The concept of what defines a ‘holiday’ has undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years. No longer content with merely sunbathing, today’s adventurers are instead looking to test their limits across the world. This shift reflects a cultural reassessment of what constitutes true luxury in our hyperconnected age.
For a generation raised on ‘gram-perfect beach resorts and incessant images of shimmering Dubai, the authentic currency of travel has become transformational rather than transactional. These extraordinary challenges offer something precious: a complete fitness holiday that delivers genuine achievement, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to disconnect from digital demands while reconnecting with our fundamental capabilities.
Whether tackling Vietnam’s misty mountains on two wheels or confronting one’s innermost thoughts during days of enforced silence, these experiences provide stories worth telling and personal growth impossible to find through conventional leisure.
The West Highland Way, Scotland
Distance: 154 kilometres Difficulty: Moderate Time It’s Likely To Take: 5-8 days
Winding through Scotland’s wild heart, this legendary trail beckons walkers with promises of mist-shrouded mountains and mirror-like lochs. Beginning in Milngavie’s suburbs, the path gradually sheds urban trappings as it ventures northward, eventually delivering hikers to the dramatic Highland landscapes that have inspired poets for centuries.
The trail’s magic lies in its accessibility. Speckled with villages offering warm beds and warmer welcomes, walkers can tackle the route at their own pace, retreating to cosy pubs each evening where tales of the day’s adventures flow as freely as the local ale. Rannoch Moor’s vast wilderness and Glencoe’s brooding majesty provide the backdrop for inner contemplation, while camaraderie blossoms among fellow wayfarers sharing the path.
Upon reaching Fort William, the satisfaction of traversing Scotland’s backbone by foot brings a sense of achievement—often celebrated with a dram before boarding the famed West Highland Line railway for a scenic journey home.
Distance: 4.5 kilometres Difficulty: Challenging Time It’s Likely To Take: 1-2 hours (plus training months)
Following in the wake of ancient mythology, this formidable open water swim crosses the strait separating Europe from Asia—the very waters where Leander reportedly swam to reach his beloved Hero, and where Lord Byron cemented his poetic credentials in 1810.
The Hellespont crossing is available exclusively through organised events, with SwimTrek being the sole provider of race places for non-Turkish residents. Swimmers must prepare meticulously for months, building their endurance and cold-water tolerance to tackle the fierce currents that have humbled Olympic champions while navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
What makes this aquatic challenge so alluring is its marriage of physical exertion with living history. As your arms slice through the turquoise waters of the Dardanelles, each stroke connects you to centuries of human endeavour across this iconic boundary between continents. The moment your fingers touch Asian soil after departing from Europe delivers a thrill that no pool-based accomplishment could match.
This iconic swim often tops the bucket list of serious open water swimmers worldwide, offering a perfect balance of organised safety with genuine personal challenge.
Distance: 1,000+ kilometres (customisable) Difficulty: Moderate to extremely challenging (depending on route) Time It’s Likely To Take: 10-20 days
Once the lifeline that sustained North Vietnamese forces, this legendary network of jungle paths has been transformed into an epic cycling adventure. Modern riders trace history through mist-wrapped mountains, rice paddies and remote villages where tourists remain a novelty rather than the norm.
Unlike the predictability of European cycling routes, this journey promises daily surprises. You might find yourself sharing the road with water buffalo, accepting impromptu dinner invitations from curious locals, or sheltering from tropical downpours under canopies of emerald foliage. The route’s flexibility allows cyclists to customise their challenge—hardcore enthusiasts can tackle the mountainous western branch, while those seeking cultural immersion might prefer the coastal route with its French colonial architecture and pristine beaches.
The bicycle becomes more than transportation here; it’s a passport to authentic experiences inaccessible to conventional tourists. As your legs strengthen under the Southeast Asian sun, Vietnam reveals itself layer by layer—from the war-scarred central highlands to the limestone karsts of the north.
Distance: Internal miles only Difficulty: Mentally gruelling Time It’s Likely To Take: 10 days (minimum)
Perhaps the most demanding challenge on our list involves no physical distance at all. Instead, participants journey inward through ten days of absolute silence at a traditional Vipassana meditation centre in India—the spiritual birthplace of this ancient practice.
From the 4 a.m. wake-up gong to the strictly vegetarian meals eaten in contemplative silence, every element of the experience is designed to facilitate self-examination. Mobile phones, reading materials, writing implements and even eye contact are prohibited. For ten consecutive days, meditators sit cross-legged for up to ten hours daily, observing their thoughts without judgement while battling the physical discomfort that inevitably arises.
The first three days typically bring mental rebellion as the constant chatter of the untrained mind becomes apparent. By day five, many report breakthrough moments of clarity punctuating periods of boredom. The final days often deliver the promised rewards—insights, emotional release, and a recalibrated relationship with one’s inner dialogue.
While many retreats worldwide offer modified versions, traditionalists insist the authentic Indian experience in places like Dharamsala or Igatpuri provides the most transformative experience.
Mount Toubkal Winter Ascent, Morocco
Distance: 30 kilometres round trip Difficulty: Technically challenging Time It’s Likely To Take: 3-4 days
North Africa’s highest peak transforms into an entirely different proposition during the winter months. Snow-draped and frequently battered by ferocious winds, Toubkal’s 4,167-metre summit demands respect and preparation beyond its relatively straightforward summer ascent.
Setting out from Imlil’s walnut groves, winter climbers soon swap walking poles for ice axes as the trail steepens and hardens. Crampons bite into crystalline snow, creating a rhythmic crunch that accompanies laboured breathing in the thinning air. The mountain refuge, a spartan stone building perched at 3,200 metres, offers respite from the elements, though sleep proves elusive for many first-timers at this altitude.
Summit day begins in darkness, headtorches carving narrow light paths across virgin snow. The mountain’s winter persona reveals itself: cornices sculpted by winds, ice formations glistening like crystal architecture, all bathed in pure light.
Standing finally atop this African giant, with the Sahara stretching southward and the Atlantic shimmering westward beyond Marrakech, winter mountaineers experience a moment of perspective—dwarfed by nature yet elevated by their own determination.
The Alcatraz Escape, San Francisco, USA
Distance: 2.4 kilometres (swimming) Difficulty: Extremely challenging Time It’s Likely To Take: 30-60 minutes (plus training months)
While prisoners once dreaded these frigid, current-swept waters, adventure swimmers now willingly plunge into San Francisco Bay to conquer one of the world’s most iconic open water challenges. Unlike organised events with safety kayakers and precise timing, DIY swimmers face additional logistical hurdles—securing permits, studying tide charts, and assembling a support team.
The swim itself is all juxtaposition: the notorious island receding behind as the magnificent San Francisco skyline grows ahead. Beneath the surface, powerful currents constantly threaten to sweep swimmers toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific beyond. The bay’s temperature, typically hovering between 10-15°C, attacks the body with precision, while frequent cargo ship traffic adds another layer of complexity.
What distinguishes this swim from others is its psychological dimension. As your limbs grow numb and breathing labours, the island’s abandoned cellblocks seem to whisper stories of those who attempted similar crossings with freedom—not glory—as their prize. Upon reaching the shores near Aquatic Park, swimmers experience a unique triumph—part athletic achievement, part historical connection to one of America’s most harrowing legends.
The Rickshaw Run, India
Distance: Approximately 3,000 kilometres Difficulty: Mentally and physically demanding Time It’s Likely To Take: 2-3 weeks
Part endurance test, part cultural immersion, and entirely unpredictable—the Rickshaw Run challenges participants to traverse the Indian subcontinent in perhaps the least suitable vehicle imaginable. The humble auto-rickshaw, a three-wheeled contraption with the engine capacity of a lawnmower, becomes both transport and home during this adventure.
Unlike organised motor rallies with support vehicles and predetermined routes, this challenge celebrates chaos. Participants chart their own course between fixed starting and ending points, navigating India’s notoriously anarchic traffic, from congested city streets to near-impassable mountain passes. Mechanical breakdowns aren’t just possible—they’re guaranteed, forcing impromptu immersion in local communities while seeking repairs.
The physical toll accumulates gradually: constant vibration rattles bones, monsoon rains soak through inadequate covering, and the perpetual assault of dust and pollution tests respiratory endurance. Yet these discomforts fade against the backdrop of experiences—sunrise prayers at riverside ghats, impromptu cricket matches with village children, sharing chai with truck drivers at roadside dhabas, and negotiating passage through wedding processions that have commandeered entire highways.
The Bottom Line
What unites these challenges isn’t merely the physical exertion, but the sense of personal evolution they catalyse. Far removed from the sanitised environment of fitness studios and package holidays marketed as ‘wellness retreats’, these adventures strip away pretence, revealing capabilities previously undiscovered.
The beauty of DIY challenges lies in their accessibility—requiring determination more than disposable income. Whether swimming between continents, sitting in contemplative silence, or rattling across India in a mechanical contraption of questionable reliability, each journey offers transformation impossible to find within the confines of ordinary existence.
Battling with that oh-so-unergonomic chair at home? Or perhaps you’ve been summoned back to the office by anti-remote work policies and are finding the daily commute utterly draining?
In these increasingly turbulent times, it’s only natural to be struggling with stress. Most of us are holding so much tension in our backs, shoulders and heads that we resemble limp, prone puppets barely able to hold ourselves up without the help of someone working the strings.
While some of us have tried turning our bathrooms into private spas, there’s still nothing quite like a day spent at a real, genuine spa, let’s be honest. Spas, the undisputed Queens of all wellness trips, offer the perfect sanctuary for pampering, rest and relaxation. To ensure you go in spa savvy, here are some expertly curated hacks for the best spa day ever.
Take A Tour
When you arrive at your chosen spa day destination, it’s a good idea to ask for a tour of everything and everywhere that’s on offer. Knowledge is power, after all, and it’s most economical for your time and wellbeing to know the ins and outs of all the facilities before you agree on your schedule with the spa team. A short tour presents the ideal opportunity for you to get a feel for the place and plan out your time perfectly.
Ask specifically about any hidden gems – many spas have secluded relaxation areas, meditation spaces, or sensory rooms that aren’t immediately obvious but can elevate your experience significantly.
Call Ahead
Though it might seem a bit fussy, it’s important to call ahead and determine if there are any steps you should take (or rules to follow) before your spa session.
Indeed, using the wrong skin-care product the day before, overeating in advance of a back massage, or not being aware of treatments that have exfoliation or shaving requirements can make or break your relaxing spa day. And let’s face it; not knowing such things tends to result in breaking, not making, it.
Owing to the importance of such foresight, spas will generally call you in advance to complete a small, verbal questionnaire about your expectations of the day, and provide you with some preparatory advice.
For facials, avoid using retinol products 48 hours beforehand. For body treatments, gentle exfoliation the evening before can enhance results. For massages, stay hydrated but avoid heavy meals within two hours of your appointment.
Save On Your Spa Experience
Is there anything more relaxing than knowing you’ve saved yourself a pretty penny while luxuriating at a spa? Thrifty kings and queens, stand up! If you’re keen to enjoy a discount or special offer, then there are some simple ways for you to do so:
Sign up to mailing lists and newsletters — Many spas send emails offering last minute discounts and cut price sessions to customers who can attend an unbooked slot at short notice.
Become a regular — Equally, many spa venues reward loyalty with deals and deductions for regular clients.
Alternatively, the dedicated spa website Spa Seekers details deals and packages in your area.
Consider a package — Many spa venues offer packages to entice new custom, often in the form of a group deal. This might be a ‘hen do’ or ‘stag’ package, a 2-for-1 deal, or an ‘all inclusive’ package that covers the cost of your drinks and food at the venue, too.
Spa gift card schemes — Many spas offer gift card programmes with added value—buy a £100 spa gift card and receive an additional £20 credit, for instance. These often run during quieter periods and can be a brilliant way to stretch your wellness budget.
Timing Is Everything
If your schedule allows for flexibility, take advantage of off-peak times for a quieter, more affordable experience.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends — children are in school, most people are busy at their places of work, and generally, folk feel less inclined to treat themselves on a Tuesday afternoon, in case it ends up feeling a little too indulgent. But if you can’t treat yourself to a spa day during a dreary week, then when can you?
For an even more tranquil experience, book early morning slots when facilities are freshly cleaned and at their quietest. Alternatively, late afternoon appointments (around 4pm) often mean you can linger into the evening when day guests begin to depart.
Stay Hydrated
Here’s something they don’t always tell you; spas can be thirsty work. That complementary glass of bubbles, time spent in the hot tub, sauna and steam rooms, and hour spent face down without fluids — it’s all too easy to get dehydrated at the spa.
Indeed, saunas and steam rooms make you sweat and even if you don’t realise it, hot tubs do the same (ew), which can cause dehydration. Prolonged spells can even lead to dizziness and nausea, so keep yourself hydrated at all times to mitigate this. Most spas, of course, have complementary water — be sure to take advantage of this. Or, bring a bottle of water with you.
If you are going to partake in bubbles, then it’s recommended you don’t drink before your spa experience as alcohol increases the risk of dehydration massively. Moreover, the booze can decrease your awareness, stability and mood, which can ruin your attempts to get zen and forget your troubles for the day.
Drink at least one glass of water between each heat experience (sauna, steam room, hot tub) and aim for about 500ml per hour during your stay. Some spas offer infused waters with cucumber, lemon or berries—these count towards your hydration goals whilst adding a touch of luxury.
Carry A Cotton Tote
We mentioned bringing a bottle of water with you, which sounded cumbersome enough. But bring a whole bag with you into the spa? Really?
Really. In that handy little bag of yours, you can carry a book, a magazine, bottled water and anything else you need to make you happy and relaxed during your spa day. We recommend bringing a snack in your tote, too. It’s important to let all your worries disappear while at a spa, so make sure you don’t go hungry and let tummy rumbles interrupt your relaxing day.
Consider packing some extra essentials: lip balm (heat facilities can dry your lips), hair ties, a small facial spritz for cooling down, and perhaps your own favourite facial oil to apply post-treatment. Many luxury spas provide these items, but having your own trusted products can enhance your experience.
Mind How Much You Eat Beforehand
Many people indulge in a spa experience because of the reputed health benefits; a massage can provide muscular relief, a hot tub may improve circulation, saunas could bring cardiovascular benefits, and the whole thing can most certainly destress mind and body.
However, if you’ve had a big meal just before beginning your spa day, some of those benefits will be wasted, as blood rushes to your digestive system following a meal. If you’ve eaten beforehand, wait at least an hour before using the sauna and longer still if you’re planning on having a massage. If you’re going to snack during the day, keep it light and healthy. Delicious, fresh fruit is often provided; make the most of it!
For optimal treatment results, eat a light, balanced meal approximately 90 minutes before your spa visit—perhaps a small portion of lean protein with vegetables or a nutrient-dense smoothie. This provides energy without the digestive heaviness that can detract from your experience.
Swimsuits & Towels x 2
Spa day connoisseurs swear by doubling up on both their swimsuit and their towel, bringing two of each along. You can’t relax in a wet swimsuit or wet towel, after all. So, take two swimsuits with you and ask the staff for two towels. Simple.
When selecting swimwear, opt for comfort over fashion—this isn’t Instagram, it’s your wellbeing. Dark colours tend to maintain their appearance better after exposure to spa minerals and treatments. For towels, request one for your body and one specifically for your face to maintain hygiene throughout the day.
Communicate With Your Therapist
During your massage or facial treatment, the worst thing you can do is suffer through it, should something feel uncomfortable. If your therapist becomes heavy-handed and applies too much pressure, or if the treatment tickles, don’t just grin and bear it — say something. It’s perfectly acceptable and normal etiquette to say if pressure is too much during a massage, but sometimes, our British reticence means we keep silent.
But that’s not all you should be more vocal about. According to Skift.com, one of the most distracting elements of any spa day is the sometimes irritating music they play. Not everyone can relax to the sound of pan pipes and mating whales, and if it doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to ask for something different, particularly if you’re in a solo treatment room. If you have a favourite spa sound, then ask if you can listen to it while you have your treatment. Perhaps not Slipknot or any DnB, though…
Remember to communicate any specific concerns before your treatment begins: sensitive areas, injuries, pregnancy, or simply areas you’d like them to focus on. Most therapists appreciate guidance—it helps them deliver a better experience tailored precisely to your needs.
Thermal Suite Strategy
The thermal suite—comprising facilities like saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and experience showers—deserves a thoughtful approach to maximise benefits:
Start with the least intense heat (tepidarium or warm pool) and gradually work up to hotter environments like steam rooms and saunas. Between each heat experience, cool down completely—whether through a cold shower, plunge pool, or ice fountain—to stimulate circulation properly.
The ideal sequence: warm room (10-15 minutes), cool down (2-3 minutes), steam room (5-10 minutes), cool down (2-3 minutes), sauna (8-12 minutes), extended cool down (5 minutes). Rest for at least 15 minutes before repeating the cycle, and limit yourself to 2-3 full cycles per visit.
The Art Of Digital Detox
One of the most transformative aspects of a spa day can be disconnecting from technology. While it might feel instinctive to document your experience or check emails, consider committing to a complete digital detox.
Many premium spas now provide secure lockers for mobile devices, encouraging guests to surrender their phones upon arrival. If yours doesn’t, challenge yourself to keep your phone switched off and tucked away. The psychological benefits of disconnecting—even for just a few hours—can significantly enhance your relaxation response and mental rejuvenation.
Bring an actual paper book or magazine rather than an e-reader, and rediscover the pleasure of being unreachable, if only temporarily.
The Bottom Line
With these enhanced strategies in your wellness arsenal, you’re thoroughly prepared for the most restorative, indulgent spa experience possible. Remember that the true luxury of a spa day isn’t just the treatments themselves, but the permission to prioritise yourself completely—something we could all benefit from incorporating into our regular routines. Happy relaxing!
A helicopter’s blades slice through crisp mountain air as it ascends above jagged peaks dusted with pristine snow. Below, not a single track mars the powdery landscape. This is heli-skiing—the ultimate expression of alpine freedom that trades crowded resort queues for untouched wilderness.
Yet behind this seemingly ‘simple’ concept—using helicopters to access remote slopes—lies a sophisticated global industry catering to those seeking skiing’s purest form. And, let’s face it, its purest snow…
What Exactly Is Heli-Skiing?
Heli-skiing emerged in the late 1960s when Austrian guide Hans Gmoser began flying small groups into the Canadian Bugaboos, transforming what was previously accessible only through days of arduous hiking into a morning’s adventure. Today, while certainly not for novices—participants should comfortably handle black diamond runs in variable conditions—the experience has become more accessible to strong intermediate skiers with proper guidance.
Unlike resort skiing where slopes are groomed and avalanche-controlled, heli-skiing operates in the raw backcountry, requiring specialised equipment, knowledgeable guides, and respect for mountain safety protocols. The reward is skiing that bears little resemblance to the traditional resort experience: untracked powder, runs that can stretch for thousands of vertical metres, and a profound immersion in white wilderness.
British Columbia: The Original Heli Haven
The mountainous province that pioneered the sport remains its undisputed capital. Serious powder enthusiasts have long recognised British Columbia for heli skiing excellence above all other destinations. The region offers the perfect combination of reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and operational expertise built over decades.
The Coast Mountains receive staggering snowfall totals—often exceeding 15 metres annually—creating an incredibly consistent powder experience. The interior ranges, including the Selkirks, Monashees, and Purcells, typically receive slightly less precipitation but feature lighter, drier snow and more reliable weather windows.
What makes British Columbia particularly compelling is its terrain diversity. A typical week might include skiing through old-growth cedar forests, across vast alpine bowls, and down glacial corridors—sometimes all in a single day. The province’s immense scale means operations rarely encounter each other, creating a genuine wilderness experience despite decades of established heli-skiing.
British Columbia’s proximity to the Pacific moderates temperatures, meaning skiers rarely battle the extreme cold found in more continental locations. The season typically runs from December through April, with January and February offering the deepest powder, while March brings more stable conditions and longer days.
When extreme skiing emerged as a recognisable discipline in the 1990s, Alaska’s Chugach Mountains became its spiritual home. The distinctive maritime snowpack adheres to slopes that would be unskiable elsewhere, allowing descents of near-vertical faces with remarkable stability.
The terrain around Valdez features countless north-facing couloirs where snow accumulates to exceptional depths, with runs often descending more than 1,500 vertical metres. Further west, the Tordrillo Mountains offer more varied aspects and generally stabler weather conditions, though slightly less dramatic pitch.
What sets Alaskan heli-skiing apart is the combination of scale and steepness. The mountains rise dramatically from near sea level, creating massive continuous descents. The area’s unique weather patterns generate a snow composition that bonds securely to steep faces, enabling confident descents of 50+ degree terrain that would slide elsewhere.
Alaska’s season runs later than most, from February through May, with April offering an ideal combination of stable spring snowpack and extended daylight. Weather delays are common—industry experts recommend booking at least seven days to ensure enough flying time and building flexibility into travel arrangements.
The Himalayas: High Altitude, High Adventure
The Western Himalayas, particularly in India’s Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir regions, offer skiing at oxygen-diminishing altitudes up to 5,000 metres. This unique alpine environment combines extreme elevation with the cultural richness of one of the world’s most fascinating regions.
The experience begins with necessary acclimatisation, as the elevations involved are significantly higher than most ski destinations worldwide. Once adjusted, skiers access terrain with descents sometimes exceeding 2,000 vertical metres—among the longest continuous runs in the heli-skiing world.
The snow conditions differ markedly from other destinations, with the high elevation and continental climate creating exceptionally dry powder. The mountain architecture is equally distinctive, with broad, open faces predominating rather than the tighter couloirs of Alaska or the gladed terrain of British Columbia.
The cultural dimension adds particular richness to Himalayan heli-skiing. Between descents, skiers might pass Buddhist monasteries or remote Hindu villages rarely seen by outsiders. The accommodations often incorporate regional architectural elements, and evening meals feature northern Indian cuisine that perfectly complements active days.
The season runs from January through March, with February typically offering optimal conditions. Political sensitivities occasionally affect the Kashmir region, making advance research essential through Foreign Office advisories.
South Island, New Zealand: Southern Hemisphere Salvation
When northern mountains slumber under summer sun, New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer cold-season salvation. The terrain surrounding Queenstown and Wanaka provides access to remarkably varied skiing featuring both glacial zones and descents through native beech forests.
A distinctive aspect of New Zealand heli-skiing is the terrain diversity within relatively compact mountain ranges. A descent might begin in alpine bowls, transition through rocky terrain, then finish in forest—all within one continuous skiing experience. The maritime snowpack typically stabilises quickly after storms, making steeper terrain safely accessible with relatively modest snow depths.
Runs average 500-900 vertical metres—shorter than North American counterparts but offering remarkable variety. The season runs from July through September, with August typically providing optimal conditions. New Zealand’s accessibility is another advantage: visitors can combine heli-skiing with Queenstown’s renowned dining scene, wine touring in Central Otago, and numerous adventure activities.
The Southern Alps experience rapid weather changes, making flexibility essential. The proximity to the Tasman Sea means conditions can shift dramatically within hours, but the same maritime influence creates snow that stabilises quickly, allowing access to steeper terrain sooner after storms than in more continental climates.
While mainstream heli-skiing remains prohibited across much of Western Europe due to environmental regulations, Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains have emerged as the continent’s premier destination. Here, Soviet-era restrictions have given way to operations accessing Europe’s highest peaks.
The terrain surrounding Gudauri offers remarkable versatility, from high alpine bowls to perfectly spaced tree runs. The elevation—runs typically begin above 3,000 metres—ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the winter, while the region’s position between the Black and Caspian Seas creates a unique meteorological environment producing consistent snowfall.
What particularly distinguishes Georgian heli-skiing is the combination of exceptional terrain with distinctive cultural elements. The area’s cuisine—featuring khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), and excellent local wines—provides perfect sustenance after active days. Accommodation options range from modern mountain lodges to renovated Soviet-era properties with surprising charm.
The season extends from December through April, with February typically offering optimal conditions combining adequate snowpack and increasing daylight.
Chilean Andes: South America’s Powder Frontier
The Chilean Andes have quietly built a reputation for exceptional powder skiing during the northern summer. The central Chilean region around Santiago offers the most reliable conditions, with operations accessing terrain comparable to the European Alps but with substantially fewer skiers.
The terrain features steep volcanic peaks with distinctive features not found in other heli-skiing destinations. Perfectly concave cinder cones provide consistent pitch, while lava flows create natural half-pipes and terrain features. The snow tends toward lighter, drier powder than might be expected at these latitudes, owing to the region’s unique geography and weather patterns.
The season runs from July through September, with August typically providing the most reliable conditions. For northern hemisphere enthusiasts, this offers a valuable mid-year ski fix without the extreme travel distance required for New Zealand.
The Andes’ remarkably consistent weather patterns provide more reliable flying conditions than many competing destinations, with operations averaging more flyable days per week than their counterparts in maritime climates. The altitude requires some acclimatisation, but the terrain is accessible to strong intermediates comfortable in variable conditions.
A Little Professional Guidance Goes A Long Way
For first-time heli-skiers, certain considerations prove universal across destinations. Beyond skiing ability—most operations require guests to confidently handle ungroomed black diamond terrain—physical stamina is equally important. The typical heli-skiing day involves 8-12 descents, each potentially longer than the longest runs at conventional resorts.
Insurance requirements are another crucial consideration, as standard travel policies rarely cover helicopter-accessed skiing. Specialist providers including Global Rescue and World Nomads offer appropriate coverage, which should be arranged well before departure.
Weather contingencies represent perhaps the most overlooked planning element. Even top operations might experience ‘down days’ when helicopters cannot fly due to visibility or wind constraints. Leading companies offer partial refunds for missed flight time, but understanding weather guarantee policies helps manage expectations.
Advance booking is essential, particularly for prime-season weeks at established operations, which often sell out 12-18 months ahead. Packages typically include accommodation, meals, guiding, safety equipment, and a guaranteed amount of helicopter flight time—usually measured in vertical metres skied rather than days or runs.
For those willing to venture beyond resort boundaries, heli-skiing delivers the essence of alpine adventure: untracked snow, dramatic landscapes, and the profound satisfaction of carving first tracks down pristine mountain faces. In a world of increasingly predictable travel experiences, it offers genuine discovery with each helicopter lift-off.
Every day across the United Kingdom, thousands of emergency service workers respond to crisis situations, provide life-saving care, and keep our communities safe. These dedicated professionals—from paramedics and firefighters to police officers and NHS staff—often work long, unpredictable hours in challenging conditions.
In recognition of this vital service, restaurants throughout Britain offer small but special discounts to emergency service personnel. These gestures of appreciation not only help stretch tight budgets but also create welcoming spaces where frontline workers can recharge between shifts or unwind after demanding days.
The Blue Light Card and valid emergency service ID have become keys that unlock these dining discounts across Britain’s restaurant scene. From high street favourites to local independents, establishments nationwide offer meaningful savings to those who serve on the frontlines. Let’s explore the current landscape of these offers and how emergency service workers can make the most of them.
High Street Favourites
Nando’s has established itself as a reliable supporter of emergency services, offering a verified 20% discount to Blue Light Card and Defence Privilege Card holders. The discount applies to the cardholder’s meal only, making it a practical option for those grabbing lunch during breaks or unwinding after shifts.
Pizza Express extends a generous 20% discount to Blue Light Card holders Saturday through Thursday, making their restaurants welcoming spaces where emergency service teams can gather over Italian classics without breaking the bank. This covers both food only, it should be noted.
The McDonald’s approach is more localised. There is no nationwide emergency service discount policy, but individual franchises may offer their own arrangements, particularly with complimentary hot drinks for uniformed staff. These offers vary significantly by location, so it’s worth checking with your local restaurant.
Burger King offers a 20% discount at participating locations for Blue Light Card holders, though terms vary by restaurant. Similarly, some Subway franchises provide discounts to emergency service personnel, but as each store is independently owned, these offers aren’t standardised across the chain.
The Blue Light Card has transformed how emergency workers access discounts, creating partnerships with numerous restaurant chains. While the specific terms may change, current Blue Light Card partners include:
Prezzo
Bella Italia
Café Rouge
Las Iguanas
Zizzi
Frankie & Benny’s
Discount percentages typically range from 20-25%, with most excluding peak weekend periods. These partnerships provide substantial savings during weekdays—often when emergency workers are navigating unusual shift patterns.
For the most current and accurate information on specific discount terms, visiting the Blue Light Card website is recommended, as these offers can change frequently.
Mid-Range Chains
The independent restaurant scene offers some of the most generous discounts, though these are also the most variable and subject to change.
Many London establishments have established emergency service discount programmes. Dishoom, Honest Burgers, and Franco Manca have all been known to offer special rates for NHS staff and emergency service workers at various times. However, the specific discount percentages may fluctuate, and these offers aren’t always publicly advertised.
Similar patterns exist in other major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with independent eateries creating their own ways to support emergency service personnel. These arrangements often reflect personal connections between restaurant owners and local emergency service communities.
Due to the dynamic nature of independent restaurant offers, it’s always advisable to enquire directly about current discount policies when visiting.
Seasonal Recognition
Certain dates typically see enhanced discount offerings across the restaurant industry:
Emergency Services Day (9th September) is officially recognised in the UK and often features special promotions
International Nurses Day (12th May) frequently brings focused appreciation for nursing staff
Christmas period generally sees increased recognition for those working through the holidays
These seasonal variations acknowledge that emergency workers often sacrifice traditional holiday experiences, working when others are celebrating.
The Bottom Line
The value of these discounts extends beyond their financial worth. They represent a tangible form of societal appreciation, making quality dining experiences more accessible to those who often work unusual hours for modest compensation.
For restaurants, these programmes foster loyalty and help maintain business during quieter periods. Emergency service workers frequently become regular customers, often visiting during off-peak hours and generating consistent revenue.
The relationship proves mutually beneficial—restaurants gain reliable patrons during less busy times, while emergency workers find welcoming spaces where their contributions are acknowledged.
While this guide offers a general overview of what’s available, it’s always best to verify current discount terms directly with restaurants before visiting, as policies can change without notice.
For Britain’s emergency service workers navigating demanding schedules, these healthcare support, fire service and police discount offers aim to transform ordinary meals into moments of appreciation—a reminder that their daily commitment to public service is valued.
Note: Information current as of early 2025. All discount information should be verified directly with individual establishments before visiting, as policies may change.
Once dubbed the ‘Mother of Wales’ for its fertile fields that fed the mainland, Anglesey has evolved into one of Wales’ most exciting culinary destinations.
Cross the Menai Bridge today, and you’ll find yourself on an island where centuries-old farming traditions meet increasingly innovative cooking, where pristine seafood is celebrated using both time-honoured techniques and more contemporary flourishes, and where the next great meal is never far away.
From Michelin-recognised heavyhitters to relaxed beachside bistros, here’s our pick of the best restaurants on Anglesey.
Sosban & The Old Butchers
Ideal for an extraordinary, intimate dining experience where innovation meets Welsh ingredients…
Just moments after crossing the Menai Bridge, you’ll discover one of Wales’ most acclaimed dining destinations, tucked away within a historic butcher’s shop, no less. This is no ordinary restaurant – Chef Stephen Stevens (great name) has created something truly unique here, holding a Michelin star for the past seven years, as well as an impressive four AA rosettes, for his bold, creative cooking.
The dining room sets a certain scene: covered windows add an air of exclusivity, while inside, Welsh slate walls, sheepskin-covered chairs and hand-painted animal tiles pay homage to the building’s butcher shop heritage. The space is an understated one – just a handful of wooden circular tables with dining chairs positioned at intimate 45-degree angles to one another, and a kitchen work bench where Stevens can be seen working solo, orchestrating each dish with precision.
There are no menus here. Instead, guests embark on a nine-course tasting experience (£175 per person) that showcases the wealth of North Wales ingredients in surprising and delightful ways. Stevens’ cooking demonstrates an innate understanding of technique and flavour – expect dishes like cod with fermented onion fudge and liquorice, or confit lamb’s tail with mustard custard (next up: goat float? brisket biscuit?) and coffee, each one demonstrating his ability to combine unexpected elements into something truly memorable.
Sosban & The Old Butchers is only open for dinner, Thursday through Saturday, with the evening kicking off at 7pm for the 16 diners lucky enough to secure a booking.
Indeed, do book months in advance – with limited seating and growing recognition, securing a table at this distinguished little place requires foresight and patience.
Ideal for waterfront dining that casually celebrates North Wales’ finest produce…
Since opening their doors in 2012, Dylan’s has grown from a single waterfront restaurant into one of North Wales’ most beloved dining institutions, with a total of four now operating across the region. Their flagship restaurant in Menai Bridge, housed in a striking modern building, offers a dining room where floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia beyond.
Crowned ‘Welsh Food & Drink Champion’ in 2023, Dylan’s has made it their mission to celebrate “the local produce, character and natural beauty of North Wales.” This isn’t just marketing speak – their kitchen maintains strong relationships with local suppliers, from award-winning butcher Edwards of Conwy to the region’s fish merchants.
And what a pantry they have to work with. The menu spans from properly crisp mac ‘n’ cheese bites made with Snowdonia Cheddar to their signature moules marinière, until recently sourced from Scottish waters while local Menai stocks recovered (a commitment to sustainability that speaks volumes about their approach), but now back using those grown on the Menai Strait seabed.
The restaurant undulates in energy across its expansive opening hours (11am to 10pm), with different crowds bringing a different vibe to the room as the day progresses from coffee to wine to digestif. The drinks menu gives prominence to local ales and Welsh spirits, a commitment that extends to their desserts; the Wild Horse Brewery ale sticky toffee pudding is one of Anglesey’s best desserts.
With additional branches now in Criccieth, Llandudno and Conwy, plus their own general stores, Dylan’s has become a standard-bearer for Welsh hospitality while remaining true to their original vision of championing local produce. We love it.
Ideal for creative British small plates with global influences…
Named after Ren Gill’s song and album Freckled Angels, this globetrotting restaurant has been charming diners in Menai Bridge for nearly a decade. Recently relocated to Dale Street, the dining room is a bright, breezy affair that manages to feel both Scandinavian and chapel-like, with wooden floors, angelic motifs and large windows flooding the space with marine light from the Straits. Sure, those windows may look out on a car park, but what a car park it is!
Anyway, at the helm is Bangor-born chef Mike Jones, who worked his way up to head chef at Hotel Portmeirion by age 23 before opening Freckled Angel. His menu magpie-picks inspiration from across the globe while maintaining proud Welsh roots and is heavily influenced by a certain style of small plates that’s sometimes referred to as modern global. We’re not bothered with labels if it hits the spot…
When it comes to those small plates, the twice-baked Perl Las soufflé with balsamic grapes has become the restaurant’s signature dish, no doubt, but there’s plenty of joy to found in the spicier numbers, too, whether that’s in the honey and soy cured salmon with wasabi and apple, or the Korean fried chicken with cucumber salad.
A standout during our recent visit was the restaurant’s take on ‘dippy eggs’, which saw salt beef and unami-rich parmesan toast, served with with a crispy duck egg – a masterpiece of texture and taste. The egg is expertly prepared to achieve that coveted contrast: a golden, crispy exterior giving way to a luxuriously runny yolk. It’s a real mouth-coater, make no mistake.
The small plates are priced keenly at around £8 to £11, making the Angel a great value meal for the quality. And it is quality; the restaurant has recently been featured in the Good Food Guide and named the winner of the North Wales Young Business Award for food and hospitality. There are even bottles of wine starting below £30.
Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend dinner service, when regulars and visitors gather in this intimate 30-cover restaurant to sample Jones’ creative cooking. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 12pm to 10pm.
Ideal for supremely fresh seafood in one of Wales’ most storied coastal restaurants…
Since 1946, when John and Frieda Wilson first transformed their cottage Glan-Yr-Afon into a café serving lobster teas, The Lobster Pot has been an essential part of Anglesey’s culinary landscape. Now run by brother and sister team Adam and Ceri Griffiths (Adam as head chef, Ceri as restaurant manager), this Church Bay institution continues to celebrate the freshest local seafood, just as it has for over 75 years.
The restaurant’s sense of deep authenticity stems from its unique position – it sits right next door to its own seafood supplier, meaning the lobsters and crabs quite literally go from tank to plate. That celebration of all things clawed is evident in signature dishes like their Lobster Thermidor (£37.95) and Lobster Mornay, where sweet, fresh meat comes bathed in a Welsh cheddar cheese sauce.
Beyond lobster, the kitchen serves up whatever the local boats bring in – perhaps pollock, sea trout, cod or turbot, depending on the season. There’s also excellent mussels in either traditional white wine sauce or a fragrant Thai broth, while the menu extends to carefully selected Welsh beef and lamb dishes for those not feeling the seafood (perhaps don’t come here if that’s the case, actually!).
Crucially, the emphasis remains on letting the quality of ingredients speak for themselves, with a simple, almost prosaic preparation that enhances rather than masks natural flavours. Yep, even that cheddar sauce duvet manages to keep things polite and on good terms with the lobster meat resting below.
The dining room is relatively intimate, though a covered outdoor terrace has expanded capacity somewhat. The garden makes a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink in summer, with views across Church Bay adding to the sense of place that makes The Lobster Pot such a special destination.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 12pm to 9:30pm. Early booking essential.
Ideal for elevated pub dining with stunning coastal views…
Saved from closure in 2007 by the Timpson family (of key cutting and prison reform fame), The White Eagle has been transformed into one of Anglesey’s most cherished dining destinations. This white-rendered building, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and extensive elevated terrace, makes the most of its enviable position overlooking Borth Wen Beach and the sweeping views across to Bardsey Island.
Now part of the Flock Inns group (operated by Roisin Timpson), the pub’s seasonal menu reflects the richness of Welsh produce. The kitchen excels at refined pub classics – think locally-sourced steaks with triple-cooked chips, fresh fish pie topped with potato and garden pea mash, or their signature sweetcorn chowder loaded with mussels and smoked haddock. The drinks selection is equally thoughtful, with local cask ales from Conwy Brewery alongside a tight, keenly priced wine list
The spacious beer garden is a particular draw in summer months, while dogs are welcomed with open arms (and treats) both outside and in designated indoor areas. For those wanting to extend their stay (or, you know, roll into bed after one too many pints), there’s even a luxury four-bedroom apartment above the pub called The Nest, offering those same spectacular views.
Open daily, noon until 8pm from Sunday to Thursday, and an hour later, until 9pm, on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ideal for modern gastropub dining with mesmerising coastal views…
Originally built as a marine cottage in 1924, The Tavern on the Bay has been transformed into one of Anglesey’s most visually arresting venues. The restaurant offers a mesmerising 270° panoramic view that sweeps across the Anglesey coastline to the Great Orme, best enjoyed from their wooden-beamed dining room with its striking copper pendant lights and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Once again, elevated pub classics are the name of the game here – fresh market haddock in cask ale batter, Welsh lamb barmarked from the grill… You get the picture. Whilst it’s not the most groundbreaking food on the planet (or, indeed, on the island) there aren’t many better views to frame your dinner with than here. The regular ‘Piano on the Bay’ evenings further convey it’s a special kind of place.
Open daily, 11:30am until 9:30pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:30pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Ideal for contemporary British cooking with global influences…
Named after Joseph Heller’s novel (a reference to the owners’ bold leap from secure jobs into restaurant ownership), Catch 22 has become one of Anglesey’s most respected dining destinations since opening in 2017. Recently named among the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2024, this modern brasserie is the creation of chef-owner Neil Harley-Davies, who runs the restaurant with his wife Melissa and sister-in-law Ellie.
After training as an accountant, Neil switched careers to follow his culinary passion, working his way through Cardiff’s kitchens and a Michelin-starred run in Berkshire before returning home as the first head chef at the aforementioned Dylan’s in Menai Bridge. Now at his own venture, he combines high-quality local produce with culinary expertise to create contemporary British dishes with global influences.
The menu showcases produce from an impressive roster of Welsh suppliers – from Halen Môn sea salt (more of them in a moment) to Menai Oysters, Llefrith Cybi dairy to Anglesey Fine Foods. Their Singapore-style chicken curry has become a signature dish, while the legendary Snickers Trifle (a sybaritic concoction of malt panna cotta, peanut caramel and chocolate ganache) has been dubbed “the best pudding in the world” by the adjacent dining table and, in so many words, the Good Food Guide.
The modern two-story building, with its striking wooden façade, houses a dining room that can seat up to 120 guests. Spring 2025 will see the addition of a first-floor cocktail bar and lounge, adding another dimension to this vibrant establishment. Despite what the name might suggest, seafood is just one part of their broad, appealing menu that caters to all tastes.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30am until 9pm (8pm Sundays). Booking recommended for weekend service.
Ideal for coffee and homemade treats with spectacular strait-side views…
What began in 1997 as a pan of seawater boiling on an Aga has evolved into one of Wales’ greatest food success stories. Halen Môn’s sea salt, now protected by PDO status and served everywhere from royal weddings to the White House, provides the backdrop for this charming café on the edge of the Menai Strait.
Opened by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and visited by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Tide/Llanw makes the most of its exceptional setting with panoramic views across to Snowdonia. The outdoor seating area, protected by a sturdy Welsh ‘pabell’ (canopy), offers the perfect spot to sample their carefully curated menu while soaking in the vista.
Images via @halenmon
The café champions quality local produce – expect Coaltown speciality coffee alongside homemade cakes that often feature their famous sea salt. Their toasted sesame and sea salt flapjack has become something of a signature, best enjoyed with a flat white or, for those feeling festive, an ice-cold Jin Môr (their own gin).
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30am until 2:30pm. No booking required. Dogs welcome with treats provided. The café forms part of the larger visitor centre, where you can tour the salt-making facilities, browse their design-led gift shop, or even try their innovative wild seaweed bathing experience.
Any Thai food fanatic worth their fish sauce should already be well versed in the unrestrained beauty of Southern Thailand’s culinary tradition. But for the layperson, here goes; owing to its location with the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Andaman Sea to the west, it’s a cuisine which makes use of the ocean’s bounty at every turn of the rod’s reel.
Expect crab, shrimp and its fermented paste, and both heavy use of fresh chilli and coconut cream, the latter growing abundantly down South. Non-glutinous rice is the staple here, and influences abound from nearby Malaysia and Indonesia.
Anyway, you could’ve just read all that on Wikipedia, right? Should you find yourself in Bangkok, then it won’t take you long to notice just how popular the region’s food has become in the Thai capital. The country’s foodierati just can’t get enough of this lip tingling cuisine, and if you’re keen to join them, then here are the best Southern Thai restaurants in Bangkok.
Sorn
The first Thai restaurant in the world to hold three Michelin stars, and proudly, resolutely Southern to their soul, we had to start here, at Sorn. Now open for seven years, this place has been the talk of the town – no, country – for nearly as long. Sourcing ‘99.9%’ of their ingredients from the south, and supporting countless farmers and fishermen in the process, as well as cooking most of the food in clay pots, you’d be forgiven for thinking this traditional ethos wouldn’t translate into a super-twenty course tasting menu of fine dining.
You’d be wrong; this, quite simply, is some of the finest Thai food in the world, period, Southern or otherwise. The restaurant’s commitment to the techniques and heritage of the region extends beyond recipes and sourcing, all the way to their use of specific cooking vessels and methods – their clay pots are sourced from traditional craftsmen in Nakhon Si Thammarat, while their charcoal grilling uses mangrove wood selected for its particular smoking properties.
Each dish in their tasting menu represents a specific aspect of Southern Thai culinary heritage, from the coastal fishing communities to inland farming traditions. It’s immersive, respectful, celebratory, and utterly delicious. While the menu of course moves with the south’s seasons somewhat, some killer classics remain (even after the recent revamp of the whole menu that arguably finally sealed the deal with Michelin); the famous ‘gems on crab stick’, the pretty-as-a-picture khao yam (rice salad), and the big, generous sharing spread complete with coconut curries and roti grilled to order are – thank the good lord – ever-presents.
Sure, you’ll have to run over hot coals to get a table, but if you’re lucky enough to do so, it’s worth burning your feet for. And mouth; the food is spicy, and all the better for it. Than hai im, na khrap!
Lovers of spicy Southern soul food in Bangkok have been raving about this hugely popular, increasingly ubiquitous Southern Thai restaurant group for years now. It’s safe to say that Khua Kling Pak Sod has certainly played a major part in the city’s love of the region’s cuisine, with its inclusive vibe, keen pricing, and faithfully rendered classics irresistible to Bangkokians of all stripes.
It all started in one beloved family-run joint in downtown Sukhumvit, using family recipes and a faithful connection to the producers of the south, and the formula worked superbly; it has led to several more in Bangkok, the restaurant’s instantly recognisable yellow logo now a familiar sight in the sois and shopping malls on the city.
That’s not to say Khua Kling Pak Sod doesn’t keep things consistent; in every outpost, these classic Southern Thai dishes are unapologetically spicy. Each morning at Khua Kling Pak Sod begins before dawn with the preparation of curry pastes, following recipes that have been in the owner’s family for generations. A chorus of pok-pok’ing, just as much as the morning suat mon, reminds you exactly where you are.
The chillies here come from specially chosen farms in the south that grow varieties known for their intense heat and fragrance. The restaurant maintains relationships with particular fishing communities in Chumphon, ensuring they receive the freshest seafood daily via overnight transport.
The restaurant’s namesake dish – the khua kling; a minced pork curry, stir fried with red curry paste and served dry – throbs with local prik kee noo chillis to an almost nuclear level, and is all the better for it. Their yellow coconut milk curry of crab meat, served with thin kanom jeen fermented rice noodles is another belter; offering less respite from the heat than the name suggests and, though we may be repeating ourselves, is all the better for it.
Perhaps steer clear if spice isn’t your thing. Even with the South’s reputation for chilli addiction, this restaurant does things hot, hot, hot. But if it is your thing, you’ll find Khua Kling Pak Sod to be one of the best restaurants in Bangkok.
If you’re seeking Southern Thai food at its most democratic, make your way over to the Thonburi side of town, and to Wang Lang street for this no-frills spot that’s been feeding hungry locals, medical students from nearby Siriraj Hospital, and the occasional wandering food obsessive, for decades. This is raan khao gaeng (rice and curry shop) dining at its finest – a row of stainless steel trays brimming with curries, stir-fries and soups that get ladled over rice with admirable efficiency.
The selection varies daily but is always resolutely Southern – expect to find the full firepower of the region represented in staples like gaeng tai pla (fish entrails curry) and the aforementioned khua kling. The gaeng som (sour curry) here deserves special mention, particularly when made with tender young taro stems which soak up the sauce just right.
Indeed, the kitchen isn’t toning down the flavours for farang palates here (it’s not an area with many tourists) – locals queue from dawn onwards for their breakfast hit of spice, and you’d do well to join them, as the best dishes tend to sell out by early afternoon. Don’t miss their excellent stink beans with prawns when in season, and if you spot the salted fried fish topped with crispy shallots and bird’s eye chillies, make the appropriate enthusiastic gesture – it’s a perfect foil to the curries.
The beauty of Ruam Thai is in its accessible price point, with most dishes hovering around the 50 baht mark. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that some of Bangkok’s finest food isn’t found in fancy dining rooms but in shophouses that have been quietly going about their business for generations.
Perhaps best of all, just next door you’ll find Phensri, a traditional Thai dessert shop where jasmine-scented sweets provide the perfect ending to what can be an assertively spicy meal. Now that’s what we call thoughtful neighbourhood planning.
Word of warning – sometimes you’ll find this place closed without warning. Best to have a backup nearby.
Phuket is perhaps Thailand’s premier foodie destination outside of the capital, and in a country of such rich, varied and uniformly delicious food, that’s truly saying something. One of the leading Southern Thai restaurants in the city is Raya.
So popular, in fact, that it’s spawned sister restaurants in Phuket in the form of One Chun and Chomchan, and an outpost in Bangkok, named Prai Raya. We’ll pull up a chair here, then, rather than hopping on a flight to Phuket, ordering their wonderful, black pepper heavy (prominent in the South’s cuisine, and reflective of the historic spice trade through Phuket’s ports) moo hong, a dish of stewed pork which is the restaurant’s signature.
Another intriguing find here is the Phuket-style relish of roasted peanuts served in fresh coconut milk. Served with rice crackers for dipping and dredging, it’s a dish that confirms not all of the south’s food needs to have the spice-levels dialled up to 11.
The nahm phrik gapi (shrimp paste relish) is perhaps even better, here infused with a real sense of the south through a variety of citrus fruits – both zest and juice – native to the region. It sings with vivacity, much like the region, and country, itself.
While the restaurant’s Sino-Portuguese interiors might resemble a simulacrum of the original in Phuket, there’s no denying that the Sukhumvit rendition, complete with a garden ready for the brief Bangkok winters, is an agreeable place to unwind in.
If you weren’t fortunate enough to secure a seat at Sorn, then firstly, join the club. But more importantly, don’t fret; you can still sample superstar chef Supaksorn Jongsiri’s take on the food of his childhood at Baan Ice, a more affordable, less exclusive sibling to Sorn.
This certainly doesn’t mean flavour has been compromised or that faithful sourcing of Southern ingredients sacrificed. Oh no, it’s all very much present and correct here. The restaurant maintains relationships with specific producers, including using budu (fermented fish sauce) from a particular producer in Pattani and dried fish from traditional fishing communities in Songkhla. Their curry pastes are made fresh daily using recipes passed down through Chef Ice’s family.
Their stir fried sator bean and shrimp is pungent and punchy in just the right way, whilst ‘grandpa’s’ khao yam is delicate, delicious and (whisper it) almost as good as the version found at their accolade accumulating sister restaurant. What’s more, the gaeng tai pla is as good – no, honestly – as it sounds, and steadfast to the uncompromising, relentless flavours of the south.
With 5 branches of Baan Ice open all day, from 11am to 10pm, seven days a week, you’ll have no trouble securing a seat here. Savour it.
In a city approaching Southern Thai banger saturation point, Janhom stands apart through a sheer, unwavering dedication to tradition. For over two decades, Chef Poonsri ‘Auntie Baew’ Sarikarn has been serving up some of Bangkok’s most uncompromising Southern fare from this modest but totally perfect restaurant in Wang Thonglang.
The gaeng luang (sour yellow curry) here is as good as it gets (both the dish and life). Somehow resist the temptation to order this one with big chunks of crab (defer that temptation for the yellow crab curry, which is ace) and instead have your gaeng luang with chunks of barramundi, poached in the curry on the bone, and coconut shoots, which have the remarkable ability to soak up all that broth whilst retaining crunch and structural integrity. It’s one of the best curries in the city – assertive but nuanced, and with enough chilli heart to dust off the very worst of Bangkok hangovers.
Indeed, unlike many Bangkok riffs on the region’s food that may sweeten their curries to appease local palates, Auntie Baew’s version remains steadfastly true to its Surat Thani roots – bracingly sour, properly salty, and carrying enough heat to remind you that you’re very much eating Southern Thai cuisine. The curry pastes, hand-pounded fresh daily in-house, provides a depth of flavour and ’roundness’ that simply can’t be replicated with commercial alternatives. Or, indeed, a blender…
Don’t miss the deep fried fish with crispy turmeric and garlic (pla tod kamin), a welcome, neutral, fatty counterpoint to all the chilli-forward dishes on the table. The flesh remains tender while the exterior crackles satisfyingly, the earthy notes of turmeric providing a perfect counterpoint to the delicate meat. If it’s on, the deep-fried frog version is even better.
Another much-needed balancing dish that’s essential for your table is the stir fried melinjo leaves with egg (pak liang pad khai), which soothes the most bracing notes of those dishes orbiting the rice. When all paired together, it’s such a harmonious spread, which grips you and pulls you in, not letting up until the final, gratis chilled watermelon hits the table to cleanse everything that’s just happened.
Janhom is somewhat out in the sticks (relatively speaking) and isn’t reachable by BTS, so take the opportunity for a well-earned snooze in a Grab taxi to wherever you’re going next.
Tucked away beyond Chatuchak in Bangkok’s northern ‘burbs, in an area few farang make it to, Beer Hima Seafood presents a strong case for making the journey with its fish tanks and live crabs on display by the entrance, and the promise of fresh seafood within.
Drawing on family recipes from Nakhon Si Thammarat province, the restaurant specialises in Southern Thai seafood preparations that showcase the region’s bold flavour combinations and love of anything that wears a shell as a jacket or house.
The stir-fried clams with chilli paste and sweet basil are beautifully balanced, a rare thing in a dish that often falls too far on the sweet side. The signature prawns with sator beans demonstrates why this often-misunderstood ingredient is so beloved in Southern Thai cuisine – when treated with respect, as it is here, the bean’s robust stank perfectly balances the sweetness of prawns and the rich undertones of roasted shrimp paste.
Many Bangkokians, however, make the journey for the mantis shrimp with crispy garlic alone. They stay for the restaurant’s creative take on frozen beer – served slushy-style – which provides welcome relief from the heat of the dishes. Sure, this isn’t the kind of place you just stumble across, but it’s certainly one you’ll stumble out of.
If you’re looking for a fine dining take on Southern Thai food but you found Sorn’s prohibitively expensive (or, you know, prohibitively full), then Chinatown’s Phukej will see you right.
Sitting pretty in a renovated shophouse five minutes off Yaowarat Road, Phukej (no [sic] required here; that ‘j’ is simply styled after the island’s historical name) offers a contemporary take on Southern Thai cuisine that pays homage to the port city’s unique culinary heritage, weaving together influences from Thai, Chinese and Malay cooking traditions, reflecting Phuket’s history as a maritime trading hub. At the stoves, chef Thapakorn ‘Korn’ Lertviriyavit, formerly of Michelin-starred Nahm and Aksorn, exerts considerable command over the city’s classic dishes, bringing the finesse of those kitchens to the fore.
All of that naturally leads to some seriously fine seafood dishes, perhaps best enjoyed in the signature 11 course set menu – available only at lunch and priced at an eminently reasonable ฿1990 (around £47) per person. A Hoikaddo scallop in a coconut cup (a kind of kueh pie tee/khanom krok mashup) kicks things off in some style, the whole, caramelised bivalve hiding a nugget of fresh pomelo that lightens and lifts the bite. Another early highlight is the golae style mussels, brought to the table mid-grill over individual tao burners and giving off the most enticing aroma of gently caramelising coconut cream. It’s impossible to resist, and worth burning both your fingers and your mouth for.
From the larger plates, the crab curry with betel leaf delivers all the complexity and heat you’ve come to love from the region’s cuisine, but it’s actually a meat dish that represents the restaurant’s signature. Phukej’s interpretation of moo hong (pork belly stew) is that signature – here, the cubes of pork belly are first stewed until tender, and then deep-fried to create an irresistible contrast of textures. It’s an interesting take on a classic, and this far down our roundup, a welcome change from resolutely authentic takes on the Southern Thai repertoire.
For dessert, don’t miss Phukej’s riff on a local favourite – a granita Aiyu jelly with lychee and rose that offers a refined conclusion to what was already an exceptional meal. There’s even a solid wine list for those seeking a break from Singhas on ice.
In a city blessed with so much excellent Southern Thai food, it can be hard to narrow it down to just a handful of places you should bless with your Baht. But we’ve eaten around the city, and endured (it’s a tough job) the fire, to bring you our favourites. Now, what are yours?
There’s an art to asking for what you want without actually asking. Whether it’s gently steering your partner towards that perfect birthday present or tactfully suggesting to a flatmate that their music is just too darn loud, the ability to drop hints effectively is a social skill worth mastering. Here’s how to do just that.
The Domestic Dance: Addressing Household Habits Without Conflict
Living with others—whether partners, flatmates, or family members—inevitably leads to friction over differing standards of cleanliness and organisation. One person’s ‘comfortably lived-in’ is another’s ‘unbearable chaos.’ If your housemate’s or partner’s housekeeping falls short of your expectations, the challenge lies in communicating your needs without fostering resentment or coming across as controlling.
Direct criticism (“You never clean the shower” or “Why are you so messy?”) often leads to defensiveness and conflict rather than changed behaviour. Instead, these situations require particular finesse to improve the environment while preserving household harmony.
The preemptive strike: “I’m going to give the bathroom a quick clean before my parents visit tomorrow” gives them the opportunity to volunteer without direct criticism.
The mutual commitment: “Should we set aside an hour on Sunday mornings to get the flat in order together?” frames it as a shared responsibility.
The specific appreciation: “The kitchen looks brilliant when you’ve wiped down the counters—it makes such a difference” reinforces positive behaviours rather than criticising negative ones.
The gentle gesture: Buying attractive storage solutions or cleaning products suggests improvement without verbalising criticism.
The Gift-Wish Whisper: Steering Others Toward Presents You’ll Treasure
When it comes to presents, many of us find ourselves torn between the pleasure of surprise and the disappointment of receiving something we don’t quite fancy. We’ve all experienced that moment of feigned enthusiasm upon unwrapping a gift that completely misses the mark—the novelty tie that will never see daylight, the perfume that triggers a headache, or the kitchen gadget destined for the back of a cupboard.
Yet directly asking for specific gifts can feel demanding and removes the thoughtfulness from the exchange. The solution lies not in direct demands but in the subtle deployment of hints that guide without dictating.
Of course, you could simply share your birthday wish list, which works well for some. There’s still an element of surprise, but it’s guided rather than random. Alternatively (and a lot more fun!), the key is creating breadcrumbs of information that can be followed:
The casual mention: “I saw the most gorgeous leather journal in that shop on the high street. It made me think how I haven’t had a proper place to write since my last one filled up.”
The strategic browse: Open relevant tabs on your shared computer or tablet. The digital equivalent of leaving a catalogue around with corners folded.
The enthusiastic commentary: When watching television, comment on items you love: “That handbag is exactly what I’ve been looking for—simple but elegant.”
The helpful history lesson: “You know what I miss? That scarf you gave me three years ago. That was such a perfect gift—I wore it until it practically disintegrated.”
The Colleague Conundrum: Navigating Workplace Etiquette Gracefully
The office environment presents unique challenges when it comes to addressing behaviours that affect your working experience. From the colleague who microwaves fish in the communal kitchen to the teammate whose loud personal calls disrupt concentration, workplace annoyances can significantly impact productivity and wellbeing.
Yet workplace hints demand the greatest delicacy, as professional relationships can easily be damaged by perceived criticism. The stakes are higher—your career and daily working environment depend on maintaining positive relationships with people you may not have chosen to associate with. Finding ways to address problems without creating awkwardness or hostility is essential for workplace wellbeing.
The general announcement: “I’ve noticed some strong food smells lately. Perhaps we could all be mindful of particularly aromatic lunches?” addresses the issue without singling anyone out.
The policy proposal: “Would it be helpful if we had some guidelines about kitchen use?” allows the issue to be addressed at an organisational rather than personal level.
The positive redirection: “That meeting yesterday ran so smoothly when we all had the agenda in advance. Should we make that standard practice?” frames your hint as praise for good behaviour.
The helpful ally: Sometimes, having a manager or HR representative address issues can remove the personal element entirely.
The Personal Grooming Guidance: Supporting Wellbeing With Sensitivity
Sometimes, the people we care about might benefit from gentle encouragement regarding self-care practices that affect their wellbeing and comfort. This isn’t about criticising appearance or imposing personal preferences, but rather about helping loved ones when patterns of self-neglect might indicate underlying depression, health concerns, or simply oversight.
Perhaps a partner has been working long hours and neglecting restorative routines, a close friend might be unaware that their new fragrance triggers headaches in others, or a relative could be experiencing a health issue affecting their usual habits.
These situations call for compassion rather than judgment, as changes in personal care often reflect other life challenges. When someone close to you might benefit from renewed attention to self-care, approaching the subject with warmth and genuine concern for their wellbeing preserves both your relationship and their dignity.
The wellness gift: Self-care items like aromatic bath salts, a massage voucher, or a subscription to a meditation app can encourage relaxation and renewal. “I thought you might enjoy some time to unwind—you’ve been working so hard lately.”
The shared experience: “I’ve been trying this new morning routine that’s really helped my energy levels—would you be interested in trying it together?” frames self-care as a mutual journey rather than a one-sided suggestion.
The supportive check-in: “You’ve seemed a bit overwhelmed lately. Is there anything I can do to help you carve out some time for yourself?” acknowledges that self-neglect often stems from stress or time constraints.
The genuine appreciation: When someone does prioritise their wellbeing, acknowledge the positive effect: “You seem so much more relaxed since you started taking those lunch breaks—it’s lovely to see you making time for yourself.”
By Africa images Via Canva
The Gathering Guide: Setting Expectations For Social Events
Social occasions—whether you’re hosting or attending—present their own set of hint-dropping challenges. As a host, you may need to guide guests toward appropriate behaviour without making them feel unwelcome or judged. This could mean encouraging punctuality from the perpetually late friend, discouraging excessive drinking from an enthusiastic party-goer, or setting boundaries around phone use during meals.
As a guest, you might need to navigate unfamiliar social expectations or gently redirect conversations that have veered into uncomfortable territory. In both roles, the art of the hint allows for course correction without the awkwardness of direct confrontation or explicit rules that can dampen the convivial atmosphere of social gatherings.
The specific invitation: “Dinner will be served at 7:30 sharp” rather than “Come round about 7” sets clear expectations.
The gentle boundary: “We’re trying to keep this a phone-free dinner so we can all connect properly” establishes rules without targeting individuals.
The helpful hint: “The venue is quite formal, so most people will be dressing up a bit” guides without dictating.
The gracious request: “Would you mind bringing a bottle of something non-alcoholic? We’re trying to be inclusive of everyone’s preferences” steers behaviour without criticism.
The Relationship Reciprocity: Communicating Needs Without Demands
Romantic relationships thrive on attentiveness to each other’s needs, yet directly asking for emotional support or changes in behaviour can sometimes feel transactional or nagging. Whether you’re seeking more quality time together, desiring increased physical affection, or hoping for better communication during conflicts, expressing these needs requires nuance.
The challenge lies in conveying your desires without making your partner feel inadequate or criticised for their natural patterns of behaviour. Romantic relationships require particularly delicate hint-dropping around emotional needs and expectations, as the intimacy of the connection means feedback can be felt more deeply than in other relationships.
The appreciative approach: “I really love it when you text during the day—it makes me feel connected to you” is more effective than “You never text me.”
The clarifying question: “Would you prefer more space at the moment?” can open a conversation about needs without accusations.
The future-focused suggestion: “I’ve been thinking it might be nice to have one evening a week where we properly catch up without distractions” proposes solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
The vulnerable share: “I sometimes feel a bit insecure when I don’t hear from you for a while” expresses feelings without blaming.
The Family Framework: Reshaping Long-Established Patterns
Family relationships come with decades of established interaction patterns and power dynamics that can make direct requests for change particularly challenging. Whether it’s a parent who still treats you like a child despite your successful adult life, relatives who make inappropriate comments about your appearance or life choices, or siblings who revert to childhood rivalries during family gatherings—these deeply rooted behaviours rarely respond well to direct confrontation.
Family dynamics often involve patterns established since childhood that require especially mindful hint-dropping. The emotional stakes are high, as these are typically our longest-lasting and most significant relationships, yet they can also be the most resistant to change precisely because of their longevity and the roles that have become comfortable over time.
The gentle redirection: “Mum, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my new job rather than my weight” sets boundaries without confrontation.
The strategic seating: Placing certain family members apart at gatherings can prevent conflict without explicit discussion.
The advance planning: “Dad, I’ve made reservations at this restaurant that I think you’ll love” prevents defaulting to the same problematic places.
The selective sharing: Giving certain family members edited versions of your life details can prevent unwanted advice or commentary.
The Golden Rules Of Graceful Guidance
Successful hint-dropping adheres to five principles:
Lead with empathy and kindness: Remember that most people aren’t deliberately trying to annoy you.
Focus on the positive: Reinforce good behaviour rather than criticising the negative.
Provide solutions: Don’t just identify problems—make improvement easy.
Choose your battles: Not every irritation requires intervention.
Consider directness: Sometimes, after diplomatic hints have failed, a kind but clear conversation is necessary.
The finest hints are those that feel like caring suggestions rather than veiled criticisms. Master this balance, and you’ll navigate social waters with newfound grace and minimal awkwardness—a skill that benefits both the hint-dropper and receiver alike.
Remember, the art of the hint is not about manipulation but about creating the space for others to make positive changes while preserving their dignity and your relationship. When done with genuine goodwill, it’s an act of kindness rather than criticism.
Perched on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Newquay offers far more than just surfing. While Fistral Beach pulls in wetsuit-clad enthusiasts from around the world, the town has a genuine Cornish character that goes well beyond its reputation for waves. Fishermen’s cottages and Victorian terraces sit on cliff edges above sweeping bays, and in the cosy harbourside pubs, you’ll hear maritime stories over pints of local ale.
You’ll find a real mix of people here. Early morning surfers grab breakfast alongside pensioners planning their coastal walks, and the seafood restaurants serve everything from traditional Cornish dishes to modern cuisine. Life runs at a different pace in Newquay – more in tune with the tides than the clock.
A weekend gives you enough time to get to know the place, but don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer – many visitors do once they discover how Newquay blends outdoor activities with Cornish charm.
Day 1: Beaches, Breaks & Coastal Views
Morning: Surf and Breakfast
Start your day like the locals do – with an early trip to Fistral Beach. Get there at dawn when the beach is quiet and the waves are often at their best. If you want to try surfing, the Quiksilver Surf School has lessons for everyone from complete beginners to experienced surfers, with friendly instructors who know these Cornish waves inside out.
After your surf lesson (or for those preferring to remain dry, a bracing coastal walk along the headland), it’s a comfortable 15-minute walk to Box & Barber Coffeehouse on Fore Street. This speciality coffee haven serves expertly crafted flat whites alongside proper Cornish breakfast fare. Try the Maverick – featuring chorizo, refried beans, hash browns, scrambled eggs, Baja cheese, spinach and chipotle aioli. It’s made using Cornish St Ewe eggs and pork from a nearby farm. The café’s stripped-back interior, with its reclaimed wood and hanging plants, offers the perfect vantage point for people-watching as Newquay comes to life.
Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium deserves unhurried exploration. Situated dramatically on Towan Beach, the aquarium showcases marine life from Cornish waters and beyond, with its underwater tunnel offering mesmerising close encounters with native sharks and rays. The informative staff provide engaging insights into conservation efforts along Cornwall’s increasingly fragile coastline.
For lunch, it’s just a five-minute stroll down to the harbour where The Boathouse serves the morning’s catch with minimal fuss and maximum flavour. Their crab sandwiches – featuring hand-picked Newquay crab meat, homemade mayonnaise and a whisper of lemon – have achieved legendary status among locals and visitors alike. Paired with a crisp Camel Valley white wine (produced just 14 miles away), it’s a quintessential Cornish dining experience overlooking the working harbour. Do be aware that The Boathouse is seasonal and closes for winter, reopening in March.
Afternoon: Town and Tidal Pools
Newquay’s compact town centre is easy to explore on foot. Bank Street and Fore Street are home to lots of independent shops selling everything from surf gear to locally made Cornish crafts. Make sure to pop into Northshore, where you’ll find locally shaped surfboards and eco-friendly beachwear.
As the afternoon advances, time your visit to Lusty Glaze Beach (bit of a weird name) with the outgoing tide. This stunning natural amphitheatre – a horseshoe-shaped cove accessible only via steep steps – reveals expansive tide pools perfect for gentle exploration. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from the town centre, but the journey offers lovely cliff-top views. Young naturalists will delight in discovering shore crabs, anemones and the occasional starfish, while adults appreciate the sense of seclusion despite being just minutes from town.
Evening: Sunset and Seafood
As daylight begins to fade, position yourself at The Fort Inn and, if the weather permits, its terraced garden, where panoramic views capture Newquay Bay in all its glory. The establishment dates to 1815, and while its food offering remains solidly in the realm of well-executed pub classics, it’s the location – and locally brewed Doom Bar ale – that draws crowds for sunset appreciation.
For dinner, book well in advance at The Fish House on Fistral Beach. Allow about 20-25 minutes to walk there from The Fort Inn, or consider booking a local taxi if you’re watching the sunset until the very last moment. Chef Paul Harwood’s seafood-focused menu celebrates Cornwall’s maritime bounty with dishes like Newquay lobster linguine and whole Cornish sole simply grilled with brown shrimp butter. The restaurant’s unassuming appearance belies its culinary credentials, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the beach where much of your meal was sourced just hours earlier.
Begin your second day with breakfast at the Pavilion Bakery, where sourdough enthusiasts prepare exceptional pastries and bread from organic Cornish flour. Their breakfast menu changes seasonally, but the constancy lies in quality – eggs from Trerethern Farm, mushrooms foraged from nearby woodland, and coffee roasted in small batches in Penryn.
Afterwards, take the short 10-15 minute drive to Watergate Bay beach, where two miles of uninterrupted golden sand await. Join the South West Coast Path here for a spectacular cliff-top walk towards Mawgan Porth. The route offers breathtaking vistas across the Atlantic, with swooping guillemots and occasional seal sightings providing natural entertainment. Allow approximately two hours for the round trip, navigating gorse-lined paths where coastal wildflowers create a stunning backdrop in spring and summer.
Head back to Newquay for something different at Fistral Beach Surf School – not surfing this time, but coasteering. This combines cliff jumping, scrambling over rocks and swimming in the sea. It’s worth noting that if you’re tired after the morning’s walk, you might want to save this for another day as it takes quite a bit of energy. The qualified guides will keep you safe while you explore the rugged coastline from a completely different angle.
Treat yourself to lunch at The Colonial, part of Tolcarne Beach Village on Cliff Road. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Fistral Beach, crossing through central Newquay. Here, fresh local seafood meets global influences. Their Cornish crab linguine and beer-battered fish tacos showcase the day’s catch with creative flair, while the restaurant’s sun-drenched terrace offers sweeping views across Tolcarne Beach. The relaxed atmosphere perfectly suits Newquay’s laid-back ethos, with friendly staff happy to share tales of the town’s evolution from fishing village to surf haven.
Afternoon: Newquay’s Creative Side
Newquay’s creative community thrives somewhat beneath the tourist radar. Discover local artisans at Circle Contemporary, a gallery showcasing Cornwall-based artists whose work reflects the county’s unique light and landscape. The thoughtfully curated exhibitions change regularly, while the small shop offers ceramics and prints that capture Cornish essence more meaningfully than standard souvenirs.
Continue your cultural immersion at Newquay Orchard, a community-led environmental project spanning seven acres just minutes from the town centre. The volunteer-guided tours illuminate how this former wasteland has transformed into productive gardens supplying local restaurants, while teaching sustainability practices to both residents and visitors.
A Perfect Final Evening
For your last night, start with drinks at Tom Thumb, a great little cocktail bar that uses spirits from Cornwall’s local distilleries. Try their Cornish Negroni made with Caspyn gin from St. Ives and local botanicals – it’s the perfect way to kick off your evening.
Secure a reservation at Cove 24 for your farewell dinner. Chef Andy Appleton, formerly of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, crafts a menu where Italian techniques meet Cornish produce in dishes like hand-dived scallops with ‘nduja and samphire, or rabbit ragu with fresh pappardelle. The restaurant’s intimate size (just 24 covers) ensures personal attention, while the wine list features thoughtfully selected small producers alongside Cornwall’s increasingly respected vineyards.
End the night with a drink at The Lewinnick Lodge on Pentire Headland. It’s about a 25-30 minute walk from town or a short taxi ride. From the terrace, you get amazing views across the Atlantic, and on clear nights you can see stars reflected in the water. They’ve got a great whisky menu too – perfect for sipping while you decide whether to extend your stay in this lovely part of Cornwall.
For Londoners, Newquay is more accessible than you might think. The train from Paddington takes around 4-5 hours, with the final stretch along the Atlantic coast offering some stunning views that make the journey worthwhile. If you’re driving, it’s about a 5-hour trip down the M4 and A30 – though allow extra time during summer weekends when the roads get busy.
Cornwall Airport Newquay offers a much quicker alternative, with flights from Gatwick and Heathrow taking just over an hour. The airport is only a 15-minute drive from town, with regular bus services and plenty of taxis available.
What many visitors don’t realise is that the airport isn’t just for touching down as a gateway to the region – there are plenty of holidays from Newquay Airport to destinations across Europe. It’s worth considering if you fancy combining your Cornish break with a trip to Spain, Portugal or Ireland. Several tour operators offer package deals that include accommodation and flights, often at competitive prices compared to the more crowded London departures.
The Bottom Line
A weekend in Newquay only gives you a taste of what this town has to offer, with its mix of surf culture and traditional Cornish life. It’s well worth exploring beyond the main tourist spots.
If you have time, take a trip to nearby Padstow for its fantastic restaurants or visit the impressive rock formations at Bedruthan Steps. The Gannel Estuary just outside town is great for walks and birdwatching.
For those willing to venture a bit further, Falmouth on the south coast makes for a brilliant day trip. It’s got a completely different feel to Newquay – more maritime heritage, a buzzing university town atmosphere, and some excellent maritime museums. The 40-minute drive takes you right across Cornwall from the north to south coast.
And if you’ve fallen for Cornwall by now, head west to St Ives where you’ll find art galleries and sheltered beaches that feel more like the Mediterranean than Britain.
Worried about your office’s impact on the environment? Hey, in 2025, who isn’t?
But instead of getting held back by inertia and mired in existential dread, it’s time to get proactive. Adopting an eco-friendly attitude to the way your business, company or office runs can be beneficial on many levels; not only will you reduce your workplace’s carbon footprint, but you’ll promote better corporate responsibility, give a boost to your brand image, and help keep a lid on those spiralling energy bills.
Here, we offer some simple tips on how to reduce your office’s carbon footprint and run a more sustainable office in 2025.
Give Your Computer A Rest
Hey, we’ve all been there; in a rush to leave the office, perhaps with pints on our mind. The temptation at such times (often a Friday, admittedly) is to turn off the monitor and put work to the back of your mind until Monday. Don’t do that; endeavour to always shut down your computer comprehensively, turning it off at the mains and ensuring its plug is off, too.
Go further and enable the hibernation and sleep modes on your computer so that when you step away from your desk throughout the day, your computer does not waste unnecessary energy. Investing in an ecobutton to help you do this as it saves power when you leave your computer or laptop unattended.
Control The Heat & Light
Heating and cooling are far and away the largest contributors to the office energy bill, but there are some simple steps you can take to reduce both your bills and carbon footprint in this respect. Aside from being more proactive with opening windows and controlling airflow, the most energy efficient thing your office can do is to invest in a smart thermostat. Check out more on why you should switch to a smart thermostat here.
Ensure that all lights in your office are installed with energy efficient bulbs and bear in mind the lights may not need to be on all day. Switch off lights in meeting rooms when not in use and make the most of any natural sunlight in the mornings by opening up blinds and undrawing curtains.
Go further, and considering installing smart lighting systems, which have become increasingly efficient and affordable in 2025.
Think Before You Print
Printing endless copies of documents is not only costly but it wastes a lot of energy, too. It’s estimated that a ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, highlighting just what a good idea it is to pledge to only use recycled paper at work.
Better still is to make moves for your office to go entirely paperless where possible. As reported by WWF “the average UK office worker prints 6,000 sheets of paper a year, of which around 62% is wasted or unnecessary”. As such, endeavour to deploy email, Slack and other online platforms thoughtfully and meticulously to reduce your company’s physical paper trail.
Make Recycling & Waste Disposal Easy
Switching your desk bins to recycling bins and ensuring that they are used correctly should be an easy task when so many of us now recycle at home. Take these good habits into the workplace and really make a difference to the environment.
You should also be thinking about the manner in which your company disposes of other forms of waste that can’t necessarily be easily recycled. Sorting your business waste into separate commercial bins will also massively help out the environment because now your paper and cardboard can be successfully recycled.
Maintenance Matters
Making sure that all office equipment is serviced and kept in working order is essential to energy efficiency. From computers to fridges and printers to microwaves, if an appliance is correctly serviced and kept in good condition, it makes it work more efficiently and results in a lower running costs, too.
On the flip side, if you’re using faulty or outdated energy sucking appliances, then you’re going to be contributing to increased energy bills, a greater office carbon footprint, and, potentially, less clean air in your business premises.
Careless Kettle Use
Speaking of appliances, if there’s one that gets used relentlessly in any and every office, it’s the kettle. Tea and coffee breaks are a favourable time of the day in a busy office, but the kettle is one of the most energy-wasting appliances in the workplace.
Did you know that over a the span of 47-year career, the average British office worker will drink 24,648 cups of tea? In an workplace where caffeine is high in demand, the careless use of the kettle can become greatly unsustainable, so make sure you’re not just boiling a full kettle for a single cup; instead, offer to do a round and encourage others to do the same.
If you are going to make a ‘selfish cup’, don’t overfill the kettle as it will have to use an unnecessary amount of energy to boil the water. Indeed, as reported by The Times, research has found that tea drinkers fill their kettles with twice as much water as they need on average. Don’t be that guy.
Downsize
The days of sprawling, half-empty offices are thankfully becoming a relic of the past. In 2025, businesses are increasingly recognising that maintaining more space than necessary isn’t just costly—it’s environmentally irresponsible. Each additional square metre requires heating, cooling, lighting and cleaning, significantly increasing your carbon footprint.
Consider adopting a flexible approach to your workspace. Rather than committing to a large, permanent office that sits partially vacant most days, embrace the concept of ‘right-sizing’. This means carefully assessing your actual space requirements and adjusting accordingly.
Many forward-thinking companies are now using office spaces that can be reconfigured based on daily needs. Modular furniture, movable partitions, and multi-purpose areas allow you to maximise efficiency without wasting resources. Booking systems for desks and meeting rooms ensure you’re utilising every corner of your space effectively.
For smaller businesses or those with fluctuating team sizes, consider shared workspaces where you pay only for what you use. As the office space rental platform Zipcube sagely intone, these environments typically prioritise sustainability, with many boasting impressive green credentials like renewable energy sources, efficient waste management systems, and thoughtful material choices.
By downsizing thoughtfully, you’ll not only reduce your energy consumption and waste generation but also create a more connected, collaborative atmosphere that may well boost productivity and staff wellbeing. It’s a win for your business, your team, and the planet.
Or, Work From Home
Going green can save money for you and your business. Moreover, it can improve your workplace culture. If you’re looking to take a greener approach to your office, you may also want to consider moving your office entirely. There are a number of co-working office spaces out there taking green initiatives to a whole new level.
Also, consider encouraging your employees to work from home where possible, the environmental benefits of which are many. As Science Focus reports “Working from home can reduce both travel emissions from people’s commutes and save the need to heat, cool, or light offices”.
Forbes also reports that one “study found that working from home four days a week would reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide, which is the main pollutant generated by traffic emissions, by around 10%”.
Become A Certified Sustainable Business
Finally, consider becoming a certified sustainable business. This means taking steps to ensure your operations are environmentally friendly and having the official credentials that prove it.
As the WWF writes, “Becoming certified to the international standard on Environmental Management (ISO 14001) demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement of environmental performance, reducing your negative impacts and increasing efficiency”.
Not only will this show your customers that you’re doing good things for the environment, but it will attract like-minded employees that care, too.
The Bottom Line
Going beyond your office walls can amplify your sustainability impact. Consider choosing suppliers who share your environmental values and use ethical business practices—this extends your green footprint throughout your supply chain. Show solidarity with global environmental initiatives by participating in events like Earth Hour, which unites businesses worldwide in a visible commitment to our planet.
Engage your team more deeply by organising volunteering days where staff can give back to local environments through activities like litter picking, tree planting, and biodiversity projects. These hands-on experiences not only benefit your surroundings but foster team building and a genuine connection to sustainability principles. Additionally, supporting local, small and independent businesses reduces transport emissions and strengthens your community’s resilience.
Remember, creating a sustainable office isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint—it’s about fostering a culture where environmental responsibility becomes second nature to everyone in your workplace. The steps you take today, however small, contribute to a healthier planet for all of us tomorrow.
Routinely named as the world’s best salad, som tam is one of the best recognised dishes in the Thai food canon and eaten all over the country in different forms, guises and levels of pugency. Green papaya, although not essential to qualify as a som tam, is usually the basis of the dish, along with a spicy, sweet, salty and sour dressing.
To be pounded to order, this sharp, assertive dish is beloved of Bangkokians and as such, can be found on most streets in the city. Want the best version? Well, we’re more than happy to narrow down the options to just the best, with this; our 8 of the best places to eat som tam in Bangkok.
Zao Ekkamai
If you’re at all online in Bangkok, you’ll no doubt have seen Zao’s lycopene-flush cubes of watermelon adorning your Instagram feed in the last year. Dressed in the restaurant’s funky yet refined pla ra (fermented fish sauce) and sprinkled with fragrant ground roasted rice, it’s a dish designed to smooth the edges of a balmy day in Bangkok, both refreshing and invigorating in equal measure.
But don’t let that dish’s ubiquity take away from the superlative range of som tam served at this trailblazing nu-Issan joint. These are truly some of the best papaya salads we’ve had in Bangkok, Ubon or anywhere else for that matter, chef Eve Palasak’s gently innovative touch never detracting from the soul of a satisfying plate of som tam.
Go for the tam pa, roughly hewn and given heft via hoy cherry, hairy eggplant and other textural, pleasingly bitter delights. And do not leave without trying the exemplary pla som – fish fermented until pleasingly sour, here wrapped in a banana leaf, skewered and grilled. It’s a salty, smoky, piquant treat that we’re still getting our head around!
Here you’ll find Michelin-starred Haoma rubbing shoulders with the celebrated Roman trattoria Appia (among our favourite Italian restaurants in the city) as well as the acclaimed Ministry of Crab and Thaan Charcoal Cooking.
Further down the road, world famous Gaggan is still doing his groundbreaking thing, with its excellent sibling restaurant Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh on the floor above arguably even more enticing.
With Michelin stars and global names dotted along the road, you’d be concerned that there may not be room for a humble Isaan restaurant, but Baan E-sarn Muangyos has been delighting the punch-drunk punters of Sukhumvit for as long as we can remember.
Here, the som tam is roughly shredded in the true North Eastern style, the dressings are funky, and the vibe boisterous – the restaurant doesn’t shut its doors until 4am. Accordingly, expect to see the good and the great of the Bangkok restaurant scene dining here once service is over.
There are 29 different types – at the time of writing – of som tam at this wildly popular Sathon joint (though other branches in the city exist, this is our favourite).
When you enter – or, even as you approach in fact – the ubiquitous chorus of pounding pok poks indicates you’ve arrived. Go for a salted duck egg version, or one paired with sweet pork and kanom jim noodles.
High levels of spice are guaranteed, so make sure sticky rice is to hand. Harmonious som tam accompaniments like grilled meats and laap are served with skill, too.
There’s a temptation to begin this entry with an aside about Laab Ubon being ‘made famous by Dua Lipa’, the British superstar having recently dined here whilst in town for her sellout show at the Impact Arena, as part of her Radical Optimism world tour. But that would be to suggest that Laab Ubon wasn’t already famous.
With its sprawling dining room and equally sprawling opening hours, it’s amazing that the place manages to always be full, but that’s testament to the satisfying spread of Isaan classics available at Laab Ubon. Don’t be fooled by the name; you’re not here for the eponymous dish only. There’s always a good range of som tam, both in North Eastern and Bangkok styles, as well as grilled chicken, salt-crusted fish and so much more.
Though the actual som tam isn’t the best version in Bangkok (or indeed, on our list) the vibe at Laab Ubon is unparalleled, whether you roll in at 5pm or 4am. Hey, you could do both – for a late lunch and a late dinner. Or, you could even call the latter breakfast!
Somtum Der’s New York sister restaurant made big news in 2016 by winning a Michelin star, then losing it (reduced to a Bib Gourmand) the following year. The original is in Silom, and was awarded a Michelin plate in Bangkok’s inaugural guide.
The room is bright and airy, with an always occupied mezzanine and youthful vibe perfect for sinking a few singhas and enjoying the Northern Eastern hospitality. The place has the feel of a fast food joint, in menu design and speed of service, but as a place for entry level som tam, it’s perfect.
As a general rule, ‘Thai’ or ‘Bangkok’ versions of som tam tend to be sweeter, with renditions which hail from the Northeast of Thailand (Isaan) or Laos leaning towards the pungent and with minimal sugar.
Phed Phed proudly falls into the latter camp, serving up uncompromisingly spicy, insanely delicious food from the country’s north east. This, it is said, is where som tam originated, making the journey over the border from neighbouring Laos. Fermented fish sauce (nam pla ra) and a rougher chop of papaya indicate you have yourself an Isaan version, and at Phed Phed, the som tam Isaan is as good as it comes.
Stay for a whole host of other amazing dishes, but do reserve in advance; this place is seriously popular with locals and walking in will only lead to disappointment.
When speaking of the perfect, quick Thai lunch, the ‘holy trinity’ is often mentioned; sticky rice, grilled chicken, and of course, som tam. Lay Lao in Bangkok’s hip Ari district provides all three. Being a restaurant with links to the seafood mecca of Hua Hin, many of the som tams have a pleasing shellfish bent; there’s a black crab,dried clam and squid version which notches high on both the saline and satisfying levels.
The ‘Queen of Som Tam’ has earned her culinary crown at this Silom Issan salad and grill shop with super fiery som tams made out front and good vibes within. It’s always full at lunch, a hugely popular spot for office workers, so go there at 11am or 2pm to avoid the rush.
This is real deal Lao leaning som tam with fermented fish sauce and other delicious accoutrements of the region like paddy crab and apple snails. Ordering ain’t easy, as the menu is a do-it-yourself checklist only in Thai, but the staff are super friendly and more than willing to help. A must visit.
With a shiny new crop of Michelin stars (retained, admittedly) cementing its status as a serious food city, Dublin’s restaurant scene has never been more exciting. Skip the tourist traps of Temple Bar and the unrelenting crowds of Grafton Street in favour of the city’s best restaurants, and you’ll be met with everything from live-fire cooking to natural wine bars, all which wouldn’t feel out of place in Copenhagen, Catania or Cadiz. But honestly, why do we need to compare the Irish capital’s food scene to any across the Channel? Dublin’s is very much its own thing, and all the better for it.
Anyway, let’s stop chuntering on; you’re here for cold, hard recommendations. So, here’s where to eat in Dublin…
Note, Fenian Street
Ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate thoughtful cooking without pretense…
Hiding in plain sight on the edge of Fenian Street, close to Trinity College, Note pulses with a nocturnal energy, as a mix of after-work wine enthusiasts and serious diners fill the wedge-shaped space with a gentle conviviality that’s at odds with the pint chugging down the road at Temple Bar.
The dining room pulls off that tricky balance between buzzy and intimate, with the kind of lighting that makes everyone look their best as it shimmies off the mahogany tables. While many come for the meticulously chosen wine list – featuring everything from grower champagnes to hard-to-find natural wines – the kitchen more than holds its own.
Mackerel tartine, pickled onion, aioli Images via @notedublin.com
The menu changes regularly with the seasons (in 2025, we’d be worried if it didn’t) but maintains a comforting bistro sensibility bolstered by careful technique: a starter of chicken liver parfait might come brightened with salted greengage, while a whole butterflied mackerel tartine comes dressed in that gorgeous Sicilian agrodolce tangle of pickled onions, capers, golden sultanas and pine nuts. Winner, winner, fish dinner.
Their eight classic cocktails are executed with the same precision as everything else here, and unlike many of Dublin’s top spots, they’ll welcome you on a Monday evening. The perfect excuse for welcoming a new week with a Bourbon Milk Punch, don’t you think?
Ideal for witnessing culinary artistry in unexpected surroundings…
In what must be one of Dublin’s most surprising fine dining locations, chef Damien Grey’s tiny restaurant hidden within Blackrock Market (Dublin’s oldest and a half hour’s drive from the city centre) delivers tasting menus of remarkable precision and creativity.
The three-hour dining experience at Liath (Irish for ‘Grey’) unfolds like a carefully orchestrated performance, with Grey himself often serving and explaining dishes that might appear on the menu for mere days before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Or, more likely, simply evolving into something new and delicious…
Image via @liathrestaurant.com
Grey’s philosophy centres around the five elements of taste, with each dish building upon the last in a carefully considered progression. It’s wonderfully, refreshingly light, and fortunately free from the curse of too much umami (‘too-mami?’) that seems to blight many a contemporary restaurant.
Things are decidedly more measured here, as you’d expect for a tasting menu priced at €180 per person. It’s a significant investment, but the intimate setting (you’ll be one of just a handful of diners) and Grey’s engaging presence make it well worth your time. The two Michelin stars above the door confirm Liath’s many diverse talents. He should’ve called the restaurant ‘50 Shades of Liath’, surely?
Smithfield’s Fish Shop proves that sometimes the simplest concepts yield the most satisfying results. This intimate spot elevates the humble fish supper into something extraordinary, not via unwelcome innovations involving syphoned batter or confit potato terrines, but rather with a daily-changing selection of pristine catches from Irish waters.
Grab a perch (not from the fryer, you fool!) at the snug counter for the full experience – watching the kitchen team expertly prepare everything from delicate raw dishes to their signature beer-battered fish.
Images via @fishshopbenburb
The cooking is precise yet unfussy: plump oysters arrive gleaming, smoked haddock croquettes deliver satisfying crunch against custardy centre, while the main event of perfectly golden whiting, haddock or plaice comes with hand-cut chips that would make a Parisian bistro proud. Scrap that; they would make your local chippy proud – these are the kind of chippy chips that would feel most happily at home turning a sheet of greaseproof translucent.
Pulling you back into the room and reminding you that you’re in a restaurant, the thoughtfully assembled wine list leans toward crisp whites and sherries, though their selection of skin-contact wines offers some intriguing pairings for an increasingly tuned-in Dublin crowd.
Under the watchful gaze of Dublin’s Four Courts, Spitalfields isn’t claiming to reimagine, reinvent or refine what pub food can be. Instead, they’re simply intent on making it the best it can be. Dare we say, they’ve succeeded in their mission…
The kitchen’s crown jewel is their sharing pie – a magnificent creation of burnished, latticed pastry concealing a rich filling of chicken, leeks, and wild mushrooms, given depth (but somehow also lightened) by madeira and prunes. While the pie justifiably steals headlines, the rest of the menu shows equal finesse: plump hand-dived scallops, a perfectly golden and unfussy pork schnitzel, and a côte de boeuf that hits the white paper tablecloth with an authoritative thunk. One suspects The Devonshire might have spent a few RND trips in the dining room here….
Come Thursday lunchtime, Spitalfields’ Dublin Coddle – that classic combination of sausage, bacon, and potato that’s had London all in a befuddled fluster recently – draws locals who understand that sometimes tradition needs no improvement. And with that statement still reverberating still catching in the back of our throats, it’s time for another gold-standard Guinness.
Ideal for watching Dublin’s culinary evolution in real time…
Allta has finally found its permanent home in a spacious dockside building, after years of successful pop-ups and festival appearances around the city. The space cleverly divides into two distinct personalities: by day, it’s a bright, airy lunch and coffee spot, but as evening falls, it transforms into something altogether more atmospheric. The industrial-chic cocktail bar pulses with energy from live DJs, while the separate dining room centres around an open kitchen where counter seats offer the best views of the action.
From the former’s ‘bar food’ menu, Cromane Bay oysters, dressed with lime mignonette and hot sauce, are plump and pristine, whilst the Allta cheeseburger is a decadent number that deploys dry-aged Jersey beef in a truly chunky patty. The restaurant proper’s menu shows off Allta’s more serious side, with chef Niall Davidson’s experience brings with it a big, bruising, protein-led affair that culminates in a whole suckling pig for four to share. Yours for £150.
Whichever way you play it, don’t miss out on the superb cocktails here. Each drink tells its own story of Ireland – from the ‘Skellig Michael’, which celebrates native Irish apples with gin and Stillgarden glas (Ireland’s first green herbal liqueur), to ‘Sherkin’, which pays homage to Ireland’s ancient maritime trade routes with toasted rice vodka and yuzu. Save room, too, for their nostalgic take on soft-serve ice cream for dessert – it’s comfort food elevated to new heights.
Ideal for nights when the wine matters as much as the food…
The latest venture from Dublin’s restaurant powerhouse the Bereen brothers demonstrates their continued ability to read the city’s pulse. An evening here flows effortlessly from early evening snacks to full dinner service, accompanied by an all-natural wine list that makes conventional vintages feel positively old hat.
The menu spans around 10 small plates that showcase Irish ingredients through a global, crowd pleasing lens – their Kilkee crab rosti with pepper veloute, and the glazed pork tostadas, both epitomise the style perfectly.
The space, inspired by Tokyko’s listening bars, boasts a serious sound system spinning choice vinyl, bringing an enveloping, intimate quality to proceedings. The single dessert option – currently a lemon posset with hibiscus poached plum – reliably climaxes in pure pleasure.
Ideal for experiencing Irish fine dining at its absolute peak…
In a stately Georgian dining room on Parnell Square, chef Mickael Viljanen has created something truly special at Chapter One, a restaurant that many insiders and chefs believe to be Ireland’s finest.
Since taking the helm in 2021, the Swedish-born, Finnish-raised chef has propelled the restaurant to two Michelin stars by combining Nordic precision with sublime Irish ingredients. It’s a match made in heaven.
While the €215 evening tasting menu is an elaborate (and premium) affair, the three-course lunch (€90) offers a more accessible way to experience creations like his signature Mossfield Gouda steamed soufflé with macadamia, truffle and Vin Jaune. Service moves with balletic grace through the elegant space, and the dedicated Irish coffee trolley provides a fittingly theatrical finale to what’s certain to be a memorable meal.
Ideal for channeling Spanish energy with Irish produce…
Grand Canal (nope, never gonna use official name) be damned; the counter seats at Uno Mas offer Dublin’s best dinner theatre experience – watching the kitchen team navigate an always full-on service while turning out plate after plate of Spanish-influenced perfection never fails to be impressive.
The menu builds from ‘para picar’ nibbles through to more substantial plates. It’s actual ‘starters’ and ‘mains’ here, rather than tapas, but the delivery demonstrates a keen understanding of both Spanish tradition and Irish ingredients nonetheless.
The tortilla is pitch perfect, the croquetas the right side of runny, and the daily specials showcase whatever’s best from land or sea. But it’s when Uno Mas takes the brakes off and goes a little off-piste that things really get interesting; a recent porchetta tonnato garnished with beer pickled onions and crispy pig’s ears was one of the most straight-up satisfying, sinful platefuls we’ve had in a long time. And if the burnt basque cheesecake with local rhubarb is on, ignore the suspicion that the dish has been ruined by ubiquity. This one is a gold standard version.
A serious sherry collection and vermouth-forward cocktail list complete the Iberian experience, though the warm hospitality is distinctly Dublin.
Ideal for sating the desire for dumplings in style…
Behind a modest shopfront on Aungier Street, BIGFAN delivers on its straightforward premise: carefully crafted Sichuan, Taiwanese and Korean dishes in a bright, brash but strangely intimate setting. The team exercises a degree of restraint with the menu – a focused selection of dumplings, bao, and xiaochi (small eats) that showcases kitchen’s dexterity rather than overwhelming with choice.
It’s a place where dinner often starts with “we’ll have one of everything” and ends with “should we order those dumplings again?” The space buzzes with chatter and the gentle thud of dumpling baskets hitting tables, while the aroma of star anise and ginger drifts from the open kitchen.
Come with friends, order widely, and don’t skip the ‘Couples Beef’ xiao chi dumplings – packed with honeycomb tripe and tongue, it hums with depth and intrigue, and has you resenting the more MOR dumpling choices you’ve made up to this point. This is food worth getting possessive over – the kind where you’ll find yourself strategically positioning the last dumpling just out of your dining companion’s reach.
Ideal for discovering how good car park dining can be…
Trust Dublin to turn a car park entrance into one of its coolest dining destinations. Amy Austin’s industrial-chic setting provides the backdrop for seriously accomplished cooking. Forgive the fish bowl nature of the frontage; the massive pane of glass, exposed concrete and pipework of the space is softened by clever lighting and the warmth emanating from the open kitchen.
Small plates show global influences executed with precision. The scallop crudo and Moroccan-spiced lamb are standouts, and with nothing on the menu priced much over €20, it’s one of Dublin’s cheaper ‘destination’ restaurants. The wine-on-tap program makes decent vintages more accessible, carrying through that sense of inclusivity to its natural conclusion. The whole enterprise proves that sometimes the best restaurants pop up in the least likely locations.
These restaurants showcase Dublin’s culinary confidence in full flow. You’ll find them scattered throughout the city’s neighbourhoods – many just a short stroll from Dublin’s free walking tours – the grounds of St. Stephen’s Green, and the weekend bustle of food markets.
Whether you’re seeking technical perfection or soulful cooking, Dublin’s food scene continues to surprise and delight at every turn.
If your ideal workout involves staying at home – with the bath just seconds away to soothe those aching muscles – then you’ve come to the right place…
There are many reasons people put off going to the gym. Some of us are gym-timidated and despise working out in public. Others avoid going as they hate fellow gym goers leaving equipment dirty and sweaty. Or, they just hate fellow gym goers. Others still don’t go as they have a phobia of lycra (true fact).
Here at IDEAL, one of the main things that put us off going to the gym is actually getting there – if it’s raining, consider the gym visit skipped for the day.
There is, of course, another way (you’ve already read the title, haven’t you?). A place where there’s no need to worry about looking presentable or finding matching socks. Somewhere you can groan, grunt, sweat and sigh in peace, all without judgmental glances. Somewhere there’s no waiting for equipment or awkwardly avoiding eye contact with that fella who’s hogging the machine you need. A place where you can experience the joy of blasting your favourite tunes without headphones in. Enter the home gym.
If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that having a dedicated space to exercise at home isn’t just convenient – it’s sometimes essential. The massive surge in home gym setups during lockdown proved that with the right equipment and space, you can maintain your fitness routine whatever the circumstance.
Yep, the home gym has many positive attributes. And perhaps the best is that you save money in the long run. No more monthly fees or that off putting commute. Sure, the upfront cost might make your wallet weep a little, but think of it as an investment in your health and sanity. If you’ve been convinced to leave the hustle and bustle of a public gym for the comfort and convenience of a home gym, here are our top tips on how to create the ideal gym at home.
Deciding Between A Purpose-Built Space & A Garage Gym
While of course you can set up your home gym in the spare bedroom, we’re talking about the ideal home gym today, so that means a dedicated space. A purpose built garden room or a metal steel structure is ideal here. These structures provide a separate and private space, allowing you to focus on your workouts without distractions.
When it comes to planning permission, if your gym is single storey, less than 2.5 metres in height and occupies less than 50% of your garden area, then you’re likely in the clear. However, if you’d like a larger home gym, you’ll need to seek planning permission.
Be sure to add traditional gym flooring which usually consists of squares of strong rubber flooring made from shock absorbent foam with a layer of rubber on top.
Proper lighting is also essential for creating an inviting and motivating atmosphere in your home gym. Install bright, adjustable LED lights to ensure optimal visibility during workouts. Additionally, consider adding task lighting near mirrors or specific workout stations for focused illumination. Oh, and you’ll want your gym to be insulated for year round use.
For those considering a garage conversion, you’re already starting with a solid foundation. Garages typically offer ample space and often come with electrical connections already installed. Just ensure your garage is properly weatherproofed and insulated, as these spaces can get quite cold in winter and rather warm in summer. The concrete floor in most garages provides an excellent base for laying gym flooring, though you’ll want to check for any dampness issues first.
A well-designed home gym can greatly enhance your fitness journey and help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Mirrors are crucial to the setup of your ideal home gym as they serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they enhance the visual appeal of the space, making it feel more open and spacious. Secondly, they allow you to monitor and correct your form during exercises, reducing the risk of injuries.
Install mirrors strategically to cover the walls or specific workout zones. Choosing an acrylic mirror or plastic mirror is sufficient, however in the ideal gym you’ll want a thick sheet of mirror glass installed by a professional. As you may have noticed, gym mirrors are often designed to tilt forward slightly at the top, enhancing the impression of the post-workout ‘pump’. You might want to do the same!
We don’t need to tell you that staying hydrated and fueling your body is vital for a successful workout. As such, it’s pretty much obligatory to create a hydration and fueling station in your home gym. Not only does it eliminate the need to leave the gym area frequently, it will help you maintain focus and intensity during your sessions.
In your ideal home gym, you’ll want to incorporate a water cooler or dispenser to ensure easy access to H20. You may also want to add a fridge so you can store bottles of Pocari Sweat, Upbeat protein drinks, NOCCO (aka the ‘Red Bull of sports drinks’) or whatever your chosen sports drink of choice is. Better yet, consider adding a vending machine with a variety of your favourite thirst quenching sports drinks on display, ready to replenish and energise at the press of a button.
Oh, and don’t forget the snacks and so you can fuel your workouts, from a pot of peanut butter to protein bars and to bananas, pre and post workout snacks are important as they can help you perform better and recover faster.
Ventilation & A View
Proper ventilation is essential to maintain a comfortable and fresh environment in your home gym. Consider installing big windows or sliding doors to allow natural light and fresh air to circulate. Adequate ventilation not only enhances the overall ambiance but also helps regulate temperature and minimise odours.
If you’re working with a garage space, consider installing a garage door with windows or even replacing the entire door with a glass-paneled version to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy.
On top of that, you’ll want a decent view of the garden. Think floor-to-ceiling windows installed with panoramic vista of your garden in mind. Oh, the luxury!
The Equipment
Cardio, and that all important heart rate raising is hugely, undeniably, demonstrably beneficial to both our physical and mental health. You’ll therefore want a mix of cardio machines and strength-building equipment.
The last thing you want is for your home gym to look cluttered and messy. Efficient organisation of gym equipment is crucial for maximising space and ensuring safety. Install shelving systems or racks to store and display your weights, dumbbells, resistance bands, and other accessories.
For garage gyms, take advantage of vertical space with wall-mounted garage storage solutions that keep your equipment organised while leaving floor space free for workouts. This not only keeps the area clutter-free but also makes it easier to locate and access the equipment during workouts.
Meditation & Yoga Corner
To achieve a well-rounded fitness routine, dedicate a corner of your home gym to meditation and yoga practices. This serene space can be adorned with calming decor, yoga mats, bolsters, and meditation cushions. Incorporating mindfulness exercises into your workout routine promotes mental well-being and complements physical fitness.
Sound System & TV Screens
It’s no secret that music can greatly enhance your workout experience by providing motivation and energy. But let’s be honest here; the music that they blare out at the gym isn’t really to anyone’s taste.
Luckily, in your own home gym, you can play the type of music that you truly want to listen to. To do so, you’ll need to install a sound system or portable speakers within your home gym to enjoy your favourite playlists or upbeat workout music. Oh, and at least one TV screen is essential so you can play your YouTube workouts or catch up on the latest episode of your favourite Netflix show.
A Cosy Seating Area
Creating a cosy seating area within your home gym isn’t essential – but it’s a very nice thing to have. Firstly it provides a space for relaxation and recovery between exercises or after a particularly intense session. But perhaps more importantly, it provides a spot to hide in when the family and inlaws are round. You can excuse yourself that you’re going to workout, even if you don’t have any intention of doing so.
Temperature Control & Climate Management
Creating the perfect workout environment means maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round. Whether you’ve opted for a purpose-built space or converted your garage, proper climate control is essential. Install a robust heating and cooling system – split-unit air conditioners work brilliantly in both dedicated spaces and garage conversions. For garage gyms, consider adding portable heaters for winter and high-powered fans for summer if a permanent system isn’t feasible.
Additionally, invest in a dehumidifier to control moisture levels, particularly important in garage spaces where dampness can affect both your comfort and your equipment’s longevity. Maintaining the right temperature and humidity will not only make your workouts more enjoyable but also help protect your investment in fitness equipment from rust and deterioration.
Finally, personalise your home gym to reflect your personality and fitness goals. Hang motivational posters, display inspiring quotes, or incorporate artwork that resonates with you. Creating a space that inspires and motivates you will significantly contribute to your overall enjoyment and dedication to regular workouts.
The Bottom Line
Having a home gym offers the convenience and flexibility to stay fit and healthy without stepping out of your comfort zone. For some, there can be no better way to work out!
A family camping trip is the ideal way to bond, explore nature, and create unforgettable memories. Or, it’s an occasion ripe with rifts, rain and soggy sleeping bags. The determining factor here isn’t often, surprisingly, familial harmony, but rather, your choice of pitch.
And for the family with a particularly adventurous spirit (or, simply, for those families looking to do things on a budget), the allure of wild camping is undeniable. You get to hammer your tent pegs in somewhere rugged, remote and, best of all, remuneration-free! What a wonderful opportunity to teach the kids some Bear Grylls-worthy survival skills and some Martin Lewis-deserving thriftiness. What’s not to love?
Well, there are a couple of things not to love, in fact, the first being the potential for a fine that stretches into the thousands of pounds for the offence of aggravated trespass. More likely though, you’ll be asked to move on, which can be pretty annoying if you’ve pitched up, lit the barbie, and put the keds to bed (or, rather, sleeping mat).
Avoid the pitfalls, tripwires and bear traps. Together with the wild exploration experts at Adventuro, here’s our guide to the best places in the UK for families to camp for free.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Devon, Dartmoor National Park offers an unparalleled camping experience for families. With its vast moorlands, ancient forests, and fascinating archaeological sites, there is no shortage of activities for families to enjoy.
While camping at Dartmoor, families can take advantage of the park’s excellent facilities, including picnic areas, toilets, and car parks. Moreover, the surrounding area boasts numerous attractions, such as the famous Dartmoor ponies, Becky Falls, and Castle Drogo. For a fun day out, consider visiting the Miniature Pony Centre or taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic Wistman’s Wood trail.
Dartmoor has a unique history regarding wild camping in England. For decades, it was the only national park in England where wild camping was legally permitted in specific areas under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. In January 2023, a controversial high court ruling temporarily restricted this right after a landowner challenged the traditional interpretation of the Act.
However, following public outcry and extensive negotiations, the Dartmoor National Park Authority reached an agreement with landowners by mid-2023 to reinstate wild camping rights. This was further secured when the Dartmoor National Park Authority (Amendment) Act came into force in July 2023, legally protecting the right to wild camp in designated areas of the park.
Today, wild camping is permitted within specific areas of Dartmoor National Park, which are clearly marked on maps available from the park authority. When camping, you must follow their wild camping code:
Camp at least 100 metres away from roads or public rights of way.
Only camp on open moorland within the designated areas, avoiding enclosed farmland and archaeological sites.
Do not camp in the same place for more than two consecutive nights.
You must carry everything you need in a backpack (including your tent).
Keep your group size small, usually a maximum of 2-3 tents.
Leave no trace. Take all your litter and belongings with you, and never bury or burn waste.
Be respectful of other visitors and minimise noise.
Use a stove for cooking instead of making fires.
Keep dogs under control and stay away from farm animals and wildlife.
Be prepared to move on if requested by the landowner, park rangers or police.
Please note that specific areas within Dartmoor National Park may have additional rules or seasonal restrictions. It is always wise to check with the official Dartmoor National Park website or visitor centres for up-to-date information and maps of permitted camping areas before setting up camp.
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Galloway Forest Park, also known as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’, is a sprawling woodland reserve in southwest Scotland, with plenty of wild camping opportunities available.
Here, you can enjoy the stunning views, rich wildlife, and clear night skies. As wild camping is generally tolerated in Scotland, you can pitch your tent in many places. However, remember to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Leave No Trace principles. Carefully choose your spot to avoid damaging the environment.
Some prime wild camping spots in Galloway Forest Park include:
Loch Trool – A beautiful loch in the heart of the forest, with many secluded spots to pitch your tent along its shores. The Glentrool Visitor Centre is also nearby.
Clatteringshaws Loch – Another stunning lake with picturesque sceneries, ideal for wild camping. There’s a visitor centre near the loch, which provides useful information on the area.
Loch Stroan – A peaceful spot to camp with beautiful views, located to the northeast of Newton Stewart.
Loch Doon – A large freshwater loch, offering plenty of options for secluded spots to camp. It’s also close to the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Observatory, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site – If you prefer a more structured camping experience, this campsite is located within the forest park, providing a base for exploring the surrounding area. Pitching a tent costs just £7.
Families visiting Galloway Forest Park can indulge in a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, and stargazing. The park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent spot for admiring the night sky. Nearby attractions include the Red Deer Range, where families can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, and the Galloway Activity Centre, which offers various water sports and outdoor activities.
Interestingly, from April 1st to October 31st, 2023, Galloway’s ‘Stay the Night’ program allows self-contained motorhomes, campervans and caravans to park overnight for one night in some designated car parks. Make sure to check the specific car parks included in the programme before planning your trip.
Exmoor National Park, Somerset
Exmoor National Park, located in Somerset, is another fantastic option for families seeking free camping experiences.
Whilst wild camping in Exmoor National Park isn’t officially permitted, as much of the land is privately owned or managed by the Exmoor National Park Authority. However, informal camping may be allowed in some areas with the landowner’s permission. The UK has a strong wild camping culture, and with a respectful and responsible approach, you may still be able to find a few incredible spots to pitch your tent.
In instances such as this, it might be a wise move to become a member of the non-profit co-operative Nearly Wild Camping. A unique UK-based initiative, Nearly Wild Camping connects passionate nature enthusiasts with off-the-beaten-track camping spots through an ever-growing membership network. This community-driven platform enables landowners to offer their undiscovered, pristine pieces of land for environmentally conscious, low-impact camping experiences, all while supporting rural economies in the process. On a more practical level, being a member is a great way to gain permission to camp in Exmoor National Park.
Once you’re settled in, rest assured that Exmoor National Park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from moorlands and woodlands to dramatic coastlines. Families can explore the park’s numerous walking trails, visit the historic Tarr Steps, or take a scenic drive along the Exmoor coastline. For a memorable day out, consider a trip to the Valley of the Rocks, where you can marvel at the unique rock formations and enjoy stunning views of the Bristol Channel.
For perhaps the most perfect pitch (weather permitting!) in the park, make for Dunkery Beacon. Known as the ‘Summit of Somerset’ and the highest point in Exmoor, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Camping near the summit may offer an incredible sunrise or sunset experience, but be prepared for sudden inclement changes.
This summit is one best tackled with proper camping gear. Bringing your own camping supplies, such as a tent and cool bags, not only adds to the affordability of camping but also offers long-term value – and we did promise this thing was being done on a budget, after all. Using your own gear also offers a sense of familiarity, which is essential for the younger members of the gang getting used to their first adventure! While there may be an initial investment in purchasing such items, they can be used repeatedly on future camping trips, making them a worthwhile investment.
There are few more beautiful places on the planet than rural Wales on a certain type of crisp, cold day, and Snowdonia National Park, situated in the country’s northwest, is probably the most beautiful of the lot. It’s also a haven for adventure-seeking families, and while wild camping is not officially permitted, responsible campers who follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle are generally tolerated.
Keep in mind that much of the land within Snowdonia National Park is privately owned, so you should seek permission from the landowner before setting up camp. To stay on their good side, avoid camping near popular trails, water sources, or in large groups. It’s a good idea to arrive late, leave early, and leave the area exactly as you found it to minimise your impact on the environment.
Now that admin’s dispensed with, let’s savour Snowdonia’s dramatic mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, all offering a wealth of activities for families. Embark on a hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, take a ride on the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway, or explore the magical village of Portmeirion. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, visit Zip World, home to the world’s fastest zip line and a variety of other thrilling adventures.
Northumberland National Park & Coast
Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, offers some of the most pristine and least crowded landscapes for wild camping enthusiasts. While wild camping is not officially permitted without landowner permission (as with most of England), Northumberland’s remote nature and vast open spaces make it a practical option for discreet, responsible camping.
Northumberland National Park is England’s least populated national park, spanning 1,050 square kilometers of breathtaking scenery from Hadrian’s Wall to the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border. The park’s remoteness means you’re more likely to encounter grazing sheep than other humans, creating a true wilderness experience for adventurous families.
The Cheviot Hills in the northern section of the park offer particularly good opportunities for wild camping if you’re willing to hike away from roads and popular paths. The College Valley, with its stunning scenery and seclusion, is especially worth exploring, though you’ll need to obtain permission from the estate office for overnight stays.
For stargazers, Northumberland International Dark Sky Park (which covers much of the national park) boasts some of Europe’s darkest skies, making it perfect for nighttime astronomy with the kids. The Kielder Observatory offers regular events, but simply pitching your tent in an appropriate spot and gazing upward can be equally magical.
Along the Northumberland coast, the remote beaches north of Bamburgh toward Holy Island (Lindisfarne) provide beautiful wild camping opportunities for those seeking coastal experiences. Just be mindful of tidal times if camping near Holy Island, as the causeway floods twice daily.
If seeking landowner permission feels daunting, Northumberland is also home to a several low-key campsites that offer nearly-wild experiences. Two of the best are:
Clennell Hall Campsite near Alwinton sits at the edge of the national park and offers basic facilities with immediate access to hill walking routes.
Demesne Farm in Bellingham provides simple riverside pitches with the Pennine Way passing nearby.
The Lake District, Cumbria
While wild camping is not explicitly allowed in the Lake District as it mainly falls on privately-owned land, it is generally tolerated if done discreetly and responsibly in remote locations, away from popular trails, car parks, and residential areas.
Indeed, many landowners and park authorities turn a blind eye if campers follow these guidelines and exhibit good environmental stewardship.
For some of the most secluded spots, consider:
Nestled beneath the towering Langdale Pikes, the Great Langdale Valley is an idyllic spot for families to set up camp. Here you’ll find a sense of seclusion and remoteness, allowing the whole team to truly reconnect with nature (and avoid interruption from the authorities!). Families can spend their days exploring the surrounding fells, embarking on scenic walks, or enjoying a tranquil picnic by the bubbling valley stream. At night, in the absence of light pollution, it’s all about the stargazing.
As one of the most remote lakes in the Lake District, Ennerdale Water promises a serene wild camping experience. For the family who loves to don their walking boots together, the lake boasts plenty of gentle walking paths; you could even attempt a walk around the entire lake. Fishing is also a popular pastime here, and for the little ones, skimming stones across the lake’s clear surface is as magical as it gets.
The Borrowdale Valley is another fantastic location for adventurous families seeking both picturesque landscapes and engaging activities. Set up camp near the banks of the River Derwent and enjoy the mesmerising views. Then, explore the hidden caves and gorges that surround the valley. The kids can build dams and splash in shallow streams, while parents can look forward to relaxing walks amongst the verdant woodlands (not separately, of course; you might want to keep an eye on the kids when they’re building those dams).
The second-largest lake in the Lake District, Ullswater provides families with picturesque camping spots and plenty to do. Along the eastern shore, you’ll find charming, secluded areas perfect for wild camping. During the day, families can get stuck into watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Additionally, you can hop on the Ullswater Steamer for a lazy afternoon cruise, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding fells and valleys.
The Bottom Line
Though not strictly ‘campsites’, the UK is home to numerous free places for wild camping, some of which cater very capably to families seeking budget-friendly outdoor adventures.
From the enchanting landscapes of Dartmoor National Park to the awe-inspiring mountains of Snowdonia, these destinations offer a unique camping experience without breaking the bank. So pack your tents, gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable family adventure at one of these incredible free campsites. Just remember to not leave a trace!
*The rules and legislation regarding wild camping here in the UK may change at short notice. Do check with the national park’s official website before setting off on your adventure. Please also be aware that rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland*
As Spring 2025 tentatively begins to poke its gorgeous head over the horizon, all sunshine, flowers and seasonal optimism, the world of interior design is embracing a softer, more organic aesthetic to match it.
The trend that’s taking centre stage this year is all about curves. From furniture to architecture, the allure of rounded edges and flowing lines aims to transform our living spaces into places of comfort and elegance. But why are curves such a big trend, and how can you incorporate them into your home?
Why Curves Are Dominating 2025
A Return To Nature
We’ve all read about biophilic design by now. Hell, we’ve read all about it on the pages of IDEAL, right? RIGHT?
Well, curves, being inherently natural, form part of this contemporary design trend. They mimic the shapes we find in the natural world, from the gentle arc of a river to the soft contours of a pebble. In an era where sustainability and a connection to nature are paramount, incorporating curves into our homes helps create a serene and organic environment.
Softening The Space
Straight lines and sharp angles can sometimes make a space feel rigid and uninviting. Curves, on the other hand, introduce a sense of fluidity and movement. They soften the overall look of a room, making it feel more welcoming and comfortable.
Curves also evoke a sense of nostalgia. They harken back to the Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern eras, where rounded forms were celebrated. This blend of retro charm with contemporary design creates a timeless appeal that resonates with many.
Psychological Comfort
There’s a psychological aspect to curves as well. Studies have shown that humans are naturally drawn to curved shapes because they are perceived as safer and more comforting. In a world that often feels chaotic, surrounding ourselves with curves can provide a subtle sense of security and relaxation.
How To Incorporate Curves Into Your Home
Curves can be seamlessly integrated into your home in a variety of ways, each adding a unique touch of elegance and comfort. Here’s a deeper dive into how you can embrace this trend:
Furniture
Leading retailers of sofas and armchairs have been saying it with increasing volume all year thus far: Furniture is the most straightforward way to introduce curves into your home. By selecting pieces with rounded edges and flowing lines, you can instantly soften the look of any room.
Sofas and Chairs: Opt for sofas with rounded backs and armrests. These pieces not only provide a comfortable seating experience but also soften the overall look of your living room. Curved sectionals can create a cosy, intimate seating area, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests. For something a little smaller and less all encompassing, a chair with a tub design offers the same kind of softening vibe.
Tables: Circular or oval coffee tables and dining tables are excellent choices. They encourage a more inclusive and conversational atmosphere, as everyone can see each other without the obstruction of sharp corners. Additionally, side tables with rounded edges can complement the main furniture pieces, adding to the cohesive look.
Beds: Consider beds with curved headboards. These can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your bedroom, making it feel like a serene retreat.
Incorporating curves into the architecture of your home can create a dramatic and elegant effect. These elements can transform the very structure of your space, making it feel more dynamic and inviting.
Arched Doorways: Replacing standard rectangular doorways with arched ones can dramatically change the feel of your home. Arches add a sense of grandeur and elegance, reminiscent of classical architecture.
Rounded Windows: Circular or oval windows can be a striking feature, allowing natural light to flood in while adding a unique architectural element. They can serve as focal points in a room, drawing the eye and creating visual interest.
Curved Walls: If you’re undertaking a major renovation, consider incorporating curved walls. These can create a sense of flow and movement within a space, making it feel more dynamic and less boxy.
hallway mirror
Decorative Accessories
Decorative accessories are a simple yet effective way to introduce curves into your home. These small touches can make a big impact, adding elegance and cohesion to your decor.
Mirrors: Round mirrors are a simple yet effective way to introduce curves. They can be used in any room to add depth and reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter, and helping open things up.
Rugs: Circular rugs can define areas within a room, such as a seating area or dining space. They add a layer of texture and warmth, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Vases and Bowls: Curved vases and bowls can be used as centrepieces or decorative accents. They bring a touch of elegance and can be easily swapped out to refresh the look of a room.
Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element in any interior design, and choosing fixtures with curved lines can enhance the overall aesthetic. These pieces not only provide illumination but also serve as sculptural elements.
Pendant Lights: Choose pendant lights with rounded shades or globes. These fixtures can serve as statement pieces, adding both style and function to your space.
Floor and Table Lamps: Lamps with curved stands or bases can add a sculptural element to your decor. They provide soft, ambient lighting that enhances the cosy atmosphere created by curved furniture and accessories.
Textiles & Patterns
Textiles and patterns offer a versatile way to incorporate curves into your home. From cushions to curtains, these elements can subtly reinforce the theme without overwhelming the space.
Fabrics: Look for cushions, throws, and curtains with circular motifs or wavy lines. These patterns can subtly reinforce the theme of curves without overwhelming the space.
Bedding: Curved patterns on duvet covers and pillowcases can add a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Opt for designs that complement the overall colour scheme and style of your room.
Wallpaper: Consider wallpaper with curved or wavy patterns. This can be used on an accent wall to create a focal point or throughout a room for a more dramatic effect.
Outdoor Spaces
Curves aren’t just for the indoors; they can enhance your outdoor spaces as well. From garden paths to patio furniture, these elements can create a cohesive and inviting environment.
Garden Paths: Curved garden paths can create a sense of journey and discovery in your outdoor space. They guide the eye and the feet, making the garden feel more expansive and inviting.
Patio Furniture: Choose outdoor furniture with rounded edges and curved lines. This not only enhances the comfort of your outdoor seating area but also ties in with the overall theme of curves.
Planters: Circular or oval planters can add a touch of elegance to your garden or patio. They can be used to create focal points or to define different areas within your outdoor space.
Artwork
Artwork is a fantastic way to introduce curves into your home. Whether through sculptures or wall art, these pieces can add a dynamic and artistic touch to your decor.
Sculptures: Incorporate sculptures with flowing, curved lines. These can be placed on shelves, mantels, or as standalone pieces in a room. They add a three-dimensional element that enhances the overall aesthetic.
Wall Art: Look for paintings or prints that feature curved lines or circular shapes. These can be used to create a cohesive look and tie together different elements within a room.
Built-In Features
Built-in features with curved lines can add a unique and custom touch to your home. These elements not only provide functionality but also enhance the overall design.
Curved Shelving: Built-in shelves with rounded edges can add a unique touch to your home. They provide storage while also serving as a design element that enhances the overall look of a room.
Kitchen Islands: Consider a kitchen island with curved edges. This not only makes the space more functional by allowing for easier movement but also adds a touch of elegance to the heart of your home.
The Bottom Line
Incorporating curves into your home is a wonderful way to create a space that feels both elegant and inviting. Whether through furniture, architectural elements, or decorative accessories, there are countless ways to embrace this trend.
By adding curves, you can transform your home into a sanctuary that reflects the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
If ever a city existed in a liminal space between meals, it’s Chiang Mai. The ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom feels like it’s perpetually gearing up for its next feast, with never ending plumes of smoke rising from charcoal grills, steam billowing from bubbling curry pots, and the rhythmic pounding of clay pestle and mortars providing the city’s distinctive soundtrack. A soundtrack that’s only punctuated by a busy chorus of discussion about what’s for dinner, we might add…
Indeed, whilst the region’s proud, ornate temples, mountain vistas, walls and moats might initially draw visitors to Northern Thailand’s spiritual centre, it’s the food that keeps them coming back.
A distinct cuisine influenced by neighbouring Burma, Laos and the Yunnan Province of China, but with its own inimitable character, Lanna food – as the food of the north is known – is generally milder than that of central and southern Thailand, with an earthy, herbal profile taking precedence over the familiar sweet, spicy and sour vibes that folk usually associate with the Kingdom. Pork fat brings a sauve richness where cracked coconut cream might sizzle down south. Sticky rice reigns supreme.
Not that Chiang Mai has a myopic vision, food wise. A large expat population and status as Thailand’s digital nomad capital means you’ll find excellent international restaurants too, as well as cafes and bars that wouldn’t look out of place in London or New York. Still, we write that without including a single one on our list, such is the quality of the local food here.
So, once again, we find ourselves in the privileged position of eating our way around one of the world’s great food cities, all in the name of research. An arduous task, make no mistake, but one we accepted with open arms, and soon after, open mouths. Here are the very best places to eat in Chiang Mai; our IDEAL 22.
SP Chicken, Si Phum (Old City)
Ideal for some of the finest grilled chicken you’ll ever eat…
Let’s start with something simple but sublime. SP Chicken has been doing one thing exceptionally well for decades now; Issan-style grilled chicken cooked over charcoal. And boy, do they do it well.
The chickens here are brined, marinated, stuffed with lemongrass and garlic, and cooked on vertical spits with the heat source coming from the side rather than below. This unique method prevents any oil from dripping onto the coals and causing flare-ups that might burn the birds. The result? Impossibly juicy meat and perfectly, consistently crisp skin, every single time.
You have the option of a half or a whole bird. Though the idea of a half seems plenty, you’ll find yourself licking the plate and your fingers and considering ordering a second half.
You might as well commit to the whole thing first time around. Order yours with som tam (papaya salad) and sticky rice – the holy trinity of Isaan cooking, add a couple of Singha beers, position yourself near the grill where the cook is happy to swap stories and cooking tips, and stay the afternoon there. Heaven.
Prices remain steadfastly local here too, with a full spread for two rarely exceeding 400 baht (around £9). The whole chicken is 190 baht (£4.30), if you want to behave like a beast, tearing at drumsticks with your teeth.
Ideal for northern Thai food that’s worth seeking out…
It’s a pig’s ear to find and a pig’s ear to find open. Funnily enough, you can find pig’s ear on the menu here. That’s if you’re lucky enough to catch one of the sweet spots where their doors are flung wide and the sisters in-charge are at the stove. But man, it’s worth the effort (and occasional disappointment at being turned away).
Author’s own
Because this bare bones, humble eatery serves up some of the finest northern Thai specialties in the city. Their gaeng hung lay (a Burmese-influenced curry of braised pork belly) is sensational, their laab toasty, rasping and redolent of a complex dried spice mix, and bitter as it should be. The northern Thai sausage, sai ua, is fragrant with lemongrass and makrut lime leaf, with a pleasingly caramelised casing – a nice point of a difference in a city with so much sai ua that the sausage fest gags write themself.
Ideal for what might just be the finest bowl of curry noodles in the world…
About half an hour’s drive north of the city centre lies what many consider to be the best khao soi in Chiang Mai and by default, then, the world. This iconic northern Thai dish combines egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, crowned with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled greens, shallots, and chilli oil – a cherished creation born from the intersection of Chinese Muslim, Burmese and Thai culinary traditions. The journey might seem excessive for a bowl of noodles, but trust us; this one’s worth it.
Here, the third (and reportedly last) generation owner still makes the egg noodles by hand daily, preserving a family recipe that spans more than four decades. The beef version is the move here; the meat tender and giving, the coconut curry broth deep and complex with properly developed spicing, and those noodles – both soft and crispy – providing the perfect vehicle for it all.
If you’re feeling curious, try their pad sen khao soi, where those same hand-made noodles are stir-fried rather than swimming in broth. It’s a unique twist on the city’s signature dish that you won’t find in many other places. Rent a motorbike and make a day of it; San Sai is a gorgeous retreat from Chiang Mai proper.
Ideal for innovative cooking that respects its roots…
Hidden above a gelato shop in Chiang Mai’s hip Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, this 16-seat restaurant serves some of the most exciting food in Chiang Mai. Chef Phanuphol Bulsuwan, who learned his craft at his grandmother’s side rather than culinary school, creates ambitious 10-course tasting menus that change constantly based on what’s available from local farmers and foragers.
The chef’s innovative approach to fermentation – he makes his own fish sauce, soy sauce and pickles, and brews beer and sake for the restaurant, too – and his deep knowledge of local ingredients results in food that pushes boundaries while remaining distinctly Thai.
The dining room might be minimalist, but the flavours on the 2700 baht (£60 ish) tasting menu are anything but. Highlights include a refined take on the pork and tomato relish nahm prik ong (the ol’ Thai bolognese), which here is served ‘two ways’ and topped with crisp shards of chicken skin, and chef Bulsuwan’s buffalo salad, a riff on the sun-dried buffalo dishes of the Tai Khuen people.
The menu changes regularly and is Thai-seasonal in its approach, observing the rainy and dry seasons, the former celebrating the abundance that the wetter weather brings; the latter embracing ingredients that are refreshing and light. There’s a keen sense of time and place here – of tradition and modernity that reflects the wider city as an entity.
Many think that Blackitch will be the restaurant that wins Chiang Mai its first Michelin star – we have to say, we agree with them. It’s the best ‘fine dining’ restaurant in Thailand’s second city by some margin.
Ideal for northern Thai classics in lively surrounds…
Set in a charming wooden house on Nimmanhaemin Soi 13, Tong Tem Toh is perpetually packed with a mix of Thai university students, Chinese tourists and in-the-know farang. They’re all here for the same thing – agreeable northern Thai food in a convivial courtyard, all big wooden tables and noisy din that makes the whole sharing thing all the more enjoyable.
It is a massive menu, so let the restaurant dictate things a little. Their northern Thai appetiser platter is the perfect introduction to the cuisine, loaded with sai ua, nahm prik ong, nahm prik noom (roasted green chilli relish), pork crackling and steamed vegetables. Lovely stuff. The grilled meats coming off the barbecue set up outside are excellent too, particularly the fatty, charred pork neck. It’s impossible to resist the smoke wafting about as you queue for, genuinely, hours for a table.
That said, the highlight at Tong Tem Toh is the jin som. Here, pork mince, skin and fat are mixed together with a cracked egg, pounded garlic and salt, wrapped in a banana leaf and left to ferment in the sun for a few days. The parcel is then chucked on the grill to order, and served with roasted peanuts, thumbs of ginger and Thai bird’s eye chillis. It’s lip smackingly good, and a damn fine version at triple T; rich, sour and just a little bit funky. Chase it down with a few Singha over ice – you’ve earned it after all that waiting around.
A meal here rarely costs more than 300 baht per person, which makes the queue out front a bit more bearable. Our advice? Get there early, get your name down and your number memorised, and go for a beer or two opposite.
Ideal for a bowl of curry noodles from the OG (original grandma)…
Just off Sri Phum Road, near the North Gate of the old city, you’ll find this beloved institution known simply as Grandma’s Khao Soi. Opening at 10am and closing when they run out (usually around 2pm), this modest open-air eatery serves what many consider the best bowl of khao soi within the old city walls.
The coconut curry broth here is perfectly balanced – not too rich, not too sweet – with a deep rouge colour that speaks to its proper blooming of spices. While the chicken version is excellent, we’re particularly fond of the lesser-sighted pork version (owing to the dish’s potential Muslim origins, pork is rarely used in khao soi), which comes with tender chunks of belly that have been stewing in that incredible curry all morning. For those not confident with their chopsticks and fearful of ruining their T-shirt with a splashback of turmeric-tainted broth, the chicken slices version is your order.
Whichever way you play it, those ubiquitous condiments – pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime – are an essential counterpoint to the rich broth/soup/curry…whatever you want to call it. At just 60 baht a bowl, this is one of the city’s greatest bargains.
Ideal for authentic northern Thai food in a traditional Lanna setting…
Since 2011, this restaurant – whose name means ‘happy home’ – has been living up to its moniker by serving some of the most jolly satisfying northern Thai food in the city. Set in a traditional Lanna house with a leafy garden, it’s a tranquil spot to sample hard-to-find traditional dishes. Of a genre that’s fairly widespread in the city, Huen Muan Jai is our favourite rendition.
Former TV chef Charan Thipeung’s menu includes all the northern classics: sai ua, nahm prik ong, and an excellent gaeng hang lay, alongside some lesser known dishes (outside the north, at least) like tam khanoon (pounded jackfruit salad) and gaeng pla chon (a hot and sour soup with snakehead fish). We’re really sorry about all those brackets, by the way.
For newcomers and old timers, too, the northern Thai appetiser sampler is the perfect introduction to the region’s flavours. A word of warning; with the semi alfresco vibe to the dining room at Huen Muan Jai and the various water features scattered about the place, the mozzies can be pretty insistent here. Come doused in repellent accordingly.
Ideal for seriously good seafood in a landlocked city…
You might not expect to find excellent seafood in a landlocked mountain city, but Maadae proves that distance from the coast is no barrier to quality. The kitchen here sources their catch directly from small-scale fishermen in Chumphon province, ensuring the freshest possible produce makes its way up north and onto the grills of this cracking restaurant.
The menu changes daily depending on what’s been caught, but you can expect Thai seafood classics like thick rounds of braised squid in a moody black pepper and garlic sauce, or chunks of white fish mixed with a fragrant, coarse curry paste before being wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. The main event, though, is the selection of whole fish and huge river prawns, sold by weight and grilled over coals. Usually, they’re served with jungle herbs and an assertive nahm jim seafood, the ideal foil by the bitter notes of charred skin and gorgeous, giving flesh within.
The dining room, with its blend of industrial chic and traditional Thai elements, provides the perfect backdrop for such considered, respectful cooking. There’s even a short selection of natural wine, with a bottle of Wabi Sabi Orange Moon from the Niederösterreich region of Austria clocking in at 1400 baht (£32) and offering a restrained funk and plenty of acidity.
Whilst Maadae isn’t a blowout meal (certainly not by Bangkok standards), it’s one of the more premium places on our list of the best places to eat in Chiang Mai. Expect to pay 2000 baht (£45) for two, before drinks. It’s very much worth it for the kind of spread or spanking fresh seafood you won’t find too often in Thailand’s second city.
Ideal for experiencing the best raw laab in Northern Thailand…
A tiny shack a twenty minute drive out of Chiang Mai Old City, tucked away in the San Sai district, might not be the first place you’d think of for a culinary pilgrimage…
…Scrap that; it’s exactly the kind of place you’d think of. It’s worth the journey, the language barrier and the rest, as Laab Ton Koi serves what many locals consider to be the best laab in Chiang Mai. Opening at 11am sharp, this humble eatery typically sells out within three hours, the meat minced fresh each day and only going so far, so arriving early is essential.
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The star dish here is their laab kwai dip (raw buffalo) – a perfectly minced creation that’s generously but not excessively seasoned with a blend of spices including makwen peppercorns and cumin, then mixed with fresh green cow bile for an authentic northern Thai flavour profile. The result is a wonderfully complex dish that combines herbs both astringent and floral, bitter bile, and beautifully textured meat.
Since you’ve made the effort to get here, you shouldn’t dine on laab (and sticky rice) alone. Don’t miss their gaeng om moo (pork intestine soup) – a herb-rich broth that serves as the perfect accompaniment to the laab. The restaurant also offers sa sa-doong, a barely-blanched meat dish whose name literally translates to ‘jolted raw slices’.
At just 40 baht per dish, this is one of the best value-for-money experiences you’ll find in Chiang Mai. Just remember – this isn’t tourist-oriented dining, so expect a local experience with minimal English spoken. Time to brush up on your Thai.
Ideal for contemporary Chinese dining in a traditional Lanna setting…
We’re back in Nimmanhaemin, somewhat in awe of Yangzi Jiang’s regal, refined take on Chinese-Catonese cuisine, helmed by a chef with Hong Kong roots. When you’re just a little tired of another bowl of khao soi, Yangzi Jiang is just the ticket, its stellar dim sum selection during lunch hours a welcome diversion from the city’s usual charms. The signature steamed scallop dumplings with black truffles are a standout, and one of Chiang Mai’s most decadent dishes.
Set in a contemporary Lanna house (there’s a theme developing here), the restaurant has an elegant, hushed atmosphere that perfectly complements its refined cuisine. While the dim sum is the main draw, their Peking duck has earned a reputation as one of the most memorable versions in the city, arriving with breasts delicately portioned and bordered with a clock’s worth of numeral bronzed, glass-like skin. This is supreme cooking, with age-old techniques precisely delivered.
Their lunch menu is particularly popular among Chinese tourists and well-heeled locals, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours. This is one of the pricier options in the Nimman area, but the quality of ingredients and execution justifies the cost; an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their Chiang Mai dining experience beyond Thai cuisine.
Ideal for atmospheric northern Thai dining in the heart of the old city…
Set in an atmospheric old teak house near the centre of the old city, Huen Phen feels frozen in time in the best possible way. The dining room is adorned with antiques and vintage photos, while chunky wooden tables and the occasional touch of opulence nod to the city’s royal heritage.
The food is just as traditional as the setting, and Huen Phen – though not the gold-standard purveyors of the good stuff – is a great place to try savoury, herbal Northern Thai classics like gaeng hang lay, various preparations of Northern-style laab, and nahm prik noom served with fresh and steamed vegetables and pork crackling.
The brick-a-brack, organised chaos of the dining room(s) adds to the charm here – your dining companions on any given visit might include several golden, looming phaya naga, a deer with comically large antlers, or a wooden fertility statue, tumescent and distracting. Yep, this is a vibes-first kind of place, and it’s all the better for it.
Prices are keen too, with most main dishes coming in under 100 baht. Just be prepared to wait for a table during peak lunch hours. Once you nab one, settle in, order a few cold beers (or even a little Sang Som with soda) and luxuriate in the generosity of Lanna cuisine and culture.
Ideal for possibly the best beef noodle soup in northern Thailand…
For over three decades, this humble shophouse has been serving what many consider to be the finest Chinese-style beef noodles in Chiang Mai. We’re certainly inclined to agree with the many here; this is a light but luxurious bowl of the good stuff that manages to be satisfying but not too sweet, and not overly reliant on MSG for backbone. It’s a rare find in a bowl of noodles in Thailand these days…
The broth is the star – deeply flavoured with Chinese herbs and pristine in its clarity. Tiny globules of beef fat pool at the edges of the bowl, indicating just the right level of skimming has happened here.
The beef bits – balls with good factory bounce, offal, slices – have just the right amount of chew. As in, a fair bit of chew. There’s an obligatory lettuce leaf bobbing about, as there should be.
And if you’re not in the mood for noodles (bit of a weird choice to pitch up here if you’re not), they also do an excellent beef yellow curry served over rice. Don’t leave without trying their homemade coconut ice cream for dessert – the perfect way to reset after that steaming bowl of soup.
Ideal for an authentic local market experience away from the tourist trail…
About a kilometre north of the old city, Siri Wattana (also known as Thanin Market) offers one of Chiang Mai’s most genuine market experiences. This is where locals come to do their daily shopping and grab a quick, delicious meal, and it’s somewhere you should do the same.
The market is divided into distinct sections – fresh produce, meats, prepared foods – but it’s the khao gaeng (rice and curry) section that draws us back time and time again. Here, dozens of silver trays hold different curries, stir-fries and soups, all priced at local-friendly rates (expect to pay no more than 40-50 baht per dish).
The best strategy here is to point at whatever looks good (you could, of course, learn some Thai). Don’t miss the hor mok pla, a fish curry steamed in banana leaves and topped with coconut cream. There are also excellent takeaway options of sai ua, served with smoked green chilli relish, and deep fried fermented pork ribs. The som tam pla raa here is great, too, found at the right of the prepared foods section of the market.
If your appetite still isn’t satiated, there’s also excellent one-bowl wonders prepared to order in the canteen-like space as you enter – the pad grapao that’s served to the left of the market as you enter is an excellent version of a classic. If you can’t find it, just listen out for the clatter of the one-woman-wok operation.
Ideal for conscientious eating that doesn’t compromise on flavour…
This socially conscious cafe in the Nimman (we’re shortening now) area isn’t just about serving great food – though it certainly does that. Run by Thai Freedom House, a non-profit organisation supporting Shan refugees, Free Bird Cafe puts its profits towards educational projects and community support.
The menu features traditional Shan recipes, many plant-based by design, alongside a broader selection of international dishes.
Stick with the Shan stuff; it’s superb. Their lahpet thoke (Burmese tea leaf salad) is a standout – crunchy, tangy and utterly addictive – whilst the red lentil soup could cure the very worst whiskey soda hangover. For breakfast, try the Burmese tofu scramble with pennywort and turmeric, alongside a roasted barley and chicory drink, which boasts coffee-adjacent notes but none of the caffeine.
Ideal for refined Thai dining in characterful surrounds…
Hidden down a quiet soi in the old city, Baan Landai serves up creative, Kingdom-spanning cuisine in a setting that manages to be both chic and homely. Chef Landai weaves together regional flavours without things ever becoming jarring, creating dishes that respect heritage while adding enough contemporary touches to keep things interesting in a city arguably more in thrall to traditional recipes than innovation.
Don’t worry; there’s no green curry foams or exploding spheres of coconut milk here. Rather, artfully presented (there are a lot of circular banana leaves), precisely seasoned plates from across the Thai culinary canon reign supreme. The crab fried rice is perhaps the signature here, featuring those massive, inviting chunks that only Thailand seems to truly indulge in. A fiesty af nahm jim seafood is obligatory as accoutrement.
Whatever you order, save room for dessert – their modern take on mango sticky rice is worth loosening your belt for.
Something of an old town institution, The House by Ginger has been in operation for over two decades, and remains one of Chiang Mai’s most consistently excellent fine dining-leaning restaurants. The quirky, stylish dining room – full of colour and energy – sets the scene for a menu that skilfully blends northern Thai classics with a few more contemporary flourishes (Thai tacos, Thai calamari…you get the picture).
It’s an approach that has earned the restaurant Michelin recognition for the past four years (since the guide came to Thailand’s second city). Premium ingredients are a focus here – think New Zealand beef in their massaman curry, or organic vegetables and herbs picked daily from their own Ginger Farm and put to good use in stir fries and salads. The Chiang Mai platter, keenly priced at 690 baht offers the ideal introduction to northern flavours, while their creative cocktail and kombucha list provides plenty of reasons to linger. Ours is a Ginger Sling, if you’re heading to the bar.
Set in a beautifully restored 1880s teak mansion that served as the city’s first ever general store, Kiti Panit offers a glimpse into Chiang Mai’s glamorous past while serving some of its finest contemporary Thai cuisine. The original woodwork, flooring and furniture have all been lovingly preserved, creating an atmosphere of understated grandeur that’s impossible to resist.
The kitchen gently reimagines traditional Lanna cuisine with a few opulent twists – their khao soi comes with stewed beef shank that’s been cooked to melting tenderness, while the yam pakchi gai yang sees a bronzed, burnished chicken bread bedding down with a tangle of coriander varieties tossed into a salad that is replete with a shards of crispy chicken skin. Words that any hungry diner wants to read, let’s be honest.
Whilst we don’t think mango sticky rice’s original form can be improved upon, the grilled caramelised mango with pandan flavored sticky rice is certainly an interesting take on a classic, the mango itself bar-marked invitingly and kissed with smoke. You know what? We think there’s room in the world for both tradition and innovation, when it comes to dessert.
Ideal for late-night feasting after a few Chang beers…
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain’s visit but beloved by locals long before that, Midnight Sticky Rice is the perfect spot for post-revelry sustenance. It’s an order-by-pointing affair, but rest assured that everything will be spicy, fried and utterly delicious.
midnight sticky rice
The menu changes nightly depending on what’s fresh and available, but you can usually count on finding excellent som tam, grilled meats, and of course, plenty of sticky rice to soak it all up. Just follow the crowds and the aroma of grilling meat, and prepare for plenty of toasting with your increasingly jolly neighbours.
No visit to Chiang Mai would be complete without a pilgrimage to the famous ‘Cowboy Hat Lady’ at Chang Phueak Gate. Her khao kha moo (braised pork leg over rice) has achieved legendary status, and rightly so – the meat is so tender you could practically shake it off the bone.
From 5pm onwards, you’ll find her distinctive cowboy hat bobbing behind mountains of perfectly braised pork, served over rice with a medium-boiled egg, pickled mustard greens, raw garlic and a searingly hot chilli sauce. At around 50-60 baht a plate, this is one of the city’s greatest culinary bargains.
Despite her celebrity status (she’s been featured on countless food shows), there’s no hint of tourist pricing here, and the quality remains as high as ever. The queue can be long, but it moves quickly – just look for the stall with the cowboy hat-wearing vendor and join the throng.
This beloved Isaan institution might just serve the best som tam in Chiang Mai. The restaurant’s (the country’s) signature salad comes in countless variations – you can customise everything down to the specific ingredients and spice level – but whatever you choose, expect fresh, fiery flavours that don’t hold back.
The grilled meats here are equally excellent. Order the gai yang (grilled chicken) or kor moo yang (grilled pork neck) to accompany your som tam, and don’t forget to get sticky rice to help temper the heat. Head up to the huge communal dipping sauce station and help yourself to complete the deal.
Though prices are slightly higher than a street stall, a feast for two still won’t set you back more than 250 baht, in a huge, expansive space that’s just crying out for a big party and plenty of beers poured over ice.
Ideal for northern Thai food in tranquil surrounds…
Set in a converted home with a distinctive triangular roof in the university district, Han Teung offers a peaceful retreat from Chiang Mai’s bustle. The small portions here are actually a blessing in disguise – they allow you to sample a wider range of northern Thai specialities than you might otherwise be able to manage.
Don’t miss the sai ua, fragrant with lemongrass and kaffir lime, or their excellent chilli soups. The pork dishes are particularly good (as is always the way up north), and everything comes with an assertive kick of spice.
If it’s the season (beginning in earnest in mid-February and ending when things cool down in late June-ish), round things off with an order of so-called ‘Northern caviar’; weaver ant larvae, served pleasingly unadorned and boasting an agreeable sour tang owing to their diet of mango leaves.
With dishes rarely exceeding 100 baht, Han Teung is excellent value too.
We end at Ton Payom, a bustling morning market northwest of the old city where locals head for their morning fix of khanom jeen nahm ngiaw (spicy noodle soup) for a pleasingly mellow, refreshing breakfast bowl. The atmosphere is kinetic, especially around 7am when office workers and students stop by for breakfast.
By simon_photos from Getty Images via Canva
Look out for the stall selling sai oua that’s still sizzling from the grill, and don’t miss the khao ram fuen – a jellied rice noodle dish served with tamarind sauce that’s particularly refreshing on a hot morning. You know what? We think we might just stay here a while…
Whether you’re seeking fiery northern curries, perfectly grilled meats, or innovative takes on traditional dishes, Chiang Mai’s food scene has something for everyone. Just remember to pack loose-fitting clothes – you’re going to need them.
