We’re getting toasty in underground champagne bars, snug travel shoes and movie nights.
Add to this, a spicy new offshoot to this Soho dining favourite and luxury apartment living in Paris for a festive getaway, throw on that cashmere and get booking. This is what we’re loving in this week’s Citizen Femme hotlist.
DRINK CHAMPAGNE HERE The Champagne Bar at 116 Pall Mall by Searcys
Ready to discover a very special hidden champagne spot? The Champagne Bar is found behind the grand façade of the Grade I-listed 116 Pall Mall. You may recognise it from films like The Dark Knight and Gandhi where it served as a movie set. Now this underground bar has been transformed by Searcys into one of the London’s most striking champagne bars with exposed brickwork, plush velvet seating, and an impressive wood-topped bar. Originally serving as the wine cellars for the Prince of Wales and the United Service Club, The Champagne Bar serves up some of the most exceptional fizz, alongside inventive cocktails, British bar bites, and a lineup of contemporary live music performances.
WEAR THESE TO TRAVEL Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks were not always the shoe of choice, in fact, at one point they were frowned upon designated for the ‘tree-huggers’ among us. The comfort and quality of the shoes is now as paramount as the rise in their popularity, turning them into the travel shoe of choice for so many. The easy slip-on-slip-off ease of the Boston is ideal for getting through security, as well as slipping off mid flight. It is technically a slipper, so what else could be better for when you’re walking around all day or all night across an airport. The downside of a slipper? Not ideal for running if you’re late to catch a flight. So as long as you’re on schedule, embrace the bohemian in you and invest in a Birkenstock for your upcoming travels.
WATCH THIS 'Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration'
Journey to the Teatro del Silenzio (Theatre of Silence) in Lajatico, a breathtaking natural amphitheatre in Tuscany, as Andrea Bocelli returns to his hometown to mark his 30th anniversary with a three-day concert event attended by more than 30,000 guests from around the world. The homecoming not only honours Bocelli’s illustrious career, but it holds profound significance for him – Teatro del Silenzio is the very place where his love of music first began and where he holds annual concerts paying homage to his Italian roots. Captured on film, this once-in-a-lifetime concert showcases Bocelli’s beloved and genre-spanning repertoire, including a brand new rendition of Perfect Symphony, one of his most-watched duets with Ed Sheeran. The film also features captivating duets with Shania Twain, Jon Batiste, Brian May, Sofia Vergara, David Foster & Katharine McPhee, Matteo Bocelli, Sofia Carson, Lauren Daigle, Eros Ramazzotti, and more. With extraordinary staging, production and visuals, set against a landscape of unparalleled beauty amongst the Tuscan hills, Andrea Bocelli’s sensational career comes to life in a truly unforgettable experience.
EAT HERE Kolamba East
Five years after opening in Soho, authentic Sri Lankan restaurant Kolamba has debuted a second outpost, this time tucked down a quiet street in Spitalfields. Founders Eroshan and Aushi Meewella have drawn inspiration from their hometown of Colombo, with a menu that takes the family dishes they ate as children and gives them a modern twist. The treasure trove of recipes from Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, Burgher and Malay cooking reflects the rich culinary diversity of Sri Lanka’s capital, all bursting with bold and unique flavours. Highlights include a large feasting pot of Moor King Prawn String Hopper Biriyani made with alternating layers of steamed noodles and prawn curry, and a Jaffna Lamb Shank, served in a spicy tamarind sauce. Vegetarians will love options like Dhal with Spinach and Broccoli Mallung, a refreshing mix of diced broccoli, onion and grated coconut in a zesty lime dressing. There’s also a central bar that showcases Sri Lankan spirits and ingredients in a selection of delicious cocktails – don’t miss the Curry Leaf Gimlet. Overall, an unforgettable dining experience that brings a slice of Sri Lanka to the heart of East London. – Lucy Halfhead.
STAY HERE Highstay, Paris
With ski resorts across Europe facing an uncertain snow season, you could add on a trip to Paris to make sure you guarantee some magic. And where better than Paris! Stay with HIGHSTAY – a collection of around 100 luxury travel apartments in Paris (and 48 more coming) known for offering a five-star hotel experience coupled with the privacy of a personal apartment. Located in Paris’ most iconic holiday neighbourhoods, including Champs-Elysées, Saint-Honoré, the Louvre, Marais, and Opéra, enjoy the magic of the season using their Guest Experience Managers who can organise adventures from a Private Cruise along the Seine to a Guerlain Perfume Masterclass Exclusive Guided Tour at Galerie Dior, and a Helicopter Tour of Paris and Versailles.
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