With a shiny new crop of Michelin stars (retained, admittedly) cementing its status as a serious food city, Dublin’s restaurant scene has never been more exciting. Skip the tourist traps of Temple Bar and the unrelenting crowds of Grafton Street in favour of the city’s best restaurants, and you’ll be met with everything from live-fire cooking to natural wine bars, all which wouldn’t feel out of place in Copenhagen, Catania or Cadiz. But honestly, why do we need to compare the Irish capital’s food scene to any across the Channel? Dublin’s is very much its own thing, and all the better for it.
Anyway, let’s stop chuntering on; you’re here for cold, hard recommendations. So, here’s where to eat in Dublin…
Note, Fenian Street
Ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate thoughtful cooking without pretense…
Hiding in plain sight on the edge of Fenian Street, close to Trinity College, Note pulses with a nocturnal energy, as a mix of after-work wine enthusiasts and serious diners fill the wedge-shaped space with a gentle conviviality that’s at odds with the pint chugging down the road at Temple Bar.
The dining room pulls off that tricky balance between buzzy and intimate, with the kind of lighting that makes everyone look their best as it shimmies off the mahogany tables. While many come for the meticulously chosen wine list – featuring everything from grower champagnes to hard-to-find natural wines – the kitchen more than holds its own.
Mackerel tartine, pickled onion, aioli Images via @notedublin.com
The menu changes regularly with the seasons (in 2025, we’d be worried if it didn’t) but maintains a comforting bistro sensibility bolstered by careful technique: a starter of chicken liver parfait might come brightened with salted greengage, while a whole butterflied mackerel tartine comes dressed in that gorgeous Sicilian agrodolce tangle of pickled onions, capers, golden sultanas and pine nuts. Winner, winner, fish dinner.
Their eight classic cocktails are executed with the same precision as everything else here, and unlike many of Dublin’s top spots, they’ll welcome you on a Monday evening. The perfect excuse for welcoming a new week with a Bourbon Milk Punch, don’t you think?
Ideal for witnessing culinary artistry in unexpected surroundings…
In what must be one of Dublin’s most surprising fine dining locations, chef Damien Grey’s tiny restaurant hidden within Blackrock Market (Dublin’s oldest and a half hour’s drive from the city centre) delivers tasting menus of remarkable precision and creativity.
The three-hour dining experience at Liath (Irish for ‘Grey’) unfolds like a carefully orchestrated performance, with Grey himself often serving and explaining dishes that might appear on the menu for mere days before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Or, more likely, simply evolving into something new and delicious…
Image via @liathrestaurant.com
Grey’s philosophy centres around the five elements of taste, with each dish building upon the last in a carefully considered progression. It’s wonderfully, refreshingly light, and fortunately free from the curse of too much umami (‘too-mami?’) that seems to blight many a contemporary restaurant.
Things are decidedly more measured here, as you’d expect for a tasting menu priced at €180 per person. It’s a significant investment, but the intimate setting (you’ll be one of just a handful of diners) and Grey’s engaging presence make it well worth your time. The two Michelin stars above the door confirm Liath’s many diverse talents. He should’ve called the restaurant ‘50 Shades of Liath’, surely?
Smithfield’s Fish Shop proves that sometimes the simplest concepts yield the most satisfying results. This intimate spot elevates the humble fish supper into something extraordinary, not via unwelcome innovations involving syphoned batter or confit potato terrines, but rather with a daily-changing selection of pristine catches from Irish waters.
Grab a perch (not from the fryer, you fool!) at the snug counter for the full experience – watching the kitchen team expertly prepare everything from delicate raw dishes to their signature beer-battered fish.
Images via @fishshopbenburb
The cooking is precise yet unfussy: plump oysters arrive gleaming, smoked haddock croquettes deliver satisfying crunch against custardy centre, while the main event of perfectly golden whiting, haddock or plaice comes with hand-cut chips that would make a Parisian bistro proud. Scrap that; they would make your local chippy proud – these are the kind of chippy chips that would feel most happily at home turning a sheet of greaseproof translucent.
Pulling you back into the room and reminding you that you’re in a restaurant, the thoughtfully assembled wine list leans toward crisp whites and sherries, though their selection of skin-contact wines offers some intriguing pairings for an increasingly tuned-in Dublin crowd.
Under the watchful gaze of Dublin’s Four Courts, Spitalfields isn’t claiming to reimagine, reinvent or refine what pub food can be. Instead, they’re simply intent on making it the best it can be. Dare we say, they’ve succeeded in their mission…
The kitchen’s crown jewel is their sharing pie – a magnificent creation of burnished, latticed pastry concealing a rich filling of chicken, leeks, and wild mushrooms, given depth (but somehow also lightened) by madeira and prunes. While the pie justifiably steals headlines, the rest of the menu shows equal finesse: plump hand-dived scallops, a perfectly golden and unfussy pork schnitzel, and a côte de boeuf that hits the white paper tablecloth with an authoritative thunk. One suspects The Devonshire might have spent a few RND trips in the dining room here….
Come Thursday lunchtime, Spitalfields’ Dublin Coddle – that classic combination of sausage, bacon, and potato that’s had London all in a befuddled fluster recently – draws locals who understand that sometimes tradition needs no improvement. And with that statement still reverberating still catching in the back of our throats, it’s time for another gold-standard Guinness.
Ideal for watching Dublin’s culinary evolution in real time…
Allta has finally found its permanent home in a spacious dockside building, after years of successful pop-ups and festival appearances around the city. The space cleverly divides into two distinct personalities: by day, it’s a bright, airy lunch and coffee spot, but as evening falls, it transforms into something altogether more atmospheric. The industrial-chic cocktail bar pulses with energy from live DJs, while the separate dining room centres around an open kitchen where counter seats offer the best views of the action.
From the former’s ‘bar food’ menu, Cromane Bay oysters, dressed with lime mignonette and hot sauce, are plump and pristine, whilst the Allta cheeseburger is a decadent number that deploys dry-aged Jersey beef in a truly chunky patty. The restaurant proper’s menu shows off Allta’s more serious side, with chef Niall Davidson’s experience brings with it a big, bruising, protein-led affair that culminates in a whole suckling pig for four to share. Yours for £150.
Whichever way you play it, don’t miss out on the superb cocktails here. Each drink tells its own story of Ireland – from the ‘Skellig Michael’, which celebrates native Irish apples with gin and Stillgarden glas (Ireland’s first green herbal liqueur), to ‘Sherkin’, which pays homage to Ireland’s ancient maritime trade routes with toasted rice vodka and yuzu. Save room, too, for their nostalgic take on soft-serve ice cream for dessert – it’s comfort food elevated to new heights.
Ideal for nights when the wine matters as much as the food…
The latest venture from Dublin’s restaurant powerhouse the Bereen brothers demonstrates their continued ability to read the city’s pulse. An evening here flows effortlessly from early evening snacks to full dinner service, accompanied by an all-natural wine list that makes conventional vintages feel positively old hat.
The menu spans around 10 small plates that showcase Irish ingredients through a global, crowd pleasing lens – their Kilkee crab rosti with pepper veloute, and the glazed pork tostadas, both epitomise the style perfectly.
The space, inspired by Tokyko’s listening bars, boasts a serious sound system spinning choice vinyl, bringing an enveloping, intimate quality to proceedings. The single dessert option – currently a lemon posset with hibiscus poached plum – reliably climaxes in pure pleasure.
Ideal for experiencing Irish fine dining at its absolute peak…
In a stately Georgian dining room on Parnell Square, chef Mickael Viljanen has created something truly special at Chapter One, a restaurant that many insiders and chefs believe to be Ireland’s finest.
Since taking the helm in 2021, the Swedish-born, Finnish-raised chef has propelled the restaurant to two Michelin stars by combining Nordic precision with sublime Irish ingredients. It’s a match made in heaven.
While the €215 evening tasting menu is an elaborate (and premium) affair, the three-course lunch (€90) offers a more accessible way to experience creations like his signature Mossfield Gouda steamed soufflé with macadamia, truffle and Vin Jaune. Service moves with balletic grace through the elegant space, and the dedicated Irish coffee trolley provides a fittingly theatrical finale to what’s certain to be a memorable meal.
Ideal for channeling Spanish energy with Irish produce…
Grand Canal (nope, never gonna use official name) be damned; the counter seats at Uno Mas offer Dublin’s best dinner theatre experience – watching the kitchen team navigate an always full-on service while turning out plate after plate of Spanish-influenced perfection never fails to be impressive.
The menu builds from ‘para picar’ nibbles through to more substantial plates. It’s actual ‘starters’ and ‘mains’ here, rather than tapas, but the delivery demonstrates a keen understanding of both Spanish tradition and Irish ingredients nonetheless.
The tortilla is pitch perfect, the croquetas the right side of runny, and the daily specials showcase whatever’s best from land or sea. But it’s when Uno Mas takes the brakes off and goes a little off-piste that things really get interesting; a recent porchetta tonnato garnished with beer pickled onions and crispy pig’s ears was one of the most straight-up satisfying, sinful platefuls we’ve had in a long time. And if the burnt basque cheesecake with local rhubarb is on, ignore the suspicion that the dish has been ruined by ubiquity. This one is a gold standard version.
A serious sherry collection and vermouth-forward cocktail list complete the Iberian experience, though the warm hospitality is distinctly Dublin.
Ideal for sating the desire for dumplings in style…
Behind a modest shopfront on Aungier Street, BIGFAN delivers on its straightforward premise: carefully crafted Sichuan, Taiwanese and Korean dishes in a bright, brash but strangely intimate setting. The team exercises a degree of restraint with the menu – a focused selection of dumplings, bao, and xiaochi (small eats) that showcases kitchen’s dexterity rather than overwhelming with choice.
It’s a place where dinner often starts with “we’ll have one of everything” and ends with “should we order those dumplings again?” The space buzzes with chatter and the gentle thud of dumpling baskets hitting tables, while the aroma of star anise and ginger drifts from the open kitchen.
Come with friends, order widely, and don’t skip the ‘Couples Beef’ xiao chi dumplings – packed with honeycomb tripe and tongue, it hums with depth and intrigue, and has you resenting the more MOR dumpling choices you’ve made up to this point. This is food worth getting possessive over – the kind where you’ll find yourself strategically positioning the last dumpling just out of your dining companion’s reach.
Ideal for discovering how good car park dining can be…
Trust Dublin to turn a car park entrance into one of its coolest dining destinations. Amy Austin’s industrial-chic setting provides the backdrop for seriously accomplished cooking. Forgive the fish bowl nature of the frontage; the massive pane of glass, exposed concrete and pipework of the space is softened by clever lighting and the warmth emanating from the open kitchen.
Small plates show global influences executed with precision. The scallop crudo and Moroccan-spiced lamb are standouts, and with nothing on the menu priced much over €20, it’s one of Dublin’s cheaper ‘destination’ restaurants. The wine-on-tap program makes decent vintages more accessible, carrying through that sense of inclusivity to its natural conclusion. The whole enterprise proves that sometimes the best restaurants pop up in the least likely locations.
These restaurants showcase Dublin’s culinary confidence in full flow. You’ll find them scattered throughout the city’s neighbourhoods – many just a short stroll from Dublin’s free walking tours – the grounds of St. Stephen’s Green, and the weekend bustle of food markets.
Whether you’re seeking technical perfection or soulful cooking, Dublin’s food scene continues to surprise and delight at every turn.
If your ideal workout involves staying at home – with the bath just seconds away to soothe those aching muscles – then you’ve come to the right place…
There are many reasons people put off going to the gym. Some of us are gym-timidated and despise working out in public. Others avoid going as they hate fellow gym goers leaving equipment dirty and sweaty. Or, they just hate fellow gym goers. Others still don’t go as they have a phobia of lycra (true fact).
Here at IDEAL, one of the main things that put us off going to the gym is actually getting there – if it’s raining, consider the gym visit skipped for the day.
There is, of course, another way (you’ve already read the title, haven’t you?). A place where there’s no need to worry about looking presentable or finding matching socks. Somewhere you can groan, grunt, sweat and sigh in peace, all without judgmental glances. Somewhere there’s no waiting for equipment or awkwardly avoiding eye contact with that fella who’s hogging the machine you need. A place where you can experience the joy of blasting your favourite tunes without headphones in. Enter the home gym.
If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that having a dedicated space to exercise at home isn’t just convenient – it’s sometimes essential. The massive surge in home gym setups during lockdown proved that with the right equipment and space, you can maintain your fitness routine whatever the circumstance.
Yep, the home gym has many positive attributes. And perhaps the best is that you save money in the long run. No more monthly fees or that off putting commute. Sure, the upfront cost might make your wallet weep a little, but think of it as an investment in your health and sanity. If you’ve been convinced to leave the hustle and bustle of a public gym for the comfort and convenience of a home gym, here are our top tips on how to create the ideal gym at home.
Deciding Between A Purpose-Built Space & A Garage Gym
While of course you can set up your home gym in the spare bedroom, we’re talking about the ideal home gym today, so that means a dedicated space. A purpose built garden room or a metal steel structure is ideal here. These structures provide a separate and private space, allowing you to focus on your workouts without distractions.
When it comes to planning permission, if your gym is single storey, less than 2.5 metres in height and occupies less than 50% of your garden area, then you’re likely in the clear. However, if you’d like a larger home gym, you’ll need to seek planning permission.
Be sure to add traditional gym flooring which usually consists of squares of strong rubber flooring made from shock absorbent foam with a layer of rubber on top.
Proper lighting is also essential for creating an inviting and motivating atmosphere in your home gym. Install bright, adjustable LED lights to ensure optimal visibility during workouts. Additionally, consider adding task lighting near mirrors or specific workout stations for focused illumination. Oh, and you’ll want your gym to be insulated for year round use.
For those considering a garage conversion, you’re already starting with a solid foundation. Garages typically offer ample space and often come with electrical connections already installed. Just ensure your garage is properly weatherproofed and insulated, as these spaces can get quite cold in winter and rather warm in summer. The concrete floor in most garages provides an excellent base for laying gym flooring, though you’ll want to check for any dampness issues first.
A well-designed home gym can greatly enhance your fitness journey and help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Mirrors are crucial to the setup of your ideal home gym as they serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they enhance the visual appeal of the space, making it feel more open and spacious. Secondly, they allow you to monitor and correct your form during exercises, reducing the risk of injuries.
Install mirrors strategically to cover the walls or specific workout zones. Choosing an acrylic mirror or plastic mirror is sufficient, however in the ideal gym you’ll want a thick sheet of mirror glass installed by a professional.
We don’t need to tell you that staying hydrated and fueling your body is vital for a successful workout. As such, it’s pretty much obligatory to create a hydration and fueling station in your home gym. Not only does it eliminate the need to leave the gym area frequently, it will help you maintain focus and intensity during your sessions.
In your ideal home gym, you’ll want to incorporate a water cooler or dispenser to ensure easy access to H20. You may also want to add a fridge so you can store bottles of Pocari Sweat, Upbeat protein drinks, NOCCO (aka the ‘Red Bull of sports drinks’) or whatever your chosen sports drink of choice is. Better yet, consider adding a vending machine with a variety of your favourite thirst quenching sports drinks on display, ready to replenish and energise at the press of a button.
Oh, and don’t forget the snacks and so you can fuel your workouts, from a pot of peanut butter to protein bars and to bananas, pre and post workout snacks are important as they can help you perform better and recover faster.
Ventilation & A View
Proper ventilation is essential to maintain a comfortable and fresh environment in your home gym. Consider installing big windows or sliding doors to allow natural light and fresh air to circulate. Adequate ventilation not only enhances the overall ambiance but also helps regulate temperature and minimise odours.
If you’re working with a garage space, consider installing a garage door with windows or even replacing the entire door with a glass-paneled version to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy.
On top of that, you’ll want a decent view of the garden. Think floor-to-ceiling windows installed with panoramic vista of your garden in mind. Oh, the luxury!
The Equipment
Cardio, and that all important heart rate raising is hugely, undeniably, demonstrably beneficial to both our physical and mental health. You’ll therefore want a mix of cardio machines and strength-building equipment.
The last thing you want is for your home gym to look cluttered and messy. Efficient organisation of gym equipment is crucial for maximising space and ensuring safety. Install shelving systems or racks to store and display your weights, dumbbells, resistance bands, and other accessories.
For garage gyms, take advantage of vertical space with wall-mounted garage storage solutions that keep your equipment organised while leaving floor space free for workouts. This not only keeps the area clutter-free but also makes it easier to locate and access the equipment during workouts.
Meditation & Yoga Corner
To achieve a well-rounded fitness routine, dedicate a corner of your home gym to meditation and yoga practices. This serene space can be adorned with calming decor, yoga mats, bolsters, and meditation cushions. Incorporating mindfulness exercises into your workout routine promotes mental well-being and complements physical fitness.
Sound System & TV Screens
It’s no secret that music can greatly enhance your workout experience by providing motivation and energy. But let’s be honest here; the music that they blare out at the gym isn’t really to anyone’s taste.
Luckily, in your own home gym, you can play the type of music that you truly want to listen to. To do so, you’ll need to install a sound system or portable speakers within your home gym to enjoy your favourite playlists or upbeat workout music. Oh, and at least one TV screen is essential so you can play your YouTube workouts or catch up on the latest episode of your favourite Netflix show.
A Cosy Seating Area
Creating a cosy seating area within your home gym isn’t essential – but it’s a very nice thing to have. Firstly it provides a space for relaxation and recovery between exercises or after a particularly intense session. But perhaps more importantly, it provides a spot to hide in when the family and inlaws are round. You can excuse yourself that you’re going to workout, even if you don’t have any intention of doing so.
Temperature Control & Climate Management
Creating the perfect workout environment means maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round. Whether you’ve opted for a purpose-built space or converted your garage, proper climate control is essential. Install a robust heating and cooling system – split-unit air conditioners work brilliantly in both dedicated spaces and garage conversions. For garage gyms, consider adding portable heaters for winter and high-powered fans for summer if a permanent system isn’t feasible.
Additionally, invest in a dehumidifier to control moisture levels, particularly important in garage spaces where dampness can affect both your comfort and your equipment’s longevity. Maintaining the right temperature and humidity will not only make your workouts more enjoyable but also help protect your investment in fitness equipment from rust and deterioration.
Finally, personalise your home gym to reflect your personality and fitness goals. Hang motivational posters, display inspiring quotes, or incorporate artwork that resonates with you. Creating a space that inspires and motivates you will significantly contribute to your overall enjoyment and dedication to regular workouts.
The Bottom Line
Having a home gym offers the convenience and flexibility to stay fit and healthy without stepping out of your comfort zone. For some, there can be no better way to work out!
A family camping trip is the ideal way to bond, explore nature, and create unforgettable memories. Or, it’s an occasion ripe with rifts, rain and soggy sleeping bags. The determining factor here isn’t often, surprisingly, familial harmony, but rather, your choice of pitch.
And for the family with a particularly adventurous spirit (or, simply, for those families looking to do things on a budget), the allure of wild camping is undeniable. You get to hammer your tent pegs in somewhere rugged, remote and, best of all, remuneration-free! What a wonderful opportunity to teach the kids some Bear Grylls-worthy survival skills and some Martin Lewis-deserving thriftiness. What’s not to love?
Well, there are a couple of things not to love, in fact, the first being the potential for a fine that stretches into the thousands of pounds for the offence of aggravated trespass. More likely though, you’ll be asked to move on, which can be pretty annoying if you’ve pitched up, lit the barbie, and put the keds to bed (or, rather, sleeping mat).
Avoid the pitfalls, tripwires and bear traps. Together with the wild exploration experts at Adventuro, here’s our guide to the best places in the UK for families to camp for free.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Devon, Dartmoor National Park offers an unparalleled camping experience for families. With its vast moorlands, ancient forests, and fascinating archaeological sites, there is no shortage of activities for families to enjoy.
While camping at Dartmoor, families can take advantage of the park’s excellent facilities, including picnic areas, toilets, and car parks. Moreover, the surrounding area boasts numerous attractions, such as the famous Dartmoor ponies, Becky Falls, and Castle Drogo. For a fun day out, consider visiting the Miniature Pony Centre or taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic Wistman’s Wood trail.
Dartmoor has a unique history regarding wild camping in England. For decades, it was the only national park in England where wild camping was legally permitted in specific areas under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. In January 2023, a controversial high court ruling temporarily restricted this right after a landowner challenged the traditional interpretation of the Act.
However, following public outcry and extensive negotiations, the Dartmoor National Park Authority reached an agreement with landowners by mid-2023 to reinstate wild camping rights. This was further secured when the Dartmoor National Park Authority (Amendment) Act came into force in July 2023, legally protecting the right to wild camp in designated areas of the park.
Today, wild camping is permitted within specific areas of Dartmoor National Park, which are clearly marked on maps available from the park authority. When camping, you must follow their wild camping code:
Camp at least 100 metres away from roads or public rights of way.
Only camp on open moorland within the designated areas, avoiding enclosed farmland and archaeological sites.
Do not camp in the same place for more than two consecutive nights.
You must carry everything you need in a backpack (including your tent).
Keep your group size small, usually a maximum of 2-3 tents.
Leave no trace. Take all your litter and belongings with you, and never bury or burn waste.
Be respectful of other visitors and minimise noise.
Use a stove for cooking instead of making fires.
Keep dogs under control and stay away from farm animals and wildlife.
Be prepared to move on if requested by the landowner, park rangers or police.
Please note that specific areas within Dartmoor National Park may have additional rules or seasonal restrictions. It is always wise to check with the official Dartmoor National Park website or visitor centres for up-to-date information and maps of permitted camping areas before setting up camp.
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Galloway Forest Park, also known as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’, is a sprawling woodland reserve in southwest Scotland, with plenty of wild camping opportunities available.
Here, you can enjoy the stunning views, rich wildlife, and clear night skies. As wild camping is generally tolerated in Scotland, you can pitch your tent in many places. However, remember to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Leave No Trace principles. Carefully choose your spot to avoid damaging the environment.
Some prime wild camping spots in Galloway Forest Park include:
Loch Trool – A beautiful loch in the heart of the forest, with many secluded spots to pitch your tent along its shores. The Glentrool Visitor Centre is also nearby.
Clatteringshaws Loch – Another stunning lake with picturesque sceneries, ideal for wild camping. There’s a visitor centre near the loch, which provides useful information on the area.
Loch Stroan – A peaceful spot to camp with beautiful views, located to the northeast of Newton Stewart.
Loch Doon – A large freshwater loch, offering plenty of options for secluded spots to camp. It’s also close to the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Observatory, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site – If you prefer a more structured camping experience, this campsite is located within the forest park, providing a base for exploring the surrounding area. Pitching a tent costs just £7.
Families visiting Galloway Forest Park can indulge in a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, and stargazing. The park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot for admiring the night sky. Nearby attractions include the Red Deer Range, where families can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, and the Galloway Activity Centre, which offers various water sports and outdoor activities.
Interestingly, from April 1st to October 31st, 2023, Galloway’s ‘Stay the Night’ program allows self-contained motorhomes, campervans and caravans to park overnight for one night in some designated car parks. Make sure to check the specific car parks included in the programme before planning your trip.
Exmoor National Park, Somerset
Exmoor National Park, located in Somerset, is another fantastic option for families seeking free camping experiences.
Whilst wild camping in Exmoor National Park isn’t officially permitted, as much of the land is privately owned or managed by the Exmoor National Park Authority. However, informal camping may be allowed in some areas with the landowner’s permission. The UK has a strong wild camping culture, and with a respectful and responsible approach, you may still be able to find a few incredible spots to pitch your tent.
In instances such as this, it might be a wise move to become a member of the non-profit co-operative Nearly Wild Camping. A unique UK-based initiative, Nearly Wild Camping connects passionate nature enthusiasts with off-the-beaten-track camping spots through an ever-growing membership network. This community-driven platform enables landowners to offer their undiscovered, pristine pieces of land for environmentally conscious, low-impact camping experiences, all while supporting rural economies in the process. On a more practical level, being a member is a great way to gain permission to camp in Exmoor National Park.
Once you’re settled in, rest assured that Exmoor National Park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from moorlands and woodlands to dramatic coastlines. Families can explore the park’s numerous walking trails, visit the historic Tarr Steps, or take a scenic drive along the Exmoor coastline. For a memorable day out, consider a trip to the Valley of the Rocks, where you can marvel at the unique rock formations and enjoy stunning views of the Bristol Channel.
For perhaps the most perfect pitch (weather permitting!) in the park, make for Dunkery Beacon. Known as the ‘Summit of Somerset’ and the highest point in Exmoor, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Camping near the summit may offer an incredible sunrise or sunset experience, but be prepared for sudden inclement changes.
This summit is one best tackled with proper camping gear. Bringing your own camping supplies, such as a tent and cool bags, not only adds to the affordability of camping but also offers long-term value – and we did promise this thing was being done on a budget, after all. Using your own gear also offers a sense of familiarity, which is essential for the younger members of the gang getting used to their first adventure! While there may be an initial investment in purchasing such items, they can be used repeatedly on future camping trips, making them a worthwhile investment.
There are few more beautiful places on the planet than rural Wales on a certain type of crisp, cold day, and Snowdonia National Park, situated in the country’s northwest, is probably the most beautiful of the lot. It’s also a haven for adventure-seeking families, and while wild camping is not officially permitted, responsible campers who follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle are generally tolerated.
Keep in mind that much of the land within Snowdonia National Park is privately owned, so you should seek permission from the landowner before setting up camp. To stay on their good side, avoid camping near popular trails, water sources, or in large groups. It’s a good idea to arrive late, leave early, and leave the area exactly as you found it to minimise your impact on the environment.
Now that admin’s dispensed with, let’s savour Snowdonia’s dramatic mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, all offering a wealth of activities for families. Embark on a hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, take a ride on the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway, or explore the magical village of Portmeirion. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, visit Zip World, home to the world’s fastest zip line and a variety of other thrilling adventures.
Northumberland National Park & Coast
Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, offers some of the most pristine and least crowded landscapes for wild camping enthusiasts. While wild camping is not officially permitted without landowner permission (as with most of England), Northumberland’s remote nature and vast open spaces make it a practical option for discreet, responsible camping.
Northumberland National Park is England’s least populated national park, spanning 1,050 square kilometers of breathtaking scenery from Hadrian’s Wall to the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border. The park’s remoteness means you’re more likely to encounter grazing sheep than other humans, creating a true wilderness experience for adventurous families.
The Cheviot Hills in the northern section of the park offer particularly good opportunities for wild camping if you’re willing to hike away from roads and popular paths. The College Valley, with its stunning scenery and seclusion, is especially worth exploring, though you’ll need to obtain permission from the estate office for overnight stays.
For stargazers, Northumberland International Dark Sky Park (which covers much of the national park) boasts some of Europe’s darkest skies, making it perfect for nighttime astronomy with the kids. The Kielder Observatory offers regular events, but simply pitching your tent in an appropriate spot and gazing upward can be equally magical.
Along the Northumberland coast, the remote beaches north of Bamburgh toward Holy Island (Lindisfarne) provide beautiful wild camping opportunities for those seeking coastal experiences. Just be mindful of tidal times if camping near Holy Island, as the causeway floods twice daily.
If seeking landowner permission feels daunting, Northumberland is also home to a several low-key campsites that offer nearly-wild experiences. Two of the best are:
Clennell Hall Campsite near Alwinton sits at the edge of the national park and offers basic facilities with immediate access to hill walking routes.
Demesne Farm in Bellingham provides simple riverside pitches with the Pennine Way passing nearby.
The Lake District, Cumbria
While wild camping is not explicitly allowed in the Lake District as it mainly falls on privately-owned land, it is generally tolerated if done discreetly and responsibly in remote locations, away from popular trails, car parks, and residential areas.
Indeed, many landowners and park authorities turn a blind eye if campers follow these guidelines and exhibit good environmental stewardship.
For some of the most secluded spots, consider:
Nestled beneath the towering Langdale Pikes, the Great Langdale Valley is an idyllic spot for families to set up camp. Here you’ll find a sense of seclusion and remoteness, allowing the whole team to truly reconnect with nature (and avoid interruption from the authorities!). Families can spend their days exploring the surrounding fells, embarking on scenic walks, or enjoying a tranquil picnic by the bubbling valley stream. At night, in the absence of light pollution, it’s all about the stargazing.
As one of the most remote lakes in the Lake District, Ennerdale Water promises a serene wild camping experience. For the family who loves to don their walking boots together, the lake boasts plenty of gentle walking paths; you could even attempt a walk around the entire lake. Fishing is also a popular pastime here, and for the little ones, skimming stones across the lake’s clear surface is as magical as it gets.
The Borrowdale Valley is another fantastic location for adventurous families seeking both picturesque landscapes and engaging activities. Set up camp near the banks of the River Derwent and enjoy the mesmerising views. Then, explore the hidden caves and gorges that surround the valley. The kids can build dams and splash in shallow streams, while parents can look forward to relaxing walks amongst the verdant woodlands (not separately, of course; you might want to keep an eye on the kids when they’re building those dams).
The second-largest lake in the Lake District, Ullswater provides families with picturesque camping spots and plenty to do. Along the eastern shore, you’ll find charming, secluded areas perfect for wild camping. During the day, families can get stuck into watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Additionally, you can hop on the Ullswater Steamer for a lazy afternoon cruise, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding fells and valleys.
The Bottom Line
Though not strictly ‘campsites’, the UK is home to numerous free places for wild camping, some of which cater very capably to families seeking budget-friendly outdoor adventures.
From the enchanting landscapes of Dartmoor National Park to the awe-inspiring mountains of Snowdonia, these destinations offer a unique camping experience without breaking the bank. So pack your tents, gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable family adventure at one of these incredible free campsites. Just remember to not leave a trace!
*The rules and legislation regarding wild camping here in the UK may change at short notice. Do check with the national park’s official website before setting off on your adventure. Please also be aware that rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland*
As Spring 2025 tentatively begins to poke its gorgeous head over the horizon, all sunshine, flowers and seasonal optimism, the world of interior design is embracing a softer, more organic aesthetic to match it.
The trend that’s taking centre stage this year is all about curves. From furniture to architecture, the allure of rounded edges and flowing lines aims to transform our living spaces into places of comfort and elegance. But why are curves such a big trend, and how can you incorporate them into your home?
Why Curves Are Dominating 2025
A Return To Nature
We’ve all read about biophilic design by now. Hell, we’ve read all about it on the pages of IDEAL, right? RIGHT?
Well, curves, being inherently natural, form part of this contemporary design trend. They mimic the shapes we find in the natural world, from the gentle arc of a river to the soft contours of a pebble. In an era where sustainability and a connection to nature are paramount, incorporating curves into our homes helps create a serene and organic environment.
Softening The Space
Straight lines and sharp angles can sometimes make a space feel rigid and uninviting. Curves, on the other hand, introduce a sense of fluidity and movement. They soften the overall look of a room, making it feel more welcoming and comfortable.
Curves also evoke a sense of nostalgia. They harken back to the Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern eras, where rounded forms were celebrated. This blend of retro charm with contemporary design creates a timeless appeal that resonates with many.
Psychological Comfort
There’s a psychological aspect to curves as well. Studies have shown that humans are naturally drawn to curved shapes because they are perceived as safer and more comforting. In a world that often feels chaotic, surrounding ourselves with curves can provide a subtle sense of security and relaxation.
How To Incorporate Curves Into Your Home
Curves can be seamlessly integrated into your home in a variety of ways, each adding a unique touch of elegance and comfort. Here’s a deeper dive into how you can embrace this trend:
Furniture
Leading retailers of sofas and armchairs have been saying it with increasing volume all year thus far: Furniture is the most straightforward way to introduce curves into your home. By selecting pieces with rounded edges and flowing lines, you can instantly soften the look of any room.
Sofas and Chairs: Opt for sofas with rounded backs and armrests. These pieces not only provide a comfortable seating experience but also soften the overall look of your living room. Curved sectionals can create a cosy, intimate seating area, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests. For something a little smaller and less all encompassing, a chair with a tub design offers the same kind of softening vibe.
Tables: Circular or oval coffee tables and dining tables are excellent choices. They encourage a more inclusive and conversational atmosphere, as everyone can see each other without the obstruction of sharp corners. Additionally, side tables with rounded edges can complement the main furniture pieces, adding to the cohesive look.
Beds: Consider beds with curved headboards. These can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your bedroom, making it feel like a serene retreat.
Incorporating curves into the architecture of your home can create a dramatic and elegant effect. These elements can transform the very structure of your space, making it feel more dynamic and inviting.
Arched Doorways: Replacing standard rectangular doorways with arched ones can dramatically change the feel of your home. Arches add a sense of grandeur and elegance, reminiscent of classical architecture.
Rounded Windows: Circular or oval windows can be a striking feature, allowing natural light to flood in while adding a unique architectural element. They can serve as focal points in a room, drawing the eye and creating visual interest.
Curved Walls: If you’re undertaking a major renovation, consider incorporating curved walls. These can create a sense of flow and movement within a space, making it feel more dynamic and less boxy.
hallway mirror
Decorative Accessories
Decorative accessories are a simple yet effective way to introduce curves into your home. These small touches can make a big impact, adding elegance and cohesion to your decor.
Mirrors: Round mirrors are a simple yet effective way to introduce curves. They can be used in any room to add depth and reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter, and helping open things up.
Rugs: Circular rugs can define areas within a room, such as a seating area or dining space. They add a layer of texture and warmth, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Vases and Bowls: Curved vases and bowls can be used as centrepieces or decorative accents. They bring a touch of elegance and can be easily swapped out to refresh the look of a room.
Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element in any interior design, and choosing fixtures with curved lines can enhance the overall aesthetic. These pieces not only provide illumination but also serve as sculptural elements.
Pendant Lights: Choose pendant lights with rounded shades or globes. These fixtures can serve as statement pieces, adding both style and function to your space.
Floor and Table Lamps: Lamps with curved stands or bases can add a sculptural element to your decor. They provide soft, ambient lighting that enhances the cosy atmosphere created by curved furniture and accessories.
Textiles & Patterns
Textiles and patterns offer a versatile way to incorporate curves into your home. From cushions to curtains, these elements can subtly reinforce the theme without overwhelming the space.
Fabrics: Look for cushions, throws, and curtains with circular motifs or wavy lines. These patterns can subtly reinforce the theme of curves without overwhelming the space.
Bedding: Curved patterns on duvet covers and pillowcases can add a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Opt for designs that complement the overall colour scheme and style of your room.
Wallpaper: Consider wallpaper with curved or wavy patterns. This can be used on an accent wall to create a focal point or throughout a room for a more dramatic effect.
Outdoor Spaces
Curves aren’t just for the indoors; they can enhance your outdoor spaces as well. From garden paths to patio furniture, these elements can create a cohesive and inviting environment.
Garden Paths: Curved garden paths can create a sense of journey and discovery in your outdoor space. They guide the eye and the feet, making the garden feel more expansive and inviting.
Patio Furniture: Choose outdoor furniture with rounded edges and curved lines. This not only enhances the comfort of your outdoor seating area but also ties in with the overall theme of curves.
Planters: Circular or oval planters can add a touch of elegance to your garden or patio. They can be used to create focal points or to define different areas within your outdoor space.
Artwork
Artwork is a fantastic way to introduce curves into your home. Whether through sculptures or wall art, these pieces can add a dynamic and artistic touch to your decor.
Sculptures: Incorporate sculptures with flowing, curved lines. These can be placed on shelves, mantels, or as standalone pieces in a room. They add a three-dimensional element that enhances the overall aesthetic.
Wall Art: Look for paintings or prints that feature curved lines or circular shapes. These can be used to create a cohesive look and tie together different elements within a room.
Built-In Features
Built-in features with curved lines can add a unique and custom touch to your home. These elements not only provide functionality but also enhance the overall design.
Curved Shelving: Built-in shelves with rounded edges can add a unique touch to your home. They provide storage while also serving as a design element that enhances the overall look of a room.
Kitchen Islands: Consider a kitchen island with curved edges. This not only makes the space more functional by allowing for easier movement but also adds a touch of elegance to the heart of your home.
The Bottom Line
Incorporating curves into your home is a wonderful way to create a space that feels both elegant and inviting. Whether through furniture, architectural elements, or decorative accessories, there are countless ways to embrace this trend.
By adding curves, you can transform your home into a sanctuary that reflects the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
This just in (a liberal use of ‘just’ we must admit); London has been voted the Most Vegan-Friendly City In The World for a fourth year running. Beating Berlin, New York and Melbourne to the top spot, London’s proliferance of vegan restaurants and its active plant-based community were acknowledged as the deciding factors, the city’s vegetarian and vegan scene an inspiration to other major metropolises across the world.
Yep, London really is the dairy-free cream of the crop when it comes to plant-based eating, but with such a bounty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants comes a certain saturation – the city’s streets are paved with nutritional yeast and its towers have been built on a foundation of flax seeds, and it can be hard to tell the good from the great.
We’re here to help with that; here are the best vegetarian restaurants in London.
Plates, Old Street
Ideal for boundary-pushing plant-based fine dining from Britain’s first vegan Michelin-starred kitchen…
Making history as the UK’s first vegan restaurant to receive a Michelin star (awarded February 2025), Plates is the remarkable passion project of siblings Kirk and Keeley Haworth. The intimate 25-cover dining room, tucked away just off Old Street, offers a cocoon-like escape with its earthy materiality – think natural plasters, recycled linens, and handcrafted wooden furnishings that mirror the restaurant’s sustainable ethos.
Images via plates-london.com
Kirk Haworth’s seven-course tasting menu (£75) is a masterclass in innovative plant-based cooking, drawing on his experience in world-renowned kitchens like The French Laundry and Restaurant Sat Bains. Standout dishes include the now-famous barbecued maitake mushroom with black bean mole, kimchi and puffed rice – a dish that demonstrates the kitchen’s remarkable ability to build complex, satisfying flavours without animal products. The house-laminated sourdough with whipped cashew butter has achieved near-cult status, while the raw cacao gateau with sour cherry and coconut blossom ice cream proves that vegan desserts can reach the highest heights of fine dining.
Be warned – securing a table here requires patience and planning, with bookings currently being taken several months in advance. Given the recent Michelin recognition, we’d suggest setting a reminder for when reservations open.
Ideal for creative takes on plant-based cuisine from one of the oldest (and still one of the best) veggie restaurants in London…
Proving that old still got it, The Gate, the self-proclaimed ‘’plant based pioneers’’, is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that has been delighting diners since 1989 with its creative takes on plant-based cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce, the menu features a range of innovative and globally-inspired dishes that speak for themselves; nope, we’re not going to use the ‘’you won’t even miss meat’’ line…
…Hang on, we just did. Anyway, the food here really is exquisite, with a clean clarity of flavour sometimes lost in the futile attempt to make vegetarian food more meaty. There’s no danger of that here. Dishes like a beautifully composed artichoke and hazelnut terrine, served sliced alongside an umami heavy sundried tomato salsa that gives the whole thing heft, are absolute crowdpleasers, whatever dietary stripes you’re wearing.
They’re good at the sweet stuff, too. We’ve always thought that you can tell a truly great vegetarian restaurant by the effort they put into their desserts, and we’re pleased to say that the Gate’s sweet round is truly inventive; the vanilla mousse-stuffed cannoli served with honeycomb and caramel sauce somehow skillfully manages to not be too sweet, the cannoli fried hard and fast until just off-bitter. An inspired move.
This is definitely a restaurant whose best light is shown at lunch; the bright and airy dining room (that is, if you remain on the first floor – the basement space is anything but) makes The Gate a perfect choice for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Or, a bout of celebrity spotting, if that’s your thing; this particular diner was sitting next to Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys on a previous visit. Starstruck would be an understatement…
Ideal for a vegan menu of globetrotting crowdpleasers…
From the meticulously manicured to the much more mellow, 222 Vegan Cuisine is an all-vegan restaurant whose menu of globetrotting crowdpleasers draws the crowds daily, with enough variety to satisfy even the most fickle members of the squad.
Come for the sauteed artichoke hearts, still boasting plenty of give and vibrancy and showing a kitchen team who know how to prepare them expertly. Stay for the bouncy, nutty quinoa and spinach meatballs, tossed together with gluten-free pasta and a richly uplifting tomato sauce. Order both and you’ll get change from a twenty.
When it’s on the menu, we’re also huge fans of their chilled avocado soup – it’s a creamy, refreshing number and a nice alternative to a classic tomato gazpacho.
With a couple of organic, gluten free lagers clocking in at the fiver mark, that’s a delicious, affordable all-vegan meal right there.
Mildreds is an institution in Soho that has rubbed shoulders with the area’s distinct history for over three decades. First opened by the dynamic duo of Jane Muir and Diane Thomas in 1988, the idea behind Mildreds was to reimagine what vegan food can be, giving it a vibrant kick in the arse and moving away from the stuffed mushrooms and nut roast-only ideas that have lingered since the 60s. It’s certainly worked; there are now six outposts of Mildreds in the capital with more rumoured to be on the horizon.
A wholly plant-based affair, a good slice of their cuisine is designed to be meat alternatives, with the restaurant serving up white bean ‘sausages’ and burgers made from soy or tofu, opening up new options of what ‘meat’ can taste like.
The food here is creative and inspired, with the Mexican-influenced mango, brie and jalapeno quesadillas being a favourite among regulars, served with a softly whipped avocado and sweetcorn salsa. You can also pair your meal with vegan wine or vegan fizz, allowing folk to let their hair down.
The vegan desserts at Mildred’s are something to write home about, too. The sticky toffee pudding, in particular, which is packed with ginger and served with lashing of toffee sauce for extra indulgence, is a thing of beauty. The same could be said for their white chocolate almond sponge tiramisu – it’s rich, thick and creamy from the white chocolate mousse and filled with classic coffee flavours, just like a good tiramisu should be.
For a touch of class, you can also book their more regal private dining room, perfect for a group of up to 14. Here you’ll get genuine Soho vibes thanks to the dark panels, quirky and clashing furniture and out-there artwork.
Ideal for South Indian vegetarian fare and arguably the best dosas in town…
Sagar is a South Indian vegetarian restaurant with several locations around London, all with a commitment to keeping the quality high and meat-free. Here, the food is proudly South Indian of origin, the chef here hailing from the coastal district of Udupi, a place famed for its confident, vegetable led cooking and as being the home of the masala dosa.
It’s clear, then, what the must-order dish at Sagar is, and the 12 versions of dosa served here certainly don’t disappoint. Our favourite is the paper paneer dosa, the shell a little crisper and lighter than the more familiar version, the housemade cottage cheese filling piquant and invigorating. It’s a classic. Similarly galvanising is Sagar’s version of rasam soup, its rougher, fierier edges smoothed out by a couple of restrained jaggery shavings. A side of aromatic sambar rice is pretty much obligatory.
There are further branches of Sagar in Leicester Square, Hammersmith, the West End and Harrow.
A restaurant that takes inspiration from the cafe and casual dining scene in Tel Aviv, this vegetarian restaurant is located on the perimeters of Spitalfields Market. With a name translating loosely as ‘sweetheart’, simply put, Bubala is a charmer.
It’s an a la carte lunch menu, here, but a set dinner menu is served at dinnertime for £38 per person, which isn’t cheap until you see just how much you get for that price; with over ten courses, this definitely isn’t a meal for watching your waistline.
The brown butter hummus is a must-try (and all present and correct on the Bubala Knows Best evening set). Fennel with saffron caramel and rose harissa, whose impossibly heady notes are smoothed and mellowed by a piquant, yet cooling yoghurt, is the headline act for us. It’s fantastic.
The vegan Japanese restaurant Itadakizen has branches not only in London but also Paris and Japan, a testament to the consistently excellent, soul-nourishing small plates the team serve here. The first of its kind in Europe, the vibe here is all blond wood and carefully composed ‘tapas’ dishes that are so featherlight, your table runs out of plate space long before you’re full.
For the more vigorous, vivacious dishes of which this kind of grazing certainly requires, Itadakizen borrows from neighbouring countries; their mapo tofu is arguably the standout dish, with bouncy tofu served suspended in a red-oil slicked sauce.
Judging by neighbouring tables on our visit, though, it’s the rich, almost gummy miso aubergine that’s the headlining act. You’ll need a bowl of freshly steamed white rice to go with it, sure, but for a dish that doesn’t contain any meat, it’s as umami rich, savoury and – whisper it – meaty as you’ll find anywhere in the city.
There is, of course, ice cold Junmai sake to wash it all down.
Whilst not strictly a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, Rovi – part of the Ottolenghi stable – is somewhere that places vegetables on a pedestal, and is therefore more than worthy of inclusion on this list, we think.
As with other Ottolenghi restaurants, the food at Rovi is rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, yet draws diverse influences from around the globe. Rovi, however, stands out with its distinct focus on vegetables and humble cooking techniques – here, the live fire grill and the fermentation jar are cast as co-stars at the top of the bill.
Offering a refreshing departure from the usual avocado, beetroot, or mushroom-based vegan options, the restaurant’s celeriac shawarma has earned cult status in the city, with vegetarians and carnivores alike singing its smoky praises. It’s one hell of a dish and one hell of a restaurant, and the perfect way to bid you farewell, with sauce running down our chin and ruining our white shirt.
Palm Greens @ Arcade Food Hall, Tottenham Court Road
Ideal for flavour-forward, nutritious and delicious lunches that should replace everyone’s meal deal, everywhere…
Palms Greens host pop-ups and residencies across London, including a previous three year stint at Hackey’s Netil House and time at Tottenham Court Road’s Arcade Food Hall. When you find them, expect a tight set of dishes that straddle a sense of the wholesome and the downright delicious – the kale caesar salad with a luxurious cashew nut dressing hits all the right notes, managing to be much more ‘why hello’ than simply ‘health food’.
Whilst we’re still in the warm embrace of delightful vegetarian cooking, why not check out these great ways to cook with butternut squash? And then, why not invite us round for dinner? Hello? Hello…..?
Let’s put this on the page and in writing before we begin; Salisbury feels like a contradictory sort of place. Boasting a cultural might pretty much unrivalled for a city of its size anywhere in the UK, it’s also a place that’s a little, well, lowkey. Its culinary capital follows suit, with plenty of pleasant places to dine, sure, but not many that will truly rock your socks off.
This city may boast one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world, be within a massively heavy stone’s throw from Stonehenge, and house one of just four copies of the Magna Carta, but weirdly, you’re not going to find any Michelin-starred restaurants or one-to-watch young chefs here.
What Salisbury lacks in high-profile dining, however, it more than makes up for with its charming, locally-loved restaurants and cafes, some that offer a genuine taste of the region and others that take inspiration from the other side of the world.
From historic inns to contemporary cafes, the city’s dining scene is a reflection of its heritage. With that in mind, here’s our guide on where to eat in Salisbury, and the best restaurants in the city.
Rai d’Or
Ideal for pints and Panang curry in a historic pub…
A local favourite if ever there was one, Rai d’Or wears its inherent contrasts proudly, offering a unique blend of delicious, uncompromising Thai cuisine and a traditional British pub atmosphere – frothy flagons of ale and all – housed in a 14th-century beamed building that exudes historical charm.
Now in their third decade on Brown Street, and with a Thai team at the stoves and the amiable host Simon out front, it’s a match made in heaven. Or, at least, in Siam…
Pleasingly for a city centre operation, The Rai D’Or continues to operate as a pub, and you’re more than welcome at the bar if all you’re after is a pint. There’s a great selection of real ales here, featuring a rotating lineup of top-quality brews from local breweries, which has earned the place high praise and recognition from CAMRA via inclusion in its Good Beer Guide annually since 2004. That real ale pairs particularly well with the coconut curries here; the Panang curry of chicken is particularly well-judged.
Please note that the Rai d’Or is currently closed for its Christmas break, and will reopen in on 16th January for its usual evening service.
Ideal for sophisticated farm-to-table dining in a restored country inn…
Just five miles north of Salisbury (and a really pleasant bike ride, too, if that’s your thing), The Great Bustard has somewhat flown under the radar since its opening in October of last year. Sure, it’s been already been awarded 2 AA Rosettes. A coveted spot in the Good Food Guide has been secured. And yes, it’s already received a glowing review in The Times…
…Okay, The Great Bustard definitely hasn’t flown under the radar; we just wanted to use a laboured pun. In actuality, it’s no surprise this place has hit the ground running, its credentials impeccable and its premise precisely delivered – head chef Jordan Taylor cut his teeth at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and the two-Michelin-starred Moor Hall in Lancashire, and there’s a keen connection to the surrounding estate and its produce. The menu, accordingly, writes itself.
Taylors menu celebrates both the surrounding Great Durnford Estate and the finest West Country producers with real technical flourish. A visually stunning terrine of estate game – layered with breast of pigeon, pheasant and partridge – demonstrates the kitchen’s ambition perfectly, while the loin of estate hare wrapped in cabbage with celeriac fondant shows Taylor’s deft touch with local, notoriously tricky-to-cook ingredients.
The dining room, housed in a contemporary wood-clad extension, matches the food’s sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and look out onto a heated terrace and gardens, while a striking picture window into the kitchen, framed by fine wines and gleaming stemware, hints at the serious gastronomic intent. Two elegant rows of black leather banquette seating divide the room, adding a touch of city sophistication to this rural retreat.
But it’s not all refined dining – there’s a dedicated, laid back pub menu too, featuring precise but not ‘cheffy’ takes on classics like beer-battered fish and chips and a seriously good estate venison burger with charcoal mayo. The bar area, with its beamed ceiling, inglenook fireplace and wingback chairs, is exactly where you want to be with the Sunday papers and a pint of house Great Bustard lager, a complex, malty little number that’ll have you contemplating a second before you’re halfway through your first. And true to proper pub form, the Sunday roast is killer – Great Durnford lamb or Springbottom Farm beef, served with all the trimmings including massive Yorkshire puddings and spiced creamed kale.
Service, under the watchful eye of general manager Matheus Sanches (formerly of the Harbour Hotels group), strikes that perfect balance between polish and warmth. The wine list deserves special mention, featuring an impressive selection by the glass and some seriously special bottles from the Great Durnford Manor’s own cellar.
With its formula of technically accomplished cooking, warm hospitality and that irresistible combination of pub cosiness and restaurant finesse, The Great Bustard is a more than welcome addition to Salisbury’s dining scene, confirmed by its inclusion in last night’s 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide.
Book ahead for the restaurant, especially for Sunday lunch, though the pub operates a walk-in only policy.
Ideal for light, seasonal lunches surrounded by art and sculpture…
Fisherton Mill is more than just a place to graze; it’s something of a cultural hub that combines a gallery, studios, and a café under one roof.
Located in a beautifully restored Victorian grain mill just off Fisherton Street and a handy five minute stroll to Salisbury station, the café offers a delightful menu of homemade dishes with just a little flair, from hearty brunches to light lunches and an enticing cake display.
The emphasis here is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a menu that changes seasonally to reflect the best of what’s available from Wiltshire. It’s an ethos that has earned Fisherton Mill runner-up in the OFM Awards Best Value Eats category back in 2022, as well as a Local Gem mention in 2024’s Good Food Guide.
So, that’s freshly made tortelloni stuffed with pesto and dressed with fresh peas, artichoke and pecorino, or green olive focaccia (again, made on site) with grilled courgettes, heritage tomatoes and roasted red peppers. It’s wholesome, lovely stuff, and just what you want to eat for lunch in Salisbury before exploring its sites.
The setting is equally impressive, and after enjoying a meal or coffee here, visitors can explore the gallery and studios, which showcase the work of local artists and makers.
Please be aware that Fisherton Mill isn’t open for dinner, shutting up shop at 5pm daily. It’s also closed on Sundays.
Ideal for an old school boozer and a globetrotting menu…
The Compasses Inn, located in the picturesque village of Chicksgrove 12 miles west out of Salisbury, is a quintessential English country pub with a reputation for excellent food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. What more could you want?
The menu is a celebration of global gastropub cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Though there’s Balinese croquettes with Vietnamese slaw, and lamb stifado with tzatziki, we’ve found the most joy in the more prosaic corners of the Inn’s menu. A recent dish of roast whole plaice with brown butter and capers was particularly good, as is the gold-standard fish pie, with burnished mash lid and pleasingly generous chunks of fish (mustn’t. say. swimming) beneath it.
Image via @thecompassesImage via @thecompasses
The inn itself is steeped in history, with parts of the building dating back to the 14th century. Inside, you’ll find a cosy interior with open fires, wooden beams, and a relaxed vibe to the service. End with the chocolate mousse – dark and decadent – and settle in for a pint or two afterwards. You better make the journey count, after all.
The Jade is a family-run Chinese restaurant that has been a staple of Salisbury’s dining scene for over three decades (despite a 2016 announcement of closure that ended up being, thankfully, temporary).
Known for its extensive menu of traditional Chinese dishes, The Jade offers everything from dim sum and Peking duck to a pleasingly vast variety of vegetarian options. The fried-to-order pineapple fritters have been a dessert staple here for as long as its been open, and still hit the spot.
The restaurant itself is elegant yet unpretentious, with banquettes rendered in – you guessed it – jade green, and a dining room that’s defined by the gentle hum of conversation (and the odd clatter of woks when the kitchen door swings open), rather than a raucous, unruly din.
Only open for dinner, Monday to Saturday, and closed entirely on Sundays.
Ideal for contemporary Indian dining, square plates, swooshes and all…
Anokaa is a contemporary Indian restaurant that brings a welcome contemporary twist to traditional Indian cuisine whilst still keeping the flavours punchy and complex. The menu is a fusion of classic Indian dishes and innovative creations, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes include the rump of Welsh lamb with cashew nut, coriander and tomato, which hits the table as pretty as a picture, its square plate decorated with all manner of 90s style dots, dabs and swipes. Boy do those dots, dabs and swipes taste alive, though.
Salisbury’s only city centre restaurant ever to be recognised in the Michelin Guide (2017), Anokaa might feel a little dated now when held up against contemporary Indian dining in the UK’s bigger cities, but the food here is carefully seasoned and creatively presented. Sometimes, that’s just what you want from a special occasion kind of meal.
Ideal for South Wiltshire’s best dining experience…
A half hour’s drive north of Salisbury in the charming village of East Chisenbury, The Red Lion Freehouse is a Michelin-recognised pub (previously starred, but for some inexplicable reason recently ‘demoted’) that offers the best dining experience in the local area, hands down and by some distance.
The menu is – as any self-respecting gastropub should be – a celebration of British cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that’s earned plaudits from The Spectator (“as good as pub food gets”) and the AA Rosette Restaurant guide (“astonishing cuisine”) among others.
We’re very much with them; in a refreshingly unfussy dining room, we recently enjoyed a £65 a head, five course tasting menu that was perfectly paced, celebrating summer’s bounty with precision. Bookended by a gorgeous chilled gazpacho of locally grown tomatoes and a cleansing strawberry sorbet, the Red Lion Freehouse is a class act.
It also boasts a beautiful garden, perfect for al fresco dining in the warmer months. With its combination of excellent food, charming setting, and top-notch service, it’s no wonder this pub has earned such high acclaim.
If you do choose to visit the pub from Salisbury, Stonehenge is on the way (or on the drive back), standing tall around halfway between the two. Sounds like the perfect day out to us!
Back in Salisbury centre, and to Cafe Diwali, a vividly rendered restaurant just seconds from the magnificent cathedral. The menu is inspired by the diverse flavours of Indian street food and snacks, leaning on the lighter side of the country’s culinary canon with signatures like the always-invigorating samosa chaat, its yoghurt, mint chutney and tamarind dressing just the livener a tired palate needs. Even better are the dosa plates, crisp and airy, and served with three pots of chutney – sambar, coconut and tomato – for dipping and dredging. Lovely stuff.
In fact, the whole place has a lightness of touch, from the sunflower yellow walls and natural light streaming through the conservatory out back and into the dining room, all the way to the dexterous service. We’ve said the word ‘light’ enough now…
Though the ‘cafe’ in the name might lead you to think this is a soft drink, tea and coffee only operation, Cafe Diwali do serve beer.
Nole Pizza is Salisbury’s most popular pizzeria, and one that prides itself on serving proudly inauthentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, its several outposts across the city and surrounding area testament to the group’s success.
With seating overlooking Salisbury’s bustling market square, Nole On The Square is our favourite iteration. Here the dough is made fresh daily and cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust with a soft, chewy centre – just as it should be.
Images via @nolepizza
We’re very much into some of more leftfield creations here; the pepper pork, potato, blue cheese and pesto is just as punchy as it sounds. Damn delicious it is, too. For those preferring something a little more traditional, the anchovy and artichoke number is a lovely marriage of the sweet and the salty.
Sure, the pizza prices are at the more premium end here, with the two just mentioned clocking in at £15 and £14 respectively, but this is quite comfortably the best pizza you’ll find in Salisbury, and worth those extra few coins. The craft lager, from the restaurant group’s own Rude Giant brewery, is great too.
We end at Tinga, a Mexican bar and taqueria that aims to bring the flavours of Mexico to Salisbury city centre, and delivers on that promise with a pleasing range of tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
The signature dish is the eponymous tinga tacos, which sees chicken breast poached until tender before being shredded and bathed in a rich, gently spicy chilli and tomato sauce. £6.75 will get you three of these, which is an absolute steal, quite frankly. Equally good are the agave cauliflower tacos, which sit on guacamole and are dressed with a smoky adobo dressing. A couple of spicy, pokey margaritas seal the deal.
Transforming a garage into a spare bedroom is an excellent way to maximise living space and add value to a home. Hey, in some cases, you may even eke out a new ‘side hustle’ in the form of a room rental opportunity.
Today, we’re exploring the process of converting a garage into a functional, stylish bedroom, touching on the legal aspects of undertaking such a project in the UK. Without further ado, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to turn your garage into a spare bedroom.
Step 1: Assess The Space & Plan The Layout
Before diving into the renovation, it’s essential to assess the garage space and determine its potential as a bedroom. Measure the area, noting any obstacles like support beams or utility lines. Sketch out a floor plan that includes the placement of windows, doors, and built-in storage. Consider how to incorporate natural light, ventilation, and heating systems to create a comfortable environment.
In terms of the minimum floor space required for turning your garage into a fully fledged living space, there are a couple of key factors to consider. The first is the size of your garage. Generally, a single-car garage will be too small to comfortably accommodate a bedroom, but a two-car garage may be suitable.
The second factor to consider is local building codes and regulations. These vary by location, but in general, you will need to meet certain requirements for ceiling height, ventilation, and egress, all of which we’ll explore a little later.
Step 2: Insulation & Heating
Garages are often not insulated or heated, so it’s crucial to address these issues during the conversion. Install insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floors to improve energy efficiency and create a cosy atmosphere. Choose a suitable heating system, such as underfloor heating or radiators, to ensure the room stays warm during colder months.
Step 3: Flooring Options
A garage floor may not be suitable for a bedroom, so consider installing new flooring. Carpeting is a popular choice for bedrooms due to its warmth and softness underfoot. Alternatively, opt for laminate or engineered wood flooring for a more contemporary look.
Step 4: Walls & Ceilings
Transform the garage’s walls and ceilings by adding drywall or plasterboard, creating a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering. Choose a colour scheme that complements the rest of the house while reflecting the desired ambiance for the bedroom. Light, neutral colours can make a small space feel larger and more inviting, which is rather crucial in a garage space that may not be blessed with loads of natural light.
When it comes to painting a garage conversion, it’s important to choose the right type of paint that can withstand the wear and tear, as well as the potential moisture and temperature changes in the space. For instance, you might want to consider using epoxy paint, which is incredibly durable and resistant to stains, scratches, and chemicals. This type of paint is often used in industrial settings like warehouses, so you can trust that it’s tough enough for your garage conversion.
Alternatively, you could use a latex or acrylic-based paint, which is also durable and easy to clean. These types of paint are perfect for walls and ceilings, and they come in a variety of colours, so you can find the perfect shade to match your decor.
Regardless of whether you choose epoxy paint or a latex/acrylic-based paint, make sure you choose a high-quality brand that will provide a long-lasting finish. And don’t forget to prepare the surface properly by cleaning it thoroughly and applying a primer before painting. That way, you’ll be sure to have a safe and durable finish that will last for years to come!
A well-lit bedroom is essential for creating a comfortable and functional space. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to cater to different needs. Hire a certified electrician to install new wiring, outlets, and light fixtures, ensuring that all work meets safety standards.
If your converted garage is going to be more convivial, less crack den, then incorporating windows and doors into the design is essential, for natural light, ventilation, and access.
Consider installing double-glazed windows to improve energy efficiency and soundproofing. Choose a garage door style that complements the overall design, whether it’s a traditional wooden door or a sleek sliding option. Either way, keep things synergistic and succinct.
Step 7: Furnishing & Decorating
Once the construction work is complete, it’s time to furnish and decorate the new bedroom. Select furniture pieces that maximise storage and functionality, such as a bed with built-in drawers or a fold-out desk. Add personal touches with artwork, textiles, and accessories to create a welcoming and stylish space.
Step 8: Storage Solutions
And now, the all important storage, which can make or break the liveability of your converted garage space. Here are a few ideas:
Built-in Cabinets: These are perfect for storage in a converted garage. They can be custom built to fit the space and can be used to store clothes, linens, and other household items. When installing new garage cabinets, remember to leave enough room between them for easy access and manoeuvrability. It is also important to make sure the cabinets are securely mounted to the wall.
Overhead Storage: You can install ceiling mounted storage racks or overhead storage. These can be used to store bulky items like seasonal decorations or sporting equipment.
Wall Shelves: Wall shelves provide an easy and affordable way to add storage to any room. You can customise them based on the size of the room and needs.
Under-bed Storage: Beds with built-in storage drawers, or small under-bed boxes, can be great for storing clothing and linens.
Closet Storage: You can add a closet storage system to a converted garage to maximise space and keep clothing and shoes organised.
Storage Ottoman: A storage ottoman can serve double duty as a place to sit and a place to store extra blankets, linens, or pillows.
Storage Bins: Plastic storage bins can be used to store a wide range of items from clothing to tools, and can be neatly stacked to save space
Is It Legal To Convert Your Garage Into A Spare Bedroom?
The short answer is: it depends.
Firstly, the law in the UK states that any alterations or additions to your property that affect its external appearance may require planning permission. This means that if you are planning to convert your garage into a spare bedroom and the exterior of your property will be affected, you will need to apply for planning permission.
However, there are some circumstances where planning permission may not be required. This is known as ‘permitted development’. The rules around permitted development are complex and may vary depending on the location and type of property, as well as the extent of the alterations you are planning to make.
For example, if your property is a house and not a flat, and the garage you are planning to convert is attached to the house rather than a separate building, you may be able to carry out the conversion without planning permission. However, there are still some limitations you need to be aware of, such as the amount of floor space you can add and the height of the new room.
It’s also worth noting that even if planning permission is not required, you may still need to comply with building regulations. These regulations set out the technical requirements for building work, such as structural safety and insulation standards.
In summary, the legality of converting a garage into a spare bedroom in the UK depends on a number of factors, including the location and type of property and the extent of the alterations. If you are considering making any changes to your property, it’s always best to seek professional advice to ensure you comply with the relevant laws and regulations.
Some helpful laws to keep in mind include the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which governs planning permission in England and Wales, and the Building Act 1984, which sets out the requirements for building work and compliance with building regulations.
Can I Rent Out My Converted Garage On Airbnb?
In the UK, you may be able to rent out your converted garage on Airbnb. However, this would depend on the planning permission you have obtained from your local council.
If your property has planning permission for a garage conversion and the change of use to a holiday rental is within the permitted usage, then you can rent your place out on Airbnb. Additionally, you will need to comply with local regulations, such as fire safety requirements, insulation, ventilation, and other health and safety guidelines. It’s essential to check with your local authority to ensure that you are compliant.
The Bottom Line
Transforming a garage into a spare bedroom can be a rewarding project that adds value and functionality to a home. By following these tips and considering the legal aspects, homeowners can create a beautiful, comfortable space that meets their needs and enhances their property.
We’ve all read the home improvement columns about the best renovation projects for adding value to your property. Hey, we’ve even written a few of them. From extending the layout of your kitchen for a cool £50’000 all the way to introducing a mansard conversion in your loft (yours for £65’000 or more), these suggestions can increase the asking price of your property significantly.
But for the majority of homeowners, such projects are costly, time-consuming and, ultimately, out of reach. Should you be looking for budget ways to improve the aesthetic of your property, however, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 10 small furnishing updates that make a big difference to the look of your home.
Doorknobs & Handles
At first glance, replacing the doorknobs and handles might seem like an unnecessary change. However, they can have a huge impact on the overall appearance of your home’s interior.
You’d be surprised at how diverse the range of doorknobs and handles available on the market are. For instance, if you want to create a vintage look in your home, you should consider buying doorknobs originally designed for period properties, such as a Mortice doorknob, for your home.
Should you be after a more modern aesthetic, chrome lever door handles on rose represent a sleek and contemporary style that would be more fitting for your property. Or, for something with a bit more heft and character, the Corston door hardware collection offers solid brass handles, knobs and hinges in bronze, antique brass and polished nickel, letting you coordinate everything from lever handles to escutcheons across the whole house.
Similarly, the taps and faucets in your property might not take up much room, but they make an almighty impact visually.
If you want to introduce an element of luxury into your bathroom without the usual costs associated with such sophistication, then you can evoke opulence even in the smallest of details. In fact, nothing speaks of a subtle yet sophisticated design quite like new faucets and taps of brushed nickel or polished chrome.
Go further and replace your old drawer pulls with colourful ceramic knobs to give the whole bathroom a sleeker feel. Or, why not go for an art deco style tap to complement a pink sink?
If you have old curtains in your home – you know, those heavy, dusty ones that can bring down the whole atmosphere of a room – then you can quickly freshen things up dramatically by replacing the curtains with something more modern.
Consider more lightweight, subtly coloured curtains or do away with cumbersome material altogether, and replace your drapes with designer blinds, which bring a sense of gentle bloom and airiness to a room. We particularly love Venetian or vertical blinds for a modern look.
Retractable Awning
If you love spending your summer days outdoors (hey, who doesn’t?), then you might have considered retractable awning. This practical addition can turn your patio into a pleasant spot where you can spend your summer days in the shade or sun, depending on how you’re feeling and the level of your tan.
Open Plan Shelving
Speaking of small additions that make a big difference, if you want to make your living space appear larger than it is whilst keeping things organised, you should consider introducing open plan shelving.
This type of shelving provides you with an opportunity to show off any fancy plates, bowls or crockery you might have, but it also serves a strategic function, separating the room into different sections without being as oppressive as a wall.
You could also consider adding a little greenery to your open plan shelving. Placing plants and cut flowers on open plan shelves can liven up the space and emphasise that fresh, natural feel synonymous with great ambience. Speaking of which…
Plants
Plants are excellent additions to any home, as they create an aesthetically pleasing environment and can even help with indoor air quality. In addition, many plants also have restorative properties that can go some way to brightening up a dull day and lifting your mood.
Indeed, studies suggest that having foliage and greenery around is great for emotional wellbeing and stress reduction. Gardening is often cited as an alleviator of depression, so it makes perfect sense to bring all that positive energy indoors. Talk about small changes that make a difference to the aesthetic of your home!
Pocket Doors
Replacing the doors of your home can be a costly investment and we’re here today to consider smaller changes and additions. So, have you considered installing pocket doors? These are essentially sliding doors that disappear neatly into the walls.
A glass pocket door can serve to divide certain rooms in your house without obstructing the view. In addition, pocket doors can effectively open up space in narrow hallways.
Rugs
Another detail that you can use to completely transform the look of your home is by adding a new rug. A rug can make a bold statement, act as a focal point and can also set the tone for the overall decor of the room.
If you are looking for a way to add softness to your living room, consider placing a shag rug in the middle of the room. If you are feeling adventurous, choosing a bold pattern can give any room a creative, contemporary feel and make a bold statement. Or, consider a rug in a material like seagrass to give an au natural vibe to your home.
Here at IDEAL, we’re fans of hand-knotted rugs which can be softer, thicker and more durable than their mass-produced counterparts, and can become a talking point in your room’s design, too.
Speaking of light, you could consider installing interesting lighting fixtures, too, which have boundless possibilities…
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your home, a chandelier is a gorgeous and elaborate fixture that screams opulence. Or, if you want to add an element of frivolity to any room, neon signs can be fun and quirky.
Alternatively, have you considered LED strip lights? Easy and cheap to install, as AD explains, these “slender strip of miniature bulbs that can be adhered to any surface like tape”. However, “the key to using strip lighting is to not go overboard”.
Indeed, you can use them to illuminate spaces creatively and tastefully; think inside bookshelves, to highlight architectural features, and even behind picture frames and mirrors.
Mirrors
Speaking of mirrors, if the overall aesthetic of your home is hampered by a dull and dingy complexion, then consider hanging more mirrors about the house. When positioned strategically on the opposite walls to windows, close to reflective surfaces or facing your super king TV bed to create a diverting, trippy effect, mirrors can enhance a sense of spaciousness and light in a room.
Incredibly, natural light, whether free flowing or reflected, can have a major impact on your property’s value, too; according to research by Express Bi-folding Doors, homebuyers would pay an average of nearly £5’000 more for a home with plenty of natural light, with 84% citing it as the most important factor when buying.
The Bottom Line
Transforming the appearance of your home needn’t mean huge renovation projects. With these 10 small additions, you can make a big difference to how your home looks.
Though it’s by no means Peru’s largest or most influential city (that title of course goes to Lima), chances are if you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Incas, then you’ll have heard of Cusco, the ancient capital of the empire. In fact, it almost certainly features high on your list of must-do destinations. That’s because this humble but happening place serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, the globally famous ruins, hiking spot and designated New Wonder of the World.
That’s not to say you should treat the city as simply a launchpad to the ruins. Scratch the surface just a little, spend a few days here, and you’ll find so much to love about Cusco, from culture to cuisine, history, heritage and more. So, to those pondering whether Peru’s Cusco is worth visiting for a day or two, we say an emphatic yes.
A Morning Trip To San Pedro Market
Open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset (that’s around 6am to 6pm), Cusco’s San Pedro Market is best enjoyed early doors, when the freshest items haven’t yet been snapped up by discerning locals (there’s no refrigeration here) and the tourist crowds are lighter on the ground.
Inside, the space is tightly packed with vendors selling fruit and veg, some familiar, some only found in Peru (did you know there are more than 55 types of corn indigenous to the country?), and also a few small food stalls dishing up empanadas – not so far removed from a Cornish pasty but much lighter and much spicier – and lomo saltado – a type of stir fried beef.
So, skip breakfast and head straight here; the freshly squeezed fruit juices are particularly lovely and there are pastries everywhere. Look out for camu camu, a small apple coloured berry which has the highest concentration of Vitamin C of any fruit in the world. Also, don’t leave without trying chirimoya, the local custard apple with super creamy flesh.
Souvenirs of all shapes and sizes are also available here, if you’re after something which won’t end up in your stomach before you get back to the hotel. Be prepared to haggle, modestly, and be adventurous!
Settle In At The Plaza De Armas & Cusco Cathedral
Suffering from ‘soroche’? You’re not alone. Cusco sits at an altitude of 3’400 metres, and a little lightheadedness is expected as you acclimatise. In fact, the city is higher than Machu Picchu, so prior to any hiking, it’s a good idea to get used to the altitude here for a couple of days.
There’s nowhere better to do so than in the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square and focal point, and just a ten minute walk from the market. Originally, a hub of religious ceremonies and vital meeting point for the Inca Empire, now the Plaza is lined with beautifully kept gardens, cafes and restaurants; a perfect spot to kick back, people watch, reflect and adjust to the pace of Cusco.
While here, make sure you visit the imposing Cusco Cathedral, on the square’s North Eastern side and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and particularly the intriguing painting of the Last Supper which lies within. We say intriguing, as there are some divergences from the traditional renditions found in European cathedrals and churches, most notably, the local delicacy ‘cuy’ (guinea pig) being enjoyed by the apostles.
Machu Picchu
We couldn’t mention Cusco without, of course, speaking of the Machu Picchu ruins. This can be done on a day trip from the city, though we wouldn’t recommend doing so as it tends to be a rushed affair and wouldn’t take in any element of the Inca Trail.
That said, the three and a half hour train journey from Cusco (actually, a town called Poroy close by) to Aguas Caliente is as scenic as you like, but you should book tickets in advance as seats get booked up. After arriving in Aguas Caliente, you can either take a shuttle bus or hike to Machu Picchu. Of course, the majority of Peru luxury tours will arrange all of this for you.
Once there, prepare to have your mind blown. The Incan citadel high in the Andes mountains is cloaked in mist, cloud and mystery, with lush vegetation surrounding and enclosing the ruins and making for some spectacular views. Watch out for mosquitos here and book every aspect of the trip (entry tickets, transportation and hotels in Aguas Caliente) well in advance; Machu Picchu is hugely popular.
Explore The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas, stretching between Cusco and Machu Picchu, is much more than just a scenic drive-through. This fertile river valley was once the heartland of the Inca Empire, and today it offers some of the region’s most impressive archaeological sites and living culture.
Start in Pisac, about an hour’s drive from Cusco, where one of Peru’s largest handicraft markets spreads across the town’s main square. The market reaches its colorful peak on Sundays, when indigenous Quechua communities descend from the surrounding highlands. But the real draw here is the magnificent Inca ruins perched above the colonial town, where agricultural terraces cling dramatically to the mountainside, offering breathtaking views across the valley.
Further along lies Ollantaytambo, the ‘Living Inca City’, where original stone walls and water channels are still in use today. The main archaeological site is a massive temple-fortress built into the cliffs. Arrive early to avoid both the crowds and the midday sun, and don’t miss the chance to try some adventure sports – the rushing Urubamba River offers excellent rafting, while mountain biking and horseback riding let you explore the valley’s quieter corners.
Visit Sacsayhuamán
A key stop on Peru tours, and looming over Cusco from its strategic hilltop position, Sacsayhuamán is a masterpiece of Inca military architecture. The site’s most impressive feature is its massive outer walls, built in a distinctive zigzag pattern from enormous limestone blocks – some weighing up to 125 tonnes – cut and fitted together with such precision that not even a credit card can slip between them.
What you see today is only about 20% of the original structure, as most of colonial Cusco was built using stones pilfered from Sacsayhuamán. The remaining three parallel walls stretch for nearly 400 meters and rise to a height of 18 meters in places.
Time your visit for June 24th if you can, when the site hosts the spectacular Inti Raymi festival, a recreation of the Inca’s winter solstice celebration featuring thousands of participants in full Inca regalia. Even if you miss the festival, the panoramic views over Cusco’s red-tiled roofs are particularly magical at sunset.
Traditional Textile Experience
At the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC), just a few blocks from Plaza de Armas, you can discover how Andean textiles are far more than just pretty decorations – they’re a complex language of patterns and symbols telling stories of community identity and cultural beliefs. The center works with nine indigenous communities in the Cusco region, helping to preserve their unique textile traditions.
Watch master weavers create intricate designs using traditional backstrap looms, or sign up for hands-on workshops where you’ll learn about the entire process. See how alpaca wool is transformed using natural dyes from local plants, minerals, and even insects – the cochineal beetle produces those characteristic deep reds. The center’s shop offers high-quality textiles direct from the communities, with each piece telling its own story through symbols of local flora, fauna, and cosmology. Yes, they’re pricier than the tourist markets, but you’re paying for museum-quality pieces that directly support the artisans.
Get Daring With Dinner…
Peruvian food has had a huge decade, rising the ranks of popularity is World’s Best lists and cropping up with Michelin star winning restaurants everywhere from London to LA. Any gourmand worth his Pink Himalayan salt is now well versed in ceviche, tiger’s milk, quinoa and causa. Time to dig a little deeper then, to really earn your intrepid dining stripes.
Fortunately, Cusco offers the chance to try some local delicacies not found much outside of Peru. Certainly, these won’t be gracing your Shoreditch ceviche specialist’s menu anytime soon. Start with that ‘cuy’ we mentioned earlier, which is guinea pig, fried, grilled or roasted, and served with corn on the cob and a zingy salsa. It’s a real delicacy here, with cultural significance, and delicious to boot.
Anticuchos are another must try; essentially grilled meat served on a skewer (inspired, perhaps, by yakitori) and found everywhere. By far and away the best version, for us, is the ox heart; as much flavour as you’ll ever find on a stick, we think. And if you’re up for something nourishing, the local dish of Caldo de Gallina (comprising boiled chicken, ginger and noodles) is excellent. Some of the best renditions are found at the San Pedro Market.
…& Dancing
To work off all that food, it would be rude not to get stuck into Cusco’s nightlife. Vibrant and lively every night of the week, it generally revolves around Plaza de Armas, where most of the best bars and nightclubs are found.
Start the evening with a pisco sours, because when in Peru and all that, and if you want to get your dancing shoes on, then Mythology offer free salsa classes from 9pm to 11pm every night. When the doors (and dancefloor) open to the wider public at 11, you’ll be ready to get your groove on. Most end the night at Mama Africa, a heaving club which doesn’t get going until around 2am. Don’t worry, it stays going until the sun comes up.
As John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
And though he might have been referring to the various falling-outs and falling-in-loves that happened during the recording of the White Album, he might as well have been talking about the procrastination with which so many approach their fiscal futures, and the damage that can sometimes cause to longtime financial security.
That said, it’s understandable; it can be hard to think about the future when you are young. You are probably more concerned with school, your social life and your career, rather than conceptualising a distant, intangible concept such as your future bank balance.
But it is essential to adopt a disciplined approach to spending and saving as early as possible in life if you’re to enjoy security and satisfaction into your golden years. Here are a few pointers for young adults on how to plan for a responsible financial future.
Start Saving Today
One of the most important things you can do for your future is to start a sustainable, responsible approach to saving money today. It may seem like a tedious task or a distraction, particularly with summer around the corner and so much fun to be had, but there are a few simple ways to start saving that will set you up for the future, perhaps not financially, per se, but by helping you developing a keen understanding of fiscal responsibility early in life.
You can, for instance, open a savings account and make regular deposits, or invest in a retirement fund. Even if you only save a little money each month, it will add up over time, and the knowledge and habits you’ll accrue along the way will be vital.
Set Financial Goals
It’s important to have financial goals to save up for specific things. Do you want to buy a house one day? Save for retirement? Pay off your student loans (an admittedly ambitious aim)? Once you know exactly what you’re saving for, you can develop a plan to reach your goals.
Make sure to set realistic yet tangible goals so that you have something to focus and fixate on and you don’t get discouraged from sticking to your newly-adopted fiscal thriftiness.
Budget Like A Business
One of the best ways to stay on track with your finances is to create a budget. First, track your income and expenditure to know where your money is going each month. This will help you make adjustments to ensure that you save enough money.
Just as a business isn’t ever satisfied with simply breaking even, so you shouldn’t be content with taking your paycheck down to the wire each month. Instead, you should be budgeting each and every month with ‘profit’ in mind, much like a business would.
Make a point of setting aside at least 30% of your income, ring-fenced for your savings account. The remainder, though admittedly a less encouraging amount, can be dedicated to treats. And this compartmentalisation will go a long way to you fine tuning your financial health in the future.
This strategy is particularly effective if you have a budget that also incorporates that savings target we mentioned earlier. You may even consider setting up automatic deductions from your monthly income, which many bank accounts can facilitate automatically.
Pay Off High-Interest Debt First
It is important to first focus on paying off any debts you have with higher interest rates, such as credit cards. This will save you money in the long run because you will not accrue as much interest on your debt. You can use extra money each month to put a dent in your high-interest debt, with the added bonus that doing so will help improve your credit score. Low-interest debt, such as your student loan, can be paid off over time, with a little less urgency.
Pay Your Bills On Time
One of the best ways to cultivate a strong credit score, even when you’re not earning big bucks, is to pay your bills on time. This includes things like your rent, utilities, and credit card payments. In addition, if you have a good credit score, you will be able to get better interest rates on loans and lines of credit.
Investing is a great way to grow your money over time. You can invest in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, amongst other things. Rather than simply putting some money down on whatever is currently financially fashionable but fiscally volatile (crypto, we’re looking at you), you might want to talk to a financial adviser to see what kind of investments are right for you.
As the financial planning solicitors at Dickinson Parker Hill tell us, the world of investment can often be complex and opaque, and it’s only with personalised and forward-thinking financial advice that you can reach your financial goals.
Though some may think they can gain enough investment smarts from browsing a few Reddit forums and following financial influencers on Insta, when considering growing your own money, it’s worth enlisting the help of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), which is the highest global certification available to financial planners in the UK, as acknowledged by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
Get A Side Hustle
No matter your age, it’s never too early (or late) to consider different revenue streams and channels for making money beyond your usual job. If you’re a young adult, now is the time to start thinking about your financial future and how you can make your money work for you, and one of the best ways of doing this is by diversifying your earning capabilities through a side hustle. A side hustle can be anything from freelance writing to dog walking to selling products online.
If you are interested in how to make money as a freelance writer, in particular, then it might surprise you to know that you can earn a decent income as a ghostwriter. The good thing about it is you get to work with a cooperative team who cares about content. You can read more about some top tips on perfecting your side hustle here.
The Right Type Of Insurance Coverage Matters
Insurance is one of those things that most people know they need but few understand. And as a young person, seemingly bulletproof and most likely fearless, conceptualising ‘worst case scenarios’ can feel almost perverse.
As a result, it can be tempting to go without insurance for the various walks of life that need covering, but in truth, insurance coverage matters, even if you’re young.
Adopt Frugal Living Habits
One of the best things you can do for your financial future is adopting frugal living habits; within reason, of course. Rather than cutting back on all of life’s wonderful (yet expensive) pleasures, this simply means learning to live within your means and spending less than you earn.
A great way to do this is to make proactive efforts to minimise impulsive purchases, taking a moment to think before you buy, limiting late night browsing, and generally making it harder to spend (by hiding your credit cards and leaving them hidden, for instance).
Another great way to live a little more frugally is to cut a single expense from your life each week or month. Cutting expenses on your Wednesday espresso in the local cafe one week, or your Friday night takeaway the next, or even that second bottle of wine you buy to finish off your Sunday roast, can all make one massive difference when considered accumulatively. Each time you make such a sacrifice, put the equivalent money in the kitty for a rainy day.
Setting up a separate ‘emergency’ account into which you pay a small sum each month is a sound idea, giving you a buffer in case your budgeting hits the skids.
The Bottom Line
Learning to manage your finances is an integral part of adulthood, and one which will help your golden years be just that; golden. All you have to do is stay disciplined and remain patient as you work towards your goals, and you’ll be rewarded with financial security! Possibly…
*Anything written by IDEAL Magazine is not intended to constitute financial advice. Always consult with an independent financial adviser or expert before making an investment or any personal finance decisions.*
In these challenging times it can be difficult to find even a minute to be mindful and take a moment to care for yourself. But what if we told you that you could be giving your wellbeing a lift 24/7 (yep, even when you’re nude), simply via the clothes you wear.
Indeed, the growth of the wellness market is set to become a leading fashion trend in its own right over the coming years, and will influence our styles in many, myriad ways.
It’s certainly true that, today, we’re fast becoming obsessed with exploring new ways to improve our fitness, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, appearance, and general health, and the rise of wellness-focused fashion is paving the way to turn these desires into the year’s most sought-after trends.
With that in mind, here are 10 fashion trends that marry style (yep, we saw Harry Styles, too) and wellness seamlessly.
Athleisure: The Perfect Blend Of Comfort & Chic
Athleisure has taken the fashion world by storm, and for good reason. Who doesn’t love the idea of rocking yoga pants or joggers all day long without compromising on style? This trend is all about mixing activewear with everyday fashion, resulting in outfits that are equal parts comfy and chic.
Plus, it encourages you to stay active and incorporate exercise into your daily routine, all without having to change clothes (actually, you might want to change them sometimes, you know).
Look for high-quality, moisture-wicking fabrics that provide support and breathability, and don’t be afraid to experiment with bold prints and colours to make a statement.
The future of athleisure appears to be moving in a more diverse direction for 2025 and we’re very much here for it, and smaller labels are actively seeking to cater to more niche markets while larger brands are attempting to complement these new active lifestyles of customers.
These notions have combined in delivering a body-positive and inclusive movement to providing the right apparel for wearers of all clothing sizes. For brands seeking to open the doors to new markets, this has become an excellent opportunity to show their openness and inclusive nature.
Smart Wearables: The Ultimate Fitness Accessories
Gone are the days when fitness trackers were bulky and unsightly. Today, smart wearables have evolved into sleek and stylish accessories that complement any outfit. From Fitbits to Apple Watches, these devices not only track your steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns but also make a bold fashion statement. You can even customise them with interchangeable bands and watch faces to match your style. The Fitbit Charge 5 strap, for instance, comes in a range of fashionable colours and materials that can transform your fitness tracker from a mere health device into a genuine fashion accessory.
While devices like the Apple Watch aren’t new to the fashion landscape, their power of wellness insights are ever-growing. For instance, the seventh generation of the Apple Watch introduced a blood oxygen sensor which is a groundbreaking advancement in terms of providing wearers with real-time health insights.
UV-Protective Clothing: Sun Safety Meets Style
We all know how crucial it is to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but slathering on sunscreen isn’t the only solution. Enter UV-protective clothing – garments made from specially treated fabrics that block out the sun’s damaging rays.
Brands like Coolibar and Mott50 specialise in stylish garments with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) that blocks up to 98% of UVA and UVB radiation. From swimwear to casual wear, sunhats and chic cover-ups, these pieces allow you to enjoy outdoor activities without compromising your skin’s health.
Smart Clothes: High-Tech Threads For A Healthier You
Imagine a world where your clothes can monitor your vital signs, analyse your posture, or even help you stay hydrated. Well, that world is here, thanks to smart clothing! These high-tech garments come equipped with sensors and other advanced features designed to keep you healthy and informed.
There are, for instance, shirts that track your heart rate, leggings that correct your alignment during workouts, and even bras that remind you to drink water. With smart clothes, looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.
Examples include Google’s Project Jacquard, which weaves touch-sensitive fibres into garments, and Ralph Lauren’s PoloTech Shirt, which monitors biometric data through silver fibres embedded in the fabric. These innovations are paving the way for a future where our clothes do more than just make us look good.
In the future, active wellness clothing will be connected, intelligent, and capable of helping your body to heal, moisturise your body, and alter appearance to reflect your mood.
One case of smart clothing has seen MIT engineers develop a wirelessly-charged jacket that can automatically adjust temperature based on factors like the weather, the wearer’s body temperature, and how much they are moving. The clothing is controlled by a smartphone app or smart assistant and is just one of a number of examples of interconnected clothing helping to promote wellness.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Eye Spy Style
With the increased use of digital devices, our eyes are constantly exposed to blue light, which can lead to eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. Blue light blocking glasses have emerged as a fashionable solution to this issue, featuring lenses that filter out harmful wavelengths emitted by screens.
Brands like Felix Gray and Warby Parker offer chic eyewear options that protect your eyes without sacrificing style, whilst there are also blue light blocking lens replacements now available, meaning you could update your most fashionable Tom Fords or Vera Wangs with the latest tech, all without having to sacrifice eye health for style.
Eco-Friendly Fashion: Saving The Planet, One Outfit At A Time
Sustainable fashion is a growing trend that focuses on eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods. By choosing garments made from organic, recycled, or biodegradable materials, you can create stylish and planet-friendly pieces.
Of course, you’re not only making a statement about your personal style but also contributing to the well-being of the planet – and what could be more stylish than that? Leading the way are brands like Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, and Reformation, who offer beautiful pieces that prioritise both aesthetics and environmental responsibility. Because who said the two were mutually exclusive?
Custom-Fit, Ultra-Comfortable Clothing: Comfy Is The New Cool
Finding clothes that fit perfectly can be a challenge, but custom-fit clothing is changing the game by offering personalised garments tailored to your unique measurements. Companies like eShakti, Indochino, and Sumissura use cutting-edge technology to create bespoke pieces that flatter your body shape and cater to your individual style preferences. This trend not only promotes self-confidence but also encourages mindful consumption by investing in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
In no brand is this better exemplified than Crocs, which are continuing to win favour among younger wearers.
For many years, Crocs have been a leading example of functional clothing that many consumers loved to hate. But in a wellness-focused landscape, we’re seeing more examples of Crocs becoming a style icon in their own right.
So resounding is the Crocs fashion revival that the hashtag #crocs have earned more than 7.5 billion views on TikTok. This isn’t an isolated case, either. Comfortable clothing is winning new fans as wellness takes centre stage, and this can only be a good thing for our overall happiness levels.
Posture-Correcting Apparel: Stand Tall & Look Good Doing It
Slouching is so last season! With posture-correcting apparel, you can improve your alignment while looking fabulous. These innovative garments are designed with built-in support systems that encourage proper posture, helping to alleviate back pain and prevent long-term issues. From discrete undershirts to fashionable activewear, there’s no shortage of options to help you stand tall and confident. After all, nothing says “I’ve got this” quite like a strong, upright stance.
Several brands have developed clothing lines that promote good posture through built-in support structures and strategically placed tension panels. For example, UpCouture offers a range of stylish tops and dresses designed to encourage proper alignment, while IntelliSkin provides athletic wear that supports optimal posture during workouts.
Aromatherapy Jewellery: Breathe In Style And Serenity
Last but not least, we have aromatherapy jewellery – the perfect marriage of fashion and wellness. These unique pieces feature small compartments or porous materials that hold essential oils, allowing you to enjoy their therapeutic benefits throughout the day.
Whether it’s a stress-relieving lavender ring or an energising citrus bracelet, aromatherapy jewellery adds a touch of elegance and tranquillity to your ensemble. And hey, it might even replace perfume in the not too distant future – what’s not to love?
Circadian-Friendly Fashion: Dressing for Better Sleep
The wellness revolution has brought sleep health into sharp focus, and fashion is catching up. Innovative brands are now creating clothing designed to support our natural circadian rhythms and promote better sleep patterns. These pieces go beyond traditional loungewear and pyjamas to include daytime clothing that can impact our sleep-wake cycle.
Some brands are incorporating special fabrics that filter out sleep-disrupting blue light wavelengths as the day progresses, whilst others are developing garments with built-in red-light therapy elements that can help regulate melatonin production. There’s even sleepwear embedded with far-infrared technology that claims to improve sleep quality by regulating body temperature throughout the night.
What makes this trend particularly exciting is its seamless integration into everyday fashion. From office wear with gradually darkening tints to evening wear that naturally promotes relaxation, these pieces help maintain healthy sleep cycles without sacrificing style. After all, there’s nothing more fashionable than waking up well-rested.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to looking good and feeling great, there really is no need to compromise. Stay stylish, my friends!
Forget everything you think you know about university town dining. While Oxford might claim the literary lunch, Cambridge has quietly transformed itself into East Anglia’s most compelling food city.
Here, Michelin-starred kitchens share streets with dumpling houses that would make a Shanghai chef homesick, and third-generation fishmongers turn their catch into the kind of seafood that makes London critics book train tickets. Hmmm, almost sounds like we’re rapping here…
Between the centuries-old college walls and along the backstreets where Newton once pondered gravity, you’ll find everything from wine bars pouring up something natty to pastry chefs who learned their craft in Paris before bringing it to Parker’s Piece. The result is a dining scene that’s both relaxed and forward-thinking – where you might start your evening with hand-pleated xiao long bao on Mill Road and end it with a twelve-course tasting menu overlooking Midsummer Common. Better have a friend willing to pitch up with a Haemmerlin to wheel you home…
…Anyway, you’re here to read, not get a case of Couvade syndrome as we reel from a food baby. Let’s not mess about any longer; here’s our guide to the places making Cambridge as much a destination for food lovers as it is for scholars. These are the best restaurants in Cambridge.
Noodles Plus, Mill Road
Ideal for xiao long bao that rival Shanghai’s finest…
In a bright green, no-frills space on Mill Road, Dong Huang and Hui Yan Li have created a place that draws homesick Chinese students and dumpling aficionados alike in their droves. Since opening in 2015, this modest spot has earned its reputation through consistent excellence rather than fancy furnishings. In all honesty, it’s our favourite place to eat in all of Cambridge.
The star attraction costs just £9 for six pieces: xiao long bao (soup dumplings) that require a certain technique to eat properly. Place one on your spoon, make a tiny hole to release the steaming broth, sip the rich soup, then dip the dumpling in sauce and devour. If you don’t heed this advice, your oral mucosa is getting burned clean off. And we promise that’s the last time we write ‘oral mucosa’ today…
Anyway, these little parcels of lava-filled joy are made fresh throughout service, each one perfectly pleated and filled with a deeply savoury pork and broth mixture that speaks of some serious skill and commendable attention to seasoning. It’s all in the judicious use of naturally occuring gelatine, you see…
Beyond the signature soup dumplings, the menu spans everything from pork and green bean dumplings to heartier options like their noodles with king prawn in spicy sauce. The spare rib noodle soup draws repeat-eaters (rep-eaters?) week after week for an all-encompassing and wholly satisfying lunch, while the mixed seafood noodle soup shows they know their way around the flavours of the sea, too. Each table comes with its own DIY sauce station – black vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic let you create the perfect accompaniment. No dish we mentioned breaks the tenner ceiling.
The setup at Noodles Plus is as casual as you want it to be – think canteen-style seating and counter service that’s all part of the charm. There’s usually a queue (especially at lunch), but it moves quickly, and you can watch the dumpling masters at work while you wait. Stacks of bamboo steamers line the counter, releasing puffs of steam that promise good things to come. Is there a better sight when you’re hungry and tucked in towards the front of the queue?
It’s cash only here, but with most dishes under £10, you won’t need much of it. The vaguely billed ‘Chinese herbal drink’ (a can of wong ko lat, it turns out) at £2.50 makes the perfect companion to a table full of dumplings and a welcome sense of humble luxury.
Open: Wednesday-Sunday 12-9:30pm
Price: Dumplings £7-9, noodle soups £8-9.50
Drinks: Tea and soft drinks £2-2.50
Book ahead: No reservations – be prepared to queue, especially at lunch
Ideal for special occasions that demand something extraordinary…
There’s something rather magical about Midsummer House’s current incarnation, now in its 26th year. In a Victorian villa overlooking the handsome grazing cows of Midsummer Common, chef and owner Daniel Clifford has created the sort of restaurant that makes you understand why Michelin stars still matter – his two have been twinkling here since 2005, making it the only double-starred establishment in East Anglia, and a destination for culinary pilgrims from all over the country.
The elegant conservatory dining room benefits from floods of natural light, lightening the mood in the process, with a window into the kitchen that lets you watch the culinary theatrics unfold. Here, classical techniques meet modern British innovation in dishes that celebrate both simplicity and surprise – expect to start with delicate morsels like aged parmesan sablé with autumn truffle and a complimentary glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois before moving onto more substantial delights.
The full tasting menu experience comes in at £270, a serious investment that delivers equally serious rewards. Current highlights include a playful take on a Bloody Mary featuring celery sorbet and lime, and Loch Duart salmon elevated – genuinely – with white chocolate and caviar. The coconut parfait dessert, served with Nyangbo chocolate and a hint of green chilli, shows exactly why this kitchen team has maintained their stars for so long – it’s an intriguing, intoxicating balance of flavours that read like jargon on the page but make total sense on the palate. Petit fours are a particular highlight – dainty af and closing the meal in some style.
For the more budget-conscious, weekday lunch offers the same precision cooking at £95, while still including treats like their signature warm French bottereaux with Midsummer apples. The wine pairings are so well judged here that a flight feels almost essential, ranging from the Classic at £135 to the truly special Luxurious selection at £540. Their ‘juicelier’ has created an equally impressive alcohol-free pairing for £70 that proves non-alcoholic drinks can be just as exciting.
If weather permits, you can finish your evening with a Cuban cigar on their terrace overlooking the river. Just don’t expect to be thinking about dinner anywhere else for quite some time.
Open: Wednesday-Saturday 12-1:30pm, 6:30-8:30pm
Price: Weekday Lunch £95, Lunch Tasting Menu £160, Dinner Tasting Menu £270
Wine: Pairings from £58-£540, extensive bottle list available
Book ahead: Essential – aim for at least two months in advance
Located at number 22 Chesterton Road (hence the name), in a Victorian townhouse with stained glass windows dating back to 1892, Sam Carter and Alex Olivier earnt its Michelin star just a year ago, but that didn’t stop the hard work with a satisfied dusting off of the hands. Instead, they’ve continued to push creative boundaries while keeping the atmosphere agreeably breezy – a fine balancing act for a restaurant with clear, myopic ambition.
The intimate dining room backs onto Jesus Green, making it perfect for a pre- or post-dinner stroll (or punt, if you’re feeling brave). The vibe within – all flickering candlelight, stretched shadows and intimate corners – creates the kind of ambience that makes every meal feel like a special occasion, without ever tipping into formality.
The full tasting menu at £145 shows remarkable creativity and deep respect for seasonal produce. Current highlights include smoked Chalk Stream trout with lovage and ikura (red caviar), and Isle of Skye venison paired with Alsace bacon and black trompettes. The blood pudding with mustard and toasted barley has become a signature dish, showing how comfortable they are elevating humble ingredients to new heights.
For lunch, you’ve got options – 22’s short tasting menu offers the same precision in a more time (and wallet) friendly format at £110, while Thursday lunchtimes see a set menu for £60 that remains one of Cambridge’s best value meals. The Cornish cod with brassicas and preserved lemon appears across all menus, suggesting they know when they’re onto a good thing.
The wine program deserves special mention – their sommeliers have carefully curated a list that ranges from accessible to exceptional – the AA recently recognised it as a Notable Wine List, which is actually a more esteemed accolade than the prosaic billing suggests.
The drinks pairings take you on different journeys: the Discovery flight at £79.50 features lesser-known regions and exciting styles, while the Signature flight for £149 showcases fine wines from around the world. Their non-alcoholic pairing at £49.50 receives the same careful attention as its wine counterparts.
Anyway, back to the beginning; start your evening with one of their house cocktails – the Twenty-Two Espresso Martini with muscovado and chocolate bitters puts a clever spin on the classic, while their Cambridgeshire Negroni uses locally-distilled spirits including their own Restaurant 22 gin, created in collaboration with Cambridge Distillery. You could, of course, finish with one, too. Suddenly, that punting feels like a fine idea. Anyone got a life jacket?
Ideal for seeing vegetables in an entirely new light…
In an understated space on laid back Mill Road, with an open kitchen framed by white metro tiles and brass pendant lights, chef Alex Rushmer and his team have created something truly singular. Since opening in 2019, Vanderlyle has evolved from an exciting newcomer into one of Cambridge’s most innovative restaurants – and they’ve done it without ever serving a piece of meat or fish.
The minimalist dining room, with its teal-blue bar and mid-century modern furniture, sets the scene for what’s to come: thoughtful, stripped-back cooking that lets ingredients speak for themselves. Music plays an important role here too (the restaurant takes its name from a song by The National), with carefully curated playlists adding to the relaxed yet focused atmosphere.
At £85, their tasting menu changes with what their local farmers and producers deliver each morning. Expect clever combinations that might make you forget you’re eating purely plant-based food – recent highlights include a smoked carrot tartare with horseradish and fermented white asparagus, and an oyster mushroom milk bun that could convert the most committed carnivore. Their mushroom and ricotta tortellino with bordelaise sauce demonstrates that depth and richness don’t require animal products. It really is a lip-smacking sauce, and we’d encourage Rushmer to start selling the stuff in pint form.
Their signature dishes have become the stuff of local legend – the ‘Vanderlasagne’ layers house-made pasta with 12-hour vegetable ragù and truffled bechamel foam, while their carrot rigatoni cleverly mimics smoked salmon using just carrots, seaweed caviar and dill. Perhaps most impressive is their smoked carrot tartare, a plant-based homage to Thomas Keller’s famous salmon cornet that proves vegetables can be just as luxurious as any protein.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Vanderlye – it’s built into everything from their four-service week (allowing staff proper rest) to their pre-payment system that helps minimise food waste. They work directly with regenerative farmers and local producers, creating dishes that celebrate what’s growing right now in Cambridgeshire’s soil.
The drinks program matches this thoughtful approach – their wine list starts from £30 a bottle, with drinks pairings that might include anything from South African Chardonnay to house-made cola herb soda. The non-alcoholic pairing at £35 stands equal to its alcoholic counterpart at £50, with some intriguing, invigorating kombuchas making up the bulk of the offering. Even their petits fours feel considered, providing a perfect full stop to an evening of discovery. Eat your cake, indeed.
Open: Tuesday-Friday 6-11pm
Price: Tasting Menu £85
Wine: Bottles from £30, drink pairings £35-£50, corkage £30
Book ahead: Essential – bookings released first Tuesday of each month at noon for the following month
It feels rather perverse to leave Vanderlyle and immediately duck into a restaurant for some fish, but the proximity here is rather poetic, so we’re running with it…
Ask any Cambridge chef where they eat on their day off, and this unassuming Mill Road spot inevitably makes the list: Jay Scrimshaw and Richard Stokes’s Fin Boys – a restaurant that’s part fishmonger, part dining room, and entirely dedicated to celebrating the best of British seafood. There’s some serious pedigree in the kitchen here: Scrimshaw has previous at Parker’s Tavern and London’s Bibendum and Chez Bruce, whilst Stokes has done time at Alice Waters’ legendary Chez Panisse. It all comes together with a menu of precise simplicity. When fish is being served, there really is no better duo of adjectives.
Working directly with day boats and independent fishermen, the kitchen champions lesser-known sustainable catches alongside the classics – expect to see coley, ling and pollock rubbing shoulders with cod and crab… You know the drill. The menu changes daily depending on what’s been landed, but the cooking is consistently clever without being showy – this is a place that knows when to let exceptional ingredients speak for themselves.
Their a la carte menu, served Tuesday-Thursday evenings and Wednesday-Saturday lunches, might feature anything from cured sea trout in green garlic broth with kombu oil for £12 to Cornish monkfish with boiled courgette, basil and mint at £32. Yep, they love a little verdancy in this part of town…
All that said, it’s perhaps the most humble dishes where the kitchen (and their sourcing) truly shines. The house-made crumpet with Portland crab in a luxurious cacio e pepe emulsion has become their signature dish, and their treatment of Maldon oysters (six for £18 or twelve for £36) proves they know when to let pristine ingredients shine. When we say ‘treatment’, we mean simply shucking them properly and serving them over ice – which is all these guys need when they’re this damn fresh.
That said, weekend evenings at Fin Boys see a more elaborate six-course set menu at £85 that really lets the kitchen flex its creative muscles. Recent highlights include Portland crab with velvet crab and plum vinegar sauce, paired with a 2013 Pinot Gris from Moorooduc Estate in Victoria, both all richness and refinement.
Grab a seat at the pass if you can – the chefs are happy to chat about where your dinner was swimming that morning, and you might pick up some tips for cooking the fish you can buy from their attached fishmonger.
Of note, their commitment to exceptional, accessible seafood extends beyond Mill Road – catch them at The Gog Farm Shop at the weekend (11am-3pm) for alfresco hits like tuna laap and lobster rolls. The farm shop outpost also gives you a chance to grab fresh fish for home cooking, along with their signature oysters in bucolic surroundings.
Ideal for French bistro classics with modern flair…
Holly and Dan Fancett’s slice of Parisian charm is just such a charmer; a cosy space with sage green banquettes and bentwood chairs beneath decorative wisteria, it happens to serve some of the best French bistro cooking in the country.
Since opening in 2021, this intimate bistro has earned its place in both the Good Food and Michelin Guides with cooking that respects French classics while embracing modern British sensibilities. Though it’s a well-trodden path in recent years in that there London, Fancett’s could quite rightfully stand up to Zedel, Racine, Francois et al in a duel, and come out with their head held high.
The prix fixe menus change regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients with finesse. Lunch brings excellent value with two courses for £30.50 or three for £36. You might find a velvety cream of chestnut mushroom soup with truffle chantilly, followed by confit Guinea fowl leg with braised puy lentils and smoked bacon. Their bouillabaisse of John Dory with mussels, squid, and nduja shows they’re not afraid to put their own spin on the classics, the spicy Calabrian sausage bringing not only spice but a welcome blast of piquancy, too.
Dinner sees three courses of similar confidence, but priced at £58. A recent dish of Cornish crab and scallop mousse lasagne with beurre blanc was a real technical piece of work, and a showstopper quite frankly. Eyes widened on first bite, let’s just say that…
Vegetarians aren’t an afterthought – the double-baked cave-aged cheddar soufflé with soft leeks and English autumn truffle proves that with a dish of utter decadence. If I could eat this every night, I’d happily go veggie, too. I’d also die young, but it’d be worth it…
The wine list deserves exploration, with thoughtfully chosen bottles from across France and beyond. Begin with a Bellini or their house Negroni, before blowing the budget on the suave Thomas Labille chablis at £78; it makes an excellent companion to seafood courses. For something even more special, their fine wine list, curated with Cambridge’s Thorne Wines, offers exceptional bottles at surprisingly reasonable prices.
The intimate atmosphere and professional, warm service make this feel like your neighborhood bistro, even if you’re only visiting for the day – that’s if your neighborhood bistro happened to be in the Marais, of course.
Ideal for transforming “I’ll just have one scoop” into an afternoon’s adventure…
In a sleek storefront on Bene’t Street, Jack van Praag’s gelato shop is something of an ice cream obsessive’s paradise. His culinary background (he’s ex-Midsummer House, don’t you know?) shows in the inventive flavours and meticulous attention to ingredients – think Estate Dairy milk, Pump Street chocolate, and honey from local Cambridge hives.
The menu changes daily, but expect anything from classic iterations done perfectly (their white chocolate and vanilla brown sugar are masterclasses in simplicity) to more adventurous combinations that somehow just work – fig, Manuka honey and gorgonzola might sound odd until you try it. One bite (lick?) and you’ll be a convert. The vegan dark chocolate and sea salt number proves that dairy-free doesn’t mean compromising on richness and mouthfeel.
A single scoop will set you back £2.90, with doubles at £4.90 and triples at £6.90. The attention to detail extends beyond the gelato – their thickshakes at £6 (available with Estate Dairy or house oat milk) are properly thick. For the curious, ‘tiny’ scoops at £1.80 let you sample more flavours without quite so much commitment.
A sign of how good Jack’s gelato is, even in winter there’s often a line down Bene’t Street. Fear not, it moves fast, and gives you time to ponder important questions like whether salted Oreo gelato counts as dinner (it does).
Indeed, we’re not putting our neck on the line (except in the minds of the pedants) when we say that Jack’s Gelato is one of Cambridge’s best restaurants.
Open: Daily 10am-11pm (Friday-Saturday until midnight)
Ideal for North African flavours that transport you straight to the Sahara…
Step through the doors of this Mill Road favourite and you’ll find yourself transported to North Africa, with a real Bedouin tent, authentic wall rugs from the Sahara, and an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in Cambridge altogether. Indeed, Bedouin’s 2022 win for Best Restaurant in Cambridge at the British Restaurant Awards merely confirmed what locals already knew.
image via @bedouincambridge
The menu roams across the Maghreb, with tagines taking centre stage. The tagine beldi features slow-cooked lamb shank in a rich sauce with tomato, paprika, and chickpeas that falls off the bone, while the tagine berkook brings slow-cooked beef in a warming sauce with ginger, cinnamon, prunes and apricots to the table. Both generous affairs give you change from a twenty. The best of the lot, though, is perhaps the tagine boustaan (£15.90), which proves they take vegetable dishes just as seriously, combining seven vegetables in a tomato and apricot sauce fragrant with ras el hanout.
It’s not only about the tagine here. Begin with the kemiette for £9.90 – a chef’s selection of dips and salads served with hot pitta bread. The borek jubna features brik pastry rolls stuffed with spinach, potato, and feta, while the chekchouka – a dish of peppers, onions and tomatoes with egg and harissa – makes a perfect lunch.
They may not serve alcohol, but Bedouin’s bespoke range of non-ABV cocktails, developed with London Cocktail Club, offers creative alternatives. The Ottoman at £6.50 presents a clever play on tzatziki with apple and cinnamon, while L’Etranger at £7 takes a spiced approach to a Virgin Mary with harissa and cumin. Of course, you could just go with the traditional North African mint tea, which starts at just £1.50.
For groups of six or more, a special menu offers two courses for £20.50 or three for £25. Early birds can enjoy similar pricing Monday to Friday between 12-3pm and 5-6:30pm. The 60-seat dining room fills up quickly, but the warm hospitality and aromatic dishes make any wait worthwhile.
Ideal for Spanish small plates that transport you to San Sebastián…
Mercado Central brings the spirit of Spain’s historic markets to Cambridge. In a handsome townhouse just steps from Trinity College, the ground floor’s open kitchen, backed by striking turquoise tiles and fronted by a marble counter with leather bar stools, adds drama and authenticity to proceedings – grab a seat here to watch the chefs at work with the day’s market produce.
The focus firmly falls on exceptional Spanish produce, whether that’s wild Cornish seafood or aged Rubia Gallega beef from the lush pastures of Galicia. Start with admittedly ubiquitous aperitivos that still mange to set the tone – Marcona almonds and spicy gordal olives at £5 each, alongside sourdough with arbequina olive oil for £5.50. Mercado Central’s selection of Ibérico charcuterie shines, with a plate of acorn-fed chorizo, salchichón and lomo at £13.50 showing why Spanish curing is both an art form and the only way to truly start a meal.
Image via @mercadocentral.co.uk
The menu changes with the market and seasons, but current highlights include wild Cornish squid with confit onion, and a black rice with monkfish, cuttlefish, mussels and prawns that’s a moody, brooding affair. Their grass-fed beef options vary daily (check the blackboard), but all are dry-aged in a Himalayan salt chamber for at least 28 days before meeting the charcoal grill.
Finish with their Basque cheesecake, which lands on just the right side of bitter, perhaps paired with one of Mercado Central’s dessert wines – the Dulce Enro ice wine at £12 per 75ml from Spain’s highest altitude winery is particularly special.
The wine list travels through Spain’s regions, with some exceptional finds from Galicia’s Rías Baixas. Try the Attis Lias Finas Albariño at £58, aged on the lees for extra complexity, or for something truly special, their Attis Mar at £140 – aged underwater in the Atlantic Rias for six months, complete with barnacles on the bottle. As with any self-respecting tapas joint, the sherries deserve attention too, from Fino Inocente at £10 per 100ml to rare Palo Cortado at £13 per 75ml.
At lunch, their menu del día offers exceptional value at £30 for two courses or £33 for three, with dishes like wild mushroom rice with goat’s curd or sustainable St Austell Bay mussels a la marinera.
Ideal for another taste of Cambridge’s ace dumpling scene…
In a modest blue-fronted shop on Norfolk Street, this no-frills dumpling house has been quietly serving some of Cambridge’s most faithfully rendered Chinese snacks for over a decade now. With picture menus in the windows and a functional interior, it’s the kind of place that lets the food do all the talking.
The extensive menu covers everything from dim sum classics to hearty noodle soups, but the hand-made dumplings take centre stage. Available with a vast array of fillings, each dumpling (twelve pieces for £8.90) is expertly pleated to order.
Beyond dumplings, their side dishes demand attention – the cold dressed seaweed and five-spice pig ears make perfect starters, while their noodle soups starting at £8.50 offer warming comfort on chilly Cambridge days. The barbecued pork steamed buns showcase their skill with different dough textures (these are satisfyingly smooth, bouncy numbers), and the green tea cakes provide a perfect sweet finish.
The menu helpfully notes which dishes are spicy (and they mean it), but they’re happy to adjust the heat levels to your preference. Make any a dumpling soup for just £1 more. In this economy and for this quality, it’s no wonder this place is so enduringly popular.
Open: Daily 12-9pm
Price: Dumplings £8.90/12pcs, Noodle soups from £8.50
Drinks: Chinese teas £2.85, soft drinks £2.50
Book ahead: No reservations – be prepared to wait at peak times
Stem & Glory, Station Road *As of February 2025, now sadly closed*
Ideal for plant-based food that makes you forget you’re eating plants…
A pioneer in the UK’s plant-based movement, Stem & Glory proves that vegan cuisine can be both innovative and indulgent. This carbon-neutral restaurant serves up creative dishes that spans global influences, all anchored in a celebration of vegetables.
Their ‘nibbles’ section sets the tone – harissa-spiced nuts at £4.50 or nori popcorn at £4 hint at the kitchen’s gently creative approach. Small plates continue that inventive, globetrotting spirit: BBQ cauliflower ‘wings’ with ranch dip are assertively spiced (and vinegar’d) and all the better for it. The kimchi-stuffed onigiri is equally bold in its flavour profile.
Main courses continue to impress. The signature Redefined fillet mignon with mushrooms and sauté potatoes shows just how far vegan alternatives have come, while the Szechuan aubergine is the pick of the bunch; served over a slippery tangle of noodles, the aubergine has been cooked down until silky, and glazed with miso to introduce the ol’ umami in droves.
There’s good, vegan booze here, too, from craft beers (including Cloudwater ‘Fuzzy’ Hazy & Juicy Pale Ale at £7) to imaginative cocktails like their Stem & Spritz with prosecco, elderflower and lime.
Their set lunch menu (Mon-Fri 11:30-4pm) offers excellent value at £16.95 for two courses or £23.90 for three. Word on the street is that they do a wicked Sunday roast too.
*Sadly, in November of 2024 it was reported that Stem and Glory would be closing its doors for good*.
Open: Now closed
Price: Small plates £8-11, Mains £16-22.50, Set lunch 2/3 courses £16.95/£23.90
Drinks: Cocktails from £8, Wine by glass from £7.70, Craft beers from £5.60
Book ahead: Recommended for evenings and Sunday roast
Ideal for when you want your craft beer with seriously good food to match…
We end in a handsome Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse where E.M. Forster once lived. Here, the Pint Shop has managed that rare feat of being both a serious beer destination and a proper restaurant. The 2013 opening marked Cambridge’s first new pub in over a decade, setting a standard that others have followed. The building, spread across three floors with multiple rooms, balances historic charm with contemporary edge – think parquet floors and industrial-chic décor, with a rear terraced garden for summer escapes.
The beer selection impresses with its breadth and rotation – four cask ales are joined by 17 keg lines offering both UK and European craft options. For gin enthusiasts, their collection (over 100 at last count) ranks among Cambridge’s finest, and the bar staff know their spirits as well as they know their beers.
But it’s the food that elevates this from an excellent pub to a dining destination. The kitchen takes pub classics and gives them a creative twist – their Scotch egg comes with apple and mustard ketchup and pickled mustard seeds, while the chorizo croquettes for are given lift off with chilli and honey-cured egg yolk. Single portion pies are something of a signature, and for good reason; they’re carefully crimped and beautifully burnished numbers, their quenelles of mash and dedicated gravy boats making such a satisfying plateful.
Unsurprisingly, the roast dinners are top drawer here, but even better are the midweek ‘local’ lunches. A recently dish of charred gammon steak (topped with a fried egg, naturally) and pineapple relish was gloriously retro, and for £16 including a pint of house ale, gloriously retro in its pricing, too.
Perhaps the biggest draw here, though, is the burger. A towering number featuring a double patty, house sauce that’s a fine imitation of Big Mac sauce, and Ogleshield cheese, it has a devoted following across the city (you can tell by all the slack-jawed folk walking about). All three of those highlights cost around £20 – not bad value in one of the UK’s most well-to-do cities.
Ever wondered why some recording studios often have egg cartons on their walls? Or why medieval castles, with their thick tapestries, have a surprisingly quiet vibe within? The principles behind sound management haven’t changed much since then—we’re still using mass, absorption, and diffusion to tame unwanted noise.
Indeed, with some acoustic know-how, ordinary household items can be transformed into remarkably effective sound control solutions. We’ve spoken to Mike Jones, Manager at SimplyUnderlay.co.uk, to find out more…
The Science Of Silence
Sound waves behave like water, seeking out any available path and bouncing in unexpected patterns. Professional soundproofing targets four elements: mass, damping, decoupling, and absorption. Household items can effectively replicate each of these principles when used strategically.
Unexpected Acoustic Heroes
Bookshelf Acoustics
Books create what acousticians call a ‘diffusion gradient’—multiple surfaces of varying densities that scatter and weaken sound waves. The secret lies in deliberate disorder. Skip the perfectly aligned shelves and instead mix up book sizes and positions. Hardbacks next to paperbacks, tall art books beside slim novels—this variety might look chaotic, but it optimises sound diffusion.
Strategic Curtain Design
Most curtains hang flat against windows, severely limiting their acoustic potential. Creating a 10-15cm air gap transforms them into serious sound barriers. This buffer zone works similarly to double-glazing, trapping and dissipating sound waves. Hanging curtains in a convex curve away from the wall increases their effective surface area and prevents direct sound reflection.
Multi-Layer Textile Engineering
Medieval tapestries worked because they combined different fabric densities and weaves, with the heavy wool absorbing sound and the woven backing provided structural support.
Modern equivalents might pair dense moving blankets with lighter decorative fabrics to create an effective fabric wall. Each layer targets specific frequencies: lighter fabrics handle high frequencies while denser materials control lower ones.
This multi-layer textile engineering not only enhances the acoustic properties of a space but also provides an opportunity for innovative design and aesthetic appeal.
Advanced DIY Methods
Corner Bass Management
Bass frequencies congregate in room corners, a phenomenon known as ‘bass traps’. Transform old duvets or pillows into triangular columns for corner placement. Adding rigid backing (old cupboard doors work well) enhances their effectiveness at controlling low-frequency resonance.
DIY Membrane Absorbers
Sound-induced vibration can work to your advantage. A tightly stretched bed sheet across a wooden frame, with an air gap behind, creates an effective membrane absorber. These target mid-range frequencies particularly well and can be disguised as wall art.
Advanced Window Treatment
Create secondary glazing using heavy-duty clear plastic sheeting and magnetic strips. The key is achieving an airtight seal—even small gaps dramatically reduce effectiveness. This method can rival professional solutions at a fraction of the cost.
Innovative Material Use
Cork Engineering
Cork’s cellular structure makes it an acoustic powerhouse. Wine corks, sliced lengthways and arranged in patterns, create effective modular wall panels. The uneven surface diffuses sound while the material itself absorbs mid-range frequencies.
Foam Transformation
Old mattress toppers become acoustic art when cut into geometric patterns. Different angles scatter sound waves while the foam provides absorption. Planning the design with cardboard templates ensures professional-looking results.
Strategic Placement Science
The 38% Solution
Room acoustics follow predictable patterns. In rectangular spaces, sound absorption is most effective when placed 38% of the room’s length from either end. This corresponds to standing wave formation points—critical for controlling room resonance.
Vertical Space Utilisation
Stripped-down lampshades, hung at varying heights, create excellent sound diffusion while maintaining visual interest. The varying shapes and heights break up sound waves more effectively than flat wall treatments alone.
Specialised Problem Solving
Impact Noise Control
Create a floating floor effect using old yoga mats under rugs. Arrange them in a grid pattern with small gaps between mats—these isolation zones reduce impact transmission. The gaps prevent the mats from acting as a single surface, improving overall effectiveness.
For a more permanent solution, quality carpet underlay is remarkably effective – dense rubber or foam underlay doesn’t just make carpets feel luxurious, it significantly reduces impact noise transmission. Look for high-density rubber underlay marketed specifically for sound reduction—it’s one of the few purpose-built soundproofing materials that’s both relatively inexpensive and remarkably effective. Even under hard flooring, a layer of good underlay can reduce impact noise by up to a third.
Pipe Vibration Management
Wrap noisy pipes in neoprene (old mouse mats or yoga mats work well), secured with cable ties. This dense, flexible material absorbs vibrations before they transfer through building structures.
The Bottom Line
The most sophisticated soundproofing solutions often emerge from understanding both acoustic physics and space characteristics. Document your modifications with sound meter readings—objective measurements often reveal improvements that might be subtle to the ear.
The pile of old blankets in your airing cupboard, those wine corks you’ve been saving, even that forgotten foam mattress topper – each has genuine acoustic potential when used with understanding and purpose, leading to a life lived less noisily when done right,
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey from a small start-up to the point where you’re ready to sell your business is both exhilarating and challenging. Regardless of the type of small business you own and operate, you will want to boost sales and revenue. That explains why there is such a high interest in small business growth.
From Start-Up To Selling Up
Of course, small business owners need help accessing a straightforward, universally applicable business growth strategy. That’s where we come in. Here’s a simple, straightforward gameplan that outlines the journey from small business start-up to selling up in 11 steps. Let’s dive in…
Establishing Exit Strategy Milestones Early On
Creating a detailed exit strategy in the early stages is crucial for any business owner looking to eventually sell their enterprise. This roadmap template should outline specific milestones that indicate when your business is ready for sale. Consider factors such as revenue targets, market share, operational efficiency, and succession planning.
Document your business processes meticulously, as this documentation becomes invaluable during the handover phase. Develop contingency plans for various scenarios and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and employees.
Remember to regularly review and update your exit strategy as your business evolves. This flexibility ensures that when the time comes to sell, you’re well-positioned to achieve maximum value for your enterprise.
Idea Generation & Market Research
The first step in launching a small business is deciding on the type of enterprise you wish to launch. Will you operate a solely service-oriented company in which you provide your knowledge and time? Or would you instead offer tangible goods online or through an actual storefront? You may want to combine the two.
Whichever path you choose, think carefully about these important financial questions: How much is your available capital limiting you? Do you only have a meagre sum of savings? Do you need the connections and credit necessary to obtain money from investors or a loan? If so, start your entrepreneurial adventure with some inexpensive company ideas.
The first step is conceptualising a unique business idea. It should address a specific need or gap in the market. Be innovative and think outside the box.
Understand your target market and competitors. Research helps refine your product or service and develop strategies to stand out in the market.
Crafting A Solid Business Plan
As we’ve already discussed, planning is crucial before starting a small business. Your business plan is the most formal element of the planning process, even if all of these processes are included.
You are forced to consider the essential components of your organisation when creating a business strategy. It is your go-to-market plan, including your primary objectives, market research, product information, marketing plan, and financial estimates. You can ensure you always know what to do next by keeping a record of these components.
A well-conceived business plan is your roadmap to success. It should include your business model and structure, financial projections, market analysis, and growth strategies.
Get Licenses & Permits
A step that comes with starting your own small business is paperwork. Nobody wants to go against the law. Laws and regulations unique to your industry and local laws apply to your firm.
Different small business licenses and permits may apply to you depending on the kind of business you are beginning and where you live. During the start-up phase, you will need to determine what licences and permits apply to your company.
Getting legal counsel early on can save you a lot of trouble in the future by costing you money and effort upfront.
Securing Funding
Evaluate various funding options like personal savings, bank loans, angel investors, or venture capital. Choose one that aligns with your business goals and financial needs.
The needs of your small business will determine which bank is best for you. You can focus more intently on what you should look for if you write out your banking needs.
To choose the ideal bank for your small business, set up meetings with different banks and inquire about their policies about working with small businesses. Local banks can occasionally support small businesses far more than international ones. Therefore, knowing where you stand about the bank’s requirements is crucial.
Keeping your personal and business funds apart simplifies filing your business taxes and allows you to automate specific processes. Consulting with an SME accountant can also help you make informed financial decisions and ensure your business remains compliant with all regulations.
Building A Strong Brand & Online Presence
Remember to value the significance of this action. Erroneously choosing the first name that occurs to them, many entrepreneurs need to consider the importance and possible effects on their target audience. Prospects build their opinion of your firm based on their first exposure to your business name. The perfect name is essential.
What factors must be taken into account when selecting a company name? It’s crucial to be original and simplistic.
Develop a compelling brand identity that appeals to your intended market. This covers the name of your company, your logo, and the general look of your brand.
Having an online presence is essential in the modern digital world. Create a business website and interact on social media. What tools do you need to operate your business?
For instance, you’ll require accounting software to provide bookkeeping services. You’ll gain from standard business tools like communication and invoicing software regardless of your service; after all, you need a way to stay in touch with clients and collect money.
Delivering Quality Products Or Services
The core of your business is your product or service. Ensure they are of high quality and meet customer expectations. Consistently review and improve your offerings.
If you want to sell goods, would you make them yourself, or will you enlist the assistance of a manufacturer and a designer to make them a reality? How about personalising already available white-label products? Is dropshipping a feasible alternative?
If you intend to provide services, you should ask comparable questions. What is the procedure you will follow to provide your services? What results and experiences may clients anticipate from working with you and your company?
Implementing Effective Marketing Strategies
Use targeted marketing strategies to reach your audience. This might include SEO, content marketing, social media campaigns, or traditional advertising.
For a small business, having a solid online presence would be excellent. When compared to conventional marketing strategies, it is a more economical option. It is beneficial for small businesses that face up against more well-known brands.
Determine which marketing initiatives will most affect your new company first, then utilise your plans to create a list of the abilities you’ll need to carry them out.
First, create a website for your company so potential clients can learn more about you. Additionally, it offers a digital hub for all of your marketing initiatives.
There are numerous strategies to market your business:
What kind of skills and amount of work will you need to start your business? Since they will determine your launch schedule and expenditure, you must address these essential concerns.
Your time investment is a limiting factor if you intend to do the work with others. You must budget for these expenses if you want to hire assistance and the time required to locate and train employees or freelancers.
Finding the proper people for marketing, design, engineering, finance, sales, and human resources takes time and effort. For a small business to succeed, having a competent and reliable crew is essential.
Scaling & Adapting
As your business grows, look for opportunities to scale. This could be through diversifying your product line, expanding into new markets, or scaling up your operations.
Keep going even after you’ve completed the planning, launched your company, and built a clientele. The need you’re meeting may only sometimes exist. Watch the market and recognise when to change your business plan.
Keeping up with the significant trends will give you plenty of time to modify your approach and continue to be successful. All it takes to understand that prosperous businesses can experience considerable transformations is to examine the music industry or Blockbuster videos.
Additionally, as your business transitions to wider customers, you must incorporate effective management and financial strategies. This is why management buy-out strategies (MBO) and advice become especially important if you plan to sell your business.
These strategies involve setting clear, defined objectives that are agreed upon by both management and employees, ensuring that all members of an organisation are aligned in their goals. MBO solutions typically include regular progress reviews, feedback mechanisms, and personal development plans to ensure that targets are met in a supportive and constructive manner.
Preparing For The Sale
Before selling, ensure your financial records are in order, legal obligations are met, and the business is as profitable as possible. Get a professional valuation to understand the worth of your business. As THP Chartered Accountants advise, sellers should aim to have at least three years of clean, well-organised accounts ready for due diligence – potential buyers and their advisors will scrutinise your financial history closely, and any inconsistencies or gaps can delay negotiations or reduce the final sale price.
This will guide you in setting a realistic sale price. Identify potential buyers who align with your business’s vision and values. This could be competitors, investors, or even employees. If you’re on the other side of the transaction and looking to grow through acquisition, learn how to acquire a business to understand the buyer’s perspective and make your company more attractive to serious purchasers
The Bottom Line
Transitioning from a small start-up to selling your business is a multifaceted process filled with exciting milestones and challenging obstacles.
Remember, every successful business story is unique; yours will be no different. Embrace each phase, learn from the challenges, and celebrate your achievements.
For thousands of Londoners, 2025 marks a tipping point. With the capital’s average rent now exceeding £2,200 per month for the first time and house prices hitting new highs despite the cooling market elsewhere, the exodus to commuter towns has accelerated.
But this isn’t the same commuter belt story of previous decades. Hybrid working has reshaped priorities – many buyers now happily trade a slightly longer commute for significantly more space, knowing they’ll only make the journey two or three times a week.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first property or seeking more space for a growing family, here’s what you really need to know about the locations that offer the best balance of connectivity, value, and lifestyle.
Sevenoaks, Kent: Premium Living Without Compromise
The speed of connection to central London puts Sevenoaks in a class of its own, but it’s the amenities that justify the price tag. The medieval high street has evolved into a sophisticated retail hub – specialty food store Eat’n’Mess and The Chocolate Shop maintain the independent spirit, while M&S and Waitrose provide practical convenience.
Property choices span centuries – the St John’s area offers Victorian villas within walking distance of the station, while the Montreal Park estate provides larger plots and Art Deco gems. The streets around Granville Road command the highest prices due to their proximity to Sevenoaks School, while the Riverhead area offers better value with the same school access.
Knole Park’s 1,000 acres of deer-inhabited woodland provide genuine countryside on the doorstep. The recently expanded Stag Theatre brings West End previews to Kent, while the Saturday market in the High Street car park has evolved into a self-respecting food destination. You also have National Trusts site Ightham Mote, a medieval moated manor house which makes for a great day out, just 15 minutes away in the car.
Journey: 55 minutes to London Victoria/St Pancras International
Annual season ticket: £5’224
Average house price: £346’048
Nestled in the Medway Towns, Rainham offers exceptional value compared to its London-bordering counterparts.
Experienced Rainham estate and letting agents highlight particular interest in the Victorian terraces around Station Road, where three-bedroom properties still sell for under £350,000. The Parkwood area offers larger 1930s properties with gardens, while new developments near Berengrave Nature Reserve provide modern options with better energy efficiency.
The town’s maritime heritage shapes its character, with Riverside Country Park offering 100 hectares of Thames Estuary walks and protected marshland. Boat owners appreciate the practical moorings at Gillingham Marina (10 minutes away), while the historic high street has seen significant improvement, with independent cafes like The Riverside Rooms joining established favorites.
Schools are a major draw – Rainham Mark Grammar School consistently ranks among Kent’s top performers, while Thames View Primary holds a solid ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. The 101 bus provides reliable connections to Medway Maritime Hospital, while the recent introduction of Southeastern’s high-speed service via Gravesend has cut journey times to St Pancras.
The completion of the Jackson Square redevelopment has transformed Bishop’s Stortford’s retail offering, but it’s the independent scene around North Street and Market Square that gives the town its character. The South Street area between the station and castle remains the property hotspot – Victorian terraces here offer period features and gardens at reasonable prices.
The proximity to London Stansted Airport (15 minutes) adds convenient travel connections without noticeable aircraft noise in the town center. The South Mill Arts Centre provides serious cultural credentials, while the recently upgraded Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre offers Olympic-standard swimming facilities.
Journey: 45 minutes to London Bridge/Charing Cross
Annual season ticket: £5’828
Average house price: £544’967
The Pantiles remains Kent’s most elegant shopping arcade, but modern Tunbridge Wells has spread far beyond its Georgian core. Chapel Place has emerged as a hub for independent retailers, while the new Amelia Scott cultural centre has added contemporary arts credentials to the town’s traditional offerings.
The grammar school quartet (Skinners’, TWGGS, Kent College and Judd) draws education-focused families, though catchment area competition is fierce. High Brooms offers the best value housing within walking distance of a station, while the St James’ area provides period properties with substantial gardens. Dunorlan Park’s 78 acres include a boating lake and events space, while the Common’s protected woodland creates a green corridor through the town centre.
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire: Canal-Side Character
Journey: 35 minutes to Euston
Annual season ticket: £6’152
Average house price: £697’385
Berkhamsted’s high street repeatedly wins ‘best in Britain’ plaudits, and with good reason. The Rex Cinema provides Art Deco glamour and serious film programming, while the canal-side towpath offers an 11-mile traffic-free route to Watford. The Castle Street area commands premium prices for its Victorian villas, while the Northchurch end of town offers better value without compromising on character.
Berkhamsted School dominates both education and architecture, its buildings spanning six centuries of the high street. The surrounding Chilterns provide genuine hiking terrain, while the monthly Food Assembly has evolved into one of Hertfordshire’s best farmers’ markets.
Photo by David Clarke on Unsplash/ Country walk in Berkemstead UK outside of London
Reading, Berkshire: The Mini-Metropolis
Journey: 23 minutes to Paddington (Elizabeth Line)
Annual season ticket: £5’600
Average house price: £407’161
The Elizabeth Line has transformed Reading’s London connections, while the £500m station upgrade has created a genuine transport hub. The Oracle Centre provides serious retail therapy, but it’s the independent scene around Harris Arcade that gives modern Reading its character.
Caversham offers village atmosphere with walking access to the station, while the Conservation Area around Alexandra Road retains Victorian grandeur at reasonable prices. The University area drives a vibrant cultural scene, with South Street Arts Centre and Progress Theatre providing consistent quality programming.
Essex’s only city, Chelmsford, combines excellent shopping (the Bond Street development has brought high-end retail) with surprising green space. Central Park provides 855 acres of riverside walks, while the Hylands Estate offers everything from concerts to coffee mornings. The Golden Triangle between the station, cathedral and university commands premium prices, while Beaulieu Park provides modern family homes with excellent amenities.
The grammar schools (KEGS and CCHS) rank among England’s best, while Anglia Ruskin University has driven significant cultural investment. The new Victoria Square development adds serious restaurant credentials to the city centre, while the Chelmsford City Racecourse provides both sporting interest and conference facilities.
Chelmsford Cathedral
When choosing your ideal commuter location, consider the full picture of your daily routine. Station parking often adds £1,200 annually to commuting costs, while service frequency varies dramatically outside peak hours. Most towns offer ‘station car share’ WhatsApp groups – worth joining before committing to a move. The best approach is to spend time in your shortlisted locations during both peak and off-peak hours, testing everything from the morning coffee run to evening parking availability.
Remember that commuting patterns have shifted significantly post-pandemic. Many towns now offer co-working spaces, worth investigating if you’re planning a hybrid working pattern. Scout out backup routes – engineering works can significantly impact weekend journey times, and understanding alternative options helps inform location choices.
The perfect commuter town balances journey time, property value, and lifestyle factors. While faster connections generally mean higher house prices, the sweet spot often lies in understanding your genuine priorities. A pretty market town might feel limiting if you’re used to urban amenities, while a larger town’s facilities might compensate for a slightly longer journey. The key is matching your specific needs to what each location truly offers – beyond the estate agent headlines.
Average house prices quoted are based on current Rightmove reporting, as of February 2025. Season tickets are based on traveling 5 days a week for 12 months of the year, as of February 2025.
