About me

‘Absolute disgrace’: Beer drinkers shock at Carlsberg plans to close Burton brewery

Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman (pictured) reacts to Carlsberg Britvic proposal to close Marston's Brewery

Celebrate Dishoom’s ‘biggest, brightest’ Diwali party at iconic Grade II Listed Birmingham museum

Diwali the festival of lights is ready to shine once again in the Midlands - but this is one Diwali party with a twist.  The worlds of Indian cuisine, Diwali festivities and museum culture are set to collide in one magical celebration in the heart of Birmingham. Dishoom Diwali Party Birmingham is set to take…

Bustling market packed with independent traders and great vibes is the place to be in Nottingham

My first visit to Sneinton Market Avenues Nottingham was a real joy one sunny Saturday afternoon. It is just 10 minutes' walk from Nottingham city centre.

‘Exhilarating theatre and laugh-fest’’: The 39 Steps at Derby Theatre is this season’s must-watch

I attend The 39 Steps press night show, a Derby Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre Production. Adapted by Patrick Barlow from John Buchan’s adventure novel and immortalised on the silver screen in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 classic, the inspired take is more comedy thriller packed with brilliant performances.

One of my top reads of 2026: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall book review

What is your favourite type of book? My go-to read is a good old psychological thriller or whodunnit. (I have always marvelled at this, as being a deeply impatient person, how on earth can I stand reading a 400 page book when only the ending can shed light on a twisty book?) Clare Leslie Hall’s…

I take rollercoaster ride into pirate history: The Pirates’ Code by Rebecca Simon book review

Why do I read? I love learning about different cultures, other worlds and realms. Honestly a book is the closest thing to magic, how else can you be magically transported to some place else in just a few seconds? I have always been fascinated by pirates. I remember at primary school, my history teacher gave…

Exclusive Q&A: Sell-out whisky fest with 350+ whiskies readies for autumn return in Sheffield

Whisky fans will unite at Sheffield’s Seven Hills Whisky Festival this month. I love whisky, but up until a few years ago, I didn’t really know much about drams. What better way to explore the whisky arena and discover my own dream dram, than to attend an event that is a congregation of whisky enthusiasts?…

3 things I am loving this autumn: Sheffield whisky festival, Derby Theatre & The Agora

The start of September means it is now officially autumn aka candle season. I lit my first candle of the year yesterday and the room was deliciously fragrant. I find the gentle flickering of candlelight creates the perfect room to get organised for the month ahead. A fresh month is the right time to get…

The Correspondent book review: Who knew letters could be so wonderful?

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a book that requires patience. Persevere and you will be richly rewarded by a tale told in an unconventional manner.

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.

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.

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.

I 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

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.

First 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

East Is East cast announcement for 30th anniversary shows

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…

‘Mind bending book left me guessing for hours’: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

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.

The book to devour this summer: How To Read A Book by Monica Wood

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.

Twisty thriller review: Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell 

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.

Festive Feels Galore: Happy Bloody Christmas book review by Jo Middleton

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.

I tried Sunday lunch with a twist for just a tenner and found a cosy oasis in Derby

I review Hickory's Smokehouse Derby and love loaded hot dog offering deep south Americana vibes

I discover Cognac Frapin XO VIP is perfect luxurious treat for all seasons

Cognac Frapin XO VIP review sees me write tasting notes about what is quickly becoming my favourite Cognacs

3 minute book review: A Suspension of Mercy by Patricia Highsmith

2 minute book review: Derbyshire author Jane Bettany’s novel Murder at the Book Festival

Murder at the Book Festival by Jane Bettany is a cosy crime whodunnit

2 minute book review Charles Dickens’ historical masterpiece A Tale of Two Cities

It's been years since I read Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities is a beautiful, story steeped in tragedy

2 minute book review: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah  

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite novels of the year

2 minute book review: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman, Nicola Walker narrator 

I review the first instalment of Richard Osman's latest book series, We Solve Murders, featuring an unlikely crime fighting duo

2 minute book review: The Woman Who Ran Away From Everything by Fiona Gibson

The Woman Who Ran Away From Everything is a book club choice and a summery read I enjoyed this month

2 minute book review: The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes

I review The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes, a spy thriller with a twist

2 minute book review: I read Anthony Horowitz’s murder mystery Close To Death and loved whodunnit with a twist

I visited Cambridge which is one of my favourite UK summer staycations

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.

Old Fashioned cocktail is perfect tipple for cold February night

I love a good Old Fashioned cocktail and often use either rum or whisky as a base.

Pistachio cream cake is real birthday treat

I baked my own birthday cake this year, after getting obsessed with pistachio cream

Restaurant review: Turtle Bay, Derby

Restaurant review: Bistrot Pierre, Derby

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.

Film review: Rye Lane, Derby QUAD

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.

Restaurant review: Nalaas, Derby

Personal highlights of 2022 include rum tasting in Jamaica and afternoon tea in Bath

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

Top 20 Advent calendar Christmas gifts 2022

Boozy Advent calendar round-up that includes giant gin calendar and spiced rum calendar too