Staying In

Boost Your Skin-Gut Axis

When we feel like our skin needs a glow-up it can be tempting to overload on products, but sometimes looking at our plate may be more helpful. In our March/ April issue ZOE’s lead nutritionist Dr Federica Amati explains how our gut microbiome can impact our skin via inflammation. ‘While it’s a vital part of our immune system, when inflammation persists in the long haul it causes damage to our cells and tissues, including our skin,’ she writes. We know sugar and processed foods can wreak havoc on our skin – but what should we be eating more of? ‘Plants have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can support skin health. Polyphenols are found in abundance in coffee, berries, dark chocolate, nuts, olive oil, and many other colourful fruits and veg. Flavonoids (a type of polyphenol that occur in strawberries, raspberries and blackberries) and carotenoids (found in carrots, as the name suggests, but also a wide range of plants including tomatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, spinach and peppers) can help reduce your blood sugar responses after eating and tamper inflammation.’ Polyunsaturated fats are also crucial, Federica adds: ‘Find them in oily fish like mackerel and sardines as well as flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.’ Read the full piece here.

Going Out

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day In London

Though originally a religious feast day in honour of St Patrick – the man who brought Christianity to Ireland – in modern times St Patrick’s Day has descended into a more wide-reaching celebration of Irish culture, sparking festivities around the world. Every year on 17 March, thousands of people come together in green outfits and shamrock face paint to mark the day with parades, traditional Irish food and of course plenty of Guinness. Here are the top spots to celebrate in London. With ceilidh music at The Bloomsbury, live entertainment at Langan’s, traditional stew at Corrigan’s and Irish oysters at the Pig’s Ear, we’re sure wherever you end up it will be a night of great craic. Worried about breaking any Lent-based bans? Historically the Lenten restrictions on fasting and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, so go on and indulge.

Property Of The Day

In 1799 a scandal shook the Austen family. Jane Austen’s maternal aunt, Mrs Leigh-Perrot, had been arrested for shoplifting and would soon be taken to trial. Though the novelist didn’t hold the greatest affection for her aunt, she was still a frequent visitor to her town and country residences – including this stunning Berkshire home.

On the market for £2m, ddre.global

Little Luxury

Give bedtime an upgrade by investing in some new linen from British brand London & Avalon. Often lauded as the Chanel No.5 of bed linen, its top-quality pieces are a favourite among Hollywood stars, interior designers and hoteliers – the brand was recently chosen by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as the preferred partner for its Mandarin Exceptional Homes offering. We’re eyeing up one of the bestselling duvet covers, made with a traditional French Tail: a longer opening at the base, which can be tucked under the mattress to ensure the duvet stays firmly in place and boost your sleep quality. Find the full range at londonandavalon.com

Competition Time

Want to plan the perfect weekend escape, but can’t quite decide where? Well you’re in luck, PoB Hotels is offering you the chance to win a £500 Night & Day voucher to use at any of its 56 hotels. Enter here.

Psssst…

Michael B Jordan took home his first Oscar at Sunday’s ceremony, winning best actor for Sinners – but did you know he also has a stake in the sports world? The star has been the co-owner of AFC Bournemouth since 2022, part of a growing trend for A-listers owning football clubs.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Miss out on tickets for Wilderness, the music, food and wellness extravaganza which returns to Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park from 30 July – 2 August. The recently announced line-up includes Scissor Sisters and The Last Dinner Party as well as the special SISTERS show curated by (and starring) Annie Lennox – plus we’re told there are ten new secret venues popping up across the site this year. wildernessfestival.com