Mex this can on Monday, took her for a taco on Tuesday, we were making mole on Wednesday, and on Thursday and Friday and Saturday, we chilaquiles on Sunday…
Hmm, perhaps one of our more overly ambitious opening segments, but the point remains; in Brighton, there’s enough fantastic Mexican food to see you through the whole week if you were so inclined.
From hole-in-the-wall taco slingers to modern restaurants cooking Mexican food with British ingredients, the city has got you covered.
Yep, if you’re wondering where to eat Mexican food in Brighton, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scooped the guac, sipped the mezcal and snapped the tostada to find these; the best Mexican restaurants in Brighton.
Taquitos Casa Azul
Ideal a warm Mexican welcome and a traditional taco experience…
Brighton’s Open Market, tucked away off London Road and close to popular Brighton park and meeting point The Level, is one of the city’s most underrated spaces. In this humble market, you’ll find purveyors of fresh local produce and a handful of excellent street food operations, patisseries and cafes.
Whilst we adore the delicate tarts and vibrantly coloured macarons from Real Patissiere, and can’t resist a Bangladeshi snack or two when passing the Spice of Life, our favourite spot here is most definitely Taquitos Casa Azul, a family-run, all Mexican joint serving the most authentic tacos in town.
A visit here is a must if you’re in the area, for their simple, stripped back menu. There’s no Tex Mex, ‘fully loaded’ stuff here, just four types of meat taco – a chicken tinga, a chicken mole, a shredded beef chile colorado and a shredded pork cochinita – and a vegetarian equivalent of each. The corn tortillas are made daily, of course, and the whole thing is just delicious. Pull up a pew at their sole table outside the shopfront and get stuck in.
What’s more, head honcho Gabriel Gutierrez is a fabulous host, offering a warm welcome and a sampling of Casa Azul’s selection of homemade salsas and hot sauces (available to buy by the jar) as you wait to pay the bill. He knows what he’s doing; once you’ve tried the Salsa Chipotle – heady with hibiscus and dried apricot – you’ll be hooked. We add it to everything now; it’s incredible.
Ideal for crowd pleasing plates close to the station…
In the North Laine’s quirky tangle of narrow streets and independent shops you’ll find La Choza. Really, you’ll find it; the restaurant is rendered in vital shades of pink and yellow that you just can’t miss, with a clutch of tables outside continuing the eye-catching theme via garish floral tablecloths.
That’s not to say the food is brash or distasteful, here. Quite the opposite, in fact; since 2012 La Choza has been producing some of the finest Mexican food in Brighton, with the restaurant gaining national critical acclaim in the form of a glowing review from Tom Parker Bowles in which he wrote that ‘’in this tiny Brighton backstreet, there’s true Mexican magic‘’. You’ll have to find that review yourself; we can’t bring ourselves to link to it.
Where Casa Azul keeps the menu options narrow, La Choza is perhaps a more crowd pleasing offering due to the menu’s DIY format.
That menu is split into three sections – choose your base, choose your filling, choose your salsa – allowing for a fine-tuned feast. We just love the XXtra Hot Naga Salsa, which is mellowed by the addition of mango and will brighten up your order whichever direction you choose to take things.
The restaurant is a no reservations affair; just rock up and enjoy.
Ideal Tip: If you’re in the mood for churros after a lunchtime Mexican feast in Brighton, head to Churchill Square where you’ll find a food van serving up freshly made churros until the early evening.
El Bolillo *now sadly closed*
Ideal for refined Mexican flavours with a fine dining twist…
On Hove’s bustling Church Road, El Bolillo (Mexican slang for ‘white boy’) occupies the former Los Amigos site with ambitious plans to take Mexican cuisine in a decidedly different direction to those brothers and their Tex-Mex leanings. While El Bolillo bills itself as as “not just a taqueria”, tacos are indeed the main feature of the menu, all give a fine dining touch and with a premium price tag to match. At £10-16 for a single taco, you’ll need deep pockets for the full experience. The tasting menu (£75, or £55 for a shortened version) feels like the right move, then.
Chef Greg Clarke brings his experience from Michelin-starred kitchens Midsummer House and The Ledbury to create technically precise tacos that are big on flavour and with enough intrigue in their combinations to keep you ordering more. The highlight of a recent meal here was a pork cheek with eel and meco XO sauce number, served on a hand-pressed masa tortilla. Visually striking, it delivered on flavour too, with an intricate balance that revealed Clarke’s deft touch.
The restaurant’s brutalist-inspired interior features lime-washed walls and earthy ceramics, with just 31 seats (including 10 at the bar) plus a private dining room for 12. Their cocktail menu shows a playful side – try the Cardi B Negroni with Campari, vermouth, gin, hibiscus, and cardamom (hence the name, we assume?) – that again showcases that keen grasp of balance and poise. El Bolillo might make your wallet significantly lighter, but it’s certainly bringing something new to Hove’s dining scene, and we can’t wait to watch it evolve.
Ideal for no frills Mexican drinking snacks and some excellent margaritas…
Finally, we’re heading to Halisco, on Brighton’s beloved ‘restaurant street’, Preston Street. Here, the menu is a little more expansive, with a selection of around salads and ceviche, small plates with a decent vegan focus, and six or so tacos you can really get stuck into. This place is just perfect for parties, we think, with the superb (and superbly strong) house margaritas certainly not harming that sense of conviviality.
Though the restaurant dining room is what an estate agent might charitably call ‘cosy’, there’s a few outdoor seats and benches too, and a raucous vibe that regularly spills out onto the street, too.
It feels like Halisco is getting more ambitious, and with it, national (and even international) recognition is following. Firstly, the restaurant was named by Time Out as one of Brighton’s best in June of last year. And, more recently, it was featured on Adam Richman (of Man v. Food fame) Eats Football. He bloody loved the place!
After what feels like a lifetime of cold days, long nights and evenings spent hunkered down beneath a vast swathe of blanket, winter is, at long last, on its way out.
Spring is rolling in to grace us with an explosion of new life and optimism, all brought on by warmer weather and sunnier days – and it couldn’t have come soon enough!
With the warm weather comes the opportunity to rediscover our garden spaces, and often, the discovery that they’re looking a little tired after the cold season. But for the four in five 18–34-year-olds seeing gardening as a ‘cool’ pastime, the prospect of tidying up a garden space in time for spring might even be a positive one!
Thankfully, even for those with little interest in horticultural affairs, there are many simple ways in which we can spruce up our gardens for spring, ready to entertain guests once more. The following accounts for just five.
Low Maintenance Green Things
While gardening may be a cool pastime in spring, busy summer schedules often make the activity a bit of a chore. Come summer, your garden should be a space for relaxing and entertaining; as such you’ll want a low maintenance garden during its ‘high season’, so you don’t have to waste endless chilling time on the garden chores of watering, weeding and de-heading.
Enter lush leafy plants that are oh-so low maintenance; think evergreens, ferns and tall grasses, which make your garden feel natural and lush without looking unkempt. Consider, too, introducing self-watering planters to your garden setup. These clever containers feature a reservoir at the base that slowly feeds moisture to your plants, meaning you can go for extended periods without having to water them manually. Perfect for forgetful gardeners or busy professionals, these planters work brilliantly with drought-tolerant plants like lavender, rosemary and succulents. Not only do they reduce your maintenance time, but they also ensure more consistent growth as your plants receive exactly what they need without the feast-or-famine cycle of traditional watering.
Shrinking the size of your lawn is an option, too. While this may not be a simple suggestion, it will simplify your garden chores, lessening the load of mowing, raking and the like. Do the bees a favour and turn part of your lawn into a small scale wildflower meadow. Alternatively, add some decking or paving…
Introducing decking to your garden space is a brilliant way to create a dedicated area for entertaining or simply relaxing with a cuppa. While it requires more effort than hanging a garden ornament, it needn’t become an overwhelming project.
When choosing materials, pressure-treated timber will withstand the British weather nicely, but composite decking offers even better durability without the need for regular maintenance. Made from a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastic, it resists fading, staining and won’t splinter like traditional timber—worth considering despite the higher price tag.
Many garden centres offer decking kits with pre-cut boards, making it an achievable weekend project for the moderately handy homeowner. For larger installations where ground preparation and drainage need consideration, local landscape gardeners can typically complete the job within a couple of days.
Once installed, a thorough sweep and occasional wash will keep your decking looking fresh throughout the seasons. Add some weather-resistant cushions and perhaps a parasol, and you’ll have created an inviting outdoor living space that serves you well through spring and beyond.
A Splash of Spring Colour
You can make a huge impact on the feel of your garden by simply introducing a little visual vibrancy to proceedings. One major way to add colour is to repaint your garden fences and exterior-facing walls.
It should be noted that painting straight on to the surface makes for a mediocre result, owing to the possibility of flaking paint or debris being stuck to the surface. Instead, you can use a cordless angle grinder to safely remove old, flaking paint from your walls without damaging the material beneath, before re-priming and re-painting in a seasonally-appropriate colour.
Another way to add a splash of colour to your garden could be to simply replace your flower pots and planters. These pots and planters can serve to add serious character to garden and patio spaces, especially if mismatched. Go for a mismatched look or choose colours that fit with the colours of your garden to create a unique colour palette throughout.
Don’t forget the power of seasonal bulbs to transform your garden’s colour palette. While many gardeners plant their spring bulbs in autumn, you can still find pre-grown potted tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at garden centres that can be placed strategically around your garden for instant impact. For summer-long colour, consider investing in some dahlia tubers or lily bulbs, which can be planted in spring for dramatic blooms later in the season. These showstoppers require minimal effort yet deliver maximum visual punch, perfect for gardeners seeking impressive results without the corresponding workload.
Ornaments & Sculptures
Speaking of character, a great way to imbue your garden with it is to accessorise out there. Think wind chimes and ornamental rain catchers, garden gnomes and avant-garde sculpture.
A cursory search through your local garden centre may reveal garden ornaments to suit your taste, with many perfectly suited to being hidden in flower beds or hung from your trees and shrubs.
Some garden accessories have the added benefit of bringing new wildlife into your garden. A bird feeder pole, a birdbath or a sculpture, for example, can be chic ways to increase the bird population in your garden, and give you more visual intrigue to enjoy from your patio or window.
Water features, even modest ones, can elevate your garden from pleasant to enchanting without requiring extensive installation or maintenance. A small solar-powered fountain can be placed directly into an existing container, creating a soothing soundtrack of trickling water that masks urban noise and attracts more wildlife to your garden. For something even simpler, consider a decorative rain chain in place of a traditional downpipe, transforming mundane rainfall into a mesmerising visual display. These functional art pieces work particularly well in smaller gardens where space is at a premium but aesthetic impact is still desired.
In The Zone
Lastly, curating different zones in your garden that serve distinct purposes can completely transform your whole garden
You could do this in any number of ways. Some choose to create a bistro porch area by their back door, while others zone by introducing a paved patio seating space with outdoor sofas and a chimenea for late evening warmth. We’re especially fans of pergolas for designating a space for some quiet reading. Creating a proper space for gatherings means you all get to enjoy your spruced-up garden in comfort and style.
Consider vertical zoning as well, by incorporating different heights into your garden design. A raised planter bed can serve as both a practical growing space and a subtle boundary marker between zones. Similarly, a well-placed archway covered in climbing plants creates a sense of transition between different garden areas while drawing the eye upward. This approach to zoning works particularly well in smaller gardens where horizontal space might be limited but the vertical dimension remains largely untapped. The added height also creates visual interest throughout the seasons, especially when adorned with climbing plants that flower at different times of the year.
The difference between a good kitchen and a great one often lies not in the recipes or ingredients, but in the invisible standards that govern how food is handled, prepared and stored.
Professional kitchens operate under strict regulations that may seem excessive to the home cook, but these practices are built on decades of experience and scientific understanding of foodborne illness prevention. Bringing these professional standards into your domestic kitchen might be the upgrade your cooking practice needs most.
In the high-stakes world of professional kitchens, food hygiene isn’t merely a recommendation—it’s the foundation upon which culinary excellence is built.
Behind every exquisitely plated dish lies a rigid adherence to cleanliness protocols that would impress even the most fastidious health inspector. These aren’t arbitrary rules but time-tested commandments that protect both the integrity of the food and the health of diners.
From the intensity of a Michelin-starred restaurant to the controlled chaos of a busy hotel kitchen, professional chefs maintain impeccable hygiene standards even under extreme pressure. Here’s how their wisdom can transform your home cooking experience.
1. Proper Hand Washing Protocols
In professional kitchens, hand-washing isn’t casual—it’s ceremonial. Chefs wash thoroughly with hot water and antibacterial soap before touching food, after handling raw ingredients, between different tasks, and essentially any time cross-contamination might occur.
This isn’t mere fastidiousness; studies show that proper hand washing can reduce foodborne illness risk by up to 40%. Professional chefs typically follow a specific technique: wet hands with warm water, apply soap, scrub all surfaces including between fingers and under nails for at least 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and dry with disposable towels.
Pro Tip: Install a dedicated hand-washing station or designate a sink exclusively for hand-washing in your home kitchen. Use paper towels rather than cloth for drying to prevent bacterial transfer. Keep a nail brush nearby and consider setting a small timer to ensure you’re washing for the full recommended time.
2. Strict Temperature Control Systems
Temperature abuse is a cardinal sin in professional kitchens. Chefs obsessively monitor ‘the danger zone’ (between 8°C and 63°C) where bacteria multiply rapidly. This vigilance stems from understanding that bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes at room temperature.
Professional kitchens use calibrated thermometers daily, maintain temperature logs, and implement cooling protocols that bring hot foods through the danger zone as quickly as possible. They use ice baths, blast chillers, and portioning techniques to cool large quantities of food safely, and never rely on sensory indicators alone to determine food safety.
Pro Tip: Invest in a reliable food thermometer and check internal temperatures when cooking meat, poultry, and fish. Refrigerate perishable foods promptly and never leave them at room temperature for more than two hours. When cooling large batches of soup or stew, transfer to shallow containers and place in an ice bath before refrigerating to speed cooling.
3. Cross-Contamination Prevention Strategies
Professional kitchens operate with military precision when it comes to separating raw and cooked foods. They use colour-coded equipment—red for raw meat, blue for raw fish, green for fruits and vegetables—to eliminate any possibility of cross-contamination.
This system extends beyond chopping boards to include knives, containers, and even staff responsibilities. Some high-end kitchens have separate preparation areas for different food groups, with specific protocols for moving between zones.
Chefs are trained to recognise indirect contamination pathways too—like hands touching a refrigerator handle after handling raw chicken, or water splashing from raw produce onto ready-to-eat foods.
Pro Tip: Adopt a simplified version of this system at home with dedicated chopping boards for different food groups. Store raw meats on the lowest shelf of your refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. Consider using separate utensil holders for tools used with raw and cooked foods, and be mindful of how you move around your kitchen while preparing different ingredients.
4. The Clean-As-You-Go Philosophy
The ‘clean and clear as you go’ mantra is perhaps the most fundamental principle in professional kitchens. Chefs never allow messes to accumulate, wiping surfaces and washing tools immediately after use.
This practice isn’t merely about aesthetics—it’s a practical approach that prevents cross-contamination, reduces the risk of accidents, and makes the final clean-up far more manageable.
In professional settings, chefs identify natural pauses in cooking processes (while water boils or onions caramelise) as opportunities to clean work areas and tools. Many kitchens enforce a ‘one-minute rule’—if a task will take less than a minute to clean, do it immediately.
Pro Tip: Keep a sanitising spray bottle and clean cloths within arm’s reach while cooking. Establish the habit of cleaning each area before moving to the next task. Place a small bin for food scraps directly on your work surface to reduce drips and spills. Time your cooking to include cleaning windows—start loading the dishwasher while your dish simmers rather than waiting until after you’ve eaten.
5. Proper Surface Sanitisation Techniques
Professional kitchens distinguish between cleaning (removing visible soil), sanitising (reducing microorganisms to safe levels), and disinfecting (eliminating virtually all pathogens on surfaces). They understand that a surface might look clean but still harbour harmful bacteria.
Commercial kitchens follow a three-step process: cleaning with detergent to remove food particles and grease, rinsing to remove soap residue, and sanitising with a food-safe chemical solution that must remain on surfaces for a specific contact time to be effective.
They’re also meticulous about sanitising high-touch areas that might not seem directly food-related—refrigerator handles, light switches, and equipment controls can all transfer bacteria if neglected.
Pro Tip: Create a food-safe sanitising solution by mixing one tablespoon of unscented bleach with a gallon of water. Use this on all food preparation surfaces after cleaning with soap and water. Allow the solution to air dry for maximum effectiveness. Pay special attention to often-overlooked areas like refrigerator seals, can openers, phones, and small appliance buttons.
Professional chefs never compromise the ‘cold chain’ — the continuous system of refrigeration that keeps perishable foods safe from production to consumption.
In commercial settings, this involves rigorous receiving protocols where deliveries are temperature-checked before acceptance and immediately transferred to appropriate storage. Refrigerators and freezers are equipped with external thermometers and monitored throughout the day, with temperatures logged at regular intervals.
Staff are trained to recognise early signs of cold chain breakdown, such as condensation on packaging or slight texture changes, long before food reaches unsafe temperatures.
Pro Tip: When shopping, purchase refrigerated and frozen items last. Use insulated bags for transport and refrigerate perishables within 30 minutes of arriving home. Consider investing in refrigerator thermometers for each cold storage area in your home, and check them weekly. Organise both fridge and freezer to promote air circulation, and never overpack shelves, as this can prevent proper cooling.
7. Strategic Material Selection for Maximum Hygiene
As the team at Simply Cladding report, professional kitchens are designed with hygiene as a priority, using non-porous, easy-to-clean surfaces and hygienic materials like high quality wall cladding that prevent bacterial growth and can withstand rigorous cleaning.
These material choices extend beyond countertops to every aspect of the kitchen—from seamless epoxy flooring with integrated cove bases that eliminate floor-wall junctions where bacteria can hide, to specialised antimicrobial chopping boards that can withstand commercial dishwasher temperatures.
Even lighting fixtures are selected for cleanability, with enclosed designs that prevent dust accumulation. Commercial-grade stainless steel dominates professional kitchens not just for its durability but because its non-porous surface makes bacterial adhesion difficult.
Pro Tip: When renovating or upgrading your kitchen, prioritise non-porous countertops such as stainless steel, quartz, or solid surface materials. Avoid wooden cutting boards for raw meat preparation. Consider installing a backsplash that extends all the way to your upper cabinets to eliminate hard-to-clean gaps. Look for appliances with minimal seams and crevices, and choose cabinet hardware with simple designs that don’t trap food particles.
8. FIFO Inventory Management System
First In, First Out (FIFO) is a sacred inventory management system in professional kitchens that ensures older products are used before newer ones, reducing waste and preventing the use of expired ingredients.
In commercial settings, this system includes detailed protocols for receiving and storing deliveries, with strict labelling requirements that include not just dates but also handling instructions and allergen information. Storage areas are designed with FIFO in mind—shelving units that allow new stock to be loaded from the back, forcing older products to the front.
Staff are trained to check not just expiration dates but also the condition of packaging and the sensory qualities of ingredients before use.
Pro Tip: Organise your refrigerator and pantry so that older items are at the front. Label containers meticulously with the date when you store leftovers. Dedicate 15 minutes each week to a stock rotation session where you check dates on all perishables and reposition items accordingly. Consider using clear storage containers for leftovers so you can see what’s inside without opening, reducing the chance that food gets forgotten at the back of the fridge.
9. Rigorous Equipment Maintenance Standards
Professional chefs know that poorly maintained equipment isn’t just inefficient—it’s a health hazard. They disassemble and deep-clean appliances regularly, checking for wear that might harbour bacteria.
Commercial kitchens follow detailed maintenance schedules that include daily, weekly, and monthly tasks for each piece of equipment. These protocols often involve dismantling components that home cooks might not realise are removable—from refrigerator shelf supports to the interior components of slicers and food processors.
They also perform regular calibration checks on thermometers and cooking equipment to ensure accurate temperature control, and they monitor for early signs of deterioration like worn gaskets or rusty spots that could compromise food safety.
Pro Tip: Establish a monthly deep-cleaning schedule for appliances like your refrigerator, oven, and microwave. Pay special attention to seals, crevices, and other areas where moisture and food particles can accumulate. Consult your appliance manuals to identify parts that can be safely removed for cleaning, such as refrigerator shelves, oven door glass, and microwave turntables. Keep a maintenance logbook to track when appliances were last cleaned and when professional servicing might be needed.
10. Commitment To Continuous Education
Perhaps the most important commandment is the commitment to continuous learning. Food safety knowledge evolves, and professional kitchens stay current with the latest research and regulations.
In top restaurants, training isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process that includes regular staff meetings dedicated to food safety topics, certification renewal requirements, and immediate dissemination of new information about foodborne illness outbreaks or recalled products.
Many kitchens conduct periodic self-audits using industry checklists, and some even invite third-party inspectors for surprise evaluations to identify areas for improvement before official health inspections occur.
Pro Tip: Take an online food safety course designed for home cooks. Stay informed about food recalls and updated recommendations from health authorities. Follow food safety experts and organisations on social media for regular updates and tips. Consider subscribing to a food safety newsletter, and set a calendar reminder to review and update your kitchen hygiene practices quarterly.
Beyond The Commandments: Cultivating A Culture Of Care
What truly distinguishes professional kitchens isn’t just following rules—it’s nurturing an unwavering respect for the ingredients and the people who will consume them. This mindset transforms hygiene practices from burdensome tasks into expressions of culinary integrity.
By adopting these commandments, you’re not merely mimicking professional techniques; you’re embracing the philosophy that exceptional food begins with exceptional care.
Your kitchen might not serve hundreds of covers each night, but the principles that guide Michelin-starred establishments are equally valuable in your home.
After all, whether you’re preparing a simple family dinner or hosting an elaborate gathering, the foundation remains the same: clean hands, clean tools, clean surfaces, and a meticulous attention to detail that honours both the food and those who share it.
It’s amazing what you can do with a tin of fish. It’s also amazing what it can do to you; boasting heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and plenty of protein, tinned fish is certainly good for you. It’s also incredibly kind on your wallet, too.
Right now, we could all do with some quick, delicious, healthy and thrifty dinner options from stuff lurking in the backs of our store cupboard, so without further ado, here are the best tinned crab, tuna, sardine, salmon and anchovy recipes.
Crab Fried Rice
This recipe is best suited for using up leftover rice (its dryness works well) but you can of course use fresh rice that’s been allowed to cool. What’s more, you can use a selection of what’s kicking about in your fridge, diced fairly finely. We particularly like courgette, carrot, cabbage, peas, sliced onion and sweetcorn to provide the body, with sliced spring onions and chillies added at the end. A cracking way to use leftover veg on the way out, we think.
Prepare a seasoning mix of soy and oyster sauce, white pepper and a pinch of sugar (just a little, oyster sauce is already pretty sweet), and taste to check the balance is right. Once you’re happy with the taste, set it aside for later.
Next, it’s time to perfume some vegetable oil. Simply crush a skin-on clove or two of garlic under your palm, and add to a couple of tablespoons of cold oil in your wok. Bring up to a strong heat then remove the garlic before it browns.
Turn up the heat so the oil’s super hot and crack an egg or two into the wok. Allow it to set slightly then mix it around with a spatula so it resembles scrambled eggs. Next, add your cooked rice and any vegetables to the wok and stir fry gently (you don’t want the grains to break down, rather to each be coated individually with oil) until the rice is heated through thoroughly. This could take up to ten minutes. Next, add the tinned crab and mix through the rice until well distributed and warmed. Now, add the pre-prepared seasoning sauce.
This is perhaps the best tinned crab recipe, so take off the hob and add a handful of coriander and spring onions and eat with enthusiasm.
Thai Style Tuna Salad
Yes, you could make a simple salad nicoise with your tinned tuna, and we’d wolf it down happily.
But we think today, and most days actually, calls for something invigorating and perky on the palate. Time to create this zingy tuna sala, Thai style, then.
First, make the dressing. To a cold pan add equal quantities of freshly squeezed lime juice and fish sauce. Next, a quarter of the liquid mix of palm sugar (if you don’t have this ingredient replace it with caster or brown sugar). Then, add some thinly sliced garlic and some sliced Thai chillies; the amount depends on your heat tolerance. To really make this recipe sing, slice a thumb of ginger into matchsticks and add to the plan too. Finally, throw in a splash of water and gently heat until the mixture is warm (but don’t boil). Take off the hob and allow to cool while you prepare the salad.
For the salad you’ll need a can of tuna, some slices of white onion or half, finely sliced spring onions and finely sliced lemongrass, and some cherry tomatoes cut in half. Feel free to add any other crunchy vegetables which work well raw to mix, such a carrots or cucumber.
After that it’s simply an assembly job; add the dressing to a bowl of all the ingredients in the previous paragraph and give it a good mix. Finish with picked coriander and mint.
Sardine Bolognese
A staple here at IDEAL Magazine, this sardine spaghetti is as good as any beefed up version.
Start with a soffrito; a mix of diced vegetables – the ‘holy trinity’ of white onion, carrot and celery is standard. Gently fry off your sofrito mix in a confident glug of olive oil until softened but not coloured. Grate a little garlic into the frying pan. After the sofrito mix has sweated sufficiently add a small spoonful of flour. Stir to coat the mix and cook off for a couple of minutes.
Next, add tinned sardines in tomato sauce to the sofrito, along with a touch of extra passata and a dash of chicken stock. Season with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, salt and a pinch of sugar, and simmer until it reaches a ragu like consistency (this should only take around 10 minutes) with the subtle sheen of fat that the best ones boast.
Put your spaghetti in to boil for 7 minutes, and turn off your ragu, allowing it to cool in the pan. When the pasta is done, pull it out of the boiling water with tongs and into the ragu pan; bringing a little of the pasta water into the ragu is welcome. Mix thoroughly and add a knob of butter for a little richness if you wish. top with parmesan and some parsley
Salmon Fish Cakes
Tinned fish works wonderfully well for fishcakes, and this recipe couldn’t be simpler. What’s more, fish cakes are a great vehicle for using up leftover ingredients like potatoes and herbs on their way out.
You can use whatever tinned fish you like, but we like to use salmon here, its oiliness working well to bind the fishcakes together. In fact, many believe the canned stuff works better than fresh in this instance.
If you’re using yesterdays leftover roast potatoes, skip this step. Otherwise, bring some starchy, mashing spuds (like King Edwards, Maris Piper or Desiree) to the boil, starting from cold, salted water. Once they’re mashing consistency – test with the tip of a knife) then drain in a colander and allow them to steam dry a while.
Pass the cool potatoes through a ricer, masher or mooli, and mix a knob with softened butter, the tinned salmon, some sliced spring onions, some salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. Shape the mix into discs with floured hands, then fry in a mix of oil and foaming butter for around 4 minutes on either side, taking good care not to burn the fishcakes, but certainly taking them far enough to be crisp.
Enjoy with siracha sauce and a simple side salad.
Anchovy Omelette
As simple as it gets, this, and also as delicious as it gets, in our humble opinion.
Whisk a couple of eggs with a fork until homogenised, and season with plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, a grating of gruyere, parmesan or gouda, and some chopped herbs of your choice; parsley or coriander work particularly well. Forget the salt; the cheese and anchovies soon to come will be sufficient seasoning in that department.
Then, get some butter foaming in a non stick pan and add your omelette mix, moving the mixture around in the hot pan with a fork until it sets. If you, like us, enjoy your omelette runny, then simply add some slivers of tinned, drained anchovies to the middle of the setting mix, fold over, and serve. If you don’t like your omelette runny, then sorry, there’s nothing to see here.
You’ll need a quick and easy dessert next; how about this cheat’s tiramisu? We can’t wait to be invited to your next dinner party!
Gone are the days when purchasing technology meant simply comparing specs and prices. Today’s conscientious consumers face a more nuanced decision: how to satisfy our technological needs whilst minimising environmental harm.
The stark reality is that our devices—from the humble smartphone to the mightiest gaming rig—extract a heavy toll on our planet throughout their manufacture, use and eventual disposal.
Yet there’s slightly heartening news for the environmentally-minded tech enthusiast. With thoughtful choices, you can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of your digital life, all without sacrificing the conveniences and pleasures that modern technology affords.
Research The Manufacturer’s Environmental Commitments
The ecological ethos of a tech company speaks volumes about the true impact of its products. Dig beyond the glossy marketing to examine sustainability reports, carbon-neutral pledges and concrete actions.
Has the manufacturer invested in renewable energy for its factories? Do they source materials ethically? What steps have they taken to eliminate harmful substances from their production lines?
Companies such as Fairphone and Framework have built their entire business models around sustainability, whilst tech giants like Microsoft and Apple have made ambitious—if not yet fully realised—commitments to carbon negativity and closed-loop supply chains.
Your purchase represents not just an acquisition, but a vote for the corporate values you wish to see flourish.
Consider Energy Efficiency Ratings
The environmental cost of your gadgets continues long after purchase, with each kilowatt-hour adding to their lifetime carbon footprint. Fortunately, standardised efficiency ratings offer a straightforward way to compare the energy appetite of prospective purchases.
The European Union’s revised energy label provides a clear A to G rating system, replacing the confusing A+++ system of yesteryear. For computing equipment, certifications like EPEAT and TCO offer comprehensive environmental assessments beyond mere power consumption.
Counterintuitively, the most powerful device isn’t always the least efficient—a high-performance laptop that completes tasks quickly before dropping to sleep mode might use less energy overall than a slower machine labouring for longer periods.
Opt For Upgradeable Devices
The throwaway culture that dominates contemporary tech runs contrary to genuine sustainability. Instead, seek out devices designed with modularity and future expansion in mind.
A well-designed desktop PC might serve faithfully for a decade or more with periodic component refreshes, compared to the three-year obsolescence cycle of many integrated designs. Companies like Framework offer laptops with user-replaceable ports, storage, memory and even processors.
When shopping for smartphones, consider models that maintain software support for extended periods—Google’s Pixel line and Apple’s iPhones typically receive updates for five to seven years, dramatically outlasting many Android alternatives with briefer support windows, though there are rumours this could soon change.
Choose Repairable Products
The difference between a minor repair and a complete replacement often hinges on whether a device was designed with serviceability in mind. Glued-together assemblies, proprietary screws and soldered components are the enemies of repairability.
Websites like iFixit provide detailed repairability scores for popular devices, highlighting which manufacturers prioritise longevity over sleek but disposable designs.
The right-to-repair movement has gained significant traction in recent years, pressuring companies to provide repair manuals, spare parts and diagnostic tools to consumers and independent repair shops.
Supporting repairable tech sends a powerful message that planned obsolescence has no place in an environmentally conscious marketplace.
Embrace Refurbished Technology
Why contribute to the resource-intensive manufacturing of new electronics when perfectly serviceable pre-owned options abound? The environmental calculus is compelling: choosing an iPhone 14 refurbished, Samsung Galaxy S22, or Google Pixel 7 instead of its factory-fresh counterpart prevents the extraction of precious minerals, saves energy, and diverts perfectly functional technology from potential waste streams.
The best refurbished devices undergo meticulous inspection, component replacement where necessary, and thorough testing before reaching your hands. Many come with warranties rivalling those of new products, offering peace of mind alongside environmental benefits.
Companies like Back Market and Apple’s Certified Refurbished programme have elevated the second-hand experience, delivering devices that often prove indistinguishable from new in everything but price and environmental impact.
Reduce Packaging Waste
The unboxing experience, once a minor footnote in technology purchases, has transformed into an elaborate ritual—often at considerable environmental expense. Mountains of plastic, foam, and composite materials typically enjoy a useful life measured in minutes before facing centuries of persistence in landfills or oceans.
Thankfully, this wasteful paradigm faces increasing challenge. Apple has dramatically reduced packaging volume across its product lines, whilst eliminating plastic wraps entirely from many items. Dell experiments with packaging made from bamboo and mushroom-based materials that compost readily after use.
When considering your next purchase, investigate the manufacturer’s packaging philosophy—those committed to minimalism and biodegradable materials deserve preference over lavish, waste-generating unboxing experiences.
The environmental story of technology extends far beyond its active use. From bauxite mines providing aluminium for sleek casings to rare earth extraction for vibrant displays, from energy-intensive manufacturing to the challenges of eventual recycling—each stage contributes to a product’s total ecological footprint.
Leading manufacturers have begun publishing comprehensive life cycle assessments, documenting environmental impacts from cradle to grave. These assessments, whilst sometimes challenging to interpret, offer unprecedented transparency for the ecologically minded consumer.
They reveal surprising truths: sometimes a device with higher manufacturing impacts might prove greener overall if its efficiency and longevity compensate during its useful life.
Prioritise Multi-Functional Devices
The most sustainable device is the one you don’t need to buy. Before adding yet another gadget to your collection, consider whether existing technology might serve the same purpose. The smartphone in your pocket likely already functions as a capable camera, navigation system, e-reader, music player, torch, and gaming device—rendering dedicated versions of each potentially redundant.
When upgrades become necessary, consider versatile workhorses rather than single-purpose devices. For those requiring professional-grade capabilities, premium models like a reconditioned iPhone 14 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 12, or Samsung Galaxy S23 often deliver exceptional performance across multiple domains without requiring separate devices for each task.
A high-quality tablet with a keyboard case might eliminate the need for both a laptop and e-reader, whilst a capable desktop with adequate graphics can serve for both productivity and entertainment.
By consolidating functions, you’ll not only reduce resources consumed in manufacturing but also simplify your digital life.
Plan For Proper End-of-Life Disposal
Even the most durable technology eventually reaches its twilight. When that moment arrives, responsible disposal becomes crucial to preventing harmful materials from contaminating soil and water tables.
Electronic waste contains a troubling cocktail of lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants alongside valuable gold, silver, and rare earth elements worth recovering.
Seek out manufacturers with formal take-back programmes—Dell, HP, and Apple all operate schemes to recycle their products, sometimes offering credit toward future purchases. For other devices, research local electronic waste recycling facilities certified to proper environmental standards.
Our collective purchasing decisions shape the technology landscape more profoundly than most realise. Each environmentally conscious choice sends ripples through supply chains, product development priorities, and corporate sustainability initiatives.
The growth in repairable phones, plastic-free packaging, and energy-efficient devices over recent years stands as testament to the market’s responsiveness to consumer demand for greener alternatives.
The technology we choose reflects not just our personal preferences, but our values and vision for the future. By applying these nine principles to your tech purchases throughout 2025 and beyond, you’ll contribute to a more sustainable digital ecosystem whilst likely enjoying more durable, repairable, and ultimately satisfying devices.
The greenest technology isn’t necessarily the newest or most expensive—it’s the mindfully chosen tool that serves your needs whilst treading lightly upon our shared planet.
You know how the old saying goes: ‘open plan, open heart’. Nope? Us neither. But, the little made up mantra does have a certain ring to it. After all, open plan living spaces are becoming ever more popular, for the sociable, warm and, erm, open atmosphere that they encourage.
Indeed, according to NAEA Propertymark, opening up living space and kitchen makeovers are among the top home improvements that will add value to a property.
What’s more, the 2024 UK Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, which surveyed nearly 500 homeowners who had recently renovated or were planning to, found that 45% were making their kitchens more open to nearby rooms, with a third opting for a completely open-plan design with no wall separations at all. Three in five were increasing the overall size of their kitchen, up six percentage points year on year.
Meanwhile, Mintel’s 2025 UK Kitchens Market Report found that consumers are increasingly reimagining their kitchens as multifunctional hubs for cooking, dining and socialising, with demand for open-plan layouts helping to drive a forecast 3.5% growth in the kitchen furniture market.
Well, we’re jumping on the bandwagon as it plots an uninterrupted course through our home; here are the pros and cons of open plan kitchen living.
The Pros
Let There Be Light
In a home, open-plan living is one way to bind a kitchen, typically at the back of the house, with other rooms and the garden to create one large multi-functional and light-filled space. It’s no surprise that many new build homes have open-plan layouts, as the nature of the design traditionally allows for light to travel all the way through the ground floor of a property, with no pesky walls getting in the way and blocking its natural flow; great for mood and saving on electricity costs, too!
If you’re keen to break up the space a little in terms of privacy but still allow that light to flow, then internal glazed doors do a neat job of keeping that feel of open plan living whilst providing sound-proofing and a sense of zoning. Perfect!
A Multi-Functional Affair
Another big tick in the open plan box is the multi functional nature of such a space, particularly when considering an expansive, sociable kitchen set-up.
Of course, it’s a kitchen first and foremost, primed for precision slicing and dicing, cooking up a storm and cleaning down afterwards, all with maximum levels of efficiency.
But, it can be so much more than that; a place where friends or family can convene and converse (and keep you company while cooking); it’s also somewhere to actually eat – dining rooms are so last century – as well as serving as a living room, where the kids can play and the family can watch T.V together. Lovely stuff!
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition
Bi-folding doors are a game-changer in open-plan designs, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. When fully opened, these doors break down the barriers between your home and garden, extending your living area and truly bringing the outdoors in.
As we’ve already said, having an open-plan home provides homeowners with a social space – an area that can be used for more than just preparing and cooking daily meals. Indeed, it seems that knocking down walls to combine kitchen and dining spaces also knocks down barriers between people.
This open plan space quickly becomes the focal point in the home, creating a fluid space that binds rooms together, and is the key area of the house that people are drawn to. If you are a host (or an entertainer) an open-plan kitchen is the dream – providing a space that you can use to socialise with guests whilst cooking as opposed to feeling isolated when cooking in one room whilst trying to juggle hosting skills and whipping up dishes simultaneously.
Compartmentalise
An open space, as well as looking bigger, provides opportunities for you to identify different zones, delegating space, whilst remaining open. From zone lighting to kitchen islands, breakfast bars and dining booths, just because you design an open-space area, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t identify sections of the room to maintain a structure.
Bi-folding doors helps to enhance the natural light even more, for instance, while at the same time bringing the nature of the garden into the room.
Such an arrangement is ideal for larger families, allowing parents to keep an eye on children playing whilst they stay busy in the kitchen. Open-plan takes away the need for parents to be in ‘two places at once’, as it were. A good kitchen company can be invaluable here, helping you zone the space with islands, breakfast bars and lighting plans that keep things structured without sacrificing that open feel.
The Cons
TheNoise & Smell Travel
One downside to an open-plan layout is that there are no barriers to contain noise and smells. The clatter of pots and pans, the whir of kitchen appliances, and the aroma of cooking can easily spread to relaxation and work areas, potentially causing distractions or discomfort.
Heating Challenges
Heating a large, open space can be less efficient than warming separate, smaller rooms. Without walls to retain heat, you may find that your energy bills increase as you try to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the expansive area.
Lack Of Privacy
Open-plan living can sometimes feel too open, especially when you crave a quiet corner to read or work. The absence of walls means there’s little room for solitude, and it can be challenging to find a private nook away from the hustle and bustle of the household’s main activities.
Mess & Clutter Are More Visible
In a traditional home layout, you can close a door on an untidy room, but in an open-plan space, there’s nowhere to hide the mess. This means you may feel compelled to constantly tidy up, as any clutter is immediately on show to anyone in the space.
Design Limitations
While open-plan offers flexibility, it also imposes some design limitations. Structural elements like support beams may dictate how you can use the space, and you might find it challenging to change the aesthetic or function of a room without affecting the entire area.
The Bottom Line
Open-plan living offers a modern, sociable, and light-filled way of life that can bring numerous benefits to homeowners. The inclusion of features like bi-folding doors can enhance these benefits further by creating a more versatile and connected living environment. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as noise, heating inefficiencies, lack of privacy, visible mess, and design constraints.
Ultimately, whether open-plan living is right for you will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and willingness to embrace the concept’s unique challenges and rewards. Balancing the pros and cons will help you create a space that is not only stylish and functional but also truly feels like home.
The United Kingdom, with its verdant landscapes, ancient woodlands, and dramatic coastlines, offers some of the most spectacular walking opportunities for both two-legged and four-legged adventurers alike. From the windswept trails of the Lake District to the gentle rolling hills of the South Downs, the UK is a dog walker’s paradise.
For those looking to explore Britain’s natural beauty with their canine companions, here are some of the best dog-friendly hikes in the country.
Derwentwater Circuit, Lake District
Route: Keswick to Derwentwater circular
Distance: Approximately 10 miles (16 km)
Duration: 4-5 hours
England’s largest National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Lake District offers countless dog-friendly trails.
The Derwentwater Circuit stands out as one of the most picturesque and accessible. Starting in the market town of Keswick, this relatively flat trail loops around the entirety of Derwentwater, one of the Lake District’s most stunning bodies of water. The path meanders through ancient woodlands, opens out to panoramic lake views, and passes through several charming lakeside hamlets.
What makes this walk particularly dog-friendly is the abundance of access points to the lake, allowing your furry friend plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip. There are also numerous dog-friendly pubs and cafés along the route, including the Lodore Falls Hotel and The Lingholm Kitchen, where both you and your dog can recharge.
IDEAL for: Families and Dogs of All Fitness Levels. The Derwentwater Circuit is perfect for those seeking a day-long adventure with minimal challenging terrain. The relatively flat path and multiple rest spots make it suitable for dogs of varying ages and fitness levels, as well as families with children.
The Seven Sisters, South Downs
Route: Seaford to Eastbourne
Distance: Approximately 13.8 miles (22 km)
Duration: 6-7 hours
The iconic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters provide one of Britain’s most dramatic coastal walks. Starting in the seaside town of Seaford and finishing in Eastbourne, this undulating path takes you along the cliff tops, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel.
Dogs will love the open spaces and varied terrain, from the pebble beaches at Cuckmere Haven to the grassy cliff tops. While parts of the route can be challenging with steep ascents and descents, the spectacular scenery makes every step worthwhile.
It’s important to keep dogs on leads near the cliff edges, as the chalk can be unstable. However, there are plenty of safe areas where they can run freely, particularly at Cuckmere Haven beach (check tide times before visiting).
IDEAL for: Energetic Dogs and Photography Enthusiasts. This route is best suited for fit, active dogs who enjoy varied terrain and challenging walks. The dramatic landscapes also provide endless photo opportunities for those who like to capture memories of their adventures.
Hadrian’s Wall Path, Northumberland
Route: Housesteads Roman Fort to Sycamore Gap and back
Distance: Approximately 3 miles (4.8 km)
Duration: 2-3 hours
For a walk steeped in history, the Hadrian’s Wall Path in Northumberland is hard to beat. This shorter section from Housesteads Roman Fort to the famous Sycamore Gap (featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and now the focus of a thoroughly depressing court case) offers a perfect taste of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The undulating path follows the well-preserved sections of the ancient Roman wall and takes you through rugged Northumbrian landscape. Dogs will enjoy the mixture of terrain and the open spaces, while history buffs can marvel at the remarkable preservation of this 2,000-year-old structure.
Dogs should be kept on leads in this area due to grazing livestock and the archaeological significance of the site. There are water bowls available at the Housesteads Visitor Centre, where you can also learn more about the history of the wall. All in all, it’s a wonderfully dog-friendly walk.
IDEAL for: History Lovers and Cultural Explorers. This walk combines physical activity with cultural immersion, perfect for those who want to exercise both body and mind. It’s suitable for most dogs, though some of the stone steps can be challenging for smaller breeds.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
Route: Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip
Duration: 2-3 hours
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail stretches for 186 miles around the Welsh coastline, but the section from Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay offers one of the most rewarding shorter walks. This route takes you to what has been voted one of Britain’s most beautiful beaches, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
Starting at the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay, the path climbs up along the cliff tops, offering spectacular views across Carmarthen Bay. After about a mile, you’ll descend a set of steps to reach the pristine Barafundle Bay, where dogs can enjoy a run on the sand (no seasonal restrictions) and a splash in the sea.
Barafundle Bay is one of the few pristine beaches in the UK with no seasonal dog restrictions, meaning your four-legged friend can enjoy this award-winning beach year-round. The National Trust rangers often provide free biodegradable dog waste bags at the Stackpole Quay car park, and can advise on local wildlife to be aware of during your walk.
The return journey can take you through the wooded Stackpole Estate, offering shade on warmer days and a different perspective of this beautiful corner of Wales.
IDEAL for: Beach-Loving Dogs and Swimmers. This trail is perfect for dogs who love water and sand, offering a rewarding beach destination. The moderate distance makes it accessible for most fitness levels, though there are some steep sections.
Often described as Scotland’s most beautiful glen, Glen Affric offers a true Highland wilderness experience.
Starting at Dog Falls (aptly named for our four-legged friends), this circular route takes you through ancient Caledonian pine forest and open moorland to the shores of Loch Affric.
The trail follows well-marked paths through this National Nature Reserve, home to an incredible variety of wildlife including red deer, pine martens, and golden eagles. The mosaic of habitats – from dense forest to open heather moorland – provides an exciting sensory experience for dogs, though they should be kept under close control during ground-nesting bird season (April to July) and when livestock is present.
The route includes several river crossings with bridges, and the shores of Loch Affric provide a perfect picnic spot with mountain views reflecting in the still waters.
IDEAL for: Wilderness Enthusiasts and Hardy Hikers. This remote Highland trail is best suited for experienced walkers and dogs with good stamina. The incredible biodiversity and pristine environment make it a true wilderness experience despite the well-maintained paths.
Cheddar Gorge Cliff Top Walk, Somerset
Route: Circular route from Cheddar village
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km)
Duration: 2-3 hours
The dramatic limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge in Somerset offer one of England’s most spectacular landscapes and a challenging but rewarding walk for both humans and dogs. This circular route takes you up to the cliff tops, providing stunning views down into Britain’s largest gorge.
Starting in the village of Cheddar, the path ascends steeply up Jacob’s Ladder (a series of 274 steps), before opening out onto the windswept cliff tops. The panoramic views across the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury Tor are well worth the climb. The path then follows the rim of the gorge, crosses over, and returns along the opposite cliff edge.
Dogs need to be kept on leads near the cliff edges and when passing through areas with grazing livestock. The rocky terrain can be challenging for some dogs, so consider their abilities before attempting this route.
IDEAL for: Adventure-Seeking Dogs and Geology Enthusiasts. This walk combines physical challenge with geological wonder, suitable for fit dogs who are comfortable with steep climbs and rocky terrain. The fascinating limestone formations and caves below make it educational as well as exhilarating.
The Bottom Line
The UK’s diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploring with your four-legged companion. From coastal paths to mountain trails, historical routes to wilderness experiences, there’s a perfect walk waiting for every dog and owner.
Remember to always come prepared with water for your dog, waste bags, and appropriate leads. Consider your dog’s fitness level and abilities when choosing a route, and always respect wildlife, livestock, and other walkers.
Walking holidays with dogs provide not just exercise, but also valuable bonding time and the chance to experience Britain’s natural beauty through fresh eyes – and noses! So lace up your boots, clip on the lead, and discover the joy of the UK’s best dog-friendly hikes, where every trail offers new scents, sounds, and adventures for your canine explorer.
Let’s face it – getting a good night’s sleep these days can feel like mission impossible. Between your phone buzzing with notifications, your mind racing with tomorrow’s to-do list, and that weird noise your neighbour keeps making, it’s no wonder you’re staring at the ceiling at 2 AM.
Are you sick of tossing and turning all night? You’ve probably already tried the usual advice – cutting out coffee after lunch, banishing your phone from the bedroom, and keeping a strict bedtime schedule. But what if none of that stuff is working for you?
Good news! March is National Bed Month (yes, that’s actually a thing!), and it’s the perfect excuse to try some fresh tricks for better shuteye. Martin Seeley, the sleep guru and CEO at MattressNextDay, has rounded up some truly unexpected sleep hacks that might just be your ticket to dreamland.
Forget everything you thought you knew about falling asleep. These seven weird-but-effective techniques go way beyond counting sheep. Let’s dive into some sleep tricks that sound bonkers but actually work!
Take A Bedtime Selfie (Seriously!)
Ideal for a supportive night’s sleep…
Ever thought your Instagram habit could actually help you sleep better? Grab your phone for one last selfie before bed – but this one’s for your spine, not your followers.
“Here’s an interesting trick – take a selfie while lying on your side” says Seeley. “If you draw imaginary lines down your face and torso, they should line up. If they don’t, your pillow might not be the right size for you, which is likely to be impacting your sleep quality. Even a small misalignment can increase tension in your neck and lead to discomfort.”
Yep, your pillow is might be all wrong for you, and that’s messing with your sleep. Think about it – you spend roughly a third of your life with your head on a pillow. If it’s not supporting you right, that’s thousands of hours of your neck being cranky!
“If your head tilts upwards, your pillow is too big, causing unnatural neck bending. If your head tilts downwards, it’s too small and isn’t providing enough support. Seeley explains. The goal is to keep your spine in a perfectly neutral, aligned position throughout the night.”
For side sleepers, you need a pillow that perfectly fills that gap between your ear and shoulder. Back sleepers usually need something thinner, and stomach sleepers might be better off with barely any pillow at all under their head (though tucking one under your hips might save your lower back from complaining in the morning).
So go ahead – take that bedtime selfie. Your neck will thank you, and you might just wake up without feeling like you’ve been in a wrestling match with your pillow all night.
Forget warm milk – it’s time to pucker up with some sour cherry juice instead!
“Drinking a cup of sour cherry juice before bed is like a secret weapon for sleep,” Seeley explains. “This is because sour cherries are one of the few food sources that contain melatonin – the hormone that plays a key role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle.”
Think of melatonin as your body’s built-in ‘lights out’ signal. While you could pop a supplement, getting it from a natural source like cherry juice comes with extra perks.
One study found that just a small shot of cherry juice (about 30ml) 30 minutes before dinner for a week helped people sleep longer and better. That’s barely more than a shot glass of juice! They increased their sleep time and sleep efficiency (the percentage of time in bed where a person is sleeping).
And if you’re really struggling with sleep? Another study had insomniacs drink about a cup of cherry juice in the morning and another cup before bed. After two weeks, they were sleeping an extra 84 minutes each night!
Try to find the unsweetened kind – all that added sugar in some brands might counteract the sleepy benefits. If it’s too tart for your taste buds, mix it with a little bit of another juice you enjoy. Just make it part of your regular routine rather than a once-in-a-while thing to get the full benefits.
Try The Cognitive Shuffle Technique
Ideal for switching your brain off…
Ever notice how your brain loves to throw a mental party just as you’re trying to drift off? “Hey, remember that embarrassing thing you did 12 years ago? Let’s think about that now!” Your brain can be such a pain sometimes.
Here’s a cool trick to shut down that late-night thought carnival:
“If you’re lying in bed and struggling to sleep, try thinking of random items in your head that are easy to visualise, non-threatening, and unrelated to one another.” Seeley suggests. Picture a potato, then Tarzan swinging through trees, then a violin, then a forest. If you get stuck, just work through the alphabet – apple, banana, cat, doorknob…
This oddball technique has a fancy name – the Cognitive Shuffle – and was cooked up by a brain scientist named Dr. Luc Beaudoin. It works because your brain gets so confused trying to connect these random thoughts that it eventually gives up and drifts off to sleep.
“Your brain basically gets so perplexed by these random images that it crashes like an overloaded computer and reboots into sleep mode”, Seeley explains.
The key is keeping the images simple and concrete. Thinking about a chair or a sunflower works better than abstract concepts like ‘justice’ or ‘beauty’. Also, keep it positive – nobody falls asleep easily while visualising spiders or dentist appointments!
Most people conk out within 5-15 minutes of playing this mental game of random association. The best part? You probably won’t even remember falling asleep – one minute you’re thinking about flamingos, the next thing you know, your alarm is going off.
Wait, aren’t you supposed to keep cool for better sleep? Here’s the plot twist – warming up your feet might actually help cool down your core and send you to dreamland faster.
“Wearing socks to bed, especially ones made of natural fibers like Merino wool, can help regulate your body temperature,” Seeley explains. “This can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.”
The science behind this is pretty wild. A study in Nature found that warming your feet before bed helps you fall asleep faster. It sounds backwards, but here’s the deal: warming your feet makes your blood vessels open up, which actually helps lower your core body temperature – and that dropping temperature is what tells your brain it’s bedtime.
Think of it like opening the windows in a hot house – the heat escapes through your extremities when those blood vessels dilate.
Merino wool socks are the MVP here because they’re not like those sweaty synthetic socks that make your feet feel like they’re wrapped in plastic. Wool breathes and can soak up moisture while still feeling dry against your skin, so you get the warmth without the swamp feet.
Not a sock-in-bed person? No problem! Try a quick warm foot bath before bed or a hot water bottle at the foot of your bed for similar benefits. This trick is especially awesome for people whose feet feel like ice cubes most of the time – you know who you are!
Go Lie On The Floor (No, Really)
Ideal for frustrated insomniacs who’ve turned their bed into a stress zone…
This one sounds a bit nuts, but when you’ve been staring at the ceiling for what feels like forever, sometimes you need to shake things up dramatically.
“When your bed starts feeling like a stress zone, get up and go lie on the floor in a completely different room – preferably somewhere cooler,” suggests Seeley. “Grab a yoga mat or something soft, and just chill there for about 10-15 minutes.”
It’s like the sleep equivalent of turning your computer off and on again when it freezes.
“This works because it completely breaks the frustration cycle you’re stuck in,” Seeley explains. “The new environment, different surface, cooler temperature – it’s like hitting the reset button on your brain’s sleep circuits. It’s giving your mind a totally new stimulus to process instead of the ‘why can’t I sleep?!’ thoughts.”
The cool thing is, this hack works on multiple levels. The firmer surface can sometimes ease back tension, the cooler air helps lower your body temp, and the simple act of doing something different interrupts that spiral of sleep anxiety.
This technique borrows from a legit insomnia treatment where therapists tell people to get out of bed if they can’t sleep within 20 minutes. The idea is to stop your brain from associating your bed with the frustration of not sleeping.
After your floor time, head back to bed. Most people find they’re suddenly drowsy and ready to drift off. If not, you can always hit the floor again – just don’t spend the whole night down there, or you’ll wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck!
Flip Your Sleeping Position
Ideal for tricking your body into a new relaxation state…
When sleep’s playing hard to get, sometimes all you need is a change of perspective – literally!
In a similar vein to the above point, if you’ve been lying there forever and can’t doze off, try something totally different by switiching up your sleep position. “Try sleeping with your head at the foot of the bed or experiment with an inclined position. This isn’t just about being different – it can have real physiological benefits.” Seely advisies.
Sure this sounds like something you’d do at a weird slumber party, but it might just be your ticket to Sleepytown.
Changing how you’re oriented in bed can improve your circulation, might reduce snoring, and can even help with acid reflux. Our bodies get into ruts, and sometimes a small change can bring surprising relief. It’s like tricking your body into forgetting its usual sleep hang-ups.”
For folks dealing with acid reflux or sleep apnea, switching positions can be a real game-changer. Elevating your head a bit might help you breathe easier and keep stomach acid where it belongs.
This trick also works on a psychological level – giving your brain a new physical puzzle (“hey, this is different!”) can distract it from whatever worries were keeping you awake.
For couples, occasional position-swapping can also help when one person’s tossing and turning is keeping the other awake, or when one of you runs hot and the other cold. Just maybe give your partner a heads-up before they wake up to find your feet where your head usually is!
Try To Stay Awake (No, That’s Not A Typo)
Ideal for reducing sleep performance anxiety…
Here’s the most backwards-sounding advice ever: if you can’t sleep, try really hard NOT to fall asleep. It’s so crazy it actually works!
“Try not to fall asleep,” Seeley suggests with a straight face. We know it sounds completely bonkers, but deliberately trying to stay awake can actually help you conk out faster. It’s a mind trick that takes the pressure off, and that pressure is often what’s keeping you wide-eyed in the first place.
Indeed, sleep performance anxiety is totally a thing. The harder you try to force yourself to sleep, the more elusive it becomes – like trying to remember the name of that actor while someone’s snapping their fingers saying “Come on, you know this!”
“A fascinating study from the University of Pennsylvania found that participants who practiced paradoxical intention experienced significantly reduced sleep anxiety”, explains Seeley. When you flip from ‘I MUST sleep right now!’ to ‘I’m going to try to stay awake,’ you take all that performance pressure off, and sleep can sneak up on you naturally. “It’s like telling your brain to stop trying so hard.” says Seeley.
To try this yourself, get comfy in bed with the lights dimmed, and just tell yourself you’re going to stay awake but remain relaxed. Don’t cheat by scrolling TikTok or doing jumping jacks – just lie there, letting yourself rest while gently “resisting” sleep.
The trick is to be casual about it. Don’t actively fight sleep like you’re in a horror movie – just don’t chase after it either. Most people find that within 15-20 minutes of this reverse psychology, their eyelids get heavy all on their own.
This works especially well for those nights when your main sleep problem is stressing about not sleeping. It’s like trying not to think about pink elephants – the more you try not to, the more they parade through your mind. Sleep works the same way in reverse!
The Bottom Line
So there you have it – seven sleep hacks that sound totally weird but might just be your ticket to Dreamland. From bedtime selfies to cherry juice shots to literally lying on the floor, sometimes the path to better sleep means trying something completely out of the box.
Everyone’s sleep chemistry is different – what works like magic for your friend might do absolutely nothing for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix things up until you find your personal sleep cocktail.
If you’ve been battling serious sleep issues for weeks or months, it might be worth chatting with a doctor too. Sometimes there’s more going on, and a pro can help sort it out.
Here’s to celebrating National Bed Month with some quality Zzzeds! Sweet dreams!
Budgeting is crucial for financial stability. However, almost every piece of budgeting advice starts off by telling you to assess your monthly income, which is easy for those with steady paychecks but a little trickier for those with irregular incomes.
So, how do you budget when your income fluctuates from month to month? Today, we’re taking a look at various strategies and techniques to help you budget when you have an irregular income so you can manage your finances effectively.
Assess Your Financial Situation
Assessing your income and expenditure is the pillar of effective budgeting, regardless of whether you have a steady or irregular income. By keeping track of money coming in and out, you can identify patterns, predict cash flow, and make informed decisions. However, before you create a budget, you must have a clear understanding of your debts, including the total amount owed.
List all your debts with their interest rates and minimum monthly payments. This will help you develop a repayment strategy that prioritises high-interest debts whilst ensuring you meet all minimum payments. Next, track your spending for at least one month to understand where your money goes. Categorise expenses into essentials (housing, utilities, food) and non-essentials (entertainment, dining out).
Additionally, analyse your income history for the past 12 months to identify patterns. Many freelancers and self-employed folk experience seasonal fluctuations, with certain months consistently bringing higher or lower income. Recognising these patterns allows you to plan ahead for leaner periods and make the most of more profitable times.
Create A Monthly Average Budget
The most effective way to budget when you have an irregular income is with a monthly average budget. This involves calculating an average monthly income based on your earnings over a certain period. By doing this, you can create a more realistic budget that accommodates the fluctuating nature of your earnings, setting achievable financial goals for the future in the process.
To calculate your monthly average income, start by adding your total earnings over the last few months and divide the total by the number of months.
Finally, make sure to differentiate between fixed and variable expenses to ensure your budget is as accurate as possible. Alternatively, budgeting for your lowest monthly income will guarantee your major outgoings are always covered.
Prioritise Your Spending
With an irregular income, prioritising your spending is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Put simply, this means separating essential and non-essential expenses. Essential expenses include items like your rent or mortgage, utilities, and groceries, while non-essential expenses might include entertainment, dining out, and subscriptions.
Prioritising your spending can ensure your basic needs are met, even during periods of lower income. Allocating a portion of your budget towards irregular expenses, such as unexpected bills or annual fees, can also prevent you from being caught out.
Leverage A Budgeting App
Technology can be your greatest ally when managing irregular income. A quality budgeting app can streamline financial tracking and provide valuable insights into your spending habits. Look for one that specifically caters to variable income, allowing you to input different income projections each month whilst maintaining your core budget structure.
Many budgeting apps offer features like automatic expense categorisation, bill payment reminders, and customisable savings goals. Some even provide visualisations of your income fluctuations over time, helping you spot patterns you might otherwise miss. With real-time updates accessible from your mobile, you’ll always know exactly where you stand financially, regardless of how your income varies. The investment in a good budgeting app can pay dividends in reduced financial stress and improved money management.
Build An Emergency Fund
Building an emergency fund is solid financial advice for anyone, but especially those with an irregular income. This can serve as a financial safety net to cover you in the event of an unexpected expense or just to support you during periods of lower income.
Not being able to predict your income can be daunting but having an emergency fund in place can provide peace of mind during uncertain times.
Make regular contributions and aim to save between three and six months’ worth of living expenses. If you struggle to save, consider automating your savings so you can set money aside with minimal effort.
Create A Budgeting Buffer
When it comes to budgeting, a buffer can help you smooth out any fluctuations in your income and expenses by providing a cushion for unexpected expenses or months where your income is lower than usual. Determine an ideal buffer amount based on your financial situation and comfort level.
This can be a fixed amount or a percentage of your monthly average income. By creating a budgeting buffer, you can plan for the reality of having an irregular income and avoid having to borrow money which can lead you down the path of a vicious debt cycle.
Adjust Your Budget Over Time
Income fluctuations are a regular challenge for those with an irregular income but there are steps you can take to soften the blow of unexpected costs. By remaining flexible and adjusting your budget as required, you can learn to navigate income fluctuations from month to month.
During months of high income, consider allocating a portion towards your emergency fund, debt repayment, or long-term savings goals. When experiencing low-income periods, review your budget and make necessary adjustments, such as cutting back on non-essential spending or finding ways to generate additional income. Taking a proactive approach to budget management is key to navigating income fluctuations.
Save The Excess
Nobody likes an unexpected expense but an unexpected excess can bridge the gap when you have an irregular income. Whether it’s a tax refund, pay raise, or financial gift, making the most of an unexpected income increase can help you budget for those months when your income is lower than expected.
Your first thought might be to treat yourself to a luxury purchase but by adding to your savings, you can ensure it continues to build and works for you. If you’re prioritising debt repayment, extra money can help you become debt-free sooner. Because the interest on your debts is likely higher than the interest on your savings, anything you can pay towards your debt will save you time and money in the long run.
Plan For The Future
Whether you’re happy with an irregular income or looking for something a little more steady, it’s essential that you create a financial plan for the future. Working for yourself can provide maximum freedom and control so it makes sense to have the same approach to your finances.
To make your money work for you, you must have a long-term plan in place. For example, if you earn more than expected, putting the extra amount into a savings account can help you achieve your long-term financial goals and steer clear of non-essential expenses. Planning for the future with an irregular budget can be tricky but it isn’t impossible. With a little careful planning, you too can look forward to a healthy financial future.
Consider, too, diversifying your income streams to create more stability and reduce risk. This might involve taking on complementary freelance work, developing passive income sources, or exploring part-time opportunities that provide more consistent earnings.
Income diversification not only helps to smooth out financial fluctuations but can also protect you if one income source unexpectedly dries up. When budgeting with multiple income streams, track each separately to identify which are most reliable and profitable. This approach creates a financial safety net that can make budgeting with irregular income considerably less stressful and more manageable in the long term.
The Bottom Line
Having an irregular income can make budgeting difficult but it should still be a crucial part of your financial journey. In fact, it’s even more important to have a budget in place if your earnings fluctuate from month to month. Without a clear financial plan in place, it can be easy to lose track of your spending and fall into a cycle of unaffordable debt.
*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.*
Unlike solo paragliding, tandem flights pair you with a certified pilot who handles all technical aspects, making this exhilarating adventure accessible to nearly everyone. You’re securely attached to your pilot via a harness system connected to a specially designed paraglider wing. After a brief jog from a hillside launch site, the wing catches air and lifts you both skyward, where you settle into a comfortable seated position.
The sensation is surprisingly peaceful—more like floating than falling—as you glide over breathtaking scenery with the freedom to relax and absorb the spectacular views. No previous experience is necessary, making tandem paragliding the perfect introduction to the world of free flight.
From volcanic islands to Himalayan peaks, these seven destinations represent the pinnacle of tandem paragliding experiences worldwide, each offering unique perspectives and reliable flying conditions that have earned them legendary status among pilots and passengers alike.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Nestled between two alpine lakes and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Interlaken earns its reputation as one of Europe’s premier paragliding locations. The classic flight from Beatenberg offers jaw-dropping views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, while the emerald waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz shimmer below.
The Swiss precision extends to paragliding operations, with highly regulated standards ensuring top-notch safety and service. Most flights include photography packages, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience rather than fumbling with your phone.
Best time of year: May to October Flight duration: 15-30 minutes Insider tip: Ask for the ‘James Bond special’ — a route that takes you past filming locations from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands isn’t just for beach holidays—it’s a paragliding paradise. Tandem paragliding in Tenerife draws strength from Mount Teide’s perfect thermal conditions and the dramatic coastline offering stunning views. It’s not surprise, then, that Tenerife has become a hub for paragliding enthusiasts from around the globe.
Most flights launch from the south of the island near Ifonche or Taucho, where you’ll climb to impressive heights before gliding over volcanic landscapes and along the coastline. The contrast between black volcanic soil, lush forests and the deep blue Atlantic creates a visual feast from above.
Best time of year: Year-round, though February to May and September to November offer the most reliable conditions Flight duration: 15-45 minutes Insider tip: Book a morning flight for the smoothest air, and ask your pilot to fly over Los Gigantes cliffs for the most dramatic views
For those seeking the ultimate paragliding experience, few places rival Pokhara. Flying from Sarangkot, you’ll soar alongside the Annapurna range with views that simply defy description. The reliable morning thermals here create perfect conditions, often allowing flights to extend well beyond an hour.
What makes Pokhara special is the magical combination of mountain and lake views, with the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) creating a distinctive backdrop. The large landing zone at Phewa Lake ensures a comfortable conclusion to your adventure.
Best time of year: October to April Flight duration: 30-60 minutes Insider tip: Book a ‘cross-country’ flight rather than the standard package—it costs more but offers double the airtime and takes you deeper into the Himalayan foothills
Part of the so-called (or perhaps IDEAL-coined) Turkish Riviera, the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz creates one of the most photographed paragliding backdrops in the world. Launching from Babadağ Mountain at 1,960 metres, pilots and passengers are treated to a visual spectacle of turquoise waters meeting pine-forested mountains and white sand beaches.
The consistent afternoon sea breeze creates ideal flying conditions, and the large landing area on the promenade means you can touch down with an audience—perfect for those who enjoy a bit of showmanship with their adventure.
Best time of year: April to November Flight duration: 25-40 minutes Insider tip: Sunset flights cost a premium but offer incomparable photo opportunities as the sun bathes the lagoon in golden light
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Launching from Pedra Bonita within Tijuca National Park, paragliding in Rio offers the unique opportunity to fly over one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The contrast between urban landscape and natural wonders creates an unparalleled visual experience, with views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
The landing zone at São Conrado beach allows for a smooth touchdown on soft sand, often followed by a refreshing caipirinha at one of the beachside bars.
Best time of year: September to May Flight duration: 10-20 minutes Insider tip: Morning flights provide clearer views and better photographs of the city’s landmarks before the afternoon haze sets in
Queenstown, New Zealand
The adventure capital of the world naturally excels at paragliding. Launching from Coronet Peak or Bob’s Peak, flights over Queenstown, known as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’ offer breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the remarkably aptly-named Remarkables mountain range. The reliable conditions make this an ideal location for first-timers.
New Zealand’s strict safety regulations ensure high-quality equipment and experienced pilots. Most companies offer extended “thermalling” packages where pilots seek out rising air to extend your flight time and altitude.
Best time of year: October to April Flight duration: 15-30 minutes Insider tip: Combine your flight with the Skyline Gondola ride for spectacular pre-flight views and to save the hike up to the launch site
Chamonix, France
For the ultimate Alpine paragliding experience, Chamonix delivers unmatched mountain scenery. Flying beneath the shadow of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak, creates a humbling yet exhilarating experience. Launches typically occur from Planpraz or Plan de l’Aiguille, with flights offering views of massive glaciers, jagged peaks and the charming town below.
The valley’s microclimate creates excellent flying conditions, and the area’s long history of mountain sports means you’ll be in the hands of some of the world’s most experienced pilots.
Best time of year: June to September Flight duration: 20-30 minutes Insider tip: Book with a company that offers video packages—the stunning mountain scenery deserves professional documentation
The Boring Practicalities
We’re sorry to have to do this…
While tandem paragliding is accessible to almost anyone, there are a few things to keep in mind. Weight limits typically range from 15 to 120 kg, though this varies by operator. No experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of mobility helps with the takeoff run and landing.
Motion sickness can occasionally be an issue, particularly in thermic conditions, so consider taking appropriate medication if you’re prone to it. Most importantly, always book with reputable, licensed operators and never try to save money by choosing uncertified schools.
From the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz to Queenstown’s remarkable mountain ranges, tandem paragliding offers an accessible adventure that will leave you with memories—and photographs—to last a lifetime.
We find ourselves once again confronted with the inescapable truth; that after an endless February, nothing defeats the boredom of waiting for spring to arrive quite like the profound embrace of a properly constructed pie. And right on cue, here’s March’s British Pie Week.
The most democratic of dishes, the pie has long served as both midweek sustenance and, when done properly, cause for rapturous celebration at the most worthy of banquets. British Pie Week, landing with a floury thud in the first full week of March, now sees gastropubs across the nation flexing their culinary muscles in an orgy of pastry-wrapped creativity. It’s from one such establishment – The Ox in Clapham, sister to the Rose & Crown – that this particular recipe is courtesy of.
The Ox’s Beef Bourguignon Pie recipe marries the rich, wine-infused flavours of the classic French beef bourguignon with the comforting embrace of a traditional British pie. The slow-braised beef chuck, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs create a depth of flavour that’s simply irresistible when encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. What’s not to love?
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie-making for the first time, attempting this recipe at home is relatively undemanding, requiring more patience than skill. And in these cold months where comfort is currency, we can think of few better investments than an afternoon spent creating something so delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, pour yourself a glass of the remaining red, and let’s celebrate one of Britain’s most beloved culinary traditions with this recipe from The Ox.
Ingredients
Makes 7/8 individual pies
5 Carrots
4 Onions
1 Celery stalk
20g Peeled Garlic
12 Large Flat Mushrooms
200g Bacon/ Pancetta
1 Kg Diced Meat Chuck
400g Tomato Paste
400g Red Wine
2 Litres Beef Stock
100ml Gravy
4g Able Salt
2g Coarse Black Pepper
5g Rosemary
5g Thyme
100g Plain Flour
100g Unsalted Butter
200ml Rapeseed Oil
1 Sheet Store Bought Puff Pastry
Method
Chop the carrots, onions, celery, and mushrooms to roughly the same size
Dice the bacon/ pancetta into 1cm cubes.
Prepare 2L of beef stock
Sear the diced chuck meat on the plancha/ grill to brown the outside. Ensure not to fully cook the diced meat as it will cook once in the liquid
In a pot, add all the chopped vegetables and sweat on low heat with some cooking oil.
Ensure to use both butter and cooking oil to avoid the vegetables from burning.
Once the vegetables have been sweated down, add the diced meat to the pot.
Add all the remaining ingredients and ensure the beef stock fully covers the mixture.
Ensure to reduce the pie mix half way to achieve a thick consistency but keeping some moisture to the mix.
Transfer the pie mix into a gastro with a lid to be braised in the oven for 4 hours on 150 degrees.
Once the pie mix is reduced and braised, ensure to pick out the rosemary and thyme stalks and allow it to cool.
Fill 250ml ramekins with the pie mix and allow it to set in the fridge for 4 hours.
Once the pie mix had set, flip over the ramekins onto 8cm puff pastry cut disks.
Ensure to cover the mixture with the puff pastry by folding it over to form a pie.
Brush the puff pastry with egg yolk and bake in the oven for 20 minutes on 190 degrees.
Optional Sides
Cabbage
Blanch the cabbage until tender
Season the blanched cabbage with unsalted butter and table salt.
Place the pie in the middle of the plate with the cabbage placed next to it.
Fill a small ramekin with gravy and place it next to the pie and cabbage.
As with many aspects of health and well-being, if you travel around the world then you’ll notice that methods and beliefs vary wildly, and sleep is no different. There are also lots of sleep remedies in the form of foods, oils, vitamins, etc, that have come from various countries around the world and are believed to help us get a better night’s sleep.
Lavender is probably one of the most popular sleep remedies as it’s known for its calming effect in aromatherapy. There are plenty of studies out there that suggest lavender can help you relax, and even induce drowsiness.
Lavender can be incorporated into your bedtime routine by placing dried lavender in a small sachet under your pillow or using lavender essential oil in a diffuser in your bedroom about 30 minutes before you plan to sleep. You might also enjoy adding a few drops of lavender oil to your evening bath or spraying a lavender linen spray on your bedsheets and pillowcases to create a calming atmosphere.
Valerian (Germany)
Valerian is a flowering plant native in many parts of the world including Europe, Asia and the Americas, and its root can be used as a form of sedative, making it a popular sleep remedy. It is the root of the plant that is of use, which is actually approved in Germany by their herb regulatory agency and is readily available in supplements. Incidentally, the dried root apparently smells like dirty socks!
Consider taking valerian root supplements 30-60 minutes before bedtime or brewing a cup of valerian root tea to drink an hour before sleep. If you prefer a gentler approach, valerian tinctures added to water or tea can also help ease you into slumber.
Wild Lettuce (England)
Wild lettuce can be found growing in the east and south east of England, but rarely anywhere else in the country (it also grows in Australia). Wild lettuce can help easejoint pain and anxiety, and may also help combat restless leg syndrome. However, it can also cause mild psychotropic effects that are apparently similar to opium.
Wild Lettuce may be worth exploring as an extract supplement if you struggle with joint pain or restless leg syndrome, though it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using it due to its mild psychotropic effects.
The jujube is a small tree that bears oval fruit, which, when dried, look like dates. It is in their dried form that they are most effective, although some believe that it is the seeds that can help promote better sleep. The sweet smell produced from the tree is said to make teenagers fall in love!
To incorporate dried jujube into your daily routine, try snacking on these date-like fruits in the evening or make a soothing jujube tea by simmering them in water. They also make a nice addition to other calming herbal teas like chamomile for a double dose of sleep-promoting benefits.
Voodoo (Haiti)
Those who follow voodoo create a cloth made from various special ingredients and wrap it around their head to sleep in. They believe this will ward off bad dreams and encourage good ones.
Chamomile (Eastern Europe)
Native to countries such as Croatia and Serbia, chamomile is another very popular sleep remedy, particularly when made into a tea. It acts as a sedative and has become common in many countries around the world. You can buy chamomile tea from supermarkets or make your own using the plant’s flowers. You can also add milk, honey and lemon to taste.
Chamomile can become part of your nightly ritual when you brew a cup 30-45 minutes before bedtime, perhaps adding honey, lemon, or milk to taste. For maximum effectiveness, cover the tea while it steeps to retain all of the essential oils that promote relaxation.
Warm Milk (Rwanda)
Having a glass of warm milk before bed is a routine that people across the world take part in, but it’s actually particularly popular in African countries such as Rwanda, where milk is a staple and other resources are limited. Milk contains tryptophan, which can cause drowsiness, but some believe that it’s more of a psychological effect that can help calm you before bed.
The Rwandan tradition of warm milk is simple to incorporate – drink a small glass about an hour before bed, perhaps enhanced with a little honey or a sprinkle of nutmeg. Making this a consistent part of your bedtime routine enhances both the physical and psychological benefits.
Poems (China)
If a child is struggling to sleep, according to this custom from China, their parents will write a poem, which is then tied to a lamppost. It is believed that every person who reads the poem transmits and prayer up to God to help the child sleep.
Drawing from the Chinese poem custom, try writing down your thoughts before bed as a way to release them from your mind. This practice, along with creating a consistent bedtime routine that incorporates one or more of these remedies, signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for rest.
Worry Dolls (Guatemala)
It is a custom in Guatemala for children to own a ‘worry doll’. They will tell the doll all their worries before they go to bed and place it under their pillow. By morning, the doll has taken away their worries. Obviously there’s no scientific background to this, but it may well have a psychological effect, helping children feel more relaxed before bed-time.
Keep a small doll or journal by your bedside and take a few minutes before bed to “tell” your worries to the doll or write them down, helping to clear your mind of anxious thoughts before you attempt to sleep.
Passion Flowers (North & South America)
Passion Flower leaves and roots have been used in medicine since the Native Americans, when it was a treatment for insomnia. It is said to release GABA, a neurotransmitter chemical found in the brain, which promotes relaxation.
From the Americas, passion flower can be enjoyed as a tea in the evening or taken as a supplement if recommended by your healthcare provider. Many commercial sleep-promoting herbal blends include passion flower combined with other calming herbs for synergistic effects.
The Bottom Line
Consider selecting one or two remedies that appeal to you most and incorporate them consistently into your routine, as many work best when they become part of a calming pre-sleep ritual that you practice regularly.
Ever wanted a Mangal II T-shirt with the slogan ‘Love Kebabs, Hate Racism’ or a St. JOHN pig T-shirt? Do you proudly carry your Ikoyi tote bag around town? Or perhaps it’s the Happy Meal toy that has you feeling loyal to the golden arches?
Yep, restaurant promotional products can help enhance your brand’s visibility, foster customer loyalty, and encourage word-of-mouth marketing, creating memorable impressions, while helping you stand out from competitors — not to mention it’s a cost-effective form of advertising.
And while you can of course give promotional products away as free gifts, if you create a really great product, your customers will want to buy it and you can increase sales with a line of these promotional products.
Promoting a restaurant or group of restaurants in an increasingly competitive domain can feel like rather complex choreography. But with the right promotional products, you can enhance your brand’s visibility and customer loyalty. With that in mind, here are a mouthful of some of the most established promotional items that restaurants like yours can employ to successfully spice up their marketing strategies.
Customised Clothing
T-shirts, aprons, or hats with your restaurant’s logo are a great way to market your restaurant and create a sense of unity among staff and customers. For cooler months or outdoor dining settings, working with a custom jackets manufacturer to produce branded outerwear can take this a step further, giving staff a polished, cohesive look while doubling as a walking advertisement. Feature your restaurant’s logo prominently and ensure the design reflects your restaurant’s overall branding and style.
If your restaurant has a catchy tagline or slogan, consider incorporating it into the design when T-shirt printing to make it more memorable. You can also use artwork related to your cuisine, a signature dish, or an iconic aspect of your restaurant’s ambiance.
Branded Cutlery & Crockery
Imagine your customers sipping from a coffee mug adorned with your logo or slicing into their steak with a branded knife. It’s a subtle, yet incredibly effective promotion. Branded cutlery and crockery not only elevate your restaurant’s professionalism and aesthetic appeal, but they also reinforce your brand every time a customer uses them.
Recipe Books
A mouth-watering promotional product, recipe books showcase your restaurant’s culinary prowess. Featuring signature dishes and insider cooking tips can transform patrons into brand ambassadors. They’ll cherish the opportunity to try their hand at replicating your delicious dishes at home, and your restaurant brand will be in their kitchen and memory for a long time.
You don’t need a major publishing company to bring your vision to life; bespoke book printing services are readily available, helping you get your recipe books into your restaurant faster, for sale or to be given away, all without the need for intermediaries.
Branded Drinkware
Customised mugs, glasses, water bottles, or shot glasses that customers can use both in the restaurant and at home are fantastic promotional products for restaurants. It not only serves as a functional item for customers but also helps increase brand visibility and awareness.
Reusable Tote Bags
Today you’re seeing less plastic and more reusable bags. Reusable tote bags are excellent promotional products for restaurants that are not only eco-friendly, and practical, but they also offer a great canvas to showcase your brand and your customers will likely use them again and again.
Coasters & Placemats
Coasters and placemats offer considerable real estate for promoting your restaurant. They can feature your logo, contact details, or upcoming events. High-quality, creative designs have the added advantage of becoming collectables, further extending your brand’s reach beyond the restaurant.
Custom Takeaway Packaging
Takeaway food is more popular than ever. Customising your takeaway packaging is a brilliant opportunity to extend your brand’s presence into customer’s homes.
Package your products with your logo, tagline, or a compelling call-to-action to spark conversations and recommendations among family and friends, driving potential new customers to your restaurant.
Branded Sauces & Spices
If you pride yourself on your secret sauces or spice mixes, why not bottle them up for sale? The practical use of these items means your restaurant’s name is potentially a staple on your customer’s dinner table. It’s a savoury, tangible piece of your restaurant that customers can enjoy in their homes.
Simple yet powerful, loyalty cards foster customer retention and encourage repeat business. By offering free meals or discounts after a certain number of visits, customers are incentivised to return and this instils a sense of appreciation for their patronage.
Gift Cards
Gift cards increase cash flow, attract new customers, and encourage loyalty. They’re especially popular around holidays or as birthday and anniversary gifts. And let’s not forget, they’re an excellent way of introducing your restaurant to potential new customers.
The Bottom Line
Promotional products are a multi-faceted marketing tool. They offer an array of benefits, from increasing brand recognition to fostering loyalty. Equipped with these savvy promotional product concepts, your restaurant can cook up a hearty serving of marketing success.
Always remember that the best promotional products are those that align seamlessly with your brand identity and resonate with your customers. Bon appétit to your promotional endeavours!
Though it might not feel much like it right now, with winter dragging its feet somewhat, there’s no denying that (cue Bo Burnham voice) the planet’s heating up.
Indeed, sustainability is a hot (hmm) topic, and whilst the average Joe can feel pretty helpless in the face of powerful global forces, learning how to make small changes to the home can ease a little of the climate guilt, if nothing else.
Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean living without all the comforts of modern life – with just a few thoughtful tweaks, you could save money on bills too! Let’s look at some of the best things you can do right now if you want to start leading a greener lifestyle.
From energy-efficient appliances to better insulation, here are 11 additions to help your home to make it more sustainable.
Installing Solar Panels & Inverters
Adding solar panels to your home is a great way to make it more sustainable.
Solar energy from the sun can provide electricity for lighting, appliances and other electronics in your home. It also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from traditional energy sources such as oil or coal.
Additionally, becoming energy independent can be a great way to save on energy bills. As grid energy prices can be unpredictable, installing solar panels gives you a steady stream of energy that isn’t reliant on external sources.
To maximise the efficiency of your solar panels, consider installing a solar inverter. Solar inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power your home. This ensures that the energy harnessed from the sun is effectively utilised.
With all these benefits, switching to solar power could save you money while helping protect our environment.
Introducing Solar Tiles
If you’re looking for all of the benefits of solar panels without the look of solar panelling, solar tiles may be the way to go.
Solar tiles replace your roofing and mimic the look of traditional materials such as shingles – they are designed to be energy-efficient whilst looking attractive on your property. Solar tiles are a popular choice for new builds or buildings in residential areas where solar panels might stand out too much amongst neighbouring homes.
If you’re looking for an effective way to lower your carbon footprint whilst not changing the visual outlook of your home too much, solar tiles are a great option!
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
An air-to-water heat pump is a brilliant way to make your home more sustainable whilst reducing your reliance on traditional gas boilers. These clever systems work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it to your home’s water heating system – even when temperatures outside are quite low!
The heat pump operates rather like a refrigerator in reverse, using electricity to power a compressor that concentrates ambient heat from the air. This can then be used for both your domestic hot water and central heating needs. Whilst the initial installation costs may be higher than a conventional boiler, air-to-water heat pumps are incredibly efficient, typically producing three to four times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.
Not only do these systems help reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also lead to significant savings on your energy bills, especially when paired with other sustainable improvements like solar panels or improved insulation. As the UK moves towards net-zero targets, installing an air-to-water heat pump could be a savvy investment for future-proofing your home’s heating system.
Wind Turbines
Another addition to consider for a more sustainable home is wind turbines.
At the residential level, small-scale turbines are typically mounted on rooftops or free-standing poles, allowing homeowners to generate electricity directly from the wind.
By harnessing gusts of airflow, these systems can produce up to enough energy to completely offset household electricity use — sometimes even providing surplus electricity back into the grid!
This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps reduce overall carbon emissions since no combustion is involved in its generation process. Plus, with their sleek designs, modern turbines often add aesthetic appeal and environmental value to any property.
Water-Saving Fixtures & Features
Installing water-saving fixtures is one of the best ways to make your home more sustainable. This includes low-flow faucets, aerators, showerheads, and toilets indoors, and a change in watering habits outdoors, too.
Low-flow faucets reduce the amount of water used during hand-washing or cleaning dishes. Aerators are small devices that attach to existing faucets to mix air with water to conserve it while still maintaining adequate pressure.
Water-saving shower heads use less water than traditional ones, providing a strong stream to clean quickly. Specialist water-saving toilets boast improved flushing power and efficient designs that save money and resources.
Homeowners can significantly decrease their water consumption by investing in these eco-friendly products. And since they don’t require any major changes like rerouting plumbing systems or tearing down walls, installation is quick and easy – not to mention cost-effective!
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Moving on, energy-efficient appliances can help make your home more sustainable. These appliances use less electricity compared to standard models or antiquated energy sucking appliances, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving you money on utility bills.
Energy-efficient appliances might be slightly more expensive than standard products. However, over time these investments will pay off in terms of reduced operating costs and improved environmental performance.
One of the most popular energy-efficient additions is also the smallest; energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED bulbs. These are incredibly easy to find and install and help to reduce energy waste when lighting your home.
Rainwater Harvesting System
Rainwater harvesting systems are an excellent way to make your home more sustainable. These systems capture otherwise lost rainwater and store it for later use in the garden, for cleaning or other purposes.
The components of a rainwater harvesting system include gutters, downspouts, storage tanks, filters and pumps. Gutters collect water from the roof and direct it through downspouts into a storage tank or directly onto the ground.
The tank size should be determined based on how much water will be needed when there is no rainfall. Filters can also clean out any debris before it enters the tank. Pumps may also need to be installed if you plan to irrigate with stored rainwater or use it indoors and outdoors.
With its low cost and easy installation process, adding a rainwater harvesting system to your home effectively reduces utility bills while becoming more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly.
Composting System
Continuing from the discussion of rainwater harvesting systems, installing a composting system is another way to make your home more sustainable.
Composting involves collecting and decomposing organic matter into plant nutrient-rich fertiliser, such as kitchen waste, garden trimmings, or manure. Its primary benefit is that it reduces the amount of household waste sent to landfills and turns it into something useful instead.
Composting can also benefit energy savings since it eliminates the need for chemical fertilisers, which require significant energy inputs for their production and transport.
Additionally, composts are full of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, essential for healthy plant growth; this makes them an excellent resource for gardens and lawns. Finally, having a compost bin in your garden will attract helpful organisms like earthworms and other insects, which can help keep pests away naturally without needing pesticides or herbicides.
Energy-efficient windows are an important addition to a more sustainable home. These windows can reduce the heat lost from your house in winter and keep it cooler in summer by blocking much of the sun’s radiation.
Not only do they help with insulation, but they also use less energy to maintain temperatures within the house than other window styles.
Adding insulation to your home is a great way to increase its sustainability. The improved insulation will help keep the temperature inside more stable, which means less energy needs to be used for heating and cooling.
You could consider insulation such as weather stripping around windows and doors, door sweeps on exterior entryways, caulk or spray foam where there may be gaps in walls, and additional attic insulation. Or, if you’d prefer to avoid synthetic materials altogether, the WarmShell natural insulation system offers an effective alternative using sustainable, eco-friendly components.
By taking these steps, you will notice a difference in how comfortable your home feels and how much money you save by reducing your energy bills each month!
Green Roofs
A green roof, also known as a living roof, is an excellent addition to make your home more sustainable. Green roofs are covered with vegetation and soil, which provide numerous environmental benefits. They help to insulate your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling, and can also absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding.
Green roofs improve air quality by filtering pollutants and can create a habitat for wildlife, promoting biodiversity in urban areas. Additionally, they can extend the lifespan of your roof by protecting it from the elements.
Installing a green roof may require professional assistance, but the long-term benefits for both your home and the environment make it a worthwhile investment.
The Bottom Line
These steps may seem small, but they are significant in making your home sustainable – something we all should strive for. Making these changes today may even benefit you financially and will pay off in the future by creating a greener planet for generations to come. If, of course, there are still enough generations left to come…
Lumpini Park, the green lungs of Bangkok’s trendy Sathorn district and served by an MRT station of the same name, could easily be described as the epicentre of one of Asia’s most sprawling metropolises. In a city so loud, so hectic and bustling, the park is a place to clear your mind. We hesitate to say ”oasis of calm”, but, we just did…
Clichés are sometimes such for a reason. Here, thoughts aren’t interrupted during a stroll or sit down; a valuable, cherished commodity in these parts. There’s plenty of open water, grassy space and shade, a juxtaposition that feels quite dramatic if you look skyward and see you’re enclosed by skyscrapers.
After a morning, afternoon or both in Lumpini Park, you’ll of course be craving refreshments (when aren’t you in this most delicious of cities?). Fortunately, you’ll be pleased to hear that the park is blessed with genuinely the finest mile radius of restaurant options we’ve ever had the pleasure of having to write about. Here are our favourites; these 9 of the best restaurants close to Bangkok’s Lumpini Park.
Soi Polo Fried Chicken
Ideal for worshipping the Trinity, Bangkok style…
You can’t come to Bangkok and not eat the classic chicken and green papaya salad combo. Soi Polo Chicken is reputedly the city’s finest, and we think we agree with the local culinary cognoscenti on this one. Their birds are fried to a crispy skinned finish, seasoned generously, topped with a shed load of deep-fried garlic and served with three dipping sauces to complement.
The best of their papaya salads comes with salted, dried baby shrimps and crabs given a similar treatment. Freshly steamed sticky rice completes the so-called ‘Holy Trinity’. The meal-deal (imagined rather than genuinely offered, we must admit) is rounded-off with a much needed ice-cold lager. It’s a cracking option if you’re on budget, and one we’ve been back to more times than we’re proud to mention.
Ideal for refined, regal Thai cooking with a sense of history…
Aussie chef and Thai food oracle David Thompson’s Nahm earned a Michelin star, a first for Thai cooking, when in its previous incarnation in London, and the Bangkok version rightly followed suit in Michelin’s inaugural Bangkok guide at the end of 2017.
Though Nahm London closed due to the lack of quality fresh Thai ingredients in the capital, and the compromise that forced on the cooking, there’s no danger of the produce being found wanting at the Bangkok rendition.
Here, the premium ingredients used shine through, whether that’s the wagyu beef used in the enthusiastically seasoned stir fry, the peppery wild ginger deployed across the menu, or the freshly pressed coconut cream that defines this luxurious style of Thai cooking.
Though David Thompson has since moved on (more of that in a moment), the iconic restaurant remains in very capable hands, with revered chef Pim Techamuanvivit now in the (very) hot seat, keeping the flavours bold, robust and refined, but giving the dishes her own spin, recalling childhood memories of special meals and the joy of sharing with family.
The restaurant also recently emerged from a refresh alongside the rest of the COMO Metropolitan Bangkok hotel, which reopened in late 2025 after a full redesign by Italian designer Paola Navone. The result is a dining room that feels more contemporary than ever, with terrace seating overlooking the hotel’s pool.
The Heritage degustation menu (3900 baht per person) is the way to experience the full breadth of the Nahm kitchen. It’s a journey through canapés, shared entrées, individual soups, and a main course spanning relishes, curries and stir-fries, finished with desserts that make full use of that just-pressed coconut cream. À la carte is also available, with dishes ranging from around 500 to 1000 baht.
Address: 27 S Sathon Rd, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Ideal for family-style sharing food from one of Thailand’s most celebrated chefs…
Bangkok is a city of sister restaurants that seem to endure past their fine dining brethren’s natural sell-by-dates, and Baan makes a good case for parity with Le Du, the globally established restaurant of Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn and one time winner of the Best Restaurant In Asia award.
The emphasis here is on family recipes (Baan translates as ‘home’) and the communal style of eating that the country so savours. The interior is homely yet slick and sophisticated, and the food suits exactly the same description.
The lamb belly Massaman curry is a signature of the restaurant and one whose autograph we were asking for after eating. It’s amazing
Over three decades ago, when Vietnamese cuisine was still a rarity in Bangkok’s dining landscape, Thien Duong opened within the original Dusit Thani hotel. The name translates as ‘paradise’, and whilst that might sound grandiose, this Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient has genuinely earned its reputation as one of the city’s finest Vietnamese restaurants.
Now relocated to Baan Dusit Thani on Soi Saladaeng 1, the restaurant occupies a beautifully restored pre-war Thai mansion surrounded by tropical gardens. The setting blends French colonial architecture with Vietnamese design sensibilities: mustard-coloured walls, antique artworks, rose-pink granite tables, and polished black floor tiles create an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and intimate. Staff in traditional áo dài add cultural authenticity without veering into theme-restaurant territory.
Head chef Whattithum, who’s been with Thien Duong since its inception, trained under Vietnamese chefs before working in Vietnamese kitchens across Germany, the UK, and beyond. His menu draws from every region of Vietnam, balancing classics with lesser-known regional specialities. The prawn and sugarcane skewers are exemplary, the bánh xèo arrives golden and crispy, and the cha ca (a Hanoi dish of marinated catfish served sizzling at the table) showcases the kitchen’s range beyond the usual suspects.
There’s some gentle experimentation at work here, too, most notably in the grilled lamb rack with mint-tamarind sauce, which demonstrates the kitchen’s confidence in balancing Vietnamese herbs with bolder proteins. The wagyu pho represents tradition executed with premium ingredients to satisfying ends.
The location, just minutes from Lumpini Park, makes this an ideal choice for those seeking respite from fiery Thai flavours and Bangkok’s humidity without sacrificing culinary quality.
Address: 116-3 Sala Daeng Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Ideal for an elegant exploration of some of Bangkok’s forgotten recipes…
Another sister restaurant that stands proudly on its own two delicious feet, Loukjaan is the more laid-back sibling to Michelin-starred Saneh Jaan just around the corner. Here, the plates are still refined, the atmosphere regal, but the prices rarely reaching the quadruple digits that the older brother across the road dishes out.
The open kitchen here only adds to that sense of breaking the divide between an especially esteemed set of chefs and its diners, the latter of which head here for Loukjaan’s signature stir-fried milkweed flowers, a dish whose prosaic billing belies the complexity of the cooking. Featuring fermented pork, tart and adipose from several days spent in the sun, sweet, pert prawns, and plenty of smoky breath from the wok, it’s a knockout dish.
Keep the good times going with a bowl of gaeng ranjuan, an ancient, shrimp paste heavy soup that’s bolstered with plenty of citrus, sitting at the very top-end of fresh chilli content that this diner could take.
Add plenty of steaming jasmine rice to the mix, and Loukjaan has to be rank as one of our favourite sophisticated yet affordable dinners in the city. And with a lap or two around Lumpini Park to finish, well, that’s now become one of our favourite evenings spent in Bangkok, too.
Idealfor playful takes on Thai classics in the most illustrious of settings…
Hey, celebrity chefs aren’t only confined to the Western world. Ian Kittichai is Thailand’s favourite celebrity chef. Issaya Siamese Club is his original outpost and combines a deep respect for Thailand’s culinary tradition with a fun, flirtatious sensibility.
The building is stunning, with grounds of flora rarely found in central Bangkok, complete with terrace dining and regal, colonial furniture. Food-wise, there’s much to be enjoyed here; the soft-shell crab and banana blossom with heart of palm salad, in particular. The set-menu at lunch is great value.
Idealfor set-menu style Thai dining that many believe is the best in the world…
Is this intimate, counter-only, impossible to book restaurant/private kitchen the best Thai restaurant/private kitchen in the world? Whatever you want to call it and whichever superlatives you wish to throw at Samrub Samrub Thai, it is seriously good and worthy of all of them.
The master at the stoves of this compact, counter-dining affair is chef Prin Polsuk, who has some serious pedigree in the world of Thai fine dining, having been the head chef at Nahm in London when it won its Michelin star, the first Thai restaurant in the world to have been bestowed with the honour.
He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his country’s cuisine, and at Samrub, he seems to have his heart set on expanding it even further, with the dishes here sourced from a veritable vault of historic scripts, tomes and chapters.
The results, whether in the buttery, tender-as-you-like grilled beef dressed in delicate Satay-like sauce or intricately stuffed sweetcorn, filled with minced chicken and baby corn then reconstructed, are nothing short of spectacular. Oh, and you’re allowed to ask for seconds!
That generous sentiment exemplifies the family-style nature of this brilliant restaurant, with Polsuk’s wife Mint running the front of house operations and chef Prin working the counter, doling out shots of homemade banana liquor and soliloquies on the history of some of the dishes he’s just set in front of you. Often, their young son will join diners too, crawling across the counter and generally charming everyone in his wake!
In short, Samrub may well be the world’s best Thai restaurant.
Interestingly, at the start of 2026, the increasingly prolific team behind Samrub Samrub Thai opened a lighter, more frivolous sister restaurant just around the corner (and close to Lumpini Park, too), in the newly minted Dusit Central Park shopping centre. Called Noi Samrub Bar and Eatery, we’ve covered it here.
And apologies for the constant appendages, but chef Prin has also opened a dedicated khao soi restaurant in the very same shopping mall. Unsurprisingly, it’s ace, and is features on our list of the best places for khao soi in Bangkok. As you were.
Address: 39/11 Yommarat Alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Ideal for a playful reimagining of Thai regional cooking from one of the country’s great culinary minds…
Speaking of prolific…
If Samrub Samrub Thai is chef Prin Polsuk’s love letter to Thailand’s forgotten recipes, then Vilas is what happens when he looks outward. The cooking here takes inspiration from King Chulalongkorn’s 1897 journey to Europe, a trip that introduced foreign ingredients and cooking methods to the Thai royal kitchen, and runs with it.
The name itself holds two meanings in Thai: ‘from other lands’ and ‘charm and beauty’. Both feel apt. Now settled in its new home at Velaa Sindhorn Village on Lang Suan Road, having relocated from its original Mahanakhon Cube address, the dining room channels something between a sophisticated Thai salon and Monet’s lotus pond, with olive green sofas, blush pink tables and vibrant paintings adorning the walls.
Head chef Bank Worapot Tansakul, who worked his way up through the progressive 80/20 before joining forces with Chef Prin, helms the kitchen on an à la carte menu that changes with the seasons, each iteration drawing from different regional Thai traditions. A recent menu spotlighted dishes from the Tai-Dam ethnic minority in Phetchaburi and Shan-style cooking from the north, whilst another drew from Isaan traditions fused with Iberian influences.
What stays constant is the approach: Thai flavours at the core, elevated with international ingredients and technique, presented with a sense of fun. Snacks, bites, salads, mains and sweets are all available to mix and match as you please, making Vilas a more spontaneous, less regimented evening than the tasting menu format it previously ran.
Address: Velaa Sindhorn Village, B1 Floor, E103, Lang Suan Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Ideal for Italian comfort food from one of Bangkok’s most enduring international chefs…
As we near the end of our list and legs begin to tire, we’re seeking comfort food, so it’s to Nonna Nella by Lenzi that we’re heading.
Whilst the older sibling of the restaurant group at Lenzi Tuscan Kitchen is no doubt an excellent restaurant, it’s the charming new addition to the family over at Nonna Nella that we’re particularly enamoured with.
Named after chef Francesco Lenzi’s grandmother, this casual sister (enough with the extended family tree metaphor) restaurant is an open, welcoming space that focuses on the deli side of things; everywhere you turn produce hangs from the ceiling and adorns the walls, and it’s difficult to leave without a paper bag full of goodies under your arm.
Unsurprisingly, then, and without wishing to repeat ourselves, it’s the quality of the ingredients here that sets Nonna Nella apart. All the hams and cheeses are produced on chef Lenzi’s farm, and other ingredients such as the tomatoes for the superb pizzas are 100% organic and hand-selected by the chef himself.
Those pizzas, by the way, boast a thinner, crisper crust than their Neopotlian counterparts, and are generously adorned with that excellent produce from the Lenzi family farm. Also excellent are the salads, which are light, plump and verdant, and almost as refreshing on a balmy Bangkok day as the city’s beloved som tam. Almost.
And if our last entry in our roundup of the best restaurants near Lumpini Park has got you craving pizza and pasta, here’s the very best Italian restaurants in Bangkok. Buon appetito!
