Page 41 – Ideal Magazine

The Best Restaurants Near Old Street, London

Food & Drink
London Eats

Editorial Team

March 20, 2025

London’s Silicon Roundabout might be a little less glamorous than a whole valley made of the shiny semiconductor stuff. Perhaps it’s not as renowned for its tech startups and digital agencies as its name would suggest, either.

In fact, it could be argued that the real innovation around these parts takes place on the plate, with the streets orbiting Old Street Station arguably making up one of London’s most interesting food neighbourhoods. Here you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred tasting menus to grab-and-go bánh mì, all within a short walk of that infamous epicentre – less spaghetti junction and more a tangle of agreeable options for supper, you could posit, thinking you sounded clever. Or, that Chat GPT had entered your body…

So, whether you’re a tech worker seeking your next client lunch spot or you’re simply really lost in this perplexing corner of East London, here are our picks for the best restaurants near Old Street.

We still can’t help you navigate that bloody roundabout, though…

Nest, Old Street

Ideal for thoughtful tasting menus that celebrate British seasons…

Having taken flight from its Hackney home to an impressive Victorian building next to Shoreditch Town Hall in 2023, Nest has brought its innovative approach to seasonal British cooking to a grander stage. And with the move, it’s certainly become one of the best places to eat near Old Street Station.

The restaurant, from the same team behind Michelin-starred St. Barts in Farringdon, is run by three friends (chef Johnnie Crowe, wine expert Luke Wasserman, and general manager Toby Neill), who divide their year into distinct ‘seasons’, each celebrating a single landscape and its produce.

The current Sea & Coastline menu (running until March) showcases the bounty of Britain’s icy winter waters – think fresh Maldon oysters, hand-dived Scottish scallops, and Cornish squid – accompanied by foraged coastal herbs and seaweeds.

Come spring (come on spring, it’s time), they’ll shift focus to Rivers & Valleys, celebrating fresh river fish and wild garlic, before moving to the Highlands for a summer of celebrating Herdwick sheep and foraged herbs. The year finishes with their Game & Forest menu, rich with charcoal-cooked venison and earthy mushrooms. For a diner with Grapheme-colour synaesthesia (this diner), there’s a keen clarity of character to all of this that’s really satisfying to think about.

The dining room is built around a striking horseshoe counter, with a cocktail bar at one end flowing into an open kitchen at the other, all framing an intimate candlelit dining space and distinctive encaustic tile floor. Your menu arrives sealed in a wax-stamped envelope – you can either peek inside or let each course arrive as a surprise. The tasting menu (£90, with a shorter £70 option available midweek) represents good value for cooking of this calibre, while the matching wine flight (£65) cleverly changes with each season to reflect the menu’s geography – think coastal vineyards and briny drops during Sea & Coastline season, and Loire Valley wines when river fish takes centre stage.

Don’t miss the Nest Cellar, a snug walk-in bar beneath the restaurant serving low-intervention wines, seasonal cocktails, and clever bar snacks. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or a more casual evening of nibbles and natural wine.

You’ll find Nest ready to welcome you Tuesday through Saturday, with dinner service every evening and lunch available on Saturdays.

Website: nestfood.co.uk

Address: 374-378 Old St, London EC1V 9LT

The Clove Club, Old Street

Ideal for special occasion British cooking without the starch…

Housed in the imposingly handsome grade II-listed Shoreditch Town Hall (seconds along from Nest, incidentally), The Clove Club has been at the forefront of defining a new kind of modern British cooking since 2013.

What began as a supper club in a London flat – where former Manchester DJs Daniel Willis and Johnny Smith collaborated with chef Isaac McHale on ambitious menus of mackerel with nasturtium, pheasant, and goat’s milk and beetroot desserts – has evolved into one of London’s heaviest hitters, now boasting two Michelin stars and a consistent spot among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

McHale’s cooking shows both technical know-how and a deep understanding of British ingredients and seasonality, with dishes that are precise yet never precious. The menu delivers time and time again on pleasingly light, inventive flavour combinations – think hot smoked Wiltshire trout with almond milk and horseradish, raw Orkney scallops with hazelnut and clementine, or Aynhoe Park venison with celeriac and cacao nibs.

While the full tasting menu (£225) is of course the main event, there’s also a more accessible entry point via Clove Club’s three-course lunch menu (£95, Wednesday to Friday), which offers the same meticulous cooking in a more concise format. That lunch menu comes with a similarly concise, keenly priced wine flight, at £55.

The broader wine list aims to showcase exciting contemporary producers alongside classical vintages, with an extensive list that runs from grower Champagnes to rare Burgundies and emerging English winemakers.

Don’t let the accolades and price tag have you assuming it’s all hushed tones and bowties in here – while the food is undeniably ambitious, the atmosphere remains refreshingly relaxed, with whitewashed walls, faintly distressed wooden floors, and a buzzing open kitchen providing plenty of theatre. The Guardian even called it “a notoriously informal approach to fine dining”, which is a bit much, quite frankly. Anyway, that dining room is open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and Monday through Saturday for dinner.

For those seeking something more casual from the McHale team, keep an eye on Bar Valette, the Clove Club’s newest venture on Kingsland Road that’s just opened. Expect a more relaxed take on Spanish and French coastal cooking, with excellent seafood, game, and an extensive sherry selection – though McHale is quick to point out they’re “not going for a star here, just good times.”

Website: thecloveclub.com

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

Padella, Phipp Street

Ideal for perfect pasta at prices that won’t make your eyes water…

The second outpost of London’s beloved pasta institution might not command the same queues as its Borough Market original, but that’s precisely why we love it. Indeed, Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda’s original ambition, of serving fresh, hand-rolled pasta at accessible prices, has translated just as well into this larger Shoreditch space, a place where the quality remains consistently high and the prices stay remarkably reasonable.

In a corner of an industrial-chic building (is there any other type of building here?) just off the bustle of Great Eastern Street, you’ll find a space that’s casual and considered. The steel counters and exposed brick walls nod to the area’s warehouse heritage, while the open kitchen provides all the theatre of watching your pasta being prepared fresh, ideal for when your date is a bore. Come summer, the outdoor courtyard becomes one of East London’s most pleasant spots for a plate of pasta in the sunshine.

The best part? These exemplary pasta dishes clock in at around £12.50 a bowl, making it one of the area’s best-value quick meals. The Padella pici cacio e pepe is genuinely iconic (a word so often overused, but here perhaps acceptable) but don’t overlook the tagliarini with slow-cooked tomato sauce for something arguably even more satisfying, the rust-tinged olive oil pooling at the sides of the bowl and crying out for a dredge-through with the house focaccia. The drinks list, created by cocktail maestros Mr Lyan Studio, is equally decent value – their house negronis and martinis both pitched at just £8. And that’s where we stop, because what sick fuck orders dessert in Padella?

The restaurant is open daily from noon until 10pm (9pm Sundays), with a break between lunch and dinner service. Download their virtual queueing app to grab a spot, then pop over to nearby Callooh Calley for a cocktail while you wait.

Website: padella.co

Address: Shoreditch, Padella, 1 Phipp St, London EC2A 4PS

Llama Inn, Great Eastern Street

Ideal for contemporary riffs on Peruvian cuisine and rooftop cocktails…

This acclaimed Brooklyn import brings James Beard-nominated chef Erik Ramirez’s take on Peruvian cuisine to a striking rooftop setting within The Hoxton Shoreditch. Though finding the entrance requires some insider knowledge – look for the yellow door on Willow Street rather than entering through the hotel – the journey up to the seventh floor rewards looking like a befuddled fool with sweeping views across the East London skyline.

The space has a neat sense of seamless transition between indoor and out, its soaring glass ceiling flooding the room with natural light. Enormous fiddle leaf figs and tropical plants create natural partitions throughout, whilst scalloped pendant lights hang like paper moons above terracotta floors. The main conservatory flows seamlessly onto a geometric-tiled terrace that becomes one of Shoreditch’s most coveted spots during warmer months.

Ramirez’s menu draws inspiration from Peru’s diverse culinary heritage while incorporating influences from his time at Eleven Madison Park. Signature dishes include an energetic scallop ceviche with yuzu kosho, dragonfruit and nori crisps, and a much-written-about interpretation of lomo saltado —a hearty sharing plate that cleverly combines stir-fried beef with spring onion pancakes, rice, and triple-cooked chips. It’s heartily priced too, at £56.

All that said, it’s in one of the most humble dishes that the most straightforward pleasure is found. The charred cabbage anticucho has followed them across the Atlantic, remaining one of their most requested dishes with its clever combination of saikyo miso and quinoa furikake. It’s just £5.

The bar programme, crafted by award-winning mixologist Natasha Bermudez, shares co-headliner status with the food here, and quite rightly; the drinks here are uniformly, reliably top-draw. Their ‘Chupetini’ (£15/£7) breathes new life into the classic martini with Japanese gin and an ‘umami bomb’ (a concentrated blend of miso, kombu and shiitake), while the ‘Llama Del Rey’ showcases Peru’s national spirit with a combination of pisco, rum, red wine, and chicha morada. Decent name, too. During ‘Sour Hour’ (Monday to Friday, 4-6pm), signature pisco sours are available for just £8.50, and a smaller, snack-focused menu is available.

The wine list focuses on small, independent growers, with a particular emphasis on South American producers and low-intervention wines though, honestly, this is a rare occasion where we stick to the cocktails for the whole evening, heartburn be damned (pack some Gaviscon).

Open Monday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch services recently added. The kitchen serves until 11pm most nights, extending to midnight Thursday through Saturday, making it an excellent option for post-work dining.

Website: llamainnlondon.com

Address: 1 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH

Read: The best Peruvian restaurants in London

Bistro Freddie, Luke Street

Ideal for intimate French-British dining and wine exploration…

Behind a modest shopfront on Luke Street, this 45-cover restaurant from HAM Restaurants brings a slice of Gallic charm to Shoreditch. The whitewashed dining room, with its flickering candlelight and crisp tablecloths, sets the stage for what is one of East London’s most intimate evenings.

The kitchen, led by Alexandre Laforce Reynolds, sends out dishes that, quite simply, make you want to return. Their house sausage, a signature since opening, arrives glistening and properly emulsified, accompanied by a brown sauce made in-house that transforms this bar snack to order-several status. A starter of snails doing their best to weigh down pillowy flatbread is scattered with crispy chicken skin and swimming in tarragon butter – a dish which gets more appealing with each apposition.

The wine list at Bistro Freddie has been lovingly curated by Alex Price (who has now moved on to Plates, another restaurant in this list). Rather than defaulting to MOR choices, Price has assembled a cellar that tells stories through bottles – from flinty, reductive Chenins of the Loire Valley to the herbal, saline whites of Corsica. The by-the-glass selection rotates frequently, but might include anything from a bright Vin Exploré Côtes de Gascoigne to a more serious Domaine Thierry Fournier Champagne. Even the entry-level wines, starting at £9 a glass, have been chosen with obvious care and consideration. Or, more simply put, this is a bloody nice place to get a bit pissed.

Main courses display the kitchen’s talent for updating classics without losing their soul. Their skate wing arrives golden and imperious over a subtly spiced curry sauce, while dishes like bavette with peppercorn sauce remind you why French bistro cooking is having a big moment in London right now, beyond just the decent mark-ups. The menu changes regularly, but their pies – designed for sharing – have become a signature, with combinations like chicken, girolles and liver demonstrating Reynolds’ knack for balancing luxury with comfort.

This is a restaurant that understands the art of hospitality. The staff, dressed in those crisp white worker jackets that match the tablecloths (or, are the staff wearing tablecloths and the tablecloths actually made from jackets?), move through the space with practiced ease, as comfortable discussing the nuances of a Corsican Vermentino as they are recommending the perfect pie to share.

Open Monday through Saturday for lunch (12-3pm) and dinner (6-11pm), Bistro Freddie’s combination of accomplished cooking, serious wines, and warm hospitality has made it a local favourite. You’ll often see chefs from the neighbourhood dining in here, which is always a good sign.

Website: bistrofreddie.com

Address: Bistro Freddie, 74 Luke St, Greater, London EC2A 4PY

Daffodil Mulligan, City Road

Ideal for modern Irish hospitality with serious culinary credentials…

Named after a famous Dublin street seller’s daughter and brought to life by three Irish hospitality veterans with triple digit years of restaurant experience to their name, Daffodil Mulligan pulses with life just south of Old Street roundabout. The latest venture from the inimitable Richard Corrigan might be more casual than his other restaurants, but there’s nothing laid-back about the cooking.

The long, sunlit dining room, with its olive-green banquettes and polished concrete floors, fills with the aromatic smoke from the wood oven and grill that dominates the open kitchen. It’s always such a reassuring smell when you enter a restaurant, unless the kitchen’s caught on fire, of course. A ten-seat oyster bar adds a touch of convivial glamour, and downstairs, Gibney’s bar (an offshoot of the legendary Malahide pub) keeps the craic flowing with live music.

Head chef Stu Hesketh’s menu gives carefully sourced ingredients a confident once over. Peter Hannan’s acclaimed beef appears as a tartare anointed with oyster cream, while a sugar-pit bacon rib arrives glazed with gochujang, the fat caramelised, caught, dark and sticky.

Even seemingly simple dishes like salt-chilli chicken with mustard pickles or ember-baked bread with aioli arrive with the kind of obvious finesse that make you pause mid-conversation to appreciate them…

…What were we saying again?

Ah yes. This is cooking that laughs in the face of subtlety – every dish seems determined to show you a good time and slap you about the chops with flavour. And unsurprisingly for a Corrigan joint, there’s a keen focus on drinking here, with their signature Black Velvet (Guinness topped with Piper-Heidsieck blanc-de-blanc) setting the tone perfectly down in Gibney’s basement bar.

Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner (closing slightly later on weekends), Corrigan and his partners Tony Gibney and John Nugent have created something that manages to be both a destination restaurant and a proper local – the kind of place where you might pop in for a quick drink and find yourself staying for dinner, all before slurring some nonsense in a neighbouring diner’s ear and getting ushered out. Like its namesake flower, it brings a welcome burst of colour and life to Old Street.

Website: daffodilmulligan.com

Address: 70-74 City Rd, London EC1Y 2BJ

Popolo, Rivington Street

Ideal for intimate Italian dining and counter culture…

At Jon Lawson’s Popolo, the best seats in the house hover over a stainless steel counter where chefs work with a quiet intensity, turning out dishes that make you forget you’re perched on a bar stool and that your back really fucking hurts. The ground floor revolves around this open kitchen, while upstairs offers a more traditional dining room, though ‘traditional’ here means bare brick walls and simple café tables rather than white tablecloths.

The menu changes frequently but maintains a steady philosophy – Italian cooking with a contemporary edge and occasional Moorish inflections. Fresh pasta, made daily in-house, might appear as delicate agnolotti stuffed with pork cheek and glossed with porcini butter, or taglierini tangled with hand-picked Dorset crab and bottarga. A dish of n’duja-spiked burrata with crispy olives and chickpeas is a welcome update on a dish that has gone so far beyond saturation point in London that it feels like we’ve all been subsumed by the stuff, suffocating to death, our final cries for help choked by stracciatella di bufala.

The wine list, like the room, is compact but thoughtfully assembled, ranging from skin-contact whites to robust Italian reds. The service is genuinely great in here, knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to explain the menu’s more esoteric ingredients or simply leave you to enjoy your risotto stained purple with Nebbiolo and studded with radicchio and gorgonzola piccante. They might even whisper tactfully in your ear that you’ve spilt the damn stuff all down yourself.

Open Tuesday through Saturday evenings only, this is food that demands to be shared, discussed, and lingered over, ideally with a good bottle of something interesting and the gentle rhythm of the kitchen as your soundtrack.

Website: popoloshoreditch.com

Address: 26 Rivington St, London EC2A 3DU

Kêu Banh Mi Deli, Old Street

Ideal for London’s finest bánh mì and a fix of Vietnamese coffee…

This bright, minimalist spot might be small, but it serves some of the best bánh mì you’ll find in London, and in a city whose bánh mì game has never felt more thriving, that’s some compliment.

As an offshoot of Vietnamese stalwart Cay Tre (which has a branch next door), the banh mi here ranges from traditional combinations of pâté and pickles – el clasico, no doubt – to more baguette-pushing numbers like mackerel braised in caramelised fish sauce or honey-glazed pork with kimchi. All are excellent.

The Cantonese roast duck bánh mì takes the familiar hoisin duck wrap far beyond standard M&S sad lunch fare, while their signature Hoi An deluxe showcases a house-made sauce that blends pork gravy, five spice, butter and fermented chilies into something truly remarkable.

Beyond the sandwiches, you’ll find excellent rice bowls topped with grilled meats and fragrant, Southern-style coconut curries. Don’t skip their Vietnamese coffee – strong, sweet, and properly made with a phin filter, it’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Website: banhmikeu.co.uk

Address: 332 Old St, London EC1V 9DR

Plates, Old Street

Ideal for innovative plant-based fine dining that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with London’s best restaurants…

Kirk Haworth’s intimate 25-cover restaurant has recently just become the UK’s first plant-based establishment to earn a Michelin star – and just a few months after opening, no less – and it’s easy to see why. The dining room, with its tactile, earthy atmosphere designed in collaboration with east London’s Design & That studio, sets the scene perfectly – think natural pigments, handcrafted details, and a striking counter that wraps around the open kitchen.

Haworth’s cooking draws on nearly two decades of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens worldwide (including The French Laundry and Restaurant Sat Bains), expertise that he’s brilliantly adapted to plant-based cuisine following his own journey with Lyme disease in 2016. The result is technically accomplished cooking that just happens to be vegan – dishes like barbecued maitake mushroom with black bean mole and kimchi showcase his ability to build layers of flavour and texture without relying on animal products.

The seven-course tasting menu (£75) changes with the seasons, though certain standouts, like their house-laminated sourdough with whipped cashew butter, have become signatures. Their raw cacao gateau with sour cherry and coconut blossom ice cream provides a fittingly sophisticated finale. The wine list shows similar thoughtfulness, focusing on low-intervention producers and biodynamic estates.

Come summer, an additional 14 seats on the outdoor terrace provide a rare peaceful spot just off the fr-energy of Old Street. While securing a table requires planning ahead (they’re currently booked well into 2025), this is quite simply London’s best plant-based restaurant, though the chef would prefer Plates not to be judged solely on those terms. Quite right, too.

Website: plates-london.com

Address: 320 Old St, London EC1V 9DR

Since you’re in the area, here’s where to eat near near Shoreditch High Street station and Liverpool Street station, too.

7 Cities Where Professional Innovation Thrives: The UK’s Creative Industry Hubs

The Daily Grind

Editorial Team

March 20, 2025

7 Cities Where Professional Innovation Thrives: The UK’s Creative Industry Hubs

For creative industry professionals, location is a strategic decision that directly impacts career trajectory, industry connections, and work-life integration. Beyond the superficial allure of cultural amenities, what truly matters is access to specialised networks, funding ecosystems, and sector-specific infrastructure that can accelerate professional development.

The UK’s creative economy is increasingly distributed across regional hubs, each developing distinctive specialisations and competitive advantages. This analysis examines the tangible professional benefits of each location: industry concentration, workspace economics, talent pipelines, and practical considerations that influence day-to-day productivity and career advancement in the creative sectors.

London: Beyond The Obvious Centres

While London’s creative dominance is well-documented, savvy professionals should look beyond oversaturated areas to emerging industry clusters where genuine opportunity exists. Rather than rehashing East London clichés, consider these strategic locations:

White City has transformed into a media technology powerhouse, with the expansion of the former BBC Television Centre creating a purpose-built ecosystem for content creators. The arrival of Soho House’s White City House has established crucial informal networking infrastructure, while Imperial College’s innovation hub provides direct access to cutting-edge research partnerships. Studios like Troubadour Theatres offer flexible production spaces at significantly better rates than central alternatives.

Ealing Film Studios and the surrounding area have quietly developed into a specialised post-production cluster. Companies like Lipsync and Molinare offer world-class facilities without Soho premiums, while the University of West London’s creative tech programmes ensure a steady pipeline of technical talent. Workspace providers in the area offer flexible contracts specifically designed for freelance production professionals with irregular income patterns.

For UX and digital product designers, the South Bank’s concentration of agencies (from ustwo to Method) provides critical mass for career development, with professionals routinely moving between studios to advance their portfolios. The area’s transport connectivity – and its proximity to Waterloo, in particular – enables easy client access while maintaining separation from tourist zones.

Crucially, London’s industry advantage lies not in vague ‘creative vibes’ but in quantifiable professional resources: the UK’s highest concentration of venture capital investments in creative tech, the greatest density of industry commissioning executives, and the most developed freelance support infrastructure including specialist accountants, legal services, and insurance brokers who understand creative business models.

Manchester: Strategic Industry Specialism

Manchester’s designation as the ‘creative capital of the UK’ reflects not merely cultural cachet but concrete industry advantages. The city has developed clearly defined specialisms that offer genuine career advancement opportunities:

Digital advertising and marketing technology has become Manchester’s standout sector, with a significant concentration of specialist agencies now headquartered in the region. This density creates unprecedented mobility for professionals, with agencies like Dept, Social Chain, and Push establishing Manchester as a genuine alternative to London for client service innovation. The 2023 relocation of WPP’s significant operations to Enterprise City has catalysed a talent migration from the capital.

MediaCityUK represents one of the UK’s most successful examples of purpose-built creative infrastructure, housing not just BBC departments but an ecosystem of smaller production companies that compete for regional commissioning. For broadcast professionals, the operational advantage is clear: production budgets stretch considerably further than equivalent London projects according to Screen Manchester.

The city’s workspace economics are particularly advantageous for growing businesses: Grade A creative office space costs substantially less than comparable London locations, while technical infrastructure benefits from Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s major data centre hubs. For individual creatives, a variety of apartments to rent in Manchester offer flexible arrangements including designated homeworking spaces and communal facilities designed for networking.

Most valuable is Manchester’s self-contained career ecosystem – professionals can progress from entry-level to leadership positions without leaving the region, supported by specialist recruitment firms like The Candidate and industry networks such as Creative Pro Manchester that connect thousands of practitioners. The city’s thriving creative businesses now generate substantial economic value annually, creating critical mass for sustainable career development.

Bristol: Technical Creative Specialisation

Bristol has strategically developed the UK’s most cohesive technical creative ecosystem, with a growing digital sector focused on high-value production rather than service work. The city’s advantage lies in specific industrial specialisations:

Animation and visual effects form Bristol’s core strength, with the expansion of the Bottle Yard Studios creating substantial production space specifically for animation and VFX work. The cluster of specialist studios (including world-leaders like Aardman) creates a talent density that enables career progression without relocating. The Bristol Animation Forum connects hundreds of professionals, facilitating project collaboration and skills development through monthly technical workshops.

Natural history production represents another distinctive specialisation, with Bristol producing a significant portion of global wildlife content. The BBC’s Natural History Unit commissions substantial production annually, supporting a network of specialist freelancers from underwater camera operators to wildlife sound recordists. Crucially, the recently established Bristol Natural History Consortium provides professional training and equipment access for emerging talent.

The Harbourside Innovation Quarter houses the Pervasive Media Studio, where residents work at the intersection of technology and creativity. Unlike generic co-working spaces, this facility provides specialised technical resources including motion capture facilities, haptic development kits, and AR/VR testing environments – practical assets that translate directly to commercial advantage.

For professionals in these sectors, Bristol offers tangible career benefits: competitive day rates combined with housing costs substantially lower than the capital. The city’s technical education pipeline includes specialist degree programmes across UWE and the University of Bristol, creating reliable access to emerging talent for growing businesses.

Read: The best restaurants in Bristol

Glasgow: Design Engineering Excellence

Glasgow’s creative economy distinguishes itself through the integration of design with engineering and manufacturing capabilities – a unique combination that creates specialist career opportunities:

Clydeside represents a growing concentration of product design consultancies specialising in industrial design, medical device development, and consumer electronics. Unlike purely aesthetic design centres, Glasgow’s studios directly connect to Scotland’s manufacturing capabilities, enabling end-to-end product development. Recent Scottish Enterprise investment has established a substantial prototyping centre providing advanced 3D printing, CNC machining, and materials testing facilities available to independent designers on flexible terms.

Architectural visualisation has emerged as a Glasgow specialisation, with studios like Wireframe Immersive pioneering VR applications for the built environment. The city’s architectural practices commission significant visualisation work annually, creating a sustainable market for specialists in this field. The Glasgow School of Art’s SimVis programme provides comprehensive technical training in this discipline.

Gaming and interactive media benefit from Glasgow’s unique combination of creative and technical education, with the city producing both art-focused and programming-capable graduates. The Tontine innovation centre specifically targets creative technology companies, offering subsidised growth space and development support that has helped studios scale to substantial operations.

The concrete advantage for creative professionals is Glasgow’s combination of technical opportunity with exceptional affordability – creative sector salaries remain competitive while housing costs are significantly lower than other major UK cities, creating superior disposable income. For business founders, Scottish Enterprise’s By Design grant programme provides specialist funding for design-led ventures, a financial resource unavailable elsewhere in the UK.

Leeds: Content Production Infrastructure

Leeds has transformed into the North’s most comprehensive content production centre, with strategic advantages that extend well beyond Channel 4’s headquarters relocation in 2020:

The Leeds Innovation Arc has developed into a significant concentration of convergence media specialists, with numerous companies now operating within this purpose-developed zone. Sky’s recent establishment of a northern production hub adds a second major commissioner alongside Channel 4, creating substantial regional production opportunities. Crucially, Leeds offers production infrastructure at scale – Leeds Studios’ sound stages provide capacity for simultaneous major productions, while the investment in cutting-edge virtual production facilities offers technical capabilities previously available only in London.

Financial technology creative services represent a distinctive Leeds specialisation, with the city’s status as a major UK financial centre driving demand for specialised design and content production. The FinTech North network connects creative professionals with financial services clients, while Leeds Digital Festival (the UK’s largest tech event outside London) facilitates business development across these sectors.

Leeds’ value proposition is clear: office space in the Creative Quarter costs significantly less than London equivalents, while average day rates for specialist production roles remain competitive according to Screen Yorkshire. For creative entrepreneurs, the Combined Authority’s Creative Sector Growth Programme provides matched funding for business expansion – practical support that enhances the city’s appeal.

Brighton: Digital Arts & Creative Education Excellence

Brighton has established itself as the South Coast’s premier creative hub, with the University of Brighton’s School of Art and Media serving as an anchor institution driving innovation across multiple disciplines:

Digital arts and emerging technologies form Brighton’s distinctive strength, with the University of Brighton’s Centre for Digital Media Cultures fostering groundbreaking research in interactive installations, immersive environments, and experimental digital practices. The recently expanded Media Centre provides state-of-the-art facilities including professional-grade audio recording studios, motion capture systems, and a dedicated XR lab that supports commercial collaborations between students and industry partners.

Sustainable design and circular economy innovation represents Brighton’s unique contribution to the creative industries. The university’s pioneering Sustainable Design MA programme—one of the first of its kind in the UK—has established a regional concentration of design practitioners specialising in environmentally conscious production. This specialisation is supported by the Brighton Design Research Group, which secures substantial research funding for projects that connect creative practice with environmental sustainability.

The Brighton Digital Catapult Centre operates in partnership with the university to accelerate commercial applications of emerging technologies. Unlike conventional incubators, this facility provides specialised technical resources including 5G testbeds, immersive technology demonstration spaces, and low-power IoT networks that enable creative businesses to develop market-ready products with reduced R&D costs.

For creative professionals, Brighton offers a compelling combination of industry concentration with exceptional quality of life—the North Laine Creative Quarter houses over 300 independent creative businesses within a walkable district, creating natural networking opportunities. The city’s proximity to London (under an hour by train) enables access to capital city clients while maintaining significantly lower operational costs.

Most valuable is the university’s integration with the creative ecosystem through initiatives like the Creative Industries Federation, which connects academics, students, and industry professionals. The annual Brighton Digital Festival and the Brighton Photo Biennial provide platforms for emerging talent, while the university’s Enterprise Pathway programme helps creative graduates transition to professional practice through targeted business support.

For students and professionals seeking specialised training, the School of Art and Media offers distinctive programmes in emerging fields like Creative AI, XR Production, and Design Futures, creating a talent pipeline that directly addresses industry skills gaps. These programmes feature embedded placements with regional creative businesses and content co-created with industry partners, ensuring graduates possess immediately applicable professional capabilities.

Bournemouth: Creative Media & Innovation

Bournemouth has developed into a specialised hub for creative media production, with distinctive advantages that make it a compelling destination for certain creative sectors:

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) functions as the centrepiece of the region’s creative ecosystem. Unlike conventional academic institutions, AUB’s industry-integrated approach places significant emphasis on commercial applications and entrepreneurship. The university’s dedicated Innovation Studio provides incubation space and development support specifically for creative businesses emerging from its programmes. Particularly notable is AUB’s close relationship with the visual effects industry, with specialised courses developed in partnership with major studios. The university’s annual creative degree shows have become significant industry recruitment events, drawing talent scouts from across the UK.

Film and visual effects production represents Bournemouth’s standout specialisation, with the area now home to a growing concentration of post-production facilities. The presence of industry leaders such as Outpost VFX has created a critical mass of specialist talent, while the BFX Festival has become an important industry showcase. This cluster benefits from direct access to AUB’s technical graduates, creating a sustainable talent pipeline that supports business growth.

Digital innovation in tourism experiences has emerged as a distinctive Bournemouth strength, with numerous studios developing augmented reality, location-based media, and interactive installations for the visitor economy. This specialisation benefits from the city’s dual identity as both a creative hub and a major tourism destination, with continuous opportunities to deploy and test new concepts. The recently established Smart Place Innovation Hub specifically supports businesses developing digitally enhanced experiences for public spaces.

The region offers tangible professional advantages: operating costs for creative businesses are substantially lower than in traditional production centres, while the area’s exceptional natural environment supports superior work-life integration. For creative employers, BCP Council’s Creative Industries Growth Programme provides targeted support including rate relief for studio spaces and recruitment subsidies for graduate employment – practical incentives that enhance the area’s appeal for business development.

The Bottom Line

For industry professionals or creative students making location decisions, these regional hubs offer distinct advantages beyond lifestyle considerations. The choice should be driven by sector alignment, career stage, and specific professional requirements. Rather than vague cultural appeal, evaluate each location’s relevant industry concentration, technical infrastructure, commissioning opportunities, and growth support mechanisms.

Most importantly, look beyond marketing narratives to the practical realities: workspace economics, production facilities, funding access, and the presence of specialist services that directly impact professional success. The UK’s creative sector has evolved beyond a London-centric model into a network of specialised regional centres, each offering concrete advantages for those who match their career objectives to the appropriate ecosystem.

48 Hours in Port Louis: A Whirlwind Tour Of Mauritius’ Diverse Capital

Far Flung Adventures
Travel

Editorial Team

March 18, 2025

48 Hours in Port Louis: A Whirlwind Tour Of Mauritius’ Diverse Capital

Where the Indian Ocean laps against the western shores of Mauritius, Port Louis stands as a telling monument to the island’s mixed heritage. The capital, nestled between the jagged outline of Le Pouce mountain and its natural harbour, offers visitors a raw, honest blend of architecture from various periods, noisy markets, and cooking that defies simple categorisation.

This tight, taut town, named for King Louis XV of France, somehow balances island languor with the sharp-elbowed tempo of a functioning port. Office workers in suits dodge market porters with impossible loads balanced on heads, both weaving through colonial-era lanes barely wide enough for a small car. It’s the only proper city on the island, and it knows it.

First-timers might dismiss Port Louis as just the boring bit before the beaches. Look closer. French shuttered windows overlook Tamil temples. The smell of cardamom and cumin fights with Creole rougaille sauce wafting from food carts. Chinese pagoda roofs angle upward not far from mosque minarets. The whole jumbled history of Mauritius—French planters, British administrators, Indian labourers, Chinese merchants, Creole fishermen—stands written in brick and stone and corrugated iron.

With just 48 hours to explore this fascinating capital, careful planning becomes essential. Here’s how to make the most of your whirlwind visit to Mauritius’ dynamic heart.

Day 1: Colonial Heritage & Market Exploration

Morning: Harbour Beginnings

Start at the Caudan Waterfront around 8:30am, before the heat builds. Sugar traders once dominated this harbour area, shipping out the crop that built Mauritius from nothing. Now it’s all shops and restaurants, though they’ve kept enough old warehouse features to remind you what paid for it all.

Grab breakfast at Café LUX*. Office workers and early tourists crowd it for the coffee – they roast beans on-site in small batches. Order pain au chocolat if you’re nibbling, or the full egg and bacon roll if you need proper fuel. Sit on the terrace and watch fishing boats chug out while yachts rock gently at anchor. The Moka Range rises behind it all, still catching the morning light.

After eating, walk the waterfront to the Blue Penny Museum. It opens at 10am, early enough to dodge the tour groups. Don’t let its small size fool you – it houses stamps that make collectors hyperventilate, the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny, worth millions. The rest explores Mauritius’ past through maps and ship models, including items salvaged from Dutch and Portuguese wrecks that litter the reefs offshore. Stamp enthusiasts need restraining from pressing their noses to the glass, but even philately-phobics find something interesting here.

Midday: Market Immersion

Head next to the Central Market – it’s a brisk quarter-hour walk from Caudan. Locals call it the Bazaar. Dating to Victorian times, the market throws you directly into Mauritian daily life: vendors shout prices, tropical fruits pile in questionable pyramids, and the air hangs heavy with unfamiliar spices. You’ll want to arrive before noon to dodge the crowds.

The market is divided into distinct sections, each offering its own treasures. The vegetable hall showcases produce unique to the island, including gato piments (chilli cakes) and dholl puri (split pea flatbreads) being prepared at small food stalls. Meanwhile, the spice section dazzles with pyramids of turmeric, cardamom, and distinctly Mauritian curry powder blends.

For an authentic lunch experience, seek out one of the small food vendors upstairs from the main market. Here, Chez Mme. Parasram has been serving traditional Mauritian street food for over three decades. Her dholl puri wraps filled with rougaille (a spicy tomato sauce) and butter bean curry offer a perfect introduction to Mauritian fusion cuisine – delicious simplicity at its finest. Seating is limited to a few plastic chairs, but the views of market life unfolding below more than compensate for the modest surroundings.

Afternoon: Historical Echoes

As the afternoon heat intensifies, seek respite in the historic core of Port Louis. Begin at Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the immigration depot where indentured labourers first arrived from India following the abolition of slavery. While only the foundations remain of this once-bustling processing centre, the site offers a poignant reminder of the island’s complex heritage and the challenging conditions faced by these labourers who fundamentally shaped Mauritius’ demographic and cultural landscape. The small museum contextualises their experiences with remarkable candour.

A ten-minute walk brings you to the Photography Museum, housed in a meticulously preserved building on Rue du Vieux Conseil. This hidden gem showcases the history of photography in Mauritius through vintage cameras and remarkable images dating back to the 1800s. The collection offers fascinating glimpses of Port Louis’ transformation from European-controlled port to modern capital.

Next, tackle Fort Adelaide – La Citadelle to locals. The British built this stone fortress on Petite Montagne in the 19th century. The climb takes 20 minutes and it’s properly steep, but the views justify the sweat: racecourse, harbour, mountains – all of Port Louis lies spread beneath you. Arrive around 3:45pm when shadows lengthen and the heat eases off. In summer, go earlier – the place shuts at 4pm. Budget an hour to poke around the battlements and ramparts before the 25-minute descent back to sea level.

Evening: Harbour Lights

As dusk falls, return to the Caudan Waterfront, now transformed by evening lights reflected in the harbour. Begin your evening with a cocktail at Barrel and Bay, a waterfront pub where the island’s European ties are reflected in the British-influenced decor. Their signature Phoenix beer, brewed locally since 1963, offers a refreshing end to a day of exploration.

For dinner, Le Courtyard offers sophisticated dining in a carefully restored French-era building just off Intendance Street. Hidden behind an unassuming facade, this restaurant reveals a charming courtyard where tables are arranged beneath the stars. Chef Nizam Peeroo crafts a menu that celebrates Mauritian produce with French technique – try the palm heart salad followed by their renowned rack of lamb with local honey and rosemary. The restaurant’s wine cellar houses an impressive selection of South African and French wines, giving you every excuse to stick around for a night cap. Cheers to that!

©narvikk from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Day 2: Cultural Mosaic, Beach Excursion & Natural Splendour

Early Morning: Flic En Flac Beach Escape

Begin your second day with an early start – you’ll thank yourself later. Rise at 5:30am and grab a quick coffee from your hotel or a nearby café to jumpstart your system.

By 6am, you should be in a taxi heading west toward Flic en Flac beach. The 30-minute journey takes you through small villages and sugarcane fields as Mauritius slowly wakens. Aim to arrive just as the sun begins to illuminate the coastline.

Flic en Flac offers everything you imagine when dreaming of Mauritius – a pristine stretch of white sand extending for nearly 8 kilometers, fringed by casuarina trees and facing a sheltered lagoon of impossible blue. The name allegedly derives from the old Dutch “Fried Landt Flaak” (free, flat land), though locals insist it mimics the sound of waves lapping the shore.

The early hour rewards you with relative solitude – perhaps just a few joggers, fishermen preparing their boats, or dedicated swimmers taking advantage of the calm morning waters. This west-coast beach remains protected by an offshore coral reef, creating ideal conditions for a refreshing swim. The gentle morning light transforms the turquoise waters into a shifting palette of blues while providing views back toward the mountains around Port Louis.

Spend about two hours here, walking the soft sand, swimming in the crystal waters, or simply sitting beneath a palm tree watching the island come to life. For the more active, several beachside operators offer early morning snorkeling trips to the reef, where you’ll spot butterfly fish, parrotfish and perhaps even sea turtles gliding through coral gardens.

By 8:30am, arrange for your taxi to return you to Port Louis. You’ll have experienced one of Mauritius’ coastal treasures while still having a full day to explore the capital’s cultural riches. The contrast between tranquil seaside and bustling city provides perfect counterpoint to your Mauritian adventure.

Morning: Sacred Spaces

By 9:30am, you should be back in Port Louis and ready for breakfast. Le Fournil on Pope Hennessy Street opens at 6:30am, but their freshly baked goods remain delicious well into the morning. Their almond croissants provide the perfect energy boost after your beach excursion, and the coffee cuts through any remaining fatigue.

Port Louis houses a jumble of religious buildings that reveal the island’s mix of cultures better than any museum could. The St. Louis Cathedral sits just seven minutes from Le Fournil – a 1750s structure that looks decidedly plain outside but hides a wealth of French-Mauritian history inside. The stained glass and memorial plaques need half an hour to absorb properly.

The Jummah Mosque stands five minutes away. It’s an intriguing architectural mix – Indian elements jostle with Creole and Islamic features. The courtyard offers unexpected quiet amid the traffic noise. Don’t visit during prayer times or Friday mornings. If you arrive on a weekday, the caretaker might show you the archways inside. You’ll need 30-40 minutes, including removing shoes and observing proper mosque etiquette.

Walk ten minutes to Kwan Tee Pagoda in Chinatown next. It’s the oldest Chinese temple on the island. Dragons writhe across its roof ridges, and red-lacquered columns support ceilings that haven’t changed since the first Chinese immigrants arrived in the 1780s. Half an hour lets you soak up the details.

The Kaylasson Temple on Royal Street stands eight minutes from Chinatown. Its gopuram (gateway towers) overwhelm you with their detail – gods and goddesses crowd every square inch in riotous colour. This is Tamil culture stamped firmly onto Mauritian soil. If you happen upon a puja (prayer ceremony), linger and observe. Otherwise, 30 minutes covers it.

Midday: Literary Heritage

For lunch, head to First Restaurant in the central business district, a short walk from your morning temple tour. This unpretentious spot has been serving Mauritian Chinese cuisine for decades, attracting a steady stream of local office workers – always a good sign. Their mine frit (fried noodles with vegetables and your choice of protein) and beef chop suey showcase the Chinese culinary influence that’s become fundamental to Mauritian food culture. Prices remain refreshingly reasonable despite their prime location.

After lunch, browse the China Town shops along Royal Road where you’ll find everything from traditional Chinese medicines to imported teas. The small Chinese Heritage Museum on the same street provides context for the significant role the Chinese community has played in Mauritius since the 1780s. Its collection of photographs and artifacts tells the story of the early immigrants who established Port Louis’ vibrant Chinese quarter.

Afternoon: Natural Wonders

After lunch, call a taxi for the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens – everyone calls them Pamplemousses Gardens, mercifully. They lie 15-20 minutes north, though lunchtime traffic might stretch this to half an hour. These gardens date from 1770 and house plant collections that botanists consider world-class. They stay open until 5:30pm, so no need to rush.

The giant water lilies stop everyone in their tracks – big enough for a small child to sit on, though the gardeners would have fits. Ancient baobabs loom over paths like something from a fantasy film. But plant people come for the palm collection, which ranks among the best anywhere. Give yourself two solid hours to wander. Signs explain how these plants shaped Mauritius – spices that traders fought over, fruits that fed the population, hardwoods that built the colony. The avenue of royal palms features on half the postcards in Mauritius, and deserves to.

Hire one of the knowledgeable guides at the entrance (for a modest fee) to reveal hidden treasures like the spice garden, where nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves grow alongside the pepper plants that once made Mauritius a vital spice trading post.

Evening: Farewell Feast

Return to Port Louis as the day cools and prepare for a memorable final evening. Begin with sunset drinks at the Post Box Lounge bar in the 5-star Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, where the terrace offers perfect harbour views. Their classic Ti’ Punch – white rum with fresh lime and a touch of sugar – provides a fitting toast to your brief but enriching Port Louis experience.

Leave at 7pm for Chez Tino in Baie du Tombeau – it’s a 15-minute taxi ride from town, but well worth the effort. Book ahead, especially in high season. The place looks unassuming, but locals have packed it for over 30 years. It sits almost on the lagoon where they catch your dinner.

The menu runs to camarons (freshwater prawns) grilled with garlic butter and ourite (octopus) curry cooked slowly in cast-iron pots. Their seafood platters cost more than you might expect in Mauritius, but they pile the plates with whatever came in that morning. The cooks blend Creole, Indian and Chinese techniques – much like Mauritius itself.

Around 9:30, grab a taxi to Banana Beach Club near Le Caudan for a last drink. Your feet sink into actual sand beneath your table while drums pound out sega rhythms – a distinctly Mauritian musical style that feels half-African, half-something-else-entirely. It makes an oddly appropriate soundtrack to your two days in this mongrel of a capital city.

Neighbourhood Know-How: Where To Stay In Port Louis

Choosing the right area matters more than any specific hotel in Port Louis. Each neighbourhood has its own rhythm and advantages, depending on what you want from your stay.

The Waterfront area offers the most convenient access to tourist facilities. This district sits right against the harbour, connected to Le Caudan shopping complex. Expect larger, business-oriented hotels with air conditioning that actually works, harbour views, and higher prices to match. You’re within walking distance of many major attractions and decent restaurants, but removed from everyday Mauritian life.

The old quarter around Sir William Newton Street and Rue Royale presents a completely different proposition. This compact, atmospheric district houses the city’s heritage buildings with their distinctive shuttered windows and faded elegance. Small guesthouses and boutique hotels occupy converted 19th-century buildings. The rooms typically run smaller, but compensate with character—worn wooden floors, ceiling fans, wrought-iron balconies. You’ll be immersed in local life here, walking distance to markets, but expect more street noise and fewer amenities.

Labourdonnais Avenue and surrounding streets constitute the business district. Several mid-range options cluster here, offering a compromise between modern comforts and local character. You’ll find reasonable rates and reliable, if unexciting, accommodation. The area quiets significantly after office hours, which means peaceful nights but fewer evening dining options within walking distance.

Those looking for residential calm might consider the northern suburbs of Tombeau Bay or Baie du Tombeau. Some villas in Mauritius are available in these quieter areas, offering family-sized accommodation with pools and gardens. You’ll need to taxi into the city centre (15-20 minutes), but gain extra space, sea breezes, and occasional beach access. The area around Baie du Tombeau merits particular attention for its seafood restaurants and distance from city noise.

For longer stays or those requiring more space, look to Moka or Pamplemousses just outside Port Louis. These areas offer larger properties including renovated plantation houses set in tropical gardens. The 15-30 minute commute into Port Louis is balanced by mountain views, substantially lower temperatures, and unspoiled surroundings.

Budget travellers should investigate Plaine Verte, where simple guesthouses cater primarily to visiting traders from Madagascar and Reunion. The accommodations won’t win design awards, but they’re clean, authentic, and drastically cheaper than tourist-oriented options. This predominantly Muslim area offers excellent halal food options and a glimpse into a side of Mauritius most visitors never see.

The Bottom Line

Two days in Port Louis leaves you with a city that refuses tidy description – not quite African, not really Asian, certainly not European, yet somehow smacking of all three. Most tourists rush through on their way to those postcard beaches, missing the narrow alleys and markets that tell the real story.

Forty-eight hours only lets you skim the surface, but it’s enough to grasp how wildly mixed this place is. You may well find yourself plotting a return – the March horse racing season perhaps, or Chinese New Year when firecrackers echo between old buildings, or Diwali when oil lamps line the Tamil quarter. The beaches might have brought you to Mauritius, but Port Louis gives you reasons to venture beyond the sand.

If your Mauritius journey continues beyond the capital, consider heading south to explore the sacred lake of Grand Bassin or the dramatic landscapes of Black River Gorges National Park – both offering perfect complements to your urban adventure in this remarkable island nation.

How To Wear A Dress With Sneakers: The Ideal Guide

Lifestyle Guides
Lifesyle Tips

Editorial Team

March 18, 2025

How To Wear A Dress With Sneakers: The Ideal Guide

Ideal for serving all summer long…

Gone are the days when dresses were strictly paired with heels or ballet flats. Now, everyone from fashion influencers to Hollywood A-listers is pairing their best frocks with comfortable, stylish sneakers. Indeed, sneakers with dresses have become a tasteful expression of personal style and comfort.

Whether you’re off to a casual event or a formal gathering, this remarkable combo offers a blend of sophistication and ease that is irresistible. Today, let us guide you on how to wear a dress with sneakers effortlessly for an all-round chic and laid-back look.

The Beauty Of Comfort

The most obvious reason for the sneaker-dress combo’s popularity is comfort. Heels may add an elegant finish to your outfit, but they can be punishing for long days or nights. Sneakers, on the other hand, save your feet from unnecessary strain, allowing you to be stylish and comfortable simultaneously.

Choosing The Right Sneaker

Classic White Sneakers: These are a staple in any fashionista’s closet. They are incredibly versatile and can be worn with almost any type of dress. Consider pairing a summer dress with white canvas sneakers for an effortlessly cool look.
Retro High-tops: If you’re looking to make a bold statement, high-top sneakers are the way to go. They pair well with mini dresses or midi-length dresses, allowing the sneakers to shine.
Designer Sneakers: These sneakers offer a balance between casual and luxury fashion. Designer sneakers paired with an elegant dress gives a high-end, chic street style look.
Slip-On Sneakers: They work best for a laid-back, casual style. Pair them with a comfortable maxi or midi dress for those lazy summer days.

Choosing The Right Dress

Of course, your dress choice matters just as much as your sneaker selection. Here’s a look at some of the best types of dresses to wear with sneakers:

With A Cutout Maxi Dress

Demonstrate your sneaker style with a knit maxi dress that features knotted fabric in the middle and two side cutouts. A versatile maxi dress will look great with your sneakers. Bring out the sophisticated look of the dress for dinner, even though the whole outfit might seem casual. Show some skin; a leg slit will take the look a notch higher. Bring a saddle bag to add some extra cuteness to the look.

Silk Dresses

Silk dresses are a top pick among many women. They are an excellent choice for a hot summer night out, as silk provides that cooling effect. Match the dress with your favourite retro-looking sneaker to add that sporty touch to the sleek outfit.

Bold Floral Dresses

Another classic summer go-to is a floral dress that you can match with white sneakers. A floral dress can look classy when chosen wisely. Florals and floral prints add a delicate womanly look to the outfit. Check the colour of the flowers and add pop to your outfit by accessorising them for a more complete look.

T-Shirt Dresses

A T-shirt dress will go well with sneakers, too. T-shirt dresses are comfortable, relaxed and come in breathable fabrics. They are a versatile wardrobe staple you can match with different sneakers and bring out that casual vibe for summer. Here are more tips for styling your t-shirt dress with sneakers:

Pick a dress length that best works for your height
Choose sneakers that work well with your dress
Try to layer and accessorise with woven bags and jewellery
Think outside the box and go for dresses with a wide variety of colours and styles

With Fancy Mini Dresses

Your fancy mini-dress will go well with sneakers. When styled together, a floral-printed blazer mini dress and sneakers will look stylish for an evening affair. Dark sneakers and a floral mini dress will look chicer than bright white ones. Add a clutch and evening hoops to bring out your day’s style.

With Tweed Dresses

Tweed dresses run the risk of coming off too formal, but you can blend them well with sneakers to loosen up the look. A tweed dress makes it easy to layer other pieces over or under and accessorise stress-free. To tone down the sophistication of a tweed dress and wear it anytime with sneakers, you can mix the tweed style with new accessories and bulky sneakers. Look for high-contrast pieces to bring in some edge and look stylish.

Colour Coordination Matters

When pairing sneakers with dresses, colour coordination is paramount to achieving a polished look. Consider the colour palette of your outfit as a whole, ensuring your footwear complements rather than clashes with your dress. For a harmonious appearance, match your sneakers with an accent colour in your dress or accessorise with items that bridge the colour gap.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting colours for a bolder statement. A vibrant dress can look striking with clean white trainers, while a neutral-toned frock might benefit from colourful sneakers to add visual interest. The diverse range of styles in the Converse collection offers particularly versatile options, from classic monochrome designs to limited-edition patterns that can elevate any dress-and-sneaker ensemble.

Seasonal Adaptations

The dress-and-sneaker combination can be adapted throughout the year with thoughtful layering. During cooler months, pair your favourite summer dress with sneakers and add a chunky cardigan, denim jacket or tailored blazer. Thermal tights or knee-high socks can provide warmth without compromising style when temperatures drop.

In warmer weather, lightweight fabrics and breathable sneakers create the perfect pairing for comfort and style. Consider linen dresses with canvas trainers for beach outings, or cotton shirt dresses with leather low-tops for city exploration. Remember that seasonal transitions offer unique styling opportunities—a summer dress can extend into autumn when paired with the right sneakers and outerwear.

Read: 7 tips on building the IDEAL minimalist wardrobe

Some Extra Styling Tips For No Good Reason

Sock Game: The right socks can make or break your look. Avoid brightly coloured or patterned socks. Invisible socks or socks that match your sneakers are the best options.

Balance your Silhouettes: If your dress is voluminous or flowing, try pairing it with sleek, minimalist sneakers. Conversely, a fitted dress can handle chunkier, bolder sneakers.

Accessorise: Complete your look with accessories like cross-body bags, statement sunglasses, or a chic watch.

Casual vs. Smart: For a casual look, opt for loose, comfortable dresses with simple sneakers. For a smarter look, try a more structured dress with designer sneakers.

The Bottom Line

The blend of femininity from a dress paired with the comfort and simplicity of sneakers creates a trend that hits all the right notes this season. The key to pulling off this trend is balance and understanding your personal style. So, dare to step out of the conventional fashion box, and rock that sneaker-dress combo with confidence and panache. Happy styling!

9 Of The Key Places To Plan Your Safari In Tanzania Around

Far Flung Adventures
Travel
Travel Tips

Travel Team

March 17, 2025

9 Of The Key Places To Plan Your Safari In Tanzania Around

To say that Tanzania, in East Africa’s Great Lakes region, is home to some heavy hitters is something of an understatement. It’s home to the continent’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, as well as its largest lake, Victoria.

There’s also the Zanzibar Archipelago, one of the planet’s most idyllic set of islands. But even more worthy of superlatives is the Serengeti, perhaps the world’s premier safari destination. So much to do, so little time, right? Well, we’re here to help with the planning part, with these; our 9 of the key places to plan your safari in Tanzania around.

The Serengeti National Park

Tanzania has 16 national parks and more than 5 game reserves and other protected areas, all boasting wildlife, flora and fauna unrivalled pretty much anywhere on earth. The big one, though, is without doubt the Serengeti, acknowledged as one of the ten travel wonders of the world.

Located in Northern Tanzania and spanning over 12’000 square miles, if it’s safari you’re after, this place has got you covered. Because it’s all about catching a glimpse of those Big Five right? And in the Serengeti, lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo all prowl the savannah. But all of that pales into insignificance compared to – cue David Attenborough voiceover – ‘the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth’; that is, the enormous migration of wildebeest and zebra.

The good news is that a luxury Tanzania safari that takes in the Serengeti isn’t quite as prohibitively expensive as you might expect; you’ll find prices starting at around £350 a night for accommodation and activities combined.

The Ruaha National Park

Tanzania’s largest national park might fly somewhat under the radar compared to its northern counterparts, but that’s precisely what makes Ruaha such a compelling destination. Located in the country’s central region, this vast wilderness spanning more than 20,000 square kilometres offers a more secluded, intimate safari experience away from the well-trodden tourist circuits.

The park’s dramatic landscape, characterised by the mighty Great Ruaha River, ancient baobab trees, and rolling hills, provides a spectacular backdrop for wildlife viewing. It’s particularly renowned for its impressive population of elephants—some 10,000 of these magnificent creatures call Ruaha home. The park also boasts one of East Africa’s highest concentrations of lions, alongside healthy populations of leopards, cheetahs, and rare African wild dogs.

What sets Ruaha apart is its unique position at the crossroads of eastern and southern African species, meaning visitors can spot both Greater and Lesser kudus – a rare treat for wildlife enthusiasts. Accommodation options range from luxury lodges to authentic bush camps, with prices typically lower than those found in the Serengeti.

The Selous Game Reserve

Recently renamed as Nyerere National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage site is Africa’s largest game reserve and one of Tanzania’s most diverse wildlife sanctuaries. The mighty Rufiji River runs through its heart, creating a network of channels, lakes, and swampland that attracts an incredible variety of wildlife.

Unlike the open plains of the Serengeti, Selous offers a different kind of safari experience, with boat safaris complementing traditional game drives. Gliding along the river channels, visitors can observe pods of hippos wallowing in the shallows, enormous Nile crocodiles basking on sandbanks, and a spectacular array of water birds. The reserve is also one of the few places in Tanzania where you can enjoy walking safaris, offering an entirely different perspective on the African bush.

What makes Selous particularly special is its relatively low visitor numbers, meaning you’re more likely to have wildlife sightings to yourself. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October) when animals congregate around water sources.

The Tarangire National Park

Often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem that truly comes into its own during the dry season. Named after the Tarangire River that winds through its heart, this park is renowned for its extraordinary concentration of elephants—sometimes gathering in herds of up to 300 strong—and its ancient baobab trees, some of which are thought to be over 1,000 years old.

The park’s diverse landscape includes sprawling grasslands, dense woodland, and seasonal marshes, each supporting different wildlife species. During the dry season (June to October), the Tarangire River becomes a lifeline for wildlife, attracting massive concentrations of animals from the surrounding Masai steppe. This creates spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly around the permanent water sources.

What’s particularly special about Tarangire is its excellent population of tree-climbing pythons and its remarkable birdlife—more than 550 species have been recorded here. The park also offers night game drives in certain areas, providing the rare opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures like leopards, bushbabies, and the elusive aardwolf.

Lake Manyara

Close to Tanzania’s ‘other’ premier safari destination, Arusha National Park, is Lake Manyara, a national park in itself and home to wildebeest, zebra and gazelles, as well as the odd tree-climbing lion and African elephants, too. But it’s not just the animals here which make Lake Manyara a headlining act; during the wet season (November to May) especially, the lake boasts plenty of action. Keep an eye out for flamingos, stalks, herons and cohabiting hippos especially!

The park’s unique ecosystem is dominated by the alkaline lake, which can cover up to 200 square kilometres during the wet season but shrinks dramatically in the dry months. This fluctuation creates diverse habitats that support an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the groundwater forest, acacia woodland, and grassy floodplains, each offering distinct wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is also home to some of Tanzania’s best bird-watching opportunities, with over 400 species recorded, including significant populations of pelicans, cormorants, and sacred ibis.

Kilimanjaro

For those looking to take on a challenge this new decade, scaling the ‘the roof of Africa’ would certainly represent an achievement. Don’t let the summit of 4000 feet, altitude of 18000 feet and a five to nine day climb put you off hiking Kilimanjaro; there’s some sense of accomplishment up there at the peak waiting for you.

Less than half of climbers actually make it, which makes the adventure all the more exciting. And if you view such excursion as torture rather than challenge, then don’t worry, the Kilimanjaro National Park has plenty to offer even at ground level. Elephant, buffalo and antelope roam in the Forest Reserve area of the park, meaning you’ll see action even if the ascent isn’t for you.

Read: 5 African destinations that combine safari with scaling a mountain

Final ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro or Uhuru Peak. A line of hikers stepping over snow. Mount Mawenzie in the distance looking down on the clouds.

The Ngorongoro Crater

Known as ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden‘ and one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater is a site to behold. A 12-mile-wide ecosystem within an ecosystem that was created by a volcanic eruption, this crater has some of the most fertile and rich grazing grounds in Africa, attracting wildlife galore. Tanzania’s northern safari circuit often combines the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater, which increases your chances of seeing the big five. If you can, stay in a hotel on the crater’s rim for the most phenomenal views.

The crater floor spans roughly 100 square miles and sustains a remarkable balance of predator and prey, with approximately 25,000 large animals calling this ancient caldera home. The ecosystem is largely self-contained, though some animals do migrate in and out of the crater. What makes this location particularly special is the reliability of wildlife sightings—the crater’s walls create a natural enclosure that keeps most animals within its boundaries year-round.

This unique topography, combined with the presence of both fresh water and alkaline lakes, supports an incredibly diverse range of species, from thousands of pink flamingos at Lake Magadi to some of Africa’s last remaining black rhinos.

Lake Victoria

The largest tropical lake and the second largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Victoria needs little more in the way of introduction. It’s also the source and mouth of the River Nile, its starting point, and the lifeblood of not only Tanzania but its neighbouring countries, too, extending into Uganda and Kenya. The lake offers plenty of opportunity for tourists to explore; there are several resorts housed on the lake’s islands, and fishing excursions a particular highlight.

The Rubondo National Park, at the south-west shores of the lake, is where you’ll satisfy your wildlife watching cravings. Here, wild chimpanzees call the island home (originally introduced from West Africa), as well as rhinos, hippos (whose dung is essential to the biodiversity of the lake), giraffes and plenty of water birds.

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania’s largest city and former capital, Dar es Salaam offers a vibrant urban counterpoint to the country’s wilderness experiences. This bustling coastal metropolis serves as both gateway to safari adventures and a destination worthy of exploration in its own right. The name means ‘Haven of Peace’ in Arabic, and despite its metropolitan energy, you’ll find pockets of tranquility throughout the city, particularly along its stunning Indian Ocean coastline.

The National Museum houses fascinating exhibits on Tanzania’s history and cultural heritage, while the nearby Village Museum showcases traditional dwellings from various Tanzanian tribes. Don’t miss the colourful chaos of Kariakoo Market, where locals barter for everything from fresh produce to textiles.

Don’t stop there; the culinarily curious should sample the city’s excellent street food scene, particularly the Zanzibari-influenced seafood. For those seeking relaxation after safari exertions, the northern beaches of Coco Beach and Msasani Bay offer pristine white sands and azure waters. Dar es Salaam also serves as the jumping-off point for trips to Zanzibar, with frequent ferry services connecting the mainland to the spice islands.

And if you’re looking for your next stop after all the wildlife watching, then Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania’s coast will offer something very different indeed. Check out our IDEAL reasons to visit Zanzibar for more!

5 Fun Group Exercises To Enjoy Outdoors This Spring

Lifestyle Guides
Lifesyle Tips
Wellbeing

Editorial Team

March 15, 2025

5 Fun Group Exercises To Enjoy Outdoors This Spring

As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, there’s no better time to take your exercise routine outdoors. The British springtime offers the perfect backdrop for fitness enthusiasts looking to combine the joy of movement with the rejuvenating effects of fresh air and sunshine.

These al fresco workout sessions will boost both your fitness levels and your mood, allowing for that sociable aspect of group exercise we all cherish. With that in mind, here are 5 fun group exercises you can enjoy outdoors this spring.

Cold Water Swimming

Whether off the Cornish coast or in one of London’s lidos, cold water swimming is becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason. Recent research has suggested that cold water swimming may be an effective treatment for depression.

According to a report by the BBC, “Outdoor exercise and the companionship of fellow swimmers can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.”

In some cases, it could also delay the onset of dementia.

It’s also been suggested to boost your immune system, as regular cold water immersion increases your body’s levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which helps regulate other antioxidants and may reduce your risk of heart disease.

For beginners, start with just a few minutes in the water and gradually build up your tolerance. Essential kit includes a bright swimming cap, neoprene gloves and socks, and a changing robe. Many groups organise regular meetups at local swimming spots, making this a truly social activity.

Zumba

Zumba is perfect for people who don’t enjoy traditional exercise but relish being active and expressive within a group. It blends aerobic movement with dance elements including samba, hip-hop, salsa and mambo, allowing for as much self-expression as you can muster.

Outdoor Zumba sessions often take place in local parks, creating a festival-like atmosphere. The vibrant music and choreography transform exercise into a celebration, making it ideal for those who find traditional workouts monotonous.

To get the most out of outdoor Zumba, wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows for free movement. Some true enthusiasts even invest in custom sports clothing for their group, complete with vibrant patterns that enhance the festive atmosphere of these dance workouts. The supportive community aspect makes it particularly welcoming for newcomers – no dance experience necessary, just a willingness to move and have fun.

HIIT

High-Intensity Interval Training is the ideal way to squeeze in 30 minutes of challenging exercise between a busy schedule. Group classes are often better as competing with your peers provides that extra motivation you sometimes need.

HIIT is adaptable to your skill level and fitness goals, requiring minimal equipment. You can join an outdoor class or design the routine yourself. The beauty of outdoor HIIT is its versatility – parks offer natural features that enhance your workout. Steps, benches, and open spaces provide perfect settings for burpees, box jumps, sprints, and bodyweight exercises.

A typical session might include 40 seconds of high-intensity work followed by 20 seconds of rest, repeated for 4-5 rounds. For maximum benefit, incorporate both cardio and strength elements. The “afterburn effect” means you’ll continue burning calories for hours after your workout. Do be aware that HIIT is high impact and can lead to injury if you push yourself too hard.

Yoga

If you’ve found yourself with a sore back or aching shoulders from desk work, outdoor yoga could be just the release you need. Taking your yoga practice outside is good for the soul – while indoor studios try to create a zen atmosphere, practicing in a natural setting can awaken your senses and help you connect with nature in a unique way.

Outdoor yoga brings elements to your practice that indoor sessions cannot provide. The gentle morning light filtering through trees can enhance mindfulness, while the sounds of nature create a natural meditation soundtrack. Popular styles include Hatha yoga for beginners, power yoga for those seeking more challenge, and yin yoga for deep stretching. Whether you’re a yoga beginner or more experienced, outdoor practice offers something special.

Invest in a good quality, thick yoga mat that provides cushioning against uneven terrain. Local parks and botanical gardens often host regular community yoga sessions, providing an opportunity to connect with like-minded practitioners. The combination of gentle movement, breathwork, and natural surroundings makes outdoor yoga a powerful stress reliever.

Trail Running

Offering the perfect blend of cardiovascular fitness, natural exploration, and community connection, unlike road running, trail running takes you off the beaten path into woodlands, across moorlands, and along coastal paths – providing constantly changing terrain that engages different muscle groups.

The UK boasts some spectacular hikes, from the Lake District to the South Downs Way, many of which double-up as incredible trail networks. Joining a local trail running group is ideal for beginners, offering safety in numbers and valuable knowledge about the best routes. Many groups organise weekend ‘recces’ of race routes or evening social runs that conclude at a local pub.

Trail running requires proper footwear with aggressive grip patterns for muddy British conditions. Many serious trail runners invest in custom sports clothing designed to wick moisture and provide comfort across changing conditions and temperatures. The technical nature of trail running – navigating roots, rocks, and varying gradients – improves balance while reducing the repetitive impact associated with road running.

For beginners, alternating between walking uphill sections and running flats and downhills is a perfectly acceptable approach that most trail running communities embrace.

The Bottom Line

We’re sure that you’re the same; you just can’t wait to enjoy the fresh air and vast expanses of nature once again. If you can combine this with a spot of exercise and socialising, then all the better. We hope the five suggestions above can help you do just that. Good luck!

The Best Places For Pasta In Soho, London

Global Eats
London Eats

Joseph Gann

March 14, 2025

The Best Places For Pasta In Soho, London

London’s lanes are lined with linguine. The city’s streets strewn with spaghetti, its paths paved with penne. Indeed, the capital is clinging to its pasta so fervently, that you’re as likely to find traces of double zero flour on its pub toilet cisterns as you are lines of 00.

But with saturation comes an over-starching of the waters, and the proliferation of pasta joints in London has made things a little cloudy – when you’ve got one on every corner, how do you discern which place is genuinely doing a decent pumpkin agnolotti with sage butter?

Yep, there’s a lot of places out there who have taken ‘al dente’ to mean raw and dressed to mean drowning, that’s for sure. In Soho, this feels particularly pertinent, where winnowing the durum wheat from the husk and hares feels tougher than pulling off a proper mantecare in a crepe pan.

That’s not to say that there aren’t some fantastic Italian restaurants in this corner of the West End; you just have to look a little harder. Fear not; we’ve taken on the unenviable task of eating pasta all across Soho, piercing new holes in our belts and overworking our Italian terminology in the process, to bring you these; the best places for pasta in Soho, London.

Bocca Di Lupo, Archer Street

Ideal for regionally focused Italian cooking from a Soho heavy hitter…

In a city where the idea of what an Italian restaurant should look like has fast homogenised into either; 1. A place with around 8 pasta dishes, one of which must be a riff on cacio e pepe containing a decadent ingredient, and 2. An Italian/American ‘red sauce’ joint, Bocca di Luppo is refreshing in its maximalist menu, a country-spanning lap of honour that’s not overly in thrall to only pasta, and all the better for it.

Since opening in late 2008, the restaurant has quietly, skilfully become one of London’s most cherished institutions, a place of sophistication, grace and good taste, but also one that’s not afraid of serving up fifth quarter cuts and a rowdy, raucous time when it needs to.

At the helm, Jacob Kenedy, a Cambridge alumnus with a rich and varied background ranging from biology to glassblowing, brings his formidable presence and natural culinary gift to the pastaiola and menu, with dishes labelled according to Italy’s 20 regions.

In the pasta section of that menu, the Alpine-adjacent nettle pappardelle with wild venison ragu, from Trentino, is a knockout. Available in both small and sharing sizes (for £13 and £26), its verdancy and earthy interplay come together in a seriously soulful bowlful. For something a little lighter on the stomach and wallet (and vegetarian, to boot), the Puglian orecchiette with cime di rapa is an exemplary rendition of a stone cold classic.

You can read our full write-up of Bocca di Luppo here.

Website: boccadilupo.com

Address: 12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB

Pastaio, Ganton Street

Ideal for a harmonious marriage of British produce and Italian culinary tradition, in perhaps the buzziest dining room in town…

Since 2017, this proudly pasta-obsessed restaurant on Soho’s Ganton Street has been dishing out fresh, handcrafted bowls of the good stuff. The work of skilled, sound chef Stevie Parle, Pastaio pays respect to Italian culinary tradition whilst singing with the flavours of seasonal British produce, and it’s a match made in heaven, with premium ingredients like Dorset crab and foraged wild mushrooms treated with respect and a deft, light touch. Call it ‘Britalian’, if you like.

There’s a utilitarian feel to the room, with communal dining tables arranged in three long rows, and steam rising from the rolling boil of several deep wells of cloudy pasta water in the open kitchen that overlooks the diners. A striking mural by Rob Lowe adds a wall of bright, stain-glass style colour to the industrial chic decor. A team of busy, dexterous pastai and attentive, supremely charming wait staff keep the plates coming.

All of this creates a commotion of clatter and chatter that feels so right for a busy night in the heart of Soho, the floor to ceiling doors slung wide open and out onto the street to reel people in.

It works – there’s always a queue here, the punters lining up for a bowl of radiatore (squat and ridged like a radiator, hence the name) with a tomato sauce that’s been simmered until rust coloured and separating at its edges. Though your Nonna might chastise you for adding it, the dish is served with parmesan. The umami levels are strong on this one. Yours for just £12.

On a more recent visit, we enjoyed a bolognese of beef and porcini, cooked low and slow for maximum flavour (8 hours, if you’re asking). Another deeply rich dish, bold and intense, this one clinged to its bouncy tangle of tagliatelle just right.

For something unashamedly indulgent, try the sharing lobster pasta. Sourced from Cornwall and rolling out across the dining room in a near constant flow, it’s quite the showstopper and clearly very popular. It’s on the list for next time.

It isn’t all punch-you-in-the-face flavour though. The delicate tortellini, filled with mortadella and ricotta, bob pleasingly in their brodo, here a soothing, shimmering chicken broth that’s just the right side of aureate. It’s seasoned gently, allowing the stuffed pasta to shine. Be warned; this dish sells out fast.

The crowds aren’t only here for the pasta, mind; the wine list at Pastaio is a curated selection of great-value vintages, featuring lesser-known Italian growers, with every bottle also available by the glass. That’s inclusivity, guys!

Bookend your meal with a tidy puck of aubergine caponata with the excellent house focaccia, and a comically generous wedge of baked ricotta cheesecake, here adorned with poached rhubarb, and totter off into the night ready to take on the Carnaby Street crowds.

Website: pastaio.co.uk

Address: 19 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN

Read: The best restaurants near Soho’s Carnaby Street

Lina Stores, Greek Street

Ideal for bowls of pasta that any Genovesi Nonni would be proud of…

Rationing and an ongoing world war be damned; Lina Stores has been sourcing, selling and serving authentic Italian ingredients since 1944, when Lina (surname unknown) from Genoa opened up shop here. Or so the story goes…

In 2018, Lina Stores opened its first restaurant on Greek Street, just a few minutes’ walk away from the original deli on Brewer. Rendered in now instantly-recognisable pastel-green and white stripes, it’s fast become a fan favourite for those looking for a freshly made bowl of pasta in Soho (and now King’s Cross, Marylebone, Clapham and the City, with another soon to open in Kensington).

Anyway, we’re not here for a backstory that’s been recycled so thoroughly across the internet that it’s become true – we’re here for fresh pasta, which the original branch of Lina Stores does very well indeed.

Lina is a great place for vegetarians. There’s a version of that ubiquitous pumpkin and sage ravioli, here given bite and intrigue from toasted Piemonte hazelnuts, as well as a silky, slippery egg yolk taglioni with black truffle. As spring approaches, we’re looking forward to a seasonal transition into the more verdant ravioli dishes that the restaurant does so well.

For the carnivores, the lamb sausage ragu is a farmyardy number with an assertive kick of chilli and further pastoral vibes from wafts of pecorino. The latter calls – no, demands – a glass of something pink, and the restaurant’s Chiaretto del Garda from Lombardy duly delivers, its whispers of carbonation seeing off the gamier elements of the dish in style.

Website: linastores.co.uk

Address: 51 Greek St, London W1D 4EH

Mele e Pere, Brewer Street

Ideal for trattoria-generous bowls of pasta with a side of vermouth…

Though Mele e Pere is stepping confidently into its second decade on Brewer Street, it honestly feels like it’s been around even longer, its neon sign and spotlit vermouth collection illuminating Soho until late 7 nights a week.

The effect is somehow even more radiant within, with a warm welcome and boisterous atmosphere drowning you out before you’ve even asked for a table. Though the name translates as ‘apples and pears’, the only fruit you’ll find on the menu is the lemon you’ll be squeezing over your calamari fritti, which is a generous, properly salty affair full of tentacles and scraps, just as it should be.

Head Chef Andrea Mantovani, who previously honed his skills at the late, great Arbutus, certainly knows what he’s doing, with the pasta plates trattoria-generous rather than London-small-plates-stingy. A glorious, squiggly mafaldine is positively heaving under the weight of its San Marzano sauce and bulbous, faintly obscene ball of burrata. Even more indulgent is the pappardelle with duck ragu, which comes with wisps of black truffle freshly grated tableside. It’s ace.

Not to be missed is the extensive wine list, celebrating independent and biodynamic Italian producers and, of course, Mele e Pele’s vermouth collection, the largest in the city. Pull up a stool (you should probably book one, actually) at the gorgeous copper bar and order a vermouth flight, which is a curated selection of 3 for £26. It’s a fine way to begin a meal.

Website: meleepere.co.uk

Address: 46 Brewer St, London W1F 9NY

Bancone, Golden Square

Ideal for perching at the counter with the silkiest of silk handkerchiefs…

Founded in 2018 by Will Ellner and his business partner David Ramsay (no relation to…), Bacone has already established itself as one of London’s better pasta purveyors.

The name ‘Bancone’, translating to ‘bar’ or ‘counter’ in Italian, is a nod to the restaurant’s layout, featuring three bars that offer patrons a front-row seat to the open kitchen’s pasta-making spectacle. It’s a place where the clatter of pots and pans harmonises with the chatter of diners, lending itself to a dine-happily-but-dine-quickly mood that’s no doubt pretty positive for the restaurant’s bottom line.

Perhaps that explains the bargain £7 signature negronis, available in white, classic or orange blossom, the latter of the trio perky and fragrant.

Anyway, back to the pasta. Here it’s handmade and handsome each and every day, and that sprightly essence is best realised in the restaurant’s more restrained dishes. A case in point is the signature, a comforting bowl of silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter and a confit egg yolk. Ditto the bucatini cacio e pepe, which is served as god intended; piquant from the pecorino, plush and pokey. And not an erroneous, unnecessary addition in sight.

A ruddy faced, positively porky number of n’duja & fennel ragù, all piled over frilly but strapping mafalde, is an intense, lively affair. A damn good side of grilled artichoke, sitting on a roughly hewn bed of romesco, is all you need to complete the spread.

Yep, if you’re looking for a quality bowl of fresh pasta in Soho, you can bank on this one.

There’s another branch near Leicester Square, just off Covent Garden, as well as one in Borough Yards. We’ll say it again; London cannot get enough of pasta.

Website: bancone.co.uk

Address: 8-10 Lower James St, London W1F 9EL

Notto, Piccadilly Street

Ideal for refined, luxurious pasta from one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs…

Not(to) quite Soho, we accept, but we simply had to mention chef Phil Howard’s latest opening.

He’s always had a wicked way with pasta, back in the Square days, currently in the E-Street (glory) days, and back in the COVID dark days, when Howard started a bespoke, high-end pasta delivery service. So popular was the stuff arriving through the letterbox that Notto is now two bricks and mortar joints, one just off Piccadilly and another in Covent Garden, and we’re very much here for it. For them? It? Who cares…

Though the company line here is all about “seasonal, satisfying” rustic simplicity, let’s be honest; the dishes here fall on the cheffier side of things, with a certain sense of refinement and luxury found in Notto’s pasta plates.

It’s there in the spaghettini with a langoustine bisque that’s been cooked until almost tasting of copper, and bolstered by the low, unmistakable thrum of brown crab meat. It’s a rich and heady accompaniment to the speckles of white crab meat that cling to the pasta strands. Drafts of lemon zest and thinly sliced chive lift and lighten.

It’s also there in Howard’s take on vitello tonnato; tissue-paper thin slices of actual veal, just blushing, are blanketed with the classic, distinctive tuna and anchovy dressing, this version’s feeling gently aerated and lighter for it. On top, the fattest caper berries we’ve ever seen bring their usual acidic foil, but also a welcome bitterness from the weirdly prominent seeds. It’s an excellent version, and a reminder of Phil Howard’s deft touch.

You’ll pay for the privilege, with the aforementioned spaghettini clocking in at £25, and the vitello tonnato £10.50. Not that we’re complaining; both are gorgeous.

Website: nottopastabars.com

Address: 198 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9EZ

The Dover, Dover Street

Ideal for Italian-American pasta dishes in one of London’s vibiest new dining rooms…

Another restaurant that skirts the peripheries of Soho, admittedly, with a decidedly more Mayfair feel (and pin drop) to proceedings, but well worthy of inclusion on this list nonetheless, is recently opened The Dover on Dover Street.

Indeed, London’s pasta doesn’t always have to be all elegantly dressed, two-ingredient affairs. Here, you’ll get the kind of red sauce meatball dishes you can imagine Tony Soprano prodding at with his fork as Carmela asks how everyone’s day’s been.

Ours has been splendid, we reply, as we admire the Dover’s painstakingly put together dining room, all wood panelling and auburn velvet. Whilst we’re not sure how this guy will feel in summer, it’s one of the finest seats to sink into on a cold, rainy night in Soho. We think we might order another Gibson, you know…

Website: thedoverrestaurant.com

Address: 33 Dover St, London W1S 4NF

Fancy a Japanese whisky next? Of course you do.

Spring Forward Safely: How To Avoid Becoming A Road Statistic As The Seasons Change

Coffee Break Reads
Lifesyle Tips

Editorial Team

March 12, 2025

Spring Forward Safely: How To Avoid Becoming A Road Statistic As The Seasons Change

The first signs of spring are finally upon us; daffodils are starting to pop up in gardens across the country, the days are gradually growing longer, and we’re beginning to shed those heavy winter coats in favour of something a bit lighter. After months of navigating through darkness, ice, and snow, many drivers breathe a sigh of relief when spring arrives.

However, let’s not be lulled into a false sense of security. Spring brings its own set of challenges for motorists, from sudden downpours and flooding to the glare of that long-absent sun now sitting low on the horizon during morning and evening commutes.

As the seasons transition, the unpredictable British weather can catch out even the most experienced drivers. The rapid shifts between warm sunshine and heavy rainfall create road conditions that demand different skills than the steady cold of winter. What’s more, our vehicles emerge from winter’s grip often carrying hidden damage that could manifest at the most inopportune moments if left unchecked.

Getting Your Vehicle Spring-Ready After The Winter Months

Winter driving puts enormous strain on our vehicles in ways that aren’t always immediately apparent. The constant exposure to salt, grit, and freezing temperatures takes a toll on everything from your car’s exterior to its most vital components. Now that the worst of winter has passed, it’s the perfect time to give your faithful transport some well-deserved attention.

Book a post-winter check – Winter driving takes its toll on vehicles. Consider having your car looked over by a mechanic to check the brakes, suspension, and fluid levels. Winter’s salt and grit can cause corrosion issues that might only become apparent now.
Check your tyres – After winter’s harsh conditions, examine your tyres for damage and check the pressure. Remember, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but having at least 3mm provides better grip on wet spring roads. Proper tyre maintenance also improves fuel efficiency – something we can all appreciate.

Your windscreen will become increasingly important as spring’s brightness alternates with its downpours. The clarity of your view should never be compromised, especially when contending with the dramatic light changes that characterize British spring days.

Replace your wiper blades – Winter ice and cold can damage wiper blades. If they’re leaving streaks or not clearing water effectively, it’s time for a replacement to ensure clear visibility during spring showers.
Clean your windscreen thoroughly – Winter grime and salt residue can build up and cause glare when the sun is low. Clean both the inside and outside of all windows to improve visibility.
Top up your screen wash – Spring brings pollen, insects, and mud splashes. Ensure your screen wash is topped up with a suitable solution that can handle these seasonal nuisances without smearing.

Though daylight hours are mercifully increasing, spring showers can darken skies in minutes, making functioning lights as important as ever. Check that all lights are working properly and clear away any winter grime that might diminish their effectiveness. This isn’t just about seeing the road ahead; it’s equally about ensuring other road users can see you during those sudden spring downpours.

Adjusting Your Driving For Spring Conditions

The changing seasons demand a shift in driving habits as much as they do in our wardrobes. Spring’s unique combination of conditions requires specific adaptations to keep you safe on the road.

Be aware of glare – The spring sun sits lower in the sky during commuting hours and can be blindingly bright, especially when reflected off wet roads. Keep sunglasses handy and your windscreen clean to minimise glare.

The improving weather also brings a marked increase in pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road space. Children playing outdoors after school, weekend cyclists enjoying newly dry routes, and walkers exploring paths all contribute to busier roads, particularly in residential areas and near parks.

Watch for increased pedestrians and cyclists – Better weather brings more people outdoors. Be particularly vigilant in residential areas and near parks, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Mind the wildlife – Spring is breeding season for many animals, leading to increased movement across roads. Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk in rural areas.

Spring rain presents its own particular hazard. When the first rainfall after a dry spell hits roads that have collected winter’s oil and grime, the resulting surface can be extraordinarily slippery. This effect is most dangerous during the first thirty minutes of rainfall when these substances rise to the surface but haven’t yet washed away. Poor visibility and slick roads are among the most common causes of car accidents during spring showers, making it essential to adjust your driving accordingly.

Adjust for aquaplaning risks – Spring rain on roads that have collected winter’s oil and grime can be extraordinarily slippery. Reduce your speed during and after rainfall, particularly in the first 30 minutes when the road surface is at its most treacherous.

The changing patterns of light and temperature in spring can subtly affect our energy levels and alertness. Many people experience disrupted sleep patterns as daylight hours extend and temperatures fluctuate.

Be mindful of fatigue – The change in daylight hours and temperatures can affect sleep patterns and energy levels. If you feel drowsy while driving, take a break – fatigue significantly impairs driving ability.
Take it steady on unfamiliar routes – Many of us venture further afield as the weather improves. If you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, allow extra time and attention, particularly on rural routes that may have developed potholes over winter.

Prepare For Spring’s Specific Challenges

Spring in Britain brings a particular kind of meteorological unpredictability that demands specific preparation. The morning might begin with glorious sunshine, transform to heavy rain by lunchtime, and settle into a pleasant evening – all while you’re out and about in your vehicle.

Pack for changeable weather – Keep a light waterproof jacket and sunglasses in your car. Spring weather can shift from brilliant sunshine to heavy downpours in minutes.
Carry seasonal essentials – A basic emergency kit should still include a torch, first aid supplies, water, and a mobile phone charger. Add antihistamines if you suffer from seasonal allergies that might affect your driving.

Flooding becomes a particular concern during spring when ground already saturated by winter rainfall struggles to absorb additional water from spring storms. Being aware of local areas prone to flooding and planning alternative routes can save you from the stress and potential danger of navigating unexpectedly deep water.

Plan for flooding – Be aware of local areas prone to flooding and alternative routes. Check weather forecasts before long journeys during particularly wet periods.

The Bottom Line

While spring doesn’t typically see the extreme conditions that winter brings, its changeable nature demands attention and preparation. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy the freedom and pleasure that spring driving offers while keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

So as you look forward to those bank holiday getaways and longer evening drives, remember that a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring those journeys remain pleasant memories rather than regrettable incidents. Spring offers some of the most pleasant driving of the year – let’s make sure we’re all around to enjoy it safely.

The Best Restaurants In Oxford

Food & Drink
UK Local Eats

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM

March 12, 2025

While Oxford has long excelled at churning out prime ministers and literary giants, until recently its gastronomic output rarely matched its academic credentials. The city that gave us Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, and countless political leaders once offered little more than lacklustre pub fare and overpriced cream teas to fuel the next generation of brilliance.

No longer. Like a chemistry experiment gone deliciously right, Oxford’s dining scene has exploded with flavour and ambition. The dusty, formal halls and tourist-baiting tearooms now share the stage with globally-minded independents, each contributing a chapter or two to the city’s evolving story.

What’s most enjoyable about eating in Oxford isn’t just the quality; it’s the diversity—from Thai food that would make Bangkok natives homesick and Himalayan soul food that lifts and soothes, all the way to pubs where traditional British fare receives the scholarly attention it deserves. The once-predictable Oxford dining experience has been thoroughly rewritten, with new cuisines and concepts continually matriculating into the scene.

Interestingly (and we genuinely think this is a positive), there are no Michelin stars in the city; somewhat surprising for a place of such wealth and class, sure, but also indicative of a more humble approach to feeding people that leads to some truly nourishing dining experiences.

Forget topping the university rankings; these establishments are earning first-class honours in the art of hospitality. Whether you’ve got a student loan to stretch, fellowship funds to spend, or you’re simply visiting to soak up the surroundings, these restaurants deserve a place on your Oxford syllabus. Here are the best restaurants in Oxford.

Arbequina, Cowley Road

Ideal for tapas done properly from a former chemist’s shop…

Housed in a converted chemist’s shop (and yes, that charming vintage sign still adorns the exterior), this celebrated tapas joint has become a cornerstone of Oxford’s dining scene. Step inside to discover a simple, industrial-chic interior with functional furniture and a glistening stainless steel counter perfect for those who fancy a more interactive experience.

The concise menu is approachable and faithful to Spanish traditions with dishes that would make even the most discerning Madrileños nod sagely in approval. Salt cod croquetas with aioli arrive crunchy on the outside and oozing within, while the thick cut tortilla is a gold-standard version of a classic (onions? Check. Runny? Of course!) — a must-order that justifies the restaurant’s reputation.

It’s all on point, to be fair, and you’ll invariably find yourself tempted to order larger plates of grilled fish or blushing Iberico pork and succumb to that second bottle of vino. Go on; you deserve it. The natural wine selection brings things into 2025, and complements the food perfectly, with a focus on interesting, characterful bottles that reward exploration.

Whilst the first-floor dining room accommodates larger groups beautifully, for the full experience aim for those counter seats, where you can watch the skilled kitchen team work their magic just inches away. Sociable and enveloping, Arbequina is one of Oxford’s best restaurants.

Website: arbequina.co.uk

Address:72-74 Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1JB

Cherwell Boathouse, Bardwell Road

Ideal for riverside romance and seasonal British cuisine…

No setting in Oxford rivals the tranquility of this converted Victorian boathouse perched on the banks of the River Cherwell, offering that rare combination of breathtaking location and seriously accomplished stuff on the plate.

As punts drift lazily by, diners savour a menu that celebrates modern British gastronomy with European influences, all without the unnecessary bells and whistles that would feel so superfluous in such tight surrounds.

Instead, chef Paul Bell puts seasonal ingredient centre stage, into satisfying plates like caramelised turbot with purple sprouting broccoli, spring onions and Jersey Royals, or blushing pink lamb rump with smoky aubergine and heritage carrots, both dishes absolutely singing of early spring.

The award-winning wine list stands among Oxford’s finest, offering plenty of opportunity to splash out for a special occasion or discover something new and interesting by the glass (starting at just £5.50). There’s also a short list of premium plonk sold by the half bottle, for those looking to savour something fine without falling in the water straight after settling the bill.

On warm days, the outdoor terrace becomes unbeatable—dappled sunlight playing through the trees as you sip a crisp white wine and watch students wrestle with their punting poles, but winter brings its own charms, as you dine inside the cosy boathouse with its exposed brick walls and white linen-draped tables. The three-course set menu (two courses for £31, three for £38.75) offers good value for food of this calibre. Come for a milestone celebration, a romantic date, or simply when you want to remind yourself how beautiful Oxford can be.

Website: cherwellboathouse.co.uk

Address: Bardwell Rd, Oxford OX2 6ST

The Magdalen Arms, Iffley Road

Ideal for next-level pub food that’ll ruin ordinary gastropubs for you forever…

A laid-back, unpretentious pub in perennially ‘up-and-coming’ Iffley, The Magdalen Arms especially appeals on Oxford’s seemingly endless wet afternoons. Deep red walls impart a cocooning charm, while stripped floorboards and mismatched furniture bring that relaxed country pub vibe, all without a hint of pretension.

For those with knowledge of London’s gastropub scene, it’ll come as no surprise that the food at the Magdalen Arms hits the mark; it’s a sister pub to London’s acclaimed Anchor and Hope and Canton Arms, both of which are basically the perfect example of the form.

The menu celebrates big, hearty flavours with a sophistication that doesn’t try to ‘refine’ or ‘elevate’, but rather, simply, to feed. Expect starters such as Cornish mussels marinière, and showstopping sharing dishes like whole shoulder of lamb or Hereford steak and ale suet crust pie with buttered greens, both of which could happily feed a small tutorial group. Or, one very hungry diner who’s just spent some time at the rasta bar over on Cowley Road.

There’s no showiness here, just good, heartwarming dishes executed with the precision and care they deserve. The wine list offers plenty of choices around the £30 mark, and the bar staff mix a mean mojito. Couples play Jenga as they scoop up cep soufflé and parmesan cream, families dig into generously portioned sharing mains, while others linger over creamy salt cod brandade.

The Magdalen Arms represents everything a modern British gastropub should be—unpretentious, welcoming, and serving food that makes you want to come back again and again. When sunshine breaks through the clouds, ask for a table on the leafy garden terrace. Oh, and perhaps unsurprisingly, they do one of Oxford’s best Sunday roasts, too.

Website: magdalenarms.co.uk

Address: 243 Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 1SJ

Taste Tibet, Magdalen Road

Ideal for Himalayan soul food that’ll warm you from the inside out…

And, from the outside in, if you were to rub it all over yourself… Anyway, this compact but perfectly proportioned place just a minute’s stroll from the Magdalen Arms, has quickly earned a legion of devoted local fans—and with good reason. Transforming from a popular market and festival stall to a simple restaurant with exposed brick walls, wooden floors and long communal tables, Taste Tibet delivers exactly what its name promises: the genuine flavours of the Tibetan plateau.

The small but carefully considered menu works brilliantly for vegans and vegetarians, but the carnivores in the crowd won’t be left wanting either. Expect fragrant, intricately spiced curries and stews, warming dals, and their legendary momos (Tibetan dumplings) served with a fiery chilli sauce that will have you reaching for your water glass before coming back for more.

Behind the scenes operates a zero-waste operation and a thriving community-giving project, making your meal not just delicious but ethically sound too. Their beautiful cookbook is worth picking up if you want to recreate some of these flavours at home, but trust us—nothing beats the real thing.

Website: tastetibet.com

Address: 109 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RQ

Edamame, Holywell Street

Ideal for home-style Japanese that’s worth the wait…

You’ll have to queue to get into this tiny Japanese restaurant, but the wait rewards you with some of the most faithfully rendered Japanese food you’ll find outside of Tokyo. Taking understandable pride in only serving genuine home-style Japanese dishes, this family-run operation has been an Oxford institution for over 20 years, and is overtly positioned as an antidote to the pan-Asian ‘formulaic’ chains that permeate Oxford and beyond. We love it.

After such a bold mission statement, it would be unnerving to find a sprawling, corporate space. Safe to say, Edamame is compact and cosy, with shared tables fostering a convivial mood. Begin with namesake edamame beans. The perfect beer snack, steamed and lightly seasoned with sea salt, you’ll likely get through several bowls of these (not to worry, at £4 a pop) whilst the tiny kitchen gets to work on your mains.

What makes Edamame special is their commitment to quality through a clever rotating menu system: lunch (Wednesday through Sunday), dinner (exclusively Friday and Saturday evenings), and a dedicated sushi night (Thursday only). This approach ensures maximum freshness, with small daily deliveries of fish and meat that sometimes sell out—a small price to pay for freshness and an air of exclusivity.

The dinner menu reveals the soul of Japanese home cooking—crispy-yet-tender chicken karaage marinated in soy and ginger; buttery, melt-in-your-mouth salmon batayaki with delicate Japanese seasonings; and the silky-crisp contrast of agedashidofu, where deep-fried tofu sits in a pool of sweetened soy, crowned with fresh mooli radish and spring onions. Each dish feels like something you’d be served at your grandparent’s place in Tokyo, rather than in a restaurant. In the best possible way of course…

Lunchtime brings hearty, comforting bowls like the yasai tofu itame—a vegetable and tofu stir-fry that satisfies without heaviness, perfect for fueling an afternoon of Oxford exploration.

The no-reservations policy means you might have to wait, but the warm welcome from owners Peter and Mieko makes it all worthwhile. Their attention to detail extends even to drinks, with selections like Ramune soda in its distinctive bottle and warm house sake served in traditional tokkuri flasks (£6 for small, £11 for larger) completing this wonderfully authentic Japanese dining experience.

Website: edamame.co.uk

Address: 15 Holywell St, Oxford OX1 3SA

Gee’s Restaurant & Bar, Park Town

Ideal for Mediterranean dining in a stunning Victorian glasshouse…

This splendid Victorian conservatory, with its soaring glass ceiling and abundant greenery, creates a dining setting like no other in Oxford. First housing the flowers, fruit and vegetables of the Gee family, who were the leading nurserymen in the area, Gee’s has been one of the city’s best-known restaurants for close to 30 years.

Inside, regardless of season, the vibe evokes a summer garden party—the glass conservatory, mismatched furniture and hanging lamps providing a light and airy backdrop to Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The secret garden out back and tree-lined outdoor terrace offer additional enchanting spots for summer dining.

In keeping with modern cooking sensibilities, the menu at Gee’s takes its cues from the ‘seas and soils of Italy and Spain’. Served all day, the smaller plates section of the menu is ideal for a light lunch as you bask in the natural light. Start with a tomato and brown shrimp pizzette, Serrano ham croquettes and perhaps a curling tentacle of grilled octopus with smokey, spicy mojo rojo. If you’ve still got room, the market fish, grilled whole over coal, is always a winner.

Visit between 12pm and 6pm on weekdays for their express lunch menu, which at £29.95 for three courses is a steal. On warm evenings, the glasshouse seems to glow from within, creating a magical environment that’s perfect for a celebration or romantic dinner. There’s just something so nourishing about Gee’s – you somehow leave feeling lighter than when you came – and long may it continue that way.

Website: geesrestaurant.co.uk

Address: 61-63 Banbury Rd, Park Town, Oxford OX2 6PE

Pompette, Summertown

Ideal for sophisticated French cuisine in understated elegance…

Just a 10-minute drive north of Oxford’s city centre in leafy Summertown, Pompette (French for ‘tipsy’) is one of Oxford’s select few restaurants recognised in the Michelin Guide, and for good reason. This independent restaurant and wine bar from husband and wife team Pascal and Laura Wiedemann has quickly established itself as one of Oxford’s gastronomic highlights since opening.

Inside, deep blue walls contrast with exposed brick and marble-topped tables, creating an atmosphere of relaxed refinement. The front terrace, overlooking the street, offers perfect aperitif sipping on warmer days, especially during their dedicated “Apéro Hour” (Tuesday-Saturday, 5-6pm).

Chef Pascal Wiedemann brings serious culinary credentials to the table. After starting out with Henry Harris at Racine, he opened the brilliant Terroirs with Ed Wilson and later became executive chef, eventually launching Six Portland Road before establishing Pompette. His modern European menu shows clear French roots but isn’t afraid to incorporate Mediterranean and North African influences where they enhance a dish.

Start with traditional fish soup with rouille, Gruyère and croutons, or perhaps the game terrine with cornichons and sourdough. Mains might include a perfectly pink duck breast with rainbow chard and pickled walnut, or a rich bouillabaisse teeming with local seafood. The prix fixe menu (£26 for two courses, £32 for three) offers exceptional value for cooking of this standard.

Their weekday simplifies things, showcasing French classics at their finest: ‘Moules Frites’ Tuesdays come with a glass of picpoul for £23; Wednesday’s ‘Poulet Frites’ presents a half roast chicken with tarragon jus, frites and a carafe of wine to share (£45 for two); while Thursday’s ‘Steak Frites Night’ delivers a mighty onglet with jus de viande, watercress, frites and a glass of house red for £25. Sometimes, it’s reassuring to have all the decisions taken away, we think.

The wine list, as you might expect from somewhere called Pompette, is exceptional, with plenty of interesting options by the glass and a particular fondness for outstanding Alsatian wines, a nod to Pascal’s heritage.

The Coconut Tree, St Clements

Ideal for Sri Lankan street food with fiery flavours and warm hospitality…

Sitting on a busy street corner at the foot of South Park, The Coconut Tree might not look like much from the outside, but step inside and the aroma of sambol, spices and kotthu will instantly transport you to a market stall in Colombo.

Though now an eight-strong chain with venues in Cheltenham, Birmingham and beyond, they’ve admirably refused to dial down their spice levels or standardise their seasoning.

Roughly hewn wooden tables, plain enamel dishes and kitchen rolls standing in for napkins combine to give it a wonderfully relaxed feel, all in the name of food that’s designed for sharing—arrive in a group and order as many dishes as you can to experience the full breadth of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Don’t miss the hoppers, bowl-shaped pancakes made from coconut milk and filled with sambol, coconut and an optional fried egg. The kotthu—chopped roti with spices, vegetables and your choice of meat, fish or cheese—is another highlight, delivering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The coconut sambal served with chilli is the perfect side dish, its cool creaminess offsetting the heat of the curries.

Founded in 2016 by five Sri Lankan friends who turned a Cheltenham pub into a restaurant on a shoestring budget, The Coconut Tree has maintained its commitment to authentic flavors throughout its expansion. Many recipes come directly from the founders’ mothers and grandmothers, though diners seeking the full heat experience should specifically request dishes “Sri Lankan-style.”

Cocktails here are pert and bright — imaginative Sri Lankan-influenced concoctions served in quirky vessels (including hollowed-out pineapples and porcelain elephants) that enhance the casual, fun environment. Don’t miss their arrack-based drinks, featuring the traditional Sri Lankan spirit distilled from coconut flower sap. With over half the menu suitable for vegans, and dishes starting from just £3.50, this is accessible, exciting dining at its best.

Website: thecoconut-tree.com

Address: 36 Broad St, Bath BA1 5LP

Elle’s Deli (formerly Oli’s Thai), Magdalen Road

Ideal for extraordinary Thai food that evolves with the times…

You can’t talk about food in Oxford without mentioning Oli’s Thai, which until March 2022 was home to some of the finest Thai food in the country. While the original restaurant may be three years on from its last proper service, the good news is that the legendary Thai food lives on at Elle’s Deli, which now occupies the same intimate space on Magdalen Road.

Run by the same talented team behind Arbequina (yes, that stunning tapas bar we mentioned earlier), Elle’s Deli continues the legacy of those remarkable Thai flavours. The confit duck Penang curry—genuinely one of the finest Thai dishes you’ll find outside of Thailand—still makes appearances, the meat so tender it barely requires chewing, the complexity of spicing as good as it ever was at Oli’s.

These days, the format is more casual, with the reduced menu of just four or five dishes available Tuesday (11:30am-3pm & 6pm-8:30pm) and Thursday through Saturday (11:30am-3pm) for both eat-in and takeaway. The menu remains refreshingly concise, ensuring every dish is seasoned judiciously.

The deli aspect itself shouldn’t be overlooked—it sells high quality produce from Britain, Europe and Asia, making it worth a visit even when you’re not dining in. Each morning brings a weekly changing selection of excellent baked goods, from sliced buns to Welsh cakes and custard tarts.

For the full Oli’s Thai experience, keep an eye on their Instagram for announcements of special ‘Oli’s Thai Nights’ at Elle’s Deli, where bookings can be made in person at the deli. They also host walk-in ‘Bao Buns & Noodle Soup Nights’ that are not to be missed. The format may have changed, but the exceptional quality and those incredible flavours remain—this is, without doubt, still some of Oxford’s finest Thai food.

Website: ellesdeli.com

Address: 38 Magdalen Rd, Oxford OX4 1RB

The Old Bookbinders, Jericho

Ideal for authentic French bistro cooking in an atmospheric old pub…

This characterful pub, hidden away down an unassuming residential street in Jericho, was built in 1869 for workers from the nearby Oxford University Press. From the outside, it looks like a traditional neighbourhood boozer—and the front bar, with tankards on shelves and beer mats adorning the walls, does nothing to dispel this impression.

But venture further inside and you’ll discover one of Oxford’s most delightful surprises: a French bistro serving hearty cuisine that would reluctantly impress even the most discerning Parisians. Make your way through the bar (noting the train set on the ceiling—a quirky touch) to the tightly-packed back room where diners huddle around tables enjoying classics like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon and snails in herb butter.

The menu changes at times, but maintains its commitment to traditional French techniques and flavours. Their food philosophy is refreshingly straightforward—prioritising quality over quantity with a core menu of bistro classics complemented by daily specials. You’ll find excellent set menus (starting at £21.50 for two courses) alongside celebrated burgers, crepes, and steaks. Portions arrive generous, prices stay reasonable, and the mood remains convivial—exactly what you want from a neighbourhood bistro.

True to its roots as a proper pub, The Old Bookbinders excels on the drinks front too. Six hand-pumps serve a rotating selection of ales (including both house favourites and guest options), alongside a thoughtfully chosen wine list focusing on affordable French bottles.

Open Wednesday and Tuesday from 4-11pm and Thursday through Saturday from 12-11pm (closed Sunday and Monday), The Old Bookbinders’ down-to-earth modesty makes its charm all the more apparent—this isn’t a place that shouts about its excellence, but rather lets the quality of the food speak for itself. Booking is essential for dinner, as the secret is very much out among Oxford’s food lovers.

Website: craftybelle.uk

Address: 17-18 Victor St, Oxford OX2 6BT

From Oxford to Oxford Circus (an easy journey, as it happens, on the Oxford Tube coach!), here are some of the best places to eat near that absurdly busy tube station. Bit of a forced segue, we realise…

8 Dishes To Serve At The Ideal Easter Dinner Party

Lifestyle Guides

Editorial Team

March 12, 2025

8 Dishes To Serve At The Ideal Easter Dinner Party

As Easter Sunday approaches on April 20th, many of us are planning festive gatherings with family and friends. With Easter falling later than usual this year, we’re afforded the luxury of extra preparation time to perfect our dinner party menus and make everything that bit more special. A beautifully presented Easter dinner brings together tradition and seasonality, offering a chance to showcase spring’s finest ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, these seven spectacular dishes will ensure your Easter feast is memorable for all the right reasons.

Smoked Salmon Blinis With Dill Crème Fraîche

Begin your Easter celebration with these elegant canapés that set the tone for the sophisticated meal to follow. Light, fluffy mini blinis topped with smoked salmon and a dollop of dill-infused crème fraîche offer the perfect bite-sized introduction to your feast.

Add a sprinkle of lemon zest and a few tiny capers for an extra dimension that will have your guests reaching for seconds.

Chef’s Tip: Prepare the blinis and crème fraîche mixture the day before, then assemble just before guests arrive to prevent them becoming soggy. A quick blast with a kitchen blowtorch will give the salmon an appealing caramelised edge.

Pea & Mint Soup With Crispy Pancetta

This vibrant green starter captures the essence of spring with its fresh, bright flavours. The sweetness of peas (frozen work wonderfully well) don’t need much in the way of adulterating, while crispy pancetta adds a satisfying savoury crunch that elevates this simple soup to dinner party status.

Serve in warmed bowls with a swirl of crème fraîche and a scatter of pea shoots for an elegant opening to your meal. This soup can be made the day before and gently reheated, allowing the flavours to develop and saving you precious time on the day. The verdant colour makes a stunning visual impression, setting the stage for the courses to follow.

Chef’s Tip: For an even silkier texture, pass the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. To make a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious, replace the pancetta with roasted, spiced pumpkin seeds and use vegetable stock instead of chicken.

Spring Vegetable Tart

Celebrate the vibrant produce of early spring with a showstopping tart filled with asparagus, broad beans, and spring onions. A crisp puff pastry base cradles a filling of cream cheese, and fresh herbs, allowing the seasonal vegetables to shine.

The beauty of this tart lies not only in its gorgeous appearance but also in its versatility. It works beautifully as a vegetarian main course or as an elegant side dish to accompany your lamb. The combination of the buttery pastry with the creamy filling and the fresh snap of spring vegetables creates a bright, crisp textural experience that embodies the hopefulness season.

Chef’s Tip: Bake your pastry separately until it’s completely cooked and golden before adding the filling to ensure you avoid the dreaded soggy bottom. For perfect presentation, brush your vegetables with olive oil before the final bake to give them a beautiful glaze.

Read: 5 fantastic tips for cooking with asparagus this spring

Herb-Crusted Rack Of Lamb

The centrepiece of any Easter table, this herb-crusted rack of lamb delivers both impressive presentation and divine flavour. The secret lies in the aromatic herb crust – a mixture of fresh rosemary, mint, parsley, and breadcrumbs bound with a touch of Dijon mustard. Roast until perfectly pink in the centre for a showstopping main that celebrates the season.

This classic dish allows high-quality meat to take centre stage, enhanced but not overwhelmed by its herb coating. Present the whole rack at the table for drama before carving it into individual cutlets.

Chef’s Tip: Allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to ensure those precious juices redistribute throughout the meat. For the perfect crust, brush the lamb with Dijon mustard, then chill it for 30 minutes before applying the herb mixture and roasting—this helps the crust adhere better to the meat.

Read: 7 steps to the perfect, medium rare rack of lamb

Leek & Cheddar Gratin

This comforting side dish celebrates the season, layered with tender young leeks in a creamy sauce infused with bay. A crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and mature cheddar adds textural contrast to the velvety layers beneath.

This dish can be prepared in advance and popped into the oven as guests arrive, filling your home with an enticing aroma and freeing you up to enjoy their company. Consider making serving simpler by creating individual gratins for your guests.

Chef’s Tip: For extra flavour beyond the bay leaf, infuse your cream with a sprig of thyme or even a clove-studded onion for 20 minutes before straining and using in the gratin.

Honey & Orange Glazed Carrots

These aren’t just any carrots – they’re a celebration of spring’s sweetness. Choose heritage varieties in purple, yellow and orange for visual impact and a medley of slightly different flavours. Roast them until just tender, then glaze with a reduction of orange juice, honey, and a touch of star anise.

The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey and orange glaze, creating a side dish with complex flavours that perfectly complements the richness of traditional Easter meats.

Chef’s Tip: Keep the carrots whole with just a bit of the green top attached for dramatic presentation. For the most intense flavour, use blood oranges when in season for their deeper, more complex notes, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to cut through the sweetness. Finish with a scatter of fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant flourish.

Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding

Transform traditional hot cross buns into a decadent dessert with this clever twist on a British classic. Behold; the hot cross bun bread and butter pudding!

Layer sliced hot cross buns in a baking dish, interspersed with dried fruit and orange zest, if you wish, and a vanilla-infused custard. Bake until golden and puffed, with a crisp top hiding the soft, custardy layers beneath.

This pudding cleverly repurposes the spiced Easter buns into something even more indulgent, creating a dessert that honours tradition while offering something new. The spices in the buns—cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice—infuse the custard as it bakes, creating a warming, aromatic finish to your meal that pairs perfectly with the seasonal theme.

Chef’s Tip: Allow the buns to dry out slightly before making the pudding—this helps them absorb more of the custard without becoming soggy. For an extra touch of luxury, add a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the custard mixture and serve with a bitter orange marmalade sauce.

Read: The best hot cross buns in London

Babka Wielkanocna (Polish Easter Cake)

If you’ve already indulged in a few too many hot cross buns, then consider a the traditional centerpiece of a Polish Babka Wielkanocna. This celebratory yeast cake, deeply rooted in Eastern European Easter traditions, brings both symbolism and delicious indulgence to your holiday table.

The Babka Wielkanocna features a rich, brioche-like texture with a characteristic tall, cylindrical shape that represents the rising of Christ. Its slightly sweet, vanilla-scented crumb is often studded with raisins or candied orange peel, bringing subtle fruity notes to each slice. The crowning glory is a generous topping of sweet glaze or icing, decorated with chopped nuts, candied fruits, and sometimes edible flowers to represent spring’s renewal.

For an authentic presentation as shown in the image, wrap your babka with delicate tulle ribbon and position small spring flowers alongside the cake. Serve on your finest china with a golden candle nearby to create an atmosphere of celebration and reverence befitting this special holiday.

This iconic Easter cake not only serves as a delicious dessert but also honours centuries of tradition, making it the perfect conclusion to your Easter celebration.

Chef’s Tip: The secret to a perfect babka lies in patience—allow the dough plenty of time to rise, ideally in a warm spot in your kitchen. Traditional recipes often call for a splash of spirits like rum or brandy, which adds depth while ensuring the cake stays moist for several days. For the most impressive results, bake your babka in a traditional fluted tube pan, which creates beautiful ridges that catch the glaze and provide visual appeal when sliced at the table.

The Practicalities Of Hosting

Beyond the menu, successful Easter entertaining relies on thoughtful planning and preparation. Setting your table the night before saves precious time on the day, allowing you to focus on finishing touches rather than basic logistics. An eight seater dining table provides the perfect canvas for a spring-inspired tablescape – consider incorporating seasonal blooms like daffodils or tulips in low arrangements that won’t impede conversation, and adding personalised place settings with hand-written name cards or small chocolate eggs.

Timing is everything when hosting a multi-course meal. Create a detailed timeline working backwards from your desired serving time, allowing for resting periods for meat and any last-minute preparations. Many of the dishes above can be partially or fully prepared in advance, taking pressure off the cook and allowing you to enjoy your own gathering. Remember that the most memorable hosts are those who appear relaxed and present – something more easily achieved with careful advance planning.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re celebrating with a few close friends or hosting an extended family gathering, these seven dishes offer a perfect balance of tradition and fresh inspiration. Easter provides the ideal opportunity to embrace seasonal cooking while honouring time-honoured traditions. The combination of these carefully selected recipes will create a feast that delights all the senses – a true celebration of spring’s abundance and renewal.

5 Beginner’s Travel Tips For The Perfect Holiday In Florida

Travel
Travel Tips

Travel Team

March 11, 2025

5 Beginner’s Travel Tips For The Perfect Holiday In Florida

Ideal for planning the perfect vacation trip to the Sunshine State.

We’d all love to shove some T-shirts in a rucksack, sling it over our shoulder and slam the door behind us with nothing on the itinerary but an intention to explore the world. And sure, while there is definitely a certain charm and excitement in spontaneous trips, the reality is that in the modern world, planning and preparation are vital if you’re to enjoy a place to its full potential.

Nowhere is this truer than when you’re planning a trip to the US’ proud Sunshine State, Florida. Here, cultures coexist and collide, natural beauty rubs shoulders with heaving metropolis, and a single fork in the open road could lead you either to paradise or purgatory. Yep, in a place this large and diverse, precise, meticulous preparation is everything. To set you up for your journey, here are 5 beginner’s travel tips for Florida, USA, IDEAL for planning the perfect vacation trip to the Sunshine State.

Choosing Your Dates Wisely To Avoid The Crowds & Heat

Florida is the second most visited state in the US, and grosses a whopping $131 billion in tourism revenue in 2024. The theme parks and the beaches of Florida are the main draw for visitors, of which there were a record breaking 142 million last year. Though this is testament to the quality of holiday on offer in the Sunshine State, it’s also a warning about the crowds.

Yep, the key attractions in Florida get busy (biz-ZAY) with the winter and summer seasons most popular. The former, in particular, is peak tourist season, as skies remain blue but humidity is lower, while summer sees scorching temperatures but still plenty of crowds as the school holidays in the States run from June to the middle of August.

Therefore, some of the best times to visit Florida to avoid the crowds include Spring, though not during Spring Break (mid March), or Fall, when children have returned to school. Do be aware that Hurricane Season runs from June to November, with September the peak month. By November, frequency has lowered, making the eleventh month an ideal one to visit.

When planning your accommodation, take time to compare vacation rentals against traditional hotels, especially if traveling with family or staying for more than a few days. Florida offers an abundance of options from beachfront condos to private pool homes near the theme parks. Vacation rentals often provide more space, kitchen facilities, and a more authentic local experience, sometimes at a lower per-night cost than equivalent hotel rooms. This is particularly advantageous in popular areas like Anna Maria Island, the Keys, or Orlando’s resort corridors, where having your own space can be a welcome retreat from the tourist crowds.

Weather Wise

Hurricane season! Aaaarrrgghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Regular, raucous storms happen from June to November, but reach their crescendo between August and October, so it’s worth planning your trip accordingly.

So, if you’re planning to visit cities which sit on the coast during these three months, in particular, do exercise a good degree of caution. Hotels offer hurricane guarantees in the state, meaning if there’s to be a big weather event, you’ll get a refund should you choose to cancel your booking; check if your hotel provides this option prior to booking. If you are concerned about hurricanes, Orlando sits inland and is considered one of the safest places in the State in terms of weather events.

Should you have your heart set on the beach and want to avoid hurricanes and the crowds, we particularly love some of the smaller destinations snuggled into the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s North West. The offseason in gorgeous Destin, which is famous for its stunning white beaches, for instance, runs from November to March, and remains hurricane-free and peaceful during this time. During this time; highs in the mid-twenties are common.

Just a short drive from Destin, you’ll find the charming community of Santa Rosa Beach, offering a more laid-back vibe with its pristine shoreline and artsy atmosphere. The area is part of South Walton’s scenic Highway 30A, known for its distinctive coastal dune lakes—a rare natural phenomenon found in only a few places worldwide.

Further west, Panama City Beach provides another excellent off-season option with its 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches. While this destination gets lively during peak seasons, visiting between November and March rewards travellers with peaceful beach experiences, comfortable temperatures, and significantly reduced hotel rates. The area’s natural attractions, including St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island, are particularly enjoyable during these quieter months when you can spot wildlife and collect seashells without the summer crowds.

Natural Florida

While Florida has an abundance of manmade attractions and bustling big city scenes, nothing quite beats the breathtaking natural beauty on offer in the Sunshine State. Indeed, to visit Florida and simply head to Disney World, the Kennedy Space Centre, Miami Beach and Universal Studios would be to overlook the gorgeous, untouched splendour of the place.

Instead, consider a road trip through Florida to truly appreciate its diverse scenery. Florida is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world. Known as the Great Florida Reef, it’s protected by two underwater parks, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Biscayne National Park – come here to snorkel, soak up the sun, admire the tropical vegetation, and forget all about the hustle and bustle back on terra firma.

What’s more, you can’t come to Florida without visiting the Everglades. This national park boasts alligators, dolphins, and manatees, amongst others. From Everglades City in the South, which provides a great base for aquatic exploration in Shark Valley’s bio-diverse plains, it’s little wonder that this is considered one of the best national parks in the States.

Do make sure you check out Big Cypress National Preserve, home to swamps and alligators aplenty. Perhaps even more striking is Corkscrew Swamp, which contains the largest group of old-growth Cypress trees on earth. Be warned; the Everglades is so expansive, they say you need at a week to see it all. Visit in the dry season (December to April) to avoid the pesky mosquitoes.

What To Eat

If you’re anything like us, the perfect vacation is often planned around food.

Florida certainly brings its own personality to America’s plate; Cuban, Caribbean and African; you can certainly get a better understanding of the cultural influences and history of Florida through its food.

The state is influenced by immigrants from all over the world, but especially the Caribbean, as such Florida is known for Floribbean cuisine – a term coined by chefs to explain their menus filled with Caribbean influences and cooking techniques.

There are even subdivisions within this, including Latin-Floribbean, Hispano-Floribbean, Afro-Floribbean and Indo-Floribbean, and you’ll find a unique style of cuisine showing off these diverse influences all over the state.

What’s more, traditional Seminole (a Native American people originally from Florida) cuisine is experiencing a revival, and in the city of Seminole, in particular, you’ll find versions of this food.

Regionally speaking, in the south of the state, Floribbean cuisine reigns supreme, while in the north it’s all about Latin flavours. And while the history and cooking in this part of the world is certainly complex, something not so complex is listing some of the most famous foods to try on your trip to Florida, so we’ll do just that:

Key lime Pie: Possibly Florida’s most famous creation – key lime pie is a dessert made of key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, all topped with meringue. Key limes are more aromatic than regular limes, with a more tart and floral juice which makes this dessert so delicious and unique. The best place to sample it is in Key West, Florida’s southernmost point and just 90 miles from Cuba – where it was invented.

Cuban Sandwiches: Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles, heated between slices of Cuban bread – what’s not to love? It’s thought that the Cuban sandwich came from cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa, but now this beloved sarnie has spread in popularity all over the State. We can’t get enough of it!

Conch Fritters: A Caribbean classic! This monster mollusc is an oversized sea snail and to make conch fritters it’s diced up, then dredged in a savoury batter which uses a combination of peppery seasonings. These fried delights are standard in most seafood restaurants in Florida.

Florida Stone Crab: It’s all about the claws with these crustaceans. The bodies are relatively small so are hardly eaten, but their claws are considered a delicacy. Stone crab season in Florida is from mid-October through to Mid-may; catch it while you can!

Gator Bites: For the complete Florida experience, try deep-fried alligator served up like fried chicken. You’ll find it in the restaurants around the Everglades, in particular. Everglades Gator Grill reportedly does the best in the country.

Florida Orange juice: Freshly squeezed Florida orange juice is more than a must-try; you’d be contributing to the state just by drinking it. This is because oranges are a major part of Florida’s economy and the state is second only to Brazil in the global orange juice market.

Strawberry Shortcake: Florida is the winter strawberry capital of the world. Parkesdale Farm in Plant City is particularly famous for strawberries and folks travel across the country for a bowl of their world-famous strawberry cheesecake. You should do the same.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

Florida is a vast state with attractions spread far and wide, making transportation planning essential for a smooth vacation. While major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa offer public transportation options, these systems are primarily designed for residents rather than tourists.

Renting a car is almost essential if you want to explore beyond a single city center. This gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace and visit multiple regions during your stay. When renting, consider fuel efficiency as distances between attractions can be surprisingly long—it’s over 230 miles from Miami to Orlando and another 85 miles to Tampa.

For those uncomfortable with driving, Florida’s train service, Brightline, connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and recently added Orlando to its high-speed rail network. This modern train offers a comfortable alternative for traveling between these major hubs.

If you’re planning to stay primarily in a resort area like Disney World or Miami Beach, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be more economical than maintaining a rental car that sits idle for days. Many hotels also offer shuttle services to popular attractions, so check with your accommodation before booking to potentially save on transportation costs.

Beach towns like Key West and some areas of St. Petersburg have embraced bike rentals and electric scooters as eco-friendly ways to explore compact districts—perfect for leisurely sightseeing when the weather is pleasant during those ideal off-peak months.

And that, as they say, is that!

Ethical Elegance: 2025’s Sustainable Jewellery Trends

Lifestyle Guides

Editorial Team

March 10, 2025

Ethical Elegance: 2025’s Sustainable Jewellery Trends

As 2025 begins to blossom and bloom in earnest, the world of fashion continues to evolve in tandem, with sustainability taking centre stage. The jewellery industry, often criticised for its environmental and ethical impacts, is undergoing a significant transformation. This year, sustainable jewellery trends are not just about aesthetics, but also about making a positive impact on the planet and its people.

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Ideal For A Sustainable Sparkle

Lab-grown diamonds have been gaining traction over the past few years, and 2025 sees them firmly established as a mainstream choice. These diamonds are chemically and physically identical to their mined counterparts but come without the environmental degradation and ethical concerns associated with traditional mining.

As the ethical jewellery experts at After Diamonds report, brands are now offering a wide range of designs featuring lab-grown diamonds, from classic solitaires to intricate, contemporary pieces, ideal for an ethical engagement ring or stunning anniversary gift. The allure of these gems lies not only in their beauty but also in their sustainable origins.

Recycled Metals: Ideal For Giving Old Gold New Life

Recycling is not just for paper and plastic; it’s a significant trend in the jewellery industry too. Recycled gold, silver, and platinum are being used to create stunning pieces that carry a lower environmental footprint. By repurposing existing metals, jewellers reduce the need for new mining, which is often associated with habitat destruction and pollution. This year, expect to see more collections proudly showcasing their recycled origins, often with unique designs that tell a story of transformation and renewal.

Artisanal Craftsmanship: Ideal For Supporting Local Economies

The resurgence of artisanal craftsmanship is one of the most heartening trends of 2025. Small-scale, independent jewellers are receiving renewed appreciation for their handcrafted pieces, traditional techniques, and personalised service. This shift away from mass production not only results in unique, high-quality jewellery but also supports local economies and preserves cultural heritage. Many artisanal jewellers are combining traditional methods with modern sustainable materials, creating pieces that honour the past while looking to the future. Consumers are increasingly seeking out these makers, valuing the personal connection and story behind each handcrafted item.

Fair Trade Gemstones: Ideal For Ethical Elegance

Fair trade gemstones are becoming a hallmark of sustainable jewellery. These gems are sourced from mines that adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental protection. In 2025, jewellers are increasingly transparent about their supply chains, allowing consumers to make informed choices. Look out for pieces featuring fair trade sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, each with a traceable journey from mine to market.

Vintage & Upcycled Jewellery: Ideal For Timeless Treasures

Vintage and upcycled jewellery is making a strong comeback, driven by a desire for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces and a commitment to sustainability. By choosing vintage, consumers are not only embracing timeless style but also reducing the demand for new resources. Upcycled jewellery, on the other hand, involves reimagining and redesigning old pieces into modern masterpieces. This trend celebrates creativity and sustainability, proving that old can indeed be gold.

Read: How to live a more vintage lifestyle

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Ideal For The Complete Package

Sustainability in jewellery extends beyond the pieces themselves to the packaging they come in. In 2025, expect to see a rise in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Brands are moving away from plastic and opting for biodegradable, recycled, or reusable materials. Minimalist designs, often using natural fibres and organic inks, are becoming the norm. This shift not only reduces waste but also enhances the overall unboxing experience, aligning with the values of eco-conscious consumers.

Blockchain Technology: Ideal For Transparency & Trust

Blockchain technology is revolutionising the jewellery industry by providing unprecedented transparency. This digital ledger system allows consumers to trace the journey of their jewellery from raw material to finished product. In 2025, more brands are adopting blockchain to ensure the authenticity and ethical sourcing of their pieces. This technology empowers consumers to make informed decisions and fosters trust in the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Minimalist Designs: Ideal For When Less Is Indeed More

The minimalist trend continues to thrive, with a focus on quality over quantity. Sustainable jewellery in 2025 often features clean lines, simple shapes, and timeless elegance. These pieces are designed to be versatile, complementing a wide range of outfits and occasions. The minimalist approach not only reduces material usage but also encourages mindful consumption, promoting the idea that less truly is more.

Water Conservation Techniques: Ideal For Preserving Our Most Precious Resource

A lesser-known but increasingly important aspect of sustainable jewellery production is water conservation. Traditional mining and manufacturing processes often consume vast amounts of water and can lead to contamination of local water sources. In 2025, forward-thinking jewellers are implementing innovative water conservation techniques and closed-loop water systems in their production processes.

Some brands are even highlighting their water footprint alongside their carbon footprint, allowing consumers to make more holistic environmental choices. Look for certifications that specifically address water usage as a sign of a truly comprehensive sustainability commitment.

Biodegradable Jewellery: Ideal For Nature’s Touch

An emerging trend in 2025 is biodegradable jewellery, crafted from natural materials like wood, seeds, and plant-based resins. These pieces are designed to decompose at the end of their lifecycle, leaving no harmful residues behind. Biodegradable jewellery offers a unique aesthetic, often inspired by nature, and provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials.

Jewellery Rental Services: Ideal For The Conscious Fashionista

An exciting development in the sustainable jewellery landscape is the emergence of jewellery rental services. Similar to clothing rental platforms that have gained popularity in recent years, these services allow consumers to borrow high-quality, designer pieces for special occasions or limited periods. This circular economy model reduces the need for owning multiple pieces while still providing access to luxury and variety. Many rental services are now featuring collections specifically curated for sustainability, offering lab-grown diamonds, recycled metals, and other eco-friendly options. For the fashion-forward consumer who values novelty but is mindful of environmental impact, jewellery rental represents an ideal compromise.

The Bottom Line

The sustainable jewellery trends of 2025 reflect a growing awareness and commitment to ethical and environmental responsibility. From lab-grown diamonds to fair trade gemstones, recycled metals to biodegradable pieces, the industry is embracing innovation and transparency.

As consumers, we have the power to support these positive changes by choosing jewellery that aligns with our values. This year, let your accessories not only enhance your style but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical world.

Turning Your Garden Into A Luxury Oasis In Time For Spring: 7 Ideas

Coffee Break Reads
Home & Interiors
Lifestyle Guides
Lifesyle Tips

Editorial Team

March 10, 2025

Ideal for ensuring your outdoor space is party-worthy as soon as the weather warms up…

Spring soon come. After what feels like a lifetime of cold, dark days, long nights, and evenings spent hunkered down beneath a vast swathe of blanket, winter is, at long last, on its way out.

The year’s most welcome seasonal shift is almost here, ready to grace us with an explosion of new life and optimism, all brought on by warmer weather and sunnier days – and it couldn’t have come soon enough.

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, then the weeks before spring’s arrival proper represent the perfect time to get your outdoor space warm weather ready. With that in mind, here are 7 ideas for turning your garden into a luxury oasis in time for spring.

For Soothing Sounds: Consider A Water Feature

Whether it’s a small fountain or a large pond, the sound of running water will add a touch of tranquillity to your garden. From a small tabletop fountain to a pond that runs into a stream, the sound of running water will transform your outdoor space not only visually but sonically, too.

With so many designs and placements to choose from, from the tasteful to the tacky, it’s prudent to opt for a water feature that accentuates your garden’s overall style and complements the space, rather than has a jarring effect. We particularly like those which are subtle on the eye and channel the soothing sounds of a trickle (as long as we’re not desperate for the loo, that is).

For A Pleasing Aroma: Plant Fragrant Flowers

Choose blooms that smell good so you can enjoy their scent while relaxing in your garden, and planting fragrant flowers is one of the most satisfying parts of gardening. Nothing makes a warm day feel more luxurious than taking a moment to smell some beautiful bloom, don’t you think?

Whether you’re choosing tuberose, lilies, jasmine or honeysuckle, each flower comes with its own special scent that will fill your garden with delightful aromas. Oh, and you might just attract some buzzing friends to your garden in the process!

Read: 10 ways to make your garden more wildlife friendly

For Added Shade: Introduce A Retractable Awning

For versatile shade coverage tailored to your surroundings, consider a retractable awning, which helps you optimise your shade coverage options, while also having the freedom to retract the awning if you do fancy a bit of sun.

Interestingly, awnings have gone through some pretty modern innovations recently, which makes them a great investment, boasting wind sensors that retract when the wind reaches a set level, and those that can adjust the strength of shade they cast using smart fabrics.

Wow!

Awnings can also add an extra layer of privacy to your garden space, should you have neighbours on the nosier side of the spectrum. Speaking of which…

For Extra Privacy: Use The Power Of Nature

It’s not only the sun you want to protect yourself from in the ultimate garden chill-out area, particularly if your outdoor space is in an urban setting and prone to prying eyes peering down into your garden.

Consider a few simple steps to more privacy in your garden space, which will be a welcome move from the perspective of both parties. Though it’s impossible to totally shroud your garden in secrecy (and let’s face it; that would look like you were up to no good), you can certainly protect your privacy and improve the natural feel of your chillout space with consciously positioned, tall shrubbery and free standing plants. This is far preferable to erecting clumsy fences we think, as there’s aesthetic beauty added to the mix, too.

The expert’s pick in this case is Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia Murielae), which typically grows to a height of four metres and just needs a few strong canes for support. The dense shrubbery easily provides seclusion and shade and takes minimal maintenance; all that is needed is a cut every June or July and some sparing watering when the plant reemerges. Another wise choice is Magnolia Grandiflora, which, when permitted to grow, becomes a screening tree with its glossy, generous leaves.

Not only will they provide the desired shelter, but they also have the added bonus of being aesthetically pleasing. If you have the extra space and want to spruce up your outdoor area, consider adding hedges or fences as a way to embrace privacy – without walls!

For Expert Zoning & Even More Privacy: Hedges

Speaking of hedges, they’re not just perfectly suited for matters of privacy; hedges also offer great opportunities for truly expert zoning in larger gardens. Indeed, creating distinct zones in your garden not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also boosts privacy. Hedges are a classic and effective way to achieve this, offering a natural and attractive barrier that can be tailored to suit any garden style. In the UK, where privacy and the use of space are paramount, selecting the right type of hedge is crucial.

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a popular choice for formal hedges and topiary. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy and can be shaped to create crisp, clean lines in the garden. For more rapid growth, consider the Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), which, with its large, glossy leaves, can quickly form a dense screen and is tolerant of most soil types.

Yew (Taxus baccata) is another traditional British hedge, valued for its thick foliage and classic appearance. It’s particularly suited for creating high hedges that offer substantial privacy. Yew is also known for its durability and can be cut back hard if necessary.

For those who prefer a flowering hedge, the English Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a wonderful option. It provides a stunning display of white blossoms in spring, followed by red berries that attract wildlife. It’s a hardy native species that forms a dense and thorny barrier, ideal for increasing security as well as privacy.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) hedges are also a favourite in the UK. The green beech retains its leaves throughout the winter, which turn a beautiful copper hue, while the purple beech adds a splash of colour with its deep purple leaves that also transition to copper in the autumn.

For a hedge that grows quickly and offers a more informal look, the Leyland Cypress (x Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a fast-growing conifer that can provide a high screen in a relatively short period. However, it’s important to manage its growth as it can become too large if not regularly maintained.

When planning your hedge, consider the height you desire for privacy and how much maintenance you are willing to undertake. Some hedges require more frequent trimming with specialised, powerful hedge trimmers to maintain their shape, while others can be left to grow more naturally.

For A Seamless Transition From Day To Night: Install Outdoor Lighting

It’s easy to overlook outdoor lighting when designing a garden worthy of relaxing in – after all, gardens are very much synonymous with the daytime – but if you’re keen to ensure a smooth transition from day to night, then it’s essential that your garden is properly illuminated.

From small spotlights highlighting certain plants to twinkling fairy lights designed to look a little whimsical, all the way to large-scale walk lights illuminating the entire yard, there are a wide variety of options for whatever lighting your night-time garden dreams might require.

Not only will these lights create an inviting atmosphere perfect for garden parties, romantic al fresco evenings, and stargazing, but they can also act as a deterrent against intruders.

For The Avoidance Of Visual Distraction: Get Rid Of Weeds

An overgrown garden will never look luxurious, so make sure to keep on top of the weeding. Pulling the weeds and keeping them out of the garden can be tedious, but it’s a step that shouldn’t be overlooked.

An overgrown garden is likely to suffer from poor drainage, and if left unchecked, could lead to an unhealthy plant population. Starting from the edge of the garden and working inward will help maximise efficiency and minimise the difficulty in getting rid of those pesky weeds. For areas with tougher weeds or along borders, a quality weed eater can make the job much faster and more efficient. Remember – take pride in your garden, however big or small, and keep things healthy by keeping up with the weeding.

Remember – take pride in your garden, however big or small, and keep things healthy by keeping up with the weeding.

Read: 5 tips on how to maintain your lawn

For Comfort: Add Some Furniture

Comfortable chairs and tables are a must for any garden designed for chilling. When considering the perfect luxury garden furniture, prioritise items that are both stylish and comfortable.

However tempting it is to simply add as many seats as possible to accommodate family and friends, we recommend that you take a more considered approach. Instead, focus on creating a few different seating areas that serve to draw the focus to different areas of the garden, channelling the ‘chill out zones’ of Ibiza, perhaps.

Remember that although cushioned sofas may be great to sink into, you’ll have to take them in each night – curse the Great British weather!

The Bottom Line

Creating your own luxury garden does not have to be an intimidating task. Even if you don’t have a massive budget or a lifetime of experience, it’s still possible to turn your outdoor space into something special.

From the purely aesthetic elements like water features all the way to the mundane tasks of weeding and pruning, a relaxing garden fit for spring is well within reach. Now, when might we expect an invite?

The Best Mexican Restaurants In Brighton

Food & Drink
UK Local Eats

Joseph Gann

March 10, 2025

The Best Mexican Restaurants In Brighton

Mex this can on Monday, took her for a taco on Tuesday, we were making mole on Wednesday, and on Thursday and Friday and Saturday, we chilaquiles on Sunday…

Hmm, perhaps one of our more overly ambitious opening segments, but the point remains; in Brighton, there’s enough fantastic Mexican food to see you through the whole week if you were so inclined.

From hole-in-the-wall taco slingers to modern restaurants cooking Mexican food with British ingredients, the city has got you covered.

Yep, if you’re wondering where to eat Mexican food in Brighton, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scooped the guac, sipped the mezcal and snapped the tostada to find these; the best Mexican restaurants in Brighton.

Taquitos Casa Azul

Ideal a warm Mexican welcome and a traditional taco experience…

Brighton’s Open Market, tucked away off London Road and close to popular Brighton park and meeting point The Level, is one of the city’s most underrated spaces. In this humble market, you’ll find purveyors of fresh local produce and a handful of excellent street food operations, patisseries and cafes.

Whilst we adore the delicate tarts and vibrantly coloured macarons from Real Patissiere, and can’t resist a Bangladeshi snack or two when passing the Spice of Life, our favourite spot here is most definitely Taquitos Casa Azul, a family-run, all Mexican joint serving the most authentic tacos in town.

A visit here is a must if you’re in the area, for their simple, stripped back menu. There’s no Tex Mex, ‘fully loaded’ stuff here, just four types of meat taco – a chicken tinga, a chicken mole, a shredded beef chile colorado and a shredded pork cochinita – and a vegetarian equivalent of each. The corn tortillas are made daily, of course, and the whole thing is just delicious. Pull up a pew at their sole table outside the shopfront and get stuck in.

What’s more, head honcho Gabriel Gutierrez is a fabulous host, offering a warm welcome and a sampling of Casa Azul’s selection of homemade salsas and hot sauces (available to buy by the jar) as you wait to pay the bill. He knows what he’s doing; once you’ve tried the Salsa Chipotle – heady with hibiscus and dried apricot – you’ll be hooked. We add it to everything now; it’s incredible.

Website: casazul.co.uk

Address: Unit 21 Marshalls Row, Brighton BN1 4JG

La Choza

Ideal for crowd pleasing plates close to the station…

In the North Laine’s quirky tangle of narrow streets and independent shops you’ll find La Choza. Really, you’ll find it; the restaurant is rendered in vital shades of pink and yellow that you just can’t miss, with a clutch of tables outside continuing the eye-catching theme via garish floral tablecloths.

That’s not to say the food is brash or distasteful, here. Quite the opposite, in fact; since 2012 La Choza has been producing some of the finest Mexican food in Brighton, with the restaurant gaining national critical acclaim in the form of a glowing review from Tom Parker Bowles in which he wrote that ‘’in this tiny Brighton backstreet, there’s true Mexican magic‘’. You’ll have to find that review yourself; we can’t bring ourselves to link to it.

Where Casa Azul keeps the menu options narrow, La Choza is perhaps a more crowd pleasing offering due to the menu’s DIY format.

That menu is split into three sections – choose your base, choose your filling, choose your salsa – allowing for a fine-tuned feast. We just love the XXtra Hot Naga Salsa, which is mellowed by the addition of mango and will brighten up your order whichever direction you choose to take things.

The restaurant is a no reservations affair; just rock up and enjoy.

Website: lachoza.co.uk

Address: 36 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AQ

Ideal Tip: If you’re in the mood for churros after a lunchtime Mexican feast in Brighton, head to Churchill Square where you’ll find a food van serving up freshly made churros until the early evening.

El Bolillo now sadly closed

Ideal for refined Mexican flavours with a fine dining twist…

On Hove’s bustling Church Road, El Bolillo (Mexican slang for ‘white boy’) occupies the former Los Amigos site with ambitious plans to take Mexican cuisine in a decidedly different direction to those brothers and their Tex-Mex leanings. While El Bolillo bills itself as as “not just a taqueria”, tacos are indeed the main feature of the menu, all give a fine dining touch and with a premium price tag to match. At £10-16 for a single taco, you’ll need deep pockets for the full experience. The tasting menu (£75, or £55 for a shortened version) feels like the right move, then.

Chef Greg Clarke brings his experience from Michelin-starred kitchens Midsummer House and The Ledbury to create technically precise tacos that are big on flavour and with enough intrigue in their combinations to keep you ordering more. The highlight of a recent meal here was a pork cheek with eel and meco XO sauce number, served on a hand-pressed masa tortilla. Visually striking, it delivered on flavour too, with an intricate balance that revealed Clarke’s deft touch.

The restaurant’s brutalist-inspired interior features lime-washed walls and earthy ceramics, with just 31 seats (including 10 at the bar) plus a private dining room for 12. Their cocktail menu shows a playful side – try the Cardi B Negroni with Campari, vermouth, gin, hibiscus, and cardamom (hence the name, we assume?) – that again showcases that keen grasp of balance and poise. El Bolillo might make your wallet significantly lighter, but it’s certainly bringing something new to Hove’s dining scene, and we can’t wait to watch it evolve.

*Last week, it was announced that El Bolillo would close, just six months after opening. No further information is available at this time.*

Website: elbolillo.co.uk

Address: 60 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2FP

Halisco

Ideal for no frills Mexican drinking snacks and some excellent margaritas…

Finally, we’re heading to Halisco, on Brighton’s beloved ‘restaurant street’, Preston Street. Here, the menu is a little more expansive, with a selection of around salads and ceviche, small plates with a decent vegan focus, and six or so tacos you can really get stuck into. This place is just perfect for parties, we think, with the superb (and superbly strong) house margaritas certainly not harming that sense of conviviality.

Though the restaurant dining room is what an estate agent might charitably call ‘cosy’, there’s a few outdoor seats and benches too, and a raucous vibe that regularly spills out onto the street, too.

It feels like Halisco is getting more ambitious, and with it, national (and even international) recognition is following. Firstly, the restaurant was named by Time Out as one of Brighton’s best in June of last year. And, more recently, it was featured on Adam Richman (of Man v. Food fame) Eats Football. He bloody loved the place!

Website: halisco-brighton.co.uk

Address: 64 Preston St, Brighton BN1 2HE

If a taco craving hits but you’re in London rather than London-by-the-Sea, then fear not; here’s a guide to the best Mexican restaurants in London, too.

Redecorating Your Garden For Spring: 5 Simple Suggestions

Home & Interiors
Lifestyle Guides
Lifesyle Tips

Editorial Team

March 9, 2025

Redecorating Your Garden For Spring: 5 Simple Suggestions

After what feels like a lifetime of cold days, long nights and evenings spent hunkered down beneath a vast swathe of blanket, winter is, at long last, on its way out.

Spring is rolling in to grace us with an explosion of new life and optimism, all brought on by warmer weather and sunnier days – and it couldn’t have come soon enough!

With the warm weather comes the opportunity to rediscover our garden spaces, and often, the discovery that they’re looking a little tired after the cold season. But for the four in five 18–34-year-olds seeing gardening as a ‘cool’ pastime, the prospect of tidying up a garden space in time for spring might even be a positive one!

Thankfully, even for those with little interest in horticultural affairs, there are many simple ways in which we can spruce up our gardens for spring, ready to entertain guests once more. The following accounts for just five.

Low Maintenance Green Things

While gardening may be a cool pastime in spring, busy summer schedules often make the activity a bit of a chore. Come summer, your garden should be a space for relaxing and entertaining; as such you’ll want a low maintenance garden during its ‘high season’, so you don’t have to waste endless chilling time on the garden chores of watering, weeding and de-heading.

Enter lush leafy plants that are oh-so low maintenance; think evergreens, ferns and tall grasses, which make your garden feel natural and lush without looking unkempt. Consider, too, introducing self-watering planters to your garden setup. These clever containers feature a reservoir at the base that slowly feeds moisture to your plants, meaning you can go for extended periods without having to water them manually. Perfect for forgetful gardeners or busy professionals, these planters work brilliantly with drought-tolerant plants like lavender, rosemary and succulents. Not only do they reduce your maintenance time, but they also ensure more consistent growth as your plants receive exactly what they need without the feast-or-famine cycle of traditional watering.

Shrinking the size of your lawn is an option, too. While this may not be a simple suggestion, it will simplify your garden chores, lessening the load of mowing, raking and the like. Do the bees a favour and turn part of your lawn into a small scale wildflower meadow. Alternatively, add some decking or paving…

Read: 5 tips on how to maintain your lawn

Decking

Introducing decking to your garden space is a brilliant way to create a dedicated area for entertaining or simply relaxing with a cuppa. While it requires more effort than hanging a garden ornament, it needn’t become an overwhelming project.

When choosing materials, pressure-treated timber will withstand the British weather nicely, but composite decking offers even better durability without the need for regular maintenance. Made from a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastic, it resists fading, staining and won’t splinter like traditional timber—worth considering despite the higher price tag.

Many garden centres offer decking kits with pre-cut boards, making it an achievable weekend project for the moderately handy homeowner. For larger installations where ground preparation and drainage need consideration, local landscape gardeners can typically complete the job within a couple of days.

Once installed, a thorough sweep and occasional wash will keep your decking looking fresh throughout the seasons. Add some weather-resistant cushions and perhaps a parasol, and you’ll have created an inviting outdoor living space that serves you well through spring and beyond.

A Splash of Spring Colour

You can make a huge impact on the feel of your garden by simply introducing a little visual vibrancy to proceedings. One major way to add colour is to repaint your garden fences and exterior-facing walls.

It should be noted that painting straight on to the surface makes for a mediocre result, owing to the possibility of flaking paint or debris being stuck to the surface. Instead, you can use a cordless angle grinder to safely remove old, flaking paint from your walls without damaging the material beneath, before re-priming and re-painting in a seasonally-appropriate colour.

Another way to add a splash of colour to your garden could be to simply replace your flower pots and planters. These pots and planters can serve to add serious character to garden and patio spaces, especially if mismatched. Go for a mismatched look or choose colours that fit with the colours of your garden to create a unique colour palette throughout.

Don’t forget the power of seasonal bulbs to transform your garden’s colour palette. While many gardeners plant their spring bulbs in autumn, you can still find pre-grown potted tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at garden centres that can be placed strategically around your garden for instant impact. For summer-long colour, consider investing in some dahlia tubers or lily bulbs, which can be planted in spring for dramatic blooms later in the season. These showstoppers require minimal effort yet deliver maximum visual punch, perfect for gardeners seeking impressive results without the corresponding workload.

Ornaments & Sculptures

Speaking of character, a great way to imbue your garden with it is to accessorise out there. Think wind chimes and ornamental rain catchers, garden gnomes and avant-garde sculpture.

A cursory search through your local garden centre may reveal garden ornaments to suit your taste, with many perfectly suited to being hidden in flower beds or hung from your trees and shrubs.

Some garden accessories have the added benefit of bringing new wildlife into your garden. A bird feeder pole, a birdbath or a sculpture, for example, can be chic ways to increase the bird population in your garden, and give you more visual intrigue to enjoy from your patio or window.

Water features, even modest ones, can elevate your garden from pleasant to enchanting without requiring extensive installation or maintenance. A small solar-powered fountain can be placed directly into an existing container, creating a soothing soundtrack of trickling water that masks urban noise and attracts more wildlife to your garden. For something even simpler, consider a decorative rain chain in place of a traditional downpipe, transforming mundane rainfall into a mesmerising visual display. These functional art pieces work particularly well in smaller gardens where space is at a premium but aesthetic impact is still desired.

In The Zone

Lastly, curating different zones in your garden that serve distinct purposes can completely transform your whole garden

You could do this in any number of ways. Some choose to create a bistro porch area by their back door, while others zone by introducing a paved patio seating space with outdoor sofas and a chimenea for late evening warmth. We’re especially fans of pergolas for designating a space for some quiet reading. Creating a proper space for gatherings means you all get to enjoy your spruced-up garden in comfort and style.

Consider vertical zoning as well, by incorporating different heights into your garden design. A raised planter bed can serve as both a practical growing space and a subtle boundary marker between zones. Similarly, a well-placed archway covered in climbing plants creates a sense of transition between different garden areas while drawing the eye upward. This approach to zoning works particularly well in smaller gardens where horizontal space might be limited but the vertical dimension remains largely untapped. The added height also creates visual interest throughout the seasons, especially when adorned with climbing plants that flower at different times of the year.

We won’t keep you any longer; we understand you’re desperate to get outside. But before you go, why not check out these 4 interesting zoning ideas for your garden?

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Padella, Phipp Street

Llama Inn, Great Eastern Street

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Daffodil Mulligan, City Road

Popolo, Rivington Street

Kêu Banh Mi Deli, Old Street

Plates, Old Street

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Bournemouth: Creative Media & Innovation

The Bottom Line

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Morning: Harbour Beginnings

Midday: Market Immersion

Afternoon: Historical Echoes

Evening: Harbour Lights

Day 2: Cultural Mosaic, Beach Excursion & Natural Splendour

Early Morning: Flic En Flac Beach Escape

Morning: Sacred Spaces

Midday: Literary Heritage

Afternoon: Natural Wonders

Evening: Farewell Feast

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HIIT

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The Bottom Line

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Mele e Pere, Brewer Street

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The Bottom Line

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El Bolillo now sadly closed