Category Archives: Shopping

10 Top Tempranillo Red Wines

Posted on 2019-01-19 by tikichris

It’s as Spanish as castanets and paella. Tempranillo (temp-ra-neo) makes some of Spain’s best red wines. The main red grape variety used in Rioja’s red wines, it has an unmistakeably savoury flavour, with hints of leather, tobacco leaves, and fruit … Continue reading →

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Gorgias London’s O Range Combines Natural Beauty and Honest Luxury

Posted on 2019-01-18 by Demi Perera

Demi Perera drops by Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden for the launch of new British beauty brand, Gorgias London, and its range of single-pressed facial oils and five shampoos and conditioners. Continue reading →

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Tom Gosnell at His South London Meadery | #TCTalks 60



Posted on 2019-01-17 by tikichris

Here’s a buzzing conversation with Tom Gosnell at his Gosnells of London meadery in Peckham Rye. For this 60th episode of tikichris Talks, I chat with Tom about mead, the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage, and his contemporary take on making … Continue reading →

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Top 10 Wines to Drink with Curries

Posted on 2019-01-15 by tikichris

Wine and curry? It might sound unlikely. After all, it’s beer and curry for millions of us. Every week. Continue reading →

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Detox Menu at Chucs Restaurant & Cafe



Posted on 2019-01-14 by tikichris

Chucs (the eatery) is the sister concept of Chucs (the swimwear and men’s fashion label). I had been before to the Dover Street flagship of Chucs and found it to be a quite cosy spot and the food and drink to be good quality. The idea of visiting another Chucs and having a look at how the concept sat inside Harrods appealed to me. Continue reading →

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Win a Taster Box of Corkers Olive Oil Crisps Range

Posted on 2019-01-04 by tikichris



Keen something new to crunch? I’ve got a taster box of Corkers Olive Oil Crisps to share with one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #83

Posted on 2018-12-27 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading →

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The Connaught Bar Gin

Posted on 2018-12-26 by tikichris

The Connaught Bar at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair has launched its own gin, crafted and distilled in house to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this luxurious award-winning bar. Yet another London-made gin on the market? Yeah, I known. There’s … Continue reading →

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Sherry Christmas

Posted on 2018-12-21 by tikichris

Tis the season for a tipple. I reckon sherries are among the most suitable and satisfying drinks for yearend festivities and winter recollections. Continue reading →

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Shaun Caleb, Master Distiller at El Dorado | #TCTalks Episode 55

Posted on 2018-12-20 by tikichris

Shaun Caleb, Master Distiller of El Dorado Rum, takes time out of his busy day in Guyana to speak with me about his job working for one of the worlds first premium rums and explains what sets it apart from the competition. He also shares some top tips on how best to enjoy El Dorado during your Christmas and New Years celebrations. Continue reading →

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One More Cup of My Coffee with Melitta

Posted on 2018-12-16 by tikichris

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my experiences making coffee with my Melitta CI Touch and that you’ve benefitted from info about choosing the right coffee kit for you and the coffee lovers in your life. I also hope you had fun with the couple of competitions I ran offering amazing Melitta products as prizes. Continue reading →

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Win a Big Bag o’ Booze for Free

Posted on 2018-12-15 by tikichris

Out with the old and in with the new! But what’s old for me might be new to you. I’m clearing space in my liquor cabinet. And that’s especially good news for one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading →

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Best of the Best of 2018

Posted on 2018-12-12 by tikichris

Another year, another roundup of what made it exceptional! I’m back to share one more post in my Best of 2018 series with an index of the categories and links to all the posts. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #82

Posted on 2018-12-11 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading →

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Best Beer of 2018

Posted on 2018-12-08 by tikichris

I pour on with my Best of 2018 series to provide a heady brew of the tastiest beers I enjoyed during the past 12 months. Continue reading →

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Chef and Author Antonina Parker | #TCTalks Episode 52

Posted on 2018-12-04 by tikichris

For my 52nd episode of tikichris Talks, I speak with chef and author Antonina Parker. Hosted in her flat which doubles once a month as a dating app supper club, I chat about with Nina about how banana bread, cooking … Continue reading →

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My Coffee with Melitta | Win an AromaFresh Grind & Brew Coffee Maker

Posted on 2018-12-02 by tikichris

Continuing to share My Coffee with you, I’ve teamed up with Melitta for one more giveaway competition offering one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win an AromaFresh Grind & Brew coffee machine. Continue reading →

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New Series on Amazon Prime: The Three Drinkers

Posted on 2018-12-01 by tikichris

The Three Drinkers, a new Amazon Prime travel series, has launched with a four-part season about Scotch whisky.  Continue reading →

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Best of 2018

Posted on 2018-12-01 by tikichris

As 2018 draws to an end, I would like to share its highlights with a year-end roundup of the best food, drink, and travel related treats that I came across over the past 12 months. Continue reading →

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Kobe Beef | #TCTalks Episode 50

Posted on 2018-11-29 by tikichris

Episode 50 of tikichris Talks features an interview I conducted in while in Kobe, Japan with Mr Tetsunori Tanimoto. Mr Tanimoto is Head of Kobe Beef Association and President of Livestock Division for Hyogo Prefectural Headquarters National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative. During our conversation, he dispelled a few myths about Kobe beef while explaining what sets it apart from other products and how to know if you’re getting the real thing. Continue reading →

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Win a Christmas Tree Bottle Filled with Gingerbread Liqueur from Il Gusto

Posted on 2018-11-25 by tikichris

Just in time to help you have the merriest of Christmases, I’ve teamed up with Il Gusto one more time for another competition that’ll see one lucky tikichris reader win a Christmas tree-shaped bottle filled with gingerbread liqueur. Continue reading →

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Bronte Aurell of Scandi Kitchen | #TCTalks Episode 48

Posted on 2018-11-18 by tikichris

For episode 48 of tikichris Talks, I chat with Scandi Kitchen co-owner, Bronte Aurell. During our conversation at her café and shop near Oxford Circus, Bronte and I discuss the true meaning of hygge, how to enjoy a Scandinavian Christmas and what it’s like to be a proud immigrant. Continue reading →

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Why Bakeries in the UK Must Become Energy Efficient

Posted on 2018-11-10 by tikichris

It’s now so important for bakers to consider their energy usage and take steps to work more efficiently. By doing this, not only can they improve their bottom line, but they can also make their businesses more sustainable —reducing their impact on the environment. Continue reading →

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Ham Passion Tour: Jamon Iberico Samples and Carving Demos

Posted on 2018-11-08 by tikichris

Love Jamon Iberico or wonder why so many people make such a big deal about Spanish ham? If you’re out shopping at Westfield London or Liverpool ONE in the coming days keep an eye out for a “Ham Truck| offering free samples of Iberian Ham as well as carving demonstrations and more as part of a 25,000 Ham Passion Tour of Europe. Continue reading →

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My Coffee with Melitta | Christmas Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Posted on 2018-11-07 by tikichris

With its premium range of bean to cup machines, filter coffeemakers, pour-over manual brewers, filters and other coffee accessories, Melitta is the brightest brand to keep in mind for a caffeinated Christmas that’ll keep you and yours carolling with glee all season. Continue reading →

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Larder: A Curated Delicatessen & Bakery | Cleveland Talks | #TCTalks Episode 44

Posted on 2018-11-05 by tikichris

This episode of the tikichris Talks miniseries – Cleveland Talks –  features an interview with Jeremy Umansky, one of the owners of Larder, a “curated delicatessen and bakery” in Cleveland’s Hingetown neighbourhood. Continue reading →

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The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

Posted on 2018-11-02 by tikichris

An invitation to visit Cheddar Gorge as a guest of The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company helped me understand why a cheese can be called “Cheddar” without being from Cheddar and also equally appreciate the unique conditions that make Cheddar Gorge an ideal setting for producing exceptional cheeses. Continue reading →

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A Christmas Story House, Cleveland

Posted on 2018-11-01 by tikichris

The central set of one of America’s most cherished festive season flicks is a major attraction in Cleveland with tours offered of the house where A Christmas Story was filmed. Continue reading →

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Win a Pickle People Hamper from Opies

Posted on 2018-11-01 by tikichris

Are you a “pickle person”? Then Opies is the brand for you as is this competition offering one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win a free hamper of Opies products worth £30. Continue reading →

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A Taste of Honey at Dokke, St Katharine Docks

Posted on 2018-10-29 by Demi Perera

St Katharine Docks, which incidentally turned 190 years old in the same week, hosted a wonderful honey-based dinner at the utterly divine Asian- fusion restaurant Dokke. The restaurant is headed by luxury private island specialist Chef Neil Wager who’d created a special St Katharine Docks honey-infused menu for the evening. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #81

Posted on 2018-10-27 by tikichris

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy.

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Win a Chocolate Hamper from Lir Chocolates

Posted on 2018-10-22 by tikichris

Beloved Irish chocolate brand, Lir Chocolates, is now available in the UK. Fancy a taste for free? I’ve got two Lir Chocolate hampers to give away. Continue reading →

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David Greenwood-Haigh: Chocolate with Heart | #TCTalks Episode 40

Posted on 2018-10-16 by tikichris

Award-winning chocolatier David Greenwood-Haigh is the guest for episode 40 of tikichris Talks. During our chat, David guides me through a chocolate tasting while sharing insights from his decades of experience in the food industry, his travels to Haiti and Sao Tome and his efforts to help revitalise cocoa-production and chocolate-making in these impoverished nations. Continue reading →

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Good Stuff #80 | Welcome Italia

Posted on 2018-10-13 by Judith Schrut

Good Stuff and lots of it!  This latest list of fine things to sip and savour comes from contributor Judith Schrut, recently invited to London’s Welcome Italia Food Festival. Enjoy. Italy in London! Who could ask for more?  Not I, … Continue reading →

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Win a Skull-Shaped Bottle Filled with Absinthe Emanuelle from Il Gusto

Posted on 2018-10-12 by tikichris

Just in time for Halloween, I’ve teamed up with Il Gusto for an especially spirited competition that’ll see one lucky tikichris reader win a skull-shaped bottle filled with absinthe. Continue reading →

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