Friday 21 December 2018

They say you should never shoot into the sun, but I rather like this picture of morning light on the seafront at #Seaham Beach. It's particularly famous for glass 'pebbles' and people come here especially for #seaglass collecting. It's about the best 'recycling' I've ever heard of. All the result of a glass factory offloading their waste into the sea. By 1872, John Candlish's Londonderry Bottle Company had six glasshouses at Seaham. At the end of the day, any discarded and waste glass was dumped into the sea. After many years of 'surf tumbling' the it is now washed up on Seaham beaches with every tide. Some of the glass is more than a hundred years old, polished smooth by the salty water and the movement of the sea. More to come about my fabulous short break in Durham and then at @SeahamHall later on Instagram and the blog #ThisisDurham #LoveDurham @VCDBusiness #christmasindurham #christmas2018 #lovegreatbritain #northeast #northeastengland #exploremore #travelawesome #wanderful #writetotravel #exploringtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #mytinyatlas #natgeography #darlingescapes #letsgobeyond #TBIN #TTOT #seahambeach @thisisdurham


They say you should never shoot into the sun, but I rather like this picture of morning light on the seafront at #Seaham Beach. It's particularly famous for glass 'pebbles' and people come here especially for #seaglass collecting. It's about the best 'recycling' I've ever heard of. All the result of a glass factory offloading their waste into the sea. By 1872, John Candlish's Londonderry Bottle Company had six glasshouses at Seaham. At the end of the day, any discarded and waste glass was dumped into the sea. After many years of 'surf tumbling' the it is now washed up on Seaham beaches with every tide. Some of the glass is more than a hundred years old, polished smooth by the salty water and the movement of the sea. More to come about my fabulous short break in Durham and then at @SeahamHall later on Instagram and the blog #ThisisDurham #LoveDurham @VCDBusiness #christmasindurham #christmas2018 #lovegreatbritain #northeast #northeastengland #exploremore #travelawesome #wanderful #writetotravel #exploringtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #mytinyatlas #natgeography #darlingescapes #letsgobeyond #TBIN #TTOT #seahambeach @thisisdurham


Saturday 15 December 2018

How fabulous it must be to find yourself at University in #Durham in digs here! Apparently, the rooms are allocated by ballot and always oversubscribed - but who wouldn't want to stay in a Castle! From my recent trip with @ThisisDurham I went on a guided tour of some of the parts of the Castle which are still open to the public - it's part of the #UNESCO listed World Heritage Site along with the Cathedral. Some fascinating stories about the Castle included how this entrance was dismantled in the 16th century and reconstructed as a slightly wider structure, enabling the bishop's carriage to pass through more easily. This is just one indication that creating a grand residence was, at that stage, much more important than preserving the defensive role of the Castle, which had diminished. The gatehouse arch dates from the Norman period, although its vaulted passageway is slightly later (as its gothic detailing indicates), and its upper storeys were rebuilt at the end of the 18th century. There's more to come about this fascinating city. But for now, I will leave you with Bill Bryson's famous quote 'I got off at Durham, intending to poke around the cathedral for an hour or so and fell in love with it instantly in a serious way. Why, it’s wonderful – a perfect little city – and I kept thinking: ‘Why did no-one tell me about this?’ I knew, of course, that it had a fine Norman cathedral but had no idea that it was so splendid. ' What he actually ended up doing was becoming Durham University's 11th Chancellor, and formal head of the University, from April 2005 to 31st December 2011 So, I urge you to follow my journey, coming soon on the blog and find out more about this fascinating City, home to Prince-Bishops and with a unique Northern charm. #ThisisDurham #LoveDurham @VCDBusiness #DUmakeithappen #DurhamDays #christmasindurham #bowesmuseum #christmasmarkets #christmas2018 #lovegreatbritain #northeast #northeastengland #exploremore #travelawesome #wanderful #writetotravel #luxfood #exploringtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #mytinyatlas #natgeography #darlingescapes #letsgobeyond #TBIN #TTOT


Monday 19 November 2018

So, as apparently everyone else in the world says - the last time I was in #CheddarGorge was when I was about 12 years old. This photo is in #GoughsCave which is also home to the skeleton of the cave's most famous body - a modern human known as Cheddar Man who was unearthed in 1903. His near-complete skeleton has been dated to around 10,000 years ago. This time I was there to learn about the @CheddarGorgeCheeseCo who use traditional methods and unpasturised milk to create wonderful #CheddarCheese which is matured for up to 26 weeks, either in their own stores or in Gough's Cave where the constant temperature and humidity helps to age the cheese perfectly. We went along to take a look. Unlike the caves in Roquefort where I went at the wrong time of year and got to see plastic cheeses, Cheddar is produced all year round - and these are real cheeses. We got to taste- deliciously salty with lovely deep flavour. Unlike many other cheeses, there's no PDO for Cheddar so it can be produced anywhere in the world, but this is the only Cheddar produced in Cheddar Gorge! #travelblogger #travelphotography #instagood #instatravel #igersfrance #guardiantravelsnap #picoftheday #travellife #instatravelling #lifestyleblogger #travelinstyle #londonblogger #tbin #ttot #bubbles #girlswhotravel #lifestyleblogger #sheisnotlost #westcountry #LoveSomerset #LoveforSomerset #WestCountry


Thursday 8 November 2018

What was the most memorable trip you made this year? For me, it was to Rodrigues. If you happened to be looking for an affordable #island paradise with a tropical climate, stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear seas, you might do worse than consider #Rodrigues, a small island about an hour from Mauritius. Unlike #Mauritius here the luxury of a sea view is affordable and the pace of life is altogether gentler. It's also eco friendly (plastic bags are banned altogether on the island and plastic bottles will be too soon). And, those lucky enough to live here are warm and welcoming. Look out for 'table d'hote' - not what I thought (a posh meal in a hotel) the local homes open their doors on request and will cook you authentic Rodrigues dishes for around £5 a head. What you'll find is a lot of fresh fish and Creole-style food with a good dash of Chinese influence. People on Rodrigues live simply. Even the internet seems to be made out of string and tin cans - don't expect to stream videos here. But, if that's what you are looking for Rodrigues may not be for you. I have to confess until I was invited to find out more, I'd never heard of #Rodrigues - it turns out that most of the people who come on holiday here are from Mauritius! An unspoilt island paradise - what could be better? Well, everything is reasonably priced - so, once you've got here, you might not ever want to leave! #SecretRodrigues #RodriguesIsland #Rodriguestourism #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #travelblogger #instatbn #writetotravel #instapassport #postcardsfromtheworld #guardiantravelsnaps #ttot #tbin #travelblog #secretplaces


Monday 15 October 2018

Yes this really was the way it was lit - in the Crayeres at @VeuveClicquot - the ancient and #UNESCO listed chalk cellars - this was one of the last things we did on our trip to #Champagne for a few days exploring with the @ChampagneBureauUK the UK division of the French organisation @Champagne_Officiel that represents all the growers and Champagne Houses. I've learnt a lot - and you can read more on the blog (link in my profile). What a great way to #CelebrateLife - don't you think we should all drink more champagne? Meanwhile, if you are in London and would like to chance your hand, It's National Champagne day on 19th October and I've been asked by The Champagne Bureau UK to let London-Unattached readers know about a special event running between 17th and 19th.  If you spot the Champagne rickshaws in London on Wednesday 17th October you can pick up your own caps and tote bags - and take part in a very special competition with a chance to win a Champagne dinner for two in a top London restaurant.  Just take a pic of yourself with cap or tote and post on Instagram, remembering to tag @champagnebureauUK and use the hashtag #ChampagneDay.  The competition closes at 5 pm on 19th October.  Good Luck!!! #travelblogger #travelphotography #instagood #instatravel #igersfrance #guardiantravelsnap #picoftheday #travellife #instatravelling #lifestyleblogger #travelinstyle #londonblogger #tbin #ttot #bubbles #girlswhotravel #lifestyleblogger #sheisnotlost


Wednesday 26 September 2018

I've been in #Champagne for a few days exploring with the @ChampagneBureauUK the UK division of the French organisation @Champagne_Officiel that represents all the growers and Champagne Houses. Did you know that, by volume, the UK is the largest export market for Champagne still? - no, it doesn't all end up with me! We went out into the vineyards - it's been a bumper harvest this year and while there are still grapes on the vines they are left behind because the growers have only picked the best grapes! This is looking back at the church in #HautVillers village - where Dom Perignon, the Benedictine monk whose work in wine-making was at the heart of the development of champagne lived. The village itself is charming and you can visit the church and see where Dom Perignon is buried. It's right in the cradle of the Champagne region - with surrounding vineyards on the Rheims mountain. A great place to sample some of the champagnes produced here from a total of around 278,000 individual vineyard plots spread across 320 villages (crus). I've learnt a lot - and will be sharing on the blog in the next few weeks. What a great way to #CelebrateLife - don't you think we should all drink more champagne? #travelblogger #travelphotography #instagood #instatravel #igersfrance #guardiantravelsnap #picoftheday #travellife #instatravelling #lifestyleblogger #travelinstyle #londonblogger #tbin #ttot #bubbles #girlswhotravel #lifestyleblogger #sheisnotlost


Sunday 16 September 2018

Arbroath Abbey in Angus, Scotland is not just a historic ruin. The Abbey was founded in 1178 (although not completed until 1233) by King William the Lion of Scotland as a memorial to Thomas Becket who had been his childhood friend and originally intended it as his own burial place. It was wealthy, thanks to royal endowments including the income from 24 parishes, a toft of land in every Royal Burgh, lands, fisheries, salt pans, ferries… The monks were given permission to set up a burgh, hold a market and build a harbour. But that's not what makes this place important in #Scottish history. The Declaration of Arbroath, a letter sent to the Pope, was a plea from the people of Scotland for the Pope to reverse the excommunication of Robert the Bruce. In the historic document the Scottish people reaffirmed their independence “It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.” - it's said to be a precursor of the American Declaration of Independence and it certainly affirms in no uncertain terms the independence of Scotland. Perhaps that's why when the Stone of Scone was returned to Scotland by some crafty students, they chose to leave it on the site of the High Altar at Arbroath Abbey where, in 1320 the assertion of Scottish nationhood was made in the #DeclarationofArbroath. Read more about the Abbey and Arbroath's other claim to fame on #LondonUnattached now. Link in my profile. #UNESCO #TayCountry @VisitAngus #VisitAngus #travelblogger #travelphotography #travel #TBIN #instagood #instatravel #instagramers #guardiantravelsnap #picoftheday #travellife #instatravelling #girlswhotravel #lifestyleblogger #sheisnotlost #travelinstyle #londonblogger


Wednesday 12 September 2018

Do you know where to eat out in #Reading and #Berkshire ? I'm still learning - I work there one day a week at the moment so I was thrilled to be invited to try #TheHerd - the main restaurant of The Elephant Hotel in #Pangbourne. They have an open grill in the restaurant neatly tucked into a large fireplace - and your steak (in our case a Tomahawk to share - a double rib-eye cooked on the bone then sliced before serving) is cooked in front of you. At @TheHerd.Restaurant the beef comes from local meat - fro the Red Sussex bred at the Royal Windsor farms. One of the original breeds of England, originating in the thick forests of Kent many thousands of years ago. It is not a ‘manufactured breed’, bred for the supermarkets. It produces a wonderful marbled beef whilst having a very relaxed temperament, ideal for a tender steak. But what really impressed us was that our steak was perfectly cooked - medium rare rather than rare because this cut needs a little extra heat to melt the marbling, and with a deep char for flavour - then rested and served with hot plates so that the meat stayed warm. It was a simple main course but so beautifully executed I couldn't fault it. And that from someone who normally avoids rib-eye and picks a less fatty cut... So if you fancy a trip out from London - or actually live in Reading or #Berkshire do try for yourself #lifestyleblogger #londonblogger #foodstagram #foodphotography #instafoodie #foodbloguk #foodblogger #instafoodblogger #TopLondonRestaurants #LoveLondon #londonfoodies #londonfoodblog #londonfoodscene #londonisopen #eeats #londonlife #thisislondon #igerslondon #instalondon #prettycitylondon #ig_london #tbin #instatbn #steakhouse #berkshireigers


Monday 10 September 2018

The last time I was at @GalvinRestaurants #GalvinHop was for brunch. Since then, the place has had a facelift and you'll find a contemporary styled dining room and terrace with bright chairs and funky artwork on the walls. It's the kind of place where you drop in for a quick drink after work and then stay because actually the food and drink is VERY good indeed. You can enjoy a pint of unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell or choose from tap wines or wines by the bottle. And if you really want to get it right, you can borrow the sommelier from #LaChapelle next door who will match your wine for you. There are bar snacks including delicious french fries with a spicy lime lace mayo, there are wonderful chorizo croquettes with saffron aioli and there's a whole series of tapas style plates. This one, the tempura courgette flower with goat's cheese, beetroot and pine nuts could have fallen from the walls of the Musee d'Orsay - a vibrant picture on a plate. We loved our evening and there will be a blog post following. Meanwhile, check my stories for more snaps of our food! I have to confess I have a soft spot for all the #GalvinBrothers restaurants but @GalvinHOP has a special place in my heart because I know it's the kind of place I'll come back to on a regular basis. And I love the facelift! #londonblogger #foodstagram #foodphotography #instafoodie #foodbloguk #foodblogger #instafoodblogger #TopLondonRestaurants #LoveLondon #londonfoodies #londonfoodblog #londonfoodscene #londonisopen #eeats #londonlife #thisislondon #igerslondon #prettycitylondon #ig_london #tbin #instatbn


Tuesday 28 August 2018

This is Poultry Cross - a market cross in #Salisbury. It was built around 1307, though the ornate canopy and buttresses were added much later when the cross was restored between 1852-5. It's a Grade I listed structure and you'll find it on the junction of Silver Street and Minster Street. Behind Poultry Cross is the Haunch of Venison which is probably the oldest hostelry in Salisbury. What is particularly fascinating about Salisbury is that, unlike most European settlements which have evolved over centuries, often dating back to Roman times or earlier, this City was built pretty much all at the same time. Following the cathedral's relocation, a settlement grew up around it which received a city charter in 1227 as New Sarum. The Haunch of Venison is thought to have originally housed workers for the Cathedral. I was lucky enough to have a private tour from one of Salisbury's blue badge guides and it was a truly fascinating experience. So, there's more to tell - coming soon on the blog. #timeforwiltshire @visitwiltshire #wiltshire #salisbury #instatravel #igerswiltshire #instabritain #photosofbritain #TBNTravel #TBIN #ttot #travelblogger #instagood #instatravel #instagramers #sheisnotlost #instatravel #instapic #guardiantravelsnap #picoftheday #travellife #instatravelling #lifestyleblogger #travelinstyle #londonblogger #GirlsWhoExplore #GirlsWhoTravel #SheTravels #TravelGirlsGo #TravelGirls


Tuesday 21 August 2018

I haven't been to #Gaucho Picadilly for years. So I was really thrilled to find such excellent food and wine on offer in elegant and comfortable surroundings- this place has evolved in the best possible way. We enjoyed a delicious seafood sampler of Soft shell crab & chimi slaw, Tuna ceviche and Salmon carpaccio. Then we moved on to steak. I ordered the Churrasco de lomo, a lean cut of meat marinated in garlic, parsley and olive oil Delicious - and actually far too much for one person. But, I had a good try. Sides of skinny fries, rocket salad with parmesan and truffled baked gnocchi together with a delicious Béarnaise. The point about Gaucho is that the beef is exclusive to them and is sourced solely from the Pampas in Argentina. Naturally grass fed, sweet and beautifully tender, it's STILL a personal favourite of mine. Gaucho have their own vineyards and we enjoyed some excellent Malbec with the steak too. And, the service was impeccable - this is somewhere that every member of the team pulls together and everyone knows what they are serving. @gauchogroup #lifestyleblogger #londonblogger #foodstagram #foodphotography #instafoodie #foodbloguk #foodblogger #instafoodblogger #TopLondonRestaurants #LoveLondon #londonfoodies #londonfoodblog #londonfoodscene #londonisopen #eeats #londonlife #thisislondon #igerslondon #instalondon #prettycitylondon #ig_london #tbin #instatbn #steakhouse


Saturday 18 August 2018

Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of those desserts you should always save space for. I'm not sure that I really DID have space, but I managed to pretty much lick my plate clean. I was truly impressed with #TheRise - which is the casual dining restaurant at The Grand Hotel and Spa where I stayed in #York last week. If this is their 'second' restaurant then I definitely need another trip to try the fine dining restaurant, Hudson, also run by head chef Craig Atchinson. I wasn't sure of the origin of Sticky Toffee Pudding (I had an inkling it came from Cartmel in the Lake District). I've been checking and there are two potential 'original' recipes in the UK - but the most likely source is from a Lancashire cook, Mrs Martin, who was taught how to make it by two Canadian air force officers who had lodged at her hotel during the Second World War. It is now regarded as a modern British classic - and here at The Rise, the Sticky Toffee Pudding comes with Medjool Dates and Toffee Sauce and a side of ginger ice. Truly delicious, not too heavy and yet wonderfully sticky it was the perfect end to an excellent meal. All in, the food in York was really excellent and I will be sharing some of the fabulous dining experiences I had on the blog. Congratulations to @thegrandyork @craig_atchinson - definitely a destination restaurant! #TBIN #ttot @visityork #OnlyinYork #YorkAdventure #makeitYork #travelblogger #instagood #instatravel #instagramers #girlswhotravel #sheisnotlost #instatravel #instapic #instagood #guardiantravelsnap #picoftheday #travellife #instatravelling #lifestyleblogger #travelinstyle #londonblogger #visityork #foodstagram #foodphotography #instafoodie #foodbloguk #foodblogger #instafoodblogger