Belgium - House Of Coco Magazine

Belgium November 9, 2023

How to achieve a good work-life balance

With almost a third of UK workers feeling that they have a poor work-life balance, it’s becoming an important issue to address. Not only does it affect our relationships and home life happiness, but it can also take its toll on our mental health. Read on as we investigate the best way to manage a good work-life balance and take some tips from other countries.

The current situation

The general consensus appears to be the adults in the UK are overworked. Maintaining a healthy balance between home and work life seems to become more difficult as we get older, with statistics showing that the younger the employee, the less likely they are to identify work-life balance as an important part of their job. The task of juggling a family alongside a job is also difficult for many to manage with statistics revealing that 75% of working parents suffer stress and anxiety as a result of their work-life balance management.

Although some businesses aim to operate at maximum capacity, this can take its toll. Research found that as a person’s weekly hours increase, so do their feelings of unhappiness. Of course, this is no surprise. Even for those who don’t work long hours, there is still the issue of ‘switching off’ and disconnecting from what’s happened at the office. In fact, one third of European workers said that a bad day at work affected their personal life.

As we work more, we find that we have less time to spend with those we love, less time to focus on accomplishing goals that aren’t work-related and less time to pursue our hobbies and dreams. But, many of us feel as though there’s nothing we can do about it.

How do people manage in other countries?

In comparison to our western European counterparts, Britain has the worst work-life balance. What can we learn from our foreign neighbours?

It seems as though workers in other countries have more free time to spend outside of work. In Belgium, employees have an average of 8.6 hours of free time per day compared to their 7.4-hour work days, and Netherlands are enjoying the shortest working week at only 30.3 hours. Denmark only spend 6.6 hours at work each day with 8.8 hours each day to spend how they wish, and Austrians are encouraged to start the weekend early with 3pm finishes implemented around the country. Many Germans are able to relax on a Sunday too, as stores are regulated so that they close on Sundays. All of these extra hours add up it seems, with Britons working 325 hours more per year than workers in Germany.

Unlike UK workers who often work with only half an hour to an hour break per day, foreign employees are encouraged to take multiple breaks throughout the day. The Spanish are famous for their midday siestas which began as an effort to sleep through the hottest period of the day in warmer climates. Although new laws mean that shops have to remain open without a break for naps, some workers still follow the siesta tradition. Or, they take long coffee and lunch breaks with colleagues — something that is widely accepted by employers. Finland also take on the approach that long breaks are good for everyone, and their workers enjoy extra-long lunch breaks that are one to two hours long! If you visited Sweden on business, you’d probably be invited to join them for ‘fika’ — this is a late morning coffee that offices pause to enjoy at around 11am.

Other regulations that help maintain a healthy work-life balance include:

Belgians are able to take a full month off work to coincide with school breaks.
Spanish workers have a holiday allowance of 30 days.
France introduced a law in 2017 that gave workers the ‘right to disconnect’ from after-work emails.
Swedish workers enjoy 16 months of paid family leave

What can we do?

Although we can’t change the regulations of our workplace, there are some things that we can do to help manage our work-life balance.

Enquire with your employer about splitting up your break. Research has proven that taking regular breaks can improve your productivity, and it therefore could be something that they will support. Split your hour break up into half an hour and two 15-minute breaks to decrease the amount of time spent at your desk at one time. Get some fresh air or spend time talking to family on the phone, taking a small action like this could reduce your stress levels.

A long commute can lead to stress and depression according to one study. This is one reason to propose flexi-time at your office, where you can skip the traffic at each side of your day and do something more productive. Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone. You could make your commute feel more productive though, by listening to a podcast or audio book that can reduce the stress of rush-hour traffic. Alternatively, going to a gym class near to your work can mean that you miss the bulk of the busy traffic and allows you to fit some exercise into your day as well!

Although it can be difficult, restrict yourself on checking emails when you’ve finished work. Think of the long-term issues that mixing home and work life can have and aim to check your emails only for ten minutes on an evening instead of an hour. This is the same for working overtime, unless entirely necessary, make sure you are sticking to the number of hours that you’re contracted to. This can not only affect your mental health but can lead to employers expecting this behaviour at all times.

Make sure you’re using your annual holidays to recharge and spend time with family. We’re all guilty of using our holidays to run errands or do something that we’ve been putting off, but this isn’t always helpful for our work-life balance. Although we need to do this now and then, annual leave should be used to recuperate, relax and enjoy time away from the office so try to focus on this.

As we can see, the current situation is not great for UK workers. But, there are some small changes that you can make. From splitting up your break to making the most of your holidays, being conscious of finding a good split between the office and spare time is the first step to improving your work-life balance.

This article was brought to you by CT Shirts, retailers of men’s dress shirts.

Sources

https://www.employeebenefits.co.uk/third-workers-poor-work-life-balance/

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/w/work-life-balance

https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/countries-with-best-work-life-balance-in-europe

https://www.cityam.com/268119/eat-sleep-work-repeat-why-uk-has-worst-work-life-balance

Afternoon Tea November 9, 2023

#TeamCocopup: A doggy staycation at The Egerton House Hotel

After months of searching, TeamCocopup Charlie and I have finally found London’s best dog-friendly hotel, and it’s the perfect place for a luxury doggy staycation.

Located in a quiet tree-lined street in Knightsbridge, just a quick walk away from the busy shoppers at Harrods’ and the lush greenery of Hyde Park, The Egerton House Hotel is classic luxury at its finest. The hotel was originally built in 1843 and overlooking perfectly manicured private gardens; a luxurious sanctuary in the heart of vibrant Knightsbridge. The Egerton House Hotel has all the signatures of a Red Carnation Hotel; from its beautiful and timeless interiors, to its warm and truly impeccable staff, and everything else in between.

The exceptional service at The Egerton House is felt from the moment you step foot in the door; and the staff pull out all the stops when rolling out the red carpet for your four legged friend. Every room at the Egerton House is pet-friendly, which is hardly the case with other London hotels. We checked into our beautiful studio suite. ‘Studio’ is an understatement, because these rooms are as spacious ad they are indulgent. A muted colour palette is contrasted with a stunning vaulted ceiling,a cosy sitting area, a king sized bed with 200 thread count Belgian linen, and two glasses of bubbles patiently waiting our arrival.

Don’t fret – TeamCocopup Charlie also got the works, with his own luxury dog bed, two bowls full of treats, doggy matts, towels, and his choice of breakfast, dinner, and afternoon tea – with his very own doggy menu. The doggy afternoon tea is held in The Egerton House’s beautiful Ivory hued Drawing Room and is definitely worth mentioning. The hotels afternoon tea celebrates the great British tradition with panache.From traditional loose leaf teas, to minimal asian flavours, and even some show-stopping herbal infusions; the Egerton House Hotel has something for even the most discerning tea connoisseur. While I enjoyed a glass of champagne with my afternoon tea, Charlie enjoyed a three course doggy menu of his own — also served in doggie-themed three-tiered tea stand. This very special doggy menu comprises of home made chicken and beef meatloaf, freshly baked dog biscuits, and some pure fruit doggie ice cream, not to mention some pup-friendly PAW-secco too — now that’s VIP (Very important Pet) treatment.

As House of Coco’s official doggie journalist, Team Coco pup Charlie has explored plenty of dog-friendly places in London, but nowhere reaches the same level of puppy-pampering as the Egerton House Hotel. The Egerton House Hotel exudes all of the essential charms of a luxury British hotel, balanced with the warm familiarity of a family run establishment.

WWW.EGERTONHOUSEHOTEL.COM

Belgium November 9, 2023

Drink Your Way around San Diego

San Diego is a city that lives and breathes that SoCal lifestyle. The North Park district in particular, is a wonderful little neighbourhood that combines colourful independent boutiques, cozy vegan restaurants, second hand bookstores, and a selection of some of the best breweries in America.

One little known fact about San Diego is that it is one of the biggest brewing hubs in the world. With over 120 working breweries in the county alone, San Diego has countless delicious beers on offer. Following an afternoon of tasting the best of what the local brewing scene has to offer, it becomes clear why San Diego is such a destination for aspiring small craft breweries all over America. So, to help you drink your way through sunny San Diego, here’s our roundup of some of the best independent breweries in town.

Modern Times
Located in the laid-back North Park neighbourhood, Modern Times Beer is all about aroma driven and flavourful session beers. Founded by Jacob McKean, Modern Times was inspired by a turn-of-the-century utopian community in Long Island, which according to Jacob was a “forgotten little paradise”. With Modern Times Beer, Jacob hopes to recreate this utopia, even if its just a familiar place for people to drink delicious, well-made beer.

The tasting room is a hodge podge of quirky art installations; from countless vintage lampshades hanging from the ceiling to a wall decorated with floppy disks. Their hybrid concoctions combine all the best qualities from different kinds of beers — resulting in fantastic beers like the Fortunate Islands, which combines the zesty hoppiness of an IPA, with a wheat beer’s nutty malt body. Their flagship beer, the Lomaland, is a return to the classics and is a wonderful mixed grain bill, fermented with Belgian yeast strains using Co2 gas.

Mike Hess
Mike Hess Brewing is probably one of the biggest players in the San Diego brewing scene. An avid home brewer of fifteen years, Mike Hess opened his first nano-brewery in 2010, after eight months of gruelling preparation. Eight years down the line, and Mike Hess is now the 11th largest San Diego brewery, distributing all over California and beyond. We checked out their 30 barrel NSI System in North Park and experienced their great tasting beers first hand.

Claritas Kölsch, their 2016 World Beer Cup winning ale, is worth a try. This German beer is infused with the fruity aromas of German Pilsner malt, hops, and yeast — making it a super refreshing drink, perfect for a hot San Diego afternoon. The Grapefruit Solis India Pale Ale is another favourite. A San Diego Style IPA that is bursting with citrusy grapefruit flavour, complemented by the hops and subtle malt.

Eppig Brewing
With a legacy that goes back 150 years, the Eppig family’s brewing roots began in the 1800s in Brooklyn New York. Today, Stephanie Eppig, Henry Joseph Eppig’s great-granddaughter, along with her business partners, resurrects their family’s brewing tradition with the opening of their North Park brewery.

With a brewing legacy that has been passed down for over a century, the new Eppig Brewing family is dedicated to getting it right. Their brewers, Nathan Stephens and Clayton LeBlanc, are committed to creating the perfect brew, and an un-compromised customer experience. Try their gold medal winning Zwicklebier Dry hopped unfiltered lager; a smooth, light, and flavourful brew. Another favourite is their Japanese Style Dry lager, a pale lager, combining the subtle aromas of starchy sushi rice, light pilsner malt, and lemon blossoms.

VisitCalifornia

Belgium November 9, 2023

What to Eat in London This Month

Deck the halls and pour the mulled wine, December is finally here. The month of festive feasts, romantic winter terraces and the inevitable onset of gout, it’s an age-old excuse to spend the best part of the next three weeks slowly topping up, mouthful by mouthful, until by Christmas Day itself you daren’t look at another bowl of pigs in blankets for fear of the button of your jeans pinging off and landing in someone’s drink.

Navigating your way around the dishes of December can be a monumental task, so we’ve done some of the hard work so you don’t have to. You’re welcome.

1. Indulge in a Traditional Goose Feast

Clapham’s Trinity is embracing the traditional this December with the return of its Festive Goose Menu, available throughout the month for groups of 4 or more. A long-time entry on my dream dinner list, the restaurant received its first Michelin star in 2016 and from menus like this it’s clear to see why.

With the bird accompanied by goose fat potatoes, confit leg, baked stuffing, buttered sprout tops and cranberry sauce, following the starters of gin-cured salmon with pickles, creme fraiche and dill, barbecued sprouting broccoli with bagna caudal, hazelnuts and parmesan and burrata with spiced pumpkin and pickled walnuts, it’ll be tough to leave room for the chocolate cremosa with clementine and salted caramel ice cream for dessert. At a very reasonable £55 per head it’s a feast fit for a king.

www.trinityrestaurant.co.uk

2. Find a Vegan Chocolate Fix at Copperhouse Chocolate

Spare a thought for the vegans this Christmas; given the amount of chocolate that found its way in to my house last season, I struggle to comprehend how hard it must be to get through the season without a single After Eight, Terry’s Chocolate Orange segment or Quality Street (but on the purple ones, obviously).

Islington’s Copperhouse Chocolate is the only vegan chocolate shop and café in London and this year they’ve developed a new range of dangerously moreish vegan nut butter chocolate cups, in no fewer than seven delicious flavours including peanut butter & sea salt, almond butter & cherry jam and coconut salted caramel. For the festive season the café will also stock a range of vegan edible products including chocolate mince pies, gingerbread, fudges and biscotti, making light work of finding sweet treats for the vegan in your life. Warm up with a mug of their lusciously thick hot chocolate, unlike any other vegan hot chocolate and finished with deeply indulgent whipped coconut cream. The café also has a host of new vegan food on the menu including delicious new vegan sweet waffles, customisable with a host of toppings and all are served with thick chocolate sauce. Customers can choose to have them for breakfast by adding toppings such as fruit, nuts, yoghurt, homemade granola, or have as a dessert with coconut-based ice cream, caramel and marshmallows. Accompanied by one of the famed hot chocolates it’s a sweet tooth’s paradise.

www.copperhousechocolate.co.uk

3. Enjoy an Aussie Brunch at a City Oasis

December sees the Daisy Green Collection opening their second City of London site in Barbican. Located within the historic London Wall Place, Barbie Green will see the Aussie brunch kings serving up a brand new pizza offering.

Fully retractable glass windows will open up onto over an expansive al fresco terrace and over an acre of ancient gardens (perhaps more one for summer…) while huge Barbican meets Bondi-inspired artworks will ensure the new spot has just as much of a quirky interior as its siblings. We’re big fans of their sweetcorn and spring onion fritters and indulgent banana bread sandwich with mascarpone and fresh berries.

www.daisygreenfood.com

4. Get a Peek Inside a Hidden Members’ Club

Soho Members’ club TRADE, run by restaurateurs and Master Sommeliers, Xavier Rousset and Gearoid Devaney, is opening its doors to non-members for the very first time. This month the club has partnered with Mark Jarvis, chef-patron of Anglo Restaurant, to launch Anglo@TRADE, a residency bringing Anglo’s simple yet refined cooking from Farringdon to Soho.

Dishes include Beef Tartare, oyster cream and powdered horseradish, sustainable sea bass with brown crab, confit of red peppers and sea vegetables, plus snacks such as ‘Anglo Cheese on Toast’ comprising malt loaf, Keen’s rarebit and shallot chutney.

www.tradesoho.co.uk

5. Try a Christmas Dinner Burger

Yes, you read that correctly. For those who just can’t wait until the big day, St. Pancras’ Prime Burger has introduced their ‘Festive Feast’, a limited edition burger offering a full turkey feast with all the trimmings.

It features a juicy, succulent turkey patty, alongside a heavenly combination of crunchy Brussel sprout slaw, melted French Brie, pickled red onions and homemade cranberry sauce – topped off with not one, but two mouth-watering pigs in blankets, served in a bun spread with mayo and accompanied with fries. You certainly can’t complain that Christmas dinner is always boring…

www.prime-burger.co.uk

6. Swap Turkey for a Lobster Feast

Gird your waistbands, Burger & Lobster has introduced the biggest lobster showstopper you can buy in a restaurant. With four out of ten in the UK apparently moving away from traditional turkey in search of something different, each giant lobster is heavier than a bottle of Dom Pérignon.

The world’s first Christmas Lobster Feast includes mountains of rosemary and garlic roast potatoes, seasoned British buttery winter market vegetables including Brussels sprouts and carrots, a delicious side of strong cheddar and mozzarella cauliflower cheese topped with breadcrumbs and a deeply indulgent roast lobster and thyme butter.

The Giant Lobster Feast is available now at all London Burger & Lobster restaurants, for a limited time for groups of up to nine, at £54 each.

www.burgerandlobster.com

Belgium November 9, 2023

5 Famous Things to Eat and Drink in Brussels

Brussels is known for its cuisine and gastronomy, as well as its historical and architectural landmarks. The city also has various land-based casinos where you can play scratch card games, Blackjack and many more.

With so many delicious things to eat, drink and play, it can be difficult knowing what to choose, so we have made a list of 5 things that are famous in Brussels.

Belgian Praline

When you think about chocolate, Belgian is probably the first place that comes to mind. Belgian pralines consist of a chocolate shell with a liquid filling. It is traditionally made of different combinations of almonds, sugar, syrup and often milk-based plates. Praline was invented by Jean Neuhaus (Belgium’s most famous chocolatier). While it was invented by Neuhaus as a way to cover up the bitterness of medicine, it has changed the way people enjoy chocolate forever.

Today, Belgian chocolate is famous throughout the world and it plays a strong role in the Belgian economy. There are over 2,000 chocolatiers in the country, so if you’re visiting Belgian, you shouldn’t hesitate to try this delicious treat.

Belgian Trappist Beer

A low-alcohol beer was a sanitary alternative when clean drinking water was not readily available in the 12th century. The Trappists originally brewed beer to feed their family, in a perspective of self-sufficiency. Fourteen monasteries currently produce Trappist beer and six of them are in Belgium. Despite its high alcohol content, Belgian beer is refreshing and tasty. The beer varies in strength, colour, and sweetness and it has a full taste. Woodsy, hoppy and somewhat fruity are often the names associated with Trappist brews. Delirium café, Moeder Lambic, Au Brasseur and A la Mort Subite are some of the best bars for beer tasting in Brussels.

Belgian Waffle

The Belgian waffle is one of the most popular dishes you must try in Brussels. Your experience in the city might change the way you think of Belgian waffles forever. It was originally leavened with yeast, but now baking powder is often used. Belgian waffles are often eaten as a breakfast food. They may also be served with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit as a dessert. Tearoom of Maison Dandoy offers waffles and they both have Liege and Brussels waffles for you to choose from. You can go for a waffle with powdered sugar if you want to eat like a Belgian.

Belgian Waterzooi

Waterzooi is a stew dish from Belgium. It is sometimes called “gentse waterzooi” which refers to the Belgian town of Ghent where it originated. The original dish is often made of fish, vegetables and herbs. Chicken is also a popular alternative to fish in the recipe. If you want to try chicken waterzooi in Brussels, Le Cirio can be a great choice. It is a charming brasserie with classic interior and outdoor tables.

Belgian Meatballs

Liege meatballs are classic Belgian meatballs served in brown gravy. A mix of beef and pork is used to make the meatball and to make the gravy sauce, an apple-butter like the spread is cooked with onions and vinegar. In Brussels, you can find it at Brasserie de la Presse.

Explore the top five chocolate shops in Brussels you must visit for a delightful treat! Check out our guide and indulge in the city’s sweetest delights. Discover more here

Australia November 9, 2023

5 of Our Favourite Festive London Feasts

If the classic turkey and trimmings just doesn’t float your boat, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite festive dishes across London that take a twist to the traditional.

Market Halls’ Take on Christmas Classics

As if one Market Hall wasn’t enough, both Fulham and Victoria have some pretty serious contenders for best Christmas dish this year. In Victoria, Flank’s sumptuous sounding ‘Pigs in Blankets’ burger is stuffed with pork and bacon, with a good dose of chilli jam and red cabbage slaw. Monty’s Deli meanwhile have created the Chanukah sandwich , based around their latke and served with smoked turkey and liver paté. South of the river in Fulham meanwhile, BBQ specialists Hotbox have pimped up their infamous Mac and cheese bites with soft, sautéed Brussels sprouts.

www.markethalls.co.uk

Bayou Bar’s Turkey Po Boy

There are only so many Pret Christmas sandwiches one can take, so if you’ve just about had your fill head down to Tooting’s New Orleans-inspired Bayou Bar. No stranger to a tasty Po Boy – a traditional Louisiana sandwich for those rookies – this Christmas they’ve created the ultimate sandwich. The Christmas Po Boy (£8.50) team succulent turkey schnitzel with a gingerbread crumb, cheese, pickled red cabbage and a cranberry chilli jam all packed into the traditional glazed soft white long roll; all the best tastes of Christmas with a little twist. It’s been named one of London’s best Christmas sandwiches by Time Out so they must be doing something right…

www.bayoubar.co.uk

Swap Turkey for Duck

Head over to Clerkenwell for Monsieur Le Duck’s Gallic take on a festive menu, just make sure to wear your stretchy trousers. The suitably rich menu includes rabbit and duck terrine with quince and brioche or pan fried scallops with crispy duck skin, samphire and chestnut purée to start, followed mains including confit duck leg, crown of Barbary duck, duck wellington or magnet duck breast all with triple cooked roasties, leafy greens with lardons, red cabbage, apple quince and Yorkshire pudding. As if that wasn’t enough, the tarte aux pommes, canelé with armagnac crème Anglaise or French cheer board might just finish you off…

From £29 pp for two courses.

www.leduck.co.uk

Blow the Budget with the Ultimate Luxury Menu

With only 29 covers, Engawa may be small but it’s perfectly formed. For the ultimate blow-the-budget Christmas feast, the meticulously designed 13 course menu celebrates Kobe, the most expensive beef in the world; it’s the only UK restaurant to import the entire Kobe cow from Japan. This unique gastronomic experience is available from 21st – 24th December and begins with a raspberry & yuzu champagne cocktail upon arrival and delicate starters such as grilled, thinly sliced Kobe sirloin with Tamaru-Ya wasabi and thin noodles in stock with tender sliced beef. Seasonal sushi-style plates with superior flavour follow, including Kobe beef thigh, foie gras, Kobe beef stock, teriyaki sauce; Kobe sirloin with sea urchin, cheese and truffle cream sauce; the ultimate melt-in-the-mouth Kobe beef burger; and 20-day aged Kobe beef with Nori seaweed. Not for the faint-hearted.

£235 per person.

www.engawa.london

Pick a Pescatarian Plate this Christmas

For something a little different, The Wright Brothers are offering up a fishy feast over the Christmas season you won’t want to miss. Thin grilled wild prawns, cured smoked salmon, roast fillet of Peterhead cod served with spiced carrot mash, buttered sprout tops & sauce Jacqueline, a Mojo verde roasted gilt-head bream with steamed broccoli, bagna cauda & crispy shallots and a luxury fish pie with lobster, shrimp, crab & cod. If you cant steer yourself away from meat there’s a rather delectable sounding roasted fillet of Bannockburn venison, haggis, neeps & sour cherry sauce as well.

From £45 pp.

www.thewrightbrothers.co.uk

Belgium March 30, 2022

5 Nutrients You Need To Keep Your Body In Top Condition

Keeping our bodies healthy and well should be one of our main priorities. Often undervalued, the body we are in allows us to move and function, so we should make sure we don’t take it for granted. One of the easiest ways to take care of ourselves is by living an active lifestyle, fuelled by a well-balanced diet, full of vitamins and nutrients. If you’re unsure of what you should be consuming to keep you in top condition, fear not. We’ve put together a list of essentials that will help you stay super healthy and allow you to live your best life.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that keeps our bones growing strong while we’re developing and helps slow down the decrease in strength as we age. It also helps your teeth healthy by hardening the top layer known as enamel, which keeps your more sensitive layers underneath from becoming damaged and eroded. Calcium is typically found in dairy products such as milk and cheese, however, if your lifestyle involves shunning lactose and dairy you can find your calcium fill in chewable calcium citrate tablets which will give you the recommended daily dose you need.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids the repair of all of the tissue and cells in your body, keeping you healthy all over. One of the heroes of health, vitamin C will boost your immune system, help stave off cardiovascular disease and even prevent aging of your skin. If this little all-rounder isn’t already a major part of your diet then stock up on citrus fruits, potatoes, and greens like broccoli and brussels sprouts.

Iron

Iron aids the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen through blood around your body. Without enough iron, you can develop anemia, which is often pretty mile, but left untreated can cause serious heart problems, illness, and even death. Red meat is usually the iron-rich food of choice, however, healthier alternatives like lentils, sardines, and spinach (Popeye’s go-to!) are packed full of this vital mineral.

Fiber

Fiber keeps you regular, maintains good blood sugar levels, and can lower your cholesterol, leading to better heart health. Adding more fiber to your diet will also help keep you trim as it keeps you fuller for longer and is found in lower calorie foods such as fruit and veggies, beans, and whole grains. Next time you reach for cereal, pick a fiber-rich box over sugary alternatives to start your day off right.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body absorb other nutrients like calcium better. It also promotes better bone health. While you can get your hit of vitamin D from the sun if you live in hotter climates, food is a great way to make sure you’re getting enough even in the winter months. Load your plate with fish and eggs for a boost, or try supplements if you need a little more.

Share your best nutrient-rich healthy recipes in the comments to inspire other readers!

Argentina February 28, 2022

TeamCocopup: The Graduate Cambridge, an idyllic dog friendly retreat on the River Cam

There is something about Cambridge that instantly makes you fall in love. Maybe it’s the punters, drifting along on the River Cam, maybe it’s the allure of the city’s cobblestoned streets, or even the hallowed halls of the numerous famous universities that call it home. Whatever it is – TeamCocopup certainly felt the love during our dog-friendly visit to the Graduate Hotel Cambridge – which takes all these elements and turns them into a truly unique hotel stay.

Part of the wonderfully quirky Graduate Hotels Group, Graduate Hotel Cambridge is an idyllic retreat located on The River Cam that was inspired by this university town’s rich traditions. Academic influences are rife, with plenty of handsome leatherbound books occupying the shelves a hanging double-helix centrepiece, and 100 year-old punting boats hung gleefully on the walls.

Colourful college crests adorn the main desk in the lobby which is manned by the lovely hotel staff. Beyond that is the Garden Bar, a striking wraparound bar, with leather barstools and cosy booths and plenty of charm. There is a broad range of cocktails and bar snacks on offer here, plus a vast array of specialty beers. It is also dog friendly – and perfect for well-behaved pooches like TeamCocopup.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s Graduate Riverview King rooms with a balcony. Overlooking the River Cam, the rooms offered all the creature comforts – with plenty of vibrant design details. An Indian-inspired headboard is matched with a bright green armchair, with punter-inspired shelving and checked curtains. The mish-mash of colour, texture, and print works very well here – and envelope you in a comfy and quirky atmosphere.

The Garden House, the hotel’s main restaurant, boasts a delectable seasonal menu that celebrates the best of East Anglian cookery. Helmed by Executive Adam Wood, this open grill kitchen is a cacophony of aromas as soon as you enter. For starters, we sampled the grilled cockles, which offered just the right kick. This was followed by the delicious, glazed beef short rib with brussels and celeriac, and impossibly-tender grilled Herdwick lamb, salsify and quince. Paired with a bottle of the restaurant’s gorgeous Argentinian Malbec and you would be hard-pressed to find a better spot for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal.

This fabulously dog friendly hotel is perfectly situated in the town’s historic centre, within walking distance to all the tourist sites, local pubs and colourful shops.

We recommend visiting Cambridge Wine Merchants for its diverse range of wines and spirits – or better yet book in for a tasting. The Old Bike Shop is an excellent, dog friendly spot for lunch and the Cambridge Botanical Garden is also another lovely dog friendly day out.

You can’t go to Cambridge and not go punting and Scudamore’s station on Granta Pi is right next to the hotel. Here you can see the Mathematical Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and all of Cambridge’s most idyllic sites.

There is no better way to end the day than at The Graduate’s own garden, which is situated right on the River Cam. Charlie loved sitting in the freshly cut grass, while we enjoyed a nice pot of tea watching the punters slowly drift by, as they have done for hundreds of years. The Graduate is truly an idyllic retreat on the River Cam – and the ideal location for a Valentine’s Day staycation that’s more than a bit extraordinary.

Visit graduatehotels.com for more information or to make a reservation

Belgium October 7, 2021

From a wedding centrepiece to the launch of Sweet Tree by Browns, we interview founder Christina Bull

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Sweet Tree by Browns…

The idea came about just over 10 years ago when my daughter Charlee was getting married. In typical bride-to-be fashion she wanted her centrepieces to stand out from anything that had been seen before. And so, it began… hours of doodling ideas, often late into the evening, trying to come up with the perfect table creation. Having been trained as a pastry chef in my father’s kitchens, I used my skills to create ideas using chocolate. Eventually, with no time to spare, I came up with the idea of trees made from our family and friends’ favourite chocolates and sweets. At last, something deliciously different which was a huge success at the wedding!

People enjoyed the Sweet Trees so much I began to think, wouldn’t it be great if we could share them with more people? That’s where the business began. It took years of frustration and occasional tears to finally make them look and taste as yummy as they are today. When we first started, we used polystyrene balls in the centre of the tree. However, we have now moved onto a chocolate crispy core so practically all of the tree (except for the wooden stem and glass vase) is edible!

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge that I have faced during the last 10 years is falling ill and being diagnosed with a neurological condition called Myelitis. When I first fell ill, I became partially paralysed and was unable to walk or even talk properly. However, with the support of my family and people close to me, as well as my own strength (and stubbornness!), I persevered to get stronger each day and not let my disabilities hold me back. After years of undergoing different treatments and physio, I am now able to walk (albeit for short distances), talk, and run a team of up to 20 people.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Family (my business started as a family business; my team today are my family).

Perseverance (we have got to where we are today through hard work, determination, and perseverance)

Crazy (You must be a bit nuts to work with my mad lot)

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of artisan chocolate production?

Keep up-to-date with trends but try to keep your ideas original, make sure your products have a point of difference. There are so many beautiful companies and products out there, you need to make sure you stand out to succeed.

Sweet Tree by Browns

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

We are a small business working from my family home. In small businesses you tend to do a bit of everything- even as the boss. My business day starts with me walking down the stairs from my bedroom into the office (the room which was once my living room!) This is where I do all the boring things that I like the least – cash flow, finances etc.

As the business has grown over the years, it has managed to spread across every room in the house (apart from my bedroom). My dining room is now a chocolate room -floor to ceiling with racks of molded chocolate smash cakes, plaques etc. My kitchen is our main production area. Here is where the team work together to get the orders made, packed, and sent out. This is the place I like to be the most. I like being in the thick of it. My job in production is personalising our Sweet Trees and writing chocolate messages on our chocolate gifts.

Every day is different, but no day at Sweet Trees is boring!

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

The most important thing for me is being able to laugh. My family and my team are what keep my going and keep me laughing!

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

Shit Happens… only joking!

My house is covered in hundreds of quotes I couldn’t pick one.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

More so now than ever before. We’ve recently jumped on the TikTok hype, we’re amazed at the impact it’s had already. Our Instagram is really coming into its own and growing it’s following every day.

How do you want people to feel when they first try some of your chocolate gifts?

We want them to think: “Mmmmm this is really nice”.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and have you ever been anywhere that produces the cocoa bean?

I would love to go San Francisco.

Many years ago, I went to Kenya.

What’s next for you and your brand?

Moving premises. When I say we have outgrown my family home, that is an understatement. We currently have four sheds in our garden which are used for storing packaging and hundreds of kilos of Belgian chocolate.

We want and need to move to a unit so that we can expand our team, take on more retailers, and grow the business. However, finding the right place hasn’t been an easy feat. Hopefully 2022 will be our year!

Where can people find out more about Sweet Tree by Browns?
Website – Sweet Tree by Browns
Instagram – @sweettreebybrowns
Facebook – Sweet Tree by Browns
TikTok – @sweettreebybrowns

Bangladesh September 17, 2021

September Food and Drink News

Welcome to the month where things begin to change both weather-wise and on the food front. Some of us still cling to long lazy summer days and others are ready to embrace the fast-approaching autumnal season. We start to see less salads and more hearty dishes on restaurant menus. With a new season on the horizon it brings lots of exciting food and drink launches.

Food News

HECK – Pork Italia Sausages, Posh Chicken Nuggets, and Flexitarian Burgers & Sausages

HECK has done it again, they’ve launched even more sausages and burgers to their already bustling array of meaty and veggie goodness. This time, they have added chicken nuggets into the HECK family alongside some new flexi additions. New products include chicken, minted pea & spinach burgers, chicken, red pepper & feta burgers, posh piri piri chicken nuggets, posh chicken Italia nuggets, pork Italia sausages, and a few different chipolatas. Prices vary between £2 – £3, available from the end of September from Tesco, and HECK

Nush Foods – Dairy Free Mango and Passionfruit Yog and Dairy Free Chocolate Fudge Pots

Nush has launched their Dairy Free Mango & Passionfruit Yogs along with their Dairy Free Almond Milk Chocolate Fudge Chocolate Pots. The choc pots are made with delicious almond milk, sweetened with fruit rather than nasty sugars, mixed with quality Belgian chocolate powder and lots of live cultures. The mango and passionfruit dairy free yogs are made with almond milk, are free from refined sugar, and are packed with live cultures. Priced at £2.99 (350g mango & passionfruit yog), and £3.00 (2 x 75g choc pots), from Ocado, visit Nush Foods

Crabtree & Evelyn – Small Batch Olive Oil from the Greece Collection

Crabtree & Evelyn has just launched the brand’s Exploration series – Greece, which includes this amazing small batch olive oil. Cold extracted by a family-run olive mill in Kefalonia, using certified organic farming techniques. It offers a rich, distinctive flavour perfect for dipping bread into or drizzling over a Greek salad. Priced at £22.50 (500ml), from Crabtree & Evelyn

H. Forman & Son, Smoked Salmon and Smoked Salmon Pâté

The news from H. Forman & Son is that you can now buy their delicious London Cure Smoked Salmon and Oak Smoked Salmon Pâté at Waitrose. So, next time you are doing your weekly shop or you nip into Waitrose you can pick up some outstanding quality smoked salmon whilst in store. Priced at £6 (100g Salmon) and £4 (225g pâté), from Waitrose. Visit H. Forman & Son to find out more.

Moving Mountains – Fish Fillet

The Moving Mountains® Plant-Based Fish Fillet is 100% free of microplastics and mercury and has 10g of protein and 4.5g of fibre per 100g. It has a succulent, flaky texture and is coated in golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs and it can be enjoyed as a direct swap for the traditional variety. Priced at £4 from Ocado

Feast Your Eyes on Food – Book Launch

This brand new book has been written by Laura Gladwin and Zoe Barker. A unique food encyclopedia stacked with over 1,000 delicious things to eat from across the world. This is a great book for the whole family to read to find out about the history of certain foods. Discover how cheese is made and find out what it is about onions that make you cry as well as a host of other surprising facts you didn’t know about food, from pasta and cakes to fruits and vegetables. Priced at £20, from Magic Cat Publishing, available at Waterstones and all good bookshops.

Drink Update

Rapscallion Soda

Specialist soft drink company and Scottish trailblazers Rapscallion Soda are on a mission to get people across the UK drinking better. The Glasgow-based brewers who use fresh, natural ingredients to create delicious low-calorie soft drinks have launched their first subscription service. Now the whole household can replace aspartame-filled diet drinks with sodas made from raw, vitamin rich ingredients every day. Available in a number of flavours including C_01 Ginga Ninja, C_02 Burnt Lemon, C_03 Dry Lime, S_01 Rhubarb, S_02 Strawberry, and S_03 Cranachan. Prices vary between subscription services, available from Rapscallion Soda

Tanqueray – Holistay Kit and Cocktail Porter

You can discover Tanqueray’s different flavours in this collection from around the world. The Holistay Kit contains three Tanquerary minis including Blackcurrant Royale, Flor de Sevilla, and Rangpur Lime. The box surprises you with all the required bontanicals and dried fruits ready to make a selection of cocktails at home. Also, there are two Tanqueray balloon glasses within the Cocktail Porter box, two bottles of Double Dutch Premium Tonic, and a Tanqueray Gin Passport, which offers cocktail recipes and a QR code to access specific DJ curated playlists. Priced at £32.95, from Cocktail Porter

Bacardi Spiced – Apple & Ginger Cocktail

Bacardi Spiced is a delicious vanilla, woody and honey flavoured rum with a lasting spicy finish of cinnamon and nutmeg. This cocktail is an autumnal dream, which also gives a black pepper and fudgy feel to it, perfect for late September into October.

To make this cocktail you will need 50ml BACARDI Spiced Rum, 50ml apple juice, 50ml ginger ale, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters (optional) and 1 lime wedge. Firstly chill a highball glass with ice, secondly build all your ingredients into the cold glass. Finally squeeze your lime wedge and add the Angostura Bitters (if using), stir, and garnish with the lime wedge. Enjoy! Priced at £19.50 (100cl), from Asda and all high street supermarkets.

Aber Falls – Welsh Whisky

Aber Falls Single Malt Welsh Whisky was released just a few weeks ago, you don’t want to miss out! This is a rich and full-bodied whisky, crafted with passion in North Wales. Aber Falls is an amber gold distilled spirit with an aroma of vanilla and toffee, candied citrus fruits, fig, sultana, and a hit of cloves. It gives the drinker sweet sherry notes with forest fruit flavours, dark chocolate, nuts, creamy malt, and espresso coffee. Simply divine! Priced at £26 (70cl), available from Aber Falls Distillery, order your bottle now.