I’m off skiing. That’s nice. Where? Valmorel. Never heard of it. Me neither… March 16, 2014 If you’re looking for an alpine adventure before the snow melts, check out the slopes at this underrated resort: perfect for Francophiles THE above conversation happened every time I told someone I was going to Valmorel. Virtually no one from Britain goes skiing there. Before my trip I could barely find a mention of it [...]
Look at these unexpected ski gems. We bet you aren’t familiar with them either… March 16, 2014 LOS PENITENTES, ARGENTINA Argentina, famed for its fine wine and day-long barbecues, may not spring to mind when you’re looking to hit the slopes. But Los Penitentes, in Mendoza, sits under the gaze of Aconcagua, the country’s highest mountain. These slopes can be tough for beginners, but with 300 hectares to explore, hiking is another [...]
Scarlett fever: Under The Skin is a classic March 13, 2014 FILMUNDER THE SKINCert 15 | By Alex DymokeFive Stars IF YOU were considering the filmic potential of Scotland, first to come to mind would probably be the highlands; the dramatic barrenness of the western isles, the bronze light that illuminates the Grampians every evening. You probably wouldn’t think of Asda, Tescos, or obscure ring-roads on [...]
Kelly Brook’s new place is Mahiki for City workers March 11, 2014 STEAM & RYE 147 Leadenhall St EC3V 4QT Tel: 020 7444 9960 FOOD Two Stars VALUE Three Stars ATMOSPHERE Two Stars Cost for two with drinks: £105 STEAM & Rye’s website features pages and pages of photographs of Tarquins and Lotties drinking cocktails and having what looks like a bloody good time. Here’s Tarquin posing [...]
Where to Drink: Lanes of London and House of Ho will quench your thirst March 11, 2014 IF VARIETY is the spice of life, then London is spicier than a ghost chilli. This winter witnessed the launch of countless bars and restaurants, all of which offer a different experience, and one that’s offering four. Lanes of London on Park Lane has branched out from its Mayfair environs to incorporate inspirations from many [...]
The Macan is poised for big things March 10, 2014 Porsche’s new luxury SUV could be the motor to finally take the crown from the Range Rover Evoque HAVE you ever visited a car factory? I thought not. I have, many times. Manufacturers are universally keen to show off to the media the millions – billions even – they invest in new car plants. I’m [...]
Not convinced? March 10, 2014 CHECK OUT THESE ALTERNATIVES… AUDI RS Q3 PRICE: £43,000 0-62MPH: 5.5 secs TOP SPEED: 155mph CO2 G/KM: 206g/km MPG COMBINED: 32.1mpg THE VERDICT: DESIGN One Star PERFORMANCE Four Stars PRACTICALITY Two Stars VALUE FOR MONEY Two Stars BMW X3 XDRIVE 35D PRICE: £42,900 0-62MPH: 5.8 secs TOP SPEED: 149mph CO2 G/KM: 162g/km MPG COMBINED: 46.3mpg THE VERDICT: DESIGN Two [...]
Romance and street art in the land of the cheesesteak March 10, 2014 Philadelphia, the city of murals: Susie Bearne goes in search of the stories of unrequited love on the overground Philadelphia ain’t just the land of cheesesteaks – it’s now known as the city of murals. Thanks to the Mural Arts Program, set up in 1984 to provide constructive projects for young graffiti artists, the city [...]
Where to go: The city’s top attractions, according to visitphilly.com March 10, 2014 FRANKLIN SQUARE Franklin Square, one of Philadelphia’s five original public squares laid out by William Penn in his original plan for the city, has undergone a dramatic renovation. The park now boasts several family-friendly attractions, including a miniature golf course, classic carousel, burger joint, picnic area and the famous storytelling bench, where you can hear [...]
Wes Anderson’s Hotel is well worth a stay March 6, 2014 FILMTHE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTELCert 15 | By Steve DinneenFour Stars OF ALL the directors working in Hollywood today, Wes Anderson has the surest grip on his material. Every frame bears his unmistakeable indie stamp; he owns every costume, every carpet and cushion, every trundling tracking shot, every expression and intonation. His films feel like they’ve [...]