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Pizza Express in The Hub Milton Keynes is set to close with others to go

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Pizza Express in The Hub Milton Keynes

Restaurant chain Pizza Express has announced plans to close its restaurant in The Hub, Milton Keynes, as the business attempts downsize to survive the tough conditions created by coronavirus. Across the UK, the chain plans to shut 73 of its restaurants, meaning a potential loss of 1,100 jobs.

Why are Pizza Express closing restaurants across the UK?

It would be too simplistic to blame coronavirus. The chain said that although the majority of its restaurants were profitable before the lockdown was imposed, income had been declining across the Pizza Express estate for the last three years. Competition before coronavirus had been fierce and our dining habits have changed, thanks in part to Uber Eats and other delivery services.

Pizza Express added that the loss of revenue caused by the enforced closure of all restaurants, the cost of reopening and the UK’s uncertain economic future meant some restaurants were no longer sustainable.

What does Pizza Express closure mean for The Hub Milton Keynes?

Not much. The Hub has a great mixture of restaurants and if you are desperate for Pizza, Italian restaurant Zizzi offer a wide range of Italian classics. Zizzi Restaurant has also announced the closure of some stores however, there is no confirmation that Zizzi in the The Hub is on that list.

The Hub offers a diverse range of places to eat from Oscar’s Restaurant & Bar who offer exquisite locally-sourced meals to grab-and-go Subway. Pizza Express sits somewhere in between these two offerings and struggled to offer its own unique dining experience. Compared to the likes of Blossom Room & Turtle Bay which are all within a few steps, Pizza Express just doesn’t stand out in The Hub’s offering.

The Hub Milton Keynes

Whilst job losses are always a bad thing, the closure of Pizza Express will not be felt by diners in Milton Keynes. The Hub is home to a number of restaurants and bars offering their own unique dining experiences. From Turtle Bay’s Caribbean-inspired menu to Blossom Room’s nightclub-infused atmosphere, The Hub has plenty to offer everyone. There are also the more traditional Jury’s Inn, Browns and Be At One.

Many of these restaurants are participating in the government-led Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The government’s “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme launched on 3 August and gives diners the opportunity to enjoy 50 per cent off their meals at participating restaurants.

The scheme was created as a bid to encourage the public to support the hospitality industry by going out to eat at local restaurants.

  • 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks, up to a maximum of £10 per person.
  • It’s valid for eating in only and you can only use it on food and/or non-alcoholic drinks.
  • The discount is available all day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3rd – 31st August 2020.

Blossom Room & Turtle Bay at The Hub Milton Keynes

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme is available at the following Hub restaurants:

Banana Tree – The Hub
Offer available Monday – Wednesdays. Open for food 12pm – 11pm.
www.bananatree.co.uk

Browns Brasserie & Bar – The Hub
Offer available Monday – Wednesdays. Open for food 9am – 11pm.
www.browns-restaurants.co.uk

Blossom Room – The Hub
Offer available Tuesday and Wednesdays. Open for food 4pm – 9pm.
www.blossomroom.co.uk

Bogota – The Hub
Offer available Monday – Wednesday. Open Monday to Wednesday 9am – 3pm
www.bogotacoffee.co.uk

DeRoka – The Hub
Offer available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Open daily, 12pm – 11:30pm.
www.derokarestaurant.co.uk

Maaya – The Hub
Offer available Tuesday and Wednesdays. Open for food 4pm – 10pm.
www.maayamiltonkeynes.com

Slug & Lettuce – The Hub
Offer available Monday – Wednesdays. Open for food 12pm – 10pm.
www.slugandlettuce.co.uk

Turtle Bay – The Hub
Offer available Monday – Wednesdays. Open for food 10pm – 11:30pm.
www.turtlebay.co.uk

Deputy Editor of TrendLife Magazine. Often daydreaming, always happy. If you only do one thing today, do it more stylish than you did before.

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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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