Рубрика: General

Car journalist Lawrence Ulrich passes his expert verdict on the Bentley Continental GT. 

Ballers and brokers lavished bonuses on a British GT that was sexy, never stuffy, and drove like an armored sports car. 

Say auf Wiedersehen to that hand-built W-12, and Tag to a Continental GT whose plug-in-hybrid V-8 – co-developed with Porsche – makes it faster and far more efficient. That leaves the Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari 12Cilindri as the only alternatives for buyers who crave the old-school croon of a twelve-cylinder. 

The 2026 Continental GT makes its competitive case on a winter-wonderland drive in New York, dominating dicey roads with all-wheel-drive, rear-axle steering and the thundering hooves of its 4.0-liter V-8. The twin-turbo engine makes 512 horsepower, with an additional 188 from an electric motor linked to an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The system’s combined 671 horsepower and 686 lb-feet of torque sends the Bentley to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That’s despite a hybrid-stuffed curb weight of about 5,400lbs, or closer to 5,800 in convertible GTC form. Choose GT Speed or Mulliner versions, and output rises to 771 horsepower and 738 lb-feet, good for a 3.1-second sprint to 60 mph, and a 208-mph top speed.

See also: Behind the Wheel of 007: Chris Corbould on James Bond’s Auto Legacy

More than ever, the Continental GT is a luxury locomotive minus the rails. The outside world silently bullets by, as passengers relax in a first-class cabin that Agatha Christie would kill for. Two passengers, that is, with rear seats largely limited to Hermes gift bags, or Bentley’s set of striped Italian luggage designed for this fourth-generation GT.

My GT coupe ticked enough bespoke boxes – with $107,000 in options – to boost its freight to $396,000. That included patterned aluminum trim, hand-engraved via a guilloche technique familiar from high-end watchmaking. Rich hides from unblemished Scandinavian bulls featured a shade called Burnt Oak. Organ-style chrome vent pulls remain a brand signature. A seemingly infinite choice of trims now includes slate of quartzite veneers, sourced from India and finished by Mulliner Division artisans in Crewe. Fellow drivers shower compliments on the Bentley’s ‘Cricket Ball Satin’ paint. The matte plum color added $21,230, enough to buy a perfectly good, used BMW. 

Bentley’s Rotating Screen flips to present three surfaces,  including a striking set of knurled analog gauges. The digital side unfortunately reveals a prosaic Audi-based infotainment screen. The laggy, low-res affair, with preposterously bad voice controls, begs for an upgrade. Apple Car Play or Android Auto will work overtime here. 

Even on a so-so set of Pirelli P Zero all-season tires, the Bentley shoulders lesser cars aside, in 17-degree ambient temperatures. Saluting West Point Military Academy as we pass, the Bentley fires off aggressive V-8 cannonades. We rocket up Route 9W, overlooking the Hudson River where British and Revolutionary troops fought for strategic control. In the midst of this martial show, a 2,200-watt Naim audio system – among the finest in all autodom – alternately soothes and rocks the cabin. 

Have I mentioned this is still a plug-in hybrid? An electrified boost allows the Bentley to save energy, not just squander it. A 22 kilowatt-hour battery supplies up to 50 miles of purely electric range, which drivers can reserve via a console switch. Burbling into Manhattan, I toggle the Bentley into “e-mode” for an emissions-free sunset cruise down the West Side Highway. Plug in faithfully, and the Continental will handle local errands – a case of Krug here, a portfolio checkup there – as virtuously as any Tesla, only much quieter. We love a twelve-cylinder engine as much as the next man, but this Bentley represents progress.

Don’t let the cold cramp your style. 

Sure, it’s rare to be spending hours in sub-zero temperatures whilst wearing black tie, but thought is still needed for the periods of time that you do.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of ways to stay warm in today’s world, but there’s an art of how to do so stylishly. Layers of clothes will ensure a chunky silhouette, and with temperatures warmer inside, you wouldn’t want perspiration to sodden your look. Follow the below tips to stay looking your best, while the weather remains at its worst.

Invest in sophisticated thermals

No, thermals are not just for ski vacations. Now that climate change has caused many winters to get colder, a thermal T-shirt hidden underneath a shirt seems more necessary than ever. Once you’ve started wearing them everyday, you’ll struggle to imagine your life before them.

Investing in quality thermals will result in a longer life span, and the higher price point often means you’ll have some added benefits. For example, this style from Falke is odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, stopping sweat from seeping through if you’re going into warmer temperatures.

Moncler Grenoble and Kjus also have great options. But if the temperature has really dropped, why not throw on a pair of merino long johns under your trousers? This pair from John Smedley were designed in collaboration with actor Bill Nighy, to keep him warm whilst enduring long days on set.

Knits can be formal, too

While we wouldn’t suggest it for a black-tie affair, wearing a knit over a shirt and tie can look suitably smart. In fact, it’s a look that’s been spotted on recent catwalks and menswear enthusiasts that sat front row.

Naturally, your best option is a V-neck that doesn’t have too much of a plunging neckline. Keep the color palette muted and pattern free, as attention should be on the suit and tie rather than the knit. Loro Piana, Saman Amel, and Studio Nicholson have an array worth pursuing.

Prioritize wool and cashmere formulations

Modern advancements have meant that the yarn spun from a woollyback can be found in the most unlikely clothing. No longer are wool or cashmere beholden to a knitter’s hand, you can find them formulating less chunky ready-to-wear garms.

If the occasion is more smart-casual, and you can get away with a T-shirt under your suit, Dutch-brand Extreme Cashmere has styles that are as light as a regular top but made with its namesake fibre. 

Of course, a wool suit is a winter staple that you should already have in your wardrobe. But if you’re on the search for new pieces, why not try a wool-blend for something different. Tom Ford has combined wool and mohair in this suit jacket, while Thom Sweeney offers a trendier option by adding wool to its corduroy cotton fabric.

The Capricorn 01 Zagato is a mid-engine coupe making nearly 1,000 horsepower. The Capricorn 01 Zagato is a mid-engine coupe making nearly 1,000 horsepower.

Only 166 examples of the roadster left the factory in the bold color combo. Only 166 examples of the roadster left the factory in the bold color combo.

With Bridgerton back on screens, you may find yourself yearning for a tasteful touch of bygone elegance in your home. 

Bridgerton is back on screen, and the allure of Regency-era dramas is impossible to resist. Beyond the corsets and courtship, one of the show’s real draws is its interiors. Not only do the opulent sets and period buildings provide a suitable romantic backdrop for the show’s epic love stories, but they also serve to inspire modern-day homeowners looking to embrace the ever-popular trend of ‘Regencycore’.

Regencycore is the contemporary interpretation of 19th-century interior design, drawing from the styles popular in Britain during the Regency period, under the influence of the Prince Regent. Rooted in Neoclassicism, Regency interiors looked to ancient Greek and Roman architecture for proportion and symmetry, softened by richer colors, bolder ornaments, and a sense of theater. At the time, the style marked a move away from Georgian restraint, hinting at the more expressive interiors that would follow.

For those looking to incorporate Regencycore into their homes, design experts say today’s approach is all about selective referencing. Esra Kumbasar, senior design director at Accouter, recommends a deliberate but restrained approach. “While Regencycore naturally lends itself to period properties, it translates just as effectively into modern homes when approached with intention,” she says. “Contemporary properties benefit from carefully-curated Regency nods that sit comfortably within a modern framework, rather than replicating the style in full.”

Lara Clarke, founder of Lara Clarke Interiors, echoes this more subtle approach, affirming Regencycore is not about grand remodeling, but selective, thoughtful additions. “In a modern space, it is less about historical accuracy and more about capturing the atmosphere,” she says. “You don’t need high ceilings to add a touch of romance or grandeur; it’s about how you dress the space you have.”

See more: How to Build a Nightclub in Your Basement

Color is often the most effective entry point. “People are no longer afraid of color; in fact, they are craving it,” says Clarke. Traditional Regency palettes – and some of Bridgerton’s most memorable rooms – lean towards light blues, greens, and pinks, offset by deeper jewel tones, creams, and soft neutrals. “Pink and green is a classic Regency combination that works beautifully today,” Clarke notes. “Think soft pistachios or sage greens paired with a dusty rose.”

Art also plays a central role in dressing a more modern space with a Regency-era edge. Stuart Geddes, managing director of The Lanesborough, one of London’s Regency grand dames, echoes this sentiment, noting the value of curated pieces in bringing historical context and a visual story to a space. 

“When selecting art, look for works that reflect the tastes of affluent households of the early 19th century,” he suggests. Speaking to his own experience dressing the luxury hotel, he recounts, “at The Lanesborough, a 2,000-piece collection was developed in collaboration with VISTO and Alberto Pinto Interior Design, reinforcing the feel of an English gentleman’s home from the 1830s and elevating the Regency character throughout the hotel.”

Texture and detailing are where Regencycore really comes into its own. Interior designer Katharine Pooley suggests introducing period-inspired accessories such as tassels and trimmings on curtains, cushions, or upholstery. These softer details, she notes, add depth and warmth, particularly as light moves through a room. 

To build on these softer accents, subtle gilding or muted gold elements can be incorporated to highlight architectural features or period accessories. Kumbasar suggests antique gold, brass, and bronze finishes to add warmth and a sense of heritage “without feeling excessive.”

Bedrooms are particularly well-suited to Regencycore makeovers. Clarke points to bed canopies and half-testers as surprisingly easy ways to introduce drama, height, and a focal point in a more plain, contemporary room. Layering fabrics is key here: Pooley recommends silk or cashmere bed curtains with embroidered edges, alongside generously-sized, plump cushions to build softness and depth.

While Bridgerton fever may not last forever, the Regencycore interior aesthetic seems to be moving with the times, as experts see shifts away from the beige-ification of interiors. “We are most certainly moving away from pared-back minimalism,” says Kumbasar. “There is a renewed appreciation for spaces that feel considered and lived-in rather than stark or overly restrained.”

She notes a shift towards spaces that celebrate character, in whatever form that may be. “After spending so much time in our homes recently, there is a renewed desire for spaces that express personality and spark joy.” And Regencycore certainly ticks those boxes.

Trebbiano is ready for the spotlight. Trebbiano is ready for the spotlight.

The Broad Arrow Auction cofounder talks the impact of the coming Great Wealth Transfer and more. The Broad Arrow Auction cofounder talks the impact of the coming Great Wealth Transfer and more.

Think you don’t like smoky scotch? Give Port Charlotte 18 a try and reconsider. Think you don’t like smoky scotch? Give Port Charlotte 18 a try and reconsider.

Steeped in the gold industry for generations, the Betts brothers believe it’s time investors and consumers alike know exactly where their precious metals come from—and they have a compelling case. Steeped in the gold industry for generations, the Betts brothers believe it’s time investors and consumers alike know exactly where their precious metals come from—and they have a compelling case.

If you’re stuck on where to book for Valentine’s Day in London, these are the most romantic restaurants in the city. 

Valentine’s Day in London calls for romance, indulgence, and unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re planning an intimate candlelit dinner for two, a night with sprawling rooftop views, or a Michelin-starred evening, the city has no shortage of places to mark the occasion.

Consider this your go-to guide to the best Valentine’s Day restaurants in the capital, from French fine dining and classic tasting menus to more playful, contemporary offerings.

The Best Restaurants in London for Valentine’s Day

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is celebrating Valentine’s Day in London with a special menu, showcasing the best of fine French dining and fresh British ingredients.

The meal begins with caviar paired with sea urchin and dashi jelly, continuing with indulgent dishes such as black truffle with cacklebean egg, Dover sole from Newlyn in Cornwall, and veal from Corrèze, France.

Dessert comes in two parts: rhubarb and chocolate courses. And while at The Connaught, why not surprise your loved one by booking one of the hotel’s fabulous suites for the evening? Our favorite is The Apartment, with The Mews a close second.

the-connaught.co.uk

The Lecture Room & Library, Sketch

Sketch thrives on special occasions, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Expect dreamy décor and artistic installations in tribute to St Valentine.

As Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a weekend, The Lecture Room & Library will offer special set menus for lunch and dinner. Lunch features five courses with half a bottle of Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle per guest, while dinner is a six-course tasting menu accompanied by half a bottle of Dom Pérignon 2017.

In the evening, the three-Michelin-star restaurant will host a musical soirée with opera, operetta, and musical performances by the London Festival Opera.

sketch.london

Kioku by Endo

Kioku by Endo, the Japanese restaurant atop the Old War Office, is marking Valentine’s Day with a specially curated tasting menu. Opt for a daytime lunch or an evening reservation with impressive nighttime views of London.

The dinner tasting menu highlights Kioku’s finest dishes, including lobster, wagyu, and yellowtail, with a welcome drink on arrival.

kiokubyendo.com

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

For a truly indulgent romantic dinner, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester offers candlelit intimacy paired with three-Michelin-star cuisine and impeccable British service.

On February 14, the elegant restaurant will serve a five-course tasting menu for two, which can be paired with a glass or bottle of rosé champagne. Highlights include hand-dived scallops with caviar and beef fillet with Périgord truffle.

alainducasse-dorchester.com

Aqua Shard

For dinner with a view, book a table at Aqua, perched on the 31st floor of The Shard, the UK’s tallest building. The Valentine’s Day set menu complements their usual à la carte offerings.

The three-course menu features truffle risotto, wild halibut, or beef fillet with truffle mash, served with a sparkling glass of Veuve Clicquot. As an extra treat, Aqua has partnered with British jewelry brand Dinny Hall on a limited-edition chocolate dessert. Inspired by Dinny Hall’s ruby gemstone jewelry, the dessert layers white chocolate, yogurt, vanilla cheesecake, and pickled English rose petals.

aquashard.co.uk

Mauro Colagreco

Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO will offer a six-course tasting menu for Valentine’s Day. Dishes lean British and are paired with Billecart-Salmon rosé champagne.

Expect fresh seafood like oysters and grilled monkfish, as well as unique desserts, including black lemon ice cream with ginger foam. For a memorable twist, graphologist Emma Bache will provide handwriting-based compatibility readings throughout the evening.

raffles.com

Dovetale

The 1 Hotel Mayfair is one of the neighborhood’s trendier five-star spots, blending upscale luxury with a contemporary edge. Dovetale, the hotel’s signature restaurant, mirrors this vibe, making it a lively choice for Valentine’s.

From February 13-15, Chef Tom Sellers will serve a four-course menu. Starters include panko-fried oysters with blood orange, fennel, and pink peppercorn, or dressed Dorset crab for two with brown crab waffles.

The main features a limited-edition Valentine’s special, ‘Hunter’s Chicken,’ with morel and wild garlic stuffing, foie gras jus, potatoes, and Caesar salad. Dessert highlights the ‘Lovebocker,’ a V-Day-inspired twist on Dovetale’s famous knickerbocker sundae with raspberry cream and rhubarb sorbet.

Dinner can be enjoyed on the hotel’s winter terrace by the fire, with a resident DJ setting a romantic, relaxed ambiance.

dovetalelondon.com

Holborn Dining Room at Rosewood London

For a hearty Valentine’s meal, Rosewood London’s Holborn Dining Room offers limited-edition pies.

The Art Deco dining room will serve a lobster and scallop pie for mains and a raspberry pie for dessert, topped with a heart-shaped lattice lid for a picture-perfect moment.

holborndiningroom.com

Trishna

A late-night stroll through twinkling Marylebone sets the scene for romance, and Trishna, the neighborhood’s Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, is perfect for celebrating a special day.

On February 14, Trishna will showcase the vibrant coastal cuisine of western India through a five-course tasting menu, including favorites like half lobster cafreal and tandoori lamb chop, along with special plates such as Malabar crab cutlets paired with Oscietra caviar.

trishna.com

How we chose the best Valentine’s Day restaurants in LondonEach restaurant featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors, informed by first-hand experience where possible and rigorous, in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most revered luxury destinations alongside in-the-know addresses, each chosen for its uncompromising standards and exceptional service.