Forget Seville, Cordoba is the real jewel of Southern Spain September 8, 2025 The first thing you notice about Cordoba in spring is the smell. When the orange trees that line the streets and the jasmines that climb the walls blossom, the whole city fills with their sultry fragrance. The historic centre of Cordoba is a Unesco world heritage site that bears memories of its Roman, Moorish and [...]
Mud, music and magic at End of the Road festival 2025 September 3, 2025 On Thursday night at End of the Road, the couple in front of me in the queue for food turned to each other and said: “We’re back in the best place in the world.” A handful of other festivals might complain, but there’s no doubt that EOTR is vying for the crown of the UK’s [...]
Lunchtime Tourism: The beautiful, elegiac Gilt of Cain at Fen Court September 2, 2025 The biblical story of Cain and Abel explores dark themes. Cain is enraged by God’s favouritism towards Abel. In his fury, he kills his brother. Jealousy, guilt, violence, forgiveness, and how we humans treat each other are themes explored in the Book of Genesis story. In Fen Court, Michael Visocchi’s sculpture is paired with Lemn [...]
A movie producer’s guide to the 82nd Venice Film Festival August 26, 2025 Even by its own towering standards, this year’s 82nd Venice Film Festival will be its most star-studded yet, as some of the world’s best filmmakers compete for the prestigious Golden Lion. VENETIAN LOVE AFFAIR Venice had a starring role in the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Their Venetian love affair will continue as [...]
Why now is the time for a fabulously solo Maldives holiday August 22, 2025 Synonymous with romantic escapes, the Maldives may not be the first choice for a solo endeavour, yet hurtling towards 40 and the kind of long-term single that would put Bridget Jones to shame, I decided to stop waiting for Mr Right to accompany me to paradise and take myself instead. Determined not to let bucket [...]
A father-daughter trip to Tokyo: Japan from two very different perspectives August 22, 2025 Tokyo is a city of dazzling contrasts — serene temples and tea ceremonies stand side-by-side with sky-high department stores crammed with bizarre electronic gadgets. In one moment, you’re bowing in quiet reverence; in the next, you’re jostling through the famous Shibuya Crossing, camera in hand, swept along with hundreds of tourists filming the human tide. [...]
Where to eat in Paris, from pho to foie gras August 22, 2025 It’s easy to eat badly in Paris. Of course it’s easy to eat badly in every major city, but instead of the chain restaurants that stitch together London and temper expectations, Paris eating often involves a sprawling brasserie with tiny tables and an average steak haché at far from average price. Paris Syndrome is real. [...]
Lunchtime Tourism: London’s amazing Temple of Mithras August 20, 2025 The City of London is one fifth Roman. The Londinium that was founded 2000 years ago lasted just over 400 years, and gave us (amongst other things) London’s first private members’ club, The Temple of Mithras. And it’s still here. The Walbrook Club is one of the City’s most exclusive hangouts but right opposite is [...]
Why you’re drinking Port all wrong August 19, 2025 It turns out I have been drinking port entirely wrong. For me, this heavy fortified wine has always been something for the winter. A small glass served at room temperature to pair with the Christmas stilton. If anywhere is going to school me on the “how tos” of port then Kopke, the world’s oldest port [...]
Lunchtime Tourism: Is there a better City green space than the Garden at 120? August 18, 2025 To get you in the mood for out Toast the City Awards celebrating everything that makes the Square Mile great, we asked a professional tour guide to recommend his favourite City spots. “The first weeks of August,” said American writer Natalie Babbitt, “hang at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, [...]