The capital’s got something for everyone to enjoy, so here are five cultural experiences to remember forever:

Experience the magic of the West End

After watching an adrenalin-fuelled 100m race or a knee-knocking relay, why not treat yourself to a night in the West End? Experience the bright lights of Theatreland and take in one of the city’s most famous shows. Visit the Noel Coward Theatre (first constructed in 1903) or head to the London Palladium owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. If you’re fascinated by architecture, pass by the Theatre Royal Drury Lane designed by Benjamin Wyatt, or admire The Palace Theatre constructed by impresario Richard R’Oyly Carte. Meander down the bustling streets or enjoy a pre-theatre feast at one of London’s best restaurants.

Discover the South Bank Centre

Enrich your itinerary by taking a delightful stroll along the South Bank – famous for the London Eye. Enjoy remarkable views over the River Thames before exploring the Southbank Centre, one of the largest and most celebrated art centres in the world. Make your way across the 21-acre site and discover gems such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall or the Saison Poetry Library – which houses the most comprehensive collection of modern poetry in Britain. Enjoy the work of reputable musicians and artists which perform at the Southbank Centre every year or take in a professional show at the Royal Festival Hall. Numerous events are held throughout the year, so be sure to check what’s on before your trip.

Explore Shakespeare’s Globe

If you’re a literature fanatic, or adore anything historical, head to Bankside where you’ll find Shakespeare’s Globe – a remarkable reconstruction of the open-air playhouse where Shakespeare’s plays were once performed. The building stands just a few hundred yards from its original site and is designed to educate guests about the life and work of the bard. Visitors can enjoy spectacular shows amid a wonderfully rustic setting and can admire the 16th century architecture. Although the original building was closed down by the Puritans in 1642, the spirit of Elizabethan England still lives on today! The surrounding area was once a hotbed for dark deeds and is not far from The Clink Prison Museum – built on the original site of one of England’s oldest prisons.

Visit the museums

London is alive with an array of breath-taking museums that are great fun for the whole family. No matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to send your mind into an Olympic spin – so why not plan your days carefully? Head to the British Museum and enjoy a journey from prehistoric to modern times, or visit the Science Museum for the future of space travel. Discover 3,000 year old artefacts at the Victoria and Albert Museum (the world’s most fabulous museum of art and design) or see a 26-metre-long dinosaur at the Natural History Museum. Learn all about trench warfare at the War Museum or head to the Design Museum if you’re fascinated by art. There’s so much to see and do and you can enter most museums for free – what could be better?

Head to the Tower

Whether you’ve tickets for the Olympic javelin event, or just want to see the city, don’t miss the Tower of London – part of the Historic Royal Palaces. See the infamous ravens that never leave (apparently) and climb the creepy staircases up to The White Tower. Witness the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels (including lavish diamonds) and learn about the exotic animals that were held prisoner at the tower. After all that (if you have the nerve) discover the Bloody Tower and find out if the two young princess were really murdered there. Strange happenings have been reported at the Tower, so keep one eye behind you – at all times.

Nestled along the River Thames, London’s a spectacular metropolis that’s just waiting to be explored.

By making a few small tweaks to your shopping list, you can prepare delicious, well-balanced meals on a tight budget. Knowing when, where and what to buy should save you cash, so here are ten recession-busting tips for food lovers.

Opt for frozen fruit and veg

If you’re penny-pinching, head to the chilly aisle in the supermarket and stock up on frozen fruit and veg. Packets of ice-cold peas, carrots and beans are usually cheaper than their fresh counterparts and can be just as good for you – if not healthier. Many people think that unfrozen food is more nutritious, but this is often untrue as light and heat can destroy the nutrients of fresh products. Many frozen foods are flash frozen straight after being picked meaning they hold onto their goodness. The taste might not be as good, but at least you’ll get your five a day – with very little chopping!

Buy what’s in season

When food’s in abundance it’s usually cheaper, so select local fruit and vegetables that are in season. Look out for special offers and make the most of good weather and fruitful harvests. In the UK, foods such as cabbages, leeks and Brussels sprouts are best in December whereas spinach, rhubarb and asparagus are better in March. Of course, most products are available all year round, but they probably won’t be as fresh or juicy. Imported products can lose their nutrients and can often go bad quicker – so shop with this in mind. Spend your money wisely throughout the calendar year and fill your plate with delicious (yet cheap) ingredients.

Opt for tins

If you’re strapped for cash, fill your cupboard with tinned foods – as these make ideal snacks. Avoid high-salt, high-sugar products and instead opt for things like baked beans as these are rich in protein, fibre, iron and calcium. Tinned fish is also full of heart-friendly omega 2 acids and is a cheap alternative to fresh fish. Choose cans of sardines or salmon in spring water (as this will reduce your salt intake) and enjoy a healthy, well-balanced lunch by adding salad. According to the British Heart Foundation someone in the UK dies of a heart attack every six minutes, so it’s wise to take care of your health – even if you’re broke.

Make meat go further

Meat is often expensive, so make it go further by preparing a hearty casserole or stew. Cook your chicken, beef, lamb or pork with an abundant array of vegetables and enjoy delicious leftovers for days. If you’ve spent all your money for the month, freeze excess portions in individual containers and defrost whenever you need a protein pick-me-up. Salads, vegetable curries and soups are all great, but if you’re a meat-lover, plan your meals carefully. Avoid thick, juicy, expensive steaks (if you have the will power) and always look out for special deals.

Make your own lunch

Making your own lunch might seem like a chore, but it could save you a lot of money. Simply buy a decent-sized lunchbox and get your food ready the night before work. Wrap everything nicely and look forward to consuming it the next day. You won’t have to buy expensive sandwiches from a nearby café and will know exactly what’s in your food. If you’ve made a large dinner the night before, place the leftovers in a small container and take it with you to work. This will save you time in the evening and will mean nothing goes to waste. Throwing food away is like dropping pound coins down the drain, so try to be as economical as possible.

Times might be tough, but there are ways to stay fit, healthy and on top of your game.

Firstly, we must realise there’s a problem. A study, carried out by Slimming World, revealed that one in four people are obese – but most don’t even realise it. Only six per cent of the 2,065 people polled recognised they had a severe weight problem while 75 per cent underestimated their size. Wobbly tummies and larger thighs have become somewhat accepted, but we must start taking the obesity epidemic seriously.

One of the best ways to achieve or maintain a healthy weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) is by keeping a food diary. Research suggests most adults consume 10 per cent more calories than necessary, so it’s important to keep track of what you’re eating. While men are now allowed to eat about 2,605 calories of food every day, women should only rack up around 2,079. These numbers are based on activity levels and are a decent guideline for most people.

Eating at regular intervals will also stop your sugar levels from plummeting and should prevent you from snacking. Try a healthy bowl of porridge for breakfast (as oats release energy throughout the day) and opt for a nutritious but delicious lunch. The American Heart Association recommends adults eat two portions of oily fish per week, so why not rustle up a tuna pasta salad or prepare a salmon steak? Enjoy a low-fat dinner in the evening and make sure that starchy foods make up around one third of what you eat. Many dieters cut out carbohydrates altogether but brown pasta, rice and bread provide the body with essential nutrients and energy.

If you feel hungry in between meals, avoid calorie-laden treats and opt for healthier alternatives such as fruit or carrot sticks. Keep some raisons nearby or consume a wholemeal bread sandwich to help you stay focused throughout the day. Popping to the vending machine might seem like a good idea, but foods high in sugar can leave you feeling demotivated and lethargic after the initial sugar rush. Avoid bringing loose change to work if you can’t resist temptation and stay out of the kitchen if goodies are around. A bit of self-restraint can make all the different and will help you shift the pounds sensibly.

Battling the bugle is tough, but portion control is essential. Try cooking less food from scratch and serve up smaller portions. Fill half your plate with salad or vegetables (as these are low in calories) and avoid going back for seconds. Swapping large, fatty meals for smaller, leaner dishes can be difficult, but you’ll soon get used to what you should be eating. If you simply can’t resist piling your plate high, attempt to eat a large breakfast, a medium lunch and a small dinner – so that you don’t go to bed after a heavy meal.

Finally, if you want help shifting those pounds, why not meet like-minded people at a weight loss group? You’ll receive help and support and will be able to keep track of your progress in an organised and fun way. Losing weight alone can be difficult, so join a fat-busting club and attend the weekly meetings. If your family are overweight, encourage them to go along to each session with you and lose fat together. Changing eating habits within your own home is much easier if everyone’s on board – as there’s less temptation.

According to Diabetes UK, loosing between five and ten per cent of your body weight can lower your blood fats, blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Nevertheless, the UK charity advocates a steady weight loss, so aim for around 1-2 pounds a week. The obesity epidemic won’t go away overnight, but it’s time to realise the dangers of being overweight.

Of course, not many of us in the UK will have watched the match live and even less of us will have time to trawl through the many adverts that have now been release online. So, here are ten of the best Super Bowl commercials for 2012 that have now made their way out on to the web.

Samsung Mobile – Thing Called Love

Samsung took direct aim at its biggest rival by showing technology fanboys queuing outside a pretty familiar gadget store. When a Samsung Galaxy Note user casually walks by and wows the crowd with his device, they question their apparent mindless adulation of their old brand and break free from the shackles of the line-up. If Samsung’s point weren’t clear enough, the ad finishes up by announcing that ‘the next big thing is already here’. Will it be enough to win over Apple devotees? Unlikely. But its a pretty humorous attempt.

Time Warner Cable – Enjoy Better Anthem

Do the Americans love Ricky Gervais? Do they hate him? Do they even get him? It may be a little difficult to tell sometimes, but one thing’s for sure, it’s pretty difficult to escape him at the moment. Here, Time Warner uses the controversial British export to deliver his usual dose of sarcasm, before ramping up the action and giving him an explosive kick up the backside. Its a brilliantly done little piece that also manages to remind people of the various virtues of the TWC service.

Honda CR-V – Matthew’s Day Off

The internet exploded last month when an early teaser appeared online for this campaign, but mainly because people mistook it for something else. But while millions may have been disappointed to discover the first of these clips that emerged before the Super Bowl didn’t relate to a belated sequel to 80s movie classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, it certainly got people talking. On the big night, a full version of the ad was shown that will have no doubt hit a number of nostalgic buttons for those pining for Matthew Broderick to take on the role of charming slacker Ferris just one more time.

Budweiser – Eternal Optimism

Budweiser is one of the stalwarts of the Super Bowl commercial breaks and has delivered a number of memorable clips over the years. For 2012, the company has left behind the croaking frogs and ‘whassaaap’-yelling phone morons and has instead focused more on the historic significance of the brand. With a selection of spots based around the US’ post-prohibition era, this piece brings a selection of great moments in time together, while a foot-stomping mash-up of The Cult’s classic rock anthem She Sells Sanctuary and Flo Rida’s recent hit Good Feeling seals the deal.

Acura – Transactions 

A big comedy star can help elevate any commercial to something much more special – and they don’t come much bigger than Jerry Seinfeld. The stand-up comic may not be as much of a big deal to people in the UK, but in the states he’s pretty much celebrity royalty – and here he gives us a taste of why exactly that is. Jerry’s desperation to be the first to own the first Acura NSX is played out brilliantly as he attempts to bribe the man who beat him to the top of the waiting list – and the final surprise cameo from US TV legend Jay Leno is a hilarious masterstroke.

Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt – The Tease

The main reason this particular Super Bowl commerical works is because it starts off so simple and then takes you by surprise. Watching one half of a couple playfully tease the other with a tub of yoghurt is a little boring and predictable, yes, but when the temptation becomes too much the subsequent reaction is quite a shock. Unusually violent for mainstream TV, perhaps thye biggest surprise is that this was allowed to be shown in a world so paranoid about ‘copycat violence’. But for pure unexpected laughs, we’re certainly glad it was.

Fiat 500 Abarth – Seduction

It’s a theme that has been used on more than one occasion to sell everything from cars to coffee, but here Fiat revisits the idea of Italian ‘passion’ to show off the spirit of its fiery little inner city runabout, the Fiat 500 Abarth. Here we see a white-collar office guy casually walking down the street, who finds himself helplessly drawn towards the alluring body and fiery temperament of a beautiful chassis he happens to notice by the side of the road. Of course, comparing a gorgeous woman to a desireable automobile is nothing new – but here its done pretty cleverly and gets the message accross with style.

The Voice – Vocal Kombat

As an interesting update on the concept of a televised vocal talent contest, The Voice looks set to take the US by storm for a second season later this year. The show asks judges to consider the contestants based not on their looks, but on their voice alone and to sell the show to the public in 2012, its makers decided to pit these judges against each other in a Mortal Kombat style action sequence. This leads to some very funny kung-fu carnage – plus it isn’t every day you get to see Christina Aguilera thrown through a wall.

Cars.com – Confident You

It may not be known to the public over here but in America Cars.com is one of the biggest automotive websites around. For the past few years the company has served up some interesting ads during the breaks of the Super Bowl and thios year it is asking viewers to indulge their inner confidence. The clip shows one happy Cars.com customer who seems more than certain about what he’s after, having checked the site for comparison information ahead of his trip to the showroom. There were a few particularly funny clips aired this year, but this has to be one of the funniest.

Volkswagen – The Dog Strikes Back

The German car company has had a number of great ads lately, using Star Wars characters to convince people of the unrivalled power of its branding. This particular ad goes back to the well of George Lucas’ sci-fi series towards the end, but starts off by serving up an amusing little tale of an overweight dog that decides its time to make a change and get fit. Once we get that the animal – like the Volkswagen Beetle – is ‘back and better than ever’ we cut to the Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina where a host of familiar characters are debating whether or not the commercial was an improvement on the now infamous ‘Vader Kid’ spot.

Coca Cola – Interactive Polar Bears

Special praise has to be given to Coca Cola for really trying to do something innovative with its 2012 Super Bowl campaign. Not only did these polar bears star in a string of TV clips throughout the show, as well as company’s YouTube  channel, they were also used as part of an interactive social-media drive. The computer-animated bears could be seen in a live video stream during the whole event at CokePolarBowl.com, responding to the game itself and sharing their opinions on the action via Twitter. The televised adverts themselves were fairly standard, cutesy fare, but Coke definitely pushed the envelope online.

The 21 per cent hike in energy prices from the end of 2010 has left 72 per cent of people cold in their homes and has forced 16 per cent surveyed to wear hats and scarfs in doors. Although there has been a recent 2.6 per cent cut in energy charges, most families won’t notice any different until next year – and will continue to struggle throughout the cold season.

The findings by uSwitch.com are certainly worrying, but there are ways to reduce bills during these financially difficult times. Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, says that consumers can “make their money go further by making their homes energy efficient and making sure that they are paying the lowest price for the energy they do use”. Therefore it’s essential to shop around and to reduce your carbon footprint wherever possible.

How to improve the energy efficiency of your home:

If you’re worried about the energy efficiency of your property obtain a new Energy Performance Certificate which suggests ways to improve your abode’s energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. Most buildings require this document by law, so ensure you have an up-to-date copy (they expire after ten years) and take note of the recommended changes. A few tweaks to your property could help you save money and should noticeably reduce your household bills.

One of the best ways to make your house more eco-friendly is by making use of thermostats and controls for electric systems. These clever devices will regulate the temperature of your home and will stop you from wasting heat unnecessarily. Hot water time switches let you heat the right amount of water and will help you enjoy off-peak Economy 7/10 tariffs. Set your cylinder thermostats between 60C and 65C and set your room thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature – which should be between 18C and 21C.

What’s more, it’s wise to invest in wall insulation as this will keep your house snug and warm. Information released by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) explains that around a third of all heat lost (in a home without insulation) goes through the walls. Therefore you could save a lot of money by filling in cavity walls with mineral wool, beads, granules or foam. Insulation is usually blown into the house from the outside using specialised equipment and can prove cost-effective in the long run. Homes built before 1920 usually have exterior walls made of two layers and these can let a lot of warm air out.

EST also recommends families insulate their water pipes and tanks. Freezing conditions can cause pipes to crack or burst, so it’s wise to wrap them in a high-quality lagging. A decent material will stop heat from escaping easily and will save you money heating water up. A British Standard water cylinder jacket is thought to cut heat loss by 75 per cent and could save you around £40 a year. Every penny counts, so make sure you take all the necessary steps to making your house eco-friendly.

Finally, if you’re always leaving the lights on, it’s time to change your ways. The cost of lighting accounts for around eight per cent of all energy bills and can really play havoc with your bank balance. Switching to energy saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to save money and you’ll still benefit from a well-lit home.

According to information released by the government, traditional light bulbs are very inefficient at converting electricity to light as 95 per cent of the electricity they use turns to heat. In contrast, energy saving light bulbs use up to 80 per cent less electricity compared to standard light bulbs and can last up to ten times longer. While all remaining clear, traditional light bulbs are being removed from the market by 1^st September 2012, it’s essential you buy the right products as soon as possible.

A never ending influx of bills can get your heart racing, but there are ways to reduce your outgoings. By making a few, small changes you could enjoy a warmer, brighter and more comfortable house without breaking the bank. Energy costs are coming down; however, it’s sensible to do all you can to save your hard-earned cash.

The win will no doubt mean a great deal to the Scottish-born designer, who will not only pick up a £200,000 cheque, but also be given a 12-month bespoke mentoring programme in order to make the most of his creative ambitions and business goals.

Saunders was able to stave off competition from a number of other high profile fashion hopefuls, all of whom have proved they have what it takes to make it in the highly pressurised world of style in the last year. These included Mary Katrantzou, Zoe Jordan, Richard Nicoll, Nicholas Kirkwood, Peter Pilotto, Roksanda llincic, Marios Schwab and Meadham Kirchhoff.

“I’m so happy about winning,” Saunders said after hearing he’d been selected above his peers. “The last 12 months have been an exciting time for me and my team and I’m very proud of all their hard work. We have many exciting plans for the near future and this along with the support network provided by the BFC will enable us to achieve our goals”

According to Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, it is a well-deserved nod for the 34-year-old designer – and one that could lead to great things further down the line. “I am delighted that Jonathan has won this year’s award. His recent collections have shown he is a designer who can provide beautiful clothes that women enjoy wearing and he is in a great position to build on his current success.”

Among Saunders’ fans are transatlantic first ladies of politics Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, although he has also been seen worn by more flamboyant celebrity names including Madonna, Sienna Miller and Kylie Minogue. His labeliss featured in high-end design stores such as Matches in London and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. However this accolade will undoubtedly make his transition to the high street even more likely.

As you’d expect, this spy thriller makes a point of taking in a number of wonderul locations accross Europe from Budapest to Istanbul, while keeping itself firmly rooted in London. But films of this kind have always had a love affair with the continent that is absolutely intrinsic to their overall sense of mystique. Here are just a few you might like to consider if you ever find yourself having to deliver a microfilm to a mysterious Russian.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) – London

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 remake of his own 1934 original was much more ambitious in terms of its scale and took in some great locations to help give the film a much broader canvas. We start out by seeing James Stewart become accidentally part of a plot to assassinate an ambassador in Marrakech, Morocco, but he is soon taking in some familiar landmarks back here on British soil.

The Gerrard Family Taxidermists – a genuine company trading in stuffed animals for Hollywood’s movie industry at the time – was used for exterior and interior shots as was The Royal Albert Hall, which provides the film with its riveting climax. Other key London places featured include Plender Street, Royal College Street and St Saviour’s Church Hall in Brixton.

Moonraker (1979) – Paris

One of the most filmed cities and characters in the world came together in 1979 for Moonraker, the eleventh big screen James Bond adventure and the fourth to feature Roger Moore as the titular hero. It’s certainly one of the most bizarre and far-fetched films in the franchise and isn’t short of the usual plethora of international locations fans had come to expect by this time, but Paris has to be one of it’s most essential.

In fact, Pinewood Studios – the place so synonymous with Ian Fleming’s British spy that it has its own 007 sound stage – was used for very little on this film, with production mostly taking place at Studios d’Epinay and Boulogne-Billancourt. The circus sequence was filmed at the Hippodrome de Longchamp racetrack in Paris’ Bois de Boulogne and the main villain’s supposedly Californian mansion was in fact based twenty miles southeast of the French capital.

The Bourne Identity (2002) – Prague

There are plenty of European locations in Doug Liman’s 2002 espionage thriller that put its star Matt Damon at the centre of some beautiful backdrops. But while some of the amnesiac super-spy’s story takes place in France and Italy, much of the action is across the streets and landmarks of the Czech Republic – and more specifically its capital, Prague.

In fact, even in scenes where Damon’s character Jason Bourne is supposedly in Zurich, he is in fact in Prague, taking on a couple of Swiss cops in the region’s beautiful Kampa Park, which can be found on Kampa Island just south of Charles Bridge. Of course, Charles Bridge itself has provided many a film with a wonderfully mysterious stage – Including Brian DePalma’s 1996 film Mission Impossible.

Casino Royale (2006) – Venice

When James Bond was reinvented with Daniel Craig in 2006, it was decided the film would need a climax that would – quite literally – blow everything out of the water. So, no surprise then that production should head to one of the most famous waterways in the whole world to create something very special for the movie’s explosive ending.

When 007 takes his new love Vesper Lynd to Venice, the pair can be seen sailing their yacht along the Canal Grande. The sequence takes place between the Accademia and Rialto bridges of the canal itself, before shifting the story to a luxurious hotel overlooking Piazza San Marco. However, while the brilliant set-piece that follows sees a whole palazzo blown up and collapse into the water, this was all done back at Pinewood Studios.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011) – Moscow

Tom Cruise’s action spy franchise has been all over the world and in 2011 the fourth entry in the series had some spectacular sequences in Dubai that put the star on the side of the 2,723 foot-high Burj Khalifa. However, the film couldn’t help but head back to Eastern Europe for one of its most explosive set pieces.

The incredibly ornate spires of The Kremlin were used to set up a whole thread that saw Cruise’s Ethan Hunt take on the bad guys, only to be blamed for the subsequent destruction of the historic federal building. Luckily, director Brad Bird used computer effects to reduce the building to rubble, meaning visitors can still creep around the walls of this magnificent structure in their furry hats pretending to be an agent of the Cold War.

According to researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreeen Virology Ltd, there are certain components of the influenza virus – known as peptides – which could provide the key that unlocks immunity to the disease. It is hoped that this would eradicate the more typical strains of seasonal flu, as well as more serious mutations like avian and swine flu.

Dr Tom Wilkinson, senior lecturer in respiratory medicine at the University of Southampton, explained the potential global impact of influenza strains, coupled with the greater threat of pandemics in the future, make this kind of research essential. He added that while current vaccines protect us by providing antibodies that can fight flu, its ability to change itself quickly makes it difficult to eradicate completely. “We have found that there is an important role for T-cells that recognise the flu virus, which if harnessed could protect against most or even all strains of seasonal and pandemic flu, Dr Wilkinson said. “However there is more to do to translate these findings into new approaches to treatment.”

The research took a number of healthy volunteers who were infected with influenza so that changes in their well-being could be monitored over a period of time in a controlled environment. Blood samples were taken at regular intervals as a way of keeping track of how their immune systems were responding to the viral infection. It was found that different types of T-cells within the body were affecting the peptides associated with the structure of the virus itself. It is hoped that this information can be used to target all strains of flu – as they all contain these particular peptides.

Professor Sir Andrew McMichael, director of the Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine at Oxford University, added: “The big question is: if we had a pandemic involving a much more severe virus than the swine flu we saw, what would we do in the six months it takes to develop an effective vaccine? This study suggests that vaccines stimulating a T-cell response might be an option, but there remains a lot to do to be certain of this approach.”

Of course, while all the above is positive news for the future, the research doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see the back of the common cold. This virus has been something the scientific community has struggled with for years and is often mistaken for influenza. One thing is for sure though, if flu is finally conquered, there will be a few out there that will have to come up with new excuses for a day in bed.

Kate Middleton leaves the wedding ceremony wearing the now iconic McQueen dress

If there’s one iconic fashion moment from 2011 that will be revisited for decades to come, it has to be princess-to-be Kate Middleton finally stepping out of her wedding carriage revealing an elegant Victorian-influenced satin dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

In January, it was revealed that the dress was one of two nominations the fashion house received at London Design Museum’s annual honours. The other nod was for McQueen’s acclaimed ‘Savage Beauty’ retrospective, which ran at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art last year and celebrated his work from 1992 – right up to his posthumous runway show in February 2010.

So, it seems that even following his untimely death at the age of 40, the name of Alexander McQueen is safe in the hands of Burton as its creative director. But how did the house established by a man who was once labelled the “hooligan of English fashion” by the French press during his stint at Givenchy in Paris become a British legend celebrated not only by the fashion community, but the Royal Family?

As the youngest of six siblings, raised in the London borough of Newham, young Lee Alexander McQueen was certainly born a world away from the international catwalks upon which he’d forge his career. However, from a very young age it was clear this son of an East End cab driver would strive to achieve a dream that lay beyond the boundaries of his humble beginnings. Leaving school at 16, he had his first taste of a Royal appointment at the Savile Row tailors that counted The Prince of Wales among its clients. After a period working internationally for designers including Koji Tatsuno and Romeo Gigli, he took his first big step up the fashion ladder when the collection he created for his masters degree was bought in its entirety by influential stylist Isabella Blow.

While Blow is often credited with discovering McQueen, it was his work over the years that followed that caused him to become a name synonymous with boundary-pushing design and a new wave of Brit-chic. He was named British Designer of the Year on four occasions between 1996 and 2003, and it was during this time that he was given the role of head designer at Givenchy, succeeding John Galliano. Following this, his solo efforts included working with Icelandic pop starlet Bjork to produce costumes for her 1997 album Homogenic, before striking a deal with Gucci that allowed him to open his own branded stores all over the world. Subsequently, he has partnered with sportswear giant Puma and cosmetics company MAC – all the while managing to grace the pages of both the fashion and celebrity glossies on a regular basis as the label of choice for everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Lady Gaga.

Unfortunately, McQueen’s career was not always so pinned to the mainstream and at one time it would seem ludicrous to suggest that his name would be anywhere near a Royal Wedding. One of his earliest credits was in the 1990s, when he re-introduced a style of low-cut trousers that came to be known as ‘bumsters’. Worn by Kate Moss in his 1995-6 spring/summer collection, they were certainly a success, but proved very controversial. This of course wasn’t helped when he named his next runway piece Highland Rape. During his stint in Paris, the designer was also very much known as the enfant terrible of the fashion world, although it was a tag his Doc Marten boots and closely cropped hair would suggest he was happy with. It was perhaps this ability to paradoxically walk the line between innovation and commercial success that caused Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, to say of him on his death: “At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over.”

In early 2010, it was announced that the Alexander McQueen label would continue to trade after his death, as it was thought that this would be in-keeping with his wishes. The fashion house was reportedly around £32 million in debt, but with The Gucci Group still operating a controlling stake, it was decided there was a legacy worth keeping alive. Sarah Burton was installed as creative director in May, having worked at Alexander’s side for over 14 years, and was described by Gucci president and CEO Robert Polet as “a real talent” that had “a close understanding of the brand and the vision necessary to take it forward.”

It was a gamble that seems to have paid off, as Burton has steered the label towards a massive win with the commission of the Royal gown worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on that memorable day in April, as well as the award nominations that have followed as a result. While the princess’ motives for choosing such a modern yet controversial design house for such an important occasion are likely to stay a secret, as one of her first royal decisions she appears to have played it just perfectly. Raising the name of Alexander McQueen to heights its creator would no doubt have been proud.

One of the best ways to increase energy levels and lift your mood is by eating the right foods. A low fat, balanced diet can improve your memory and should help you to concentrate for longer, so here are several foods that might get you through the day and keep you at the top of your game.

Best for breakfast

Breakfast will refuel your body after a night-long fast and is considered the most important meal of the day for good reason. A hearty bowl of porridge made with semi-skimmed milk is thought to reduce cholesterol in the blood and releases energy slowly. Sprinkling 30g of dried fruit on top will also help you eat your five fruit and veg a day and will provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

Fresh blueberries are also tasty with porridge and are full of antioxidants which combat the free radicals in your body. Strawberries are an excellent form of vitamin C and bananas are a great source of potassium and fibre, so try varying your fruit portion. Pour a glass of unsweetened orange juice to quench your thirst and you’ll be well on the way to drinking the 1.2 litres of fluid you need to function properly.

Best for lunch

Eating at regular intervals will prevent your sugar levels form plummeting and should help sustain energy levels. Your body will learn to expect food and will manage hunger better than if you have an erratic eating pattern.

One lunch option you should consider is a tuna pasta salad, as this contains the right nutrients to sustain your concentration. Starchy foods like pasta are also slow-release and should make up about one third of everything you eat. Tuna is an excellent source of protein and contains nutrients such as magnesium and potassium which keep your body healthy. Fresh tuna is full of omega-3 fats which prevent heart disease, so swap tinned fish for fresh fish if you’ve time and enjoy a nutritious meal.

Best for snacking

If you need a little pick-me-up at some point in the day, stick to low-glycaemic foods that will stabilise your energy levels. A study by the University of South California discovered that a slight drop in blood sugar levels can cause cravings, so opt for high-protein, high-fibre foods. Peanuts, tomato soup from a can, carrots and wholemeal bread are all low on the glycaemic index table and make ideal snacks. Peaches, cherries, grapefruit, apples and pears are also ideal, so keep a bag of fruit near your desk to increase productivity. Avoid white bread, white rice and bagels as these will release sugar into your bloodstream too quickly and stick to energy-boosting carbohydrates.

Best for dinner

Too much food before bedtime can disrupt your sleep. Therefore it’s wise to eat earlier in the evening to give your meal time to digest. Salmon with new potatoes and green vegetables is a well-balanced dinner and will provide your body with a host of vitamins and minerals. Like tuna, salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids that the body can’t make alone. The American Heart Association recommends adults eat two portions of oily fish per week to maintain healthy skin and joints, so try to incorporate seafood into your diet. New potatoes provide the body with complex carbohydrates that should keep you going through the night and green vegetables such as broccoli and green beans are full of iron.

If you’re not a fan of fish try roasting chicken in the oven (as this is healthier than frying) and serve it with sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Chicken’s an excellent source of protein which helps maintain your muscles and bones and sweet potatoes are rich in fibre. Vegetables are full of minerals but cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain antioxidant vitamins that help prevent illnesses.

The right food can help you through the day and tackle any weekday slump, so make the effort to eat a well-balanced and varied diet and you could be eating your way to a more productive day in no time at all.