Latest news with #PalmHouse
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
B&M shoppers are wishing they knew about 'genius' £2 item sooner
Holidaymakers swear by the 'brilliant' £2 B&M item that's so 'genius' people are annoyed they didn't think of it first Most sunseekers will agree that a relaxing holiday is just as much about the hotel as it is about the destination. Beautiful sandy beaches often feature high on the checklist, but so does a nice hotel room. Relaxing on your balcony after a day at the beach is pure bliss. For many holidaymakers, it's the perfect time to enjoy a glass of wine or a similar tipple. Well, one B&M shopper has found a £2 hack that made her recent hotel stay that much better, and she amazed social media users after sharing the "genius" tip online. Posting on TikTok, blogger Amy Hobbs @amyhobbsss impressed thousands of viewers with her idea. "Holiday hack: bring a cheap plastic wine glass with you (£2 from B&M) so you can enjoy a crisp rosé on the balcony not in a mug from the room," she wrote. In her video, Amy showcased B&M's £2 wine glass, and she enjoyed a glass of rosé as she sat on her balcony, taking in the view. Clearly impressed by her results, her caption said: "Wish someone told me to do this sooner!" Social media users echoed this sentiment, and they couldn't believe they'd not thought of the idea before. While some commenters suggested asking the bar for a glass and ice, Amy claimed she'd asked the staff, but they declined to give her a glass. Praising the idea, a viewer replied: "Omg this is genius!" A second social media user said: "Brilliant idea." Another fan commented: "Ok this is so simple that I'm actually annoyed that I hadn't thought of it. Genius!! Added to holiday list! Thank you!" Someone else shared: "I always do this." A different viewer said they use a folding wine glass from Asda. Sharing another recommendation, a holidaymaker added: "I take mines and fancy straws to enjoy a cocktail." Elsewhere, a fan of the idea tagged a friend, writing: "Should decorate them one night before we go and make our playlist." Amy replied: "This sounds like a dream!" Most retailers offer a selection of drinkware for shoppers keen to use the trick. B&M's website advertises a Simply Summer Colour Wine Glass 4pk—Blue, which is currently on offer for £1.25. Other options include a Palm House Embossed Wine Glass - Green for £2 or a Scallop Wine Glass - Pink for £3. There's also a £2 Crackle Wine Glass, which is likely the glass Amy showcased in her video. B&M shoppers can locate their nearest store here. Drinkaware reminds us that regular consumption of alcohol can increase the likelihood of various health issues, including several types of cancer. To keep the risk low, adults should drink no more than 14 units per week, spread out with drink-free days.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
A hidden gem for an easy Sunday lunch in Upper Wynberg
Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa is an urban hideaway amid the leafy streets of Upper Wynberg. This past Sunday, I headed to Palm House in Upper Wynberg for their 'Easy Sundays' lunch at the Palm Terrace restaurant – and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable meals I've had in a while. The setting alone is worth mentioning. Palm House is tucked away quietly in the established area of the suburb, with surprisingly gorgeous views of the Constantiaberg mountains. Surrounded by lush gardens and shaded outdoor seating, the atmosphere is calm and unhurried – ideal for a long, relaxed afternoon. The Sunday lunch starts with an array of sharing plates brought to the table. From warm farmhouse bread and house-smoked trout pâté to a heritage tomato and burrata salad, each small dish felt considered and seasonal. The baked brie and caramelised onion tartlets were especially good – rich but not overwhelming.
CBC
14-05-2025
- General
- CBC
The Palm House at Allan Gardens reopens after vital restoration work
After nearly three years of construction at the historic Allan Gardens Conservatory in Toronto, the Palm House reopened to the public featuring an array of greenery. CBC's Britnei Bilhete gives an inside look into the newly restored facilities.
CBC
14-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Toronto's iconic Palm House at Allan Gardens reopens after restoration
The iconic Palm House at Allan Gardens Conservatory in Toronto reopened to the public on Wednesday after closing for vital restoration work to preserve the structure's architectural heritage. Construction began in October 2022 on the historic conservatory building, one of Toronto's oldest attractions. The Palm House, designed by City of Toronto architect Robert McCallum, opened in 1910 and is the third horticultural pavilion on site. The Palm House features a wide array of palms, banana plants and other tall specimens. It showcases a variety of palm trees and other tropical plants like cycads, gingers, hibiscus and seasonal exotics. Its 12-metre-high, 16-sided central dome is an iconic feature of the building, earning it the nickname "The Dome" — large enough to showcase some of the building's tallest plants. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow attended the ribbon-cutting, saying in addition to its long and important history in Toronto, along with its diverse types of plants, "it's also a place for social change where we come together and learn not just about our past, [but also] to shape our future." She noted that it was a place where many activists met throughout the 20th century. The building houses tropical plants inside five climate controlled greenhouses, with the Palm House being the oldest of the greenhouses at Allan Gardens. The Palm House was destroyed by a fire in 1902 but reopened and expanded twice since then. Construction on the Palm House included window glazing, glass cladding replacement and modernizing the ventilation and air quality systems and controls. The facility is free and open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the City of Toronto.
Telegraph
05-05-2025
- Telegraph
London's 10 greatest gardens
London may be a sprawling metropolis, but it's also a garden lover's paradise. With more than 3,000 parks and green spaces, the capital offers everything from manicured royal gardens to secret urban oases and plants with a view. Whether you're after a tranquil afternoon among roses or a chance to see rare orchids under glass, London's gardens deliver sensory delights and unexpected discoveries at every turn. If you're having a busy day of sightseeing, factor in a date with nature for that all-important reset. Before you go, it's worth checking opening hours – some gardens are seasonal or host events that may affect access. Here's our pick of the capital's finest green spaces. For further London inspiration, see our guides to the capital's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and things to do. For family-focused places to stay, check out our guide to the best family-friendly hotels in London. Kew Gardens Arguably the crown jewel of British horticulture, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a Unesco World Heritage Site boasting more than 50,000 living plants. Housing the world's most diverse collection of living plants, Kew's highlights include the soaring Palm House, the Japanese Gateway, and the recently restored Temperate House – the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world. With 321 acres to explore, Kew is a deep dive into global plant diversity and breathtaking landscape design. The gardens also include the ornate Great Pagoda and Kew Palace – the former summer residence of King George III, which is open in the summer months. Insider tip: For a bird's-eye view of the gardens, walk along the 60ft-high Treetop Walkway. Stop by Petersham Nurseries in nearby Richmond for lunch with botanical flair. Contact: Price: Adults £22; free for children under four How to get there: Kew Gardens Station (District line or Overground); 10-minute walk. Parking available but limited Barbican Conservatory A brutalist surprise, the Barbican's hidden conservatory is the second-largest in London and feels like a futuristic jungle. It was built in 1984 at the request of the then-resident Royal Shakespeare Company to disguise the Barbican's fly tower. Nestled within the concrete and glass of the iconic arts complex, its tropical plants climb the concrete beams, while koi glide beneath steel walkways. You will find it on level three, where two floors of bridges, walkways and streams unfold before you. Plants hang suspended in mid-air, with towering Kentia palms and lush tree ferns. It's part plant haven, part architectural marvel – and a brilliant respite from the city bustle. Insider tip: Go on a Sunday afternoon and catch a matinee performance or explore the Barbican's art exhibitions after your visit. Chelsea Physic Garden Established in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, this is London's oldest botanic garden and a medicinal plant treasure trove. Spread across three and a half acres, this delightful English garden is home to one of Europe's oldest rock gardens, a herb garden rich with culinary and medicinal plants, botanical order beds, glasshouses, rare specimens and tender species – plus the largest outdoor olive tree in Britain. Tucked behind high brick walls along the Thames, it's home to more than 4,500 medicinal, edible and useful plants. Insider tip: Spring is prime time for rare alpine blooms. Grab a table at the garden café for herbal-infused cakes and teas. Eltham Palace Gardens Once a cherished medieval palace and the childhood home of Henry VIII, Eltham Palace was later transformed into a stunning art deco mansion by the eccentric millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. The grounds of Eltham Palace and Gardens feature 19 acres of original medieval gardens, as well as some unusual art deco elements and one of London's oldest working bridges over the moat. Water trickles down the stones and cascades into the beautiful rock garden. With formal rose gardens and herbaceous borders, it's a fascinating study in layered landscaping. Insider tip: Combine your visit with the palace interior for a time-travelling double bill. Step inside this stylish home, equipped with cutting-edge 1930s technology, and glimpse the Courtaulds' lavish way of life. Kyoto Garden, Holland Park This serene Japanese garden in the heart of West London was a gift from Kyoto to celebrate the Japan Festival in 1991. Tucked within the leafy expanse of Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden offers a serene retreat from London's bustle. This meticulously crafted green space blends traditional design with natural beauty. Cascading waterfalls, ornamental ponds filled with koi carp, and immaculately pruned shrubs create a landscape that invites quiet reflection. Stone lanterns and tiered walkways add authenticity, while peacocks roam freely across the manicured lawns. The Kyoto Garden remains a testament to cultural exchange and enduring craftsmanship. Insider tip: Visit early morning midweek to avoid crowds and enjoy the soft dappled light. Bring a book and settle under the ginkgo tree. Gardens at Buckingham Palace Usually hidden from public view, the 39-acre gardens at Buckingham Palace are a rare glimpse into the Royal family's private green retreat. With sweeping lawns, 156 plane trees, a three-and-a-half-acre lake and a spectacular herbaceous border, the gardens feel surprisingly secluded despite their central London location. During summer opening months, visitors can stroll specially designed trails past wildflower meadows, rose gardens and beehives producing royal honey. Insider tip: Book in advance for July to September, when full garden tours are available. Late afternoons tend to be quieter. Contact: Price: Adult tickets from £16.50 for garden-only access; the gardens are also available to visit as part of a full-tour ticket. How to get there: Green Park Station (Victoria, Jubilee, Piccadilly lines); five-minute walk. The Garden at 120 Perched atop one of the City's modern towers, The Garden at 120 offers a rare, free-to-enter green space with sweeping views across London. Set 15 storeys above Fenchurch Street, this elegantly landscaped rooftop is planted with wisteria, wildflowers and olive trees, creating a peaceful escape from this hectic part of town. Wooden decking, flowing water features and thoughtfully designed seating areas encourage visitors to linger. Unlike many city gardens, no booking is required, making it one of London's most accessible – and uplifting – sky-high retreats. Insider tip: Visit just before sunset for golden-hour views of the Gherkin and St Paul's. Nearby Fortnum & Mason's Royal Exchange café is ideal for a stylish post-visit coffee. St Dunstan in the East Once the proud work of Christopher Wren, this bomb-damaged church has evolved into one of London's most haunting and beautiful secret gardens. Ivy and fig trees weave through crumbling stonework, while soaring Gothic arches frame secluded patches of greenery. Destroyed during the Blitz, the ruins have been lovingly reclaimed by nature, creating a space that feels both timeless and quietly moving. Today, St Dunstan in the East is a serene retreat for City workers, photographers and visitors in search of stillness, just minutes from the Tower of London. Insider tip: Bring a sandwich and take a quiet lunch break as part of your tour of this historic part of London. Phoenix Garden A biophilic retreat away from the tourist madness of Covent Garden? Phoenix Garden is that. Tucked between Covent Garden and Soho's bustling streets, the Phoenix Garden is a rare pocket of tranquillity in the heart of London's West End. This community-run space was established in the 1980s and has evolved into a charming urban wildlife haven, with wildflower meadows, native planting and hidden benches perfect for a quiet pause. Bees, butterflies and even the occasional frog thrive among the greenery. Despite its central location, the garden remains delightfully under the radar – a perfect stop for weary shoppers, theatre-goers or anyone seeking a breath of fresh air. Insider tip: Visit in late spring when the wildflowers are at their best, and pick up lunch from nearby Seven Dials Market, packed with independent food stalls. The Hill Garden and Pergola, Hampstead Perched above Hampstead Heath, this semi-wild Edwardian garden remains one of London's most romantic hidden corners. Built in 1906 by philanthropist Lord Leverhulme for lavish summer parties, its once-pristine stone columns and walkways are now charmingly overgrown with vines. The faded grandeur only adds to its dreamy atmosphere, making it a favourite for quiet strolls and picnics with City views. Insider tip: Visit at golden hour for atmospheric photography and combine it with a walk on nearby Hampstead Heath. Natural History Museum Wildlife Garden The Natural History Museum is, of course, one of London's top – and consequently busiest – attractions, but this garden still feels under the radar. Hidden behind the museum's grand Victorian façade, the Wildlife Garden, established in 1995, is a living showcase of Britain's rich biodiversity, with woodland, meadow, pond and hedgerow habitats carefully recreated. More than 3,000 species have been recorded here, from dragonflies to hedgehogs, offering a rare glimpse of native nature in the middle of South Kensington. It's an inspiring counterpoint to the museum's grand indoor exhibitions – and a perfect spot for a peaceful, al fresco moment amid scientific discovery. Insider tip: Arrive early in the day on weekdays when the garden is at its quietest and the wildlife is most active. How we choose Every garden in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from church grounds to botanical gardens – to best suit every type of visitor. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Alison Taylor moved from Yorkshire to London 18 years ago and never looked back. She will mainly be found eating and drinking in East London, or grabbing dumplings in Chinatown and a taking wander through the reassuring madness of Soho.
