March 2025

The BMW 5 series is widely regarded as being the key stakeholder when it comes to executive driving. It just sort of materialises like a very well-dressed civil servant who’s read the briefing, made a cup of tea and is waiting for you to catch up. It doesn’t shout because it doesn’t need to. Instead, it diligently follows its own plan to be the most complete saloon in BMW’s existence.

I recently braved the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust's 'Last Supper', hosted by Michel Roux, with a great friend, Becky. The food, predictably, was divine – a fact my expanding waistline will be reminding me of for weeks. The company was equally splendid, a collection of individuals who clearly know their way around grouse and canapés. We parted company at an hour that could charitably be described as 'lounge suits at dawn', a testament to the evening's… spirited conversation.

Seeking a respite from the everyday drizzle of London, we decided that only a weekend in Paris, ensconced in the sybaritic embrace of a Sweett Apartment, would lift us out of the doldrums. Thus, we crossed the Channel, lured by the siren call of café life and the promise of existential wellness, Parisian-style.

Venturing into Norwich with our trusty VW Touareg, we sought refuge at 38 St. Giles, a family-run B&B that whispered secrets of a bygone era, nestled snugly within the city's ancient heart. Imagine, if you will, a discreet, utterly chic private flat, the sort where celebrities vanish for a weekend of incognito indulgence. More a boutique bolthole than a mere B&B, our studio flat, accessed by our own clandestine key, boasted a generously proportioned double bed and an en-suite, albeit shower-only, bathroom – a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.

Touring in the Touareg, a pleasing bit of alliteration, is surprisingly comfortable. However, one cannot help but raise a quizzical eyebrow. It is undeniably striking, possessing a visual gravitas that rivals the Audi I recently reviewed. Has Volkswagen, in its apparent wisdom, decided to engage in a form of sibling rivalry? As if the automotive landscape were not already a complex tapestry of challenges.

Renée Zellweger. The name conjures images of heartwarming romantic comedies, unforgettable characters, and perhaps a glass of wine on a cosy evening. This Texas-born darling has captivated audiences with her remarkable talent and knack for portraying characters we can’t help but love.

Splash into summer fun with these top-of-the-line water toys that are perfect for the discerning adventurer. From underwater scooters to jetpacks and submersibles, there's a toy here to quench your thirst for aquatic thrills.