Would you believe it, but the official definition of the UK winter doesn’t begin in earnest until 21st December! Yep, even with those temperatures dipping towards zero and the country swathed in anticyclonic gloom, it’s still only mid Autumn guys. Brace yourselves…
Phew, what a year this has been, and there’s still six weeks of it left! Lord, have mercy. But rather than invoking the assistance of the big guy (or girl) upstairs, instead, we’re taking proactive steps today to bring some positivity and hope into our lives.
The last few years have seen a huge increase in homeowners turning their hand to DIY, either out of boredom or necessity, and the final third of this year looks set to be no different. Particularly, to celebrate the change of the seasons and hopefully represent something of a new beginning, professional and budding interior designers alike are turning to colour to provide that catalyst for change.
If you’re wondering where to start, and what’s hot and what’s not, then read on. We’ve spoken to a host of experienced interior design teams about the shades of the season, and here are their top colour tips for autumn and winter 2024.
Prediction Versus Reality
Back in those heady, half-optimistic days of 2019, the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2020 was declared as ‘classic blue’.
”Classic Blue was chosen because it highlights desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era,” they prophesied back in December of 2019.
A dependable, stable foundation for a new era? Someone was having a laugh. But hindsight is a wonderful thing, and four years on, in these topsy turvy times – of national economic uncertainty and international, geopolitical turmoil – we need that sense of reassurance more than ever. Shades of classic blue then, particularly in the bedroom, might be a smart move, channelling interior design trends and soothing a tired soul, equally.
But should the irony of painting your bedroom walls such a strong and stable colour this year be just too jarring to bear, why not channel another big trend of 2024, and harness the power of ‘white on white’?
The interior designer Breeze Giannasio declared via Good Housekeeping that “while this might have been a sterile envelope before, it’s only getting more subtle and layered”. Hey, personally, we think that right now, evoking a sterile, clean atmosphere might be just the ticket. So, let’s talk about white…
Save A Sanctuary
In autumn and winter, with folk spending more time at home, we expect the importance of a cherished bedroom space to rise further still. Interestingly, Schemes, who supply decorative paint in Dubai, tell us that recent home decor trends in the room ‘where the magic happens’ favour whites and greys in all their unassuming, self-effacing glory.
Combining these two colours, then, is the quickest route to a calming space. White is also implicative of fresh starts, and a blank canvas for the rest of the year and beyond.
Pairing fresh white linen (always a winner) with off white walls, a dusky grey carpet paired with earthy colour accents to remind us of the outdoors – via throws or cushions – makes a gloriously steadying triumvirate, don’t you think? And that’s something we all need right now.
Dark & Dazzling Jewel Toned Interiors
This autumn-winter season, go bold by adding a rich and oh-so sophisticated palette to your home. Dark interiors have been on trend for several seasons now and when the temperature drops, there’s no better time to embrace this aesthetic.
Jewel-toned interiors are all about adding colours that are richly saturated in the same hues as gorgeous gemstones; think sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, citrine yellow, and emerald green, in particular. Just as you do with your clothes, the autumn-winter season is all about layering your interiors, so start with deep, dark wall colours then add jewel-toned accessories. Play with texture by adding soft furnishings like faux fur or velvet, which give a sheen to darker colours like sapphire and emerald green.
Bring your jewel tone to life with metallic touches which not only give a luxurious edge, but brighten up darker tones up. We’re thinking of brass lamps and candlesticks, gold trays and vases for that glamorous yet sophisticated phrasing.
Changing from a neutral to rich look can be daunting, so consider contrasting these intense colours against a neutral backdrop for best results, as some of the UK’s best current interior designers tend to advise.
Bring Yourself Back Down To Earth
As the days get colder and the nights draw in, it might be a wise move to bring the outside in, and channel the natural, earthy, warm tones of autumn in your living room.
Auburns, oranges, rust, forest green and teal are just some of our favourites from the Fall colour palette, and in lieu of crunching fallen leaves underfoot, why not herald the arrival of a new season by changing up the colourscape domestically, in the living room?
This change in palette needn’t mean repainting the walls again (you only just rendered everything white on white, after all) but rather, a change up in the finer details. Consider an accent wall in an autumnal shade; rust on white sounds kinda classy, after all. Or, introduce a piece of statement furniture; perhaps a wingback power chair in teal, sitting in a corner, sounds just the ticket?
Don’t neglect texture either, which is a mainstay of autumnal interior design. To your sofa, adding additional throws, cushions, rugs and blankets in the shades of the season will add warmth both visually and physically. We love it.
Shades Of Productivity
With more of us working from home than ever, it’s time to introduce some more permanent features to help your #WFH be as efficient and productive as it can be.
We’re here to talk colour today, so firstly, a little psychology on the subject. In general, it’s been posited by experts that colour does indeed affect behaviour, sometimes in surprising ways, with blue shades affecting your mind; yellow your emotions; red your body; and green your ‘balance’. So, rather than simply painting your home office the most productive colour (which, according to Google, is blue) you should fine-tune your decisions to match both your job’s responsibilities and your working style.
For creative work, strong shades of yellow can stimulate imagination, while more muted tones will engage a more emotional side to your work; choose wisely here for the ideal output on the page. Red encourages a certain kind of physicality (the starker, the more aggressive, generally) so if you’re working from home doing something which involves the body, such as personal training via Zoom, then definitely harness the power of rouge.
Green shades, including those autumnal hues we encouraged earlier, are calming; superb for problem solving and lateral thinking. And blue is said to invigorate mind work. Though it’s said they ‘should never be seen’ together, green and blue in your home office will likely encourage focused, balanced thinking throughout the day.
Why not harness the power of each colour in a task dependant way, with interior design flourishes which are transient and flexible; think houseplants in different shades which you can move into view as the day’s role demands it. Or, a cacophony of colour via artwork and sculpture, if you can handle the productivity overload!
That idyllic beachfront café in Bali might offer the perfect Instagram backdrop for your workday, but it’s also a potential goldmine for cybercriminals. As more of us swap office chairs for airline seats, protecting our digital workspace has become as crucial as packing a universal adapter.
Picture this: you’re finalising a crucial client project from a gorgeous rooftop café in Chiang Mai. The WiFi’s free, the coffee’s sublime, and you’re living the dream. But that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if your client’s data ends up compromised because of an unsecured network. It’s a scenario that plays out more often than you’d think – according to recent studies, digital nomads are three times more likely to experience data breaches than office-based workers, largely due to the nature of constantly changing work environments and reliance on public WiFi networks.
Essential Cybersecurity Kit For The Modern Nomad
The beauty of the digital nomad lifestyle lies in its simplicity – a laptop and good WiFi connection can create an office anywhere in the world. However, that simplicity needs to be balanced with robust security measures. Think of your cybersecurity toolkit as your digital travel insurance; you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful to have it when things go wrong. Just as you wouldn’t travel without insurance or your passport, these tools should be non-negotiable components of your mobile office:
Your Digital Travel Insurance
A reliable VPN (your first line of defence against dodgy WiFi)
Two-factor authentication for all crucial accounts
Encrypted cloud storage for client files
Regular backup solutions that work offline
Smart Working Habits For Safer Adventures
Security isn’t just about having the right tools – it’s about developing habits that protect your digital workspace wherever you roam. The challenge lies in maintaining these habits when you’re working from a different location every week, or even every day. The key is to establish routines that become second nature, regardless of whether you’re in a high-end co-working space in Singapore or a beach shack in Goa.
On The Ground Rules
Never access banking sites on public WiFi without VPN protection
Take control of your data by regularly clearing browser caches and cookies, and removing personal information from Google, if necessary
Keep work and personal browsing separate (preferably on different browsers)
Use mobile hotspot for sensitive work when café WiFi feels sketchy
The Co-Working Advantage
The allure of working from picturesque cafés is undeniable, but there’s a strong case to be made for choosing established co-working spaces, especially when handling sensitive client work. These spaces have evolved far beyond just providing desks and WiFi – they’re professional environments designed with remote workers in mind, offering layers of security that no café can match. The investment in a co-working membership often pays for itself in terms of enhanced security and productivity:
Whilst beachfront cafés are tempting, consider these safer alternatives:
Established co-working spaces with enterprise-grade security
Private meeting rooms for confidential client calls
Secure, dedicated WiFi networks
Built-in community of fellow digital professionals
When Paradise Gets Problematic
Even with the best preventive measures, security incidents can still occur. The key to managing these situations lies in preparation and swift action. Think of it like travel insurance – you hope you’ll never need it, but having a clear plan in place makes all the difference when things go wrong. The most successful digital nomads aren’t those who never face problems; they’re the ones who know exactly what to do when issues – both in terms of data and finances – arise.
Creating an incident response plan might seem overly cautious, but it’s a crucial part of professional remote work. This isn’t about being paranoid – it’s about being prepared. Consider these your emergency protocols:
Immediate password changes across all platforms
Client notification protocols (have these ready before you need them)
Local tech support contacts in your frequent destinations
Backup work devices ready to deploy
The Professional Edge Of Security
In today’s digital landscape, strong security practices aren’t just about protection – they’re a valuable selling point. Clients are increasingly aware of cyber risks, and demonstrating that you take their data security seriously, even while working remotely, can set you apart from the competition. This professional approach to security needs to be comprehensive and visible to clients without being intrusive to your workflow.
Consider this your professional security framework:
Regular security audits of your digital workspace
Professional-grade encryption for client communications
Clear protocols for handling sensitive information
Regular updates to all security software
The Bottom Line
The digital nomad lifestyle offers unprecedented freedom, but that freedom requires responsibility. Investing in proper cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about ensuring you can deliver the professional service your clients expect, whether you’re working from London or Laos.
Remember: true location independence means being able to work confidently and securely from anywhere. After all, what’s the point of that perfect beach office if you’re too worried about security to enjoy the view? By implementing these security measures and maintaining vigilant practices, you can focus on what matters most – delivering great work while exploring the world.
Thinking about getting a new fragrance? Us too! However, finding a perfume that you like is no mean feat. Firstly there are the notes to think about – are you a woody and spicy type of person, or are you more citrus and floral? And hands up if you actually know the difference between Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum?
Didn’t think so. Well, the below will serve as a great starting point to finding your IDEAL scent.
Understand Perfume Types
Before you enter into a new relationship with a perfume, you’ve got to have an understanding of how intense you want that relationship to be. Different types of perfumes provide different intensity because they differ based on oil concentration. Here’s a quick rundown of common perfume types:
Parfum, the most potent, contains 20-30% perfume oil, offering long-lasting fragrance.
Eau de Parfum, a lighter version, has 15-20% oil concentration, delivering decent longevity.
Eau de Toilette, a popular choice, contains 5-15% oil for a softer scent.
Eau de Cologne, typically masculine, has a 2-4% oil concentration, offering a light, fresh fragrance.
Lastly, Eau Fraiche, similar to Cologne, contains about 1-3% oil, but lasts for less time, typically ideal for a subtle scent.
What Smells Do You Like?
The best place to start when it comes to finding a new perfume is to consider what scents you already love. Do you like that lemongrass smell in your washing up liquid? Or perhaps you love the jasmine scent that permeates your local Thai spa? Or, does the smell of Moroccan roses still linger from a recent trip to Marrakesh? Maybe the smell of freshly cut grass or the minerally aroma of sea air does it for you?
It’s important to consider the notes when finding a new perfume. As explained by Imperial College London, “perfumes are described in terms of ‘notes’, which can be single odour ingredients, such as vanilla, musk or jasmine, as well as more generic smells like ‘floral notes’”.
Once you’ve noted down the notes that you particularly like, the New York Times recommends the site fragrantica.com – an encyclopaedic database of scents – as here you can search for perfumes with notes that you know you like.
Experiment With Fragrance Layering
Consider spraying two or more perfumes over each other to create something totally new. Layering two fragrances that you love is a good place to start. You can create a wholly unique signature scent by combining two or more of your existing products. It’s all about experimentation here, but it is a good idea to start with heavier fragrances first.
Hit The High Street
Finding an affordable fragrance isn’t always easy. However, it is easy to find a high street fragrance that smells good. Yep, high street perfumes are no longer like those sickly sweet body sprays of the 90’s which would induce a headache the moment you sprayed them on. Today they are a more refined, elegant affair and smell *seriously* expensive. all without the serious price tag.
Consider A Doppelganger Fragrance
Is there already a designer fragrance that you like, but you can’t afford the price tag?
Somehow lots of designer perfumes have sailed above the £100-a-bottle threshold, a figure that many of us mere mortals can’t justify spending. Enter doppelganger fragrances…
For dupes of designer fragrances, simply head to the olfactory department of some highstreet stores. As reported by the Independent, “should you be looking for a cheaper alternative to your favourite designer fug, TikTok has sniffed out a whole host of M&S own-brand eau de toilette fragrances that rival a range of cult classics”.
Yep, M&S’s own-brand fragrances have drawn comparisons to YSL’s black opium, Chanel no5, Marc Jacobs’s Daisy and Paco Rabanne’s Lady Million Scent, to name but a few.
Smell Better For Less
You’ll be pleased to hear that, according to scientists, spending money on expensive perfume is a waste of money as the most attractive scents are cheap and simple. Indeed, a study by the Imperial College London of more than 10,000 fragrances discovered that people prefer simple scents like jasmine musk, bergamot, sandalwood and amber, as opposed to pricier alternatives on the market.
Try It On
The most crucial part of finding your new favourite fragrance is trying it on. Perfumes interact with your individual body chemistry, altering its scent. Your skin’s pH, temperature, and natural odours can influence a perfume’s notes.
Hence, trying it on allows you to experience its unique transformation and full range of notes on your skin, providing a real understanding of its scent on you. Spray perfume on your wrist, wait for it to dry, then smell. This lets the fragrance warm up and mix with your body’s natural oils.
Free Samples
You’ve probably used tester strips at your local fragrance store or duty-free before. Sadly, you’ll rarely be able to walk away with reusable perfume samples if you’re making an in-store purchase.
If you’re keen to bring some variety to your fragrance collection, why not stock up on a few samples from an online retailer instead? Admittedly, most retailers will have a limit on how many samples a single customer can order, but it’s a great way of mixing things up if you’re not ready to splash out on a full-sized bottle of scent.
Discount Codes
Once you’ve found the perfume you like, it’s all about getting the best price. Rather than relying solely on seasonal sales, you can take advantage of discount codes throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to restock your favourite perfume or try something different from an iconic brand like Diptyque, DIOR or D&G, discount codes can net you a sizable saving. Some codes are reserved for first-time customers, while others are introduced as promotional events. It’s always a good idea to check out the promo page of an online retailer before heading to the virtual checkout.
Don’t Miss Out On Sales Events
If you’re buying online, you’ll almost always come across a sale event. That being said, don’t automatically assume you’re getting a great deal. Valentine’s Day and the Christmas period are key retail windows for the fragrance sector. While these sale prices might be competitive compared to what other retailers are charging, you might still be paying close to the original RRP. Instead, look for end-of-season sale events for the biggest savings.
Swap Out An Unloved Scent
Do you have an entire drawer dedicated to bottles of perfume that have only ever been used once? Whether they’re an unloved gift or an ill-judged purchase, there’s no reason why they should be gathering dust. If you’re looking to make some quick cash, you can sell them online. Alternatively, think about swapping your unwanted fragrances with a friend. Chances are, they’ll be in exactly the same boat. If they’ve got their eye on something you’re not using and you’re crazy about a scent they’ve fallen out of love with, everyone’s a winner!
Oh, take us back to the summer; lazy, hazy days spent laying on dry ground, the mercury breaking records, our footballers almost doing the same, and our hair; long, luscious and manageable. Fast forward a few months and the unpredictable winter weather combined with dry indoor air has wreaked havoc on our locks, with strong and healthy hair a distance, seasonally-defined memory.
How To Protect Your Hair From Damage This Winter
To prevent the frizzed, end-split look, it’s important to bear a few simple routine tweaks in mind. Here are the golden rules for protecting your hair from damage this winter.
Hydration Stations
A beauty benefactor that’s never truer than in winter; ample hydration. You should drink a lot of water to stave off the dreaded dry hair (and skin, too). Just as plants need water to grow and thrive, so does your hair.
Getting enough hydration into your body will eventually reach your hair, leaving you will thick, confidently growing locks. Dandruff will also be reduced due to stimulation of the surface of your head, preventing a flaky, dry scalp. Drinking enough water, it seems, is key to hair health.
Warm, Not Hot
A mantra to remember with regard to both shower and house temperature. Firstly, if your shower head is running piping hot, the water will shock your scalp, possibly even burning it. And no one wants that.
It’ll also dry out your scalp and hair, making it brittle and damaging the roots. In some cases, it’s also speculated that really hot showers may eventually lead to hair loss – further clarifying the need to turn the dial down a notch or two.
Wash Your Hair Less
During summer, you get used to washing your hair frequently and often let it dry freely. However, it would help if you changed your hair-washing routine during the cold season because using too much shampoo can strip it of its natural oils and leave it more vulnerable to cold temperatures. While there is no magic formula everyone can use to wash their hair to prevent damage and breakage, washing it less during winter is advisable. Suppose you have a dry scalp; washing it too often during winter can worsen your condition. Swapping the traditional products for gentler versions is recommended to ensure the ingredients aren’t too harsh on your scalp.
If you have greasy hair, try integrating dry shampoo into your hair care routine to keep your locks looking fresh for longer.
Review Your Hair Care Routine
The essential part of your winter hair routine is moisturising it properly. When you buy new products, look for those that boost hydration and moisture in your hair. You use a hydrating shampoo that moisturizes your scalp and hair and complete the treatment with a nourishing mask or conditioner. In case you suffer from redness or flaking, it’s best to use products designed for a sensitive scalp.
Additionally, if you have damaged or excessively dry hair, you can add damaged hair products to your routine. Moisture and hydration are paramount to keeping your hair healthy during winter. You can experiment with different products until you find your magic combination.
Nourish From Within
Just as hydration plays a vital role in hair health, so too does proper nutrition. While a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is ideal, our hectic modern lifestyles can make it challenging to consistently meet our nutritional needs through food alone. This is where hair capsules can prove particularly beneficial.
These specialised supplements offer a convenient way to ensure your hair receives essential nutrients, combining vital minerals, vitamins, and amino acids that support healthy growth and strength. Look for formulations containing biotin, zinc, and vitamins D and B12—all crucial elements for maintaining lustrous locks during the demanding winter months.
Whilst supplements shouldn’t replace a wholesome diet, they can complement your nutrition strategy, especially when seasonal changes and central heating begin to take their toll on your tresses. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regime, as they can advise on the most suitable options for your specific needs.
Choose The Right Hat
Yep, we know the winter hat is fashion as well as functional, but it’s important you choose one which will both protect you from the elements and not do unwelcome damage to your hair. A hat which is too tight, or made from material which doesn’t let your scalp breathe, is going to be detrimental to hair health, regardless of the snow, wind, and rain which it blocks.
Don’t Overstyle
The same rules apply to your appliances. When possible, try to let your hair dry naturally after washing as cutting down on heating appliances like hairdryers and straighteners will keep your hair moisturised and soft. Constantly moving from the cold outdoors to the warm, dry indoors in winter can affect the hair so reducing your hair’s exposure to further extreme changes in temperature will keep your hair healthy.
Stay Inside While Your Hair Dries
We all know the story. You’ve had your shower and you’re in a rush to hit the town; there’s not enough time to wait for your hair to dry, and you’ve been advised (above perhaps?) not to overdo the appliances during the winter months. The only solution, then, is to step out with hair still wet.
Big mistake. Firstly, you’ll catch a cold you crazy thing. But more importantly, going outside with wet hair can do serious damage to your hair; when wet hair meets freezing cold conditions, it becomes less supple and much more vulnerable to breakage.
Wear Protective Headwear While You Sleep
In the battle against winter hair damage, don’t underestimate the power of protective headwear while you sleep. Friction from tossing and turning can lead to breakage and dryness, but wearing a silk or satin bonnet or scarf can significantly reduce this damage.
Indeed, it’s best to opt for materials that reduce friction to prevent damage and breakage, such as ankara fabric instead of cotton, with the latter prone to stripping your hair of moisture. These smooth fabrics help to maintain your hair’s natural oils and keep your style in place, leading to less morning maintenance. For those who prefer not to wear something on their heads, a silk or satin pillowcase can serve as a friction-reducing alternative, ensuring your hair glides smoothly as you sleep.
Customised caps are also available for those with unique hair types, such as long locks or bountiful curls, offering tailored protection and comfort. Beyond just reducing friction, these protective coverings are instrumental in moisture retention, locking in both your hair’s natural hydration and any applied products.
This simple nighttime habit can make a substantial difference in maintaining healthy hair throughout the harsh winter months, making it a worthy addition to your hair care regimen.
Use A Quality Brush
All the above recommendations are useful during winter, but you should add another tip to your list to keep your hair healthy during all seasons. You should invest in a quality brush to maintain the health and appearance of your hair. Buy a gentle one that improves your tangles and prevents breakage. A great option is the brush made of boar bristle because it smooths your hair and distributes the natural oils evenly. Don’t use brushes with plastic brittles because they are harsh on your hair and can cause permanent damage.
The Bottom Line
As the winter season unfolds, it’s clear that our hair requires extra attention and care to combat the harsh elements and indoor heating that can lead to damage. Embracing the golden rules of winter hair care is not just about maintaining the health and integrity of your hair; it’s about adapting to the seasonal changes with smart, proactive steps.
Remember, the key to thriving through the winter months is to minimise exposure to extreme conditions, both natural and artificial. This means less heat styling, more gentle brushing, and protecting your hair from the cold and friction.
By following these principles, you’re not just protecting your hair; you’re also investing in your overall well-being and confidence. Your hair is your crown, and with the right care, it can remain lustrous and strong all year round.
Life can be full of surprises – just ask anyone who moved here expecting a sleepy seaside town with nothing but fish and chips and tea rooms. “But that’s not part of the deal”, they said. In 2024, it is very much the real Deal…
…Hmmm, that introduction was pretty laboured but let’s not dwell on things; we’ve got food to eat and ‘the art of the Deal’ jokes to cook up.
This stretch of Kent coastline, the so-called White Cliffs Country where the North Sea meets the English Channel in a daily dance of tides and light, has quietly evolved into something remarkable. Deal, once content with its role in maritime history as a crucial naval port and smugglers’ haven (where the Boatmen’s rooms in seafront houses hint at a shadier past), has transformed into the kind of place that first has food lovers cancelling their return tickets and checking when the last train home is. And then, firing up Rightmove on that 22:30 to London St Pancras International to check house prices.
While day-trippers might initially come for the pebble beach and Henry VIII’s imposing castle (both worthy attractions, to be sure), it’s the town’s thriving culinary scene that keeps them lingering far longer than planned.
From contemporary Japanese small plates to French-inflected bistro fare, via some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in the UK, here’s our pick of where to eat in Deal right now: the best restaurants in Deal.
The Blue Pelican, Beach Street
Ideal for elegant Japanese-inspired small plates in a serene setting…
If there’s a more intriguing dining spot on the Kent coast right now, we haven’t found it. Housed in a handsome seafront townhouse, The Blue Pelican is the latest venture from Chris Hicks and Alex Bagner (the duo behind The Rose – more of that later), and it’s already turning heads with its considered approach to Japanese cuisine – enough to earn glowing reviews from both Grace Dent in the Guardian and William Sitwell in the Telegraph.
The poised dining room sets the tone perfectly – all clean lines and calming cerulean hues, with a striking triptych of Hokusai-inspired wave murals adding drama and a sense of place (painted by local artist Tom Maryniak, those waves are actually crashing over Deal seafront) to proceedings.
Paper globe lanterns cast a gentle glow over the checkerboard floor, while candlelit marble tables and mid-century chairs nuture intimate spots for lingering over dinner. Grab a seat at the open counter, where chef Luke Green (formerly of Quo Vadis and with five years’ experience in Tokyo) works with quiet precision, sending out plates that marry Kent produce with Japanese technique. It calls to mind London’s supremely composed spot Evernight, which is certainly no bad thing.
Begin your meal with the must-order crab croquettes, which feel extravagantly priced at two for £12 until you see (or indeed taste) the damn things; lasciviously laden with the low thrum of brown crab meat and topped with piquant kewpie mayo and flecks of seaweed that at first glance has you thinking its shaved truffle. Order, too, the glazed chicken heart kushiyski, grilled on bamboo skewers and topped with a delicately piped zigzag of silky smooth liver parfait and the finest slices of chive. There’s some good tekkers in the Pelican brigade, that’s for sure.
A pile of puffed, crisp pork crackling with whipped cod’s roe and more flecks of nori seaweed has us beginning to question the Japanese part of the deal here – but they pair so beautifully with a crisp Kirin Ichiban so it’s all soon forgotten.
From the specials, thin slices of line-caught seabass sashimi are paired with kumquats and sisho, demonstrating Green’s light touch in a meal that needed it. The sharing plates reward groups willing to dive in together – the pork katsu with bitter leaves, coming in at £38, is perfect for two or three to share. The whole quail karage is something we chose to keep all to ourselves.
It’s all incredibly satisfying, well thought out food, and the drinks list is equally thoughtful, roaming from Peckham-brewed sake (try a glass of Kampai Kumo Junmai for £8) to inventive cocktails like the umeshu negroni and miso old fashioned. The English-leaning wine selection shows similar imagination, crowned by the Westwell ‘ZD’ Blanc de Blanc Zero Dosage at £85 – a serious Kent sparkling that can hold its own against many a champagne twice the price.
For the best value, grab a lunch table on Thursday or Friday when a set menu is available for £23. Book ahead for the chef’s counter (the best seats in the house) or request the private dining room upstairs for groups of six or more – it catches the evening sun beautifully and offers views over Deal’s conservation area.
Open Wednesday-Saturday for dinner (6-9pm), plus lunch service Thursday-Saturday (12-2:30pm). Closed Sunday to Tuesday.
Ideal for ingredient-led cooking in idyllic surrounds…
Just a 15-minute drive inland from Deal’s seafront, Updown Farmhouse is worth seeking out for some of the most exciting cooking in Kent right now. This gorgeously restored 17th-century red brick farmhouse, with its stone steps leading through a lovingly tended garden, looks like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel.
The dining room itself is pure romance – a vine-draped heated conservatory where vintage rattan pendants cast a gentle glow over crisp white tablecloths. Through the glass walls, seven acres of grounds stretch into the distance, while inside, the original farmhouse bread oven and wood-fired grill add both drama and delicious smoky notes to proceedings. This all feels a world away from the coastal cuisine you perhaps came here expecting, but sometimes you just need an escape from your initial intended brand of escapism, don’t you think?
Owners Ruth Leigh (yep, daughter of Rowley) and chef Oli Brown have created something truly special here, with hyper-seasonal menus that change regularly to reflect what’s best from both local and European producers. Think lamb chump with broad beans, artichokes and bagna cauda or
A typical evening might begin with a delicate castelfranco salad with apples, walnuts and dolcelatte, before moving onto their sublime crab risotto with fennel and chilli, pitched at a reasonable £18 and worth every penny and grain. The pâté en croûte – a generous slice of Mangalitsa pork and duck liver wrapped in golden pastry with PX jelly – is as technically satisfying a piece of pastry work as you’ve find in the whole county.
For mains, the acqua pazza swimming with cod, mussels, courgette and tomato showcases Brown’s deft hand with seafood, while the lamb chump with broad beans, artichokes and bagna cauda manages to be both satisfying and light.
Groups should consider the sharing rib of beef with ceps, garlic and parsley, served with gratin dauphinois – at £95 it’s a splurge, but feeds 3-4 generously. Whichever way you play it, end with a textbook rum baba that is as boozy and bracing as anything we’ve tried this side of Naples. And we’ve tried a lot of them.
The wine list leans heavily Italian with some excellent French and local bottles in the mix – start with a glass of Kent’s own Pelegrim Brut while you peruse the menu. The cocktail list draws on the Italian aperitivo tradition, with drinks like the fig leaf negroni making excellent use of produce from the kitchen garden.
Visit on Wednesdays for their excellent value steak night menu at £30 for three courses, or make a Sunday afternoon of it with their £50 set roast menu. For overnight guests, breakfast is a treat – the full breakfast at £18 hits all the right notes, while the cep omelette offers something more unusual and decidedly autumnal to start your day.
The restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner (6-9:30pm), with lunch served Saturday (12-3pm) and Sunday (12-4pm). Book well ahead for one of their beautifully appointed bedrooms if you want to make a night of it – and trust us, after a few glasses of their carefully chosen Italian reds, you probably will.
Ideal for laid-back but precise modern British cooking…
Nowhere embodies Deal’s renaissance (‘assaince’?! Is the ‘re’ even appropriate?) quite like The Rose. This 200-year-old pub on the High Street has been transformed into part of what The Times dubbed ‘the coolest spot on the Kent coast’, and it’s easy to see why. The dining room, with its original 1950s wood panelling, sets the scene for cooking that celebrates seasonal Kentish produce with precision and flair. We see a theme developing here…
Start with a plate of their exemplary snacks – the short rib croquettes at £7 are a must, while Maldon oysters with bramley apple mignonette make a beautifully bracing, briny opener. The starters proper showcase both technique and seasonality – salt-baked celeriac arrives with cider butter and a study in wild mushrooms both grilled and raw, while the pumpkin porridge over toasted barley is given verve via blue cheese. Yep, autumn has very much arrived at The Rose in Deal, so you might as well hunker down.
Main courses strike that sweet spot between comfort and refinement. Their halibut, poached in brown butter and served with sea herbs is a masterclass in classical cooking done right. At £28, you’d hope so, too. The braised short rib of beef with béarnaise glaze and savoy cabbage offers deeper, richer pleasures at £26. Even their burger (£17, served with salty, skinny fries) has achieved cult status locally.
Save room for dessert – Nuno’s olive oil cake is a legacy of the restaurant’s collaboration with acclaimed Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes, who helped write the opening menu here, and remains one of the menu’s highlights. The blackberry and custard mille feuille shows similar finesse.
They do a great set lunch menu, too. On a recent visit we had a pot-roasted purple broccoli with pickled apple and fresh cheese (Sportsman-inspired, we’re sure of it), pan-fried skate wing with dill butter sauce and cavolo nero, and to end, a vanilla milk panna cotta with greengage compote, all for just £24. Fabulous stuff indeed, and we’re already planning a return visit.
The kitchen works closely with an impressive roster of local suppliers including The Black Pig butchers, Jenkins & Son fishmongers (also featured on this list) and Docker’s bakery, lending real provenance to every plate. And if you find yourself too comfortable to contemplate the journey home, their eight individually designed bedrooms upstairs (from £125 per night, breakfast included) offer the perfect excuse to extend your stay.
Open daily, with lunch served Tuesday to Saturday (12-2:30pm), dinner nightly (6-9pm), and a generous Sunday service running from midday to 4pm. The bar stays open until 10pm for those wanting to linger over their excellent wine list.
Given its reputation as Deal’s hottest table, booking ahead is strongly advised, particularly for weekend dinner service.
Ideal for convivial French bistro dining with a local accent…
In a cool pistachio-hued space on Deal’s High Street, this beloved bistro from husband-and-wife duo Benoit and Sarah Dezecot (the eponymous ‘Frog’ and ‘Scot’) is currently (and for the foreseeable, judging by its popularity) playing host to one of the most exciting culinary ventures in town. Cherub’s, a pop-up restaurant concept by former Bouchon Racine chef Jakob Grant, is delivering seasonal French-inspired cooking that’s both precise and soulful.
It’s sustainable too, the menu largely built around surplus stock provided by local butcher’s, fishmonger’s and farmers. It reads like a love letter to classical French technique with contemporary British flair. Start with plump moules mouclade or the excellent steak tartare, both clocking in at just north of a tenner.
Boudin noir – with the crisp exterior such a slice demands – is served with fig sauce and radicchio. It’s a brooding little number, and offers a masterclass in balancing rich and bitter notes. Whole sole with trout roe butter sauce doesn’t exactly lighten things up, but certainly lets Grant show you that he knows his way around a fish. Which is kind of a prerequisite for cooking by the coast, don’t you think?
If that all sounds a touch stripped back for your liking, rest assured there are big, gutsy sharing plates too; the côte de boeuf with café de Paris butter and chips is perfect for three, and is pitched at £82. It’s the sort of dish that makes you fall in love with restaurants all over again. Sunday lunches are a particular highlight, too, with a two-course set menu at £25 (three courses £30) offering choices like perfectly pink rib of beef or pork loin, all served with flamboyantly risen Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables.
Wash it all down with draught beer from local brewers Time & Tide (their Deal Pale Ale is a steal at £6.90 a pint). Or, wines by the glass, which start at an inclusive £6.50 for a vivacious Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. Whichever way you play it, open proceedings with their rhubarb negroni at £10, or for something alcohol-free, their Mother Root (ginger, fiery, fresh) at £9 hits all the right notes.
Just a few doors down at number 102, Frog and Scot’s sister venue Le Pinardier offers one of the most interesting wine selections in Kent. This cosy bar specializes in French wines but roams further afield too, featuring everything from Tillingham’s local vintages to interesting bottles from Jura and Alsace. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif or post-meal digestif, particularly on Saturdays when live acoustic music sets the mood from 8pm.
Monthly wine clubs and Sunday sessions with resident DJ Eclectic Beach add to the convivial atmosphere that makes Frog & Scot more than just a restaurant – it’s become Deal’s de facto living room. Open Thursday to Sunday, with dinner service Thursday and Friday (6-9pm), and both lunch and dinner at weekends. Sunday service runs 12-4:30pm. Children and dogs are welcome – just mention them when booking.
The walk to the end of Deal’s striking brutalist pier is worth it for the food alone at Deal Pier Kitchen. That said, those floor-to-ceiling windows offering 180-degree views of Deal’s coastline (can you ever have 360 views of the sea? Only if you’re in it) certainly don’t hurt.
Housed in an attractive glass and timber building, this versatile venue has mastered the art of seamlessly transitioning from laid-back brunch spot to evening destination dining. By day, it’s all about their legendary bottomless brunch (£38, available throughout the week), which includes unlimited Aperol Spritz, prosecco, Bellinis or Bloody Marys alongside any dish from their creative brunch menu.
Their eggs royale – featuring soft poached eggs with citrus-cured salmon and dill on toasted muffins – is a standout, while the Thai red curry mussels with sourdough is a little confusing, sure, but it’ll satisfy those looking for a point of difference in their brekky. There’s even a non-alcoholic version of the brunch at £28 for those keeping clear-headed. But really, what sick fuck drinks unlimited soft drinks like some kind of maniac? If it means another hour admiring this view, we might even be persuaded…
True to the chameleon-like nature of the place, Thursday evenings see the space transformed for their popular pizza pop-up (5:30-8:30pm), where stone-baked sourdough bases come topped with combinations like wild mushroom and prosciutto with shaved parmesan (£13), or the seafood-forward Oceano with anchovy, olive and rocket at £12.50. The buy-one-get-one-free deal on cocktails and spritzes makes this a particularly good-value night out.
A further shapeshift occurs come Friday and Saturday evenings, as the restaurant evolves again into something altogether more sophisticated. Their steak and lobster nights have become something of an institution, with sharing plates like The Banquet (£110 for two) offering premium steaks and whole lobster alongside garlic prawns and a textbook béarnaise.
For solo diners, the Surf and Turf combining lobster tail and 8oz sirloin offers the best of both worlds. The wine list is particularly strong on sparkling wines – try the Chapel Down Sparkling Bacchus at £40 for a taste of Kent’s burgeoning wine scene.
Named by The Times as one of Britain’s top 30 beach cafés and restaurants, Deal Pier Kitchen manages to be all things to all people – from casual coffee spot (they’re open from 9am most days) to serious dining destination. Dogs are welcome during daytime service, making it perfect for post-walk refueling.
Open Monday to Wednesday 10am-4pm, Thursday 10am-9pm, and Friday to Sunday 9am-5pm, with evening service Thursday to Saturday. Booking is essential for bottomless brunch and steak and lobster nights, though daytime visits operate on a walk-in basis. Keep an eye on their social media for seasonal changes to opening hours.
When fourth-generation fishmonger Darren Jenkins recently added casual dining to his family’s legendary fish shop (a Deal institution since the 1940s when his great-grandfather Charlie started the business with just a horse and cart), he didn’t just create a fantastic place to buy day-boat caught fish – he launched one of Deal’s most intriguing lunch spots.
The shop itself, in 2022 named one of Britain’s top 10 fishmongers in the Great British Food Awards, still gleams with the morning’s catch, but now you can also settle in with a glass of prosecco and let their talented kitchen team work their magic with the product they’re so clearly very proud of. With seating for 24 lucky diners, the new seafood street food menu makes the most of whatever has been landed that morning, treated with reverence and a light touch.
The kitchen sends out a regularly changing selection that reads like a greatest hits of seaside eating – think pristine oysters freshly shucked to order, generously filled lobster baguettes, and Mediterranean fish koftas that would give any Greek taverna a run for its money. Their blackened salmon salad shows similar finesse, while the fish tacos actually pay lip service to that ‘street food’ billing.
For the full experience, order one of their laden seafood platters, perfect with a chilled bottle of fizz, or grab a classic Kent crab sandwich to take down to the beach – it’s just a two-minute stroll away. The commitment to sustainability shown in the retail side of the business (they exclusively work with day boats rather than destructive trawlers) carries through to the kitchen, meaning you can enjoy your lunch with a clean conscience and an even cleaner flavour.
Still, first and foremost, Deal’s only wet fish shop is still very much that – supplying both the public and many of Kent’s best restaurants – but this addition of casual dining makes the most of their impeccable supply chain, minimising food waste in the process. What’s not to love?
The streetfood menu is served here from Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-2:30pm, no bookings required. Just turn up hungry and put yourself in the hands of a family that’s been handling Deal’s seafood for four generations.
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best, and Hut 55 – a coffee and cake shack nestled directly on the pebbles at Walmer beach – proves the point perfectly. A short stroll from Deal town centre along the seafront brings you to this charming spot where homemade treats are served against a backdrop of endless sea views (and on a clear day, you can spot France).
The daily-changing counter groans with the kind of bakes that make you glad you walked here – think thick, fat quiches, courgette and ricotta galettes that put most restaurants’ vegetarian offerings to shame, and Ploughman’s picnic pies that demand to be eaten al fresco. The fresh cream Victoria sponge is a winner, too, and their cookies make the perfect accompaniment to a cup of their excellent coffee.
Everything comes packed in compostable containers, ready to be enjoyed on their deckchairs and outdoor benches, or taken for a wandering lunch along the beach. Their location opposite the paddling pool makes this an especially good pit-stop for families, though the quality of the baking draws everyone from solo walkers to returning locals.
Summer brings additional pleasures in the form of their ‘Sunday Sundowners’ sessions (5-8pm), where the simple beach hut transforms into an enchanting evening spot. Think freshly shucked oysters and peel-and-eat prawns paired with organic wines and local beers, all accompanied by acoustic music as the sun sets over the Channel. Pre-ordering for these sessions is recommended – they’ve developed quite the following.
While the beach location is idyllic, it does leave them at the mercy of the elements – check their social media during inclement weather before making the journey. Open Thursday to Sunday, 9am-3pm during winter months, with extended hours and days during summer. Come spring, they also offer bike hire and pre-ordered picnic hampers, perfect for exploring the Kent coastline replete with a fine feed when you need a break. Free parking is available along Marine Road, or it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk from Deal town centre.
Sometimes the best dining experiences feel more like being at a friend’s dinner party than a restaurant, and that’s exactly what husband-and-wife team Scott and Suzanne Roberts have created at The Dining Club. Hidden away on Middle Street, this unique venue offers something genuinely different from Deal’s other dining options.
The format is refreshingly simple (or, to some including us, a tad confusing) – pay £20 for annual membership (per household), then book into one of their five individually styled dining rooms, where Scott (who previously earned 2 AA Rosettes for six consecutive years at his Cornish hotel) creates weekly-changing menus that roam the globe for inspiration. Bring your own bottle (there’s a modest £2.50 corkage charge per person) and settle in for what feels more like a private dinner party than a regular restaurant service. In the best possible way, we should add…
The Dining Club’s cooking is seriously accomplished, in a homely kind of way, which is quite a nice balance, quite frankly. A recent Sunday lunch saw diners treated to an ambitious game-centered menu that sang of the seasons – peppered venison carpaccio to start, followed by a warming cauliflower and hazelnut soup, before the main event of perfectly pink grouse with dauphinoise potatoes. A toffee and banana soufflé provided the grand finale, though we can’t help but admit we were wishing they had slipped some game into the sweet course, somehow. Pureed partridge souffle, anyone? Anyway, at £30 for four courses, it’s remarkable value for cooking of this pared back confidence.
Keeping things refreshing, menus might take inspiration from classical British, French or Spanish cuisine one week, before exploring Chinese flavours the next. Scott even occasionally creates menus in homage to internationally renowned chefs and their signature dishes. Vegetarian options are always thoughtfully considered – that grouse menu, for instance, offered a crowd pleasing mozzarella and courgette loaf as an alternative main.
The restaurant’s tagline is “great food, great company” so don’t forget to invite us when you go!
This one operates on Friday and Saturday evenings only, from 7-11pm, with dining strictly by reservation.
No seaside town worth its salt (or vinegar) would be complete without a stellar fish and chip shop, and Middle Street Fish Bar more than delivers on that front. This no-frills spot might be cash-only and refreshingly old-school, but it consistently serves up some of the best fish and chips along the Kent coast.
The secret here lies in the basics done exceptionally well – a choice of fresh cod, haddock, plaice or rig (all at an absurdly good value – in this economy! – £9 with chips), each encased in crisp golden batter that shatters satisfyingly with each bite. The chips strike that perfect balance between fluffy interior and crunchy exterior with that slightly anaemic quality you want from chippy chips (yes, Cole) while slightly browning mushy peas provide the requisite dose of health that you need, for the sake of breaking the beige as much as anything else.
By John shepherd from Getty images via Canva
The Fish Bar offers good value for holidaying families, with a dedicated children’s menu doing smaller portions of classics like cod and chips for £6, or fish cake and chips for just £3.50. For dessert, the pineapple fritter with ice cream provides a perfectly retro ending to your meal.
Take your paper-wrapped, gently greased bundle to the beach and enjoy it the proper way – with wooden fork in hand, watching the waves roll in. Just watch out for the seagulls; they know quality when they see it too. And don’t forget to bring cash – they’re as old-school in their payment methods as they are in their aesthetic.
Let us speak as frankly as is possible with a mouth full of custard – anyone who claims that they’re “not really a dessert person” is either fibbing, a diabetic orclearly hasn’t ventured deep enough into London’s extraordinary pudding scene. From mind-bending ice cream creations to pastries that would make a Parisian develop an interiority complex, London’s pudding game is stronger than ever.
Indeed, the capital’s finest kitchens are right now turning out the kind of desserts that don’t just end a meal – they steal the show entirely. Here’s our roundup of the capital’s most iconic sweet treats, the ones that have achieved cult status and sparked countless Instagram posts and TikTok videos, but still actually, genuinely work. Trust us, these are the best desserts in London worth saving room for.
Tahini Tart at Mangal II
Ideal for a modern Middle Eastern masterpiece…
Some desserts achieve such cult status that their removal from the menu causes uproar. Or, at least, a clown on table 5 kicking off…
Such was the case with Mangal II’s tahini tart. Invented by chef Sertaç Dirik, who is hailed as one of the most talented young chefs in the capital, Mangal II’s tahini tart is one of the best desserts you’ll likely have the pleasure of eating.
Dancing right on the edge of savoury, the tahini filling is a bold flavour with a velvety sesame caramel filling that’s almost (but not quite) salty. It’s nutty and slightly bitter, with an earthy flavour but still is very much a dessert, indulgence and treat. A gorgeous cherry stone-infused cream, piped in Mangal II’s signature zig-zag aesthetic, brings an unexpected almond-like note to the proceedings.
When it briefly disappeared from the menu, the restaurant was flooded with pleas for its return. Now it’s back and arguably better than ever, with a blackberry glaze that cuts through the sweetness, proving that, sometimes, peer pressure is actually a force for good.
Whether you had a warm cup of Horlicks before bed or a mug of malty Milo in the morning as a kid, this dessert is going to hit you with a sweet dose of nostalgia.
Inspired by the deep-fried yin si juan – a type of bread roll found in fried chicken stalls across Taiwan – BAO have taken their legendary steamed buns, and given them a quick dip in the fryer until golden and crispy. The bun is then halved and stuffed with a perfectly spherical scoop of heavenly Horlicks ice cream.
Already cloud-like in its natural state, when fried the bun develops a satisfying chewy crunch while maintaining its signature fluffiness on the inside – think a freshly fried doughnut but with a distinctive BAO chewiness.
The Horlicks ice cream itself is toasty, malty and creamy, with hints of vanilla bringing that sense of luxury you want from a dessert. We love the way it slowly melts into the warm bun, creating an ever-changing textural experience (and one that gets damn messy by the end). The temperature contrast between the warm, crispy exterior and the cold, creamy centre makes each bite different from the last. There’s no elegant way to eat this. Just embrace the mess and enjoy the sweet ride.
Address: Multiple locations across London (Soho, Fitzrovia, Borough, Shoreditch, Battersea)
Madeleines at St. John
Ideal for experiencing French simplicity at its finest…
Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to master. The madeleines at St. John prove that when something simple is done absolutely right, it needs no embellishment.
These plump little cakes arrive still warm from the oven, light as air and buttery as heaven. Yep, each batch is baked to order, ensuring you get them at their perfect peak – the golden shells still radiating warmth, with that characteristic scalloped pattern crisp and defined. You’ll have to wait fifteen minutes for the pleasure, but it’s worth it.
The recipe appears in the St. John cookbook, but achieving that exact texture – the crisp exterior, the cloud-like interior, the perfect rise, the steam rising when broken open – remains a challenge that demonstrates why sometimes it’s best to leave things to the professionals.
Ideal tip: Order the madeleines for the journey home and indulge in another masterful dessert at St John’s while actually in situ, whether a deeply warming ginger loaf with butterscotch sauce and malt ice cream, or a classic crème caramel.
Ideal for a Persian twist on the classic ice cream sandwich…
Sometimes two wonderful things come together and create something even better than the sum of their parts. Berenjak’s baklava ice cream sandwich is exactly that – a marriage of flaky filo baklava pastry and smooth vanilla ice cream that feels like it was always meant to be.
This isn’t just any old ice cream sandwich. Layers of delicate filo pastry, appropriately honey-soaked, cradle a generous scoop of ice cream made by Persian ice-cream pros Darlish, while pistachios and hazelnuts add crunch and a sense of knowing sophistication.
It’s a toothsome dessert, indeed; the baklava boasts a delightful crunch and a satisfying chewiness, while the ice cream features has just a hint of saltiness that perfectly balances the overall sweetness. And it is certainly sweet, there’s no denying…
It’s street food elevated to art form, and at £7, it’s one of the best value sugar highs in Soho. At the time of writing, it’s not on the menu at Beranjak, but you can get your Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich fix at Darlish (aka the Home of the Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich) as they supply the restaurant with this particular deep cut. They have various locations, including Spitalfields, Harpenden and St Albans. Word of warning, come winter their locations shut down. It’s a long wait ’till spring for all the dessert disciples out there. Best stock up now.
Some dishes become icons for a reason. The River Cafe’s lemon tart has been stopping conversations mid-sentence for years, and one bite tells you why. This isn’t your standard citrus tart – it’s the best one you’ll likely ever eat and for that reason, has been on the menu since the restaurant’s early days.
Most Lemon tarts aren’t zesty enough for our taste, but this one is. What distinguishes this version is its intensity and purity of flavour. Made with proper Sorrento lemons – a little different from the increasingly ubiquitous Amalfi varieties and prized for their intense fragrance – the filling captures the very essence of the fruit and is unequivocally, unapologetically lemony. Of course, in a dish so sparse and forward, the details need to be perfect: the custard is beautifully golden from careful egg sourcing and set perfectly to a gentle – rather than flamboyant – wobble, clinging to the fork like any properly made curd should.
We must also talk about the pastry. The case is a technical feat in itself – rolled whisper-thin and baked to a deep golden colour that brings out the nutty notes of the butter, it provides the perfect crisp contrast to the silky filling, while adding its own caramel notes to the overall flavour profile.
Given a kiss of flame from the wood roasted oven for that signature caramelised top, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and forget where you are for a moment; one bite and you’ll be transported to a sun-drenched afternoon on the Amalfi Coast. Served with creme fraiche, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. It’s enigmatic.
The River Cafe’s lemon tart stands as a benchmark against which all others are measured, demonstrating how precision and quality of ingredients can elevate a classic into an icon. On that note, if you can’t make it out to Richmond, Theo Randall, a River Cafe alumni, serves up a stellar version at the InterContinental come Amalfi lemon season.
Ideal tip: You can buy this iconic lemon tart at River Cafe’s shop to take it away or for delivery within London. We recommend picking it up and eating it alongside the banks of the Thames, ideally with a chilled bottle of sweet late-harvest Riesling plucked from a cool bag. Yes, you’ll pay handsomely for the pleasure (for a small tart that serves 5, the cost is £35) but some experiences are worth every penny.
Ideal for a chocolate experience that will make you giddy with delight…
When a chocolate mousse quickly achieves cult status in a city full of elaborate desserts, you know it must be something special. The Parakeet’s version has done exactly that, becoming London’s most talked-about chocolate mousse through its perfect execution and curiously domestic serving style.
Served with delightful theatrical flair at the table, scooped out from the depths of a chamber pot (yes, our minds went there too) this deeply flavoured mousse is then placed atop a bed of nutty bran and oat crumb already in front of you.
It’s impossibly light – we’re talking millions of tiny bubbles creating the kind of airy texture that makes you wonder if it might float right off the plate. A good chocolate mousse is measured by the dark chocolate it uses, and they must use the good stuff here, lending a sophisticated bitterness that prevents the dessert from becoming too sweet. Each spoonful dissolves on your tongue, delivering intense chocolate flavour without any hint of heaviness. Moreover, it makes it dangerously easy to polish off the whole thing while swearing you’ll “just have one more bite”.
If you’ve never frantically phoned ahead to reserve a slice of dessert before, the brown butter and honey tart at The Marksman might well be your first time. This unassuming-looking creation has become so legendary that regulars know to book their slice before they’ve even entered the restaurant.
What makes it so special? It’s all about that perfect wobble – think moo deng captured in custard form or, as Jay Rayner put it, “the wobble and softness of a newborn’s thigh.”
It’s not just the custardy part that defines this famous tart, though. The pastry is the perfect penny-thickness, and baked to that precise moment where golden turns to mahogany, adding just a whisper of bitterness to balance the sweet. Inside, the filling is a marvel of kitchen alchemy; nut brown butter and borage honey transformed into something that makes time stand still. Only when the point of the tart starts to wobble does it snap you back into the room.
While it might look like just a tart, the first spoonful reveals caramelised notes mingling with delicate honey sweetness. A dollop of crème fraîche cuts through the richness perfectly and sends it on its way.
Ideal for a London take on distinctively Thai dessert flavours…
If you’ve been to Thailand, no doubt you’ve seen roasted or deep fried bananas being served at the side of the road, often with an overly sweet for some (probably those fibbers we mentioned in our introduction) syrup drizzled all over.
Well, the crack team at Som Saa have taken this idea and run with it to create their signature salted palm sugar ice cream and banana dessert. And, although it’s very much a novel dish rather than one that’s eaten in Thailand (most of their menu is textbook Thai), we’re endlessly thankful that they went a little off piste with this one.
The ice cream is made especially for Som Saa by the churning experts Hackney Gelato, using top shelf imported palm sugar. If you think salted caramel ice cream is good (and it is), wait until you try Som Saa’s salted palm sugar version.
The palm sugar gives it a deep, butterscotch sweetness that’s more complex than your standard caramel, while the salt is calibrated just right to make the flavours pop. But what really takes it to the next level is how they serve it – with warm banana that’s been grilled over charcoal and brushed with turmeric caramel, then finished with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. It’s a brilliant rendition of Thai dessert flavours reimagined for London palates.
The genius of this iconic London dessert lies in how the warm, aromatic banana provides the perfect temperature contrast to the cool, creamy ice cream, while the turmeric adds an unexpected earthy note that ties everything together. It’s a soothing way to end a spicy meal, that’s for sure. This one has been on the menu since their days at Climpson’s Arch, and it’s not going anywhere – the regulars simply wouldn’t allow it.
Ideal for when classic French indulgence goes the extra mile…
In a city full of elaborate desserts, Quo Vadis’ profiteroles, or ‘les qv profiteroles au chocolat’ as they’re officially known, prove that sometimes classics are classics for a reason. They might not be reinventing the wheel here, but boy, are they making it roll smoothly.
Each choux bun is textbook perfect crisp and light on the outside, with a delicate shell that yields to reveal a centre filled with both vanilla ice cream and confectioner’s custard. Yes, both.
The crowning glory is the warm chocolate sauce which creates a perfect temperature contrast. The type of chocolate is key here – it’s dark and sophisticated, cutting through the sweetness of the filling while adding glossy drama to the plate. These profiteroles manage to provoke both childlike wonder and grown-up appreciation in those in of them – no small feat for what’s essentially a fancy cream puff. Or, profiteroles with a prize inside, as we unofficially like to call them.
The chef behind this one is the brilliant Jeremy Lee, one of London’s true pudding kings, and a huge fan of this one (even if he does say so himself). Indeed, if Lee had to pick one pudding on his menu as his favourite, it would be this one – and that’s straight out of the horse’s mouth.
Inside tip: When winter rolls around, keep an eye out for their sticky toffee pudding. Made with Agen prunes and Medjool dates, it’s another classic that’ll make you grateful for cold weather.
Ideal for a Filipino-French fusion that tastes as good as it looks…
If you’ve been anywhere near Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen this purple beauty pop up on your feed, but don’t let its lurid hue fool you. Unlike some style-over-substance social media star dishes, Donia’s ube choux is some serious pastry work masquerading as social media bait. Indeed, there’s a reason why it’s up there with the best dessert in London
Think of it as a French pastry that’s taken a delicious detour through the Philippines. The choux pastry shell is everything it should be – crisp and crackly thanks to a hazelnut craquelin crust, but it’s what’s inside that makes it special. The lilac-colored ube cream (made from purple sweet potato) is paired with cloudy coconut chantilly and ube praliné, creating something that tastes as good as it looks. The result is a masterpiece of texture and flavour – crisp shell giving way to creamy filling, with the unique, nutty sweetness of ube complemented perfectly by tropical coconut notes.
It’s a clever nod to Mamasons’ famous ube ice cream sandwiches while being entirely its own thing, and we love it.
Ideal for French toast taken to heavenly new heights…
If you think you know French toast, Jun Tanaka’s pain perdu at The Ninth will make you think again. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you realise why the French called it ‘lost bread’, because anything else you’ve tried before this will feel precisely that: lost and forgotten.
The magic lies in the preparation, which is nothing short of culinary alchemy. Premium brioche is soaked for a full day in a rich crème anglaise bath before being transformed into something that straddles the line between pudding and heaven. The exterior achieves that holy grail of dessert textures – a glass-like caramelised crust that gives way to an interior so cloud-like and buttery it defies physics.
But it’s the finishing touches that elevate this from merely excellent to unforgettable. A final sprinkle of sugar gets the blowtorch treatment, creating a crunchy, caramelised top that would make a crème brûlée jealous. Served alongside house-made tonka bean ice cream and a scattering of buttery crumble, it’s the kind of dessert that causes spoons to joust across the table.
While technically a refined French classic, there’s something disarmingly familiar about this dish. It taps into that primal memory of weekend breakfasts and treaty moments, but Tanaka has somehow managed to preserve that comfort while crafting something entirely extraordinary. What began centuries ago as a thrifty way to rescue stale bread has evolved into something truly magnificent in his hands.
Ideal forburning your mouth off with salted egg lava and not even regretting it…
This whimsical creation is the very definition of ‘save the best for last’. Pale and pristine, with a gentle blush, each dessert bun at 2 Michelin-starred A Wong arrives looking remarkably like a miniature white peach, complete with a delicate leaf garnish – a playful bit of culinary theatre that’s typical of Andrew Wong’s creative genius. But the real drama unfolds when you break into it.
These heavenly parcels harbour gooey souls of custard – golden and voluptuous with salted duck yolk. The molten centre is quite possibly the most luxurious filling you’ll ever encounter. It’s a masterclass in contrasts: salty meets sweet, liquid meets solid, and tradition meets innovation. Fair warning: approach with caution – this isn’t called a ‘lava bun’ for nothing, as many an enthusiastic diner has discovered.
Word to the wise: These beauties tend to sell out, so mentioning you’d like one when you book isn’t just advisable – it’s essential.
From perfectly executed classics to imaginative new creations, these sweet sensations have earned their place in London’s culinary hall of fame. They are London’s best desserts.
Whether you’re a dedicated dessert hunter or just someone with a sweet tooth and a sense of adventure, these puddings are worth crossing town – or even country – for.
Let’s face it: flying does our skin no favours. At cruising altitude, the atmospheric pressure in an aircraft cabin hovers around 6,000-8,000 feet above sea level, creating an environment that can send even the most well-behaved complexion into a tailspin.
With humidity levels often dropping below 20% (compared to the comfortable 40-70% we’re used to on terra firma), our skin faces a perfect storm of dehydration, increased oil production, and general sensitivity. Add recycled air and pressure changes into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for complexion chaos.
But fear not – with the right approach, you can step off your flight looking refreshed rather than frazzled. Here’s how.
Pre-Flight Preparation: Setting Your Skin Up For Success
The secret to emerging from a long-haul flight with glowing skin lies in thorough preparation. Before you even think about boarding, your skin needs to be properly cleansed and fortified against the challenges ahead. Skip the heavy foundations and powder-based products that can trap bacteria and make dehydration worse – instead, focus on creating a clean, protected canvas.
Start with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanse using micellar water. Look for ones enriched with soothing botanical extracts like chamomile or cucumber – Bioderma Sensibio H2O and La Roche-Posay’s Micellar Water Ultra are fantastic options that won’t strip your skin. Apply your cleanser with soft, biodegradable cotton pads to keep things eco-friendly.
While your skin’s still slightly damp, layer on a hydrating essence. The clever ones contain beta-glucan or polyglutamic acid, which help prep your skin for the environmental stress ahead. Think of it as giving your skin a drink before heading into a drought – you want to build up those moisture reserves with light, consecutive layers rather than slathering on heavy products that might leave you feeling clogged and uncomfortable during the flight.
During The Flight: Your In-Air Skincare Strategy
The First Hour
The first hour of your flight is crucial for establishing a protective shield against that harsh cabin environment. Think of your barrier cream as your skin’s personal bodyguard – you want one packed with ceramides, squalane, peptides, and niacinamide (Vitamin B3). These ingredients work together to create a protective veil that locks in moisture while still letting your skin breathe.
Mid-Flight Maintenance
As your journey progresses, keeping skin hydrated becomes your main mission. Forget basic thermal or rose water sprays – invest in sophisticated hydration mists that actually do something. The best ones combine different sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules with supporting acts like glycerin, beta-glucan, and panthenol. Give yourself a spritz every few hours, but here’s the catch: in super-low humidity, you need to seal that moisture in with a moisturising layer, or it might actually make things worse. Be sure to moisturise your lips too.
Approaching Landing
Now, about those sheet masks – they’ve become as common as neck pillows on long-haul flights these days. If you’re going to join the sheet mask club (and why wouldn’t you?), opt for bio-cellulose or hydrogel masks rather than basic cotton ones. They hug your face better and deliver their goodness more effectively. .
Look for ingredients like beta-glucan, different weights of sodium hyaluronate, Centella asiatica, niacinamide, and adenosine. Just remember to whip it off before it starts drying out – usually around the 20-minute mark – or it’ll start doing more harm than good.
If you’re prone to oily skin, don’t just reach for the blotting papers. Instead, pack a niacinamide-based serum to keep oil production in check, or try those clever volcanic clay-infused blotting sheets that treat while they absorb. A green tea mist can work wonders for balancing things out too.
For puffy eyes (let’s be honest, who doesn’t get them on long flights?), pack an enriched eye serum and some cooling gel patches. Indeed, long flights, lack of movement, and high-sodium snacks can lead to fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes. To tackle those dark circles that have been exacerbated by lack of sleep and dehydration, look for an under-eye mask that contains ingredients like caffeine and cucumber extract to help reduce swelling and puffiness.
Or, consider one that contains brightening agents such as vitamin C or niacinamide, as these can help to lighten dark areas and give you a more awake appearance. Pop them in your carry-on’s ice pack to make them extra refreshing. A bit of gentle massage around the eye area can help too – just be careful not to tug at the delicate skin.
Smart Packing Solutions
Getting your skincare from A to B without leaks or security hassles takes some planning. The obvious choice is a clear cosmetic case as they can make airport security a breeze. However, they tend to get a bit mucky as dirt, smudges, and residue are much more noticeable on translucent material.
Savvy travellers will of course use sustainable cosmetic bags crafted from materials like organic canvas and Fairtrade cotton, as they offer both environmental consciousness and practical functionality. Remember to put your items in a plastic bag and then transfer them to your cosmetic bag after you’ve passed security.
Or, if you’re travelling heavy, consider a bag with thoughtfully designed compartments that keep everything in its place, plus water-resistant linings and clear panels that make security checks a breeze.
Pack travel-sized products in airless pumps where possible, and keep any tools like facial rollers in medical-grade pouches to keep them clean. A neat trick is to pre-soak some cotton pads with your favourite essences or toners and seal them in small reusable bags – much easier than juggling bottles in the tiny airplane loo!
Post-Flight Recovery
Within an hour of landing, give your skin a proper reset. Start with a thorough double cleanse to get rid of all that recycled air grime, then layer on a balancing toner, vitamin C serum for brightness, and a ceramide-rich moisturiser. If it’s daytime, don’t skip the broad-spectrum SPF 50 – your skin might be more sensitive than usual after the flight.
The Bottom Line
A solid in-flight skincare routine isn’t just about vanity – it’s about protecting your skin’s barrier function and microbiome during what’s essentially a few hours in a very weird environment. Understanding what’s happening to your skin at altitude helps you prepare better and maintain its health, no matter how many time zones you cross.
Remember that everyone’s skin reacts differently to flying, so what works perfectly on one flight might need tweaking on another. Pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust accordingly. And perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to drink plenty of water – beautiful skin starts from within, even at 35,000 feet.
Often playfully dubbed the ‘city of roundabouts’, Milton Keynes might not be the first destination that springs to mind for a day out. However, this thoughtfully planned new town, with its striking modernist architecture, vast green spaces, and wealth of attractions, offers visitors a surprisingly diverse range of experiences. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in this unique Buckinghamshire destination.
A Morning Coffee
Begin your Milton Keynes adventure at the independent Bogota Coffee Company in The Hub. Housed within the city’s gleaming business district, this local favourite serves up expertly crafted speciality coffee alongside proper simple, affordable breakfast fare. The cheese and ham toastie here is particularly noteworthy (and an aboslute snip at under £3), and the flat whites rival anything you’d find in London’s trendiest coffee shops.
Once well and truly caffeinated, take a short stroll to Campbell Park, one of Milton Keynes’ crown jewels. This vast green space perfectly embodies the city’s founding principle of being a ‘forest city’, where nature and urban development exist in perfect harmony. The park’s rolling hills offer splendid views across the town, and the contemporary light pyramid sculpture provides an excellent photo opportunity against the morning sky.
Milton Keynes’ Cultural Quarter
As the day warms up, head to the heart of Milton Keynes’ cultural quarter. The MK Gallery, following its dramatic transformation, has become one of the region’s most important artistic hubs. Its striking stainless-steel exterior is a masterclass in contemporary architecture, while inside, the rotating exhibitions showcase everything from international contemporary art to local talent.
Lunch At Dipna Anand
For lunch, Eat Out MK, who provide curated eating out lists, recommend Dipna Anand Kitchen & Bar at 12th Street. This vibrant restaurant brings the authentic flavours of Punjab and South India to Milton Keynes with a modern twist. Keep things light with the vegetarian thali (£15.95) – a complete platter that showcases the kitchen’s expertise.
The thali arrives as a beautifully arranged feast: a silky paneer mattar curry sits alongside a decadently creamy dal makhani, while a verdant pool of saag aloo begs to be scooped up with fresh, buttered naan. Accompanied by aromatic pulao rice, crisp poppadoms, tangy chutneys, and their secretly-spiced raita, it’s a masterclass in thoughtful Indian cooking. The warm, attentive service and contemporary setting make this the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch break.
Post-lunch, it’s time for something altogether more exhilarating. Snozone at Xscape offers a truly unique experience – real snow skiing in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, the spectacle of indoor skiing is worth witnessing, and the après-ski atmosphere in the viewing gallery is infectious.
For those preferring to keep their feet firmly on the ground, the adjacent shopping district provides retail therapy at its finest. Centre:mk, with its Grade II listed shopping building, is a remarkable piece of modernist architecture that houses over 200 shops. The original design elements and soaring space-frame roof make it as much an architectural attraction as a shopping destination.
A Waterside Stroll
As day turns to evening, take a peaceful walk along the Grand Union Canal at Campbell Wharf. The recently developed marina area offers a delightful mix of narrowboats, waterside walks, and modern architecture. Time your visit right, and you’ll catch a spectacular sunset over the water.
Dinner In Style At Paris House
For dinner, book a table at Paris House, situated a 20 minute drive from the city centre in Woburn Park. This Michelin-recommended restaurant, housed in a Tudor-style building with a fascinating history (it was actually transported piece by piece from Paris in 1878), offers an exceptional fine dining experience. The tasting menu, featuring seasonal British ingredients with French flair, provides a fitting finale to your Milton Keynes adventure.
The Bottom Line
Milton Keynes defies expectations at every turn. Behind the concrete cows and roundabouts lies a city that masterfully balances urban innovation with natural beauty, cultural significance with modern entertainment. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, foodie, adventure seeker, or simply in need of a different kind of day out, Milton Keynes delivers with its own unique charm.
While it might not have the historical grandeur of Oxford or the royal connections of Windsor, Milton Keynes offers something entirely different: a vision of modern British city living that’s both ambitious and accessible. It’s a place where you can ski in the morning, view international art at lunch, and dine in pastoral splendour in the evening – how many other towns can offer that?
The first proper cold snap of winter is nearly upon us, with sub zero temperatures apparently on the way. As we bundle up in extra layers and crank up the heating, it’s worth remembering that these challenging conditions affect some members of our community far more profoundly than others. For our elderly loved ones in particular, winter brings a unique set of challenges that extend far beyond just staying warm.
Perhaps you’ve noticed your previously independent mother becoming more hesitant about venturing to the shops in icy conditions. Maybe your father, once the family chef, now seems to subsist mainly on tea and toast. These changes aren’t merely matters of preference – they’re often signs of how winter can create a perfect storm of circumstances that make maintaining good nutrition increasingly difficult for older people.
Winter presents multiple barriers to good nutrition for older adults. The cold weather can make joints stiffer and more painful, affecting dexterity and cooking abilities. Darker days can impact mood and appetite. Even the simple act of carrying shopping bags becomes more hazardous when pavements are slippery. Add to this the current cost of living pressures, with many elderly people having to make difficult choices between heating and eating, and we begin to see why winter nutrition requires our particular attention.
The Hidden Challenges Of Winter Eating
Understanding why nutrition can become compromised as we age is crucial to providing effective support. It’s not simply a matter of choice or habit – physical changes play a significant role. Our sense of taste and smell naturally diminishes with age, making once-favourite dishes seem bland and unappetising. Dental issues or ill-fitting dentures can transform previously enjoyable meals into uncomfortable experiences. Even the energy required to prepare a simple meal can feel overwhelming when joints are stiff from the cold.
Building Better Winter Nutrition
The good news is that with thoughtful planning and the right support, we can help our elderly loved ones not just maintain but truly enjoy their winter nutrition. The key lies in understanding the essential nutrients that become particularly important during colder months and finding creative, practical ways to incorporate them into daily meals.
Protein becomes increasingly crucial as we age, playing a vital role in maintaining muscle mass, supporting immune function, and aiding recovery from illness. Rather than serving one large portion of meat at dinner – which might seem overwhelming – try incorporating smaller protein servings throughout the day. A softly scrambled egg at breakfast, a warming bowl of lentil soup at lunch, and perhaps some flaked fish at dinner can help meet daily requirements more comfortably.
Vitamin D deserves special attention during winter months. With reduced sunlight exposure and older skin being less efficient at producing this vital nutrient, many elderly people become deficient. While supplements should be discussed with a GP, we can boost intake through diet – incorporating oil-rich fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals into weekly meal plans.
Making Mealtimes Manageable
The physical act of preparing food often presents the first hurdle to good nutrition. Rather than completely taking over kitchen duties – which can feel disempowering – focus on enabling independence where possible. Simple changes can transform the cooking experience: better lighting over work surfaces, easy-grip utensils, and a perching stool for rest breaks during preparation.
For those struggling with swallowing difficulties or dental issues, texture modified food products have evolved significantly. Modern options maintain both nutritional value and dignity, looking and tasting far more appealing than traditional purées. Many everyday dishes can also be adapted at home with careful preparation and the right equipment.
The Joy Of Seasonal Cooking
Winter brings wonderful opportunities for nutritious, warming meals that comfort both body and soul. A slow-cooked stew, gently bubbling away and filling the house with inviting aromas, offers not just nutrition but a sense of home and wellbeing. Better still, these dishes often improve with reheating, making them perfect for batch cooking and freezing in individual portions.
Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of elderly nutrition is the social element. Many older people find their appetite diminishes significantly when eating alone – a challenge that often intensifies during winter months when getting out becomes harder. While we can’t always be there in person, technology offers new ways to share mealtimes. A regular video call during dinner might feel strange at first, but it can transform a solitary sandwich into a more engaging dining experience.
Practical Support Strategies
Keeping the kitchen well-stocked during winter requires strategic planning. Online shopping, once set up with a saved favourites list, can be a game-changer for those who find physical shopping challenging. A well-stocked store cupboard provides peace of mind during cold snaps when getting out might be impossible.
Monitoring With Care
While it’s important to support our elderly loved ones’ nutrition, it’s equally crucial to respect their autonomy. Rather than taking control, aim to enable and empower. Keep a gentle eye out for warning signs that additional support might be needed, such as unexpected weight loss, empty cupboards, or regularly skipped meals. If you notice these signs, consider having a gentle conversation about additional support options, from GP check-ups to local lunch clubs.
The Bottom Line
As we navigate through these winter months, remember that good nutrition isn’t just about the food itself – it’s about making the whole process of planning, preparing, and enjoying meals both manageable and pleasurable.
Whether it’s setting up a regular shopping delivery, sharing more mealtimes, or simply ensuring their kitchen is well-lit and accessible, every supportive step helps create a foundation for better winter wellness. After all, food is more than just fuel – it’s about comfort, connection, and care. And in these challenging winter months, couldn’t we all do with a little more of each?
We’re sure you’ve all heard the one about billionaires far and wide buying up property in New Zealand in anticipation of the apocalypse? Ironic, don’t you think, that one of the last places to be inhabited by humans (none before 1300AD, apparently) will also be the last place standing when the doomsday clock finally strikes midnight?
Which, it has to be said, is looking closer than ever…
Anyway, we digress. We’re here for those inaugural visitors to the Land of the Long White Cloud (and Flat White Coffee), who are heading there for fun and frolics, curiosity and culture, rather than for self preservation. You’re our guys! And with that, here are 7 tips for first time visitors to New Zealand.
Go South For Scenery
Too many first time visitors to New Zealand make the huge mistake of focusing all of their attentions on the cosmopolitan cities of the North Island, where Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton lie. And while these places have much to offer, it’s the South Island which boasts the truly knock out, spectacular scenery for which the country is famed.
Don’t (and you won’t) miss the Southern Alps, the mountain range which runs for the length of the island and is peaked by Mount Cook (Aoraki in Maori). Scaling New Zealand’s tallest mountain will take at least three days on foot, but the more all encompassing Mount Cook National Park provides endless fantastic views and a sense of serenity you won’t find in the Northern hemisphere.
Other must sees on the Southern Island include Stewart Island, which actual, flying, pecking Kiwis call home. The Hokitika Gorge is perhaps the place which provides the most Instagram worthy shot; calm, turquoise waters surrounded by native bush; just bliss. When it’s this beautiful, you might even want to put your camera away.
We won’t cloak this in allusion or implication; New Zealand is expensive. Really expensive. There’s scant opportunity for budget backpack travel, make no mistake.
Even if you don’t stay in 5-star hotels or luxury resorts, you’re still going to be paying a premium for accommodation, sure, but most damaging to any attempt to be conservative with the coin is likely going to be eating and drinking out, which is as costly as anywhere we’ve encountered worldwide.
Activities and tours are also some of the most prohibitively expensive around, probably how and why their scenic destinations remain so well kempt and unspoilt. From getting a helicopter ride to hike Franz Josef which is one of New Zealand’s iconic glaciers, to cruising with whales in Kaikoura, experiences here don’t come cheap. If you’re to enjoy this amazing country to its full potential, then save, save, save before visiting.
Recent changes to New Zealand border control mean that UK travellers will now need to obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel here. Previously a ‘visa waiver’ country, UK travellers could visit the country with ease. As of October 1st 2019, these rules have changed, partly to include an eco-levy aimed at supporting conservation efforts in the country. And who can argue with that?
An NZeTA is simple to apply for online and it takes just a few minutes, though travellers should allow up to 72 hours for processing. The NZeTA costs just $17 (around £8) via the free application app, or $23 (around £11) if completed online. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 when you apply.
For UK citizens, the tourist visa rules are particularly kind; you can stay in New Zealand for six months, though you will need to satisfy the Immigration Officer at the airport that you meet the criteria for visa-free entry, which includes having an onward ticket and sufficient funds to support you during your stay.
You may also need to show proof of travel insurance on arrival. One way travel insurance in NZ is popular for those looking to stick around for a while and travel the country without pressure.
The weather in New Zealand is unpredictable, to say the least. Summer occurs during our winter, and vice versa, and temperatures are generally mild, though the North is warmer and as you travel south things get cooler and in the winter can dip below freezing. Average rainfall is high all year round and the sun is surprisingly intense and unrelenting even when temperatures suggest otherwise. In short, pack for all eventualities, as you would approach a holiday in Britain.
Safety First
You’ve probably already heard; New Zealand is one of the safest places on earth, boasting a Global Peace Index value of under 1.2, which places them behind only Iceland in the world’s most peaceful destinations.
That said, it would be foolish to be totally complacent with your belongings and personal safety when travelling. Theft is unfortunately not uncommon, particularly from parked, unattended vehicles in remote settings; take normal precautions and hide belongings from view or take them with you. The same goes for hotel rooms, particularly of the budget variety; use a safe if provided or take valuables along with you for the ride.
Pack Light, Ship Smart
Whilst the temptation to pack for every conceivable weather scenario is strong, remember that New Zealand has excellent shopping options for anything you might need. Many British expats and travellers alike have discovered the convenience of UK to New Zealand parcel forwarding services when they find themselves missing specific items from home or need to receive care packages from family.
These services are particularly handy if you’re planning an extended stay or working holiday, allowing you to ship everything from favourite teatime treats to essential outdoor gear that you’d rather not lug through airports.
Time Your Visit Wisely
The peak tourist season runs from December to February (remember, that’s summer down under), when prices soar and accommodation can be scarce in popular destinations. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons – March to May or September to November – when you’ll find more reasonable rates and fewer crowds but still enjoy relatively mild weather.
The autumn months (March to May) are particularly spectacular in regions like Central Otago, where the landscape transforms into a canvas of reds and golds. Plus, if you’re a wine enthusiast, this coincides perfectly with the grape harvest in renowned wine regions like Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay.
And with that, we hope you enjoy your trip to New Zealand just as much as we’re looking forward to hearing about it!
So, you’ve decided to build your own house? First off, congratulations on your bravery! Exciting (and admittedly nerve-wracking) times lie ahead, but we’re confident the finished product will make all the current anxiety worthwhile. Before you start sketching out your dream home layout, though, let’s walk through 7 essential tips to ensure your build goes as smoothly as possible. Hard hat on? Come join us on the site…
Learn From Others’ Mistakes (AKA Binge-Watch Grand Designs)
No, seriously – hear us out. If you want to know what obstacles await and the mistakes to avoid when building your dream home, then may we suggest settling in for a marathon viewing of ‘Grand Designs’? With 21 series under its belt, this show has documented practically every possible pitfall in home building.
Time and again, we’ve watched ambitious homebuilders attempt to create their perfect property, complete with fancy features like instant boiling water taps and morning rooms, only to run into the same issues – particularly spiralling costs. According to the host, Kevin McCloud, most problems stem from “a lack of planning.” Wise words, Kev.
Get Your Dream Team In Place
Building a house isn’t a solo adventure – it’s more like assembling your very own A-Team, minus the van and mohawks. Start with a skilled architect who can translate your Pinterest board into actual plans. They’re not just drawing pretty pictures; they’re your creative ally in deciding how spaces flow and where that perfect morning light will stream in.
As the expert home builders in Dayton, Ohio, Schumacher Homes tell us, you’ll of course also need a reliable builder. Don’t just pick the first one you find on Google – look at their previous work, check their references, and trust your gut feeling. Remember, you’ll be working closely with these people for months, so chemistry matters almost as much as competence.
Master Your Money (Before It Masters You)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – money. Building your own home can actually be considerably cheaper than buying from a developer, but only if you budget correctly. The cardinal sin of home building? Waiting until after you’ve started to figure out your finances.
Set a realistic budget before the first brick is laid, and then add another 10-20% for those inevitable surprises. Whether it’s discovering your plot needs extra groundwork or facing labour shortages, having this buffer could save your sanity.
Seek Professional Guidance
Before planning anything, it’s imperative you seek advice from real estate agents and home-building professionals. A real estate agent can provide valuable insights about your chosen location’s potential value, while an architect can help maximise your space and budget efficiency. Similarly, a building contractor can help you create realistic timelines and schedules.
If you’re selling a property to finance your build, work with companies who are part of the Property Ombudsman – they provide fair, independent service and work to consistent standards for consumers.
Consider The Custom Build Route
Building your own house shouldn’t necessarily mean getting your hard hat on and your hands dirty. Consider, instead, opting for a custom build. Generally, this comprises ready-made designs that you can customise to suit your specific needs.
While you might pay a premium for this approach, it can help avoid material mix-ups and budget overruns. Plus, you’ll still get the satisfaction of creating something uniquely yours without quite so many headaches.
Choose Materials That Last (Not Just Look Good)
While it’s tempting to spend hours picking out trendy tiles and fancy fixtures, focus first on the bones of your build. Your choice of materials will determine not just how your house looks, but how it stands up to whatever the British weather throws at it (and we all know it can throw quite a lot).
Consider materials that suit your local climate and lifestyle. That gorgeous hardwood flooring might look stunning on day one, but how will it cope with muddy wellies and endless rainy days? Sometimes, the practical choice is the smart choice.
Plan For The Future (Crystal Ball Optional)
When designing your dream home, you need to think beyond the immediate future. Will you need space for a growing family? Might elderly parents need to move in someday? Are you planning to work from home more often?
Don’t just build for the life you have now – build for the life you want to have. That might mean incorporating flexible spaces that can evolve with your needs, planning for potential extensions, or simply ensuring your ground floor could accommodate single-level living if needed down the line.
The Bottom Line
Building your own home is a bit like conducting an orchestra – there are lots of moving parts to coordinate, and occasionally someone will hit a bum note. But with proper planning, a realistic budget, and the right team behind you, you can create something truly spectacular.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your dream home won’t be either. But stick to these tips, keep your sense of humour handy, and before you know it, you’ll be turning that key in the door of your very own grand design.
The clocks have gone back. The nights are darkening. And as the crisp, golden hues of autumn already threaten to turn to the silvery shiver of winter, it’s essential to remember that our hair, like our wardrobe, requires a change in routine with the shift in seasons.
With leaves turning and temperatures dipping, autumn is synonymous with dry air. This can wreak havoc on our hair, leaving it parched, frizzy, and brittle. However, fear not, for we have your winter hair care essentials covered, ensuring that you maintain luscious locks through the fall and beyond.
Deep Conditioning: Moisture Mantra
The biting winter air and indoor heating can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it vulnerable to damage. Your hair’s number one companion during this season is a good deep-conditioning treatment. Preferably, opt for conditioners containing natural oils like argan, jojoba, or shea butter, which are rich in essential fatty acids. These nutrients penetrate your hair shaft, restoring and locking in the moisture, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and resilient against the harsh winter elements.
Shampooing: Less Is More
While cleanliness is critically important, over-shampooing can further dehydrate your hair. During winter, try to limit your washes to twice or thrice a week at most. This allows your scalp to maintain its natural oils, keeping your hair naturally moisturised. Invest in a sulphate-free shampoo that gently cleanses without stripping away essential oils.
Protective Styling: Shield From The Cold
Consider adopting protective hairstyles during the colder months. Classic options like braids, buns, or updos not only limit your hair’s exposure to the harsh winter elements but also help prevent tangles and breakage due to winter winds and woollen scarves.
Heat Styling: Minimise During Winter
While it’s tempting to reach for your heat styling tools when battling winter frizz, the combination of artificial heat and dry air can be particularly damaging. Instead, explore heat-free styling alternatives: twist-outs for natural waves, heatless curls using soft rollers or silk scarves, braiding damp hair for textured waves, or pin-curling for vintage-inspired bouncy curls. If you must use heated tools like straighteners, curling wands, or blow dryers, keep usage to a minimum, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand, and keep your styling tool on the lowest effective temperature setting.
Hydrate & Nourish From Within
Topical applications are only half the battle. Hydrate and nourish your hair from within by drinking plenty of water and incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and proteins into your diet. Foods such as salmon, avocados, nuts, and seeds are a rich source of these nutrients. Consider adding a vitamin D supplement to compensate for reduced sunlight exposure.
Cold Water Rinse: The Chilling Truth
After a warm, relaxing shower, a cold water rinse might not sound appealing, especially during winter. However, finishing your wash with a cold rinse can work wonders for your hair. Cold water helps seal the hair cuticles, improving the shine and strength of your strands.
Essential Winter Hair Accessories
Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and static, which can cause hair breakage while you sleep. A wide-tooth comb is perfect for detangling your hair without causing unnecessary stress. Consider wearing a silk-lined hat or beanie to protect your hair from harsh winter weather whilst preventing friction and breakage.
Scalp Care: The Root Of The Matter
Winter can exacerbate scalp issues, leading to dryness and flaking. Incorporate a weekly scalp treatment into your routine using scalp-friendly products. A gentle massage with a few drops of essential oil, like tea tree or lavender oil, can stimulate blood circulation, promote hair growth, and create an optimal environment for healthy hair. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to combat the drying effects of central heating.
Regular Trims: Maintain Health
Regular trims every 6-8 weeks during the winter season are crucial. This helps eliminate split ends and reduces hair breakage, leaving your locks looking fresh and healthy. If you can’t make it to the salon, read our guide on how to give yourself a successful DIY haircut at home.
Never Leave The House With Wet Hair
Going out with wet hair in freezing weather can cause it to freeze and break. Always ensure your hair is completely dry before venturing out into winter weather. If you’re in a hurry, try using microfibre towels or t-shirt drying methods, which absorb water effectively without causing excessive dryness or frizz. Consider washing your hair in the evening to allow for natural overnight drying.
The Bottom Line
Winter doesn’t need to spell disaster for your tresses. With proper care and attention, you can maintain healthy, vibrant hair throughout the coldest months. A winter-specific hair care regimen not only protects your hair from damage but also ensures it remains beautiful and manageable, even on the frostiest of days. Embrace these beauty tips just in time for party season, and let your hair shine as brightly as freshly fallen snow!
Whilst it might feel perverse to mention firing up the central heating, let alone whispering the ol’ W word, let’s face it; winter is coming. Autumn, of course, is well and truly here, with its unmistakable scents and darkening evenings already very much in the air.
As we approach the colder months, it’s essential to prepare our homes for the inevitable temperature drop. While we all look forward to the changing leaves, cosy evenings in front of the television, and warming cups of tea, there is a less than appealing side to the autumn and winter seasons – the likelihood of our homes losing valuable heat. And, the resulting increase in energy bills that brings.
So, how do you keep your home efficiently warm and avoid rising energy bills? Here are some effective strategies you can implement for the coming colder months.
Insulate Your Home Effectively
Insulation is one of the keys to maintaining an energy-efficient house, and its importance can’t be overstated. Proper insulation in your loft, walls, floors, and ceilings can prevent heat from escaping and cold from entering your home. This ensures you have a warm and comfortable environment, even as the temperatures outside plummet.
We realise that a full on insulation project for your property might be prohibitively expensive right now, particularly in a cost of living crisis. Fear not; there are DIY ways you can insulate your home, too. Bare floors can account for as much as 10% of heat loss if they’re not insulated. Invest in carpets or area rugs to keep your feet warm and prevent heat from escaping.
Also consider your windows as a source of heat loss. While an upgrade to double – or even triple – glazing (more of that in a moment) is the most all-encompassing approach to improving the heating efficiency of your home, there are more basic insulating approaches you can take, too. A cost-effective method to improve the insulation of your windows is to attach a special insulation film. The film can be cut to size, attached with double-sided tape and then heated with a hairdryer to shrink it and remove any wrinkles.
Thick curtains or thermal blinds can significantly reduce heat loss through windows, too. They trap a layer of air against the window, which provides an extra layer of insulation.
Finally, insulating your hot water pipes can prevent heat loss, meaning your boiler doesn’t have to work as hard. Pre-formed foam tubes can be purchased, which can be easily cut to size and placed around your pipes.
Upgrade Your Windows To Double Glazing
As the team at Phair, one of the more reputed window companies in Leicester, tell us, when it comes to home heat preservation, windows are a common weak point. Heat can easily escape from single-pane windows, making your heating system work extra hard. Double-glazed windows are a fantastic solution. These consist of two sheets of glass with a gap in between, which creates an insulating barrier to keep the heat in.
In particular, if your home has sash windows, you might have experienced significant heat loss. Traditional sash windows are notorious for being draughty. Upgrading your existing sash windows to double-glazed sash windows could drastically improve your home’s heat retention capability, saving you money on your heating bill. Moreover, it maintains the charm and character of your home. A skilled tradesperson will be able to restore these windows without damaging their integrity or prized aesthetic.
Mind The Gaps
Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and loft hatches to prevent heat from escaping. Even the smallest of gaps can create a significant draught, and heat can be lost from these unexpected places, affecting not only your levels of comfort, but also your energy bills and the carbon footprint of your property. Here are some of the best methods to prevent those pesky draughts:
Window and Door Draught Excluders: Draught excluders are a simple and cost-effective way to reduce draughts. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from long sausage-shaped draught excluders that you can place at the bottom of doors, to adhesive rubber seals that fit around the edges of your windows.
Weatherstripping: This involves applying a thin strip of material (usually rubber, vinyl or metal) around the windows and doors to seal off small gaps. There are self-adhesive strips available which are very easy to install.
Caulking: This is a flexible sealant that is applied to the cracks and gaps. Make sure your windows and doors are clean and dry before applying caulk, apply it smoothly and evenly, and allow it to dry before painting over it.
Expandable Foam: This is a good option for draught-proofing larger gaps around windows and doors. Be cautious while using expandable foam as it expands rapidly and can be difficult to remove if it makes a mess.
Window Film: Window insulation film is a plastic film which can be applied to glass windows to reduce heat transfer. It’s transparent so you can still see through your windows, but it helps to reduce draughts and increase energy efficiency.
Remember, before you undertake these improvements, it’s important to identify where exactly the draughts are coming from. You can do this on a windy day by moving a lit candle around the door and window edges. If the flame flickers, there’s a draught. Using these methods can prevent draughts and make your home more energy efficient.
Install A Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat gives you greater control over your home’s heating by allowing you to schedule when it turns on and off. Some models can even learn your daily routine and adjust the heating accordingly. This improved efficiency helps your home stay warm and reduces waste, thereby saving you money.
Regular boiler servicing will keep your boiler operating at maximum efficiency. Ensure it’s up to the job of warming your home by having it serviced annually. Now is the perfect time to get your boiler in top shape, so when it’s time to crank up the central heating, you can be confident that you’re not wasting energy.
The Bottom Line
There are numerous ways to prevent your home from losing heat during the winter months. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only have a warm, comfortable home but also see a significant reduction in your energy bills. So why wait? Start preparing your home today and ensure that you get the most out of these cosy seasons.
While the leafy streets of Dulwich might be better known for their pristine parks and the Dulwich Picture Gallery (Britain’s oldest public art gallery, no less), the area’s food scene has been quietly evolving into something special.
With three stations (North, East and West Dulwich) serving the area, you’re never more than a short walk from your next memorable meal, whether that’s a Georgian feast with wine from clay vessels, satisfying, sprawling pizza, or modern Indian cooking that’s earning widespread acclaim. With the help of CJ Digital, a leading restaurant marketing agency in London, here’s our pick of the best places to eat in Dulwich.
Kartuli, Lordship Lane
Ideal for discovering the comforting flavours of Georgian cuisine and wines from the cradle of winemaking…
Behind a striking emerald-green shopfront adorned with hanging baskets and Georgian bunting, Kartuli brings a slice of Tbilisi to East Dulwich. Housed in the historic David Greig building, the dining room marries bentwood chairs and warm wooden surfaces with trailing plants and a spectacular wall of Georgian wines – it’s the kind of place that makes you want to settle in for the long haul.
The menu reads like a love letter to Georgian cuisine. Start with badrijani – tender fried aubergine rolls filled with a ground walnut, garlic and spice paste – or their exemplary pkhali selection, where spinach, beetroot, carrot and beans are transformed through grinding with walnuts and aromatic spices. The legendary khachapuri (cheese-filled breads) come in several regional varieties, but it’s the Acharuli version that draws gasps: a boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese, topped with an egg and butter that you stir together to create what might be the world’s most indulgent dip.
Main courses showcase Georgia’s mastery of slow cooking – the chakapuli (lamb shank fragrant with tarragon, spring onions and Rkatsiteli white wine) is soul-warming, while their shkmeruli (roasted poussin in garlic cream) shows how elevated ‘simple’ dishes can be. Vegetarians are particularly well-served; the lobio (pinto beans rich with herbs, fresh chillies and spices) is served with fermented vegetables and puts most meat dishes to shame.
The wine list is, quite simply, one of the most exciting in London. Georgia, widely considered the birthplace of wine, is represented in all its amber-hued glory. Start with their ‘First Time Taster’ flight, which includes a qvevri-made amber wine that will change how you think about white wine. Their Saperavi reds are powerful yet elegant, while their standout Shumi Qvevri sparkling wine offers a fascinating Georgian take on traditional method bubbles, made with 70% Chinebuli and 30% Mtsvane grapes.
End with their honey cake (layers of honey-infused sponge filled with caramel cream) or, better yet, the intriguing Pelamushi – a traditional dessert of Kindzmarauli wine and grape juice, served with roasted walnuts. A shot of chacha (Georgian grape brandy) provides the traditional finale.
Ideal for seasonal British cooking that lets the ingredients sing…
A quarter-century into its tenure on Lordship Lane, Franklins remains exactly what you want from a neighbourhood restaurant – unfussy yet special, with a daily-changing menu that reads like a greatest hits of British cooking. As Jay Rayner put it (some 21 years ago, admittedly), it’s “West End style without the hype.”
The farm shop next door may have closed, but its spirit lives on in the restaurant’s devotion to excellent produce. The menu shifts with the seasons and market availability – on any given day you might find clear venison soup with chive pancakes to start, followed by ox heart with chicory and chorizo, or cod with beetroot and tarragon yoghurt. The kitchen shows particular flair with game during season, and their generous Barnsley chops have achieved near-mythical status among locals.
There’s real value to be found in their set lunch menu (£21.95 for two courses, £24.95 for three), while the evening a la carte delivers proper cooking at prices that remain remarkably fair for the quality – starters hover around £9-10, mains £16-27. Even better, they’re celebrating their quarter century this November with a throwback menu offering three courses for £19.99.
The wine list is equally thoughtful and fairly priced, with interesting guest wines by the glass, while the puddings – think quince crumble with custard or chocolate and hazelnut parfait with red wine pear – make lingering essential. Their selection of after-dinner armagnacs and cognacs, including some remarkable aged examples, provides a final flourish.
Price: Starters £9-13, mains £16-27, set lunch menu £21.95/£24.95
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-10:30pm
Book ahead: Essential for Sunday lunch, advisable other times
Ideal for contemporary Greek cooking that values substance over stereotypes…
There’s not a smashed plate or bouzouki in sight at Evi’s, and that’s exactly the point. This compact North Cross Road spot – from Evi Peroulaki and Conor Mills, who earned their stripes running the much-loved Souvlaki Street stall – delivers Greek food that’s both authentic and excitingly contemporary.
The narrow space, with its navy blue booths and whitewashed walls, offers just enough Hellenic hints without falling into taverna cliché, while the perspex-sheltered garden is a suntrap perfect for long weekend lunches. But it’s the cooking that makes this place special – elegantly rugged dishes that showcase just what happens when you spend years perfecting your craft in London’s street food scene.
Their famous pork souvlaki, made with premium Tamworth collar, shows how elevating ‘simple’ street food can be, while the tzatziki and melitzanosalata (smoky aubergine dip scattered with walnuts and pomegranate) have the vivid freshness you’d expect from something made minutes ago. The courgette fritters are a must-order, arriving as golden-crisp boulders with dill-flecked centers and cooling sumac yoghurt.
The drinks list is ace, too – think all-Greek wines and house-made sodas spiked with cucumber and lime. Don’t expect coffee or dessert (a conscious choice given the space), but do expect some of the most exciting Greek cooking in London.
Price: Small plates £6-9, mains £14-18
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 6pm-9:30pm, Fri 12pm-2:30pm & 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sat 12pm-3pm & 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sun 12pm-3pm
Book ahead: Essential – they recently introduced online booking for good reason
Ideal for contemporary Japanese cooking with serious sushi credentials…
From the team behind Clapham’s much-loved Tsunami comes this sophisticated spot that’s been quietly serving some of South London’s best Japanese cuisine since opening a decade ago. The dining room strikes a perfect balance between sleek and welcoming, with the sushi counter providing dinner theatre for those lucky enough to grab a seat there.
The menu covers impressive ground without losing focus. Start with yellowtail hamachi with jalapeño and ponzu or their exemplary salt and chilli squid, before moving onto their selection of precisely crafted nigiri and sashimi – the scallop is a particular highlight. Their ‘special’ rolls show real creativity; the soft shell crab version, wrapped in tempura and served with avocado and spring onion, is lightness in batter form, and after the initial satisfying crunch, disappears on the palate.
For those seeking something more substantial, the black cod marinated in sweet miso is worth its £29.50 price tag, while the Scottish Angus rib-eye comes three ways: straight-up teriyaki, ‘dynamite’ style with chilli sauce, or with exotic mushrooms and truffle. Their bao buns – try the pork belly with truffle mayo or Korean fried cauliflower – make perfect drinking food alongside their selection of Japanese beers and sake.
Ideal for sophisticated Indian cooking that honors tradition while embracing modernity…
In a smart suburban parade on Rosendale Road, Heritage – Dulwich’s only Michelin-recognised restaurant – is quietly reinventing Indian fine dining in South London. Chef Dayashankar Sharma, who has led many of London’s finest Indian kitchens over three decades, now cooks alongside his son Anmol, creating dishes that are both reverent to tradition and thrillingly contemporary.
The menu reads like a masterclass in balancing heritage and innovation. Start with old Delhi papdi chaat – wheat crisps topped with sweet potato and pomegranate – or venture into more ambitious territory with the venison badal jaam, where wild venison meets spiced aubergine and tomato. The tandoor section showcases technical precision: Heritage lamb chops are given the royal treatment with black cardamom and raw papaya, while king prawns come alive with Bengali shatkora citrus.
Mains strike a perfect balance between comfort and refinement – the rogani nalli gosht (lamb shank with black cardamom) is pure indulgence, while the Kashmiri lamb shows real respect for regional recipes. Their weekend thali lunch (£19.99) might be the best value fine dining in South London. For the full experience, opt for one of their tasting menus – the 7-course feast (£68) with matched wines (£40) shows particular ambition, moving from rabbit kebab with radish yogurt through to tandoor-grilled pineapple with salted caramel ice cream.
The wine list shows real thought, with interesting pairings like Grüner Veltliner with scallop moilee, while the cocktail menu plays with Indian flavors – try the Rajwara Old Fashioned, where cardamom-infused bourbon meets bay leaf and bitters.
Price: Small plates £8-12, mains £12-23, tasting menus £52/£68
Ideal for creative all-day dining with a plant-forward focus…
Behind the charming white-painted frontage of this East Dulwich stalwart, complete with wooden benches and window boxes spilling with herbs, Spinach has been quietly revolutionizing neighborhood dining since 2013. Founded by Melissa Harwood, who you’ll still find between here and their sister site most days, it’s the kind of place that makes you wish all local restaurants could be this good.
The daytime menu sings with creative brunch dishes that work whether you’re virtuous or hungover. Their sweet potato shakshuka – two perfectly poached eggs swimming in a sauce livened up with cheddar, pickled onions and sriracha butter – has achieved cult status, while their brioche French toast with black forest compote offers indulgence done right. The ‘Oooh go on then’ section of add-ons (from £2-£6) lets you customise to your heart’s content.
Come evening, the lights dim and the menu shifts to sophisticated small plates that showcase vegetables without being strictly vegetarian. The burrata topped with roasted pumpkin and pesto (£12) is a standout, while the rump steak with Jerusalem artichoke purée (£12.50) shows they’re equally deft with meat. Their cocktails are well-crafted and fairly priced – the English Garden (£10), with gin, elderflower, cucumber and mint, is summer in a glass.
Sustainability is a key driver of the whole vibe here too, from careful menu planning to reduce waste to a commitment to local suppliers – the sourdough comes from nearby Blackbird Bakery, while William Rose provides the meat.
Price: Brunch £8-14, evening small plates £4-13
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 8am-5pm, Thu-Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 8am-5pm
Book ahead: Yes for weekend brunch and Thursday-Saturday dinner
Ideal for properly good pizza that doesn’t take itself too seriously…
Behind the distinctive orange and blue shopfront, Yard Sale has been quietly revolutionising London’s pizza game for some time now. The Lordship Lane outpost (the operation’s sixth) might be compact, with just a handful of seats, but that’s hardly the point – this is a pizza joint that knows exactly what it’s doing.
Each pizza starts with their signature slow-cooked tomato sauce and carefully sourced fior di latte mozzarella. The ‘TSB’ (tender stem broccoli with parmesan, pine nuts and garlic) has achieved cult status, while the ‘Holy Pepperoni’ – loaded with regular pepperoni, smokey gyula pepperoni and nduja – shows they’re not afraid of excess. For the truly committed, there’s the ‘Unholy Pepperoni’, which doubles down on everything and adds hot honey.
The menu plays with tradition without losing the plot – their vegan options aren’t afterthoughts (try the Texas VBQ with THIS™ plant-based chicken), and there’s a knowing wink in dishes like ‘Guindillas in the Mist’. Pro tip: the 18-inch pizzas are better value than two 12-inch ones, perfect for sharing or ambitious solo dining.
They’ve thought of everything: truffle mayo for crust dipping, the Ribman’s famous Holy F*ck sauce for heat seekers, and even marmite and cheese garlic bread for the umami-heads.
Ideal for special occasion dining in a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion…
Behind the grand columns of Dulwich’s most imposing mansion, No. 5 at Belair House delivers a dining experience that matches its setting. The restaurant balances special occasion glamour with neighborhood warmth, serving modern British cuisine across several menus that change with the seasons.
Their brunch game is particularly strong – the breakfast waffle topped with crispy bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise shows their knack for elevated comfort food, while their lamb kofta with yogurt and mint dip proves they can handle more substantial fare. The afternoon tea (£22, or £29 with prosecco) needs pre-ordering but delivers the full works: finger sandwiches, fresh scones and petit fours.
Evening brings more ambition to the plate – think scallop and prawn with butternut squash purée, or herb-crusted corn-fed chicken with garlic and rosemary potatoes. Their Sunday roasts have earned a loyal following, with options including slow-roasted beef ribeye and whole roasted poussin (£17-18), all served with a pleasing array of trimmings and Yorkshire puddings the size of your head.
The cocktail list shows similar attention to detail – try their English Garden (gin, elderflower, cucumber and mint) while taking in those park views. Just remember to book ahead and check they’re not closed for a wedding – it is, after all, primarily an events venue.
Ideal for relaxed Italian dining that doesn’t sacrifice authenticity…
Named after a village in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome, this independent trattoria brings a genuine slice of Italian hospitality to Dulwich Village. The bright, airy space offers alfresco seating both out front and in their rear garden – perfect for long summer lunches after a stroll around Dulwich Park or the Picture Gallery.
The menu reads like a greatest hits of Italian cuisine, but done with real care. Pizzas come on dough made with Wildfarmed flour – try the pizza Romana with spinach, pork salsiccia and chillies, or the bianca which swaps tomato sauce for a decadent mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and goat’s cheese with caramelized onions. The pasta, all made in-house under Executive Chef Francesco’s supervision, ranges from comforting classics (the carbonara with guanciale and Clarence Court eggs is textbook) to more ambitious plates like tortelloni filled with lobster and prawns in a sage and caper butter sauce.
For those seeking something more substantial, the branzino puttanesca (grilled seabass with a punchy sauce of capers, anchovies and olives) shows they can handle fish with finesse, while the lamb cutlets with mint sauce prove there’s more to Italian cooking than pasta and pizza. Their wine list focuses entirely on Italian bottles, with helpful pairing suggestions for each dish.
End with their torta della nonna or pecan caramel cheesecake, and don’t skip the digestivi – their grappa selection is impressive.
Most people have been brushing their teeth since they were old enough to stand on a step stool and reach the bathroom sink. It’s such a fundamental part of daily routine that many do it on autopilot – morning and night, without much thought to technique. Yet dental professionals across the UK continue to notice the same brushing mistakes cropping up time and time again. These seemingly minor slip-ups could be affecting dental health more than many realise.
Standing Not So Firm
Take the common misconception about toothbrush firmness. That firm-bristled toothbrush that seems like it would give teeth a proper clean? It might actually be doing more harm than good. Hard bristles can cause microscopic damage to both enamel and gums. The solution is to opt for soft, flexible bristles that can gently sweep away plaque while protecting dental health.
Pressure Drop
Pressure is another crucial factor to consider. Gripping the toothbrush like it’s a tool for scrubbing burnt lasagne off a casserole dish isn’t doing any favours. Plaque is surprisingly easy to remove; it’s thoroughness, not force, that gets the job done. A simple technique adjustment can help: holding the brush with just a thumb and two fingers naturally prevents applying too much pressure.
Take Your Two Minute Time
Time is another factor where improvement is often needed. Rushing through dental routines, especially on busy mornings, is a common habit. But cutting brush time from two minutes to one means potentially missing thousands of bacteria. Setting a timer or playing a favourite song while brushing can help ensure adequate cleaning time.
Three Months Is The Magic Number
The condition of the toothbrush itself is often overlooked. Even with perfect technique, a worn-out brush won’t do its job properly. The British Dental Association recommends replacing brushes every three months, or sooner if the bristles start looking frayed. A practical approach is to purchase replacement brushes in advance and mark the “start using” date on each one, taking the guesswork out of timing replacements.
Acid Trip
Counter-intuitively, it’s important to resist the urge to brush immediately after enjoying acidic foods or drinks. That glass of orange juice or evening wine temporarily softens tooth enamel, and brushing straight away can actually wear it down. The better approach is to rinse with water and wait half an hour before picking up the toothbrush. Sugar-free gum can help neutralise the acid while waiting.
Tooth Brushing Tekkers
As Dental Care Centre, an emergency dentist in London, tell us, “technique matters as much as timing.” Rather than keeping the brush parallel to the teeth (as most people do), positioning it at a 45-degree angle to the gumline makes a significant difference. It’s similar to sweeping under a rug – getting underneath that edge is essential for proper cleaning. This simple adjustment helps remove plaque from one of its favourite hiding spots: just beneath the gums.
Both Sides Now
When brushing does occur, it’s essential to give equal attention to all surfaces of the teeth – including the often-neglected tongue side. While it’s natural to focus on the visible surfaces, plaque doesn’t discriminate. Those hidden surfaces need just as much attention as the ones on display.
The Bottom Line
These might seem like small adjustments to a daily routine, but their effects compound over time. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a few mindful minutes each day is a small investment in long-term dental health. Different people have different dental needs, so consulting with a dental professional about personalised recommendations can help identify missed areas or necessary technique adjustments. Not ‘can’; it is, in fact, a must.
