Author: Lucy Contrino

This July, London’s cult free-from doughnut brand, Borough 22, teams up with Chef Kerth Gumbs, the Anguillan-born chef behind Sky Garden’s Fenchurch, to create a limited-edition flavour bomb starring one of the Caribbean’s most delicious and underrated fruits: soursop. Brought together by a shared passion for celebrating their Caribbean heritage in an elevated, unexpected way, Kerth and Ryan have crafted a doughnut that’s more than just dessert — it’s a vibrant cultural statement. Filled with silky soursop custard. Topped with salty-sweet plantain chips. Sunkissed, fruity mango glaze. The Soursop Drop doughnut is 100% gluten-free and plant-based – distinctive, nostalgic and entirely inclusive. From juicy fruit and creamy…

Read More

The cult L.A. fried chicken sensation, is expanding outside of London with two new sites in Birmingham and Manchester this summer Birmingham kicks off the national expansion, with the first site out of London set to launch this July, with Manchester’s Printworks site opening its doors in August These exciting new launches mark the beginning of the brand’s national take-over, setting the stage for Dave’s fiery expansion across the UK’s most vibrant cites Both venues will feature unique, immersive designs which pay homage to the distinctive street art style found across Dave’s U.S. locations The UK’s food scene is heating…

Read More

Construction training specialist urges homeowners to consider hidden risks behind mystery wall noises That late-night scratching sound behind your plasterboard might not be down to mice — and ignoring it could be a costly mistake, according to Derek Bruce, spokesperson at SMSTS Course. “On building sites, unexplained noises inside walls are treated as a red flag,” Derek says. “They’re not just a nuisance, they can indicate wiring issues, pipe movement, or even structural faults. Homeowners should apply the same level of caution.” While rodents are a common culprit, Derek warns that persistent noises — especially at night — can signal a…

Read More

Garden Design Specialist Agata Henderson Reveals How It Can Impact a Property’s Value An attractive garden is a wonderful addition to any home, but a cohesive and well-designed outdoor space can also significantly impact a property’s value – increasing it by as much as tens of thousands of pounds, according to leading garden design specialist Agata Henderson. With demand for professional landscaping on the rise and design fees a more significant investment than before, garden design specialist Agata Henderson has shared five tips on how a quality-designed garden can impact the value of a property and the best way to…

Read More

As the UK housing crisis deepens, new analysis by Open Property Group exposes a worrying surge in so-called “zombie homes”- properties that sit unoccupied and deteriorating while millions struggle to access affordable housing. Key insights: The company’s review of official government figures and internal case data estimates that over 50,000 residential properties across the UK are currently vacant and effectively uninhabitable, locked in probate, legal limbo, or left abandoned by absent owners or investors. While buyers contend with skyrocketing rents and limited supply, tens of thousands of homes lie idle. This mismatch, according to Open Property Group, reflects a systemic failure in…

Read More

As the UK experiences soaring temperatures, a joint warning has been issued to parents and pet owners over the lesser-known dangers of ponds and rivers this summer – with toxic algae blooms already reported across the country. Veterinary professionals are urging dog owners to keep pets on leads near water, following a spike in suspected cases of blue-green algae poisoning, which can be fatal even after minimal exposure. At the same time, first aid educator Sarah Jefferies from Emergency First Aid At Work Course is warning families that garden ponds pose a serious and overlooked risk to young children, especially toddlers. “Ponds seem harmless, but they can be deadly,” Jefferies…

Read More

It’s officially summertime and in honour of the sunshine season Pasta Evangelists reveals the one ingredient that truly captures the soul of the Italian summer: il pomodoro.  Plump, sun-ripened, and bursting with sweetness, tomatoes are so much more than the base of a sauce. They’re a symbol of Italian home cooking, passed down through generations. From Nonna’s slow-simmered ragù to the simplest sugo al pomodoro, the tomato is where good food begins. Roberta d’Elia, Head Chef at Pasta Evangelists, shares the top tips to consider when cooking with tomatoes, and provides perfect recipes that bring the taste of tomatoes to…

Read More

A successful student mentorship scheme between Birmingham City University (BCU) and residential property developer Court Collaboration will be extended to a second year, following a successful pilot. Five BCU built environment students took part in the initiative, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the industry while working on dissertation topics ranging from social housing repairs to cost assurance in construction. They worked with Court Collaboration, the developer behind One Eastside – a 155-metre residential tower currently under construction on James Watt Queensway, which will become Birmingham’s tallest building once complete. “This mentorship gave me invaluable exposure to the industry and…

Read More

Raise a glass to rosé season as GNH Bar & Terrace at the Great Northern Hotel partners with Ultimate Provence to bring a taste of the Côte d’Azur to the heart of King’s Cross. This summer takeover invites Londoners to sip, socialise and soak up the sun in style. Transformed into a chic Provençal escape, the terrace is awash with lush greenery, vibrant blooms and elegant seasonal styling to create the perfect golden hour hotspot. On the menu, chilled glasses of Ultimate Provence rosé are joined by two new cocktails: a Rosé Sangria laced with Martell VS, Ultimate Provence rosé, strawberry and basil;…

Read More

As the UK braces for another warm spell, a little-known cooling trick once popular with older generations is being tipped as a simple but effective way to stay safe in soaring temperatures. According to Neil McKenzie, mobility expert at Halton Stairlifts, one of the most overlooked methods is cooling the body’s pulse points – wrists, ankles, neck and behind the knees – with a damp flannel or chilled water bottle. “It’s something our grandparents swore by,” Neil explains. “Before air con or high-tech fans, they used what they had – and the science still stacks up. Cooling key pulse points helps regulate body…

Read More