Latest news with #rooftopgarden
The Sun
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Award-winning Wetherspoons pub that has huge rooftop beer garden is right by the beach
A WETHERSPOONS pint always goes down a treat - and even more so at this one venue that has a rooftop garden and sits right by the beach. Back in 2015, The Admiral Collingwood in Ilfracombe, North Devon, scooped up the prize of best new pub at the National Pub Design Awards. 3 And since, the boozer has become an icon of Ilfracombe's seafront after judges described it as "an uncompromisingly modern building where the glass dome offers urban presence, while the rest of the main elevation is understated yet sophisticated", according to Harrison Ince Architects. Inside, new artworks were commissioned for the pub at the time, and a steel sculpture of a wave breaking was installed. On the roof of the pub, there is a beer garden which is open between March and October and boasts amazing views across the coast. One recent visitor said: "The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality. "We love Ilfraspoons!" According to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub serves three changing beers which often include ales from Fat Belly, GT Ales, Exmoor, Cotleigh and Bays featuring regularly. In the summer, this increases to four beers. And then additionally, there are three regular beers on offer to punters. Visitors also get to learn a bit of histroy about the purpose built pub when they visit, as the menu states: "Until its very recent closure, the Collingwood Hotel had welcomed visitors to north Devon's Ilfracombe for over 130 years. "The imposing five-storey building was named after Admiral, Lord Collingwood, Nelson's second-in-command at Trafalgar (who fought just off the Spanish coast in 1805). "Cuthbert Collingwood fired the first shot in the battle (one of British naval history's most famous and crucial) and took over command of the British fleet after the fatal wounding of his friend Horatio Nelson." Just a short walk away from the pub is Wildersmouth Beach, which is sheltered and shingle. Despite being central to Ilfracombe, the dog-friendly beach is often less crowded than other sandy beaches nearby. 3 Ilfracombe is also home to the Landmark Theatre, in Jubilee Gardens. For art lovers, make sure to follow the coast around to Ilfracombe's harbour where you will find Damien Hirst's bonze sculpture called Verity - a half-skinned pregnant woman, who stands 20 metres tall. The high street is also said to be a "thriving hub of independent shops", according to Visit Ilfracombe. There are many craft shops, gift shops and cafes to explore - and even a coffee-cum-craft shop. Sweet tooths will also enjoy the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, which sells handcrafted chocolates and has a chocolate museum - which is free to visit. And make sure to check out the department story Chas N Pedlar & Son, which has been running for over a century. The seaside town has a lot of choice for accommodating too, with lots of holiday homes. How can I save money at Wetherspoons? FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day. Check a map - Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other. So if you're planning a pint at a Spoons, it's worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you're settling in at the cheapest. Choose your day - Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights. For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual. Pick-up vouchers - Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled. Get appy - The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table - but you don't need to be in the pub to use it. Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play. Check the date - Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry. It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14. As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival. A Devon local has walked the South West Coast Path numerous times – these are her best spots The Salt Path movie doesn't show. Plus, Devon is also home to the best fish and chips in the UK. 3
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Luton school rooftop is a 'powerful educational tool'
The rooftop of a primary school has been transformed into a "powerful educational tool", its headteacher has McKiernan, from Denbigh Primary School, in Luton, said the space will allow children to "connect directly with the natural world". It has been designed as a living laboratory, Luton Borough Council said. Funding for the work came from the Greener Future Fund by London Luton Airport, awarded by the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation. The council said: "Designed as a living laboratory, the garden is already enriching the curriculum by bringing environmental learning to life. "Children across all year groups are engaging in planting, observing nature, and learning how ecosystems thrive, all while building a deeper appreciation for the environment, and the importance of climate action for Luton."Mrs McKiernan, said: "The rooftop garden is more than just a beautiful new space; it's a powerful educational tool. "It allows our children to connect directly with the natural world, helping them understand the science behind how things grow and why sustainability matters." Plans are already in place to expand the school's green spaces. "As the garden continues to flourish, it stands as a symbol of the school's dedication to combining innovation with education," the council said. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Khaleej Times
'Nothing is impossible to grow': How UAE resident made organic farm on home's rooftop
What began as an interior designer's professional interest in incorporating plants into living spaces has evolved into a remarkable story of sustainable urban agriculture. A 36-year-old Syrian resident of Ajman, who has called the UAE home since childhood, has transformed her rooftop and garden into a flourishing organic farm that produces everything from fresh vegetables to natural honey. Um Rashid's transition from interior design to organic farming began with her profession. 'I was constantly reading about types of indoor plants, the requirements of each in terms of light and humidity, and how to care for them.' From design to agriculture As her interest grew, her focus expanded beyond decorative plants. With time, this curiosity became passion, and her interest gradually expanded from ornamental plants to aromatic and kitchen plants, such as parsley, mint, basil, and rosemary. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. However, she soon discovered the limitations of indoor cultivation. She noticed that these plants need sunlight, so she moved to growing them on the roof of the house, and there began her real adventure with agriculture. The rooftop garden The move to rooftop farming marked a turning point in her agricultural journey. Her approach was methodical and informed, reflecting her design background. Combining her design skills with her newfound passion, she created a unique farming setup. 'I made the planting beds by hand, from wood, designed them to suit the space, and painted them in the colors I love.' The physical demands of creating her urban farm were significant. 'It wasn't easy, but the enthusiasm was stronger than the fatigue.' Commit to organic From the beginning, she committed to organic farming principles. 'My farming is 100 per cent organic, I don't use any chemicals, because I believe that clean food is the foundation of health. I grow for myself and my family, and I love to eat what I grow [and remain] assured.' The variety of crops she cultivates has expanded significantly over time, from leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, to fruits like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, and even squashes. Watch a video of her garden below: Community impact, family joy The transformation of her rooftop has had a profound impact on her community and family life. 'My loved ones and neighbours started visiting me because of it, children run to see it, and I notice neighbours watching it from their balconies while they sip coffee in the morning.' For her, one of the most rewarding aspects of her urban farm is the immediate access to fresh ingredients. 'When I'm in the kitchen, I need a sprig of basil or a few mint leaves, general salad needs… so I go up to the roof and harvest what I want. An indescribable feeling.' Beekeeping on the roof Her passion for sustainable agriculture led her to expand beyond plant cultivation. She decided to add a beehive to her roof. 'Imagine my joy as I harvest natural honey from my garden, I give it to my family and loved ones, from the goodness of my house… and from my heart.' During the growing season, which runs from September to May, she experiences what she describes as true self-sufficiency. Overcoming challenges Despite her success, her journey has not been without obstacles. With rooftop farming, one of the most prominent problems she faced was draining excess water. She tried to research and read about practical solutions, and learned how to control the amount of irrigation, and added appropriate insulating materials. The wooden planters she initially crafted, while aesthetically pleasing, proved impractical in the long term. 'especially in a hot and humid environment like the UAE. The wood was affected by moisture and needed constant maintenance.' Transition to ground-level farming The desire for expansion is common among those who practice agriculture, as she notes. 'where it is said that 'the farmer is greedy' because the more he plants, the more his love for the land increases.' This led to a significant decision. Where she decided to move to a new house that contains a ground garden, and there she started planting fruit trees such as lemon, mulberry, and mango in addition to ornamental trees. Creating an integrated ecosystem Her vision of sustainable agriculture encompasses more than just plant cultivation. 'I later added chicken farming to this system, to complete the features of integrated rural life.' The impact on her family, particularly her son, has been profound. 'my son began to participate daily in the harvest. He would wake up with passion, run to the garden looking for cucumber or eggplant, pick the fruits with his hands.' She sees immense value in this connection to nature for the next generation. 'I saw in this interaction an invaluable benefit; my son grows up in a green, healthy, quiet environment, away from screens.' Family support The support of her family has been crucial to her success ; she received great support from her family. 'The roots of agriculture are extended in us as Arabs, and my grandparents were farmers.' She has also found inspiration and support in the broader agricultural community in her social media platforms . Educational outreach Her expertise has led to opportunities to share her knowledge with others, particularly children to provide educational courses about agriculture, and she also organised several simple interactive workshops, in which she introduces children to agriculture through direct experience: touching the soil, planting seeds, and following growth. Her vision extends far beyond her current setup. 'I wish to establish a small integrated farm that bears my fingerprint, and combines organic production, education, and beauty.' She looks forward to this farm being an open space for learning and contemplation, especially for children and families. Her message to those considering urban farming is both practical and inspiring. 'My advice to anyone thinking of growing in their home: don't wait for perfect conditions but start with what you have. One plant in a small pot can open a door to a big world of fun and psychological comfort.' She emphasises the importance of learning through experience. 'Agriculture needs patience, but in return it teaches patience, and rewards you with fruit.' She is optimistic about the agricultural potential in the UAE. 'In the UAE, nothing is impossible to grow.' She points to successful examples of diverse agriculture in the region like olives and wheat in Sharjah.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Rooftop garden growing and buzzing for 3rd season on Edmonton mall
A garden perched atop an Edmonton mall is growing once again. The rooftop garden at Kingsway Mall returned for its third season on Friday, and the shopping centre says the bounty is expected to be bigger with 90 planters up from the 54 planters last year. The garden is expected to produce more than 300 pounds of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs which will be donated to Edmonton's Food Bank to feed families in need. 'Fresh, accessible food has never been more important to our community,' Bo Tarasenko with Kingsway Mall said in a news release. 'With the growing demand for food support in Edmonton, and the recent loss of key programs that previously supplied fresh produce, supporting food security initiatives is more important than ever.' 'Although a garden like this one feels like a small drop in the bucket, we're committed to doing what we can, and we hope others will be inspired to grow and give as well,' he added, with numbers indicating Edmonton's food bank is averaging almost 44,000 people using the hamper program in the first four months of this year. 'Locally grown food not only helps reduce food insecurity, it also contributes to a food sovereign Edmonton,' Tamisan Bencz-Knight with Edmonton's Food Bank said in a press release. 'Growing a little extra goes a long way in helping put food on the table for those in need while also contributing to a kinder community.' Kingsway Mall covers the cost of the garden and it will be maintained entirely by mall staff and tenants for the first time. Rooftop beehives are also back, which were added last year to encourage pollination of the plants. More information about the rooftop garden and other mall initiatives can be found online.
