The Lost & Found, Birmingham

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Last weekend during my stay in Birmingham with friends, we were taken to our friend Alyson’s favourite pub in the city centre. The Lost & Found is a classic British restaurant that is situated in a large Victorian building featuring quirky rooms within. The interior is incredible, boasting a ‘library’ and a ‘conservatory’ – an Instagrammer’s dream! (Not to mention extremely Pinterest-worthy).

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You will need to book a table in advance as it gets super busy, especially during the festive period. We were greeted by a friendly waitress who escorted us to our table in the ‘dining room’, where we found this cute Alice in Wonderland style bottle with our reservation tagged on.

As I sipped on my Champagne cocktail, we devoured a board of delicious Polenta chips and marinated stuffed olives.

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In all of the excitement of gossip and giggles with the girls, I totally forgot to take a snap of my main meal. I ordered the Ultimate Fish Finger Sandwich, You will just have to take my word for it when I say that it really was the ultimate sandwich! 

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For dessert I opted for the Cappuccino Crème Brulée, two loves of mine combined. I dipped the hazelnut biscotti into the coffee froth, before reaching the crunchy caramelised topping that was hiding beneath the surface. Yum!

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Despite the service being a little slow (it was a busy Saturday lunch time), I really enjoyed the overall experience. If you happen to be visiting the city, I would highly recommend stopping by here. Good friends and a cocktail required.

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Lemon Drizzle Loaf Recipe

Spontaneous baking is my favourite. The kind where you search through your kitchen cupboards and grab the necessities for most cake bakes – flour,…

Bill’s restaurant, Cheltenham

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Bill’s has opened in Cheltenham, finally.

I’ve been a massive fan of the UK chain ever since sampling their delicious fish finger sandwich last year in the Bristol branch, so you can probably understand why I got excited when I heard through the grapevine that they were opening one in my home town!

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Myself and Sid donned the latest accessory (a Bill’s freebie before entering the restaurant) before heading in to taste the  food delights.

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We had booked a table as it was still the first week of opening, and within seconds of walking in we were taken to our seats.

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Whilst we were awaiting our food and drinks we noticed there was a real buzz and energy in the room, and the interior is particularly Pinterest worthy . The décor of the restaurant is rustic with a shabby chic style, yet still very modern. I love the large lamp shades and the wine storage cupboard especially.

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Our drinks soon arrived – we both sipped on my favourite Amaretto Sours to start the evening off.

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Then our food arrived!

We shared two starters – a plate of crispy lemon squid, with a gorgeous garlic and lemon mayo sauce to dip, and grilled halloumi and cous cous salad. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the latter at first, but the flavours of the cheese with lemon, pomegranate, mint and parsley together worked really well.

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As it had been an unhealthy day of eating I chose the avocado, bacon and spinach salad which was delicious! I have recently been enjoying swapping lettuce with spinach as a healthier alternative, dare I say that I prefer the swap? The presentation of the dish was also impressive, making a salad look instantly more interesting.

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Sid chose the grilled sea bream which looked amazing, and from a cheeky forkful, also tasted pretty good.

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We ended the evening with cappuccinos instead of pudding, despite the desserts sounding too good to pass up.

The menu is full of variety and I plan on trying everything at some point – especially as I’ve heard that they are most famous for their breakfast/brunch menu…

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If you haven’t been to Bill’s yet, what are you waiting for? Click here to head to the website and find your nearest restaurant.

P.s. I have since discovered that the pink shower cap is actually designed for bicycle seats, oops!

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Eylure Brow Palette

Brow power in a palette. You may remember a few months ago I posted a review on Seventeen’s brow kit, it’s a good’un and…

One Night in Luxury at The Petersham Hotel

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Last Friday night I was lucky to stay in this beautiful hotel in Richmond, perhaps one of the grandest places I have had the pleasure of staying in.

From its impressive exterior to the magnificent interior, The Petersham is without question the perfect escape. Situated less than 10 miles from central London, its beautiful landscape views of the River Thames and surrounding greenery make you feel like you’re in the heart of the English countryside – far, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There is something regal about the place, easy to imagine what it would have been like to live in during the mid 1800’s, when the hotel was born. With it’s high ceilings, grand staircase and historic art gracing the walls – honey, I was no longer in Kansas.

Arriving at past midnight, I dragged my dancing feet off to bed, not without admiring the art and impressive décor en route.

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Before I could whip off my clothes and jump into my PJ’s, Nia had already put the TV on and we proceeded to drink tea and share plenty of giggles watching Smack the Pony. Then I fell asleep.

No bed will ever compare to the one at home, but I have to give this one at The Petersham a respectable 7 out of 10. Not the comfiest but by no means the worst that I’ve slept on, I was fast asleep seconds after hitting the pillow. Once we had managed to roll out of bed and change out of our finest jim-jams, it was time to head downstairs for breakfast (not down the fire escape, may I add).

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The views from the dining room were stunning.

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Each of us had a delicious Full English, which cost £14 per head, but with scenic views, lavish surroundings and impeccable service (oh and free pastries, may I add) – it was worth every penny. When in Rome….

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Before we knew it, it was time to leave.

Whether you are planning a weekend away with a loved one, a girls weekend away or just a fancy schmancy stopover en route into the centre of London, I would highly recommend a stay at The Petersham hotel in Richmond.

And if these photos don’t do it for you, I can reveal you even get some cheeky biscuits in your room…

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*I have to say a big thank you to Nia, Sue and Paul for inviting me along – I had a fab time!