Tag: Food
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The Unexpected Magic of Livorno: Tuscany’s Most Overlooked City
Most people arrive in Livorno with one plan. Leave. Cruise passengers pile onto coaches towards Florence and Pisa almost immediately, treating Livorno as little more than a transport hub. After spending time there ourselves, that honestly feels like a mistake. Livorno has character. Real character. It feels lived-in, creative and proudly coastal in a way that some polished Italian destinations no longer do. It is scruffier around the edges than Florence, certainly less conventionally beautiful than Siena, but there is…
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From Nyhavn to Nightcaps: 48 Hours in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of those cities that seems designed for exploring at an easy pace. Everything feels connected – the bikes, the waterfront, the food – and you quickly fall into its rhythm. Cycling I (Elliot) visited Copenhagen with a group of about 6 friends. We rented bikes on our first day, and within minutes were swept into the flow of locals who make cycling look effortless. Wide lanes, courteous drivers, and a culture built around two wheels mean you…
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Deacon’s Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith: Review
We’ve been before but have had Deacon’s Bank on our post-baby list for a while. On a crisp October Sunday, we finally made it, baby in tow, and it turned out to be exactly the sort of lunch you hope for: relaxed, well-paced, and properly cooked food that feels both refined and comforting. Setting The restaurant sits in the middle of of Chapel-en-le-Frith and manages that sweet spot between smart and welcoming. It’s a lovely setting, in an old bank…
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Review: The Cow, Dalbury Lees, Ashbourne
We’d had high hopes for The Cow at Dalbury Lees. The menu looked polished, the interiors stylish, and reviews online made it sound like a hidden gem near Ashbourne. So, with a group of five adults, two small children, and the lure of a long Sunday lunch ahead, we arrived — a touch early at 11.45 for a noon booking — to find the team setting up. To their credit, the staff couldn’t have been nicer. They welcomed us in…
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Portobello Café: A Taste of Italy Right in the Heart of Hadfield
If you’re looking for a little slice of Italy in the Peak District, look no further than Portobello Café in Hadfield. Owned by Natasha and Alex, who previously ran one of our absolute favourite spots in Whaley Bridge, Portobello brings the same passion, authenticity, and commitment to quality that made their last restaurant so memorable. Now, they’ve created a charming daytime café that serves up a delectable range of sandwiches, Italian snacks, and great coffee. A Warm Welcome and Authentic…
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Review: The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone
Sunday lunch that sadly didn’t deliver. We had high hopes for The Duncombe Arms. It’s got a strong reputation and regularly appears on lists of the best gastropubs in the country – the kind of place you’d expect to knock a Sunday roast out of the park. So we booked in as a group one weekend, looking forward to a proper treat. First impressions were good: the pub itself is lovely – all exposed beams, smart decor with some interesting…
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Review: The Barrel Inn, Bretton – A Hidden Gem in the Peaks
We recently stopped by The Barrel Inn in Bretton, nestled high in the Peak District, and it was nothing short of outstanding. The setting alone is worth the visit — perched atop a hill with sweeping, panoramic views that stretch across the landscape. It’s the kind of place where the scenery makes the food taste even better (not that it needed any help). For mains, we had a steak pie and a lamb’s liver dish. The steak pie was the…
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Indian Streatery, Birmingham – Restaurant Review
We originally had plans to head to Dishoom, having had a great experience at the Manchester site and wanting something relatively relaxed and easy-going, but it was completely full – and so ending up at Indian Streatery turned out to be the best happy accident of our trip. Anyway, a quick detour and we landed here, just a short walk from Birmingham’s New Street station, and honestly, it works out pretty well. The service was spot on from the get-go.…
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Ultramarinos, Mercado San Agustín, Granada
Ultramarinos, a small bar in the Mercado San Agustín in Granada, was an absolute gem. The mercado itself is part food market—featuring amazing fish, meat, cheese, vegetables, and other produce—and part tapas-bar-community, with numerous small outlets all serving specialties. Honestly, even if you don’t eat here it’s worth just going for a wander round to have a look at the variety of food on offer – especially sea food; the Spanish have and eat so many more varieties of shellfish…
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El Laurel Café and Taberna, Granada, Andalucia
El Laurel Café and Taberna in Granada falls short, plain and simple. Spain is known for its exceptional food and particularly for its ingredients. This place stands in stark contrast to that reputation. The service, to be fair, was the one redeeming aspect. Our waitress, the only staff member that seemed to be working on this Saturday was clearly overwhelmed but did her best to manage the situation with professionalism. Unfortunately, no amount of good service can salvage subpar food.…
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Review: Fenix Greek Restaurant, Amazing Aesthetic in Manchester
Really fantastic setting and service (Chelsey was our main contact and was awesome) with food to complement, from the guys behind Tattu (which is also worth a visit), writes Elliot. First things first and to get it out of the way, I’ve had better food. If you’re absolutely looking for Michelin Star food, go and find somewhere with a Michelin Star. The food is good here and very nice, but it’s a whole package deal and the aesthetic provides a…
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Bologna: Discover Italy’s Beautiful, Delectable City For The Soul
Bologna—often overshadowed by the likes of Rome and Florence—turned out to be a truly delightful surprise during our recent Italian road trip. Nestled in the heart of Italy, Bologna feels like a city that hasn’t been overly polished for tourists. It has a welcoming, authentic charm, with layers of history, art, and food that completely captivated us during our short stay. Where We Stayed: Urbanicooh Azzoguidi – Torre Asinelli View We couldn’t have asked for a better location than the…
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Budapest: Secrets, Shadows, and the Spirit of the Danube
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city where history, architecture, and vibrant modern life come together beautifully. We visited in November, when the crisp autumn air set the stage for a winter wonderland filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the festive season. The Christmas markets were out in full force, offering mulled wine, chimney cake, artisanal crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer. Our stay at the Hotel Prestige, a brilliant boutique hotel right in the heart of…
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A Comprehensive Review of Lagoon Attitude Hotel, Mauritius
Located on the edge of the Anse la Raie lagoon on Mauritius’ north coast, Lagoon Attitude is an eco-conscious resort offering a tranquil escape with a good amount of luxury and a great staff team. It’s about an hour from the airport. From its sustainability efforts to its idyllic beachfront location, this hotel, for us, did a great job of bridging the gap between luxury and environmental responsibility. We stayed in a room that opened directly onto the soft sands,…
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Review: The Lime Tree, Bollington
We recently visited The Lime Tree in Bollington, a small village on the Cheshire side of the Peak District, having been for a walk around White Nancy, a local hill! They offered a £35 three-course menu which provided excellent value for the standard of food on offer. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with the conservatory at the back of the dining area offering a lovely, relaxed setting. To start, Elliot had the cream of celeriac soup, truffle mushrooms,…
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Zadar: A Perfect Blend of History, Wine and Culture
Zadar, located on Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, is a city that punches well above its weight. It’s where ancient ruins, Roman architecture, and contemporary art converge, and the lively local scene blends seamlessly with its historical charm. Our three-night stay in this captivating city (though effectively just two full days, thanks to our late-night arrival) left us with a lasting impression and a strong desire to return. Arrival in Zadar: A Late-Night Introduction We flew from Manchester and arrived in…
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Restaurant Review: Maison Bagarre, Nantes
Located at 6 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau in the heart of Nantes, Maison Bagarre offers an enjoyable mix of relaxed sophistication and modern design. We stayed just round the corner at Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites. We were seated upstairs in a mezzanine area, which had a bright and airy atmosphere, with sleek, contemporary decor that perfectly complemented the lively energy of the restaurant. It’s a place where you can enjoy high-quality dining without the formality that often comes…
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Bar Postiguillo Tapas, Seville: A Hidden Gem for Tapas Lovers
If you’re in Seville and looking for a laid-back, authentic tapas experience, Bar Postiguillo Tapas is a must-visit. Nestled in the Arenal district, this unassuming gem has everything you want in a local eatery—rustic charm, mouthwatering dishes, and a great selection of drinks, all served up with a side of Andalusian warmth. We stumbled upon Postiguillo during our trip to Seville and ended up coming back twice—it’s that good. The menu features an impressive array of tapas, each one a…
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Restaurant La Marquière: Carcassonne
If you’re in Carcassonne and looking for a place to celebrate, or just for somewhere really good to eat, Restaurant La Marquière is the place to be. We had the pleasure of celebrating New Year’s Eve here, and it’s fair to say: it was a night to remember! Situated on Rue Saint-Jean, La Marquière combines cozy charm with a touch of elegance, making it the perfect spot for a festive evening. We reserved a few days in advance and were…
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New Year’s in Carcassonne: A Medieval Celebration Like No Other
What better way to ring in the New Year than by stepping back in time? That’s exactly what we did on our two-night adventure to Carcassonne, the stunning medieval city in the south of France, full of charm, history, and incredible food. Our trip was perfectly timed for a New Year’s Eve experience we’ll never forget. Here’s a glimpse into our unforgettable getaway! A Taste of Carcassonne on New Year’s Eve From the moment we arrived, we were swept up…
