Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in this buzzing area of south-east London. Try Persian meze, low-intervention wines, Indian street food nibbles and more
Looking for restaurants in Peckham? Check out our favourite restaurants, bars and foodie spots in the SE area, from French-style bistros to Persian meze and plant-based Indian street food. After, read about our favourite new restaurants in London. Best places to eat and drink in Peckham Kokum, East Dulwich Road This smart neighbourhood restaurant on the East Dulwich/Peckham border serves some of the highest quality Indian cooking this side of the river. It should be no surprise, given the restaurant is the vision of Sanjay Gour (ex-head chef at Gymkhana) and Simeron Lily Patel – co-founders of the Michelin-rated Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen. Far from Michelin prices, Kokum offers a competitively priced menu that bridges delicate starters with bowls of gravy-laden curries and flaky lachha paratha. Dahi puri saw dainty layers of potato, chickpea and moong sprout submerged in deceptively fiery layers of tang, sweet and spice. Pickled and charred tandoori roast cauliflower sat in a pool of hot makhani sauce, jewelled with pockets of mint and coriander chutney. The curries that followed accommodate to the neighbourhood clientele, with deep bowls of lamb rogan josh and lemongrass-infused makrut lime prawns. A side of dal makhani – eight-hour slow-cooked black lentils – countered the mains with its dark sultriness. There’s plenty of choice to drink too – the sharp cocktail list includes an espresso martini spiced with chai liqueur, and a punchy strawberry blush, pepped with tamarind spicy vodka and lengthened with basil tonic. Desserts include a rich kulfi made with Iranian pistachio and rum-flambéed gulab jamun, tempered with vanilla ice cream. kokumlondon.com Lai Rai, Rye Lane Meet friends for fuss-free snacks and cold beers at this dinky new-school Vietnamese on Rye Lane. With the name Lai Rai meaning ‘little by little’, the space is a homage to Vietnamese canteens, with a buttery colour palette, neon lighting and slick red stools. By day it serves bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee, by evening the menu mutates into playful twists on familiar Vietnamese flavours – you won't find any bowls of pho here. Small plates include crunchy prawn lollies on sugarcane stalks and a light, multicoloured papaya jellyfish salad with lumps of pineapple, charred tomatoes, fresh Viet herbs and peanuts, wiped clean with charred bánh mì chunks. Larger dishes include a twice-cooked chicken leg atop a herby dressing and grilled betel leaf beef, swimming in a smoky pool of house-made coffee barbecue jus. Vietnamese-inspired cocktails include the Xoài Kick, a bracing mix of tequila, mango, red chillies and fruit salt, and a Viet coffee-laced vodka martini. Finish with a scoop of freshly churned ice cream made by small south London manufacturer Clingy Wrap, with funky flavours including fish sauce vanilla caramel and kumquat cucumber sorbet. If you're looking for something altogether unexpected, you’ll find it here. lairai.london Hausu, Station Way Housed inside a Victorian Grade II listed train station, Hausu makes a cool and cosy date night spot run by head chef Holly Middleton Joseph. Luckily, the backdrop of clattering trains is cleverly masked by a vintage high-fidelity sound system that plays funk and soul. The menu's modern sharing plates promise bold flavours such as its signature spin on prawn toast, piled high with a mountainous helping of prawn and scallop mousse coated in black sesame seeds and deep fried until crisp. To finish, it’s plated with a fermented chilli ketchup and dusted with dehydrated scallop roe. The menu changes with the seasons, along with the DJs, so every time you swing by it feels like a new experience. Plus, when you're ready to go home you’re handily already at the station. hausulondon.co.uk Dough Hands, Nunhead Green Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at fun-loving south London pub The Old Nun's Head, as well as Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms. The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas. Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar. We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA. instagram.com/doughhandspizza/ Taquiza, Rye Lane Mexican-inspired eatery, Taquiza, is a fun, laid-back spot, perfect for dinner with friends. It's an open and buzzy space, situated under a Peckham archway, with a menu of eat-with-your-hands dishes: grilled elote showered in chipotle aïoli, chilli and queso añejo (Mexican cheese), 12-hour beef tacos with salsa roja, onion and coriander, chiles toreados (blistered chilli peppers) and smoked tofu chorizo tacos with xcatik cream (a spicy chilli pepper cream), guacamole and jalapeños. There’s an impressively sized pasilla chocolate mousse for dessert, topped with vanilla cremate and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and pistachio. Wash it all down with margarita picantes or, if the evening calls for it, a shot of smoky mezcal. instagram.com/taquizaldn/ Peckham Arches, Blenheim Grove Find this trendy south-east London haunt underneath the railway arches of Peckham Rye station, complete with a botanical garden terrace, two cocktail bars and art gallery. Watch chefs as they sling pizza from a wood-fired oven, laden with toppings such as Italian spicy sausage, mozzarella and Frank’s hot honey or – our favourite – ’nduja with mozzarella, pickled red chilli and red onion, finished with lashings of creamy garlic sauce. Choose from a selection of hot, crunchy morsels on the ‘nibbles’ menu – the mushroom and truffle arancini and the crispy courgette fries are not to be missed. Cocktails are given equal attention, offering refreshing mezcal and tequila numbers like a picante, a grapefruit margarita and a passion fruit mezcalita. Natural wines, ‘regular’ wines, draught and local beers are also available. peckhamarches.com En Root, Peckham Rye Brothers Nish and Harsh have come a long way since selling hot sauce at markets in 2016, expanding to a bricks-and-mortar in Clapham and, more recently, a plant-based restaurant in Peckham decked with plants, draped mandala tapestries and decorative cushions. Sip on the watermelon juice with beetroot, apple, ginger and mint during summer evenings, or ask for the modestly priced cocktail menu, where juices are livened with rum. Nourishing vegan fare lies at the heart of En Root, offering Indian classics and street food nibbles infused with Gujarati spices. Start with sharing bites: puri is filled with beetroot, onions and chickpeas, and submerged in date tamarind masala water, while the plantain chaat – seasoned plantain on a bed of beetroot, onions, chickpeas, ‘spice krispies’ and chutney – is an explosion of sweet crunch. For mains, saag aloo-filled dosas come with lentil soup and coconut chutney. Or, for optimum health, try the buddha bowl, generously filled with rainbow salad, baba ghanoush, sprouted lentils, curried chickpeas, plantain and avocado. To finish, the mango lassi cheesecake on an oaty coconut base offers a healthier twist on the original – best served with creamy chai. enrootldn.co.uk Peckham Cellars, Queen's Road Elegant floor-to-ceiling Crittal windows frame this breezy, laid-back wine bar on Queen's Road in Peckham. Start with a glass of lemony Gusbourne fizz from Kent before delving into a wine list defined by sustainably minded, small-scale producers, with plenty of affordable options by the glass. We try another Kentish stunner – Westwell's Ortega Amphora 2019, fermented in terracotta jars – with fragrant apricot and honey suckle notes, before moving onto summery, cherry-tinged chilled gamay, available on tap at the bar. A quietly industrious open kitchen, led by chef Henry Freestone – garlanded with a Bib Gourmand in 2020 – amiably sends out plates of unfussy yet deceptively luxurious food. Highlights include springy sourdough with whipped lemon and rosemary butter, porchetta layered with crispy, salty shards of crackling, and filo-wrapped asparagus with a soft-boiled duck egg for dipping. Save space for pudding – a decadent lemon meringue pie sundae is the childhood dessert of dreams. peckhamcellars.co.uk Levan, Blenheim Grove Inspired by the new-wave bistros of Paris, Levan’s short menu is split into three sections – snacks, small plates and larger sharing dishes. Start with a few snacks –tuck into a unique comté panisse that’s deep-fried to produce bouncy, cheesy domino fries to dip into saffron aïoli. The highlight of the small plates is the ravioli – thick pasta parcels filled with brown butter-caramelised celeriac, accompanied by knobbly, deep-fried jerusalem artichokes and crisp cavolo nero. For mains, the vacherin pie is rich and cheesy, peppery and earthy – a shiny golden dome with frilly outer crust that collapses into layers of dauphinoise potatoes, slow-cooked black trompette and chestnut mushrooms and melted vacherin cheese. Finish with tarte tatin. The golden puff pastry melts away, with salted caramel-braised apple slices adding lip-smacking salty-sweetness. The carefully curated wine list focusses on low-intervention and natural wines. Jura chardonnay is super fresh with toffee notes, while vibrant trousseau makes for a light and fruity red with a hint of smoke. There are just two cocktails: the simple ‘white’ mixes Tanqueray 10 with Belthasar riesling vermouth over a large block of ice, while the ‘red’ is served in a more elegant flute with wine-based Ciroc vodka, sweet and dry vermouth. levanlondon.co.uk Frank’s Café, Rye Lane This is about as trendy and hipster as you get, but in the best possible way. On top of a multi-storey car park in Peckham, there's a pithy list of on-trend drinks, from negronis, margaritas and cucumber gimlets to jug cocktails such as white port and tonic, and fruity rum punch. Snacks include brown sugar hot wings, deep-fried mackerel in a bun, and lamb breast kebab with burnt chilli yogurt. It closes for winter and opens in the spring each year. boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe Persepolis, Peckham High Street Pay a visit to Persepolis for a taste of Persia in the heart of Peckham. Beyond the deli’s impressive selection of tins, spices, Persian yogurts and display of shisha pipes, you’ll find a cosy hideout where diners feast on freshly made meze platters and veggie and vegan delights such as eggs scrambled with dates and fragrant spices, and dairy-free knickerbocker glories. This popular café is a favourite among locals for its no-nonsense, avocado-free breakfasts (think mango and tamarind smoothies and pots of Persian tea with cardamom); however, the £20 tasting menu is the real standout: a colourful carousel of food spanning meze, soup, mains and a dessert platter filled with ice cream, paklava and fruit. foratasteofpersia.co.uk Check out more London restaurant guides here: Best restaurants in Marylebone Best restaurants in Mayfair Best restaurants in Fitzrovia Best restaurants near Oxford Street Best restaurants in Brixton Best restaurants in Notting Hill Best restaurants in Shoreditch Best restaurants in Camden Best restaurants in Covent Garden Best restaurants in Soho Best restaurants in London Bridge Best restaurants in Hackney Best restaurants in Paddington
10 magical London streets and neighbourhoods for Christmas shopping
Shop, eat and feel merry on these festive London streets lined with unique boutiques and established brands – it'll make Christmas shopping a breeze
On the hunt for unique gifts for the food lover in your life? These London neighbourhoods are brimming with independent boutiques, artisan food stores and Christmas markets – perfect for shopping, exploring and soaking up some festive cheer. We've also included nearby foodie hot spots to refuel for an all-round shopping experience with seasonal sparkle. Discover our guides to the best UK city breaks and our favourite European hidden gem hotels. For more winter travel inspiration, see our guide to the best ski destinations or best winter sun destinations for something a little warmer. Festive London streets and neighbourhoods for Christmas shopping Columbia Road Market More than the heaving East End flower market that takes place every Sunday, Columbia Road's shops host a range of events during the year, including Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays. Being one of the few streets in the country composed of sixty independent shopfronts, it's a good opportunity to pick up unique gifts in a local environment while enjoying a big dose of Christmas cheer (expect mulled wine and mince pies). You can also shop later in the evening along the small stretch of stores, where small art galleries sit next to English delis and homeware and antique shops. There’s also a wealth of great pubs, cafés and restaurants. Pick up custom cakes at Lily Vanilli Bakery or head to cool boozer The Royal Oak for a post-market tipple. Brawn is an olive favourite, serving European small plates alongside a menu of natural and organic wines. Coal Drops Yard and King’s Cross Once industrial, but now one of London’s most stylish shopping destinations, King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard come alive at Christmas with a packed programme of markets. The Canopy Christmas Market is home to over 50 indie crafters, designers and artisan produce – perfect for ticking off your gift list and sampling street food and mulled cider. Other Christmas offerings include the Wine Car Boot, where each stall is an independent wine store; the N4 Makers’ Market; and B Corp-certified Lower Stable Street Market, to name a few. Outside the markets, browse unique brands such as designer Tom Dixon's flagship store and plant-filled Botanical Boys, then tuck into gooey hand-topped cookies from The After School Cookie Club. If you need a pause mid-shop, The Drop is an intimate wine bar housed within the Victorian stone arches – it has a stellar cheese and charcuterie menu – while Happy Face Pizza offers wood-fired slices with sloppy centres and puffy crusts. Peckham and Rye Lane Looking to shop small this Christmas? Peckham is the place. Starting as small boutique market, Pexmas is now an annual fixture on the London Christmas market scene. Taking place at Copeland Park, it's a great chance to stock up on handmade gifts while supporting some of the best micro brands in Peckham. If you miss it, visit the store on Market Row in Brixton Village. Elsewhere, dig through vinyl crates, unearth independent prints and meet local collectors at The Big Market Record & Art fair at Peckham Levels – perfect for those who like their Christmas shopping with a side of creativity. The area also promises some of south London's most exciting restaurants – Lai Rai is the spot for playful Vietnamese cooking, while Hausu's menu of modern sharing plates makes a cool date night spot. Redchurch Street and and Spitalfields Market Visit this buzzy east London district for its clutch of creative indie shops and designer-makers. Redchurch Street is dotted with cool and contemporary one-off shops, from fashion boutiques and vintage designers to home fragrance brands; Old Spitalfields Market is a bustling hub for thoughtful Christmas gifts, with unique stalls selling everything from London-made leather goods to vintage watches and hand-poured candles. Foodies should make a beeline for the market’s huddle of street-food traders, with options like Dumpling Shack and Le Bab. For a caffeine fix, head to Grind's pastel pink van, taste authentic chai from Chai Guys or tuck into fluffy Taiwanese pancakes at Wheelcake Island. Gloria, a flamboyant Italian trattoria on Great Eastern Street, is perfect for a fun group dinner, while Passione Vino offers a secret wine bar experience as well as bottles to gift wine lovers. Marylebone Village Marylebone’s elegant high street and surrounding lanes are a haven for good-quality shopping. Daunt Books is a book-lover’s paradise, while Le Creuset provides ultimate cookware inspiration. Pop into Rococo Chocolates for bespoke hampers and La Fromagerie for cheese, fine wines and extra virgin olive oil – speak to the affineur (cheese specialist), who will help with selections. The area’s boutiques – VV Rouleaux for ribbons, hats and accessories or KJ’s Laundry for covetable fashion – make present-hunting a joy. Refuel at The Ginger Pig with a hot sausage roll or linger over a coffee and cake at Fischer’s, a Viennese-style café. For a memorable dinner, Carlotta serves famiglia-style Sicilian classics with an American twist, complete with lavish gold décor and glitter ball-decorated toilets. Charlotte Street and Fitzrovia The surrounding streets of leafy Fitzrovia are heaped with quaint indie shops, making it a hot spot for those seeking a one-of-a-kind gift. Make a beeline for Rathbone, New Cavendish and Percy streets, where you can expect a blend of sleek interior shops, small boutiques and niche bookshops such as Treadwell’s Books – specialising in esoteric books and mystical gifts. Tottenham Court Road is a stone's throw away, should you need to hit the big flagships. Laid-back Charlotte Street is considered Fitzrovia’s foodie hub. Elsa offers Alsatian-inspired fare with a glow-up, while Roka's elegant Japanese robatayaki is a must. Nearby Kiss The Hippo makes top-notch coffee alongside a roster of brunch classics. End the day by grabbing a seat at Bar Kinky for inventive drinks in a sultry setting. Covent Garden No area does Christmas quite like Covent Garden, where twinkling lights, oversized baubles and a giant Christmas tree set the scene for some of the city’s best festive shopping. The cobbled piazza is home to a refined clutch of gifting specialists – lotions and potions from Aesop, floral-scented candles from Miller Harris and curated tea gift boxes from Whittard of Chelsea. Covent Garden’s Christmas market stalls add extra sparkle, with handmade or antique stocking fillers and seasonal treats galore. Hidden just off the main square, Neal’s Yard courtyard is a treasure trove for food lovers, with 26 Grains serving wholesome porridge bowls and seasonal plates, and The Barbary offering counterside Middle Eastern feasts. For a pick-me-up, head to Fabrique Bakery for cinnamon buns or La Gelatiera for Sicilian buns and hot chocolate. When you’re ready for something stronger, La Compagnie is a stylish wine bar tucked away in Neal’s Yard, ideal for a glass of something special and a few small plates. King's Road and Duke of York Square Chelsea’s King’s Road and Duke of York Square are royally dressed up for Christmas, with festive lights, markets and a cluster of chic stores selling their finest wares. Browse Nokwol for premium leather footwear and Monica Vinader for handcrafted, 100 per cent recycled gold and silver jewellery. Luxury British perfume house Penhaligon's boasts 180 years of olfactory experience. You'll also find the flagship stores of skincare favourite Dermalogica. If time allows, pay a visit to the Saatchi Gallery for a culture fix. You're also not short of delicious offerings on King's Road: tuck into contemporary Mediterranean at Kora or settle in for a cocktail-fuelled dinner at Ixchel, an award-winning Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Carnaby Street Soho’s warren of streets is a goldmine for fun gifting, from designer homeware at Liberty to Korean beauty at PURESEOUL on Carnaby Street. The street's neon Christmas lights are legendary, and the area hosts festive pop-ups and late-night shopping events throughout the season. Refuel at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, where a sharing-style menu of Syrian dishes steal the show. Find it in Kingly Court, Carnaby's three-storey food hall, where you can also take in Indian eatery Darjeeling Express and vegan Tex-Mex spot Club Mexicana. For a classic Soho experience, Bar Italia is open late for espresso, while Dishoom’s Bombay comfort fare is always a crowd-pleaser. Broadway Market This weekend market is an established Hackney institution, groaning with independent traders selling everything from small-batch accessories to quirky prints and wheel-thrown ceramics. There's plenty of street food vendors, too, for a quick nibble or on-the-go lunch. The market street is flanked by food shops and delis that are open seven days a week – stop at La Bouche for cheese and charcuterie or pick up pastries from Pavilion Bakery. Sune, a groovy neighbourhood restaurant, is a top spot for eclectic small plates and natural wines. For something sweet, check out popular Benny's Broadway, the viral banana pudding spot. Nearby Netil Market is a smaller, charming alternative, hosting artisan stalls and street-food offerings.
The 10 best festive UK day trips for food lovers
Soak up the yuletide atmosphere at one of these foodie hot spots across the UK, from artisan markets to twinkling wine bars, indie boutiques and more
Soak up the festive spirit without staying the night with a day trip that promises stellar food, indie shopping galore and a twinkling, wintry atmosphere. Each of these locations make an inspired day trip destination for food lovers, with plenty of independent boutiques, stalls brimming with hand-crafted wares and foodie hot spots which come to life at Christmas. All are easily reached by train or car from across the UK. Discover more winter travel inspiration with our guide to the best ski destinations or the best winter sun destinations for something a little warmer. For more like this, check out our guides to the best UK city breaks and our favourite European hidden gem hotels. 10 festive UK day trips for food lovers Bruton This chill, boho Somerset town provides all the carols, craft stalls and late shopping needed for a chilled recharge before a busy Christmas period. Browse its stylish interiors and lifestyle stores, from Philo & Philo to Smouk and New Romantic, for one-of-a-kind gifts, then walk up the footpath, past allotments, to the Hauser & Wirth for the free art exhibition. Art aside, Bruton is also known for its clutch of renowned restaurants, such as Michelin-starred Osip, Italian Da Costa, artisan bakery, wood-fired pizzeria and all-day restaurant, At the Chapel, Matt’s Kitchen and nearby communal barn dining experience, Horrell & Horrel. Seasonally wrapped in a huge bow, boutique hotel Number One embraces the spirit of the season (and recently launched a new farm-to-table restaurant, Briar, with chef Sam Lomas). For a longer trip and the chance to walk off any gastro-indulgence, choose from Bruton's many brilliant walking routes on its doorstep. Nearby National Trust estate, Stourhead offers a Christmas light trail, returning from 29 November. York York transforms into a festive playground each winter, with the York Christmas Market (12 November-21 December) bringing wooden chalets to the medieval city centre. Expect food producers selling everything from spiced apple chutney to pecan and amaretto brownies alongside local crafts and artisan products, with over 80% of the businesses coming from Yorkshire, as a way to celebrate local producers. If you’re feeling the chill, cosy up by the fire inside Thor’s Tipi and wrap your hands around a mulled wine. Before the day is over, squeeze in a pit stop at Betty’s Tea Rooms in St. Helen’s Square for signature creamy hot chocolates, or sample street food at the Shambles Market food court (highlights include savoury galettes from the Krep Truck and arancini from Pizzoli). For a sit-down meal, Skosh is not far from the markets, serving inventive small plates and seasonal cocktails on one of York’s most historic streets. Cosgriff & Sons bakery is a must for seasonal pastries and sourdough focaccia sandwiches. End your day with a glass of wine or seasonal cocktail at boutique hotel Malmaison’s rooftop bar - its impressive views over the famous cathedral marks a fitting close to a day of exploring. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/11/GettyImages-1869686823-38fba6a.jpg" width="4592" height="3448" alt="York, UK - Nov 23 2021: Tourists and shoppers in the Shambles area of the City of York in northern England. On the side of an old timbered building, the road sign of the old street of Little Shambles." title="Tourists and shoppers in the Shambles area of the City of York" /> Frome This vibrant market town is renowned for its independent spirit and creative flair that comes into its own over the Christmas period. Winding cobbled streets flanked by stone buildings set the scene, and the town’s infectious energy is especially palpable when the festive lights are twinkling. The jewel in the town's events calendar, The Frome Independent (7 December) – a monthly market running from March to December – transforms the town centre into a treasure trove for unique, hand-crafted presents and local delicacies to take home for the Christmas table. Streets are closed off to make way for stalls brimming with one-of-a-kind wares, from contemporary craft and designer-made homewares to ethical clothing and artisan jewellery. Attractive street food options for refuelling include Tibetan Momos, stuffed souvlaki and grilled cheese (all made using West Country ingredients) – order as you soak up the twinkly atmosphere and live music on the ‘village green’. Food lovers can also fill their totes on funky local produce, from cheese and cider to vegan cakes and kimchi. The town's cluster of independent cafés and restaurants offer plenty of cosy corners to warm up in. On Cheap Street, Cafe Flora tempts passers-by with freshly-filled focaccia and real hot chocolates, while at the top of Catherine Street, Bistro Lotte serves classic French dishes such as charcuterie platters, coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon using locally sourced ingredients. Bath Bath’s cobbled streets and picturesque Georgian streets are a festive stunner, especially when the beloved Christmas Market (28 November-14 December), nestled amongst the city's most famous sights – the spa, Roman Baths and Bath Abbey – fills the city with more than 160 independent and sustainable retailers, offering everything from baked goods, warming drinks and artisan gifts. Start your day at Landrace Bakery with a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon bun, then wander through the historic Circus crescent to Berdoulat, a grade-II listed food emporium selling artisan wares, shelves of small-batch wines and spices from the jar. Amble back down into town, via the sweeping grandeur of the Royal Crescent, to refuel with serious espressos at Colonna & Smalls, or while away an hour at contemporary tea house Comins. For a pre-dinner tipple, The Elder offers barrel-aged negronis in plush, cosy surrounds. If it’s dinner you’re after, tuck into a seasonal five-course menu at plant-based restaurant OAK, offering views of an unseen angle of Bath Abbey. The city's independent food and drink stores, boutiques and designer stores ensure shoppers are well catered for. Don’t miss Christmas shopping on and around Milsom Street, where you can find notable indies like cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield, chocolatier Neuhaus, and, for wine and spirits, Amathus. For a spin on the ice, head to the annual Bath on Ice (open from 14 November 2025 until 4 January 2026). Tewinbury Farm Slow down and embrace the joy and sparkle of the season at Tewinbury Farm, located just 30 minutes outside of London in the Hertfordshire countryside. This 700-acre countryside retreat transforms into a glittering wonderland with a woodland light trail (running from Thursday 27 November), making a wholesome family outing, festive catch up or winter date. You can expect fireside marshmallow toasting, a horse box bar serving warming mulled wine and a riverside Après Ski Bar with live music, seasonal cocktails and street food each evening. Christmas afternoon teas with carols, feasts from The Cowshed & Granary Kitchen and Christmas parties are also on offer (or make a weekend of it with a festive stay from £175). Edinburgh With its narrow, winding streets and medieval buildings, Edinburgh’s old-world feel means it's far too easy to absorb the magic of the season. Southside's Marchmont and Newington neighbourhoods are the city’s festive (and more relaxed) foodie hot spots, with historic streets dotted with independent shops and local boutiques for gift hunting. Start with a pastry at bakery-café Kate’s or head to Pomelo for hand-ripped noodles and vibrant Asian sharing plates. Nàdair offers Scandi-style dishes using foraged Scottish produce, or for a special dinner book a table at Michelin-starred Condita for a tasting menu rooted in Scottish ingredients. If you're in the mood for buzzy festive fun, don’t miss the Christmas markets in central Princes Street Gardens for shopping galore, ice skating as well as a Hogmanay torchlight procession as part of the city’s winter festival. Otherwise, perkily pretty Stockbridge takes care of all your produce needs, from delis and patisseries to cheesemongers, butchers and bakeries. Retro-chic wine bar Smith and Gertrude is also worth checking for good wine, cheese and company. Heckfield Place, Hampshire There's possibly no better way to embrace the warmth of the season than with a dose of festive creativity, and Heckfield Place is an exemplary place to do it. Inviting guests to treat the house as their home, heartfelt traditions include a wreath making workshop (4 December) in the Glass House with Heckfield Place’s resident florist, using foliage and flowers from the Home Farm and estate. Or craft whimsical decorations from foraged materials gathered across its 438-acre estate at the festive fairy decoration workshop (7 December), complete with tea, coffee and cake. For those who fancy a spirited afternoon of mixing, shaking and bottling cocktails, the festive cocktail gift making workshop (14 December) with the Heckfield bar team includes making your own spiced daiquiri, margarita and espresso martini (making quite the toast to festivities). Winchester Winchester’s cathedral grounds are transformed each year by its German-inspired Christmas market (22 November–22 December), lined with wooden chalets offering glühwein, street food and handmade crafts. Outside of the market, coffee aficionados can geek out at Coffee Lab Academy – pair one of their speciality coffees with a freshly baked sourdough toastie. For a post-market nibble, stop by family-run Cabinet Rooms for a cheeseboard and glass from its discerning wine list, or perhaps a seasonal cocktail, such as its Montreal negroni. Or book a table at The Wykeham Arms for a classic Sunday roast – a short walk from the house Jane Austen once lived in, this 18th century coaching inn boasts beautiful curved, Georgian bow doors, a cosy but bright bar and a separate dining room decorated with wonky framed photos, Persian rugs and gnarled oak chairs. Relaxing with a drink by one of their original fireplaces is a merry way to while away an hour or so. Norwich Norwich, with its endless historic layers, looks particularly picturesque in winter – check the Insta-perfect cobbled Elm Hill – while offering a fab mix of food and indie shopping. Norwich's Lanes is a particularly vibrant, walkable hotspot of streets and alleys with indie boutiques aplenty, including sustainable slow-fashion store Atwin, Elm homewares and Bowhill & Elliott, makers of luxurious house slippers since 1874. There's also the legendary Jarrolds independent department store for reliable gifts. Shopping aside, the area is abundant in good food and drink. Start your day with a pastry from Bread Source bakery. For lunch, tuck into fresh pasta at Yard or classic French bistro fare at L’hexagone. As evening falls, book a table at Brix and Bones for live-fire cooking and next-level steaks or enjoy a modern British menu at Benedicts. The city is also home to a host of Christmas fairs and markets — perfect for picking up last-minute foodie gifts. Brighton It may known as a free-spirited seaside destination, but Brighton, particularly the Lanes, exudes a festive buzz in winter with its huddle of indie shops dusted in fairy lights. Lost in the Lanes makes a solid starting point for a seasonal brunch before exploring the area's string of independent shops. Browse the boutiques before heading to Shelter Hall on the promenade for a pitstop lunch. Soak up the sea views, then take a postprandial stroll along the beach. Elsewhere, Unbarred brewery's terrace is a local favourite for craft beer and Neapolitan-style pizza from Fatto a Mano. In the evening, head back to the Lanes for Mediterranean-inspired small plates at Burnt Orange or settle in at Bincho Yakitori for authentic Japanese small plates. For an unparalleled skate around the ice, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is a must.
10 premium hot chocolates in London to try this festive season
Fight the winter blues and treat yourself to one of these handcrafted hot chocolates, expertly blended for a bespoke and luxury experience
As the temperature drops and Christmas lights start to twinkle, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a cup of thick, silky hot chocolate. London is home to a bundle of independent cafés stirring up luxurious versions of this classic winter warmer – read on to discover where to find the most indulgent hot chocolates this festive season. Recreate a rich and creamy hot chocolate in the comfort of your kitchen with our hot chocolate recipes, including a chocolate orange twist and boozy alternative. Or seek more ways to make the most of the season with our four festive UK city getaways perfect for shopping, eating and exploring and these magical winter travel experiences for food lovers. Barnabys, Covent Garden (and Tottenham Court Road and City of London) This handmade chocolate shop may be known for its thick, gooey chocolate bars, but its newer range of hot chocolates, using real chocolate, are just as noteworthy. Available in three flavours – classic, malt and peanut butter and caramel – all offerings are equally drool-worthy. Dip a bar of the weekend special into your cup and you'll notice that the chocolate pools in the bottom – just heavenly. barnabybars.com Dark Sugars, Greenwich A visit to Dark Sugars is a sensory experience, with their viral hot chocolate poured thick and topped with generous shavings of their own dark, milk or white chocolate. Each cup is a spectacle, crowned with curls of chocolate that melt into the drink, creating a multi-layered, ultra-rich treat. For hot chocolate aficionados, this one’s a no-brainer.⁠ darksugars.co.uk Chin Chin Desserts, Soho Chin Chin's team of dessert alchemists ensures everything is handmade in their Soho development kitchen, from theatrical cookie dough pie sundaes to boundary-pushing potato soft serve. Its unashamedly decadent hot chocolates are finished with gooey, flame-torched marshmallows, and festive specials from previous years include the snowball cookie hot chocolate, where a raspberry-filled coconut marshmallow sensually melts into the steaming chocolate. instagram.com/chinchinicecream The Nook, Hampstead There's possibly no nicer way to spend a London afternoon than mooching around leafy Hampstead with a hot chocolate in hand. Secure the goods at The Nook, a charming drinks and bites bar on a cosy little corner of Hampstead Heath. The team craft luxury chocolate milks by melting Belgium chocolate with steamed milk, resulting in a sweetly silky drink. Choose from six chocolate strengths, from 28% all the way up to 80%. Milk and cream is from The Estate Dairy and fresh roasted marshmallows from Kensal Sugar Kitchen. The list of specials is up there with some of the best, such as the Pistachio, which sees pistachio paste mixed into the chocolate. thenookhampstead.co.uk Mello by Chin Chin Ice cream, Covent Garden London's first marshmallow bar, complete with a viral-worthy marshmallow drawer, is fast becoming one of the city's hottest spots for a well earned 'sweet treat'. From the team at @chinchinicecream, you can expect smooth, nutty handcrafted sips capped with blowtorched marshmallows, with options including a hazelnut s’mores and even a frozen hot chocolate. instagram.com/mellodeluxe Qima Cafe, Fitzrovia Claiming to be the UK’s first tree-to-cup café, this smart coffee shop pays just as much attention to its hot chocolate as it does to coffee. Expect rich yet well-rounded cups, starring a creamy combination of single-origin 72% dark chocolate from the Solomon Islands and Valrhona's 70% Guanaja. It's then accented by a sweet dose of brown sugar, depth of cocoa powder and a final sprinkle of sea salt to keep the sweetness in check. Pair your cocoa with one of the flaky pastries on the counter. qimacafe.com Venchi, Covent Garden (and Richmond, King's Road and more) Find this Italian chocolate boutique and cafeteria right in the middle of Covent Garden. The signature hazelnut hot chocolate, poured from a tap and finished with a scattering of chopped nuts, is unabashedly rich, and may just be the thickest cup of cocoa going (and incomparable to shop-bought powder). There's even the option to drink its hot chocolate poured over ice cream, served in an elegant cocktail glass with lashings of whipped cream and a shot of Venchi's hazelnut chocolate. venchi.com Melt, Notting Hill (and Holland Park) This boutique chocolatier in West London stirs up hot chocolate with luxury front of mind, melting its signature house-made chocolate into thick, glossy, sippable heaven. Customers can choose their preferred chocolate, mix up flavours and top up with a flamed marshmallow for extra indulgence. meltchocolates.com William Curley, Soho This orange-painted boutique by Scottish chocolatier William Curley is a charming spot which promises cosy, comforting vibes. Order the rich, velvety classic or experiment with an Aztec chilli, Mayan spiced or gianduja variety. Whichever you choose, you can be certain that your beverage will be crafted with care and precision. williamcurley.co.uk Knoops, Richmond Despite the fact that multiple locations are sprouting across London, Knoops still takes hot chocolate incredibly seriously. Offering a menu of different cocoa percentages, origins and milk, you are free to choose your strength — from a creamy 34% milk to a punchy 85% dark — and add custom extras like orange zest, chilli or sea salt. Though the stores tend to fill up at peak times, each cup is still expertly blended for a bespoke, luxury experience. knoops.com
Looking for the best spots to eat pizza in the capital? We've rounded up our top places, whether you’re after a New York-style slice or an artisanal sourdough base
Looking for the best pizza in London? Here's our guide to the best pizza places in London and the best takeaway pizza. Whether you want a sourdough pizza base or a traditional Neapolitan pizza, we’ve found the best pizza restaurants in London. From pizza in Brixton to pizza in North London, check out our favourite pizza places. If you fancy making your own pizza, check out our best ever pizza recipes here, or read the lowdown on pizza styles and where to find them. Check out more of our London food guides, including the best restaurants in Kings Cross, best restaurants in Chelsea, best restaurants in Brixton and best restaurants in Paddington. Also see our pick of the best Italian restaurants in London for more pizza and other regional dishes. Best for inventive Napoli pizza: Napoli on the Road Hidden in the back streets of Richmond you'll find this little gem of a pizza restaurant. The space is intimate and perfect for a date night or special occasion. Which pizza to order at Napoli on the Road? The pizza here is second to none – no surprise really as chef and owner Michele Pascarella won Global Pizza Maker of the Year in 2023. Famed for his inventive take on pizza, the ever-changing seasonal menu features exciting flavour combinations like roasted pumpkin, rosemary and blue cheese, alongside the classics, like margherita. On visiting, we were blown away by the lighter than air, chewy base and quality toppings, as well as the friendly service which took us outside our pizza comfort zones. What else is there to eat and drink? Highlights include the shaved fennel salad with crumbled ricotta, olives and oregano, and the spicy pepperoni slice – both starters that worked perfectly with a negroni. We ended the night with a vast slice of tiramisu and a cloud of boozy crème diplomate and mille-feuille pastry. Full to the brim and happy, a walk along the river was just the ticket. Address: 12 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9 1RW Nearest train station: Richmond Opening times: Monday-Thursday (5pm-10pm); Friday-Sunday (12pm-10:15pm) Best for deep-dish Detroit pizza: Ria's Ria’s is a cosy neighbourhood spot selling fantastic deep-dish Detroit-style pizza and natural wines. It is a spot for all occasions, full of charm and character, with a light and bright upstairs for lunches with your friends, and a cosy, warm downstairs, perfect for a date. Which pizza to order at Ria's? Ria’s ferments its dough for up to 72 hours, which gives it a deeper flavour and a deliciously chewy crust. Deep-dish pizza is filling but the pies at Ria’s never feel too much. It offers a range of whole pies and slices to suit your appetite. Our favourite flavours were the Dave’s Hot Pep and the garlic wild mushroom. The first has a red sauce base, laden with pepperoni, soppressata, chillies, stracciatella and hot honey. The latter has a white sauce base with wild mushrooms and a burnt onion jam – perfectly cheesy and tangy. What else is there to eat and drink? There is a great range of wine to sip alongside your slice at Ria’s, as well as on-tap cocktails from Black Lines and a good range of soft drinks: we enjoyed the ginger Rapscallion Soda for its spicy kick. If you’ve got room for dessert, treat yourself to a deep-fried Mars bar with soft serve vanilla ice cream. Sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt, it really is the ultimate treat. Address: 29 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE Nearest tube station: Westbourne Park Opening times: Monday-Saturday (12pm-11pm); Sunday (12pm-10pm) Best for simple Neapolitan: Santa Maria Tucked away from the bustle of Paddington Station, Santa Maria brings a slice of Naples to west London with a laid-back, quirky vibe – think colourful wall art, cosy booths and a buzzy, casual energy. A new menu features bold creations alongside the signature Neapolitan pizzas. The menu is all about pizza, done properly – chewy, charred crusts and punchy toppings, with a few exciting twists. Which pizza to order at Santa Maria? The standout? San Ciro – a collaboration with Naples’ Bro Pizzeria and a fiery, rule-breaking combo of smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, spicy pineapple reduction, black lime dust and parmesan crisps. The menu cheekily warns “It’s not a pizza for Neapolitans” – a nod to the rebellious twist on tradition, and it’s absolutely worth trying while it lasts. What else is there to eat and drink? Skip starters and go straight for the pizza but leave room for the Pan di Stelle dessert – a rich mascarpone and Nutella chocolate mousse crowned with Italy’s iconic biscuit. Vegan options are well represented, including a silky vegan salted caramel ice cream that shines in an affogato. Drinks-wise, expect Italian beers and spritzes, and relaxed, no-fuss service. Address: 3 Norfolk Place, Tyburnia, London W2 1QJ Nearest train station: Paddington Opening times: Sunday to Thursday (11:30am-10pm); Friday-Saturday (11:30am-10:30pm) Best for deep pan pizza: Little Earthquakes This original concept from chef Neil Rankin and From the Ashes BBQ has taken up residency in Dalston boozer The Railway Tavern, serving up pies nostalgically inspired by deep pan pizza brand Chicago Town, using Italian and British ingredients supplied by local businesses around Newington Green, with sourdough bases made using Wildfarmed regenerative flour. Which pizza to order at Little Earthquakes? The pizzas may only be six inches in size but they deliver plenty of bang for their buck – decadent deep dish affairs with crunchy caramelised crusts, topped with mozzarella and snowy drifts of pecorino. Fillings are hearty and deliver maximum flavour. We tried the richly meaty and umami salami ragu using fennel salami, and the taleggio and guanciale, inspired by a classic carbonara, is lusciously cheesy and porky, the saltiness balanced by a touch of honey. What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are the main focus you can also order the likes of plant-based meatballs (from Neil’s own Symplicity brand), cheesy focaccia, caponata parmigiana and a wonderfully OTT pizza focaccia sandwich with a hefty wedge of mortadella. Refresh yourself with traditional cask ales and craft beers from the pub bar. Address: The Railway Tavern, 2 St Jude Street, London N16 8JT Nearest train station: Dalston Kingsland Opening times: Tuesday to Friday (6-9pm); Saturdays (3-9pm) Best for London-style pizza: Dough Hands Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust, made possible by baking its pizzas low and slow at 350 degrees. Led by pizzaiolo Hannah Drye, this trendy pizza joint is co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. Dough Hands is currently doing a permanent kitchen residency at fun-loving south London pub The Old Nun's Head, as well as Hackney-based The Spurstowe Arms. Which pizza to order at Dough Hands? The menu features a handful of 12-inch pizzas. The Jode – arguably the most popular and delicious – sees spicy sausage and stracciatella drizzled with hot honey, finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan. Veggies have a cause to celebrate thanks to the Shroomy 2.0, one of the freshest vegetarian offerings we’ve tried. Expect mushrooms roasted in soy sauce, topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. The soy provides a rich umami kick which isn’t typically seen atop mushroom pizzas. What else is there to eat and drink? Sides are kept simple, with just the garlic bread available, covered in a herby garlic butter. Dips includes everyone’s favourite garlic and herb, as well as Dough Hands’ signature hot honey and very own fermented hot sauce. Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches are also available at the bar. We washed down our pizzas with a cold beer – we opted for a pint of Lucky Saint lager and a Lazer Crush by Beavertown, a razor-sharp alcohol-free IPA. Address: The Old Nun's Head, 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ Nearest train station: Nunhead Opening times: Tuesday-Friday (4:30-9:30pm) and Saturday (12-9:30pm) Best for thin-crust pizza: Alley Cats Pizza Alley Cats pays homage to New York’s iconic pizza scene, with hunger-busting, thin and crispy 14" pizzas. London’s latest pizza outpost off Marylebone High Street is a small yet buzzy space, with gingham tablecloths, dimly lit lamps and a projector playing The Sopranos transporting diners to 90s NYC. Be prepared to queue, as it’s walk-in-only. Which pizza to order at Alley Cats? If you prefer a thin-crust over a sloppy Neapolitan, you’ve come to the right place. The impressive 14" size is achieved through baking the pizzas in the traditional thin and crispy style, which are presented on silver stands by the side of your table. The menu is compact, with seven pizzas on offer. It includes the Smoked Pepperoni (tomato, aged mozzarella, habanero and honey) and our personal favourite, the white-based Wild Mushroom, with three types of wild shrooms and topped with taleggio, aged mozzarella, red onion jam and fried sage. Up the ante by adding dips – we tried a spicy ranch and herb-flecked aïoli. What else is there to eat and drink? Don’t skip the starters for fear of over-ordering: the beefy meatballs are a must-try, slathered in slow-cooked tomato sauce and showered in aged parmesan. Cheesy garlic knots are hot, doughy morsels with a dunkable pot of tomato sauce. The dessert menu is short but complimentary: tiramisu and soft scoop ice-cream. The latter can be customised with your choice of toffee sauce, roasted hazelnuts or peanuts. Address: 22 Paddington St, London W1U 5QY Nearest tube station: Baker Street Opening times: Monday-Sunday (12pm-11pm) Best for crunchy sourdough pizzas: Berberè Pizza Find this Italian pizza empire slinging light and crunchy sourdough pizzas in its newest Tottenham Court Road location, joining Clapham and Kentish Town branches. Originating from Bologna – with locations across Italy – Berberè prepares its sourdough on site every day with organic type one flour, proofed for 24 hours. The result is unique: a subtly sour, nutty taste, with a slightly crunchy exterior and soft, melty interior – no chewy crusts served here! Which pizza to order at Berberè? Expect a menu balancing the classics, including margheritas and marinaras, with trendy toppings and fresh British produce, such as Yorkshire pork sausage. The Instagram-friendly burrata & 'nduja is a picture-perfect blend of vibrant basil, ruby-red dried tomatoes and creamy white mozzarella. Veggies needn’t miss out thanks to the Norma – baked aubergines, basil and walnut pesto, organic tomato, fior di latte mozzarella from Naples and smoked aged ricotta. Definitely one of the best aubergine pizzas on the scene right now. What else is there to eat and drink? You must try Berberè’s signature montanarine: a large, deep-fried dough ball with toppings including ‘nduja, aged smoked ricotta and prosciutto. Crust dippers are crucial – we love the cheeky trio of garlic butter, spicy ‘nduja and honey, and basil and walnut pesto. To drink, you can’t go wrong with a Crodino spritz – a non-alcoholic aperitivo lengthened with orange and soda. Or try a traditional Italian aperitif – negroni sbagliato, anyone? For dessert, tiramisu is made every day in the kitchen or save space for two pieces of Sicilian cannoli: fresh, sweet ricotta in a crispy shell. Address: 2 St Giles Square, London WC2H 8LH Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road Opening times: Sunday-Thursday (11:30am-10pm) Friday-Saturday (11:30am-11pm) Best in Covent Garden: Doughnation Find this lively pizzeria in the heart of Covent Garden, boasting its own summer garden terrace with top-tier views across the piazza. Which pizza to order at Doughnation? Choose from a short menu of artisan-crafted pizzas on hand-stretched dough, where you’ll find well-known toppings as well as fun flavour combinations. A must-order for veggies, the truffled mushroom ragout sees a truffle-base sauce combined with creamy mozzarella, topped with crunchy hazelnuts and mushrooms for extra earthiness. Or try the cosy and comforting potato pizza, layering sliced potatoes with fontina cheese and thyme salt. ‘Nduja sausage will appeal to meat-eaters, featuring pockets of ‘nduja sausage, shaved pecorino romano and rocket. What else is there to eat and drink? Elsewhere on the menu you’ll find dishes which stray from a traditional pizzeria, like the baked sweetcorn ribs with basil pesto, chilli and bocconcini cheese. For dessert, a warm skillet cookie, served with a dollop of chocolate ice cream and a white chocolate sauce, makes for an indulgent finish. Address: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS Nearest tube station: Covent Garden Opening times: Monday-Sunday (8am-11pm) Best in the West End: Pizza Pilgrims With its green-and-white chequered plastic tablecloths, chessboard tile flooring and framed film posters hanging on the walls, Pizza Pilgrims feels like an American diner meets Italian pizzeria. Available for walk-ins only, it's a perfect spot to grab a pre-show pizza and beer in the heart of theatreland. Which pizza to order at Pizza Pilgrims? The Naples-style pizza with blistering crust and sloppy centre is proved slowly, then cooked fast. Order 'You've Got Maiale' with prosciutto cotto, 'nduja, salsiccia and pepperoni, burrata, red onion and balsamic glaze if you fancy something indulgent. Or, go for 'The 8-Cheese', a ramped-up cheese feast with ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, fior di latte mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, provola, pecorino and burrata, beautifully finished with pockets of smoked chilli jam. Or, take it back to basics with the margherita, topped simply with tomato, fior di latte mozzarella, basil, parmesan and olive oil. What else is there to eat and drink? Set the mood with an aperitivo in the form of plump XL nocellara olives, taralli, a bitter negroni or Pilgrims Spritz, a fragrant concoction mixing Pococello limoncello with prosecco, elderflower, mint, soda and lemon. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with a nutty pistachio affogato, or make a beeline for the hazelnut-flavoured espresso martini, shaken with Frangelico noisette liqueur and served with a chocolate and hazelnut rim. Address: 23 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9BN Nearest tube station: Covent Garden Opening times: Monday-Thursday (11.30am-10.30pm), Friday-Saturday (11:30am-11pm), Sunday (12-9pm) Best in Soho: Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza Rudy’s outpost in Soho (they have pizzerias scattered across the north of England, including Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds) makes a worthy addition to the scene. Which pizza to order at Rudy's? Pizza toppings are crowd-pleasing, from parmigiana with roasted aubergine to spicy calabrese with ‘nduja sausage and cinghiale with wild boar salami. Our lavishly topped capricciosa with creamy fior de latte, prosciutto, mushrooms, Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts ticked all the boxes, but it was the base that really impressed — well-flavoured and pillowy while still being satisfyingly chewy. All of Rudy’s pizzas — baked daily using 24-hour fermented dough — are made by trained and accredited pizzaiolos. What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari and soda, which arrives premixed in a dinky little bottle alongside a bowl of salted crisps for snacking, before moving onto generous sharing platters loaded with deli treats and house-baked bread. Address: 80 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TF Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus Opening times: Friday-Saturday (12-10:30pm), Sunday-Thursday (12-9:30pm) Best for personalised Neapolitan pizza (plus fans of crusts): Crust Bros If crusts are a big deal to you, it’s worth paying a visit to this Waterloo-based pizzeria. The clue is in the name – crusts are a big deal here, as well as the freedom to customise your pizza however you please (regardless of your eccentric topping combination). Which pizza to order at Crust Bros? Personalise is the name of the game here. Choose from either a Neapolitan or gluten-free base, pick your sauce (red, white, pesto, vegan), protein (‘nduja, anchovies, parma ham etc.), cheese (burrata, gorgonzola, vegan mozzarella etc.) and veg (peppers, onions, aubergines, chilli etc). If this seems complicated, choose from its list of pre-designed pizzas – Straight Outta Hell is a devilish combo of mozzarella, chicken, chillies, pepperoni and ’nduja. You could even add burrata for extra indulgence. What else is there to eat and drink? Double up on carbs with a side of cheesy flatbread topped with caramelised onions. Crust dippers will be more than happy with its offering, and we'd recommend ordering the trio of truffle, garlic and spicy mayos. To drink, Birra Moretti is on draft, while cocktails cover the classics, from Aperol spritz and margarita to espresso martini. Address: 113 Waterloo Road, Lambeth London, SE1 8UL Nearest tube station: Waterloo Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm Best artisanal pizza in Hackney Wick: Unlock Enjoy Neapolitan pizza by the canal at this trendy pizzeria-cum-exhibition space in Hackney Wick. Artist collaborations decorate the walls, while pizzaiolos sling pies from the wood-fired oven in the open kitchen. Which pizza to order at unlock? The menu is split into ‘classic’ and ‘gourmet’, and we encourage diners to opt for the more adventurous options. Toppings feature ingredients which you wouldn’t typically find on pizza, from kiwi purée to panko tempura prawns and sweet and sour pork neck. The base, however, is true to Neapolitan form, with a soft, chewy dough and blistered crust. We tried the prawn and pistachio from the gourmet section, and the nutty pistachio pesto and creamy stracciatella was a strong match for the crispy tempura prawns. What else is there to eat and drink? Starters are sophisticated and honour Italian produce: think smoked straciatella with Vesuvio apple vinegar and quinoa crumbles. To drink, choose from a short list of Italian wine, beer on tap and traditional Italian cocktails. Address: 1 Monkwood Way, London E32EG Nearest tube station: Hackney Wick Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday (1pm-10pm), Friday-Sunday (12-11:30pm) Best authentic Neapolitan pizza: Fatto a Mano Fatto a Mano pays homage to the classic Neapolitan pizza, where soft and pillowy is favoured over thin and crispy. Dough is made from scratch every day, proved for a minimum of 24 hours then topped by a pizzaioli who cooks each pizza in a wood-fired oven at 450 degrees for no more than 90 seconds (just as they do in Naples). You can enjoy a slice of Fatto’s wood-fired magic at its newest pizzeria, located under the railway arches in Paradise Row, Bethnal Green (joining the Covent Garden and King's Cross locations in London, plus three Brighton branches). Which pizza to order at Fatto a Mano? Pizzas are lightly digestible and beautiful swollen at the cornicione rims, topped with artisanal Italian ingredients such as smoked provolone, spianata (spicy salami) and black pepper pancetta. When we visited we enjoyed the seasonal winter special, guanciale cacio e pepe, a creative spin on the popular Roman pasta dish where quality cured guanciale sat atop creamy cacio e pepe cream, roasted squash, porcini mushrooms, mozzarella and thyme. What else is there to eat and drink? Those looking for a full-on feast are in luck, with comforting Italian starters and sides in abundance. We enjoyed a plate of Neapolitan smoked provolone potato croquettes, ’nduja lasagne fritta and slices of Calabrian sausage and provolone, served with pickled veg and toasted bread. For drinks, kickstart the evening with a classic aperitivo such as a negroni, then make your way through the impressive list of Italian wines or British beers. A hefty slice of Fatto’s tiramisu is compulsory to wrap up proceedings, boasting the perfect ratios of coffee liqueur-soaked sponge, mascarpone and chocolate. Address: 250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green Opening times: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12-10:30pm, Sunday 12-9:30pm Best vegetarian and vegan pizza in London: Flat Earth Pizza Flat Earth Pizza has moved into its first bricks and mortar location, an intimate space with bottle green and rattan furnishings. This sustainable pizza joint puts veg at the forefront and dismantles the idea of pizza as ‘junk food’: the dough is neither refined or processed, while ingredients are sourced locally. Which pizza to order at Flat Earth Pizza? Experimental pizza lies at the heart of Flat Earth, and the offerings do not disappoint. The ‘Hackey hot’ – an oval-shaped pizza with sweet pickled beetroot, a mixture of three Somerset cheeses, jalapeños, fermented hot salsa and tomato passata – has sweet warmth, while the ‘Kimchi Fiorentina’ with kimchi, tomato passata, beetroot crumb and egg, is a Korean twist on a veggie classic (vegans have the option of a plant-based mozzarella pie). What else is there to eat and drink? Start with a selection of well-designed vegan small plates to share, such as pickled beetroot and turmeric-spiced white cabbage, roasted red onions with caramelised shallots, chives and soubise and hummus with sweet house pickles and springy house focaccia. Drink natural orange wine on tap during summery evenings, or try the foraged fig leaf and sweet woodruff martini. Finish with a gooey vegan sea salt brownie with salted caramel ice cream. Address: 286-290 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9DA Nearest tube station: Cambridge Heath Opening times: Tuesday (5-10pm), Wednesday-Thursday (11am-10pm), Friday (11am-10:30pm), Saturday (10am-10:3opm), Sunday (10am-4pm) Best pizza and beer in East London: Ace Pizza at Pembury Tavern This historic Hackney boozer is the home of Ace Pizza, a fun-loving pizza brand famed for its slow risen, picture-perfect Neapolitan pizzas which are stone baked for longer to achieve a crispier crust. Pembury Tavern is also under the stewardship of The Five Points Brewing Company, a local and independent brewery with modern brewing at the heart of its work. Which pizza to order at Ace? If you like your pizzas heavily topped, doughy and with lashings of sauce, try the chicken shawarma, a fun spin on the classic kebab where house-made shawarma is layered with red onions, spicy marinara, garlic and herb sauce, Guindilla peppers, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Pickled pink onion is the magic ingredient though, providing a gloriously tangy flavour to cut through the creamy garlic sauce. What else is there to eat and drink? Pizzas span meat, veggie and vegan with the menu divided into red, white and green bases. Vegans can indulge in ‘Ooh Mami’, the creamy truffle bechamel providing the perfect base for a smattering of portobello mushrooms, cashew ricotta, caramelised onions, oregano oil, porcini salt and fresh parsley. Crust dippers include the enticing truffle aioli and a lip-smacking, fittingly named ‘crack sauce’. And, as the pub is a Five Points Brewery pub, plenty of beer is available to pair with your pizza, including a Five Points favourite the JUPA, a juicy and fruity pale ale with bold, citrus flavours. Address: 90 Amhurst Rd, London E8 1JH Nearest tube station: Hackney Downs Opening times: Monday-Wednesday (4-11pm) Thursday-Friday (4-12am) Saturday (12-12am) Sunday (12-11pm) Best Neapolitan pizza in London: Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria For the ultimate Neapolitan pizza in London, head to Stoke Newington (and be prepared to queue) for a seat in Vicoli di Napoli Pizzeria, as recommended in the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. This Neapolitan family first began making pizza back in 1870, and the business is still going strong five generations later with sites in Naples, Tokyo and, London. Which pizza to order at Pizzeria da Michele? Go for the classic marinara or the margarita (with the option for double mozzarella). Each of the ingredients used is of the highest quality, from the thin, pillowy soft base to the sweet tomatoes and fresh peppery basil. Address: 125 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London, N16 0UH Nearest overground station: Stoke Newington Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday (12 –11pm), Sunday (12 – 10.30pm) Best for pizza in Greenwich: Bianco43 With its hand-painted and mismatched plates, blue tiled walls and lively Italian soundtrack, this friendly Italian eatery makes a solid pizza pit-stop for Greenwich dwellers. Which pizza to order at Bianco 43? Expect chewy Neapolitan pizza produced from a large wood-fired oven at the back of the restaurant. The menu balances the classics with inventive toppings, such as the mozzarella with potato croquettes, smoked cheese and mortadella. Our lavishly topped burrata and 'nduja pizza with mozzarella and yellow tomatoes was a reliable salty-spicy hit, but it was the brilliantly pillowy, blistered crusts which stole the show. What else is there to eat and drink? Start with an aperitivo of Campari, sweet vermouth and soda, before moving onto generous starters such as the two plump Sicilian arancini filled with beef ragu and peas. End on a high note with the intensely creamy pistachio cheesecake with a buttery base. Address: 43 Greenwich Church Street, London, SE10 9BL Nearest tube station: Cutty Sark Opening times: Monday-Friday (12-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm), Saturday-Sunday (12-10:30pm) Best for progressive Italian: Lamezia Maria Dell’aquilla took over the reins of her parents’ restaurant in April and describes her new menus as “progressive Italian” in view of its combination of the original Calabrian dishes and her own inspired addition of nutrition-inspired elements, such as hemp and turmeric bases as well as vegan, gluten-free dough and dairy-free cheese. Which pizza to order at Lamezia? Hemp pizza is not the first ground-breaking dish to come out of Lamezia: Maria’s father, Franco, created his signature ’nduja pizza 10 years ago and it’s still the bestseller. Address: 165 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX| Nearest station: Holloway Road Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 12am), Sunday (12 – 10pm) Best for vegan pizza: Purezza The UK’s first 100% vegan pizzeria, Purezza specialises in plant-based pizzas that respect the Neapolitan heritage. Where possible, this means using alternative versions of animal products, such as a plant-based mozzarella, which took more than two years to develop – this organic cheese (that’s dairy-free, low in fat and allergen-free) is made with brown rice milk and is unique to Purezza. Last year, the restaurant secured investment to begin producing the cheese from a factory for retail. The original Brighton restaurant opened in 2015 and was followed three years later by a Camden branch and plans for more later this year. In 2018, Purezza won National Pizza of the Year for its Parmigiana Party pizza, despite being the only plant-based entrant. Address: 43 Parkway, London, Nw1 7PN Nearest station: Camden Town Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm) Best for seasonal toppings: Manifesto Former Natoora director, Vittorio Maschio, has opened his first London pizzeria with a focus on carefully sourced and seasonal toppings. Flour comes from Molino Pasini, a family-run mill in North Italy, while fior di latte is brought over from Puglia. The biga-style dough (meaning it proves for 48-hours, creating a ciabatta-like texture) with a semolina-coated crust creates a super light, crisp base which holds its shape well when topped with sweet tomatoes. There's a laid-back vibe and minimalist design to the place with a few wooden tables inside, help-yourself counter service and a pile of boxes ready to be filled for takeaway. Which pizza to order at Manifesto? The stripped back menu offers six pizzas, two beers (from Hackney Wick's Crate Brewery), four wines and two Sicilian soft drinks. Keep it simple with the tomato and co. pizza topped with wild cantabrian anchovies and taggiasche olives, or order the pig and field option piled with peppery pedrazzoli ham and mushrooms if you want something more filling. There are no starters or desserts, but pizzas are reasonable in size. If you're still peckish, go back and order seconds. Address: 148 Northcote Road, London, SW11 6RD Nearest station: Clapham Junction Opening times: Monday – Saturday (11 – 11pm), Sunday (11 – 10.30pm) Best for pizza and pasta: Cecconi’s Pizza Bar From the team behind Soho House, Cecconi’s Pizza Bar focuses on pizza, pasta and Aperol spritz on tap. Vintage Italian posters, black and white mosaic tiles and mahogany tables give the space a retro feel. In the summer, grab a seat on the street and spend the evening sipping on punchy negronis. Which pizza to order at Cecconi’s Pizza Bar? The super doughy charred crust has a slightly smoky flavour, while the sloppy base is piled high with toppings. Either keep it classic with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil, or choose one topped lavishly with parma ham, peppery rocket, mozzarella, parmesan and meltingly creamy burrata – torn apart then drizzled with olive oil. If you fancy something a little lighter, go for a pizzette instead. What else is there to eat and drink? Crisp matchsticks of zucchini fritti with silky aioli (lifted with lemon) is the best place to start. While pizza is the focus, be sure to share a bowl of creamy spaghetti dusted with shavings of umami truffle. If you’ve saved room for dessert, the tiramisu is a must. Waiters bring large dishes to the table and serve the rich coffee-soaked dessert straight up. Address: 19-21 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JJ Nearest tube station: Leicester Square Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (11.30 – 1am), Thursday – Saturday (11.30 – 3am), Sunday (11.30am – 11.30pm) Best pizza crust in London: Farina Nestled on Notting Hill High Street, Farina pizzeria focuses on traditional Neapolitan pizzas, with no pineapple or pepperoni in sight. In the summer, grab a table by the floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors and wait for the smoky scent to waft over, or hunker down next to the small open kitchen. Which pizza to order at Farina: The 48-hour fermented dough is light, with a pillowy, charred crust – tear some off to save for mopping up the leftover tomato juices at the end. Order the Farina, topped with 'nduja, salami and provola if you like something spicy, or the Burratina topped with courgette and burrata for a fresh, creamy topping. What else is there to eat? Although pizzas are the focus, be sure to order the garlicy polpette to start, which come in a rich, sweet tomato sauce, and if you have room afterwards go for the cannoli – the crisp pastry shell is generously filled with sweet, creamy sheep's milk ricotta and sprinkled with pistachio nuts. Address: 115 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10.30pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm) Best sourdough pizza in London: Theo’s Head to Theo’s in Camberwell for the best sourdough pizza in London. Its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are the best in South London. Which pizza to order at Theo's? The Scotch Bonnet nduja is the menu must-order, as the spiced sausage is made across the road by the team at the Camberwell Arms pub. What else is there to eat and drink? Save room for a serving of Theo's outrageously good tiramisu, and order a negroni bianco or espresso martini to finish. If you don’t fancy sitting in, Theo’s do delivery, so it’s up there with the best takeaway pizza in London, too. Address: 2 Grove Ln, Camberwell, London, SE5 8SY Nearest overground station: Denmark Hill Opening times: Monday (12 – 10pm), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (12 – 10:30pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm) Best gluten-free pizza in London: Zia Lucia For the best selection of pizza bases, visit Zia Lucia on Holloway Road or Brook Green and choose between a traditional, wholemeal, vegetable charcoal or gluten-free base. The 48 hour fermented doughs are cooked in a wood-fired oven, each resulting in a different flavour and texture. We recommend the gluten-free base which has a crisp yet light texture. You can create your own pizza and choose from the large selection of toppings including spianata, broccoli, butternut squash and taleggio goat’s cheese. Which pizza to order at Zia Lucia? The Carlotta is an unusual, indulgent pizza, topped with fresh Italian sausage, crisp, sliced roast potatoes, pecorino and dill. Address: 61 Blythe Rd, London, W14 0HP Nearest overground station: Kensington (Olympia) Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday (11.30 – 10.30pm) Best pizza slice in London: Voodoo Ray’s For the best slice of pizza in London, head to Voodoo Ray’s for a New York style slice. With four locations across East, North and South London, this joint bakes 22-inch pizzas topped with everything from wild mushroom, squash and red onion; salt beef, sauerkraut and emmental and a vegan option, piled high with artichoke hearts and green olives. Which pizza to order at Voodoo Ray's? If you fancy a pizza pie for brunch, Voodoo Ray's serve 10” pizzas on the weekend topped with classic eggs and bacon or a veggie spinach and ricotta version. What else is there to eat and drink? With a selection of craft beers (think Beavertown, Red Hook and Kona) and frozen margaritas on offer, Voodoo Ray's is the place to go for a late-night munch. Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB Nearest overground station: Dalston Kingsland Opening times: Monday – Wednesday (5 – 12am), Thursday (5 – 1am), Friday – Saturday (12 – 3am), Sunday (12 – 12am) Best pizza joint atmosphere in London: Yard Sale What started as a weekly supper club in owner Johnnie’s back yard has grown to three restaurants (with another opening in March 2018) offering the best pizza in North London. Grab a leather booth seat close to the kitchens for the comfiest spot in house and order a 12 or 18-inch pizza topped with slow cooked tomato sauce and fior di latte mozzarella. The blistered base is crisp yet doughy which gets slightly sloppy when you reach the centre (so napkins are necessary). Which pizza to order at Yard Sale? There’s no holding back when it comes to toppings, be it the ‘TSB’, a mixture of Tender stem broccoli, manchego, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil; ‘Cour Bimey’ topped with courgette ribbon, pancetta and black pepper, or, one for the cheese lovers, ‘Cheesus Walks’, a white base piled high with basil pesto, mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta and parmesan. What else is there to eat and drink? If you’ve got room for more, order a garlic pizza bread with cheese and Marmite for the ultimate punchy umami experience. There’s a great choice of beers from Beavertown and the Five Points Brewing Company. Address: 54 Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 2DW Nearest tube station: Finsbury Park Opening times: Monday – Thursday (5 – 11pm), Friday (4 – 11pm), Saturday (12 – 11pm), Sunday (12 – 10pm) Best unusual pizza toppings in London: Homeslice Homeslice is one of the best pizza restaurants in London with sites in Shoreditch, Fitzrovia, City and Covent Garden. Whether you want to eat in or takeaway, you can order just a slice or a 20-inch pizza. Which pizza to order at Homeslice? Go all out and split your pizza 50/50 with two different flavours, ideal for sharing. Choose between a classic margherita; a salty salami, rocket and parmesan or a slice topped with kimchi, porcini cream and basil. Address: 13 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP Nearest tube station: Covent Garden Opening times: Monday – Sunday (12 – 11pm) Best all-round pizza meal in London: Made of Dough For the best pizza in Brixton and Peckham, visit Made of Dough. The moreish, chewy dough has a 60-hour fermentation process before being cooked in a wood-fired oven, and the mozzarella is fresh from Campania. Which pizza to order at Made of Dough? If you fancy something extra cheesy, order the truffle pizza that comes with fior di latte, white alba truffle oil and an entire ball of Burratina. What else is there to eat and drink? Make sure to order a side of the scotch bonnet romesco sauce to add a spicy kick to the crust, and wash your pizza down with one of the negronis or a fruity pompelmo G&T. Address: 182 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4BW Nearest overground station: Peckham Rye Opening times: Monday – Saturday (12 – 10pm), Sunday (12 – 9pm) Best for pizza garlic bread: Sodo Pizza With six sites across London London, Sodo pizza is the place to go for a light, crispy, tangy base. Which pizza to order at Sodo Pizza? Head to the Walthamstow restaurant on the weekend for a brunch of pizza topped with eggs and sausage and, if it’s warm enough, grab one of the outside tables and order a Bloody Mary or two. What else is there to eat and drink? While the pizzas are great, we love the sourdough garlic bread topped with sweet, crisp rosemary and drizzled with an earthy olive oil. Address: Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, London, E17 4QP Nearest tube station: Walthamstow Opening times: Tuesday – Friday (12 – 10pm), Saturday – Sunday (10 – 10pm) Best pizza and beer in London: Crate Brewery If you love beer and you love pizza, Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick is the best place to visit. The stone-baked pizzas are topped with unusual ingredients including a veggie Kashmiri dal and a middle eastern lamb. What else is there to eat and drink? As you’d expect, beer is a real focus. Each week there’s a selection of guest bottles from a fruity brown ale to a dark Indian pale ale as well as regular casks and kegs of zingy lemon gose, velvety Crate stout and a crisp Crate cider. Address: Unit 7, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London, E9 5EN Nearest overground station: Hackney Wick Opening times: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 10pm), Friday – Saturday (12 – 11pm) Best pizza chain in London: Franco Manca Want a quick pizza in Brixton? Head to Franco Manca for one of the best sourdough pizzas in London. The pizza is cooked in a wood burning oven at 500 degrees celsius giving it a pillowy texture. Which pizza to order at Franco Manca? Be sure to order number 4, topped with home cured Gloucester old spot ham, mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, wild mushrooms and a little tomato. Extra toppings are available and there are always daily specials to choose between. What else is there to eat and drink? When it comes to drinks, wine is the focus with eight options to choose between, all of which are either organic, biodynamic or sustainable. Address: 20 Atlantic Road, London, SW9 8JA Nearest tube station: Brixton Opening times: Monday (12 – 5pm), Tuesday – Friday (12 – 11pm), Saturday (11.30 – 11pm), Sunday (11.30 – 10.30pm) Fancy something sweet now? Click here for our chocolate chip cookie pizza recipe Photographs: Steven Joyce (Doughnation)
Baking without the burnout: 25 slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends
Embrace the slower pace, let the aromas fill your kitchen and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bakes with these comforting sweet recipes
There’s nothing like the gentle pace of a long weekend to inspire a spot of baking. Whether you’re looking for a rewarding, slow project to fill a lazy afternoon or a simple bake to brighten your next teatime break, these recipes offer something for every mood and moment. From buttery French pastries and classic British bakes to inventive twists on global favourites, each bake promises comfort, satisfaction and a moment of calm in the kitchen. Browse our ultimate collection of baking recipes for more inspiration, or take a look at our rich chocolate desserts, sweet traybakes and indulgent puddings. Slow, mindful desserts for lazy weekends Buttermint madeleines Bake a batch of Edd Kimber's buttermint madeleines for a dainty teatime treat. Browned butter gives these little cakes a toasty, warm note, finished with a white chocolate shell for extra indulgence. Ideal for sharing with friends over a pot of tea. Coffee loaf cake A rich coffee cake topped with creamy vanilla latte icing, this loaf is perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to lift your spirits. Pain au chocolat Treat yourself to the ultimate French bake by making classic pains au chocolat at home. This buttery, rich, and crisp pastry is a true weekend project — perfect for when you have time to enjoy the process. Serve fresh from the oven with a mug of tea or coffee for a taste of Paris in your own kitchen. Brown butter, walnut and caramelised white chocolate cookies Toasted walnuts and caramelised white chocolate take these cookies to a new level. The technique of browning the butter and nuts gives a fantastic toasted flavour throughout. These cookies are a brilliant treat for sharing over a hot drink. Spiced baked quince with walnut crumble Quince benefits from long, slow cooking, and this spiced baked quince with walnut crumble is the perfect example. The fruit becomes tender and sweet, topped with a nutty crumble for a warming, comforting dessert — just the thing for a slow-paced weekend. Brown butter miso treacle tart Transform a childhood favourite into a grown-up dessert with this treacle tart, enhanced by the umami flavours of brown butter and miso. The result is a beautifully balanced tart with depth and complexity — perfect for those who love to experiment. Steamed sponge pudding with custard Let the steamer work its magic with this classic, comforting sponge pudding. Made with golden syrup and hints of lemon and served with creamy custard, it’s a nostalgic pudding that’s perfect for a slow Sunday lunch. Bee sting cake with plum Seeking a mindful baking project to fill a quiet weekend? Turn your hand to this German-inspired cake, featuring a rich, yeasted sponge filled with vanilla cream and plum compote and topped with honeyed almonds. It’s a bake that takes time and care, making it ideal for a long and lazy weekend in the kitchen. Japanese strawberry mochi with azuki Strawberry mochi is a regular treat in Japan, and this version is filled with sweet azuki bean paste and a whole strawberry. They're pretty, chewy and a joy to make and eat — they're also perfect for impressing friends or family. New York cheesecake Elevate your baking skills with a classic, creamy New York cheesecake. This baked dessert is ideal for making ahead, making it a smart choice if you’re entertaining over the weekend. Take your time and enjoy the process — the result is a showstopper cheesecake that’s guaranteed to impress. Laminated milk bread For those who love a challenge, laminated milk bread is a weekend bake to savour. With two days needed for overnight chilling and proving, you’ll be rewarded with golden, puffy, buttery rolls with a croissant-like texture. A heavenly start to a weekend feast. Brown butter blueberry and oat milk chocolate blondies These naturally gluten-free blondies use oat flour for a dense, fudgy texture and are studded with blueberries and milk chocolate. They’re easy to make and ideal for a quick sweet fix over the weekend. Chocolate and clementine torte Make the most of clementine season with this rich and decadent torte, finished with thick swirls of Cointreau cream. It makes a sophisticated end to a dinner party or simply a special weekend treat. Peanut butter pie with a cinnamon cereal crust This peanut butter cream pie is unashamedly gluttonous, featuring a crunchy cinnamon cereal crust. It’s one of those comforting creations for those who love a little extra in their pudding — perfect for serving at a gathering or simply treating yourself. Cekodok pisang (banana fritters with cinnamon sugar) A popular street food snack in Malaysia, these banana fritters are a clever way to use up very ripe bananas. Coated in cinnamon sugar, these vegan treats are surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for a spontaneous weekend snack. Panela loaf cake Panela, a rich, treacly sugar from Central and South America, brings a deep, rum-laced flavour to this loaf cake. Every bite is packed with warmth, making it an appealing bake for a chilled weekend. Venetian apple cake This light Genoise sponge, layered with tender apples and a hint of rosemary, is perfect with a morning coffee or a leisurely afternoon treat. It’s a gentle bake that brings a touch of Italian elegance to your table. Lemon drizzle muffins Looking for a quick treat to enjoy with your cuppa? These lemon drizzle muffins are ideal for elevenses, an afternoon snack or even breakfast. A trio of lemon — curd, zest and juice — gives them their zingy character. Quick to make and full of tangy flavour, they make a cheerful way to brighten dreary weekends. Triple chocolate chip cookies For a simple yet supremely satisfying bake, try these triple chocolate chip cookies. Combining dark, milk and white chocolate, they’re easy to make and deliver maximum reward. Freshly baked cookies are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and just the ticket for a cosy teatime pick-me-up. Classic crème brûlée Fancy getting stuck into a fun kitchen project? Learn how to make the ultimate crème brûlée. Breaking through the crunchy caramel top to reveal a velvety, vanilla-infused custard is a moment worth savouring, making this classic French dessert well worth the leisurely effort. Japanese fluffy cheesecake This Japanese dessert, similar to a chiffon cake, is wonderfully light and melts in your mouth. Take your time and enjoy the delicate process — once complete, it makes a beautiful match with a matcha latte or traditional English tea. Gata with apricots and nuts Armenian gata is a bread-like cake that’s as salty as it is sweet. Filled with apricots and nuts, it’s a hearty bake that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, or simply enjoy a slice with your morning coffee. Caramelised apple and brown butter cheesecake bars These bars are inspired by the comforting flavours of apple crumble, reimagined with a brown butter crumble and thick cheesecake layer. Gently spiced and packed with caramelised apples, they’re perfect for autumnal weekends or whenever you crave a little extra cosiness. Pistachio and raspberry tiramisu Give the traditional Italian layered dessert a fruity, modern twist with this pistachio and raspberry tiramisu. It’s a fresh and vibrant pudding, ideal for sharing at a leisurely gathering or as a centrepiece for a dinner party. Mauritian coconut flan Bring a taste of Mauritius to your table with this classic coconut flan. It combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the sweet depth of caramel. This dessert is simple to prepare but needs time to chill, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend.
17 autumnal suppers for effortless entertaining
Looking for warming recipes with clever shortcuts? Browse our selection of simple autumnal recipes for dishes with minimal prep but maximum flavour
Achieve big flavours with little effort with our simple autumnal entertaining ideas, featuring comforting one-pots, seasonal casseroles and hearty traybakes. These can be prepped and ready on the table in little to no time, making them perfect candidates for effortless entertaining. If you're looking for more seasonal recipes to add to your dinner repertoire, see our collection of butternut squash recipes, pumpkin recipes and kale recipes. For more autumnal ideas browse through our collection of autumn recipes, autumn salads and autumn desserts. Autumn entertaining ideas Sweet potato and brie galette This elegant, French-inspired tart is far easier to make than it looks, making it a brilliant vegetarian centrepiece for a relaxed weekend lunch or dinner party. Showcasing a staple autumnal ingredient, sweet potato is layered with creamy brie atop ready-rolled pastry – it's minimal prep, maximum impact. One-pot smoky pancetta pasta This is entertaining at its simplest – fry off pancetta to release its smoky flavour, then simmer everything together in one pan. Minimal effort, maximum flavour and perfect for serving up to friends or family. Miso and chilli squash tarte tatin This showstopping savoury tart is surprisingly simple to assemble and makes the most of seasonal butternut squash. Bold flavours of miso, chilli and crispy sage are layered atop buttery pastry – perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party with minimal faff. Roasted butternut squash with pesto Celebrate the colours and flavours of autumn with this easy veggie traybake. Simply roast butternut squash in garlic and chilli, then top with a fresh, herby homemade sage pesto. It makes a no-fuss dish that’s ideal for casual entertaining or a quick midweek meal. Spicy meatball pan lasagne For an effortless spin on a classic, try this one-pan lasagne using pre-seasoned meatballs for extra ease. With clever shortcuts and minimal washing up, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or last-minute entertaining. Sweet potato and lentil curry Try this fuss-free, vibrant vegan curry that’s packed with autumnal sweet potatoes, red split lentils and warming spices. This one-pot wonder is low in calories and comes together with little effort – serve with naan or pilau rice for an easy midweek supper. Blue cheese leeks with crispy bacon breadcrumbs These indulgent leeks make a comforting autumnal dish plus it's a breeze to prepare, taking just 30 minutes. Creamy blue cheese and crispy bacon breadcrumbs elevate humble leeks to make a standout Sunday roast side or easy entertaining dish. Pumpkin curry Make the most of pumpkin season with this easy, warming one-pot vegetarian curry. It’s a straightforward recipe that brings together seasonal pumpkin, spices and creamy coconut milk for a comforting dinner – perfect for a cosy autumn evening. Sausage and bean casserole Packed with pork sausages, smoked bacon and beans, this hearty one-pot is a breeze to put together and is ready in an hour. It’s perfect for a cosy date night, or you could batch cook for easy leftovers. Butternut squash curry This comforting vegan curry is a cinch to make, with tender chunks of butternut squash simmered in coconut milk, ginger and garlic. It's a simple, hearty dish that makes the most of seasonal produce – just the thing for chilly autumn nights. Sweet potato and coconut tray curry This traybake curry makes a hassle-free, vegan dinner. Simply roast everything together in one tin – seasonal sweet potato, kale, coconut milk and chickpeas – and finish with toasted coconut flakes and coriander for a flavour-packed finish. One-pan sausage pasta Ready in just 30 minutes, this warming one-pot pasta uses rigatoni and pork sausage for ease, but any short pasta works. It’s speedy, comforting and guaranteed to be your new go-to for time-poor evenings. Creamy chicken with spinach and sundried tomatoes This Tuscan-inspired one-pot is ideal for easy entertaining, with minimal effort and barely any washing up. Rich, creamy and versatile, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice or mash. Roast pumpkin salad This quick and easy salad promises the best of autumn – roasted pumpkin, kale and chickpeas. Combining vibrant flavours and textures, it makes a wholesome, gluten-free option for a speedy starter or light supper. Pear and blue cheese toasts These sourdough toasties are a luxurious showcase of autumn's bounty – simply pile seasonal pears and tangy blue cheese onto toasted bread, then drizzle over a brown butter honey and scatter with thyme leaves and pecans. Perfect for cosying up indoors when the weather turns. Pickled grape salad with pear, taleggio and walnuts This autumnal salad is as easy as it is impressive, featuring tangy pickled grapes, creamy taleggio and crunchy pears. Naturally gluten free and low in calories, it’s a simple yet elegant midweek meal. Carrot and parsnip soup This super-creamy soup is the cosiest way to use up seasonal root veg. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a comforting bowl ready in no time – remember to add a hunk of buttered bread for dunking.
10 London park café destinations for food lovers
Discover London's cool clutch of park cafés for refuelling – the perfect excuse to linger a little longer in the city's leafy spaces
London’s plenteous leafy spaces have long been a sanctuary for city-dwellers, but in recent years the classic park café has undergone a transformation. Gone are the days of limp sandwiches and instant coffee in polystyrene cups. Across the capital, a new breed of park cafés is drawing Londoners and visitors with menus as first-class as their views. More than just a place to grab a flat white – these are foodie destinations in their own right, where you can expect specialty coffee, next-level bakes and a sense of community – all without leaving the park. Whether you’re seeking a post-run pastry, a peaceful lakeside brunch or a packed-out burrito, these spots are worth the detour. FINK'S, Clissold House North Londoners have even more reason to swoon over this beloved Hackney park thanks to newly opened Fink’s Clissold House. Breathing life into the park’s elegant Grade II listed Clissold House, expect straightforward fare with an emphasis on utilising local suppliers. Go for the coffee from Scenery Coffee Roasters and stay for the next-level toasties (pastrami, dill pickle and gruyère) and pastries coming fresh daily from Fink's Bakery in N4, such as the rosette apple, vanilla custard and pecan crumble danish. Cakes are made with seasonal fruit from Natoora & Shrub Provisions and Wildfarmed flour. Furrier friends are also catered for, with dog treats available for purchase in shop. Aside from the refrigerator stocked with locally made soft drinks, foodies can fill their totes on Fink's thoughtful selection of gourmet goods, from tinned fish and truffle crisps to wines and spirits. Come for a proper refuel before a stroll to spot the park’s roaming deer - a blissful afternoon. instagram.com/finks.london Bad Manners, Shoreditch Church Serving a pithy menu of burritos and Mexican-style snacks, this shiny silver trailer has become a cult favourite for East Londoners in the know. Following a successful stint at St John at Hackney Churchyard, this hip establishment is now parked at Shoreditch Church, drawing its burrito devotees – arrive early on weekends to bag a table and avoid disappointment. What to order? The slow-braised beef barbacoa burrito is a must, loaded with Mexican rice, lime crema, braised flor de mayo beans, pickles, onion, coriander and salsa verde. Everything is made to order, with no unnecessary fluff – just bold, full-on flavour. You can also refuel on speciality coffee from PLOT Roasting. instagram.com/badmanners.ldn Queen's Wood Café, Highgate Wood Londoners looking for a slice of woodland magic within commuting distance are in luck thanks to this charming Highgate café. Set amid ancient woodlands in a former wood keeper’s lodge dating back to 1898, this chalet-style café is a favourite for those seeking a fairytale escape from the city, complete with a sweet community garden and therapy cabin. You'll find simple, organic and veggie-focused dishes on the menu (think burrata salad and homemade quiche) and pastries baked fresh daily (cherry danish, cinnamon swirl). Art exhibitions regularly adorn the walls, marking a pretty backdrop to while away the hours. Order a coffee and slice of carrot cake, make a beeline for a seat on the fairy-lit terrace, then breathe in those cosy woodland views. It's a dog-friendly space, too, perfect for walkers in need of a restorative pit stop. queenswoodcafe.org Sons, St John at Hackney Courtyard A friendly kiosk in a leafy Hackney space, Sons has quickly become a foodie-fuelled community hub. Last month, each meatball marinara grilled cheese sandwich sold triggered a fresh loaf from local favourite e5 bakehouse to be donated to Lighthouse, a charity providing support to the homeless and vulnerable across Hackney. They also host run clubs, Pilates classes and pop-ups, adding to its neighbourhood appeal. The team particularly love working with local roasteries who focus on sourcing traceable, high-quality coffee and roasting with care (their latest guest roastery sponsored the weekly run club, with a post-run coffee on them). Silky flat whites aside, you can expect pastries from The Snapery East, grilled cheese sandwiches (including a salty, slow-roasted beef brisket) and tomato soup for just £2. You'll also find plenty of wooden bench seating, with an awning to keep you covered from wet weather. instagram.com/sons.hackney Bunhead, Brockwell Park Though technically not in the park, this humble bakery on the fringes of Brockwell Park is a blessing for the pastry-obsessed in south London. This Herne Hill neighbourhood spot opened just a year ago, when self-taught baker Sara Assad-Mannings took the plunge to move her home lockdown business to a permanent site to give customers a taste of her Palestinian flavours. It may be a bijou space, but the team's warmth and humour will always put a smile on your face. It's hard to choose from the tempting range of sweet and savoury buns – from rhubarb, rose and sumac to shatta and cheddar. bunheadbakery.com Blas, Victoria Park Blas is the new kid on the Victoria Park block, giving stalwart Pavilion a run for its money. The modest red-tiled hut, perfectly situated for runners finishing their routes, is rooted in local history, housed in a former chapel turned rangers’ hut. The serving hatch, finished in a pop of striking Rosewood Red, is a nod to the building’s past, while the modern line-up features all the big-hitters, from cinnamon buns and maritozzi to soft serve in the summer (think Estate Dairy cereal milk topped with cornflake crunch). Blas prides itself on spotlighting guest roasters, with a selection of retail coffees from each roaster, along with a rotating filter menu showcasing each coffee in its best form. instagram.com/blaslondon The Engine House Café, Walthamstow Wetlands This Grade II listed building – originally a sewage pumping station built in 1885 – now houses an elegant café where you can fill up on bagels and freshly roasted coffee by north London specialist roasters Liberty Coffee. Offering a peaceful escape from the city within the wetlands, there's seating within the exposed brick walls of the original Victorian building, or head out to the terrace for birdwatching and enviable reserve views to match. wildlondon.org.uk/cafes Pear Tree Cafe, Battersea Park (and Clapham Common and Lincoln's Inn Fields) This sun-dappled spot boasts a prime position overlooking Battersea Park’s pretty boating lake. Lakeside views aside, brunch is a popular occasion here, with a menu that refreshes the classics with bold, luxurious twists. Buttermilk pancakes are topped with apple and blackberry compote, whipped vanilla mascarpone and toasted almonds, sourdough is slathered in marmite and parmesan-flavoured Bold Beans and smashed avocado arrives heaped onto sourdough alongside feta, basil oil, chilli oil and watermelon radish – an olive favourite. At weekends, there's flaky pastries and coffee from Triple Roast. Since you're in the area, it would be remiss to skip a trip to Mahali & Co bakery, located on the park's perimeter – its creative pandan and coconut cruffins are not to be missed. Coal House Café, Woodberry Wetlands Housed in a stylish, Grade II listed former coal house, this waterside café is a local gem for those in the know. Boasting a rooftop patio, desirable waterside views and sizeable garden, it does a good job at enticing Londoners into leafy spaces before they've even looked for the menu. The rooftop patio and garden are superb spots for sunny London weekends, while the indoor space is cosy in the cooler months. The menu covers a satisfying selection of toasties, seasonal soups and freshly baked pastries. Coffee is freshly roasted in north London each week by Liberty Coffee. wildlondon.org.uk/cafes The Serpentine Lido Café, Hyde Park Hyde Park's iconic Serpentine Lido Café sits right by the water, making it one of central London's most picturesque coffee spots. It's an A1 position for ice cream in the warmer months, but you’ll also find a comforting menu of creamy burrata salads, club sandwiches and nduja poached eggs, perfect for catering to your foodie needs without having to leave the park. Families, locals and city explorers all make use of the café’s ample outdoor seating. Being in central, it can get busy on weekends, but the lakeside views and the hum of Hyde Park life are ample reward. Add it to your list for next time you're in the West End and need refuelling. royalparks.org.uk/serpentine-lido-cafe
10 foodie nature spots in the UK for spotting autumn leaves
Embrace the joys of autumn with these top foodie destinations, from golden foliage in the Cairngorms to the russet beauty of the Cotswolds
As the leaves turn golden and begin to tumble, there’s no better time to explore the UK’s enchanting nature spots than in autumn. We've found the finest spots that offer unrivalled views of the season's fiery foliage, including a treehouse with panoramic woodland views, a micro-bakery within lush gardens, and a snug Scottish cabin tucked into the hills. These are all prime spots for food lovers, too – from rustic gin distilleries and cider orchards to forest cafés and country pubs – all offering the perfect blend of leaf-peeping and seasonal fare. Which of these nature spots will make it onto your travel wish list? Once you've decided on your destination, embrace the season with coffee expert Celeste Wong's autumn coffee serves, including a clever British twist on the pumpkin spice latte, or make the most of autumn by booking a cosy cabin stay. Inshriach, Cairngorms, Scotland Log cabin within Cairngorms National Park Seek sanctuary during cosy season in this expertly crafted wooden cabin hidden away on the hillside above the River Spey. Owner Walter Micklethwait and his family built the log cabin during lockdown, which now proves as popular for holidays as it is with TV and photoshoots. Surrounded by mature woodland and the vast Cairngorms, this 200-acre mini Highland estate is ablaze with fiery colour by the time autumn rolls around, with picture-perfect views. It also happens to be home to a rustic gin distillery, where Walter concocts small-batch Speyside gins in an award-winning shed. Alternatively, if relaxation is top of your list, hop into the wood-fired sauna and steam away the stress. Besides the cabin, the estate’s elegant country house is perfect for a large family gathering (sleeping up to 18, with or without a chef) but, for a back-to-nature experience, there’s the cluster of quirky glamping options peppered throughout the tangled woodland. The quaint Swedish-style shepherd’s hut is old-school romantic with surrounding juniper bushes (the key ingredient in gin; most of the botanicals are foraged from the estate). Or, for those who want something a little more contemporary, there’s the bothy, a little modernist cabin nestled in the birch woods above the Spey. inshriachhouse.com Queen's Wood Café, Highgate Wood, London Charming woodland café in north London Londoners looking for a slice of autumn tranquility within commuting distance are in luck thanks to this enchanting café in north London's Highgate. Set amid ancient woodlands, the space was originally built in 1898 as a wood keeper's lodge and tearoom. It now functions as a friendly chalet-style café with a community garden and therapy cabin. You'll find organic and veggie-focused dishes on the menu (think burrata salad and homemade quiche) and pastries are baked fresh daily (cherry Danish, cinnamon swirl). Art exhibitions regularly adorn the walls, making a pretty backdrop to while away the hours. We recommend ordering an autumnal coffee and slice of carrot cake, then sitting out on the terrace illuminated in lights, taking in the woodland views. It's a dog-friendly space, too, perfect for walkers hoping for a coffee pit stop or spot of lunch. queenswoodcafe.org The Cordia Collective at Borde Hill, West Sussex Micro-bakery within historic Sussex gardens Find this new culinary venture from Green Michelin-starred chef Chantelle Nicholson nestled within the idyllic gardens of this Grade II-listed, 2,300-acre estate in West Sussex. The collective started life as a micro-bakery in spring this year, and there are plans to develop into a glasshouse restaurant, café and wine bar, and workshop space in the former stables. Headed up by acclaimed baker Janine Edwards from London’s much-loved Toklas Bakery, highlights include warm, freshly baked curlicues, (aka their own take on a much-loved cinnamon bun), vibrant focaccia sandwiches and Ploughman's plates, with some ingredients harvested straight from the garden itself. After securing your goodies, take a peaceful stroll among the vibrant foliage which, in autumn, deepens into warmer, richer tones – look out for the amber-blazing maple tree which glows against the light. It's an impressive place to take a moment to pause while enjoying the flavours of the season. Elsewhere at Borde Hill, you can sign up to autumn foraging walks, plus Halloween trails and activities for families. bordehill.co.uk Bettys Harlow Carr Tea Room, Harrogate Charming teahouse overlooking lush gardens This little tea house in Harlow Carr gardens supplies all the treats and tipples required for a cosy autumnal day out. Find this North Yorkshire gem overlooking the handsome grounds of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, where autumn is celebrated with stunning displays of fiery red and golden leaves. The beauty of the surroundings is matched by all the traditional Bettys treats, including tempting breads, handmade cakes and hot chocolates, while you admire the panoramic view from your table. Take a walk through the gardens to the kiosk in the centre, order a hot chocolate and mooch through the vibrant trees, plants and greenhouses full of autumn produce. A wholesome place to soothe yourself out of a seasonal funk, foodies will love filling their totes with freshly made cakes, biscuits, fancies and other specialities in the Bettys shop – perfect for gifting or enjoying when you get home. bettys.co.uk The Newt, Somerset Cider tasting and woodland walks in the west country This country estate is famed for its cider orchards, woodland walks and immaculate gardens, all of which turn gorgeous shades of amber and crimson in autumn. Located between Bruton and the town of Castle Cary, this Palladian mansion-turned hotel is ideal for a seasonal garden retreat. On site, there’s a butcher’s, bakery, cider cellar, artisanal shop and three restaurants, all serving seasonal dishes – many of which feature ingredients grown or made on the estate (even the sourdough starter is made from apple pulp from the cider press). After taking an autumnal stroll, visit the cider cellar for a guided tour and tasting (The Newt’s own ciders are made with 100% apple juice and slow, cold fermentation, and are made to be served and enjoyed like wine). Sample the estate’s produce at the open-air cider bar located next to the shiny state-of-the-art cider-making facility (where you can also catch the daily apple-pressing 'show'). But it's not all cider-making and woodland walks. It's also a place to learn, with harvest-themed activities ranging from wreath-making to mushroom foraging. Then, there's Apple Day Weekend, one of the most hotly anticipated events on the estate calendar. Think a two-day celebration of Somerset heritage and all things ‘apple’, including apple games, orchard tractor tours, apple-themed menus, tastings, live music, BBQs and plenty of cider. You could also relax by pottering in the greenhouse or swimming in the spa. The choice is yours. thenewtinsomerset.com The Potting Shed, Crudwell, The Costwolds Village pub featuring a two-acre garden and apple trees Autumn's golden hues only add to the rustic charm of The Cotswolds, a prime spot for a seasonal strolling. Originally a Victorian pub called The Plough, The Potting Shed is located in the chocolate box village of Crudwell, a short drive from the M4. With its two-acre garden and apple trees, its the epitome of a country local and a suiting pit stop during your autumn foodie break. Once a favoured romantic bolthole for Prince William and Kate Middleton before their engagement, this cosy country pub sticks to hearty gastropub classics, with much of the produce coming from the abundant vegetable patch in the pub’s two-acre garden, which also has apple trees and lawns. Try a Cotswolds dry gin, or taste local ales such as Elmers pale bitter from Flying Monk Brewery in neighbouring Malmesbury. The pie of the day (ham with a poached egg on top, or chicken, sweetcorn and black pudding) is a must, served, as it should be, with creamy mash and rich gravy. There’s an outdoor patio and garden from which you can peek into the neighbouring allotments or challenge your friends to a game of boules on the pitch out back. Or simply gaze out over the foliage as you settle in with a pint. thepottingshedpub.com Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, London Peaceful north London park with roaming deer When the leaves are at their most golden, this serene Hackney park comes into its own. It offers the best of both worlds for time-poor Londoners: easy to travel to and large enough to escape urban life. The park is a true feast for the senses come autumn. Watch the resident deer rove around the enclosure while the leaves turn russet and gold, then listen to the leaves crunch beneath your feet as you stroll along the grassy verges flanking the New River. Combine your autumn walk with a trip to park café Fink’s Pump House, which opens every day and serves straightforward fare while utilising local suppliers. Go for the coffee from Scenery Coffee Roasters and stay for the sourdough sarnies and pastries coming fresh daily from Fink's Bakery in N4, such as their rosette apple, vanilla custard and pecan crumble danish. Foodies can also fill their totes on Fink's thoughtful selection of gourmet goods, from tinned fish and truffle crisps to wines and spirits. Wearied Londoners should consider a visit to this leafy sanctuary to contemplate and appreciate autumn's fleeting, enchanting beauty. Tu Hwnt I'r Bont Tearooms, North Wales 15th Century luxury tearoom with an idyllic riverside location Located in the small town of Llanrwst in North Wales, this charming grade II listed tearoom is often one of the most photographed places in the area. Though surrounded by beautiful gardens and views of the Conwy Valley, it's the building itself that encapsulates autumnal splendour – a breathtaking mosaic of rich, warm and earthy leaves which envelop the entire building. It's so stunning, you'll want it on a postcard. Inside, you'll find a charming tearoom serving artisan cakes and specialty teas alongside classic lunchtime specials. Choose opulence with a traditional high-tea, or sample its award-winning ice cream (from its very own Parisella's Ice Cream of Conwy). Painting the peaceful Welsh landscape with the most vivid autumnal hues, this modest tearoom is a top-of-the-list destination for a crisp autumn day out. tuhwntirbont.co.uk Stars & Vines, Herefordshire Vineyard cabins with sweeping views of rolling Herefordshire countryside For views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside, this vineyard, with its two beautifully appointed cabins, is uniquely placed. Take in the views while soaking in the outdoor hot tub, or strike out into 1,000 acres of the surrounding farmland where the River Lugg weaves through towering woods, and you might happen upon a small lake by one of the cornfields. The elegantly furnished modern cabins are situated at one of the highest points of the Broadfield Court Vineyard Estate, which produces a small-batch range of whites and rosé – a stay here wouldn’t be complete without a hosted wine-tasting (£95) with Alexandra James, who co-owns the estate with her husband Mark. The cabins are self-catered, but you can request a hamper for a continental or cooked breakfast, again stocked with fresh, local produce. On a clear evening, you can ask for a telescope and kick back by the firepit – with marshmallows and other gourmet treats supplied – to marvel at the stars. starsandvinesluxurylodges.co.uk Wild Escapes, Hampshire Luxury treehouses overlooking Hampshire vineyards Nestled in the forest on sprawling Fullerton Farm, this luxuriously wild autumn getaway offers four modern treehouses. The structures, crafted out of local materials, were designed to minimise impact on the surrounding ecosystem, and rewilding is encouraged, so birds, deer and badgers are abundant. Nestled into a wild woodland overlooking the vines of the Black Chalk vineyard, it's a soothing place to linger, sip and soak. Though each treehouse is unique – The Perigord is Scandi-chic, The Damselfly modern-minimalist, The Fallow decked out in earthy tones and The Poppy the most rustic, complete with its own firepit. All have a few things in common: vineyard vistas, wood-burning stoves, snazzy glass showers and terraces with bathtubs that come with sycamore wood champagne flute rests for the complimentary Black Chalk English sparkling wine. Take a private tour of neighbouring Black Chalk vineyard followed by a Treehouse Tasting, with a view of the vines where the grapes were grown. In the morning, enjoy a breakfast hamper curated from Hampshire producers, including small-batch Moon Roast coffee, Nicky’s Kitchen sourdough, and Fluffetts Farm free-range eggs. The surrounding woodland is perfect for autumnal walks, and local street food pop-ups and country pubs with riverside terraces offer plenty of feasting opportunities. wildescapes.com
Best milk frothers to buy in 2025, tested and reviewed by experts
If you're looking for a milk frother to make creamy coffees or hot chocolates, read our tried-and-tested review of the best milk frother to help you choose
It’s time to take your hot drinks to the next level with a milk frother. Whether you’re a cappuccino aficionado, hot chocolate fan or simply want to liven up your instant coffee, milk frothers will give your classic brew a creamy barista-style boost. While some coffee machines will come with built-in milk frothers, most will require you froth your milk separately. Many independent milk frother will also have a wider range of setting for different textures of microfoam or for hot or cold frothed milk, which isn't usually available for those built into coffee machines. Having a milk frother will also allow you further versatility from manual espresso brewing methods like moka pots and cafetieres. Read on for our favourite milk frothers for coffee and hot chocolate, tried and tested by our reviews experts. Discover our full guide to the best coffee machines which features tried-and-tested picks of the best espresso machines. Once you’ve got your equipment sorted, check out our round-up of the best coffee grinders and coffee beans to buy. Already own a coffee pod machine? Check out our round-up of the best eco-friendly coffee pods to buy. Or, sign up to a coffee subscription so you never run out. For even more inspiration, our guide to the best gifts for coffee lovers includes everything from coffee perfume to games and books. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best milk frothers at a glance Best milk frother for versatility: Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser (2025), £149.95 Best milk frother for hot chocolate: Dualit handheld milk frother, £69.90 Best milk frother for easy cleaning: ProCook milk frother and hot chocolate maker, £59 Best large milk frother: Dualit Milk Frother Max, £88.89 Best mid-range milk frother: Lavazza A Modo Mio MilkEasy milk frother, £69 Best top-of-the-range electric frother for hot chocolates: Smeg MFF01CRUK milk frother, £169.95 Best sleek milk frother: Grind Two milk frother, £75 Best mid-range frother for hot chocolates: Melitta Cremio II milk frother, £69.99 Best mid-range buy for simplicity: Bodum Latteo milk frother, £19.49 Jump to: Best milk frothers to buy in 2025 How we tested milk frothers What type of milk froths best? Best milk frothers to buy in 2025 Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser (2025) Available from Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Best milk frother for versatility Star rating: 5/5 Hotel Chocolat's Velvetiser 2.0 is a game-changer for anyone who takes their hot chocolate seriously. This upgraded version looks every bit as good as the hot chocolate tastes, with a sleek, pod-shaped design inspired by a cacao pod and a solid ash handle that feels satisfyingly sturdy in the hand. It’s available in three chic shades – Chalk, Pebble, and Pewter – so it will look smart on any kitchen counter. The build feels robust and premium, with a heavier, sturdier jug than before, giving the impression it’s made to last. Using the Velvetiser couldn’t be easier: simply pour in your milk, add one of Hotel Chocolat's chocolate sachets, pop the lid on and twist the dial. Cleaning is quick too, with a simple rinse and wipe. In test, we were rewarded with a mug of hot chocolate that was glossy, smooth, and topped with a light, creamy froth in just two minutes. The Velvetiser also comes with a new cold setting, so you can whip up an iced chocolate for warmer days. If you’re after a stylish, fuss-free way to enjoy proper hot chocolate at home, the milk frother certainly delivers. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Dualit handheld milk frother undefined Best milk frother for hot chocolate Star rating: 5/5 This milk frother feels high-quality as soon as you take it out of the box and has a sleek, elegant look. On test we found it super easy to use — simply insert the relevant attachment depending on your milk frothing preferences, add your milk of choice and press the button. It's also one of the larger frothers we tested with the capability to make up to 340ml of frothed milk at a time. We liked that this machine come with a choice of three attachments - a whisk for making cappuccinos and milkshakes, a basket for making hot chocolates and a cap for making flat whites. Easy to assemble and change over, these accessories make this milk frother a versatile piece of kit. Using semi-skimmed milk, we were impressed by the thick, glossy head on the milk we made using the flat white cap. One slight downside is that the lack of pouring spout meant some of our precious foam was left behind in the jug and we needed a spoon to remove it. The frother is exceptionally quiet, but the thing that impressed us the most on test was the hot chocolate. Using the whisk and basket attachments we made hot chocolate using oat milk and the recommended 25g of flaked chocolate powder. This produced a rich, creamy drink that was pleasingly hot without any danger of burning our mouths. This reasonably priced product would be a welcome kitchen edition for coffee-lovers and chocoholics alike. Latest Deals ProCook milk frother and hot chocolate maker Available from ProCook (£69) Best milk frother for easy cleaning Star rating: 4.5/5 This milk frother from ProCook has a fairly large footprint and tall height compared to many other frothers we've tested, and will need its own dedicated space on your countertop. But with this large size, you get a roomy 400ml capacity, which is enough to make two hot chocolates at once. There are setting for hot frothed milk, hot milk, hot chocolate and cold frothed milk. We were impressed by the results of all the pre-programmed settings on this machine, which we tested with whole cow's milk and barista oat milk. What we really loved about this model is how easy it is to clean. Unlike the majority of other models, the jug doesn't house an electrical element, making it easy to clean by hand or put in the dishwasher. The only slight drawback to this model was the amount of time it took to froth milk, which was three and a half minutes, and it was slightly noisier than other models on the market. undefined Dualit Milk Frother Max Available from Harts of Stur (£98.85), Amazon (£97.99) Best large milk frother Star rating: 4.5/5 With a capacity of 550ml this is by far the largest milk frother we've tested – it would easily make hot chocolate for four people at once. With the large capacity comes a certain amount of bulk and this model is closer in size to a small kettle than a regular milk frother, which may make it tricky to store. The model has five froth settings, plus a setting for cold froth, and comes with a whisk and basket for further customisation. The manual contains a helpful guide on which settings to choose for your preferred milk texture. Like other Dualit models the frother is whisper-silent – on test we couldn't even tell when it was on except for the light on the dial. However it was difficult to tell when the frother had finished as there's no beep to indicate that it's done. On test our hot chocolate was smooth and creamy and we were seriously impressed by the cold frothed oat milk, which was thick and luxurious, the perfect addition to an iced coffee. undefined Lavazza A Modo Mio MilkEasy milk frother Latest Deals Best mid-range milk frother Star rating: 4.5/5 Lavazza’s ‘MilkEasy’ name certainly aligns with the results of this milk frother. This was the easiest electric frother we tried thanks to its simple, easy to follow instructions: fill with milk up to one of the markings (you can heat up to 180ml or froth 120ml), press the button once for hot froth, twice for hot milk or thrice for cold froth for iced coffees or lattes. We were pleasantly surprised by how quiet and efficient it is, producing that perfect just-below boiling temperature. Using semi-skimmed milk offers an impressively thick, fluffy whip that’s enough for two cups; this is definitely one of the thickest froths, resembling a creamy dalgona coffee. The froth produced using oat milk is not as thick by quite some margin – it's airier, with lots of thin liquid. Another thing to note is that due to the frothers wide design, it’s not the easiest product to pick up and pour into your mug. The inside is easy enough to clean, though you cannot get the base wet, so it’s not dishwasher-safe. It’s small enough to keep on the work surface, but compact enough to slot into a cupboard. Overall, if you like to experiment with different methods, this is the most reasonably priced product, offering barista-style whipped milk that’s ready in minutes. Latest Deals Smeg MFF01CRUK milk frother Latest Deals Best top-of-the-range electric frother for hot chocolates Star rating: 4.5/5 If you’re looking to invest in a sleek electric milk frother to complement your kitchen, Smeg is the answer. This model is made from stainless steel, with a separate dishwasher-safe jug that has visible measurement markings embossed on the inside. This frother had the largest volume of all we tested: a 600ml heating capacity and 250ml frothing capacity. The on/off button is clear to see and there are six settings to choose from: hot or cold milk with light or thick foam, hot milk and chocolate, plus a manual function. This frother is the only one with the option to make coffee or hot chocolate, taking away the fuss of making the drink separately beforehand. It's louder in use than the other electric frothers, but the transparent lid means you can watch while the whisks work their magic. This produced the smoothest hot chocolate of all the frothers, with a silky, velvety texture and just-below boiling temperature. It also works a treat with non-dairy milks. It’s very easy to clean as there’s only the detachable jug to wash. Its retro 1950s design will look good in any kitchen (plus there’s a range of pastel colours to suit different tastes). It does however command some space on the counter – it’s a high-quality piece of equipment you wouldn’t want to hide in a cupboard. This means that if you’re not too going to be using daily, it may be too expensive to use as an occasional piece of equipment – we’d recommend going for something cheaper if this is the case. Latest Deals Grind Two milk frother Available from Grind (£75) Best sleek milk frother Star rating: 4/5 This sleek milk frother from Grind is a good option if you're looking for an aesthetic model to keep on display that matches your coffee machine. The reflective chrome design is modern – although we did find that it showed finger prints quite easily – and there's a touch of the brand's iconic baby pink. There's just one button here, so you'll need to take a glance at the manual to familiarise yourself with the different settings for hot-frothed, hot with a slight froth and cold-frothed milk. We made hot-frothed milk with whole and oat barista milk, which both resulted in super-glossy milk with a thick head that would be perfect for a cappuccino. One thing we did notice about this milk frother is that, for the hot milk settings, the milk comes out almost too hot to drink, and has to be cooled a little before it can be enjoyed. Available from: Grind (£75) Melitta Cremio II milk frother Latest Deals Best mid-range for hot chocolates Star rating: 4/5 Melitta’s Cremio frother gives you the option to make hot froth, hot milk and cold froth, perfect for creamy coffees, blended hot chocolates or desserts. This machine works with all types of milk, but we found using skimmed milk worked best, creating a thick, whipped froth which you can dollop onto your drink of choice. The ergonomic handle is a defining feature, as is the non-stick coating for efficient cleaning (the lid and whisk is dishwasher-safe, too). The capacity for frothed milk is 100-150 ml, which is ample for two drinks. It’s also worth noting that you can prepare warm cocoa with this frother – simply add the chocolate powder to the milk before pressing the hot milk button. This product is similar in range and aesthetic to the Dualit, with the bonus feature of preparing hot chocolate. All in all, the ergonomic handle, non-stick surfaces and clean brushed-steel aesthetics make this stylish container a sturdy and reliable kitchen accessory which you’ll be happy to invest in. Latest Deals Bodum Latteo milk frother Available from Amazon (£19.49) Best mid-range buy for simplicity Star rating: 3/5 At first sight, you may mistake the Bodum for a large cafetière. But, as you look closer, you’ll realise it’s a high-quality glass carafe with a sleek handle that’s perfect for do-it-yourself manual frothing. A very simple instruction guide is on the packaging and also in the manual, so we find this one of the easiest to use: first, fill with milk up to the line on the jug and warm in the microwave for 30-50 seconds. Once hot, use the manual pump to froth the milk until the volume doubles. The whipped milk is then ready to spoon into your drink of choice (it’s worth noting that this frother doesn’t come with the option to make coffee or hot chocolate). We do notice a tiny amount of spillage coming out of the top hole and pouring outlet even when sealed. The foam itself is surprisingly smooth on its own, but lighter and airier than other frothers, which produce a thicker whip. It’s dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, the same as you would a cafetière. Plus, the small footprint makes it perfect for a kitchen with little bench space or low-hanging cupboards. Overall, if you’re after a quick and easy to follow model that offers plenty of froth with minimal effort, this is a brilliant value option. Available from: Amazon (£19.49) How we tested milk frothers The milk frothers featured in this review were the best performing appliances chosen from a longlist of more than 20 products. All were tested in control conditions using a standardised criterion with semi-skimmed milk, Oatly Oat Drink Barista Edition and Hotel Chocolat hot chocolate flakes and scored out of five against the following areas: Quality of milk foam Value for money Ease of use Quality of materials Design and aesthetic for keeping on the countertop The average score out of 5 decided the overall star rating. The additional criteria played into our decision making: Variety of functions Kitchen footprint Sound in use Speed in use Ease of cleaning Advanced features Packaging What type of milk froths best? When using a milk frother, different types of milk will produce different textures of foam. If you're opting for plant milk, whether you prefer oat, almond, coconut or something else, it's best to go for a barista-style milk. These milks usually contain additional ingredients that act as stabilisers, which allow the milk to froth and maintain bubbles. For dairy milk, whole milk will become thick and creamy when frothed, as it has a high fat content. Milks with a lower fat content, like skimmed or semi-skimmed, will create a greater volume of foam with a texture that's less creamy. Lactose-free milk can be difficult to froth due to the process used to remove lactose. Related reviews Best coffee machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best filter coffee machines Best coffee pod machines Best coffee scales Best ever coffee recipes Best reusable coffee cups Espresso martini recipe Coffee cocktail recipes Best Nespresso machines Dhan Tamang's guide to latte art Best plant milk makers Best small air fryers Best pizza ovens If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at oliveweb@immediate.co.uk.
How to create stunning party food platters
Our easy party food platters are guaranteed to impress, from a classic Swedish smörgåsbord, to picnic platters and grazing boards. Plus, we share which tableware to buy
Hosting an impromptu dinner party with friends? Take your entertaining skills to another level with our smart yet showstopping party food platters. From salty baked feta boards, to camembert toppers and a full-blown Swedish smörgåsbord, we've got your entertaining needs covered for your next get-together. Afterwards, check out our no-oven easy entertaining ideas and easy entertaining recipes. We also asked 15 foodies to share their easy entertaining hacks and tips. Party grazing board ideas Baked feta board A block of salty feta baked with sweet, sticky honey is the centrepiece of this fun sharing board by Morgan McGlynn. Slather the smooth cheese on crackers and top and serve with fudgy roast figs and crunchy almonds. Smörgåsbord The scale of this Scandinavian smörgåsbord by Morgan McGlynn borders almost on a buffet – perfect for feeding the masses. A mixture of hot and cold dishes alongside traditional cheese varieties, such as brown Norwegian gjetost and jarlsberg, are a must. Brunch sharing board Brunch has become a timeless classic, combining the best of both worlds from breakfast and lunch. This sharing board takes it one step further to create a stunning, laidback way to enjoy this meal for a real celebration. Overnight oats, sausage sandwiches and pancake bits are served alongside bloody marys to get your day off to an exceptional start. For more brunch inspiration, see our best brunch recipes. Cheese grazing board You truly can't beat a good cheeseboard, and this one combines lemony baked goat's cheese, baked camembert in a cob and baked feta with chipotle. Antipasti board Easy and informal but always welcome, antipasti is a fun, casual way to entertain. Pop a selection of Italian cured meat, a generous piece of parmesan and grissini sticks with fresh figs and griddled courgettes on a board and then let everyone dive in and help themselves. Bagna cauda (anchovy and garlic sauce) This warm anchovy and garlic dip from Piedmont makes an easy starter or sharing platter to serve with drinks. It's a great way to use up a tin of anchovies. Christmas cheeseboard Is there any better excuse to enjoy cheese than at Christmas? If Morgan McGlynn's festive sharing platter doesn't get you in the spirit, we don't know what else will! In true Christmas indulgence style, there's a variety of salty, creamy and nutty cheeses nestled in with cured meats and pickled accompaniments. Serve with a homemade Christmas jam. Chocolate fondue Get everyone involved at the end of the dinner party with this chocolate fondue. It takes just minutes to prepare – simply melt chocolate with double cream and white miso, then arrange your dipping utensils. We suggest strawberries, grapes, banana slices, mini waffles, marshmallows and wafers for some variety, but feel free to use whatever you wish. Hummus platter with all the veg For a vegan sharing board that's sure to impress, this hummus platter elevates the humble veg with pomegranate molasses, toasted pine nuts, fennel and sprigs of watercress. Summer deli board Perfect for the warmer months, throw together our pick of charcuterie and veg, served with a pot of oozing melted brie. Picnic platter Picnic staples, including cheese, chutney, pâté and salami, are transformed into an easy, no-cook dinner party centrepiece. Check out our best picnic recipes for lots more inspiration. Dessert board For those with a sweet tooth, a dessert board is a really fun and easy way to celebrate a special occasion. The white russians and limoncello-spiked lemon tarts are a grown-up touch that's perfect for getting the party started. Pair with our espresso martini pancakes for a brunch-inspired dessert board. Crudités with chipotle aïoli A great starter to bring out at dinner parties over the summer, using whatever crisp, fresh veg is available. It only takes 15 minutes to put together and serves six. Quick and easy recipes Baked camembert Arguably the easiest way to entice friends is with a selection of baked camembert toppers: veggies will swoon over our camembert topped with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, or opt for ultimate wintry comfort with toppings such as cranberry, port and thyme. Better yet, go one step further and serve your cheese on this appropriately themed camembert cheese platter. Homemade pâté Another fuss-free way to impress is with homemade pâté: our veggie mushroom pâté is easy to whizz together, and packs depth of flavour thanks to a few sprigs of thyme, garlic and sherry. Or, keep things classic with our French chicken liver pâté, best served with cornichons and plenty of fizz. Hot platters Smashed meatball kebab platter with herby green yogurt Serve this smashed meatball kebab platter as part of a vibrant feast when entertaining. Top with your homemade cooling yogurt to balance out the kick from the shawarma spice blend. Using ready-made meatballs keeps prep to a minimum so that you can have this on the table in just 30 minutes. Smashed falafel platter with pink pickled onion This vibrant falafel platter is a brilliant choice when catering for vegetarian friends. The sweet potato falafels bring a natural sweetness, balanced perfectly by tangy pickled onions that cut through with a sharp, refreshing bite. Grilled mango, tomato and burrata platter The creamy burrata pairs perfectly with chargrilled mango slices, juicy heritage tomatoes and a vibrant lime and chilli dressing. Platters to buy FULLSPÄCKAD serving tray Available from Ikea (£15) Ikea's tray is great for storing plates and glasses on one level, with snacks and appetisers on the other. It also features a sturdy handle for carrying. Available from: Ikea (£15) Porcelain chip and dip serving dish Available from John Lewis (£20) This five-section chip and dip platter is the perfect serving solution for nachos. This porcelain dish is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, too. Available from: John Lewis (£20) Elements oval marble serve board Available from Wayfair (£23.99) Present cold and hot dishes on this oval-shaped serving board – the marble makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures. Available from: Wayfair (£23.99)
10 pre-work habits to set you up for a productive day
Seeking a gentle nudge out of the summer haze? Try these easy habits before work to help you reclaim your mornings
As the balmy days of summer fade and the pace of life gently shifts, autumn offers the perfect invitation to reset. Now's the time to embrace a steadier rhythm— replacing the unstructured weeks of juggling holidays, work and wellbeing with a sense of calm, focus and renewal. A thoughtful start to your day can make all the difference, helping you feel grounded, energised and ready to take on whatever lies ahead. That's why we've curated advice from the experts for easy pre-work habits, designed to help you reclaim your mornings. Each ritual is simple to adopt, with a focus on nourishing your body, moving your muscles and supporting your wellbeing. Whether you’re heading into the office, logging on from home or simply looking for a fresh start, these practical tips will help you feel your best as the season changes. 1. Wake up at the same time each day The business and chaos of summer — balancing holidays, family and work — can leave us feeling scattered and drained. Autumn offers the perfect opportunity to reset your daily routine. Try to get up at the same time every morning (even on weekends) to help stabilise your internal clock. Open your curtains or blinds wide and let the morning light in as soon as you wake. Exposure to natural light first thing signals to your brain that it’s time to start the day and will help boost energy and mood. This gentle consistency supports better sleep, makes it easier to rise and helps you feel more alert and energised as you start your day. Discover ways to get your day off to a perfect start with health experts' morning routine tips. 2. Hydrate before anything else Begin your morning with a large glass of water before reaching for tea or coffee. Hydration after a night’s sleep is essential for waking up your body as it replaces the fluid you can lose overnight – it also helps transport nutrients, supports circulation, improves skin health and regulates body temperature. Keeping a glass of water by your bed can make this habit effortless – add a slice of lemon or cucumber for a simple, refreshing twist. 3. Set a simple intention for the day Embrace the fresh start that autumn brings by taking a moment to set an intention or jot down a priority for the day ahead. This could be as simple as “stay calm in meetings” or “take a proper lunch break”. Setting an intention gives your day a sense of purpose and can help you maintain course, despite unexpected disruptions. 4. Delay checking your phone Give yourself a calm start by resisting the urge to check emails or social media as soon as you wake. Research shows that exposure to stressful content upon waking can trigger a stress response, affecting your mood for the rest of the day. Instead, focus on your own needs and rituals first. This helps reduce morning stress and anxiety, allowing you to approach the day with more clarity and intention. 5. Take a moment for quiet Transform your mornings from rushed and reactive to calm and energising by carving out a few minutes for yourself before the demands of the day begin. This could be as simple as making your bed or enjoying your breakfast mindfully. Spend a moment planning your day — write a to-do list, check your calendar or lay out your clothes and lunch. A little preparation allows you to start the day feeling centred, helps reduce stress and makes the transition from home to work smoother and more focused. 6. Move your body gently Ease into movement with a gentle stretch, a few light yoga poses or a brisk walk outside. Morning movement increases circulation, helps shake off any sluggishness and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. If you have time, a walk outdoors combines movement with fresh air and daylight for a double wellness boost, helping you feel more connected to the season (we love autumn's golden leaves and crisp air). You don’t need a full workout – even 10 minutes can make a real difference to your focus and mood. 7. Prepare a nourishing breakfast Autumn calls for a return to comforting, sustaining breakfasts. Swap out sugary cereals or pastries for something balanced — like overnight oats topped with seasonal fruit, Greek yogurt with honey and nuts or a fruity smoothie recipe that's full of good bacteria. A properly filling breakfast will keep you fuller for longer and help you concentrate through the morning. Check out our healthy breakfast ideas for inspiration. 8. Swap your sweet breakfast for savoury Switch up your morning routine by replacing your sweet breakfast with a savoury choice that's rich in protein and healthy fats. These will digest slower, providing you with a steady source of energy without causing sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels, ultimately leaving you satisfied for longer. Try lean meats, scrambled eggs or a vegetable omelette, or find inspiration in our collection of savoury breakfast recipes. 9. Enjoy your morning brew mindfully If you love your morning tea or coffee, make it a mindful ritual. Brew your favourite blend, savour the aroma and take a few moments to enjoy it slowly, rather than rushing through it. Delay drinking caffeine until 30-90 minutes after you wake up — some experts suggest that delaying caffeine slightly can help ward off that afternoon “caffeine crash” and support more stable energy levels. If you're running low on supplies, discover a new favourite blend with our selection of the best coffee beans, ground beans and eco-friendly coffee pods. 10. Prepare your workspace Allow your mornings to become a sanctuary for clarity and motivation by taking a few minutes to organise your workspace. Whether you’re working from home or commuting, take a moment to clear away clutter, set out your essentials and perhaps add something uplifting — a plant, a scented candle or a favourite mug. A tidy, inviting space can help you feel calm and ready to focus.
10 daily rituals for the ultimate autumn reset
If summer has left you feeling frazzled, ease yourself back into a new routine with our simple daily rituals – a relaxed and well-rested autumn awaits
Summer can be a busy time for our social calendars, with many of us left feeling fulfilled yet frazzled as it comes to a close. At olive, we view the shift into autumn as a gentle invitation to slow down and savour the beauty of the cosy season. With packed-out diaries and the heat of peak summer behind us, it’s the perfect moment to rebuild rituals that leave you feeling clear-headed and calm. That's why we've curated advice from the experts for how to create the ultimate autumn reset. Think of this as your everyday reset: small, realistic habits that fit around work, family and everything in between. Pick a couple to start with, then layer in more as they become second nature. From light-filled mornings and plant-packed lunches to comforting evening wind-downs, these simple ideas will help you feel re‑energised for the new season. 1. Take a 20-minute nature break Building in a short outdoor pause during the day has multiple benefits for your wellbeing, beyond marvelling at the beautiful golden leaves! Time in nature is linked with improved mental health, along with lower stress hormones, steadier heart rate and blood pressure, better sleep and helpful daylight exposure for your body clock. Do whatever feels manageable; a loop round your local park, a garden cuppa or a quick errand on foot all count. Our round-up of the best ways to celebrate autumn includes more calming ways to enjoy the season. 2. Move in ways you actually enjoy Similar to the new year, September can feel like a compulsory jolt back into an exercise routine, but the best exercise is the one you’ll stick to. Try different options and keep it simple: a brisk walk with a friend, some yoga or a short strength session. Even 10-20 minutes can make a difference and doing what you like makes it sustainable. For more trusted health tricks, take a look at the most useful tips this health writer stands by. 3. Pack in the plants (seasonal is best) A frantic summer schedule often results in meal planning falling by the wayside. View the new season as a chance to plan satisfying, nutritious meals which pack in the plants (we should be aiming for variety by working towards 30 different plant foods a week – think fruit, veg, wholegrains, pulses, nuts and seeds). Autumn's abundant produce makes this easy: fill meals with beetroot, chard and cavolo nero; bake with apples, pears and blackberries; and enjoy crumbles, soups or hearty salads built around what’s in season. Find out more ways to enjoy seasonal veg with our collection of autumn recipes. 4. Make coffee a mindful moment (and take it for a stroll) We know how easy it can be to surrender to caffeine cravings the moment you wake up, but it's best to give yourself 30-90 minutes after waking before your first coffee. Brew something you really enjoy (you could use this as an opportunity to try out different coffee beans from a new roaster). Being prepared (clean kit, good beans, filtered water) makes mornings smoother and a simple French press can turn coffee into a slow, soothing ritual. If possible, pour into a reusable cup and head out for a short autumn walk to savour the lovely shifts in season. Learn how to master the basics with our recipe for a classic flat white or try a new breakfast routine with our autumn coffee serves and autumn breakfast recipes. 5. Make weeknights easier with one-pots Instead of overcomplicating your weeknight meals, keep them for simple suppers with less washing up. Bubbling one-pots are ideal for cooler nights and will help reduce food waste and energy, too. Experiment with warming autumnal flavours such as squash, kale and sweet potato. We like the saying ''batch once, enjoy twice' – leftovers are built-in routine savers, after all. Our collection of one-pot meals has more easy recipe inspiration, including our comforting meatball and gnocchi bake. You could even try a new foodie activity for cooler weekends with our autumn kitchen activities. 6. Try mindful eating at lunchtime Lunchtimes can often mean another excuse to look at our screens, and not a genuine break to eat, pause and digest. Instead, make a conscious effort to step away from screens and tune in to your meal; mindful eating helps you notice hunger and fullness cues, supports digestion, regulates appetite and even increases enjoyment. Just five minutes of focused eating can reset a busy day. Keep up the healthy (and cost-efficient) practice of making your own lunch with the help of these healthy lunchbox ideas and healthy working from home lunch ideas. 7. Put your alarm out of reach, then let the light in A frantic summer schedule can often mean our morning routines feel out of kilter. To ensure a smoother start your day, place your alarm away from the bed so you have to get up to switch it off, avoiding the snooze button and opening the curtains straight away. Natural light helps to inhibit melatonin so you wake up faster. Finish this small ritual with a glass of lukewarm water to replace the fluid you can lose overnight – this activates your brain and also ensures that your metabolism, digestion and kidney activity get going. 8. Do an evening reset: reflect and plan tomorrow It's easy to fall back into a routine of work, eat, sleep, repeat. Instead, before the night gets away from you, take a few minutes to reflect on the day (what went well, what you learned) and jot down the priorities for tomorrow. Writing plans down helps calm a racing mind and makes a restful night more likely; even noting three things you’re grateful for can shift your outlook. For more ways to help your body feel ready for a good night's sleep, try our five tips for a mindful evening routine. 9. Set a screen curfew and breathe yourself sleepy Take autumn's 'back-to-school' feeling as an opportunity to set a screen curfew. Turn off your phone (or switch to airplane mode) and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed – blue light can disrupt melatonin and your sleep–wake rhythm. Then try a simple breath practice: the 4‑7‑11 method (inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 7 seconds, repeat for up to 11 minutes) to settle body and mind. 10. Create a cosy, sensory wind-down Waving goodbye to summer can be tough, but the return of cosy season can also offer plenty of reasons to be cheerful. When the evening rolls around, replace screens with a comforting signal that bedtime is coming. A caffeine-free, spiced bedtime drink like our pumpkin gingerbread milk feels nurturing without overstimulating, or go for a cosy, indulgent hot chocolate ritual. If you love fragrance and music, light incense and put on a favourite album while you unwind.
Slow down, relax and feel ready for a good night’s sleep with our simple five-step sleep ritual
It’s not just the start of the day that sets you up – the evening before matters just as much, with a soothing evening ritual being the difference between tossing and turning and drifting off happily. Creating a mindful routine helps your body slow down, relax and feel ready for a good night’s sleep. That's why we've shared five easy and practical steps to ease into your night, all designed to help you relax and get ready for restorative sleep. Make it a habit and you’ll feel the effects ripple into tomorrow: a regular wind-down can increase your sense of wellbeing and help you feel more balanced and less stressed throughout the day. Give your body and mind the time they need to regenerate, and you’ll start to notice calmer evenings and brighter mornings. 1. Power down your tech one hour before bed View the autumn's 'back-to-school' feeling as a chance to limit your daily screen time. Turn off your phone or switch to aeroplane mode at least an hour before bed, transforming your bedroom into a tech-free zone by turning off any TVs, computers and tablets – the blue light from screens can impair the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and disrupt your sleep-wake rhythm. Lean into relaxing activities such as reading, listening to music or meditation to help set a quieter tone for the night. If a no-phone policy feels extreme, consider listening to a calming podcast or sleep-inducing playlist instead of scrolling on social media. 2. Unload the day and calmly plan tomorrow Take a moment to reflect on what went well and what could have been better. This simple check-in helps you let go of worries and celebrate the day's small wins. If you find your mind tends to run through to-dos after lights out, do your planning earlier in the evening: write down priorities for tomorrow, choose your outfit or note what you’ll have for breakfast or lunch. Getting your thoughts out onto paper can calm the mind and pave the way for restful sleep. 3. Eat and drink for sleep Enjoy your last meal no later than two to three hours before bed, so digestion doesn’t get in the way of drifting off. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, cut it out after midday and avoid any late-night sugary snacks. If you find yourself peckish before bed, opt for a light snack such as fruit with nuts or something with both protein and carbohydrates, which can support melatonin creation (the sleep hormone). You could also sip a caffeine-free herbal tea in the evening to further encourage wind-down. 4. Treat your body to gentle self-care Help your body and mind switch off by partaking in a small act of self-care. Think: a warm bath, gentle yoga or reading a good book. Take time for yourself and, if you like, brew a relaxing cup of tea – a sleepy valerian blend can be particularly soporific (note that valerian should not be consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and its drowsy effects mean it’s not suitable before driving). 5. Breathe yourself to sleep Settle a busy mind by using a simple breathing exercise. Try the 4-7-11 method: breathe in for four seconds and out for seven seconds, repeating for 11 minutes. If you find yourself wide awake in bed, don’t stay there for a long time getting frustrated. Get up, keep the lights dim, do something quiet and calming, and return to bed only when you feel sleepy again. More sleep advice What is sleep hygiene – and how to improve it 5 tips for a mindful evening routine Expert explains: 11 ways to have a better night's sleep 10 ways to boost energy when tired Why am I always tired: an expert explains Feeling tired? 10 diet changes for a better period
Neighbourhood gems according to London locals
Discover the city's most cherished neighbourhood gems as recommended by the olive team of Londoners, from cosy cafés to community-led pubs, wine bars and restaurants
London’s food scene is as diverse as its population, with every corner offering its own culinary treasures. While the capital is famed for its world-class fine dining, it is often the tucked-away neighbourhood favourites that capture the hearts of locals. The proud Londoners on the olive team have scoured the city’s streets to bring you their personal recommendations for the best neighbourhood spots. These foodie gems span a geographical patchwork, celebrating everything from authentic delis and patisserie cafés to lively pubs and intimate wine bars. Whether you’re after a casual plate of oysters, a taste of Portugal, or something altogether unexpected, you’ll find it here. Read on to explore the breadth of London’s local dining scene and the unique qualities that make each spot special. Neighbourhood gems according to London locals Red Lion and Sun, Highgate Janine Ratcliffe, who has lived in Highgate for 30 years, says "If there is such a thing as the perfect local then The Red Lion and Sun might just be it. Tucked away in a quieter part of Highgate Village, it’s my go-to place for celebrations, long boozy Sunday lunches, impromptu plates of oysters and Guinness (the seafood is ridiculously good) or just a takeaway frozen marg from the bespoke cart out front. In summer, the sun-dappled back garden is glorious and in the freezing depths of winter there’s a table for two beside the log fire I always request that’s the best seat in the house. Landlord Heath Ball is a hospitality legend and consistently wins awards for the brilliant menu and the inventive wine list (look out for star bottles from New Zealand maker Prophet’s Rock – the pinot noir is exceptional). Must-orders include the Korean chicken wings, the Basque baked crab and the legendary Sunday roasts. For those extra special times, there’s also an off-menu sharing selection to order ahead including whole suckling pig, cote de boeuf, whole lobsters and chargrilled langoustines." Address: 25 North Road, London N6 4BE Nearest tube station: Highgate theredlionandsun.com Prestige, Tottenham Hannah Guinness, a long-term Tottenham resident, says "Prestige is a true Tottenham hidden gem. Admittedly, it’s a little hard to find – hidden away on an industrial estate right next to a mechanic – but once you’re there it’s a lovely, greenery-filled café serving next-level, award-winning patisserie. Run by former Bake Off: The Professionals semi-finalists, Geanina and George Ursache, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to ordering. My personal favourites are the multiple-layer Russian honey cake (medovik) with burnt honey and dulce de leche, and the extra-chunky eclairs filled with creme patissiere." Address: 20 Enterprise Row, London N15 4LU Nearest tube station: Seven Sisters prestigepatisserie.com Dar's Grill, Hampstead Keith Kendrick, who has lived in Hampstead for 30 years, says "Dar’s in South End Green feels as much a part of the community as the brothers who run it. Before they opened the restaurant more than 10 years ago, they were already pillars of the neighbourhood, running two newsagents for decades. At Dar’s, they’re serving up the Punjabi food of their Pakistani heritage: heaving trays of grilled lamb or chicken are legendary – tender and smoky, charred to perfection. It’s BYO, which only adds to the relaxed, everyone's welcome vibe. Dar’s isn’t flashy; it’s a home from home — and for me, it’s one of Hampstead’s quiet treasures." Address: 2 Elm Terrace, London NW3 2LL Nearest overground station: Hampstead Heath darsgrill.co.uk The Old Nun's Head, Nunhead Helen Salter, who has lived in South London for almost a decade, says "This southeast London pub turns the notion of a grubby London boozer on its head. It looks like a quaint countryside pub on the outside, yet inside you can expect disco balls behind the bar, a Britney Spears shine and a soundtrack of silly pop music. It prides itself on being an inclusive space, which is proven by the friendliest staff you’ll come across in a London pub. Plus, it’s serving some of the best pizza in the city. Dough Hands has garnered a cult following due to its crisp dough and feather-light crust. It’s co-pioneering the emerging London pizza, a style which mashes up various influences including a New York inspired thin crust and light base. My personal favourite is the Shroomy 2.0, which sees soy-roasted mushrooms topped with soft taleggio cheese, tarragon, garlic and grana padano. There’s a first-rate selection of craft and cask ale, too." Address: 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ Nearest train station: Nunhead theoldnunshead.co.uk A Portuguese Love Affair, Hackney Emily Marten, who has lived in east London for three years, says "Summer is the perfect time to fall head over heels with this delightful deli/wine bar/café/ on Hackney Road that stays open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. The interior is cosy with a wide selection of wines including the likes of crisp and aromatic vinho verde, but if you ask me, it’s the Super Bock beer on tap that really brings a taste of Portuguese summer to this little corner of Hackney. Best enjoyed from their suntrap garden which spills out into Ion Square Gardens during events with Portuguese musicians and DJs. "As a vegan, I can’t comment on the pastel de nata but you can expect great things from their award-winning, creamy custard-filled tarts. There’s also a wide selection of empanadas including vegan and fish, as well as ‘tofu a bras’ – a vegan twist on the classic bacalhau a bras dish. And if 11pm isn’t late enough for you they've recently opened a basement two doors down for late night dancing and queer-focused events." Address: 326 Hackney Road, London E2 7AX Nearest overground station: Hoxton aportugueseloveaffair.co.uk Janda Diner, Peckham Zazie Atkinson, a southeast Londoner of three years, says "Janda Diner brings bold, modern Malaysian cooking to the heart of Peckham. Now on bustling Rye Lane, it’s hard to miss with its hot pink frontage and retro seventies-inspired interior. Head chef Ady Yacob serves up traditional dishes with clever twists – don’t miss the ayam goreng susu (fried chicken in condensed milk and white pepper) or the comforting kari kepala ikan (fish head curry with sea bream, fenugreek, coconut milk and tamarind). I also wouldn't skip on starters like satay ayam (chicken satay) or roti jala sage (sage crepes with dhall). The mocktails, like the pandan-laced Janda Potion, are excellent, as well as their teh tarik (traditional pulled milk tea), with the option to make it boozy, or you can BYOB. There's a strong community feel, too, thanks to a partnership with Peckham Pantry, which you can also choose to donate to. Named after the Malay word for female divorcee, Janda feels like a celebration of home, from the heartfelt cooking to the friendly service." Address: 191 Rye Lane, London SE15 4TP Nearest overground station: Peckham Rye jandadiner.com Gökyüzü, Green Lanes Lucy Roxburgh, a life-long Londoner, says "There's a taste of Turkey in the heart of Harringay at Gökyüzü. Green Lanes is buzzing with Turkish delis and restaurants turning out hot pide and lahmacun, but Gökyüzü is my favourite. There are a few locations across North London and each menu has slightly different specials to discover, showcasing Mediterranean flavours and authentic Turkish dishes. Go with a group so you can try plenty of dishes from the vast menu. Must-orders you need on the table are a lahmacun (a thin traditional Turkish flatbread topped with lamb mince), cheesy halloumi pide and the smoky baba ganoush, made with aubergines cooked on a charcoal grill. The homemade manti – tiny lamb-stuffed dumplings topped with plenty of garlicky yogurt and a rich spiced butter – are a deeply comforting bowl worth visiting for." Address: 26-28 Grand Parade, Harringay Ladder, London N4 1LG Nearest overground station: Harringay Green Lanes gokyuzurestaurant.co.uk More restaurant guides Best new restaurants in London to visit London's best outdoor restaurants and terraces Best Michelin star restaurants in London Best restaurants with a view in London 30 best pizza places restaurants in London Best pasta restaurants in London Best Chinese restaurants in London Best Italian restaurants in London Best Indian restaurants in London Best steak restaurants in London
The five stretches that will cure your tech neck
Is screen time ruining your posture? Find out if you suffer from tech neck, and try the simple stretches you can do to relieve it
We all spend a staggering amount of time glued to our screens, whether it's a phone, laptop, tablet or the television. Worldwide, people spend an average of 6 hours, 40 minutes per day on screens, according to data by Backlinko. In the US, this average creeps up to 7 hours, 3 minutes. Much of this time is spent leaning into the screen, hunching our shoulders, oblivious to the toll this takes on our bodies. The result is poor posture, stiff shoulders and the dreaded 'tech neck', a modern term that relates to stiffness, soreness and tension in the neck and upper back, which can sometimes appear alongside headaches. It's a condition that's all too common, with over 51 per cent of UK office workers suffering with back pain due to poor workstation set-up, according to a 2025 research by Fellowes UK. Tech overuse and the rise in remote working and sedentary lifestyles are all to blame – and if the pain is left untreated, it can lead to more serious physical issues in the long run, which can in turn take a toll on your mental health. The good news is that you don't have to put up with discomfort or let bad habits become permanent. With a handful of simple, expert-backed stretches and exercises, you can start to reverse the effects of screen time, ease upper back and neck strain, and restore a healthy posture. These moves are designed to help you feel better and move more freely while protecting your body for the future – no matter how much time you spend in front of a screen. Most of us are aware that sitting in an awkward position can put pressure on the neck, shoulders and spine. "The problems with 'tech neck' are down to your neck being held in one position for too long," says Lucy Macdonald, physiotherapist at Restart Physio and spokesperson for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. "This is normally in a 'flexed' position, with the head dropped forwards and downwards. It results in pain in the middle or both sides of the neck, but can also be focused more on one side if your head is habitually rotated towards a screen." Extension of your atlanto-occipital joint (where the skull and neck meet, which occurs when you're flexing your head forwards to look down at a screen) can cause musculoskeletal problems: "This is when compensation occurs at the upper cervical spine, creating tension in the base of your neck," says chartered physiotherapist Sammy Margo of Smart Physio. "[Tech neck] can result in 'cervical lordosis', which is when the natural curve of the neck flattens or reverses, increasing stress on the vertebrae that make up the neck region of the spine." Muscular imbalances may also occur, including overactive and/or tight muscles and inhibited and/or weak muscles. Headaches and other health problems can also result from tech neck: "It can affect multiple body systems beyond just musculoskeletal pain, including sleep and fatigue, respiratory dysfunction and reduced cerebral blood flow (reduced flow to the brain)," Sammy says. Five moves to sort out your posture and relieve upper back strain: 1. Deep neck flexor strengthening Exercise: chin tucks (cranio-cervical flexion) • Lie supine (horizontally, facing up) with your head in a neutral position • Gently draw your chin towards your throat, creating a 'double chin' • Hold for 5-10 seconds, progressing to 30 seconds • Completely three sets of eight to 12 repetitions What's it good for? Significant improvements in deep neck flexor endurance (the group of muscles at the front of the neck, which are crucial for neck stability and posture) and reduced cervicogenic headache frequency (a headache caused from pain in the neck). Jull et al. (2008) How to know if you're doing it right: Ensure your chin tucks are controlled and pain-free. Make sure you feel activation in the deep neck muscles rather than the superficial ones – though you should avoid overstretching and pushing your head too far. You should also maintain a neutral spine throughout. "This exercise specifically targets the longus colli (a deep muscle in the front of the neck) and longus capitis muscles (located at the front of the cervical spine), which are consistently inhibited in forward head posture (FHP)," says Sammy. 2. Upper trapezius (upper back muscle) stretch Exercise: lateral neck stretch • While sitting tall, anchor one arm under the chair • Laterally (sideways) flex your head away from the anchored arm • Add slight flexion component (a small degree of bending or flexing) • Hold for 30-60 seconds, and complete three or four repetitions What is it good for? Significant reductions in neck pain and disability scores. Ylinen et al. (2007) How to know if you're doing it right: Ensure you feel a stretch on the opposite side of your neck – it should feel like a gentle pull, not pain. "This stretch addresses the shortened upper trapezius and levator scapulae (which happens when the muscles on the top of your shoulders and neck are tighter than it should be), which are primary contributors to FHP," says Sammy. 3. Thoracic (upper back) extension mobilisation Exercise: foam roller thoracic extension • Position a foam roller at T6-T8 level • Support your head with your hands • Extend over the roller, controlling movement • Complete eight to 12 repetitions What is it good for? Significantly improved cervical (neck) range of motion, and reduced forward head posture. Quek et al. (2013) How to know if you're doing it right: Gently roll your spine along the roller and avoid excessive arching in the lower back. "Addressing thoracic kyphosis (excessive outward curvature of the upper spine) is essential, as it's biomechanically linked to cervical compensation (the natural ability to adjust to a functional or structural deficiency)," says Sammy. 4. Scapular (shoulder blade) stabilisation Exercise: wall slides • Stand with your back against wall • With your arms in a 90-degree abduction and elbows at 90 degrees, slide your arms up the wall, maintaining contact • Focus on scapular retraction (movement of the shoulder blade towards the spine) • Complete two or three sets of 10-15 repetitions What is it good for? Specific neck and shoulder exercises reduced pain intensity by 42 per cent in office workers. Andersen et al. (2011) How to know if you're doing it right: Ensure your hands are in an L-shape, shoulder-width apart. Your back, glutes and core should be pressing against the wall. Keep your core engaged as you slide. "This exercise targets middle and lower trapezius (upper back muscle) while stretching pectoralis minor (the thin, triangle-shaped muscle located under the larger chest muscle)," says Sammy. 5. Suboccipital (muscles at the base of the skull) release Exercise: suboccipital self-massage • Put tennis balls in a sock • Lie supine with the tennis balls at the base of your skull • Apply gentle pressure with small nodding movements for 2-3 minutes What is it good for? Manual therapy targeting suboccipital muscles significantly reduced cervicogenic headache (headache caused from pain in the neck) intensity and frequency. Fernández-de-las-Peñas et al. (2006) How to know if you're doing it right: Apply gentle, targeted pressure. It should feel like a comfortable, deep stretch. This will avoid causing a headache or dizziness. Clinical recommendations How often shall I do these stretches? Sammy recommends performing these exercises two to three times daily initially, then maintaining with a once-daily routine. Progression: "Start with pain-free ranges, then gradually increase the holds and repetitions," Sammy says. Monitoring: Sammy suggests tracking your pain levels (using a 0-10 scale) to notice any functional improvements. Ergonomic integration: Sammy also advises combining these exercises with workstation modifications, such as screen at eye level, feet flat on floor and frequent position changes. Lastly, Sammy explains that the key to success is addressing the entire kinetic chain, rather than focusing solely on the neck: "The evidence strongly supports multimodal approaches combining strengthening, stretching and postural education for optimal outcomes in tech neck management." Tech neck is increasingly common in today’s screen-based world, and our dependence on tech devices isn't going anywhere. This means that along with targeted stretches to relieve tension and support better alignment, prevention is just as important as treatment. To help avoid tech neck in the first place, make posture checks a regular habit. Make a conscious effort to sit upright at an arm's length from the computer with your shoulders relaxed and your feet flat on the floor. The Health and Safety Executive recommends adjusting your chair height so you can relax your shoulders with your keyboard just below elbow height. Ensure your screen is at eye level and the font is large enough that you aren't straining to read. Your elbows should be at the side of your body, with your arms bent in an L-shape at the joint, and the keyboard should be positioned at the front of the desk, leaving a small gap of about 10-15cm to rest your wrists between typing sessions. If you work at a laptop, consider using a separate keyboard and mouse and raise your laptop on a stand or stack of books so you’re not looking down for extended periods. Make sure to take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch and move around, even if it’s just for 1-2 minutes each hour. You could also swap handheld devices for a headset when making calls, which can also help reduce strain. By incorporating these small changes into your daily routine, you can protect yourself from the discomfort and potentially long-term effects of tech neck.
13 must-visit UK foodie destinations, picked by the experts
Explore the UK's diverse and vibrant food scene with the help of olive's favourite food writers, authors and chefs. Add these culinary gems to your radar for your next foodie trip
Looking for a unique gastronomic adventure right here in the UK? We've asked a selection of expert food writers, authors and chefs to share their favourite destinations. These hidden gems and emerging hotspots deserve a place on every food lover's radar, from coastal escapes boasting the freshest seafood to charming market towns brimming with artisanal produce. For more travel inspiration, check out our guides to 10 of the most unique walking holidays for foodies or discover 8 of the most breathtaking train journeys across the world. For European holiday inspiration see our guides to 10 breathtaking treehouse hotels in Europe for foodies, the best affordable hotels for food lovers in London, the UK and Europe as well as the most romantic hotels for food lovers in the UK, Europe and beyond. 13 foodies share their favourite UK foodie destinations Orford, Suffolk – Alissa Timoshkina, chef, food writer, historian and campaigner Orford in Suffolk, which I've been visiting with my partner for years and years, found itself on the foodie map because of its lovely award-winning bakery (Pump Street Bakery). It makes its own chocolate, my favourite of which is the 62% 'croissant bar': buttery chocolate, real croissant flakes and crème caramel. Discover the best restaurants in Suffolk for more recommendations from local Dominic Rowntree. Glasgow – Milly Kenny-Ryder, food and travel writer and photographer For me, Glasgow is grittier, more fun and, dare I say it, has a cooler food scene than Edinburgh. I particularly love Outlier for brunch. They also have a great bakery, and I think they’re expanding with a farm to produce their own food. For small plates, there’s the amazing-looking Gloriosa, and some other great bakeries and coffee shops such as Kaf Coffee. Find more recommendations in our guide to the best places to eat and drink in Glasgow. Broadstairs – Felicity Cloake, journalist and author Everyone seems to be in Margate or Ramsgate at the moment, being all trendy. But for me, Broadstairs is this little gem between the two. It's more sedate, maybe a little bit older as a crowd, but it's got so much going on. Tony Rodd has opened a restaurant there (Fifteen Square Metres). It's got some great bakeries and coffee shops. It's just beautiful. If you go, you have to go to Morelli's, which is this old-fashioned ice cream parlour. My dad remembers going there as a child and not being allowed a knickerbocker glory because it was too expensive. So that gives you a sense of this place. And it's so lovely. It's also got a beautiful beach. The Star Of The Sea is Marina O'Loughlin’s favourite chippy, and they do a great mushy pea fritter. Check out more inspiration in our guide to the best restaurants in Broadstairs. Bristol – Edd Kimber, baker, writer and author I'm going to say Bristol, which is probably a boring answer because it's not exactly a secret, but if you're coming from a baking point of view, Bristol is one of the best cities in the UK for baking. You've got Hart's, Farro, Ah Toot's, Bristol Loaf and Pinkman's. I think the feeling of the city is brilliant. I love being there. I am desperate to go to Wilsons. I think Bristol is my favourite place in terms of knowing I'll have a really good food time. See our round-up of the best restaurants in Bristol for more foodie recommendations. Penzance – Freya Bromley, author Jubilee Lido is a beautiful place for a swim, so start there. Then go for brunch at The Honey Pot, followed by a swim at Newland Beach. Around Newland, you've got Lovetts and Mackrell Sky Bar, both amazing natural wine bars and seafood restaurants. Penzance is great for both food and swimming, so that's why it's my top choice. Now check out our round-up of the best restaurants in Penzance. Whitstable – Karla Zazueta, author, supperclub host and cookery teacher We go to The Lobster Shack for super-fresh seafood. Plus don't miss the Whitstable oyster festival, usually towards the end of summer. It’s literally trestle tables of oysters all the way through the town. And they drag them out of the sea. It's interesting, and so delicious. Discover the best restaurants to visit in Whitstable. Foy – Letitia Clark, chef and author I'm very patriotic to the West Country where I grew up, and I think there's an exciting blossoming food scene down there now. If you're looking for a staycation I would recommend Foy, both for its food and general quirkiness. There’s an amazing couple of little bakeries where you can get saffron buns, which are one of my favourite kind of Cornish foods, and a crab roll, which is a classic Cornish dish as well. And it's just a beautiful part of the country, with lovely little bays and nice swimming, plus cute craft shops and pubs. Totnes – Anna Shepherd, food author I used to work for Riverford Organic Farmers, which is based two or three miles from Totnes. It's such a fun town to visit for a weekend because it's got an incredible independent market on Fridays where you can buy everything from delicious organic vegetables to wacky hippie trinkets. The Riverford Field Kitchen is the place to go for vegetable-based lunches. And I'd also recommend The Bull Inn, which is a fantastic organic pub right in the thick of it, overlooking Rotherfold Square. Find out where else locals eat and drink in our Totnes foodie guide. York – Sabrina Ghayour, food writer There are some amazing little restaurants and cafes that I love in York. Obviously, you've got the ilk of Tommy Banks, he is a great sort of son of Yorkshire, and he has a restaurant in York called Roots which is amazing. There’s a cafe called Mannion & Co which I absolutely love. And Robinson's Cafe on Bishopthorpe Road, which does the most incredible brunches. Plus, of course, Bettys, the great bastion of Yorkshire. I absolutely love Bettys for everything. They do one of the best full English breakfasts ever, which isn't even what people go to Bettys for! Discover more foodie recommendations in our guide to the best restaurants in York. Brighton and Hove – Tim Anderson, food writer and cookbook author When I went to Brighton last, I was really impressed with the food, especially the seafood. There’s a great place called The Salt Room, where I order what is essentially a Fruits de Mer platter, but they cook everything differently. Some of it's fried, some of it's grilled, some of it's raw... delicious. In a similar vein, over in Hove there’s a place called The Urchin, which is a seafood pub. Great cooking, fresh produce, fantastic food. And my favourite ice cream parlour in the UK is there. It's called Brass Monkey, and they do great flavours like lavender honey and masala chai. Check out our guide to the best restaurants Brighton for more inspiration. Isle of Wight – Nisha Parmar, author, supperclub host and private chef I would recommend a weekend or a few days in the Isle of Wight. Get the ferry, hop on there. We went to the garlic farm, with all sorts of garlic. The Isle of Wight tomatoes, of course. And lots of restaurants there have their own vegetable patches, the fish is abundant, and the seafood was so fresh. Everything was so sustainable and delicious. See our Isle of Wight foodie guide for more recommendations. Bruton – Gurd Loyal, olive columnist and trends expert Bruton in Somerset is the hot place to go right now. A beautiful Somerset village that has had this influx of incredible restaurants and culinary creatives. One of them was Merlin Johnson, who opened a restaurant called Osip to champion the terroir of that area. You've also got Margo Henderson, who opened The Three Horseshoes nearby. She is of Rochelle Canteen fame. Plus Durslade Farm Shop, which has also just opened in Mayfair. Read our round-up of the best restaurants in Bruton. Manchester – Ren Behan, author and food writer I was born and raised in Manchester, and I was part of the Polish diasporic community. I wouldn't have said Manchester a few years ago, but recently, it's really expanded. It's blown me away, the food scene. Manchester is blessed with these cool old industrial style buildings. So we're finding lots of restaurants that have exposed brick walls, and they might be slightly quirky. I really like Platzki, which is a modern Polish restaurant in Manchester. And there's a lovely restaurant called Sparrows, which I believe is under the arches of the railways. And both of those feature Eastern European food as well. Try more recommendations in our Manchester restaurant guide. A little further afield Galway – Aishling Moore, Irish chef and author, and Ali Dunworth, writer and journalist Aishling: Galway in Ireland is just the perfect city. It's probably half the size of Cork, but still has great restaurants, bars, perfect little pubs with snugs and great seafood as well – especially the oysters. Chef JP McMahon has lots of great restaurants up there. There’s a place called Aniar, which focuses on Irish cuisine and uses exclusively Irish ingredients. There's also a great casual restaurant called Kai with beautiful food – a great place for brunch. There was a restaurant there called Lone, which is closed now, but it was my favourite restaurant in Ireland for years and years. But they've subsequently opened a bakery wine bar called Éan, which is a brilliant place for dinner. Ali: I think we're kind of spoiled in Ireland, but I always recommend Galway as a city to go to, because it's in a very small, concentrated space. You have some of the best cooking in Ireland. Jess Murphy's restaurant Kai is very well known. She's a Kiwi chef who's been there for years, and she does great things with Irish food and Irish suppliers. There's a pub a few doors down from her called The Crane, which is old school and brilliant. A bit further down from that, you've got a place called The Universal, which is an amazing pub with craft beers, cocktails and small plates. JP McMahon does an amazing symposium every year called Food on the Edge, where he brings chefs from all over the world to Ireland to talk about food. And his sister has a restaurant there called Daróg, which is a wine bar. It’s also the gateway to the West. In Connemara you've got gorgeous pubs, great food, an incredible food truck out there called The Misunderstood Heron (open seasonally). And it's some of the best cooking in Ireland. It's on the edge of Killaray Fjord. And you're eating mussels that are coming from the fjord. It’s amazing. See our best Irish holidays for more travel inspiration. 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Looking for the perfect present for the coffee lover in your life? We've gathered the best coffee gifts to buy, from mugs to subscriptions and even fragrance
Got a friend who knows their cold brew from their aeropress, or someone in your family who can't start the day until they've had their morning latte? Coffee lovers can be particularly tricky to buy for, but fear not: we've gathered the best coffee gifts for the coffee lover in your life, from kitchen gadgets to personalised coffee beans, snacks, perfume and more. For more coffee gifting inspiration, why not take a look at some of our favourite coffee beans, best coffee machines and the best coffee grinders; all tried-and-tested by olive coffee expert Celeste Wong and our reviews experts. Read more on how we test and review coffee machines, appliance and other products here and discover the biggest coffee machine deals available right now. Looking for a birthday gift? We've rounded up the best foodie birthday gifts. We also have our round-up of the best housewarming gifts and special best champagne gifts, or why not bake one of our best coffee cake recipes, too, or celebrate with a smooth coffee cocktail. Best coffee gifts to buy 2025 Coffee brewing masterclass, Bristol Available from Not on the High Street (£72) This is the ultimate gift for filter coffee lovers. You'll learn everything you need to know about how to brew the perfect cup of coffee at home, with everything from the basics of coffee roasting to grind size to pouring technique. In this two-and-a-half hour workshop from coffee experts Oddkin Coffee, you'll learn techniques for Aeropress, cafetieres and more filter coffee methods. Available from: Not on the High Street (£72) Joe & Seph's espresso martini popcorn Available from Joe & Seph's (£4), Ocado (£3.50) Got a friend whose cocktail order is always an espresso martini? They’ll love a bag of Joe & Seph’s espresso martini popcorn for a gourmet sweet treat that has it all – crisp popcorn tossed in creamy caramel infused with vodka and a double coffee hit of espresso and coffee liqueur. Available from: Joe & Seph's (£4) Ocado (£3.50) Pact coffee subscription Available from Pact (from £7.95) Ensure a coffee lover is never without their morning cup with the gift of a coffee subscription. Pact buys its beans through direct trade, meaning it skips as many unnecessary steps in the supply chain as possible, to ensure farmers get fairer than Fairtrade prices for their product. Choose your letterbox-friendly package from 13 rotating coffees and try a range of coffees with hints of everything from greengage plums, to caramel, blackcurrant, orange cream chocolate or candied fruit. The subscription arrives with tasting notes and beans are shipped within seven days of roasting to keep your brew as fresh as possible. For more options, check out our full guide to the best coffee subscriptions. Available from: Pact (from £7.95) Love heart coffee stencil gift set Latest Deals This fun cocoa stencil makes a thoughtful gift for cappuccino- and latte-drinkers, giving them the chance to take their coffee-presenting skills to the next level. Latest Deals Espresso Martini Velvetised Cream Available from Hotel Chocolat (£23), Very (£23) Vodka, espresso, white chocolate and cream, velvetised. This silky-smooth espresso martini cream from Hotel Chocolat is best shaken and poured over ice, or pairs perfectly with a milky coffee or rich hot chocolate. It's a little bit of luxury to gift to friends or family (if you can resist keeping it to yourself!). Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£23) Very (£23) Hario Skerton Hand Grinder Latest Deals As your coffee-loving friend will know, the best coffee is fresh coffee. If they haven’t invested already, the Hario Skerton Hand Grinder makes a solid piece of everyday coffee equipment, with ceramic burrs providing durability and consistency of grind. It’s an affordable gift considering the price of electric grinders, too. Latest Deals Sipsmith London Sipspresso Coffee Gin Available from Master of Malt (£30.49), Amazon (£28.50) If your friend also happens to be a gin-lover, London gin distillery Sipsmith’s coffee gin is sure to tick both boxes. The brand has partnered with Pact Coffee to create this blend, distilling Brazilian and Rwandan ground coffee beans with cinnamon and fresh vanilla for a unique flavour that's sure to taste great in espresso martinis. Available from: Master of Malt (£30.99) Amazon (£29.99) Maison Margiela coffee break eau de toilette Available from Selfridges (£125), Sephora (£106.25) Keep the coffee buzz going all day – a bottle of Maison Margiela coffee break perfume makes a luxurious gift. Designed to recreate the scent of a "creamy and cozy coffee", this earthy scent has top notes of coffee and red apple, with deep base notes of sandalwood and cedar. Available from: Selfridges (£125) Sephora (£106.25) Exhale Coffee organic house roast coffee Available from Exhale Coffee (£20) You can tell Exhale, a coffee company which test to ensure its coffee is free from common nasties such as pesticides, mycotoxins and heavy metals that can reduce the benefits, is a coffee-lovers brand, as their beans are roasted fresh, in small batches and delivered straight to your door (great if you're looking to deliver your friend's gift to their door). Grinds are available in ground, whole bean and decaffeinated. Available from: Exhale Coffee (£20) Le Monin flavoured coffee syrups set Available from Amazon (£7.29), Selfridges (£12.49) Give a friend the ability to recreate their coffee shop favourites at home with a set of syrups – sweeten morning coffee with a dash of caramel syrup, add depth with a splash of hazelnut or make it extra special with the fragrant amaretto. Available from: Amazon (£7.29) Selfridges (£12.49) Le Creuset stoneware cafetiere Available from Harts of Stur (£51), Le Creuset (£68) Le Creuset is a gift that will stand the test of time. This sturdy coffee pot with a metal press comes in a range of colours so you can perfectly match the cafetière to your recipient's kitchen, giving after-dinner coffee an elegant boost. Looking for coffee beans to accompany your gift? Take a look at coffee expert Celeste Wong's round-up of her best coffee beans. Available from: Harts of Stur (£51) Le Creuset (£68) Tambia Coffee Available from Tambia Coffee (from £7.43) Tambia owns the farms producing its beans and pledges to protect the environment and guarantee economic stability and social support for communities that depend on them. This Colombian Castillo is a rich cup with sweet notes of toffee and citrus. Available from: Tambia Coffee (from £7.43) Aluna Coconut Coffee Liqueur Available from Amazon (£19.90), Spirits Kiosk (£22.50) If your friend likes their coconut flat whites, they’ll love this coconut coffee liqueur from coconut rum brand Aluna. Blended with 100% Arabica cold brew coffee, cacao nibs and black cardamom, this works neat over ice, shaken up in an espresso martini or poured over vanilla ice cream for an affogato. It’s vegan friendly, gluten free and lower in sugar than many of its rivals, too. undefined Perky Blenders personalised coffee Available from Perky Blenders (£11) A bag of personalised coffee is a must-item in every coffee lover’s life. You’ve got 20 characters to play with when writing your message, so emblazon yours with a friend’s name or witty message. After you’ve named your coffee, pick which grind you’d like, (choose from whole bean, espresso, French press and more), the colour of the label and you’re good to go. Inside, you’ll find 250g of Perky Blender’s signature Forest Blend. Better yet, if you’re looking to buy in bulk for all the special people in your life, you can edit the quantity on the basket page. Available from: Perky Blenders (£11) Smeg milk frother Available from Smeg (£179.95), Selfridges (£180), Currys (£179) If you're looking for a milk frother which looks beautiful, and creates creamy, frothy, hot or cold milk, this could be a great choice. It's available in a range of Smeg's signature pastels and also some brighter colours like an eye-catching red. Available from: Smeg (£179.95) Selfridges (£180) Currys (£180) Related coffee reviews Celeste Wong's guide to becoming an overnight coffee expert Celeste Wong's guide on how to make iced coffee Celeste Wong's best moka pots Celeste Wong's best coffee grinders Celeste Wong's best gooseneck kettles to try Celeste Wong's best decaf coffee to try Celeste Wong's best reusable and compostable espresso pods Celeste Wong's best coffee beans to try Celeste Wong's best cafetières to buy Celeste Wong's best coffee bags Best coffee scales Best coffee pod machines Best espresso machines How to store coffee How to order coffee How to use up coffee grounds How to read a coffee label How to taste coffee For more coffee gifts and accessory guides, read on: Best coffee mugs Best coffee table books Best coffee subscriptions Best coffee gadgets and accessories Best Nespresso machines Best tea advent calendars
Best housewarming gift ideas for foodies
We've found the best housewarming gifts for foodies, from practical kitchen essentials to gourmet treats and decadent hampers
If you know somebody who's just moved into a new home, we've found the best housewarming gifts to help them celebrate. From practical purchases such as wine racks and salad spinners, to gourmet treats to help through the unpacking process and decorative extras to bring their new home to life, we've got something for everybody. These special gifts will help a house feel like a home in no time. If you're still looking for gift inspiration, we've got plenty more foodie gift guides to help you, too. Browse our best gifts for coffee lovers or cheese lovers, or the best knife sets. Give one of our best Italian cookbooks to the friend who can't stop making pasta, treat a champagne lover to one of our best champagne gifts or choose one of our best sustainable gift choices for a gift with a conscience. You can even give the gift of fresh, seasonal produce delivered direct to the door with a veg box subscription. Take your pick from our tried-and-tested veg box guide. Best housewarming gifts for foodies Self-watering herb house and seeds Available from Not on the High Street (£19.99) The sweetest way to start a herb garden that we've ever seen. The clever design has space to grow four different herbs – with seeds included for basil, thyme, rosemary and parsley – with a house in the middle to fill with water and gradually hydrate the soil. Great for newbie gardeners to herbs on hand for cooking at all times. Available from: Not on the High Street (£19.99) DukesHill afternoon tea hamper Available from DukesHill (£66) When they're surrounded by boxes, this is one they'll actually want to unpack. Filled with treats to keep you going during the busyness of moving houses, this afternoon tea hamper from DukesHill has something for everyone. The rich chocolate tiffin is our favourite (you'll keep coming back for another slice), plus chewy flapjack, fruit cake, coffee and more. Now just to unpack the kettle... Available from: DukesHill (£66) Marble wine and champagne cooler Available from Not on the High Street (from £44) Time to pop a bottle and celebrate the new house! These solid wine and champagne coolers are handcrafted from a single piece of marble, perfectly designed to hold a bottle keep it chilled with no need for ice. The coolers are available in two sizes and come in dark grey or white. Available from: Not on the High Street (from £44) Naya blue glass vase Available from Oliver Bonas (£25) This chunky blue glass vase has been hand-finished for a unique swirled, tonal design on each one. A striking centrepiece to fill with flowers in the middle of a brand new dining room. Available from: Oliver Bonas (£25) Ninja air fryer MAX AF160UK undefined Rated 5-stars by our experts when we tested it out, this Ninja air fryer makes a great housewarming gift they'll want to use every day. It's got a compact footprint on your counter but roomy inside – you can even fit a small chicken for roasting, and a very impressive baking function too. undefined OXO salad spinner Available from John Lewis (£32.49), Amazon (£28.58) A practical gift can sometimes be the most used – OXO’s enduringly popular salad spinner rinses and dries salad leaves and doubles a handy salad bowl. Available from: John Lewis (£32.49) Amazon (£28.58) That Boutique-y Gin Company Retro gin fridge Available from Amazon (£42.89), Master of Malt (£51.95) Flavoured gins galore! Gift a gin-drinking friend this retro fridge full of mini gins from That Boutique-y Gin Company, including flavours such as cherry, yuzu gin and smoked rosemary. The spit-roasted pineapple is our favourite. A new spin on 'stocking the fridge' of a new home... Available from: Amazon (£42.89) Master of Malt (£51.95) Le Creuset Signature 23cm Cast Iron Round Skillet Available from Amazon (£101.13), Le Creuset (£155) A Le Creuset cast iron pan is an investment piece that's endlessly useful in the kitchen – it can go on the hob, under the grill, or on the oven and is pretty enough to serve up in too. Available in a range of colours to suit any new home, this skillet pan has an attractive design and impressed our experts when we tested it out. undefined 'On The Sauce' kitchen print Available from Not on the High Street (from £11.99) Brighten up bare house walls with some cheery kitchen art. We love this tongue in cheek 'On The Sauce' poster for any condiments lovers out there. Read our full round-up of the best kitchen art for foodies for more inspiration. Available from: Not on the High Street (£11.99) Pact Coffee subscription Available from Pact (from £6.95) For a gift that keeps on giving, sign up a lucky loved one to a coffee subscription so that they'll never be without a morning brew in the new home. Pact Coffee offers weekly, fortnightly or monthly subscriptions and a very wide range of grind options to choose from (including whole bean and cafétiere) for an option no matter how they like to make their coffee. Read our full round-up of the best UK coffee subscriptions for more ideas. Available from: Pact (from £6.95) Related gift guides Best gifts for coffee lovers Best gifts for cheese lovers Best Italian cookbooks Best sustainable gifts Best wedding gifts for food lovers Best chocolate gifts Best tea gifts Best champagne gifts Best gin gifts for gin lovers Best next-day delivery gifts for foodies Best chef's knives Best BBQ gifts Best sustainable kitchenware
12 foodies share the European holiday destinations you need to know about
Expert food writers, authors and chefs share the culinary hotspots that should be on every food lover's radar
Dreaming of the ultimate European foodie getaway? Dodge the tourist traps and prepare for a food-packed adventure with the help of olive's favourite food writers, authors and chefs. Uncover the continent's hidden gems and must-visit foodie hotspots, from the the sun-drenched coasts of southern Italy, to the mountainous shores of Montenegro and beyond. For more travel inspiration, check out our guides to 10 of the most unique walking holidays for foodies, discover 8 of the most breathtaking train journeys across the world and disconnect in 10 breathtaking treehouse hotels in Europe for foodies. Plus, discover 8 lesser-known Italian islands worth visiting. Montenegro – Alissa Timoshkina, chef, food writer, historian and campaigner "Thanks to my parents relocating to Montenegro about 10 years ago, it's become another home. I've been at least 20 times now. One time, as we were driving around, we accidentally wandered into this little eco-hotel called Klinci Village in an olive grove on top of a mountain overlooking the sea. There's a little restaurant there, catering to maybe five or six tables. You can just show up there anytime, and they make a dobrodošli welcome platter laden with simple bread, local olive oil from the grove, olives, charcuterie, cheese and honey. It's a lovely little platter and you sit in a little terrace overlooking gorgeous views of the olive grove, the mountains and sea. That's literally my heaven." Check out our guide to Balkans cuisine for Balkan recipe inspiration. Antwerp – Gurd Loyal, olive columnist and trends expert "Belgium is becoming extremely cool, and what I love about Antwerp is that it is a city that champions plant-based and seafood cooking in a way that I've not really seen. It has these extraordinary restaurants, both from a fine dining perspective but also from a street food perspective, that are championing the Belgian coast. I never think of Belgium as having a coast, but it absolutely does. It sounds strange, but I always think of Belgium as being landlocked. It's absolutely not, and there are some incredible culinary creatives there who are doing all sorts of things. What's interesting about Belgium is that it's kind of at the crossroads of Europe, literally, in that it has a real Scandinavian energy, but also a French-Italian energy because it's in the middle of everywhere. You've got these incredible new chefs who are basically remixing French-Italian flavours into a kind of Nordic sensibility. It's a really exciting place and it's a beautiful city." Georgia – Helen Graves, author food writer and live fire expert "One place that really, really blew my mind is Georgia. I went there probably 10 years ago, and I still think about it all the time. The food is just spectacular, because it's this combination of Middle Eastern vibes, but also it's got Turkey next to it and then it's got Russia, and it's got all these influences that makes the cuisine completely unique. It's got dumplings and salads and all the things that you find in other cuisines, but they're just done in such a different way, and they have these herbs and produce that grows there that you just don't find anywhere else. So, I still go on about it all the time. There are a few Georgian restaurants that have sprung up in the UK, but I feel like it should be having more of a moment. There’s a really good place in Peckham I went to recently. It's a Georgian wine bar called 80-20 Wines, owned by a lady who used to be an ambassador for Georgia. She imports all these incredible Georgian wines. If you live anywhere that has a Georgian restaurant, please go there and check it out. See our round-up of the best Georgian wine as well as 10 things we love about Georgian food. Puglia – Anna Shepherd, food author "I rather eccentrically planned a trip to Puglia in Italy around a taralli festival. Taralli are little savoury biscuits that look like tiny little doughnuts, and they tend to be filled with fennel seeds. The dough itself is made with lots of olive oil and white wine, which is why they have that really short, crunchy character. Turns out the festival was by invitation only, so we didn't get to go. But, I did have some incredible meals there. We went to Gallipoli, which is an old port town, obviously more known for the battle. But it's this amazing, vibrant little island just on the coast. You could go to the fish market and all the fish sellers have their wares displayed, and you can eat your fish raw, cooked or grilled. We were sort of peer-pressured into trying some raw things, which I normally would steer away from, but we had raw sea urchin, just straight out of the sea. We also had many delicious vegetables on the trip, things like cima di rapa, which is grown there. Cima di rapa looks a bit like a more tender purple sprouting broccoli, but I think it's technically a turnip top. They also have amazing varieties of chicory, which are served raw and cooked. I've never eaten so well in my life. It was an amazing trip." See our round-up of 10 things we love about Puglian cuisine. Porto – Sabrina Ghayour, food writer "I love Portugal. Lisbon is beautiful and it's got loads of food, but I think everybody knows that. But Porto – in the opposite end of the country in the north – is very different, a little bit colder, but it’s fantastic. I love the lay of the land there. I love the food there. They've got some wicked, crazy food traditions there, including what can only be described as a beast of a sandwich called a francesinha. I still fail to know exactly what it is, but it's like every meat known to man plus fish in this huge, cheese-topped, tomato-soaked bread. It sounds minging; I'm making it sound really bad, but it's pretty epic. I really like Porto, and I love how cheap and cheerful Portugal is compared to so many other European countries. Also, there is no shortage of natas, for those custard tart junkies." Find out where locals eat and drink in Porto. Edinburgh – Erika Haigh, sake sommelier "In terms of that surprising factor, I hope I don't offend any Scottish people. But a few years ago, when I first moved to the UK, I went to Edinburgh. I thought it was going to be haggis and fish and chips, because I really was new to the UK and I had no idea. But I went to Edinburgh and I just remember being surprised, because now there are famous restaurants like The Little Chartroom, which I went to on that trip. So many places had this kind of farm-to-table concept, which again now is so common anywhere you go. But this was a few years ago. This wasn't something that every restaurant had emphasised, at least in London. But I found that in Edinburgh and the places we went to, there was an emphasis on this. I just remember every meal being really delicious, and it wasn't something I was expecting." For more recommendations see our round-up of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. Nuremberg – Letitia Clark, chef and author "I'm going to choose Nuremberg in Germany. I worked with a German chef and he persuaded me to go to the Christmas market there. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but we just had the best time – you sort of wander around these little Christmassy stalls and they have amazing Christmas baubles. Then there's lebkuchen, this little chocolatey ginger biscuit, and all these very traditional German foods, which I knew nothing about, I was completely ignorant about. But, we ate these amazing potato rosti that they serve with apple sauce. Then, there's the glühwein, a spiced hot wine. We also went to this little restaurant slightly out of the city, where we ate roast goose with dumplings. It was honestly one of the nicest things I've ever eaten in my life. The gravy was incredible and the goose was really tender, and it had these really fluffy, delicious dumplings with it. And sauerkraut with everything, of course." Sicily – Milly Kenny-Ryder, food and travel writer and photographer "It's not that revelatory, but I love Sicily. I loved finding out and experiencing the granita and brioche for breakfast, which I've never had anywhere else in the world, and yet it's so much part of the culture there. This year, I am hoping to go to Sardinia and I'm also going to Turin, which I recently found out is the home of vermouth, which I had no idea about, and Athens as well. I do try to do research, and I have lists on my phone and folders of places that caught my eye over the years that I can always go back to. But, also my general layout of a weekend trip is there'll be one speciality coffee shop that I will pinpoint, that I will go to first thing on the Saturday morning, and provided I like it, which I normally do, I'll ask the owners or the people making the coffee where they like to go. It's really worked for me, because they're normally locals. They've got similar tastes to me. Then I go from there, and each place that I go to, I gather their recommendations." Check out 10 things we love about Sicilian food. Amsterdam – Jess and Jo Edun, owners of The Flygerians "Amsterdam is absolutely sensational. We've got friends there and there's so much beautiful food there as well. I think in terms of the beautiful, traditional food that Amsterdam has to offer, there's loads of that there. But there are also great restaurants that are from Nigeria as well. They've also got Thai restaurants that are brilliant there, too. It's easy to go to for a quick weekend break. We also love Berlin. It's another home-from-home in terms of its culture, diversity and social inclusion, where you'll find Caribbean, African, Nigerian and Gambian food in the food markets." Discover the best restaurants in Amsterdam and Berlin. Lisbon – Aishling Moore, Irish chef and author "Lisbon would probably be my go-to place. Lots of canned fish and great restaurants and little cafés. I think it's the perfect kind of summer, spring, early autumn place to go because it has city and it’s close to the water. There's a restaurant there called Prado, and we ordered everything on the menu five times. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. You know when you're just sharing loads of food and the service was great, but the food was just really ingredient-driven, with not a lot done to it, just really good products from local growers and producers. That makes the best food, so I loved it. It was a casual restaurant with beautiful decor, right in the centre. And then, we went out and went for a party afterwards." Find out where the locals eat and drink in our Lisbon foodie guide. Athens – Ali Dunworth, writer, journalist and events curator "I've been a long-time fan of going to Greece. I used to go every summer when I was younger, to the islands, and we would arrive in Athens but get out of there as quickly as possible. It was just in and out. Last year, I went to Athens and thought, this is really cool. As a foodie city, it's incredible. It's like Berlin, but nicer and warmer. If you're going for your souvlaki or gyros, it'll cost around three euros, and you're getting a cold can of beer with that. There's one place called Kosta that everybody queues for; you have to queue for around 40 minutes, but it's so worth it. The owner has a tomato sauce that he makes that’s different to other places, but that's worth queuing for. We went to a place called Wine and Brine; we had pasta and they have an amazing wine selection – Greek wine, I absolutely love. I went to another place in Athens called Pharaoh. I love to eat the classic Greek dishes, but here it's like the grandmother is cooking, but with a modern twist. I love Greek people. People who work in Greece and hospitality are always really sound." Read our guide to the best restaurants in Athens for more recommendations. Ticino – Kate Hall, food author "I had to think back a little bit for this one, because my travels are pretty limited. I went with a friend a few years ago to Ticino in the south of Switzerland, the Italian part of Switzerland. I can still taste the tomatoes in the caprese salad. I remember sitting and having this meal and thinking ‘this is what it's supposed to taste like’. I was a hideously fussy eater as a child, so my palate was very limited. Going to somewhere where it was just so beautifully ripened and so perfectly served, I was like, oh, this is what it's about, I get it now." Krakow – Ren Behan, author and food writer "I would always say Krakow. That's my go-to for a foodie break. I've had some great trips there, especially in the winter for the Christmas markets. Easter is also really nice. They have a pierogi festival as well in Krakow, which is amazing. Lots of bakeries and great food markets to explore."
Celebrate spring's arrival with these seasonal entertaining ideas, from make-ahead mains and simple puddings to cocktails you can whip up in minutes
Looking for spring dinner party ideas? Fancy serving an elegant menu to friends in your garden? We've curated plenty of easy wins for your next spring dinner party with our no-nonsense entertaining ideas. We've split them into menus to help you decide on the mood. Serve an Italian-inspired feast, an easy-to-assemble Easter menu or sophisticated garden party. Try our ideas below, then check out our easy entertaining recipes, no-oven entertaining ideas, picnic food recipes and barbecue recipes for even more inspiration. We've also asked 15 foodies to share their entertaining hacks and have picked the best spring cocktails and spring recipes for fresh recipe inspiration. Easy spring dinner party recipes A seasonal spring feast Create a simple yet effective dinner party menu which celebrates fresh, springtime flavours. Starters Start your seasonal spring menu with moreish salt-crusted Jersey Royals, served with a punchy crab and chilli dip. These asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon make sophisticated yet simple finger food. Main Showcase the best of spring with this new potato, pea, asparagus and spinach sformato, topped with zingy pickled onion for a vibrant centrepiece. Or highlight the best of the season's flavours with an asparagus risotto, finished with a mountain of parmesan. Dessert Impress guests with this a sophisticated showstopper – creamy white chocolate is offset by the sharpness of rhubarb in this seasonal panna cotta. See more of the best rhubarb recipes. Drinks Seasonal rhubarb is the magic ingredient and this easy rhubarb gin. Take trimmed rhubarb, add sugar and gin, then reap the rewards neat over ice or in a pink-tinged G&T. Alternatively, give a classic Italian aperitivo a fresh pink twist with this rosé negroni sbagliato, requiring just three ingredients. Take a look at our best spritz recipes for more tipples which can be whipped up in minutes. Spring garden party Take the stress out of entertaining with make-ahead salads, breads and dips. Perfect for a leisurely lunch guests can nibble on throughout the afternoon. Sharing lunch plates Spotlight seasonal asparagus in this asparagus quiche with punchy capers and gruyère, made up to three days in advance. Serve alongside this wedge salad with blue cheese dressing, which also works well with crispy skinned, soft-in-the-middle potatoes. These peppery pink miso-buttered radishes make a simple yet effective side. Dessert For a sweet finish, impress guests with homemade pea, coconut and lime ice cream, combining fresh garden peas with coconut milk and a splash of vodka. Drink These handy bottled cocktails are pre-made and perfectly portable, balancing citrussy Aperol with a dry vermouth and zesty orange peel. Easy spring BBQ ideas If the sun starts to shine, that can only mean one thing – time to fire up the barbie. See our easy ideas below for a stress-free barbecue dinner party. Starters and sides These juicy grilled prawns – paired with a pleasantly sour salsa – make for a quick, simple and delicious barbecue dish. Serve alongside a flavour-packed charred lettuce salad with bacon bits and creamy ranch dressing. If you've never grilled a carrot before, try it out with this epic barbecue side dish, layered with ricotta and toasted pecans. Mains Tired of burgers and buns? Switch things up with our BBQ kofte with whipped feta and nutty tahini slaw – this dish will steal the show and win over party guests. Veggies don't have to miss out – our paneer BBQ skewers with charred naans will make your meal much more interesting. Dessert You can make this classic rum and ginger cake a day before – it’ll get fudgy and hold together better when crisping up on the barbecue or under the grill. Drink Take the stress out of hosting with a boozy batch cocktail. This gin garden fizz is the perfect addition to any barbecue, while our white wine sangria mixes white sangria with delicate elderflower and fruity flavours. Italian spring dinner party A simple and seasonal Italian-inspired feast will have your guests swooning. Starters Our broad bean and mint panzanella with burrata makes an appealing spring starter, packed with tangy flavours from anchovies and capers. Pasta and pizza Asparagus has a short season in the UK, so why not make the most of it with this simple yet delicious asparagus spaghetti? It features a crunchy fennel seed pangrattato topper that really makes the dish sing. Alternatively, our tagliolini alle vongole packs a flavour punch, combining clams with garlic, fiery red chilli and fragrant herbs, including salty samphire. Fancy throwing a pizza party? Our recipe for pizza bianca is a must-make, layering spring onion, rocket and smoked salmon. Desserts Turn a handful of ingredients into a sgroppino, a fun cocktail-dessert hybrid that takes just five minutes to assemble. Alternatively, a classic Italian tiramisu will always deliver, made with mascarpone, marsala and savoiardi biscuits. Drinks A negroni sbagliato makes for a lively party drink, swapping gin for prosecco for a lighter serve which softens the bitterness and booze levels. For an easy and quick cocktail to whip up while entertaining, pour peach purée and lemon juice into a chilled champagne flute, then top with prosecco. Crowd-pleasing spring dinner party Treat a large group of guests to a menu filled with crowd-pleasers, from buffalo chicken dip to rhubarb upside-down cake. Starters Get the party started with our irresistibly rich and creamy buffalo chicken dip, blending shredded chicken thighs with three types of cheese and soured cream. Serve with pretzels, celery and tortilla chips for dipping. Main This comforting chicken and leek pie is as creamy as it is rich, filled with the freshness of spring. It cuts a few corners to help you save time, too. Or you could pair melt-in-the-mouth pappardelle with indulgent lamb ragu in this lamb pasta dish. Dessert Wrap things up with our pink patchwork cake, flavoured with forced rhubarb, two types of ginger and white chocolate. It's even more delicious served with thick clotted cream. Drinks Pink fizz and a homemade pomegranate shrub are the star ingredients of this pretty pomegranate fizz, boasting gently tart and fruity notes. A real easy win at a dinner party is preparing a large jug cocktail and letting guests help themselves– see our jug cocktails for inspiration. Easter dinner party Celebrate the Easter holidays with a menu showcasing the classics. Starters Pair crisp, golden potatoes with fresh radish and zingy aïoli in this new potato salad – a perfect way to enjoy the first new potatoes of the season. Alternatively, whizz up this homemade hummus, levelled up with a sprinkling of jewel-like pine nuts, raisins and olives. Mains Perfect for sharing, these lamb cutlets with mustard and shallot sauce make a fantastic addition to your Easter spread, allowing everyone to serve themselves and enjoy as much or as little as they like. For a crowd-pleasing veggie main, try our spiced chickpea bake with potatoes, topped with thin crunchy filo pastry. It's ready in under an hour and serves four. Serve with a green bean salad with mustardy dressing for a fresh, crunchy side. Dessert Got leftover hot cross buns to use up? This hot cross bun bread and butter pudding is a ramped up version of the British classic pudding, perfect for Easter entertaining. Drink A classic tom collins is winningly simple to mix and makes for a refreshing aperitif. Feel free to swap the gin for other spirits – vodka, cognac, blanco tequila, white rum and blended whisky would all work well.
Liven up your lunch with these quick and easy lunch recipes, from zippy salads and soothing soups to speedy wraps, nourishing bowls and classic pasta dishes
Looking to jazz up your lunchtime meals? Get out of that recipe rut with our interesting and flavourful lunch recipes. Liven up your plate with veg-packed salads, nourish your gut with high-fibre bowls or pack in a flavour punch with our comforting toasties and baked potato recipes. If you're going meat-free, try our vegetarian and vegan recipes. See our easy lunch recipes below, then try our best dinner recipes or quick and healthy recipes for dishes all ready in under 30 minutes, including salads, pasta dishes and stir-fries. If you are feeding a smaller crowd, try our easy dinner ideas for two. For low-cost meal ideas, try our easy budget recipes. Lunch recipes Crispy chickpeas on green toast Get a double legume hit with this simple lunch, where smashed peas are spread onto the toasted sourdough then topped with crispy chickpeas, tahini, a sprinkle of za’atar and lemon zest. It's a healthy dish which counts as your beans, greens and seeds for the day, plus it only takes 25 minutes to assemble. Mediterranean frittata Bring sunny Mediterranean flavours to the table with this healthy frittata, containing minimal carbs but plenty of protein. The salty feta works well with spinach and tomatoes. Chopped salad with crispy rice and herby kefir dressing Ping a bag of rice in the microwave then mix into a fresh chopped salad for a flavourful lunch with a great crispy texture. Feel free to use any seasonings you like to coat the rice with. Chicken kyiv salad One of our easiest lunch recipes to date, this warm chicken kyiv salad uses shop-bought shortcuts to save you time and effort. Breaded chicken saves making croutons and the garlic butter adds an extra punch. Honeyed halloumi and borlotti bean salad Elevate your lunch game with this nourishing veggie salad, combining grilled honeyed halloumi with roasted tomatoes, magnesium-rich leafy greens and gut-healthy borlotti beans – what’s not to love? Multivitamin gut-nourish bowl Looking for a super healthy lunch to add to your rotation? Try this beautiful, diverse, high-fibre and high-protein dish, a bowl of vitamins and minerals that work simultaneously to nourish your gut and feed your hormones. Beetroot, herb and nutty grain salad with feta dressing Upgrade your lunch without much effort required thanks to this herby grain salad. Ready-cooked pouches of rice and grains make a great cheat’s base for salads – look for ones with a mixture of types for contrasting textures and flavours. Halloumi toastie with harissa and honey For ultimate comfort to carry you through the afternoon, try Sabrina Ghayour's take on the classic cheese toastie. Filled with salty halloumi, rose harissa and honey for a touch of sweetness, this toastie is too delicious for words. Curried chickpea baked potatoes For a new and exciting way to jazz up your spuds, try this curried chickpeas variation – chickpeas, sultanas and nuts bring more fibre to the party and make a substantial lunch. Prawn and watermelon salad Update your lunch repertoire with this vibrant, refreshing salad. It can easily be made vegetarian by using soy sauce instead of fish sauce, and omitting the prawns – it's even better the next day. Salmon and avocado rice bowls Dig into this super-fresh salmon bowl for a lunchtime treat. It can help you make use of whatever you already have in the fridge – radishes, peas, blanched broccoli, carrot ribbons or pepper make great alternative toppings. Halloumi wraps Refresh your lunch rotation with these flavour-packed veggie wraps, stuffed with salty halloumi and a fresh and bright salad for a quick, nutritious midweek meal. Chicken burrito bowl Get into the practice of meal-prepping with this tasty chicken burrito bowl – it keeps well overnight in the fridge, plus it's packed with veg. Make it for a filling lunch. Panzanella Level up your lunch game with this hearty, no-cook panzanella salad. Offering a real taste of summer, it’s good value because it can be eaten on its own or goes well with just about anything; grilled fish, chicken, prawns. Honey chicken and broccoli stir-fry Try this easy stir-fry for a quick, protein-rich lunch, where hunks of chicken breast are coated in a sweet, sharp honey and sesame sauce and paired with long-stem broccoli. Fatteh (crispy pitta, chickpea and yogurt salad) Give this Middle Eastern fatteh salad a go for a lunch you won't be forgetting in a rush– crunchy, golden pitta, crisp chickpeas and walnuts are tossed together in a tahini yogurt dressing then topped with pomegranate, herbs and sumac. Chicken fried rice Throw together this chicken fried rice for when time is of the essence. Ready on the table in just 20 minutes, it's ideal for using up leftover rice or chicken, too. Prawn caesar salad Take your love of caesar salad to new heights with this prawn variety, offering crunchy texture and fresh, zingy summer flavours. Vegan leek and potato soup Incorporate more vegan meals into your diet with this plant-based version of a classic soup. It's just as creamy as the original. Pea and halloumi fritters with charred lemon dip Do something a little different for lunch with these quick and easy halloumi fritters, flavoured with mint and chilli flakes for a little kick. You can use fresh or frozen peas to make these. Orzo, bean and tuna salad Chuck a few storecupboard staples together to make this vibrant, nutritious orzo pasta salad with roasted red peppers, black olives and protein-packed tuna. All for under 300 calories. Waldorf salad When you only have 15 minutes to spare, rustle up a fast and delicious Waldorf salad. It's sweet, savoury, crunchy and creamy all at the same time, and we've added leafy kale for added nutrients. Healthy spinach omelette Top an omelette with creamed spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes for a satisfying, healthy veggie lunch – we've lowered the fat by replacing cream with light soft cheese and milk. Chicken Caesar salad A chicken caesar is a popular choice for a reason: the dressing is creamy and zingy, croutons are fresh and craggy and the lettuce cold and crunchy. You can add a softly boiled egg, a few crispy bacon rashers or some sundried tomatoes for an extra-posh lunch. The left-over dressing will keep, chilled, for three days. Sriracha salmon power bowls Zhuzh up lunchtime meals with this beautifully diverse, high-fibre and high-protein power bowl. Use wild-caught salmon for its potent omega-3 fats. Turmeric fried eggs and kale salad Pair turmeric-spiced fried eggs with crunchy kale and chickpeas in this divine veggie salad, finished with a drizzle of speedy tahini sauce. Healthy beans on toast Beans on toast gets a healthy makeover, so you can enjoy comfort food with nourishment to boot. We've used ezme – a condiment flavour bomb made with juicy tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli heat and tangy pomegranate molasses, with the freshness of herbs, too. Smoked mackerel caesar salad Try this mackerel twist on a caesar for an upgraded classic that also makes a lovely summery lunch. The caesar dressing also works well with chicken salads, new potatoes or salmon. Sweet potato soup Enjoy a bowl of silky smooth sweet potato soup for a satisfying lunch which uses just four ingredients. Dunk with a crispy ciabatta, for contrasting texture. Easy pesto pasta Tuck into a bowl of pesto pasta for a fuss-free lunch which takes just 25 minutes to put together. Our version includes fresh, homemade pesto – whizzing it up takes seconds. Chicken, wild rice and carrot salad This chicken, wild rice and carrot salad is uplifted with lime pickle, adding a sour, salty, fragrant note to the dressing which becomes more than the sum of its parts. Sweetcorn, pickled chilli and coriander fritters Pep up sweetcorn fritters with easy pickled chillies which, when served with bacon and hot sauce, make a great light lunch. Truffle mushroom toast Turn to this truffle mushroom toast for an elegant lunch which will soon become a staple. Mushrooms are fried in butter until golden then laced with a whisper of truffle oil and topped with an oozing poached egg. Warm freekeh salad Make this hearty and wholesome salad for a lunch packed with flavour, colour and texture. The freekeh lends nutty, smoky notes, while lemon and leafy green herbs add freshness and zing. Potato soup Turn your hand to this easy potato and spring onion soup for a vegetarian lunch that's low in calories and ready in 30 minutes. Kale salad with tadka dressing Looking for a hearty salad with buckets of flavour to boot? This is the answer: firm, rich kale leaves are tossed with sliced avocado and slicked in a dressing of honey, vinegar, garlic and chilli, topped with crisp, golden croutons made from punchy garlic and coriander naan bread. Roasted cauliflower salad with pistachio pesto dressing Roasted cauliflower florets are coated in a punchy pistachio pesto in this levelled-up salad. This will make more pesto than you need – try stirring it through pasta for tomorrow's lunch. Broccoli pasta Easy, vegan and ready in just 20 minutes – this super-green, 5-ingredient broccoli and garlic linguine is ideal for a fast midweek lunch. Salmon poke bowl This colourful salmon poke bowl makes a healthy lunch with a difference. Match salmon, red pepper and sushi rice with a spicy dressing made from soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sriracha and lime juice. Tomato pasta sauce If you're working from home, try making a rich slow-roast tomato sauce to toss through your pasta of choice. Ripe tomatoes, garlic, decent extra-virgin olive oil, fresh basil and a little black pepper is all you need. Caprese salad Sweet tomatoes and creamy mozzarella are a match made in heaven, and a classic caprese salad proves it. Try it for a light, summery lunch that's full of fresh Mediterranean flavours. Healthy jacket potato We've found proof that you can still enjoy a crispy, fluffy jacket potato while feeling healthy and nourished. We've stuffed it with a classic French niçoise salad for a high-protein, low-calorie lunch.
Looking for some dinner inspiration? Update your meal repertoire with these easy dinner recipes, from pasta bakes and curries to stir-fries and traybakes
Looking for some dinner inspiration? Get out of that cooking rut with our easy and flavour-packed recipes. Spice up weeknight meals with our aromatic curries, impress friends with a next-level pasta dish or boost your protein intake with our healthy bean and chicken recipes. We also share plenty of 20-minute meals, hearty traybakes and crowd-pleasing family favourites. Also try these easy budget recipes and healthy lunch ideas. If you're going meat-free, try our best vegetarian and vegan recipes. See our easy recipes below, or try our midweek meals for dishes ready in under 30 minutes. Take a browse through our collection of quick and healthy recipes for nutritious dinner inspiration, featuring plenty of salads, stews and rice dishes. Feeding a smaller crowd? Try our easy dinner ideas for two. Dinner recipes Rupy's high-protein rigatoni Boost your daily protein intake with this meat-free rigatoni dish. The walnut, tempeh and Puy lentil blend also delivers on the fibre needs for your gut wellbeing – plus the flavour is phenomenal! Sriracha salmon power bowls Refresh your dinner rotation with this vibrant, diverse, high-fibre and high-protein recipe. If possible, use wild-caught salmon for its potent omega-3 fats. Spicy sausage and polenta lasagne Looking for a hearty crowd-pleaser for dinner? If that's a yes, then this is the dish for you. We've replaced pasta sheets with polenta, and good-quality sausages are also must – a fennel and red wine variety is great for this dish. Harissa, butter bean and red pepper orzo Dig into a comforting bowl of orzo for dinner, brimming with fresh, punchy flavours of harissa and red pepper, plus butter beans for extra fibre and protein. Chicken fricassee Opt for a classic French dish for dinner with this comforting chicken fricassee, combining tender chicken with moreish mushrooms in a creamy sauce. Serve with fluffy rice, boiled new potatoes or buttery mash, if you like. Florentine fish pie with egg and spinach If you're a fan of eggs florentine for brunch, this comforting pie made with seasonal spinach will go straight into your dinner repertoire. It's easy to assemble, plus it's great for feeding a crowd. Sausage gnocchi Sausage and kale are a perfect marriage in this creamy, warming bowl of comfort. Try it for a knock-out weeknight dinner. Sticky maple, soy and ginger fish parcels Ready in just 20 minutes, this is a perfect dish to rustle up during time-poor evenings. Baking everything together in a parcel ensures the flavours infuse and everything stays moist. Vegan pasta bake This umami-rich pasta bake proves vegan cooking doesn't have to be lacking. Boasting a vegan ragu with mushrooms and carrots, plus pre-cooked lentils to minimise prep time, it's delicious baked in the oven with a scattering of vegan cheese. Venison curry Try something different for dinner with this moreish venison curry. Venison is a rich meat that can stand up to the spicing in this simple curry, served with a herby cucumber raita and lime wedges for freshness. Smoked mackerel pasta Combine smoked mackerel with capers in this punchy pasta dish, sprinkled with lots of dill. Any leftovers will make a next-level pasta salad for tomorrow's lunch. Asparagus risotto Make the most of asparagus when it's in season with this vibrant springtime risotto, pepped with lemon zest, chives and a mountain of parmesan. Spiced coconut chicken traybake This one-pan dish offers ultimate comfort without the effort. Packed with warm spices, chicken thighs, coconut milk and a handful of fresh spinach, it's a flavour-packed dinner that's also budget-friendly. Slow cooker sweet potato, chickpea and coconut one-pot Warm up on chilly nights with this nifty meat-free one-pot, offering creamy, spicy, zingy and warming flavours. It's high in fibre and low in salt, plus it freezes brilliantly, so it's great for keeping on stand-by for when the colder weather hits. Creamy Tuscan chicken Try this easy Tuscan chicken for a comforting dinner which is ready on the table in less than an hour. Sun-dried tomatoes add a welcome pop of flavour to this high-protein, low-sugar dish. Chorizo pasta bake Choose an all-rounder for tonight's dinner with this bubbling pasta bake, combining chorizo with honey, roasted red peppers and creamy mozzarella. Serve with a dressed bitter leaf salad to offset the richness. Kung-pao style tofu Looking to incorporate more vegan meals into your diet? You can't go wrong with this simple, meat-free version of a takeaway classic, ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Peanut beef and pepper stir-fry Looking for a quick, healthy and high-protein dinner? This speedy stir-fry is high in protein, plus it showcases ingredients which are packed with vitamin C and zinc. Creamy tomato pasta An easy tomato pasta should have a place in everyone's repertoire, particularly one which swaps shop-bought pasta sauce for a fresh homemade alternative. This recipe roasts a glut of tomatoes until saucy, then stirs in mascarpone and is served tossed in rigatoni. Chicken and rice soup Update your soup collection with this comforting chicken and rice soup. Cooking the chicken and rice in broth adds more flavour, and keeps the chicken moist – we like ours served with hot crusty bread and lots of butter. Curried chickpea baked potatoes For a new spin on jacket potato, try this meat-free version which combines chickpeas with sultanas and nuts. Add it to your meal rotation for a happy hug of a meal which also happens to be high in fibre. Takeaway-style chicken Recreate this takeaway-style chicken for a flavourful family dinner. It's sticky, sweet and salty, but it’s also surprisingly high in fibre, diversity and protein. It also has a ton of fibre and plant polyphenols. Swap out the chicken for tofu if you prefer to keep it plant-based. Ultimate truffle mac ’n’ cheese Satisfy comfort food cravings with this epic truffle mac 'n' cheese. If you can't source fresh truffle, don’t worry – the flavour still really comes through from the double hit of pesto and truffle oil, adding a rich, umami, mushroom-like flavour. Spicy cumin lamb noodles Speedy midweek meals are an important part of anyone's recipe repertoire and this one ticks all the boxes. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe uses store-bought noodles with ground, toasted spices for intense flavour. Bolognese pasta bake Spaghetti bolognese is taken to new heights with creamy béchamel sauce and a layer of bubbling cheese. Try it for a decadent, grown-up take on a pasta bake. Boston baked beans Studded with chunks of meltingly tender pork belly, this wonderfully rich beany dish deserves a top spot in your rotation. Serve with crusty bread and a nice bottle of red for a comforting weekend dinner. Butter bean stew with crispy sage and sourdough breadcrumbs A storecupboard staple takes centre stage in this comforting and easy stew. Butter beans are a fantastic source of vegan protein and fibre. Spiced chicken and lentils with ginger and turmeric Rich with lentils, warming spice and spinach, try this gently spiced chicken stew for a simple and warming dinner. Vegetable pasta bake Try this veggie-packed pasta bake for an easy dinner that's brimming with fresh Mediterranean flavours – use frozen if not in season. Poached cod with spiced coconut broth and udon noodles Warm up on chilly winter nights with a nourishing and aromatic bowl of poached cod, served in a spiced coconut broth with chunky udon noodles. Meatball pasta bake This freezable weekday hero is sure to become your next family favourite – it's packed with flavour from homemade sage and nutmeg seasoned meatballs, plus stringy baked mozzarella on top. Chicken stew with parmesan dumplings This creamy, herby chicken stew will please everyone at the table – don't forget the homemade parmesan dumplings on top. Curried fish pie We've modified the traditional fish pie to make your mealtimes more memorable, adding a crispy potato topping and curried filling. Serve with braised kale or cavolo nero for a dose of leafy greens. Chicken and bacon pasta bake Enjoy the classic chicken and bacon combo for dinner with this super-creamy pasta bake. It can be easily halved and it's freezable too, making it perfect for time-poor weeknights. You could also serve to friends for a relaxed dinner party main. Smoky sausage and greens tortellini broth Try this smoky pasta soup for a real winter warmer, loaded with greens and swimming in a deeply savoury broth. Use the best quality sausages you can find to make it a real stand-out dinner. Crispy chicken with harissa honey butter Throw together this simple yet effective dish for a winning weeknight meal, using a punchy flavoured butter to elevate a quick-fix chicken or steak dinner. Broccoli pasta bake Inject some green goodness into a comfort classic with this broccoli pasta bake, pepped up with Dijon mustard and a pinch of chilli flakes. Squash and sweet potato soup Rustle up this nourishing vegan soup for dinner, made with creamy and nutty squash and sweet potato, seasoned with cumin, turmeric and ginger. It'll warm yourself from the inside out. Chilli crab spaghetti Uplift spaghetti with salty seafood depth with both white and brown cooked crab meat, dressed in a glossy, umami-rich tomato sauce. Roast chicken with anchovy butter, shallots and hispi cabbage Looking for a roast with a difference? Punch up the flavour with a tin of anchovies, an umami-packed storecupboard staple. Serve with a bitter leaf salad and plenty of crispy potatoes, if you like. Anchovy pasta This anchovy pasta dish pays homage to a traditional Sicilian pasta which has a drier sauce consistency. If you like it saucier, add more pasta cooking water.
Try our selection of budget vegetarian recipes which don’t break the bank. We have plenty of crowd-pleasing curries, warming stews, gooey pasta bakes and much more
Going meat-free has never been more accessible, thanks to these budget vegetarian recipes. If you’re looking to cut down on your meat consumption while keeping to a budget, or simply looking to expand your midweek repertoire without breaking the bank, we’ve got a range of nourishing and exciting meat-free recipes for you to get stuck into. Cabbage is a brilliant, affordable ingredient that often gets overlooked—why not explore our collection of cabbage recipes for even more ways to make your meals both budget-friendly and delicious? Find more budget meal inspiration here with our best budget vegan meals, budget healthy recipes and best budget recipes catering to all diets. We've also shared our top 10 money saving hacks to use up food leftovers. Vegetarian budget recipes Chilli, cheese and garlic mushroom omelette A comforting and low-cost meal which helps clear the fridge of leftovers, check out our chilli, cheese and garlic mushroom omelette. It’s super easy, vegetarian and ready in less than 30 minutes. Butternut squash and chickpea curry If you're looking for a healthy, filling midweek meal, this easy curry features classic Indian spices as well as plenty of storecupboard staples. Spinach chigirtma (Azeri spinach and eggs) Experience a taste of Azerbaijan with this simple celebration of spinach and eggs, flavoured with sea salt and dried chilli flakes. Vegetarian carbonara You’ll likely have most of the ingredients for this veggie carbonara already, with the addition of crunchy asparagus and frozen peas. It will be ready in just 20 minutes. Carrot and orange soup Blitz six simple ingredients together to make this vibrant carrot and orange soup. Spicy Mexican rice This vegan rice dish can be eaten on its own or, if you want to add some protein, it’s good with beans, crumbled feta, cooked chicken or prawns stirred through. Vegetarian lasagne Try our low-cost veggie lasagne for a plant-based alternative to a classic family dish. You can swap the fresh pesto for a jar, if you like, to make it even more budget-friendly. Vegetarian mushroom chilli Check out this simple, healthy twist on chilli con carne with mushroom and lime soured cream. This version keep costs – and calories – low and it’s gluten free, too. Mushroom and cheese omelette Clear out the fridge with this quick and simple grilled omelette, topped with garlicky mushrooms and soft melted taleggio. Baked tortellini with spinach and chilli You can cut corners here with a pack of filled tortellini tossed into a baking dish with spinach and a simple tomato sauce spooned over. Then bake! Kale pasta sauce If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal on a budget, look no further than this kale pasta from Italian restaurant, Manteca. The earthy kale sauce is made from just three cheap ingredients. Vegetable stew Make this easy vegetarian stew with cheap everyday ingredients: three beans, chopped tomato and spinach. Perfect for a warming family dinner, it’s also high in protein and low in calories. Easy macaroni cheese A comforting bake which makes the most of kitchen cupboard staples. Mac ’n’ cheese is always a winner and this one with its crispy top is number one of on our list. Simply omit the ham to make it veggie. Vegan aubergine curry A handful of spices, tinned tomatoes and aubergine come together to make this hearty yet healthy aubergine dhansak to feed the whole family. Enjoy with pilau rice. Cheese and onion quiche A handful of cheap everyday ingredients, such as spring onion and ready-made pastry, cuts down the cooking time so you could bake this classic vegetarian tart midweek. Quick courgette lasagne Mix courgettes, garlic and chilli with ricotta, add a shop-bought tomato sauce and lasagne sheets. Dinner will be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Sweet potato and miso soup Velvety, wholesome and packed with plenty of umami flavour, this simple soup is made of cheap, easy-to-find ingredients. Baked feta pasta Put your jar of black olives to good use with this cheap-to-make pasta bake, packed with creamy feta and tomatoes. Vegetarian burritos Give these baked veggie bean burritos a try. The filling is a mix of beans and rice in a spicy tomato sauce and the burritos are served with a homemade fresh tomato, coriander and lime juice salsa (you can use ready-made salsa, if you like). Creamy tomato pasta bake Check out this creamy pasta bake which heroes storecupboard ingredients and everyday spices. Filled with tomatoes and mozzarella, it’s an easy mid-week filler for all the family. Thai green tofu curry This vegan Thai green curry is ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a speedy weeknight meal packing plenty of veg. It calls for just a few cheap everyday ingredients. Vegetable pasta bake A Mediterranean-inspired freezable pasta bake packed with summer veg – use frozen if not in season. California scramble Try this California scramble for a quick and easy veggie brunch or midweek meal for one. Leave out the avocado to keep costs down, if you like. Vegetarian shepherd’s pie Our veggie shepherd’s pie serves up to six people, so the cost-per-meal is great value. Vegan burrito bowl You only need a handful of cheap ingredients to throw together this meat-free burrito bowl, delivering all the big flavours you’d want without using the oven. Vegetable risotto Our versatile green vegetable risotto is packed with peas, baby spinach and asparagus but remains cheap to make. You can forgo the chives or mint if they don’t fit your budget, or make it vegan by leaving out the pecorino. Sweet and sour lentil shakshuka Jazz up your weekend brunch and make this veggie shakshuka with lentils and punchy spice. This simple egg recipe is not only easy to make it's low in calories, too. Quick tamarind potato curry Use up an affordable bag of potatoes with this simple vegan tamarind potato curry. Bursting with bold flavours, it’s low in calories and generously serves four—perfect for a warming family meal. Spanish omelette The ultimate budget comfort meal which clears out the fridge, too. Try our best Spanish omelette recipe with red onion, red pepper and new potatoes. Broccoli pasta Ideal for an easy midweek meal on a budget, this broccoli pasta requires just five simple ingredients. Veggie fajitas Fajita night doesn’t have to cost a lot with this speedy veggie recipe. You can swap the homemade avocado salsa for regular shop-bought salsa, if you like. Mutter paneer Chances are you’ll have most of these ingredients already to hand. This filling curry is ready in just 30 minutes – simply serve with naan or rice. Vegetarian lentil bolognese This puy lentil bolognese calls for cheap, healthy ingredients. It makes for a great meat-free option that’s easy to cook. Quinoa and black bean chilli Once you have your spices – ground cumin and smoked paprika – this black bean chilli makes an inexpensive midweek meal to feed a crowd. You can leave out the avocado to keep costs down. Sweet potato and lentil curry If you already have cumin, ground coriander and turmeric in your cupboard, this vibrant vegan curry becomes a brilliant budget dish. Vegan Thai red curry This vegan curry cuts corners using shop-bought vegan curry paste mixed with ginger, mangetout, red pepper and vegan Quorn. Spinach, chickpea and potato curry Make the most of the cheap ingredients lurking in your cupboard. Potatoes, chickpeas and chopped tomatoes are the stars of this lightly spiced vegan curry. Singapore noodles This speedy vegan dinner features cheap everyday ingredients, including ginger, garlic, chilli and soy sauce, while frozen stir-fry veggies keep prep to a minimum. Red Thai butternut squash soup If you like punchy Thai curry flavours, check out this easy winter warmer which doesn’t break the bank. Vegetable omelette An omelette is a staple budget meal, and we’ve jazzed it up with plenty of grated courgette, kale, frozen peas and chilli flakes. Serve alongside cherry tomatoes simply dressed with white wine vinegar. Curried celeriac Celeriac, like all root veg, is cheap, robust and versatile. Use it in a number of delicious dishes, like this vegan curry – the roasted cubes soak up the spicy, fragrant flavours.
Check out our inexpensive recipes to keep cooking costs down, from thrifty orzo salads to budget-friendly curries and speedy breakfasts and lunches
Whether you're looking for energy-efficient, budget meals or hoping to feed a crowd for less, we have plenty of easy budget recipes for you to try at home, ranging from filling pasta bakes and speedy noodles to healthy burgers and nourishing curries. For more budget recipes, check out our budget vegetarian recipes, budget vegan recipes and budget healthy recipes. Looking to cut down on waste? We've also shared our top 10 money saving hacks to use up food leftovers. 40 budget meal ideas Tuna pasta bake Tuna pasta bake is an absolute classic which doesn't break the bank, and we've taken it up a notch with the simple addition of dried chilli flakes and rosemary. You can use the grill as an alternative to the oven, too. Vegetable omelette Try this quick and easy dinner for one – we've jazzed up this omelette with plenty of low-cost toppings, including grated courgette, kale, peas and chilli flakes. Spinach chigirtma (Azeri spinach and eggs) Experience a taste of Azerbaijan with this simple celebration of spinach and eggs, flavoured with sea salt and dried chilli flakes. Vegetable slice Adding red lentils to this vegetable-packed frittata not only provides an extra boost of protein but also adds a subtle texture. As an affordable storecupboard staple, red lentils make this a budget-friendly and nutritious choice. Chicken fried rice Prepare this quick and effortless meal when time is short. It's perfect for using up leftover rice or chicken, helping to reduce waste while keeping costs low. Classic mac 'n' cheese This warming comfort food classic only needs five ingredients, and hits the spot every time. Perfect when you're in the mood to cozy up with a bowl of cheesy carbs but don't want a pricey trip to the shops. If you don't want to use an oven, grill for 20 minutes until golden and crisp on top. One-pan sausage pasta For a budget-friendly twist on meatballs, squeeze the sausage meat directly into the tomato sauce. This minimises effort and cost and delivers a hearty meal in 30 minutes. Healthy turkey burgers Try these herby burgers featuring turkey mince for a healthier, low-cost burger alternative – they're low in calories and packed with protein. Red lentil curry Try our vegetarian spiced crispy egg and lentil curry for a low-calorie, high-protein, comforting winter meal. Enjoy with pilau rice or a fresh paratha. Singapore noodles This speedy vegan dinner is flavoured with everyday cheap ingredients such as ginger, garlic, chilli and soy, while the frozen stir-fry veggies keep prep to a minimum. Spinach, chickpea and potato curry Make the most of low-cost storecupboard ingredients such as potatoes, chickpeas and chopped tomatoes in this lightly spiced vegan curry. It makes a wholesome midweek meal for four. Bread pudding Use up stale bread to make this comforting old-school dessert – it's simple to whip up and most of the ingredients you'll already have at home. Corned beef hash This filling dish with crispy potatoes and corned beef will never go out of style, plus it's highly likely you'll already have most of the ingredients required. Quick tamarind potato curry This simple vegan tamarind potato curry is packed with punchy flavour, it's low in calories and easily serves 4, a great warming family meal Egg fried rice This versatile dish means you can thrown in whatever frozen mixed veg you have, making it an inexpensive, yet wholesome and delicious one-dish meal. Overnight oats A hearty way of filling up, these simple and healthy overnight oats keep breakfast cheap and cheerful. Scrambled eggs The perfect quick and easy breakfast – discover how to make the creamiest scrambled eggs with just two ingredients. Even more delicious when served over buttered toast. Spicy chickpea, potato and filo slice For a delicious and budget-friendly vegetarian family meal, try our spicy chickpea, potato and filo slice. Tinned chickpeas and potatoes are affordable storecupboard staples, while using ready-made filo pastry keeps preparation quick and hassle-free. Chicken souvlaki Make this Greek fast food dish with whatever veg you have lying around, skewered with chicken and served with flatbread. We've made this dish lighter by using chicken breast, rather than thighs. Cabbage soup Warm up with an aromatic bowl of cabbage soup, made punchy and colourful with dill, tomato and lemon. Cabbage is affordable, and the soup can be easily frozen in portions to last longer. Tomato, spinach and mascarpone gnocchi This veggie gnocchi uses just five low-cost ingredients and is ready in just 20 minutes. Instead of using the oven, grill until bubbling and golden. Sweet potato and lentil curry Once you have your cumin, coriander and turmeric, this vibrant vegan curry becomes a brilliant budget dish. Quinoa and black bean chilli Leave out the avocado to keep costs down in this vegan chilli – once you have your spices, this is an inexpensive dinner to add to your repertoire. Linguine with fresh puttanesca sauce On the table in just 15 minutes, use up any linguine hidden at the back of the storecupboard to make this tangy, salty puttanesca. It's flavoured with easy-to-find staples such as capers, garlic and chilli. Vegetarian lentil bolognese A tin of Puy lentils is the hero ingredient in this bolognese – it's a great vegetarian alternative for when you don't want to use a meat substitute but still want a substantial meal. Plus, it's easy to make and healthy. Chicken and spinach pilaf Use up left-over roast chicken to make this quick and nutritious pilaf, flavoured with spices you'll most likely already have in your cupboard. Orzo, bean and tuna salad Turn storecupboard staples such as orzo, tinned tuna and black olives into this nutritious orzo pasta salad with roasted red peppers. Super storecupboard salad Keep costs down by using a pouch of cooked mixed grains to make this fresh and thrifty salad. Vegetable pasta bake A Mediterranean-inspired freezable pasta bake packed with summer veg – use frozen if not in season. Baked sweet potatoes with smoky beans A nifty and microwavable recipe that's perfect for midweek dinners – you'll find you have most of these storecupboard ingredients already. Golden onion and spring veg pilaf Add plenty of colour midweek with this nourishing vegetarian one-pot packed with plenty of greens. Broccoli pasta This five-ingredient broccoli pasta is easy, vegan, and ready in just 20 minutes – ideal for a midweek meal on a budget. Courgette fritters Top our lightly spiced courgetti fritters with poached eggs for a quick dish that uses storecupboard staples such as flour and hot sauce. Baked spinach and ricotta pancakes Ready-made pancakes are used as an alternative to pasta in this simple Italian-inspired dish with ricotta, spinach and tomato sauce. Tomato and red pepper soup This tomato and red pepper soup is cheaper (and easier) to make than you might think – serve with crusty bread to make a filling lunch or dinner. Purple sprouting broccoli and fried eggs on toast Cumin seeds and chilli flakes add punch to this vegetarian dish. It's low in cost without sacrificing on health or flavour. Gnocchi with peas, pesto and spinach This cheap and cheerful recipe requires just five ingredients, including peas and baby spinach – it's ready in just 10 minutes, too. Aubergine parmigiana Create a classic Italian dish that is both hearty and comforting – a true family favourite. Using budget-friendly ingredients like tinned tomatoes and aubergines, this meal is rich in flavour without stretching your wallet. No-cook recipes Falafel, beetroot and hummus grain bowl Buy a cheap pack of microwavable cooked mixed grains to make this simple yet stylish meal for two. Vegan burrito bowl Chuck a handful of cheap ingredients together to make this vegan burrito bowl, delivering all the big flavours you'd want without using the oven. Chia pudding Using a handful of storecupboard staples, top this creamy chia pudding with quickly cooked apples to make a simple and healthy brekkie.