New city coffee shop’s unique offering aims to draw late night Nottingham crowd
I review Nottingham's newest coffee shop Økende in Hockley. It is the second branch under the Økende banner, joining West Bridgford which opened in 2021.
Read moreRia Ghei writes about books, food, culture and the curious spaces in between.
Journalist · Writer · Content Creator
I’m a journalist and writer naturally drawn to meaningful stories. I seek to serve readers, always asking how I can create content that informs, educates, inspires and delights.
The Journal
Latest writing
Spooky thriller packed with twists delights fans in Nottingham’s long-running Classic Thriller Season
The Mantrap at Theatre Royal Nottingham is the third and final play of the highly anticipated Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season which runs until August 29 2026.
Read more
Time Out Market London coming to iconic West End site – see what it could look like
Time Out Market London announces 2028 launch. I look at sister site Time Out Market Lisboa to get an idea of what to expect in London.
Read moreI discover Gujarati food at its finest: Dreamz Leicester restaurant review
Home cooked dishes that celebrate the best of Gujarati cuisine are on offer at Dreamz Restaurant & Bar Leicester
Read more
Gordon Ramsay launch: Waitrose first supermarket to stock Michelin chef’s extra virgin olive oil
Two extra virgin oil oils (EVOO) co-founded by legendary Michelin chef Gordon Ramsay and Ben and Elle Caring has launched exclusively at Waitrose. Krude Cook Me Nude and Finish Me Nude is available from 300+ Waitrose supermarkets from August 10, 2026.
Read moreFirst UK ‘wellness pub’ by Holland & Barrett to soothe fans in heatwave
First-of-its-kind pub opens to help Londoners recharge during the busiest social season of the year
Read more
On writing
“I write because there is something deeply magical about the written word. I find the act of writing, giving words life, is the best way I express my thoughts, share feelings with the world.”
Ria Ghei
Editor's pick
Featured essay
August 26, 2026
Spooky thriller packed with twists delights fans in Nottingham’s long-running Classic Thriller Season
The Mantrap at Theatre Royal Nottingham is the third and final play of the highly anticipated Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season which runs until August 29 2026.
Read the essay
Receive Ria's latest writing on Substack
Stories on books, food, culture and life, straight to your inbox.
Join my Substack
No spam. Just good writing.
From the Shelf
Recently read
Bylines
Reporting elsewhere
Bylines
Journalist Portfolio
Find all my bylines here.
Jun 6, 2026
The mysterious little Midlands ‘seaside town’ that’s nowhere near the beach or sea
Mar 18, 2026
Birmingham NEC Photography & Video Show 2026 highlights: Why I can’t wait to revisit next year Ria Ghei
Mar 10, 2026
We tried tasty food at great little restaurant with canal-side views in Nottingham
Feb 19, 2026
Police release full statement after Andrew Mountbatten Windsor arrested on his birthday
On my nightstand
Why Populists Are Winning
by Liam Byrne