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GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY: 6 IDEAL RECYCLING HEROS

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY: 6 IDEAL RECYCLING HEROS

And what you can do to make the planet greener and cleaner.

Plastic pollution is destroying the planet. As government and media shine a light on the issue, global awareness is rising, with initiatives such as Global Recycling Day, which falls this year on Saturday March 21st, leading change. The day invites participants to ‘Read’ about innovation in recycling, to ‘Learn’ about recycling heroes, and to ‘Do’ what you can to recycle more.

With reading, learning and doing very much in mind, we’ve teamed up with Waterlogic, who are looking to reverse the tidal wave of plastic through responsible practices, to bring you these; our 6 IDEAL recycling heroes and what you can do to make the planet greener and cleaner.

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

Activists from across the world, known as Recycling Heroes, are urging governments and organisations to act now to tackle the climate emergency, with raising awareness of the importance of recycling as their key focus. The popular documentary Blue Planet has helped turn the tide on plastic pollution. Since it first aired, consumer goods companies have been compelled to become more green, introducing a wave of initiatives to counter pollution following what’s become known as the ‘Blue Planet Effect’. Big Business have had their hand forced; 88% of consumers who have seen the program admit they’ve cut the volume of plastics they consume as a result of what they saw. And continuing to vote with your wallet will push further welcome change.

The Blue Planet Effect has now become part of a wider media drive to push global awareness of plastic pollution. Finally, sustainable attitudes are prevailing. A host of leading brands, retailers, and packaging companies have pledged to work towards 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025: a fact that surely makes David Attenborough a Recycling Hero as he has pushed businesses throughout the UK — including Ecover, Marks & Spencer and L’Oréal — to be eco-friendlier.

THE CITIES OF SAN FRANCISCO & SALFORD

The undisputed Queen of recycling cities, San Francisco has spent a decade implementing policies to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill. These include improved public waste management alongside advice to citizens over how to discard items. Since 2013, the city has managed to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill by 80%; amazing. 

In the UK, Brighton is leading the recycling charge, and is consistently named as Europe’s most sustainable city. Interestingly, in recent days the famously green seaside town was usurped in its title by Salford, which is now the ‘greenest place to live in England and Wales’, with more energy efficient homes and the lowest co2 emissions around.

OFFICEWORKS

Australia’s largest supplier of office and stationery products has launched a grassroots initiative called Restoring Australia which looks to redress the environmental balance in the country. It aims to plant two trees for every tree felled, using the weight of products sold by the company as the basis for calculations. Restoring Australia has partnered with Greening Australia for the work and has already helped restore degraded landscapes, rejuvenate bushland, and improve habitats for wildlife.

GRETA THUNBERG

Perhaps the most famous recycling hero of her generation, Greta Thunberg is an icon spearheading change as she pushes countries, governments and organisations to act more sustainably, as well as triggering a whole host of reactionary snowflakes in the process. You go Greta! 

Greta’s movement started in August 2018 as school children took a day off to strike outside the Swedish parliament. Her local stance evolved into a worldwide event known as Fridays For Future, with her influence — called ‘The Greta Effect’ — now commanding change on a global scale.

COLDPLAY

Though Chris Martin is much maligned for his Pyramid Stage ubiquity, his green credentials can’t be denied. Indeed, British band Coldplay have put plans to tour their latest album on-hold as they’re concerned about the environmental impact of their concerts. The band has pledged to review how they can make their tours more sustainable and have chosen to broadcast tours for free via platforms like YouTube in place of staging live events. 

AB INBEV

The world’s largest brewer wants to ensure 100% of its packaging is either returnable or made from recycled content by 2025; vital targets which many governments globally could learn from. They are working towards the milestone by working with suppliers to increase the recycling content used across their supply chain. AB InBev started with a 46% baseline rate but believes they are on track to meet their ambitions. 

If you know of another Recycling Hero who deserves global recognition, you can nominate your #RecyclingHeroes on the Global Recycling Day website. Alternatively, check out our tips on the 6 IDEAL ways you can play your part in saving the environment, and make small adjustments to your every day which can have big results on the future of the planet.

6 IDEAL STOPS ON YOUR FOOD CRAWL OF SAN FRANCISCO

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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6 IDEAL STOPS ON YOUR FOOD CRAWL OF SAN FRANCISCO

When it comes to food options, the City has it all. From Mission burritos and tamales to seafood and the famous San Francisco sourdough, the sheer diversity of cuisine here will have even the pickiest eater satisfied.

This makes San Francisco an exciting place to be when it comes to food crawls. Food what, we hear you ask? Well, much like the vaunted pub crawls of uni-yesteryear, the foodie version follows a similar path, just without the wearing of a traffic cone at the end of it. You simply select a handful of great restaurants, cafes, bakers and food trucks, stop off and overindulge. Sounds like heaven!

San Francisco is the perfect place for such an adventure, with so many eateries serving the city with quick, convenient bites. Perhaps the best way to go food crawling around the city with your group would be to opt for a San Francisco minibus or mini coach bus rental, depending on the size of your squad. In doing so, you can enjoy a few libations en route, and not worry about the inevitable food coma causing irresponsible driving. With that in mind, here are 6 IDEAL stops on your food crawl of San Francisco.

ANCHOR BREWING 

If you’re someone who loves their beer, then you’ll probably know that the West Coast of America has gone through something of a craft beer revolution in recent years, with microbreweries doing batches of the good stuff from San Diego to Portland and beyond. While in San Francisco, make sure to try out the iconic Anchor Steam Beer at Anchor Brewing to wet (yep, not whet) your appetite. If you’re after a pick me up not depressant, then head a quarter of an hour north; the coffee at Buena Vista Café on Hyde Street is superb. Their Irish Coffee is that alchemy of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and whipped cream which is something to be cherished. 

BOUDIN SOURDOUGH

Most of the city’s ‘must visit’ dining spots are, well, just that; packed with visitors looking to tick boxes, and as such, tend to be little soulless and underwhelming. The exception, we think, is the Boudin Bakery chain, as well as Boudin Bistro, found on 160 Jefferson Street, Fisherman’s Wharf. The baker brand is ubiquitous with San Francisco, and makes a rightful claim to being both the city’s oldest business still in operation and perhaps more impressively, to baking the original San Francisco sourdough, a loaf which forms part of the fabric of the city. 

Visit one of their bakeries in the area or head to Boudin Bistro for a clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl; there really couldn’t be anything more San Franciscan than that. 

MISSION BURRITO

Another must try worth actually trying is the Mission Burrito from the Mission District, another San Francisco classic beloved of a city which has a strong Latin American community and as such, superb food from south of the border. This burrito is huge, filled with rice, salsa and guacamole, amongst other things. The taqueria which can lay claim to doing the best version is a source of huge debate in the city. For what it’s worth, we’re huge fans of Taqueria El Castillito on 2092 Mission Street, who do a damn fine burrito and  some of the best tacos in the Bay Area, too. That’s all we’re saying.

TARTINE MANUFACTORY

Hey, we hope you’re not full yet; this thing is only just getting started. Another place to get fed is the Tartine Manufactory on Alabama Street. It has a bakery, a restaurant, bar and coffee shop! Good for everything that ails you, then. You can try out the sweet pastries and a wide variety of sandwiches made with that ubiquitous San Francisco bread that’s taken over the world.

ALIOTO’S, FISHERMAN’S WHARF

If you love seafood, you need to be at Fisherman’s Wharf, in amongst the action, shells and claws. Try out Cioppino – a seafood stew at Alioto’s which boasts saline depth and bursts with flavour extracted from the shells of many an ocean based beast. While you’re at the Wharf, don’t miss out on the oysters from Fog Harbour Fish House. All of this seafood is locally sourced and spanking fresh, and that’s all you can ask for from your fish restaurants, right?

YANK SING, CHINATOWN

Your San Francisco food crawl wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the biggest Chinatown in the world outside of the motherland. So, finish up with some dim sum in here, and perhaps some noodles, buns and more. There are a plethora of great restaurants here to choose from, so follow your nose and stomach, but it’s compulsory at some stage to try the Xiao Long Bao from Yank Sing; an absolute SF classic.

And after all that eating, we hope you’ve got room to report back to us on what your favourite foodie treat was? Good luck and bon appetitie!

5 IDEAL ACCESSORIES TO IMPRESS YOUR LUXURY BUSINESS CLIENTS

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL ACCESSORIES TO IMPRESS YOUR LUXURY BUSINESS CLIENTS

Impressing business clients who work in the ‘luxury’ sector, or those who simply have a refined sense of style, can be tough. You don’t want to overdo it, look like you’re trying too hard or that you’ve overthought things. On the flipside, rock up to a meeting looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed, and be prepared to affront. It’s all about striking the right balance of effortless cool and subtle swag, with the right adornments to complete the look…’what, this old thing?’. You get the picture, now paint it with these; our 5 IDEAL accessories to impress your luxury business clients.

A LUXURY WATCH

You’ve probably heard many devoted watch wearers declare that they feel ‘naked without’ their timepiece. Such a statement carries huge insight into the function of the modern-day watch; not worn for functionality – you have a phone for that, of course – but as a carrier of aesthetic value and ultimately, status. It’s true – a watch is as much an expression of personality and preference than it is an item to track ticks, telling just as much about the person’s sense of style and subtlety as it does the time. 

And a ‘luxury’ watch, perfect for impressing business clients, certainly shouldn’t be the gaudiest wrist candy you can find. That would have the opposite effect. Nope, something sleek and understated, like these watches from Oris at CHRONEXT, will make a far more lasting impact. You don’t want to dazzle and blind, rather twinkle with just a suggestion of that swagger lurking beneath your cuff.

BESPOKE BUSINESS CARDS

Does anyone actually use those anymore? If you’re asking this question, then you’ve completely missed the point of the modern-day business card. Of course, it’s not actually used these days to give your contact details in a manageable format. Rather, it’s all in the exchange; the giving and receiving of respect, the planting of a flag in the client’s mind, and the opportunity to stand out far beyond the memorability or ‘lucky’ association of your digits.

By handing over a bespoke business card with unique design, or better still, one that appeals to tactile concerns by using an uncommon material, it shows you value the finer details. Think raised lettering on a pale nimbus white background. In the eyes of the client, this care for the smaller elements bodes well for future transactions.

A FOUNTAIN PEN

You need to write down a date or detail a document, and you whip out a leaking BIC with shattered plastic…well, it’s just not a good look, now is it? Give it the old ‘John Hancock’ with a fountain pen which catches the light just right as you unsheath it and write with an undefinable elegance, and clients will be impressed. Don Draper wasn’t sipping whisky on the rocks and signing cheques with a blunt pencil, now was he? Indeed, they don’t call them ‘executive pens’ for nothing.

A REFINED LAPTOP BAG 

Laptop bags were for many years reliably, resolutely clumsy looking, prone to dust and disformity. Fortunately, the catwalk has caught on, and their ubiquity can now be considered a fashion accessory in its own right. Indeed, a stylish, refined laptop bag or dedicated tote can bring that sense of a professional moving with purpose, without looking too stuffy or formal.

Alternatively, for a more casual but no less stylish way to carry your laptop and other documents, the fashionistas at Stride Wise recommend a leather backpack or satchel. We think they might be on to something.

A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

Plastic water bottles carry so much weight now, indicative of climate change denying boomers and the wilfully ignorant. Though the investment is minimal, the message is clear; by carrying a reusable water bottle, you are an active member of conscientious, well-hydrated society. This image holds a lot of sway in the newly caring corporate world.

Fortunately, for those with only aesthetic concerns in mind, reusable water bottles are now being designed to look super cool, with ceramic models in matte finishes becoming a celebrity accessory in recent years. 

So, you’ve accessorised without being overly showy, and you’re going to breeze into your next luxury business client meeting with the confidence of someone who understands the value of understatement. Don’t forget us when you get that promotion, hey?

5 OF THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY SKIING HOLIDAYS IN EASTERN EUROPE

Editorial Team
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5 OF THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY SKIING HOLIDAYS IN EASTERN EUROPE

Ideal for those looking to slash the costs of overpriced holidays on the slopes. 

Even accomplished skiiers will know the paper shredding capacity of a week on the slopes. Indeed, a holiday for a family of four hitting the Swiss Alps in peak season could cost up to £9,500 for a week according to research from M&S Bank. Inclusive holiday this ain’t. 

Actually, that’s not strictly true. Skiing shouldn’t be a pastime reserved for the rich and fortunately, Eastern Europe boasts affordable destinations perfect for some silliness on the slopes. Get more bang for your buck by avoiding the alps altogether and without compromising on your skiing experience, with these 5 of the best budget-friendly skiing holidays in Eastern Europe.

BANSKO, BULGARIA  

Contrary to the spend heavy connotations of the name, the Bulgarian town of Bansko constantly tops lists as the cheapest ski resort in Europe. But such an accolade shouldn’t carry any negative assumptions; Bansko has loads going on; 75km of piste and some prime slopes, a reliable record of snowfall and an apres-ski full of festivity and cheer. 

It’s ideally suited for beginner and intermediate skiers wanting to get used to life on the slopes or test themselves a little, though the black run options are fairly limited. If you’re looking for Ski Deals in Bansko, you can get seven night’s stay, half board per person for the bargain sum of £366. 

POIANA BRASOV, ROMANIA 

Situated deep in the wild Carpathian Mountains, Poiana Brasov is the biggest and most luxurious mountain resort in Romania. Such prestige doesn’t mean it’s prohibitively expensive, though. The average cost for a six day ski pass is about £92, and a train from Bucharest station to the resort will set you back just £8. Alternatively, it’s a 45 minute drive in a taxi or rental car. Ski season in Romania generally runs between November and April, but it’s wise to check current WHO advice on flying as, of course, the current climate of travel is gnarly, to say the least.

If you want to take a break from skiing, Poiana Brasov is also close to Romania’s key attractions, like Dracula’s Castle, the Rasnov fortress and the medieval city of Brasov. Result! 

VOGEL, SLOVENIA 

When you see Vogel, you’ll understand that the resort’s slogan, ‘Vogel, just like in a fairy tale’, isn’t hyperbole. Located in the southern part of the Julian Alps and within the Triglav National Park above Lake Bohinj, the scenery here is breathtaking, to say the least. Just don’t spend too long gazing at it as you traverse the 22km of slope available here or you might have an accident. Best suited for beginner skiers and snowboarders, in high season, you can get a six day ski pass for 153 Euros, which is a snip in comparison to the glossier, more populated pistes of Switzerland, France and Italy.

JASNA NIZKE TATRY, SLOVAKIA 

If you’re on the hunt for fresh powder (no, not that kind, why did your mind go there?) and cheap deals, then say “zdravo” to Jasná Nízke Tatry in Slovakia. Phonetically, that’s close to a ‘str’ if you’re wondering, and means hello, but don’t worry if you’re allergic to new languages, English is spoken well here. What’s more, it’s a gorgeous space to do business with the slopes. Part of the Low Tatras mountain range in the vast Napant National Park, it’s famed for having some of the best off piste opportunities in Eastern Europe. Go careful now!

HARRACHOV, CZECH REPUBLIC 

Harrachov in the north of the Czech Republic, close to the Polish border, is home to the Certova Hora ski area. Harrachov itself is one of the oldest mountain towns in the country, and considering the Czech Republic is blessed with many quaint, quintessential countryside communities, that’s suggestive of a lovely place to spend time. 

You won’t be disappointed; the centre itself has a laid back vibe with several great restaurants. We particularly enjoyed La Torretta for its cosy ambience and hearty Italian fare ideal for replenishing dipping energy levels after a day on the slopes. Don’t pass up on the country’s fine tradition of beer drinking either; a trip to the Novosad microbrewery for a couple is a must. With flights to Prague starting at just £17, the two hour onward train to Harrachov costing just a few Euros, and hotels nearly as cheap, this is a fantastic place to both skiing and the apres fun if you’re looking to do things on a budget.

Hey you! Ski over to our travel tips for a skiing trip in Tignes, France if you’re looking to extend your trip on the snow.

5 TIPS ON PICKING THE IDEAL HANDBAG FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

Editorial Team
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5 TIPS ON PICKING THE IDEAL HANDBAG FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY

Suitcases, rucksacks, beach bags, totes…who knew that so much pre holiday planning and packing revolved around the frame, not the picture. But spare a thought for the not so humble handbag, which does so much of the heavy lifting during the holiday itself, accompanying you to bars, restaurants, on souvenir shopping trips and the airport…the works. It’s essential, then, that you choose one suitable for all the demands of a fun, frivolous vacation. Here’s how; our 5 tips on picking the IDEAL handbag for your next holiday.

MAKE IT IS COMFORTABLE TO CARRY AROUND

During your holiday, you’ll probably do a lot of exploring and your handbag will be on you 24/7 – well, we hope you’re not wearing it in bed, actually, but you get the picture. If it has straps which chafe or break under the bulk of burden, or if it swings erratically, then it’s not really fit for purpose. Before you buy a bag, read reviews from other consumers and, if possible, head to a shop to try it out for size. Only then will you know if the handbag is to have the honour of being your travel companion.

PRIORITISE DURABILITY

Holidays are meant for relaxing, right? You don’t want to have to deal with any problems when you’re reclining somewhere sandy and sunny. Though it probably ranks fairly low down the list of stress-causing holiday incidents, a broken handbag certainly isn’t a welcome occurrence when you’re trying to kick back. Therefore it’s important that you opt for handbags made with high-quality, damage resistant materials. Even if this means spending a bit more, the bag’s durability will make the investment worthwhile in the long run.

CONSIDER THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF POCKETS

There’s no right or wrong number when it comes to the number of pockets on your handbag – it simply depends on what you want to carry around with you, as well as striking the right balance between aesthetic value and convenience which every responsible bag purchase should be based on. If you’re a minimalist, then perhaps a small bag with one pocket will suffice? However, if you like to carry your comforts and conveniences around with you, like a bottle of water, laptop, camera, makeup and more, then you need to ensure your bag has multiple, separate pockets for those objects.

THEFT RESISTANT 

Pickpockets exist in tourist hotspots. It’s a statement true for almost every popular destination on the planet. But its universal truth shouldn’t mean you’re overly cautious in embracing new cultures and experiences. Instead, just make sure your handbag is ergonomically designed to prevent theft. Bags with crossbody straps (enabling you to wear the bag on your front in crowded areas) and zip protected pockets are ideal. Saint Laurent bags, for example, are often designed in this style. Shop the iconic brand at SSENSE and benefit from their safety-first storage principles.

CHOOSE ONE THAT MATCHES YOUR STYLE

Hey, picking the right handbag for your trip isn’t all about comfort and safety – you should also make sure that you love the design. You want to look totally fabulous on your trip, right? Not to worry; holiday handbags can look great, and complete an outfit in a succinct, stylish way. You’ll want your ‘look’ to be on point for those Instagram photos, after all.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Great travel is all about getting out of your comfort zone, comfortably, and things which may seem trivial, such as picking the ideal handbag for your next holiday, can make a huge difference to your trip. Now that you’re primed with our top tips on choosing that handbag, it’s time to go shopping!

For more bag related holiday tips, check out our 7 IDEAL ways to space save in your suitcase when travelling.

5 WAYS TO COPE WITH THE LOSS OF A DOG 

Editorial Team
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5 WAYS TO COPE WITH THE LOSS OF A DOG 

A dog is a person’s best friend, as they say. Worth enduring the long walks in the rain for, as well as the subsequent shake down of mud on cream walls. Worth the troubling trips to the vet. Worth the destroyed upholstery and holes in your socks. Yep, we just love dogs.

Indeed, owners can become easily attached to their four-legged friends. But it’s an unfortunate truth that dogs generally live shorter lives than people, and as such, there’s a good chance that if you own one, you’ll have to also deal with its loss at some stage. Don’t do this thing alone; here are 5 ways to cope with the loss of a dog.

LEARN ABOUT LIFE EXPECTANCY 

Though it may be morbid to confront your pet’s mortality head on, it’s important to be well informed and ask ‘how long do dogs live?‘ It’s said that every dog year equals 7 years of human life. However, this rule isn’t precise enough. Your dog’s life expectancy primarily depends on their breed. When your pet is young, it grows faster, but that ratio decreases a little later down the line.

But generally, if it’s 6 years old, it’s like a 45-year-old human. At the age of 10, it’s like the human age of 65, at the age of 15, it’s equivalent to a human of 90, and so on. Therefore, your dog usually lives more or less for 15 years. For more detailed data, check the predictions relating to your dog’s specific breed and their life expectancy. 

EXPLAIN THE PET’S LOSS TO THE YOUNGEST IN THE FAMILY

The moment your dog passes away is difficult for the whole family; years have been spent building special bonds, after all. The pet’s loss can be especially traumatic for children who spent lots of time playing with their four-legged companion and don’t understand loss in the same way as adults yet. 

Thus, parents should prepare their kids for this bad news and tell them gently what happened. Though the temptation to lessen the burden will be strong, the worst thing you can do is tell your kids that the dog ran away. Although you may want to protect your children’s feelings, telling this white lie won’t solve the problem. Quite the opposite, it may become more painful in the long run and foster a sense of abandonment.

ARRANGE THE CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE YOUR PET

The old garden burial is a bit bleak and budget, no? To say goodbye to your beloved pet properly, though, you can officially commemorate it by arranging a suitable ceremony. For that purpose, try to engage your children in the search for a proper place to bury your pet. You can also place some flowers on its grave, and say the last few words to thank the dog for its love and friendship. Such a funeral will give you all a sense of closure, often a welcome footnote before you turn the proverbial page.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO GRIEVE AND EXPRESS EMOTIONS

Many people try to be strong and not show any emotions after their dog’s loss; ‘it’s only an animal, don’t be so silly’…that kinda thing. But you shouldn’t undervalue these feelings. To feel emotional relief following any loss, you need to allow yourself and your family to grieve and express your emotions. You can do that in many ways, for example, you can talk to your friends or keep a diary. Give yourself time to go through this traumatic experience, and then when you’re ready, move on. 

REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT

If you were firmly attached to your canine friend, and you can’t stop thinking about them, you may well benefit from some support. It’s good to get the burden off your chest, even shed a tear or two on your friend’s shoulder; there’s no stigma in that. A heart-to-heart talk can make your loss more bearable – a problem shared is one halved, after all – and can go some way to helping you feel better. All in all, these experiences are part of life’s journey and we need to learn how to cope with them. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

The experience of losing a dog is always traumatic, both for adults and children. In most cases, it leaves a deep mark on you, but after the time of despair and grief, don’t forget to bounce back and enjoy your life again. 

5 IDEAL HOME-OFFICE HACKS TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL HOME-OFFICE HACKS TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

As anybody who works from home will be all too aware of, it’s not always easy finding the motivation to get down to work and take care of business. Adhering to a rigid routine just doesn’t seem plausible when you’re typing in your pyjamas, both one of the perks and major downfalls of home-office work, we think you’d agree. When there are so many distractions nearby, it’s tough to focus. There’s the television, the garden, the lure of the internet with no one to monitor your use, and that’s before we even consider further afield factors like a stroll into town.

But wait. Rest assured. Sleep easy and work hard……it doesn’t have to be this way. Now that so many of us are finding ourselves confined to our makeshift home office, the necessity for home office-based productivity is higher than ever. We’re here to help with that, with these simple home office rules that’ll make lost hours a thing of the past during periods of self isolation and quarantine. So, here are our 5 IDEAL home-office hacks to boost your productivity.

Clean And Tidy

OK, there’s one MAJOR advantage of working in an office: when you arrive, it has usually already been cleaned by someone else. When you work from home, there is no ‘someone else’: it’s all on you, and a work surface of half drunk coffee mugs and half finished crowsswords is just not conducive to a productive day.

With the prospect of cleaning far more imposing than the actual effort given to doing it, you’ll find real benefits in taking 10 – 20 minutes out of each day to make sure your space is clear of clutter and dirt before you begin work. It’s about entering the minimalist zone, trying to get rid of any and all distractions that threaten to take your eye off the work in hand. Because once you lose focus, it can be difficult to regain it.

Set Your Own Mood And Dance To Your Own Rhythm

Everybody has different environments that they like to work in. While some respond best to the constant hum of background noise, others require perfect silence to perform prosperously. The great thing about working from home is that you get to set the mood yourself; no fighting for control of the office radio, no shuddering inside at every sniff from the office hypochondriac, no forced blocking out of office football chat. Nothing.

If you’re finding it hard to get your day’s work underway, then play some music through your headphones. You’re free to listen to anything, but best to avoid the party tunes and ones which make you want to throw on something glamorous and hit the town. A good option is to listen to a video game soundtrack, as these are designed to be beautiful but not distracting. They’re background music, essentially: a great way to find focus.

Learn How To Use Your Tools

Like any other worker, you don’t want to be behind your desk any longer than you need to be. Alas, you probably are, purely because you don’t know how to use all tools you have at your disposable correctly. As the saying goes, quite aptly, work smarter, not harder.

Your computer can do a lot of handy things that will allow you to work more efficiently, but you’ll need to know how to use them before you reap the benefits. This is especially useful for those time-taxing admin duties. Take advanced Excel training classes, and you’ll learn plenty of tricks that’ll speed up the process. With that taken care of, you’ll be able to work on other things – or clock-off work early. The Dream.

Take Regular Breaks

There’s a world of freedom waiting on the other side of your office door, and instead of rejecting its existence, embrace it! Studies have shown that workers are at their most productive when they work at 45-minute spells and then take a 15-minute break. It’s a perfect excuse to go for a walk and get some fresh air.

Entering Work Mode

Finally, being productive is all about blocking out the distractions and entering work mode. So cut out anything that draws your attention away from the task in hand. Put your phone away, tell people you’re not to be disturbed and sink into a few hours of solid work. All the fun things will still be there when you finish, but you’ll have actually made some money with which you can appreciate them more.

5 WAYS TO WELCOME SPRING INTO YOUR HOME

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 WAYS TO WELCOME SPRING INTO YOUR HOME

If you’re wondering how to welcome spring into your home, you’ve come to the right place. After a long, sometimes chilly winter, the first shoots of spring always bring about a seismic shift in the spirits. In the current climate, it’s a little harder to feel optimistic. But with so many of us preparing for an unseasonably late hibernation (or, as the experts put it, ‘self isolation’), it’s never been more important to let the positivity of Spring into the domestic space. You don’t have to endure the next few weeks of house arrest in a dark, dingy space. Quite the opposite in fact; here are 5 ways to welcome Spring into your home.

COAX IN COLOUR

Spring symbolises rebirth, particularly in the colour palette of interior design. Because it’s essentially decided by nature, with grey sky lightened by bright rays of the sun, forests bathed in green and grasslands decorated by brightly coloured buds, spring colour schemes indoors should follow suit. 

To channel those optimistic spring vibes, replicate the changing view from your window by adding more colour to your home interior. Begin with easy to replace, transient items like dishtowels, throws, new cushions covers…you get the picture, now paint it something bright and pastelly. Continue this overhaul around the house. Rather than buying a whole new sofa, simply pick bright, thin, breathable chair covers, such as these IKEA numbers from Comfortly, and breathe a new lease of life into your furniture.

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

There’s no better way of enriching the interior design space, especially when channelling the bright energy of Spring, than by incorporating flowers and plants. Flowers like tulips and daffodils will add colour, life and a pleasant aroma – and all for a cheap price. The important rule here is to create a consistent colour scheme, rather than throwing the full range of the rainbow at it, so pick a few tones that belong to the same colour family and use them throughout the whole home. Check out our tips on how to bring nature into your home for more inspiration than this paragraph could pack in.

LIGHTEN UP YOUR FABRICS

In winter, our fabrics are thick and heavily knitted, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. But when the temperatures start to warm, the evenings lighten and the moods loosen up, we want to replicate that in our home. Celebrate the new season with lighter blankets, brighter furniture covers and a benching of the wool rugs and thick duvets until Autumn. 

LET THE SUNSHINE IN

You’ve surely already noticed the sun beginning to stream in through the windows with a newfound confidence. Man, how good does it feel? But what preparations should be taken to encourage those rays inside? Nothing difficult or special, here; you can paint a pretty picture but you can’t predict the weather, after all. 

Just scrub your windows from both sides – inside and out – and make sure there’s no dirt or dust left which might obscure nature’s greatest sight. Dusting blinds and laundering curtains will refresh the sun’s entry point into your home further. In welcoming the sun inside, you’ll notice a lift in your mood; essential in this trying times, we think.

CHANGE YOUR HOME SCENTS

Spring’s glorious onset is the perfect time to pack away the scents synonymous with the colder months – of cinnamon, pumpkin, and nutmeg – and embrace the power of new aroma around the home. We’re thinking eucalyptus, blossom, lavender, as well as fresh fruit flavours like strawberry, lemon and even a little vanilla. Intoxicating, indeed.

So, there you have it. Fling open those windows, introduce the chair covers to your IKEA sofa, light a Spring scented candle which evokes the freshness of the season, pot them daffodils in a vase, and take to self-isolation with an optimism and positivity that only a new season could evoke. Good luck and we’ll see you on the other side!

5 SAUCES & CONDIMENTS WHICH TASTE SO MUCH BETTER HOMEMADE

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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5 SAUCES & CONDIMENTS WHICH TASTE SO MUCH BETTER HOMEMADE

Ideal for your next dinner party, barbecue or simply for a midweek treat.

Sometimes, a sauce is the difference between a good and a great dish. Actually, scrap that; a great sauce can lift the inedible to something truly delicious, we think. They’re that vital to mealtimes. Let’s face it; without gravy, your roast is just dry vegetables and meat. And bereft of ketchup or mayo, fish’n’chips is greasy, salty and one dimensional. There, we said it. 

But what if we were to tell you that you could elevate your dinner times even higher, by making these store cupboard staples from scratch. You’ll never look at that shop-bought pesto in the same way again. With these sweeping, absolute statements in mind, here are 5 sauces and condiments which taste so much better homemade, IDEAL for your next dinner party, barbecue or simply for a midweek treat. 

GENERAL TSO

If you regularly eat Chinese food, then you’re probably familiar with the perennially popular General Tso’s chicken. It’s a staple for nights when you do Chinese takeout, and even better at the source, from Peng’s Restaurant on New York’s East 44th Street. But if you want to eat an authentic version of this Chinese/American classic, the good news is this; you can make General Tso’s sauce at home, and actually, it’s rather easy to do. 

The hardest part, some might argue, is collecting the appropriate ingredients. These include some rice wine and vinegar, dark soy sauce and sesame oil.

These are all easily available in supermarkets, but if you can’t find them, check out your local Chinese supermarket; they deserve our support right now. What’s great about making your own homemade version of this sauce is that you can actually store it for a long time, owing to the preservative power of the vinegar and sugar.

MAYONNAISE

If you have never tried homemade mayonnaise then you’re in for a treat; it’s just way nicer than the store-bought stuff, and can be edited and tweaked to suit your tastes, too. Homemade mayonnaise is also a lot healthier than that which you might buy from the supermarket because there’s no added sugar and you can also choose a better oil to emulsify your sauce with, too.

And you just need a few ingredients to make this famous condiment. They are usually pantry staples which you’ll have in the house anyway; egg yolks, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and an oil of your choosing (the more neutral in flavour, the better, in our honest opinion).

While some make their mayonnaise by hand, with some serious wrist and whisk action, you can actually use your food processor, too. In just five minutes, you can have delicious mayonnaise ready for use on a variety of dishes. 

PESTO

Pesto is another ubiquitous sauce whose flavour is night and day when comparing shop-bought to homemade. If you want to make your own recipe at home, all you will need is basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, salt and olive oil. Some recipes will also call for pecorino sauce for that extra depth of flavour, and we’re down with the umami funk it brings.

To make your pesto taste better, make sure that you only use fresh garlic and that your pine nuts are lightly toasted. Of course, don’t just choose any olive oil; since it’s not going to see direct heat, extra virgin is best here. 

And if you have wilting herbs or leaves in the fridge which look like they’re on the way out, you can turn them into a delicious leftover leaf pesto. Sustainable, resourceful and versatile, this sauce can be used with pasta, on pizza or as a sandwich condiment, amongst other things.

BARBECUE SAUCE

What makes barbecue sauce one of the best homemade sauces is that it can be tweaked in so many ways. With the addition of a few new ingredients, you can completely change your dining experience to suit yours and your guests’ taste, as well as the meat you’re pairing it with. 

But woah there; let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before you start customising your condiments, you need a solid grasp of the fundamentals. A good barbecue sauce will have sweet, salty, spicy, smoky and even sour flavours. Depending on where you are from, the sauce may be tomato, mustard or even vinegar based 

A tomato-based barbecue sauce, for example, will usually use ketchup and from there a variety of other ingredients will be added. These would include brown sugar, spices, and more. You can experiment so that you can come up with your own concoction that would include your own secret ingredients. Should your tweaking turn up something delicious, it might even become a family recipe to be handed down the generations.

ALFREDO SAUCE

Last but definitely not least in our list of the best homemade sauces would have to be the alfredo sauce. This is another sauce that is so worth slaving (well, stirring gently, actually) over the stove for.

Alfredo sauce is great because you can create big batches and store the leftovers for use later down the line as a pasta or pizza sauce, or even on a casserole. This is such a simple sauce to make and requires very few ingredients; just butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Should you want to bring out your inner Gordon Ramsay, then you could then add more ingredients to the sauce, like nutmeg powder or smoked paprika. 

Now that you’re a certified sauce queen or king, we’re looking forward to our dinner invite. Until then, bon appetit you saucy devil! 

The UK’s Best Gaming Destinations

Editorial Team
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The UK’s Best Gaming Destinations

Though certainly not everybody’s idea of a good night out, the UK boasts several casinos which gambling enthusiasts regard as destinations in their own right. Whether it’s for the glitz and glamour, the association with James Bond, or the sense of occasion, city casinos remain enduringly popular here.

With several places now offering an online platform in tandem with their bricks’n’mortar offering, the idea of Blighty as an option for a betting holiday, especially for stag and hen dos grows with each year. With that in mind, here are some of the UK’s best gaming destination.

Aspers Casino, Stratford, London

Located in Westfield, Aspers Casino sits in a 65,000 sq. feet. area and stands as the biggest entertainment and shopping hub in Stratford City; reason enough to visit even if you don’t intend to punt, we think, with a whole host of restaurants, bars, those aforementioned lavish gambling venues, and a cinema in the mall. 

Sports lovers will be pleased to learn there are multiple large TV screens airing major events, but you’re here for the gambling, right? Casino lovers, on the other hand, will find over 150 slots in addition to various slot tournaments offered on site. Pertinently, Aspers Casino has in the past stood out for its poker reputation which boasts some of the largest poker rooms in the world.

Maxim’s Casino, South Kensington, London

As one of our biggest exports, James Bond has shaped the way people think about casino gaming in the UK. His poker face was inscrutable, his budget substantial, and his effortless elegance made a glamorous casino the perfect backdrop to his impressive skills.

Maxim’s Casino embodies everything that you would expect from a casino if you had only heard about casinos from films and television. The walls feature beautiful designs and are tastefully uplit, the carpets are woven with intricate patterns, and the gaming tables themselves look like they should be in a museum.

Casino gaming fans could be forgiven for assuming that Maxim’s would focus on the established forms of gaming, such is the emphasis on the traditional. However, the appeal of electronic gaming proved too much for the owners who installed digital gaming stations a few years ago, much to the delight of their patrons and fans of games such as lightning roulette. 

But this is a casino, so fans of traditional casino games will always feel at home at Maxim’s, even if they are facing a massive marble fireplace, leaning against the beautiful pearwood panelling, or sitting underneath the incredible glass roof of the old library. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of cuisines, wines from around the world, and a premium collection of spirits that will impress even the most sophisticated drinkers.

Alea Casino, Glasgow

As one of Scotland’s most popular casinos, Alea Casino in Glasgow offers visitors some of the best views of the River Clyde as well as an opportunity to play some of the most exciting games around. The two-storey building sits right on the riverbank, with stunning views across the water, making it the perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening meal or a special celebration.

There is something for everyone, from a sports bar with live action from a range of different sports to a cocktail bar where you can sit and enjoy some of the most delicious drinks around. The restaurant serves modern Scottish food made from local ingredients, and they have a bursting programme of live events from musical performances to poker tournaments. 

The casino itself is a state-of-the-art gaming hub, with 15 gaming tables, 20 slot machines and 34 electronic roulette tables. There are all the games you would expect to see, including three-card poker, blackjack, and American roulette, so it’s the perfect destination for a night of all-round entertainment.

Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square, London

Known for its unique PokerStars live deck and Lola’s underground casino, the Hippodrome is home to a huge variety of casino games spread over three floors. In the gaming room, there are 16 Blackjack tables, 17 Roulette tables, 5 Baccarat tables, 5 Three Card Poker tables, 4 Mini-Baccarat tables, 2 Dice tables, and over 100 electronic machines. Serious numbers, we think.

On the entertainment side of it, you’ll be welcomed to a 180-seat theatre with jazz performances, hosting cabaret and art, and a lounge offering live performances. Big names like Charlie Chaplin, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson have graced the casino. Will you be next?

Les Croupiers Casino, Cardiff

With online casino operators in the UK facing regular scrutiny, it’s still potentially a more streamlined experience to head for a bit of history in the form of a casino proper.

Les Croupiers, in the Welsh capital Cardiff, remains one of the oldest casinos in operation in Wales. Established in 1968, the casino has a large poker room accommodating close to 200 players and comprising of 20 tables, various themed slot games, and popular table games such as blackjack, roulette, and dice games.

Everything you could ask for, right? High rollers can also bet big on various progressive jackpots offered. A sports bar is also provided where players can catch up with Sky Sports and BT Sports events, and dining options include the Dragon Court Chinese Restaurant. Good stuff.

Genting International Casino, Birmingham

This is England’s first resort casino and belongs to the Genting Group casinos who also have outposts in Singapore and Malaysia. Additionally, an upcoming casino at the Las Vegas Strip is poised to open its doors in 2020. That’s some serious clout. Within the Brum based resort, there’s a boutique hotel, pubs and restaurants, a shopping centre, a Santai spa and 11 screen cinemas. Plenty to do for those not interested in sitting at the table, we think.

Aspinalls, Mayfair, London

Any Monopoly fan will tell you that Mayfair is the fanciest of all the fancy places on the board, and the reality of this is evident when you see inside Aspinall’s casino. Vast chandeliers hang from elegantly decorated ceilings, and beautifully dressed windows allow the sunlight to shine through to illuminate the sumptuous furniture, lavish decor, and well-appointed players.

While the inside is practically dripping with gold and diamonds, the outside is incredibly discreet, to the extent that it looks like just another (massively expensive) residential home from the outside. There are plenty of stories about the goings on inside this casino with reports that the Sultan of Brunei was a regular visitor in the 1970s. 

Those in the know tell the story of the time a player won £12 million in one night, forcing the casino’s owners to seek financial help to make the payout.

The Ritz Club, Piccadilly, London

Housed in the world famous Ritz Hotel, the Ritz Club brings a level of service like no other. The club has an exclusive gaming room offering Punto Banco, American Roulette, Three Card Poker and Blackjack. Slots are less accommodated for, with management preferring the more atmosphere of a table led room. Three private rooms (Amber, Aida, and Carmen) retain that air of privilege and privacy.

The Best Casino Restaurants In The UK

Editorial Team
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The Best Casino Restaurants In The UK

Firstly, a disclaimer of sorts; the UK’s casino restaurant scene isn’t quite as flourishing as some of the world’s foremost fine dining destinations, and that’s putting things mildly.

When compared to the Michelin-magnet of Macau or the veritable feast that is the Vegas food scene, the UK is without doubt less blessed with top tables around which to splurge your winnings or commiserate your losses.

Perhaps that’s due to the proliferation of convenient, smoothly-run online options. Or maybe it’s that the global casino destinations simply boast more escapist appeal.

Either way, that’s not to say you won’t find any good casino restaurants on British shores. Here, we’ve done the hard work of eating in entertainment complexes up and down the country to bring you these; the best casino restaurants in the UK.  

Heliot Steak House At The Hippodrome, London

We’re starting our tour of the UK’s top casino restaurants at the Hippodrome Casino, just off Leceister Square. The biggest casino in Central London, the venue boasts a 180-seat theatre with regular jazz and cabaret performances. Big names like Charlie Chaplin, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson have all graced the casino. Will you be next?

Befitting its size, there are several bars and lounges in the Hippodrome serving snacks, nibbles and fantastic cocktails. Incidentally, the largest is the Heliot Cocktail Bar, which is attached to the casino’s steak house, which is where we’re starting our round-up.

The restaurant has previously been awarded the title of Best Steak Restaurant in London by the customers of Bookatable and serves some serious product; USDA prime steaks, aged for up to 6 weeks to allow tenderness and flavour to ripen. Aside from massive hunks of meat, the restaurant is also famous for decadent sides including the legendary Millionaire’s Mac & Cheese (topped with a poached duck egg and black truffle). 

The Heliot Steak House is open every day from 5pm to 10pm

Image via The Hippodrome

Fahrenheit Bar & Grill At Genting Casino Fountain Park, Edinburgh

We’re off to Scotland’s capital next, to check out the Genting Casino Fountain Park and its restaurant, the Fahrenheit Bar and Grill. Located on the city’s Dundee Street and just five minutes from Haymarket Station, Fahrenheit is all about using local, seasonal Scottish produce in as elegant a way as possible in such insalubrious surrounds. 

Watch head chef Stuart Fraser and his team work their magic in the glass-fronted kitchen, or simply sit back and enjoy seared Scottish scallops, haggis croquettes, and when in season, herb-crusted venison. Wow! Oh, and the tartan carpets really remind you that you’re in Scotland too.

Fahrenheit Bar and Grill is open on Mondays from 12pm to 4am, on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12pm to 6am, and on Sundays 7pm to 12am.

Read: 5 reasons why Edinburgh is the IDEAL UK city break destination

James Martin At Manchester235 Casino, Manchester

Perhaps the only celebrity chef to put their name to a casino restaurant here in the UK, at James Martin’s restaurant at Manchester235 Casino, you can enjoy the proud Yorkshireman’s latest creations; British produce, big portions, butter and all. 

Admittedly, the restaurant is a cut above the vast majority of casino restaurants in the UK, with premium ingredients treated sensitively and with respect. The steamed wagyu ox cheek pudding is a decadent, luxurious affair, and the salt aged steak selection will have you finished off and unable to return to the casino itself. Which might be a good thing!

If you’re keen to spoil yourself, then the tasting menu, priced at just £38 per person for five courses, is a real snip.

James Martin is open for dinner from 5pm to 11pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, from 12:30pm to 11pm on Saturdays, and for a short lunch slot on Sundays, from 1pm to 4pm. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

You might even be lucky enough to see James Martin himself, as he makes regular appearances at the restaurant throughout the year, and hosts special events where he cooks a selection of courses and takes your questions. 

Image via Manchester235

Tanzibar At Aspers Casino, London

Located in Westfield, Aspers Casino is the biggest in the UK, clocking in at a huge 65,000 sq. feet area. Even if you don’t intend to punt, there’s still plenty to keep visitors entertained here, with a host of restaurants and bars, as well as a cinema in the shopping centre, too. 

The casino’s Tanzibar bills itself as ‘East London’s newest premium bar’, and whilst we’re not sure if that’s quite correct, the food here is well worth getting stuck into; think sports snacks on steroids to go with the venue’s massive 4K screen.

Sure, it may not be the heights of gastronomy found at the casino restaurants on The Strip or The Cotai, but The Tanzibar Platter here, with its cod goujons, panko king prawns, chicken tenders and pigs in blankets, will see you through even the dullest of nil alls. 

The venue also hosts some pretty big draw poker tournaments, though you’d be well advised to steer clear of those if you’ve been refreshing yourself in Tanzibar; a recipe for a loss, if ever there was one.

Aspers Casino is open from 10am to 5am, daily, with Fridays and Saturday staying open an hour later, until 6am.

The Restaurant At Palm Beach Casino, London

We’re finishing our list back in London, inspired by the cyclical nature of the roulette wheel. On one of London’s most exclusive streets, you’ll find one of the capital’s most prestigious casinos housing one of the city’s best casino restaurants; the rather prosaically named The Restaurant at Palm Beach Casino on Mayfair’s Berkely Street.

The atmosphere here is as sophisticated as its surroundings, with low lighting, hushed tones and DJs crafting the evening’s tunes with unique playlists each and every night. On the menu there’s plenty to get excited about too; a diverse offering of Indian and South Asian inspired dishes are the highlight, though there’s a more international flavour on show, too. The house favourite dhansak is particularly good.

The Restaurant at Palm Beach Casino is open from 7pm to 2am, daily.

Images via Palm Beach Casino

Good World Restaurant At Les Croupiers Casino, Cardiff

Les Croupiers Casino, in the Welsh capital Cardiff, remains one of the oldest casinos in operation in Wales. Established in 1968, the casino has a large poker room accommodating close to 200 players and comprising 20 tables, various themed slot games, and popular table games such as blackjack, roulette, and dice games. 

Formerly known as Dragon Court Chinese Restaurant, the casino’s premier eating venue is now the Good World Chinese Restaurant. Fear not; the menu still dishes up some superb dim sum, which many believe to be the best you’ll find in Cardiff.

Good World Chinese Restaurant is open every day from 12pm to 10:30pm.

For a different level of fine dining altogether, check out this guide to 5 of the best casino resort restaurants in Macau. A word of warning; prepare to be made hungry!

Where To Eat Near The Barbican, City Of London: 5 Of The Best Restaurants

Joseph Gann
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Where To Eat Near The Barbican, City Of London: 5 Of The Best Restaurants

Ideal for a quick lunch or longer dinner after some time at the Brutalist arts and learning centre. 

The aesthetically striking Barbican Centre is one of London’s finest (and Europe’s largest) centres to get entertained and educated, with arts, film, music, performance and exhibitions all housed under one roof. The cultural choices within are endless, with a concert hall, three cinemas, art gallery, theatre, the Museum of London and three dedicated restaurants, cafes and a bar. If we could stay here for a whole weekend, we would. The culinary options within walking distance are close to endless, too, with several superb restaurants just a few minute’s stroll away. With that in mind, here are 5 of the best restaurants near the Barbican, City of London.

OSTERIA (0 metres)

Since the Barbican Centre sets out to satisfy all your creative needs under one Brutalist roof, we’d be fickle not to first recommend one of the centre’s three restaurants. Housed on the second floor, the convenience of Osteria can’t be denied. What’s more, the food is decent; you can be fed some capable Italian food here, all with some cracking views of London to match. Top London chef Anthony Demetre was involved in the opening, and the menu still carries the weight of a chef of his pedigree; it’s gutsy, confident and generous. For the sake of climbing a flight or two of stairs, Osteria represents an effortless, enjoyable lunch option.

Website: osterialondon.co.uk
Address: Barbican Centre, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS 

LEROY (500 metres) *CLOSED*

The truly top notch food is going to cost you a short walk away from the Barbican, though. And that’s just fine with us. Just a ten minute walk away, on Phipp Street, is Leroy, nominally a wine bar but one which wants to feed you really, really well. It’s a small plates affair, with all the noisy cheer and chatter which a good version of the ‘sharing concept’ brings out in people. 

Here, simplicity is the watchword; the cooking is confident and free from all frippery. A steak tartare has sharp, piquant notes aplenty to help it along, and a dish of pearl barley with courgette (we visited in summer) is effortlessly delicious; we’ve been trying to recreate it at home ever since! With a 100 bottle strong, globe trotting wine list and an open-arms welcome, don’t expect to be racing back to the Barbican after your meal; it’s a lovely meal to spend some time over.

*As of November 2024, Leroy is sadly closed.*

Website: www.leroyshoreditch.com 
Address: 18 Phipp St, Hackney, London EC2A 4NU 

SMOKING GOAT (800 metres)

Now we’re talking. If all that ‘culture’ has got you craving the heat of an open grill and the smell of the wok in your hair, all washed down with decent lager and brow mopping spice levels, then Thai barbeque joint Smoking Goat is only a short hop from the Barbican Centre. This is food designed to reinvigorate. Though the fish sauce chicken wings have gained deserved cult status, and the five spice smoked chicken is a real crowd pleaser, too, it’s the restaurant’s work with the offal and lesser known fish which keeps us coming back. 

The menu changes daily, but if it’s on, be sure to order the jungle stir fry of chicken livers with earthy, grachai (a cousin of ginger). A whole grilled flounder with spicy, sharp dipping sauce and some shrimp paste fried rice with all the fixings will see you through. Now, who’s hoarded all that damn toilet roll?

Website: www.smokinggoatbar.com 
Address: 64 Shoreditch High St, Hackney, London E1 6JJ 

QUALITY WINES (900 metres)

Next door to the superb sibling restaurant Quality Chop House is new kid 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 order what’s good faily from the chalkboard menu; there’s excellent charcuterie, cheese and focaccia bread, as well as a superb octopus terrine and a comte and caramelised onion tart which has got London’s culinary cognoscente in something of a fluster. We’re right there with them. Open from 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Website: thequalitychophouse.com
Address: 88 Farringdon Rd, Farringdon, London EC1R 3EA 

TWO LIGHTS (900 metres) *CLOSED*

One of London’s most blogged about restaurant openings of the last couple of years, and fronted by former Clove Club head chef Chase Lovecky, Two Lights built up huge expectation before their beef fat chips topped with crab even hit the fryer. Fortunately, with a menu full of crowd-pleasing small plate dishes like these, London lapped it up. The food is so hip it hurts; the deep fried sardine katsu sandwich, and custard tart with smoked, salted bourbon caramel have done the rounds on Instagram to the point of saturation. But that’s just fine; they’re more than worthy of all those snaps.

Fortunately, this focus on the eye-grabbing hasn’t affected the flavour. Dishes are uniformly knockout (that skate wing…), and although it’s not cheap, the convivial vibe and crisp, creative wine list make it a great place to hang out, even if you’re just sharing a couple of plates.

****Sadly, as of 25th November 2020, Two Lights is no longer open.****

Website: twolights.restaurant 
Address: 28-30 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AA, UK 

4 SIGNS THAT YOU NEED WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION DONE

Editorial Team
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4 SIGNS THAT YOU NEED WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION DONE

Wisdom; it’s all relative right? Wisdom teeth, named such because of their late emergence in the mouth, at an age when people are thought to be wiser, actually refers to the final third set of molars that erupt in late adolescence or early twenties. Though these teeth can be helpful in heavy-duty chewing, unhealthy and misaligned wisdom teeth require removal. Indeed, when things go wrong back there, it can get seriously painful. Better to keep vigilant, then, and look out for these 4 signs that you need wisdom teeth extraction done.

PAIN 

Pain, in the jaw or at the tooth site, is a sign of a dental problem. The pain can be described as a pounding or pulsating that is felt at the location of your wisdom tooth, though it can radiate further; in your jaw, head, and even your shoulder area as it intensifies. You can take over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen to ease the severity of pain in the short term, and visit your dentist at the nearest convenience. This isn’t a problem which will simply go away, so don’t let your apprehension about going to the dentist deter you.

As the team at Mead Dental UK recommends, it’s crucial to reduce the consumption of sugary foods like fizzy drinks. Like other teeth, the wisdom tooth can also be affected by plaque caused by sugar and any other fermentable carbohydrate. Acting early on wisdom tooth pain ensures you can address underlying issues before they worsen, preventing more complex dental problems.

MISALIGNED OR PARTIALLY ERUPTED WISDOM TOOTH

Once you’ve gotten over your trepidation, the dentist will assess how your wisdom tooth is developing. If it’s partially erupted or misaligned, your wisdom tooth needs to be extracted because any misaligned tooth crowds the teeth or causes damage to the adjacent teeth. What’s more, partial wisdom tooth eruption leaves your oral cavity vulnerable to tooth decay and infection. And no one wants that.

Read: The importance of seeing your dentist regularly

SWELLING OF THE GUMS

As the guys at Revitalise, who offer dental implants in Cornwall, tell us, “when the wisdom tooth starts to break through the gums, you’ll feel some discomfort caused by the swelling of the gums.“

That said, it’s important to be aware that swollen gums can be caused by a nutritional problem, such as a vitamin deficiency wherein the swelling is not isolated in the wisdom teeth. It’s important to hone in on the issue to identify its cause. 

To help reduce swelling of the gums in the wisdom teeth, you should consider:

  • If the swelling is worsened or caused by a piece of food that got stuck in the area. Should this be the case, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly. When the food is washed away, the swelling will subside on its own.
  • A dentist may also recommend rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or an ADA-approved antiseptic oral rinse. 
  • Apply a cold compress or an ice pack directly to the face’s swollen area.
  • You may also suck on ice chips and keep them near or on the swollen area.
  • You can also take over-the-counter anti-pain medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (e.g., Motrin or Advil).
  • Avoid things that may irritate the gums, like tobacco and alcohol. It’s a wise move to quit smoking since it’s bad for dental health.

SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE 

Pericoronitis pertains to a dental disorder wherein the gum tissue becomes infected and swollen around the wisdom tooth. Once the wisdom tooth comes through the gums, complications may lead to pain, swelling and infection if the tooth partially emerges, which allows bacteria to enter into the gums. 

It may also emerge that the wisdom tooth is positioned incorrectly, which allows food to get stuck, promoting the growth and proliferation of cavity-causing bacteria. Also, if there’s a cyst forming on the surrounding of the wisdom tooth that can damage both teeth and the bone holding them together, this could also cause issues. 

Some of the signs and symptoms of pericoronitis include:

  • Painful and swollen gum tissue in the affected area, making biting down difficult
  • A bad taste or smell in the mouth
  • Pus or discharge from the gum near or surrounding the tooth
  • Signs and symptoms of more serious symptoms include swelling of lymph nodes located under your chin or swelling of the submandibular nodes, jaw muscle spasms, and swelling of the face.

It’s important to note that the diagnosis of pericoronitis is made during a clinical exam. If the dentist notes inflamed gum tissue of the partly erupted or unerupted wisdom tooth with swellings or pus, antibiotics will be prescribed to reduce swelling and infection, and wisdom tooth removal will be scheduled.

Read: 6 different types of cosmetic dentistry procedures explained

SO, HOW CAN A DENTIST HELP?

Most of the time, you won’t notice obvious signs that your wisdom tooth should be extracted. Your dentist needs to assess your wisdom tooth to determine if it will cause future dental health problems. They’ll perform a thorough assessment of your oral health; in a dental clinic, your dentist will take a look for possible signs of wisdom tooth decay by taking an X-ray. 

It’s important to see your dentist immediately if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of problems regarding the wisdom tooth that are listed above. Feeling discomfort, pain, or stiffness may indicate that your wisdom tooth is partially erupting or is infected by bacteria. Prompt removal of your wisdom tooth is necessary if it shows visible signs of tooth decay or is misaligned.

THE BEST FOOD & RESTAURANTS IN UDON THANI, THAILAND

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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THE BEST FOOD & RESTAURANTS IN UDON THANI, THAILAND

5 IDEAL MUST TRY DISHES & WHERE TO TRY THEM

Isaan, the vast, often overlooked North Eastern region of Thailand, is said to be where the soul of the country resides. Defined by flat but arid farming land, it’s also Thailand’s poorest region. But what it lacks in wealth it more than makes up for in cultural capital; the superb ‘molam’ music of the region and Isaan’s beloved cuisine dominate the country from north to south, east to west. We’re here to talk about the latter. 

In Isaan’s thriving, forward thinking city Udon Thani, there’s plenty to get stuck into. Here’s our favourites; what to eat in Udon Thani, Thailand, our 5 IDEAL must try dishes and where to try them.

SOM TAM PLA RA, GAI YANG & KHAO NIAO 

Pounded papaya salad with grilled chicken and sticky rice

Routinely named as the world’s best salad, som tam is one of the best recognised dishes in the Thai food canon and eaten all over the country in different forms, guises and levels of pungency. Green papaya, although not essential to qualify as a som tam, is usually the basis of the dish, along with a spicy, sweet, salty and sour dressing. To be pounded to order, this sharp, assertive dish is beloved of the whole nation; you’ll find it in every town and roadside stop you come across.

Isaan, it is said, is where som tam originated, making the journey over the border from neighbouring Laos. The renditions which hail from the Northeast of Thailand (Isaan) or Laos are several notches more pungent than typical Som Tam versions in Bangkok.

Using minimal sugar, uncompromisingly spice levels and just being insanely delicious, this version is defined, above all else, by the addition of fermented fish sauce (nam pla ra).

A rougher, hand cut shred of papaya, the addition of some rice paddy crab, some apple aubergines…and you’ve got yourself Som Tam Pla Ra. The Isaan ‘Holy Trinity’, of this salad, grilled chicken and sticky rice, is perhaps the most perfect, complementary trio you’ll find. When in Rome, as they say…

Eat at: Som Tam Je Kai
Address: 230/28 Atsawa Mit Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani 41000

PLA PAO

Salt crusted fish, grilled over charcoal

If you’ve ever visited a food market in Thailand, you’ll have seen salt crusted fish, speared with lemongrass stalks, rotating gently over a barely burning grill. The fish used is usually freshwater tilapia, the salt crust (to be peeled back along with the skin before eating) lightly seasoning the flesh whilst creating the perfect atmosphere for steaming. The result? Beautifully tender fish which pairs beautifully with that som tam salad we got a bit carried away with back there.

In Udon Thani, the city’s finest version comes a little different. At Miang Pla Pao, you can order the fish and the som tam salad, sure, but you’re also served a vast array of finely cut toppings, a basket of herbs, lettuce for wrapping and sauces for dipping. All you have to do is settle into one of the restaurant’s bamboo huts, order a cold beer and assemble your own wrap. And then do it again. And again. Bliss!

Eat at: Miang Pla Pao
Address: Thanon Phibun, Soi Phibun 2, Udon Thani

© Photo by missbossy on Flickr

NUEA

Speciality beef of the Isaan region

Isaan is slowly but surely garnering a reputation for producing some excellent, premium beef, with restaurants in Bangkok now sourcing ‘wagyu’, grain-fed beef from cattle raised in Khon Kaen (another area of Isaan). In Udon Thani, there’s plenty of opportunity to sample the excellent beef of the region. Keep your eye out for the excellent Mam sausage (a spicy, fermented beef number) which hails from down the road but can be found at some roadside joints in the city. 

Or, head to Laab Nuad, in the city centre next to the Kuwatil Mosque. This place specialises in beef, and does it extremely well. Order the tom saeb spicy soup and nahm dtok salad (where the beef is thinly sliced and served raw, before it’s piled high with herbs and a bathed in a smoky dressing) to savour Isaan’s superb beef.

Alternatively, if you’re up for a proper sit down meal, wine, courses and all, then Samuay and Sons is an Udon Thani restaurant making serious waves in the culinary world. Chef Num works with Isaan producers, farmers, fishermen and more to concoct modern yet respectful takes on the culinary tradition of the region. The result is magic.

Eat at: Laab Nuad or Samuay & Sons

Address: Laab Nuad  –35/1 Thanon Chomchuen, Mak Khaeng, Udon Thani, 41000, Thailand
Address: Samuay & Sons –133 25 ถนน Phon Phisai, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand

LAAP PED

Spicy, raw minced duck salad

The ubiquitous spicy minced meat salad ‘laap’ is everywhere in Isaan, and is most commonly served cooked, with a sharp, salty dressing from lime and fish sauce, and finished with smoky notes from roasted chilli and rice. But one of the finest duck laap salads on the planet is found here in Udon Thani, and it’s totally different.

For one, it’s not seen any heat (except Udon Thani room temperature, of course). What’s more, it’s given depth and colour from duck blood and bile, and made even less accessible with some local astringent, bitter herbs. If that doesn’t sound like your sort of thing, then no worries; there’s plenty of places serving the cooked version capably. But trust us, this one is worth seeking out.

You won’t find this version in many places in the Kingdom. In fact, you’ll struggle to find it in Udon Thani either; it’s tucked away just off Sampanthamit Road, between the Pannarai Hotel and the perennially seedy Udon Day and Night. There’s no English name, menu or signage here, but endeavour with your search and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Eat at: ลาบเป็ดป้าแต๋ว@ นครอุดรธานี
Address: 20/6 สัมพันธมิตร, Mak Khaeng Sub-district, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand

NEM NUONG

Vietnamese sausage, grilled and wrapped

Thailand’s North East shares a border with Lao and a lot of history with Vietnam. In fact, Ho Chi Minh spent time just outside of Udon Thani in the late 1920s, using the surrounding jungles to train soldiers and inspire the significant Vietnamese population of Isaan to fight for their country resisting French occupation. There’s a great museum – the Ho Chi Minh Historical Site – just 10km out of Udon Thani, where Uncle Ho lived during this time; well worth a visit.

Anyway, the historic links between Vietnam and Isaan mean there’s some great Vietnamese food in the region. In Udon Thani, nem nuong is hugely popular and downright delicious, too. This is grilled Vietnamese pork sausage (not to be confused with Thai naem, which is arguably even more tasty), served with the obligatory herbs, lettuce and ‘betel’ leaf for wrapping, as well as a whole host of toppings and dipping sauces. A real, roll-your-sleeves-up and get stuck in affair, this.

Eat at: VT Nam Neung
Address: 345/1-3, Pho Si Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani 41000

5 IDEAL SMARTPHONE APPS TO INSTALL THAT MAKE TRAVELLING EASIER

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL SMARTPHONE APPS TO INSTALL THAT MAKE TRAVELLING EASIER

While it’s one of modern life’s most common declarations, that we’d be ‘lost’ without our smartphone, have you ever tried actually being lost without one? It’s a bloody nightmare. With penetration at more than 85 percent of the adult population, more people these days use a smartphone than wear a wristwatch, and most of us have endured that feeling of panic when we venture out and realise we’ve left ours at home. 

When you’re on your travels, whether it’s for work or leisure, your reliance on that little handset is even stronger. Step out without one in a land far flung, and the holiday can enter crisis mode quick time. But it’s not just about checking in with loved ones via WhatsApp or trying to provoke your friends’ green eyed monster on Instagram. Nope, with the right app downloads, your travelling life just got a whole lot easier. With that in mind, here’s 5 IDEAL smartphone apps to install when travelling.

TOO BUSY CONVERTIN’

If you’re travelling overseas, the ease and convenience of paying for things on the go, as well as changing currency, sometimes comes at a cost. While you can use your contactless card in a shop or to withdraw currency from an ATM, you still need to get your head around local prices, since the further off the beaten path you stray, the less likely your card is to be accepted.

Searching on your mobile browser for a currency converter every time is the equivalent of having ‘tourist’ tattooed across your forehead and only works if you can get a data signal. Instead, install an app. There are plenty to choose from, but look for one that works offline; pretty much essential, we think. XE Currency is one of the most popular choices with the broadest range of currencies. 

A LITTLE LEISURE TIME

Here’s a home truth to jolt you out of your ‘dream trip’ fantasies; a lot of ‘travel’ can be pretty damn boring. There’s always time to kill when travelling, make no mistake, and there can be some huge slogs on the plane or the coach to suffer through. Keep yourself entertained, then, by downloading the latest streaming service apps; Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now Tv…different strokes, same principle. 

There are also gaming apps you can download to keep yourself busy. Nope, not Candy Crush, though that wouldn’t do any harm, actually. We’re thinking something to keep your brain sharp on the road, like Chess with Friends or Andoku Sudoku.

NOW YOU’RE TALKING MY LANGUAGE

Part of the experience of visiting new and mysterious places is to learn at least the basics of a new language, and it’s well worth making the effort. After all, you’re never going to unearth that proper street food find, or get an invite to a raucous, traditional wedding celebration with the locals if you’re muttering ‘dos cervezas s’il vous plait’ to no one in particular. 

Fortunately, there are some really clever translation apps out there now that will instantly translate spoken as well as written word. It’s worth experimenting with a couple to see which you find easiest to work with, but iTranslate or Google Translate are obvious places to start, depending on whether iOS or Android is your platform of choice. 

MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION

Should you have trouble sleeping on the road, suffer from flight anxiety, or simply fancy using your time travelling to get into a good meditative place, an app which offers guided meditations could (and should) be for you. Headspace and Calm are two of the most popular and user friendly in an increasingly crowded field, and both offer offline, downloadable sessions. The options for specific meditations are pretty much endless, so whatever kinks you have in your brain you’re wishing to iron out, making use of the down time of a plane journey is a sensible move for those in need of a little self care.

LAST MINUTE HOTELS

Was your Airbnb reservation suddenly cancelled by the host? The hostel you booked grottier than you anticipated? Or do you just prefer to travel by the seat of your pants? Us too. Well, Hotel Tonight specialises in last minute hotel bookings, partnering with hotels to flog empty rooms for cheap last minute. In other words, everybody wins with this one. 

More of a planner? Hotel Tonight also allows you to book rooms for tomorrow, next Tuesday and well beyond. And if things go awry and that charming boutique hotel isn’t as clean or accessible as you promised, you can seek help or redress through the app’s concierge service, staffed by real humans and not bots. The catch, if there is one? Hotel Tonight offers deals on lodgings throughout the Americas, Europe, and Australia, but hasn’t spread into Asia and Africa yet.

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