The rise of social media platforms which place photo-sharing at the forefront of their business model has led to an adjacent rise in amateur photographers, always desperate to capture the next perfect snap. Or, simply, a selfie with both eyes wide open.
And though there has been much cultural criticism of how obsessive photo sharing can warp our perception of reality, photography can be a rewarding, creative hobby when it’s not bringing on FOMO or being done purely in the pursuit of likes. In fact, you might even find you’re a natural with the ol’ shutter and glass, and find a lucrative career can be forged from behind the lens.
Whether you’re a keen amateur with an eye for detail, an aspiring shutterbug who thinks they’ve got what it takes, or you’re an established photographer who realises that every day’s a school day, then here’s how to capture the IDEAL photo in just 8 crucial steps.
Don’t Get Weighed Down By Expectation & Equipment
Tell you something they don’t say; a photographer is only as good as their camera. And though a blurry, bad photo can sometimes be blamed on the tools used to capture it, taking standout snaps hinges on so much more than just equipment.
Even at amateur level, the cost of photography equipment can mount up. But let’s be honest, at beginner’s level, too much kit can impede rather than enhance your shots. Instead, it makes sense to invest wisely in the right equipment, instead of blowing loads on kit which might ultimately weigh you down, both physically and with expectation.
Indeed, letting your equipment distract from intuition and individuality would be a huge mistake. Great photography, at any level, is all about capturing the fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and while you’re fiddling with your infrared LED illuminator and full spectrum flash system, those moments will likely pass you by.
In all honesty, you’re best off travelling light, carrying an entry-level though well equipped DSLR. Hone your craft before you invest hugely in your camera. In fact, entry-level cameras like the Lumix G7 often produce the most creative results precisely because of their limitations. With simplified controls and fewer distractions, you can focus on what truly matters—composition, lighting, and capturing genuine moments rather than getting bogged down in technicalities. These cameras encourage photographers to develop innovative solutions and creative workarounds, leading to a distinctive style that might never emerge when relying on high-end equipment. Their portability also means you’ll actually carry them more often, allowing you to capture spontaneous moments that might otherwise be missed.
Remember, many iconic images throughout history were captured with basic equipment, proving it’s the vision behind the lens—not the price tag—that truly matters.
Software Smarts
In the modern age of photography, much of the heavy lifting occurs not on set or out in the wild, but rather, back in the studio, where editing software can be deployed to finesse the finer details of your photos.
Modern software isn’t only concerned with smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles or bringing in a waistline; these days, professional photographers use platforms like Adobe Lightroom, equipped with best presets, to set the initial mood and tone of their images. These presets seamlessly bridge the gap to Photoshop’s advanced tools, allowing photographers to weave captivating narratives through carefully crafted atmospheres.
Should you own or run a website and want a platform which allows for easy uploading, publishing, tagging, editing and organising, then Lightroom is ideal, and is used by many photographers – both amateur and professional – to build their portfolios.
Though Lightroom is generally considered the leader within its field, similar platforms do exist. Some of the most popular alternatives include Skylum Luminair, Capture One Pro and Exposure X6. You can also find free software, which whilst not as ambitious in scope, still does a job; check out Raw Therappe and Dark Table, in particular.
Portraits
So, you’ve got your equipment and your software lined up, now it’s time to develop your own voice and style within your snaps to really stand out. If you’re going to be focusing primarily on portraits, then there are some basics you need to follow before you start expressing yourself.
Firstly, set a wide aperture – between f/2.8 and f/5.6 – to make the background a little blurry and focus the attention of the photo primarily on the model. Though it may be blurry, never underestimate the importance of your background; make sure it fits the atmosphere and has no foreign objects like electrical wires or, worse, photo bombers, which would kill the shot flat in a second.
Secondly, always focus on the model’s eyes. You can set the perfect composition and lighting, sure, you can choose the best location and have the most striking subject, but if the eyes are out of focus, the photo’s je ne sais quoi will be lost. Ideally, you’ll be taking shots at eye level to best capture your subject’s essence.
When it comes to kids, you will have to stoop to their level. Now, it’s worth mentioning that just because you are taking a picture of someone, it doesn’t mean that he/she must always stare at your camera. The eye-level angle is enough to create a personal and deep meaning, even if they’re staring off into the middle distance enigmatically.
The Rule Of Thirds
This rule allows you to take out-of-this-world images by employing one of the most efficient, effective rules of composition.
How does the rule of thirds work, we hear you ask? Well, you simply divide the picture into nine equal squares by mentally drawing two vertical and two horizontal lines. Then, place your subject along these lines, ideally at the intersections rather than slap bang in the middle of a square, which, often inadvertently, looks too obvious and simplistic. This technique will help you focus the attention of an observer on the main subjects, whether that’s people, animals or architecture, clarifying the viewer’s gaze and creating a harmonious picture.
Alternatively, and a little more complicated in getting to grips with, you could consider the Golden Ratio (roughly 1.618 to 1) to position your shots in a historically eye-pleasing way.
Understanding Manual Mode
Many budding photographers might overlook the wonders of ‘manual mode’ following the purchase of their first, proper digital camera, with some relying on priority mode to smooth out the rough edges and essentially automate their way to a great photo.
According to the experts at Digital Photography School, sometimes a digital camera can overly fine-tune your photos, making assumptions about the type of shot you’re trying to capture. They say ‘’By shooting in Manual Mode you have full control of your shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, among an array of other settings that can further fine-tune your images…You may often find yourself in a tricky lighting situation where everything appears far too dark, too light, or very grainy. Unfortunately, automatic mode can’t always hack these extreme conditions and often activates your camera’s flash at the smallest hint of darkness (making some photos appear positively awful). This is where learning to shoot in Manual Mode can be a lifesaver.’’
Fascinating stuff, and a really useful emphasis on why a back-to-basics approach can sometimes yield the most natural looking results.
Light & Shade
If you want to make any photograph look professional, then it’s essential that you should always have lighting on your mind, as light creates contract, visual intrigue and emphasises elements of your picture which you hope the focus to fall on.
The best source of lighting is, of course, the sun. That said, do make sure not to shoot underbright lighting – this may result in unwanted shadows falling on your subject. To avoid this, you can use a reflector, which is a surface used to redirect light. If your budget is tight, you can make an improvised reflector using tin foil.
If you’re shooting indoors currently and cannot use the natural light, purchase an off-camera flash to redistribute the light and shoot your subject from a different angle to highlight their best features.
Another term well known to those with even a passing interest in photography should be the golden hour (sometimes also referred to as the ‘magic’ one). Indeed, to those in the know, these are the two windows of opportunity when most of the greatest shots are taken. These rose tinged 60 minutes just after sunrise and just before sunset, at dusk and dawn basically, are without fail the ones most bathed in that warm kind of glow which both evokes nostalgia and the sense that anything’s possible. Harness its power to capture the best shots possible!
Don’t Be Afraid To Daydream
As a photographer, your ideal shot occurs first in your mind’s eye, secondly through the lens, and finally on the page or in print. The best photographers never neglect the first step, and are always daydreaming about the perfect shot’s composition, structure and subject matter, visualising how it would look and the time and place in which it would be captured.
Allow yourself to daydream about your shot. Pre-visualise how you want your pictures to look and what steps you must take to accomplish that. Since patience is such a virtue in the photography game, it pays to get a head start this way!
Seek Constructive Criticism & Join A Community
One of the most valuable ways to improve your photography is to seek honest, constructive feedback from others. When we look at our own images, we’re often either overly critical or too attached to see them objectively. Finding a photography community—whether online or in person—can dramatically accelerate your development.
Photography clubs, social media groups, and dedicated platforms like Flickr or 500px offer opportunities to share your work and receive insights from both amateurs and professionals alike. These communities also provide endless inspiration as you observe different approaches and techniques from photographers around the world.
Don’t be precious about your work; instead, embrace critique as a pathway to improvement. Ask specific questions about your images rather than fishing for compliments, such as “Is the composition balanced?” or “Does the lighting convey the mood I was aiming for?” The most valuable feedback often comes from those who can articulate why something works or doesn’t, rather than simply stating whether they like it.
Additionally, many online retailers where you can buy quality equipment offer photography forums where enthusiasts gather to discuss techniques and equipment. These communities often organise photo walks or challenges that push you creatively and provide real-world practice with immediate feedback. Remember, photography is as much about the journey and connections you make as it is about the final images you produce.
Contrary to popular belief, food and wine matching is not an arcane art. Just like anything else, there are a few basic principles to adhere to, and once you get familiar with these, you can get properly creative.
Indeed, wine pairing needn’t be an intimidating affair reserved for sommeliers and connoisseurs. In fact, it’s an accessible art that can transform an ordinary meal into something quite extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a weeknight supper, understanding a few fundamental principles about how flavours interact can elevate both your food and wine to delightful new heights. The beauty lies in experimentation—sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable experiences.
It’s important, too, to remember that pairing food and wine is a matter of taste; and if you trust your palate, nose and instincts, you can pick a wine to go with almost any meal. Or, in some cases, a meal to go with any wine! Let’s explore further…
Use The Wine’s Acidity As A Guide
Acidity is the backbone of any wine and holds the flavours together. If your food is overly acidic, it can make the adjacent wine taste flabby and oily if not paired thoughtfully.
Highly acidic foods such as tomato based dishes or Southeast Asian salads need to be matched with crisper wines (to judge the acidity or other characters of wine, check out our piece on tasting wine) to counteract that acidity.
Accompanying an oily or fatty dish, such as fish and chips or a roast pork belly, with a high acidity wine, can ‘freshen up’ a meal, cleansing the palate and making both much more enjoyable.
Some of our favourite wines in the ‘crisp’ category include a Chin Chin Vinho Verde with its subtle effervescence, and a Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, known for its zesty freshness.
Match The Body Of The Food With The Body Of The Wine
This is a difficult one, as the quality is a difficult one to describe, but generally speaking, ‘body’ is defined by how rich and heavy a wine both tastes and feels in the mouth. A viscous, thick wine in the mouth would be considered full-bodied, whilst a light-bodied wine would be light, crisp and refreshing. The alcoholic content usually follows suit, with full-bodied wines clocking in at over 13.5% whilst those that are light-bodied knock around the 12.5% region.
For a salad with little in the way of protein, a crisp, light bodied white wine like made with the Pinot Grigio or Riesling grape variety generally works well. Add a tuna steak (and the subsequent body that brings to the salad), and you might want to move into rosé territory – a Cote de Provence rosé’s minerality boasts a little more body and matches a niçoise salad adeptly, for instance.
Let’s go further; that aforementioned rosé or the ’roundness’ of a Chardonnay, equally, may hold up more eloquently to cream-based fish dishes and poultry, and at the other end of the spectrum, a heavy steak pairs beautifully with a bold, full-bodied red like an almost inky Argentinian Malbec.
Finally, rich, assertive blue cheese can only be truly matched by a sweet wine – luscious dessert wines like Sauternes from Bordeaux or a quality botrytized wine are particularly triumphant matches for strong cheese. Not only can this wine be enjoyed at the end of the meal with a dessert or a board of cheeses, but it can plays off well with savoury dishes such as Peking duck or freshly sauteed scallops with truffle and pear.
The lesson here, perhaps, is that one wine can be the ideal match for more than one dish. In other words, it’s a good idea to consider the ‘weight’ and heartiness of your food and match it to the appropriate ‘body’ of your wine.
Sweetness Matches With Sweetness, But Also With Salt & Spice
Many people turn their noses up instinctively at sweet wines, but a dash of sweetness is required to complement a variety of flavours. If the food is sweet, a wine needs sweetness to make it seem balanced alongside the food. Salty and spicy flavours are also strongly enhanced by sweetness – just think coconut or mango with a curry, or apple sauce with salty pork.
Speaking of food that pairs well with spice, the distinctive complexity of traditional biodynamic Georgian wines (a Lagvinari Rkatsiteli 2019 is a favourite) is a gorgeous match for dishes from Lebanon, Turkey and Greek that are heavy on the dried spice.
When it comes to sweet snacks and desserts, the general rule of thumb when it comes to wine is to make sure it’s sweeter than the food. If you’re having some popcorn coated in caramel, then consider a Moscato or Riesling, for instance. When looking to buy Riesling online, keep in mind terms like ‘off-dry’ or ‘halbtrocken’ to find options with just the right level of sweetness for your spicy or salty dishes.
Fight Tannins With Protein
The tannins in a wine can give it structure and body, but they can sometimes be unpleasant and totally dominate the flavour of both the wine and your food.
By matching a tannic wine (a Barolo from the Piedmont region of Italy is as good as it gets in this category) with a protein heavy meal such as roast rib of beef or a cheese platter, the tannins soften in the mouth and the wine develops a luxurious texture, as well as making the meat feel more tender and its flavour more pronounced.
Think Of Classic Food Matches & Extend Them To Wine
You already know more than you think. Turkey and cranberry, pork and apple, fish and lemon – these all are flavour matches that we know about and can be applied to matching a wine. An appley Riesling or Chardonnay will work well with roast pork, a citrus-dominated Sauvignon will complement steamed white fish, and a ‘cranberryesque’ Pinot Noir will match with a Christmas turkey. It’s simple when you think about it!
Consider The Cooking Method
How you prepare a dish can dramatically influence which wine will complement it best. Grilled or charred foods develop smoky, caramelised flavours that pair wonderfully with oak-aged wines like a robust California Chardonnay or a Spanish Tempranillo. Poached or steamed dishes, with their more delicate profiles, often match better with unoaked, lighter wines such as Albariño or Grüner Veltliner. Slow-cooked dishes with deep, developed flavours call for wines with similar complexity—perhaps a mature Bordeaux blend or an aged Rioja Reserva. Understanding how your cooking method affects flavour can lead to more intuitive wine selections.
Regional Pairings Often Work A Treat
There’s wisdom in the old adage, “what grows together, goes together.” Dishes and wines from the same region have often evolved alongside one another for centuries, creating natural harmony. Consider pairing a Tuscan Bistecca alla Fiorentina with a local Chianti Classico, or Spanish paella with a vibrant Valencian Bobal.
The bright, herbaceous whites of Santorini complement the island’s seafood dishes beautifully, whilst a rich Lancashire hotpot finds its match in a robust English sparkling wine. This approach not only ensures compatible flavours but also provides a cohesive cultural experience that can transport you to distant locales without leaving your dining table.
All too often, we focus solely on the main protein when selecting wine, but the sauce or condiment can be the dominant flavour element. A chicken breast served with a creamy mushroom sauce calls for a different wine than the same chicken prepared with a zesty lemon and caper sauce. The former might pair wonderfully with a buttery Meursault, whilst the latter would sing alongside a crisp Picpoul de Pinet. Similarly, a beef fillet served with a rich Béarnaise sauce might prefer a different companion than one served with a peppercorn sauce. Let the most prominent flavour in your dish guide your wine selection, whether it comes from the protein, sauce, or even a strong side dish.
Break The Rules Occasionally
Whilst these guidelines provide a helpful framework, some of the most exciting gastronomic experiences come from breaking conventions. A full-bodied red with fish isn’t always a faux pas—a meaty swordfish steak or tuna served rare can stand up beautifully to a light Pinot Noir. Similarly, a well-chilled Beaujolais can be a delightful surprise with spicy Asian cuisine. Trust your palate and don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected combinations. Keep notes on what works for your personal taste, and remember that the “perfect” pairing is ultimately the one that brings you joy. After all, wine is meant to enhance life’s pleasures, not become a source of stress or rigid adherence to rules.
Follow these basic principles, and have some fun. These will make sure that your wine complements your food, and you may even discover that perfect match that can seem truly magical.
Ah, the small bedroom – a place where dreams are made and space is scarce. As homes get smaller, many of us are searching for small bedroom ideas that make the most out of our compact space.
If you’re one of the many who struggle to find enough room in your pint-sized boudoir, fear not; there are plenty of ways to maximise space without compromising on style. Here are 12 ingenious space-saving solutions for small bedrooms.
Foot-of-the-Bed Storage: The Unsung Hero
Why let that valuable real estate at the foot of your bed go to waste? Utilise it by adding a stylish storage bench or trunk that doubles as seating. Not only does it provide extra space for blankets, shoes, or whatever else you can stuff in there, but it also gives your bedroom a polished, well-thought-out look. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to sit while contemplating what to wear!
We all know when it comes to maximising space in your bedroom, custom-made fitted wardrobes can be a gamechanger, especially if your bedroom has awkward nooks and crannies.
However, if you can’t quite afford those much coveted custom fitted wardrobes for your home, there are plenty of other storage solutions available. Consider tall and thin cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling and can fit neatly by the side of your window. Not only do they give you more storage space, but tall cabinets also draw the eye upward, making the room feel bigger.
Floating Shelves: Defying Gravity
Who needs floor space when you’ve got walls? Floating shelves are a fantastic way to store books, knick-knacks, and other essentials without cluttering up your bedroom. Plus, they give the illusion of a larger room by, again, drawing the eye upwards (imagine these combined with tall cabinets – you’d never take your eyes off the ceiling!). Just be sure to secure them properly – nobody wants a midnight book avalanche.
A storage headboard is a clever way to add extra storage to your bedroom without sacrificing valuable floor space. Look for one with cubbies, shelves or drawers to keep all of your essentials within arm’s reach. We’re fans of bookcase headboards too; they not only look aesthetically pleasing, but you’re more likely to read before you go to sleep if a book is within arms reach. And if you didn’t know, reading a book before bed helps you sleep better.
Under-Bed Storage: The Hidden Treasure Trove
Why let dust bunnies have all the fun under your bed? Make the most of this often-overlooked space by investing in under-bed storage containers or a bed frame with built-in drawers. It’s the perfect hideaway for seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or that collection of vintage Beanie Babies you just can’t part with.
Corner spaces in bedrooms are notoriously difficult to utilise effectively. This is where bespoke bedroom furniture and fitted wardrobes truly shine. Unlike off-the-shelf options, custom-made corner wardrobes can be tailored to fit snugly into those awkward angles, making use of every centimetre.
Consider clever internal fittings such as pull-out shoe racks and built-in jewellery drawers when planning your space. Though fitted wardrobes represent a larger initial investment, they offer unparalleled space efficiency—perfect for anyone looking to maximise a small bedroom.
In a small bedroom, every inch counts. That’s why wall-mounted desks are an excellent alternative to traditional desks that take up valuable floor space. Simply fold them up when not in use and voila! You’ve now got yourself a makeshift dance floor – or, you know, just more room to move around.
Pendant & Sconce lighting: A Bright Idea
Wave goodbye to bulky bedside lamps and say hello to pendant lighting! By hanging chic pendant lights from the ceiling, you’ll free up precious nightstand space and create an airy, uncluttered vibe. Similarly mounting a sconce can free up space either side of the bed.
Ottoman Stools: The Multi-Tasking Marvels
Ottoman stools are the superheroes of the furniture world. Not only do they provide additional seating, but they also come with hidden storage compartments for all those miscellaneous items that seem to multiply overnight. With their sleek design and practicality, ottoman stools are the perfect addition to any small bedroom.
Mirror With Built-In Storage: Reflections Of Genius
A mirror is a must-have in any bedroom, but why settle for plain old looking glass when you can have one with built-in storage? These clever contraptions combine the best of both worlds, providing a spot to check your reflection and stash your belongings.
A wall mounted mirror with built in storage like this one from SONGMICS looks the part, too. It’s like having a Marie Kondo hiding behind your mirror, ready to store your stuff at a moment’s notice. Moreover, the mirror will reflect light and visually expand the space. What’s not to love?
Bring the outdoors in with vertical planters that take up minimal space while adding a touch of nature to your bedroom. Not only do they look fabulous, but they also create a calming atmosphere and can help you sleep better.
Indeed, as reported by Heathline, plants can “reduce sleep latency (the time it takes you to fall asleep)” and “improve sleep integrity by reducing the number of micro-awakening events (the number of times you come out of deep sleep during the night)”.
Moreover, it can reduce cortisol concentrations. Combined, these all add up too a more restful night’s sleep.
The bedroom is often the messiest room in the house. Yesterday’s clothes, multiple outfit changes in the morning, and getting ready in a rush means that mess often accumulates, especially when we find ourselves busy with other things. Consider a catch-all basket for your bedroom; a place where you can collect your clutter in a moment and make tidying easier later on.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it – eleven space-saving solutions that will transform your small bedroom into a stylish, clutter-free sanctuary. With a little creativity and some clever furniture choices, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the Marie Kondo of compact living. Happy organising!
Let’s park the Battersea/Clapham border debate once and for all, in favour of finding great food together and forgetting arbitrary quarrels about where one area starts and another begins. Instead, we’re here to break down barriers, borders andbread, all in the time it takes to wait for a train.
Whilst Clapham Junction might be the busiest train station in Europe, its restaurant scene is arguably a little less relentless, but you’ll still find plenty of great places to eat within walking distance of the station. So, without further ado, here are Battersea’s best restaurants and our picks on where to eat near Clapham Junction.
Taverna Trastevere, St John’s Hill
Ideal for authentic Roman cuisine and traditional, crowd pleasing pasta dishes…
A five-minute walk up St John’s Hill from Clapham Junction, Taverna Trastevere brings a genuine slice of Rome to South London. Opened in 2019 by life-long friends Nicolas Vaporidis and Alessandro Grappelli, this split-level restaurant has quickly established itself as one of the area’s most authentic Italian dining spots. The interior is exactly what you want from a Roman restaurant – all warm wooden beams, terracotta walls, and soft lighting that makes everyone look like they’re in a Fellini film.
The menu reads like a greatest hits of Roman cuisine, with particular attention paid to the holy trinity of pasta dishes that define the Eternal City – carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana (we’re sorry, alla Gricia), which all clock in at £18. While that might seem steep for pasta, the quality more than justifies it. Under the guidance of Roman chef Ivano Paolucci, these classics are executed with impressive precision – the carbonara, in particular, is increasingly spoken about in lofty, hyperbolic terms, with a growing crowd of pasta aficionados and Tory TikTokers making the pilgrimage to SW11 to try it.
The antipasti selection shines – don’t miss the suppli alla Romana (£8), those perfectly crafted rice balls with a molten mozzarella centre that are a street food staple in Rome. The fritto misto (£14) here, confusingly, isn’t lovely, fried tiny fish and tentacles, but rather, various suppli variations and cacio e pepe croquettes that’ll have you fighting over the last bite. And then, admittedly, regretting doing so as a wave of heaviness hits you.
For mains, the saltimbocca (£24) is a standout, the veal escalope cooked sympathetically and properly perfumed with sage, while the pizza menu offers excellent Roman-style thin crust options. The wine list is thoughtfully Italian-focused – their house red, a fresh and juicy Trebbiano, and white, a crisp Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, both start at £6 per glass.
The restaurant oozes that warm, convivial atmosphere of a traditional Roman taverna, complete with outdoor seating perfect for summer dining. The service style matches this vibe – attentive but refreshingly unpretentious, with an all-Italian staff adding to the authentic experience.
Taverna Trastevere is open daily for lunch and dinner, making it equally suitable for a casual weekday pasta fix or a more elaborate weekend feast. While prices reflect the central London location and quality of ingredients (expect to pay around £40-50 per person for three courses with wine), the cooking’s unwavering commitment to Roman traditions makes it a worthy addition to the area’s dining scene.
Clapham Junction station and the surrounding area certainly isn’t short on supermarkets and cash machines, which feels like an odd way to start an article about the best restaurants in Battersea, but bear with us.
You’ll need both for Kaosarn, a Thai bring-your-own-booze, cash-only restaurant whose no-frills, no-frippery mentality extends to the food in the best possible way. Here, the flavours are bold and upfront, with a country-spanning menu of the classics sure to perk up even the weariest of train-traveller.
The restaurant’s Bangkok-style som tam was once named as one of Time Out’s best 100 dishes in London, and it certainly does the job. Order it alongside some grilled chicken (gai yang) and a basket of sticky rice (khao niao) and you’ve got an enlivening, uplifting Thai meal for less than £20.
Ideal for some of South London’s best Neapolitan pizza…
Pizzeria Pellone on Lavender Hill is something of a game of two halves. The first side of the menu is Franco Baresi style; austere, traditional and masterful in its mistake-free delivery. The latter feels somewhat inspired by Roberto Baggio; creative, joyful and exciting.
Enough of the football analogies; this is superb pizza, make no mistake, with authentic Neapolitan recipes here using Caputo flour, Gustarosso tomato sauce and Buffalo Mozzarella straight from Campania. That comes as no surprise; the family owns five Pizzeria Pellones in Naples, and their restaurants in the Motherland regularly receive plaudits.
That said, it’s in the Pizze Le Pizze Gourmet section of the menu where the real excitement lies; the white pizzas here are superb and the Calzone Fritto, heavy on the black pepper and punchy with housemade salami, is a cult classic.
Perhaps precede all of this with a trio of montanare classiche, that absurdly satisfying Naples streetfood snack of golden but greaseless dough (how do they do that?) topped with marinara sauce and parmesan. It’s such a good version here.
Considering the restaurant is just a fifteen-minute walk from Clapham Junction station and the pizzas take just a minute to cook in Pellone’s roaring hot wood-fired oven, if your train is delayed and you’re looking for a quick, delicious feed in the meantime, then this is the place to head. Or, they’ll deliver to the station; back of the net!
Ideal for an exemplary banh mi, one of the best we’ve had outside of Vietnam…
Looking for an even faster, equally as satisfying meal close to Clapham Junction, that can be assembled to-go within just a few minutes? Keen to pair that with one of the most silky and luxurious liquid pick-me-ups on the planet? If you answered in the affirmative, then it’s to Viet Caphe you should head.
Open for less than a year and seemingly still in their soft launch stage, these guys are already knocking out some of the best banh mi in the city alongside a small selection of other light Vietnamese lunchtime staples like bun cha and summer rolls.
Anyway, back to that banh mi, which comes in a rundown of around nine (and growing) versions, most of which revolve around pork. We enjoyed the crispy pork version, which was generously filled with fatty pork belly and crackling, coriander and pickles, with all the rich mouthfeel and piquant cut through that entails. A glorious, exemplary banh mi, and one of the best we’ve had outside of Vietnam. We can’t wait to go back and get stuck into their menu more comprehensively.
Right now, the restaurant is unlicensed, but they also do a fine Vietnamese iced coffee – strong, sweet and indulgent – that can also be taken away. Now that’s a train picnic your fellow passengers will be casting covetous glances at.
Just leave Clapham Junction at the St John Hill’s exit and head up that hill for five minutes. Look for the pastel pink building and block, italics capitals of VIET CAPHE, and know you’re in business.
Ideal for soul-stirring South Indian food that will ruin your local brunch spot forever…
South Indian cooking has landed on Northcote Road with Tamila, the latest venture from the team behind north London favourites The Tamil Prince and The Tamil Crown. Since opening in October of last year, it’s quickly made an impact, not for its curries so much, but more for its brunch. Quickly, it’s become the kind of place that makes you question why you ever waited 45 minutes for mediocre eggs Benedict on a particularly ropey Sunday morning. That Gail’s a minute down the road? It’s not longer getting a look in…
Unlike its pub-dwelling siblings up north, Tamila takes a more casual approach. The space is simple – whitewashed walls, wooden tables, booth seating – but the aroma of spices blooming that drifts from the open kitchen brings all the ambience you need here. That, and the steady stream of dosas floating past your table that will have you flagging down the waiter before you’ve even taken your coat off. That sounds like we’re planning to wear those dosas. Come to think of it, they’d make good sleeves…
…Speaking of those dosas – they’re the real deal. The masala version comes as a golden-brown crisp scroll hiding spiced potato masala within, served alongside coconut chutney and sambar that you’ll want to ask for extra of. At £9, it’s also one of the best value breakfasts in the area. The medhu vadai, those savoury lentil doughnuts that could teach their sweet cousins a thing or two about depth of flavour, are another morning winner.
As day turns to evening, the kitchen becomes a different thing, but it’s still satisfying, generous grub that serves up enough intrigue to represent a decent alternative to the area’s more old school curry houses. The Thanjavur chicken curry brings complex, layered spicing and the Chettinad lamb curry carries enough punch to wake up even the weariest commuter. Their dhal is treated with the respect it deserves here – creamy, deeply flavoured, and perfect with their exemplary rotis.
The Gunpowder Margarita has been proving particularly popular with the always-thirsty Northcote Road crowd. If that’s a little bracing, there’s a house Tamila lager that does exactly what you want it to, and a concise wine list that won’t frighten the accountants, who you’ll be dining next to, most likely.
Such has been the success (this place boasts a healthy bottom line, we’d wager) of this south London outpost that a second Tamila is already on the way, set to open in King’s Cross this month. But there’s something special about this original – Tamila feels like it’s been here forever, even though it’s only just getting started.
Ideal for one of the best-priced pizzas pizzas you’ll find in the capital…
Or, if you’re heading south out of Clapham Junction station rather than climbing the hill northeast, then you’ll find a pretty decent, super quick pizza on Northcote Road at Franco Manca.
All-conquering Franco Manca pizzeria doesn’t need much in the way of an introduction; it seems to be on every street corner of London these days. No, that we’re not complaining – it is still one of the best-priced pizzas you’ll find in the capital.
The trick is in their sourdough base, with the addictive tang only a great ferment brings. Options are limited but inclusive, all part of the places’ charm, with no danger of being gripped by the paradox of choice when scrutinising the simple, streamlined menu. A place like this lives and dies by the pizza itself, and fortunately for all of London, Franca Manca appears to be immortal.
On a street largely defined by mid-range chain eateries, Northcote Road’s best ‘neighbourhood’ restaurant is Osteria Antica Bologna, a warm and welcoming Italian which has been in the same spot for over two decades and does all of the simple, rustic things just right.
So, that’s freshly made pasta, ragus that taste like they’ve been bubbling since the restaurant opened, risotto that’s genuinely cooked to order (please allow for 20 minutes) and, if you’re feeling particularly ravenous, a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, that famous chargrilled T-bone steak beloved of Tuscany.
With affordable wine by the glass and a convivial atmosphere every night of the week (except Mondays, when it’s closed), it’s no wonder that Osteria Antica Bologna is such a hit with the locals.
The ideal neighbourhood restaurant and natural wine bar…
It’s the type of place that this corner of town has been crying out for; a natural wine bar that just happens to do deceptively simple, simply delicious things with seasonal British produce, ready to rival the steady stream of openings out East that seem to have perfected this concept.
Enter Ploussard, which ticks all of the boxes above and then some, all in a space that manages to be both austere but warm, the gentle, oscillating thrum of chatter and clinking classes soundtracking the sharing of plates and your own vital conversation.
Of those plates, a lamb and anchovy crumpet is as vibey and as delicious as it sounds, but try sharing one; it’s not possible. Even better – at their very best in fact – were hulking asparagus spears, al dente and vibrant green, laying under good dose of pert and piquant sauce gribiche. The two dishes actually worked beautifully in tandem, in fact – a spear and a touch of that sauce draped over the umami laden crumpet brought a whole new meaning to the sharing plates concept. Yours, as a pair, for under £20.
Though it’s positioning itself as a neighbourhood bistro of sorts, in the mould of Paris’ bistronomy movement, this isn’t a place to just pop in for a quick glass of wine on your way home from work; Ploussard, named after a prized French red grape variety typically grown in the eastern region of Jura, is already packed out every night of the week (except Mondays, when the doors remain bolted).
That said, it’s much easier to simply stroll in on a weekday lunch, and relax into this new Battersea gem. With several wines sold by the glass for just £6.50, it’s a place we can see ourselves relaxing into rather a lot this year.
Ideal for modern French food with some global flourishes…
This creative counter-dining restaurant on Battersea Rise would be impossible to get into were it in Hackney or out west on Westbourne Grove.
As it stands, with this part of Clapham offering up a different type of dining scene, you can usually expect to get a table (or rather, bar stool) at fairly short notice at French chef Yoann Chevet’s brilliant restaurant.
Do so, and you’ll be rewarded with a no choice four-course menu for a bargain £59, which falls broadly under the ‘modern European’ bracket but with a few Asian flourishes – think open ravioli of braised beef with kimchi and tofu.
Don’t worry, you’re not being experimented on with ill-thought fusion food; dishes here are light, perfectly poised and full of flavour. A must visit if you’re in Battersea!
Mien Tay, a Southern-ish Vietnamese restaurant a short walk from Clapham Junction, was one of favourite Vietnamese spots in the city, serving up some of the most faithfully recreated Vietnamese fare we’ve found in London without hitting up Kingsland Road out East.
We loved their rendition of banh xeo, a Vietnamese pancake/spring roll mash-up that is a textural, flavour-balancing delight. Décor was pleasingly stripped back and functional, letting the food do the talking, in typical Vietnamese spirit. Oh, and it was BYOB. All together now – ”Tram Phan Tram!’’ What was not to love?
Anyway, you might have noticed some pretty judicious use of the past tense there. That’s because the Battersea branch of Mien Tay (the Shoreditch and Fulham renditions remain) recently – and quietly – changed both name and owners. Now called Song Hong, the menu and chefs remain the same, though the quality is a little more hit and miss than its predecessor, we think. That said, those hits mean Song Hong is still worthy of a place on our list.
The best fine dining option in the area, this Clapham stalwart run by the effervescent, proudly classical chef Adam Byatt has been given a new lease of life in recent years, it seems, via its increasing ubiquity on TopJaw, and Byatt’s downright educational cooking instructionals on Instagram, that have honestly been feeding our weeknight dinner inspiration for the past few months.
A Michelin star felt like it came late for Trinity in 2016, but boy was it well-deserved. This is not to say it wasn’t superb before the little red book finally recognised its exceptional celebration of British ingredients with flair and respect – but Michelin’s acknowledgement of Trinity as one of the best restaurants in London is pleasing nonetheless. The restaurant has a particular affinity with game, and a visit in grouse season is a must.
If fine dining isn’t your thing, chef Byatt has recently opened a more casual, small plates affair upstairs – suitably named Trinity Upstairs – where the cooking is as attentive and precise as its big brother down on the first floor, but at a more accessible price.
Ideal for classic Thai curry’s and regional specialities…
The second Thai restaurant on our list, and for good reason; could there be a better cuisine at reinvigorating a commuter who’s been worn out by the cut and thrust of the capital, all in the time it takes to wait for that connecting train to Epsom? We certainly don’t think so.
Rosa’s Thai has outposts all over London, with the restaurant gaining popularity for its affordable, properly punchy Thai dishes with origins from across The Kingdom. The Clapham branch has found a home on Northcote Road, and in a street largely defined by pizzas and burgers, the enlivening hit of chilli and smoke is – even if a little functional – most welcome.
Go for the stir-fry dishes, as Rosa has real woks and burners out back and that all-important ‘hei’ can be sensed on the plate. The chilli and basil stir fry is a very satisfying one plate wonder, akin to Bangkok’s beloved pad gra pao, but using Thai basil instead of the holy stuff. Regardless, it does the job.
The restaurant also focuses on regional specialities. We’re particularly fond of coming here for an order of chicken larb, papaya salad and a side of sticky rice which all hail from the Isaan province in North-East Thailand.
As their website boasts, the restaurant group serves 11’000 pad Thais a week. We’re a little embarrassed to admit just how many of that number were us.
Ideal for chicken shish, falafel and halloumi kebabs…
Excuse the name that calls to mind Thierry Henry suavely, sexily peddling a Renault Clio, and instead turn your attention to the gorgeous, keenly priced kebabs being produced at Bababoom, Battersea Rise’s premier Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant.
With the charcoal grill licking up flames from noon daily, we’d argue that Bababoom is best enjoyed at lunchtime, where one of London’s best deals is found; a properly massive, laden chicken shish, falafel or halloumi kebab, fries and a drink (the frozen lemonade is ace) for just £10. Yep, ten pounds, and that drink can even be beer, which you’d likely be paying around a tenner for alone in some corners of the city. This one runs weekdays until 5pm. Get involved!
For many years, Soif was the place in Battersea to drink and dine in classy, pared back surrounds. One of London’s first – and certainly one of its most influential – natural wine bars to take inspiration from the Parisian ‘bistronomy’ movement, Soif has outlasted its sibling restaurant Terroirs, a place that put the biodynamic stuff firmly on the map in the city.
Fortunately, the natty juice is still flowing at Soif, and goes beautifully with the rustic, French country cooking that keeps South London restaurants returning here daily. The pork and pistachio terrine, served with grilled sourdough, is a thing of real beauty whilst the blushing pink veal chop with a complex, piquant charcuterie sauce feels both like a relic of a bygone era and very much on point with modern London cooking.
Always in search of a bargain London set menu deal, we couldn’t head out the door of Soif and back onto Battersea Rise without mentioning their ‘Wine & Chicken Mondays’, which sees ½ a rotisserie chicken – golden, juicy, salty in all the right ways – served with proper aioli (for once not just a garlic mayonnaise), chips and bitter leaves, all for just £20. The only issue is, this one feels impossible to share!
Paired with a glass of floral, funky Pinot Gris from Germany’s Rheinhessen region, you’ve got yourself a light, gorgeous dinner that yesterday’s roast will be looking enviously at.
For the ultimate grab and go meal just moments from Clapham Junction station, Prezzemolo & Vitale, a relatively recent addition to the area, has brought an authentic taste of Sicilian gastronomia culture to this little corner of south west London.
With shops already thriving in Chelsea, Notting Hill, Borough Market and Wimbledon, the Battersea branch of Prezzemolo & Vitale is housed in the revamped Arding & Hobbs building on St John’s Rd. This Sicilian deli-cum-cafe is stacked with a wide selection of premium Italian charcuterie, cheeses, pasta and olive oil, as well as some items you’ll struggle to find in your local Waitrose, such as guanciale and bottarga.
There’s also an impressive array of seasonal produce imported directly from Italy on a weekly basis – Marsala black tomatoes and Ribera oranges, stand up. So far, so do-it-yourself…
But for a train picnic, you’ll be properly set up here too, with the counter on your left as you enter the deli (still haven’t decided what to call this place!) well appointed with homemade Italian classics that eat incredibly well lukewarm.
Seeing as the gaff (still haven’t decided…) is Sicilian, the caponata is particularly good. A really good version actually, salty, sweet and sour, in that order, and so good lumped across the freshly baked focaccia that’s also sold here. The parmigiana di melanzane and beef lasagne look great, too. Next time, next time…
On top of all that, Prezzemolo & Vitale’s own brand of Italian ice cream, including esoteric flavours like Gianduja, Fior di Panna, and Tiramisu, is available here (or to go) for all the sugarheads out there. Unsurprisingly, the coffee here more than does the job, too.
At the start of January 2023, the popular Instagram account Footy Scran revealed their top 5 football grounds in England for food. And, perhaps unsurprisingly since you know we’re scratching around for an introduction before we get to the meat and bones of the piece, Tottenham were included in that top five.
Alongside such culinary trailblazers as the North West Counties Premier Division’s Avro FC and their esteemed breakfast wrap, the page celebrated a certain fried chicken with a bag of chips served by none other than the Spurs.
Yours for £8.95 and arriving in a brown recyclable Kraft bowl more synonymous with London’s zeitgeist-baiting food festivals than the footy, it looks genuinely excellent, the golden wings slathered in a couple of buffalo-adjacent sauces and topped with rondelles of jalapeno. Glory glory Tottenham Hotspur, indeed.
All that said, if you’re looking for a truly fantastic feed in this part of town, then you’re probably not going to find it on the site formerly known as White Hart Lane. Fortunately, you don’t have to go much further afield to find great food in the North London neighbourhood. As long as you’ve got this guide in your hand, that is; our roundup of the best restaurants and food in Tottenham, London.
Chuku’s, High Road
Ideal for Nigerian tapas galore…
Chuku’s is, in the restaurant’s own words, ‘’the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant’’. In reality, it’s so much more than that, a restaurant ran by two siblings with all the frisson, friction, harmony and laughter that entails. The fact that the food here is incredible is – almost – something of an afterthought, the warm, rambunctious welcome the real draw here.
We say almost because Chuku’s is a genuinely brilliant place to dine, and probably our favourite restaurant in Tottenham. From the adalu honey beans to the caramel kuli kuli wings, every dish is a chart-topper, with the beef meatballs seasoned with a rich, complex suya spice rub an obvious headliner and highlight.
The egusi bowl is a picture perfect piece of work, too, and one that’s mighty fun to eat with it. Scooping up the cassava dumplings and dunking them in the three colourful stews, one made from red peppers and tomatoes, another spinach, coriander and fennel, and the third egusi (blitzed up bitter melon seeds), is a joyful indulgence indeed.
Due to its compact nature and gushing national reviews, booking ahead is essential. Chuku’s is closed on Mondays.
Chick King has been ruling the roost in this part of London for over 40 years, and just one bite of their expertly fried, confidently spiced chicken will tell you exactly why. You’ll have understood the esteem this place is held in long before that bite, actually, by just looking at the line snaking around the block, especially on matchday.
Expect a queue, a friendly grin from the owner, and fried chicken that’s the stuff of legend. Minimal grease, maximum flavour, and cheap-as-chips prices that bely its regal status, Chick King is Tottenham’s crispy crown jewel, make no mistake.
This most unassuming of Somali restaurants serves up fragrant, spiced bariis iskukaris dishes of grilled meats over perfumed rice that are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Post-football (Brothers is a ten minute walk down the road from the Spurs stadium) and post-pints, there are fewer more welcome platefuls, with the lamb shank version particularly good. Don’t forget to add some basbaas (Somali chilli sauce) for an extra kick!
This gem on West Green Road dishes out sourdough pizzas that, whilst not at the level of London’s very best pizzas, are certainly satisfying, and represent a fine, affordable feed in Tottenham. Their sweet balsamic pepper and mascarpone pizza is the highlight, and when paired with one of True Craft’s speciality beers – the aptly named Tottenham lager is a crisp and clean brew – you really can’t go wrong.
Ideal for Turkish kebab connoisseurs and late-night munchies…
When the craving for a kebab strikes, there’s no better place in Tottenham (towards Edmonton, admittedly) than Pembe Sultan Kebab. This local favourite is renowned for its succulent, charcoal grilled skewers, lavishly laden doner plates, and a brief selection of Turkish vegetable specialities that are bursting with freshness and vitality.
From the latter section of the menu, the ezme salad is an exemplary version, all precision cut onions, tomatoes and peppers that have been generously dressed in pomegranate molasses and good quality olive oil.
For the larger groups, the Pasha Special is the move. Stacked high on a massive serving plate, you’ll find both lamb and chicken shish, an Adana lamb skewer, wings, ribs, and lamb and chicken doner meat. Served alongside is rice, flatbreads, couscous and garlic and chilli sauces. Though the team here insists this one serves just two or three people, you could probably feed a couple more happily. Afiyet olsun!
Proving that you can be all things to all people, Pasero is a versatile joint that caters to just about any Tottenham crowd you could think of – from morning coffee seekers to evening diners looking for a date night spot that has the feel of a Parisien natural wine bar, all the way to the burnt orange-tiled bar, which sets the perfect backdrop for a romantic date.
Open from 8am to 11pm (with the kitchen closing at 9:30pm) Wednesday to Saturday and 9am to 4pm Sundays to Tuesdays, Pasero takes each of its mealtimes seriously. By day, it’s bustling with people enjoying almond croissants and coffees. By night, it transforms into something nearing a bistro, perfect for small plate enthusiasts. The smoked cod’s roe choux bites and roasted squash with whipped gorgonzola have been standout dishes in the past, but the menu changes regularly, so don’t hold us to that.
Pasero also hosts regular pop-ups, with Keshia Sakarah from the outstanding Caribe’ taking to the stoves this week. We can’t wait!
This Ghanaian bakery, a husband and wife operation that’s been at the same Tottenham location since 1995, is famous for its sweet bread, Ghanaian doughnuts known as bofrot, their chin chin biscuits, and glossy meat pies, all of which are now sold in Morrisons, a testament to the quality – and ambition – of the baking here. Don’t forget to grab some for the road!
Ideal for unhurried Congolese cuisine with a side of beats…
When you walk through the doors of this Congolese spot in Tottenham Hale, an uplifting blast of afrobeats immediately sets the mood for a feast.
And feast you shall; it’s all about the platters here, with the Manna platter a delightful mix of grilled fish, smoked lamb (ntaba), jollof rice, and kwanga (a soft cassava dumpling). Serving four, it’s just £52. This is a place where you won’t be rushed, ensuring you savour every bite.
Jerk Munchies is the kind of place where the food is so good, you’ll rip open the takeaway bag before you’ve even left the shop. The jerk bagel is a masterpiece of charred dough and succulent meat, slathered in a piquant, undulating sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. And if bagels aren’t your thing, the jerk chicken rice box is a worthy contender.
Perhaps even better is the large oxtail, rice and peas, the meat falling off the bone and the rice blessed with plenty of melted bone marrow. It’s laughably good value at £8.
The Antwerp Arms, affectionately known as ‘The Annie’, stands proudly as one of Tottenham’s oldest pubs. This community-run watering hole, North London’s first, is not just about pints; it’s about bringing people together. With a fine selection of real ales and craft beers, it’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with locals. The pub also hosts regular events, from quiz nights to live music, adding to its charm and appeal as a community hub.
Anyway, you’ve come here to find some of the best places to eat in Tottenham, and the menu at The Annie is pleasingly prosaic in its delivery. There’s no unfettered, unnecessary pub menu globetrotting here. Instead, a simple rundown of five Middle Eastern-leaning mains – grilled chicken, stuffed aubergine, lamb meatballs, fishcake or falafel – all served with fries and salad.
The starters boast similarly refreshing focus, with the spicy beef sucuk sausage full of flavour and funk. A short selection of shawarma wraps seals the deal.
Ideal for an Italian trattoria experience in Tottenham…
Sitting just south of Tottenham in Bruce Grove is San Marco, a charming trattoria that offers a slice of Italy in North London, now in its 52nd year of trading.
All gingham tablecloths, candles melting wax into their wine bottle holders and pizza boxes stacked high on the counter, San Marco gives off a seriously timeless energy, a feeling of timelessness only furthered by the warmhearted greeting from owner Graziano.
On the menu, wood-fired pizzas, pleasingly blistered and leopard-spotted, and no-frills pasta dishes are the orders of the day. Incredibly, a margherita and a spaghetti carbonara clock in at £8.90 and £6.90 respectively. That is absurd value for pretty much anywhere in the UK, let alone London.
There are even rumours Guns N’ Roses are fans, ordering their pre-gig meal from San Marco before their recent show at the Spurs stadium. We’re glad Axl Rose’s appetite extended beyond simple destruction.
Please be aware that San Marco is temporarily closed.
Hello reader, how do you take your coffee? If your answer was ‘very seriously’, then rest assured, you’re in good company; here at IDEAL, we too love a cup of Joe.
We couldn’t imagine life without the stuff. Though they say that ‘’a yawn is just a silent cry for coffee’’, those protestations get pretty loud and relentless if there’s a drought of the stuff.
That said, with the mercury now tentatively rising and the warm summer months not far from kicking in, a strong, steaming cup of the good stuff can sometimes feel a little formidable. Instead, we’re lightening things up and cooling them down, with these 7 of the best summer coffees, IDEAL for a caffeine hit when the weather’s hot.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Introduced to the country by French colonialists in the 1850s, Vietnam has since made coffee very much its own. The Land of Blue Dragon (a nickname not actually inspired by coffee, incidentally) is now the world’s second largest exporter of coffee, with the robusta beans grown in the country’s fertile Central Highlands boasting a distinctive chocolatey aroma and a long, rich finish.
If you want to enjoy your coffee as the Vietnamese do, you should drink Ca Phe Nau Da (or Sua Da in the country’s south). It’s Vietnamese for ‘brown coffee with ice’ but it’s so much more than that; a rich brew made even more luxurious with sweet condensed milk, and totally appropriate for hot days when only an iced coffee will do. Ngon qua!
Dalgona Coffee
Instant coffee is knocked by many coffee connoisseurs as the lowliest form of coffee, but for those in a rush, it can sometimes do a job.
Instant coffee is made by freeze-drying regular coffee so that it can be rehydrated very quickly by adding it to water. Though it lacks the body and depth of the freshly ground stuff, instant coffee does have its uses; this is the type of coffee that people have been using for the Dalgona coffee craze that was ubiquitous last year.
We mention Dalgona, which originated in South Korea and resembles a cappuccino turned on its head, because it can be enjoyed cold, making for a superb summer coffee.
Dubai’s opulent reputation extends beautifully to its coffee culture, with Arabic coffee, or Qahwa as it’s locally known, standing as a symbol of hospitality and tradition throughout the Emirates. This distinctive brew dates back centuries and remains a cornerstone of social gatherings and business meetings alike.
The finest coffee beans in Dubai are often specially selected Arabica varieties, lightly roasted to preserve their delicate flavour profile before being finely ground and infused with cardamom, saffron, rose water or other aromatic spices. Unlike the strong, bitter brews popular in the West, Qahwa is typically served in small handleless cups called ‘finjan’ and poured from an ornate, long-spouted pot known as a ‘dallah’.
For a modern twist that’s gained popularity during Dubai’s sweltering summers, many trendy cafés in the emirate now serve iced Qahwa – the traditional cardamom-infused coffee poured over ice and sometimes sweetened with date syrup for a refreshing alternative that honours traditional flavours while providing blessed relief from the desert heat. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, some establishments even offer a luxury version topped with a sprinkle of edible gold dust – perfectly befitting the city’s glamorous reputation.
Though it might seem like a recent trend, the idea of cold brew coffee has actually been percolating for centuries, with records showing that this brewing method was popular in Kyoto, Japan, in the 1600s.
Safe to say that in the last few years, here in the UK, it’s gone mainstream, and there has been a huge upsurge in the number of cold brew coffees appearing on high street coffee shop menus and in smaller, more artisan places, too.
Contrary to popular assumptions, the cold brewing process doesn’t have to be too technical; simply steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water overnight – as opposed to using boiling water and steeping for the recommended 4(ish) minutes.
Converts to the process believe that the slow brewing time extracts more flavour from the ground beans, and mitigates some of that bitterness or sourness which freshly hot-brewed coffee can be prone to.
Generally, this one is best enjoyed over ice (though you can warm up a cold brew, if you prefer). That said, it’s essential that you get your coffee to water ratio right, here. If not, you’re going to end up with a watery, seemingly diluted coffee, and all of your hard work undone.
Affogato
The pinnacle of coffee for many aficianados is the espresso. But in the summer months, its astringent intensity can weigh a little heavy. That’s where affogato comes in; one of the finest foodie creations ever to come out of Italy, and that’s saying something.
You don’t need specialist equipment to make an espresso at home. Simply make one on the stovetop using a Moka pot, which brews coffee through pressure and is known as a ‘stove-top espresso maker’. The average brewing time depends on the size of your pot, but in general, it should take around five minutes. You do need to watch the pot though, as you don’t want overheated water to spill from its spout.
Then, the fun part; place a generous scoop of the finest vanilla ice cream you can find in a bowl, and pour over a cup of your freshly brewed, hot espresso. Make sure you add enough coffee to ‘drown’ the ice cream, as the word affogato comes from the Italian ‘affogare’ – to drown.
Originating in Greece and part of a deeply cherished coffee culture in the country, Freddo Cappuccino is regular ol’ cappuccino’s cooler cousin. In this summer treat, iced espresso is topped with full-bodied cold cream to create a refreshing pick me up ideal for any time of the day. Except, perhaps, just before bed, but anyway…
Should cappuccino be a little too sweet for you, the Freddo Espresso is also popular in Greece. Here, a hot espresso, sugar, and ice cubes are added to a cocktail shaker and shaken until the cubes melt and the mixture is frothy. You can then add some steamed milk, if you like. Voila! The perfect summer pick-me-up.
Hainanese Coffee
Hainanese coffee, or ‘kopi’ in Malaysia and Singapore, uses very different brewing equipment to Western coffee making; a bag. Coffee grounds are added to this long bag, which is then soaked in hot water. The coffee is then filtered multiple times to achieve a thick, luscious consistency, which is sometimes particularly prevalent if the coffee beans were roasted with butter, a popular process in South East Asia.
If you like it black and unadulterated, it’s a ‘Kopi o kosong’, or if you want your coffee just a little sweet, order a ‘Kopi o’. Add ‘peng’ to have it iced, which is just perfect for the summer months.
Our favourite way to enjoy this famous coffee is to ramp up the indulgence levels by adding condensed milk and removing any other words from the order; that’s a ‘Kopi’ then, please!
A well-maintained car provides its owner with a sense of peace and safety on the road. Often, however, many car owners are unsure of how to properly care for their vehicles in a way that consistently ensures optimal performance.
Here we take a deep dive into the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance checks critical to keeping your car running smoothly.
Daily Checks
Initiating daily checks might seem daunting at first, but with consistency, they become as straightforward as checking the weather. They involve swift visual inspections that can significantly impact your driving experience.
Tyres: Tyres are the linchpins between your vehicle and the road. Check for potential damage signs, such as punctures, cuts, or embedded objects. An often overlooked aspect is ensuring the tyres don’t appear under-inflated or over-inflated, which can severely affect grip and handling.
Lights: Ensuring your lights work correctly is paramount to your safety and that of other road users. Test your headlights, brake lights, indicators, tail lights, and fog lights. If some lights aren’t functioning, it could be as simple as replacing a bulb or could indicate a more significant electrical issue.
Windscreen: An unobstructed view is crucial. Check your windscreen for any chips or cracks and ensure the wipers are in good condition. During winter months, make sure to clear any ice or frost before setting off.
Weekly Checks
Carrying out weekly car maintenance checks can prevent more significant issues further down the line by focusing mainly on fluid levels and critical components.
Engine Oil: Your engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Using the dipstick, verify the oil level, which should ideally sit between the minimum and maximum marks. Additionally, observe the oil’s consistency. If it appears too dark, it may be time for an oil change.
Coolant: The coolant prevents your engine from overheating. Check its level in the reservoir; it should be between the minimum and maximum markings. Remember, opening the coolant cap when the engine is hot can lead to severe burns.
Brake Fluid: This fluid is paramount to your car’s braking system. The brake fluid levels should also be within the marked area on the reservoir.
Windscreen Washer Fluid: Frequent usage, especially during winter or rainy seasons, can deplete this fluid swiftly. Check regularly and refill as required.
Tyre Pressure: Correct tyre pressure impacts fuel efficiency, handling, and tyre lifespan. Using a gauge, verify that the pressure meets the manufacturer’s guidance.
Monthly Checks
Monthly checks delve deeper into your car’s overall health by checking critical elements affecting performance.
Air Filter: The air filter is crucial for optimum engine performance. If it’s dirty or clogged, your engine must work harder, lowering fuel efficiency. Inspecting it monthly and replacing it when necessary can significantly improve your car’s performance.
Battery: Look for any signs of corrosion around the battery terminals, evident by a build-up of white residue. Cleaning off the residue and ensuring firm connections can prevent car starting issues.
Power Steering Fluid: This aids smoother steering. Verify that it’s within the correct range as indicated in your car’s manual.
Yearly Checks
Yearly checks generally focus on elements requiring professional inspection, but awareness can help you know when it’s time for a service.
Timing Belt: The timing belt synchronises your engine’s functions. Check your car’s manual to identify when the timing belt should be replaced, typically between 60,000-100,000 miles.
Brake System: Yearly checks should incorporate a complete brake system inspection, including lines, hoses, and the parking brake. Brake fluid should be replaced every one to two years to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can rust and deteriorate the brake system. Your continued safety on the road depends on it.
Steering and Suspension: An annual steering and suspension check can ensure your car drives well and is safe. Any issues with these systems can significantly impact vehicle control, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
Intermittent Checks: Every Few Years Or Occasionally
Not every component of your vehicle needs constant monitoring. Some parts have longer life spans, and others only require checks under certain conditions. However, being aware of these less-frequent checks can help maintain your vehicle’s life span and save costs in the long run.
Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are vital for your engine’s ignition process. A worn-out or faulty spark plug can lead to engine misfires or reduced fuel efficiency. Typically, spark plugs should be checked and replaced every 30,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on your vehicle model and the type of spark plugs it uses.
Transmission Fluid: The transmission fluid is essential in keeping your car’s gearbox healthy by lubricating and cooling the transmission components. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, some modern vehicles come with ‘lifetime’ transmission fluid meant to last the entire life of the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for specific guidance.
Shock Absorbers and Struts: If your car starts to bounce excessively over speed bumps or feels less controlled while turning corners, it may be time to check your shock absorbers and struts. Depending on driving conditions and habits, these usually last 50,000 to 100,000 miles before they need replacing.
Exhaust System: While the exhaust system is built to last, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially if your typical driving consists of short trips where the engine doesn’t fully warm up. Excessive engine noise, decreased fuel efficiency, or unusual smells can all point to issues with the exhaust system.
Hoses and Belts: Your car’s hoses and belts don’t have a specific replacement timeline, but experts generally recommend getting them inspected every couple of years. Pay close attention to the serpentine belt, which powers most of the engine’s accessories. If this breaks while you’re driving, it could cause significant engine damage.
Air Conditioning System: The air conditioning system doesn’t need frequent checks, but it’s a good idea to have it serviced every 3-4 years. If you notice a decrease in cooling efficiency or any unusual noise, it’s time to have it checked.
Cabin Air Filter: A less-known component, the cabin air filter, is responsible for the air quality inside your vehicle by filtering out dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Depending on the environmental conditions and car usage, they should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Overall, while these checks occur less frequently, their importance should not be understated. Maintenance is about the detail, and the best approach to keep your vehicle running in top shape is comprehensive care, whether the checks are daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or intermittent.
Car & Model Specific Maintenance Checks
While general maintenance applies to most vehicles, certain makes and models require specialised attention for optimal performance.
Premium German Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz models feature sophisticated systems requiring expert care. The manufacturer recommends service every 15,000 miles or annually. A visit to an authorised Mercedes-Benz service centre ensures technicians with specific training can properly maintain these advanced systems and perform essential electronic updates that independent garages might lack access to.
BMW vehicles similarly need attention to their unique systems including Vanos components and cooling system integrity, particularly on models known for specific issues.
British Models: Jaguar vehicles require checks on supercharger oil (when equipped), adaptive dynamics calibration, and differential fluid, especially on performance variants.
Japanese Makes: Toyota and Lexus hybrid systems need regular health checks, while Nissan owners should monitor CVT transmission fluid condition and timing chain components.
American and Electric Vehicles: Ford’s EcoBoost and PowerShift systems need specific attention, while electric vehicles from all manufacturers require battery diagnostics and high-voltage system inspections at qualified service centres.
Remember that following manufacturer recommendations not only ensures reliability but also helps maintain resale value, particularly for premium vehicles where a full service history at authorised centres significantly impacts future value.
The Bottom Line
Regular maintenance checks not only extend your vehicle’s lifespan but also contribute to your safety and others on the road. Although this guide is comprehensive, remember that each car model may have specific maintenance requirements provided in the owner manual.
Maintaining your car is not merely about keeping it on the road but reinforcing your safety and ensuring each journey is smooth and enjoyable. Cheers to that (when you’re all safely parked up, of course)!
From its humble beginnings in the 1790s as a residential area developed by Sir Charles Pratt, Camden has transformed into one of London’s most visited boroughs. Once home to Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw and JB Priestley, now it’s one of the most thriving multicultural places in the UK, with its almost 300’000 residents speaking over 140 languages and dialects between them, and the local council placing diversity at the forefront of its thinking.
The area’s transformation began in earnest with the construction of the Grand Union Canal and the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, cementing Camden’s role as a pivotal industrial and transportation centre, but it’s the 1960s which marked a significant cultural revolution in Camden Town, with the rise of rock and psychedelia. Venues like the Roundhouse became the epicentre of this movement, where music, culture, politics, and youthful vigour converged, laying the groundwork for the area’s enduring association with alternative culture and creativity.
Camden Market, which started as a modest arts and crafts fair in the backyard of Dingwalls, has grown into London’s largest market (and the city’s fourth most popular attraction, with 250’000 visitors a week), open seven days a week. Its rapid expansion from a temporary Sunday market reflects the area’s burgeoning popularity and its reputation as something of a culinary destination, even if much of Camden’s best food is often actually found beyond its 6.5 hectares.
In any area boasting such vast and varied influences, wonderful food is bound to follow. And so it is in Camden, a microcosm of global flavours, both in fine dining and street food form. Today, we’re checking out the very best. From traditional fish and chips to homestyle Portuguese cooking, here’s where to eat in Camden Town, and the best restaurants in Camden.
Roger’s Kitchen
Ideal for when heritage meets contemporary flair…
On a stretch of Camden Road where the iconic railway bridge (soon feature the Camden Highline) looms overhead, something rather special is happening. Crowned Best Restaurant at the 2023 UK Caribbean Food Awards, Roger’s Kitchen has the rare quality of a place that knows exactly what it wants to be – and absolutely nails it.
The story here is remarkable: the eponymous chef Roger Shakes started as a pot washer in London in 1999, worked his way up to feeding A-listers at the legendary Mango Room including Grace Jones, Spike Lee, and Prince (funny to read his name so near to mention of 1999), then struck out on his own in 2020, armed with nothing but his grandparents’ recipes from Westmoreland, Jamaica and an obsession with getting things right.
That combination of heritage and precision turned out to be a winning formula, and shines proudly in every dish coming from the pass – perhaps even more so now he’s cooking in memory of his cousin Derrick Blake, the Mango Room owner who encouraged him to open his own place, and who sadly passed away last year.
Take the curry goat, the kind of dish that makes you abandon all sense of decorum and gnaw the bones clean like some kind of all-spice crazed beast. There’s a depth to the sauce that speaks of hours of patient cooking, the meat falling apart with just the suggestion of pressure from your fork. Whilst the £23 price tag might have some turning on their heels, the aromas of the dish will have them pulling a comical 180 like off a cartoon. The chargrilled jerk chicken is just as good, and comes with a choice of sauces – the spicy jerk version delivers that perfect balance of heat and aromatics that makes proper jerk so addictive.
Images via @rogerskitchen.co.uk
Shakes can do fine dining, too; the scallops with mango salsa is refreshingly unpretentious in its punchiness. The seafood platter is a proper feast that stops conversations at neighbouring tables, and at under £30 is decent value, too. Even the vegan curry – often an afterthought in Caribbean spots – is a triumph of texture and flavour, loaded with pumpkin, courgette and okra in quantities that would make your gastroenterologist proud.
The dining room itself hits that sweet spot between smart and relaxed – white tablecloths, yes, but you’ll never feel like a heathen for laughing too loudly.
The set menu (£55 for three courses) is an absolute steal, though first-timers should go à la carte to properly explore. The ‘Sparkling Saturdays’ lunch deal at £35 for two courses with drinks lives up to Shakes’ professed philosophy, that “sometimes it’s not even about money, it’s about making people happy.”
All of this adds up to tables have been increasingly hard to come by since that award win, but persistence pays off. This is our favourite restaurant in Camden, make no mistake.
Ideal for fish and chips with a heavy dose of nostalgia…
The proprietor of Poppies has been mastering the art of fish and chips since 1945, and it’s this extensive experience that has allowed him to perfect one of the UK’s most cherished meals.
At Poppies, just across Regent’s Canal from Camden Market, the focus is on fun (more on that in a moment) and authentic, traditional cooking. The fish, sourced from Billingsgate daily, is as fresh as that sourcing suggests, the batter is crisp and with delicate pockets of air, and the chips are just the right shade of beige. It’s a combination that’s hard to resist.
In addition to the star attraction, we also suggest trying a serving of the jellied eels. These slippery little delicacies are a longstanding symbol of London’s food scene, and the owner continues to honour this tradition by featuring them on the menu. Extra chilli vinegar, please!
It’s not just the food that draws the crowds in. The 110 sister restaurant is playful, with a nostalgic setting, transporting diners back to the later 1940’s and “London’s after the war rebirth”. If you didn’t know, fish and chips were part of British wartime history. On a recent instagram post, Poppies explains that this iconic British dish was “the only food never rationed in order to maintain morale and bring comfort in a time of crisis. It was also a method of identifying allies on the front line – if you shouted ‘fish’ and the reply was ‘chips’ you knew you were amongst friends”. We digress…
…Back to those interiors – there’s loads of memorabilia on the walls, with the fixtures and fittings all reclaimed or repurposed items from in and around Camden itself. To hammer the point home, waitresses wear period uniforms from Camden Lock Market.
We know that some of you might be cringing right now – themed restaurants are naff right? Well, like itself Camden, Poppies has somehow made it cool. And in true Camden style, there is an upstairs performance lounge with live music on Friday and Saturdays. Encore!
Ideal for possibly the best roasted Chinese meats in the capital…
You won’t miss Three Uncles as you enter the Hawley Wharf section of Camden Market; look not for three middle-aged men dispensing advice on hanging picture frames and cracking terrible puns but rather, a glowing red signage, and swaying roast duck and crispy pork. Is there any better sight when you’re hungry?
Indeed, Three Uncles stands as something of a beacon around these parts for those in pursuit of authentic Hong Kong-style roasted meats. Founded by a trio of childhood friends and culinary aficionados – Cheong Yew (Uncle Lim), Pui Sing Tsang (Uncle Sidney), and Mo Kwok (Uncle Mo) – the establishment first opened its doors near Liverpool Street station in 2019.
Since then, it has brought its roast meats over rice to the heart of Camden, and we’re so glad that they did. From the crispy-skinned pork belly to the richly flavoured duck and the sweet, honey-glazed char siu, this is some of the most satisfying (and best value) food in all of London.
Each dish is served in a straightforward manner with no frippery, atop a bed of perfectly fluffy rice with a choice of sauces that range from rock sugar and soy to spring onion and ginger. The house chilli oil, a necessary accompaniment, adds a welcome kick. And all of this will set you back little more than a tenner. Which gives you the perfect excuse, we think, to order a second round…
Ideal for time-honoured Greek-Cypriot cooking in a charmingly traditional setting…
Tucked away on Bayham Street, just far enough from Camden’s tourist thoroughfares to feel like a genuine neighbourhood spot, Daphne has been serving faithfully rendered Greek-Cypriot cuisine since the 1950s. The restaurant, run by the Lymbouri family since their taking over in 1984, stands as a cherished reminder of when this pocket of London was known as the ‘Peloponnese Triangle’ due to its thriving Greek and Cypriot community.
After a 20-month closure for extensive renovations, Daphne reopened at the end of 2014, much to the relief of its loyal clientele (and to us, even if it does mean an hour on the overground to get here). Ten years on, and whilst the refurbishment may have done away with the beloved roof terrace (owner Nicholas Lymbouri’s knees aren’t what they used to be), everything else that made this place special remains, including the wonderfully intimate atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a family gathering.
The ground floor dining room manages that rare feat of feeling both polished and homely, with the distinctive dark green wooden panelling and latticed room dividers thankfully still in place, segmenting the space into intimate dining nooks, just as it always has been. These are complemented by crisp white tablecloths and walls adorned with black-and-white photographs of Cypriot village life, creating an atmosphere that feels both traditional and quietly sophisticated. The current setup, with its thirty or so covers, creates exactly the kind of intimate atmosphere where lingering over lunch or dinner feels not just possible but essential.
The menu reads like a greatest hits of Greek-Cypriot cuisine, starting with the mezedes that are essential to any proper Hellenic feast. The taramasalata here is properly fishy and whipped to just the right consistency, while koubes – those deep-fried bulgur wheat parcels stuffed with minced lamb – arrive crisp and aromatic, demanding to be doused with lemon juice. The spanakopita might be a touch oily for some tastes, but the ratio of spinach to feta in the filling is spot on.
For mains, the kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb) is a standout, falling off the bone after its long marinade in lemon and herbs. The souvlaki options – available in lamb, pork or chicken variations – benefit from proper charcoal grilling, even if they occasionally lack that deep smokiness you might find in Cyprus proper. Each main comes with a choice of sides; we’d recommend the rice and a Greek salad strewn with proper barrel-aged feta.
The real draw here though might be the more humble, homestyle dishes that speak to the restaurant’s village roots. These recipes trace back to Dora, Nicholas’s mother’s village between Limassol and Paphos. The louvi (black-eyed beans with spinach) and the fadgi (a Middle Eastern-influenced lentil pilaf with fresh tomatoes) are exactly the kind of sustaining, soulful fare that keeps regulars coming back decade after decade. That, and the wonderfully maternal service from the Lymbouri family, who treat first-timers like old friends and old friends like family.
While the portions might be more restrained than at some of London’s other Greek establishments (you’ll want to order sides), the pricing remains remarkably fair for central London, with most mains hovering around the £15 mark. The set lunch menu, at £9.50 for two courses, represents particularly good value.
Daphne might not be breaking new culinary ground, but that’s precisely the point. This is time-honoured cooking done with care and integrity, served in surroundings that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. In an area increasingly dominated by temporary pop-ups and passing food trends, there’s something deeply comforting about a restaurant that knows exactly what it is and does it with such unwavering conviction. As Nicholas notes, some 70% of their customers are regulars – in today’s fickle dining scene, that speaks volumes.
Ideal for when all you want is a comforting plate of cheese…
Camden’s fromage aficionados congregate in one place and one place only when they’re looking to get their kicks, and that’s at the prosaically named Cheese Bar.
Something of a Camden Market institution, you might think you’d walked into a new branch of Barrafina upon entering; the horseshoe counter seating around a central bar is reliably a throng of chatter and cheer. That’s until you cast your eyes towards the end of that bar, and into several ceiling high fridges full of wheels of the good stuff…
Dedicated to celebrating the very best of British cheese, with every item on the menu showcasing the surprising diversity of the UK’s cheese-making talent, diners don’t come just to sample the raw material here; arguably the biggest draw is the bar’s grilled cheese sandwiches, which are served with a gentle, almost austere reverence for the cheese they’re showcasing. Indeed, you’ll find no overloaded, gimmicky sarnies here. The simple Cropwell Bishop Stilton toastie, adorned simply with a beer and fruit chutney, is a case in point; funky but fresh, it’s sublime.
For a proper indulgence, every Wednesday the Cheese Bar hosts a ‘Bottomless Raclette’ night, which sees 90 minutes centred around melted Ogleshield (a type of cheddar) served with vegetables and spuds for dipping and dredging. It will set you back the princely sum of £20, which isn’t bad for a feast of cheese lasting the length of a football match. Now all you need alongside it is a glass or two of the Louis Guntrum Riesling, which is richly poised, and perfect for the more acidic elements of the Ogleshield.
Gökyüzü, a pleasant ten minute walk from Camden Market, continues the acclaimed legacy of the Gökyüzü chain (there are three other branches in Green Lanes Harringay, which Grace Dent reviewed fondly in the Guardian, Walthamstow and Chingford Mount) with another knockout offering in Kentish Town.
Gökyüzü, which translates to “sky” in Turkish, offers a dining experience that soars above the ordinary, steeped in tradition but given the most reverential, gentle of modern spins. Sure, the dining area may feel a little corridor-like and lacking in natural light, with shadows cast over the further corners of the room, but there’s plenty of vivid flavours on the plate and attentive, cheerful service to brighten the mood.
Run by the Yavuz family, Gökyüzü is a product of a familiar story; a family moves to the UK and finds the food of their homeland not represented as they’d like. Cue the deployment of a grandparent’s secret recipes, a mix of local producers and spices flown in from the motherland, and an authentic restaurant is born.
As you walk in, there’s a charcoal grill being tended to on your right and a fridge with various kebabs and vegetable skewers on display, emphasising the freshness of the product. At Gökyüzü, that product culminates in a menu that is a tribute to the diverse culinary heritage of Turkey, with specialities ranging from succulent, charred kebabs, served generously with a big smear of house hummus, to meze, aromatic pide and freshly baked lahmacun. Order the latter – super thin, crisp but pliable – squeeze on a little lemon, add some pickles and parsley, and roll one up. Repeat the process; it’s damn good.
Move on to the restaurant’s signature platter, featuring both lamb and chicken shish, ribs, wings, chops and doners. It’s served with rice and bulgur wheat, and arrives as an imposing, intimidating pile, the meat blackened in just the right places but tender within. Designed for two to three people, it could easily feed six, let’s be honest guys. At £67, it’s an absolute steal.
Order an Efes Draft or two to go with, and be confused that it arrives in a bottle. No matter, the honeyed maltiness of the beer is just the right match for that kiss of the charcoal that runs through everything on the plate.
A complementary salad to start and Turkish tea to finish shows off the excellent hospitality which the restaurant group (and country) are famed for.
Somewhere between the peripheries of Regent’s Park and the throbbing heart of Camden Town, Mr Ji Asian Restaurant has swiftly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in the area looking to forgo the increasingly identikit vibes of the famous but increasingly dull market.
This reincarnation of the Soho original that was so well received by Jay Rayner in the pandemic days brings a similarly innovative twist to proceedings, blending Asian and European flavours without any danger of Greg(g) Wallace yelling “Fusion? Confusion, more like!” in your face.
The interior, with its deliberately unfinished, industrial aesthetic, sets the stage for a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and unpretentious. Polished concrete floors, raw stucco walls, and a peach-and-cream tiled border around the open kitchen window create an inviting atmosphere where diners can watch the chefs in action.
Signature dishes such as the famed Prawn ‘in’ Toast – a golden brioche filled with prawns, sweetcorn, and béchamel sauce – and the O’Ji fried chicken breast, adorned with chilli sprinkles and golden kimchi, have something of a cult following in the city for good reason.
London’s vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, too, with the double-cooked daikon cake with shiitake mushrooms and garlic soy paste, and the refreshing noodle salad with konjac noodles and sesame sauce, both hitting every spot.
Complementing the exquisite food is a carefully curated drinks menu featuring low-intervention wines, freshly-pressed sake, and inventive cocktails. Highlights include the Salted Plum Negroni, with its intriguing mix of mezcal, tequila, and plum wine, and the Rice Martini, a delightful concoction of Cuban rum, manzanilla, and glutinous rice syrup.
But the very best part? Mr Ji is equally as accommodating whether you’re dropping in for a quick snack or you’re sitting down to order the whole menu. We’ve done both, and haven’t yet left disappointed.
Ideal for dairy and gluten free pizza that actually tastes great…
Holding the distinction of being the UK’s first entirely vegan pizzeria, a title it has proudly held since its inception in 2015, Purezza is the brainchild of Stefania Evangelisti and Tim Barclay, born out of a desire to revolutionise plant-based dining.
Established in Brighton, the UK’s Vegan Capital, Purezza is the first plant-based pizzeria in the UK. They specialise in vegan, gluten-free sourdough pizzas that are innovative and full of flavour. They have expanded their operations with branches in Camden (were we’re dining today, of course), Bristol, and Hove, maintaining their high-quality standards across all locations.
Their pizzas are far from the typical, bland, artificial-tasting vegan options. They use large wood-fired ovens to bake pizzas that could rival any traditional Neapolitan pizzeria. The dough is allowed to mature for forty-eight hours, and their signature vegan mozzarella, made from brown rice, took two years to perfect. It’s as close to the real thing as you can get in a vegan version.
The name Purezza, which translates to ‘purity’ and sounds, erm, a bit like ‘pizza’, reflects their commitment to using fresh, seasonal vegetables to enhance their pizzas. Their Parmagiana Party pizza, crowned as the ‘National Pizza of the Year’ at the National Pizza Awards a couple of years back, is a must-try. This recognition was a significant achievement for a vegan pizza.
That was 2018, and things have gone even better since, Purezza’s pear and blue pizza a case in pointp – think a luscious white base, creamy mozzarella, and the bold tang of blue cheese, softened and sweetened with juicy pears, crunchy walnuts, and a fiery twist of chilli jam. There’s a joke in here about pizza pear-fection, but someone else has already made it.
Purezza is arguably the best vegan pizza in London, and perhaps even in the entire UK. It’s certainly one of our favourite restaurants in Camden.
Ideal for the all-Argentinian steakhouse experience done right…
This family-run establishment prides itself on delivering the finest Argentinian food in London, with a menu that promises to transport you straight to the heart of South America.
La Patagonia largely succeeds in that aim, its transportative quality certainly not harmed by the restaurant’s central parrilla – complete with crank handle and chain – and the sizzling steaks that have bedded down so happily on its bars.
Before you get stuck into Argentina’s finest prime sirloin (£27.90 for 300g), first get lost in the savoury folds of the restaurant’s homemade empanadas, the traditional beef mince version, piquant from green olives, has pastry that boasts that chalky quality that defines a truly great Argentinian pastry. Then, it’s on to the headliner, which throws its bolero hat into the ring of London’s best steaks, with a gnarly yet uniform bark from the high heat of the charcoal grill and a pleasant pinkness within. That faint, reassuring tang of the farmyard brings you home.
Unsurprisingly, it’s an all Argentinian wine list here, with an eminently drinkable Malbec San Telmo Reserva clocking in at just £6.75 a glass. Lovely stuff. Just be sure to book if you’re heading here at the weekend; this place gets busy.
Ideal for carefully sourced produce cooked over fire in the most convivial of settings…
Okay, we accept we’re venturing a little out of Camden for this one, but the buzz generated around the Parakeet since its opening just two years ago makes it worth the twenty minute trek north into Kentish Town.
The head chef here is Ben Allen, who earned his (dry-aged) chops at Brat. The menu here follows a similarly singular vision, of cooking carefully-sourced produce over fire. In fact, the sous chef at the Parakeet is also formerly of Brat, ensuring the coals are burning just right, the smokiness imparted in the dishes here is alluring rather than acrid, and there’s a faint sense of the incestual to proceedings.
First though, a couple of pints at the bar, as The Parakeet remains proudly, resolutely a pub, with locals dropping in for a crisp, frothy pint of N1 from the Hammerton Brewery, without ever having to tuck into a plate of tomato and green strawberry if they don’t wish to.
You should, though, alongside a blistered and burnished tranche of brill, here served with salty-sweet guanciale and tiny brown shrimp. Let’s hear it, too, for the grilled prawns with brown butter, with brains left on for squeezing directly into your mouth from a great height, like you’re the most extra guest at the bacchanal.
There’s a great, compact biodynamic wine list here too, with several available by the carafe, which is always a pleasure to see. And drink. Get stuck into the Verdicchio Di Gino, which is nutty and expressive, and the perfect foil for that brill. A carafe is £17, which isn’t bad value in a place with obvious red book ambitions.
Ideal for one of London’s best (and most affordable) bowls of ramen…
Head south down Camden High Street away from the market, and in ten minutes you’ll come to one of London’s best value Japanese restaurants, Seto.
Whilst we’re tempted to describe Seto as a ‘hidden gem’ or one of ‘London’s best kept secrets’, that would be a little disingenuous, as it’s consistently rammed with locals, visitors and passersby, all drawn to the £9 lunchtime ramen menu, with an extensive choice of around 10 versions of the beloved noodle soup on offer.
One of London’s best bowls of ramen, we’re big fans of the Shoyu here, light yet packing real depth, with properly fatty, unctuous slices of pork floating within. You get five or six of those slices. For that price tag, Seto has no need to be so generous, but this is a welcoming, family-run neighbourhood spot, and that’s always been the vibe here. Long may it continue.
Ideal for Portuguese homecooking that nourishes the soul…
We end our tour of Camden’s best restaurants in the warm embrace of O Tino, a beloved spot that has been doing gloriously satisfying Portuguese homecooking since 2009. It’s a lovely place to settle into, with husband and wife team Florentino and Elisabete working the floor and Liga Portugal 2 matches ticking away on the tele (at least on our visit here, anyway).
Unsurprisingly, salt cod features heavily on the menu, with bacalhau the focal point of five or six dishes. We went for the classic dish of bacalhau a bras, which sees salt cod mixed with scrambled eggs and crisp matchstick potatoes, and this was a fine version indeed, as good as we’ve eaten in Lisbon. Alongside, clams in white wine called for plenty of bread for mopping up those briny, beautiful juices. Mop we did.
The only, though, is the arroz de marisco, the country’s beloved seafood rice dish. This one needs to be ordered with 24 hour’s notice, but you won’t regret deploying a little foresight. Pair it with a glass of Vinho Verde and you could be in a little backstreet of Lisbon.
If you’re up for a quick lunch, O Tino also does an excellent job of piri-piri chicken, here served with chips and salad for just £14. Result!
Interestingly, it’s even been suggested that the recent Trump tariff crisis (is that the technical term?!) could ‘single-handedly rescue the UK housing market’.
Even if you’re not planning to move home in the near future, keen to avoid the current tumult of the market, it’s important to think about its value and ensure that any changes you make increase your home’s profitability. And if you are thinking of selling, then the landscape for what passes as a lucrative addition to your property has somewhat changed in 2025.
You’ll be surprised by how a small investment now can earn you thousands come the day of the sale, and with that in mind, here are some modern ways to increase the value of your home.
Redecorate To Modernise
Let’s start with the small changes…
If your home has lime green appliances, linoleum floors and bold, geometric wallpaper, just wait for the winces when people come to have a look around. No one wants to go back to the stagflation of the 70s after all.
When prospective buyers spot this, they’ll see a refurbishment job in front of them and will want money off the value of the house for their own costs and inconvenience.
All that said, modernising your home superficially speaking, by painting in light, neutral colours and replacing carpets with hardwood floors, isn’t hard to do at all, particularly when considering the visual and valued impact such a move can make.
This will add a sense of space compared to dark walls and floors, which make you feel more closed in. And if any rooms are cluttered, get decluttering straight away, as no-one wants to see a mess when visualising their future home. Give prospective homebuyers the room to imagine and dream by giving them the room to move.
Upgrade The Kitchen
One definition of modern is “relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past”. Yep, we’re about to mention that word. During a cost of living crisis that shows no signs of abating, dinner parties and entertaining at home have become increasingly popular. Moreover, with the help of YouTube and social media, we’ve all become amateur chefs. The modern kitchen, then, is one that encourages sociability, and an upgrade to suit these changing needs could be just the lift your property needs.
A modern kitchen breathes fresh life into a home, and ensures prospective buyers are able to picture the very epitome of domestic bliss in the heart of the home.
As the experts at Virgin Money point out, ‘’If you’re wanting to fit a completely new kitchen, including appliances, research shows you can expect to pay around £6,000 and in doing so could add around 3 to 10 percent to the value of your home.’’
Transforming a kitchen is an expensive job, and may not be one they’re prepared to do. If you’re short on cash, then replacing cupboard doors and kitchen tops, and adding energy-efficient lights, will make a lot of difference. But in some instances, a whole new kitchen design might be necessary. In such cases, the money you spend on this will be worth it when you sell the house, so long as you don’t go too overboard with costs.
Put in layman’s terms, a home worth around £200’000, for instance, could have £20’000 of value added for a £6’000 investment. We realise that’s putting it rather simply, but it does emphasise the power of a new kitchen on the price of your property.
Extend Your Living Space
One of the most effective ways to add value to your home is by extending your living space. Whether it’s a fully fitted conservatory, a loft conversion, or a full-blown extension, creating additional square footage can significantly increase your property’s worth.
In the UK, a well-executed extension can add up at least 10% to your home’s value, according to Checkatrade. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the extension is in keeping with the rest of the house and the surrounding properties. A modern, well-designed extension can not only provide you with more living space but also make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
However, it will require the expertise of a qualified and reputable builder, as it will take more than a few bricks and dry-lining supplies to complete your extension. On top of that, remember that planning permission is often required for extensions, so it’s essential to do your research and consult with professionals before embarking on this project. Also, consider the functionality of the extension. A new bedroom, bathroom, or a larger kitchen can be particularly appealing to buyers.
Invest In Outdoor Living
The importance of outdoor space has been highlighted more than ever in recent years. A well-designed garden, patio, or decking area can act as an extension of your home, providing additional living and entertaining space.
This is an investment worth making. As Homes and Gardens report, a nicely landscaped garden can add up to 10% to the value of your home. This could involve landscaping your garden, adding a patio or decking area, or even installing an outdoor kitchen or a hot tub.
In addition, consider the addition of a garden room or a summer house. These structures can serve multiple purposes, such as a home office, a gym, or a relaxation area, making your property more versatile and appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Go Further & Consider A Granny Annexe
Multi-generational living has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, and adding a granny annexe could significantly boost your home’s market value. These self-contained living spaces within your property aren’t just practical family solutions—they’re potentially lucrative investments.
Properties with annexes often command higher premiums in the market due to their versatility. Today’s buyers view them as potential rental income, home offices, teenage retreats, or accommodation for elderly relatives—flexibility that’s increasingly valuable in the current property landscape.
If you’re considering adding an annexe, you have several options. Converting an existing outbuilding or garage is typically more affordable than building a purpose-built structure. While not inexpensive, the potential return on investment can make it worthwhile.
Keep in mind that planning permission requirements vary depending on your specific circumstances. Generally, if the annexe remains part of the main dwelling and doesn’t have separate utilities or its own address, you may be able to proceed under permitted development rights. However, always check with your local planning authority before commencing any work.
When designing your annexe, focus on creating a space that feels both connected to and separate from the main house. Ensure it has its own entrance, bathroom facilities, and enough living space to function independently. High-quality finishes and energy-efficient features will make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Bathroom Boosterism
As with your kitchen, potential buyers see a big job in front of them if the bathroom isn’t up to scratch. But you don’t always have to buy a whole new bathroom suite to get it looking good. A lick of paint, new lights, a shiny mirror and a bit of regrouting might be all it takes to give the illusion of a modern, functioning bathroom space.
If you sell your home with a bathroom that appears old and decrepit, the buyer might want to knock down the price because they will invest in installing a new bathroom. This will not play in your favour as a seller and may endanger you getting a high return on your investment. Hence, before you put up your house for sale, make sure you have redesigned your bathroom. Interestingly, according to experts, a new bathroom can add around 5% onto your home’s value.
Potential property buyers also look at a home’s energy rating, not just for electricity bills, but also because they’re eco-conscious – so get this as high as you can before you move out.
Did you know that an estimated 19% of the UK’s greenhouse gases come from heating up our homes? Increasing the energy efficiency of your home won’t just appeal to potential buyer’s pockets, but their green credentials too.
Today, people are willing to pay more for a green home. As reported by the Mirror in October of 2021, “a recent study…has found that homeowners could potentially add £29,000 to the price of their house by embarking on some easy eco-upgrades.”
If the doors feel draughty and the windows look shabby, the value of your home might drop, as those looking round will know they have work to do to get the place comfortable and warm. In that Mirror report, it was found that “draft proofing came up tops as the most lucrative eco-upgrade”, followed by thermostat installation.
Indeed, simple, budget energy efficient upgrades, like insulating your loft, sealing cracks around the windows and converting to energy-saving lighting, needn’t cost the earth, but may add more than a few pennies to your home’s value.
Facilitate The Flow Of Natural Light
In today’s world, houses are getting smaller which can also mean less natural light. Unsurprisingly an abundance of natural light is perhaps the most coveted piece of real estate out there and people will pay a premium price for it, with a 2018 survey suggesting that homeowners would pay upwards of £20’000 more than the asking price for a property flooded with the stuff.
As such, you’d be wise to check out this useful guide on the best ways to allow more natural light into your home. Consider adding windows with a contemporary sleek design, just to up the ante on that modern factor.
The Bottom Line
As well as lifting your house price significantly, you may find these changes add to your own quality of life… so much so, that you might decide not to move after all!
8 Of The Best E-Bike Destinations For The Easter Holidays
Easter and the joy of spring cycling holidays go hand in hand (hey, keep those hands on the damn handlebars!). That said, even just a few years ago, the idea of a cycling holiday may have felt daunting to many.
E-bikes have changed all that, offering accessibility and range to those without the calves of Chris Hoy, making them perfect companions for discovering new destinations on two wheels without the constraints of traditional cycling.
According to The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), more and more tour operators worldwide are finding that customers are asking for e-bike activities. With Britons set to buy 2.1 million bikes in 2024, could this be the year of E-bike escapades? We think so.
And while purists will argue that E-biking is not “real” cycling, if it gets you out and about on a bike and allows you to explore the great outdoors, who cares?
With warmer weather on the way, now is the perfect time to start planning for an e-biking holiday. With all that in mind, here are 8 of the best E-bike destinations for 2025, sure to add an electrifying twist to your Easter holidays.
Lake District, England
Ideal for electric gravel bike enthusiasts seeking rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes…
The Lake District’s undulating fells and serene waters provide an exceptional backdrop for electric gravel bike adventures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines challenging terrain with unparalleled natural beauty, making it perfect for those looking to push their e-bikes beyond the tarmac.
The Lake District offers the perfect testing ground for electric gravel bikes in particular, with its network of bridleways, forest tracks, and old packhorse trails connecting charming villages and spectacular viewpoints. The added boost from an electric motor means riders can tackle the area’s notorious gradients without exhausting themselves, leaving more energy to appreciate the scenery.”
The region’s microclimate means spring can bring variable weather, but Easter often delivers crisp, clear days perfect for cycling. The National Park has embraced sustainable tourism, with many accommodation options catering specifically to cyclists with secure storage, maintenance facilities, and charging points.
Don’t miss the Grizedale Forest trails or the historic Eskdale Trail—both offering sublime experiences for electric gravel bikes with their mixture of challenging surfaces and breathtaking views across Windermere and beyond. After a day’s riding, the region’s cosy pubs serve hearty local fare and award-winning ales—the perfect way to replenish your energy reserves.
Ideal for coastal exploration and year-round sunshine…
While northern Portugal receives well-deserved attention in cycling circles, the Algarve in the south offers equally compelling reasons for e-bikers to visit. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and milder temperatures than much of Europe during Easter, it’s a reliable destination for early spring rides.
The Algarve provides a perfect mixture of coastal paths and inland routes through orange groves and traditional whitewashed villages. The region’s relatively compact nature means e-bikers can experience both dramatic Atlantic coastlines and serene countryside in a single day’s riding.
The Via Algarviana, a 300km route traversing the region from east to west, offers sections perfectly suited to e-bikes. The infrastructure for cyclists has improved dramatically in recent years, with dedicated cycle paths connecting major towns and specialist tour operators offering guided experiences.
Culinary pleasures abound after a day in the saddle—fresh seafood dominates coastal menus, while inland restaurants specialise in slow-cooked stews and locally-produced wines. Many of the region’s boutique hotels now offer e-bike-friendly amenities, recognising the growing popularity of this environmentally-conscious mode of transport among travellers seeking authentic experiences beyond the tourist hotspots.
Troia, Portugal
We’ve written about our love of cycling in Portugal in quite some detail before, so we think it’s only fair to include a second Portuguese destination in our roundup of the best e-bike holidays in Europe.
We’re pedalling two hours north of the Algarve to Troia next, a stunning peninsula that offers a completely different cycling experience from its southern neighbour. This slender strip of land between the Sado Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean provides e-bikers with gloriously flat terrain and pristine, uncrowded cycling routes that meander through pine forests, alongside golden beaches, and past tranquil lagoons.
What makes Troia particularly special for e-biking enthusiasts is the remarkable diversity of landscapes you can experience in a single day’s ride.
Begin your morning cycling through the ecological reserve with its rich birdlife (keep your eyes peeled for flamingos!), then head to the western coast where Atlantic waves crash against miles of unspoilt beaches. The peninsula’s compact nature—just 13 miles long—means you can easily explore its entirety without worrying about battery range.
The nearby fishing village of Comporta adds cultural richness to your cycling adventure, with its traditional thatched cottages and laid-back atmosphere. Stop here for lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste—the grilled sea bass, caught that morning, pairs perfectly with local white wines.
For history enthusiasts, don’t miss the Roman ruins of Troia, once a major fish-salting centre. Your e-bike makes the archaeological site easily accessible, allowing you to travel through time without breaking a sweat.
The best part? Unlike more established cycling destinations, Troia remains delightfully uncrowded, even during Easter. The Mediterranean microclimate ensures pleasant temperatures for spring riding, with gentle sea breezes keeping you cool as you explore.
Accommodation in Troia and Comporta ranges from luxurious eco-resorts to charming guesthouses, many offering e-bike facilities including secure storage and charging points. Several local operators provide guided e-bike tours or self-guided itineraries with detailed route maps highlighting the peninsula’s hidden gems.
Majorca, Spain
Ideal for perfect roads, great food, sun, and cycling…
Amongst professional cyclists, Majorca is the place to be in the cooler months. The island enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, providing year-round cycling opportunities. Mallorca offers a variety of landscapes, from flat plains to rolling hills and challenging mountainous regions, particularly the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This diversity makes it an ideal place for e-bikers of all skill levels.
“With a variety of routes, from mountains to flat coastal roads, Mallorca really is a cyclist’s paradise, and as such, there’s plenty of infrastructure to help along the way. There are specialist cycling tours and, should you need it, bike shops for any technical gremlins you may encounter”, says Swytch Technology.
Ideal for legendary hills, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, and a bike-friendly culture…
Yep, we know it’s not as easy to get to as sunny Spain, but if you want to experience cycling on the other side of the pond, there’s no better place than Boulder, Colorado.
“It’s often touted as the heartland of cycling in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. Plenty of sunshine, legendary hills, and the scenery of the iconic Rocky Mountains make it a cyclist’s dream, and as such, it’s been home to many of the US’s top professional cyclists for years”, says Swytch Technology.
Indeed, Boulder is known for its bike-friendly culture. The city has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, meaning plenty of bike lanes and dedicated paths. Boulder enjoys a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities, including e-biking, almost year-round.
Oh, and if you don’t want to travel with a bike, worry not, as there are numerous bike shops and rental services that cater to e-bikers, offering rentals, tours, and equipment, making it easy for visitors to get set up for an e-biking holiday – not to mention enough cafes to satisfy any cyclist’s coffee stop demands!
Crete, Greece
Ideal for riding through history…
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is an idyllic destination for a cycling holiday. Indeed, the island’s topography is a cyclist’s paradise, with its coastal paths providing gentle rides along the shimmering Mediterranean, while the interior offers challenging mountainous terrain that rewards with breathtaking views. The varied scenery includes olive groves, vineyards, and traditional villages, which all add to its charm.
The island’s rich history adds another layer of interest to a cycling holiday. Crete is home to numerous archaeological sites, including the Palace of Knossos, which dates back to the Minoan civilization. Cyclists can ride through history, stopping to explore ancient ruins and learn about the island’s storied past.
“Greece has long been underestimated as a cycling destination. With flatter routes along the scenic coast, and temples that come straight from the ancient world, Crete’s rolling hills and stunning scenery should not be overlooked”, says our pals at Swytch Technology.
Crete’s climate is another draw for cycling enthusiasts. With mild winters and warm, sunny summers, the island boasts an extended cycling season. Oh and since this is an article about easter e-biking destinations, we should mention that the spring months are particularly delightful, as the landscape bursts into a riot of wildflowers and the temperatures are pleasantly cool.
The traditional Cretan cuisine is yet another highlight that enhances the cycling experience. Refuel on fresh seafood, ripe fruits, and bread dipped in the world renowned Cretan olive oil – we would say keep some to oil your wheels too, but that would be a waste of this liquid gold.
Ideal for a gastronomic e-biking adventure and avoiding hilly terrain….
“Sicily is iconic when it comes to the world of professional bike racing, and though the thought of steep climbs may seem daunting, they’re accessible at any level with the use of electric assistance, and once you reach the top of the mountains the views will definitely be worth it”, says Swytch Technology.
That said, “there are plenty of coastal routes which are flatter, should you wish to avoid hilly terrain altogether”. And it’s the flatter routes that appeal to us, because if we’re going to Sicily, we’re going to be eating a lot, seeing as this southerly island is a seriously exciting foodie destination.
Of course, stops mid-journey for gelato, espresso and the island’s sugary signature dish, cannoli, are compulsory, and Sicily is punctuated with picturesque towns and places to stop off for your fix. However, it’s the destination that’s important here. Scicily is home to a plethora of dining options that are accessible by bicycle. Here are some of the best:
Palermo Coast: Osteria Mercede – Located in Palermo, this restaurant offers fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes. It’s a great stop if you’re cycling along the northern coast.
Cefalù:Ristorante La Brace – In the charming town of Cefalù, this place is known for its pizza and pasta dishes. It’s a nice spot to rest after a ride along the northern coast.
Catania Coast Trattoria Il Mare – Located in Catania, this is a great spot for enjoying fresh seafood dishes right by the sea.
Syracuse: Osteria da Mariano – In the historic city of Syracuse, this osteria is known for its authentic local dishes and charming atmosphere.
Ragusa: Duomo di Ragusa – A bit inland but worth the detour, this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant offers a high-end dining experience with innovative takes on Sicilian classics.
Agrigento Coast: Scala dei Turchi – Near the famous white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, there are several eateries where you can enjoy the local catch of the day.
Trapani: Cantina Siciliana – Trapani is known for its couscous and seafood, and this restaurant is a great place to sample these specialties.
Spring is also the ideal time to enjoy a cycling holiday in Sicily because, when the weather is at its hottest in high summer, let’s just say that riding in lycra is not fun.
Elba Island, Italy
Ideal for Mediterranean beauty with mountainous challenges…
Often overlooked in favour of its more famous Italian counterparts, Elba Island offers a compact paradise for e-bikers seeking Mediterranean charm without the crowds. Located just off the Tuscan coast, this island—once Napoleon’s place of exile—combines dramatic mountain landscapes with idyllic beaches, creating a diverse playground perfect for electric exploration.
What makes Elba particularly suited to e-biking is its varied terrain. The island rises from sea level to Mount Capanne at 1,019 metres, which becomes an achievable adventure with electric assistance. The reward? Panoramic views stretching across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Corsica and the Italian mainland.
The island’s network of roads and trails ranges from gentle coastal routes to challenging mountain paths through chestnut forests and ancient settlements. The compact size of Elba—just 27 kilometres long—means you can experience its full diversity in a few days.
Spring brings Mediterranean wildflowers and perfect temperatures for active exploration. Easter typically falls before the summer tourism surge, giving e-bikers access to quieter roads and more authentic local experiences.
Culinary rewards abound, with seafood dominating coastal menus. Don’t miss the local gurguglione vegetable stew or schiaccia briaca, a traditional dessert enriched with local Aleatico wine.
Many of Elba’s accommodations have embraced e-biking, offering storage, charging facilities, and packed lunches. Several operators provide e-bike hire with delivery to your accommodation and suggested routes tailored to your preferences.
For history enthusiasts, Elba offers Etruscan remains, Napoleonic villas, and fascinating mining heritage accessible via dedicated cycle routes.
With spring temperatures typically ranging from 15-20°C, Elba provides ideal conditions for active holidays without the scorching summer heat—making it a perfect e-bike escape for your Easter holiday.
Flying With An E-bike
Now, a word on taking your E-bike on a plane. The rules for taking an electric bike (E-bike) on a plane can be quite strict due to the lithium batteries they contain. Airlines and international regulations typically have specific guidelines for the transport of lithium batteries, which are considered dangerous goods because they pose a fire risk. Any reputable bike store will be able to advise you on this.
Additionally, you will likely need to contact the airline well in advance of your flight to get approval for transporting your E-bike. They may require specific information about the battery and the bike.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned e-bike adventurer or a curious first-timer, these destinations promise to deliver unforgettable memories and a fresh perspective on holiday travel. Now, are you ready to start riding?
The business landscape of 2025 presents leaders with something of a paradox: deploy cutting-edge automation to remain competitive, while simultaneously preserving the human elements that give organisations their soul and competitive edge. As artificial intelligence increasingly handles everything from data analysis to customer interactions, forward-thinking companies are discovering that the conversation isn’t simply about replacing human labor—it’s about reimagining it.
The question has evolved beyond whether to automate, to how automation can enhance rather than diminish the workplace experience. Companies that treat automation merely as a cost-cutting measure often discover an unanticipated consequence: disengaged employees who feel devalued and expendable. Yet those who approach automation thoughtfully find it creates space for employees to engage in more meaningful work that leverages distinctly human capabilities.
This strategic tension—between technological efficiency and human connection—represents one of the most significant leadership challenges of our time. How do we harness the undeniable benefits of automation while ensuring our workplaces remain environments where people feel valued, engaged, and secure in their contributions?
Understanding Automation
Firstly, let’s offer a basic definition, here. Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks that would typically require human intervention. It can range from simple tasks like scheduling social media posts and deploying SMS automation to help with mass marketing, to more complex ones like automating customer service through chatbots.
So, how can you make automation work for your business without endangering essential human aspects of your business?
Transparent Communication
Transparent communication is key when introducing automation. Employees may feel threatened by the prospect of automation, fearing job loss or a decrease in job significance. By communicating openly about the reasons for automating some tasks within your business and its benefits, you can alleviate these fears and ensure employees feel secure and valued.
Making Employees Feel More Valued
Indeed, automation can sometimes lead to employees feeling undervalued or replaceable. To counteract this, it’s important to emphasise the irreplaceable aspects of human contribution in the workplace. Creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are just a few examples of the unique human skills that automation cannot replicate.
Encourage your team to utilise these skills and provide opportunities for them to take on more complex, creative tasks. Recognise and reward their contributions regularly. This not only makes them feel more valued but also fosters a positive work environment that boosts morale and productivity.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-and-woman-having-conversation-while-sitting-near-the-table-with-laptop-7550542/
Employee Training & Development
Investing in employee training and development, where in person or when employees are working remotely, is crucial when implementing automation. By providing the necessary training, you can ensure that your employees are equipped to work alongside automated systems. This not only enhances their skills but also increases their job satisfaction and sense of value, thereby boosting retention.
Need A Little Of That Human Touch
In the age of automation, maintaining a human touch is crucial for fostering relationships and creating a positive workplace culture. While a remote medical scribe may be able to document patient encounters and organise medical records more efficiently, they’ll likely lack the contextual understanding and empathy required to capture the nuances of delicate patient-provider interactions.
Similarly, automated customer service systems can handle routine inquiries at scale, but complex issues often require the problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence of human representatives. A combination of automation and that personal touch is clearly the way forward here.
A combination of automation and that personal touch is clearly the way forward here. Ensure customer interactions remain personal by providing options to speak with human representatives. Encourage collaboration between automated systems and employees, and regularly celebrate and recognise team contributions to foster a sense of belonging and motivation.
Job Enrichment
Automation can free up employees from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic, high-value tasks. This process, known as job enrichment, can significantly improve employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. However, it’s important to provide the necessary support and training to help employees transition into these new roles.
Employee Involvement
Involving employees in the automation process can also help ensure their wellbeing and retention. By seeking their input and feedback, you can identify areas where automation can be beneficial and areas where human intervention is still necessary. This not only ensures that automation is implemented effectively but also helps staff feel involved and valued, and can also help you attract new employees in the process!
Embracing Automation As An Opportunity
While the introduction of automation can initially seem daunting, it’s important to view it as an opportunity rather than a threat. With the right approach, automation can lead to job enrichment, advances in professional development, increased productivity, and improved job satisfaction, all while ensuring the wellbeing and retention of your employees.
Ensuring Wages Keep Pace With Innovation
As automation takes over more routine tasks, the nature of work is changing, and so should the way we approach wages. It’s crucial to ensure that as employees transition to more complex roles, their wages – and your subsequent approach to recruitment – reflect this change.
Regularly review and adjust wages to ensure they are commensurate with the skills and responsibilities of the role. This not only ensures fairness but also boosts employee satisfaction and retention. Remember, a well-compensated employee is a motivated and loyal one.
Keeping Check On Automation’s Unintentional Biases
While automation can significantly improve efficiency, it’s not without its pitfalls. One such pitfall is the risk of unintentional (or, let’s face it, preprogrammed) biases. These biases can creep in through the data used to train automated systems, leading to unfair outcomes.
To mitigate this risk, it’s important to have a dedicated human team in place to regularly review and audit your automated systems. Ensure the data used is representative and free from biases. Also, maintain a diverse team to oversee the development and management of these systems. A diverse team brings a variety of perspectives, which can help identify and eliminate potential biases.
Being Realistic About Automation’s Limitations
Whilst automation offers valuable efficiency gains, it’s important to approach implementation with clear eyes. Many businesses discover that automation systems require more ongoing maintenance and customisation than initially anticipated, creating unexpected costs and dependencies on external vendors.
There’s also the risk of losing valuable institutional knowledge when processes that were once performed by experienced employees become fully automated. This knowledge gap becomes particularly evident when systems encounter scenarios they weren’t designed to handle.
Additionally, rigid automation can sometimes reduce an organisation’s adaptability – precisely when market conditions demand greater flexibility. The most successful implementations recognise that automation works best as a complement to human capabilities rather than a wholesale replacement. By acknowledging these limitations upfront, businesses can develop more realistic timelines, set appropriate expectations, and create systems that enhance rather than undermine employee contributions.
The Bottom Line
Making automation work for your business without endangering employee wellbeing or retention is not only achievable but also beneficial. By focusing on transparent communication, employee training and development, job enrichment, and employee involvement, you can harness the power of automation while ensuring the wellbeing of your team and the retention of your employees.
To state the obvious, Italians take their food and drink seriously. There’s a saying in Italy: “Non si mangia per vivere ma si vive per mangiare” – we don’t eat to live, we live to eat. With a culinary tradition dating back more than two millennia, the art of the Italian table isn’t just about sustenance—it’s a cultural cornerstone. Before you jet off to the land of pasta and prosecco, familiarise yourself with these unwritten rules that will help you dine like a local and avoid any faux pas.
A Simple, Speedy & Sugary Start to The Day
If you’re accustomed to hearty fry-ups or avocado toast for breakfast, prepare for a change of pace in Italy. Italians typically opt for light, sweet breakfasts rather than substantial savoury affairs. Indeed, Italian mornings are all about sugar and simplicity. Breakfast in Italy looks a lot like dessert in other parts of the world.
The quintessential Italian breakfast consists of a cappuccino or espresso paired with a cornetto (Italian croissant) or other pastry, often enjoyed standing at the bar.
Regional specialities worth sampling include the Roman maritozzo—a soft, sugary brioche bun split and filled with whipped cream, often zested with orange—and the Neapolitan sfogliatella, a delicate, shell-shaped pastry filled with orange-scented ricotta. In Sicily, you might even find locals tucking into gelato-stuffed brioche for breakfast.
Espresso Rules
The birthplace of espresso is in Italy and the Italians love the stuff. In Italy, espresso is typically characterized by its bold bitterness and rich, heavy body. It generally features minimal acidity and natural sweetness. To compensate for this lack of inherent sweetness, many Italians opt to add sugar to their espresso.
When ordering coffee, embrace the stand-up culture with “caffè al banco” (coffee at the bar). It’s cheaper than sitting at a table and far more authentic. Sip your espresso, savour the moment, then continue your adventures—it’s the Italian way of staying energised whilst exploring. Oh, and rather than ordering a doppio (that’s double espresso), Italians will traditionally make a return trip to the barista if they’re in need of another pick-me-up.
If the intensity of an espresso overwhelms you, there are gentler options. Try a macchiato (espresso with a dollop of milk) or a caffè lungo (espresso with more water). Another coffee drink you’ll find at most cafes is caffè al ginseng. It’s reminiscent of a chai tea latte, with its distinctly nutty flavour from the ginseng root that flavours the arabica bean. During summer, refreshing options include caffè freddo (cold, sweetened espresso) or a caffè shakerato (similar to an espresso martini, minus the alcohol).
Oh, and this might be one of Italy’s most strictly observed culinary rules: cappuccino is exclusively a breakfast beverage. Ordering one after 11 am marks you as a tourist straightaway. Italians believe that milk after a meal hampers digestion, so post-breakfast coffee is typically taken as an espresso (simply order “un caffè”).
Reservations Are Essential
In Italy, restaurant tables aren’t turned quickly as meals are leisurely affairs. This means that when you book a table for 8:30 pm, it’s essentially yours until closing time. Consequently, even if you walk into a restaurant with many empty tables, you might be turned away because those tables have been reserved for later.
For popular eateries, booking ahead is non-negotiable. Last-minute reservations are worth attempting, but don’t be surprised if you’re unsuccessful during peak times. If you do secure a table, try not to be late; arriving up to 15 minutes late is generally tolerated, but it’s considered good form to ring ahead if you’re running behind.
Since we no longer benefit from those “roam like at home” rules that used to apply, it might be worth getting an eSIM in Italy so you can easily call the restaurant if you’re running late. Check with your specific mobile provider for their current roaming policies and potential charges first.
If you’re planning on eating out a lot, it’s definitely worth being connected. Google Maps has helped us many a time from being late to a restaurant by providing real-time traffic updates and allowing us to set “arrive by” times. To choose the best eSIM option, check out websites like Reddit to find discounts like this Nomad discount code to save some extra cash.
Dinner Is Served Late
Adjust your eating schedule before your Italian holiday, as mealtimes differ considerably from British habits. Lunch typically falls between 1 pm and 2:30 pm, while dinner begins around 8:30 pm and can stretch until 10:30 pm. If you do decide to eat before 8pm, expect to be in the restaurant alone.
Most restaurants close their kitchens between lunch and dinner service (roughly 3 pm until 7 pm), so plan accordingly. Oh, and restaurants serving dinner before 7 pm are catering to tourists rather than locals—best to avoid.
Set Aside A Few Hours To Eat
In Italy, meals aren’t merely about nutrition—they’re social occasions, opportunities to connect, converse, and take a break from life’s demands. Whether for lunch or dinner, proper Italian dining requires time. Even a casual lunch typically lasts at least an hour.
The finest Italian dining experiences are those where you can linger over each course, savouring both the food and the company. While quick options like panini and pizza exist, Italians generally prefer sitting down for proper meals whenever possible. Remember: rushing through a meal is the antithesis of Italian food culture.
The small shock of the “coperto” charge—typically a modest €1-3 per person—has furrowed many a tourist brow. This isn’t deception but tradition, a standard cover charge for table service, bread, and that grassy-green olive oil that arrives unbidden at your table.
Similarly, the price differential between standing and sitting might seem curious until you understand it as part of Italy’s subtle economic ecosystem. That morning cappuccino costs €2-2.50 while propped against the bar but rises to €4-5 should you choose to occupy a table—a premium not for the coffee but for the real estate and service.
When it comes to tipping, a 10% tip for truly memorable service is considered generous—anything more creates an awkward imbalance in the delicate restaurant ecosystem.
Aperitivo Hour
As afternoon light mellows into evening gold, something remarkable happens in Italian cities. Tables and chairs appear on pavements, glasses begin to glow amber and orange, and the day’s sharp edges soften into what might be Italy’s most civilised invention: aperitivo hour.
More than simply “happy hour” with an accent, aperitivo is a gentle transition between work and dinner, typically falling between 6 pm and 8 pm. The drinks—a bitter-orange Aperol spritz, the more assertive Campari, or perhaps a crisp prosecco—arrive with unexpected generosity: small plates of olives, crisps, focaccia, or more elaborate offerings depending on the establishment.
What distinguishes aperitivo from mere pre-dinner drinks is its intentionality. You’re not simply consuming alcohol but participating in a ritual of decompression, of shifting from day to evening with appropriate ceremony. It’s also always accompanied by complimentary nibbles ranging from crisps and olives to more substantial offerings like bruschetta, focaccia, cheese, and cured meats. Indeed, importantly, Italians rarely drink alcohol without food—even if it’s just a small snack. Just be careful not to fill up on aperitivo snacks if you’ve got dinner reservations!
It’s Not An Italian Meal Without Wine
“A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine,” goes the Italian saying, and in the golden light of a Tuscan trattoria, you begin to understand it’s not mere poetic licence but practical wisdom. Wine in Italy isn’t an indulgence but a food in itself, as essential to the meal’s architecture as bread or salt.
Don’t shy away from house wines (vino della casa), which are often locally produced and good quality despite their modest price. Indeed, house wines are often surprisingly characterful, locally produced, and offered at prices that suggest wine is not a luxury but a daily right. These arrive by the carafe—quarter, half, or full litre—to be poured into simple glasses and enjoyed without ceremony. For those wishing to explore further, ask for the “carta dei vini” and don’t hesitate to seek guidance.
The pairing guidelines are simple but effective: red wines generally accompany meat dishes, whites complement seafood. Pizza traditionally calls for beer rather than wine—one of the few exceptions to Italy’s wine-with-meals tradition. And after dinner, the progression continues: first coffee to clear the palate, then perhaps a digestivo—limoncello from the Amalfi lemons, herbaceous amaro, or fiery grappa distilled from grape must—to settle the stomach, prolong the pleasure and provide a satisfying conclusion to your meal.
Avoid Restaurants Serving The “Greatest Hits Of Italy”
Let us offer one reliable method for spotting restaurants to avoid: if the menu reads like a “Greatest Hits of Italy” compilation—Neoplitan pizza rubbing shoulders with Sicilian arancini, Roman carbonara, and Milanese risotto—walk away. In this country of fierce regional pride, authentic cuisine remains deeply regional, and establishments serving excellent food typically specialise in local specialities rather than generic “Italian” fare.
Each region boasts its own culinary traditions. In Rome, trattorias serve the quartet of iconic pastas: carbonara rich with egg and guanciale, cacio e pepe elegantly minimalist with black pepper and pecorino, amatriciana vibrant with tomato, and gricia—carbonara’s predecessor, made without egg. Cross into Tuscany and the vocabulary shifts entirely. You’ll find ribollita, a hearty bread soup born of peasant ingenuity, and pappa al pomodoro. Tuscany also offers bistecca alla fiorentina.
While some dishes have transcended their origins (like spaghetti with tomato sauce), most remain tied to their regional roots.
Part of the profound pleasure of travelling through Italy is experiencing these distinct culinary identities—each region offering its own ingredients, techniques, and flavour profiles.
It’s All About Seasonality
Italians have an innate respect for seasonal eating that predates the modern farm-to-table movement by centuries. This principle underpins the exceptional quality of Italian cuisine—ingredients are used when they’re at their flavourful peak.
The Italian menu transforms with the calendar: summer brings tomatoes so intensely flavourful they need only salt and good oil; autumn introduces an orchestra of mushrooms, truffles, and game; winter showcases bitter greens and artichokes; spring arrives with a gentle explosion of green—asparagus, fava beans, and peas so sweet they barely need cooking.
Restaurants often adjust their menus accordingly or offer seasonal specials alongside signature dishes. By embracing seasonality during your visit, you’ll experience Italian cuisine at its most authentic and delicious. Trust local recommendations for seasonal specials—they’re likely to provide your most memorable meals.
Italian menus follow a structured format with distinct categories. There are the antipasti that open the meal with small bites to awaken the palate; primi continues with pasta, risotto, or soup; secondi presents the protein heart of the meal; contorni offers vegetable sides; and dolci provides the sweet finale.
This structure might suggest that proper Italian dining requires ordering from every section, and while it might be tempting to do so, it’s a misconception that would leave even the most dedicated eater overwhelmed. Instead, consider the menu as offering options rather than obligations. A more realistic approach might be an antipasto, a primo or secondo with a contorno, and perhaps a shared dolce. Indeed, don’t feel obliged to order from every section—Italians certainly don’t for everyday meals.
If you want to sample more dishes without overwhelming yourself, ask about “mezza porzione” (half portions), particularly for pasta courses. Many restaurants will accommodate this request. This approach allows you to construct a meal that suits both your appetite and curiosity without attempting to conquer the entire menu in a single sitting.
Eating Etiquette
The small choreographies of Italian dining reveal themselves gradually: the proper way to twirl pasta (without a spoon, contrary to cinematic depictions), the rhythm of when to pour wine, the understanding that bread is for eating alongside your meal and mopping up sauce, never as a pre-meal filler.
When it comes to pizza, unless sold by the slice on the street, it is typically personal-sized, uncut, and eaten with knife and fork—though folding and eating by hand is acceptable for those with dexterous fingers and heat-resistant palates. Simply start from the inner part of the pizza and work your way outwards, towards the crust. Never request dipping sauces for pizza, as this would horrify most Italians. As mentioned, Italians never use spoons to twirl pasta. A fork is the only utensil needed, and mastering the twirling technique is part of your Italian culinary education.
“Scarpetta” is the delightful term for using bread to clean your plate of remaining sauce—a practice that acknowledges both the deliciousness of what you’ve been served and the informal pleasure of not letting a drop go to waste. While perfectly acceptable in casual settings, watch your fellow diners for cues in more formal establishments.
Be cautious with cheese—while parmigiano works wonderfully with hearty meat sauces, requesting it for seafood pasta would be considered culinary sacrilege. The delicate flavours of fish would be overwhelmed by strong cheeses.
Lastly, taking leftovers home is uncommon in Italy. Instead of over-ordering, consider requesting half portions or sharing dishes.
Even a modest effort to speak Italian will be appreciated. You need not aim for fluency—even a modestly pronounced “buongiorno” (good morning/day) or “grazie” (thank you) opens doors and softens interactions.
For dining, certain phrases prove particularly useful: “Il conto, per favore” (the bill, please) or the slightly more formal “Mi porta il conto” (could you bring me the bill); “Acqua naturale” (still water) or “Acqua frizzante” (sparkling water); and perhaps most importantly, “Era delizioso” (that was delicious)—because genuine appreciation is always welcomed.
This small effort rarely goes unnoticed and often results in warmer interactions, perhaps an extra splash of wine, or a limoncello appearing unbidden at meal’s end.
The Bottom Line
There’s an Italian saying “a tavola non si invecchia,” meaning “you never grow old at the table.” That might explain why you’ll likely see us on your next trip to Italy, still at a table immersing ourselves in Italy’s incomparable food culture. Now you know the basic rules of Italian dining, care to join us?
One of the most pivotal decisions you may have to make when designing your home is determining the ideal kitchen style. Your selection will bear not only on your cooking preferences, bespoke sense of aesthetics, household size and lifestyle, but also align seamlessly with your overall interior design. Here, we explore a variety of kitchen styles, each evoking distinct design motifs from different time periods, and providing a unique feel and functionality to your home.
The Chic Shaker Kitchen
With its iconic five-piece wooden door design featuring one recessed central panel and four outer panels, a shaker kitchen embodies quaint sophistication. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility. You could opt for a bold change with vibrant colours or striking tiles, or add intricate beading to the cabinet doors for a touch of elegance.
Conjuring classics while effortlessly adapting to modern themes, a shaker kitchen seamlessly complements not only traditional British cottages but also contemporary city apartments aiming for a vintage twist.
The Modish Slab Kitchen
The slab kitchen, as the name suggests, is topped with – and arguably defined by – unornamented flat surfaces offering a slick look. Echoing clean, straight lines with its minimalistic and simplistic design, a slab kitchen represents modernity at its finest.
To liven up your kitchen, experiment with contrasting colours or intriguing handles. Complement with your choice of state-of-the-art appliances such as induction hobs and smart refrigerators for a cohesive design statement. A slab kitchen fits perfectly into an urban loft or a modern townhouse in need of a cutting-edge finish.
The Timeless Country Kitchen
Ideal for farmhouse-style houses or older properties with demanding structural peculiarities, envision reclaimed wooden cabinetry, flag-stone flooring, and a warmth that transports you back to the undemanding times of countryside living. The country kitchen encapsulates tradition and throws a rustic tint over modern interiors.
The subtle elegance, coupled with durability and comfort, brings this classic style to many homes, old and new. Sync with retro-styled modern appliances to retain customary charm without compromising convenience.
The Sophisticated Georgian Style Kitchen
Reflecting the refined aesthetics of the Georgian period, this kitchen style can be recognized by its stress on symmetry, grace, and sophistication. High ceilings, detailed cornicing and architraves, classical or beige colour palettes, and antique kitchens pieces resonate the grandeur of an opulent Georgian age of elegance. This style could be a perfect fit for period homes, heritage-listed properties or grand manor houses.
The Vibrant Victorian Style Kitchen
Ideal for terraces or tall townhouses, majestic Victorian style kitchens, with their intricately hand-painted tiles, stained glass windows, imposing dining tables and glorious crystal chandeliers, are an ode to beauty in its most pompous forms. Contrasting colours and quirky patterns define this vibrant era.
The Industrial-Chic Kitchen
Drawing inspiration from converted warehouses and factories, the industrial-chic kitchen celebrates raw materials and utilitarian design. Exposed brick walls, concrete countertops, metal fixtures, and open shelving create a bold yet practical aesthetic. Weathered wood elements soften the look, while Edison bulb lighting and stainless steel appliances enhance authenticity. Structural features like pipes and ductwork are highlighted rather than hidden.
This style works exceptionally well in loft apartments, converted industrial spaces, or modern homes seeking a rugged yet sophisticated edge that stands the test of time.
The Ultra-Modern Kitchen
An ultra-modern kitchen gleams with a sleek, minimalist design high on functionality. Monochrome palettes, glossy surfaces, hidden storage and state-of-the-art technology create a sleek yet practical kitchen genre.
Apartment-dwelling millennials and urbanites would likely embrace this kitchen style which suits open-plan homes, spacious lofts or minimalist penthouses.
The Cosy Scandinavian Kitchen
In tune with the essence of simplicity, functionality, and beauty of Nordic design, the Scandinavian kitchen is for those who value minimalist aesthetics with an organic flair. It typically showcases a palette of breezy whites, light wood tones, and touches of grey, black or crystalline pastels. An array of open shelving and ample natural lighting accentuates the sense of space, while hints of greenery breathe life into the room.
This stripped-back style fits superbly well within a Nordic style home or a relaxed townhouse with a lot of natural light and wooden elements.
The Escapist Mediterranean Kitchen
Bearing traces of azure beaches and sunlit vineyards, a Mediterranean style kitchen features vibrant splashes of sun-soaked colours in earthy hues, terracotta pots, hand-painted tiles and wrought iron accents. This kitchen style is characteristically warm and inviting, with open spaces, cottage-style white wooden cupboards, and rough stone features. True to its free spirit, you can incorporate splashes of topical hues to forge a unique blend of old-world charm with a contemporary flair.
Mediterranean kitchens give homeowners the semblance of living in another, sunnier part of the world, offering a stunning fit for those with rustic, sun-filled homes or beachfront properties.
The Bottom Line
In essence, there is no definitive ‘best’ kitchen style; it hinges upon your personal preferences, the existing style of your home and your specific requirements. Your budget, too, will factor into the style and customisation options you ultimately decide upon. By exploring the range of diverse kitchen styles on offer, integrating their versatility, functionality, and aesthetics, you can carve your unique vision of an ideal kitchen for your unique home.
This just in; a study (which was surely commissioned by a removal company) has revealed that moving house is regarded as the ‘most stressful life event’ by a whopping 57% of Brits. Indeed, as any one who has moved house before can surely attest, a smooth and successful relocation is just one broken vase away from divorce or family fisticuffs.
That said, there are (we promise!) some genuinely simple ways to make the big move less stressful, and so much of the damage limitation actually occurs before a single box has even been packed.
It’s all in the preparation, you see, and to answer your most pressing relocation questions, we’re here to help. If you’re wondering which room is best to pack up first, how much of the heavy lifting your removals company should be doing, and everything in between, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in.
Which Room Should You Pack First When Preparing To Move House?
When preparing for a move, it’s best to start packing the rooms you use least frequently. This could be a guest bedroom or bathroom, attic, basement, or any storage rooms. These spaces tend to have items that you won’t need to use daily or weekly, so it makes sense to pack these areas first. Packing these rooms in advance won’t disrupt your day-to-day living in the lead up to the move.
What Order Should I Pack Up The Rooms In My House?
Having a clear, organised strategy can certainly help you tackle this whole task more efficiently. Building on the above answer, here’s a suggested order for packing up the rooms in your home:
Guest Rooms and Spare Rooms: As these are usually used less frequently, they should be first on your list. Freeing up a guest room also gives you extra space to start organising your boxes more systematically.
Attic, Basement, and Garage: These spaces often hold items that are less frequently used, such as seasonal decorations, tools, and outdoor supplies. It’s also a good opportunity to sort and declutter.
Non-Essential Rooms: This could be your home office, the living room, or any other rooms that you don’t use on a daily basis.
Kitchen: Start by packing the items you use least often, such as special occasion crockery, baking supplies, or your more esoteric appliances. As moving day approaches, you can pack everyday dishes and cooking items, leaving only the most essential items for last. You might want to consider using disposable plates and cutlery in the days leading up to the move, though consider the carbon footprint of your kitchen when doing so.
Children’s Rooms: If you have children, you’ll want to pack their rooms closer to moving day to minimise disruption. It can be helpful to involve them in the packing process and reassure them about the move.
Main Living Area: This includes areas such as the lounge and dining rooms. While these areas are often in frequent use, they contain items that can often be packed ahead of moving day, leaving essential items (you’ll want your sofa and TV, for sure) until last.
Bathrooms: Pack up the guest bathrooms first, if you’re lucky enough to have one, then your main bathroom. Leave out essentials like toothbrushes, toiletries, and medication, which you’ll need right up until you leave.
Bedrooms: You’ll want to pack clothes that aren’t in season, spare bedding, and other non-essentials first. The last things you’ll pack are your daily essentials and the bedding you’re currently using.
What Should Go In An ‘Essentials Box’ When Packing Before A Move?
Remember to have an ‘essentials box’ that you keep with you during the move, which is easily accessible for those odd few days (or even weeks!) of limbo both when packing up your property and for when you’ve just moved into your new place.
An essentials box is the last box you pack and the first one you open when you move, and should contain all the critical items needed for your first few days in your new home, functioning as the last box you pack and the first you open. For personal comfort and immediate needs, include toiletries (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes), a change of clothes and pajamas for each person, bedding, important documents (leases, passports, birth certificates), prescription medications, a small first aid kit, and entertainment options for both children and adults. Don’t forget phone chargers and a list of important contact information.
For practical household functionality, pack kitchen necessities such as non-perishable food, basic cookware, utensils, plates, cups, and coffee or tea supplies. Include cleaning essentials like wipes, bin bags, dish soap, and sponges to help with initial cleanup. A basic toolkit with screwdrivers, hammer, and utility knife will be invaluable for opening boxes and assembling furniture. If you have pets, remember their food, dishes, beds, and leashes. Finally, include bottled water and easy snacks to keep everyone energized during the moving process.
What Is The Best Way To Label Boxes When Packing Up A Home?
Labelling boxes effectively when packing up your home is an essential part of an efficient move. The most effective method is to utilise a colour code system, assigning a specific colour to each room. For example, use green stickers for the kitchen boxes, blue for the bathroom, yellow for the living room, and so forth.
Additionally, it’s a wise move to number your boxes within each colour category and keep an inventory list of what items go into which box. For instance, ‘Green 1’ might be kitchen utensils, and ‘Green 2’ might be crockery. This reduces the chance of misplacement or loss of items and makes it far easier to locate your possessions when unpacking.
In addition to colour and number coding, it can be helpful to clearly list the general contents of each box on the side. Avoid labelling the top of the box, as you won’t be able to see it if boxes are stacked upon one another. This way, you and your removers will know what’s fragile and needs to be handled with care, what’s heavy, and which boxes contain essential items that you will need to unpack first. Remember to also mark the boxes that contain items from your ‘essentials box’ and ensure they are the last loaded and first off the van.
What Items Should You Not Pack In A Moving Van?
When preparing for your move, it’s crucial to know that certain items should never be transported in a moving van due to safety concerns, legal restrictions, or risk of damage. While the goal is to move how you want with minimal stress, understanding these restrictions will help avoid complications on moving day.
Hazardous materials like paint, aerosols, cleaning chemicals, and flammables (including petrol, propane, and matches) should always be transported separately or safely disposed of before your move. Most removal companies are legally prohibited from transporting these items, and attempting to include them could result in delays or refusal of service.
Valuables and irreplaceable items should also stay with you rather than going in the van. This includes jewellery, important documents, family heirlooms, and electronic devices containing sensitive data. Financial items such as cash, bank cards, and chequebooks should remain in your personal possession at all times.
Perishable food items are another category to avoid packing, as they can spoil during transit and potentially damage other belongings. Plants require special consideration too – many removal companies won’t transport them due to potential pest issues, and longer journeys may cause them stress.
Finally, if you’re moving internationally, be aware that there are often strict regulations regarding what can cross borders, including certain foods, plants, and medications. When in doubt, consult with your removals company about their specific policies and recommendations for handling these restricted items.
Just How Much Of The Heavy Lifting Can I Expect My Removals Company To Do?
When hiring a house removals company, you can typically expect them to handle virtually all of the heavy lifting. This includes loading large items such as furniture, appliances, and heavy boxes onto the removal van, securely storing and organising these items during transit, and then unloading them at your new property.
Many removal companies also offer additional services such as dismantling and reassembling furniture, packing and unpacking your items, and even providing packing materials. However, these services may come at an additional cost and should be discussed beforehand.
It’s worth noting that although a removals company will handle the physical heavy lifting, it’s your responsibility to ensure that items are ready to be moved and there is clear access. Also, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on how your possessions are being handled, and direct the movers as necessary for particularly valuable or delicate items.
Remember, when choosing a removals company, it’s important to clarify exactly what their service includes, so there are no surprises on moving day. Because, let’s face it; this is not a day when surprises are at all welcome.
It’s the stuff of nightmares. A meticulous, time consuming online search bagged you the cheapest flights on the market. You’ve folded clothes with precision, packed your suitcase diligently, weighed it at home to make sure it adheres to the 20kg limit, checked and double checked the whereabouts of your passport, made photocopies of everything…..And only when your seatbelt is fastened and all electronics switched to airplane mode, do you realise you’ve left the bedroom window open. Extreme example? Perhaps. Holiday ruined? Most likely.
What we’re trying to say with this drawn out allegory is that only when your home is safe and secure can you enjoy true peace of mind while away on holiday. So, here are some top tips on how to keep your home safe and secure when you’re away.
Don’t Share Your Location Publicly
Yep, we realise it’s the main reason for posting on social media; to elicit the green eyed monster in friends and strangers alike at just how much far flung fun you’re having. But how can I make everyone jealous of my best life without sharing my location, we hear you ask. They might think this idyllic scene is in fact in Croydon……
Well, we’ll tell you what your Instagram followers won’t be envious of, and that’s your empty house following a burglary. “Collect memories, not things” you’ll mutter, but you won’t be fooling anyone.
So, be wary of tagging your exact location in photos you publish online, as you’ll be alerting the world to the fact that your house is unoccupied if you do. Should you be desperate to announce you’re far from home, make your Instagram account private or Facebook messages only visible to friends for that little extra blanket of security.
Check Your Locks
Basic preventative measures are key (pun intended) when it comes to keeping your home safe while you travel and none more so than, prior to departure, ensuring all your locks are in good working condition. Before you jet off, check all the window and door locks in your home are working, should any falter or show obvious signs of damage, then get them replaced by a professional locksmith.
Experts genuinely advise that even if your locks are functioning at full capacity, it’s important to make sure you have the right window and door locks in place so your home insurance is valid; some companies demand a certain type of lock for a full, comprehensive payout to be credible.
Luckily, many locksmiths operate 24/7 which means they’re on hand day and night to change your locks. So if your flight’s first thing in the morning and you require last minute lock repair, replacement or even security upgrades, you can still secure your home before you fly.
Neighbourhood Watch
Enlisting the help of friendly neighbours to keep their peepers on proceedings in your absence is a good way of achieving a certain serenity while you’re away, as they can keep you posted on goings on. Within reason, of course; ‘house still not burgled’ isn’t a necessary daily update while you’re tanning by the pool. Their presence though, for instance in your garden doing a bit of watering, can act as a deterrent to would be burglars, as well as a source of supervision. Remember to give your neighbour a spare set of keys just in case they need access to the house.
If you’d rather not hand out a spare, consider upgrading your home security system with a smart lock door. These clever locks allow you to unlock the door remotely, using your smartphone from the comfort of your sun lounger. You can grant temporary access to your neighbours with expiring codes or set access codes for specific days and times.
Avoid Doorstep Pile-Ups
Straight from the old school with this one, but still a pertinent point and one which could be modernised by applying the same logic to Amazon deliveries and the like. Cancelling the daily newspaper or milk is a wise move before you set off, and not just for your wallet. A build up of stuff on your doorstep indicates either an extremely lazy resident lives here, a decomposing body lies inside, or more likely, no one is present.
You should also give directions for packages arriving from the Royal Mail, ASOS et al, to place deliveries in a secure, hidden location for the same reason. That friendly neighbour of yours to the rescue again!
Utilise Light Timers & Smart Bulbs
Before you head off on your jollies, consider investing in light timers or smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely. These devices can be programmed to switch on and off at varying times, giving the impression that someone is home. It’s a simple yet effective deterrent for any potential intruder who might be casing the neighbourhood.
Smart bulbs can be controlled via an app on your smartphone, allowing you to alter the lighting patterns as needed, ensuring that your home doesn’t stick to a predictable schedule that could tip off burglars to your absence.
Secure Valuables In A Safe Or Safety Deposit Box
If you’re leaving behind jewellery, important documents, or other valuables, it’s prudent to secure them in a safe that’s bolted to the floor or wall. For items of significant value or importance, consider using a bank’s safety deposit box for the duration of your holiday. This not only protects your items from theft but also from potential damage due to any unforeseen incidents at home, such as fires or floods. It’s a small step that can save you a great deal of heartache upon your return.
Consider A Home Security System
Today’s modern security systems have become remarkably user-friendly and cost-effective, giving you genuine peace of mind whilst you’re lounging abroad. This needn’t mean vast, crippling expense; a DIY home security system can be particularly appealing for travellers, as they’re designed to be set up without professional installation, saving you considerable money. Most systems now use wireless sensors that require minimal tools—often just a screwdriver and included mounting supplies.
With a proper security solution, you can monitor your property remotely via smartphone apps, receiving instant alerts should any suspicious activity occur. Many systems also offer optional professional monitoring services for a modest monthly fee, ensuring emergency services are dispatched automatically if needed. It’s a sensible investment that provides protection for your home without breaking the bank before your holiday begins.
Arrange For Regular Property Maintenance
An overgrown garden or an accumulation of leaves and debris can be tell-tale signs that a property has been left unattended. Arrange for a gardener or a maintenance service to keep up with the outdoor upkeep of your property. This could include mowing the lawn, pruning the hedges, watering the plants, or simply keeping the front of the house tidy. This not only maintains the kerb appeal of your home but also sends a message that the property is being looked after, further deterring any potential intruders.
The Bottom Line
Taking these proactive steps can significantly bolster the security of your home and provide you with the tranquillity you deserve while on holiday. From the clever use of technology to simulate occupancy, to the safeguarding of your personal treasures and the upkeep of your property’s appearance, each measure plays a crucial role in deterring potential intruders.
Remember, the goal is to make your home a less attractive target and to avoid any tell-tale signs of absence. By doing so, you can embark on your adventures with confidence, knowing that you’ve left your sanctuary as secure as a fortress. Enjoy your holiday, and may you return to find everything just as you left it—safe, secure, and waiting to welcome you back.
