a warm and declious meal, perfect for the colder months. Next up firecracker hot honey fried chicken, delivered with mixed pickles and zesty mayo on the side. This dish was a little too sweet for me, but Wagamama does offer alternative options as well, which include Yuzu and teriyaki. The menu includes an exciting collaboration with Rahel Stephanie (aka Spoons) - the crispy sambal fry, a fan-favourite Indonesian-inspired dish. Another good option to order if you are looking for a hearty filling dish with flavour. Of course while we were there trying out the new dishes, we had to also order a firm menu favourite - Bang bang cauliflower. Loaded with firecracker sauce, a Wagamama special, fresh ginger and coriander on crispy roasted cauliflower – delicately spicey and light. Who said vegetables can't be exciting! Portions are generous, and the range of flavours to be experienced is mouth-watering, with combinations to transport the taste buds to an array of exotic places. We finished our lunch with a warming cup of green tea, sending us off to the cinema feeling fully satisfied – with no room for popcorn. Wagamama is introducing a number of ambassadors through its unique loyalty platform where members can redeem free menu items, exclusive content and engage with the likes of Rahel, Alfie Cooks, and GK Barry. For more information about Wagamama’s new menu visit www.wagamama.com Written by Claire Bloom
- Everly Brothers musical ‘Walk Right Back’ returns for an epic UK Tour
Journey to the glorious days of rock ‘n roll with the Everly Brothers’ incredible life story. The production follows their rise to fame from humble Knoxville, Tennessee, to superstardom, their decade-long feud, and the emotional reunion that gave them back to the world. The production features the brothers’ unique harmonies which influenced many bands, inspiring The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkle, and making them the most successful rock duo of all time. The show is suitable for all ages and features hits such as Bye Bye Love, All I Have To Do Is Dream and Cathy’s Clown, this electric concert-style musical intertwines the wonderfully sad yet uplifting story of the two brothers. The show also features songs from the Everly Brothers' good friends, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. The runs across the UK from October 2024 – June 2025. For more information and to book tickets visit www.walkrightback.com Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Walk Right Back.
- Fearne Cotton launches Happy Place wellness classes with FRAMELESS in November
This November, Sunday Times best-selling author and Happy Place creator Fearne Cotton is set to launch a series of transportive wellness classes in partnership with FRAMELESS Immersive Art Experience. A selection of forty-minute classes will be running on select Sundays during November. Participants can enjoy yoga, sound baths, breathwork and laughing yoga amongst incredible digital multi-sensory backdrops of grassy plains, mountainous valleys and glistening streams. This unique not-to-be-missed experience will deliver participants on a nature-themed, multi-sensory dream-like journey, with classes led by some of Fearne’s favourite instructors including Rebecca Dennis, Donna Noble, Monica Bazzani and Cat Googe. Fearne is passionate about creating space for self-love and creativity, this immersive experience combines both her passions. FRAMELESS at Marble Arch, London, is a multi-award-winning art gallery, opened in 2022 as the capital’s first permanent digital immersive art experience spanning four main galleries over 30,000 square feet. The gallery, in collaboration with the acclaimed, BAFTA award-winning, digital production studio, Cinesite, brings to life some of the world’s greatest works on a scale and in ways never seen before. Tickets cost £45 and include access to the full FRAMELESS immersive galleries experience plus access to one of the four wellness classes on offer throughout the day. Find out more to book tickets visit https://frameless.com/immersive-wellness-classes/ Address: 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of FRAMELESS
- Review of Nonna's Kitchen at Dez Amore
If you haven’t noticed, Dez Amore is taking the city by storm, popping up everywhere from Canary Wharf to Chelsea and all the hot spots in between. This cosy walk-up Italian street food joint serves up all your favourite classics—just like Nonna used to make. We stopped by their Chelsea branch which is their first permanent restaurant spot. I hope was light, bright, and full of good vibes with speedy service from the hosts. We kicked things off with crispy fried veggies, including peppers and courgettes, paired with a mouthwatering dipping sauce—the perfect crunch to start. Then, we dove into two epic pasta dishes: Caserrece Carbonara and Tagliatelle Bolognese. Both were portions big enough to feed an army (or at least a very hungry group). The Carbonara? Bursting with flavor, and that crispy bacon was heavenly. As for the Bolognese, it was next-level delicious—rich, meaty, and it tasted like it was straight out of an Italian kitchen, with the beef and tomato sauce cooked to perfection. Of course, we had to try their pepperoni pizza—perfectly crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavour. Every bite was a pizza lover’s dream. We wrapped up our meal with a fun twist on dessert: pistachio cheesecake served in a jam jar. Creamy, nutty, and the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. A must-have dessert, grab a spoon and dig in—it’s impossible not to love! Dez Amore is at all Mercato Metropolitano's: Wood Wharf, Elephant and Castle and Mayfair as well as stands at Wembley Park, Camden and Canary Wharf. Their Chelsea restaurant is at 273 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9PZ Website: https://dezamore.co.uk/dez-amore-restaurant-in-chelsea/ Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Dez Amore
- What to do for Halloween - 2024
Whether you’re up for a frightful Halloween party, an immersive Halloween adventure, or just want to sink your teeth into some Halloween inspired dishes, we’ve conjured up the ultimate guide to Halloween 2024 in London. Sky Garden’s Halloween Party High above London, the Sky Garden is throwing its epic Halloween party on 31st October! Dance the night away to haunting live music by the legendary ALR Music, sip devilishly good cocktails, and enjoy jaw-dropping views of London at night. There’s even live skull painting and a spooky street artist to keep the eerie vibes going. Tickets start at £65 and include a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne or a creepy Dead Man’s Finger cocktail. Don’t forget your costume – it’s all about those ghoulishly glam vibes. To book visit https://skygarden.london/halloween-at-sky-garden/ Face the Crystal-Gazing Fortune Teller at The Crystal Maze From 19th October to 3rd November, Mumsey's mystical Crystal-Gazing Fortune Teller is ready to put your wits to the test at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. This Halloween special cranks up the spooky factor with cryptic riddles and eerie twists, as teams battle against the clock across four thrilling zones. Can you and your squad outsmart the Fortune Teller and escape her chilling clutches? Only one way to find out. To book visit https://the-crystal-maze.com/london/tickets-prices/ Jack The Ripper Tour East-London cocktail bar, Discount Suit Company, has partnered with the award-winning London's Walks for a Halloween edition of the infamous Jack The Ripper Tour with speciality Halloween cocktails on Thursday 31st October. You will start off with a hot punch to warm your nerves, you'll wander through the sinister streets of Whitechapel with a Jack The Ripper expert, learning about the ghastly crimes of history’s most infamous killer. After the tour, calm those jitters back at Discount Suit Company with eerie cocktails like the Bad Moon Rising or the mezcal-laced Ray Gun. Tickets are just £25, and they include the tour, a warming punch, and a 20% discount on your post-tour drinks. Spooky sips anyone? To book visit https://theumbrellaproject.co.uk/halloween-ripper-tour-at-dsc/ Islington Square’s Halloween Market on 26th October Get ready for a fang-tastic day of fun as Islington Square throws the ultimate Halloween market on Saturday, October 26th, in partnership with Urban Food Fest! From 11am to 5pm, the Boulevard will come alive with creepy cool street food, mouthwatering desserts, and an array of "Made in Islington" stalls showcasing local makers’ handmade goodies. Sink your teeth into devilishly delicious eats like blood orange pulled pork tacos, twisted Turkish flatbreads with eerie sauces, and satisfy your sweet cravings with pumpkin spiced caramel cupcakes, gooey red velvet cookies, and eyeball doughnuts. The kiddos are in for a spooky good time too, with outdoor play areas featuring building blocks, play mats, and a Halloween arts & crafts station where they can whip up their own spooky masks or animal decorations. Adults, don’t miss the new Freedom Brewery beer pong challenge, "Made in Islington" stalls and Karaca will be launching their Halloween inspired tableware and lighting collection for creating a spooky ambience at home. Over at Anthropologie discover their newly launched Halloween décor collection and for a lineup of Halloween themed films head to Odeon Luxe & Dine where you can watch Beetlejuice , Smile 2 , Terrifier 3 and Ghostbusters 40th Anniversary . It’s going to be a spook-tacular day out at Islington Square—don’t miss it! To read the full-line up visit https://www.islingtonsquare.com/ Beetlejuice-inspired Brunch at Kapara On 26th October, Kapara is transforming its brunch into a Beetlejuice-inspired Halloween extravaganza! Enjoy bottomless drinks, a devilishly delicious three-course brunch, and drag performances by Envy The Queen and The Madame. For extra chills, upgrade to bottomless champagne and spooky cocktails like Beetle’s Juice (gin, Midori, elderflower, and prosecco – yes, please!). Brunch packages start at £29 per person for 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, or go all-in with brunch and drinks for £59. Feeling extra spooky? Add on the champagne for an extra £20. To book visit: https://kapara.co.uk/ Halloween Feast at Bamboo Mat For a fusion of creepy and culinary, head to Bamboo Mat Stratford from 25th to 31st October for their Halloween menu featuring Japanese-Peruvian delights. Menu highlights include: Crispy, sweet and rich Pumpkin Tempura with shichimi togarashi, truffle oil and lime, Nikkei Pumpkin Maki, with cream cheese, salmon, pumpkin, ceviche chilli sauce and mixed cress and Beef Heart Skewers. Pair your feast with a Pumpkin Spritz or a chilling Halloween Surprise cocktail. To book visit https://bamboo-mat.co.uk/
- Baby and Kid’s Christmas Gift Guide
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, apart from a horde of excitable children, chewing at the bit for a glimpse of the big man in red as you sneakily try to place the presents under the tree. In this Xmas guide, you’ll discover some delightful gifts designed to bring boundless smiles and giggles to the little ones in your life. Whether they dream of snowy adventures, whimsical playtime, or cozy moments by the fireplace, our curated selection is sure to spark their imagination and make this holiday season truly unforgettable. Miniso Christmas Plushie Cuteness overload! This soft and cuddly penguin is the perfect companion to snuggle up with at bedtime or during story time. Miniso stocks an incredible range of plushies of all sizes, shapes and personalities, but come on! A snuggly snowman with a dapper penguin on their squishy chest… it’s the perfect Christmas gift. Price: £7.00 Available from https://minisoshop.co.uk Toomies Bathtime Barista Turn bath time into a coffee shop adventure with the Bath Barista from Toomies! Your little ones will become hipster baristas, brewing cappuccinos, hot chocolates or creamy coffees straight from their bubbly bath water. The make-believe coffee maker sticks straight on your bathroom tiles with its suction cups and includes handy storage for the cups and jug which come with the set. Best of all, you won’t be kicking yourself searching for that pack of AA’s on Christmas morning as batteries are not needed. Price: £22.99 Available from Argos , Smyths , The Range , John Lewis and Ocado Do You Really Know Your Family Get to know the family better with this fun game which will have the kids giggling and the whole family learning a little bit more about each other. Ask questions to spark interesting conversations and set funny challenges for each other, it’s an ideal gift to play on Christmas Day! This game promises a lot of fun and giggles for the whole family. Price: £19.99 Available from Amazon Hurry up Chicken Butt Get your little animals moving in this hilarious game which will have your kids yelping, jumping and performing animal noises. A great way to sneak in some exercise, a player must shake the chicken to reveal an activity which must be performed quickly before passing the chicken to the next player before the timer goes off. It’s fast, it’s funny, it’s different every time. and everyone has an equal chance to win, meaning the kids can run rings around those competitive parents (you know who you are!). Suitable for Age 4+. Price: £19.99 Available from Waterstones Where’s Mr King This fun and colourful book encourages your little one to try and find friendly characters behind colourful felt flaps. Ingela Arrhenius’ bright and retro illustrations are sure to capture your baby’s attention, and you might just recognise some of the landmarks and locations in the book. A great way to get your bubbas off to sleep after an excitable day. Price: £5.00 Available from WHS
- Sleep like a champion at citizenM - Review
As someone with a 1 year old human alarm clock, the elusive good night’s sleep is one of those perks of a previous life. It’s almost become a badge of honour amongst parents, sharing their nightly schedule with anyone prepared (and often unprepared) to listen. The reality is that a prolonged period of poor sleep can be detrimental to our health. To my delight, global hotel chain citizenM has just released a groundbreaking new Sleep Like a Champion campaign, informed by extensive research by certified sleep consultant Naomi Hilliard. The campaign is designed to provide travellers staying at their hotels with an enhanced sleep experience, including personalised guides and advice on how to get the best quality shut-eye. I had to try this out, and experience what the hotel had to offer even if it meant travelling all of 30 minutes to the Tower of London branch of citizenM. First a little about the hotel As a citizenM newbie, I was pleasantly surprised with how seamless everything worked at the hotel. They have managed to introduce an experience combining tech with a human touch that really makes the experience of the stay quite delightful. Check-in is largely self-service, I select my preferred view, floor and scan a room card and I’m checked in. A member of staff is straight over to make sure I am ok and know what I’m doing. It almost feels like an upmarket supermarket checkout (but with a friendlier assistant). Feeling quite smug that I haven’t had to queue at reception, I check out the ground floor, a sprawling area which kind of feels like a trendy coworking space lined with bookshelves displaying interesting art, books and artefacts, various lounge areas with humongous TVs, a cafe and bar in the centre, and even a courtyard at the back. The room The rooms at citizenM are shaped for the needs of travellers. They are compact but cleverly designed with a large drawer providing the storage beneath a generous king-sized bed. The bathroom is a futuristic glass pod, and the fridge is integrated into a desk for the travelling workers. In keeping with the check-in process, the room just…works. You can control every aspect from the lights, TV, the blinds and curtain and even the entire ambiance of the room with switches, a bedside iPad or even the amazing app (if you remember to download it). After perusing the various wellness themed reads from the room’s bookshelf, I spend some time completing a survey to generate my guide to a good nights sleep, more on that later. The Rooftoop Bar So I may be here to make up for 1.5 years of poor sleep but I must mention the rooftop bar at the Tower of London hotel. Before settling in for the night I travel up the the 7th floor to cloudM. Floor to ceiling windows frame the most amazing views of the iconic Tower of London and beyond. With a negroni in hand, I head out onto the balcony gazing at the panorama of Canary Wharf right down to the West End. Up one floor are meeting rooms and cosy lounge type booths where the vista is as impressive as the floor below. Well worth a visit. Sleeping like a champion My earlier questionnaire to figure out what the hell I should be doing to optimise my sleep for the night categorised me as an “inbetweener”. Not quite a night owl, not quite an early riser. The result was a guide of useful tips including optimal time to hit the pillow, blue light reduction, caffeine restriction, noise…the lot. I may have cheated with an early evening negroni, but luckily citizenM rooms are geared up well to handle some of the rest. Aside from the super comfortable king sized bed, with a few clicks of the iPad, I have triggered one of three automated room settings which sets the lights, blackout blinds and a “Brainwaves” soundtrack, specially composed by scientists and Goldsmiths, University of London to address common travel issues. I choose my track, the room falls into darkness and a slightly trippy but soothing track carries me to the land of nod. The verdict Perhaps I am so sleep-deprived that an afternoon nap feels like heaven, but this is possibly the best night's sleep I’ve encountered during my little son’s lifetime. Maybe it was the music, possibly the bed, but in reality, the best feature of the citizenM room in my opinion was the complete darkness. I woke up worried it was the middle of the night but in fact it was 8am and my fabulous buffet breakfast at canteenM was calling. Whether it’s a hotel stay that just works, a hotel geared up for working, or you want to work on your sleep. citizenM ticks a lot of boxes for me. To book and find out more about sleeping like a champion, go to citizenm.com/campaigns/sleep Written by Rick Hartley Photography courtesy of citizenM
- Back To The Future - Afternoon Tea review at SOUND Cafe
Get ready to rev up your taste buds and travel through time with our thrilling experience of the Back to the Future-themed Afternoon Tea at SOUND Cafe. Nestled inside the iconic Cumberland Hotel, SOUND Cafe sets the perfect stage. From the moment you walk in, you're hit with waves of nostalgia as video screens showcase legendary music hits, vibrant memorabilia, and, if you're lucky, live performances by live artists. But the real star of the show? The afternoon tea itself, a spectacular spread that’s sure to leave you both full and impressed. Pro tip: arrive hungry—because this is one epic, belly-busting feast! The menu is divided into three sections, brimming with delicious treats cleverly named after characters and plotlines from the movie. Don’t worry if you haven’t seen the film—it tastes incredible either way! Kicking things off in the Past, we devoured the McFly Slider Burger—a juicy, two-bite brioche bun with a savoury meat patty. But the real scene-stealer? The Mayor Goldie Wilson Mini Hot Dog—a perfectly sized, flavour-packed bite of pure deliciousness. Next, we zoomed into the Future, where Marty’s Shrimp Taco was a standout. Delicately spiced with a crispy prawn inside, it was perfectly balanced by the refreshing slaw. The Pork Burrito and Mac and Cheese Toastie came next—both super satisfying and kid-friendly, but so filling we had to pace ourselves! To quench our thirst, we sipped on Berry and Peach Iced Teas, served in generous pint-sized glasses and garnished with fresh fruit. The refreshing flavours were just what we needed to prepare for the sweet finale. And let’s not forget the adorable Lorraine’s Mini Milkshakes—almost too cute to drink, with their colourful sprinkles and fresh fruit accents. Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-addictive. Finally, the Present arrived, with a dessert plate that was a sugar lover’s dream. The cheesecake was divine, and the tangy Apple Cobbler hit all the right notes. We couldn't quite conquer the rich brownie, but everything was generously topped with cream and crowned with a cherry. The service was top-notch, with friendly staff rocking pins showcasing their favourite musical artists—we spotted AC/DC, Ricky Martin, and Lady Gaga on our visit! As we reluctantly returned to the present, we caught the band warming up for their set. But alas, the future called, and we had to head out into the cold. Book you experience from £45pp by visiting https://sound.london/offers/back-to-the-future-the-musical-afternoon-tea Address: Great Cumberland Pl, London, W1H 7DL Written by Claire Selby Photos courtesy of SOUND Cafe
- What to do with the kids during the October half term holidays
Looking for ways to keep the kids busy this October half-term? London’s got you covered! From fun museums and galleries to immersive experiences and exciting special events, there’s a world of fun waiting. We’ve rounded up the top family-friendly spots you won’t want to miss! Moco Museum Moco Museum is a real treat for the senses for both adults and kids, As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the stunning works of art from the ‘Moco Masters,’ featuring icons like Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Pablo Picasso, and more. The kids will especially love the infinity mirrored room—it’s like stepping into another dimension! If you can’t get enough, grab a membership and make it your go-to spot for family fun all year long. Adult £19.90; Youth (7-17 years old) £17,90; Children (0- 6 years old) Free For further information visit and to book tickets visit mocomuseum.com/london London Transport Museum Exploring the many ways we've traveled over the years can be a blast for kids! They’ll not only uncover cool facts but also hop aboard a vintage train and jump into the driver’s seat of the Elizabeth line train This half-term, families can also take a trip back in time at the London Transport Museum. Their 'Through the Darkness' series introduces time-traveling passengers from Victorian London, complete with free activities like 'Build Your Own Night Bus' and a ‘Sensory Underground Zone’ where children can let their imaginations run wild. To book a ticket visit https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/ The Elmer adventure at the Southbank Centre Get ready for a splash of color and fun as the beloved patchwork elephant takes center stage in the much-anticipated world premiere of The Elmer Adventure! To celebrate Elmer’s 35th anniversary, the multi-Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories brings the jungle to life with magical songs, captivating storytelling, and mesmerizing puppetry. It’s the perfect setting for Elmer to hide (and shine!) in a vibrant, colorful world that’s sure to dazzle kids and adults alike! For further information visit https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-elmer-adventure/ Natural History Museum Take the kids to the Natural History Museum to enjoy an array of activities which include: A lively animal show where you'll have the chance to get up close to amazing animals whose ancestors roamed the Earth with the dinosaurs (From 26 October to 1 November). The Teach Rex show, an interactive, prehistoric journey all about Tyrannosaurus rex. Created for children of all ages, the life-like dinosaur puppets join a storytelling and educational performance about the life of T.rex, followed by a meet and greet with T.rex and friends. (From 26 October to 1 November). Visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition and marvel at some of the the world’s best wildlife photography. For the full lineup and to book tickets visit https://www.nhm.ac.uk Toto Kerblammo! at Unicorn Theatre From acclaimed British theatremaker Tim Crouch comes an innovative new play blending theatrical storytelling and binaural technology for the first time at the Unicorn. This heartwarming and powerful tale is all about listening, friendship, and finding light in the darkest moments. The story follows Effy, a young girl sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a building that forbids dogs. So, what does she do? She sneaks in her beloved furry friend, Toto, of course! But it can’t last forever, and when things take a turn, Effy needs saving—Toto to the rescue! Here’s the twist: audiences will wear headphones to experience the action through Effy’s ears, making the show a fully immersive adventure. It's storytelling like you've never experienced before, mixing live sound and action in a totally unique way! For further information visit https://www.unicorntheatre.com/events/toto Kids’N’Sushi Masterclass at Sticks’n’Sushi Looking to spark your kids’ love for cooking? Take them to Sticks’n’Sushi for a fun and interactive Sushi Masterclass designed just for kids! Guided by expert chefs, these hands-on sessions will teach your little foodies how to roll their very own sushi. They’ll master the art of making kappa hosomaki rolls (cucumber), pink Alaska uramaki rolls (salmon, avocado, cream cheese and lumpfish roe) and shake nigiri (salmon). Perfect for ages 8-12, these classes welcome all skill levels, with clear and friendly instruction that makes sure everyone has a blast. Sessions taking place this October half term will be hosted at the following Sticks’n’Sushi restaurants: Saturday 26th Oct – Greenwich, Shoreditch, Kingston Sunday 27th Oct – Kings Road Saturday 2nd Nov – Richmond Sunday 3rd Nov – White City For further information visit https://sticks-n-sushi.designmynight.com Oxygen Looking for the ultimate kid-friendly fun zone? Look no further than Oxygen Croydon, Oxygen Acton, and Oxygen at the O2! Think interconnected trampolines, a mega airbag for soft landings, a dodgeball arena for action-packed games, and even soft play areas for the little ones. Parents, you can kick back and relax in the café while keeping an eye on all the fun from a perfect viewing spot. It’s the best of both worlds: kids burn off energy, and you get a little downtime! For further information visit https://oxygenactiveplay.co.uk