

The SLMan Hot List: October
The SLMan Hot List gives you all the inspiration, recommendations and ideas you need for the month ahead. From a cool launch to a hot restaurant and a new scent for autumn, here are all the things to check out in October…
THE RESTAURANT
Alta
Alta has landed in Kingly Court. A sister restaurant to much-hyped Moi, it’s headed up by Rob Roy Cameron, who couldn’t sound more Scottish but is actually inspired by open-fire cooking and northern Spain. He spent more than a decade living and working there, cooking in some of the country’s most respected kitchens. He was part of the team at El Bulli before working as Albert Adrià’s right-hand man for the opening of 41 Degrees in Barcelona. Alta’s menu is designed to share and will present small to medium plates such as Cornish mussels and grilled bread; wood-fired courgette with pumpkin seed romesco; razor clams in white escabeche; plus a choice of meats and fish such as 38-day aged beef sirloin or turbot head. If it’s anything like Moi, it’s going to be spectacular.
Visit Alta-Restaurant.com
THE KITCHEN HACK
Fragrant Knives
Fragrant Knives is the passion project of chef and food anthropologist Sean Warmington-Wan. It has launched in the UK with its Chinese Chef’s Knife. This is a do-it-all blade that chops, slices, minces, smashes, scrapes and glides between prep and plating with ease. The knife is designed in Hong Kong and crafted in Yangjiang, the capital of Chinese blade-making since the Tang dynasty, using high-carbon stainless steel for sharpness and durability. It’s finished with a hand-carved Chinese rosewood handle and intentionally shaped to feel intuitive in the hands of any cook – whether or not they’ve ever used a Chinese-style knife before.
Visit FragrantKnives.com
THE POP-UP
Gant House
For the London Fashion Week just gone, Gant put on a preppy event at Mayfair hotspot Mister Nice. The event has now extended into a pop-up that’s open to all until 15th October. Eat at Mister Nice before then and you’ll see Gant’s new collection brought to life in a collegiate clubhouse setting inspired by the label’s east-coast USA roots. Opposite Mister Nice you’ll find a Gant pop-up store, featuring AW25 pieces and a limited-edition merch t-shirt.
Visit MisterNiceMayfair.com
THE ACCESSORY
Oakley
PSG star Kylian Mbappé has launched a signature series with Oakley. Part of the brand’s Artifacts From The Future range, the collection features the Lateralis and Enigma Mass models in new colourways. The Lateralis in Matte Dark Amber with Prizm Ruby lenses channels late 1990s high-wrap DNA with a sculptural silhouette. It’s engineered for a secure, no-slip fit thanks to integrated nose pads and moulded ear socks. The Enigma Mass in Trans Dark Amber is a minimalist, prescription-ready square frame with TruBridge nose pads for adaptive comfort and all-day wearability. Every pair will come with a custom-designed microbag.
Visit Oakley.com
THE SCENT
The Cut by Penhaligon’s
Looking for a new signature scent for the new season? Put your citrusy bottles away and try The Cut. It’s a tribute in fragrance to the sharp precision and bespoke tailoring of Savile Row. Designed by acclaimed perfumer Paul Guerlain, this new scent from Penhaligon’s blends mint with cypress, fir balsam and vetiver to create a fresh yet sophisticated aroma.
Visit Penhaligons.com
THE CAMPAIGN
The Butler Did It II
Raffles has unveiled The Butler Did It Chapter II – a cinematic fashion-led campaign by Trey Laird (Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Hugo Boss with David Beckham) set at Raffles London at The OWO. Starring Tim Easton alongside Henry Golding, Oli Green and Jacquetta Wheeler, it reimagines the butler for today’s luxury traveller. Through striking imagery and cinematic video, the narrative unfolds within the storied walls of the Old War Office. Each vignette delivers a playful expression of Raffles’ signature ultra-personal offering. The campaign has launched globally across print, video and social.
Visit Raffles.com
THE HIGH-END HOMEWARE
Ferrari Tool Case
Ferrari has created a series of one-of-a-kind pieces to mark the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda’s first World Championship title in Monza. The collectibles include two helmet cases and two special editions of Nello The Ferrari Tool Case. Drawing from the prancing horse’s racing heritage, the designs echo its 1975 colours and motifs: the Mugello Red and the Navy Blue. The helmet cases are crafted from calfskin with tonal wave stitching and metal hardware. Meanwhile, the special editions of Nello The Ferrari Tool Case are upholstered in quilted nappa leather with contrasting wave stitching.
Visit Store.Ferrari.com
THE CLUB
Kith Ivy
This month sees the arrival in New York of members club Kith Ivy. Marking the fashion brand’s entry into hospitality, Kith Ivy will comprise a pro shop with exclusive merchandise, a living room and dining area, a tonic bar, a gym and spa, and rooftop padel courts. Giorgio Armani and Kith have created a first-of-its-kind luxury spa experience for members, offering Thai, Swedish and sports massages, and facial treatments. The spa’s hydrotherapy spaces include a hammam, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and cold-plunge room. The venue is also home to the first Erewhon tonic bar outside Los Angeles. The club has also partnered with Cafe Mogador, a New York staple, to bring a create a fresh, upscale menu featuring both classics and new Moroccan-inspired Mediterranean dishes.
Visit Kith.com
THE HOTEL
Ardbeg House
The maker of the world’s peatiest Islay malt whisky has opened the doors of its boutique hotel. Just a short hop from the distillery, on the shore in the village of Port Ellen, Ardbeg House has been designed in collaboration with Russell Sage Studio to celebrate the best of Islay – there are handcrafted pieces from more than 20 Scottish artisans. A dozen striking suites and bedrooms merge playful detail with Ardbeg’s own brand of luxury: think copper wall art crafted from a retired Ardbeg still, a custom-designed boat chandelier, and buttons labelled ‘Press for Smoke’ that reveal hidden drams. In the boldly themed restaurant, guests can order the likes of hand-dived scallops collected by one of the distillery’s stillmen, plus inventive dishes infused with Ardbeg. Outside, The Untamed Courtyard features a handcrafted smoker and grill, serving barbecued dishes that mirror Ardbeg’s signature smoky notes.
Visit Ardbeg.com
THE ANNIVERSARY
Kestin x Woven Whisky
Kestin is one of our favourite British menswear labels – its Edinburgh shop is a place to bookmark for your next visit to the Scottish capital. To celebrate the brand’s tenth birthday this month, it’s teamed up with Leith distillery Woven Whisky to create a limited-edition blend inspired by founder Kestin Hare’s Isle of Skye roots. Named Loch Bay, the whisky balances richness with subtle smoke. Complex yet approachable, it’s bottled at 46.9% ABV. It goes on sale today.
Visit WovenWhisky.com
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