Category: Family Life

Lavender Lux Anti-Blemish Lavender Balm and Lavender Lip Balm

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Easter, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Mobile Phone, Spring, Summer, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Lavender has long been used for medicinal purposes, not just to aid sleep but it has healing properties that help the immune system, anxiety, stress and depression. Lavender Lux are a Czech company who grow the lavender in the Lavender Valley in the Czech Republic and turn them into beautiful products to benefit health as well as happiness.  We were sent the Anti Blemish Roll On and the Bio Hemp Balm with Lavender (along with some lovely lavender tea bags too!)

The Anti-Blemish Roll On can be used on acne prone skin or on areas which need some TLC.  Simply shake the bottle, roll on and the lavender’s anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties sooth the skin and help reduce the bacteria that cause acne.  It ca be used several times a day, and the scent of the lavender can also help with anxiety and sleep.  Only a small amount is needed, it massages into the skin easily.  This is a lovely alternative to a perfume too, especially if you aren’t getting dressed up to go out but need something convenient.  

The Bio Hemp Balm is used on cracked or dry skin, eczema and minor skin legions. The combination of hemp and lavender nourish the skin, especially lips which can become chapped and sore.  The lavender fragrance really comes through when you use it and the 30ml size is enough to take on holiday or leave in your handbag for minor cuts, grazes or dry areas.  I love this for when my skin is dry during the day and for my lips at night before I go to bed. It’s hydrating and medicinal at the same time.

The lavender tea bags come in slightly different flavours (they’re written in Czech though so I can’t tell you which flavours they are!) and they give an indication of the type of other lovely products available online at Lavender Lux.

Anti-Blemish Roll On available online at £26.95: https://lavenderlux.co.uk/product/bio-anti-blemish-roll-on-10ml/Bio Hemp Balm with Lavender £13.95: https://lavenderlux.co.uk/product/bio-hemp-balm-with-lavender-30ml/

Hotel Collection 5 Star Luxury White Goose Down Pillow

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, Spring

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As the long Bank Holiday approaches for Easter, many of us are looking to spring clean and update our homes, and BHS (yes, the British Home Stores of old!) have some fantastic items available.  Starting with this Hotel Collection 5 Starr Goose Down Pillow, available for only £40, you can add some luxury to your bedroom and take advantage of the natural goose feather feel.

The premium duvets and pillows are all made of goose down, that is 60% goose feather and 40% down, to give the ultimate soft feel. The white colour is made of 300 thread count 100% cotton to allow air to flow and also reduces the changes of allergies.  The pillow is completely washable (but follow instructions!). If you’ve only ever had synthetic pillows then you are in for a treat! Unlike synthetic material pillows, the goose feathers keep the shape of your head as you sleep, allowing air to circulate but doesn’t get bunched up and lumpy. After you’ve vacated the bed, the pillow plumps up again to give the even shape, ready for when you next lie on it.

The quality of the goose down filling can be felt as soon as you squeeze it. The feather give a light resistance to pressure whilst remaining soft. When you lie on the pillow, it’s firm but you soon realise that the feathers are taking the weight of your contours and changing shape as they do so.

Once you try goose down, you won’t want to go back to anything else!

The Hotel Collection 5 Star Luxury Goose Down Pillow can be washed at 40 degrees centigrade and tumble dried, but not dry cleaned. Measures 74 centimetres length, 48 centimetres width. It is not bleach safe.

Available from £40.00 at: https://www.bhs.com/hotel-collection-5-star-luxury-white-goose-down-pillow.html

Jartoo Heated Blanket

Autumn, Baby, Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Winter

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This Mother’s Day, give a gift which is both thoughtful and useful with the Jartoo Heated Blanked. 

Not just a blanket that heats up, the Jartoo Heated Blanked uses Carbon Nanotube Technology to convey heat via the blanked which is more efficient and doesn’t involve lots of wires.  It also promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation with far infrared heating, and uses 60% less energy than other heated blankets.

With the cost of heating being extortionately expensive now, the mantra in most households is ‘heat the person, not the room’ to save both money and energy. The Jartoo Heated Blanked buys into this ethos with the heated blanked that has 6 different heat settings from 35 degrees centigrade up to 55 degrees (95F to 131F) at the touch of a button.

The blanket measures 50” by 60” and has a clever mesh inside that you can’t feel through the soft fabric.  To heat it, there’s a connector concealed in a corner which connects to a corded plug which goes into the wall socket.  On the blanket is a Jartoo button in one corner which starts the heating process when you press it. You know which temperature you’re at because the button changes colour from blue (lowest temperature) to red (highest). Amazingly, there’s also a remote control also included which is already paired through wifi to you your blanket allowing you to turn up the heat from a distance!

The Jartoo Heated Blanket also has a timer, which can be adjusted with the remote control. Cleverly, the blanket will also turn itself off if there is no movement detected, so that it doesn’t become a hazard if you fall asleep. However, it only has an output of 24V so it is well below the safety threshold of 36V.  Despite the wires, the cord can be detached and you can put the blanket in the washing machine and it’s safe for animals to use, even if they try and destroy it!

I found it very easy to set up, and the size of the blanket is well beyond what I would expect as it went from my neck right down to my feet. The material is incredibly soft and the colour, although boring, fits in with existing décor (it’s a dark grey colour) and you don’t see marks on it easily.  When I fitted the plug, it started working straight away and I could feel it heating up.  I timed it as taking 6 minutes before I was toasty, so I’m presuming that was including the time for it to get to its maximum temperature and warm me enough that I could feel a marked difference.  Pressing the Jartoo temperature button was fun too as I cycled through the different temperatures to get to where I was comfortable.

I’m really impressed with the blanket so far and can’t find anything to improve! It’s really efficient, easy to use and safe too. You can warm yourself up with it and feel safe on a timer or simply leave it on knowing that it won’t overhead. Great for older people and children, I also thought that this would be good for pets who like to snuggle especially when it’s freezing out there!

It may be pricy (currently listed on US Amazon at $259.99 which is approximately £200) but the quality of the materials should last you a few years especially with the included warranty. Think about the amount of money you’ll be saving though when you don’t need the heating on so much!

I’m going back to snuggle down in the warm again now…

Jartoo Official Website: https://jartoo.com/

Jartoo Heated Blanket Product Page: https://jartoo.com/products/best-heating-blanket-wash-safe-portable-size-wearable-innovation-use-24v-low-voltage-heat-hot

Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Jartoo-Blanket-Electric-Portable-Washable/dp/B0DPYLK2XB

Belvoir Sparkling Drinks for Mother’s Day

Children, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Belvoir have some Mother’s Day gifts for Sunday Roast at Nan’s house or just to celebrate Mum as she opens her presents and gets pampered.  Pink elderflower and raspberry lemonade drinks from Belvoir can be the perfect alcohol replacement, or used in cocktails all day without the worry of not being able to drive later! We were sent the Mother’s Day pink drinks selection of Sparkling Elderflower Rose, Elderflower & Rose Cordial and Raspberry Lemonade.

The Sparkling Elderflower Rose can be consumed on its own or with a white wine to make a spritzer, but I preferred this light, bubbly elderflower taste on its own. The rose flavour comes through later and as it’s sparkling, it makes it feel like you’re drinking something alcoholic and sweet but without the hangover!  The Elderflower & Rose Cordial is similar in that the elderflower taste is there with the rose behind it, and the concentration means you can have as much or as little of the taste as you desire, plus you can mix it! The ratio stated is 1:10 but you might want to change this if you’re adding it to a cocktail, or if you prefer more of a fruity taste to a Prosecco.

Lastly, the Raspberry Lemonade is a particularly effervescent drink with the raspberry flavour making it taste more like a cocktail.  It’s a grown-up version of a lemonade though which makes it even more enjoyable when you know the children won’t want it!  Keep it in the fridge to drink on its own or as a mixer with a spirit and its great fun, especially for summer.

Belvoir have a range of drinks available, not just for Mother’s Day but for the summer too.

Available at Ocado, Waitrose, Booths, Sainsburys and Tesco from £3.25.

Elderflower & Rose Cordial
Sparkling Elderflower & Rose
Raspberry Lemonade

Nordfarg Sustainable Paint

eco friendly, Family Life, Home, Home & Garden

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

With the upcoming Easter weekend and Bank Holidays, this spring weather is for looking towards DIY and decorating! Nordfarg are a Swedish paint company who bring more to the party than just pretty wall and woodwork paint. We were sent a sample of their decorating paint and some background on how their company operates to show how sustainable paint is the way forward.

This new breed of paint from Sweden strives to cover all bases when it comes to need, nice to have and environment with something like decorating paint. Awarded the Nordic Swan accreditation (awarded only when the highest standards are met with manufacturing), Nordfarg prides itself on using the Swedish renewable power and Iceland’s geothermal heat.  Nordfarg’s paint is APEO and MIT free (as well as boasting minimum VOC levels) which not many paint companies can say they do, so the paint is quite special in this respect. Nordfarg’s paint comes in several formats; Tra for interior wood and metal, Grund for interior wood survaces and Vagg for interior walls and ceilings, which is what we were sent to try!

The ultra-high quality, water-borne interior matt paint is particularly suited to high traffic areas because of its durability. With a cover of 7-9 metres squared per litre, it becomes touch dry in 2-3 hours with a recoating time of 4 hours. Obviously, it’s best to leave longer than 4 hours but for professionals that might not be possible. 

We used the Nordfarg Vagg paint Number 220 called ‘Orngott’ which is a light blue colour to paint a bedroom that gets a lot of light in the morning but none at all by evening.  Complimenting the blue in the stained glass windows, the colour went on smoothly and surprisingly, it only needed two coats. The bright yellow of the old paint underneath didn’t even need covering; the Nordfarg paint covered it completely.  It did indeed touch dry in a few hours and we painted the second coat the next day, with the 2.5litre pot covering all three walls of this large double bedroom.  There wasn’t the usual paint smell that you get with commercial paints – there was a scent but it wasn’t overpowering and wasn’t unpleasant.  The colour went on slightly darker than we anticipated but once it dried (we kept the door open for a while to get the air flowing) then the colour calmed down. The few paint fumes we experienced were only there for the day, by the next morning they were gone!

We’re really pleased with the matt finish of the paint and how it went on seeing as there was already paint underneath and the wall wasn’t sanded first. The colour is really nice as well, as you can see where it meets the wallpaper and under different light it reflects beautifully. This room will get daily traffic so we’re excited to see how it wears but so far, no need to top up any scuffs, just bright baby blue walls and some spring sunshine!

Available online for £59 for 2.5 litres at:

https://nordfarg.com/product/no-220-orngott/

Patchwork: A Cosy Game About Making a Quilt

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Stocking Fillers

We sat down to play Patchwork expecting a simple tile placement game but found a fun and engaging puzzle of creation. This game has you softly competing with another player to build a quilt with random sized tiles on your own grid. The satisfaction of placing just the right piece to fill a gap… amazing!

In Patchwork, you take turns but not in the conventional manner. The player behind on the time board plays, so if you stay behind your opponent you can take multiple turns in a row. On your turn you will pick from 3 different shaped quilt tiles, all with beautiful patterns. Then move a sweet little sewing machine token to replace the taken token and now your choice of tokens changes, giving each turn a new challenge to get just the right tile, or work with what the fate of the game gives you.

So what’s the catch for placing tiles? Each one costs a certain amount to play and takes you time to add to your quilt, which will have you and your opponent leapfrogging across the time board, staring down the other player as their hand hovers over the piece you want, and looking at that all too expensive piece that would fit perfectly but you don’t have the buttons for! 

This game is quick, engaging, and has a cozy feeling as you build your quilt alongside your opponent. Patchwork really nails the pace, simplicity of its rules but gives so much replay value – my wife immediately wanted to play this with her mum when she finished. It is a game for any level of boardgamer. 

The one part we found a little dissatisfying was the scoring at the end but this may have been due to our gung ho way of playing! We found the -2 points for blank spaces harsh and it led to one of us getting negative points. I would have it only remove 1 point or -2 per a certain amount of blank spaces to give a bit more of a good feeling at scoring. But we enjoyed the journey of the game and look forward to playing again.

Patchwork is a great game to pick up for a couple or to play while catching up with a friend. It requires just enough attention that you can play, chat, and enjoy! The satisfaction of the quilt you can build and fitting that perfect piece will have you wanting to play again and again to see what form of Patchwork you make next time!

Available from £22.99 at: https://www.johnlewis.com/asmodee-patchwork-game/p113011033?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_home_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1xsnMBLxQENgyUI88JTxb41h&gclid=CjwKCAiArKW-BhAzEiwAZhWsINM5utKi0PX2I-yjEyV0lX-GOD0EUxaOQ40v7LuICNRP09C0lsfSXhoCaHAQAvD_BwE

OneBrush Adjustable Hairbrush

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Mother's Day, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As hair and beauty products seem to be advancing at an exponential rate recently, there are new gadgets on the market all the time. The OneBrush takes the humble hairbrush and upgrades it to something tailored to what you need it for that day. It’s the world’s only adjustable hairbrush.

If like me, you have several hairbrushes (and combs!) for different reasons, then the OneBrush replaces all of them.  With a dial on the back of the brush face, you can change the firmness of the brush in 7 iterations and anything in between. From ‘Soft’ to ‘Firm’, the dial changes the direction of the bristles on the face so that they have different effects. The brush bristles are plastic (the whole brush is recyclable and already made from recycled plastic) and shaped like aeroplane wings. They’re wider at the base than at the top and they taper towards the end. This gives the advantage of changing the firmness of the brush stroke when the dial is changed, thanks to the direction of the fin. The pattern of the bristles also causes the brush to be firmer or softer as it pulls in different directions.

Yes it sounds technical! However, when you play with the brush and try it against your scalp and hair it feels different so you start to get an idea.  As it’s easy to change the dial each time you use it, you can start with the firmness in one direction for the scalp, then change again as you brush towards the ends.  Likewise, you can change it when you are in the shower and might need a softer brush to run conditioner through your hair, or need a firmer brush for when you have shorter, fly away hair.

OneBrush, One brush,

It takes a while to get used to the different settings, which is understandable as it’s a whole new concept. I’m not a fan of plastic but it does mean that this brush is more versatile and can be used in the shower, taken on holiday (it’s probably indestructible!) and kept in a handbag if you need to.  I found that the firmer end of the dial was very good at massaging my scalp as well as brushing, which made me wonder if using OneBrush helps with stimulating better hair growth. It’s not just great for getting the right stroke in your hair brushing, but for massaging your pressure points after a long day too. Mum will love it!

This Mother’s Day, OneBrush have a special pink version on their website, along with the original version.

As a special deal for Review Studio readers, you can use discount code MD20 for 10% off for Mother’s Day!

Available online for £16.50 at: https://onehairstyling.com

Yankee Candle Hello Italy Lemon Gelato and Olive & Cypress Candles

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, secret santa, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Finally, we have the beginnings of summer here in the UK with some beautiful spring weather. With a few weeks left until Mother’s Day, Yankee Candle have brought out some beautiful summer candles in a new range called Hello Italy.

Featuring Mediterranean inspired scents such as Capri Glow, Azure Sky and two fragranced candles sent to us called Lemon Gelato and Olive & Cypress. Can you feel the warm Italian sun already?

The Lemon Gelato Yankee Candle evokes that late morning ice cream from the local gelato where you stroll along the beach or amongst the dusty lanes after breakfast.  The Lemon Gelato starts off as a sweeter scent, with the lemon citrus tones coming afterwards.  The double wick makes it quicker to burn but more even, and the glass jar looks not just pretty but keeps the smoke at bay once you replace the cap and take away the oxygen. The scent of lemon lingers in the room longer than the sweet smell.

The Olive & Cypress Yankee Candle reminds me of waking up with the sun shining and the scent of the countryside.  The woody effect of the cypress tree is the first fragrance to hit but I really like the joint, musky tone of the olive coming through. This is more of an evening scent for me. Something to burn over dinner or after dinner with drinks compared to the sweet Lemon Gelato candle.  

Both candles are 368 grams which is the medium size in the Hello Italy range. The other sizes are Signature Jar (567 grams) and Mini at 37 grams.  These medium jars have a burn time of 35-50 hours and you can make them last longer and have a less strong fragrance if you only burn one of the wicks. That’s effectively burning the. Candle for 2-3 hours every evening for 2 weeks! What isn’t there to like for a Mother’s Day gift?

Lemon Gelato Yankee Candle £24.99: https://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/yankee-candle/candles/shop-by-type/signature-large-jar-candles/lemon-gelato/ORCL_2642885E.html

Olive & Cyprus Yankee Candle £24.99: https://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/yankee-candle/candles/shop-by-type/signature-medium-jar-candles/olive-cypress/ORCL_2642887E.html

Rubis Classic Slant Tweezers

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, health, Mother's Day

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Everyone needs tweezers. Yes, that’s what I’ve said! It doesn’t matter how old you are, they’re needed for eye brow shaping, taking splinters out of little fingers or for the dreaded whiskers. Blunt, not meeting tweezers are a pain though and if you’re not used to using a well-made, sharp pair, then you’re missing out.

Rubis make hand crafted tweezers in Switzerland, relying on the eye for the final cut to make sure they work properly.  The stainless-steel material means they have the perfect spring to them and last forever, with very few sharpenings needed. They may seem an expensive extravagance at first, but when you realise how precise they are and how long they last, it’s an investment.

The Rubis Classic Slant Tweezers are ergonomically made to fit a woman’s hands, with a safety clasp on them and in a zip-up folder for safe transportation.  This also keeps the blades safe and stops them from blunting. They are both sharp to a point but also sharp bladed so you can get the right angle against your skin.  I love these for not only travelling (because of how well packaged they are) but for shaping eye brows with the right angle on the blades.

For anyone who wants to update their make-up kit or wants to give them as part of a bigger beauty hamper or gift, the Rubis Classic Slant Tweezers are a must!

Available from £27.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rubis-tweezers-classic-slanted-satin/dp/B004NNXSN6/ref=sr_1_7?crid=WPXC0BMQADRH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.39ZvDIUrai-G8HPYwmq69kikaMs1bZU2czq4ySto4AlkQplv5t83cK92fOkIC5p7bCs-oildpwdpBV_jvVlwg-OyfDb4jeK6gARhY6Y8rMOGTXS4sDVhWtuI93Dm67wW-yAQOXiQS6TUfGbWb0rTfVF7nkKprnBR2we1-Lqq-jhGPqM0TxKtZ14tpeifh8PhAOjGVRvjuys5VhHnpaYNTdUXCtFWTAIVuBAw0Iay6RvtpbJjiGkHwlU_IxJDW7kGcd5NMoP3EY5riatxasUYvbYwjitTZSvKVCWaXIeGhyA.t_V9Ty7mOGoEmWhX64FrZBS_cyxzxKMnb3C5mmYb9J8&dib_tag=se&keywords=rubis%2Btweezers&qid=1721639198&sprefix=rubis%2Btweezers%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-7&th=1

WONDERBALM

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Mother's Day, Women

WONDERBALM

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I had never heard of WONDERBALM before, but this pillar of the Korean beauty industry seems to do it all when it comes to beauty and healthcare, so I was intrigued to find out how well it works and what it can do!

This vegan ‘wonder cure’ is made of olive oil with shea butter, candellia wax, orange peel oil and vegetable oil with added antioxidants and vitamins. The name WONDERBALM presumably came about because this elixir can do almost anything – it can be uses as a moisturiser, salve for first aid on the skin, burns and scrapes and for keeping lips and dry skin soft and protected. It’s also useful as a hand cream and cuticle softener, conditioning hair mask, make up remover (or make up primer) and for after tattoo skin care.

The combination of the wax and the oil. Gives an ultra rich texture. I had to work it into my (dry) hands but what hit me was the lovely orange peel aroma that you don’t get with other products on the market. Just a small amount of WONDERBALM was enough to keep my hands hydrated.  With hair mask ( or conditioner) I used it when my hair was still damp, and sparingly too. You don’t need a lot because it’s so dense but the warmth of your hands turns it softer and I was able to work it into the dryer ends of my hair to give more volume. Over time you can work out how much you need for your hair length and texture, but this is a nice (and fragrant!) way of using the product.

With so many uses, this is a great gift for Mum at Mother’s Day and I can’t help but think that WONDERBALM is a great product to take on holiday for not just the beauty aspect, but as a moisturiser, hair conditioner and all round super product.

Currently on sale for £24.95 at: https://beauty-scent.co.uk/products/beautypro-wonderbalm-50ml?variant=54845146956149&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bs-brand-elemis-pmax&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAoRYz_lhpnX8Pxs99rMRF7ByxNIdB&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNi-zL_N5QpbirDR58XmY8pGo1UPRYhaijK3BnG0xcg6wLUrNW-5lQRoClFIQAvD_BwE

Disney Lion King Heatless Hair Curling Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This may look like it’s a set for children with the Disney theme, but adults can use this hair curling kit too!  All over Instagram, there’s demonstrations of how to get curly, yet frizz-free hair from different styling methods.  These heatless hair curlers are probably the easiest, and least damaging of all the methods and you’ve probably seen how some of the influencers have used similar methods to get luscious curls.

The idea is to wrap your hair around each of the bendy curlers and fix them in place either whilst you sleep or whilst your hair is still wet and let it dry. There’s no heat involved (although in time you could blast your hair with a diffuser hair dryer to get a different effect) but as there’s no heat and there’s no small parts, this is great for children to either sleep in or use themselves.  The ribbon secures around the head and then you just undo it and let your hair fall out into curls the next morning.

These heatless hair curlers are also lightweight so can be taken on holiday or camping to give you an easy way of styling your hair with minimal effort. 

Available for £9.99: https://www.madbeauty.com/disney-c157/lion-king-c133/disney-lion-king-reborn-heatless-hair-curling-set-p2476

Mad Beauty Wild at Heart Bubble Bath

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, Mother's Day

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

No woman in your life would refuse a hot bubble bath, and to add to the Mother’s Day pampering, this Wild At Heart bubble bath from Mad Beauty will do just the trick!

At £4.99, it’s a great gift for pocket money to buy or to add to a bigger hamper for Mum or Gran on Mother’s Day.  The fragrance is rich wild cherry, which is actually very potent so cherry lovers will adore this scent.  It lathers up nicely and the 300ml bottle will last for at least 5 baths.  The retro style of the bottle and the wild cherry flavour are reminiscent of the 80s Body Shop styles, which Mums are sure to enjoy!

Have a look at our other Mother’s Day items to get more ideas.

Available for £4.99: https://www.madbeauty.com/mad-beauty-c218/wild-at-heart-c240/mad-beauty-wild-at-heart-bubble-bath-p2544

Plant-Based Luxuriant Serum, Shampoo and Conditioner and Facial Soap

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

There’s an abundance of ingredients available out there nowadays, so anyone needing plant based hair care and beauty products has a lot of choice.  Luxuriant has a range of hair care including shampoo, conditioner and serum which is not only plant based, but actively works to increase the thickness of your hair and combat hair thinning.  Many of the harsh chemicals on the market aren’t great for your overall health and equally, aren’t great for the planet and marine life either. 

Luxuriant’s products are gentler, using highly effective ingredients but all derived from plant life. Their Hair Nutrient Shampoo contains Litsea Glutinosa to nourish follicles, Houttuynia to combat dandruff, and Ginger to boost circulation.  Their Hair Nutrient Conditioner also contains ginger and other products to boost circulation, and as you can imagine, both smell amazing too! We were sent the Hair Growth Serum too which complete the trio for all you need to keep your hair in top condition and promoting growth.  

These are fabulously smelling shampoo and conditioners which take several months to show a huge improvement when you use them regularly, but in the short term they are great as everyday shampoo and conditioner.  The serum is also lovely because it gives a lovely feel to the hair with only a small amount.   After a few washes, you can feel an improvement in texture and the aroma is wonderful.  I’m looking forward to seeing how the long term hair growth goes.

We also had the lovely facial soap sent to us which includes some of the same herbs as the haircare, but you’ll be pleased to know that doesn’t promote any hair thickening!

Available online at: https://luxuriant168.co.uk/collections/hair-growth-products

Fortnite Peely Edition USB Flash Drive and Portable SSD

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Stocking Fillers, Tech

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

If you don’t know what a USB Flash Drive, Portable SSD or indeed what Fortnite is, read on. It might save you a drawn-out heartache when it comes to finding gifts for the young people around you!

Fortnite is an online video game and probably one of the most successful and well known games on the market at the moment.  Fortnite have teamed up with the hardware company SanDisk to product these two Peely themed items.  Peely is one of the characters in Fortnite and if you haven’t guessed already, Peely is based on a banana!

The limited edition Fortnite Peely USB Flash Drive is a clever little device which allows you to put files on it, in this case up to 1Gig of files, and transport it around. It’s only about 5 centimetres long so it fits in a pocket or can be carried on a keychain.  Moving files physically can sometimes be essential for backing up what you have on your own computer, or for security when using public computers. Some software is needed to be able to use it properly but the instructions are included on the Flash Drive, which as the name suggests, is connected to a computer or device via USB.

The second apparatus is the equally clever and limited edition Fortnite Peely Portable SSD. This comes with some perks which can be used in the Fortnight game, but this is another drive whereby you can store files. This is a much bigger drive, with the ability to store 1 Terabyte which is 1000 gigabytes. That’s the equivalent to 1000 of the Peely USB Flash Drives! This is great for backing up a complete computer or big files like music or high resolution artwork, graphics and movies.  Remarkably, it’s less than 10 centimetres tall and very light, with a rubber loop which can attach to a keyring. It’s got a great 2 metre bounce drop protection and no moving parts, so you can imagine how durable this is with children. The USB cable which comes with it is compatible with most computers and like the Flash Drive, it can be used with both PC and Macs.

Everyone who uses a computer needs some kind of storage, so for Fortnite fans, this is a no brainer!  They’re reasonably priced as well and SanDisk are well known for being top quality Flash Drives.  You won’t lose them in their florescent Peely yellow colour either!SanDisk Fortnite Peely Flash Drive £8.99 at: https://shop.sandisk.com/en-gb/products/usb-flash-drives/sandisk-fortnite-peely-usb-flash-drive?sku=SDCZIF-064G-G46

Digital gift card Prezzee

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The ultimate gift-hack is the gift card, although nowadays there is a more sophisticated and personalised way of giving Mum that perfect gift!  No longer do we have all the paper gift vouchers which get stuck in a drawer forever, but the Prezzee Digital Gift Card can be sent to someone (or you can print it out) and then converted into any gift card featured on the Prezzee website.

Starting at the Prezzee website (www.prezzee.uk) you choose the amount you wish to gift and who you want to send it to. You can choose to send it with an eGift design, greeting card, GIF or video or send a personalised message – or all three! Once you add the details of who to send it to and pay, the gift card wings its way to the recipient either straight away, or on a given date. Perhaps you’ve forgotten to send Mum a Mother’s Day present? Well she won’t know you’ve forgotten if you still send it on the day! 

When Mum receives the eGift, she clicks on the link, creates a Prezzee card and can choose which store to redeem the amount at.  You can even split the amount so the whole value isn’t assigned to just one shop, it can be used in different shops, so you can be sure Mum will be able to use it where she likes, when she likes. 

They’re all great stores too, such as Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Pure Spa, City Breaks and even Swarovski.  We chose to buy some chocolates at M&S, which produces a gift voucher which you can print out and use, or I had it sent to my phone and the barcode is read at the self-serve till.  

If you’re all clubbing together to get Mum a big gift, creating digital eGift cards with Prezzee means Mum can redeem them all in one go at her favourite store, or even use it for a weekend away.  So simple compared to the old-fashioned paper gift vouchers of years gone by. Everyone wins!

Available online at: https://www.prezzee.uk/store/prezzee-gift-card/

Woodwick Candles

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, secret santa, Spring, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are our own!

I love candles, my house is filled with them, and I can’t resist the candle section in shops, spending ages sniffing every single one before convincing myself that I absolutely need another one (or three!) Over the years I have discovered that it is worth spending money on decent candles, if you don’t, you may be disappointed as candles do tend to vary from brand to brand. Some barely give off any scent, while others burn unevenly and leave you feeling totally disappointed. That’s why, once you find a good brand, you stick with it – and for me, that brand is Woodwick.

Now, I’m a firm believer that a candle isn’t just about the scent – it’s about the whole experience. It needs to look stylish in your home, set the mood, and actually make an impact. And trust me, Woodwick candles tick all those boxes. Not only do they look fabulous, but the fragrances are divine and last. Plus, they have that signature Pluswick® Innovation wooden wick that crackles like a real fire making the room feel nice and cosy when they’re lit.

I like to change scents depending on the time of year and my current favourites are from Woodwick’s Haze range – Terra Haze and Solar Haze.

Terra Haze is a gorgeous grey candle with a deep, earthy fragrance that reminds me of that fresh smell after rain – you know the one? It’s got hints of cedarwood and moss, and it just makes everything feel warm and inviting. Perfect for those chilled-out evenings with a cup of tea (or a glass of something stronger!).

Then there’s Solar Haze, which is completely different but equally gorgeous. This one is all about fresh, uplifting citrus – think grapefruit, lychee, and a burst of morning sunshine in candle form. It’s fresh, zingy, and ideal for brightening up your mood and your home.

The best bit? These candles are designed to burn evenly, so you don’t get that annoying wax tunnel, and the scent actually lingers – I can still smell it in my living room the following morning! Plus, the jars are so pretty that once the candle’s finished, you can upcycle them into a vase.

And here’s a little hint hint for anyone struggling for a Mother’s Day gift – because let’s be honest, what mum wouldn’t love a luxurious candle? Whether she’s into relaxing, refreshing, or just making her home smell amazing, a Woodwick candle is a guaranteed winner. It’s like gifting an entire vibe – and at £32.99, it’s a little touch of indulgence that she’ll love.

So, if you want to create a cosy, welcoming feel in your home (or treat someone special), these candles are an absolute must-have. Light it, sit back, and let the gorgeous scent do the rest!

WheyBetter Protein Milk Chocolate Bars

camping, Family Life, snacks, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Thanks to WheyBetter, you can now enjoy a chocolate bar that’s also a high protein bar as part of your high protein or fitness diet!  We were sent both the Protein Milk Chocolate and Protein White Chocolate bars to test out.

Both bars com with 17 grams of protein and no added sugar, nut free palm free and with added immune vitamin blend.  The 75 gram bars are bigger than usual chocolate bars, and take in vitamins C, D and B12 to add to your nutrition after a workout or a race.  As they’re individually wrapped, they’re great for lunch boxes, school trips or after school too and make a difference to the world with their Rainforest Alliance certification.

protein bar

Each of the bars taste like chocolate is supposed to, which isn’t surprising with the milk Chocolate bar containing 40% cocoa.  There’s no sugar in these bars though so they’re not super sweet and without palm oil there’s a slightly more earthy texture to them, but there’s no mistaking that they’re chocolate bars.  They’re available at some private gyms across the country and a few store such as Budgens but there are more retails coming on board from January 2025 onwards.  To purchase at the moment, see the wholesale prices online or search for a retailer near you:

Protein Milk Chocolate 12x75g Bar Box – Immune Blend

The Ivy Restaurant, West Street, WC2 London

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

NOT SPONSORED

The outside appearance of The Ivy is deceptive when you consider that the restaurant is wedge shaped and on both Litchfield Street and West Street, where the entrance is, in London’s Theatre Land.  The distinctive Ivy Windows which have become their branding, can be seen clearly from both streets as you approach and are directly opposite St Martin’s Theatre where The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie has been playing for more than 70 years.

Inside, the bar dominates the centre of the restaurant which isn’t as expansive as you might have thought. The tables arrange around the bar and towards the back of the room but there are more private rooms out of view – a necessity for the celebrities who frequently choose The Ivy for entertaining.  If you walk off the street and ask for a table you’re unlikely to find one, but there’s a slim chance that you’ll get a seat at the bar to eat, which is the same menu as everyone else.  

The Ivy

Opening in 1917 for the first time, when Europe was at war and there were very few people in London, The Ivy has in the past decade branched out and opened several Ivy Brasseries around the country. All of them have the stained glass window branding and this original West Street site is ne exception, even after renovation.  What’s striking is the attention to detail such as the ivy cut outs on the bar’s drip tray, the artwork which reflects the bold colours of the (obscured) windows and the managers who wear an Ivy brooch to show their responsibility.

The menu is classic and the portions plentiful.  From Veal cheeks bourgouignon to the Ivy Classics of The Ivy Burger and Deep-fried haddock and chips, there is something for everyone.  The menu at West Street is similar to what you find in the brasseries but with added temptations and some specials you won’t find anywhere else such as Beef Wellington for 2. We also liked the dessert menu, which has staples such as Tiramisu and a selection of cheeses, but with The Ivy’s famous Chocolate Bombe which is a theatre experience in itself when the staff pour hot caramel over the chocolate bombe to reveal ice cream underneath. Not for the fainthearted, it’s worth saving room on the mains for this delicious, decadent treat that The Ivy does so well.

The bar creates a wealth of cocktails, some of which are house specialties going back decades, as well as the usual long selection of spirits. The Ivy is famous for their Martinis though, and the bar staff will happily advise along which Martini route you wish to indulge.  Another suggestion would be their Peach Bellini, the Prosecco based tipple which is often enjoyed at breakfast but goes exceptionally well with lunch as well.

The atmosphere is bustling and warm within The Ivy with nearly every seat at every table able to see who walks in the door.  From the outside, it’s impossible to see who is seated inside so you have to venture in through the wood and glass Art Deco doors, past the huge vases of fresh flowers and to the hosts on the main desk to see if they have a table, or a bar stool for you.  The food is the star of the restaurant though, with sumptuous presentations of classic dishes and something different for anyone looking for a change.

https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-west-street/

The Ivy West Street

Purple Coffee Bags

Birthday Gifts, camping, coffee, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The invention of the coffee bag has been a lifesaver for a lot of people, especially those who don’t enjoy instant coffee but need the convenience.  Purple Coffee produce coffee in all shapes and sizes from whole bean, ground, pods and some rather lovely (and colourful!) coffee bags.  We were sent some in a very fetching Purple Coffee tin to try out as part of their new Brew Monday launch for Mental Health Awareness Day on Monday 20th January.

The 16 bags of coffee (probably enough for a whole month in the office or a weeks’ worth at home!) can be found on their website Purple Coffee Co which aims to promote ‘real’ coffee instead of instant. Additionally, Purple Coffee want to help keep down the costs of coffee by providing bags that are less than 50% of the cost of a coffee in a coffee shop and promotes initiatives for young talent and a sustainable agroforestry project in Costa Rica, which obviously is where a lot of coffee is grown.

The coffee bags come in 4 flavours; KO (fully roasted bean, great for mornings), XO (a ‘zingy finisher’), BI (50/50 caffeinated/decaffeinated fuller flavour) and ZZ (chill decaf, for relaxation).  Each 20 gram bag produces at least one cup and all of the flavours go great with milk.  I think my favourite is the KO as I like the full on, coffee and caffeinated morning cup of java but just as nice is the fact that each tin has a variety of flavours so that you can mix and match throughout the day.

The Purple Coffee Co tin also makes a great gift for someone, especially someone who appreciates coffee!

Purple Coffee Co Tasting Tin £15.99 available here: https://purplecoffeeco.com/collections/shop/products/purple-coffee-bag-tin

Plastic Free FreshWipes

beauty, camping, Children, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Home, Plastic free

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The company FreshWipes have a range of products available all of which are made of plastic free, biodegradable materials. We were sent a selection of them to try, and were surprised at their versatility. We received Body Wipes (one scented, one unscented), Mini Pet Wipes and Intimate Wipes, all part of the FreshWipes range.

FreshWipes Body Wipes are where the company started in 2020 with their creation of a wipe which was the adult version of baby wipes.  Their antibacterial properties make them easy to use for most personal uses, and these are especially good for people who are bed bound or can’t shower easily.  Although this is a massive part of their market, these wipes are great for travelling, camping and even having at work if you need to. Mostly though, they’re a good all-round wipe which anyone can use and the fact that they are biodegradable as well means you can dispose of them anywhere and without guilt! There are 12 wipes in each of these packs, and each measure 20 centimetres by 30 centimetres. I think I prefer the Ocean Fresh scented packs, but both are just as pleasant.

The FreshWipes Intimate Wipes are pH balanced and unscented. They’re antibacterial too, and smaller at 20 centimetres by 15 centimetres.  These are in a much smaller pack that would fit in a handbag or hospital bag.  They’re designed to not only clean with antibacterial agent but to eliminate odour too.

Lastly, the very ingenious FreshWipes Mini Pet Wipes are for all animals.  Antibacterial, biodegradable and approved pet safe, these are also mini wipes because they measure 18 centimetres by 20 centimetres in size.  These wipes are for all over use, not just for muddy paws! They’re approved for human use too so you can take these out with you on walks or if you’re visiting someone, but I should imagine these are great in a pet emergency.  They’re made from plant-based viscose fibres but can’t be flushed, just put them in the bin or a compost.

All of the wipes in the FreshWipes range are available online and in boxes as well as packs at: https://www.freshwipes.co.uk/collections/body-wipes They’re such a handy idea, and work really well that I can’t believe someone hasn’t come up with this idea before!

Naturtint Hair Food Hair Masks

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Home, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

After the chaos of Christmas, and into the new year with best intentions but enough central heating to heat Battersea Power Station, Naturtint have some lovely Hair Food hair masks to replenish your locks.  We were sent the Quinoa and Chia Hair Food hair masks to try (there are also Goja and Purple Rice in the range) so we set about trying the repair the winter damage.

Starting with the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask, it not only helps protect and shine coloured hair, but it can be used on hair that hasn’t been coloured and boosts shine. With 99% naturally derived ingredients, the added milk thistle gives a smooth, glossy shine to hair and shea butter helps prevent damages by making it more flexible. Naturtint Quinoa Colour & Shine Mask is free from parabens, artificial fragrances and is cruelty free plus vegan friendly.

The Naturtint Chia Protective Hair Mask is also for both coloured and untreated hair. The chia’s proteins and amino acids promote healthy hair growth and baobab proteins give strength and vitality. The Chia Protective Hair Mask not only leaves hair silky smooth but it leaves a lasting protection on the hair, which is great if you wash your hair daily, or need to protect from the environment.

Both hair masks leave an impression, especially as they are on the hair for a minimum of 4 minutes so they give a deeper nutrient bath to your hair.  Both protected my coloured hair, and both left it softer and with subtle, fruity fragrances.  Over time, I think they will repair more of my curly hair but I found the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask kept my colour shinier and the Chia gave a more overall, defined look to my curls because it was more moisturising.  

These are only 2 masks in the whole set, there’s more to explore! They’re a lovely addition to your haircare routine to give a deeper, more moisturised shine.

Priced at £7.49: https://naturtint.co.uk/product/naturtint-hair-food-quinoa-colour-shine-mask-150ml/

Naturtint Hair Food – Chia Protective Mask (150ml)

The Thames Path Sketch Journal

Birthday Gifts, Books, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Any Londoner is familiar with The Thames on a daily basis, but probably only a small portion of the 2,000 year old river as they travel over or under it.  The Thames Path Sketch Journal starts with The Thames at Richmond, London and follows it to the Thames Barrier, giving illustrations, maps and sketches along the way.  The ‘Liquid History’ is also brought to life with walks along The Thames and gives extensive history.

The book is broken up into chapters covering specific areas working from west to east. Starting with an illustrated map of the segments of The Thames, watercolours of buildings and structures are annotated with history and background per page, giving details on construction and original uses as well as they have changed over the centuries.  The walks are detailed on each of the illustrated maps, and although the hardback book is heavy and probably not practical to carry with you on the walk, it is easy to take a photo of the map and use it to walk along the route.

The book goes on to illustrate a range of artwork including line sketches, plans of historic houses and some areas such as Kew Gardens have extra artwork exemplifying the buildings and the beauty of the area. There are some historical photos included too, giving the background of the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race. As the book goes on to the City area of The Thames, there are more and more illustrations, bringing The Thames to life.

This is a brilliant coffee table book and gift for anyone interested in London, or with a personal history of The Thames. It’s absolutely beautiful with the sketches on every page and complete detailed history of each area as well as walks which can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Have a look at author Charles Leon’s website with extra artwork available: https://www.charlesleon.uk/thames-path-sketch-journal

Or purchase online at: www.amazon.co.uk/Thames-Path-Sketch-Journal/dp/1399991345/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ABXN3RYC3YND&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1IrIeY3b1NfYUALdKy36tg.y_nijFrnMDRFjGRan2day50QkgGLXLPcyWhDNosgdVw&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+thames+path+sketch+journal+charles+leon&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1736417509&sprefix=the+thames+path+sketch+journal+charles+leon%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1

Hard Rock Cafe, Manchester

Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Restaurant

Disclaimer: We received a meal and drinks free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Nestled right in the heart of Manchester, within the newly refurbished Printworks entertainment complex, stands the Hard Rock Café, a veritable shrine to rock ‘n’ roll and, as it turns out, mighty fine food.

Upon entering we were warmly welcomed and shown to our booth which, given our location, was the ideal spot – situated beneath a display of memorabilia from Oasis – one of  Manchester’s most iconic bands.  The Hard Rock Café is more than just a restaurant, it’s a celebration of music, culture, and legendary artistry. When you look around the restaurant there is an amazing collection of memorabilia, from guitars autographed by iconic musicians, drum kits on the walls and outfits worn by some of the world’s most famous musicians, every piece tells a story and a meal at the Hard Rock Café is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

January, of course, is a month for frugality, as many of us recover from the excesses of Christmas. And so, the two mains for £25 deal (available Monday to Thursday, 12–3 pm) was music to our wallets. While the menu for this offer isn’t as vast as the standard menu, the selection remains delightfully tempting. Choices range from a Caesar Salad with Chicken or Salmon to a classic burger with fries, a grilled chicken sandwich, or a South-Western Chicken Bowl, each each dish tempting enough to make you reconsider those New Year resolutions.

Guided by the expert advice of our ever-attentive server, Andy, we began with the starters: the “One Night in Bangkok Spicy Shrimp” and a mammoth tray of nachos. While the nachos were generous enough to satisfy two, it was the shrimp that truly stole the spotlight, perfectly crispy, tantalisingly spicy, and served on a bed of crunchy coleslaw – it was absolutely delicious and I could easily have eaten a second portion!!

For our main courses, my husband opted for the Caesar Salad with Salmon, while I indulged in the Classic Burger with Fries. The salad was delightfully fresh and crisp and refreshing with large croutons providing a pleasing crunch, while the salmon was cooked to perfection. The burger, was everything a good burger should be – a towering stack of tender beef, melted cheese, and all the classic accompaniments, expertly assembled for maximum satisfaction.

After devouring two courses, we were feeling quite full, but I can never say no to dessert, especially when there’s a hot chocolate fudge brownie on the menu. This show-stopping treat arrived in a towering glass, featuring a warm, gooey brownie as its base, crowned with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, a fluffy swirl of whipped cream, and a bright red cherry on top. Rich, indulgent, and utterly divine, it was the perfect way to end the meal on a sweet high note.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was relaxed yet lively, with classic rock hits playing at just the right volume to enhance the vibe without overwhelming the conversation. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the diverse crowd, families, couples, and groups of friends—added to the welcoming, inclusive feel of the place.

If you’re in Manchester and looking for a meal that delivers on flavor and fun, the Hard Rock Café is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back—and probably sooner rather than later!

Walk-ins are welcome, but booking is recommended. For more information or to reserve a table, visit: Hard Rock Café Manchester.

Maison Francois, 34 Duke Street SW1Y

Birthday Gifts, Days Out, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

NOT SPONSORED
Tucked behind The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason, Maison Francois is a piece of France nuzzled into the London West End scene.  The food, like the extensive menu, is quintessentially French and uses the best ingredients in one of the best London locations to keep Londoners happy. Very few people know of its existence either, making this a new find for most casual city diners.

The restaurant opens into an Art Deco floor with woodwork booths and sectioning to give privacy to diners.  There’s a huge pewter clock above the passe to the kitchen and the high ceilings makes it easy to talk at any of the tables.  The menu is written all in French but the staff are happy to help with any of the items especially the specials and the bar is well stocked, again with specials available to everyone.

Maison Francois is famous for their patisseries but before we get to that stage, the menu is worth talking about.  There is a huge choice and everything that you can imagine is French is on there, including some things that aren’t such as types of pasta and breakfast items.  The steaks and duck pasta (reginette, ragoût de canard, olives vertes) are particularly good.  We also sampled some of the wines which are on show in a huge cabinet behind the waiter’s station.  The desserts are also on show, but in the old-fashioned tradition of a dessert trolley.  The glass dome shows off the hand crafted cakes and drawers underneath hold even more delights such as macarons and bark.

Downstairs there’s a breakfast bar which turns into a wine bar after 3pm. Again, the theme of open plan works well here as you descend downstairs and see the deli items on show.  No reservations are needed here but as it’s downstairs, you can easily hide away or take time out before returning to shopping.

The atmosphere is professional yet low-key with a high level of service but a familiarity of the restaurant and friendly staff.  The attentive nature of a French restaurant means you are well catered for, service is quick and the food is top level.

Pros

Huge choice of French cuisine

Excellent desserts and a range of cakes

Service was friendly and efficient

Cons

The menu is entirely in French so you might need a translation from staff

Can be pricy, reflecting on the quality of the food

https://www.maisonfrancois.london

The Delaunay, 55 Aldwych London WC2B

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Restaurant

With London’s rich history comes a plethora historical restaurants which are less for tourists and aimed more at those aching for a London gone by.  The Delaunay, on the edge of Covent Garden and with The Strand at one end and London’s financial district at the other, has been part of Holborn for decades albeit as The Wolseley on Piccadilly. As part of the Wolseley Group, The Delaunay caters from breakfast to dinner, serving theatre goers as well as locals and fans of European cuisine but with an understated, high end elegance only this part of London can show off.

The Delaunay boasts a classical, wood panelled French-style bar when you walk in. Here you can have a drink pre-dinner or walk through to the hive-like restaurant with its grand ceilings, low lighting and a huge antique clock at one end, it looks like it’s been there for decades yet only opened as The Delaunay in 2011. It’s menu reflects the surroundings; Tranche of Halibut, Fillet of Beef Stroganoff and Grilled Spatchcock Chicken with Jersey Rock Oysters for starters, or Borscht with horseradish cream to reflect the European feel of the restaurant.  There’s a specials menu too, which produced this delicious Beef Wellington with a doorstep sized wedge of beef that was medium rare, but not by any means a medium meal.  There was no need for side orders with this meal as there was ample on offer. Still, the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant allowed for some time between mains and dessert, allowing an opportunity to soak in the ambience.

The dessert menu gets the full European treatment with gems such as Classic Apple Strudel, Salzburger Soufflé and The Franz-Joseph Kaiserschmarrn (a fluffy, German inspired pancake dessert with plum compote).  We went for the Berry & Vanilla Baked Alaska which arrived with the very dramatic blow torch and alcohol pan, served flaming in front of us with the meringue lightly scorched enough just as the flames burnt out.  The fresh blackberries, red currants and kirsch bring out the sweetness of the ice cream and meringue in this hearty dish, leaving everyone satisfied after just two courses. You can of course, have a selection of British Cheeses either as well or instead of a dessert, and the extensive wine and cocktail list from The Delaunay Bar adds to the grandeur of the occasion.

Unlike other establishments, the hassle-free expertise of the waiting staff at The Delaunay contribute to the pleasure of dining in contrast to the more formal settings. Diners are afforded the speed of a City restaurant but the laid-back service of a French café or a German bar, making the entire experience the best of European dining.

Pros

Different cuisine with an emphasis on European, especially with the desserts

Very relaxed, easy to take your time over food or just a snack

Spacious seating so you can converse without interruption

Cons

Very dim light, so use the torch on your phone!