 SøEdited Team: SøFashion Director: Savannah Barthorpe SøCreative Director: Chris Saint Sims Article: Savannah Barthorpe Whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, tranquil beaches, or rich historical sites, island hopping in Greece offers a variety of experiences. Each island has its own distinct charm, culture, and landscape. And while traveling this rich historical region, taking a step back from the clutter of modern activities is an antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life.  These islands are famous for their stunning whitewashed buildings and picturesque sunsets. Some notable islands include Rhodes, Kos, and Symi. And while we can highly recommend the listed more tourist areas for their charm and calming influence, the islands can offer solitude and isolation, giving time to recharge and reset opens internal system. With a hose to luxury apartment and villas available, traveling solo or with a group of chosen people, Island Hopping in Greece can offer both a classical simple vacation and a luxury attention to detail.  The ideal time for island hopping is from late May to September, with July and August being the peak season. If you prefer fewer crowds, opt for late May, June, or September. The beginning of the season from May can be an ideal time to disappear into the background of the island, as is the end of the season when tourism is slowing down. One of the benefits with the end of the season being the temperature has dropped, yet the sea is at its prime temperature for swimming. July and August are the months when the parties happening, crowds of people and the heat is really on!  These islands feature a vast of attraction, from medieval architecture, pristine beaches, and fewer crowds compared to the Cyclades. And if you want to totally avoid the crowd, you always have the opertunities to take a short drive or tip to a secluded beach or a smaller town and explore. One of the benefits of island life being a more easy sense of living, no heavy industry which generates a sense of calm and also a vastly cleaner sea and landscape.  There is no time thats better or worse to island hop Greece. It’s just down to ones general preference to tailor that perfection the Mediterranean offers. Altho the winter will be vastly quieter and many options will have closed, this can be the best time for seclusion, and personal I find these months from October to January being the most beautiful, with the vegetation rich, the beach’s empty yet the sea still warm to swim for hours along the coast line. This can also be the finest time to walk and hike, optimising excessive and generating positive feeling.
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 SøEdited Team SøEditor-in-Chief: Chris Saint Sims SøFashion Director: Savannah Barthorpe Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie A luxury seaside villa, unveiling a Provençal pocket of paradise in the fishing village of Cassis, Villa des Calanques is a picture-perfect Mediterranean escape. Tiered into the cliffs that cascade down into the azure waters of the Mediterranean, where swimmers and bathers bask in the sunshine, as the majestic Calanques of Marseille fold their limestone coves around the bays, Villa des Calanques is a delightfully private, deliberately romantic residence in the charming fishing village of Cassis.
Having direct access to and use of the legendary Les Roches Blanches – a 1920s resort that has evolved over the years into a contemporary luxury hotel, still retaining its classical Cassis essence – Villa des Calanques lends its opulent spaces as a secluded retreat to revel in the amour of the Mediterranean. Depicting that dreamy life of languid hours spent beside the pool, sporadically sauntering down the stone stairway to the sea, dipping in and out, and resuming that spot beside the pool yet again. Constantly refreshed and satiated by the flowing French wine and hors d’oeuvres. Being waited on hand and foot by the discreet concierge team that are an extension of the 5-star neighbouring hotel.
The boats moored in your private harbour downstairs, ready to whiz you out to sea. Where you’ll take in the beautiful landscape of The Calanques, Cap Canaille and all of the little coves along the shoreline. Perhaps a visit to the island of Porquerolles or a little further to Saint-Tropez. There’ll be plenty of swimming. Hiking the mountain trails and walking the cliff paths. Each voyage taking in the beauty of the surrounding nature, the ever-changing light and its effect on the colours of The Calanques, and the slow pace of the lifestyle that finds its way into the air, escorting you wherever you go, as if to pacify every breath.
When you are not out exploring the classical fishing villages and the glorious surroundings, feasting from the seaside cafés and savouring the hotel’s facilities, the avant-garde villa pulls you in to its alluring spaces, and holds you in its luxurious grip. Set over four levels of refined living, dining, entertaining, reclining and resting areas, with ample outdoor space to relax and absorb the magnificent views, Villa des Calanques is the ideal French abode, to live out those hedonistic holidays on the Riviera. With a wellness area and fitness room included, a traditional hammam, two heated swimming pools and cosy cabanas for late afternoon snoozing, you’ll have all that you’ve envisioned of this getaway, et beaucoup plus!  Cultures Editor: Alexander James The ancient capital of England, Winchester, is one of the best kept secret gems in all of the land, reports SoEdited culture editor, Alexander James. Once overflowing with coach tours, it is now undergoing a Generation Y resurgence thanks to being the backdrop to Netflix series, The Last Kingdom, and the source of inspiration of the smash hit game, Assassin's Creed. It's like walking into a film set of Game of Thrones. Come summer it hosts the country's most hedonistic music festival, Boomtown. But if you want the perfect blend of the old and new, read on to unravel our 48-Hour guide to one of the UK's most walkable cities. Get stuck in 9am: Even the pie shops are civilised in Winchester. And here they eat them for breakfast. Pies are a dying British culinary tradition, at Piecaramba they are as alive and kicking as Viking on a looting rampage. There's some curiously winning combinations, with a full English breakfast, mozzarella, goats cheese a 'barbecue' pie and even a macaroni or burrito pie: www.piecaramba.co.uk  11am to 1.30pm: Winchester Cathedral: You're thinking, another city, another boring cathedral right? Wrong. This one pushes the envelope. It's more than 1,000-years-old and was once the biggest church north of Rome. Now oozing the classic middle age experiences, combined with art installations and light shows. Best is to take one of the tours that let you wind through the secret corridors and staircases that many icons of UK history did before. You'll see the backdrops that formed the set of the Da Vinci Code and The Crown, and get close to some of the most intricately-detailed mediaeval craft in Europe: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk 1.30pm: Meander through ancient alleyways and crooked houses to find yourself very much in the 21st-Century at The South Downs Social. It's so called because this cafe is at the meeting point of the city and the surrounding South Downs an area of British rural beauty, with endless cycle and walking paths splintering off. This is a haven for locals as well as cyclists and hikers to swap touring tips. But among the biggest draw is the menu, with a mix of Poke's, French Toasts and other snack delights. Winchester is a capital of 'Latte Art' and South Downs Social has annual championships to find the best. The cafes in the locality fiercely compete to be the best,: The South Downs Social  3pm: 878 AD is the hottest new visitor attraction recreating a key moment in Winchester’s Anglo-Saxon history, brought to life through the world of the video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, cinematic audio-visual projection and live interactive performance. It will take you back to a pivotal point, not only in the history of the city, but the history of England as an emerging, unified nation: the defeat of the Vikings by Alfred the Great at the Battle of Edington in May 878. Inspired by the epic game Assassin's Creed, created by Ubisoft it borrows much of its digital graphic art from real mediaeval that actually came from the city. The experience is in two parts: an interactive attraction with live performance and an augmented reality, self-led app tour of Winchester, backed by the Hampshire Cultural Trust: Home | 878 AD - Step into Anglo-Saxon Winchester 4.30pm: Continue your journey on the streets of the city with 878 AD: Winchester Revealed, an augmented reality app that recreates 9th century Winchester through the majesty of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Discovery Tour. Thankfully, without mediaeval sewer smells. You can explore Winchester's lost buildings, that were among the finest of Europe in its time, and even practise an augmented reality archery session using the real-world mediaeval Westgate as a target. 6pm: If you want to splash out with pieces of silver, or should we say Apple Pay, the best spot for some classic British fayre is The Chisel Rectory. It's a great spot for a light bite in summer, or something more hearty in winter, and delivers the best Sunday Roasts in town. Decorated with vintage chandeliers and beautiful botanical prints, the intimate dining rooms ooze ancient England, with oak beams and classic fireplaces. You'll find fewer places in the country that offer such great examples of local cuisine, even having its own local cheese on the menu 'Old Winchester' (similar to a gouda). If you manage to make it before 6.30pm, they have a three course menu for under £30. 7.30pm: For such a small city, Winchester crams in an incredible array of pubs, and due to its history there are many that are prime examples of what a classic British pub should be. We recommend stopping off at the Wykeham Arms (Canon Street), sandwiched between the Cathedral and the 14th century college, it’s surrounded by heritage, the luxe country pub also has rooms and tasty ales. You can walk from here, light permitting, to the inspiring Keats Walk, most atmospheric at dusk. It's so called because the paths this takes, winds through old city gates to meadows, fields and waterways that inspired one of the undisputed greatest poems in English Literature 'Ode to Autumn', by John Keats. Click here to download a leaflet: Keats-Walk-Leaflet.pdf (visitwinchester.co.uk). You can also take in further pub detours nearby at the Black Boy Inn, a legend of pubs, not just in the town but in the UK, for a real old school feel where local ales are served, it embraces itself as determined to preserve itself as 'a typical backstreet boozer' and prides itself on 'not taking reservation, so disorganised people can turn up'. Alternatively you can try the equally charming, The Queen Inn, where you can round-off the evening with a game of pub skittles. It also has its own MicroBrewery.  11pm: Repeatedly, Winchester comes out top in one of the healthiest places to live in the country. Get some kip surrounded by South Downs Holiday Inn, which ranks as the friendliest Holiday Inn you'll ever visit. We’re not sure what they put in the water, but staff seems to have permanent smiles, as they clamour to be of service to your slightest whim (within reason, don't expect to order a circus act on room service, for example). It's also a great spot to charge any devices after exploring.There’s enough charging stations to power an electric space rocket. The attention to detail is first class, from the retro vinyl (of a Holiday Inn soundtrack? random but endearing) to the ultra deluxe mattresses they kit out in each room for a very soothing night's sleep: Holiday Inn Winchester | Winchester Hotel, Hotels in Hampshire UK (hiwinchester.co.uk) 8am: Best breakfast in the city. There is the Great British legend of the breakfast buffet, but at the Holiday Inn's inclusive offering, it goes the extra mile to set you up for a day of walking. You get the usual fry-up choices both for veggies, and carnivores. But there's also some 'bespoke' offerings such as 'Eggs Benedict' or 'Eggs Hollandaise', that the all-suffering breakfast chef not only cooks up to perfection among her other breakfast chores, but serves to your table. You also have limitless coffee and tea, to wire you up for the day ahead and easily skip lunch. 11am: The Holiday Inn’s ultra-accommodating concierge, Rhodri Philps, is armed with 'insider tips for the area'. He recommends a daytime must walk to St Giles Viewpoint, for panoramic views of the entire South Downs landscape. The hotel is positioned in striking distance of both city and the countryside, with country paths right on the doorstep. 2pm: The Science Centre sits on the fringe of the city a 5-minute bus ride away on Telegraph Away in the South Downs National Park It's one of the few places in the UK where you can explore the realms of space. There's a planetarium which transports you among planets and stars in a full-surround down. And you can delve in to good vibrations, in exhibitions that celebrate the importance of music, symbolised by a giant ten metre guitar which you can sit inside and feel all the reverberations as the real life guitar strings are plucked. www.winchestersciencecentre.org 4pm: One place that matches the serenity and peace of the South Downs is the Ana Spa, just across the road from The Science Centre. It's affordable for the services on offer: The ANA Spa delivers a sense of inner peace and harmony, bringing a feeling of wellbeing and calm – including treatment rooms, wellness, hydrotherapy spa, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Sensory Shower, Crystal Steam Room and Bubbly Foot Spa. While the more energetic can work out in the gym or express themselves in one of the many virtual classes also available: anaspa.co.uk 8pm: Just moments from the spa lies some of the best culinary offerings of local provenance, at The Odyssey restaurant. The winner for meat eaters is the expertly cooked steaks, no doubt the best in the city at competitive prices. You can also find decent gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian offerings. The menu oozes traditional British classics, such as fish and chips, steak and ale pie and slow cooked pork belly. In addition there's also the English take on Asian favourites with Thai and Penang curries, it's a good all-rounder to round off the 48-hours, with some decent wines to sip in to the late hours: www.opentable.co.uk/r/odyssey-winchester?ref=4208 If weather stops play, try some of these other places: Check out Proudfoot and Co for somewhere unusual - https://www.proudfootandco.com (not open Monday) Craft beers and tacos? Try Overdraft on Jewry Street https://www.overdraftcraftale.co.uk The Cabinet Rooms is great for coffee, cocktails, light bites and it is a beautiful place on Jewery Street https://cabinetrooms.com (Closed Monday). Another great coffee place - Academy in Little Minster Street https://www.instagram.com/academywinchester/. The Holiday Inn is part of the IHG group and Castlebridge Hospitality, https://www.hiwinchester.co.uk, Holiday Inn Winchester, Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HZ, 01962 670700, [email protected]. Travel with https://www.southwesternrailway.com, or trainline.com  Skybar Paris Cultures Editor: Alexander James So 233-years ago last month, some plucky French took inspiration from the British writer Thomas Paine and his book, Rights of Man, and launched a bid for freedom in the ensuing French Revolution. Now Parisiennes are reviving the spirit of liberte in the run-up to the 2024 Olympics and looking to steal the crown from London and Berlin as the European capital of after dark antics, and rename itself 'city of nights' not 'city of lights'. This new energy was seen at its gay pride this summer, an event the French now call: 'Marche des Fiertés. It revealed that post-lockdown Paris, is a city oozing with clubs, eating establishments, late night Bistros, free of lager louts, where people from all persuasions can indulge in the 'Joie De Vivre' well past the shutting down times of London's 2am licence. And with the UK looking at becoming even more strict, it could be the French we are turning to for some 'charme'. It's a city so intent on reviving its nightlife from the heady days of Moulin Rouge they even have a government department dedicated to it, Frédéric Hocquard, Deputy Mayor in charge of Tourism and Nightlife at Ville de Paris told So Edited: 'It is the spirit of this city, which was built by welcoming people from all around the world, from various countries and regions. Paris is a tolerant place, open to others, a refuge for many. It is a city that attracts and includes. Finally its geographical location places it at the crossroad of many cultures. Paris can be seen as a city of the North by its mentality, but can be lived as cities of the South. In fact, you will find different atmospheres: typical, artistic, chic, relaxing or festive. Depending on the districts of the capital, we travel through the time: from the charming 19th century stalls to the new temporary terraces'. So to put Paris to the test we asked agency 'Taste and Travel' to devise us a 48-Hour weekend itinerary that would blow us away, and we have to agree, Paris is a hot contender for THE most world's most diverse, chic and coolest 48-hours, and with a 2-hour train journey from London, you can step out the club, and straight back on the rails to the UK. Here's the itinerary 'Taste and Travel' put together for an insiders, 48-hours in Paris.  Prescription Cocktail Club 9am - Brunch at 1PM - Brunch at Immersion Vendôme - A brunch temple in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, fresh products made with passion. 11am - Immersive exhibition Aurae by Sabrina Ratté at La Gaîté Lyrique. An exhibition-experience using opaque filters, mirror effects, and perspective techniques 1PM - Lunch at Le 6 Paul Bert - Typical French brasserie. 6PM - Cocktails at Prescription Cocktail Club - Recently reopened and redesigned, a dreamlike cocktail club in the heart of the 6th arrondissement
8PM - Night visit of Palais de Tokyo and exhibition "Réclamer la Terre" - Museum of Modern Art of Paris and lively spot, 10.15PM - Dinner at Forest restaurant - Eco-friendly restaurant by Chef Julien Sebbag 12AM - Roaring Twenties Party at Mikado Dancing. In a charming ex-Prohibition club, a Roaring 20s-themed party Optional...Continue at Silencio, the club of choice for Paris Fashion Week Closing Parties. 7am - Watch sunrise at the latest high spot of Skybar Paris- The highest rooftop bar of Paris, peaking at 115m with amazing views other the city and delicious cocktails  Serpent à Plume 10am - 1pm: Breakfast or Lunch at Au Petit Panisse, Parisian Bistrot with tasty courses made from fresh products of the market 3 - 5pm - Go eco and take the Paris 'Electric Bus' tour, with maybe a sneaky disco nap on the back seat. 6PM - Apéritif at Jardin 21. A new, unexpected spot, halfway between a vegetable garden and a biergarten 8.30PM - Dinner at Tekés restaurant, A Levantine sharing concept, hot contender to be one of the first vegan restaurants to win a Michelin Star. 11PM - Music Hall drinks at Boeuf sur le Toit. An institution of the Parisian Music Hall scene, with a traditional French cuisine
12.30 AM - Cocktails at Serpent à Plume. One of Paris's sauciest cocktail bars in a stone vaulted cellar, on the Place des Vosges, with burlesque acts galore, going back to the spirit of the original 'Moulin Rouge' 2am - Don't even arrive until well after midnight, start the wee hours at 211 Club. An unusual spot to party, in an industrial setting 3am-to-5am - One hidden gem in a circus-style tent, with incredible sound system, Cabaret Sauvage, is one place to continue, if you dare.
 WILD HEART BAR & SHOKUDOReview: Christopher George Wild Heart Soho has a lengthy history and heritage, not only with its imposing grand Victorian facade set in the centre of Londons West End and the SOHO district, but also its creator Mark Fuller’s prior carnations of the London Sugar Reef restaurant and bar, and the notorious Embassy club that was the place to hang out in the naughty 90s. Now all chilled, mature but still decadent, Wild Heart Soho is part of the Karma Sanctum boutique hotel that was opened 13teen years ago. This hotel for many years has been the choice for the cream of the music industry, and in its recent calendar, legendary rocker Chrissie Hynde held an exhibition of her paintings in Wild Heart Soho, only on the conditions that the three-time Michelin start chef Garry Hollihead, who has headed some of London’s and other international cites kitchens, created a wider vegan menu.
Along with Wild Heart’s owner Fuller, they have created a vision of causal Japanese food focusing on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. If you are blessed to have adopted a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and diet, you will be full of joy with Wild Heart’s menu, that is equally split between vegan, vegetarian, fish and meat options. Most restaurants these days, through demand, offer a decent vegetarian menus, but a lot still suffer with a lack of options and variety, or a real love for the vegetarian food they are serving. Not at Wild Heart Soho!!! Being pescatarians we choose form the wide range of delicious vegan and vegetarian choices, and added some yummy sea food. Certainly impressive with the good portions offered, and hastily eaten all up! If you’re looking for just snacks and drinks, Wild Heart Soho has a great bar and cocktail lounge, with an endless list of alcohol and virgin cocktails for those aiming to keep their senses clear, or just looking for an easy business lunch or dinner. Even rock and roll has a good alcohol free option these days, as well as being true to form with its wide vegetarian choices. Us rockers care about all living creatures, while still partying late in to the night on mock-tails! Sometimes anyhow…
This casual yet sophisticated atmosphere with its friendly relaxed staff, offer dining booths for some intimacy. Along with an open style lounge cocktail bar for snacks and socialising with friends, strangers, or the legends of the music industry, who insist on this boutique hotel for its informal style. Also available is its fantastic roof top bar, which avoids the cliche and arrogance of many SOHO locations, yet creating privacy and intimacy many people often struggle with when in Londons West End, while still being a sociable environment. The hotel and restaurant have been renowned for many years for its collection of contemporary art on display throughout, along with a regular calendar of artist and exhibitions showing in the Wild Heart Soho restaurant. It leaves little reason to leave the Karma Sanctum to be honest, as there is also a hot tub on the roof terrace. This family business has become an extended family, with many of its employees having worked at the restaurant for years, due to the communal and family atmosphere, along with its list of return clients staying and dining here. This is a very warm place to visit and relax, eat and entertain. Wild Heart Soho 20 Warwick Street London W1B 5NF Opening hours Breakfast 7am-11am Lunch 12pm-3pm Dinner 5.30pm-10pm  ROCK ON DOWN TO VALAMAR PLACESHOTEL BY SARA DARLING The clocks have changed, the weather is finally picking up, so why not join forces with Croatia’s newest party palace, Valamar (PLACESHOTEL) which is hosting an early Easter soiree on Thursday 1st April. With only 50 days before opening, guests and EDM fans are invited to have a sneaky peek into what’s to come on the sunshine isle of Hvar when Valamar (PLACESHOTEL) opens on 21st May. Join some of Europe’s top DJs who are playing live from the terrace and get a taste of the long hot summer which is coming our way. The hotel will welcome independent, party loving travellers, who are looking forward to flocking to Croatia’s freshest property when it opens, and the live streaming will set the scene for what is to come. For many of us, dancing to a live DJ might be a distant memory, so the set by Domagoj Jakić, (AKA DJ Yakka), who has been working as a DJ and producer since 2009, will really blow away the cobwebs! Joined by dynamic duo Grabber & Dobrilla, who are long-time house producers (Grabber is also the founder of the MTV Valkana Beach Festival and the promoter of Heineken Thirst and MTV DFC parties in the region) so expect some classics in the mix too. The new hotel is ideally situated on Hvar- a small island in the Adriatic off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast; Not overly crowded, it is known for its architecture and friendly locals, and is accessible from the mainland via ferry or private charter from Split or Dubrovnik. Offering a flexible board basis allows guests to choose what suits- ranging from half-board, including breakfast and either lunch and dinner - and if you don’t make it, you’ll get a €25 credit to rollover to the following day to spend in the restaurant or bar whenever it suits. Using a cashless payment system - with prepaid bracelets, guests can also loan tablets to enjoy the super fast wifi for pure Insta envy. So tune at 5pm to YouTube and Facebook on April 1st, and expect 90 minutes of sunshine vibes, and a sneak peak at the new hotel. HVAR [PLACESHOTEL] in Stari Grad town on the island of Hvar opens 21st May 2021. Lead-in prices from €81 per room per night, including breakfast. For best prices, book direct at https://www.valamar.com/en/brand/places.  Article Photography: Christopher George With a huge student population bringing a youthful energy to the city of Toronto, there is a vibrant and active coffee culture, a myriad of multicultural restaurants, edgy music and art scene; Fashion is also a major past-time with high street and high end shops located around Queen Street West, and secondhand/ vintage stores in the West Queen West area. The West Queen West district has been tipped as one of the coolest hoods on the planet by Vogue magazine, meaning by now many artists have been priced out of the area and are creating that new cool hub yet to be exposed. However, Toronto is a city of diversity, creativity and modernity that has ensured it as a destination, not only for the global traveller, but for settlers looking to broaden their life ambition and cultural development. Architectural fans will have some footwork to cover the city, which showcases excellent examples of brutalist architecture, alongside more traditional early 20c urban streets, and a clash of a modern skyline towering above in glimmering steel and glass. This is an impressive city to explore! Renting a bike on a sunny day is an excellent way to really see the main central part of Toronto, with the roads being flat, and relatively free of heavy traffic compared to many cities. It is an easy and practical way for any level of cyclist to get around. There is much to soak up, from City Hall during the day, to the CN Tower, taking in some lunch or visiting some of the many museums and galleries.
A short cycle to the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) where you can spend hours checking out a small section of the museums exhibitions, which includes many familiar names such as Warhol and Picasso to name a couple. The current show is one of the most important contemporary artists working within the field of art and politics. Rebecca Belmore’s show Facing the Monumental, is a diverse yet cohesive body of work, built over the last thirty years. Celebrating the forgotten, listening to the marginal, speaking to the silenced, and facing the monumental, with passion, beauty, intuition, this is an exhibition which should not be missed. Just over the road from the AGO are some great independent galleries that have taken over some of the original 19th century houses providing unusual gallery spaces. While in this area there is a great noodle house Touhenboku Ramen that is a low key but a very hip spot to eat. I managed to get a window seat at lunch just before a huge queue appeared. The vegetarian ramose dishes were delicious, the atmosphere relaxed and the service easy, friendly and chilled.
Torontos art scene is vast- from the numerous museums across the city to smaller independent galleries, along with the thriving graffiti scene. One of the biggest art events in Toronto is the Nuit Blanche, Less Sleep More Art, which takes place during the month of October. During this time, the city is taken over as the event spreads across the city and encompass the Scarborough Town Centre area. Many iconic buildings become gallery spaces for the evening between the hours of 7pm and 7am, hence the Less Sleep More Art! One of the prominent show spaces is City Hall and its surroundings. Visiting during the day and then at night is really captivating. City Hall is designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell and was opened in 1965. Standing on what was the old China Town, the first incarnation for the new City Hall was abandoned due to its bland and design lack vision. At that point an international design competition was held with over 500 applicants. Viljo Revell, the winning architect and his associates transformed Toronto’s City Hall into one of the most iconic and important buildings of the mid century. For any fan of modern architecture, City Hall is a mecca to visit. I found myself spending two hours just wandering around the area, absolutely inspired and transfixed by by the architecture and its surroundings.  Viljo Revell - City Hall As if this area is not iconic enough as a architectural landmark, this vision of utopia is transformed into what is almost a dystopian setting during the evening. After dark, the central corporate power seemingly collapses during the night events, and a festival carnival atmosphere replaces the general corporate way of life. Activities from an installation video projected within City Hall almost criticising capitalism and government, to the 12 hour long performance art and poetry within a church, narrating the struggles of the ethnic minorities, are representative of contemporary art. While in the basement carpark of City Hall a DJ is playing dance music, while an installations reporting the progression and trauma of the LGBT community over the past 50 years, has been pasted on the walls. The art itself throughout the city during Nuit Blance, however impressive becomes the side show, and the actual city of Toronto is the major attraction as an art piece in itself. Wondering through its busy streets and around the open buildings late at night is quite bizarre, and seems totally alien. Throughout the night, the city is full of activity with thousands of people bustling around as if at a huge festival set amongst this concrete electric jungle. Many of the art events are interactive, such as Inversion by Simoni + Kilty held in the foyer of the Drake One Fifty tower block. This multimedia interactive installation captures on large screen the movement of your feet, however you want to do the self performance is it to you, but I did get a few claps from spectators watching me hopping back and forth across the 20ft projection. Always one to entertain! The installation is questioning the differences we have as humans, but at the same time referencing the similarities we all share.
One of my favourite items was a video work shown at the Laurier Tower titled ‘From Toronto with Love’. 24 vintage suite case, each one uniquely transformation by individual artists. Ashley Bowes creation involved a film camera strapped to her case and wheeling it around the streets of Asia. Its a griping, fun, brilliantly edited and really engaging short video. All the artists involved in these works reflecting on the idea of journeys and destinations, with the privilege and limitations of health care at home and abroad. With over 70 art installation throughout the city of Toronto during the Nuit Blance, it is about doing your research to see a selection of artists works, and take a cross section to move around the city. Part of the fun is just being in the crowds of people late at night and mulling around. A huge part of the event and fun for me was getting lost in the city and discovering items without the conservative guide and map system, however this is really useful as a starting point and information guide. At one point I turned my back to see something catching my eye, and in that 2 seconds I had lost everyone… This is however where the fun began for me. I then spent the next 2 hours just wondering amongst the thousands of strangers late at night discovering a small section of the city, this being City Hall and its square.
My absolute favourite piece of work was a sound and video installation by artists Tal Rosner and Christopher Mayo titled Lament. The huge installation was placed in the darkened City Hall itself, where bodies were scattered around the floor watching a double sided screen. The piece was inspired form a 1969 poem by renowned Toronto artist bpNichol. Incorporating music, spoken word and video projections, the project illuminates and animates a style of writing know as concrete poetry, which celebrates visual images created in written text. Consisting of a basic “you are city hall my people” the sounds and vision investigate civic politics and the responsibility of each citizen for the actions of their government. An item and statement we should all be extremely responsible and aware of in the present times that we live!! This project placed in the vast City Hall of Toronto and over a loud speaker system, with the only light from the video piece its self was just incredible. The atmosphere was hypnotic and dystopian within the chambers of this iconic government building. It was hard for me to leave not only for the sound and video installation, but also being in the City Hall late at night was a real trip!!
During the day and running throughout the year you can take a free graffiti tour with the ‘Tour Guys’ from 3pm for an hour or so (donations recommended please!) If you’re lucky you’ll get Jason who is an expert on graffiti art and extremely informative and energetic. He will guide you through the graffiti scene of the Toronto’s Queen Street area, and provide the historic narrative around the whole graffiti movement form its early days in New York of the late 1960s. It's a very enjoyable few hours walking around the streets. Around the Queen Street area you can grab some lunch at the many diners or just meander around the easily accessible shops. With low level buildings in the Queens Street area, on a good day, the view is spectacular of the surrounding high-rise buildings towering above. Away from central Toronto, the district of Scarborough and Lawrence Avenue is a mix of diversity where you can explore global cuisine. The closet tube station to Lawrence St is Lawrence East and around 30 minutes from St. George station in Toronto. Here you can find a vast choice of cultures and historic recipes preserved by the immigrant population laying roots in this area. This community is extremely supportive of all nationalities, and you really feel the love and independence in the food shops. A very relaxed environment worth the excursion for a few hours. I would recommend GHADIR serving Lebanese and Middle Eastern food which you can find in a market area. And for deserts, take a 5 minute walk to Crown Pastries serving traditional Syrian baklava deserts from the 100 year old recipes passed down by the owner's grandfather who was killed during conflict in Syria. Crown Pastries is potentially the best place for deserts on the planet, let alone Toronto. And this is coming from a non sweet eater. I couldn't fill my mouth or pockets enough!
Although a train journey away, it is worth a visit to get out the city and buy some deserts- the sweets really are that good. This whole area is preserving the history of culture via foods, and lessons should be learned across the globe how Toronto’s diversity and respect for all cultures is a proven method of success. With Scarborough’s huge immigrant population and explosion of housing, downtown Toronto has begun to span its arts scene to involve this diverse community and interact further with them. This season during the annual Nuit Blanche Toronto, Scarborough has been opened for the first time with its own arts installations around the town centre. This area is a version of the planet, having every nationality happily working, shopping and eating together. The exhibition is asking questions on the emerging immigrant population and neighbourhood, and the positive effects it has on Toronto's culture and art scene.
However, may we never forget, Canada is a country who’s population is generally immigrants, with the indigenous people paying a huge price during the colonisation of the country from the 15th century. Canada is at this time making positive steps to embrace the new immigrant population and should be extremely proud of its diversity, especially in Toronto. FACT BOX NUIT BLANCHE TORONTO Art Gallery of Ontario AGO GALLERY Tour Guys TOURGUYS Restaurant TOUHENBOKU Restaurant Mira Restaurant GHADIR Pastries CROWN PASTRIES  Review: Christopher George London is full of the most fantastic restaurants, serving truly international cuisine, and across London from north to south, you are never short of many a dining experience. The city is known especially for its new restaurants popping up all over the capital, and equally closing not long after in many situations due to the high competition. That is why we were intrigued to visit Simpson’s in the Strand, as it is far from a pop up newbie restaurant, with well over 150 years of fine dinning under its silver serving trolly! Simpson's in the Strand has now unveiled a new body of illustrations by the restaurant's Artist in Residence, the satirical cartoonist Zoom Rockman. Rockman first generated interest at The Beano which published his comic strip ‘Skanky Pigeon’ when he was just 12-years-old. At 16 he became the youngest contributor to Private Eye. Now eighteen, Rockman has produced a series of six new artworks celebrating the Simpson's in the Strand's most eminent patron, Sir Winston Churchill, which are displayed throughout the historic building. All this activity happening at Simpson’s ‘drew’ us down to the fine location to experience 170 years of dinning and ambiance. Simpson’s opened in 1828 originally as a gentleman’s chess club, with dining beginning a little later in 1848. The restaurant has now been serving the finest cuisine for 170 years, so If that’s isn’t a reason to make a reservation at this land mark restaurant and location, then here are some other reasons. Simpson’s is in the heart of Londons entertainment district The West End: home to the global theatre business and central for a night out, or days shopping and strolling around London Town. Simpson’s is not as stuffy as you would possibly expect it to be. In fact, I was extremely surprised by its relaxed nature, informal ambiance and helpful staff.
Set in what is the incredible dinning room and part of the SAVOY buildings, Simpson’s actually opened before the SAVOY Hotel did in this landmark architectural gem. This is one of those destinations as a visitor to London is on the list, and as a resident of London is often just walked by and not entered but always known. Simpson’s is pretty much laid out to its original design of 1828, with the dining booths and tables arrangement from 1848 that have served a multitude of politicians and celebrities ever since. It’s mixed range of clientele ranges from business professionals and the mature gentry, to a more laid back international younger crowd. The atmosphere is more dining and chatting, than trying to communicate over loud music in a crowded space. What I found so endearing about Simpson’s is not only the beautiful setting and interior of the restaurant, the live pianist playing on the grand piano every night. The lack of any agenda with timing during our meal is also a rare touch. This is not a fast food chain or a restaurant where the staff are breathing down your neck encouraging you to leave soon after you’ve tucked your napkin on your shirt! Much to the contrary; during our 3 course meal we felt extremely relaxed in the surroundings, and we were able to slow down our pace of life for a few hours eating and chatting. Something that is often missing in the London restaurant scene, and with the pace of life in the city, where you are pushed to a poky table and expected to make a quick choice of food, eat and leave. Defeating the whole object of dining out and ‘making a meal’ of the experience, excuse the pun…
The waiting staff are incredibly helpful and are knowledgable about the menu and wine list, without making you feel intimidated as you stumble over the impressive choice of wine. And while the menu is advanced, it is by no means pompous or stuffy. In fact it is quite a simple harty menu with dishes to leave you full, and not famished wanting more. Within Simpson’s there is also the Knights Bar on the 1st floor where you can enjoy cocktails before your meal, beautifully decorated in a traditional sophisticated style, you can loose yourself in a large soft sofa with that special friend, or hold a private conversation surrounded by the idea that many an influencer has enjoyed a private drink here long before the internet was even considered. In fact, before the TV was even invented. Imagine that for a moment… One of the endearing points of Simpson’s is the ability to find some privacy while not being isolated. After all, a night out is supposed to be social to a certain degree, it just depends how cluttered you want that evening to become. And it is not going to become cluttered at Simpson’s. We have become big fans of Simpson’s for its inclusive exclusivity!! So much, we may just start to hold out meetings down there over a bottle of wine. Simpson's For reservations please call +44 (0)20 7420 2111 Simpson's in the Strand 100 Strand, London, WC2R 0EW [email protected]
 WINTER SUN IN SAINT LUCIA BY SARA DARLING The world has had its stuffing knocked out of it this year, so if you are considering somewhere to bury your head in the sand and assess the situation, the stunning surroundings of the Marigot Bay Resort in Saint Lucia might be the ideal antidote. Described as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean” by novelist James A Michener, he has a point! The private bay is peppered with super yachts and luxury boutiques, whilst holiday makers revel in the hammocks or hire kayaks or stand up paddle board from the nearby island. And when the sun sets, what could be better than sipping a rum under the stars, being entertained by fire eaters and local dancers, whilst tucking into an eat as much as you want buffet on the marina? The Caribbean provides the dream getaway for some winter sun in secluded surroundings whilst enjoying long balmy nights which seem a world away from the stress of the UK. Popular with families, friends, and honeymooners alike, the spacious resort is has 57 Residences and 67 Junior Suites to choose from- most with spacious balconies, outdoor hot tubs and extensive views of the bay or lush tropical gardens. Not only does the Caribbean have one of the lowest Covid infection rates in the world, and a quarantine-free return to the UK, the Marigot Bay resort is offering a special winter deal. Stay for seven nights, and pay for just five. Or, if you have more time up your sleeve, stay for 14 nights and pay for 10.
The island itself is opening up more and more every day and travellers need only to produce a negative PCR test no more than 7 days before travelling and complete an online pre-arrival form, and great news is that TUI will start flying to the island again the first week of November and has some killer fares… the longer you stay, the cheaper the fare. Stay for 14 nights and the return fare is under £500. Book your stay here  BY SARA DARLING Portugal may be ping-ponging its way through the Government's safe list for UK travellers, but as soon as the corridor is safe, the recently opened surf and yoga retreat, Soul & Surf will provide the perfect destination for guests who want to get some winter sun and embrace the new normal after this years challenging lockdown. Whatever your ability, surfing, yoga, meditation and great food and socially distanced socialising are the beating heart of the friendly farmhouse accommodation, and new measurements have been put into place for the safety and wellbeing of all guests and staff for the remainder of the season, which runs until the end of November. Situated just outside the laid back surf town of Lagos with easy access to the south-west peninsula with amazing waves and conditions for all abilities on both the west and south coast, the Algarve boasts amazing waves, with lots of downtime for contemplation, massage, yoga and meditation. Nestled in picturesque gardens, guests can enjoy the pool and al fresco dining, with a BBQ grill and a pizza oven offering up tempting smells. when they are not surfing or on the mat, and the views, overlooking the exposed, rugged landscape are an inspiration at any time of year. The property has currently replaced the usual all-inclusive activity packages with a ‘pick & mix’ menu- so guests have lots of flexibility to choose what they fancy.
Rates start from €65 per person per night with a minimum stay of three nights. Make your own surf and yoga weeks will start from €770 per person which would include five surf and yoga session. Get inspired for your next vacay here |
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