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Online shopping offers some of the best shopping experiences one can imagine; talk of convenience, flexibility, and honesty, online shopping is undisputedly the best. However, if you are not careful, this new trend can give you a run for your money. There are several ways you can save money, get Shop For Credit Before You Buy tips from Gordon Simmons to make the most of your purchases.

So, how can you avoid compromising your budget while doing online shopping and still get quality products? There is the obvious such as using discount codes, for example, these sams club coupons. This post outlines various tips you can use to get better deals online that you may not have thought of. Read on for more.

  1. Shop incognito.

Usually, most online shopping sites practice dynamic pricing models based on location, past shopping, or browsing history. Therefore, it means that when you shop incognito, the site will identify you as a new client, and the rates will change accordingly, most likely in your favor.

However, there are different ways you can achieve this. You can shop incognito by constantly clearing your browsing data and cookies, opening a new window, use separate email addresses or phone numbers to list as a new customer.

  1. Use cart abandonment trick.

This is one of the common strategies for most online shoppers for getting rebates. It works by loading all the products you need into the shopping basket then walking away without paying for them.

While it may not sound like a good shopping habit, the idea is to get the ecommerce owners to get back to you with a discounted offer on your already purchased items.

Though not every site will respond to your cart abandonment or even offer you the expected discount offer, it is still important to try it out.

  1. Enroll as a reward member.

Generally, online business depends on repeat customers. And to maintain this loyalty, they offer several reward programs to keep clients coming back to their businesses.

Their baits commonly include a promise of an additional discount when you subscribe to their various programs, fill out a form, or join their buyer’s club. Giving out different information like buying habits and your email contacts may qualify you for a better deal or gift on your next shopping.

If you are sure of coming back to shop from a particular online shopping platform and don’t have a problem sharing some of your details, joining a reward club can offer more benefits to you.

Apart from the rewards, you’ll get important notifications about new products, services, or any promotional message before it is released to the public.

  1. Take advantage of other rebate sites.

An e-commerce membership reward program is not the only available method you can accumulate rebates. There are several rebate sites that you can use to link you with your preferred online shopping platforms.

Such portals do not sell or offer any services, but they get commissions by directing links to sites that provide e-commerce services. To keep you loyal to their sites, they split the commission with you on any purchase ranging from 2-20%.

There are a lot of rebate sites with varied terms and conditions, but, to be eligible for rebate payout, you must collect an agreed amount of commission. So the best thing to do is to enroll in more than one rebate site.

  1. Use e-commerce’s recommended credit cards or payment options.

Giant online retailers usually offer credit card discounts, including rewards or double points, by using their preferred cards or other payment methods.

A great example of this is Amazon. When you combine a card and a site having variety and decent options, you can earn points or make extra savings on products you’ll purchase on their platform.

If you are not a good bargainer, you may design your online shopping to leverage the benefits of the extra points with these programs and still get better deals on all that you need with a one-stop shopping experience.

Conclusion.

Online shopping is undoubtedly the best owing to its flexibility, convenience, and hassle-free experience. However, getting better deals or low-priced items online need thorough research and patience.

Once you decide on the items you want and which sites offer them, apply the tricks and tips discussed herein to get discounts while shopping online. Lastly, don’t drag the discussion; call it quits if you find the talks heading nowhere.

Lockdown saw virtual gym sessions soar in popularity and as a result people are now looking for a new way to work out. Expensive monthly gym subscriptions are being cancelled and replaced with more flexible options like Osaki pro admiral that provide a private, professional space to train in with state-of-the-art equipment.

Founded by London-based personal trainer Guido Basola, ELYSIUM caters to PTs looking for a professional space to train clients as well as those looking for somewhere to do a solo or group workout with friends. Coming from a luxury fitness background, Guido has taken his previous experiences and created a dynamic space that will change the way people view fitness and personal training.

With sites in Aldgate and Seven Dials and plans to open in Clapham, Battersea and London Bridge, the micro gyms are priced at £25 per hour and need to be pre-booked prior to arrival via the ELYSIUM app.

The boutique training spaces are routinely cleaned throughout the day and aim to cultivate a safe and inviting community feel, this includes an SOS function on their app, which enables members to access any site 24/7 in case of emergency. The micro gym equipment you will find here are easy to use and operate. Even as a working mom you can make most of your time here without any hassle and the worries of breaking the bank.

Don’t be mistaken – the ‘micro gym’ isn’t just a scaled down version of your local big gym. ELYSIUM boasts top of the range exercise equipment. From a cardio perspective, guests can work with the Concept2 Rower, SkiErg and BikeErg to improve lower-body conditioning and aerobic fitness. For strengthening workouts, the Power Racks come with custom-built lever arms for chest, shoulder and deadlift support. Home gym equipment specialists, BLK BOX have also provided a standard rack of dumbbells and Kettlebells for joint exercises including chest flyes, shoulder raises or biceps curls. The gym’s also feature a Primal Strength Commercial Cable Crossover, for arm, chest and shoulder muscle workouts.

Founder Gudio Basola commented: “At its core, ELYSIUM is a fitness facility that focuses on the individual, their needs and training priorities. By removing the daunting floor size of a large gym, people can focus on themselves and what they want to achieve in the hour or so that they are with us. Over lockdown, there was an increase in demand for personal trainers and with ELYSIUM we can provide a space for that demand, without the high commission rate of a big corporate gym.”

The micro gym offers the best of both worlds; a quiet, professional space for fitness enthusiasts and personal trainers, with all the benefits of a high end, state-of-the-art gym. Expect to see sites pop up on a high street next to you.

Find out more and book your training slot at ELYSIUM

It’s that time of year! So, are you feeling festive yet? You can tell we are because Rachel McAlley has already put together five fabulous advent calendar options and Emma Harrison has given us her pick of the best beauty advent calendars. Now it’s time for three of the best eco-friendly advent calendars out there.

1 – The Cartografie Advent Calendar

OK, these chocolates are delicious and sustainable! Cartografie fill the box with pralines, ganaches and chocolate disks in perfect flavour combinations. Plus, Cartografie deals directly with farmers – that means they know exactly where each cocoa bean comes from and how workers are treated. Each box is fully recyclable, re-usable, biodegradable and hand-made of actual wood.

£155 from cartografiechocolate.com/shop.

2 – Greener Beauty Advent Calendar

The Greener Beauty Advent Calendar is for those who love beauty and sustainability. Every little gift is plastic free with a low carbon footprint. Plus, Greener Beauty plants 10 trees for each calendar sold. Inside, you can find delightful hair care, skin care and shower products from a range of vegan and eco-friendly brands.

£154.95 from greenerbeauty.com.

3. Advent Calendar Christmas Candle by Kindred Fires

For something a little different, try the Advent Calendar Christmas Candle from Kindred Fires. Made from natural soy wax and hand-poured, this candle will last for one hour each night for 25 nights. Perfect as a gift in delicious rose and geranium scent, this puts a real twist on the usual calendar and is very eco-friendly.

£16 from kindredfires.com.

Hidden within the vast landscapes of Richmond Park is Operation Centaur, a community that enables its lucky members to experience the get up close and personal with working Shire horses. Our girl Hannah Tan-Gillies got the experience of a lifetime, embarking on a romantic carriage ride with Operation Centaur, getting a rarefied opportunity to see a side of Richmond Park not a lot of people get the chance to see.

Operation Centaur is a champion of the conservation of Shire Horses, whose numbers have been dwindling due to the modernisation of land management and agriculture in the UK.

Working horses play an important role in conservation and can help control bracken in sensitive acid grasslands. Habitats also benefit greatly from re-introducing the less intrusive land management practices that working horses provide. Not to mention, they also offer low noise disturbance, lower soil compaction and minimal impact to wildlife – and the horses seem to love it too.

This winter, Operation Centaur is offering traditional carriage rides drawn by its majestic Shire horses. The Park Brake carriages can comfortably seat six people and will be pulled by handsome working horses. You begin the ride with a cup of sloe gin, as you welcome the crisp autumn air, and watch the deer in their natural habitats in Richmond Park.

In the colder months, Operation Centaur also provides warm wool blankets so you can enough the magical experience comfortably. The Shire Horses, part of the last herd of working Shires in London, pull the carriage gently off the beaten track at Richmond Park, revealing ethereal landscapes, amidst the gentle sound of hooves. It is truly an experience that you won’t soon forget.

So, whether you are looking for a magical winter date idea or looking for the most unforgettable gift for your parents, give the lovely guys at Operation Centaur a call, and maybe you can make some fabulous horse friends too.

Winter Rides at Operation Centaur are available from November – January £450 (+ booking fee) for carriage of 6. For more information visit https://www.operationcentaur.com/

Here at House of Coco magazine we’ve always been vocal about our passion for Land Rover as a brand. Having worked with them for many years now, we’ve enjoyed the driving experience that their vehicles give and have always championed their market leading technologies. And today, that is no different with the eagerly anticipated latest release.

The New Range Rover SV is an exquisite interpretation of Land Rover’s pinnacle luxury SUV, providing greater choice, heightened craftsmanship and greater functionality. This hand-crafted model from Special Vehicle Operations will be the first vehicle to carry the new ceramic SV roundel and simplified naming strategy – known simply as SV.

The SV roundel represents the distillation of Special Vehicle Operations’ design and engineering passion for modern luxury, performance and capability. The SV roundel will identify all new Land Rover vehicles launched by Special Vehicle Operations in future.

The new Range Rover SV flagship, previously envisioned through the SVAutobiography family, features exclusive design details and material choices throughout, with greater scope for personalisation and customer choice than ever before.

Both Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs – including a five-seat LWB configuration for the first time – can be specified with curated SV Serenity and SV Intrepid design themes inside or out, which introduce two-tone front-to-rear contrasting colourways to Range Rover. Exclusive materials include lustrous plated metals, smooth ceramics, intricate mosaic marquetry and soft near-aniline leather, as well as sustainable non-leather Ultrafabrics™.

The sumptuous new SV Signature Suite option on long-wheelbase models epitomises the heightened luxury and craftsmanship from Special Vehicle Operations, providing ultimate comfort for two rear-seat passengers. Its cosseting seats with Range Rover SV-specific contours feature 24-way adjustment with massage functionality while an elegant electrically deployable Club Table rises theatrically from the fixed full-length centre console on beautifully engineered supports to provide a convenient workspace when required.

Powerful and efficient Range Rover SV engine choices include the refined new 530PS V8 Twin Turbo, 510PS Extended Range plug-in hybrid and the efficient D350 straight-six Ingenium diesel.

So, Alexa, let’s hit the road.

Funny TikTok content is taking the world by storm. TikTok is the hottest social media channel right now – particularly among younger audiences. Built on a foundation of fun, inclusive, and fast-paced videos, TikTok is constantly churning out new trends for followers to enjoy.

For brands and influencers, this also means it’s a great place to find a little creative inspiration. If you want to find a way to connect with your followers, what could be better than making them laugh? Humor is one of the best ways to make your TikTok content go viral, and it’s also a good way to build an emotional relationship with your community and receive greater engagement on your TikTok profile.

So, how do you make sure you’re tickling your audience’s funny bone? The best way to get started is by checking out what’s trending.

Here’s your introduction to the funniest TikTok videos you should be replicating.

1. I’m Super Busy

The “I’m Busy” challenge is a big hit on TikTok right now. Singer Justine Skye was one of the first TikTok superstars to bring this concept to the masses. Justine FaceTimes people like Jamie Foxx and Kendall Jenner, and when they answer, she responds with, “I’m super busy, can I call you back?”

Obviously, the act of calling someone and then asking to call them back because you’re too busy prompts some interesting responses. However, what makes this funny TikTok trend so successful is it’s a great chance to show off your connections with other major celebrities and influencers.

The Takeaway: Incorporate popular TikTok influencers and big names into your content to instantly get more views. Partnering with big names will give you an extra shot at going viral, because these people already have a major following.

@justineskye ♬ original sound – justineskye

I’M SUPER BUSY! Pt. 1

2. Pug Eating A Chicken Nugget

If there are two things that almost always work on TikTok, it’s humor and cute animals. This funny TikTok video has the perfect blend of both! The video involves a TikTok user (@Katherinarebosa) showing her dog how to take a tiny bit of a chicken nugget. When the dog copies, the result is adorable and hilarious.

The Takeaway: Try to incorporate animals into your TikTok videos whenever you can. People love adorable critters, which is why many of the biggest trends and challenges on TikTok involve animals. Adding animals to your content will make it more likely for people to follow your content. Following a trend (like this TikTok influencer did with the “small bite” strategy), is also a great way to attract eyes to your content.

@kathrinarebosa ♬ small bite – ja$$min

3. TikTok Duet Chains

The TikTok Duet is probably one of the most popular features of TikTok. With a Duet, you can create content featuring two combined videos, where users appear side-by-side. This has been a great opportunity for people to appear alongside influencers and celebs in the past.

The TikTok Duet chain builds on the benefits of the duet by connecting two or more videos in an interesting or unusual way. For instance, @Rytallent uses a number of videos chained together to create an unusual, but hilarious picture.

The Takeaway: Make the most of TikTok’s available features like Duet when you’re trying to create trending content. People love seeing people using the capabilities of the app in a creative way. You can also use duets to collaborate with influencers and get more eyes on your content that way.

@rytallent ♬ Can we stop – Fran

THE DUET CHAIN IN FULL – my proudest tiktok achievement is starting this madness the ✨creativity✨

4. Kombucha Girl

TikTok is a place full of experimentation. People try on new looks, makeup, and even dancing styles. In the case of “Kombucha Girl,” TikTok can also be an excellent opportunity to try out a new thing for the first time and share it with your followers.

The Kombucha Girl @Brittany_Broski, went viral after recording her unusual response to the Kombucha drink. Her facial expressions even became a meme!

The Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to show your real, authentic self when creating TikTok content. Most of the younger users on the channel want to see real experiences and authentic responses. Even if you think you look silly, you can gain a lot of followers just by being genuine.

@brittany_broski ♬ original sound – Brittany

Me trying Kombucha for the first time #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #AllBrandNew

5. Uncommon Dance Moves

Dancing is everywhere on TikTok. Since the TikTok app came from Music.ly, it has a deep connection with music – hence all the lip-syncing and duet videos. Access to trending music to accompany TikTok clips also means a lot of people experiment with dance moves and create their own dancing challenge.

This uncommon dance move video by @Gibz uses a popular sound, “Believe me,” alongside some unique dance moves to bring an interesting twist to a trend.

The Takeaway: Keep up to date with the trending sounds and songs on TikTok, and make sure you get involved when you can. While following a trend is great because it attracts people who are already listening to the music you’re using, introducing something new is important, too. Your unique twist will make your content stand out from the competition.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRoHBVbW/

6. Giving Your Pet A Voice

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your dog could talk to you? The people on TikTok definitely have. Adding to the popularity of pet focused funny TikTok videos is the trend of giving animals a voice. You don’t have to actually speak for your pet if you don’t want to, you can just add some captions instead.

The great thing about this video from @TheChappieShow is the user leveraged a sound already popular on the app to follow a trend, then made a video users enjoyed a lot more than the original with a twist of creativity.

The Takeaway: Experiment with new ways to bring life and personality to your video. When you’re following a trend, it always pays to look for ways you can make your content a little better than the creators who came before you.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRoHg2Nd/

7. Internet Drama

One of the things that makes TikTok so unique among social media sites is the fact that anything can go viral. You can take almost any inspiration (on the web or off) and turn it into something that people love. This funny TikTok trend “Internet Drama” looks at comments on other social media sites and elsewhere on the web, and pairs it with music.

The creator sings the comments left on things like house listings and other posts, to make them into hilarious parodies. The video is just one in a series of clips which have attracted hundreds of thousands of followers.

The Takeaway: Look for inspiration everywhere. Even a strange comment someone left on a Facebook page can become a TikTok hit!

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRouT3NJ/

8. The M&M Prank

TikTok is a popular app among younger users like Generation Z, and younger fans love a good prank. The internet will always find a well-planned and properly executed prank funny, and well-worth sharing, as long as it’s not cruel.

In this “M&M” prank video, a man replaces the M&Ms in a tube of candy with a hot dog, then gives one to his girlfriend, asking her to try and catch as many M&M’s in her mouth as possible. By making the prank seem like a challenge, he easily convinced her to take part.

The Takeaway: People love watching hilarious interactions between others. A good, well-timed prank can be hilarious, and it’s often a great source of inspiration for other pranksters.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRoHmeFh/

9. Trump & Obama Hide And Seek

When it comes to TikTok, followers are searching for relevant, funny content they can relate to. Sometimes, this means commenting on things happening in the world with political satire, but in a way that all kinds of people can engage with.

This funny TikTok video “Trump and Obama play hide and seek” gives as many people as possible something they can relate to, while commenting on the events of the time. The user does a great job of attracting viewers, which is part of why the video quickly became a series.

The Takeaway: It’s fine to comment on things like politics and society in your TikTok videos – as long as you do it in a way everyone can understand and appreciate.

@heyberg ♬ original sound – heyberg

FOLLOW FOR THE SERIES! Trump and Obama play hide and seek..#fyp #foryou #hideandseek #comedyskit #sketchcomedy #politicalsatire #getsillychallenge

10. Drop My Croissant

This video is popular for a range of different reasons. First, it leverages a popular sound clip, which is always a good way to get attention on TikTok. At the same time, it also does something entirely new and different, with an incredible animation included in the content.

The “Drop my Croissant” video also appeals to many younger audience members who are huge fans of movies like “Shrek.”

The Takeaway: Once you have a good idea of your audience, experiment with different ways to make them laugh. This can involve using a combination of trending assets (like sounds), and unique content (like animations).

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRoHyAmV/

How To Make Your Own Funny TikTok Content

There’s no shortage of inspirational videos out there if you’re looking for insights on how to create your own hilarious TikTok content. As you can see from the examples above, many of the trending videos on TikTok today have a lot to teach us about interacting with an audience. Remember:

· Always partner with influencers when you can: Partnering with well-known names and brands will improve your chances of getting eyes on your content and boost your credibility. Remember, most influencers will charge for collaborations, so if you have a certain influencer in mind, use a TikTok money calculator to figure out how much they might charge for a collaboration.

· Jump on popular sounds and trends: Take advantage of existing trends on TikTok to help boost your reach to potential viewers. Using popular hashtags and sounds in your content will make your videos easier to find.

· Be unique: While leveraging popular trends and working with influencers will significantly boost your presence on Instagram, you’ll still need to do something interesting to attract a following. Put your own spin on the content you create.

Now you’re ready to go out there and make your own funny TikTok content.

Christmas is considered the most-awaited festival of the year because it gets exemplary gift attention. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t get presents on other occasions and holidays.

Now that you have a fond friend, or let’s say a friend obsessed with Halloween, you wish to give them something special. Yes, you can employ the “treat” part of the trick-or-treat and get them an adorable Halloween gift they’ll cherish for the years to come.

Believe when they say that there’s much more than just candy- the one that makes a great gift for Halloween day.

Perhaps, you can take steps to let ’em enjoy a spooky card game or a set of mugs for their upcoming fall-themed party. Or, they might love to receive pumpkin skippers, which they can use just before hopping into the shower, along with a bath bomb.

The list you’re just going to read has a little something that everyone will enjoy. Thus, you’re sure to be covered whether you’re shopping for your friend who’s a toddler, a teen, or even a grandpa.

  • Stack the Spooky Bones Game:

The stacking game has wooden pieces which have a bone-like shape. Thus, it’ll be even more challenging to attain victory on these than your childhood favourite Jenga.

Already up and ready to challenge your best friend on this Halloween-themed challenge? Well, they’re sure to bring their sporting spirit up and play to love it!

  • Glow in the Dark Blanket:

Ohh… so your pal already has a pair of fuzzy slippers? If yes, then it is worth pairing these with a cosy Halloween blanket. And, why not? During this day, they’ll have a fantastic accent throw for decorating their home-sweet-home.

What’s even better is that it lightens up and spreads a glow. Thus, all you’ll see are paw prints and those smokey-spooky eyes.

  • Family Boo T-shirts:

What’s Halloween if there aren’t any Halloween t-shirts? So, if you’re planning to join a party, it is worthwhile to have personalized themed t-shirts for all the attendees.

However, if you’re confused as to how these customizable t-shirts will turn out, make sure to check out Famiprints here by visiting their website. And, the best part about customizing t-shirts is that you have a ton of different sizes and several colours to choose from with the text and design of your own choice.

  • Ghost Candle:

Can’t wait to decorate the room in all darkness? Well, ain’t all darkness childlike? How about having customizable candles which come in an array of colours and scents? Sounds amazing!

Even better can be going with the flow of having a classic fall smell, which is quite similar to a pumpkin pie or Halloween theme. Make sure to choose something that works for your pal round the year.

These can be fresh lavender, sandalwood, or some other scent that your friend likes the most.

  • Halloween Gummy Candy:

Halloween without a treat- a candy makes absolutely no sense. Thus, get smart with choosing a mouth-watering candy for your best friend.

Gummy candies like bears and worms can be a colorful and fun addition. Opt for gummy candies from reputable brands like Eat Rotten with reduced sugar content. Being mindful of dietary considerations, such as vegan or gluten-free options, can accommodate various guests. Using creative and themed presentation containers adds a festive touch to your Halloween candy setup.

Make sure you take permission to play with your food. And, the best part is specialized candies like kabobs are most wanted for the same reason. So, stack these in any order and give these to your friend for good taste!

Safety Tips When Giving Gifts This Halloween

Ensuring safety when selecting Halloween gifts is crucial for an enjoyable celebration. To start, consider the age of the recipients and choose gifts that match their age and maturity level.

Opting for non-toxic materials and inspect labels for safety certifications is essential, particularly with items like face paint, makeup, or craft supplies. Avoid choking hazards, especially for children, by removing small items or parts that can easily break off.

When gifting costumes, prioritize flame-resistant materials and confirm proper sizing to prevent tripping or accidents. Select non-toxic and hypoallergenic options for face paint and makeup products, testing a small skin patch for any adverse reactions.

If offering battery-operated decorations, ensure they come with working batteries and adhere to safety standards. For Halloween-themed food items, check expiration dates and package integrity, bearing in mind any food allergies.

Before purchasing Halloween-themed products, read customer reviews to gauge their quality and safety. Lastly, if gifting to children, emphasize responsible adult supervision during activities involving sharp objects, like pumpkin carving or candle lighting, and make sure trick-or-treaters have access to emergency contact information.

Respect personal preferences when choosing gifts, as some people may not enjoy overly spooky or scary items. By prioritizing safety, you can help ensure this occasion is fun and safe for everyone.

That’s a Wrap for the Night Full of Fright

Backyard Tic Tac Toe, Cookie Jar, Artisan Assortment, Witch Doll, and others are some options to make your best friend’s Halloween special.

Which one did you like the most for your pal? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

The Seafood Bar is Soho’s hottest new opening, set within a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse on the iconic Dean Street, this stylish, elegant space serves up a fantastic selection of fresh, sustainable seafood, without the high price tag.

Hailing originally from Amsterdam, this family-owned restaurant group is hoping to make their mark in London and replicate the success they have had in the Netherlands. Founded in 2012, the original Amsterdam restaurant was opened by Fons de Visscher, a fishmonger who had run his business for 27 years in his hometown of Helmond. What he doesn’t know about the catch of the day is not worth knowing. The London outpost is their fifth site and first international venture outside the Netherlands.

Whether you are new to the seafood scene or are a connoisseur, there is something for everyone at The Seafood Bar. The restaurants live by the ‘Lekkerbek’ philosophy (what might seem simple on the outside, is complicated on the inside), with unfussy dishes on the menu which allow the fish to speak for itself. All feature the freshest, seasonal produce, with shellfish taking centre stage.

Upon arrival we are greeted by the sommelier who swiftly recommends we don’t have the champagne but instead start our evening with a glass of Ferrari Trento DOC, a Blanc de Blanc that is perfectly creamy and dry. Bubbles dancing on my tongue with every sip, I’m converted. This arrives with one of the restaurant specialities, Maldon and West Mersea oysters. Both are delicious and distinct in taste. The Maldon offering a meatier taste while the West Mersea is fresh and full of cucumber tones.

Next up was the Sea bass ceviche, plump, juicy slices of fish marinated in lime and topped with chilli and coriander. Bursting with flavour this simple combination is both unbelievably fresh and tasty.

Highly recommended is La Plancha grill, a selection of crustaceans and fish that includes a half lobster, shrimp, squid, slip sole, king prawn, salmon and seabass fillet – all served with mussels in a light tomato sauce. This dish is probably best shared or skip the starter as the portion size is generous. I’d suggest you order a side of bread to mop up the tasty sauce. My guest opted for mussels cooked French style with white wine, garlic and cream. They didn’t disappoint, the bowl of delectable, meaty orange jewels pop with flavour. I’m quickly buying into the ‘Lekkerbek’ philosophy.

An array of quality wines from across the world are perfectly paired with The Seafood Bar menu, including Ruinart Champagne, Austrian Grüner Veltliner, and Provençal rosé wines.

Sustainable seafood is at the heart of The Seafood Bar. The de Visschers have huge respect for the environment and maintain close relationships with producers to ensure all seafood is sourced ethically and sustainably. Most recently, The Seafood Bar partnered with Nordic Blu to source the world’s most sustainably farmed salmon. The founding family not only looks to contribute to the preservation of healthy fish stocks by sourcing sustainably, they are also making other changes to minimise the restaurants’ environmental impact.

It’s early doors, but as the restaurant begins to fill you can see that it is going to be a Soho success. The space is a mixture of exposed brickwork and white clean surfaces peppered with quirky neon lights and signs. It feels cool but without trying too hard. The basement bar has a different vibe, perfect for a cocktail and smaller plates. There’s a schedule of events planned that will include late night oyster parties.

Reservations can be made at The Seafood Bar or call 020 7734 5656

The closest that most people will ever get to experiencing a heist would be through entertainment offerings. This means that the stereotype that we have in our minds of the typical bank robber may be vastly different to how they look in real life. When it first came to creating the classic Hollywood heister, filmmakers must have found a lot of inspiration from the fashion industry. There seems to be a trend in which all the thieves are incredibly well dressed.

The Heist Genre is Hugely Popular in Entertainment

Some of the most popular forms of entertainment over the years have belonged to the heist genre. The Ocean’s Eleven franchise represents some of the most successful and popular films, while heists have also been prominent in games like Grand Theft Auto V.

There’s just something about cracking a safe that brings huge excitement to viewers and players, which is why this has even been used as a theme for the Action Bank slot as well. This simple reel-spinner tasks players with cracking the safe themselves, in exchange for handsome returns if they get lucky.

Are Well Dressed Thieves Easier to Root For?

The striking thing about the heist genre is that the viewer is placed in a position where they are rooting for the thieves. This flips the script, as these people are acting in an immoral way. For this reason, filmmakers have had to employ techniques to make them likeable and to influence the viewer to get in their corner. This is often done through comedy and charm, or by giving them an underlying good cause to pursue – this could be classed as our natural response to the Robin Hood effect.

Another more common trope, though, is to have the thieves dress in the best fashion of the time to endear them to viewers. If the bank robbers are wearing slick outfit choices, they instantly earn credibility and respect from the people watching them.

What are the Most Stunning Outfits Worn by Heist Actors?

One of the most memorable suits in Ocean’s Eleven was Brad Pitt’s gray split-lapel suit. This was a call back to fashion from the 1970s, and the actor made it cool again when he sported it in the Steven Soderbergh film. It had a single button closure with wide shoulders, and various hidden features that served to make it look slick and clean.

The more recent Ocean’s 8 arguably had the best outfits ever seen in a heist movie. The Gary Ross film was a twist on the original with an all-female lineup. This allowed the costume designer Sarah Edwards to achieve some incredible things with the wardrobe. Aside from creating original get-ups for the picture, Edwards also picked out some stunning pieces from world-famous designers. One of the standout dresses was worn by Sandra Bullock during the Met Gala in the film. This was made by Alberta Ferretti, and its most prominent feature was its gold embroidery.

Fashion has always played a major role in the entertainment industry, but it really comes to the fore in the heist genre. It serves a purpose in helping viewers side with antiheroes and reflects the smoothness of heist members.

To celebrate World Coffee Day, Mr Black, the sophisticated cold brew, coffee liqueur has created some of their favourite cocktails perfect for coffee lovers.

Mr Black Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 60ml Mr Black

• 30ml Coffee

Method: Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake hard. Strain into a Coupe glass.

Coffee Tonic

Ingredients:

• 45ml Mr Black

• Top with Tonic

Method: Combine ingredients, top with tonic and store, garnish with a citrus wedge.

White Russian

Ingredients:

• 30ml of Mr Black Coffee Liqueur

• 25ml of Chase Vodka

Method: Mix ingredients and ice and top with milk or milk alternative e.g. oat or coconut and serve in enamel mug over ice.

Mr Black Chocolate Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 45ml Mr Black

• 15ml Creme De Cacao

• 30ml Vodka

• 30ml Espresso or Coffee

Method: Shake hard on ice and strain into a Coupe glass and garnish with shaved Chocolate.

Mr Black Cold Brew Irish Coffee

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Mr Black Coffee Liqueur

• 1 part Whisky

• Dash of cream

Method: Build the ingredients in a rocks glass over ice.

Mr Black is used by some of the World’s Best Bars including The Savoy, as well as renowned institutions including the new NoMad London, Ronnie Scott’s, Callooh Calley, Swift Bar and JKS’s Brigadiers where it is served on nitro tap. Mr Black is also available to purchase at Waitrose and Amazon.