David has this thing that whenever we have a city break, he loves to find bars that feature on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. I don’t know how it started, but this is how it’s going. Now, not all of these bars make the World’s Top 50 but they all make our cocktail cut and as you will see Paris has no shortage of incredible cocktail bars.

Little Red Door

Find it on Google Maps

This cosmopolitan bar in the Marais hides behind – you guessed it – the Little Red Door! Often featured in the World’s 50 Best Bars list, it’s one of those places you’ve probably heard about before you even go.

We pop in early, just before dinner. When you arrive, you wait outside until the host opens the door and takes you inside to the speakeasy-style bar. We’re seated and served a small welcome drink while we look through the menu. The cocktails take classic favourites and give them a twist, using local and seasonal ingredients. I thoroughly enjoy my Rhubarbarama (right) with Rhubarb, thyme, Macvin, Clairin and Grey Goose Vodka. The vibe is cool but relaxed and we really enjoy our drinks – this is a great place to kick start the evening.

Copper Bay

Find it on Google Maps

We stop by for after drinks and really like the nautical theming, laid-back atmosphere and friendly bar staff. The menu is full of cocktails with a twist and the bartenders are more than happy to help us with our drink decision making.

I choose the house Bloody Mary (left) – made with tomato consommé instead of tomato juice. It’s the lightest and most refreshing Bloody Mary I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a few!)

The Cambridge Public House

Find it on Google Maps

Think traditional English pub with a creative cocktail list and you’ve got the Cambridge Public House, number 20 on The World’s 50 Best Bars. They even serve classic pub grub but we have to refrain as we are on our way to dinner.

We start with a beer (it is a pub after all) before moving on to check out the cocktail menu. Again the drinks are well priced at €14 or just €7 for the smaller demi version. We love the interior, the atmosphere and the drinks. The standout here is David’s Cigarette After Sex (left) with Agua de Jamaica, sloe gin and mezcal. Let’s face it, it deserves a mention for the name alone!

Bar Nouveau

Find it on Google Maps

You’ll find this bijou bar tucked away in Le Marais and it comes in at 17 on the World’s 50 Best Bars for good reason. The space is small and so with just six drinks, so is the cocktail menu but that’s all part of the appeal.

Staff are super friendly and the booze forward cocktails are up there with the very best. David loved the Ramos – grain, vanilla yoghurt, peat and St Germain. This place is cool yet intimate but be prepared to queue at peak times. I promise it will be worth the wait.

Prescription Cocktail Club

Find it on Google Maps

Think intimate, cosy and just a little theatrical – Prescription Cocktail Club is a great spot for creative cocktails in an intimate setting. The menu is varied and the bartenders really know they’re craft.

We pop in for some pre-dinner drinks and the place fills up quickly. Space definitely feels like it would be a premium later in the evening but that just adds to the atmosphere. I’m very happy with my Cherry Bomb (right) with Plymouth Gin, Green Chartreuse and cherry cordial. This is a great spot to start the night.

We’ve only just scratched the surface of Paris’ cocktail scene but we loved each of these bars. They all have their own personality and it’s that – and the cocktails obvs – is what makes exploring them so much fun. The best part? I’m always looking for new bars to add to my list!

Do you prefer classic cocktails/mocktails or drinks with a twist? What are your favourite cocktail bars in Paris?

As always, all drinks were independently paid for and all opinions are my own.

There’s something dangerously moreish about this ginger caramel fudge. It’s sweet, buttery and creamy with all those lovely deep caramel notes from brown sugar and syrup, but then the ginger kicks in and gives it a little warm zing that keeps you coming back for “just one more” piece. Honestly, it is impossible to resist.

Truth be told, I’m not exactly president of the Ginger Fan Club, but my father-in-lieu (as opposed to law because he’s not married to my MIL) definitely is. He came for a pre-birthday visit recently and I wanted to make him a special edible treat.

I got the idea while wandering around Waitrose, aka my favourite supermarket where I spotted some ginger fudge. I had a quick look at the ingredients and realised they were very similar to my usual fudge recipe just with some stem ginger added so I thought I’d have a crack.

And crack it I did!

This fudge is sweet, creamy and properly caramelly with ginger powder and chunks of crystalised ginger giving it just the right amount of warmth. It was a big hit with Bryan and everyone else too. Even I was doing sneaky little fridge visits for one more piece.

As for the cutting… every single time I make fudge, I somehow fail to cut it into equal pieces. I prefer to think of it as rustic.

It reminds me of being in primary school with Mrs Munday teaching us fractions. I was sitting next to my bestie Jasmine – still one of my best pals to this day – showing her my new erasers instead of paying attention. The 80s’ were so wholesome – collecting fun erasers could keep you entertained for hours.

Mrs Munday clearly did not share my enthusiasm for erasers because she turned puce and shouted that if I kept playing with my erasers, I’d never understand fractions. Sadly, she was right.

I kept playing with the erasers and I am still terrible at fractions. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Exhibit A: these pieces of fudge. I measured them out with a ruler no less and somehow every single piece is still a different size. LOL!

So if you fancy a fudge that is creamy, caramelly but with a little gingery kick to stop it becoming too sweet, this one is for you. It is so easy to make, perfect for gifting and even better for keeping hidden in the fridge for yourself!

Are you a ginger fan or would you rather stick to classic caramel fudge? And more importantly, can you cut fudge into neat equal pieces or are you as hopeless at fractions as I am?!

Ingredients

170g white chocolate

1 can sweetened condensed milk (not skim)

160g brown sugar

120g butter

75g golden syrup

50g glucose syrup

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

50g crystallised ginger, plus 1 tablespoon extra

How to

1. Line a 20x20cm tin with baking paper. I like to brush the tin with water first, it helps the paper stay in place.
2. Break up chocolate and place in TM bowl and chop for 5 seconds on speed 9. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. Add the condensed milk, sugar, butter, syrups and ground ginger to the TM bowl and cook for 8 minutes at 100C on speed 3 with the measuring cup OFF. (This is really important because you don’t want condensation dripping on to your lovely fudge.)
4. Scrape the sides and the bottom of the TM bowl with the spatula.
5. Cook again for 20 minutes on Varoma temperature on speed 3 again with the measuring cup OFF.
6. When the caramel has finished, working quickly add the chopped chocolate to the mixture and combine for 10 seconds on speed 4.
7. Check the chocolate has melted – if necessary mix again for another 5 seconds on speed 4. Then add the 50g crystallised ginger and mix for 5 seconds on speed 4.
8. As soon as the ginger is mixed through, carefully pour the mixture into the tin, then scatter over the remaining crystallised ginger, gently pressing it down if necessary.
9. Leave the mixture to cool and then pop into the fridge until set (at least 3-4 hours.) Cut into small squares and devour!

This is Part 2 of our Northumberland whistlestop tour. If you missed it, you can read Part 1 here → A Whistlestop Tour of Northumberland: Castles, Coast & Market Town (Part 1)

Picking up where we left off… let’s get stuck in, shall we?

Alnwick

Last time we left you in Alnwick, having checked out the amazing Barter Books, spotted the stunning castle and arrived a little too late to check out the renowned gardens. Fortunately, I am a bit more organised where food is concerned and have booked us a table at the popular Market Tavern. It comes highly recommended by our Airbnb host who had me at “proper Northern food.”

The pub is hugely popular with dog-friendly areas and a vast menu that has something for everyone. Upon arrival the pub looks a bit bijou but don’t let appearances fool you, the building stretches all the way book to a large dining room. Service is super friendly – Heather and Richard are from London and can’t believe how jolly everyone is – and although the food takes some time to arrive (the place is packed,) it’s well worth the wait. My mussels are some of the best I’ve ever eaten!

Side note: Pubs and restaurants in Alnwick are extremely popular so it’s well worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment especially in spring and summer.

Warkworth

The next morning we head to Bertram’s in the village of Warkworth for some brunchy sustenance. Cafe by day, bistro by night, this dog-friendly spot is a great pick for breakfast. We book ahead (again) and quickly see why it’s popular.

We’re so hungry, we forget to take any food photos but the guys go for the big Northumberland breakfast, I opt for smashed avo on toast and Heather has granola and berries (note – this is considerably smaller albeit just as delicious as the other dishes.)

Warkworth Castle

There’s a lot to love about Warkworth, not least that there’s free parking all day, every day around the village square. Warkworth is famous for it’s commanding medieval castle and the river that runs through the village. There are clearly marked riverside walks as we’re a bit pushed for time, we head straight for Warkworth Castle. It really is a sight to behold especially with all the daffodils in bloom.

Admission is around £10 for adults, (slightly cheaper if you book online) and free for English Heritage members. As usual, a walk around the outside is enough to satisfy our historical curiosity and before long we’re back in the car and heading to the coast.

Amble

Next stop: Amble. Sitting on the River Coquet estuary, it’s got a cute harbour and more seafood shacks than you can shake a stick at. It’s a little more touristy and a little less quaint than we’d hoped but we have a browse in the souvenir shops and take a little stroll. The main reason we’re here is to check out the puffin cruises.

Coquet Island Puffin Cruise

It’s still a bit early in the season to spot puffins but we’re keen as mustard and cautiously optimistic. Tickets for a one hour puffin cruise cost £20 per person and it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment. The cruises run daily (weather permitting) with weekly schedules confirmed each Sunday – you can check their Facebook page for the latest info or give the friendly crew a ring. Today, we’re heading out on one of the smaller boats which takes just 12 passengers. It’s worth noting that there are some steps (with a handrail) to access the boat. Once aboard we set off on our intrepid puffin hunting adventure…

Now I hate to disappoint but we don’t actually see any puffins. Don’t be too sad though because we see a lot of seals! There can be up to 600 here in early summer and they love nothing more than lounging on the rocks like they own the place which I guess they kind of do (at least for part of the year anyway!)

As we circle the island we get an amazing view of the grey seals and being naturally inquisitive a few come surprisingly close to the boat. They honestly remind me of Teddy, only with less fur and longer whiskers!

We also get a great look at the Coquet Island lighthouse which was built in 1841 on the remains of a Benedictine Monastery. Incredibly, you can still spot parts of the original structure, the unpainted stones at the base of the lighthouse form part of a scheduled ancient monument. The last lighthouse keepers left the island in 1999 and it’s been automated ever since. Today, the island is now a safe haven for wildlife including puffins, terns and seals and only RSPB wardens are allowed to set foot on it.

The puffin cruise (even sans puffins) feels like the perfect way to round off a really fabulous 36 hours in Northumberland. Seals, sails and smiles – that’s my kind of happy ending!

From castles and coastlines to cosy cafés and quirky bookshops, Northumberland completely wins us over. We’ve only just scratched the surface, and it’s safe to say we’ll be back – next time with a bit more time, and maybe a few more castle interiors… maybe.

Have you ever visited Northumberland? What were your highlights? If you were planning a short trip like this, would you take a packed itinerary or a more relaxed, wander-and-see approach?

As always, all food, drink and experiences were independently paid for and all opinions are my own.

Well, April flew by in the blink of an eye. It was short but sweet – spring sprung, visitors visited and there was much fun in the kitchen. I am really ready for the yay of May but not before I take a quick look back at the month that was. Why don’t you grab a cuppa and join me?

Baking: This Rhubarb and Banana Loaf – so good!

Making: This ginger fudge for Bryan’s birthday. Recipe coming soon!

Cooking: And eating my way through my @emthenutritionist cookbooks. Can’t stop, won’t stop!

Drinking: This green beer – it was green but not mean!

Having: A very low key and relaxed Easter.

Going: To London for the day for a super fun bottomless brunch with my mate Bev.

Joining: Sherry and friends for this month’s edition of In My Kitchen.

Sharing: The recipe for these No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Pots.

Watching: Dan Levy’s Big Mistakes on Netflix. What a treat!

Listening: To Scouting For Girls, as always.

Seeing: The Choir of Man on a neighbours’ night out. Such a great show!

Loving: That the stage is a working bar so you can grab a drink and meet the cast before the show.

Hosting: The outlaws for a few days – it was lovely.

Enjoying: Countryside walks with Teddy.

Taking: The obligatory “blue box” photo in the grounds of Burghley House.

Liking: Longer, lighter evenings.

Disliking: The news. Nothing new there then.

Appreciating: Being able to take dinner photos in good light.

Selling: All my clothes that I don’t wear or don’t fit on Vinted. It’s like a full time job, LOL!

Getting: My 10,000 steps in with Teddy.

Worrying: About some of my friends who are going through it right now.

Wishing: I had a magic wand to make everything better.

Wondering: Where the time goes…

Looking: Forward to the yay of May.

Did April treat you well? What season is it where you are? And tell me, what are you looking forward to in May.

As months go, April was short but also sweet (at least in my kitchen wise) and here we are on the first day of May. How did we even get here? It feels like someone pressed the fast forward button on 2026 or is it just me?! Apart from the anticipation of all that a new month holds, the first of the month means it’s time to catch up with Sherry and friends, share what’s been happening in my kitchen and catch up with what’s happening in everyone else’s. Let’s get stuck in, shall we?!

First up, David belongs to his favourite craft beer pub’s Beer Club – kind of like a wine club but for beer -and every month collects a carefully curated six pack of different beers. I was thrilled to help him try this one – it tasted exactly like the candy shrimps and bananas I used to love when I was a kid!

In other news, I shared the recipe for these No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Pots. They are so yummy and so easy – bonus points for not even having to turn the oven on!

Rhubarb season is upon us and I for one could not be happier. I have unlimited access to my friend Nick’s rhubarb patch on his allotment and I’ve been putting it to good use. First up, is this Rhubarb and Banana Loaf – it’s incredibly moreish. I love the surprise chunks of rhubarb throughout the loaf. Nom, nom!

Still on the subject of rhubarb, I made these single (but very generous) serve apple and rhubarb crumbles. The beauty of these babies is that the crumble is made of two ingredients – butter and shortbread biscuits. So easy and soooo good! These have been big hits with my guests this month.

Talking of guests, we had the outlaws to stay which was lovely. Of course, I made my chicken pot pie which always pleases and feeds a crowd (and yes, when it comes to feeding, anything more than 2 is a crowd in this house!)

The outlaws took advantage of our relative proximity to Stansted Airport and went on a side trip to Madrid where Bryan celebrated his birthday. I was going to make him a birthday cake but instead I made him birthday rocky road – a fully loaded ginger version – because ginger nuts are his all time favourite biscuits. As he was turning 77, I chopped the rocky road to make his age in numbers. It went down a treat!

I also made a ginger version of my famous (at least to my friends and family) fudge. Bryan the ginger lover loved it, so did everyone else. I’ll share the recipe soon.

David’s mum bought us some sweet treats from Madrid – this coconut coated in caramelised sugar was irresistibly good.

I am having such a delicious time working my way through my @emthenutritionist cookbooks. We have eaten Em’s recipes almost exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner since October and I’m 20kg down and am thrilled with that. This Thai Red Coconut Gyoza Soup is one of our favourite recipes – you can find it here.

I am also loving daylight savings and being able to take semi-decent dinner photos again! Oh the joy! I tried Em’s salmon with sauce vierge (it literally means virgin sauce,) and it was perfect for the warmer weather we’ve been enjoying. I have been cooking salmon fillets in the air fryer and it’s been an absolute game changer! In case you’re wondering, I air fry my salmon for 8 minutes at 200C – perfect results every time!

In other news, Basil (my unoriginally named) Basil plant is still alive, for how long, I can’t be sure. Hopefully, I’ll be able to provide photographic proof of life next month – he’s really not looking his best now!

Anyhoo, that’s a wrap for this month. Let me know what’s been happening in your kitchen in the comments! I’m all ears.

Just when I thought my banana bread recipe collection was complete, rhubarb season rolled around and proved me wrong.

We’re lucky that our house backs on to some allotments and one of them belongs to our friend Nick who grows the most incredible rhubarb (he swears it’s because it’s right next to the compost.) He very kindly lets me help myself, so Teddy and I often wander over – he has a good sniff while I pick a few stalks.

Of course, it’s only fair to return the favour so I turned Nick’s rhubarb into this loaf and dropped it round to him. A fair trade, I think. He sized it up, mentally divided it into four and was very happy with his quarter-a-day plan.

Joking aside, this loaf is such an easy and delicious bake and one I’ve come back to so often recently because it’s perfect for using up those odds and ends – one egg, two small bananas and just a handful of rhubarb. This recipe is proof you don’t need much to make something worth sharing.

Please don’t skip the step of ‘flouring’ the rhubarb unless you want it all to sink to the bottom of your loaf. A quick toss in the flour helps keeps the pieces nicely distributed throughout.

Also all good things come to those who wait and that’s especially true with banana bread. As tempting as it is to cut into it straight from the oven, it’s worth letting it cool completely so it can firm up properly (and slice nicely too.)

This really is the perfect recipe to have in your repertoire when rhubarb season rolls around. And if you happen to have a generous rhubarb supplier nearby, even better!

Have you ever paired rhubarb with banana before? And are you a “save a slice for later” person, or more of a “cut it into quarters and tuck straight in” like Nick?

Ingredients

110g rhubarb, chopped into 1-2cm chunks

220g plain flour

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 heaped teaspoon cinnamon

75g butter, melted

150g caster sugar

1 egg

2 small, ripe bananas

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon demerara sugar, for sprinkling

How to – Traditional

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a small loaf (23 x 13cm) tin with baking paper.
2. Take 1 tablespoon of the flour and put into a small bowl with the chopped rhubarb. Toss to coat and set aside.
3. In a medium size bowl, mix the rest of the flour, bicarb, salt and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Then add the melted butter, sugar, egg and vanilla and mix together.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix gently until just combined.
6. Fold in the floured rhubarb.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake for 65-70 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. If the loaf is browning to quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
8. Allow to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

How to – Thermomix

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a small loaf tin (23 x 13cm) with baking paper.
2. Weigh the flour into the TM bowl. Take 1 tablespoon of the flour and put into a medium sized bowl with the chopped rhubarb. Toss to coat and set aside.
3. Add the bicarb, salt and cinnamon and mix for 5 seconds on speed 5. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Don’t worry about washing the TM bowl.
4. Add the butter to the TM bowl and melt for 3 minutes at 60C on speed 2. Check that all the butter has melted.
5. Add the sugar, egg, banana and vanilla and mix for 10 seconds on speed 4.
6. Add the dry ingredients and mix for 8 seconds on speed 4.
7. Fold through the floured rhubarb with the spatula.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin. Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake for 65 -70 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. If the loaf is browning to quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
9. Allow to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely – this helps firm up the loaf.

I’m back with another edition of Postcards in Paris – my ongoing love letter to the city of love. On our most recent trip we decided to mix things up and stay somewhere new (to us.) The 6th arrondissement was the perfect base for a short Paris break: great transport links, easy to walk everywhere and more bars, cafes and restaurants than you can shake a stick at.

If you are thinking about wine time, you might want to check out my previous post where to Drink Wine in Paris’ 6th Arrondissement which puts the spotlight on some of our favourite neighbourhood bars. Between coffee, food and wine, one thing is for sure, you’ll be well fed and watered in the 6th arrondissement!

Where to Stay in Paris’ 6th Aronddissement

Hotel Artus

Find it on Google Maps

Hotel Artus is our pick of the pops. This delightful boutique hotel sits right in the heart of the action yet manages to feel calm and quiet when inside. The decor is modern, colourful and quirky and our privilege room is very spacious (at least by Paris standards ) at 20 sq m.

The signature rooms have their own elevator tucked away at the rear of the lobby and each room opens on to it’s own private little landing. No shared corridors, no passing traffic – who doesn’t love a bit of privacy?!

We don’t have hotel breakfast but we really appreciate the complimentary tea, coffee and water station in the lobby. There is a glass bottle of mineral water in the room which can be refilled with still or sparkling water in the lobby whenever we like – super convenient and refreshingly eco-friendly.

The staff here are genuinely friendly and helpful and on the night we arrive the hotel hosts complimentary drinks and live music at it’s sister hotel – Hotel Buci – just a couple of doors down. Somehow we even meet an Aussie traveller who lives around the corner from where we used to live in Sydney! It really is a small world after all friends.

Where to Find Great Coffee in Paris’ 6th Arrondissement

We found excellent coffee in Paris and these spots are too good not to share. Our wine tasting host, Erwan told us that whenever he sees someone walking down the street with a takeaway coffee, he knows they’re not French – locals like to sit and savour theirs. So be like a Parisienne and sit down and enjoy your coffee at these top spots.

Bonjour Jacob

Find it on Google Maps

Bonjour Jacob delivers hipster vibes, top-notch speciality coffee and also sells a carefully curated selection of magazines. The space is cool but cosy with friendly baristas and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cafe Du Clown

Find it on Google Maps

If you think Bonjour Jacob is small, Cafe du Clown is positively bijou! It’s a great spot for a coffee and a homemade croissant though. Inside there are only 3 or 4 tables and although while the furniture leans industrial, the marble counter and vintage tableware remind you that you’re very much in Paris.

They have a curated selection of coffees from renowned roasters with a solid range of espresso based drinks but if like us, you prefer a milk based coffee, the flat whites here are incredibly smooth. It’s laptop and pet friendly and there is seating both inside and out. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet the (extremely well behaved) cafe dog!

Cafe d’Auteur Paris

Find it on Google Maps

This place is the real deal with rare beans, artisanal roasting and signature blends, Cafe d’Auteur is all about the coffee. The menu is exceptionally detailed with plenty of choice though we happily stick to our house blend and milk-based coffees which are excellent.

A welcome bonus – there is no charge for oat milk here, what a refreshing change! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the space is roomy and laptop friendly and there’s table service so you can really kick back and relax. There’s a small food menu and baked goods and every coffee comes with complimentary gavottes (a crisp crepe biscuit) which is a lovely touch.

Where to Eat Well in Paris’ 6th Arrondissement

Apart from some grazing at wine bars, we ate exclusively in the 6th and were spoilt for choice.

Procope

Find it on Google Maps

Given that Procope is the oldest cafe in Paris and it sits right in the heart of Paris St-Germain, it’s no surprise that it’s so popular with visitors. That said, it delivers on quality, serving up classic French dishes in charming, historic surroundings. The food is as rich as the history with both set and a la carte menus on offer – we opt for the a la carte. I start with the prawn cocktail and David goes for the French duck pate croute.

For mains, David has the Angus Beef Flank steak and I choose the traditional Coq au Vin which arrives at the table in a large metal pot and is a very hearty serve. Somehow we still manage to save stomach space for the Profiteroles du Procope (since 1686 no less,) which are stuffed with ice cream, hot chocolate is poured over them at the table. Totally decadent, totally delicious!

We are seated in the salon near the bar with views out to the street. Tables are packed in close but despite the place being full, it’s not too noisy. The historic decor is stunning and I can’t help but imagine what it must have been like when Voltaire was a regular.

Booking ahead is strongly recommended. While there are a few tables for walk ins, the restaurant is hugely popular and queues are very common, even when we leave the restaurant after 10pm! Alternatively visiting during the day for a lighter bite in the Salon Du Cafe is perhaps a relaxed way to have the Procope experience.

Best for: A classic French dinner, first timers in Paris or a special occasion.

Brasserie Des Prés

Find it on Google Maps

Brasserie Des Prés feels like a more modern, less touristy alternative to Procope – serving up French classics with a contemporary edge. Part of the La Nouvelle Garde group (we enjoyed Brasserie Dubillot on our last trip to Paris) it’s popular with locals and tourists alike. There are tables for walk ins here too but reservations are highly recommended.

The restaurant is large and lively with several different dining areas – we are seated in the library. Even though the place is packed, the atmosphere is relaxed and we can easily hear ourselves talk. The decor is playful and eclectic with fun details throughout – I mean, just look at those water jugs!

The menu is full of well-executed French favourites and there’s a solid drinks list to match, especially if you fancy a cocktail. To start David orders the paté en croûte while I go for the homemade tarama – both are excellent. For mains, David goes steak frites and have the beef bourguignon which is rich and comforting without feeling heavy. By this point we are so full, we regrettably pass on dessert which is a shame because the Paris-Brest is calling my name.

Best for: a relaxed dinner, classic French comfort food or a lively evening with friends where you still want to talk (and of course, eat well!)

Freddy

Find it on Google Maps

Now for something completely different – Freddy! Small, special and serving up tapas-style dishes that slap – eating here is an absolute highlight. The menu is seasonal, the dishes are perfectly balanced and the flavours are genuinely interesting. We work our way through several plates and love every one – this Teriyaki chicken with miso mayo was rich and oh, so juicy!

Seating is all at the counter with high stools but don’t be put off if the bar looks full, the restaurant is deceptively deep so it’s worth heading to the back to see if there’s space. Service is relaxed and the chefs are amazing. We sit at the open kitchen and watch them work with our dishes passed straight across the counter to us.

The wine list is extensive with a good selection by the glass plus a strong cocktail offering. This is one of those places you leave already dreaming about when you can come back.

Best for: Adventurous eaters, a fun date night, a relaxed dinner with great food and wine.

From historic dining rooms and classic French cooking to modern brasseries and standout small plates, the 6th arrondissement really delivers when it comes to eating well. Pair that with excellent coffee spots and lovely places to stay and it’s easy to see why this neighbourhood makes such a great base for a Paris trip. If good food, great wine, and exploring are high on your list, the 6th won’t let you down.

Which of these spots tickle your fancy? Any favourite Paris places I should add to my list for next time?

As always, all food, drink and accommodation was independently paid for and all opinions are my own.

These no bake biscoff cheesecake pots are so simple to prepare and even better to eat!

Ever since I went to Brussels last year, I’ve been obsessed with all things Biscoff and speculoos. Until I visited Belgium, I didn’t realise spekuloos cookies were actually Belgian. Wherever they’re from though, one thing is for sure – they’re totes delish!

I’ve also recently discovered Biscoff spread which is dangerously good, It’s such a versatile ingredient and although I’ve bought it specifically for recipe development, I have been known to sneak a teaspoon straight from the jar. It’s seriously addictive!

I won’t lie, I’m normally a baked cheesecake kind of girl but I think these pots have converted me. They’re just so good. They’re also brilliant for entertaining because you can prepare the components in advance and easily assemble the day before or just before serving.

I did quite a bit of research (and a lot of taste testing) while developing this recipe which is based upon Phoebe’s version. I loved her idea of piping the cheesecake filling into the pots, it makes the layers look really neat – although if you’re pushed for time a teaspoon works perfectly well too. I skip the top layer of Biscoff though and prefer to use just a drizzle instead.

Even though the ingredients list may look a little long at first glance, these cheesecake pots are actually very simple. They’re made up of just three layers; the biscuit base, the creamy cheesecake filling and the Biscoff.

One important tip: don’t try and save calories by using low fat cream cheese here. I tested it and while the flavour was fine, the texture wasn’t nearly as rich or creamy and it ended up a bit sloppy. (Not that my taste testers seemed to mind!)

This recipe makes 2 large desserts but it’s quite rich and decadent so I prefer to split it into 4 smaller servings I use 250ml glass pudding cups. Glass ramekins are perfect because you can see all those lovely layers!

Are you a fan of speculoos too? And are you Team Baked or No Bake Cheesecake?

Makes 4 Cheesecake Pots

Ingredients

FOR THE BISCOFF BISCUIT LAYER

135g Biscoff biscuits

35g unsalted butter

FOR THE CHEESECAKE LAYER

300g full fat cream cheese, at room temperature

50g icing sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

35g Biscoff spread

125ml double cream

FOR THE BISCOFF LAYER AND DECORATION

50g Biscoff spread, plus 25g extra for decoration

5 Biscoff biscuits

How to – Biscuit Layer

1. Melt butter in a pan, in the microwave in 10 second bursts or in the Thermomix for 2 minutes at 60C on speed 2.
2. If crushing the biscuits by hand, pop the biscuits into a ziploc bag and bash them with a rolling pin. Alternatively, blitz them in a food processor or add them to the TM bowl (with the melted butter) and blitz them for 5 seconds on speed 9.
3. Add the crushed biscuits to the melted butter and stir until the butter is fully absorbed and the mixture is well combined.
4. Set aside while you make the filling.

How to – Cheesecake Layer

1. Put all the cheesecake ingredients in a large bowl and whisk using an electric hand mixer on medium speed (or a hand whisk) until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you want to use the Thermomix, place all the ingredients into a clean bowl and mix for 20 seconds on speed 5 until smooth.
2. If you want to pipe the mixture, pop it straight into a piping bag, if not, just leave it in the bowl ready for spooning.

How to – Assemble the Cheesecake Pots

1. Take 4 glass jars or ramekins and have your components ready – the biscuit mixture, cheesecake filling and warmed Biscoff spread.
2. Add about 1/8 of the biscuit mixture to each glass and press it down gently to form the base. You should still have about half the biscuit mixture left for the second layer.
3. Using a piping bag or a teaspoon, add 1/8 of the cheesecake mixture on to the top of the biscuit base in each pot.
4. Gently spread or drizzle a little Biscoff spread over the cheesecake layer.
5. Repeat with another layer of biscuit mixture followed by cheesecake filling, dividing everything evenly between the glasses.
6. Finally, use a teaspoon to drizzle Biscoff spread over the top of each cheesecake.
7. If serving immediately, decorate with Biscoff crumbs and a Biscoff biscuit on top. If serving later, pop the cheesecake pots in the fridge and add the biscuit and crumbs just before serving.

A few weeks ago the planets and our social calendars finally aligned and we met up with our old friends Heather and Richard for a quick Northumberland adventure. It’s amazing how much of this beautiful corner of North East England you can squeeze into 36 hours.

A quick disclaimer before the history buffs come for us: we’re very much “look at the castle, admire the view, then find tea and cake and/or a nice pub” travellers. While Northumberland is packed with incredible historic sites, we’re more than happy to appreciate the history from the outside rather than touring every room.

It saves time, money and if we’re honest our attention spans. If you’re someone who loves exploring history to the fullest, you’ll want to add a few extra hours to this itinerary.

Holy Island and Lindisfarne Priory

Timing is everything when visiting Holy Island because the causeway is only accessible at low tide. With the clock quietly ticking, we set off to take in the island highlights as well as lots of photos!

We wander through the village to the atmospheric ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. The visible remains date from the 11th century although the original monastery was founded way back in the 7th century and was famously attacked by the Vikings in 793. At £9 a pop we decide not to go inside the ruins but if you’re an English Heritage member, you can wander in for free!

Lindisfarne Castle

We make a beeline for Lindisfarne Castle, about a 10-15 minute walk from the village and easily one of the island’s highlights. We find the climb to the castle manageable although it’s steep in places and the views make it more than worth it. Even from the entrance, you’re treated to stunning coastal scenes – it’s breathtaking. Entrance to the castle is £10 (free for National Trust members) and while I imagine the views from the upper battery are incredible, we’re more than happy to enjoy the view without paying a penny.

We accidentally miss the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, tucked beside the castle, but we do spend a little time in the “Shack of Positivity” – a tiny hut where you can leave an inspiring Post-it and take one away too. It’s surprisingly lovely, and if there’s one thing the world could do with right now, it’s a bit more positivity!

The island itself has a couple of cosy cafes, pubs, a winery and a few little gift shops. A couple of hours is plenty for us but if you want to properly explore Holy Island, you could easily spend half a day – or longer if the weather plays nice! Just make sure you’ve checked the tide times before you go!

Bamburgh Castle

Pronounced Bam-ber-uh, this dramatic 1400 year old coastal fortress dominates the skyline for miles around. It’s famous for being the first English castle to fall to cannon fire during the War of the Roses in 1462 and for it’s vast array of Anglo-Saxon archeological treasures discovered here. The castle is one of the few castles in the country that’s open all year round. It’s not just the hill that the castle is sits on that’s steep, an adult admission tickets is £19.95. Ooof!

We decide to admire the epic views from below and head for some refreshment at the Copper Kettle Tea Room. With it’s traditional interior, cute courtyard and menu packed with teatime treats and lunchtime heartiness, it’s just the ticket for a morning spent exploring. Even though Teddy isn’t in tow, it’s nice to see a cafe that’s so dog friendly.

Both the boys try the Pan Hegarty – a rustic North East classic traditionally made with thinly sliced potato, onions, mature cheddar cheese and baked until golden and crisp. The tearoom version goes a little off piste made with mash, carrots, leeks and what can only be described as a lorry load of cheese. The giant portion arrives with homemade coleslaw and chutney and is proper comfort food. One thing is for sure – portions in Northumberland are every bit as generous as the hospitality.

Alnwick and Barter Books

Onward to Anwick, (pronounced Annick) a beautifully preserved medieval market town just a short drive away and our base for the evening. We check into our digs, a spacious 2 bed, 2 bath Airbnb apartment right in the heart of town. It’s clean, modern and has everything we need… apart from a TV, according to Richard! If rooms had soundtracks, this one would definitely be ‘Yellow’ by Coldplay.

We head straight out to explore and our first stop is Barters Books. Housed inside the town’s former Victorian train station, it’s one of the largest second-hand bookshops in the UK and easily one of the quirkiest. Inside you’ll find more than 350,000 pre-loved books, comfy armchairs, cosy fireplaces and in a nod to it’s former life, there’s even a model railway chugging along a track above the book shelves!

The old waiting rooms have been converted into seating areas for the cafe and well behaved pups are welcome to browse the shelves with their humans. They can even join them in the pet friendly cafe space aptly called ‘the Waiting Room.’ Honestly, we could spend hours here.

Alnwick Castle

Sadly Alnwick Castle is still closed for the winter during our visit but it is still a treat to admire it from the outside. The 900 year old fortress is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK and if it looks familiar – it’s because it doubled as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. During the main season, tickets bought online cost around £22 for adults but double as an annual pass which is good value if you’re planning a return visit. Tickets for the renowned Alnwick Gardens should be bought separately and cost £16 but sadly, we arrive too late – the gardens close at 4pm. Next time!

We’ve only just scratched the surface of our 36-hour Northumberland adventure. In Part 2, we’ll continue the journey with dinner, more historic highlights, and hidden gems across the coast and countryside. Make sure to check back – there’s plenty more castles, cafés, and quirky spots to discover!

If you were planning a 36-hour trip here, which of these places would you want to see? And would you spend more time inside the castles… or chasing the best tea and cake?

As always, all food, drink and accommodation was independently paid for and all opinions are my own.

March was equal parts anxiety and enthusiasm. The world had me on edge, but real life showed up with good food, good friends and good times – yin and yang, as ever. Here’s the short version, because if I don’t take stock, did it even happen?

Baking: These Fudgy Easter Brownie Thumbprint Cookies. So easy and sooooo yum!

Cooking: My way through Emily English’s cookbooks.

Making: These Cottage Cheese Toasts – they’re a lunctime staple here.

Eating: Lots of cottage cheese – the recipe above is a case in point!

Drinking: Hollanovs – vodka and ginger ale – inspired by the show Heated Rivalry. IYKYK!

Trying: All the different flavour hot cross buns. The red velvet version was a bit of a letdown to be honest.

Coveting: The Neapolitan hot cross buns from Tesco – they’re proving quite elusive!

Watching: Heated Rivalry (again,) The Pitt and Younger – a real mixed bag.

Listening: To Scouting for Girls – those guys really know how to turn a frown upside down.

Seeing: Scouting For Girls twice – in Newcastle and Birmingham. Such a treat!

Spending: A weekend with the family but …

Enjoying: A sneaky night away with friends in Northumberland while we were up north.

Marvelling: At the rich history of Northumberland – can’t believe this was my first time!

Spotting: Seals!

Sharing: What we did on our anniversary trip to Paris.

Posting: Where to drink wine in Paris’ 6th arrondissement. Spoiler alert – there are some really great spots.

Having: A night away in Birmingham – we love being country mice in the city.

Visiting: Some great breweries and eating delicious pizza at The Barrell Store.

Learning: Spanish (again) on Duolingo.

Loving: Seeing my two favourite dogs in the whole world together – Calvin was my mum’s dog.

Liking: Being a 3 dog family even if it was just for a day (the cavs are our friend’s pups!)

Disliking: The news. I’m trying to avoid it as much as possible.

Going: To the gym, I may not be getting thinner but I’m definitely getting fitter.

Turning: The clocks forward – long, light evenings are coming!

Noticing: Signs of spring, now if the weather could catch up that would be just lovely!

So that was March – the long story but still short. How was your month? Tell me everything!