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New Restaurant Openings and News – October 2023
A Michelin starred chef opens 3 restaurants at the new Raffles London, Claude Bosi opens a rooftop restaurant at the new Peninsula London, Harrods Dining Hall welcomes new chefs and … Read More
New Restaurant Openings and News – September 2023
Forza Wine Peckham’s rooftop wine bar Forza Wine will open at the National Theatre on September 7, bringing natural wines and Italian snacks to an iconic London landmark. The space … Read More
New Restaurant Openings and News – July 2023
A new restaurant at Claridge’s, Michelin starred Yannick Alleno opens at the Four Seasons Park Lane, Tom Sellars opens at the new 1 Hotel Mayfair and Tomos Parry comes to … Read More
69 Of The Best Outdoor Restaurants in London
We have updated our guide to the best outdoor restaurants in London – read on for a selection of our favourite alfresco dining spots. London’s Best Outdoor Restaurants From street-side … Read More

Welcome to The Journal,
A place to note our travels, share our findings, hot new tips and the most recent must-see, do, go-to places to have caught our imagination; the very best of London and further afield. Welcome to the world of Bon Vivant.

Chiltern Firehouse courtyard terrace

'Best of' Guides

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69 Of The Best Outdoor Restaurants in London

We have updated our guide to the best outdoor restaurants in London – read on for a selection of our favourite alfresco dining spots. London’s Best Outdoor Restaurants From street-side … Read More

Bob Bob Ricard's gorgeous private dining room

'Best of' Guides

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The Most Romantic Restaurants in London

Read our guide to the most romantic restaurants in London… Bob Bob Ricard, Soho Whether it’s the intimate booths, the ‘Press for Champagne’ button, the gorgeous design or the food, … Read More

Hawksmoor Sunday Roast

'Best of' Guides

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16 of the Best Sunday Roasts in London

A Sunday roast is a classic British tradition, where everyone has an opinion on how to make the perfect dish. Here is a list of some of the best Sunday … Read More

Radio Rooftop Bar at the ME London

'Best of' Guides

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27 Of The Best Rooftop Bars in London

Here are our tips on the best rooftop bars in London, so that you’re ready when the sun finally does shine through. You may also want to check out our … Read More

Also on The Journal

The Twenty Two Hotel

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The Best New Hotels Opening in 2022

The world’s best hotel brands are expanding even further over the next year with some stunning new hotels to experience. Here’s a sample of the new luxury and boutique hotels … Read More

Masseria Trapana in Puglia, Italy

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Masseria Trapana Hotel Review – Puglia, Italy

I can’t imagine anyone arriving at Masseria Trapana and not falling in love instantly. The traditional Puglian masseria (a fortified farmhouse), which dates back to the 16th Century, was fully … Read More

Six Senses Douro Valley

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Six Senses Douro Valley

From the quaint meandering pathways that lead you to its doors, to the truly breathtaking views as you enter the hotel to the stylish, sexy rooms and the lovely pool, … Read More

The stunning grounds at Finca Cortesin

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Finca Cortesin – A Stunning Hotel in Southern Spain

There are some hotels that you know you’re going to love even before stepping foot inside. One such place for me is Finca Cortesin in Casares in Southern Spain, about … Read More

heckfield place hotel

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Luxury Hotels Near London – The Perfect Weekend Escape

From gorgeous hotels in Hampshire to a traditional country house hotel in Wiltshire, here’s a selection of our favourite hotels within easy reach of London. Heckfield Place Set on a … Read More

a bedroom in one of the beachfront villas at Silversands

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Silversands Grenada

Over the next few weeks I will be posting hotel reviews and travel guides for some of my favourite and recently visited hotels and destinations. As we endure the most … Read More

The bedrooms at Paramount House Hotel in Sydney

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The Best Hotels in Sydney

Paramount House Hotel One of my favourite hotel discoveries in Sydney was Paramount House Hotel. Located in Surry Hills with its wealth of restaurants and bars, the hotel occupies the … Read More

East River Camp at Matetsi

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Matesti Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Matesti Victoria Falls is split into two intimate camps each with nine river-facing suites, which mirror each other on either side of the spa area with a large central pool, … Read More

Singita, Lebombo, Singita, Kruger National Park, South Africa

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Singita Lebombo Lodge, Kruger National Park

Located on the southeastern part of the Kruger National Park on South Africa’s border with Mozambique, Singita Lebombo is built into the cliffs suspended above the banks of the N’wanetsi … Read More

The lobby entrance at The Saxon Hotel

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The Saxon Hotel, South Africa

Earlier this year I visited South Africa and Zimbabwe – an incredible experience. Over the next few days I will post about the hotels I visited – Singita Lebombo, Matetsi … Read More

food by Skye Gyngell at Heckfield Place

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Heckfield Place

I first heard about the plans for Heckfield Place over 6 years when it was initially due to open. Several years of delays later, put down to the desire to … Read More

Grand reflecting pond entrance at Amanyara in the Turks and Caicos

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Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

After a 10 minute drive along a bumpy, unpaved road you reach the grand, ceremonious entrance at Amanyara with its stunning courtyard and reflecting pool. It’s only 30 minutes from … Read More