The jewellery collection at Winterson includes classic pearl necklaces, long rope sautoirs that can be worn as one long strand or layered, earrings, bracelets and pendants. Their designs offer a touch of vintage glamour to your wardrobe, but can look equally at home with a pair of jeans and an old jumper.

This family-owned business has been grading and selecting quality pearls for 50 years. Pearl jewellery from Winterson are heirlooms that can be handed down to the next generation in your family. Now that is true luxury.

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Ladurée started in Paris as a bakery in the Rue Royale in 1862. After the bakery was burnt down during the Paris Commune in 1871, the shop was rebuilt with interior’s painted by Jules Chéret. His cherubic angels dressed as pastry chefs adorned the new store’s ceiling and soon became part of the store’s identity. During the 1930′s Louis-Ernest Ladurée’s second cousin, Pierre Desfontaines, created the first double-decker macaron. This creation, two macaron shells joined with ganache filling, brought world renown to the family business. There are now stores dotted all over the world including Italy, Japan, Monaco and Turkey.

Every season Ladurée come up with new flavours for their delicious macaron. Just this month we spotted a special selection designed to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert to the South African Charlene Wittstock. The boxed collection features a mix of guava and raspberry jam flavoured macaron.

We’ve featured PAUL bakeries in our site already and it’s interesting to note that Ladurée is also owned by the Holder family.

You can spend hours trawling the web looking for these little gems or you can make use of a marketing consortium called Pride of Britain Hotels.  This unique group of 50 luxury hotels scattered around the United Kingdom have clubbed together to share resources and marketing.  Membership is policed by fellow members and new properties are added following an anonymous inspection and a vote.

For example, take Maison Talbooth in Essex which was chosen the Pride of Britain Hotel of the Year for 2010.  This Victorian country house hotel set in the Stour Valley was recently refurbished and now offers 12 bedrooms overlooking the Dedham Vale.  The facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, stoop deck with log-burning fire and a tennis court.  The Maison’s day spa offers a wide variety of treatments to sooth body and soul.  Talbooth has been run by the Milsom family since 1952 and has always enjoyed a fine reputation for excellent food and service.

Maison Talbooth is just one property in the impressive list of luxury hotels on the Pride of Britain Hotels covering Scotland, England, Wales and Jersey.

Follow Pride of Britain Hotels on Twitter.

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This legendary London hotel celebrated it’s centenary with a £70 Million restoration and re-opened secure in it’s reputation as one of the worlds most coveted and luxurious destinations.

The hotel’s public areas are elegant with clean tailored lines, the emphasis on modern, comfortable spaces with custom designed furniture and fabrics.

Rooms
The design of the quest rooms and suites was undertaken by Guy Oliver, the Mayfair-based Interior Designer. Oliver has retained, preserved and enhanced the original features of the building, creating an authentic english environment balanced with contemporary design. The resulting rooms are plush and comfortable. Attention to detail is evident, from the solid mahogany doors, to the immaculately made beds. Each room or suite beckons, enticing with the promise of 21st century luxury in grand and sumptuous surroundings.

The Connaught even boasts it’s own 21st century Butler service ensuring that all guests are offered uncompromising service throughout the hotel.

Dining
The Connaught is home to one of France’s most distinguished chefs – Hélène Darroze. The restaurant received it’s first Michelin star within 6 months of opening and promises dining of the finest order. Darroze oversees all culinary aspects of the hotel including the informal Espelette.

The Connaught Bar, entered through Mount Street is a stylish and trendy space, perfect for cocktails.

The Coburg is a tradional London Bar which retains the spirit of the old Connaught, but has been given a modern spin by renowned Parisian designer India Mahdavi. In it’s new livery, The Coburg is an intimate venue set between 2 elegant fireplaces. Mahdavi’s signature furniture pieces are complemented by contemporary artwork.

Location
Carlos Place
Mayfair
London. W1K 2AL
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)20 7499 7070

Now owned by Orient-Express Hotels,”The Nellie” as it is affectionately known by Capetonians takes pride in a sense of provenance and elegance. Renowned for setting exceptional service standards and cutting edge facilities The Mount Nelson provides guests with a venue, perfectly positioned, from which to experience the city’s vibrant cultural centre, the bustling V&A Waterfront, the beautiful Winelands and some of the best beaches in the world.

Rooms:
The Mount Nelson has 201 Rooms and Suites housed within 6 individual accommodation wings – each with a unique character, private gardens and the latest in 21st century conveniences. There are 2 purpose built Luxury Rooms to meet the needs of physically disabled guests as well as Junior Suites for guests requiring more spacious accommodation.

Facilities:
The Mount Nelson is home to The Librisa Spa, one of Cape Town’s leading Day Spas. Facilities include Sauna and Steam Baths, sensations showers and heated marble slabs. There are 8 treatment rooms and a conservatory for guests to relax in the sunshine and indulge in heatlhy snacks.

Dining:
The Cape Colony Restaurant serves both classic and contemporary dishes in an elegantly vaulted space. The decor is opulent, the service, impeccable. The extensive wine list was recently awarded the Diners Club Award of Excellence.

The Oasis Restaurant, situated on the poolside terrace overlooking the hotels beautiful gardens provides an informal setting for breakfast and alfresco lunches.

Afternoon Tea at the Mount Nelson is a legendary experience, with those in the know describing it as the best in the world.

Hitting the motoring headlines are the use of LED lights – they are used for high and low beam settings, as well as daytime running indicators snaking across the bottom of the main headlights.  The LED’s don’t stop there, they are used liberally on the inside lighting the footwells and engine compartment.  Well, you need to be seen, don’t you?

The 5.2 litre V10, sourced from Lamborghini, will propel you from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.  The V10′s third gear hits its optimal power at 8000rpm, but you don’t need to shift for fourth until 8700rpm, giving the R8 V10 one of the broadest powerbands available.  This 518bhp of power raises the bar on the R8 speed from 187 to 196mph.  Reviewers are describing the drive as punchy, unthreatening, relentless, supple and civilised.  All great adjectives to describe a supercar that gives you bags of power on tap, but never leaves you feeling out of control.

So, what provides the confidence when opening up the throttle? The Magnetic Ride system automatically adjusts the suspension settings for the road conditions, the Quattro four-wheel drive adds to the all-weather capability ensuring maximum grip on terra firma at all times. These systems provide accurate feedback and instant gratification, enhancing the feeling of being in charge.

The R8′s interior is comfortable and elegantly finished off.  There is complete seat adjustments and good side support.  The cabin is spacious and its not a task getting in and out.  Luggage space? A reasonable amount behind the seats and a large boot under the bonnet.  Extras?  You can blow £1,565 on Nappa leather seats or £6,995 on the ceramic brakes.  The optional extras make for scary reading.

All told, this supercar perfectly reflects Audi’s heritage.  A drive with amazing performance, but with the comfort and safety to make it a pleasurable experience.

The DAKS story goes back to 1894 when Simeon Simpson began his bespoke tailoring business in Middlesex Street, London.  Simpson was interested in developing new manufacturing techniques and passed this enthusiasm onto his son Alec.  In 1934 Alec introduced the “self supporting” waistband, along with a good quality ready-to-wear range dubbed DAKS (a combination of “Dad” and “Slacks”).  The first retail outlet, Simpsons of Piccadilly, was opened in 1936 earning the firm three royal warrants.

The modern revival of the DAKS menswear range is largely down to Bruce Montgomery, who learnt his trade in Milan working with Franco Moschino.  Montgomery joined DAKS in 1996 with the firm still known for its department store, self-supporting trousers, sports jackets and house check introduced in ’76.  The brand needed a facelift and was forced into action with the rise of Cool Britannia.  The Simpson store was closed in 1999 and all focus was shifted to the clothing lines.

Montgomery welcomed the change and revelled in the opportunity to contribute to the new British design movement.  His approach, while modern, has continued to retain the emphasis on good tailoring and attention to detail.  Whether it’s his careful sourcing of cloth from UK mills or ensuring a pair of trousers include a shirt grip. Montgomery is looking to create clothes that are timeless, pieces that will last for years and retain their contemporary feel.

With a flagship store in London’s Old Bond Street, DAKS has positioned itself as one of the UK’s quintessential British luxury labels.  DAKS is exported to 30 countries and sold in over 2,000 speciality shops and stores.  The brand enjoys a strong reputation in the Far East, having been sold in Japan for over 30 years and the number one non-domestic brand in Korea.

Grant Thatcher began the first guide in Bangkok, quickly moving onto Hong Kong where he still lives today.  Thatcher’s background as an actor and his distinctive take on what makes a fabulous destination shines through on every page. Both of these early guides were wildly successful (even with the residents!) and a few years on the LUXE team has grown and the number of cities has steadily increased.

The LUXE City Guides use space wisely, photographs and wordy flourishes are dropped in favour of clear concise descriptions and opinions.  In the fast-changing world of fashion, food and entertainment a city guide quickly goes out of date.  LUXE City Guides are updated every year and updates can be found on the www.luxecityguides.com website.  At £4.99 a time, there is no excuse to have the latest edition with you on the next trip to Madrid.

The Family run company was officially established in the 1930′s and to this day remain England’s only manufacturer of handmade solid silver writing instruments.

The range is handcrafted in Yard-O-Led’s Birmingham workshop and is still influenced by original designs of the 19th and 20th centuries. Each instrument is hallmarked using turn of the century techniques, individually numbered and comes complete with a lifetime guarentee.

Yard-O-Led offers a variety of writing instruments, these include Solid Silver Fountain Pens, Ballpens, Rollerball Pens alongside the traditional Propelling Pencil. In addition there is a range of pens and pencils created from a combination of Resin and Silver or Lacquer and Silver.

Newly released instruments include Esprit, a range of solid silver pocket and fountain pens with a diamond shaped Pattern cut into the Coloured laquered barrel and the Sceptre range which comes embellished with a semi-precious gemstone.

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Now, over 300 years later the establishment at 181 Picadilly has undergone a £24million transformation. With it’s new look came a dramatic glass-domed central atrium from the Lower Ground Floor to the Second Floor.

Fortnum and Mason can be credited with not only bringing Heinz Baked Beans to the U.K, but also some of the worlds finest ingredients -  from spices, oils, vinegars, pickles and chutneys to over 200 varieties of rare teas and exotic coffees.

As one of the oldest established retailers in London, Fortnum and Mason prides itself in having invented the Food Hamper. They now offer a range of 38 variations, the most exclusive of which was created to celebrate the stores Tercentenary, costing £20,000.00 and delivered, within London by horse and Carriage.

Fortnum & Mason can – and do – deliver worldwide. Select customers can also have the store closed specifically for them to shop.

The Beatrix Ong collections are a delight, subtly blending traditional shapes and fine materials with bright colours and silk fabrics – resulting in an element of surprise and individuality. These are versatile, elegant but edgy shoes, that fit perfectly.
The Philosophy is all about balance, that comfort should not be attained at the expense of luxury.

Born in London, and educated in England, Hong Kong and New York, Ong’s experience ranges from interning at Harpers Bazaar to designing for Jimmy Choo.

Ong went solo in 2002. The challenge of creating a shoe that was comfortable enough to be worn throughout the day and into the evening spurred her on to push the boundaries of beautiful shoe making.

Today, each pair of Beatrix Ong purchased has been thoughtfully crafted, designed to be perfectly balanced and stable, with comfort always a priority. The shoes are made by Europe’s most reputable manufacturers and hand finished by craftsmen who employ traditional shoe-making methods blended with the industries latest innovations.

Beatrix Ong offers a made to order service, bridal consultations and her shoes can even be personalised with text printed on the sole of the shoes.

A pair of Beatrix Ong shoes will make a timeless place in your wardrobe.

IV BURLINGTON ARCADE
MAYFAIR
LONDON
W1J 0PD
TEL: +44 (0)20 7499 4089

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The recently launched Blueblack and Red provide table couture for those aiming to achieve a more original interior.

Sophie Walker has designed a collection of beautiful table linen, larger than the standard sizes, using extraordinary fabrics and styles. The Ivory linen ranges complete  a formal table setting but there are also options featuring colourful borders, which are perfect for outdoor dining. Occasional tables are catered for too, in sumptuous fabrics and exotic trims.

The collection is completed with matching Table Mats, Napkins and Runners. Blueblack and Red also offer a design and consultancy service in order to meet exact table size requirements.

Blueblack and Red focuses on providing versatile pieces of exceptional quality. All cloth is naturally woven and hand dyed, using top quality raw materials. Each piece comes beautifully packaged in a reusable, fully lined hessian envelope.

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Lagerfeld was born in Hamburg in September 1938 and received fashion acclaim from as young as 17, with a coat that was later produced by his mentor, Balmain.

Known for his eccentricity as well as his unerring style, Lagerfeld has collaborated with the great fashion houses. Patou, Fendi, Chloe and, most notably, Chanel have all benefited from his passion for perfection. Throughout his iconic career Lagerfeld has pushed the boundaries of possibility without compromising a brands integrity.

Apart from Haute Couture, Lagerfeld was the first ready to wear designer to globally brand a scent. He has illustrated a children s book and photographs and creates his own advertising campaigns.

His signature line remains sculptural, provocative and dramatic, almost always in black and white and more directly influenced by street trends.

TLL Team

Launched in April 2008, Elena Garcia is a collaboration between the designer – Elena Garcia, llya Fisher and a network of ethical and socially aware projects and enterprise.

The designs are elegant and sophisticated and incorporate traditional textile techniques in a contemporary manner. The 2008 Autumn/Winter collection features relaxed jackets, flattering wide-leg trousers, delicate camisoles and slip dresses and bustle skirts. The fabrics are ethically sourced, silks are woven from organically grown mulberry trees and silk worms. The wool fibers obtained from British Blue Faced Leicester sheep – reared organically and presticide free. Fabric dyes used are free of harmful compounds.

The collection is hand embellished with intricate, decorative details. The basic colours of indigo and ivory are accented with burnt orange and detailed with felting and cutwork embroidery. This labour intensive method of production ensures that no two garments are identical and if necessary items can be tailor made to an individual size and specifications.

The designer’s ethos is enviable – a respect for the environment, support and recognition for  local manufacturers and craftspeople, and in doing so, the creation of beautiful, sustainable and wearable fashion.

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Christian Dior founded the Fashion House in 1946 and ever since the brand has revolutionised fashion. Dior is credited with introducing a sense of excitement and luxury into how women dressed following the war years. Clothes with soft shoulders, waspy waists and flowing skirts brought back femininity.

Following his untimely death in 1957, Dior was followed by the 21 year old Yves Saint Laurent, who received rave reviews for his designs at Dior until the 1960′s when Marc Bohan took over the reigns. The Dior house has ensured that Christian Dior’s legacy is upheld by appointing artistic directors of exceptional talent and Briton John Galliano is a perfect example of this.

Galliano, a 3 times recipient of the “British Designer of The Year” award, took over as Design Director of Dior in 1996 and has become renowned for creating the most spectacular fashion shows. His designs are fantastical, opulent and often wildly romantic.

The Dior Brand is now owned by the prestigious LVMH group and produces a wide range of luxury products including fragrance, cosmetics and accessories.

TLL Team

Treacy’s millinery masterpieces have graced the heads of some of the world’s most famous and glamorous. Now considered by some to be more art than fashion, Philip Treacy never fails to deliver anything less than sensational.

Born in a small Irish village in 1967, Treacy recalls being inspired as a small boy, by the weddings held in the local church and spent much of his childhood creating clothes for his sister’s dolls.

Treacy studied fashion at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin and later at the Royal College of Art in London.

1989 saw Treacy meet Style Icon Isabella Blow and set up a workshop in the basement of her home in Belgravia. Blow provided him with not only a muse, but a connection with the world of Haute Couture. Treacy has since designed couture hats for Valentino, Versace, Givenchy, Chanel, Ralph Lauren,Donna Karen, Alexander McQueen and Rifat Ozbeck.

Personal clients include The Duchess of Cornwall who commissioned the millinery for her wedding to The Pince of Wales in 2005. Sarah Jessica Parker also wore a fabulous foot high Treacy creation to the London Premier of “Sex and The City” featuring flowers, butterflies and peacock feathers.

Jo Malone began by designing facial treatments tailored specifically for her clients individual skin requirements. Word of mouth about her personal technique spread quickly and before long she had clients vying for appointments and skin care secrets.

A passion and natural talent for designing fragrance and mixing unusual combinations of ingredients completed her reputation and in 1994 the first Jo Malone store was opened at 154 Walton Street in London.

After 5 brisk years in Walton street, a larger flagship store was opened on Sloane Street and Jo Malone™  continues to enhance our lives with their fragrances and skin care preparations. Recent additions include the Nectarine Blossom and Honey range and Verbenas of Provence, both available as Cologne, Bath Oil and Body Lotion.

Now owned by the Estée Lauder group the range is available worldwide and also online.

Blanc Cocoon designs and manufactures an exclusive range of ultra-luxurious pure silk filled duvets, pillows and pure woven wild silk blankets for adults and babies.

The pure silk duvets are entirely made of silk, from the casing to the filling. The results ensure a duvet that will feel cool in summer and cosy and snug when it’s chilly. Pure silk repels dust-mites and is naturally anti-allergenic therefore recommended for asthma sufferers.

The duvet shell is made of untreated pure silk satin, providing a perfect combination of softness,comfort and thickness in accordance with Blanc Cocoon’s belief that indulgence should come hand in hand with respect for nature. With this principle in mind, Blanc Cocoon works with only the finest natural materials ensuring that exacting standards of quality are met.

Blanc Cocoon offers 3 Duvet Weights:
- 550gsm: for well-being even in the coldest months (bedroom temperatures between 15C and 22C).

- 350gsm: the more versatile. It will feel comfortable most of the year (bedroom temperatures between 18C and 24C).

- 225gsm: the extra light duvet for Midsummer Night’s Dreams (bedroom temperatures above 23C).

All are hand finished with delightful mother of pearl buttons to easily attach another duvet, for the perfect “all season” comfort.

Blanc Cocoon also offer a bespoke monogramming service.

Pink sell shirts for men and women, as well as silk ties, cufflinks, cummerbands, braces, socks, scarves and much more.  Men’s shirts are available in formal, slim fit and casual styles.  Women’s shirts come in an elegant classic cut or a more tailored style.  Materials used include twill, royal oxford, poplin and Sea Island Cottons.  There are plain colours, stripes, checks, prints in a wide range of colours and tones.

If the ready to wear range was not enough for you, Pink’s Personally Pink service offers a made-to-order shirt service.  You arrange an appointment with a Pink tailor and a shirt is created to your exact requirements.

Pink was set up in 1984 by three Irish brothers James, Peter and John Mullen.  The stores trademark black and pink branding has expanded far beyond the first store opened in Chelsea, London.  Now part of the luxury LVMH group, Pink shirts have a loyal following in the US with stores spread from Dallas to Detroit, San Francisco to New York.  Besides the US, customers can shop in Paris, Dublin, Bangkok, Shanghai on the Pink website.

- The TLL Team

Hästens craftsmen have been making beds by hand from natural materials for more than 150 years. The Vividus takes this dedication to quality to an even higher level.

Each bed requires 150-160 hours to build, the frame is constructed from the finest quality solid pine, standing proudly on beautifully oiled oak legs. The inside of the frame is lined with flax ensuring that the bed will never creak.

The quilted 100% cotton fabric used to cover the base and mattresses is Hästens’ trademark blue and white check design. Both mattresses consist of a blend of horsehair, cotton and wool all layered by hand to attain perfect function and comfort. The ten-turn pocket spring system (with each spring separated from the other) carries the weight of a body perfectly, allowing you to sink down on to the mattress and be assured of total calm and relaxation.

The all-natural filling materials maintain ventilation, while remaining free of any harmful chemicals.

The finishing touch is a personalised, engraved brass plaque signed by the master craftsman, signifying that the bed was made personally for the customer.

A bed fit for a king -  which is no doubt why since 1952 Hästens has had the honor of being the supplier of beds and mattresses to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

From the moment you enter the extraordinary Atrium, the glazed glass roof of which soars 5 storey’s above, you are guaranteed a personalised approach and a genuine concern for your peace and quiet in this oasis of tranquility and calm. It is this approach to hospitality that has ensured a 5 star rating for this most distinguished of hotels.

Not only was this the venue that Sotheby’s chose for it’s world famous auction of the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, but it is also the home away from home for guests such as Catherine Deneuve, Alain Delon, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Madame Danielle Mitterand and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Rooms:
The Beau-Rivage has 73 rooms and 18 suites all decorated with exquisite taste and modern requirements.

Facilities:
There are 6 elegant function rooms, with the ability to cater for up to 1200 guests.

Dining:
The Beau-Rivage offers a comfortable bar, L’Atrium, Patara Fine Thai Cuisine and an internationally renowned gourmet restaurant, Le Chat Botté with the finest of wines from a cellar of over a hundred years old.

Location:
Quai du Mont-Blanc
13 – CH 1201
Geneva
Switzerland

2008 saw the launch of a range of childrens cutlery and flatware in Stainless Steel with a matte finish. Julius is the name of a young teddy bear who graces these functional items with a whimsical touch.

This cutlery, cup and plate were originally part of the range of MITRA products designed by Gundolf Albertus in 1941. These timeless classics have been given a new lease on life with the addition of the little teddy bear. Julius’s lively personality coming to life, from busily peddling his bicycle to setting off for a football match.

Georg Jensen keeps true to it’s Danish roots, offering unique designs and a high-level of craftsmanship.

The 2008 Collection – Cachache (French for “hide and seek”) features exquisitely embroidered purple passion flowers and humming birds amid green foliage on a white background. Deco Designs has Blue Kenyan butterflies and purple orchids glowing against a deep parchment background.

For the purists there is the Zen Range, an utterly elegant, tranquil look that takes it’s inspiration from Savile Row’s bespoke tailoring and features charcoal pinstripes on a white, soft sateen background.

The Yves Delorme collections all include bed throws, bed spreads, soaps , candles cosmetic bags, decorative accessories, bed linen and toweling.

Location:
54 Duke of York Square,
nr Sloane Square
London
SW3 4LY

LINLEY has become known for the imaginative use of wood in it’s design of furniture using a  balance of  both traditional and modern techniques to produce furniture of a superlative quality. Woods used encompass both traditional as well as bold and exotic, from walnut, Oak and Sycamore in this Classic Dining Room Table to a Stainless Steel and Rosewood Cigar Cutter.

Apart from the 2 retail outlets and online presence, LINLEY enjoys bespoke commissions and specialises in the design and production of furniture, upholstery, interiors, lighting and accessories. LINLEY has  recently completed a commission for a series of 11 suites for Claridges in Mayfair. This commission confirms LINLEY’s commitment to design and craftsmanship, using the finest traditional techniques of craftsmanship and the use of modern technology to deliver  heirlooms of the future.

LINLEY devotees include Oprah Winfrey, Caroline Harrera, Jo Malone, Kelly Hoppen and Nina Campbell.

Locations:

LINLEY Mayfair
46 Albemarle Street
Mayfair, London, W1S 4JN
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7290 1410
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7290 1411

LINLEY Belgravia
60 Pimlico Road
Belgravia, London, SW1W 8LP
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7730 7300
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7730 8869

The restaurant boasts 2 Michelin stars, with the chef, Jean-François Piège dedicated to “orchestrating” his cuisine to correspond perfectly to the setting of the restaurant. Piège, who became Head Chef in february 2004, is renowned for using the highest quality ingredients, creating dishes which reflect the changing seasons and embodies French savoir-faire.

The Wine Steward, David Biraud, has received a number of awards, most notably Best Wine Steward France 2004 and is known for creating exciting pairings of dishes and wine.

Location:
Les Ambassadeurs Restaurant
10 Pl de la Concorde
Paris 75008
France

Besides the fine food catalogue the company also offers a “Cheese of the Month” service that aims to introduce budding connoisseurs to exciting new cheeses from around the world.  Each month a member is introduced to three exceptional cheeses, each hand cut into a convenient half pound portion.  For August 2008 the selection is Agour with Espelette (a variation of Agour Ossau-Iraty with chili pepper), Beemster’s unique Wasabi Gouda and a White Stilton with Strawberry and Peach.

igourmet has developed a unique “Freshwave” shipping system in order to deliver their perishables in perfect condition.

PAUL is a chain of french family bakeries and patisseries that were started in 1889.  The Mayot family’s passion for quality bread making kept the business in the family for five generations.  There are now over 300 Paul bakery cafe restaurants spread all over the world.  These bakeries produce sandwiches, savory and sweet tarts, crepes, simple dishes and salads that are perfect for a little lunch break.  The bakeries use traditional decor that create an authentic french look for the stores and set off the wonderful displays.

PAUL Boulangerie sell bread in 142 different shapes. Shape is as important as taste. In Paul you can choose from baguette, ficelle, flute, epi, pistolet or couronne. Good bread should be slightly damp and chewy with a consistency that resembles melting plastic. It must be left to rise for at least four hours (to maximise taste) and the dough must be wet enough to allow for drying out.  The company believes that good bread takes time, good flour and slow leavening.

Montblanc’s first model – the Rouge Et Noir was released in 1909, followed by the namesake pen – The Montblanc in 1910. The meisterstuck (sp) was produced in 1925.

The white, sylised 6 pointed star with rounded edges is the trademark most clearly identified with Montblanc, this is representative of the Mont Blanc snow cap from above, but the star is also referred to as an Edelweiss, which is an indigenous perennial that grows in the forests and mountains of Europe.

The Artisan Studio is also the birthplace of the world renowned Montblanc Limited Editions. These are handmade materpieces, released in honour of special themes and occasions.

The website allows a member to book any of the hotels featured in the guides, as well as giving access to the latest collections appearing all the time.  Why use the Smith service?  All the hotels listed undergo a rigorous test by the Mr & Mrs Smith review team.  You can make a booking safe in the knowledge that you will be pampered and due to your Smith membership there will be some “added extras”.

In addition to finding you the best hotel, the team will give information on where to dine and point out where the unmissable sights are.  They have put the extra effort into finding out what is going on in and around your hotel – watch out for “Worth getting out of bed for” tips for more information.

The Roadster is powered by 6,831 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.  When connected to a special recharging outlet the car takes about three and half hours to fully charge.  Once charged the car travel over 200 miles before you need to find another empty socket.

Quite obviously, this is no ordinary electric motor, the copper and steel rotor is spun by an electric field; besides the rotor there are no other moving parts in the engine. Built by Lotus and based on the Elise chassis, the Tesla has been built to demonstrate that eco-friendly driving need not mean average performance. Choose one of the two gears available, hit the accellerator and all you will hear as you sweep through the curves is the wind whipping over the curve of the bodywork.

The bad news is that the Roadster is only available in the US for now (European sales due to start late 2008), prices start at $98,000.

Tesla Motors (www.teslamotors.com) has some serious backing including the founder of Paypal, Elon Musk and the two founders of Google, Page and Brin. A sports sedan is currently in development.

Engine: Electric motor powered by lithium-ion battery
Power: 248bhp @ 8000rpm
Torque: 200 lb ft @ 0-6000rpm
Transmission: Two-speed manual
CO2: zero emissions
Acceleration: 0-60mph: 4sec
Top speed: 130mph

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Styling for this car was carried out by the young Ercole Spada, a relative new-comer to the Zagato factory in Turin.  What emerged from the factory was a curvy new body that smoothed out the GT’s styling and gave the coupe a distinctive look of its own.

The Zagato featured a 314 bhp engine and achieved a top speed of 154 mph (246 km/h).  0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) could be reached in 6.1 seconds.

Initially the production called for 25 cars, but in the end only 20 were ever built.  Now this model is considered the most desirable and a buyer can expect to pay anything over £750,000 to own one.

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How appropriate then, that the new VW owned Bugatti should develop such a ground-breaking supercar in the Veyron. This mid-engined monster boasts a top speed of 407 km/h and is powered by a 8.0 litre engine (16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders).  There is a dual-clutch DSG computer-controlled seven speed manual transmission and the engine is cooled by no less then 10 radiators.  Made of high-tech carbon, ceramic, and titanium materials, the braking system allows this car to get from 100 km/h to 0 in under 5 seconds.  The cars rear spoiler serves as an additional air brake for speeds over 200 km/h.

So how does it drive?

“From behind the wheel of a Veyron, France is the size of a small coconut. I cannot tell you how fast I crossed it the other day. Because you simply wouldn’t believe me. I also cannot tell you how good this car is. I just don’t have the vocabulary. I just end up stammering and dribbling and talking wide-eyed nonsense. And everyone thinks I’m on drugs.”
- Jeremy Clarkson (www.timesonline.co.uk)

“In my first lap, I took the car up to about 185 mph, at which point the tire noise was fairly loud but the Veyron was otherwise calm and relaxed. One reason it felt so secure is that when you hit 137 mph, the Bugatti hunkers down, lowering its normal ride height of 4.9 inches to 3.1 in front and 3.7 in the rear. At the same time a small spoiler deploys from the rear bodywork and a wing extends about a foot, perched at a six-degree angle. Two underbody flaps ahead of the front tires also open up.”
- Csaba Csere (www.bugattipage.com)

“When I finally stopped accelerating I had to slow down and do it all over again, just to make sure I hadn’t been dreaming. Whatever your definition of fast, be it defined by Porsche 911, Ferrari F430 or Mercedes SLR McLaren, the Veyron will take it and, in one instant, burn it before your eyes. Time and distance fuse into one unintelligible fog in your head. In the public road environment, there has never been anything like this.”
- Andrew Frankel (www.channel4.com)

Model: Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Engine: 7993cc, 16 cylinders in a W
Power: 1001bhp @ 6000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG, manual and auto
Fuel: 11.7mpg (combined)
CO2: 574g/km
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 2.5sec
Top speed: 253mph
Price: £810,345

This luxury lifestyle house recently opened its magnificent global flagship store, at 167 New Bond Street in London. The store, one of the largest luxury goods stores in the world, is the perfect showcase for the extensive range of Asprey products including jewellery and silverware, watches and pens, leather goods and silk, china and crystal, ready-to-wear, shoes and fashion accessories.

The opening of London follows the highly successful pre-Christmas launch of the New York store December 2003. The group plans to open a further 15-20 exclusive stores within the next five years in the major capitals of the world.

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The AGA has long been synonymous with good food and is as enduringly popular today as it was innovative at the time of its invention 80 years ago.  What makes AGA food taste so different?  Conventional ovens have little mass and cool down rapidly, an AGA generates heat differently through a single heat source that is continually released through the cast iron ovens and plates.  This radiating heat is constant and evenly distributed throughout the cooker producing food with extra moisture, flavour and fantastic texture.  Owning an AGA is like having ten different appliances in one. Baking, Frying, Grilling, Toasting, Stewing, Steaming, Roasting or Stir-frying these cookers can do it all.

AGA have been manufacturing their iconic AGA and Rayburn cookers since 1946. The company based in Telford sells through independent distributors and through its own AGA stores.

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The sixth-generation 911 takes another step in what seems like a story with no end. And even though you could mistake the new 911 for the previous model at a glance, every body panel is new apart from the roof. The biggest clue to the new car is in the separate round headlights, which hark back to 911s of old and further distinguish the 911 from its Boxster sibling. The 2004 model has two engines on offer, a 3.6-litre flat-six with 325bhp for the regular Carrera, or a hotter 3.8-litre 355bhp engine for the Carrera S.

One of the best driving experiences available at any price just got better. All of the familiar and unique 911 cues are still abundantly present, from the gruff, thrashy rumble of that fabulous engine, to the gentle porpoising action of the car as it transits undulating surfaces, to the steering, which is just about unparalleled for feel, weight and feedback.
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Boodles (formerly Boodle & Dunthorne) was founded in the ‘Gateway to the New World’ in 1798. Liverpool, as it was at that time, was one of Europe’s wealthiest cities and leading ports, it boasted the first ever constructed dock.

The original Mr Boodle and Mr Dunthorne specialised in the creation, and export of objet d’art and art nouveau silver and jewellery, starting a tradition in the company that remains to this day ­ the best of contemporary design, together with the finest traditional values.

Today Boodles remains a British family owned company, run by brothers Nicholas and Michael Wainwright. Now Boodles shops are in London’s fashionable Sloane St, Regent St which is part of The Queen’s Crown Estate, within Harrods, and in the Courtyard of the Royal Exchange. In the Northwest Boodles is still the pre-eminent jeweller in Manchester, Chester, together with its famous head office building in Liverpool.

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Dom Pérignon chooses only the best harvests and thereafter, relies on a long slow ageing of the wine on its lees. Harvests that lack the potential to fully express the elusive Dom Pérignon style, will be left out.

Each vintage offers thus a new aspect of Dom Pérignon, reflecting an assemblage that is a unique act of creation for the wine maker Richard Geoffroy. In its constant quest for the ultimate balance between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Dom Pérignon style traces, vintage after vintage, a complex structure made up of aroma and sensations, silky smooth, light as air and full of sensuality.

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The NB Review was started in 2000 and from its offices in London and New York, its founders have built up a reputation for impartial advice on luxury destinations throughout the world.  It has quickly built up a loyal following among savvy subscribers (Mick, Puffy and Gwyneth among them) including high-end emporiums like Paris’ Colette.  Each edition is beautifully printed and bound with most photographs taken by the NB staff themselves.

Besides the printed guide the company offers personalized advice and detailed planning for its sophisticated membership through the website and their travel helpline.  The password protected website boasts a full listing of all their findings plus updates and client feedback.

The X-type has been built on the Ford Mondeo platform, but front-wheel drive just wouldn’t do for a Jag, so the entire range gets permanent four-wheel drive. The result is a car that boasts fine handling and superb grip. The V6 engine is so quiet at speed, it makes the wind and road noise seem more pronounced. It suffers some shunt from the four-wheel-drive power train when crawling in traffic and shifting between lower gears. Its gearshift is smooth and precise, but its wooden clutch feel hinders seamless changes.

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Tastefully decorated bedrooms are elegantly furnished and equipped with a thoughtful range of facilities. Public areas include the elegant Palm Court bar, a popular venue for afternoon teas, a smart Roman-style health spa and two contrasting restaurants; the Michelin starred Number One Restaurant for fine dining and Hadrians, a cosmopolitan brasserie.

Rooms
The Balmoral has 168 rooms and 20 suites.  The decor borrows from Scottish heritage while retaining a contemporary elegance.

Facilities
There are eight conference suites available at the hotel.  The Balmoral Spa offers five treatment rooms, a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gymnasium and exercise studio.

Dining
The Michelin starred number one is recognised internationally as one of Scotland’s best restaurants.  The restaurant won the “Fine Dining Experience” Award at the Scottish Restaurant Awards in 2008.  Hadrian’s offers delicious food in an informal, chic setting.  The stylish interior has distinct Art Deco influences.  The Palm Court is great for cocktails or traditional afternoon tea.

Address
The Balmoral
1 Princes Street
Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Scotland

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