The UK hasn’t always embraced street food but – luckily – things are changing!
The COVID-19 pandemic put a spin on the way we eat out, with indoor venues having shut their doors. Business entrepreneurs spotted the opportunity to cut their rental costs significantly, attract new customers, and literally be at the market forefront by going mobile.
Consumers are in favour of this trend, as 50% are buying street food at least once a week, according to a 2016 report.Since this is a fairly new concept, many people are wondering how to go about serving meals on wheels. Here, Van Ninja – who offer Vauxhall van deals – have put together an in-depth guide on starting a street food business from start to finish.
Gin certainly brings out a contemplative side in us. And if it does you, too, have you ever found yourself staring into the bottom of your Copa, wondering if gin is gluten-free?
For many, it’s more than just alcohol-infused contemplation that has them asking the question. Sufferers of gluten intolerance or those living with coeliac disease need to be scrupulous about what they’re consuming, and that goes beyond the usual concerns about barley, bread and beer.
Today, we’re considering the UK’s favourite drink (sorry tea) and whether or not it is suitable for those with a gluten intolerance or those living with coeliac disease. Is gin gluten free? Let’s find out…
SO, IS GIN GLUTEN FREE?
Well, it’s a little more complicated than a simple yes or no answer, and is the source of keen debate in the immunology and nutrition communities. Though gin is typically distilled with juniper berries, which are not a grain and therefore do not contain gluten, many brands of gin are made using barley or wheat ingredients in the distillation process.
Though the gluten protein is removed during this process, for some with particularly strong sensitivities to gluten, a danger of adverse reaction remains.
Technically (and this is a debate that continues today) gin is generally considered gluten free because of the distillation process. But if you’re highly sensitive to gluten, it’s best to avoid standard gin brands in favour of something explicitly gluten free, derived from sources like grapes, corn or potatoes instead of wheat, rye or barley.
GLUTEN-FREE GIN OPTIONS
There are several brands of 100% gluten-free gin out there on the market. The guys at Gluten Free Horizons recommend the following 9 gluten free gins to try in 2021:
Larios Rose
Whitley Neil
Hendrick’s
Manchester Gin
Liverpool Gin
Tanqueray Rangpur
The Infusionist Passionfruit Gin Liqueur
Seedlip Grove 42 (zero alcohol)
Ceder’s Wild Alt-Gin (zero alcohol)
It should be noted that tonic water should also be gluten free, though, surprisingly, it isn’t always vegan.
It’s a minefield indeed, and if you’re hosting a large event where alcohol is going to be served, it’s something you’re going to have to get your head around to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your guests. Alternatively, consider hiring a mixologist for your party or event, as they will be trained in allergies and intolerances.
WHAT ALCOHOLIC DRINKS ARE NOT GLUTEN FREE?
It’s recommended that those who are gluten intolerant or living with coeliac disease avoid beer, ale, stout and any other malted beverages, as well as sake and rice wine, and dessert wines. That said, gluten free versions of these drinks are available.
Always read the label scrupulously and if in doubt, only consume products that are explicitly, overtly 100% gluten free.
JUNIPER BERRY ALLERGIES
When consuming gin, it’s also important to consider the possibility of an allergy to juniper berries, too, should you suffer a reaction after drinking the spirit. People who are allergic to juniper berries may show symptoms of sneezing, a rash, coughing and wheezing.
SERVING GLUTEN FREE DRINKS AS A BARTENDER OR MIXOLOGIST
As we’ve mentioned, there are some liquors made with ingredients that contain gluten. As a bartender or mixologist, it’s best to be well informed of the ingredients of every single drink you have in stock, making the presence of allergens clear on any menu.
*Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.*
Ideal if you’re feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning
Did you know that wacky wedding nightmares are a real thing? You know, that one where you’re walking up the aisle nude? Or how about the one where your partner’s lost the ring? Or, that almost nightly dream where you turn into a wedding cake and start eating yourself? That last one just us? Oh well…
Indeed, wedding anxiety dreams are a genuine occurrence in the lead up to the big day and are, in fact, a symptom of stress.
If this feels all too familiar, then it’s a tell tale sign that wedding planning is taking over your life. Those nightmares are likely a sign that you’re stressing yourself out and giving yourself too much to do, and that’s no way to enjoy the lead up to your wedding. Instead, communicate, delegate and moderate, with these tips on how to stop wedding planning from taking over your life.
YOU CAN RELY ON EACH OTHER, UH HUH
And if you can’t, then you probably shouldn’t be getting married…
‘The happy couple’; the clue’s in the billing don’t you think? As the saying goes, ‘two heads are better than one’, and this is certainly true for sharing the wedding planning load fairly and amicably.
Although tradition dictates that one half tends to take on more of the planning than the other, the wedding shouldn’t be a one-person effort. If both of you are ‘all in’ on the wedding planning, then you can manage your time more efficiently, and stop it from taking over both your lifes. By ensuring you have the full support of your soon-to-be spouse, you’re effectively doubling the time you have to plan. As Dolly intoned; ‘’Tender love is blind, it requires a dedication’’. She’s right, you know.
If you want to keep your parents busy and focused on the event without them meddling in all the finer details, then carefully choose some task specific roles which they could complete, keeping them busy and occupied in the run up.
Should your father be a skilled baker, for instance, you could ask him to make the cake. If your mum has an eye for aesthetics and an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things floral, then of course she’d be perfect for helping out with the flower arranging. Rather than leaving the planning in the (interfering) hands of the gods, make work for idle ones instead.
Teamwork makes the dream work, after all, and no wedding organised by one person alone ever went smoothly. Instead, make the most of your friend’s varied skill set, getting the best out of everyone with clear instructions, constructive criticism and plenty of praise.
Some things you can ask your bridesmaids and friends to help with include:
Any DIY wedding projects
Help setting up the event
Bridal Emergency Kit
Sleepover essentials for the night before the wedding
This means you can concentrate on the little things, be it creating personalized wedding gifts for your other half, or designing a table plan that keeps Uncle Kevin well away from his ex-wife, Aunty Pauline.
KEEP YOUR WEDDING IN PERSPECTIVE
Sometimes when you’re spending 99.9% of the time planning, you can feel like a hamster running around in its wheel with endless tasks to complete and never a moment to take stock. While being overly productive right now may feel necessary, if your wedding workload is draining and crushing you, then it’s time to put things in perspective.
Your wedding is just one day. Will your wedding guests really remember those stunning floral arrangements as you walk down the aisle? Probably not as they will be focused on you and your husband-to-be. However, will your mother remember that lovely handwritten note thanking them for everything? Most definitely, yes.
It’s all about prioritising the things that really matter here, and not sweating the small stuff. Here’s a list of other things your guests may not care about, so don’t fuss about them:
Wedding invitations and wedding calligraphy
Ridiculously overpriced flowers
A choreographed first dance
How the food is served – be it buffet or seated, you’re providing everyone with a free meal!
Wedding favours
The cake
Things they may well care about:
Having a great time filled with love, affection and appreciation
Wednesdays, the middle of the week, otherwise known as ‘hump day’. Why not put this mid-week day that’s often associated with a lack of ambition and motivation to good use and schedule it in for wedding planning?
One of the best ways to prevent your wedding from taking over your life is to allow yourself the time you need in order to complete each task. Setting some time aside on a specific day each day when you can work on your wedding is sensible; this avoids overspill into family or work time.
Try not to take on more tasks than you can reasonably handle each Wednesday. In other words, you can avoid overworking by working less. Work smarter, not harder, as they say.
A SELF-IMPOSED WEDDING BAN
It’s easy to let love and self-care take a back seat when you’re wedding planning. When things are getting too much, it’s time to step back and take some time out.
In times like these, allow yourself to go on a self-imposed wedding ban for a while. This not only means time out from wedding planning, it means not allowing yourself to think or talk about it too. If someone asks “how are the wedding plans going’’ simply tell them you’re taking some time out of planning. Let them figure out the rest!
While you’re on your self-imposed wedding ban, try to adopt some new self-care habits that will help you cope with the stresses of wedding planning. Let us direct you to our article on 7 IDEAL self care routines to adopt today.
MAKE TIME FOR EACHOTHER
As reported by Bustle according to a new survey of 500 engaged and newlywed couples, “seven out of eight couples (96 percent) said wedding planning was stressful” Moreover, “43 percent of couples surveyed said wedding planning put a strain on their relationship”.
Since planning your big day can cause a lot of tension, it’s important to make time to go out with your partner and talk about something that isn’t wedding planning. Head to a gallery, go to the theatre, or simply a country walk, anything that will give you both time to decompress.
And if all else fails…you could always elope! Indeed, choosing to elope instead of dealing with the headache of planning your wedding, eloping is a chic and discreet option that is becoming more and more common, particularly in a potentially post-pandemic world.
There’s nothing quite like socialising with friends and family, and the warm, convivial feeling it brings. For a few hours, it can feel like all is right with the world and that the stuff raging beyond is just an illusion.
However, many of us are dealing with pandemic fatigue that’s made us less sociable, and, whisper it, reluctant to put ourselves out there anymore. As Greater Good explains, “Loneliness, rather than prompting us to connect, actually makes us withdraw, according to research. We start to feel unworthy of our relationships, worried that people are judging us or don’t enjoy being around us”.
An 18 month spell spent largely in our own homes with stress levels high has led, for many, to a newfound, unwelcome trepidation about social situations now the UK has opened up again.
It shouldn’t have to be this way. Don’t let stage fright, fear or uncertainty stop you from enjoying your social life; here are 10 ways to be more sociable today.
REST ASSURED THAT WE ALL NEED SOLITUDE
Hmm, we realise this runs somewhat counterintuitive to being more social. However, we all need to embrace solitude and cherish a little ‘me time’ in the name of being more social.
As psychologist Virginia Thomas explains in Psychology Today, “aloneliness”—the opposite of loneliness, the lack of solitude—is a real problem. People who are lacking in solitude can “end up feeling irritable, overwhelmed, or drained”, so before you focus on getting out there and socialising, make sure you’re taking care of your own wellbeing.
GET MORE SLEEP
Ask yourself how many times you’ve cancelled on a friend because you were too tired? Or how difficult a social event was because you were only operating at about 1%? Well, did you know that poor sleep can wreak havoc on your social life as sleep-deprived individuals are less socially attractive to others?
Research by the University of California reveals that if you haven’t slept enough, you may seem more socially unacceptable to others. Sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to feel lonely and less inclined to interact with others, too.
Does this mean that your well-rested pals are social butterflies? Not entirely, as the study also suggests that someone who is otherwise well-rested may even feel lonely after a brief encounter with a sleep-deprived person. This, in turn, can potentially trigger a viral contagion of social isolation.
It’s a vicious cycle, as Dr Matthew Walker, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Berkeley, points out; “the less sleep you get, the less you want to socially interact. In turn, other people perceive you as more socially repulsive, further increasing the grave social-isolation impact of sleep loss.”
The latest thinking suggests that adults need somewhere between seven and nine hours sleep a night to properly recharge their batteries. If you think that a lack of sleep is affecting your social life, and you’re keen to stay socially active and make new friends, then it might be time to place more emphasis on the importance of sleep.
DON’T BE A RUBBISH REPLIER
There are two types of people in this world, those who reply to WhatsApp messages promptly and those who wake up in the middle of the night in a panic, realising they’ve neglected their inbox for weeks. Even for those of us who fall into the former category, it’s a familiar story; you screen a message, thinking we’ll reply later, only to remember a week down the line.
If you find yourself replying to every message with “so sorry, I’ve only just seen this”, then it’s time to make your rubbish replying a thing of the past.
Recall what it’s like when someone doesn’t reply to your message. Perhaps a sense of crippling anxiety comes over you. Or maybe the lack of response leaves you believing that the other person doesn’t like you? This, we’re sure, is something that you never intentionally set out to make someone else feel.
So how do you leave your bad replying gene behind you? Actively reply to messages. Allow yourself a set time each day to sit down and reply to everyone. If you’re really busy, acknowledge the message and tell them you’ll reply later. And remember to!
We all have a few bad habits, but most of us manage to keep them confines behind closed doors. But when you’re letting your bad habits become part of your public persona, it’s going to start putting friends off. Some bad social habits include…
Staring at your screen: When you’re with your friends, cherish the time you’re spending together, rather than being in contact with others via your phone. Kinda defeats the point of meeting up in person, don’t you think?
Being negative – No one wants to hang out with a Debbie Downer. End of.
Smoking – According to research back in 2007, 78% of smokers think that smoking is an ‘anti-social’ habit. There are, of course, others who think that social smoking is sociable, but that seems to be a diminishing group.
Most people don’t like smoking, it smells and causes bad breath, and the habit sees conversations at tables interrupted for those who need to go out for a puff then come back with the odour of cigarettes. If you’re slowly giving up, consider a vape, which can be more sociable; at least you won’t smell of smoke if you find the right one.
Being flakey: Cancelling plans leads to frayed relationships. To start with, don’t say yes to plans if your heart’s not in it, as you’ll most likely flake out of them at the last minute. This causes ruptures that are hard to heal.
BE A GOOD LISTENER & ASK QUESTIONS
One of the best ways of connecting with people is to practice active listening, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. In doing so, you’ll learn more about your friends, provide a supportive ear to someone’s problems, and invest in your relationships, nurturing understanding and compassion.
Matthias Mehl, PhD, the director of the Naturalistic Observation of Social Interaction explained to Good House Keeping that “Curiosity and empathy are two catalysts for meaningful social interactions”. We couldn’t agree more.
To help you become a better listener, try and practice ‘active listening’ which as Britsh Heart Foundation explains “can make your communication more effective and make the other person feel more valued. Some active listening steps recommended by BHF include not interrupting, not to plan what you’re going to say next as you can’t listen and prepare at the same time, not to impose opinions or solutions and by paraphrasing and summarising by starting a sentence with “Sounds like you are saying…””
PAY COMPLIMENTS TO PEOPLE
Compliments can boost a person’s self-esteem – for both giver and receiver! Indeed, when we pay a compliment, not only does it make the complimentee feel good, but it also amplifies our own self-confidence, too.
Yep, this one’s a virtuous, self-fulfilling circle, so set yourself a goal to compliment at least one person each day. Of course, you don’t want to be overly personal or effusive in your praise; this may come across as disingenuous or, worse, sleazy. Instead, be genuine, thoughtful and tactful with your compliments.
Spending quality time together is vital for relationships to flourish. Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, hosting a gathering at your house can be a great way to be sociable whilst also managing the agenda. Host a bi-monthly dinner party or brunch, with friends coming to visit and luxuriating in each other’s company and your great cooking! Learn how to become the hostess with the mostest here.
If you’re a more one-on-one kind of person, why not invite your friends over for dinner separately? As Elite Daily explains “hanging out with just one of your friends every once in awhile doesn’t mean you are rejecting the amazing feels the whole group gives you”, it simply allows you to form closer bonds with your friends as individuals which helps make your group dynamic works.
Being part of an engaged, active community gives us a sense of belonging and helps us give something back, too. So, consider volunteering for a local charity shop, donating your time to a homeless shelter, or picking up the shopping for those less fortunate. Check out the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) to find opportunities to engage with your local community today.
BECOME A LOCAL SOMEWHERE
Find a spot that you love, whether it be a cafe, cocktail bar, the ‘club’ at the gym, beauty salon or even a library, and give it your patronage regularly. In doing so, you’ll find like-minded people with whom you can share experiences with and form a new social circle.
And the good news is that scientists believe that becoming a regular is actually good for your health. Studies show that regular pub patrons are more likely to have close friends who they can “call for support”, and are happier and more trusting than those who don’t regularly visit their local watering hole.
Moreover, those who drop into their local regularly feel “more engaged with their wider community.” And we could all do with a bit of that right now, don’t you think?
DON’T SWEAT THE LITTLE THINGS
We don’t mean literally here; a little perspiration is natural, after all. But it’s so easy to get caught up in self image and what other people think of you. It’s also easy to worry that you did something embarrassing or said something wrong the last time you engaged with friends or family. Indeed, many of us feel pressure to be interesting, some also feel pressure to be positive, or look a certain way…
Instead, be yourself and embrace your individuality when socialising. This is the real side of you, and it’s also the most charming version!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Humans are social creatures, dependent on the validation, support and even occasional criticism of their peers for survival. Spending time with loved ones is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, helping you live a longer, happier life. So, the next time someone suggests stepping out of your comfort zone, say yes, with arms wide open. You won’t regret it!
If you’re someone who’s worn glasses for years, you’ll understand the struggle of finding a new pair. They’re your everyday essential accessory and it’s so important that they not only look good on you, but also protect your eyesight and help keep those lovely peepers of yours healthy.
Choosing the correct pair takes some serious foresight and a keen eye for detail and design if you’re to get this thing right. For one, the glasses frames need to suit your own unique style, showcase your personality, and sit comfortably on your face, as well, of course, holding lenses that facilitate you seeing well. Thanks to modern technology, you can now easily shop for prescription glasses online, matching them to your face effortlessly.
Offering a value collection alongside high-end designer frames, you can buy cheap glasses online and prescription glasses from SmartBuyGlasses, with frames starting from as little as £7.
The online store is easy to browse; the eyewear retailer offers something suitable for everyone, with glasses for women, men, kids and everything in between! If you’d like to make a statement in the office or find the perfect pair to match a new outfit, the company have a variety of fashionable frame styles to suit every occasion.
Often, it can be hard to envisage the eyeglasses on your face (particularly when buying online), but with these tips from SmartBuyGlasses, you’ll find buying glasses online has never been easier. Let’s take a closer look…
IDENTIFY YOUR FACE SHAPE
The first step to choosing the perfect glasses for you is to identify your face shape. This is crucial
as you need to understand what frame type best suits the beautifully unique lines, contours and angles of your face, in order to make the best selection.
With so many frame styles available, it can be pretty overwhelming to shop for glasses online, so this helps to narrow down the selection a little bit. For example, cat-eye frames can really suit an oval shaped face, while square shaped faces can look great in round or oval frames. If you have a round shaped face, classic rectangle frames could be right for you.
If you need more help, SmartBuyGlasses offers a useful frame shape guide and other style guides in their blog.
TRY GLASSES ON VIRTUALLY
Using the latest tech, SmartBuyGlasses virtual try-on feature allows you to virtually try on a pair of glasses all from the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is download the app and take a five-second selfie video from your desktop or mobile, by simply turning your head to the left and right (to give an accurate reading of your face shape) and you’re done!
The tool will virtually impose a pair of glasses frames onto your face so you can see if they suit you, there’s hundreds of frames to choose from. Take a quick selfie and try virtual glasses on…it’s kind of like using an online mirror, when you think about it.
GET YOUR PRESCRIPTION
You might’ve tried online alternatives to everyday tasks, like online doctor appointments and shopping for groceries – but did you know that you can also get your prescription glasses online? With SmartBuyGlasses, you can easily identify the prescription in your current glasses frames by using their new Prescription Lens Scanner.
If you’ve misplaced your prescription, or simply don’t have it to hand, all you need to do is download the SmartBuyGlasses Lens Scanner app to find out your prescription. It uses the latest technology to scan your current lenses and procure your prescription information…pretty cool, huh? Welcome to eyewear made easy, indeed.
So, you’ve picked your favourite pair of glasses, what next? Simply add the frames to your basket and choose which lenses you need.
To get the most out of your eyewear purchase, you can choose to add various coatings and tints allowing you to personalise the frames to your needs. Here, you have the option to choose from transition lenses, polarised lenses, mirrored lenses, and much more. If you’re often working in front of a digital screen, or like to game or watch TV in your spare time, you could try innovative blue light filter lenses, known as zFORT™.
These are designed to protect you from the harmful blue light that is emitted from our digital screens. SmartBuyGlasses also have a fantastic range of blue light blocking glasses available too, from high-end designer brands to more affordable frames.
Whatever your style, prescription or personal preferences, you’re bound to find a pair of glasses you not only like, but love. All frames come with a best price guarantee, 2-year warranty and 100 days to return. Happy shopping!
Here at IDEAL we’re suckers for seafood, especially fried squid. Give us a crisp cluster of calamari on a plate and we’re happy chappies. That said, there’s little more disappointing than a batch of tough, soggy calamari, but sadly, it’s the latter that seems to end up on the plate more than the former.
Yep, cooking calamari to perfection is surprisingly hard work. Luckily, we’ve done our research so you will never have to experience chewy, overcooked calamari again. From tiny squidlets fried whole (tentacles and all) to glorious golden rings of perfection, we’ve handpicked our favourite places to enjoy fried calamari in London.
BARRAFINA
Ideal for a true taste of Spanish chipirones
No list of the best calamari in London would be complete without mentioning the chipirones at Barrafina. Encased in a batter that gives a wonderfully pleasing crunch, the squeakingly fresh baby squid is tender and expertly cooked. You won’t find anywhere in London that cooks this Spanish speciality better.
It’s no secret that the squid at Dishoom is good. We can’t get enough of it. The calamari is perfectly fried to a light, golden crunch and hums with a drizzle of sweet housemade sauce which is perfectly offset with a spritz of lime. If you come here in a large group, order two portions – it goes fast.
There’s a lot of love out there for Busaba’s signature wok tossed calamari in ginger and green peppercorn sauce. Fans are so enamoured with it that there are countless attempts to recreate the recipe online. It’s one of the restaurants proudest dishes and they sell it by the truckload. We can see why. This sweetly spiced squid is addictive. There’s also a vegan men serving up ‘soymari’ which is prepared in the same way as the restaurants famous calamari.
With the second Hoppers outpost at St. Christopher’s Place came many good things. For one, you could make a reservation. Secondly, a little more elbow room. But most importantly, the menu had a new addition; hot, buttered, devilled chipirones. Woah there, you say, too many adjectives. But they are hot. Buttery. And devilishly spicy and delicious. So why not be verbose about it? We certainly are. Just delicious.
The fried squid at Roka is something else. Tiny and tender deep fried squid is seasoned to perfection with
togarashi and just a squeeze of lime. They come with a dark chili and shiso sauce sauce for dipping which adds an sweetness and another layer of flavour to the dish. T
HAKKASAN
Ideal for Michelin starred salt and pepper squid
Salt and pepper squid is a staple favourite at most Chinese restaurants. Not all salt and pepper squid dish was created equal, however, and Hakkasan’s is up there with the best we’ve ever had. Full of bold flavour, the quality of their salt and pepper squid is hard to fault. The price is, though; yours for £19.
Ideal for salt and pepper squid with fire and flare
Less pricey than Hakkasan, the salt and pepper squid at Dumplings and Bao (formerly On Cafe) is just as good. The chef brings extra flare to the dish with an array of flavour bombs; think Shaoxing wine, Szechuan pepper, sesame oil, curry leaves, lemongrass, red and green fresh chilli, and smoked sea salt.The end result – a depth of flavour that’s phenomenal.
The Calamari Fritti is not always on the menu at Miss Tapas, but when it is, we’re there. Their crispy calamari with homemade aioli is the stuff of dreams – as is the price of these suckers.
Perhaps you’ve decided to do your bit for the environment and have ditched your car in favour of your feet? Maybe you’ve repeatedly failed your driving test, and decided cars just aren’t for? Or, have you switched to an EV and are now charging yours in a new, public location?
There are many rhetorical reasons why you might have a garage space that’s unused, unloved and gathering dust. Instead of wasting this valuable space, why not declutter your garage and put it to good use? Once you remove the household junk, you can use your garage in many different ways, potentially adding value but certainly bringing comfort to your life. Here are 5 great ways to make the most out of your unused garage space.
HOME WINE BAR
We’re not talking about your average domestic bar found at the end of a middle-aged man’s garden, decorated in the colours of their favourite football team. We’re talking about a stylish and sophisticated space that channels London’s swanky wine bars. Think P. Franco, Flor, Quality Wines, Sager & Wilde, Bright and Noble Rot. These are the places our Monzo spending summaries reveal a shameful devotion to. Bring the same vibe to your unused garage space for you and your friends to enjoy.
There are certain characteristics and aesthetics of a great wine bar that are easy to pinpoint – those exposed brick walls, the subtle, flickering lighting, the empty bottles seemingly holding up a ceiling. Other elements are a little harder to define. Let us direct you to our article on how to create the IDEAL wine bar experience at home for more inspiration.
RECREATIONAL SPACE
At the end of a hard day, having your own space to retreat to can be heaven. Revamping the garage into a recreational space can help melt away the stresses of everyday life and get your creative juices flowing.
Whether it’s a games room, a home cinema or a place to practice meditation, the first thing you need to do is make the garage more comfortable. Depending on the type of garage you have, you may need to install drywall, set up electrical outlets and raise the floor. Replacing your existing door with an insulated garage door is key to maintaining the optimum temperature in your garage.
HOME GYM
It can be difficult when you feel like working out but the gym just isn’t accessible. In this instance, a home gym is a very welcome domestic addition indeed. The best home gyms allow you to tone your muscles, strengthen your body and increase your overall fitness.
Home gym equipment needn’t be expensive either. When it comes to the basics, all you really need is an exercise mat, resistance bands and a skipping rope. However, you can step it up a notch by adding a suspension trainer for a resistance workout, a set of kettlebells to build strength and an elliptical for cardio. Just make sure you put down an exercise mat to protect your floor (and your body) from damage.
If you work from home regularly, transforming your garage into a home office can help you strike a good balance between your home life and work. Rather than doubling one of your living spaces as an office, stepping into the garage will help create a clearer divide and encourage you to be more productive. Not to mention, at the end of the working day, it will feel much easier to properly down tools and switch off if you have to walk away and leave your work in the garage.
Garages typically don’t let a lot of natural light shine through, but installing a garage door with a window can help create a better work environment. Adding leafy green plants and creating layers of light with multiple lighting fixtures can also help to make it more comfortable.
INDOOR GARDEN
If you are lacking a garden but have an unused garage to play with, why not convert it into an indoor garden? From installing artificial light sources to going all out and adding windows to your garage, there are a few ways you can go about creating an indoor garden.
Besides light, you can create a greenhouse effect by hanging up some plastic sheeting and creating the right temperature using an external heat source.
Everyone knows that the key to a successful business is happy employees. It’s up to them to make the products work, to sell the company, and to keep the production line moving. Easier said than done, we realise, by here’s a start; our short guide to keeping your employees happy.
FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS
Since the beginning of the pandemic, businesses around the world have embraced flexible working arrangements which seemed inconceivable pre-COVID. Now, many employers recognise that it just makes good business sense to provide flexible working opportunities for their staff.
As Forbes reports, a recent study conducted inside a Fortune 500 company “found that employees who were placed on a flexibility program were both happier at work and less prone to burnout and psychological stress than their colleagues who were not on the program”.
Indeed, documented benefits of remote working include reduced time and expense commuting, better time management, improved morale and a decrease in tardiness. Since so many companies have now completed most of the groundwork in shifting their company to remote working, it would be folly to return to old practices once this thing’s all over.
This is among the best employee reward ideas because it encapsulates so many different elements that make workers happy. For one, it shows that you trust them to get the job done without micro-managing their every move.
In a post-pandemic world it’s essential that you cultivate a workplace atmosphere where wellbeing and positive mental health practices are placed at the forefront of everything you do.
As the BBC reports, “88% of companies in the United States are investing more in mental health. More than 80% are spending more on stress-management and resilience resources, and more than half of the companies surveyed are offering new mindfulness and meditation programmes”.
Responsible employers should have systems in place to encourage this focus on mental health. Guided meditation sessions, gym memberships, regular mental health awareness days, and a mentors and confidants system within the organisation are all great ways of nourishing a harmonious, healthy workplace.
Go further, and facilitate (and finance) any assessments, tests, and investigations that might be required. Employees who often get distracted might benefit from an adult ADHD assessment to help them understand the cause of their distractions and better manage their day-to-day tasks, whereas those who are keen to exercise more – both for its physical and mental health benefits – may well benefit from the company providing a gym membership as part of their contract.
This thing is multi-faceted, and those truly responsible employees approach the wellbeing of their staff in a holistic way.
SHOW APPRECIATION
Demonstrating appreciation for employees is fundamental to fostering a positive and motivated workforce. When employees feel valued and recognised for their hard work and contributions, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their roles. This sense of appreciation can nurture a culture of loyalty and morale, where employees are motivated to put forth their best efforts consistently.
Furthermore, regular acknowledgment of employees’ achievements and contributions can lead to increased job satisfaction, making staff feel that their work has purpose and impact within the company. You can easily get some employee recognition gift ideas from the web and start a program that will make everyone feel valued. This overall sense of value can significantly reduce turnover rates, as employees are more likely to stay with an employer who genuinely appreciates them.
Moreover, appreciation in the workplace can enhance team cohesion and collaboration. When employees feel appreciated, they are more likely to reciprocate respect and recognition to their colleagues, fostering an environment built on mutual respect. This atmosphere not only improves interpersonal relationships but also boosts overall productivity and creativity, as employees feel more comfortable sharing ideas and working together.
In addition, regular expressions of gratitude, whether through verbal acknowledgments, awards, or other incentives, can lead to a more positive and energetic workspace where stress levels are mitigated, and employees thrive. Therefore, appreciation is not just about acknowledging work done but also about building a supportive and thriving workplace culture.
CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Creating a culture of diversity and inclusion is essential for fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. A diverse environment enhances creativity and innovation, reflecting varied perspectives and experiences.
Start by implementing clear diversity and inclusion policies, outlining the company’s commitment and steps to promote inclusion. DEI programs in the workplace on unconscious bias and cultural competence can help employees understand the importance of diversity and how to foster an inclusive environment.
Encourage open dialogue through employee resource groups (ERGs), diversity councils, and town hall meetings. Review recruitment practices to ensure they attract a diverse pool of candidates, using diverse interview panels and unbiased job descriptions.
Mentorship programmes can support the career development of employees from diverse backgrounds, providing guidance and advocacy for their advancement. Regularly assess the effectiveness of diversity initiatives through employee surveys and diversity audits.
KEEP EQUIPMENT WELL MAINTAINED & LOOKED AFTER
Showing employee appreciation isn’t, as the team at Swag Bar sagely point out, only about doling out praise and the occasional bonus. Even more importantly, it’s about keeping equipment well maintained and looked after to help your employees feel safer on the shop floor. By getting equipment regularly checked and maintained, you can help ensure that your employees will be happy about the conditions within their workplace. Making sure that you have the right equipment is essential.
Using equipment that can increase production speed and efficiency will lead to increased productivity and morale. As the guys at Fluent Conveyors tell us, this is a win-win situation for both you and the people who work for you.
PROVIDE THOROUGH TRAINING & TOP-UP COURSES
It’s vital that as a responsible employer you continue to nurture any employee’s development, particularly with regard to mentoring. Providing thorough training and top-up courses can be another way to make sure that your employees are confident in their jobs. Whether you choose to complete the training in-house, or you decide to let your employees use software to get their qualifications remotely, providing relevant training can bring plenty of benefits to your business.
Not only does training attract talent, but it also encourages people to do a better job of the tasks they are given, as it makes them more organized and prepared to complete their roles. Top-up courses that update knowledge and certifications are likely to encourage employees to stay too with the company, which will help your business’s employee retention rates.
STAY ORGANISED & KEEP YOUR STAFF INFORMED
Staying organized and keeping staff informed can be a great way to make workplace communities stronger and keep people happier. It can help the overall flow of your business massively, too. The organisation is one of two key functions of running a business, and everything will fall apart without it.
Communication is the other key function. Communicating plans and features with your employees keeps them in the loop, meaning that they can work more efficiently on their own projects, without needing to think about other people. Conversely, bad communication can lead to uncertainty and hesitancy, which can only have a negative impact on your business.
THE BOTTOM LINE
When it comes to making your employees happier, you want to make sure that you have these key points ticked off. You need to make sure that they have the right tools and equipment available to them, provide thorough training as well as refresher courses, and keep your business organized and communications smooth. By doing this, you can make your employees happier, and therefore make your business better.
Motorhomes, campervans, RVs, – you say potato, I say, erm…slightly larger potato?
Whether you’re driving a larger motorhome, a smaller campervan, or you’re using the umbrella term RV (phew, that’s enough semantics for one day), you’ll need to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and properly equipped for long journeys of adventure. Because there’s no bigger buzzkill on a freewheelin’ road trip than being stuck at the side of the road for hours waiting for help.
Anyway, it needn’t have to end like that. There are so many motorhomes for sale, both new and used, that it can be hard to know where to find the most reliable model.
If you’re thinking about buying a new motorhome, VW, Ford, Fiat and Mercedes are reliable models and ideal for British Holiday. However, when it comes to secondhand models, as Paul from Classic Motor Home Owner points out, “How reliable a motorhome is really depends on how well it has been looked after in the past and how well it is being looked after right now.”
Best to give any potential RV a thorough once over before signing on the dotted line, then.
Regardless of whether yours is brand new or second hand, or whether you purchased it from a local specialist or via a multi dealer, it’s essential that you carry out maintenance checks before your departure. Here are some tips on checking your motorhome is reliable, IDEAL for ensuring a smooth road trip.
CHECK FOR SIGNS OF EXTERNAL DAMAGE, DEGRADATION & LEAKS
An RV, caravan or motorhome should be able to move, sure, but first and foremost, your vehicle should provide you with shelter. We all know that the risk of weather jeopardising a holiday in the Great British Outdoors is ever present, so it’s essential that you carry out some cursory checks on your vehicle’s roof, doors and body for signs of damage, degradation and the possibility of leaks.
Start by inspecting the roof for any leakage, with both an interior and exterior examination. You may well have to give it a good clean, removing grit, dirt and debris accumulated on previous excursions, but the entry point of a leak is almost always a broken seal or the motorhome’s skylight. Don’t ignore the rooftop HVAC systems, either.
Keep an eye out for black mold spots on the ceiling, doors, and windows of your motorhome, too. If you observe any apparent traces of damp, you should use a dehumidifier for a few hours…you don’t want your rest and relaxation disturbed by mold and damp, after all. Neither does your vehicle; these are issues that can lead to lasting, sometimes irreversible damage.
CHECK THE ELECTRICS, TOILETS & WATER SYSTEM
It’s also a good time to double-check all of the fixtures and installations inside your motorhome, such as the light bulbs and stovetop. Ensure that the electrics aren’t sparking, as this could indicate that they’ve been damaged and cause a fire hazard.
If the water supply has been switched off, reconnect the line. However, be sure that all taps are turned off before doing so. If your campervan or motorhome has been unoccupied for some time, flush the toilet (if you’re lucky enough to have one!) and turn on any faucets for a few minutes to allow both hot and cold water to pass through. This will allow water to flow freely through the RV and allow any airlocks to be released.
Tyres are one of the first things that you should look at prior to embarking on an adventure, especially if you haven’t driven your campervan for a while, as the pressure might have changed without your noticing.
With the considerable weight of such vehicles, the tyres of motorhomes and caravans are even more prone to wear and tear than cars. Because of the load of RVs (the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass is 3500 kg, or 3.5 tonnes) they need to withstand higher pressure, typically inflated to 80psi compared to 40 psi for a car.
First, test the pressure either with a home gauge or a pressure machine at a garage or petrol station, and add more if necessary. Then, look at the tread. If your tyres are noticeably bald, bulging or otherwise deformed, they need to be replaced as a matter of urgency. Currently, a motorhome below 3.5 tonnes should have a legal minimum tread of 1.6mm. It should be noted, however, that once that tread falls below 3mm, handling and braking will be significantly affected.
If you’re not yet tired of tyre talk, then check out our deep dive into wheel health for more tips and tricks.
TAKE A LOOK AT FLUID LEVELS
A quick look under the hood will tell you if you have enough oil, brake fluid and screen wash. If not, top up now before you start your journey. You should also check the anti-freeze mixture, since this tends to accumulate silt over time, impacting on the efficiency of the cooling components.
The engine oil, gearbox and differential also require a quick assessment; consider an update of oil before embarking on a road trip, particularly for the engine. Fluid perishes the rubber components within the system, so you should make sure you are regularly checking this, too.
Also be sure to inspect your fuel filter, making sure it’s clean; should the petrol have sat for a lengthy period, it could need changing. While you’re down there rooting around with your clipboard out, have a look for signs of unexplained fluid; there’s always a reason for it and, if left, it could get much worse.
CHECK & TEST YOUR BRAKES
Motorhomes usually come with two RV brake systems; hydraulic and air brake. You’ll need to check both visually, ensuring the cartridge used to absorb excess moisture isn’t damaged in the latter, and that the master cylinder’s fluid levels are topped up in the former.
The best assessment of any vehicle’s brakes, of course, comes from sitting in the driver’s seat, and the easiest way to test your brakes is by using them. Before moving off, press your foot down gently on the pedal; any sense of sponginess or of them being loose should alert you.
When you’re driving, pay attention to how well your campervan brakes, even trying an emergency stop in a quiet area; your RV should feel firm and pull up without veering drastically to one side or the other. You should also listen for any scraping or squeaking which could be signs that your pads are wearing out.
CHECK THE LIGHTS
Again, the best way to check your lights is to look at them. Park up, put the hazards and lights on and walk around your campervan to check each light, or ask someone else to help you. You could also use reflections in shop windows. If in doubt, stock up on some spare bulbs. We hope you have a fantastic road trip in your motorhome, campervan, RV, or whatever you want to call it!
Are your chips down and you’re in need of some edible ones? Done staking big and hungry for a big steak? Hoping to turn white meat into, erm, white meat? Or would you simply prefer to be eating squab rather than be mistaken for a pigeon?
Well, your luck just came in. Because the poker, blackjack and baccarat tables aren’t the only hot seats in the house. As any keen player will know, casinos across the world are as much temples of gastronomy as they are of gaming and you’ll find some incredible dining options in Vegas, Macau and beyond.
Today, we’re considering only the very best, where you can walk away from the floor with your winnings and be dining on caviar, truffles and the rest within minutes. With all that in mind, here are the best Michelin-starred casino restaurants in the world.
JOËL ROBUCHON AT MGM GRAND, LAS VEGAS
We’ve used a little poetic license here, admittedly, because Las Vegas hasn’t actually had a Michelin Guide printed for the past 12 years. In fact, the 2008 and 2009 editions were, curiously, the only time Michelin awarded stars in the city, with the financial crisis affecting tourism in Las Vegas and causing the demand for fine dining in the City of Sin to plummet.
In that 2009 guide, there were 17 stars awarded in total, with the late, great Joël Robuchon’s eponymous restaurant at the MGM Grand the only establishment gaining the coveted 3 stars. Though the Michelin Guide hasn’t returned to the city yet, Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand remains, and standards have only got higher in the decade that followed.
Prices, it has to be said, have risen in tandem; you’ll pay around $500 for a 16 course tasting menu of nominally French dishes. In reality, the super creative, technically bulletproof chef created a style all of his own during his illustrious career, and many view his MGM restaurant as the finest realisation of his vision.
The restaurant is open Thursday to Monday, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. With only twelve tables, booking well in advance is recommended.
RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY AT CAESARS PALACE, LAS VEGAS
Photo by Caesars Palace
We’ll stay in Vegas for now, and head just a mile north to Caesars Palace. Though the temperature might be pushing 40°C out there in the desert, you’re going to want to walk off those 16 courses to prepare yourself for the next round, as Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace boasts a similarly opulent menu.
A winner of 2 Michelin stars in the 2009 Las Vegas guide, the restaurant is designed to be a replica of the renowned chef’s Paris flagship, with the City of Light and the Neon Capital of the World sharing many of Savoy’s signature dishes. His iconic artichoke and black truffle soup is all present and correct here, and yours for just $75.
To really hammer home the kinship, Restaurant Guy Savoy overlooks Vegas’ famous half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. Sadly, the Las Vegas iteration isn’t half the price to match; a celebratory tasting menu will set you back $555. Hopefully, the angel number will bring you some luck back at the tables. Perhaps save this one for celebrating a big win.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
JADE DRAGON AT CITY OF DREAMS, MACAU
The Vegas of the East, as Macau is sometimes known, boasts one of the most revered restaurant scenes in the world, with all of its 17 Michelin starred restaurants within a five mile radius.
If you’re keen to experience Cantonese cuisine served with all the bells, whistles, pomp and tradition intact, then 3 Michelin starred Jade Dragon at City of Dreams is where you should head.
The setting is as illustrious as what arrives in your bespoke bamboo baskets, with a vaulted ceiling, original artworks and royal golds and silvers adorning the walls, upholstery and crockery.
The signature Peking Goose, all lacquered finish and skin which shatters like glass (in the best possible way) is a must order. Do be aware that you have to do so in advance. Should that level of foresight slip your mind, then fear not; their Iberico pork collar, grilled over lychee wood, is equally good.
For those looking to shake off the excesses of Macau’s less salubrious side, the signature seasonal healing soups and Peach Oolong tea will see you right. Interestingly, the Jade Dragon’s Dim Sum and tea pairing is particularly revered, and is a great choice for a light lunchtime treat. Prices are admirably reasonable for a restaurant of such repute; six poached lobster wontons, for instance, will set you back 108 HK$, the equivalent of a tenner.
Open every day, for lunch between 12 pm and 3 pm, and for dinner between 6 pm and 10:30 pm.
LE LOUIS XV – ALAIN DUCASSE AT L’HÔTEL DE PARIS, NEXT DOOR TO CASINO MONTE CARLO
Whilst we realise Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse doesn’t qualify as a casino restaurant per se, we just couldn’t leave this 3 Michelin starred paean to French haute cuisine off our list. Considering the equally iconic Casino Monte Carlo is just a two minute walk across Place du Casino away, we think Le Louis XV could be considered one. Sorry chef.
The first hotel restaurant to ever receive 3 Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse was just 33 years old when he was given that most prestigious of accolades. Now, chef Dominique Lory is at the pass, with his supremely light touch on the plate inspired by the restaurant’s position on the Côte d’Azur. Accordingly, there’s a six course, fish focused lunch menu celebrating the Riviera for €180, a relative snip considering a single course in the evening can set you back the same amount.
Le Louis XV is open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, between midday and 1:15 pm, and Thursday to Monday evenings, 7:30 pm to 21:15 pm.
WAKU GHIN BY TETSUYA WAKUDA AT MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE
The world’s most expensive city. An iconic casino, the Marina Bay Sands, which boasts one of the world’s largest Swarovski crystal chandeliers and was the world’s second most expensive to construct (the MGM Grand taking the crown). And finally, one of the world’s best Michelin starred casino restaurants, Waku Chin by Tetsuya Wakuda. What could possibly go wrong?
At the Blackjack table, plenty. But under the care of chef Wakuda at his 2 Michelin starred Teppanyaki-Omakase restaurant, you’ll be in very safe hands, indeed.
At Waku Chin, a tasting menu is served to 25 lucky guests in two sittings each night, at either 5 pm or 8 pm, with prices varying according to what’s in season and what’s arrived fresh to the restaurant that day. Rest assured; whatever you’re served, the food is always impeccable and often playful. The signature here – a cold pasta of Botan shrimp, French truffle, Murasaki uni and Oscietra Caviar – often opens the tasting menu and is sublime.
Chef Wakuda is also the only official ambassador of sake outside of Japan, so expect an incredible selection of premium bottles, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
A relatively new addition to Macau’s Michelin starred casino restaurant scene, Sichuan Moon at the luxury Wynn Palace is one of the most exciting new restaurants in the world.
The creation of acclaimed chef Andre Chiang, Sichuan Moon celebrates the super spicy, fragrant cuisine of China’s Sichuan region and currently is the only place on the planet to receive 2 Michelin stars doing so.
Menu highlights include an ultra-refined take on Dan Dan noodles served in a teapot (diners are encouraged to pull these symbols of longevity through its spout!) and an visually arresting version of Ma Po Tofu presented nestled in a bay leaf cup.
But if you think a 15 course tasting menu somewhat sells out on the soul of Sichuan food, fear not; chilli oil, preserved, fermented greens, hot and sour soups…lip service (numbed, naturally) is paid to tradition in every bite. Incredible!
Sichuan Moon is currently, though temporarily, closed until further notice, but we expect this groundbreaking restaurant to be back to its best in the coming months.
PACO RONCERO RESTAURANTE AT CASINO DE MADRID, MADRID
Something a little different to finish, and only the second European restaurant to feature on our best Michelin starred casino restaurants list.
Take the incredible 19th century staircase to the top floor of the Casino de Madrid, and you’ll find an exuberant, often mischievous dining room that reflects chef Paco Roncero’s playful take on the cuisine of Spain. An alumnus of El Bulli, expect that trademark interaction and theatrics across a multi course tasting menu that surprises and delights at every turn.
Tasting menus at the 2 Michelin starred Paco Roncero Restaurante are €165.
The restaurant is open for lunch (1:30 pm to 4:30 pm) Wednesday through Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday (8 pm to 11 pm).
Should you be planning on gambling during your visit to these casino restaurants, be sure to gamble responsibly. Be Gamble Aware offers confidential help for anyone who is worried about theirs or someone else’s gambling.
Can you imagine your day without a cup of fresh coffee? Oooh, don’t start…
Actually, we’re not sure we could start the day without one.
If you answered in the negative to that first question and you’re sailing in the same caffeine-soaked boat as us, then can we assume that you’re something of a coffee aficionado? That you know your arabica from your robusta, your cortado from your cappuccino, and your moka from your, erm, mocha?
That said, even connoisseurs can get complacent. If you’re tired of the same old cup of Joe and feel like you’re missing out on flavour, then a speciality coffee subscription service is a great way to expand your expertise in this fascinating field. It’s also an affordable way to experience some of the world’s best coffee each and every morning.
WHAT EXACTLY IS SPECIALITY COFFEE?
Speciality coffee refers to elite, high level coffee that passes all the required tests set by the Speciality Coffee Association, from the initial phase of seed plantation to the manufacturing of the final product.
Though definitions of speciality coffee do differ between the Speciality Coffee Association of America and the European Association, three minimum requirements form the backbone of the grading system:
The coffee should have been hand picked rather than via machine, with the former able to prioritise mature beans
The coffee must score 80 or above in the SCA’s 0 – 100 scoring system
The coffee must have a maximum of just 5 defects per 350 g
What’s more, the seeds have to be non-GMO, as well as unprocessed, to promise high quality from the beginning of the journey to your morning cup. Farmers need to have knowledge and experience to ensure proper plantation and soil quality, and this is usually achieved in special microclimates within the ‘Bean Belt’ between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where the climate is most suitable for coffee plants to flourish. Here, you’ll find some of the most highly regarded and prolific coffee producing countries in the world, like Vietnam, Guatemala, Kenya and Ethiopia.
SO, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF A SPECIALITY COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION?
Firstly, flavour. These speciality coffee subscription services offer the consumer the chance to taste varieties not available in local supermarkets or on the high street.
Secondly, discovery. A speciality coffee subscription often comes with samples included in the monthly order. Buyers are asked to complete a questionnaire when first ordering, creating a profile which describes their coffee preferences. Based on the profile, vendors send subscribers different samples to try, which they might later add to their profiles for a more permanent order.
Thirdly, education. Sometimes, subscribers will be sent a new coffee randomly, opening up a whole new world of delicious discovery. The package usually comes with a newsletter explaining the type they have chosen and its history.
Finally, savings. Some coffee clubs ask for set memberships in a three-month or six-month period, which come with greater savings on the offered products. Most subscription models offer frequent discounts to reward loyalty and longevity. The longer your subscription, the lower the product price. You may even be sent free coffee samples, which we can’t argue with!
WHAT ARE THE BEST SPECIALITY COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES IN THE UK?
We’re glad you asked…
BLUE COFFEE BOX
Working with 59 small batch, UK based speciality coffee roasters, Blue Coffee Box is the ideal coffee subscription choice for those keen to diversify their drinking experience.
Each monthly delivery contains a 227g bag of the good stuff, starting at £7.49. Or, you can order a box of two 227g bags, starting at £14.99. For reference, a single cup of coffee brewed in a cafetiere uses around 7 grams of coffee – 227 grams should get you around 30 cups.
Just choose your preferred roast, grind and coffee drinking schedule, and the team will do the rest, randomly selecting new, speciality coffees with a focus very much on discovery of new roasts and blends. .
As well as fitting neatly through the letterbox, Blue Coffee Box’s deliveries are completely plastic free, which is really reassuring.
SQUARE MILE ROASTERS
London based Square Mile Roasters know a thing or two about a cup of java; they supply coffee to many of London’s best independent cafes.
But it’s their speciality coffee subscriptions that we’re interested in today. Available in weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or every 3, 6 or 12 months subscriptions (with discounts on those larger commitments), Square Mile presents their offering as akin to a ‘travelogue’, with exploration of flavour from the comfort of home on offer with every order.
Choose from filter or espresso, 350g (for single/couple’s use) or 1kg (for families), and frequency of delivery, Square Mile roast your beans to order each and every time, ensuring freshness.
A weekly delivery of 350g costs £14 per delivery. For reference, a single cup of coffee brewed in a cafetiere uses around 7 grams of coffee – 350 grams should get you around 50 cups.
PERKY BLENDERS SPECIALITY COFFEE
Whether you’re amused or irritated by the name here, Perky Blenders coffee shouldn’t be dismissed as a company based on an elaborate pun. Oh no; the coffee on offer here is superb.
Giving you the choice of six speciality blends, delivered every week, fortnight, 3, 4, or 6 weeks, a single 200g bag delivery here costs £6.50. Larger sizes are also available, with reductions on bigger orders – 1kg will set you back £30, for instance.
Each month the Perky Blenders team adds a new coffee to their roster via a ‘Coffee of the Month’ option, with their subscription model offering you the chance to try a different coffee every month if you’re keen on discovering new flavours from around the world. You’ll also receive tasting notes and information on the producers involved; a nice touch for coffee explorers.
Speaking of which, Perky Blenders also offer an ‘Explorer Pack’; a one off delivery of three exciting speciality blends for you to try. Yours for £19.50.
You can even personalise a Perky Blenders bag with 20 characters of your own choosing, making this the perfect Christmas gift (yep, we dropped the C bomb).
With coffees roasted and blended to order at their North London roastery, Caravan Coffee Roasters are all about freshness and flavour.
Each bag of ‘Roaster’s Choice’ (selected depending on seasonality rather than fashion or fad) coffee comes with its own unique set of tasting notes and a brewing guide, with the subscriber able to choose between 250g or 1kg, whole or ground, espresso or filter, and every week, two weeks or monthly – all for £9.45 or £34.20 a bag.
With so much choice on offer from some of our other speciality coffee subscription favourites, this simplicity is kind of refreshing. Being a member also gives you access to discounts at some of their London cafes, including in Fitzrovia, Exmouth Market and even at the Savoy Hotel.
RAVE COFFEE
If that sort of simplicity sounds appealing to you, then Rave Coffee have streamlined their subscription model even further. The company delivers monthly, sending a different 250g bag of coffee for you to try, all for £7.95. All you have to think about is whether you need beans or ground for a cafetiere, espresso machine or filtertop, and how many 250g bags you need. That’s it!
Quarantini, anyone? Following 18 months of on/off lockdowns and plenty of downtime spent indoors, many Brits have gotten rather skilled at creating carefully crafted cocktails, in lieu of our favourite bars being open and to prevent cabin fever setting in.
But just because restrictions have largely been lifted shouldn’t mean that you stop honing that newly minted mixologist prowess (hey, they did say everyone should learn a new skill during lockdown, right?). Instead, why not diversify your domestic drink mixing game with some fantastic vegan cocktails?
Indeed, some mixers and tonics are unsuitable for a vegan diet, so we’ve decided to create a 2021 vegan cocktail recipe guide using high-quality mixers that boost flavours, but with none of the animal products thrown in.
That’s right; whether it’s egg white in your Amaretto Sour, cream in your White Russian, Worcestershire Sauce in your Bloody Mary, ester gum in your soda or cochineal in your Campari, many common cocktail ingredients aren’t actually suitable for vegans.
With the number of vegans jumping by 40 per cent last year, and with more people opting for a plant-based or flexitarian diet, it’s nice to have vegan options where possible if you’re keen to be an accommodating, attentive host.
With summer coming to an end, let’s see the season out in style with these 5 boozy, end of summer vegan cocktails to try today.
REFRESHING GRAPEFRUIT PALOMA
Grapefruit can be an acquired taste, but in a cocktail, it is refreshing and light with a little fizz – perfect for these hazy, lazy last days of summer and a rather sunny September.
Mixing this drink also creates a beautiful light pink hue that looks brilliant in the sun. Similar to a margarita cocktail, the paloma is a popular drink in Mexico.
Run a wedge of grapefruit around the rim of a margarita glass and then dip the glass in salt. Fill the glass with ice to keep it cool.
Mix and stir the grapefruit juice with the sugar and then add the juice and tequila to a cocktail shaker filled half with ice. Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously.
Pour into the margarita glass and top off with Fentimans soda water to taste. Stir and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Strawberry lemonade
Full of fruity flavours and with the perfect kick of alcohol, this cocktail might go down just a little bit too easily. The Fentimans Victorian Lemonade has the juice of one and a half lemons in each bottle and is botanically brewed for a unique kick – it is certainly more than just your typical lemonade, which makes this drink extra special.
Muddle the strawberries in the sugar syrup. Then, add mint and vodka, and stir.
Add ice and top up with Fentimans Victorian Lemonade. Garnish with mint, lemon, and strawberries.
If you want a smooth sip rather than one with bits in, shake all the ingredients apart from the lemonade in a cocktail shaker and strain into the glass.
Indian summer cup
Having a few people over? Impress them with this aromatic, sweet cocktail that they can help themselves to. Packed with a riot of different flavours but perfectly balanced, this drink is sure to get the party started.
Ingredients:
1 litre bottle London dry gin
1 litre bottle of vegan-friendly sweet vermouth
240ml elderflower liqueur
240ml peach liqueur
710ml lemon syrup
460ml apple juice
1000ml chilled vegan tonic water
460ml chilled vegan sparkling water
Ice
1 sliced green apple
2 sliced peaches
6 long and thin cucumber slices
30g torn mint leaves
Method:
In a large bowl, combine the gin, vermouth, elderflower, peach liqueurs, lemon syrup, and apple juice. Refrigerate for about four hours until it is chilled.
When chilled, stir in the tonic water and sparkling water.
Add ice and garnish with the apple, peaches, cucumber, and mint leaves.
Black cherry bourbon cola
Sweet, simple and a real crowd-pleaser, it’s well known that cola and cherries go well together. Just add bourbon and you’ve created the perfect sundowner style drink for enjoying as dusk falls. If cola makes the whole thing a little too sweet for you, ginger beer or soda water are a more than viable stand-in to change up the flavours.
Ingredients:
30ml bourbon
15ml cherry brandy
3 black cherries, pitted
1/4 a lime, juiced (and optional wedge to garnish with)
Chilled Cola
Vegan ginger beer and vegan soda water, optional
Method:
Muddle the cherries and then mix in a cocktail shaker with the cherries, bourbon, brandy, lime juice, and ice.
Strain the cocktail over a glass with ice in.
Top up with cola (and ginger beer and soda water, if desired, to taste) and serve with a wedge of lime.
Raspberry mojito
Everyone loves a mojito, and the best thing about this recipe is that you can simply change the fruit for different flavours in accordance with the seasons – right now, blackberries and figs are both abundant and oh-so delicious!
Easy to drink and super refreshing, this cocktail is one of the easiest to make.
Ingredients:
60ml white rum
Vegan soda water
5 raspberries
1 lime, freshly squeezed
1 tsp sugar
Small handful of mint leaves
Ice
Method:
Muddle the raspberries, mint, and sugar together in the juice that you have freshly squeezed from the lime.
Pour the cocktail over ice into a tall glass.
Add the rum while stirring with a spoon. Top up with soda water to taste and serve with mint.
Celebrate the end of summer right with our vegan cocktail recipes, using the finest mixers and tonic that complement the spirits and give them a kick of flavour.
There comes a time in every person’s life when it dawns on them; they just feel tired, all the time. Usually, it’s a realisation that hits while you’re staring deep into the mirror, looking for meaning, answers or both. At some point, those visible signs of too many late nights, early mornings, beers, burgers and boisterous brats bouncing on the bed at 5 am become all too patent to ignore.
Fortunately, the modern world offers as many solutions to looking tired as it does causes of being, well, tired. With that in mind, here’s how to look fresh, even when you’re exhausted.
FIRST, DO ALL YOU CAN TO SLEEP BETTER
Prevention is better than cure, as they say, and this precept has never been more pertinent than when considering how bloody exhausted we all look.
So, before you consider the best ways to cover up those bloodshot eyes or hide the bags under them, it’s first essential you do everything you can to improve the quality and duration of your sleep.
We realise that time is tight and you could be using these fleeting moments to catch a quick nap (actually, don’t; it won’t help with your sleep at all), so we won’t pontificate. Instead, check out this article on the best ways to improve your circadian rhythm and sleeping patterns when you find a few minutes spare.
USE TWO PILLOWS
Whilst we’re on the subject of our beds, if you’re a side sleeper, then it’s recommended that you should be using two pillows to keep your neck and spine supported while you sleep. But did you know that by adding an extra pillow, you’ll help reduce puffiness in your face and around the eyes? The steeper angle makes it easier for any retained water to drain away.
Should you be a stomach sleeper, it’s generally recommended that you use a flatter pillow and prop your forehead up with a smaller second one.
Good eye cream is one of the best investments you can make if you’re concerned about the onset of a certain worn out aesthetic that you just can’t shift. The right one will keep your eyes looking smoother and clearer, even when you’ve been burning the midnight oil. Look for ingredients like peptides and ceramides, which have skin renewal and anti-ageing properties.
FREEZE SOME SPOONS
Excuse me? Freeze some spoons? Hear us out…
Tiredness is almost always given away by your eyes, with dark circles, bags and puffiness leaving you looking exhausted even when you were tucked up in bed by ten the previous evening. While a great eye mask is good for this, you can also use the frozen spoons trick.
Keep two spoons in your freezer. Simply take them out when your eyes are looking particularly tired and use the back of them on your eye area to reduce puffiness and tighten the skin. Trust us; it works!
GET PEACHEY
No, we’re not talking about the fruit (although they’re good for you, too) but rather, a peach-toned skin primer and concealer, which is every make-up artist’s number one secret weapon.
The tone will neutralise the dark circles under your eyes and any blotchy skin areas. Once your foundation or tinted moisturiser has been applied, you’ll look radiant.
To address those purple shadows, do bear in mind that lighter peach hues are better suited to light and medium complexions, while deeper peach shades and tones that verge on orange tend to work better on darker skin.
FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT
You might not be someone who likes to wear makeup or you might prefer a more natural appearance. Fear not; there are still ways to address that worn out look.
Your go-to product here is CC cream. It’s a bit like a tinted moisturiser, but can work magic on any skin type, leaving it beautifully hydrated and dewy, and with a subtle hint of colour to even out your skin tone.
DRINK YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN
Water is nature’s ultimate tonic, and one of the best ways to look better from the inside out. Being well-hydrated can make you look and feel more alert, flush out toxins from your body and plump up your skin. Drink a few glasses of water in the morning before you reach for the caffeine and keep your levels up through the day for best results.
EYE DROPS
When you’re tired, your eyes may feel gritty, uncomfortable and maybe even a little bloodshot. Have some eye drops on standby in your fridge to brighten up your peepers whenever you need to. If you don’t like putting drops in your eyes, there are some brands available which you simply spray on a closed eye, and your natural blinking action will distribute it around your eyes gently and evenly.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Even if you’re not feeling your best, you can still look as fresh as a daisy with a few handy products and timeless tricks. And hey, if you’re keen to attack the morning with a proper sense of vigour rather than spend it covering up the previous night’s ills, then check out these 8 expert-approved ways to become a morning person.
What was once ‘unprecedented’ is now the new normal; over the past eighteen months, working from home has been assimilated globally by businesses big and small.
We’ve witnessed (over conference call, of course) an increasing number of companies around the world helping their employees get set up in a home office to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and keep everybody safe.
And while the world is beginning to return to normal, with it looking likely that office work might be on the cards again for many, some companies have begun to realise the benefits of remote work far outweigh those of forcing staff to attend a central office.
If you are planning to remain a remote worker or are switching to a hybrid model of working, with some time spent at home and some in the office, then setting up a home office conducive to stress-free video calling is a must.
Indeed, while we’ve all enjoyed the amusing memes and hilarious videos of home workers getting interrupted mid-call by their curious cats or cute children, in reality, a buffering connection, unflattering camera angle or those admitedly funny interruptions can cause real headaches when trying to get work done.
With that in mind, here’s how to set up your home office for stress free video chats.
INVEST IN QUALITY TECH
There’s nothing worse than being on a video call with somebody who can barely see or hear you. No great deal was ever struck in such an instance. Neither did a perfect pitch get delivered or innovation take flight when the technology kept failing.
If you’ve been feeling increasingly frustrated with the built-in webcam on your laptop, or poor sound quality is getting in the way of communication with your team while you’re working from home, then it’s worth investing in some better-quality tech to use for video calling and conferencing.
Consider using a seperate webcam – which reliably provides a better quality of image and speed of processing – instead of the built-in version. When paired with an investment in a headset with a microphone to keep the sound quality up to scratch, your video calls, from a technological perspective at least, are going to run far more smoothly!
GET ERGONOMIC FURNITURE
The comfort of your home office will directly impact your video calls and how stressful (or stress free) they are to complete. If you are uncomfortable and need to crane your neck to see the screen or make sure that others can see you, then chances are you’re only going to end video calls feeling stiff and in pain. Let’s be blunt here; ongoing posture issues aren’t going to do anything for your productivity levels.
Investing in ergonomic office furniture is a must for anybody who’s working from home right now. An office chair that offers lumbar support, for example, will make all the difference to how you feel during those lengthy video calls when compared to sitting on a regular chair from your kitchen.
It might also be worth investing in other ergonomic tech like an adjustable monitor, which you can place at the correct eye-level, and an ergonomic mouse that provides wrist support for an even better experience. All of these simple office design hacks can add to a reduction in stress in the workplace, whether that’s at home or in a central office space.
UPDATE THE LIGHTING
The lighting can make or break your video calls, and if you’ve found that others struggle to see you when you’re appearing on a call, or that the light is too bright and leaving you looking washed out on screen, the good news is that there are a few simple steps that you can take to get better lighting which addresses the problem.
Firstly, make sure that the light is in front of you and behind the webcam rather than behind you. Wherever possible, use natural lighting from a window, or strategically placed lamps or ring lights if you need to.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Setting up your home office for a comfortable, stress-free video calling experience is an important part of getting ready for full-time working from home, and can help you increase your productivity and job satisfaction.
Increasingly, drivers are switching to electric vehicles rather than using petrol-powered cars, as they are better for the environment and require less maintenance to run. On top of that, government legislation suggests that by 2030, all new cars will have to be electric, indicating a phasing out of traditionally powered vehicles.
In fact, right now, nearly a quarter of all new car sales are electric. Will you be adding to that figure soon? If you are planning to, then it’s important to be aware that any electric vehicles have their own unique maintenance needs, and require special attention if you want them to function at their best and minimise your risk of dangerous driving or breakdowns.
Since electric cars have far fewer moving parts, there’s a lot less upkeep to be concerned with. While you might not need to worry about checking and changing engine oil and other time-consuming car maintenance tasks, you will need to make sure you’re looking after your EVs battery, brakes and tyres, as well as keeping it clean and tidy. Here are some top tips on how to ensure your electric vehicle’s battery lasts.
PURCHASE SPARE CHARGER CABLES
When you get your EV it will come with a charger cable for you to use, but it’s always smart to get some extra ones as spares if your main cable gets lost or damaged. You can find these from various EV retailers, or shop for EV Charging Cables online. You should be able to find numerous, reliable retailers who can sell you the right cable for your EV model, meaning there will never be hiccups concerning faulty or lost cables.
PARK IN THE SHADE
If you want your EVs battery to last, make sure you’re avoiding leaving it in high temperatures for an extended period. Try to park it in shady areas if you can, in a multi-storey car park or garage at home, if you have one.
This is recommended as high levels of heat can affect the lithium battery, potentially damaging it irrevocably It might make it difficult for your car to start, too. The same is true if you leave your car out in freezing temperatures during the winter months; try to keep it protected from the elements and the temperature fairly consistent.
DON’T OVERCHARGE THE BATTERY
It might be tempting to leave your car on charge overnight or until it reaches full charge, but unless you are going on a long journey, it’s best to avoid doing this. Instead, figure out how much of your battery power is used for your commute to work, or whatever you use your EV for during your regular daily routine. Only charge it for as much (or a little extra) as you’ll need. If you leave it to fully charge all of the time, the battery will degrade quicker.
This is another thing that might be tempting but can be detrimental for your battery long-term. Unless you need to charge your EV battery quickly due to an emergency or you need to make a journey last-minute and don’t have enough charge, don’t use the fast charge option. Just let your battery charge slowly so it doesn’t wear out too soon.
GO FOR REGULAR, SHORT DRIVES
People are encouraged not to drive short distances or too often when using petrol, but luckily an EV isn’t going to have the same negative impact on the environment, so you can do this. It is good for your EV to take it on regular short drives to keep it running smoothly.
If you are thinking of getting an EV or have just purchased one, use these tips to help you look after the battery and for a more enjoyable driving experience.
