A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited by The Artisan Café in Southgate, Chichester (at the very end of South Street) to their ‘opening’ party. The café wasn’t actually ready to be open for another 10 days so it … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! 1. Pancakes drizzled with honey made by a volunteer was on the … Continue reading
Take me back to Ubud After a night at Kedin’s Inn where I booked myself into one of their excellent value rooms, I was feeling well enough to join my London friends Kathryn (KK) and Sarah (Swills) on their … Continue reading
Last month my husband Geoff and I came upon the Yellow Kite Café at Southsea Castle. We’d just booked Sunday lunch for 2pm at Restaurant 69 in Palmerston Road in order to watch the FB Pocket Orchestra. We had some time to … Continue reading
The joys of backpacking My time with All Hands Volunteers was up and I had to leave the place that I had come to know as home, but not before one last helping of Monday morning pancakes! I set off … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from L-R 1. Helen misses the cake stall at the night market … Continue reading
Work hard, play hard I was quite lucky that the week I started volunteering with All Hands was the week they enforced the twice monthly Saturday off, plus my stay coincided with a public holiday which meant that I ended … Continue reading
The Richmond Arms in West Ashling, West Sussex doesn’t seem to look like much from the outside. Or that’s what I’ve always felt whenever I cycle by it. Needing somewhere new to try with a couple of friends, Catia and … Continue reading
Muscles I never knew existed I spent just over three weeks volunteering in Tacloban with All Hands, an NGO set up to help those affected by natural disasters across the world. I have so many stories to tell you but … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from L-R 1. A traditional Indonesian dessert of sticky rice balls … Continue reading
A journey to remember I was lucky enough to get a place volunteering with All Hands, helping them rebuild communities after super typhoon Yolanda hit Letye back in November 2013. The project is based in the city of Tacloban on … Continue reading
My husband Geoff and I passed Restaurant 69 in Southsea back in May on a wonderfully hot sunny Sunday and heard music coming from the front of the restaurant. The music’s not normally our kind of thing, sort of 20′s ragtime/jazz … Continue reading
The most magnificent creatures I caught the night bus from El Nido to Puerto Princesa which was far more pleasant than the day bus, even though the air-con felt like it was set to minus three. I was joined by … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! 1. What a beautiful colour! I wasn’t sure if this was real … Continue reading
There’s a reason why tourists flock to El Nido The eight hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido didn’t allow my body the rest it was crying out for. Windy roads and uneven surfaces meant that the day … Continue reading
Everyone who lives in Portsmouth knows of The Tenth Hole tearooms in Eastney and has more than likely been there at least once. For years I used to visit at least twice a week in it’s heyday and would have the … Continue reading
A worthwhile experience By the time I arrived at the ferry port I was exhausted and quite frankly, glad to be starting my 28 hour voyage from Manila to Puerto Princesa. I was glad to find that the ferry … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! 1. In Helen’s own words – “An exceptionally GOOD cupcake found in … Continue reading
Sometimes it’s just one of those days. Since being on the road for over four months I’ve learnt to accept that days full of bad luck and poor decisions happen, that’s life, and they usually happen after a night bus … Continue reading
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you all that I love chocolate and am particularly partial to Charbonnel et Walker’s truffles. I don’t think I’ve actually come across any that I don’t like and I’ve tried them all, … Continue reading
Crawling up and sliding down mountains The five hour journey from Banaue to Sagada was painfully slow due to the sluggish driving, a real contrast than that experienced throughout the rest of Asia. Myself, Jaimie, Janine and Eric arrived in … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! 1. A classic filipino snack, banana with condensed milk made by Drew … Continue reading
Crawling up and sliding down mountains After a few days of doing essentially nothing, myself, Jaimie, Eric and Janine caught the night bus from Manila to the small town of Banaue, synonymous to the Unesco World Heritage-listed Ifugo rice terraces - … Continue reading
I was staying with 3 cycling pals at La Garance, a lovely hotel on Route de Mont Ventoux which is in a small hamlet called Sainte Colombe in the department of Vaucluse in the Province, south of France. From sunrise until sunset … Continue reading
A reminder of home I’m almost thankful our night bus from Hpa An dropped us at a bus stop in Yangon at three o’clock in the morning. It reminded me what an interesting country I was soon to be leaving, … Continue reading
Our reason for visiting Mawlamyine was so we could take the scenic boat ride to the small town of Hpa An four hours north of the Thanlwin river. We had heard about the journey from friends we met in Vietnam … Continue reading
Tea + cake + cycling = happiness I had expressed an interest in getting the local train from Kyaiktiyo to Mawlamyine, as not only was it an eighth of the price but it would be an experience – and an experience it … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! 1. Helen picked up one of her favourite sweet treats at a … Continue reading
When it rains it pours Thankfully the night bus dropped us right outside Sea Sar guesthouse which was basic but pleasent and within our price range at just over $10 each a night. From first glance the town of Kyaiktiyo was much different … Continue reading
I’ve cycled past The Bluebell Inn, Cocking many times over the past few years. We saw it closed for quite a while if I remember rightly and then saw it being refurbished. Looking for a new place to try recently … Continue reading
A fantastic couple of days We had a couple of hours to wander round the small town of Kyaukme before heading to bed to prepare ourselves for our five am start the next day. Five am seemed a little early … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Duo of Belgian dark & caramel chocolate mousse, served with … Continue reading
Learnings from a young monk Once again the night bus dropped us off at a large bus station outside of town so a pricey taxi ride in was our only option. Daniel, who we had met in Bagan, had joined … Continue reading
Order a drink in Spain and you get free food. Wow, what’s that all about? Now that’s all well and good but surely this can’t do much for business? You will either be too full to order any more food or … Continue reading
A contrast between rich and poor The events of the day unfolded in a way which to me, demonstrates the social and political problems Myanmar continues to suffer with an extreme gap between rich and poor. We met three families … Continue reading
Although our second night bus in Myanmar was less crowded than the first, the bumpy roads made it impossible to sleep as it felt like I was on a roller coaster. I should count myself lucky I don’t have the … Continue reading
A few of life’s little luxuries The cool breeze close to Inle Lake was a godsend after the high temperatures in Yangon and we had been brought to a far nicer hotel after being dropped off in the early hours with nowhere to stay. … Continue reading
East Meon is a lovely little country village which I cycle through quite frequently. No tearooms unfortunately but two very good pubs. The nearest tearoom is probably Tazzina’s on the High Street in West Meon, just off the A32. We’ve … Continue reading
The first thing I noticed when getting off the plane in Yangon is that Myanmar isn’t how I expected. Firstly, there were tons of western people in suits presumably visiting for business and despite what my Lonely Planet says, … Continue reading
We thought we’d try somewhere different this week and it’s a place I’ve been meaning to go to for a while now. As soon as you walk in to Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, Southsea you get that cosy ‘at home’ … Continue reading
After arriving in Bangkok for the very first time on the 22nd January, this was to be my third visit to the bustling city I have grown to both love and hate. The night train was a pleasant journey as I … Continue reading
Like always, the bus dropped us off at some-out-of-town station meaning we had to pay for a tuk-tuk into Vientiane. This is one additional cost I hate paying and unfortunately I’ve witnessed this money-making scheme throughout Asia and there’s nothing … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. La Fábula, Granada, Spain. One of the most fantastic … Continue reading
I can see why most backpackers love Vang Vieng so much. Accomodation is cheap and the streets are lined with stalls selling western-style baguettes for just over a dollar and peanut butter and Nutella pancakes for the same price. Western-style restaurants showing … Continue reading
It was a big birthday for me this year which I must admit I wasn’t really looking forward to. We booked 6 nights stay in Güéjar Sierra - a village at the foot of the Sierra Nevada – not too far … Continue reading
We decided to stay at Khammany Inn Hostel after hearing about it from other backpackers I’ve met on my journey. I’m so glad I took their advice as it was Tròn and the staff which made the seven nights there feel … Continue reading
I can think of better things to do than hop straight onto a night bus after a two day mountainous trek without a shower or a toilet, but I only had a day left of my visa so I needed … Continue reading
Back to basics with the H’Mong tribe You wouldn’t believe the last 48 hours of my life. I say this most days since I’ve been backpacking but the last few days have been extraordinary. So much so, I’m writing this … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Deliciously creamy rhubarb fool, topped with flaked almonds and served with … Continue reading
After leaving Sven in Cat Ba, the seven of us travelled north to the city of Hanoi, the old capital of Vietnam. Rich in history and culture there’s no shortage of museums and places of interest. Not particularly fond of … Continue reading
Each year around Easter time my husband Geoff and I go on a lovely country walk where we meet no one apart from the farmer in his tractor. I can’t tell you exactly where it is for fear of spoiling … Continue reading
A hell of a day in more ways than one We arrived at the Phong Nha National Park in good time, only an hour or so late which by Asian standards is great. My hopes had been set in staying … Continue reading
I had done little research before this tip as I believe the only way to learn where to go and how to get there is by talking to people you meet along the way. When asking about Vietnam the majority … Continue reading
After having a lovely lunch in Manna in the High Street, Old Portsmouth on Friday we came across a new place just along the road which had opened up called El Nico. It’s a Spanish tapas bar and my husband Geoff and … Continue reading
Rain or shine, it was a jolly good time. After another terrible night bus we arrived at Haiphong, Vietnam’s third largest city. After missing the morning boat, we retreated to a coffee shop until the next one at 1:30pm, enjoying a … Continue reading
Burning the cash whilst piling on the pounds Where do I start with Hoi An? The delightful little historic town of Hoi An is famous for many things with two of the most important being food and shopping. It’s become … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. This was delicious! Breakfast Pot which included berries, crisped rice, … Continue reading
A week ago my friend and I were out cycling and stopped off at Josie’s Wine.Coffee.Deli for coffee and cake. This was my first visit and we were lucky to get the last table. We both enjoyed a very nice … Continue reading
I must be getting stupid in my old age. When I was offered to try Choc Shot I imagined small shot packets – a little like an energy gel – which I cold squeeze into my mouth whilst cycling up a … Continue reading
Beautiful buildings and friendly people in the mountains We arrived in Dalat too late for the group dinner at Dalat Family, the hostel we had booked for our stay. I was pretty annoyed and what made matters worse is that they … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Coffee, dumplings and doughnuts. Helen’s reward after a hellish … Continue reading
If you have the money then do it. Aimee, Lisa, Nicola, Kevin and I were met outside Mojzo Inn by six Vietnamese men on motorbikes. They were Easy Riders, a group of older men, often veterans of the Vietnamese/American war, … Continue reading
I’ve been to The Fox Goes Free for a meal before, about 4 years ago and it was very nice back then. Since then I think I’ve only ever had a quick bite at lunch time, but again that was … Continue reading
It’s not about the place but the people My bus from Mui Ne to Nha Trang was surprisingly good and included wifi and a hilarious comedy show on TV. By the time I arrived in Nha Trang over two hours … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Helen enjoyed these ‘strange jelly-like balls’ as she describes … Continue reading
Beach, bikes and buses! The bus from Ho Chi Minh City was surprisingly Ok and allowed me to catch up with a little sleep. Having been unable to book online I tried my luck at the Mui Ne Backpackers Hostel but … Continue reading
I’ve just come back from a very nice late lunch with my favourite sister Gill at Durleighmarsh Tea Barn. I was told of this place only yesterday by my cycling pal, Jan as she had been at the weekend whilst … Continue reading
A while back I wrote about my cycling trip to Brittany, France. All week I hadn’t had a chance to find any chocolates along the pretty country lanes or small villages we cycled through, but on the last day on our … Continue reading
A real tourist now My bus journey to Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon was surprisingly pleasant with the Mekong Express providing free water and baked goods onboard. It took around six and a half hours in total including … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Refreshing iced coffee made with condensed milk from Java … Continue reading
This was to be my first and last night bus in Cambodia After a terrible nights sleep and a whole day trying my hardest to stay up until our night bus at midnight (although it was more like 1am by … Continue reading
After the long boat journey from Siem Reap I headed into town to grab a quick inexpensive bite to eat so I could retreat back to my room at ever-so-friendly Hak’s Guesthouse. On the walk in I was approached by a … Continue reading
Mother’s Day. The only day of the year that I wish I’d had more children – apart from my birthday I suppose. Plus one of the very many days where I wish I still had my lovely mother with us. … Continue reading
After a couple of early nights in friendly Tomato Guesthouse and a small dose of food poisoning the night before, I caught the 7am boat from Battambang to Siem Reap. I had heard lots about this journey, some good, most bad … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. A rather lovely lemon polenta cake from a new … Continue reading
Anyone would think I’m obsessed with buses It came to no suprise that my three hour “express bus” took over six hours but it did have limited wifi (woohoo!) and I was able to get some rest. I gave in … Continue reading
I love Las Iguanas. It’s a favourite with our family and we’ve been going for several years, the first being the branch at Royal Festival Hall in London, not long after they’d just opened up I imagine. We were really … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Bamboo cake from Cambodia. The correct name is Kralan … Continue reading
Top tip: don’t buy a bus ticket from the local pot dealer Our one and a half hour bus journey to Kampot lasted nearly five hours in a cramped non air-conditioned mini van and included various pick-up and drop-offs along … Continue reading
My husband and I decided to return to Capers Cafe in Marmion Road, Southsea today for brunch. We first paid them a visit at the beginning of December and again a week or two later and both times it had been very good, … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Refreshing strawberry ice-cream shake from Sister Srey, Siem Reap, … Continue reading
I’ll take the room next to the party please. I left Bangkok heading six hours south to Koh Chang, Thailand’s second largest island situated off the north eastern coast, close to the town of Trat. I decided to make my … Continue reading
Cloud Nine Marshmallows recently sent me some of their delightful marshmallows to sample. It’s nice to try something different other than chocolate - although I do adore it. I received two bags, one containing Champagne & strawberry hearts, the other salted caramel … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. I had cycled over to one of my favourite … Continue reading
What to do? After a nearly a week of trying to decide which route to take around Asia I’ve realised that whichever route I choose I will meet a whole host of different people and even if I take the same route … Continue reading
Beckett’s wine bar is situated on Belleview Terrace close to Clarence Pier in Portsmouth. I used to go here to celebrate my birthday with a group of friends for years and each time I would hope and pray that they hadn’t … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. An unusual tasting Mooncake from Chinatown, Thailand. Read about Helen’s time in Bustling Bangkok. 2. Sweet … Continue reading
And so it begins After a sad farewell I headed four hours north of Chiang Mai to the small town of Pai situated in the Mae Hong Son region of Thailand. Popular with backpackers, Pai was relatively unknown until a few … Continue reading
I’ve just returned from The Golden Lion at Southwick, Hampshire. I don’t generally post a review so quickly but this was so good I just couldn’t wait to share it. We wanted to take Geoff’s parents out for Sunday lunch … Continue reading
Valentine’s Day. It’s that time of year where you can show your love to that special person in your life – or perhaps a future someone. Chocolates and flowers are the most common Valentine gifts and who doesn’t like chocolates? … Continue reading
Back to basics The sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai was surprisingly OK. I took the top bunk and despite the hard bed and pillow (standard in Asia) I was able to get a little sleep. We had a hearty but fairly rushed … Continue reading
This post is about my restaurant experience on-board Brittany Ferries. With the excitement of Christmas over and the weather dull and dreary people are starting to think of booking holidays. It’s hard to imagine that feeling of having the sun … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. Marks & Spencer‘s Belgian dark chocolate & … Continue reading
Wow what a city. The first few days of my journey was spent relaxing by a roof top pool overlooking bustling Bangkok. The calmness was a world away from the streets below, with the smell of noodles and spring rolls … Continue reading
A little bell rings above the door as you enter the 19 Fourteas Tearoom in Havant. It has a cosy feeling as if being at home or in someone’s front room, but of course in another era. The staff are dressed in … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week and the last for this year. Here’s five of our favourites.From top left, clockwise: 1. Delicious … Continue reading
And so it begins! You may have heard about my planned adventure from our recent rumblings on Facebook and Twitter. Sam and I are heading off to South East Asia for five months or so before moving to Sydney in July … Continue reading
I think Southsea Coffee Co. is starting to become one of my favourite local places for lunch. I’ve been there three times now and each time is as good as the first with the friendly staff, the food and the general ‘feel’ … Continue reading
Helen and I stumbled upon Gracie-Ann’s quite by accident whilst walking around Port Solent near Portsmouth. We happened to pass a sign pointing us to a new tearoom. Well, how could we resist? Up the spiral staircase took us to Gracie-Ann’s and after having … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week and the last for this year. Here’s five of our favourites! Clockwise from top left: 1. … Continue reading
The Pavilion at Stansted Park, Rowland’s Castle is always a delight to visit. The beautiful large and elegant Victorian glasshouse (the original fig house) is light and sunny. White table cloths upon the tables, black and white tiled flooring, Lloyd loom chairs and views … Continue reading
I’ve been to Amelie & Friends in North Street, Chichester several times over the last couple of years or more since they’ve opened. Sometimes just for a cake and a coffee, sometimes lunch and more recently for an evening meal with … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week and the last for this year. Here’s five of our favourites! 1. Delicious chocolate ganache with … Continue reading
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink and nibbles with friends or a date, Polpo may just have the answer. Go to share small plates of Italian food and a bottle of red. Continue reading
With Helen home over Christmas it’s not long before she’s off on her travels so we thought we’d check out The Garage Lounge (Bakery) in Southsea precinct together (originally they were calling it The Parlour). I’d already been 10 days before … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week and the last for this year. Here’s five of our favourites! Helen’s lovely parsnip, maple & pecan … Continue reading
I’m not one to update Facebook with a soppy status reflecting on the past year but I would like to take a look back at my culinary highlights of 2013. It’s been a whirlwind year which started with a new … Continue reading
I chose a parsnip and maple cake recipe from BBC Good Food for my first bake. My long and stressful evening of baking was worth while when myself and my colleagues sampled what was possibly the best cake I had ever tasted! Continue reading
Please, please, please, if you haven’t already, can you vote for us here for the UK Blog Awards, Thank you! … Continue reading
It’s quite ironic that I’m sat in Australian cafe in London whilst trying to decide whether to quit my job in London for a new life in Australia. My delicious brunch from Lantana Cafe, consisting of muesli and baked pears along with a creamy flat white has certainly helped my decision. Certainly a must visit. Continue reading
If you enjoy reading our blog please can you vote for us here for the UK Blog Awards. Thank you. x … Continue reading
Before you start reading this post, may I ask you to do Helen and I a huge favour please? If you enjoy reading our blog could you please take 5 minutes out of your time to vote for us in … Continue reading
I’ve been dying to sit down and tell you about my visit to The Five Fields in Chelsea, undoubtedly the best meal I’ve ever had. I had booked a few months earlier when The Five Fields was relatively unknown, after an extensive … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): 1. My Rocky … Continue reading
Every year I aim to start buying Christmas presents early and every year, I fail to do so. The problem is, if you buy gifts too early the receiver either goes out and buys it for themselves anyway, which results … Continue reading
Since a child I’ve always been a member of a club; Brownies, Girl guides, drama club and even football club, but now a twenty-something Londoner, there’s no time or need for a club in my life. Until now that is. … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): 1. Delicious ricotta … Continue reading
I have in front of me five incredibly sounding flavours from The Chocolatier, Aneesh Popat which Helen gave me to try and I haven’t a clue how I’m going to pick just a few to concentrate on. There’s Baked Bean (haricot & tomato); … Continue reading
Packed full of friends and older families, we enjoyed a quality fry up at Bistro Union, even if the sausage wasn’t to our personal taste! Plus it even cured my hangover – just! Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the some of the many sweet treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s five of our favourites! This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): 1. This was … Continue reading
I had been on a cycling trip to Combourg in Brittany, France for five days with my husband Geoff and some of the members from our cycling club. We were returning to the ferry port of St.Malo and we had … Continue reading
The days I spend with my mother, the other half of livelifelovecake, are precious now that I live in London. Although, our distance is probably for the best as whenever we are together all we do is indulge in our … Continue reading
This week’s round-up of the our favourite treats eaten by us – just some of them! Continue reading
Soon after publishing my list of “must visits before 2014″ I went straight to work ticking each London eateries off the list. After all, what better excuse to indulge in some of the best food and drink around town. Apart from … Continue reading
I love France and visit at least twice a year, usually cycling in Brittany or Normandy but back in June we went to the Provence and cycled up Mount Ventoux. It’s beautiful there and I just love the food. So … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites! This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): 1. Ooh la la, look at my … Continue reading
On a Friday afternoon I headed to London to visit Helen and we were meeting at The Dairy, Clapham for 6.30pm. I found my way fairly easily, on time and also found somewhere to park for free – result. The … Continue reading
After enjoying a simply delicious crispy pollock-filled hirata bun from YumBun last week, it’s safe to say I’ve been lured into the one of the biggest food trends to have appeared in London this year. Steam hirata buns continue to boom … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites! This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): 1. Warm and fruity grilled banana bread … Continue reading
Helen and I were kindly invited to Snowflake Gelato in Wardour Street, Soho, London to try out some of their delicious wares. The shop – or ‘boutique‘ as they call it – is light, fresh and modern-looking with mirrors on … Continue reading
One of the best things about travelling is the food. I love trying new dishes and stumbling upon weird and wonderful treats unheard of in the UK. My recent trip to Brazil was a culinary affair as I was lucky … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites! This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): 1. Extremely fruity flapjacks which were last … Continue reading
My husband Geoff and I were staying at Oxbourne House in Oxhill, Warwickshire a lovely B&B run by Posy and Graeme McDonald which we found on the Alastair Sawday website. Oxhill is a small rural village situated roughly half-way between … Continue reading
In my eyes, food should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, in adequate amounts and enough to leave you feeling satisfied yet not overly full. It must look good and taste good with style and substance playing equal roles. I … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left: Chocolate chip shortbread baked by my colleague … Continue reading
To mark the end of National Chocolate Week I took a trip to the “world’s greatest chocolate show“, Salon du Chocolat, to learn more about the magical world of chocolate. Opening its doors in London for the first time, the … Continue reading
Every Friday I look forward to picking up my free ES Magazine at Waterloo to read the latest restaurant review from Grace Dent. I enjoy guessing which latest London opening will feature each week and last week, I guessed right … Continue reading
After a week’s break to answer that all important question “Where should you eat in London”, Sweet Treats is back with with a round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats … Continue reading
October is a good month for many reasons, with one being National Chocolate Week, which this year, runs from Monday 14th October until Sunday 21st October. Apart from Christmas and Easter it’s possibly the busiest period in a food blogger’s … Continue reading
The hybrid hype has returned after this week’s #Duffingate scandal, which saw Starbucks trademark their “new” Duffin, despite it having been produced by an independent London tearoom, Bea’s of Bloomsbury, for the past couple of years (Oh crumbs!). I’ve previously reviewed … Continue reading
I’m a food blogger so I should know the best places to eat right? Then how come when people ask me where to eat in London I always find myself stuck for words. I encounter the same mind blank when … Continue reading
When I grow up I want to be an international jet setter. I love hearing about my grandparent’s holidays, which in recent years have involved trips to the Caribbean (Nan and Grandad Newman) and India (Grandad Mudie). This year my … Continue reading
I shall warn you now that the restaurant review you’re about to read contains nothing sweet! Yes, that’s right; I left a restaurant without ordering dessert. Technically speaking I did have a cheese board which could be considered a dessert … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Fresh and fruity fig tart from the … Continue reading
If my recent trip to Brazil has taught me one thing, it’s that Brazilian’s love their cake. After a hectic few days in vibrant Rio de Janerio we headed to Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Brazil, roughly a … Continue reading
Ever since it’s opening last summer I’ve been itching to visit Grain Store. With a focus on fruit and veg, the menu is right up my street and the pretty photos shared by bloggers across social media has only heightened … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Yummy chocolate brownie from Aldingbourne Trust which … Continue reading
A friend of mine was meant to be meeting her friend at Greens Restaurant in Wickham a few weeks ago but as she’s a bit rubbish at navigating (like me) she couldn’t find Wickham – plus there was a road closure so we’ll excuse … Continue reading
Well, Daylesford Organic Farm is one of those places where you just say “wow”! It truly is amazing. My husband Geoff and I were having a mini break in the Cotswolds and before we left Geoff had looked up a few places … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): I felt like I’d died and gone … Continue reading
My husband Geoff and I went away for a few days to the Cotswolds and he found a place online which he thought I may like. And he was right! Meg Rivers is a family-run artisan bakery and is situated … Continue reading
I first visited Shere in Surrey last year as I went there with some cycling pals to watch the Tour of Britain. The Dabbling Duck wasn’t there then, just an empty shell of an old ex-tearoom so we lunched at … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Moist and fresh and my favourite, lemon … Continue reading
Maison Blanc has been in South Street, Chichester for as long as I can remember and have always had delicious looking French style cakes in the window. Years ago the seating area was at the rear which was dingy and … Continue reading
I’m not a big meat-eater and always order chicken or fish when dining out but on this occasion we were celebrating the end of Sam’s final accountancy exams so it was only right that we go for a steak, his … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Chocolate fudge brownie from the Robin Hood … Continue reading
My last weekly meet-up with the girls included a long awaited trip to one of Soho’s latest openings, Pizza Pilgrims. Excellent reviews meant expectations were high, plus the fact that the restaurant belongs to one of London’s most popular, long-established … Continue reading
I was kindly given some vouchers for a regular pot of Yog frozen yogurt so it was only right I popped into the BFI IMax at Waterloo on a pleasant summer’s evening. I’m a big fan of frozen yogurt (FroYo) … Continue reading
I spent the bank holiday weekend with the other half of livelifelovecake which meant there was a mountain of sweet treats consumed between us. Here’s some of the sweetest treats Mum and I tasted over the weekend…. This week’s sweet … Continue reading
Every now and then we get sent something that is that little bit special. Something which gives us a ‘wow’ moment. Galeta‘s Pastéis de Nata’s did just that! Baked that very morning and delivered fresh to Helen’s place of work they … Continue reading
You probably wouldn’t come across Wellies unless you were trying to find it because the chances of you just ‘happening to be passing by’ are quite remote as Wellies is in the middle of the countryside with not much else … Continue reading
One of the many tearooms we visit on our cycle rides is ‘The Anvil‘ (we know it as Fred’s) in Bishop’s Waltham, always a friendly welcome and they do delicious cake and many choices of coffee. Next door is an … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): An incredibly tasting layered cake made with … Continue reading
Helen had come down from London to visit for the weekend and after visiting the dentist we drove to Emsworth where we were having a meal in a restaurant there. We were an hour or so early and sat by … Continue reading
I pass this pub tons of times as it’s on my cycle training route but never stop. I was seeing a friend whom I hadn’t seen for a few weeks and we needed to catch up and as she’d never … Continue reading
How would you like to win some tickets to the FEAST Foodies Festival at Battersea Park, London which is being held on Friday the 16th, Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th August 2013? If you’ve never been to a … Continue reading
If you’re a fellow foodie you may well have heard of the latest trend to hit the capital which involves combining the recipes of two or more sweet treats to make a totally wacky never-been-eaten hybrid pastry. Originating in the … Continue reading
I’ve finally visited Kitsch ‘n d’or the French restaurant in Southsea, Portsmouth for the very first time. I’m not sure how long it’s been there but it’s been a while and I think I will return! We went as a … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly round-up of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): A yummy ‘Triple C’ (milk chocolate, chocolate … Continue reading
Having previously reviewed Lucky’s Tiny Pieces of Wonderland and visited their pop-up shop in Kingly Court, I was desperate to try their Mad Hatter Brownies, the latest addition to their extensive range of treats. Receiving a selection of chocolate brownies … Continue reading
I’m ashamed to admit that my first thought as I go up the tube escalator into Waterloo Station every morning is whether there’s any product sampling going on. My hungry eyes scan the station floor for any food-related and often … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly roundup of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): A very large chunk of rich fruit … Continue reading
I love summer, I always have done. Not only is it the only couple of months a year I’m not moaning about the cold or dressed in enough layers fit for an Eskimo, but it brings the perfect excuse for … Continue reading
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s Coronation, Charbonnel et Walker have launched a limited edition box in collaboration with Swarovski. The sparkling Swarovski crystal box is filled with their new Milk Chocolate Praline Crowns which are handmade in … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly roundup of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): New Mad Hatter chocolate brownies from … Continue reading
La Petite Fontaine is in the heart of Carpentras, France and very close to a small fountain of course. It was previously named La Cuisine de Pierre until chef Sébastien Royer took it over and renamed it in 2007. The interior is … Continue reading
I was lucky to meet celebrity chef and Master Pâtissier, Eric Lanlard at Total Greek’s Birthday Party last month where I sampled more of his delicious tasting cakes. I first came across Eric’s cake after visiting his Cake Boy London … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly roundup of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Gluten-free and dairy-free Dark Chocolate & … Continue reading
It’s rather difficult these days to find chocolate or sweets which is actually made in the particular country you are visiting. So we scoured our little village supermarket in Hinterglemm to try and find some goodies to review from Austria. … Continue reading
Note to one’s self – look up the local delicacies (especially cakes & sweets) before visiting abroad, that way you won’t miss out on anything important. A month ago I spent a week cycling around Carpentras in the south of … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly roundup of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Hot Ameretto with whipped cream served … Continue reading
I have recently returned from a rather wet week in Austria, staying at the fabulous Gartenhotel Theresia in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria who are now in their 3rd generation of owner-managers. They are the first hotel in the Salzburg region – and only ones in Hinterglemm - to offer fully organic cuisine … Continue reading
I didn’t have much time to research cake places before my recent trip to Amsterdam, so I relied on the recommendations of my foodie friends and good old TripAdvisor. There appears to be a common belief that the Dutch do … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly roundup of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Blueberry flapjack from Olive Tree, Nailsworth in … Continue reading
I had a few errands to run in Chichester, West Sussex so I did a little shopping and met one of my cycle friends for lunch as I would not be seeing her for a few weeks due to both … Continue reading
We were invited along to the Cannizaro House Hotel in Wimbledon to celebrate the launch of Style Ambition. During our morning appointment, Eleanor and I discovered our body shape (I’m a rhubarb!) and were talked through what clothes were most … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly roundup of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): A scoop of ‘Strawberry Yogurt’ and ‘Cremino’ gelato … Continue reading
Last Thursday marked the 30th (on UK shelves) Birthday of popular Greek yogurt brand Total. Produced in Greece, Total Greek Yogurt has remained virtually unchanged since 1926. Not only did they launch a brand new TV ad to celebrate their heritage, … Continue reading
Helen was having a couple of days in Dublin, meeting up with some friends she met whilst travelling in Australia 4 years ago. After dropping her off at Gatwick Airport for her flight – which she caught by the skin … Continue reading
What better way to start your Friday than with our weekly roundup of the sweetest treats we’ve eaten this week. Here’s 5 of our favourites…. This week’s sweet treats (clockwise from top left): Incredible salted caramel dessert shot from On … Continue reading
Last Sunday I returned to London’s Foodies Festival after spending the whole weekend there in 2012 (Read our review here). This year the festival was held on Clapham Common as opposed to Battersea Park which was handy for me, living … Continue reading