Spain - House Of Coco Magazine

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Experience the flavours of Seville with the UK’s First Negroni Fountain

Here at House of Coco, we’re all massive fans of a good summer cocktail, so when we heard that Tanqueray has launched the UK’s First Negroni Fountain? You can bet your bottom dollar, we’ll be the first ones to try it out.

In collaboration with Drake & Morgan, the Negroni Fountain was launched to celebrate the new Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin; a new premium orange flavoured gin that’s exactly what we need to quench our thirst (for cocktails) during Britain’s current scorching temperatures. Inspired by Charles Tanqueray’s innovative use of bittersweet Seville oranges during his original 1830s gin recipes, Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla balances citrus flavours, notes of tangerine and coriander, and the bittersweet undertones of Seville oranges. And while Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla may not qualify as part of your five a day, it is definitely the perfect addition to spruce up a classic Negroni.

The Negroni Fountain was inspired by the classic Spanish drinking fountains found in traditional plazas across Spain. Vibrant azulejos tiles hand-painted with illustrations of the infamous Seville oranges decorate the fountain, make you feel like you are drinking from the fountain of youth, or in this case gin. The Negroni Fountain is also surrounded by a charming little mini orange grove; filled with lush foliage and zesty fruits. We can assure you that after one sip of the Rosy Negroni cocktail, a combination of Belsazar rosé vermouth, Campari and Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin; and you will be instantly transported to theromance of Southern Spain.

Check out Tanqueray’s Negroni Fountain at The Anthologist in Manchester until August 12, 2018. The Anthologist is Manchester’s newest opening and features a dreamy planted terrace and year round alfresco dining. You can also find Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Rosy Negroni in 22 Drake & Morgan sites across the UK.

And just so we don’t leave you hanging, here’s a cheeky little recipe to get the Perfect Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Negroni…

Take 25 ml Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, 25 ml Campari, 25 ml Belsazar Rosé into an old fashioned glass (with ice of course) and garnish with a fresh Orange Peel for the perfect summer cocktail. You’re welcome.

For more information on Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, please visit: www.tanqueray.com

Girl Bosses November 9, 2023

Girlbosses of Great Britain : The One With The Handbags with Sarah Haran

Sarah Haran is the founder and creative director behind her brand of the same name. Something that launched on the back of her hobby, she was inspired to make a handbag that not only looked the part but it kept you organised whilst on the move too. Now, making waves in the industry, craftsmanship is at the forefront of the brand and Sarah Haran is one to watch.

We spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Sarah Haran…

As Founder, Creative Director and Mum of two, what started as a hobby – when I taught myself how to make handbags, became a passion that I finally turned into my career! I was inspired to create the perfect handbag to ensure I was completely organised when on the move and was carrying a bag that worked easily with the wardrobe I travelled with. I also wanted to be confident and “look the part” in every situation.

Whilst working full time as Chief Operating Officer of a publicly listed company, iomart, I learned how to design and produce handbags myself. Following an apprenticeship with the ex Creative Director of Mulberry, I designed the Dahlia. This beautifully functional tote bag soon became my every day bag and as friends and colleagues began requesting their own, the Sarah Haran brand was born

True craftsmanship is at the forefront of your brand, why is that important to you?

My love of style and my need for functionality that didn’t compromise quality or craftsmanship was really key to me. I wanted to create a lasting product that was not only sustainable but was something you could rely on every day and would not fall to pieces. I also wanted to create a product that could be restyled to make the handbag look completely different by simply adding on different accessories.

As I grew my brand it was no longer feasible to produce every handbag personally, so I began my hunt for the perfect partners who understood the craftsmanship values I wanted to bring to my brand. I wanted craftsmen and women who understood the need to create a product that would last.

Preferring family-run businesses, rather than big, faceless factories it took me ages to find the right partners. I literally researched for hours online and then travelled around Europe and found small factories in England, Spain and Turkey, with over 100 years of experience in producing handbags and small leather goods.

You only work with small partners, opposed to faceless factories that have a high turnover. We really respect this and would love to know, what are your views with regards to fast fashion?

I have always loved the skills and craftsmanship associated with smaller artisan led family-run production businesses, rather than faceless factories, When I was in my teen years I designed my own clothes and was fascinated by the skills of the local tailors (I lived in the Middle East at the time). My mother taught me to sew and I really enjoyed it – sourcing fabrics and trims was much cheaper then, than buying ready-made clothes.

Whilst you might never want to be seen twice in an outfit I think you would have made more effort to try to restyle an outfit in the past but with the advent of fast fashion you can literally purchase another outfit for such a low cost that there is no encouragement to restyle or reuse.

Thankfully, I think that we are all now so much more aware that it is time for us to all make more considered purchases that have a greater longevity and help reduce the impact on our planet. Whilst I truly respect everyone’s decision on how they purchase I do think the fashion industry has a responsibility to do better and enable us all to be able to buy better. Our handbags have deliberately been designed so that you can restyle them to look different thus ensuring your look can be easily changed with an accessory. They come with a lifetime guarantee as well so we are really standing behind the life of our products.

Since launching the brand, what has been your biggest achievement?

I think having the confidence to step out of my previous IT role and take the decision to actually start my business was a huge achievement. Since then the achievement of launching a brand that has received over 350 5 star endorsements and how we have changed the lives of our customers really is my biggest achievement. Reaching our second year in business and achieving our sales goals has also been a highlight, as well as being recognised for having a seriously excellent product by the Observer, The Guardian, Daily Mail You Magazine, Sunday Express, Marie Claire and Homes & Interiors, Good Housekeeping, and various online publications. It gives me confidence to keep pushing on!

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?

It’s always so hard when you start a new business, particularly when you change career and sector, you just don’t know what you don’t know. I was easily swayed at the start as I really did not know how to present my brand, so if I was to change anything it would be to really have stuck to my guns on what my brand is about. I think I probably stuck to long with a PR agency because it’s so easy to be sold the dream of quick success. If I could go back I would definitely change them out sooner!

Your bags are stunning and practicality is at the forefront of what you do. Do you plan on launching other products down the line?

Yes, ultimately I would like to design a range of beautiful products that really are functional and will aid women in their day to day life’s. We already have plans afoot for this and this year have already launched our first Merino & Cashmere wraps. Watch this space

What does 2020 look like for you?

2020 is full of opportunity I am sure. My brand has gained more traction, more reviews and we have a great team in place now to help us really grow the brand. We have new designs we are working on and I am really excited to enter the 20’s with a roar. We are here and we want to continue to empower women with beautifully functional products!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I have been very lucky to have travelled a lot seeing a range of different cultures and life’s. Next on my list would be going to Vietnam or the Cayman Islands. Both very different places but both hold a sense of a different life to my normal every day so definitely on my bucket list.

What’s a piece of advice you have received that has stuck with you?

I think a key bit of advice I have received is that you should always be willing to be easy to do business with. There are so many opportunities out there and everyone approaches them differently but the lesson of being willing to listen, to take on advice and to provide an excellent service makes you easy to do business with.

I have found that making our brand customer focussed and easy to deal with has given our customers a high quality experience. This has led to over 350 5-star reviews for our products with a net promoter score of +98%.

For anyone wanting to launch a fashion brand, what advice would you give?

Stick to what you believe your brand is all about and try not to be swayed by other ideas or input from others. You started your brand inspired by your own story or experiences and its often easy to get distracted.

Make sure you know who your customer is inside out, it really will make things so much easier.

Finally, I think you must also be sure you love what you do – you spend more time working on your brand so you must be passionate about it. Some days will be tough! Be willing to hustle as people simply may not take you seriously at the start. You have think out of the box to get their support. Hustle to get sales as well, that’s the true lifeblood of your business.

Find out more…

www.sarahharan.com

#sarahharanuk on facebook, twitter and instagram

Argentina November 9, 2023

Women Worldwide : Not Afraid to Stand out with Camille Defago

Camille Defago might only be 21 years old, but this girl is one to watch. Born and raised in Lima, Peru she is passionate about fashion. Her mission as a designer is to empower creativity in to everyone that wears her clothes and she offers something original, vivid, and extrovert with her designs. Think bold and bright, Camille Defago is the brand that will brighten up even the darkest of days.

Entrepreneurial from a young age, Camille was always destined for greatness. We spent some time with her to find out more about her, the brand and her plans for the future…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to Camille Defago the brand… Oh my god I’ve been through so much, hahaha. When I was 15 I started designing collages but didn’t have the confidence to publish them or show them. When I moved to Buenos Aires I decided to create a Instagram account with a fake name and started posting my collages. I started getting lots of engagement and reactions so I decided to change the name to By Camille Defago. Then I moved back to Lima and printed my collages on big frames, I sold every single one of them. This encouraged me to create my first brand called Viva la Vida, it was a brand of men’s swimwear that were printed with my colorful collages. I had such a terrible experience making my first summer campaign for Viva la Vida (because of the photography and video team) that when I sold every swim short I decided to leave the brand aside and not continue with it. I didn’t want people to know me as a random brand, I wanted people to know me by my name, Camille. This is when I decided to launch myself as a designer and started creating pieces under my name as a designer. You want your customers to feel empowered when wearing your designs, how do you achieve this? I achieve this by offering extrovert, colorful, joyful designs. Each collage has a story and great memories behind them. People highlight from the rest each time they use my clothing because of the color. I don’t want them to feel ashamed about standing out from the croud, from breaking boundaries, for being different and original, I want them to feel empowered, GREAT. Achieving this through strong and bold collages. Bright, colourful and bold, your designs make a statement. Who is your dream customer? My dream customer would definitely be top celebrities. I would love someday to dress Chiara Ferragni, Alexa Chung, Bella Hadid and other jet setters. But my actual dream customer is a girl who is confident of herself, who loves everything about her, LOVES to travel and spend her summer’s in Mykonos or on the beautiful beaches of France. She is confident, strong, bold, she is light and definitely stands from the crowd. She doesn’t care what people think about herself, she is true to herself and to her personal essence.

Only 21, you have achieved so much with the brand already. What has been your proudest moment?

I know I have achieved a lot of things by now but I have so much to go through. I have so many projects, visions and idea to take my brand to the next step. My proudest moment was my first fashion show which was this December 2019. We put on a great show: 20 international and national models, we did it at a huge house which was built 50 years ago so it had a renaissance twist to it, my collages were projected on the walls of the house, 150 guests, it was amazing.

Talk us through an average day at the business?

We have a weekly team meeting every Monday in which we talk about each months objectives and each team member’s tasks. Once a month in a week meeting we brainstorm about new ideas and visions that can be added to the brand. In this way I involve my team members and consider their ideas and opinions. I want them to feel as part of the family, part of The C Team. I want them to be as passionate to the brand as I am.

What are your plans for the future? I have changed my mind many times. I wanted to open physical stores in London, Dubai, Japan, New York and others. But learning about the new consumer now a days I have decided to invest 100% on e-commerce. Our consumers are changing into online consumers, not physical. So now my plans for the future is to focus on keep selling worldwide through fashion e-commerce platforms. I also have in my plans making pop up’s in beaches like Mykonos, Ibiza, Majorca, Sardinia, Santorini, Marbella, Corfu and other top destinations. I want to focus also on creating mind-blowing fashion editorials, amazing marketing campaigns, and taking my brand all around the world! My plans for the future and my main goal right now is to have the opportunity to showcase my collections at any fashion week: Paris, London, NYC, Milan. Anyone of them would be great and huge for the brand. Since launching the brand, what has been your highlight?

Definitely having the possibility of being featured on respected fashion magazines. Literally when I started my brand, my long term goal was to be showcased in Vogue. I had less than a year with the brand and I was featured on the most respected fashion magazines in the world: Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently? I believe everything I have been through has happened for a reason. I wouldn’t do anything different because it has made me who I am today as a designer, brand and person. I have learned so much in the business, without even studying Fashion Design. (I study communications hahaha). I know all of my experiences will take me somewhere big.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Definitely, The French Rivera, Mykonos, Amalfi, and Bali.

What quote do you like to read when you are lacking motivation? “You will never influence the world by trying to be like it” For anyone wanting to start their own fashion business, what advice would you offer?

Everything is about taking risks, you got to take risks in order to grow.

Don’t worry about stress, its just part of the process. That’s the beauty of it. Enjoy it.

JUST GO FOR IT.

What are your plans for the business in 2020?

My future for this year is to produce a swimwear collection for summer 2020 (Europe & USA), focus on creating mind-blowing editorials, and creating a beautiful campaign that involves my country, Peru. I will take and empower my collages into the three regions of Peru: Coast, Highlands & Jungle..

Find out more… www.camilledefago.comCamille has recently launched a blog on her website to talk about entrepreneurship, culture, fashion, art, and other factors that have made her and the brand what they are today..Instagram:Brand: @wearcamilledefagoPersonal: @camilledefago

Argentina November 9, 2023

Best Summer Wines for You

Its summer, it’s hot, and you want to go to the beach and have a nice splash in the sea. Meanwhile, some of us would prefer staying indoors since not every one of us like soaking in the hot and fiery sun. Both would be much more enjoyable with a nice glass of wine in hand, sipping the heat away with our favorite beverage. Most people would opt rosé over red since the weather is starting to heat up, which is understandable.

There is this notion that red wines are more suitable to drink in winter which is understandable. However, if red is your all-time favorite, you shouldn’t choose other wines since there are red wines that are suitable for the summer heat.

In reality, even in summer, as opposed to what a lot of people say, red wines have traits that are suitable even in the hot weather. Red wines are best when chilled at the right temperature, which is excellent if you want to ease the humidity of the air. Along with low tannin and alcohol levels, you could surely indulge a little bit more without getting wasted and missing out on all the fun in the sun.

But still, choosing the best wine would be bothersome and exhausting, after all, there are a lot of them out there, so here are a few suggestions for you to try in Sokolin’s Wine Rating.

Barbera

With black cherry flavors with peppery-licorice flavors, along with a zesty finish, this wine is perfect for outside dining in a summer evening. This wine is also ideal for those people who don’t like fruity wines with a jammy texture.

Beaujolais

Sipping this wine delight is a wonder to behold as its taste would make you think of blueberries, violet atmosphere, with a little bit of loamy sand, enough to make you feel of a luscious garden of berries. Along with an excellent taste and aroma, it could also come as affordable as the average price for a bottle is $20.

Cinsault

Imagine someone throwing in a bunch of red berries in a blender; the outcome would be a red and fruity flavor and texture. The taste of this wine is acidic with a floral aroma that could counter its boisterous cherry flavor.

Frappato

This wine is a real masterpiece that came from Sicily, and still, it is underappreciated. The flavor is a mixture of candied oranges and raspberries with a low tannin level for easy drinking. This wine is a perfect pair for relaxing after having a fun time under the sun.

Nerello Mascalese

Another Sicilian treat with a lot of fruitiness and gritty texture, like the volcano where its grapes grow. This enjoyable delight has a severe tone into it, full with sour cherries, currants, and wild strawberries, this wine would surely be an adventure for you.

Gamay

Typically made from Burgundy, this French wine is used for a well-known autumn wine that is Beaujolais Nouveau. Gamay is light to drink, and it appeals to a lot of aromas such as cherries, black peppercorns, and dried fruit.

Tempranillo

This wine was made from a grape that was once commonly thought as a relative of pinot noir grape. This wonderful grape is often included in the mixture to create Rioja. When used solely to create wine, it produces lean wines and light. Cerro Anon Reserva and Rodei Tinto Rioja are great examples of wine made from the Tempranillo grape.

Nebbiolo

This intensely aromatic wine is created from a wine that is almost exclusively grown in the Piedmont region in Italy. The grape is used to create wines that are rich in flavor and taste like Barolo and also used to create lighter ones with big fruity flavors and spiciness.

Party Malbec

Made by an Argentinian winemaker Matias Riccitelli, this excellent wine was made with an unoaked style that emphasized on violet floral fragrance and black cherry flavors that is perfect with every meal with red meat in it. Summer is no excuse in missing out on the red meats, and what would possibly be a great companion in eating meats but having a great wine of Party Malbec in your glass after an exhausting but fun time on the beach with your friends and family.

Takeaway

Summer is a season of fun and adventure under the hot sun. After all the tiring activities like swimming in the sea, barbecue, road trips or even sunbathing, it would be nice if you have an excellent wineglass in your hand filled with your preferred red wine. Choosing the right wine would require you to do a lot of research and experimentation but at the end of the day, finishing a blissful day filled with fun with a perfect wine in your hands is the best.

Author Bio

Scarlett Wells is a freelance writer and wine enthusiast. She is an active critique examining all levels of wine types so she can produce reviews and articles that will help guide every consumer in selecting the right kind of wine to drink. Aside from that, she wrote a lot of blogs maximizing the real usage of wines. In her free time, she readsa lot about food and beverage pairing in order to help her become an effective mentor inspiring everyone to maintain a fit and fab lifestyle.

Adventures November 9, 2023

Summer Sailing Guide: The Best Places Around Europe

Summer is almost at the doorstep and it’s the time for sizzling barbeque parties, lazy days at the beach, ice-cold drinks and tons of outdoor activities. Summer is also the best time for holidays around Europe. The sunny days and the beautiful weather – it’s the time we look forward to all year long.

One way to explore the azure waters and the coastlines of some of the best places in Europe is by boat. Sailing is a great way to enjoy the natural and cultural richness of Europe through a new perspective.

Before you decide to take the boat out in the open waters, try to map out a route by researching different marinas and create your own unique route. You can also research popular boat trips and follow the plan to make the most out of your trip. And, if you are serious about sailing and are considering buying a new or used boat, check outBoats for sale.

From glamorous to exotic, Europe has some of the best sailing destinations in the world and, with the right guide, you can explore the best of the best. Listed below are some of the top jewels of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cannes Or The South Of France

The first on the list is the ever-so-glamorous and the oh-so-chic – the French Riviera. Warm, sunny, and radiant, the South of France has its own aura and vibe unlike anywhere else in the world.

Lined with charming pretty coastal towns, the French Riviera has some of the best sailing experiences Europe has to offer. Called the millionaire’s playground, you can taste the movie star lifestyle or under-the-radar sailing itineraries depending on what you crave.

Each town has something fascinating to offer – culture, art, history and a lot more. One of the most beautiful coastal lines to sail around is from Saint Tropez to Monaco, or simply known asCote d’Azur.

What can you not do around Cote d’Azur? Home of almost half of all yachts in the world, you can get a first-class seat to the swanky lifestyle in Saint Tropez, indulge in perfect Provencal cuisine in Cannes, and roam around in museums adorning Picasso and Matisse.

The views are nothing short of spectacular. Breathtaking hilltop towns and pristine sandy beaches, your eyes won’t get tired any time soon. if you are feeling more adventurous, you can venture into the Isles d’Hyeres or Isles de Lerins for a fun, relaxing break.

The South of France has it all – gorgeous postcard views with clear water, this fabulous sailing destination can also be your perfect getaway for shopping and dining.

Croatia

One of its coasts known as the ‘the next Riviera’,Croatia has some of the most spectacular coasts of Europe. Enchanting islands, rugged mountains, and magnificent cities – Croatia captures the best of Europe. Rich in culture and history, there’s no better way to explore this country’s spectacular islands than a luxury boat or a yacht.

To give you a scale of how much you can explore around Croatia, the country has almost one thousand islands scattered along its coastline. The Dalmatian island is famous for its sparking bays, far-flung fishing villages, and translucent sea. You can feel the true spirit of the Mediterranean here in its full glory.

Every island has its own character and is waiting to be explored. Not just the islands, the cities are gloriously preserved with ancient monuments and relics sprawled all over, and, not to mention the luscious green national parks that surrounds it all.

The most famous coast-side town in Croatia is Dubrovnik. Its ancient city walls and sleek marble streets still stand witness to a glorious past long gone. You can get a view of the city from the water and explore the islands of Mljet and Korcula, the port town of Trogir and tiny Bisevo and Vis Island.

The best time to sail along the coasts of Croatia is from April to November with July and August bolstering the smoothest water. Don’t venture out in the water in September and October unless you are a seasoned sailor.

Italian Riviera

If you think you are not familiar with the beauty of Italian Riviera, think again! You have surely seen the beautiful villages around Italian Riviera in postcards and heard of the UNESCO listed fishing village of Cinque Terre.

The sparkling turquoise sea and the crescent-shaped Coast of Liguria are unique to the Italian Riviera. The gorgeous landscape, culture, art, andmouth-watering Italian cuisine make this one of the best places to sail in the world.

Narrow medieval streets, brightly colored houses, and the seaside attractions makes the Italian Riviera a fascinating once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure. You can start sailing from the famous San Remo and sail your way to Portofino. You will come across dazzling bays, cute old ports, and calm beaches.

Don’t forget to weigh down your anchor and explore the quaint, little villages. You will find small amazing alfresco cafes and restaurants alongside shopping boutiques surrounded by alluring art and architecture.

Turkish Riviera

The old meets the new in the Turkish Riviera, it has the most unique and captivating European coastlines. Turkey is a land immersed in rich culture and history. You will find stunning ancient ruins, pebble coves, and traditional fishing villages surrounded by blue waters.

Turkish cuisine is famous all over the world along with the warm inviting Turkish hospitality. You can enjoy the enthralling, sun-soaked shores and indulge in activities such as watersports.

The magic of Turkey remains in its blue water, the people and reliable wind that will take you anywhere your heart desires.

Greek Islands

We can’t end this article without mentioning the fabulous Greek Islands. Another jewel of the Mediterranean, its dazzling blue calm and warm water can alone make you at home with the famous Greek mythology. If there’s one place that has all the charm of the Aegean Sea, it’s Greece. And there’s no better way to discover this land but by the sea in your own boat or yacht.

So, what’s stopping you from taking your boat to the most amazing destinations? When the sea beckons and the wind summons, who are we to say no? Bon Voyage and Happy Sailing!

Accessories November 9, 2023

Marielle Kangasniemi shows how Bagpad is all about loving handbags and the environment

Any self-confessed bagaholic is familiar with the age old dilemma of taking care of their prized designer handbags. It is exactly this brilliant bit of insight that inspired fellow handbag lover, Marielle Kangasniemi, to create Bagpad.

The idea for Bagpad is simple. Originally inspired by the iconic Hermès Birkin, Bagpad is a specially sized and customisable product that supports the interior of your handbags, maintaining its shape, and also reducing moisture damage. Besides being an absolute must for handbag lovers the world over, Bagpad also provides a longterm solution to keeping the shape of your handbags, while reducing plastic waste.

We catch up with Bagpad Founder, Marielle Kangasniemi, and talk all things Bagpad, her collaboration with One Ocean Foundation, and about the biggest challenges and triumphs she has faced as a GirlBoss.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what inspired you to start Bagpad?

I’ve always to do something on my own, I just needed to find the idea. So after I finished my masters in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management at Istituto Marangoni, I knew I wanted to do something within fashion and luxury. I’ve also always had a passion for handbags, so I decided to combine my passion with my knowledge and came up with this unique solution that didn’t exist before. Now when you think about it, it’s such an obvious thing that all handbag lovers need.

The iconic Hermès Birkin Bag is the inspiration behind the bagpad, as this is a bag that really needs support when it’s not in use. So the first bagpad was made to fit the Birkin bag, but now we offer bagpads to fit any designer handbag. The bagpads can also be personalised with monogramming and we offer fun patches for decoration too. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who has a handbag.

How important is sustainability to Bagpad? Could you’ll us more about your collaboration with One Ocean Foundation?

Sustainability is one of the core elements of Bagpad, as the whole idea was to create a long-term solution for keeping handbags in shape and reduce the use of plastic. What’s currently in use is bubblewrap, plastic bags, or tissue paper? We know that plastics are the most common form of trash in landfills, and the most dangerous form of pollution. The ocean is filling up with garbage, so in order to help, we are in collaboration with the One Ocean Foundation, which raises awareness about the urgency to resolve problems plaguing our marine ecosystems. They create specific projects to help safeguard marine life, and also perform beach cleanups throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Every individual can contribute to saving the oceans through simple but virtuous actions.

At Bagpad we are very committed to do our part to save the planet, and so we use biodegradable packaging and recyclable materials. Plastic in itself can be harmful to the leather and interior of the bag, as it might transfer colour, start ‘sweating,’ or even scratch the leather, which is why we use only premium materials that are especially suitable for designer handbags.

What steps can we take to become more conscious consumers?

Always choose the more long-term solution. Even if you can’t find a completely sustainable and Eco-friendly product, it’s better to choose the one that lasts longer, even if it might cost a bit more. There is already so much waste in this world, so any conscious decision to reduce the use of plastic is for the better.

It’s also important to take care of what you have so that it lasts longer. That’s why it’s important to take care of your handbags. They are meant to be used for a long time and if you take proper care of them they can last decades.

There are many ways to take care of handbags, but the most important one is to keep them filled when not in use. This prevents the leather from creasing and helps the bag to keep its shape. Our bagpads also protect from excessive moisture to keep the bag in perfect condition.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

To find time to do everything! I wish I could clone myself so that I would have time to do everything and be everywhere at the same time. It’s challenging but also very exciting to work with all aspects of the business. I learn so much everyday and I feel so grateful for having this opportunity.

Another thing that can be tricky is figuring out the marketing strategy. There is so much going on in social media and consumers are exposed to so much marketing all the time, so it can be difficult to stand out. You really need to know who your customers are and where they spend their time. Luckily our product is unique and customers can really see the value in it.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

If you have an idea or a chance to start something on your own, just do it! You can dream however much you want but if you never start, you will never know. Don’t be scared of setbacks, they help you grow and push you in the right direction. There is always help available and especially London is such a great environment to start a business. I’ve met so many inspiring people here and you never know who you’ll meet, there’s always someone who knows someone. Expanding your network is key!

WWW.BAGPAD.CO.UK

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Wild Hearts – Road Tripping in Wyoming

“My parents are ranchers, they work. I play music” quips Chancey Williams with a quick grin and shrug of his shoulders. We’ve collared the former saddle bronc rider, frontman of Chancey Williams and The Younger Brothers Band, the country music toast of Wyoming, for a chat after a chance encounter in the dark but welcoming dining room of the historic Hotel Wolf in downtown Saratoga.

Saddle bronc, in case you aren’t fluent in cowboy, is a rodeo event where a rider rides a horse who is trying to buck him off. I’m sure you know the one and might have even tried your hand on a mechanical one in a terrace bar in Ibiza, it can’t just be me. What you and I might see as a novel thing to do with a metallic green wig on, (surely not just me, still?) is a real badge of honour around these parts. In fact, Chancey in his beige cowboy hat and non-ironic shining belt buckle is one of only two people to have competed in ‘The Daddy of ‘em all’, Cheyenne Frontier Days as a competitor and a performer. He’s shoulder to shoulder with much loved, and missed, Chris Le Doux. Turn on the radio while you are in the state and you’ll be treated to their music and a sweet, sweet throwback to when T-Swizzle did Country.

We’d come to Wyoming to explore the spirit of the Old West and in my British naivety, I’d been expecting a few mocked up spaghetti western Ghost Towns and the opportunity for some Westworld quips for the ‘gram. What I hadn’t reckoned on is how much that spirit is still felt, most keenly in the love and respect that Wyomingians have for horses and rodeo, immortalised in their state emblem of the horse Steamboat. Heck, one of the vibrant artists we met, Jill Pope in Cheyenne, has a 10-year-old grandson who rides bulls in rodeo and the beautiful Morgan and Emily on the Historic Trails West in Casper gossiped about classmates’ horses and high school rodeo in the way that British 16-year-olds could only about crappy part-time boyfriends. Since we’d driven the 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport in Colorado from the watchful gaze of gigantic stallion ‘Blucifer’ over the border to Cheyenne, the land and sky had opened up, traffic had died down and we’d arrived in the Cowboy State. Perhaps this was one of Ford’s tricks after all.

Our road trip started in state capital Cheyenne, outside the striking red ‘Wrangler’ building. This western clothing store has been a beacon in the petite downtown since the late 1800s, but these days you’d be more likely to be agonising over whether you can really rock a diamond-encrusted Stetson rather than afford a nice chunk of bison that used to hang from the meat rails out front. My answer to both, in Cheyenne, you sure can. While Europeans might well scoff at the American idea of ‘history’, Cheyenne has packed it in since being established in 1867.

Wafting my ‘old-fashion AC unit’ fan as we tour the city in our trolley, Esther, the tales from the wild west start to come to life. Driving around we hear about western favourites Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, enterprising brothel madams who invited local ladies to tea in the afternoons while providing a backdoor escape route for their husbands and the secretive tunnels that run underneath the town purportedly to heat buildings using steam from the railroad.

What took me aback was the wealth of strong women in the history of Cheyenne. Our trolley’s namesake was Esther Hobart Morris, widely celebrated as a hero in the suffragette movement and America’s very first female Justice of the Peace. Just before her appointment, Wyoming had become the first state to give women the vote, ultimately earning it the nickname ‘The Equality State’. Let’s bear in mind that they were given the right to vote so there were enough voting citizens to meet the population requirement for statehood…but nevertheless, they beat us Brits to it by nearly 50 years. #GirlBoss.

In addition to the historic marvels in town, you can feel the pioneering spirit in modern-day Cheyenne. On a quick evening exploration of downtown I stumble across co-working space/bar/coffee shop Paramount, housed in a vintage cinema, we sup craft ales between sucking at the game corn-hole on the patio at Danielmark’s Brewing and nibble finger food at afternoon tea at the lovingly restored Nagle Warren Mansion B&B with owner Jim. This marriage of the hipster and the Old West makes me want to move right in but saddle up, reader, the trail continues…

Leaving Cheyenne we make a quick pit stop at the highly instagrammable foodie spot, Chugwater. This teeny town of 212 people hosts The Chugwater Chili Cook-Off every June and is home to Wyoming’s oldest operating soda fountain. The faded beige and yellow store sits alone on a dusty main road and pushing the door, the bell tinkles and you step back in time. Sit at the bar, order a maltshake under the watchful gaze of Wendell the elk and his collection of vintage bottles and cans, and fall in love with a tradition that time almost forgot.

Fuelled by a Hawaiian sea salt maltshake, we explore historic Oregon Trail sites the Ruts at Guernsey, a lasting memory from the wagons travelling west for a better life, and Register Cliff and Fort Laramie, an impressive National Parks site that captures the spirit of the principal military post on the Northern Plains. The town of Fort Laramie is home to the treasure trove Frontier Trading Post, with locally made Native American Indian bags and accessories which certainly found homes in my suitcase before we decamped to the homey delights of Fort Laramie B&B.

The B&B is on owners Kathy and Arnold’s working ranch, where they’ve lovingly created a western paradise where guests stay in the plush Officer’s Quarters, a teepee complete with a ‘Go Your Own Way’ cushion and dreamcatcher, cosy repurposed sheep wagon or wood clad Cowboy Bunkhouse clustered around an open campfire and ranch building with communal library, collection of Stetsons and vintage bar

After claiming the teepee, I took to a rocking chair on the ranch building’s wrap-around porch as Kathy rustled up some delicious American fare. Later on, swapping travel tales around the crackling campfire, I’m schooled in the art of s’mores, then, guided by stars and a lantern, I snuggle in my teepee to the lullaby of crickets and maybe a distant coyote or two. Just saying ‘coyote’ would have terrified me a few days previous but being in the Cowboy state must make you embrace nature and toughen up.

Over Cowboy Coffee, brewed over the fire, and crunchy doughnut-like bear signs we reluctantly plan our next move, knowing we’ve experienced some of the best the state has to offer in Kathy and Arnold’s company. Waving goodbye, we hit the trails again, this time for Casper, for a tour of the National Historic Trails Interpretive Centre with Rob – not Ron – Swanson, a peek at the city’s very own T-Rex and an incredible 3-hour trip on the original Oregon Trail in a repro covered wagon complete with a lunchtime steak cookout. Yes, this state is as varied and wild as it sounds. We end our day in Casper with moonshine cocktails at circus-themed Backwards Distillery, live country Lorde covers in the recently launched David Street Station plaza and bar snacks and arcade games at The Gaslight Social. Another city to put on my ‘I could live here’ list.

From Casper we drive through dusty, storied towns like Medicine Bow, just missing the turning for local curio the Fossil Cabin Museum, a cabin constructed entirely of dinosaur bones and stopping for cokes by the historic Virginian Hotel, with its plush dark wood and flocked wallpaper. Every spot in this sparsely populated state is rich in culture and intrigue and by the time we pull into hot springs town Saratoga, we’ve forgotten what year we’re road tripping in and are thrown by lunch at forward-thinking restaurant Firewater, which wouldn’t feel out of place in Brooklyn. Saratoga’s natural springs have made it a tourist hotspot which can sustain diverse local businesses, from the conscious cuisine of Firewater to the vintage western clothing store Strong Tower Design and local dive Rustic Bar, packed to the rafters with locals clocking-off, sharing jokes with the resident stuffed mountain lions.

This brings us back to our opening encounter with Chancey and his band over dinner with local, but NY Times Bestselling, author C.J Box in that dark Hotel Wolf dining room. Chuck (CJ) has recently released the 18th book in his Joe Pickett crime series which centres around the town. He talks with passion and pride about Wyoming and the light he has shone on it through his work. That book, The Disappeared, focuses on the disappearance of a British woman enticed to the area by the promise of freedom for her wild heart to roam free. As I ride out at the riverside Vee Bar Ranch the next morning with my horse Aspen, the wranglers trusting his training to eclipse my non-existent experience, I understand wholeheartedly what brought her to Wyoming and vow to come back to feel the wind buffeting against my non-ironic Stetson.

We flew into Denver International Airport to explore the south of Wyoming on a direct flight from London Heathrow with United Airlines, united.com. To plan your very own wild Wyoming adventure we’d recommend you check out the downloadable itinerary planning tools at visitwyoming.com.

North America Travel Service offers a six-night holiday based on our itinerary from £1,132 per person including return flights with British Airways into Denver from London Heathrow, 7 days’ intermediate 4-door car hire, including insurance and satellite navigation, and six nights’ accommodation (2 nights’ room only at Little America in Cheyenne, 1 night at Fort Laramie Bed & Breakfast, 1 night inc breakfast at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper, 1 night room only at Saratoga Hot Springs, 1 night inc breakfast and accommodation only at Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie). Price based on two people sharing and based on travel in September 2018. To book please visit www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk, or call 0161 839 8844.

Austria November 9, 2023

Top 10 Yacht Charter Spots for Party Lovers

The Mediterranean party scene is as much a part of a superyacht charter holiday as secluded hideaways, boutique shopping and thrills on high-powered water toys, and although you can easily host your own private party aboard your luxury yacht or on a beach, the bars and clubs of your destination are as much a part of the local flavour as the galleries, museums and other tourist attractions.Another great company is bvi yacht charters. The world’s top DJs flock to the Mediterranean for the largest parties and festivals in the world and quite often new talent and rising stars will appear at these 10 Mediterranean party destinations.

1. Ibiza, the Balearic Islands
It will come as no surprise that the Balearic Islands in Spain have a long established reputation as the party capital of the Western Mediterranean and it is unlikely to change anytime soon. Mixed in with the traditional architecture and high-adrenaline fun along the sandy beaches is a roaring night scene that doesn’t need to wait until the sun goes down to get the party started.

Ocean Beach in Ibiza creates a fantastic pool party atmosphere right beside the waterfront so that you never miss those gorgeous sunsets as you dance to live music and sip a heavenly cocktail prepared by one of the friendly staff.

While you’re in the area, follow in celebrity footsteps and head to Playa d’en Bossa and the Sa Trinxa bar for music from local legend Jon Sa Trinxa.

2. Porto Montenegro, Montenegro
Setting standards high since its opening in 2010, the Porto Montenegro Yacht Club offers the height of luxury in an area known for its boutique stores, lavish spas and top of the range accommodation.

Whether you are stopping by for a day and want to soak in the atmosphere or host your very own sparkling affair, Porto Montenegro has everything for a simply unforgettable superyacht charter.

3. Porto Cervo, Sardinia
Home of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta which took place earlier this month, Porto Cervo knows how to cater to the luxury yacht charter crowd with fine dining, lavishly decorated surroundings and music to get you on your feet and dancing through the night. The world’s top DJs regularly take part in events in the area and the burgeoning nightclub scene will always have something to offer visitors to the area.

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda located at the edge of the marina is the first place to kick off your evening with exquisite meals along the pool-side terrace and a great selection of drinks at the bar. Sottovento and the Billionaire’s Club are two other alternative venues that have a long-established reputation in the nightclub scene, but half the fun of a holiday away from home is making your own discoveries far from the well-beaten track – and this seaside town will not disappoint.

4. Hvar, Croatia
After a long day among the natural treasures of the Dalmatian Coast, sit back with some smooth Jazz at the Central Park Club in the town of Hvar. Located only meters away from the port of Hvar, Central Park Club is conveniently close to your luxury yacht and has a fantastic variety of cocktails and options for dinner while you’re entertained by the band playing blues or swing.

The landmark of St Stephen’s Cathedral is surrounded by nightlife options: restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs all add to the scene and in the summer months the parties can last all night long. Epitomising this ‘out until the break of dawn’ mindset is Pink Champagne, a club that opens its doors from 2 am until 6 am and is open every night throughout the summer months. Sit aside an watch the action from the VIP area or get on the dancefloor and bang your head to the beats with several resident DJs keeping your night on track.

5. Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos needs no introduction among the party crowd, but visitors to the island might not be aware of the extent to which Nammos Beach Bar goes to serve guests arriving by luxury yacht: Along with an exclusive transfer service, they will organise parties on board your superyacht and deliver food directly for those times when you’ve done too much in the day yet still want a sample of the local lifestyle.

The island itself is divided into a more sedate beach lifestyle up north while the southern shores are dedicated to all adrenaline-rushing pursuits – the perfect place to try out all the superyacht water toys. During the day, the burgeoning tourist industry pampers visitors with luxury goods, bespoke boutiques and spas and for lunch there is plenty of tapas bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from.

6. Aiya Napa, Cyprus
The rugged coastline of Cyprus has been a popular tourist destination for decades and its bar and club scene has built up around a tourist industry catering to the younger generations.

The Castle Club is considered by many to be Aiya Napa’s best venue for techno, trance, hip-hop and R&B and you and your guests can experience the VIP treatment away from the crowds up in the luxury lounge of Arena 5.

Pepper Bar Lounge is another great setting for a night on the town: their cocktails are legendary, the music is smooth and the servings of sushi are not to be missed.

Nearby Nissi Beach is known to host foam parties and an assortment of bars for a loud and lively night on the tiles. Return in the daytime and capture the picture perfect sights of one of the most stunning beaches in Cyprus… but be sure to arrive before 10 am because this attraction is no secret.

7. Cannes, France
Following the Cannes Film Festival, one party melts into the next for a season of sizzling entertainment. Exclusive bars such as Le Baoli offer a sophisticated atmosphere with a dress code to match, while charter guests looking for a more informal evening that’s just as high end will appreciate Gotha Club, which has been frequented by Paris Hilton and Leonardo di Caprio in the past.

8. Port Hercule, Monaco
The French Riviera almost seems like one non-stop party from the first day of the Cannes Film Festival until the final moments of the Monaco Grand Prix, and Monaco welcomes visitors with open arms. Days of music festivals can fill your charter holiday in this location alone, with Jazz nights, R&B and contemporary pop filling the evening air.

The heart-pounding year-round night life gains even more energy during the summer months, when Port Hercule witnesses the action of the Monaco Grand Prix. Visitors to the area will be spoiled for choice for where to spend the evening, although La Rascasse, Jimmy’z and Zelo’s Restaurant, Bar & Nightclub are local institutions well worth your time.

9. Saint Tropez, France
Another famous party spot along the French Riviera, Saint Tropez adds to the summer events through its thriving party scene. Of the most lauded is Les Caves du Roy where the intricate and vibrant interior sets the stage for a night of drinks and dancing to the beat of the best music in St Tropez.

If Saint Tropez proves too crowded at the time of your visit, nearby Ramatuelle and Pampelonne has a great selection of clubs and places to dine. Nikki Beach and Club 55 take the top spots for party-goers searching for an electric night in beautiful beach-side locations.

10. Paceville, Malta
Majestic and mystical, Malta has all the beauty of ancient times as well as a firm head in the here and now: St Julian’s district in Paceville is central in Malta’s party scene and tourists have an assortment of entertainments to fill the moonlight hours. The aptly named Twenty Two nightclub is located on the 22nd floor of the Hilton Hotel, Malta‘s tallest building. Whether you sit back with a cocktail listening to music form the 80s to the present, or take to the dance floor, you will be surrounded by finery arguably unmatched anywhere else in the region.

Match your Mediterranean party holiday with the perfect superyacht to meed your needs: Whether you are looking for a sailing yacht with a Jacuzzi or a 50m/164ft+ motor yacht with all the spa facilities for rest and recuperation from a big night out, the friendly brokers at Charterworld
can assist you. Contact CharterWorld today for more information, or peruse the Mediterranean superyachts for charter.

Fashion November 9, 2023

Interview | Victoria Ekanoye

This week I caught up with actress and girl boss Victoria Ekanoye to discuss her busy schedule as an actress her charity work and how she maintains that perfect balance and most importantly how she likes to switch off from the world – take an insight into her world!

1) Tell us about your favourite holiday destination?

Ah you’ve started with a tough one! I’ve been so lucky to see so much of the world in my line of work, but Koh Samui, Thailand is probably up there with one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The people are so warm and accommodating, and the food is incredible. Fresh coconuts chopped from the tree every morning is definitely an indulgence I could get used to!

2) You live a fast pace life – with your work between the US, France and the U.K. – what are your beauty regime essentials that you can’t deal without?

With stage/screen make up being an almost daily part of my job, I’d say that regardless of the products, cleansing your skin at night (especially taking off your make up) so that your skin can breathe and heal, is a must! I have an amazing beautician, Claire Hayhurst, at Blush in Rawtenstall and she has recently introduced me to Environ, Skin EssentiA, so I’m currently trialling that. As a basic rule, I drink a minimum of 2 litres of water a day, try to get 8 hours sleep every night and have recently cut out dairy, which I’d say has made the biggest different to my whole body.

3) Tell us about your charity work? And why you’re so passionate about it?

I suppose this is how many people feel, but our family seems to have been dealt more than its fair share of illnesses, it’s been really tough. I’m extremely grateful for the aid we’ve received and just feel that with whatever influence I’m fortunate to have, I want to use it to help those who’ve helped us. I’m currently working on projects with Sickle Cell Care Manchester, The Rossendale Hospice and The Christie to help raise funds for the incredible, selfless work they do.

4) We live in a social media age – how do you switch off?

I like to take long baths with essential oils, candles and music. It’s nice to be able to switch off from the constant pinging of a mobile phone and to try and unclog your mind of the days stresses. I fall asleep to guided mediation most nights which really helps to reset my mind for the next day.

5) How did you get into acting?

Well, I didn’t exactly train the conventional way; we couldn’t afford as a family for me to attend the expensive drama schools, but I loved to perform, so I had a rather fanciful childhood of make believe and was constantly asking my family to watch whatever ‘entertainment’ I’d cooked up that week!

I think training in musical theatre is pretty vital as it equips you with technique to fall back on, especially when doing 8 shows a week. Tv and Film work, I feel, leaves a little more scope for raw talent. I struggled initially, feeling I would always be at disadvantage, but then I realised with age that the benefit of not training forced me to really trust my instincts and that in turn stopped me from overthinking the scene and allowed me to develop the character naturally.

I’m a singer first and foremost and so my career began in The Lion King. I went to an open audition and luckily they took a chance on me. It truly was a life changing experience and I couldn’t be more grateful for the lessons I learnt there. That was a pivotal point in my career and life and I’ll always have a place in my heart for the people and the show.

6) Any tips for young actresses trying to make it?

Get as much experience as you can (paid or unpaid), trust your instincts and never stop learning. My very first Lion King director, Alex Sumner Hughes, suggested I try a few classes at The Actors Centre in Covent Garden, London and it ignited a little flame in belly for the tiny but vital subtleties in screen acting; the micro expressions, active listening, reacting…it made me want to film as much as possible so that I could watch my scenes back and really be honest with myself, work out what my strengths and my weaknesses were.

I found it so important to be able to self critique, it enabled me to find my niche, but it was also really important to be able to take others’ constructive criticism, both actors and non actors.

We aren’t always aware of how we come across and I really feel that your perspective must always be challenged in order for you to learn and grow. Plus you may be really funny and missing out on a career as the new Robin Williams, but not know it!
Last, but probably most important – don’t be disheartened by a ‘No’. A ‘No’ is just an opinion, opinions are subjective and that one person’s taste may completely differ from the next. This is your dream, not theirs, so don’t give them the power to put out that fire in your belly…persevere.

7) We also heard that you like to sing! Tell us more about that!

Haha, I’m sure I drove my family and friends insane as a a little girl singing Whitney around the house. My mum loved her and I was just blown away by the command she had over her instrument. She was the reason I started singing and all I knew how to do was mimic her. My mum once entered me into local Stars in Their Eyes competition without telling me and I won singing ‘I Will Always Love You’. I think that was the point where I thought..hmmm maybe I’m not too bad at this!! I used to write a lot, which I always promised myself I would pick up again, but I never imagined I would end up in Musical Theatre as I had a crippling fear of acting.

The Lion King knocked that right out of me! You’re on stage, 6 nights a week, in front of over 2000 people, in one of the biggest shows in the world and you’re surrounded by such incredible talent…it is terrifying. But, you learn fast and you grow and ultimately you know that you don’t get to say ‘sorry guys, I messed up, can we just do that bit again. It’s live! So you just have to throw yourself in the deep end and trust yourself. It was my training and one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. At the moment, whilst working on tv, I don’t get to sing as much as I’d like, but when I’m lucky enough it’ll be jazz, the blues and every now and then a little rock!

8) What does sickle cell mean to you – and as an ambassador of the charity – what more can we do for awareness

Unfortunately, Sickle Cell is an illness that a lot of people suffer from, but not a lot of people know about. Simply put, it’s a severe form of anaemia. Best case scenario, you’re extremely lucky and don’t suffer too badly from the symptoms, are able to live a relatively normal life and are lucky enough to have children; maybe even see them have children. Worst case scenario, you can be on life time medication, become bed ridden, require regular blood transfusions, life saving operations, sometimes amputations and sadly, it can be fatal.

More than anything, because the doctors are already working brilliantly, I want to really help raise awareness of the condition and subsequently more funds, in order to enrich the lives of those suffering.

9) You seem like the perfect Girl Boss, everything we love at House of Coco – but girl bosses have a lot to balance – how do you manage your time – and how do you stay focused?

My calendar is my saviour! The minute I’m asked to do something, arrange anything, it goes straight in and gets checked regularly. There are a million positives to being a part of the entertainment industry, we’re extremely fortunate, but one of the few negatives is that you can’t really plan ahead with your loved ones.

My schedule can get really hectic and there isn’t a lot of routine as filming schedules can change last minute, so you just have to get good at dealing with change. Meditation and training come hand in hand and really help me to focus on the task at hand rather than allowing my mind to wander. My trainer, Lisa Latona, at Nuffield Health really pushes me and helps me step outside my comfort zone, which in turn equips me to be mentally stronger and take on whatever fun new challenge life throws into the mix!

10) It is so important to have ‘Me Dates’ what do you do in your spare time just to treat yourself and take care of your soul?

They say ‘home is where the heart is’, so flying to my home in Villefranche Sur Mer is all the soul healing I need. There’s nothing like getting off the plane, feeling that warm air on your skin, that distinctive scent of the Mediterranean and being greeted by the big grin on my partner’s face. Cheesy, I know, but life is for living and I intend to love unashamedly.

Family really is everything and when we get the chance we like to take trip to The Woodland spa in Burnley, I challenge anyone to leave not feeling like they’ve had a reboot! Lastly, my closest friends keep me sane and there’s no better feeling than laughing until your stomach hurts, which we do regularly, so spending time with them is always therapeutic.

11) The best place you’ve eaten?

Ah this is so hard, I’m such a foodie! I’m not sure I can choose as I ate at some incredible places before progressing to a plant based diet and although there are more and more options in restaurants now, I still prefer to cook at home for friends and family. My favourite cuisine is Thai, but I have to be a little reserved with the chillies when cooking for others, as I like it very very spicy.

12) What’s in your bag?

Haha, erm…depends on where I’m going! I guess on a normal day I’ll always have water, hand cream/san’, car/housekeys, my bank card, chewing gum, my fave perfume Absolutey Blooming by Dior and a red lipstick in case it turns into an evening affair.

13) What are you listening to?

My taste in music has become quite eclectic over the years, purely because of the different genres I’ve needed to research for work. Besides Sade, whom I can listen to whatever the weather, it often depends on my mood. I love the Blues and trip hop artists like Portishead, but then I love the high energy of a Basement Jaxx track. My fave ‘newer’ artists are London Grammar, JP Cooper, Ry X and Jack Garrat, but my song obsession at the moment is ‘Eclipse’ by Joseph Lawrence and The Garden. Love love love that kind of vocal. Having said all that, you can never go wrong with Tina and MJ!

Photo Credits

Photographer | Narita Savoor

Beauty | Natasha Ekanoye @ Liberte Rawtenstall

Styled by | Taheed Khan using pieces from Hosh Rosie Billington Monokain and Lisa Jayne Dann exclusive

Assitant | Kirsty Kaye

Location | Gotham Hotel Manchester

Shot exclusively for House of Coco

Arts November 9, 2023

Why your next trip should be to North Jutland in Denmark

Think that gastronomy in Denmark is just exclusive to Copenhagen? Think again. For people in the know, the Northern Jutland area is THE place to visit to take advantage of some of the best food that Denmark has to offer.

North Jutland is beautifully situated at the very top of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula. With its charming towns, stunning landscapes and powder-soft beaches, this island in the far north of the country is Denmark’s most northerly region, where Danish design and architecture meets pristine nature and then there is the food (more on that later!)

Jutting out dramatically into the sea, North Jutland is renowned for the special light it produces and has attracted artists both in current times and historically to paint here. It has more hours of sunshine than the rest of Denmark and has the most beautiful landscape which is made up of lush forests, quirky streets, sand dunes and endless white sand beaches.

Be happy

We started our Danish adventure in Aalborg which has been undergoing quite the development over recent years. It has been named as Europe’s happiest city, with a survey citing that Aalborg’s residents are the ‘most satisfied’in Europe. We stayed at the Hotel Cornwall Hvide Hus, a modern hotel with incredibly cool décor situated in the heart of the beautiful Kildeparken which is renowned for being the home of elegant sculpture which are nestled alongside the impressive fountain.

Singing trees?

As well as these impressive pieces of art, there is also the rather magnificent Park of Music. This initiative sees artists planting a tree to commemorate their visit in Aalborg. There is, however a twist. Some of the trees are accompanied by the artists’ own music and can be activated by the park’s visitors by pressing a button at the foot of the tree. From Beyoncé to Prince to Take That and Sir Elton John, you can meander around the park whilst creating your own symphony.

Award-winning architecture

Aalborg, with its impressive waterfront and quaint buildings blend seamlessly with the award-winning architecture and cosy cobbled streets. It is Denmark’s fourth largest city and is widely considered to be one of the most significant cultural hubs in Denmark.

What is GastroNorth?

As part of our Danish gastronomy adventure, we were invited to dinner by Mads Stenstrup, one of the pioneers of GastroNorth, a new foodie initiative made up of several gourmet restaurants throughout the Northern Jutland region who wants to showcase the regions unique culinary style and has ten restaurants who are part of the Gastro North collaboration. Their aim is to enhance their skills, draw international attention and hopefully secure the region’s first Michelin star soon.

Restaurant Textur

The fabulous Restaurant Textur who has recently received three stars in The Danish Dining Guide 2018 was our first port of call and was my favourite evening meal of the trip. Textur is one of the top restaurants in North Jutland and their kitchen is headed up by renowned chefs Dennis Juhl and Frederik Østera. The restaurant aims to curtail food waste and has a strong seasonal focus. Utilising local ingredients, we enjoyed an epic tasting menu with paired wines with amazing dishes like pan-fried Skagen fish with a salsify and ramson sauce, Danish potato, oyster and caviar and Sirius cheese, berry puree and roasted rye bread. All of which were complimented by corresponding wines and ports.

The restaurant only has 8 dishes on the menu at a single time and this changes every other week. Their aim is to focus more on the dish, utilising local produce seasonal ingredients throughout their menu.

The most authentic Italian restaurant in Denmark?

La Laconda dei Liberati is another restaurant that is part of GastroNorth and is the most authentic Italian restaurant in Denmark. It is situated in the historic Brix Court in the centre of Aalborg. We were served a plethora of delicious dishes cooked by renowned Italian chef Carlo Liberati such as grilled octopus, potato with a squid ink and grilled red pepper, beef tartare, buffalo mozzarella cream and sous vide egg yolk with a refreshing lemon delice with citrus fruit sorbet to end the meal.

The décor of La Laconda is as authentic as the cuisine. It is decorated with Italian square tiles from the 17th century and carefully selected ceramics providing a true Italian rustic style. Even the paving stones in the pretty courtyard are Italian and have been laid by Italian pavers, providing Aalborg with a little piece of Italy in the heart.

Mirror Mirror

Despite only having a few hours to explore the city, we were able to visit the fantastic Kunsten Museum of Modern Art. The building can only be described as an architectural icon made of white marble. It was designed by the world famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in collaboration with Elissa Aalto and Jean-Jacques Baruël. We were lucky to see the innovative exhibition ‘Eleven Less One’ by Michelangelo Pistoletto which features a series of broken mirrors. The artist did a live installation where he smashed up the mirrors at random revealing a myriad of colours.

We also visited the Utzon Museum, the Nordic centre for design and architecture. The current exhibition celebrates the life and work of prominent Danish architect Jorn Utzon who was the architect behind the Sydney Opera House as well as several important buildings throughout Denmark.

The House of Music

Visitors to Aalborg need to play a visit to ‘The House of Music’ which is one of the most prominent music venues in the city. The building (which is located on the edge of the Limfjord – the body of water that splits North Jutland in two) is incredible and is one of the most impressive and ambitious architectural projects throughout Denmark. The design was conceived around the idea of creating synergy and sharing of expertise and its curved auditorium was built to maximise the optimum acoustics for live music performances for both symphony orchestras and contemporary music. This highly complex acoustic concept was developed in conjunction with Tateo Nakajima.

Stunning Skagen

The second destination of our exploration of North Jutland is the beautiful town of Skagen which is just over an hour’s drive. Intriguingly, there is very little traffic on the road which makes for a speedy and very stress-free journey. Skagen is Denmark’s northernmost city and it is a small town with beaches and a busy fishing port nearby. The white sandy beaches are stunning with the crystal-clear waves crashing on the shore. It is renowned for nearby Grenen, where two seas meet – the Skagerrak and the Kattegat. Both of which flow into North and the Baltic sea respectively. On a cloudless day, you can see the point where the two seas meet. Grenen is one of the most iconic attractions in Denmark and it attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

Bohemia and beauty

Skagen is described as ‘part artistic bohemia and part natural beauty’ which is why many of the most prominent Danish artists made this their home since the 19th Century. The painters which includes Anna and Michael Ancher, Holger Drachmann and Peder Severin Kroyer were all fundamental members of the Skagen painting movement from the late 1870s through to the turn of the century. Attracted by the glorious coastline and the unique light, the Skagen artists found much inspiration from this ‘blue light’ – a translucent light that merges the sky and the sea.

Nautical cool

There are several hotels in Skagen, but we stayed in the Hotel Plesner, a cosy yet understated hotel with serious nautical vibes. Situated near the harbour, it was designed by Ulrik Plesner who was one of the members of the Skagen art movement. With little details like the navy and white striped wallpaper and the cluster of suitcases in living areas are all supercute affording a cosy vibe.

Seafood extravaganza

Staying in a fishing port could only mean one thing – seafood! What better way to try some of the local seafood and produce than a visit to the acclaimed Restaurant Pakhuset on Skagen Marina where you can enjoy the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes whilst overlooking the bustling marina such as fish soup with saffron and herbs, pan-fried plaice and prawns and cod with mussel sauce, kale and Danish potatoes.

Let’s explore

Exploring Skagen can be done on foot, but it is handy to have a car to visit Grenen where you can be escorted to the very northern tip of Denmark by landtractor as well as exploring the sand-buried church and the ‘wandering’ dune of the Råbjerg Mile which is the largest migrating dune in Denmark. We would definitely recommend a visit to the superb Skagen museum which is the fifth most visited museum in Denmark where you can see important works of art by members of the Skagen art movement. The building itself was designed by guess who? Ulrik Plesner. You can even pay a visit to the Ancher house which has been preserved in time with some of the most stunning interiors and artefacts.

A glimpse of the past

We also ate at the historic Broendums Hotel which is one of the most historic hotels in the region. Famed for being ‘the place’ for the Skagen artists to wine and dine, Broendums is a quaint hotel with fabulous décor with an exciting menu which offers seasonally-inspired dishes that are made from locally-sourced ingredients. Dining in this charming restaurant is like taking a step back in time thanks to its elegant décor and wall art. Paying homage to the artists love of wine (I know I should have gone to art school!) Broendums has an extensive wine list featuring wines from ‘old school’ vintages from France, Italy, Spain and beyond.

Michelin dining

Just a short drive away from the Marina is Ruth’s Hotel which was included in the Michelin Guide 2018. It offers two dining options. Classical French dining alongside Nordic cuisine. Diners who opt for ‘Ruth’s Gourmet’ can choose delicately put together dishes which are created by Chef Peter Frydkjær with inspiration from local commodities. Expect to see dishes like Flounder from ‘Hyttefad’, mackerel and roasted lemon sole on the menu.

North Jutland cuisine

The region of North Jutland is renowned for the most delicious fresh produce such as seafood, vildemose potatoes, cheeses and more. These delicious North Jutland specialties are based on traditional regional dishes and recipes handed down through generations providing unique opportunities for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Why visit North Jutland?

If you are looking for unspoilt coastal views, stunning architecture with artworks a plenty and thoughtfully cooked local cuisine then a visit to Skagen should definitely be on your travel bucket list. There is truly something for everyone – for art lovers, history buffs, those that want a relaxing break and above all else, foodies! If you come to the North Jutland area thinking that Danish food is synonymous with bacon, pickled herring and Danish blue, you will certainly leave with a completely different perception.

New Nordic cuisine isn’t just having a moment, it is here to stay and a visit to the North Jutland region is THE place to experience it.