Belgium: state of the nation

Traffic-clogged and polluted London may not seem like a runner’s paradise. But there’s more to the city’s offerings than first meets the eye, with its windy streets, architectural variety and abundant greenery. We followed six runners in different neighbourhoods around the city, who share their favourite characteristics of London and how running helps them see their city in new ways.Tracksmith is making its London debut in 2023. Its marathon training-focused pop-up is open now through March at 2 Chiltern Street, after which it will open its official London Trackhouse at 25 Chiltern Street.

Climate change is prompting fruit farmers to diversify and coffee roasters to start considering areas beyond the so-called bean belt to source their raw material. In Sicily, Morettino, a forward-looking family-run roastery, has already started growing coffee plants in Palermo, creating an espresso that is truly made in Italy. To discover more surprising business opportunities, subscribe to Monocle magazine today.

Monocle’s February issue is all about celebrating places that work, whether that’s a parliament, home or metro carriage. From a floating office to a school teaching children the rules of the road, we profile the locations that look good and work well for those who use them. Plus: Charleston’s hospitality boom and why you should learn Russian. Order your copy today.

Tyler Brûlé and his merry team got festive last weekend with the annual Monocle Christmas Market at Midori House in London. Staff and shoppers browsed the stalls of some of our favourite brands and even met Santa and two of his reindeers.