The Marais is almost as old as some of the first inhabited parts of Paris and still maintains some of that old world charm, it is the only area in Paris that has preserved the narrow streets and architectural styles of the Medieval and Renaissance-era. In stark contrast to the old and historical Marais, it is also a destination for the fashionable, stylish and creative as it is fast becoming  filled with new brands showcasing flagship and concept stores.

In April of this year Japanese brand Uniqlo opened their flagship Paris store in the Marais district – joining many other ‘concept stores’ within this famous city. Spanning over three floors and displays a selection of its menswear and womenswear collections.

The store is 8800 sq. ft. and the next step in the international expansion of the brand. What I loved was the way that a ‘concept store’, something so modern and fresh, opens up behind a classic façade. This juxtaposition is in some ways the essence of the Marais, finding the contemporary amongst the history – well worth a visit.

The Kaufhaus des Westerns, abbreviated to KaDeWe, is the largest department store in continental Europe. With over 60,000 square metres, trading over 8 floors, it attracts 40 – 50,000 people a day. Whilst full of the typical cosmetics, fashion and homewares you would associate within a world class department store, it’s the food hall which is the real jewel in the crown.

The 6th floor is home of the food hall and delicatessen and offers a massive range of food and drink, allowing you to take away, eat in or buy your groceries.  With around 110 cooks, 40 bakers and confectioners supplying more than 30 gourmet counters and over 1,000 varieties of German sausages! It really is a food heaven.

It has everything including fresh fruit and vegetables, chocolates, teas, fish counters, bakers and bars. Selling everything from German Sausage to Oysters and Champagne. Although it is a justifiable tourist attraction in its own right, many of those who sat around the bars or were shopping were locals and with over 30,000 items for sale in more than 7,000 square meters, who can blame them.

www.kadewe.de/en/home_english/

Long before it was fashionable to serve a latte in a bike shop, Mud Dock combined great food and drinks with a high quality cycle shop.

Over the last 10 years, the concept has evolved and now includes a deli selling jam and chutney, a bike shed allowing you to park your bike, lockers, showers and changing facilities, all alongside a busy restaurant with water views.

Mud Dock is not only an institution in Bristol but part of the community and it attracts likeminded people by offering local knowledge on rides and events, thus making it an interactive environment you want to visit.

www.mud-dock.co.uk

Cookery schools both at home and abroad have become hugely prevalent alongside an explosion in popularity of all things food. These can range from a 45 minute course that’s possible to take in during a lunch hour, to detailed high-end corporate evenings preparing five course Michelin Star food.

In the main they are entertaining and interesting uses for what can be otherwise fairly uninspiring secondary space, and target an audience for either solo participation or larger groups looking for a shared experience. Furthermore, they seem to be appearing across the UK in great numbers, but however strong, they struggle to compete with Mamma Agata’s in Ravello.

Amongst the luxury hotels, high end restaurants and beautifully manicured gardens that are around every corner in Ravello, lies a cookery school that takes you straight back to basics and emphasises just how simple Italian cooking should be in a setting that is an incredible showcase of one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. Mamma Agata spent many years cooking for the rich and famous before this venture which involves her (and her daughter) imparting her knowledge in a way that makes you feel like a cookery hero within about half an hour of being there, further fuelled by their relaxed generosity with the wine and limoncello…

It starts with coffee and lemon cake on the family’s terrace overlooking the ocean and lemon groves before moving into the kitchen to watch and help with the preparation of the most remarkable meal you later eat; all from local seasonal produce, and all organically grown.  Appetizers, numerous courses and “secret” Italian cooking tricks are shared with the group from a cook who has a life of experience, but makes you feel like you are now armed with everything you need to demonstrate perfect Italian cooking.  Watching, learning, tasting (and quite a lot of drinking) fill your day as you are immersed in Italian culture in a truly moving setting, all concluding with a meal on the terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coastline.

www.mammaagata.com