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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' Slater sisters stars living very different lives now as Zoe returns
From EastEnders mainstays to personal tragedy and a new career as security in B&M Bargains, the Slater sister actresses' lives have all gone in different directions Excited EastEnders fans are bracing for a bombshell - Michelle Ryan appears be returning to Albert Square! The 41-year-old TV star famously played Zoe Slater on the BBC soap from 2000 until 2005, and appearing in 559 episodes and her character was involved in one of the most explosive and iconic lines of soap history. Who could forget when she told Jessie Wallace's character Kat Slater that she couldn't boss her around, famously yelling: "You ain't my mother!" Kat screeched back to deliver the explosive response: "Yes I am!" and the moment cemented the family as EastEnders royalty. Of course, the pair are two of five Slater sisters. Ahead of her expected Walford return, the Mirror remembers them all with their five lives going in very different directions since they found fame. Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) Jessie Wallace continued working in soapland, even when the Slater family dwindled and has been on and off the soap for almost 25 years. She was dramatically suspended from the BBC show early 2020 after being accused of being drunk on set. Jessie, 53, was written out of storylines for a brief period but made a triumphant return two months later. It was the second time her partying has got her into trouble with BBC bosses. Back in the 2000s, she was previously suspended from the show, and then in 2003, she was convicted on a drink-driving charge. In 2018 she was sent home from the British Soap Awards for being tipsy but remains a certified Square legend. Hayley Slater (Katie Jarvis) Katie Jarvis joined the Slater gang in 2018 but she didn't last long on the Swquare. The 32-year-old is a mother to two kids, and since leaving EastEnders has ditched acting in favour of working as a security guard in at B&M Bargains in Romford, east London. Katie previously explained to the Daily Star: "I've taken a step back from acting. I've got a job and I'm looking after my kids." In May 2021, it was revealed she will stand trial for assault and racially aggravated harassment, having appeared before Basildon Crown Court. The star was charged with racially aggravated harassment, common assault and two counts of assault by beating. In court, she spoke only to confirm her personal details and to deny the four charges, and she was bailed until her trial date of April 19th next year. The accusations relate to an alleged incident in Southend in Essex on July 31 2020. Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) Returning Zoe Slater was the baby sister of the Slater clan and was portrayed by Michelle Ryan. Since leaving the Square, Michelle has continued to act and has starred in several high shows including Doctor Who, Mansfield Park, Miss Marple and Merlin. Zoe also won the lead role of Jaime Sommers in the Bionic Woman reboot across the pond but sadly it was cancelled after just one series. In 2011, Michelle played Helena from A Midsummer Night's Dream in the BBC Learning project, Off By Heart Shakespeare.2. Also in 2012, Michelle toured with in a production of Cabaret which played in London's West End and now fans can't wait to see her big return to Walford. Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) Kacey Ainsworth - famed for playing tormented Little Mo, the quiet Slater sister - left EastEnders in 2006. The star went on to appear in The Bill and Holby Blue as well as Casualty, Grantchester and The Worst Witch. Kacey is almost unrecognisable since her EastEnders days as she has overhauled her appearance by swapping her dark locks in favour of platinum blonde tones. She has also embraced a shorter style by chopping off her former shoulder-length tresses into a chic bob. Lynne Hobbs (Elaine Lordan) Elaine Lordan played Lynne Hobbs on the soap from 2000 until 2004. The year after she left the soap, Elaine went to the jungle for I'm A Celebrity but only lasted a day after she passed out twice. She also appeared on Soapstar Superstar in 2007 but was the first celeb to the voted out. Elaine has also battled tragedy in her personal life after marrying her husband, Peter Manuel, in 2005 when their baby son died when he was just a few days old. The baby needed surgery for a diaphragmatic hernia and tragically died just nine months after Elaine's mum, Bernie, had taken her own life. Two years later, Elaine and her husband were expecting another baby but she suffered a miscarriage and just 12 months later she lost her father.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Patricia Hodge says she's 'lucky to work' as she returns to screens aged 78
With a vast and notable lists of credits under her hat from over the years of her career, Dame Patricia Hodge opens up about her newest TV stint starring in BBC1's newest drama Death Valley Murder is no laughing matter for Patricia Hodge, who will be playing the role of Helena in the new BBC1 Saturday night drama Death Valley, starring Timothy Spall. A veteran of long-running shows including Poirot, Miss Marple, Waking the Dead and Inspector Morse, she says of Death Valley: "It is sort of that new genre of humorous murder mysteries, which is quite a difficult thing to get your head around, because I don't think there is anything funny about murder. But it's a new popular thing. "It was lovely working with Tim Spall, who is a darling. Anyway, I am interested to see how it pans out. I am not the new Vera, though!" Patricia, 78, filmed around Cardiff for the show, which follows eccentric retired actor John Chapel (Spall) and detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) as they form an unlikely, and often comedic, crime-solving partnership working in and around the Welsh valleys. Specific details of Patricia's role are being closely guarded, but she is one of a number of guest stars and, with her vast experience of crime drama, she is sure to add to the intrigue. Despite being close to 80, the star of A Very English Scandal is also busy working on another BBC murder mystery series, The Marble Hall Murders, based on the Anthony Horowitz books. Patricia, whose movie credits include Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Elephant Man, clearly loves working. "Work is what we are," she says. "I sort of like being challenged. I don't want to sit on the back foot. I want to sit on the front foot. "I am filming this new Anthony Horowitz thing at the moment, The Marble Hall Murders, and I have been filming in Dublin and Greece, and I have never been to Greece, so that has been lovely. I am very lucky to work. Work engages me.' She is also acclimatising to life without her husband, music publisher Peter Owen, who died aged 85 in 2016, after suffering from dementia. Downton Abbey star Patricia cared for him until his death and has helped raise awareness of dementia. Speaking movingly in the past about her feelings of guilt over not being able to prevent her husband's memory loss, which eventually meant he couldn't recognise her, Patricia is not interested in finding anyone else. She says of her loss: "It is always a big adjustment, isn't it? We had over 40 years together, and it is now coming up to nine years (without Peter). I am not looking (for anyone new). It is not on my radar at all. I don't know what I feel, really. I have wonderful friends. I am very lucky to work." Besides acting, Patricia has been committed to supporting Historic Royal Palaces - the charity which oversees the restoration of ageing ancient palaces, held in trust for the nation by King Charles and the Royal Collection. She enjoys seeing new life being breathed into these impressive sites, for the nation to enjoy. Patricia, who lives in Barnes, south west London, continues: "I was on the development board of the Historic Royal Palaces when it came out of the public purse and was given charity status. It suddenly made all these palaces belong to the nation again. And they gave them public ownership. "I am no longer working on it, but it was amazing to be involved, and I would like to be involved again. I guess we only have so many hours in a day. During my time, we oversaw the opening of Kew Palace, which was so amazing because nobody had seen it before, and the things they uncovered, they did it so beautifully. I live in Barnes, so I am not far from it." Avid history lover Patricia was also keen to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. She says: "I stood on Hammersmith Bridge for the VE Day flypast and I watched the bombers come over. I was hit in the gut to think of what our parents went through. What they put up with and how they came through." Turning to more fickle matters, Patricia is keen to pay tribute to the man behind her meticulously well-groomed appearance. She says: "I have very enduring relationships. All my friendships go way back, so I have had the same hairdresser for years, since 1981. It is a man called Hugh Green." Immensely stylish, Patricia has an enviably ageless image. But she insists: "I have never, never lied about my age. I don't think there's any point, because people can find it out very easily. "I think, better to rejoice in what you are rather than try and stifle it. And if people find out and they know you've been lying, then what else are you lying about? You know, far better to live and embrace the truth." Made an OBE in 2017 in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for her services to drama, despite being widely regarded as acting royalty, Patricia likes to be known simply as "Hodge."She says: " The diminutives in Patricia are a nightmare. For the first 10 years of my life, I was called Patricia. "Then I went to a school where, from day one, the teacher introduced me as Pat, without asking or anything. That was an automatic thing, that if you were called Patricia, you were called Pat. "And then I got a bit tired of it, because actually Pat Hodge is not a great combo. When I went to drama school, I was called Trish or Trisha. "There are a lot of people who just call me Hodge, and I think there's only about two, if not three of us (Hodges) in the whole of equity. So now, when I answer the phone, I go, 'Hodge.'' Whether Hodge, Pat, Trisha, or Trish, asked if Dame Patricia Hodge has a certain ring to it, it becomes clear that if she gets another call from the Palace, this grande dame of British acting will take it in her stride. She says: I don't think about it. We should not get prizes for just doing a job. I am an OBE. Do you know what? If it happens, it happens." The new series of Death Valley begins on BBC1 on Sunday, at 8.15pm.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
19 most beautiful villages in the UK you'll want to move to immediately
There are so many beautiful villages all over the UK that look like they're straight from the pages of a book - and we're lucky to have them. The UK is brimming with idyllic villages that seem plucked straight from a storybook or film set. If you're fortunate enough to reside in one, consider yourself blessed. Whether nestled amidst rolling countryside, perched on the coastline, or boasting quaint stone cottages, cobbled lanes and historic pubs, these are the communities many of us fantasise about calling home. We have sought recommendations from writers and experts across the UK for the most picturesque villages the nation has to offer. From Scotland to Cornwall and Wales to Kent, we've virtually traversed every nook and cranny of the country. So whether you're seeking your next dream home or simply looking for a charming day trip or weekend getaway, these stunning villages should provide ample inspiration. Do let us know in the comments if you're lucky enough to call one of these places home, or if there are any hidden gems we've overlooked. 1. Castleton, Derbyshire As you descend through the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass, it's immediately apparent that something extraordinary awaits. Nestled within this steep-sided ravine lies Castleton, one of the Peak District's most beloved and scenic villages. It boasts a maze of caves, including four show caverns open to the public, as well as the imposing ruins of Peveril Castle, erected by the illegitimate son of William the Conqueror. The charming village centre boasts numerous pubs and eateries, as well as gift shops and jewellers selling Blue John, a rare semi-precious gemstone found exclusively in this area. Dominating the landscape is Mam Tor, one of the national park's most renowned hiking destinations. In fact, it's so stunning that locals are finding it hard to manage. 2. Chilham, Kent Chilham in Kent appears to be a village trapped in time. Its medieval architecture and delightful countryside make it a favourite location for film and TV crews. Tucked away along the picturesque Great Stour River, just nine miles from the historic city of Canterbury, it resembles more of a medieval hamlet than a 2025 village. The allure of Chilham lies in its beautifully preserved old-style wooden beam buildings, topped with striking orange triangular roofs. It has been the setting for numerous films and TV series, including Jane Austen's Emma, Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, Poirot, A Canterbury Tale and even Top Gear. 3. Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend This hidden gem nestled in the South Wales countryside is brimming with idyllic thatched cottages and a 19th-century stone church, its graveyard blanketed in bluebells and snowdrops come spring. It's enchanting, whisking you away to a time seemingly untouched for decades. A standout feature of this hamlet is that all homes are owned by the Merthyr Mawr Estate and are only available for rent, meaning none will ever go on sale. Additionally, each thatched building is listed, limiting any significant alterations. 4. Bibury, Gloucestershire The enchantment of Bibury was so potent that Victorian poet William Morris dubbed it "the most beautiful place in England", and it's not difficult to see why. Renowned for its picture-postcard allure, the village has been immortalised in countless paintings, especially the famed Arlington Row. This historic area boasts time-worn cottages dotting the river and meandering streets, often shrouded in verdant foliage and blooming flowers. Nonetheless, such splendour doesn't come without its downsides; locals are feeling the strain, declaring they've reached a "tipping point" due to hordes of tourists (supposedly up to 20,000 on a peak weekend). The community, rife with listed buildings, is actively seeking solutions to lessen tourism's toll. Councillor Michelle Holt from Bibury Parish Council voiced the predicament: "The sheer volume is just overwhelming for the local community and we just don't have the infrastructure to cope." 5. Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire With its picture-perfect scenery and a wealth of independent shops and eateries, Robin Hood's Bay feels like stepping into a painting, albeit a steep one. Traverse the winding, narrow streets of this historic coastal village on the North York Moors and uncover some of the heritage of one of our most picturesque fishing villages in the museum. Cars are unable to navigate the steep streets, leaving you free to explore the quaint shops selling everything from fossils to jewellery crafted from Whitby's black jet, located just north of the bay. Or simply take a leisurely walk along the sandy beach, where indulging in fish and chips and ice cream is a must. 6. Milton Abbas, Dorset Milton Abbas is nestled in the heart of Dorset, just 20 minutes away from the historic market town of Dorchester. This idyllic village is the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon stroll and is renowned for its charming thatched cottages, which resemble a chocolate box. The village is visually stunning, boasting breathtaking landscapes and beautiful homes designed in the 18th century by famed landscape gardener Capability Brown and architect William Chambers. At the bottom of the village, visitors can follow the 'monks' path' for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the historic Milton Abbey, which was constructed over the 14th and 15th centuries on the site of a church founded by Saxon King Athelstan. 7. Mousehole, Cornwall Cornwall is home to a plethora of scenic seaside hamlets and dreamy coastal hideaways, but Mousehole, situated in West Cornwall just three miles from Penzance, holds a unique charm. Deemed one of Cornwall's most picturesque fishing villages, this delightful spot is quintessentially Cornish, featuring a labyrinth of narrow lanes, an idyllic harbour, and an array of galleries, gift shops, and eateries. When the tide recedes, visitors can savour a sandy beach with vistas of St Clement's Isle and St Michael's Mount. A visit to Mousehole isn't complete without a coastal stroll from the village through the Kemyel Crease nature reserve and around the cliffs of Lamorna Cove. Just remember to check the weather before you embark! 8. Solva, Pembrokeshire Tucked away in the stunning Pembrokeshire National Park, this captivating harbour village embodies all the hallmarks of a classic Welsh tourist gem. It boasts a picturesque setting, a lively quay, and a charming high street. Its lengthy harbour winds its way from the grey sand at the village's base right out to the sea. A peaceful stroll along this harbour reveals limekilns and fishing boats, harking back to a working harbour founded on industry and hard work. Solva draws in walkers, nature enthusiasts, food lovers, and families seeking a respite from their hectic daily routines. 9. Stanton, Gloucestershire The local visitors' centre in Stanton is effusive in its praise, calling it "probably one of the prettiest and idyllic villages in the whole of the Cotswolds" and remarking on how it has "little changed in 300 years". A trip through rural England isn't complete without experiencing the timeless charm of Stanton, with its thatched roofs and traditional pubs. 10. Haworth, Yorkshire Nestled atop a Yorkshire hill, Haworth is a dream destination for bibliophiles, situated right in the throbbing heart of Brontë country. Here, amidst the hauntingly beautiful heathland that breathed life into 'Wuthering Heights', steep and cobbled lanes teem with historic bookshops, trendy boutiques, classic pubs, and cosy tea rooms, all imbued with shades of the past. Don't miss the hallowed Brontë Parsonage Museum, in the very dwelling where the literary sisters penned their renowned novels. Also beckoning visitors is the Keighley and Worth Valley Heritage Railway, enhancing the village's yesteryear allure with the echoes of steam train whistles. 11. Port Sunlight, Merseyside Conceived by 'Soap King' William Hesketh Lever, the enchanting village of Port Sunlight stands as a living monument to its factory worker origins. Meander through streets bedecked in vibrant flowers and lined with picturesque, nostalgic abodes largely unchanged since their creation over a century ago—save for the occasional modern vehicle. You can join daily guided tours to uncover the secrets of this village that seems frozen in time, or visit the museum and one of the houses preserved as they would have been in the Victorian era. Alternatively, you can explore the free-to-enter Lady Lever Art Gallery at the village's heart, which showcases fine paintings including some Pre-Raphaelite art, Chinese ceramics and some of the world's best Wedgwood jasperware. The gallery also houses a cafe serving scrumptious food and cake. In the summer, there's an ice cream stall on the green, or you could drop by The Bridge Inn pub for a perfect end to your day. 12. Tobermory, Isle Of Mull Situated on the Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, this village is overflowing with coastal charm. You might recognise its distinctive row of colourful houses from the noughties children's television show Balamory, but there's so much more to this beautiful place. Uniquely curved around the port, this burgh serves as the island's capital and offers plenty to see and do. The high street is filled with unique shops, pubs, and restaurants, including Tobermory Stores, which offers a tantalising array of local delicacies, from meats to shortbread. You can even embark on a boat trip from the harbour to spot whales, dolphins and seals, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. 13. Crail, Fife Crail is the embodiment of Scottish coastal allure. This delightful little village, located on the stunning East Neuk of Fife coastline, is often overlooked by its famous neighbour, St Andrews. However, a mere 20-minute drive away from the throngs of golf enthusiasts and university students will transport you into a picture-perfect setting. Make sure to grab an outdoor seat at the cliffside Crail Harbour Cafe and take some time to browse the local art and trinkets on offer. If you're lucky enough to find Reilly and Sons lobster shack open, you're in for a treat – they serve freshly caught and cooked lobster that won't break the bank. 14. Broad Campden, Gloucestershire Broad Campden is a picturesque village brimming with thatched cottages built from honey-coloured Cotswold stone. Interestingly, the population of this charming place nearly halved between the 18th and late 19th centuries, dropping from around 250 residents to just 137. CR Ashbee, an architect whose influence is evident in nearby Chipping Campden, resided here for a period in the early 20th century. The village boasts a rare 17th-century Friends Meeting House and is also traversed by the Cotswold Way. 15. Beddgelert, Gwynedd Encased in the rugged silhouettes of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and Crib Goch, Beddgelert stands proudly as Snowdonia's sparkling gem. Its name resonating with poignant legend, Beddgelert or "Gelert's grave" commemorates the loyal hound of Welsh noble, Llywelyn the Great – a tragic victim of his master's grievous error. This bewitching hamlet, with slate-roofed dwellings, winding paths, and homely tearooms, lies where the Colwyn intersects with the Glaslyn. When autumn paints the leaves with hues of fire and the lure of a snug pub beckons, Beddgelert's charm becomes simply irresistible. 16. Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross On to Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross, swiftly establishing itself as one of Scotland's choicest locales for setting down roots by the River Tay. Dunkeld, often gracing rankings of Britain's top residential spots, also played a pivotal role in the youthful days of Beatrix Potter, sparking the creation of characters like Peter Rabbit. Summertime here means sipping a brew at The Taybank with riverside views or meandering through the town's quaint high street, which is peppered with independent boutiques, art spots, and quaint cafes. Let's not forget ARAN, Flora Shedden's famous bakehouse from the Great British Bake Off fame, which entices visitors incessantly. With its vibrant heart of community and frequent bursts of traditional music echoing in local pubs and hotels, Dunkeld's embrace is warm and inviting. 17. Castle Combe, Wiltshire Castle Combe is a gem in the Cotswolds, often lauded as one of the world's most picturesque villages. Renowned travel publication Condé Nast Traveller dubbed it "quintessentially" English, and its charm has caught the eye of filmmakers, featuring in The Wolf Man, Stardust, Stephen Spielberg's War Horse, and the original Dr Doolittle movie. Like many villages in the region, Castle Combe's houses are built with characteristic Cotswold stone, lending a warm hue to their facades. Notable 13th-century landmarks include the Market Cross and St Andrews Church, home to one of the country's oldest working clocks, featuring a rare faceless design. 18. Hambleden, Buckinghamshire Hambleden embodies the quintessential English village, with its storybook charm, winding lanes, stone cottages, and picturesque Chiltern Hills landscape. This Buckinghamshire idyll was famously used as a filming location for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as well as Sleepy Hollow, 101 Dalmatians, Band of Brothers, and even The Avengers, showcasing its remarkably preserved medieval architecture. In the summer, the village comes alive amidst lush greenery, with visitors enjoying the local pub, scenic walks, and the post office, which doubles as the village shop and café. 19. Culross, Fife Culross is truly a time-capsule village — one of Scotland's best-preserved 17th-century settlements, sitting on the banks of the Firth of Forth in Fife. With its cobbled streets, ochre-hued palace and whitewashed houses, it feels like stepping back in time. The village's old-world beauty has also gained recent fame as a filming location for the television series Outlander. Wander through the historic gardens of Culross Palace, blooming with roses, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. Meanwhile, local cafés and independent shops are tucked among the pretty ancient buildings.
Edinburgh Reporter
06-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Old photograph of cottage wins over councillors
The owners of a 19th century cottage have been given the go ahead to change its windows after an old photograph was unearthed showing its original look. East Lothian Council planners had recommended councillors refuse permission for the white timber frames of the windows at Engine Cottage, North Berwick, to be replaced with 'tarpaulin grey' modern aluclad alternative. However a meeting of the council's planning committee heard that while the cottage was listed in the Eighties as a Category B building, its white frames were only installed in the 1960s and were not original. Councillor Donna Collins shared a century old photograph she found online of the cottage which appeared to show it had much darker frames earning her the nickname 'Miss Marple' from the Provost. Current windows at Engine Cottage, North Berwick, have white frames pic courtesy ELC planning portal Councillor Collins told the committee: 'This type of building is called Tudor timber and I trawled the internet trying to find images of this style with only ten, out of hundreds I found, white. Most were a darker timber.' The applicants wanted to put eight new windows in the home, replacing single glazed white timber ones with the new versions. But a report by planners said the proposals should be refused even though the windows they were replacing were not all original to the building itself. Planning officers said advise on listed buildings from Historic Environment Scotland said windows should only be replaced if repairs cannot be carried out and should be like for like. The said of the proposed changes: 'The loss of the single glazed, timber framed windows and their replacement with grey coloured, non-traditional aluclad framed windows, some with unauthentic plant on type astragals would be harmful to the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building and harmful to the character and appearance of the North Berwick Conservation Area.' However the meeting heard the white windows which were in a poor state were not originals and other buildings on the Carlekemp plantation where the cottage is had darker window frames. Councillor Collins produced an image she had found on a historic website showing the cottage with dark window frames. Provost John McMillan thanked her for her efforts in tracing the original picture adding:' Councillor Collins may go by a new nickname Miss Marple.' Councillor Cher Cassini, committee member, said: 'Since the current windows are not the original and are in poor condition I see no reason not to support the application.' And Councillor Neil Gilbert added: 'I think the darker windows are going to be an improvement.' Councillor Andrew Forrest, however, pointed out that while the white frames were not original, they were in place when the cottage was classified as a listed building and so should be protected. The committee approved the new windows against officers' recommendation by nine votes to one with only Councillor Forrest backing the planners report. By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
The National
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Google menu sleuths who pre-plan their restaurant orders leave a sour taste in my month
If video killed the radio star, then the internet pretty much killed anticipation. With most goods and services just a couple of clicks away, attention spans are waning and patience is wearing thin. So, buckle up and sit tight for a Gen X gripe. I am married to a menu sleuth. This means that no matter how far ahead the restaurant is booked, my husband will know exactly what he's going to order when we get there. He knew what he was going to eat when went to Rang Mahal (peppered lamb chop, butter naan); Pitfire Pizza (Pepperoni Primo, garlic knots) and The Maine (600g rib-eye, triple-cooked fries and steamed broccolini, please), to name but a few. His rationale for sleuthing is that he can start looking forward to his dinner in advance. Perhaps pre-planning any belt-loosening which might be necessary, or what colour shirt to wear following the infamous sushi-dropped-in-soy-sauce-while-wearing-white-shirt incident of 2013, which remains a sore subject to this day. Sleuth is an interesting word. Think sleuth and the likes of Poirot, Miss Marple or Sherlock Holmes spring to mind. The sleuth is cerebral and measured, their decisions thoughtful, their actions deliberate. All of which must make me a Menu Moriarty, forever wondering why anyone would willingly forfeit the joyous spontaneity that comes from being presented with a list of never-seen-before choices and experiencing the thrill of thinking: 'Oooh, what shall I have?' Perusing the menu is part of the whole restaurant experience, along with that awkward pull-out-sit-down chair dance between you and the maitre d', which I have never quite mastered. And the frosting on the cake – the cherry is the actual arrival of the food – is discussing the menu together. 'This looks nice,' you might say, pointing to something featuring heirloom tomatoes and a balsamic glaze. 'Did you see that they have…,' your dining companion might reply, having spotted a dish you like. But if you already know what you're going to have thanks to menu sleuthing, this removes or at least seriously impairs the casual chatter that is part of the restaurant experience. Those who know me might assume I would be a big fan of menu sleuthing, because I am that most wretched of dinner party guests: the picky eater. My pickiness is esoteric and, even though I say it myself, both adorable and quirky. For example, I like prawns, but only the small ones, because the big meaty ones freak me out. I am not a vegetarian and enjoy a good steak, but if I'm invited to a dinner party at your house, I will tell you that I am vegetarian because I dislike meat being cooked for me if I cannot personally oversee its preparation. And what host doesn't love a guest in their kitchen prodding at the chicken fricassee and asking: 'Are you sure it's done on the inside?' In my defence, I had a bad experience once with a pink chicken at a dinner party, from which I have never fully recovered. Am I against restaurants having their menus online? Of course not. For those who are picky (not me, obviously, other people), have allergies or certain preferences it can be useful. But if you're Googling the menu just to decide what you're going to eat three weeks from now, quite frankly, you're abusing the system and should have your internet privileges revoked. If it's a steak restaurant, let's assume there'll be steak and a vegetarian option based around cauliflower, or worst case scenario, a salad. If it's an Italian restaurant, assume variations on pasta will be available, and so forth. You don't need to know exactly what's on the menu. For me it comes down to the fact there's not much mystery in life these days. For every vague question you have, there's thousands of YouTube videos explaining, debunking and offering alternative theories to the answer. For every passing query there's a plethora of TikToks, Instagram posts and hashtags dedicated to examining every angle while also suggesting you get ready with them and enjoy their outfit of the day. For me, menu sleuthing removes a little bit of the fun, anticipatory not-knowingness that comes from discovering a new restaurant. I just told my husband I've written this column about him. 'I'm not sure about sleuth,' he said. 'I'd call it being a connoisseur.'
