Eurozone inflation eases July 16, 2012 A sharp fall in energy prices helped cool consumer prices in the eurozone in June and gave the European Central Bank space to cut interest rates this month to try to revive the economy, but stagnant imports highlighted the depth of the downturn. Consumer inflation in the 17-nation euro zone was 2.4 per cent in [...]
It’s time to Kickstarter your life July 11, 2012 CROWD FUNDING is the latest buzz-word in Silicon Valley, with entrepreneurs and mad scientists alike asking the public for micro-investments of a few dollars (or a few thousand) to fund the production of their projects. Kickstarter is the reigning king of the sector, with thousands of companies raising funds through its website. Public investments are [...]
Live like a true king in Kingston July 8, 2012 THE SUN descends over Kingston town, casting a warm blood orange-hued glow over the city and dramatic dock beyond. At street level music systems crank out raga, cars beep, locals chat animatedly by beer shacks and jerk chicken stands as our car weaves masterfully through the throng of traffic. “Rush hour,” explains our driver, handing [...]
North Road is a Scandinavian joy July 2, 2012 RESTAURANT NORTH ROAD 69-73 St John St, EC1M 4AN Tel: 020 3217 0033 FOOD **** SERVICE **** ATMOSPHERE **** Cost per person without wine: £75 Scandinavia is having quite a moment. We watch its TV shows, we wear its jumpers, we buy its furniture (while hoping people won’t notice it came flat-packed in a cardboard [...]
Touch-down in Shanghai: getting ready for business June 24, 2012 MAKING my way across Shanghai following a 12 hour flight from London and a six hour flight from Boston left me urgently desirous of a tranquil bedroom, soft bed and a deep bath. As I was heading to the Four Seasons, I figured the only obstacle to achieving these would be traffic – an elegantly [...]
Lexus makes automotive alchemy June 19, 2012 Believe it or not, this is the fourth generation Lexus GS model, a car that has been in production since 1993, quietly going about the business of offering buyers a unique alternative to the more familiar premium saloons like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF. Unique? Really? Well Lexus does things a [...]
EPISODE 59 – A QUIET-ISH MOMENT June 18, 2012 If the Queen gets cross with someone, dad, can she just cut off their head?” “I don’t think the Queen’s ever actually cut off anyone’s head Noel.” “So does she have someone to do it for her? Like soldiers? And then she can watch. And laugh at them. And not get loads of blood all [...]
Hideaway in the Highlands June 17, 2012 For non-members, visiting Skibo Castle, home of the ultra-exclusive Carnegie Club, is bittersweet. Allowed just one stay pre-membership, those who are invited to sample the castle’s delights and the lifestyle offered by the Club, named after Skibo’s former owner Andrew Carnegie, are exposed to such a confluence of pleasures that the predominant feeling on departure [...]
Recipe for success is a special blend June 17, 2012 Q Three years in the City – how has it been? A Considering we opened High Timber just as the recession kicked in, overall it has been fabulous. There are so many big characters in the City; the restaurant always seems to have a buzzing and fun atmosphere. Q What’s been great and what’s been [...]
Shopping in style at the City’s 10 best June 17, 2012 Paul A Young, Bank 1 London’s most delectable chocolatier has shops in Islington and Soho, but our favourite is the outpost on Threadneedle Street. Just a stone’s throw from Bank, the store is a beacon of temptation, with its opulent display window and signature purple exterior. Paul, who has flame-red hair, oversees an operation in [...]