All posts filed under: Europe

How to Spend a Weekend in Margate

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I recently took my first visit to the little seaside town of Margate. To say I enjoyed it would be an understatement, I’ve been checking RightMove for Margate properties since I got back (pretty cheap, if you’re asking). It’s just an hour and a half from London, easy to get around and full of fun things to do. Here’s my 2 night, 3 day itinerary… Friday Get the train from London Victoria, booked early so got a return for around £25. Drink some tinnies on the train there. At Margate station we can’t get a cab and there’s no Uber. So we walk to our AirBnb which takes about 15 minutes. Our Airbnb in the Cliftonville area is lovely and has sea views. The host gives us some insider tips to Margate including a restaurant suggestion Roost, which we make a booking for that evening. There’s an Aldi supermarket round the corner so we get some provisions for the weekend. Wine and beer and bagels, eggs, salmon and avocado for breakfast. And snacks of course. …

Cinque Terre Travel Guide

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Planning a Trip to Cinque Terre? Italy has too many beauty spots to choose from, but if you like quaint villages and stunning sea views then the Cinque Terre is a must visit place. Read on for tips on visiting Italy’s Cinque Terre. Which village should I stay in? I can only speak from my experience, but having spoken to other people while I was there, I’m pretty confident I made the right decision when I chose to use Monterosso as my base. Monterosso is probably the most happening of the five villages and has the biggest beach – which is stunning! It’s also super easy to get around, it’s so small you can get everywhere on foot. How do I get there? I flew to Pisa for a wedding in Tuscany, then got the train from Pisa. My flights cost £65 form London and then the trains were only about £30 return for a first class ticket. I urge you to get the trains in Italy – if you’re British the cleanliness, punctuality and …

The Stylish Guide to London

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London is an amazing city with something to do and see on every corner but it can be slightly overwhelming with that much choice. So here are eleven of my personal favourite places in LDN, enjoy.  WHERE TO EAT SKETCH Sketch was once the most expensive restaurant in the UK and a Brit-pop celeb haunt; those days are thankfully over but the amazing aesthetic that made Sketch famous remains. Glasgow-based artist and illustrator David Shrigley is the latest artist to lend his talents to The Gallery dining room there, turning into a pink paradise. It really is very pink and is home to the largest collection ever of Shrigley’s drawings – afternoon tea here will leave you with a huge smile on your face. Sketch, 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG  JAGO The trend for delicious Middle-Eastern and Ashkenazi cuisine is going nowhere and the latest opening serving this food is Jago in London’s Shoreditch. Headed up by the ex-head chef of Ottolenghi, Jago serves food all day from breakfast and brunch to a late …

8 Reasons To Visit Istanbul, Like Now

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 One of my favourite cities in the world is crazy, vibrant Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, formerly hub of the Ottoman Empire and oh so many other things. It’s where East meets West –  the only city in the world to straddle (ooh, er) two continents. Half is in Europe and the other bit is in Asia – which is pretty damn cool. There’s so much more so I’ll break it down list-form for ya…  1. Shopping I’m very into my ethnic jewellery and bags, and I also like things to be cheap; if this sounds like you too, Istanbul is the one! There are also lots of designer stores, high-street chains and a fab Sephora – it’s shopping heaven basically. 2. The famous Grand Bazaar This is the biggest market I’ve ever been to, it kind of looks like something out of Arabian Nights, and sells everything from rings, hookahs and ceramics to spices and knock-off designer handbags. Plus, if you’re willing to haggle (it’s fun, trust me. Start at 10% of the asking price and go no higher than 50%) it’s …