I’ve heard some great things about the Ivy Soho Brasserie recently, so I thought it was about time I gave it a try! The Ivy is a collection of ‘all day casual dining’ restaurants and cafes scattered thought out London’s popular West End district and across the UK. The chain has been successfully satisfying its customers for one hundred years.

Since the millennium, Dubai has become one of the most luxurious holiday destinations for westerners. The contemporary architecture, gorgeous beaches, deluxe retail and energetic nightlife (and not forgetting the beautiful sunshine), attracts millions of people craving to escape the routine and dreary weather that plagues regular life.

Since we are all currently battling the winter blues, I thought it would be the perfect time to start talking about planning a trip to the blistering hot desert. From the luxurious and premium, to the most authentic we’ve chosen three of Dubai’s most highly rated hotels to give you some inspiration on where to stay during your next, or first trip to Dubai!

‘Fera at Claridge’s’ is a stunning restaurant located in the heart of London’s luxurious shopping district. The dining spot boasts an elegant and sophisticated contemporary ‘art deco’ interior design, and a magnificently grand exterior, which is decorated by a variety of world flags and spot lights. It’s safe to say that when we arrived at Fera, the classy entrance blew us away and as a result, our expectations for the food and service were set pretty high.

Well, if the name hasn’t already given you a clue as to where we visited and what we ate this week, then let me help you out. On Tuesday night we dined out at ‘Fancy Crab’, a Seafood restaurant, which offers every edible inch of a red king crab in a variety of dishes. Located in the center of London’s shopping district, and just a 5-minute walk away from Bond Street tube station, or a 15-minute stroll from Oxford Circus station, Fancy Crab is the perfect dining spot for hungry shoppers and seafood addicts alike.

The relatively new establishment opened earlier this year in May, and has had plenty of competition to contend with. Focusing on one main dish or food to promote a restaurant’s concept has become a popular marketing tactic amongst London restaurants lately. Favourites amongst Londoners include Flat Iron (steak) and Burger & Lobster (you most probably can guess what the main menu consists of), and it seems to be incredibly successful!

As one of the world’s most vibrant cities, London is a thriving and competitive hub for up-and-coming restaurants and bars. If you have a particular menu or atmosphere in mind, you’ll most certainly find a restaurant to suit your taste and personality in the city that is home to both Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Last weekend Time Journal decided to dine out at one of the West End’s more swanky restaurants, and have whipped up a quick verdict of our own to help you when choosing where to wine and dine in London this winter. We didn’t quite know what we were expecting, having read some of the reviews online, however we were pleasantly surprised. Time Journal is frequently on the move visiting some of the world’s finest cities like Morocco, Dubai, Miami and New York. So, it’s safe to say we have tried and tested our fair share of global cuisines, each one boasting an array of spices and seasoning that make your tastebuds dance!