Our editor in chief on the name of our London HQ, the appeal of its neighbouring park and the enduring power of quality of life.

In our global news round-up we find a (very) short-haul trip where dogs get VIP treatment, meet Singapore’s naturalist superheroes and make a case for taxi drivers donning national dress.

They’ve flexed their finger muscles and got their cloths ready: the best shoe-shiners in the business prepare to go toe to toe.

We like things orderly, safe and to run to time but this doesn’t have to mean sanitised, tightly cropped and lacking edge.

Circuses are big business in Switzerland – and a new breed of entertainer has entered the arena.

Thyssenkrupp’s soaring lift-test tower promises to push construction possibilities to new heights. But, more importantly, the townspeople love it too.

Katsuhiko Sano’s green-fingered ground force snip and prune to keep Tokyo’s parks and gardens in tip-top condition

The celebrated chef finds inspiration in the company of his 12,000-strong vinyl collection.

Who’s up? Who’s down? Who’s in? Who’s out? Our 11th annual Quality of Life Survey identifies the cities with all the answers when it comes to liveability.

LA’s renaissance mayor and Democrat rising star is taking on homelessness, transport and Trump.

City leaders with a desire to improve quality of life shouldn’t just draw up plans at their desks: they need to see how things work in other towns and cities. The answers are out there. To get you started, we’ve devised an inspirational grand tour of Europe.

It takes just one passionate patron or one clear-sighted business owner to start turning round a city’s fortunes. From encouraging back rare birds to battling poverty, here’s our crack squad of urban fixers.

Finland’s public saunas, peace on the streets of Paris and a long-overdue opening in Rome.

Wasted water in Buenos Aires, green space in Medellín and pretty flood prevention in New Orleans.

Shibuya’s new nursery, Shanghai’s flight delays and recreational activities in Jakarta.

Park revival in Kuwait, storytelling in Nigeria and the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Hyperloop.

Finnish industry is keeping old traditions alive – and corporate hospitality hot under the collar.

Doing things differently is at the heart of landscape designer Thomas Woltz’s success. Amid all the high-profile projects, he explains the guiding ethos that keeps his firm grounded.

In the start of a regular series we look at potential bases for your HQ: first up, an Aussie town where your work life comes with a surf lifestyle too.

The CEO of a much-loved Canadian export reveals how Pacman and panettone keep him moving forward.

The architecture of EDP’s new building has been guided by the management’s principles of openness and collaboration.

One of Switzerland’s smartest property firms helped improve a once-unloved stretch of Zürich. Now Ledermann has tackled its most ambitious project – developers everywhere take note.

Hunger strikes in Hong Kong, Finland’s valuable leftovers and a nice cup of tea courtesy of Pentagram.

Learning to paint is surely a life-improving skill? We head to southwest England in search of good light and a fresh mental landscape.

Tel Aviv loves to dance all day and night in bars, clubs and cafés – and on the streets. The best news? Everyone is welcome to the party.

Considered bland and suburban by most, the Home Counties boast a bubbling undercurrent of creativity. UK band Saint Etienne is now singing their praises

From Christian radio to the first televised breasts, VPRO has navigated an obscure path to become a broadcaster with a clear vision of adventure, surrealism and optimism in its programming.

Sing it from the rooftops: Milan’s greenery is in the heavens.

What factors help us feel good in the city and how can planning departments do their bit? From street layouts to lighting to a lick of fresh paint, it’s all in the details.

Heady heights and Swiss living, Japanese culture in São Paulo and the changing face of Bangkok.

Relaxed yet smart, Philopappou is a counterbalance to busy Athens life and attracts those seeking inspiration from its ethereal architecture.

Valencianos are rediscovering the breezy joys of coastline cuisine and relaxed eating.

We visit the home of writer, broadcaster and raconteur Jonathan Meades to discuss his new cookbook, career as a critic and why food culture today makes him wince.

Poms in Australia, Zürich's Japanese chicken mascot and the UK wine industry.

Our in-house recipe inspired by sizzling summers spent on the Med.

From home cooking in Peru to hosting dinner parties for 20 people in Paris, Mario Testino tells us his culinary life story. Needless to say, the fashion photographer is still hungry.

Nothing says summer like a hedonistic dollop of ice cream or gelid gelato. Whether it’s an ice lolly dripping down your chin in Sydney or a dizzying line-up of flavours at a Neapolitan gelateria, it’s a temptation to be devoured.

Far from the madding crowds of Milan, family-run label Barena is causing a quiet stir with its Venice-inspired clothing and calm work ethic.

Meet the sun-kissed labels whose enticing summer vibes run through every eye-catching fibre, whatever the weather.

Perma-sunny Los Angeles is the perfect city to launch a sunglasses brand. We find six designers putting others in the shade.

From Frescobol Carioca to Reinhard Plank.

Plot a bookish weekend in the German ‘Hauptstadt’ with a tour of the best places to build your library, improve your stack and read poolside.

Make gentle waves on the sand this summer with sunny looks and bright accessories.

We visit the ambitious hotelier bringing warmth to the west coast of Norway with three grand hotel openings this year alone.

Whether you want to go wild in Finland or catch some rays in the south of France, look no further than our round-up of charming hotels and guesthouses.

Considering the little things that make life a pleasure, we proffer an invitation to take it easy.

Pleasing ceramics, lovely lights, drinks with a kick and desirable gadgets.

All the kit you need for an outdoor adventure – along with a place to test it.

Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.