We see you. We recognise your pained expression as if we were looking in the mirror. We feel your shame, and only because we’re in the same boat as you…
Hands up how many of you invested in a garden room during the height of the pandemic, with the noble aim of turning it into your very own pub or home office?
Much like us, this dream died when the lockdown drawbridge was lowered, and now that we’ve been told by our superiors to return to the central office with haste and at pace, might we assume that your garden room is gathering dust, or has been reluctantly repurposed into a second shed?
Same. But hear us out; your garden room can be so much more than just another space to store a lawn mower, some shears and rotting wooden stepladder you never use. Enter the garden room as wellness space…
With the much discussed connections between spending time in nature and an improved sense of wellbeing, there’s never been a more convenient wellness retreat than your own back garden. While you’re out there, luxuriating in a sense of calmness, consider these; our 10 ideas for repurposing your garden room into a wellness space.
A Reading Nook Or Library
Because we all need somewhere to retreat away from the noise of the house to embrace the power of a reading (or just scroll mindlessly through Twitter), right?
Create a cosy corner in your garden room filled with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and shelves brimming with your favourite books. Surrounded by lush greenery, this reading nook will become your go-to spot for escaping reality and diving into literary adventures. Plus, you’ll finally have a place to display all those gardening books you’ve been collecting!
You can also add some personal touches to make the space even more inviting. Consider hanging some framed artwork or photographs on the walls, or adding a few potted plants to bring even more of the outdoors inside. A small table or sideboard can hold a warm cup of tea or coffee, and a cosy throw blanket can be draped over the back of a chair for those chilly evenings. With all these elements in place, you’ll have the perfect spot to unwind and lose yourself in a good book.
A Yoga Studio
Why pay for an expensive membership when you can practise yoga in the tranquillity of your own garden room? Lay down some mats, add a few candles or incense sticks, and let the calming energy of nature (and Adrienne) guide you through your sun salutations.
Not only is practising yoga in your own garden room cost-effective, but it also allows you to customise the ambiance to your liking. You can play your favourite music, open the windows to let in some fresh air, and even incorporate natural elements such as potted plants or a small water fountain to enhance the serene atmosphere.
Of course, being surrounded by nature can help deepen your connection with your inner self and leave you feeling more rejuvenated and centred after your practice. So why not give it a try? Namaste.
Who needs a gym buddy when you’ve got Mother Nature as your workout partner? Set up your exercise equipment in your garden room and enjoy the view of domestic green pastures as you break a sweat. The oxygen-rich environment may even help you breathe easier and push yourself harder during your workouts.
Not to mention, working out in nature – so called ‘green exercise’ – has also been said to reduce stress levels and boost overall well-being. That said, even the best garden rooms may struggle to accommodate a treadmill, squat racks and other bulky pieces of equipment. Instead, prioritise smaller items that give your body a full workout without dominating your space.
Some simple, small home gym items to add to your garden room-cum-home gym that can give your whole body a workout include:
Exercise Mat
Adjustable Dumbbells
Jump Rope
Resistance Bands
Medicine Ball
Balance Board
Pull Up Bar
Step Platform
Weight Plates
A Tea Room
Or, how about creating a peaceful tea room out back, where you can enjoy a cup of your favourite brew while admiring your garden. Set up a small table and chairs, and bring in some of your favourite teacups and saucers. Invite friends over for afternoon tea and let the calming atmosphere of your garden room transport you to more simple, different times. Better times? Not for all…
Turn your garden room into a home cinema where you can relax and watch your favourite films in peace. Set up a projector and screen, add some comfy seating, and don’t forget the popcorn! The plants will appreciate the extra CO2 from your laughter during comedy nights.
For an even more immersive experience, consider adding some mood lighting to your garden room home cinema. You should also install some soundproofing materials to prevent outside noise from disrupting your viewing pleasure (and from you disturbing your neighbours, of course!).
What better way to use your garden room than for a peaceful, undisturbed place for meditation and mindfulness practices. The soothing sounds of birds gently chirping and leaves rustling in your garden will help you find your zen in no time.
Though if you find it difficult to concentrate in complete silence – aside from that organic soundtrack – consider adding some ambient music or guided meditation tracks to your meditation space. Soft lighting can also help to create a calming atmosphere, so try using candles, fairy lights, or a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness of your garden room.
Whatever you choose, make sure that your meditation corner is a place where you feel comfortable, relaxed, and able to connect with your inner self. With regular practice, you’ll soon discover that your garden room has become a sanctuary of stillness and mindfulness that you can retreat to whenever you need to recharge and reset.
And if you’re someone who likes to feel at one with nature whilst taking a moment, then consider installing sliding doors, allowing you to have the doors to your garden room flung wide open and that sense of being outside (but with shelter) at its optimum!
A Garden Office (That Actually Looks Good)
Remember the original plan? The one where you’d work from home in a sun-drenched outbuilding, laptop open, coffee steaming, smugly waving at commuters through the window? With hybrid working now firmly embedded, the garden office has graduated from pandemic panic-buy to genuine long-term investment, and it deserves to be treated like one.
The difference between a garden office you actually want to spend time in and one that becomes a cobwebbed storage annex comes down to a few key decisions. Proper insulation and double glazing make it usable year-round. Hardwired ethernet and dedicated circuits for heating are worth the electrician’s bill, because nobody’s doing their best work tethered to a Wi-Fi extender with a fan heater tripping the fuse.
Then there’s the bit most people skip: making it look like something you’d actually choose to sit in. The exterior sets the tone, and material choice matters more than most people realise. Black thermowood cladding paired with aluminium-framed glazing gives you that clean, contemporary look that photographs well and weathers even better, while a sedum roof can soften the whole thing into the garden rather than plonking it there like a shipping container.
Inside, treat it like a room in your house, not a shed with a desk. Proper lighting, a decent chair, a plant or two. The goal is a space that makes you want to close the back door behind you and get to work.
A Home Spa
Transform your garden room into a serene spa-like experience by adding a massage table, jacuzzi, essential oil diffuser, and the ubiquitous Enya soundtrack. Should you have a partner skilled (or willing) with their hands, then indulge in relaxing treatments like facials or massages, all while basking in the natural ambiance of your garden room. It’s self-care on a whole new level!
Another idea is to install a small fountain or waterfall feature nearby to create that tranquil atmosphere and trickling sound so associated with the spa experience (or, of course, going to the toilet). Alternatively, you could take things several steps further – and hotter – and turn your garden room into a sauna.
The best home saunas for your garden spa are those that combine personal preference with functionality, such as energy-efficient infrared saunas that offer deep, penetrating heat, or traditional steam saunas for an authentic high-heat experience.
When selecting a sauna, consider size for comfort, materials like cedar or hemlock for durability and aroma, and customisation options like LED lighting and aromatherapy for enhanced relaxation. Prioritise safety features like automatic shut-off and easy maintenance to ensure a seamless integration into your serene garden spa, creating a personal wellness retreat that allows for detoxification and relaxation right in your backyard.
An Art Studio
Unleash your inner artist and turn your garden room into a creative haven. Set up an easel and let the beauty of nature inspire your next masterpiece. The vibrant colours and textures of your plants may spark your creativity and help you find your muse, should you have been watering them enough, that is.
To complete that sense of inspiration and input, hang some beautiful paintings, photographs or tapestries on the walls, whether they’re your own work or those of someone a little more skilled with the paintbrush.
This will not only add colour and texture to your garden room but also create a personalised and artistic touch. With your garden room serving as your creative haven, you can now explore your artistic talents and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of painting. What’s not to love?
A Music Room
Why not transform your garden room into a serene music room where you can play your favourite instruments or simply enjoy listening to music in a peaceful setting? Install some sliding doors to create a seamless connection between your indoor music haven and the natural beauty of your garden. This way, you can let the fresh air and natural light flow in, enhancing your musical experience.
Set up your instruments, whether it’s a piano, guitar, or even a drum kit, and add some comfortable seating for those moments when you just want to sit back and listen. Consider soundproofing the room to ensure that you can play without disturbing the neighbours, and to keep outside noise from interrupting your practice sessions.
To complete the space, add some personal touches like framed posters of your favourite bands, a record player with a collection of vinyl records, or even a small bar cart for those late-night jam sessions. With sliding doors that open up to your garden, you’ll have the perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor inspiration, making your garden room a true musical retreat.
With its pristine beaches, and vibrant, one-of-a-kind culture, Maui is an idyllic holiday destination if ever there was one.
Known as The Valley Isle, it’s also one of the world’s more expensive places to visit, with IDEAL Magazine of all publications recently naming it one of their 7 dream luxury holiday destinations for 2026.
Pronouncements (and adjectives) like that might have you assuming that Maui might be prohibitively expensive to all but the most well-heeled of globetrotter.
You’d be wrong. Whether you’re searching for affordable activities to enjoy while you’re here or you’re looking to get under the skin of the island and experience the ‘real’ Maui up close and personal, then you’ve come to the right place. With that in mind, here are 7 great things to do in Maui, Hawaii, on a budget in 2026.
Explore The Road To Hana By Car Or Bicycle
The legendary Road to Hana is a must-see when visiting Maui. This scenic drive stretches over 64 miles along the eastern coast of the island, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, rainforests, and rugged cliffs. The journey itself is an adventure, with over 600 curves and 59 bridges to navigate.
The drive can take anywhere from 7 to 12 hours round trip, depending on the number of stops made along the way. Some of the main tourist sites include Paia Town, Twin Falls, Garden of Eden Arboretum, Honomanu Bay, Halfway to Hana Stand, Upper Waikani Falls, Hanawi Falls, and Hana Lava Tube, all of which can be admired without having to spend a dime.
To fully appreciate the beauty of this scenic drive, it’s recommended you split the journey into two or more days — to keep things budget-friendly, there are plenty of camping spots along the route. Non-resident camping in the famous Waiʻānapanapa State Park costs $30 per campsite per night, with an additional entry fee of $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. Advance reservations are mandatory for all non-resident visitors, and it’s worth checking the park’s current opening status before you travel, as it does close periodically for maintenance.
While there are guided tours available, you can save money by renting a car and exploring at your own pace. Pack a picnic lunch, bring your camera, and prepare for a memorable day of sightseeing. Daily car rental rates vary significantly by season — expect to pay from around $55 per day at quieter times of year, though prices can exceed $100 per day in peak season. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
For an even more affordable traverse, and if you’re a fit and proficient cyclist, then biking the famous stretch of road is one of the best ways to see Maui up close and personal. Bike rentals come at the fraction of the daily price of hiring a car.
Haleakalā National Park is home to the dormant Haleakalā Volcano, which stands at over 10,000 feet above sea level. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day treks, catering to all fitness levels.
Though the hikes are certainly a wonderful way to see the volcano from a variety of angles, it’s at the summit that the real fun begins; watching the sunrise or sunset from the peak of Haleakalā is as breathtaking as it comes. Although there is an entrance fee for the park, it is relatively inexpensive and well worth the cost for the unforgettable experience.
Passes, which are valid for three days, cost $30 per private vehicle (of up to 14 people), $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per pedestrian or bicycle. If you’re planning a sunrise visit, you’ll also need a separate vehicle reservation ($1, booked through Recreation.gov), which is required for entry between 3am and 7am.
There are also several fee-free days throughout the year, though it’s important to note that from 2026, these apply only to US citizens and residents. International visitors will still need to pay the standard entrance fee. The 2026 fee-free days are as follows:
February 16, 2026: Presidents Day
May 25, 2026: Memorial Day
June 14, 2026: Flag Day
July 3–5, 2026: Independence Day weekend
August 25, 2026: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17, 2026: Constitution Day
October 27, 2026: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
November 11, 2026: Veterans Day
Relax On Maui’s Beautiful Beaches
In Maui, Hawaii, most beaches are free to enter and open to the public, though do be warned that there are a few exceptions, where at some state beach parks and natural reserves, parking and/or entry fees are charged. These fees help manage overcrowding and preserve the fragile shoreline environments, though even these tend to be affordable.
In South Maui, Makena State Park and Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in Kanahena (on the way to the famous La Perouse Bay) charge entrance fees of $5, with parking $10 per vehicle. In East Maui (Hana area), advance reservations and parking/entry fees are required for the previously mentioned Waiʻānapanapa State Park, which is famous for its black sand beach.
Despite these exceptions, there are just so many idyllic, completely free beaches to enjoy in Maui. Hamoa Beach, located at the Hana end of Maui on that famous Road to Hana you’re already planning to traverse, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Featuring a wide, golden shore and brilliant aquamarine waters, it’s backed by a thick forest of Hala trees. If there’s a more quintessentially Hawaiian view, we haven’t found it!
Another beach well worth checking out is Maluaka Beach in South Maui, which offers soft sand, crystal-clear water, and lava rock formations. Kapalua Bay Beach on West Maui is also highly regarded for its beauty; so much so, in fact, that it was rated the best beach in America in 2018 by Dr. Beach. Views like these are exactly why so many visitors end up looking into long-distance moving services and swapping the commute for the coastline.
While all beaches in Maui are technically public, it’s essential to respect private property when accessing them. Most beaches that front private property have public access easements, so look for public beach access signs and park in designated public parking areas.
Discover Maui’s Rich History & Culture
Maui has a fascinating history and culture that can be explored without spending a fortune. Head Upcountry to the historic town of Makawao on the mid-slopes of Haleakalā volcano, a former paniolo (cowboy) settlement that’s now a thriving arts community once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States.
Stroll down Baldwin Avenue past its galleries, boutiques, and old wooden storefronts, and make time for Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, housed in a 1917 mansion that is the only historic estate on the island free to enter. It offers tours, exhibitions, and classes in various artistic mediums, from ceramics and jewellery making all the way to floral painting. Do be aware that you’ll have to pay for some of these.
For a deeper dive into the island’s past, The Maui Historical Society’s Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House in Wailuku showcases the history and heritage of Maui in a historic structure dating back to the mid-1800s. Admission is just $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for children aged 7–12. Children 6 and under go free. Do be aware that Hale Hōʻikeʻike is only open Monday through Friday, from 10am to 2pm.
A note on Lahaina: visitors to Maui should be aware that the historic town of Lahaina, once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, suffered devastating damage in the August 2023 wildfires.
As of early 2026, much of the town’s historic core – including Front Street, the Banyan Tree Park, and the former Lahaina Heritage Museum – remains closed to the public while rebuilding and infrastructure work continues. Lahaina Harbor has begun a phased reopening for boat tours, and some businesses outside the restricted historic district have reopened, but visitors should check the latest access information at MauiRecovers.org before planning a visit. If you do go, please be respectful of what remains a place of significant loss for the local community.
Hike The Waihee Ridge Trail
For those who love hiking and stunning vistas, then, firstly, you’ve come to the right place; Maui is full of them! But more importantly, the Waihee Ridge Trail, a moderately challenging 5-mile round trip hike that takes you through lush forests and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Waihee Valley, and Makamaka’ole Falls, is easily accessible and totally free to tackle, making it an ideal budget-friendly adventure.
Savour Affordable Local Cuisine
While dining out on the island can be expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in Olowalu is a must-visit for anyone craving farm-fresh American comfort food and scrumptious desserts (the banana cream pie has an island-wide reputation). This cosy eatery with a plantation-era aesthetic offers a variety of sandwiches, pies, and other tasty treats at affordable prices.
For lovers of locally caught seafood, South Maui Fish Company in Kihei is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the freshest fish on the island. The owners work directly with local fishermen, and the poke bowls are especially popular, often selling out due to their reputation and fair price tag. Note that because they only serve fresh-caught fish, it’s worth calling ahead to check availability.
Also in Kihei, another great option for seafood enthusiasts is Coconut’s Fish Cafe, known for their award-winning fish tacos – voted Top Taco in America. The coconut shrimp is also a must-try, and you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck at either of their two South Maui locations.
For some top quality local Hawaiian cuisine, Kalei’s Lunch Box serves generous plate lunches packed with island staples like Mochiko chicken, hamburger steak, and fresh fish. With locations in Pukalani, Wailuku, and now Lahaina (at the Cannery Mall), it’s a favourite among locals for its affordable, filling portions and food made with plenty of aloha.
Zippy’s in Kahului is another local favourite, known for its legendary plate lunches and their famous chilli (they sell more than 110 tons of it every month across their locations). The restaurant also houses Napoleon’s Bakery, offering Napples — flaky pastry turnovers with fruit fillings that are a Hawaiian institution.
For something sweet, don’t miss Komoda Store & Bakery in Makawao, an iconic bakery that has been serving fresh Hawaiian-style baked goods since 1916. Their cream puffs, donuts on a stick, and guava malasadas are simply irresistible. Get there early — they open at 7am and regularly sell out by late morning. Closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
Or, simply follow your nose; there’s a fish being grilled and a cold beer being cracked somewhere on the island! Sounds like heaven to us…
Attend A Free Cultural Event Or Festival
Throughout the year, Maui hosts various cultural events that are open to the public and often free of charge.
Every February, the Maui Whale Festival, organised by the Pacific Whale Foundation, celebrates the migration of humpback whales to the island’s warm waters. The 2026 edition marked the festival’s 45th anniversary with a full week of events including a parade, film festival, whale-watching cruises, and community celebrations. The main parade and Community Day events are free to attend — keep an eye on the Pacific Whale Foundation’s website for dates each year.
For something more regular, the Maui Friday Town Parties are a long-running community tradition. Organised by the Maui County Office of Economic Development, these free evening gatherings feature live entertainment, local food, arts and crafts vendors, and special offers from local merchants.
As of 2026, the most reliably running party is the Kihei 4th Friday Town Party, held on the fourth Friday of every month at the Azeka Shopping Center from 6pm to 9pm. Other towns including Wailuku (1st Friday) and Makawao (3rd Friday) have also hosted parties, though schedules vary. You can call the Maui County Office of Economic Development on 808-270-7710 for the latest information.
Various shopping centres across the island also host free Polynesian dance shows, lei-making lessons, and other activities that celebrate Maui’s culture. Get involved!
Wapping Wharf must have the highest concentration of great independent restaurants in the whole world. Wall to wall, corrugation to corrugation bangers. BOX-E, Ragù, Seven Lucky Gods, Bertha’s Pizza, Cargo Cantina, Gambas, Root. There’s even a celebration of Royal Vietnamese cuisine called Hue, which, on closer inspection, is actually a hairdresser. Wouldn’t Root have been a better name for that? Anyway, if this cargo were jettisoned into the Floating Harbour you could drift for weeks and not eat the same meal twice.
Lapin is one of the Wharf’s newer additions, opened in April 2025 by restaurateur Dan O’Regan and chef Jack Briggs-Horan, the pair behind BANK in Totterdown. It’s a French bistro in a shipping container. At a time when Joséphine, Camille and, erm, Henry Harris have made the bouchon London’s hottest reservation, that might sound engineered to be on the pulse. But in practice it works. More than works. In less than a year it has picked up a glowing review from Grace Dent, who called it “peculiar, meta, slightly earnest and definitely delicious”, and a Good Food Guide listing earned through public nominations.
O’Regan has also been generating attention of his own through his Substack, Notes on a Napkin, and a new food column in Country Living. One lively piece for the Bristol Sauce on the value of restaurant critics went up the same week as Dent’s review, describing the moment she walked in during Sunday lunch: “I felt the blood drain from my face,” he wrote. O’Regan argued that the best reviews don’t just describe the meal but decode the whole moment. A good critic, he wrote, doesn’t just tell you something is good or bad – they tell you why.
You’d think the staff might have been feeling the pressure, then. On a busy Friday night, they didn’t need to know who we were, but when William Sitwell walked in five minutes later, they barely broke stride. Sitwell: the Telegraph’s restaurant critic, MasterChef judge, and now restaurateur himself, having recently opened the White Hart in Somerset. A national critic strolling into the restaurant whose owner has recently published an impassioned essay on the sacred value of national critics. What was Dent saying about peculiar and meta again?
O’Regan wrote of her visit that “there’s a specific voltage in the air when a proper critic walks in. Not panic. Not fear. Reverence, maybe. Because someone who actually knows what they’re looking at is now looking at you.” On Friday night, if the needle moved, it was skilfully concealed. Good luck getting any useful feedback out of The Telegraph, though.
The room is so tight and the kitchen so close you could hear the chefs’ shrugs. A smell of garlic butter fills the space so completely it borders on the theatrical, almost comically deliberate, as though someone were pumping it into the room – though more likely it’s simply simmering away like some Gallic diffuser on one of the cosy kitchen’s few stovetops.
Sage green walls are hung with framed vintage French advertising posters: Ruinart, Joseph Perrier, a Dubonnet print with a couple in straw hats displaying a certain insouciance. The wooden tables are pleasingly solid, reassuringly permanent, each one engraved with the restaurant’s motif: a rabbit clutching a baguette, rendered in an old etching style that every diner seems compelled to run their fingers over. It’s not real, guys; you can’t pet it. Fortunately, the staff do not emerge in berets and marinièresfor the benefit of Sitwell.
There is seating on the terrace too, and on a warm March evening it was heaving inside and out with folk just clocked off for the weekend enjoying a Picon-spiked pilsner and plates of Westcombe saucisson. Some of the other restaurants in Wapping Wharf don’t quite manage to feel like proper restaurants. The shipping container format has a tendency to make a room feel boxy – BOX-E next door has made a virtue of the name, of course – a bit soulless, a bit greenhousy. Lapin seems to have studied those deficiencies and addressed them, ironing out the kinks of each into a smoothly run, cohesive bistro space that makes use of every last inch.
The staff walk sideways like crabs between tables, shimmying through the tightest of spaces, and they know what you’ve ordered by heart, anticipating which wine you might want next before you’ve finished the glass in front of you. Sitwell isn’t throwing a strop about his Tardieu-Laurent Viognier being the wrong temperature, I don’t think; it’s pretty noisy in here though. A restaurant operating within the tightest of margins, then, in every possible way.
It’s a credit to the kitchen how opulent the food feels with all of these constraints. We started with gougères of Old Winchester and blue cheese, warm, yielding and funky. At the next table (a decent distance between us and them, somehow, in this tiny room), someone was cooing over their bone marrow and marmite onions: “I must get the recipe for this.” Tip: add a fuck ton of butter.
Gougères
Sadly, there was no foie gras d’oie, but we were getting our fill of Geese later at the Prospect Building, so not to worry. We split a salt fish brandade with café de Paris and baguette, and a hand-dived Orkney scallop with agretti, celeriac and garlic butter. The brandade was ferociously hot, the kind of temperature that strips the mucous membrane off the roof of your mouth and makes you understand why the French invented the trou normand.
Which, incidentally, Lapin offers: a quince sorbet doused in three-year Somerset cider brandy. I should have ordered one right there to help restore some balance to the microbiome of my palate. I’d like to say I’m enough of a maverick to call for entremets between starter and mains, but I couldn’t possibly; William was watching, notepad in hand. You know what? This self-referential stuff doesn’t sit well. Let’s crack on…
Salt fish brandade with café de ParisOrkney scallop with agretti, celeriac and garlic butter
For mains, a sole meunière with blood orange and capers, and blushing wild venison with roast beetroot, griotte cherry and port jus. Both excellent, both substantial, the sole in a wonderfully perfumed, viscous butter sauce singing with the more floral elements of blood orange and sharpened by good quality capers. Duck fat frites on the side and as good as they sound, and a castelfranco salad where each frill of pink leaf looked like nymphoplasty, chicory in there too, with pickled shallots. The people at the next table were still cooing, like their record was skipping.
The kitchen makes canny use of the same ingredients across multiple courses. Castelfranco appeared with the venison and again in the side salad. Blood orange ran through the sole, that same side salad, a posset on the prix fixe menu, and adorned our eclair. Wild garlic was cropping up all over the shop. This is partly seasonal instinct and partly practical: in a restaurant with clearly limited storage space, running the same ingredients through different preparations ensures everything is fresh and turning over fast. It never feels repetitive. It just emphasises immediacy and seasonality.
Sole meunière with blood orange and capersWild venison with roast beetroot, griotte cherry and port jus
To finish, the eclair du jour, today rhubarb and custard with the sparkle of stem ginger, was a lovely, substantial thing topped unconventionally with torched Italian meringue and proving that Lapin is no slave to dogma. I snuck in that quince sorbet too, which was so boozy, so throbbing with raw brandy, that the edges started blurring. I like it when that happens.
Wine is all French and listed by character rather than region: ‘Textural, Buttery & Complex’ in one section, ‘Fruit-Driven, Floral, Balanced’ in another. There is a Carole’s Pick section, named for restaurant manager Carole Petitbois. We drank a Les Grands Terroirs Viré-Clessé Chardonnay and a Feu Follet Domaine Stoeffler skin-contact blend of Pinot Gris, Muscat and Riesling, both suggested by our server and perfectly judged for the mood. Every wine on the list is available by the glass, which is the sort of detail that turns a good wine list into a generous one.
It’s one designed to welcome, not intimidate, and that spirit of accessibility runs through the whole offering at Lapin. The prix fixe doesn’t banish you to a 5:30pm Tuesday – it offers three courses for £29 every service, with a £25 wine pairing available on top, making a full and generous meal for just over £50. It’s laughably good value. Availability is limited daily, naturally. On our visit the menu featured white bean soup with wild garlic pistou, butter roast chicken over pearl barley, and a blood orange posset. That is a serious amount of food and thought for the money.
Quince sorbet and three-year Somerset cider brandyEclair du jourChocolate truffles
That thoughtfulness goes further with the blackboard of cheese. Where some places offer a slab of stilton and a glass of port and call it a night, Lapin pairs comté with a 2014 vin jaune from Domaine Villet, Ogleshield with Condrieu from Domaine Tardieu, Solstice with a Chablis premier cru from Domaine Defaix. That level of thought on a cheese board, in a shipping container, tells you a lot. And hey, here comes a gorgeous, brooding chocolate truffle just to hammer home the point about the place overdelivering.
O’Regan wrote in that Bristol Sauce piece that what restaurants want from critics is not praise but understanding: “Not praise. Not even protection. Just to be understood on our own terms.”
Well, I’m certainly happy to praise it; Lapin is a thoroughly enjoyable restaurant. Can’t offer protection, as I’m as useful in a fight as a sunken soufflé. But understanding? They make that part easy. Lapin is small but perfectly formed: a Francophile restaurant run by people who care enormously about pitch-perfect hospitality and who have figured out how to make a shipping container feel like a dining room with a heartbeat and soul. The rabbit didn’t bring my baguette to the table. But everything else arrived exactly as it should.
So you’re embarking on a buy-to-let journey? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that an exciting adventure awaits, not to mention a potentially lucrative one. But like most business ventures, what you supply is only as good as the demand for it.
For your buy-to-let property to be desirable (and as such, rented) it’s crucial to emphasise its very best aspects. In doing so, you’ll attract the very best occupant. With this in mind, here’s how to make your buy-to-let property appeal to tenants.
Focus On Your Tenant’s Needs
To get a better idea of how to make your property more appealing, a proactive step is to spend some time getting into the mindset of your potential tenant. If you’re interested in bringing in a transient type of tenant like students, for instance, you should think about the qualities that are important to such a renter when seeking a rental property. Things like extra storage space or spacious desks and high-quality office chairs could catch the attention of those who work from home or students, so have these ready and installed in your property prior to viewing.
If you’re keen on a more stable occupant who’s likely to commit to a long term arrangement, perhaps a family, then make sure your property meets their needs. Security, in this case, should be paramount, so make sure locks are particularly sturdy and entry is ideally via a ‘buzz in’ system.
Don’t Overcomplicate Early On
When viewing properties either online or in person, simple decor and minimal furnishings are usually your best bet. Potential tenants will usually be put off by properties with busy decorations such as bold wallpaper and lots of garish furniture, which is why sticking to a neutral colour scheme is often best.
Although sometimes counterintuitive, a house which looks lived in is often massively off putting to viewers, preventing a chance to visualise how the property may look with their own furniture and belongings in.
This is also important in terms of paperwork and bureaucracy. Don’t make arranging a viewing complex in terms of the potential tenant having to give over a lot of personal details; this will often dissuade them from arranging a viewing at all.
Emphasise Space…
Research suggests that plenty of light and space are the most important features that tenants request in a property. As such, you should do everything in your power to emphasise the square metres. Although having a sufficient amount of space is favoured by tenants from a range of age ranges and walks of life, you should try to identify what kind of space each tenant type prefers.
Young people aged 18-25 and families are the groups who tend to prefer in open-plan kitchens, whilst tenants with higher incomes are often more willing to spend more on en-suites bathrooms for each bedroom in the property.
If your buy-to-let property is on the smaller side, consider introducing some smart storage options to make the space appear larger than it is. Mirrors can also add a sense of space in a small place. And keep things really tired and of minimal clutter, so as to do justice to your property’s potential.
The same thing could be said of natural light; an abundance or lack thereof which is a real dealbreaker for most. It may seem obvious, but make sure all blinds are pulled up and curtains not drawn. Trim back any foliage which might be obscuring the flow of light into the building and make sure no stacks of books, plant pots and the rest are in the way of windows. To give the impression of even more light, add mirrors and paint the walls the lightest possible shade.
Invest In Your Property With Confidence
Making your buy-to-let property genuinely appealing takes investment – quality finishes, proper maintenance, thoughtful furnishing – and it’s much easier to commit to that spending when your rental income is predictable. The experts at the Lint Group recommend exploring a guaranteed rent scheme for exactly this reason; with a fixed monthly income secured for an agreed period regardless of occupancy, landlords are far better placed to reinvest in their properties, keeping them attractive to tenants and competitive in the market.
Emphasise Individuality
While it’s important to maintain a cohesive and appealing look across your buy-to-let properties, ensuring each unit has its own unique personality can significantly enhance tenant satisfaction. This is especially relevant if you are managing multiple units within a single property through a MUFB (Multi-Unit Freehold Block) mortgage.
Tenants often seek a home that feels personal and distinct, rather than an identikit space that lacks character. Here are some ways to emphasise individuality in each unit:
Unique Decor Touches: While sticking to a neutral base, consider adding unique decor elements to each unit. This could be through different accent colours, feature walls, or distinctive light fixtures. Small touches like varied artwork or bespoke furniture pieces can make a big difference.
Personalised Layouts: If possible, vary the layout slightly between units. This could mean different kitchen configurations, varied bathroom designs, or unique storage solutions. Even small changes can make each unit feel special and tailored.
Quality Finishes: Invest in high-quality finishes and fixtures that add a touch of luxury and individuality. Tenants appreciate attention to detail, and features like stylish taps, modern appliances, and well-crafted cabinetry can set your property apart.
Tenant Input: Where feasible, allow tenants some input into the final touches of their unit. This could be as simple as letting them choose a paint colour for one wall or selecting a few pieces of furniture. This involvement can help tenants feel more connected to their space.
Community Spaces: If your property includes shared spaces, ensure these areas also have character and appeal. A well-designed communal garden, a stylish lobby, or a cosy shared lounge can enhance the overall living experience and foster a sense of community.
By focusing on individuality, you can create a more appealing and comfortable environment for your tenants. This approach not only helps in attracting and retaining tenants but also maximises the potential of your investment through such a mortgage.
Make The Most Of The Location
Last but not least, from the perspective of potential buy-to-let investors looking for their first property investment, location is key when it comes to attracting the right tenants. Before making a purchase, seek out properties in attractive locations that you know have high demand.
Students and young professionals will be more drawn towards city centre properties that are close to their workplace or university, whereas families often prefer suburban properties that are in proximity to good schools and transport links, though this is of course something of a generalisation, and each tenant’s needs will be unique.
And with that final statement ringing in our ears and making the rest of the article feel rather redundant, we’ll see ourselves out…
We bet you a Canadian dollar that if you’re thinking about moving to Canada, it’s because you’ve read that it’s one of the best places to live in the world.
And you’re not alone; under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is set to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents each year, and the country’s immigrant population continues to grow. At the last census, more than 8.3 million residents were foreign-born, making up 23% of the total Canadian population — the largest share in over 150 years.
Canada remains one of the most inclusive countries in the world, with strong legal protections against discrimination on grounds including race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. It consistently ranks among the most welcoming nations for newcomers, and a 2025 moveBuddha study named it the top relocation destination for Americans considering a move abroad, citing its safety, healthcare and cost of living relative to major US cities.
This diversity and rich history of immigration means that Canada is also home to an extraordinary culinary scene. From the French-inspired poutine and tourtière to the indigenous bannock bread and the British-influenced butter tarts, Canadian cuisine itself is a fusion of the country’s many cultures. Canada’s vast landscape allows for the cultivation of everything from sweet Quebec strawberries to succulent Atlantic lobsters, and the food culture reflects that range and ambition.
If you live for food and are considering relocating to Canada, then here are some cities to consider…
Victoria, British Columbia
If there’s ever a place Brits will feel instantly at home, then it’s Victoria in British Columbia. Originally Fort Victoria, a settlement named for Queen Victoria in 1843, it’s known as the most British city in Canada for good reason.
Indeed, the city’s British ancestry is evident in its horse-drawn carriages, tearooms, and double-decker buses. Moreover, it has lots of British-style pubs, meaning Brits abroad will be able to get a pie and pint with ease.
That said, as Lonely Planet writes, “The days when Victoria was more British than Britain are long gone. Now, the food culture embraces fusion and the beer leans toward craft brews”, which is a good thing for foodies after diversity and flavour.
Speaking of diversity, Victoria has the highest number of restaurants per capita in all of Canada, from high-end fine dining to casual fare. According to Victoria’s Tourism Board, the city ranked first with 4.6 restaurants, eateries, pubs, and bars per 1,000 residents ahead of Vancouver, which has 3.6 restaurants, eateries, pubs, and bars per 1,000 people.
However, it’s not just the amount of restaurants that has quietly earned the city its reputation as a culinary hotspot; Victoria has a rich foodie history that includes Canada’s first brewpub, the oldest Chinatown in the country and the nation’s first chocolatier.
The city also boasts a thriving craft brewery scene and a neighbouring wine region. Moreover, it is known for it’s strong focus on sustainability and local produce which is reflected in its numerous organic farms, boutique wineries, and microbrewies, meaning there’s ample opportunities for farm-to-table, locavore dining experiences. And if you want to live somewhere with pop-up street vendors and outdoor markets galore, then Victoria is the place for you.
However, perhaps it is seafood that Victoria is most famous for. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and surrounded by water, the region is famous for its Pacific salmon and shellfish. In fact, five varieties of salmon can be found here; King, Sockeye, Silver, Pink, and Chum. Dungeness crab is also caught along the British Columbia coast and is available year-round. What’s not to love?
Speaking of shellfish and salmon, Halifax in Nova Scotia is an ideal destination for those seafood enthusiasts looking to relocate. Almost entirely surrounded by the sea, Halifax boasts a thriving seafood industry that contributes significantly to its economy. In fact, Nova Scotia is Canada’s number one exporter, with over 50 species of fish and seafood being exported to nearly 80 countries worldwide. Oh, and 35% of Canada’s shellfish comes from here, with the city’s historic waterfront lined with eateries serving up the freshest catch, including the famed Nova Scotia lobster.
The city’s natural beauty is another major draw, as residents are never far from the ocean, national parks, and protected wilderness areas. This proximity to the sea ensures access to the freshest seafood, including Sober Island Oysters, Arctic Char, Atlantic Halibut, and various shellfish like clams, scallops, and mussels.
Halifax is also home to the longest continuously operating farmers’ market in North America, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, and the oldest salt-water passenger ferry service, the Halifax Transit Ferry. The city’s strong cultural and economic ties to the fishing industry ensure that seafood lovers will find themselves right at home in this vibrant coastal community.
Ottawa, Ontario
When you think of Ottawa, it might be Beaver Tails – the flat doughnut, stretched to resemble the tail of a Beaver – that probably first comes to mind. However, there is so much more to the city’s culinary landscape than this pastry.
As a bilingual city with both English and French widely spoken, it’s home to the world-famous culinary arts institute, Le Cordon Bleu, meaning that foodies flock here in their droves to learn the difference between between a brunoise and a chiffonade. Every year, students from all over the world, representing more than 100 nationalities, attend the campus. This presence adds a touch of culinary excellence to the city’s dining options. IT should come as no surprise, then, that Ottawa is home to a diverse culinary landscape that reflects its multicultural population.
Foodies will find themselves spoilt for choice in Ottawa, with a wide range of local and global cuisines available. From indulging in those aforementioned famous Beaver Tails and Maple Bacon Donuts to savouring fresh local produce and enjoying the totally unique Moo Shu Ice Cream, there is something for every palate.
The city also boasts a thriving food truck scene and fine dining establishments, offering a perfect balance for culinary enthusiasts. The city’s bustling ByWard Market features a variety of vendors (over 260 in fact) selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally-made delicacies. Additionally, food festivals such as PoutineFest and RibFest showcase Ottawa’s love for indulgent comfort foods. Ottawa’s diverse neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown and Little Italy, further enrich the city’s gastronomic landscape.
Calgary, Alberta
Nestled in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Calgary, Alberta, is a burgeoning culinary destination that’s ripe for food enthusiasts considering a new place to call home. Known for its famous Calgary Stampede, which showcases its rich western heritage, the city is also making a name for itself with its innovative and diverse food scene.
Calgary’s culinary landscape is as varied as its natural surroundings. The city has embraced the farm-to-table movement with open arms, thanks to its proximity to some of Alberta’s best farmland. This connection to local producers means that Calgary’s restaurants often feature seasonal menus packed with the freshest ingredients. The surrounding towns contribute to this agricultural bounty, with many of the region’s smaller communities supplying the beef, dairy and produce that end up on Calgary plates.
One of the city’s standout features is its love for beef, particularly Alberta beef, known for its high quality due to the province’s strict standards for meat production. Steakhouses in Calgary are a testament to this, offering some of the finest cuts that are sure to delight any carnivore. But it’s not just about the beef; Calgary is also home to a vibrant craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and taprooms offering a wide range of local brews that perfectly complement the hearty local cuisine.
The city’s food scene is also influenced by its multicultural population, which is reflected in the variety of international cuisines available. From authentic Vietnamese pho (many of whichuse that revered beef in their noodle soups) in the International Avenue district to Italian fine dining in Bridgeland, there’s no shortage of global flavors to explore. The bustling 17th Avenue, known as the Retail & Entertainment District, is lined with chic cafes, trendy restaurants, and eclectic eateries that cater to all tastes and preferences.
Calgary’s culinary innovation is on full display at its many food festivals, such as the Calgary Stampede’s Midway, where adventurous foodies can sample unique and outrageous foods, and the Taste of Calgary, which showcases the city’s diverse food and beverage scene. For those who love to cook at home, the Calgary Farmers’ Market and Crossroads Market offer a treasure trove of local produce, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet foods.
Moreover, Calgary’s emerging food scene is not just about dining out. The city has a growing number of cooking schools and culinary workshops where residents can hone their skills and learn new techniques. This educational aspect fosters a community of passionate food lovers who are always eager to share their knowledge and love for food.
Saint John’s, New Brunswick
Located on the Bay Of Fundy, Saint John in New Brunswick is an ideal destination for those looking to relocate, particularly for food enthusiasts with a penchant for delicious maritime Canadian delicacies.
This charming city boasts a rich culinary scene that celebrates its maritime heritage and seafood lovers will (once again!) be delighted by the abundance of fresh, locally-sourced seafood options, including succulent scallops, mouth-watering lobster rolls, and fresh as-as-you-like oysters. You’ll also find unique vegan ocean-sourced ingredients like fiddleheads and seaweed used in the cuisine here.
Saint John’s City Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in Canada, provides an excellent opportunity to sample local produce and speciality foods.
In addition to its traditional fare, Saint John is home to innovative restaurants like Port City Royal, which put a modern spin on classic dishes. The Queen’s Square Farmers’ Market showcases the city’s ethnic diversity with food stalls offering flavours from Nigeria, Cameroon, Thailand, Mexico, Haiti, and Syria. Microbreweries and craft cider producers further enrich the gastronomic experience, making Saint John a haven for foodies.
With its affordable lifestyle, excellent education system, and universal healthcare, Saint John offers a high quality of life for newcomers. Its picturesque coastal location, safe neighbourhoods, and vibrant arts and culture scene make it an attractive place to call home.
Quebec City, Quebec
This Canadian city is deeply influenced by its French-Canadian roots, and Quebec’s thriving food scene has not gone unnoticed in recent years. In fact, Conde Nast Traveler readers voted Quebec City as one of the 20 Best Food Cities in the World back in 2022. This recognition highlights the province’s commitment to preserving its culinary traditions while embracing innovation and diversity in its gastronomic offerings
If you’re a fan of cheese, then you’ll definitely want to call Quebec home. It has nearly a dozen artisan cheesemakers, many of whom are internationally renowned. Moreover, Quebecers love their food, and the city is home to some of Canada’s most famous foods including poutine, Quebec’s signature dish, consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in a rich brown gravy.
As the Food Network highlights “the fact that Quebec is such a culinary hub is no coincidence – the province’s capital is actually home to a world-renowned culinary school, ITHQ (Institut de tourism et d’hôtellerie du Québec)”.
In addition to its unique cuisine, Quebec offers a high quality of life, affordable education, accessible transportation, and a plethora of cultural activities. With its unique blend of European charm and North American modernity, Quebec is an ideal destination for those seeking a fresh start and a vibrant food scene.
Toronto, Ontario
For foodies, Toronto is perfect. Canada’s largest city and a magnet for remote workers, it’s often described as a more modern and more manageable version of New York. And as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto’s food scene is nothing short of spectacular.
The city’s diverse neighbourhoods offer a culinary adventure that spans the globe, from the aromatic spices of Little India to the rich flavours of Greektown. You’ll find Caribbean cuisine in Eglinton West, Polish delights in Roncesvalles, and Italian fare in Little Italy and Corso Italia. Foodies can also explore Chinatown and East Chinatown for authentic Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, or Kensington Market for Latin American, Japanese, Turkish, and Mexican flavors. The list goes on…
Toronto’s food scene is not only diverse but also innovative, with unique restaurant concepts like Poop Cafe, Toronto’s first toilet themed bar, and Storm Crow Manor offering unforgettable dining experiences. The city is also home to numerous street food vendors, with popular spots like Gushi Japanese Street Food satisfying cravings on-the-go. Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, a historic landmark, is home to over 120 speciality vendors, providing an incredible array of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
When it comes to neighbourhoods we’re particularly fond of the Ossington Strip in Downtown Toronto, which has become synonymous with a groovy, hipster vibe. Occupied by rows of cute bakeries and cutting-edge bars, the Ossington Strip is fast gaining a name for itself as a hub for great food and even greater drinks.
With 12 different cuisines represented in its top 20 restaurants, Toronto is truly a glorious amalgamation of the world’s flavours and cultures. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or eager to explore new culinary adventures, relocating to Toronto will undoubtedly satisfy your inner foodie.
Did you know that the most expensive jewel in the world is the Hope Diamond valued at more than $250 million? This diamond has over 45 carats and it’s as large as a smartwatch, requiring handling by specially trained professionals and 24/7 monitoring to ensure its safety.
However, handling jewellery with care shouldn’t only be reserved for record breaking diamonds. Indeed, it’s good practice for all kinds of gems, gold necklaces, silver rings, and more. What’s more, you can prevent your jewellery pieces from looking dull by cleaning them regularly, as long as you follow a few simple storage and handling methods along the way. These are those; our 7 top tips for looking after your jewellery to ensure its longevity.
Keep Your Jewellery Away From Sunlight & Oxygen
When you’re not wearing your jewellery, whether it’s a picture bracelet collection or a simple gold chain, you should keep them in a special box in a safe place in your house. Make sure that the lid of the box closes completely to prevent sunlight and oxygen from getting inside.
When oxygen gets in contact with valuable gems and precious metals, these items tend to oxidize. This process is automatic and usually irreversible, and will ruin the aesthetics of your jewellery over time. By keeping them in a special box, you prevent the oxidizing process and preserve the condition of your gems and necklaces.
Put Chalk Or A Silica Bag Inside Your Jewellery Box
That’s why expert jewellers recommend placing silica bags inside jewellery boxes, which will absorb moisture from the air and keep your jewellery items in good condition. You can use small chalk bags too.
Do Not Store Gems Together
Although gem pieces are certainly durable, they are not indestructible. That’s why you shouldn’t store small emeralds with rubies, topaz gems or diamonds together. They might rub on each other and develop scratches over time.
Even if these scratches are microscopic, they will still alter the beauty and value of your gems. You should use multiple boxes to store gems or a large jewellery box with multiple compartments. Diamonds are the strongest of them all, and can easily scratch other gems or jewellery pieces you might have.
Since diamond jewellery deserves to shine, it’s therefore recommended that you store diamonds separately.
Keep Your Jewellery Away From Water Sources & Chemicals
Some homeowners put jewellery items in a special box and store the box in the bathroom. This is not a good idea. As mentioned earlier, jewellery that gets in contact with moisture will be in trouble.
Similarly, some homeowners store a jewellery box close to harsh chemicals and dangerous substances. They might, for instance, hide the box in the garage next to a couple of buckets of paint. This is not a good idea as chemicals can quickly damage the beauty of your jewellery items.
The problem with chemicals is that they can cause discolouration. Additionally, toxic chemicals might be difficult to remove once they get in contact with other metals, and slowly erode the quality of the piece over time. To prevent this, keep in a safe box free from moisture and chemical interaction.
Clean Jewellery Periodically
Even if you take appropriate precautions, some jewellery items and gems might still get dust and debris on their surface. This is almost inevitable, especially if you wear your jewellery items regularly. In this case, you should develop a habit of cleaning your jewellery periodically, even if there’s no issues visible to the naked eye.
Ideally, this should be done once or twice a month. Use only lukewarm water, a creamy soap, and a toothbrush to clean your necklaces and earrings. Don’t apply too much pressure and wipe down excessive moisture afterwards. Gently, of course. The purpose of this cleaning process is just to remove accumulated dust and debris, not scrub away furiously at blemishes. Doing so would only worsen the issue.
Earrings and studs need particular care given their size and proximity to piercings. Cords Club offers a helpful breakdown of how to clean ear jewellery properly without damaging delicate materials.
If you have rings or necklaces with grime and debris that can’t be cleaned with a toothbrush, you might want to use an ultrasonic cleaner. Talk to an experienced jeweller on what type of ultrasonic cleaner to use and how to best deploy it. These devices can also be rented for simple jewellery cleaning tasks.
Use Straws To Prevent Necklaces From Getting Tangled
Some necklaces are like earphones – they tend to get tangled and it can be a time-consuming process to untangle them. Untangling silver necklaces is also risky because you might break the whole silver chain or make the small individual rings scratch each other. The same story is true for gold necklaces.
Luckily, there is a simple way you can get around this problem; use a straw. Disconnect the ends of your necklace and place one end through the straw. Let it pass through the straw and out the other end. Now you simply connect the ends back.
The straw will prevent entangling no matter how many necklaces you have or how close to each other you store them. Make sure that the straw is sufficiently large to accommodate your necklace. In some cases, you can find special jewellery straws online that are purposely built to prevent entanglement. Amazing!
Keep Jewellery Pieces Away From Small Children
There are two good reasons for doing this. First of all, small children might play with jewellery and then leave it somewhere tough to locate. We’ve all been there, but you don’t want to spend another entire afternoon looking for your grandfather’s ring, do you?
Secondly, children might accidentally swallow small jewellery pieces such as earrings, rings, pearls, and so on. Particularly important for when travelling but equally true when at home, use a jewellery box that can be locked with a key and store it high up in a closet or cabinet to prevent this.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, taking care of your jewellery pieces is not that complicated. These tips will preserve the beauty of your gems and necklaces for decades to come. On top of that, well-maintained jewellery items will likely have a higher resale value, if you do choose to cash in.
If you’re an avid cyclist considering taking on a marathon bike ride, you’re in for an exhilarating journey. An endurance event such as this requires not only physical preparedness but also mental strength, regardless of whether it’s charity bike rides or competitive events you’re participating in. To help you reach the finish line in one piece, here is your guide on how to prepare physically and mentally for a marathon bike ride.
Physical Preparation: Balanced Training & Nutrition
The cornerstone of preparing for a marathon bike ride is consistent, balanced training. It is crucial to pace yourself and gradually build up your stamina rather than cranking up the intensity too soon.
Increase Endurance: Start lengthening the time spent in the saddle. The key is pushing yourself to achieve longer distances yet at a manageable pace.
Strengthen Core Muscles: Regular strength training, especially for your legs and core, will provide additional power and help prevent injury. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups into your routine.
Flexibility and Balance: Cycling is known for building strong leg muscles but can also lead to muscular tightness. Regular stretching and activities like yoga can help improve flexibility and balance.
Nutrition: Fuel your body with a balanced diet. Carbohydrates are essential for maintaining energy during long rides, while protein assists with muscle recovery. Hydration shouldn’t be underestimated, either – maintain a regular intake of fluids during your training and the event.
Physical training is one half of the equation; the other is mental resilience. As much as the body, the mind also needs to be conditioned to handle the challenges of a marathon bike ride.
Visualisation: Visualise your ride. Imagine yourself navigating the route, tackling hills, and crossing the finish line. Making the race familiar to your mind can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
Setting Goals: Break down the marathon into smaller, achievable goals. Instead of focusing on the daunting total distance, concentrate on reaching the next checkpoint. This approach will make the task seem more manageable and increase your motivation.
Mental Toughness: There’ll be moments when exhaustion, muscle soreness or the sheer length of the ride will make quitting seem enticing. Develop a mantra or a positive affirmation to help you combat negative thoughts and maintain your focus.
Relaxation Techniques: Stress can adversely impact performance, so mastering relaxation techniques can be incredibly beneficial. Methods like deep breathing, practising yoga or listening to calming music can help manage pre-marathon nerves.
The Day Before The Event
The day before your marathon bike ride is a mix of anticipation and final preparations. Here’s how to make the most of it and set yourself up for success.
Rest and Relax: It’s essential to let your body recuperate from the weeks or even months of training. Try to have a slow-paced, relaxing day. Keeping stress at bay is key as feeling anxious can unnecessarily consume energy you’ll want to reserve for the race.
Carb-Load: This is the time to fill your glycogen stores for sustained energy during the race. Consume meals rich in carbohydrates, like pasta or rice dishes to keep you fuelled up. Don’t forget to hydrate well, but avoid over drinking to strike the right balance.
Double-Check Your Gear: Make sure your bike is in top-notch condition. Check your tires, brakes, and gears. An electric bike pump that includes a pressure gauge takes the guesswork out of tyre inflation, so it’s worth having one to hand the night before. Pack your helmet, cycling attire, water bottles, and any necessary repair tools. Don’t forget to include energy bars or gels for during the race.
Plan Your Route: If you’re travelling to the start line, plan your journey to ensure you’ll reach on time. Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Visualisation: It’s a point that bears repeating, and that is the importance of spending some quiet time mentally rehearsing the event. You may go through all parts of the race, envision the milestones and picture yourself crossing the finish line. This can help reinforce your self-belief and readiness for the race.
Early Turn-in: Aim for an early night to ensure a full night’s sleep. You want to wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on your marathon bike ride.
On the day before the event, it’s all about preparing the stage for your big ride. By focusing on rest, nutrition, gear, and mental prep, you can approach the starting line feeling confident and ready to pedal your way to the finish.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-repairing-bike-at-home-6334127/
The Morning Of The Event
The morning of your marathon bike ride has finally arrived. Here’s how to start your day on the right pedal.
Awake Early: By waking up early, you can avoid feeling rushed and allow time for your body and mind to fully wake up. Remember, a calm start to your day can help set the tone for the rest of your ride.
Breakfast is Essential: Fuel up with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat meal around 3 hours before the start. Porridge with fruits, a bagel or toast with some honey or jam are good options – they provide energy yet are easy to digest.
Hydrate: Begin sipping on water or an electrolyte drink. But be wary of overhydrating, you want to find a balance that helps keep you hydrated without the need for frequent pit stops.
Warm-up: Incorporate a gentle warm-up to wake your muscles up – a short walk, some light stretching, or even a short, easy ride. This will help to increase your body’s temperature and heart rate and prepare your body for the ride.
Final Bike and Kit Check: Do one last check of your bike and your gear. Ensure your tyres are properly inflated, your water bottles are filled, your helmet is secured, and your nutrition is packed.
Harness the Energy: Absorb the atmosphere of the event and take a few moments of quiet reflection. Look around at your fellow riders, the crowd, the landscape, and take it all in. You’ve trained long and hard for this moment.
Stay Loose and Positive: Keep encouraging thoughts at the forefront. You’ve put in the work, you’ve made it to the start line – now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labours. Remember your training, trust your strategy and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
The morning of the event is all about the culmination of your preparation. With the right fuel, gear, mindset and by harnessing the energy of the event, you’re more than ready to conquer the marathon bike ride. Pedal on!
The Bottom Line
Preparing for a big cycling challenge – whether a competitive race, charity ride or leg of a biking holiday – is as much a journey of the mind as it is of the body. Your physical training must be balanced with mental resilience to truly conquer the marathon. Remember, everyone’s journey is different—listen to your body, pace yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. Happy cycling!
There are essentially three versions of Phuket, for visitors at least. There’s the ‘Ibiza of the East’ Phuket, of sludgy sands, pounding basslines, and beach clubs so far from glamorous that they could humble a holiday rep. There’s the Phuket of pristine travel reels too, where every infinity pool spills into the next, and nobody sweats. And then there is the Old Town.
Phuket Old Town is one hell of a looker – a compact grid of Sino-Portuguese shophouses in every shade of pastel, whose faded facades tell the story of Hokkien Chinese merchants who arrived during the tin mining boom of the late 19th century, blueprints from Penang in hand. UNESCO recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015, the first in South East Asia, and a World Heritage bid is in the works. It’s only a matter of time; UNESCO fucking loves this aesthetic.
But the best thing is that it doesn’t feel like a toy town. Families still live and work in these shophouses. Walk two minutes beyond the postcard streets and you hit hardware stores, oily forecourts, Taoist shrines, and a different side of Phuket that some visitors miss entirely. And not a monolithic, freezing cold shopping mall in sight.
And on Dibuk Road, the residential street where wealthy Chinese mining families once lived (Dibuk is ‘tin’ in Thai), a deep crimson Straits Settlement-style building houses what is now, without much argument, Phuket’s most exciting Thai restaurant.
Phuket Old Town
Royd – ‘so delicious’ – is the work of Suwijak ‘Mond’ Kunghae, a 32-year-old Phuket native who grew up pounding curry paste at his family’s restaurant in Patong. He went to school at Plukpanya, a short walk from the shophouse he’d eventually turn into Royd, passing these very facades every day. His culinary education took him first to Penang, then to Bangkok, where he trained in French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu and the Mandarin Oriental before stints at heavy hitters Le Normandie and Mezzaluna, both now two Michelin-starred.
Later, travels with preservation specialist Phanuphon ‘Black’ Bulsuwan of Blackitch Artisan Kitchen in Chiang Mai pulled him back towards the ancestral wisdom of Thai cooking. Royd is the synthesis of it all: French rigour absorbed so deeply it’s now instinctual, a fermentation programme that undulates across the whole menu, and a mission to show the world, in his words, “how Southern people eat.”
Inside, there’s the glow and chatter that you want to walk into when dining like this. Because there are few things worse than entering into a tasting menu-sized commitment in a room full of whispers. The room seats just 20, but it’s effervescing nicely. To the right there’s a marble counter where couples perch. It’s the move, changing the whole nature of the meal. All the garnishes, blowtorching, tweezering and general final fussing happens here, and listening to the explanation of dishes feels more natural at the counter, more fluid, rather than someone hovering over your table to deliver a speech. It also means the servers can top up your wine during the pairing effortlessly (they’re generous with the extras if your glass is running dry) and show you bits they’ve been brewing.
The welcome is kind and gentle. Not amateurish at all, but not overly slick either. It’s something more familial, speaking to the famously laid back khon pak tai way of doing things. You’re handed a torch ginger kombucha in a single window seat overlooking Dibuk Road before taking up position at the bar. The separation feels a little superfluous when your stool is only three steps away, but it’s cute nonetheless.
The menu unfolds as a geographical sweep of the southern provinces, changing with the seasons and the skill and fortune of the south’s farmers and fishermen. The opening snack stack was a run of four bites, all superlative. The first, a sour mango and sweet fish sauce macaron. A classic sour-salty-sweet combination (that oft reductive shorthand of the thrillingly complex Thai palette), but the meringue shell dissolved slowly, giving a controlled release of mango puree and viscous fish sauce that lasted well into the next snack.
Sour mango and sweet fish sauce macaron
Then, a huge clam shell presented on a bed of twigs arranged, I assume, to resemble a bamboo raft, with a briny clam and a little chilli jam beneath a coconut vinaigrette. Drink it like a shot. Punchy, super spicy, fabulous.
A tofu skin tart came next, shaped in a frilly-edged patisserie mould. Inside, pig’s head, braised, smoked and pressed, fromage de tête vibes, with dots of rich tamarind chutney. Technically flawless, but packing depth too. There’s the obvious French connection emerging, but it’s also a riff on lor bak, the Hokkien-Chinese snack that has been part of Phuket’s food culture for generations, dating back to the tin mining era. That layering runs through everything at Royd, and, indeed, Phuket.
Tofu tart caseBeef tartare
The opening salvo concluded with a beef tartare, sat on a circle of betel leaf, miang-style. Here the raw beef was seasoned in the style of southern Thailand’s famous dry curry spice paste: loads of dried chilli, turmeric, white and black pepper. Its zigzag of bilimbi (a southern Thai souring agent) puree across the top did the same job that cornichons or capers do in a French tartare. All that rasping heat somehow didn’t overwhelm the meat.
Then, the ‘Route to the South’ began, starting with ‘our version’ of gaeng som, my favourite dish in the world. As a self-proclaimed purist, ‘our version’ gets me flustered, but it was so far from the original visually that I dropped the tedious dogma. Served in a textured glass bowl, honeycomb pattern throwing mad shadows across the counter, it was gorgeous before you’d even picked up a spoon.
Inside, a dark pool of squid ink carried the gaeng som profile, the sour note coming from dried garcinia. Strands of Andaman squid, sliced thin like noodles and lightly charcoal-smoked – definitely in a sieve, Etxebarri-style. Little pearls of catfish roe and a Phuket pineapple gel sat amongst the squid, and you’re encouraged to muddle it all around so the ink coats everything. When you did, there it was; gaeng som, unmistakably.
Dried garcinia
The couple next to us had requested all dishes to be toned down, chilli-wise, and theirs arrived with a clear broth, which tells you the real energy of this dish lives in the squid ink. A Wieninger Gemischter Satz 2023, a Viennese field blend, was poured alongside. Not Riesling, not Grüner Veltliner, not any of the predictable pairings for spicy food. Acid on acid, the wine running in parallel rather than trying to counterbalance it, cleaning the palate between bites. This was Royd’s fourth version of gaeng som, a signature they keep evolving each season. It felt unimpeachable.
Afterwards, the dried garcinia was brought out at the counter on a folded linen tea towel, like something precious. It came after the dish, not before – not the choreographed show-and-tell you get at most Michelin-level Thai restaurants, but something more reactive. Appreciated that.
Next, bai liang pad kai – southern Thailand’s staple of malindjo leaves with egg – by way of Japan. The malindjo had been dried and ground, and was whisked at the counter like matcha with a bamboo chasen; the egg here a krill chawanmushi. It almost didn’t need the Andaman blue crab and smoked Hua Hin caviar, but we weren’t complaining.
Next, a dish of prized Phatthalung river prawn, which wasn’t on our menu but we tagged in on as it looked intriguing being delivered to our neighbouring diners. A Dei Martiena 2022, a Tuscan white from Montepulciano, was poured alongside. The standout wasn’t the main bowl of prawns in a broth perfumed with dark cowa leaves (as good as it was) but the prawn head. Halved then grilled until black, the shell was served with the smoked, now custardy head juice pooled inside. The absolute essence of prawn flavour, you’re encouraged to either drizzle it over the main bowl or simply suck it out like a ravenous beast. The choice is yours, the latter is obviously correct.
These two dishes are succinct examples of the service here. The malindjo was delivered with a joke about how the chef tricked some of his best friends into thinking it was ceremonial grade matcha. The other the fluidity of service. While dishes are of course delivered with the usual spiel you’d expect with a tasting menu, the pomp is replaced with light heartedness and the good nature of a restaurant that knows it’s on song.
Next, a steamed catch of the day in peppery kaeng liang soup served as a change of pace. Earthy and mild, muted even, the exception that proved the rule. A palate cleanser of southern sour fruits cleansed the palate.
A Cru Monplaisir 2021, a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux, had been poured in anticipation of the ‘main’. Lamb, a triumph, a main course in the European sense (medium rare protein as the focus that everything orbits around) and sufficiently samrub in style to be southern Thai. Three or four blushing pieces of lamb loin, charcoal grilled, the cuisson absolutely perfect, served over an assertive water-based cumin leaf curry that was peppery and bold and bracingly spicy. Phatthalung Tubtim organic rice alongside, lightly pickled nashi pear, and an incredible clear soup, refreshing and packed with depth and verve. You could request top-ups of the fire extinguisher.
The sweet stuff, then. Banana nananana. Silly name, glad we didn’t have to say it out loud to order it, but absolutely brilliant. A play on kluai buat chi, the classic Thai banana in coconut cream, with four or five different banana components in a salty-sweet coconut cream sauce, even the flamboyantly towering tuile made from banana. The wine pairing had given way by this point to sato, a traditional Thai fermented rice wine made by Y&C (Yeast and Co) in Phuket. They poured the white sato first, and after some spirited discussion they gave us a glass of the red too to compare. Classy.
Petit fours largely passed without incident, though a riff on kanom krok stays with me for being very salty but in a weirdly satisfying way. To close, the pepper biscuit: a beloved Phuket sweet from the Hokkien-Chinese tradition, usually served with tea, presented both in its original form (in bespoke Royd packaging that reads หรอยจังฮู, the phrase that gives the restaurant its name) and as a millefeuille layered with condensed milk crème pat and black pepper. Here’s the original, here’s how we celebrate it.
It’s a gesture that invites comparison with Sorn, Bangkok’s three Michelin-starred southern Thai institution, where a dessert trolley laden with traditional sweets serves as a final statement of provenance. Royd doesn’t suffer from that comparison, which is a pretty massive compliment.
Chef Mond, who just won the MICHELIN Young Chef award at the same 2026 ceremony where his former mentors at Mezzaluna, the Sühring twins, were promoted to three stars, is cooking at a level that genuinely stands up to Bangkok’s best southern Thai fine dining, but for around half the price. The full eight-course dinner with wine pairing comes to roughly 7,500 THB (around £170) with service and tax.
There’s a format that’s become well worn in Bangkok over the past few years: the modern Thai tasting menu, course by course with explanations and demonstrations, the chef reinterpreting regional dishes through fine dining technique. It can feel passé, a bit studied, the kind of meal where you admire the craft but forget about it the moment you’ve left, wondering if the street might have done the same dishes better.
The common critique of Thai fine dining is familiar: “Why pay that much when I can eat something just as delicious for 50 baht?” It’s a fair point. Many similar restaurants lean on familiar recipes, modernising them through imported ingredients and haute presentation rather than reinvention. And yes – you absolutely can have the meal of your life at a raan aharn around the corner.
But Royd is different. It’s food you won’t eat elsewhere, completely fresh, but southern Thai to its soul; spicy, funky, brave and bold. There’s no cynical signposting. The French and fine dining flourishes have an instinctual feel, accrued through lived experience, and the fact that chef Mond is doing it in his home town, on the street he walked to school, in a shophouse built by the same Hokkien-Chinese community whose snacks he’s riffing on, gives it a context and a sincerity that an esteemed Bangkok dining room sometimes struggles to replicate. Soigné, indeed.
It’s the rallying call of all those living to the west of Brighton’s Angel of Peace Statue, where the boundary is symbolically drawn between the effervescent seaside town and its more urbane sibling, Hove.
As you wander west from the self-proclaimed ‘London By The Sea’, along the sometimes chaotic Western Road and cross borders into Hove, you’ll notice a tangible change of pace. Things feel more gentle here, more refined, and as you land on Church Road, the start of Hove proper in many people’s eyes, you’ll also be met by a string of superb restaurants.
Though Brighton itself is rightly famed for its amazing restaurants, Hovians are equally blessed with some fantastic places to eat, with much of the finest dining to be found on this side of the unitary authority’s border.
Today, we’re taking a leisurely stroll along that main thoroughfare, Church Road and its adjoining streets, to explore Hove’s best restaurants. Care to join us?
Cin Cin, Western Road
Ideal for flawless plates of pasta…
Though you can’t walk for more than the length of a fettuccine in London without stumbling into a pasta bar, in Brighton & Hove you’ll be much harder pressed to find a place slinging freshly rolled strands of the good stuff.
In fact, to our mind, Cin Cin are the premier pasta purveyors here, and a more than capable match for any of London’s top pasta restaurants (in 2021, Cin Cin decided to test this theory, and their Fitzrovia branch opened to immediate national acclaim).
Though the restaurant’s original location in Brighton’s North Laines has now closed, the newer, larger branch on Western Road, just seconds before you reach Church Road, is just as delicious.
Here, a horseshoe counter and a handful of barstools overlook Cin Cin’s open kitchen, where seasonal small plates, fresh pasta dishes, and a couple of grilled bits are lovingly prepared in full view of the diners. This is dinner and a show, Hove style, and if your dinner starts with an order of the restaurant’s ever-changing, always-popular arancino (brown crab on our last visit), followed by a pasta dish from the special’s board, you’re sure to be calling for an encore.
Fortunately, Cin Cin’s desserts are respondent to the seasons and always stellar – whether it’s a festive panettone bread and butter pudding with marmalade ice cream or a summery Amalfi lemon tart, there’s no chance you’re leaving disappointed.
The menu changes here often so you’ll want to become a regular.
But leave we shall, and onwards into what feels like Hove ‘proper’, Church Road.
One of the first places you’ll come to is Unithai, an ordinary looking Thai supermarket out front, with something very special hiding in the back.
If you’re looking to rustle up your own pad see ew or red curry with duck, then Unithai is one of the only places in town you’ll find the requisite fresh green peppercorns, galangal, grachai, makrut lime and other esoteric ingredients needed for both dishes.
Alternatively, you could simply stroll through the shop, dish out your finest sawadee (ka/krap), and settle into one of their cosy tables of four nestled out back. Occupy yourself by listening to the soundtrack of kitchen clatter and the roar of the wok burner, and within minutes, you’ll have a freshly prepared plate of Thai deliciousness, cooked with love. In fact, we consider Unithai to do some of the best noodles in Brighton.
Ideal for wood fired pizzas with that pillowy blistered crust…
Until recently, Britain’s favourite seaside town (don’t @me Blackpool) wasn’t exactly blessed with fantastic pizza restaurants. With the popularity of fish’n’chips on the pebbles defining every dinner choice, the humble pizza was marginalised, pushed to the back of the fan ovens of Pizza Hut, Papa Johns et al.
Fatto a Mano changed all that.
Nine years since the original Fatto a Mano opened on Brighton’s London Road, several more outposts have followed suit, with one in the North Laines, one in Hove, and further operations opening in Croydon and Shoreditch.
As you’ve probably guessed, there’s no need to head to London (or London Road) to get your pizza fix; we’re simply crossing the road from Unithai and settling in for an afternoon in the sun on Fatto’s beautiful terrace.
The pizzas here are as authentic as they come; wood fired quickly, so the cheese remains delicate rather than singed, the dough soft and pillowy but with a blistered crust and restrained, respectful toppings, true to the Italian tradition. The name translates as ‘handmade’ in Italian, and that’s certainly the vibe here; everything is made from scratch and it shows.
It’s great value, too, with most pizzas hovering around the £12 to £15 mark. With your neighbourhood pasta and Thai joints just seconds away, why would a hungry soul ever leave Hove?
Ideal for confident European cooking and a lovely winelist…
If you’ve still got the legs, then savour the two minute walk from Bison Beer to Wild Flor, also on Hove’s Church Road, to compose yourself and ready your appetite for another glorious feed.
Wild Flor is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Brighton and Hove’s thriving culinary scene. Settling into an evening with their confident, classic French cookery and superb wine list is one of Brighton’s biggest treats; you’ll always leave squiffy and extremely well-fed.
Our last visit was a true celebration of spring; the pea and lavender veloute with sheep’s milk is as fresh as you like, and the perfect warm-up for a main of salt-aged bavette steak, oyster, wild garlic and celeriac, a dish that bridged late winter and spring masterfully.
Don’t fill yourself up too much, though ,as it would be criminal to miss out on the restaurant’s pastry work, the section cooking with a breezy conviction and generosity more in tune with a Paris patisserie or the bouchons of Lyon than a Hove thoroughfare. Emblematic of this sensibility is a fine version of the classic Brillat-Savarin cheesecake, with extra sparkle added via ginger and rhubarb. Delicious.
The restaurant now do a great value set menu, too. The current spring offering is just £23 for two courses or £25 for three, and includes beetroot over ajo blanco, a fennel sausage cassoulet perfumed with wild garlic, and more. It’s served for lunch and early dinner (before 7pm), Tuesday through Saturday.
Ideal for Brighton & Hove’s only Michelin-starred restaurant…
Church Road’s dining credentials continue to grow. Maré, which opened in September 2025, brings the considerable talent of two-Michelin-starred chef Rafael Cagali to Hove’s shores – the São Paulo-born chef behind Bethnal Green’s Da Terra and its more casual sibling Elis. The name translates to ‘tide’ in Portuguese, fitting given the restaurant sits a short stroll from the seafront.
In February 2026, Maré was awarded a Michelin star at a ceremony in Dublin, making it the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Brighton & Hove in nearly 50 years. The Michelin Guide praised Chef Ewan Waller and the team for their “thrilling array of global flavours”, while Cagali said he was “incredibly proud of the whole team for this recognition”.
Cagali trained under some of Europe’s most celebrated chefs – Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck, Quique Dacosta in Spain, Martín Berasategui, and Simon Rogan at Fera at Claridge’s – before opening Da Terra in 2019, which earned its second Michelin star within two years. His partner Charlie Lee runs front of house, while protégé Ewan Waller leads the 38-cover kitchen day-to-day.
Cagali’s Brazilian and Italian heritage shapes everything here. Start with one-bite snacks – a West Mersea fried oyster with hot sauce emulsion, or a lobster claw tartlet with ginger and N25 caviar, which is as opulent (and delicious) as it sounds. The small plates are where things get playful: Fowey mussels come with puttanesca and botarga, while a BYOT (build your own taco) lets you wrap pulled lamb shoulder in manioc tacos yourself. Mains are generous in luxury of ingredient if not size – Freedown Hills picanha with chimichurri, carabineros prawns swimming in moqueca sauce, BBQ brill with clams and pil pil. And the Brazilian thread runs right through to dessert, where baba au cachaça and cheese with guava close things out.
The space, previously occupied by the short-lived El Bolillo, has been softened with sand-coloured walls, Brazilian artwork, light wood tables, and a zinc bar running through its centre. It lands somewhere between the precision of Da Terra and Elis’s neighbourhood warmth, but really, Maré is very much its own thing.
There are three ways to approach this one: à la carte across one bites, small plates and mains; the £55 set lunch; or the £90 ‘Taste of Maré’ tasting menu, which feels like pretty good value considering the credentials and quality, especially when considering mains sit in the mid £40s for a single plate. Once the red plaque has gone up, expect prices to rise in tandem.
Ideal for a meal at Hove’s best Persian restaurant…
With that ginger and rhubarb still undulating on the palate and rasping on the throat, we’re slipping a few doors down to Shiraz, arguably Brighton and Hove’s best Persian restaurant.
You can smell the charcoal grill from Church Road, and those wafts of smoke are enough to entice even the weariest traveller inside. Or, a traveller who has already eaten five meals on their tour of Hove’s best restaurants. Anyway…
You won’t regret having a sixth meal at Shiraz. Skewers of marinated spring lamb chops, served on the bone, feel just right for this time of year, and taste just right, too, while naan that’s blistered and burnished from the grill is just perfect for pulling through the restaurant’s broad meze selection; the zeytoon parvardeh is particularly good.
Ideal for one the area’s hippest, most happening spots for a drink and a bite…
Three minutes west along Church Road, towards fourth avenue and opposite Hove Town Hall, Fourth and Church is one the area’s hippest, most happening spots for a drink and a bite.
Small plates, tapas, ‘bites’ – whatever you want to call them – are the order of the day here, with disparate global influences all coming together into a unified whole, promising dishes full of verve and intrigue and largely delivering on that promise.
The countertop seating and bottle-clad walls let you know that this is as much a bar as a restaurant, and in affirmatory fashion, the cocktails are fantastic. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that Fourth and Church’s martini is the finest in the city.
If you’re looking for serious value to go with that martini, their set lunch (two courses for £22, three for £25) recently took home Best Lunch at the 2025 BRAVO Awards.
Ideal for a seafood-centric menu in chilled surroundings…
Housed in a residential area in a working class part of Hove just a few minute’s walk off Church Road, The Urchin remains a proper pub in the sense that it still acts as the neighbourhood living room, just with a sterling focus on serving really interesting shellfish dishes thrown in for good measure.
There’s two menus. One – an evergreen – with seaside town favourites like potted shrimp, oysters with pickled, brunoised shallot, and a quarter pint of cockles to please the locals. The other menu allows the chef’s creativity and love for travel to shine, with flourishes from further East (not Brighton – much further east) introducing spikes of kimchi, XO sauce, and an incredible soft shell crab kyiv.
On our last visit, Malaysian prawns with lentils caused orange stains on the finger nails and purrs of appreciation on the lips, and clams in a clear dashi broth was clean and lively. Staying true to their pub (formely the Bell) origins, The Urchin have a microbrewery in the basement which results in their own beer ‘Larrikin’ on tap. If it doesn’t tickle your fancy, there are around 120 other beers to choose from. An absolute gem and a great way to wind down our tour of the best restaurants in Hove.
Western Road is, in some quarters at least, described as Brighton and Hove’s Greektown, owing to its abundance of fantastic options for Greek food. Whilst we love the gyros over at Archipelagos Gyros and the larger spreads on offer at their sibling restaurant Archipelagos just a hundred yards or so down the road, our favourite place for Greek food in the city is without doubt Nostos, just round the corner on Holland Road.
Compared to other Greek places in the area, this one leans on the slightly upscale end of the spectrum. Whilst certainly not refining or redefining the Greek classics (as in, making them significantly less nice), there are gently modern flourishes to the dishes here, which are served in a pleasingly bright and airy dining room.
Yep, Nostos is more the cerulean blues and starched whites of Santorini than the candlelit intimacy of Greece’s tavernas, and that seems to fit this corner of Hove just perfectly.
On the plate, things manage to be both generous but breezy. A case in point is the signature kleftiko, the lamb shank braised until tender and giving, and lent succour by a subtly seasoned sweet potato puree. The restaurant’s moussaka is given similar lift by a light-as-you-like bechamel sauce that’s souffled and spacious – whipped egg whites have certainly done their job here. Lovely stuff, indeed.
If you’re looking for a thoroughly fancy fine dining experience in Hove, then there really is only one restaurant doing things at that level and with that sense of ambition; Etch.
Perhaps ‘fancy’ isn’t quite right, as Etch is a thoroughly, refreshingly unfussy experience for all the intricacy on the plate, the brusque menu descriptors and the even more curt use of punctuation in the restaurant’s name.
We’re proud to have got to the third paragraph before mentioning that the man at the stoves here is Steven Edwards, winner of what was surely the peak season of Masterchef The Professionals, when Michel Roux Jr. was presiding over things and Greg(g) Wallace was far more intermittently featured.
Back in the room, and it’s a bright and airy one, the restaurant occupying the first floor of a Queen Anne-revival style former bank, its broad arched windows letting light flow through the dining room and lifting the sophisticated racing green leathers and weathered oaks, a recent addition after a comprehensive refit and reimagining of the space.
All that natural light has begun to illuminate the seasonal spring dinner menu, too, and these are plates that deserve to be seen, all immaculately clean lines, glossy sauces, and the signature visual touch; a vivid, verdant puree forming a perfect circle (the ol’ record player trick) and holding the whole dish, sauce and all, within its borders.
Right now, the two best dishes are both perfect expressions of spring. A fish course of poached skrei cod, an elite species at its very pomp right now, is served with a grassy parsley mousse and rich, properly indulgent chicken butter sauce. A little preserved lemon helps cut through it all. Even better, the main; a fat, bright, blushing piece of lamb saddle and rocher of ewe’s curd, both girdled by a wild garlic puree. This one eats like a dream.
Mop up that sauce with Etch’s burnished marmite brioche and its accompanying seaweed butter, adorned with a frilly hat of deep fried nori; it’s one of the south’s best bread courses and an absolute explosion of umami and controlled corpulence. Speaking of which, when you do get round to loosening your belt, the Japanese loos are a real treat.
Anyway, Etch is remarkably good value for a restaurant that could easily wear a Michelin star above its door on a different day; a 5-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal British produce is just £55 (you can add a couple more courses and take that price to £80). Both dedicated pescetarian and vegetarian tasting menus are also available for the same £55. There are even a couple of wines by the glass for around the £8 mark; a rare find these days.
Etch is open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch, too.
Ideal for traditional cooking that’s big on flavour and low on frippery…
After such globetrotting feasting, we need a walk; a short one, at least. So, we’re heading south from Belfast Street, across Church Road, towards the sea and into The Ginger Pig, one of the southeast’s most acclaimed gastropubs.
The Ginger Pig is one of five eateries from the prolific, reliably brilliant restaurant group behind the Ginger Man, Ginger Fox, Ginger Dog (now sadly closed) and the Flint House, and if you’ve eaten at any of the group’s places before, then you’ll know that the Ginger way of cooking is big on flavour and low on frippery.
This ethos is perhaps most vividly realised at this expansive Hove pub, with Sunday roasts and a perfectly poured local pint a particular treat. We could spend a whole afternoon into evening here, and considering how much we’ve eaten on our tour of Hove’s best restaurants, we think we’ll spend the night here, too. Fortunately, the Ginger Pig has rooms.
Balham is a place difficult to define. Though your office BFF has moved there to escape Clapham – it’s not what it used to be – and residents of Tooting start to feel homesick as soon as they cross the A214, this area once deemed ‘’up and coming’’ still doesn’t feel like it’s quite come up.
That’s not to say that Balham, with feet planted in both Wandsworth and Lambeth, struggles with its identity. There’s a good buzz about the place, with great transport links into both the city and out to the ‘burbs bringing in a young, upwardly mobile demographic.
More still come to eat, drink and make merry. We’re here to focus on the former today, and explore the area with fork and knife firmly in hand. Here are the best places to eat in Balham, South London.
Milk
Ideal for South London’s best brunch…
Has a London district truly arrived unless its premier brunch joint takes great pleasure in experimenting on its residents?
The menu at Milk, a beloved Balham breakfast institution since 2012, feels wilfully obtuse – does anyone really need to be negotiating dehydrated miso, zero waste barista milk snaps, and nutzilla first thing in the morning?
Fortunately, the plates plonked down here don’t take these frivolous descriptions too literally. Instead, Milk’s brunch dishes are poised, playful and perfectly formed, with a lightness of touch that belies the menu’s verbosity.
If you’ve had a long night on the sticky tiles of Infernos, then the must-order here is certainly the Convict (nope, us neither), which features a pork patty of premium Gloucester old spot, streaky bacon, scrambled egg and a secret hangover sauce, all crammed lovingly between the halves of a toasted muffin. Sure, this is a supercharged Sausage and Egg McMuffin, but we love it.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Nutzilla French Toast is a weekday smash – a huge wedge of housemade brioche, tonkabean chantilly cream, macerated strawberries and a miso and white chocolate caramel. It’s as insanely decadent as it sounds, though do be aware it’s not on at the weekend. And this just in; the brunch sweet treat has just had an wintery upgrade with clementines. The perfect excuse to go back, we think.
Also of note, at the weekends Milk always has a seasonally changing special of wonderfully light buckwheat pancakes in various flavours. These are pretty plates, make no mistake, and ones that always come with a perfect rocher of something creamy. Recent spring favourites have included cherry blossom poached forced rhubarb with pistachio, hazelnut and almond nougat, orange blossom chantilly and a magnolia petal syrup made using flowers foraged from head chef Nic’s own Lewisham back garden.
Or, a citrus-bright version featuring charred white grapefruit, lemon meringue tart, burnt butter crumble, elderflower chantilly and chamomile milk crisp. Neither are nearly as confused as they sound! In fact, they’re vivid expressions of British hyperseasonality, all in the form of brunch.
Now, go and have yourself a lie down; you deserve it.
Address: 20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG, United Kingdom
Freak Scene
On the increasingly enjoyable Go To Food Podcast, a recent episode had Michel Roux Jr. praising the Balham restaurant Freak Scene for its young, energetic service, and excellent food.
And whilst the word ‘freak’ has forever been tarnished by P Diddy, we took that podcast recommendation as a cue to go check it out on an otherwise wet and windy Tuesday night. We’re so glad we did; the place rocks.
Genuinely, rocks; the music is deafening in here, but wear some earplugs, ignore chef Michel trying to meet your eye from across the room, and get stuck into plates of pan-Asian maximalism, all designed by ex-Nobu chef and Kurobuta founder Scott Hallsworth, who has a wicked way with big, bold flavours.
He deploys umami and acidity in basically everything. Sure, it’s all dialled up to eleven and nuance isn’t part of the vernacular here, but if you’re in need of a kick about the chops in Balham on an evening that’s otherwise tending towards the tedious, you’ll certainly find it here.
Originally started as a pop-up in Farringdon, Freak Scene arrived in Balham in early 2024. The original Parsons Green site has since been rebranded as Freak Momma, a Japanese ‘super-diner’ concept, leaving Balham as the sole Freak Scene outpost. The space itself is intimate, with a mix of tightly-packed, curiously clothed tables upstairs and a quieter, more sultry basement area below which is, again, compact. In other words; don’t expect to just rock up here and get a table straight away – booking in advance is definitely recommended.
The interiors are idiosyncratic, to say the least. The walls are mostly bare white brick, except for two pieces of art; one, a neon dude astride a massive chilli. And the second, a large mural depicting an octopus seemingly in the throes of a DMT breakthrough.
Skip the sushi and go for the small plates, followed by a couple of larger ones from the robata grill; this is where Freak Scene shines (sound a bit like Sean Connery saying that). From the former, start with the fried baby Shetland squid with a piquant jalapeno dip, before moving on to the wood-fired poussin with spicy lemon garlic sauce, both of which are excellent. The duck red curry with doughnut bao buns certainly aren’t to be missed, either.
If you’re keen to get properly across the menu, then the best time to visit is during their ‘Tight Ass Tuesdays’ evenings, where diners can enjoy an 11-course feasting menu at 2-for-1 – effectively £32.50 per person. Bargain.
Ideal for intricately spiced, always generous Nepalese food…
We can’t be sure quite when this Balham stalwart lost the word ‘Diner’ from its name; the transition to the more prosaic Gurkha’s was as seamless as yours from Balham’s Overground to under.
But the change does make sense; Gurkha’s, open since 2004, isn’t really a diner at all, instead knocking out Nepalese dishes full of flavour and heart, all in a room defined by starched white tablecloths, a keen sense of grandeur, and the odd nod to the eponymous soldiers’ role in the British Army during the Second World War.
Another favourite of the legendary chef Michel Roux Jr. (who lives in the area), this is Nepalese cooking with a sense of occasion. The intricately plaited momo cha that grace just about every table here looking like a choir singing ‘ooooooh’ is a case in point, with these famous dumplings having just the right amount of bounce and plenty of delicious fatty minced lamb within.
Image via Gurkhas Balham
That’s all offset with a spicy tomato and sesame dipping sauce that’s both familiar and alluring, and all presented in a swipes-and-splodges style that would’ve been more home a couple of decades prior… In the best possible way of course.
There are some excellent curries at Gurkha’s, too, all designed to be mopped up with the restaurant’s superb bread – the guliyo roti, sweet with raisins and toasted nuts, is perfect for pulling through the rich, nuanced sauces.
For something more assertive, mayur lamb – a piquant, mouth-puckering curry given zip and zest by tamarind and lemon – is properly sour and properly spicy, and calls out for several ice cold Khukuris. It’s an addictive combination.
Ideal for flexing your foodie credentials in some style…
Chez Bruce isn’t technically in Balham. It’s a pleasant 15-minute stroll away to Wandsworth Common, or one quick stop on the Southern train if you’re feeling lazy. But when it’s the closest Michelin star to Balham and this damn good – this damn reliable – we’re claiming it as an honorary local.
This a place you’d be proud to call your ‘neighbourhood restaurant’ wherever you lived in the world. Here Bruce Poole and business partner Nigel Platts-Martin have been quietly, diligently going about their business since 1995, occupying the hallowed ground where a young Marco Pierre White once (many times, we’d wager) made Gordon Ramsay cry at Harvey’s. These days, it’s less shouty chef drama and more what they modestly call “polished home cooking” – which is like calling a Ferrari “quite a nice car”, in all honesty.
Poole, who started cooking professionally in his mid-twenties at Bibendum, has spent three decades perfecting his craft while actively avoiding the telly chef circus. You won’t have seen him on Saturday Kitchen (even though the studios are just around the corner). Nor will he have been pontificating on Masterchef. Instead, the focus falls on these amazing dishes, in this thoroughly chilled, welcoming space. Together with head chef Matt Christmas, they’ve created something refreshingly unpretentious – no foam, no tweezers, no dishes that require a lengthy explanation on the correct order in which to consume them. Just brilliant food with a loosely French Mediterranean leaning.
You’ve probably guessed by now that this isn’t a small plates, “everything comes out of the kitchen when it’s ready” affair. Instead, it’s a straight-up three courses for £95 situation, with circular plates gently placed on white tablecloths. Sometimes, this is very much what you want. On a recent visit, an exquisite cold roast pork tonnato with crackling was the dish of the day, though that acclaim had stiff competition from an excellent main of blushing Devonshire duck breast, a crisp pastilla of its leg (confit, of course), pickled cherries and foie gras. There’s always such judicious balance to the dishes here, both in terms of acidity and texture, and that duck dish exemplified this in spades.
Always, always save room for the cheese board (£10 supplement). They take it very seriously indeed, which in restaurant speak means it’s basically a religious experience. We’re talking perfectly ripe French treasures that fill the room with their perfume, served with the right accompaniments and at the correct temperature.
The weekday set lunch – currently offered as ‘The Brucie Bonus’ at £47.50 for three courses – is genuinely one of London’s great dining deals. Having celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, Chez Bruce just goes from strength to strength, and this is Michelin-starred cooking for the price of a mediocre meal in Clapham.
Chez Bruce retained its star in the 2026 Michelin Guide (as if there was ever any doubt), now approaching three decades with the accolade. And even less surprisingly, the esteemed Andy Hayler still fucking loves it. Same, Andy. Same.
Ideal for a rambunctious, vivacious flavour of Italian hospitality…
Bucci made headlines in 2018 for its apparent historic links to Italian organised crime, but there’s nothing criminal about the cooking (sorry) at this fine neighbourhood restaurant.
Whether you’re dropping in for a quick bowl of the restaurant’s spaghetti al pomodoro (which clocks in at under a tenner) and a glass of house red, or you’re seeking primi, secondi and the rest, you’ll receive the same warm welcome from the vivacious Luigi, all open arms and complementary limoncello. Who can argue with that?
Be warned; Buccis sure do pack them in, and if you’re one of those diners who likes to complain about the acoustics, this one probably isn’t for you. But if you relish the rolling boil of a dining room in full song, then you’ll feel very much at home here.
Make yourself heard over the clamour and clatter and assertively order the restaurant’s fritto misto, which is fried to order and arrives as light as you like. Follow that with saltimbocca alla Romana – the beloved Roman dish of breaded, fried veal escalope with sage – and then a big ol’ block of tiramisu because it’s that kind of place, and you’ll leave Bucci with your ears ringing but an itch very much scratched.
As with the three restaurants that have preceded this one on our list, Bucci boasts a couple of terrace tables ideal for a spot of alfresco dining, something that seems to be mandatory for Balham eateries on the main drag.
Not at all of them, though, will you find the same atmosphere and great food that you do at Bucci. The restaurant claims to be Balham’s longest running, and long may it continue.
Address: 195 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BE, United Kingdom
Burning Rose
Ideal for Kingdom-spanning, fully-flavoured Thai food from an Aussie chef with some serious pedigree…
Burning Rose is an open and amiable Thai joint just a stone’s throw (or, in their own words, 8 seconds) from Balham Station that’s making all the right noises about its cooking from the Kingdom.
Originally conceived as a Deliveroo-only affair serving locked-down Londoners during COVID, Burning Rose expanded into a restaurant-proper in June of 2021. In late 2024, we briefly mourned its closure when some chefs decamped to Central London’s Long Chim (now closed), but we’re thrilled to report it has now reopened with renewed vigour and a menu quite similar to its beloved previous iteration.
An early highlight on the new menu is a carefully composed Royal Thai snack of miang, a tumble of treats including crab, deep fried shallots and toasted shredded coconut, served on a ‘betel’ leaf and all pulled together with a galangal-forward caramel. It’s that ‘sweet/sour/salty/spicy’ thing John Torode might mention every time Thai is served on Masterchef, all in one bite. The reopened menu also features playful galloping horses – sweet and savoury pork and prawn bites atop pineapple – and those addictive wings marinated in fish sauce and palm sugar, coated in Sriracha caramel.
You could, of course, order all three of them. You should, in fact. Wash these three down with a few Beer Lao (surely the finest of the South East Asian lagers?) and you’re good to go.
Also sweet but very much worth your while is the Burning Rose’s signature pad Thai. In their own words (and words we very much agree with), it’s hard to find truly great pad Thai in London. But Burning Rose does a killer version – a perfectly textured tangle with all the requisite flavours represented, including that all important wok hei. You only have to see the chefs tossing and flipping the woks with dexterity to know it’s going to be good. The kitchen has also introduced some regional curries like the Isan chicken with a pla ra-spiked broth, as well as a fine pad grapao with holy basil and wok-fried egg.
Though perhaps the flavour profile at Burning Rose leans a little too heavily on the sweet side of the spectrum on certain dishes for our taste, there’s no denying that this is one of the best restaurants in Balham, and a great place to get your Thai fix south of the river.
If we lived in the area, we’d certainly be calling this one our local. *dials estate agent*
Ideal for organic wines by the glass and London-conquering pizza, all without leaving your seat…
Named after owner Niall Penlington’s grandfather, Henny’s opened in 2023 after starting life as a bottle shop in Tooting Market back in 2017. Penlington funded the whole thing himself (his words: “blood, sweat and credit cards”), creating this small wine bar just south of Balham tube station, recognisable by its unassuming green awning.
The focus here is on organic, biodynamic and vegan wines, with a weekly rotating selection that favours smaller producers and gets punters drinking differently. This isn’t the sort of wine bar where you’ll find pages of bottles gathering dust; instead, there’s maybe a dozen options on at any given time, curated to be genuinely interesting rather than exhaustive. It’s an inclusive affair; glasses start at £5.50, bottles from £20, which feels more than fair for wine of this quality in this part of town.
The space itself is compact – there’s a sea-green tiled bar up front, half a dozen tables at the back, and a curved mustard booth in the corner for larger groups or dates who prefer a bit of privacy. During the day it functions as a café, serving coffee for those working from laptops. Come evening, the atmosphere shifts, with after-work drinkers settling in for wines of the week opposite the art deco mirror, or trying something orange and hand-harvested at the back.
For food, there are bar snacks like truffled nuts and oversized olives that release too much brine when you bite into them. Better still, Henny’s has partnered with Yard Sale Pizza, which has its own branch just down Bedford Hill. This means you can order their excellent wood-fired sourdough pizzas (made with 48-hour fermented dough) directly to your table at Henny’s without having to shift from your seat.
Back to the booze. There are a couple of draught beers for the wine-averse and three cocktails on rotation (expect things like Negroni Sbagliato and French 75), but the wine’s the main event. Penlington has worked in the industry for years and knows his stuff, but there’s no snobbery here. The emphasis is on making good wine approachable, with that weekly rotation giving regulars a reason to keep coming back rather than settling into the same old Savvies.
No bookings, so just turn up. Quieter before 8pm if you’re after a solo drink; busier afterwards if you want atmosphere.
Fans of Netflix’s divisive, charming Somebody Feed Phil will know that the best fish in chips in London are found south of the river. Indeed, Ken’s Fish Bar, where restaurant critic Jay Rayner takes Phil on Season 3, Episode 3, is only a couple of miles east of Balham, over in Herne Hill.
Such is the quality of the south London chippy that you won’t even have to hop on the 155 out of Balham if you’re keen to have a damn good fish and chips in this neck of the woods. Just up the road and within walking distance, there’s Moxie’s Fish Bar, and even closer, you’ll find Seascape Fish Bar and Ocean Fish Bar, all three of which do an expertly realised chippy tea for around a tenner.
If you’re looking to sit and luxuriate a little longer in the experience, however, then it’s the Seventeen Fish & Chips you should head. With its white tiled walls, grainy wooden tables, and plank floors illuminated by dangling lights, there’s a charming, clinical vibe to proceedings in the dining room, which is kind of what you want from your chippy, don’t you think?
On the menu, the usual suspects of cod, haddock and plaice are deep-fried to a rich golden hue, the chips are just the right side of soggy, and the saveloys, Pieminister pies and vinegary sides are all present and correct.
Seventeen is licensed too, with Camden Hells, Red Stripe and a couple of other lagers sold here. That’s our dreary Tuesday evening sorted then.
The Balham outpost of Taro is the sixth brand of this mini-chain, its ‘everyday’ Japanese food offering and overwhelmingly extensive menu seemingly catnip to busy Londoners who still care about flavour.
This restaurant, which once operated as a café, has retained its dark walls and one massive stretch of green leather banquette seating, but now has some sake bottles adorning the open shelves, making it feel like a very narrow pub or, you know, an izakaya that’s making the best of a small space, as they do in the motherland.
The menu sprawls to over a dozen pages, with sushi, ramen, stir fries, yakitori and more all making an appearance. Ordering a little erratically can quickly add up. It’s best, then, to pitch up at lunch and order a bento box, which is remarkably good value at around the £10 mark. For that half sheet, you’ll get a generous helping of teriyaki chicken, salmon or duck, all glazed beautifully with rice, mixed salad, edamame and miso soup. For just a couple of quid more, the sushi bento boasts two rolls, two nigiri, and several slices of freshly cut salmon sashimi. Lovely stuff.
Though not quite our favourite ramen in town, Taro certainly do a fine bowl of the good stuff, the pork ramen replete with three massive slices of tender, fatty chashu, and a thin, revitalising soya broth. Yours for just £12.90. Throw in a glass or two of dry, chilled Ozeki sake to cut through the spice, and you’ve got yourself one of Balham’s best lunches. Kanpai!
Ideal for trying one of London’s most cherished curry houses…
Okay, we admit that we’re stepping just a few hundred metres out of Balham for our final restaurant entry, but we had to end our list on a high, and Lahore Karahi, Tooting’s cherished Pakistani curry house (in reality, more of a canteen) definitely provides the necessary endorphin rush.
Not that we’re complaining about the simple surrounds in which you can get stuck into a vast array of chops, chaat, kebabs, dhal, biriyani and the rest. Serving up the good stuff since 1995, this place is a South London rites of passage for a reason; it’s just the place to eat heaps of keenly priced, keenly spiced food, and is absolutely hopping every night of the week.
Yep, that’s right; every night, and every day too actually, as Lahore Karahi opens from 10am to midnight daily, with what we can only assume is an industrial-sized kitchen out back cooking up massive vats of their famous chicken tikka masala karahi and mutton dopiaza.
Sure, the service here might be a little haphazard and the elbow room scant, but that all adds to the charm of the place. Oh, and it’s BYO, too. What’s not to love?
Address: 1 Tooting High St, London SW17 0SN, United Kingdom
Room for one more? Haul yourself over to the Tooting Broadway next, hop on the Northern Line, and head to these great restaurants near London Waterloo. You know you want to!
We’ve got a gut feeling that the health of our digestive tracts is going to be the next big thing in the world of wellness trends. Oh wait, it already is; anything for a quick quip, hey?
Anyway, if you can’t stomach anymore jokes, rest assured; we’re going to get serious now. Because your gut health is no belly laughing matter. In fact, it contributes significantly to your wellbeing.
Your entire digestive tract is full to the brim with trillions upon trillions of living microorganisms. And whilst you wouldn’t want to name each of those trillion microorganisms individually, the collection of bacteria that live within your gut are known as your microbiome, or microbiota – and they play a number of important roles in your body.
These tiny bacteria that live in our stomach and intestines have been linked to immunity, skin conditions, mental health and so much more. If you’re wondering just how important your gut really is, and how to look after it, then read on; here are 6 IDEAL ways to improve your gut health.
Firstly, Recognise Its Importance
Knowledge is power, after all, and recognising your importance of your ‘second mind’ is the first step to improving its health. So, why should I care about gut health?
First and foremost, that microbiota we mentioned acts as your first line of defence against the outside world. Assuming your gut microbiome is healthy, it actually acts to kill off any invading organisms which enter your body. Interestingly, research has shown that your gut microbiome can even boost the function of your entire immune system. It does this by increasing the number of white blood cells in your body, while also improving the capacity of your immune cells to fight off invaders.
Secondly, your microbiome also has a profound impact on your ability to absorb nutrients in the food you eat. In this manner, they can directly enhance your body’s ability to absorb a host of vitamins and minerals and optimise the health benefits of all those kale smoothies, salads and quinoa you’ve been trying so hard to include in your diet. This can have a profound impact on your health, while also helping your body function efficiently on a daily basis.
Thirdly, it is well established that the state of your gut can help reduce inflammation throughout your body. This is important, because chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Consequently, having a healthy gut has the capacity to stave off some pretty serious diseases.
Lastly, the state of your gut bacteria can even impact upon your mental health. Good bacteria within your gut breaks down the fibre you eat for energy. During this process, it creates compounds known as Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) as a byproduct.
These SCFAs are absorbed into your body as they enter the bloodstream. Once there, they are delivered to the brain, where they impact mood and emotional control. There is now a pretty hefty wealth of evidence demonstrating that a healthy gut can protect against a myriad of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. No wonder it’s sometimes referred to as ‘’the second mind’’ by medical and nutrition experts, then.
So, how do you improve your gut health? Let’s find out…
It’s All About Fermented Food
Deliciousness aside, fermented foods are also incredibly healthy, and this is largely down to the probiotics produced in the fermenting process.
Commonly found in fermented foods with active live bacterial cultures (such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and kimchi), probiotics are also available as supplements in the form of both liquid and chewable capsules, too. But to only take a tablet would be to miss out on the hugely delicious potential of so many food products; miso, pickles, buttermilk, kombucha…the list goes on!
The friendly bacteria in these foods supports the equilibrium and balance of the gut, and perks up a meal no end, too. Talk about killing two birds with one incredibly healthy stone!
Eat A Diverse Range Of Foods
Diversity makes the world a better, happier place. A diverse diet, full of different foods and colours, also makes your gut a happy place, too. All those different species of bacteria we spoke about earlier all require different nutrients for growth, and if you’re having the same lunch nearly every day, and the same old standards night in, night out, then it doesn’t allow for a diverse microbiome population in your gut.
Put bluntly and with a touch of hyperbole thrown in for good measure, habitually and predictability is the enemy of good gut health. We’ve never heard of a better excuse to try out different recipes and foods from different cultures and regions of the world!
When it comes to choosing what to eat, try to ”eat the rainbow” – mixing up colours on your plate and eating lots of different fruits and vegetables means you’re getting a good mix of gut friendly nutrients.
It’s also important to not forget fibre – it’s needed for a healthy gut and to get things moving in your body. Foods which are fibre-rich include peas, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds, skin-on potatoes, wholegrain bread and pasta, and brown rice. A healthy mix of fruit and vegetables in that full spectrum of shades will also give you plenty of fibre; result!
Don’t Forget Prebiotics
If probiotics are the good bacteria in your gut, then prebiotics are their fuel. Prebiotics are types of dietary fibre that feed the beneficial microorganisms already living in your digestive system, helping them thrive and multiply. Without them, even the healthiest microbiome can struggle to maintain its balance.
The good news is that prebiotics are found in a wide range of everyday foods. Garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas and oats are all rich sources, as are Jerusalem artichokes, which pack one of the highest concentrations of the prebiotic fibre inulin of any food. Mushrooms, too, are a wonderful prebiotic, supporting everything from nutrient absorption to the gut-brain connection.
Getting more prebiotics into your diet doesn’t require a radical overhaul; it can be as straightforward as adding a sliced banana to your morning porridge, throwing a handful of leeks into a soup, or swapping white rice for oats a couple of times a week. Small, consistent additions tend to do more for your gut than any single dramatic change.
Mindful Eating
Hands up if you’re guilty of wolfing down your food, eyes fixated on the TV and not on your fork? Well, eating without thinking does no favours to your gut health.
When it comes to gut and digestion, slowing down and properly chewing your food is the way forward. Chewing is the first stage in the digestion process and puts each meal on the path to healthy digestion from the off. To get all scientific, chewing breaks down your food into smaller particles that are more easily digested. This, in turn, makes it easier for your intestines to absorb the nutrients from your food.
Chewing mindfully may also stop you from overeating. When you eat quickly, the body doesn’t get a chance to tell your brain it’s full. However, when you chew slowly, it gives hormones the time to send signals to the brain that you’ve been well fed and satiated.
A probiotic complex is a very simple supplement that provides a potent dose of living, breathing, healthy bacteria straight into your digestive system. In this manner, they repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria to cause a marked uptick in gut health. No wonder probiotics have become the latest buzzword in the health and wellbeing sector.
It is important to note that not all probiotic complex supplements are made equal. If you are interested in giving one a go, do endeavour to buy a supplement which contains a variety of different bacterial strains to ensure you are getting an array of good gut bacteria, rather than just one. This will be clearly labelled on the packet; generally speaking, the live strains found in a reliable, high street pharmacy probiotic supplement should range from around 5 to 10.
A growing number of supplement brands are now moving beyond single-strain formulas, recognising that the gut functions best when supported as a whole ecosystem rather than treated symptom by symptom. As one of the leaders in the field Enclave positions it, their approach is centred on creating products that “work in harmony with your microbiome to restore balance, elevate vitality, and help you feel your best,” rather than targeting single symptoms in isolation. It’s a philosophy worth bearing in mind when browsing the supplement aisle.
As with any supplement, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before introducing something new into your routine, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.
Place A Premium On Sleep
While the exact mechanism is somewhat unclear, there is some interesting evidence showing that people who have bad sleep habits also have unhealthier microbiomes. With this in mind, you should try and get somewhere between 7 and 9 hours of decent sleep per night to boost your gut health.
The state of your gut can have an impact on nearly every facet of your health, and this is why you should do everything you can to improve it.
Fortunately, this is not as hard as it sounds. By eating an array of gut friendly foods, limiting your intake of processed stuff, taking a probiotic complex, and getting enough sleep, you can have a huge impact on the state of your gut in a quick and easy manner.
So, what are you waiting for?
*This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have concerns about your gut health or are considering changes to your diet or supplement routine, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.*
Golfing holidays have evolved far beyond the traditional greens of Scotland and the sun-drenched courses of Florida. Today, avid golfers are seeking out unique and exotic destinations that offer not only challenging courses but also breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Here, we explore some of the world’s most unique destinations for a golfing holiday.
Vietnam: The Rising Star (& Dragon) Of Golfing Destinations
Vietnam has emerged as a premier golfing destination in recent years, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, world-class courses, and warm hospitality. The country boasts a variety of golf courses that cater to all skill levels, from beginners still learning the rules all the way to seasoned pros.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Da Nang
Nestled in the foothills of the Ba Na Mountains, Ba Na Hills Golf Club is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. Designed by former world number one Luke Donald, this 18-hole course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience. The course is known for its lush fairways, strategic bunkers, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
After a round of golf, visitors can explore the nearby Ba Na Hills, home to the famous Golden Bridge and a French village replica. Make sure to bring a lightweight golf bag to make it easier for you to get around after a game!
Laguna Golf Lang Co, Hue
Located between the ancient city of Hue and the bustling town of Da Nang, Laguna Golf Lang Co is part of a luxurious resort complex. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, this 18-hole, par-71 course is set against a backdrop of mountains, forests, and the East Sea. The course’s unique layout incorporates natural streams, rice paddies, and rock formations, providing a truly immersive golfing experience. Off the course, visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Hue, including its imperial citadel and royal tombs.
What To Pack In Vietnam: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is essential. Humidity is the real opponent here, and a decent rain jacket earns its place in your bag year-round. Sun protection is non-negotiable.
New Zealand: Golfing In Middle-Earth
New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes, made even more famous by the Lord of the Rings films, provide a stunning backdrop for some of the world’s most unique golf courses. The country’s diverse terrain offers a variety of golfing experiences, from coastal links to alpine courses.
Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
Perched on the cliffs of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers is a spectacular course that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Tom Doak, this 18-hole course features deep ravines, rolling fairways, and challenging greens. The course’s dramatic setting and impeccable design make it a bucket-list destination for golfers. After a round, visitors can enjoy the region’s renowned wineries and gourmet cuisine.
Jacks Point, Queenstown
Set against the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, Jacks Point is one of New Zealand’s most scenic golf courses. This 18-hole, par-72 course offers a challenging layout with natural hazards, including tussock grasslands and rocky outcrops. The course’s stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains make it a memorable golfing experience. Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, offers a range of activities, from bungee jumping to wine tasting.
What To Pack In New Zealand: Your shoes are where it all begins once you step onto unfamiliar terrain, and New Zealand’s courses throw everything from clifftop turf at Cape Kidnappers to tussock grassland at Jacks Point. Invest in a pair that can handle the lot. Beyond footwear, a packable wind shell and thermal base layer are worth their weight, and waterproofs should be within reach at all times.
Morocco: Where Desert Meets Fairway
Morocco offers a captivating blend of ancient culture and world-class golf facilities. The country’s diverse landscape provides a unique backdrop for golfers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Royal Palm Golf Club, Marrakech
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Royal Palm Golf Club is a masterpiece designed by Cabell B. Robinson. This 18-hole championship course features immaculately maintained fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and challenging bunkers.
Golf carts are available to navigate the 6,608 metres of beautifully landscaped terrain. After a round, visitors can explore Marrakech’s vibrant souks, historic palaces and indulge in authentic Moroccan cuisine.
Mazagan Golf Club, El Jadida
Stretching along the Atlantic coastline, Mazagan Golf Club offers breathtaking ocean views from nearly every hole. Designed by Gary Player, this 18-hole links-style course presents a challenging experience with its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and coastal winds. The course’s unique design incorporates natural dunes and indigenous vegetation, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding environment.
El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a perfect cultural complement to your golfing adventure with its Portuguese cistern and historic medina.
What To Pack In Morocco: Breathable fabrics and a hat with proper coverage will get you through the daytime heat. Evenings near the Atlas Mountains cool off sharply, so pack a light fleece or merino mid-layer.
Japan: Tradition Meets Precision
Japan’s striking terrain and famed meticulous attention to detail extends to its golf courses, offering players an experience that combines technical challenge with aesthetic beauty.
Kawana Hotel Golf Course (Fuji Course), Izu Peninsula
Often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of Japan,” the Fuji Course at Kawana Hotel Golf Course offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Charles H. Alison in 1936, this classic course features dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and immaculately maintained fairways. The course’s traditional Japanese elements, including stone walls and indigenous plantings, create a unique playing environment that honours the country’s rich cultural heritage. After golf, visitors can relax in the nearby natural hot springs or explore the scenic Izu Peninsula.
Hirono Golf Club, Hyogo
Considered Japan’s finest golf course, Hirono Golf Club is a masterpiece of golf course architecture. Designed by C.H. Alison, this private club (which occasionally welcomes international visitors) offers a challenging layout with its strategically placed bunkers, undulating greens, and mature pine forests. The course’s traditional Japanese clubhouse provides a glimpse into the country’s golfing etiquette and traditions. Nearby Kobe city offers visitors the chance to sample its famous beef and explore historic temples and gardens.
What To Pack In Japan: Similar humidity to Vietnam in summer, but spring and autumn rounds on the Izu Peninsula can be brisk. Layers you can peel off easily are the move, and a compact umbrella is a year-round staple.
South Africa: Golfing With Wildlife
Renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, South Africa is an undeniably exciting destination for a golfing holiday. The country’s golf courses often incorporate the natural environment, providing a unique experience where golfers can encounter wildlife on the fairways.
Leopard Creek Country Club, Mpumalanga
Located on the edge of Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek Country Club offers a unique golfing experience where players can spot wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles. Designed by Gary Player, this 18-hole course features lush fairways, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers. The course’s proximity to Kruger National Park allows golfers to combine their love of the sport with a thrilling safari adventure.
Fancourt, Garden Route
Fancourt, located on South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, is home to three world-class golf courses: The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua. The Links, designed by Gary Player, is often ranked as the best course in South Africa and offers a challenging layout with undulating fairways and deep bunkers. The resort’s luxurious amenities and stunning surroundings make it a perfect destination for a golfing holiday. Off the course, visitors can explore the Garden Route’s beautiful beaches, forests, and wildlife reserves.
What To Pack In South Africa: Sun intensity catches people off guard. High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and breathable long sleeves are smart choices. The Garden Route can turn breezy without warning, so keep a light jacket handy.
Iceland: Golfing Under The Midnight Sun
Iceland’s unique geography and long summer days provide a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. During the summer months, the sun barely sets, allowing golfers to play late into the night under the midnight sun.
Keilir Golf Club, Hafnarfjörður
Located just outside Reykjavik, Keilir Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience with its lava field setting and views of the Atlantic Ocean. This 18-hole course features a challenging layout with natural hazards, including lava rock formations and rugged terrain. The club’s location near the capital city allows visitors to explore Reykjavik’s vibrant culture and stunning natural attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle.
Akureyri Golf Club, Akureyri
Situated in northern Iceland, Akureyri Golf Club is the world’s northernmost 18-hole golf course. The course’s unique location provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. During the summer solstice, golfers can experience the thrill of playing under the midnight sun. Akureyri, known as the “Capital of the North,” offers a range of activities, from whale watching to exploring the nearby volcanic landscapes.
What To Pack In Iceland: Don’t underestimate the cold, even in summer. Thermal base layers, a windproof outer shell, gloves and a beanie are all fair game. The midnight sun is spectacular, but it won’t keep you warm.
The Bottom Line
From the rising star of Vietnam to the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand, the wildlife-rich courses of South Africa, and the midnight sun of Iceland, the world offers a whole host of unique destinations that your golf balls probably can’t wait to get lost in! These locations not only provide challenging and memorable golfing experiences but also allow travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty.
Once you’re armed with that information, it’s time to pack your clubs and embark on an unforgettable golfing adventure to one of these extraordinary destinations.
For most Brits looking overseas, the search starts and ends somewhere between the Algarve and the Amalfi Coast. Spain, Portugal, the south of France – the usual suspects have dominated British overseas property buying for years, and for good reason. Sun, affordability (relative to the UK, at least), and a flight time that doesn’t eat into your first day. But there’s a case to be made for looking further west.
The US places no federal restrictions on British nationals buying property. No visa required, no residency status needed, no cap on what or where you can buy. Prices have steadied after years of post-pandemic volatility, and the sheer range of landscapes on offer makes southern Europe look, if we’re honest, a bit samey. You can own a clapboard cottage on Cape Cod, a condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, or a ski-in lodge in the Rockies, all within the same legal framework and without a single additional permit.
The buying process differs from the UK in several ways, but it’s transparent, well-established, and surprisingly navigable once you know the basics. From the Jersey Shore to the Colorado Rockies, here’s where to start looking.
New Jersey
The Garden State gets a bad rap from people who’ve only seen it through an aeroplane window on approach to Newark. In reality, New Jersey’s 130 miles of coastline include some of the most sought-after second-home territory on the Eastern Seaboard. Cape May is all painted gingerbread houses, independent restaurants, and local wineries, while Avalon, known locally as Cooler by a Mile for the way it juts about a mile further into the Atlantic than neighbouring barrier islands, pulls in families who want the beach without the boardwalk noise.
The state sits between New York and Philadelphia, meaning world-class culture and transport links are never more than an hour away. Asbury Park has become a proper food destination, and Princeton was recently named New Jersey’s best food town. For anyone unfamiliar with the American buying process, it’s worth reading up on how to actually buy a house stateside before you start browsing listings. One caveat: New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country, so factor that into your running costs from the start.
Florida’s Gulf Coast
Florida has been the number one destination for international property buyers in the US for over a decade, and British buyers are particularly drawn here. The Gulf Coast is where the serious second-home money goes. Naples and Sarasota offer a more refined pace than the Atlantic side, with white-sand beaches, incredible sunsets, strong dining scenes, and no state income tax sweetening the deal.
Tampa has emerged as a more accessible entry point, while the Keys remain their own thing entirely: a string of islands where the pace drops to something approaching Caribbean levels and the seafood comes off the boat the same morning. Insurance costs in hurricane-prone areas have climbed sharply, though, so get quotes before you fall in love with a property, not after.
South Carolina’s Lowcountry has been drawing second-home buyers for decades. Hilton Head Island and the area around Charleston combine coastal living with a food culture that rivals anywhere in the American South. Charleston’s restaurant scene has national clout, with chefs working the intersection of Southern tradition and modern technique.
Myrtle Beach, straddling the border between North and South Carolina, is one of the top second-home markets in the entire country, with prices considerably kinder than Florida’s luxury corridors. Further inland, Asheville in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains has built a reputation for food, craft beer, and outdoor access that draws a creative, slightly countercultural crowd.
Cape Cod & New England
For Brits who want seasons, not eternal sunshine, New England is the play. Cape Cod is salt marshes, cedar-shingled cottages, and lobster shacks, with a summer population that swells to several times its year-round numbers. It’s not cheap, but rental demand during the warmer months is fierce, which helps offset carrying costs.
Beyond the Cape, the Berkshires in western Massachusetts offer rolling hills, arts venues, and small towns that feel remarkably like the Cotswolds if you replaced the dry stone walls with white clapboard.
Vermont
If Cape Cod is the New England coast, Vermont is the interior. Skiing drives most of the second-home market, but the state has genuine year-round pull. The fall foliage season is one of the great natural spectacles of the northern hemisphere, and the summers are green, temperate, and blissfully uncrowded. Land values remain lower than most coastal markets, making Vermont one of the more accessible entry points for a British buyer. The towns around Woodstock and Stowe have a genteel, slightly old-money character, and the food scene is farm-driven and unpretentious.
Colorado
The mountain towns of Colorado offer something no coastal market can: altitude, powder, and that particular Rocky Mountain clarity of light that makes everything look like a tourism poster. Aspen and Vail are the headline names, and the prices reflect it, but Breckenridge, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs provide a similar lifestyle at a more realistic entry point. Summer is arguably better than winter – hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and temperatures that rarely trouble 30 degrees. The rental market during ski season is among the strongest in the country.
What Brits Need to Know
You’ll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and ideally a US bank account to handle transfers. If you plan to finance rather than pay cash, expect higher deposits and limited mortgage options without an American credit history. Owning property doesn’t grant any immigration rights – under the Visa Waiver Programme, Brits can stay for up to 90 days, which suits most second-home arrangements.
When you eventually sell, FIRPTA (the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) requires the buyer to withhold 15% of the sale price and send it to the IRS as a deposit against capital gains tax. You can reclaim any excess by filing a US return, but it ties up capital for months, so plan accordingly.
The Bottom Line
The US second-home market offers Brits something European destinations struggle to match: variety. Within a single country, you can choose between subtropical coastline, mountain wilderness, New England heritage, and everything in between. The tax and visa implications need professional advice, but the hardest part is narrower than that: choosing which version of America you want to wake up in.
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making any property purchase overseas.*
Modern life is rubbish, hey? Always on and always exhausting, it’s no wonder that relaxation has become both a luxury and a necessity in 2026. While many turn to conventional methods like meditation or yoga, there are those who seek solace in more practices both ancient and innovative. These unique experiences often combine truly old school wisdom with modern ideas, offering a distinctive escape from the stresses of daily life. Here are some of the world’s most intriguing and esoteric ways to unwind.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Originating in Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the practice of taking in the forest atmosphere. It’s a form of eco-therapy that involves all of the senses. As you walk slowly through the forest, you breathe in the volatile substances, known as phytoncides, which trees emit to protect themselves from germs and insects.
These substances are believed to have health benefits for humans, such as reduced stress hormone production, improved feelings of happiness, and increased natural killer cell activity, which helps fight off infections and may even have anti-cancer effects.
Of course, flying to Japan to lie down in a forest isn’t exactly accessible for most of us. Fortunately, a number of yoga wellness retreats now incorporate forest bathing into broader programmes of yoga, meditation and breathwork – offering a more holistic way to step away from the noise, reconnect with yourself, and reap the benefits closer to home.
Flotation Tanks (Sensory Deprivation Tanks)
Floatation tanks, also known as sensory deprivation tanks, are designed to create a condition of sensory deprivation. In these tanks, you float in salt-saturated water at skin temperature, and because the tank is soundproof and pitch black, your visual, auditory, and tactile senses are muted.
This environment can lead to deep relaxation and a meditative state, as the lack of sensory input allows the brain to drift into theta brainwave patterns, which are often associated with deep relaxation and visualisation.
Biodynamic Massage
Biodynamic massage is an advanced form of therapeutic massage that is part of biodynamic psychotherapy. It involves listening to the body’s subtle rhythms and responding to its messages. The technique is designed to help the body in its natural process of self-regulation and healing, and it can involve the use of stethoscopes to hear the body’s ‘psycho-peristalsis’, a term for the sounds the body makes during the digestive process, which can indicate the client’s emotional state.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra, or ‘yogic sleep’, is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the ‘going-to-sleep’ stage. It is a state in which the body is completely relaxed, and the practitioner becomes systematically and increasingly aware of the inner world by following a set of verbal instructions. This state of deep relaxation can help release stress and tension and has been used to aid PTSD, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Aromachology
Aromachology is the study of the influence of odours on human behaviour and the psychological effects of smells. It differs from aromatherapy in its focus on the psychological, rather than therapeutic, effects of aromas.
Personalised scents are crafted to evoke positive sensory responses, such as relaxation or invigoration. This can involve a detailed personal scent profile and the creation of a unique fragrance designed to soothe and relax the individual.
Gong Bath
A gong bath is a form of sound therapy where the gong is played in a therapeutic way to bring about healing. Participants typically lie down on meditation mats, close their eyes, and allow the sound waves to wash over them. The gong produces a wide range of harmonics that are said to restore vibrational balance and harmony to the body. The experience can be deeply relaxing and is said to affect the body and its meridians, or energy lines, by releasing blockages, reducing tension, and stimulating circulation.
Labyrinth Walking
Labyrinth walking is an ancient practice used by many different faiths for spiritual centering, contemplation, and prayer. Entering the serpentine path of a labyrinth, you walk slowly while quieting your mind and focusing on a spiritual question or prayer.
Unlike mazes, labyrinths have a single path to the centre and back and are not designed to be difficult to navigate. This walking meditation can be very calming and insightful, providing a simple, yet profound, way to relax and find inner peace.
Beehive Therapy
Beehive therapy, also known as apitherapy, is a unique relaxation technique that involves the therapeutic use of bee products, including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom. However, one of the most esoteric forms of apitherapy is the practice of lying near or on top of a beehive. The subtle vibrations and the humming sound of the bees are said to promote relaxation and well-being.
The idea is that the low-frequency vibrations that emanate from the hives can have a calming effect on the human body, similar to a deep meditation or the resonant sounds of a gong bath. This practice is also thought to harness the healing properties of bee venom, which is administered in tiny, controlled amounts through the skin. It’s a practice that not only requires the guidance of an experienced apitherapist but also a love and appreciation for these vital pollinators.
Temazcal
The temazcal is a Mesoamerican sweat lodge tradition dating back over a thousand years. The word comes from the Nahuatl temāzcalli, meaning ‘house of heat’, and the practice was used by the Aztecs as a purification ritual before and after battle. Today, it remains widely practised across Mexico and Central America.
Participants enter a low, dome-shaped structure built from volcanic stone, wood or adobe. Heated volcanic rocks are placed at the centre, and water is poured over them to produce dense herbal steam, typically infused with sage or copal. A shaman or temazcalero guides the group through a ceremony that can last up to two hours, incorporating chanting, breathwork and periods of deep contemplation in near-total darkness.
The science is more robust than you might expect. A 2005 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that repeated thermal therapy reduced appetite loss and subjective complaints in patients with mild depression. Broader research into heat exposure has linked it to improved blood circulation, lowered chronic pain and enhanced immune function.
The communal element is central too. Unlike many relaxation practices, the temazcal is explicitly collective. As practitioners put it, the community itself is part of the medicine. The combination of extreme heat, sensory deprivation, guided ritual and group vulnerability creates an experience that sits somewhere between a sauna, a meditation session and a form of group therapy, though devotees would argue it’s something else entirely.
The Bottom Line
These esoteric, often fascinating relaxation methods offer a diverse array of options for those looking to find new ways to unwind and achieve a deeper sense of calm. Whether through the embrace of nature, the silence of sensory deprivation, or the resonance of sound therapy, these practices provide innovative paths to tranquillity and well-being.
As post-pandemic business travel predictions become old hat and we cast our gaze towards the rest of 2026, the corporate trip looks markedly different from even a couple of years ago.
Global spending is on track to hit $1.69 trillion according to the GBTA, budgets are ticking upwards for a third consecutive year, and yet the trips themselves have changed. Fewer of them, for a start. Longer, too. And with a sharper sense of purpose behind each one. With that in mind, here are 11 trends reshaping how we travel for work this year.
The Rise Of Bleisure Travel
The biggest shift in corporate travel culture isn’t a new technology. It’s a new attitude. Bleisure, the practice of bolting personal leisure time onto the end (or the beginning, or both) of a business trip, has moved from novelty to norm.
According to the GBTA, 43% of corporate travel programmes now have formal bleisure policies in place, while research from Navan and Skift found that 55% of business travellers took at least two blended trips in 2024. The bleisure market itself is projected to surpass $960 billion in 2026.
For employers, the incentive is clear: bleisure boosts satisfaction, aids retention, and often reduces costs, since weekend hotel stays frequently come in cheaper than Friday evening flights home. For the rest of us, it means the chance to actually see Barcelona rather than just its convention centre. Companies that don’t accommodate this shift risk losing talent to those that do.
AI-Driven Personal Travel Assistants
In the realm of personalisation, AI has taken a significant leap forward. The latest travel assistant apps, powered by sophisticated algorithms, are now capable of curating end-to-end travel experiences. These apps consider past behaviour, current context, and even the traveller’s preferences gleaned from social media sentiment analysis to suggest not just flights and accommodation but dining, entertainment, and local transport options.
The real change in 2026, though, is how AI has moved beyond recommendations and into active management. Generative AI tools now handle expense categorisation, flag policy violations before bookings are confirmed, and draft post-trip reports. Deloitte’s 2026 Travel Industry Outlook identifies generative AI as a defining force in travel shopping, even as full integration between commerce and content remains a work in progress. Expect your travel app to know you want a window seat on the quiet carriage, a room away from the lifts, and a table at a restaurant with vegan options, all without having to ask.
The Expansion Of The E-Passport Ecosystem
The digitalisation of travel documents is accelerating, with e-passports becoming more widely accepted. Biometric data embedded in these passports continues to streamline international travel, reducing wait times and enhancing security.
Countries are expanding their e-gate facilities, allowing business travellers to breeze through immigration and customs, making cross-border travel for meetings and conferences faster and more efficient than ever. The result? A same-day return from London to Paris or Amsterdam feels less like an ordeal and more like commuting.
Rail As A Strategic Business Travel Choice
One of 2026’s most significant shifts is the growing preference for rail over short-haul flights. This isn’t just environmental posturing. It’s a practical calculation. Rail journeys between major European business hubs now compete on total journey time when you factor in airport check-in, security, and transfers. They also offer something planes can’t: productive, uninterrupted working time. No turbulence, no seatbelt sign, no being told to close your laptop during descent.
Reed & Mackay’s Business Travel Trends 2026 report identifies rail as an emerging strategic choice for cost, comfort, and carbon savings. With the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive now requiring companies to disclose Scope 3 emissions, which includes business travel, rail is becoming the default for routes where it makes sense. London to Paris, Amsterdam to Brussels, Munich to Vienna: these are increasingly rail-first corridors for the corporate traveller.
The Digital Nomad Visa Boom
With remote work a mainstay, countries are competing harder than ever to attract digital nomads. As of 2026, more than 60 countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, up from a handful just five years ago. Spain tops most rankings, thanks to its Entrepreneur visa offering up to five years’ residency and favourable tax treatment under the Beckham Law. New entrants include Slovenia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Nepal, and the Philippines, each pitching affordability, lifestyle, or strategic location as their selling point.
For Brits considering a move, Portugal’s D8 visa remains a strong option, with a clear pathway to permanent residency. Thailand, too, has expanded its offering through the Destination Thailand Visa, a five-year permit allowing 180-day stays and a significant development for the country’s established expat and remote worker community. The broader picture? Governments no longer see mobile professionals as a regulatory headache. They see them as an economic asset.
The Evolution Of Co-Working Spaces
Co-working spaces have matured well beyond the shared desk and free coffee model. In 2026, these spaces cater specifically to business travellers, offering flexible work environments in prime city-centre locations with high-speed internet, bookable meeting rooms, and professional-grade AV setups.
Hotels are getting in on the act too. The line between hotel lobby and co-working lounge has blurred considerably, with major chains now offering day passes for non-guests and designing public areas around the needs of people who want to work, not just wait. For the business traveller, this means less reliance on cramped hotel rooms and airport lounges, and more options for productive work in environments actually designed for it.
Carbon Budgets & Sustainability Mandates
Sustainability has moved from corporate aspiration to regulatory requirement. In the EU, the CSRD now demands that companies disclose the environmental impact of their travel programmes, including flights, accommodation, and ground transport. According to FCM Travel’s 2026 report, 20% of travel buyers now have specific carbon-reduction targets tied to business travel, while nearly 60% of travellers say they’re concerned about the carbon footprint of their work trips.
Carbon offsetting subscriptions remain part of the picture, but they’re no longer the whole answer. Companies are building carbon budgets into travel policies, using supplier scorecards to assess the environmental credentials of airlines and hotels, and actively steering employees towards rail and eco-friendly destinations where the option exists. It’s not just about neutralising damage anymore. It’s about reducing it at source.
The Rise Of Smart Hotels
The hotel industry’s tech transformation continues to accelerate. In 2026, IoT-enabled rooms allow guests to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment via smartphone or voice command. Facial recognition technology is increasingly used for secure, contactless check-in, while smart meeting rooms are bookable with a few taps.
The real change, though, is in how hotels use data. Properties now tailor the guest experience based on loyalty programme preferences and past stays, adjusting everything from pillow firmness to minibar contents before arrival. For business travellers who might spend 50 or more nights a year in hotels, this kind of personalisation makes a material difference to comfort and productivity. And let’s be honest, to sanity.
Personalised Corporate Travel Management
End-to-end management for business trips has evolved into something far more strategic than booking flights and hotels. In 2026, these services leverage data analytics to provide real-time insights into travel spend, traveller behaviour, and policy compliance. They negotiate bespoke deals with providers, manage duty of care obligations with real-time employee tracking and 24/7 support, and increasingly use AI to automate approvals and flag cost-saving alternatives.
The shift, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Corporate Travel Study, is away from granular oversight of individual trips and towards governance-level strategy. Companies are less interested in micromanaging each booking and more focused on whether their overall travel programme delivers measurable business outcomes: new clients won, deals closed, relationships maintained.
Health & Wellness Itineraries
The focus on physical and mental wellbeing within corporate travel has sharpened considerably. Companies are not just providing access to fitness centres; they are integrating wellness into the travel itinerary itself. This includes building in downtime between meetings, booking accommodations that offer sleep optimisation programmes with circadian lighting and blackout technology, and selecting hotels with genuine wellness facilities rather than a neglected basement gym.
Research consistently shows that well-rested, less stressed employees perform better in meetings, and companies are beginning to treat traveller wellbeing as a productivity investment rather than a perk. The old expectation that employees should land at 7am and present at 9am is, slowly, giving way to something more humane.
The Purpose-Driven Trip
Perhaps the most fundamental change in 2026 is philosophical. Business travel is no longer an automatic default. It’s a decision that requires justification. Morgan Stanley’s 2026 corporate travel survey found that while budgets are rising by around 5% globally, companies are placing greater scrutiny on travel approvals, prioritising trips that support revenue growth, client engagement, or operational delivery. Routine internal meetings? They remain largely virtual.
The “road warrior” model of weekly short-haul dashes has been replaced by fewer, longer, more purposeful journeys. This isn’t a retreat from travel, as global spending is at record levels, but a recognition that the value of a trip lies not in the air miles accumulated but in what it achieves. The corporate traveller of 2026 flies less often but with clearer intent, stays longer, and is more likely to come home with something tangible to show for it.
The Bottom Line
The business trip in 2026 looks markedly different from even a couple of years ago. It’s longer, more considered, and increasingly shaped by sustainability mandates, employee wellbeing, and the expectation that every journey should earn its place in the calendar.
For the globe-trotting professional, the shift is broadly positive: better technology, more flexible policies, and a growing recognition that making business travel work for you means more than just getting from A to B efficiently. The future of corporate travel isn’t about travelling more. It’s about travelling better.
