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HOTEL REVIEW: SIAM KEMPINSKI – THE IDEAL PLACE TO EXPERIENCE ORIENTAL OPULANCE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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HOTEL REVIEW: SIAM KEMPINSKI – THE IDEAL PLACE TO EXPERIENCE ORIENTAL OPULANCE

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If you are looking for a hotel that will take your breath away then you have found it. Although five star hotels in Bangkok are abundant, few hotels in the capital can compare to the luxurious world of Siam Kempinski. Read on to find out why we fell in love with this relaxing retreat during our hunt for the top ten luxury hotels in Bangkok…

The Idea

To create a peaceful inner-city sanctuary within the heart of Bangkok.

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Location

Located in the busy Pathum Wan district, the Siam Kempinski is situated in one of Bangkok’s main entertainment and cultural destinations. Tucked just behind one of Asia’s largest shopping complexes, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from the Siam Paragon Mall, Central World, MBK and the markets of Pathuwan. The BTS Skytrain system is a short five minute walk away and the hotel is within 10 minutes of both the underground and the new airport train link.

Out of all the luxury hotels in Bangkok, this one really is in an enviable position and the perfect place for people who love to shop, allowing guests to easily enjoy the restaurants, shops and hustle and bustle of the walkway-linked luxury shopping malls of Bangkok. Should you wish to take transportation to sample the delight of the shopping malls, the hotel offers a free Tuk Tuk to Central World.

The Welcome

This hotel represents the sort of indulgent fantasy you create in your daydreams about luxury. Walking into the entrance hall of the Siam Kempinski will simply take your breath away. As soon as you enter the majestic and marvelous marble lobby; with its high ceilings, pretty light-purple rugs, cream sofas and vibrant fresh flowers, you are awed by the elegance of the hotel.The staff are warm and welcoming and take the meaning of superlative service to another level. The relaxing ambiance of the Siam Kempinski immediately takes over, and the serenity of the hotel is enough to make you forget that you are in the hustle and bustle of central Bangkok.

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The Ambiance and Decor

The elegant lobby sets the tone of the hotel. Here everything is designed with the ‘wow’ factor in mind and opulent decor is key. Bringing with it a certain savoir-vivre, the flamboyant European flair of the Siam Kempinski is obvious in the classical, yet modern decor of the hotel, but it is the thoughtful nod to Thailand’s artistic heritage that is really impressive.

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The Siam Kempinski certainly serves up authentic Thai charm and culture as the property displays approximately 4,000 pieces of art, including 200 original paintings and sculptures by Thai artists, all of which express the personality and culture of Thailand. In the lobby of the hotel hang impressive bass lamp cones, formed like the decorative fingernails of  northern traditional Thai dancers performing a graceful welcome dance.

The colour accents in the decor reflect the purples, greens and creams found in the colours of the lotus flower which is an Asian symbol for things of special value. The lotus can also be found in the hotel’s logo, in the design of the carpets, on the staff uniforms and in the charming prints and photos featured in every guest room in the hotel.

The hotel is built next to the Sra Pathum Palace, formerly the home of Prince Mahidol (the current King’s father) and is now home to HRH Princess Srindhorn. The ground where the hotel now stands was once part of the Lotus Pond Palace commissioned by Rama IV (known in the Western world from the story ‘The King and I’) as a retreat outside the city.  Keeping in line with the historical site of the Siam Kempinski, the lotus flower is harmoniously blended into the overall decor of the hotel, nodding to the old lotus garden.

The architects of the Siam Kempinski have built the hotel with the Royal history of the area in mind. The hotel’s encircled landscaped inner gardens is a serene haven with three saltwater pools, tropical trees and a grassy lawn, recreating the serenity and beauty of the former lotus gardens.

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The Rooms

For globetrotters who have stayed in the very best hotels, then the rooms at the Kempinski will please. Featuring 303 contemporary rooms and lavish suites, all rooms offer a beautiful view of Siam Kempinski’s lush green gardens. Modern comfort and convenience are combined, with each guestroom featuring a tea and coffee maker and a flat-screen TV. For a truly unique experience, stay in one of Cabana rooms with direct pool access. What could be more luxurious than opening up your hotel room doors, stepping into a serene pool and letting your cares slip away?.

It’s the little things that set luxury hotels apart and the Siam Kempinski certainly is the master of petites choses. Complimentary soft drinks and local beers are available from the minibar in each room, and they don’t skimp of the toiletries, offering dental kits, fragrant bath goodies and more. Also if you decide to spend the day basking in the sun by the saltwater pools, the hotel staff bring around much needed water to quench your thirst and cold towels to cool yourself which are a god-send.

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Facilites

Once you’ve relaxed by the pool or shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, you can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities that the hotel offers…

The Gym overlooks the garden and is fully equipped with the latest cardio, strength and conditioning equipment. For the fitness fanatics out there it also offers yoga, aerobics and Muay Thai classes.

The Spa – What  luxury hotel would be complete without a spa?  The spa at the Siam Kempinski is a magical getaway in the bustling city offering a wonderful range of therapies themed around the changing four seasons.

Kempinski Kids Club – Perfect for parents who want some time alone. The kid’s club offers  facilities specially created to entertain, amuse and occupy your little monsters under the supervision of professional child care specialists.

The Business Centre –  For the business travellers out there,the hotel room has a separate working station with the option of having a faster internet connection.

Food & Drink

The luxury continues when you indulge in the award winning food of the Siam Kempinski. The Sra Bua, which has been voted as one of Asia’s top 50 restaurants, is the hotel’s flagship restaurant and the one all the critics are swooning over. There are not many restaurants in the world that will wow you, but this one certainly will by inspiring both your eyes and your palate. It combines authentic Thai food with cutting edge flair, and the result – amazing molecular- gastronomic interpretations of Thai cuisine. Elsewhere, the Brasserie Europa serves up traditional European inspired dishes and is famous for its Sunday Family lunch.

Why go

To experience a hotel in the heart of Bangkok, exuding traditional Thai charm with wow worthy extras. Awaiting for you at the Siam Kempinski is luxury, luxury and more luxury. The hotel oozes quiet tranquility with discreet but highly attentive service. As the hotel says ‘We warn you – don’t be surprised when you decide to extend your stay…’

Address: 991/9 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

Website: www.kempinski.com

IDEAL stayed at the hotel as a guest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO CYCLING YOUR WAY TO FITNESS THIS AUTUMN

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO CYCLING YOUR WAY TO FITNESS THIS AUTUMN

When the cold is starting to creep in and the rain is starting to get more ceaseless than sporadic, it’s hard to get motivated  to start a fitness program. Even less appealing is one that counts exposure to the unpredictable British weather as one of its key components. However, since we usually eat more as the nights get darker and the necessity for hibernation increases, a remedy is required. Something healthy, fun and rewarding that usurps the frequenting the gym.

Of course, it would be easy to join the legions of gym bunnies and muscle bound he-men there, but memberships cost money and not everyone can afford to splash out £100 per month for the privilege. Thankfully there is an alternative.

Get Fit With Cycling

Cycling is a great way to keep fit. Cycling builds your aerobic fitness as well as toning your legs and bum, making you look and feel radiant. If you cycle regularly, you will soon notice an improvement in all areas of your body, plus your energy levels will soar as a result of doing regular exercise. This is goes a long way to keeping your heart healthy both physically and potentially, romantically – you’ll be fighting off potential suitors with a bicycle pump with your new look body. The trouble is, you might not feel too positive about cycling when the weather is poor and the evenings dark.But don’t let short days and bad weather put you off – there are lots of ways to incorporate cycling into your daily routine and improve your fitness levels at the same time.

Buy a great bike

A bike, obviously, is essential if you want to start doing a bit of cycling. In an ideal world you already have a bike sitting in the garage, seat well worn-in anticipating your firm buttocks, but if you don’t, it should be easy to pick a decent quality second-hand bike up for next to nothing. Alternatively, check out your company’s cycle to work scheme and see if you can use it to buy a new bike. There are rules attached to the cycle to work scheme and you will need to show that it is possible to cycle to work from home, but if you fit the criteria, it is a great way of buying a new bike, tax free.

If you’re in the market for purchasing a new bike, make sure you do your research before buying as you can often find massive discounts online. To help you narrow down your options, always pick a bike according to your size and height. You can do this by using an online bike size calculator. We found this bike size chart guide by mybikexl for your convenience.

The Road Is Your Catwalk

Cycling in the autumn requires more kit than summer cycling. For one thing you will need waterproofs to protect you from the weather, and for another, bikes lights and hi-viz clothing is a must-have. Fear not though, because cycling-chic, especially in the capital, is very much en vogue. Cycling in the winter doesn’t have to be miserable, however. You could restrict your outdoor cycling to the weekend and buy a stationery cycle for indoor fitness training in the week. That way you can enjoy the fitness benefits of cycling without the horror of biking through horizontal hail.

Start Slowly

It is not a good idea to plan a long ride on your new bike if you haven’t done much exercise recently, as it will probably take your down a peg or two and end up denting your confidence.A good idea is to build up your tolerance slowly. To begin with, plan a few short rides – for as long as you think your backside will stand it – and then gradually increase the time you spend in the saddle. As long as you take it easy in the early stages, you will enjoy yourself a lot more.

The best bit about cycling all autumn is that come the summer time, you won’t have to panic about working on your beach-ready body – yours will already be in tip-top shape!

14 IDEAL SHOPPING TIPS EVERY LADY NEEDS TO KNOW

Rachel Stevenson
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14 IDEAL SHOPPING TIPS EVERY LADY NEEDS TO KNOW

Do you ever come home after a shopping spree with a bag full of new clothes, but with nothing that you actually need or intended to buy? Do you have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear? Do you always feel guilty after you’ve gone clothes shopping because you have spent too much?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions then you’re in need of some shopping spree saving.  With the help of fancydressmania.co.uk we’ve put together a list of shopping tips every lady needs to know before they hit the high street! Stick to them and buyers remorse will be a thing of the past.

Shop with a plan

Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend, then write it down and create a budget. This way you won’t overspend and be tempted to buy something you don’t really need.

Pay with cash

It’s a fact you spend more money when you swipe. A 2008 study found that physically handing over money triggers an emotional pain that actually helps to deter spending, while swiping doesn’t. As a result, the study found that cash discourages spending whereas plastic encourages it.

Buy Basic

When it comes to spending money on fashion, focus on all of the basic looks. Buy clothes that are timeless and coordinate well. A neutral pencil skirt will be fashionable for years to come and can be updated for the seasons with a fashionable new top.

Shop Online

Save money by shopping online. If you are a fashionista on a budget, check online before you splurge on your wardrobe. There are websites dedicated to deals and coupons that can save you serious cash on clothes by your favourite designers. Check out https://www.raise.com/coupons/macys for various deals, discounts and, yep, coupons for Macy’s department store, for instance.

Consider The Type of Care

Consider the type of care that a garment requires before purchasing it. If you get something that is dry clean or hand wash only, you might either end up with a huge dry cleaning bill, ruining it, or worse – never using it!

Go Timeless

When purchasing jeans, go for a timeless look. For example, classic straight leg jeans never go out of style. Opt for either of these styles in either a dark or slightly faded denim to remain in style throughout the years. By opting for these styles, you will always be in style no matter the current fashion.

Shop with Friends

Go shopping with friends and help each other pick out clothes. Your friends can be your best resource when it comes to choosing the right outfits to wear.  They are the ones who are going to tell you if that green dress you really want actually makes you look like a giant walking bogey.

Be Unique

Do not be afraid to be unique. Uniqueness is a good thing. You should never try to hide it. However, before you make your purchase ask yourself if the piece you’re buying is versatile and how many times will you actually wear it to avoid wasting money on a one time outfit wonder.

Know Your Body Type

Keep your figure in mind when purchasing clothing. While you may like something you see on the rack, that particular item may not look great on you; instead, think about what your best feature is and try to enhance it. For example if you have great legs, show them off with a short skirt or a pair of killer high heels. If you have a bootylicious bum, don’t try to hide in frumpy clothes,  show off your enviable curves in a chic jumpsuit or a well-fitted pencil skirt.  Playing up your assets is the best way to create a look that flatters you.

Do a Clothes Swap

Remember the saying ‘one man’s junk is another man’s treasure’ – this is true of clothes too.  If you don’t have much money for clothes, let friends know and arrange a clothes swapping night where you can swap you unwanted garments for somebody else’s pre-loved items and potentially walk away with a whole new wardrobe without spending a penny.

Invest in Key Pieces

Every wardrobe should have a few key pieces. The little black dress is a classic for good reason. A well-fitted white blouse is versatile and flattering. A tailored suit is perfect for serious business. These items are ones you shouldn’t be afraid to spend a little extra on, as they are timeless classics that last beyond the changing fashion trends.

Don’t Be Swayed By The Magazines

You do not have to get the exact same wardrobe that’s in all of the magazines.  Just look at clothes that are similar to the fashion that’s in style and DIY. This way you don’t have to waste money on expensive outfits that will be out of fashion before you can blink.

Avoid Fashion Fads

Reiterating the above point  – if you have a limited budget for clothes, avoid buying clothes that are trendy and will only last you for a season. Fashion fads quickly go out of style, and you will be stuck with clothes that will make you feel like yesterday’s fashion queen. Stick with the classic looks that are timeless.

Get tips from couture shows

Couture is not always meant to be worn. It is fashion as art. However, very often certain themes, colours and silhouettes make their way from couture to your local stores, so get a jump on everyone else and get an idea for what is coming by checking out couture shows.

AND more importantly  -HAVE FUN SHOPPING!

5 IDEAL REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL TO VISIT YOUR FRIENDS

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL TO VISIT YOUR FRIENDS

Do you have friends in faraway places? Then here are five ideal reasons why you should travel to visit them

Do you have friends and family in faraway places that you only get in contact with via Facebook? Although Facebook is great for keeping in touch with people, it’s no substitute for seeing them in person.

Having friends and family in different countries is a fantastic excuse to go travelling. In case you need some inspiration for why you should travel abroad and visit your friends, with the help of momondo, we list five ideal reasons to give you a nudge in the right direction.

APPRECIATE THE WORLD 

Having friends who live abroad can often be seen as negative, as they are not around the corner for a cup of coffee or a catch-up drink. However, we say turn this pre-conception on its head. Having friends overseas is a great excuse to see a new part of the world. And there is no better way to experience new cities than with locals. So go on, tick some new places off your bucket list!

BE INSPIRED

Whilst visiting friends in other countries, its always great to get a taste of the local culture. Whether that’s trying regional delicacies, checking out the latest gallery opening or listening to local bands. Who knows, you may come back from visiting pals, inspired to take up a new hobby or cultural interest. Or at least come away with some treats to savour at home.

MORE’S COMPANY

Trips are always more fun with friends. From having someone there to discuss travel discoveries with, to sharing a jug of sangria or three – we think travelling is simply better with friends. And who knows you could even make some new friends whilst away on your trip too.

NOTHING BEATS FACE-TO FACE

We all love Facebook, however, people too often use it to passively keep track of others, instead of making the effort to meet up with them. There is nothing worse than losing touch with a good friend and face-to-face interactions build stronger, more meaningful relationships. So we say use Facebook to arrange a date to go visit your mate, find a flight and jump on the next plane! You won’t regret it.

THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

Life is short, and holidays are shorter. Enough said.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR APPLE AND CRANBERRY BIRCHER MUESLI POTS

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR APPLE AND CRANBERRY BIRCHER MUESLI POTS

Breakfast is a hard meal to get right as often it centers around convenience foods which are usually pretty unhealthy. However, Kellogg’s has come to the rescue with their Ancient Legends brand, which is a delicious range of wholesome granolas, mueslis and cereals bursting with ancient grains and seeds. The collection includes rye, spelt, chia, flax and quinoa – ingredients which have been grown for millennia and offer a multitude of nutritional benefits.

The grains rye and spelt are rich in fibre and B vitamins, which help us to release energy from food and stay energised throughout the day, whilst chia and flax seeds are rich in Omega 3. Quinoa is a great source of protein, and along with flax and chia seeds contains high levels of minerals calcium and magnesium, which aid the normal functioning of the nervous system and maintenance of healthy bones.

To celebrate all thing’s breakfast here’s a recipe using the cereal that you’ll absolutely love!

APPLE AND CRANBERRY BIRCHER MUESLI POTS

Bircher muesli was invented by a Swiss physician at the turn of the twentieth century as a way of boosting his patients’ raw fruit and vegetable intake, and remains a wholesome way to fuel your morning. This recipe can be served in jars to take with you to work for a convenient nutritious breakfast when you’re in a hurry.

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: none

Serves 2

Ingredients

90g Kellogg’s Ancient Legends Quinoa apple, cranberry and chia muesli,

1 eating apple, washed and cored

75ml cranberry juice

6 tbsp fat free Greek yogurt

Honey to taste

Method

  1. Coarsely grate the apple and place in a medium bowl.
  2. Add the muesli, juice, yoghurt and mix well. If liked add a little honey to taste.
  3. Divide the mixture between 2 jars with screw top lids and chilli for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Serve straight from the jar.

THE IDEAL POP UP FOR THAI FOOD LOVERS : CHANG SENSORY TRAILS

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL POP UP FOR THAI FOOD LOVERS : CHANG SENSORY TRAILS

Love Thai food? Then get yourself down to Old Spitafields Market on 29th April 2017 to experience a multi-sensory trip to Thailand

This global campaign is all about bringing the vibrancy of Thai food culture to the world, injecting a modern, refreshing spin on its big and bold flavours.

The famous Thai beer company has  teamed up with Bo and Dylan, from renowned restaurant Bo.Lan in Bangkok, to create a menu inspired by Bo and Dylan’s fondest memories. Bo. Lan was recently named one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants, so this should be one hell of a pop up!  There will also be live music, interactive art and of course, lots of Chang beer.

Where: Old Spitafields Market , Spitalfields

When: Saturday April 29 2017

Website: changbeer.com

5 IDEAL PLACES TO EXPERIENCE LONDON FROM A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL PLACES TO EXPERIENCE LONDON FROM A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW

If you want to get the best birds-eye views of London, add these attractions to your itinerary.

Visiting the UK capital? London is a beautiful old city, charming in a very unique way. But, in fact, you can actually get a much better feel for the city, and the life that springs from the streets and buildings blending in a display of urban organisation, if you view London from as high a vantage point as possible.

Here are some of the best spots in London where you can experience some truly amazing views.

The Shard

The Shard stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to a great view of the city. The ‘View’ – with a capital V – is captured all the way up at the 69th level of the towering structure, where you can see more than 60 kilometres around the city. The entrance fee is a bit hefty, at around £25, however. In fact it’s even more if you just walk in without booking a reservation.

The Emirates Airline

This is not an actual airline, but a cable car that pulls you up in the air from Greenwich to the Royal Victoria Docks. It functions as both a rewarding tourist attraction and a decent public transport system to takes you away from all the traffic on the ground. If you manage to time your visit to avoid rush hours, you can enjoy a luxurious 10-minute ride while the city passes below you. It’s pretty affordable too, at £4.30 for an adult.

London Eye

Fancy a cushy seat as the city of London slowly unfurls before your eyes? Then you’ll want to head to Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, the London Eye, for a killer view. Tickets for adults are £21.50 for a 30-minute ride – £19.35 if you book online.

 The Monument

Standing 161 metres tall, the Monument to the Great Fire of London is the perfect place to get a good view of the city for just £3. The catch? You’ll have to climb all the way to the top with your own two feet, which could be a bit of a challenge for some! Still, making it to the top is an exhilarating experience made all the more rewarding after the long climb up its winding stairs.

Galvin at Windows

Want to sit down to a really good meal with one of the best views around the city? Galvin at Windows is a Michelin-starred restaurant that gives you both – although the view is built in to the prices! A two-course set lunch will cost about £25, or you could just have a drink at the bar for a lot less.

Getting Around London

If you’re flying in to the UK capital, Gatwick Airport transfers come highly recommended as a mode to get you to your accommodation if it’s your first time to London, as the city’s public transport system can be a bit overwhelming. Some shuttle services offering Gatwick Airport transfers also offer private taxi services which can prove immensely useful when getting to specific points in and around London.Free Web Content

RESTAURANT REVIEW: THE SPORTSMAN, SEASALTER, THE IDEAL PLACE FOR HYPER LOCAL DINING

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: THE SPORTSMAN, SEASALTER, THE IDEAL PLACE FOR HYPER LOCAL DINING

Every once a while, we need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is only so much rat-race restaurant dining one can stand. A long walk on a deserted beach, wind in your hair, fresh sea breeze in your lungs, with a nice pint in a cosy pub to finish – your 9 to 5 toils are soon a distant memory. If all this escapism culminated in a hyper-seasonal, ridiculously reasonable Michelin-starred meal, with warm welcome and good cheer to boot, you’d probably say it was too good to be true. But at Whitstable’s The Sportsman, all of this is yours.

THE IDEA

Self-taught chef Stephen Harris is at the helm of this self proclaimed ‘grotty little pub by the sea’, and from the outside, it’s hard to tell that this place is a favourite of chefs from across the globe. Upon entering, the blackboard menus, light wood furnishings and the pub’s original bar do little to suggest the culinary delight which follows.

The restaurant relies firmly on the land and sea surrounding the pub, and the bounty available here, from the Thames estuary, salt marshes and of course, the ocean, is of pristine quality and freshness. Most of the ingredients are actually visible from the pub itself. The chef even makes his own salt from evaporating the nearby North Sea’s water.

ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere of a small pub by the sea has not been compromised, much to the Sportsman’s credit. Former regulars still frequent the bar area, and the booze prices and generous welcome are a reflection of this. Service is delivered with grace, knowledge AND a smile – nothing feels stuffy or pretentious here.

FOOD

The plates here are seafood heavy due to its location and ethos of only using hyper-local produce. Vegetables are grown nearby and lamb is reared minutes from the restaurant. The results are simple but spectacular. Why cook with anything but simplicity when the raw materials are this darn good? Food is presented elegantly and with little in the way of frills – most dishes rely on only a few ingredients that work in perfect harmony with each other. A la carte options, a 5 course tasting menu or longer version give the diner choice to suit their occasion and appetite.

MUST TRY

It’s impossible to mention only one dish. Oysters are super fresh and served raw with only a respectively thought-out dressing to complement – just the way they should be and all the more stunning for it. Fantastically just baked bread, served in a variety of options, with home churned butter and homemade salt, give a great rendition of the mindset of the place – the rosemary focaccia is glorious. Slipsole with seaweed butter has gained a cult following online and beyond and it’s easy to see why – a pristine, fresh fish, cooked on the bone with butter made with seaweed picked from the coast – its clarity is to be vaunted. Desserts should not be overlooked either, particularly their seasonal fruit souffles.

DRINK

If coming from London, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. There are a host of bottles clocking in at under 20 pounds, pints linger around 3 and the selection and variety of both is excellent.

WHY GO

Some restaurants have jumped on the ‘local and seasonal’ bandwagon whilst still serving fish from The Pacific and strawberries in winter. The Sportsman’s kitchen, however, cooks with utter integrity and respect for its ingredients, stemming from knowledge of the area and a relationship with its community that goes way beyond what is usually expected of a place. This is real ‘time and place’ cooking which provides a meal of real refinement and class. It makes you yearn for a slower pace to life and a simpler approach to cooking.

Address: Faversham Rd, Seasalter, Whitstable CT5 4BP

Website: thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk

Images thanks to Philip Harris

HOW TO MAKE THE IDEAL SANDWICH

Rachel Stevenson
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HOW TO MAKE THE IDEAL SANDWICH

 

In celebration of British Sandwich Week (14-20 May 2017) Head Chef Gary Durrant at The Arch London has shared his top tips on how to create the perfect sandwich.

Gary Durrant is the sandwich aficionado behind The Arch London’s signature Club Sandwich, as well as the sensational sandwiches on the Royal Afternoon Tea.  These are both served with the Gary’s unique homemade crisps seasoned with salt, sage and peppercorn – delicious!

Making the same sandwiches for lunch each day can become dull. So if your cheese and pickle sandwiches are starting to go stale then these tips are guaranteed to help you improve your lunchtime routine.

Add some flavour

You can make your sandwich really stand out with just one extra ingredient. Try adding fresh herbs, a sliced hard-boiled egg or make your own quick pickles – cucumber, vinegar, oil, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

Choose your bread wisely

The bread is the most important part of the whole sandwich. If you want to add very moist fillings then it is best to go for dry and dense bread or try flour tortillas. These will keep the ingredients fresh and moisture just right.

Add some moisture

For the right amount of moisture add your spread to both sides of the bread, this will also help lock in the flavour. Spread to every edge of the slice of bread to create a seal for the fillings.  Use butter, mayo, mustard, cream cheese or experiment with pesto, jam, chutney or salsa.

Avoid a soggy sandwich

If you are adding lettuce to your sandwich, first dry it with kitchen roll to prevent the bread from getting soggy. Also place the lettuce at the top of the sandwich so that it remains crispy.  Do not put wet ingredients directly on the bread, layer them with dry items. For a basic sandwich example, add your fillings in this order – lettuce, tomato, meat (or alterative filling) then cheese.

Time for seasoning

Salt, pepper and spices can change a whole sandwich, so experiment! Add a pinch of salt to your vegetables before adding them to the sandwich for that extra flavour. Adding too much dressing to the salad in your sandwich can also make it soggy so season it lightly.

10 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE HAY FEVER THIS SPRING

Rachel Stevenson
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10 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE HAY FEVER THIS SPRING

Everyone is looking forward to warmer weather and bathing in the basking in the sun. Well, almost everyone. For hay fever sufferers spring and summer can be unbearable.

Unfortunately there is no cure for hay fever. In an ideal world, the most effective way to control it is to avoid exposure to pollen or resort to anti-allergy tablets. However, as we all know, this can be difficult. Don’t worry! Before hay fever season starts, you can begin to support your immune system in colder months to work towards reducing sensitivity to allergens.

We asked our Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns, to give us her topTten tips on how to handle hay fever this spring:

  • Eat organic food where possible, to avoid pesticides and additives
  • Top up on low-allergen foods: brown rice (try also quinoa, millet and buckwheat), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower etc.), carrots, sweet potatoes, leeks, brussels sprouts, white potatoes, green peas, pears, apples and papaya. Of all the meats, lamb is thought to be the most hypo allergenic
  • Mushrooms: they can modulate and regulate the immune response. Go for a high quality organic extract from Reishi mushrooms, such as Mico-Five by Hifas da Terra (£55.00, John Bell Croyden)
  • Wash your hair: Pollen can actually stick to your hair, which can then transfer to your pillow and affect you during the night.  If you’ve been out in the evening, try and wash your hair and change your clothes before going into your bedroom to avoid further contamination
  • Wear sunglasses: To avoid pollen getting into your eyes, wear wraparound sunglasses to create a barrier
  • Vacuum: Pollen can actually live in your carpet, so make sure you vacuum regularly, especially if you leave your windows open. Also, try and dust regularly with a wet cloth to prevent dust and pollen being spread around your house
  • Garlic, ginger and onions and other spices used in cooking can help to clear the sinuses and ease congestion
  • Honey: The bee pollen in it can desensitize your body to other pollens
  • Antioxidants: Snack on berries and pomegranate – they are packed with antioxidants that help to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals caused by hay fever. Alternatively, go for Nature’s Plus AgeLoss First Day (www.revital.co.uk,  £47.45) to get your daily portion of antioxidants
  • Probiotics: Friendly bacteria found in yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut support our immune system and can ease severity of hay fever symptoms. Go for a supplement for an all-year immunity support. Try 25 Billion ProVen Probiotics(www.provenprobiotics.co.uk, £12.95)

RESTAURANT REVIEW: PADELLA, THE IDEAL PLACE TO EAT FRESH PASTA IN LONDON

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: PADELLA, THE IDEAL PLACE TO EAT FRESH PASTA IN LONDON

RESTAURANT REVIEW PADELLA LONDON

Italian dining in London has experienced an upsurge in quality recently with a number of high-end, high-quality, Michelin endorsed places opening in the last decade. In all the excitement, the humble bowl of pasta, lightly adorned with enough sauce to compliment, rather than drown it, has been somewhat left behind. Enter Padella.

These clever people saw a gap in the market for real quality, housemade pasta and did something about it. There really is nothing more emblematic of Italian cuisine than their celebration of the best and freshest ingredients, modestly done and with elegance – we love it.

Idea

It’s amazing that an idea of this clarity hasn’t been done more often, especially in a city constantly in search of a quick, cheap bite. Padella is a ‘pasta bar’, with a no reservations policy (see long queue), a whole load of bar seating and buzz. Bowls of amazing pasta are served fast and fresh, so the turnaround is quick – what looks an intimidating queue moves briskly. This hustle and bustle could overwhelm an establishment doing complicated multi-ingredient plates, but Padella is always efficient and delicious, as dishes rely on utter faith in a few well chosen ingredients. With restraint at the heart of the operation, the menu is brief and focused, with just a handful of pasta dishes and a little bread to mop up every last morsel of sauce. That’s it – no frills, in and out with speed – the perfect pitstop for the busy Londoner.

Location

Located opposite London Bridge and next to Borough Market, if you’re stepping out of the tube station you’ll see it immediately, probably because of the heaving queue snaking around the block.

Atmosphere

There is a buzz from both the clientele and the open kitchen which create a really convivial mood. You feel equally at home having a rowdy conversation and clinking glasses as you do gawping at just how much fresh pasta these chefs get through.

Food

The food, and especially the pasta itself, is the star of the show here – don’t let the simplicity fool you into thinking otherwise. Beautifully fresh, firm pasta is served in a number of styles, from pappardelle to ravioli, always with an emphasis on modest saucing or dressing to bring the best out of the pasta itself. Prices rarely go above a tenner and most linger nearer the five pound mark – which is a steal in central London so ridiculous that we are half reluctant to scream about it so enthusiastically.

Drinks

The drinks list is short, to the point and reasonable. A couple of very drinkable craft beers and ales on tap, and a choice of 6 wines by glass or bottle, suit the whole ethos of the restaurant perfectly.

RESTAURANT REVIEW PADELLA LONDON

Must Try

A lot of visitors here are drawn to the 8 hour braised beef shin over papperdelle, but the number one dish without question is their pici cacio and pepe. It seems to capture everything that Padella is about in one mouthful. The sauce uses quality parmesan, butter and black pepper. That’s it. The incredible pici pasta itself, wormlike in appearance, has the bite of al dente that every good pasta should, but also bounce owing to its thickness. It is more-ishness made from flour and water – this pasta doesn’t even contain eggs. The very essence of the restaurant, the clarity and honesty, is personified in one bite of this dish.

Why Go

A middle finger to London prices, a swatting away of London restaurant pretensions, Padella does the best bowls of pasta in the capital, in a room that exudes generosity and geniality, and remains very true to the soul of great Italian cooking.

Address:  Borough Market, 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ

Opening Hours:  Monday to Saturday 12-4pm & 5-10pm. Sunday12-5pm

Website: www.padella.co

IDEAL TIPS FOR AFFORDABLE FASHION

Editorial Team
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IDEAL TIPS FOR AFFORDABLE FASHION

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Shopping on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on style

Fashion is something that interests everybody of all ages. People love to express their personality in the clothes they wear, the accessories they team this with, even the hair cut they prefer and how they spend their spare time. If you are budget conscious person, here are our answers to help find fashionable outfits and accessories at affordable prices. Shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you have to loose out on trends, and sometimes when styled right you can pull off a highly contemporary look on a budget that many runway designers would be envious of.

With the increase of social media, now more than ever the power lies with the buyer. Whilst we all can express personal style through the way we dress, the rise of blogs and street shots means the style we choose is dictating and influencing high end fashion. Therefore you don’t have to pay big ticket prices for a unique and on trend look.

Buy Less, But Buy Better

Investing in a few higher quality key pieces that can work as staple essentials in your wardrobe means you can spend less through buying trend driven items from bargain retailers whilst updating your outfit to the latest trend.

In order to help outline these few key item pieces write down a list of high priority items, integral to your wardrobe. This is likely to include key staple items such as casual day t shirts, good fitting jeans, a nice fitting neutral blazer. Follow this list with lower priority items; perhaps dressy sandals, a statement waist belt and an evening top. It is easier to define which list a product should go in based on how much usage you will get from it.An important point to remember here is, don’t go behind a product just by looking at a model wearing it. Analyze if the product will suit you and how you would wear it, and only then does the product make the list.

Review your list and decide whether you have any of the items existing in your wardrobe and cross them off. With the remaining items on your list you must have a clear idea on the budget limit that you have planned to spend for the purchase.

Shop Around

Don’t fall for costly big brand items, look for similar products in other brands too.  Shopping around can not only help you discover new brands but since you gain a good understanding of the competitor landscape understanding price points and the handwriting or styles of different brands. However, if you feel a particular brand suits you the best, then don’t hesitate to spend for it. Having something that makes you feel great is worth the extra pennies.

Always consider substituting your product needs, if you feel a product is too costly, then shop around until you find something alternative at a lesser price, within your budget.

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Shopping online is a great way to review competitors price points and product details easily without even leaving the comfort of your own home! To help remain budget conscious you can often sort the product by price range from lowest to high, and even select certain brands. Making it that much quicker to sift out your favourite brands at cheap price points.

Remember Your Own Style

Act wisely while shopping. Don’t fall for the pacifying words spoken by the store keeper. Just keep yourself in mind and analyse if you like the product, if it suits you, and whether it flatters your body shape. There is nothing worse than having something sitting in your wardrobe you are always too conscious to wear, when you could have an item you want to wear at any given opportunity!

Try to get the product that suits you the best. You could better try out the product in trial rooms and then decide on the purchase of that particular product. An unsuitable product would cause an extra unwanted expense. Keep that in mind!

Don’t constantly purchase the products of the same style, try out a different one. Like, if you purchase a t-shirts, go in to purchasing a long sleeve tee or a sleeveless one or a V neck t-shirts or any other kind of it.

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Make Considered Purchases

Instead of falling for fashion fad products on sale for a great price in the sale try to make considered purchases. To make a considered purchase you can complete a mental survey in your head. Asking questions such as, Where can I wear this? How often will I wear this? What items already in my wardrobe can I team this with? Are the kind of questions that in the long run will help save you money! Of course if you just fall in love and cant justify the purchase with any of the above answers you can implement the “visiting” technique.

The “visiting” technique is a great way to measure how much you want a particular product. If you see an item you want, and refrain from purchasing, you will soon work out if it is playing on your mind. If you find yourself repeatedly returning to the item to “visit” it then treat yourself. Chances after most of the time the item you loved on first sight isn’t so attractive third time you see it!

Hunt Down the Bargains!

Whenever possible, try negotiating for the products that you have chosen to buy. Negotiating on the prices is a special skill to be used while shopping, since even a penny saved while bargaining is a profit for you that could be invested while purchasing another product.

The timing of your purchase is another important factor to be considered while shopping for your products. Always plan to make your purchase during festive seasons, clearance sales and similar offers where you can avail a certain percentage of discounts for the products you purchase.

These are a few tips to help you out to complete your purchases within the budget you have planned.

3 IDEAL THINGS TO EAT IN CHINA TOWN, LONDON THIS MONTH

Rachel Stevenson
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3 IDEAL THINGS TO EAT IN CHINA TOWN, LONDON THIS MONTH

With blue skies above and the mercury steadily rising, Chinatown London can help prolong that sunshine feeling whether or not this warm spell lasts….

Orient London – Seafood Specialists

While the interior of this restaurant is modern and stylish, the purveyors hail from one of the oldest families in Chinatown – the Yeungs. And here, the old family traditions are kept alive.

Those traditions start every morning when the two Executive Chefs, both from Hong Kong, arrive at 4.30am to accept the day’s deliveries and begin making the food they’ll be serving that day.

The way the food is prepared and presented is true to how you would find it back in Guagdong, the way people from the region have been eating it for hundreds of years. But, unique to Chinatown, the focus is on fresh seafood – whether that’s seafood Dim Sum, the delicate flavour of Braised Whole Abalone (sea snail), the sizzling pop of Squid with Ginger and Spring Onion, mouth-watering Baked Crab or their signature Fresh Lobster.

Shibuya – Japanese sushi and shaved ice

Shibuya is a master of Japanese café cuisine. The modest, two-floor space on Shaftesbury Avenue manages to be a café, bakery, bar, sushi joint and ice cream parlour all rolled into one.

Serving classic sushi favourites like California and Maki Rolls, but also some unique varieties like crunchy Caterpillar Roll with tempura flake, avocado and tuna, or the feisty Volcano Roll with tempura prawn, eel, wasabi mayo and spicy mayo sauce.

Their ice creams aren’t just any ice cream. They’re gigantic, towering piles of shaved ice heaving at the seams with Oreos, strawberries, mangos and azuki red beans. A phenomenon best witnessed first hand.

Behind the counter is a tempting array of baked Japanese cake delights if your sweet tooth needs to be sated further. Our favourites are the Matcha Roll Cake (a squishy sponge filled with a whipped green tea cream), or Nama Cream Strawberry Cake.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Following the French occupation of Vietnam, the Vietnamese took the French art of coffee and made it their own. The unique character of their classic iced coffee requires patience, but it’s worth waiting for.

To make the coffee, a little metal filter called a phin is used. This is placed on top of a glass, packed with ground dark roast Vietnamese coffee, and then filled with hot water. Slowly, very slowly, the coffee drips in to the cup, perfectly brewed. Condensed milk is added, plenty of ice and voilà, a delicious chilled drink that refreshes completely.

The idea is that the rich dense flavour will be delicately diluted as the ice melts so don’t rush. Your sipping pace should be leisurely to give you the necessary time to unwind and savour the moment completely, as done in Vietnam.

Ca Phe Da – iced black coffee

Ca Phe Sua Da – iced coffee with condensed milk

Ca Phe Trung – coffee with egg yolk (no ice)

Available from Le Hanoi (Macclesfield Street)

RECIPE: HOW TO MAKE THE IDEAL HONEY ROAST PORK PUFFS

Rachel Stevenson
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RECIPE: HOW TO MAKE THE IDEAL HONEY ROAST PORK PUFFS

Dim sum is one of the most popular styles of Cantonese cuisine. The Royal China Group is renowned for its authentic dim sum, which is served daily from Noon until 5pm.

Royal China’s chefs have shared their recipe for Honey Roast Pork Puffs so that you can try to recreate this Chinese classic at home.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tbsp ginger, peeled and finely grated

4 tbsp light soy sauce

2 tbsp yellow (soy bean) bean sauce

2 tbsp honey

1 pinch sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

260g pork tenderloin**

For the puffs:

490g ready-made rolled puff pastry

1 egg, beaten

Sesame seeds to sprinkle

Method

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Add the pork, cover with plastic wrap and leave in the fridge to marinate for as long as possible, preferably overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 180°C.

Remove the pork from the marinade and reserve marinade. Place the pork in a roasting pan and roast for 40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 63°C.

While pork is roasting, bring reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan. Once the marinade has boiled you can take it off of the heat. Baste pork halfway through cooking with two tablespoons of marinade. Cool remaining marinade to room temperature.

When pork is done, remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes, then cut the pork into ½ cm cubes. Toss the cubed pork in enough of the reserved, cooled, marinade to coat. The pork mixture should be room temperature before filling the pastry.

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Cut each sheet of puff pastry into six 7.5cm squares, for a total of twelve. Brush the edges of each square with beaten egg and then place a heaped teaspoon of the pork filling in the centre. Fold the square in half to create a triangular pastry. Tuck the triangle ends under to round off the triangular shape.

Place on a roasting tray lined with parchment paper and brush egg wash over the top, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the pastries and cook in the oven for 18-20 minutes until the pastry is golden. Serve immediately.

**Tip: There is enough marinade for up to 700g pork. Buy a whole pork tenderloin and cut off the 260g needed for this recipe. Marinate and roast both pieces and use the extra Char Sui to make delicious sandwiches, fried rice, or roast pork salad!

www.royalchinagroup.co.uk

7 IDEAL APPS FOR SPONTANEOUS TRAVELLERS

Rachel Stevenson
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7 IDEAL APPS FOR SPONTANEOUS TRAVELLERS

 

Spontaneous getaways, be they with friends, family, or even business, can be hard to get right.

Because let’s face it, the very nature of dashing off at the last moment means you won’t have planned what to pack, researched the destination, mastered some basic phrases, booked a hotel, or finished that report for your boss. But with a humble smartphone, anything and anywhere is possible.

So if you like to live life on the edge, take a look at this round up of must-have apps from hotel bookers LateRooms.com, conveniently put in order of when you might need to use them next time you embark on a spur-of-the-moment trip.

Skyscanner (free – iOS and Android)

First things first, pick a destination and get those flights booked. Skyscanner does the hard work so you don’t have to, pulling together up-to-date rates from hundreds of airlines in seconds. Its ingenious drop-pin feature means it can calculate routes to literally anywhere (on earth). And if you haven’t even thought of where you want to go, it’s got the modern day equivalent of sticking a pin in a map down to a tee.  Just select ‘Everywhere’ in the destination field – it’ll show you how far your money will take you.

Packing Pro (£2.29 – iOS)

One of the hardest things about preparing for any trip is deciding what to pack. Well, if you use Packing Pro it’ll become one of the easiest, even if you’re short on time. Just pop in where you’re going and how long for and it will tell you exactly what you take with you – kind of like a digitalised Gok Wan.

Air Sharing (£2.99 – iOS)

If your off-the-cuff trip means you’ve got some work to finish en-route, then it’s definitely worth investing in Air Sharing. It allows you to preload your phone with important documents at the airport so you can check them while in the air, meaning your phone needn’t be a blunt instrument for the duration of your journey.

Google Translate (free – iOS and Android)

So you’ve touched down and finally switched off airplane mode, but the first call you receive is from nature and you don’t know how to ask where the toilets are, or indeed say anything in the vernacular. But no bother, Google Translate is on hand (or in hand) to help you navigate the local dialect. It even has a ‘visual recognition’ function in some languages, which lets you simply point your smartphone camera at some text and it will translate. Nifty.

LateRooms.com (free – iOS and Android)

Once you’ve mastered the lingo it’s time to make sure you’ve got a place to sleep. LateRooms.com’s App gives you access to over 150,000 properties globally and allows you to book a room in under 60 seconds. Its geo location functionality plots a map around your current location to show you every hotel with availability (and their room rates) within your surrounding area for that very night – so you can book your stay and check in within minutes.  What’s more, hoteliers looking to sell remaining rooms on-the-day often show Mobile Exclusive Rates that could save you up to 40%, on top of what you might find elsewhere. Handy and thrifty, what’s not to love?

Travel Safe (£0.79 – iOS, £0.64 – Android)

Of course, there’s only so much we can plan for and, if you never got around to looking up international emergency contact details before you left, it’s okay: Travel Safe is on hand. It’s the ultimate emergency contact app, and has details for nearly every country on planet earth. In just one tap you can call for help, and it even provides embassy details should you lose your passport.

Wi-Fi Finder (free – iOS and Android)

No prizes for guessing what this one does. Wi-Fi Finder stands out thanks to its offline mode that lets you download Wi-Fi maps before you arrive, keeping those roaming bills as low as possible and letting you get the most out of your awesome new Apps.

So there you have it – tool up your smartphone before you next nip away, you’d be app-solutely mental not to

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