Latest news with #TheGallery
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wildlife doodle workshop at Loggerheads Country Park
The event, organised by Nature for Health, will take place on Thursday May 29 and will feature a range of activities, including an interactive art installation by illustrator and artist David Setter, known as Doodleplanet. The artwork was commissioned through funding from the Welsh Government's Brilliant Basics scheme, which supports local authorities and national parks in improving visitor infrastructure at key tourism destinations across Wales. The fund aims to enhance the visitor experience, improve accessibility, and promote environmental sustainability by investing in essential amenities. Visitors on the day can enjoy a variety of activities, including a doodle workshop where participants can explore various drawing techniques, such as drawing games, speed drawing, and continuous line drawing. They will also have the opportunity to watch and learn from David as he demonstrates his drawing techniques, offering tips and tricks to help create wildlife masterpieces. All materials will be provided, and participants will be able to keep their artwork as a unique memento of the day. Councillor Alan James, lead member for local development and planning, said: "This workshop is perfect for all ages and skill levels. "Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, come along and enjoy a day of creativity and fun in the beautiful surroundings of Loggerheads Country Park. "Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and unleash your inner artist." The event will take place in The Gallery at Loggerheads Country Park from 11am to 3pm. For more information, email or book on Eventbrite.
Time Out Dubai
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best afternoon teas in Dubai 2025: 10 top-rated spots to try next
Located in some of the city's most luxurious hotels, the best afternoon teas in Dubai offer a a taste of luxury with endless sweet and savoury treats included. Check out the full list of Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 winners here And with the temperatures soaring in Dubai right now, we think this is one of the best ways to enjoy the indoors (if we say so ourselves). Whether you're looking for a one-off celebration or a catch-up with friends, here are the top-rated afternoon teas in Dubai to book and pronto. Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here. These are officially the best Afternoon Teas in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025. The best afternoon teas in Dubai 2025 WINNER The Royal Tearoom Afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: The Royal Tearoom For afternoon tea connoisseurs who have been there, done that, this is a must-try. Served in the huge lobby of the world-famous hotel, next to the water droplet sculpture and just back from the fire walls on entry, there's a lot to catch your interest at this one. But the afternoon tea that arrives is guaranteed to keep your attention. Served with flair – and explanations about the tea-brewing process – there's a selection of high-quality sandwiches and a generous selection of cakes. Dhs560 for two. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 2626). Check out our full The Royal Tearoom review here Highly commended Bijou Patisserie Best afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: Bijou Patisserie This super-cute spot is home to one of the best afternoon teas in Dubai, having picked up this award in the past. Served in a vault, this is another that has a fun twist on a classic tea setup. Being at a French patisserie the cakes, as you'd expect, are exceptional, though there aren't any scones (word for the purists). You'll not feel like you're missing out those as the pastries and sweet treats are so delightful. Expect canelé, madeleine, millefeuille and more, as well as savoury stuffed croissants, brioche and éclair. From Dhs195 per person. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Oud Metha, (04 281 4111). The Gallery Best afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: The Gallery Held in its striking lobby with views over Marasi Bay Marina, afternoon tea at The Lana is a sophisticated event created by award-winning pastry chef Angelo Musa. Begin with an assortment of six traditional finger sandwiches, including coronation chicken, lobster & prawn, and truffle egg. These are followed with raisin and plain scones served with Devon clotted cream and the chef's signature jams. Pastries are the highlight here, including a rich chocolate ganache tart and Paris-Brest, with everything presented on the most delicate porcelain. You won't pour your tea out of a finer pot than this. Licensed. From Dhs600 per person. The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, (04 541 7755). Shortlisted Al Fayrooz Lounge Best afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: Al Fayrooz Lounge This longstanding lounge is great to visit, especially if you have visitors in town. With a prime view of the Burj Al Arab, the terrace is the ideal place to sit in cooler months to really take in the sights. Tea is a perfectly presented affair with a wide selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones, while the atmosphere is elegant with friendly, efficient service. There's an excellent choice of teas to pick from too, if you're partial to a cuppa. Licensed. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim, (800 323232). Check out our full Al Fayrooz Lounge review here Al Mandhar Lounge Credit: Al Mandhar Found in the chic Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel, this afternoon tea also has views of Burj Al Arab as well as a traditional feel. The Turtle Tea (named thanks to the hotel's turtle lagoon) comes served on a stunning turtle-shaped stand, which is a unique touch. Sandwiches are delicate and prettily presented, the cakes are moreish and the scones are just as good as you'd hope they'd be. Don't forget to head outside to the terrace to get that perfect Insta snap of the iconic sail-shaped building before you leave. Licensed. Jumeirah Al Naseem Umm Suqeim, (800 323232). Blüthner Hall Best afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: Blüthner Hall One of the most striking, opulent settings around, Blüthner Hall's afternoon tea is a full-on traditional affair with sandwiches, scones, pastries and more. The regal entrance hall has a massive chandelier, ascend the staircase and take your seat on one of the plush sofas or large, upholstered armchairs as you take in the surroundings. Tea comes on elegant stands and there's a large spread with plenty to get stuck into. Licensed. Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, (04 248 8888). Mosaico Best afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: Mosaico This hotel from the high-end fashion house has a classic tea that's as well presented as you'd expect. Served on a crimson stand with various little sections, treats such as prawn sandwiches and turkey ham and cheese millefeuille are joined by plain and raisin scones, a selection of cakes and a wide selection of teas to sip on. The terrace is cute, overlooks the pool, and has an elegant setting. Licensed. Palazzo Versace Dubai, Al Jaddaf, (04 556 8850). Check out our full Mosaico review here Raffles Salon Best afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: Raffles Salon This longstanding afternoon tea in Dubai's Raffles hotel is a charming one for families and for those who love a traditional mid-afternoon meal. With huge comfy sofas, slick service and an old-school vibe, it's a treat for an afternoon out. Classic sandwiches and scones come with pots of cream and jam, and plenty of cakes, you'll probably end up taking a few home for the next day. Licensed. Raffles Dubai, Oud Metha, (04 324 8888). Check out our full Raffles Salon review here Skyview Lounge Afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab is a bucket-list experience that doesn't disappoint. This year, the experience relocated from the Sahn Eddar lobby café to the 27th floor Skyview Lounge with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. The menu changes regularly and is themed for specific seasons, but expect to start with delicate savoury items like tartlets, millefeuille and beignet. A step-up from the standard sandwich, all made with the finest ingredients and adorned with the likes of caviar and gold leaf. Sweet bites follow, with perfectly executed choux pastries, shortbread and sponge among them. It is one of the most high-end afternoon teas and a wonderful opportunity to see the city from a high vantage point. Licensed. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim 3, (800 323232). Shai Salon & Terrace Best afternoon teas in Dubai. Credit: Shai Salon & Terrace At such a venue as the Four Seasons, a high-end afternoon tea offering is expected, and that's what you'll get. There's a selection of sandwiches, cakes and pastries from around the region, so it's a twist on a classic, if you're looking for something a little different. Taking place in the elegant Shai Salon, there are beautiful views out to sea from the terrace, while the interiors are elegant and chic. Dhs240 for two. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 270 7805). Check out our full Shai Lounge & Terrace review here Other award-winning spots in Dubai The 10 best tasting menus in Dubai for a world-class dining experience Places you have to try at least once 10 best family restaurants in Dubai to suit everyone Everyone will be happy, trust us 10 of the best cafés in Dubai that deserve a visit So good, you won't want to leave
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Silverstone's new F1 retreat is so close to the track you feel race cars rumble
We've all heard the story in history lessons – Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket falls out with old mate King Henry II over churchly matters. At some point a frustrated Harry says: 'Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?' Four knights overhear and kill Becket in Canterbury cathedral. Three years later he's made a saint by the Pope and a small chapel is built as a monument to him in Northamptonshire where his spat with his one-time pal had boiled over into a trial. And this 12th century historic site would go on to 20th century fame – becoming the heart of British motorsport, Silverstone, in 1948, with bends near the chapel ruins named Becketts Corner and Chapel Curve. Now overlooking that spot is Escapade Silverstone – a sleek modern retreat for racing fans, wellness seekers, and anyone curious about what it's like to fall asleep beside a Grand Prix circuit. Doors to the luxury property opened in March – in the year the British Grand Prix celebrates its 75th anniversary with the race scheduled on July 6. Here, as I discover on a weekend break, you're not just near the track – you're practically on it. Escapade's 60 residences line up alongside some of Silverstone's most exciting sections. The development includes 184 bedrooms, spread across a mix of trackside, countryside, and dual-aspect properties. Each residence comes with a private terrace, EV charging point, and flexible living arrangements that can be adapted depending on party size. From your balcony, you can watch cars scream past – or, if on the quieter side like me, enjoy the stillness of the forest. The dual-aspect residences give you the best of both worlds. Residences range from one to four bedrooms, with contemporary interiors using warm timber, metalwork, and rich fabrics. There's a focus on comfort without compromising on motorsport character. If you're in prime position, you can draw the curtains in the morning and see a GT3 Cup car tearing through the corners. Main restaurant The Gallery doubles as an art space, with pieces curated by Escapade Art Director Renata Fernandes, including works by former F1 driver Stefan Johansson. One piece that stops you in your tracks is a jewel-encrusted helmet donated by the family of tragic Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna. No one at Escapade brags about price tags but a staff member, half-embarrassed, let slip it's worth close to six figures. Art is a key part of the Escapade experience. There's a rotating programme of exhibits across the site, including original paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital works inspired by speed and racing. Many of the artists showcased are motorsport connected. Escapade doesn't just lean into the racing theme – it lives it. There's a buzz to the whole place: movement, design, speed, stories. 'That'd make a good morning run,' jokes one of my party, commenting on the track's 3.66 mile distance. At dawn the next day – before the engines fire up – we have the chance to run it. I clock 27 minutes. Not quite Lewis Hamilton's record breaking minute and 24 seconds, but in my defence, he had a car. A post-run yoga session follows on a sunny deck – a welcome stretch after a late night at the bar. The morning wellness programme runs alongside more performance-focused treatments designed by Formula Health. Led by F1 osteopath Gemma Fisher, the sessions are based on techniques used to optimise driver performance – and now extended to guests. The wellness offering is substantial. The gym is open 24/7 and looks directly on to the circuit. The pool and sauna sit just above it, with floor-to-ceiling glass that brings the track into view while you recover. Treatments range from restorative therapies to high-performance conditioning. After lunch, we are ushered into the pit lane. One by one, we climb into three monsters: a Ferrari F430, a McLaren 620R, and an Aston Martin Vantage. The twist? We are driving – with a pro in the passenger seat. I'm paired with Toru Nakano, a calm and quietly confident former Japanese racer who's done everything from FJ1600 to British Formula Vauxhall. He talks me through the whole lap: when to brake, when to push, when to just trust the car. It's hard to explain what it's like to drive a race car on the actual Silverstone circuit. The noise, the speed, the sheer focus it demands – it's like nothing else. When I finally climb out, heart still thumping, I realised I'd barely noticed how fast we were going – until my legs remind me. Escapade is open all year-round, not just on race weekends. Outside of Grand Prix season, the site hosts everything from private events and team training camps to wellness retreats and corporate stays. The setting is designed to adapt - equally suited to high-octane activity or total downtime, with the flexibility to suit solo travellers, families, or large groups. And it isn't just about the adrenaline. It's designed to feel like a home from home – one with front-row seats to motorsport history. The residences are self-contained and can be booked for anything from a private holiday to a race team base or corporate retreat. The idea is to offer a new type of motorsport hospitality – immersive, long-stay, and design-led. It also points to something bigger. Motorsport fans are after more than just a ticket these days – they want to feel part of it. Here, you're within touching distance of the most powerful cars on Earth. You don't just hear the rumble – you feel it as they whizz by. And somehow, ironically, all of this sits on land that once honoured a man who refused to bow to power.
Forbes
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
LA's Immersive Fine Dining Experience The Gallery Is No Mickey Mouse Operation
Don't dismiss ground-breaking immersive fine dining destination The Gallery as a gimmick. Located in downtown Los Angeles, foodies have been flocking to the dynamic, almost 8,000 square foot space since it opened in February. It's the brainchild of immersive entertainment visionaries Daren Ulmer and Emmy-winning creative executive Chuck Fawcett, both of whom have worked with Disney and Universal on theme park experiences. At the heart of the complex is The Gallery Theater, home to the inaugural signature dining show, Elementa, a culinary and visual exploration of nature's essential forces. Even after a slew of rave reviews and frequently sold out sittings, the partners understand some people will still be sceptical. "There is probably a bit of back patting in this, but I pride myself on knowing our audience, in all the work that I do, and knowing ahead of time what the response is going to be," Ulmer enthuses. "Quite frankly, this is not a huge surprise. I am very pleased the response to the food has been as positive as it is. That was a goal. We knew that people would look at us as a theater and some kind of kitchy, projectiony thing first, and that people would be sceptical about the food. It doesn't surprise me that they like it because we worked really hard on it, but it has resonated with people more quickly than I thought it would." With a price tag of $200 per person, the partners knew they would have to deliver more than just a good time. In a city renowned for its world-class food, where many restaurants don't survive past the one-year mark, they knew the quality of the food and the show had to be top notch. The creative and delicious set menu is crafted by Chef Joshua Whigham, whose experience includes tenure as Chef de Cuisine at José Andrés' acclaimed restaurants, including The Bazaar in Los Angeles and Minibar in Washington, D.C. The multi-course food and wine pairings, with vegan and gluten-free options available, are carefully selected to complement Elementa's storytelling playing out around diners. Ulmer, founder and Creative Executive at Mousetrappe Media, and Fawcett had the idea just before the pandemic, following the boom in immersive attractions such as the Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience. "Every one of those venues was saying, 'Okay, what's next? Is this going to continue to work if we start slapping Renoir, then Monet, and then whatever into there?' It's great that the public got to experience those things, but we wanted to build something richer than just projecting on the four walls around you, and something more repeatable," he muses. "Elementa is something that people will want to come back and do again, but what we really built was a venue that can host multiple menus, multiple shows, and for the long term, to be sustainable because of the food component and the variety of experiences that we could create in there." But Fawcett wanted to ensure that what they offered was not a repeat of what others in the space had already succeeded with. "Coming out of the pandemic gave us all some time to slow down and reflect on the world, our lives, and our careers. Daren, coming from the media production background and me from the animatronic side in the theme park industry, we just started to ask, 'Is there a way to put something different out there that really takes into account both our experiences?'" he explains. "We started to look at what had been done out there, and some of the examples are pretty tried and true, like Eatrenalin in Rust, Germany, or The Monarch Theatre in London, England. We started to wonder if there was a way to do something better and richer out there in the universe, and we started to talk about various ways that we could do that, ranging from some smaller to larger scale projects." "Daren had spent some time really thinking about the space and how to create a rich, 360 immersive experience where the guests come in and they're absolutely blown away by the food they put in their mouth, the drinks they taste and the visuals they see, the sound that they hear and even the smells that they experience." The visuals extend to the long tables where diners can interact with projections that will respond to touch. "They are one of the things that, in my opinion, really adds such a delightful, fun element of the immersive experience," Fawcett continues. "The guests can choose to participate or sit back and passively watch others get involved. It's not a requirement, but if you do jump in, it's a lot of fun and becomes a neat conversation piece. That's the part that really has gone viral on us. People are really talking about that in the reviews that we've received. A lot of influencers are coming, and they're like, 'Oh my gosh, that part is cool and the food is fantastic.'" Another major decision for the pair was The Gallery's location. They wanted the venture to be nestled in a hub that was already proving popular with foodies and fans of live entertainment. Before settling on DTLA, they considered Glendale and Pasadena, LA's Westside, Culver City, and trendy Los Feliz. Hollywood was ruled out for fear that The Gallery would be dismissed as a tourist gimmick. "Then we started to concentrate on the Arts District," Ulmer explained. "We're adjacent to Broadway, which is having a little bit a rejuvenation, you've got the LA Live, the Los Angeles Music Center and The Broad nearby, so because what we're doing is an artistic theatrical experience, that's a centralized location for all for greater LA made a lot of sense." "Downtown LA is the place I go for shows, it is the place that I go to certain restaurants like Perch or 71 Above or whatever, and then this particular location showed up. We saw the growth and all of that momentum towards South Park. The Omni is opening on the next block in July, and that will be the tallest apartment building in Southern California at 60 stories. This location also had a little deli cafe on the corner. We saw an opportunity to have this magnet that could bring people in from all over Southern California, and hopefully from all around the world, as well as those 80,000 to 100,000 people within walking distance. The two complemented each other and gave us a lot of flexibility for full venue buyouts and events. There was a point where that started to make sense." Three months in, the team is quietly confident. The reviews remain strong, and they are attracting a wider audience than expected. "It's tough to please all the people all the time when you have a chef's tasting type meal like we have, but I think we've done a really admirable job," Fawcett explains. "We spent a lot of time trying and testing different concepts, asking, 'Is this going to appeal to 80 percent or 95 percent of people?' One of the things that surprised me was that a couple of recent groups came in and brought children. We had never really thought about Elementa being that demographic, and a couple of people had kids around the nine to 11 year old range, and they've loved it as well. They have to have a certain palette, but that has been surprising and fun to hear about." With Hollywood on the doorstep, The Gallery's space and technology, as well as its relationships with Disney and Universal theme parks, open up a world of possibilities for lucrative TV and movie IP tie-ins. "I probably shouldn't name any of them yet, since these are early discussions, but there have been a couple who have expressed interest," Ulmer teases. "We have to evaluate for ourselves the value of a licensing-type situation versus building our collection of IP, but there are a lot of possibilities here. From a business standpoint, we've built a platform, and then we built this brand on top of that, so there are multiple directions in which licensing could come into this." Fawcett adds, "That is to the credit of Daren's team and the artists that have been working their tails off for over 20 years at Mousetrappe. You talk about our theme park friends, and yes, we have filled the room with the highest levels of our friends at Disney and Universal, and it makes you very nervous, but they all have been really impressed. Those clients give us those accolades and then hopefully go back to their circles and say, 'Hey, so in the next parade, or spectacular or experience, we want to definitely be even more mindful of Mousetrappe and Darren's team.' It has been very positive." Not wanting to jump the shark, Ulmer and Fawcett are already thinking about the future. In addition to devising new shows to keep guests coming back, they have a plan for growth that includes replicating the Horizon Lounge bar element of The Gallery. "There are other cities that would have that combination of local base that have the thirst or hunger for the type of food and type of entertainment level, so think Las Vegas, Orlando, a handful of other keystone cities like Miami or Dallas," Ulmer reveals. "Internationally, London is a great target for us. London is ahead of us in this kind of experience, but we would still do well there. I see 20 to 30 versions of The Gallery as a whole, and then the Horizon Lounge, because that could stand alone, separate from the theatrical experience. If you take a Denver or Portland, or an airport or a cruise ship, and think of that cityscape lounge being part of the local scene, but they may not have quite the marketplace for 80 people, five or six times a week, in a dining experience." Fawcett concludes, "The plan all along was to build the proof of concept in a first location, and the location was primarily selected because Daren lives in LA and the Mousetrappe team is right there. It seemed logical to have a place to drive to, rather than fly to for a first location. Moving this one to a point of catching our breath and stabilizing it financially and operationally is the next step beyond that. Once we do that, we have a lot of people prepared to step up, talk about a plan to scale it and put it into multiple locations, and raise money to get behind that. The hardest part is what people have called unit one. Getting the first one birthed and turning it into a profitable endeavour is a tough thing to do. We picked an unbelievably difficult time and a challenging market with a new concept to try all this, but people like what we're doing."
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Luxury Scottish hotel loved by Beyonce and Harry Styles reopens after £20mil makeover
Originally built in the 19th century, the hotel is just a short drive from Glasgow A luxury hotel near Glasgow, known for attracting A-listers such as Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé and George Clooney, has reopened following a spectacular £20million makeover. Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort, nestled in a 240-acre estate in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, is only a ten-minute drive from Glasgow International Airport. The five-star retreat now promises a new era of opulence after undergoing a major renovation under new ownership. The mansion was originally built in the 19th century by renowned architect Sir Robert Smirke for Major General Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre, Scottish Daily Express reports. The huge estate was inspired by Lord Blantyre's travels and designed to entertain guests from the south and abroad. He requested a bold and lavish architectural style that would set Mar Hall apart from traditional neoclassical Scotland. Lord Blantyre was shot and killed in Belgium in 1830, with his dream home unfinished. His wife, Fanny, continued to live there and it became a social hub for the elite of Scotland. As time moved on, changes were afoot at Mar Hall. It served as a hospital during wartime but it began to fade as we approached the new millenium and restoration started in 2004. It opened as a luxury hotel in 2010 and was also used as the training hub for the Scottish national team for several years. Dubai-based Dutco Group acquired the estate in 2024 after the hotel entered administration the previous year. The group launched an ambitious plan to reposition the historic mansion as a world-class destination. The resort now offers 74 individually designed bedrooms, including eight junior suites, three grand suites and a selection of new spa garden suites. Guests can also stay in one of the private lodges tucked away in the surrounding ancient woodland. At the centre of the estate is an 18-hole championship golf course, alongside extensive event spaces suited for weddings, corporate events and large private functions. Inside, the transformation continues with the addition of two new restaurants, two bars, and a private cinema with seating for 22. A gaming room and billiards room are also set to open in the near future. A key feature of the renovated hotel is The Gallery, a central social hub that blends luxury with relaxation. With a marble-topped champagne bar, casual seating, reading corners and a grand piano once played by the likes of Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran, it serves as the heart of the guest experience. Afternoon Tea will be offered in The Gallery, curated by the resort's award-winning executive pastry chef Szilard Szentesi. Guests can also enjoy a fine dining experience at The Dining Room, which serves a signature menu inspired by "Scottish flavours". For those seeking a more spirited evening, the on-site cocktail bar Slàinte will serve a selection of handcrafted drinks by head mixologist Chris Mullen. Mullen has created a menu inspired by the rich history of Mar Hall, aiming to bring its story to life through every sip. Beyond fine dining and spa indulgence, the estate offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits including falconry, archery, axe-throwing, clay-pigeon shooting, hiking, cycling and off-road 4x4 excursions. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Guests can even book helicopter tours to take in the breathtaking Scottish scenery from above. The resort's upgraded spa features a 20-metre swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms and a full treatment menu including massages and bespoke therapies. Further investment is already underway, with plans to add more private woodland lodges, upgrade the golf clubhouse and expand the spa facilities.
