L MONOCLE
Toast to the hosts
This issue, Monocle attends to hospitality in all its guises: from the sharp end of a warzone to ritzy ambassadorial parties. Plus: how top designers are delivering service lessons in style.Frontline services
Running a successful hotel is a challenge at the best of times, let alone when set in the midst of a warzone. Monocle travels to Kabul, Tripoli and Mogadishu to visit three hotels that have strived to put hospitality first despite the turbulent times.Europe briefing
The rise of the (well-dressed) left in Spain, religious furore in Austria and making tracks in Warsaw.Americas briefing
A cheeky method for Americans to fly into Cuba and why we should all move to Brazil immediately.Asia briefing
Where the protest movement goes next in Hong Kong and forthcoming "elections" in Tajikistan.Diplomacy briefing
A day in the life of Singaporean ambassador Ong Keng Yong and South America's new vision.Africa/Middle East briefing
The president who favours a practical 4x4 over a supercar and why Mali is a farming mecca.Oceania briefing
The new tactics that might just reshape Australian voting and New Zealand's income inequality.Defence briefing
Nato's ballistic-missile defence installation in Romania and a cause for celebration for animal rights activists.Against the tide
It’s the last great state-owned passenger line, ferrying people around the vast Indonesian archipelago. But with low-cost airlines snapping at its heels it must change course.Woman of fire
The desire to be the best and enjoy people’s cheers set Tina Maze on the slopes to become a world-champion skier and Slovenia’s top athlete. She tells Monocle about her long journey to the top.
Cooking the books
How do you train a workforce that values manual work, is self-reliant, accommodating to both men and women and, above all, hospitable? In Finland it starts with a simple premise: biscuits.Make with tradition
He runs one of the best hotel groups in the country and is out to change how staff behave. But it’s tough getting people to speak out in Japan.Fashion police
Japanese clothing retailer Beams has its very own ‘internal affairs’ styling department, dedicated to helping shop staff find their personal look and inspire customers. It also believes in practising the perfect bow. This is hospitality Tokyo-style.Business briefing
A carpentry apprenticeship that aims to bring the trade back to Singapore and the rise of Taiwan's hotel industry.
Feast for the eyes
Starting with legendary bar and brasserie Kronenhalle, Zürich’s haven of art and comfort, Monocle visits the best hostelries to fill up on food, drink and inspiration. Plus: Ossian Ward investigates art’s place in the world of hospitality.Southern comfort
The streets of New Orleans have never been short of carnival spirit and creativity but can that energy find a home on the walls of local galleries? Those involved in the Prospect biennial think it can.Culture briefing
An Australian TV legend, a celebration of disco cover art and how to run a successful front of house
Peace and harmony
Feeling at ease, be you in an airport lounge, hotel or cinema, is hugely dependent on your surroundings. As these examples from around the world illustrate, intuitive interiors are a crucial part of the hospitality experience.Group think
As urbanists around the world devise new approaches to better everyday living, we highlight three projects in Japan, Sweden and Singapore taking a fresh perspective.Modern lovers
Architectural acolytes seeking a temple to modernism usually head for Scandinavia but they may now want to go west, too. In the California desert, an old bank has been reborn as an oasis of mid-century style and host to a cultural revival.Keeping it local
When relocating from the US to Thailand, the couple behind design practice Studiomake decided to take the best ideas from the nation’s provincial architecture to use for their own home-cum-studio.
Inventory no. 80
In this hospitality special we bring you colourful coasters from Brookyln, eye-catching tableware from Tokyo and the perfect saké for raising a toast.Homes from home
From the world’s most anticipated openings to ingenious start-ups and practical advice on how to set up your own star bar, here are our hand-picked heroes benchmarking top-notch service.Heart of industry
Abbotsford in Melbourne attracts new residents thanks to its healthy small businesses.Rare talent
Portuguese chef José Avillez is singing the praises of a simple classic – steak – at Café Lisboa, his restaurant in the city’s opera house.Ruth Rogers
River Café founder and star chef Ruth Rogers is renowned for making London’s finest food but it is simplicity she craves most for her ‘last meal’
The art of hospitality: reap what you sew (and bake, make and brew). The basics of being a good host: start in the home or a well-equipped Finnish classroom. Monocle gets a few lessons from battle-hardened GMs and some charming ambassadors. A new Monocle special.
Issue 80
February 2015
Affairs
Toast to the hosts
This issue, Monocle attends to hospitality in all its guises: from the sharp end of a warzone to ritzy ambassadorial parties. Plus: how top designers are delivering service lessons in style.Frontline services
Running a successful hotel is a challenge at the best of times, let alone when set in the midst of a warzone. Monocle travels to Kabul, Tripoli and Mogadishu to visit three hotels that have strived to put hospitality first despite the turbulent times.Europe briefing
The rise of the (well-dressed) left in Spain, religious furore in Austria and making tracks in Warsaw.Americas briefing
A cheeky method for Americans to fly into Cuba and why we should all move to Brazil immediately.Asia briefing
Where the protest movement goes next in Hong Kong and forthcoming "elections" in Tajikistan.Diplomacy briefing
A day in the life of Singaporean ambassador Ong Keng Yong and South America's new vision.Africa/Middle East briefing
The president who favours a practical 4x4 over a supercar and why Mali is a farming mecca.Oceania briefing
The new tactics that might just reshape Australian voting and New Zealand's income inequality.Defence briefing
Nato's ballistic-missile defence installation in Romania and a cause for celebration for animal rights activists.Against the tide
It’s the last great state-owned passenger line, ferrying people around the vast Indonesian archipelago. But with low-cost airlines snapping at its heels it must change course.Woman of fire
The desire to be the best and enjoy people’s cheers set Tina Maze on the slopes to become a world-champion skier and Slovenia’s top athlete. She tells Monocle about her long journey to the top.
Business
Cooking the books
How do you train a workforce that values manual work, is self-reliant, accommodating to both men and women and, above all, hospitable? In Finland it starts with a simple premise: biscuits.Make with tradition
He runs one of the best hotel groups in the country and is out to change how staff behave. But it’s tough getting people to speak out in Japan.Fashion police
Japanese clothing retailer Beams has its very own ‘internal affairs’ styling department, dedicated to helping shop staff find their personal look and inspire customers. It also believes in practising the perfect bow. This is hospitality Tokyo-style.Business briefing
A carpentry apprenticeship that aims to bring the trade back to Singapore and the rise of Taiwan's hotel industry.
Culture
Feast for the eyes
Starting with legendary bar and brasserie Kronenhalle, Zürich’s haven of art and comfort, Monocle visits the best hostelries to fill up on food, drink and inspiration. Plus: Ossian Ward investigates art’s place in the world of hospitality.Southern comfort
The streets of New Orleans have never been short of carnival spirit and creativity but can that energy find a home on the walls of local galleries? Those involved in the Prospect biennial think it can.Culture briefing
An Australian TV legend, a celebration of disco cover art and how to run a successful front of house
Design
Peace and harmony
Feeling at ease, be you in an airport lounge, hotel or cinema, is hugely dependent on your surroundings. As these examples from around the world illustrate, intuitive interiors are a crucial part of the hospitality experience.Group think
As urbanists around the world devise new approaches to better everyday living, we highlight three projects in Japan, Sweden and Singapore taking a fresh perspective.Modern lovers
Architectural acolytes seeking a temple to modernism usually head for Scandinavia but they may now want to go west, too. In the California desert, an old bank has been reborn as an oasis of mid-century style and host to a cultural revival.Keeping it local
When relocating from the US to Thailand, the couple behind design practice Studiomake decided to take the best ideas from the nation’s provincial architecture to use for their own home-cum-studio.
Edits
Inventory no. 80
In this hospitality special we bring you colourful coasters from Brookyln, eye-catching tableware from Tokyo and the perfect saké for raising a toast.Homes from home
From the world’s most anticipated openings to ingenious start-ups and practical advice on how to set up your own star bar, here are our hand-picked heroes benchmarking top-notch service.Heart of industry
Abbotsford in Melbourne attracts new residents thanks to its healthy small businesses.Rare talent
Portuguese chef José Avillez is singing the praises of a simple classic – steak – at Café Lisboa, his restaurant in the city’s opera house.Ruth Rogers
River Café founder and star chef Ruth Rogers is renowned for making London’s finest food but it is simplicity she craves most for her ‘last meal’
Expo
