Liv Kelly is a freelance journalist who has covered news and listings for Time Out London, UK and Travel since July 2023, and has been working exclusively on news and features for the Travel team since July 2024. Youll usually find her writing about transport, tourism, travel trends, sustainability and city life. 

She went to the University of Leeds and is now based in London. Just like the rest of the team, she loves the city, but growing up in Brighton means she can’t be parted from the sea for extended periods of time.

Time Out has covered the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of local experts since 1968. For more about us, read our editorial guidelines.

Liv Kelly

Liv Kelly

Writer, Time Out Travel

Articles (207)

The 21 best restaurants in Brighton

The 21 best restaurants in Brighton

Brighton restaurants in 2025: 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). Amari is an enticing new Spanish-inspired restaurant which gained Michelin recognition just nine weeks after opening, and LOST in the Lanes is an established brunch spot which has been rustling up brilliant dinners from a new menu in recent months.  That’s all alongside the fantastic high-end and budget Indian, Japanese, and modern European restaurants, as well as some slap-up tacos, mouthwatering pizza and, of course, some pioneering vegetarian establishments. Caught hungry in Brighton? These are some seriously good places to fill your boots, handpicked by a local.  RECOMMENDED:☕The best coffee shops in Brighton🥓The best brunch spots in Brighton🐟The best places for fish and chips in Brighton🍺The best pubs in Brighton 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.
The best music festivals in London 2025

The best music festivals in London 2025

The future of some of London’s best day festivals may be up in the air right now, but for the moment we feel pretty damn lucky to have an abundance of world-class festivals happening on our doorsteps all throughout the summer. Forget trekking across the country to live in a field for five days. When you live in London, you can hop on the tube, and an hour later you’re listening to your favourite artists, tinny to hand, knowing that there’s a hot shower and a cosy bed waiting for you once the day is over. We Londoners love live music, so it’s no surprise that we’re absolutely spoilt for choice when summer rolls around. You’ve got festivals devoted to hip-hop, jazz, leftfield pop, disco, afrobeats, heavy rock ‘n’ roll. Whatever your taste may be, my god does London have a day festival for you. The line-ups have been coming in thick and fast over the past couple of months, which means it’s time to make some decisions about which festivals are worth your time and money. Have a scroll through our comprehensive guide – which we keep meticulously updated with all the latest line-up announcements – see what takes your fancy, and start planning a fantastic summer in 2025. But be warned, most London festivals get more expensive the later you leave it, and plenty of them will sell out long before the portaloos are installed and the stages are constructed. Grab your tickets right now if you know what’s good for ya! RECOMMENDED: ⛺ The best UK music festivals🌍 The best festivals in Europe
The best running songs for long runs, motivation, recovery and sprints

The best running songs for long runs, motivation, recovery and sprints

Whether you’re a beginner looking to start a new fitness routine or a long-time runner pushing for a new personal best, music has the power to motivate you to reach your goals. This list of the best running songs can aid endurance on those more challenging running routes, pick up the pace during those moments when your body needs a consistent rhythm, and improve motivation when you’re aiming for a better run time or distance. Which songs are the best to run to? Below we’ve included tracks that span genres but all have that special formula to keep you running – even in those moments where going the extra mile seems impossible. We’ve included the BPM (beats per minute) for each of the running tracks, so you can create a playlist that keeps a consistent pace, or even plan moments where you know you would like those extra bursts of energy and motivation. Which songs are best for long distances, recovery, uphill or sprints? We’ve separated them out into the best songs for certain types of run, to help you plan for the route or level you are aiming for. For those who like long runs or are training for a marathon, we have steady rhythmic tracks to keep pace and sustain your energy. If you are looking at doing interval training or speed work, we have listed upbeat, high-tempo songs that match the intensity of faster intervals. If you know your route includes hills and uneven terrain, then take a look at our recommended motivational, powerful running songs that help you push through i
The best bars in Soho

The best bars in Soho

For centuries, Soho has been London’s playground: packed with spots for boozing, flirting and soaking up the best of the city after dark. And even though it's largely cleaned up its once-sleazy reputation, it's still packed with fine drinking spots, from gloomy basements to high-end cocktail bars. Whether you join the crowds hopping up and down its famous network of streets or settle in for the duration, you’re guaranteed a brilliant, boozy night out in Soho and neighbouring Chinatown. Word to the wise: you might want to line your stomach at one of Soho's best restaurants. Now head to the heart of the West End to make sure you don’t miss a thing. RECOMMENDED: These are London’s very best bars. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor, and you’ll probably find her at Trisha’s. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
The 25 best museums in London

The 25 best museums in London

London is absolutely world-class when it comes to museums. Obviously, we’re pretty biased, but with more than 170 of them dotted about the capital – a huge chunk of which are free to visit – we think it’s fair to say that there’s nowhere else in the world that does museums better.  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 which of the city’s institutions are worth your time. So here’s our take on the 25 best ones to check out around London, ranging from world-famou
Where to stay in London: our ultimate guide to the best areas (updated 2025)

Where to stay in London: our ultimate guide to the best areas (updated 2025)

You’ve decided you’re travelling to London. You’ve booked your transport and downloaded a tube map, but where to stay? You’ve probably clocked that London is one massive, sprawling city, made up of neighbourhoods that each have their own unique character. Resist the urge to panic-book a fancy hotel in London’s West End – there’s plenty more out there, we promise. Dive into the real London by branching out from the well-trodden tourist path. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of somewhere totally new. Whether you’re after lively nightlife, easy access to gorgeous green spaces, culture on your doorstop, or serious dining, you’ll find it here. Ready to get booking? Read on for our guide to the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in London.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London Ella Doyle and Rosie Hewitson are editors at Time Out 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. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 20 best things to do in Bayswater

The 20 best things to do in Bayswater

Mention Bayswater to someone who lives outside of west London and you’ll probably be met with a blank expression. But we’ll let you in on a secret – though this W2 postcode is often overshadowed by its bigger, posher neighbours (think Notting Hill, Maida Vale and Paddington), there’s a chipper community here which give the place an unmistakable personality.  Bayswater’s streets are home to a diverse array of restaurants, from hearty Cypriot or Malaysian cooking and old fashion Bangladeshi or Indian establishments to modern takes on Persian, Levantine and British cuisine. There are great pubs dotted around, historic institutions which have steadfastly served the locals since the 1930s, and even a street with some faux houses. 🏘️ Ultimate guide to where to stay in London In short, there’s loads going on round these parts. Here are some tips on what’s worth doing from a genuine Bayswater local, whether you’re after a snack, a skate, a spa treatment or just a stroll.  RECOMMENDED:The best things to do in west LondonThe best hotels in LondonThe best walks in London
The 10 best hotels in Iceland for 2025, according to Time Out editors

The 10 best hotels in Iceland for 2025, according to Time Out editors

Grazing the Arctic Circle and straddling two tectonic plates, Iceland offers a visual feast of volcanic landscapes, spurting geysers and Northern Lights that have not gone unnoticed by Instagrammers or Game of Thrones location scouts. With the increasing interest in outdoor activities and exploration of the island’s remote, ethereally beautiful regions, hotels are popping up far and wide, instead of once being concentrated in the capital. From Airbnbs to luxury hotel stays, there’s plenty to choose from to kick start your Icelandic adventure. Enjoy, folks.  Which part of Iceland is the best to stay in? It entirely depends what kind of trip you’re after, but the safest bet is almost always the country’s marvellous capital Reykjavik. Once you’re here, the opportunities are endless – have a cosy city break and barely leave your neighbourhood, or rent a car and use Reykjavik as a safe base to explore the rest of Iceland, from the Golden Circle to the Blue Lagoon. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Reykjavik to get you started.  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Iceland Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 40 best party songs ever made

The 40 best party songs ever made

What makes a good party song? Is it uplifting lyrics? Or maybe it's an uptempo production?Throughout the decades, they’ve come in all shapes, sizes and vibes. However, for a song to be a proper, hip-shaking party song, there are some rules: it’s gotta be a banger, and it’s gotta give you absolutely no choice but to get up and boogie.  No wonder then that this list includes everything from funk, soul and disco classics to ‘90s RnB tunes and 2025 chart-toppers. There’s a tonne of variety on here, so pass the aux cable over to us and we’ll have your party shaking in no time. Ready to throw some shapes? You’re in the right place – these are the best party songs of all time.  RECOMMENDED: 🎵 The best songs of 2025 so far 🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far 🎤 The best karaoke songs🍻 The best drinking songs🎶 The best ’80s songs🎊 The best pop songs This guide was recently updated by Georgia Evans, who covers Time Out’s music section. Entries are by Time Out Editors. For more about how we curate, have a look at our editorial guidelines.
The 20 best hikes in the world

The 20 best hikes in the world

Whether you need to get away from it all, stretch your legs a bit, or remind yourself of how tiny and insignificant you are in the immensity of Mother Nature, there’s only one thing for it: it‘s time to take a hike. Be it a month-long spiritual pilgrimage, a coastal amble or a mountain scramble, there are magnificent trails the world over – and we’ve rounded up some of the very best on the planet to help you plan your next great hike. From red rock canyons in the American Southwest to the bonnie lochs of the West Highland Way, there’s a hike, trek or trail on this list that’s calling your name. With each hike tried and tested by our editors and writers, we’ve got all the info on where to go, when to go and how long to set aside, plus tips and tricks and the best sights to look for along the way. All you need to do is pack your bags. These are the world’s greatest hikes, according to Time Out. Updated April 2025: We’ve added four new trails to this list to help you plan for summer hikes – and moved a certain Spanish pilgrimage to the top spot. RECOMMENDED:🌲 The best national parks in the world ⛰️ The best destinations for solo female travellers🌊 The most spectacular places to swim in the world🏝️ The best beaches in the world🚂 The best train journeys around the world
The best bars in London

The best bars in London

Want 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, featuring the buzziest booze dens in the capital right now. If it’s on this list, it’s excellent. These are the 50 places we'd recommend to a friend, because we love drinking in them and have done many times over. From classy cocktail joints to delightful dives, hotel bars, speakeasys, bottle shops, rooftops and wine bars, London's got them all. But what makes a truly good bar? Well, our critieria for inclusion on this list is simple; a menu of genius drinks is important, but so is overall vibe – there’s no point having the perfect paloma if you have to drink it in a bar that smells of bins. To make the Top 50, a bar has to be fun, inclusive, and full of lovely folk as well as looking the part.  April 2025: A rash of great new bars have opened in London over the past year or so and many of them have made the immediate jump to our hallowed Top 50. The latest additions to our list include rowdy sports bar meets 80s horror movie set Bloodsports in Covent Garden, whisky wonderland Dram Bar on Denmark Street, the hypnotic Bar Lotus in Dalston, Below Stone Nest in Chinatown, Rasputin’s by London Fields, and Bar Lina, an Italian aperitivo spot underneath a famous Soho deli. Now go forth and drink. RECOMMENDED: Like bars? Then you'll love London's best pubs.  Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor, and she'll have a gibson marti
The best songs of 2025 so far

The best songs of 2025 so far

This year of music has started with a bang. We’ve seen Chappell Roan go country, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco smothering audiences with gushy love songs and Playboi Carti’s rapturous return from the underground. Alongside these pop heavyweights, we’re witnessing rap superstar Doechii continue her chart domination and the breakthrough of Gen Z artists like 2hollis and Tate McRae. What songs are defining 2025? Well, we’ve searched through our playlists and extracted the best songs of the year so far, below. But it doesn’t stop there. Keep your eyes peeled for updates to this list throughout the year as we’re still awaiting albums from Turnstile, Lorde, Addison Rae, Miley Cyrus, Pulp, A$AP Rocky and many more.  Georgia curates Time Out’s music section. If she's not blabbering about music on the website, she's doing it in-person (much to the office’s dismay). For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. RECOMMENDED: 🎧 The best albums of 2025 (so far)🎥 The best movies of 2025 (so far)📺 The best TV of 2025 (so far)

Listings and reviews (256)

The Little Fish Market

The Little Fish Market

What’s the vibe?  This space is one of Brighton’s most refined restaurants. It sits on Upper Market Street unbeknownst to the majority of passers-by, which gives it an exclusive, elevated vibe. The restaurant is tastefully and simply furnished with lots of pale wood and natural light giving it a beachhouse feel, and that is reflected in the menu.  What should I order?  The menu here changes regularly, but there’ll be a three-course set lunch menu for £35 per person or a decadent six-course option at dinner time which costs £85 per person. Each will include simple but super elegant seafood dishes, and the restaurant’s signature dish, the egg and soldiers, will (hopefully) be available at dinner time.
Bincho Yakitori

Bincho Yakitori

What’s the vibe?  In a nutshell, the vibe here is casual, speedy and really, really tasty. It’s unlikely you’ll wait long for your food to arrive, nor will you be at the table for much more than an hour, but we guarantee every second will be worth it. Why? Well, Bincho’s isn’t just a favourite of Brighton’s locals, but also of its chefs. What should I order? The chef here describes himself as an Izayaka fanatic, and after spending three years in Japan finessing the cooking techniques, you can bet that this is the most authentic take on southeast Asian cuisine that Brighton has to offer. There aren’t any duds on this menu – the only mistake would be not arriving ravenous.  
Bodysgallen Hall

Bodysgallen Hall

4 out of 5 stars
You might expect a Grade I National Trust property to be a bit of a stuffy and impersonal place to stay for a weekend, but Bodysgallen Hall, a lovingly restored manor house on Pydew Mountain in north Wales, is quite the opposite.  The hotel provided us tired, post-hike guests with a stay so comforting that, despite its looming size, felt more like we were at the home of an impossibly wealthy relative than a high-end hotel. Swathed by crackling fires, good, tasty food and amiable staff, this place is primed for a properly restful weekend.  Why stay at Bodysgallen Hall?  If you don’t just want a break from your day-to-day life but some proper respite from the 21st century, this is the place to stay. Bodysgallen Hall’s Main House feels a bit imposing as you approach it, but there’s something undeniably old-timey and welcoming about the place once you’ve stepped inside.  It brags all the traditional quirks that a proper country estate should, with comically low ground-floor ceilings, dark wood-panelled walls, heartily-stoked fires and marshmallow-like armchairs throughout the reception area and jumbled hallways, and much of it was built around 600 years ago. Though modern elements (speedy wifi and high-pressure showers) have seeped through, a weekend here still feels like you’ve dipped back into a different era.  What are the rooms like at Bodysgallen Hall? The Main House bedrooms could well remind you of a grandparent’s house, and I mean that as a compliment. The furnishings are
Halisco

Halisco

What’s the vibe?  Picture crisp white tablecloths, immaculately manicured waiters and an elevated, classy atmosphere, and you’ve pretty much got the opposite of Halisco. This is not the place for a formal evening dinner, but it most definitely is the place to take someone you’re trying to impress. Lip-smacking cocktails, inexplicably tasty Mexican-inspired small plates and an efficient, friendly, knowledgeable team of locals are what make this place so damn brilliant – and I bet my margarita that you’ll be telling your friends about it.  What are the prices like? The menu here follows a small-plates format – you’ll have snacks sitting around or just below £4, small plates, which range roughly from £8-£12, and of course the tacos, which tend to start at £9.50 for two. Lucky enough to swing by in the summer months? There could well be a salad and ceviche section, which last year started at £6. Mix it up, and don’t expect things to arrive in order.  What should I order? Halisco’s menu changes seasonally, but be sure to start your dinner with corn chips and guac, order the tenderstem broccoli (if it’s available) in whatever form it comes, and – even if you’re a meat eater – the oyster mushroom birria tacos. To wash it down, my go-tos are either a hibiscus margarita or a modelo chelada.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The newly opened Bar Halisco! Perched just over the road is Halisco’s brand-new sister venue, which opened just in time for National Margarita Day 2025. It’s got all
Viajante87

Viajante87

Despite being labelled by a cursive, neon pink signpost above its entrance, you could easily miss Viajante87 – it’s hidden in plain sight amidst the noise and fluorescence of Notting Hill Gate, and once you’re inside, feels miles away from all that too. The room is draped in moody layers and furnishings of rich teal with touches of gold, giving it a particularly luxe feel which is matched by the vibe of the service. Everything here is quite formal: we were met by a security guard who radioed a host to collect us at the bottom of the stairs, and, behind a heavy velvet curtain, were greeted with a cheery and unnervingly synchronised ‘hola!’ from the bartenders. That’s because, as is detailed on the cocktail menu, Viajante87 is based around the concept of ‘drinking like a local’, with your choices all inspired by flavours which hail from Central and South America. The three main sections on the menu are organised to mimic the stages of a journey: they’re branded as ‘comfortable’ (aperitif-like drinks), ‘curious’ (a little stronger) and ‘courageous’ (digestifs). If you’re feeling really courageous, you could even ignore the order in which they’ve designed the menu, though this lot clearly know what they’re doing.  Order this On the ‘be curious’ page of the menu, you’ll find the Pura Pache, a clean and fruity long drink which is a good light cocktail to kick things off. But if you’re a fan of bitter, negroni-esque flavours, don’t skip over the Blood Moon.  Time Out tip While this
Delphina Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa, Sardinia

Delphina Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa, Sardinia

4 out of 5 stars
Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe
Delphina Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa, Sardinia

Delphina Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa, Sardinia

4 out of 5 stars
Given it’s the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), Sardinia brags quite a lot of coastline – 2,000 km, to be exact. Scenic beaches aren’t hard to come by here, but Delphina’s Valle dell’Erica occupies a particularly glorious spot on the island’s northern tip, on a plush green hillside where the coastal breeze ripples through the grass. Sounds lovely, right? On a clear day you can see across to Corsica, and when it’s hazy – as it was on my visit – you’re still surrounded by the ocean. Long story short, spectacular views are guaranteed.  Such vistas are best soaked in from the panoramic breakfast terrace in the main hotel building. Incidentally, the breakfast buffet is the only place where you’ll actually remember you’re in a resort. Valle Dell’Erica feels more like a small hilltop town: there are seven bars, seven restaurants, four pools, an enormous spa and a whopping 273 rooms. This sprawling complex houses two separate hotels: Hotel Erica (a slightly larger space with 148 rooms, catered to families) and Hotel La Licciola (a smaller, couple-oriented hotel, where 17 of the 125 rooms have access to an exclusive area and private pool). Rooms are cloistered in small blocks of three or four, each comfortably if plainly furnished, and are built with local granite and cork. From the resort’s beaches, the buildings appear to dissipate into the land – the brand calls this design ‘low visual impact’, a move to protect Sardinia’s coastline from the threat of towe
ION Adventure

ION Adventure

5 out of 5 stars
Landing in Keflavik on a frosty 2C afternoon is a bit of a shock to the system compared to the balmy October temperatures of the UK, but once we start winding through the snow-dusted, ash-coloured peaks that loom moodily over Iceland’s coast, the biting cold feels appropriate.  Thankfully, the nippy feeling doesn’t last long. ION’s collection of hotels includes four properties – ION City and Hotel Von (starting rates are €430 and €175 respectively) where we stay in Reykjavik, Hotel Budir (from €277), our first stop nestled cosily between the mountains and the lapping shore of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and ION Adventure (€565) which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024. Each embody the Nordic concept of ‘hygge’, that feeling of convivial cosiness that you can only really experience in such perishingly cold places.  All are intrinsically Icelandic, but ION Adventure is the true show-stopper. A sleek glass box emerging from the moss-laden Mount Hengill, the hotel is a bold contrast to the tumbling volcanic landscape around it. But that landscape is still incorporated into the design, with furniture made from locally-sheered wool and actual lava. Sustainability is at the heart of these designs – even the sinks are made from recycled tires – and much of the interior is crafted by Icelandic architects. The hallway leading to the brand-new wing of 23 rooms (where we stayed) features bare concrete walls which will not be painted – paint is bad for the environment, guys – an
Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa

Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5 stars
You’d be forgiven for feeling a little intimidated upon approaching Eastwell Manor. Its stern, neo-Elizabethan stone façade is dotted with boxy windows which appear as if they allow little light, and reaching reception involves dragging your luggage through an eerily still, imposing courtyard. But the vibe’s pretty different inside.  Through the comically large, dark-wood doors, the formality of the building does match the tone of the service, but we were warmly greeted by wafts from the restaurant, the excited buzz of guests from a wedding party and formally dressed but amicable team members. And that’s what’s unexpected about this place – how homely a massive country estate (particularly one with a tennis court, a hawking centre and beehives) can feel as soon as you arrive.  Our room, in the cottage buildings in the west corner of the grounds, was one designated for people on a spa break (it’s only a two-minute walk from the spa building) and other guests were flitting between the two buildings in just their dressing gowns, despite the October chill. The spa itself, the facilities of which include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room on the ground floor, as well as a restaurant, plus treatment and ‘relaxation’ rooms upstairs, does all the things a good spa should do, but is perhaps not quite matched to the size of the hotel – we arrived mid-afternoon to cop a poolside seat but were left with only one available spot to plonk ourselves. But the hotel doesn’t just of
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

4 out of 5 stars
Entering our park-view room on the ninth floor of the Athenaeum, our jaws dropped not because of the suite itself, but because it immediately lived up to its name: the south-facing hotel rooms offer tremendous views of the lush treetops of Green Park, and if you’re lucky enough to stay in on one of the top floors (nine is the highest), it’s pretty splendid. What’s more, the hotel has been designed to incorporate the park’s proximity: the compact, comfortable rooms and ground-floor reception feature floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of mirrors to complement and exaggerate the nearby greenery. Entering the hotel feels almost like you’re stepping inside an opulent conservatory.  Throughout the hotel there are nods to grand decor, but it’s not overdone. Twinkly light fixtures, velvet Chesterfield headboards and touches of gold are not going to be to everyone’s taste, but they feature in the light-flooded rooms and add glamour to mostly white walls and bedding – this hotel is in Mayfair, after all.  That emphasis on elegance is also reflected in the kind of service you get at the Athenaeum. Front of house members, at the reception during check-in and in the restaurant, were congenial, warm, but the atmosphere here is formal: there’s no small talk, no chit-chat during breakfast service – everything feels very proper.  While the surrounding neighbourhood boasts plenty of bougie places to eat, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant is a worthy alternative, particularly for afternoon t
The Bengal

The Bengal

With interiors that look like they probably haven’t been updated since the place opened in 1997, and prices that also feel like they’re stuck in the past, a trip to locally loved Bayswater restaurant The Bengal feels like stepping back in time. The dated decor serves to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy generous portions of classic curry house fare. The chef’s special bhunas and jalfrezis – both traditional Bengali dishes – stand out on a large menu of traditional Indian and Bangladeshi curries. Whether you’re sitting in or ordering a takeaway, this is a reliable option for inexpensive, flavoursome dinner. 
Fentons Ice Cream

Fentons Ice Cream

Located next to the south-facing exit of Queensway station on Bayswater Road, this whacky little ice cream shop serves everything from bubble waffles to soft-serve gelato and slushies, all in a vibrant array of colours and with a huge variety of sauces and toppings. Need to reward the kids for making it through that sweaty journey on the Central line? With popcorn, apple sorbet and even unicorn flavour on the menu, they’re sure to love this place.

News (2155)

The world’s best cities for music lovers, ranked

The world’s best cities for music lovers, ranked

Travelling to watch a concert or music festival – a phenomenon known as gig-tripping – has been a travel trend for a while now, with ‘music tourism’ being a market expected to reach almost $263 billion in value by 2030.  But, which cities are actually the best places to visit for lovers of music? SeatPick is here to tell us. The ticket platform has collated data on the number of concerts, music venues, festivals, home-grown artists and music-related businesses across a load of cities, and each one was awarded an overall music score out of 10.  Soaring to the top of the charts? That would be London, which gained a solid 9.67 out of 10, thanks to bragging 199 venues, 1,734 concerts, 44 festivals and, most impressively, a whopping 3,042 homegrown artists.  Recommended: The best albums of 2025 so far.  The UK capital’s music and nightlife scene has been struggling to bounce back in the post pandemic era, but Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced a ‘nightlife taskforce’ to help support the city’s venues, and there are still brilliant nights out. Also, check out our guide to London’s live music scene.  London also claimed the crown in a recent ranking of Europe’s music capitals, which also incorporated the number of nightclubs, so there’s clearly still hope for the city’s music and nightlife scene.   In second place was Berlin with 9.55, which was Time Out’s second-place ranker in our list of the best cities in the world for nightlife, and also the champion of this study into the to
Anti-tourism protests will take place across Europe this weekend – here’s everything you need to know

Anti-tourism protests will take place across Europe this weekend – here’s everything you need to know

Tourism has a bit of a bad name right now, with destinations all over Europe and the world implementing restrictions, fines, entry fees and flat-out bans on tourist behaviours to try and improve the livelihoods of local people.  Spain has been at the forefront of this movement, with a shedload of rules that have been announced over the last couple of years, but spots all over the continent are beginning to call time on their overwhelming visitor numbers, and now, a big day of protests is approaching.  Going to be in southern Europe this weekend? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the tourism protests which are expected across Spain, Portugal and Italy, including the specific cities taking part, how to stay up to date on the protests’ whereabouts and the motivation behind the demonstrations. So, read on for everything you need to know.   Recommended: Can popular European cities ever recover from overtourism? When and where are the protests expected? On Sunday June 15, protests are expected in a large number of destinations across sunny southern Europe, though it’s not a centralised schedule of events, according to AFAR. Below is a list of cities and regions where they’ll almost definitely be taking place, according to both Catalan News and a spokesperson from Majorca-based activist group Menys Turisme, Més Vida: Spain Barcelona Majorca Bilbao Donostia-San Sebastián Ibiza Valencia Palma Menorca Seville Granada Cantabria Tenerife Málaga Italy Venice Naples Pal
El tren nocturno que conectará 100 ciudades europeas se estrenará en el 2027

El tren nocturno que conectará 100 ciudades europeas se estrenará en el 2027

Europa es un continente maravilloso para descubrir en tren. Además de ser una opción mucho más sostenible —y muchas veces más económica— que el avión, también suele ser más cómoda. En los últimos años, varias compañías han puesto en marcha nuevos trenes de alta velocidad que conectan diferentes ciudades europeas, y ahora una start-up berlinesa acaba de anunciar uno nuevo que no se quedará atrás. Si alguna vez te has sentido tentado por la idea de un tren nocturno, pero te ha dado un poco de pereza compartir habitación con un desconocido, esta es la solución. La start-up berlinesa de trenes nocturnos Nox acaba de anunciar sus planes para construir una extensa red de servicios nocturnos por toda Europa, que ofrecerán exclusivamente cabinas privadas de una o dos plazas. El objetivo de Nox, según Smalla, es hacer que los trenes nocturnos sean “una parte esencial del viaje europeo”, ofreciendo una alternativa viable a los vuelos de corta distancia y convirtiéndose en la opción preferida para los viajes de empresa. Diseñadas para ser mucho más cómodas que las tradicionales literas, las cabinas de Nox contarán con butacas, mesas, espacio de almacenamiento, camas de dos metros y, en algunos casos, ventanas panorámicas. Podrás reservar cabinas individuales o dobles, que ahora mismo se prevé que tengan un precio de 79 y 149 euros respectivamente. Según RailTech, se espera una ronda de financiación este otoño y la start-up ya está finalizando la aprobación de los diseños de las cabinas.
El tren nocturn que connectarà 100 ciutats europees s’estrenarà el 2027

El tren nocturn que connectarà 100 ciutats europees s’estrenarà el 2027

  Europa és un continent meravellós per descobrir en tren. A més de ser una opció molt més sostenible —i molts cops més econòmica— que l'avió, també acostuma a ser més còmoda. En els darrers anys, diverses companyies han posat en funcionament nous trens d'alta velocitat que connecten diferents ciutats europees, i ara una start-up berlinesa acaba d'anunciar-ne un de nou que no s'estarà de res. Si mai t’has vist temptat per la idea d’un tren nocturn, però t’ha fet una mica de mandra compartir habitació amb un desconegut, aquesta és la solució. La start-up berlinesa de trens nocturns Nox acaba d’anunciar els seus plans per construir una extensa xarxa de serveis nocturns per tot Europa, que oferiran exclusivament cabines privades d’una o dues places. L’objectiu de Nox, segons Smalla, és fer que els trens nocturns siguin “una part essencial del viatge europeu”, oferint una alternativa viable als vols de curta distància i convertint-se en l’opció preferida per als viatges d’empresa. Dissenyades per ser molt més còmodes que les tradicionals lliteres, les cabines de Nox comptaran amb butaques, taules, espai d’emmagatzematge, llits de dos metres i, en alguns casos, finestres panoràmiques. Pots reservar cabines individuals o dobles, que ara mateix està previst que tinguin un preu de 79 i 149 euros respectivament. Segons RailTech, s’espera una ronda de finançament aquesta tardor i la start-up ja finalitza l’aprovació dels dissenys de les cabines. Aquí teniu algunes imatges per fer-te ci
Un tout nouveau train de nuit relie six pays européens cet été

Un tout nouveau train de nuit relie six pays européens cet été

On a parfois l’impression qu’une nouvelle ligne de train voit le jour chaque semaine en Europe – et on ne va pas s’en plaindre. Ces nouveautés sont la réponse directe à une demande de plus en plus forte pour des trajets plus durables, pratiques et agréables. Dernier en date ? Un train de nuit reliant la Pologne à la Croatie.  Ce service est proposé par PKP Intercity, la compagnie ferroviaire nationale polonaise. Il reliera Varsovie, la capitale polonaise, à Rijeka, station balnéaire croate ensoleillée sur les rives de l’Adriatique. Sur son chemin, le train traversera la Tchéquie, l’Autriche, la Slovénie et la Hongrie, parcourant un total de 1 200 km.  Les trains en direction du sud partiront de Varsovie à 14h. Ils passeront par la Tchéquie et arriveront à Vienne vers 22h, où certaines voitures seront détachées pour continuer leur route vers la Croatie. Vers minuit, en Slovénie, le train fusionnera avec le service de nuit Istria en provenance de Budapest. Le convoi fera ensuite un arrêt à Ljubljana au petit matin, avant d’arriver à Rijeka aux alentours de 9h.  Des billets à partir de 47€ D’après eTravel, les billets débutent à seulement 200 PLN (environ 47 €). Le train pourra accueillir jusqu’à 172 passagers, et circulera vers le sud les mardis, jeudis, vendredis et samedis, puis vers le nord les lundis, mercredis, vendredis et dimanches.  À bord, les passagers auront le choix entre des voitures avec couchettes de nuit ou des compartiments de deuxième classe classiques. Le tra
Lindas e tranquilas, estas cinco ilhas europeias conseguiram evitar o excesso de turismo

Lindas e tranquilas, estas cinco ilhas europeias conseguiram evitar o excesso de turismo

Muitas ilhas europeias, sejam elas famosos locais de festa espanhóis ou encantadoras ilhotas italianas, tendem a ficar bastante lotadas durante a época alta – mas há algumas em todo o continente que conseguiram evitar a superlotação.  A plataforma de reservas de férias BookRetreats analisou dados da Comissão Europeia sobre pernoitas em alojamentos turísticos por quilómetro quadrado e elaborou uma lista das ilhas menos lotadas da Europa. Incluída nessa lista está Svalbard, na Noruega, que tem uma densidade turística de apenas 2,4 por quilómetro quadrado, tornando-a de longe a ilha europeia mais tranquila. Recentemente, demos conta de que o país acaba de implementar um novo imposto turístico, e o relatório cita as regulamentações rigorosas da Noruega como uma das razões pelas quais Svalbard é tão intocada: dois terços do arquipélago são protegidos por reservas naturais e parques nacionais. Apesar de ser a quinta maior ilha da Grécia e ter aproximadamente o mesmo tamanho de Lanzarote, Chios tem uma densidade turística de apenas 353,81 por quilómetro quadrado e cerca de 21 mil dormidas a menos do que a sua homóloga das Ilhas Canárias. Porquê? Bem, a sua economia não depende do turismo como muitas outras ilhas da Grécia, mas sim da indústria local, como o comércio exclusivo de mastique (uma resina natural), e quando os viajantes visitam a ilha, é para ficar em pousadas e pequenas aldeias, em vez de mega-resorts. As cinco ilhas europeias que evitaram o excesso de turismo Svalbard,
Este deslumbrante país da América Central é o melhor do mundo para reformados

Este deslumbrante país da América Central é o melhor do mundo para reformados

Em média, passamos cerca de um terço das nossas vidas a trabalhar, por isso, quando chega a hora de relaxar e aproveitar os anos dourados, queremos ter a certeza de que estamos a fazê-lo no sítio certo. Felizmente, o Índice Global de Reforma da International Living, uma ferramenta que utiliza experiências em primeira mão e “conhecimento do mundo real” de reformados reais, publicou uma lista dos melhores lugares do mundo para aproveitar a reforma. No topo da lista está o Panamá, que o colaborador Jess Ramesch descreve como um “país seguro, estável e rico”. Outros factores apontados foram o baixo custo de vida (para despesas como seguro automóvel e pequenos procedimentos médicos), as condições flexíveis de visto e o clima temperado. “Aqui, vivo um estilo de vida californiano, só que melhor. Estou à beira-mar, a apenas três horas de voo de Miami, e não preciso de me preocupar com furacões (ou pagar um seguro caro contra furacões)”, escreve Ramesch. “Estou ao sol quase todos os dias. Não me preocupo com impostos pesados sobre a propriedade ou com a possibilidade de ver as minhas poupanças desaparecerem por causa de uma ida às urgências. E fiz amigos maravilhosos – expatriados e panamenhos – que se tornaram como família.” Em segundo lugar está Portugal e em terceiro lugar está a Costa Rica, com o México e França a completarem os cinco primeiros lugares. Estes são os 10 melhores lugares do mundo para aproveitar a reforma Panamá Portugal Costa Rica México França Espanha Malásia Gré
Italy has been named the ‘ultimate’ solo adventure destination for 2025 – here’s the full list

Italy has been named the ‘ultimate’ solo adventure destination for 2025 – here’s the full list

Okay, so we have a pretty good idea about where to go for solo travel if you’re keen to explore new cities and immerse yourself in new cultures, but what if you’re after a proper, exhilarating, adrenaline-inducing adventure?  Much Better Adventures has called on its own customer reviews as well as a safety score, a biodiversity index and affordability, as well as flight time and ease of entry from the UK, to compile a list of the world’s ‘ultimate’ solo travel destinations.  Seven of the top 10 from this ranking are located in Europe, but the first of these, beating out all the competition, was Italy. Why? Well, Much Better Adventures writes that its ‘enthralling culture, impeccable cuisine, and diverse adventures land it top spot as the best destination for solo adventure travel in 2025’.  There is plenty to explore after all. Rome is a mere two hours from the Abruzzo mountains, and Venice is a couple of hours away from the Dolomites. However, across Italy you’ll find lovely villages, pretty beaches and scenic islands all ripe for exploration.  Recommended: The 25 best new things to do in the world in 2025.  ‘Solo travel in Italy is never lonely,’ Marta Marinelli, adventure creator at Much Better Adventures, said: ‘There are affordable trains and well-connected towns, so getting from one region to the next is usually pretty easy, and often ends up being spontaneous. Locals, especially in small towns or popular stops, tend to be curious and welcoming, and it’s often easier th
The greatest outdoor travel destinations have been named in a new ranking

The greatest outdoor travel destinations have been named in a new ranking

We love the city at Time Out, but that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate some off-the-beaten track adventure. And now, a brand-new ranking has shed some light on the greatest outdoor travel destinations the world has to offer. KÜHL has unveiled its Global Outdoor Destination Index, which has analysed 183 countries on 12 different metrics under the umbrella of adventure opportunities, landscape richness, nature preservation and comfort and peace. Claiming the crown as the world’s best outdoor travel destination is (drum roll, please) Australia! Recommended: This underrated country has been named the world’s best adventure destination for 2025.  We know, shocker. Australia performed well in all outdoor categories, ranking first for nature preservation. There are 12 UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, after all. Oh, and that’s on top of the fact that around 25 percent of its land and 45 percent of its marine territory is protected.  In second place was the USA, thanks to its sheer scale and the diversity of landscapes it encompasses, from bayous to glacial valleys, and in third place it was New Zealand, with Canada and France rounding out the top 5.  These are the world’s greatest outdoor travel destinations Australia USA New Zealand Canada France Mexico China Bhutan Malta Brazil Did you see that these five quiet, beautiful European islands have avoided overtourism? Plus: The otherworldly destination named Europe’s best place for a road trip.  Stay in the loop: sign up to our
Aquest país centreamericà ha estat nomenat el millor lloc del món per jubilar-se (i el segon no el tenim gaire lluny)

Aquest país centreamericà ha estat nomenat el millor lloc del món per jubilar-se (i el segon no el tenim gaire lluny)

De mitjana, passem aproximadament un terç de la nostra vida treballant, així que quan arriba el moment de relaxar-se i gaudir d’aquests anys daurats, és important assegurar-se de fer-ho al lloc adequat. Afortunadament, l’Índex Global de Jubilació d’International Living, una eina que utilitza experiències de primera mà i informació real proporcionada per jubilats autèntics, ha publicat una llista amb els millors llocs del món per retirar-se. Al capdavant de la llista hi ha Panamà, que la col·laboradora Jess Ramesch descriu com un “país segur, estable i pròsper”. Es van destacar factors com el baix cost de vida (per a despeses com l’assegurança del cotxe i procediments mèdics menors), les condicions de visat flexibles i el seu clima temperat. “Aquí visc un estil de vida californià, només que millor. Estic a tocar de l’oceà, a només tres hores de vol de Miami, i no m’he de preocupar pels huracans (ni pagar assegurances costoses contra huracans)”, escriu Ramesch. “Surto al sol gairebé cada dia. No em preocupen els alts impostos sobre la propietat ni que els meus estalvis desapareguin per una visita a urgències. I he fet amistats meravelloses –tant expatriats com panamenys– que s’han convertit en la meva família”. En segon lloc hi ha Portugal, i en tercer lloc Costa Rica, amb Mèxic i França completant els cinc primers llocs. Espanya se situa en sisena posició del rànquing. Aquests són els 10 millors llocs del món per jubilar-se: Panamà Portugal Costa Rica Mèxic França
Este país centroamericano ha sido nombrado el mejor lugar del mundo para jubilarse (y el segundo lo tenemos al lado)

Este país centroamericano ha sido nombrado el mejor lugar del mundo para jubilarse (y el segundo lo tenemos al lado)

De media, pasamos alrededor de un tercio de nuestra vida trabajando, así que cuando llega el momento de relajarse y disfrutar de esos años dorados, es importante asegurarse de hacerlo en el lugar adecuado. Afortunadamente, el Índice Global de Jubilación de International Living, una herramienta que utiliza experiencias de primera mano e “información del mundo real” de jubilados auténticos, ha publicado una lista con los mejores lugares del mundo para retirarse. Encabezando la lista está Panamá, que la colaboradora Jess Ramesch describe como un “país seguro, estable y próspero”. Se destacaron factores como el bajo coste de vida (para gastos como el seguro del coche y procedimientos médicos menores), las condiciones de visado flexibles y su clima templado. “Aquí vivo un estilo de vida californiano, solo que mejor. Estoy junto al océano, a solo tres horas de vuelo de Miami, y no tengo que preocuparme por huracanes (ni pagar costosos seguros contra huracanes)”, escribe Ramesch. “Salgo al sol casi todos los días. No me preocupan los altos impuestos a la propiedad ni que mis ahorros se esfumen por una visita a urgencias. Y he hecho amistades maravillosas –tanto expatriados como panameños– que se han convertido en mi familia”. En segundo lugar está Portugal, y en tercer lugar Costa Rica, con México y Francia completando los cinco primeros puestos. España se sitúa en el sexto lugar del ranquin. Fotografia: MuffinPraia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa Estos son los 10 mejores lugares del mundo pa
À seulement 3h de Paris, cet archipel méditerranéen a été élu pays le plus LGBTQ+ friendly d’Europe

À seulement 3h de Paris, cet archipel méditerranéen a été élu pays le plus LGBTQ+ friendly d’Europe

Quel est le pays le plus LGBTQ+ friendly d’Europe ?  Pas de médaille pour les pays qui se contentent d’agiter des drapeaux arc-en-ciel une fois l’an. Pour être vraiment LGBTQ+ friendly, il faut du concret : des lois anti-discrimination qui tiennent debout, une reconnaissance juridique du genre qui ne tourne pas au parcours du combattant, et un minimum de sécurité pour que chacun puisse vivre sans avoir peur. C’est exactement ce que scrute la Rainbow Map, publiée chaque année depuis 17 ans par l’ONG ILGA-Europe. Dans cette cartographie pas franchement touristique, 49 pays européens sont passés au crible de leurs politiques publiques et de leurs cadres juridiques en matière de droits LGBTQ+. Avec une note finale sur 100 %, histoire de voir qui avance et qui fait du surplace. Malte, pays le plus LGBTQ+ friendly   Photo de Magdalena Smolnicka sur Unsplash Dix ans que ça dure : Malte reste cramponnée à la première place, avec un score de 88,83 %. L’archipel coche toutes les cases les plus coriaces – des lois béton contre les discours haineux, une reconnaissance du genre limpide, et un vrai espace pour les associations. Bonus track : le pays grappille encore un point par rapport à 2024 (+0,99 %), histoire de rappeler qu’on peut briller sans se reposer sur ses lauriers. Juste derrière, la Belgique chippe la médaille d’argent à l’Islande, reléguée en troisième position. Et dans les contrées habituellement plus frileuses, bonne surprise : la Pologne, longtemps lanterne rouge de l