Latest news with #Boulton
The Irish Sun
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 5 ‘pillars of ageing' doctors use to determine if you will live a long and healthy life – so how do you fare?
MANY of us want to live a long and healthy life - but how often do we think about the things we're doing now to help us get there? A five-part quiz created by experts may reveal how well you're ageing. Advertisement 3 Are you doing things right now to help you live longer? Credit: Getty Developed as part of the The Open University and Age UK, the quiz asks a series of questions that may prompt you to take action. Many factors influence healthy ageing, some of which aren't in our control, while others are within our reach. Genetic factors cannot be controlled, but many affecting our physical, mental and social well-being can. Jitka Vseteckova, Senior Lecturer Health and Social Care at The Open University, and Lis Boulton, Visiting Research Fellow at the university, identified five key areas - known as the Advertisement Read more on living longer And it's these five pillars that form part of the quiz. 1. Are you eating well? Eating healthily means consuming a balanced diet with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. One diet associated with various health benefits is the It emphasises plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while also including healthy fats like olive oil and moderate amounts of fish, dairy, and poultry. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Red meat and processed foods are limited. Writing for What healthy looks like "Malnutrition is a serious concern in older age, especially when it comes to maintaining strong muscles and bones." 2. Are you staying hydrated? Drinking enough water is vital for maintaining bodily functions, promoting overall health, and preventing various health issues. Advertisement Not drinking enough can cause dehydration and affect cognitive function, mood and energy . Vseteckova and Boulton advise: "Cutting down on sugary drinks can help you to maintain a healthy weight and staying within recommended alcohol limits can also help lower your risk of conditions like dementia. Hydration really matters." But they add for people with life-limiting illnesses or conditions like advanced dementia, appetite and oral intake may be severely reduced. And sugary drinks may be one of the few sources of calories they can tolerate, so hydration should take priority over strict nutritional guidelines. Advertisement 3. Are you being physically active? 3 Just walking more can boost health and prevent diseases like osteoporosis Credit: Getty Being physically active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, offering numerous benefits such as reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mood, and increased energy levels. Just walking more can boost health, say Vseteckova and Boulton, and when paired with good nutrition, can help prevent degenerative disease osteoporosis. Swimming, cycling, dancing, and activities like yoga and Pilates are also recommended for older adults. Advertisement And studies have shown it's never too late to start exercising. One But that number was similar to the results for people who'd been inactive in their youth and only began exercising regularly in their 40s, 50s and 60s. 4. Are you connecting socially? Social connection is a fundamental human need, crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Advertisement Strong social bonds provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and contribute to a sense of belonging and self-worth. Furthermore, social interaction has been linked to improved cognitive function, a stronger immune system, and even a longer life. Vseteckova and Boulton explain: "Loneliness increases the risk of depression and "Building strong social ties earlier in life can help protect well-being over the long term." Advertisement 5. Are you challenging your brain? 3 Doing crosswords has been shown to potentially delay dementia Credit: Getty Challenging your brain is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, enhancing mental abilities, and potentially delaying cognitive decline. This could involve learning, reading, playing an instrument, or trying something new. Advertisement " There's no magic fix, but even small actions can have lasting benefits ," quip Vseteckova and Boulton. The Take Five to Age Well quiz is part of a free, expert-led, month-long challenge which supports participants' current habits and needs. Vseteckova and Boulton say: "We developed the Take Five to Age Well quiz to help people reflect on how they're doing across these five areas – and where there might be room to grow. "The follow-up resources are based on real-life experiences of ageing from diverse communities and offer small, achievable steps you can start today." Advertisement Tips for living longer Live happier and healthier for longer with the NHS's top 10 tips: Watch what you eat and drink Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for good health, energy and preventing illness. Look after your teeth Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to prevent gum disease. Gum disease can be linked to diabetes, stroke, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Stay active Regular exercise can help lower your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. Make the most of your GP It's a good idea to get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels tested by your doctor. High readings can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Get a vitamin boost Lots of people have vitamin D deficiency but don't know it. The condition has been linked to cognitive impairment, bone problems, and cardiovascular disease. Make sure to get outdoors during the spring and summer months, and during autumn and winter you might want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Take care of your feet Look after your feet by applying moisturiser, cutting your toenails straight across, and making sure you wear footwear that fits properly and supports your feet. Contact your GP if your feet become painful. Sort out your sleep Getting enough sleep is important for staying healthy. Avoid insomnia by cutting down on daytime naps, establishing a bedtime routine and going to bed at the same time each night. Take the tests As we age our hearing and eyesight can be affected, so it's important to get them checked regularly. Stay in touch Spending time with other people can prevent you from feeling lonely or anxious. Give up smoking Smoking is linked to a range of different health problems, including heart disease and lung cancer. If you stop, regardless of your age, your circulation, lung capacity, and energy levels will improve.
Scottish Sun
22-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 5 ‘pillars of ageing' doctors use to determine if you will live a long and healthy life – so how do you fare?
Follow top tips from the NHS to help you live longer TEST OF TIME The 5 'pillars of ageing' doctors use to determine if you will live a long and healthy life – so how do you fare? MANY of us want to live a long and healthy life - but how often do we think about the things we're doing now to help us get there? A five-part quiz created by experts may reveal how well you're ageing. Advertisement 3 Are you doing things right now to help you live longer? Credit: Getty Developed as part of the Take Five to Age Well project by The Open University and Age UK, the quiz asks a series of questions that may prompt you to take action. Many factors influence healthy ageing, some of which aren't in our control, while others are within our reach. Genetic factors cannot be controlled, but many affecting our physical, mental and social well-being can. Jitka Vseteckova, Senior Lecturer Health and Social Care at The Open University, and Lis Boulton, Visiting Research Fellow at the university, identified five key areas - known as the Five Pillars for Ageing Well - they say form a "strong foundation for staying well and thriving in later life". Advertisement Read more on living longer LIVE LONG & PROSPER The anti-ageing Ozempic effect: How fat jabs could help you live longer And it's these five pillars that form part of the quiz. 1. Are you eating well? Eating healthily means consuming a balanced diet with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Writing for The Conversation, Vseteckova and Boulton say: "Diets like the Mediterranean plan are linked with a lower risk of dementia and other chronic conditions. "Malnutrition is a serious concern in older age, especially when it comes to maintaining strong muscles and bones." Advertisement 2. Are you staying hydrated? Drinking enough water is vital for maintaining bodily functions, promoting overall health, and preventing various health issues. Not drinking enough can cause dehydration and affect cognitive function, mood and energy. What healthy looks like Vseteckova and Boulton advise: "Cutting down on sugary drinks can help you to maintain a healthy weight and staying within recommended alcohol limits can also help lower your risk of conditions like dementia. Hydration really matters." But they add for people with life-limiting illnesses or conditions like advanced dementia, appetite and oral intake may be severely reduced. Advertisement And sugary drinks may be one of the few sources of calories they can tolerate, so hydration should take priority over strict nutritional guidelines. 3. Are you being physically active? 3 Just walking more can boost health and prevent diseases like osteoporosis Credit: Getty Being physically active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, offering numerous benefits such as reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mood, and increased energy levels. Just walking more can boost health, say Vseteckova and Boulton, and when paired with good nutrition, can help prevent degenerative disease osteoporosis. Advertisement 4. Are you connecting socially? Social connection is a fundamental human need, crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Strong social bonds provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and contribute to a sense of belonging and self-worth. Furthermore, social interaction has been linked to improved cognitive function, a stronger immune system, and even a longer life. Vseteckova and Boulton explain: "Loneliness increases the risk of depression and cognitive decline. Advertisement "Building strong social ties earlier in life can help protect well-being over the long term." 5. Are you challenging your brain? 3 Doing crosswords has been shown to potentially delay dementia Credit: Getty Challenging your brain is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, enhancing mental abilities, and potentially delaying cognitive decline. This could involve learning, reading, playing an instrument, or trying something new. Advertisement Studies show activities like crossword puzzles or new physical activities can potentially delay dementia. "There's no magic fix, but even small actions can have lasting benefits," quip Vseteckova and Boulton. The Take Five to Age Well quiz is part of a free, expert-led, month-long challenge which supports participants' current habits and needs. Vseteckova and Boulton say: "We developed the Take Five to Age Well quiz to help people reflect on how they're doing across these five areas – and where there might be room to grow. Advertisement "The follow-up resources are based on real-life experiences of ageing from diverse communities and offer small, achievable steps you can start today."
Edinburgh Live
02-07-2025
- Edinburgh Live
'Cheating' Edinburgh tourist left woman with life changing injuries in brutal attack
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A woman has revealed how she is 'lucky to be alive' after her ex delivered a horrific blow to her head which left her paralysed. Chloe Beecham, 30, confronted her love rat partner after she discovered messages on his phone related to an Edinburgh birthday trip with another woman. Her former partner, Harry Boulton, attacked her which doctors believed to be the cause of a life-changing stroke which was only picked up after colleagues noticed her dragging her foot. In the attack, the 29-year-old hit Chloe so hard that the carotid artery in her neck was dissected, leaving her with a brain injury. After the attack, Chloe was rushed to hospital and her family was told she might not survive. Initially, hospital staff didn't know the cause of Chloe injuries, and Boulton was allowed to visit her. At some point, as she fought for her life, Boulton texted Chloe: "I'm struggling." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Chloe was completely paralysed down the right side of her body and could not walk or talk after the attack. She spent three months in four different hospitals undergoing rehabilitation. While she has made great progress, her life has been shattered, the Manchester Evening News reported. She still struggles to speak and suffers with aphasia, caused by her brain injury. She needed the help of a speech therapist to make a police statement and her 49-year-old mother Lesley supports her with communication now. Chloe also suffers with chronic fatigue, meaning she is often confined to her bed for days, and also struggles to walk. She has to rely on her mum for daily tasks including tying her shoelaces, doing her own hair and cutting up her food. After Boulton was jailed for three years, Chloe's family was left devastated at the length of his imprisonment - but they have now been told he will be eligible for early release after serving just seven months. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. The young woman said: "I knew Harry was cheating and that night, I had decided to end the relationship. He flew into a rage and punched me so hard that the pain in my head was unbearable. "I'm lucky to be alive but I've been left with permanent disabilities. I have seizures and I suffer weakness down my right side. I have severe problems with my speech and mobility. "Before the attack, I had a good job, my own home, a car, and lots of friends. Harry took all that away from me overnight. I'm reliant on my family to look after me. I will keep fighting but I will never get back to how I was before. Three years in jail feels like an insult. He is eligible for early release soon; there is no end in sight to my injuries. How can this be right or fair?" Chloe met her ex on Tinder in 2018 and initially, their relationship went well. She said she "fell for him" and he seemed caring at first - but when she noticed he was keen "to move things along quickly and talked of buying a house together," she wanted him to slow down. However, Chloe said her ex's behaviour changed a couple of months in, as he often "picked fault" at her and was unhappy with her shift patterns when she worked as a manager, so she changed her hours. She said Boulton "knocked" her confidence by saying none of his family and friends liked her - and he wanted to see her secretly. Chloe said: "I was hurt but I really liked him. I didn't see that he was just being cruel, chipping away at my self-esteem so he could treat me badly." While they continued seeing each other on and off, Chloe wasn't allowed to socialise with Boulton's friends or visit his home in Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester. At that point, she figure out that he had been cheating on her with other women. Chloe said of her ex: "He kept saying he loved me, and he was nearly ready to commit and move in together but in reality, he was cheating on me all the way through. "I started to suspect he was seeing other girls but when I confronted him, he was violent. He pushed me up against a wall one night. Another time he dragged me by my foot from the bottom of the stairs. Whilst I was sitting next to him, I saw him messaging another girl on Snapchat and he split my lip open when I asked about her. I didn't know what to do. I felt very isolated and confused. I couldn't tell anyone about the violence because nobody even knew we were in a relationship. "Even my own family didn't know I was still seeing him. Harry kept me hanging on all the time, like I was supposed to be grateful for the attention he gave me. I'd never have seen myself as a victim of domestic abuse and it just didn't register; when you are in the middle of it, you can't see it." (Image: Focus Features.) The tragic attack happened in December 2022, the couple argued after Boulton went to Edinburgh to celebrate his birthday. Chloe said Boulton had told her he needed to go away on his own "for some peace" but she eventually found photos and messages which showed he was actually there with a girl. Chloe said: "We were in bed in my flat and I was very calm. I picked up his phone and asked him about the girl. I was worried he was going to lose his temper, and I locked myself in the bathroom. But he promised he'd stay reasonable and so I came out. There were messages from other girls on his phone too. I wanted the truth from him; I'd realised he was never going to change, and we needed to separate." However, once in the living room, Chloe says Boulton erupted with rage and punched her several times to the back of her head, neck and face. She says: "I was screaming at him to stop, that he was hurting me. I immediately felt the blood rushing in my neck and my eye swelled up immediately. My head was throbbing. I felt so ill; I went back to bed and asked Harry to sleep on the couch." Boulton left the flat during the night - and she said he made no effort to check on her or to call for help even though she was not responding. The following morning, she wasn't feeling well but went to work after covering her black eye with make-up. However, her colleagues became alarmed when she began dropping things and dragging her right foot, so they took her to hospital. Chloe was transferred to Salford Royal Infirmary, a specialist stroke unit where doctors established her stroke was due to an almost severed carotid artery following trauma. Her family travelled from Lincolnshire to be at her bedside and Boulton also visited Chloe in hospital, telling staff he was devastated by her collapse. It later emerged that the stroke was trauma-induced and Boulton admitted o Lesley only that he had pushed Chloe. He was arrested and Chloe was placed under police guard. It was later established he had punched Chloe. She was later transferred to a hospital in Lincolnshire near her family home and one month later, she was able to tell her mother: "Harry, phone, punch, stroke." Boulton, an accountant, appeared before Manchester Crown Court in April and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of wounding without intent. He was jailed for three years. Chloe now wants to help other domestic abuse victims after her life was "shattered" by her ex. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox She said: "My focus now is on raising awareness of strokes in young people but most importantly of the devastating impact of domestic abuse. Please don't stay with someone until they hit you so hard that they nearly kill you. I've had wonderful support from the police and rehab staff and me and my family are extremely grateful to them all. Help is out there. Please don't stay silent - it could cost your life." For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit**
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Boyfriend left me paralysed and fighting for life after I caught him cheating'
Chloe Beecham's life completely changed after her Harry Boulton punched her in the head so bad that the carotid artery in her neck was dissected, leaving her with a brain injury A woman said she is "lucky to be alive" after her ex punched her in the head so hard it left her paralysed. Chloe Beecham, 30, suffered a life-changing stroke after her former partner, Harry Boulton, attacked her when she caught him cheating. In the attack, the 29-year-old hit Chloe so hard that the carotid artery in her neck was dissected, leaving her with a brain injury. After the attack, Chloe was rushed to hospital and her family was told she might not survive. Initially, hospital staff didn't know the cause of Chloe injuries, and Boulton was allowed to visit her. At some point, as she fought for her life, Boulton texted Chloe: "I'm struggling." READ MORE: Domestic abuse victims and care leavers given social housing help under rules change Chloe was completely paralysed down the right side of her body and could not walk or talk after the attack. She spent three months in four different hospitals undergoing rehabilitation. While she has made great progress, her life has been shattered, the Manchester Evening News reported. She still struggles to speak and suffers with aphasia, caused by her brain injury. She needed the help of a speech therapist to make a police statement and her 49-year-old mother Lesley supports her with communication now. Chloe also suffers with chronic fatigue, meaning she is often confined to her bed for days, and also struggles to walk. She has to rely on her mum for daily tasks including tying her shoelaces, doing her own hair and cutting up her food. After Boulton was jailed for three years, Chloe's family was left devastated at the length of his imprisonment - but they have now been told he will be eligible for early release after serving just seven months. The young woman said: "I knew Harry was cheating and that night, I had decided to end the relationship. He flew into a rage and punched me so hard that the pain in my head was unbearable. "I'm lucky to be alive but I've been left with permanent disabilities. I have seizures and I suffer weakness down my right side. I have severe problems with my speech and mobility. "Before the attack, I had a good job, my own home, a car, and lots of friends. Harry took all that away from me overnight. I'm reliant on my family to look after me. I will keep fighting but I will never get back to how I was before. Three years in jail feels like an insult. He is eligible for early release soon; there is no end in sight to my injuries. How can this be right or fair?" Chloe met her ex on Tinder in 2018 and initially, their relationship went well. She said she "fell for him" and he seemed caring at first - but when she noticed he was keen "to move things along quickly and talked of buying a house together," she wanted him to slow down. However, Chloe said her ex's behaviour changed a couple of months in, as he often "picked fault" at her and was unhappy with her shift patterns when she worked as a manager, so she changed her hours. She said Boulton "knocked" her confidence by saying none of his family and friends liked her - and he wanted to see her secretly. Chloe said: "I was hurt but I really liked him. I didn't see that he was just being cruel, chipping away at my self-esteem so he could treat me badly." While they continued seeing each other on and off, Chloe wasn't allowed to socialise with Boulton's friends or visit his home in Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester. At that point, she figure out that he had been cheating on her with other women. Chloe said of her ex: "He kept saying he loved me, and he was nearly ready to commit and move in together but in reality, he was cheating on me all the way through. "I started to suspect he was seeing other girls but when I confronted him, he was violent. He pushed me up against a wall one night. Another time he dragged me by my foot from the bottom of the stairs. Whilst I was sitting next to him, I saw him messaging another girl on Snapchat and he split my lip open when I asked about her. I didn't know what to do. I felt very isolated and confused. I couldn't tell anyone about the violence because nobody even knew we were in a relationship. "Even my own family didn't know I was still seeing him. Harry kept me hanging on all the time, like I was supposed to be grateful for the attention he gave me. I'd never have seen myself as a victim of domestic abuse and it just didn't register; when you are in the middle of it, you can't see it." The tragic attack happened in December 2022, the couple argued about after Boulton went to Edinburgh to celebrate his birthday. Chloe said Boulton had told her he needed to go away on his own "for some peace" but she eventually found photos and messages which showed he was actually there with a girl. Chloe said: "We were in bed in my flat and I was very calm. I picked up his phone and asked him about the girl. I was worried he was going to lose his temper, and I locked myself in the bathroom. But he promised he'd stay reasonable and so I came out. There were messages from other girls on his phone too. I wanted the truth from him; I'd realised he was never going to change, and we needed to separate." However, once in the living room, Chloe says Boulton erupted with rage and punched her several times to the back of her head, neck and face. She says: "I was screaming at him to stop, that he was hurting me. I immediately felt the blood rushing in my neck and my eye swelled up immediately. My head was throbbing. I felt so ill; I went back to bed and asked Harry to sleep on the couch." Boulton left the flat during the night - and she said he made no effort to check on her or to call for help even though she was not responding. The following morning, she wasn't feeling well but went to work after covering her black eye with make-up. However, her colleagues became alarmed when she began dropping things and dragging her right foot, so they took her to hospital. Chloe was transferred to Salford Royal Infirmary, a specialist stroke unit where doctors established her stroke was due to an almost severed carotid artery following trauma. Her family travelled from Lincolnshire to be at her bedside and Boulton also visited Chloe in hospital, telling staff he was devastated by her collapse. It later emerged that the stroke was trauma-induced and Boulton admitted o Lesley only that he had pushed Chloe. He was arrested and Chloe was placed under police guard. It was later established he had punched Chloe. She was later transferred to a hospital in Lincolnshire near her family home and one month later, she was able to tell her mother: "Harry, phone, punch, stroke." Boulton, an accountant, appeared before Manchester Crown Court in April and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of wounding without intent. He was jailed for three years. Chloe now wants to help other domestic abuse victims after her life was "shattered" by her ex. She said: "My focus now is on raising awareness of strokes in young people but most importantly of the devastating impact of domestic abuse. Please don't stay with someone until they hit you so hard that they nearly kill you. I've had wonderful support from the police and rehab staff and me and my family are extremely grateful to them all. Help is out there. Please don't stay silent – it could cost your life." For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit ** Signs of domestic abuse Is your partner excessively jealous and possessive? Is your partner charming one minute and abusive the next? Does your partner have sudden changes of mood – like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? Is your partner stopping you from seeing your family and friends? Do you feel isolated? Is your partner constantly criticizing you and putting you down in public? Does your partner embarrass you, often in front of family and friends, so that you are seen in a bad light? Does your partner play mind games and make you unsure of your own judgment? Does your partner tell you you're useless and couldn't cope without them? Does your partner control your money? Does your partner tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, what to think? Does your partner pressure you to have sex when you don't want to? Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making your partner angry? Does your partner monitor your movements? Or check up on you via your email, Facebook, Twitter or by looking at your text messages? Does your partner use anger and intimidation to frighten you and make you comply with his demands? Has your partner ever threatened you, or intimidated you by using violent language or smashing up the furniture? Are you forced to alter your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner's reaction? Are you blamed for their behaviour e.g. they say you were "asking for it" or deserved the abuse? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you may be experiencing domestic violence. Abuse is a crime and it is never your fault.
Perth Now
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth wine bar's dessert best $16 you'll spend all year
Scrawled in chalk above our heads: 'The best thing since sliced bread'. Sliced is crossed out, replaced with 'barbecued'. Truer words were never spoken, nor scrawled on a restaurant wall. The barbecued bread with whipped butter at Mt Hawthorn bar and wood-fired eatery Sonny's is the best thing since someone in the Middle East decided they had some grains to grind 14,000 years ago. The charred carbs arrived straight from head chef Sofika Boulton's kitchen, smelling like campfire and served with butter so light it threatened to float away like a dandelion. Opened late 2022 in a former Commonwealth Bank branch by experienced Perth bar and restaurant manager Jessica Blyth, who named the joint after her rescue greyhound, this Mt Hawthorn favourite feels like a hipster's retro lounge room. Ferns, monsteras and other pot plants compete for space among bric-a-brac. Yves Klein art prints and provocative Grace Jones posters adorn walls. Sonny's menu switches up every few weeks, sometimes small tweaks, other times it's entirely fresh dishes. Boulton uses ingredients from her own or local gardens. Blyth gives the chef complete creative freedom in the cramped kitchen. After the bread to end all bread, we had the raw beef ($24). This turned out to be Italian-style steak tartare, or carne cruda. Sonny's in Mt Hawthorn. Credit: Supplied Boulton dry ages a whole sirloin in the diner's cool room for a week to reduce moisture and enhance flavour, before the meat is hand-diced, then dressed with a yuzu and Meyer lemon vinaigrette. The cruda is then served with a warm butter emulsion and covered in shaved pecorino and toasted pepper. Citrus prevents the chunky-cut steak and egg yolk from being too rich. This dish is the best tartare in town, and I can't believe it's not tartare! The grilled market fish was a coral trout, caught in Exmouth, and served with roast chicken butter and hand-harvested Goolwa pipis from South Australia ($40). The gorgeously firm fillet of fish was enhanced by the sweet, nutty saltwater clams, while diners should save some barbecued bread to mop up every, single, last drop of the savoury beurre blanc. All three sides sounded delectable but, on Blyth's recommendation, we nabbed the slow-smoked aubergine with macadamia butter — yes, Boulton uses a lot of butter. She knows what side her bread is … something something … on. Anyway, macadamia butter made from grilled eggplant purees plus blitzed raw macadamia nuts, seasoned with sherry vinegar, was piped onto the slow-smoked vegetable, which was surprisingly chewy. A must-have side dish for $18. The one misfire of Boulton's rustic yet spectacular cookery was the charcoaled kipfler potato with smoked butter (more butter!) and Geraldton wax ($18). Sliced lengthways, the spud was too hard, too dull, too bland. Too bad, because the rest of our meal had us in raptures. Did I mention the bread and butter? Sonny's in Mt Hawthorn. Credit: Supplied For dessert we had the Basque cheesecake, which had a burnt top sprinkled with salt — basically, salted caramel. Under the lid, the cake had perfect consistency, creamy but firm. The best $16 you'll spend all year. You'd struggle to find a better iteration from Bilbao to Pamplona. We paired the cheesecake with a delicious Pedro Ximenez from Chouette in the Swan Valley, a solera blend going back to when Pedro Almodovar released High Heels. Readers may recall I reviewed Sonny's about two years ago. Why have I returned so soon? Two reasons. Firstly, Boulton is rightly regarded as one of Perth's best and brightest culinary talents. Last time I ate here, she was working at Bar Rogue, which has also been reviewed. (Head to the Food Hub section of to sift through 600-plus restaurant reviews.) Clearly, her love of fresh produce, fermentation and wood-fired cooking is sympatico with what Blyth hopes to achieve in her impressive first foray as a restaurant owner and operator. Secondly, it's a great room, great service and now truly great food. While it might be named after a pooch, Sonny's has not gone to the dogs. Sonny's in Mt Hawthorn. Credit: Supplied 126 Hobart St, Mount Hawthorn Wednesday-Thursday, 4pm-late. Friday-Sunday, midday-late. Yes Super cool neighbourhood bar and restaurant. Two years after opening, Sonny's hums along with excellent wood-fired dishes and a vibrant drinks list. If you can't decide what you want from the concise and ever-changing menu, go for the $70 per person chef's selection.
