Category Archives: Luxury

Henry Jeffreys about His New Book: The Home Bar | #TCTalks Episode 39

Posted on 2018-10-11 by tikichris

For episode 39 of tikichris Talks, I chat with drinks writer Henry Jeffreys at the celebrated Dukes Bar in St James’s. Henry talks about his new book, The Home Bar, and offers tips on how to create your own bar at home. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Books, Drink, interview, London, Luxury, Podcast, Shopping, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, BARS, books, cocktails, Drink, Duke's Bar, Henry Jeffreys, interview, London, luxury, PODCAST, Shopping, st james's, The Home Bar, tikichris talks, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Learning to Cook (City AM)

Posted on 2018-10-08 by tikichris

The Cook Islands is a nation comprising 15 small islands sprinkled across a patch of the South Pacific, roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. As remote as they are spectacular, the collection of islands is reminiscent of Hawaii before its mid-century tourism-boom, and though the largest of its islands is today ringed by boutique hotels, much of the country is untouched and feels wildly tropical. Continue reading →

Posted in City AM, Cook Islands, Hotels, Luxury, Travel | Tagged Aitutaki, City AM, Cook Islands, luxury, Pacific Islands, polynesia, Rarotonga, south pacific, Travel | Leave a comment

Chocolate | Pierre Marcolini’s Winter Collection

Posted on 2018-09-15 by Judith Schrut

Celebrated Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini’s passion for sweet treats dates back to his childhood when, so the story goes, he would happily exchange toys with his brother for an extra portion of dessert. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Belgium, Celebrities, Chocolate, Food, London, Luxury, Shopping | Tagged Art, belgian chocolate, chocolate, Food, Judith Schrut, London, luxury, marylebone, Marylebone High Street W1U 4QE, Pierre Marcolini, Shopping, W1, winter collection, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Franciacorta: Italian Sparkling Wines

Posted on 2018-09-12 by Judith Schrut

Franciacorta has been described as the “best wine you’ve never heard of” and I’ll be honest, I had not heard of it until I was invited to taste some at its Annual London Showcase. The event was hosted by the Vice President of Franciacorta, Silvano Brescianini and Franciacorta’s UK Brand Ambassador, Tom Harrow. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Italy, London, Luxury, Wine | Tagged 67 Pall Mall, BARS, Brut Rosé, Drink, Franciacorta, Italian sparkling wine, italian wine, Italy, italy wine, Judith Schrut, London, luxury, silvano brescianini, sparkling wine, st james's, SW1Y 5ES, Tom Harrow, wine, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | 1 Comment

Best Mykonos Exclusive Villas Near Super Paradise Beach

Posted on 2018-08-31 by tikichris

Legendary for its party lifestyle, Super Paradise beach is the go-to destination for some thousands of visitors every year, both VIPs and humble humans with a strong desire to join the Mykonos jamboree! Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hotels, Luxury, Travel | Tagged greece, Hotes, luxury, Mykonos, super paradise beach, Travel, Villas | Leave a comment

Win a Pair of Tickets to The Whisky Show

Posted on 2018-08-29 by tikichris

Who wants a pair of day tickets to this year’s Whisky Show, valued at £110 each and including a two-course lunch, one Dream Dram token and access to more than 600 whiskies to be tasted? Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Drink, Food, Freebies, London, Luxury, Shopping | Tagged cocktails, competition, Food, free, freebies, London, luxury, RT to win, rum, Shopping, Speciality Drinks, The Whisky Show, twitter competition, whiskey, whisky, WHISKY SHOW, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

The American Bar at the Stafford London Hotel

Posted on 2018-08-20 by tikichris

Classy cocktails and a mighty burger were hallmarks of my al fresco dine at The Stafford London Hotel’s historic American Bar. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged BARS, burgers, cheeseburgers, cocktails, Drink, Food, hamburgers, hotel, hotels, luxury, restaurants, reviews, st james's, St James's Place, Stafford, Stafford Hotel, Stafford London, Stafford London Hotel, SW1, SW1A 1NJ, The Stafford, The Stafford London, The Stafford London Hotel, Travel | Leave a comment

Pom Harrington of Peter Harrington Rare Books | #TCTalks Episode 31

Posted on 2018-08-15 by tikichris

For episode 31 of tikichris Talks, I chat with Pom Harrington, second generation owner of Peter Harrington Rare Books in Chelsea (with another location in Mayfair). During our conversation among the shelves of his Fulham Road bookstore, Pom shares his insight of what makes a book rare and valuable and what’s in his private staff. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, interview, London, Luxury, Podcast, Shopping, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, books, chelsea, interview, London, luxury, Peter Harrington, Peter Harrington Rare Books, PODCAST, Pom Harrington, Rare Books, Shopping, tikichris talks, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

SeasonaliTea at The Langham London

Posted on 2018-08-10 by tikichris

With the launch of The Langham London’s SeasonaliTea, Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett presents a fresh approach to the afternoon tea. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Wine | Tagged afternoon tea, Andrew Gravett, champagne, Chef Andrew Gravett, Drink, Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, Food, hotels, London, luxury, marylebone, pastry, Portland Place, regent street, restaurants, SeasonaliTea, sparkling wine, tea, The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, The Langham London, W1, W1B 1JA, Wedgwood, wine, Лондон, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Unexpected Texas: How to Get the Best of Your San Antonio Holiday (Metro)

Posted on 2018-08-07 by tikichris

The seventh biggest city in the US and second largest in Texas, San Antonio is as hip to current trends as any urban centre. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Luxury, Metro, Restaurants, road trip, Texas, Travel, USA | Tagged Bandera, Bandera Texas, Drink, Food, Fredericksburg, Hill Country, luxury, metro, restaurants, Road Trip Texas, San Antonio, texas, Texas Hill Country, Travel, USA | Leave a comment

Cheese and Mocktail Pairings | Paxton & Whitfield X The Stafford London

Posted on 2018-06-16 by tikichris

Stalwarts of upscale and historic St James’s – Paxton & Whitfield (cheesemongers since 1797) and The Stafford London (one of this city’s most historic and storied hotels) – teamed up for a recent mocktails and cheese pairing, which I was more than happy to oblige an invitation to taste and critique. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Shopping, Travel | Tagged American Bar, BARS, cheese, Drink, Food, hotels, jermyn street, London, luxury, mayfair, Mocktails, Paxton & Whitfield, Paxton and Whitfield, Shopping, st james's, St James's Place SW1A 1NJ, SW1, SW1Y 6JE, The Stafford, The Stafford Hotel, The Stafford London, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Meat | All Consumed Episode 2 | #TCTalks Episode 21

Posted on 2018-06-14 by tikichris

For this episode of tikichris Talks I’d like to share an episode All Consumed, another podcast that I coproduce with fellow food, drink and travel writer Neil Davey. It’s the second episode of All Consumed, and the topic is meat. Continue reading →

Posted in All Consumed, Food, interview, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, All Consumed, beef, Chef Michael Reid, Clifford Jones, Executive Chef Michael Reid, Food, Gourmet Goat, interview, London, luxury, M Restaurants, meat, Michael Reid, Nadia Stokes, Neil Davey, PODCAST, restaurants, Shopping, steak, tikichris talks, Travel, Vaca y Marela, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

The Best International Spa Destinations to Relax and Recover (Going Places)

Posted on 2018-05-20 by tikichris

To help you restore your health and well-being, here are six of the best spa destinations around the world that will get you on the road to relaxation and recovery. Continue reading →

Posted in Going Places, Luxury, OneTravel, Travel | Tagged Going Places, luxury, OneTravel, Spas, Travel | Leave a comment

Chef Vivek Singh | #TCTalks Episode 19

Posted on 2018-05-04 by tikichris

I’ve been following the career of Chef Vivek Singh for nearly as long as I’ve been writing about food. So it was a real privilege to interview him for this 19th episode of tikichris Talks. During our conversation, Chef Singh and I talk about his new restaurant at the Battersea Power Station as well as how his take on Modern Indian cuisine helped shape how Londoners eat today. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, interview, London, Luxury, Podcast, Restaurants, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, BARS, chef vivek singh, cinnamon club, cinnamon kitchen, Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea, Cinnamon Kitchen City, cocktails, Drink, fine dining, Food, indian food, indian restaurants, interview, London, luxury, Modern Indian cuisine, Modern Indian food, PODCAST, restaurants, tikichris talks, Travel, Vivek Singh, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Win 23-Piece Anne-Sophie Pic Box from Sushi Shop

Posted on 2018-04-15 by tikichris

The Anne-Sophie Collection from Sushi Shop features some of the most delicious sushi I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat. So it’s a pleasure to announce my team up with Sushi Shop for this competition offering the chance to win a box. Continue reading →

Posted in Competition, Food, Freebies, London, Luxury, Restaurants | Tagged #WinSushiShop, Anne-Sophie Pic, Anne-Sophie Pic for Sushi Shop, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, competition, Food, france, free, freebies, french food, interview, japanese food, London, luxury, restaurants, RT to win, sushi, twitter competition, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

London Bridge Quarter / Bermondsey High Street Properties for Sale at Deep Discount

Posted on 2018-04-07 by tikichris

The properties (all part of one development) have been built to a high standard and are perfectly placed within walking distance of Bermondsey High Street, Borough Market, and The City – and within 600 metres of London Bridge. Continue reading →

Posted in London, Luxury, Money | Tagged bermondsey, borough, London, london property, London Real Estate, London Realty, luxury, money, Property, real estate, SE1, south london, Wild's Rents, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Nuwara Eliya | Ferncliff

Posted on 2018-04-01 by Demi Perera

During my time in Nuwara Eliya I stayed a Ferncliff, a colonial period family home built in 1832. It’s an entrancing, historic place. For a romantic such as myself its poise was a distraction. Each morning here I spent the early hours of dawn lucidly dreaming of the very place I was staying only woken when the butler gently knocked on my door with breakfast. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Luxury, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, Travel | Tagged Demi Perera, Ferncliff, Ferncliff Bungalow, hotel review, hotels, luxury, Nuwara Eliya, reviews, Sri Lanka, Travel | Leave a comment

How to Spend a Romantic Weekend in Milan (Metro)

Posted on 2018-02-13 by tikichris

Whether you’re jetting down for an inaugural look-see with your newfound fling or embarking upon an umpteenth tour with your better half, Milan makes a magnificent destination for any romantic urban retreat. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Italy, Luxury, Metro, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged Italy, Lombardy, luxury, metro, Milan, milano, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

Love Madrid I Fine Food Art of Ramón Frexia

Posted on 2018-02-05 by Demi Perera

Demi Perera recounts one more moreish moment in Madrid as her series about the Spanish capital continues. The grand finale of my exquisite culinary tour of Madrid with Luxury Travel Advisors was an unforgettable 20 course meal crafted by chef Ramón … Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, Love Madrid, Luxury, Restaurants, Spain, Travel, Wine | Tagged Demi Perera, Drink, Food, Hotel Unico, hotels, Love Madrid, luxury, Luxury Travel Advisors, Madrid, Michelin Star dining, Ramón Frexia, Repsol Suns, restaurants, spain, spanish food, The Chef's Table Tour, Travel | Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Langham London

Posted on 2018-02-03 by tikichris

Langham London Head Pastry Chef, Andrew Gravett, will open his kitchen to small groups as part of a one-time-only Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Hotels, London, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Valentine's Day, Wine | Tagged afternoon tea, Andrew Gravett, champagne, Chef Andrew Gravett, design, Drink, Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett, Food, hotels, London, luxury, marylebone, pastry, Portland Place, regent street, restaurants, sparkling wine, tea, The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, The Langham London, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea, W1, W1B 1JA, Wedgwood, wine, Лондон, ロンドン, 伦敦 | 1 Comment

Ocean Liners: Speed and Style | Full Steam Ahead at the V&A

Posted on 2018-02-01 by Judith Schrut

Relive the ‘Golden Age’ of ocean travel at the Victoria & Albert Museum’s 2018 opening exhibition, Ocean Liners: Speed and Style. Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Design, London, Luxury, Museums, Travel | Tagged Art, cromwell road, cruise liner, Cruise ships, cruises, culture, design, fashion, Judith Schrut, kensington, London, luxury, luxury travel, museum, museums, ocean, Ocean liners, review, south kensington, steerage, style, SW7, SW7 2RL, Travel, V&A, V&A Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, victoria and albert museum, west london, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Why Slovenia’s Capital Ljubljana Should be Your Next European Weekend Break (Metro)

Posted on 2018-01-30 by tikichris

Looking for a luxury weekend that won’t break the bank? You need look no further than Ljubljana. Continue reading →

Posted in Ljubljana, Luxury, Metro, Slovenia, Travel | Tagged Ljubljana, luxury, metro, Slovenia, Travel | Leave a comment

Chef Luigi Taglienti of Lume Milano | #TCTalks Episode 10

Posted on 2018-01-30 by tikichris

Ten episodes deep with tikichris Talks and I’m in Milan conducting an interview with Michelin star chef Luigi Taglienti at Lume, the chef’s highly lauded and multi award winning restaurant. The interview follows directly after an opportunity to try a pescatarian version of Taglienti’s eight course tasting menu – which quite possibly was the most elegantly restrained and exquisitely flavourful dining experiences of my life. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, interview, Italy, Luxury, Podcast, Restaurants, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, Chef Luigi Taglienti, fine dining, interview, italian food, Italy, kemey lafond, Luigi Taglienti, Lume, luxury, Milan, milano, restaurants, tikichris talks, Travel | Leave a comment

Love Madrid | Chef’s Table Tour

Posted on 2018-01-29 by Demi Perera

In the first post of her series about falling in love with Madrid’s gastronomy, Demi Perera begins her Love Madrid journey at Mercado de San Anton to gather provisions for creating a sumptuous Spanish lunch to share with friends. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Love Madrid, Luxury, Restaurants, Shopping, Spain, Street Markets, Travel, Wine | Tagged A Punto Cookery School, Demi Perera, Drink, Food, Love Madrid, luxury, Luxury Travel Advisors, Madrid, Mercado San Anton, Shopping, spain, spanish food, street food, street markets, The Chef's Table Tour, wine | Leave a comment

Anne-Sophie Pic for Sushi Shop | Episode 8 | #TCTalks

Posted on 2018-01-10 by tikichris

Episode 8 of tikichris Talks features two interviews from back in October when I had the pleasure of attending a sneak preview of the three Michelin Star Chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s collaboration with the Paris-based upscale takeaway restaurant group, Sushi Shop. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, France, interview, London, Luxury, Paris, Podcast, Restaurants, TCTalks, Travel | Tagged #TCTalks, Anne-Sophie Pic, Anne-Sophie Pic for Sushi Shop, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, france, french food, interview, japanese food, London, luxury, paris, restaurants, sushi, tikichris talks, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Ljubljana Lux | Index

Posted on 2018-01-05 by tikichris

I hope enjoyed the slowing down to enjoy some of the finer things in Slovenia with me. Continue reading →

Posted in Ljubljana, Ljubljana Lux, Luxury, Travel | Tagged #LjubljanaLux, hotels, Intercontinental Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Lux, luxury, Slovenia, Travel | Leave a comment

Catching up with Difference Coffee Company

Posted on 2018-01-04 by tikichris

My August 2016 introduction to Difference Coffee Company and its founder Amir Gehl has now gone cold and requires a top up. But rather than a refill, Difference deserves a new cup as Amir has upped even his own game. Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee, Luxury, Shopping | Tagged Amir Gehl, coffee, coffee capsules, Difference Coffee, Difference Coffee Company, Drink, Finca Don Antonio, Food, Geisha, Hacienda La Esmeralda, Honey Geisha, luxury, nespresso, Shopping | Leave a comment

Ljubljana Lux | Strelec Restaurant

Posted on 2018-01-04 by tikichris

Exquisite food and magnificent views were experienced in full force at Strelec Restaurant in Ljbubljana, where my lunch turned out to be one of the best meals I had in 2017. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Lux, Luxury, Slovenia, Travel | Tagged #LjubljanaLux, Chef Igor Jagodic, Drink, fine dining, Food, Grajska Planota, Igor Jagodic, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljana Lux, luxury, Slovenia, Slovenia food, Slovenian food, Slovenian restaurants, Strelec, Strelec Restaurant, Travel | Leave a comment

Ljubljana Lux | InterContinental

Posted on 2018-01-03 by tikichris

In sharp contrast to Ljubljana’s largely low rise look, the sleek modernist 20-storey InterContinental Ljubljana certainly stood out as a gleaming landmark during my lux weekend break in the Slovenian capital. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Lux, Luxury, Restaurants, Slovenia, Travel | Tagged #LjubljanaLux, Alfredo Russo, B - Alfredo Russo, B - Restaurant, Chef Alfredo Russo, Chef Komnen Bakić, Drink, fine dining, Food, hotels, Intercontinental Ljubljana, italian food, italian restaurants, Komnen Bakić, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Lux, luxury, Saruna Spa, Slovenia, Slovenia food, Slovenian food, Slovenian restaurants, Slovenska Cesta, spa, Travel | Leave a comment

Ljubljana Lux

Posted on 2018-01-02 by tikichris

Twee Slovenia’s tiny capital Ljubljana saw a city break upgrade near the end of 2017 with the launch of the InterContinental Ljubljana – the city’s first ever five star luxury hotel. With the hotel’s opening came the chance to discover in newly established style one of Europe’s most accessible yet least explored cities. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Lux, Luxury, Slovenia, Travel | Tagged #LjubljanaLux, hotels, Intercontinental Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Lux, luxury, Slovenia, Travel | Leave a comment

#TCTalks | Episode 7 | Metaxa

Posted on 2017-12-22 by tikichris

Welcome to the seventh episode of tikichris Talks. This one features an interview with Metaxa Managing Director Stephanie Ancel and Metaxa Master Constantinos Raptis. Our conversation took place at in November at theSt James Bar of the Sofitel London St James Hotel – one of my favourite bars in London actually – and was followed by a tasting of head barman Matteo Giannuzzi’s Dragon’s Son cocktail with Metaxa 12 Stars as the key ingredient. It’s a rich mix definitely worth you seeking out for a sip. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Drink, Hotels, interview, London, Luxury, Podcast, Restaurants, Shopping, TCTalks, Travel, Wine | Tagged #TCTalks, BARS, cocktails, Constantinos Raptis, Dragon's Son, Drink, hotels, interview, London, luxury, Mac & Wild, Mai Tai, Matteo Giannuzzi, Metaxa, Metaxa 12 Star, Metaxa 12 Stars, Metaxa Master, Metaxa Master Contantinos Raptis, PALL MALL, restaurants, Shopping, Sofitel, Sofitel London, Sofitel London St James, St James Bar, st james's, Stephanie Ance, SW1, SW1Y 5NG, SW8 2AZ, The Balcon, tikichris talks, Travel, wine, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Best of the Best of 2017

Posted on 2017-12-21 by tikichris

I hope the year was as fun and delicious for you as it was for me, and I look forward to sharing more amazing experiences with you in 2018. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, Beer, Best of 2017, Best of the Best, Coffee, Drink, Food, Hotels, London, Luxury, Pizza, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel | Tagged BARS, beer, Best of, Best of 2017, Best of the Best, burgers, CAFES, CHEAP EATS, cocktails, coffee, Drink, Food, hotel, hotels, ice cream, London, luxury, pizza, pubs, resorts, restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Лондон, لندن, ロンドン, 伦敦 | Leave a comment

Best Hotels of 2017

Posted on 2017-12-20 by tikichris

I stayed in a lot of hotels over the past 12 months. Most of them were perfectly adequate, and I wouldn’t be against checking in at them again. A select few far exceeded even my highest expectations and deserve some extra recognition. Continue reading →