Contrary to popular belief, food and wine matching is not an arcane art. Just like anything else, there are a few basic principles to adhere to, and once you get familiar with these, you can get properly creative.
Indeed, wine pairing needn’t be an intimidating affair reserved for sommeliers and connoisseurs. In fact, it’s an accessible art that can transform an ordinary meal into something quite extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a weeknight supper, understanding a few fundamental principles about how flavours interact can elevate both your food and wine to delightful new heights. The beauty lies in experimentation—sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable experiences.
It’s important, too, to remember that pairing food and wine is a matter of taste; and if you trust your palate, nose and instincts, you can pick a wine to go with almost any meal. Or, in some cases, a meal to go with any wine! Let’s explore further…
Use The Wine’s Acidity As A Guide
Acidity is the backbone of any wine and holds the flavours together. If your food is overly acidic, it can make the adjacent wine taste flabby and oily if not paired thoughtfully.
Highly acidic foods such as tomato based dishes or Southeast Asian salads need to be matched with crisper wines (to judge the acidity or other characters of wine, check out our piece on tasting wine) to counteract that acidity.
Accompanying an oily or fatty dish, such as fish and chips or a roast pork belly, with a high acidity wine, can ‘freshen up’ a meal, cleansing the palate and making both much more enjoyable.
Some of our favourite wines in the ‘crisp’ category include a Chin Chin Vinho Verde with its subtle effervescence, and a Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, known for its zesty freshness.
Match The Body Of The Food With The Body Of The Wine
This is a difficult one, as the quality is a difficult one to describe, but generally speaking, ‘body’ is defined by how rich and heavy a wine both tastes and feels in the mouth. A viscous, thick wine in the mouth would be considered full-bodied, whilst a light-bodied wine would be light, crisp and refreshing. The alcoholic content usually follows suit, with full-bodied wines clocking in at over 13.5% whilst those that are light-bodied knock around the 12.5% region.
For a salad with little in the way of protein, a crisp, light bodied white wine like made with the Pinot Grigio or Riesling grape variety generally works well. Add a tuna steak (and the subsequent body that brings to the salad), and you might want to move into rosé territory – a Cote de Provence rosé’s minerality boasts a little more body and matches a niçoise salad adeptly, for instance.
Let’s go further; that aforementioned rosé or the ’roundness’ of a Chardonnay, equally, may hold up more eloquently to cream-based fish dishes and poultry, and at the other end of the spectrum, a heavy steak pairs beautifully with a bold, full-bodied red like an almost inky Argentinian Malbec.
Finally, rich, assertive blue cheese can only be truly matched by a sweet wine – luscious dessert wines like Sauternes from Bordeaux or a quality botrytized wine are particularly triumphant matches for strong cheese. Not only can this wine be enjoyed at the end of the meal with a dessert or a board of cheeses, but it can plays off well with savoury dishes such as Peking duck or freshly sauteed scallops with truffle and pear.
The lesson here, perhaps, is that one wine can be the ideal match for more than one dish. In other words, it’s a good idea to consider the ‘weight’ and heartiness of your food and match it to the appropriate ‘body’ of your wine.
Sweetness Matches With Sweetness, But Also With Salt & Spice
Many people turn their noses up instinctively at sweet wines, but a dash of sweetness is required to complement a variety of flavours. If the food is sweet, a wine needs sweetness to make it seem balanced alongside the food. Salty and spicy flavours are also strongly enhanced by sweetness – just think coconut or mango with a curry, or apple sauce with salty pork.
Speaking of food that pairs well with spice, the distinctive complexity of traditional biodynamic Georgian wines (a Lagvinari Rkatsiteli 2019 is a favourite) is a gorgeous match for dishes from Lebanon, Turkey and Greek that are heavy on the dried spice.
When it comes to sweet snacks and desserts, the general rule of thumb when it comes to wine is to make sure it’s sweeter than the food. If you’re having some popcorn coated in caramel, then consider a Moscato or Riesling, for instance. When looking to buy Riesling online, keep in mind terms like ‘off-dry’ or ‘halbtrocken’ to find options with just the right level of sweetness for your spicy or salty dishes.
Fight Tannins With Protein
The tannins in a wine can give it structure and body, but they can sometimes be unpleasant and totally dominate the flavour of both the wine and your food.
By matching a tannic wine (a Barolo from the Piedmont region of Italy is as good as it gets in this category) with a protein heavy meal such as roast rib of beef or a cheese platter, the tannins soften in the mouth and the wine develops a luxurious texture, as well as making the meat feel more tender and its flavour more pronounced.
Think Of Classic Food Matches & Extend Them To Wine
You already know more than you think. Turkey and cranberry, pork and apple, fish and lemon – these all are flavour matches that we know about and can be applied to matching a wine. An appley Riesling or Chardonnay will work well with roast pork, a citrus-dominated Sauvignon will complement steamed white fish, and a ‘cranberryesque’ Pinot Noir will match with a Christmas turkey. It’s simple when you think about it!
Consider The Cooking Method
How you prepare a dish can dramatically influence which wine will complement it best. Grilled or charred foods develop smoky, caramelised flavours that pair wonderfully with oak-aged wines like a robust California Chardonnay or a Spanish Tempranillo. Poached or steamed dishes, with their more delicate profiles, often match better with unoaked, lighter wines such as Albariño or Grüner Veltliner. Slow-cooked dishes with deep, developed flavours call for wines with similar complexity—perhaps a mature Bordeaux blend or an aged Rioja Reserva. Understanding how your cooking method affects flavour can lead to more intuitive wine selections.
Regional Pairings Often Work A Treat
There’s wisdom in the old adage, “what grows together, goes together.” Dishes and wines from the same region have often evolved alongside one another for centuries, creating natural harmony. Consider pairing a Tuscan Bistecca alla Fiorentina with a local Chianti Classico, or Spanish paella with a vibrant Valencian Bobal.
The bright, herbaceous whites of Santorini complement the island’s seafood dishes beautifully, whilst a rich Lancashire hotpot finds its match in a robust English sparkling wine. This approach not only ensures compatible flavours but also provides a cohesive cultural experience that can transport you to distant locales without leaving your dining table.
All too often, we focus solely on the main protein when selecting wine, but the sauce or condiment can be the dominant flavour element. A chicken breast served with a creamy mushroom sauce calls for a different wine than the same chicken prepared with a zesty lemon and caper sauce. The former might pair wonderfully with a buttery Meursault, whilst the latter would sing alongside a crisp Picpoul de Pinet. Similarly, a beef fillet served with a rich Béarnaise sauce might prefer a different companion than one served with a peppercorn sauce. Let the most prominent flavour in your dish guide your wine selection, whether it comes from the protein, sauce, or even a strong side dish.
Break The Rules Occasionally
Whilst these guidelines provide a helpful framework, some of the most exciting gastronomic experiences come from breaking conventions. A full-bodied red with fish isn’t always a faux pas—a meaty swordfish steak or tuna served rare can stand up beautifully to a light Pinot Noir. Similarly, a well-chilled Beaujolais can be a delightful surprise with spicy Asian cuisine. Trust your palate and don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected combinations. Keep notes on what works for your personal taste, and remember that the “perfect” pairing is ultimately the one that brings you joy. After all, wine is meant to enhance life’s pleasures, not become a source of stress or rigid adherence to rules.
Follow these basic principles, and have some fun. These will make sure that your wine complements your food, and you may even discover that perfect match that can seem truly magical.
Ah, the small bedroom – a place where dreams are made and space is scarce. As homes get smaller, many of us are searching for small bedroom ideas that make the most out of our compact space.
If you’re one of the many who struggle to find enough room in your pint-sized boudoir, fear not; there are plenty of ways to maximise space without compromising on style. Here are 12 ingenious space-saving solutions for small bedrooms.
Foot-of-the-Bed Storage: The Unsung Hero
Why let that valuable real estate at the foot of your bed go to waste? Utilise it by adding a stylish storage bench or trunk that doubles as seating. Not only does it provide extra space for blankets, shoes, or whatever else you can stuff in there, but it also gives your bedroom a polished, well-thought-out look. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to sit while contemplating what to wear!
We all know when it comes to maximising space in your bedroom, custom-made fitted wardrobes can be a gamechanger, especially if your bedroom has awkward nooks and crannies.
However, if you can’t quite afford those much coveted custom fitted wardrobes for your home, there are plenty of other storage solutions available. Consider tall and thin cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling and can fit neatly by the side of your window. Not only do they give you more storage space, but tall cabinets also draw the eye upward, making the room feel bigger.
Floating Shelves: Defying Gravity
Who needs floor space when you’ve got walls? Floating shelves are a fantastic way to store books, knick-knacks, and other essentials without cluttering up your bedroom. Plus, they give the illusion of a larger room by, again, drawing the eye upwards (imagine these combined with tall cabinets – you’d never take your eyes off the ceiling!). Just be sure to secure them properly – nobody wants a midnight book avalanche.
A storage headboard is a clever way to add extra storage to your bedroom without sacrificing valuable floor space. Look for one with cubbies, shelves or drawers to keep all of your essentials within arm’s reach. We’re fans of bookcase headboards too; they not only look aesthetically pleasing, but you’re more likely to read before you go to sleep if a book is within arms reach. And if you didn’t know, reading a book before bed helps you sleep better.
Under-Bed Storage: The Hidden Treasure Trove
Why let dust bunnies have all the fun under your bed? Make the most of this often-overlooked space by investing in under-bed storage containers or a bed frame with built-in drawers. It’s the perfect hideaway for seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or that collection of vintage Beanie Babies you just can’t part with.
Corner spaces in bedrooms are notoriously difficult to utilise effectively. This is where bespoke bedroom furniture and fitted wardrobes truly shine. Unlike off-the-shelf options, custom-made corner wardrobes can be tailored to fit snugly into those awkward angles, making use of every centimetre.
Consider clever internal fittings such as pull-out shoe racks and built-in jewellery drawers when planning your space. Though fitted wardrobes represent a larger initial investment, they offer unparalleled space efficiency—perfect for anyone looking to maximise a small bedroom.
In a small bedroom, every inch counts. That’s why wall-mounted desks are an excellent alternative to traditional desks that take up valuable floor space. Simply fold them up when not in use and voila! You’ve now got yourself a makeshift dance floor – or, you know, just more room to move around.
Pendant & Sconce lighting: A Bright Idea
Wave goodbye to bulky bedside lamps and say hello to pendant lighting! By hanging chic pendant lights from the ceiling, you’ll free up precious nightstand space and create an airy, uncluttered vibe. Similarly mounting a sconce can free up space either side of the bed.
Ottoman Stools: The Multi-Tasking Marvels
Ottoman stools are the superheroes of the furniture world. Not only do they provide additional seating, but they also come with hidden storage compartments for all those miscellaneous items that seem to multiply overnight. With their sleek design and practicality, ottoman stools are the perfect addition to any small bedroom.
Mirror With Built-In Storage: Reflections Of Genius
A mirror is a must-have in any bedroom, but why settle for plain old looking glass when you can have one with built-in storage? These clever contraptions combine the best of both worlds, providing a spot to check your reflection and stash your belongings.
A wall mounted mirror with built in storage like this one from SONGMICS looks the part, too. It’s like having a Marie Kondo hiding behind your mirror, ready to store your stuff at a moment’s notice. Moreover, the mirror will reflect light and visually expand the space. What’s not to love?
Bring the outdoors in with vertical planters that take up minimal space while adding a touch of nature to your bedroom. Not only do they look fabulous, but they also create a calming atmosphere and can help you sleep better.
Indeed, as reported by Heathline, plants can “reduce sleep latency (the time it takes you to fall asleep)” and “improve sleep integrity by reducing the number of micro-awakening events (the number of times you come out of deep sleep during the night)”.
Moreover, it can reduce cortisol concentrations. Combined, these all add up too a more restful night’s sleep.
The bedroom is often the messiest room in the house. Yesterday’s clothes, multiple outfit changes in the morning, and getting ready in a rush means that mess often accumulates, especially when we find ourselves busy with other things. Consider a catch-all basket for your bedroom; a place where you can collect your clutter in a moment and make tidying easier later on.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it – eleven space-saving solutions that will transform your small bedroom into a stylish, clutter-free sanctuary. With a little creativity and some clever furniture choices, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the Marie Kondo of compact living. Happy organising!
At the start of January 2023, the popular Instagram account Footy Scran revealed their top 5 football grounds in England for food. And, perhaps unsurprisingly since you know we’re scratching around for an introduction before we get to the meat and bones of the piece, Tottenham were included in that top five.
Alongside such culinary trailblazers as the North West Counties Premier Division’s Avro FC and their esteemed breakfast wrap, the page celebrated a certain fried chicken with a bag of chips served by none other than the Spurs.
Yours for £8.95 and arriving in a brown recyclable Kraft bowl more synonymous with London’s zeitgeist-baiting food festivals than the footy, it looks genuinely excellent, the golden wings slathered in a couple of buffalo-adjacent sauces and topped with rondelles of jalapeno. Glory glory Tottenham Hotspur, indeed.
All that said, if you’re looking for a truly fantastic feed in this part of town, then you’re probably not going to find it on the site formerly known as White Hart Lane. Fortunately, you don’t have to go much further afield to find great food in the North London neighbourhood. As long as you’ve got this guide in your hand, that is; our roundup of the best restaurants and food in Tottenham, London.
Chuku’s, High Road
Ideal for Nigerian tapas galore…
Chuku’s is, in the restaurant’s own words, ‘’the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant’’. In reality, it’s so much more than that, a restaurant ran by two siblings with all the frisson, friction, harmony and laughter that entails. The fact that the food here is incredible is – almost – something of an afterthought, the warm, rambunctious welcome the real draw here.
We say almost because Chuku’s is a genuinely brilliant place to dine, and probably our favourite restaurant in Tottenham. From the adalu honey beans to the caramel kuli kuli wings, every dish is a chart-topper, with the beef meatballs seasoned with a rich, complex suya spice rub an obvious headliner and highlight.
The egusi bowl is a picture perfect piece of work, too, and one that’s mighty fun to eat with it. Scooping up the cassava dumplings and dunking them in the three colourful stews, one made from red peppers and tomatoes, another spinach, coriander and fennel, and the third egusi (blitzed up bitter melon seeds), is a joyful indulgence indeed.
Due to its compact nature and gushing national reviews, booking ahead is essential. Chuku’s is closed on Mondays.
Chick King has been ruling the roost in this part of London for over 40 years, and just one bite of their expertly fried, confidently spiced chicken will tell you exactly why. You’ll have understood the esteem this place is held in long before that bite, actually, by just looking at the line snaking around the block, especially on matchday.
Expect a queue, a friendly grin from the owner, and fried chicken that’s the stuff of legend. Minimal grease, maximum flavour, and cheap-as-chips prices that bely its regal status, Chick King is Tottenham’s crispy crown jewel, make no mistake.
This most unassuming of Somali restaurants serves up fragrant, spiced bariis iskukaris dishes of grilled meats over perfumed rice that are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Post-football (Brothers is a ten minute walk down the road from the Spurs stadium) and post-pints, there are fewer more welcome platefuls, with the lamb shank version particularly good. Don’t forget to add some basbaas (Somali chilli sauce) for an extra kick!
This gem on West Green Road dishes out sourdough pizzas that, whilst not at the level of London’s very best pizzas, are certainly satisfying, and represent a fine, affordable feed in Tottenham. Their sweet balsamic pepper and mascarpone pizza is the highlight, and when paired with one of True Craft’s speciality beers – the aptly named Tottenham lager is a crisp and clean brew – you really can’t go wrong.
Ideal for Turkish kebab connoisseurs and late-night munchies…
When the craving for a kebab strikes, there’s no better place in Tottenham (towards Edmonton, admittedly) than Pembe Sultan Kebab. This local favourite is renowned for its succulent, charcoal grilled skewers, lavishly laden doner plates, and a brief selection of Turkish vegetable specialities that are bursting with freshness and vitality.
From the latter section of the menu, the ezme salad is an exemplary version, all precision cut onions, tomatoes and peppers that have been generously dressed in pomegranate molasses and good quality olive oil.
For the larger groups, the Pasha Special is the move. Stacked high on a massive serving plate, you’ll find both lamb and chicken shish, an Adana lamb skewer, wings, ribs, and lamb and chicken doner meat. Served alongside is rice, flatbreads, couscous and garlic and chilli sauces. Though the team here insists this one serves just two or three people, you could probably feed a couple more happily. Afiyet olsun!
Proving that you can be all things to all people, Pasero is a versatile joint that caters to just about any Tottenham crowd you could think of – from morning coffee seekers to evening diners looking for a date night spot that has the feel of a Parisien natural wine bar, all the way to the burnt orange-tiled bar, which sets the perfect backdrop for a romantic date.
Open from 8am to 11pm (with the kitchen closing at 9:30pm) Wednesday to Saturday and 9am to 4pm Sundays to Tuesdays, Pasero takes each of its mealtimes seriously. By day, it’s bustling with people enjoying almond croissants and coffees. By night, it transforms into something nearing a bistro, perfect for small plate enthusiasts. The smoked cod’s roe choux bites and roasted squash with whipped gorgonzola have been standout dishes in the past, but the menu changes regularly, so don’t hold us to that.
Pasero also hosts regular pop-ups, with Keshia Sakarah from the outstanding Caribe’ taking to the stoves this week. We can’t wait!
This Ghanaian bakery, a husband and wife operation that’s been at the same Tottenham location since 1995, is famous for its sweet bread, Ghanaian doughnuts known as bofrot, their chin chin biscuits, and glossy meat pies, all of which are now sold in Morrisons, a testament to the quality – and ambition – of the baking here. Don’t forget to grab some for the road!
Ideal for unhurried Congolese cuisine with a side of beats…
When you walk through the doors of this Congolese spot in Tottenham Hale, an uplifting blast of afrobeats immediately sets the mood for a feast.
And feast you shall; it’s all about the platters here, with the Manna platter a delightful mix of grilled fish, smoked lamb (ntaba), jollof rice, and kwanga (a soft cassava dumpling). Serving four, it’s just £52. This is a place where you won’t be rushed, ensuring you savour every bite.
Jerk Munchies is the kind of place where the food is so good, you’ll rip open the takeaway bag before you’ve even left the shop. The jerk bagel is a masterpiece of charred dough and succulent meat, slathered in a piquant, undulating sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. And if bagels aren’t your thing, the jerk chicken rice box is a worthy contender.
Perhaps even better is the large oxtail, rice and peas, the meat falling off the bone and the rice blessed with plenty of melted bone marrow. It’s laughably good value at £8.
The Antwerp Arms, affectionately known as ‘The Annie’, stands proudly as one of Tottenham’s oldest pubs. This community-run watering hole, North London’s first, is not just about pints; it’s about bringing people together. With a fine selection of real ales and craft beers, it’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with locals. The pub also hosts regular events, from quiz nights to live music, adding to its charm and appeal as a community hub.
Anyway, you’ve come here to find some of the best places to eat in Tottenham, and the menu at The Annie is pleasingly prosaic in its delivery. There’s no unfettered, unnecessary pub menu globetrotting here. Instead, a simple rundown of five Middle Eastern-leaning mains – grilled chicken, stuffed aubergine, lamb meatballs, fishcake or falafel – all served with fries and salad.
The starters boast similarly refreshing focus, with the spicy beef sucuk sausage full of flavour and funk. A short selection of shawarma wraps seals the deal.
Ideal for an Italian trattoria experience in Tottenham…
Sitting just south of Tottenham in Bruce Grove is San Marco, a charming trattoria that offers a slice of Italy in North London, now in its 52nd year of trading.
All gingham tablecloths, candles melting wax into their wine bottle holders and pizza boxes stacked high on the counter, San Marco gives off a seriously timeless energy, a feeling of timelessness only furthered by the warmhearted greeting from owner Graziano.
On the menu, wood-fired pizzas, pleasingly blistered and leopard-spotted, and no-frills pasta dishes are the orders of the day. Incredibly, a margherita and a spaghetti carbonara clock in at £8.90 and £6.90 respectively. That is absurd value for pretty much anywhere in the UK, let alone London.
There are even rumours Guns N’ Roses are fans, ordering their pre-gig meal from San Marco before their recent show at the Spurs stadium. We’re glad Axl Rose’s appetite extended beyond simple destruction.
Please be aware that San Marco is temporarily closed.
Hello reader, how do you take your coffee? If your answer was ‘very seriously’, then rest assured, you’re in good company; here at IDEAL, we too love a cup of Joe.
We couldn’t imagine life without the stuff. Though they say that ‘’a yawn is just a silent cry for coffee’’, those protestations get pretty loud and relentless if there’s a drought of the stuff.
That said, with the mercury now tentatively rising and the warm summer months not far from kicking in, a strong, steaming cup of the good stuff can sometimes feel a little formidable. Instead, we’re lightening things up and cooling them down, with these 7 of the best summer coffees, IDEAL for a caffeine hit when the weather’s hot.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Introduced to the country by French colonialists in the 1850s, Vietnam has since made coffee very much its own. The Land of Blue Dragon (a nickname not actually inspired by coffee, incidentally) is now the world’s second largest exporter of coffee, with the robusta beans grown in the country’s fertile Central Highlands boasting a distinctive chocolatey aroma and a long, rich finish.
If you want to enjoy your coffee as the Vietnamese do, you should drink Ca Phe Nau Da (or Sua Da in the country’s south). It’s Vietnamese for ‘brown coffee with ice’ but it’s so much more than that; a rich brew made even more luxurious with sweet condensed milk, and totally appropriate for hot days when only an iced coffee will do. Ngon qua!
Dalgona Coffee
Instant coffee is knocked by many coffee connoisseurs as the lowliest form of coffee, but for those in a rush, it can sometimes do a job.
Instant coffee is made by freeze-drying regular coffee so that it can be rehydrated very quickly by adding it to water. Though it lacks the body and depth of the freshly ground stuff, instant coffee does have its uses; this is the type of coffee that people have been using for the Dalgona coffee craze that was ubiquitous last year.
We mention Dalgona, which originated in South Korea and resembles a cappuccino turned on its head, because it can be enjoyed cold, making for a superb summer coffee.
Dubai’s opulent reputation extends beautifully to its coffee culture, with Arabic coffee, or Qahwa as it’s locally known, standing as a symbol of hospitality and tradition throughout the Emirates. This distinctive brew dates back centuries and remains a cornerstone of social gatherings and business meetings alike.
The finest coffee beans in Dubai are often specially selected Arabica varieties, lightly roasted to preserve their delicate flavour profile before being finely ground and infused with cardamom, saffron, rose water or other aromatic spices. Unlike the strong, bitter brews popular in the West, Qahwa is typically served in small handleless cups called ‘finjan’ and poured from an ornate, long-spouted pot known as a ‘dallah’.
For a modern twist that’s gained popularity during Dubai’s sweltering summers, many trendy cafés in the emirate now serve iced Qahwa – the traditional cardamom-infused coffee poured over ice and sometimes sweetened with date syrup for a refreshing alternative that honours traditional flavours while providing blessed relief from the desert heat. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, some establishments even offer a luxury version topped with a sprinkle of edible gold dust – perfectly befitting the city’s glamorous reputation.
Though it might seem like a recent trend, the idea of cold brew coffee has actually been percolating for centuries, with records showing that this brewing method was popular in Kyoto, Japan, in the 1600s.
Safe to say that in the last few years, here in the UK, it’s gone mainstream, and there has been a huge upsurge in the number of cold brew coffees appearing on high street coffee shop menus and in smaller, more artisan places, too.
Contrary to popular assumptions, the cold brewing process doesn’t have to be too technical; simply steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water overnight – as opposed to using boiling water and steeping for the recommended 4(ish) minutes.
Converts to the process believe that the slow brewing time extracts more flavour from the ground beans, and mitigates some of that bitterness or sourness which freshly hot-brewed coffee can be prone to.
Generally, this one is best enjoyed over ice (though you can warm up a cold brew, if you prefer). That said, it’s essential that you get your coffee to water ratio right, here. If not, you’re going to end up with a watery, seemingly diluted coffee, and all of your hard work undone.
Affogato
The pinnacle of coffee for many aficianados is the espresso. But in the summer months, its astringent intensity can weigh a little heavy. That’s where affogato comes in; one of the finest foodie creations ever to come out of Italy, and that’s saying something.
You don’t need specialist equipment to make an espresso at home. Simply make one on the stovetop using a Moka pot, which brews coffee through pressure and is known as a ‘stove-top espresso maker’. The average brewing time depends on the size of your pot, but in general, it should take around five minutes. You do need to watch the pot though, as you don’t want overheated water to spill from its spout.
Then, the fun part; place a generous scoop of the finest vanilla ice cream you can find in a bowl, and pour over a cup of your freshly brewed, hot espresso. Make sure you add enough coffee to ‘drown’ the ice cream, as the word affogato comes from the Italian ‘affogare’ – to drown.
Originating in Greece and part of a deeply cherished coffee culture in the country, Freddo Cappuccino is regular ol’ cappuccino’s cooler cousin. In this summer treat, iced espresso is topped with full-bodied cold cream to create a refreshing pick me up ideal for any time of the day. Except, perhaps, just before bed, but anyway…
Should cappuccino be a little too sweet for you, the Freddo Espresso is also popular in Greece. Here, a hot espresso, sugar, and ice cubes are added to a cocktail shaker and shaken until the cubes melt and the mixture is frothy. You can then add some steamed milk, if you like. Voila! The perfect summer pick-me-up.
Hainanese Coffee
Hainanese coffee, or ‘kopi’ in Malaysia and Singapore, uses very different brewing equipment to Western coffee making; a bag. Coffee grounds are added to this long bag, which is then soaked in hot water. The coffee is then filtered multiple times to achieve a thick, luscious consistency, which is sometimes particularly prevalent if the coffee beans were roasted with butter, a popular process in South East Asia.
If you like it black and unadulterated, it’s a ‘Kopi o kosong’, or if you want your coffee just a little sweet, order a ‘Kopi o’. Add ‘peng’ to have it iced, which is just perfect for the summer months.
Our favourite way to enjoy this famous coffee is to ramp up the indulgence levels by adding condensed milk and removing any other words from the order; that’s a ‘Kopi’ then, please!
A well-maintained car provides its owner with a sense of peace and safety on the road. Often, however, many car owners are unsure of how to properly care for their vehicles in a way that consistently ensures optimal performance.
Here we take a deep dive into the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance checks critical to keeping your car running smoothly.
Daily Checks
Initiating daily checks might seem daunting at first, but with consistency, they become as straightforward as checking the weather. They involve swift visual inspections that can significantly impact your driving experience.
Tyres: Tyres are the linchpins between your vehicle and the road. Check for potential damage signs, such as punctures, cuts, or embedded objects. An often overlooked aspect is ensuring the tyres don’t appear under-inflated or over-inflated, which can severely affect grip and handling.
Lights: Ensuring your lights work correctly is paramount to your safety and that of other road users. Test your headlights, brake lights, indicators, tail lights, and fog lights. If some lights aren’t functioning, it could be as simple as replacing a bulb or could indicate a more significant electrical issue.
Windscreen: An unobstructed view is crucial. Check your windscreen for any chips or cracks and ensure the wipers are in good condition. During winter months, make sure to clear any ice or frost before setting off.
Weekly Checks
Carrying out weekly car maintenance checks can prevent more significant issues further down the line by focusing mainly on fluid levels and critical components.
Engine Oil: Your engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Using the dipstick, verify the oil level, which should ideally sit between the minimum and maximum marks. Additionally, observe the oil’s consistency. If it appears too dark, it may be time for an oil change.
Coolant: The coolant prevents your engine from overheating. Check its level in the reservoir; it should be between the minimum and maximum markings. Remember, opening the coolant cap when the engine is hot can lead to severe burns.
Brake Fluid: This fluid is paramount to your car’s braking system. The brake fluid levels should also be within the marked area on the reservoir.
Windscreen Washer Fluid: Frequent usage, especially during winter or rainy seasons, can deplete this fluid swiftly. Check regularly and refill as required.
Tyre Pressure: Correct tyre pressure impacts fuel efficiency, handling, and tyre lifespan. Using a gauge, verify that the pressure meets the manufacturer’s guidance.
Monthly Checks
Monthly checks delve deeper into your car’s overall health by checking critical elements affecting performance.
Air Filter: The air filter is crucial for optimum engine performance. If it’s dirty or clogged, your engine must work harder, lowering fuel efficiency. Inspecting it monthly and replacing it when necessary can significantly improve your car’s performance.
Battery: Look for any signs of corrosion around the battery terminals, evident by a build-up of white residue. Cleaning off the residue and ensuring firm connections can prevent car starting issues.
Power Steering Fluid: This aids smoother steering. Verify that it’s within the correct range as indicated in your car’s manual.
Yearly Checks
Yearly checks generally focus on elements requiring professional inspection, but awareness can help you know when it’s time for a service.
Timing Belt: The timing belt synchronises your engine’s functions. Check your car’s manual to identify when the timing belt should be replaced, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles.
Brake System: Yearly checks should incorporate a complete brake system inspection, including lines, hoses, and the parking brake. Brake fluid should be replaced every one to two years to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can rust and deteriorate the brake system. Your continued safety on the road depends on it.
Steering and Suspension: An annual steering and suspension check can ensure your car drives well and is safe. Any issues with these systems can significantly impact vehicle control, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
Intermittent Checks: Every Few Years Or Occasionally
Not every component of your vehicle needs constant monitoring. Some parts have longer life spans, and others only require checks under certain conditions. However, being aware of these less-frequent checks can help maintain your vehicle’s life span and save costs in the long run.
Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are vital for your engine’s ignition process. A worn-out or faulty spark plug can lead to engine misfires or reduced fuel efficiency. Typically, spark plugs should be checked and replaced every 30,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on your vehicle model and the type of spark plugs it uses.
Transmission Fluid: The transmission fluid is essential in keeping your car’s gearbox healthy by lubricating and cooling the transmission components. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, some modern vehicles come with ‘lifetime’ transmission fluid meant to last the entire life of the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for specific guidance.
Shock Absorbers and Struts: If your car starts to bounce excessively over speed bumps or feels less controlled while turning corners, it may be time to check your shock absorbers and struts. Depending on driving conditions and habits, these usually last 50,000 to 100,000 miles before they need replacing.
Exhaust System: While the exhaust system is built to last, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially if your typical driving consists of short trips where the engine doesn’t fully warm up. Excessive engine noise, decreased fuel efficiency, or unusual smells can all point to issues with the exhaust system.
Hoses and Belts: Your car’s hoses and belts don’t have a specific replacement timeline, but experts generally recommend getting them inspected every couple of years. Pay close attention to the serpentine belt, which powers most of the engine’s accessories. If this breaks while you’re driving, it could cause significant engine damage.
Air Conditioning System: The air conditioning system doesn’t need frequent checks, but it’s a good idea to have it serviced every 3-4 years. If you notice a decrease in cooling efficiency or any unusual noise, it’s time to have it checked.
Cabin Air Filter: A less-known component, the cabin air filter, is responsible for the air quality inside your vehicle by filtering out dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Depending on the environmental conditions and car usage, they should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Overall, while these checks occur less frequently, their importance should not be understated. Maintenance is about the detail, and the best approach to keep your vehicle running in top shape is comprehensive care, whether the checks are daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or intermittent.
Car & Model Specific Maintenance Checks
While general maintenance applies to most vehicles, certain makes and models require specialised attention for optimal performance.
Premium German Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz models feature sophisticated systems requiring expert care. The manufacturer recommends service every 15,000 miles or annually. A visit to an authorised Mercedes-Benz service centre ensures technicians with specific training can properly maintain these advanced systems and perform essential electronic updates that independent garages might lack access to.
BMW vehicles similarly need attention to their unique systems including Vanos components and cooling system integrity, particularly on models known for specific issues.
British Models: Jaguar vehicles require checks on supercharger oil (when equipped), adaptive dynamics calibration, and differential fluid, especially on performance variants.
Japanese Makes: Toyota and Lexus hybrid systems need regular health checks, while Nissan owners should monitor CVT transmission fluid condition and timing chain components.
American and Electric Vehicles: Ford’s EcoBoost and PowerShift systems need specific attention, while electric vehicles from all manufacturers require battery diagnostics and high-voltage system inspections at qualified service centres.
Remember that following manufacturer recommendations not only ensures reliability but also helps maintain resale value, particularly for premium vehicles where a full service history at authorised centres significantly impacts future value.
The Bottom Line
Regular maintenance checks not only extend your vehicle’s lifespan but also contribute to your safety and others on the road. Although this guide is comprehensive, remember that each car model may have specific maintenance requirements provided in the owner manual.
Maintaining your car is not merely about keeping it on the road but reinforcing your safety and ensuring each journey is smooth and enjoyable. Cheers to that (when you’re all safely parked up, of course)!
Interestingly, it’s even been suggested that the recent Trump tariff crisis (is that the technical term?!) could ‘single-handedly rescue the UK housing market’.
Even if you’re not planning to move home in the near future, keen to avoid the current tumult of the market, it’s important to think about its value and ensure that any changes you make increase your home’s profitability. And if you are thinking of selling, then the landscape for what passes as a lucrative addition to your property has somewhat changed in 2025.
You’ll be surprised by how a small investment now can earn you thousands come the day of the sale, and with that in mind, here are some modern ways to increase the value of your home.
Redecorate To Modernise
Let’s start with the small changes…
If your home has lime green appliances, linoleum floors and bold, geometric wallpaper, just wait for the winces when people come to have a look around. No one wants to go back to the stagflation of the 70s after all.
When prospective buyers spot this, they’ll see a refurbishment job in front of them and will want money off the value of the house for their own costs and inconvenience.
All that said, modernising your home superficially speaking, by painting in light, neutral colours and replacing carpets with hardwood floors, isn’t hard to do at all, particularly when considering the visual and valued impact such a move can make.
This will add a sense of space compared to dark walls and floors, which make you feel more closed in. And if any rooms are cluttered, get decluttering straight away, as no-one wants to see a mess when visualising their future home. Give prospective homebuyers the room to imagine and dream by giving them the room to move.
Upgrade The Kitchen
One definition of modern is “relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past”. Yep, we’re about to mention that word. During a cost of living crisis that shows no signs of abating, dinner parties and entertaining at home have become increasingly popular. Moreover, with the help of YouTube and social media, we’ve all become amateur chefs. The modern kitchen, then, is one that encourages sociability, and an upgrade to suit these changing needs could be just the lift your property needs.
A modern kitchen breathes fresh life into a home, and ensures prospective buyers are able to picture the very epitome of domestic bliss in the heart of the home.
As the experts at Virgin Money point out, ‘’If you’re wanting to fit a completely new kitchen, including appliances, research shows you can expect to pay around £6,000 and in doing so could add around 3 to 10 percent to the value of your home.’’
Transforming a kitchen is an expensive job, and may not be one they’re prepared to do. If you’re short on cash, then replacing cupboard doors and kitchen tops, and adding energy-efficient lights, will make a lot of difference. But in some instances, a whole new kitchen design might be necessary. In such cases, the money you spend on this will be worth it when you sell the house, so long as you don’t go too overboard with costs.
Put in layman’s terms, a home worth around £200’000, for instance, could have £20’000 of value added for a £6’000 investment. We realise that’s putting it rather simply, but it does emphasise the power of a new kitchen on the price of your property.
Extend Your Living Space
One of the most effective ways to add value to your home is by extending your living space. Whether it’s a fully fitted conservatory, a loft conversion, or a full-blown extension, creating additional square footage can significantly increase your property’s worth.
In the UK, a well-executed extension can add up at least 10% to your home’s value, according to Checkatrade. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the extension is in keeping with the rest of the house and the surrounding properties. A modern, well-designed extension can not only provide you with more living space but also make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
However, it will require the expertise of a qualified and reputable builder, as it will take more than a few bricks and dry-lining supplies to complete your extension. On top of that, remember that planning permission is often required for extensions, so it’s essential to do your research and consult with professionals before embarking on this project. Also, consider the functionality of the extension. A new bedroom, bathroom, or a larger kitchen can be particularly appealing to buyers.
Invest In Outdoor Living
The importance of outdoor space has been highlighted more than ever in recent years. A well-designed garden, patio, or decking area can act as an extension of your home, providing additional living and entertaining space.
This is an investment worth making. As Homes and Gardens report, a nicely landscaped garden can add up to 10% to the value of your home. This could involve landscaping your garden, adding a patio or decking area, or even installing an outdoor kitchen or a hot tub.
In addition, consider the addition of a garden room or a summer house. These structures can serve multiple purposes, such as a home office, a gym, or a relaxation area, making your property more versatile and appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Go Further & Consider A Granny Annexe
Multi-generational living has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, and adding a granny annexe could significantly boost your home’s market value. These self-contained living spaces within your property aren’t just practical family solutions—they’re potentially lucrative investments.
Properties with annexes often command higher premiums in the market due to their versatility. Today’s buyers view them as potential rental income, home offices, teenage retreats, or accommodation for elderly relatives—flexibility that’s increasingly valuable in the current property landscape.
If you’re considering adding an annexe, you have several options. Converting an existing outbuilding or garage is typically more affordable than building a purpose-built structure. While not inexpensive, the potential return on investment can make it worthwhile.
Keep in mind that planning permission requirements vary depending on your specific circumstances. Generally, if the annexe remains part of the main dwelling and doesn’t have separate utilities or its own address, you may be able to proceed under permitted development rights. However, always check with your local planning authority before commencing any work.
When designing your annexe, focus on creating a space that feels both connected to and separate from the main house. Ensure it has its own entrance, bathroom facilities, and enough living space to function independently. High-quality finishes and energy-efficient features will make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Bathroom Boosterism
As with your kitchen, potential buyers see a big job in front of them if the bathroom isn’t up to scratch. But you don’t always have to buy a whole new bathroom suite to get it looking good. A lick of paint, new lights, a shiny mirror and a bit of regrouting might be all it takes to give the illusion of a modern, functioning bathroom space.
If you sell your home with a bathroom that appears old and decrepit, the buyer might want to knock down the price because they will invest in installing a new bathroom. This will not play in your favour as a seller and may endanger you getting a high return on your investment. Hence, before you put up your house for sale, make sure you have redesigned your bathroom. Interestingly, according to experts, a new bathroom can add around 5% onto your home’s value.
Potential property buyers also look at a home’s energy rating, not just for electricity bills, but also because they’re eco-conscious – so get this as high as you can before you move out.
Did you know that an estimated 19% of the UK’s greenhouse gases come from heating up our homes? Increasing the energy efficiency of your home won’t just appeal to potential buyer’s pockets, but their green credentials too.
Today, people are willing to pay more for a green home. As reported by the Mirror in October of 2021, “a recent study…has found that homeowners could potentially add £29,000 to the price of their house by embarking on some easy eco-upgrades.”
If the doors feel draughty and the windows look shabby, the value of your home might drop, as those looking round will know they have work to do to get the place comfortable and warm. In that Mirror report, it was found that “draft proofing came up tops as the most lucrative eco-upgrade”, followed by thermostat installation.
Indeed, simple, budget energy efficient upgrades, like insulating your loft, sealing cracks around the windows and converting to energy-saving lighting, needn’t cost the earth, but may add more than a few pennies to your home’s value.
Facilitate The Flow Of Natural Light
In today’s world, houses are getting smaller which can also mean less natural light. Unsurprisingly an abundance of natural light is perhaps the most coveted piece of real estate out there and people will pay a premium price for it, with a 2018 survey suggesting that homeowners would pay upwards of £20’000 more than the asking price for a property flooded with the stuff.
As such, you’d be wise to check out this useful guide on the best ways to allow more natural light into your home. Consider adding windows with a contemporary sleek design, just to up the ante on that modern factor.
The Bottom Line
As well as lifting your house price significantly, you may find these changes add to your own quality of life… so much so, that you might decide not to move after all!
8 Of The Best E-Bike Destinations For The Easter Holidays
Easter and the joy of spring cycling holidays go hand in hand (hey, keep those hands on the damn handlebars!). That said, even just a few years ago, the idea of a cycling holiday may have felt daunting to many.
E-bikes have changed all that, offering accessibility and range to those without the calves of Chris Hoy, making them perfect companions for discovering new destinations on two wheels without the constraints of traditional cycling.
According to The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), more and more tour operators worldwide are finding that customers are asking for e-bike activities. With Britons set to buy 2.1 million bikes in 2024, could this be the year of E-bike escapades? We think so.
And while purists will argue that E-biking is not “real” cycling, if it gets you out and about on a bike and allows you to explore the great outdoors, who cares?
With warmer weather on the way, now is the perfect time to start planning for an e-biking holiday. With all that in mind, here are 8 of the best E-bike destinations for 2025, sure to add an electrifying twist to your Easter holidays.
Lake District, England
Ideal for electric gravel bike enthusiasts seeking rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes…
The Lake District’s undulating fells and serene waters provide an exceptional backdrop for electric gravel bike adventures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines challenging terrain with unparalleled natural beauty, making it perfect for those looking to push their e-bikes beyond the tarmac.
The Lake District offers the perfect testing ground for electric gravel bikes in particular, with its network of bridleways, forest tracks, and old packhorse trails connecting charming villages and spectacular viewpoints. The added boost from an electric motor means riders can tackle the area’s notorious gradients without exhausting themselves, leaving more energy to appreciate the scenery.”
The region’s microclimate means spring can bring variable weather, but Easter often delivers crisp, clear days perfect for cycling. The National Park has embraced sustainable tourism, with many accommodation options catering specifically to cyclists with secure storage, maintenance facilities, and charging points.
Don’t miss the Grizedale Forest trails or the historic Eskdale Trail—both offering sublime experiences for electric gravel bikes with their mixture of challenging surfaces and breathtaking views across Windermere and beyond. After a day’s riding, the region’s cosy pubs serve hearty local fare and award-winning ales—the perfect way to replenish your energy reserves.
Ideal for coastal exploration and year-round sunshine…
While northern Portugal receives well-deserved attention in cycling circles, the Algarve in the south offers equally compelling reasons for e-bikers to visit. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and milder temperatures than much of Europe during Easter, it’s a reliable destination for early spring rides.
The Algarve provides a perfect mixture of coastal paths and inland routes through orange groves and traditional whitewashed villages. The region’s relatively compact nature means e-bikers can experience both dramatic Atlantic coastlines and serene countryside in a single day’s riding.
The Via Algarviana, a 300km route traversing the region from east to west, offers sections perfectly suited to e-bikes. The infrastructure for cyclists has improved dramatically in recent years, with dedicated cycle paths connecting major towns and specialist tour operators offering guided experiences.
Culinary pleasures abound after a day in the saddle—fresh seafood dominates coastal menus, while inland restaurants specialise in slow-cooked stews and locally-produced wines. Many of the region’s boutique hotels now offer e-bike-friendly amenities, recognising the growing popularity of this environmentally-conscious mode of transport among travellers seeking authentic experiences beyond the tourist hotspots.
Troia, Portugal
We’ve written about our love of cycling in Portugal in quite some detail before, so we think it’s only fair to include a second Portuguese destination in our roundup of the best e-bike holidays in Europe.
We’re pedalling two hours north of the Algarve to Troia next, a stunning peninsula that offers a completely different cycling experience from its southern neighbour. This slender strip of land between the Sado Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean provides e-bikers with gloriously flat terrain and pristine, uncrowded cycling routes that meander through pine forests, alongside golden beaches, and past tranquil lagoons.
What makes Troia particularly special for e-biking enthusiasts is the remarkable diversity of landscapes you can experience in a single day’s ride.
Begin your morning cycling through the ecological reserve with its rich birdlife (keep your eyes peeled for flamingos!), then head to the western coast where Atlantic waves crash against miles of unspoilt beaches. The peninsula’s compact nature—just 13 miles long—means you can easily explore its entirety without worrying about battery range.
The nearby fishing village of Comporta adds cultural richness to your cycling adventure, with its traditional thatched cottages and laid-back atmosphere. Stop here for lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste—the grilled sea bass, caught that morning, pairs perfectly with local white wines.
For history enthusiasts, don’t miss the Roman ruins of Troia, once a major fish-salting centre. Your e-bike makes the archaeological site easily accessible, allowing you to travel through time without breaking a sweat.
The best part? Unlike more established cycling destinations, Troia remains delightfully uncrowded, even during Easter. The Mediterranean microclimate ensures pleasant temperatures for spring riding, with gentle sea breezes keeping you cool as you explore.
Accommodation in Troia and Comporta ranges from luxurious eco-resorts to charming guesthouses, many offering e-bike facilities including secure storage and charging points. Several local operators provide guided e-bike tours or self-guided itineraries with detailed route maps highlighting the peninsula’s hidden gems.
Majorca, Spain
Ideal for perfect roads, great food, sun, and cycling…
Amongst professional cyclists, Majorca is the place to be in the cooler months. The island enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, providing year-round cycling opportunities. Mallorca offers a variety of landscapes, from flat plains to rolling hills and challenging mountainous regions, particularly the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This diversity makes it an ideal place for e-bikers of all skill levels.
“With a variety of routes, from mountains to flat coastal roads, Mallorca really is a cyclist’s paradise, and as such, there’s plenty of infrastructure to help along the way. There are specialist cycling tours and, should you need it, bike shops for any technical gremlins you may encounter”, says Swytch Technology.
Ideal for legendary hills, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, and a bike-friendly culture…
Yep, we know it’s not as easy to get to as sunny Spain, but if you want to experience cycling on the other side of the pond, there’s no better place than Boulder, Colorado.
“It’s often touted as the heartland of cycling in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. Plenty of sunshine, legendary hills, and the scenery of the iconic Rocky Mountains make it a cyclist’s dream, and as such, it’s been home to many of the US’s top professional cyclists for years”, says Swytch Technology.
Indeed, Boulder is known for its bike-friendly culture. The city has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, meaning plenty of bike lanes and dedicated paths. Boulder enjoys a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities, including e-biking, almost year-round.
Oh, and if you don’t want to travel with a bike, worry not, as there are numerous bike shops and rental services that cater to e-bikers, offering rentals, tours, and equipment, making it easy for visitors to get set up for an e-biking holiday – not to mention enough cafes to satisfy any cyclist’s coffee stop demands!
Crete, Greece
Ideal for riding through history…
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is an idyllic destination for a cycling holiday. Indeed, the island’s topography is a cyclist’s paradise, with its coastal paths providing gentle rides along the shimmering Mediterranean, while the interior offers challenging mountainous terrain that rewards with breathtaking views. The varied scenery includes olive groves, vineyards, and traditional villages, which all add to its charm.
The island’s rich history adds another layer of interest to a cycling holiday. Crete is home to numerous archaeological sites, including the Palace of Knossos, which dates back to the Minoan civilization. Cyclists can ride through history, stopping to explore ancient ruins and learn about the island’s storied past.
“Greece has long been underestimated as a cycling destination. With flatter routes along the scenic coast, and temples that come straight from the ancient world, Crete’s rolling hills and stunning scenery should not be overlooked”, says our pals at Swytch Technology.
Crete’s climate is another draw for cycling enthusiasts. With mild winters and warm, sunny summers, the island boasts an extended cycling season. Oh and since this is an article about easter e-biking destinations, we should mention that the spring months are particularly delightful, as the landscape bursts into a riot of wildflowers and the temperatures are pleasantly cool.
The traditional Cretan cuisine is yet another highlight that enhances the cycling experience. Refuel on fresh seafood, ripe fruits, and bread dipped in the world renowned Cretan olive oil – we would say keep some to oil your wheels too, but that would be a waste of this liquid gold.
Ideal for a gastronomic e-biking adventure and avoiding hilly terrain….
“Sicily is iconic when it comes to the world of professional bike racing, and though the thought of steep climbs may seem daunting, they’re accessible at any level with the use of electric assistance, and once you reach the top of the mountains the views will definitely be worth it”, says Swytch Technology.
That said, “there are plenty of coastal routes which are flatter, should you wish to avoid hilly terrain altogether”. And it’s the flatter routes that appeal to us, because if we’re going to Sicily, we’re going to be eating a lot, seeing as this southerly island is a seriously exciting foodie destination.
Of course, stops mid-journey for gelato, espresso and the island’s sugary signature dish, cannoli, are compulsory, and Sicily is punctuated with picturesque towns and places to stop off for your fix. However, it’s the destination that’s important here. Scicily is home to a plethora of dining options that are accessible by bicycle. Here are some of the best:
Palermo Coast: Osteria Mercede – Located in Palermo, this restaurant offers fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes. It’s a great stop if you’re cycling along the northern coast.
Cefalù:Ristorante La Brace – In the charming town of Cefalù, this place is known for its pizza and pasta dishes. It’s a nice spot to rest after a ride along the northern coast.
Catania Coast Trattoria Il Mare – Located in Catania, this is a great spot for enjoying fresh seafood dishes right by the sea.
Syracuse: Osteria da Mariano – In the historic city of Syracuse, this osteria is known for its authentic local dishes and charming atmosphere.
Ragusa: Duomo di Ragusa – A bit inland but worth the detour, this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant offers a high-end dining experience with innovative takes on Sicilian classics.
Agrigento Coast: Scala dei Turchi – Near the famous white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, there are several eateries where you can enjoy the local catch of the day.
Trapani: Cantina Siciliana – Trapani is known for its couscous and seafood, and this restaurant is a great place to sample these specialties.
Spring is also the ideal time to enjoy a cycling holiday in Sicily because, when the weather is at its hottest in high summer, let’s just say that riding in lycra is not fun.
Elba Island, Italy
Ideal for Mediterranean beauty with mountainous challenges…
Often overlooked in favour of its more famous Italian counterparts, Elba Island offers a compact paradise for e-bikers seeking Mediterranean charm without the crowds. Located just off the Tuscan coast, this island—once Napoleon’s place of exile—combines dramatic mountain landscapes with idyllic beaches, creating a diverse playground perfect for electric exploration.
What makes Elba particularly suited to e-biking is its varied terrain. The island rises from sea level to Mount Capanne at 1,019 metres, which becomes an achievable adventure with electric assistance. The reward? Panoramic views stretching across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Corsica and the Italian mainland.
The island’s network of roads and trails ranges from gentle coastal routes to challenging mountain paths through chestnut forests and ancient settlements. The compact size of Elba—just 27 kilometres long—means you can experience its full diversity in a few days.
Spring brings Mediterranean wildflowers and perfect temperatures for active exploration. Easter typically falls before the summer tourism surge, giving e-bikers access to quieter roads and more authentic local experiences.
Culinary rewards abound, with seafood dominating coastal menus. Don’t miss the local gurguglione vegetable stew or schiaccia briaca, a traditional dessert enriched with local Aleatico wine.
Many of Elba’s accommodations have embraced e-biking, offering storage, charging facilities, and packed lunches. Several operators provide e-bike hire with delivery to your accommodation and suggested routes tailored to your preferences.
For history enthusiasts, Elba offers Etruscan remains, Napoleonic villas, and fascinating mining heritage accessible via dedicated cycle routes.
With spring temperatures typically ranging from 15-20°C, Elba provides ideal conditions for active holidays without the scorching summer heat—making it a perfect e-bike escape for your Easter holiday.
Flying With An E-bike
Now, a word on taking your E-bike on a plane. The rules for taking an electric bike (E-bike) on a plane can be quite strict due to the lithium batteries they contain. Airlines and international regulations typically have specific guidelines for the transport of lithium batteries, which are considered dangerous goods because they pose a fire risk. Any reputable bike store will be able to advise you on this.
Additionally, you will likely need to contact the airline well in advance of your flight to get approval for transporting your E-bike. They may require specific information about the battery and the bike.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned e-bike adventurer or a curious first-timer, these destinations promise to deliver unforgettable memories and a fresh perspective on holiday travel. Now, are you ready to start riding?
The business landscape of 2025 presents leaders with something of a paradox: deploy cutting-edge automation to remain competitive, while simultaneously preserving the human elements that give organisations their soul and competitive edge. As artificial intelligence increasingly handles everything from data analysis to customer interactions, forward-thinking companies are discovering that the conversation isn’t simply about replacing human labor—it’s about reimagining it.
The question has evolved beyond whether to automate, to how automation can enhance rather than diminish the workplace experience. Companies that treat automation merely as a cost-cutting measure often discover an unanticipated consequence: disengaged employees who feel devalued and expendable. Yet those who approach automation thoughtfully find it creates space for employees to engage in more meaningful work that leverages distinctly human capabilities.
This strategic tension—between technological efficiency and human connection—represents one of the most significant leadership challenges of our time. How do we harness the undeniable benefits of automation while ensuring our workplaces remain environments where people feel valued, engaged, and secure in their contributions?
Understanding Automation
Firstly, let’s offer a basic definition, here. Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks that would typically require human intervention. It can range from simple tasks like scheduling social media posts and deploying SMS automation to help with mass marketing, to more complex ones like automating customer service through chatbots.
So, how can you make automation work for your business without endangering essential human aspects of your business?
Transparent Communication
Transparent communication is key when introducing automation. Employees may feel threatened by the prospect of automation, fearing job loss or a decrease in job significance. By communicating openly about the reasons for automating some tasks within your business and its benefits, you can alleviate these fears and ensure employees feel secure and valued.
Making Employees Feel More Valued
Indeed, automation can sometimes lead to employees feeling undervalued or replaceable. To counteract this, it’s important to emphasise the irreplaceable aspects of human contribution in the workplace. Creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are just a few examples of the unique human skills that automation cannot replicate.
Encourage your team to utilise these skills and provide opportunities for them to take on more complex, creative tasks. Recognise and reward their contributions regularly. This not only makes them feel more valued but also fosters a positive work environment that boosts morale and productivity.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-and-woman-having-conversation-while-sitting-near-the-table-with-laptop-7550542/
Employee Training & Development
Investing in employee training and development, where in person or when employees are working remotely, is crucial when implementing automation. By providing the necessary training, you can ensure that your employees are equipped to work alongside automated systems. This not only enhances their skills but also increases their job satisfaction and sense of value, thereby boosting retention.
Need A Little Of That Human Touch
In the age of automation, maintaining a human touch is crucial for fostering relationships and creating a positive workplace culture. While a remote medical scribe may be able to document patient encounters and organise medical records more efficiently, they’ll likely lack the contextual understanding and empathy required to capture the nuances of delicate patient-provider interactions.
Similarly, automated customer service systems can handle routine inquiries at scale, but complex issues often require the problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence of human representatives. A combination of automation and that personal touch is clearly the way forward here.
A combination of automation and that personal touch is clearly the way forward here. Ensure customer interactions remain personal by providing options to speak with human representatives. Encourage collaboration between automated systems and employees, and regularly celebrate and recognise team contributions to foster a sense of belonging and motivation.
Job Enrichment
Automation can free up employees from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic, high-value tasks. This process, known as job enrichment, can significantly improve employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. However, it’s important to provide the necessary support and training to help employees transition into these new roles.
Employee Involvement
Involving employees in the automation process can also help ensure their wellbeing and retention. By seeking their input and feedback, you can identify areas where automation can be beneficial and areas where human intervention is still necessary. This not only ensures that automation is implemented effectively but also helps staff feel involved and valued, and can also help you attract new employees in the process!
Embracing Automation As An Opportunity
While the introduction of automation can initially seem daunting, it’s important to view it as an opportunity rather than a threat. With the right approach, automation can lead to job enrichment, advances in professional development, increased productivity, and improved job satisfaction, all while ensuring the wellbeing and retention of your employees.
Ensuring Wages Keep Pace With Innovation
As automation takes over more routine tasks, the nature of work is changing, and so should the way we approach wages. It’s crucial to ensure that as employees transition to more complex roles, their wages – and your subsequent approach to recruitment – reflect this change.
Regularly review and adjust wages to ensure they are commensurate with the skills and responsibilities of the role. This not only ensures fairness but also boosts employee satisfaction and retention. Remember, a well-compensated employee is a motivated and loyal one.
Keeping Check On Automation’s Unintentional Biases
While automation can significantly improve efficiency, it’s not without its pitfalls. One such pitfall is the risk of unintentional (or, let’s face it, preprogrammed) biases. These biases can creep in through the data used to train automated systems, leading to unfair outcomes.
To mitigate this risk, it’s important to have a dedicated human team in place to regularly review and audit your automated systems. Ensure the data used is representative and free from biases. Also, maintain a diverse team to oversee the development and management of these systems. A diverse team brings a variety of perspectives, which can help identify and eliminate potential biases.
Being Realistic About Automation’s Limitations
Whilst automation offers valuable efficiency gains, it’s important to approach implementation with clear eyes. Many businesses discover that automation systems require more ongoing maintenance and customisation than initially anticipated, creating unexpected costs and dependencies on external vendors.
There’s also the risk of losing valuable institutional knowledge when processes that were once performed by experienced employees become fully automated. This knowledge gap becomes particularly evident when systems encounter scenarios they weren’t designed to handle.
Additionally, rigid automation can sometimes reduce an organisation’s adaptability – precisely when market conditions demand greater flexibility. The most successful implementations recognise that automation works best as a complement to human capabilities rather than a wholesale replacement. By acknowledging these limitations upfront, businesses can develop more realistic timelines, set appropriate expectations, and create systems that enhance rather than undermine employee contributions.
The Bottom Line
Making automation work for your business without endangering employee wellbeing or retention is not only achievable but also beneficial. By focusing on transparent communication, employee training and development, job enrichment, and employee involvement, you can harness the power of automation while ensuring the wellbeing of your team and the retention of your employees.
To state the obvious, Italians take their food and drink seriously. There’s a saying in Italy: “Non si mangia per vivere ma si vive per mangiare” – we don’t eat to live, we live to eat. With a culinary tradition dating back more than two millennia, the art of the Italian table isn’t just about sustenance—it’s a cultural cornerstone. Before you jet off to the land of pasta and prosecco, familiarise yourself with these unwritten rules that will help you dine like a local and avoid any faux pas.
A Simple, Speedy & Sugary Start to The Day
If you’re accustomed to hearty fry-ups or avocado toast for breakfast, prepare for a change of pace in Italy. Italians typically opt for light, sweet breakfasts rather than substantial savoury affairs. Indeed, Italian mornings are all about sugar and simplicity. Breakfast in Italy looks a lot like dessert in other parts of the world.
The quintessential Italian breakfast consists of a cappuccino or espresso paired with a cornetto (Italian croissant) or other pastry, often enjoyed standing at the bar.
Regional specialities worth sampling include the Roman maritozzo—a soft, sugary brioche bun split and filled with whipped cream, often zested with orange—and the Neapolitan sfogliatella, a delicate, shell-shaped pastry filled with orange-scented ricotta. In Sicily, you might even find locals tucking into gelato-stuffed brioche for breakfast.
Espresso Rules
The birthplace of espresso is in Italy and the Italians love the stuff. In Italy, espresso is typically characterized by its bold bitterness and rich, heavy body. It generally features minimal acidity and natural sweetness. To compensate for this lack of inherent sweetness, many Italians opt to add sugar to their espresso.
When ordering coffee, embrace the stand-up culture with “caffè al banco” (coffee at the bar). It’s cheaper than sitting at a table and far more authentic. Sip your espresso, savour the moment, then continue your adventures—it’s the Italian way of staying energised whilst exploring. Oh, and rather than ordering a doppio (that’s double espresso), Italians will traditionally make a return trip to the barista if they’re in need of another pick-me-up.
If the intensity of an espresso overwhelms you, there are gentler options. Try a macchiato (espresso with a dollop of milk) or a caffè lungo (espresso with more water). Another coffee drink you’ll find at most cafes is caffè al ginseng. It’s reminiscent of a chai tea latte, with its distinctly nutty flavour from the ginseng root that flavours the arabica bean. During summer, refreshing options include caffè freddo (cold, sweetened espresso) or a caffè shakerato (similar to an espresso martini, minus the alcohol).
Oh, and this might be one of Italy’s most strictly observed culinary rules: cappuccino is exclusively a breakfast beverage. Ordering one after 11 am marks you as a tourist straightaway. Italians believe that milk after a meal hampers digestion, so post-breakfast coffee is typically taken as an espresso (simply order “un caffè”).
Reservations Are Essential
In Italy, restaurant tables aren’t turned quickly as meals are leisurely affairs. This means that when you book a table for 8:30 pm, it’s essentially yours until closing time. Consequently, even if you walk into a restaurant with many empty tables, you might be turned away because those tables have been reserved for later.
For popular eateries, booking ahead is non-negotiable. Last-minute reservations are worth attempting, but don’t be surprised if you’re unsuccessful during peak times. If you do secure a table, try not to be late; arriving up to 15 minutes late is generally tolerated, but it’s considered good form to ring ahead if you’re running behind.
Since we no longer benefit from those “roam like at home” rules that used to apply, it might be worth getting an eSIM in Italy so you can easily call the restaurant if you’re running late. Check with your specific mobile provider for their current roaming policies and potential charges first.
If you’re planning on eating out a lot, it’s definitely worth being connected. Google Maps has helped us many a time from being late to a restaurant by providing real-time traffic updates and allowing us to set “arrive by” times. To choose the best eSIM option, check out websites like Reddit to find discounts like this Nomad discount code to save some extra cash.
Dinner Is Served Late
Adjust your eating schedule before your Italian holiday, as mealtimes differ considerably from British habits. Lunch typically falls between 1 pm and 2:30 pm, while dinner begins around 8:30 pm and can stretch until 10:30 pm. If you do decide to eat before 8pm, expect to be in the restaurant alone.
Most restaurants close their kitchens between lunch and dinner service (roughly 3 pm until 7 pm), so plan accordingly. Oh, and restaurants serving dinner before 7 pm are catering to tourists rather than locals—best to avoid.
Set Aside A Few Hours To Eat
In Italy, meals aren’t merely about nutrition—they’re social occasions, opportunities to connect, converse, and take a break from life’s demands. Whether for lunch or dinner, proper Italian dining requires time. Even a casual lunch typically lasts at least an hour.
The finest Italian dining experiences are those where you can linger over each course, savouring both the food and the company. While quick options like panini and pizza exist, Italians generally prefer sitting down for proper meals whenever possible. Remember: rushing through a meal is the antithesis of Italian food culture.
The small shock of the “coperto” charge—typically a modest €1-3 per person—has furrowed many a tourist brow. This isn’t deception but tradition, a standard cover charge for table service, bread, and that grassy-green olive oil that arrives unbidden at your table.
Similarly, the price differential between standing and sitting might seem curious until you understand it as part of Italy’s subtle economic ecosystem. That morning cappuccino costs €2-2.50 while propped against the bar but rises to €4-5 should you choose to occupy a table—a premium not for the coffee but for the real estate and service.
When it comes to tipping, a 10% tip for truly memorable service is considered generous—anything more creates an awkward imbalance in the delicate restaurant ecosystem.
Aperitivo Hour
As afternoon light mellows into evening gold, something remarkable happens in Italian cities. Tables and chairs appear on pavements, glasses begin to glow amber and orange, and the day’s sharp edges soften into what might be Italy’s most civilised invention: aperitivo hour.
More than simply “happy hour” with an accent, aperitivo is a gentle transition between work and dinner, typically falling between 6 pm and 8 pm. The drinks—a bitter-orange Aperol spritz, the more assertive Campari, or perhaps a crisp prosecco—arrive with unexpected generosity: small plates of olives, crisps, focaccia, or more elaborate offerings depending on the establishment.
What distinguishes aperitivo from mere pre-dinner drinks is its intentionality. You’re not simply consuming alcohol but participating in a ritual of decompression, of shifting from day to evening with appropriate ceremony. It’s also always accompanied by complimentary nibbles ranging from crisps and olives to more substantial offerings like bruschetta, focaccia, cheese, and cured meats. Indeed, importantly, Italians rarely drink alcohol without food—even if it’s just a small snack. Just be careful not to fill up on aperitivo snacks if you’ve got dinner reservations!
It’s Not An Italian Meal Without Wine
“A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine,” goes the Italian saying, and in the golden light of a Tuscan trattoria, you begin to understand it’s not mere poetic licence but practical wisdom. Wine in Italy isn’t an indulgence but a food in itself, as essential to the meal’s architecture as bread or salt.
Don’t shy away from house wines (vino della casa), which are often locally produced and good quality despite their modest price. Indeed, house wines are often surprisingly characterful, locally produced, and offered at prices that suggest wine is not a luxury but a daily right. These arrive by the carafe—quarter, half, or full litre—to be poured into simple glasses and enjoyed without ceremony. For those wishing to explore further, ask for the “carta dei vini” and don’t hesitate to seek guidance.
The pairing guidelines are simple but effective: red wines generally accompany meat dishes, whites complement seafood. Pizza traditionally calls for beer rather than wine—one of the few exceptions to Italy’s wine-with-meals tradition. And after dinner, the progression continues: first coffee to clear the palate, then perhaps a digestivo—limoncello from the Amalfi lemons, herbaceous amaro, or fiery grappa distilled from grape must—to settle the stomach, prolong the pleasure and provide a satisfying conclusion to your meal.
Avoid Restaurants Serving The “Greatest Hits Of Italy”
Let us offer one reliable method for spotting restaurants to avoid: if the menu reads like a “Greatest Hits of Italy” compilation—Neoplitan pizza rubbing shoulders with Sicilian arancini, Roman carbonara, and Milanese risotto—walk away. In this country of fierce regional pride, authentic cuisine remains deeply regional, and establishments serving excellent food typically specialise in local specialities rather than generic “Italian” fare.
Each region boasts its own culinary traditions. In Rome, trattorias serve the quartet of iconic pastas: carbonara rich with egg and guanciale, cacio e pepe elegantly minimalist with black pepper and pecorino, amatriciana vibrant with tomato, and gricia—carbonara’s predecessor, made without egg. Cross into Tuscany and the vocabulary shifts entirely. You’ll find ribollita, a hearty bread soup born of peasant ingenuity, and pappa al pomodoro. Tuscany also offers bistecca alla fiorentina.
While some dishes have transcended their origins (like spaghetti with tomato sauce), most remain tied to their regional roots.
Part of the profound pleasure of travelling through Italy is experiencing these distinct culinary identities—each region offering its own ingredients, techniques, and flavour profiles.
It’s All About Seasonality
Italians have an innate respect for seasonal eating that predates the modern farm-to-table movement by centuries. This principle underpins the exceptional quality of Italian cuisine—ingredients are used when they’re at their flavourful peak.
The Italian menu transforms with the calendar: summer brings tomatoes so intensely flavourful they need only salt and good oil; autumn introduces an orchestra of mushrooms, truffles, and game; winter showcases bitter greens and artichokes; spring arrives with a gentle explosion of green—asparagus, fava beans, and peas so sweet they barely need cooking.
Restaurants often adjust their menus accordingly or offer seasonal specials alongside signature dishes. By embracing seasonality during your visit, you’ll experience Italian cuisine at its most authentic and delicious. Trust local recommendations for seasonal specials—they’re likely to provide your most memorable meals.
Italian menus follow a structured format with distinct categories. There are the antipasti that open the meal with small bites to awaken the palate; primi continues with pasta, risotto, or soup; secondi presents the protein heart of the meal; contorni offers vegetable sides; and dolci provides the sweet finale.
This structure might suggest that proper Italian dining requires ordering from every section, and while it might be tempting to do so, it’s a misconception that would leave even the most dedicated eater overwhelmed. Instead, consider the menu as offering options rather than obligations. A more realistic approach might be an antipasto, a primo or secondo with a contorno, and perhaps a shared dolce. Indeed, don’t feel obliged to order from every section—Italians certainly don’t for everyday meals.
If you want to sample more dishes without overwhelming yourself, ask about “mezza porzione” (half portions), particularly for pasta courses. Many restaurants will accommodate this request. This approach allows you to construct a meal that suits both your appetite and curiosity without attempting to conquer the entire menu in a single sitting.
Eating Etiquette
The small choreographies of Italian dining reveal themselves gradually: the proper way to twirl pasta (without a spoon, contrary to cinematic depictions), the rhythm of when to pour wine, the understanding that bread is for eating alongside your meal and mopping up sauce, never as a pre-meal filler.
When it comes to pizza, unless sold by the slice on the street, it is typically personal-sized, uncut, and eaten with knife and fork—though folding and eating by hand is acceptable for those with dexterous fingers and heat-resistant palates. Simply start from the inner part of the pizza and work your way outwards, towards the crust. Never request dipping sauces for pizza, as this would horrify most Italians. As mentioned, Italians never use spoons to twirl pasta. A fork is the only utensil needed, and mastering the twirling technique is part of your Italian culinary education.
“Scarpetta” is the delightful term for using bread to clean your plate of remaining sauce—a practice that acknowledges both the deliciousness of what you’ve been served and the informal pleasure of not letting a drop go to waste. While perfectly acceptable in casual settings, watch your fellow diners for cues in more formal establishments.
Be cautious with cheese—while parmigiano works wonderfully with hearty meat sauces, requesting it for seafood pasta would be considered culinary sacrilege. The delicate flavours of fish would be overwhelmed by strong cheeses.
Lastly, taking leftovers home is uncommon in Italy. Instead of over-ordering, consider requesting half portions or sharing dishes.
Even a modest effort to speak Italian will be appreciated. You need not aim for fluency—even a modestly pronounced “buongiorno” (good morning/day) or “grazie” (thank you) opens doors and softens interactions.
For dining, certain phrases prove particularly useful: “Il conto, per favore” (the bill, please) or the slightly more formal “Mi porta il conto” (could you bring me the bill); “Acqua naturale” (still water) or “Acqua frizzante” (sparkling water); and perhaps most importantly, “Era delizioso” (that was delicious)—because genuine appreciation is always welcomed.
This small effort rarely goes unnoticed and often results in warmer interactions, perhaps an extra splash of wine, or a limoncello appearing unbidden at meal’s end.
The Bottom Line
There’s an Italian saying “a tavola non si invecchia,” meaning “you never grow old at the table.” That might explain why you’ll likely see us on your next trip to Italy, still at a table immersing ourselves in Italy’s incomparable food culture. Now you know the basic rules of Italian dining, care to join us?
One of the most pivotal decisions you may have to make when designing your home is determining the ideal kitchen style. Your selection will bear not only on your cooking preferences, bespoke sense of aesthetics, household size and lifestyle, but also align seamlessly with your overall interior design. Here, we explore a variety of kitchen styles, each evoking distinct design motifs from different time periods, and providing a unique feel and functionality to your home.
The Chic Shaker Kitchen
With its iconic five-piece wooden door design featuring one recessed central panel and four outer panels, a shaker kitchen embodies quaint sophistication. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility. You could opt for a bold change with vibrant colours or striking tiles, or add intricate beading to the cabinet doors for a touch of elegance.
Conjuring classics while effortlessly adapting to modern themes, a shaker kitchen seamlessly complements not only traditional British cottages but also contemporary city apartments aiming for a vintage twist.
The Modish Slab Kitchen
The slab kitchen, as the name suggests, is topped with – and arguably defined by – unornamented flat surfaces offering a slick look. Echoing clean, straight lines with its minimalistic and simplistic design, a slab kitchen represents modernity at its finest.
To liven up your kitchen, experiment with contrasting colours or intriguing handles. Complement with your choice of state-of-the-art appliances such as induction hobs and smart refrigerators for a cohesive design statement. A slab kitchen fits perfectly into an urban loft or a modern townhouse in need of a cutting-edge finish.
The Timeless Country Kitchen
Ideal for farmhouse-style houses or older properties with demanding structural peculiarities, envision reclaimed wooden cabinetry, flag-stone flooring, and a warmth that transports you back to the undemanding times of countryside living. The country kitchen encapsulates tradition and throws a rustic tint over modern interiors.
The subtle elegance, coupled with durability and comfort, brings this classic style to many homes, old and new. Sync with retro-styled modern appliances to retain customary charm without compromising convenience.
The Sophisticated Georgian Style Kitchen
Reflecting the refined aesthetics of the Georgian period, this kitchen style can be recognized by its stress on symmetry, grace, and sophistication. High ceilings, detailed cornicing and architraves, classical or beige colour palettes, and antique kitchens pieces resonate the grandeur of an opulent Georgian age of elegance. This style could be a perfect fit for period homes, heritage-listed properties or grand manor houses.
The Vibrant Victorian Style Kitchen
Ideal for terraces or tall townhouses, majestic Victorian style kitchens, with their intricately hand-painted tiles, stained glass windows, imposing dining tables and glorious crystal chandeliers, are an ode to beauty in its most pompous forms. Contrasting colours and quirky patterns define this vibrant era.
The Industrial-Chic Kitchen
Drawing inspiration from converted warehouses and factories, the industrial-chic kitchen celebrates raw materials and utilitarian design. Exposed brick walls, concrete countertops, metal fixtures, and open shelving create a bold yet practical aesthetic. Weathered wood elements soften the look, while Edison bulb lighting and stainless steel appliances enhance authenticity. Structural features like pipes and ductwork are highlighted rather than hidden.
This style works exceptionally well in loft apartments, converted industrial spaces, or modern homes seeking a rugged yet sophisticated edge that stands the test of time.
The Ultra-Modern Kitchen
An ultra-modern kitchen gleams with a sleek, minimalist design high on functionality. Monochrome palettes, glossy surfaces, hidden storage and state-of-the-art technology create a sleek yet practical kitchen genre.
Apartment-dwelling millennials and urbanites would likely embrace this kitchen style which suits open-plan homes, spacious lofts or minimalist penthouses.
The Cosy Scandinavian Kitchen
In tune with the essence of simplicity, functionality, and beauty of Nordic design, the Scandinavian kitchen is for those who value minimalist aesthetics with an organic flair. It typically showcases a palette of breezy whites, light wood tones, and touches of grey, black or crystalline pastels. An array of open shelving and ample natural lighting accentuates the sense of space, while hints of greenery breathe life into the room.
This stripped-back style fits superbly well within a Nordic style home or a relaxed townhouse with a lot of natural light and wooden elements.
The Escapist Mediterranean Kitchen
Bearing traces of azure beaches and sunlit vineyards, a Mediterranean style kitchen features vibrant splashes of sun-soaked colours in earthy hues, terracotta pots, hand-painted tiles and wrought iron accents. This kitchen style is characteristically warm and inviting, with open spaces, cottage-style white wooden cupboards, and rough stone features. True to its free spirit, you can incorporate splashes of topical hues to forge a unique blend of old-world charm with a contemporary flair.
Mediterranean kitchens give homeowners the semblance of living in another, sunnier part of the world, offering a stunning fit for those with rustic, sun-filled homes or beachfront properties.
The Bottom Line
In essence, there is no definitive ‘best’ kitchen style; it hinges upon your personal preferences, the existing style of your home and your specific requirements. Your budget, too, will factor into the style and customisation options you ultimately decide upon. By exploring the range of diverse kitchen styles on offer, integrating their versatility, functionality, and aesthetics, you can carve your unique vision of an ideal kitchen for your unique home.
This just in; a study (which was surely commissioned by a removal company) has revealed that moving house is regarded as the ‘most stressful life event’ by a whopping 57% of Brits. Indeed, as any one who has moved house before can surely attest, a smooth and successful relocation is just one broken vase away from divorce or family fisticuffs.
That said, there are (we promise!) some genuinely simple ways to make the big move less stressful, and so much of the damage limitation actually occurs before a single box has even been packed.
It’s all in the preparation, you see, and to answer your most pressing relocation questions, we’re here to help. If you’re wondering which room is best to pack up first, how much of the heavy lifting your removals company should be doing, and everything in between, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in.
Which Room Should You Pack First When Preparing To Move House?
When preparing for a move, it’s best to start packing the rooms you use least frequently. This could be a guest bedroom or bathroom, attic, basement, or any storage rooms. These spaces tend to have items that you won’t need to use daily or weekly, so it makes sense to pack these areas first. Packing these rooms in advance won’t disrupt your day-to-day living in the lead up to the move.
What Order Should I Pack Up The Rooms In My House?
Having a clear, organised strategy can certainly help you tackle this whole task more efficiently. Building on the above answer, here’s a suggested order for packing up the rooms in your home:
Guest Rooms and Spare Rooms: As these are usually used less frequently, they should be first on your list. Freeing up a guest room also gives you extra space to start organising your boxes more systematically.
Attic, Basement, and Garage: These spaces often hold items that are less frequently used, such as seasonal decorations, tools, and outdoor supplies. It’s also a good opportunity to sort and declutter.
Non-Essential Rooms: This could be your home office, the living room, or any other rooms that you don’t use on a daily basis.
Kitchen: Start by packing the items you use least often, such as special occasion crockery, baking supplies, or your more esoteric appliances. As moving day approaches, you can pack everyday dishes and cooking items, leaving only the most essential items for last. You might want to consider using disposable plates and cutlery in the days leading up to the move, though consider the carbon footprint of your kitchen when doing so.
Children’s Rooms: If you have children, you’ll want to pack their rooms closer to moving day to minimise disruption. It can be helpful to involve them in the packing process and reassure them about the move.
Main Living Area: This includes areas such as the lounge and dining rooms. While these areas are often in frequent use, they contain items that can often be packed ahead of moving day, leaving essential items (you’ll want your sofa and TV, for sure) until last.
Bathrooms: Pack up the guest bathrooms first, if you’re lucky enough to have one, then your main bathroom. Leave out essentials like toothbrushes, toiletries, and medication, which you’ll need right up until you leave.
Bedrooms: You’ll want to pack clothes that aren’t in season, spare bedding, and other non-essentials first. The last things you’ll pack are your daily essentials and the bedding you’re currently using.
What Should Go In An ‘Essentials Box’ When Packing Before A Move?
Remember to have an ‘essentials box’ that you keep with you during the move, which is easily accessible for those odd few days (or even weeks!) of limbo both when packing up your property and for when you’ve just moved into your new place.
An essentials box is the last box you pack and the first one you open when you move, and should contain all the critical items needed for your first few days in your new home, functioning as the last box you pack and the first you open. For personal comfort and immediate needs, include toiletries (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes), a change of clothes and pajamas for each person, bedding, important documents (leases, passports, birth certificates), prescription medications, a small first aid kit, and entertainment options for both children and adults. Don’t forget phone chargers and a list of important contact information.
For practical household functionality, pack kitchen necessities such as non-perishable food, basic cookware, utensils, plates, cups, and coffee or tea supplies. Include cleaning essentials like wipes, bin bags, dish soap, and sponges to help with initial cleanup. A basic toolkit with screwdrivers, hammer, and utility knife will be invaluable for opening boxes and assembling furniture. If you have pets, remember their food, dishes, beds, and leashes. Finally, include bottled water and easy snacks to keep everyone energized during the moving process.
What Is The Best Way To Label Boxes When Packing Up A Home?
Labelling boxes effectively when packing up your home is an essential part of an efficient move. The most effective method is to utilise a colour code system, assigning a specific colour to each room. For example, use green stickers for the kitchen boxes, blue for the bathroom, yellow for the living room, and so forth.
Additionally, it’s a wise move to number your boxes within each colour category and keep an inventory list of what items go into which box. For instance, ‘Green 1’ might be kitchen utensils, and ‘Green 2’ might be crockery. This reduces the chance of misplacement or loss of items and makes it far easier to locate your possessions when unpacking.
In addition to colour and number coding, it can be helpful to clearly list the general contents of each box on the side. Avoid labelling the top of the box, as you won’t be able to see it if boxes are stacked upon one another. This way, you and your removers will know what’s fragile and needs to be handled with care, what’s heavy, and which boxes contain essential items that you will need to unpack first. Remember to also mark the boxes that contain items from your ‘essentials box’ and ensure they are the last loaded and first off the van.
What Items Should You Not Pack In A Moving Van?
When preparing for your move, it’s crucial to know that certain items should never be transported in a moving van due to safety concerns, legal restrictions, or risk of damage. While the goal is to move how you want with minimal stress, understanding these restrictions will help avoid complications on moving day.
Hazardous materials like paint, aerosols, cleaning chemicals, and flammables (including petrol, propane, and matches) should always be transported separately or safely disposed of before your move. Most removal companies are legally prohibited from transporting these items, and attempting to include them could result in delays or refusal of service.
Valuables and irreplaceable items should also stay with you rather than going in the van. This includes jewellery, important documents, family heirlooms, and electronic devices containing sensitive data. Financial items such as cash, bank cards, and chequebooks should remain in your personal possession at all times.
Perishable food items are another category to avoid packing, as they can spoil during transit and potentially damage other belongings. Plants require special consideration too – many removal companies won’t transport them due to potential pest issues, and longer journeys may cause them stress.
Finally, if you’re moving internationally, be aware that there are often strict regulations regarding what can cross borders, including certain foods, plants, and medications. When in doubt, consult with your removals company about their specific policies and recommendations for handling these restricted items.
Just How Much Of The Heavy Lifting Can I Expect My Removals Company To Do?
When hiring a house removals company, you can typically expect them to handle virtually all of the heavy lifting. This includes loading large items such as furniture, appliances, and heavy boxes onto the removal van, securely storing and organising these items during transit, and then unloading them at your new property.
Many removal companies also offer additional services such as dismantling and reassembling furniture, packing and unpacking your items, and even providing packing materials. However, these services may come at an additional cost and should be discussed beforehand.
It’s worth noting that although a removals company will handle the physical heavy lifting, it’s your responsibility to ensure that items are ready to be moved and there is clear access. Also, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on how your possessions are being handled, and direct the movers as necessary for particularly valuable or delicate items.
Remember, when choosing a removals company, it’s important to clarify exactly what their service includes, so there are no surprises on moving day. Because, let’s face it; this is not a day when surprises are at all welcome.
It’s the stuff of nightmares. A meticulous, time consuming online search bagged you the cheapest flights on the market. You’ve folded clothes with precision, packed your suitcase diligently, weighed it at home to make sure it adheres to the 20kg limit, checked and double checked the whereabouts of your passport, made photocopies of everything…..And only when your seatbelt is fastened and all electronics switched to airplane mode, do you realise you’ve left the bedroom window open. Extreme example? Perhaps. Holiday ruined? Most likely.
What we’re trying to say with this drawn out allegory is that only when your home is safe and secure can you enjoy true peace of mind while away on holiday. So, here are some top tips on how to keep your home safe and secure when you’re away.
Don’t Share Your Location Publicly
Yep, we realise it’s the main reason for posting on social media; to elicit the green eyed monster in friends and strangers alike at just how much far flung fun you’re having. But how can I make everyone jealous of my best life without sharing my location, we hear you ask. They might think this idyllic scene is in fact in Croydon……
Well, we’ll tell you what your Instagram followers won’t be envious of, and that’s your empty house following a burglary. “Collect memories, not things” you’ll mutter, but you won’t be fooling anyone.
So, be wary of tagging your exact location in photos you publish online, as you’ll be alerting the world to the fact that your house is unoccupied if you do. Should you be desperate to announce you’re far from home, make your Instagram account private or Facebook messages only visible to friends for that little extra blanket of security.
Check Your Locks
Basic preventative measures are key (pun intended) when it comes to keeping your home safe while you travel and none more so than, prior to departure, ensuring all your locks are in good working condition. Before you jet off, check all the window and door locks in your home are working, should any falter or show obvious signs of damage, then get them replaced by a professional locksmith.
Experts genuinely advise that even if your locks are functioning at full capacity, it’s important to make sure you have the right window and door locks in place so your home insurance is valid; some companies demand a certain type of lock for a full, comprehensive payout to be credible.
Luckily, many locksmiths operate 24/7 which means they’re on hand day and night to change your locks. So if your flight’s first thing in the morning and you require last minute lock repair, replacement or even security upgrades, you can still secure your home before you fly.
Neighbourhood Watch
Enlisting the help of friendly neighbours to keep their peepers on proceedings in your absence is a good way of achieving a certain serenity while you’re away, as they can keep you posted on goings on. Within reason, of course; ‘house still not burgled’ isn’t a necessary daily update while you’re tanning by the pool. Their presence though, for instance in your garden doing a bit of watering, can act as a deterrent to would be burglars, as well as a source of supervision. Remember to give your neighbour a spare set of keys just in case they need access to the house.
If you’d rather not hand out a spare, consider upgrading your home security system with a smart lock door. These clever locks allow you to unlock the door remotely, using your smartphone from the comfort of your sun lounger. You can grant temporary access to your neighbours with expiring codes or set access codes for specific days and times.
Avoid Doorstep Pile-Ups
Straight from the old school with this one, but still a pertinent point and one which could be modernised by applying the same logic to Amazon deliveries and the like. Cancelling the daily newspaper or milk is a wise move before you set off, and not just for your wallet. A build up of stuff on your doorstep indicates either an extremely lazy resident lives here, a decomposing body lies inside, or more likely, no one is present.
You should also give directions for packages arriving from the Royal Mail, ASOS et al, to place deliveries in a secure, hidden location for the same reason. That friendly neighbour of yours to the rescue again!
Utilise Light Timers & Smart Bulbs
Before you head off on your jollies, consider investing in light timers or smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely. These devices can be programmed to switch on and off at varying times, giving the impression that someone is home. It’s a simple yet effective deterrent for any potential intruder who might be casing the neighbourhood.
Smart bulbs can be controlled via an app on your smartphone, allowing you to alter the lighting patterns as needed, ensuring that your home doesn’t stick to a predictable schedule that could tip off burglars to your absence.
Secure Valuables In A Safe Or Safety Deposit Box
If you’re leaving behind jewellery, important documents, or other valuables, it’s prudent to secure them in a safe that’s bolted to the floor or wall. For items of significant value or importance, consider using a bank’s safety deposit box for the duration of your holiday. This not only protects your items from theft but also from potential damage due to any unforeseen incidents at home, such as fires or floods. It’s a small step that can save you a great deal of heartache upon your return.
Consider A Home Security System
Today’s modern security systems have become remarkably user-friendly and cost-effective, giving you genuine peace of mind whilst you’re lounging abroad. This needn’t mean vast, crippling expense; a DIY home security system can be particularly appealing for travellers, as they’re designed to be set up without professional installation, saving you considerable money. Most systems now use wireless sensors that require minimal tools—often just a screwdriver and included mounting supplies.
With a proper security solution, you can monitor your property remotely via smartphone apps, receiving instant alerts should any suspicious activity occur. Many systems also offer optional professional monitoring services for a modest monthly fee, ensuring emergency services are dispatched automatically if needed. It’s a sensible investment that provides protection for your home without breaking the bank before your holiday begins.
Arrange For Regular Property Maintenance
An overgrown garden or an accumulation of leaves and debris can be tell-tale signs that a property has been left unattended. Arrange for a gardener or a maintenance service to keep up with the outdoor upkeep of your property. This could include mowing the lawn, pruning the hedges, watering the plants, or simply keeping the front of the house tidy. This not only maintains the kerb appeal of your home but also sends a message that the property is being looked after, further deterring any potential intruders.
The Bottom Line
Taking these proactive steps can significantly bolster the security of your home and provide you with the tranquillity you deserve while on holiday. From the clever use of technology to simulate occupancy, to the safeguarding of your personal treasures and the upkeep of your property’s appearance, each measure plays a crucial role in deterring potential intruders.
Remember, the goal is to make your home a less attractive target and to avoid any tell-tale signs of absence. By doing so, you can embark on your adventures with confidence, knowing that you’ve left your sanctuary as secure as a fortress. Enjoy your holiday, and may you return to find everything just as you left it—safe, secure, and waiting to welcome you back.
Champagne – that effervescent emblem of celebration and luxury – has long been governed by a set of unwritten rules. But as with all traditions, sometimes the most delightful experiences come from knowing when to bend, or even break, the established order. Here are 9 champagne conventions that deserve a modern rethink.
1.You Must Serve Champagne In Flutes
The slender flute has become synonymous with champagne service, but many wine experts now favour wider glasses that allow the complex aromas to develop fully. Next time you gift a bottle of Champagne Deutz to a discerning friend, suggest they try serving it in white wine glasses. The broader surface area allows the champagne to breathe, revealing subtle notes that might remain hidden in a traditional flute.
The science behind this is compelling: aroma molecules need space to volatilise properly, and the narrow aperture of flutes restricts this process. Krug has been advocating for tulip-shaped or even white wine glasses for years, acknowledging that while the flute may showcase the bubbles beautifully, it does so at the expense of the wine’s aromatic complexity.
In blind tastings (conducted by us, admittedly), even novice drinkers (that’s us again) could detect significantly more aromatic compounds when the same champagne is served in a wider glass, particularly with more mature or vintage champagnes. The visual spectacle of bubbles streaming in a flute is undeniably beautiful, but perhaps it’s time to prioritise flavour over aesthetics.
2. Champagne Is Only For Special Occasions
Perhaps the most pervasive myth is that champagne should be reserved solely for momentous celebrations. While there’s undeniable pleasure in marking milestones with bubbles, why limit such joy to rare occasions? A random Tuesday dinner or the simple completion of a work project can be elevated with a glass of champagne.
The French have long understood this – in champagne’s homeland, it’s as much an everyday pleasure as a celebration drink.
Studies show that ritualising everyday moments can significantly increase our wellbeing and satisfaction with life. By treating champagne as a weeknight option rather than a rare indulgence, we democratise pleasure and challenge the artificial scarcity that marketing has created around it.
Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny and Lidl’s Comte de Senneval offer astonishingly good value bruts that are perfect for transforming mundane moments into micro-celebrations without requiring a second mortgage. The daily champagne ritual might just be the self-care practice we all deserve.
3. Champagne Must Be Served Ice-Cold
While champagne should certainly be chilled, serving it at temperatures approaching freezing (as is common) mutes its sophisticated flavour profile. Experts suggest 8-10°C as ideal – cool enough to be refreshing but warm enough to allow the full expression of those carefully crafted flavours. Try experimenting with temperature to discover how the same champagne can reveal different characteristics.
Temperature dramatically affects how volatile compounds reach our olfactory receptors, with warmer temperatures releasing more aromatic molecules. This is particularly important for prestige cuvées where complexity is a key selling point.
A fascinating experiment is to pour the same champagne at different temperatures and note how the perception changes – at 4°C you might detect only acidity and bubbles, at 10°C fruit and brioche notes emerge, and by 12°C tertiary aromas of nuts, honey and toast become prevalent. Ice buckets, while traditional, often chill bottles below ideal temperature; a refrigerator set to 8°C is actually more appropriate for champagne service.
4. Champagne Doesn’t Pair With Main Courses
Too often relegated to canapés or desserts, champagne is actually a remarkably versatile food wine. Its high acidity and effervescence make it an excellent companion to everything from fried foods (the bubbles cut beautifully through richness) to oysters, roast chicken, and even certain curries. Champagne throughout the meal? Absolutely.
The scientific basis for champagne’s food-pairing prowess lies in its unique combination of acidity (typically pH 2.8-3.3), effervescence (which refreshes the palate between bites), and complex flavour compounds. This triumvirate creates dynamic contrasts with fatty foods while complementing delicate flavours in seafood.
Vintage champagnes with their additional notes of brioche, nuts and honey, pair surprisingly well with umami-rich dishes like mushroom risotto or aged cheeses. Even rosé champagnes offer enough structure to stand up to game birds or pink lamb. The tradition of relegating champagne to pre-dinner duties is a missed opportunity to experience some of the most interesting gastronomic pairings possible.
While certain champagnes benefit from ageing, sure, many are crafted to be enjoyed young, when their fresh, vibrant characteristics shine brightest. Non-vintage champagnes typically reach their peak within 3-5 years of release. Don’t feel obliged to “save it for a special day” that may never arrive – sometimes the perfect moment is now.
The chemistry behind champagne ageing is fascinating and complex. Over time, the original fruit esters slowly transform through oxidation and reduction reactions, creating new compounds that impart those coveted tertiary aromas of toast, brioche, and nuts. However, this process also diminishes the vibrant primary fruit characteristics and effervescence that make youthful champagnes so appealing.
Several esteemed champagne houses craft their non-vintage offerings specifically for early consumption, ensuring optimal balance between freshness and complexity at release. The widespread belief that all wine improves with age has led many collectors to hold champagnes past their prime, only to discover that the lively wine they purchased has transformed into something completely different – not necessarily better, just different.
6. You Shouldn’t Add Anything To Champagne
Purists may shudder, but champagne cocktails have a storied history dating back to the 19th century. From the classic Champagne Cocktail (sugar cube, bitters, and brandy) to modern creations, thoughtfully constructed champagne-based drinks can be sublime. Even a simple splash of crème de cassis (creating a Kir Royale) can transform champagne into something new and delightful.
Mixology with champagne is actually an exercise in complementary chemistry. The sugar in traditional champagne cocktails doesn’t just add sweetness – it provides nucleation sites that ensure persistent effervescence throughout the drink. Meanwhile, aromatic bitters contribute complex phenolic compounds that can enhance and complement the wine’s existing flavour profile.
Even Winston Churchill, a devoted Pol Roger enthusiast, occasionally enjoyed modifications to his champagne. The Seelbach, Black Velvet, and French 75 stand as testament to champagne’s versatility as a cocktail component. Contemporary mixologists have taken this further, using champagne’s acidity and bubbles as a sophisticated lifting agent in drinks that would be cloying or flat without its transformative properties.
7. Good Champagne Must Be Expensive
While fine champagne commands premium prices for good reason, excellent sparkling wines exist at more accessible price points. Grower champagnes (made by the same estates that grow the grapes) often offer exceptional value, as do certain lesser-known houses producing remarkable quality without the marketing budgets of the major brands.
The economics behind champagne pricing reveals that production costs, while significant, often account for a smaller percentage of prestigious labels’ final prices than one might expect. Marketing expenditure, brand positioning, and the amortisation of centuries of investment in heritage and prestige contribute substantially to the cost of bottles from the most famous châteaux.
Meanwhile, grower-producers operate with different business models, focusing resources on viticulture and vinification rather than global brand-building. Their champagnes, while perhaps lacking the name recognition of grande marques, often deliver equivalent or superior quality at 30-50% lower prices. The relationship between price and quality in champagne follows a logarithmic rather than linear curve – meaningful quality improvements become exponentially more expensive beyond a certain price point, suggesting that the sweet spot for value may lie in the £35-60 range rather than the triple-digit territory.
8. The Cork Should Pop Dramatically
The theatrical ‘pop’ may seem festive, but it’s actually a sign of poor technique. Sommeliers actually aim for a ‘sigh’ – a gentle release that preserves the bubbles and prevents potential injuries from flying corks. Twist the bottle (not the cork) slowly while maintaining gentle pressure, and you’ll preserve more bubbles while demonstrating proper champagne savoir-faire.
The physics behind the pop explains why this technique matters: a champagne bottle contains up to 6 atmospheres of pressure (comparable to the tyre pressure in a double-decker bus), and a carelessly handled cork can exit the bottle at speeds exceeding 50mph – easily enough to cause serious eye injury or property damage. Moreover, that dramatic sound represents the explosive escape of gas that should remain dissolved in your wine.
Professional sommeliers specifically train to minimise the sound when opening bottles. The technique involves controlling the gradual expansion of the gas by maintaining pressure on the cork throughout its extraction, allowing controlled decompression rather than explosive release. An additional benefit: studies show that a bottle opened gently retains significantly more dissolved carbon dioxide, resulting in finer, more persistent bubbles in the glass and a more luxurious drinking experience.
9. You Need Special Knowledge To Enjoy Champagne Properly
Perhaps the most important rule to break is the notion that enjoying champagne requires expertise. While understanding its production and heritage can certainly enhance appreciation, the most important aspect is personal enjoyment. Trust your own palate, experiment freely, and remember that champagne, for all its prestigious associations, is ultimately about pleasure.
The neuroscience of taste perception confirms this democratic approach. While experienced tasters may have developed a more elaborate vocabulary and reference points for describing champagne, the fundamental pleasure response is universal and deeply personal. Blind tasting studies consistently show that perceived enjoyment correlates poorly with price or prestige, with individual preferences often defying expert consensus.
This is why champagne houses offer such varied house styles – there is no objectively ‘best’ profile, only different expressions that resonate with different palates. The terroir-driven approach of recent decades has further expanded this diversity, with single-vineyard bottlings showcasing dramatically different expressions of champagne from sites sometimes separated by mere metres. The democratic truth is that champagne appreciation is an individual journey, and no expert can definitively tell you which champagne should bring you the most pleasure. The only expertise that truly matters is your growing familiarity with your own preferences.
By breaking free from these outdated conventions, we can develop a more personal, relaxed relationship with this remarkable wine – one that prioritises enjoyment over rigid adherence to tradition. After all, champagne’s enduring appeal lies not just in its illustrious history, but in its ability to bring delight in whatever context we choose to enjoy it.
Though perhaps it’s a three way fight between home office chair, toilet seat and bed, we think the latter just pips it; yep, the bedroom is the place in the world where we spend the most time. But yet, beyond the duvet, sheets and pillows, it feels a room strangely neglected when it comes to cosiness and comfort.
Upgrades, however, can be costly, logistically and financially, particularly if you hire a professional to give your bedroom a spruce up. Instead, there are methods you can employ, and insider ways and means to exploit, to get your bedroom looking and feeling like the space you truly deserve. With that in mind, from colouring to decluttering, here’s how to decorate your bedroom like a pro.
Colour & Curiosity
It’s no surprise that professional designers start a home remodelling project by carefully selecting a colour to base the fresh look around. Indeed, the quickest way to give a room a striking makeover is to repaint the walls in your bedroom a new shade of gorgeous.
Decide on the mood or tone you want to set in the room, then pick a colour that reflects that feeling. For a soothing sense of serenity and safety, the pros recommend blue. To evoke nature and balance, go for green. Or, for a loving, sweet atmosphere, it has to be pink. While there is no wrong colour choice and it’s all about personal preference, try to avoid energetic colours like the vivacity of yellow. If you’re after something sunny, instead opt for orange tones which bring about feelings of warmth and calm. Think colours that will relax rather than excite you.
The painting itself is not that complicated; all you have to do is purchase some equipment – a handheld paintbrush or roller, a bucket of primer, the right type of paint, a ladder and some plastic sheeting to protect those inevitable stray droplets.
Once that’s done, it’s time to paint. Consider rolling on a second coat of paint if you want a deeper, more durable colour. Bear in mind that proper drying time between coats is essential for a flawless finish—rushing this step can lead to patchy results that will frustrate even the most patient DIY decorator. Most quality paints will require at least 4-6 hours between coats for optimal adherence and colour development.
Ideal Tip: If you rent, try adding colour to your walls with removable wallpaper. Be sure to read reviews to find a brand that doesn’t leave any underlying damages to the wall underneath.
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There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Interior designers take lighting in the bedroom very seriously, and so should you. Stark, single bulb overhead lighting is out; instead, if you want to create the ideal bedroom for both focus and rest, it’s all about gentle task lighting, which illuminates areas of the room needing particular attention at a particular moment in time.
Spare a thought, too, for sources of natural light, the healing and energising powers of which can’t be overstated. Blackout blinds are superb for granting a full night’s, undisturbed sleep, and can be raised to allow the daytime to shine through, too. Should your bedroom not be blessed with several windows, then hanging mirrors can do a great job at reflecting the natural light you do have, making your room feel brighter and roomier in the process.
Ideal Tip: Invest in dimmable lights for your bedroom. They allow you to adjust the ambiance to fit your mood, making your space feel calm for sleep or energetic for work.
Some people say that technology doesn’t belong in the bedroom, and that this space should be reserved solely for sleep. In fact, we’re sure we’ve stated as much before. However, by banishing all tech from the bedroom, you’re rather underselling the space.
While we agree with the pros that you should refrain from bringing your computer and other work into the bedroom, items of tech can contribute to the relaxing atmosphere of the room and even help you sleep more soundly. Consider creating a chill zone with a TV on the wall complete with fluffy pillows or bean bags for kicking back on in style. Or, add some speakers so you can relax to your favourite music or listen to a podcast or bedtime story.
At least one corner in your room should be devoted to a different purpose far removed from sleep, be it a comfy chair surrounded with your favourite books or a dedicated meditation space. Your bedroom is your kingdom, and you can do whatever you want there!
Ideal Tip: To turn your bedroom into a multi-purpose space, consider modular storage furniture. A sofa that’s also a bed, or a desk that folds into a wall, can transform your room to suit your needs at various times.
Time To Declutter
You’ve made your bed; now lie in it. But first, a tidy up. Specialists and interior designers agree that clutter has a negative impact on harnessing that sense of a relaxing or romantic vibe in the bedroom. An uncluttered bedroom can help you instantly feel calmer and more comfortable, free from distraction and bother in this most important room in the house.
That’s why you should reduce the clutter that naturally tends to find its way onto bedroom furniture or worse, the floor. Even the process itself – of decluttering and minimising – will bring you clarity and expose the real beauty of your bedroom.
Ideal Tip: When decluttering, try the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ test. Stow items away from view for a month. If you don’t miss them, chance are you don’t need them—consider donating or selling these items.
Get Creative With Your Storage Solutions
If you’re to declutter successfully without setting up a skip beneath your bedroom window, you’re going to need some savvy storage solutions. Indeed, you can gain some serious satisfaction (and even have a little fun) getting creative with your storage. Closet organisers and nightstands can help you to hide your clutter and show off key decorations and accessories, too.
Another fantastic idea is to make use of the space at the foot of and under your bed. For instance, you can hide your bedsheets or winter coats under your bed using vacuum storage bags, which are ideal for storing clothes tightly together.
Ideal Tip: Think vertical for bedroom storage. Unused wall space above your doors, bed or closets can be optimised with high shelves or hanging organizers, keeping your floorspace clear and room clutter-free.
Bring Texture Into Your Bedroom
Professional decorators know that a truly luxurious bedroom isn’t just about colour—it’s about texture. Layering different textiles creates depth and interest while making your space feel infinitely more comfortable. Combine crisp cotton sheets with a chunky knit throw, or pair a velvet headboard with linen cushions for a tactile experience that’s both visually appealing and physically comforting.
Texture needn’t be limited to soft furnishings either. Consider adding woven rattan accessories, a plush rug underfoot, or even a statement wall with textured wallpaper or wood panelling. These subtle details create a multi-dimensional space that feels considered and complete, without requiring an enormous budget.
Ideal Tip: When selecting textiles for your bedroom, choose natural fibres where possible. Cotton, linen, wool, and silk not only feel better against the skin but also regulate temperature more effectively throughout the seasons, helping you to stay cool in summer and cosy in winter.
Create A Focal Point
Every professionally designed bedroom has a clear focal point that draws the eye and anchors the space. Typically, this is the bed itself, but you can enhance this natural focus or create an entirely new one with thoughtful decoration.
A large piece of artwork above the bed, a statement headboard, or even an accent wall in a contrasting colour can all serve as striking focal points. The key is to choose something that reflects your personality while maintaining the restful atmosphere needed for good sleep. This single element will give your room direction and purpose, making all your other decorating decisions infinitely easier.
Ideal Tip: If you’re working with a small bedroom, consider using mirrors strategically to create your focal point. A large, beautifully framed mirror not only serves as a stunning visual anchor but also reflects light and creates the illusion of additional space—a clever designer trick for making compact bedrooms feel more spacious.
Small Things Make A Big Difference
Interior designers are known for having a few decorating tricks up their sleeves, and usually, they involve using the smallest of details to make a massive difference to the appearance of a bedroom. Consider following the latest seasonal decor trends to find the best ideas to fit succinctly with the time of year and the unique atmosphere that nature creates.
Small additions like adding a beautifully upholstered headboard or continental pillows which add support, depth and interest to the bed can make a world of difference to the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. Adding a plant to your bedroom can also transform it from a stuffy space into a tranquil, calming one. When it comes to bedroom design, the devil is in the detail.
Ideal Tip: Pay attention to the sensory details in your bedroom. The scent of a calming candle, the texture of plush throw pillows, or the colour of your lamp’s light bulb can all dramatically enhance your room’s comfort and charm.
The Bottom Line
When decorating your bedroom, you needn’t enlist the help of a professional eye to give your space a once over and your wallet several more. Keep your mind open and get creative with every aspect of your bedroom, focusing on the finer details whilst not forgetting the bigger picture, too. Consider most keenly light, colours, storage, and clutter and soon it’ll be a space you want to spend more and more time in.
Got leftover roast chicken in the fridge and not sure what to do with it? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. That humble leftover bird can be the starting point for countless delicious meals that are worlds away from your Sunday roast.
While we Brits love our beef roasts, there’s something wonderfully versatile about chicken that makes it the champion of leftovers. You can take it in any direction—spicy and fragrant Asian dishes, punchy Mexican street food, or comforting classics that feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about transforming yesterday’s dinner into something completely new. It’s thrifty, of course (your gran would approve), but it’s also creative—a bit like kitchen alchemy.
If you’re particularly organised, you might even roast a chicken on Sunday specifically to use throughout the week. Or pick up a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket when you know you’ve got a busy few days ahead. Just pull the meat from the bones, shred it with a couple of forks, and store it in the fridge. With that done, you’ve got the building blocks for quick lunches and speedy suppers all week long.
For the best flavour in all these leftover creations, it’s worth investing in organic chicken from the start. Rhug Estate Organic Poultry, who sell organic chicken UK-wide, tell us that because these birds are raised with higher welfare standards and more natural diets, it translates directly into better taste and texture in your finished dishes. You’ll notice the difference—the meat tends to be more succulent and the flavour more pronounced, providing a superior foundation for any recipe you choose to make.
No leftover chicken? No problem. Just poach a few chicken breasts instead. Pop them in a pot of cold water with some salt, bring to a gentle boil, then take off the heat, cover and leave for about 15 minutes. The result? Perfectly tender chicken ready to be turned into any of these mouthwatering dishes.
Mouthwatering Sichuan Cold Chicken
Transform your leftover shredded chicken into a vibrant, cold Sichuan dish that packs a proper punch. Hailing from China’s southwestern Sichuan province, this dish (known locally as “liang ban ji”) exemplifies the region’s famous flavour profile—the perfect balance of ma (numbing) and la (spicy). Traditionally prepared with a whole poached chicken, our leftover version is much simpler but still captures the authentic character.
Combine your chicken with a dressing of chilli oil, ground Sichuan peppercorns, light soy sauce, rice vinegar and a small pinch of sugar. Toss well to coat every strand of chicken in the aromatic dressing. The Sichuan peppercorn is the star here—it’s not actually a pepper but the dried berry of the Chinese prickly ash tree, creating that unique tingling sensation on your tongue that’s become the hallmark of Sichuan cuisine. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge is even better. Just before serving, top with crushed roasted peanuts, thinly sliced spring onions and a generous handful of fresh coriander leaves. Serve cold—it’s even better the next day, when the flavours have had time to mingle and intensify.
Chicken Tinga Tacos/Soup
Give your chicken a Mexican makeover with this fiery, smoky treatment. Tinga originated in Puebla, a region in central Mexico known for its rich culinary history and complex mole sauces. Today, tinga has become a beloved staple across Mexico and internationally for good reason—its smoky, slightly spicy profile is utterly addictive. It’s one of the first dishes kids learn to cook before going off to university.
Gently warm your shredded chicken in a sauce made from tinned tomatoes and chipotles in adobo sauce. Start by sautéing finely diced onion and minced garlic cloves in a tablespoon of oil until soft and translucent. Add ground cumin and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in a tin of chopped tomatoes and blended tinned chipotles in adobo (just according to your heat preference). Let this simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened, then fold in the shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and has absorbed all those smoky flavours.
The chipotle is the heart and soul of tinga, providing both smokiness and heat in perfect harmony. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a punchy, smoky flavour that’s brilliant served in warm corn tortillas. You can also add stock to the recipe and make it into a chicken tinga soup. Top with diced avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkle of chopped coriander and a crumbling of feta for a weeknight dinner that feels anything but leftover.
Chicken Stew With Dumplings
When the weather’s grim, nothing beats a hearty chicken stew crowned with fluffy dumplings. Simply sauté onions, carrots, celery and leeks (the classic mirepoix that forms the base of countless European dishes) until soft. Once they’ve softened (about 8 minutes), sprinkle over some plain flour and stir to coat all the vegetables. This will thicken your stew beautifully. Gradually add good chicken stock and a splash of white wine (optional, but adds lovely depth), stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add your shredded chicken along with fresh thyme (or dried), bay leaves, and seasoning. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until everything melds together into a comforting, thick stew.
For the dumplings, mix self-raising flour (a British invention from the 1800s) with cold butter cut into small cubes and a generous handful of chopped herbs like parsley and thyme. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then add just enough cold milk to bring it together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overwork it or your dumplings will be tough. This simple combination creates the light, fluffy texture that sets British dumplings apart from their denser European cousins.
Divide the dough into balls and gently place them on top of your simmering stew. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for about 20 minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. Pure comfort in a bowl, and a brilliant example of British frugality transformed into culinary excellence.
Transform your chicken into a fragrant Vietnamese soup that’s both comforting and fresh. While the magic of pho lies in its aromatic broth, which typically simmers for hours to develop depth and complexity, you can make a quick version by simmering onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves in chicken stock.
Combine good-quality chicken stock with a quartered onion, sliced ginger, star anise, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves. If you have a whole chicken carcass—make the stock from scratch by adding the bones to cold water with the aromatics and simmering for 1-2 hours before straining. Otherwise, a good shop-bought stock works perfectly well. Let the aromatics infuse for about 30 minutes, then strain the broth into a clean pan. Add fish sauce to balance the flavours. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you’re happy with it.
Cook flat rice noodles separately according to packet instructions (usually soaking in boiling water for 6-8 minutes), then drain and rinse under cold water to stop them cooking further. Divide the noodles between serving bowls, top with your shredded chicken, and ladle over the hot, aromatic broth.
Serve with a platter of bean sprouts, lime wedges, thinly sliced red chillies and small dishes of siracha sauce. Each person can customize their bowl to their taste, adding the fresh herbs and condiments as they eat—this interactive element is part of the joy of pho.
If you haven’t used loads of butter to roast your chicken, it may result in a slightly strange broth, so be generous with the aromatics and fish sauce to ensure a rich, flavourful base.
Chicken Over Rice (Khao Mun Gai)
This Thai-inspired dish is gloriously simple but full of flavour. In Thailand, the dish is traditionally made by poaching a whole chicken, then using the resulting broth to cook the rice, creating a beautiful cycle where nothing is wasted—the epitome of resourceful cooking. Our leftover version captures the same spirit.
Rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then drain well. In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat a little vegetable oil and sauté crushed garlic cloves and finely grated ginger for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil, then pour in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to the lowest heat, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While the rice cooks, prepare the zingy sauce that makes this dish sing. In a small food processor or using a pestle and mortar, blend fresh ginger (roughly chopped), garlic cloves, small red chillies (deseeded if you prefer less heat), lime juice, fish sauce, a little palm sugar (or brown sugar), and a splash of water until smooth. This balance of hot, sour, salty and sweet typifies Thai cuisine’s approach to flavour harmony.
To serve, mound the fragrant rice onto plates, top with your shredded chicken (warmed through gently), and spoon some of the punchy sauce over. A scattering of thinly sliced cucumber, sprigs of coriander, and a few extra slices of chilli brings it all together—brilliant for lunch or a light supper, and a million miles from your original roast.
Spicy Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad
Make it into a vibrant Vietnamese salad—Gỏi Gá style, which simply means “chicken salad” in Vietnamese. Gỏi, or Vietnamese salads, occupy a special place in the country’s cuisine, offering a perfect balance of fresh vegetables, herbs, protein, and zesty dressings. Unlike Western salads, Vietnamese gỏi emphasizes the contrast of textures and the harmony of flavours—sour, sweet, salty, spicy, and umami all in perfect equilibrium.
Don’t skip making this salad’s fried shallot topping—we always have some from the shop in our cupboard as a staple, but they’re simple to make yourself. Thinly slice shallots into rings, then slowly shallow fry on a low heat in vegetable oil until golden and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper and they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
Cook rice noodles according to packet instructions (usually soaking in boiling water for about 6-8 minutes), then drain and refresh under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles with shredded chicken, finely shredded white cabbage, grated carrots (or cut into fine matchsticks), and handfuls of fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, and Thai basil (roughly torn). This abundance of fresh herbs is quintessentially Vietnamese and provides layers of aromatic flavour.
For the dressing, whisk together fish sauce (nước mắm, the lifeblood of Vietnamese cuisine), lime juice, rice vinegar, palm sugar (or caster sugar), finely minced garlic, and finely chopped red chilli. Pour over the salad ingredients and toss everything together just before serving—this keeps the vegetables crisp and the herbs vibrant. Top with those crispy fried shallots for a satisfying crunch and an extra sprinkle of chopped peanuts if you fancy.
Alternatively, be influenced by Thai style with a punchy peanut satay style dressing. Blend smooth peanut butter with coconut milk, red chilli (deseeded and chopped), lime juice, soy sauce and honey until smooth. Thin with a little water if needed, then warm gently in a small pan to intensify the flavours before drizzling over the salad. This rich, creamy sauce coats the chicken and noodles beautifully, transforming your leftovers into a luxurious meal.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Breathe new life into your chicken with this verdant, creamy salad. The Green Goddess dressing has a fascinating history—it was created in the 1920s at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, named in honour of a popular play called “The Green Goddess” that was running at the time. The original recipe featured herbs, anchovies, and mayonnaise, but our avocado version gives it a modern, healthier twist.
Blend a ripe avocado with a generous handful of mixed herbs—parsley, tarragon, and chives (the classic French fine herbs combination). Add Greek yoghurt, white wine vinegar, good olive oil, a small garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Whizz until you have a smooth, vibrant green dressing that’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cold water to thin it.
In a large bowl, gently toss your shredded chicken in this velvety dressing, then add Little Gem or Cos lettuce (torn into bite-sized pieces), cucumber (sliced into half-moons), and spring onions (finely sliced). The creamy dressing clings beautifully to the chicken and provides a luxurious counterpoint to the crisp vegetables. Finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil, a scattering of more fresh herbs, and mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame work well) lightly toasted in a dry pan for a minute until fragrant. These add a satisfying crunch and a nutritional boost.
This makes a substantial lunch or light dinner that’s as nourishing as it is delicious—and the vibrant green colour makes it particularly appealing on the plate. If you’re taking it to work, pack the dressing separately and toss everything together just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
Pollo Mechado (Shredded Chicken)
This Venezuelan-inspired dish transforms your chicken into something truly special. Mechado, which means “shredded,” is a cooking technique and style found throughout Latin America, with each country adding its own distinctive touches.
Just like these leftover recipes, this dish emerged from practical necessity, however in this case as a way to tenderize tougher cuts of meat by slow cooking and shredding them. While traditionally made with beef (carne mechada), the chicken version has become equally popular, especially in home cooking. The technique reflects Venezuela’s historical ingenuity in creating flavourful, satisfying meals from simple ingredients.
Warm your shredded chicken in a sauce made from sautéed vegetables and aromatics. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and gently cook onion (finely diced), red and green peppers (both deseeded and diced), and garlic cloves (minced) until soft but not coloured—about 8 minutes. Add ground cumin, dried oregano, and a bay leaf, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then stir in tinned chopped tomatoes and a splash of chicken stock. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened and the flavours have melded together.
Fold in your shredded chicken and continue to cook on a gentle heat for another 5-10 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper, and add a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten all the flavours. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken beautifully—not too dry, not too wet. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Traditionally, this would be served with rice, black beans, and slices of ripe avocado, but it’s also delicious stuffed into warm arepas (Venezuelan corn cakes) or wrapped in soft tortillas. A scattering of fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lime juice finish the dish perfectly. This keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge and the flavours often improve overnight, making it ideal for batch cooking.
Polpette di Pollo (Chicken Meatballs)
Give your shredded chicken an Italian twist by turning it into tender meatballs. Polpette have a rich history in Italian cuisine, dating back to the Roman Empire when they were made with various meats and spices. While beef and pork versions are more common, chicken polpette are particularly popular in regions like Sicily and Tuscany, where waste-free cooking has long been a cornerstone of culinary tradition. The word “polpette” comes from “polpa,” meaning pulp or flesh, highlighting how these little morsels make the most of every scrap of meat.
Mix your shredded chicken with breadcrumbs soaked in milk, grated Parmesan, an egg, chopped parsley and a grating of nutmeg (the classic Italian seasoning that brings warmth without overpowering). Form into small balls and either fry until golden or bake for a lighter option. Serve with a simple tomato sauce over pasta, or on their own as part of an antipasti spread. These freeze brilliantly too—perfect for getting ahead, and a wonderful homage to Italy’s genius for transforming humble ingredients into something spectacular.
Leftover Chicken & Leek Pie
Few things are more comforting than a proper chicken pie. Indeed, a classic chicken pie is the ultimate comfort food – golden, flaky pastry encasing a creamy, generously seasoned filling of tender chicken and vegetables.
Simply, sauté leeks and mushrooms until soft, then add a knob of butter and sprinkle with flour to make a roux. For a generous family-sized pie, melt butter in a large frying pan and gently cook large leeks (washed thoroughly and sliced into rounds) and mushrooms (sliced) with a pinch of salt for about 8-10 minutes until soft and the moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated. Add more butter, allow it to melt, then sprinkle over plain flour to make your roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes—this removes the raw flour taste.
Gradually add milk and chicken stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until you have a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Fold in your shredded chicken along with chopped fresh tarragon (or dried) and Dijon mustard. The tarragon’s gentle aniseed note is particularly good with chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a grating of nutmeg.
Transfer to a pie dish. Brush the rim of the dish with beaten egg, then cover with a sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry, pressing it firmly onto the rim to seal. Trim any excess pastry, then crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a decorative finish. Make a small hole in the centre to allow steam to escape, and brush the entire surface with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is risen and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving with some steamed seasonal vegetables. Sunday roast reborn in spectacular fashion.
Mexican Style Chicken Quesadillas
For a speedy lunch or supper, quesadillas are hard to beat. The word “quesadilla” comes from “queso” (cheese) and in their homeland, quesadillas are typically made with corn tortillas and Oaxaca cheese (a stringy, mozzarella-like cheese), though flour tortillas became common in northern Mexico due to the region’s wheat production. Our version takes inspiration from these traditions while adapting them for British kitchens.
Warm your shredded chicken with some spices to add a Mexican flair. In a pan, heat a little oil and add your shredded chicken along with chipotle paste (or smoked paprika if you prefer less heat). Stir well to coat the chicken, then cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is warm and aromatic. Add some cooked sweetcorn and kidney beans. if you like. Remove from heat and set aside.
To assemble, lay out large flour tortillas. Scatter each with grated cheese (a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella works well), covering half the tortilla only. Spoon the spiced chicken over the cheese, dividing it equally, then add sliced spring onions and a few drops of hot sauce if you fancy an extra kick. Fold the empty half of each tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Heat a large, dry frying pan over medium heat. Cook the quesadillas one at a time for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp on the outside and the cheese has melted inside. Keep the cooked ones warm in a low oven while you finish the batch. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with smashed avocado (ripe avocado mashed with lime juice, salt and a little chopped coriander), a dollop of sour cream, and a zingy tomato salsa (chopped tomatoes mixed with finely diced red onion, chopped coriander, lime juice, and salt) for dunking. A proper crowd-pleaser that’s on the table in under 15 minutes.
Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup
This Chinese-inspired soup is both comforting and nourishing, with a silky texture and gentle umami depth that soothes the soul on dreary days. It’s particularly brilliant for leftover shredded chicken because the meat’s delicate strands absorb the aromatic broth beautifully while adding textural interest against the pop of sweetcorn kernels. The soup comes together in minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals when energy is low but you still crave something homemade and satisfying.
Pour good-quality chicken stock into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add sweetcorn kernels (fresh or frozen), soy sauce, and sesame oil. If you like, add a piece of ginger (sliced) and crushed garlic clove for extra flavour. Allow to bubble away for about 5 minutes until the corn is tender.
In a small bowl, mix cornflour with cold water to make a slurry. Slowly stir this into the soup and simmer for another minute until the broth thickens slightly—this gives the soup its characteristic silky consistency. Add your shredded chicken and warm through for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let the soup boil vigorously once the chicken is added.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly with a fork. Just before serving, use a wooden spoon to stir the soup in one direction to create a gentle whirlpool, then slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs in a thin stream. They’ll cook instantly in the hot soup, creating those distinctive and delicate ribbons throughout. Take the soup off the heat immediately to prevent the eggs from overcooking. Finish with sliced spring onions and a generous pinch of white pepper (traditional in Chinese cooking and milder than black pepper). For extra brightness, add a dash of rice vinegar just before serving. This soup is equally delicious served with a drizzle of chilli oil for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Chicken Coronation Sandwiches
A British classic that never gets old. As we’re sure you know, Coronation Chicken was specifically created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet in 1953 by Rosemary Hume, a principal at the prestigious Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London. The original recipe was more complex than today’s versions, featuring a curry cream sauce with apricot purée. Our version is simpler still, but no less delicious.
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with good quality mayonnaise, mild curry powder (more if you like a stronger flavour), a little ground turmeric for that gorgeous golden colour, mango chutney (ideally one with small chunks for texture), and sultanas (golden sultanas are best for their sweeter flavour and prettier appearance, but regular ones or even raisins will do in a pinch). The fruity sweetness balances the curry spices beautifully and is the signature note of this iconic dish.
Add a good squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavours, and a handful of chopped fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley. If you don’t have any fresh herbs, this recipe is still delicious without—the curry and fruit flavours are robust enough to stand on their own. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the chicken is coated in the creamy, spiced dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a little salt if needed and perhaps more lemon juice if you’d like a tangier finish.
For the quintessential British sandwich, pile the mixture generously between slices of soft white bread with the crusts removed for an elegant touch. If you’re feeling fancy, cut into neat triangles or fingers. This mixture also works brilliantly stuffed into a baked potato, spooned over a crisp green salad, or served on a bed of rice for a more substantial meal. It keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
Take your tastebuds south of the border with these crispy parcels of Mexican-American fusion cuisine. Chimichangas—essentially deep-fried burritos—originated in the southwestern United States, likely Arizona or northern Mexico, though their exact origins are disputed with several restaurants claiming to have invented them. Legend has it that a burrito was accidentally dropped into a deep fryer, prompting the cook to exclaim “chimichanga!”—a Spanish expression of surprise.
Chimichangas are absolutely perfect for leftover shredded chicken for several reasons. First, the chicken’s fibrous texture absorbs the spices beautifully while maintaining its structure during cooking. Second, because the chicken is already cooked, you need only warm it through rather than worry about cooking it from raw inside the parcel. Finally, the crispy outer shell contrasts wonderfully with the tender, flavourful chicken filling—transforming your leftovers into something that feels utterly indulgent.
Start by preparing the filling. In a frying pan, heat oil and sauté finely diced onion and diced pepper (any colour) until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add your shredded chicken and some tomato puree. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through. If you like, add drained, rinsed black beans or sweetcorn kernels for extra texture and nutrition. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in a handful of chopped coriander.
Lay out large flour tortillas. Divide the chicken mixture between them, spooning it onto the lower third of each tortilla. Sprinkle each with grated cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well). To fold: first, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom edge up over the filling, and roll tightly away from you to form a neat parcel, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the filling.
For the classic fried version: heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan. Carefully add the chimichangas seam-side down and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper. For a healthier baked version: preheat the oven, place the folded chimichangas seam-side down on a baking tray, brush all over with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.
Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, drizzle some cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with jalapeños for an extra kick. These also freeze brilliantly before cooking—wrap individually in foil, then defrost fully before frying or baking.
This Mexican-inspired soup is packed with flavour and texture. This tortilla soup, or sopa de tortilla, is a traditional Mexican soup. Aromatics like oregano, coriander and spices like chilli powder and cumin add a depth of flavour to the tomato-y broth that just can’t be beat. If you have it, use Ancho chilli powder instead of regular chilli powder, which has a sweeter, smokier flavour profile.
To make this comforting soup, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic cloves, and diced bell pepper (red or green). Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chilli powder (or Ancho chilli powder if you have it), ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant and coating the vegetables.
Pour in a tin of chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and a little chipotle paste (optional, but adds wonderful smokiness). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Add your shredded chicken and frozen sweetcorn, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is warmed through.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the crispy tortilla strips. Cut flour tortillas into thin strips about 5mm wide. Heat vegetable oil in a small frying pan until hot. Fry the tortilla strips in batches for about 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper, then sprinkle with a little salt while still hot.
To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with some grated cheese that will melt slightly from the heat of the soup. The contrast between the hot, spicy broth, the tender chicken, and the crunchy tortilla strips makes for a bowl that’s as vibrant as it is comforting.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. Our ideal Caesar salad has copious amounts of anchovy, so don’t be shy with them. Plenty of garlic and snappy croutons in the dressing give the salad a pungent punch.
For a truly spectacular Caesar, make your own dressing from scratch. In a pestle and mortar, crush garlic cloves with a pinch of salt until you have a smooth paste. Add anchovy fillets and mash them into the garlic paste. Scrape this mixture into a bowl and add egg yolk, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and finely grated Parmesan. Whisk to combine, then very slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly, until you have a thick, glossy dressing. Season with freshly ground black pepper (you probably won’t need salt because of the anchovies).
For a quicker version, simply mix good quality mayonnaise with crushed garlic, finely chopped anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan. This won’t have quite the same depth of flavour, but it’s still leagues ahead of shop-bought dressing.
To make the croutons, tear or cut day-old bread into rough cubes. Toss with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a clove of garlic (crushed or grated). Spread on a baking tray and bake until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
For the salad itself, separate and wash romaine or Cos lettuce, then tear into bite-sized pieces and thoroughly dry (a salad spinner is ideal for this). In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with about two-thirds of the dressing, ensuring every leaf is lightly coated. Add your shredded chicken, the croutons, and Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler rather than grated for a more dramatic appearance. Toss again very gently, then divide between plates or arrange on a large serving platter.
Drizzle with the remaining dressing, add a final flourish of Parmesan shavings, and finish with a generous crack of black pepper. For a more substantial meal, add some crispy bacon bits or a soft-boiled egg. Simple, satisfying and miles better than anything shop-bought. This makes an elegant lunch or a light summer supper that feels special but comes together in minutes.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking to stretch your Sunday roast further or simply want to transform tonight’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch, these versatile recipes prove that leftover chicken need never be boring. With just a bit of imagination and a few store cupboard staples, that humble bird can take you on a culinary journey around the world—all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
