We’re well settled into the new year and for those of us whose new year’s resolutions included eating more good food, we’ve got the restaurants that you need to visit now listed below. London has always been known as a foodie city but sometimes it can be a little overwheming deciding exactly where to go.

From Italian restaurants right on the river menus to tucking into a Sunday roast at the Gladwin brothers’ Rabbit in Chelsea, we’ve got a bunch of best eats to add to your foodie bucket list. Whether you’re looking for a Jamaican food fix or a spot to grab a good bite to eat before a gig, we’re here to steer you down the right course.

Restaurants to eat at in London to kick off 2023

Cafe Koko, Camden

Friends, you may have noticed that Koko Camden has had quite the makeover – and that includes the newly-introduced Cafe Koko eatery. From simple yet delicious tomato bruschetta and aubergine parmigiana to start, followed by beef rigatoni if you’re a pasta person – there’s plenty to eat at this restaurant. We probably preferred the pizzas on the menu and would particularly recommend the ‘Lambrechts’ with goats cheese, shawarma lamb, coriander and garlic yoghurt plus the plant-based ‘Hope and Anchor’ with fennel sausage, artichokes, superstraccia and pesto.

cafe-koko.co.uk

Riding House Cafe, Bloomsbury

We’ve all enjoyed many a brunch at its Fitzrovia and Victoria locations and the Riding House Cafe’s newest digs in Bloomsbury are also worth a visit. Keeping with its traditional decor, it’s a great spot to dine with friends and family – as well as having bar seating which is ideal for remote working come midweek.

The pea fritters and malted deep dish pancakes are both ever-dependable, with a special mention going to the breakfast ramen and the selection of skewers (panko halloumi, shimp and scallop, to name a few).

ridinghouse.cafe

Ruya, Mayfair

Ordinarily, we prefer our Middle Eastern restaurants classic but Ruya bears quite a bit of tradition in its fancy Mayfair restaurant. We enjoyed every plate and are already planning our next visit. The biggest shout outs go to the ‘antep fistiki rafik’ (feta cheese, goat curd and pistachios), as well as the infamous truffle cheese pide. The roasted bone marrow with slow cooked beef and hummus was also delicious, as were the lamb cutlets with smoked aubergine.

You’re going to want to make sure you order the popular cocktails Ruya is known for – the Nazar Sour cocktail, featuring cardamom-infused vodka, rose syrup, pear and blue curacao.

ruyalondon.com

El Takoy, Central London

Tucked away on the lower ground floor of 3 Henrietta in Covent Garden is El Takoy. Bringing all the atmosphere of your favourite tiki bar, the cocktails are great and quickly-made at this cosy restaurant. Must-order dishes include the lamb barbacoa tacos, tuna and caviar taquitos, Hawaiian cauliflower popcorn and pork chicharon bao buns – with drinks recommendations inclduing the spiced mango daiquiris and pina coladas, which complement the aforementioned plates so well.

El-takoy.com

Morty & Bob’s, multiple locations

Who remembers these guys from Netil House? Well if you’ve been craving those grilled cheese sandwiches, you’re in luck – because the restaurant sites in King’s Cross, Shepherd’s Bush and the new one in Kensal Rise all feature them on the menu. You’re going to want to order the flat iron steak, too. Slightly pricier than the namesake restaurant but totally tasty and served with a refreshing and zesty chimichurri sauce.

Leave room for dessert as words can’t quite describe how chewy and gooey the brownie was, topped with sweet carrot and served with ice cream and don’t even get me started on what I’d probably call the best tiramisu I’ve ever tasted. The French toast is an absolute beast (size) but super light and fluffy and if you like biscoff, it’s your idea of heaven.

mortyandbobs.com

Rabbit, Chelsea

Our first time to Rabbit in Chelsea – we’ve previously dined at the Gladwin brothers’ other restaurant, Sussex in Soho. With similar dishes on the menu, we were excited to be reunited with the loves of our life: the marmite eclairs, as well as trying the meaty and fresh cod cheek bites and steering clear of a January cold, thanks to the seaweed broth – packed full of goodness.

We were actually in Chelsea to try Rabbit’s famous Sunday roasts. While we were initially gutted that the lamb had sold out (the only downside to leaving a roast dinner that late in the day), it turned out to be for good reason as it allowed us to try the pork (not our first choice) which was surprisingly meaty compared to others we’ve eaten elsewhere. The beef was perfect, as expected, and those fluffy Yorkshire puddings certainly did not disappoint.

rabbit-restaurant.com

El Norte, Mayfair

Part of the restaurant group behind Kensington’s Zuaya and Como Garden, El Norte provides fine dining tapas to the streets of Mayfair. As well as a stunning decor, diners will be pleased to hear than their favourite small plates are on the menu, as well as some larger dishes, too. From delightfully creamy croquettes to a perfectly-cooked Iberico pluma, most of the dishes on El Norte’s menu impress both tummies and tastebuds. There’s also a unique cocktail list and extensive wine list – plus a proper party atmosphere come Friday nights.

El-norte.co.uk

‘O Ver, St. James

An Italian restaurant offering up the hearty classic dishes we all know and love, ‘O ver takes pride in using the unique ingredient of pure sea water, which is extracted from the purest areas of the Mediterranean. The use of less sodium and more minerals in the restaurant’s cooking means that the food is lighter and easier to digest – so we can enjoy all the pizza with fewer food babies at the end of the meal.

The bruschetta, made with toasted bread made from pure seawater and served with Sicilian “Datterino” tomatoes, garlic, oregano and fresh basil is the ultimate refreshing starter, with which you want to begin your meal, while the parmigiana di melanzane (Neapolitan-style aubergine parmigiana) offers a more indulgent treat. The beef and pork meatballs with parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and pine nuts were exceptionally tasty, while the fusillo pasta with Tuscan pork sausage, white wine and porcini mushrooms was another crowd-pleaser. Pizza-wise, we opted for the ‘Capricciosa’, with Roman grilled artichokes (the dream), Italian cooked ham and black Gaeta’s olives. Zero bloat afterwards, too. We’re sold on sea water pizza.

Overuk.com

Pulia, Shad Thames

It’s not secret that London is spoiled for choice when it comes to Italian food. That being said, we are never disappointed to come across a new eatery in which to indulge. In addition to classic dishes such as burrata, lasagne and ‘nduja pizza, Pulia also boasts some more authentic plates you may not have sampled before. We enjoyed bruschetta with sliced pork loin, cacioricotta cheese and grilled artichoke; fresh orecchiette pasta with turnip greens, creamy anchovies and chilli; and cuttlefish stuffed with breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley – the latter of which was a firm favourite.

pulia.com

Mostrador, Shoreditch

Meaning ‘counter’ in Portuguese, Mostrador prides itself on setting out a gorgeous table full of various salads for lunch each day. From bulgar wheat to squash and sweet potato and probably the best vegetable tart I’ve ever eaten, they’re all fantastic choices for a quick and light lunch.

Should you wish to indulge a little more, you can enjoy an octopus starter, as well as spinach and ricotta gnocchi with pesto, before moving onto beef cheek, squid risotto and other main courses. Finish off with with a dreamy dulce de leche flan for dessert.

hartshoreditch.com

Ma Petite Jamaica, Camden and Shoreditch

If you’re craving a bit of the Caribbean, head to your local Ma Petite Jamaica (either in Camden or Shoreditch) for your Jamaican jerk fix. First things first, order a pitcher of rum punch for the table – strong but not too sweet, this (combined with the reggae tunes playing) will transport you to your other island life. Food-wise, for starters we recommend the barbecue spare ribs and pepper shrimp wholeheartedly.

The jerk wings were finger-lickingly tasty – but the sauce was almost a jerk barbecue glaze. Delicious, but perhaps not the spicy jerk seasoning one might be expecting. Don’t fill up too much on your first course as the mains are worth saving room for: the brown stew chicken and oxtail stew with rice and peas were both hearty and flavoursome, while the jerk salmon was surprisingly good, too. The jerk chicken was a little dry but still did the job – and we definitely recommend adding fried plantain, roti (to mop up all that stew broth), callaloo and coleslaw as side dishes.

mapetitejamaica.com

It’s never the wrong time to look for thoughtful, touching gift ideas – and personalized canvas prints fit the bill perfectly. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’re taking a moment to look at what made photo canvas prints such a worldwide phenomenon, and why they’re the best pick if you’re looking for gifts this Valentine’s Day. Helping us out on this one are the photo printing experts from CANVASDISCOUNT.com.

So… What are Canvas Prints, and What Do I Need to Know About Them? 

Personalized canvas prints are a kind of wall decor feature where a photo print of your choice is printed on a sheet of canvas fabric. The canvas is then wrapped over an internal “stretcher” frame, usually made of wood. 

Most custom printing services today – CANVASDISCOUNT.com included – are run on an online-only basis. Customers can upload their favorite photos direct from their device, make a few design choices using an automated online editor, and check out. It’s a wonderfully simple process that you can complete on the go – it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, so you can get the job done while waiting for a bus.

In most cases the online editor shows you a mock-up of your print, letting you see in real time how your design choices change the print’s appearance. That means you can be sure no unpleasant surprises are waiting for you when you receive the parcel.

Not that you have any reason to question the quality if you buy your prints from a premium outlet likeCANVASDISCOUNT.com. The much-loved provider might sell their prints at bargain prices, but that’s because they keep costs low through streamlined production processes and economies of scale. They never compromise on materials or print quality.

Bargain-Basement Prices and Top-Shelf Quality

Nobody wants to get (or give) an underwhelming Valentine’s Day gift. So if you’re thinking of buying some personalized canvas prints for your loved one this year, we recommend turning to CANVASDISCOUNT.com.

You can be sure you’ll receive only the best of what modern technology and traditional artisanship have to offer. It’s a winning combination that has made CANVASDISCOUNT.com one of the best-loved custom printing services in the country.

Your photo will be reproduced at ultramodern printing facilities, while the stretcher frames will be assembled by masters of the craft. The inks used are UV-resistant and solvent-free. If you choose to add an outer decorative frame to your canvas, this additional frame will be produced from 100% reclaimed ocean plastic.

So if you’re looking for quality canvas prints that are safe for all the family and kind to the planet too, you know where to look.

Why It’s Wise to Get In Early

Demand for custom canvas prints tends to see surges around big holidays – which means production and delivery can take a little longer. So if you want your canvas to arrive in good time, placing your order well in advance is your safest bet.

Any festive period always brings a hundred and one things to think about as you get closer to the big day, so ordering now means there’s one less job on the list. Which means you’ve got more chance of being able to take some time relaxing on the sofa and watching your favorite romcom…

Affordable Premium Prints with Real Meaning

Canvas prints make great gifts for your loved ones at Valentine’s Day. They’re original, affordable, and reflect the most important values of the season.

Because more than anything else, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating togetherness. Custom canvas prints are a great way to bring out the romantic spirit by remembering good times spent together andemphasizing the importance of love.

Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day-themed family photo shoot, tributes to your favorite romantic films, or a collection of Valentine’s Day imagery, the choice of theme is up to you.

Whatever you choose, CANVASDISCOUNT.com will reproduce your image in superb quality, and amazingly fast too – their canvas prints are ready for dispatch within just 24 hours – and then deliver it straight to your doorstep. Once you see the results, you’ll understand why demand for custom canvas wall art keeps growing and growing. Valentine’s Day 2022 is the perfect time to get on board.

Save 15% with our Discount Code COCO15

This Valentine’s Day, make your loved one feel extra special with a custom print from CANVASDISCOUNT.com! The beloved printing provider offers a variety of custom prints to choose from, including not only canvas prints, but also framed photos, printed blankets and many more. To make the deal even sweeter, use the discount code COCO15 to get an extra 15% discount on all custom prints!

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for an extra special Valentine’s Day gift.

Tolix Style Restaurant Chairs

Tolix-style restaurant chairs are a popular seating option for restaurants of all kinds. These iconic chairs offer both comfort and style, making them an ideal choice for interior designers looking to create an aesthetic that stands out from the crowd.

The signature design of Tolix chairs includes a steel frame with curved armrests and backrests, along with wood laminate or vinyl upholstery. This design offers superior durability and comfort while creating a unique look that allows restaurant owners to stand out. Additionally, these chairs come in various colors and finishes, so it’s easy to find something that fits your decor theme perfectly.

Benefits of Tolix Style Restaurant Chairs

Tolix-style restaurant chairs are popular in restaurants, cafes, and bars worldwide. With their unique design, attractive looks, and durability, these chairs offer numerous benefits to establishments looking to spruce up their dining area.

For starters, Tolix-style restaurant chairs are crafted from high-quality materials such as steel and aluminum. It means they are highly durable and can withstand wear and tear over time without losing shape or style. Furthermore, they come in a variety of colors which makes them ideal for businesses that want to make an impression with their decor. Additionally, these chairs can easily be stacked away when unused, saving valuable space in smaller establishments.

Another advantage of using Tolix-style restaurant chairs is that they come at a very reasonable price point – making them accessible to any budget.

Design Elements of Tolix Style Restaurant Chairs

Tolix-style restaurant chairs are a timeless classic, representing elegance and sophistication while providing comfortable seating. This modern design has been around since the 1930s and is still prevalent in restaurants and homes. The unique design elements of these chairs make them stand out from other furniture pieces, creating an eye-catching statement in any space.

The iconic Tolix chair features a simple yet elegant silhouette with low arms and legs that taper slightly toward the ground. Its signature look comes from its perforated metal seat and backrest, which provides excellent ventilation for those sitting on it. Additionally, the sturdy construction materials of galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum make these chairs durable and lightweight for easy movement around spaces. The variety of colors makes them highly customizable to match any aesthetic or décor scheme.

Durability & Maintenance of Tolix Style Restaurant Chairs

Tolix-style chairs are an attractive option for restaurants and hospitality businesses looking for a unique style. The iconic design of these chairs is both lightweight and robust, making them ideal for commercial use. On top of that, they require minimal maintenance to stay in top condition and maintain their beautiful aesthetic.

Tolix chairs feature steel frames that are durable and robust enough to withstand heavy usage in busy restaurant environments. In addition, their powder coating finish prevents corrosion over time, ensuring the chair’s structure remains intact even after long-term use. Furthermore, their light weight makes them great for stacking and storing when not in use – a significant benefit for any restaurant or hospitality business looking to save space. Tolix-style chairs offer restaurants reliable durability and easy maintenance without sacrificing style.

Varieties of Tolix Style Restaurant chairs

If you want to add an industrial, modern touch to your restaurant, Tolix-style chairs may be a perfect choice. These chairs are inspired by a French design, making them both sophisticated and timeless. You can use different materials and colors for Tolix-style chairs to create a unique atmosphere for any restaurant.

The classic Tolix chair is recognized for its distinctive shape and design. Made with galvanized steel or aluminum, this type of chair is very durable and can stand up to heavy use in restaurants. It comes in many colors like black, red, yellow, blue, or green, allowing restaurateurs the flexibility to match their décor vision. These chairs come in multiple styles, such as armchairs or stools that you can pair with matching tables.

Enhancing Eat-In Experiences with Tolix-Style Restaurant Chairs

If you want to add a feel of industrial chic to your dining area, consider investing in Tolix-style restaurant chairs. The iconic design of Tolix chairs has been a favorite among restaurants since their introduction into the market. The sturdy construction and classic look make them perfect for any eatery that wants an elevated yet timeless look for its interior.

Tolix-style restaurant chairs come in various materials, from galvanized and powder-coated steel to stainless steel and copper alloys. It means you can choose a finish that best complements your existing décor and seating style. For example, if you have exposed brick walls or vintage light fixtures throughout your establishment, opt for galvanized or powder-coated steel finishes to complete the industrial aesthetic.

Restaurant furniture plus offers a variety of Tolix-style restaurant chairs at affordable prices and premium quality.

Brand Canada Post appeared in the late 1960s based on the Royal Media Canada postal operator. Currently, more than 72,000 employees work in the specified company. Also, the enterprise has over 6,200 postal departments in the country. And Canada Post permanently grows. For example, the cost of operations in 2021 increased by 2% (or $127 mln) compared with 2020.

The described postal operator proposes a long list of various offerings to its clients. E.g., the Canada Post tracking option is in high demand among consumers. Specialists recommend employing this service solely through well-known platforms (for instance, pkge.net), though. This will assist in avoiding cheating and getting wrong data about packages.

How to Track Canada Post Packages

Clients may trace their parcels by employing specific numbers (or codes). To track mailpieces, customers should enter appropriate codes into a certain search bar and push a corresponding button to launch scanning for the necessary package in a digital database.

Peculiarities of Tracking Process for Recipients

Receivers can track their parcels by applying the next types of codes:

1. Delivery notice card numbers. Here, they will find 15-digit codes placed above the barcodes.
2. Tracking numbers. These codes may consist of 13 (involving numerals and letters) or 16 (including solely digits) characters.
3. Reference numbers. The postal operator appoints these codes only to certain items. Nay, it can be necessary to specify a destination postcode to identify a mailpiece in this case.

Recipients should type codes carefully. Otherwise, they may receive information about third-party packages.

What Should Senders Keep in Their Mind?

Here, some information about Canada Post tracking numbers has to be remembered, for example:

• domestic items (except prepaid labels as well as envelopes) mailed across the country consist of 16 numerals;
• international shipments and prepaid envelopes, along with labels, are assigned codes including 16 characters;
• Canada Post prepaid products that weren’t mailed at the time of purchase have no tracking numbers at all.

In addition, senders should know they won’t be able to restore lost tracking numbers. This is because of privacy terms.

Widespread Problems With the Canada Post Tracking Option

Initially, it’s worth noting that occasionally packages are delayed. This may be caused by road closures, poor weather conditions, natural disasters, and so on. Canada Post usually notifies its clients about such delays. The other frequent issues are:

1. Missing parcels are shown as delivered. Here, recipients should check the address specified within the dispatch processing. If it’s OK, receivers are advised to look around their homes (couriers occasionally leave packages in safe places near houses). If that doesn’t help, recipients should contact the Canada Post help desk.
2. Courier left a notice card instead of a package. In this case, receivers have to bring the cards along with their IDs and visit certain post offices to pick up mailpieces.
3. Tracking status doesn’t update. Occasionally, the barcodes on the packages are damaged. Therefore, employees may skip scanning such parcels at interim postal points. Thus, receivers should just wait until their mailpieces are delivered to their destinations. There, such parcels necessarily go through final scanning.

More detail on widespread problems with the Canada Post tracking service can be found, e.g., on PKGE.NET.

The dream is to leave your mind with the cohesive idea of living each day as if it were your last. What makes this fictional tale a reality, floating like a lightweight object in this infinite cosmos, unaffected by the looming world crisis? You can be ignoring a pretty obvious truth: a memorable journey is made possible by good company. Is your partner the missing piece of your puzzle? Can you think of one individual who will look out for you and provide for you in the same manner as your spouse? Finding the perfect companion for yourself will enable you to do all of the ostensibly impossible tasks I stated earlier. Your counterpart will provide you companionship that cannot be reproduced or duplicated, decrease your sorrow in distressing times, and enhance your euphoria in times of joy. It would be important to commemorate the beginning of this everlasting friendship in a memorable way before starting this expedition. So how about planning the best wedding cards that will function as a fond memory in the future, starting today? This post will act as a how-to manual for creating the perfect save-the-date without being intrusive.

Subtle tones are the way of life

People frequently become emotionally overwhelmed while creating wedding invitations and lose their ability to reason. Some people choose for mismatched tones that produce an unmemorable output because they are too exhausted to even give crafting a save the date invites a respectable level of care. A wedding card embellished with ornaments can still exude quality, but if done carelessly, a gold-studded card may appear unappealing. To see the elegance hidden within the lines, you must first be able to recognize the beauty of a plain canvas. Additionally, you can construct unique save the dates with the help of the many web tools.

Be audacious without appearing old

There is constantly a method to every form of action. The fact that there’s a certain technique to crazy should go without saying. You must be confident in what you’re performing, and you need to know that if you are going in with all guns blazing. The smallest details must be noted and carefully worked out in preparation. When you adhere to the nature of their creation, vibrant save the date cards seem wonderful. There are numerous online resources available that will improve the general design language of your wedding cards.

Visit online resources

How fortunate would you feel if you could predict before anyone, even before committing to a purchase, how your goods will look with specific modifications? Wouldn’t you have a big smile on your face if you could make loads of adjustments without even paying a penny and choosing the best-looking one by trial and error? The live preview feature on online sites lets you witness each and every minute change that you make simultaneously.

Conclusion

Your wedding day marks the beginning of a special tale that only you the couple can tell. In a few of days, you and your partner can create something extraordinary and continue to live without a care in the world for the remainder of your lives by showing each other care and affection. By creating the perfect wedding card, you may continue to enjoy the day forever. So why wait? Take action right away!

A combination of cold weather, lack of sunlight and cranking up the central heating can play havoc with your wellbeing, impacting your immunity, skin, sleep and energy levels. To help you look and feel great this winter I’ve been checking out the best wellness products to give you a boost.

Start your day with a shot from MOJU’s Immunity Pack, the combo of Vitamin D and Vitamin C supports your body in fighting off those seasonal sniffles. Both contain cold busting essentials, ginger and tumeric. This plant-based shot is exactly what your body and bones need for some winter TLC. Available in 60ml shots, MOJU’s Vitamin C Shots pack as much of the good stuff as four glasses of OJ.

£27.80 for x4 500ml Dosing Bottles from Mojudrinks.com

Make Obagi Hydrate Luxe® an essential part of your evening skin routine this winter. Specially engineered to provide deep hydration, it is formulated with biomimetic peptides, which compliment your skin’s nightly repair and renewal to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst tightening sagging skin.

£60.30 from Skinstation

Get ahead of the game with REVIV’s Signature Wellness IV Therapy, exclusive to Harrods. Designed by expert doctors and scientists it contains an extensive range of nutrients and antioxidants to support energy, detoxification, immunity healing and cell production.

£600 at REVIV

Exercising in colder temperatures can cause muscles to lose more heat and contract, causing tightness throughout the body. Soothe hard working muscles and improve rest and recovery with BetterYou Magnesium spray. Containing a natural blend of magnesium chloride and energising lemon oil, arnica and capsicum, the spray adds a gentle heat on application to speed up recovery time.

£13.95 from BetterYou

The unique formula of BioSURE PRO Protective Nasal Spray is proven to block colds, flu and coronaviruses for 6 hours per application, by making an invisible physical barrier to stop infections.A total must have for those looking to prevent any winter nasties.I recently used it on a long-haul flight to avoid picking up any of the usual bugs and coughs floating about.

£14.95, available online at bebiosure.com

The Super Elixir™ is the iconic super greens powder, all-in-one, vegan solution that helps support all 11 systems of the body – from the immune and digestive systems to hair, skin and nail health. Carefully curated with over 40+ naturally derived ingredients, The Super Elixir™ provides a complete solution for your entire body including your daily dose of wholefoods, herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Nourish your body with essential greens, without the powerful greens taste.

£63 from Welleco

Leapfrog IMMUNE, is a combination of natural lactoferrin, zinc and vitamin C – scientifically proven ingredients to support your immunity. At the first sign of a sniffle pop one of their chewable, citrus flavoured tablets to ward off any nasty colds.

£34.99 for 15 tablets, available from Leapfrog Remedies

This luxurious body lotion combines magnesium with a blend of vetiver, bergamot and lavender essential oils. Apply on an evening after a relaxing bath and this skin-softening, moisture rich lotion will help send you off to sleep while hydrating and nourishing your skin. It’s a no-brainer!

Alexandra Kay Time to Restore Magnesium Lotion, £38 from Green People

“Traveling — it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller.”*

I must admit to knowing little to nothing about Bahrain before visiting. And then having been there, I had so much to process before beginning to write this piece. In fact, I was a bit ‘stuck’.

So I started again. I closed my eyes and recalled how this island actually made me feel, the sights, sounds, smells, colours and the first thing that came to mind was warmth. If Bahrain was a colour it would be a perfectly peachy pink, the buildings, the desert and the sunsets all radiating this wonderfully warm and glowing hue.

Said warmth also radiated massively from the people that I met along the way. Wherever I went, I was met with smiles and genuine friendliness. But, of course, there was more to Bahrain than that.

Travelling in style with Gulf Air

It’s easy to say the journey is the destination but it definitely felt that way as I turned left on the airplane, for the very first time in my life feeling like a fully blown A lister. Treated to business class, I sipped chilled champagne and slid into my complimentary pj’s (like a second skin on my curvaceous frame but super comfy nonetheless!). I quickly got to grips with all the various buttons and switches in my pod and adjusted the seat to a fully flat bed. Goodnight!

The service from the Gulf Air cabin crew was extremely efficient yet personal and friendly. I was actually a little sad when the plane landed after the 6 hour flight and I had to leave my little luxury den. The problem now though is I’ve been spoilt for life as regular economy will never be the same!

Leaving a very cold dark and wet morning in Manchester it was lovely to be greeted with a wonderful waft of warm Arabian air as I left the cleanest, most pristine airport I had ever seen. It certainly deserves its certified 5 star status for comfort and cleanliness.

Winter sun

When I had previously googled “winter sun holidays”? Bahrain was not somewhere that had come up on my searches. The usual suspects are either the Canary Islands or Dubai. So with Bahrain never being on my radar until now, I was excited to find out what this country had to offer and to see if it could compare and compete with these other popular winter sun locations.

The climate is certainly a winner. Bahrain only has two seasons – summer runs from May to October with temperatures often exceeding 40 ° C during the day. Winter is a little cooler, from November to April the average daily temperature is between 20 and 25 ° C. That said, when I visited in November the temperature reached 30-32 degrees.

Shop till you drop in Bahrain’s souks

It’s no secret that I love to shop! However on this occasion I decided to swerve the commercial malls in favour of the traditional souk. I absolutely love a market – they tell the real story of a place and the souks of Bab al Bahrain are no different.

If gold is your thing then you will literally be in your element here. Shop after shop selling pretty gold jewellery, often inlaid with the famous Bahraini pearls. In fact, in 2012 UNESCO declared the Bahraini pearl beds a world heritage site, I was fascinated to learn that natural pearls are made when a foreign object like a grain of sand enters the oyster and is coated in a luminous material thus forming a pearl!

My tour guide showed me a little pouch containing pearls he had found during his scuba diving exploits over the years. Some were the size of a pea and others no bigger than a pin head. He told me that he once opened an oyster and found nine pearls! With natural pearls occurring in only 1 in 10,000 oysters this was a real find.

if you love perfume then the souk is the place for you. Many of the perfume shops are packed to the rafters with oils, perfumes, oud and musk all kept in beautifully intricate glass bottles. In one shop I asked if I could blend my own perfume. I chose amber, rose and oud which was poured and mixed for me. I indulged in plenty of smelling and sniffing along the way! I paid 10 Bahrain Dinah for a bottle of perfumed oil (about £22) and a tenth of the price of my regular perfume Portrait of a Lady by Frederick Malle. Every time I wear it I will be reminded of my trip. The souks also have rows and rows of tailors and fabric shops selling silks, satins, velvet and trims as well as an array of spices, dates, pottery and handicrafts.

The disappearing island

Somewhere in the middle of the ocean after a particularly fast and exciting speedboat ride, an island of pure white sand appeared like a beacon in the distance. Comprising of a strip of bright white sand 25 foot wide and it struck me just how magical this place is. When I first heard about this disappearing island I thought it was something to do with climate change, but it’s actually a tidal Island which means that it appears and disappears at certain times of the day.

We ate a delicious bbq of steak and lamb chops and as I took my last bite it was time to head back. It was timely because the island was reducing quickly now and there was only another 20 minutes before it would be completely submerged. It would re-appear for another boat load of people to enjoy tomorrow.

Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain

It was during a balmy evening swim in the resort’s stunning infinity pool, with the twinkle of fairy lights glistening on the water, that I started to wish I was staying longer in this paradise. Having the entire pool to myself, I had a rare moment of serenity and a happy relaxed feeling washed over me.

The Vida beach resort hotel is a new and luxurious hotel perfectly positioned on its own private beach, complete with said infinity pool and tasteful opulent interiors. Sun loungers are aplenty and there’s a nice relaxed feel where nothing was too much trouble. It’s definitely a place to unwind and rejuvenate in unpretentious luxury.

The Address Hotel

The Address hotel is brand new. It’s beautifully designed and incredibly luxe. The rooms and suites are all spacious and impeccably designed.

The Address Beach Resort Bahrain features an outdoor pool for adults and a dedicated kids’ Splash Pad, adorned with landscaped gardens and tempting lounging areas with private cabanas.

It also boasts an amazing infinity pool with skyline views. When I say the beach is pristine, it was the most perfectly manicured beach I’ve ever walked on, white sand that is raked every day.

There is also a brand spanking new 200,000 sqm shopping mall called the Marassi Galleria which will open between the two hotels later this year housing some of the world’s top retailers.

Jumeirah Hotel

Pulling up to the Jumeirah hotel is a bit like driving through the dessert and stumbling upon Las Vegas. The hotel is immense. It is huge, super luxe and virtually on its own. It’s a holiday destination in itself with huge swimming pools, a wide variety of restaurants and bars, perfect if you just want to relax in one place with everything you need on hand.

The hotel was at full capacity when I visited and yet because of the size it felt perfectly quiet. No mad rush for a sunlounger here!

by ankurtemp

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If, like us, you tactically worked through your drinks cabinet on New Year’s to usher in a month off the sauce, you might be in the market for some crisp cold ones. You are not alone, according to recent research from Ice Headshop, the UK comes a close second after Sweden in Europe to attempt Dry January. With this market booming, No/low alcohol beer has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years so it’s time to get excited about Friday night drinks.

Brewdog Punk AF IPA, £1.69 from Whole Foods Market

Scotland’s worst kept secret, Brewdog have crafted an alcohol-free companion to their favourite Punk IPA. If you like the alcoholic version, you’ll be getting all of the tropical flavour with none of the buzz. Brewdog are doing all the Dry January folk a solid by making a number of their other heavy hitters without the booze – be sure to check out the juicy Hazy Jane AF, the crispy Lost Lager AF, and hoppy Nanny State AF. Fill the fridge for your next friend hang.

Athletic Brewery: Golden Ale Upside Dawn £2.19 from Whole Foods Market

What’s better than a great alcohol-free beer from a trusted brewer? Try a brewer that specialises in alcohol free. Proud American B Corp, Athletic Brewery are just that. Their Golden Ale Upside Dawn presents a classic and refreshing light-bodied vegan friendly ale with those all-so-tasty floral notes. Athletic Brewery aim to create alcohol-free beers to be enjoyed proudly so you may find these become a staple tipple even past the end of this long, dark month.

Nirvana Brewery Pale Ale £2.49 from Nirvana Brewery

Back this side of the pond is family-owned Nirvana, the UK’s only dedicated alcohol-free brewery popping caps on some delicious beers. With a range from a dark, rich Stout through to a sparky Bavarian Helles Lager, there’s plenty to get excited about. Our pick is the zesty Pale Ale which we’ll raise to toast the female founder Becky Kean, one of Management Today’s 35 under 35 winners in 2022. You know us, always here to support women owned businesses – cheers!

Guinness 0.0 now available in pubs & £4.50/4 cans from supermarkets

Looking for something dark and sensuous on these cold evenings? What will warm your soul more than a pint of Guinness? Guinness 0.0 is brewed the same way as it’s boozy brother, with the alcohol being taken out in the final cold filtration stage. Savour the chocolate and coffee hints and creamy texture with none of the fuzzy head the next morning. Winner.

Brew by Numbers Blood Orange Pale Ale & Lucky Saint Lager, DryDrinker.com January Craft Beer Box £25.24

Why not treat yourself to a whole box of no and low alcohol goodness from the UK’s number 1 specialist? Your tastebuds will be tantalised by a selection of 8 of the best booze free craft beers out there including a Blood Orange Pale Ale from Brew by Numbers, the delicious Lucky Saint lager and an unusual Low Alcohol Smoked Porter. Who said Dry January had to be boring?

Sagres 0.0% £25 for 24 cans from Wanderlust Drinks Company

Wanderlust Drinks claim that Sagres is bottled with Portuguese adventure and discovery – a clear ‘Yes’ from Team Coco. This alcohol free version boasts all the same fruity and malty flavours with absolutely no booze to be found. Perfect for lunchtime drinking without the guilty conscience.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide and online at Beer Pronto

Peroni’s alcohol free offering is the most loved No/Low Alcohol beer in the UK and in cracking open a fresh one, it’s not hard to see why. The same crispy and refreshing notes are hit while sticking with your new year’s resolution. Pop the cap and be transported to the Italian sunshine.

San Miguel 0,0 £3.70/4 bottles from supermarkets nationwide

Talking of travelling through taste, how about a jaunt to Spain with San Miguel’s sparkling pilsner? The same citrus taste notes are hit with their completely alcohol free version so you won’t even miss a night on the sauce.

Smashed Shandy £1.99, available in supermarkets and bars nationwide

Smashed offer a range of vegan alcohol free drinks, including 2 gluten free ciders but our pick is the zesty Shandy for that Sunday pub feel with none of the guilt. All their drinks start life as fully alcoholic (5% ABV) and the alcohol is then removed using Cool Vacuum Distillation – sounds fancy, right? What’s more, each bottle has less than 85 calories – get stuck in!

Do you want to get into painting but need help figuring out where to start? You are not alone. Despite painting being a gratifying hobby, many people are intimidated to take it up because they have yet to learn where to begin. This, however, does not have to be the case. With the right supplies and basic instructions, an amateur can learn to work a paintbrush like a professional. Here’s how you can start even when you don’t know the first thing about painting.

6 Beginner Tips To Get You Started On Painting

Learning how to paint is not only about taking up mastering the techniques. Of course, learning painting techniques and getting your paint by numbers for adults kit is essential; having the following tips as a reference can make your journey to painting much more seamless.

Find Your Why

Before you begin, think about why you want to paint. Are you looking for a creative outlet? Do you need an escape from your day-to-day life? Maybe you’re just interested in learning something new. Knowing your reason for painting will help you tap into the art you want to create and also find inspiration for your art.

Learn To Sketch

Sketching is an excellent way for beginners to explore and discover different styles before hitting the canvas. A sketchbook will come in handy when planning out your piece allowing you to conceptualize your painting style before putting the brush on canvas . Once you have an idea, you can settle into your most comfortable style.

Choose Your Medium

Painting is a broad term that encompasses many different mediums, from acrylic to oil paints. Choosing a painting medium to use can feel overwhelming at first, but there are some things you can keep in mind. Watercolors are perfect for beginners as they allow easy experimentation without requiring too much investment in supplies or time. However, if you are going to do a variety of projects with your painting, acrylic paints are a great choice as they can be used on almost any surface.

Find the Right Supplies

Finding the right supplies for your project is next on your painting to-do list. You’ll need brushes in various sizes depending on what kind of work you’d like to do. You’ll also need a palette (either pre-made or homemade) plus something to mix your colors on, such as an old plate or jar lid. A sketchbook, scissors and masking tape are also some materials that will also prove helpful depending on your project type.

Understand Basic Color Theory

Understanding basic color theory will help take your paintings from good to great! The color theory involves understanding how colors interact with each other and how they affect our perception of them when placed side by side. The basics include understanding primary colors (red, blue, yellow), secondary colors (orange, green, purple), tertiary colors (yellow-green, blue-green), warm colors (reds and oranges), and cool colors (blues and greens). Knowing all this will help ensure that your paintings look balanced and cohesive when put together! ​

Discover Your Preference

Once you understand the basics of color theory, it’s time to explore what kind of painting style appeals to you! Do you prefer abstract or representational painting? Landscapes or still lifes? Portraits or cityscapes? There are so many styles and techniques that you can try out. Take time to explore your options until you find something that interests you.

Takeaway

Getting into painting doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming; all it takes is some patience and practice! Start by finding your ‘why’ and learn the basics of sketching before you work your way through choosing the best medium for the kind of artwork that interests you the most. As you work through the above beginner tips, you will find that painting becomes an enjoyable hobby rather than a daunting task.

No visit to the city of lights is complete without a night at the original Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris. Rewinding back to 1889, the club was the scene of Bohemian, Belle Epoque Paris, where artists converged to produce and attend colourful and avant-garde performances. Fast forward to today, the outstanding show continues with people gathering from all over the world to grab a seat.

From the offset, I was wowed at how amazing the Moulin Rouge was, imagine bright lights, glitz and glam, and Parisian culture. I hadn’t made it inside yet, and I was stunned at the picturesque building beaming with a seductive red glow. Followed by the red carpet-style stairs that made you feel like all eyes were on you.

Sat by the stage, the Parisian culture and lustrous theme were dominant throughout the interior. Surrounded by table lamps, classic gold decor, and champagne bottles.

As the show begins, I’m taken aback by the spectacular fanfare and beautiful dancing. One thing that catches my eye is the barely-there outfits of the female dancers, dressed with nothing to the imagination including multi-coloured pants encrusted in rhinestones, matching nipple tassels, pink feather boas, and thigh-high leather boots – WOW! The male dancers are dressed head to toe in sparkly silver suits adding to the glam factor. Each dancer makes between 10 and 15 costume changes per show, and each design is utterly beautiful.

The initial semi-nudity of the female dancers sets the tone for the entire show along with the European music and French lyrics. Each routine has a theme, with a combination of slow contemporary dancing to circus-like acrobatics, and of course, the iconic can-can dance. The performer’s moves, are certainly impressive, bringing rhythm and precision, I was lost for words at the outstanding performances.

The faultless choreography traces various periods in history, whirling us through the Mayans to the Egyptians to the 1940s, complete with swing dancers – all presented in a vibrant display of colourful costumes and upbeat music.

Halfway through, the show presents intimate and intense moments that made me feel all types of emotions. The stage gives way to a tank of water, and a female performer swims with snakes to deep, upbeat music. Followed by an ice skating duet which was simply stunning and bought tears to my eyes.

The larger-than-life finale is distinguished by typical fury pink costumes, as you would imagine. Each dancer joins together to perform the historic can-can dance, as the high kicks immerse in a sea of tricolour.

An absolutely spectacular performance awarded with a standing ovation from the crowd.