Cecilia Tucker

Cecilia Tucker

Contributor, Time Out Travel

Articles (4)

The best Sunday roasts in London

The best Sunday roasts in London

Sunday lunch. There’s nothing quite like it. An elemental meal, one that Londoners take incredibly seriously. Debates about what constitutes the ‘perfect’ Sunday roast have been known to last for hours. There is no shortage of top roasts in London. We’ve rounded up the city’s best Sunday meals from a host of homely pubs and restaurants all around town. What makes a good roast? For us, it’s simple; a cosy room is a good start, maybe in a pub with an open fire. Then it comes to the plate – we need perfect roast potatoes, well-cooked lamb, beef or pork and a decent plant-based option too. A Sunday roast is more than just lunch - it’s self-care. From snug neighbourhood staples to more bijou gastropubs, posh hotels, Michelin-star spots, and even a metal bar in Camden, we’ve got something for every taste (if that taste is for comforting mounds of roast meat, lashings of gravy and carbs for days).  A lot of these places get quite busy, by the way. So you’re always advised to book ahead to avoid disappointment.  RECOMMENDED: London's 50 best pubs. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor, and her Sunday roast order is usually pork belly with extra gravy, extra roasties and a big glass of Pinot Noir. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
The best hotels in Lisbon for beauty, relaxation and a whole lot of fun

The best hotels in Lisbon for beauty, relaxation and a whole lot of fun

Lisbon is the city for aesthetes. Or rather, it’s the city for anyone who has ever accidentally walked into a lamppost, fallen down the curb or tripped over thin air trying to take the perfect shot of urban beauty. From massive monasteries to those gorgeous rambling streets and – oh! – the interiors of the churches, this city is a visual feast and then some. So where better to find somewhere equally lavish and artfully decked out to stay in than the Portuguese capital? When so many of a city’s hotels are, quite literally, named after palaces, you know you’re onto a winner when it comes to luxury accommodation options. We’ve rounded up a long-ish list of our favourites, including some longtime faves and a few characterful newbies. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. RECOMMENDED:The best things to do in LisbonThe best Airbnbs in LisbonThe best boutique hotels in Lisbon Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
23 best luxury hotels in Lisbon for an unforgettable trip

23 best luxury hotels in Lisbon for an unforgettable trip

From Portuguese classics steeped in history to big-name chains and burgeoning newbies, Lisbon boasts some of the best hotels in the world. And how do they claim that title? By offering all the services you need to make your stay as unfussy as possible – and even some services you've never thought of before. These are places designed to cater for the higher echelons of society, the kind who refuse to accept anything less than perfect. So find your perfect stay with a look through our pick of the best luxury hotels in Lisbon. Updated September 2024: Sometimes good things come in twos, like these two new hotels we've added. One offers an immersive design experience, while the other is full of enchantment and vintage style. RECOMMENDED:🇵🇹 Have a look at the best boutique hotels in Lisbon🌞 Check out Lisbon's most stylish Airbnbs🍷 Here's where to go in the capital Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
London’s best afternoon teas

London’s best afternoon teas

Afternoon tea is what makes a trip to London truly iconic – even if you already live here. You’ll find some of the best at London’s chicest hotels, restaurants, and art galleries - and we’ve worked out what makes an afternoon tea a truly memorable experience. It'’s not just perfect pastries, the most elegant of teeny tiny cakes and finger sarnies with the crusts cut off, but swish service, the option to have something boozy and bubbly and a picture-perfect, characterful room in which to enjoy it all. From The Ritz to a Caribbean restaurant in Walthamstow, the National Gallery and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, there's truly something for every cake-munching tea-drinker in this round-up of London's best afternoon tea spreads.  Expect to pay in the region of £50 to £80 for the pleasure per person, but you'll be in for a treat if you go with one of our recommendations. Remember, many of the teas have set times for seatings, so booking in advance is always a good idea. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in London. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor and knows all about tiny little cucumber sandwiches and drinking Champagne at 3pm. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. The hottest new openings, the tastiest tips, the spiciest reviews: we’re serving it all on our London restaurants WhatsApp channel. Follow us now.

Listings and reviews (1)

Torel Palace Lisbon

Torel Palace Lisbon

4 out of 5 stars
Sitting proudly atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills, you’ll find a hotel fit for a king: Torel Palace Lisbon. It’s made up of no less than two former palaces; one built in 1902 as the main residence, and the second in 1904, a guesthouse belonging to the Bishop of Lisbon. These two buildings opened as a hotel in 2013, and have since expanded to include two more buildings, plus a luxurious spa, two outdoor pools and two standout restaurants. There’s the Black Pavilion for a relaxed dining experience, and 2Monkeys for something a little fancier – this exclusive restaurant earned a Michelin star just months after opening. But the hotel’s most notable feature is its terrace overlooking the city, boasting one of the best (and most Instagrammable) views of Lisbon. Picture this: a beautiful outdoor space filled with lush greenery and chirping birds, perfect for sipping your morning coffee in the sun, or enjoying a romantic evening with a gin fizz cocktail as you take in the city’s twinkling lights. Each room has a regal theme, referencing a past Portuguese king or queen. My room, inspired by Queen Maria Pia of Portugal, was adorned with stunning art deco and velvet furnishings, finished off with striking yet elegant rich blue walls and cosy lighting.  The perfect day at Torel Palace? You’ll start with a luxurious buffet breakfast (bellini included), then choose whether to take your fresh fruit, yoghurt and pastries to the outdoor terrace or the elegant Orangerie-style breakfast room. Th