Lego models of town buildings bring Henley artist 'close to home'
An artist has been recreating landmarks of her hometown using Lego.Kaz Taplin, who now lives in Australia, has been reconnecting with Henley on Thames in Oxfordshire by creating models of places including Gabriel Machin butchers shop and the town hall.She works off old photographs, as well as new ones she takes when she visits her family.Mrs Taplin said using her memories for the models was "very inspirational" and that it brought her "close to home".
She said they had moved 17 years ago from Gainsborough Crescent in Henley to the coastal city of Mandurah in Australia where they built a house."But I go back every few years (...) because family have passed away, so it's to respect that or to see the children (...) and the grandchildren," MrsTaplin added.The places that she chose to build Lego models of are "part of our childhood"."Mum used to take us to the shops and pick up stuff, I've done a Bagatelle toy shop that's full of toys," she said."The library used to be in the town hall, so we used to go and pick up books."Mrs Taplin said the town hall had taken her a week to construct, and the roof had fallen apart in the process."But as I've been doing more and more, it's just [been taking] a few days on and off."She said she is now recreating a Wimpy restaurant."My dad used to take us into the Wimpy on Saturdays to have a burger."I've not quite finished that one yet, but it's very inspirational and close to home."Mrs Taplin said she had received "absolutely amazing" feedback on her work."I didn't think it would be like this. I'm just doing it because I like my hometown."The models are currently displayed on a shelf in one of her spare rooms.Mrs Taplin said she had also completed commissioned paintings of other local landmarks such as the Henley Villa.
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Time Out Dubai
2 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
15 restaurants to host your birthday dinner in Dubai
Roll out the red carpet, gather your friends, and let the confetti fly because it's your birthday. Dubai is the perfect city to celebrate being another year wiser and is stuffed full of fun and glamorous dining spots that would make the perfect backdrop for your obligatory birthday dinner. From rooftop dinners with panoramic views to fun and lively venues that will put a smile on your face, we've got you covered if you're looking for the perfect place to celebrate in style. Here are incredible birthday dinner spots in Dubai to take your celebration to the next level. Aretha (Credit: Aretha) If you want to be wowed on your big day, slide into a red chair at Aretha and let the show get on the road. Bringing back the bygone era, sip on something special and throw back a few oysters as the glitzy performers offer up something from the swinging sixties. Packed with a punch and some late live-music, you can dance under the disco balls all the way until 3am. Wed-Sun 8pm-3am. St Regis Gardens Palm, Palm Jumeirah. (050 621 0544). Check out our full Aretha review here Amazónico Dinner at Amazónico is always a special occasion. Whether you choose to dine on the pretty patio with its skyline views or go for a full-on dinner with the whole gang in the dining room, you are guaranteed vibes, great food and a good time. A regular Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards nominee, its varied, eclectic menu of Latin American-inspired small plates, sushi, seafood and grills is destined to be on your birthday dinner menu. Daily, noon-3am. DIFC Pavilion, DIFC, (04 571 3999). Check out our full Amazónico review here Bagatelle Bagatelle is known around Dubai for being one of the liveliest dinner spots in the city. Party people flock here in droves to kick off a night with a good meal before dancing on the table until the early hours. Foodie offerings feature signature dishes from Bagatelle locations around the world, made with top-notch ingredients like carabineros and gamberoni imperiali, to San Marzano tomatoes, Taggiasche olives from Liguria, and burrata from Puglia. Blow out your candles from the iconic long-stem ice cream glass bowl and dance the night away. Daily 7pm-3am. Bagatelle, First Floor, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 354 5035). Check out our full Bagatelle review here Bâoli Credit: Baoli Famous Cannes hotspot Bâoli has landed in Dubai and offers up a pretty stunning destination right by the beach. Here, you'll get modern Japanese cuisine with a hint of new Asian flavours. The jungle-themed restaurant can easily be described as having 'sanctuary aesthetics', but the vibes are anything but peaceful. The vibey and upbeat spot has amazing music blasting and well-dressed diners are on their feet dancing with sparklers in hand. Visit this J1 Beach destination on a weekend if you're in a party party mood and you definitely will not regret it. Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 558 6381). Check out our full Bâoli review here Bar des Prés New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Bar des Prés. Offering up a delicious fusion of French and East Asian cuisine this is the restaurant's fourth location, following others in London and Paris. The menu features seasonal ingredients and combines French and Japanese techniques, with dishes like green asparagus with caramelised miso and crunchy crab and avocado galette. While desserts are mostly French classics like Guanaja chocolate soufflé and pecan praline mille-feuille. The Parisian-inspired dining area is open for lunch and dinner. Open daily from noon-3pm and 7pm-1am. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, (04 498 1616). Check out our full Bar des Prés review here Bar du Port Credit: Bar du Port Perhaps one of the liveliest restaurants and bars in Dubai, Bar Du Port is a perfect spot to celebrate your birthday, especially if you're looking to dance to hit after hit when you're done eating dinner. Here you can enjoy its Mediterranean-inspired menu with dishes like slow-cooked short ribs, grilled marinated artichokes, seafood paella and more. End the meal with a sparkler-filled birthday dessert. Mon-Wed 4pm-2am, Thurs-Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Marina, (04 332 4868). Check out our full Bar du Port review here En Fuego Credit: Brandon Barré If you're looking for a more laid-back birthday dinner that's still full of fun, then make your way down to En Fuego. With a circus-themed tented roof, an array of decorative pieces that feature a vintage giant car hanging from the ceiling, neon signs, piñatas, llamas, and a chandelier shaped like a flamingo's head, your birthday Insta posts will definitely be next-level if you choose to party here. On the entertainment front, you can expect fire performers, aerial hoop artists, and gravity-defying aerial acrobats. It won't be a night you'll forget easily. Mon-Tues 5pm-1am, Wed-Fri 12.30pm-1am, Sat -Sun 1pm-1am. Atlantis The Palm. (04 426 2626). Check out our full En Fuego review here Gitano J1 Beach Dubai. Tulum-inspired eatery GITANO is a Mexican-themed spot that features traditional dishes as well as a 'Gypsy Disco' experience for guests. Founded by British-born James Gardner, the venue is kitted out with a modern jungle feel, branded with neon signs and of course, the iconic disco ball – a nod to its New York flair. Looking out over the beach and also with views of the Burj Khalifa, you can expect Latin American cuisine with a twist. Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (058 566 2320). Josette If you want your birthday dinner to come with a side of live cabaret dancing, Josette is the spot for you. The Parisian-inspired restaurant is not only beautiful to look at, but it also serves up authentic French dishes with a twist. When the sun sets, Josette's stage comes alive with an expanded roster of acts, including burlesque dancers, singers and cabaret performances. Shows takes place from 8pm to 9pm before a brief intermission between 9pm and 10pm. A late-night show will then take place from 10pm until after midnight. So pick your preferred time and celebrate a year around the sun the French way. Sun-Thurs 9am-1am, Fri-Sat l (shows Wed-Sat 8pm-2am). ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC (04 275 2522). Check out our full Josette review here La Cantine du Faubourg You cannot go wrong with a birthday celebration at La Cantine Du Faubourg. The French restaurant and lounge is always buzzing, whether it's the DJ, the live singer or the stylish crowd chatting away. Sway to chart-topping tunes at this hotspot that's renowned for its music offering. In-house DJs or live bands play an eclectic mixture of top hits and chic Parisian street beats as you enjoy your meal and drinks. Mon-Thurs noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat 12pm-5pm (brunch) and 7pm-3am (dinner), Sun 1pm-2am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, (04 352 7105). Check out our full La Cantine du Faubourg review here MayaBay This Jumeirah Al Naseem spot makes for a bougie birthday celebration with friends. Perfect for large groups, the menu at MayaBay is basically a coffee table book full of Japanese and Thai dishes, ensuring that everyone on the table will have something to love on the menu. You can enjoy a Thai meal with a side of sushi while your friends dig into a steaming tower of dumplings. Daily noon-3am. Jumeirah Al Naseem, (04 275 2500). Check out our full Mayabay review here Mimi Kakushi Cool. That's the first thing that will come to mind when you step inside Mimi Kakushi. What better way to celebrate your birthday dinner than with top-notch Japanese cuisine? Expect chic 1920s vibes, as the space pays homage to the modern swinging jazz age in Osaka, with rich textures, hand-painted walls, beaded curtains and seriously Instagrammable stained glass windows. As for the food, you'll have a tough time choosing between gyoza, sushi, black cod, wagyu beef and everything in between. This is a more sophisticated birthday dinner that's all about great food and jazz music. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri noon-2am, Sat-Sun noon-4pm and 6pm-2am. Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah 2. (04 379 4811). Check out our full Mimi Kakushi review here Miss Lily's Want to dance the night away while munching on some of the best Caribbean food in Dubai? Then let us break it down for you – go to Miss Lily's. This isn't a party for the faint of heart though, so be ready to get down to some seriously cool music. It is an unmissable late-night Jamaican spot that has (rightfully) been drawing in crowds for years. So put on your trainers and jam to Afro beats, hip-hop, R&B and more. Mon 7pm-2am, Tues-Wed 7pm-1am, Thurs 7pm-2am, Fri 7pm-3am, Sat 2pm-6pm (brunch) 8pm-3am, Sun 6pm-midnight. Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 356 2900). Check out our full Miss Lily's review here Nobu Dubai Credit: Nobu Dubai Despite what feels like a continuous stream of Japanese restaurants opening in Dubai, Nobu remains among the best. That you'll get an extensive choice of quality dishes fusing fine Japanese cuisine with the Peruvian influences Nobu is famous for is a given. What you'll also get here is great service, incredible mixed drinks and stellar views from its vantage point on the 22nd floor of Atlantis The Palm. In fact, when the weather is cool enough, ask for a table on the terrace. Impressive whatever the occasion. Licensed. Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 0760). Check out our full Nobu Dubai review here SUSHISAMBA For a birthday dinner that's got stunning views of the Palm, you should be looking at SUSHISAMBA as your next birthday party destination. It is one of the most talked about restaurants in the city and perfect for when you want to treat yourself. f you're there at night, you'll see the brightly-lit Palm crescent stretching around at either side, while the rest of the area from Ain Dubai to Burj Al Arab glows beneath you. The menu features dishes from Japan, Peru and Brazil that you will love. Mon-Fri noon-3pm and 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun 1pm-3.30pm and 6pm-3am. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, (04 278 4888). Check out our full SUSHISAMBA review here In other foodie news… A fancy new licensed restaurant is now open in Dubai Hills DUO Gastrobar serves up European cuisine with an Asian touch 10 outdoor brunches with pool and beach access in Dubai Because what could be better than brunch followed by a refreshing dip? 105 stunning outdoor restaurants and bars in Dubai From rooftops to lush garden terraces, here's your list of top outdoor spots in Dubai
Scotsman
20 hours ago
- Scotsman
Inside Blackpool brick festival: LEGO replicas of London 2012 olympic stadium and Star Trek starships
This video More videos Meet the Star Trek dad who built 40 starships out of LEGO - after his little girl challenged him while watching TV. Keep up with the latest new videos with the Shots! Newsletter. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A man has built an eye-catching display of replica Star Trek spaceships - a project which was inspired by his 11-year-old daughter, Ella. Dean Tomlinson, a marketing manager, had been watching his favourite show on TV when his little girl made a comment that sparked his passion for LEGO. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dean Tomlinson with his daughter Ella, 11, sharing an impressive Star Trek themed LEGO collection | Lucinda Herbert Dean explained: 'It all started when I was sat in the living room with my daughter, and Star Trek came on the TV. I looked at the ship and said I like that one. My daughter said to me, why don't you build it daddy? So I sat there and I started building the prototype ship, and from that point I built every ship I ever wanted.' Lego helps me relax He describes it as a 'passion project' that helps him relax and switch off from his job, but adds that sometimes he will get an idea that prompts him to 'get up late in the evening' and start building. In a special episode of Unconventional Brits, Video journalist Lucinda Herbert visits the Blackpool Brick Festival to discover some of the colourful creations that LEGO enthusiasts have built. Dave Draper with his parachuting Queen Elizabeth, part of his LEGO replica of the London 2012 Olympic stadium. | Lucinda Herbert Dean shows off his impressive collection of starships in a fun-filled episode, which looks inside the world of adult LEGO fans. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olympic stadium replica We also meet the sports fan who built a London 2012 replica stadium. Dave Draper explains how his Olympics-themed LEGO build went from just a small project - to a realistic replica that is now 3.5m x 75cm in size and packed full of detail. He explained: 'I lost count at 20,000 [bricks]. It's doubled in size since last year, I just keep finding things to add.' Dave Draper's LEGO replica of the London 2012 Olympic stadium. | Lucinda Herbert Dave's impressive build is admired by kids and adults alike, as he tells punters about some of its' features - including a replica of the Tower Bridge. Red Arrows built out of LEGO The build started with Dave building the Olympic rings - but when an official set of Team GB figures was launched it sparked his imagination. Now, the display includes a Red Arrows display team, a parachuting Queen Elizabeth, a race track and other miniature sports arenas. Brick Festival Alana Jemon, one of the Brick Festival crew members, said: 'I've seen adults come through the doors with all their normal adult worries, and by the end of the day they've just sat and played like they did when they were kids.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Inside Blackpool brick festival: LEGO replicas of London 2012 olympic stadium and Star Trek starships
This video More videos Meet the Star Trek dad who built 40 starships out of LEGO - after his little girl challenged him while watching TV. Keep up with the latest new videos with the Shots! Newsletter. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A man has built an eye-catching display of replica Star Trek spaceships - a project which was inspired by his 11-year-old daughter, Ella. Dean Tomlinson, a marketing manager, had been watching his favourite show on TV when his little girl made a comment that sparked his passion for LEGO. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dean Tomlinson with his daughter Ella, 11, sharing an impressive Star Trek themed LEGO collection | Lucinda Herbert Dean explained: 'It all started when I was sat in the living room with my daughter, and Star Trek came on the TV. I looked at the ship and said I like that one. My daughter said to me, why don't you build it daddy? So I sat there and I started building the prototype ship, and from that point I built every ship I ever wanted.' Lego helps me relax He describes it as a 'passion project' that helps him relax and switch off from his job, but adds that sometimes he will get an idea that prompts him to 'get up late in the evening' and start building. In a special episode of Unconventional Brits, Video journalist Lucinda Herbert visits the Blackpool Brick Festival to discover some of the colourful creations that LEGO enthusiasts have built. Dave Draper with his parachuting Queen Elizabeth, part of his LEGO replica of the London 2012 Olympic stadium. | Lucinda Herbert Dean shows off his impressive collection of starships in a fun-filled episode, which looks inside the world of adult LEGO fans. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olympic stadium replica We also meet the sports fan who built a London 2012 replica stadium. Dave Draper explains how his Olympics-themed LEGO build went from just a small project - to a realistic replica that is now 3.5m x 75cm in size and packed full of detail. He explained: 'I lost count at 20,000 [bricks]. It's doubled in size since last year, I just keep finding things to add.' Dave Draper's LEGO replica of the London 2012 Olympic stadium. | Lucinda Herbert Dave's impressive build is admired by kids and adults alike, as he tells punters about some of its' features - including a replica of the Tower Bridge. Red Arrows built out of LEGO The build started with Dave building the Olympic rings - but when an official set of Team GB figures was launched it sparked his imagination. Now, the display includes a Red Arrows display team, a parachuting Queen Elizabeth, a race track and other miniature sports arenas. Brick Festival Alana Jemon, one of the Brick Festival crew members, said: 'I've seen adults come through the doors with all their normal adult worries, and by the end of the day they've just sat and played like they did when they were kids.'
