Looking for a mini break with a twist? Then look no further than the Malmaison Oxford. A reconverted Victorian prison where you can reside in luxury at his Majesty’s pleasure. Undoubtedly, a unique experience, your stay will provide luxury juxtaposed with jarring history in this tough former penal institution.
When you think of the Forest of Dean, squealing tusks immediately spring to mind. But it’s not all wild boars. The forest covers forty-two square miles of unspoilt ancient woodland where you can walk, bike, fish, picnic or meander through inspiring sculptures. It’s within reach of the capital but far enough from the madding crowds to let you re-calibrate after even the toughest weeks at work.
Kew Gardens Orchids Festival offers a much-needed blast of flamboyant colour to drab February days. Bringing the warmth of Africa to our shores this year, the Prince of Wales Conservatory is once again the host for this year’s floral extravaganza. Feeling in desperate need of some colour and warmth, I took a Friday off work to escape to another world.
Bentley Priory Museum is undoubtedly one of greater London’s hidden gems. Located near Bentley Priory nature reserve, this grade II* listed mansion was the Headquarters for Fighter Command during World War 11. Acting as an intelligence filter on incoming air raids, RAF Bentley Priory helped us win the Battle of Britain and maintain the free world. Intrigued, I took an afternoon off to find out more.
Making up for the lack in weekday suit trade, the Eataly London opening has generated throngs of weekend visitors to the City. Attracting 7 million visitors a year in New York, the Italian food emporium injects fresh inspiration into the Square Mile’s retail offer. Deprived of a trip to Florence or Rome, I decided to grab a slice of la dolce vita right here in London.
As 2020 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the crazy year when everyone left the office. While this year has certainly had its challenges, it has given the precious gift of time to be able to engage in creative pursuits. From paper printing to fermented vegetables, I’m amazed at the range of new skills I’ve learnt this year.
Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s cinema via socially-distanced boats. As creative ideas go, the Parisians have certainly pushed the boat out in 2020. This outdoor cinema extravaganza marks the inauguration of the Paris Plages 2020 celebrations. As part of this annual summer festival, artificial beaches pop up along the Seine transforming the City into a trendy beach resort.
It’s incredible to think that we’re now into our ninth week of remote working. Freed from the shackles of the commute and the constraints of office life, we now have more freedom than we could have ever imagined. But adapting to these remote working pros and cons brings its own challenges. Here are my top 5 tips that I’ve learnt over the last nine weeks that have kept me sane during lockdown.
Cart marking is one of the oldest traditions in the City of London and is still upheld to this day in an annual parade of vintage carts. The cart owners apply for the honour of being officially “marked” in the Guildhall Yard. It’s one of those events that always makes people stop and stare without having a clue as to what it’s all about. Often mistaken for a film shoot for the latest summer blockbuster, the cart marking ceremony is as old and mysterious as the City itself.
Nestled deep in the heart of central Europe, Slovenia’s Julian Alps offers mighty mountains, emerald lakes and pristine mountain trails. Frequently overlooked by its illustrious neighbours, Austria and Italy, the hiking hordes have yet to descend on these hidden heartlands. In fact, the only other “trekkers” you’re likely to meet are the frisky mountain goats.
