In 2012, we visited Rome in Italy in the mid August high season for Paul’s 30th birthday. We love the Italian way of life, from chic fashion to informal dining and good coffee.
Visiting in the hottest point of the year made sightseeing hard work. Dusty streets and the sheer volume of people had us hunting out quiet bars and piazzas to rest in the shade.
When it comes to Valentines Day or any other occasion that requires chocolates to be bought, I always feel a bit left out as I don’t particularly like it.
I do however like retro sweets from my childhood and I love it when I find new places to stock up or I am given a 20p mix up! I am easily pleased!
I am pleased to announce the two winners from the Benefit & Bubbles relaunch competition.
As picked by Rafflecopter, the winners are :
Benefit – Laura Banks
Champagne – Yasmine Choudhry
Congratulations to you both and thank you once again to everyone who entered.
Something a little bit different for Food Friday this week as it’s alcohol not food!
I have always wanted to stay at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh but as we visit regularly for weekend trips by car, it has never been the best place to choose for convenience. We have never got round to having afternoon tea in the Palm Court or drinks – it’s a crying shame.
A couple of weeks ago we snapped up some bargain East Coast train tickets and took ourselves off to Edinburgh for the day with my sole purpose of having drinks in The Balmoral Bar. I was a lady on a mission and as long as there was alcohol involved, it was easy to convince Paul.
Last week, we headed on down to Bill’s, a brand new opening in Durham.
The newest resident on the Saddler Street foodie strip has a prime double fronted location on the street which attracts huge footfall from both residents and visitors alike. This is the first location for the chain in the North East and it is exactly what Durham needs as the food buzz is starting to take off.
On entering the venue, we were escorted through a vast property to a dining room at the back with views over the Elvet Bridge. The space at the back would make a great private dining room for functions! All stripped wood, bare walls and exposed ducting, the décor blends well with the existing architecture of the building providing endless charm.