My Coffee with Melitta

My Coffee with Melitta

Good morning! I’m partnering with premium coffee machine maker Melitta for a new series of My Coffee posts.

Over the past few months, I have been travelling a lot – even by my standards – with more time clocked away from than in London. I’ve been having a great time revisiting favourite destinations and discovering a few new ones. But among the things I’ve missed about staying put in one place is the simple pleasure of making my own coffee in my own home. Continue reading

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My 420 Tours | #TCTalks Episode 20

My 420 Tours | #TCTalks Episode 20

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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The Biggest & Best Music Festivals That Are Worth a Visit to the UK (Miles Away)

The Biggest & Best Music Festivals That Are Worth a Visit to the UK

The first hints of summer weather bring talk of music festivals. With the United Kingdom’s history of Cool Britannia it could be argued that this is the greatest place on earth for popular music and thus festivals. The Beatles, David Bowie, The Clash, Oasis, and the Spice Girls (and so many more) have secured the country’s status across the globe with songs that continue to inspire generations. Perfect weather may not be guaranteed but a stellar show always is.

Here are five of the biggest music festivals in Britain for the most musically inclined summertime bucket lists.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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CCTV in Food Factories

CCTV in Food Factories

The importance of having CCTV surveillance in your food factories

Investigations have been conducted after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found that food factories across Britain aren’t complying with their hygiene expectations. Because of these revelations, large food chains and supermarkets in the UK are currently thinking about who they are working with and are already prepared to draw a line in their contract to ensure they retain the trust of their customers. Continue reading

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Win Dinner for Two at New Ceru Restaurant in Soho – Now Open!

Win Dinner for Two at New Ceru Restaurant in Soho

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!

Levantine restaurant, Ceru, has brought is delicious dining concept to Soho, with a second restaurant to complement its South Kensington location. Would you like a free taste for you and a foodie companion?

I’m writing this from the road but one thing I’m looking forward to doing when I get back to London is heading over to Soho for dinner at Ceru’s newly launched Soho restaurant. Already a fan of the big Levantine flavours at their South Kensington restaurant, I’m certain the now open Soho sister site will be just as great. I’m so certain in fact, I’m going to go ahead and encourage tikichris readers to give the new Ceru a shot.

I’ve teamed up with the restaurant to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a free dinner for two with welcome cocktails and carafe of wine at this new restaurant with a gorgeous menu inspired by the flavours of the coastal eastern Mediterranean. Continue reading

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Honi Poke Fenchurch Street

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Honi Poke has opened its second location in London, this one near Fenchurch Street Station.

Already a fan of Honi’s original Soho site (it’s probably my favourite poke in town), I was glad to hear the new of a more easterly sister outlet – and even more so when I got invited round to for a taste. Continue reading

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Rooftop Film Club is Back

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Rooftop Film Club is back and Demi Perera wants to scream about it from the erm … rooftops.

London is collectively cheering its return as it brings a whole lot of sunshine, classic movies and popcorn back to our lives. Think long evenings with panoramic views across London from Bussey Building and Roof East. Continue reading

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London Nights at the Museum of London

Piccadilly at Night c. 1960, Bob Collins, photo courtesy Museum of LondonPiccadilly at Night c 1960 by Bob Collins, photo courtesy Museum of London

Judith Schrut  has been to the Museum of London to view its eye-opening new photography show.

“As daylight fades and darkness falls, London is transformed.” These words aptly set the stage for visitors entering London Nights, the newly-opened photography exhibition at the Museum of London. Continue reading

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The Best International Spa Destinations to Relax and Recover (Going Places)

The Best International Spa Destinations to Relax and Recover

We all feel it sometimes — the exhaustion of maintaining a fine work-life balance. So, it’s only natural that we would feel the urge to totally and utterly indulge in our own wellness of body and mind every now and then. Quite different from an escapist holiday, wellness travel lets us focus on ourselves without guilt.

To help you restore your health and well-being, here are six of the best spa destinations around the world that will get you on the road to relaxation and recovery.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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K-Music Showcase Interviews

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Sheepa Miah interviews the headlining musicians from the recent K-Music Showcase in London.

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing the three bands headlining this year’s K-Music London Showcase. It was nice to hear about the musicians that inspired them, their thoughts on the Korean indie music scene and their future plans.

Check out the interview below with the following band members: Continue reading

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Everything You Need to Know About Airline Benefits for Military Families (Miles Away)

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Benefits for Military Families

American military families are expected to move around a great deal. With the great sacrifices already made by men and women in uniform, they deserve to be spared the additional stresses of frequent air travel.

Taking a step in the right direction, many U.S. airlines have consistently lightened the load with benefits for American military families. While each airline has specific preconditions for qualifying, here are a few basic rules to consider if you plan to take advantage of these benefits.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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Infographic | Travel Guide to Jamaica

Travel Guide to Jamaica

Looking for tips on how to have an amazing holiday in Jamaica?

Here’s a handy and attractive infographic from travel comparison site, dealchecker, about how to have a fun and authentic time visiting one of my favourite Caribbean destinations. Continue reading

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Raising Eyebrows with Lowbrow Rosé Pairings (31 Dover)

Raising Eyebrows with Lowbrow Rosé Pairings

Here’s the scene. You’re on holiday in Provence. The weather is perfect. The sun is setting. You’re with some of your favourite people taking it all in when one of them pops open a bottle of rosé. You know what’s missing? A big bag of crisps.

A similar scenario might find you relaxing in your garden with your best mates, grilling burgers and sausages, bobbing your head to your preferred summer playlist but just not having your thirst quenched quite as readily as you’d like. Lager just doesn’t cut it. White wines are too pert and the reds too ponderous. You should have put a bottle of rosé in the fridge hours ago.

I could go on. But I think I’ve made my point. It pays to think pink when shopping for sunny day refreshments to drink with easygoing eats. Relegated to its own odd corner of way too naff for a certain set of folks and far too hoity-toity for others, rosé wine is often overlooked as an ideal option for all sorts of laidback occasions. Fact is these people are missing out. Rosé goes great with all sorts of grub – and is usually nicely priced for affordable foodie fun.

Some considerations for your summertime sharing …

Read my complete post at 31Dover.com.

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The Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico That You Need to Visit NOW! (Miles Away)

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico That You Need to Visit NOW!

Dreaming of a beach break in a sunny clime? It’s hard to beat Mexico for a seaside getaway – no matter how much time or money you have to spend.

Have a look at our list of top beach destinations in Mexico, running the gamut from budget friendly to ultra lux.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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Best Things to Do in Denver

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Denver‎ is a beautiful city, and a lot of people consider it to be the heart of Colorado.

It looks amazing, and at the same time it brings in front some amazing features that you will appreciate quite a bit. One of the best things about the city is that it offers lots of cool things within its premises, but you can easily go and visit the outskirts too for a whole lot of other cool and enjoyable moments as well. Continue reading

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Win Pass the Pigs Dice Game with Travel Case

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COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!

I’ve got one fun and quirky Pass the Pigs dice game in compact travel case to offer one lucky tikichris reader.

The set includes two small plastic piggies, a plastic travel case, score pad and two pencils. With the travel case, this small and lightweight version of the game is deal for road trips, train journeys and to pack for extended holidays. Continue reading

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Everything You Need to Know about Airline Benefits for Military Families (Miles Away)

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Benefits for Military Families

American military families are expected to move around a great deal. With the great sacrifices already made by men and women in uniform, they deserve to be spared the additional stresses of frequent air travel. Taking a step in the right direction, many U.S. airlines have consistently lightened the load with benefits for American military families.

While each airline has specific preconditions for qualifying, here are a few basic rules to consider if you plan to take advantage of these benefits.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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Happy Birthday St Pancras International

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Demi Perera celebrates St Pancras – the people, the place, the journey.

St. Pancras International Station turned 150 years old yesterday on the 8th of May. The station is celebrating with a series of events named Celebrate St Pancras – the people, the place, the journey to mark the occasion. The events, exhibitions and installations have been commissioned to showcase the transformation of the station since 1868. Continue reading

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London Art Openings | Cedric Morris: Artist and Plantsman

Poppies-1926-Sir-Cedric-Morris-©-Philip-Mould-Company-Cedric-Morris-Estate-low-res-no-framePoppies, 1926, Sir Cedric Morris. copyright Philip Mould Company, Cedric Morris Estate

Judith Schrut leads us up the garden path with two new London shows celebrating the work of artist and plantsman, Cedric Morris.

Art fans and garden lovers alike are sure to enjoy two exhibitions of 20th century Welsh artist and plantsman Cedric Morris, running concurrently at London’s Garden Museum and the Phillip Mould & Company’s gallery. Not heard of Cedric Morris? No, neither had I before viewing these shows. Maybe like the proverbial London bus, you wait ages and two stunners come along at once. Continue reading

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Chef Vivek Singh | #TCTalks Episode 19

Chef Vivek Singh | #TCTalks Episode 19

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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London’s Southbank Centre Re-opening Events

Sam Lee_Singing with Nightingales. JPEGMidnight Tweet: Sam Lee’s Singing with Nightingales

Judith Schrut heads down to London’s iconic Southbank Centre for some vibrant re-opening events…

Great things are happening down at the Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest art venue, where the Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room have just re-opened after a major facelift and refurb. Continue reading

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2001: A Space Odyssey LIVE at Royal Festival Hall

2001 A Space Odyssey, Southbank Live

Judith Schrut was one lucky and gobsmacked Royal Festival Hall audience member at the Golden Anniversary screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey Live.

1968— fifty years ago—  was a landmark year for movies, the release year for a massive feast of films now considered classics:  Oliver, the Odd Couple, Funny Girl, Yellow Submarine, Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang,  Rosemary’s Baby and 2001: A Space Odyssey,  to name a handful. Expect plenty of Golden Anniversary screenings, fan events and limited-edition merchandise for each in the coming months. Continue reading

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Win a Personalised Phone Case from GoCustomized

Win a Personalised Phone Case from GoCustomized

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME!

GoCustomized makes it possible for you to design your own personalised phone covers and tablet cases.

I’ve teamed up with this new e-retailer to offer one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win a custom phone cover featuring your very own photo or favourite image. Continue reading

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Review: The New Legends of Monkey on Netflix

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Sabrina Fancy reviews the new Netflix series The New Legends of Monkey and finds it family friendly, highly entertaining and a pleasure to watch.

I am always on the hunt for a new binge-worthy series to watch on Netflix, so when I was invited with my kids to preview the first 4 episodes of The New Legends of Monkey I was delighted. Continue reading

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An Evening of Meat at The Vaults

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Alexandra Kalinowski enjoys an Evening of Meat at The Vaults.

It’s not often I’m handed a scoop of chicken liver atop a savoury cone and watched as I take each bite. I don’t know whether to stare back at her, or if she wants me to smile and look away. She’s about two inches from my face and can hear the crunch as I bite through the cone despite the thumping music. We’re doing a dance, but I’m not dancing.

She then slithers back across the table and I breathe a sigh of relief, mixed with a twinge of longing. But she’s already moved down the table, provoking other diners, some of which appear to be so uncomfortable I wonder if they might leave. Continue reading

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Chang Sensory Trails 2018 | 12 May | Last Days of Shoreditch

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Chang Sensory Trails to Shoreditch to “deliver the unexpected” through a multi-sensory experience centred around Thai food, art and music taking place 12 May from noon to 10pm at Last Days of Shoreditch.

Here’s a bit more info about the event along with my take on a couple of especially yummy dishes to be served there. Continue reading

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Espace Dali, Paris

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Cat Byers surveys the newly re-opened Espace Dali in Paris.

Following a four month refurbishment, the Espace Dali in Montmartre recently re-opened with a clean, contemporary new look and plenty of intriguing surrealist artworks. Continue reading

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How to Get Some Comfortable Shut Eye at the Airport (Miles Away)

How to Get Some Comfortable Shut Eye at the Airport

Missed flights, canceled flights, long layovers; it’s safe to say we’ve all been there. Regardless of how you’ve been delayed from boarding your flight at the time you’ve planned for there’s always a logical answer to this dilemma. Put down your bags and slumber at the airport!

It may seem like a ridiculous idea given that airports are busy chaotic places operating around the clock. But by following these few simple rules you’ll learn how to catch a little shut-eye at even the busiest terminals.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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Good Stuff #75

Luscious! Natural Products Show 2018, photo Judith Schrut

Good stuff and lots of it!  This latest list of good stuff comes from Judith Schrut,  who’s been visiting London’s 2018 Natural and Organic Products Show. Enjoy.

Boy, did I have fun at the fair– I’m talking about the annual Natural and Organic Products Show, which I had a great time visiting this week. It’s Europe’s biggest trade show for natural and organic food, drink, health and beauty products and brings together hundreds of traders and thousands of natural innovations from around the world to Excel London. I got to taste and test a ton of good stuff and am eager to share some favourites with you.

Continue reading

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K-Music Showcase 2018: 3rd Line Butterfly, Gonne Choi & Billy Carter

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Sheepa Miah previews Korean music showcase coming to Rich Mix in May.

K-Music Showcase 2018 is coming to London in May, brought to you by The Korean Cultural Centre UK, Korea Creative Content Agency and Rich Mix.

This year’s showcase will be focusing on three female fronted bands. From traditional to post-modern rock, they will all perform their own unique sounds and styles. Continue reading

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Olso Takeovers at Oslo Hackney

Olso Takeovers at Oslo Hackney

Alexandra Kalinowski gets a spirited start to her week with Oslo Takeovers.

Mondays just got a whole lot better. DrinkUp.London have partnered with Oslo in Hackney to host what they call Oslo Takeovers. To cut a long story short, that means £6 cocktails. Continue reading

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America’s Greenest Urban Getaways (Going Places)

America’s Greenest Urban Getaways

Eco-conscious tourism has been building momentum for years, with travelers nudging for more accountability with respect to green alternatives to the usual standards of travel and transportation.

Are you keen to keep your carbon footprint light and spend your time and money visiting destinations where clean energy is a priority? Have a look at our list of US cities with excellent public transportation and other eco-friendly initiatives to keep you traveling green.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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The Tapas Room | #TCTalks Episode 18

The Tapas Room | #TCTalks Episode 18

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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What to Do on Holiday In Indianapolis, Indiana

What to Do on Holiday In Indianapolis, Indiana

Going someplace new and exciting on holiday is always a good time. Instead of staying local, why not try someplace far away? When you’re in a new place, there’s always something to do. You are in a mysterious place that you know nothing about, and part of the fun is that it’s different to what you experience back home. In this case, why not fly to America, and in particular, Indiana?

Known as the crossroads of America (due to its six interstate highway crossings), the capital city Indianapolis has almost as many monuments and memorials as Washington D.C. This article will provide you with some sightseeing, food and fun tips on what you can do when you visit Indiana for the first time. Continue reading

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Prague’s Best Kept Secrets

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There are many things Prague is famous for: the Charles Bridge, its architectural beauty and the famous Wenceslas Square. But away from the stag and hen designed attractions lies some of the cities true beauty and best places to discover on your trip to the Czech capital.

Here is Last Night of Freedom’s top ten best kept secrets in Prague: Continue reading

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