After enduring the remote, often reticent lifestyle of the pandemic, Summer 2022 has a particularly special, anticipatory air.
And we think it’s fair to say that many of us are stepping out from almost two years of all-day leisurewear with a newfound freedom in terms of our fashion choices.
This season, with so many eager to re-announce themselves to the world and express their personality and own unique sense of style loudly and proudly, expect to see plenty of clothes customisation on the catwalks, high streets, bars and beaches of the UK.
For any wardrobe items that have perhaps gone a little stale over lockdown, customisation also represents an environmentally sustainable and budget friendly approach, too. Instead of replacing those benched items, you can breathe new life into them! We love a thrifty king or queen, after all.
If that sounds like both a stylish and savvy way of doing things this season, then you’ve come to the right place; here’s how to customise your wardrobe to create a whole new style for Summer 2022.
Embroidery, Sequins & Sewing
Embroidery can turn any item of clothing into a unique fashion statement, and is a beautiful way to make your clothes unique to you and you alone without breaking the bank buying new clothes.
High time, then, to take a trip to your local haberdashery where you’re likely to find a treasure trove of ribbons, buttons, sequins, lace and all sorts of items which you can dress your wardrobe up with.
If you’re new to sewing, you could always sew embroidered patches onto your clothes instead, or there are plenty of tutorial videos on YouTube, TikTok et al. Once you’ve developed a bit of confidence with the needle, then your trousers, trainers,both women’s and men’s hoodies, socks, jackets… It’s all fair game!
Painting your clothes might sound like an out there concept, but doing so can change your look and give your wardrobe the edge this summer, all for the cost of a bottle of fabric paint and a brush.
Alternatively, if that pop of colour doesn’t satisfy your need to stand out sufficiently, then giving some of your more pedestrian, plain items of clothing the tie-dye treatment is guaranteed to bring some zest and verve to your wardrobe.
Tie-dye isn’t confined to white T-shirts. Think again; if you have lots of dark clothing, you can also use bleach to create patterns in the material. Indeed, it’s surprisingly versatile. Working well across both women’s and men’s collections, tie dye prints can be incorporated into sweatshirts and t-shirts, creating the ultimate casual style with that sense of personality and uniqueness we keep extolling.
Denim is a material with endless possibilities in terms of customisation, owing to its durable nature and ability to still look fabulous under a fair amount of distress. In other words, even if you butcher your favourite pair of denim jeans trying to embroider them or sew on a patch, they’ll still look great. That’s the power (and versatility) of denim.
Customising your denim is an easy way to add your own signature style to your wardrobe instantly. There is so much you can do with your old pair of jeans or jacket. Iron or sew a patch above your pocket, embroider words or a small image on the cuff, deploy some of that fabric paint, or cut an old pair of long jeans down to a short size. Speaking of which…
Cut, Alter And Add
Edward Scissorhands eat your heart out (if you have one). It’s time to get cut-happy in time for summer. Yep, with a snip here and a chop there, you can transform a piece that’s gathering dust in your wardrobe into a whole new outfit.
But where to start scissoring, we hear you ask? Well, why not turn an old skirt you don’t like the length of anymore into a midi or mini skirt? Or, create some stylish shorts from that old pair of jeans we mentioned a couple of paragraphs back?
Got a top you never wear? Cut the collar to create a sexy off-the-shoulder number or cut off the bottom to create a tank top. Sleeves can be added or removed and hemlines can even been lengthened; the options are limitless.
You could even consider cutting up two items of clothing and sewing the opposing parts together to make a third totally unique item. However, before you make your first cut, learn how to make a proper hemline, unless you’re going for the frayed, rough-around-the-edges look. Again, there are online tutorials out there which can guide you.
Upgrade Old Trainers
Do you have an old pair of trainers that could use a touch-up, or even a complete revamp? It’s time to give them a good scrub down before covering them with a fresh coat of paint to make them pop.
Bright neon spray paint can quickly give your old trainers a brand-new look that will add a fashionable pop to any streetwear outfit you throw together. And with shoes being arguably the most expensive item in most people’s wardrobe or clothing collection, you’ll be saving yourself a pretty penny, too.
The Bottom Line
Owning unique and stylish clothing doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour. Customise your clothing and you can get a whole new look at an affordable price for summer 2022. We can’t wait to see your handiwork!
There’s no doubt about it, Britain is a nation of cheese lovers. And not just that plastic slice that comes in your quarter pounder. Quite the opposite, in fact; we’re a discerning bunch and a country who currently produce some of the most revered cheeses around.
We don’t think we’re putting our neck on the line, under the cheese wire, when we say that a cheeseboard rarely disappoints us Brits. That said, it’s even ‘feta’ when this party favourite looks ‘gouda’ enough for Instagram. Sorry.
Anyway, let’s cracker on, with not another cheese pun for the rest of the article. We’ve asked Adam Woolven, Head Chef at the eco-friendly Island Grill, who created the 40-Mile Cheeseboard with four cheeses all sourced from within forty miles of the restaurant, to lend his 5 IDEAL tips on how to create an Instagram worthy cheeseboard.
MIX IT UP
Variety is the spice of life. So, ensure your cheeseboard has a mixture of textures (soft, hard, and crumbly), strengths and sources, such as cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s cheese. Include at least one soft cheese and one blue cheese.
Though cheddar, stilton and brie are the go-to cheeses for a board, they shouldn’t be the only choices. Just use their general characteristics are your starting point in seeking diversity. 80g per person should be enough for an after-dinner board and your cheeseboard should always be served at room temperature.
GET FRUITY
If you’re looking to make your cheeseboard appealing to the eye (and more Instagrammable, too), consider filling the board with a range of colours and shapes. Adding fresh and dried fruit to a cheeseboard is effortless but looks impressive, as well as adding a vibrant touch in the taste department.
In the spring and summer it’s best to add cherries and berries whereas in the winter you should go for dried apricots, fresh grapes and apples. Cooked apples pair particularly well with cheddar, brie and sheep’s milk cheese.
SAVOURY TOUCHES
A solid cheeseboard should include a variety of piquant, savoury and salty items such as balsamic onions, cornichons, olives and roasted nuts – walnuts paired with stilton makes for a classic combination, for instance. Other savoury accompaniments could be celery (a great palate cleanser between cheeses), and of course some crackers, bread and breadsticks.
MATCHING CONDIMENTS
It goes without saying that condiments should complement the cheese. While a drizzle of honey tends to go well over blue cheeses or goat’s cheese, for something a bit different, pair a strawberry black pepper jam with brie, which is less sweet than a traditional jam and will raise intrigue amongst guests. Chutney tastes best with aged cheddar and quince paste can be spread onto crackers and eaten with Manchego cheese. And don’t forget the butter!
INSTA-FRIEDNLY
Sprinkle some edible flowers, dried vine leaves or herb sprigs on the cheeseboard to make it visually pop off the page. As well as adding a rather elegant touch, they will create a fragrant aroma to the board when you serve it to your guests.
Whether you’re a royalist or railist, greenbelt commuter or devoted trainspotter, we think it’s fair to assume that you’re counting down the days until May 24th with keen anticipation.
Yep, the long awaited opening of the Purple Line, aka Crossrail, aka the Elizabeth Line, is upon us, connecting east to west with speed and grace. We hope.
For those foodies riding the London leg of the line, looking to tick off a few stops and check out each station’s refreshments along the way, we’re here for you. Whether you’re craving a pint in Paddington or a feast in Farringdon, here are some of the top restaurants and bars on the Elizabeth Line, Greater London.
Ealing Broadway
Santa Maria Pizza
We start our journey in Ealing, sure, but also in Naples, with this Neapolitan showstopper that’s been making waves in London since they first fired up the AVPN approved 480C° pizza oven in 2010.
Everything about Santa Maria in Ealing is about authenticity and simplicity; the bare, whitewashed walls, the lightly adorned pizzas, the premium ingredients imported from the motherland. It’s all sourced and cooked with a pride in the product as the guiding principle.
Tucked away by Ealing Common, local favourite The Grange is only a short walk from the station. Here, you’ll find a selection of award-winning cask ales, craft beers and a decent selection of wines. Make the most of the British summer in the large outdoor garden and dine on capably-prepared pub classics, running from light bites and sandwiches to a hearty Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Sometimes you just need a sweet pick-me-up on a day spent trainspotting. Enter Creams Café.
Situated in the centre of Ealing, expect a visit to Creams Café to entail fabulously flamboyant desserts and sensational sweet treats. Think sky-high rainbow-coloured sundaes and larger-than-life American-style waffles, as well as silky-smooth gelato and sorbet, freshly cooked crepes, cookie-dough stuffed waffles and freakishly flavourful milkshakes. We feel the sugar rush kicking in just writing that…
Long before ‘nu-Thai’ became so ubiquitous in the capital that you couldn’t move without getting prik kee noo in your eye, Paddington pub The Heron was quietly pounding out some of the finest Thai food this side the Chao Phraya river, all from the humble kitchens of the pub’s basement.
At Thai Zapp (meaning ‘delicious’ in the North Eastern dialect of Thai) you won’t find som tam salads made with heritage celeriac, but instead, Thai food as you’d find it on the streets of Bangkok; pad Thai, green curry, tom yum, green papaya and all. Because sometimes, that’s what you really want from a Thai restaurant, isn’t it?
If you’re looking for somewhere casual to eat, enjoy a few beers and maybe a frozen margarita or two, then head over to Pergola Paddington. This is a rooftop bar set over two floors and has just had a revamp. Now operating as Pergola Paraíso, the bar wants to transport you to the coast of Mexico this summer and has the decor to match; think cacti, tropical foliage and hammocks galore.
The rooftop hangout is serving up a veritable Mexican inspired feast with Burger Shack by Filth&Co channelling a beach grill and frying up juicy burgers and sides with a Mexican twist.
Next, Dos Mas have all your taco needs covered, including the Mexican menu staple fish baja, this time made with grilled swordfish, cabbage, and pico de gallo. Finally, Crudo Cevicheria are here with their plates of prawn, seabass and shiitake ceviche. Oh yes.
If you’re still hungry, then located on North Wharf Road right next to the Paddington Basin and a short walk from Paddington Station and Edgware Road, is the subterranean steakhouse Bar + Block.
Serving beefed-up breakfasts, express lunches and dinners designed to satisfy your carnivorous cravings, the restaurant offers an ever-changing selection of 30-day aged steaks, hand-cut to order. While you’re here, make sure you order Bar + Block’s signature cocktail, which is a tribute to a certain famous bear.
The second outpost of the hugely popular Sri Lankan restaurant from JKS, Hoppers St. Christopher’s continues the rich run of form so popular at Frith Street and doesn’t mess with the formula.
So, that’s Sri Lankan curries, dosas, the hopper itself (a kind of pancake) and more – all of exotic, heady, just-off-centre spicing and playful delivery.
Tucked away in a historic courtyard in the heart of Mayfair, a stone’s throw from busy Bond Street, Hush Mayfair is a true hidden gem featuring a bustling brasserie, two elegant private event spaces/dining rooms and the exceptional Bar at Hush. The space also boasts a beautifully dressed al fresco courtyard that changes with the seasons.
And sometimes, when you’re shopping in Mayfair, this is just the kind of escape you want.
Okay, so Sabor is a little (7 minute) walk from Bond Street, but it’s well worth engaging your legs for some of the best Spanish food in London. We did say we were after the best restaurants on the Elizabeth Line, after all.
Whether you choose from the counter tapas bar on the ground floor or El Asador up a twisting flight of stairs, you’re going to be fed well.
The latter is a particularly intoxicating experience, with the restaurant specialising in quarter, half or whole suckling pigs, which manage to be both buttery-tender and teeth-shatteringly crisp. Enjoy alongside a few Galician small plates (the pulpo is fantastic) and a bottle or two of Rioja Blanco, and you’ve got yourself the perfect afternoon in the capital.
Michelin-starred dining doesn’t come more laid-back than at The Ninth, just a few minutes’ walk from Tottenham Court Road. That’s not to say the Mediterranean-inspired plates aren’t worthy of a star; chef Jun Tanaka’s cooking is as poised and precise as you like, with the restaurant’s rabbit lasagna earning cult status soon after opening in 2016.
If it’s on, order it, as the chefs at The Ninth have a wicked way with pasta. If not, anything from that section of the menu is guaranteed to wow you. Save room for the restaurant’s signature pain perdu, and you’re going to leave satisfied. You’ll also be grateful that the Elizabeth Line is on hand to whisk you home.
For a guaranteed good time, gather the squad and head to Latin-inspired grill and cocktail hotspot Cabana, located minutes away from Tottenham Court Road station. Expect epic bottomless brunches and serious party vibes, served up alongside vibrant full-of-flavour dishes and creative cocktails, all to be enjoyed in stylish interiors inspired by the roaring glory of 1950’s Rio.
One of London’s most Instagrammed dining rooms (quite deservedly; the space is spectacular), Sessions Arts Club only opened last year, but has already become one of the most sought after reservations in the city.
This is a rare time when it’s genuinely worth the effort to snag a table and a restaurant worthy of the hype; Sessions Arts Club delivers on flavour just as much as it does on vibes, with chef Florence Knight’s minimalist, seasonal plates sophisticated and soul-nourishing in equal measure.
Though the menu changes regularly in tune with the seasons, the signature squid, tomato & calamarata has been an ever-present. It’s a must-order, and one of our favourite dishes in recent memory.
Next door to the superb sibling restaurant Quality Chop House is its (relatively) new kid brother Quality Wines.
Opened in 2018, the Q word is certainly appropriate here; whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a late lunch or something more sustaining and boozy, this walk-in only restaurant is doing all the good things well in their little corner of Farringdon.
So, pull up a stool and order what’s good from the chalkboard menu; there’s excellent charcuterie, freshly baked focaccia, as well as a few plates leaning loosely on Southern Italy, Greece and the Ionian Sea.
And whilst it might sound weird as part of a dinner spread, anytime there’s a sandwich incongruously scrawled on that chalkboard, it’s a must-order. The current croque monsieur is a work of genius.
Next, take a trip to the Barbican and discover Brutally Brilliant Burgers at lakeside pit-stop Bonfire. On the menu is a selection of thoughtfully crafted burgers, including vegetarian and vegan choices, along with sharing sides and classic cocktails to pair. And with summer coming, it’s a good time to head out to the terrace for lunch or dinner by the lake.
Do also check out our tips on where to eat near The Barbican for more restaurant suggestions near this leg of the Elizabeth Line.
Manteca, the ‘Britalian’ restaurant from chefs Chris Leach and David Carter, has taken London by storm since moving to its permanent location in Shoreditch last year. Named by Time Out London as the second best restaurant in the city, and receiving a slew of fawning national reviews, the nose-to-tail small plates here are as satisfying as they come.
Whilst the brown crab caico e pepe is arguably the most talked about dish, it’s the pig head fritti that truly had us cooing. Or should that be ‘oinking’?
Anyway, Manteca truly is a class act, and somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again (and that’s coming through a writer who has now made their way through the entire menu here!).
Fittingly located in the historic East India Company spice warehouse and just two minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street, Cinnamon Kitchen is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the City. With Chef Vivek Singh at the helm, the restaurant and all-weather covered terrace serves his signature modern Indian cuisine with the best of British ingredients for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also does one of London’s spiciest dishes.
Moments from Liverpool Street Station, Devonshire Terrace offers alfresco drinking with family and friends on the expansive terrace, with its beautiful glass domed roof to protect you from the elements should the predictably inclement British weather strike. The perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine, leisurely lunch or boozy brunch, we think.
Hey, we couldn’t alight at Whitechapel on our tour of the best restaurants and bars on the Elizabeth Line without popping in to East London institution Tayyabs for a round of their famous lamb chops.
Located in a contemporarily stylised building in east London’s Whitechapel, the place has been open since 1972 and recipes haven’t changed much in this time. When the quality is this high and the dishes this addictive, why would they need to? Add to the mix that it’s BYOB and there’s really no reason not to visit.
A five-minute walk from Whitechapel is the Leman Street Tavern, which is just the ticket for a pub lunch, after-work drink or al fresco dining. With a selection of craft ales, wines and cocktails, meet with friends for a menu of seasonal British dishes or soak up the sun on the outdoor terrace, with heaters and cover should the weather take a turn.
Old school cafe classics rub shoulders with fresh fish dishes at Billingsgate Cafe. The fish, of course, comes in fresh from the market and it’s one of our favourite places in the city to have a bacon butty which comes with luxurious shellfish twist.
Billingsgate Market’s famous scallop and bacon butty has been fuelling the market traders at Billingsgate every morning since forever (well, 1982). It’s surf’n’turf all repackaged in a floury bap, and we just love it. This salty and saline sandwich is certainly getting off the tube for, as is the cafe’s smoked haddock with an egg on top.
Transporting you to a place far removed from the concrete jungle, relax and unwind on the expansive (and heated!) floral Thames-side terrace and enjoy creative cocktails from the dedicated outdoor bar whilst soaking up the glorious British sunshine. When the temperature drops, there are hot water bottles and cosy blankets on hand to keep you warm through the evening.
Looking out over the boats and water, Burger & Lobster at West India Quay is the perfect alfresco spot to crack a claw and enjoy some refreshing cocktails. Soak up the sunshine or find respite in the shade beneath the terraces’ sail-inspired canopy and enjoy classics including whole Nova Scotian Lobster, Nebraskan beef burgers and OG lobster rolls.
A quick, informal survey of a couples’s dating habits in the UK, if you don’t mind…
Which of these occurrences in the cinema is likely to kill the mood between you and your partner…
The couple in front of you is canoodling
Someone sat behind you keeps sneezing
The dude next to you is chomping on his popcorn really enthusiastically
There’s been several unexpected instances of toilet humour in the film
The cinema has a fusty, musty smell
All of the above
Hmmm, perhaps we’ll just stay home.
But enjoying your movie date night from the comfort of your home shouldn’t be seen as a substitute, second-best option. In fact, when done right, it can be more intimate, romantic and enjoyable (not to mention it’s a more affordable date night option!) than any trip to your local Cineworld.
Some Top Tips For Creating A Cinema Experience At Home
Nor should the viewing experience itself necessarily suffer. In fact, you can create a pretty great cinema screen out of a projector, white sheet and washing line, if you’re keen for a DIY date project!
That’s the ‘how’ covered. So, finally, with *spoiler alerts* aplenty, for some top tips on what to watch, why not try these 6 of the best romantic films to stream on your next date night.
Dirty Dancing
You truly cannot beat the 1980s classic, Dirty Dancing, so are you even surprised that this falls first on our best romantic films to stream on your next date night list? Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey star as the iconic Johnny and Baby, two strangers from different backgrounds whose paths cross at a summer resort.
When Baby attempts to work her way toward the resort workers, perhaps to spice up the trip with her family, she encounters Johnny, one of the resort’s lead dancers, and develops an interest in him straight away.
This connection only grows when she must fill in as his new dance partner to help him sustain his low wage income. Through the passion and intimacy of dancing, the viewer can watch this organic love story develop regardless of unaccepting outside forces; a (relatively) modern day Romeo & Juliet, if ever there was one. Although the film is over 35 years old, it is still the most timeless of classics, and the good news is that it’s broadcast on a couple of streaming platforms here in the UK.
Where can I watch Dirty Dancing? In the UK, Dirty Dancing is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video’s channel STARZPLAY and Netflix.
Friends With Benefits
When New York head hunter Jamie Rellis recruits Los Angeles’ Dylan Harper for a role at GQ, the pair quickly become close-knit friends. However, when they start casually hooking up to prove that it’s possible without emotional attachment, they, unsurprisingly, learn that the opposite is true.
In an attempt to mask their true feelings, they both attempt to move on with others before a last-minute 4th of July trip proves to Jamie that Dylan may not be who she thinks he is.
However, will his father’s guidance lead him back to her? Or, will this be another friendship lost to emotional attachment? One of the best romantic films to date, and who can blame us for thinking that when the lead roles are played by none other than Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis?
Where can I watch Friends With Benefits? In the UK, you can stream Friends With Benefits on Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go, Now TV Cinema and Virgin TV Go.
Sleeping With Other People
Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis (of the brilliant Ted Lasso) star in this 2015 romantic comedy highlighting how complicated it can be when you develop a romantic connection with one of your close friends. After attempting to deflate the sexual tension, it becomes hard when everyone around them believes that they are a couple, too.
However, the only way to move on from these feelings would be to move on with their lives and date other people, right? WRONG. After a relocation, a punch to the face, and time spent in a jail cell (sounds like an eventful few days), the lovers/best friends reunite, rushing off to get married after realising that they are made for one another.
Where can I watch Sleeping With Other People? In the UK, you can stream Sleeping With Other People on Amazon Prime Video.
Along Came Polly
Who doesn’t love a film starring Jennifer Aniston? Tthrow Ben Stiller into the mix as her co-star and we have one of the most hilarious and best romantic films yet, Along Came Polly.
When Reuben (Stiller) catches his newlywed wife having an affair on their honeymoon (crazy and soul-destroying, we know!) he returns home to New York distraught, in an attempt to piece his life back together.
When he runs into his former high school classmate, the fun-loving and daring Polly Prince, they begin dating although their personalities are far from compatible. However, is Polly too much of a risk for Reuben? How high are the chances of him returning to his cheating wife? Find out on your next date night at home…
Where can I watch Along Came Polly? In the UK, you can steam Along Came Polly on Netflix.
The Fault In Our Stars
Before you proceed with watching The Fault in Our Stars, we want to ensure that you have a box of tissues by your side. Prepare to get emotional. Very emotional.
When two young adults, Hazel Grace and Augustus, both meet at a cancer patient support group, they begin to bond over their love for reading, and more specifically their dismay at the ending of Hazel’s favourite book regarding a cancer patient.
They embark on a trip to Amsterdam, regardless of their deteriorating health conditions, before realising when they get there that the well sought-after author of the book is not all that he is cracked up to be. Their trip does, however, result in something more magical; they discover love for one another. With the brutal consequences and heart-breaking reality of cancer, the viewer realises that not every love story leads to a happy ending.
Date night movie material? It depends what sort of mood you’re in.
Where can I watch The Fault In Our Stars? In the UK, you can stream The Fault In Our Stars on Disney Plus and Virgin TV Go.
The Vow
When Rachel McAdams’ character, Paige, loses all of her memories following a car crash, she struggles to even comprehend who her husband, Leo (played by Channing Tatum) even is.
After waking up from an induced coma, she believes that he is her doctor. When Paige begins to get confused about her past life choices, she struggles to comprehend why she went the way she did with life.
Although Leo knows why she cut off her relationship with her parents and past love interest, and why she dropped out of law school, he can only do his best to remind her and drive her back into his arms before it fails. However, does their love rekindle? Check out one of the best romantic films to enjoy a date night to find out.
Where can I watch The Vow? In the UK, The Vow is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Let’s raise a glass or two to celebrate. Whilst a freshly pulled pint of Guinness is perhaps the most appropriate choice for a celebratory Irish beverage, we all know how heavy that second pint can be.
Instead, we’re celebrating the day with an Irish coffee, an incredibly tasty drink in any circumstance, but when done well, can be elevated to dizzy new heights.
The drink is a game of fine margins, with just a few ingredients used to delicious ends, and today we’re revealing the secret flourishes that will help you achieve that perfect Irish coffee.
Though the origins of Irish coffee are debated, one story suggests that the drink was invented in 1942 in Limerick by the chef and bartender Joseph Sheridan, with the main purpose to revive and soothe the spirit. This special recipe started to gain popularity when Sheridan, who was working in an establishment at Foynes Airport, starting serving it to transatlantic flying passengers who were forced to cancel their flight because of adverse weather conditions.
From that moment, Irish coffee became the airport’s special drink. In 1952, it was taken to the United States by a travel writer named Stanton Delaplane and recreated in the popular Buena Vista cafe in San Francisco.
Via word of mouth, Sheridan was then offered a job in San Francisco, with the goal of him replicating this now beloved drink for the masses. The rest, as they say, is history…
If you’re keen to follow in the footsteps of Sheridan and Delaplane, then you’ve come to the right place; here’s how to make the perfect Irish coffee.
The Glass
In order to get a perfect Irish coffee, you will have to pay attention to every small detail. So, the first important thing you need is a dainty 6-ounce glass which is shaped to show off the Irish coffee’s crowning glory, its delicately whipped cream.
Having a tulip shaped glass will keep the balance of ingredients perfectly intact. It will also prevent an over-sized pour. When you are done with finding the perfect glass, make sure to heat it gently before making your drink. A great way to do it is to fill the glass with hot water and wait for it to get warm.
If you don’t have a tulip shaped glass to hand, then a wine glass is a more sophisticated choice than a coffee mug!
By Billion Photos via Canva
The Coffee
Aside from warming your glass in advance, another way to avoid plunging the temperature of the drink is to ensure that your coffee is really hot and fresh.
No stale, lukewarm coffee will do, as the drink will be mixed with cold cream and whisky at room temperature. Accordingly, you’ll want the overall temperature balance to be achieved via hot coffee.
But what coffee to use? Belfast’s Jack McGarryy, an aficionado on the subject from Dead Rabbit bar, says he prefers to use filter coffee for his Irish coffee recipe. He says that “espresso or Americano coffee overpowers the smooth and mellow Irish whiskey”.
So, if you want to get the perfect taste we recommend you to use filter coffee.
The Sugar
Sugar plays a very important role in this drink not only for the flavour, but also for the cream to float well (you want your Irish coffee to look like a perfectly poured Guinness).
In the original recipe, brown sugar was used and the majority of modern recipes call for the same. You can opt for spoonfuls, cubes or even syrup, just make sure to keep the amount in balance with the other ingredients.
The previously mentioned Jack Mcgarry uses syrup while the original Buena Vista coffee shop suggests cubes of C&H lumped cane sugar. The perfect excuse to try out both methods and choose the one that you like most, don’t you think?
The Booze
The most popular and authentic whiskey to use in Irish coffee drinks is Tullamore D.E.W Irish whiskey. If you want to stick to the traditional recipe we recommend you use it, though other whiskeys will suffice; just make on the sweeter side, a single malt, and most importantly, that it’s Irish.
Jameson works well, too.
The Cream
Last but not least… the cream. The white collar made of whipped cream that stays on top of the coffee is the last ingredient and the crowning glory you’ll need for achieving that perfect Irish coffee. The version from Buena Vista uses heavy whipping cream that is slowly whipped in an upright blender in order to get the perfect cream, though we’ve found double cream works, too. It should never be sweetened.
McGarry says that the most important aspect about the cream is the amount of fat that’s in it. He suggests using cream with 36% or more of fat in order to get the whipped cream to float perfectly. For a single serving, around two tablespoons of cream (pre-whip) works well.
After you’ve whipped the cream, an interesting method is used to top off your coffee; warm up a spoon, and place that spoon over your coffee-filled glass. Then, slowly pour your cream over the back of the warmed spoon held above the coffee, raising the spoon slowly as you do so.
Though it takes some practice, the spoon serves the break up the flow of the cream, helping you separate the whipped cream from the coffee. And the result? The perfect Irish coffee.
We like our Irish coffee strong and assertive, a ratio of 3:1 freshly brewed coffee to Irish whiskey is a good start. For one serving (multiply the servings to make more), 150ml of coffee to 50ml of whiskey works well.
Pour your hot coffee into the tulip shaped glass, then add the whiskey and roughly a teaspoon of brown sugar – you can increase or reduce according to your preferred sweetness.
Then, add your whipped cream in the method we recommended earlier, and enjoy!
*This article is intended for those who are 18 or over. Please drink responsibly*
Rejoice! The UK’s annual Spring Clean is upon us, with many of the country’s more fastidious residents rolling up their sleeves, snapping on their marigolds, and getting to work to ensure their homes are spotless for the coming season.
And whilst a good majority of the job can be completed in a DIY style, some less-experienced cleaners are finding out the hard way about the stains that just won’t shift, the smells that simply can’t be vanquished, and the streaks that remain stubbornly in position.
While there are all sorts of cleaning jobs that you can take care of yourself, there are also some that are simply better carried out by professionals, with all the correct tools and know-how they’ve accrued over the years. And there’s no shame in admitting that…
With that in mind, here are 4 domestic cleaning jobs best left to the professionals.
Carpet Cleaning
We’ve all been there; an erroneously poured cup of coffee here, a glass of Bordeaux spilt there, and suddenly, that brand new carpet is looking decidedly distressed, regardless of how much OxiClean you throw over it.
Sure, there are a whole host of different home remedies for stains that you could probably use. Not only this, but you may also find that you can buy plenty of different products that all promise to do the job effectively.
However, even after hours of scrubbing, you may well find that the job hasn’t quite matched your expectations. As the guys at Carpet Care, who operate carpet cleaning services from Bakewell, tell us, professionals will adopt a comprehensive six-part process.
Firstly, a full inspection and fibre testing is carried out before a pre-spray is added and agitation occurs. This is followed by an all-encompassing rinsing and extracting process, and a post-clean treatment. Finally, industrial air movers are used to thoroughly dry the carpet.
We think it’s fair to say that you wouldn’t have the tools, experience or patience to complete such a thorough task.
Removing Mould
Mould is one of those substances that you don’t simply want to leave to fester and worsen. This is largely down to the fact that if you do, it can cause a situation that’s not only unsightly, but also presents a risk to your health, which is obviously the last thing you’re looking for.
Sure, you can use some mould remover spray to remove any cosmetic impact, but this won’t usually eliminate the root cause of the problem. With this in mind, removing mould is one of those jobs that the pros may be able to better manage than yourself. This is especially the case if the problem has gotten particularly bad, as they may well need to use some high-strength cleaning products and an industrial standard piece of equipment. You may well struggle to do the job yourself with anything that you find over the counter.
Cleaning Out Your Gutters
If you have gutters that are all clogged up with leaves and gunk, this can easily lead to a situation in which they are simply not doing their job in the way that you would otherwise expect of them. Essentially, they won’t be letting water escape as they should, causing a potential flood risk to your property. What’s more, rodents and insects can be drawn to stagnant water that’s pooling in gutters, which no one wants.
Whilst, of course, you can sling up a ladder yourself and get your hands dirty, most people opt to call in the professionals when their gutters need cleaning. Experts recommend you do this twice a year.
Cleaning Your Windows
One word – streaks. There is a reason why professional window cleaning is still such a highly desired and sought-after service. Essentially, unless you’re only dealing with ground floor windows, it is highly difficult to clean all of your property’s windows yourself. The job involves the potential danger of having to get outside your house, perch on a ladder, and scrub down the exterior of the windows with enthusiasm; a tricky balancing act for those without the necessary tools or experience.
And after all that effort? The domestic cleaner often finds those stubborn streaks remain. Now, where’s that number for a professional window cleaner? We’re sure we saw it lying around here somewhere…
Have you ever returned from a supposedly ‘relaxing’ holiday feeling more worn out and sluggish than when you set off?
We’ve all been there; away from the strict domestic routines we set for ourselves, standards can slip, and before you know it, you’re several sangrias in and elbows deep in your fourth tortilla of the day, for the fourth day in a row. With extra aioli, of course…
Sure, indulgence and excess is all part of the holiday experience, but when you risk undoing your hard earned gains in the gym or kilograms off the scale through a week of overindulgence, then it might be time to make proactive moves to take things a little easier.
With that in mind, here’s how to make sure you’re not overdoing it while on holiday.
Schedule A Consultation Prior To Your Trip
If you’re someone who struggles with sticking to their fitness and weight management goals while on holiday, then consider scheduling a consultation with a nutritionist or dietitian prior to your trip. These guys can give you advice on the foods to avoid (and embrace) in the country you’re visiting, alongside more general tips on healthy eating.
Another helpful tip is to pack healthy snacks with you for when you get peckish between meals. This will help you avoid filling the periods in between meals with convenient, often nutrient-lacking snacks, which, as we all know, represent a huge temptation on holiday!
Avoid Aisle Seats On Planes & Trains
If you’re looking to avoid overdoing the food and alcohol while you’re in transit, one of the best things you can do is to avoid aisle seats on the planes and trains you’re taking. Aisle seats are often associated with more opportunities to snack and drink, so if you’re trying to be mindful of your food and beverage intake, particularly when the chance to keep active is at a minimum, it’s best to opt for a window seat.
Window seats not only offer a great view (which can help distract from any cravings), but they also make it more difficult to reach for those tempting snacks and drinks that are within arm’s reach in the aisle.
Nervous Flyer? Practice Deep Breathing Rather Than Resorting To Alcohol
If you’re a nervous flyer, then a quick drink (or two) can feel like a failsafe solution to that pre or mid-flight anxiety. But what goes up, must come down (hmm, perhaps not the best phrase when talking about flying) and that post-drink chill can quickly turn into even greater anxiety.
Instead, for the sake of remaining in a good mental place during your flight, you can combat your nerves by practising a round or two of deep breathing. Inhale for four counts, hold your breath for seven counts, and exhale for eight counts. Repeat this until you feel your nerves start to calm down. If you’re still feeling anxious, try listening to calming music, tuning into a meditation app, or reading a relaxing book during takeoff and landing.
Watch What You Drink
Whilst you certainly don’t want to spend your holiday fretting about the weigh-in waiting for you on those mechanical bathroom scales when you get home, it does pay to be a little mindful of what you’re consuming if you’re keen not to jeopardise all of your fitness goals during your holiday.
Whether you’re indulging in local cuisine or trying new cocktails, there are a few small things you can do to keep mindful of your consumption:
Make it a Mocktail.If you’re going to be out all day exploring, it’s all too easy to have a bottle of wine with lunch, a mid afternoon beer, and aperitif, more wine with dinner and then, of course, a digestif. And let’s be honest here; you’re on holiday and the rulebook of when it’s acceptable to have your first drink usually goes out of the window. ‘’It’s midday somewhere’’, and all that…
But why not replace at least some of those alcoholic drinks with mocktails, to help encourage healthier choices on your holiday?
Mocktails are no longer a glucose-heavy, fruit-based afterthought. Indeed, modern day bars and restaurants take huge pride in their mocktail offerings, and more often than not, they’re complex, aromatic, perhaps herbaceous and made with local ingredients. Alcohol-free beers, sparkling wines and innovative non-alcoholic spirits are a regular on most menus these days and taste pretty great, too. So, dive in!
Avoid processed foods. While it can be tempting to eat convenience foods or turn to familiar items in the supermarket when you’re on the go, try to avoid them as much as possible. You can get a Snickers or a packet of Walkers at home, after all. Instead, save yourself for some local, healthier snacks.
Embrace Local Cuisine. Sampling the traditional cuisine of your destination can be one of a holiday’s greatest pleasures. Sure, it takes a little more effort; you might have to learn a few phrases of the local lingo, seek out somewhere a little off the main drag, and sacrifice some beach time for a long and languid meal…
But in doing so, you’ll get to enjoy freshly made, infinitely more wholesome food than that found in the world’s ubiquitous fast-food chains. At the very least, you’ll eat a little more deliberately and mindfully.
Hydration Throughout Your Vacation
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the moment while you’re on vacation. Whether you’re exploring a new city or lounging on the beach, drinking enough water is likely the last thing on your mind. But it’s essential, just as when at home, to keep thoroughly hydrated at all times, particularly if you’re holidaying in a country with warmer weather than the UK.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and if you’re going to be drinking alcohol, alternate between alcoholic beverages and water. It’s also a good idea to avoid sugary drinks like sodas and juices, as they can quickly lead to dehydration. And of course, if you’re feeling thirsty, it’s always better to reach for a bottle of water instead of that second mojito!
Get Plenty of Rest
Most of us know how important sleep is for our overall health and well-being, but when we’re on vacation, we often let our normal sleeping habits slide. While late nights and lie-ins are all part of the fun while you’re on holiday, both can leave you feeling exhausted and run down. The more alcohol that you inevitably consume on holiday can have a detrimental effect on the quality of sleep, too. To minimise this effect, try leaving a few hours between having alcohol and going to bed.
Also, take advantage of a catnap. An afternoon siesta can leave you feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to take on the evening when done right. That said, there can also be drawbacks to a daytime nap if not done properly.
The key to a successful sleep nap is to keep them short, aiming for 10 to 20 minutes, ideally taking one fairly early in the afternoon, if at all; napping after 3pm can interfere with your night’s sleep. Some nap-aficionados also suggest drinking coffee before your nap – it takes a good half hour for caffeine to work its magic, so if you drink coffee just before you sleep, it will kick in just as you’re getting up.
It can be tempting to spend your entire vacation lounging on the beach or by the pool. And since the proliferation of Uber in our urban centres, it’s become all too easy to hop in a car rather than get public transport or walk, both of which mean extra steps added to your day.
Try and stay active while you’re away. Walking is one of the best ways to experience a new place, and it’s excellent exercise too. So, make a habit of walking everywhere and try to reach those 10,000 steps whatever the definition of your day. If your hotel has a gym, then use it – it’s not often you get to use a gym for free, after all!
The Bottom Line
Here at IDEAL, we think that eating is one of the best parts of any trip, but too much food can make you feel sluggish. Not only will moving help offset those indulgent meals or snacks, but you’ll also feel better and have more energy to get up and explore. And who doesn’t want that on vacation?
Willkommen! Whether you want to move for access to a highly-regarded education system, are keen to pursue a new career, or you simply want to sample a country that was last November named ‘the best country in the world’ for the fifth year running, moving to Germany could be just the change you need.
If you’re wondering how to kickstart your new journey, then you’ve come to the right place. No, not Germany, silly, but rather, here, to this beginner’s guide on relocating to Germany.
Different Paths To Entry
So, you’re keen to legally move to Germany rather than simply visit? Well, the first thing you need to do is secure a work visa or get yourself enrolled in an educational institution.
Tourists are welcome from all around the world – in fact, the country has a reputation for being welcoming – but are not allowed to find work, enrol in an institution, or stay beyond the allotted period of 90 days.
However, those from the EU countries and the wider Schengen area, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel, are generally allowed to enter on a tourist visa and then apply for a residence permit after they have successfully secured a job. For the UK government’s advice on entering Germany for work, click here.
The government of Germany also offers a job seeker visa for people coming from the countries not mentioned above so they can stay for six months while finding a job. Highly skilled professionals can also qualify for a blue card that allows quick entry into Germany and the rest of the EU. With a blue card, you might get an approved work visa for at least four years.
Registration Process
After you have arrived, the first thing you need to do is to register your home address with the relevant authorities. This process is called Anmeldung in German.
Registering your address is an official requirement and should never be skipped under any circumstances or for any reason. The process of registration only takes a few minutes to complete. After registration, you will be given a piece of paper that shows your proof of stay. You will be using this document to apply for basic services like an internet connection, buying a sim card or opening a bank account.
After you have settled down, and if you intend to stay for more than 90 days in Germany for work or study, then you need to apply for a residence permit. However, the authorities responsible for issuing residence permits usually prefer to engage in German, so being accompanied by a native can help you negotiate the bureaucracy involved more effortlessly.
It should be noted that the residence permit issued has a validity period of two years after which you will need to renew it. To apply for a permanent residence permit, you’ll need to have lived in the country for five years, and have a strong grasp of German (at least B1 level, recognised and certified).
Luggage
When flying to Germany from abroad, the standard baggage allowance is usually 23 kg. Of course, you can carry more with you by booking extra baggage when purchasing the ticket, though this is an expensive option when you’ll likely be bringing a fair amount with you.
It’s likely you’ll need to avail yourself of a relocation service, whether that’s in the form of air, shipping or rail freight. To find the cheapest quote, try the price comparison website for removal companies The Relocator.
Health Insurance
As an expat, you are required to have a health insurance policy that is recognised by the German government. Depending on the duration of your stay, you can either go for general health insurance or an expat insurance plan (often called ‘incoming health insurance’) that focuses on facilitating expats and their stay in Germany.
There are a plethora of health insurance providers – both public and private, as well as a mix of the two – that offer different services so make sure you have read the terms and conditions before signing up for a particular policy. Furthermore, you should compare the services being offered so it becomes easier for you to choose one.
Expats living in Germany are eligible for state healthcare, which is funded by social security contributions. All public insurance is charged at just under 15% of your gross income, though this is split equally between you and your employer (7.3% each). Additional private health insurance can help expats gain access to potentially shorter waiting times and better hospital conditions.
Renting In Germany
Finding accommodation ahead of time is another step you should take to make the process easier. You can look for apartments and shared places on the internet. It’s a good idea to rent out a place for a short time at first, to get a taste for the neighbourhood and give you the option of moving to a different location if that particular area doesn’t suit your needs.
The most popular platforms for finding furnished apartments for rent in Germany include Tempoflat, WG-Gesucht, Wunderflats, Immobilienscout24, Immowelt, Deutsche-wohnen and even Airbnb. The latter, it should be noted, tends to be pretty expensive in comparison.
Opting for a furnished apartment is much more manageable. German appliances run on a different voltage than most countries and bringing your household goods might be of no use. You can check the voltage requirements of your home appliances and ensure whether they can work at the provided voltage.
The good news, however, is that rent in Germany is, on average, significantly cheaper than in the UK.
Choosing A Bank
Though you’re not legally required to open a bank as an expat in Germany, with many foreign banks having local branches in the country, it does make financial sense to do so. In many cases, employers and landlords will require you to have a local bank account.
You can either open your bank account in a traditional bank after your arrival or look for mobile banks that offer their online services. You can even open a bank account beforehand using these online services, known as direktbanks.
Opening a German bank account is essential since you will be receiving your salary in the bank. Money transfer services can also be used if you are not on a work visa. However, before you choose a service, take a look at the exchange rates and service charges so you are able to make the best choice.
Some of the best expat-friendly, English speaking banks in Germany include Vivid, N26 and Commerzbank.
Learn The Language
It’s not mandatory to learn German (unless you want to apply for that Permanent Residence Permit, of course) but it will certainly help you communicate with ease when carrying out day-to-day activities that involve interacting with locals.
German is arguably one of the most difficult languages to learn, and it will take time before you are able to speak it fluently. Fortunately, as will every language, the best way to learn is through total immersion – as in, living in Germany and engaging with locals as much as possible – which is the perfect excuse to make plenty of new friends, don’t you think?
There are quite a few aspects you need to take care of so your relocation is an easy, hassle-free process. But once you’ve got over the bureaucracy, language barrier and the settling in process, you’re sure to find Germany a wonderful place to live. Gute Fahrt!
Horoscopes have a long and complicated history and they are a result of long practice and studying astrology and divination. It could be said that most are quite simplistic (consider those in the country’s red tops, for instance) and won’t do much in helping you understand your character or your fate.
However, there are also those that go into great detail, all with the aim of helping you understand certain patterns in your life, and how to both embrace and avoid them where possible. Though astrology has been around since the ancient Greeks, it’s always been an inclusive practice, with modern day horoscope websites happily rubbing shoulders with more traditional means of accessing the wisdom, such as through dedicated, in-person astrologers.
If you’re new to this ancient tradition and keen to get a grounding on the topic, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are your questions answered on the basics of astrology.
What’s A Birth Chart and Why It’s Important?
A birth chart is the basis of a personal horoscope. It’s the most important reading an astrologer can provide for you since it covers all the basic features of a horoscope depending on when and where you were born.
Those are the most important information you need to provide to your astrologer and based on it you’ll get to know about your signs, houses, and planets. These form the basis of the practice and reading how they affect each other can, in the eyes of astrology, reveal a lot about a person.
So, What Are The Sun And Moon Signs I’ve Seen Mentioned Before?
The most basic principle of astrology is the Zodiac signs under which a person is born, based on their date of birth. There are sun and moon signs depending on where the sun and moon have been at the time of your birth. The sun sign is the one sign that everyone is familiar with, one of the 12 zodiac signs, which include Libra, Aquarius, Sagittarius and more.
The moon signs are based on the position of the moon at the time of your birth and they are associated with a person’s inner, intimate and spiritual qualities that are often hidden from the world.
What About The Rising Signs? Are They Important, Too?
The rising signs are based on which constellation was rising on the east at the time you were born. It’s an essential part of reading since it speaks to the public and the open side of your personality. It governs the side of your personality that you want to show and present to the world, according to astrology theory.
How Do Planets Affect Your Chart?
According to astrologers, planets move through the Zodiac signs as they rotate around the sun. As they move through your Zodiac signs, they affect you based on their unique qualities. The planets move at different speeds and their effect depends on that speed.
The planets that stay within a sign the shortest have the most direct and immediate effect. Those that move slowly and stay within a certain sign for years also have an effect but it’s a more complex one and it takes a longer time for it to show. Not to worry; the best websites for horoscopes will feature advice taking into account this complexity.
Do We Have Our Own Personal Planets?
Yes, we do. Personal planets are those that have the shortest revolution and that affects those in which sign they are the most. These planets have the most visible and noticeable impact as they are going through your sign and this goes for all three types of signs during different times of the year.
Astrology posits that mercury will affect how you communicate and how you express yourself, venus will affect your love life in the broadest of terms since it’s the planet that’s associated with love, and mars will affect how you take action and how proactive you are.
Could You Tell Me More About Transpersonal Planets?
Since you asked so nicely, transpersonal planets aren’t thought to affect your personality, but your relationship with society and your public image in general. These are the planets that stay within your sign for a year or two. There are two of them and their effects aren’t limited to these subjects. Instead, they interact with the effects of the personal planets.
It’s believed that Jupiter has a bearing on your attitude towards luck and faith, with the planet also affecting how you look at personal growth, whilst Saturn is charged with influencing how you take on obligations and how you deal with commitment. As you may notice these features may affect both your personal and public life.
I’ve Noticed You Haven’t Mentioned The Generational Planets Yet?
Hold your horses, we were just getting to them! The planets that stay with your sign for the longest of time are the ones that will affect your attitude towards long-term and generational issues. Those are the planets that take between seven and 15 years to pass through your Zodiac sign.
Uranus (we see you sniggering at the back) will affect how you view your generation and what its revolutionary role is. Neptune will govern how your generation views its boundaries and how far it’s willing to go to push them, and Pluto is all about tradition in general and therefore, it affects the relationship between your generation and the tradition it comes into.
How About Houses?
Hey, you knew more about horoscopes than you previously let on! But for the uninitiated, houses are another key feature of horoscopes and one that brings additional complexity and nuance to the reading. They divide the Zodiac signs as wedges on the chart, with signs ruling particular houses based on their position and planets move through them as well.
The Bottom Line
As you may have realised by this stage, the complexity of horoscopes comes from trying to place meaning on the interaction of these elements; there are no simple and straightforward answers as to how a person will react based on their sign and their governing planet, and this is what makes astrology so interesting. We hope you agree!
Or, if you’d rather adopt a more proactive approach to taking control of your life, then check out our tips on doing just that here.
If you’re planning a stag do for one of your nearest and dearest friends, then firstly; congratulations! Fulfilling the role of best man with just the right amount of gentle joshing fused with genuine affection can be a tough balancing act.
Secondly; don’t scour Google for your best man speech jokes. They’ve done the rounds at every wedding we’ve been to recently!
But forget the speech for a minute; your most important role, of course, is planning the stag-do; a coalition of disparate friends, family and diverging desires for debauchery which can be tough to organise into a single cohesive vision.
And just as it’s important to avoid the usual well-trodden one-liners in the speech, so it’s equally essential to avoid a stag that’s so clichéd it evokes deja vu. You want your best man’s big day (the stag, not the wedding) to be unique and personal, not another trip go-karting when he can’t even drive.
So, for some cracking ideas for organising a traditional stag-do with a difference, read on…
A Tour Of London’s Spiciest Dishes
Rather than simply going out for a high-street, no-frills curry, as is so popular on stag-dos, why not organise something more seismic and significantly spicier, in the form of a tour of London’s spiciest dishes?
There’s something about a group of men getting together that brings out a certain bravado regarding their tolerance for capsaicin, and what better way to test those bold claims than sampling the most testing dishes the capital has to offer.
From the Cinnamon Club in Westminster and their infamous Bombay Burner all the way to Brick Lane and Aladin Restaurant’s Chicken Tikka Blast, there’s just so much chilli in the capital to invigorate and stimulate. Just make sure you’ve got enough toilet roll back at the Airbnb!
A Golfing Trip
If everyone going on the trip is a semi-competent golfer (what a capable crew you’ve got there!) then an afternoon on the golf course is sure to appeal.
As we’re sure you’ll know, a major purpose of the stag-do is for those who haven’t met to get acquainted, ramping up the camaraderie for the big day proper. Golfing provides the perfect framework for this; you’ll get a chance to socialise while you’re on the course, and the gentle competitiveness of the sport provides ample talking points for those inevitable lulls in conversation.
To make the golfing trip a little more unique and stag-like, you could introduce a (responsible) drinking game on the course. Some like to play Beer Bogey (mmm, sounds delicious), some choose Mulligan as their drinking game of choice, while others still prefer a Pin Challenge. We’ve always found it fun to have one simple rule; if you want to tee-off closer to the whole, you have to have a drink.
Get creative with your golf drinking game’s rules for the most fun – and unique – results!
A pub crawl is a great way to spend an afternoon – especially if you’ve got the route planned out in advance. But this is your best friend’s stag, not just an afternoon in the pub!
Accordingly, it’s appropriate to turn things up a notch or two. If you’d like to cover a lot of ground, then a railway crawl makes a lot of sense. You can move from town to town, sampling quality ales along the way. If the stag is something of a trainspotter as well as a beer drinker, then this is going to be their dream day out!
Escape Room
An escape room is a fairly reliable way for a group of relative strangers to get to know one another. While it might not be enough to prop up an entire stag-do, it can certainly help everyone to get acquainted early on.
You need a mix of people, from those with a keen eye to locate clues to those who have good problem-solving skills to solve them. You also need someone who’s organised and can delegate tasks to others so that you can work more effectively. This teamwork is great for encouraging bonding.
Pick out an escape room that’s highly recommended, but that your guests won’t have already been through. If you’re arranging your stag-do at the other end of the country (or in a different country), then this might not be such a concern.
For an escape room experience with a difference (and as long as you’ve got plenty of time on your hands), consider designing your own escape room experience, with questions, clues and puzzles all themed around the stag’s life. As an overarching theme for the game, perhaps he could even be ‘escaping’ the drudgery of single life… Sounds like great fun to us!
Paintballing
If you’d prefer something a little bit more action-packed and adrenaline-fuelled, then a day spent paintballing is one of the great clichéd stag-dos, but it’s popular for a reason; who doesn’t love a day spent in a really hot boiler suit getting pelted with painful projectiles, after all!
To make the day a little more frivolous, there are plenty of paintball companies that specifically cater to the needs of a stag-do – including having the groom wear a special target or getting the whole squad dressing up as superheroes!
For those nodding off at the back after another night of interrupted sleep, you might want to snap-to-grid and pay attention to the following rhetorical questions….
Do you find it next-to-impossible to sleep right through the night? Do you wake up at 4am and struggle to nod off again? Do you spend most of your time between the sheets tossing and turning? Does your mind start racing as soon as your head hits the pillow?
If those scenarios sound like we’ve taken up a position in your wardrobe and have been spying on you, then firstly, rest assured; we haven’t. But more importantly, you’re not alone.
So many of us suffer from disturbed, punctuated sleep, and whilst insomnia is a major problem for so many in the UK, this prevalence also leads to publicity. And with publicity comes shared solutions to the problem of interrupted sleep.
Today, we’re drilling down into the absolute essentials; here are 3 helpful tips for achieving uninterrupted sleep.
Choose The Right Mattress Type
If you’re having sleepless nights and achy mornings, then it might be time to consider not only how you’re sleeping, but what you’re sleeping on.
A good mattress can completely transform your life (hyperbole intended). Sleeping on a bad mattress, on the other hand, can make it a complete misery. Indeed, anyone who has slept on a sofa bed with springs digging into their back can attest to the fact that choosing a type of mattress which suits you is an important step towards getting uninterrupted sleep.
So, how do you know if your mattress is past it? Does it have lumps and bumps? Are you rolling into the middle or into your partner? Does it squeak and creak every time you move? Can you feel those springs diffing in your back?
Nope, these rhetorical questions aren’t designed to cure your insomnia, but rather, to focus your mind. If you answered yes to any of the above, then you probably need a new mattress.
There are several factors to consider here, including, support, comfort, contouring and the quality of materials used. Then, there’s mattress material to consider, too; do you want memory foam, latex foam or an innerspring mattress?
You also need to take your personal preferences into account. If you suffer from joint or back pain, you need a mattress type that supports you and relieves pressure points along your joints.
You also need to consider what type of sleeper you are; should you like to sleep on your stomach, then perhaps a hybrid mattress that offers minimum sinkage and is designed to support the midsection would be a good option. If you’re a side sleeper, then a memory foam mattress is a popular choice as it contours to the shape of your body and delivers strong levels of pressure relief.
With such a slew of factors to contemplate, this is a decision you should probably sleep on…
What Can You Do Before Bed?
There are a lot of things that you can do before bed to help you get a good night’s sleep. A warming cup of chamomile tea, reading a good (though not too invigorating) book and having a warm bath can all help you nod off, sure, but the timing of your bedtime routine is equally as important.
It’s vital to try and go to bed at the same time every night and keep your wake-up time consistent, too. Since our bodies follow a daily circadian rhythm, waking and getting up at vastly different times throws it out of whack, which does your chances of uninterrupted sleep no favours whatsoever.
Some sleep supplements can help here, too. The best supplements for sleep usually feature natural ingredients that are known for their calming and sleep-inducing properties. For instance, valerian root is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to address insomnia and anxiety. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which has a naturally calming effect.
Melatonin is another supplement that is frequently used to improve sleep quality. Melatonin is a hormone that your body produces naturally as part of regulating your sleep-wake cycle. Supplementing with melatonin can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have disrupted circadian rhythms, such as shift workers or those experiencing jet lag. Magnesium and melatonin could also help.
If you’ve tried all of the usual sleep interventions to no avail, then perhaps it’s time to think outside the box. Consider watching some ASMR videos or listening to white noise to help you nod off and stay, erm, nodded off.
For those not familiar with the concept, ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, and is a phenomenon that causes people to feel tingling sensations in the head and spine in response to certain triggers.
But how does it help you sleep? Well, watching ASMR videos may help reduce your heart rate, and as Glamour Magazine explains, “the reduced heart-rate and relaxing effect on the brain can help relieve insomnia, and a large proportion of the online community use ASMR to help them sleep”.
There are a lot of different ASMR videos available on YouTube, and they can be extremely helpful for getting to sleep. Some of the most popular ASMR triggers include soft speaking, gentle whispering, crinkling sounds, and slow movements.
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, watching an ASMR video may be just what you need to drift off.
Plan Your Bedroom Layout And Furniture Choices
When it comes to getting uninterrupted sleep and achieving balance and harmony in your bedroom, choosing the right furniture is key.
One important consideration is the overall layout of your bedroom, as furniture placement can have a significant impact on how you feel when you’re in bed.
Consider, then, the feng shui of your bedroom. A bedroom designed with feng shui in mind is all about creating a peaceful and balanced environment that promotes a good night’s sleep. In fact, we’ve written a whole article on the different ways to feng shui your bedroom, IDEAL for adopting a new approach to getting a good night’s sleep here. Do check it out.
Another key factor to consider in terms of the aesthetic of your room is its colour scheme. Consider restful greens, adept at soothing a stressed mind, soothing blues and lullaby lavenders, for shades that immediately promote a sense of calm.
Other elements that promote relaxation and peacefulness, such as plants or soft lighting, should be considered carefully, too. With the right bedroom vibe in place, you can rest assured that you will be able to drift off easily each night and wake up feeling calm and refreshed.
Or should that be ‘tucking in’? Whether you are struggling with insomnia or just having trouble sleeping through the night, there are several methods that you can go through to help improve your sleep quality.
With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that you will be able to get a good night’s sleep every night and wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
If you recently got a tattoo, then firstly; congratulations! It’s a bold, brave decision but one which the majority find richly rewarding. In fact, in a 2021 study, it was revealed that just over one in ten people in the United States who had been tattooed regretted the decision, with 88% happy with their choice. How do you like those odds?
Tattoos are a great way to express yourself and show off your personality, sure, but in the wrong hands (on the wrong arms…), they may reveal a careless side if you don’t look after them properly in those first few days and weeks. This is because fresh tattoos require strict after-care to ensure they not only look their best for years to come, but that you avoid infection, too.
With all of that in mind, here are 6 aftercare tips to follow after getting a tattoo.
Keep Your Tattoo Clean And Dry – Don’t Let It Get Wet Until It’s Healed
As soon as you’re done getting inked, your artist will probably clean your tattoo with some green soap, which helps sanitise and clean the skin. After that, they’ll apply a thin layer of ointment (usually petroleum jelly) before wrapping it up in cling film, then a bandage. This is all done to protect your tattoo, which is essentially an open wound at this stage, from the elements.
Generally, you should remove the bandage 24 hours later, though consult with your tattoo artist prior for the exact timeframe, as this can sometimes differ according to the size of your tattoo and several other factors. At this stage, you should gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap (avoid using any scented soaps during this period, instead opting for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap and moisturiser) before patting dry. Next, apply some antibacterial ointment, which your tattoo artist will have given you.
Repeat this step twice a day, for around four weeks, making sure you dry your tattoo thoroughly after each wash. You should also wait four weeks before swimming with a new tattoo, soaking in the tub, or getting sweaty at the gym. If your tattoo gets wet, pat it dry with a clean towel and put more ointment on. Doing this will help your tattoo heal quickly and prevent infection.
And though it’s important to keep your tattoo dry, it’s equally essential to keep yourself hydrated, which ensures the skin stays supple.
Don’t Scratch Or Pick At Your Tattoo – This Could Cause Infection
It’s important to let your tattoo heal naturally. Once it’s healed, you can enjoy scratching and picking at it all you want! Actually, don’t do that. Or, do; just make sure to wash your hands first. Anyway…
If you scratch or pick at your tattoo while it’s healing, you could cause an infection. The last thing you want is for your beautiful new tattoo to get all gross and infected. It rather ruins the majesty and mystique of a tattoo if it’s weeping, don’t you think? So, this tip is simple; don’t touch your tattoo, unless you’re cleaning and drying it.
Avoid Exposing Your Tattoo To The Sun Or Sunbeds Until It’s Healed
If your tattoo is still healing, it’s important to keep it out of the sun. Not only will this help your tattoo heal faster, but it will also help prevent fading and discoloration.
If you must be in the sun, make sure to cover up your new ink with specialist tattoo sunscreen of at least SPF 30, or a bandage or clothing. Once your tattoo is healed, you can enjoy the sun without worry (except, of course, the usual risks inherent with sun exposure).
Once again, remember that even if your tattoo is healed and ready to be shown off to the world, it’s still important to use sunscreen to protect it from fading. Every responsible person with a tattoo artist certification would suggest you use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your tattoo once it has healed. This will help to protect it from the sun’s UV rays and keep your tattoo looking as vibrant for as long as possible.
If You Have A Reaction To The Tattoo Ink, Seek Medical Attention Right Away
If you experience any type of reaction to the tattoo ink (which can happen), it is important to seek medical attention right away. Some allergic reactions can be mild, while others can be more severe and even, in very rare cases, life-threatening. If you have any concerns whatsoever, be sure to contact a doctor or go to the emergency room. Check out Healthline’s useful tips on how to identify an allergic reaction to tattoo ink here.
It’s also important to note that, in some cases, people may not have an allergic reaction to the ink itself, but to one of the other ingredients in the tattooing process, such as latex gloves or lubricants. If you experience any type of reaction, be sure to let your tattoo artist know, so they can take appropriate precautions in the future.
Don’t Drink Alcohol For A While
It is also recommended that you should avoid the booze for at least a week after getting a tattoo. Drinking alcohol thins your blood, which may lead to excess bleeding, and prevents your immune system from working properly, which can complicate healing and raise the risk of infection. Also, alcohol will irritate your skin and make the tattoo healing process potentially slower and more painful, so it’s best to just avoid it altogether for a little while post-procedure.
Get A New Tattoo Touched Up By A Professional If You’re Not Happy With The Results
Whilst not exactly an aftercare tip, it’s still worth mentioning; if you’re not happy with the results of your tattoo, getting it touched up by a professional can help improve the appearance of the design.
However, keep in mind that touch-ups may not be covered by your tattoo insurance policy, so be sure to check with your insurer before scheduling an appointment.
Of course, you can return to your original tattoo artist, who will often perform these touch-ups free-of-charge, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with those further amendments, either.
Additional tattoo touch-ups can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh up the cost of the procedure against the overall value of the tattoo. If you’re not happy with the results of your tattoo, but the design is small and not overly visible, you may decide that the cost of a touch-up isn’t worth it. On the other hand, if you’re unhappy with a large or prominently placed tattoo, a touch-up may be worth the investment.
If you do decide to get your tattoo touched up, be sure to find a reputable artist who has experience with tattoo corrections. The touch-up process can be delicate, so it’s important to entrust the job to a professional who knows what they’re doing.
Finally, if, heaven forbid, you don’t fall in love with your tattoo as much as you hoped, the guys at Removery, who specialise in tattoo removal in Sydney, offer these reassuring words; ” Tattoos can show individuality or culture, but sometimes we find ourselves no longer in love with the ink that we have. That is where tattoo removal comes in.”
And with our tattoo article (and journey from after care to removal!) coming to an end, we’re off to the tattooist for another ink!
The Bottom Line
In the end, getting a tattoo is a major life decision. Always consult with your doctor beforehand to make sure it’s safe for you to have the procedure, and once you get your tattoo, be sure to follow the appropriate aftercare to both avoid infection and give your tattoo longevity.
This week marks National Butchers Week, celebrating the fantastic work and pride for their craft shown throughout this oldest of professions. Coincidentally, we’re also at the quarter-final stage of another season Masterchef, traditionally an opportunity for eight contestants to treat eight separate racks of lamb with disdain. Get ready for fat not rendered, meat served blue (‘I’m sorry, I can’t eat that’) and watery sauces with less integrity than the judges.
If you do fancy showing this amazing cut of meat the respect it deserves, we’ve teamed up with renowned meat masters Ginger Pig to bring you these; our 7 IDEAL steps to the perfect, medium rare rack of lamb.
HAVE YOUR BUTCHER PREPARE THE RACK FOR ROASTING
A rack of lamb is known as the ‘best end’ for a reason; it’s unmatched in tenderness and taste when cooked right. Getting it roast ready requires skill. Fortunately, your ever knowledgeable butcher will want you to enjoy this prime cut to its full potential, and as such will be more than happy to make the job of cooking it as easy for you as possible. So, ask for them to ‘french trim’ the rack, in other words, remove excess fat and scrape the rib bones clean so they look presentable and don’t burn in the oven. Your mate behind the butcher’s block will probably also ask if you want the chine removing. Answer in the affirmative if you won’t want to present your expertly cooked meat in individual, easy to manage portions.
By MarkGillow from Getty images signature via Canva
ROOM TEMPERATURE MEAT
As with most meat cookery where a hot frying pan is the first part of the cooking process, you don’t want your rack to be fridge cold when it first touches down in some hot oil. At best this will slow the cooking time, at worst it’ll bring the temperature of the fat and pan down significantly and lead to a stewing of the meat rather than searing.
This threat is easily averted; take your meat out of the fridge well ahead of time, and let it reach room temperature. You also want the surface area of your rack of lamb to be as dry as possible to achieve a decent browning, so make sure you go to town with the paper towels prior to seasoning.
SEASONING SAVVY
Nature’s design means it’s tough to get seasoning into the middle of a full 8 ribbed rack. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, rosemary and perhaps some anchovy, will work its magic with time. Just go easy on any acidic element, which is going to cure the meat and mess with its integrity prematurely. Make sure you salt generously on all sides before the next part of the process.
SCORE & RENDER
Your butcher can do the former if asked, but if you’re taking matters into your own hands, take a sharp as shark’s teeth knife and score diagonally and counter-diagonally; you know the score. Get your oven preheated to 190˚C.
Next, get a wide, ovenproof, heavy bottomed pan on medium to hot on the hob. Give the pan a generous slug of a neutral oil with a high smoke point and lay your rack carefully skin side down in the pan. Allow the fat to render out a little. Then turn up the heat and get that skin nice and crispy; the best bit for most!
Once you’re satisfied with the crisp skin, add a little butter to the pan (along with some rosemary and garlic, perhaps) and allow it to foam. Sear all the other sides of the rack in this heady mix for maximum flavour. Do this bit carefully and don’t worry, it won’t affect the internal heat of the lamb meat all that much. That work is done in the oven.
By Mtoome from Gettty Images via Canva
OVEN READY
Have the rack of lamb skin side up in the pan, and transfer that pan to the oven. It’ll need, roughly, between 12 and 15 minutes (adjust times according to how many ribs are in your rack) to achieve that perfect medium rare finish. The only way to ensure this is by using a meat thermometer; you’re looking for 60 to 65°C in the middle.
R’N’R
You’ve gone to all this work, you can wait a little bit longer to enjoy it at its best, right? The rack needs time to rest, preferably under a tented piece of tin foil, so that its juices can redistribute outwards and, in doing so, make for the most tender meat imaginable. Lovely stuff.
All aboard! Or perhaps we should say ‘’Todos a Bordo!’’, because today, we’re traversing the 16,026 km of train track that carves up Spain, delivering you from Malaga to Madrid, Bilbao to Barcelona and Seville to Santander, all at a good clip and in great comfort.
First built in 1848, the inaugural Spanish train journey was a humble one, linking Barcelona to Mataró and taking just twenty minutes. How the network has grown, and with it, the opportunity to enjoy not only the country but also its culture, cuisine and countryside, all without having to leave the carriage!
If you’re a keen ferroequinologist, a devoted trainspotter, or you simply prefer a more environmentally friendly way of seeing a country, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 5 of the best Spanish train trips for seeing Spain by train.
THE TRANSCANTÁBRICO GRAN LUJO
Spain trains…it has something of a ring to it, don’t you think? For one of the world’s most iconic train journeys and a great way to appreciate the scenery of Spain in maximum comfort, then we had to board here, on the Transcantabrico.
The Transcantabrico is the oldest and most luxurious tourist train in the country, which takes in Spain’s North (known as Green Spain because of its rolling verdancy), the Bay of Biscay and beyond.
The quintessential leg of the Transcantabrico is known as Gran Lujo (‘Great Luxury). This is an 8 day journey that starts in the foodie mecca San Sebastien and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, famed for being the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Whilst pilgrims do that particular journey on foot, you’ll be travelling in serious luxury; trains are preserved in the romantic style of the early 20th Century, but with all the mod cons you’d expect onboard, too. So, that’s WiFi, flatscreen TVs, and even a sauna!
THE CERVANTES TRAIN
The onboard entertainment on the Cervantes Train, on the other hand, is a whole other level of immersive. Starting at Madrid’s Atocha Station and taking around 40 minutes, its final stop is Alcala de Henares, the birthplace of the world famous Don Quixote writer Miguel de Cervantes. But what is even more interesting is that while on the train you are surrounded by actors in 17th century costumes.
Once you arrive in Alcala de Henares, the actors will take you on a tour of the town, pointing out key sites that inspired Cervantes’ works. The train operates on Saturdays only, departing Madrid at roughly 10:30 am and returning from Alcala at around 6:30 pm.
If you’re in the capital and looking for a more exciting, expansive adventure, then you can take the train from Madrid to Valencia, which manages to cover more than 300 km in under two hours since the cities are linked by Spain’s brand new, high speed AVE train network.
Do so and you’ll appreciate a different side of Spain; modern, cutting edge and with its best foot forward as we enter a new era of train travel. The route itself, though taken at speed, is incredibly scenic, with some of Spain’s most fertile agricultural land zipping by as you travel in comfort and style.
As you approach Valencia, you’ll pass close to L’Horta Valencia, one of just four Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (as decided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN). This outstanding example of sustainable irrigation which extends over 28 square kilometres and more than 12 municipalities primarily grows the famous citrus fruit so associated with Valencia, which you just have to try once you arrive in the city.
The train alights at the city’s Joaquin Sorolla station, which is just a short stroll from the city centre, making it the perfect launchpad from which to explore the city. While you’re in town, check out these foodie things to do in Valencia.
BARCELONA TO MONTSERRAT
More than just an excuse to visit everyone’s beloved Barça, the train from Barcelona to Montserrat may be short, but it’s a journey rich in history and replete with vistas that just have to be seen to be believed.
Just an hour’s train ride (on the R5) from Barcelona’s Placa Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat station, this one is just as much about the journey as it is the destination, with the final leg of the journey revealing expansive vistas of Montserrat mountain and its monastery.
You can then take the Montserrat Rack Railway from Monistrol de Montserrat or a dedicated cable car up from Aeri de Montserrat to see the Santa Maria Abbey, perched on the mountain and offering incredible views of the Catalan countryside. All of this before returning down the mountain and heading back to Barcelona just in time for tea! Or rather, in time for tapas.
If the high speed of the Madrid to Valencia train or the bustling, participatory nature of the Cervantes train aren’t what you were looking for, then for a more relaxing ride, the Al Andalus train could be for you.
With its spacious sleeper carriages lovingly restored in the opulent 1929 Wagon-Lits style, and boasting four lounge cars used as restaurants, bars and concert venues, the Al Andalus is a plush experience if ever there was one.
And that’s before you even look out the window. Care to do so, and you’ll be met with views of Southern Spain’s Andalucia region, often referred to as Islamic Iberia. Your round-trip rail ride takes seven days, starting and ending in the capital of flamenco, Seville.
On the journey you’ll stop off at Jerez, Cadiz, Ronda, Granada, Linares-Baeza, Ubeda and Cordoba, before finishing up back in Seville, along the way appreciating the majesty of Moorish architecture and the famous cuisine of the region. Expect arroz con mariscos, jamón serrano, salmorejo andplenty of gambas!
That’s rice with seafood, air-cured Andalucian ham, a gorgeously smooth chilled tomato soup, and prawns, if you didn’t bring your Spanish to English dictionary.
The Sorrentine Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Naples to the north and the Gulf of Salerno to the south, is one of the world’s most photogenic (and photographed!) destinations.
Taking in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Amalfi Coast, as well as the popular towns of Sorrento and Positano, many choose to enjoy the peninsula’s striking vistas by car, with hair raising roads that seemingly spill straight into the sea offering vantage points at every turn.
But as you probably know by now, owing to the region’s huge popularity, those roads are often heaving with traffic and those views obscured by hoards of fellow curious travellers.
Instead, why not take in some of the coast’s most memorable sites by boat, helping you escape the crowds of the mainland and enjoy a trip defined by exclusivity? If you’re planning on hitting the open seas, here are 5 beautiful island sites accessible by boat from Sorrento, Italy.
BLUE GROTTO, CAPRI
Just a thirty minute ferry ride from the town of Sorrento (on the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula) is the island of Capri, one of Italy’s most stunning spots.
On the northwest of the island and accessible only by rowing boat is Blue Grotto, an incredible sea cave stretching 60 metres with depths reaching 150 metres. The entrance is tiny and to gain access, guests must lay flat on the deck of a tiny rowing boat to pass through the arch which enters the cave.
The view from inside is worth this minor inconvenience, with the Blue Grotto taking its name from the mesmerising refraction of light that happens when sunlight passes through an underwater cavity in the entrance and bathes the entire cave in azure illumination. This one has to be seen to be believed.
Head to the rugged, untamed southeastern coast of Capri, and just off it, you’ll find I Faraglioni, a collection of three towering rock formations that jut out of the Mediterranean like the sharpened fangs of a sea monster. So iconic are this trio that they’ve each been named; Saetta, which connects to Capri island itself, Stella, featuring a natural arch that forms a tunnel over the sea, and Scopolo, meaning the ‘promontory’ and home to a rare blue lizard.
Though you can see the majestic trio from the vantage points of Monte Solaro (the highest point on the island) or from Marina Piccola, where your ferry from Sorrento will lay anchor, both on Capri, the best way to appreciate I Faraglioni is by private boat. Doing so allows you to go under Stella’s natural arch and engage up close and personal with Saetta and Scopolo, too.
ISCHIA
Speaking of private boats, the guys at sorrentoholidaycharter.com recommend chartering a private yacht to experience the islands of Ischia and Procida. This can either be done back on the mainland, in Sorrento, or direct from Capri, as part of a wider yacht excursion.
Both lie around 20 km south of Naples, with Ischia the larger of the two islands. Lush, volcanic and famed for its abundance of thermal spas and natural hot springs, there’s plenty to do here. The highlight is perhaps Aragonese Castle, which sits on its very own islet linked to Ischia by a stone bridge.
Photo by Nati Melnychuk on Unsplash
PROCIDA
Procida, named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022, is a tiny island full of pastel coloured houses, small fishing villages and some superb family run restaurants. But we’re here to step off the beaten path, right? Well, at the southwest tip of the island and across a narrow 100 metre bridge, you’ll find yourself in and amongst wildlife on the islet of Vivara, which is a dedicated nature reserve.
Be warned, aside from a few hiking trails there are no facilities here, just the chance to get immersed in lush vegetation and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding seas. The “Regno di Nettuno” Marine Protected Area, located just off the islet’s southwest shore, is home to the occasional whale and dolphin sighting.
There are also opportunities to go diving here, at Secca delle Formiche, one of the Mediterranean’s most popular diving spots. Even if you don’t see any whales, below the surface you’ll find red coral, Alcyonacea, octopus and lobster.
Photo by Mikael Frivold on Unsplash
LI GALLI ISLANDS
Finally, we’re heading to the Li Galli islands in the Gulf of Salerno, 6 km south of Positano. Also known as Sirenuse, the archipelago’s name references the mythical sirens featured in Homer’s Odyssey. In the past, it is said that the sirens dwelled here, too.
We can see why they called these three islets (Gallo Lungo, La Rotonda, and Isola Dei Briganti) home; their rugged beauty is untouched by the trappings of tourism found on the mainland.
Though all three are privately owned by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Russo and inaccessible to anyone but his guests, you can enjoy views of these mythical islets from onboard your private boat. Just remember to pack your earplugs!
