Happy 30th birthday to Eau d’Hadrien, a perfume which, while created of Sicilian lemon and Italian tangerine, somehow always smells like Paris in a Bottle. Annick Goutal, who died at just 53 in 1999, left a wonderful legacy of 19 fragrances, including Eau d’Hadrien. Now the figurehead of the company is her daughter, Camille, all [...]

Toby’s Estate has mastered the coffee house formula: great coffee, relaxing atmosphere and knowledgeable baristas. Toby’s first opened fifteen years ago in Sydney, Australia so they are not really the new kids on the block when it comes to coffee. It is one of the only spots where my boyfriend, who is a picky [...]

Photo Courtesy of Dean Street Townhouse

London’s sensational Dean Street Townhouse ground floor restaurant’s a great place for a bite or a drink at any time of day.
Peppered with artworks by the current British greats including Emin and Hirst, decorated in a modern Georgian style and with food that’s modern and cosy.
Best seats in the [...]

Photo Courtesy of Gary Arnold
One of the few restaurants in Rome that combines traditional Roman cuisine with contemporary brasserie style Maccheroni is a must. One of my favourite restaurants anywhere and, apparently where Michelle Obama chose to eat on her recent trip to Rome. At the historic heart of Rome and a [...]

Photo Courtesy of A & G Merch
I love to give presents. Whether it is a special occasion or for no reason at all my first stop is A & G Merch in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This is the store where you find one of a kind knicknacks you are proud to give, even in [...]

The runawaynow website always carries an advert for The Department Store, which is situated in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. This is because two of the founders are Kiwis and are involved in said venture. But this founder - British - is not involved in any way at all and therefore I can say what I [...]

Photos Courtesy of Hotel Fort Canning
The thing with Singapore is a hotel opens and six months’ later, it is so jam-packed, you can hardly find space for you and your baggage in the lobby as you try to check in. This is Boomtown and make no mistake.
So it is nice to discover there is a [...]

Photo Courtesy of The Cannought Bar
While the cigar bar at Claridge’s is always a good option for pre-dinner cocktails the winning spot in London right now is the The Connaught Bar at the ultra-stylish Connaught. The Connaught is a supreme luxury 5 star hotel in the middle of Mayfair and one of London’s most [...]

Photos by Patrick & Oscar Rignell
Why Paris just before Christmas? It’s so pretty. Chilly though. Pack gloves.
TO STAY CLOSE TO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
The Montalembert is a fashion favourite. At Christmas time, you can curl up by the fire, nibble on gorgeous Christmas treats (thanks to the great in-house chef) and then wander out to eat chestnuts [...]

Photo Courtesy of Cecconi’s
Of course L.A.’s absolutely teeming with great places to eat but one of my recent finds that was completely delightful is Cecconi’s in West Hollywood. Open anytime but particularly nice for lunch seated on the terrace they have all your favourite Italian classics executed with a delicate and modern touch.
Cecconi’s [...]