I found numerous references to Postcard Teas when I was writing my article on Where to Buy Tea in London but I couldn’t get my head…
Author: Maxine Morse
Maxine Morse
Maxine Morse is the founder of Luxe on Less London, a magazine dedicated to uncovering the best of London’s culture, dining, and entertainment—without the luxury price tag. A seasoned traveler, opera critic, and keen explorer of hidden gems, she shares savvy tips on how to experience the city’s finest offerings for less. When she’s not discovering new places, she’s refining her home, planning her next adventure, or indulging in great food and theatre.
Ever wondered if you could spend a day in London on 5 pounds? I did — and it turned out to be one of the most…
Leake Street Tunnel: London’s Legal Graffiti Canvas Nestled beneath the bustling tracks of Waterloo Station lies Leake Street Tunnel, a 300-metre stretch transformed from a forgotten…
When it comes to hand luggage and liquids, there are two kinds of women on holiday: The one gliding through the airport with 7kg of carefully…
Experience the vibrant pulse of London’s cultural scene with Open Doors at the Southbank Centre. This dynamic programme offers an array of free events throughout April,…
Transforming the bustling financial district into an open-air gallery, Sculpture in the City returns for its 13th edition, showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary artworks amidst…
Delve into the clandestine world of espionage at MI5 Official Secrets, a captivating exhibition at The National Archives in Kew. Running from 5 April to 28…
Are you wondering how to save money at Kew Gardens? Kew is one of London’s great wonders – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with sweeping lawns,…
This London Spring Packing List is your go-to for packing like a local and having what you need without hauling your whole wardrobe across the world.…
It’s the Roaring 20’s, old sport. Meet mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby. He entertains the rich and famous with riotous parties at his Long Island mansion yet…
The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? The team…
Looking for a proper French bistro in Soho without the eye-watering prices? Prix Fixe Soho offers a generously portioned, flavour-packed prix fixe menu right in the…
The enduring musical continues its West End run, bringing Victor Hugo’s epic tale of redemption and revolution to life. Performances are ongoing, with tickets available through…
Mike Bartlett’s new play explores the dynamics of a married couple who invite a younger woman into their relationship. Starring Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, and Erin…
Brie Larson takes on the titular role in Sophocles’ tragedy, directed by Daniel Fish. This contemporary and minimalistic approach to the classic play runs from February…
Based on the 1995 film, this musical adaptation features an original score by KT Tunstall and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The West End production stars Emma…
Brian Cox stars as composer Johann Sebastian Bach in Oliver Cotton’s new play, directed by Trevor Nunn. The production explores a fictional encounter between Bach and…
This acclaimed musical intertwines the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice with a contemporary twist. The West End production features Dónal Finn as Orpheus and Grace Hodgett…
Featuring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell as Benedick and Beatrice, respectively, Jamie Lloyd’s vibrant reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s comedy is set in 1990s clubland. The production runs…
Starring Cate Blanchett as Arkadina and Emma Corrin as Nina, this new production of Chekhov’s classic play is directed by Thomas Ostermeier. The show runs from…
Tucked away in Aldwych, just off Covent Garden, the Delaunay afternoon tea combines British tradition with a touch of Viennese flair. As the more approachable sibling…
London is a city of prestige, culture, and exclusivity, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to experience the best of it. From…
London has a reputation for luxury which most people equate with spending money, but if you are savvy you can enjoy opulent experiences for surprising (even…
A Luxe Experience Without the Luxe Price Tag Looking for affordable afternoon tea in London without sacrificing style or setting? You’re not alone. Once upon a…
London’s luxury scene isn’t just for hedge funders and celebrities. If you know where to look, you can enjoy top-tier experiences—from glamorous bars to fine dining…
Affordable Luxury: The Best Cocktail Bars in London for Under £15 London is a city where you can drop £20 on a cocktail without blinking—yet hidden…
The best nights out in London don’t end at midnight—they stretch into the small hours, fuelled by killer cocktails, buzzing dance floors, and that irresistible after-dark…
London has an amazing music scene with genres that range from soulful jazz to electrifying indie rock. For those seeking live performances without straining their wallets, the…
Exploring London’s Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Bars London’s nightlife is rich with hidden gems—speakeasies and secret bars that offer unique experiences behind unassuming facades. Here’s a…
The Best Jazz Clubs in London for a Sophisticated Night Out London’s jazz scene is absolutely thriving, and whether you’re after a glamorous cocktail bar with…
The opening moments of the ENO’s revival of The Marriage of Figaro ooze style and wit, as doors swing open and characters artfully pose before subtly…
Richmond Park is one of London’s most cherished green spaces, offering a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a…
The English National Opera’s The Turn of the Screw, is an atmospheric and chilling rendition of Benjamin Britten’s psychological thriller. This production, newly interpreted and staged…
The English National Opera’s latest production of Suor Angelica, staged at the London Coliseum, is an evocative and emotionally charged portrayal of Puccini’s short but powerful…
The English National Opera’s revival of La bohème, which opens the season at the London Coliseum is a resounding success. Puccini’s timeless opera is…
Yesterday, I was approached by a tourist on Piccadilly who asked me where to buy tea in London. She then added in broken English, “Where do…
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is illuminating, bizarre, moving and often laugh-out-loud funny. No wonder it has special bragging rights. It screams London in the summer.This…
Cockney rhyming slang is essential insider information for all savvy Londoners. Use your watch and chain and see if you can pass our quiz. What is…
Churchill War Rooms Review: A Must-See WWII Museum in London Hidden beneath the streets of Westminster lies one of London’s most extraordinary historical sites—the Churchill War…
Les 110 de Taillevent has one of the most exclusive lunch menus in London. Treat yourself to exquisite food accompanied by one of 110 wines served…
Having coffee and cake in London is one of life’s greatest pleasures. You look forward to it all morning and commence your prowl through London streets…
The Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park is living proof that anyone can have an experience of a lifetime in London free of charge. These…
We weren’t in search of the best London dessert. It found us as we were dining at The Wolseley, Piccadilly. Who would have thought that this…
Saint Paul’s Cathedral can be tricky to photograph due to its soaring height and sprawling mass. Here are my tips for using the rabbit warren of…
ENO La traviata Review – 28 October 2023 by Maxine Morse The ENO’s La traviata has the feel of a Parisian 1920’s nightclub, enveloped in blacks…
ENO Iolanthe Review – 10 October 2023 by Maxine Morse If ENO’s Iolanthe were a cake it would be a Unicorn cake with a deep buttercream…
The ENO’s Peter Grimes is not going to be a cosy night at the opera. You can see that in the sparse cantilevered set – dark…
Looking for a London Red Bus Tour and don’t want to pay through the nose for an overpriced tour? Have you thought of seeing London on…
There’s nothing quite like attending the opera for the first time in London. I often take my friends who are opera virgins who invariably ask the…
Moving to London or thinking of living here? Maybe you have concerns about high prices or fitting in? Here I lay all of your worries to…
Buckingham Palace London is on every visitor’s list but many will leave disappointed. As you cannot enter Buckingham Palace in the Winter, without a plan your…
Crossrail Place Roof Garden is a leafy oasis hidden in the roof top of the Canary Wharf Elizabeth Line. Canary Wharf, home to our corporate sector,…
On a recent visit to the Charles Dickens Museum London, I discovered that Charles Dickens was a bit of a rake and dandy and far more…
Step inside the Museum of London Docklands, where the city’s maritime past unfolds in all its gritty, brutal reality. Housed in a Grade II-listed 19th-century warehouse,…
Marylebone on a budget? It can be done! Explore this little known area sandwiched between Marble Arch and Baker’s Street with a unique village atmosphere, many…
In my wildest fantasies, I imagine being gifted a hamper…not just any old hamper but a wicker Fortnum and Mason hamper bearing the chic black monogram…
La bohème is a Scintillating New Production for Opera Holland Park Giacomo Puccini’s La bohème may be the most famous opera of all time: the spartan,…
London snacks are not to everyone’s taste. You maybe salivating when you read through this list or decide that our snacks are an abomination. Snacking in London…
Why Visit Lewes?Best Things To Do in LewesLewes, a few decades ago, used to be a pretty but dull, small town with a decidedly lefty vibe.…
On entering the Fitzrovia Chapel, you feel like you are in an encrusted jewelled box. The gleaming golden, pristine space is quite the opposite of a…
This is our no compromise list of cheap and free things to do in London London is the city of free. We have free museums, galleries,…
There is something particularly invigorating about Kew Gardens in the Winter. Everyone enjoys trudging through green and mud, buffeted by cold gusts of air and spotting…
Traditional British puddings like treacle sponge, jam roly poly, spotted dick, trifle, rice pud are the greatest dishes in the world. If you thought that English…
Some of the London theatre special effects used in productions are so sophisticated that the audience faints and vomits. The Globe had to station ambulances…
Look around you, London is ablaze with red icons and they are not just any shade of red. They are Pantone 485C…the colour of our London…
This is what we recommend as a London Winter Packing List and we also advise on where to shop for the things you forgot. Do you…
London West End theatre offers a dizzying choice. I go to the theatre most nights and I have some tips on how to to avoid a…
The Brasserie Zedel Set Menu is the star of the show. Brasserie Zedel has to be one of my favourite venues in London. Hidden away in…
We sauntered in to the Swan at the Globe late, thirsty and ravenous, after a socially distanced performance of As You Like It which lacked an…
HMS Pinafore is unashamedly the epitome of flag waving, English Englishness. I immediately sensed fish and chips, fairgrounds, childhood cut-out paper dolls and folk watching their…
ENO’s The Valkyrie at the London Coliseum is a performance of stark contrasts. From the orchestra pit we have Ben Hur, Braveheart, The Return of the…
On the surface, The Cunning Little Vixen (1924) by Leoš Janácek is a charming tale accompanied by the distinctive rhythm of Moravian folk songs but…
You would need to be quite disturbed to categorise Poul Ruders’ opera of The Handmaid’s Tale as entertainment but this performance nonetheless keeps the viewer transfixed…
Così Fan Tutte ENO feels brilliantly contemporary for an opera that roughly translates into “all women are like that” with its sexual stereotyping and theme of…