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RESTAURANT REVIEW: BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT THE POTTING SHED – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR AN EARTHY BRUNCH

Joseph Gann
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT THE POTTING SHED – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR AN EARTHY BRUNCH

The bottomless brunch field in London has been worked and reaped so extensively, one wonders if there’s any space left on the plot for a budding new upstart. In a terrain teeming with imitators, places need to differentiate themselves to stand a chance of seeing the sun. The Potting Shed seems to have taken the extended metaphor very literally, digging its roots down a floor below London’s ground level, and lining every available wall with pots, plants and whispers of fresh produce. It’s a gamble which pays off, in spades.

IDEA

A decor and menu working in synergy, promoting notions of green, health and lightness, is the schtick the Potting Shed has settled on. The vision is tunneled, but that’s the charm – from the name to the ubiquitous plant pots to the fresh, seasonal menu, everything is as immersive as covering yourself in earth and waiting to get watered. If the water was prosecco, that is.

LOCATION

The Potting Shed is nestled under (and part of) the Dorset Square Hotel, a short walk from the Baker Street tube station. Alternatively, Marylebone overground station is equally close.

ATMOSPHERE

The mood was sophisticated and gentle, though a little subdued, owing to our time of fairly late brunching. Towards the end of our meal, the place started to fill up with lunch guests and the noise rose accordingly.

Furnishings are resolutely earthy hues – browns and greens aplenty – and art takes the form of garden sculpture. Service is attentive, professional and prompt, with wait staff razor eyed for when the drinks are getting low. With complimentary fresh bread, constant topping up of glasses and a wait staff eager to please, there is a real sense of hospitality and generosity here that some other brunch places (with such emphasis on turning tables) could learn from. Brunch should be a leisurely affair, and it certainly is here.

FOOD

Brunch menus in the capital are a difficult balancing act. There is a need to stand out from the very crowded market of smashed avacado and poached eggs, but stray too far from the all-conquering formula and to put it bluntly, you’ll be empty. Brunch demands a certain comfort in the familiar – people tend to be a little jaded by Sunday morning – and to hit them with too much choice is to invite bemusement. The Potting Shed menu thoughtfully pitches itself seemingly with all this in mind.

There are perennial brunch favourites like eggs benedict and pancakes with maple syrup and bacon. Alongside these are healthier options – berries and muesli are given an equal billing to our more indulgent friends. We choose to go for a couple of green dishes – peas and burrata is seasonal and fresh, with the creaminess of the milky delight bringing a sense richness and glutton to an otherwise light plate. Avocado, cucumber and feta on toast  riffs gently on the ubiquitous brunchtime staple, and succeeds in being different enough to be noticed. We follow this with a rosti, salt beef and pickles, which feels naughty next to all the grassy notes of the previous dishes (and all the better for it). The ongoing theme of the mildest deviation from breakfast staples is complete with Merguez sausage, tart and fragrant, over home-made baked beans. It’s another sound dish, and a fulfilling end to things.

DRINK

Of course, there’s enough prosecco to take a bath in, and that’s wonderful but the abstinent and well-behaved are also catered for with fresh fruit juices and good tea and coffee.

MUST TRY

We particularly enjoyed the fresh green vegetables with burrata, which seemed to encompass the philosophy of the place most fittingly – fresh, clean, seasonal flavours with just a hint of indulgence.

WHY GO

For something just a little different, in a brunch field so crowded it’s tough to know where to start, for those craving something light but fulfilling, The Potting Shed ticks all the boxes. It’s a thumbs up from us.

Address: 39 Dorset Square, Marylebone, London NW1 6QN

Website: www.firmdalehotels.com

Disclosure: IDEAL magazine dines as a guest of the restaurant.

For more bottomless brunch recipes, check out bottomlessbrunch.com/restaurants/london/ for a guide to everything from prosecco in Covent Garden to all-you-can-eat avo and Aperol in Dalston.

6 IDEAL STAYCATIONS FOR FAMILIES WITH PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL STAYCATIONS FOR FAMILIES WITH PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Staycations have become so commonplace in the country’s vernacular that the portmanteau needs no further defining. That said, it’s a strange, inverse world, that of the British holidaymaker. While most Londoners may have visited far flung corners of the globe with reckless abandon, you’ll find many who have never ventured beyond Oxford’s M40, who view Watford as a symbolic gateway to the North and who constantly harp on about a flight to Europe being cheaper than a train to Edinburgh.

It’s time to tap the great, unexplored resource of the Great British countryside, especially if you have kids, as it has so much to offer them. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Baby Friendly Boltholes who is the go-to site for stylish and child-friendly holidays, to present our 6 IDEAL staycations for families for pre-school children.

THE ISLE OF PURBECK, DORSET

The Isle of Purbeck, on England’s south coast, is full of fun activities for all the family. Studland bay offers beautiful, white-sanded beaches with water suitably shallow for the little ones to have a good toddle, giving parents peace of mind whilst they paddle. Swanage town has a lovely little beachfront where you’ll find crabbing and sandcastle building a plenty, with punters enjoying fish’n’chips on the beach, rain or shine, in true British style. Away from the sand and shore, Corfe Castle is a fascinating site for adults and children alike, with both historical intrigue and the opportunity for some fancy dress fuelled reenactments. It’s accessible via a working steam train, which the little ones love, and tickets for the aforementioned ride come with a visit to Corfe’s model village included. All in all, the options are endless for good family fun in this part of England.

THE LLYN PENINSULA, NORTH WALES

The Llyn Peninsula in Northern Wales has one of our favourite pubs in the world, Ty Coch Inn. But fear not, this one is for the kids too. The pub ‘garden’ is actually a small stretch of beach – you can sup your pint while you watch the children build sandcastles – could there be anything better? Port Madog railway is another kid crowd-pleaser and Snowdonia needn’t involve relentless climbing; family picnics at the foot of the mountain are a great way to luxuriate in the scenery without the heavy hiking.

THE NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE

The New Forest in Hampshire is a wonderful place for walks, wildlife watching and more. Moors valley, in the heart of the forest, is an adventure playground with a difference. It snakes and slaloms through the tall trees, seemingly adapting its shape to the nature around it. The structures are built from wood, camouflaging themselves against the dense forest, which adds a real sense of magic to the play. The area is full of wildlife too, with ponies and deer spotting a particular treat. For the adults, there’s some cracking country pubs, many serving grub elevated by seasonality and local ingredients to something much more than the usual staples.

LOCH LOMOND, SCOTLAND

Kids and castles; it’s a marriage made in heaven isn’t it? Balloch Castle country park is a brilliant day out for the babies, with plenty of room to run about and a castle maintained respectively by the National Trust.  Loch Lomond also has an aquarium complete with ocean tunnel; a fascinating, immersive experience of sharks and turtles swimming overhead and all around.

SOUTH SANDS, DEVON

Two words which will have your kids sold on South Sands – ice cream. Salcombe has an ice cream factory, Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream Factory, which takes visitors and offers free samples. From there, it’s only a short walk to the picturesque North Sands Beach, with calm, shallow water perfect for paddling.

LONDON

Although the countryside is often the go-to for a staycation with pre-schoolers, the capital offers so much to do that it should never be overlooked. There are just too many options to list here, but there’s sure to be something to suit your toddler’s tastes. Attend events and places of interest during the week when it’s far less busy, making the most of the years before your little one is at school and you have all the freedom in the world.

RESTAURANT REVIEW – KODBYENS FISKEBAR, COPENHAGEN

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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RESTAURANT REVIEW – KODBYENS FISKEBAR, COPENHAGEN

The New-Nordic revolution is now anything but. A world order whose influence stretches far beyond its continent, you’ll recognise its sensibilities on every high street, in every restaurant, on every off-grey plate. Through all the mimicry – the motifs growing out of plates, the foraged everything, the austere aesthetic – a seasonal, hyperlocal seafood’s reverence remains the prevailing pillar of this food movement. In Copenhagen’s ultra-trendy Meatpacking district, you’ll find Kødbyens Fiskebar, serving some of the freshest, and finest, around.

IDEA

Opened in 2009, Kødbyens Fiskebar was intended as a dining experience not found elsewhere, in a city viewed by so many as a culinary mecca. The emphasis was to be on celebrating, putting on a pedestal even, the best seafood from local waters, to be enjoyed at the convenience and leisure of the customer.  This mission statement, of unique proposition and an ever changing roll-call of different punters and personalities, has been met emphatically. Kødbyens Fiskebar is a must-go-to in a city spoilt for choice.

LOCATION

The restaurant is housed in the former meat-packing district of Copenhagen, in a square with a number of other hip establishments (we’d recommend following your meal with a pint of pokey craft ale in nearby WarPigs).There is outside seating – the area is super sociable during sunnier weekends- with a couple of fire pits leading to things getting atmospheric after dark.

ATMOSPHERE

Diners here should be equally as comfortable dropping in for a glass of wine and a snack as they are having a multi-course blowout. We love a place with this ethos, it encourages repeat custom – we are very much testament to that. This is conceived with a variety of different seating options – bar, sofa, and more formal table settings all available – as well as a range of course options, size-wise. All of this leads to a buzzy, lively atmosphere with pockets of the restaurant occupied with different walks of life. Service is accordant, and it’s clear everyone feels very much at ease.

FOOD

In a city whose culinary sea is awash with fantastic, on-point fish cooking, the sourcing and lightness of touch in preparation has to be perfect here for it to succeed. It is, it does, and then some.

Next to each item on the menu, the sea in which it was caught is listed. There are fish tanks. The squeaky freshness is apparent for all to see before your first bite. The menu depends on the catch and changes with frequency. Indeed, during our two trips, the options on offer were different, only days apart. All of this bodes very well indeed for lovers of seafood.

We particularly enjoyed a generous bowl of Limfjorden mussels, pepped up with not much else but cider and herbs – just as it should be and absolutely delicious for it. From the raw bar, mackerel from the Oresund strait glistened and bounced between the teeth in a way only the freshest does. This type of fish goes south very quickly, losing its vibrancy only after a day or so. Serving it raw then, showed a confidence in the product which reassures and titillates in equal measure.

The menu also saves room for a couple of ‘bigger’ courses, if you have, too. From here we enjoyed the hake, seared to a brown crust in butter, with carrot exploited and manipulated imaginatively to its best. The hake here tasted superb, a real joy.

DRINK

The bar in the name is represented almost as well as the fish, with a sterling, eminently affordable wine list. There is a commendable page devoted to by-the-glass, proving that walk-ins who enjoy just a glass and a dish are very welcome. French and Italian wines rub shoulders with a strong showing from Germany as well as Danish varieties. Naturally, white takes centre stage, with wait staff are primed with the knowledge to guide you to the best pairing with your food.

MUST TRY

Conversely, after all this lauding of the fish, which is undoubtedly the main event, and a damn worthy headliner at that, the desserts were the dishes which had us lingering for too long. A tricky balancing act of fennel and dark chocolate was divine, with the ubiquitous sea buckthorn coming into its own. Rhubarb from Denmark, with, we presume foraged, woodruff, was also sublime. We were moved to let our waiter know that the obvious, noisy ecstasy we were in was due to the desserts, in case he suspected foul play. He informed us the pastry chef was new at the time of our visit. We hope his career is a long and fruitful one here.

WHY GO

Kødbyens Fiskebar is the real deal. Housed in the grooviest part of Copenhagen, sprawling and spacious but welcoming and intimate all at once, it is here that you’ll find some of the most carefully sourced and respectfully cooked seafood in the city. The convivial welcome extends across the length of the meal, meaning one could easily let an early afternoon lunch slip into an evening here.  That’s even before you miss your flight due to the desserts. An absolute must-visit.

Website: fiskebaren.dk

Address: Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København V, Denmark

5 IDEAL & AFFORDABLE SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN COPENHAGEN

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL & AFFORDABLE SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN COPENHAGEN

Visit Copenhagen and the temptation to splurge big bucks (well, considerable Krone) on small plates of raw shrimp and sea buckthorn can sometimes be too strong to resist. Loans are taken out, backs-of-sofas checked and checked again, and more reasonable options overlooked in favour of the allure of Michelin-certified establishments.

The Danish capital is synonymous with good food, particularly fish. And we all know that the joy of good fish is that it sings in simplicity. If it’s fresh, locally sourced and stored correctly, it needs not much more than a light touch with the seasoning and a squeeze of something citric. With this praise of the austere in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL, affordable seafood restaurants in Copenhagen.

Oysters and Grill

When walking into Oysters and Grill in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district, you know you’re going to be looked after. After all of the ice-cool, super chic dining experiences and cold chill in the air to match (we visited in winter), this place feels warm, welcoming and humble. There’s no exposed red brick, filament light bulbs and wood tables here; table cloths are brightly coloured and floral in design, candles flicker the atmosphere is jovial and loud.

The fish is no nonsense, with little in the way of garnish. Huge, shell on prawns arrive with simply mayo to accompany; all you need if the crustaceans are fresh enough. These squeak between the teeth as only the freshest do. This aesthetic and attitude continues for the meal and we leave satiated, satisfied, a bit too drunk and a bit too full. A final word for the service; utterly charming and personal, we also leave with a list of other great restaurants in the city to try and sights to see. Wonderful.

Address: Sjællandsgade 1B, 2200 København N, Denmark

Website: cofoco.dk

©Oysters&Grill

Kødbyens Fiskebar

Based in the gritty Vesterbro district,  Kødbyens Fiskebar is a Copenhagen institution, famed for its super fresh, intricate yet simply presented seafood dishes. The fish is the star on every plate, caught from the surrounding waters and treated with according respect, and is presented beautifully.

It’s a large restaurant with a bar running through the middle, creating a buzzy atmosphere where you’re equally at home having a feature-length meal as you are a glass of wine and a snack. Although fish is the undoubted headline act, we have to mention the desserts. They are highly original and utterly stunning on both palate and eye – worth a trip for one with a glass of sweet one alone.

Check our our full review of Kødbyens Fiskebar here.

Address: Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 København V, Denmark

Website: fiskebaren.dk

Krogs Fiskerestaurant

Krogs is one of Copenhagen’s oldest restaurants and on entry, its elegant, high ceilings, starched table cloths and besuited wait staff reassure you that you’ll be treated and fed well. Although there’s meat on the menu too, fish is the focus here, without doubt. The menu changes according to the seasons and what’s fresh, as any fish restaurant’s should – and there’s little in the way of nods to the New Nordic scripture. In fact, there’s heavy French influences here, with the bouillabaisse and sole meuniere being particularly exquisite.

Address: Gammel Strand 38, 1202 København K, Denmark

Website: krogs.dk

©KrogsFiskerestaurant

Fishmarket

Coming from the same team as Copenhagen’s Pastis restaurant, Fishmarket continues the theme of confident, no frills French cooking, but with a focus purely on fish. There’s a devoted oyster section and large, varied champagne list, so if that’s your thing, a superb evening of indulgence writes itself. If you fancy a more modest evening, wine is offered by the glass and a bowl of gorgeous, plump mussels will set you back only 185 DK. The cheeseboard, to finish, is also a thing of beauty.

Address: Hovedvagtsgade 2, 1103 København K, Denmark

Website: www.fishmarket.dk

Torvehallerne

Not a restaurant, per se, but a marvellous place to indulge in some saline satisfaction nonetheless. Torvehallerne market, a stone’s throw from Copenhagen’s central station, boasts several stalls offering wide varieties of fresh-off-the-boat fish which they’ll prepare for you in house or you can take home to cook yourself. There’s lots of small tubs of pickled cockles and other treats which you can nibble on while you peruse the larger options available. And, there’s some damn fine smoked salmon, herring and more on rye bread. Lovely stuff.

Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København K, Denmark

Website: torvehallernekbh.dk

8 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM

Editorial Team
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8 IDEAL THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands and a city of great dichotomy. Let’s start with colour; a place built on the foundations of the Golden Age, when Dutch art, technology and innovation were at the forefront of global sophisticated thinking; to the modern day red light district, where stags on wild weekends are anything but.

Then there’s the food; you can enjoy the finest that molecular European haute cuisine has to offer, with plates elevated to high art; or, you can elevate yourself higher by dining on the city’s famous ‘cakes’. And then there’s Amsterdam’s world renowned museums and art galleries, where you can get as high or low brow as you like. Basically, there’s something for everyone in this great city. So without further ado, here are 8 IDEAL things to do in Amsterdam.

EAT PANNEKOEKEN AT UPSTAIRS

Going to Amsterdam and not eating pannekoeken, which are a Dutch version of pancakes, would be a real crime. Traditionally, the Dutch rendition is larger and thinner than its English and American counterparts, and can be enjoyed in sweet or savoury form. We love the version at Upstairs, housed in a tiny 16th century house, with quirky and kitsch decorations including 100 hundred teapots hanging from the ceiling, and interesting pictures of the Dutch Royal Family and old paintings of Amsterdam.

It’s like entering the house of an eccentric old aunt who has never redecorated. With only 4 tables, the room is absolutely tiny and Upstairs claims to be the smallest restaurant in Europe. The pancakes are absolutely huge – so come here hungry. Some of the combinations may seem a little odd – ginger and cheese, for instance – but it totally works. Since the place is so small we recommend booking – don’t be late as they only hold your table for 10 minutes.

TRY A SPACE CAKE

Well, it would be rude not to, right? Surprisingly delicious and super strong, these edibles laced with cannabis are the one type of brownie you should not scoff. The space cakes take up to two hours to kick in, and it’s recommended to only eat half at first. Don’t be tempted to eat the other half if you don’t feel anything straight away – bide your time.

Since there are hundreds of coffee shops in Amsterdam, with many of them selling marijuana related products, it’s not hard to find them. However, some places are a little more seedy and touristy than others, and should be avoided. According to our insider, Utopia on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, Paradox on Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat and 420Café, Oudebrugsteeg 27 are some of the best in the city.  Oh and if you get the munchies after your space cake, then a few stroopwafels (a traditional Dutch treat) are ideal.

VISIT THE CHEESE MUSEUM

Amsterdam’s Cheese Museum is small, but it packs one hell of a punch. Dutch cheese has a long and proud history, ingrained in the culture, with many of its most famous cheeses named after towns in the country. This museum pays respect to the cultural and culinary heritage of the good stuff. The place is divided into two floors, with historical intrigue catered for below and the tasting of hundreds of vibrantly coloured wheels provided above. As it’s free to enter, a visit here seems like a no brainer. However if the cheese museum is full and you don’t want to face the throngs of tourists, there are plenty of cheese shops dotted around the city where you can sample the finest Gouda the Netherlands has to offer.

STROLL AROUND JORDAN

Jordan is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. Situated bang in the centre, it’s full of trendy shops, luxury boutiques, lovely galleries, lots of cosy cafes, breakfast and brunch spots and great restaurants. You could easily (and should) spend the entire day here, wandering from shop to shop, stopping for some coffee when your legs get weary. Follow it with some brunch, lunch and maybe even dinner for a decadent day. Every Saturday, the whole of Lindengracht becomes a market, selling everything from handcrafted items to cheese (of course). Westerstraat is another great street market in Jordan that opens on Monday mornings.

Psst, Hey you, shopping fan. An area near Jordan, known as The Nine Little Streets (De 9 Atraatjes) is also a great place to wander. Quaint and quirky, it’s full of cute cafes and stylish shops. Oh and don’t forget to have a slice of appletaart with your coffee. This thick and crumbly Dutch apple pie (which is more like a cake) is always served with a dollop of whipped cream and is absolutely delicious.

GET CULTURAL

Speaking of Jordan, Galerie Buuf is one of our favourite places in the area if you’re looking to get cultural. It exhibits all types of modern art, so if that’s you’re thing, it’s definitely worth a visit. Elsewhere, Upstream Gallery is another favourite, showcasing a well-curated mix of contemporary artists. W139 is another cool space for contemporary art – it was a former theatre which was squatted in 1979 by five young artists as ‘ a movement against the closed world of commercial art and museums’.

If you’re into photography then you must go to Huis Marseille. Housed in two 17th century canal houses, it’s absolutely stunning and its ever changing exhibitions mean a constantly evolving cast of unique pieces.

Want to learn more about the canals that makes Amsterdam unforgettable? Then Museum Het Grachtenhuis (The Canal Museum) is a natural starting point.  Other popular museums to visit include the historic Anne Frank House,  The Van Gogh Museum which is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh and The Rijksmuseum, a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam.

RENT A BIKE

Amsterdam is the bike capital of the world and no trip to here would be complete without getting on two wheels and exploring. Small cobbled streets, beautiful bridges and picturesque canals make Amsterdam ideal for bikes. There are hundreds of places to rent  from, so if in doubt, just ask your hotel. A couple of tips: avoid rush hour – Amsterdam’s roads are super busy during which commuters getting to work become less forgiving to tourists and novice cyclists. Next, the city has many unwritten cycling rules, such as not to chain your bike to a stranger’s. This will be viewed very unfavourably indeed.

VISIT VONDELPARK

Vondelpark, appropriately titled ‘Amsterdam’s Favourite Park’ is a beautiful open space to kick back in after all the food and drink has got the better of you. 8 hectares of public green space play host to sculpture and open air theatre, and there are also restaurants, cafes and skate rental on offer, meaning it’s possible to spend the whole day here if you wish. The surrounding area of Vondelburrt has amazing nightlife when darkness falls, so whether it’s dancing the clubs, sipping cocktails at the bars, this lively area of Amsterdam has got you covered.

SPEND AN EVENING AT FOODHALLEN

Set in the old tram depot in Amsterdam’s cool Oud-West neighborhood and inspired by Torvehallerne in Copenhagen, Foodhallen is the first indoor food market of it’s kind in the Netherlands.  Streetfood fans will delight in the large space lined with over 20 street food vendors serving up gastronomic delights from Michelin star concepts to ‘international streetfood’. There’s live music in the evenings and every Friday and Saturday the market hosts a live DJ set until 1am. So if music and food is your thing (and it is very much ours), you’d be mad not to visit Foodhallen.

5 IDEAL ROMANTIC WALKS IN THE UK FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL ROMANTIC WALKS IN THE UK FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and with shops and online stores bursting with gift ideas, with the help of FieldandTrek.com, we take a look at a more subtle way to share the love this month – a romantic walk.

Many people spend a fortune on presents, cards and going out for meals on Valentine’s Day, but going for an idyllic walk promises just as much romance as any of the above, if not more. Rather than being crammed into a busy restaurant, as much a part of your neighbouring tables’ sweet nothings as your own, a peaceful walk somewhere scenic offers a more intimate and cherished atmosphere.

BATH

Bath is well known for its beauty and iconic history, including the Roman Baths, and offers stunning walks, both planned and unplanned. The Cotswold Way National Trail offers over 100 miles of stunning scenery with journeys through small villages and famous historic sites to choose from.

THE MALVERN HILLS

The Malvern Hills divide the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire and at their high points offer picturesque views for miles.Worcestershire is also home to the UK’s best-known rivers; the Severn and Avon, a gentle stroll along the Severn Valley will see the Holt Castle and Church as well as the beautiful countryside.

DORSET

A trip to Dorset to walk along Durdle Door or White Nothe will provide an abundance of romance thanks to the coastal views and arches carved by the sea. If the weather is okay then a walk along the beach or through the coves is be a real treat.

BODNANT GARDENS

For people who love nature as much as they do their partner then the Bodnant Gardens in north Wales is perfect. Owned by the National Trust, the gardens boasts stiles, kissing gates and wooden gates along the path which are perfect for stopping and admiring the views.

NORTH YORKSHIRE

North Yorkshire is home to some breath-taking sights, and the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal offer just that. The Abbey and Water Garden estates boast a tranquil and romantic setting thanks to the ponds, statues and temples as well as the river from the Abbey.

6 IDEAL GROUP HOLIDAY IDEAS

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL GROUP HOLIDAY IDEAS

Once upon a time you didn’t want to spend it with anyone else but your partner. The clue’s in the name. Holidays were you two and you two alone. Now the prospect of another ‘getaway’ in Stockholm staring into your smorgasbord and drowning your shared sorrows in extortionate craft pale ale fills you with dread. You find yourself longing for that Monday back in the office; and the only getaway you really crave is the one away from your lover.

Well fear not, we’ve got your next holiday covered. It’s time for a group holiday with your friends – the people you actually enjoy spending time with – an escape from the drudgery of domestic dotage. We’ve teamed up with escapes4u.com to give you our 6 IDEAL group holiday ideas.

A Private Ski Resort in Switzerland

The opportunity to book a private ski resort would seem like a luxury only available to the super rich a decade ago. But, with falling flight costs and competitive pricing abound, this is no longer a pipe dream. One of the most easily accessible and affordable due to its close(r) proximity to England is Veysonnaz in Switzerland. Here you have access to 410km of terrain – you just have to find 49 friends first.

A Villa on The Algarve

The Algarve in Portugal is the dream destination for groups as there’s such a variety of activity options available. Sports, especially water-based and tennis, are abundant. If retail-therapy is more your thing, shopping options are plentiful. Resorts with villas to hire for up to 10 people house casinos, golf, cinemas and more. Basically, if you get bored here then we wouldn’t want to be your friend anyway.

A Cottage in Cornwall

One needn’t get on a plane to experience a great group holiday. Cornwall offers the best food the U.K has to offer, especially if you’re a fan of all things fishy. We certainly are. Consider Port Isaac where incredible chef Nathan Outlaw has three outposts serving fresh as you like seafood at totally reasonable prices for the quality. Consider a group trip to Rick Stein’s Cookery School in Padstow, where you can learn the tricks of the trade from a host of fantastic tutors, enjoying the fruits of your labours as a team after the course.

A Champagne Tasting Tour in Epernay

Could there be anything better than champagne tasting with a group of friends in beautiful France? Premium tasting may be an indulgence too far, but essential tours represent great value for money when you consider the fun and frolics in store. Many tour providers now offer a minibus service, a key component if you don’t wish to censor your consumption.

A Spa Break in Pembrokeshire

If your group love pampering, you could look closer to home with Pembrokeshire in Wales. You can go for a day, a weekend or even longer if you feel you deserve it (you do). 5 star treatments, massage therapy and bath robes galore await.

A Yoga Retreat in Yorkshire

Yorkshire may seem an unlikely destination for yogis, but it offers incredible retreat options for those wishing to top-up their inner zen. A weekend at The Orange Retreat has gained much critical acclaim in the national press in recent years, but this has done nothing to dampen its personalised, unique sessions and family feel. A must.

5 IDEAL THINGS TO DO WHEN A CLIENT DOESN’T PAY YOUR INVOICES

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL THINGS TO DO WHEN A CLIENT DOESN’T PAY YOUR INVOICES

Is there anything more annoying than having to chase a client for an invoice? You’ve done the work, sent the invoice 30 days ago and now you’re waiting for payment that’s over a week over due. Familiar story? Well, Monday 12th February marks the start of the most stressful week of the year for the UK’s army of freelancers, according to a study by invoice finance experts Access Commercial Finance. It’s all to do with unpaid invoices stacking up and businesses using the Christmas break as an excuse for paying late.

Dealing with late payments is tricky. On the one hand you need to push for prompt payment as overdue invoices can be detrimental to your business – time spent chasing could be better spent working on other projects and growing your business. Plus it has a knock on effect – now you can’t pay your suppliers or employees on time. But, on the other hand, you want to be on their good side and continue doing business with them. A fine – and bank – balancing act, indeed.

If you’re a freelancer or running a small business then you’ll know all about the pain of chasing for invoices. So here are 5 IDEAL things to do when a client doesn’t pay your invoices.

DROP THEM A FRIENDLY CALL

The first thing you should do is simple; just talk to them. It may be something completely innocent, like the person who deals with invoices is ill or away. You don’t want to get on bad terms with your clients without good reason, as you need them to keep your business running. Give them a casual call and ask about how their business is going, then mention that they are yet to pay their invoice this month. Make sure you have all the correct information in front of you to avoid confusion. If you’re seeing them soon, you could bring it up during you meeting instead, as face-to-face communication is not only more respectful, but it also garners more honest results.

FOLLOW UP 

The next step would be to shoot a casual email reminder over to your client – it’s always good to have something in writing. If they still don’t pay up, write them a letter stating the figure that they owe and if they don’t pay it within a certain number of days, you’ll charge the statutory interest (which is 8%) plus the Bank of England base rate for business-to-business transactions. If they still don’t pay, threaten legal action. If you choose to go down the more formal route be prepared to follow through. 

CONSIDER MEDIATION

Are they completely ignoring you? Then it’s time to consider mediation. This involves you paying a company to act as a conciliator between you and your client. If they also choose to ignore this stage and the case is taken to court, it will be taken into account in court as it shows that you’re taking this seriously and professionally. Before taking your client to court, there are two precautionary steps you need to take. The first is a letter before action or LBA. This is where you contact your solicitor and they talk to your client warning them that you are going to take them to court. This works well if the client is ignoring you to save money, as taking it to court could cost them a lot more. The second is getting a debt collection agency like HJS Solutions who will get back the money owed in exchange for a fee up front and a percentage of the debt recovered.

COURT ACTION

The final stage is court action. Depending on the size of the debt owed, the case will likely be taken to small claims court. The client will have to pay more as they will have to get their solicitors involved and if you win the case, they’ll generally have to pay for your legal fees, interest and more too, depending on the judge and jury’s final decision on the case. If they ignore your summons after 28 days, the court will then decide without a hearing.

Restaurant Review: Lima, The Ideal Place For Perfect Peruvian Plates In London

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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Restaurant Review: Lima, The Ideal Place For Perfect Peruvian Plates In London

Virgilio Martínez is THE chef of the moment, voted as such at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards this year. His restaurant, Central, in Lima was also named as the world’s 5th best in those awards, further recognition for a man making waves far beyond his native Peru.  

He isn’t at all harmed by boyish good looks and equally photogenic food, with his articulate way of narrating the cuisine of his home country, both spoken and on the plate, lending itself perfectly to the avant-garde Netflix hit series ‘Chef’s Table’ earlier this year. All of this hype has led to his second venture, Lima, in Central London, being one of the hottest tickets in town. We were fortunate enough to go there recently and boy, it’s good.

Idea

The food of Peru seems to capture everything that is now and zeitgeisty in the world of cuisine. Light, colourful plates, unheard of foraged ingredients and attention to hyper-locality are the foundations on which the culinary landscape has been built in the noughties, and Lima capitalises on all of these with flair and elegance. If you want to experience the most influential cuisine since Noma, New Nordic et al without spending tons on a flight to South America, then Lima is the place to go.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: LIMA LONDON

Location

Just off busy Oxford street, in Fitzrovia, in amongst a whole host of other great restaurants (the Ninth, Bao…..), you will find Lima. Settle into the area for the evening, as there are also some great pubs to visit and shopping to be done.

Atmosphere

The room is tight and tucked away, with scant space between tables creating intimacy rather than being intrusive. Young staff with flecks of Spanish in their voices dart between tables and there’s always noisy, busy chatter. There’s a couple of tables outside to park your bottom if the sun is shining, and this really feels like food you should be getting a tan to.

Food

Going to a Peruvian restaurant and not having cerviche would be like going to a bar and ordering a warm water. The cerviche at Lima is exactly how it should be – really, the ultimate compliment. So often raw fish cooked in citrus can be sour and harsh or overcompensated with excessive sugar, but here the balancing act is executed with the fine precision of a trapeze artist.  

RESTAURANT REVIEW: LIMA LONDON

The seabass tiradito (akin to a raw fish carpaccio) was sweetened with coconut and given zest and zing by ponzu – both gently enough handled to let the taste of the wild bass shine. A vegetable which looked to us like beetroot (it turns out it’s aji mirsasol – nope, we hadn’t heard of it either) added extra crunch and sparkle. The black bream cerviche is equally delicious, vibrant with assertive aji limo, only let down by the ubiquitous and sometimes unnecessary avocado – surplus to requirements when earthy notes had already been covered by Jerusalem artichoke. 

Mains, conversely, can seem like somewhat of an afterthought when the headliner opens the show, but the beef pachamanca with yellow potato purée and Andean roots was beautifully cooked with warm spicy background notes and plenty of understated brio. The king prawn chupe was as fresh as the cerviche, sweet and saline in equal bounds, the huacatay herb of its garnish tasting like a marriage of tarragon and basil. Very intriguing and very delicious indeed. Portions are generous so we forgo dessert in favour of more cocktails….

RESTAURANT REVIEW: LIMA LONDON

Drinks

The pisco sour is the must-drink here, as in any Peruvian restaurant, and Lima does a particularly fine one with bright passion fruit – as if allergic to grey and beige. The wine list is also commendable in it’s brevity, the absurd tome of many a Michelin establishment welcomingly swerved in favour of clarity and options by the half litre and glass.

Must Try

Enough has been said about the cerviche but an honourable mention is found in a section of the menu oft overlooked. The cusco corn bread is so deliciously more-ish it stopped being a ‘snack’ after the third order.

Why Go

If you want genuine, balanced cerviche, unfamiliar flavours, exciting plates of colour and precision, and thoughtful cooking of vegetables, this is the place to go. Lima has a unique style and rhythm that makes its billing as the hottest ticket in town seem like an understatement. Trends come and go and the food world is no exception. Lima, however, is.

Address: 31 Rathbone Pl, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1JH 

Website: www.limalondongroup.com 

 

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR COMPANY’S FIRST OFFICE SPACE

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR COMPANY’S FIRST OFFICE SPACE

Congratulations! Your start up business is becoming too big for your spare room and you’re thinking of getting an office. But what do you need to look for? What type of office do you want? Here’s our top tips for getting your companies first office.

CALCULATE THE COSTS

First things first, you need to decide if you’re in a strong enough position to lease a property. Renting an office space will significantly increase your outgoings. It’s not just the rent you have to worry about. It’s also the heating, lighting and insurance bills, not to mention the business rates and price of wifi. Also, in case you hadn’t made the connection between the commute to work and people’s bleeding bank balance, consider that the average person spends £148 each month getting to and from work – according to the Metro that’s a whopping £135,871 spent on travel by retirement time. And remember, time is also money too – the average worker spends 400 days of their lives commuting.

CONSIDER A SERVICED OFFICE OR CO-WORKING SPACE

Before you consider signing a lease, consider renting a serviced office or a casual co-working space. Both of these shared spaces will provide the infrastructure to run your business, without the commitment. You usually pay a monthly rate that includes internet and other bills. But which option is right for your business?

Well a serviced office space is fully furnished and ready for a quick set up. Not only do you get a designated desk space and use of meetings rooms and conference rooms – many come with other perks like fully equipped kitchens, administrative assistants and even showers. Serviced spaces are usually the home of small corporate companies and established, but smaller teams. A lot of large businesses such as Disney or Pizza Express use them so you may be sharing an office with a big firm that could become a future client!

A co-working space is a different beast altogether and are great for startups, freelancers, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and all types of digital nomads alike. Each are different in terms of amenities, but all offer the opportunity to work alongside other creatives in a cool, dynamic and nurturing environment.  As well as desk space and meeting rooms, some offer free coffee, tea and yoga while others offer members amazing networking opportunities including pizza and prosecco nights and regular seminars with ‘thought leaders’.

Ideal tip: Some shared working spaces charge extra for use of meeting rooms, internet and telephone services so its best to compare what’s included in the monthly payment. 

LOCATION

Location is one of the most important aspects when looking for your first office. Not only does it need to be affordable and accessible, it has to fit the image of your business. An area can say a lot about your company and choosing an office space that reflects it can play a big role in your success. Properties that have parking spaces and good public transportation connections is an important consideration. Also, it may be useful getting a space that’s close to your clients. If you’re not sure what properties are available in your area, check out Buy Rent Commercial. Sign up and they can help you find your perfect office. You should also think about other amenities are nearby. Your employees would like to be able to go to the supermarket at lunch or a restaurant after work.

SIZE

When looking at your office space, make sure you have enough room for all your employees and more. If you’re a small business that is always growing, you don’t want new employees being squashed in the corner of your office. You want to aim to get a small space with enough space for up to 5 more people. This will be perfect as you may expand quicker than you plan to, so room for 5 will give your employees ample space to work. This also links to how much parking you have. If employees drive to work, you need enough spaces for everyone.

Still not sure what you’re after? Check out this infographic on tips for getting your commercial property and if you’re after more tips for your new space, here’s 7 potential mistakes you should avoid when designing your new office.

5 IDEAL LONDON TASTING MENUS (AND HOW TO ENJOY THEM FOR LESS)

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL LONDON TASTING MENUS (AND HOW TO ENJOY THEM FOR LESS)

Sometimes, if you’re lucky enough to bag a reservation at one of the country’s – in fact the world’s – top restaurants, then anything less than the full experience – tasting menu, wine flight and all the supplements – seems somehow wasteful. We want the welcome glass of bubbles. We want the amuse bouche cornetto. We want the bread and house-whipped butter. Yes, we will spend even more money on that extra course, thank you for offering. We want at least two desserts. Throw in a round of cheese please! Sweet wine? Yes. Espresso? Definitely. Sure, you might find yourself reaching for your phone (oi garcon, what’s the wifi password?), in need of a £500 loan but sometimes, you can’t put a price on experiences, especially ones involving great food and wine.

For the times when the coffers aren’t full to bursting but you still want top-level food in top-level surrounds, there is another way. One which doesn’t involve dicing with financial ruin. We’ve eaten our way around London’s top restaurants in search of the the finest tasting menus and their cheaper equivalents. So, without further ado, here are our 5 IDEAL London tasting menus and how to enjoy them for less.

ANGLO

Anglo, a newish addition to Farringdon’s fantastic dining scene, is billed modestly as a Modern British dining room, but hidden among the humble is cooking of the highest order. Menu descriptions are brief and give little away, but the plates are artfully presented, intricate and full of both punch and elegance in equal measure.

The Full Tasting Menu on a Friday or Saturday evening will set you back £60, which in the scheme of ‘London prices’ and considering the quality of the food here, isn’t bad at all. But, if you were to dine with Anglo at lunchtime, prices get very manageable indeed, with 3 courses clocking in at £27.50. That, my friends, is a snip.

Address: 30 St Cross St, London EC1N 8UH

Website: anglorestaurant.com

POLLEN STREET SOCIAL

Jason Atherton’s fingerprints are all over the capital’s dining scene and beyond (as far beyond as Hong Kong, in fact). London is very grateful indeed, which each new incarnation offering individuality and the chef’s unwavering commitment to the highest quality cooking. Pollen Street Social, in Mayfair, is still without doubt the Mothership. This is a place for special occasions, make no mistake, with prices to match; the tasting menu here will set you back £98, and if you add the iconic wine flight at £249 you may well be reaching for that loan to foot the bill.

There is a way to experience this class, sophistication and precision cooking though, without declaring yourself bankrupt. Listen up; a starter, main and dessert at lunch will cost you just £37. That’s insane, all things considered.

Address: 8-10 Pollen St, Mayfair, London W1S 1NQ

Website: pollenstreetsocial.com

THE LEDBURY

Named the U.K’s best restaurant so many times, The Ledbury doesn’t need to bother with social media and the like. It’s so good it pays no lip service to the usual marketing tools, and this just adds to its mystique. It’s a neighbourhood restaurant at heart, just one cooking some of the best food in the world. Brett Graham, the hugely respected head chef, has a particular way with game and you’ll always find it on the tasting menu when in season. £145 is the damage your wallet will receive should you opt for the full experience, but if you’re happy with a set lunch (and don’t worry, there is no such thing as a duff course at The Ledbury), then £75 is a more accountant-friendly proposition.

Address: 127 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2AQ

Website: www.theledbury.com

CLOVE CLUB

Clove Club, in the heart of Shoreditch, is one of the hottest restaurant tickets in the world right now. Named 26th in the World’s 50 Best list, and annually climbing, the cooking here is inventive and eye-opening, with a laid-back, super cool atmosphere completely in tune with its hipster surroundings. If you go for the full tasting menu you’ll have to pay £110, in advance, for the privilege. A lot, huh?

The good news is, there are other options on the table here, and it’s this inclusivity that makes us love the place so much. If you fancy a slightly shorter tasting menu, you’ll pay £75. Even better value is this though; drop in at the bar, which is actively encouraged, have a couple of beers and order from the bar menu. Some of their most famous and delicious offerings are available in this format; the rightly revered buttermilk chicken with pine salt, their flame grilled mackerel; and some damn delectable haggis balls amongst others.

Address: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT

Website: thecloveclub.com

A. WONG

Recently awarded a richly deserved Michelin star, A. Wong offers amazing Chinese cuisine whose influences span the country, paying homage to its traditions while injecting a real sense of fun and theatre into proceedings. We would dine here for the sea urchin udon alone, such is its depth and complexity. If you’re after the full A. Wong experience, billed as the Taste of China, it’s going to cost you £65 for ten courses. Well worth it, trust us, but if you’re on a budget, drop in at lunch for the fantastic dim sum, some of which goes for only a couple of quid. Bargain!

Address: 70 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE

Website: awong.co.uk

5 IDEAL LONDON HOUSING HOTSPOTS ON THE RISE

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5 IDEAL LONDON HOUSING HOTSPOTS ON THE RISE

 

5 IDEAL LONDON HOUSING HOTSPOTS ON THE RISE

Back in the 1970s and 80s, districts to the north-east of London such as Holloway, Hackney and King’s Cross were synonymous with crime, grime and struggle. Things have changed, attitudes moved on, and now they rank among the most fashionable and sought after spots to live in, not only in London, but the entire country, too.

While the broader housing market across the country continues to experience its peaks and troughs, the London market shows no sign of slowing any time soon. So with that in mind, we’ve teamed up with property consultants at Stadium Residential estate agents to bring you the 5 IDEAL London housing hotspots on the rise.

The Shoreditch Effect and Tottenham

Earlier this year, the Daily Telegraph ran a story asking ‘Is Tottenham becoming the new Shoreditch?’ The question is one that has been asked – insert district here – time and again across North London. Whether Tottenham actually has any say in the matter, if it wants to be deemed a second hipster paradise, is another story.

In all actuality, ‘the Shoreditch effect’ is less about hipsters and more about investment in property development and improvements to local infrastructure. These have combined to make north London a desirable place to work and live, not just for those with beards and hoverboards, but for families of all types, sizes and ages.

Camden

Camden Town has long had a reputation as the place to go for a great night out, with its live music, bohemian vibe and numerous street food outlets. While once upon a time there was an edge to the place, with over cautious visitors keeping to well lit roads and hands firmly on wallets, today the nightlife is as better than ever, the vibe safer, and the rougher edges smoothed out. Whether that is to the overall detriment of the soul of the place, well, the debate continues.

5 IDEAL LONDON HOUSING HOTSPOTS ON THE RISE

5 IDEAL LONDON HOUSING HOTSPOTS ON THE RISE

Holloway

Take a drive along Holloway Road and you’ll see a bustling and multicultural scene with a busy market and a huge variety of independent shops. Taking pride of place is Selby’s, one of the few remaining department stores in the country that has not been absorbed into one of the major chains; a treasure to the capital, then.

The area is dominated by the Emirates Stadium, to which it owes much of the renaissance it has enjoyed in recent years. When Arsenal’s new home was constructed ten years ago, it was just part of a £400 million project that brought a wealth of new homes and leisure facilities to the area, not to mention the fortnightly (and sometimes more often) matchday spend of football fans.

King’s Cross

Travel a couple of miles south, and you will reach one of the city’s major transport hubs. Yet there is more to King’s Cross than its railway station, and the area has been on the receiving end of some serious investment of late, when the new Eurostar international terminal was constructed. Now, with the likes of Google and Facebook setting up home in the area, the property around King’s Cross is possibly the hottest of all.

Newham

Home to the Olympic Park and Stadium, Newham is an area currently benefiting massively from regeneration projects. Although it’s one of London’s most densely populated areas, it still boasts green spaces to the tune of 10% of its area, making it a surprisingly uncluttered place to live. Newham also has great transport links to the City of London, meaning increasing numbers of professionals are setting up shop here.

LEARNING TO LOVE LONDON: 5 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP NEWCOMERS SETTLE IN

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LEARNING TO LOVE LONDON: 5 IDEAL TIPS TO HELP NEWCOMERS SETTLE IN

London is a metropolis in equal measures famous and infamous worldwide. It’s diverse, welcoming, and presents possibilities for career and personal progression not found in many other global cities. London also manages to infuriate, enrage and frustrate if you get it – or you get up – on a bad day. Moving to London, then, can certainly be challenging, and settling in quickly and comfortably is the make or break to whether it will be a love affair or a lesson in endurance. Here we offer some handy advice on what- and what not – to do to ensure a smooth transition into the capital. So, here are 5 IDEAL tips to help you settle in and learn to love London.

Be In London to Find A Suitable Place To Live

Although the struggle is real and the search so often fruitless, it is sometimes possible to find somewhere affordable to rent in London. The bad news is; this usually involves a flat share. If you’re not keen on the idea of brushing your teeth shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger, or walking in on things you can never unsee on a Tuesday evening, then you’ll have to enter the deflating, downright dehumanising hunt for your own place.

The most important tip when looking for somewhere for yourself is this: you have to be available and in the city when the call comes. Anywhere of any real appeal tends to go – or goes up in price – on the same day it becomes available, with pesky estate agents exacerbating the problem by exaggerating (and often simply manufacturing) the need for urgency. We’ve all heard ‘you have to see this place TODAY’ and then noticed it’s still on the market a week later. To circumvent this issue, consider a dedicated week to flat hunting in London in which you rent an Airbnb, before you move, or see if you can stay with a friend. During this time you can also familiarise yourself with a certain area – London has many of unique character and composition – and see if the vibe of the place is the right fit for you.

Get To Deeply Know The Transport System

There are many ways to get around the city, of course, and each area exploits the transport system differently. For instance, if in Battersea, you’ll get to know the overground ‘gingerline’ like the back of your hand. But if you’re housed just 10 minutes north in Clapham, the Northern Line on the underground will be your go-to, always. Use the City Mapper app or TFL official website to figure out how to shave seconds off various trips, giving yourself a strange sense of self-satisfaction in the process. We all love to announce our knowledge of the fastest routes and unorthodox shortcuts; take command of the transport system in your area and ingratiate yourself with your new group of London friends both at once.

London Is Always Expensive BUT At Times Free

When you quit your nine-to-nine after being exploited for minimum wage, a commute longer than most people’s average working day, massive amounts of overtime and little to no praise, or money, to show for it, you’re gonna have a lot of free time and not many pounds to spend. It’s during these dark times that you learn that London has much to offer, remarkably, for free. Museums, art galleries and many other education attractions are free – amazing and largely unique for a capital city. There’s also beautiful, wildlife abundant parks for a stroll, historic streets to take in and exciting street art and performances to enjoy.

Take Up a Course and Learn a new Skill

London is full of opportunity, and not taking advantage of that opportunity is a waste. In the capital there are plenty of ways for adults to learn new skills and expand their minds. Whether you want to further your career or learn a new hobby, London is the place. A great way to make the most of the career progression is to further your own qualifications. You can, for instance, gain extra business practice specific qualifications that will help you pick up vernacular that English business people use. Delfin School offer courses that tick that box, so click here to view their courses. Or if you just want to learn something new, there’s a whole host of London venues that offer free talks and lectures.

Familiarise Yourself With A Neighbourhood, Not The Whole City

Once you’ve found somewhere to live and work, focus on familiarising yourself with the neighbourhoods of your new home and office. London is one big beast, and impossible to conquer in its entirety, but honing in on individual boroughs, and discovering the ins, outs and unique quirks they have to offer, can be rewarding and fun. Learning to love London on a micro level is definitely the way forward if you want longevity from your move.

London is a fun city, perfect for the working young person. There is something for everyone, no matter your interest or wage. You don’t have to spend a fortune to live in London, you just need to be patient, smart and savvy. Good luck!   

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO BECOMING A TRAVELLING PHOTOGRAPHER

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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO BECOMING A TRAVELLING PHOTOGRAPHER

Many of us don’t have the opportunity to go globetrotting, so we’ve resorted to refreshing our Instagram feeds to experience the world through our favourite bloggers photographs. But what if we told you that you could make your next holiday trip the testing waters of becoming a travel photographer?

We’ve teamed up with Clifton Cameras, retailers of Olympus cameras to advise you on what you should make room for in your luggage compartment next time you’re boarding that aeroplane. Our checklist will ensure that the journey to your desired destination runs as smoothly as possible.

Not only will our essential equipment list help you out, we’ve also thought of some travel considerations that you must keep in mind next time you’re heading to an airport with technical equipment – you don’t want to be setting off any scanners!

Where will you be travelling this year? Take a look at some of our suggestions and what locations you could site see whilst you’re there!

WHAT TO PACK?

There is so much that you can pack when aiming to take countless high-quality photos while travelling. If you are limited when it comes to luggage space, you may not be able to carry everything you would like.

So we’ve provided you with two checklists – one with the essential items that you shouldn’t leave your homes without, and the other with ‘nice to have’ equipment when you find you have a little more luggage space to spare

TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

Bored a plane in the UK and you will be faced with restrictions, both in regards to the items that you can take on board with you in your hand and hold luggage. Here’s what to bear in mind where carrying camera equipments it concerned:

BEST DESTINATIONS TO PHOTOGRAPH?

So you’ve packed all your camera equipment and ensures that you are covered for that added peace of mind. The only thing left to ask is where will your travel photography trip take you? Here are some of our favourite destinations for travel photography…

Iceland

  • Any of the country’s ice blie coloured hot springs
  • The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón 
  • Skógafoss waterfall which has a drop of some 60 meters and a width of 25 meters
  • The Volcanic lake of Myvatn which is a popualr breeding place for birds!
  • The Great Geysir located along the Golden Circle in the Haukadalur Valley

Hawaii

  • Lava as it flows into the ocean park at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • The abudance of tropical plants at Nā Pali Coast State Park
  • The mountain top gorge of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific at Waimea Canyon State Park
  • Pearl Harbor
  • The USS Arizonal Memorial

Read: 5 IDEAL places every tourist should visit in Hawaii

Great Barrier Reef

  • An aerial shot of the scale of the Great Barrier Reed (your drone will come in handy here)
  • Endangered sea turtles in Tahiti
  • Whale watching in the summer at the Mackay-Capricorn section of the Great Barrier Reed
  • A shot of a brown boobie bird on Raine Island
  • The Ribbon Reefs on the norhtern tip of the Great Barrier Reef

Norway

  • The colourful and old wooden houses of Bergen
  • The aurora borealis over the sky of Lofoten Islands during the winter months
  • The Geiranger Fjord 
  • Kjerag (sometimes reffered to as Kiragg) mountain
  • The Royal Palace in Oslo

Dubai

  • Downtown Dubai shot at dawn from the upper floors of a hotel or office building
  • The Burj Kahalifa
  • The Dubai Marina
  • An aerai shot of Palm Jumeirah (one for your drone perhaps)

Read: 5 world-renowned attractions to visit on your IDEAL trip to Dubai

South-East China

  • The Karst forests of Zhangjiajie – they inspred the movie Avatar
  • The landscars surrounding the city of Guilin
  • The rice fields of Longji and Yuanyang
  • Tianmen Mountian
  • Elephant Trunk Hill

Vermont

  • Either the historic town of Stowe or Middlebury, with a white steeple church as a key feature and the Green Mountain backdrop
  • Lake Champlain
  • Mount Mansfield
  • Vermont State House

Borneo

  • The Sultan of Brunei’s palace – officially the world’s largest residence of a current head of state
  • An orangutan in the world’s most diverse rainforest
  • Mount Kinabalu
  • One of the huge limestone caves found in Gunung Mulu National Park
  • The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

Croatia

  • The coastal cliffs of Croatia’s Dalmation Coast
  • Dubrovnik – while ensuring to get the city’s 16th century walls in the shot
  • Old town Dubrovnik at Twilight
  • Diocletian’s Palace
  • Pula Arena

Read: 5 of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia, IDEAL for your Adriatic adventure

Southern Brazil

  • A sunset across Copacabana beach
  • A tram ride in transit from Christ The Redeemer – making sure to get as much of Pão de Açúcar (also known as Sugarloaf Mountain in the shot too
  • Iquazu Falls
  • The Pantanal wetlands
  • São Francisco and Convent in the historical Colonial town of Salvador

*This is an updated post

7 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS A GREAT CITY FOR STUDENTS

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7 IDEAL REASONS WHY BRISTOL IS A GREAT CITY FOR STUDENTS

If you read IDEAL regularly you’ll already know that we’re huge fans of Bristol. Widely regarded as one of the best places to live in the UK, it’s a unique place with a spirit that’s unlike any other region. It’s a fantastic city to study, offering a high quality of life and plenty of amenities for students. Pretty walkable, with a robust public transportation service and low rate of unemployment, the city is great place for students to reside while working towards furthering their academic pursuits and career paths – a reason why many students become locals after they’ve finished their degrees. 

More importantly, Bristol is, simply, a very cool place to live. For a start, it’s the hometown of street artist Banksy, has bars on boats and art galleries in disused toilets. Since the early 1990’s it’s been renowned for it’s buzzy nightlife and underground music scene, which still exists, and is flourishing, today. More recently, it’s become a beacon for aspiring foodies and restauranteurs alike. With all of this in mind, here are 7 IDEAL reasons why Bristol is a great city for students.

A THRIVING UNIVERSITY

In recent years, the University of Bristol has received some of the highest number of student applications in the UK. And it goes without saying that an abundant, vibrant student population certainly helps to make things exciting for new students, as there are so many events aimed at and catering for academic newcomers to the city. Bristol also has a second university, UWE, so there’s plenty to go round!

BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE AND ALL THE OUTDOOR SPACE

When you’re not studying you’ll find plenty to do in Bristol, thanks in part to the busy waterfront as well and areas like Clifton. There are frequent parties, festivals and other events by the harbour and there are even floating clubs and bars that make excellent party venues. On a sunny afternoon in Bristol, the harbourside is buzzing with people spilling out from the bars and cafe terraces enjoying the vibe. And of course there’s all the other outdoor spaces including Brandon Hill and College Green, ideal for student picnics and summer fun. In 2015 Bristol was voted as the European Green Capital, showcasing how liveable this wonderful city is. Also, let’s not forget the incredible vistas by Clifton Suspension Bridge. We love the White Lion bar that has a terrace overlooking the bridge – the perfect place  to start your first University romance.

THE NIGHTLIFE

Bristol is home to a buoyant night club scene . Pubs like The White Bear are a favourite haunt for students, and do cheap drinks for academics any night of the week. Some of the most action-packed areas of the city include the Harbourside, Millennium Square, City Centre, Whiteladies Road and Kings Street where you’ll never be short of places to wet the whistle and have a boogie. If you want to stay out late, no problem. There are late night bars like aforementioned The White Bear, as well as warehouse style spaces synonymous with rave culture, like Lakotathek and the beast Motion, famous nationwide for its raves.

THE MUSIC SCENE

We’ve already mentioned some of Bristol’s clubs, but we’ve got to emphasise a city renowned for it’s diverse music scene as its spawned some huge bands including Massive Attack and Portishead. It’s even been named as Britain’s most musical city. There’s huge venues like Colston Hall and the 02 Academy hosting shows by international stars as well as some smaller, groovier places, such as Thekla – a former cargo ship moored in Bristol’s harbour.

THE FOOD SCENE

While we understand that students are often on a budget, that doesn’t mean the great food scene of the city is out of reach; quite the opposite in fact, with the pleasure of it being in the accessibility and affordability of many of Bristol’s best restaurants. This is a city where you’ll find no shortage of food options – the place is positively teeming with restaurants. There’s so much going on with Bristol’s food scene, we’ve written an article on 10 IDEAL reasons why Bristol is every Foodies dream. 

FESTIVALS

What’s more, Bristol is home to some great food festivals, and what student doesn’t love a festival, and food, and beer? You don’t have to spend a fortune and can usually bring your own alcohol. Artisan producers and stalls from local restaurants are brought together for a food fiesta – there’s so many it’s hard to keep up with them all. One of our favourites is Love Food Festival which runs all year round at various locations across the city. 

There’s all sorts of other festivals and events going on too, ranging from comedy and live music to crazy carnivals. If you love a tipple (and what student doesn’t?) there’s a gin and bierfestival. Music lovers will enjoy the retro Let’s Rock Bristol festival and Bristol Sounds – a five-night al fresco midsummer concert on Bristol’s iconic Harbourside. If Shakespeare is your thing, there’s an annual festival every July dedicated to the guy with open-air performances in unusual spaces across Bristol; great fun and a little wholesome too!

A GREAT RANGE OF STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Bristol is a wonderfully diverse city with loads of different places to live. Obviously the city centre is the most coveted, but like all prime locations it’s one of the most expensive areas. Luckily for UWE students, there are loads of campuses like Frenchay and Glenside which are about 4-6 miles away from the city with great bus links. Also, if you attend the University of Bristol, the main campus is a short stroll away from the city.

Gloucester roads is another popular area for students and locals alike and the rent is pretty affordable. Redland, which is right next to Gloucester is a bit of a student hub too and is in walking distance from all the cafes and shops of Whiteladies Road while Stokes Croft is a bit more edgy and is known for it’s graffiti and music scene.

Reserving Bristol student accommodation is always easy regardless of which price range or housing type you’re looking for, but the luxury student mansions in the area are particularly impressive. For example, you can find Bristol accommodation at Almero, which provides a more luxury, private form of student housing in the UK. The appeal of some of the nation’s best student accommodations undoubtedly influences many young adults to consider Bristol over other cities when deciding where they’re going to study – not even students like living in your bog standard student digs don’t you know.

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