Category Archives: Inspiration

Bingo gets a cheeky, millennial twist at Dabbers

“Netflix and chill, number 69” announced the cheeky Bingo caller. “Order a Deliveroo, number 22” the comedian continued. We dutifully dabbed away at our bingo cards as the numbers were called, eager to secure that coveted full house to earn the top prize: a weekend away in Warwickshire. We were into our third round ofContinue reading “Bingo gets a cheeky, millennial twist at Dabbers”

Mamma Mia! The Party: a new immersive theatrical and dining experience is opening in August

A new five-hour Mamma Mia!-themed show, featuring a three-course Mediterranean dinner and an ABBA disco, is coming to the 02 London this August. Created by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! The Party is set in a taverna on the island of Skopelos, where scenes of the first film were shot. Nikos and his wife KateContinue reading “Mamma Mia! The Party: a new immersive theatrical and dining experience is opening in August”

A thirty-year-old’s guide to Disneyworld and Universal 

Last month I turned 30 in the happiest place on earth: Disneyworld. It was the most perfect birthday, especially as my darling boyfriend (now fiancé!) proposed to me in true fairytale style in front of the Cinderella castle in Magic Kingdom. Our week in Orlando was action packed – we tackled both Universal Studios and UniversalContinue reading “A thirty-year-old’s guide to Disneyworld and Universal “

Walk the picturesque South West Coast Path

Seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of London life? Want to swap the blue light of your always-on smartphone or laptop for the gorgeous, soft blues of the sea and sky, and the greens of nature? The Bank Holiday presents the perfect opportunity to escape. We took advantage of the first Bank HolidayContinue reading “Walk the picturesque South West Coast Path”

What’s it like to volunteer with Crisis at Christmas?

Volunteering – spending our time helping those less fortunate – is probably something we’d all love to do more regularly, however, it’s often difficult to commit to it. Volunteering with Crisis, the charity that helps homeless people in the UK, had been sitting on my bucket list for a while and what pulled me toContinue reading “What’s it like to volunteer with Crisis at Christmas?”

We made it to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal!

After months and months of preparing and training, I completed a relentless 9-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp in November 2018, along with 26 others in my group. Thanks to the incredible generosity of all our sponsors, we have managed to raise approximately £430,000, which will help Sense International continue doing its amazing work forContinue reading “We made it to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal!”

The best dosas outside of India at Chennai Srilalitha

Ever eaten something so incredibly good that you’ve caught yourself thinking about it days later? Guilty. I’ve been having daydreams about the crisp, moreish masala dosa at South Indian restaurant Chennai Srilalitha in Kenton, which were as good as the ones I had a few years ago while travelling through Kerala. The spice-rich, sticky onion-lacedContinue reading “The best dosas outside of India at Chennai Srilalitha”

A taste of Ethiopia in north-west London

It’s best to give your hands a good wash before you sit down to eat at authentic Ethiopian restaurant Abyssinia, because if you’re embracing the dining experience, you won’t be getting any cutlery. The restaurant in Cricklewood, north-west London, prides itself on being the first and oldest Ethiopian restaurant in the city. As first-timers toContinue reading “A taste of Ethiopia in north-west London”

Got a head for heights? Abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford

Urban thrill-seekers will be able to abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit – the tallest sculpture in the UK – from Saturday 31 March. Abseilers can take in the panoramic views across the city as they step off the tower’s viewing platform in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford for the 80-metre descent.Continue reading “Got a head for heights? Abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford”

Step into London’s Bake Off tent: could you be crowned star baker? Plus, speed dating meets baking

Have you always wanted to take part in the Great British Bake Off? You’re in luck – a baking tent has popped up in Tooting and you can head down and compete for the chance to be crowned star baker. As well as baking competitions, the tent is also the setting for something a littleContinue reading “Step into London’s Bake Off tent: could you be crowned star baker? Plus, speed dating meets baking”

Going loco for Lobos Tapas in Borough Market

Tucked away in a corner of Borough Market, this tiny Spanish tapas restaurant is in the heart of foodie land – and its offering tantalises the taste buds just as you’d hope. Lobos Tapas brings a meat-heavy menu and a good wine list to boot. Considering that the restaurant was started by former Brindisa employeesContinue reading “Going loco for Lobos Tapas in Borough Market”

Misato’s chicken katsu curry is better than Wagamama’s

  The long queue outside Japanese eatery, Misato, suggested that the food must be good, yet, looking inside, my confidence waned. Diners were crammed tightly together on basic wooden tables and chairs, and the plain beige walls lining the small space desperately needed some cheering up. It seemed to lack ambience, especially for a ChinatownContinue reading “Misato’s chicken katsu curry is better than Wagamama’s”

All-you-can-eat sushi in Soho

Now that you’ve seen the words “all you can eat”, I bet you’re fired up and ready to go. Before you do, here’s the small print: the bill at Sushi Eatery must be paid in cash, you’ve got an hour and a half to be in and out and drinks are paid on top. NowContinue reading “All-you-can-eat sushi in Soho”

“Dope” times at hip hop brunch

Don your chunky gold necklace, snapback hat and bandana headband for this daytime party with a hip hop twist. It’s dubbed “brunch” but what you actually get is a five-hour party session comprising an hour of bottomless booze, a three-course sit-down meal and endless entertainment in a club venue. Old and new hip hop beats,Continue reading ““Dope” times at hip hop brunch”

Sri Suwoon is the Thai gem hiding in Pimlico

Discovering an excellent independent Thai restaurant hidden alone in the quiet residential streets of Pimlico was a bit like finding treasure – I was pleasantly surprised, yet uncertain about who else knows it’s there. You probably wouldn’t find cosy two-floor restaurant, Sri Suwoon, if you weren’t looking for it (or without Google Maps). It appearsContinue reading “Sri Suwoon is the Thai gem hiding in Pimlico”

A colourful, feel-good vegetarian dinner at Casita Andina

Friends and colleagues always swoon at the mention of Peruvian food, so Ceviche and Andina have been knocking around on my restaurant list for a while. I’ve never visited South America and have no knowledge of the cuisine, so I’m not sure what to expect as we arrive at Casita Andina in Soho. It’s aContinue reading “A colourful, feel-good vegetarian dinner at Casita Andina”

El Parador is the veggie-friendly tapas joint you’ve been searching for

When a friend suggested we dine at an “insanely good” (his words) family-run tapas restaurant in Mornington Crescent, I didn’t need much more convincing. Giving it a hasty Google a couple of hours before visiting, I was excited to see that El Parador was winning in the reviews too – always rated at four out ofContinue reading “El Parador is the veggie-friendly tapas joint you’ve been searching for”

Party to the sound of live music at Piano Works

Pop your dancing shoes on and have some song requests ready for Piano Works, the warehouse bar with an exceptional live band in Farringdon. It’s not often you walk into a bar and everyone is dancing and singing at the top of their voices, but that is what you find on a Friday at 9pmContinue reading “Party to the sound of live music at Piano Works”

Pick your own lavender in Hitchin

As the wind blows, the calming scent of lavender pours in through the open car window. We’re close. We drive a good few metres forward and then we see it. A gigantic field speckled with the colour purple. Rows of lavender roll on for miles. It looks even better than the pictures on Google. We’veContinue reading “Pick your own lavender in Hitchin”