Judi Dench Theatre is a fitting tribute to the great dame June 17, 2026 On Tuesday, the Shaftesbury Theatre, the largest independent theatre in the West End, announced that it was changing its name. As of February 2027, following a renovation which will include restoration of its unique opening dome, it will be the Judi Dench Theatre, in honour of the 91-year-old actress who boasts an Academy Award, a [...]
Book review: The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI by Cory Doctorow June 17, 2026 No subject has made me go more hot and cold than AI. Some days, I open Gemini, Claude or ChatGPT, set tough tasks and am dumbstruck by the speed and accuracy of the results. Wow, this is the future, I think to myself. On other days, I ask something simple and they get it all [...]
Old Pulteney releases 50-year-old whisky for 200th anniversary June 16, 2026 Old Pulteney is marking its 200th anniversary with the release of two exceptionally rare single malts, including the oldest whisky ever bottled by the historic Highland distillery. The Wick-based producer has unveiled a 50-year-old and a 30-year-old single malt to celebrate two centuries of whisky-making on Scotland’s rugged northern coastline. The limited-edition expressions have been [...]
The best places to eat sandwiches in Lisbon, from bifanas to pregos June 12, 2026 Most people have their own markers of summer. Elderflower trees blossom into white spidery nets, parks fill up and tops come off, the Premier League finally ends. But for sandwich lovers, the sign of supposedly warmer days ahead comes in the form of an Instagram post by Farringdon-favourite Quality Wines. Word quickly spreads: The bifana [...]
One year after Brian Wilson’s death: Beach Boys founder a genius like no other June 11, 2026 A year ago today, Brian Wilson, the introverted, vulnerable genius behind the Beach Boys, died in his sleep at home in Beverly Hills. He was 82 years old, and his health was ruined: his death certificate included respiratory arrest, sepsis, cystitis, neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnoea and chronic kidney disease. His mental state had long been [...]
Bancone is a pasta restaurant – just don’t call it Italian June 11, 2026 A new restaurant below the imposing walls of the Bank of England is serving pasta – just don’t call this Italian food. I’m told the rare breed beef and marrowbone pasta is a British dish. Is a restaurant Italian because they serve pasta? As any City worker will know, Bancone’s silken threads are kneaded in the [...]
Under the Shadow at Almeida: Psychological horror set against Tehran’s 1988 bombing June 11, 2026 Under the Shadow | Alneida Theatre | ★★★★☆ This has been quite a year for horror theatre. In January we saw the UK debut of the Paranormal Activity stage show, dragging the voyeuristic, found-footage franchise kicking and screaming into the West End. And soon after the Hampstead Theatre premiered a more fringe-y affair in the [...]
American whiskey to try: From Bourbon to American single malt June 11, 2026 The United States is home to a vibrant whiskey culture, producing many different styles of American whiskey. From the best known Bourbons to the fast-growing American single malt, whiskeys from across the pond continue to make a splash in UK whisky shops. Here are four options for seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike available at [...]
How The Macallan mastered the long game June 11, 2026 This month’s issue of Whisky Business, Morning Wire’s monthly look at the world of whisky, takes a look at The Macallan and its unique ownership structure. The Macallan is one of the most iconic Scotch whisky brands, having carved out a niche for itself at the luxury end of the market. Bottles have consistently broken records at [...]
Vino by the waves: The best British seaside hotels for wine June 10, 2026 English summertime means visits to the seaside, ideally with a glass of wine in hand. Having toured the coast recently here are some of the best places to drink with a view of the waves. The Terrace Rooms & Wine – Ventnor, Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight has a new destination for wine [...]