Review: Bills Summer Menu

If you scroll through my Instagram, you'll see that I'm a massive fan of Bills. No matter which branch I visit, I've never had anything less than brilliant service. I couldn't say yes quick enough when an email landed in my inbox asking me if I wanted to sample their summer menu. Certainly didn't need to be asked twice!

When I arrived I took a seat at the end of a very long table and ended up being seated next to Sarah  - who I'd met at the Strada event, Che and Rosie. One of the things I love most about blogging events is having a giggle and a chat with like-minded people. Plus they don't mind you leaning over them scrambling to get that perfect shot of their dinner!

We nibbled on delicious flat bread, carrot batons, cucumber sticks, tasty hummus and yummy tzatziki as we eagerly looked over the menu to fill our tummies.

To start I went for the crispy lemon squid with a smoked chipotle mayonnaise. I was very impressed with the portion size and proudly scoffed every last one. I'd have liked the mayo to have a bit more of a kick but it went perfectly with the batter. It was a good choice!

For the main I opted for the creamy halloumi and hummus burger with moreish sweet potato fries. Served in a sesame seed bun, it comes smothered in a sweet chilli sauce and topped with gem lettuce and roasted peppers. It feels just as indulgent as a beef burger and is perfect of you want something substantial but still feels a little lighter. The generous helping of halloumi won me round - I hate it when you're served tiny silvers of cheese and can barely taste it in your dish.

I was full to the brim and sadly couldn't manage a dessert. I'll make sure I do better next time!

Have you tried the new Bills summer menu yet?

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Beauty: Men's Skincare

I like to think I know my skincare but I don't know men's skincare too well. So I'm handing the reins over to my dear dad to offer his pearls of wisdom. Welcome to the blog dad!

Hello!

Over the years I've seen Sophie reviewing some cracking things on the blog so when she mentioned she needed someone to offer their skincare routine, I elbowed her boyfriend out of the way and put myself forward! As I spent all of my time working outside through the wind, rain or shine, my skin takes a battering so I like to offer it some TLC. I like to think it helps me to keep looking young! 

This Clinque For Men Charcoal Face Wash* is a god send. I can really feel the charcoal drawing out the day's dirt. I work quite a messy job so it's well needed! My face feels so refreshed and smooth. I use it three times a week when I get home from work - it makes all the difference. It's fragrance free so it's great for sensitive skin. Keep in mind it does give your skin a tingling feeling but it's nothing to be alarmed about!

I sadly suffer with quite dry skin so am constantly on the look out to help keep it under control. This is where Kiehls Facial Fuel* comes in handy! Packed with SPF 15, it helps to protect my face while I'm trying to hide from the sun on the roof. It helps to lift my dull skin and makes me look so much more awake. I apply in the morning after I've given my face a quick wash with soap and water. - simply rub in with clean hands. Even my wife has noticed a different so it must be doing it's thing!

One of the main perils of having dry skin is that shaving can sometimes be painful. Ouch! But Clinque For Men Post-shave Soother* helps to soothe razor burn and stop the redness from appearing. The cool, aloe formula feels amazing on my face. I don't mind shaving so much now!

This post is written in collaboration with House of Fraser.

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A few favourites #4

It's that time again when I talk you through a few of my favourite things! It's been a while since my last set. A real mixture of clothing, beauty and food this time!

Ryan Gosling Mug*: What will cheer you up more than a mug with the handsome Ryan Gosling on it? Not much I don't think! For days where your brain doesn't function and all you can think about is being elsewhere, this mug sums everything up in one sentence. Sometimes the Goss and Chocolate can be the only way to tackle the day. Make sure you check out Tea Please for some more quirky mugs.

New Look Tropical print culottes: I am having a massive love affair with culottes at the moment - it's all I seem to be buying! These beauties were less than £18 and fit like a dream. They will be perfect for sight seeing while I'm in Barcelona and with just a pair of heels, they work for the evening too.

Rio Rio Topshop Lipstick: I'm always impressed by Toyshop's lipstick offering and this gorgeous red is no different. It's a fantastic orange toned red and I'd imagine it'd look brilliant with a tan. Definitely going in my Barcelona make up bag!  It tends to bleed so a lipliner is an essential.

Organic Gusto Cola*: At only 49 calories per can, this is the ideal low calorie treat. Anyone else feel slightly alarmed at the fact you can drink almost your whole daily calorie allowance thanks to some drinks?! Fairtrade and organic means it's practically guilt free. It's perfect in a glass with lots of ice and a slice of lemon.

Hubby for Dessert Essie Nail Polish: This is actually part of their bridal range but I thought it was perfect for the summer so snuck it into my suitcase when I went to Chicago earlier on in the year. It needs a good three coats to become opaque but it's well worth the hassle. It's such a gorgeous, subtle shade for the warmer months.

St Moriz Medium Fake Tan*: I used to be all about the fake tan but for the past few years I've kinda fallen out of love with it. But I had a Christening last weekend and my pasty pins were offending my eyes so I brought out the big guns. St Moriz. Now I know why I love it so much. The mousse is easy peasy to apply, dries almost instantly and gives a lovely golden colour without looking too orange. I think I'm going to be a slave to this fake tan until my holiday in August.

Bounce Energy Balls*: I'm the first to admit that I'm not a fitness addict - these wobbly thighs will agree with that. But I am trying to get into running. I completed a 5k back in May and have been keen to keep up the momentum. These tasty energy balls have been great to snack on after I get back home - I'm always so ravenous so they do the trick. My personal favourite is the Cacao Mint flavour.

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Things to do: Borough Market

Despite being a massive tourist trap and positively heaving at any time of day, Borough Market is a true delight. Based near the Shard, Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge, this food market is an attack on your senses. You'll find every type of food you could ever imagine. From delicious seafood to exotic meats. From juicy veg to creamy cheeses. You definitely won't go hungry!

It's the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat - keep an eye out for the incredible chorizo roll at Brindisa Spanish Food. It's to die for! If it's a lovely day, I love picking up a cheeky cookie or cake and some nibbles to set up camp and eat along the river. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something to tickle their tastebuds.

The retail market is open Wednesdays and Thursday 10-5pm, Fridays from 10am-6pm and on Saturdays 8-5pm. The wholesale market is open all weekday mornings from 2am-8am - if you can drag yourself out of bed!

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Review: Scarlet's, Covent Garden

As soon as I spied an email in my inbox entailed 'Boozy Brunch', I immediately knew I was going to like what it had to say.

Situated on Upper St Martins Lane, Covent Garden this new joint has taken the space left by the old bar Verve. Scarlet’s markets itself as a venue for any time of day. You can visit for brunch like we did or for a bite to eat at lunchtime. If cocktails are more your thing, visit in the evening - I’d recommend the Rum Punch. They even pull the tables back and it become a mini dance floor for you to show off your moves. There’s something for everyone from dusk till dawn!

After being welcomed with delicious peach bellinis, we oohed and ahhed at the incredible shabby chic inspired decor. It was mix-matched at it's finest. Exactly how I would like my house to be! Sitting down, I got to try my very first Bloody Mary. I have to be honest and admit it wasn't really my thing but I gave it a good go! After a long hard look at the menu, I opted for the delicious sounding Eggs Hemingway. Toasted English muffins were topped with lashings of tasty smoked salmon, a soft, perfectly runny poached eggs and two generous drizzle of yummy Hollandaise sauce. Just what I need for breakfast on a Saturday morning!

I got major food envy when I spotted the cream avocado and toast making the rounds. Just look at it! I know what I’ll be having on my next trip. The Egg Florentine also had my belly rumbling! After all that food the alcoholic ice lollies came out. I opted for the amazing Greygoose Vodka and Perrier lolly by Late Night London - what a good choice that was! 

Thanks for such a great Saturday morning Scarlet's!

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A Liverpool City Guide

Travelodge Liverpool Central

Like I mentioned in my photo diary, we were kindly put up by Travelodge. The Liverpool Central hotel was in a prime location. It was far enough away from the centre of the city to be quiet yet only a 20 minute walk to all the action. It wasn’t too far from the Cavern quarter which is fantastic if you’re a fan of the Fab Four! Our rooms were clean, tidy and spacious enough for two girls getting ready with all their belongings flung over the place. I can’t praise the staff enough. They were kind enough to book us a taxi and let us store our suitcases in reception so we didn’t have to lug them around on the last day. Hospitality at it’s finest!

Seal Street

I was recommended this strip of bars and clubs by a relative who used to live in the city. She said it was a student part of town and mostly free from the notorious stag and hen parties that frequent the city. On a side note- I have never seen so many stag and hens in one place! It’s the perfect place to have a bar crawl - so many locals which always means it’s going to be a corker! There’s bars if you fancy a quiet drink with your partner, a few cocktails with your best friend or clubs for a wild night out dancing before you come staggering home at 5am. We went back to the strip both nights for a night of dancing. 

Albert Dock

This part of town looks so beautiful in the sunshine! It’s such a lovely to place to wander around and soak up the city. There’s restaurants, bars, museums, galleries and shops all within this quarter. If you’re a Beatles’ fan, make sure you check out The Beatles Story. Feeling cultural? Check out the Tate art gallery, the International Slavery museum and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. The list is endless!

Moose Coffee

Someone recommended we sample the breakfast at Moose Coffee so who were we to argue! It turned out that Sarah knew her stuff! We had to queue for 15 minutes but before we knew it we were sitting down and inspecting the menu. My hangover self demanded the biggest thing I could find so I settled on Mano Pollo. The classic Huevos Rancheros was topped with strips of chicken. With a generous helping of fresh sour cream, spicy salsa and grated cheddar cheese, it did just the trick. The service was great and we never felt rushed.

Free State Kitchen

I've already reviewed this burger joint on the blog but it definitely belongs in this city guide. It's right by the university and has a wonderful outside garden if the sun is shining. I opted for the BBQ burger which got a massive thumbs up!

Heebie Jeebies

This multiple floored club is one of the best nights out I have had for a very long time. The music is on bang on point. A real mix of old school and modern music with lots of indie, RnB and pop thrown in. They have a fab courtyard - you'll find some right characters! It's open till 4am - if you can handle it!

The Cavern Club

I never expected to love this as much as I did. I'm not too big a fan of the Beatles but you can't help but get swept up in the history as you wander down the dingy steps. We chilled out with a couple of ciders and watched a fab 1960's cover band and a solo man who did rock covers. Before we knew it we'd be perched on a bench for over two hours and our bellies were rumbling. It's a £2.50 entry fee during the day but it's so worth it.

Do you have any Liverpool institutions to add to the list?

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Dealing with set backs

These last few weeks have been extremely tough. I feel like I've had the wind knocked out of my sails and if I'm honest, I'm struggling to get back on my feet. I feel emotionally drained and feeling like a bit of a failure. Last week I was made redundant from my job. The publication had given me the most surreal, hilarious, bizarre and incredible experiences over the last three years. Sometimes I have wanted to pull my hair out in rage but most of the time I have wanted to pinch myself thanks to all the amazing opportunities I was given. I feel so attached to the magazine with it being my first ever job in the crazy journalism world. It was the magazine that helped me achieve my dream.

But then the Tunisian tragedy happened. My parents were in the exact hotel just a week before. They laid on that beach soaking up the rays. I spoke to them via Skype in that lobby. I laughed with a member of staff who gatecrashed one of our Skype calls. My parents came home and raved about what a wonderful place Sousse was and how they had the most fantastic week. They couldn't praise the hotel staff enough. When the information started pouring in over social media, it really hit home just how devastating the situation is. I could have been scrambling to find a flight and heartbreakingly identifying my parents. I could be an orphan - it doesn't bare thinking about. What kind of world do we live in that people think behaviour like this is acceptable? How dare someone take someone's life in such a brutal way? The world is becoming such a a scary place. I can't even begin to imagine the horror those poor people felt when a man opened fired on the beach. Somewhere they were relaxing, forgetting their troubles and completely unaware.

I may have lost my job but I'm still standing. Losing my job isn't the end of the world. It may seem so at the time but something always happens to make you feel incredibly lucky.  I'm still about to give my loved ones a hug before I go to bed. I'm still able to ring them up for a chat. Whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger - certain things are sent to try us. To test our strength. I'm hoping this redundancy means that something better is around the corner. I'm looking forward to finding out what other things I'm capable of. I feel like this could be the chance for me to have a new career.  I'm going to dust myself off and become a warrior and not a worrier. Life's too short.

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Review: Free State Kitchen, Liverpool

As soon as my trip to Liverpool was booked, I set about looking for a burger joint. I came across Free State Kitchen in the student part of town which had rave reviews. Naturally I dragged my friend across town as soon as it opened to feed our slight hangovers. A burger sorts out every hangover right?

I didn't hesitate when I saw the menu and opted for the Barbecue Cheeseburger. The medium rare beef patty was smothered in a sweet BBQ sauce, smokey Applewood cheddar, carmalised onions and a yummy baconnaise. It was perfectly messy but the toasted bun held up and it didn't break apart in my hands. Always the sign of a great bun when it soaks up the juices!

The rosemary chips didn't really qualify as rosemary apart from a few specks of herbs. I couldn't taste any rosemary at all. But they were still tasty. Crunchy on the outside by soft on the inside is always a winning combination.

I always struggle to find great burgers outside of London - #burgersnob – and while this wasn't the best I've ever had, it had me rubbing my belly with glee after I finished. It was delicious and I'd recommend checking it out if you're ever in that part of the world.

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A Liverpool photo diary

Last weekend I was very kindly invited by Travelodge to try out their hotel in the heart of Liverpool. Armed with my best friend, wine, glad rags and lots of gossip, we were up bright and early to catch the bus from London. Despite the journey taking a nightmare 10 and a half hours - we could have flown to NYC sob! - we didn't let this dampen our spirits.

We arrived at about 8.45pm so quickly ordered some pizza and poured some wine to get ready for a night on the tiles. Liverpool is a cracking night out! Once again I'm going to do a separate city guide with all my favourite haunts. It was a great weekend spent dancing, eating too much and basking in the sunshine. I really didn't expect to love the city as much as I did. The people were so friendly and there's so much to do. I even got swept up with Beatlemania despite not being too much of a fan!

It was so lovely to spend a few days away with a friend who I really don't see enough of. I can't believe we're celebrating 12 years of friendship this year - how did we get so old?!

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