Latest news with #Blackfriar
Times
9 hours ago
- General
- Times
How to treat your floors to prevent slipping
I have an industrial steel and concrete staircase in my house and I am replacing it with one made from tulipwood. It needs to be completely non-slip as I am a 73-year-old widow living alone and cannot risk falling on it. The staircase comes with a minimum finish, but the rest is up to me. I don't want to paint the staircase because I'd like the colour and grain of the wood to show. I have tried to find a seriously non-slip varnish but they do not seem to exist. The option I've been given is to use a clear varnish (I've bought Blackfriar Quick Drying Floor Varnish) and then spray it with a non-slip finish such as Rust-Oleum SuperGrip. Is there one product that would do the whole job? I have a limited budget and I don't want to pay twice for the two finishes if I don't need to. Many thanks for your French Your new tulipwood staircase sounds great, and I completely understand your concern. The good news is that there are products designed exactly for your situation. One we often recommend is Osmo Polyx-Oil Anti-Slip, which is a clear hardwax oil that protects the wood while allowing the natural grain and tone to shine through. It comes in two grades of slip resistance and is used widely on interior wooden stairs and floors. It's easy to apply, long-lasting and doesn't require a second product, so it should suit your budget better than the two-step option you mention. If you're looking for something even grippier, there's an industrial-grade product called Tuff Grip. However, it has a more textured finish and may obscure some of the wood's natural beauty, so it's a bit of a trade-off. I hope this helps, and I'd love to hear how the staircase turns out. • Read more expert advice on property, interiors and home improvement We have had the idea of covering our patio and part of the adjoining wall with blue and white tiles to give a bit of a Spanish feel. We're worried about slipping. What type of tile would be recommended?George Luke This sounds like a great plan. Look for textured porcelain tiles with an anti-slip rating of R11 or higher. Porcelain is tough, weather-resistant and ideal for outdoor use; ceramic tiles, while more affordable, are generally better suited to walls or sheltered areas because they're less durable in frost and heavy rain. Many tile suppliers sell decorative porcelain ranges inspired by Spanish or Mediterranean patterns, often with non-slip finishes. Natural stone can be a lovely option, but it's rare to find it in those vivid colours. A word of warning on installation: patios need proper sub-base preparation, a fall for drainage (to keep water away from the house) and a frost-proof adhesive. Getting this wrong leads to cracked or loose tiles, which can be costly to fix. It's well worth getting a professional to do the groundwork. I hope your patio turns out beautifully — and is Birch Reynardson is the co-founder of Adda Home Solutions • Are these bed bugs? Pest expert 'Bugman' Jones answers your questions What is the best way to clean the rubber seal on the washing machine door?Jean Mathieson Spray on a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, leave for a few minutes, then clean off with a soft brush and wipe with a Taylor, Sussex Adding a handful of washing soda crystals to the 'drum clean' programme of my washing machine (Bosch) completely cleared the black staining on the rubber door seal. Good as new!Barby Witt I spray HG Mould Remover on some kitchen roll until it is soaked, then press the wad into the affected bits of the seal. Leave overnight. Ellie Wilson I wipe the seal with Dettol and dry it after each use. If you're not already doing so, leave the laundry drawer and door open after each wash to avoid trapping warm water, which encourages bacteria and mould growth. And keep the machine clean and disinfected with a hot (min 60C), empty maintenance wash every month and Dr Beckmann Washing Machine Cleaner to keep mould at bay and ensure the machine is running My washing machine engineer told me never to use liquid fabric Burrows What is the best way to remove fly dirt (poo) from my lovely white window frames? I can get the main spot off but it leaves a pale Challacombe How can I clean the inside of the 12ft high lantern light in our kitchen? Liz Graham Send tips and questions to homehelp@ Advice given without responsibility
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iconic London pub reopens after three-week refurb to restore historic charm
An iconic London pub has reopened after a three-week refurbishment. The Blackfriar, in Blackfriars, officially reopened this spring after the work, which has given the pub a new look. The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its historical Art Nouveau look and feel inside. Blackfriar unveils new look, expanded bar, and refreshed food menu (Image: ROBERTO_GARAGARZA) Updates include new furniture indoors and out, restored decorative features, upgraded restrooms, and an expanded selection of drinks. The Blackfriar is renowned for being a historical Grade II listed building. The pub stands on the site of a former medieval Dominican friary and was remodelled to its current state in about 1905, reflecting its location and history. New outdoor seating and updated restrooms part of Blackfriar revamp (Image: ROBERTO_GARAGARZA) It has a range of murals and brass reliefs, as well as historical period outside decorations. The pub is said to be haunted and has a small vaulted dining room. Guests can tuck into all the pub classics including steak and ale pie, traditional fish and chips, and the signature Nicholson's Burger. Blackfriar reopens with nod to history and fresh hospitality offerings (Image: ROBERTO_GARAGARZA) Along with the new Light Nights food menu, guests will also be greeted with a new launch drinks' menu, boasting a selection of craft beers, ciders, and cocktails. General manager Seamus: 'We're proud to honour the building's legacy.' (Image: ROBERTO_GARAGARZA) General manager Seamus at Blackfriar said: "We have invested heavily in order to restore the historical elements of the pub while updating guest facilities and areas in keeping with the listed nature of the building. "A redesigned bar with more offerings will allow us to offer more choices to our guests going forward and we look forward to being part of the community for a long time to come." Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, a number of new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve food to guests.
