Why Marlow is Monaco’s new must-try dining destination

28/01/2025

Marlow has brought a touch of British sophistication to Monaco and the French Riviera, with a menu that elevates classic British dishes set in a stunning Hugo Toro-designed space. With sweeping views and impeccable service, this elegant restaurant delivers a refined dining experience from morning to night, making it a highlight of Monaco’s newest district, Mareterra.

Marlow, the newest addition to Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s prestigious portfolio, has officially opened its doors in the heart of the Mareterra district, Monaco’s breathtaking new offshore extension. Inaugurated on 15th January by Prince Albert II and key dignitaries, the restaurant is already turning heads with its quintessentially British charm, impeccable service and mouthwatering menu that brings an elegant twist to classic English cuisine.

*Whether it is tea time, breakfast or dinner, Marlow offers a different menu and unique vibe for each occasion. Photos source: Monte-Carlo SBM*

A refined culinary journey through Britain

Food lovers are in for a treat at Marlow, where Chef Sébastien Blin has reimagined British staples with sophistication and flair. Breakfast features the iconic full English breakfast, perfect for starting the day on a hearty note, while tea time offers the refined rituals of an English afternoon, complete with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches and a perfect cup of tea.

Lunch and dinner are equally enticing. Signature dishes include the decadent Beef Wellington, with its tender fillet of beef wrapped in mushroom duxelles and buttery pastry, served with a rich red wine gravy and an indulgent truffle purée. For seafood enthusiasts, the Lobster Roll and Crab Roll from the Roll Bar are must-tries, while vegetarians can savor the Marlow Pie, a comforting combination of walnuts, honey, mushrooms, rocket and Cheddar. The Guinness and Chicken Pie delivers hearty, slow-cooked flavors, and the classic Fish and Chips is elevated with a refined touch befitting the venue’s sea-facing setting.

Desserts are a celebration of British indulgence. Highlights include the Lord Mess, a sophisticated take on Eton Mess with tonka bean cream, meringue and fresh seasonal fruits, as well as a vegan-friendly Marlow Brownie and a traditional apple crumble. For something light, the refreshing pineapple carpaccio is an excellent choice.

*Scotch egg, fish and chips and salmon gravlax. Photos source: Monte-Carlo SBM*

An all-day dining destination

Marlow’s versatile menu is designed to cater to every moment of the day. The Roll Bar offers a casual yet indulgent option for those on the go, while Sunday brunch is a lavish affair with complimentary Champagne. Evenings see the venue transform into a stylish bar, with live soul music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays adding a lively edge. The cocktail menu pays homage to British classics, featuring favorites like the Vesper Martini—James Bond’s drink of choice—and the Hanky Panky, a historical concoction from London’s Savoy Hotel. Whisky connoisseurs will appreciate the extensive selection, while the cigar cellar completes the sophisticated English club experience.

Marlow: a chic British hideaway in Monaco

Situated on Place Princesse Gabriella in the eco-friendly Mareterra district, Marlow is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. The venue is a tribute to late 19th-century British literature, embodied in the fictional Lady M., whose influence can be felt throughout. Designed by acclaimed interior architect Hugo Toro, the space blends Victorian panelled elegance with Mediterranean brightness. Rich woods, pink and green marbles, and Murano glass details create a warm and luxurious ambiance, while coral-inspired motifs add a unique twist.

Guests can enjoy a variety of settings, from cosy booths and private lounges to a lively seafood bar and a sunlit terrace opening in March. Whether visiting for breakfast, dinner, a signature cocktail or a Guinness, Marlow offers a comfortable and inviting escape from dawn until midnight.

*Designed by acclaimed interior architect Hugo Toro*

A new culinary chapter for SBM

Marlow is the latest venture in Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s strategy to expand its culinary horizons. The restaurant is expertly managed by Bryan Gaillard, whose background in leading London establishments ensures a level of service and attention to detail synonymous with the Group.

For Albert Manzone, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer: “Marlow is the latest addition to the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s collection of bars and restaurants, which already includes some 30 addresses in Monaco. This new Maison concept has been created to appeal to the largely English-speaking clientele of the new district, but also of course to Monegasque residents, as well as visitors to the Principality.”

With its flawless execution of British elegance, Marlow is set to become a cornerstone of the Mareterra district, attracting both locals and visitors alike. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to midnight (daily from April), this is British dining reimagined in true Monte-Carlo style.

Monaco Life was there! See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video reel below…

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Monaco present at 80th anniversary commemorations of Liberation of Auschwitz

by: Elsa Carpenter

28/01/2025

80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp where 1.1 million men, women and children were murdered between 1940 and 1945, a Monaco delegation joined representatives and leaders from across the globe at the infamous site in Poland to honour the dead, as well as those who survived the atrocities of the Holocaust.

On Monday 27th January, a Monaco delegation led by Acting Minister of State Isabelle Berro-Amadeï travelled to the site of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau camp to participate in the anniversary commemorations of its liberation by Soviet forces 80 years ago to the day.

During its almost five years, Auschwitz bore witness to the murders of 1.1 million men, women and children – most of them Jewish – at the hands of Nazi forces. The camp has since been transformed into a place of memorial and remembrance, a symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust while also representing humanity’s collective responsibility to confront and prevent hatred and genocide.

See more: In pictures: Remembering the WWII Liberation of Monaco

Joining Berro-Amadeï, Monaco’s experienced Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, who stepped into the role of Acting Minister of State following the death of Didier Guillaume earlier this month, were other key figures from the Principality, including Lorenzo Ravano, Monaco’s Ambassador to Germany and Poland; Jean-Laurent Imbert, First Secretary; Tomasz Wardynski, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Warsaw; and Jacques Wolzok, President of the Commission for Assistance to Victims of Spoliation.

The official delegation was also accompanied by representatives from Monaco’s Jewish community, such as Mikhal Amsellem, President of the Jewish Religious Association of Monaco; Aaron Frenkel, President of the Jewish Cultural Centre of Monaco; Nikol Abecassis, a teacher from the François d’Assise–Nicolas Barré Institution; Laura Vaselli, a student from the Lycée Albert I; and Johar Benbrikhou from François d’Assise–Nicolas Barré.

Monaco’s delegation to the Liberation of Auschwitz commemorations, led by Acting Minister of State Isabelle Berro-Amadeï (second row, third from right) included government figures and representatives from the Principality’s Jewish community. Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

In a statement, Berro-Amadeï said that she was “honoured to represent Monaco, to uphold the duty of remembrance and to never forget”.

The commemorations were a thoroughly international affair and brought together world leaders and government figures from around the world. Among those who attended the ceremony were King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who was pictured wiping away tears during the ceremony, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz were both in attendance, while the US sent a delegation in the form of Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce.

A number of Auschwitz survivors were also present at the emotive event, with some invited to speak about their experiences. As their numbers dwindle—those who remain would have been children or teenagers during their time at Auschwitz—the ceremony underscored the imperative of preserving their testimonies and ensuring that the lessons of Auschwitz remain a guiding force against hatred and intolerance.

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Photos via Monaco Communications Department

Aoki Racing Team triumphs in E1 World Championship season opener in Jeddah

by: Cassandra Tanti

28/01/2025

Aoki Racing Team, supported by global music icon Steve Aoki, has made a triumphant start to the 2025 UIM E1 World Championship, securing a stunning victory at the highly-anticipated season opener in Jeddah.

The electrifying E1 Jeddah GP, held on the Red Sea before a crowd of enthusiastic fans, saw nine teams competing in nail-biting foil-to-foil racing. Aoki Racing Team surged to their first-ever E1 victory, overcoming fierce challenges from Rafael Nadal’s Team Rafa and Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising, who finished second and third respectively. The win marks an extraordinary comeback for Aoki Racing Team after a challenging 2024 season where they placed eighth overall.

Saudi Arabia’s first-ever female rally driver, Mashael Alobaidan, delivered a career-best performance as the team’s pilot. Alongside her new teammate, former Formula 1 test driver Dani Clos, the duo dominated the competition, thrilling the home crowd with their exceptional speed and precision. Alobaidan described the victory as “the best of her career so far”, while Steve Aoki praised his team’s determination and passion, saying, “It just goes to show the underdog has a chance when you have determination, passion, and love for the sport.”

*Steve Aoki celebrates his team’s victory. Photo credit: Spacesuit Media*

The Jeddah GP also saw moments of individual brilliance, with Eric Stark of Team Miami powered by Magnus setting the fastest lap of the day to earn an additional point for his team. Meanwhile, reigning champions Team Brady fell short in the finals, setting up a fiercely competitive 2025 season as teams aim to claim the ultimate prize.

“Fans have seen a thrilling racing spectacle this weekend here on the Red Sea,” said Rodi Basso, Co-Founder and CEO of E1. “The level of competition and drama reached new heights today.”

*Aoki racing team Racebird. Photo credit: Spacesuit Media*

The next stop in the 2025 UIM E1 World Championship is the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP, which kicks off on 21st February. The season will also feature iconic coastal locations, including Monaco, Lake Como, and Miami, where the Championship will make its North American debut.

Main photo credit: Birgit Dieryck, Spacesuit Media

France: Value-sharing premium now mandatory for small to medium-sized companies

by: Stephanie Horsman

28/01/2025

In a significant change for French small and medium-sized businesses, a new law set to take effect in 2025 mandates companies with 11 to 49 employees to implement a value-sharing premium scheme – formerly known as the Macron bonus or purchasing power premium – if they meet certain profitability thresholds. Here’s how it works.

Introduced in November 2023 as part of an agreement on value-sharing within companies, the law requires businesses that have earned a net profit of at least 1% of their turnover for the past three consecutive years to establish a value-sharing bonus scheme for employees. This was previously an experimental five-year programme, but will now be mandatory for fiscal years starting on or after 1st January.

If a company meets these criteria, it will need to introduce one of several possible schemes, including: incentive or participation agreements allowing employees to participate in the company’s financial success; wage savings plans such as EEP, EIP, Perco or Pereco that offers options for employees to save and invest, linked to company performance; or a value-sharing premium (VPP), a direct premium paid to employees based on the company’s profitability.

The specific amount of the value-sharing premium and how the value-sharing scheme is distributed among employees is up to the employer. The premium may be the same for everyone or it could vary based on factors such as employee remuneration, seniority within the company, length of service, actual presence during the previous year, and full-time or part-time status. Under the new law, employers are permitted to use various criteria to ensure a fair distribution according to company norms and the financial performance achieved.

The goal is to encourage businesses to share their success with employees, aligning their interests and fostering a greater sense of ownership and engagement within the workforce.

It’s important to note that the VPP cannot replace wages, regular pay increases or bonuses outlined in contracts or agreements that are already in place. It is designed as an additional form of compensation that is specifically tied to a company’s net profit.

For more information, click here.

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Photo source: Fauxels, Pexels

Join Pink Ribbon Monaco at its annual breast cancer awareness walk in February

by: Stephanie Horsman

27/01/2025

The 13th edition of the Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk is set to take place on the same weekend as the Monaco Run Gramaglia. The walk, which will be held on Sunday 9th February, represents an opportunity for the public at large to come together and raise both awareness and funds for breast cancer projects, such as early detection and screening campaigns in the region. Here’s how to sign up to take part.

The walk, an annual event that has become a central component of Pink Ribbon Monaco’s efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer on a local level, brings the community together to support those affected by breast cancer, honour survivors and those who have lost their lives to the disease, and contribute to life-saving research and early detection efforts.

Run by Natasha Frost-Savio and under Princess Charlene’s Honorary Presidency, Pink Ribbon Monaco is inviting people from all walks of life to sign up to enjoy a 5-kilometre route that takes in Monaco’s most scenic landmarks. The walk will begin at 10.15am and is open to individuals of all fitness levels, making it perfect for families, including children under 13, who can join for free.

Participants will walk past the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum and the Casino de Monte-Carlo terraces. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are welcome, though assistance may be needed in some areas, and furry friends are also invited to join the cause.

The Pink Ribbon Walk is not a race, but rather a symbolic gesture of solidarity. Instead of traditional race numbers, participants will wear bibs with messages of support or tributes to those affected by breast cancer. As such, the event has become a powerful display of love, remembrance and hope for all involved.

Following the walk, there will be a raffle, with tickets priced at €10 for five numbers. There will be a range of exciting prizes up for grabs.

Everyone who participates in the walk will also receive a commemorative t-shirt, making for a meaningful keepsake from the day.

For the second year in a row, the second day of the Monaco Run Gramaglia will coincide with the Pink Ribbon Walk, adding momentum to the occasion. Monaco Run offers keen runners a variety of trails, from a 1,000-metre city sprint to a challenging 30-kilometre trail run up to Mont Agel. The event will encompass Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th February.

Registration for the Pink Ribbon Walk costs €30 per person. To sign up, click here.

Read related:

Princess Charlene named as new Honorary President of Pink Ribbon Monaco

Photo source: Pink Ribbon Monaco

In pictures: Monaco’s Princely Family join the community in honouring Sainte Dévote

by: Niki Borisova

27/01/2025

Monaco’s 2025 Sainte Dévote celebrations brought the population together for two days of cultural and religious events commemorating the Principality’s patron saint. From the burning of the boat to moments of piety at important religious sites, the cherished custom honoured Monaco’s deep-rooted traditions while fostering a sense of unity and devotion among residents and visitors alike.

Over the weekend, Monaco Life joined the crowds gathered in Port Hercule to witness the first stages of the Principality’s annual commemorations of Sainte Dévote, a fourth-century Christian martyr from Corsica. According to legend, following her death, Sainte Dévote’s body was carried across the Mediterranean by a small wooden boat and washed up on the shores of Monaco. She is said to have been buried in the Vallon des Gaumates, near the church that bears her name to this day.

The events on Sunday 26th January began with the Messe des Traditions, delivered in Monegasque at the Église Sainte-Dévote. Later that day, in a ceremony facing the waters of Port Hercule, the symbolic relics of Sainte Dévote were presented to the clergy. A traditional procession then made its way from the port back to the church, where the Salut du Très-Saint Sacrement was held.

The customary burning of the boat—a treasured tradition in Monaco—took place on the Quai Albert Ier as night fell. Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, presided over the event alongside the Mayor of Monaco, Georges Marsan, and local councillors. Representatives from Monaco’s three twinned towns—Corsica’s Lucciana, Ostende in Belgium and Dolceacqua in Italy—also participated, showcasing the community spirit of the occasion.

The burning ceremony was accompanied by performances from Corsican singers and a local orchestra, while spectators watched from across the quartier, thanks to live broadcasts displayed on giant screens. Unfortunately, the planned drone show was cancelled due to strong winds.

The second day of celebrations on Monday 27th January began with a Pontifical Mass at the Cathédrale de Monaco, presided over by Monseigneur Paul-Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attended the service, joining clergy and members of the community in honouring the patron saint.

Due to heavy rain, the procession of the relics, traditionally held in the Place du Palais following the mass, was relocated inside the cathedral. The morning concluded with a reception at the Mairie de Monaco, where officials and community members gathered to mark the occasion.

To see more photos of the various events organised in tribute to Sainte Dévote, click on the images below: