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By V.F. London

London’s food scene is undoubtedly one of the most exciting in the world, filled with endless new openings, innovative concepts and talented chefs covering almost any cuisine imaginable. In all its years sampling such a varied offering, however, V.F. can decidedly say it has never experienced anything quite like Scully St James’s. The first solo venture from acclaimed chef Ramael Scully, it’s an ode to a unique cultural heritage that spans Malaysia, Australia, India, Bali, China and Ireland, bringing together the flavours and traditions of each (and more there besides) in a cuisine that defies categorisation. The resulting dishes are some of the most bold, unusual and exceptionally delicious V.F. has ever tried; a testament not only to the chef’s immense skill but also to his frankly mind-boggling palate. For who else could possibly think of pairing carosello barattiere (a mix between melon and cucumber) with coconut yoghurt, alphonso mango, passion fruit dressing and butter-browned sunflower seeds for a starter? Or spend 10 years creating the perfect chipotle tabasco, which features solely as a few blobs of gel in a main of baby poussin, tsalafouti cheese and apricot umeboshi? And these are just two of the nine dishes that make up the new Tasting Menu, while the very well-priced à la carte offers numerous more. We won’t ruin the element of surprise by revealing too much, but you’ll soon come to appreciate that the level of consideration and detail that goes into each of Scully’s plates can only be the work of a certified genius. The sommelier’s ability to pair drinks (both alcoholic and non) with such complex flavours merits a serious shout-out, too. Grab your most hard-to-impress foodie friend and prepare for life-long bragging rights. Scully St James’s

Hidden away in the historic vaults of the National Portrait Gallery, there’s a brilliant new cocktail bar from the Daisy Green Collection. It’s called Larry’s, after Laurence Olivier, and is an homage to the extraordinary historic characters of London’s West End, its exposed brick walls lined with hand-picked portraits so you can dine and imbibe in the company of some of the capital’s greats. With a swinging jazz band and perfectly pitched cocktails (try the namesake Larry’s Old Fashioned, made with Scotch whisky, cherry bitters and a cereal syrup made with slow-cooked barley and rye), it feels pleasingly prohibition-era. And the menu of snacks features exactly what you’re likely to fancy after a couple of cocktails: crisp Scotch eggs, a lobster roll streaked with dill, crispy potatoes with chilli and garlic aioli. Best of all, you can experience it all with a new “Martinis & Masterpieces” programme, which includes a late viewing of the sold out Eyes of the Storm exhibition (a series of extraordinary photographs of The Beatles taken by Paul McCartney), followed by drinks and nibbles downstairs at Larry’s. Consider your next date night well and truly taken care of. Larry’s

On a muggy day in the capital at the end of a hectic week, there could be no more welcome appointment than the new B Balanced Treatment at Bamford Wellness Spa at Brompton Cross in South Ken. This 90-minute full body treatment will make you feel cooler, calmer and cared for, with a blissful combination of massage and therapies that utilise the new B Balanced range, which features nourishing cold-pressed oils and infinitely comforting scents of cardamom, rose, frankincense and neroli. Designed to bring your body and mind back into balance (as the name implies), the treatment begins with a breathwork session, guided by your therapist, which makes the worries of the day melt away and anchors you in the soothing spa space. Then, there’s a full-body massage, including a gua sha that’s used with a cooling gel to help release excess heat and boost drainage. Another interesting feature is bamboo tapping, a light but invigorating section of the treatment that’s intended to boost circulation. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, things are rounded off with a mini facial, featuring cleansing, exfoliating and a firming massage. Expect to leave with a glow that will last for days to come (and have the best night’s sleep you’ve had in years). B Balanced Treatment

By V.F. London

By Gilly Hopper

Amid the unassuming arches of Peckham lies Little Kudu, an enchanting new slice of Africa and a tapas haven with a twist. It’s the third restaurant from Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams, whose impressive collection includes a couple of SE15’s favourite jaunts: Curious Kudu (a combination gallery and event space) and Kudu Grill (a braai-themed restaurant). V.F.’s first impressions were excellent. Before we even sat down on the lusciously green terrace, we were handed the restaurant’s signature cocktail, Saffa Rita (a delightfully spicy twist on the classic margarita) and star-of-the-show appetiser, the Little Kudu loaf. This salty brioche creation is unlike anything we’ve tasted before, elegantly accompanied by Cape Malay spicy butter that was so moreish it disappeared almost instantly. Then the pig’s head croquettes joined the scene; a blend of Joburg swag and Chinatown vibes, these showcase a delicious star anise and five spice combination that’s so good, round two is almost inevitable. Yet, the flavours reach their zenith with the tangy brilliance of the braaibroodjie—a unique spin on the classic open-faced cheese toastie, infused with smoked tomato chutney and brie-like baron bigod. We might even go as far as to say it is life changing. 10/10. Little Kudu

The therapeutic effects of cryotherapy for both the body and mind are well-known, ranging from improved sleep, mood and metabolism to faster muscle recovery. But the idea of standing in a cryo “chamber” of -140 degrees Celsius wearing little more than a few scraps of undergarment in order to achieve them? Not quite so appealing. Thankfully, to benefit from cryotherapy’s wonderful sculpting, detoxifying and de-puffing effect on the skin, you now need only book yourself in for one of Oskia’s new Cryo Wellness facials at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. No intense shivering, heart palpitations or potential frostbite here; in fact, the whole experience is so spoiling that it’s more likely you’ll drift off to sleep as the experts work their magic with the cryo unit’s pure, condensed air cooled to -30 degrees. The rejuvenating and toning effect is practically instantaneous—and impressively long-lasting when paired with Oskia’s signature massage techniques and cutting-edge products. And the cherry on top? Both the 60- and 90-minute treatments come complete with access to the ultra-luxe Mandarin Oriental spa facilities too. Oskia

Ingredients

Sapling ginElderflower cordialSodaLemon

MethodLayer the ingredients over ice.Finish with a squeeze of lemon.Toast the Lionesses!