Music news, reviews and interviews

Australia September 17, 2019

Experience Home Grown Music Talent With ‘Live At Aloft Hotels Homecoming Tour’

Some of the biggest names in music are set to return to their hometowns for one-off performances at Aloft Hotels.

Aloft Hotels, loved by music lovers and known for its long-standing live music program, has partnered with Universial Music Group & Brands to create a special tour taking today’s most talked-about artists back to where their careers began.

Live At Aloft Hotels Homecoming Tour aims to give back to the fans that helped these music stars get where they are today by hosting unique performances in intimate settings within their hotels.

“As a travel brand, we want to bring breakout musical talent closer to their greatest fans by bringing them back to their hometowns. For our Marriott Bonvoy members, the Live at Aloft Hotels Homecoming Tour is going to be particularly special with once-in-a-lifetime experiences available through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, where they can bid points to get up close and personal with the artists,” said Toni Stoeckl, Global Brand Leader, Aloft Hotels and Vice President, Distinctive Select Brands for Marriott International.

The global eight-stop Homecoming Tour will feature performances from UMG artists at Aloft’s newest and most notable hotels located in some of the best music cities around the world, including Troye Sivan at Aloft Perth, Australia and Dermot Kennedy at Aloft Dublin City, Ireland (see full list at article end).

“Being able to return home and connect with my fans in Australia is always a really special experience for me and being able to return to my hometown of Perth where my musical journey began is truly magical. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of Aloft’s Homecoming Tour and share my music with the community that shaped me and with music-loving travellers staying at Aloft,” said Troye Sivan.

Always looking to add innovative tech experiences to their hotels and live performances Aloft has collaborated with British ‘GIF-ITI’ street artist INSA to provide an interactive art experience that puts a new spin on the tendency for fans to film concerts on their phones.

INSA, who is regarded as “the next Banksy” due to his talent and anonymous persona, will be creating an augmented reality experience that evolves during the performers’ sets. INSA will be creating a dynamic stage design that will animate via his custom app, rewarding guests with the ultimate phone viewing and recording experience as they hold up their device to the stage. Exclusive merch featuring INSA’s artwork will be gifted to guests attending the event to take home as a memento.

How to Attend:

– Hometown Fans: Those looking to attend Live at Aloft Hotels Homecoming Tour performances should RSVP at alofthotels.com/homecomingtour. The guest list for tour stops at Aloft Madrid Gran Via and Aloft Dublin City will open six weeks prior to each performance (please note capacity is limited, RSVP does not guarantee entry and attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis; guests must be of legal drinking age).
– Out-of-Town Fans: For those fans who are not local, or just want to guarantee getting up close and personal with the hometown star, limited-edition bookable hotel packages are available at www.alofthotels.com/homecomingtour

‘Live At Aloft Hotels Homecoming Tour’ dates:

– August 23: NJOMZA at Aloft Chicago Mag Mile (United States)
– September 15: Troye Sivan at Aloft Perth (Australia)
– October 3: Mala Rodriguez at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía (Spain)
– November 20: Dermot Kennedy at Aloft Dublin City (Ireland)
– Additional tour stops will include a performance by BANKS at a U.S. Aloft property (TBA), as well as other artist performances in Dubai, Shanghai and South America in late 2019/early 2020

Festivals September 11, 2019

#CocoMusic – Why Victorious is the festival that everyone wants to play

#CocoMusic – We went last year, and we loved it so much that we went back for more. Every year the Victorious festival is getting bigger and bigger and is now in its ninth year. Situated on the South Coast in the picturesque seaside location of Southsea, this year’s festival packed a serious punch with a stellar line up of the likes of Tom Grennan, Two Door Cinema Club, The Vaccines, Rudimental and New Order.

Day 1

Kicking things off on #FestivalFriday was the ska band Orange Street who were swiftly followed by the likes of 90s band Dodgy who pumped up the volume with a psychedelic, sixties feel which really got the party started, they were followed up by The Zutons and indie rock band Doves. One of the highlights of the Friday night had to be The Specials who put on an energetic set with timeless classics such as ‘A Message To You, Rudy’, ‘Too Much Too Young’ and ‘Nite Klub’.

Closing Friday’s line up at Victorious was Two Door Cinema Club who thrilled the crowd with an awesome set including the likes of ‘Something Good Can Work’, ‘Sleep Alone’ and ‘What You Know’.

Day 2

Day 2 saw a surge of additional festival goers flock to Southsea Common eager to see top bands and 2019 saw the launch of a brand-new area – the World Music Village. This new addition provided festival goers with the chance to see, taste and listen their way across the globe, creating a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the festival.

On the Castle Stage, the bustling crowds had the opportunity to see The Twang, The Rifles, Professor Green and The Hives. One of the overall festival highlights was Lewis Capaldi who is storming both the charts and the festival scene. Despite only releasing his first album in May, Lewis has captured the imagination of music fans with a great set which included his breakthrough hit ‘Someone You Loved’ which reached number 1 in the singles chart.

Closing the Castle Stage on Saturday night was Bloc Party who performed hits such as ‘Helicopter’ and ‘This Modern Love’.

There was a real 90s feel to the Common Stage on Saturday afternoon, girl band All Saints took to the stage where they performed some of their classic hits such as ‘Never Ever’ and ‘Bootie Call’, the 90s vibe continued with the ever-awesome Republica led by Saffron who looked fabulous in a brightly-coloured jumpsuit

One of the festival highlights had to be New York’s finest – the Fun Lovin’ Criminals who never disappoint. Huey Morgan and the boys played an energetic set and performed hits like ‘The Fun Lovin’ Criminal’, ‘Love Unlimited’ ‘Smoke ‘Em’ and of course the iconic ‘Scooby Snacks’.

90s indie band Ocean Colour Scene played to a bustling crowd, kicking off their set with ‘The Riverboat Song’. At one point the band left frontman Simon Fowler to entertain the crowds on his own. For legendary guitarist Steve Craddock, it was his second appearance at this year’s festival after he played with The Specials on Friday.

James Bay was another great addition to the Victorious line up and wooed festival goes with hits like ‘Hold Back the River’ and ‘Let It Go’.

Over on the Acoustic stage, 90’s indie band Space performed hits like ‘Me and You Versus The World’, ‘Female of the Species’ and the dark ‘Neighbourhood.

It seems everyone whose anybody wants to work with drum and bass superstars Rudimental who closed Saturday’s proceedings with an absolute bang (and fireworks!) Rudimental played a highly energetic set of 21 songs which included ‘Scared of Love’, a cover of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Bloodstream’ and ‘Sun Comes Up’.

Day 3

From Ziggy Marley to The Sherlocks, the Victorious festival-goers had a cool, laid-back start to their Sunday. One of my personal festival highlights was Starsailor, led by the incredible James Walsh who performed a truly impressive set which included ‘Good Souls’ and ‘Alcoholic’ amongst others.

Also performing on the Common Stage on the Sunday were The Vaccines, Plan B and Razorlight who entertained the crowds with hits like ‘In The Morning’ and ‘Golden Touch’. Over on the Castle Stage, The Futureheads and indie stalwarts Idlewild and Ash performed which included the 90’s classic ‘Girl From Mars’.

One of the most-anticipated performances of the whole festival had to be Tom Grennan who has wowed music fans with his raw passion and gravelly voice on hits such as ‘Something in the Water’, ‘Found What I’ve Been Looking For’ and ‘Sober’

Closing Victorious 2019, festival goers were given the choice of either watching electronic pop cross over band Clean Bandit on the Common Stage or festival big hitters New Order. We chose New Order and the Mancunian icons certainly didn’t disappoint. Bernard Sumner and the band gave absolutely everything and performed an outstanding set which includes four Joy Division Songs. Naturally, the crowd were enthralled, especially with the encore which included ‘Atmosphere’ and ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’.

Victorious 2019 – you were amazing, and we can’t wait to return in 2020!

Fashion August 9, 2019

Last night a DJ saved my life

Music makes the world go round and no one knows that better than Sarah Story who I met on a dancefloor in Leeds many years ago. As girl bosses go – she is leading. From her weekly show at Capital DJ sets at Lovebox and Hideout – I turned down the volume to sit and catch up with Sarah.

Sarah thanks for joining me – you’ve been serving some serious looks on your Instagram – who are your fashion inspirations?

Kendal Jenner is a dream, she is beautiful with amazing style. I also love Alexa Chung, she’s flawless and manages to pull off any look.

Also Annie who runs a shop in Ibiza called ‘Annie’s Ibiza’ she has some amazing pieces. I discovered it last summer and I have bought 2 pieces already. I love that she models some of the pieces herself and always gets customers involved on her insta stories who are trying things on in the shop

What’s your go to key piece of clothing?

High waisted blue jeans from & Other Stories, I love them so much I’ve got 2 pairs. They can be dressed up or down and are really flattering.

How important is it to you that we influence and inspire the youth of today ? And what do you do to achieve that?

I think it’s crucial we influence and inspire the youth of today in all aspects of life from fashion to politics (although we’re not doing a great job at politics right now).

I’ve been working as a Radio Presenter for 5 years now and I have wanted to pass on my experience and knowledge to the younger presenters coming through the ranks.

It’s such a tough industry to crack so I have been hosting panels for BBC Bitesize in schools around Yorkshire to give advice on how to get into the creative industry. I am also a mentor for the Soho House Open House mentoring programme which helps young adults from under privileged backgrounds get help working in the creative world.

What has been your perfect holiday so far?

In 2018 I went away with 3 of my best mates to Ibiza. It’s an island I (and most other people) have been obsessed with for years. We went for 7 days and we went out ALOT ! The first night was spent at Café Mambos, Pikes then Defected. Monday was Flower Power at Pacha and Tuesday was a Katermeran to Formentra. Wednesday was Honey Djon at Pikes and Thursday was drinks in Dalt Villa and shopping at Annie’s Ibiza. Friday was Glitterbox closing party and then Saturday back to Pikes for Artworks residency. Needless to say we loved Pikes so much we’ve booked the whole weekend to stay for my birthday this year. Ibiza has changed so much over the years but the spirit is still there

What are your handbag essentials when abroad?

Chanel Red lips stick, Clarins lip comfort oil, sunglasses, suncream and a charger with converter!

Ideal holiday destination – tell us your hit list of places you want to visit!

Bali is on my hit list and I’m planning to go in 2020. I’ve heard mixed reviews but I need to go and see it for myself. I also want to visit Santorini, we’ve all seen the beautiful pictures on our Instagram feeds, it looks stunning! Japan is somewhere I’ve always been intrigued by, the fashion the food and the karaoke! And I really want to go see the northern lights.

How do you detox from social media?

The best thing to do if you’re on holiday is keep your phone in the safe in the hotel room then you can’t check it. There’s something really liberating about not having a phone on you… well until you need to book a taxi! At home I try and not look at my social media if I have guests over…if you really want to just de-activate your account!

If you could invite 4 women past or present over for dinner who would they be and why?

Marilyn Monroe – I’ve always thought she was the most beautiful women to walk the planet. She was so sexy and powerful and she would have SO many stories to tell!

Joanna Lumley – I think she is just fabulous and expect her to act like Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous… pass the bolly darling!

Beyoncé – because it’s Beyoncé! She is the ultimate pop star and entrepreneur and of course I would make her sing for her dinner.

Sara Cox – she is someone I’ve grown up listening to on the radio and is the whole reason I got into radio. I absolutely LOVE her! We would definitely drink too much wine and dance on the tables.

When you were a little girl – what did you want to be?

Either a Spice Girl or a Radio Presenter. 1 out of the 2 isn’t bad.

Tell us about a hidden gem where you live!

There is a beautiful cake shop in Hackney called Violet, it makes the most incredible cakes. They actually made the Royal Wedding cake for Megan & Harry. From the outside it looks just like a bog standard cafe but inside it’s lush!

It’s the end of the world – you can do three things before you leave the earth – what are they!?

Go to Maldives & stay in one of those amazing hotel rooms that has a slide that goes from your room to the sea.

DJ at Amnesia

Get on the rocket that is getting us all the hell out of here!

What is the one song that has you go straight to the dance floor ?

Donna Summer – I feel love

Festivals May 23, 2019

#CocoFestivals: The Great Wonderfest 2019

Brand new family and music festival The Great Wonderfest has just announced a spectacular line-up for the summer festival on the Isle of Wight – August 1st to August 4th 2019.

Two of the UK’s biggest boy bands Busted and The Vamps are back with new albums and will exclusively headline The Great Wonderfest.

Other great acts confirmed so far include headline sets from Sigma and Example, plus live performances from Conor Maynard, Mistajam and Becky Hill among many others.

There will also be a chance to enjoy some retro vibes with performances by 80s pop legends The Blow Monkeys and Musical Youth.

Taking place at the start of the summer holidays and hosted by the true kings of family entertainment, Dick and Dom, festival goers can expect a three day ‘schools out, old school, new school, no rules spectacular’ with music, magic, and immersive family fun at its core. Programmed by the brains of these creators of chaos, expect their big black book of TV chums and favourite acts to be unleashed into fields of wonder.

As well as fantastic bands and DJs, expect magic, comedy and vaudeville to play a big part in the weekend’s festivities. With four days of entertainment on tap, you can pick and choose your fun – including plenty of outdoor games for young and old

Street dance stars Flawless will also be taking The Great Wonderfest by storm with their jaw-dropping renowned routines as seen on TV. Bringing you some jaw dropping performances, dance workshops, meet and greets, prize giveaways across the weekend and more.

Other live appearances include Robots Live Arena featuring BBC Robot Wars Champion Apollo and Vulcan (King of Bots) and Singing Hands (makaton signing classes).

Live Acts

BUSTED – THE VAMPS – SIGMA – EXAMPLE – CONOR MAYNARD – MISTAJAM – BECKY HILL – KAREN HARDING – DUB PISTOLS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE RAGGA TWINS – JAGUAR SKILLS – AMELIA LILY – ROBIN S – THE BLOW MONKEYS – MUSICAL YOUTH

And many more …

DJs

MARSHALL JEFFERSON – MISTAJAM – BEZ & ROWETTA (HAPPY MONDAYS) PRESENTS ‘ON THE 6TH DAY GOD CREATED MANCHESTER’ – SLIPMATT – FOOR – DON LETTS – BRANDON BLOCK – ALFREDO – BARRY ASHWORTH & GHETTO FUNK FEAT PROFIT & NATTY SPEAKS – BABY LOVES DISCO – RUSS CUBAN PRESENTS ‘CAMPSITE SESSIONS’ – JAGUAR SKILLS

And many more …

Kids

Shows, Dance & Curiosities – Peppa Pig: Summer Festival – Dick & Dom – Flawless Summer Dance Camp Live with daily performances & workshops – Rastamouse live – Starlight presents .. ’Build A Show’ featuring Cirque du Starlight Wizard of Oz and Aladdin – Human Table Football – The Scout Hut Youth Club – Steampunk Morris Dancers – Bouncy Castle Festival – Wight Trash Skate Park!

There’s plenty more to see and do including sunrise yoga, DMX Dance, The Botanical Retreat, Style and Pamper Lounge, Street Food Market, and The Lock Inn Pub.

So join us for a sporting high jinx festival of epic proportions where you can plot up for four days, or if you want to extend your island holiday then pitch up for seven days at The Great Wondercamp extended campsite for those who want to explore the island for a whole week.

Weekend Tickets

Adults from £120, Family packages from: £240 (including 4-day campsite), Kids under 3 go free!, Weekend glamping options from: £240, 7-Day campsite for extended Isle of Wight summer breaks from: £300.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday Day Tickets

Adult = £35.00, Family Day Ticket = £75.00, Child tickets: 15-17 Day ticket = £20.00, 10-14 Day Ticket = £15.00, 4-9 Day Ticket = £10.00, Aged 3yr & under = £0.00.

VIP Friday, Saturday, Sunday Day Tickets

Adult = £75.00, Family VIP Day Ticket = £200, VIP Child tickets: 15-17 Day ticket = £37.50, 10-14 Day Ticket = £20.00, 4-9 Day Ticket = £15.00, Aged 3yr & Under = £0.00

Day Car Parking

= £5.00

For more info visit www.greatwonderfest.com

Festivals May 23, 2019

Metronome Festival to hit the heart of Czech Republic

Looking to experience a great weekend in June? Then Prague on the 21st and 22nd is the right destination for you. Metronome Festival in Prague is one of the biggest metropolitan festivals in Europe and is set to be an amazing weekend.

Metronome Festival is an event that provides the atmosphere of a large open-air gathering combined with all the conveniences of a major European city. The organisers are going great lengths to provide guests with some serious comfort, an amazing service, and top notch security. Also, why not combine the festival with a sightseeing tour! Prague has somegorgeous sights which has made the city one of the most-visited destinations in Europe.

Besides the headliners, performers that have lit up stages at countless international festivals will also make an appearance, including singer-songwriter Anna Calvi or neo-soul group Jungle. There’s an indoor stage planned for long into the night where lovers of electronica will be able to see new rave hitmakers Digitalism, who have wowed audiences since 2004 with their original compositions and amazing remixes; as well as Danny Howard, the British DJ and BBC Radio 1 legend. The list of acts also includes Israeli singer and rapper Noga Erez and German duo Ätna, who will present their fusion of electronica and world music.

Metronome Festival combines the atmosphere of a major open-air musical festival with the beauty of historical Prague and a level of comfort unavailable at similar events. The festival is completely cashless, with an entertaining complimentary program and exceptional services provided, so you can spend less time in queues and avoid any unpleasant experiences of the facilities.

Find more information HERE

If there’s anytime to start making plans it’s now guys, so here’s to an exciting summer ahead!

Designer April 9, 2019

Where to shop like Jennifer Lopez in Dubai

Jennifer Lopez debuted her latest music video on Sunday and there’s no doubt she’s looking better than ever.
But one of JLo’s stand-out moments had to be her white-hot look as she caresses a crystal ball while belting out her new track Medicine.

Fashionistas will be glad to know the look could be available on your next sunny getaway to the United Arab Emirates because it’s from Dubai-based AMATO Couture.

With a store greeting visitors to the Dubai Design District, this label has been showcased at Fashion Weeks around the globe, including London, New York, LA and Miami.

The man behind JLO’s autumn/winter 2018-19 couture collection ensemble is Filipino-born designer – AMATO’s founder and creative director – Furne One.

The ruffled one-piece suit is for anyone looking to recreate that whimsical look that Jennifer Lopez does so well in a carnival show scene that takes place inside a transparent glass room.

In the Medicine video, she plays a fortune teller and wears an immaculate one-piece, accented with pearls and crystals.

It’s the perfect look for a night out in Dubai where you can channel your inner World of Dance star.

Jennifer Lopez is depicted as the ring leader of a white monochromatic freak show featuring fortune tellers and a 50-foot cake.

She goes from carousel to crystal ball in the video, and even throws in some pole dancing to the horn-tinged track just before French Montana makes his appearance.

Sounds like a night out at Fairmont Dubai’s Cirque Le Soir nightclub to us!

Supermodels Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks have been seen in the Dubai-based designer’s pieces. Jennifer Lopez isn’t the only star to put the spotlight on the brand in the music world; it has Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Nicole Scherzinger and Jessie J as fans!

For more information visit www.amatocouture.com

Food & Drink March 20, 2019

Review: Hip Hop LDN’s Bashment Brunch

Every month music lovers gather to celebrate the weekend at a secret location in central London.

It’s kept hush hush until 24 hours before the 12pm to 5pm brunch is due to begin and is repeated across several genres of music including the original concept of Hip Hop, plus Garage, Disco and 90s.

Here’s what you need to know about Hip Hop LDN’s Basement Brunch.

It’s is mish-mash of various music genres

Guests are eased in with Reggae and Soca before music switches to Afro beats, Dancehall and and of course Hip Hop. It means those who aren’t ready for five hours of just one type of music will be keen to spend their Saturday afternoon here.

Bottomless cocktails are limited

The deal is 90 minutes of rum punch and/or vodka cranberry mixers. Worth bearing in mind if you’re a picky drinker.

Upon entry, guests are handed a plastic tumbler which is refillable until food starts to be served, after which point drinks are chargeable. We opted to buy a bottle of Prosecco to save us constantly heading to the bar as the event unfolded. Bigger groups (tables of up to 30 people are welcomed) appeared to collects a few jugs of cocktails before the unlimited beverage hour-and-a-half ended.

Food is Caribbean-inspired

While is indeed a brunch, this particular one isn’t necessarily about the culinary experience.

Bites are served up casually; sharing plates of plantain, lettuce and tomato salad arrived but we only realised it was a side and not a starter until our roti wraps arrived behind schedule. Catered by Mama’s Jerk meat eaters can enjoy the Bakka Yard Bash Wrap filled with jerk chicken and there’s the vegetarian tortilla wrap option called the Beancake Bless Up.

The selection of mango, barbecue and hot pepper pickle sauces described on the menu would have no doubt stepped things up a notch but unfortunately they never arrived. Jerk fries were also teased but didn’t show up in the whirlwind of the serving groups and also putting on a show on stage. Luckily we were warned food probably wouldn’t emerged until 2pm so we chowed down on some fries in Camden Market before heading into the brunch’s venue at Dingwalls.

Our favourite dish was the Cool Carrot Criss Ting dessert; carrot cake swerved with rum and raisin ice cream, plus mango sorbet. The menu also mentioned the option of a chocolate brownie served with mango sorbet but we were satisfied with the choice made on our behalf.

It’s all fun and games

The real reason people go is for the entertainment. Aside from the dance floor that opens up once dining is done, hosts make an effort to get the party started by ushering guests onto the stage for a bit of participation. Think partners competing to wriggle an pineapple-shaped sponge from the bottom to the top of their bodies.

On the Caribbean theme, the venue is also decorated in inflatables hoping to evoke island vibes.

The next Basement Brunch is April 6 with Capital Xtra’s DJ Manny Norte hosting, plus Big Zeeks and Stylo G performing.

Early bird tickets cost £34.99, general is £39.99 but the cost creeps up to £44.99 for the last remaining tickets.

Get more information at www.bashmentbrunch.com.

Arts January 14, 2019

#CocoFood: The Oblique Life London

The Oblique Life is a London based Membership Club and Lifestyle Management Service that puts community first.

Tailored towards like-minded people from all walks of life who are welcoming, social and passionate about new experiences, The Oblique Life is revolutionising how Londoners meet people by creating a membership that pioneers a social slant on experiences and community-driven events in the digital age.

The family-run start-up was founded by the Sumaria brothers: Romi, Shonil and Keyu, with the ambition to combine fun and welcoming experiences with a 24/7 personal assistant to help members with both every day and special tasks.

For all Londoners or London visitors, Oblique Life London is a members club that gives so much to all its members including food & drink events, health and fitness events, cultural experiences, music events, travel experiences and so much more.

As #TeamCoco are well and truly into food & drink we decided to focus on this element of Oblique Life for our little feature below.

Oblique Supper Club

At The Oblique Life, members love going to restaurants just like the next person. However, food means something much greater to them; it is a sign of London’s different cultures and a vehicle in which communities come together.

Focusing on everything from the hospitality to the food, The Oblique Life has handpicked London’s most authentic international restaurants to collaborate on their monthly supper clubs. In exclusive, private spaces, top venues will develop bespoke menus for Oblique Life guests. While traditional supper clubs can be pegged as echo chambers for the customs and members of the institution, te team at Oblique Life are confident that innovation and evolution will lie at the heart of theirs, regardless of the venue, cuisine or guests.

The Cocktail Club

In London, a night out often involves visiting multiple cocktail bars, staring quizzically at the menu, and then robotically ordering a mojito or a margarita. The Oblique Life want to enhance their members’ knowledge and appreciation of cocktails with the launch of a new monthly experience, ‘The Cocktail Club’.

Every month The Oblique Life will partner with one of London’s best cocktail bars and introduce members to different spirits and creative cocktails, all while they drink and enjoy each others’ company.

Search online for The Oblique Life London for more info.

Empire of Japan January 9, 2019

Ten reasons why you should consider Bournemouth for your next staycation

Spend a day relaxing upon miles of golden award-winning beaches, strolling through manicured tropical gardens, closely followed by a visit to some incredible vintage shops, luxury boutiques and galleries, finishing your perfect day out with a cheeky cocktail or two and a delicious dinner in a top restaurant? Where are you? The Caribbean, Hawaii or somewhere equally exotic? Try somewhere a bit closer to home.

Welcome to Bournemouth.

Historically the playground of rich Victorians, Bournemouth has come a long way over the last 150 years and has shrugged off its previous stag do image and coach tour reputation and is now one of the most popular places to visit in the UK. Once deemed as a place when you go to retire, Bournemouth is now a cosmopolitan destination that is fast becoming the must-visit place for seasoned travellers to visit.

Whilst #TeamCoco love and live to travel, sometimes the heart wants to be on your home turf and for me – Bournemouth is home and more and more people are not only choosing to live here but to visit too and here’s why.

Its award-winning beaches

It was voted as the UK’s Best Seaside Town in the British Travel Awards in 2017 and has recently been crowned as the best beach in the UK in Trip Advisor’s annual Traveller’s Choice Awards. The beaches in Bournemouth were even voted the 5th best in Europe beating the likes of Sicily, Crete and more. What’s more, if you opt to travel a little further afield, you can enjoy the stunning landscape of the impressive Jurassic Coast that stretches from Dorset through to neighbouring Devon which is a World Heritage Site.

The beautiful surroundings

Bournemouth enjoys a special micro climate and whilst I am no meteorologist, statistically speaking Bournemouth’s temperatures are generally deemed several degrees above the rest of the country which is evident by the presence of palm trees in the tropical gardens of nearby Alum Chine. These pretty gardens, which have their origins in the 1920s, provide an ideal area for contemplation whilst gazing upon the striking landscape design and stunning views.

It’s home to the UK’s best eco-friendly hotel

So, where to stay? There are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, from boutique hotels to quirky cottages to rent. Our top picks include the UK’s ‘Best Green Hotel in the UK 2017’which is an eco-friendly luxury hotel situated close to Bournemouth’s award-winning beaches which is ideal for a simple yet luxurious staycation.

The hotel’s restaurant ‘Arbor’ has an oak sculpture reconstructed as a tree and the furniture is made from sustainable materials, even the paint and wallpaper are eco-friendly. The hotel also uses a solar panel to heat water. Think glam but green! Don’t forget to check out their quirky but tasty afternoon teas.

If you are looking for a sea view, you can’t get much closer than the Bournemouth Beach Lodges which are charming little beach huts located on the seafront. If you love glamping, then these cute little lodges which come with a galley kitchen for you to cook on are ideal and offer an enchanting overnight stay where you can wake up to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.

For a traditional luxury hotel, look no further than the Hilton Bournemouth. Situated in the heart of Bournemouth betwixt the beach and the bustling town, the Hilton is a glamourous boutique hotel renowned for its bespoke interiors and furnishings. It is achingly stylish inside and you can find retro tourism posters and other quirky accessories throughout the rooms and hotel.

Its amazing restaurants and eateries

If like me, your immediate thought is where can I eat and what can I eat, then rest assured that Bournemouth has a superb range of restaurants, eateries and cafes. There are hundreds of places across the county of Dorset to try. From fresh seafood and local produce to traditional Dorset cream teas, you won’t be disappointed.

Banque & Bohem offers seasonal fresh produce, delicious cocktails alongside Prosecco-laden high teas and Saturday brunches. This stylish cocktail bar and restaurant is on the site of a former bank and actually has the old vaults in place at the back of the restaurant.

From a design perspective, this is simply superb and includes ornate chandeliers, a feature door (formally the old bank vault door) and a Monet-inspired design feature. There are private rooms available to hire for birthday parties, baby showers and similar decorated in extravagant peacock embellished wallpaper and decadent leather sofas. They have an impressive range of cocktails, my recommendation? ‘The English Garden’ which is a delightful mix of Hendricks Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Lime and Mint which makes a gorgeous and refreshing drink which is ideal for accompanying any meal.

Schpoons & Forx which is situated at the uber-glam Hilton is home to renowned chef and TV personality Matt Tebbutt’s modern British restaurant. This elegant eatery features a lively open kitchen with a contemporary décor designed to entertain, amuse and inspire conversation. This vibrant place with a tandoor and stone oven offers an intimate dining experience where the menu is strongly influenced by seasonal and locally-sourced produce. Why not try the whole South Coast Sole, tandoor roasted served with potted shrimp butter?

From Greek and Nepalese to Spanish and Japanese, you enjoy a multitude of worldwide cuisines from within a short distance of Bournemouth beach. One of the best places to eat curry in not just Bournemouth, but throughout the entire county of Dorset and beyond is Indi’s. Not only do they have the most delicious food, they offer exceptional service in a relaxed but chic setting in a modern restaurant that features pale wood, white furniture and modern art which lends this Indian restaurant a contemporary edge. It is situated in Westbourne, one of the coolest districts within Bournemouth which is home to vast selection of boutique, individual combined with plenty of places to eat, drink and relax.

Whilst you are in Westbourne, you simply must check out Renoufs, where diners are served a stunning array of the very best and finest local and international wines and cheeses alongside stunning charcuterie boards with complimenting chutneys and sides – #Youhadmeatcheese! One of the highlights is a flight of either white, rose or red wines – a fantastic way to try new and exciting wines.

It is in Sandbanks where you will find some amazing fine dining restaurants including Rick Stein restaurant that serves deliciously fresh seafood and meat dishes whilst gazing at the stunning views across the water.

It has its very own gin scene!

Hands up if you love gin? Us too! Gin continues to be one of the most popular drinks of 2018 and a visit to Gin Jam’s is the ideal destination to explore an incredible range of gins including locally-distilled gins such as Conker, Fordington and Lilliput.

Its incredible nightlife

Bournemouth has a bustling nightlife which includes some amazing bars and nightclubs. Try Sixty Million Postcards which is a funky and eclectic bar which features pieces of art designed and created by local artists. Here you can choose from a superb range of artisan beers and gins, listen to live music or simply hang out and play board games with friends.

If you are looking for cocktails and let’s be frank – who isn’t?! Then a visit to the Be At One Cocktail Bar is a must. This stylish cocktail bar is situated a short walk from the beach and features a wide range of amazing cocktails made by expert bartenders.

Enjoy a relaxing drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the dramatic vista of the coastline along the English Channel to the centre of Bournemouth at the Hilton’s Level8ight Sky Bar, where the décor is highly influenced by the sea; opulently styled in hues of teal, gold and charcoal, taking inspiration the changing light over the water.

For a late-night drink, you have to try Smokin’ Aces cocktail bar and whiskey lounge which fuses sophisticated style with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. Drink perfectly mixed cocktails whilst chilling out listening to live bands and DJs.

You can shop until you drop

If you love to shop, then you won’t be disappointed, as well as the usual high street stores, you can find unique shops and boutiques throughout the town. If you love all things vintage, then head to Pokesdown – the vintage mecca of Bournemouth. This quaint Victorian suburb to the east of the town is fast becoming Bournemouth’s creative quarter. It is home to some of the South Coast’s most loved vintage shops such as Vintage Clobber where you can buy anything from a 1950’s style swing dress to a 1970s band tee-shirt. It is truly an Aladdin’s cave of vintage goodies.

Situated just a ten- minute walk away from Clobber (and other vintage and antique shops) lies the Bournemouth Vintage Emporium which is chock full of vintage accessories for the home, vintage clothing, antique furniture and old vinyl. It also has a kitsch little tearoom where you can relax and make believe that you are on the set of an old school film.

You can do as little or as much as you want – including surfing!

Feeling active? Why not don a bicycle from the promenade of Bournemouth to the stunning Hengistbury Head (which is situated between Bournemouth and Mudeford) where you can take in the views over the coastline and sample some local Purbeck ice cream before heading back to town.

For the super adventurous, there’s a zipline that whisks you from the end of the pier onto the beach. It’s not for everyone but is an exhilarating experience that you will remember always.

Surf culture has been ever-growing in Bournemouth over the last couple of decades and if you have never surfed before, Bournemouth is definitely a wonderful place to try it for the first time. As well as surfing, you can try kayaking and paddle boarding at Boscombe beach (just outside of Bournemouth town centre) and can try windsurfing and more at the world-renowned Sandbanks, a mere fifteen-minutes’ drive away from Bournemouth town centre.

It’s home to some of the UK’s coolest festivals and gigs

So, you have eaten, drunk (hopefully danced… a bit) and you are probably looking for some culture? You are in luck. Not only is Bournemouth host to several cool live music venues where you can see world famous bands, up and coming artists and more, but you can also enjoy great festivals in the wider Dorset area such as Bestival, Camp Bestival, End of the Road, Teddy Rocks and the Larmer Tree Festival amongst others.

It has its very own treasure trove of art and eclectic curios

Bournemouth has always had a unique historical and cultural offering and no trip to Bournemouth should be without a visit to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. This is truly a treasure trove of Victorian eccentricities nestled amongst world-renowned artworks (Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite, sculptures and curios from all over the world. It is perched upon the clifftop overlooking the sea in an extravagant villa which blends an intriguing mix of architectural styles inspired by Italy, Japan, France, Scotland and more.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Bournemouth before, come on down. It has palm trees, hip boutiques, glorious vistas, some of the best restaurants in the south and let’s not forget seven miles of award-winning beaches. It is only two and half hours from London and is an ideal place for a relaxing and revitalising break. Bournemouth is a thriving cosmopolitan place to visit and has plenty to offer the discerning traveller.

Arts June 20, 2018

What are the coolest boutique festivals to check out this summer?

#CocoMusic – the festival season is finally here which means it’s time to start donning your wellies and glitter. There are some incredible boutique festivals in Britain and whilst some of the well-known with larger festivals like the Isle of Wight and Reading might be familiar, it’s time to shine the light on some of the small but perfectly formed summer festivals that may not be on your radar. From dance and indie to folk and pop, map out your summer with our handy festival guide.

Eden Sessions – Cornwall (23 June)

Whilst most of the fantastic Eden Sessions tickets are sold out, there are some tickets left for ‘A Beautiful Day Out at Eden’ at the very cool Eden Project in Cornwall. The 23rd’s line up includes a stellar line up of bands including festival favourites The Levellers.

Check out: New Model Army and Reef

British Summer Time Hyde Park Festival – Hyde Park (6th -15th July)

Held over two weekends, the British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park has attracted the likes of former Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters, Bruno Mars and Michael Buble. BST seems to have the Royal stamp of approval with the likes of Prince Harry enjoying The Killer’s back in 2017. Some of the days are now sold out, but there are still plenty of great acts to enjoy.

Check out: Roger Waters, The Cure and Santana

Larmer Tree Festival – Dorset (19th-22nd July)

Taking place within the Victorian Pleasure Gardens on Cranborne Chase, an area of outstanding beauty nestled on the Dorset and Wiltshire border, LTF 2018 will be hosting an awesome female focused line up in recognition of 100 years of suffrage.

Check out: Tune-Yards, First Aid Kit and Susanne Sundfør

Bluedot Festival – Jodrell Bank Observatory, Manchester (20th – 22nd July)

Set against a backdrop of the iconic Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank, Bluedot combines a truly stellar line-up of music with a ground-breaking programme of live science experiments, expert talks and immersive artworks.

Check out: Chemical Brothers, Public Service Broadcasting and Gary Numan

Standon Calling – Hertfordshire (26th – 29th July)

Fast becoming one of the festival favourites, Standon Calling is in its 13th year and pride themselves on daring to be different, opting for a purposefully eclectic and creative programme of artists.

Check out: Paloma Faith, George Ezra and Goldfrapp

Camp Bestival – Dorset (26th – 29th July)

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Lulworth Castle in the heart of Dorset, Camp Bestival has to be one of the friendliest festivals in the UK and as well as the music has a varied programme of events including food from the likes of River Cottage, animatronic dinosaurs and a gin festival.

Check out: Clean Bandit, Simple Minds, Huey Morgan and Basement Jaxx

Bestival – Dorset (2nd-5th August)

With UK festival exclusive headliners London Grammar and Jorja Smith on the bill, Bestival is set to be a force to be reckoned with. Festival goers can also enjoy the likes of hot yoga, dubstep dodgem rides, wood-fired hot tubs and what is on everyone’s Christmas list – East 17’s Christmas Party! Likened to Camp Bestival’s older sister, this years theme is all about the circus!

Check out: Chaka Khan, Jimmy Cliff and Grace Jones.

Boardmasters – Newquay (8th – 12th August)

You don’t have to be a boarder to enjoy the effortlessly cool Boardmasters festival in Cornwall which mixes the best boarders in the world (surfers and skate) with high octane action from music covering pop through to dance.

Check out: Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Years & Years and Becky Hill

Green Man – Brecon Beacons (16th-18th August)

Offering an enchanting glimpse into a unique world, revellers to the Green Man festival in the Brecon Beacons can enjoy a mixture of late-night revelry and day time relaxation coupled with a dazzling display of music.

Check out: Bo Ningen, Fleet Foxes and The War on Drugs

Beautiful Days – Devon (17th – 19th August)

Beautiful Days is the Levellers’ family music festival organised by DMF Music which takes place at Escot Park in Devon. It has a non-commercial feel with the festival eschewing any sponsorship or advertising.

Check out: Manic Street Preachers, Suzanne Vega and Feeder

RiZE Festival – Chelmsford and Staffordshire (17-18 August)

Formally known as the V Festival, RiZE is a strong contender to challenge Glastonbury as the biggest and best UK festival. With incredible acts such as Liam Gallagher, the Stereophonics, Bastille and more, RiZE caters for all music tastes and festival goers can expect an incredible weekend of live music plus a huge hub of the best food and drink on the festival circuit.

Check out: James Bay, Manic Street Preachers and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man

Creamfields – Cheshire (23rd – 26th August)

Lauded as one of the UK’s leading dance festivals, Creamfields attracts tens of thousands every year seeking to party to the finest names in dance, along with immense visuals, lighting and pyrotechnics.

Check out: Carl Cox, Eric Prydz and Armin van Buuren

Victorious – Portsmouth (24 – 26 August)

Located in The Common and Castle Field in the beautiful seaside location of Southsea, Portsmouth. Revellers can expect an eclectic mix of live music and DJ performances, from some of the biggest names in the music industry, as well as a medley of locally sourced food markets and ale stalls, an arts and craft marketplace, a jam-packed kids arena hosting themed games, live performances and much, much more.

Check out: The Prodigy, Happy Monday’s and Paloma Faith

Festival No 6 – Portmeirion, Wales (6th – 9th September)

Festival No.6 is an intimate, bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture, taking place in the magical village of Portmeirion in Wales. Visitors can expect a huge focus on arts, music and food with appearances from Michelin starred-chefs who will be preparing food full of incredible Welsh produce.

Check out: Jessie Ware, Friendly Fires and Djanjo Djanjo