Food & Drink

Villa Mamas is the kind of restaurant that doesn’t need to try too hard. Tucked away on a quiet street off Chelsea Green, it’s small, always busy, and doesn’t rely on gimmicks or overblown fuss. The low lighting, flickering candles, and the warm scent of fresh flatbreads and spices make it instantly inviting. The staff greet you with understated hospitality, a quiet reverence in keeping with the restaurant’s origins. It’s the kind of place where people become regulars after a single visit, as I found after moving nearby last year.

Nestled on a prominent hilltop in Saint-Émilion, Château Quintus offers stunning panoramic views of the Dordogne valley. This remarkable estate is a wonderful blend of historical charm and modern winemaking prowess.

Gordon Ramsay has taken dining in the capital to new heights - literally. His latest venture at 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City of London, introduces three dining experiences and a bar, all set against a breathtaking skyline. With the city stretching out below, I had my first taste of the offering at Lucky Cat during its inaugural lunch, and it left a lasting impression.

Heavens Door

Bob Dylan has spent a lifetime resisting definition. The man who reshaped folk music, redefined rock, won a Nobel Prize, and became a reluctant prophet of a generation also has his own whisky - and, fittingly, a new film that refuses to pin him down. The Complete Unknown, a biopic, doesn't attempt a straightforward retelling of Dylan’s life. Instead, it fragments his identity, reflecting the ever-shifting enigma of the man himself.

In the rolling hills of Umbria, where medieval towns overlook sun-soaked vineyards, Tenuta Castelbuono is a wonderful blend of winemaking, art, and environmental stewardship. Nestled near Montefalco, the estate is not only celebrated for its wines but also for its iconic winery, the Carapace, an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned artist Arnaldo Pomodoro.

The Lisbon wine region, with its sunlit hills, cooling Atlantic breezes, and vineyards steeped in history, is a place where tradition and modernity intertwine. I recently caught up with two wineries there, Cas’Amaro and Quinta de Chocapalha, to see what they’ve been up to.

Graham Beck is one of the most highly regarded producers of South Africa’s Cap Classique, the country’s answer to Champagne. With a reputation for exceptional sparkling wines made using the traditional method, Graham Beck has become a favourite for many, especially with their quality to price ratio. 

Situated in the heart of Montone, just 50 metres from the stunning piazza, La Locanda del Capitano nestles within one of Italy’s most enchanting medieval villages. With its narrow cobblestone streets, historic churches, and panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside, Montone is a place that draws visitors from around the globe. Over the past 17 years, I’ve visited this village dozens (if not hundreds) of times, sometimes twice in a single day. Such is its charm and breathtaking beauty.

Located in the west of Romania, Cramele Recaș is a reflection of the country’s winemaking heritage and modern ambitions; it’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where people’s warmth resonates with you. My visit to Cramele Recaș in October was my first visit to Romania. The rolling vineyards, occasionally graced by deer, stretch toward the horizon, and the historic town of Timișoara nearby provided a wonderful blend of old-world charm and vibrant energy and passion. 

When Bruno Paillard founded his eponymous Champagne house in 1981, his vision was clear: to make a Champagne of purity, reflecting the finest expression of its terroir. I first visited the estate 10 years ago and fell in love with this purity then.