summer might almost be over, but that's no reason to forget all the good stuff it brought us.


sweet feet.
emember caroline groves? she uses 19th-century techniques to re-create shoes from just about any era, like 20's flapper or 50's hollywood glam. and the service doesn't just stop there. you can also get vintage trim, buckles, and buttons, or you can use new materials commissioned just for you. after three to four consultations and two months of work, you can understand why she's in such high demand among the royal family. by appointment only. 37 chiltern street. W1U 7PW. 020.0935.2329. www.carolinegroves.co.uk


brave babylon.
what's the deal on ian pengelley's super-sized gilgamesh? how about europe's longest bar (hand-crafted of semi-precious lapis), 40-foot high ceilings (complete with a fully retractable tearoom with ancient tea ceremonies), alaskan king crab hand rolls, and wagyu beef with japanese chive mash. that's what. camden stables market. chalk farm road. NW1. 020.7482.5757. www.gilgameshbar.com


mixing it up.
londoners south of the river are sipping alfresco at the alchemist in clapham. fish, lobster, and meats from the grill can be served alongside their signature elixir (stolichnaya, coconut rum, coconut, and edible gold flakes) dreamt up by maestro mixologist marco saldana. interior designer sandra field set the scene with rococo style wallpaper topped with violet coloured flowers and swirls. 225 st. johns hill. SW11 1 TH. 020.7326.7456. www.alchemistbar.co.uk


celebrity skin.
celebrity facialist and eyebrow guru, vaishaly, has launched a new skincare line for mere mortals with sad, dehydrated skin. harvey nichols. beyond beauty. 109-125 knightsbridge. SW1 7RJ. 020.7235.5000. www.vaishaly.com


melt with you.
everything tastes as good as it looks at notting hill's melt. this chocolate shop not only delivers door-to-door, but they'll even cook up bespoke chocolates just for you. or might we suggest for someone else. 59 ledbury road. W11 2AA. 020.7727.5030. www.meltchocolates.com