Open sesame: the Porsche Targa April 19, 2011 I’VE been wanting to drive a 911 Targa for a while and here’s why. For all the clever engineering and folding tin-top balletics seen on many sports coupes in recent years, there is no getting around the fact that I am not fantastically taken with convertibles. Sure, I can appreciate what a wonderful experience it [...]
CAR TALK April 19, 2011 LUXE NEW MINI BMW has introduced the most exclusive and luxurious Mini yet at the Shanghai motor show. The “Mini Inspired by Goodward” is a 1,000 limited edition Mini crafted using Rolls-Royce materials and overseen by RR designers. The Mini has an interior trimmed in walnut burr, black RR-quality nappa leather, a deep-pile lambswool carpet, [...]
Longueville Manor April 19, 2011 A beautiful 13th Century Norman Manor House, Longueville Manor comes with a Condé Nast Johansens seal of approval – and it’s easy to see why. This luxurious stay is set in enchanting grounds with sumptuous boutique rooms. The restaurant boasts three AA Rosettes and when the Jersey sun hots up, the outdoor swimming pool is [...]
The Auberge April 19, 2011 The Auberge is a true gem in the North Suffolk countryside, mid-way between Ipswich and Norwich. The 11 rooms feature traditional open beams combined with elegant and stylish furnishings, whilst the four poster room is particularly romantic. And all this charm is carried through to the ambient restaurant with its two AA Rosettes. The Fruits [...]
The Kings Head April 19, 2011 Enjoy the warmest of welcomes at this gorgeous Georgian coaching inn. The Kings Head is located in the historic village of Hursley and oozes real character and atmosphere. Each room is individually designed, boasting antique furnishings and feature fireplaces, and food lovers will enjoy the tasty seasonal menu served in the cosy pub and restaurant. [...]
Summer glow essentials April 18, 2011 Get the look 1 YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balms, £21 at Harrods. www.harrods.com 2 Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils, £17.50 each at John Lewis, House of Fraser and Selfridges 3 Urban Decay stardust eyeshadow in Griffith, £15, www.asos.com 4 Benefit Bella Bamba blush, £23.50, www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk 5 Clinique Chubby stick in chunky cherry, £14.00, [...]
Theatreland’s most alluring oyster bar April 18, 2011 J SHEEKEY OYSTER BAR 28-32 St Martin’s Court, WC2N 4AL Tel: 020 7240 2565, j-sheekey.co.uk/oyster-bar FOOD SERVICE ATMOSPHERE Cost per person without wine: £35 OK, I admit it. We’ve got a bit of a Caprice Holdings love-in today – a review of the J Sheekey Oyster Bar and an interview with the Ivy’s director, below. [...]
Secrets of success: meet the man who runs the Ivy April 18, 2011 WHAT’S THE KEY TO THE IVY’S ENDURING, RAGING, CULTISH SUCCESS? The juxtaposition of people; you’re rarely going to find that in another restaurant. Celebrities next to tourists and regular Londoners. Then it’s focus on the customer. That’s the key to a good restaurant. Each day we look at what went wrong and see how we [...]
FOOD & BOOZE NEWS April 18, 2011 FRY-UP FLAVOUR EASTER EGGS The roars of delight that went up in the Morning Wire offices on hearing of breakfast-themed Artisan du Chocolat easter eggs (see pic below) were probably heard across the City. Bacon, mushroom and tomato may not sound like the most enticing trio of chocolate flavours to normal people, but to us [...]
Head out of London to the new generation of old hotels April 17, 2011 GRAND old mansions, it’s obvious to say, make terrific hotels. History, character, beauty, location – they’ve got ‘em, and tourists want ‘em. However, the formula has become more than a little staid in a few places, and a bit of shaking up is always welcome. It was the opening of Hampshire’s Lime Wood a year [...]