
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.
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Hello, my name is Ria and I’m a journalist, writer, content creator, avid reader and good food appreciator (just don’t say ‘foodie’ and we can be friends).
First off, I would like to give you a warm welcome on my website. The world can be a busy, frenetic place and to find you here, in my virtual corner of the world, makes me smile.
I have been involved in the word arena for as far back as I can remember.
My love for the written word started when I was a precocious 10-year-old when I discovered Dumas’s Count of Monte Cristo at Bolton Library. It remains one of my favourite books today. (Reminder to support your local library, sorry I had to crowbar that in.)
It was while studying in Derby for my Creative Writing and English Literature degree which ignited my lifelong fixation for books, writing, reading and devouring every single Agatha Christie Poirot outing.
My blog covers books, food and drink and the gentle foray into fashion and film.
I am part of Derby Book & Cake Club, which I find has been a great space to explore books outside my comfort zone. I think books have the magical potential to challenge perceptions, transport you to faraway places and gently exercise the brain to sharpen mental acuity.
I aim to write at least once a week – there, I’ve said it out loud, which means I have to commit.
I hope you join me on this journey of writing and exploring good food, great books and everything in between.
You can contact me in several ways, the most favoured is email: info@riaghei.com

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.
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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.
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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.
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Home cooked dishes that celebrate the best of Gujarati cuisine are on offer at Dreamz Restaurant & Bar Leicester
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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.
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First-of-its-kind pub opens to help Londoners recharge during the busiest social season of the year
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Three decades on the iconic comedy continues to delight and find new audiences The TV is on in the background and you spy a film from 'back in the day' and that immediately stops the scroll. One of the films that does it for me, is East is East. The 1999 smash comedy gem always…
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Anne Hathaway is set to star in the movie adaptation of this popular book. Here's my quick review of Yesteryear, an intriguing book by Caro Claire Burke.
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This book will make you smile, laugh and leave you hopeful for a nicer world. Monica Wood's How To Read A Book dazzles, read the full review now.
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I review Lisa Jewell's psychological thriller Don't Let Him In. As a big fan of Lisa Jewell, I was really looking forward to this.
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I review Jo Middleton's Happy Bloody Christmas for my book club. Funny in parts, ultimately not for me but I appreciate the author's wit.
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I review Hickory's Smokehouse Derby and love loaded hot dog offering deep south Americana vibes
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Cognac Frapin XO VIP review sees me write tasting notes about what is quickly becoming my favourite Cognacs
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Murder at the Book Festival by Jane Bettany is a cosy crime whodunnit
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It's been years since I read Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities is a beautiful, story steeped in tragedy
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The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite novels of the year
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I review the first instalment of Richard Osman's latest book series, We Solve Murders, featuring an unlikely crime fighting duo
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The Woman Who Ran Away From Everything is a book club choice and a summery read I enjoyed this month
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I review The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes, a spy thriller with a twist
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Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge is a delightful experience, if you're lucky you can even spot swans taking the journey with you down the river.
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I love a good Old Fashioned cocktail and often use either rum or whisky as a base.
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I baked my own birthday cake this year, after getting obsessed with pistachio cream
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I review Bistrot Pierre's latest menu which is chock full of dishes that have guaranteed a second visit in as many weeks. I have my eye on the praline cream Paris-Brest.
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I couldn't stop thinking about Rye Lane, a film I watched at Derby QUAD last night. I felt compelled to write a quick review of this brilliant film.
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As I reflect on 2022, here are a few personal highlights including a rum tasting at Hampden Estate Montego Bay, Jamaica, and afternoon tea at The Priory, Bath
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Boozy Advent calendar round-up that includes giant gin calendar and spiced rum calendar too
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The Palfrey's food is sublime, their drinks menu one of the best I have seen and the front of house Kiana and Josh are absolute rockstars
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Gin advent calendar is a great gift that allows you to discover new tipples. Or gift as a Christmas present, if you can bear to give it away.
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