“Hair is vitally personal to children. They weep vigorously when it is cut for the first time; no matter how it grows, bushy, straight or curly, they feel they are being shorn of a part of their personality.”
Charles Chaplin
Just like your skin, your hair requires care and attention too. It starts to lose elasticity with time while fading the hair color badly. This is when you avoid hair care and be rough on your hair all the time.
So, what’s the solution to it?
Before moving on to the hair care ideas to rejuvenate your hair’s texture, let’s pay some attention to the different Hair-related issues that ruin almost every second woman’s beauty.
Common hair-related problems are –
Dull Hair
Dandruff
Dry Hair
Heat damaged hair
Split ends
Frizzy Hair
Greasy scalp
Grey Hair
How to improve hair quality?
Work on the hair texture – Your hair texture illustrates your hair strands’ circumference. In general, there are three types of hair textures including – coarse, fine, and medium. You should determine and understand the hair texture based on how well your hair can hold a hairstyle, the thickness of hair strands, how prone your hair texture is to breakage, etc.
Hair masks – Go for a Vedic hair mask that encompasses the goodness of organic ingredients like – Neem, Amla, Aloe Vera, Triphala, Heena, etc. If you can’t find an organic hair mask, you can blend all these natural ingredients together and make a hair mask accordingly. Create a thick paste and apply to your hair scalp for best results.
Eat magic mushrooms – Now most of you must be under doubts about how something like mushrooms can help your hair texture improvement? Well, that’s all true! You can improve your hair’s quality with magic mushroom as it consists of psychedelic components that boost the hair quality and make you look simply awesome. It works on the hair scalp giving your hair the kind of strength it requires. You can find magic mushrooms in several forms like – hot chocolate, marshmallow capsules, Brazilian capsules, ice tea, chocolate bars, jelly, and much more.
Pay attention to diet – This can be the healthiest way to improve your hair’s texture. Include the best sources of vitamins A, C, D, E, protein, iron, and folic acid in your diet to regain the strength, shine, and hair quality to the best. Go for foods like green vegetables, peanut butter, beans, citrus fruits, nuts, whole grains, sunflower seeds, milk, etc., which are loaded with the goodness of several vitamins and minerals.
The last word –
Haircare is a significant challenge, especially for those working women who often find time to look at the ruining texture of their hair. Now, you can’t look upon an expensive hair treatment or therapy every week or month when it comes to preserving your hair. Here, some smart hair care regimes can bring a difference in your hair texture without making you burn a hole in your pocket.
A good lawn feed is necessary to ensure that the grass grows green and healthy on your lawn. It is a common misconception that grass can grow just as well on its own. They can, to an extent, but they will not have the vibrant green color or the softness that makes your lawn look and feel like a soft carpet beneath your feet. You need to add some feed to the grass from time to time. Here are some things to consider when you want to choose the best lawn feed for your backyard.
Nutrient
There should be three primary nutrients present in the feed- phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Apart from the other nutrients, these three are the most important. The high nitrogen content is why vibrant green and soft grass and lawn grass requires more of it than any other kind of grass.
Since nitrogen can also move away from the soil with heavy rain, you must replenish the soil with nitrogen-rich feed after a shower. With the right balance of nutrients, you will also maintain the soil’s pH balance. It will make your grass resistant to droughts and pests.
Type of Grass
You should know about the type of grass you have on your lawn to choose the right feed for it. If you are not sure, then you can ask a gardener to identify the grass for you. Grass that grows through the warm season like Bahia, centipede, or Bermuda increases throughout the year, requiring very little maintenance.
The grass that grows during the colder months needs extra care like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or rye. They are semi-dormant during the summers, and you can fertilize them twice a year. Some grass is naturally prone to developing weeds, so a weed and feed fertilizer will prevent the essential weed growth.
Type of Soil
The type of soil in your lawn is a significant determinant of the kind of fertilizer you should buy. Naturally, nutrient-rich soils or where good bacteria can thrive without much effort will require less feed. On the other hand, qualitatively poor soils will require more feed. You should do a soil test to determine the kind of feed you require, and soil sampling is a significant part of the process.
Depending on the kind of soil you already have, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of the feed will also vary. Your soil might also need macro-nutrients like iron, and you can provide them only through the best lawn feed.
Time of Fertilizing
When you choose to fertilize the soil has a significant impact on the kind of feed you choose. For some grass, you need to apply fertilizer around the year. Such kinds of feed have all the nutrients but in lower quantities as too many nutrients at one go is not right for the soil. The nutrients need to be evenly distributed.
On the other hand, it is best to fertilize some grass at the beginning of spring. You could have to fertilize them three to four times a year. However, refrain from feeding the grass in the hottest months. You should also avoid doing so during the heat of the noon to prevent the feed from burning.
Again, if you want to feed your grass before the winter months to stay healthy and do not die out in the cold months, then choose a feed with very high nutrient content. It should help the grass to resist diseases and prevents them from drying out in winter.
Keeping these points in mind, choose the best lawn feed for your grass, and it will result in a well-kept and stunningly beautiful backyard.
Eating a plant-based diet is a great way to contribute to the environment and live a healthier lifestyle. If animal mistreatment in modern industry saddens you, and you want to do something about it, then opting for a vegan diet might be a good place to start, as there are many vegan-friendly food options on the market nowadays. There are also lots of vegan restaurants which provide healthy vegan food and you can easily look for them on the internet near your location.
However, exercising and living on a vegan diet might be a bit more challenging, especially if you’ve used to eating a lot of meat and dairy products. But, with a bit of research, effort and planning, it’s entirely possible to pull it off. Therefore, here are some tips that you may find helpful.
1. Don’t just jump into it
If you want to work out and eat a plant-based diet at the same time, then it’s important to determine some things before doing anything else. Jumping straight into the vegan diet without previous research might be more harmful than beneficial. So, make sure to understand your body goals and then find appropriate ways of exercising to achieve said goals. Now when you have your exercise plan, you’ll be able to plan your diet accordingly.
2. Remember that vegan doesn’t always mean healthy
No matter your diet, it’s important to keep an eye on what’s really important: your personal health. And many believe that vegan automatically means healthy, but that’s not always the case. Therefore, keep in mind that your diet should consist of whole foods, and it should be free of added sugars, trans fats and other detrimental ingredients that don’t do anything for your gut health. So, it’s important to ensure that your vegan diet is actually healthy, especially if you want to dabble in endurance or strength types of training. Luckily, there are many vegan snacks that are delicious and healthy.
3. Don’t neglect your fat consumption
Fats are extremely useful if they come from a healthy source. And there are plenty of plant sources of fats that will fit just nicely with anyone who wants to be vegan and exercise. Nuts are one of these sources, they’re diverse, delicious and rich in various vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids and minerals. However, there are so many different types, that sometimes trying to find what is the healthiest nuts to eat can be a journey if you’ve never eaten them much. But the good news is, they’re all beneficial, so feel free to eat any of them. Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts and walnuts are all excellent sources of plant-based fats, so feel free to eat them instead of snacks.
4. Proteins still matter the most
Proteins are the most important aspect of a diet if you work out on a regular basis. The same goes even for a vegan diet. And even though meat and eggs are the biggest natural sources of protein, it’s still possible to find plant-based sources that are equally healthy. Aside from plant-based protein powders, you could also eat seitan, tofu, lentils, nutritional yeast, chickpeas, quinoa, spirulina and bread made from sprouted grains. Vegans often get a lot of questions about their protein intake, while in fact, there are many plant-based protein sources that will satisfy even a meat-eater. Proteins are extremely important as they’re the building blocks of your muscles, meaning that eating sufficient amounts of them will surely help you build and maintain your muscle mass during strength training.
Conclusion
Switching to a plant-based diet while exercising might be a good move, but in order to transition smoothly, it’s important to have a proper exercise and diet plan. Hence, your food intake should depend on your fitness goals, so before you decide to modify your diet, make sure to come up with a consistent and meaningful workout plan. That way, you’ll be able to come up with the right diet that will give you enough strength to exercise and reach your body goals.
If you’re sat firmly on your seat on the ‘new year new me’ train then we salute you as December turning into January is a great time to embark on new missions, as a new metaphorical life chapter begins.
And one such change could be the coffee you drink. Perhaps you’re looking for that same buzz you get from your local coffee shop, but from the comfort of your own home? Or maybe you’d like to devote yourself to a new bean or a lighter roast? If you want to roast your coffee on your own you have to check Coffee Bean Roaster for the best coffee roaster to choose.
We’ve delved into a handful of coffee brands which are doing wonderful things. From Chimney Fire which began in a garden shed, to Exhale’s healthy coffee, championing beans from Rubiaceae cherries that are simply bursting with antioxidants.
Whatever your pour, it’s never too latte to try a new type of coffee (see what we did there?) So here are ten of our favourites for you to try in 2021…
Chimney Fire Coffee
Chimney Fire Coffee is a speciality coffee roaster based in Surrey, and their ethically sourced coffee beans are simply amazing. Despite only being a team of six, this intelligent group are extremely passionate about their coffee, from Founder Dan Webber to Head Roster Elizabeth Furth.
Try their Peru Coffee, or Ethiopia Tega and Tula, or opt for the January Discovery Coffee which has notes of tomato jam, orange and dried organic dates. Plus, even more of a reason to try, £1 of every 1kg bag of Discovery Coffee is donated to Re-Cycle.
chimneyfirecoffee.com
Exhale Coffee
If you’re on a health kick this year then Exhale Coffee is a cup in the right direction. Exhale have packed their pour with beans which have big health benefits, with one cup of this coffee containing the same antioxidant power as 12 punnets of blueberries, 55 oranges of 1.2kg of kale, making your coffee addiction a little more guilt-free.
Exhale’s speciality coffee has been crafted for health and you don’t have to sacrifice taste when changing to this wholesome brand. And to appease your inner eco-warrior, Exhale also coin waste to be a “dirty word” and they deliver their coffee in plastic free packaging, with a mission to triumph in ethical sourcing and organic farming practices.
Exhale is the brainchild of founder Alex, a former accountant who has “obsessively researched” health and coffee, and how the two can be a match made in heaven. Exhale coffee is something you simply have to try this 2021.
Exhalecoffee.com
Balance Coffee
Balance Coffee describe themselves as “the brand born in lockdown that gives back,” and they certainly do just that. Balance Coffee are on a mission to deliver high-quality coffee to doorsteps, which is an innovative and much-needed concept amid the lockdown pandemic. Most importantly, the coffee is sensational and from first opening you can smell the delicious beans. Rich in flavour, it’s your perfect morning fix and what’s even better is that you’re contributing to planting new trees by buying it – bonus!
Plus, as well as offering moreish coffee and their coffee subscription service, Balance Coffee has created an online Balance Barista School. Founder and coffee aficionado James Bellis says: “With lots of people now joining our online coffee subscription, we launched this educational content hub to help anyone improve their coffee making at home”.
balancecoffee.co.uk
Brown Bear
This high-quality coffee brand is a must-try, and especially their Mountain Blend.Your palette will delight in rich tastes and a smooth texture, and 5 per cent of sales is donated to Free the Bears charity, protecting vulnerable bears across the world – cute! The sweet and malty flavour will see you supercharged for the day, and the packaging is super cool too!
Brownbear.co
Yallah
Cornwall-based Yallah roasters produce some seriously amazing coffee. Try their Las Cotorra which comes from a farm of the same name in Chiapas, Mexico. This delicious coffee has notes of cocoa, cashews and cream.
The name Cotorras is from a species of bird from the region, where a protected forest houses many plant and animal species. Also, on the Yallah menu is an Ethiopian origin blend from the Worka Smallholders producer. Roasted on a lighter side, the notes of pineapple, apricot and jasmine could accompany your dessert!
yallahcoffee.co.uk
Manumit
Manumit produces quality roasts and have a dedicated team whose motto is ‘For Freedom not Profit’. Rigorous research is done to create solid relationships with their coffee farmers. You can taste the passion of Manumit in their blends. Try Global Justice, from Brazil, with tastes of chocolate, toffee and citrus. Another is Pearl Mountain which has floral notes of hazelnut, chocolate and truffle. For decaf fans, try their Rwandan lime, chocolate and caramel. Manumit deliver to shops, work and places of worship. You can’t hide from this UK favourite.
manumitcoffee.co.uk
Square Mile Coffee Roasters
Multi-award-winning company Square Mile Coffee, founded in 2008, have 25 coffee professionals at your service! Their website shows a map with links to where their coffee houses are in London and, like many of the roasters, they sell great merchandise too.
This company will post you The World Atlas of Coffee 2nd Edition or a great sample coffee pack to lure your taste buds. Perhaps their most popular is the Amaluza is Loja, which is an Ecuadorean coffee combining fruits such as figs and apricot and a sweet and creamy addition of hazelnut. Kick back at break time and turn up the Ecuador music compilation and really enjoy the moment.
squaremilecoffee.com
Maude Coffee
If there’s one thing you should do this year, it’s try out the Rwanda roast from Maude Coffee. The taste is a delicious concoction of milk chocolate, lime and caramel; perfect to have if you’re out of chocolate and crave the taste! The beans are washed and go through a decaffeination process that uses CO2 to extract all the caffeine. With that and the use of charcoal and water, the cup of coffee is chemical free and all by-products recyclable and natural. Ticking the boxes is what we crave and another popular UK choice.
maudecoffee.co.uk
D’NISI
When this company won the Best Café with on-sight Roasting ‘Crema’ award in Scotland’s 2018 Café Awards, they adopted their motto: “The heart of our brand is our coffee, and we are passionate about it.” And at this popular café, where coffee is micro roasted in-house, popular quenchers are Flavoured Latte, blended with syrup and textured milk, Macchiato Caldo and Mochaccino with chocolate. Delicious!
dnisi.com
Taylors of Harrogate
Travelling back south from Scotland and here we have an independent family tea and coffee company dating back to 1886, which is still a huge favourite for their coffees in 2021. With the motto: “People are at the Heart of our Business” Taylors of Harrogate source the best coffees and teas from over one million farmers and workers in 24 countries.
Having switched to 100 per cent renewable gas and electricity and using solar panels and carbon neutrality you can trust that sitting back in your armchair with a cup of one of their delights will be an experience. Try the Lazy Sunday. A sip of this coffee fills you with smooth milk chocolate and citrus, while other favourites include Hot Lava, Praline Especial Brazil, Cacao Superior Colombia and Rich Italian.
taylorsofharrogate.co.uk
Rave
Rave coffee really gives you something to rave about. Not only do their unique bags pop with colour, but what’s inside is a total treat too. These guys create blends by mixing single-origin coffee, giving it a more complex flavour than a single estate alone.
Try their Italian Job blend which works a treat for espresso lovers. It has a bold taste of dark chocolate flavours and walnut. Other must tastes are the Colombia Villamaria Natural No 103, and Guatemala El Morito No 97. Rave mix the fruity, citrus and floral notes well, with nuts and spice. Sounds good enough to us!
In the realm of culinary creativity, “Hannah Gregory MasterChef” and I struck a chord over Instagram, exchanging tips on recreating the classic American half-and-half. The US half-and-half after meeting in our TeamCocoGang group. The ubiquitous diner staple had been on my mind since March and yet I was resisting the urge to slug single cream into my filter coffee. I would like to officially thank Hannah for her assistance in getting me to cross that hurdle.
Hannah Gregory is an inspirational woman. You might have seen her on MasterChef earlier this year (no spoilers here if you haven’t managed to catch up). Her love of travel and world cuisine has always permeated her cooking and she recently founded WanderSups, a fantastical adventure-inspired private chef supper club. Says Hannah, “all WanderSups events – no matter how big or small, follow one mantra – PREP | COOK | SUPS | PLAY.”
Intrigued by Hannah’s culinary adventures? Discover her journey through globally inspired dishes.
Hannah: So, funny story as it happens. One of the first dishes I had travelling that I became obsessed with was Shrimp Bobo which is a Brazilian dish. A friend and I were backpacking in South America and we ended up on Ilha Grande, a small, beautiful island just off of Rio and after weeks of rice, beans and churrasco we were really craving something a little different. We found this super cute café on one of the side streets and explained to the maître d’ that we wanted something authentic, but not rice and beans (although holy macaroni, what I would give for a plate of authentic Brazilian rice & beans right now). We were served the most incredible Shrimp Bobo in huge coconut shells – it’s a really creamy stew made from manioc roots (more commonly known as cassava) and full of fresh, sweet shrimp and I was instantly addicted.
When I got home I had a small dinner party in my VERY small flat in South London and decided this was the dish I would make. I searched high and low for the illusive manioc root – at the time – we’re going back a bit – I hadn’t made the connection between manioc and cassava and spent a good week looking all over London for it. Finally, I learnt that they were indeed the same thing, and hopped to the greengrocers ACROSS the road from my flat to grab one.
A key part of the dish is to boil the root and then pick out the stringy fibres – I missed this part. First problem. You then blend the cassava with coconut milk to create a smooth sauce – of course, my blender blew up mid-blitz. Second problem. Finally, my guests arrived, and I dished up my lumpy, stringy stew. After the first spoonful, I froze. I’m not sure if it was because it was lumpy or if it actually was undercooked, but I had read that if cassava is not cooked properly it is toxic as it contains cyanide. Worried that I was poisoning my guests, and with a dramatic “Stop, I think I’m about to kill you!” I dashed their plates away, knocking over everyone’s glass in the process. I ended up sending my brother to the Turkish restaurant across the road to pick up kebabs for everyone.
HOC: How far you’ve come! Does any dish still evade your recreation?
Hannah: Bingas bloody Wingas! A friend and I were on a road trip in the U.S. and were just north of Portland. The original plan was to drive back to Portland and have a boujee night with cocktails and jazz bars (I was clearly in Portland Maine, not Oregon) but we were so tired from a long drive that we thought we would just look on Google Maps, see where the closest eatery was and go there. The trusty knife and fork symbol informed us that there was somewhere a three-minute drive away. This seemed odd as we were on the side of a highway in the middle of nowhere but we figured, why not?
We arrived – a stand-alone purple building in the middle of nowhere stood before us, illuminated in purple neon with a giant dog guzzling chicken wings on the front of the building.
We were greeted by our server for the night, Doreen. Doreen was an absolute peach. She handed us a menu that wasn’t so much a menu but a long list of every sauce you could think of to douse your wings in. The concept was simple: decide how many wings you want, decide if you want them smoked or fried, and decide what sauce. My eyes were instantly drawn to Buffalo Bacon Nacho – three glorious things, all in one sauce. Had to be a winner right? Doreen explained that it was the most decadent, unctuous wing sauce she had ever come across (and Doreen ate a lot of wings). Nacho cheese, crispy bacon mixed through, spiked with house buffalo sauce. Sounds simple right? Let me tell you, I have been trying to recreate this dish for 2 years, probably once a week we eat wings and I have come close to it, but no cigar. There has been more than one occasion – ok, there have been lots of occasions – when BA does a flash sale and I check to see if Boston or Portland are on the list just to fly and get these wings – I haven’t caved… yet. Maybe one day I will unleash my inner Kardashian and fly across the world for a meal.
And yes, I did ask Doreen for the recipe, I have also emailed them countless times begging for it. They are not giving that s**t up for anyone!
Hannah’s culinary journey: deliberate destinations or serendipitous discoveries?
Hannah: I think a bit of both but leaning towards the former although I was doing it subconsciously until a friend pointed it out to me. I just thought everyone planned their trips around food. It is so alien to me that food isn’t at the forefront of everyone’s mind because it is all I think about.
It first became apparent when a friend and I went to the States – we went on a Dawson’s Creek / Bruce Springsteen pilgrimage but I had an ulterior motive. We were flying into Boston and I had always wanted to go to Maine and New England to eat lobster from roadside shacks and experience real clam chowder so I managed to weave that into the trip, then I thought as we were going to Wilmington NC, it would be rude not to head a little further south and experience some real southern soul food.
I never over-plan my trips, I usually just book a place to stay the first night and then see what happens. It was only after a few days in that my friend pointed out that I was planning our days and our route solely around restaurants and diners. I just thought she was being pernickety but then a few months later another friend and I went to Central America with no other plan than we wanted to hit Mexico, Belize & Guatemala – the same thing happened again. Before I knew it I was hunting out cooking lessons, street food festivals, and restaurants and then our route evolved from that. That’s when I realised that my love for food and travel was so intertwined and WanderSups was born.
When it comes to tracking down where to eat – I’m not entirely sure how I do it. There is certainly no formula but I am like a bloodhound on a scent when it comes to finding good, authentic, local cuisine. One of my first jobs out of university was working for a lifestyle concierge company and putting together itineraries for clients of things they should see and do when travelling – maybe it stems from that.
If I am in the UK I will always consult the Waitrose Good Food Guide – I trust them implicitly. If I am further afield and I have time to do the research then I will check out blogs and ask IG for recommendations – I always think word of mouth is the best way to go. I never engage with things like Trip Advisor because I think it just brings out the worst in people.
If I am in a city or a built-up area I always look up – some of the best places are on roofs so look for the telltale signs of festoon and canopies – some of the most memorable meals I have had are from chasing the sounds of laughing friends and clinking glasses happening high up above me, especially in places like Marrakech and Tulum. And my number one rule: always eat where the locals eat. However, that did backfire for me once when I ended up eating goat intestines in rural Africa. We live and learn.
Hannah’s cherished travel memory for a quick pick-me-up?
Hannah : This is a bit Pinterest / vom-inducing but on my office wall I have post-it notes on which I have written things that have made me happy and content so that whenever I feel a bit low or am struggling to remember life pre-covid, I have an instant pick me up close to hand.
The majority of them are travel based and the general theme is road-tripping. It is my absolute favourite thing to do in the world. I think freedom and independence sense that it gives, knowing you can go anywhere, in your own time, listen to great music, eat great car snacks and drop in at roadside diners and restaurants. My two favourite trips of all time were driving from Maine to North Carolina and driving across Malawi. If I need a pick me up I always put on the playlist that I was listening to and it brings it all flooding back.
HOC: Sounds ideal! Where’s next for you when travel is more achievable?
Hannah: Um the whole world… I am not coping very well with this feeling of being trapped on an island so am desperate to just see everything I possibly can as soon as I can. But currently sitting top of the list :
Malawi – I have spent a lot of time here but my boyfriend has never been and I am desperate to take him and hope he falls in love with it the same way I have.
Amalfi coast road trip – we are both desperate to do this, hire an Italian sports car and live the Insta life.
Deep South states – I need to do another research trip and the deep southern states are calling my name. I am thinking of taking a month and pootling around Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas…
For more from Hannah Gregory, check out her travel-inspired food tips over here – including how to craft the perfect hotel club sandwich dupe! Hannah will also be appearing in our next print volume STAYCATION, out in early January.
House of Coco’s Music Editor Emma Harrison spoke to musician and songwriter KT Tunstall about her new single, her involvement with the initiative ‘Good Night Songs for Rebel Girls‘ and why it’s so important to know your self-worth.
House of Coco
You are involved with an amazing new initiative called Good Night Songs for Rebel Girls, which is based on the book series. I love the ethos behind the programme which is so inspiring. It is about educating and instilling confidence in young women. How did you get to be involved with this project and why is it so important to you?
KT Tunstall
Well, they reached out to me to ask if I would like to be part of it. And it was an absolute no brainer.
I think that when we’re talking about the elevation of girls in society and women in society, at the root of all of it is confidence.
It’s about giving young women and girls the confidence to really follow their dreams, be what they want to be, feel like they’ve got opportunity to do whatever they want.
And I mean, in my lifetime, I’ve just seen that impact me and others where you know, for example, I was getting into doing film composition, at one point and I remember a really prevalent female composer telling me if a composer gets booted off a film (which is not that uncommon), they’ll often change the music and the male composer will go ‘They are idiots. They don’t know what they’re missing’. And the female composer will go, ‘what did I do wrong? Did they not like what I did?’
That resonated with me so much. And that is just about personal mindset and confidence in your own work and your own worth.
House of Coco
Exactly. I think it’s about knowing your worth, and being confident about talking about that. I wish something like this programme was around when I was younger, to have it, would have been amazing.
KT Tunstall
Me too. I was a pretty confident kid. And, but at the same time, I would say that I was also a tomboy. I had brothers, most of my friends growing up were dudes. And so, I had that kind of masculine energy around me. And I think what we really want to build is a world where you don’t need to have a masculine energy to feel confidence.
House of Coco
I completely agree. Our audience is predominantly young women, confidence can be an issue for them. What kind of tips would you give to these young women to be more confident and to have more faith in themselves?
KT Tunstall
I think particularly with the advent of social media and the environment that young women and young girls have to grow up in now. The advent of social media has really put a lot of pressure on this subject as well. I think that a very, very important thing to learn at a young age is to not be concerned about what other people think of you.
That people pleasing, and that will to conform is really only going to take away from your power. So if you want to be an artist, for example, the thing that makes you different from everyone else is actually probably the thing that’s going to bring you success, because there’s no point in being the same as everybody else. Because it’s already been done.
There is no point in copying your favourite artists because they have already done it better than you’ll ever do. So, it is about learning how to do ‘you’ and celebrating that and being confident and having faith that the things that make you who you are, are incredibly special.
There’s no one like you in the universe, you’re a one off. So, don’t let other people tell you that they don’t like what that is and change you. Just walk away from those people. They’re not worth it. All they’re gonna do is make you smaller. And I think that making sure as a young person, you are able to walk away from the people who make you feel bad, and walk towards the people who want to see you do well. That’s incredibly important.
House of Coco
I absolutely love that. That’s the perfect answer and that is my mindset completely. You have to celebrate those little differences that make you so unique. And you’re right, that’s what makes you stand out, which is awesome.
KT Tunstall
You know, I think one thing I wish I’d heard when I was little, was it doesn’t matter if everyone does doesn’t like you. You don’t have to have everyone like you. You don’t have to be liked by everyone. It’s unrealistic, and it’s not going to happen. You’re not gonna vibe with every single other human being you meet. So, don’t waste energy on that! It’s a waste of time, you’ll just end up unhappy, but just gravitate towards the people who make you feel really good.
House of Coco
You sang an incredibly beautiful version of ‘Hymn to Her’, which was originally released by The Pretenders, it was written by Chrissie Hynde’s best friend. It was about her relationship with her mother and it’s a really beautiful song. Maybe a little bit underrated in my opinion?
KT Tunstall
Yeah, I think if you look at Chrissie Hynde in the same way as you look at Bob Dylan, there’s these absolutely endless list of bangers that you just you know, word for word and that are just so up tempo and kind of, you know, life affirming.
But every now and then, they will sing songs where they really show their deep vulnerability.
For Bob Dylan it would be ‘Blood on the Tracks’ – ‘Tangled Up in Blue’.
I think with this song, it was really me paying homage to the way that Chrissie sang it on the tour that I was on with her. I would watch her every night and she just sang it completely stripped back with an organ and all the hardness, all the rock’n’roll edge kind of falls away.
And it’s just a very, very vulnerable, very beautiful, soulful song where you are completely let into her vulnerability.
I think that it is really amazing that she is able to do that for a start. Her voice is just extraordinary. And it just transports you listening to it. I really wanted to just celebrate that version that she sang on to the tour.
House of Coco
It’s such a wonderful track, and I listened to the track earlier this afternoon. I absolutely loved what you did with it – it’s such a beautiful version of it. The interpretation and the phrasing were just really special.
Was that the only song you had in your mind that you wanted to do or were there other options?
KT Tunstall
Thank you! Well, I knew I wanted to do a Pretenders track and because of the nature of the record being ‘Good Night Songs for Rebel Girls’, I also wanted to provide something really soothing. I think that it can be quite exhausting being a girl and it can be quite exhausting being a rebel. It’s something that’s worth getting exhausted over. But at the end of the day, you need a hug, you need support, you need love so I just I wanted to record something really tender.
House of Coco
Do you have plans to do any more recording for the initiative? I know you are a big advocate of the programme.
KT Tunstall
I feel I’m part of the movement. I’d love to think that there’s more to come in the future. For the meantime, I’m just delighted to be part of this incredible line up with acts like Ani DiFranco, Imelda May, Macy Gray, Skye and Joan Jett of course. I just want to go to the pub with all of them, let’s just go camping in the Joshua Tree desert, hang out for a week – that would be amazing!
House of Coco
So, you’ve been quite busy this year despite lockdown, you have released a couple of singles including the ‘Wash your Hands‘ single for Water Aid.
KT Tunstall I do actually sing that chorus when I wash my hands because it’s 20 seconds long!
House of Coco
You have to! Everyone should do it!
KT Tunstall
I didn’t even realise that it was the perfect length and then Water Aid, who I recorded the song for got in touch and said ‘You do know it’s a 20 second chorus, which is the perfect time to wash your hands!’
House of Coco
It was clearly meant to be! It’s very, very catchy. You also released the single with Moella as well. It is a quite different sound, but still your passion and enthusiasm comes across. It was a great song. Are you going to be recording any other new material? The last album was a couple of years ago wasn’t it?
KT Tunstall
It was in 2018. I am at the end of making a trilogy of records about Soul Body and Mind, so KIN was the soul record and WAX was the body record. I am now making the mind record.
It’s been such a crazy journey because the soul record KIN came out in 2016 which was when my life totally imploded – I got divorced, and my dad died and I moved continents and it was just you know, a real rebirth. Then the body record, which I made with Nick McCarthy from Franz Ferdinand, which is great rock record – I actually lost my hearing halfway through that album, and you know, it’s an album about the physical body. So, I’m thinking to myself what the hell is going to happen on the mind record?! And here we are in the middle of a global pandemic!
I’m actually making that record remotely with an amazing team – Andy Burrows from Razorlight, Liam Howe from the Sneaker Pimps and Martin Terefe who I produced the ‘Other side of the World’ and ‘The River’ with.
We’re kind of working remotely and just, it’s sounding really great. I’m very pleased with it. So yeah, I’ve been kept busy!
One of the really nice things I’ve started in lockdown is as a Patreon account, and I would recommend any young artists to look into this.
It’s basically an old school fan club, people pay a subscription each month, and you decide what they get for their money. It’s been amazing because it’s meant really, that my name has become a place where we can all hang out.
It’s not just about music. We’ll do dance parties and collage days, and we’ve done a Brazilian percussion lesson. You can write to me, and I’ll write back and it’s really a beautiful community of people.
With everything going on with streaming and not being able to go to shows, it really feels like getting together and you have a proper community, so that that’s been fantastic.
The thing that I found that not one of us really realised until I started it was, no one pays to be a troll. It’s just such a lovely, safe community where there’s no negativity. It’s just people getting together wanting to have a nice time and you don’t get interrupted or bothered by people being idiots or mean.
House of Coco
There’s loads of exclusive content isn’t it and it’s from $10 per month?
KT Tunstall
It is! I just shared my video and audio download of Driftwood by Travis which is one of my favourite songs ever.
There are people in the group who have been following me for 15 years, there’s people who’ve only just got to know my music. It’s all ages, it’s families. It’s just fantastic because we’re in direct contact. So, messaging everyone every day and sending actual snail mail to each other with stamps and stickers.
I think that you know, the streaming culture has kind of stripped away some of the soulfulness and meaning to your relationship with music. It has become a very fleeting experience, whereas music is a force of nature and there is so much more to be had. Human beings relationships with music is a really deep connected tissue in life.
I would just encourage people to remember how wonderful it is, and, and to instead of just paying just £9.99 for all the music ever, but to reach out and see what your favourite artists are doing. This is the time when bands are really letting fans in more so than ever before.
House of Coco
You’ve done some TV work as well. You have taken part in a documentary on Ivor Cutler, which I have not had a chance to see, but I am definitely going to check it out. Why was that so inspirational to you?
KT Tunstall
Do! I heard Ivor in my mid-20s, through a friend who introduced him to me. It’s quite absurd, surreal, very funny, very moving. He called himself a humourist, but he’s a musician and an actor. The Beatles fell in love with him and asked them to be in the Magical Mystery Tour movie. And the Beatles actually asked if they could cover of one of his songs. And he said, No!
House of Coco
Really?! I did not know that.
KT Tunstall
He is a very special eccentric artist. In the documentary, I interview Noel Fielding, who I think is just one of Britain’s most precious talents. I think he’s incredible. He’s a big fan of Ivor’s as well.
It ties back into this Rebel Girls project. It’s all about celebrating someone who is very unique, and would just be seen as a weirdo, but who actually breaks through all the exterior hardness of your shell and touches you on a soul level and really is just, it’s just total treasure, to listen to this material and it just makes you feel like it’s totally okay to be you. I love that.
House of Coco
Making a TV show is a different process creatively. How did you approach that?
KT Tunstall
STV were working on it and Alison Pinkney was the director and wrote the documentary. She reached out knowing that I was a big fan of Ivor’s and asked, ‘Do I want to make the film?’ And I was like ‘Ah, yes, absolutely!’ You know, one of the songs that I sing on the programme (one of Ivor’s songs) is called ‘Women of the World’ and it says ‘women of the world take over. Because if you don’t…
Sings ‘because if you don’t, the world will come to an end. And we haven’t got long’. It’s an amazing song to sing right? In the world the way that it is. So, it was just a real passion project.
House of Coco
That sounds great! I think you must be like the hardest working person in the music industry because it seems like you do not stop. I was thinking Does she sleep? Does she have her food by intravenous drip?!
KT Tunstall
(Laughs) Definitely! Yeah, I was definitely feeling like, I wish my lockdown was more about pyjamas and watching Netflix. I haven’t done enough of that!
House of Coco
Going back to the Beatles thing, you took part in the Dear John concert as well and you have got a live streaming gig in LA which takes place on November 7th. You are based in LA now?
KT Tunstall
I have been here for about six years. Oh, wow. I do love California. Oh my god. I actually came here when I was four years old. My dad was a physicist and he worked for a year at UCLA. That was my first memories of life were California. I think it was just kind of imprinted on me a bit. It’s always felt very familiar. And I just love it. I love the nature – even in LA, I live in Topanga Canyon and there is a family of deer with a full-size stag that comes to the garden every day. There is a real there is a real wildness that I am I love.
House of Coco
So, you have got your gig and it is live streamed across the world. You have also got some gigs scheduled in for 2021. Do you think this is something that’s going to go ahead, bearing in mind the situation with the world, or will you just go down the streaming route?
KT Tunstall
I think with 2021, it is very much a wait and see. It is going to be a gig by gig scenario because some are outside, some are inside. They are just going to be completely a slave to whatever lockdown measures are in place. I am not holding my breath. I just really hope that they happen.
With the streaming you know, I’m finding my way. I’m just making sure that I don’t do anything that I don’t think is great quality, because I want to keep the quality control so that people are paying for ticket and having a really great experience.
This gig on the 7th November, I think is going to be fantastic. It is me and a drummer, a full piece rock gig at the Whisky a Go Go in LA – an absolutely iconic venue.
The really cool thing about this gig is I am going to have a screen at my feet where I can read people’s comments in real time. So, it’s a bit like it’s a bit like the front row heckling me! I will be able to hear what they are saying, and I’ll be able to interact with people who are watching the show so that would be really cool. Yes, it’s Saturday November 7 and anyone can come, its ten bucks and I think that’s gonna be a blast!
House of Coco
I have missed live gigs so much. I think we are all missing them.
KT Tunstall
It’s just that I think people perhaps don’t have are starting to understand how important those nights are. When you have had a hard week. What is it that actually gets you re energised is going to see an amazing gig going and having a great night out with your friends feeling it feeling lifted up by these experiences? We can’t lose these venues because that’s where you go to get healed after a hard week.
House of Coco
Absolutely! What was the best gig you have ever played? And what is the best gig you have ever been to?
KT Tunstall
The best gig I ever played is really difficult because I have had so many ridiculous experiences from playing the Nobel Peace Prize to playing giant stadiums to 65,000 people at Live Earth. One of the most amazing gigs that I remember was that the Eden Project in Cornwall, and that was outdoors. There were 6000 geo domes that were lighting up in time to your music behind you. And there’s just a connection to the earth there because of the nature of what that place is. It was an incredibly special evening playing the Eden Project. I loved that.
My favourite gig was probably the Pixies. I went to see the Pixies do a little tour at Brixton Academy and it was just a masterclass in what is possible with three to four minutes songs on one album, it was blistering and mind expanding. I came out of that gig feeling schooled, but also feeling like there was much more possible. Amazing!
KT’s single ‘Hymn to Her’ a cover of The Pretenders track is out today. Taken from the upcoming album ‘Good Night Songs for Rebel Girls’.
Her live streaming gig at Whisky A Go Go takes place Saturday 7th November.
It’s likely that you are going to need to invest in more of your favourite drinks for home this month if you are in England, as you won’t be going anywhere anytime soon! So, let us help to compile a rather fabulous list for you and your family.
Now is the right time to plan your drinks cabinet to see you through Lockdown 2.0. We have put together a few ideas for cosy cocktail evenings, drinks by the roaring fire, a day of indulgence, and a relaxing evening in front of the TV.
Cosy Cocktail Evenings
Buck & Birch and The Botanist Gin, Wild Cocktail Collection
The collaboration between The Botanist Gin and Buck & Birch includes three unique cocktails exploring the flavourful wilds of Scotland. Each is small batch crafted and inspired by shared knowledge, passion and the appreciation of Scotland. Cocktails include The Ramble, The Amagroni, and The Plants & Quincidence. All you need is a mixer and you’re good to go.
Manchester Spirit Vodka was created for use in cocktails in Manchester Gin’s premium cocktail bar in the city. Intended to be smooth, clean and versatile, this vodka is a refreshing, modern spirit designed to work effortlessly in any cocktail menu. This is the perfect vodka to enjoy at home throughout Lockdown 2.0.
Bright, vibrant and zesty, Didsbury’s Raspberry & Elderflower Gin is vegan, made with natural fruits, and has no additives or flavourings. This gin makes an outstanding mood-lifting G&T to enjoy at home as part of your lockdown cocktail evening.
Hailed for its great taste and affordability, start-up CBD brand, Doña Sofía launched three CBD infused ready to drink cocktails earlier this year. So, if a can of Gin & Tonic, Vodka & Lime, or Rum and Cola is what you’re after look no further.
Linden Leaf’s Cocktail Elements, is a revolutionary cocktail atomiser providing a convenient and sustainable way to garnish cocktails. Home cocktail enthusiasts use these organic, molecular essence atomisers to help with a consistent, expert finish to cocktails. Ideal for an Old Fashioned, Martini, or a simple G&T.
If you’re not looking for anything alcoholic, and love a good cup of tea, then this is the drink for you. This pine-smoked blend combines full leaf lapsang souchong with cocoa nibs, coconut & cinnamon to create a slightly sweet, perfectly smoked fireside brew.
You’ve been to the takeaway for fish & chips and fancy a glass of wine to enjoy alongside your haddock. Chapel Down’s Flint Dry is the perfect accompaniment with its green apple, Galia melon and kiwi flavours. What could be better than enjoying a crisp, smooth English wine alongside a traditional British fish and chip supper!
That Boutique-y Rum Company, Diamond Distillery Unconfirmed Still
This 18 year old, delicious mouth-filling heavy rum will stand up perfectly served over ice, and is surprisingly easy to drink for something so robust. The perfect fireside autumn and winter warming rum, to sip and savour.
Start your day with a coffee from The Queer Eye style guru Tan France’s collab with Chimney Fire Coffee and Etsy. Included in the trio of coffee is Ethiopia with a honey like finish, El Salvador with a ‘pic n mix’ sweetness, and Brazil with a full-bodied espresso roasted coffee and snickers bar aftertaste.
A rare combination of sophistication and lightness, Della Vite DOCG wine has a distinct and complex flavour profile, delicate in both colour and taste. This new launch by the Delevigne sisters, Chloe, Poppy and Cara is a wonderfully indulgent Prosecco to be enjoyed at special celebratory moments.
This hamper is a real indulgence for lockdown. Bolney Lychgate Red and Bolney Lychgate Rose are both delicious alongside the Brighton Blue cheese. The Lychgate Bacchus needs to be paired with Sussex Charmer, a special cheese. Plus Sussex Brie works its magic with Flour Pot seasonal chutney and Alsop & Walker The Cheese Companion and Sussex Gourmand’s tasty thins. An indulgence worth investing in.
If you are looking for more vitamins, minerals and botanicals in your drinks, DRGN Superdrink is the answer. Relax in front of the TV knowing that you are drinking between 30% and 50% of your daily essential vitamins and superfoods in this one citrus drink. It’s alcohol free, caffeine free, low in sugar, contains no nasties, and is only 53 calories per serve.
Hiver’s flagship Honey Blonde Beer is brewed with the finest British honey from urban and rural beehives. Hiver delivers an incredibly fresh, smooth and easy drinking beer, which means it’s a great beer to sup whilst enjoying lockdown TV.
From quintessential bands to emerald stoned chains, Adriana’s work takes blueprint designs and forms them into contemporary statements, minus the fuss.
To produce responsible and practical jewellery that still imitates the glamour of classic bijouterie is a complicated concept for most. That is, unless, you have a lifelong vision like Adriana. After studying Jewellery Design at Parsons Paris – in addition to sporting myriad career experience under her belt – São Paulo-born, Adriana Chede, knew that her eponymous label would become an extension of her own perspectives and values from the outset.
Describing her brand as “timeless jewellery with Brazilian soul”, Adriana took her heritage overseas when choosing to settle in London, with the intention of creating something universally classic and wearable that still honoured her roots.
As the fine-jewellery market finds itself within the midst of an outpouring of demand for precious pieces that last a lifetime, Adriana’s designs are curated with both beauty and functionality in mind, proving that easy to wear moulds shouldn’t have to compromise on aesthetics. But shoppers are now searching for something that runs deeper than the surface level adornment; enter, sustainable treasures that are kind to the environment. Though customers needn’t be sceptical about Adriana’s approach towards ecological ethics; every order is individually handmade from 100% recycled gold, tapping straight into this new wave of earth-aware consumers.
Recording every step of the design and production process for her Instagram following, Adriana proves how behind even the simplest of craftsmanship is a highly-skilled maverick. And with the option of personalisation for the more cherished moments, the brand epitomises everything that jewellery should be for an individual; private, revered, and authentically intimate.
What / who are your influential drivers behind the brand?
“I started the business when I was 18, I knew nothing about being an entrepreneur, but I knew jewellery was a passion. Coming from a half-Lebanese family allowed me to experience moments where jewellery was used to celebrate love and our achievements. They would also be passed down to other generations, taking with them the stories they hold.”
How do you wish your customers to feel when wearing your jewellery?
“I design pieces that should be worn every day as a kind of second skin or little talismans. The jewellery is delicate yet timeless, made to last a lifetime (if not longer). I want my jewellery to make women feel their best, to empower their qualities and accompany them to all their activities.”
What does jewellery mean to you?
“I love jewellery. I love creating pieces that will be used and carried by women, and therefore become part of their lives. That feeling of creating a new piece or making each one of them by hand is really special to me.
To think that they are a part of nature – the metals and the gemstones – and we shape and mould them into something wearable is so beautiful. Because I see them this way, it’s also so important for me to do it in the most conscious and sustainable way as possible.”
How was it navigating a small business during a pandemic?
“Well, it asked for creativity, like finding new ways, adapting, and being more present online, but it was also very positive! I feel like it helped me to see new opportunities and use them to make my ideas work.”
What would your advice be to women in the small business sector?
“To be patient and constant. I feel like there is nothing like hard work and time. If you put the right amount of work and passion, then the results will come.
There were times where I felt like it was going slow, but I never thought about giving up. If you want something, you got to give all of you to make it happen. And good things happen.”
Take a handful of European chic, mix it with breath-taking landscapes, delicious food and wine, bundles of gaucho culture and a sprinkle of Latino flair and you have the beaut that is, Argentina. Whether you dance the tango in Buenos Aires or sip and ski in Mendoza, this South American country is rich in adventure and will seduce you from the moment you arrive.
Where to stay
Buenos Aires is a beautiful, buzzing and bustling city. Palmero Soho is a chic district in the Palmero neighbourhood, small and local enough to discover the authentic side of the city and is bursting with fabulous places to eat, some great bars and vibrant nightlife. Located in the heart of Palermo Soho is Mine Hotel. This contemporary, cosy boutique hotel has a beautiful courtyard curtained by lilac bougainvillea and a heated outdoor pool, perfect for relaxing or catching a siesta. If you want to explore it’s perfectly located and is walking distance from Plaza Serrano close to the city’s designer shops and a stone throw from the renowned La Cabrera steakhouse. The staff at Mine are exceptional and deliver an outstanding service.
Argentina is an amazing place to explore, there are so many things to see and do that you’ll need a couple of weeks to get around and do it all which is why we’ve picked out some of the best things to try out.
You can’t travel to Argentina without trying out the tango, it’s a way of life and a rich part of the heritage. Buenos Aires is the tango capital and where best to learn this sultry dance than at Los Laureles. This legendary tango bar dates back to the early 1900s and its dancefloor has been host to some of the biggest names in tango. If you don’t fancy dance lessons why not visit the World Tango Museum, located above Café Tortoni. This museum is dedicated to everything tango, covering aspects of different styles and generations from De Caro, Gardel and Contursi, through to Discépolo, Pugliese, Goyeneche, Mores, Piazzolla, Avant-Garde and Contemporary.
Los Laureles, Avenue Iriarte 2290, Buenos Aires 1295
World Tango Museum,833 Av de Mayo, Palacio Carlos Gardel, Buenos Aires
Argentina is home to an expansive natural wonderland. The Iguazú Falls is a UNESCO Word Heritage site, located about 800 miles NE of Buenos Aires. This natural border wedged between Argentina and Brazil is made up of 275 interlocking waterfalls spanning 1.7miles in width and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the planet. Hike along the trails, take a boat tour to the mouth of Garganta del Diablo (the devils throat) or get a bird’s eye view on a breath-taking helicopter ride. Whatever route you take you’ll be guaranteed to be overwhelmed by the beauty.
Trips to Iguazú Falls can be booked via www.guazufalls.com
The country’s wine capital is Mendoza. Nestled at the foot of the Andes you’ll find a plethora of bodegas (wineries) where you can sample some of the finest Malbec. Regardless of whether or not you are a wine lover you’ll enjoy Mendoza. The city is host to some fantastic restaurants and the streets are jam-packed with bars. If you don’t want to book one of the many wine tours then you can tackle a hike up Mount Aconcagua or try your hand at rafting, cycle around Mount Aconcagua national park and in the winter months ski.
Where to eat
A glorious mix of diverse cultures, the food scene in Buenos Aires is fabulous. Steak is obviously a must here, the ubiquitous parrillas (grill houses) are on every corner offering up the finest cuts of beef but Argentina’s capital also has buzzy pizza joints, fine-dining and Latin fusion restaurants.
Nardar Comedor
Plant-based ingredients are at the heart of the menu at celebrity chef, Narda Lepes’ restaurant. With a super-cool interior and friendly, attentive service this place is worth a visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu serves locally sourced healthy dishes packed with global flavours.
Nardar Comedor, Sucre 664, Buenos Aires 1428
Chan Chan
This cosy Peruvian cantina serves authentic, tasty plates of ceviche, big enough to share. They don’t skimp on the sides either; big bowls of rice are dished up with huge plates of papas a la huancaina (sliced potatoes in cheese sauce) or fried yuca (cassava).
Chan Chan, Hipólito Yrigoyen 1390, Congreso, Buenos Aires 1085
i Latina
Chef-patron Santiago Marcías perfectly combines fine dining with tasty food at this Latin American restaurant. Their tasting menu is a culinary journey that brings together dishes from Mexico to Patagonia, the impossibly tender beef cheek is to die for and the Oaxacan mole is bursting with flavour.
i Latina, Calle Murillo 725, Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires
After (who knows how many) months of lockdown, three postponed destination weddings and one cancelled romantic getaway (with my better half), to say I was excited when I was invited to review the cheeky London outpost of Mama Shelter in Hackney, is an understatement! It’s been on my bucket list for some time and it didn’t disappoint.
On arrival, I was instantly greeted by all of the things that helped propel Mama Shelter as one of the world’s leading hotel brands: bombastic décor, welcoming and knowledgeable staff and of course, incredible location in London’s culture hub of Hackney. Needless to say, it offered a more subdued version of its usual self, but that’s fair given it now has to operate in a COVID-19 world, but they still did well to retain the playful personality it’s known and loved for. This included the team’s mandatory face masks, each emblazoned with its own unique mouth design (tongue out, lip biting, smiling with braces) turning a dull and restrictive item into a fun and desirable accessory.
The overall style of the played on its location in the heart of trendy east end with a mixture of mid-century and vintage furnishing throughout. The ground floor was a kaleidoscope of colours with a mish-mash of lampshades, long tables (which also double-up as great workspace), booths and chalkboard ceilings, along with an open plan kitchen. The Greenhouse, where I was met by their resident mixologist trying out new concoctions, was airy and bright with a retractable roof – a perfect space for dining with friends and drinking cocktails al-fresco. In winter, I can imagine it also offers a cosy alternative.
My room was 70’s inspired with playful little touches, including a novel corner booth with lush velvet emerald green cushions, super comfy bedding and perfectly proportioned (and very well lit bathroom). The room also had a great view over the old gasworks synonymous with nearby Regents Canal. And of course, it wouldn’t be a stay with Mama without their lovely selection of Mama Organic Skin Range (along with their suggestive namesakes, ‘Mama wants to cream you up’).
My beautiful room overlooking the famous gasworks on Regent’s Canal
After unpacking and freshening up, I headed to the Greenhouse for dinner. The (paperless QR) menu offers generous family-style dishes with some Turkish influences. My favourites: the burrata with borlotti beans, golden raising and gremolata and the simple (but delicious) cured sea trout with heritage beetroot, horseradish and lime. For the main, I devoured the Chicken Za’atar with harissa yoghurt, pickled cucumber and pistachio. The downstairs space and Greenhouse would also make a great brunch spot – the fluffy American pancakes were incredible! – with your friends or family and ideally located for exploring the area after.
As a former Hackney resident, I know the neighbourhood well and I couldn’t recommend it enough for readers looking to discover a new part of London or just fancied a fun night out without the hassle of getting a taxi home later. The hotel is perfectly placed between bustling Broadway Market (for lazy Saturday mornings) and Columbia Road (the infamous flower market runs on Sunday’s) and about a 15 minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street, offering endless art galleries, contemporary furniture and clothing stores and live music venues (although this is on pause for the time being).
Mama normally offers an unmissable program of events (currently on hold due to government guidelines) which has helped it to create a great sense of community among locals. Downstairs, Japanese-style karaoke rooms – they often host drag karaoke nights – are decked out with pinball machines, retro video games and classic 50s-style microphones and are available to hire for groups. Guests can also create personal souvenirs of their Mama Shelter experience with the photo and video booths, via the brand’s social platforms.
My first Mama experience was in Paris for my birthday a while back. It was one of their first hotels – Mama Shelter East – and I remember thinking then that it was ahead of its time, offering an affordable boutique hotel experience with all the trimmings you’d expect from a five-star hotel: great food, buzzing atmosphere, service and modern design (but without the hefty price tag).
The Mama Shelter journey started in 2008 with the launch of Mama Paris East. Founded by the Trigano family – co-Founder of Club Med – and world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, Mama Shelter believed in launching in lesser-known, ‘out of the way’ neighbourhoods in iconic cities, allowing guests to discover new creative corners with Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Belgrade, Prague and Toulouse soon added to the group’s portfolio. Today, MAMA’s international footprint continues to grow, with hotel openings in Lille and Paris West this year, and properties in Luxembourg, Dubaï, Santiago de Chile, Lisbon and further locations set to open by 2022.
It was lovely to see Mama’s managed to retain her charm even after global domination.
To celebrate their reopening, Mama London is offering stays from as little as £49* per night. The only condition is that you have dinner in their restaurant or via room service – seems fair to me!
