Champagne – that effervescent emblem of celebration and luxury – has long been governed by a set of unwritten rules. But as with all traditions, sometimes the most delightful experiences come from knowing when to bend, or even break, the established order. Here are 9 champagne conventions that deserve a modern rethink.
1.You Must Serve Champagne In Flutes
The slender flute has become synonymous with champagne service, but many wine experts now favour wider glasses that allow the complex aromas to develop fully. Next time you gift a bottle of Champagne Deutz to a discerning friend, suggest they try serving it in white wine glasses. The broader surface area allows the champagne to breathe, revealing subtle notes that might remain hidden in a traditional flute.
The science behind this is compelling: aroma molecules need space to volatilise properly, and the narrow aperture of flutes restricts this process. Krug has been advocating for tulip-shaped or even white wine glasses for years, acknowledging that while the flute may showcase the bubbles beautifully, it does so at the expense of the wine’s aromatic complexity.
In blind tastings (conducted by us, admittedly), even novice drinkers (that’s us again) could detect significantly more aromatic compounds when the same champagne is served in a wider glass, particularly with more mature or vintage champagnes. The visual spectacle of bubbles streaming in a flute is undeniably beautiful, but perhaps it’s time to prioritise flavour over aesthetics.
2. Champagne Is Only For Special Occasions
Perhaps the most pervasive myth is that champagne should be reserved solely for momentous celebrations. While there’s undeniable pleasure in marking milestones with bubbles, why limit such joy to rare occasions? A random Tuesday dinner or the simple completion of a work project can be elevated with a glass of champagne.
The French have long understood this – in champagne’s homeland, it’s as much an everyday pleasure as a celebration drink.
Studies show that ritualising everyday moments can significantly increase our wellbeing and satisfaction with life. By treating champagne as a weeknight option rather than a rare indulgence, we democratise pleasure and challenge the artificial scarcity that marketing has created around it.
Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny and Lidl’s Comte de Senneval offer astonishingly good value bruts that are perfect for transforming mundane moments into micro-celebrations without requiring a second mortgage. The daily champagne ritual might just be the self-care practice we all deserve.
3. Champagne Must Be Served Ice-Cold
While champagne should certainly be chilled, serving it at temperatures approaching freezing (as is common) mutes its sophisticated flavour profile. Experts suggest 8-10°C as ideal – cool enough to be refreshing but warm enough to allow the full expression of those carefully crafted flavours. Try experimenting with temperature to discover how the same champagne can reveal different characteristics.
Temperature dramatically affects how volatile compounds reach our olfactory receptors, with warmer temperatures releasing more aromatic molecules. This is particularly important for prestige cuvées where complexity is a key selling point.
A fascinating experiment is to pour the same champagne at different temperatures and note how the perception changes – at 4°C you might detect only acidity and bubbles, at 10°C fruit and brioche notes emerge, and by 12°C tertiary aromas of nuts, honey and toast become prevalent. Ice buckets, while traditional, often chill bottles below ideal temperature; a refrigerator set to 8°C is actually more appropriate for champagne service.
4. Champagne Doesn’t Pair With Main Courses
Too often relegated to canapés or desserts, champagne is actually a remarkably versatile food wine. Its high acidity and effervescence make it an excellent companion to everything from fried foods (the bubbles cut beautifully through richness) to oysters, roast chicken, and even certain curries. Champagne throughout the meal? Absolutely.
The scientific basis for champagne’s food-pairing prowess lies in its unique combination of acidity (typically pH 2.8-3.3), effervescence (which refreshes the palate between bites), and complex flavour compounds. This triumvirate creates dynamic contrasts with fatty foods while complementing delicate flavours in seafood.
Vintage champagnes with their additional notes of brioche, nuts and honey, pair surprisingly well with umami-rich dishes like mushroom risotto or aged cheeses. Even rosé champagnes offer enough structure to stand up to game birds or pink lamb. The tradition of relegating champagne to pre-dinner duties is a missed opportunity to experience some of the most interesting gastronomic pairings possible.
While certain champagnes benefit from ageing, sure, many are crafted to be enjoyed young, when their fresh, vibrant characteristics shine brightest. Non-vintage champagnes typically reach their peak within 3-5 years of release. Don’t feel obliged to “save it for a special day” that may never arrive – sometimes the perfect moment is now.
The chemistry behind champagne ageing is fascinating and complex. Over time, the original fruit esters slowly transform through oxidation and reduction reactions, creating new compounds that impart those coveted tertiary aromas of toast, brioche, and nuts. However, this process also diminishes the vibrant primary fruit characteristics and effervescence that make youthful champagnes so appealing.
Several esteemed champagne houses craft their non-vintage offerings specifically for early consumption, ensuring optimal balance between freshness and complexity at release. The widespread belief that all wine improves with age has led many collectors to hold champagnes past their prime, only to discover that the lively wine they purchased has transformed into something completely different – not necessarily better, just different.
6. You Shouldn’t Add Anything To Champagne
Purists may shudder, but champagne cocktails have a storied history dating back to the 19th century. From the classic Champagne Cocktail (sugar cube, bitters, and brandy) to modern creations, thoughtfully constructed champagne-based drinks can be sublime. Even a simple splash of crème de cassis (creating a Kir Royale) can transform champagne into something new and delightful.
Mixology with champagne is actually an exercise in complementary chemistry. The sugar in traditional champagne cocktails doesn’t just add sweetness – it provides nucleation sites that ensure persistent effervescence throughout the drink. Meanwhile, aromatic bitters contribute complex phenolic compounds that can enhance and complement the wine’s existing flavour profile.
Even Winston Churchill, a devoted Pol Roger enthusiast, occasionally enjoyed modifications to his champagne. The Seelbach, Black Velvet, and French 75 stand as testament to champagne’s versatility as a cocktail component. Contemporary mixologists have taken this further, using champagne’s acidity and bubbles as a sophisticated lifting agent in drinks that would be cloying or flat without its transformative properties.
7. Good Champagne Must Be Expensive
While fine champagne commands premium prices for good reason, excellent sparkling wines exist at more accessible price points. Grower champagnes (made by the same estates that grow the grapes) often offer exceptional value, as do certain lesser-known houses producing remarkable quality without the marketing budgets of the major brands.
The economics behind champagne pricing reveals that production costs, while significant, often account for a smaller percentage of prestigious labels’ final prices than one might expect. Marketing expenditure, brand positioning, and the amortisation of centuries of investment in heritage and prestige contribute substantially to the cost of bottles from the most famous châteaux.
Meanwhile, grower-producers operate with different business models, focusing resources on viticulture and vinification rather than global brand-building. Their champagnes, while perhaps lacking the name recognition of grande marques, often deliver equivalent or superior quality at 30-50% lower prices. The relationship between price and quality in champagne follows a logarithmic rather than linear curve – meaningful quality improvements become exponentially more expensive beyond a certain price point, suggesting that the sweet spot for value may lie in the £35-60 range rather than the triple-digit territory.
8. The Cork Should Pop Dramatically
The theatrical ‘pop’ may seem festive, but it’s actually a sign of poor technique. Sommeliers actually aim for a ‘sigh’ – a gentle release that preserves the bubbles and prevents potential injuries from flying corks. Twist the bottle (not the cork) slowly while maintaining gentle pressure, and you’ll preserve more bubbles while demonstrating proper champagne savoir-faire.
The physics behind the pop explains why this technique matters: a champagne bottle contains up to 6 atmospheres of pressure (comparable to the tyre pressure in a double-decker bus), and a carelessly handled cork can exit the bottle at speeds exceeding 50mph – easily enough to cause serious eye injury or property damage. Moreover, that dramatic sound represents the explosive escape of gas that should remain dissolved in your wine.
Professional sommeliers specifically train to minimise the sound when opening bottles. The technique involves controlling the gradual expansion of the gas by maintaining pressure on the cork throughout its extraction, allowing controlled decompression rather than explosive release. An additional benefit: studies show that a bottle opened gently retains significantly more dissolved carbon dioxide, resulting in finer, more persistent bubbles in the glass and a more luxurious drinking experience.
9. You Need Special Knowledge To Enjoy Champagne Properly
Perhaps the most important rule to break is the notion that enjoying champagne requires expertise. While understanding its production and heritage can certainly enhance appreciation, the most important aspect is personal enjoyment. Trust your own palate, experiment freely, and remember that champagne, for all its prestigious associations, is ultimately about pleasure.
The neuroscience of taste perception confirms this democratic approach. While experienced tasters may have developed a more elaborate vocabulary and reference points for describing champagne, the fundamental pleasure response is universal and deeply personal. Blind tasting studies consistently show that perceived enjoyment correlates poorly with price or prestige, with individual preferences often defying expert consensus.
This is why champagne houses offer such varied house styles – there is no objectively ‘best’ profile, only different expressions that resonate with different palates. The terroir-driven approach of recent decades has further expanded this diversity, with single-vineyard bottlings showcasing dramatically different expressions of champagne from sites sometimes separated by mere metres. The democratic truth is that champagne appreciation is an individual journey, and no expert can definitively tell you which champagne should bring you the most pleasure. The only expertise that truly matters is your growing familiarity with your own preferences.
By breaking free from these outdated conventions, we can develop a more personal, relaxed relationship with this remarkable wine – one that prioritises enjoyment over rigid adherence to tradition. After all, champagne’s enduring appeal lies not just in its illustrious history, but in its ability to bring delight in whatever context we choose to enjoy it.
Though perhaps it’s a three way fight between home office chair, toilet seat and bed, we think the latter just pips it; yep, the bedroom is the place in the world where we spend the most time. But yet, beyond the duvet, sheets and pillows, it feels a room strangely neglected when it comes to cosiness and comfort.
Upgrades, however, can be costly, logistically and financially, particularly if you hire a professional to give your bedroom a spruce up. Instead, there are methods you can employ, and insider ways and means to exploit, to get your bedroom looking and feeling like the space you truly deserve. With that in mind, from colouring to decluttering, here’s how to decorate your bedroom like a pro.
Colour & Curiosity
It’s no surprise that professional designers start a home remodelling project by carefully selecting a colour to base the fresh look around. Indeed, the quickest way to give a room a striking makeover is to repaint the walls in your bedroom a new shade of gorgeous.
Decide on the mood or tone you want to set in the room, then pick a colour that reflects that feeling. For a soothing sense of serenity and safety, the pros recommend blue. To evoke nature and balance, go for green. Or, for a loving, sweet atmosphere, it has to be pink. While there is no wrong colour choice and it’s all about personal preference, try to avoid energetic colours like the vivacity of yellow. If you’re after something sunny, instead opt for orange tones which bring about feelings of warmth and calm. Think colours that will relax rather than excite you.
The painting itself is not that complicated; all you have to do is purchase some equipment – a handheld paintbrush or roller, a bucket of primer, the right type of paint, a ladder and some plastic sheeting to protect those inevitable stray droplets.
Once that’s done, it’s time to paint. Consider rolling on a second coat of paint if you want a deeper, more durable colour. Bear in mind that proper drying time between coats is essential for a flawless finish—rushing this step can lead to patchy results that will frustrate even the most patient DIY decorator. Most quality paints will require at least 4-6 hours between coats for optimal adherence and colour development.
Ideal Tip: If you rent, try adding colour to your walls with removable wallpaper. Be sure to read reviews to find a brand that doesn’t leave any underlying damages to the wall underneath.
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There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Interior designers take lighting in the bedroom very seriously, and so should you. Stark, single bulb overhead lighting is out; instead, if you want to create the ideal bedroom for both focus and rest, it’s all about gentle task lighting, which illuminates areas of the room needing particular attention at a particular moment in time.
Spare a thought, too, for sources of natural light, the healing and energising powers of which can’t be overstated. Blackout blinds are superb for granting a full night’s, undisturbed sleep, and can be raised to allow the daytime to shine through, too. Should your bedroom not be blessed with several windows, then hanging mirrors can do a great job at reflecting the natural light you do have, making your room feel brighter and roomier in the process.
Ideal Tip: Invest in dimmable lights for your bedroom. They allow you to adjust the ambiance to fit your mood, making your space feel calm for sleep or energetic for work.
Some people say that technology doesn’t belong in the bedroom, and that this space should be reserved solely for sleep. In fact, we’re sure we’ve stated as much before. However, by banishing all tech from the bedroom, you’re rather underselling the space.
While we agree with the pros that you should refrain from bringing your computer and other work into the bedroom, items of tech can contribute to the relaxing atmosphere of the room and even help you sleep more soundly. Consider creating a chill zone with a TV on the wall complete with fluffy pillows or bean bags for kicking back on in style. Or, add some speakers so you can relax to your favourite music or listen to a podcast or bedtime story.
At least one corner in your room should be devoted to a different purpose far removed from sleep, be it a comfy chair surrounded with your favourite books or a dedicated meditation space. Your bedroom is your kingdom, and you can do whatever you want there!
Ideal Tip: To turn your bedroom into a multi-purpose space, consider modular storage furniture. A sofa that’s also a bed, or a desk that folds into a wall, can transform your room to suit your needs at various times.
Time To Declutter
You’ve made your bed; now lie in it. But first, a tidy up. Specialists and interior designers agree that clutter has a negative impact on harnessing that sense of a relaxing or romantic vibe in the bedroom. An uncluttered bedroom can help you instantly feel calmer and more comfortable, free from distraction and bother in this most important room in the house.
That’s why you should reduce the clutter that naturally tends to find its way onto bedroom furniture or worse, the floor. Even the process itself – of decluttering and minimising – will bring you clarity and expose the real beauty of your bedroom.
Ideal Tip: When decluttering, try the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ test. Stow items away from view for a month. If you don’t miss them, chance are you don’t need them—consider donating or selling these items.
Get Creative With Your Storage Solutions
If you’re to declutter successfully without setting up a skip beneath your bedroom window, you’re going to need some savvy storage solutions. Indeed, you can gain some serious satisfaction (and even have a little fun) getting creative with your storage. Closet organisers and nightstands can help you to hide your clutter and show off key decorations and accessories, too.
Another fantastic idea is to make use of the space at the foot of and under your bed. For instance, you can hide your bedsheets or winter coats under your bed using vacuum storage bags, which are ideal for storing clothes tightly together.
Ideal Tip: Think vertical for bedroom storage. Unused wall space above your doors, bed or closets can be optimised with high shelves or hanging organizers, keeping your floorspace clear and room clutter-free.
Bring Texture Into Your Bedroom
Professional decorators know that a truly luxurious bedroom isn’t just about colour—it’s about texture. Layering different textiles creates depth and interest while making your space feel infinitely more comfortable. Combine crisp cotton sheets with a chunky knit throw, or pair a velvet headboard with linen cushions for a tactile experience that’s both visually appealing and physically comforting.
Texture needn’t be limited to soft furnishings either. Consider adding woven rattan accessories, a plush rug underfoot, or even a statement wall with textured wallpaper or wood panelling. These subtle details create a multi-dimensional space that feels considered and complete, without requiring an enormous budget.
Ideal Tip: When selecting textiles for your bedroom, choose natural fibres where possible. Cotton, linen, wool, and silk not only feel better against the skin but also regulate temperature more effectively throughout the seasons, helping you to stay cool in summer and cosy in winter.
Create A Focal Point
Every professionally designed bedroom has a clear focal point that draws the eye and anchors the space. Typically, this is the bed itself, but you can enhance this natural focus or create an entirely new one with thoughtful decoration.
A large piece of artwork above the bed, a statement headboard, or even an accent wall in a contrasting colour can all serve as striking focal points. The key is to choose something that reflects your personality while maintaining the restful atmosphere needed for good sleep. This single element will give your room direction and purpose, making all your other decorating decisions infinitely easier.
Ideal Tip: If you’re working with a small bedroom, consider using mirrors strategically to create your focal point. A large, beautifully framed mirror not only serves as a stunning visual anchor but also reflects light and creates the illusion of additional space—a clever designer trick for making compact bedrooms feel more spacious.
Small Things Make A Big Difference
Interior designers are known for having a few decorating tricks up their sleeves, and usually, they involve using the smallest of details to make a massive difference to the appearance of a bedroom. Consider following the latest seasonal decor trends to find the best ideas to fit succinctly with the time of year and the unique atmosphere that nature creates.
Small additions like adding a beautifully upholstered headboard or continental pillows which add support, depth and interest to the bed can make a world of difference to the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. Adding a plant to your bedroom can also transform it from a stuffy space into a tranquil, calming one. When it comes to bedroom design, the devil is in the detail.
Ideal Tip: Pay attention to the sensory details in your bedroom. The scent of a calming candle, the texture of plush throw pillows, or the colour of your lamp’s light bulb can all dramatically enhance your room’s comfort and charm.
The Bottom Line
When decorating your bedroom, you needn’t enlist the help of a professional eye to give your space a once over and your wallet several more. Keep your mind open and get creative with every aspect of your bedroom, focusing on the finer details whilst not forgetting the bigger picture, too. Consider most keenly light, colours, storage, and clutter and soon it’ll be a space you want to spend more and more time in.
Got leftover roast chicken in the fridge and not sure what to do with it? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. That humble leftover bird can be the starting point for countless delicious meals that are worlds away from your Sunday roast.
While we Brits love our beef roasts, there’s something wonderfully versatile about chicken that makes it the champion of leftovers. You can take it in any direction—spicy and fragrant Asian dishes, punchy Mexican street food, or comforting classics that feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about transforming yesterday’s dinner into something completely new. It’s thrifty, of course (your gran would approve), but it’s also creative—a bit like kitchen alchemy.
If you’re particularly organised, you might even roast a chicken on Sunday specifically to use throughout the week. Or pick up a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket when you know you’ve got a busy few days ahead. Just pull the meat from the bones, shred it with a couple of forks, and store it in the fridge. With that done, you’ve got the building blocks for quick lunches and speedy suppers all week long.
For the best flavour in all these leftover creations, it’s worth investing in organic chicken from the start. Rhug Estate Organic Poultry, who sell organic chicken UK-wide, tell us that because these birds are raised with higher welfare standards and more natural diets, it translates directly into better taste and texture in your finished dishes. You’ll notice the difference—the meat tends to be more succulent and the flavour more pronounced, providing a superior foundation for any recipe you choose to make.
No leftover chicken? No problem. Just poach a few chicken breasts instead. Pop them in a pot of cold water with some salt, bring to a gentle boil, then take off the heat, cover and leave for about 15 minutes. The result? Perfectly tender chicken ready to be turned into any of these mouthwatering dishes.
Mouthwatering Sichuan Cold Chicken
Transform your leftover shredded chicken into a vibrant, cold Sichuan dish that packs a proper punch. Hailing from China’s southwestern Sichuan province, this dish (known locally as “liang ban ji”) exemplifies the region’s famous flavour profile—the perfect balance of ma (numbing) and la (spicy). Traditionally prepared with a whole poached chicken, our leftover version is much simpler but still captures the authentic character.
Combine your chicken with a dressing of chilli oil, ground Sichuan peppercorns, light soy sauce, rice vinegar and a small pinch of sugar. Toss well to coat every strand of chicken in the aromatic dressing. The Sichuan peppercorn is the star here—it’s not actually a pepper but the dried berry of the Chinese prickly ash tree, creating that unique tingling sensation on your tongue that’s become the hallmark of Sichuan cuisine. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge is even better. Just before serving, top with crushed roasted peanuts, thinly sliced spring onions and a generous handful of fresh coriander leaves. Serve cold—it’s even better the next day, when the flavours have had time to mingle and intensify.
Chicken Tinga Tacos/Soup
Give your chicken a Mexican makeover with this fiery, smoky treatment. Tinga originated in Puebla, a region in central Mexico known for its rich culinary history and complex mole sauces. Today, tinga has become a beloved staple across Mexico and internationally for good reason—its smoky, slightly spicy profile is utterly addictive. It’s one of the first dishes kids learn to cook before going off to university.
Gently warm your shredded chicken in a sauce made from tinned tomatoes and chipotles in adobo sauce. Start by sautéing finely diced onion and minced garlic cloves in a tablespoon of oil until soft and translucent. Add ground cumin and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in a tin of chopped tomatoes and blended tinned chipotles in adobo (just according to your heat preference). Let this simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened, then fold in the shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and has absorbed all those smoky flavours.
The chipotle is the heart and soul of tinga, providing both smokiness and heat in perfect harmony. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a punchy, smoky flavour that’s brilliant served in warm corn tortillas. You can also add stock to the recipe and make it into a chicken tinga soup. Top with diced avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkle of chopped coriander and a crumbling of feta for a weeknight dinner that feels anything but leftover.
Chicken Stew With Dumplings
When the weather’s grim, nothing beats a hearty chicken stew crowned with fluffy dumplings. Simply sauté onions, carrots, celery and leeks (the classic mirepoix that forms the base of countless European dishes) until soft. Once they’ve softened (about 8 minutes), sprinkle over some plain flour and stir to coat all the vegetables. This will thicken your stew beautifully. Gradually add good chicken stock and a splash of white wine (optional, but adds lovely depth), stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add your shredded chicken along with fresh thyme (or dried), bay leaves, and seasoning. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until everything melds together into a comforting, thick stew.
For the dumplings, mix self-raising flour (a British invention from the 1800s) with cold butter cut into small cubes and a generous handful of chopped herbs like parsley and thyme. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then add just enough cold milk to bring it together into a soft, slightly sticky dough. Don’t overwork it or your dumplings will be tough. This simple combination creates the light, fluffy texture that sets British dumplings apart from their denser European cousins.
Divide the dough into balls and gently place them on top of your simmering stew. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for about 20 minutes until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. Pure comfort in a bowl, and a brilliant example of British frugality transformed into culinary excellence.
Transform your chicken into a fragrant Vietnamese soup that’s both comforting and fresh. While the magic of pho lies in its aromatic broth, which typically simmers for hours to develop depth and complexity, you can make a quick version by simmering onions, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves in chicken stock.
Combine good-quality chicken stock with a quartered onion, sliced ginger, star anise, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves. If you have a whole chicken carcass—make the stock from scratch by adding the bones to cold water with the aromatics and simmering for 1-2 hours before straining. Otherwise, a good shop-bought stock works perfectly well. Let the aromatics infuse for about 30 minutes, then strain the broth into a clean pan. Add fish sauce to balance the flavours. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you’re happy with it.
Cook flat rice noodles separately according to packet instructions (usually soaking in boiling water for 6-8 minutes), then drain and rinse under cold water to stop them cooking further. Divide the noodles between serving bowls, top with your shredded chicken, and ladle over the hot, aromatic broth.
Serve with a platter of bean sprouts, lime wedges, thinly sliced red chillies and small dishes of siracha sauce. Each person can customize their bowl to their taste, adding the fresh herbs and condiments as they eat—this interactive element is part of the joy of pho.
If you haven’t used loads of butter to roast your chicken, it may result in a slightly strange broth, so be generous with the aromatics and fish sauce to ensure a rich, flavourful base.
Chicken Over Rice (Khao Mun Gai)
This Thai-inspired dish is gloriously simple but full of flavour. In Thailand, the dish is traditionally made by poaching a whole chicken, then using the resulting broth to cook the rice, creating a beautiful cycle where nothing is wasted—the epitome of resourceful cooking. Our leftover version captures the same spirit.
Rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then drain well. In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat a little vegetable oil and sauté crushed garlic cloves and finely grated ginger for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil, then pour in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to the lowest heat, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While the rice cooks, prepare the zingy sauce that makes this dish sing. In a small food processor or using a pestle and mortar, blend fresh ginger (roughly chopped), garlic cloves, small red chillies (deseeded if you prefer less heat), lime juice, fish sauce, a little palm sugar (or brown sugar), and a splash of water until smooth. This balance of hot, sour, salty and sweet typifies Thai cuisine’s approach to flavour harmony.
To serve, mound the fragrant rice onto plates, top with your shredded chicken (warmed through gently), and spoon some of the punchy sauce over. A scattering of thinly sliced cucumber, sprigs of coriander, and a few extra slices of chilli brings it all together—brilliant for lunch or a light supper, and a million miles from your original roast.
Spicy Shredded Chicken Noodle Salad
Make it into a vibrant Vietnamese salad—Gỏi Gá style, which simply means “chicken salad” in Vietnamese. Gỏi, or Vietnamese salads, occupy a special place in the country’s cuisine, offering a perfect balance of fresh vegetables, herbs, protein, and zesty dressings. Unlike Western salads, Vietnamese gỏi emphasizes the contrast of textures and the harmony of flavours—sour, sweet, salty, spicy, and umami all in perfect equilibrium.
Don’t skip making this salad’s fried shallot topping—we always have some from the shop in our cupboard as a staple, but they’re simple to make yourself. Thinly slice shallots into rings, then slowly shallow fry on a low heat in vegetable oil until golden and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper and they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
Cook rice noodles according to packet instructions (usually soaking in boiling water for about 6-8 minutes), then drain and refresh under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles with shredded chicken, finely shredded white cabbage, grated carrots (or cut into fine matchsticks), and handfuls of fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, and Thai basil (roughly torn). This abundance of fresh herbs is quintessentially Vietnamese and provides layers of aromatic flavour.
For the dressing, whisk together fish sauce (nước mắm, the lifeblood of Vietnamese cuisine), lime juice, rice vinegar, palm sugar (or caster sugar), finely minced garlic, and finely chopped red chilli. Pour over the salad ingredients and toss everything together just before serving—this keeps the vegetables crisp and the herbs vibrant. Top with those crispy fried shallots for a satisfying crunch and an extra sprinkle of chopped peanuts if you fancy.
Alternatively, be influenced by Thai style with a punchy peanut satay style dressing. Blend smooth peanut butter with coconut milk, red chilli (deseeded and chopped), lime juice, soy sauce and honey until smooth. Thin with a little water if needed, then warm gently in a small pan to intensify the flavours before drizzling over the salad. This rich, creamy sauce coats the chicken and noodles beautifully, transforming your leftovers into a luxurious meal.
Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Breathe new life into your chicken with this verdant, creamy salad. The Green Goddess dressing has a fascinating history—it was created in the 1920s at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, named in honour of a popular play called “The Green Goddess” that was running at the time. The original recipe featured herbs, anchovies, and mayonnaise, but our avocado version gives it a modern, healthier twist.
Blend a ripe avocado with a generous handful of mixed herbs—parsley, tarragon, and chives (the classic French fine herbs combination). Add Greek yoghurt, white wine vinegar, good olive oil, a small garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Whizz until you have a smooth, vibrant green dressing that’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cold water to thin it.
In a large bowl, gently toss your shredded chicken in this velvety dressing, then add Little Gem or Cos lettuce (torn into bite-sized pieces), cucumber (sliced into half-moons), and spring onions (finely sliced). The creamy dressing clings beautifully to the chicken and provides a luxurious counterpoint to the crisp vegetables. Finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil, a scattering of more fresh herbs, and mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame work well) lightly toasted in a dry pan for a minute until fragrant. These add a satisfying crunch and a nutritional boost.
This makes a substantial lunch or light dinner that’s as nourishing as it is delicious—and the vibrant green colour makes it particularly appealing on the plate. If you’re taking it to work, pack the dressing separately and toss everything together just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
Pollo Mechado (Shredded Chicken)
This Venezuelan-inspired dish transforms your chicken into something truly special. Mechado, which means “shredded,” is a cooking technique and style found throughout Latin America, with each country adding its own distinctive touches.
Just like these leftover recipes, this dish emerged from practical necessity, however in this case as a way to tenderize tougher cuts of meat by slow cooking and shredding them. While traditionally made with beef (carne mechada), the chicken version has become equally popular, especially in home cooking. The technique reflects Venezuela’s historical ingenuity in creating flavourful, satisfying meals from simple ingredients.
Warm your shredded chicken in a sauce made from sautéed vegetables and aromatics. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and gently cook onion (finely diced), red and green peppers (both deseeded and diced), and garlic cloves (minced) until soft but not coloured—about 8 minutes. Add ground cumin, dried oregano, and a bay leaf, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then stir in tinned chopped tomatoes and a splash of chicken stock. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened and the flavours have melded together.
Fold in your shredded chicken and continue to cook on a gentle heat for another 5-10 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper, and add a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten all the flavours. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken beautifully—not too dry, not too wet. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Traditionally, this would be served with rice, black beans, and slices of ripe avocado, but it’s also delicious stuffed into warm arepas (Venezuelan corn cakes) or wrapped in soft tortillas. A scattering of fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lime juice finish the dish perfectly. This keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge and the flavours often improve overnight, making it ideal for batch cooking.
Polpette di Pollo (Chicken Meatballs)
Give your shredded chicken an Italian twist by turning it into tender meatballs. Polpette have a rich history in Italian cuisine, dating back to the Roman Empire when they were made with various meats and spices. While beef and pork versions are more common, chicken polpette are particularly popular in regions like Sicily and Tuscany, where waste-free cooking has long been a cornerstone of culinary tradition. The word “polpette” comes from “polpa,” meaning pulp or flesh, highlighting how these little morsels make the most of every scrap of meat.
Mix your shredded chicken with breadcrumbs soaked in milk, grated Parmesan, an egg, chopped parsley and a grating of nutmeg (the classic Italian seasoning that brings warmth without overpowering). Form into small balls and either fry until golden or bake for a lighter option. Serve with a simple tomato sauce over pasta, or on their own as part of an antipasti spread. These freeze brilliantly too—perfect for getting ahead, and a wonderful homage to Italy’s genius for transforming humble ingredients into something spectacular.
Leftover Chicken & Leek Pie
Few things are more comforting than a proper chicken pie. Indeed, a classic chicken pie is the ultimate comfort food – golden, flaky pastry encasing a creamy, generously seasoned filling of tender chicken and vegetables.
Simply, sauté leeks and mushrooms until soft, then add a knob of butter and sprinkle with flour to make a roux. For a generous family-sized pie, melt butter in a large frying pan and gently cook large leeks (washed thoroughly and sliced into rounds) and mushrooms (sliced) with a pinch of salt for about 8-10 minutes until soft and the moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated. Add more butter, allow it to melt, then sprinkle over plain flour to make your roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes—this removes the raw flour taste.
Gradually add milk and chicken stock, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until you have a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Fold in your shredded chicken along with chopped fresh tarragon (or dried) and Dijon mustard. The tarragon’s gentle aniseed note is particularly good with chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a grating of nutmeg.
Transfer to a pie dish. Brush the rim of the dish with beaten egg, then cover with a sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry, pressing it firmly onto the rim to seal. Trim any excess pastry, then crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a decorative finish. Make a small hole in the centre to allow steam to escape, and brush the entire surface with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is risen and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving with some steamed seasonal vegetables. Sunday roast reborn in spectacular fashion.
Mexican Style Chicken Quesadillas
For a speedy lunch or supper, quesadillas are hard to beat. The word “quesadilla” comes from “queso” (cheese) and in their homeland, quesadillas are typically made with corn tortillas and Oaxaca cheese (a stringy, mozzarella-like cheese), though flour tortillas became common in northern Mexico due to the region’s wheat production. Our version takes inspiration from these traditions while adapting them for British kitchens.
Warm your shredded chicken with some spices to add a Mexican flair. In a pan, heat a little oil and add your shredded chicken along with chipotle paste (or smoked paprika if you prefer less heat). Stir well to coat the chicken, then cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is warm and aromatic. Add some cooked sweetcorn and kidney beans. if you like. Remove from heat and set aside.
To assemble, lay out large flour tortillas. Scatter each with grated cheese (a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella works well), covering half the tortilla only. Spoon the spiced chicken over the cheese, dividing it equally, then add sliced spring onions and a few drops of hot sauce if you fancy an extra kick. Fold the empty half of each tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Heat a large, dry frying pan over medium heat. Cook the quesadillas one at a time for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp on the outside and the cheese has melted inside. Keep the cooked ones warm in a low oven while you finish the batch. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with smashed avocado (ripe avocado mashed with lime juice, salt and a little chopped coriander), a dollop of sour cream, and a zingy tomato salsa (chopped tomatoes mixed with finely diced red onion, chopped coriander, lime juice, and salt) for dunking. A proper crowd-pleaser that’s on the table in under 15 minutes.
Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup
This Chinese-inspired soup is both comforting and nourishing, with a silky texture and gentle umami depth that soothes the soul on dreary days. It’s particularly brilliant for leftover shredded chicken because the meat’s delicate strands absorb the aromatic broth beautifully while adding textural interest against the pop of sweetcorn kernels. The soup comes together in minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals when energy is low but you still crave something homemade and satisfying.
Pour good-quality chicken stock into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add sweetcorn kernels (fresh or frozen), soy sauce, and sesame oil. If you like, add a piece of ginger (sliced) and crushed garlic clove for extra flavour. Allow to bubble away for about 5 minutes until the corn is tender.
In a small bowl, mix cornflour with cold water to make a slurry. Slowly stir this into the soup and simmer for another minute until the broth thickens slightly—this gives the soup its characteristic silky consistency. Add your shredded chicken and warm through for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let the soup boil vigorously once the chicken is added.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly with a fork. Just before serving, use a wooden spoon to stir the soup in one direction to create a gentle whirlpool, then slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs in a thin stream. They’ll cook instantly in the hot soup, creating those distinctive and delicate ribbons throughout. Take the soup off the heat immediately to prevent the eggs from overcooking. Finish with sliced spring onions and a generous pinch of white pepper (traditional in Chinese cooking and milder than black pepper). For extra brightness, add a dash of rice vinegar just before serving. This soup is equally delicious served with a drizzle of chilli oil for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Chicken Coronation Sandwiches
A British classic that never gets old. As we’re sure you know, Coronation Chicken was specifically created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet in 1953 by Rosemary Hume, a principal at the prestigious Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London. The original recipe was more complex than today’s versions, featuring a curry cream sauce with apricot purée. Our version is simpler still, but no less delicious.
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with good quality mayonnaise, mild curry powder (more if you like a stronger flavour), a little ground turmeric for that gorgeous golden colour, mango chutney (ideally one with small chunks for texture), and sultanas (golden sultanas are best for their sweeter flavour and prettier appearance, but regular ones or even raisins will do in a pinch). The fruity sweetness balances the curry spices beautifully and is the signature note of this iconic dish.
Add a good squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavours, and a handful of chopped fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley. If you don’t have any fresh herbs, this recipe is still delicious without—the curry and fruit flavours are robust enough to stand on their own. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the chicken is coated in the creamy, spiced dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a little salt if needed and perhaps more lemon juice if you’d like a tangier finish.
For the quintessential British sandwich, pile the mixture generously between slices of soft white bread with the crusts removed for an elegant touch. If you’re feeling fancy, cut into neat triangles or fingers. This mixture also works brilliantly stuffed into a baked potato, spooned over a crisp green salad, or served on a bed of rice for a more substantial meal. It keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
Take your tastebuds south of the border with these crispy parcels of Mexican-American fusion cuisine. Chimichangas—essentially deep-fried burritos—originated in the southwestern United States, likely Arizona or northern Mexico, though their exact origins are disputed with several restaurants claiming to have invented them. Legend has it that a burrito was accidentally dropped into a deep fryer, prompting the cook to exclaim “chimichanga!”—a Spanish expression of surprise.
Chimichangas are absolutely perfect for leftover shredded chicken for several reasons. First, the chicken’s fibrous texture absorbs the spices beautifully while maintaining its structure during cooking. Second, because the chicken is already cooked, you need only warm it through rather than worry about cooking it from raw inside the parcel. Finally, the crispy outer shell contrasts wonderfully with the tender, flavourful chicken filling—transforming your leftovers into something that feels utterly indulgent.
Start by preparing the filling. In a frying pan, heat oil and sauté finely diced onion and diced pepper (any colour) until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add your shredded chicken and some tomato puree. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through. If you like, add drained, rinsed black beans or sweetcorn kernels for extra texture and nutrition. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in a handful of chopped coriander.
Lay out large flour tortillas. Divide the chicken mixture between them, spooning it onto the lower third of each tortilla. Sprinkle each with grated cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well). To fold: first, fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom edge up over the filling, and roll tightly away from you to form a neat parcel, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the filling.
For the classic fried version: heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan. Carefully add the chimichangas seam-side down and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper. For a healthier baked version: preheat the oven, place the folded chimichangas seam-side down on a baking tray, brush all over with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp, turning halfway through.
Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, drizzle some cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with jalapeños for an extra kick. These also freeze brilliantly before cooking—wrap individually in foil, then defrost fully before frying or baking.
This Mexican-inspired soup is packed with flavour and texture. This tortilla soup, or sopa de tortilla, is a traditional Mexican soup. Aromatics like oregano, coriander and spices like chilli powder and cumin add a depth of flavour to the tomato-y broth that just can’t be beat. If you have it, use Ancho chilli powder instead of regular chilli powder, which has a sweeter, smokier flavour profile.
To make this comforting soup, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic cloves, and diced bell pepper (red or green). Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chilli powder (or Ancho chilli powder if you have it), ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant and coating the vegetables.
Pour in a tin of chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and a little chipotle paste (optional, but adds wonderful smokiness). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Add your shredded chicken and frozen sweetcorn, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is warmed through.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the crispy tortilla strips. Cut flour tortillas into thin strips about 5mm wide. Heat vegetable oil in a small frying pan until hot. Fry the tortilla strips in batches for about 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper, then sprinkle with a little salt while still hot.
To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with some grated cheese that will melt slightly from the heat of the soup. The contrast between the hot, spicy broth, the tender chicken, and the crunchy tortilla strips makes for a bowl that’s as vibrant as it is comforting.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. Our ideal Caesar salad has copious amounts of anchovy, so don’t be shy with them. Plenty of garlic and snappy croutons in the dressing give the salad a pungent punch.
For a truly spectacular Caesar, make your own dressing from scratch. In a pestle and mortar, crush garlic cloves with a pinch of salt until you have a smooth paste. Add anchovy fillets and mash them into the garlic paste. Scrape this mixture into a bowl and add egg yolk, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and finely grated Parmesan. Whisk to combine, then very slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly, until you have a thick, glossy dressing. Season with freshly ground black pepper (you probably won’t need salt because of the anchovies).
For a quicker version, simply mix good quality mayonnaise with crushed garlic, finely chopped anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan. This won’t have quite the same depth of flavour, but it’s still leagues ahead of shop-bought dressing.
To make the croutons, tear or cut day-old bread into rough cubes. Toss with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a clove of garlic (crushed or grated). Spread on a baking tray and bake until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
For the salad itself, separate and wash romaine or Cos lettuce, then tear into bite-sized pieces and thoroughly dry (a salad spinner is ideal for this). In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with about two-thirds of the dressing, ensuring every leaf is lightly coated. Add your shredded chicken, the croutons, and Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler rather than grated for a more dramatic appearance. Toss again very gently, then divide between plates or arrange on a large serving platter.
Drizzle with the remaining dressing, add a final flourish of Parmesan shavings, and finish with a generous crack of black pepper. For a more substantial meal, add some crispy bacon bits or a soft-boiled egg. Simple, satisfying and miles better than anything shop-bought. This makes an elegant lunch or a light summer supper that feels special but comes together in minutes.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking to stretch your Sunday roast further or simply want to transform tonight’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch, these versatile recipes prove that leftover chicken need never be boring. With just a bit of imagination and a few store cupboard staples, that humble bird can take you on a culinary journey around the world—all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
East London’s London Fields is so clouded with clichés that even observing them is something of one. They put Monster Munch on their oysters here, the mad bastards. Their wine is turbid and full of sediment. Perhaps there’s something in the water here. There’s certainly something in the soil…
London Fields – the grassy stretch, not the neighbourhood – is a sprawling plot that dates back to the 16th century. The park’s rather prosaic, quite beautiful name comes from its historical role as a place where farmers would bring their cattle to graze before heading to the city markets. It has transformed over the centuries into South-Central Hackney’s most cherished public space, becoming a byword for the wider area in the process, as well as a certain sensibility, of stripped back swagger, experimentation, and a kind of studied, strained style.
The cows have gone now, replaced with grazing, bathing humans, the latter found at the iconic Lido, an outdoor swimming pool that has been a community staple since 1932, the former in an ever-growing array of cafes, bars, and restaurants that cater to the eclectic tastes of its residents and visitors (they bloody love salty fingers in this part of town).
At the south end of London Fields park, the historic Broadway Market has been a cornerstone of the local community since the 1890s. Originally a bustling marketplace for fresh produce and household goods, Broadway Market has undergone something of a makeover in recent years, with its main drag now dominated by a string of bricks and mortar, food-adjacent operations.
Formerly known simply as ‘The Broadway’, the strip has evolved from its role as the final stretch of a cattle route leading from Essex into the slaughterhouses of London to a fully fledged shopping street and venue of a weekly farmer’s market, with many ups and downs in between. According to Layers of London, “Broadway was a thriving daily market until it declined steeply in the 1970s and 80s. A graffito stated: ‘Broadway Market is not a sinking ship – It’s a submarine. ‘ Recovery began in the 1990s and in 2004 Broadway Market Residents and Traders Association (BMRTA) established a Saturday farmers’ market.”
Fast forward to 2024, and every Saturday, the market explodes into life, its vendors offering everything from ‘gourmet’ street food (with plenty of tasters being handed out on little cocktail sticks) and organic produce to handmade crafts and vintage clothing.
But you can’t make a meal out of these cocktail stick tasters, however useful they are for picking your teeth afterwards, so instead we’re widening our scope to the restaurants both on the Broadway Market strip and the wider London Fields area. There’s plenty of great stuff to eat in this neck of the woods, so let’s get into it; here are the best restaurants in London Fields and Broadway Market.
Miga
On Mare Street, modern Korean restaurant Miga has been making major waves since its opening in June of last year. Now the proud holder of a Bib Gourmand, Miga has been the recipient of several glowing national reviews, and is talked about in Vittles using exalted terms more often reserved exclusively for suya. Even the restaurant themselves talk a big game, with ‘The History Of Miga’ etched on the whitewashed walls outside the restaurant.
It’s a story that began in 1970s Seoul, where the family matriarch sold her own recipe of ox-bone broth. The family’s first UK restaurant opened in New Malden 22 years ago, and their current venture continues to honour their heritage while offering a contemporary take on traditional Korean cuisine. The father’s extensive training under Korean and Japanese master chefs in the 90s is evident in the quality and gentle creativity of the dishes. Come full circle, a version of that broth as a savoury closer is the highlight of a meal at Miga.
Already, the place exudes a familial warmth, with the father attending to the open kitchen and younger family members (chiefly, the two sons) attending to guests in a bright, airy dining room, all shades of simultaneously stark yet soothing whitewash and walnut.
It allows attention to fall on the food, and a tight menu that features soul-stirring dishes like soy-braised short ribs and sticky glass noodles with crispy beef jeon, sanchaeg bibimbab topped with vegetables selected for their crunch and freshness, and a soy vinaigrette, and cucumber and spinach rolls with a miso sauce.
The ox bone broth is, unsurprisingly, also ace; a real restorative number blessed with generations of seasoning. Perhaps our favourite dish, though, is the spiced beef tartare, lifted and lightened with slivers of pear, all pulled together with a soy cured egg yolk.
It’s thoughtful, it’s interesting, and it’s downright delicious, a world away from your YORIs and the rest. Do be aware that, currently, Miga does not have a liquor licence, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Another Broadway Market beauty, Chakana is the second act of the popular Birmingham restaurant of the same name. Serving up photogenic plates of precision engineered Peruvian food and drinks from Europe’s most extensive range of pisco, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Chakana has already hit its stride in the capital. The kitchen is headed up by chef Robert Ortiz, who previously earned Lima London its Michelin star, the first Peruvian restaurant in Europe to be bestowed with the honour.
A ceviche of thick, pronounced dice of seabream bedded deep in a bowl of house tiger milk is one of many highlights. Singing with just-squeezed lime, coriander and chilli, it’s masterfully balanced. Equally good, slices of raw Orkney scallop in a comedically vivid dragon fruit tiradito was sweet, refreshing and just a little intriguing.
You can read our full review of Chakana London here.
We wish they’d let us know about the pronunciation sooner, as we’d been going around calling it ‘S-you-n’ until we heard…
Anyway, the proposition at Sune, however you want to say it, has all the hallmarks, superficially at least, of an increasingly ubiquitous kind of London restaurant; somewhere with pockets of pleasure that ultimately ends up being incoherent and unsatisfying. The whole ‘wine bar that happens to do food’ thing going on. A restless, globe trotting menu with the threat of too much umami (too-mami?) lingering across it. There’s no central character around which the other dishes should orbit. There’s a danger that things are going to get confusing, fast..
But make the journey south over the bridge from Broadway Market onto Regent’s Canal, and you’ll be richly rewarded with a meal that does end up making perfect sense. That Sune is coherent shouldn’t actually come as a surprise; there’s plenty of pedigree behind the restaurant, with esteemed sommelier and natural wine enthusiast Honey Spencer and ex-Noma manager Charlie Sims leading things from the front, and former-Pidgin chef Michael Robins at the stoves out back, putting his delicate touch to dishes like pork, fig and cashew nut terrine with apple mostarda and pickles, or fried quail with harissa yoghurt and smoked apricot.
Really, any disparate elements here are pulled together by the impeccable winelist. Sune is named after Honey Spencer’s mentor Sune Rosforth, a renowned sommelier, signalling the restaurant’s dedication to the good stuff, first and foremost. The wine list is predominantly natural, featuring around a dozen types by the glass, starting a just £7 for a very nice 2022 Artefact #2 Tempranillo from Toledo. Spencer has also curated a selection of low-intervention kombucha-style brews for those not on the sauce.
That pork terrine from a paragraph or two previous currently features on a remarkably good value set lunch menu, featuring two courses for £25 or three for £29. If you don’t mind a double porking, you can follow that terrine with a dish of pork loin, grilled greens and lobster sauce. They’re missing a trick not having pork in their set menu dessert, too, but the affogato is bracing and lovely.
Finally, and kicking off at 11:30am each Sunday, the Sune brunch is popular and really, really nothing like your usual eggs on toast and the rest. There’s half lobster tails with calamansi lime and redcurrant, scallop ceviche with plum and salted chilli, cucumber salad with lavender and holy basil, and a reuben sandwich with dairy beef tartare laying across its surface. Yes, it’s idiosyncratic and at times inexplicable. But somehow, in their capable hands, it works.
North of London Fields, in the railway arches that form a rusty labyrinth beyond Broadway Market, is Yuki Bar – a tight, moody Japanese wine bar that’s quickly become an after-hours institution with the hospitality crowd. Former Noma and P. Franco (two joints that are catnip to said crowd) sommelier Yukiyasu Kaneko opened this 20-seat spot in early 2024, creating a space where industry folk and curious locals converge around a horseshoe counter.
The low bar places guests eye-level with the kitchen team, while overhead trains occasionally rattle bottles and conversation. J-pop cuts through any silence, though there’s rarely much of that as Kaneko pours rare finds and shares stories of producers.
The chalkboard menu changes frequently but maintains a confident simplicity. Eggs with sesame mayo for £4.50. Beef rump tataki at £13. £6.50 for leek and girolle miso soup. Crown prince squash with sesame, £6.50. It reads like poetry – sparse and purposeful, and absurdly good value in this city, in this economy.
The kitchen’s touch is gentle but assured, allowing ingredients to speak clearly. For something more substantial, pork belly braised in Guinness or a chicken hot pot lifted and freshened with a little ponzu both keep the nourishing, restorative theme going. Always finish with grilled onigiri in dashi £9.50 – rice cakes with crisp edges and a soul-warming broth.
The Japanese comfort food might feel fairly easy to pin down, but it tastes fucking great, giving space to a wine selection that defies easy categorisation, except in its quality and Kaneko’s evident passion. His recommendations come with context rather than pretension, making even the most esoteric bottle feel accessible.
Yuki Bar punctures London’s homogeneous wine bar scene with Japanese inflection and genuine character. Sunday evenings have become particularly special – the counter filled with chefs and waiters on their night off, glass in hand, winding down before another week begins.
Broadway Market’s Koya Ko – here since 2021 – is positioned as the more casual, faster-paced “little sister” to Koya Soho and their City branch, with a whip-smart ordering system and focus on tachi-gui (or, ‘vertical dining’) that encourages punters to stand whilst slurping back a bowl of noodles rather than settle in for the long haul.
images via @KoyaKoHackney
Indeed, whilst Koya Ko is very much tailored to the needs of speed and efficiency, the same love and attention to both noodle and broth that the brand has become known for remains, and the breakfast – served from 10am at the weekends – is as good as ever.
The Triple Pickle remains one of London’s finest pick-me-ups that doesn’t arrive via a ZipLoc. Instead, a bowl of udon noodles, slippery and silky, soft and chewy, is dressed with pickled beetroot and wakame, as well as soy cured chillies, bringing bites that soothe and invigorate in equal quantities. Yours for £12, and only served (as with all the breakfast dishes) until 11:45am.
Not to worry if you pitch up a little later; from midday onwards the larger lunch and dinner menu is in operation, with great value udon and rice bowls taking centre stage. The tempura prawn udon is as good as ever, and remains one of our favourite prawn dishes in London. Pair it with a glass of warmed choya umeshu – that complex, delicious ume plum liquor – and enjoy a moment of well-deserved mono no aware, as the steam from both mists up your glasses and you gently contemplate what to do with the rest of your day.
Chef Max Rocha wears his influences proudly. His time at St John Bread and Wine is there in Cafe Cecilia’s austere plates that celebrate beige, brown and yellow in all their illustrious shades, and in the bare bones dining room, dark wood dining chairs, whitewashed walls, chalkboard and all.
Rocha’s stint at the River Cafe is also clear, with a recent dish of rabbit cavatelli as good as we’ve had out west on Rainville Road. His Dublin roots are represented too, with gusto, in the now iconic Guinness bread ice cream, sometimes scooped over another showstopping sweet treat, the Cafe Cecilia deep-fried bread and butter pudding. Both embody the cafe’s commitment to making just a few ingredients truly sing. Both are fucking delicious.
All this minimalism could come across as style over substance if the cooking wasn’t so precise and on point. We certainly wouldn’t blame you for making that assumption; as son of John Rocha and sister of Simone, both designers, Max Rocha has a deeply ingrained connection to the world of fashion and a keen sense of composition. Fortunately, he’s put those familial sensibilities to good use in contriving suave plates that never sacrifice on flavour.
And true to the inclusive nature of the name, Cafe Cecillia is open for breakfast on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am and 10:45am. We’re still dreaming about the marinated, blackened peaches and goats curd on toast we had there recently. Yours for just £9.50.
We fear that we’ve been venturing further and further south on our tour of the best places to eat in London Fields, and that we’re starting to take liberties with the title. So, we’re heading back up through the park, exiting at Martello Street, and making for e5 Bakehouse. Founded by Ben Mackinnon in the spring of 2010, and now well into its second decade, it’s never been more popular.
The bakery’s beginnings were humble. Mackinnon, once a sustainability consultant specialising in renewable energy systems, decided to shift gears and pursue his passion for baking. After a short course in sourdough bread-making at the School of Artisan Food, he set up a clay oven in the corner of a railway arch and started making bread. What began as a modest bakery soon flourished, thanks to the support of local chefs and the wider community who were drawn in by the smell of just baked loaves, a bit like Mickey Mouse following his nose to a freshly baked pumpkin pie sitting on a window sill.
The use of heritage grains is central to the baking here, and it’s well apparent in the deep, nourishing undertone of the bread at e5. The sustainability thing isn’t just marketing here; e5 Bakehouse is certified organic by the Soil Association, the bakery pays the London living wage, and all of the power used at the bakery is sourced from renewable energy sources, including at Fellows Farm, which is off-grid and uses an electric van to deliver produce to the Bakehouse. Nicely done.
All this needs to be backed up by an amazing product, of course, and e5 Bakehouse more than delivers on that front, whether it’s in the absurdly moreish E5 Cheese Toastie that deploys tangy Keen’s cheddar, melty mozzarella, Glastonbury salted butter and spicy housemade vegan kimchi, or the famous, indulgent scrambled eggs doused in more of that raw, cultured butter. Of course, it’s the excellent bread that anchors both of these creations, but the bakery does excellent sweet stuff too. A late summer black and red currant galette recently was a revelation.
Unsurprisingly, the morning pastries are gold-standard. Pick them up on weekdays from 7:30am and at the weekend from 8am. There’s plenty of seating inside this surprisingly cavernous space, and great coffee, too, if you prefer to dine in.
Check out the team’s Poplar Bakehouse in Tower Hamlets while you’re here. An extension of the Just Bread refugee training programme that they ran in collaboration with the Refugee Council until 2017, the aim of this cafe and coffee roastery, which is now also a shop and bakery, us to employ and train people from refugee communities whilst investing profits back into projects which support and welcome refugees arriving in the UK.
Next up, we’re crossing Lamb Lane for a quick pitstop at Green Papaya, whose Xi’anese (Chinese Xi’an province and Vietnamese) cuisine has been gaining a devoted following in this corner of Hackney in recent years.
Start your meal here with an order of cha la lot – minced beef and pork wrapped in betel leaves and grilled, served with rice vermicelli, lettuce and herbs. The subtle, peppery flavour of the leaves (actually wild piper not ‘betel’, but who’s getting pedantic?) once smokey from the grill is intoxicating.
Don’t stop there. Any of the spicy noodles from the ‘Xi’an Noodles’ section of the menu will make you happy. Our go-to order is the Mount Qi pork noodles – think chunks of pork belly sautéed in a spicy sauce, tossed with our house chilli oil and Sichuan peppercorns, served with soya tofu and mixed with noodles. This bowl’s beautiful mélange of flavours and textures is worth a visit alone.
They also serve up satisfying bowls of pho. We’ve written more about the restaurant in our guide to the best pho in London. Do check it out.
Tomos Parry is one of London’s most celebrated chefs, praised just about everywhere for his mastery of open-fired grilling, inspired by Northern Spain’s Basque country and his Welsh roots, at Brat.
Before that, Parry was earning plaudits for bringing fresh energy to legendary restaurant Kitty Fisher’s, and before that before that, he won the Young British Chef of the year at the YBF Awards in 2014 for his cooking at Climpson’s Arch in London Fields. Parry has come full circle then, with the second iteration of his Michelin-starred restaurant Brat. It’s a satisfying career trajectory, and also a satisfying way to finish this article, so there you go…
Now, when someone mentions ‘the second Brat’, they’re probably referring to the Charli XCX’s remix album, but it wasn’t always that way. Four years ago, it was a different story; Brat x Climpson’s Arch originally opened as a winter pop-up in 2020, but its overwhelming popularity swiftly secured its permanence.
The restaurant is named after the traditional Northumbrian word for turbot, reflecting its homage to simple yet profound culinary roots, and is further emphasised by the elemental (see: ‘wood-fired’) focus of the cooking here.
The menu at Brat x Climpson’s Arch epitomises British seasonal cooking with a focus on high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes include whole crab with hay butter, roasted chicken rice, and the star attraction, grilled turbot, which is a must-try. The big, beautiful fish kinda exemplifies Parry’s ethos: unadorned, high-quality food cooked under unpredictable conditions to a type of no-one-plate-is-the-same perfection.
The dining space continues this sensibility arguably even more succinctly than the original warehouse in Shoreditch vibe, with a large covered courtyard ideally suited for al fresco dining, and an indoor space featuring a long bar for walk-ins.
Sure, Brat has been so hyped – so imitated – that its initial impact has been somewhat lessened. But this second, more laid back version has arguably breathed new life into the concept. Think we might be talking about the album again, but…
Now, we wish someone would breathe similar new life into us – after such an extensive eating tour of London Fields’ best restaurants, we’re ready to die. Fortunately, Bunhill Fields is just down the road.
Stamford Bridge may be home to the Blues, but the surrounding neighbourhood’s dining options certainly won’t get you down. The thrill of eating in the area, it could be said, is certainly not gone…
We’re trying too hard, here. Let’s get back to roundup-by-numbers writing, post-haste, no waste. Because when you’re hunting for a pre-match pint, celebrating a victory, or simply exploring this pocket of Chelsea and Fulham, you don’t have time to lose. Fortunately, in this most affluent of London boroughs, you’ll find far more than overpriced stadium fare or over-caramelised burger onions.
With all that in mind, here are our favourite places to eat within easy striking distance of Stamford Bridge, Chelsea.
Ideal for experiencing London’s only Michelin-starred pub…
Standing proud but somehow also lowkey on a Fulham backstreet, this most celebrated of gastropubs performs an impressive balancing act – maintaining something close to a traditional pub atmosphere and aesthetic, all while serving food worthy of its coveted Michelin star, a distinction no other London pub can claim.
The kitchen showcases British game and foraged ingredients, with menus that shift according to nature’s calendar, just as it should be. Their venison Scotch eggs have achieved legendary status among London’s culinary cognoscenti, and remain an ever present (and even available if you’re dropping in for a quick stout), while seasonal mains such as roast fallow deer with smoked beetroot or Cornish monkfish with brown shrimp highlight the team’s dedication to native, roaming ingredients.
The pub’s interior complements this philosophy perfectly – rustic and relaxed enough to feel like a proper boozer, yet polished enough to signal serious culinary intent. You don’t have to look for too many clues on the latter note, to be honest; there’s a taxidermy deer’s head or two on the wall, and lots of random furry throws, both nodding (would be damn weird if the deer’s head was actually nodding) to wild food on your plate. A thoughtfully assembled wine list seals the deal, featuring particularly good options by the glass in and around the tenner region, and half bottles for those not fully committed to sleeping through the match.
As you’d expect from anywhere with a Michelin accolade, booking well ahead is essential – especially on match days when tables disappear weeks in advance. The Sunday roast deserves your £79 for its three courses, should your fixture fall on the Sabbath.
Oh, you’re baulking at that figure for a Sunday lunch? Thought Chelsea fans were loaded…
Ideal for faithful Neapolitan pizza that doesn’t mess about…
This family-run pizza institution has built a mini empire across west London, with its Fulham Broadway branch conveniently located within dough-tossing distance of the stadium.
Every element of the pizzamaking process at Santa Maria screams tradition – from the Napoli-imported wood-fired oven and caputo flour to the hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes. The pizza dough undergoes a patient 24-hour rise before being stretched, topped and blasted at volcanic temperatures, yielding that quintessential Neapolitan marriage of puffy, charred crust and tender middle bit.
The menu embraces beautiful simplicity. The Santa Bufalina (tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil) proves that restraint often creates the most sublime results where pizza is concerned, while the San Gennaro (tomato sauce, mozzarella, friarielli and sausage) delivers something a little bolder that the light-as-you-like dough admittedly can’t quite contain.
Don’t overlook their ‘crust dippers’ (perhaps we’ll retract that bit about ‘screams tradition’) – pots of hummus, garlic mayo, ‘nduja cream or mushroom and truffle cream that transform the discarded (if you’re a child) pizza crusts into something worth fighting over. The no-booking policy means potential queues on busier days, though swift turnover ensures the wait rarely exceeds your patience.
Ideal for a quintessential British boozer with a confident kitchen bringing up the rear…
This charming backstreet boozer near Stamford Bridge might resemble any picturesque Chelsea watering hole (with the salmon chinos and ruddy faces all present and correct), but it has something of an ace up its sleeve; it’s owned by musician and wannabe-comedian James Blunt.
Dating back to 1846, the venue’s refurbishment and reopening in 2018 preserved some of its original features, including three roaring fireplaces that offer perfect sanctuary during winter fixtures (you might even have spotted Diego Costa here, warming his hands by the fire and muttering about the weather). He’d have been more satisfied in summer, when the conservatory’s retractable roof transforms the space into a sun-drenched little spot – perfect for those leisurely Sunday lunches before a 4pm kickoff.
To some it feels like gastropubs in London are proliferating at an alarming rate, and the Fox and Pheasant won’t necessarily assuage those fears. It’s the usual vibe here; well executed classics with perfunctory efforts at refinement, and a place in the lower reaches of the Top 50 Gastropubs list (at 98). So, expect dishes like honey and mustard glazed chipolatas, smoked ham hock pie with mash, chicken kiev with celeriac fondant, and a big old “say when” chocolate (‘choccy’ on the menu, but we simply can’t bring ourselves to say that) mousse which is spooned from a massive vessel tableside and onto your plate until you decide you’re taking the piss and tell them to stop.
Despite its prestigious Chelsea address, prices remain surprisingly reasonable, while warm hospitality ensures both locals and visiting supporters (in their civvies and inconspicuous) feel equally welcome. The dartboard and dog-friendly policy keep things in the ‘pub’ rather than ‘gastro’ territory. Let’s be honest; pre- or post-match, when the pints are already flowing, this is sometimes all you really want. That, and a packet.
Ideal for serious food in an unpretentious setting…
Positioned at the ‘unfashionable’ end of King’s Road (their words, not ours), this independent restaurant has delivered consistently sophisticated cooking since 2011, and shows no signs of abating as the empire grows (the team’s recent opening over in Belgravia, Cornus, has already earned a Michelin star).
The collaboration between chef Joe Mercer Nairne and front-of-house virtuoso David O’Connor has created an establishment where culinary excellence and intuitive service exist in perfect harmony. The dining room – all white tablecloths, clinking glasses and quiet conviviality – is understated elegance personified, while the warm lighting and expansive windows help keep things bright and breezy during the day. All that natural light flooding the place helps the focus fall on the food, an increasingly ubiquitous but no-less-enjoyable-for-it meeting of British seasonality and French technique.
Their signature crab raviolo with brown shrimps and leek fondue prompted a fair few murmurings of discontent when they once attempted to retire it. It’s back on the menu now. Follow it up with an order of offal, which the kitchen is confidently conversant in. Their chargrilled calf’s liver with sherry vinegar caramel is exceptional, as is the magnificent roast grouse available during game season.
The Medlar cheeseboard frequently receives accolades as one of London’s most distinguished, not a surprise when you learn that O’Conner used to head up the Chez Bruce FOH team, a restaurant whose own cheese trolley is revered across the country.
Pre-match diners will be pleased to hear that three courses are priced at £50 on Saturdays, which is a snip for the quality. Advance booking remains essential regardless of timing.
Ideal for uplifting Mexican vibes and killer margaritas…
This spirited Parsons Green establishment brings Mexico’s uplifting culinary culture to SW6, offering a welcome contrast to typical matchday fare (and, thus far, the other entries on this list of the best restaurants near Stamford Bridge).
Named after the year of the Mexican Revolution, 1910 Cantina serves dishes inspired by chef-owner Mauricio’s family recipes. The menu showcases street food classics executed with precision rather than unnecessary refinement – carne asada tacos arrive topped with fresh guacamole, tangy pickled red onions and punchy salsa roja, while extraordinary quesadillas stuffed with beef birria and Tijuana spices provide perfect pre-match sustenance. For those tempting a food coma during the game, the cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pulled pork with habanero salsa) demonstrates the kitchen’s comfortable handling of traditional techniques.
Football fans who have long since learned that pints cause their bladder to come a calling 10 minutes into the first half will be pleased to learn that the bar houses one of London’s most comprehensive agave collections – over 160 varieties of mezcal and tequila. Their margaritas span the spectrum from classic lime to adventure-seeking chilli-infused creations. For an agreeable pick-me-up, the Ta’ Cabron dessert cocktail with coffee bourbon delivers sweet satisfaction with an energising caffeine kick.
For those keen to get a good feed in and walk it off before a 3pm kickoff, 1910 has just started a new brunch menu, available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am. Highlights include the Cochinita Croissant (a butter-toasted croissant filled with slow-roasted pulled pork), the satisfying and bloody filling Mexican Hash topped with fried eggs, and traditional Chilaquiles Suizos. Their brunch cocktails do the trick, too, with the Bloody Maria (their tequila-based twist on a Bloody Mary) dusting off any lingering hangovers from the night before.
Ideal for pre-match pub grub with historic Chelsea connections…
Directly opposite Stamford Bridge’s East Stand, The Butcher’s Hook offers more than mere proximity — it’s steeped in Chelsea FC lore. Within these walls in 1905, the club was founded, making this establishment sacred territory for devoted Blues supporters. Indeed, if you’re looking to buy tickets to a Chelsea game on matchday, the friendly staff can often point you in the right direction for last-minute options.
The vibe here is laid back rather than raucous, for better or for worse. The Chelsea connection is unmistakable though, with the club’s blue lion crest proudly displayed on the pub’s exterior.
Keep an eye on the blackboard, which features changing match day specials designed for efficient service, including scotch eggs, sausage rolls and honey-glazed mini chipolatas (hmm, we’ve been here before haven’t we?). Those with time to spare before kickoff and lucky enough to secure a table – or, at least, a leaning post – will find larger mains perfect for lining the stomachs of the Chelsea faithful. You know the drill; burgers, fish and chips, pies… Don’t expect fireworks, this is a Greene King after all, but it’s decent, efficient and reliable.
The awnings and outdoor seating area provide a particularly appealing spot for a pre-match pint. Away fans are nominally welcome, though opposition colors might attract broadly good-natured banter that occasionally strays beyond friendly territory.
Among celebrated chef Claude Bosi’s more accessible ventures (and one of our favourite places to eat near Kings Road, incidentally), Josephine transports diners to a charming Lyon backstreet, faithfully embodying the ‘bouchon’ – traditional Lyonnaise establishments serving robust, ingredient-focused cuisine.
The interiors marry French rustic charm with Chelsea sophistication – burgundy leather banquettes, flickering taper candles and pristine white tablecloths do the transportive thing with panache rather than pastiche. The vibe is pleasingly animated; you’ll find no reverential breathiness over a fine rabbit in mustard sauce, just full-on gushing (toasting, even, on our recent visit here) over dishes rendered in various russet hues – the hallmark of proper French bistro cooking, we think.
Whatever you do, do end with the rum baba, which comes soaked liberally enough to provide genuine tipsiness – perhaps necessary fortification before watching Robert Sanchez flailing about over a backpass once again.
House wines follow the traditional ‘by the metre’ approach – guests pay only for what they consume, a refreshingly honest practice in this postcode. Their weekday lunch and early evening set menu (two/three courses for £24.50/£29.50) is great value, and actually still in-play for Chelsea’s undignified UEFA Conference League run.
Please do note that a second Josephine has just opened in Marylebone – don’t make the mistake of booking in there if you’re tight on time before the game!
Ideal for special occasion Italian that just happens to be near the stadium…
Should your Stamford Bridge visit coincide with a celebration worthy of extravagance – or if someone else is footing the bill – this Thames-side institution could genuinely be called ‘iconic’, in an era when the term is thrown at everything from sarnies to doughnuts.
We’re not even sure the place needs introducing, but we’ll do so anyway. Founded by Ruth Rogers and the late Rose Gray in 1987, The River Café has maintained its position among London’s gastronomic elite for over three decades, earning a Michelin star while serving as an incubator for Britain’s most influential chefs. The bright, spacious dining room overlooking the Thames feels worlds apart from matchday commotion, the blue and white colour scheme strangely appropriate for fans of The Pensioners.
The menu champions authentic Italian cuisine through impeccably sourced seasonal ingredients. Daily-changing offerings might include handmade pappardelle with silky veal ragu, perfectly judged Anjou pigeon with pancetta, or their legendary chocolate nemesis – a flourless confection that hits you hard and lands you low.
The all-Italian wine selection starts at around £60 a bottle and goes north fast. In fact, prices across the board are famously eye-watering, but for a pre-match indulgence that might overshadow the football itself, few places anywhere in London can compete.
And if you are looking to make your money go a little further, then the slightly more affordable River Cafe Cafe opened next door in the summer of 2024.
Despite what the Monopoly board might have you believe, not everyone riding through Mayfair in a mini Kurtis Kraft is made of money. Neither are they silly little top hats made of pewter, but that’s another story…
…Anyway, for the vast majority of folk who find themselves in this most luxurious of London locales, dropping several hundred notes on supper is going to feel pretty frivolous. Fortunately, for those keen for a Mayfair-standard meal at, say, Pall Mall prices, there are plenty of set lunch options ready to satisfy the brief.
With that in mind, here’s our rundown of the best value set lunches in Mayfair. We think we’ll (free) park the Monopoly references now…
Noble Rot Mayfair
Ideal for a demure, delicious meal that’s the best lunch deal in Mayfair…
Noble Rot Mayfair has only been open for the best part of a year, but it’s already settled into a rhythm in the agreeably lowkey Shepherd’s Market. That should come as no surprise if you’ve been to the first two iterations of this impeccable restaurant; this is clearly a restaurant group (can we call them a group yet?) who have mastered a kind of discreet, demure hospitality and straightforward but intense cooking style. It’s an aesthetic that’s just so welcome in this gaudy side of town.
The Mayfair branch is spearheaded by head chef Adam Wood along with the usual overseeing from executive chef Stephen Harris of the Sportsman, with the two promising a seasonally reflective menu with an indulgent focus, retaining the trademark warmth and fine cooking of its predecessors in Soho and Bloomsbury.
On a recent visit, the set lunch menu (the best value in the neighbourhood at £28 for 3 courses) featured a pearlescent, flaking poached cod with fennel and orange salad that was so refreshing on a particularly balmy August day.
The confit duck leg and braised lentils that followed felt a little more autumnal, admittedly, but no less delicious. A hazelnut and brown butter cake rounded things off in some style, a textural delight.
Of course, Noble Rot is as much about the wine as it is the excellent food, with a ‘shrine to vine’ mantra that we don’t quite understand but an approachable, inclusive wine list that we very much do. To have several wines by the glass for under a fiver, in Mayfair, in this economy, is a lovely touch, even if they are only 75ml ‘tasters’. That said, the ubiquitous, totally drinkable ‘Chin Chin’ Vinho Verde is just £5 for a proper glass. A Don Tinto Tempranillo 2022 is the same price.
Not only do the guys at Noble Rot want to feed and water you without bankrupting you, there’s always an agreeable inclusivity to proceedings, which certainly isn’t always the case in Mayfair. Yep, this is the best set lunch in Mayfair, we think.
When: The set lunch menu is available from 12pm to 2:30pm everyday, with two courses for £24 and 3 for £28.
There’s nothing like a long lunch. Make a late booking, kick back for a lazy afternoon and know you won’t be eating anything else all day. Noting that the Ambassadors Clubhouse takes lunch bookings until 3.00, we’re in. Turning up there’s a pretty terrace, which would be just the job on a summer’s afternoon, but we’re looking for something a little more immersive. Pushing open the heavy door we’re met with sensory overload – a gold domed ceiling, dark wood, glittering lights, portraits of Punjabi princes. The door closes. We’re inside the jewel box.
The owners are JKS Restaurants – the very same crew behind Gymkhana, Brigadiers and Hoppers so we’re expecting something special. The Ambassadors Clubhouse is based on the historic ‘party mansion’ of the founder’s grandfather, an actual ambassador. That must have been quite the place. Deep down in the basement are discreet private dining rooms and a dance floor where on the weekend the DJ fuses Punjabi dance with contemporary Euro grooves until 2.00 am. You could have a good time down there.
Kicking off, the cocktails are some of the best we’ve had for a long time – Bhang Rickey with gin, passion fruit and mint is to die for. With them arrive spicy papads and chutneys. The hari aam chutney is an electrifying green, sweet and spicy at the same time. We have to ask for the recipe. We’re let into the secret – it’s all about generous but judicious use of unripe mango.
Choose the set lunch – at £43 you won’t find better value for such an opulent spread. Names of dishes may be less familiar than those at the local curry house but the enthusiastic waiting staff are eager to explain. The highlight is the haryali rabbit keema cheela, the flavourful minced rabbit wrapped in bronze pancakes. The properly smoky reshmi chicken tikka is charred to perfection.
Lamb shami bun kebabs arrive next, sitting up self importantly like the best mini burgers served at the ambassador’s reception. After something of a meat feast we welcome the amritsari aloo gobhi kulcha. Like naan? Like potato and cauliflower curry? Stuffing one inside the other is an inspiration. Even better when served with dark, richly spiced chick peas on the side. Room for a little dessert? Both the jalebi and the gulub jamun bring some serious sweetness, best tempered by a double espresso.
We emerge blinking into the late afternoon sun, a little heavier but our spirits lighter.
Ideal for deceptively simple, satisfying plates of Italian seasonality…
No. 1 Park Lane. Could there be a more prestigious sounding address in the city? Originally the site of 145 Piccadilly, it was once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II. Since 1975, it’s been the Intercontinental Hotel, its enviable vantage point offering stunning views of Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, making it a favourite among royalty and celebrities on their jaunts in the Big Smoke.
One of those celebrities has been plying his trade in the bowels of the Intercontinental for close to two decades. Chef Theo Randall, famous for earning the iconic Hammersmith restaurant the River Café its first Michelin star and for his patient vibes in the face of Matt Tebbutt on Saturday Kitchen, equally.
In a soothing but clinical basement dining room (it’s used for the hotel’s buffet breakfast, too) of faded greens and dusty pinks, there’s a worry Randall’s robust, faithful Italian cooking will be buried under the weight of the hotel.
Not so. Service is gentle and breezy down here, allowing light, precise plates of premium produce that’s been refreshingly un-faffed with to shine. To kick things off, a towering, salty chunk of focaccia arrives alongside a pleasant slice of bruschetta with semi-dried tomato, everything tasting as it should. My wife thinks it was deliberately presented to look like a boot, representing Italy. I’m not so sure.
Starters are light, bright and wholly appropriate for the heatwave outside, with beautiful bar-marked vegetables, a satisfying stress ball of good mozzarella, and aged balsamic all coming together into a cohesive whole.
Another starter saw thinly sliced fennel salami served, pleasingly, at the correct temperature – a rare thing in the UK. As in, warm enough so its pearls of fat are beginning to melt ever so slightly. It’s the kind of attention to detail that you expect from a chef of Randall’s quality.
Unsurprisingly, Randall’s signature beef, Chianti and San Marzano ragu is a highlight. It’s a wonderfully light affair, the tomatoes shining through just as much as the slow-cooked beef. A ragu at lunchtime is often a dangerous game to play, with the hotel rooms upstairs looking tempting for an afternoon nap to recover, but here, it’s expertly judged. Do we even need to add that the fresh egg pappardelle is perfect?
It all ends with a delicate slice of Amalfi lemon tart, the one that’s so iconic at The River Café, and, having eaten both, is just as good here. On our visit, the big man was present, working his mantecare to glossy perfection. We’re told he does so most services.
Do be warned; though the set lunch is great value, it can quickly add up if you intend to have a drink; a pinot nero bianco Saint Valier for £14 a glass and a Moscato d’Asi for £12 quickly sent things skyward. If you’re planning to stick to the water to keep prices below £100 for two all-in, then be careful not to get stung on the sparkling water. Regardless of the fact you’re in Mayfair, £7 for a San Pellegrino is a lot.
Take care with your drinks ordering, though, and Theo Randall at the Intercontinental is one of Mayfair’s best set lunches, no doubt about it.
When: Available 12pm to 2pm, Tuesday to Friday. 2 courses are currently £28, 3 are £33.
Ideal for pitch-perfect plates of studied precision…
Though the prestigious Dorchester plays host to a 3 Michelin-starred, Alain Ducasse-led (in name at least) restaurant, it’s not here that we’re enjoying one of Mayfair’s best set lunch deals.
Instead, we’re getting stuck into the cooking of one of our favourite young chefs in all of London; Tom Booton. Since becoming head chef at the reliably, resolutely stuffy Dorchester, the cherubic Booton has revitalised the hotel’s grill restaurant with his modern and creative culinary techniques, earning the honour of having his name above the door in the process – a first in the restaurant’s 92-year history.
30 year old Booton began his culinary career at the age of 15 at Talbooth, a renowned three-AA-rosette restaurant in Essex. In 2013, after spending almost five years there, he moved to London to work under Michelin-starred chef Alyn Williams at The Westbury hotel, all before his weird, now-vindicated disgrace.
Following this, he continued to hone his skills at L’Autre Pied in Marylebone, and later spent time gaining international experience in cities like New York, Copenhagen, and Reykjavik before becoming the head chef at The Grill at The Dorchester in 2019, making history as ‘the Grand Dame’s’ youngest ever head chef. That’s some serious pedigree right there.
The set lunch, keenly priced at £45 for three courses, is an elegant celebration of British produce, treated simply and with respect, sure, but also with a studied touch and a little innovation.
Prosaically titled dishes like ‘pork fillet, jowl, pineapple, fennel’ bely the technique that’s gone into the finished plate, this one arriving as pretty-as-a-porky-picture (sorry), the fillet a generous, thick three slices (generosity not always a word you’d associate with set lunches) and pleasingly pink, a full side of bar-marked pineapple sitting alongside. Shaved and lighty dressed fennel, which sits atop a puck of slow cooked then pressed pork jowl for no reason other than a bit of Dorchester decadence, brought crunch. An expertly made pork jus sealed the deal. You’ll chase the last drops across the plate with your finger.
The fish option – a chalk steam trout number with watercress and cucumber – didn’t read quite so enticingly, which is certainly the danger of these brusque, ingredient-only menu descriptors. We’re sure in the capable hands of this team, though, it’s excellent.
Seeing ‘summer soft serve’ as the dessert option on The Grill’s set lunch had us worrying that the pastry chef had phoned things in (or simply phoned Mr. Whippy), but this wasn’t any ordinary single-scoop-with-no-adornment situation.
Instead, it was a gravity defying spectacle, an architectural marvel featuring peach soft serve at its base, with fresh slices of peach and shards of almond brittle, twisted, tangled and vying for attention atop it. Peppery marigold leaves, increasingly ubiquitous on London restaurant desserts, looked fabulous cascading down this structure. A knockout dessert that left us wanting to come back that same evening to see what else Booton and the team had up their pressed, brilliantly white sleeves. The sign of a successful set lunch, no doubt.
Though the £35 a head set lunch is without doubt a steal, be careful with your drinks – a pattern emerging here, we know – as prices can head north fast. The most affordable wine by-the-glass at The Grill, a 2023 Vila Nova Alvarinho,is £12 for a small 125ml glass. On the high street, you’ll get a bottle for that. A markup to retail price of 5 times is enormous, even for these illustrious surrounds. Still, if you have the means, the 69 page tome will see you right.
Alternatively, the menu actually suggests pairing that pork main with a pint of Fabal lager. At £10 a pint, it’s not much more than you’d pay for a Madri at the Chesterfield Arms just around the corner.
When: AvailableMonday to Saturday, 12pm to 2:15pm. 3 courses are £45.
Ideal for a fun and frivolous, mostly vegan tasting menu…
Of course, you needn’t endure a bout of imposter syndrome in a luxury London hotel to get your hands on a set lunch deal that’s worth your hard earned cash. At Tendril, just a few moments into Mayfair from Oxford Circus, the vibe feels decidedly more bespoke.
Sitting pretty on the ground floor of an elegant looking Georgian townhouse on Princes Street, Tendril offers an elegant contemporary twist on ‘mostly vegan’ dining (their words, not ours).
Founded by Rishim Sachdeva, who boasts experience at The Fat Duck and Chiltern Firehouse, the concept evolved from a pop-up to a permanent fixture through a successful crowdfunding campaign, and we’re so glad they did, as Sachdeva’s skill in using bold Asian and Middle Eastern flavours to shine the best light on prime vegetables is undeniable.
Image via @tendril_kitchen
£27 is a lot of fun for a meal deal that’s more often a simple three course affair; this one is a sometimes elegant, sometimes in-your-face succession of seven or so dishes, with the grilled oyster mushroom skewers a real highlight from a recent visit. Blistered and burnished from licking flames, and topped with rounds of green chilli for a little extra fun, these guys were properly punchy. More mellow but no less enjoyable, the cauliflower massaman was ace too, its slices of gently pickled plum a lovely balancing act against all that coconut sweetness and heady spicing.
Glorious stuff indeed, though without wishing to repeat ourselves, the bill here can add up fast if you’re not cautious with your drink selection. Though the descriptor of ‘Drinking Vinegar’ might make readers wince, the Utopia vinegar, wild cherry & elderflower cordial (£7) is a gorgeous drink, and a fine pairing against the fattier, smokier notes on the plate.
When: Served from Tuesday to Friday, between 12pm and 3:30pm. The set ‘discovery prix fixe’ tasting menu is £27 for around 5 courses.
Ideal for enjoying a Michelin-starred, four course menu in under an hour…
Meanwhile, over in Hanover Square and back into the cold, clammy arms of a 5-star hotel (this time, the Four Seasons) for our lunch, Pavyllon at has quickly risen to prominence in London, earning a Michelin star within its first year of tweezering, sous-vide-ing and cryoconcentrating.
The work of – in name, at least (we see a theme developing here) – decorated chef Yannick Alléno, whose innovative, technical take on French cuisine has earned him 16 Michelin stars across the globe, Pavyllon’s set lunch will be catnip to the ‘here for a good time, not for a long time’ crowd, promised to be done and dusted in just 55 minutes (is. that. good?).
For when it’s wham, bam thank you ma’am but the hotel room isn’t booked for a fumble, this set lunch menu will do the business for you, with the four course affair clocking in at £55.50. That’s got us wondering how it would play out in other restaurants across London if the price matched the time it takes to eat a meal – if I can dispense with a whole Ikoyi 15-courser in 10 minutes, can I pay just a tenner?
Not one for the loose, languid and leisurely, this one feels like it’s aimed at an incredibly specific niche, But for those wanting to eat a multi-course Michelin-starred meal in under an hour, it’s here to serve. Still, there’s no denying the quality of the food on that menu. Dainty but with real depth, dishes like poached obsiblue prawns served with watercress and yuzu ponzu jelly, are sufficiently light not to give you indigestion as you wolf them down with one eye on the ticking stopwatch.
Weirdly for a place that wants you to smash your meal real fast and then fuck off, the dining chairs here are absurdly comfortable, their undulating padding ironing out just about every kink our back has ever endured, even those kinks yet to come. The soothing mauve colour scheme further advances that sense of sedation. Perhaps they don’t want us to leave after all.
When: Lunch is served from 12:00 to 14:30 daily. The four course menu is £55.
Next up, the set lunch at Dovetale actively encourages you to take your time, at least in its billing as a ‘Sip & Savour’ kind of vibe. Don’t mind if we do…
Dovetale, led by two-Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers of Restaurant Story fame, alongside the supremely talented Chase Lovecky (formerly of one of favourite restaurants in town, Two Lights…RIP) and former Laughing Heart chef Tom Anglesea – yep, that is one absurd line up of cooking talent right there – offers reimagined European classics in a produce-led à la carte menu. On a recent visit, a cuttlefish bolognese, moody and rich from its ink and tossed through fresh pappardelle, was a highlight.
Located within the eco-conscious 1 Hotel Mayfair, there’s a sustainable theme running through the dishes too, with foraged herbs, British MSC-certified seafood, and a keen focus on seasonality dictating the menu. In amongst the live green walls, hanging shrubs and Yorkshire stone walls, it all feels very apt.
When: This one is served from Monday to Friday, between 12pm and 2:30pm. 2 courses are £39, and 3 are £45.
Claude Bosi is proliferating all over London (‘matron’) at a frankly terrifying rate, and it was only a matter of time before he moved into Mayfair. Soon, he will own everything here. Even that sparkling water you treated yourself to at the Tesco Express on Curzon Street on route to the restaurant will one day be lining Bosi’s pockets…
Anyway, if you don’t have the £215 for seven courses at Bosi’s Bibendum or the good taste or companion for his gold-standard lapin à la moutarde for two at Josephine Bouchon (both in Chelsea), then for a suckle on the Bosi teat, Mayfair’s Brooklands might see you right.
Situated in the swanky Peninsula Hotel, arrived unceremoniously – subtly even – onto the London dining scene in late 2023, without much fanfare or flourish, seemingly just appearing out of nowhere and largely ignored by the hype machine at street level.
Perched on a stunning eighth-floor rooftop, the restaurant already boasts two Michelin stars which it barely seemed to covet, allowing instead for its precisely executed food to do the talking. Chef Director Bosi, alongside Chef de Cuisine Francesco Dibenedetto, has crafted a menu here that harmoniously blends modernity with a smattering of traditional fine dining tropes, celebrating premium British ingredients through a classical French lens.
Named after the historic Surrey racetrack, the restaurant pays tribute to the birthplace of British racing and flight innovation, featuring a curated collection of artefacts that celebrate Brooklands’ rich heritage. Among these treasures are the vintage Napier Railton, a 1933 race car that still holds the speed record at Brooklands, and a striking scale model of the iconic Concorde aircraft, which hangs majestically from the ceiling of the main dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive dining terrace offer breathtaking views of London’s skyline, hammering home that sense that you’re soaring.
All these lofty claims don’t exactly scream good value, but the set lunch, priced at £58 for three courses, is one of the best deals in the city for a two-starred venue.
When: The Brooklands set lunch ‘Concorde Carte Blanche’ menu is served from midday to 1:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. It costs £65 for three courses.
Ideal for a refreshingly old school set lunch experience…
With a legacy dating back to 1856, Claridge’s has long been the epitome of a certain kind of British elegance, graced by royalty, politicians, and Hollywood stars. Its historical charm is undeniable, with an Art Deco grandeur that has seen the likes of European crowned heads making use of its sanctuary during World War II.
This celebrated establishment has undergone multiple transformations, each era introducing its own sense of flair but always maintaining that special Claridge’s magic. The previous two decades saw three of the culinary world’s most esteemed talents running the restaurant here (in succession, not simultaneously – that would be hell on earth), with Gordon Ramsay, Simon Rogan and, most recently, Daniel Humm taking turns at the pass. The latter ended in something approaching acrimony, with Humm wanting to take the restaurant in a new, plant-based direction and the bigwigs behind the hotel roundly rejecting the idea.
Battered and bruised by the procession of chefs with big egos (surely they can cope) perhaps, in September 2023 Claridge’s Restaurant re-emerged, transcending its historical persona with modern twists while harking back to its Art Deco roots. This latest iteration, all British racing green leather booths, starburst skylights, and elegant wood parquet flooring, aims to throw things back to the roaring twenties heyday.
Though prices aren’t also throwing things back, sadly, the set lunch deal at Claridge’s is one of the better ones in Mayfair, priced at £55 for three courses. Expect simple, classical cooking a world away from Davies and Brooks’ iconic dry-aged duck, pear and daikon, or Fera’s raw veal and kohlrabi. Instead, enjoy capable, satisfying smoked salmon with creme fraiche, cucumber and soda bread, followed by Norfolk black chicken with potato fondant and peas. End with an elegant chocolate souffle tart, and consider that sometimes, from your lunch, this is all you really want.
We’re off for a lie down upstairs now. Oh, a room’s £1320? Hyde Park’s just round the corner…
When: The set lunch is served from Monday to Friday. Two courses are £45, three are £55.
Open plan living has been a key interior design trend for some time now, but the trials and tribulations of the decade thus far have led many to start looking at those expansive spaces of ours a little differently.
Indeed, according to 2020’s John Lewis Flexible Home Living Report, open plan rooms and their associated communal living spaces fell out of fashion during the pandemic, with families keen to create separate zones for home working, study and exercise.
But now that the world of ‘work’ has resumed something resembling normality, could open plan living be making a similar return to form? We think so. With that in mind, here’s how to take advantage of open plan living spaces at home.
Finding Balance: The New Open Plan Approach
The beauty of open plan living in 2025 is that it’s evolved from its pre-pandemic form. Today’s homeowners are approaching these expansive spaces with a newfound appreciation for both togetherness and personal space, what some have termed ‘broken plan’. Rather than viewing an open floor plan as one giant, undifferentiated area, modern interior designers are crafting zoned open plans – spaces that flow together visually while still offering distinct areas for different activities.
This evolution makes perfect sense. We’ve learned that while solid walls can feel restrictive, completely boundary-free living has its drawbacks too. The key is creating visual and functional separations without erecting permanent barriers. Think of it as having your cake and eating it too – maintaining the airiness and sociability of open plan living while incorporating clever design elements that provide structure when needed.
Strategic furniture placement, varied floor levels, statement lighting fixtures, and thoughtfully positioned area rugs can all work together to define different zones without disrupting the overall cohesion of your space. These subtle visual cues help the brain register transitions between areas dedicated to cooking, dining, relaxing, or working, without losing the benefits of natural light flow and easier communication between family members.
The post-pandemic approach to open plan living acknowledges something important: our homes need to be flexible enough to accommodate both our social needs and our desire for occasional retreat. With the right design choices, your open plan space can offer the best of both worlds.
An Ornate, Extendable Dining Table
If you have a large open space that feels like it needs filling, consider changing the focus of the room, dedicating it to long, leisurely lunches and dinner parties that stretch into the night.
If this sounds like your sort of thing, then, as the experts at Adventures in Furniture tell us, an extendable table is a must. You can store the leaves during those regular, midweek household meals, pulling them out when you, yourself, are trying to pull your own stops out. Makes sense, right?
Choosing an ornately carved dining table will lend an aesthetically pleasing focal point to the dining area, while a dining bench can offer flexible seating and be used in a mudroom or attractive, welcoming hallway during the quieter moments of the week.
Modular Sectional Sofas & A Complementing Coffee Table
Modular sectional sofas allow you the ultimate flexibility. You can pick and choose the number and type of pieces you want to fit your space flush, which is a real treat in both compact spaces and the open plan ones we’re considering today.
Instead of just an L-shaped sectional you often see on traditional sofas, you also have options for a U- or O-shaped conversation pit. To further encourage people to gravitate to this space, placing a coffee table in the centre gives you a surface not only for drinks and snacks, but also card and board games.
Aside from the tangible, there’s also the figurative appeal of a coffee table; it draws people in with its promise of caffeinated drinks, sure, but also gossip and goodwill.
Even if you decide not to go with a sectional look for your living room set, you can arrange smaller pieces to organically form a rough circle or square. By having seating gathered together you create a cosy atmosphere even though you’re in an open space. If you’re struggling to arrange your space efficiently, a structured, step-by-step approach can make all the difference.
Console Tables & Table Art
Console tables are a great way to add some depth to an open plan living space. These neat tables are placed against the back of sectionals or sofas, along walls, and in odd areas that would be otherwise unusable space.
Adorning console tables with table art, a stack of vintage magazines or even an elegant decanter of premium spirit helps make an open plan space feel fashionable and forward thinking (even if you were hoping to call to mind a certain ‘Mad Men’ aesthetic!).
Foldable Decorative Privacy Screens Or Glass Partitions
Yep, we realise we said open plan living was back, but sometimes, it’s important for family members to compartmentalise, as we all learned during the lockdown years.
A few privacy screens – foldable and temporary – placed strategically throughout your open plan living space can help separate different areas of the same room, with their impermanence an asset when you’re keen to return to that sociable expansive space everyone used to covet so keenly.
These screens usually fold up to be just under the width and height of an average doorway, making them easy to store when you need to use the whole space together.
Alternatively, for something more permanent that encourages light to flow a little more freely, a glass partition wall that maximises light is the ideal way to go.
Base Each Area Around A Focal Point
Every room should have a focal point, but what do you do when you have a very large area with a dining table and chairs, a foyer, a reading area, a sofa, a TV and more, all of which are traditionally single-room centrepieces? It’s best in such cases to decide how each space will be used and decide on a focal point for each area individually.
If done right, you don’t even need privacy screens to separate the areas in an open plan living space. Each area should be designed to pull together the furnishings around the particular focal point of that area, making the setting more intimate even though it’s relatively vast.
Consider raising the floor height in one area of a room or even creating a mezzanine level to act as an extra, separate living space.
With each family doing their own thing in separate zones of an open plan living space, a compromise between sociability and privacy is reached; perhaps this is the new normal everyone has been talking about.
Some Ideas For Focal Points
Picture window
You can use a picture window or sliding glass door as a focal point for the dining area or lounge, depending on the design of your home and whether the view is one of beautiful green pastures or a direct, unflinching look right into your neighbour’s bathroom. If you decide to use a picture window as your focal point, do it right by setting off the window with a beautiful window treatment.
Fireplace
A fireplace is a great focal point for any room, but in an open plan living space, it brings that much needed cosiness, especially when lit in autumn and winter. Fireplaces work for dining areas, living rooms, or open kitchens, particularly. You can even use an electric fireplace to break a room up.
Antique desk
An antique desk (or a modern desk in an antique style) is a great focal point that can further divide the room, drawing a distinction between areas reserved for functional and those dedicated to fun.
When you place a desk near the entrance of an expansive room, it can act almost as a foyer, while also leading naturally into the rest of the open living space. Of course, it’s also practical, particularly as the trend for home working shows no signs of abating, in some capacity, for many Brits.
Mural, large wall art or plain paint
One of the most unique focal points for a dining room is a thought provoking piece of art or a central sculpture. If you’re looking to go all out, commission an artist to paint a mural on the wall. This could work for a living room as well, but murals are more traditionally used in dining areas. Make sure the mural ties in with the rest of the room, as all eyes will be drawn to it upon entering.
If big pieces of wall art ain’t your style consider using paint to split your open-plan living space. Indeed, colour can be used to define space in an open floor plan. Just be sure to use colours that compliment each other.
Other Tips For Designing An Open Plan Living Space
When designing your open place living room, it is important to remember that the space needs to maintain a certain flow, even if you are setting up each area individually. Because the entire area can be seen from the door, it all needs to be done in the same style. The transitional style does allow you to blend traditional and modern furnishings, which does give you some more flexibility.
You don’t have to use exact matches for the furnishings, but you should make sure that none of the patterns or colours clash harshly. Also keep in mind that you want each area to transition gently into the next. Sticking with one particular furniture brand or collection is generally the best way to maintain a cohesive look throughout.
According to Battersea Dogs & Cats, it typically costs around £2,000 per year to take care of a dog – that’s £30,800 over its lifetime, according to the animal charity PDSA. For cats, the annual cost isn’t much less; still significant at around £1,500.
In a recent survey, approximately one-quarter of pet owners expressed concerns about their ability to provide basic needs for their pets in the future, with veterinary costs and pet food being the most worrying costs. That said, most pet owners would prefer to reduce their household expenses rather than give up their animals. And as we look down at our furriest member of the family’s puppy dog eyes, we’re not exactly surprised to hear that!
Luckily, with a little planning and resourcefulness, you can effectively save money on pet care without compromising the well-being of your furry friend. Here’s how to cut down on expenses while still providing the best care for your beloved companion.
Finding Cheaper Food
Depending on what you feed your dog, the Battersea Dog & Cats Home estimates that it can cost anywhere between £120- £600 a year – and that’s not even including treats. When it comes to cats, annually it can cost between £240–£655.
Feeding your pet high-quality food is of course crucial for their overall health, but don’t be fooled by premium brands selling posh nosh. Buying cheaper brands can help cut costs, and while cheaper isn’t always better, rest assured that, according to the leading trade body for the UK pet food industry, “the manufacture of pet food in the UK is highly regulated – there are more than 50 pieces of legislation governing the manufacture of pet food.”
That means any commercially manufactured pet food in the UK meeting UK Pet Food guidelines will contain complete nutritional requirements for pets. By ensuring whatever pet food you buy is a member of the UK Pet Food, you can find the most cost-effective options without compromising on nutritional value.
Just like human food, buying pet food in bulk is cheaper. We know you may baulk at the initial cost of bulk buying, in the long run it makes plenty of sense (and saves plenty of money, too!).
Always look out for special offers and discounts at local pet stores or consider shopping online for even greater savings. Just remember to check the expiration dates on any deals to ensure the food remains fresh.
Try not to be tied down by one food brand so you have the option to choose the best deals. We realise that pets can be picky with what they eat so you may be loyal to one brand, however, no dog or at will starve themselves deliberately. There is even an argument that it’s smart to switch up your pet’s food to help prevent a pet from developing a stubborn preference for just one kind of food.
Join Pet Food Subscription Services
Many online retailers offer subscription services for pet food that can save you 5-15% compared to one-off purchases. These services often provide additional perks like free delivery and the convenience of automatic reordering. If you have access to a cold room storage area (like a cellar or utility room that stays cooler than the rest of your home), this can be ideal for storing sealed dry pet food in bulk, as the cooler temperature helps preserve freshness longer. Set calendar reminders to review these subscriptions regularly to ensure you’re still getting the best deal.
Repurpose Household Items For Pet Toys
There’s no need to spend a fortune on expensive pet toys when your home is already filled with potential playthings! Empty toilet roll tubes can become cat tunnels, old t-shirts can be braided into dog pull toys, and tennis balls can provide hours of entertainment. Creating a designated “pet room” corner in your home with these DIY toys not only saves money but also provides a special space where your pet can play safely without disturbing the rest of the household. Remember to check homemade toys regularly for wear and tear to ensure they remain safe for your furry friend.
Consider Pet Insurance Alternatives
While pet insurance provides peace of mind, it can be costly. Consider creating a dedicated pet emergency fund instead. Set aside the amount you would pay for insurance premiums each month into a separate savings account specifically for pet-related emergencies. Another option is to research veterinary payment plans or charities that offer financial assistance for specific conditions. Some veterinary practices also offer wellness plans that cover routine care at a lower cost than comprehensive insurance. Always compare these options carefully to determine which approach makes the most financial sense for your specific circumstances.
Consider Your Pet Sitting Options
Paying someone to look after your pet can quickly add up. If you own a dog and find yourself needing occasional assistance with dog care, BorrowMyDoggy is an excellent platform to explore. This innovative service connects dog owners with trustworthy individuals who are willing to look after dogs for free or at a minimal cost. It provides an alternative to expensive dog boarding or dog walking services, allowing you to save money while ensuring your furry friend receives the attention and care they need.
Finding pet care can also be as easy as asking your family, friends and even neighbours to help out. Think it will be a burden? Think again. A recent study revealed that 80 percent of folk believe that people have a responsibility to help others with time and effort. And if that help takes the form of stopping by your house to leave food and water for the cat, then thank you very much!
Prioritise Preventative Healthcare:
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” said the renowned writer, political thinker and, scientist, Benjamin Franklin. And after a cursory check that an ounce is, indeed, lighter than a pound, we can use these wise words going forward when considering not only the health of humans, but also of our beloved pets.
Regular vaccinations and preventive treatments can help avoid costly veterinary bills down the line. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the essential vaccinations and medications your pet requires based on their age, breed, and lifestyle. By staying up-to-date with vaccinations and preventive treatments, you can protect your pet’s health and save money in the long run.
Learn To Groom Your Pet At Home
Don’t shell out on an expensive pet groomer – there are numerous grooming tips that you can use at home. Regular grooming is not only essential for your pet’s appearance (and for keeping your home smelling fresh!), but also for their overall well-being. Instead of relying solely on professional groomers, consider learning basic grooming techniques yourself.
Educate yourself through online tutorials or local workshops. By mastering simple tasks like brushing, bathing, and nail trimming, you can save money on grooming expenses while bonding with your pet.
Seek Support from PDSA
UK-based charity the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) offers free or low-cost veterinary care for pets whose owners are on certain means-tested benefits. If you are eligible, PDSA can provide essential medical treatments, vaccinations, and even surgical procedures at a reduced cost. Reach out to PDSA to see if you qualify for their assistance programs and take advantage of their valuable services.
The Bottom Line
Caring for your pet doesn’t have to drain your finances. With a little effort and resourcefulness, you can provide your furry friend with the love and care they deserve while keeping your budget intact.
The future has never felt more uncertain, with the unstoppable passing of time perhaps the only inevitability remaining in our topsy-turvy lives. But how do you find reassurance and stability in an increasingly chaotic world? Some do so by making moves to future proof their finances, others invest in smart technology for their home, hoping they can automate themselves into immortality.
But more recently, there has been a movement – some call it faddish, others call it forward-planning – to future proof yourself in order to give you the best possible chance, health, home and finance wise, in the years ahead. Wondering exactly how you might do that? Here are 8 ways to future proof your later life and ensure your final years are as golden as possible.
Stop Making These Health Mistakes
We all do foolhardy things when we’re young, things we know are bad for us. Who didn’t used to drink a little too much, party a little too hard, go sunbathing doused in tanning oil and eat the occasional Happy Meal?
However, according to Health.com “health and lifestyle errors can sneak up on you in midlife and, next thing you know, a routine checkup finds your blood pressure’s up or your blood sugar’s out of whack.’’
They go on to caution that “If you’re not using 40 as that check-in point and that turnout time, those issues will start compounding, leading to chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes”. Potentially prescient stuff, indeed.
Some of the key health mistakes Health.com advise you should stop making by age 40 include…
Not making sleep a priority – Lack of sleep can increase your risk of hypertension, stroke, and obesity. Moreover, “there’s evidence that being sleep deprived promotes biological aging’’, which makes us look older than we are.
Binging on alcohol– Alcohol also can make certain age-related health problems much worse over time, having an accumulative effect on the body as we get older.
Flossing – Gum disease often appears in our 30s and 40s and has been linked to heart problems.
Missing meals – Skipping meals can mess with your metabolism and set you up for type 2 diabetes.
Having the odd cigarette – Quitting before age 40 slashes the chance of premature death from smoking-related diseases by 90%.
Eating excessive amounts of salt – Too much of it can lead to hypertension, a major cause of heart attack and stroke.
Ignoring health signs and lying to your doctor –They say that “Since health issues become more prevalent as we age, even little white lies may pose a danger to your health”.
Skipping weights at the gym – Bone-building strength exercises can lower the risk of brittle-bone disease. Keeping fit shouldn’t only be about cardio.
Stay Mentally Active
Did you know that being active and maintaining a healthy weight boosts longevity by more than seven years?
Though the importance of exercise can’t be stressed enough, it’s just as crucial that we look after our minds as we age. Cognitive decline is one of the most concerning aspects of getting older. As life expectancy rises, the rate of dementia follows suit. According to a report by The Guardian “Dementia is the biggest health crisis of our time, experts have said, as statistics show the condition was the primary cause of death in England and Wales last year.”
While staying mentally active won’t make you immune to the disease, it can reduce the probability of its early onset. As such, we owe it to ourselves to keep our minds active and alert as we get older.
Crosswords and Sudoku, in particular, have long been believed to improve memory and cognitive function. Though the evidence isn’t actually conclusive on how much they help the brain, it should be noted that the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation encourages regular crossword puzzles as a means of protecting the brain, citing a study done by the University of California which found that ‘’the more often someone engaged in mentally stimulating activities, the less buildup of beta-amyloid they were likely to have in the brain’’. That beta-amyloid is a toxic protein which can build up in the brain and cause issues with memory. Fascinating stuff.
What’s more, a study in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that increased playing of sudoku (and also crosswords) led to better brain function in the over 50s. Of course, puzzles aren’t the only way to stay mentally active; learning a new language, taking up a new hobby and keeping in contact with friends can all keep your mind sharper, too. Speaking of which…
Stay Social
While that morning crossword or Sudoku puzzle may well help keep the cogs turning, experts suggest that sleep, socialising and exercise are far more effective tools in your arsenal if you’re looking to sharpen up your mind.
Socialising, in particular, can have huge benefits to those entering their golden years. According to Age.co.uk “having close ties to friends and family, and participating in meaningful social activities, may help people maintain their thinking skills better in later life and slow down cognitive decline. People who are socially engaged seem to have a lower risk of dementia, but the evidence is not yet strong enough to draw firm conclusions.”
There are lots of things you can do to cultivate new connections and stay social, such as joining a club, class or social group to meet new people, or engaging more deeply with your community through charitable organisations and volunteering opportunities.
Cashing In Your Chips
In the journey of life, it’s essential to not only plan for our present but also our future, and a crucial aspect of that is ensuring our final years are as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
One often overlooked but crucial strategy for achieving this is investing in funeral insurance. This simple act can significantly ease the emotional and financial burden on our loved ones during the difficult period following our passing. The task of arranging a funeral service can feel daunting, particularly for grieving family members who may be unprepared for the decisions and costs involved. By making these arrangements in advance, you spare your loved ones this additional stress during an already challenging time.
Funeral insurance provides us with the peace of mind that everything will be taken care of according to our wishes, allowing us to fully enjoy our twilight years without the nagging worry of leaving our loved ones with the responsibility for our final arrangements.
By prioritising funeral insurance as part of our comprehensive future-proofing plan, we take a proactive step in securing our dignity, relieving emotional strain on those we care about, and ultimately ensuring our final years are as golden as possible.
Invest In Digital Literacy
In our rapidly evolving technological landscape, digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential for maintaining independence and quality of life as we age. Many vital services, from banking to healthcare appointments and government benefits, are increasingly moving online.
Research from Age UK shows that older people who embrace technology tend to experience less loneliness and greater social connection. Learning to use video calling platforms can help maintain relationships with family and friends who live far away, while online communities can provide support and companionship even for those with mobility challenges.
Start by familiarising yourself with basic digital skills—using email, browsing the internet safely, and making video calls. Many local libraries and community centres offer free or affordable courses specifically designed for older learners. Some retailers also provide tech support services to help you set up and learn to use new devices.
By investing time in digital literacy now, you’re future-proofing your ability to access essential services, maintain social connections, and continue learning—all vital components of a fulfilling later life. Remember, it’s never too late to become tech-savvy, and even mastering just a few digital skills can make a significant difference to your independence and wellbeing in the years ahead.
Know What You’re Entitled To
As you get older, you become eligible for all sorts of discounts, deals and state-sponsored support programmes. Many are facilitated by the government, and these include pension top-ups, help with meeting the cost of energy bills and free or, at least, heavily discounted travel.
Of particular pertinence, you may also be entitled to free home adaptations and equipment from the NHS which includes handrails for stairs, grab rails for the bathroom and more.
But sometimes, this diversity can be confusing. There’s a danger that as we age, bureaucracy, form filling and understanding of the complexities of such support can get tougher. As Which.co.uk highlight, “The crucial thing here is that more often than not you have to remember actively to claim them, as millions of UK consumers fail to do so, missing out on valuable income”.
Though it’s not exhaustive, you can check Gransnet to see what discounts you might be entitled to, or search for the ‘Saga Guide to Over-60s Perks’, which comes in a handy PDF printable leaflet.
Alternatively, Money Magpie have compiled a useful list of Benefits for the over 60s which details many of the discounts and benefits available here in the UK.
Adapt The Home
Forward planning and foresight shouldn’t be reserved for the physical and financial self. You can also future proof your home to ensure that later down the line, it’ll be a pleasant place to retire.
Your home should be as adaptable as possible to accommodate the inevitable yet unpredictable lifestyle changes that the passing of time brings. Should you be playing the long game, then particularly important is to consider the concept of ‘Aging in Place’ and making your home more livable for your golden years.
This is all about investing in design features that will allow you to remain in your home through the course of your life, meeting the demands of ageing adeptly and adaptively. That’s not to say you should install features which cause an eyesore. Fortunately today, even the most functional of items, including handrails and slip-resistant surfaces can become stylish architectural features. Should mobility be an issue about the home, instead of a standard stairlift, many now choose to install lift, which is visually less obtrusive and can be made to look stylish and succinct with the rest of your decor.
If you’re considering aging in place at a more micro level, then you should consider the location and height of any home appliances, plug sockets, and cupboards when renovating. Having these things positioned higher, preferably at hand or at eye level, will reduce the need to stoop and bend.
Finally, install windows that are easy to manipulate and don’t require physical effort to open. If giving your home a thorough refurbishment, give thought to the positioning and size of your windows, too – windows with a view are so important as you age and offer comfort and reconnection in times of crisis.
When you’re young, the last thing on most people’s minds is making provisions for retirement. Doing so brings an acceptance that we’re getting old, and even worse, that this whole thing is finite. Not many young people want to think about that.
Most of us aren’t saving for our pension, but we should be saving up a retirement pot, that’s for sure. Make sure you’re enrolled in your workplace pension scheme and check your contributions record for a state pension. If you put more in your pension, there’s less chance you’ll despair when you’re older.
But don’t get too het up, according to this positive pension article, a 40 year old needs to put only £40 aside every week to live comfortably in old age. Our idea is to put £20 a week in your twenties, £30 a week in your thirties and so on.
Sardinia’s capital sprawls across seven limestone hills, each telling its own tale of conquest and culture. Cagliari, often dismissed as merely a gateway to the island’s famed beaches, reveals itself as an intoxicating blend of influences: Phoenician ruins neighbour Art Nouveau cafés, while Spanish baroque churches share narrow lanes with North African-inspired markets. This is a city where tradition runs deep but contemporary life flourishes naturally alongside it – from the bustling marina district’s waterfront bars to the sleek boutiques of Via Roma and the vibrant music scene that fills both medieval courtyards and modern venues.
Unlike its more tourist-worn Italian counterparts, Cagliari maintains an authenticity that’s increasingly rare in Mediterranean capitals. Here, elderly signoras still hang washing between medieval towers, while students crowd into hole-in-the-wall bars serving up local Ichnusa beer alongside some particularly noodly jazz. The city’s relationship with time feels delightfully fluid – ancient nuraghi watch over modernist museums, and Renaissance palazzi house cutting-edge galleries.
While you could spend weeks exploring every hidden vicolo and sampling each neighbourhood osteria, 48 hours gives you enough time to scratch beneath the surface of this fascinating city. The key is knowing where to look and, more importantly, when to go – timing is everything in this city.
Day 1: Ancient Streets & Local Flavours
Morning: Castello Awakening
Begin your concise, considered weekend in Cagliari in the ancient Castello quarter, but time it right – arrive before 9am to watch the city wake up from Caffè Librarium Nostrum, a literary café tucked into the medieval walls along Via Santa Croce. Their cornetti filled with ricotta and honey pair perfectly with a cappuccino, and the terrace offers unobstructed views across the Gulf of Angels. The café’s collection of vintage photographs provides fascinating glimpses into Cagliari’s past.
A five-minute walk brings you to the Torre dell’Elefante, one of two remaining Pisan towers. Time your visit for opening at 10am to beat both crowds and heat. The tower’s 131 steps are worth climbing not just for the panoramic views but also for the insights into medieval military architecture. Look for the small elephant sculpture that gives the tower its name – local legend says it brings luck to students who touch it before exams.
Midday: Markets & Local Life
The walk down from Castello to the Marina quarter takes about 15 minutes via picturesque stepped alleyways. Aim to reach the San Benedetto Market by 11am – late enough for all stalls to be open but before the local lunch crowd arrives. This two-storey temple to Sardinian gastronomy isn’t just one of Europe’s largest covered markets; it’s a fascinating insight into island culture. The ground floor’s seafood section dazzles with displays of red prawns from the Gulf, fresh octopus, and, if you’re lucky, ricci (sea urchins) in season from November to April.
For lunch, skip the obvious tourist spots and stroll twenty minutes south to Sa Piola, a gem in the heart of the Stampace quarter near the Santa Chiara steps – which, locals will tell you, mark where St Francis of Assisi once walked in Sardinia.
Since 2008, Giuseppe Vinci has been crafting faithfully-rendered Sardinian cuisine here with remarkable passion. The restaurant’s name comes from the nearby steps, and it maintains the spirit of the traditional piola – once a gathering place where friends would meet for good food and wine. Their fregola con arselle (tiny pasta balls with clams) is a masterclass in briny, satisfying simplicity, while the cassola (fish soup) represents the best of Cagliari’s maritime heritage.
A gentle 10-minute stroll brings you to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, strategically timed for when most tourists are at lunch or the beach. The museum’s collection of bronze figurines from the Nuragic period is unmatched, but the real treasures are the Phoenician jewellery pieces and the Monte Prama Giants – mysterious warrior statues that predate Rome.
By late afternoon, when the sun softens, walk five minutes to Caffè Svizzero on Via Roma. This Art Nouveau gem has been serving sebadas since 1925. Watch the traditionally-clad staff prepare this crispy pastry filled with young pecorino and drizzled with bitter corbezzolo honey – a gorgeous little snack that perfectly encapsulates Sardinian cuisine’s love affair with the balance of sweet and savoury.
Evening: Sunset & Supper
Time your ascent to Bastione di Saint Remy for about an hour before sunset. The limestone viewing terrace, reached via a grand staircase that would look at home in a Visconti film, offers the city’s most dramatic views. Local musicians often perform here as the sun dips behind Capo Sant’Elia, casting the Gulf in shades of amber and rose.
For your first evening’s dinner, descend from the Bastione into Cagliari’s old town to Da Marino al St Remy, just a stone’s throw away on Via San Salvatore da Horta. The charismatic owner Marino is likely to greet you himself – ask him about the history of the restaurant and the surrounding streets, as he loves sharing stories about the area’s transformation. In the kitchen, his wife Silvana crafts Mediterranean dishes with distinctly Sardinian touches. The seafood dishes are the standouts here, and Marino will happily guide you through the menu to find the perfect choice. The restaurant’s position on the edge of the pedestrianised zone makes it an ideal spot to unwind after your time at the Bastione.
End your evening in somewhat cyclical fashion, back where we started at Libarium Nostrum, just three minutes’ walk away and open until 1am. Their rooftop terrace serves craft cocktails incorporating local ingredients like mirto (myrtle liqueur) and Sardinian herbs. Try their Castello Sunset, a blend of local gin, Campari, and orange blossom water.
Day 2: Coastal Pleasures & Hidden Treasures
Morning: Beach Bound
Start your day at Antico Caffè by day, opening at 7am in the Marina district. This historic café has been a Cagliari institution since 1855 and serves excellent coffee alongside traditional Sardinian breakfast pastries. Whether you opt for a simple cornetto or one of the local specialties like pardulas (sweet ricotta-filled pastries), it’s a wonderfully traditional way to begin your morning. Grab a coffee and pastry before catching the PF (Poetto-Flamengo) bus to Poetto Beach – a 15-minute ride that locals have dubbed ‘the most scenic commute in Italy’.
Poetto’s 8-kilometre stretch of white sand is best enjoyed early. By 9am, you’ll spot local swimmers completing their morning laps between the distinctive old bathing stations, while pink flamingos feed in the adjacent Molentargius salt pans.
While many Sardinia tours might overlook this area en route to more famous beaches, those in the know head to the less crowded southern end near the Sella del Diavolo promontory. From here, you can take in views of the dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters that most visitors never discover. During summer months, the beach comes alive with stabilimenti balneari (beach clubs) offering sunbeds and umbrellas, while the nearby cafes and kiosks serve everything from fresh fruit to local beer.
Midday: Local Flavours
Take the PF bus back to the centre (they run every 15 minutes) for lunch at one of the trattorias around Piazza Yenne. This bustling square and its surrounding streets form one of Cagliari’s most popular lunch spots, where you’ll find locals enjoying unfussy but delicious Sardinian cooking.
Look for places offering the menu del giorno (daily menu) – you’ll get a taste of authentic local cooking without breaking the bank. The area is particularly good for pasta dishes like the local malloreddus alla campidanese (Sardinian gnocchi with sausage and tomato sauce) or simple but perfectly well-prepared seafood.
Afternoon: Hidden Quarters
The afternoon sees you exploring Villanova, the most straightforwardly Cagliaritan of the old quarters, just a 10-minute walk from Marina. This maze of narrow streets houses artisan workshops where you can watch craftsmen creating filigree jewellery using techniques passed down through generations. The Basilica di San Saturnino, one of the oldest churches in Sardinia, offers a cool retreat from the afternoon sun.
The nearby Orto Botanico, open until 6pm, provides another peaceful retreat. Beyond its collection of Mediterranean flora, the garden holds a secret – ancient Roman cisterns that once supplied water to the entire city. Time your visit for late afternoon when the light filters through the ancient stone arches, creating atmospheric shadows.
Evening: Farewell Feast
For your final evening in Cagliari, Luigi Pomata Restaurant offers a refined take on Sardinian cuisine. Chef Pomata’s tuna dishes are particularly celebrated – he’s known as the ‘King of Tuna’ across the island – and his creative approach to local ingredients makes this an ideal spot for a memorable farewell dinner. The restaurant’s elegant setting near the marina provides a fitting backdrop for your last night in the city.
End your night at Florio, a 5-minute walk away in a restored liberty-style palazzo. Their wine list features over 100 Sardinian labels, and the knowledgeable staff delight in introducing visitors to lesser-known local varieties.
Neighbourhood Know-How: Where To Stay In Cagliari
Choosing the right area in Cagliari can make or break your 48-hour experience. Each quarter offers a distinct flavour of city life, and your choice should align with your preferred pace and priorities.
Castello, the medieval heart of the city, offers the most atmospheric accommodation options. The Hotel Regina Margherita, despite its slightly misleading name, sits at the edge of this quarter in a perfectly renovated 19th-century palazzo. While the rooms offer modern comforts, it’s the rooftop terrace that steals the show – breakfast here, watching the morning light play across the Gulf of Angels, sets a magnificent tone for the day. Request a room on the upper floors facing the sea for the best views.
For those seeking a more contemporary vibe, the Marina district provides the perfect blend of convenience and local life. T Hotel, with its striking modern architecture and world-class spa, stands as a testament to Cagliari’s forward-looking spirit. The hotel’s bar has become a favourite among locals for aperitivo, offering visitors an authentic slice of Cagliaritan social life. The spacious deluxe rooms in the curved wing offer panoramic views over the city and sea.
Villa Fanny (teehee), situated in the quieter Stampace district, provides an elegant retreat in a restored historic mansion. The garden, filled with ancient olive trees and Mediterranean herbs, offers a tranquil escape from city exploration. Each of the twelve rooms features unique décor, but room 7, with its original frescoed ceiling and private terrace, is particularly special.
For those preferring to live like a local, the Villanova quarter offers charming B&Bs and guesthouses in traditional houses. This historic district, with its narrow streets and local atmosphere, provides an enjoyable look into daily Cagliari life. Look for the renovated town houses that have been converted into small hotels and B&Bs, many featuring traditional details like exposed limestone walls and internal courtyards that provide perfect spots for morning coffee.
Budget-conscious travellers should consider the excellent options in Stampace, where family-run guesthouses offer traditional, humble experiences at reasonable prices. Residenza Kastrum, despite its modest exterior, surprises with spacious rooms and warm hospitality. The shared roof terrace provides stunning views over the historic centre.
The Bottom Line
Forty-eight hours in Cagliari offers just enough time to scratch the surface of this fascinating city, where ancient history meets modern Sardinian life. From its medieval heights to its sun-drenched shores, Cagliari proves itself as much more than just a gateway to Sardinia’s famous beaches. This is a city that rewards those who take the time to discover its many layers, leaving visitors with a lasting impression of Sardinian hospitality and culture.
For those looking to explore more of the island, consider pairing your city break with a journey to the nuraghi of Barumini, just an hour’s drive away. The prehistoric towers offer a fascinating glimpse into Sardinia’s mysterious past and make for an excellent day trip from Cagliari.
Consider, too, Sardinia’s famous coast-to-coast walk, one of our favourite walkings in Italy. Better pack those walking boots, hey?
Too often dismissed as merely the entry point to Crete’s beach resorts and ancient treasures, Heraklion rewards those who linger. The island’s capital wears its history proudly, from its massive Venetian walls to its Ottoman fountains, yet thrums with the energy of a modern Greek city.
While many visitors rush through en route to Chania or the beaches of the south coast, spending 48 hours here reveals a city where cafés spill onto Byzantine squares, where market halls buzz with the sound of traders hawking local delicacies, and where some of Greece’s finest museums share streets with outstanding tavernas.
This is a city that reveals itself slowly, through morning coffee rituals in centuries-old squares, long lunches in family-run ouzeries, and evening strolls along fortress walls that have guarded the harbour since the 15th century. Here’s how to make the most of two days in Crete’s often overlooked capital.
Day 1: From Palace Finds To Harbour Nights
Morning: Kafenion Rituals
Begin your first day in Heraklion at Kírkor, a traditional kafenion on the historic 25th August Street. Dating back to 1922, this atmospheric café serves Greek coffee the traditional way – braised slowly in hot sand – alongside bougatsa, the local breakfast pastry filled with mizithra cheese or cream. Watch the morning light play across the nearby Morosini Fountain as you plan your day.
Just steps away stands the Loggia, a stunning example of Venetian architecture now housing the town hall. The morning hours are perfect for exploring the surrounding streets, where Ottoman fountains and Venetian mansions tell the story of the city’s diverse heritage.
Midday: Museum Marvels
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece, demands at least two hours of your morning. Housing the world’s finest collection of Minoan art and artefacts, the museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into Europe’s earliest advanced civilisation. The famous Phaistos Disc and the Snake Goddess figurines are must-sees, but don’t miss the vibrant frescoes that once adorned the palace of Knossos.
For lunch, walk five minutes to O Tempelis, a traditional mezedopoleio tucked away on a quiet side street near the museum. Their dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) follow a decades-old family recipe, while the octopus, slow-cooked in local red wine, demonstrates why Cretan cuisine is considered among the finest in Greece.
The afternoon is perfect for exploring the market on 1866 Street, a covered market dating from the late Ottoman period. Here, stallholders proudly display mountains of local herbs, barrels of olives, and strings of sun-dried octopus. Look for graviera, Crete’s answer to gruyère, and the local spirit raki, often offered as a gesture of hospitality by shopkeepers.
Stop at Kafeneio O Nearos, a traditional coffee house where locals gather for backgammon and conversation. Order a Greek coffee and watch the theatre of daily life unfold around you, all done in true siga siga style.
Evening: Koules At Dusk
As the day cools, make your way to the Koules Fortress, the imposing Venetian castle guarding the harbour. Time your visit for sunset, when the medieval walls glow golden and fishing boats return to port trailing seabirds in their wake.
Dinner at Peskesi provides a contemporary take on traditional Cretan cuisine. Housed in a beautifully restored 12th-century building, the restaurant sources ingredients from its own farm. Their gamopilafo, a traditional wedding rice dish made with lamb or goat, offers a taste of authentic Cretan celebration food. The wine list showcases the excellent local vintages from Crete’s emerging wine scene.
Day 2: Minoans To Mezedes
Morning: The Minotaur’s Maze
Start early with breakfast at Think Tank, a contemporary café near Lions Square where traditional Greek breakfast items get a modern twist. Their strapatsada (scrambled eggs with tomato and feta) makes an ideal foundation for a morning of exploration.
Take a bus or taxi to the Palace of Knossos, arriving when it opens to avoid both crowds and heat. This 4000-year-old Minoan palace complex, partially reconstructed by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Cretan life. While some debate Evans’ interpretations, there’s no denying the site’s powerful impact on visitors.
Midday: Local Life
Return to the city for lunch at Kafeneio To Thirio, tucked away on Mpizaniou Street near the Cathedral of Agios Minas. In this cosy spot, mezedes (small plates) showcase the best of Cretan home cooking – the kind of place where plates arrive at your table until you tell them to stop.
Try the kalitsounia (herb pies) and dakos (Crete’s answer to bruschetta, topped with tomato, mizithra cheese, and oregano). Its location just steps from the cathedral makes it perfect for combining lunch with a visit to one of Heraklion’s most impressive Orthodox churches.
Afternoon: Arts & Crafts
Spend your afternoon exploring the city’s creative side in the streets around St. Catherine’s Square. The Historical Museum of Crete provides context for everything you’ve seen, with exhibits spanning Byzantine treasures to modern art. Don’t miss the El Greco painting – one of only three on the island where the artist was born.
Take a break at Crop, a stylish spot in a renovated building where local creative types gather over expertly prepared coffee. Their freddo cappucino (iced coffee) is among the best in the city, and the contemporary atmosphere provides a fascinating contrast to the historic surroundings.
Evening: The Cretan Table
For your final evening, join the locals for volta – the evening promenade along 25th August Street and the harbour front. As the sun sets, families and friends stroll, chat, and people-watch in this timeless Greek tradition.
End your Heraklion stay with dinner at Parasties, where traditional Cretan dishes are served in a gorgeous courtyard setting. Their slow-cooked lamb antikristo style (cooked beside rather than over the fire) demonstrates why Cretan meat dishes are celebrated across Greece.
Neighbourhood Know-How: Where To Stay In Heraklion
Choosing where to stay in Heraklion largely depends on whether you’re seeking historic charm, seaside views, or a blend of both. Within the Venetian walls, particularly around Lions Square, you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of the old city. This area offers the quintessential Heraklion experience – wake up to church bells, grab breakfast from traditional bakeries, and walk to most major attractions. The streets here bustle during the day but quiet considerably at night, especially in the pedestrianised zones.
The area around the old harbour, while technically still within the walls, offers a different atmosphere that’s distinctly of Heraklion. Here, converted merchant houses and restored buildings provide rooms with views across the Mediterranean. The morning light over the Koules Fortress makes for a spectacular way to start the day, though do expect some ambient noise from the harbour front restaurants in the evening.
For those seeking more space and serenity, the residential areas just outside the walls offer a calmer experience while remaining within walking distance of the centre. The neighbourhood around Demokratias Avenue, in particular, offers a glimpse into local life while keeping you close to the action.
Luxury seekers should look to the hills surrounding Heraklion, particularly in areas like Agia Pelagia, just 15 minutes from the city centre. Here, exclusive five star Greece villas with infinity pools and panoramic views offer privacy and sophistication, along with easy access to both pristine beaches and the city’s cultural attractions. Many properties in this area come with optional chef services and other high-end amenities.
Budget-conscious travellers will find plenty of options in the streets branching off from 1866 Market Street. This bustling area offers authentic atmosphere and good value, though it can be lively until late, so light sleepers might want to look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
Heraklion proves that some of the best travel experiences come from slowing down and digging deeper. While it’s tempting to rush through to Crete’s beaches or more tourist-oriented towns, this ancient city rewards those who give it time. From its world-class museums to its backstreet tavernas, from its Minoan palaces to its modern cafés, Heraklion offers an authentic slice of Cretan life that many visitors miss entirely.
Your wedding day is the culmination of months (perhaps years!) of meticulous planning, Pinterest boards bursting with inspiration, and countless conversations about every tiny detail. But amidst the venue hunting, cake tasting and dress fittings, your crowning glory – quite literally – deserves just as much attention. After all, your hair will be immortalised in photographs that you’ll cherish forever, not to mention scrutinised by your great-aunt Mildred who still hasn’t forgiven her niece for that “experimental” fringe in her 1987 wedding photos.
Let’s ensure your locks are living their best life when you say “I do” with these essential wedding hair tips that will have you looking fabulous from the first look to the last dance. Here’s our top tips on how to elevate your wedding day hair…
Don’t Do A Look You Never Rock
On your most important day, why do a look you never rock? One of the biggest mistakes brides make is trying to get too experimental and going with hairstyles that they’ll later come to regret. If you’ve never worn your hair in a towering updo, your wedding day might not be the ideal moment to debut this look.
Think about your everyday style and how you feel most comfortable and confident. Are you typically a ponytail person? Perhaps a sleek, elevated ponytail with some face-framing tendrils would be perfect. Do you love your natural curls? Consider embracing them rather than straightening for the first time. The key is to look like the most magnificent version of yourself, not someone your partner might struggle to recognise at the altar.
Remember that wedding days are emotional enough without adding the stress of constantly touching a hairstyle that feels foreign to you. When you feel like yourself – just more polished – you’ll be able to focus on the joy of the day rather than worrying if that unfamiliar fringe is still sitting right.
What’s The Weather Like?
Before committing to those perfect beach waves or that intricate updo, take a moment to consider the forecast. Nothing will deflate your carefully crafted curls faster than unexpected humidity, and a blustery wind will have those loose tendrils looking more windswept than whimsical.
For summer weddings, especially those in humid locations, consider styles that keep hair off your neck – not just for aesthetics but for comfort too. Nobody wants to be dealing with sweaty strands while saying their vows. Braided elements can add both security and style to summer wedding looks, while adding extra hold products will help combat humidity.
Winter brides face different challenges – static from dry air, potential rain or snow, and the stark contrast between heated indoor venues and chilly outdoor photo locations. Updos often fare better in winter conditions, and your stylist can recommend anti-humidity and anti-static products to keep everything in place regardless of what the British weather decides to throw at you on your big day.
The location matters too – a windswept beach wedding might call for a different approach than a controlled indoor environment. Always have a backup plan or style adjustment ready if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate with your hair goals.
Investigate Looks With Your Stylist
A hair stylist can and should provide guidance on how you should wear your hair. They can help you find a style that suits your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. They can also recommend products and techniques for styling and maintaining your hair throughout your special day.
Don’t be shy about scheduling multiple consultations if needed. A good bridal hair stylist will welcome your questions and concerns, and they’ll have extensive experience in dealing with wedding day hair emergencies. Bring along a mood board – whether physical or digital – showing various angles of styles you’re drawn to, as well as images of your dress and any hair accessories you’re considering.
During your consultation, be open about your hair history too. If you’ve recently coloured your hair, if you have extensions, or if you have concerns about thin areas or cowlicks, your stylist needs to know. They might suggest treatments in the months leading up to your wedding to ensure your hair is in its best condition for the big day.
Remember that professional stylists have seen it all – they know which styles photograph well, which ones will last through a night of dancing, and which ones might cause you discomfort after a few hours. Trust their expertise while ensuring your preferences are heard.
Consider adding a hairpiece to your wedding day arsenal. In the past, wigs have had a bit of a bad reputation. However, wigs have been mainstream for quite some time and the technology has improved dramatically. Today’s options are virtually undetectable and can be customised to match your natural hair perfectly. Many celebrities like Adele, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj are proud to talk about their wigs, normalising what was once considered a secret styling tool.
Layered wigs are particularly versatile for bridal looks, as they provide incredible dimension and movement that photographs beautifully. The varied lengths create a natural-looking texture that can be styled in multiple ways, from romantic waves to sophisticated updos, giving you flexibility for your wedding day vision.
Experts on layered wigs from UNice tell us that the best way to find the perfect wig for your wedding is to try on different styles and colours. They suggest visiting a wig shop or trying on wigs online to get a better idea of what works for you. They add “if you are not experienced in wig styling, you may want to consider hiring a wig stylist to help you choose and style your wig for your wedding. They can help you choose the best wig for your face shape and hair color, and ensure that your wig looks natural and beautiful on your special day”.
Not ready for a full wig? Consider the middle ground with high-quality clip-in extensions that can add volume, length, or both. These can be particularly useful for brides with fine hair who want a fuller look for their wedding day. Clip-ins can be coloured to match your hair perfectly and can be styled along with your natural hair for a seamless blend.
For those concerned about hair thinning or particular areas of the scalp showing, there are also targeted toppers that add volume and coverage just where you need it. Your stylist can help integrate these pieces so naturally that even your closest friends won’t be able to tell what’s yours and what’s added.
With wigs, you no longer have limits on the look you want to achieve for your wedding day. Just remember to purchase your hairpieces well in advance of the wedding to allow time for any necessary customisation, and be sure to bring them to your hair trial so your stylist can practice working with them.
Your goal should be to choose a hair look that will make you “feel the most beautiful” for your special occasion, while complementing your wedding dress perfectly. Some dress styles look better with an updo than a down-do, and finding the right balance is essential for a harmonious overall look.
For dresses with high necklines or intricate bodice details, lifting the hair away from the face and neck often works best to showcase these elements. A high-necked lace gown, for instance, pairs beautifully with a classic chignon or French twist that won’t compete with the detail work.
Conversely, strapless or off-the-shoulder designs create a beautiful canvas for hair worn down or partially down. Soft waves cascading over bare shoulders can create a romantic, ethereal effect that photographs beautifully. Backless gowns present another consideration – an updo will showcase the dramatic back detail, while hair worn down might conceal what could be your dress’s most striking feature.
Ballgowns with their dramatic silhouettes often pair well with equally dramatic updos that balance the proportions, while sleek, minimalist column dresses might call for sleeker, more contemporary hair styling. Bohemian or relaxed dress styles naturally complement more tousled, relaxed hair looks.
Don’t forget to consider your veil attachment and any dress changes planned for the reception. If you’ll be removing your veil after the ceremony or changing into a second dress, discuss with your stylist how your hair can transition seamlessly between looks without needing a complete restyle.
Don’t Go Too Trendy
While scrolling through Instagram might tempt you to try the latest hair trend, consider the versatility and timelessness of your chosen style. Updos are classic and beautiful for a reason – they’ve stood the test of time and rarely look dated in wedding photos decades later.
Think about iconic brides throughout history whose looks still inspire us today – from Grace Kelly’s timeless elegance to Kate Middleton’s perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Their choices weren’t driven by fleeting trends but by styles that enhanced their natural beauty and complemented their overall bridal aesthetic.
That’s not to say you can’t incorporate modern elements. The key is to choose trends with staying power or to incorporate them subtly. Perhaps you love the current trend of pearl hair accessories – these have a classic quality that won’t immediately date your photos. Or maybe you’re drawn to the modern textured updo – this too has elements of classic styling while feeling fresh and contemporary.
Another approach is to save trendier styles for your reception or hen party, keeping your ceremony look more timeless. This gives you the best of both worlds – classic photos for posterity and the fun of embracing current trends for celebration.
Remember that wedding photos last forever, and what seems cutting-edge now might look distinctly “2025” when you’re celebrating your silver anniversary. Aim for a style that enhances your natural beauty in a way that will still make you smile when you look back at your albums decades from now.
Get Cuts & Colour Treatments Done In Advance
Get colour treatments done in advance of the wedding. You don’t want the added stress of getting your extensions, highlights or colour done a day or two before your big day. This buffer allows time for any necessary adjustments and for your hair to settle into its most natural state.
Fresh colour can sometimes appear too vibrant or slightly unnatural immediately after application. That week-long window gives the colour time to soften slightly and blend more naturally with your skin tone. It also allows time for any scalp irritation from chemical processes to subside completely.
For cuts, the timing depends on your hair type and the style you’re planning. If you wear your hair in a precision cut like a bob, scheduling your trim 1-2 weeks before the wedding ensures it looks fresh but not too freshly cut. For longer styles, especially those being put up, 3-4 weeks pre-wedding is often ideal – this gives enough time for any harsh edges to soften while still maintaining the shape.
If you’re planning any more dramatic hair changes – like going significantly lighter or darker, or changing your cut substantially – give yourself at least three months of adjustment time. This allows for corrections if needed and for you to get comfortable with your new look.
For treatments like keratin smoothing or deep conditioning, schedule these 2-3 weeks before the wedding for optimal effect. And if you’re considering extensions, have these applied 2-3 weeks beforehand to allow time for any necessary adjustments and for you to get accustomed to styling and caring for them.
Don’t Skimp On A Stylist
“Whenever I’ve been a bridesmaid or had my hair done, I’ve hated it so I’m not getting a stylist”. Yes, we’ve been there. However, it’s worth investing in a hair stylist to make sure that your hair is perfect. They know all the little tricks so your hair will stay in place all day. Moreover, you can have hair trials before your big day so they know exactly what you’re looking for.
A professional wedding hair stylist isn’t just skilled at creating beautiful styles – they’re experts in creating beautiful styles that last. They understand how different hair types respond to humidity, activity, and hours of wear. They know exactly which products will give your particular hair the hold it needs without making it crunchy or dull in photographs.
When choosing your stylist, look for someone with specific bridal experience. Wedding hair requires different techniques from everyday styling or even formal event hair – it needs to look perfect from every angle for photos, withstand hugs from countless well-wishers, and remain intact through hours of celebration.
The hair trial is an essential part of this process. Use this opportunity not just to test the style but to test the stylist-client relationship too. Do they listen to your concerns? Are they receptive to adjustments? Do they explain their process and product choices? A good stylist will collaborate with you to refine the look until you’re completely happy.
Consider timing on the wedding day too – an experienced bridal stylist will know exactly how long your style will take and can help schedule the morning preparations accordingly. They’ll also know how to work efficiently within the often hectic getting-ready environment, staying calm and focused despite the surrounding excitement.
Remember to book your chosen stylist well in advance – the best wedding hair specialists often have calendars that fill up 12-18 months ahead, especially for peak wedding season.
To Veil, Crown Or Not?
Of course, your hair is your crown, so you should wear it proud. But don’t be scared to go and try on headpieces or a veil. It doesn’t have to be a veil that covers your face like in the olden days, and you needn’t think of it as a symbol of purity and modesty and all the religious and patriarchal connotations that go with it.
Modern veils come in countless styles, from dramatic cathedral-length statements to playful shoulder-skimming birdcage designs. They can be adorned with delicate beading, lace appliqués, or left elegantly plain. Some brides opt for coloured or ombré veils for a contemporary twist, while others choose subtle shimmer for a touch of magic.
When selecting your veil or headpiece, consider both the style of your dress and your chosen hairstyle. Some veils attach best to updos, while others are designed to float over hair worn down. Your hairstylist should be consulted about placement – they can ensure your veil is securely attached while remaining comfortable throughout the day.
Beyond veils, the options for bridal hair accessories are more diverse than ever. From vintage-inspired combs and pins to bohemian flower crowns, sleek minimalist headbands to dramatic tiaras – there’s something for every bridal aesthetic. Many brides choose hairpieces that incorporate meaningful elements – perhaps crystals that match jewellery passed down through generations, or flowers that echo their bouquet.
Changing Styles
Remember that you don’t need to commit to wearing your veil or headpiece all day. Many brides choose to wear their veil for the ceremony and formal photographs, then remove it for the reception to reveal a second hair detail, like crystal pins or fresh flowers. This gives you the traditional bridal moment while allowing for comfort and a style evolution as the celebration continues.
Just like it’s become the norm to change dresses on your big day, some brides opt for a complete hair change between ceremony and reception – perhaps transitioning from a formal updo with veil to loose waves adorned with a delicate hairpiece for dancing. Discuss these options with your stylist, who can create styles that transform easily.
Whatever you choose, ensure it feels authentic to you. The best bridal accessories enhance rather than overwhelm, complementing both your personal style and the overall wedding aesthetic you’ve created.
The Bottom Line
Remember, your wedding day hair should make you feel confident, beautiful, and most importantly, like yourself. With these expanded tips and the right professional support, you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons as you make your way down the aisle. Your hair will be perfectly prepared to withstand tears of joy, enthusiastic hugs, hours of dancing, and all the magical moments in between. Now that’s what we call hair-ever after!
As the unmistakable sound of pins crashing echoes through alleys across the UK, the nation’s passion for tenpin bowling continues to roll on with gusto. Whether it’s a competitive league player with their own kit or a casual enthusiast who enjoys the occasional game with mates, there’s something universally appealing about hurling a heavy sphere down a polished lane.
If you’ve got a bowling aficionado in your life and you’re struggling to find the perfect present that won’t end up gathering dust faster than an unused lane, we’ve got you covered. From practical gear to quirky novelties, here are 9 IDEAL gifts for the tenpin bowling enthusiast in your life.
Personalised Bowling Ball
Nothing says commitment to the sport quite like a personalised bowling ball. Unlike those weathered house balls with mysterious stains and worn finger holes, a custom ball is drilled specifically for the owner’s hand, providing a perfect fit that can dramatically improve their game.
As tenpinshop.com, who provide tenpin bowling equipment, tell us, many specialist shops offer personalisation services where you can select the weight, colour and even add custom designs or initials. For the truly dedicated, consider reactive resin balls which provide superior hook potential compared to traditional plastic options. Expect to pay between £80 and £250 depending on the quality and level of customisation.
Remember though, choosing the correct weight is crucial – consult with your bowling buddy before splashing out, or consider a gift voucher to let them select their perfect match.
While it might seem like a modest gift, a quality microfibre bowling towel is an essential piece of kit that any serious player will appreciate. These aren’t just for wiping sweaty palms; they’re used to clean the bowling ball between frames, removing lane oil and debris that can affect the ball’s trajectory.
Look for towels with a hook or carabiner that can be easily attached to a bowling bag. For a special touch, have their name or a witty bowling slogan embroidered on it. At around £10-£20, it’s a thoughtful stocking filler that will actually get used.
Bowling Shoes: A Step Above The Rest
Those garish, odorous rental shoes with their velcro fasteners and questionable hygiene history? They’re the bane of every bowling enthusiast’s existence. A pair of dedicated bowling shoes makes for a brilliant gift that combines practicality with a touch of luxury.
Entry-level shoes start from around £40, while performance models with interchangeable soles and heels (allowing bowlers to adjust their slide depending on lane conditions) can fetch upwards of £150. Make sure you know their size before purchasing, and consider their bowling style – different shoes cater to different approaches.
Bowling Lessons With A Pro
For the friend who’s constantly moaning about their 7-10 splits or inability to consistently hit the pocket, consider gifting them a session or series of lessons with a professional coach. Many bowling centres offer one-to-one coaching that can transform an amateur’s game through personalised feedback and technique adjustment.
A single hour-long session typically costs between £30 and £50, while a package of 3-5 lessons often comes with a discount. Not only will your gift improve their game, but it also shows you’ve taken a genuine interest in their passion.
Wrist Support Or Posture Corrector
If your bowling enthusiast complains of wrist fatigue or inconsistent releases, a bowling wrist support could be the perfect gift. These devices help maintain proper form throughout the swing and release, providing stability and potentially adding revolutions to the ball.
Various models are available depending on skill level and specific needs, ranging from basic fabric supports (£15-£25) to professional-grade devices with adjustable settings (£40-£80). As a bonus, they might help prevent those bowling-related injuries that tend to flare up the morning after a competitive series.
Bowling-Themed Home Décor
For when they can’t be at the lanes, bring a touch of retro bowling alley aesthetic to their home with some tasteful (or delightfully tacky, depending on their personality) bowling-themed décor. Options range from vintage bowling pin lamps and repurposed lane wood coffee tables to framed vintage bowling advertisements or neon signs.
For something more subtle, consider artistic photographs of bowling scenes or abstract pin arrangements that hint at their passion without screaming “I LOVE BOWLING” to every visitor. Etsy and specialist sporting memorabilia shops are excellent hunting grounds for unique pieces that won’t break the bank.
Bowling Alley Experience Day
For something a bit special, consider booking an exclusive bowling experience day. Many alleys now offer VIP packages that include private lane hire, food and drink service, and even personalised on-screen graphics.
For the truly dedicated, some venues offer ‘behind the scenes’ tours where bowling enthusiasts can see the pin-setting machinery in action and learn about lane maintenance – oddly fascinating stuff for the true bowling aficionado. Prices vary widely depending on location and inclusions, but expect to pay from £100 for a comprehensive package for two people.
Bowling Bag With All The Trimmings
A proper bowling bag is worlds apart from lugging equipment around in a standard sports holdall. Purpose-built bowling bags feature padded ball compartments, ventilated shoe sections, and pockets for all those bowling accessories.
Single ball bags (stop sniggering at the back) start around £30, while premium roller bags that can accommodate multiple balls and pairs of shoes can cost upwards of £100. Look for models with sturdy wheels and telescopic handles if your bowling buddy frequently travels to different alleys or competitions. Some of the higher-end options even include insulated drink holders and removable accessory pouches.
For the technologically inclined bowler who loves to track their progress, a bowling performance analyser app subscription or portable score tracker makes an excellent gift. These smart tools record game statistics, track improvements over time, and some even offer AI-powered technique analysis through smartphone cameras.
Several bowling apps offer premium subscription options (ranging from £5-£15 monthly) that unlock advanced features like lane oil pattern analysis, spare conversion tracking, and integration with bowling community platforms. For those less digitally inclined, traditional bowling scorebooks with space for detailed game notes remain popular among the old-school crowd.
The Bottom Line
Whether they’re a casual player who enjoys the occasional game or a league competitor with aspirations of professional glory, these gifts are sure to strike a perfect balance between thoughtfulness and practicality. And unlike that novelty bowling shirt with flaming pins you got them three Christmases ago, these presents won’t end up languishing at the back of the wardrobe after a single outing.
Now, all that’s left is to wrap it up, present it with a flourish, and prepare for the inevitable invitation to join them at the lanes where they can show off their new gear. Just remember to act surprised when they bowl three strikes in a row – it’s definitely the gift that made all the difference, not the fact they’ve been secretly practising for months.
Anyone else find themselves watching reruns of Rick Stein’s Secret France and feeling really bloody hungry?
We at IDEAL stand guilty as charged, and if the program has shown us anything, it’s that to get under the skin of French cuisine, one needs to dig deep, to travel rurally and regionally to truly appreciate just how good Gallic gastronomy can be.
Rick certainly isn’t the only lover of all things culinary to report on the country’s food – travellers have been eating their way around France forever, resulting in hundreds, if not thousands, of books on the art of French cuisine.
Whilst we can live vicariously through all of this literature, imagining the flavours and aromas, at some point a holiday is going to be needed to try this amazing food at the source. So, we’re adding to the well worn, well written road; for IDEAL readers, here are 8 of the best destinations in France for food and wine lovers.
Dieppe
We’re starting as close to home as possible (kinda). A four hour ferry ride from Newhaven near Brighton and a popular holiday destination for France’s beau monde for generations, Dieppe in Normandy has so much to offer. The architecture is beautiful, its maritime history fascinating, the beaches are great and the food is quite legendary.
Dieppe has a well-earned reputation for serving up some of the best seafood in the world in any number of traditional cafes and restaurants that haven’t changed for generations, and just earlier this year, its market was named the ‘most beautiful market in France’.
Head for the marina where you’ll find restaurants serving fresh off the boat things from the sea, with a view of it; and that’s what life is all about, right? Here you can dig into moules-frites and iced platters with crustaceans piled sky high. A must try is the local speciality la Marmite Dieppoise, a hearty fish stew which could give bouillabaisse a run for its bone, bread and butter.
Try this gorgeous dish at its namesake, La Marmite, a Dieppe institution where this classic dish was created. Le Bistrot des Barrières, a contemporary style bistro cooking fresh fish and shellfish with the respect it deserves, is another popular place serving generous dishes by the marina.
Other specialties of Dieppe include Sole à la Dieppoise (sole swimming in a white wine sauce) with mussels, shrimp and mushrooms, and Lisettes à la Dieppoise (mackerel marinated in cider). Etoile de Mer, starfish, is also beloved of locals here and to finish off, it has to be pâté aux poires de fisee – a scrumptious pear pie.
The perennially popular Le Turbot and Restaurant du Port are well worth a visit too and for a Michelin-starred experience, head to Les Voiles d’Or, right on the water’s edge where the ferry docks.
No gastronomic tour of France would be complete without mentioning Provence, the sun-drenched region in southeastern France that has inspired countless culinary traditions. This picturesque landscape of rolling lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards is a feast for the senses and a paradise for food lovers.
The cuisine of Provence is quintessentially Mediterranean, relying heavily on olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and seasonal vegetables. Perhaps its most famous culinary contribution is ratatouille, a rustic vegetable stew that perfectly encapsulates the sun-soaked flavours of the region. Another Provençal classic not to be missed is bouillabaisse, the hearty fish soup originating from Marseille that showcases the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea.
The region’s markets are legendary, with the Cours Saleya in Nice and Les Halles in Avignon offering a dazzling array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local specialities. Wandering through these vibrant markets, you’ll understand why so many chefs and food writers have drawn inspiration from this region.
Wine enthusiasts will delight in Provence’s rosé wines, particularly those from the Bandol and Côtes de Provence appellations. These crisp, refreshing wines are the perfect accompaniment to the region’s cuisine and a pleasant way to while away an afternoon in one of the many village squares.
For those seeking a truly immersive culinary experience, there are luxury villas around France that offer private chef services specialising in Provençal cuisine. Imagine enjoying a leisurely dinner of aioli garni (a grand platter of poached cod, vegetables, and garlicky mayonnaise) on your terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, or learning to prepare authentic tapenade from a local chef in your own villa kitchen.
Don’t leave Provence without trying socca, a chickpea flour pancake street food speciality from Nice, or calissons from Aix-en-Provence, the diamond-shaped candied fruit and almond confections that have been produced in the region since the 15th century.
The region’s rustic yet refined approach to cooking has influenced culinary traditions worldwide, making Provence an essential destination for anyone serious about understanding French gastronomy in all its glorious diversity.
Bordeaux is perhaps the most picturesque city in France, with the surrounding wine region revered globally as being the finest producer of premium plonk.
This stunning city and surrounding region in southwestern France is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines, such as Château Mouton Rothschild and Haut-Brion. Touring Bordeaux will allow you to sample a variety of red and white wines and take in some of the region’s beautiful scenery.
The vineyards are spread out over a large area and there are plenty of opportunities to explore, making it one of the most popular places for wine tours in France. Be sure to visit the iconic Château du Tertre, a winemaking estate that dates back to the 17th century and is still producing some of the finest wines in Bordeaux today.
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In collaboration with Mathieu Odin
With the city itself relatively flat and replete with cycle lanes, and the nearby vineyards a bike ride away, this is also one of the best places in France to explore on two wheels, by the way.
You could even enjoy a dedicated cycling tour of Bordeauux’s vineyards, taking in Cadillac, Saint Emilion and Blaye in a single day. Just don’t enjoy too much of the fine wine along the way if you intend to make it back in one piece!
Paris
It’s a bit predictable, a bit cliched, a bit obvious, sure; but it’s known as Europe’s great food capital for a reason, right? It’s a city which smells of food, in the best possible way; there’s a certain aroma of sweet, freshly baked pastry which seems to permeate through every wall and linger on every street.
Obviously, Paris has fine dining at its heart, with easily the most Michelin stars of any European city, but you can eat well here for surprisingly cheap, with the right planning and at the right time; even at some top-end places. If you’re looking for a mid-range option which still delivers knockout food, we highly recommend Les Cocottes.
Or, if you’re looking for a taste of old school Paris, with dirt cheap wine, stereotypically brusque wait staff and hearty food, then look no further than Bouillon Chartier, a Parisian institution since 1896. Finally, for Michelin starred food which doesn’t feel at all stuffy or old fashioned, we just love Septime, in the 11th arrondissement; sustainable, forward thinking and most importantly, ambrosial.
Perhaps the urban sprawl, the Métro, the hustle and the bustle isn’t your jam, but you still want to eat well? If you’re looking for a village in France with that still packs a punch in terms of its gastronomic chops, then it’s got to be Roussillon. Sitting at the base of the Pyrenees mountains, it boasts a reputation of being one of France’s most beautiful villages.
The Russet-red buildings of Roussillon, in Vaucluse, South Eastern France, get their colour from the nearby ochre quarries, and housed within some of these buildings are a number of brilliant restaurants. The area has been a territory of both France and Catalonia and the food reflects it; a glorious amalgamation of influences which will have you eating very differently to anywhere further north.
Snails are hugely popular in the French Catalonia region, and you’ll find Cargolade – stuffed, grilled snails served with aioli – enjoyed in and around Roussillon as something of a street food snack; eat standing with a cold glass of something fizzy for the authentic experience.
Take a seat at one of the village’s bistros and it’s certain that Clapassade will be on the specials board. This nourishing dish of lamb, olives and anise spicing originated here, and perennially remains on dining tables to this day.
And you can’t leave Roussillon without eating squid or cuttlefish, both of which are adored in the region, and finally, French Catalonia’s version of bouillabaisse, which arrives white rather than the usual famous rust colour, because of the copious aioli and egg yolks used to enrichen it, and contains white fish rather than the more common shellfish.
Lyon
Considered to be the gastronomic capital of France, and to many, therefore, the world, Lyon represents a foodie pilgrimage like no other.
The capital of the country’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the city occupies a unique position both at the confluence of two of France’s major rivers, the Rhône and Saône, and sitting at the foothills of the Alps. With the world renowned Beaujolais and Burgundy wine regions to the north and south respectively, and the fertile land associated with all these geographical features on its doorstep, Lyon has a pantry unrivalled pretty much anywhere else on the planet.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
And boy, does the city make use of it. Not only does Lyon have a long and rich (so very rich) history of producing some of France’s most celebrated chefs and a whole host of iconic dishes in its arsenal, but it’s also the home of humble bistros unique to the city, known as bouchon. All of this means that you’ll eat incredibly well on your foodie holiday to Lyon, whether you’re dining in a humble brasserie, breaking bread from a boulangerie, or enjoying a Michelin starred meal.
For wine lovers, Burgundy is a must-visit destination in France. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards and wineries, this region is renowned for producing outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. A tour of Burgundy’s premier producers will provide an unparalleled opportunity to sample the region’s finest and learn about its viticultural heritage.
From the terroir of Côte de Nuits to the grand cru vineyards of Chablis, a tour of Burgundy’s world-class producers will allow wine enthusiasts to explore this region in all its complexity and beauty. Whether you are looking for an educational experience or simply a chance to taste some of the world’s finest wines, Burgundy is the ideal destination.
The region also offers a wide range of activities for non-wine lovers as well. Take a walk through the picturesque vineyards that stretch across the countryside and explore quaint villages filled with art galleries, restaurants, and shops. There are also many activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, and boating along Burgundy’s famous canals.
From the charming architecture to the delicious local cuisine, a visit to Burgundy is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Menton
Menton, also known as ‘The Pearl of France’, sits on the French Riviera and is walking distance from Italy. This prime position, to enjoy the most of the local produce and cross-cultural influence, leads to some incredible food, make no mistake.
Inspired by the area’s unique microclimate (reportedly 3°C warmer than the rest of France) and the resultant, abundant fresh ingredients, as well as its proximity to Bel Paese and the Mediterranean, the cuisine here has a personality all of its own; largely seafood and vegetable led, light-as-you-like and worth the trip alone to sample.
The jewel in Menton’s crown is Mirazur, a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant run by Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco, which was last year named as the world’s best in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant List. Refined, delicious and boasting incredible views of mountain and sea, it’s going to cost you; the tasting menu is around £300 per head. Interestingly, an episode of the UK Masterchef Professionals Finals week occurred here; check it out for an insight into the glorious cuisine of the region!
If that’s a little out of your price range or you simply fancy something more traditional, then a meal on the terrace of Le Bistrot de Jardins, which has been serving fresh, fantastic Mediterranean food for forty years and counting, is definitely worth checking out.
Citrus fruit is ubiquitous in Menton and the stuff here is considered some of the finest in the world. Head to one of the town’s markets or boutique shops to try Calissons, an almond biscuit often garnished with candied lemon, and finish with a limoncello, as popular on this side of the border as further up the road in Italy. At Au Pays De Citron, on Rue Saint-Michel, they sell some of the finest limoncellos in the world.
In a place with such a stellar reputation for fresh produce, perhaps the most foodie thing you could do in check out the self catering resorts available in the region, head to the markets on either side of the border, and cook up your own Michelin starred feast at just a fraction of the price.
We’ve all been there – staring at our limited annual leave days, trying to figure out how to see more of the world without quitting our jobs. With rising flight costs and growing environmental concerns about frequent long-haul travel, the question becomes: how can we experience more while flying less?
Multi-country trips provide an elegant solution. Instead of making separate journeys throughout the year, you can experience dramatically different cultures, landscapes, and cuisines in one go, while only taking a single long-haul flight. Llama Travel, who offer a selection of combination tours, tell us that these types of holidays are growing in popularity. Perhaps driven by the fact that it means you get to tick more off your bucket list in one trip.
However, the real value of these trips isn’t about country-counting. It’s about understanding regions as interconnected wholes rather than isolated destinations. Border areas often reveal fascinating cultural blending that you’d miss by visiting countries separately. You’ll notice how languages shift gradually, how cooking techniques borrow from neighbours but maintain distinct identities, and how shared histories have led to divergent presents.
Here are five multi-country combinations that work particularly well within a standard two-week holiday. Each has been selected not only for geographical proximity but for the way the destinations complement and contrast with each other, creating a more textured travel experience than you’d get from visiting any single country.
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Southeast Asia offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. These three neighbouring countries provide a perfect combination of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty. Vietnam captivates with its dramatic landscapes, from the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Cambodia boasts the magnificent Angkor temple complex, a testament to the once-mighty Khmer Empire. Meanwhile, Laos charms visitors with its laid-back atmosphere and unspoilt natural scenery along the Mekong River.
This trip packs a remarkable variety into a compact geographical area. In Vietnam, the frenetic pace of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City contrasts with the rural calm of Sapa’s agricultural communities. Cambodia’s Angkor Wat remains one of humanity’s most impressive architectural achievements, while Laos offers moments of tranquility along the Mekong that have largely disappeared elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
What makes this combination work is the gradual shift in pace and development. Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and urban energy give way to Cambodia’s rebuilding society, followed by Laos’ more traditional pace of life. The transition feels natural, giving travellers time to decompress between bustling cities and quiet river towns.
Historically, these countries share deep connections through centuries of complex relationships with China, France, and each other. Their religious practices blend similar elements but retain distinct expressions – from Vietnam’s incense-filled pagodas to Cambodia’s grand temples to Laos’ dawn alms-giving ceremonies. The food similarly shares a foundation of rice, fresh herbs, and fish sauce, but diverges in fascinating ways that reflect each country’s resources and influences.
Ideal For: This itinerary makes sense for first-time visitors to Asia who want diversity without the logistical challenges of covering too much ground. Food enthusiasts will appreciate how fundamental ingredients transform across borders – for instance, how fish sauce appears as nước mắm in Vietnam’s zesty dipping sauces, takes on a sweeter profile as tuk trey in Cambodia’s curry dishes, and becomes a more subtle background note in Laos’ jeow bong chilli paste.
Photographers find endless subjects, from the early morning mist rising over Angkor Wat’s spires to Halong Bay’s emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts, and Luang Prabang’s saffron-robed monks collecting alms at dawn. History enthusiasts will appreciate seeing how the region’s complex past manifests differently in each country – from Vietnam’s War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City documenting the American War, to Cambodia’s sobering Killing Fields memorial outside Phnom Penh, to Laos’ UXO Centre in Luang Prabang revealing the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance from the Secret War.
Those with moderate budgets can travel comfortably here – a mid-range hotel room in Hoi An, Vietnam (around £40-70 per night) offers considerably more luxury than the equivalent price point in Western destinations, while meals at excellent local restaurants often cost under £10 per person.
Practical Considerations:
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)
Visa requirements: Most visitors need visas for all three countries; e-visas are available
Flight hub: Bangkok serves as an excellent gateway with frequent connections to all three countries
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND), Cambodian Riel (KHR), Lao Kip (LAK) — US dollars widely accepted in Cambodia
Border crossings: Land borders exist between all countries, but flights save considerable time
Transportation between countries: 1-2 hour flights connect major cities; overnight buses available but time-consuming
Peru & The Galapagos Islands
This South American adventure combines the archaeological wonders of Peru with the unparalleled wildlife experience of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. From ancient Inca ruins to unique species that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, this holiday offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural marvels.
Indeed, Peru offers remarkable archaeological treasures, from Machu Picchu perched in the clouds to the mysterious Nazca Lines etched into desert plains. The Galapagos Islands present a living laboratory of evolution where animals show no fear of humans and marine life flourishes in protected waters.
What makes this double destination work is the profound contrast between human achievement and natural evolution. Peru showcases the heights of pre-Columbian civilization – the engineering precision of Inca stonework, the sophisticated agricultural terracing, and the organizational complexity needed to build an empire without wheeled vehicles or written language. The Galapagos, meanwhile, reveals how life adapts and diversifies in isolation, the very process that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Moreover, the geographical diversity within this journey is remarkable. Peru’s vertical geography creates multiple ecosystems stacked upon each other – from coastal desert to Andean highlands to cloud forest – all within relatively short distances. The Galapagos adds a volcanic island environment where isolation has created unique adaptations among species found nowhere else on Earth. Together, they offer a comprehensive picture of South America’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.
Ideal For: This journey appeals to travellers interested in both history and natural science. Wildlife photographers find unparalleled opportunities in the Galapagos, where animals allow close approaches – imagine capturing frame-filling shots of marine iguanas basking on black volcanic rocks, blue-footed boobies performing their distinctive mating dance just meters away, or swimming eye-to-eye with playful sea lion pups who approach with genuine curiosity.
Hikers enjoy both the Inca Trail and the volcanic paths of the islands – the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek rewards with diverse ecosystems from cloud forest to alpine tundra, while Bartolomé Island in the Galapagos offers a shorter but equally memorable hike across otherworldly lava formations to a summit with panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock. Those intrigued by indigenous cultures can explore living traditions in Peru’s Sacred Valley communities, where weavers in Chinchero still create textiles using techniques and natural dyes passed down through generations, or visit Ollantaytambo’s village, where many residents live in Inca-built stone houses with original irrigation channels still flowing through the streets.
Active travellers appreciate the variety – from mountain trekking to snorkeling with sea lions, hammerhead sharks, and tropical fish in the nutrient-rich waters where cold Humboldt currents meet warm tropical waters. This combination also works well for those who enjoy structured tours, as both destinations benefit from expert guidance – a knowledgeable guide can transform Machu Picchu from impressive ruins to a vivid historical narrative, while Galapagos naturalists help spot and identify the subtle differences between species across different islands that showcase evolution in action.
Practical Considerations:
Best time to visit: May to October (dry season in Peru); December to May (warmer, wetter season) is best for Galapagos wildlife
Visa requirements: Most Western visitors receive free entry permits for both Peru and Ecuador
Flight connections: Lima is the main hub for Peru; flights to Ecuador usually connect through Quito or Guayaquil
Altitude considerations: Cusco sits at 3,400m above sea level; acclimatisation is essential
Galapagos entry requirements: Special Galapagos Transit Card and National Park entry fee required
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN); US Dollars (USD) used in Ecuador and Galapagos
Island transportation: Inter-island travel in Galapagos requires either pre-booked cruises or speedboat services
Africa offers an unparalleled safari experience combined with magnificent natural wonders. This itinerary takes you through some of southern Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife areas, from the pristine waterways of the Okavango Delta to the thundering Victoria Falls.
Botswana is renowned for its conservation efforts and offers some of Africa’s best game viewing. South Africa combines sophisticated cities with excellent wildlife opportunities. Zimbabwe and Zambia share the magnificent Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, creating a perfect triumvirate for an unforgettable African adventure.
The brilliance of this combination lies in its natural progression. Starting in South Africa eases you into the African experience with familiar urban comforts before transitioning to Botswana’s more remote wilderness. The journey culminates at Victoria Falls, where the natural spectacle provides a perfect reflective bookend to the trip.
The wildlife viewing experiences complement rather than repeat each other. South Africa’s savanna ecosystems host classic big game encounters, while Botswana’s watery Okavango Delta reveals how animals adapt to seasonal flooding. The different conservation models – from South Africa’s fenced reserves to Botswana’s vast unfenced wilderness – also provide insight into the complexities of wildlife protection.
Ideal For: This itinerary suits wildlife photographers who need varied subjects and settings – South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers reliable sightings of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) against dramatic savanna backdrops, while Botswana’s Okavango Delta provides unique opportunities to photograph elephants wading through crystal-clear channels or red lechwe antelope leaping through shallow floodplains. At Victoria Falls, photographers can capture rainbows arcing through the mist during morning golden hour from viewpoints along the Knife-Edge Bridge.
It works well for first-time safari-goers who want comprehensive wildlife experiences without the logistical challenges of East African travel – South Africa’s excellent road infrastructure and self-drive options in Kruger National Park allow for an accessible introduction to safari, while Botswana’s high-end lodges provide a more exclusive experience with expert guides. The combination accommodates both high-end travellers, who can enjoy world-class lodges in Botswana’s private concessions like Mombo Camp in the Okavango Delta (where nightly rates include gourmet meals, premium beverages, and twice-daily game drives), and mid-range budgets, which might focus more time in South Africa at places like Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where excellent lodges start around, £390 per night.
Active travellers will appreciate the range of activities at Victoria Falls, from white-water rafting through the Batoka Gorge’s grade 5 rapids to bungee jumping from the 111-meter Victoria Falls Bridge, helicopter “Flight of Angels” tours providing aerial views of the falls, or more serene sunset cruises on the Zambezi River where hippos and crocodiles can be spotted from the safety of the boat.
Practical Information:
Best time to visit: May to October (dry winter season) for best wildlife viewing; Victoria Falls is most spectacular March-May after rainy season
Visa requirements: Most Western visitors receive visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for South Africa; visas required for Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia (KAZA Uni-Visa covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia)
Flight connections: Johannesburg serves as the main regional hub with connections to all destinations
Border crossings: Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) to Livingstone (Zambia) is a simple border crossing via Victoria Falls Bridge
Safari considerations: Book well in advance (6-12 months) for premium Botswana lodges; high-end accommodations often include internal flights
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR), Botswana Pula (BWP), US Dollars widely accepted at Victoria Falls
Health requirements: Yellow fever certificate may be required; malaria prophylaxis recommended
Argentina, Chile & Brazil
South America’s southern cone offers dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural richness. This journey takes you from the passionate tango halls of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking wilderness of Patagonia and the pulsating energy of Rio de Janeiro.
Argentina seduces with European-influenced sophistication and magnificent natural wonders like Iguazu Falls. Chile impresses with the dramatic scenery of Torres del Paine National Park. Brazil captivates with its exuberant culture and the iconic cityscape of Rio de Janeiro, making this combination an unforgettable South American experience.
These countries work well together because they represent such different aspects of South American identity. Argentina’s European heritage and pastoral traditions meet Chile’s more indigenous-influenced culture and maritime focus. Brazil adds Afro-Caribbean influences and tropical rhythms absent in its more temperate neighbors. Together, they showcase the continent’s full spectrum of cultural influences.
The geographic contrast is equally compelling. Moving from Argentina’s endless pampas to the soaring Andes shared with Chile, then to Brazil’s coastal ranges and beaches, creates a journey through increasingly dramatic landscapes. Patagonia, experienced from both Argentinian and Chilean perspectives, reveals how the same remarkable environment has been incorporated differently into each country’s national identity.
Ideal for: Wine enthusiasts will love exploring both Argentine and Chilean vineyards with their distinctive approaches – Argentina’s high-altitude Mendoza region produces bold, fruit-forward Malbecs that thrive in the hot, dry climate at the foothills of the Andes, while Chile’s cooler Casablanca Valley, influenced by Pacific Ocean breezes, creates elegant Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs with bright acidity. Many wineries offer comprehensive tours with expert-led tastings, like Catena Zapata’s dramatic Mayan-inspired facility in Mendoza or Casas del Bosque’s scenic estate in Chile, where visitors can sample reserve wines unavailable for export.
Dance lovers can move from Argentina’s structured tango at historic venues like Salon Canning in Buenos Aires, where locals dance until dawn, to Brazil’s free-flowing samba at Rio’s Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba where Monday night street parties attract both tourists and cariocas (Rio locals). Outdoor enthusiasts will find world-class hiking in Patagonia, such as the famous W Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, with its iconic granite spires, azure lakes, and hanging glaciers, or Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, home to the advancing Perito Moreno Glacier where visitors can witness massive ice chunks calving into Lago Argentino.
City lovers can explore three dramatically different urban expressions – Buenos Aires’ elegant European-inspired boulevards and neighborhoods like Recoleta with its famous cemetery containing elaborate mausoleums, Santiago’s modern financial district crowned by Sky Costanera (Latin America’s tallest building) alongside colonial plazas, and Rio’s dramatic setting between mountains and sea, best appreciated from the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Those interested in understanding South America’s complex identity will appreciate how these three countries represent different facets of the continent’s heritage – from Argentina’s gaucho culture celebrated at traditional estancias (ranches), to Chile’s indigenous Mapuche influences evident in local cuisine and crafts, to Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian traditions showcased in Salvador da Bahia’s colorful Pelourinho district.
Best time to visit: October to April (Southern Hemisphere spring/summer) for Patagonia; year-round for Buenos Aires and Rio
Visa requirements: Most Western visitors enter Argentina and Chile visa-free; Brazil requires visas for some nationalities (including USA)
Flight connections: Buenos Aires is the main regional hub; internal flights essential due to vast distances
Border crossing: Chile-Argentina Patagonian border is straightforward but can be weather-dependent
Language considerations: Spanish in Argentina and Chile; Portuguese in Brazil
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS), Chilean Peso (CLP), Brazilian Real (BRL) — ATMs widely available in cities
Internal flights: LATAM and Aerolíneas Argentinas connect most destinations; book domestic flights 2-3 months in advance
Costa Rica, Guatemala & Panama
Central America packs extraordinary biodiversity, ancient Maya ruins, and pristine beaches into a relatively small area. This itinerary combines three distinct countries offering rainforests, colonial cities, indigenous cultures, and engineering marvels.
Costa Rica’s conservation-focused development has preserved remarkable wildlife habitat alongside comfortable tourism infrastructure. Guatemala offers the region’s richest indigenous culture and most impressive Mayan sites. Panama’s canal zone represents a fascinating meeting point of global commerce, engineering achievement, and ecological transition between North and South America.
This combination creates a perfect historical arc: Guatemala’s ancient Maya civilization and colonial period, Costa Rica’s modern environmental leadership, and Panama’s position at the crossroads of global trade. The three countries together tell a more complete story of Central America than any could individually.
The ecological diversity is equally impressive. Costa Rica’s rainforests and volcanic ecosystems differ significantly from Guatemala’s highland forests and Panama’s unique canal zone environment. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe species adapted to different elevations, rainfall patterns, and geological conditions, all within relatively short travel distances.
Ideal for: This combination satisfies nature enthusiasts who want to identify diverse flora and fauna – in Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest, visitors can spot the resplendent quetzal with its iridescent plumage and foot-long tail feathers, while Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán region hosts highland species like the pink-headed warbler found nowhere else, and Panama’s Pipeline Road in Soberanía National Park holds the world record for most bird species counted in a single day (357 species). Each ecosystem reveals different adaptations – from the sloths and howler monkeys of Costa Rica’s lowland rainforests to the scarlet macaws that fly between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts in Panama.
It rewards history buffs interested in Mayan archaeology and colonial architecture – Guatemala’s Tikal National Park features towering 70-meter pyramids emerging from the jungle canopy where visitors can climb Temple IV for views matching the famous scene from Star Wars, while the cobblestone streets of Antigua Guatemala showcase perfectly preserved Spanish colonial buildings framed by three volcanoes. Meanwhile, Panama City offers the unique juxtaposition of the colorful colonial Casco Viejo district alongside the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks, where visitors can watch massive container ships being raised and lowered as they journey between oceans.
Adventure seekers can choose from numerous activities, from zip-lining through Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano region, where cables extend up to 750 meters in length over the rainforest canopy, to kayaking among the mangrove forests of Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago, or hiking Guatemala’s active Pacaya Volcano where visitors can roast marshmallows over hot vents while watching small eruptions. Families find plenty of child-friendly accommodation and activities, especially in Costa Rica – the Diamante Eco Adventure Park near Liberia offers supervised animal encounters, cultural displays, and Costa Rica’s longest ocean-view zipline appropriate for children as young as four.
Those interested in sustainable travel practices will appreciate seeing Costa Rica’s environmental leadership firsthand – places like Lapa Rios Lodge on the Osa Peninsula demonstrate how luxury tourism can coexist with conservation, operating completely on renewable energy while protecting 1,000 acres of primary rainforest that serves as a wildlife corridor for endangered species like jaguars and scarlet macaws.
Practical Considerations:
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season) for most regions; shoulder seasons (May, November) offer good value
Visa requirements: Most Western visitors receive free entry permits for all three countries
Flight connections: Panama City serves as the main regional hub with connections to both Guatemala City and San José
Border considerations: Land crossings possible but time-consuming; flights strongly recommended for this itinerary
Health precautions: Check vaccination requirements; some rural areas have malaria/dengue risk
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC), Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), US Dollar (USD) used in Panama
Safety notes: Exercise caution in Guatemala City; stick to tourist areas and use registered taxis
The Bottom Line
Multi-country journeys like these offer a richer understanding of regions than single-country visits can provide. The contrasts between neighbouring nations highlight what makes each place distinct, while the connections reveal shared histories and influences. These journeys maximise the value of your limited vacation time without creating the exhaustion of constant movement.
For travellers seeking to understand regions deeply rather than just collecting experiences, these combinations offer a more complete picture than isolated visits ever could. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, ancient civilisations, food, music, or landscapes, these carefully selected two-week itineraries provide remarkable variety without the fatigue of excessive travel. They transform your limited holiday time into something that feels much more substantial – a genuine exploration rather than just a vacation.
