Navigating Redundancies in London: Why You Need an Employment Lawyer

Redundancy is a reality many face at least once in their working life, especially in a city as dynamic as London. Whether it’s due to economic shifts or company restructuring, losing your job can leave you feeling uncertain and vulnerable. The shock of being told your role is no longer needed can be overwhelming, and navigating the legalities on your own might seem daunting.

That’s where an employment lawyer comes in. From ensuring you receive the redundancy pay you’re entitled to, to helping you understand your rights, they can provide crucial guidance during a stressful time. 

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How to Plan the Perfect School Trip in London: Tips for Teachers


Organising a school trip is a rewarding experience that offers students the chance to learn outside the classroom and develop new skills. London, with its wealth of historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and educational opportunities, is the perfect destination for a school trip. However, planning a successful London school trip requires careful preparation to ensure both safety and an enriching experience for students.

In this blog, we’ll provide essential tips for teachers to help them plan the perfect school trip to London.

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Why Gold is a Timeless Investment for the Future


Gold has held its place as a symbol of wealth and prosperity for centuries, making it one of the most enduring investments in human history. In today’s volatile economic landscape, the value of gold remains strong, offering a safe haven for those looking to protect and grow their wealth. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, understanding why gold remains a timeless investment can help you make informed financial decisions for the future. 


In this article, we will explore the key reasons why investing in gold, including opportunities to buy gold bullions, is an intelligent choice for the long term.

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What You Should Consider When Choosing Legal Representation in Portsmouth


Choosing legal representation is a crucial decision that could have long-lasting consequences. Whether you need help with personal injury claims, family law, or any other legal matter, having the right solicitor by your side is essential.

Making an informed choice can ease your stress, help protect your rights, and ensure that your case is handled professionally.

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City Life and Health: Top London Spots for Wellbeing


Life in London can be thrilling, fast-paced, and full of excitement. However, with the hustle and bustle comes the challenge of maintaining good health and wellbeing.

Whether you’re navigating through a busy work schedule or simply trying to stay in shape, taking care of both your body and mind is crucial in a city that never sleeps. 

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Tips for Making a Secondhand Car Feel Like New

It’s safe to say that purchasing a secondhand car isn’t quite the same as buying a brand-new one. Whether there’s a lingering smell of cigarettes, the stubborn stench of a dog who was a frequent passenger, or the old owner left some of their belongings, you may be left with a car that doesn’t quite feel like yours.

Of course, buying a secondhand car does have benefits, especially if you got it at a bargain price. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your vehicle feels like yours in no time.

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Safety First: Essential Tips for London Motorcyclists

Riding a motorcycle through London offers a unique blend of convenience and excitement.
It’s often quicker than other forms of transport, allowing you to weave through traffic and
enjoy the freedom of the open road. However, motorcycling in a bustling city like London
comes with significant risks. The city’s streets are filled with vehicles of all sizes, and the
dangers for motorcyclists are ever-present.

To ensure your safety while riding, it’s crucial to understand these risks and know how to mitigate them.

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Top Destinations for Educational School Trips

Educational school trips offer students a unique opportunity to experience learning outside the classroom, providing real-world experiences that complement their academic studies. Choosing the right destination is crucial for maximising the educational value of these trips. 

Here, we explore some top destinations for high school trips that offer enriching and memorable experiences for students.

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Frankie Goes to Bollywood – Southbank Centre

British musical, Frankie Goes to Bollywood, has come to London for a nearly three-week stretch at the Southbank Centre. If you’re looking for an all-singing, all-dancing show with significant feel-good factor this might be just the thing for you.

Here’s a low down about Frankie. She never wanted to be a star, but after a chance encounter with an Indian director, she finds herself whisked away from her humdrum home of Milton Keynes to the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. Frankie ascends to the highest echelons of south Asian cinema as a success actor, and she does so with relative ease. Still, there is a price to pay and Frankie realises there’s more to life than fortune and fame and that success is best when it’s shared with friends. 

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Cycling to Work Could Save Serious Money

As summer hits its peak, there’s no better time to get involved in the annual Cycle to Work Day, taking place on August 1st. This initiative encourages people to swap their car keys for bike helmets, promoting the benefits of cycling, including the significant cost savings and improved health on offer.

In May 2024, private plate specialists Regtransfers published an article around Walk to School Week, revealing that families could save over £400 a year – and reap serious health benefits – simply by walking all, or part, of the way to and from school. In a similar vein, Cycle To Work Day provides yet another perfect opportunity to weigh up the potential benefits and savings on offer as a result of changing from car to bike for your work commute.

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Secret Sandwich Shop (All Consumed)

Secret Sandwich Shop

Neil and Chris are back again – this time at the Secret Sandwich Shop in Notting Hill. After downing a couple of breakfast sarnies, the duo have a chat about everything from the bus to the Boss and to Bigfoot – with great recs for tacos, seafood and more. Neil even talks about his all-time favourite burger and his all-time favourite musical.

Listen Now:

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Exploring Natural Landscapes: How Travel Enhances Geographic Education


Geographic education goes beyond textbooks and classroom lectures; it thrives on real-world experiences and firsthand observations. Exploring natural landscapes through travel offers students unparalleled opportunities to deepen their understanding of geographical concepts and processes.

In this blog, we will explore how geography school trips enhance geographic education by immersing students in diverse environments and fostering a deeper appreciation for the planet.

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Travel Smart: Tips for Enjoying Extended Stays in the UK


An extended stay in the UK offers a unique opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.

With its rich history, diverse cities, and picturesque countryside, the UK provides an array of experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots. Spending more time in one place can be cost-effective, as longer stays often come with discounted rates for accommodation and transport. It also offers the flexibility to balance work and leisure, making it ideal for those who can work remotely. 

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Day Trips From London: Accessible Destinations Perfect For Foodies

London offers an endless array of dining experiences, but sometimes a day trip can provide a refreshing change of scenery and palate.

Whether you’re seeking to escape the hustle and bustle or simply explore new culinary horizons, the surrounding regions boast some of the best food experiences just a short journey away. From seaside towns to picturesque villages, there’s something to satisfy every foodie’s cravings.

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Whole Beast at the Montpelier (All Consumed)

Whole Beast at the Montpelier

Neil and Chris have an epic lunch the Montpelier in Peckham, where the Whole Beast kitchen takeover has more than impressed their palates! While there, they chat about other treats to eat in the area. Neil chats about seeing Crowded House in concert (“possibly” his favourite band “of all time”). Chris mentions catching a newly released film as well as some cultural wonders from his trip to Crete (which he failed to mention during the last episode when he waxed poetical about his foodie finds on that gorgeous island). Aside from that, the boys rave even a little more than usual about lots and lots of great places to eat in London.

Listen now:

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City vs. United: The Ultimate Manchester Derby Experience

The Manchester Derby is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the football calendar, a clash that divides the city of Manchester in a sea of blue and red.

The fierce rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United is more than just a game; it’s a battle for local pride, historical significance, and footballing supremacy.

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Napoli on the Road + Duci + Tamp Coffee (All Consumed)

Neil and Chris are back to share what they’ve been doing in the weeks since they last recorded. For this episode, the fellas head to Devonshire Road in Chiswick, west London for a taste of what’s rated 2024’s best pizza in Europe outside Italy. They also find there’s fantastic gelato and coffee nearby as well. While enjoying Chiswick’s fine fare, they chat about recent adventures (mostly foodie) in Crete and California and playing tourist in London. 

Listen now:

 

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A Guide to the Osaka Science Museum

The Osaka Science Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science, space, and technology. Located on Nakano-shima Island in Osaka, this impressive museum has exhibits spanning four floors and is home to one of the largest planetariums in the world.

Read on for an in-depth guide to making the most of your visit to this fascinating museum.

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Meiji Brings Japanese Treats to the UK

Popular Japanese snack brand, Meiji, is set to debut in the UK this year with the launch of two of its most iconic snacks – Chocoroooms and Uproll.

I was invited to sample these tasty treats by the folks doing PR for Unisnacks Europe (the UK distributor of Meiji) and was happy to do so.

With its crisp biscuit stem and a chocolate cap, the mushroom-shaped Chocorooms were especially enjoyable. Meiji sent me a couple of different flavours: milk chocolate and strawberry. The milk chocolate Chocorooms were my favourites.  

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At Home (All Consumed)

On the go with little time to catch up in person, Neil and Chris record a ‘not in person’ episode via Zencastr. Give it a listen to hear all they’ve been up to and recommend for you to enjoy. 

Listen now:

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Scrubba Travel Wash Bag 

Some months back, I was sent a complimentary Scrubba – a 150g pocket-sized wash bag featuring a patented washboard-in-a-bag design. This past week, I finally got a chance to use it.

The Scrubba is essentially a small dry bag with a flexible washboard lined along the interior of one side. It’s available in a range of colours with a see-through strip along part of the side with the washboard. To use it, add water and cleaning liquid (or laundry sheets); close and deflate the bag; rub clothes against the inner washboard for up to three minutes (or 30 seconds for a fast wash); rinse in the bag; and hang to dry. Easy. 

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Weirdough Bakery (All Consumed)

Chris and Neil have been eating well since their last episode of All Consumed – in London and elsewhere (specifically the Isle of Man and Cambridge). Sips, sights and activities galore were enjoyed between their meals. Best of those exploits are shared in this latest episode, recorded at Weirdough Bakery in Walthamstow.

Listen now:

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Popular British Foods to Entice your Taste Buds on Your Next Trip to London 

Bland is a popular misconception regarding British cuisine, and there is a reason for this. You see, many consider Italian, French, and Spanish cuisines to offer the finest dining experiences globally. 

But did you know you don’t have to order the fanciest of foods to enjoy an elevated dining experience? You can order traditional British delicacies for unparalleled culinary adventure while in the UK. 

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Review: Evil Does Not Exist Written and Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi 

Does evil exist? Is one person’s evil just another’s self preservation? Those and more questions about the nature of evil or even its existence still crop up in my mind weeks after viewing a press screening of Evil Does Not Exist, the latest feature by director of Academy-Award and BAFTA-winner Drive My Car, Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

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Cafe Kitsune (All Consumed)

Neil and Chris meet up at Cafe Kitsune in Knightsbridge for an upscale start to a recent Sunday morning podcast recording. While there they marvel at the Japanese-French cafe’s pastries and the drinks (miso rice pudding brioche with a chestnut matcha latte, anyone?). They also chat about other recently nosh enjoyed. Chris brags about the new bike he just bought and where he’s cycled in search of great art and coffee. 

All that plus a few great film and TV recs and more!

Listen now:

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Five Good Things | #5GoodThings

  1. Pizza;
  2. Bike rides; 
  3. Winter sunshine; 
  4. Art exhibitions; 
  5. Matcha.
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Occupied City

In a recent episode of the All Consumed podcast, I sang high praises about Steve McQueen’s new feature-length film, Occupied City. Follow this link to hear those thoughts:

Now that the film out and being screened, I thought I’d take a moment to say just a bit more about it with the aim of making sure it’s on folks’ radars. 

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Five Good Things | #5GoodThings

  1. Got a new bike!
  2. Taking the new bike for a ride on a crisp sunny morning; 
  3. Catching up with old friends; 
  4. Devouring a plate of pie and mash; 
  5. Remembering that I have this series of posts to help boost my mood and course correct my attitude.
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Forno (All Consumed)

New year, new episode of All Consumed! Neil and Chris meet up for an early m/’orning chat at celebrated East London bakery, Forno, where they wag chin about resolutions, art, stuff to eat, the remnants of an execution from the Spanish Civil War …

Listen now:

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Resolved | 2023 Resolution

So, here we are at the end of 2023. Was my new year’s resolution resolved? It was!

Maybe not quite how I had envisioned it would be back in January or yielding exactly the same sort of feelings of accomplishment that I had anticipated – but, yeah, I did it, and I feel really good about it. Moreover, I’m pretty sure I’ll continue to build on what I gained from my experience this past year. 

My resolution was to start blogging regularly again. Check! I didn’t write massive loads of great literature, but I wrote considerably more than I would have if I had not committed myself to the resolution. I learned stuff too!

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Qima Cafe (All Consumed)

Neil and Chris manage one more episode before Christmas hits while enjoying some coffee at Qima Cafe, the UK’s first tree-to-cup cafe. Chris shares some easterly lunch tips for Barking and Hackney Wick. Neil shares his five must-hear Christmas songs along with some must-see seasonal flicks. Chris’ festive season media consumption is a decidedly shorter list.

Neil discusses the ultimate opportunity (or was it a curse?) that came his way recently when an editor offered to send him on his dream trip. He wonders if any listener ever were offered the chance to go anywhere in the world and do anything there, where would you go and what would you do?

NOTE: Every time Chris says “Jerk Spot” he means “Jerkpit”. The restaurant is definitely called Jerkpit (not Jerk Spot). Sorry!

NOTE: There are a few F-bombs dropped in this episode.

Listen now:

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New Viva! Cookbook: Everyone Can Cook Vegan

Tis the season to be vegan? You decide. But for those who are, a nifty new cookbook from vegan charity, Viva! would be a right tasty Christmas present. 

The book, Everyone Can Cook Vegan, features more than 100 recipes designed with even the least experienced cooks in mind. The recipes are by Vegan Recipe Club’s Maryanne Hall, a plant-based chef with experience working in vegan restaurants, Demuths Cookery School, and more. 

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Supernova + Dunkin’ (All Consumed)

After a several-weeks hiatus, Neil and Chris are back from their trips to the States and finally ready to record a new episode of All Consumed, during which they mostly chat about what they did (and ate) while away. 

Be aware: there are some especially immature jokes that might be best suited for mature audiences only.

Listen now:

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Cocktails and Curiosities: Unveiling London’s Trendy Drinking Spots

Welcome to Cocktails and Curiosities – the ultimate guide to London’s most fashionable drinking destinations by Bloc; Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a curious drinker, this guide will take you on a journey through the city’s most innovative and stylish bars. We’ll introduce you to mixologists who create bespoke cocktails from rare and exotic ingredients, and take you to hidden gems where you can drink under the stars or in intimate speakeasies. So grab a drink, relax, and let us take you on an adventure through London’s vibrant drinking scene. Let the good times roll!

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Not Much to Say | 2023 Resolution

It’s been a few months since posting anything in my 2023 Resolution series. At first blush that might seem bad, but I actually reckon it’s good. 

I’ve been so busy meeting the goal of the resolution that I haven’t needed the time to try to find motivation. 

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