Liv Kelly

July 2026: If you’ve had the pleasure of strolling down Exmouth Market recently, you’ll know the historic Clerkenwell strip is the buzziest pedestrianised street in London, full of al-fresco fun, convivial pintspeople and sidewalk tapas as far as the eye can see. Which is pretty much all down to the new Number 1 in our list of the best bars in London. Congratulations are due to Cafe Kick, the breezy Euro-chic sports bar about to celebrate 30 years of tricking your brain into thinking you’re on holiday. The rest of our Top 50 features bars old and new, posh and divey, and cheap and pricey, but all of them with great drinks and an unparalleled vibe. Fancy a drink? You’ve come to the right place. This is Time Out’s list of best bars in London, our curated guide to London’s drinking scene, which features the greatest bars in the capital right now. These are the places we’d recommend to a friend, because we love drinking in them and have done many times over. From classy cocktail counters to delightful dives, sleek hotel bars, rooftop bars and places to sip wine, London’s got them all. You’ll find historic drinking holes here as well as brand new openings. But what makes a truly good bar? Our critieria is simple; a menu of great drinks is important, but so is the overall energy of the place – there’s no point having the perfect paloma if you have to drink it in a bar that smells of bin juice. To make it into our Top 50, a bar has to be fun, friendly, convivial and inclusive, as we

It will come as no surprise that Amsterdam is overrun with exceptional places to stay. And we mean every kind: 18th-century canalside mansions, converted bridge keepers’ houses, luxury historic hotels that have hosted royal weddings – the lot. But that isn’t to say that every stay here will blow the budget – there are plenty of affordable options in Amsterdam too, if you know where to look. On our list, we’ve made sure to include a bit of everything, all individually reviewed and rated by Time Out’s very own travel experts. Read on for five-star luxury, budget boutiques and everything in between. And for 2026, one hotel sits firmly at the top of the list: Rosewood Amsterdam, a spectacular new canalside stay that’s quickly become the city’s most talked-about address. What is the best neighbourhood to stay in Amsterdam?  There isn’t necessarily one answer to this, as each of Amsterdam’s districts offers something totally unique. If it’s your first time in the city, Centrum is best to access touristy experiences. For something more off-grid (and often more affordable), you’re best off catching the free ferry to Noord, Amsterdam’s creative warehouse district. But for a reliable all-rounder? We love hipster haven Oost, where you’ll find many of the city’s coolest bars, restaurants and hotels. For more, check out our full area guide.  🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our guide to Amsterdam’s best Airbnbs Amsterdam’s best hotels at a glance 👑 Best overall: Rosewood Hot

Buildings come in all quirky shapes and textured forms, and choosing the most beautiful of them all involves an appreciation not only of intricate handiwork and pleasing-on-the-eye design but also clever use of materials and innovative building methods. Luckily for you, this list has got it all – scroll on for a look at our refreshed collection of the planet’s loveliest buildings.  Updated July 2026: Two new inclusions – a brutalist masterpiece in London and a splendid hill-top art gallery in South Korea – join the likes of ancient structures, dazzling places of worship and jaw-dropping feats of engineering.  Liv Kelly is Time Out’s travel writer, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. RECOMMENDED:🌎 The world’s most beautiful places🌲 The world’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites🌌 The best national parks in the world🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in the world

Ranking the greatest pubs in the UK is, obviously, very tricky business indeed. Pub preference is such an intimate, personal thing – one person’s dream boozer might not remotely appeal to another. That said, when it comes to Britain’s absolute finest pubs there are universal marks of excellence: convivial atmosphere, charming staff, charismatic decor and, above all, a varied selection of well-kept, well-served drinks. Time Out’s 2026 ranking of Britain’s greatest pubs was compiled with the assistance of our UK-wide network of drinking aficionados, and features all kinds of establishments. Pint enclaves built in barren deserts, atop blustery mountains and on isolated beaches. Sturdy booze bastions, age-old no-fuss pubs, innovative craft alehouses and everything in between.  Some of these pubs are old favourites though plenty are more recent obsessions; they’re almost all independent (with a couple of worthy exceptions). Mostly, though, they’re united by one thing: a sense of community. A pub is made by its cast of regulars, and you’ll find quality company in each of the institutions below.  (Oh, and for the most part these pubs are outside London. You can find a list of the capital’s top drinking holes here). RECOMMENDED: The best gastropubs in the UK.  

A quick stroll through the South Lanes or along Preston Street will correct the assumption that this city only has fish ‘n’ chips to offer (though if that is what you’re craving, these are our favourite spots). July 2026: Maré is Brighton’s most exciting new opening, gaining a Michelin Star just six months after the kitchen began serving, and it’s every bit as impressive as we anticipated. However, the fantastic high-end and budget Indian, Japanese, and modern European restaurants, as well as some slap-up tacos, mouthwatering pizza and pioneering vegetarian establishments are all still going strong, too.  Brighton’s best restaurants, at a glance: 🍴 Best for lunch: Petit Pois 🏖️ Best on the beach: Riddle & Finns, The Beach 🏙️ Best in the city centre: Halisco 💎 Best new place: Maré 👑 Best for a fancy meal: The Little Fish Market 💸 Best affordable: Bincho Yakitori ➡️ Booking a stay? Here are Brighton’s best Airbnbs and hotels This article was recently updated by Liv Kelly, Time Out’s Travel writer who is originally from Brighton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

July 2026: We've highlighted some of the more appropriate seasonal spots for brunch. Try Johnny Boy's in Stoke Newington for LA-style breakfast burritos or Lolo in Bermondsey for a lively Spanish take on brunch or indulge in prawn toast scotch eggs at Jikoni in village-like Marylebone. We've also included a few places that prove brunch isn't just a weekend treat, with some places that serve brunch every single day, such as Permit Room Portobello - Dishoom's all-day cafe in Notting Hill - and excellent Syrian cafe Aram, which you can find in the glamorous Somerset House.  The humble brunch is perhaps one of the greatest inventions of the modern age, especially if it incorporates pancakes, bacon and eggs. London is particularly well stocked with places to indulge in the famous breakfast/lunch hybrid. Let us guide you to the best restaurants for a fabulous brunch, from a traditional full English to innovative twists on the majestic meal, such as a bacon bao brunch or fried eggs on chilli-cheese crumpets. Booze optional.  Best brunches in London at a glance: 🍖 Best for Spanish-style brunch: Lolo, Bermondsey 🏰 Best for a spectacular setting: Aram, Somerset House 🌳 Best for an al fresco brunch: Pavilion Cafe, Victoria Park  🌮 Best for a Mexican feast: Corrochio’s, Stoke Newington  RECOMMENDED: Like unlimited fizz with your fry-up? Here are the best bottomless brunches in London.  Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our e

July 2026: We've updated our roasts list to reflect the fact it's sunny and pretty warm out. Try the Macbeth in Hoxton, which offers a great Portuguese-style Sunday sesh, the ravishing Jamaican-inspired roast at Buster Mantis in Deptford, or Rice Paddy's northern Thai meat platter in Peckham. There are a couple of posh restaurants in the mix too, with a Nordic roast at the plush Ekstedt at the Yard near Westminster and a serious meat feast at Quality Chop House in Clerkenwell. We also have a new Number 1 to welcome summer in; the masterful roast at The Golden Tooth on Green Lanes. London’s best Sunday roasts at a glance: 🥩 Central: Sessions Arts Club, Clerkenwell 😇 North: The Golden Tooth, Newington Green ⛪ South: Old Nun’s Head, Nunhead 🌈 East: The Nelson’s, Hackney 🍻 West: The Mall Tavern, Notting Hill Sunday lunch. There’s nothing quite like it. An elemental meal, one that Londoners take incredibly seriously. Debates about what constitutes the ‘perfect’ Sunday roast have been known to last for hours. There is no shortage of top roasts and Sunday lunch options in London. We’ve rounded up the city’s best Sunday meals from a host of pubs, restaurants and breweries all around town. What makes a good roast? For us, it’s simple; a welcoming room is a good start, maybe in a pub with an open fire during the winter months. Then it comes to the plate – we need perfect roast potatoes, well-cooked lamb, beef or pork and a decent plant-based option too. A Sunday roast is more th

There’s no shortage of spectacular hotels in Chicago—even if you’re traveling on a budget. And affordable doesn’t mean dull, either. In fact, while our cheap hotels list comprises a couple of lovably basic spaces ideal if you’re spending your days sightseeing, there are also some surprisingly chic entries—which feature pools, top-tier restaurants and rooftop bars—that won’t break the bank, either.  What are hotel prices like in Chicago? Chicago is by no means a New York or an L.A. when it comes to prices, but it’s hardly fair to call it cheap, either. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of stylish but affordable hotels, which each have a starting nightly rate of $200 or less.  Which area is best to stay in Chicago? Both Wicker Park and Lincoln Park are charming neighborhoods to live a little more like a local, but if it’s your first time in the Windy City, a stay in River North or the Loop will also do you in good stead. You’ll find hotels across the city in this list of all the top cool but cheap stays.  Chicago’s best budget hotels at a glance: 👙 Most underrated: The Talbott 🗺️ Best location: The Allegro Sonesta Hotel 👛 Cheapest: Villa DuBois Guest House 🤩 Coolest: The Robey 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in Chicago How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many

We’re firmly past 2026’s halfway point and it’s already been a stacked year for excellent new music. The race for song of the summer is a packed field, big-name pop titans – Olivia Rodrigo, Madonna – have delivered lauded albums and there’s been a formidable number of breakout bands. 2026’s end-of-year round-ups are already looking like contentious business indeed.  Looking to inject something new into your mid-year listening habits? Time Out’s music geeks have got together to put together a list of the albums we’ve loved so far in 2026. Raving dance-pop, grotty death metal, stratospheric jazz-funk, paranoid techno, the year’s biggest pop records… whatever’s your jam, you’ll find it here.  Read on for the best albums of 2026 as of July, according to Time Out editors and contributors (they’re in alphabetical order – you’ll have to wait until the end of the year for the definitive ranking). RECOMMENDED: The 10 songs of the summer for 2026.

Okay, okay, Midtown has its perks, but Downtown? Well, we reckon it’s one of the best places to stay when you’re visiting New York City. Comprising the neighborhoods which sit at the southern tip of Manhattan (we’re talking the Financial District, Tribeca, Greenwich Village, and Chinatown) there’s loads worth exploring here, and plenty of stylish hotels at which to base yourself. This brand-new list includes our absolute favorites, from reliable, affordable chains to titans of New York luxury. Scroll on.  Which area is best to stay in New York? Downtown is a brilliant neighborhood to stay in New York, whether you’re visiting the city for the first or the fiftieth time. You’re blessed with easy access to Midtown and Brooklyn, while being a step back from the never ending bustle, all while having great restaurants and shopping nearby. Have a read of our guide to all the best places to stay in New York.  Downtown’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: The Beekman 👛 Best budget: Moxy Lower East Side 🌃 Best view: The Dominick 👙 Best pool: The Greenwich Hotel 🧊 Coolest: Nine Orchard 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t s

Museums are one of the things that London does best. This city boasts grand institutions housing ancient treasures, modern monoliths packed with intriguing exhibits, and tiny rooms containing deeply niche collections – and lots of them are totally free to anyone who wants to come in and take a gander. And with more than 170 London museums to choose from, there's bound to be one to pique your interest, whatever you're in to.  Want to explore the history of TfL? We’ve got a museum for that. Rather learn about advertising? We’ve got a museum for that too. History? Check. Science? Check. 1940s cinema memorabilia, grotesque eighteenth-century surgical instruments, or perhaps a wall of 4,000 mouse skeletons? Check, check and check! Being the cultured metropolitans that we are, Time Out’s editors love nothing more than a wholesome afternoon spent gawping at Churchill’s baby rattle or some ancient Egyptian percussion instruments. In my case, the opportunity to live on the doorstep of some of the planet’s most iconic cultural institutions was a big reason why I moved here at the first chance I got, and I’ve racked up countless hours traipsing around display cases and deciphering needlessly verbose wall texts in the eleven years since. From iconic collections, brilliant curation and cutting-edge tech right down to nice loos, adequate signage and a decent place to grab a cuppa; my colleagues and I know exactly what we want from a museum, and we’ve put in a whole lot of time deliberating

Updated for 2026: Whatever you think of Netflix’s theatrical strategy, it continues to produce some of television’s most formally daring works, including Adolescence, a hard-to-watch but impossible to ignore limited series about an unimaginable crime. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s HBO’s hilariously profane The Righteous Gemstones, which stuck the landing in 2025 with its final season. In addition, we have moved Andor into the top 20 after its astounding second and final season.  Television used to be considered one of the lowest forms of entertainment. It was derided as ‘the idiot box’ and ‘the boob tube’. Edward R Murrow referred to it as ‘the opiate of the masses’, and the phrase ‘I don’t even own a TV’ was considered a major bragging right.  A lot has changed. Television is now the dominant medium in basically all of entertainment. The shift in perception is widely credited to the arrival of The Sopranos, which completely reinvented the notion of what a TV show could do. But that doesn’t mean everything that came before is primordial slurry. While this list of the greatest TV shows ever is dominated by 21st century programs, from The Wire to Succession to Adolescence, there are many shows that deserve credit for laying the groundwork for this current golden age.  Chiseling them down to a neat top 100 is difficult, so we elected to leave off talk shows, variety shows and sketch comedy, focusing on scripted, episodic dramas, comedies and miniseries. So don’t touc

The Amazon Rainforest, with its verdant hills, alarmingly large insects and sticky climate is hardly everyone’s cuppa tea, but for the most outdoorsy folk among us, it’s an unmatched destination for bird-watching, waterfall bathing, and true, unbridled adventure.  The ecosystem blankets itself over San Martín, a lush region of northern Peru, and if you’re planning a beyond-the-obvious stop off on your way to Cusco Machu Picchu (which you absolutely should), I urge you to splash out on a stay at the Bosque Guardian Lodge.  What are the rooms like at Bosque Guardián Lodge? Not so shockingly for a lodge buried in the heart of protected reserve Cordillera Escalera, nature is the star of the show. Each of the 12 cabins (which come with forest or forest-covered mountain views) is nestled at the end of a pebbly pathway off the hotel’s main concrete track, which winds through the critter, frog and bird-filled trees all the way from the entrance, over a footbridge, past the restaurant, and to the individual accommodations. Inside the rooms, tall bamboo ceilings arch over a grand and plush bed which has a much needed but also pleasingly dramatic mosquito net draped over it, which feels like you’re sleeping in the bedroom of a Disney princess. Flanked by French doors that lead onto a jungle-surrounded terrace, and a large window with panes of nets instead of glass, you sleep seriously up close and personal with the rainforest and all its wonderful, chattering creatures. There are no bri

Bonne Route is a natural wine bar, but before you think that London already has enough of those, note that there’s something particularly alluring about a spot which feels like you’re in someone’s (exceptionally well-furnished) living room. Bonne Route sits in a tiny but cool pocket of Quernmore Road (just past the pedestrian walkway at Harringay train station) and hits all the marks of a good wine bar – solid snacks and a well-chosen selection of white, red, rose, and orange wines – with an atmosphere that’s more cosy than snooty. It’s a cute spot if you nab one of the too-few outdoor tables, but Bonne Route is at its best inside and after dark, when it’s candle-lit and blowing a gale outside. Order this I’ve never been let down by whatever French orange wine is on the menu, but you can also order from the small menu of cocktails. The margarita is always good. Oh, and try the pickled olives. Time Out tip  It’s a cute spot if you nab one of the too-few outdoor tables, but Bonne Route is at its best inside and after dark, when it’s candle-lit and blowing a gale outside.

What’s the vibe?  Refined and modern yet pleasingly laid-back, Maré is Brighton and Hove’s first Michelin-starred restaurant in nearly 50 years, clinching the accolade just six months after it opened its doors last September.  It’s owned by the two Michelin-star chef of London’s Da Terra Rafael Cagali, and at the helm in the kitchen is head chef Ewan Waller, but while these names and promptly-acquired awards are impressive, you needn’t worry about it being an overly flouncy dining experience.  Sure, this restaurant is sleek and high-end, with both the food and the service polished and precisely executed. It’s a pretty, minimally-decorated space with disco music humming politely in the background, but there’s a warmth to the restaurant which ensures that, when you arrive to celebrate a big occasion (which I highly recommend you do), the vibe is welcoming as opposed to snooty.  What are the prices like? Opt for the Taste of Maré, and the team here will bring a selection of their favourite dishes from the menu for your entire table to share. It’ll cost you £90 per person (with the optional addition of a sommelier-selected wine pairing for another £65), but in such a classy setting with so many dishes, it’s worth it for a special occasion.  What should I order? The menu rotates here regularly, but standout dishes from our meal were tempura oysters, and a surf and turf course of dreamily tender beef and lobster with rice cooked in lobster bisque. ‘Maré’ translates from Portuguese

Crafting an atmosphere which could be described as ‘buzzy’ is pretty tricky at 5.30pm on a Monday evening, but Waltz somehow manages it. This place has won a smattering of awards since it opened in 2025, but the execution of the service and the quality of the drinks are more reminiscent of a veteran institution. Inside, high navy walls are painted with dainty little starling murmurations to mimic a dusk sky, and chipper jazz plays, pleasantly filling what could otherwise be a slightly whispery space. Japanese culture rotates around not four, but 72 different ‘micro-seasons’ – yes, that’s more than one per week – and the menu at Waltz is shaken up regularly to best embody the tradition, as well as offering an evergreen selection of signature drinks. When we stopped by, best-seller British Strawberry was sampled by every group in the bar as well as us, but our standout seasonal order was the White Asparagus & Fresh Peas with mezcal, kefir, lemon juice and pisco, which came served in barely-there glass alongside a dainty little pod of salted fresh peas. Order this The signature Original Picante is the ultimate summer drink – it’s shockingly green and perfectly spicy. Time Out tip  There are a couple of tables available for reservation, but you should really sit at the gorgeous bar and ogle these cocktail masters while they stir and shake your drinks.

It's finally time, guys. King Benito lands in London this month for his DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour dates at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and to mark the occasion (whether you’re concert-bound or not) a slew of London’s bars are participating in a takeover run by Hennessy. Head to Copper Cats in Dalston for a special edition of the bar’s weekly salsa class (with a bespoke cocktail menu on offer) or make sure to head to Electric Brixton for an official afterparty following Saturday night’s gig. You can also find slushy machines at La Pollera Colora, or Bad Bunny-themed Karaoke nights at U9 Karaoke in Leicester Square on Friday nights throughout June.

Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic places to stay, but up there with the palatial Hôtel Plaza Athénée and decadent Le Bristol, this 16th arrondissement resort deserves a spot in the hotel hall of fame.  Molitor Hotel & Spa reopened in its reimagined form back in 2014, but it has retained the laid-back aura and eccentric Art Deco style of the original swimming pool where a generation of Parisians first learned how to swim – oh, and where the bikini was initially debuted 80 years ago.  A far cry from the ornate but cosy hotel rooms of central Paris, Molitor is an expansive, breezy retreat popular among international visitors (often in town for gigs or sports competitions at the nearby stadiums) as well as staycationing locals. Here’s what we thought of it.  What are the rooms like at Molitor Hotel & Spa? Minimalist in their design, but luxurious in their attention to detail. The real stars of the show at this hotel are its two showstopper swimming pools, and they not only act as a massive pull for heat-fleeing guests, but also as a focal point for the 120 rooms (out of 124 in total) which have a view of at least one of them.  Rather than try and detract from its majesty, the view of the outdoor pool from my Deluxe Room is proudly showcased through multiple floor-to-ceiling windows. The glinting water gently reflected pleasing glimmers of light on the ceiling, and the canary yellow paint and cobalt doors of the ship-shaped building were nodded to subtly with pops o

Paris’s streets are full of ornate, delicate-looking 16th century buildings, and if you’re after somewhere to stay that’ll give you all that quintessential charm – paired, of course, with the comforts of a slick hotel brand – then consider Maison Colbert Meliá Collection.  Acclaimed philosopher, activist and feminist Simone de Beauviour used to live in this place, but the plaque immortalising her presence on the exterior wall is far from the only historical nod that you’ll find. Inside, the decor is inspired by the dreamy works of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, and some of the rooms even come with a view of the newly reopened Notre Dame, which is just a five minute stroll away.  What are the rooms like at Maison Colbert? A lot of enjoying Paris’s charm involves turning a blind eye to how cramped it can be, but that isn’t a problem at Maison Colbert. Our Superior Room Partial Notre Dame View had ample space for storing a city break’s worth of luggage, and the en suite – with a large walk-in shower (and insanely good water pressure) – was separated from the bedroom area by curtain rather than wall, making it feel all the more spacious throughout. Oh, and you could just about peak the cathedral’s towers from the window.  A replica of one of Joaquín Sorolla’s pleasing luminist paintings was the focal point of the room, filling the wall above the bed, but nods to its vibrant summery tones continued throughout the rest of the space. Bright turquoise velvet covered the chairs, hea

Margate’s Old Town is a quaint network of historic yet polished-looking lanes which are peppered with plenty of bookshops, vintage stores, cafés and pubs. It actually feels more like a countryside village than the whimsical core of the UK’s go-to seaside town – until the wind hits you, that is.  Right in the middle is the Old Town House, a restored property comprising of just eight rooms, which is barely a five-minute walk from the beach, Margate’s Harbour Arm, as well as Turner Contemporary and plenty of top places to eat and drink. Here’s why, if you’re headed to Margate for the weekend, it’s one of our favourite places to stay. What are the rooms like at the Old Town House Margate? Despite its classy Georgian facade, this hotel feels surprisingly modern – firstly because there’s no lobby. Instead, before arriving you’ll be sent instructions on downloading an app that’ll give you a digital code, so you can tap in and out of both the entrance and your room as you please.  The rooms all branch off from a freshly painted winding staircase, and we stayed right at the very top in a premium suite (where rates start from £190-350). Inside, the floors were lined with delightfully plump carpet, the walls with pretty, shimmery wallpaper and the room was furnished with ornamental antiques as well as handy amenities like a hairdryer and a tea, coffee and hot chocolate set up. There was a small wardrobe as well as storage under the stairs (we’ll get to that), plus ample surface space to

When it comes to ultra-luxurious stays, the scene is largely dominated by monolithic five-star chains which have properties in every major city. That isn’t the case with Firmdale Hotels. Instead, owners and designers Tim and Kit Kemp have kept their portfolio – which comprises nine London and three New York stays – modest, and what it’s resulted in are efficiently run, tastefully-designed hotels.  This particular building functioned as a hospital for French soldiers during the Second World War before becoming the Shaftesbury Hotel and operating as such until 1992. It was in 1996 that it became the Covent Garden Hotel, and 30 years on, it’s still a worthy member of London’s hotel crème de la crème.  What are the rooms like at the Covent Garden Hotel? Full of texture, colour, and lavish touches. There are 58 rooms on offer at the Covent Garden Hotel, and if you’re lucky enough to afford something at the upper end of the price range, opt for the palatial Loft Suite. Spread over a first and mezzanine floor (with an entrance at each level), this place had a downstairs bathroom, dining and living space, plus an airy and bright master bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and en suite upstairs. As is typical at Firmdale Hotels, there was a well-executed balance of country-house cosiness and modern amenities. The chain of boutiques are pleasingly uniform in their flamboyant yet quintessentially English interior aesthetic (courtesy of Kit Kemp), and from the wallpaper and the curtains to the th

Cato is a tale of two bars. You’ll arrive at what they’re calling The House of Julep, a lively, chatter-filled space on the ground floor with dark wood, garnet-painted walls, and the pleasant rattle of cocktail shakers. Here, the vibe is relaxed, jovial, and on a Thursday evening it feels like the merry hum of a pub has been transplanted into the swankier body of a sultry bar.  In the basement, you leave the hubbub behind to find a much more intimate space, draped in scarlet velvet. This is Cato, a name inspired by freedman and pioneer of American cocktail culture Cato Alexander. Classic disco plays as we snack on pretzels, olives, and airy focaccia while browsing the menu, which is organised by colour. Inspired by the colour-coded brain phenomenon of synesthesia, it includes 14 different cocktails which contain ingredients sourced exclusively from UK suppliers. The standouts? If you fancy something ‘Brown’, then Chestnut + Brown Butter is an exquisite, earthy, very savoury combination of aged rum, Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask, brown butter, caramelised chicken broth ‘brown’ rum, and chestnut praline. The most impressive was undoubtedly Wasabi + Mustard Greens, where ginger and honey shrub, foraged mustard greens and mustard leaf tincture mixed with gin and English wasabi distillate make for a refreshing, slightly fiery zinger of a cocktail. Order this Don’t sleep on The House of Julep’s menu. Go for The Oyster House Martini – it’s a pellucid blend of Ford’s London Dry

If you’re after a refined and polished bar perfect for quiet conversation, Homeboy is not the place. What it is good for, however, is expertly-executed cocktails served in what feels more like a raucous Irish pub. Enter and you’ll be enveloped into a snug, pleasingly low-lit space and affably greeted like a regular, even if you’ve never been here before. It’s a welcome tonic to the monosyllabic, named-after-a-generic-white-bloke bars which have proliferated London of late: there’s ample room on plump Chesterfield banquettes and lots of dark wood. On Thursdays and Sundays your evening will be soundtracked not by vinyl, but by a live Irish band.  There are TVs which, when we visited, were blaring the Six Nations, and once the music actually gets going, this place gets properly noisy. However, the seamlessness of the table service and the lively atmosphere proves that this place is a well-oiled hospitality machine – as do the drinks. Homeboy Bar’s menu features a signature collection of cocktails which have been steadfast inclusions since it opened, but there’s also a list of drinks inspired by Irish idols. The Punk Poet is one of these: it blends Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon with orange zest-infused oil, dark chocolate liqueur and demerara sugar, and it’s moreish, sour and sharp. The emphasis is very much on mixing a bit of Irishness into classic cocktail recipes, and dirty martini drinkers will also enjoy an Irish Sea.  Oh, and arrive hungry. This place doesn’t just knock it out of

Head along to University of East London’s Docklands campus after dark and you'll find this spectacular free festival brightening up the skies. This year, the theme is the four elements, which means there'll be tons to see inspired by the wonders of wind, earth, fire and water. Its eclectic line-up includes glowing hula hooping, fire acrobatics, a giant roaming octopus and dragon, and illuminated performers walking high above the crowds. There'll also be refreshments from local street food stalls throughout the evening. Book your free place to be part of the fun. 

Japan has long been one of the planet’s most popular travel destinations, but its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000km stretch of tectonic plate boundaries which loop the ocean in the shape of a horseshoe, means it’s highly prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes.  On Tuesday, the country was struck by a 6.8 magnitude tremor, which so far has killed 13 people. If you have a trip planned to Japan soon, here is everything you need to know about whether it’s safe to travel.  Where was the earthquake in Japan? The tremor struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu, which is Japan’s southernmost main island. It’s around 900km southwest of Tokyo.  Is it safe to travel to Japan? Tsunami warnings for the Ariake and Yatsushiro have now been lifted, according to the Independent, while residents in affected areas are being told to remain calm and rely on trusted information sources like the TV, radio, and official government updates online.  Rescue efforts continue to try and free people trapped in a shopping mall, and right now the death toll sits at 13 fatalities.  FlightRadar24 showed hundreds of flights arriving in and departing from Kumamoto and Fukuoka airports on Kyushu were delayed on Tuesday, though these have recovered at the time of writing.  Much of the rest of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, remains unaffected, so if you have plans to travel, keep an eye on all the local information.  What’s the latest advice from the UK Government? The Japan travel ad

Relocating your entire life is a pretty big deal, so it’s always a good idea to be as well informed about a place as possible before you up sticks.  Handily, InterNations has just dropped the results from its massive annual Expat Insider survey, which collects insight from those who’ve moved abroad to determine where people are happiest, most content with their financial situation, how good the infrastructure is and the ease with which they make friends.  What’s the best country in the world for expats? For no less than the third year in a row, Panama has topped the InterNations ranking of the best countries in the world for expats. Why? Well, according to data from the survey, the country came second in the ‘ease of settling in’ and ‘expat essentials’ categories, and it’s also affordable. Ninety percent of expats said their disposable income is enough to live a comfortable life, and 76 percent said they’re content with their current financial situation.  It doesn’t fare quite so well for the quality of its roads or its urban environment, but an impressively high proportion of expats – 34 percent – said they’d happily live there forever.  Mexico ranked in second place, with people commending the friendliness of locals and the ease with which they can make friends, and Thailand came third, with 86 percent of people saying they live a happy life there. Scroll on for the complete top 10.  The best countries for expats in 2026, ranked Panama Mexico Thailand UAE Brazil Spain Sing

It’s beach season, baby, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to book a last-minute summer getaway. There are plenty of gleaming coasts out there just waiting for you to sunbathe, swim and snorkel until your heart’s content, and a lot of them stay warm all year round. Handily, aptly named Beach.com has just unveiled its list of the planet’s most impressive beaches, based on extensive research into each spot’s climate, water quality, popularity and more.  How are the world’s best beaches decided? Compiling this ranking is no walk on the beach – researchers used everything from expert nominations and in-depth analysis of almost 100,000 reviews to data from the EU program and even NASA to produce this list.  The results include stretches of coast from 14 different countries across four continents, from rugged beaches in Europe to sweeping expanses of sand in Central America.  What is the world’s best beach for 2026? Topping the Beach.com ranking for 2026 is Trunk Bay, an idyllic beach in the US Virgin Islands known for its twinkling cyan waters and powdery white sand.  If you’re a keen snorkeller, there’s a 200-metre snorkel trail taking in the area’s vibrant corals and sea life. It costs $5, takes between 30 minutes and an hour, and there are underwater plaques to explain all the different kinds of species.  Photograph: Robert Harding Video / ShutterstockTrunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands Following closely in second place is the acclaimed Elafonissi Beach in Crete, which i

Pensávamos que já se tinham tentado todas as formas possíveis de maximizar os parcos níveis de conforto nas cabines da classe económica. No último ano, as companhias aéreas anunciaram de tudo, desde zonas de bem-estar a opções para “dormir na horizontal” e até cápsulas de sono. No entanto, a Emirates acaba de anunciar a implementação dos apoios de cabeça U-Dream, considerados “revolucionários”, que já estão presentes em três dos seus Airbus A350 e que estarão implementados em toda a frota até ao final de 2026. Os planos também incluem instalá-los nos A380 e Boeing 777 remodelados da companhia aérea a partir do início do próximo ano. O que são os apoios de cabeça U-Dream? A ideia é apoiar a cabeça do passageiro tanto com um encosto como com abas flexíveis de cada lado, evitando que a cabeça caia de um lado para o outro. Dê uma vista de olhos abaixo. Imagem: EmiratesO apoio de cabeça U-Dream Imagem: EmiratesO apoio de cabeça U-Dream Imagem: EmiratesO apoio de cabeça U-Dream “Encontrámos uma forma de melhorar significativamente o conforto dos passageiros da classe económica, especialmente daqueles que viajam em longo curso”, afirmou Tim Clark, presidente da Emirates Airline, à Euronews. “O U-Dream muda as regras do jogo se a pessoa quiser dormir – ao apoiar o pescoço na íntegra. Não são precisas mais almofadas de pescoço.” É sempre bom ter menos um artigo para pôr na mala, não é? ✈️ Mais viagens: guias e notícias para as melhores escapadinhas 📲 Siga-nos nas redes sociais:

From unfathomably old structures to mind-bending contemporary designs, there are some seriously impressive buildings dotted all over the world, and a whole load of the absolute best ones have just made the shortlist for this year’s World Architecture Festival.   Set to be held in Fort Lauderdale in Florida this November, the Festival comprises not only the planet’s largest live-judged competition for buildings, but also keynote talks, exhibitions and plenty of fringe events.  The projects – of which there are a whopping 416 in total – will be tasked with presenting their work during the first two days of the festival, before a judging panel of 164 experts from 37 countries makes its decision. ‘The combination of major practices and smaller firms, perhaps entering WAF for the first time, is refreshing, and the shortlisting judges were impressed by the design standards of the selected entries,’ said Paul Finch, WAF programme director, in a press release. ‘We have also shortlisted designs for a host of special prizes, which will make for a stimulating set of presentations.’ Below is a handpicked selection of our 10 favourite buildings, which will be in contention for recognition at the Festival in November. It includes a stunning mosque in Riyadh, a gleaming EcoPark in the Philippines, and a whimsical hotel in Vietnam, as well as Techno International Airport in Cambodia, and Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi.  Photograph: ET ArchitectsThe Folia Photograph: © Vinay PanjwaniIn

Há muitos eventos emocionantes a acontecer em todo o mundo este ano, mas um dos mais raros e impressionantes é, sem dúvida, o próximo eclipse solar, preparado para mergulhar partes da Europa ocidental e do norte na escuridão já no próximo mês de Agosto. Embora seja inegavelmente estonteante ver a impressionante lua aureolada – particularmente se tiver a sorte de estar algures ao longo da trajectória da totalidade –, a magia de um eclipse não se fica por aqui. O escurecimento do céu não só mergulha as áreas afectadas em temperaturas mais frias, como também melhora significativamente a nossa visão das estrelas e dos planetas. Soa bastante mágico, certo? É por isso que delineámos abaixo um guia que lhe diz tudo o que precisa de saber sobre exactamente onde e quando estar quando o eclipse ocorrer. Quando é o eclipse solar total na Europa? Marque no calendário: quarta-feira, 12 de Agosto. Embora os eclipses solares ocorram aproximadamente a cada 18 meses nalgum ponto do planeta, o mesmo local apenas é brindado com escuridão total a cada 360 a 410 anos. Onde vai acontecer o eclipse? A trajectória da totalidade (onde se tem a experiência completa do sol bloqueado pela lua) para o próximo eclipse solar atravessa partes de Portugal, do norte de Espanha, da Islândia e da Gronelândia e Rússia árctica. Se é um fã acérrimo de astroturismo, esperam-se vistas excelentes do eclipse na zona ocidental da Islândia, particularmente em Reiquiavique, Reykjanes, Snæfellsnes e nos Fiordes Ocidentais

You might have thought all the possible ways to maximise the minimal comfort levels in economy cabins have been tried already. Over the last year, airlines have announced everything from wellbeing zones to ‘lie flat’ options and even sleeping pods.  However, Emirates has just announced the implementation of ‘game-changing’ U-Dream headrests, which are already featured on three of its Airbus A350s, and will have been rolled out across the fleet by the end of 2026.  Plans also include installing them on the airline’s retrofitted A380s and Boeing 777s from early next year.  What are the U-Dream headrests? The idea is to support the passenger’s head with both a backrest and flexible wings on each side, preventing the head from flopping side to side. Take a look below.  Image: EmiratesU-Dream headrest on Emirates economy flight Image: EmiratesU-Dream headrest on Emirates economy flight Image: EmiratesU-Dream headrest on Emirates economy flight ‘We have found a way to significantly improve the comfort for Economy Class passengers, especially those travelling long-haul,’ said Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, to euronews. ‘The U-Dream changes the game if the person wants to sleep – by supporting the neck in full. No more neck pillows needed.’ Always nice to have one less item to pack, right? 🧳 Ever wondered what happens to unclaimed luggage? Read our deep-dive investigation.  Did you see that this major Spanish airport is getting a huge €1.15 billion expansion? Pl

There are plenty of exciting events happening across the world this year, but one of the rarest and most surreal is undoubtedly the upcoming solar eclipse, set to submerge swathes of western and northern Europe into darkness next month.  While it’s undeniably cool to glimpse the striking haloed moon – particularly if you’re lucky enough to be somewhere along the path of totality – the magic of an eclipse doesn’t end there. The darkening of the sky not only plunges affected areas into cooler temperatures, it also significantly enhances our view of the stars and the planets.  Sounds rather magical, doesn’t it? That’s why we’ve compiled a guide telling you everything you need to know about exactly where and when to be when the eclipse ensues. Read on.  When is the total solar eclipse in Europe? Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 12. While solar eclipses occur roughly every 18 months somewhere on the planet, the same spot is only graced with total darkness between every 360-410 years.  Where will the eclipse happen? The path of totality (where you get the full, moon-blocking-sun experience) for the upcoming solar eclipse traverses parts of Portugal, northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland.  If you’re a sucker for astrotourism, excellent eclipse views are expected around western Iceland, particularly in Reykjavík, Reykjanes, Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. There’s even a four-day Iceland Eclipse music festival happening to celebrate the phenomenon, which we named one of the v

Europe’s cities are some of the best on the planet for art, music and theatre – on Time Out’s recent ranking of the world’s best cities for culture, nine of the top 20 positions were occupied by hubs on the continent.  Lisbon featured on the list, claiming twentieth place, but the capital is far from the only Portuguese destination worth travelling to for a culture fix.  In fact, a huge revitalisation project has just been announced for a beyond-the-obvious travel spot – the fortified town of Valença do Minho, which sits right on Portugal’s northern border with Spain.  The city council has produced a document detailing a vision ‘for the city’s transformation over the coming decade’, including projects that will not only better connect core landmarks in the town centre, but also improve the lives of locals and boost appeal to travellers.  According to The Portugal News, the area set for this transformation extends from the former Colégio Português to the Municipal Market, Municipal Garden, the Fairgrounds and the Old Customs House to the riverfront, all the way to Senhora da Cabeça.  Recommended: These are the very best things to do in Lisbon right now.  So, what’s on the cards? Key proposals include transforming the Municipal Market into a multi-purpose auditorium, developing new hotel faciliaites and opening a Railway Museum to celebrate the city’s rail heritage. In addition, the Old Customs House will become the Cultural Customs House, a cultural centre that will serve to p

Los países pacíficos son destinos más seguros para viajar y, en un planeta que parece cada vez más inestable, es útil saber qué lugares se pueden visitar con total tranquilidad. Aquí entra en juego el Índice Global de Paz (GPI), un estudio anual masivo que analiza 163 países en función de los conflictos internos e internacionales activos, la militarización y la seguridad ciudadana, y puntúa el nivel de paz de cada territorio en una escala del uno al cinco. Una vez más, Islandia se ha coronado como el lugar más seguro del planeta por un "margen significativo", según describe el propio índice. Aun así, siete de las diez primeras posiciones las ocupan estados de toda Europa. Se trata de una nación europea menos que en el ranking del año pasado, ya que Dinamarca ha bajado hasta la undécima posición, pero aun así sigue siendo un resultado muy positivo para el conjunto del continente. Foto: Shutterstock / Palmi GudmundssonIslandia ¿Qué otros lugares del continente han logrado hacerse un hueco en la lista? Pues bien, Suiza se sitúa como el segundo país más seguro de Europa y el tercero del mundo (por detrás de Nueva Zelanda), mientras que Eslovenia ocupa el tercer puesto europeo y el cuarto a escala mundial. ¿Qué más nos revela el Índice Global de Paz sobre Europa? El informe destaca que Europa Occidental y Central se mantiene como la región más pacífica del mundo, a pesar de que esta misma zona ha sido la responsable de gran parte del aumento del gasto militar durante el último a

Els països pacífics són destinacions més segures per viatjar i, en un planeta que sembla cada vegada més inestable, és útil saber quins llocs es poden visitar amb total tranquil·litat. Aquí entra en joc l'Índex Global de Pau (GPI), un estudi anual massiu que analitza 163 països en funció dels conflictes interns i internacionals actius, la militarització, i la seguretat ciutadana, i puntua el nivell de pau de cada territori en una escala de l'u al cinc. Un cop més, Islàndia s'ha coronat com el lloc més segur del planeta per un "marge significatiu", segons descriu el mateix índex. Tot i això, set de les deu primeres posicions les ocupen estats d'arreu d'Europa. Es tracta d'una nació europea menys que al rànquing de l'any passat, ja que Dinamarca ha baixat fins a l'onzena posició, però tot i així continua sent un resultat molt positiu per al conjunt del continent. Foto: Shutterstock / Palmi GudmundssonIslàndia Quins altres llocs del continent han aconseguit fer-se un lloc a la llista? Doncs bé, Suïssa se situa com el segon país més segur d'Europa i el tercer del món (per darrere de Nova Zelanda), mentre que Eslovènia ocupa el tercer lloc europeu i el quart a escala mundial. Què més ens revela l'Índex Global de Pau sobre Europa? L'informe destaca que l'Europa Occidental i Central es manté com la regió més pacífica del món, malgrat que aquesta mateixa zona ha estat la responsable de gran part de l'augment de la despesa militar durant l'últim any. Polònia és el país que ha regist

Wildfires have morphed from a rare weather event to a devastatingly frequent occurrence in Europe over the last few years, and after record-breaking heatwaves were experienced throughout June, swathes of the continent are now facing fast-spreading blazes.  From Spain and Portugal to Greece and France, here’s a closer look at the towns and cities affected and whether it’s safe to travel there right now, ahead of yet more extreme heat warnings.  Recommended: ‘Flesh-rotting’ bacteria and water shortages: The heatwave’s impact on Europe’s beaches.  Where are the wildfires in Europe? France An area equal to around 6,500 football pitches has been scorched in the foothills of the French Pyrenees so far, and Sky News reports 10,000 people from towns and villages near the city of Perpignan and the Spanish border have been evacuated.  Spectators have also been banned from watching a section of the Tour de France stage three due to fire burning in Trevillach, with organisers saying that ‘the top priority remains the protection of people, property and natural areas, as well as bringing the fire under control.’ Photograph: Bruno M Photographie / ShutterstockSmoke from the Trévillach wildfire   Greece Residents in Thessaloniki have been warned to stay indoors and keep their windows closed due to fumes from a nearby recycling plant that has been engulfed by fire, and hundreds of people have also been evacuated.  In Mandra, a small city in West Attica, more than 200 firefighters and 30 wat