What To Expect From Buckingham Palace’s Queen Elizabeth II Exhibition

One thing is certain about Britain’s longest-reigning monarch: she really did have a truly terrific wardrobe. Whether she chose to wear a sparkling ballgown, an acid-yellow suit or a Burberry silk scarf, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most well-recognised royals of her time.

 

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But with a wardrobe so full – she did have 96 years to amass it, after all – the Royal Collection Trust certainly had a tough time narrowing down their options for one grand exhibition. With thousands of dresses, shoes, accessories and jewellery to root through, it was a mammoth task – one that Caroline de Guitaut, exhibition curator and Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art, took to with gusto.

‘Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion archive draws  together clothing, millinery and accessories, including some jewellery, combined with fashion sketches, correspondence and dress records – revealing for the first time, in the most comprehensive way, a clear fashion trajectory mirroring the prevailing trends of the 20th century,’ she tells C&TH. ‘From the 40s “new look”, 50s glamour, 60s rising hemlines, 70s acid cuts and flowing prints to 80s power dressing, and beyond. (And even instances of experimenting with neon at the age of 90.) 

‘The Queen found her own style, creating a look that became instantly recognisable to a global audience, and which, in its elegance and also in its idiosyncrasies, would inspire a generation of future fashion. She made her own decisions about her clothing, and that is what this archive now reveals.’

Evening gown by Norman Harnell, 1957. Worn for a state banquet given for President Eisenhower at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C (c) Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025, Royal Collection Trust (Photographer: Paul Bulley)

She adds that, for the very first time, a collection of fashion sketches, fabric swatches, embroidery samples submitted to the Queen for approval – ‘marked “yes”, firmly “no” or with extra notes about sleeve length, silhouettes and hem lines’ – will be on display for the public, illustrating her involvement in the creation process from start to finish. 

‘There have been lots of really wonderful surprises while working on this exhibition,’ says Guitaut. ‘But the overarching point is that the Queen’s involvement in the production of her wardrobe was so key, and was to a degree that we had never really realised before. And the wonderful materials, the ephemeral materials, sketches and correspondence within this archive really helps to illustrate that for the first time.’

Curator’s Picks: Highlights From Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style

Vandyk, Princess Elizabeth after her christening with her parents, grandparents and godparents, 1926 (c) Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust

The Christening Robe

You’ll find the first of Guitaut’s highlights in the very chapter of the exhibition. Spanning the late Queen’s childhood, the first few items on display capture her life from newborn to young girl And it’s here that Guitaut highlights one particular item: Queen Elizabeth II’s christening robe. ‘This is the first time we’ve been able to display it like this,’ the curator tells us. ‘We don’t think it’s ever been exhibited before, so it’s quite a special experience.’

She adds that this is a piece of clothing with lots of royal history, having been commissioned by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. ‘It was worn for the first time by [Queen Victoria’s] daughter, Princess Victoria, in 1841 and it is a masterpiece of British manufacture thanks to the combination of Honiton lace and Spitalfield silk,’ says Guitaut. ‘Queen Victoria championed the use of home manufacture, home production – values which we saw were also shared by Queen Elizabeth II. She did the same throughout her life, too. So there’s a really nice synergy between that piece coming so early in the exhibition, and then seeing how the relationship that the Queen had with British fashion unfurled in our time.’

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their wedding day, 1947 (c) Royal Collection Enterprises Limited | All Rights Reserved

The Wedding Dress

One of the major must-sees of the exhibition has to be Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress. Created by couturier – and close collaborator of the Queen’s – Norman Hartnell for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947, the satin gown was allegedly inspired by Renaissance artist Alessandro Botticelli’s Primavera; a closer look at the gown reveals a detailed embroidery scheme of wheat ears (for prosperity), garlands of York roses, star flowers, jasmine and orange blossom. The exhibition brings the original dress together with the royal’s tiara, 13-foot train and Edward Rayne sandals (alongside a monogrammed ‘E’ shoebox). 

‘The wedding dress is one of two really great masterpieces by Hartnell, and it’s so interesting on so many levels,’ says Guitaut. ‘It’s a historic gown, and it marks a real turning point not just in the Queen’s life, but also post-WW2 society – it marked the beginning of a new chapter.’

This also might be the final time we’ll be able to see the dress in this state. ‘It is likely to be one of the last times we can display it in this manner, on a mannequin,’ says Cecilia Oliver, Textile Conservator for the Royal Collection Trust. She notes that the dress, due to it having been originally treated with tin salts to improve the weight and drape of the fabric, has since become incredibly brittle. ‘Moving forward, we might be able to display it flat, but it will get to a point where we can’t display it anymore. And so this is a very special moment to be able to see it in its full glory, with its train, with its veil.’

Queen Elizabeth II on Princess Margaret’s Wedding Day, Cecil Beaton, 1960 (c) Cecil Beaton, Victoria and Albert Museum

The Wedding Guest Outfit

From wedding to wedding guest, Guitaut’s next highlight celebrates the Queen’s flair for colour and texture. Visitors will recognise this gown quite quickly, since it sits front and centre on the exhibition poster. ‘This is an outfit worn for Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960, and it marked a really interesting turning point in royal fashion,’ notes the curator. This was one of the last occasions at which all female royal guests were expected to wear full-length gowns – after this, the calf-length suits and dresses that fill the rest of this display room became more of a norm.

The ensemble in question consisted of a long blue dress and bolero by Norman Hartnell, which the Queen wore with silk and kid leather gloves, jewellery gifted to her on wedding day and bequeathed by mother, and a matching blue hat by Claude St Cyr. (The hat was adorned with roses, in a nod to Princess Margaret’s middle name ‘Rose’.)

Guitaut notes that, for some time, it wasn’t certain that all pieces from the outfit could be found in the Royal Collection Trust archives – but a little digging saw all of them reunited for the exhibition. ‘Reassembling the entire look with the hat by Claude St Cyr, the ensemble itself by Hartnell and the jewellery that goes with it was a really special thing to be able to do.’ 

Rare surviving evening gown from Queen Elizabeth’s first Commonwealth tour as monarch, Noman Hartnell, 1953 (Photographer: Paul Bulley)

The Diplomatic Dresses

Moving into the final room of the exhibition, Guitaut describes that space as a love letter to Queen Elizabeth II’s flair for clever dressing at state events. ‘So many of the outfits displayed in this room speak to this idea of diplomatic dressing,’ says the curator. 

‘A great example of this is the dress worn for a state banquet with the President of Pakistan in 1961. From the front, it seems quite plain, but the back reveals a complex construction of cultural references. There’s this dramatic waterfall pleat lined with emerald green satin at the back – the colours of the Pakistan flag, and the colours of the order of Pakistan. The gown as a whole is a key example, really, of how the Queen used colour to communicate with her audiences wherever she was.’

Queen Elizabeth II, Baron, 1956 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

The Coronation Gown

Guitaut chooses to end her selection with one of the most famous dresses in history: Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation gown. ‘We really can’t avoid this piece, because it is just so important,’ she emphasises. ‘It’s not just as a piece of fashion production, it’s vital history for both the Crown and the Commonwealth. And it is just a masterpiece of craftsmanship in British couture, which is something that the exhibition seeks to draw out – the techniques and the hand skills that went into every piece the Queen chose to wear.’

The Queen once again turned to Norman Hartnell for this commission, asking him in 1952 to produce a gown made of white satin – just like her wedding dress – with extensive embroidery that depicted the countries of the United Kingdom (a rose for England, a thistle for Scotland and a shamrock for Ireland) and the states of the Commonwealth. (Samples of these can be seen in detail just beneath the dress in the exhibition.) And, in a change of tradition, the royal opted for these details to be carried out in coloured embroidery (ascending typically stuck to silver and gold for their coronation) to help each emblem pop more vividly against her dress.

How To Get Tickets For Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style

Tickets for Queen Elizabeth: Her Life In Style are now on sale via the Royal Collection Trust’s website. Prices start at £22 for adults and £11 for children (concessions are also available). rct.uk

The post 5 Things Not To Miss At The New Queen Elizabeth II Exhibition appeared first on Country and Town House.

London Craft Week 2026: Dates, Venues, Tickets & More

Now in its 12th edition, London Craft Week runs at more than 150 venues, from independent studios and workshops to museums, galleries and design showrooms.

The week offers visitors the chance to see the people, materials and techniques behind contemporary craft, with events spanning ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewellery and architecture. Demonstrations and installations take place across the city as galleries, ateliers and workshops open their doors to the public.

Aoife Leach, managing director of London Craft Week, tells C&TH London Craft Week reflects growing public interest in how objects are made. ‘As audiences become increasingly attuned to how, where and by whom the things in our lives are made, London Craft Week has become the cultural moment celebrating the most exceptional professional craft across all scales and sectors, from local studios to the international stage,’ she says.

Founded by Guy Salter in 2014 with the first festival in 2015, London Craft Week was originally created to draw attention to the extraordinary craft talent that often exists quietly behind the scenes in studios and workshops around the world. This is the ‘iceberg of exceptional talent hidden in plain sight, not just in London but around the world,’ Salter tells C&TH. ‘Truly remarkable levels of creativity and painstaking skill are taking place every day but often go largely unacknowledged because they happen in small workshops or remote places. For one week we turn London into the world’s Craft City and put these unsung creative heroes centre stage.’

Rattan weaving at Soane Britain

What To See

The 2026 programme includes exhibitions, demonstrations and collaborations taking place across London. JW Anderson will host an exhibition and live making demonstration at its Pimlico Road store, created with an artisan producing new work specifically for the festival.

The Pimlico Road Series, supported by Grosvenor, returns with events involving more than 20 interior and design brands. Highlights include events at Soane Britain exploring sustainable trade, new collaborations from Corston and a residency by Young Weaver of the Year Leonie Edmead at Rose Uniacke.

At Sotheby’s Bond Street galleries, public programme Crafted will include exhibitions, demonstrations and talks alongside an art fair presenting contemporary craft galleries. The auction house will also host Secret Ceramics, a fundraising initiative presenting 100 ceramic works sold anonymously at the same price. A separate auction will feature works by leading UK ceramic artists including Hitomi Hosono, Fernando Casasempere, Jacob van der Beugel, Felicity Aylieff and Ryan Barrett.

Salter says the third edition of Secret Ceramics will be among this year’s highlights. ‘There are too many don’t miss moments to mention, but we’re particularly excited about the third edition of Secret Ceramics,’ he says. ‘Alongside the fixed-price sale of 100 ceramic works presented anonymously, there will be an auction of ten special pieces donated by artists including Felicity Aylieff, Ryan Barrett, Fernando Casasempere and Hitomi Hosono.’

Alongside the auction, Sotheby’s programme will include exhibitions and demonstrations curated by its specialists exploring craft across a range of materials and disciplines. Intoart will present new craft commissions alongside works from its collection, highlighting the work of learning disabled and autistic artists and designers.

Bespoke framing at Darbyshire. (Carmel King)

Maker Highlights

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet makers and see their work in various venues. Cue bespoke picture framer Darbyshire who’ll present an exhibition featuring artists including Eleanor Lakelin, Derek Wilson, Erin McQuarrie, Kei Tominaga, Kim Francis, Oliver Cook and Tim Fluck. 

Elsewhere, Copper sculptor Sadie Clayton will host workshops and demonstrations at Old Spitalfields Market, while glass blower Theo Brooks will open his Cockpit Deptford studio for tours. Textile artist Jessica Light, known as the ‘Tassel Queen of Bethnal Green’, will present her passementerie work at East London Cloth’s showroom.

Barts North Wing (Matthew Andrews)

Craft Across London

London Craft Week also expands its presence in the City of London in 2026. Here, a number of historic organisations will host demonstrations and talks focused on traditional skills. The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers, for one, will present demonstrations of techniques including marbling, gilding, woodgraining and calligraphy.

Heritage Crafts will present Living Legacies – A Showcase of Endangered Crafts in the UK at Leathersellers’ Hall, highlighting traditional skills that are at risk and the makers working to preserve them.

Walking tours will explore craft within architecture and historic trades across the City, while restoration-focused events will take place at Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster and other historic buildings.

International Craft

London Craft Week also features projects from international makers and organisations. The Embassy of Italy and the Italian Trade Agency will present an exhibition of contemporary Italian craftsmanship at Casa Italia, focusing on materials, innovation and sustainability. Further exhibitions will include projects from the French Craft Collective, Meisterstrasse Handmade from Austria, and craft initiatives from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea, offering insight into a range of global craft traditions.

For Salter, London remains a natural home for the festival among national and international makers, “Despite these challenging times, London remains the ultimate creative and cultural hub city. Makers from across the world want to come here because they know they will find dedicated audiences and collectors who are genuinely interested in craft.’

See Ranti Bam’s work at South London Gallery. (Stuart Whipps)

Museums & Institutions

Several museums and cultural institutions across London will take part with exhibitions and talks. Participating venues include the V&A, The Design Museum, The Royal College of Art, The Fashion and Textile Museum, The Courtauld, Leighton House and the Garden Museum, as well as the English National Opera and the Royal Society of Arts.

Where & When

London Craft Week takes place across London from 11 to 17 May 2026, with events held at more than 150 locations across the city.

How To Attend

Many London Craft Week events are free to attend, while others require advance booking due to limited capacity. See the full programme and ticket information at londoncraftweek.com 

Salter recommends that first-time visitors treat the festival like it’s a chance to explore the city. ‘London Craft Week is designed as a voyage of discovery,’ he says. ‘Start with an area that’s easy to reach and combine a few well-known names with others that are less familiar. Before you know it, what you thought might be a short visit can easily become a full day.’

The Beaumont, Mayfair

Where To Stay Nearby

If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring the festival, central London provides easy access to many of the main venues, particularly around Mayfair, Pimlico Road, Belgravia and the West End. 

Mayfair’s The Beaumont is just a short walk from many London Craft Week venues in the West End. The hotel sits on Brown Hart Gardens and combines a restored 1920s building with contemporary interiors, a spa, gym and the Colony Grill Room restaurant.

Or on Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair is situated within easy reach of exhibitions and events taking place across Mayfair and central London during the festival. The hotel offers a large selection of rooms and suites, along with restaurants including Café Biltmore and Corrigan’s Mayfair nearby, placing guests close to many of the festival’s participating galleries and showrooms.

Discover more at londoncraftweek.com

The post The C&TH Guide To London Craft Week appeared first on Country and Town House.

Best Italian Restaurants In London

Every restaurant below has been visited and reviewed by a member of the C&TH team.

Sparrow, Mayfair

Bringing a slice of LA cool to the capital is Sparrow, a gorgeous Italian-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Mayfair. Spread across three floors, the space comprises a ground-floor bar and two dining spaces – all ultra stylish, decked out with greenery, marble bars and velvet banquettes. Chefs AJ McCloud and Ivan Simeoli aim to transport diners to the ‘enchanting Southern European coast’ with a mix of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, made using organic ingredients. Begin with wild mushroom arancini and tuna tartare with truffle ponzo ahead of delicious handmade pasta dishes like spaghetti with pistachio pesto, lobster linguine and a standout spicy vodka rigatoni. Enjoy alongside beautifully presented cocktails like the Figurati – a twist on an Aperol Spritz made with gin, lime and grapefruit. All this, paired with a lively vibe, friendly staff and chic surroundings: Sparrow is a delight.

TRY: The spicy vodka rigatoni is a signature for a reason.

WHERE: 1-3 Avery Row, London W1K 4AJ

BOOK

The Italian Greyhound, Marylebone

With its mix of indoor and outdoor dining, be sure to head on over to the Italian Greyhound on a sunny day. Founded by Ankur Wishart and Barry Hirst, co-founders of Open House Group, it’s an elegant yet unpretentious destination that combines the spirit of a local trattoria with contemporary London dining. From arancini and carbonara to burrata, aubergeine parmigiana and pizza, all the Italian classics are on show. Our highlights? The grilled octopus, crab tagliolini and squid ink pasta will be sure to satisfy any seafood fans. It’s worth noting that pasta dishes are more traditionally ‘primi’ than ‘secondi’ in size, so worth stocking up on sides or an accompanying main. 

TRY: The amaretto and pistachio tiramisu is a wonderfully nutty take on the classic dessert.

WHERE: 62 Seymour Street, London, W1H 5BN

BOOK

Sale e Pepe, Knightsbridge

This Knightsbridge hotspot has had a seat at London’s culinary table since 1974, when the doors first opened to hoards of hungry shoppers sweeping through the luxury shopping district. Just a stone’s throw from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and rows of designer showrooms, this is the perfect post-shop spot for dinner and drinks.

But don’t be fooled by the high street madness. While sporting an impressively buzzy postcode, Sale e Pepe does its best to create an atmosphere rooted in intimate dining and authentic flavours. With guests greeted by bronze lighting, a marble-topped bar, wood-panelled walls and eclectic artworks, it really feels like you’ve stepped out of London and into a chic Italian villa.

The menu itself is built on traditional Italian flavours. Pastas and risottos are all made fresh, and come in classic dishes like bolognese, ravioli and tortelloni. The finest cuts and catches are used for the carne and pesce sections, whose highlights include grilled dover sole, grilled rib eye and wild king prawns. Those who plan to share their dinner, meanwhile, can tuck into a salt baked whole sea bass. By Charlie Colville

Allergen note: Sale e Pepe can make a wide selection of their dishes gluten free, with pasta prepared and cooked in a separate area.

TRY: The Tiramisù della Casa, which is scooped tableside, straight from the dish

WHERE: 9-15 Pavilion Road, London SW1X 0HD

BOOK

Sale e Pepe Mare, Marylebone

A new seafood-centred offering from the Sale e Pepe team, this dazzling new restaurant at The Langham more than lives up to its forebearer. Bringing a touch of Riviera elegance to the heart of London, this is Med-chic at its finest: smooth jazz, attentive service, and a mesmerising 16 ft floor-to-ceiling marble bar where bottles glimmer like jewels under the golden-hour glow of the lights.

For fans loyal to the original, many of the restaurant’s classics remain on the menu, alongside brand new fishy creations such as Otoro (bluefin tuna on baked brioche with confit tomato and garlic), Capesante (king scallops, espelette chilli and radish with lemon vinaigrette), a dizzying shellfish tower, plus a selection of crudo (an Italian form of sashimi). Our personal highlights include the mouth-melting Gambari Scottati (translation: very yummy prawns awash in virgin olive oil and Amalfi lemon), the crab tagliolini, and the moreishly garlic spinach that pairs perfectly with the grilled fresh seabass fileted tableside. And for those seafood spectics out there, there’s plenty of on-the-grill meats, pastas and veggie options available too, plus a whole array of sommelier selected wines, twisty new cocktails, and classic desserts to enjoy. By Isabel Dempsey

TRY: The fresh-caught grilled seabass is a must.

WHERE: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA

BOOK

Enoteca Turi, Pimlico

This long-standing neighbourhood Italian on Pimlico Road was helmed by Puglia-born Giuseppe Turi for over 30 years, but he recently stepped down and handed the reins over to restaurateur Dominic Ford and Liberty Wines founder David Gleave. Under its new ownership, the eatery retains its character, with understated yet sleek interiors: think gold brick walls, white tablecloths and leather banquettes perfect for intimate date nights. This elegant feel is mirrored in the menu, crafted by Abruzzo-born head chef Giampiero Giuliani (formerly at Cipriani in New York and Pastaio in London), who focuses on classic Italian dishes with little surprises, made with top-quality ingredients. Begin with sharing starters of Apulian burrata and Sicilian aubergine, and juicy scallops with saffron sauce, followed by a freshly made pasta dish: highlights include spaghettini with Oscietra caviar, and agnolotti with veal shin ravioli. Portions aren’t huge, which means there’s definitely space for dessert – our pick is the pistachio tiramisu, served with mascarpone ice cream. Wine has always been a big part of Enoteca Turi, and it remains pivotal to the menu, with over 500 varieties on offer and each dish on the menu paired with a suggested glass.

TRY: The burrata is some of the best in town.

WHERE: 87 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8PH

BOOK

Bottega 35, Kensington

Tucked just off the corner of Kensington High Street, this cosy Italian will transport you straight to the heart of Tuscany. With lively music, rustic decor, and water glasses that you will want to take back home with you, the atmosphere is warm and intimate. While nothing revolutionary, this eatery is all about familiar Italian flavours done well – and they are done very well indeed. From classics such as seabass and dry-aged ribeye, to more trendy dishes like the mafaldine tossed in a wheel of pecorino cheese (with truffle, of course), the menu ticks off all the hits you would hope for from your local Italian. The goat cheese and tomato salad was unexpectedly moreish, while the pappardelle ragu was rich yet comforting. And if you want to feel like you’re dining on the shores of the Mediterranean then the seafood taglioni is an absolute must. Our favourite part of the night? Watching the tiramisu made tableside: sponge dosed in coffee, cream dolloped onto the plate, and a healthy layer of cocoa dusted on top. That is, at least, until we dunked our spoons into the Susanna Tort. One word: yum. By Isabel Dempsey

TRY: Sweet, nutty and creamy, the Susanna Tort is a must.

WHERE: 35 Kensington High St, London W8 5EB

BOOK

Sette, Knightsbridge

One of the capital’s most glamorous Italian restaurants is Sette, the first international outpost of New York’s Scarpetta restaurant group. Housed within the ground floor of the Bvlgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, it fits in with its surroundings – think mirrored walls, pendant lighting and dark wood, offering a glitzy take on a Milan trattoria. The menu, though, is based on a simple ethos of top-quality, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on homemade pastas, meat and fish dishes. Begin your meal with some prawn carpaccio ahead of the famed ‘Scarpetta Spaghetti’, made with san marzano tomato and basil, or treat yourself to the lobster tagliolini, followed by some traditional gelato for dessert. Alternatively, you can pop in for some cicchetti at the bar – think bruschetta and crudites – or visit for brunch on weekends (with the option to add free-flowing champagne). 

This summer, don’t miss the new Ferragosto menu, a four-course dinner paired with Ferrari Trento wines. Begin with panzanella salad ahead of a Ferrari Trento and parmesan risotto, a pan roasted cod main and an almond cream and fig compote dessert. In the mood for a cocktail? Choose from one of the spritz tipples, such as the Sorrento Spritz, made with Martini vibrante, hibiscus syrup and soda. 

TRY: The seared scallops are some of the best in town.

WHERE: Ground Floor, 4 Knightsbridge Grn, London SW1X 7QA

BOOK

Eataly, Liverpool Street

Italian haven Eataly is a feast for all of the senses. As well as the impeccable food and delicious cocktails across no less than three restaurants, this giant building just outside Liverpool Street station is also home to a market boasting fresh Italian ingredients and goodies, a cafe, a takeaway counter and a cookery school. You could spend a whole day here: peruse the market, learn how to cook your newfound ingredients best at a cooking class, grab a cocktail, indulge in dinner at Terra by Carlo Cracco (boasting a two-metre long wood-fired grill, where the finest meats, seafood and veggies are transformed into mouthwatering morsels), before ending at the dessert counter. Bellissimo! By Olivia Emily

TRY: For cocktails, try whatever is seasonal (it’s always good), or the Christopher Columbus is a reliably delicious take on the espresso martini for after dinner.

WHERE: 135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD

BOOK

TOZI, Victoria

Tozi has been around since 2013, and is a staple of London Victoria’s dining scene. And if you haven’t visited yet, this isn’t one to sleep on. Offering up Venetian-style small plates, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to a fresh take on Italian cuisine. 

You’ll be impressed from the minute you enter; high ceilings and dim lights create a hulking space, but it doesn’t feel empty, rather erring more on the side of grand. On the walls, check out old-school Italian films. It’s an ode to Italy’s culture and food without being too in your face about it. 

The menu shifts consistently and seasonally, and you can note where trendy food is being given its fair moment: raw prawns are popping up on every chef’s table right now, and this is no exception. Rest assured that this is a safe place to try this adventurous dish: it’s remarkably fresh tasting. By Tessa Dunthorne

TRY: The Pistachio tiramisu, for layers of chocolatey-nutty-caffeinated joy. Ask the experienced bar staff to whip you up a creative dessert cocktail, too; they’ll pair it perfectly with your after-dinner treat. 

BOOK: 8 Gillingham St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1HJ

BOOK

The Hari’s il Pampero, Belgravia

Stepping into The Hari’s sumptuous, subterranean Italian restaurant, il Pampero, feels like being let in on a secret. A square art deco bar steals the show, with dark top tables orbiting the bottle-stacked, gently glowing counter. Dinner tables are topped with wine glasses, bouncing with the flickering candles’ light. The wine list is delivered on an iPad, featuring a delectable selection of grown up cocktails (think Italicus and olive juice with prosecco and soda in The King’s Guard, sitting alongside a signature negroni). But the food is listed on a physical menu, championing authentic Italian cuisine in these sleek and modern surroundings. Start light: the Spada Affumicato (smoked swordfish) is light yet moreish, accompanied by taggiasche olive puree, semi dried datterino tomatoes and pickled onion. Or opt for the timeless pepper seared beef carpaccio, or a classic selection of artisanal Italian cold cuts, salami, pecorino and aged parmesan for the table.

As for mains, there’s no going wrong with pasta, and il Pampero is home to some of London’s best homemade pasta accompanied by unique flavours, ranging from lamb ragu with Pecorino and mint, to spaghetti with chickpeas, octopus and tomato, to the vegan tube pasta with a ragu of aubergine, tomato and taggiasche olive. Staying on the fish theme, I opt for the delicate Branzino Al Cartoccio, seabass fillet presented in the crispy paper it was baked in and accompanied by olives, tomato, mussels and herbs; simply delicious. There’s also slow cooked pork belly, a steak, and a chicken stew to choose from, alongside a vegan Melanzana. Whatever you choose, local leads the way, with a rotating menu drawing on the best of seasonal produce, fashioned into traditional Italian dishes. By Olivia Emily

TRY: We all know there’s a separate stomach for pudding, but the Baba’ Al Rum is worth saving yourself for if you’re one of the rare few. It’s very rummy, accompanied by lovely vanilla custard and poached cherries.

WHERE: 20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ

BOOK

Cin Cin, Fitzrovia

Sitting on a corner of a bustling street in Fitzrovia you’ll find Cin Cin, a modern Italian neighbourhood restaurant, which promises a slice of calm – and delicious food – away from the hustle and bustle of central London. Just a short walk from the prime surrounding shopping district, and theatreland of Soho – it makes for a perfect spot to grab a pre-theatre dinner, a much-needed post-shopping beverage, or a dreamy way to wile away a summer evening, beginning with an aperitif, before slowly working your way through the menu. The menus, which change seasonally, offer an array of delicious Italian dishes made with fresh and well-sourced ingredients. The food feels authentic – with some being family recipes – and you can tell each dish is carefully considered before it’s put on the menu. Ultimately though, it’s a seriously lovely way to spend an evening watching the world go by as you sip on delicious aperitifs and munch on delicious food. 

TRY: The crispy polenta, caponata and coppa – the combination of flavours and textures turns this simple dish into a winning starter.

WHERE: 21 Foley St, London W1W 6DS

BOOK

Norma, Fitzrovia

You can’t beat pasta in the sunshine. Norma is a delightful Sicilian restaurant set across three floors on the bustling Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, with a terrace stretching across the pavement for the summer. The expansive seasonal a la carte menu is packed with impeccable dishes bursting with flavour and yet presented in exciting, often delicate ways with a touch of rustic charm (you’ll want your camera at the ready).

Influenced by Sicily’s Moorish history in particular and embodying old-school, friendly hospitality, the delicious food is only improved by the charming waitstaff. Don’t know what to choose from the ever-changing seasonal menu? Ask – they know exactly what will make you happy. By Olivia Emily

TRY: A bit of everything, and share it tapas style.

BOOK: 8 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2LS

Image credit: @lateef.photography

BOOK

Cicchetti Knightsbridge

Small plates directly opposite Harrods? Sounds idyllic. The latest opening by the San Carlo group, Cicchetti Knightsbridge offers supremely delicious regionally inspired dishes.

This already-busy restaurant is one to add to your list. Why? It nails Italian classics whilst offering creative new takes on flavours. From its tagliatelle bolognese (honouring the oldest recipe in the book for Bologna) to its mouthwatering truffle and pecorino signature ravioli, the sharing dishes will inspire conversation across the table – and will guarantee debates on who gets to finish that last bite of pizza (dribbling-with-cheese).

Pescatarians, in particular, should rejoice. Seafood is done frequently and done well across this menu. From black ravioli, stuffed to the brim with mascarpone and crab, to the tuna tartare (prepared at your table, involving you in the fun), the Italian coast and its fruits are paid homage.

Finally, we can’t fail to mention the interiors. Sit amidst decadent Art Deco features and feel as though you’re occupying a Venetian palace – and admire a striking mural painted by artist Jessalyn Brooks. By Tessa Dunthorne

TRY: The bruschetta. Cicchetti’s take on the Italian classic showcases the best of Sicilian tomatoes and is oh-so-fresh.

WHERE: 6 Hans Rd, London SW3 1RX

BOOK

Theo Randall at the InterContinental, Mayfair

Feeling refined? You will after dining at Theo Randall’s chic restaurant at the InterContinental, No. 1 Park Lane – his prestigious address since November 2006. Inside, it’s all natural woods and neutral colour palettes, but don’t let the understated interiors deter you – the food is rich, complex and colourful.

The menu is extensive, boasting a range of delicious dishes and the TV regular’s undeniable experience. Share a few Antipasti dishes to start – Burrata is always a winner, but don’t miss the delectable Tartare di Tonno with salty capers and sharp Amalfi lemon. The pasta is al dente and delicious; you’ll want to savour every bite.

The wine list is equally long; make sure you track down friendly and chatty Head Sommelier Fernando Cubas (who also designs the wine lists at the InterContinetal’s Park Lane pop-ups) for help with decoding and tracking down the perfect sip. By Olivia Emily

TRY: Ravioli di erbette – a mixed green ravioli with swiss chard, rocket and cime di rapa, ricotta, butter and sage. A veggie dish has never tasted so rich and fulfilling.

WHERE: InterContinental, 1 Hamilton Pl, London W1J 7QY

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Como Garden, Kensington

A safe haven nestled in the chaos of Kensington High Street, Como Garden promises (and delivers) delicious cuisine that will transport its guests to the shores of the Italian lakes. Decked from head-to-toe is biophilic accents, classical sculptures and warm, low-hanging lamps, the restaurant is designed for seclusion – you’ll forget the noise of the city, especially with a glass of Aperol Spritz in hand.

Dinner is a sharing affair, with the tapas style menu offering small and medium sized bites. It’s recommended to order three or four plates per person, but you’ll more than likely want to try them all. Start things right with some fresh homemade bread (served with oil and vinegar, of course), and then make your way through the antipasti – think crispy arancini and fresh bruschetta.

For the main event, choose from a range of pasta dishes, salads, meats and fish. Classic dishes like lasagne and gnocchi are up for grabs, as well as elevated dishes like the pumpkin and sage tortelloni with pine nuts, which are destined to become fast favourites for those who try them.

End things on a sweet note (if you have room) and tuck into a selection of treats, from tiramisu layered with rich coffee and a warming almond tart to scoops of authentic Italian gelato – just ask the staff which flavours are available. A truly delicious night awaits at Como Garden. By Charlie Colville

TRY: The truffle and parmesan tagliolini and the arancini (make sure to get two plates if you don’t want to share).

BOOK: 37-45 Kensington High St, London W8 5ED

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Bardo St. James’s

Delicious food accompanied by costumes and crooners – what more could you want? Bardo St. James is a velvet-clad, mood-lit, subterranean restaurant which opened in the theatre district in October 2021. It’s an ideal occasion destination because, making the most of its location, Bardo serves theatricality alongside traditional Italian cuisine. They encourage you to dress to theme – la dolce vita, of course – and, with live music, a buzzy dining room, sumptuous sofa booths, and a glass of crisp wine in hand, the Italian Golden Age feels within reach.

Start with a well-balanced cocktail – notably strong yet smooth – before tucking into moreish bread with oil and balsamic (you can’t go wrong). But try not to spoil your appetite: you’ll want to try a bit of everything. The Antipasti are refined (with plenty of delicate fish and seafood on offer), and the pasta bowls generous, indulgent and ideal for sharing to leave space for the main course. From Breaded Veal to Roasted Aubergine, there’s something delicious for everyone. Ask your waiter for their recommendations if you’re struggling to choose – though they’ll most likely have multiple favourites, too. By Olivia Emily

TRY: The Seabass – delectably delicate with earthy but sweet violet artichoke. Divine. And finish with a refreshing Strawberry Salad to cut through the food coma.

WHERE: 4 Suffolk Pl, London SW1Y 4HX

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Angelina, Dalston

Venture north east (and out of zone 1!) for Angelina, an exciting Italian-Japanese fusion fine-dining restaurant that opened in Dalston in early 2019 under childhood friends Joshua Owens-Baigler (Bocca di Lupo, River Café) and Amar Takhar (JKS Group). An elegant and warm dining room on Dalston Lane, Angelina spills into the street with a covered outdoor terrace, serving up exciting tasting menus: four course omakase (‘I’ll leave it up to you’ in Japanese; £39); 10 course kasikei, drawing on Japanese fine dining.

Though it is a set menu, and though the wine list is astronomically long, Angelina is unfussy and friendly – simply sit back and watch the magic happen (that is, the food brought to your table, without having to worry about what to choose). The waitstaff are also well-equipped to navigate the wine list for you, should you find it overwhelming: upgrade your set menu with a wine pairing, or tell the waitstaff what wines you like, and they’ll happily do the heavy lifting for you.

The food is exciting and indulgent, uniting Italian and Japanese cuisine adeptly, unexpectedly and, of course, deliciously. The appetisers are moorish, the pasta al dente and divine, and the flavour combinations unexpected but unwaveringly tasty. By Olivia Emily

TRY: The menu changes every month, so surrender to Owens-Baigler, Amar Takhar, and their always bustling restaurant – it’s a treat worth the trek.

WHERE: 56 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AH

Image courtesy of Anton Rodriguez

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Il Pampero, Belgravia

Hidden below street level in the swishy Hari Hotel, stepping into Il Pampero feels like stepping back into to a bygone era of Italian glamour, all white tablecloths, deep green furnishings, low lighting and charming Italian waiters. It’s elegant without being ostentatious, and the leather-clad window booths add an important touch of cosiness (perfect for a date). The glamorous central bar is irresistible for a classic Italian aperitivo (beware the deliciously strong Negroni) before sitting down to a feast of antipasti that include beef carpaccio with generous shavings of black truffle and surprisingly moreish fried scamorza (smoked cheese) bites served on a bed of radicchio with balsamic vinegar.

With pasta made fresh on-site, it’s impossible to resist in its various incarnations on the menu. The highlight is undoubtedly the tonnarelli cacio e pepe dish, prepared in a parmesan wheel that’s rolled out to your table on a trolley for extra panache. You’ll find some more unusual pasta dishes on the menu too which are well worth a gander – but keep a bit of space for the veal Milanese, so large that it practically bursts out of the plate, giving Cecconi’s a real run for their money. A very special restaurant – it gets five stars from us.

TRY: Whatever the maître d’ recommends – he really does know best.

BOOK: 20 Chesham Place, London SW1

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Al Dente, Fitzrovia

Though understated inside and out, the food here is as rich as you’d imagine it would be in any little eatery on any gloriously old cobbled street in Italy. A stone’s throw from Goodge Street Station, Al Dente is a warm and authentic Italian restaurant which might easily be missed due to the sheer amount of commotion on the street it sits on – but it shouldn’t be. Sit by the window overlooking the hubbub or by the contemporary black metal communal table in the centre, where cutlery and napkins are pulled out from the draws below – a nice, quirky touch. Begin with the bruschetta: perfectly fresh cherry tomatoes chopped onto crispy bread, alongside a basket of homemade olive focaccia and olive oil. For the main event, choose your pasta carefully: the portions are large and each dish offers a different taste of Italy. We recommend the seafood linguine, featuring thick fresh pasta accompanied by clams, mussels, prawns and more. Save some space for pudding, because the cannoli is a must-try. By Kerri Stolerman

TRY: The Green Tortelli: oodles of cream, lashings of authentic parmesan, and the smell of truffle oil wafting up into your nose makes this dish a feast for all the senses.

WHERE: 51 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia W1T 1TG

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Padella, London Bridge & Shoreditch

No Italian restaurant list would be complete without the legendary Padella, know for its standout homemade pasta dishes, tiny prices and gigantic queues. The menu features a handful of simple antipasti and ten pasta dishes, with everything from the simple-but-perfect tagliarini with slow-cooked tomato sauce to a more experimental chicken liver, sage and marsala pappardelle dish. The ingredients, flavours and flair are undoubtedly Italian, but with a smattering of the best of British (it is around the corner from Borough Market, after all) – Cobble Lane Cured ‘nduja and salami are made in London, and ravioli are stuffed with Neal’s Yard ricotta.

But the big question is this: is it really worth the three-hour wait? The answer is a resounding yes. Since opening, Padella has never been queue-less, and the wait only adds to the excitement and anticipation of it all. It’s become a ritual, even. Arrive early, leave your phone number and go exploring for a couple of hours – it’s the perfect excuse for a leisurely stroll around the area (local pub crawl, anyone?) before sitting down to a well-deserved plate or three of steaming hot, delicious pasta.

TRY: The summer version of Padella’s famous Cacio e Pepe – the fabulous Pici with Marjoram, Golden Garlic and Lemon.

WHERE: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 & 1 Phipp St, London EC2A 4PS

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Popolo, Shoreditch

Though not traditional, Popolo is undoubtedly one of the most exciting Italian restaurants to come to London. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and Moorish cuisine, Jon Lawson has created an array of fusion dishes which even the most die-hard Italian would be proud of. Following the trend for small ‘sharing plates’, the restaurant is best experienced sitting at the counter looking into the open kitchen and ordering just about everything from the menu – this is not an exaggeration, practically everything is a ‘hero dish’.

Pasta is hand rolled for every service, ingredients are fresh and packed with flavour, and the natural wines come from small producers. So far, so Italian. But then the grilled octopus comes on a bed of smoky baba ghanoush, the fried olives are served with chickpeas and labne, and there’s a beautiful aubergine tempura with tahini, pistachio and pomegranate. The pasta dishes are more classic but no less stunning. This is the kind of food that will stay on your mind long after you’ve left…

TRY: The pork cheek agnolotti in silky porcini butter.

WHERE: 26 Rivington Street, London EC2

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Bocca di Lupo, Soho

What do you get when you combine the honest and delicious food of an Italian trattoria with the fizzy, sophisticated atmosphere of the London restaurant scene? Something rather close to perfection – AKA, Soho’s Bocca di Lupo. Whether nibbling on small plates at the bar (highly recommended) or seated at the chef’s table, an evening at Bocca is always fun, just as eating out in town should be. Having won numerous accolades since opening in 2008, it remains one of the best restaurants for Italian dining in London with its ever-changing menu that brings you the best of Italy’s highly distinctive regional specialities.

Take a culinary trip around the country in one sitting with Roman fried olives, mozzarella and sage leaves, before heading north for your pasta (the Ligurian spaghetti with clams, chilli, garlic and parsley are a classic) and then right down to Puglia for a mixed meat grill. With everything available as a small or a large plate, you can sample it all – perfect for the proper foodies among you. Finish it off with an espresso before heading out into the night.

TRY: The divine chilled raw tomato soup with burrata – beats Gazpacho any day.

WHERE: 12 Archer Street, London W1

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Macellaio RC, South Kensington

One for the meat lovers. Macellaio means ‘butcher’ in Italian, and that’s exactly what the South Kensington restaurant looks like upon entry. Focusing on the quality of their ingredients (as all good Italians do), the food at Macellaio is simple, but hits the spot every time. Do it Italian family lunch-style by ordering a ‘tagliere’ (wooden board) of mixed Italian charcuterie and cheeses for the table, and a great big Fiorentina steak and some salads for all to share, all washed down with lots of red wine. The tagliatelle al ragù are the best we’ve had this side of Bologna – best to get one each.

TRY: An interesting variety of offals, including testicles, if you dare.

WHERE: 84 Old Brompton Road, London SW7

BOOK

Daphne’s, Chelsea

Classic upmarket spot Daphne’s is a Chelsea institution, serving up seasonal Italian dishes with flair. The menu balances staunchly Italian recipes with ingredients befitting the postcode, especially come autumn with tagliatelle, risotto and veal covered in shavings of the finest white truffle. The veal and wild boar ragus are hearty, decadent and authentic, while lighter ‘fashionable’ dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with yuzu and tuna avocado tartare exhibit the excellence of ingredients used. Don’t miss the veal cutlet Milanese, accompanied by a stack of skinny deep-fried zucchini chips. This is the perfect place to try something a little different such as Sicilian-inspired chargrilled swordfish with caponata, or the calves liver with smoked pancetta and cipolline – at Daphne’s you can’t go wrong. The icing on the cake? The restaurant is spearheaded by Gabriele Esposito, one of the most charming and welcoming GMs on the London restaurant scene.

TRY: The scallops are huge, juicy and an absolute a must.

BOOK: 112 Draycott Avenue, London SW3

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Lina Stores Restaurant & Deli, Soho

Our first piece of advice about Lina Stores is to book ahead. Before walking inside we overheard the manager explain to two hopeful diners they’d have to wait 45 minutes for seats (and hearing them eagerly accept), giving the impression this was going to be a dining experience worth waiting for (which turned out to be true). The restaurant is split in two, the downstairs a dimly lit space where friends come together to share pasta plates and couples come to indulge before waddling home from the heart of Soho. The upper level is packed without being uncomfortable, cosy and intimate. If you’re lucky nab the best seat in the house: on the bar right in front of the chefs.

Lina Stores offers the perfect blend of Italian and English luxury, not overdone or pretentious – the warmth of the manager makes you feel part of the family rather than just an in-and-out diner. The menu works best for sharing dishes, with two antipastis and two or three mains recommended. Start with the Aubergine Polpette & San Marzano Tomato dish, essentially a meatball stuffed with sliced aubergine instead of meat. Also the Stracciatella, Ferrandina Baked Olives, Caperberries & Crostini mopped up with a few slices of bread (listen to the waiters when they tell you to ‘never say to no bread at an Italian restaurant’). For mains, be sure to order the Double Ravioli, Minted Courgette & Parmesan Cream. The whole meal, paired with a few glasses of Italian rosé, is a taste sensation. Visit once, and you’ll be hooked.

The Lina Stores Delicatessen on Brewer Street – where the fresh pasta served in the restaurant is created – is also well worth a visit. What began as a deli for the local Italians soon grew to be known by all the pasta-lovers of London, selling authentic Italian pasta, meats, cheeses, chutneys and our favourite: White Truffle Honey.

TRY: The Agnolotti Verdi, Black Truffle & Ricotta: the restaurant’s most famous and sought-after dish. Prior to trying, the manager explained we’d be dreaming about it long after the visit. It’s the day after, and we can confirm this theory.

WHERE: Lina Stores Restaurant (51 Greek St Soho, London W1D 4EH) and Lina Stores Deli (18 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SH)

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Anima e Cuore, Camden Town

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Italy is discovering one of those tiny, unassuming eateries hidden away in the backstreets that makes the most wonderful food. Anima e Cuore is one such discovery – but in Camden Town. Since being ‘discovered’ by Time Out a few years ago, the 22-cover restaurant has become wildly popular, an issue made worse by the lack of a website and an unpredictable phoneline. Yet this only adds to its authenticity, and makes finally sitting down for your meal that much sweeter. Innovative starters such as tuna tartare with cucumber sorbet are served alongside classic pasta dishes like truffle taglierini and classic Bolognese ragu – all presented beautifully by waiters whose passion is palpable as they explain each dish. BYOB, and no corkage! Our resident Italian’s top pick.

TRY: Whichever ravioli they’re making fresh that day, and their homemade ice cream for dessert.

WHERE: 129 Kentish Town Road, London NW1

BOOK: Call 020 7267 2410 to book (no website).

Oval Restaurant at The Wellesley, Knightsbridge

The uber elegant restaurant at The Wellesley is a great place for a special occasion supper, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when you can enjoy exquisite Italian food accompanied by the smooth sounds of live jazz. Is there a better combination? Each dish is beautifully constructed with the finest ingredients. Of particular note are the tartare starters – both the smoked tuna tartare with crispy duck egg yolk and avocado puree, and the beef with Norcia truffle are exceptional. The pasta dishes distinguish themselves thanks to the introduction of unusual ingredients such as saffron, green apple and lime to complement more traditional Italian flavours. If you can’t decide, go for the tasting menu which showcases Oval’s best. The after-supper treats served in a lacquer Cohiba box add an extra sparkle to a memorable evening.

TRY: A cigar in the legendary Cigar Room.

WHERE: 11 Knightsbridge, London SW1

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Cecconi’s, Mayfair

Cecconi’s has become a London institution, attracting the glitzy crowd from far and wide all searching for a slice of old-school Italian glamour. The establishment was opened just off Savile Row in 1978 by Enzo Cecconi, the youngest-ever general manager of the renowned Cipriani in Venice, finally bringing Londoners fresh and authentic Italian food. It’s remained a magnet for celebrities and international royalty through the years, drawn by the theatrics and grandeur of the restaurant reminiscent of Cecconi’s original vision. With its plush bottle-green furnishings and beautiful central bar, nibble on some cicchetti while sipping a legendary Bellini or Negroni. The vitello tonnato is one of the best, while the Veal Milanese (pictured above) is unrivalled. For a more affordable option, go for the set lunch menu.

TRY: Fried calamari with lemon aioli that’ll take you right back to the shores of the Amalfi Coast.

WHERE: 5A Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London W1

BOOK

Mercante at Sheraton Grand London, Mayfair

Head Chef at Mercante is the young and highly talented Davide D’Ignazio, who has come straight from some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome. His menu pulls together dishes from all over Italy, allowing guests to broaden their understanding of Italian food with plates such as Panzanella (a fresh salad using bread), ox tongue and Gnocchi all’ortica (nettle gnocchi) which one rarely comes across. Taking inspiration from the bustling markets of Naples, Rome and Venice, the menu changes regularly and seasonally, often showcasing unusual regional specialities and ingredients. The restaurant is comprised of a large dining room, perfect for groups of family and friends to enjoy a big, jovial meal in true Italian style without the Mayfair price tag or stuffiness.

TRY: The duck ravioli with Amarone wine reduction.

WHERE: Sheraton Grand London, Piccadilly, London W1

BOOK

The post Our Favourite Italian Restaurants In London 2026 appeared first on Country and Town House.

Stella McCartney Debuts Feather Alternative With FEVVERS

It seems Stella McCartney isn’t done when it comes to setting new industry standards. In her Paris Spring/Summer 2026 show last September, the designer closed with three dresses made using the world’s first plant-based alternative to feathers. The ‘feathers’ in question were by British startup FEVVERS, who worked with McCartney to showcase how their material could behave on the global stage. The result? The dawn of a new era of flamboyant fashion.

Stella McCartney SS26

FEVVERS was co-founded by Nicola Woollon and James West, who are on a mission to use vegan fibres to structure a feather alternative – one that retains the look and feel of the real material, but without the cruelty, and with a much less demanding environmental impact.

Though the company was registered in 2025, co-founder Woollon became aware of the challenges around feathers after more than a decade working in embroidery and fashion. Speaking to C&TH, she said that the response to FEVVERS so far has been incredibly positive: ‘What’s been most interesting is the moment of surprise – people don’t just see an alternative; they see a new kind of beauty. That shift from curiosity to excitement has been consistent across press, customers and industry audiences.’

It’s a viewpoint shared by McCartney. Speaking to AFP after her SS26 show, the designer said she had ‘been having the conversation about not killing cows and goats and snakes or any living animal to be made into a shoe or handbag in my industry for over 30 years, but I realised not that long ago that feathers were a whole other barbaric part of the industry.

‘The innovation [created by FEVVERS] is just insanely beautiful, and we have created some of the most striking couture pieces I have ever seen,’ she continued. ‘It’s not only the world’s first plant-based feather alternative, but it’s also proof that brands who continue to use feathers are choosing cruelty over creativity.’

Stella McCartney SS26

A commong misconception with the industry is that feathers are obtained without hurting the animal; in this case, that ostriches can naturally moult their feathers. But this is not the case. In reality, ostriches are either live-plucked or their feathers are cut off – with both practices still widely unregulated. In the wild, ostriches can live for up to 40 years, yet in captivity they are often killed when they are less than 12 months old. 

The environmental impact of feathers is also vast. According to PETA UK, 62,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year are emitted by the ostrich industry in South Africa alone, and just one ostrich can produce five kilograms of methane annually. Chemicals that are used to treat and dye feathers, such as formaldehyde and chromium, are often carcinogens, and the treatment means that feathers become non-biodegradable.

And this is why groups like FEVVERS are so important to the an industry that has historically relied on animal products. And while it’s still early days for this kind of innovation – the ‘fevver’ is still in the development stage, says Woollon – the team are on a mission to uphold this new material’s quality, so that it retains the lightness and movement of feathers. ‘Versatility has been a core part of the development,’ says Woollon. ‘The material is lightweight, expressive and designed to move naturally within garments. We’re continuing to explore colour, finish and application with partner brands, but the intention is always to give designers creative freedom without compromising the integrity of the material.’

Stella McCartney SS26

This isn’t a material meant solely for the runway, either. Since Paris fashion week, Stella McCartney’s FEVVERS gowns have been seen on the red carpet. Cate Blanchett wore a lilac rendition of the gown to the 2025 BAMBI Awards, where she picked up the award for International Actress. Ever the ecologically minded dresser (you may remember when she wore a top made of 102 spoons on a press tour), the award celebrated Blanchett for her humanitarian and environmental efforts. 

And beyond that, there’s plenty of opportunity to see FEVVERS move even further into the mainstream. ‘We’re building what we see as a new material category,’ says Woollon. ‘The next phase is about deepening collaborations, refining the material through real-world application, and expanding what’s creatively and technically possible – not just in fashion, but across multiple sectors.’

fevvers.com

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A Brief History Of Tiramisu

At its heart, tiramisu is delightfully uncomplicated – but its origins are almost untraceable. The Accademia del Tiramisù (created with the sole purpose of retaining and passing on the history and culture of the distinguished dessert) suggests that it began as an aphrodisiac in the 19th century.

Other theories, in contrast, place the inception of the dish within a much more recent era, positing that it started life in the second half of the 20th century. Yet it’s worth noting that this itself is contested: some (self-appointed) tiramisù scholars argue that the first recipe can be traced to the mountainous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia around 1959, while residents of Treviso in northeastern Italy argue instead that the recipe originated at a local restaurant named Le Beccherie in the 1970s.

Where To Find The Best Tiramisu In London

The Italian Greyhound

From Dubai chocolate to iced lattes, it seems that the world can’t get enough of pistachios. And thankfully, the team at the Italian Greyhound are no different. This amaretto and pistachio tiramisu offers up a refreshingly nutty take on the classic dish, elevating the already heavenly dessert to new heights of yum.

62 Seymour Street, London, W1H 5BN, theitaliangreyhound.co.uk

Sale e Pepe Mare

A new seafood-centred offering from the Sale e Pepe team, this dazzling new restaurant at The Langham more than lives up to its forebearer. If you still have room to spare after working through a whole grilled seabass or shellfish tower then their tiramisu is a must. Dolloped directly from the tray and onto the plate, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between coffee, cocoa and delectable cream.

1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA, saleepepe.co.uk

Alley Cats

Billed as London’s very own slice of Brooklyn, Alley Cats is a traditional pizza spot with a touch of old-school kitsch. Once you’ve polished off a plate of meatballs and a 14-inch pizza (our favourite is the tuna bonito), make sure to order the tiramisu: it’s enormous and dusted with a very generous helping of crushed pistachios. Divine.

22 Paddington St, London W1U 5QY. alleycatspizza.co.uk

Pastaio

While this Soho eatery is known for its outstanding pasta menu, the tiramisu is not to be missed. Expect an impressively hefty portion with a generous dusting of cocoa powder to offset any excess sweetness. It’s the perfect end to your meal.

19 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN. pastaio.co.uk

Vasiniko

 

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One glance at Vasiniko’s vibrant interiors will whisk you straight to Italy. While the cosy restaurant prides itself on its Neapolitan pizza, the tiramisu is just as incredible – the pistachio option is particularly divine. 

9 Burleigh Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7PW. vasinikopizza.co.uk

Page Common Coffeehouse

If you’re tight on time (but still craving tiramisu, naturally), make sure to drop by Page Common Coffeehouse, a tranquil café inside Page 8 Hotel. The pastries and brunch offerings here are mouth-watering, but the tiramisu is the star of the show. 

8 St. Martin’s Place, London WC2N 4JH. pagehotels.com

Circolo Populare

As part of the Big Mamma group (alongside the likes of Jacuzzi and Ave Mario), Circolo Populare promises an utterly Instagrammable experience. But what of its dessert offering? If you’re partial to hefty portions, you certainly won’t be disappointed, as this tiramisu is heaped onto your plate from an enormous dish brought right to your table. The stuff of dreams. 

40-41 Rathbone Pl, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1HX. bigmammagroup.com

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

This buzzy London chain offers a signature amaretto tiramisu which is handmade onsite every day. Fresh and boozy – what could be better?

Aldgate, Canary Wharf & St Katherine’s Docks. emiliaspasta.com 

‘O Ver

This elegant Neapolitan eatery boasts a menu founded upon the curious ingredient of pure sea water, which is incorporated into its pizza, pasta and bread recipes. While the tiramisu doesn’t boast this particular detail, it is just as dazzling: expect a perfect balance of heady coffee and sweet creaminess.

St James’ & Borough. overuk.com

Bocconcino

Whether you’re committing to Bocconinco’s indulgent bottomless brunch or you’re just grabbing a quick bite, you won’t regret sampling the Mayfair eatery’s luxurious tiramisu. 

Mayfair & Soho. bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk 

Obicà

Head to Obicà for a luxurious, creamy tiramisu. Indulge in a full serving, or sample a smaller offering alongside the Italian chain’s other desserts – the coconut panna cotta is a particularly fabulous choice, providing a brilliant, sharp fruitiness. 

St Paul’s, Poland Street & Canary Wharf. obica.com

Norma

If you’re after tiramisu with a twist, try the coconut tiramisu from Fitzrovia eatery Norma. You can’t get better than soft mascarpone infused with a delicate coconut flavour.

8 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 2LS. normalondon.com

Caravan

Caravan boasts exquisite coffee as well as an enticing all-day menu – so you certainly won’t want to miss out on its cold brew tiramisu. Caffeine lovers, rejoice.

Locations across London. caravanandco.com

Bōkan

Fancy tiramisu with a view? Bokan is the place to go. Expect magnificent European dishes in a restaurant floating above the London skyline. 

Floor 37-39, 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP, bokanlondon.co.uk

Luca

 

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Head to Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Luca for a quintessential tiramisu – no frills, just classic, creamy and luscious. Level it up by pairing it with a glass of Sicilian wine: go for the Marsala Superiore Dolce, Vito Curatolo Arini NV. 

88 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4EL, luca.restaurant

Eataly’s Terra Bar

You’ll find classic tiramisu among a selection of delectable pastries on offer at Eataly’s Terra bar – which boasts the largest selection of Italian wine in London, if you’re after a tipple, too.

135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD, eataly.co.uk

Piazza Italiana

There’s another boozy pairing on offer at Piazza Italiana: sip on an Espresso Martini or a 20 year-old Quinta do Noval port in between spoonfuls of tiramisu. What could be better?

38 Threadneedle Street London, EC2R 8AY,  piazzaitaliana.co.uk

Como Garden

Como Garden is a picture-perfect spot offering tapas-style Italian dining. The humble tiramisu is, of course, a menu staple – make sure to leave room for it after sampling plates of pasta.

37 High Street Kensington, London, W8 5ED. comogarden.co.uk

Sycamore Vino Cucina

From seven-layer chocolate cake to picture-perfect peach mousse, every dessert at Sycamore Vino Cucina is superb – but sometimes you just can’t beat a classic tiramisu. 

66 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London, W2CB 5BX. middleeight.com

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Al Fresco Dining: Best Outdoor Restaurants in London

Jurema Terrace at The Mandrake, Fitzrovia

If you’re looking for a bit of respite from hectic London life, The Mandrake’s Jurema Terrace is a botanical haven tucked away in Fitzrovia. It’s a beautiful space surrounded by suspended jasmine, passion flower and luscious foliage, serving a menu of South American-inspired dishes from YOPO restaurant – think grilled octopus skewers, yellowtail sashimi and smoked ricotta ravioli. Ring in the summer with a bottle of Minuty or try signature cocktails like the Patchouli Margarita, made with lychee, St Germain elderflower and Pisco.

20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG, themandrake.com

Panzer’s, St John’s Wood

All north London foodies know about Panzer’s, the 80-year-old deli in St John’s Wood known for its gourmet produce spanning everything from artisanal cheeses to baked goods and coffee. But it’s not just a shop: you can also sit and have lunch on the lively little terrace. Try one of the signature smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels or treat yourself to a London-style pizza from Circus, like the Devil(ish) made with smoked mozzarella, spicy pepperoni and chilli maple drizzle – best washed down with a glass of wine. Look out for the programme of events too, which range from fermentation workshops to supper clubs and live jazz. 

13-19 Circus Rd, London NW8 6PB, panzers.co.uk

Towpath, De Beauvoir

This cult favourite perched beside Regent’s Canal is the go-to spot for an al fresco lunch in De Beauvoir. They don’t take bookings, but those who manage to nab a table will be treated to delightful small plates from head chef Laura Jackson. The hand-written blackboard menu changes often but you might enjoy the likes of aubergine parmigiana with salad, crispy lamb with hummus and pine nuts or a grilled cheese sandwich alongside a few glasses of wine. A great spot for breakfast too.

42 De Beauvoir Cres, London N1 5SB, towpathlondon.com

Forza Wine

There are now three branches of wine and small plates bar Forza Wine dotted across the capital – including one at the National Theatre on the South Bank. But the original Peckham branch remains our favourite, offering unparalleled views of the city from its rooftop. It’s where South East London’s trendy crowd flock to on sunny Saturday afternoons, with an Italian-inspired menu on offer featuring dishes like burrata with pink peppercorns, cauliflower fritti, grilled flatbread and bavette with spinach and fennel. There’s a wide range of affordable wine to sample, but be sure to try a frozen picante too – dangerously good.

The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, London SE15 4BQ, forzawine.com

The Laundry, Brixton

Your best bet for outdoor dining in Brixton? The Laundry, an all-day restaurant on Coldharbour Lane with a large, covered terrace. It’s well-suited to long weekend lunches featuring snacks of Perello olives and pork croquettes ahead of mains such as Thai-style chicken salad, steak frites or duck confit. Alternatively, stop by on Monday to Friday from 5 – 7pm to make the most of L’Apero, where cocktails are on offer for just £8.

374 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PL, thelaundrybrixton.com

Fallow, St James’

Jack Croft and Will Murray’s Fallow is all about innovative, eco-minded cooking which spotlights the best of British produce. Set in the heart of St James’, it’s home to a wraparound terrace lined with foliage – and decked out with blankets and heaters to keep you warm into the evenings. Sip one of the famous oyster shell martinis alongside signature plates like the bold smoked cod’s head with Sriracha sauce.

52 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP, fallowrestaurant.com

The Garden At Corinthia London

Tucked away in the five-star Corinthia London hotel, you’ll one of the capital’s most idyllic outdoor restaurants. Partially covered, it’s open year-round, with seasonal makeovers: currently the restaurant is channelling a Mediterranean-inspired look created by the hotel’s in-house florist FLOWERBX, featuring orange and white striped seats, pink bougainvillea and colourful tableware. The menu feels equally sunny, with starters of yellowfin tuna tartare (delightfully fresh and made tableside), confit tomato tart, and spring minestrone, ahead of mains like cacio e pepe, risotto frutti di mare, and Cornish place with fennel and green olive sauce. Whatever you order, pop a pizzette on the side (our top pick is the nduja, mozzarella and oregano number) as well as some thyme roasted potatoes. And save some space for dessert: the tiramisu is lighter than usual, and the perfect way to end your meal. Pair with summery cocktails like the Primavera Spritz, a twist on the Aperol Spritz, and the Garibaldi, made with Campari, lychee juice and pink grapefruit juice.

10a Northumberland Ave, London SW1A 2BD, corinthia.com

Rotate by Jimmy, Southbank

Jimmy Garcia’s seasonal Southbank pop-ups are always fun, but we’re especially excited about the new summer concept launching this April. Rotate by Jimmy sees rotisserie chicken take centre stage, carved to order with crispy golden skin, alongside dishes like charred cauliflower, truffle fries, tomato and basil salad, and charred corn ribs. Tuck in while soaking up the riverside views, cocktail in hand – or book out one of the weather-proof cabanas, available for groups of up to six guests.

Queen’s Walk (opposite Skate Space), South Bank, London, SE1 8XX, sevenrooms.com

The Brasserie at The Arts Club

The Brasserie is the heart of Mayfair hotspot The Arts Club, serving Mediterranean-inspired fare from brunch through to dinner amid stylish surroundings. But in the summer, the place to be is on the terrace, an idyllic space that’s perfect for long, leisurely lunches. Members and their guests can enjoy plates of fresh pasta, salads and seafood alongside fine wines and cocktails, and in the evenings meals will be accompanied by music from acoustic guitarists.

40 Dover St, London W1S 4NP, theartsclub.co.uk

JOIA

Rebecca Hope

Perched atop the stylish art’otel overlooking Battersea Power Station, JOIA is a buzzy rooftop bar and restaurant. Inspired by the rooftops of Lisbon, it offers sweeping views of the city, with a menu of British and Iberican dishes created by head chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and his team. Begin with nibbles of crispy broad beans and padron peppers ahead of small plates like Iberico ham croquetas, seabass ceviche, and pan con tomate. Next, move onto larger plates including piri piri chicken with romesco sauce, tuna with ponzu glaze and black sesame mayo, and octopus with black aioli. Enjoy alongside cocktails like the Zircao Margarita, a slushy-style drink made with mezcal, mango and Cointreau, or the Rubi, a fruity mix of vodka, strawberry, peach and jasmine soda. The bar is particularly idyllic come early evening, when the sun sets over the iconic pillars of the Power Station, with live music and DJs providing the soundtrack.

15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BX, joiabattersea.co.uk

Dalloway Terrace

One of the capital’s most Instagrammable outdoor restaurants is Dalloway Terrace, the flower-bedecked balcony of the Bloomsbury Hotel. Covered and heated, it’s popular year-round, but it’s particularly idyllic on a sunny day. Visit this spring to try seasonal dishes like burrata with heritage tomatoes, asparagus and pea risotto, and crab linguine, paired with wine and cocktails.

16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN, dallowayterrace.com

Beaverbrook Town House

With just five tables, it’s not easy to get a spot on the terrace at Beaverbrook Town House. But those who do will be rewarded with a delectable spread of sushi and Japanese-inspired small plates, paired with rose and cocktails (the Sloane Martini is a must). An extension of the hotel’s Sir Frank’s Bar and The Fuji Grill, the stylish space is decked out in tones of pastel pink, turquoise blue and sunshine yellow, overlooking pretty Cadogan Gardens. Dogs are also welcome.

115-116 Sloane St, London SW1X 9PJ, beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk

The Hari Garden Terrace

Come summer time, The Hari’s Garden Terrace transforms into a Mediterranean-inspired suntrap oasis, surrounded by crawling ivy. Enjoy sharing plates of truffle arancini and calamari, or larger plates of cheese burgers and falafel wraps, alongside art-inspired cocktails, wine and champagne. Set under a retractable glass roof, it’s suitable for all weathers, though naturally it’s particularly idyllic for long lunches in the sunshine.

20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ, thehari.com

Coppa Club

Whatever the season, us Londoners can’t seem to get enough of Coppa Club’s riverside igloos. They’re back with a new spring look – think woven wicker chairs, bamboo lanterns and linen throws beneath suspended botanicals. Fitting six people, the igloos offer an à la carte menu with a selection of seasonal European dishes: sharing platters of seared garlic king prawns, fresh pasta and sourdough pizzas all feature.

3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH, coppaclub.co.uk

Petersham Nurseries

Dine beneath a canopy of bougainvillea, vines and jasmine at Petersham Nurseries Cafe, a greenhouse-style restaurant in Richmond. Since it was founded in 2004, it has led the way in eco-friendly dining, with much of the produce coming from the organic family farm in Devon. Seasonal menus are inspired by Italian cuisine, focusing on simple, fresh dishes presented beautifully. 

Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB, petershamnurseries.com

Angler, South Place Hotel

Perched atop South Place Hotel, Angler’s 40-seat west-facing roof terrace boasts lovely views of the city. Chef Gary Foulkes heads up the Michelin-starred kitchen, which serves up a fish-focused menu of dishes like Cornish turbot with scallop stuffed courgette and Dorset crab with bouillabaisse sauce.

South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF, anglerrestaurant.com

The River Café

A true London stalwart, The River Cafe has remained largely unchanged since Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray launched it back in 1987. Perched beside the Thames in Hammersmith, it’s an endlessly glamorous spot serving Italian fare, with its own dreamy riverside terrace. The menu is seasonal, though some signature dishes remain constant, such as the chargrilled squid with chili and rocket, and the Chocolate Nemesis dessert. Easily one of the best outdoor restaurants in town.

Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, rivercafe.co.uk

Rail House Cafe

While in the past Victoria hasn’t been much of a foodie destination, these days it’s brimming with great places to eat. This is mainly thanks to the new Nova development at Sir Simon Milton Square, a culinary hub with an array of outdoor restaurants and bars which flood onto the central promenade. One of these is Rail House Cafe, the younger sibling of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Cafe. With cosy cushions and a mix of small and large tables, this terrace is an ideal al fresco dining spot whether you’re after brunch, lunch or dinner; healthy or indulgent.

8 Sir Simon Milton Sq, London SW1E 5DJ, riding.house

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

Paul Winch Furness

It would be wrong not to include this ever-popular Chelsea haunt, one of the prettiest outdoor restaurants in town. Come rain or shine, few places beat The Ivy’s idyllic English garden, a spacious botanical haven decked out with flowers and foliage, plus a glasshouse available for private dining. Enjoy Ivy classics like the shepherd’s pie, chicken milanese and traditional fish and chips, or pick from the plant-based menu (think Malaysian curry and spicy jackfruit salad), alongside a wide array of wines and cocktails.

195 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ, theivychelseagarden.com

The post London’s Best Restaurant Terraces & Gardens appeared first on Country and Town House.

The family’s story – which as royals only dates back to 1830 – is far more modern than many other royal families of Europe, and slightly less glamorous as the 10th wealthiest royal family on the continent. Image, reputation and the importance of succession are right at the heart of it, meaning the Belgian royal family is more synonymous with stability than scandal. That said, beneath the polished surface, there are naturally human complications – especially when it comes to characters like King Albert II and Prince Laurent.

Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know about the Belgian royal family, including a rundown on all the living royals today.

Belgium’s Royal Family: A Guide

Royal Palace of Brussels (Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

At A Glance

Like the UK, Belgium – officially the Kingdom of Belgium, a small lowland country in Western Europe with a population of 11.8 million – has a constitutional monarchy. This means the royal family doesn’t rule in a political sense, but they do play an important ceremonial and diplomatic role.

The Belgian monarchy is relatively young, dating back to 1830 when the nation gained independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Congress decided on a constitutional monarchy as the nation’s form of government, and eventually appointed Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld as Belgium’s first king in 1831 thanks to his diplomatic connections across the royal houses of Europe – including the UK.

The youngest son of Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, before this appointment Leopold enjoyed high status in the UK as husband to Princess Charlotte of Wales, the only child of George IV who sadly died after delivering a stillborn son in 1817. In 1830, after the Greek War of Independence, Leopold was offered the throne of Greece, but he turned it down. A year later, he accepted the Belgian throne instead, backed by the UK. As King, he remarried – this time to French princess Louise of Orléans – and had four legitimate children (and two illegitimate), all while protecting Belgium from the Dutch attempts to recapture the nation. He died in 1865, and was succeeded by his son Leopold II – and the crown remains in his lineage.

The Belgian royal family’s main residence is the Palace of Laeken in Brussels, while the Royal Palace of Brussels is used for official work and state occasions.

Palace of Laeken

King Philippe

King Philippe has been King of the Belgians since 21 July 2013 when his father King Albert II abdicated the throne for health reasons. Born in 1960, he is the eldest child of Albert and Queen Paola, and with two younger siblings, Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent, and a younger half-sister Princess Delphine (more on that below).

Considered a relatively steady, low-key monarch, Phillipe was educated at the Belgian Royal Military Academy, at Trinity College, Oxford in the UK, and at Stanford University in California, USA. Before becoming king, he prepared for public life through military training and a long apprenticeship in royal and diplomatic work.

But he was called up to the throne amid controversy, when it was rumoured that the then-Prince Phillipe’s father King Albert II had a secret illegitimate daughter, Delphine Boël. While Albert maintained he, aged 79, was abdicating for health reasons, what ensued was a long legal battle resulting in Delphine finally being officially recognised as a Princess in 2020. Backdropped by unrelated political shifts, Phillipe became an image of calm continuity and national unity.

 

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Queen Mathilde

Queen Mathilde, born Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz in 1973, has been married to Phillipe since 1999, ascending the throne alongside him in 2013, making her the first native-born Belgian queen. But, the daughter of a Count and Countess, Mathilde is far from common.

Before her marriage, Mathilde trained and worked as a speech therapist, attending the Institut Libre Marie Haps in Brussels and the Université catholique de Louvain – also making her the first Belgian royal with a Belgian university degree. She is fluent in several languages, including English and Italian.

In 1996, Mathilde reportedly met the then Prince Phillipe while playing tennis; the two married three years later. They share four children: Elisabeth, Gabriel, Emmanuel and Eléonore.

As queen, Mathilde has developed a reputation for warmth and accessibility. She is heavily involved in charity work, with a strong emphasis on children, education, mental health and social inclusion.

 

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Princess Elisabeth

Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, is the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and the first in line to the throne. Born in 2001, she is the future queen of Belgium and has already taken on a growing number of public duties. Because Belgium follows absolute primogeniture, Elisabeth is ahead of her younger brothers in the succession.

Born and raised in Brussels, Elisabeth was educated at St John Berchmans College in Marollen, Brussels – making her the first future Belgian monarch to begin their education in Dutch. She completed her studies at UWC Atlantic College in Llantwit Major, Wales, studying the International Baccalaureate before going on to her one-year military training at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels, before returning to the UK to study history and politics at Lincoln College, University of Oxford. She then continued her studies across the Atlantic at Harvard University.

Making her first public appearance aged 5 in 2006, giving her first public speech in 2011 and reading her first self-written speech in 2014, Elisabeth is a modern heir who reflects Belgium’s next generation.

King Albert II

Though he abdicated in 2013, King Albert II is alive and kicking. Reigning over the nation from 1993, he took over the throne from his older brother King Baudouin, who ruled from 1951 to his sudden death in 1993, and didn’t have any children. The two shared an elder sister, Joséphine-Charlotte, who married the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Jean.

Their father, King Leopold III, controversially surrendered Belgium to German invasion in 1934, abdicating in 1951. Their mother, Queen Astrid, died in a car crash in 1935, aged just 29, while pregnant with her fourth child. Their father remarried in 1941, having three more children with Lilian Baels.

Albert stepped down from the throne in 2013, citing health issues; following his father, King Leopold III, Albert II was the second ever Belgian monarch to abdicate. Before and after his abdication, Albert II was shrouded in controversy due to his rumoured illegitimate child, Delphine Boël – and, upon abdication, he was eligible for a legal battle. For years, Delphine fought to prove the former King was her father, and in 2020 she was proved right with a DNA test.

Despite the controversy, Albert II remains married to Queen Paola, who he wed in 1959 after meeting her at a reception at the Belgian Embassy in Rome to celebrate the coronation of Pope John XXIII. They share three children: King Phillipe, Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent. Delphine was born of an affair with Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps, who claims she and Albert shared an 18-year-long affair.

Queen Paola

Paola Margherita Maria-Antonia Consiglia dei Principi Ruffo di Calabria is an Italian noble woman, and wife of King Albert II; she ruled alongside him as Queen of the Belgians until he abdicated in 2013.

Born in Italy in 1937, she is one of the family’s senior living members, and over the years has supported charitable causes and remained a familiar figure in the royal circle. She married Albert in 1959, giving birth to their three children in the three subsequent years.

Though Paola has remained by Albert’s side in recent years, the couple faced turmoil in the 70s when Albert embarked on his affair with Sybille de Selys Longchamps. They even entered divorce negotiations, but reconciled in the 80s. When the issues resurfaced in the 2010s with Delphine demanding justice, Paola’s role was defined more by silence and discretion than by public confrontation.

This dignified former queen is fluent in Italian, German, French and English – but her less fluent Dutch (the mother tongue of 60 percent of Belgians) is the cause of occasional criticism.

Prince Gabriel

Prince Gabriel is King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s second child, born in 2003. He is second in line to the throne, behind his older sister Elisabeth.

He was raised alongside Elisabeth, attending St John Berchmans College with her before moving to the English-language International School of Brussels and the National Mathematics and Science College in Warwickshire, UK. In August 2022, he entered the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, and in August 2024 started studying geopolitics at the Special Military School of Saint-Cyr in Coëtquidan, France.

Like many younger royals, he tends to stay out of the spotlight compared with the heir, but he remains an important part of the immediate royal family. In his own time, he likes hockey taekwondo, football, cycling, tennis, swimming, skiing, sailing and hiking.

Prince Emmanuel

Prince Emmanuel, born in 2005, is the third child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. He is third in line to the throne and, like his siblings, has largely grown up away from intense publicity. Belgian royal children are often kept relatively private while still being introduced to public life in a controlled way. He appears at family milestones and official moments, but otherwise keeps a low profile.

Like Elisabeth and Gabriel, he attended St John Berchmans College before moving to Eureka Special School in Kessel-Lo and then the English-language International School of Brussels. Away from school, he enjoys cycling, swimming, skiing, and sailing. He is also a keen musician, playing the flute and saxophone and DJing under the name Vyntrix.

Princess Eléonore

Princess Eléonore is the youngest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, born in 2008. She is fourth in line to the throne and rounds out the king’s immediate family. As the youngest, she has benefited from a more private upbringing, though she remains a visible presence at important state and family occasions.

Like her siblings, Eléonore attended St John Berchmans College, followed by the Heilig Hart College; she is currently finishing school at the International School of Brussels. Away from school, she plays the violin and enjoys skiing, sailing and tennis.

Princess Astrid

The second child and first daughter of King Albert II, Princess Astrid is the younger sister of King Philippe and was named for her grandmother Princess Astrid of Sweden. Born in 1962, she wed Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este in 1984 in Brussels, and the two share five children: Amedeo, Maria Laura, Joachim, Luisa Maria and Laetitia Maria.

They in turn have their own children: Amedeo is married to Lili Rosboch von Wolkenstein, and the two share Anna, Maximilian and Alix. Maria Laura is married to William Mark Isvy, and the two share one son, Albert.

Prince Laurent

The younger brother of King Philippe, Prince Lauret is one of the most publicly recognised extended members of the Belgian royal family – thanks to also being one of the family’s more outspoken and occasionally controversial figures. His passion for animal welfare and the environment along with his eccentric personality and lack of interest in royal protocol has led to the nickname écolo-gaffeur (the eco-blunderer) in the popular Belgian press.

Laurent has been married to British-Belgian land surveyor Claire Louise Coombs since 2003, and the couple have three children: Princess Louise and twins Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric.

But before that, Laurent had a son out of wedlock with actress and singer Iris Vandenkerckhove , better known as Wendy Van Wanten. Laurent publicly acknowledged their son Clément Vandenkerckhove in September 2025.

The post A Who’s Who Of The Belgian Royal Family appeared first on Country and Town House.

Best Restaurants in Soho For 2026

Tamila Soho

You’ve likely heard London’s foodies raving about The Tamil Prince, the Islington pub which serves some of the city’s tastiest Indian food. But did you know the team behind it now has a restaurant in Soho too? Following the success of casual little sister Tamila in Clapham and King’s Cross, a bigger flagship has opened across two floors on Poland Street in the centre of town. Expect the same sharing-style menu of dishes inspired by the Indian state of Tamil Nadu: begin with crispy onion bhajis and dosas oozing with chilli cheese, ahead of curries (the creamy, slightly sweet paneer is a must-try), tandoor and grill dishes like masala lamb chops with mint chutney (come with an appetite). Pair with perfectly light, crispy roti and coconut pilau rice, alongside wine, beer and punchy cocktails like the Gunpowder Margarita, a smoky blend of mezcal, agave and chilli. Like the other branches, there’s a relaxed, buzzy atmosphere, with a large basement area that’s ideal for group dining.

19-20 Poland St, London W1F 8QF, tamila.uk

Rudy’s Pizza

After making a name for itself in Manchester, pizzeria Rudy’s made its way to London in 2021, first opening in Soho – with three more branches to follow. Like all good Italian restaurants, the beauty of this hotspot lies in its simplicity: Rudy’s is all about Neapolitan pizza, made using authentic ingredients. The secret? Dough is made fresh each day, then rested overnight, allowing it to become light and easily digestible. All pizzas are made using San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte mozzarella, with favourites including the Romagnola, topped with prosciutto, rocket and parmesan, and the Salsicca, made with smoked mozzarella, fennel sausage and caramelised onion. Pair with a cocktail or two – our top pick is the Sospiri Spritz, a mix of Malfy blood orange, elderflower, peach, prosecco and fresh strawberry. The Soho branch is the largest of the bunch, with a buzzy atmosphere in-keeping with the lively vibe of the area.

80 Wardour St, London W1F 0TF, rudyspizza.co.uk

Milk Beach Soho

For a taste of breezy Aussie life in the heart of London, head to Milk Beach: an all-day dining restaurant tucked away in a courtyard beside Greek Street. The eatery has been a hit in Queen’s Park for a while now, but arrived in Soho in 2022, inspired by the culture and food of Sydney. The space itself is bright, airy and beachy, with neutral, sandy tones and natural materials, plus a standout Art Deco bar. Food is equally delightful, with dishes drawing on cuisines from all over the world, designed for sharing and packed with creative flavour combinations. 

Begin with some obligatory St John sourdough and a couple of nibbles from the raw section, like scallop crudo with pickled kohlrabi, and tuna tartare with kaffir lime vinaigrette. Next up, choose from a delicious array of veggie, meat and fish plates. Highlights include the charred leek dish, which is flavoured with coconut tahini and topped with toasted macadamia nuts; the standout Koji marinated chicken schnitzel; and the slow-cooked lamb gyoza, cooked in a rich black bean sauce and jazzed up with parmesan crisp. If you’re in the mood for some fish, opt for the daily market catch, which is grilled with samphire and butter. Whatever you go for, a side of crispy potatoes with miso butter is an absolute must. Continue the Aussie feel with a sunny cocktail like the Avalon Spritz, made with orange wine, peach and mezcal; or pick from the impressive wine list, which focuses on low-intervention varieties.

14 Greek St, James Court, London W1D 4AL, milkbeach.com

© Rusne Draz

INKO NITO

What a vibe. From the founder of London hotspots ROKA and ZUMA, Rainer Becker, this open plan, high-low restaurant puts its robatayaki grill centre stage. Some tables are afforded front row views of chefs whipping up a flame-grilled storm of warming, indulgent skewers (the chicken tsukune is a mouthwatering must), alongside fresh fish, seafood and wagyu. As always, don’t miss the melt-in-the-mouth miso Canadian black cod with pickled daikon sprinkled with cheese; unusual, but it works. Behind the robatayaki sits the main kitchen, where snacks, salads, raw dishes and sushi rolls are crafted. Wash it all down with a cocktail on tap (the INKO Spritz just screams summer) or a crisp glass of wine for the perfect city evening. Emerging into buzzy Soho at dusk, for a restaurant that sounds remarkably like incognito, INKO NITO certainly leaves an impression.

55 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QS, inkonitorestaurant.com

Dear Jackie

London’s buzziest hotel right now? Broadwick Soho, perched on the corner of Broadwick and Berwick Street. It’s helmed by Noel Hayden, who grew up living at his family’s hotel, Mon Ami, in Bournemouth – owned by his mother Jackie, the inspiration for its restaurant, Dear Jackie. An Italian eatery in a glamorous setting, it’s open for lunch and dinner each day (apart from lunch on Sunday), with a menu curated by head chef Harry Faddy, who has worked at acclaimed London eateries including The River Cafe and Aquavit London. Top-quality pasta is the focus, alongside an impressive Italian wine list which includes both internationally recognised regions and small boutique producers.

Broadwick Soho, 20 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 8HT, broadwicksoho.com

Bébé Bob

We’ve been pressing for champagne at Soho favourite Bob Bob Ricard for many years – and now the restaurant has a younger sibling. Located just round the corner from the original, on the corner of Golden Square, Bébé Bob is a more casual spot focusing on rotisserie chicken, which is carved at the table and served alongside an array of sides. Enjoy alongside drinks from a concise wine list, chosen because they pair well with chicken.

37 Golden Square, Soho, London W1F 9LB, bebebob.com

Manzi’s

Manzi’s is back. A much-loved go-to for theatre lovers from 1928 to 2006, it attracted a celebrity and luvvie clientele, as well as famous rogues including the Kray twins. Its heir, a spawn of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, has chosen a spot the length of a fly-fish cast away, still well positioned for late-night Soho lifestyles, in between Greek and Frith Streets offering dishes and a relaxed vibe that is fondly reminiscent of its forefather. 

Design firm Fabled Studio was tasked with creating the interior. A welcoming reception area, where uniformed staff greet guests, is decorated with a mural inspired by Hemingways’ Old Man of the Sea. From here either the ground floor bar, perfect for a relaxed lunch or cocktail, large terrace area, or the slightly more formal upstairs dining await. The overall ambience is akin to a grand ocean liner, decadent and glamorous featuring a palette of sea-green, gold, scalloped edges and shimmering textiles. Mermaids and molluscs, shells and shimmering sea creatures abound on every surface from walls to furniture and doors. And then the food – every morsel of the sea is here, and some, from moules marinière, clam chowder, shrimp burger and a classic Dover sole to monkfish Wellington and a fish finger sandwich. Meat eaters and vegans are looked after. Finish off with a knickerbocker glory and you’re ready for anything the Soho streets have in store. 

1-8 Bateman Buildings, London W1D 3EN, manzis.co.uk

Obicà

While Obicà‘s Poland Street outpost might offer sleek and minimalist interiors, the new summer menu is gloriously vibrant. It is built around a selection of different mozzarellas, allowing you to sample everything from an intriguing smoked mozzarella di bufala to an indulgent burrata from Puglia. Pairing perfectly with the flavour profiles of these cheeses are a number of small plates such as Bruschetta with Stracciatella, pan seared prawns and marinated courgette, or delightful grilled octopus. The pizzas are – unsurprisingly – incredible, but the pasta is equally as impressive: the handmade potato gnocchi with prawns and bisque sauce is certainly a must. Finish off with a delicate selection of desserts including a show-stopping coconut panna cotta, or indulge in a vibrant, fruity cocktail.

19-20, Poland Street, W1F 8QF London, obica.com

Nessa

Nessa is a modern bistro from Guy Ivesha (Mortimer House) and Tom Cenci (Loyal Tavern, Duck and Waffle), sitting on the ground floor of the 1 Warwick members’ club. The restaurant pays homage to the area’s rich history with an eclectic, colourful look, with a menu drawing on Cenci’s passion for global flavours. Think playful twists on British classics, including a new take on the hotpot made with ox cheek and confit potatoes, brioche with black pudding and brown butter noisette, and black forest trifle. A separate bar area, meanwhile, serves wine, cocktails and small plates. 

86 Brewer St, London W1F 9UB, nessasoho.com

Tattu

This glitzy Manchester import offers high-end Chinese food amid ultra Instagrammable interiors. Housed on the sixth floor of the Outernet building next to Tottenham Court Road station, it overlooks the city, with a sleek, moody vibe and an al fresco terrace. Feast on dim sum, juicy sesame roasted scallops, Shanghai black cod and Japanese wagyu with enoki mushroom and shallot soy, alongside some very photogenic cocktails like the Skull Candy: sweet vodka tipple served in a skull-shaped vehicle and arriving amid a cloud of billowing smoke.

The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA, tattu.co.uk

Kapara

Kapara is the ‘naughtier’ second opening from Eran Tibi, the chef behind popular Southwark spot Bala Baya. Tucked away down the quiet Manette Street, it features vibrant interiors, with marble-like green tables, twinkling chandeliers and cacti in gold and neutral pots lining the main bar. Food-wise, there’s a playful menu of Eastern Mediterranean-inspired dishes – separated into ‘All Day Foreplay’ starters, ‘Plates’, ‘Platters’, ‘Bits On The Side’ and ‘Sweet Endings’. Tuck into signature ‘Cheeky Bums’ (chicken oysters skewer, butter, chilli, purple lettuce) alongside prawn baklavas, ceviche, cod chops and slow cooked lamb belly. 

James Court, Manette St, London W1D 4AL, kapara.co.uk

Bubala

A couple of years ago, Bubala fans rejoiced at the launch of a second venue, this one on Soho’s Poland Street. The lively Middle Eastern-style restaurant serves up punchy small plates, with similar decor to its Shoreditch sibling: a rustic vibe, lots of plants and a selection of shelves filled with ferments and pickles. Executive Chef Helen Graham – who was previously at The Palomar – works her magic on the menu once again, with a mix of new dishes and cherished classics to get stuck into – all vegetarian. Everything is delicious here, but must-trys include the halloumi, a balance of sweet and savoury flavoured with honey, chamomile and fennel; the endlessly moreish smacked cucumbers with tahini and chilli crunch; and the hispi cabbage with seaweed and sesame. Oh, and the hummus is some of the best we’ve ever tried. 

15 Poland St, London W1F 8QE, bubala.co.uk

Quo Vadis

Occupying four townhouses on Soho’s Dean Street, Quo Vadis is a restaurant with no shortage of history. The building was once a notorious brothel, and from 1851 to 1856 it was home to Karl Marx and his family. It was Italian-born restaurateur Peppino Leoni who gave Quo Vadis its moniker – which translates as ‘where are you going?’ in Italian – opening a restaurant there in 1926. Since then the restaurant has had numerous owners, including Marco Pierre White and Damien Hirst, and in the late noughties it was bought by its current owners, Sam and Eddie Hart – the brothers behind Barrafina. Nowadays the space comprises a restaurant, two bars and a private members’ club, with Scottish chef Jeremy Lee spearheading the culinary side. The menu is distinctly British, with signature dishes including the smoked eel and horseradish sandwich, and a daily changing pie.

26-29 Dean St, London W1D 3LL, quovadissoho.co.uk

Kricket

Indian restaurant Kricket has come a long way since its humble beginnings. It was born in a 20-seat shipping container in Pop Brixton, but after gaining legions of fans opened its first bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Soho two years later, followed by two more branches. The menu is all about small sharing plates, and although it changes regularly there are some staples, like the samphire pakoras and the Keralan fried chicken. The Indian-inspired cocktails are also very popular, particularly the Moondate, made with ginger vodka, date marmalade, and date and cinnamon syrup.

12 Denman St, London W1D 7HJ, kricket.co.uk

Sussex

The Gladwin brothers‘ West End culinary project, Sussex, is situated on the former site of Anthony Demeter’s seminal restaurant Arbutus on Frith Street. It sits alongside a collection of London restaurants from family trio Richard, Oliver and Gregory Gladwin, which includes The Shed in Notting Hill and Rabbit in Chelsea. Sussex is a celebration of the countryside, and, like their other restaurants, it uses ingredients sourced directly from the family farm and vineyard. Unlike the others, however, Sussex moves away from the sharing dish concept. The menu features dishes like chorizo with hung yoghurt, kale and caraway seed crispbread; spinach and ricotta ravioli; and burrata with pickled tomatoes and rocket pesto – plus one of the signatures: mushroom marmite eclairs. The wine list, meanwhile, features the Gladwin family’s award-winning range of Sussex wines from their Nutbourne vineyard in Sussex, alongside a handpicked wine range from producers around the world and a selection of homegrown cocktails.

63-64 Frith St, London W1D 3JW, sussex-restaurant.com

Scarlett Green

The Soho outpost of the ever-expanding Daisy Green collection is perhaps the coolest of the lot. Inspired by Australian café culture, Scarlett Green is a millennial dreamland – think palm tree décor, marble-topped tables and colourful artwork adorning the walls. The Daisy Green collection is known for its legendary bottomless brunch, but Scarlett Green takes things even further with its free-flowing dinner, complete with Pornstar Martinis and unlimited prosecco or beer. This is to be enjoyed alongside either the Aussie BBQ Meat Board or the Bondi Vegan Sharing Board; we would highly recommend the meat-free option, which includes fire-roasted aubergine, a BBQ tofu steak, crispy wild rice and much more. Boards are made to be shared between two, and while it’s more than enough to keep you going we recommend you pop some halloumi fries on the side for good measure. Be sure to save some space for the Mars Bar Cheesecake dessert too: heavenly.

4 Noel St, London W1F 8GB, daisygreenfood.com

Mildreds

London’s earliest vegetarian restaurant dating back to 1988, Mildreds was a pioneer in the meat-free movement. Its original concept of serving honestly-priced vegetarian food was clearly a winner, as it continues to be a hugely popular spot. There’s a no-bookings policy, so expect to queue – but once inside, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled vegetarian offering. Think colourful dishes packed with flavour: think Sri Lankan sweet potato and coconut curry, Korean fried ‘chick*n’ burgers, and sesame tempeh with soba noodle salad. 

45 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AN, mildreds.co.uk

Bocca di Lupo

What do you get when you combine the honest and delicious food of an Italian trattoria with the fizzy, sophisticated atmosphere of the London restaurant scene? Something rather close to perfection – AKA, Soho’s Bocca di Lupo. Whether nibbling on small plates at the bar (highly recommended) or seated at the chef’s table, an evening at Bocca is always fun, just as eating out in town should be. Having won numerous accolades since opening in 2008, it remains one of the best restaurants for Italian dining in London with its ever-changing menu that brings you the best of Italy’s highly distinctive regional specialities. Take a culinary trip around the country in one sitting with Roman fried olives, mozzarella and sage leaves, before heading north for your pasta (the Ligurian spaghetti with clams, chilli, garlic and parsley are a classic) and then right down to Puglia for a mixed meat grill. With everything available as a small or a large plate, you can sample it all – perfect for the proper foodies among you. Finish it off with an espresso before heading out into the night. CJ 

12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB, boccadilupo.com

Bob Bob Ricard

Channel your inner Jay Gatsby for a night of fizz-fuelled fun at Bob Bob Ricard, the one with the famous ‘press for Champagne’ buttons. Food is a cross between British and Russian, with menu highlights including the beef wellington sharing dish, a delectable champagne and truffle pie, and an upmarket chicken kiev. With suitably glitzy interiors, it’s a great spot for special occasions.

1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, bobbobricard.com

NOPI

With its whitewashed walls, marble floors and brass fittings, NOPI is worth a visit for the interiors alone. But it’s Ottolenghi, so you know the food will be top quality too – and equally artistic. The menu is based on a mixture of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines, so expect healthy, tasty food with lots of spices. Think aubergine with tahini yoghurt and spiced pumpkin seeds, Cornish hake with spiced red pepper and peanuts, grilled lamb with gooseberry and jalapeno, and chargrilled hispi cabbage. House cocktails, meanwhile, include a nettle gimlet, a pink peppercorn negroni and a yuzu martini.

21-22 Warwick St, London W1B 5NE, ottolenghi.co.uk

Pastaio

Pasta’s having a moment, and it’s best encapsulated by Pastaio, the restaurant headed by Stevie Parle of Dock Kitchen and Rotorino. The team make their pasta by hand daily to bring customers the freshest of seasonal pasta dishes, which include a deliciously creamy Tonarelli cacio e pepe that makes the trip worthwhile in itself. There are also smaller antipasti dishes to graze on, and some tasty slushies to sip – our top pick is the strawberry daquiri. CJ

19 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN, pastaio.co.uk

Old Compton Brasserie

This slick Soho brasserie is the perfect place for after-work cocktails or a bite to eat. The bar menu features British favourites such as kedgeree scotch eggs and beef dipping triple cooked chips, while the a la carte offering includes everything from steak frites to seafood linguine and pan-fried gnocchi. There’s also a great brunch which you can choose to make bottomless with unlimited Aperol Spritz. What more could you need?

36 – 38 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TT, oldcomptonbrasserie.co.uk

Cecconi’s Pizza Bar

A must-visit if you amore Italian food, Cecconi’s pizza bar provides all the essentials for an unrivalled Italian feast; wood fired pizzas, cocktails and lovely larger-than-life Italian waiters. Make sure you book ahead, because this eatery gets extremely busy, no doubt because of its easy-going atmosphere and late-night DJs which play from Thursdays through till Saturdays. In-keeping with the relaxed vibe, the restaurant is atmospherically low lit, with retro artwork adorning the walls and the doughy scent of freshly fired pizza subtly filling the air. Menu highlights include the crispy calamari fruity, the truffle arancini and the pumpkin ravioli, submerged in creamy sage butter and sprinkled with parmigiana. DS 

19-21 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JJ, cecconispizzabar.com

Hoppers

A project from the Sethi siblings (of Gymkhana and Brigadiers), Hoppers triggered queues round the block when it opened on Frith Street back in 2015. Eight years on it remains a hugely popular spot, with diners drawn in by the lure of Sri Lankan pancakes, their titular dish. But that’s not all you can get: Hoppers offers an eclectic selection of dosas, rotis and small plates – think big flavours at small prices.

49 Frith St, London W1D 4SG, hopperslondon.com

Featured image: Bubala

The post Where To Eat In Soho In 2026 appeared first on Country and Town House.

How Many Restaurants Does Gordon Ramsay Have?

According to the most recent figures, Ramsay owns around 100 restaurants around the world. This includes over 30 in the UK alone, making Gordon Ramsay Restaurants one of the largest privately-owned restaurant groups in the country. There are also lots in North America, with outposts of Ramsay’s various concepts in places like Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Boston.

(c) Netflix

What Are His Different Restaurant Concepts?

Rather than sticking to one style of cuisine, Ramsay offers a range of different dining formats and experiences – from Pan-Asian to pizza and steak. These include:

• Lucky Cat: serves an Asian-inspired menu amid glitzy surroundings, with outposts in London (including the sky-high branch at 22 Bishopsgate, now the highest restaurant in London), Manchester and Miami.
• Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: London-based all-day dining restaurant, with branches in Southwark, the City and St Paul’s, plus a newly opened outpost at 22 Bishopsgate.
• Hell’s Kitchen: US-born restaurant inspired by the Hell’s Kitchen reality show, which now has a branch in London, located within The Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch.
• Gordon Ramsay Burger: US-based restaurant serving premium burgers, with locations in places including Chicago, Boston and Vancouver.
• Restaurant 1890 By Gordon Ramsay: standalone restaurant at The Savoy hotel in London offering a modern French tasting menu, which has a Michelin star.
• Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill: London-based restaurant serving steaks and grills, with branches in Mayfair and Chelsea.
• The Savoy Grill: 1920’s-inspired dining at The Savoy hotel in London, with a classic British and French menu (read our full review here).
• Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay: standalone restaurant in Knightsbridge, London, serving Michelin-starred French food.

Lucky Cat

What Is His Most Successful Restaurant?

Ramsay’s most esteemed restaurant is his original, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, London. After opening back in the late ‘90s the restaurant quickly soared to success, and by 2001 it had acquired three Michelin stars – which it has held onto ever since. The intimate dining room seats just 45 guests, focusing on modern French cuisine, with the kitchen currently helmed by Great British Menu‘s Kim Ratcharoen.

Where Can You Find His Bottomless Pizza Offering?

If you’re after pizza, the restaurant for you is Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, Ramsay’s Italian-inspired offering with branches dotted around the UK. The restaurant is famous for its bottomless pizza offering, which you can enjoy for just £18, available everywhere apart from the Kensington branch. Locations include:

• Battersea, London
• Southwark, London
• St Paul’s, London
• Liverpool
• Edinburgh

 

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Which Is Best For Steaks?

In London, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is known for its rare breed steaks. In North America, head to Gordon Ramsay Steak, with locations in Atlantic City, Kansas City and Las Vegas, with a Vancouver branch set to open this year.

Which Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Are There In Las Vegas?

Ramsay’s food is particularly popular in Las Vegas, where you’ll find:

• Gordon Ramsay Steak
• Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips
• Ramsay’s Kitchen
• Gordon Ramsay Burger
• Hell’s Kitchen

The post A Guide To Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurants appeared first on Country and Town House.

‘What TV and film adaptations can do is completely visually immerse us in the architectural, costumed, furnished and material world of Regency England,’ Rebecca Craig, lead designer for Sanderson, tells C&TH. ‘We already are so lucky so have so much well preserved material history of the period – like La Belle Assemblée, the wonderfully illustrated fashion plates that we know Jane Austen liked to look at; the fragments of wallpaper that were uncovered in the 20th century when the novellist’s home was turned into a museum; or even the V&A, with its archive of Regency decoration and costume, both at South Kensington and on their online archive which anyone can look at and enjoy.

‘But seeing these costumes, furnishings, or wallpapers come together, no longer static but in movement, in situ in film and TV adaptations worn and used by actors can really paint a vivid portrait and make an audience feel a deeper connection to what society was like at that time.

Mary Bennet (ELLA BRUCCOLERI) in The Other Bennet Sister (c) BBC/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

‘I think the magic of Austen is that there isn’t one singular “Austen aesthetic” that’s totally replicable – it’s an interpretative form of interior decoration,’ she adds. ‘I think that’s seen with the number of onscreen adaptations we’ve had and how varied the creative responses have been. Autumn de Wilde’s interiors for Emma (2020), with their delicate, symmetrical and neat pale pinks, greens, pastels, are so different in colour and tone to Simon Langton’s perhaps more periodically precise interiors for the BBC 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.’

And over the years we’ve fallen in love with so many different Jane Austen adaptations – and the onscreen interiors that come with them. Here, we round up some of our favourites from over the years, with behind-the-scenes details from each project.

Onscreen Interiors: Jane Austen In TV & Film

Jane Bennet (MADDIE CLOSE), Lizzie Bennet (POPPY GILBERT), Lydia Bennet (GRACE HOGG-ROBINSON), Kitty Bennet (MOLLY WRIGHT), Mr Bennet (RICHARD E GRANT), Mary Bennet (ELLA BRUCCOLERI) and Mrs Bennet (RUTH JONES) (c) BBC/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

The Other Bennet Sister (2026)

A big year for Jane Austen fans, 2026 is set to bring not one, not two, but three adaptations of her work to the big and small screen. First out of the gate? The BBC’s The Other Bennet Sister, a spin-off that tells the story of social outsider Mary Bennet.

And with a new story to tell, the team behind the TV series were tasked with breathing fresh life into Jane Austen interiors. ‘The brief was to create a fresh interpretation of the Austen world – one that reflected Mary’s emotional journey through a new and visually engaging style,’ production designer Tim Dickel told C&TH. ‘It was essential that we carried out thorough research to ensure historical accuracy within the Regency period. With that knowledge in place, we were then able to make considered creative decisions, occasionally breaking from convention, but always with a clear and informed understanding of the period.

‘One of the key challenges was ensuring continuity between the real location and the sets constructed in the studio,’ he added. ‘Several interiors were built from scratch, and it was essential that the transition between location and studio felt seamless. Although this was a complex undertaking, it was one I greatly enjoyed, and I believe we achieved a cohesive and immersive result.’

Lydia Bennet (GRACE HOGG-ROBINSON) (c) BBC/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

Mary’s journey shifts with the change in locations, too. Starting with Longbourn, the Bennet family’s home, Dickel noted how: ‘It was important that the principal houses within the story provided insight into Mary’s different worlds and reflected the progression of her journey. Longbourn needed to feel like a beautiful, traditional country house, but with subtle signs of wear and age. It was important that it remained firmly rooted in the countryside.

‘Through the interiors, I wanted Longbourn to convey a sense of the past – static, traditional, and somewhat restrained, much like Mary at the beginning of her journey,’ he continued. ‘The colour palette there is deliberately conservative and muted. The furniture and props were carefully selected to suggest a slightly threadbare quality and a modest level of wealth. The colour palette was inspired by the surrounding landscape, drawing on tones found in wildflowers and meadow grasses.’

Mary Bennet (ELLA BRUCCOLERI), Mr Gardiner (RICHARD COYLE) and Mrs Gardiner (INDIRA VARMA) (c) BBC/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

By contrast, Dickel wanted Mr Hayward’s home to ‘convey opulence and extravagance’. Dickel considered this feeling in every detail, even down to the presentation of food, which he said was inspired by Dalí’s lavish 1973 cookbook – a collection that included recipes such as ‘bush of crayfish in Viking herbs’ and ‘toffee with pine cones’. ‘It needed to feel bold, flamboyant, and entirely unfamiliar to Mary – immersing her in a world she had never encountered before,’ explained the production designer.

London was made to look and feel even more vivid. ‘When Mary arrives in London, the visual language shifts significantly,’ Dickel highlighted. ‘The palette becomes richer and more vibrant, and the interiors evoke a sense of energy, sensuality, and the exotic. I drew on emerging trends of the time, incorporating intricate wallpapers, decorative furnishings, and objects influenced by trade routes such as the Silk Road. This “shock of the new” was intended to evoke both excitement and unease in Mary, reflecting her emotional experience.’

Persuasion. (L to R) Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot, Richard E. Grant as Sir Walter Elliot, Yolanda Kettle as Elizabeth Elliot in Persuasion. Cr. Nick Wall/Netflix © 2022

Persuasion (2022)

Colour also rules the scenes and settings of Netflix’s 2022 title, Persuasion. Unlike other recent Austen adaptations, this one happily jumbles conventions old and new (Anne’s old flame, Captain Frederick? Here, he’s dubbed ‘the ex’) to create a joyful hodgepodge onscreen.

This theme was also apparent in the interiors. Production designer JP Kelly decked out the walls of the fictional Kellynch Hall, the grand ancestral home of the Elliot family, with brightly saturated colours – including rich jewel tones and birthday-cake pastels – as part of his goal to inject the traditional Regency sets with modern tastes.

Persuasion. (L to R) Lydia Rose Bewley as Penelope Clay, Richard E. Grant as Sir Walter Elliot, Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot, Yolanda Kettle as Elizabeth Elliot in Persuasion. Cr. Nick Wall/Netflix © 2022

Kelly and his team scouted privately-owned houses that could be partially (if not entirely) redecorated for the film, leaning into period features while adding pops of modernity. ‘The rule was, if you like it now, then it should be in the film,’ he told The Gloss. ‘All of the items were still period-correct, but if it appealed to modern taste it went in.’

One key example of this was Anne’s bedroom, which housed wallpaper – featuring blossoming trees, a babbling spring and slender herons – that was 300 years old. While this detail was made period accurate for the film, the reality was a bit different; the room itself actually belonged to the son of the home’s owner (the home having been rented for filming purposes) and the walls were in fact plastered with Lion King stickers, rather than ornate wallpaper.

Mia Goth as Harriet Smith and Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma in Emma (2020)

Emma (2020)

If we had to describe the interiors of Autumn de Wilde’s Emma in just one word, it would be this: sugary. Wilde didn’t want to produce a film that was a fastidious mausoleum of historical accuracy. She explained in interviews leading up to the film’s release that she saw Emma playing other characters as dolls, so ergo: the location of the film, became a bright looking Georgian dolls house.

Much of the film’s story takes place in Donwell Abbey (real life Firle Place in Sussex), which production designer Kave Quinn splashed with colour from top to bottom – in the form of minty pastels, pinks, patterned wallpaper and drapery.

© Universal Pictures

Some viewers may find it surprising, but Quinn told Architectural Digest, that in fact ‘people often look back at the period and think things were very muted and faded, but that’s just because the costumes from that period are faded now in contemporary times. If you look at the ceramics, for example, that survived from the Georgian period, they have very heightened, punchy colors. That was something that Autumn was very keen to show.’

Quinn further explained in a conversation with Focus Features that Wilde adored Georgian ‘frippery’, leading to ostentatiously decorated birthday cakes, and intricate wall hangings. ‘There is a real history to Georgian styles and colours, like the lovely Pompeii red that we use in the film.’

They also set about to elevate the interiors of Firle Place to brighter and bolder levels, so that they would pop more vividly on camera. ‘The sitting room where you see Emma and her father frequently – which I believe was designed by William Kent – had been painted a very pale yellow, which would have read as off-white on camera,’ he explained. ‘We painted that a much stronger yellow. The blue hallway we painted a much more intense blue. Every single room, other than the mint drawing room, which is upstairs, we changed.’

Kiera Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Pride & Prejudice has had many iconic iterations over the years, but perhaps none are as recognisable as the 2005 adaption starring Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen. And while the cast and team behind the film are the driving force behind this, the setting also played a key role in making this adaptation one of the most iconic – even more than 20 years after its release.

Director Joe Wright decided to set his version of Pride & Prejudice in 1797, when the book was written – rather than in 1813, when it was published. This not only differentiated the title from other recent adaptations, but also meant that film’s production designer, Sarah Greenwood, also had to make the set appear Georgian, rather than Regency.

(Yes, the two are indeed different; where Georgian styles worked with balance and opulent neoclassicism, Regency styles were brighter and more eclectic, with Grecian and Gothic influences.)

Kiera Knightly in Pride & Prejudice (2005) (© Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved)

Longbourn, the Bennet family’s home, was one of the biggest transformations to tackle. Speaking to Variety for the film’s 20th anniversary, Greenwood remembered how the team had to re-panel the dark brown interiors of Groombridge Place in Kent so that they could paint over everything. The task – ‘delicate and laborious’, says Greenwood – resulted in the house being painted in more colours (especially blues), although these were made to look rundown with ‘lots of aging and patina’ to give the home a worn out look. ‘Nowadays, we have very strong modern chemical paints. We have cleaning products,’ Greenwood explained. ‘In those days, they didn’t. [The Bennet family] could repaint, but they couldn’t afford it.’

Antiques in the house were also chosen for being deliberately out of style compared to fashions of the time – since redecorating wasn’t an option – and furnishings were made to look ‘comfy and very lived-in. We made all the loose covers for the sofas that were all frayed and ratted and torn.’

There are also plenty of details that show the estate’s outdoors leaking in: dirt on the floor, animals trotting in and out. ‘What we wanted visually to get the feeling of was the fact that the farm, which was the estate [and] which would have produced all the wealth for the family, was just creeping in on them,’ said Greenwood. ‘It was just encroaching, and so the garden had gone to seed, and the animals were everywhere.

‘It was just the way of reinterpreting how they could have lived and making it slightly less mannered and slightly more real, which, in fact, is all in the book.’

© Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved

While much of Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, was filmed in Wilton House Salisbury, the team did manage to pin down Chatsworth House for multiple scenes. Chatsworth, which is said to have been the location Austen used as inspiration when writing about Pemberley, was notorious for not allowing filming – but Wright was able to persuade the Duchess of Devonshire to not only let him use Chatsworth, but even modify one of its rooms: the gallery.

During the Victorian era, thick red drapes were hung in the sculpture gallery (in which Elizabeth admires a bust of Darcy), but Greenwood removed these to create a more authentic Georgian look for the film. ‘To this day, these drapes have stayed down because the statuary looks so much better against the stone walls than the red velvet,’ she told Variety. ‘The Victorians put the red velvet up, and we went in and took it down, and it never went back up.’

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