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Competition: A Good Book & Good Brew – A Tea-rrific Combination

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Twist Tea Competition

There is nothing more wonderful than sitting down with a good book and an equally good cup of tea. Combining the two can be the source of incredible well-being benefits. From reducing stress in these challenging times to improving focus and concentration, giving yourself some alone time to reflect with a good brew and good book is what many of us need.

This coming 13th September is Roald Dahl Story Day, a day to celebrate the nation’s favourite Roald Dahl characters and stories. To celebrate this, we are running a prize draw to win a Twist Teas Tasting Menu Box.

To enter, using your Facebook profile below, simply tell us below which fictional character you would like to share a cup of tea with and why.

Twist Tea Competition

Inside each Twist Teas Tasting Menu Box is a selection of twelve flavours. You could have a Breakfast Boost with Bond, some Summer Berries with the BFG, or a Classic Earl with Poirot.

Two lucky winners will be picked by mother and daughter duo, Nicky Kavanaugh & Claire Ayres of Twist Teas. Winners will be announced on 13th September. You can also enter by leaving your answer on our Instagram post about this competition.

Roald Dahl's Matilda reading books

About Roald Dahl Story Day

James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, do any of these sound familiar to you? If so, you may unknowingly be a fan of the fantastic and creative Roald Dahl. Roald Dahl Story Day celebrates the creative master and all of the work he’s done bringing stories of fiction and wonder. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden is re-opening on Thursday 10 September.

Bow down to royal-tea - Harpenden based Twist Teas

About Twist Teas

Based at Pollards Farm in Harpenden, Twist Teas are a family business creating beau-tea-ful tea for tea lovers across the globe. We recently spoke with the Mother and Daughter duo who are brewing success in Harpenden. Click here to read more.

Terms & Conditions : Tea giveaway

  • The promoter is: TrendLife Magazine whose registered office is 147 WestLink House, 981 Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DN
  • The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over.
  • There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
  • By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  • Only one entry will be accepted per person.
  • Closing date for entry will be 11:59 pm BST on 12 September 2020. After this date, no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
  • No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
  • The rules of the competition and how to enter are as follows: Using your Facebook profile below, simply tell us below which fictional character you would like to share a cup of tea with and why. You can alternatively post your answer/entry on Instagram & Facebook.

Never full or satisfied, I am always willing to try new things and visit new places. Lover of food and all things FAST - Not necessarily fast food. If I am not in the office, you can find me near a track or under a car. I also work with great people in TrendLife's Editorial team.

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Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

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Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden 2025: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.

A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist

Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.

Highlights include:

  • Starters:

    • Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter

    • Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta

  • Mains:

    • The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash

    • Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon

    • 21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce

    • Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour

    • Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option

  • Desserts:

    • The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce

    • Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish

    • Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic


Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey

To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.

Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden 2025: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

Don’t Miss the Grand Finale

Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:

“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.

Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden 2025: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience

Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy


*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.

Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection

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Summer City Break in Rome: Escape to Palazzo Dama

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Discover a last-minute summer escape at Palazzo Dama, a boutique hotel in Rome with a hidden pool, fine dining, and access to the city's best events.

As the summer sun casts its golden glow over Rome, there’s no better time—or place—for a last-minute escape than Palazzo Dama. Tucked just steps from the Tiber and Piazza del Popolo, this former aristocratic villa-turned-boutique hotel offers a serene yet stylish base for soaking up the Eternal City’s vibrant culture, timeless charm, and relaxed summer rhythm.

A City Break for the Soul

Rome in the summer is a city of open-air concerts, riverside strolls, and golden hour light spilling across cobbled piazzas. Whether you’re slipping out of your sandals for a dip in Palazzo Dama’s hidden pool or heading to a concert at the Baths of Caracalla, the hotel offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration.

By day, the city is yours to discover—perhaps after a slow breakfast in the garden or a long lunch under the olive trees at PACIFICO, the hotel’s lush Nikkei restaurant. As the evening settles in, the hotel’s concierge can help secure tickets to Rome’s summer cultural lineup—from Nick Cave at Roma Summer Fest to candlelit opera under the stars.

Poolside Calm in the Heart of the City

Poolside Calm in the Heart of the City

One of Rome’s best-kept secrets? Palazzo Dama’s peaceful pool, set in a garden of lemon and olive trees—a rarity in the city’s historic core. It’s the perfect spot to cool off with a cocktail, nap in the shade, or gather with friends for aperitivo. And while guests have it on their doorstep, it’s also open to non-guests for lunch and evening dining—a welcome retreat for any urban explorer.

From Pisco Bars to Private Spas

Dining at PACIFICO is an experience in itself. The fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines brings an unexpected twist to the Roman culinary scene—think Wagyu carpaccio, fresh ceviche, and expertly crafted cocktails served beneath Warhols and crystal chandeliers.

DAHAM Health & Beauty Spa at Palazzo Dama

For those needing a true pause, the DAHAM Health & Beauty Spa offers a tranquil break from the city buzz. Unwind with a Turkish bath or tailored wellness treatment before heading out again—or don’t. The calm may be too tempting to leave.

Wake Up Where History Meets Glamour

Each of the hotel’s 29 rooms and suites offers a glimpse into Roman elegance, with design details that nod to its noble past while embracing contemporary luxury. Want to explore the city with flair? The concierge can arrange a vintage Fiat 500 tour or bicycles to meander through Rome’s tree-lined avenues at your own pace.


Make It a Summer to Remember

Whether you’re in Rome for a cultural fix, a romantic escape, or just to lounge in a lemon-scented garden, Palazzo Damais a rare find: a boutique retreat that feels both deeply Roman and delightfully removed from it all. For those seeking a spontaneous summer getaway, this hidden gem is calling.

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BEAR by Carlo Scotto Brings Bold Dining to Beaconsfield

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BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

Award-winning chef Carlo Scotto unveils his most personal project yet with BEAR – a daring 14-seat chef’s table opening this July at the Crazy Bear Hotel in Beaconsfield.

Launching on Wednesday 30th July, BEAR strips back fine dining to reveal something raw, refined, and deeply expressive. Set inside an immersive open kitchen, this intimate space offers diners an unforgettable front-row seat to Scotto’s innovative culinary storytelling.

BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

Carlo Scotto’s Next Chapter

Following the success of Amethyst in London, Scotto’s newest venture draws on his global experience in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and the Galvin Brothers. At BEAR, his signature style evolves into something even more daring and personal — a stripped-back, ingredient-led experience that feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant.

BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

A Seasonally Driven, Emotionally Charged Menu

The menu at BEAR showcases Scotto’s fearless approach to flavour, technique, and presentation. It’s a culinary journey that spans continents while remaining rooted in seasonal British ingredients.

Expect dishes like:

  • Langoustine with Pickled Attika Kohlrabi, jalapeño & purple shiso

  • Hand-laminated brioche with Carlo’s unique three-layered butter

  • Moroccan-spiced duck with morels poached in aged pickled rum

  • British asparagus fermented in tempeh and wild garlic jus

Two Menus, One Exclusive Table

Guests can choose between two tasting experiences:

  • Carlo’s Edit – A six-course seasonal snapshot
    Available Tuesday to Saturday at 6pm

  • The Full Experience – An eight-course immersive journey
    Available Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm

Both menus are available with thoughtfully selected wine pairings.

A Unique Setting at Crazy Bear Beaconsfield

Located inside the iconic Crazy Bear Hotel, BEAR benefits from a setting as distinctive as its food. The hotel itself blends 15th-century charm with modern opulence, offering a lavish escape just outside of London.

With BEAR, Beaconsfield welcomes a new era of destination dining — one that’s sure to attract serious food lovers from far and wide.

BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

TrendLife Will Be Visiting This Summer

We’ll be visiting BEAR by Carlo Scotto later this summer to experience the menu firsthand. Keep an eye out for our full review and behind-the-scenes look at one of 2025’s most exciting new openings.

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