Month: June 2015

  • Merging cocktails and art at Canvas Bar

    ByQ X

    Who? Canvas Bar What? Canvas Bar has a sort of late night vibe. Perhaps it’s the dim lighting and pumping music, which surprisingly allows conversations. Perhaps it’s the DJ booth, seemingly ready to go. Or perhaps it’s because it doesn’t really start getting busy until 10pm. Either way, it’s probably not where you’d expect to find a gallery. But there is one. The walls in Canvas are decorated by a rotating gallery from local artists, which, if you like, you could buy. Most people go for the cocktails though, which are divided into seven different categories. Upcycled is a good category to try but it could be fun, as the…

  • |

    Design pick: Lismore Connoisseur range from Waterford Crystal

    ByLife in Luxury

    Who? Waterford Crystal What? Waterford Crystal has recently launched the new Lismore Connoisseur range, designed with the modern whisky drinker in mind. There are four different shapes available, each fine-tuned to the way that one might drink whisky. For example, the Flared Sipping Tumbler has a rounded bowl to warm and swirl the whiskey, a pinched middle to concentrate the bouquet, and a flared opening that releases the aromas. Priced at £120 for a set of four mixed tumblers. When? Available to pre-order now Where? Available online from Waterford Crystal How? Buy now from Waterford Crystal

  • |

    Ten of the best white dresses

    ByA.F.

    As the summer solstice draws to an end, we say goodbye to spring and welcome summer. We’ve had the pinks and the pastels for the spring season but now it’s time to set those tans off with a splash of white. Of course white works for clothes and accessories but we’re going for a classic – the demure white dress. Except it’s less about frou-frou wedding dresses and more about fabulous outfits for the cocktail hour. Here, we’ve picked ten of our favourite party-ready white dresses Metallic lace silk dress from Aidan Mattox Priced at £330. Available from John Lewis Hettie Jacquard dress from Phase Eight Priced at £99. Available…

  • Explore Italian cuisine at Hotel Xenia

    ByLife in Luxury

    Who? Hotel Xenia What? Lovers of wholesome Italian food should head to Hotel Xenia for their new guest chef series. The special suppers pop-up every six weeks and will feature Luca Collami (Liguria), Andrea Incerti (Emilia, Romagna), Donato Episcopo (Veneto), Paolo Barrale (Campania) and Stefano Masanti (Lombardia) in the coming months. Priced at £65 for five courses and welcome aperitif. When? Various dates available Where? Hotel Xenia London, 160 Cromwell Road, London SW5 OTL How? For more information, see www.hotelxenia.co.uk

  • |

    Ten of the best swimsuits

    ByA.F.

    Are you searching for that perfect bikini? Well, we say stop, ditch the two-piece and look at the swimsuit instead. As well as offering a whole lot of support, particularly if you’re planning to get involved with water sports, there’s also a lot more fabric to get fashionable with. Just think of the variations in patterns, cuts and straps. Still not sure? Check out our pick of ten of the best swimsuits – we think they’re enough to prove that the one-piece can be cool too. Floral spot swimsuit from Dickins & Jones Priced at £45. Available from House of Fraser Foulard-print swimsuit from Dolce & Gabbana Priced at £355….

  • Veuve Clicquot launches new Rich Champagne

    ByLife in Luxury

    Who? Veuve Clicquot What? Veuve Clicquot has recently launched Rich, a new Champagne designed for mixology. The rich refers to the historically sweeter wines from the Champagne region. As well as a higher dosage for added sweetness, the Champagne also benefits from a tailored blend of grapes. The recommended mixers include grapefruit, pineapple, cucumber, celery, peppers and tea but experimentation is welcome. When? Available now Where? Exclusively at Selfridges and select bars How? For more information, see rich.veuve-clicquot.com