Latest news with #EmilyDavison
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Dublin should be on your list of weekend getaways from London
I went to Dublin for a short weekend break and it's the perfect mix of history, sights and a lot of fun. Known for its historic Trinity College, its 13th century castle and vibrant Temple Bar serving pints of Guinness around every corner, Dublin is a worthy candidate for a short weekend break out of London. In the same time you could catch a train to places like Canterbury, Brighton or the coast, you could easily bag yourself a plane ticket to Dublin, Ireland for as little as £35 if you book in advance. After many years of wanting to visit, I finally got the chance this May to explore this vibrant city and I'll attest I had a great time. Dublin is a worthy candidate for a short weekend break out of London. (Image: Emily Davison) Beginning with where I stayed, I spent two nights at The Chancery Hotel – a modern and sophisticated hotel just a stone's throw from Dublin Castle and within a 10-minute walk of Temple Bar. Here you'll find rooms ranging from standard double rooms up to suites, and we stayed in one of their Deluxe King Rooms offering views of Dublin Castle, with incredibly comfortable mattresses. We stayed in one of the hotel's Deluxe King Rooms offering views of Dublin Castle, with incredibly comfortable mattresses. (Image: Emily Davison) Although I will admit I did feel like I had stepped into the set of a sci-fi film, with curtains and doors that opened and closed with the push of a button. The hotel also offers a basement Wellness Suite where you can have treatments and use the facilities, including the steam room, sauna and plunge pool, which is open to guests between 8am and 6pm if you feel like recharging after a day walking around the city. The hotel offers a basement Wellness Suite where you can have treatments and use the facilities, including the steam room, sauna and plunge pool. (Image: Emily Davison) If you feel like eating in the hotel, the Fawn Restaurant offers a menu of seasonally changing options along with crafted cocktails inspired by Irish folklore. This is also where you'll be served a buffet breakfast with a broad range of continental and cooked options like pastries, a full English, fruit and cheeses. I really loved the hotel's modern vibe, along with its warm reception from staff and close proximity to Temple Bar, whilst still feeling quiet and peaceful during the evening hours. I really loved the hotel's modern vibe, along with its warm reception from staff and close proximity to Temple Bar (Image: Emily Davison) One thing Dublin is well known for is its food and drink scene, with an Irish pub around every corner vying for your attention and a whole plethora of cuisines to choose from. Temple Bar is of course one of Dublin's most popular spots, and whilst many locals consider it the more touristy side of Dublin's pub scene it's still worth a visit just for the atmosphere alone. Temple Bar is of course one of Dublin's most popular spots. (Image: Emily Davison) I visited one of the district's nearby pubs – The Wild Duck – which had a really eclectic interior with old-fashioned dolls, photos and memorabilia, along with a menu of Irish pub staples and cocktails. But equally if you're looking for a traditional Irish pub, then spots like Grogan's, The Haul and Gravediggers came highly recommended by locals. Dublin has an Irish pub around every corner vying for your attention and a whole plethora of cuisines to choose from. (Image: Emily Davison) Dublin has plenty to offer for things to see and do, whether you want to explore its links with Guinness and whiskey, or whether you want to learn about its past. Dublin has plenty to offer for things to see and do, whether you want to explore its links with Guinness and whiskey, or whether you want to learn about its past. (Image: Ei Travel Group) One of Dublin's must-do attractions is of course a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in St. James's Gate, this fun and immersive experience takes you through the process of making Guinness and showcases the history of the drink that has become so synonymous with Ireland. You could easily spend a few hours here, with plenty to see and do, and you can also have additional experiences like The Guinness Academy, where you get to learn how to pull the perfect pint. This was my first time trying Guinness and I do agree with what the Irish say, in that it is 'an acquired taste', but even if you're not a big Guinness drinker this is still an experience I'd highly recommend if you have the time. Another of Dublin's boozy attractions was a visit to The Whiskey Museum, where you're taken on an interactive tour with a guide, highlighting Ireland's history with whiskey and how it was actually discovered (through pure chance and a little forgetfulness). At the Whiskey Museum you're taken on an interactive tour with a guide, highlighting Ireland's history with whiskey (Image: Ei Travel Group) The experience, lasting an hour, ends with a tasting, where you get to try three iconic Irish whiskies, which were quite unlike any I've tried before. But if you fancy it, you can also tack on extras like a masterclass in how to make the perfect Irish coffee. The experience ends with a tasting, where you get to try three iconic Irish whiskies. (Image: Ei Travel Group) Dublin is quite a vast city, so if you feel like seeing as much of it as possible I'd recommend a tour aboard the Dublin City Sightseeing Bus. During the bus tour you can hop on and off to see some of the city's main attractions like Trinity College, Ha'Penny Bridge and Marsh's Library, with tickets priced at £27.41 for adults and £12.85 for children for a 24-hour ticket. If you feel like seeing as much of the city as possible I'd recommend a tour aboard the Dublin City Sightseeing Bus. (Image: Ei Travel Group) Dublin also has a number of historic buildings like St Patrick's Cathedral and its historic castle, with a history dating back to 1204. One of Dublin's most-do historic attractions is a tour of Trinity College and The Book of Kells. Trinity College was first commissioned by Elizabeth I in 1592 and over the years it has played host to many famous academics, writers and scientists like Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and George Berkeley. Trinity College has played host to many famous academics, writers and scientists over the years. (Image: Trinity College Dublin) We booked for the 45-minute tour led by one of the university's students, followed by a visit to The Book of Kells and Iconic Trinity Library. On the tour you'll learn about the university's past and its role in Dublin today, and have a chance to see The Book of Kells – a famous manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which was created in around 800 AD by Celtic monks. On the tour you'll learn about the university's past and its role in Dublin today, and have a chance to see The Book of Kells. (Image: Trinity College Dublin) Finally, no visit to Dublin would be complete without visiting Dublin Castle, with a history dating back over 800 years. If you book on one of the daily guided tours, you'll get to see the Medieval remains of the castle as well as its historic chapel built in 1814. To this day Dublin Castle plays a prominent role in Ireland's parliamentary life, hosting state visits, inaugurations and ceremonies, and the tour led by our guide Daisy really brought the stories of the castle to life. Dublin Castle has a history dating back over 800 years. (Image: Emily Davison) Dublin is well known for its vibrant shops, from the Brown Thomas department store on Grafton Street to its many independent shops in streets like St George's Arcade and O'Connell Street. In Dublin you can be sure to find anything from antiques and vintage clothes to unusual pieces, making it a really great place to shop – just be sure not to overdo it if you have a stringent luggage allowance. With such a diverse mix of things to do in Dublin, this popular city is well worth a visit if you're looking for a fun weekend trip away.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘Bustling' Bromley named one of UK's ‘happiest' places to live
The Guardian has revealed this year's list of the UK's 'happiest' places to live and Bromley was one of them. Bromley was named alongside fellow south London neighbourhoods Clapham Junction and Surbiton in The Guardian's list of the UK's 'happiest places to live in Britain'. Bromley earned a spot on the list on account of its plethora of local green spaces, its 'bustling shopping centre' and links to the city. Bromley earned a spot on the list on account of its plethora of local green spaces, its 'bustling shopping centre' and links to the city. (Image: London Communications Agency) Bromley – which has previously been named as London's best borough for working families by Making Moves in 2024, as well as one of the UK's best places to retire by the Telegraph in January this year – is a popular choice for those looking to have easy access to London. Located on the fringes of London and Kent, Bromley is uniquely placed offering convenient links to the city by train from Bromley South, along with plenty of options for day trips to the countryside and Kent coastline. But whilst Bromley may be one of London's suburbs it still offers plenty to do for after-work or weekend activities, from The Churchill Theatre which hosts a range of comedy shows, gigs and theatre performances, as well as ten-pin bowling and swimming at The Pavilion Leisure Centre. Bromley offers plenty to do for after-work or weekend activities. (Image: The Imperial Arms) One of the town's 'biggest advantages' is its multiple links to the Kent coast and London, with locals able to travel to the likes of Canterbury, Margate and Broadstairs or London Blackfriars and Victoria from Bromley South station. Bromley is also home to many local greenspaces and parks, with nine holding the coveted Green Flag accreditation. Bromley is also home to many local greenspaces and parks, with nine holding the coveted Green Flag accreditation. (Image: PA) The Guardian highlighted National Trust-owned Petts Wood and Hawkwood – a peaceful walking trail perfect for dog walks and birdwatching. But aside from that, Church House Gardens just off the high street offers a tranquil spot to stop off for a picnic, with a lake, playground and an outdoor theatre space. Copper Ceylon is an award-winning Bromley Sri Lankan restaurant. (Image: Emily Davison) Bromley is also home to plenty of pubs, restaurants and bars like Copper Ceylon, an award-winning Bromley Sri Lankan restaurant with a broad plant-based menu, and The Barrel and Horn, with its selection of craft beers and music events. According to Rightmove, house prices averaged at £574,779 over the last year, with the majority of properties sold in Bromley during the last year being flats. Terraced properties sold for an average of £512,641, with semi-detached properties fetching £672,102.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The immersive spa experience created by Lush with themed music, scents and drinks
If you're looking for a spa treatment with a difference, Lush's spa in Covent Garden takes you on a complete sensory experience. You may not already know this, but Lush (the brand famous for its bath bombs and Sleepy Lotion) also have a number of spas where you can have an immersive treatment like no other. Complete with music created by Lush's in-house musicians and choreographed with the spa treatments, each of their 13 treatments are designed to take you on a journey and care for your mind as well as your body. Each of their 13 treatments are designed to take you on a journey and care for your mind as well as your body. (Image: Emily Davison) The Covent Garden store opened in the summer of 2025 and it's one of two spa stores in London, the other being in Oxford Street. I was booked in to try The Highlands treatment, which is one of their newest treatments that takes inspiration from the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and Celtic traditions. The Highlands treatment is one of their newest treatments that takes inspiration from the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and Celtic traditions. (Image: Emily Davison) I first began by making my way through the shop to find the Lush Spa, which is located on the basement of the shop, and after filling in a brief questionnaire I was introduced to my lovely therapist Katie. Each of the spa's rooms are named after a different flower, and I will just say Lush Spas feel like being in someone's cosy and well-appointed home, complete with flowers, bowls of fruit, and artwork on the walls. Lush Spas feel like being in someone's cosy and well-appointed home. (Image: Emily Davison) The Highlands is a 60-minute full body massage that uses hot stones that originated from volcanoes, which mean they retain their heat for a longer time. Like all of the spa treatments at Lush, it begins with a little creative flair where you are given a unique stone reading. The treatment uses hot stones that originated from volcanoes, which mean they retain their heat for a longer time. (Image: Emily Davison) You begin by selecting three stones from a bag which feature Celtic symbols, and from there you whittle it down to one and are given a reading, which indicates how you may be feeling or want to feel. The treatment is timed alongside a soundtrack featuring Gaelic artists, soundscapes from the Highlands and beautiful vocals from Julie Fowlis, whose voice you may recognise if you've watched Disney's Brave. The treatment is timed alongside a soundtrack featuring Gaelic artists, soundscapes from the Highlands and beautiful vocals from Julie Fowlis. (Image: Emily Davison) As for the treatment itself, this would be perfect for anyone who feels the cold like I do, or if they play a lot of sport or have quite a physically demanding job. The treatment tackled every knot I think I'd built up over the past year from my back to my feet and head. The massage technique is specially choreographed to the pace of the music, beginning with rhythmic presses to mimic the sensation of ascending a hill, to slow and gentle touches as you arrive by the seashore at the end of the music track. The treatment tackled every knot I think I'd built up over the past year from my back to my feet and head. (Image: Emily Davison) Finally the treatment finished with a cup of Scottish black tea, which you can drink on comfy armchairs, taking as much time to relax and unwind as you'd like if you're not ready to brave the outside world just yet. I left feeling like I'd been blessed with a new body and was more than ready for an evening in bed, enjoying my knot-free back and un-aching feet. The Highlands Spa Treatment is available to book for £150 a person at ten Lush spas across the UK, including Covent Garden in London, or if you fancy treating yourself and a loved one then couples rooms are also available to book too.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The incredible street art in East Dulwich - one of the UK's best places to live
East Dulwich is well known for its strong art scene, with many of its streets featuring incredible works of art. This leafy and artsy south London neighbourhood was recently named one of the UK's Best Places to Live by The Sunday Times. With its plethora of historic buildings, it was featured in the list on account of its 'prized assets' like its private schools, Dulwich Picture Gallery and Dulwich Park. If you're a lover of street art, East Dulwich is home to a whole host of incredible works of art, including famous works by Conor Harrington and Stik. Dulwich Picture Gallery was begun in 2012 by Ingrid Beazley, a curator at Dulwich Picture Gallery. This unique project invites street artists to reinterpret 17th and 18th-century artworks in their unique styles. It endeavours to bridge the gap between classical and modern art, making historical pieces accessible to the community in a contemporary context. We've put together a guide on some of the street art you can see and where you can see it. Where to find it? Plough Inn car park, 381 Lordship Lane, SE22 8JJ Mad C 2015: Created by German street artist Mad C, this artwork transforms Van Dyck's 1633 portrait Venetia, Lady Digby, on her Deathbed into a semi-abstract mural that preserves the original's emotional impact. The artwork includes a meticulously painted rose, torn apart to represent fleeting beauty and untimely loss, as a tribute to Venetia who died aged just 33. Created by German street artist Mad C, this artwork transforms Van Dyck's 1633 portrait Venetia, Lady Digby, on her Deathbed into a semi-abstract mural. (Image: Emily Davison) Where to find them? Bowling Building, Dulwich Park, College Road, SE21 7BQ Stik (2012): Stik reinterprets Three Boys by Bartolomé Estéban Murillo with his signature stick figures, bringing playful warmth to a centuries-old composition. Stik reinterprets Three Boys by Bartolomé Estéban Murillo with his signature stick figures. (Image: Emily Davison) Thierry Noir (2013): Based on Joseph Receiving Pharaoh's Ring by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, this mural bears Noir's iconic colour-block characters. Based on Joseph Receiving Pharaoh's Ring by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, this mural bears Noir's iconic colour-block characters. (Image: Emily Davison) Where to find them? Frogley Road junction with Lordship Lane, SE22 8EW Kingfisher Mural: At the side of Mary's Living & Giving, this vibrant bird brightens the street and is a striking example of the colourful murals around East Dulwich. this vibrant bird brightens the street and is a striking example of the colourful murals around East Dulwich. (Image: Emily Davison) Catman (2016) – Queen on a Hoverboard: A playful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II riding a hoverboard, pulled by three corgis. Originally painted to mark her 90th birthday, it was relocated in 2022 for the Platinum Jubilee. This playful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II riding a hoverboard, pulled by three corgis, was originally painted to mark her 90th birthday. (Image: Emily Davison) Catman (2024) – Planet of the Grapes: Painted for East Dulwich's newest wine bar, this quirky mural adds fresh flair to Frogley Road, featuring a group of Apes gathered around a table drinking wine. Painted for East Dulwich's newest wine bar, this quirky mural adds fresh flair to Frogley Road. (Image: Emily Davison) Where to find it? Opposite East Dulwich Tavern, Spurling Road, SE22 9AP This depicts two 18th century men locked in a dramatic boxing match. (Image: Emily Davison) Conor Harrington (2013) - Fightclub: This depicts two 18th century men locked in a dramatic boxing match. It was inspired by Charles Le Brun's Massacre of the Innocents. The artist is well known for merging classical oil painting with contemporary street styles.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The London cocktail bar with a menu inspired by places around the world
I tried a brand-new cocktail inspired by one man's adventures around the world in a hot air balloon. If you're a fan of books like Around the World in Eighty Days, there's a brand-new cocktail menu you should know about in The Coral Rooms. Set within The Bloomsbury off Tottenham Court Road, The Coral Room has come out with a new menu inspired by the travels of Richard Crosbie, who was famously the first Irishman to make a manned flight in 1785. The Coral Room has come out with a new menu inspired by the travels of Richard Crosbie, who was famously the first Irishman to make a manned flight. (Image: Emily Davison) The new menu, named Mr Crosbie's Great Aeronautic Adventure, is presented as a hot air balloon, and features 16 different cocktails themed around the various countries he visited across the globe. The new menu, named Mr Crosbie's Great Aeronautic Adventure, is presented as a hot air balloon, and features 16 different cocktails. (Image: Emily Davison) Some of our personal highlights include the sweet Kola Koala, inspired by the Australian Outback with rum, Black Coffee Amaro and banana, as well as the Silver Nymph, presented in a Greek Parthenon and created to resemble tzatziki with Greek yoghurt, Vodka and cucumber. Each cocktail is unique and they pay tribute to various countries, from Japan to Italy. (Image: Emily Davison) Each cocktail is unique and they pay tribute to various countries, from Japan with the fruity Shisoni, which was a play on a classic Negroni, to Italy with the Botticelli, made with extra virgin olive oil. If you like unusual flavours and themed drinks, The Coral Rooms is worth visiting if you happen to be in Tottenham Court Road. The cocktails aren't the cheapest, priced at £17 each, but the elegant location and novelty menu does make it a good spot for birthdays, pre-theatre drinks or any celebration.
