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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

Editorial Team
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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

Editorial Team
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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.

5 IDEAL WAYS TO KEEP YOUR MIND AND BODY ACTIVE WHEN WORKING FROM HOME

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5 IDEAL WAYS TO KEEP YOUR MIND AND BODY ACTIVE WHEN WORKING FROM HOME

Working from home is like a holiday. You get to laze around in the morning in a bathrobe, like a British, suburban Hugh Heffner. You decide when, where and how you want to work, usually while sipping on a cocktail with a miniature umbrella in it.

Scrap that.

Working from home is hell. You feel the need to justify your productivity at every juncture, stay in contact with your office once an hour, and handcuff yourself to your desk while avoiding the distractions of your personal life. OK, we’re being a little dramatic, but working from home is harder than most people think.

For anyone who doesn’t work from home, the former paragraph seems more likely than the latter, but if you do you’ll know that someone slaving away in an office tends to adopt a ‘grass is greener’ mentality. Whether you prefer working from home or not, it’s no secret that productivity occurs at a different rate to the more regimented routine of office life. Sometimes, days will pass without having to talk to anyone, extend yourself physically or even get out of your PJs. It’s important, therefore, to keep your brain and body in shape. Here are 5 IDEAL ways to keep your mind and body active when working from home.

WORK A ‘NORMAL’ DAY

Yes, we know; the appeal of working from home was meant to be the bidding adieu to a nine-to-five mentality. But, it’s important to still stick to a schedule in some form or other, if you want to make the most of your time. So set an alarm and get up at the same time each day. Have a lunch break timetabled in, and when you ‘clock off’, leave the work alone until the next day. Having focused timings like this will help you focus and use your time more efficiently.

PUT OFF PROCRASTINATING

Procrastination, in its many sneaky guises, is the enemy of home office based productivity. Because of the many temptations that exist in the home, as well as having no superiors to warn you against giving in to it, working from home can be the enemy of productive output. Turn off those notifications, or better still, delete those apps; ask your partner to take the batteries from the remote to work with them; have a strict ‘no browsing’ regime between allotted hours; do anything, basically, to minimise the lure of all that tempting technology in the house.

Also, set targets and goals; and make lists to make sure you stick to them.  You’ll get a sense of accomplishment that can sometimes otherwise be lacking in the insular world of the home office.

FIND A GYM BUDDY

Getting to the gym is a struggle for most people at the best of times, but the obstacle seems even larger when you work from home and don’t need to leave the house all day. So to help you get motivated to venture out and get active, find a fitness fanatic friend and partner up with them. If they’re bothering you for another bout at the gym, you’ll be more likely to move from your home office chair and get physical. Although peer pressure is generally viewed as a bad thing, this kind of motivation gets the thumbs up from us if it’s going to keep us fit and healthy.

IMPROVE YOUR PROSPECTS

Career development while working from home is possible, but the narrow amount of networking and interaction that occurs in the domestic space means that moving up the ladder is sometimes more of a game of chance.

By studying online and getting qualifications, training and perhaps a degree, you’re vastly improving your career prospects, all from your favourite place; the comfort of your own home. There are countless online courses from fully accredited universities, each of which can offer vocational degrees and other qualifications for a price that’s significantly cheaper than a bricks-and-mortar university. With the flexible schedule that being your own boss grants, you can pace yourself as you wish in terms of studying. Plus, if you ever get ‘writer’s block’, being able to work on another project, like an online course, can really help your creativity and help you be more productive with your paid work.

GET ZEN

Transcendental meditation is the ideal way to centre yourself during a busy day, and will provide you with some breathing space during the sometimes rudderless hours which entail working from home.

To start meditating you’ll need guidance, so find a meditation centre in your local area to learn more. Alternatively, David Lynch’s book Catching the Big Fish is a great read on the relationship between creativity and meditation, and will bring both enlightenment and motivation to your day.

HOTEL REVIEW: NO.TEN MANCHESTER STREET – THE IDEAL BOLTHOLE FOR A LONDON WEEKEND

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HOTEL REVIEW: NO.TEN MANCHESTER STREET – THE IDEAL BOLTHOLE FOR A LONDON WEEKEND

 


With its eclectic independent shops, restaurants and boutiques, Marylebone is a bijou oasis in the heart of West London. Mirroring its postcode, No.Ten Manchester Street Hotel is a classy, artistic and intimate place. With just 44 beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, a modern Italian restaurant Dieci and award-winning Cigar Terrace, all housed in a classical Edwardian townhouse, it’s the ideal bolthole for a London weekend.

LOCATION

The hotel is nestled just off Marylebone High Street, with its village feel, eclectic and independent boutiques, art galleries, fine dining restaurants, brasseries and bars. There’s plenty to explore on foot in the local area without having to even touch public transport. Conveniently located near some of the city’s iconic attractions, including the Wallace Collection, Madame Tussaud’s, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Regents Park and London Zoo as well as the most famous streets in the world for shopping; Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street’s designer stores if shopping takes your fancy.

STYLE & CHARACTER

With its Edwardian townhouse facade, No.Ten Manchester Street is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside, its a proper gem of a boutique hotel with quirky design features combing old London charm with contemporary cool.  The lobby is home to a shiny lacquered black floor and two statement red velvet armchairs and gold mirror. The design feels plush and pleasing on the eye without being over the top. The original, arty furniture gives a relaxed but still affluent style that doesn’t feel stuffy or outdated like some West London hotels can.

ROOMS

The Junior Suites are more muted in design and colours than the rest of the hotel, perhaps to provide a more peaceful atmosphere, but still retain a sense of individual character with interesting Asian style mirrors and enormous velvet headboards in a soft gold colour. You won’t find any standard issue hotel furniture here. Even the hotel robes are stylish, white and soft with a gold thread piping around the edges. The rooms are generously sized with a room divider providing both a partition to the lounge space and bedrooom, and a convenient stand for the TV which can be viewed from the bed or sofa, or both. The bed was absolutely enormous with a very thick matress which was hard to leave, as was the room, well equipped as it was with a Nespresso Machine, powerful rainfall shower and Aveda toiletries.

FACILITIES

If your partial to a cheeky cigar, the hotel has a dedicated all-weathers cigar terrace and a world-class selection of hand-rolled Cuban cigars which is fun to explore and have a drink in even if you don’t smoke. With heaters, blankets and a rooftop covering, the space is enjoyable all year round and makes a cosy after-dinner drinks spot.

FOOD & DRINK

The Dieci restaurant offers authentic Italian flavours in an elegant, informal setting with a menu of classic Mediterranean dishes in the evenings. They keep things classic with the cocktail menu too with crowd pleasers like Sidecars, Espresso Martinis and Moscow Mules. Our starters of 24 months aged Parma ham and buffalo mozzarella served with toasted bruschetta bread, and Beef fillet Carpaccio, wild rocket salad, toasted pinenuts and capers flowers were simple homages to well cured meat and cheese. Mains of Gragnano linguine with Canadian lobster and spicy tomatoes sauce, and Black ink squid tortellini filled with salmon and mascarpone on “Grana Padano” sauce were comforting with classic, reliable flavours. In the morning we opted for breakfast in bed with a full English and Eggs Royale providing the perfect staple breakfast dishes.

WHY GO  

If you’re looking for a central London hotel that feels both luxurious and personal, this is it. There’s lots of  touches that make the hotel extra special, like the HANDY smartphone located in each room, allowing complimentary local and international calls to select countries, as well as internet access with 3G data free of charge.

Website: www.tenmanchesterstreethotel.com

 

Disclosure: IDEAL stayed as a guest of the hotel

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR DEALING WITH ASBESTOS IN THE OFFICE

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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR DEALING WITH ASBESTOS IN THE OFFICE

Asbestos is never a word you want to hear. Unfortunately Asbestos still exists in significant properties  across the UK. Before it was banned, asbestos was used extensively in buildings in the ceilings, floors and for pipe insulation.  It has a fearsome reputation that is well deserved – it causes around 5000 deaths every year.  In lots of cases, asbestos that remains in situ without being disturbed poses not risk. However, if the asbestos is in poor condition, or is likely to be damaged or disturbed then it becomes a risk to your health. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL tips for dealing with asbestos in the office.

IF YOU DISCOVER IT, LEAVE IT ALONE

Most of us assume we’re safe from the threat of asbestos, but this isn’t always the case. Asbestos wasn’t banned until 1999, so only buildings built from 2000 onwards are definitely asbestos free. If you find asbestos on your office, don’t touch it whatever you do. Most people think that the best thing to do with asbestos it to remove it as soon as possible. But this is the opposite of what you should do. An unqualified person should NEVER attempt to remove asbestos themselves as this can pose an either bigger risk.

CONTACT YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM

If you’re concerned there might be asbestos in your office then contact your maintenance team immediately. According to law your employers have a legal responsibility to minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos. Also, your workplace should have a duty holder – someone responsible for the maintenance of the building. This is typically the landlord of the building, but of course it depends on the tenancy agreement.

SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR

If you think asbestos has affected your health, speak with your doctor. Because asbestos related diseases can occur so long after exposure, it can come as a bit of a shock to the person. It may have been a job you worked in 30 years ago, yet it’s only affecting your health now.

As for which illnesses are related to asbestos, there are a number of them. The most common that people tend to hear about is mesothelioma. This is cancer that is found in the lining of a person’s lungs. It can also be present in the abdomen and heart. It is a slow forming cancer that generally takes 20-50 years to actually present itself.

Other types of illnesses caused by asbestos include asbestosis and pleural disease. Treatment depends on the disease you are diagnosed with, and its severity.

SPEAK TO A LAWYER

Rather than wonder if you’ve got a valid claim, the very best place to start is by making an appointment with a trusted professional such as Roper James Solicitors, a solicitors in Plymouth (if you’re from this area). Roper James Solicitors can provide one of their Plymouth injury lawyers and consultation services that take you through all the basics and determine if you have a valid claim.

If you visit a lawyer, the first thing they will likely go over is where you believe you were exposed to asbestos. It’s important to consult a Mesothelioma law firm that specialises in cases related to asbestos exposure, as they will have experience in handling claims for people in high-risk jobs such as power station workers, engineers, building workers, chemical plant workers, car production workers, car mechanics, shipbuilding, and more. You will have needed to work in a factory or environment where asbestos was present, but it’s good to get a lawyer who has had experience in this area.

From here they will be able to discuss your options and let you know what the expected outcome would most likely be, including if you may be eligible for an asbestos compensation claim.

DON’T HESITATE TO MAKE A CLAIM

At the end of the day your health should be a top priority, which is why contacting a personal injury solicitor makes sense. The sooner you can determine if you have a valid claim through one of the law firms, the sooner you can move ahead with it and possibly reach a settlement deal.

7 IDEAL CAREER CHOICES FOR A FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

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7 IDEAL CAREER CHOICES FOR A FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Are you considering a career as a family nurse practitioner? Firstly we applaud you, becoming a FNP is one of the hardest, yet most rewarding careers out there. We need more people like you in the world. Secondly, becoming an FNP is a big decision. So before investing time and money getting your qualification, it may be helpful to learn more about the profession. With this in mind, here are 7 ideal career choices for Family Nurse Practitioners.

PEDIATRIC NURSING

If you love kids, put your hard-earned FNP qualifications to good use in a pediatric hospital. You’ll be able to devote your knowledge and skills to caring for children. But before doing so (if you’re working in the states) register with the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. It’s the most recognised and respected credential for pediatric nurses. This certificate can increase your confidence, professional credibility and chances for advancement.

MIDWIFE NURSING

If you love infants and want to help bring them into this world, a career as a midwife may be perfect for you. Your duties will include caring for both the mother and the baby before, during, and after delivery. But to transition from being an FNP to a nurse midwife, you need a Master of Science in Nurse-Midwifery after enrolling in a program like the Simmons FNP program.

NEONATAL NURSING

Your work will deal mainly with prematurely-born infants in intensive care. You’ll have an important role, not only caring for small babies, but also supporting the parents of the baby. Premature babies usually have very specific problems, including respiratory difficulties and nutritional needs that are often life threatening.

GERIATRIC NURSING

Instead of working with infants and kids, maybe you’d rather work at the other end of the spectrum – that is, with seniors. If so, consider working as a geriatric nurse. Among other things, you’ll help elderly patients deal with chronic illnesses related to old age, such as dementia or arthritis.  And you’ll do so either at their homes or in a hospital. 

CHRONIC PAIN NURSING

Speaking of chronic illnesses, maybe you want to deal exclusively with patients afflicted by such illnesses. Then, the right career for you is working as a chronic pain nurse. As one, you’ll improve the life of the chronically ill, a very fulfilling career.

PSYCHIATRIC NURSING

Psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing is a very specialised area. You’ll need to receive specific training for this type of nursing. Jobs include building relationships with, reassuring, listening and talking to patients, and assessing and planning nursing care requirements to name a few. 

ADVOCACY NURSING

All the above nursing disciplines deal with an illness of some sort. But what happens if you don’t want to directly deal with illnesses? Not that you don’t care about your patients. Instead, you want to represent their interests and that of their families. In such a case, you have two options. The first is joining an advocacy group. Or, better still, you can opt for the second option and become a nurse advocate. Your job description will involve representing your patients’ and their families’ interests to hospitals and healthcare workers.

As a result, you need extra qualifications for this job. This means studying financial and social matters regarding healthcare.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE FAST WITHOUT AN ESTATE AGENT

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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE FAST WITHOUT AN ESTATE AGENT
5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE FAST WITHOUT AN ESTATE AGENT

If you’re one of the growing number of house sellers shunning traditional methods of sale, and of marketing it online, then clever you. You could save thousands on thousands of pounds in the process if you play your cards right. That’s money better spent on a rug for your new home or that coffee machine you’ve always been dreaming of, and more. So, with this in mind, these 5 IDEAL tips will help you sell your house fast without an estate agent.  

FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH

So you’ve decided you’re going to do the job yourself? Great. First things first; find out how much your home is worth. You can ask estate agents to value your property, without actually committing to selling your home through that particular agency. Don’t feel guilty about doing this, theirs is an industry of smoke’n’mirrors, after all.

Take a look at the property section in your local papers or online to get a sense of a ballpark asking price –  is a similar home going for a price you’d be happy with? You can even get an online estimate, though these are based on algorithms and data about the surrounding area, so are not house specific.

START YOUR SELLING STRATEGY

Once you’ve got an idea of how much your home is worth, it’s time to come up with a selling strategy. There are loads of online sites where you can market your house without paying a single penny in fees. Tepilo, a site owned by property extraordinaire Sarah Beeny, is one of the best places to list your home for free.

While saving money is great, and every little helps, being too stingy can hinder the sale of your house. You’ll need to get your property on the prime property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location for the furthest reach. Don’t forget to exploit traditional methods like advertising in your local paper, too.

If, on the other hand, you live across the pond, you’d do well use a multiple listing service FSBO (For Sale By Owner). It’s the most cost-effective way to get your home listed on real estate websites without the services of an agent.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE FAST WITHOUT AN ESTATE AGENT

TAKE GREAT PHOTOS

According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, homebuyers revealed photos as the feature they used most when searching for a home. It’s certainly true that those with bad (or no) photos don’t make it past the cursory glance stage. Make sure you do your house justice by taking great photos of all that it has to offer; blurry photos from your iphone just won’t do – pointless and counterproductive. 

Think about the image you want to capture before shooting. Do it in the day so you capture natural light. Open the curtains and turn on the lights to make the rooms look as bright and open as possible.

Stage your home by popping some fresh flowers on the kitchen table, adding cushions to your sofas or stack some magazines. All of this adds up to an overall image of your house which will merit further investigation. However, don’t be misleading and make your home look like something it’s not. If your own photography skills are in doubt, hire a professional – all good agents have one.

Read: 6 top tips for hosting virtual viewings

KNOW YOUR HOUSE

When selling online, you’ll be doing all of the legwork and showing those prospective buyers around yourself, so do your homework. Remember to take measurements of the rooms and know the square footage incase someone asks (if you haven’t measured, they’re sure to ask).

Make a mental note of all the best things about your house that you’ll want to show off. Does the bedroom get a lot of natural light in the morning? Are the windows double glazed? Is the garden south facing? Then for heaven’s sake, make the most of these features.

While keeping your house looking topnotch and showing people around may get tiresome, remember that being able to do this yourself puts you in a really strong position. You know your house better than anyone, so use that to your advantage and really sell it.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE FAST WITHOUT AN ESTATE AGENT

MAKE THE HOUSE LOOK GREAT

While there’s not much point in doing any major renovations just before selling, there are always minor repairs and tweaks that will raise the overall feel of the property. Will sprucing up your walls with a lick of paint make your house look more attractive? Then do it.

When people come over to view your place, they certainly don’t want to see disorder. They want to see a place they can imagine living in. Clutter, rubbish, a weird doll collection – anything that will negatively detract from them being able to see themselves living there – is a bad thing.Think about moving the furniture so the house looks bigger.

Finally, baking bread or putting a pot of coffee on just before they come round is a classic estate agent trick which really does work.

4 IDEAL REASONS VEGAN MENUS ARE BECOMING MORE POPULAR

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4 IDEAL REASONS VEGAN MENUS ARE BECOMING MORE POPULAR

The catering and hospitality industry is evolving, or is it the diner who’s evolving? While we’re all for Darwin related survival theories, we don’t think that extends to needing a new fad diet for each day of the week to keep you from dying. To stay in sync with every changing consumer demands, chefs and restaurants owners are having to update and change their menus to appeal to the latest food trends (and appease the latest food falsities). Some, it seems, are more viable than others.

Last January, the Veganuary campaign saw over 60,000 people sign up to participate, a huge 260% growth from the previous year. Less meat can mean good things for waistlines, the environment and all round sanctimony. For many, a plant based diet has become a more permanent lifestyle change, with an increase of 350% of the number of vegans living in the UK. So, pick your poison and pick your position, here are 4 IDEAL reasons vegan menus are becoming more popular.

AN EVER WIDENING APPEAL

There are over 1.2 million vegetarians living in the UK, of which teenagers are thought to make up the majority. According to The Independent and Business Insider, 16-24 year olds spend more money on food than any other age group – with 53% of Millennials eating out at least once a week. With those figures in mind, restaurants are designing their food menus to cater for their biggest (and sometimes most fickle) consumers.

Veganism is a growing trend that many have adapted their lifestyle to accommodate for – however, some vegans have concerns that there isn’t enough choice on the menu for them when eating at a restaurant. Though, chefs and restaurant owners are aware of the demand for vegan meal options and are adapting their menus for this reason. This is apparent in the results from a recent Pulse survey by Nisbets, retailers of catering equipment, where 20% of businesses said they considered consumer demand when changing their menus.

ANTICIPATING FURTHER GROWTH

In fact, when it comes to vegan menus, for many restaurants the changes have already been made, and 15% of respondents believe vegan and vegetarian will be the next evolving food trend to look out for in 2018. The Nisbets survey results also revealed that many establishments have already begun to cater for vegans, and vegetarians – with 52% of respondents already offering 1-3 vegan and/or vegetarian options, 26% offering 4-8 options, and 8% offering more than 8 options.

A CLEANER PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS

Gone are the days of a dinner of meat-on-meat-on-meat (and how can we get meat into our dessert, too?). In 2018, the public health consciousness has shifted away from Roman style gorging, tactical puking and all round excess into something a whole lot more veg-centric and mindful, as our awareness of the impact of excessive meat on our health rises. Environmental considerations are also dictating a rise in vegan menus, with the effects of meat production on climate change now a fact rather than supposition, and the social guilt associated with a seven-days-a-week meat habit shaming us into submission. Many are now going vegan for a day or two a week in the hope of arresting the environment’s decline.

AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DELICIOUSNESS

Vegetables in Britain used to get a bad rap; school dinners are to blame, we think. But now, with an ever increasing love of all things seasonal and local, the collective culinary opinion has shifted; vegetables are darn delicious and restaurants want to shout about their new found crop-based credentials. Top chefs are championing vegetables as the centrepiece of the menu more vocally than ever, and it’s about bloody time, we say.

4 IDEAL DRINKS TO TOAST AUSTRALIA DAY

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4 IDEAL DRINKS TO TOAST AUSTRALIA DAY

It’s National Australia day! And you know what they say; drink as the Aussies do. Drink industry experts, the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) have compiled a guide to imbibing like a true Aussie, whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne or Clapham. From chilled, sparkling reds to ‘bagnums’ of wine, there’s a drink to suit anyone looking to raise a glass to the laid-back way of life from Down Under. So, here are 4 IDEAL drinks to toast Australia Day.

CRACK OPEN A CAN OF WINE

Australia is renowned for pioneering the wine-in-a-bag concept, which suits the country’s al fresco dining and drinking culture to a tee. Experts are predicting that 2018 will see huge strides in wine packaging innovations across the globe andThe Australian wine industry has been one of the first to embrace new formats, including canned wine and ‘bagnums’, which were originally invented by Aussie winemaker Andrew Nielsen in a bid to cut down on the amount of packing used in bottled wines. Even more convenient is canned wine, produced by Barokes whose award-winning range proves that it’s more about the liquid than the vessel.

Try it here:

  • Banrock Station Shiraz Mataro, 3L – Amazon, Asda, Ocado, RRP £20.99

BRING THE BBG INDOORS WITH GRILLED FISH AND WINE

The iconic Aussie barbecue rouses visions of summer festivities and beachside dining, somewhat far removed from the current English winter days. However, celebrity chef John Torode has the ideal wine pairing suggestion to help Brits enjoy a classic summer combo while sheltering from the elements. Nothing is more typically Aussie than freshly grilled fish – ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie’ and all that. Grilled squid is a firm favourite amongst Aussies, who eat it all year round whether or not it’s BBQ season. When you grill a piece of squid it brings out the best of its fabulous savoury flavours, and a dish such as this needs a fruity, delicious and vibrant wine to match. Try a refreshing rosé or perhaps a Riesling from the Eden Valley, as the zingy palate and citrusy aromas complement this classic Aussie dish beautifully.

Try it here:

  • McGuigan Shortlist Riesling 2016 (IWSC gold winner) – Sainsbury’s, RRP £14
  • MT Rosé – Wine Rack, RRP £10

GIN MAKERS GET BACK TO NATURE

Australian gin brands are making the most of their continent’s unique ecosystem, which offers an enormous range of native natural flavourings. One of the gins making waves down under is Bass & Flinders’ Angry Ant Gin, distilled using Australian ants and indigenous plant botanicals. Ants communicate with pheromones, which are released during distillation; the addition of lemongrass, sandalwood nuts and currant bush are designed to complement the flavour of these chemicals.

David T Smith, IWSC Chair Judge and Gin expert, says “While the use of ants as a botanical is certainly eye-catching, this is not just a novelty drink. The use of ants as a botanical gives the gin a slight pepperiness to the flavor, which makes for a great addition to a gin-based Bloody Mary; the Red Snapper”.

Try it here:

  • Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin – Master of Malt, RRP £39.95
  • The West Winds Gin, The Sabre – Master of Malt, RRP £36.20

MOVE OVER PROSECCO, IT’S ALL ABOUT SPARKLING RED

UK sparkling wine sales have grown by 76% in the past 5 years alone* and although Champagne, Prosecco and English sparklings dominate the shelves, the Aussies offer a strong case as leading contender in the world of bubbles. However, Australia’s range of top quality sparkling reds is still fairly underappreciated in the UK, despite Aussie oenophiles having enjoyed this unconventional style for years. Perfect for red lovers after something a little more refreshing, Sparkling Shiraz offers the same depth and complexity of flavour, but should be served slightly chilled as an aperitif or paired with duck or lamb.

The IWSC’s Wine Communicator of the year, Joe Fattorini, says “Sparkling Shiraz is one of the great undiscovered gems of Australian wine. The rich fruit and light spice of these wines makes a great match for a classic Aussie barbecue and especially with a spicy barbecue sauce.”

Try it here:

  • Jacobs Creek Sparkling Shiraz NV – Waitrose (IWSC’s Supermarket of the Year 2017), RRP £9.99
  • McGuigan Black Label Sparkling Shiraz NV – Amazon (Official IWSC sponsor), RRP £8.94

4 IDEAL REASONS TO FEEL POSITIVE ABOUT WINTER

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4 IDEAL REASONS TO FEEL POSITIVE ABOUT WINTER

Christmas has come and gone and we are now left with the cold shoulder of this Winter Wonderland. The green solace of spring is a while off yet, so we might as well embrace winter in the meantime. Since we can’t do anything to change the weather outside, then maybe we can work on our perception of it instead. It’s time to look at the positives; the tap water is deliciously cold, overeating has given you a good level of insulation and, whisper it, the longest day of the year has already passed. Hey look! It’s light at 4:30pm again. With this spirit of optimism in mind, here are 4 IDEAL reasons to feel positive about winter.

THE IDEAL TIME FOR BINGE-WATCHING SESSIONS

If the weather outside makes you want to cuddle up under a warm blanket, then maybe you should follow your instincts and do just that. Hibernation stations at the ready! A binge-watching session may be just what you need this time of year, and with so many fantastic shows and movies to stream, you’re safe all the way up to March. You can worry about losing your job and all of your friends once the weather is a bit more bearable.

Once Netflix is fired up, the most difficult part is the paradox of choice which confronts us, so let us make a suggestion. We love experiencing the extremities of winter through the eyes of someone else. FX’s “Fargo”, then, is just the ticket. It features three seasons of quirky characters entangled in sticky crime mysteries, but, most importantly, it is a true inspiration for practical methods for dealing with a cold winter. The show is set in North Dakota, which means that you will get to see people dealing with harsher winters. We promise that most of them actually make it to the end of the season, and season. 

A CHANCE TO EAT SEASONALLY

It’s time to open your arms to a winter diet and we’re not talking about the faddy, foolish nonsense of the latest clean eating trend. No, we’re talking about simply eating what is good, fresh and local when it’s at it’s best. Nothing more, nothing less.The great thing about adapting your diet to the seasons is that fruit, vegetables and even game and fish are forever changing in their suitability, freshness and availability, so you’ll be keeping your diet varied, and constantly learning new recipes to suit what’s just come into season. What’s more, fresh produce which is ‘in season’ is at its most nutrient-rific. Artichoke, venison, turbot, blood orange, celeriac…it’s like a rolls-royce-roll-call of the best ingredients around, all at their peak right now.  A delicious no brainer, this one.

TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY MAKE YOUR OWN FUN

Probably the worst thing about January and February is that there isn’t much to get excited about, with the social calendar wiped clean by diets and low funds. With nothing to look forward to and friends otherwise engaged to Dry Veganuary, post-Christmas winter can be a bit of a drag. It’s up to you to find your own excitement, then, preferably from the comfort of your home. This could take the form of something brain-beneficial, such as an app purpose built to sharpen your mind or the learning of a new skill. Or, cast aside any notion of being good, and embrace levity. The engrossing online gaming world of Candy Crush, Chess With Friends and Scrabble will all provide the distraction you need to get you to spring.

Alternatively, consider trying your luck on US Powerball to raise the stakes during these slow months. Who doesn’t dream of winning the lottery, hey? With a bit of luck, you could win some of the bigger prizes the game has to offer. You could even make it a group activity and play Powerball as a syndicate with your best friends. That way, you can have a get together every time there is a draw; sociable and fun in equal measure. The worst case scenario; you get to spend an evening with your friends. The best; you win a few million. And then, you can really make your own fun!

THE PERFECT EXCUSE FOR UPDATING YOUR WINTER WARDROBE

From heated jackets to long warm coats and colored scarves, updating your wardrobe for winter isn’t frivolous, it’s an obligation. Having the chance to wear that new winter jacket for others to admire could be the impetus you need to get you out of the house. The groovy new bobble hat you bought might serve as the inspiration to go and socialise. Hell, the chance to show off your new scarf might, heaven forbid, make the first few commutes of the near year that bit more bearable.

5 IDEAL ON-TREND RUGS FOR 2018

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5 IDEAL ON-TREND RUGS FOR 2018

A room without a rug is a room without love, a wise man in Persia once said. An area rug is a powerful thing indeed; it can make a bold statement as a focal point and can also set the tone for the overall decor of the room. As this feature can be so central to the feel of a home’s main spaces, it’s important to get it right. Rug style trends constantly shift and evolve with the times, so for those wanting to keep their domestic domain ahead of the curve, here are 5 IDEAL on-trend rugs for 2018.

HAND-KNOTTED RUGS

As a wider general trend moves towards the purchase of handmade and handcrafted goods in preference over the mass-produced, so too are rugs moving in this direction in 2018. Hand-knotted rugs can be softer, thicker and more durable than their mass-produced counterparts and can become a talking point in your room design too. A rug should do more than attract attention, it should be a true feature, to be sprawled across, sat on and enjoyed. A hand-knotted rug can make this piece of furniture one that is worth talking about as well as basing your room design around. Hand-knotted rugs, especially shag, will see an increase in popularity in the coming year, make no mistake.

PICTURE RUGS 

Wall art? Na. 2018 is all about floor art. More and more creative, contemporary rugs are being designed to mimic a piece of art, and that’s great news, we think. Just like a portrait or a landscape painting, these rugs are meant to be viewed as an entire ‘picture’. Although rugs with repeating patterns will always be a simple and stunning way to stylise any room, picture rugs are a more of a bold statement and an ideal way to express your sense of style, taste and self. The rugs by Nourison are a good example of this; many of the rugs they produce create an image that catches your attention as soon as you enter the room.

NATURE INSPIRED RUGS

Bring the outdoors in with nature inspired rugs this year. There is an overall trend in the interior design industry which is moving towards bringing nature into the home. Studies have shown that making the home and even the workplace more natural can enable you to feel more comfortable and relaxed in the room. We’re not talking about rugs with clunky, in-your-face pictures of trees on them, rather rugs that are inspired by, and use, the colours of nature. Think a rug with warm brown and copper tones, using abstract patterns to represent autumnal leaves or an area rug representing an aerial view of a rugged mountain surrounded by waters, again in an abstract kind of way. 

STRIKING FLORAL RUGS

Bright and striking floral rugs are also on-trend for 2018. The use of large and colourful flowers helps to give direction to the room as well as simply drawing the eye. The upstanding directional nature of a floral rug can help control the flow through the room and the bright colours can add some style too. Matching floral wall borders or furniture can also create a bold and striking floral theme that is on-trend for 2018.

ROUND RUGS

Rectangular rugs are always great, and the norm, but round rugs are becoming ever more popular. The mainstream awaits. It’s like we’ve only just realised how this surprisingly versatile shape can really change the feel of a room. A round rug can create a pocket of comfor in an open plan, hardwood floored room which is all the style these days.  An isolated chair on a round rug can be a refuge in a wide open plan space and serves to create comfort and homeliness in an otherwise vast expanse. Plus, most spaces in the house are filled with rectangular shapes and sharp edges; a round rug can help soften those edges, making any living area feel more inviting. You can’t go wrong with a comfy circular rug in you want to add a relaxed vibe to your kitchen.

Rugs trends vary from year to year, but 2018 is set to be a year that sees a resurgence of some styles and the introduction of newones. Round rugs, hand-knotted rugs and floral rugs are all making a return while picture rugs and nature-inspired rugs also look set to increase in popularity.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: 28°- 50°, MADDOX STREET – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR WETTING THE WHISTLE IN CENTRAL LONDON

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: 28°- 50°, MADDOX STREET – THE IDEAL PLACE FOR WETTING THE WHISTLE IN CENTRAL LONDON

We’re not even halfway through January’s journey on the wagon – ascetic and edgy in equal measure – but it feels like reaching the 31st finish line home and dry is going to require an impervious focus. If you’re in the same leaky boat, then you might want to look away now.

IDEA

Firstly, that pesky name. Not an easy one to suggest to friends or colleagues. It doesn’t exactly slip off the tongue, especially one loosened or tied, or both, by wine. Well, 28°- 50° refers to the latitudes between which most grape growing flourishes. So now you know. It’s the first, of many, indications that good booze is the primary focus here.

The bar and restaurant, sorry, ‘wine workshop’ is the brainchild of influential Icelandic chef Aggi Sverrisson, who is doing some of the capital’s most interesting cooking over at Marble Arch’s Texture, and master sommelier Xavier Rousset (who has now left the group). The concept, it seems, is to get London pissed (and maybe gently educate us) on excellent, accessible wine. This, with modern, ingredients led plates of a vague Scandi bent to complement, is an idea that realises itself in style.

LOCATION

Google Map’s curt definition of a Mayfair Wine Workshop fills us with fear. Tonight’s gonna get pretentious, we suspect. In fact, Maddox Street’s just-off Regent Street location, opposite a Subway, doesn’t exactly feel glitz, glamour and gaudy. And that’s very welcome for these gauche diners. The vibe is refreshingly inclusive. Refreshing, it seems, is the name of game here.

ATMOSPHERE

We get in early, post Christmas shopping splurge, and it looks like a lot of people have had the name idea. Most seem only in for a nip, which is a shame as the food far surpasses the supporting-act expectations it sets.

There are booze motifs everywhere….glasses of all different shapes and sizes hanging, illustrations of scenes of inebriation, empty bottles on shelves and full ones in racks. All of this serves to remind you where you are and what you’re here for, but also lends itself to excellent acoustics; essential for a place of cheer and chatter.

The central trilateral bar is the focal point of the room – of course – and where most choose to sit. Although it’s not a huge space, it’s been very carefully conceived, with tables just that little bit larger than they need to be to convey a sense of privacy.

Curiously, it gets less busy as the night wears on, maybe a reflection of its location. We overhear a lot of punters talking shop, and assume it must attract a hospitality crowd; there’s abundant restaurants around and their employees might like to decamp here. Maybe it fills up again as last orders are called?

FOOD & DRINK

So, to the victuals.

Bread with an excellent crust arrives first, alongside butter whipped with skyrr, the first nod to the chef’s homeland. It takes great willpower not to fill ourselves up on it, as the wait staff keep replenishing the basket and it’s really bloody good.

Both starters are superb. There’s celeriac slow roasted until it gives generously, with a piquant goats curd and rye – another nod – for texture. It’s earthy and earthly, too. The second opener is the best thing we put in our mouths that night; fat, juicy prawns grilled over coal until they’ve taken on a well-judged level of smokiness, then bathed in garlic butter and served with garlic aioli for dipping. As they’re heads on, the brain juices can be sucked up; there’s so much dirty, sensual stuff going on here that it’s frankly erotic, and no amount of garlic on the breath could dissuade from acting on that desire. The eating is surprisingly hands on for a place with designs on being classy, and that’s the charm. We’re later told people come here specifically for these beauties, and we can see why. The sommelier pairs a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay expertly, complete with a few approachable, informative words about their merits. We like this place.

The mains are less carnal and also less good as a result. Cod comes as a handsome, thick fillet and is cooked well, but the pearl barley promises cinnamon, which is undetectable (thankfully?). There are more prawns mixed through it, but this time they’re slightly apologetic, like from a Marks & Spencers lunchbox, and the accompanying bisque has that slightly metallic taste of being overboiled. The pinot noir paired with it is to complement the cinnamon, but as spice is so lightly administered, the match is amiss. By no means a failure as a dish, but a little flawed, we’re afraid.

The other main is a slow cooked lamb shoulder, pressed and finished on the plancha, which sounds an interesting technique but in reality, didn’t elevate things. No, matter, as it tastes great regardless. There’s a quenelle of swede mash which brings colour to a plate otherwise a little brown.

Desserts bring the house down. An almost saccharine hazelnut parfait is lush but bracing, and needs a sharp dessert wine. Once that arrives to cut through things, it’s a spectacular pud; the hazelnut flavour amazingly pronounced and offset beautifully by a bitter coffee crumb. Even better are warm, almondy madeleines, so festive and boozy. They’re as delicate as we feel the next day, with the requisite balance between crisp exterior and soft centre which only a freshly baked one will bring. A splodge of white chocolate which is so light and aerated it must have seen the espuma rounds everything off succinctly.

A word for the young assistant-head sommelier, who is bossing the floor all evening. We’re told she learnt everything required to hold such a role in just a year, and she’s only 20. She pairs our wines thoughtfully and passes no judgment on our lesser knowledge; all delivered with great confidence and expertise. Bravo.

WHY GO

In this part of Central London you’re spoilt for choice when hungry. Indeed, there are few better stretches for high end restaurants in the capital. 28°- 50° Maddox Street, though, mangages to occupy its own niche, as somewhere affable and welcoming for both a quick glass of fine wine or a long, leisurely meal. We wish there were more places like it.

Website: www.2850.co.uk/maddox

Disclosure: IDEAL Magazine dined as a guest of the restaurant.

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