Apple designer to create Claridge's Christmas tree

Maybourne is also planning to work with Sir Jony Ive, the British designer who created many of Apple’s groundbreaking technology such as the iPhone, iMac, PowerBook, MacBook, iBook, iPod, iPad and AppleWatch.

As chief design officer, he is also responsible for design of all Apple packaging, major architectural projects such as Apple’s new campus and retail stores and will now create the Claridge’s Christmas tree for the hotel group.

Ive will work alongside Marc Newson, who has been described as one of the most influential designers of his generation and is brand ambassador for Qantas Airways and designer for special projects at Apple.

This will be the seventh year Claridge’s has invited a guest to reinterpret the tree in their own style, with past designers including Burberry’s creative director Christopher Bailey (pictured).

Pret-a-Portea masterclasses launch at The Berkeley

Finishing off a trio of new developments at the group, The Berkeley is to offer masterclasses with head pastry chef Mourad Khiat, creator of the hotel’s famed Pret-a-Portea fashion-influenced afternoon tea, which is celebrating its 10th year and a book of recipes has also been launched to mark the anniversary.

The two-hour masterclasses will take place within The Berkeley’s bakery and following the class, guests will enjoy one of the teas for themselves and take home a signed copy of the book.

The masterclasses cost from £175 per person and are available on Wednesdays and every first Saturday starting from November 2, until spring.