Mead — often called the world’s oldest alcohol — is enjoying a well‑deserved revival. Here are three things you probably didn’t know about mead.

Central Europe carries its history in layers rather than replacements. In Vienna and Budapest, grandeur settles into routine, architecture remains lived‑in, and daily life moves through spaces shaped by centuries of continuity. Timeless Europe explores how these cities reveal themselves slowly — through repetition, rhythm, and the quiet confidence of places that have learned to live alongside their own past.

At the northern edge of Europe, life slows into a rhythm shaped by light, distance, and quiet repetition. Reindeer drift through the landscape as naturally as weather, villages gather close against the cold, and movement becomes something you do only when the land allows it. Reindeer Lands explores a region where nothing demands urgency, nothing asks to be summarised, and understanding arrives gradually — through exposure, stillness, and the kind of silence that feels full rather than empty.

Ondine at Seaton House Hotel delivers the kind of dining experience that stays with you - calm, coastal elegance, beautifully sourced Scottish seafood, and dishes cooked with absolute confidence. From XL Orkney scallops to perfectly roasted monkfish and one of the best steaks I’ve had in years, this is St Andrews dining at its finest.

Japanese cities are often framed as opposites, yet moving through them reveals something quieter and more continuous. In Kyoto, repetition narrows attention until each step feels deliberate. In Tokyo, density widens awareness, guiding movement through rhythm rather than rules. From the torii-lined ascent of Fushimi Inari to the coordinated flow of Shibuya Crossing, meaning emerges not through contrast but through the subtle ways space shapes behaviour.

A rare behind‑the‑scenes look at Jackton Distillery as I join a VIP tasting of their first RAER Single Malt from cask samples to distillery tours and their brand‑new luxury cottages.

January might be dreich, but the Queens Arms delivers pure comfort: proper pub food, cosy booths, brilliant service, and plates so generous you’ll forget the weather entirely. From steak pie to whale‑sized fish and chips, this Frederick Street gem proves why Edinburgh does pub dining best.

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 with a hand‑picked selection of whiskies from all five Scottish regions. From smoky Islay drams to elegant Lowland malts, these bottles pair beautifully with haggis, neeps and tatties and bring the spirit of Rabbie Burns to your table.

Hotel Gotham Newcastle delivers a stay with real cinematic swagger — luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and design details that nod to its fire‑station past. With Siren restaurant and Fire bar on the ground floor, plus some of the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sink into, it’s a five‑star escape that makes exploring Newcastle feel effortless.

The Bonnington Leith is the definition of a proper local — friendly staff, hearty comfort food, a cracking winter menu, and the capital’s biggest Pisco selection. Carlo Carozzi brings his Peruvian roots to this understated neighbourhood gem between Canonmills and Leith.

Southeast Asia is a dream destination for food lovers, offering bold spices, fresh herbs, and unforgettable dishes in every corner. From Thailand’s fiery curries to Vietnam’s fragrant pho, Malaysia’s hawker classics, and the Philippines’ comforting favourites, this guide takes travellers through the region’s most iconic flavours and culinary traditions. Whether wandering bustling markets or sampling street food with locals, every meal tells a story.

Travelling is one of the most beautiful experiences you can imagine. You get to see new countries, cities and cultures and it's on the top of most people's lists. It's great fun, that's for sure; however, it does take a fair amount of preparation. Most of all, when it comes to what you're packing. Yes, you have to book your flights and hotel in advance but once those are booked, they are ticked and off your list. However, what you take with you will impact you either negatively or positively every single day, depending on how well you pack. 

Tamil Teru on Rose Street is possibly the best Indian restaurant in Edinburgh. Serving authentic South Indian street food, bold curries, and creative cocktails, this restopub blends culture, flavour, and hospitality, earning a TartanSpoon 10/10.

Casa Mia in Dunfermline is a family‑run Italian restaurant serving authentic Neapolitan dishes, signature sourdough pizzas, and indulgent desserts. My review explores the food, atmosphere, and why it’s worth the drive from Edinburgh.

NewcastleGateshead shines in winter with festive sparkle, foodie markets, and unforgettable dining. From quirky gifts at the BALTIC Winter Makers Market to marshmallow‑toasting at Newcastle’s Christmas Market, glowing trails at Northern Lights, and Sunday roasts at Dobson & Parnell, this 24‑hour adventure proves the North East is the perfect winter escape.

An intimate evening at Murrayshall Country Estate in Perthshire brought together Scottish seasonal dining and the sparkle of Pommery Champagne. With four exquisite courses, expert hosting, and the comfort of a countryside stay, this Supper Club was a night to remember.

Japan reveals itself in contrasts — incense drifting through Kyoto’s temple gardens, neon lights blazing across Tokyo’s streets, and quiet alleys where centuries-old traditions still thrive. From the bamboo groves of Arashiyama to the lantern-lit lanes of Gion, every step uncovers a story of stillness, spirit, and cultural depth. This journey celebrates Japan’s timeless beauty, where food, rituals, and architecture intertwine to create unforgettable travel moments.

France enchants at every turn — from the buttery pastries of Parisian cafés to the lavender fields of Provence and the sparkling coastline of the Riviera. Whether wandering through Lyon’s bouchons, sipping cider in Normandy, or strolling Bordeaux’s riverside promenades, each region reveals its own rhythm, flavour, and charm. This journey celebrates the everyday magic of French life, where food, landscapes, and culture intertwine to create unforgettable moments.

Loudons in Edinburgh is a brunch-lover’s dream. Just five minutes from the Christmas Markets, it serves up visually stunning plates like tiramisu French toast and pumpkin spiced pancakes—comforting, creative, and utterly delicious.

Last Sunday, I uncovered Simply Greek—a dreamy blue-and-white taverna opposite the Edinburgh Playhouse. Their take on the Sunday roast is pure sunshine: dips like tzatziki, mezze favourites such as keftedakia and dakos, and a dish of the day (ours was chicken and chips). Pair it with a glass of Dafnios Liatiko or a mastiha cocktail, and you’ll feel transported straight to Plaka in Athens.