Founders and childhood friends, Jasper and Edwin, planned to launch Oranj as a bar dedicated to low intervention wines. Covid scuppered their plans, so they’ve reimagined the concept as a delivery service, allowing people to try some of the best natural wines from lesser known producers at home, in the park, on the beach or anywhere a bottle opener is present.
Oranj is an innovative platform that not celebrates the combination of natural wine, art and music. Ahead of the Christmas season, Oranj welcomes a host of new collaborations including, Dominic Smith’s ‘Winter Warmer’ December Sommelier Box, The New Club Oranj Magnum Membership and the Oranj Christmas Bottle Shop – perfect as gifts or for entertaining at home this festive season.
December ‘Winter Warmers’ Sommelier Box – Dominic Smith, The Clove Club
For December Dominic Smith ‘Dom the Somm’ from one Michelin Star restaurant The Clove Club, has taken the reins with his pick of ‘Winter Warmers’. Dom will be selecting 5 bottles of his favorite low intervention wines from small batch producers, which will be matched by an especially festive edition of sommelier tasting notes, giving recipients the tools to pair their bottles with their Christmas fare. Oranj have commissioned coveted artist Fey Wei Wei, to create a bespoke, limited edition poster plus a link to a specially recorded DJ set.
Club Oranj Magnum Gift Membership
The perfect Christmas gift, will comprise a magnum of natural wine plus all the usual Club Oranj perks for one whole year for a non-recurring £90 cost – the magnum will arrive in the maiden month of the membership and can be purchased in time for Christmas deliveries.
Club Oranj Memberships
The new Club Oranj membership, which comes complete with a Club card, will allow members exclusive access to a 12.5% ‘trade’ discount on all wines from the Oranj bottle shop, as well as a host of other treats.
Oranj Christmas Bottle Shop
For Christmas, Oranj have some treats under the tree in the form of Oranj Christmas Cases, which will offer bundles of two wines for £50, 3 for £65 or 6 for £120. Top picks include Noble Rot’s Chin Chin 2019 Vintage and bottles by Anders Frederik Steen, a small producer from the Ardèche region of Southern France.
All Oranj boxes, subscriptions and wines from the bottle shop will come with a gift tag for a personal message, and are available for nationwide delivery. December 20th is the last day for orders to be guaranteed for delivery by Christmas Eve. @oranjwine /Oranj.co.uk
To mark their 10th anniversary, The Capitol Hotel, Tokyo invited House of Coco to join their virtual celebrations and gave us a sneak-peak around the hotel along with the inside scoop on some of the best places to visit in the city.
The hotel was recently awarded five stars by the Forbes Travel Guide and it is easy to see why. This luxury hotel successfully juxtaposes slick city chic with the calming aesthetics of traditional Japanese living. The interiors at The Capitol were designed by Kengo Kuma, the architectural genius behind Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic stadium. Clean lines, lots of glass and natural, light wood are set against a subdued palette. The impressive timber-clad lobby dominates the entrance along with the stunning water feature, which brings the tranquillity and serenity of nature, indoors. This is continued throughout, and the addition of the Japanese garden creates a zen feel, making this a great place to retreat from the bustle of the city.
The hotel showcases an art collection worth two million dollars and guests have the opportunity to admire and revere the works hung around the building.
Each of the 251 stunning guest rooms are large and contemporary, effortlessly blending minimalist Japanese tradition with modern style. Most of the rooms offer stunning views of the Tokyo skyline and on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.
When it comes to dining, there is a choice of three restaurants, all offering delicious dishes. Each restaurant has their own speciality chef. Indulge in teppanyaki grilled meats and vegetables, superb sushi, tempura, or the classic banquet-style kaiseki meals.
This sophisticated, modern hotel is in the heart of the city and connected with two major subway stations, so getting around is not a problem. From the hotel you have easy access to Ginza, Harajuku and Roppongi, all great for shopping and dining. If you like trendy cafes, boutiques, and vintage shops, the nearby Daikanyama neighbourhood is worth visiting. Despite being a vast city with lots of skyscrapers there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Just a short walk away is the famous Hie Shrine and the Imperial Palace grounds, both surrounded by lush, serene gardens. In the north west part of Tokyo you will find Okutama, home of forest bathing and a great place to reconnect with nature.
Japan has quickly catapulted to the top of my travel bucket list. Offering a plethora of experiences, a taste of Japanese culture and style I cannot wait for travel restrictions to lift so I can visit Tokyo.
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
Step into the realm of boundless creativity with Creative Spotlight with Freya. Delve into innovative ideas, artistic insights, and endless inspiration as Freya shines a light on the creative process. Join us on this journey to explore and celebrate the vibrant world of creativity.
The story of Freya’s Clay Club began with ceramics sculptor Chris Bramble becoming a father. Chris has been making ceramic art for over 30 years, also teaching in schools and colleges. Chris has twin daughters called Freya and Yolande who both grew up with clay at their fingertips, always helping out although originally taking their father’s craft for granted, they are now both part of a growing pottery business. Freya is a fine artist who wants to get everybody involved. She started teaching children during her studies in Fine art and everything began to grow from there. Yolande is a theatre practitioner specialising in participatory theatre and sensory-based arts.
A family with creativity at its heart, we want to spend some time with Freya to find out more about her clay club, life behind the scenes and what her plans are for the future…
Freya, talk us through the journey that leads you to launch Freyas Clay Club…
I decided to take this seriously in my early twenties before that I was always just messing around. I had decided that I didn’t want to enslave myself to the system and had lost respect for the art world at the time, unfortunately, due to my University experience…though.. I thought it would be a good idea to earn a bit of pocket money just helping out in the studio and then I had thoughts of doing pottery sessions for kids and the Ball started rolling and picked up momentum from there! I fell in love with clay though I had never seen it in this way before. And I could feel that there was no going back! I was fascinated by it and could just feel the excitement inside me take hold! During my experience of teaching, I learned the craft inside out through sharing it with others and learning ‘How to translate it to other understanding. I was mostly interested initially in the experience of sharing it with others through teaching and alongside I was doing stuff for myself bit by bit.
However, during my studies, I was spending all the time in the ceramic studio after being told by my university tutor that I ought to be doing a ceramics degree and rejecting the very notion! But Ii couldn’t help but admit that I enjoyed the feeling of clay, regardless of the fact my father was a potter. I had never the intention that I would be doing it too!
What’s your earliest memory of clay?
My earliest memory was making a teapot with my twin sister I think we were really annoyed that the lid of the teapot did not fit properly but I think my dad was busy and he probably thought it was good enough for a pair of 6yr olds and left us to deal with our creation.. As he always did. He was never ever pushy or persuasive or even extra encouraging of us/me doing ceramics. We just enjoyed making stuff in general. Art was our favourite thing. Especially also with a mother who made all her puppets at home on the living room floor. We’d be glueing, stitching and painting together for hours on end.
As a fine artist, what do you do when you are lacking motivation?
When I’m stuffed for the gogo energy in the studio Sometimes I will just do nothing and chill and let these still moments serve their purpose. And just know that I do not need to force anything, inspiration comes when it comes, and when it does it’s pretty intense. I’m under my own spell and nothing can stop me!
What are your plans for the brand in the future?
Future plans consist of exploration..traveling. Following my trail of excitement and refining my practice, constantly added new elements. I used to do performance-based work in uni, but really it’s all about expressing a vibe for me. I’m expressing through clay as a medium and very much stuck in the mud at the moment but in a good way! It has been my therapy throughout my life and carries a healing essence, and is why I’m so into it! It has a hold over my lifestyle and the way I live, in order to accommodate the very nature of this practice is the way I live. It is connected to every aspect, daily routine and ritual of making all my life. Everything must run easily and smoothly in order to work continuously with ease and abundance. Clay is a VERY simple yet demanding material to work with. It always blesses us with life lessons, of patience, preservation and reward.
How much does your dad play a role in your company?
Well to start with I probably would not have had access to this practice without his studio growing up also his work always inspired me. You can see and feel the depth of emotion in his work, he tells untold stories and hidden aspects of black culture.
Me and dad teach together in his large studio and I have my own space downstairs at Kingsgate Workshops, West Hampstead, London. I teach in the evening and at weekends and he does Monday-Thursday. We see each other every day and believe me I say, I feel so lucky to see him every day, I really love and cherish my family and one day they will be gone..so I appreciate it!
My dad also does a lot of the business, running the studio, a lot of maintenance work, loading and unloading kilns, fixing the kilns and the pottery wheels..making glazes ordering materials..pottery is not easy, every step of the way you need big heavy machinery! Everything you lift is heavy from a bag of clay down to a bucket of glaze! A lot of help is needed, we have a lot of support from loving people around us such as Michael, who is 15 yrs in helper!!.
What was life growing up like as a twin?
You know, growing up being a twin was very difficult for me, compared to now, now is absolutely wonderful! I mean I have no idea what it must be like not to have a twin but all I knew is that I was fighting for my own identity until a teenager,, because we looked the same. We were very identical so I would do make-up and hair very differently (my teenage beauty modifications were awful!) To be honest I still do more cosmetic stuff to myself than my sister and that’s probably engrained insecurities that like to show up still every now and then. Imagine always being compared to what people called the ‘better twin’ The awful things I’ve heard people say about me and right in front of my face, were so hurtful. So in this sense, it was very difficult for me more so than my sister! I’ve done a lot of self-work on my self-esteem, it used to be very low! My sister has had her troubles too but in different ways. Being a twin, as an adult now, is very interesting, it’s kind of cool, now that I have a greater understanding and awareness, I appreciate every part of her and love our differences and similarities. Yolande her name is, she does theatre like my mother, funny that, again not planned! We are always crossing paths with each other’s art forms and learning a lot from each other. There is a point where all the arts cross over at the theory level of nothingness. Art is funny in the way, I never understood why the fashion of art is obsessed with minimalism when there is so much to say in this world. I’m not scared to say more is always more! But equally less may be more too. Perception is everything.
Talk us through an average day in your life.
Wake up 6/7 am
Meditate for 30mins- 1 hour
Do some juicing of lemon and orange (wakes me up more than coffee), Whisk up some matcha latte tea in all these handmade bowls in my kitchen (they are all so different mostly from students’ throwaway that they don’t like:D
Go to the studio whenever I get there, sometimes early, sometimes late!
Teach or do my own work
Go home eat, chill
Mediate
Sleep
Repeat!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to launch a company in your niche?
Go for it and go for it like you mean it! You can’t fail at this if you want it! Community is important, always help others you never know who will give you a helping hand when you need it. And you DO need it when you are running a business, you often need ten heads on at once! Dream big and stay positive, everything is learning and you have no idea what is around the corner!
Looking back since launching your business, is there anything you would do differently?
It’s funny, I was just going like an unstoppable train every day enjoying the process. I didn’t really take freyasclayclub seriously until I looked back and was like okay this is how I make my living. I think my lack of stress and happy-go-lucky mentality towards it probably helped it flow and grow with ease. I remember my mum helping me brainstorm the name and I thought.. Whatever let’s just give it a go.
To date, what has been your proudest moment?
I think dealing with the level of stress when I was on the Great Pottery Throwdown 4 years ago! I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO Stressed! Filming the show was very long hours, the challenges of what we had to make were very hard, and I was still coming home and teaching in the evenings and weekends.. I lost so much weight! But it was an unforgettable experience! And I was proud that I did it!
When lacking motivation, what do you do?
Go to the park, swim, I love swimming in the ponds..or natural rivers.
Sometimes I’ll just want to hang out with someone, and find a distraction that will spark some joy!
What’s your go-to quote when you want to feel inspired?
You never know what is around the corner.. Things are always in the process of happening for you whether you know it or not! I just think, follow your joy and everything else falls into place more easily.
What does self-care mean to you?
Most of my self-care is mental and behavioural based, looking after myself as you would to someone you care about, for example… Well done Freya you can do it, or .. it’s OK! I’m always trying to see the positive in everything!
But we can talk about hair! I’ve surrendered to my hair! Let’s just say if you see moisture in my hair you know I’ve watered and fed it! My hair is always frizzy. But I think I was born like this So I keep it as it is and don’t do anything that will damage it and just try to moisture and detangle it twice a week. It, especially gets dry with the clay in the studio, clay draws out impurities and dries things out even more! Though I’m very sweaty usually. so it does well for my skin. I enjoy using natural products, and aromatherapy; love face creams and oils. Everything I use is as natural as possible! I simply can’t stand the smell of chemicals. And that’s the same for my food.
Follow Freya for more…
The best thing todo is come and visit..spend a couple of hours in our daily classes.
The mighty United States of America may cover nearly 10 million square kilometres, but how many of us are guilty of glossing over its fascinating cities in favour of those old faithfuls like New York and Las Vegas?
The world’s love affair with the USA shows no sign of abating, but while post-corona travel plans the to the States may currently be up in the air, we know that when we do head back over the pond our attention will be turning to America’s underrated gems for an electrifying experience of US culture somewhere new.
There are dozens of exciting US cities that rival the big hitters, that will leave your tastebuds tantalised, your culture barometer maxed out and your urge for discovery firmly quelled. We’ve picked three of our favourites that we can’t wait to explore.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Known as the birthplace of America and under two hours from New York by train from Penn Station, Philly has plenty to keep you entertained if you fancy a detour from the city that never sleeps.
What to see
Head to Independence National Historic Park for a guided tour and see where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted at Independence Hall, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brush up on your American history at The Museum of the American Revolution.
Take in more than 2,000 years of art history at Philadelphia Museum of Art and embrace your inner Rocky with a race up its iconic steps.
See Rodin’s iconic ‘The Thinker’ at the Rodin Museum, home to one of the largest collections of his works outside of Paris
Take a walking tour of some of the cities 4,000 murals; visit muralarts.org to plan your route.
Face your fear at the Eastern State Penitentiary, an abandoned prison that’s creepy and fascinating all year long but turns into a scary immersive experience around Halloween.
Longwood Gardens may be outside of the city, but worth the drive for what is one of the top botanical gardens in the world.
Where To Eat & Drink
You can’t visit without trying a Philly Cheesesteak; fresh, soft and squishy Italian rolls, filled with melted cheese and tender pieces of beef. Campo’s Deli has been serving them up for over 70 years, so they know what they’re doing.
One of the most prominent craft beer cities in the world and often referred to as the ‘Best Beer Drinking City in America’; you’ll find a host of historical brewpubs and renowned breweries across the city.
Make sure you visit Reading Terminal Market on an empty stomach; it’s one of America’s largest and oldest public markets and offers local food favourites including hoagies, pretzels and Pennsylvania Dutch goodies.
We got some tips from a local on their favourite spots to dine out. Head to El Vez for the best nachos in town, Sampan for delicious Asian and its super cool Graffiti bar, the farm-to-table Talulas Garden and for dessert, you can’t beat Franklin Fountain; an old-fashioned ice cream shop and a Philly classic.
Seattle, Washington
It’s easy to be drawn to the beautiful sunshine of LA or the offbeat charm of San Francisco, but edge north into the Pacific Northwest and you’ll be rewarded with this year-round destination and its cornucopia of iconic sights, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, world-class sports and a vibrant and thriving culinary scene.
What to See
You literally can’t miss the Space Needle, given it towers over the Seattle skyline at 605ft tall. Don’t miss the world’s first and only rotating glass floor.
Discover the work of Washington native and contemporary artist David Chihuly at Chihuly Garden and Glass. You might recognise the iconic glassblower’s intricate work from the central sculpture housed in the atrium of London’s V&A museum.
Seattle’s first neighbourhood, Pioneer Square, is a bustling area with beautiful Romanesque Revival architecture as well as trendy boutique shops, chic bars and restaurants.
The Museum of Pop Culture is a must-visit, particularly for any music fans. Designed by Frank Gehry, the architecture of the building aims to replicate a smashed guitar, in homage to the legendary musicians that hail from the city.
Olympic National Park is home to lush rainforests, mountain peaks, beaches, rivers and hot springs. With activities including hiking, fishing, tide-pooling and camping, it’s an escape to another world.
Where To Eat & Drink
Elliott’s Oyster House has been serving up a fresh catch on Pier 56 for over 40 years. There’s no better spot to enjoy speciality Pacific oysters with wine pairings while watching the world go by.
It’s no secret Seattle is famous for its coffee – it was the birthplace of Starbucks after all – but head to Storyville Coffee for some of the best blends in the state
A celebration of the food and wine of the Pacific Northwest, The Herbfarm unveils a new, nine-course thematic menu every few weeks to showcase the very best of the region, using ingredients grown in its garden and nearby farm to serve seasonal and unusual cuisine.
If visiting in March, make sure that Taste Washington is in your diary; a four-day food fest featuring hundreds of Washington wineries, chefs and restaurants offering tastings, demos, talks and workshops
Denver, Colorado
Lonely Planet named Denver one of its top cities to visit in 2020 and we’re inclined to agree. It’s a cultural playground, not to mention the access point for plentiful outdoor adventures.
What to See
Visit the Golden Triangle Creative District, home to the Colorado Photographic Arts Center, Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum, dedicated to the mysterious life and revolutionary art of a modern master.
Easily one of the world’s most phenomenal live music venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre has hosted iconic performers such as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. It’s worth timing your trip to make a pilgrimage here for a gig you will never forget.
Denver has a packed annual calendar of festivals. The Denver March PowWow is one of the largest events of its kind in the country featuring more than 1,500 dancers from 100 tribes. Throughout the year you’ll find everything from the Grilled Cheese Fest to the Five Points Jazz Festival and Denver BBQ Festival.
The city has 85 miles of bike trails to explore, not to mention pedal boating on Washington Park, kayaking on the white-water chutes at Confluence Park and plenty of walks to take in that stunning Denver skyline.
What To Eat & Drink
Opened in 2018, Milk Market in downtown Denver is home to 13 restaurant stalls, three bars and an artisan food market, while Denver Central Market in RiNo, offers farm-to-table cuisine and plenty of seasonable, vegan options.
The Great American Beer Festival is hailed as the largest beer festival in the world; representing the biggest collection of US beer ever served.
Our local intel tells us RiNo’s Cart Driver is Denver’s home for sharing wood-fired pizzas, fresh oysters, seasonal market plates and cocktails. Señor Bear is a hotspot for Latin-inspired food and drink and The Wolf’s Tailor stitches together Chef Kelly Whitaker’s collaborations and travels through Italian kitchens and Asian night markets.
Denver has no shortage of exciting bars. El Five boasts an uninterrupted view of the Denver skyline, Seven Grand houses over 7,000 whiskies and Improper City with its 12,000 square foot patio, is the perfect location for outdoor summer drinks.
Looking for a bit of escapism? We’ve got you. Be inspired by one of these classic Hollywood films that will take you on an adventure, whether that’s across the African desert, to a city break in Rome, or on the road trip of a lifetime.
Prepare to be captivated by some stunning movie scenery – and get your wish list out to start planning your next big trip.
Mamma Mia (2008)
This vibrant tale of a daughter discovering her mum’s romantic past, just before her wedding day, brought about an understandable huge surge in tourism to the Island of Skopelos in Greece.
Sun-drenched blue and white patios are framed with olive and lemon groves, characterful tavernas offer a warm welcome, all while the cast belt out Abba’s top tunes. We can almost taste the mezze.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Audrey Hepburn could make most places extremely desirable, but seeing her whizz around Rome on a Vespa wearing that iconic neckerchief, has us daydreaming of a trip to Italy’s capital.
Roman Holiday tells the tale of Ann, a pampered princess played by Audrey, and Joe Bradley, a savvy journalist played by Gregory Peck, who meet serendipitously and strike up an acquaintance. What ensues is a romp around the city that perfectly captures the romance of Rome.
Thelma and Louise (1991)
Buckle up tight; this classic tale of female friendship is a bumpy ride – and one that makes us want to grab our dearest pals and embark on a big adventure. This movie redefined the road trip, putting women at the centre of the narrative for the first time.
The trip follows Thelma and Louise from Arkansas to the Grand Canyon. While the pair may not ultimately get their happy ending; it certainly paints an enthralling picture of life on the road.
Lost In Translation (2003)
We defy anyone to watch this film and not want to visit Tokyo; a city that blends calm and chaos, culture and consumerism.
Director Sofia Coppola chose to use real place names and locations to ensure the production felt authentic – and the film creates a lasting impression.
The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)
We love beautiful Italy so much that we’ve featured it twice. Ok, so the plot of this creepy tale of deception and obsession may not be one we’d like to get involved in, but few could argue that the film’s depiction of 1950s Italy isn’t visually stunning.
The movie takes us from glamorous beaches in Lazio to iconic hotels in Venice.
Out of Africa (1985)
There’s far more to gaze at during this classic romance than vintage Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
The timeless love story is set against the backdrop of the Shaba National Game Reserve in Kenya, with the scenery as epic as the tale of these two doomed lovers.
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!
When you think of Belgium, you likely conjure images of the most scrumptious chocolate shops, waffles laden with toppings galore, glasses brimming with beer but, most importantly, chocolate! Yes, Belgium, famous for its many wonderful chocolates, is a delight for all the senses when it comes to the sweet treat, and a trip there is sure to leave you licking your lips as you head home (hopefully with a bag of cocoa as a souvenir).
Alas, how did chocolate become Belgium’s ‘thing’? Well, it’s been a major industry over there since the 19th century and has since gained an international reputation for its produce being incredibly yummy, to put it simply! In the 17th century, explorers brought chocolate from South America which it was a sign of luxury. These wow-worthy beans were then used to rustle up steaming cups of hot chocolate in a bid to impress new visitors.
The raw materials used in chocolate production in Belgium are mostly produced in Africa, Central America and South America and using this moreish cocoa means we tourists get to taste chocolate like we’ve never tasted before. However, the eclectic, beautiful city that is Brussels, Belgium’s capital, has a tremendous array of chocolatiers, making it hard for us tourists to know where to search. So, for now, here are five of the best to get you started…
La Belgique Gourmande
If a simple bar of chocolate doesn’t quite cut the cloth then La Belgique Gourmande is likely your bag. This epic chocolatier looks like something from a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie and brings together all of the best Belgian artisan products in one spot. We’re talking pralines, almonds, waffles and more, oh and chocolate, of course!
The chocolate here is so delicious and boy is there a lot of it. You can even bag yourself a personalised vintage box to house your lip-smacking treats, and if it gets too filling then why not wash it all down with one of the 250-plus bottles of beer on offer?
Rue de l’Etuve 49-51, 1000 Brussels
Elisabeth
Elisabeth is quite the spot for some chocolate and there’s a real selection on offer at this Brussels bolthole. Wander inside and you’ll be transported to a shop abuzz with pots upon pots upon pots of chocolate, as well as same-day whipped meringues and fluffy marshmallow cakes.
You can delve into the finery of Brussels chocolate by feasting on the likes of chocolate coffee beans, chocolate spoons, praline bars and even bowls of chocolate flowers in milk, white and dark. And even if you’re stuffed, Elisabeth is so pretty and Instagrammable that you’ll be sure to get some snaps to tempt your appetite at a later date.
Boterstraat 43 Rue au Beurre, 1000 Brussels
Pierre Marcolini
This chocolatier uses some of the rarest chocolate beans and experimental flavours to create, well, miracle chocolate! You’ll find exquisite offerings including cardamom, passion fruit and liquorice.
Pierre Marcolini roasts coffee beans himself and packages them in the most beautiful boxes, meaning they’ll make sensational gifts for family or friends. If you’re visiting, give the chocolate tablets a try, £6, with classic flavours of milk and white chocolate for those erring away from experimental, to Sambirano Madagascar tablet and Cocoa flower tablet for those wanting to try something new.
Galerie de la Reine 21, 1000 Bruxelles
Chocolaterie Mary
Just over 100 years ago, something delicious evolved in Brussels, thanks to the creative passion of Mary Delluc, who opened her first chocolate shop on rue Royale, selling tea and bonbons. Heaven! Holding a Belgian Royal Warrant, since 1942, and with chocolates neatly presented in its iconic flower-patterned, or heart-shaped boxes, the Chocolaterie Mary has an appreciated and esteemed level of craftmanship found inside.
Although situated throughout Belgium, the Brussels Mary chocolates include Mary – Galerie de la Reine, Mary – Grand Place, Mary – Lombard, Mary – Royal and Mary – Toison d’Or. Walk your way around them all and the calories won’t stay on too long, whilst you snarf down a delicious day of chocky history!
73 Royalstreet, 1000 Brussels
Chocopolis
If you’ve toured Brussels but have surprisingly forgotten to buy your friends and family chocky box gifts, then fear not! Close to Central Station on Rue du Marché Aux, is the Chocopolis chocolate factory, opened in 2006. Don’t be put off if you see a large, scary elephant statue outside! Walk right into this chic little palace of taste bud tantalisation, put your credit card into the card slot and treat all your loved ones to a box of handmade delights.
This can easily be done with the Chocopolis promo bundles of Artisanal chocolates or a few limited-edition wooden casks of tasty treats. Yes, it’s a bit pricey but it will keep you in favour (and flavour) for a century! You might have to miss your train to stay awhile here!
Literature has always been an important part of society, and there are no signs of this changing any time soon. With its importance also comes responsibility, as these notions shape our world views while moving forward throughout the decades. Classic literature offers a mirror of sorts, offering a reflection of cultural and social ideals in a particular era, which marks its significance in history.
This piece will discuss some of the ways that classic literature has shaped our world views.
Marriage Lessons from Classic Literature
Pride and Prejudice is a classic piece of literature hailed for its romantic notions, but it is much more than a romance story. One reader noted the important lessons they gained from reading Pride and Prejudice, stating that there were some poignant marriage lessons to be learned when reading this work.
Among them were “First impressions can be misleading”, “Mutual respect is essential in a marriage” and “Romance is not enough”. While a far cry from the Disney stories that offer the idea of a perfect relationship, classic literature accounts for the more real-life experiences, helping us navigate our own personal lives.
Smoking Influences from Classic Literature
It’s no surprise that trends stick with us and have an influence on how the world progresses, and classic literature allow these trends to have a permanent home.
The Great Gatsby is based on notably one of the most stylish decades, which definitely lent a hand in making illicit alcohol drinking and smoking with abundance stylish along with it.
It is not just the fashion and the cars that proceed to change and grow throughout the decades, but also activities such as smoking grow with us.
In the 21st Century, smoking very much has a different reputation now, jaded, and a far cry from the smooth and chic air that it used to command. However, it still holds great influence as we search for new ways to adapt to our old favorites. In this case, the example would be vaping. For those who enjoy vaping and its newly created culture, visit zamplebox.com for a great selection of e juices.
General Life Lessons from Classic Literature
While we all learn from many books, classic literature shapes the world because of its acclaim. It is used in education, and in many examples to broad audiences which means classic literature covers more ground than most books will. The Catcher in the Rye is a shared honest account of somewhat “regular life”. With connotations of not being alone with oneself in frustration or life’s injustices, the wide reach of this classic helps spread empathy.
Of Mice and Men is also another strong literature classic offering the well-accepted world notion that a companion is better than being alone in times of trouble and need. That kindness goes an incredibly long way in the world, no matter how little.
Classic literature shapes our world views because of the gravity they have in the English language, learning, and the span of audience they reach, which is why in reading one of these works, we all end up a little closer to each other, influencing the world as we know it.
The coronavirus pandemic has left families globally, unable to see their loved ones. This period of self-isolation has been a time to reflect and has left family members seeking out deeper connections with one another while spending more time sharing and exploring their family history.
Coronavirus has highlighted that connection is essential to our emotional and mental health with research from Ancestry®, revealing 57% of British adults feel that being connected to their family is a key factor in improving wellbeing. The research comes as lockdown rules loosen and meeting up with loved ones in our support bubble is top of our minds, particularly after such a long time of being unable to be physically together.
The study of more than 2,000 British adults also found that 41% of people seek more meaningful connections in our day-to-day lives with this rising to 59% amongst those aged between 18-34. Meanwhile, a further 61% said that they are interested in digging into the roots of their family tree in hope of forming closer bonds with their relatives.
Along with helping ourselves feel closer to our families, discussing family history and stories from the past can also help navigate this period of uncertainty. Discovering your family history can give you a real sense of security and a better understanding of who you are. Exploring your family origins, listening to tales from relatives and sharing early memories creates a sense of togetherness and strengthens family bonds.
Learning more about your family can you take you on your own travel journey as you uncover where your ancestors were born and raised, as well as how their heritage and culture has shaped your family and you as a person.
Discovering the road your great grandparents and their great grandparents have travelled and the challenges they may have encountered in life, is a good leveller. Knowing their origins and perhaps even the hard times they faced and overcame can put life’s current struggles and worries into perspective too.
It’s really simple to get started, using tools like ancestry.co.uk, you can enter your family’s names and dates of birth, or as much information as you can. Once you start adding detail, you’ll get hints for other records and other family members, that help show you where to look next and lead you to even more discoveries.
