Nine cruise ship visits for Alderney
Alderney will have visits from nine luxury cruise ship this year, according to the island's government.The second-smallest main Channel Island will welcome visits from the Ocean Nova, Hebridean Princess, MC Hamburg and Island Sky between April and September.Alderney's States said services from French ferry company Manches Iles Express will also restart in May.Caroline Gauvain, from Visit Alderney, said: "This is a great opportunity to showcase Alderney's famous warm welcome."
"Although the cruise ship guests are here for only a short time, we are confident they'll enjoy our hospitality and our unique island and want to come back for a longer stay next time," she said.
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Fashion United
4 hours ago
- Fashion United
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Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
UK's POSHEST nursery with gourmet chef's tasting menu & kids potty trained on marble loos… but is it worth £150 a DAY?
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Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 One parent reportedly mistook the menu for a high-end restaurant's tasting course Credit: The Odyssey 6 Children are introduced to French, Spanish and Mandarin between their story circles and sensory play Credit: The Odyssey 6 The setting reflects a growing appetite in the capital for globally minded early years education Credit: The Odyssey Based in Marylebone, central London, this lavish early-years setting has just opened in a Grade II-listed former prep school, offering a blend of elite childcare, plush interiors and a 'global' outlook — including marble loos for potty training. The nursery, which hails from Singapore and is built on the Reggio Emilia philosophy of child-led learning, is the first of its kind in the UK. Spread across three pristine, light-filled floors, Odyssey caters to children from infancy up to five years old, offering everything from multilingual education to music lessons in a dedicated 'jam room.' 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The Herald Scotland
21 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
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Like a mini bar stocked with anything you might be craving from full-sized bottles of Gunpowder Irish Gin to rejuvenating face masks and packs of Tayto crisps, or a fancy Dyson hairdryer tucked away by the mirror. Pictured: The Collins Club cocktail bar at The Leinster (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography) When we reconvene for cocktails at the Collins Club bar a few hours later, however, there's one feature in particular that's made a lasting impression. 'Did everyone else get a fright from the robot toilets?' one member of the party asks, met by enthusiastic nods in agreement all round. Yup, each of The Leinster's 55 rooms and suites set across four floors is kitted out with a high-tech Japanese 'TOTO' lavvy with multiple different settings and modes quite unlike anything I've encountered before. 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The first of two activities planned is the Guinness Storehouse, a brilliant building that twists upwards like a corkscrew, with each floor peeling back a layer of the world-famous stout's story and legacy until you've reached the bar at the top having, earned an extra pint after learning to expertly pull your own along the way. Pictured: A pint pulled by yours truly at the Guinness Storehouse (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography) This tourist trap is buzzing with crowds for a reason, and taking it all in side by side with holiday makers and stag do parties makes for an incredibly enjoyable experience. Later, there's a chance to explore the area surrounding the hotel, where just a short walk away in Merrion Square Park, the International Literature Festival is in full swing with live performances and street food vendors. Elsewhere, crowds spill onto the streets to sip at their drinks in the afternoon sun as traditional bands strike up a lively tune indoors. As a first-time visitor, there's a lot to take in, but the vibrant energy of the city, poised for the weekend ahead, is utterly infectious. Pictured: The bedrooms at The Leinster are bold, bright and welcoming (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography) Back at the Jean-Georges rooftop restaurant, we have perhaps the best view in Dublin as the sun sets behind our round table on the outdoor terrace space. There, evening melts into night as we feast on dishes that intertwine Irish classics with fresh French and Southeast Asian flavours, including a show-stealing egg toast with caviar and herbs, Lambay Island crab spring rolls with tamarind and seared fillet of Irish beef with asparagus, jalapeno and wholegrain mustard butter. Pictured: The Irish beef fillet served at The Jean Georges restaurant (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography) The next morning, we craftily wriggle out of an 8 am PT session planned at the state-of-the-art gym downstairs at The Leinster, instead making use of their outdoor jacuzzi and sauna to start off our final few hours in Dublin on the right note. Later, there's a stop by the Silver Works on South Great George's Street for a masterclass in jewellery making, each of us leaving thoroughly chuffed to have created our own silver rings as a reminder of the trip. And even more elated to have avoided any accidents while getting to grips with the specialist hammers, saws, and heavy metal files in the process. Though there's more free time scheduled, the draw of the Collins Club is irresistible. Pictured: Step into the lobby at The Leinster (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography) Once more we find ourselves gathered for a late lunch of lemon chicken picatta Caesar salad, Johnstone steak sandwiches with crispy onion and pepper sauce and rigatoni with semi-dried tomato, chilli, mint and pecorino pesto before the call for a taxi to the airport is made. With all there is to see and do in Dublin, finding it so hard to leave the rooms, bars and restaurant spaces at the hotel is a true testament to how special this place is. Of the short 36 hours we had to enjoy in the city, not a second felt wasted in making the most of all that The Leinster has to offer. The Leinster is located at 7 Mount Street Lower, Dublin. For more information, visit
