Many of the issues that dogged the UK’s dining scene in 2022 did so throughout 2023 — particularly the high cost of food, which continues to have a big impact on how and what we’re eating. This is being felt most notably in the capital, where food costs are compounded by high and rising rents, contributing to what many food writers have cited as a sense that restaurants are playing it safe, at least within the city centre. As the Guardian’s food critic Grace Dent put it in her end of year review, ‘2023 seemed to be the year that London’s restaurant scene lost its edge. Outside the M25, I was eating far better’. This sense of caution can be seen among many of the trends widely cited for 2025, with humble ingredients and classic creations seeing a return in popularity. Perhaps this is why the martini is back in fashion and beans are more prevalent on the menus of hip restaurants — albeit both with fresh twists and interpretations. For all this, though, there are still plenty of exciting developments, such as the rise of music-led restaurants and fresh ingredients to explore, such as the fig leaf. Here’s what’s on the horizon for 2024.
Bear Grylls reveals his top travel tips
02.01.2024 - 10:03 / nationalgeographic.com
Tell us about your earliest memory of travel.
My first real travel experience was going down to Dartmoor National Park, in southern Devon, with my dad. We went horse riding and wild camping, but it was winter and I was only six and absolutely freezing. I remember my dad saying to me: “It’s OK. Sometimes you’ve just got to put your head down and get through the storms because what’s on the other side is amazing.” He was an ex-Royal Marines Commando and taught me so much about the resilience of the human spirit and being adventurous. Adventure always starts inside; it’s not just about your surroundings. It’s about living with your eyes wide open and a gratitude for life.
You’re an expert at coaxing others out of their comfort zones. What takes you out of yours?
I’m not sure I particularly love the ‘getting there’ bit of travel, despite having done so much flying for work over the years. So, I wouldn’t say I’m a great traveller, but I do still try and visit new destinations as much as possible. In that sense, I spend most of my life out of my comfort zone. I think of it as more of a comfort pit — somewhere you want to get out of as quickly as possible.
Any top travel tips?
I always try to travel without expectations. Adventure only happens when things start to go wrong. Stay nimble, expect the unexpected and be sure to keep a sense of humour — no matter what happens!
Where’s your favourite place to explore in the UK?
I love the Isle of Wight. I recently went down there to visit my mum, so thought I’d take the paraglider, the [Jeep] Defender, the tent and head to the sea cliffs in the south of the island. I could hardly see a house, just miles of scenery and plenty of cliffs to fly off. It was incredible. However, my number one is always Wales. There’s so much to it: incredible coasts, mountains, caves, waterfalls. My family owns a little island a few miles off the coast off North Wales that’s totally off-grid. The house is powered by wind and solar; we even collect rainwater off the roof. It can be isolating sometimes, but I love that. I spend so much of my year around people and I’m not a natural extrovert — I need a little quiet time to sit and recharge.
How can people be encouraged to travel more responsibly?
It’s all about setting an example. You’ve got to try and make responsible living an aspiration. The world is a gift to be experienced, but we always have to temper that with a love and respect for the places we go. People are savvy now; they want to travel with companies that are socially responsible, and you’d hope that the adventure travel industry responds to that. After all, if you love something — a certain culture or environment — you should want to protect it.
You have a new
Top Hotel Brands Ranked by U.S. TV Ad Spending
Hotel brand marketers continued last year to buy commercials on old-fashioned broadcast TV — especially for live sports events, award snows, and TV news — despite more attention shifting to streaming platforms.
A Day Trip To Uppsala, Sweden’s City Of History
Steeped in history from the Viking Age to the Age of Reason, Uppsala is packed with historical landmarks. Yet one of the biggest historic landmarks, its University, provides an injection of youthful vibrancy to this intellectual city.
I hiked this remote mountain pass in Albania and found unspoilt landscapes and soulful hospitality
After a four-hour, lung-busting ascent, we climb the last steps up the rocky scree to reach the vertiginous summit of the Valbona Pass.
Where Are People Going This Year?
London, Rome, Tokyo, Cancún and Las Vegas, some of the most visited destinations in 2023, are still among the top places travelers are searching to go to this year, according to the travel sites Kayak and Hopper.
Best beaches in the USA? Here's our top 12 for 2024
From southeast Florida to northwest Washington to Hawaii, Lonely Planet editors have picked the top 12 beaches in the USA.
Riviera Travel To Appear In ‘Cruising With Susan Calman’
Riviera Travel will star in two episodes of ‘Cruising with Susan Calman’ airing on January 26 and February 2 on British television network, Channel 5.
Nevada Is Getting a New State Park This Month — With Fossils, Trails, and a Life-size Mammoth Sculpture
Nevada is getting a brand-new state park this month. It’s one every would-be Indiana Jones (or maybe more like the Ross Gellers among us) will love, and as a bonus, it’s within a quick driving distance to The Strip.
Women Who Travel Podcast: The Best Places to Go in 2024
You can listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify each week. Follow this link if you're listening on Apple News.
World’s most powerful passport: Four European countries rise to the top of the list
Four European countries now have the world’s most powerful passports.
The world's most powerful passports for 2024 are revealed
The world's most powerful passports for 2024 have been revealed — with the biggest shake-up in rankings we've seen in several years, including a never-before-seen six nations in first place.
Hilton reveals name for new extended-stay hotel brand: LivSmart Studios
Hilton's newest extended-stay hotel chain, which the company announced back in May 2023, finally has a name and the first location should be open for business by the end of this summer.