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10 Top Tips For Sustainable Photography Sessions

If you’re passionate about photography, you’ve probably noticed how addictive it can become – always wanting that next perfect shot, the latest lens, or planning another photography adventure. However, what if we told you that being more environmentally conscious could actually make you a better photographer while saving you money too?

Photography might seem like a harmless hobby, but when you start adding up all the equipment we buy, the trips we take, and the prints we make, the environmental impact can be quite significant. In fact, a record 62 million tonnes of electronic waste was generated globally in 2022, and sadly, camera equipment makes up a notable chunk of this pile.

But here’s the exciting bit: sustainable photography isn’t about giving up the hobby you love. Instead, it’s about discovering smarter ways to pursue your passion that often lead to more creative shots, lower costs, and even better relationships with fellow photographers. Plus, you’ll be doing your bit for the planet – and that feels pretty good!

The movement towards sustainable photography is already gaining momentum through inspiring communities and organisations. Climate Visuals, the world’s only evidence-based initiative focused on climate change photography, is showing how powerful images can be in environmental communication. Meanwhile, SeaLegacy, founded by conservation photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier, proves that you can create absolutely stunning imagery while making a positive environmental impact.

When you consider that the global printing industry accounts for approximately 1-2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it becomes clear that even us amateur photographers can make a real difference with some thoughtful choices.

Plan Your Photography Trips Cleverly

Here’s a game-changer that’ll save you both money and carbon emissions: instead of making separate trips for different photo opportunities, why not combine several shoots into single photography adventures?

Think about it – if you’re planning to photograph that beautiful coastal area you’ve been eyeing up, could you also visit the nearby woodland or that charming village on the same trip? Not only will you cut down on travel emissions, but you’ll also get more diverse shots for your portfolio.

Before you set off anywhere, make the most of technology to plan your route. Apps like Google Earth and PhotoPills are brilliant for scouting locations from your sofa, which means fewer reconnaissance trips. Spend some time researching areas that offer varied photography opportunities within walking distance of each other, and always create a shot list before you go – you’ll be amazed how much more productive your trips become.

Don’t forget to connect with other photography enthusiasts in online communities too. You might find someone planning a similar trip who’d be happy to share travel costs and maybe even discover new locations together!

Give Pre-Loved Camera Equipment A Chance

Now, this might be the most important tip for amateur photographers looking to be more sustainable whilst getting better value for money. Instead of always rushing to buy the latest camera or lens, consider exploring the fantastic world of used photography equipment.

Here’s a sobering fact: electronic waste generation is rising by 2.6 million tonnes annually worldwide, which makes extending the life of camera equipment absolutely crucial. By choosing pre-loved gear, you’re not just being environmentally responsible – you’re also being incredibly smart with your money.

MPB, in their comprehensive guide to travel and holiday photography, shows exactly how choosing versatile, quality equipment can reduce the need for multiple camera purchases over time. This is particularly valuable advice for amateur photographers who are still building their kit.

The beauty of buying used cameras lies in the incredible value you get. For the same budget that might only stretch to an entry-level new camera, you could often afford a much more advanced used model with features that will genuinely improve your photography. Think better low-light performance, more sophisticated autofocus systems, or weather sealing that lets you shoot in conditions you’d previously avoid.

Moreover, unlike your smartphone camera, a dedicated camera – even a used one – offers superior image quality, interchangeable lenses, and manual controls that give you the creative freedom to really develop your skills during your sustainable photography sessions.

The used camera market has become incredibly reliable too, with platforms offering warranties and quality guarantees that make buying pre-loved equipment a genuinely stress-free experience.

Fall In Love With Natural Light

One of the most rewarding aspects of sustainable photography is learning to work with natural light – and honestly, once you master this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated artificial lighting setups for most of your shots.

Golden hour (that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset) and blue hour (the period just after sunset) provide the most naturally flattering light that often surpasses anything you could create artificially. The warm, soft quality of golden hour light makes everything look more beautiful, whilst blue hour offers that dreamy, ethereal quality that’s perfect for cityscapes and landscapes.

When you do need artificial lighting – perhaps for indoor portraits or creative night shots – LED technology is your friend. Modern LED lights use up to 80% less energy compared to traditional tungsten lights, and many are now battery-powered, which means you can take them anywhere without needing to find a power source.

The photography community is full of generous people sharing clever techniques for working with natural light, including some brilliant DIY approaches for outdoor photography that barely use any power at all. You’ll find that learning to see and work with natural light actually makes you a more observant and creative photographer.

Think Smart About Getting Around

Getting to those perfect photography locations doesn’t have to cost the earth – literally! Public transport can reduce emissions by up to 45% compared to car travel, and it often provides unexpected photography opportunities along the way.

For those times when you need a car – perhaps when you’re carrying heavier equipment or heading somewhere remote – consider car-sharing platforms rather than owning a vehicle just for occasional photography trips. Many areas now have electric vehicle rental services that offer special packages for creative professionals, giving you a sustainable way to reach those distant locations whilst keeping your gear charged up.

Sometimes the journey can be just as photogenic as the destination. Train windows offer unique perspectives on landscapes, and bus routes often pass through areas you’d never normally explore. Keep your camera ready – you never know what you might capture!

Embrace The Digital Revolution

Here’s where amateur photographers have a real advantage over professionals who might have client demands for physical prints. By focusing on digital galleries, online portfolios, cloud storage, and sharing your work on social media, you can virtually eliminate the environmental impact of printing whilst reaching a much wider audience.

Digital workflows are not only more environmentally friendly but often more convenient too. You can share your latest shots instantly with friends and family, create online albums for special events, and build an impressive portfolio without ever touching a piece of paper.

When you do want physical prints – perhaps for special occasions or to create a photo book – choose suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) who use vegetable-based inks. Some companies now offer carbon-neutral printing services, so you can still have those precious physical memories without the environmental guilt.

Consider setting yourself a challenge: try going completely digital for a few months and see how it changes the way you think about your photography. You might be surprised at how liberating it feels!

Pack Light, Shoot Smart

This tip will transform not just your environmental impact but also your entire photography experience. Lighter equipment means easier travel, less fatigue during long shooting sessions, and surprisingly often, more creative photos because you’re not bogged down with gear.

Mirrorless cameras are a game-changer here – they typically weigh 40-60% less than their DSLR equivalents whilst delivering comparable (and sometimes superior) image quality. When you’re walking around all day with your camera, that weight difference becomes hugely significant.

Think cleverly about multi-purpose equipment too. A good zoom lens can replace several prime lenses, saving weight and space. Reflectors can double as backgrounds for portraits. Portable battery packs can power multiple devices. The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) increasingly includes sustainable practices in their education, focusing on smart equipment choices that consider environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

Challenge yourself to see how much you can achieve with minimal equipment. You’ll often find that limitations spark creativity in ways that having every possible piece of gear never could.

Respect The Places You Photograph

As photographers, we’re incredibly fortunate to have access to beautiful natural spaces, and with that privilege comes responsibility. Following the principles established by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics ensures these locations remain pristine for future generations of photographers to enjoy.

Before visiting any location, especially protected areas, research the local guidelines through conservation networks. When photographing wildlife, longer focal lengths are your friend – they allow you to capture intimate shots whilst maintaining safe distances that don’t stress the animals.

The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers (SINWP) provides excellent ethical guidelines that help you become a more responsible nature photographer. Apps like iNaturalist turn your photography sessions into contributions to scientific research, helping document biodiversity whilst you pursue your hobby.

If you’re interested in taking your nature photography to the next level whilst making a positive impact, the Conservation Photography Institute offers fascinating education programmes that teach environmental stewardship alongside technical skills.

Connect With Your Local Photography Community

One of the most enjoyable aspects of sustainable photography is discovering the vibrant community of like-minded photographers in your area. By sourcing props locally, collaborating with nearby photographers, and supporting local camera shops and suppliers, you’re not only reducing travel emissions but often improving your photography through local knowledge and authentic connections.

Local photography groups are treasure troves of information about the best spots, the perfect timing for seasonal shots, and often, shared equipment resources. Many cities now host regular meetups where environmentally conscious photographers share tips, organise group shoots, and support each other’s sustainable practices.

Building these local connections creates a supportive network that makes photography more enjoyable whilst naturally reducing the environmental impact of your hobby. Plus, you’ll often discover incredible locations right on your doorstep that you never knew existed!

Read: 7 photography tips for improving your holiday snaps

Share Your Journey & Inspire Others

Here’s where your amateur status becomes a superpower: your journey towards sustainable photography can inspire others who are just starting out or considering making changes to their own practices. The growing network of environmental photography communities is always eager to hear about real experiences from passionate amateurs.

Earth.Org runs annual climate photography competitions that showcase how environmental consciousness enhances rather than limits creative work. Participating in these competitions can be incredibly inspiring and help you see your local environment through new eyes.

Consider documenting your sustainable practices with behind-the-scenes shots or stories. The #EverydayClimateChange Instagram collective connects photographers worldwide who are using their skills to tell important environmental stories through compelling visuals.

Photography 4 Humanity demonstrates how photographers at every level can use their skills to address global challenges, proving that you don’t need to be a professional to make a meaningful impact through your images.

Start Small & Build Momentum

The beautiful thing about sustainable photography is that you don’t need to revolutionise your entire approach overnight. Begin with one or two tips that feel most natural to your current way of photographing, then gradually incorporate additional sustainable methods as they become second nature.

Perhaps you might start by exploring the used equipment market for your next lens purchase, or maybe you’ll challenge yourself to plan your next photography trip around multiple locations. Whatever feels right for you is the perfect starting point.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable photography isn’t about sacrificing the joy and creativity that drew you to this wonderful hobby in the first place. Instead, it’s about making thoughtful choices that often lead to more intentional, creative, and cost-effective photography sessions whilst doing your bit for the planet.

Many amateur photographers discover that sustainable approaches actually improve their photography by encouraging more careful planning, deeper connection with locations, and greater appreciation for the natural light and environments they’re capturing. The communities and resources mentioned throughout this guide provide ongoing support and inspiration as you develop your own sustainable practice.

The future of photography lies in balancing our artistic expression with environmental responsibility, proving that we can capture the beauty of the world whilst actively helping to preserve it for future generations of photographers to enjoy and explore.

The Best Restaurants In Belgravia, London

Maybe you’ve dropped in for tea with the King, and Chas’ sandwich selection didn’t quite hit the spot. Perhaps your early morning swim in the Serpentine has triggered its usual hunger response. Or you prepared for your visit to Poet’s Corner by reading ‘The Lotos-Eaters’ and it’s got you craving lunch?

That’ll do for an introduction, we’ve lost our way here…

Not to be overshadowed by its famous neighbours in Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and Westminster Abbey, the sophisticated squares, boutique shops and chic, stucco townhouses of Belgravia, London have so much to offer both the hungry tourist and world-weary Londoner.

One of London’s most exclusive and affluent districts, the options for a quick breakfast, a late and languid lunch or a fancy dinner are seemingly endless here. But with such choice comes a certain paradox; just where to eat in Belgravia that will actually live up to the hype and be worth the money? We’re here to help with that; here are Belgravia’s best restaurants.

Wildflowers

Ideal for sophisticated seasonal cooking with Mediterranean flair…

Wildflowers brings a breath of fresh air to Belgravia’s occasionally (okay, quite regularly) dusty dining scene with its sun-drenched approach to modern European cuisine. The restaurant takes its name seriously, with a menu that reads like a love letter to the warmer seasons and a dining room adorned with fresh blooms that change weekly – though thankfully the quality of the cooking remains consistently excellent. 

Interior stylist Laura Hart, in collaboration with Studio Found, has created quite the space here; a liminal, shapeshifting room that’s elegant, bright and breezy, with natural textures and soft lighting that complement chef Aaron Potter’s ingredient-led plates. 

Not that the lighting needed to be engaged the last time we dined here. On one of the UK’s many recent record-breaking, mercury-baiting days, the dining room at Wildflowers felt like the perfect refuge; sun-soaked, sure, but appropriately dappled with shade too, with pink-trousered diners spilling out onto courtyard tables and everything feeling decidedly continental.

The stage was set synergistically to showcase Potter’s deft touch with Mediterranean influences in its very best light. And so it came to pass. Dishes like Vesuvius tomatoes with sun sweet melon gazpacho, basil and mojama captured the essence of impeccable British produce through the sepia-tinged lens of a Sevillian summer, all sweet-saline interplay and a suave brightness. Running with a similar theme, a carpaccio of red prawn came with an ajo blanco-adjacent almond puree and cherries was a pinpoint balancing act of gentle counterpoints and complements.

Mains continue in this vein of sophisticated simplicity. The grilled sugar pit Iberico pork presa arrived perfectly (for your grandma, alarmingly) pink, the meat’s natural richness offset by the freshness of almond, white peach and a vibrant mojo verde that adds just the right amount of punch. These are dishes that read so confidently, so beautifully, and deliver on that promise on the plate, too.

Equally impressive was the sea bass with lardo, girolles, Amalfi lemon and a soft herb pil pil – the fish cooked with precision, sure, but also the kind of intuitive feeling that the grill brings, its skin blistered rather than uniformly bronzed, and all the better for it. Ask maître d’ Alex for his wine recommendations here (what an affable fella he is), his encyclopaedic knowledge of the list meaning you’re in safe hands whether you’re after a crisp Albariño, a buttery oak-aged white Rioja or something altogether more adventurous.

This is a restaurant where vegetables are king – the room and weather demands it – and the Grezzina courgettes with honey and pecorino showcase Potter’s restraint, letting quality ingredients sing with minimal intervention. The holiday potatoes (apt in the 30 degree heat, in such a gorgeous room) have already achieved cult status amongst regulars, national restaurant reviewers, and now with us, too. Should you have any left over, take them home and, on Alex’s recommendation, fry them up with an egg for breakfast.

Dessert keeps things refreshingly simple with a flamboyantly towering fior di latte gelato that’s elevated higher still by good olive oil, sea salt and grape balsamico, and a selection of sorbets that feel obligatory given the environment. They offer proof that sometimes the best desserts are those that trust in the quality of their components and deliver on the mood of the dining room, rather than the vision of the chef.

With its thoughtful cooking and warm service, Wildflowers feels like the kind of neighbourhood restaurant you’d be lucky to have as your local – assuming your neighbourhood happens to be one of London’s most exclusive postcodes, naturally. This is definitely one of London’s best openings in recent times, and we can’t wait to visit in the cooler, darker months to see the restaurant in a whole different light.

Website: wildflowersrestaurant.co.uk

Address: Newson’s Yard, 57 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8NE


Cornus

Ideal for refined French technique meets seasonal British ingredients…

Tucked away in Eccleston Yards’ Ice Factory building (the clue’s in the name – it really was one), Cornus is the sophomore venture from the team behind Chelsea’s acclaimed Medlar. This fourth-floor sanctuary feels removed from Victoria’s bustle – its airy, cloud-like dining room dressed in crisp whites, designer wooden furniture, and gauzy curtains that flutter in the breeze firmly places the restaurant in Belgraiva territory instead.

Executive Chef Gary Foulkes (formerly of Michelin-starred Angler) delivers precision-driven plates that showcase the best of British and European produce. The hand-rolled spaghetti with native lobster and N25 oscietra caviar is already becoming a signature, while the Landes chicken with truffled sweetcorn (priced somewhat enthusiastically at £54) shows the kitchen’s commitment to sourcing exceptional ingredients and charging for them.

With prices that might make your eyes water (yes, that really is £54 for chicken, albeit an exceptionally good one), those looking for a more gentle entry point should go for the set lunch menu at £60 for three courses, which might include heritage tomatoes with Ribblesdale soft curd, or roast red mullet with salsa verde. The wine list, curated by celebrated sommelier Melania Battiston, starts at £38 for a Soave Classico, though you can certainly scale the heights if your wallet permits.

images via @Cornus

Pastry chef Kelly Cullen, one of British gastronomy’s rising stars, creates desserts that walk the line between comfort and innovation – the rice pudding with plums and a almond milk ice cream (£16.50) is already drawing devoted followers. Count us as one of them.

The restaurant has recently introduced a tasting menu at £165 per person for those seeking the full experience, though the à la carte feels to us like the main event. While the prices firmly plant Cornus in special occasion territory (somewhat justified by their recently awarded Michelin star), it’s the kind of place where the cooking and service aim to let the ingredients speak for themselves rather than dazzle with unnecessary theatrics. This straightforward, ingredient-led approach has become something of a hallmark for O’Connor and Mercer Nairne’s restaurants, even if the bill at the end might require a deep breath. Don’t waste a single egg of that oscietra when you exhale.

Website: cornusrestaurant.co.uk

Address: 27c Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9NF


Theo Randall at the Intercontinental

Ideal for deceptively simple, beautifully composed plates of regional Italian food…

Just beyond Belgravia, across Hyde Park Corner and into Mayfair, Theo Randall at the Intercontinental has been doing deceptively simple, beautifully composed plates of Italian precision for two decades now, and the cherished chef shows no signs of slowing down.

Few folk in London have such a stirling pedigree where the capital’s own take on Italian cuisine is concerned; Randall cooked at the River Café for 16 years, earning the restaurant its first Michelin star as head chef in 1997.

In 2006, Randall decided it was time to strike out on his own, and opened his eponymous restaurant at the prestigious No. 1 Park Lane address, within the InterContinental Hotel. This is a man who bleeds sugo di pomodoro, and the daily changing menu at his restaurant is reflective of his love of regional Italian cuisine, nurtured by regular team trips to Bel Paese. 

This is most succinctly realised through the restaurant’s monthly changing ‘regional tasting menu’, that is currently celebrating the food of Lazio. Next month, Randall and team turn their attention to the relatively unexplored cuisine of Le Marche, the east coastal region just south of San Marino. 

On the menu for that one (which costs £75 per person, by the way, including wine pairing),  poached octopus with fennel and potatoes makes way for a ravioli of ricotta that’s been dressed in a rich, robust beef ragù. A slow cooked rabbit with autumn truffle completes the savoury dishes, and a fig and almond cake with dark chocolate gelato seals the deal. Woof.

There’s also a fantastic lunch deal, one of the best in Mayfair, which sees two hearty, generous courses clocking in at £28. Add dessert for an extra fiver.

Beyond his restaurant, Randall has published three successful recipe books and regularly appears on national television, including BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen. Despite his fame, he remains true to his culinary roots and can often be found at the restaurant during service hours most days.

Website: theorandall.com

Address: One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London W1J 7QY


Wild by Tart

Ideal for seasonal produce cooked with a diverse range of culinary influences…

Wild by Tart is a unique dining experience that – for better or for worse – pushes the boundaries of traditional restaurant concepts. Founded by Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison, the dynamic duo behind the successful catering company Tart London (the former is now married to Ben Goldsmith, Jay Electronia’s nemesis, incidentally), Wild by Tart is a testament to their innovative approach to dining. 

Housed in a former power station and coal store, this multifaceted venue combines a restaurant, bar, retail store, events space, and even a photography studio, though it’s the restaurant that we’re here for today, so we might skip the photoshoot after!

The menu at Wild by Tart reflects the founders’ passion for seasonal produce and broad-ranging culinary influences. From piquant, perfectly cured citrus trout with sesame furikake and wasabi, to tamworth pork chop with salsa verde, sashaying through an aubergine satay along the way, the dishes are as diverse as they are decent. 

Their unconventional approach to running a restaurant, which includes juggling multiple business aspects under one roof, has proven to be transformative and successful. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their sourcing practices. Where possible, ingredients are sourced from their respective family farms in Somerset and Northumberland, ensuring the freshest produce for their dishes. Wild by Tart is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that showcases the creativity and passion of its founders. Buy into it, and you’ll be richly rewarded with an invigorating feed.

Website: wildbytart.com

Address: 3-4, Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ


Ottolenghi Chelsea

Ideal for grabbing a picnic for Hyde park

Open from 8 am to 6 pm, iconic chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s outpost places its focus on breakfast and lunch. You can dine in here, but the restaurant/bakery doesn’t have onsite toilets or take reservations, so it’s largely a grab and go type of place. What better excuse, then, to enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Hyde Park, which is just a two minute walk away? 

The cooking here is classic Ottolenghi; chargrilled vegetables, vibrant, piquant salads, expert spicing and a wide variety of freshly baked breads and pastries, and prices are very reasonable for the quality. Bliss.

Website: ottolenghi.co.uk

Address: 261 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP


Zafferano

Ideal for upscale Italian…

The iconic Belgravia restaurant Zafferano, meaning ‘saffron’, has stood on Lowndes Street for a quarter of a century, and has held its reputation for upscale, expertly cooked Italian food pretty much since the kitchen’s first mantecatura of their now famous risotto Milanese.

Opened by renowned chef Giorgio Locatelli in 1995, the restaurant won a Michelin star four years later. Though it has since lost that accolade and Locatelli has moved on, standards at this stalwart remain high, with regional Italian cooking with little fuss or frippery still the restaurant’s MO. Prices are in keeping with Belgravia’s rather exclusive reputation. 

Interestingly, the restaurant used to present guests with bill covers custom made using saffron woven into its fibres, but the practice was deemed far too expensive, even for this part of town!

Address: 16-18 Lowndes St, London SW1X 9EY

Website: zafferanorestaurant.com


Salloos

Ideal for trying one of London’s oldest, most glorious Pakistani restaurants

One of London’s most longstanding Pakistani restaurants, Salloos has been doing its thing in Belgravia since the 70s. That thing is upmarket, refined takes on the food of North India and Pakistan all housed in one of the mews townhouses that define Belgravia’s architecture.

Before Belgravia, the owners ran a restaurant of the same name in Lahore between 1966 and 1976, and that pedigree shows in the delicate spicing of Salloos’ signature lamb chops. Stay for the homemade kulfi, which is excellent. 

Once again, the high prices here reflect the restaurant’s exclusive location.

Address: 62-64 Kinnerton St, London SW1X 8ER

Website: salloos.co.uk


Pantechnicon

Ideal for panoramic views of Belgravia

You could easily spend the day at Pantechnicon, bouncing between its café, restaurant and bar, and frankly, why wouldn’t you? This remarkable venue represents one of London’s most ambitious hospitality projects, transforming a former Edwardian arts & crafts warehouse into a sprawling, multi-level destination that feels part department store, part cultural centre, part restaurant empire.

The building itself tells quite the story. Originally constructed in 1830 as a furniture repository (the name ‘Pantechnicon’ derives from the Greek for ‘all arts’), it stored the worldly possessions of Britain’s wealthy elite when they travelled abroad. Today, it houses an equally eclectic collection of culinary experiences that would make those Victorian travellers positively swoon: Japanese restaurant SACHI, French bistro Amélie, cocktail lounge LUUM, and the chic Café Kitsuné.

SACHI serves contemporary Japanese cuisine that goes far beyond your typical sushi counter, with standout dishes sea bream and miso vinaigrette and their signature black cod marinated in plum honey. The sake selection is particularly impressive, featuring bottles you’d struggle to find elsewhere in London.

Occupying the building’s most romantic corner, Amélie boasts a sun-drenched terrace that offers some of the finest views across Belgravia’s rooftops. The menu reads like a postcard from the south of France – think bouillabaisse rich with saffron and a tarte tatin that’s worth the inevitable food coma.

Café Kitsuné delivers some of the capital’s finest pastries with a distinctly Japanese twist – caramel miso rice pudding brioche and double-baked matcha croissants that sound bonkers but taste sublime. We’re rather fond of their egg sando too. The coffee, sourced directly from their Parisian roastery, is exceptional.

Come evening, LUUM transforms the building with its dramatic top floor and panoramic views across London’s skyline. The cocktail menu focuses on the flavours of Mexico – we’re particularly fond of their hibiscus spice margarita, whilst small plates like elote croquettes are upgraded with a touch of caviar.

Address: 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB

Website: pantechnicon.com


Amaya

Ideal for groundbreaking, contemporary Indian food…

Widely regarded as being London’s most influential fine dining Indian restaurant, Amaya isn’t your average korma and Kingfisher curry house. Instead, you can expect some seriously sophisticated cooking at this Michelin starred hotspot, with the restaurant’s three grills – a tandoor, tawa and sigri – used to particularly thrilling effect. 

Expect to leave with the aroma of smoke in your hair and turmeric stains on your white shirt, sure, but also, expect to be wowed; there’s a whole lot of theatre – and even more flavour – going on inside this revered restaurant.

Website: amaya.biz

Address: Halkin Arcade, Off Lowndes St, London SW1X 8JT


Muse By Tom Aikens

Ideal for avant-garde fine dining…

If you’re looking for Belgravia’s best restaurant, this might well be it. Just this week, Muse by Tom Aikens was named ‘London’s Top Gastronomic Experience’ by hospitality experts Hardens, with the intimate, 25 cover restaurant praised for its ‘bijou and cosy’ setting. 

That setting is a small corner house in one of Belgravia’s distinctive mews (muse, mews…geddit?). Here, the cute, compact surroundings play host to one of the capital’s most celebrated restaurant openings in recent years. 

Having opened in January 2020, just a couple of months before everything changed, it’s impressive that Muse is already winning accolades, including a coveted Michelin star. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s a tasting menu only affair at Muse, costing £180 for ten courses, though you can enjoy lunch at the relative steal of £70 on Thursday and Fridays.

Considering Aikens is one of the most exciting chefs in the country when he’s on form, we can’t wait to see where Muse goes next.  

Website: musebytomaikens.co.uk

Address: 38 Groom Pl, London SW1X 7BA


​​​​Abd El Wahab

Ideal for a slice of lebanon in Belgravia

Abd El Wahab has already flourished in the Middle East, with outposts in Beirut, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Belgravia rendition of the restaurant, the first in Europe, is perfectly placed to serve the district’s large Lebanese community, as well as hungry tourists and anyone else who loves the food of the Lebanon.

For us, ​​Abd El Wahab is a perfect mid afternoon spot. The Sambousek – deep fried dough stuffed with minced meat, yoghurt and pine nuts – is superb here and it wouldn’t be a Lebanese meal without ordering a selection of fatteh, the country’s famous grilled pita adorned with gently spiced, comforting toppings. Order a glass of Lebanese white wine from the Bekaa Valley, and you’ve got yourself the ideal grazing lunch.

Website: abdelwahab.co.uk

Address: 1-3 Pont St, London SW1X 9EJ


La Poule Au Pot

Ideal for taking comfort in the French classics

A Belgravia institution since 1964, La Poule Au Pot wouldn’t look out of place on Paris’ Rue des Martyrs. This charming, old school bistro is all about the French classics; expect snails with garlic butter, frogs legs, grilled calves liver, terrine of foie gras with Sauternes jelly, rabbit with mustard sauce…you get the picture, and it’s a very pretty one to paint.   

LA POULE AU POT

With nooks and crannies, trinkets and even, whisper it, tablecloths, this is a spot best enjoyed in winter, when the candles are flickering, there’s a carafe of drinkable red breathing on the table, and the food is at its most hearty and comforting. That said, it’s pretty blissful on a summer’s day, too…  

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for dining in Paris on a budget

Address: 231 Ebury St, London SW1W 8UT

Website: pouleaupot.co.uk


Hunan

Ideal for a no choice, small plate experience with unique Chinese dishes that have a Taiwanese influence….

Just a short walk from Victoria Station and lauded by London food critics for some time now, Hunan offers a slightly different proposition to other Chinese joints in the capital offering. There’s no menu, just a selection of (very) small plates sent from the kitchen, tailored to your needs only in the sense you specify allergies and the level of spice you can handle. 

With the usual paradox of choice so common in Chinese restaurants not present here, all you need to do is sit back, occasionally open your mouth, and enjoy the ride.

Address: 51 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8NE

Website: hunanlondon.com

And since you’re close by, why not check out our article on the best restaurants near London Victoria. Better loosen up that belt!

The Best Things To Do In Stretford, Manchester

Sitting in the south west of Greater Manchester, Stretford is a lively and diverse suburb that offers a pleasing mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore your neighbourhood or a visitor eager to uncover hidden gems, Stretford has something for everyone. Here’s our guide on the best things to do in Stretford, Manchester.

Explore Longford Park

Longford Park is the largest park in Stretford and a true haven for nature lovers. Spanning over 54 acres, this green oasis offers beautifully landscaped gardens, a variety of sports facilities, and a charming café. Take a leisurely stroll through the rose gardens, enjoy a picnic by the pond, or let the kids burn off some energy in the adventure playground. The park also hosts regular events and festivals, making it a lively spot throughout the year.

Visit The Stretford Mall

For a bit of retail therapy, head to Stretford Mall. This shopping centre is home to a range of high street stores, independent shops, and a bustling market. Whether you’re looking for fashion, homeware, or fresh produce, you’ll find it all here. The mall also features a variety of eateries, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after a day of shopping.

Enjoy A Game At Old Trafford

Just a stone’s throw away from Stretford lies Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United Football Club. Even if you’re not a die-hard football fan, a visit to this legendary stadium is a thrilling experience. Take a guided tour to explore the museum, walk through the players’ tunnel, and even step onto the pitch (when it’s not match day!). If there is a game on, the atmosphere is electric, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. 

If there is a game on, the atmosphere is electric, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. For those looking to catch a match at short notice, consider scoring last-minute Manchester United tickets via P1 Travel and other authorised resellers, who often have availability even when the official channels are sold out.

Read: Where to eat near Old Trafford

Shop & Play At The Trafford Centre

A short drive from Stretford, The Trafford Centre is one of the largest shopping and leisure complexes in the UK. This architectural marvel is not just a shopping destination but a full-fledged entertainment hub. With over 200 stores, including high-end brands and popular high street names, it’s a shopper’s paradise. But there’s more to The Trafford Centre than just shopping. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the Orient food court, catch the latest blockbuster at the Odeon Trafford IMAX cinema, or have some fun at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Manchester. The Trafford Centre offers a complete day out for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Discover Local History At Stretford Public Hall

Stretford Public Hall is a Grade II listed building with a rich history dating back to 1878. Originally built as a town hall, it now serves as a community hub hosting a range of events, workshops, and exhibitions. The hall’s stunning architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit for history buffs. Check their schedule for upcoming events, from art exhibitions to live music performances.

Explore Stretford’s Food Scene

Stretford boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants, cafés, and pubs offering delicious fare. For a taste of contemporary British cuisine, visit the Stretford Canteen is ace – the sardines on toast, in particular, are just the ticket for brunch. If you’re in the mood for something different, try the exciting fusion dishes which mix Chinese, South Korean and Thai flavours over at Papa Don. Gorgeous stuff!

Read: The most iconic sandwiches in Manchester

Take A Walk Along The Bridgewater Canal

The Bridgewater Canal runs through Stretford, offering picturesque views and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The towpath is perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or cycle. Along the way, you’ll find charming canal boats, historic bridges, and plenty of wildlife. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Experience The Local Arts Scene

Stretford has a thriving arts community, with several venues showcasing local talent. The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre is a fantastic place to catch a play, comedy show, or live music performance. They also offer workshops and classes for those looking to get creative. Additionally, keep an eye out for pop-up art exhibitions and street art around the area, adding a splash of colour and creativity to the streets of Stretford.

Enjoy Seasonal Events & Festivals

Throughout the year, Stretford comes alive with various seasonal events and festivals that bring the community together. The annual Stretford festival, known as The StretFest, celebrates local culture with live music, food stalls, and family activities. 

During the festive season, the Christmas market transforms the town centre into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and seasonal treats. Summer brings outdoor cinema screenings in Longford Park, whilst autumn sees harvest festivals and bonfire celebrations that capture the true spirit of British tradition.

Getting Around & Transport Links

Stretford is brilliantly connected, making it an ideal base for exploring Greater Manchester. The Metrolink tram system provides quick and easy access to Manchester city centre, whilst excellent bus services connect you to neighbouring areas. For those preferring to drive, the area is well-served by major roads including the M60 motorway. The proximity to Manchester Airport also makes Stretford a convenient spot for travellers.

The Bottom Line

Stretford is a suburb brimming with charm, history, and a lively community spirit. Whether you’re exploring its beautiful parks, delving into its rich history, or enjoying its diverse culinary offerings, there’s no shortage of things to do. So, next time you find yourself in Manchester, make sure to spend some time discovering all that Stretford has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

Making Every Moment In Mexico City Count: Our 10 Top Travel Tips

Let’s put things bluntly; Mexico City doesn’t mess about. Within hours of arriving, you’ll fall completely under its spell – if you know how to navigate it properly, that is. If you don’t, you’ll be on the way to Pantitlán, wondering how you got there and never quite knowing how to leave.

The difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling like a local comes down to understanding how this magnificent city actually works. With 22 million people and endless energy, Mexico City operates on very specific rules, and once you learn them. Here’s how to navigate the capital like a chilango.

Master The Metro Like A Local

Mexico City’s Metro isn’t just transportation – it’s a cultural experience that reveals the city’s ingenious design. Each station has a unique symbol because the system was designed when literacy rates were lower. Learn key symbols: Bellas Artes (palace icon), Insurgentes (rebel head), Coyoacán (coyote). During rush hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM), women-only cars marked ‘SOLO MUJERES’ provide safer, less crowded travel. Buy a rechargeable Metro card for 15 pesos, then load it with credit – individual tickets slow you down and mark you as a tourist.

Rush hour in Mexico City requires tactical thinking. Avoid Lines 1, 2, and 3 during rush hour unless absolutely necessary. Instead, use the Metrobús system along Reforma and Insurgentes – dedicated bus lanes move faster than car traffic during peak times. The golden rule: if you’re traveling north-south, take Metrobús Line 1 along Insurgentes. For east-west movement, Metro Line 1 remains your best option despite crowds.

Stay Connected In The Concrete Jungle

Mexico City spans an enormous area, and you’ll want reliable internet to make the most of this massive metropolis. Set up an eSIM in Mexico before you arrive – download your data plan while still on your home network, then activate it the moment you land at Benito Juárez International Airport.

With instant connectivity, you can navigate the Metro system, translate menus in hole-in-the-wall taquerías, and call an Uber when you’re ready to move on to your next adventure. In a city packed with incredible experiences around every corner, staying connected helps you discover gems you might otherwise miss.

Unlock Neighbourhood Secrets

Everyone photographs the colourful buildings on Álvaro Obregón in Roma Norte, but the neighbourhood’s real treasures hide on quieter side streets. Mercado Medellín, tucked between Roma Norte and Doctores, serves Mexico City’s best tacos árabes – a Lebanese-Mexican fusion born from 1940s immigration. The vendors at Taquería Álvaro Obregón (not the famous street, but the small taquería near Parque México) have been perfecting their al pastor recipe for three generations. Arrive Tuesday through Thursday for the freshest ingredients and smallest crowds.

Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul draws massive weekend crowds, but timing your visit right transforms the experience completely. Visit Tuesday or Wednesday mornings for intimate viewing and better photo opportunities. Or, even better, Coyoacán’s evening magic happens after 6 PM when day-trippers depart. Families emerge for evening strolls, street musicians claim corners, and the plaza transforms into a community gathering space where children play futbol while parents share stories over café de olla.

Photo by Patty Zavala on Unsplash

Eat Like You Live In The Capital

Mercado de San Juan gets tourist guidebook fame, but residents have different morning market strategies that reveal the city’s authentic food culture. At Mercado de Jamaica, order huevos divorciados (eggs “divorced” with different salsas) at the tiny counter near the flower section – locals line up here before 8 AM for Mexico City’s best chilaquiles. The vendors know your order by your third visit.

Street food in Mexico City follows unwritten rules that would be impossible to learn on a single trip, but as a general rule, look for stands with constant turnover – tacos should be assembled fresh, not sitting under heat lamps. Steam rising from comal griddles indicates fresh tortillas. The best al pastor comes from trompos (vertical spits) that rotate constantly, not those sitting idle.

Cantina culture in Mexico City operates on centuries-old traditions that reward those who understand the etiquette. Traditional cantinas serve free botanas (small plates) with every drink order – but etiquette matters. Order beer or traditional cocktails like micheladas; asking for cocktails with premium liquor brands marks you as an outsider. La Coyoacana in Coyoacán and Salón Corona in Centro Histórico represent authentic cantina culture where three generations drink together and mariachi musicians play requests for tips.

Read: The best Mexican restaurants in London

Photo by Fantastic Ordinary on Unsplash

Museum & Cultural Site Mastery

The National Museum of Anthropology receives millions of visitors annually, but strategic timing reveals a completely different experience. Sunday’s free admission for Mexican nationals creates impossible crowds. Visit Thursday evenings when the museum stays open until 8 PM – arrive after 6 PM for golden hour lighting in the outdoor courtyards and rooms that echo with your footsteps instead of tour group chatter. The Aztec Calendar Stone gets all the attention, but you might prefer spending time in the Maya hall’s jade collection and the ethnography section showcasing contemporary indigenous cultures.

Most visitors rush through Templo Mayor as part of a Centro Histórico checklist, missing the site’s profound impact when experienced thoughtfully. The optimal experience happens during weekday mornings (9-11 AM) when school groups haven’t arrived yet. The museum section provides crucial context for understanding the ruins – visit the museum first, then explore the archaeological site with newfound appreciation for Aztec engineering.

Navigate Altitude & Weather Like A Chilango

Mexico City sits higher than Denver at 7,350 feet, so a bit of preparation ensures you feel your best from day one. Arrive in the evening so you sleep through initial altitude symptoms.

Consider limiting alcohol your first 24 hours – altitude and dehydration don’t mix well, so pace yourself as you adjust. Drink electrolyte solutions rather than just water, and don’t plan intensive walking tours your first day. Afternoon thunderstorms between June and September arrive punctually around 4 PM – carry an umbrella and plan indoor activities for late afternoon.

Shopping & Market Navigation

Traditional markets in Mexico City operate on rhythms that savvy shoppers learn to navigate for the best selection and prices. Wednesday through Friday offer peak selection at traditional markets. Arrive between 9-11 AM when vendors have full inventory but aren’t overwhelmed with customers. For handicrafts at Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, visit late afternoon (4-6 PM) when vendors negotiate more freely. At Mercado de Sonora (the witchcraft market), morning visits reveal the most interesting vendors before tourist groups arrive.

Shopping in Mexico City reveals stark contrasts between neighbourhoods – understanding these differences helps you find exactly what you’re seeking. Polanco’s luxury malls cater to international brands, but the best Mexican design happens in Roma Norte’s independent boutiques along Álvaro Obregón and Orizaba streets. For authentic Mexican crafts without tourist markup, explore the shops surrounding Parque México where local designers sell directly to neighborhood residents.

Transportation Beyond The Metro

Ride-hailing apps work brilliantly in Mexico City and Uber operates reliably throughout the city. At busy locations like Bellas Artes or Zócalo, walk two blocks away from major attractions for faster pickup times and avoid surge pricing. For airport runs, book Uber from Terminal 1’s departures level (one floor up from arrivals) to skip the chaos downstairs. Traditional taxis require negotiation before getting in – agree on prices upfront, especially for trips to tourist destinations.

Mexico City’s bike share system, Ecobici, transforms how you experience the capital’s most walkable neighbourhoods. The system works brilliantly for short trips between Roma Norte, Condesa, and Centro Histórico. Stations cluster around major parks and Metro stops. Weekend mornings offer the best cycling experience when Paseo de la Reforma closes to cars (7 AM-2 PM Sundays). Download the Ecobici app and register with a credit card – tourist daily passes cost 109 pesos and include unlimited 45-minute rides.

Evening & Nightlife Smarts

Mexico City’s nightlife scene varies dramatically by neighbourhood. Zona Rosa attracts tourists with familiar bar chains, but Roma Norte’s craft cocktail scene is arguably more interesting. Licorería Limantour consistently ranks among the world’s best bars, but reservations require advance planning. For spontaneous nights, explore the bars along Álvaro Obregón where mixologists experiment with mezcal and local ingredients. In Condesa, rooftop bars along Amsterdam offer city views without tourist prices.

Understanding Mexico City’s neighbourhood dynamics after dark helps you navigate confidently and safely throughout the capital. Mexico City’s neighbourhoods have distinct safety profiles that change after dark. Roma Norte and Condesa remain safe for walking until midnight, but always use Uber or official taxis after dark in Centro Histórico.

The Bottom Line

Mexico City rewards those who dig deeper than surface attractions. With these insider strategies, you’re equipped to discover the capital – where every neighbourhood tells a different story, every meal connects you to centuries of culture, and every moment contributes to understanding one of the world’s great megacities.

Tulum next? We’re right there with you, lurking in your suitcase, ready to jump out…

How To Choose A Wedding Venue That Complements Your Wedding Style

If you’re getting married, you want your wedding to be memorable and unique. But in order to do that, proper planning and preparation are necessary to achieve your dream wedding. One key factor in that journey is choosing a venue that suits the style you’re after.

Doing so can make your big day feel more connected to the space itself and the guests around you, bringing a synergy to the occasion visually, physically and emotionally. And that’s what it’s all about, right?

That said, finding a venue that matches your specific wedding style can be easier said than done. Although the variety of venues available can feel limitless, narrowing down your options can be complicated and challenging. 

Luckily, there are both broad and specific considerations that can help you select a wedding venue that complements your style. Read on to learn more.   

Determine Your Wedding Style First  

Before starting the venue hunt, you must define your wedding style first. Doing so allows you and your spouse-to-be to carry out a more streamlined and less daunting search process. Generally, there are different wedding styles to consider for your special day, all of which dictate different dress codes, table and venue dressings, and, of course, the style of venue itself.

Some of the most popular include:

  • Classic/traditional weddings
  • Beach-based weddings
  • Country house weddings
  • Nautical weddings or events held on a boat
  • Weddings inspired by festivals or those that follow a more ‘bohemian’ style
  • Barn or farmyard weddings
  • Vintage weddings
  • Fairytale-style weddings
  • Weddings inspired by glitz and glamour
  • Seasonally-inspired weddings

Once you’ve alighted on an overarching theme for your wedding, you can hone in on the type of venue that would most appropriately host it. As much as anything, this is a process of elimination; you wouldn’t host a wintery affair, all snow-themed and frosty, on the beach, after all!

Though there are venues tailored specifically to each theme, if you’re keen for a more ‘blank canvas’ approach that allows you to dress the event how you want, then a search for private function venue hire in your area might be more fruitful.  

Consider Your Budget  

Of course, it’s also essential to factor in your budget when looking for a wedding venue that complements your style. Although a whole raft of different wedding venue styles are available, not all of them may suit your budget.

Hence, it’s best to check whether there are additional costs and expenses associated with the wedding venue. For example, some available venues offer everything you need for your wedding day, all-inclusive but ultimately more expensive, while others allow customizability or more freedom in the preparation. The latter approach, whilst encouraging creativity, can certainly get a little stressful at times. 

Knowing these costs allows you to figure out how much you can afford for the appropriate venue for your chosen style of wedding, thereby streamlining your search process.

Don’t Neglect The Finer Details

Apart from the budget, it’s also crucial to consider the finer details when choosing a venue that fits your wedding style. This way, you can assess whether your prospective venue is the best place to hold your dream wedding, whatever your budget.  

The following are some factors to look into when searching for your wedding venue: 

  • Access: Check if the venue is easily accessible for your guests. For example, if you want a beach wedding, determine if it’s easy (and affordable) to arrange transport for everyone to get to-and-from the venue easily.  
  • Capacity: Determine whether the space is large enough to accommodate your guest-list. If you want a garden wedding and are anticipating a relatively large guest-list, for instance, check that both the outdoor and indoor elements of the venue can receive your chosen number.
  • Use of space: Know if there are strict rules about the use of space. Check if there are separate areas for the wedding ceremony and the reception, or if there are any rooms or corners of the venue that are out of bounds for guest usage.
  • Food: Ask if there’s an on-site catering service, or if you’ll need to provide your own caterers. In the UK, it’s more common that wedding venues insist on you using their own caterers and set menus. That said, recent wedding catering trends point to a growing flexibility in this department.
  • Staff: Are the staff helpful and responsive to your initial enquiries? This says a lot about their professionalism and how they’ll interact with your guests on the Big Day.

The finer details of a well-run wedding truly matter, so don’t be afraid to ask specific questions of your venue. One that’s confident in their operations will be only too happy to help!

Capturing Your Special Day

Just as your venue should complement your chosen wedding style, your approach to photography and videography should also align with your overall vision. A vintage-themed wedding might call for softer lighting and classic angles, while a glamorous celebration could benefit from dramatic lighting setups.

Whether you hire professional photographers and videographers or want to supplement their work with additional coverage, film equipment rental will provide you with lights, cameras, and audio equipment to capture your day exactly as you’ve styled it. When evaluating potential venues, discuss your photography needs with them—ask about power access for equipment, any restrictions on filming locations, and whether the venue’s layout supports the type of visual storytelling that matches your wedding style. A venue that accommodates your filming requirements as seamlessly as it suits your aesthetic will help ensure your memories are captured in perfect harmony with your vision.

Conduct A Site Visit 

Research can be necessary when looking for a wedding venue, sure, but actually going there is absolutely crucial in your decision-making. Only then will you be able to tell if the venue feels right, which, ultimately, is the most important thing of all. 

When you visit potential venues, don’t just focus on the obvious features. Walk through the entire space and imagine your wedding day unfolding there. Consider the flow from ceremony to reception areas, the natural lighting at different times of day, and how the venue’s atmosphere aligns with your chosen style. A rustic barn might look charming in photos, but visiting in person will reveal whether the acoustics work for your ceremony or if the lighting complements your vision.

Pay attention to practical details during your visit: where will guests park, how will elderly relatives navigate any stairs or uneven surfaces, and does the venue feel comfortable in different weather conditions? If you’re planning an outdoor element, ask to see backup indoor options and understand the venue’s contingency plans.

Take photos during your visit and, if possible, bring your partner and perhaps a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes a fresh perspective can spot potential issues or highlight positive features you might have missed. Don’t be afraid to ask to return for a second visit at a different time of day, especially if lighting is important to your style.

And with that, we wish you a long and happy marriage together!

What Are The Worst (& Best) Culprits For Staining Your Teeth?

A bright, vibrant smile can boost your self-esteem and leave a significant impression on anyone lucky enough to cross your path. However, to maintain properly pearly whites, you need to be conscious of your diet too. This is because some foods and drinks can cause severe staining and discoloration over time, whereas others can help promote a healthier and whiter smile.

With that in mind, let’s explore the worst (and best) culprits for staining your teeth.

The Worst Food & Drink For Teeth Staining

We hate to start negatively, but here are some food and drink items to avoid if you’re seeking brilliant white teeth…

Coffee & Tea

Tea and coffee both contain a group of compounds called tannins. Tannins are a type of polyphenol and break down in water. They are also found in various other foods and beverages, including wine and some fruits and herbs.

Tannins are responsible for staining because they cause colour compounds to stick to your teeth. When these compounds stick, they can lead to yellowish discoloration or stains. These stains can accumulate over time, especially if you frequently consume beverages like coffee or tea.

In addition to tannins, coffee also contains acids that can wear away at your tooth enamel, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath and making your teeth look more stained.

To help prevent these stains, consider drinking these beverages through a straw, rinsing your mouth with water after drinking, and maintaining good oral hygiene habits (and avoiding bad ones!). Regular professional cleanings can also help remove these stains.

Red Wine

We’ll tell you what else contains tannins; red wine! 

Indeed, red wine can stain your teeth due to a combination of its natural colour compounds and its acidity. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Tannins: Similar to tea and coffee, red wine contains those pesky tannins, too. These are plant-based compounds that tend to stick to the teeth, providing a rough, porous surface for chromogens to latch onto.
  • Chromogens: These are intense, dark-coloured compounds found in red wine that are brought out during the process of vinification. Chromogens tend to bind to your tooth enamel, causing stains.
  • Acidity: Red wine has a relatively high acidity level, which can erode tooth enamel over time. This erosion makes the teeth even more vulnerable to staining because it provides a rougher surface for chromogens and tannins to stick.

It’s worth noting that these factors together result in the more pronounced staining effect observed from red wine. Following up your glass of wine with water or cheese (which neutralises acids and provides a protective coating) can help mitigate these effects.

Coloured Soft Drinks

While most soft drinks have some potential to stain teeth due to their acidity and sugar content, some are more notorious culprits than others. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Coca Cola & Pepsi: The dark hues from cola drinks can leave a lasting impression on your pearly whites. The distinctive dark chocolate colour of these drinks comes from a complex mix of colouring agents which can bind to the surface of teeth and leave stains, particularly if consumed regularly.
  2. Dark Coloured Sodas: Any soft drink with strong pigmentation – think grape or cherry soda – can potentially stain your teeth. Similar to colas, the colour additives in these drinks also bond with the tooth enamel, staining it over time.
  3. Sports Drinks & Fruit Juices: While not directly staining the teeth, their high acidity can erode the tooth enamel, revealing the darker dentin layer beneath. This can give the teeth a yellowed appearance and increase their susceptibility to staining by other foods and beverages.
  4. Energy Drinks: These don’t just pose a risk through their high sugar content and acidity. Many energy drinks also have robust colours, and regular consumption can lead to staining.

The combination of these drinks’ acidity and dark colour can turn your white teeth to a dull grey or yellow over time. 

This erosive damage is cumulative, meaning the more often you consume these beverages, and the longer they stay in contact with your teeth, the greater the potential for harm. The best solution is to limit consumption of soft drinks, rinse your mouth with water after you indulge, or use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth. 

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is infamous for causing stains on teeth due to its high pigmentation and acidic nature. 

Soy sauce is a strongly pigmented condiment. Just as it can leave stains on clothing or carpet, it can discolour your teeth. Its dark molecules adhere to the tooth enamel and gradually build up over time to create visible staining, particularly if consumed regularly without adequate dental hygiene.

Apart from its dark colour, soy sauce is also acidic. Acidic foods and drinks tend to erode the tooth enamel, which both makes the teeth more sensitive and creates a roughened surface that colour molecules can readily stick to. This enhances the staining effect.

Berries & Beetroot

Although loaded with antioxidants, dark-coloured berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and cherries can stain your teeth. Perhaps an even worse culprit, however, is beetroot. Both in juice and vegetable form, beetroot’s naturally strong pigmentation can cause staining fairly quickly. Just look at your chopping board after slicing one; now, imagine that staining on your teeth!

Curry Powder

Curry powder can yellow teeth over time due to its deep pigmentation. This is primarily down to turmeric, which seems to stain everyone an unmistakable orangey hue, but other spices, such as coriander seed and cumin, can also contribute. 

The Best Foods & Drinks For Your Teeth

On to the good stuff. These guys might help your teeth avoid excessive staining…

Water

Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your saliva levels high. Saliva is your mouth’s best defence against tooth decay because it contains proteins and minerals that counteract acids that can lead to cavities.

Natural Detergents

Though brushing and flossing are the most effective ways to maintain a gleaming smile, certain foods can also naturally clean your teeth and promote their white lustre. Here are a few so-called natural detergents you can incorporate into your diet:

  • Apples: Known as ‘nature’s toothbrush’, chewing apples stimulates your gums and increases saliva flow which rinses away harmful bacteria that promote tooth decay and discoloration.
  • Strawberries: These contain malic acid, a natural astringent that can help remove tooth discoloration.
  • Celery & Carrots: Chewing on these crunchy vegetables stimulates saliva production which is the body’s natural mouth cleanser. The fibrous properties of these vegetables also clean between your teeth.
  • Raw Onions: As surprising as it might seem, raw onions have powerful antibacterial properties that can eliminate bacteria that cause tooth discoloration.
  • Cheese, Milk and Yogurt: Dairy products are high in calcium which strengthens teeth and gums. They also contain casein, a protein that helps to fight tooth decay and promote a healthy smile. Some cheeses, such as aged cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack, can even help buffer the acids in your mouth, stabilising the oral environment by making it more alkaline, and reducing the risk of acid erosion on your teeth. 
  • Aside from adding calcium, eating cheese makes your mouth more alkaline, which reduces your chances of tooth decay.
  • Pineapple: This is the only food containing bromelain, an enzyme that is also a natural teeth-whitening ingredient found in many toothpastes.
  • Pears: Their high water content encourages saliva production, which helps to wash food debris away.

Remember, while these foods help, they are not replacements for a regular dental care routine, which remains essential for a radiant, stain-free smile. 

Fruit Peels

Rubbing orange or banana peels on your teeth is claimed to lighten stains because of the peels’ acid content.

7 Steps To A Whiter Smile

Of course, none of this matters if you don’t put into practice good daily oral hygiene.

  1. Practise Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque buildup.
  2. Use Whitening Toothpaste: Specially formulated whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains over time.
  3. Regular Professional Cleaning: Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove tartar and surface stains.
  4. Quit Smoking: Tobacco creates stubborn stains and harms your mouth’s ability to fight off infections.
  5. Teeth-Whitening Treatments: Consider professional treatments or over-the-counter products, such as teeth whitening strips, gels, powders and pens, or even a teeth-whitening water flosser for a fresh finish.
  6. Rinse Your Mouth: After eating or drinking, rinse your mouth with water to prevent staining substances from staying in contact with your teeth.
  7. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular visits to the dentist can detect any early signs of stained teeth. 

The Bottom Line

Managing the colour of your teeth goes hand in hand with maintaining a balanced and conscious diet. Drinking water or brushing your teeth after consuming staining food or drinks can help minimise their staining impact. Remember, while maintaining a white smile is important, so is keeping your mouth and body healthy. So, don’t shy away from healthy coloured foods, adapt your habits, and your teeth will thank you for it. Smile on!

Looking To Take Advantage Of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa? Top Tips For Brits Moving To Lisbon

Ideal for citizens of the world with restless feet…

Remote workers rejoice! 2025 has been a welcoming, inclusive year for those who prefer to work in a transient office and ever-changing time zones.

This is because a whole host of popular global destinations, keen to place the pandemic firmly in the rearview mirror and find new ways to welcome in visitors, are introducing so-called ‘digital nomad’ visas to encourage upwardly mobile professionals to call their country home, at least for a little while.

One such place is Portugal, and more specifically, its capital Lisbon. It’s easy to see why the place might appeal to remote workers armed with a laptop and a taste for adventure; Lisbon boasts a reputation as being one of the best places for digital nomads to live in Western Europe, with a low cost of living, fantastic local food, loads of sunshine and a super fast internet (20th in the world, if you’re asking). 

What’s more, the socialist identity of the country and the openness of its citizens lends itself to a convivial way of life which welcomes in remote workers with enthusiasm. 

Should you be planning on moving to the Portuguese capital and make the most of the laid-back life in the City of Seven Hills, then first, you should read these; our top tips for British digital nomads moving to Lisbon, IDEAL for citizens of the world with restless feet.

The Lowdown On The Digital Nomad Visa

If you’re a member of the European Union, you don’t need a visa to visit Portugal. But if you are in the country for longer than 183 days you need to register as a resident. If you’re from outside the European Union, check the applicable regulations that apply to where you’re from, though in general, Portugal is very amiable to foreign residents making it their home.

Of course, the UK’s exit from the European Union has rather complicated this, but the introduction of those aforementioned digital nomad visas may well simplify the process for some. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of useful guidance on Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa requirements online, though here’s the basics…

Portugal’s digital nomad visa program (officially called the D8 Visa) has been making waves since its launch in October 2022, and it’s become quite the game-changer for remote workers looking to swap their home office for a Portuguese café with an ocean view.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting – you’ve got two flavours to choose from. There’s the short-stay visa, which gives you a lovely year to soak up all that Portuguese sunshine while you work, perfect for testing the waters before making any big life decisions. Then there’s the residency permit option, which is a bit more serious – lasting two years initially and renewable for another three. Should you fancy sticking around even longer, after five years you can apply for permanent residency and even Portuguese citizenship (though you’ll need to brush up on your Portuguese to A2 level – nothing too taxing!).

The financial requirements have had a bit of an uptick since the early days – you’ll now need to show a monthly income of €3,480 (that’s four times the Portuguese minimum wage, if you’re keeping track) plus have at least €10,440 sitting pretty in your bank account. Whether you’re employed by a company abroad or freelancing with international clients, you’ll need to prove your work is genuinely remote and based outside Portugal.

But that’s not all; having the Portuguese digital nomad visa allows you to enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, which is particularly handy for Brits navigating post-Brexit travel restrictions. You’ll also get access to Portuguese public services, including their excellent healthcare system (with proper insurance, naturally), and there’s even the possibility of bringing the family along if you opt for the residency permit route.

The application will set you back €93 initially, with another €170 when you apply for your residence permit once you’re in Portugal. Processing typically takes about 60 days, and if you’re planning to bring your spouse and little ones along, expect the income requirements to bump up by 50% for a partner and 25% per child. Exciting times, indeed.

Nomad woman in Lisbon
By RossHelen via Canva

Other Visa Options

Should you want a longer stay, be looking to establish deeper roots in the country, or don’t quite tick the right boxes for the digital nomad visa, then you might want to consider a few other routes that Portugal has on offer.

The Golden Visa (Though It’s Had A Bit Of A Makeover)

Portugal’s Golden Visa program has undergone quite the transformation in recent years. The days of buying a lovely property in Lisbon or Porto to secure your residency are, unfortunately, behind us – that route was scrapped in October 2023, much to the disappointment of many aspiring Portuguese property owners.

But don’t despair! The program is very much alive and kicking, just with a different focus. These days, you’re looking at investment options starting from €250,000 for cultural heritage donations (supporting the arts, how lovely!), or €500,000 for qualifying investment funds. There’s also the option to create at least 10 jobs or invest €500,000 in scientific research – perfect if you’re the entrepreneurial type.

The perks remain rather attractive: you get residency rights that allow you to travel freely throughout the Schengen states, and you only need to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal (14 days every two years, to be precise). It’s also brilliant for family reunification, as you can bring along your spouse, children, and even parents under certain conditions.

After five years, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, though there are rumblings about potentially extending this to 10 years for future applicants – though that’s still just talk at this stage.

The NHR Program (Now In Its 2.0 Version)

Here’s where things get a bit more complicated. Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) program, which was an absolute gem for retirees and professionals looking to reduce their tax burden, came to an end for new applicants in January 2024.

However, it’s been replaced by something called IFICI (Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation), which many are calling “NHR 2.0.” The new version is rather more restrictive than its predecessor – gone are the days when retirees could easily qualify for tax breaks on their pensions. The focus has shifted decidedly towards highly qualified professionals working in scientific research, innovation, and technology sectors.

If you do qualify for the new regime, you’ll still get that attractive 20% flat tax rate on Portuguese income and exemptions on most foreign-sourced income for a 10-year period. But the eligibility criteria are much stricter, and frankly, it’s not the retirement-friendly option it once was.

For those who managed to secure the original NHR status before the cutoff, you’ll continue to enjoy the benefits until your 10-year period expires.

Other Routes Worth Considering

For longer-term stays, there’s also the D7 Passive Income Visa (perfect for retirees with stable income) and the D2 Business Visa for entrepreneurs looking to set up shop in Portugal. Similarly to Canada’s Startup Visa or Estonia’s e-Residency programme, the Portuguese D2 route is designed to attract innovative business minds, though with its own unique requirements and benefits. Both can serve as stepping stones to permanent residency and eventually citizenship, should you fall head over heels for Portuguese living – which, let’s be honest, is rather easy to do.

Medium Term Stays 

Speaking of a medium term or longer stay, finding somewhere to live in Lisbon can be challenging. Lots of flats have been taken over by AirBnb, which could work to your advantage if you’re looking for somewhere temporary and transient at first, prior to finding somewhere to settle.

Behere is a useful app that links up folk looking for medium length stays with landlords of verified, serviced apartments, as well as co-working spaces, gyms and other amenities ideal for newbies in a city. They have a strong presence in the Portuguese capital.

Nomadix and Spotahome are also platforms offering rentals for medium length stays. 

Where To Live

In terms of where you should be looking to settle, Lisbon is a diverse place, with a whole host of neighbourhoods catering to different needs and types of people. Alcantara is a great area for digital nomads, a little cheaper on the rent and cost of living than more central neighbourhoods, and is home to LX Factory, which boasts hipster cafes, shops and one of the city’s best coworking spaces. It’s also served by the metro (on the red line) which makes jaunts into other areas as easy as custard pie.

Alfama is also a popular neighbourhood for digital nomads, with the widest range of accommodation on offer. It’s connected to two Blue Line Metro stations, Terreiro do Paço and Santa Apolonia, the latter of which offers a launchpad to the rest of Portugal, should you be wanting to explore further! Alfama also boasts perhaps Lisbon’s most beloved landmark, Sao Jorge Castle, which sits atop the hill of the same name, and offers the finest views of the city and River Tagus.

Read: The best restaurants in Lisbon

Photo by André Lergier on Unsplash

Healthcare 

Portugal’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and was ranked 12th globally by the World Health Organisation at the start of the millennium. The good news for folk moving to Lisbon is that healthcare in Portugal works much like the NHS. Named the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), accidents and emergencies, consultations and standard treatments are generally free, or at least, heavily subsidised.

For those under 18 and over 65, the service is completely free of charge, but a small fee is required for GP appointments and prescriptions. Dental work is generally free, too. You’ll have to register at your local medical centre in Lisbon once you’ve confirmed residency. For temporary stays, a European Health Insurance Card, which you can apply for via the NHS for free, can be used to gain access to healthcare.

tourist in Lisbon
By RossHelen via Canva

Meet Other Nomads 

There’s a huge digital nomad community in Lisbon, and it’s both one of the most sociable and network-friendly scenes around. You can meet fellow digital nomads at Outsite Lisbon, or at one of the many brilliant coworking spaces in the city. Aside from the aforementioned LX Factory, there’s also the Second Home workspace, perched on top of the Mercardo da Ribeira, which is a firm favourite of ours.

The Lisbon Digital Nomads group on Meetup is another great platform for finding fellow freelancers and creatives. All in all, it’s an incredibly hospitable city for those who love to do work remotely. Lisbon’s superb cafe culture certainly helps that; the Copenhagen Coffee Lab in Principe Real and Comoba in Cais do Sodre are two brilliant places to do work and enjoy some superb coffee and pastries. 

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a copywriter or computer programmer, if you have an online-based job and enjoy working remotely, then Lisbon is a brilliant place to be a digital nomad. With Portugal’s digital nomad visa one of the world’s most established, might the second half of 2025 be the year you spread your wings and fly somewhere new and exciting? We think that Lisbon might be just the ticket.

How To Maintain Good Eye Health: 7 Essential Tips

When it comes to protecting your eyes, many people are unsure what to do or how they could make a difference to their own eye health. Your eye health is extremely important and when taking care of your eyes correctly, various eye conditions may be prevented. In order to see clearly and to avoid eye complications or even blindness, living a healthy life really makes a difference, as well as keeping a routine of regular eye examinations with a professional. 

With that in mind, here are 7 essential tips on how to maintain good eye health, so you can be sure that your eyes are well cared for. 

Get Regular Eye Examinations

Visiting your optician regularly for routine eye examinations will allow for the early detection of diseases that include glaucoma and macular degeneration. Ensuring you have no existing eye concerns, you should be visiting your optician at least every two years. This way any issues with your vision and eye health can be addressed and treated. 

An optometrist will give your eye health a thorough examination, addressing any concerns you have as well as determining the health of the underlying eye structure with an OCT scan.

Below are some signs you may need to book an eye examination: 

  • You can’t remember the last time you had an eye examination
  • You are experiencing eye pain or frequent headaches from eye strain 
  • You are at risk of eye conditions, due to a family history of eye diseases or have diabetes
  • Your vision has been worsening over time

Protect Your Eyes In The Sun 

Many enjoy the sun when it decides to appear but there are some important things to keep in mind to help you stay protected from harmful UV rays. We are frequently reminded to wear SPF and protect our skin but often neglect our eyes. By wearing sunglasses with UV protection, you can enjoy the sunshine while protecting your eyes from the UV rays

For those who already wear glasses, you should invest in some prescription sunglasses, too, or consider polarised lenses or transition lenses. Your optician will be able to offer their expert advice when choosing the right option for you. 

Be Aware Of Any Warning Signs 

If you start to notice any concerns with your eyes or vision, it is very important you take notice of this and seek advice as soon as possible. Some signs to look out for include: 

  • Blurred vision 
  • Eye strain and frequent headaches 
  • Difficulty seeing in low light 
  • Frequent flashes of light 
  • Red eyes 
  • Eye pain 
  • Swelling 
  • Floaters in the eye 

Remove Your Contact Lenses 

Contact lenses offer clear vision for those who would rather not wear frames. Despite their simple use, it is crucial that they are worn and taken care of correctly. Very often, opticians will see cases of dry eye in contact lens wearers. To prevent this, irritation, and other eye conditions, ensure you wear your contact lenses according to your optician’s instructions

Maintain A Healthy Diet 

To make additional efforts to care for your eye health, eating foods that are rich in vitamins can make a difference. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, zinc, bilberry, lutein and zeaxanthin are all great for your eyes. These can often be found in foods such as kale, salmon, tuna, nuts, and eggs, as well as in dedicated eye health supplements. Helping to maintain good eye health and reducing your risk of developing eye conditions, particularly those associated with high blood pressure. 

Limit Screen Time & Take Regular Breaks

With our increasing reliance on digital devices, it’s crucial to be mindful of screen time and its impact on your eyes. Prolonged exposure to screens can lead to digital eye strain, causing symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To combat this, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 

Additionally, ensure your screen is positioned at arm’s length and slightly below eye level. Consider adjusting the brightness and contrast settings to comfortable levels, and don’t forget to blink frequently to keep your eyes moist. If you work on a computer for extended periods, investing in blue light filtering glasses may also help reduce eye strain.

Stay Properly Hydrated & Get Adequate Sleep

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for overall eye health, as dehydration can contribute to dry eyes and discomfort. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes naturally lubricated. Equally important is getting sufficient sleep, as your eyes need time to rest and repair themselves. 

During sleep, your eyes are continuously lubricated, which helps to clear out irritants that may have accumulated during the day. Adults should aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can lead to eye twitching, dry eyes, and even blurred vision, so establishing a consistent sleep routine will benefit both your overall health and your vision.

7 Ideal Plants To Bring A Tropical Vibe To Your Home

Are you trying to figure out which types of plant will bring the sunshine vibes inside this summer?

Are you dreaming of the warmth and humidity of a tropical paradise? Do you love the outdoors and want to bring a little of that natural beauty into your home? Whether you’re looking to create a more vibrant living space or simply want to enjoy the benefits of greenery year-round, you’ve come to the right place.

Plants are one of the most effective ways to brighten up any home, adding that essential spark of colour and life to your domestic space. They can transform any room into a more welcoming, tropical-inspired environment that brings the outdoors in.

If you’re in the market for some indoor plants, remember that different plant types offer a variety of divergent aesthetics and thrive in a variety of conflicting conditions. To help you choose the right floral options for your living space, here are 7 IDEAL plants to bring a tropical vibe to your home.

Cacti

One of the most popular options for indoor plants is the good old cactus. You may have studied in primary school how this unique plant flourishes in the desert with little amounts of water – or at least, learnt how to pluralise its name – but have you ever considered one for your home?If you’re able to put it in a spot where it will receive plenty of natural light (though not too much exposure to direct sunlight; this can cause scorching), then a cactus is a great option for your home as they offer a unique, old-timey aesthetic and don’t require constant TLC. In fact, these indoor succulents don’t respond well to overwatering, and only require rehydration around once a week. Overzealous attention here can lead to root rot; perfect for the non intervention type of plant owner, we think.

Indoor Palm

If you’re looking to bring a little bit of that tropical vibe into your home but have exhausted the steel drum infused house music and Hawaiian shirt aesthetic, then look no further than an indoor palm.

These plants can grow to a formidable size (up to 8 feet in some cases) and can fill up an empty corner of your house amazingly well. Do bear in mind that their foliage will spread out over time and may need to be trimmed. Like monstera (more of that in a moment), they need lots of sunlight and water. Some of the best to keep domestically include kentia, sentry, lady and parlor.

Monstera Deliciosa

The Swiss Cheese Plant, as it’s affectionately known, has become something of an icon in recent plant centred design trends, and for good reason. With its distinctive split leaves and climbing nature, the Monstera brings instant jungle vibes to any space. These beauties can grow quite large indoors – up to 10 feet if given proper support – making them perfect statement pieces for modern interiors.

Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light and appreciate weekly watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. They’re natural climbers, so consider providing a moss pole or trellis for them to scale. The iconic leaf splits (fenestrations) develop as the plant matures, creating that coveted Instagram-worthy aesthetic that’s taken the design world by storm.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The Fiddle Leaf Fig has earned its reputation as the supermodel of the houseplant world, gracing countless design magazines and stylish homes with its large, violin-shaped leaves. Standing tall and statuesque, this plant can reach impressive heights of 6-10 feet indoors, making it an architectural element as much as a living decoration.

These beauties prefer bright, indirect light and consistent care – water when the top inch of soil becomes dry, typically every 7-10 days. Fiddle Leaf Figs are known to be a bit particular about their environment, disliking draughts and preferring stable conditions. However, once you’ve found the perfect spot for yours (and resist the urge to move it about), you’ll be rewarded with glossy, dramatic foliage that transforms any room into a sophisticated tropical retreat.

Peace Lily

Lovers of humid, tropical rainforest floors of the Americas, the Peace Lily enjoys dappled sunlight (mimic the sun poking through the leaves with some skilful manipulation of your blinds, perhaps?) and weekly watering. Experts advise waiting to see a partial droop in the plant as an indicator that it needs rehydrating; keep soil moist but not sodden and spritz the leaves regularly as a replacement for their usual beloved humidity. 

It should be noted that these guys are sensitive to chlorine, so if you live in an area with especially chlorinated drinking water, use the filtered stuff for watering.

Studies have shown the Peace Lily to be a superb air purifier, particularly effective at cleaning the air of trichloroethylene and ammonia. These plants are great for keeping in the bathroom too, as they help curb mildew. Is there anything they can’t do?

Bird Of Paradise Flower

The Bird of Paradise flower (Strelitzia), which looks like an exotic creature spreading its wings to take flight, is one hell of a statement piece in a room as they can reach 5 feet in height. This plant comes in an array of vibrant colours, from bright orange to deep, royal blue and is beloved of beginner houseplant keepers and enthusiasts alike.

Though the Bird of Paradise blooms to its full potential outdoors, if placed indoors it shouldn’t be in direct sunlight all day (four to six hours a day is optimum), as this can lead to scorching. Partial shade works best here.

Anthurium

The anthurium is another brilliant way to evoke the tropics, with its bright, stately colourscope, and provocative, heart shaped appearance bringing intrigue to any room. Commonly called the Flamingo Flower or Painted Tongue Plant, this guy doesn’t require round-the-clock attention; simply water thoroughly when soil becomes dry to the touch, which occurs every four or so days. In the winter, when the plant isn’t growing, no watering is necessary.

Though anthuriums are adaptable, they don’t respond well to temperature extremes or fluctuations, so keep them in an area of the house with consistent, warm readings on the thermometer.

If you want to take a more arcane approach to dressing your home with plants, perhaps we can point you in the direction of our guide to the best houseplants to buy based on your zodiac sign? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

The Best Restaurants In Notting Hill

The film, the carnival, the market not the mushroom, The Clash, Stella McCartney, Damon Albarn and Robbie Williams. Yep, Notting Hill is many things to many people, but a foodie destination it has not traditionally been.

All that has changed in recent years, with a slew of recent exciting openings and not one but two 3 Michelin-starred restaurants (fuck me, that’s an ugly bout of counting) drawing the plaudits and punters just west of centre, all searching for a good feed and a silly little snap of those rainbow coloured facades. 

If you’ve landed in Notting Hill packing an appetite and a thick wallet, then you’re in luck; there are plenty of restaurants to see off that hunger in style. These are those; here are the best restaurants in Notting Hill.

Akub, Uxbridge Street

Ideal for refined Palestinian cooking that tells a story…

Just a minute’s walk from Notting Hill Gate tube station to Uxbridge Street, and suddenly everything gets ever so residential, with a row of cute houses in shades of Trio’politan, The Uxbridge Arms as a decent local boozer, and one of the best neighbourhood restaurants you could hope for in Akub.

The hunter green frontage – a muted contrast to its pastel-hued neighbours – gives few hints about the riot of flavours found inside this modern Palestinian restaurant, the brainchild of Franco-Palestinian restaurateur Fadi Kattan, who also owns Fawda in Bethlehem. 

Fadi’s mission is to bring the diverse, sophisticated culinary traditions of Palestine to London’s food scene, and, all in all, we think it’s mission complete. Because Akub, despite only having been open for 18 months, has already received rave reviews in several national newspapers; ‘near-perfect’, ‘absolutely ravishing’ and ‘cumulative harmony’ have all been thrown at the place in the past year. More importantly, it’s full pretty much every day of the week, except Mondays, when it’s shut.

At the stoves is head chef Mathilde Papazian, who has spent considerable time in Bethlehem mastering the intricacies of traditional Palestinian cuisine. She brings a certain flair to dishes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage and British seasonal produce. It’s a marriage made in heaven, all poised piquancy, heady spicing and loads and loads of imported Palestinian olive oil, which is some of the world’s best. 

It’s all grounded by some excellent bread. Hitting the table warm, the zaatar manakeesh is made texturally intriguing by a shower of toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for sharing and tearing, and dragging through Akub’s trio of dips. 

There’s a sense of dexterity and balance to the cooking here, apparent in dishes like a gorgeously rich short rib fatteh, the beef’s inherent unctuousness levelled out with garlic yoghurt and pomegranate. Or, the grilled Nabulsi cheese. Arriving with a uniform golden crust, its assertive briny notes are tempered by an allium-adjacent, off-bitter nigella seed oil.

Best of all, a slow cooked lamb neck – the humble cut elevated with fenugreek, cumin, and allspice, and served with red shatta (a Middle Eastern hot sauce made with red chillies and peppers) mayo. It looks faintly obscene, but boy does it taste good.

Alongside, there’s a selection of Palestinian and Jordanian wines, as well as imported Taybeh beer – an elite level local lager if ever there was one – and the obligatory arak, the world’s oldest spirit and one whose aniseed assertiveness is a wonderfully refreshing way to reset after the meal. 

The intimate and stylish setting of Akub is adorned with nods to Palestinian culture, such as a beautiful Tatreez tapestry and an olive tree, symbolising the ‘right of return’ for the Palestinian people. Indeed, Akub not only serves as one of Notting Hill’s culinary highlights, but also as a place that honours the heritage and resilience of the Palestinian community.

Without doubt, this is our favourite restaurant in Notting Hill, and one more than ever deserving of patronage and support. 

Address: 27 Uxbridge St, London W8 7TQ

Website: akub-restaurant.com


The Barbary, Westbourne Grove

Ideal for vibrant Barbary Coast cooking in a room that’s pure jaw-dropping theatre…

Eight years after opening their tiny, counter-only original in Neal’s Yard, Zoë and Layo Paskin have brought The Barbary to Notting Hill in considerably grander style. 

And what style it is – this Grade II-listed corner spot, designed by Archer Humphryes, is an absolute stunner. Flooded with natural light from wraparound windows, the 75-seat space features a crack-glazed volcanic stone bar, a distinctive woven wicker panelled ceiling, and Paavo Tynell straw pendants that cast a warm glow over proceedings (if the sun wasn’t already making fine work of that). 

With its midnight blue horseshoe booths and burnt orange upholstery, the whole place has a rich, 1970s lounge vibe that strikes a fine balancing act between nostalgic and contemporary. As do the cocktails, it should be said, with the smoked pineapple paloma clearly made with skilled hands. Ditto the saffron negroni, a beautifully perfumed take on a classic.

This is a room you want to drink and dine in during the day, when the flowing, unstoppable light seasons the food with a golden-hour vitality. The cooking here continues The Barbary’s love affair with the vast culinary landscape from Southern Europe to Northern Africa, all tied together by the theatre of open-fire cooking. 

The artichoke alla giudia arrives as a bronzed, crisp flower, each petal shattering to reveal tender heart beneath. Alongside, a spiced labneh isn’t strictly required, but it’s a welcome jolt of piquancy nonetheless. It’s a looker, and the kind of dish that has tables craning their necks when it passes by. The ‘Spicy Plate’ sounds somewhat prosaic, but is a colourful mix of different chillis, some pickled, some grilled and blistered, and with a mound of salsa verde in the middle for totally unnecessary, totally delicious dredging. 

From the wood-fired oven comes their tropea onion and anchovy butter flatbread, the sweet alliums and salty fish creating that perfect sweet-saline balance that makes you immediately order another, the bread itself so light and digestible you don’t ruin the rest of your meal doing so. Anyway, next up is a stone bass tartare so dainty there’s no danger of getting full. In the cloying summer heat, it’s just the ticket.

After all that excitement, some of the larger plates threaten to underwhelm – packing a little less vivacity than those that preceded them – but are satisfying all the same. A bronzed thigh of chicken boasts smoky, bitter char from a judiciously applied coffee crust. Underneath, a pine nut puree (in this economy!) brings a suave balance to the dish.

This is the kind of place to bring someone you’re keen to impress. The room oozes style and combined with the vibrant cooking and the energy that comes from watching the chefs work their magic around that horseshoe counter, The Barbary Notting Hill proves that sometimes bigger really can be better.

Website: thebarbary.co.uk

Address: 112 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RU


The Ledbury, Ledbury Road

Ideal for when only the finest haute cuisine in the country will do…

Considered by much of the country’s culinary cognoscenti to be England’s finest realisation of haute cuisine, The Ledbury has had one hell of a year, even by the lofty standards the restaurant has set in its twenty decades at the top. 

2024 has seen The Ledbury finally achieve a well-deserved third Michelin star – the highest accolade in the game – 14 years after it received its second. It only took a COVID-enforced, potentially permanent closure, an incredible comeback, a change of head chef and a fancy new mushroom cabinet to make that happen, but my does it feel warranted.

Indeed, there’s been a palpable sense that things had been taken up a notch in the last year or so, with already close to immaculate dishes revised and refined, perfected and polished until there were the most precise expression of time and space, of seasonality and technique, that you’ll likely find anywhere in the country.

This milestone not only underscores The Ledbury’s culinary excellence but also denotes it as one of the rare elite, making it one of only 137 restaurants worldwide to hold the prestigious three star ranking. But that’s not all; June has also seen The Ledbury named as the best in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards, a full 12 years since it last held the title. Bravo.

A meal here centres around a £225 tasting menu that pitches each course as headlined by its hero ingredient in sometimes delicate, sometimes robust pairings, ensuring a dining journey that surprises and satisfies in equal measure. Under Chef Graham’s vigilant eye and the adept execution of head chef Tom Spenceley, dishes like line caught red mullet with Wye Valley asparagus, black Perigord truffle and sudachi, a type of Japanese citrus, are perfectly balanced and boasting an unmatchable clarity of flavour.

Graham’s acute understanding of animal husbandry is perhaps the defining feature of The Ledbury, with the restaurant’s game cookery second to none pretty much anywhere on the planet. His pairing of black olive and liquorice with a blushing loin of venison is an inspired, genius touch. To finish, just pray that the iconic brown sugar tart and stem ginger ice cream is on the menu.

Sure, this isn’t your normal neighbourhood restaurant – despite what Graham will claim – but for a special occasion, The Ledbury is arguably the best in the UK at this type of precision fine dining.

Website: theledbury.com

Address: 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ


Caractère, Westbourne Park Road

Ideal for when France and Italy collide in tasteful harmony…

At the intersection of Westbourne Park and Ledbury Road, Caractère stands at its own kind of crossroads – where tradition meets innovation, and where the grand culinary powers of France and Italy converge. 

Testament to the experience of its owners, Emily Roux and Diego Ferrari, this contemporary restaurant harmoniously weaves together their respective experiences while boldly charting its own course forward, managing to celebrate the heritage and expertise of its backers while placing one eye – or, you know, both – firmly on the future.

Emily Roux, daughter of the renowned Michel Roux Jr., has carved her own path in the culinary world, choosing not to take over her father’s famed Le Gavroche but instead to create something uniquely hers with Caractère. Together with her husband Diego Ferrari, they have crafted a menu that aims to straddle comfort and innovation. It confidently succeeds in that aim. 

Perhaps the showstopper here – and certainly embodying that approach – is the celeriac cacio e pepe, on the menu from day dot and never likely to leave it. Composed of long strands of celeriac (resembling tagliatelle) coated in a rich and velvety sauce of Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano, topped with a few drops of 25 years of age balsamic vinegar and crushed black peppercorns, Emily’s grandfather, the late, great Albert Roux, was said to be besotted with the dish – which is perhaps the highest praise one could bestow here.

Images via Caractere

The name of the restaurant means ‘character’ in French, and there’s certainly plenty of that in the way the menu is uniquely structured around 5 personality traits – ‘Curious’, ‘Subtle’, ‘Delicate’, ‘Robust’ and ‘Greedy’ – each section showcasing different aspects of their French-Italian fusion cuisine. You can either build your own tasting menu, choosing one dish from each trait, for £125, or go a la carte, with a starter, main and dessert for £95. 

That celeriac number is subtle, by the way, whilst of a more robust disposition, a dish of squab pigeon, roasted on the crown and its particularly plump breast a perfect pink, is served with Scottish girolles, halves of cherry and a silky smooth beetroot puree. Its leg is served on the side, foot still attached in an enticing come hither gesture. You know what? We don’t mind if we do…

In lesser hands, that rather idiosyncratic menu might be a little confusing, but the cooking at Caractère boasts such clarity of flavour that any worries are washed away as soon as you’re served. 

Not that our anxiety was particularly high before the first course; the interior of Caractère exudes a casual yet sophisticated charm, with terracotta walls contrasting against white-washed ceiling beams to pleasingly soothing effect.

The dining room features plush velvet seating in deep green and charcoal tones. Glass globe chandeliers cast a warm glow throughout. A dramatic feature wall showcases a moody skyline, and the bar area displays an impressive array of glassware on illuminated shelving. It’s all very evocative, suggestive of a large bill on the horizon, but one you’ll be more than happy to foot.

The winelist is an absolute tour-de-force, too, a 26 page tome that exemplifies the restaurant’s Franco-Italian philosophy, exclusively featuring wines from these two nations. Under the careful curation of sommelier Marco Nardi, the collection emphasises sustainable and traditional winemaking practices, with particular attention to organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. 

The list pays homage to tradition, sure, with plenty of Burgundys and Barolos, but there are welcome nods to innovation, too, most notably through its inclusion of PIWI varieties – fungus-resistant grapes representing sustainable viticulture’s future. For those seeking something beyond wine, Caractère offers a carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, with several creative variations on the classic Negroni paying tribute to Ferrari’s roots.

Let’s just say that the vision here is fully realised, and the locals of Notting Hill seem to agree; it’s constantly packed out, and now earned recognition in the Michelin Guide earlier this year, a testament to Emily and Diego’s vision of sophisticated yet approachable dining. 

*Update for 2025: Caractère is now the proud holder of a Michelin star.*

Address: 209 Westbourne Park Rd, London W11 1EA

Website: caractererestaurant.com


Dorian, Talbot Road

Ideal for charcoal-grilled excellence with a side of scene…

Dorian has quickly made a pretty massive name for itself on the London food scene since its opening in October 2022. Founded by Chris D’Sylva, who also owns the Notting Hill Fish Shop and the adjacent meat operation, Dorian was conceived with the aim of creating a bistro that embodies both high-quality technique and an unpretentious charm. It succeeded in both those aims. 

In fact, that description sums up the dining experience at Dorian so astutely that we won’t bother expanding…

…only joking. This vision has been realised and recognised, earning the restaurant a Michelin star in the 2024 Michelin Guide for UK and Ireland a few months back. Offering even more motivation for the team at Dorian, it has become the place for chefs to have a celebratory meal; pretty much every famous face from the culinary world – both in London and further afield – has been there in recent months, if our Instagram feed is to be believed. Which, it is; there’s photographic evidence of it happening.

Indeed, it’s a place that boasts the buzz of a neighbourhood brasserie, but also one that excels in celebrating a single, premium ingredient via the singular technique of charcoal grilling.

Now, grilling over flames has become so ubiquitous across London in recent years that the smoke in our eyes has rather blinded us to the fact that quite a lot of chefs in the city aren’t actually very good at it. We’ve had enough overcooked whole turbot and ice cold but acridly smoked steak to say that with some confidence.

Not so at Dorian, where head chef Max Coen – who has previous at London heavyweight Ikoyi and three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm – is a master of the binchotan. 

The menu, stylistically speaking, follows a form very much popularised by Brat, of an A4 longlist of brusque menu descriptors focusing on just one or two ingredients and a hefty price tag that should perhaps be diverted to a copywriter. See; caviar rosti (£35), green asparagus, nettle and yolk (£21), pork chop £44 all the way up to bone in rib-eye (£165, for 2 or 3 people to share). 

That rib-eye (a cross breed of Holstein Dairy cow x Japanese Black Beef cow, reared in North Yorkshire), to be fair, is a masterful piece of work, 50mm thick and arriving with a pronounced crust, an inch layer of buttery yellow, grassy fat, and flesh that is wall-to-wall blushing pink (those chefs on the neighbouring table will be saying “cuisson” and “soigne” with irritating, increasing regularity). A T-bone big enough to wave around Flinstone-style is included for gnawing.

Though not nominally a steak restaurant, Dorian recently ranked as the 27th best in the world in the World’s Best Steak Restaurants list for 2024 (fuck me; when will this end?), and it feels richly, warmly deserved. This is one fine steak worthy of a blowout.

Ignore the tagline on the restaurant’s website that Dorian is ‘a bistro for locals’ – this ain’t Royston Vasey, fellas – and grab a seat at the counter to get a view of the chefs (the ones working here) in action. The enormous wall of wine behind you is a reassuring, tempting presence. Be warned; the wines here start at £50 a bottle. As in, that’s the very cheapest you’ll find. There are some that clock in at over £6000. Perhaps Hugo off Succession is ordering some of these off the Waystar company dime (we keep seeing the affable Fisher Stevens in here, having a right old time). 

Anyway, it’s a classy, monochrome room that you’re tempted to play human chess in if you’re not seated at that bar. Even the snacks arrive on some Toon Army striped greaseproof, a bite of creamy uni draped over a bang-in season Jersey Royal nailing that luxury/humble thing that’s everywhere right now. 

Which is to say, although Dorian posits itself as idiosyncratic – those all caps on Insta do a lot of the hard work – you’ll find boujee London food trends in various guises are all over the menu here. It’s just that the team here has seemingly perfected them. 

Address: 105, 107 Talbot Rd, London W11 2AT

Website: dorianrestaurant.com


Fez Mangal, Ladbroke Grove

Ideal for proper Turkish grill without the faff (and wallet-crushing prices)…

Standing proud and prettily tiled on Ladbroke Grove, a mere kebab’s throw (don’t waste the damn thing doing that!) from the tube station, Fez Mangal has earned its stripes as one of London’s most straightforwardly delicious practitioners of the ancient art of the grill, long before the tatted folks on GBM came along and claimed to have invented cooking meat over fire. T

he first clue that you’re in for something genuinely enjoyable comes from the strings of dried chillis hanging in the window – a touch of theatre, sure, but also a statement of intent. Also; almost impossible to resist using as a spicy hanging punch bag.

The second clue? A crushing aroma of charcoal smoke that’ll catch your throat quite shockingly if you breathe in wrong. Don’t let that – or the queues – put you off; the well-oiled machine that is Fez’s service means you’ll be seated before you can say ‘one portion of ezme salata, please’. Admittedly, that would be a fucking weird thing to say before you’d even sat down, but anyway…

The menu is refreshingly straightforward – none of that ‘carefully curated’ or those ‘refined takes’ here – but that doesn’t mean it lacks finesse. The adana kebab is a masterclass in spicing and fatty, bouncy texture, the minced lamb singing with garlic and chilli, whilst remaining distinctly pastoral-tasting. It’s a delicate balance that many get wrong; Fez gets it spot on.

The lamb beyti is another triumph, the meat wrapped in lavash bread and drowned (in a good way) in tomato sauce and yoghurt. It’s comfort food of the highest order, the kind of thing you crave at both 3pm and 3am. The chicken shish proves that the kitchen knows its way around a bird (ewww) as well as it does its lamb, the chunks of breast meat somehow remaining juicy despite their time over the coals. All are priced at £18.50, and are bloody massive.

But it’s not just about the meat. The supporting cast is equally impressive – proper Turkish bread, pillowy and charred in all the right places, red cabbage that’s actually had some thought put into it (how many times have you had the sad, flavourless variety?), and a garlic sauce that’ll have you breathing fire for days. Worth it, though, as long as you’re not snogging after.

Watch as the pides (Turkish flatbreads) emerge from the clay ovens, their toppings bubbling and edges perfectly charred, and order one of those, too.

Best of all? It’s BYO with no corkage charge. Well, not best of all, but in a city where a glass of house white can set you back a tenner, this is something to be celebrated. Bring a bottle of something nice – these kebabs deserve better than corner shop plonk – and settle in for one of the best value meals in West London.

Not so much a hidden gem anymore – those days are long gone – but rather an institution that reminds us that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.

Address: 104 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1PY

Website: fezmangal.net


The Pelican, All Saints Road

Ideal for hearty, honest cooking in a pub that remembers what pubs are for…

The Pelican is the ideal boozer in Notting Hill for those who love a big, hearty feed to go with their John Smith’s. Hey, who doesn’t?

Standing proud on All Saints Road, The Pelican has evolved from your typical local into a modern gastropub under the stewardship of restaurateurs James Gummer and Phil Winser, who took over in 2022, all without losing any of its charm.

This transformation included a revamp of the decor – it’s now all butcher shop tones, leather banquettes, the sound of heels on a sanded wood floor and a menu of meats by weight scrawled on a mirror with chalk – and the installation of Owen Kenworthy as head chef, the kind of solid chef grounded in both the French and British classics. Though Kenworthy has now moved on, his influence over a humble, hearty menu remains.

Menu descriptors are even terser than Dorian’s from a few paragraphs previous. The Pelican’s is basically a shopping list, let’s be honest. Whilst ‘tomatoes, capers’, ‘leek, egg’, ‘hake, parsley’ (would it kill them to chuck an adjective in there so we know how things have been prepared?) all sound a little austere – spiritless, even – there’s fortunately more going on when the plates hit the table. St John-inspired minimalism rather than stinginess, we’d say. A dish of crimson, thinly sliced ox heart with a tangle of celeriac remoulade certainly wouldn’t feel out of place on the stark white tables of Smithfield, with all the top quality that implies.

The Pelican has featured on the increasingly influential Top 50 Gastropubs list, a testament to its quality, but the best part is that it remains a true pub at heart, welcoming patrons for drinks alone without any pretence or need for a feed. Cheers to that.

Address: 45 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE

Website: thepelicanw11.com


Med Salleh Kopitiam, Inverness Terrace

Ideal for homestyle Malaysian comfort far from home…

We’ve eaten a hell of a lot of grumpily described steaks in this article, and we’re sick of it, quite honestly. Thank the good, syncretistic lord for Med Salleh Kopitam, then, which brings sweet, spicy relief from our meat coma, and a good jolt of vitality in the process.

Visible from the exit of Bayswater underground, Med Salleh Kopitiam is run by Med Pang and Koi Lee, whose passion for authentic Malaysian food shines through in every complex, thoroughly spiced dish.

Much has been written about the restaurant’s absurd, impossibly sweet Devil’s tower of shaved ice, but it wasn’t on when we visited, so we’ll pontificate, instead, on the signature Med’s Grandma Hainanese Chicken Rice, which arrives presented prettily on branded greaseproof and in various shades of turmeric, with three sauces – all pleasingly pungent and powerful – for diners to mix and match to their tastes and tolerances. 

The chicken itself (thigh) is poached to silky perfection, its fatty, flabby skin thankfully left on (much to the chagrin of Torode and Wallace – pricks). It’s the second best bit, dredged through those sauces, the highlight and headliner of course being the rice itself, satin-like in the mouth from a good dose of chicken fat and just wonderfully, insanely comforting. Lay me nude in a bath and cover me in the stuff, please. It’s how I’d like to go out. Yours for just £13.90.

Though the chicken rice is a meal in itself, the roti canai, beef rendang, and chicken satay have also been praised by others who have actually eaten them. For us, it’s all about the signature dish though. We can’t imagine ordering anything else here. 

Just as is so brilliant in the hawker centres of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Med Salleh Kopitiam has an extensive selection of interesting, invigorating fruit juices and homemade teas. The lime iced tea is particularly good. 

Address: 35-39 Inverness Terrace, London W2 3JS

Website: medsalleh.co.uk


Sumi, Westbourne Grove

Ideal for precision sushi without the stuffiness…

One of Notting Hill’s best restaurants, SUMI is the informal, laid back sister restaurant to sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s Endo at the Rotunda, which is a fifteen minute Uber ride (if you can bloody get one) west in White City.

Something we’ve found a lot in London in recent years; big, heavy hitting fine dining restaurants often phone it in when it comes to their more ‘casual’, bottom-line-fixated siblings. But at SUMI, it’s immediately clear that just as much care and attention has gone into the place as its kin up the road.

‘Sumi’ is chef Endo’s mother’s name, and this sense of reverence goes far beyond that nod to maternal affection. There’s love and respect in every morsel found on this clear, precise menu, primarily composed of nigiri, sashimi and temaki, the latter a technique developed by the family of Endo Kazutoshi.

There’s also comfort food of sorts here, done the Endo way in the form of A4 Wagyu sirloin grilled over coals (the chefs have several compact Konro grills lined up on the counter). It’s served with charred broccoli and a meat jus (‘SUMI meat sauce’) which has dextrously been lifted by the merest splash of rice vinegar. The effect is akin to the lightest yet most luxurious Sunday lunch you could dream of.

Comfort is a theme that runs through much of the operation at SUMI. The Beef Gohan, a Japanese rice dish that’s baked in a cast iron pots and designed to share, is a wonderfully homely thing. The graceful, studied hospitality only helps you relax into the place more deeply.

Don’t come to SUMI expecting the hushed tones of reverence that some sushi joints have. Instead, come for a nourishing, nurturing, familial vibe in keeping with the restaurant’s namesake.

Address: 157 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS

Website: sushisumi.com


Cocotte, Westbourne Grove

Ideal for French rotisserie that’s a cut above your supermarket bird…

Something straightforward to finish our list of the best restaurants in Notting Hill with, where the decision making has largely been made once you’ve settled on the venue. Because Cocotte is all about one thing; chicken.

Specifically, free range, ‘farm to table’ rotisserie chicken, available in quarter, half or full bird portions, at £8, £12 and £22 respectively. The birds, sourced from ​​the premium poultry producing region Pays de la Loire in Western France, are marinated overnight in a secret spice blend before being slowly grilled on the spit, the skin gradually blistering under the heat. Fabulous. 

Throw in a few homemade sauces (the Cocotte’s gravy is basically a jug of umami), a couple of well thought out, healthy-feeling salads, and you’re good to go. 

Come to think of it, ‘good to go’ is an apt phrase; although they have tables, Cocotte is perhaps best enjoyed as a takeaway; their boxes are ideal for a nourishing picnic lunch in nearby Powis Square park.

If you are staying in, consider coming for brunch. Cocotte’s chicken and waffles, which sees a sweet chili basted chicken thigh, a fried egg and a waffle croissant (or croffle), hits all the right notes.

Address: 95 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UW

Website: mycocotte.uk


For a different take on chicken in the capital, next why not check out our rundown of the best fried chicken in London. Go on, you know you want to…

The Best Restaurants Near Soho’s Carnaby Street, London

Running parallel to Regent Street and made up of 14 lanes and thoroughfares, Carnaby is a pedestrianised area in London that is famous for its high-end shopping.

Regarded as been the epicentre of culture in the West End of London for centuries, the street was the birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960s, and the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix all hung out here. You’ll still see the iconic Rolling Stones ‘tongue and lips’ logo rendered in bright lights above the street, in fact. 

Back then, people were attracted to Carnaby for its cheap rents and independent boutiques selling colourful clothes and playing loud music from morning ‘till night; many punters of the time say it was like going to a groovy nightclub, but in the middle of the day!

Today, the area has tried to recapture some of that energetic soul. While the main drag boasts mainly international and British heritage labels, step off into the side streets and you’ll find quirky independent boutiques and one-off concept stores from major brands.  

Just like the sixties, where individualism ran supreme, there’s plenty of choice here if you’re looking to shop. But that’s not all; the area also has its fair share of wonderful places to eat, meaning that you don’t have to venture too far to find somewhere for a quick bite or a lavish meal after all that shopping. 

To help ensure that you’re always close to the action of Carnaby Street, here’s a selection of outstanding restaurants that are no more than a five-minute stroll from this iconic location. 

Oka, Kingly Court

Ideal for fresh Japanese food with modern flair…

Easy to spot with its seductive red-walled exterior, Oka is a passion project dedicated to serving traditional sushi and hot dishes inspired by pan-Asian cuisine. Oka prides itself on offering fresh ingredients, with each dish made to order to ensure vitality and vivacity in each bite. The chefs here innovate within the confines of tradition, stretching the limits of what’s possible while following authentic preparation methods. The results are magic.

You can taste the attention to detail in their dragon roll, a classic dish found everywhere that is elevated at Oka thanks to its fresh prawns and light, spicy mayo that blends well with the traditional accompaniment of avocado. For something a little different, go for their spider roll filled with soft-shell crab, fragrant kimchi, and wasabi mayo for that added kick. 

While taking cover in their comfortable, brightly lit interior decorated with thick marble walls and dark wood chairs, you can also enjoy tataki (seared fillets of tuna or salmon served with truffle oil and ponzu sauce) or simply sip a few sakes and forget about the madness occurring just a few steps away back on Carnaby Street.

Address: Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

Website: okarestaurant.co.uk 


Inko Nito, Broadwick Street

Ideal for groups looking for fun fusion dining…

London has a swell of excellent Japanese restaurants, many offering serious and admirably faithful experiences. Inko Nito is not one of them. Instead, it offers an unconventional Japanese-Korean hybrid with an energetic casual dining experience. Before you shrug this off as just another ‘pan-Asian’ place that suffers from a lack of clear vision, it’s worth noting there’s some serious pedigree behind this restaurant – it’s part of the Azumi group, known for world-renowned establishments like Zuma and ROKA.

There’s an energetic vibe to the room from the off. The green, neon-illuminated signage creates an upbeat feeling from the moment you step through the doors. The space inside is huge and social, especially when compared to the dinky, sometimes deliberately dingy surrounding restaurants of Soho. It’s tastefully designed with blonde wooden tables and beams as far as the eye can see. The mixed-level seating that zigzags across the room combined with the smells and sounds of the grill gives an open market feeling to the space. The atmosphere is accordingly convivial and, even at lunch time, a little loose. With 90+ covers, it’s one of the best spots in Soho to come if you’re looking for an impromptu meal with a few friends.

Cocktails here are a must. Classic formulas have been reimagined with an emphasis on Japanese ingredients – try the Nori Old Fashioned with toki whisky, kokuto and nori, or the Inko Star (their take on a pornstar martini), which all feels a pleasingly frivolous, and much better than the original – think passion fruit, vodka, makrut lime leaf, pisco and verjus, with a shot of bubbles to pour in. It’s also nitro-charged and poured into a martini glass straight from the restaurant’s cocktail tap.

Anyway; this stomach needs lining, and just in the nick of time, steamed prawn and leek dumplings arrive swimming in a complex, tangy ponzu sauce enlivened with ginger – they’re delicate and lovely. The braised beef cheek with DIY lettuce wraps is a standout, while their ‘nigaki’ – the restaurant’s playful interpretation of classic nigiri and maki rolls – showcases a creative spirit. The salmon fillet with grapefruit miso and sansho salt would have delivered more had we squeezed the citrus (don’t miss this step) earlier rather than in the final few bites – it lifts the dish considerably. The spicy tuna tempura is excellent – lightly battered, crisp and irresistible.

Our meal ends on the highest of highs: the Inko cheesecake is worth visiting the restaurant for alone. Or, you know, alone; you’ll want to keep this one to yourself. Not only is it one of the prettiest plates that calls out to be photographed, it’s also one of the most delicious cheesecakes we’ve had the pleasure of trying. Fresh strawberries, oat crumble, guava sauce and little pearls of popcorn-tasting balls all make for the ideal sweet send-off.

Just as we were ducking out, the 4pm happy hour was beginning. It sees beer, wines, and bubbles available for £4, cocktails for £6.50 and bar snacks for £7 – a steal in Soho and sounds like a lot of fun. Next time, next time…

Address: 55 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9QS

Website: inkonitorestaurant.com


Dishoom, Kingly Street

Ideal for a trip to Bombay and back again…

Did you even dine in London if you didn’t go to Dishoom? Well, if you’re looking for great things to eat in the vicinity of Carnaby Street, then rest assured; the very first outpost of the now ubiquitous purveyors of Bombay-style comfort food was here.

For those not in the know, Dishoom is an enduringly popular and lovingly curated Indian restaurant serving classic Bombay dishes that, just like the 60s Bombay beat bands the location is inspired by, are sure to delight you with flavour and texture. 

With a fun yet measured interior that boasts chequered-tile floors and bright leather seats, it mixes hippy-trail vibes with cues from the subcontinent’s familiar patterns and hues. Despite the restaurant chain growing to include eight other establishments in the UK, standards haven’t dropped – as so often is the case with expansion – and Dishoom Carnaby still maintains its authentic charm and showcases that in its delightful cooking.

The Chef’s special in Carnaby is the Salli Boti, a tender curried lamb dish that is braised in a rich gravy and finished with salli crisp chips. A Parsi classic, this one is sure to open your mind to the distinct flavours of the ethnoreligious group.

Still hungry? You could also go with a medley of small plates that include Gujarati-style lamb samosas, the house chaat, or the Keema Pau, a minced lamb dish you’ll often find in the Irani cafes of Bombay, served in homemade buns. 

If you’re in town for breakfast, then you can’t do better than Dishoom’s legendary bacon naan roll which involves crispy bacon, chilli jam, cream cheese and herbs, all encased in a freshly baked naan that’s been brushed in melted butter. It’s just the fuel you need before taking on the Carnaby’s shops.

Address: 22 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QP 

Website: dishoom.com

Read: Where to eat near London’s Kings Cross


Kolamba Soho, Kingly Street

Ideal for vital Sri Lankan flavours and sharing plates…

Already big fans of sister restaurant Kolamba East, a visit to the OG felt long overdue. On a balmy Friday night, Kolamba Soho delivered all the punchy, vital flavours that made us fall for the Shoreditch outpost, with a buzzy Soho energy that feels perfectly pitched for this neighbourhood.

The hot butter cuttlefish is an absolute must-order – batter-fried pieces of tender cuttlefish glazed with a chilli coating that’ll have you grasping at your Lion Lager between bites (in the best possible way, of course). The best bits? The caramalised slices of green onion; sweet, bitter, and saturated with spicy oil.

Aunty Mo’s ‘Chatti’ roast is another assertive and well-balanced plate. Here, dry-fried beef has been tossed with chilli and tomato, served atop delicate string hoppers, with a little accompanying jug of turmeric coconut gravy that soaks into the string hoppers and creates delicious, homogenous bites. Keeping the glorious onslaught coming, devilled king prawns arrive sticky and glistening, the sweet-hot marinade having caught and caramelised. It clings to plump prawns that have been tossed with chilli, tomato and onion – it’s messy, moreish eating at its finest.

Vegetarians are well served, too. The mango curry hits the spot – pleasingly leathery hunks of mango are cooked in coconut milk and aromatic spices until they’re just yielding, creating a delicately flavoured curry that’s comforting and nuanced. Order it alongside the vibrant tomato sambol, a salad of sliced heritage tomatoes, green chilli, lime and red onion which offers a fresh counterpoint to the richer dishes. For afters, a wobbly puck of watalappam seals the deal, the caramelised coconut custard a fitting end to a satisfying, interesting meal.

All in all, Kolamba Soho proves that lightning can strike twice, as good as the East outpost and arguably more accessible for many. The crowds giving up on the Dishoom queue opposite can confirm this, too; many leave that restless wait in favour of Kolamba, and don’t regret making the decision.

Address: 21 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QA

Website: kolamba.co.uk


Bodean’s BBQ, Poland Street

Ideal for satisfying BBQ cravings…

For a smokey and southern-styled BBQ feast, Bodean’s is a fantastic option for those shopping on Carnaby Street who are suddenly struck with an appetite that only grilled meat can cure. 

The brainchild of Andre Blais, a Kansas City native and lover of its beloved BBQ scene, the restaurant was started in 2002 and has now grown to include five smokehouses in London, including this outpost on Poland Street. 

The interior, filled with jet-black leather booths and dimly lit lamplight, evokes the traditional BBQ ovens used to sear and cook their meat and creates a welcoming atmosphere ready to overwhelm you with big, hearty flavours. 

Try their Pit Boss Platter to share between two people, which comes with an assortment of ribs, pulled pork, beef burnt ends, smoked sausages, and brisket and chicken thighs – yours for £28 per person. If you’re looking to feed the whole family, get their 14-hour smoked beef brisket covered in a perfectly crisp bark and packed with smoky flavour.

Address: 10 Poland St, London W1F 8PZ

Website: bodeansbbq.com


Kiln, Brewer Street

Ideal for British seasonal ingredients and Thai-inspired dishes…

The second restaurant from chef and Thai food enthusiast Ben Chapman, Kiln is quite the spectacle, with bar seating overlooking flames, coals and clay pots (making it a great place to dine solo, by the way). The vibe transports you right out of central London and to somewhere altogether hotter and more rustic. 

Here, dishes are loosely influenced by the region of Thailand that borders Burma, Laos and Yunnan, forgoing the familiar coconut cream based curries and liberal use of palm sugar for something altogether more earthy and herbal. In this setting, that’s no bad thing.

Accordingly, Kiln is unlike many other Thai restaurants in the capital, and offers something unique and distinctive. 

The restaurant works proudly with a close clutch of suppliers, with fish sourced directly, daily, from fishing boats in Cornwall, and heritage vegetables earning equal billing on the menu to protein. During game season, that menu comes alive with jungle curries of wood pigeon or wild mallard and minced laab salads of raw venison (whose season begins in April through October, incidentally).

But even better, and on more consistently throughout the year, is cull yaw, a type of mutton from retired female ewes that has been fattened with high degrees of welfare in mind. The meat has an incredible depth of flavour, and has been making appearances on the menu of several acclaimed London restaurants in recent years. At Kiln, it’s often served as a collar chop accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce, or in grilled skewers with a little sprinkle of cumin. Just so damn delicious.

Website: kilnsoho.com

Address: 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL

Read: The best Thai restaurants in London


Sabor, Heddon Street

Ideal fo Spanish tapas dining and wood-fired specialties…

Founded by former Barrafina head chef Nieves Barragan and business partner Jose Etura, Sabor is a Michelin-starred tapas bar and grill serving Andalusian-inspired tapas around a horseshoe counter on the ground floor, and larger sharing dishes cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven from Castile in their first floor El Asador.

That latter location is a beautiful space to dine in, with a spiral staircase leading to a boisterous dining room that has you sitting in close proximity with your fellow diners, building a communal, convivial experience. 

The menu includes some less familiar tapas such as confit rabbit shoulder and tortilla gallega, or you can go big and order Sabor’s signature Churrasco de Cordero; Iberian lamb ribs roasted in the famous wood ovens of the region. 

The main event, though, is without doubt the whole roast suckling pig, which is one hell of a spectacle and one of the finest eating experiences in the capital. Bring a friend or two for this one!

Address: 25 Gloucester Rd N, Bristol BS7 0SG

Website: saborrestaurants.co.uk


Read: Where to eat on the Elizabeth Line


Dehesa, Ganton Street 

Ideal for relaxed Mediterranean grazing…

A Spanish-Italian hybrid, Dehesa offers classy, well-executed small plates and a great wine list just off Carnaby Street. It’s the place to come for inventive and creative modern tapas in London, we think.

Like all good small plates affairs, the menu at Dehesa responds to the seasons; on our last winter visit, a roasted hake with caramelised celeriac and crispy kale was sublime. When it comes to mainstays on the menu, the signature deep-fried cheese-stuffed courgette flowers is a particular highlight. 

The restaurant also does the classics well; the crisp and creamy jamon & manchego croquetas are not to be missed, nor are their gloriously garlicky pil pil tiger prawns.

For the quality of food on offer, Dehesa is a refreshingly informal dining spot, ideal for a light bite of cheese and charcuterie or a full blown tapas feast, equally. If you’re looking to sit outside, their heated corner terrace is the largest in Soho and is the perfect spot to take a load off while watching the colourful world of central London go by. 

Address: 25 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BP

Website: saltyardgroup.co.uk


Pizza Pilgrims, Kingly Court

Ideal for casual Neapolitan pizza and lively atmosphere…

A little dough, a ladleful of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese… No dish in the world manages to coax pure ambrosia from so few ingredients as pizza. Even the word ‘pizza’ evokes an image that gets this writer salivating, Pavlov dog-style, and judging by the mess that you’ve made on your mobile, might we assume you’re the same?

If you’re pining for a pizza whilst wandering the streets of Carnaby, then make a move to Pizza Pilgrims in Kingly court. Come for the wood-fired Neapolitan, stay for the delicious Gin and Pocello (their own version of Limoncello – just delicious). 

Pizza Pilgrim’s mantra is ‘In Crust We Trust’, and they stay true to this pledge with a base of lightness, chew, a hint of sourness and the requisite heat blisters that are the hallmark of a true pizza from Southern Italy. Their arancini balls make an excellent starter, too.

Website: www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk

Address: 11 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW


Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Kingly Court

Ideal for generous Middle Eastern sharing plates and warm hospitality…

We end where we began; in Kingly Court. Here, up several flights of stairs and overlooking the main courtyard, is Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, not only one of the best restaurants close to Carnaby Street, but one of our favourite places to eat in London, full stop. 

The story of the restaurant has been well documented; restaurateur Imad Alarnab’s three successful restaurants in Syria’s capital Damascus ended up a victim of the cruel war being fought there, seeing Alarnab flee the country in search of a new life. He found it in London, where his Syrian Kitchen has been thriving, garnering praise from national critics and a coveted Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.imimads

Imad Alarnab, at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, photographed by Jamie Lau / Studio Lau
Imad Alarnab, at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, photographed by Jamie Lau / Studio Lau

It’s easy to see why; Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is a hugely likeable place, with the big man working the room with grace and warmth, and the hearty, generous (it’s very easy to over order) flavours of his homeland finding their way onto every plate here.

Tear off a chunk of the restaurant’s house pita, drag it through the roughly-hewn hummus that’s been dusted generously in sumac, get stuck into the complex, no-one-bite-is-the-same fattoush, and prepare to feel very well-looked after, indeed.

And with those massive portions still lingering, we’re off for a lie down!

Address: 2.14 Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby St, London W1B 5PW

Website: imadssyriankitchen.co.uk


Still hungry? Hop on the Victoria Line from Oxford Circus, head north, and check out these great restaurants in Highbury and Islington to satisfy that appetite of yours.

7 Contemporary Features To Include In Your 2025 Kitchen Installation

The heart and soul of the house, where the magic really happens, the place that most defines hospitality within the home, is most surely the kitchen. But it’s also an area of the home so often neglected in terms of aesthetics, where function wins out over visual appeal.

But that shouldn’t be the case. There really is no reason for the kitchen not to pop with vibrancy and a sense of well-pitched cool. Should you be planning on having a new kitchen installed and you want to bring your ideas into the 21st century, then you might be interested in the below; our 7 contemporary features to include in your 2025 kitchen installation.

Invest In High Quality Appliances

To create a luxurious, modern kitchen that never fails to impress your guests, consider investing in various high-quality appliances which serve to improve the look of the room as well as the cook.

Your guests are also bound to marvel at a two-door refrigerator that offers an ice-maker and ample storage space. They’re also going to coo at your latest Kitchen Aid. We’ve recently been lusting after the bespoke refrigerator which taps into trends of modularity and customisation from Samsung on Michel Roux’s French Country Cooking program. Just lovely!

Guests are also likely to fall deeply in love with a large industrial stove, which will prove you take your cooking seriously, too. 

Should you be really looking to add a bold, unique touch to your kitchen installation, consider investing in a custom range hood. Kitchen range hoods were once a grimy eyesore, clad in cumbersome steel and something that was purely functional.

Today, they are works of art, available in all different styles, shapes and colours. Indeed, kitchen designers are increasingly making statements with their range hoods and we’re very much here for it. For a fresh, modern aesthetic, a sleek white range hood can provide a striking contrast against darker cabinetry.

Read: 11 essential kitchen gadgets to take your cooking to the next level

Choose A Bold Colour Scheme

While white cabinets and walls can make your kitchen appear fresh, hygienic and modern, they tend to point towards a lack of personality and slightly clinical feel within. Indeed, all-white minimalism may look crisp, it provides little visual comfort. Accordingly, it’s kitchen trend that is seemingly falling by the wayside. Instead, breathe life into your kitchen space by incorporating bolder hues. 

In the last year, bolder, darker shades have become fashionable for the kitchen; think forest green and teal, as well as blue kitchens, more precisely. Muted colours have also given way to bright, joyful splashes that are designed, primarily, to put a smile on your face. The more saturated the colour that envelopes you in the space, the better, we think.

There are all sorts of ways to add some colour to your kitchen. Colourful kitchen cabinetry is perhaps the best way. Just be sure to use paint with an anti-fingerprint finish or your pride-and-joy is getting pretty grubby, pretty quickly!

Read: How to incorporate royal blue into your home decor

Install An Eye-Catching Splashback

Want to instantly grab a guest’s attention when they step inside your kitchen? Do so by adding an eye-catching splashback.

Splashbacks aren’t purely for protecting walls from cooking splatter and stains; they are a quick and effective way to add a stylish finish to your kitchen, creating a strong visual focal point and a chance to add some playfulness to your otherwise functional kitchen. And isn’t playfulnesss something we’re going for in 2025?

When it comes to choosing a new splashback, think outside the box and away from the traditional, boring white tile versions. You could install antique mirror tiles that feature slight ripples and imperfections, which creates a distinctive, stylish design. Or, channel a Mediterranean vibe with a geometric tile splashback will give real visual appeal. 

Here at IDEAL, we’re fans of creating a bold contrast (more on this later) between kitchen cabinets and splashbacks – think opposite ends of the colour wheel. Or if bold colours aren’t your vibe, add interest by using unusually shaped tiles. For instance, geometric white tiles can add a contemporary feel to your kitchen.

Switch Up (& On) The Lighting

If your lighting is failing to complement the kitchen, then the appearance of your food (and the eating – eyes first and all that) might suffer. Indeed, it might be time to make an upgrade. You could shine a light on your stunning cabinets and worktops with contemporary spotlights. Alternatively, you could create a more rustic appearance by adding copper pendant lighting, allowing others to see your kitchen in a different light.

Introduce Glass Panelled Cabinets (& Plenty Of Light In The Process)

Freshen up your old kitchen by switching your upper cabinets with glass-paned fronts. It can be a great way to make the room appear less claustrophobic, as the glass will reflect natural light across the room. Plus, it can be a cool tactic for showcasing your high-quality crockery and carefully curated storage features.

Inject Some Texture

Sometimes kitchens can feel too clinical, especially if you’re trying to achieve a contemporary look. Enter texture.

Interior designers are always touting the benefits of adding texture to a room. Indeed, while colours are of course important in defining the overall mood for your kitchen, it’s textures that add character and dimension. They add intrigue, personality and even cosiness to the kitchen.

So, how do you add texture to your kitchen? Simply by using different materials and shapes. Perhaps you could warm up a bright white kitchen by adding a butcher block worktop in uber-cool sanded wood tones reminiscent of the most exclusive sushi bars. Butcherblock countertops are also a more budget friendly way to update your kitchen counter tops than quartz and granite options.

Patterns are also a great way to add texture to your kitchen. Natural stone and brick walls can add a rustic vibe, channelling that country kitchen aesthetic that is going to be just as big as a more contemporary look this year.

Embrace Smart Technology Integration

Transform your kitchen into a truly modern space by incorporating smart technology that seamlessly blends convenience with style. Consider installing smart faucets with touchless activation and temperature control, perfect for busy cooking sessions when your hands are full. Smart lighting systems that can be controlled via voice commands or smartphone apps allow you to adjust ambiance throughout the day – from bright task lighting for food prep to warm, dimmed lighting for evening entertaining.

Take it further with smart appliances that can be monitored and controlled remotely. Imagine preheating your oven on your commute home or receiving notifications when your dishwasher cycle is complete. Smart refrigerators with internal cameras let you check your inventory while grocery shopping, reducing food waste and ensuring you never forget that crucial ingredient.

For the ultimate contemporary touch, consider installing charging stations built directly into your cabinetry or kitchen island, keeping devices powered while maintaining clean, uncluttered countertops. These integrated solutions prove that cutting-edge functionality doesn’t have to compromise your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal – quite the opposite, in fact.

This tip perfectly complements your existing recommendations by adding the technological sophistication that truly defines a 2024 kitchen while maintaining the balance of form and function throughout your design.

The Bottom Line

2025’s kitchen design trends suggest a bold, contemporary approach will serve your installation best. Now, when are getting an invite round to dinner?

9 Travel Accessories That Make Backpacking So Much Easier

A summer’s backpacking is what gap year dreams are made of. In an ideal world, freshly rendered bamboo tattoos steal you admiring glances on the beach, unprecedented dreadlocks and a ukulele mark you out as someone to invite to each and every bonfire party, and your brand new backpack holds up for the duration of your trip.

The reality is somewhat different. Locals giggle at the rude word forever etched on your arm. Head lice and an out of tune Hotel California have you ostracised. But if you’re happy that’s all that matters and however things turn out, that bag of yours remains sturdy and strong. You’ll still need some extras though, to make your trip run smoothly. With that in mind, here are 9 travel accessories that make backpacking so much easier.

Tags

Perhaps the most demoralising thing to befall a trip is lost luggage. If the whole essence of your trip relies on carrying your gear on your back, then the impact on your adventure can be tenfold. Tags, then, are a must. Sturdy ones, which will tear off when thrown into a rickshaw, or lose their ink in a monsoon. You know it makes sense.

A Waterproof Cover

Did someone say monsoon? If you’re backpacking, the destination is likely to be tropical and the weather erratic. All eventualities should be covered, including your backpack. You’re sure to be, at some point, trudging, deflated, when rain strikes.  A simple waterproof cover will save the day – the trip even – and is a far safer bet than a hastily assembled protection unit made from bin bags or a poncho. And if you should go on a boat trip down the Mekong or down some other turbulent river, knowing your belongings are safe and dry if your boat capsizes will take a load off your mind.

Read: 8 packing tips that will make preparing for your holiday so much easier

A Water Reservoir

On the flipside, those hot, humid days of heavy hangovers and dehydration need accounting for, too. A water reservoir – also known as a hydration pack – is good idea (and cost efficient as well) for keeping your h2o at a good level. What’s one of those, you ask? Well, they’re a pouch which you fill with water (or a stronger tipple, if that’s your thing), stuff in your bag and sup on from time to time the reservoir’s tube system. There’s often a designated space for one in your backpack.

Chest Straps

Your back can undergo a fair amount of burden and strain when on the road. A daily massage, however ubiquitous they may be on many of the preferred backpacking trails, isn’t going to be great for your budget. Chest straps are far better investment, providing additional support for your back and making a longer trek more physically manageable.

A Backpack Organiser

We all know what it’s like; digging deep for a charger, unpacking the whole bag for a pair of knickers, losing stuff and finding it again when you’re in another continent. Mary Poppins, eat your heart out. A backpack organiser – essentially an efficient way to compartmentalise your bag – will save you time packing, unpacking and searching for fundamentals.

Custom Pins

Let’s be honest – half of backpacking is about collecting memories, and the other half is showing off that you’ve collected them. With custom pins, you’ve got the perfect way to personalise your pack whilst simultaneously broadcasting your adventures.

Whether it’s that dive shop in Tulum, the hostel in Hanoi where you met your travel soulmate, or simply a cheeky inside joke from that wild night in Bangkok, pins transform your backpack into a travelling scrapbook. Plus, they’re brilliant conversation starters when you’re awkwardly hovering around a hostel common room.

A Decent Padlock (Or Two)

Nothing kills the backpacker vibe quite like having your valuables nicked from a hostel locker. A sturdy padlock is your best mate when it comes to securing your belongings in shared accommodation. Get a combination one – keys have an annoying habit of disappearing after your third Chang beer. Better yet, grab a cable lock too for those times when you need to secure your bag to a bunk bed or luggage rack on an overnight train. Peace of mind for the price of a few pints? Bargain.

Carabiner Clips

These little heroes are the Swiss Army knife of backpack accessories. Need to hang wet swimmers off your pack? Carabiner. Want to clip your water bottle where you can actually reach it? Carabiner. Desperate to attach that souvenir ukulele you bought but now regret? Well, you get the idea. They’re cheap, lightweight, and infinitely useful – everything a backpacker accessory should be.

A Portable Washing Line

Unless you’re planning to fund the local laundry economy single-handedly, you’ll need a way to dry your smalls. A portable washing line takes up virtually no space but saves you from draping your knickers over hostel furniture like some sort of underwear art installation. The twisted elastic variety works brilliantly – no pegs required, and it’ll stretch between any two points. Your dorm mates will thank you for not turning the room into a drying rack.

The Bottom Line

Backpacking is one of those brilliant adventures that shapes who you are, even when things don’t go exactly to plan. Yes, there’ll be challenges – unexpected downpours, a bout of food poisoning, and the occasional lost sock – but that’s all part of the experience.

With these nine accessories in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the road throws at you. From keeping your gear dry in a tropical storm to staying hydrated on those scorching beach days, these simple additions make all the difference between a stressful slog and the trip of a lifetime. So pack smart, travel light, embrace the chaos, and get ready for the adventure you’ll be boring people with stories about for years to come.

How To Avoid Spiralling Home Renovation Costs In 7 Ideal Steps

For those not lucky enough to have the dulcet tones of Kevin McCloud on speed dial, the cost of home remodelling – creatively yet tastefully – can most certainly mount up. With fluctuating material and labour costs, inflation, and accurate foresight a rare thing in this world, it’s no surprise that home renovation costs can get seriously out of hand in the wrong ones. 

Whether you want to knock down a wall or put one up, install some wiring or fix a window, erect a garden room or build a jacuzzi in the back garden, there are, fortunately, ways to prevent costs rocketing. What’s more, a skilfully done renovation can pay off as an investment, increasing the value of your home substantially. It all starts with sensible, smart budgeting from the off; here’s how to avoid spiralling home renovation costs in 7 IDEAL steps.

Check The Success Rate Of Planning Permission In The Local Area

If you’re purchasing a home to renovate and resell, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer, then it’s imperative that you play the long game; you must look for the potential that the property could offer you in sell on value later down the line. 

Make this assessment by asking a few simple checks; you should assess the size of the rooms and ask if they could be extended; also consider if the garden big enough for an annexe or other extension; and, if the criteria is met on these, check if there’s a high success rate of planning permission in the local area. If all the boxes are ticked, then the property’s potential for renovation and value accrual is huge. 

Of course, when renovating your home you must make sure that any updates you make match the house and its exterior’s overall aesthetic. Get the tone wrong and you risk decreasing the value of the property. 

Seek The Expertise Of A Chartered Surveyor

Once you’ve found a house that you consider suitable for your project – or, equally, you’re considering your current property for renovation – then you should get in touch with a chartered surveyor as a matter of priority. Without their expertise, it would be foolhardy to begin any work.

A chartered surveyor will make an assessment of the property for structural issues that may be lurking, unbeknownst to you, and warn you against issues that will have those costs spiralling (and potentially, create obstructions to project completion).

That’s not all your trusted surveyor will do. They’ll also be skilled at spotting the risk of rodent or bug infestations, damp and mould, and drainage problems, all of which can impact of your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency.

The surveyor will offer you a building report which will let you know what potential issues you may encounter, and offer suggestions of their own, or of their team, on SAP calculations. Knowledge is power in the renovation game, make no mistake.

Consider Second & Third Options

And because knowledge really is power when updating your home, it might be sensible not to allow one chartered surveyor to monopolise that knowledge. Instead, it’s worthwhile to call in an additional surveyor and structural engineer, for second or third opinions, should you have room in the budget. 

Although this extended consultation represents a significant outlay before your project is even off the ground, enlisting the help of additional opinions will mitigate the risk of hidden costs later down the line.

DIY, But Known Your Limitations

Finally, some good news; not every aspect of your home renovation needs to involve the hiring of expensive labour. Often, renovations can be carried out on your own or with your partner, and a whole team of structural engineers will not be necessary, dependent, of course, on the nature of the work you’re doing.

More intricate tasks certainly do need outsourcing. If you are installing wiring or plumbing, for instance, then it’s heavily advised that you employ a professional. Should you just be knocking through a wall yourself or repainting, though, then you could potentially do this without assistance, as long as suitable caution was exercised.

As with any renovation or remodelling project, it is important that you are careful and exercise complete adherence to government guidelines and safety regulations at all times so as not to endanger yourself, your friends or family, neighbours, or those who live in the home.

Many renovation projects can be completed cheaply at home, so it’s not always necessary to have a team, and by doing that you significantly undercut costs – but as with everything construction related, you must know what you are doing and take good care.

It’s essential that you leave jobs that present a risk to life – such as complex wiring, gas work and, of course, scaffolding – in the more capable hands of the professionals.

Even when you feel that your DIY skills aren’t quite capable of producing the desired results, cost-cutting strategies can be used. For example, you can transform the look of your kitchen without ripping out all the cabinetry by simply changing the doors and hardware.

Establish A Realistic Timeline With Professional Oversight

Time, as they say, is money, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to home renovations. Delays can quickly turn a well-planned budget into a financial nightmare, with extended labour costs, additional material storage fees, and the potential need for temporary accommodation all adding up.

Before breaking ground, establish a detailed timeline with clear milestones for each phase of your project. For larger renovations involving multiple trades, consider engaging a construction project management consultant who can coordinate the various professionals, ensure work progresses in the correct sequence, and identify potential bottlenecks before they become costly delays.

A skilled project manager will also help you avoid the common pitfall of trades waiting around for each other – something that can see your labour costs multiply whilst little actual progress is made. Their expertise in scheduling can prevent the domino effect that occurs when one delayed task throws the entire project off course.

Build In A Robust Contingency Fund

Perhaps the most crucial step in avoiding spiralling renovation costs is one that many homeowners overlook entirely: setting aside a substantial contingency fund. Industry experts typically recommend budgeting an additional 10-20% above your estimated costs for unexpected discoveries and changes.

This buffer isn’t pessimistic thinking – it’s pragmatic planning. Once you start opening up walls or lifting floorboards, you’re likely to uncover issues that weren’t apparent during your initial survey. Whether it’s outdated wiring that needs updating to current safety standards, structural timber that requires treatment, or plumbing that’s more extensive than anticipated, these discoveries are par for the course.

Having a contingency fund means you can address these issues promptly without derailing your entire project or forcing you to make compromises that could affect the quality or safety of the finished result. Remember, it’s far better to have this buffer and not need it than to find yourself halfway through a renovation without the funds to complete it properly.

Living In A Material World

One area of home renovation which often leads to spiralling costs is the purchase and movement of materials. This is, in part, down to the fact that such items experience huge fluctuations in value, rising and falling in cost because of the to-and-fro of supply and demand.  

To mitigate this, to stay within budget and to keep costs from spiralling, consider deploying used, reclaimed or repurposed materials where possible, particularly from items within your own home which aren’t currently being used to their full potential. In doing so, you’ll not only protect your bank balance, but you’ll be helping the environment, too.

The labour involved in transporting materials can be costly, too, with man and digger hire, skip rental, and freight services all costing more than you might initially expect. Make sure you shop around, compare prices, and haggle if you’re to save a pretty penny or two.

And with that, we can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the place!

How To Live A More Vintage Lifestyle In 2025

Retro, vintage, old fashioned…call it what you like, but after the few years we’ve all had, there’s huge comfort to be found in looking backwards and luxuriating in the distant past a little.

The rush of the modern world – even before the recent stressful business of a global pandemic, geopolitical turmoil and ongoing cost of living crisis – can be overwhelming, to say the least. As a counterpoint, some are endeavouring to embrace a slower pace to life more in tune with days gone by.

Living A More Vintage Lifestyle This Year

You know what? We think we might join them. For a more humble way of doing things, here’s how to live a more vintage lifestyle in 2025.

Second Hand Clothes

In the 50s and 60s, people dressed to impress when heading out, which is why fashion from these particular decades still has a profound following even today. However, with so many still working from home, it’s no surprise that many have lost interest in fashion and prefer to just keep comfortable instead.

But to keenly encapsulate that vintage lifestyle, you’re going to need not only to dress the part, but also limit your environmental impact in doing so. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean going out and buying a whole new wardrobe. Because while people’s interpretation of the term differs, a generally accepted definition of ‘vintage’ is anything more than 20 years old

This means that a simple effort to only buy second hand clothes or wearing hand-me-downs is in tune with the lifestyle, and is an ethical, environmentally friendly way to shop.

Read5 IDEAL ways to live a retro life in London 

Buy Pre-Loved Items

Speaking of which…

Previous generations adopted a ‘Make do and Mend’ attitude that promoted the idea of fixing items that were already owned as opposed to buying new ones.

Today, most people don’t tend to prioritise purchasing second-hand goods and simply go to high-street retailers for convenience. This is not only expensive but also contributes to ever-growing landfill sites. 

Why not set yourself the challenge of buying only pre-loved items instead of brand-new ones? This will not only save you money but also allows you to do your bit for the environment – a world not on the brink of environmental catastrophe? Very vintage, indeed. 

This isn’t only about clothes, of course. Antique items of all shapes and sizes possess an interesting past and story to tell which makes them so much more unique than purchasing new ones. Vintage engagement rings, for example, have lived a life before they reach you, which makes this piece of jewellery even more special. If you’re keen to choose your own engagement ring, an antique ring may be an option you’d like to consider.

Don’t stop there. Back to considering clothes, London is a treasure trove of vintage outlets where you can find carefully curated second-hand garments that don’t cost the earth. Beyond Retro (Brick Lane, Soho, Dalston) is an all time favourite. With vaulted ceilings and an enormous open floor plan, the space which was once a former factory is now a chic vintage hangout where you can peruse racks of handpicked retro clothing. 

There are pop-up vintage fairs all over the city. Indeed the aptly named Pop Up Vintage Fairs London hosts authentic vintage events across the capital, attracting some of the the best handpicked vintage traders from all over Europe to sell their vintage wares.  Another one not to be missed is Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair where the traders are cherry picked offering an authentic & eclectic mix of vintage clobber.

Embrace Classic Transport

In an era where electric cars and modern vehicles dominate the roads, stepping back in time with a classic car can be a thrilling experience. Owning a vintage car isn’t just about transportation; it’s about embracing a piece of history and the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Attend classic car shows, join vintage car clubs, and if possible, invest in a classic model that resonates with your style. With plenty of classic kit cars for sale right now, there might be something within driving distance that suits your new desire for the vintage!

Not only will you turn heads as you cruise down the street, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the automotive designs of the past. Remember to consider the environmental impact and explore ways to run your classic car more cleanly, such as using biofuels.

Create A Vintage Soundtrack

Music is a powerful time machine. Curate a playlist of hits from your favourite vintage era, whether it’s the swinging sounds of the 60s, the glam rock of the 70s, or the synth-pop of the 80s. Vinyl records have seen a resurgence in popularity, so consider investing in a record player and building a collection of original or reissued vinyl for an authentic listening experience.

Engage In Retro Hobbies

Take up pastimes that were popular in the era you admire. Whether it’s swing dancing, knitting, model building, or playing board games, these activities can provide a delightful escape from the digital-heavy entertainment of today. They also offer a chance to socialise in a more personal and engaged way.

Knitting, in particular, offers a wonderful return to simpler times when creating something by hand was both necessity and pleasure. If you’re ready to start a vintage-inspired project or even a callback to the whole second-hand clothes tip from a few paragraphs previous and sew some bits for the kids, then browse your options at Knit In A Box for curated patterns and supplies.

Revisit Classic Literature

Swap out your e-reader for physical books, particularly those with classic, hardback covers that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Create a reading nook in your home where you can enjoy literature from or about your favourite era. This not only enriches your understanding of the period but also provides a break from modern-day screens.

Read9 smart, simple ways to help you get back into reading today

Host Vintage Movie Nights

Organise movie nights where you screen films from the golden age of cinema. Invite friends over to watch timeless classics or cult favourites on a projector to mimic the experience of going to an old-fashioned cinema. Don’t forget to serve popcorn in vintage-style containers!

Nostalgic Foodie Favourites

As reported by the BBC, over lockdown supermarkets saw also  “a hike in the popularity of readymade retro foods”. It seems that many dishes that graced dinner tables during decades gone by have become popular again. Think Chicken Kiev, Crepes Suzette and Prawn Cocktail, for starters. 

Learn to cook some of the classics and throw a retro throw your friends over for a retro-themed dinner party. Start with devilled eggs or vol-au-vents filled with mushrooms, the latter of which were once the height of sophistication for your starter.

For the main, look back to the 1960’s where food was influenced by the likes of Julia Child when French-inspired cuisine rose in popularity. Her beef boeuf bourguignon is perhaps her most famous dish, and in her words ”certainly one of the most delicious beef dishes concocted by man”. Odd statement, considering she’s a woman, but anyway…

If you’re not a fan of beef, chicken à la King is another classic dinner party favourite. For dessert, it has to be flambeed Crêpes Suzette, which is, quite frankly, timeless. 

Unplug

Regardless of whether it’s work-related or for personal use, many (scrap that…all) of us struggle to put down our phones and simply appreciate the world around us. 

Let’s face it; most texts and emails aren’t urgent, and very few would have mattered in a more ‘vintage’ era. To enjoy a more untroubled approach to life and slow things down, spending less time on the screen, with the digital clock always on view and with reminders and notifications constantly demanding your attention, it’s time to put the screens away a while.

Give yourself a break by going on a digital detox – even just for a few days – and you’re likely to feel all the better for it. 

Write A Letter

When was the last time you picked up a pen and paper and wrote a letter to a loved one? It’s now become the norm to contact family and friends across the world via text or social media, which can sometimes lack meaning or, worse, leave messages prone to misunderstanding.

A hand-written letter, however, has much more significance. Why? Because you have to think carefully about what you’re going to say, physically write your thoughts down, place the letter in an envelope and travel to the post box. Something so simple can have a profound effect on another individual yet doesn’t take much time out of your day. You might even get a letter in response that can be cherished for years to come. 

Let’s put it this way; you wouldn’t keep a text message framed or treasured for decades, now would you? A letter on the other hand…

Give Your Home A Vintage Makeover

Retro interior design can mean different things to different people. Broadly speaking, it covers various styles from the 1950s onwards, but really, such a term is relative. As the saying goes ‘old school is in the eyes of the beholder’. Perhaps that’s not quite right, but you get what we mean, don’t you? Anyway, check out our article on 4 interior design ideas for a retro-inspired living room for a little inspiration.  

Going vintage doesn’t mean you have to go overboard with retro makeover. As the guys at Decoist suggest “Instead of opting for an entirely retro theme, the more innovative style is to introduce cool Mid-Century modern chairs, an orb-style fireplace, patterned rugs or select retro pieces that enhance the existing contemporary style of your home”. 

When giving your home a vintage makeover, consider the decorating techniques from the era you’re emulating. Learn about the wallpaper patterns, paint colours, and DIY touches that were all the rage. Techniques like rag-rolling, sponging, and stencilling can add an authentic vintage feel to your walls and furniture.

ReadA guide to cleaning and maintaining your vintage furniture

Consider A Vintage Job

If you want to live and breathe vintage, consider a vintage style job. 

Perhaps you could start your own vintage store? As reported recently by the BBC, buying vintage clothes is the new luxury and the trend of buying vintage is only set to continue. 

Alternatively, there are also lots of vintage themed pubs and restaurants which celebrate all things vintage that could use a new chef, waiter or manager. Could it be you?

Alternatively, why not consider learning a craft or trade that harks back to earlier times, such as woodworking, leatherworking, or letterpress printing. Not only do these skills offer a creative outlet, but they also allow you to create items with a personal touch that modern, mass-produced goods lack.

The Bottom Line

Embracing a vintage lifestyle in 2025 is about more than just aesthetics; it’s a conscious choice to slow down and appreciate the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of the past. By integrating these tips into your daily life, you can create a rich tapestry of experiences that pay homage to bygone eras while still enjoying the comforts of today.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a classic car, dropping the needle on a vinyl record, or penning a heartfelt letter, each step back in time is a step towards a more thoughtful and distinctive way of living. So, go ahead and infuse your life with a touch of the vintage — your future self will thank you for the nostalgia-laden journey.