Growing up, we weren’t a family with nice Christmas traditions. In fact, my sister and I like to joke about all of the rubbish Christmases we had when we were younger. I don’t know why, because it’s not particularly funny and I think it makes other people uncomfortable (side note: that could be an apt title for my memoirs). View Full Post
Some say that you should write what you know; others, that you should write what you love. I figured I may as well do both and so here it is: my round-up of the best bottomless brunches in Birmingham.
Here’s a round-up of the places I’ve visited so far, and I’ll keep this post updated as and when I try new ones out. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it… View Full Post
If you’re looking for something a bit fancy in Birmingham, The Cube is the place to be. Overlooking the canal and with panoramic views of the city, it’s home to a four-star hotel, luxe gym and a select few bars and restaurants. At the top of The Cube, you’ll find the iconic Marco Pierre White’s (a place I’m still yet to actually visit despite dropping many, many hints to friends, family and James for approx three years); but a few weeks ago I was treated to one of The Cube’s lesser-known delights that’s tucked away on the first floor: Bardolino*.
Bardolino is also a Marco Pierre White restaurant, but offers a more relaxed dining experience than the Steakhouse on the top floor. It has more of a pizzeria vibe, which was perfect for me as we visited the afternoon before my (first ever, no biggie, I don’t want to go on about it) 10k run. I was ready to be CARBED UP – and Bardolino didn’t disappoint. View Full Post
There aren’t many things that can motivate me to leave my bed the afternoon after coming home from a trip. Normally this time would be dedicated to moping, usually hungover from both alcohol and food, and only using energy to edit holiday photos for the ‘gram. Last week, however, I landed back in the UK from Dubrovnik at 1am Wednesday morning, and was heading out again by 5pm. The one thing that could tempt me? Food, of course.
The Lyttleton Arms in Stourbridge has just undergone a major refurbishment and, with a brand new menu launching, I couldn’t resist an invitation to the opening. When it comes to eating out, gastropubs are my actual fave – I love a relaxed pub atmosphere teamed with an extensive menu of high-quality food. The Lyttleton Arms looked to be just that, and with stunning new interiors to enjoy as an added bonus. View Full Post
Most bucket lists are filled with impressive achievements, like running a marathons or skydiving. Mine are much more basic – I basically just want to see The Lion King musical and stay in a hotel room with a freestanding copper bath – but nevertheless it’s always great when you get to tick one off (with a scented gel pen, natch). Last month, I got to do just that by finally going for afternoon tea at Sketch, London. View Full Post
A wise woman once said “There is no better way to spend an afternoon than with a good friend and afternoon tea”. Okay it wasn’t a wise woman; it was me. But still, I think they’re wise words and unless I come up with anything more profound then I would be happy enough with them as my epitaph.
Because I so strongly believe the above to be true, I was too excited last week when I was invited along to visit the new Laura Ashley tearoom in Coventry. After all, surely the only thing that can improve a normal afternoon tea experience is the added bonus of quaint Laura Ashley decor and styling. View Full Post
Now, as it’s my hometown, I’m allowed to say this: Coventry hasn’t always been all that great. Yes, we have a faaaancy cathedral, a really good Primark and, er, ME – but one area it’s seriously lacked all of my life has been its bar and restaurant scene. Thankfully, the influx of students and the new City of Culture win has led to several new venues springing up in recent years. And last week, I was invited along to the opening of the latest: The Botanist. View Full Post
Choosing where to go on a date night or mate-date night can be tricky enough at the best of times, once you’ve factored in everyone’s budgets, locations and the fact that one of your friends has a diet consisting mainly of toast (*cough* Jade *cough*). When eating and drinking are basically your number 1 hobby then this becomes even more difficult, as I usually feel like I’ve exhausted all of the local options and there aren’t many new or interesting places left to go.
This is why I was so excited to be invited along to the re-opening of The Bull’s Head in Meriden. Less than ten minutes from my house, I had been to this quaint country pub for Sunday lunches a couple of times in the past (and fun fact – it was also where James and I went for a drink on our first date two years ago)(okay ten, we had about ten drinks). This meant I knew I could expect lovely food and great service, but the recent refurbishment and new autumn menu added the feel of trying somewhere new. View Full Post
If you love food as much as I do, then this post is for you. Not only does it contain a review of the brand new Stratford-Upon-Avon Miller & Carter restaurant (complete with snaps of some proper drool-worthy food), but I’ve also teamed up with steakhouse to give one of you the chance to win a gift card to visit your local! View Full Post
Since I started this wee blog back in 2013, I’ve had some pretty nice opportunities and collaborations – makeup and clothes from some of my favourite brands have plopped through the letterbox over the years, and I’ve always been giddily grateful. But nothing quite got me in the feels and throwing my hands up at how #blessed I am than when I was contacted by the big dog: McDonalds. Ah, creator of my beloved McNuggets and the saviour of many a hungover morning. Of course I said yes when I was invited along to one of my local branches to find out what’s new for the brand (AND WEAR A HAT AND APRON). I mean, who wouldn’t?