ALL RECOMMENDATIONS

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Knowing James’ love for games and gaming, Harry brought us to Rockade Bar for drinks and some healthy family competition. 😎 I loved Tetris growing up - I used to play it on my Mom’s MS Dos Computer as a child. So I was in my element too - we had such a fun evening! The atmosphere is relaxed with a splash of competitiveness. And the best part? It’s wonderfully nostalgic. A fun, analogue way of gaming and competing in person. It’s also not the arcades of our youth, as the bar lends it a more sophisticated and adult setting.

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A feast for the eyes as much as the appetite! Clearly my priorities were only that of feasting and not photographing as I only have one picture from the Mercado and that is of traditional tapas. I do love anchovies - and this was delicious! Whether with a generous slice of butter, or roasted peppers - they were a flavour experience! The atmosphere at the Mercado is effervescent. It is a truly sensory adventure - the food not only looks beautiful, but the smells and sounds enhance the flavours. Stop in day or night to sample some local delicacies or to have a drink - or just wander around to appreciate the beautiful stalls and the building itself.

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El Retiro Park is to Madrid what Central Park is to Manhattan. A green oasis in the middle of a bustling city. There is something for everyone. Formal gardens, historic monuments, beautiful architecture - and Retiro Lake. Look out for the turtles! Enjoy a walk (or cycle) through the park - keep an eye out for markets or special events. The day we went, there was an outdoor chess tournament - and Harry and James (both keen chess players) loved watching. My chess skills are sadly non-existent… but the atmosphere was electric! Bring a picnic and a picnic blanket, find a shady spot and you can easily spend an afternoon watching the world go by. I brought my book too - but there was too much to take in to really do some serious reading. 🌞

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The Museo Reina Sofía houses an impressive collection of Spanish art - both in and outdoors. The gardens are beautiful - and whether you are admiring a sculpture (one of my favourites was Moonbird by Joan Miró) or pausing in-between rooms, it is a peaceful and inspiring space. Probably most famous for housing the Guernica by Pablo Picasso - while it made quite an impact (it is over 3 metres tall and more than 7 metres wide), I found it a bit dark and overwhelming. Perhaps why I enjoyed the calm of the gardens so much - but we do know that I love a garden. You can easily spend a day wandering the museum, or soaking up the sunshine in the gardens (or both!). Definitely worth a visit.

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Start your weekend off with Friday night drinks and the most spectacular views of the city at the Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar. Not only are the views panoramic, but you feel like you are watching over the whole city as is the imposing and impressive Roman statue of Minerva towering above you. This was the first stop on our incredible tour of Madrid with my cousin Harry. The best way to experience a city is without a doubt with a local.

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We bought our living Christmas tree, affectionately known as Christopher Pine, in November 2022. We didn’t have a car at the time - but I had it all planned out: we were going to get the bus to The Nunhead Gardener in Nunhead as there was a bus stop right outside the shop. And so, it would mean minimal carrying of a rather heavy and prickly purchase. James was not entirely convinced, but I think my excitement made it unavoidable - and he was kind and obliging in coming along and carrying the tree home. 🌲♥️

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Gisela and I met as first year students at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography (we won’t say how many years ago) 😉. And we have been friends ever since. She is a dear friend to both James and I, and a very talented human - not just through the hugely inspiring (and delicious) business she has built in Harck & Heart, but in every meal she has ever prepared for her loved ones. Gisela made our delicious wedding cake too (the best carrot cake you will ever eat)! But this is the time to talk about why Harck & Heart gingerbread is the best in the world. And not just because our friend makes them 🥰.

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Stellenbosch remains one of the most beautiful historical towns in South Africa. Ok, I may be a little biased as it’s my hometown, but still - I think it’s not a difficult decision to make. Excellent restaurants, amazing wine, beautiful history and architecture… The list goes on. It is also a university town, and the Botanical Garden is part of the Stellenbosch University - the oldest university garden in the country. Tucked away off Van Riebeeck street it is right in the heart of Stellenbosch, but somehow easy to walk past if you aren’t paying attention. Open to the public, it is a modest R15 to get in and it is well worth it. Once inside you can explore at your leisure. Somehow each visit feels different. I most recently visited with Nita, and we did a good job of exploring the gardens as well as the market. You can visit one of the greenhouses and be transported somewhere tropical, or walk through winding, narrow paths among the trees.

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I spent the most wonderful girls weekend in Paris last summer. I hadn’t been in decades, and was unsure what to expect - and the city surprised me in the best possible way. On one of the mornings we spotted a charming theatre down a little alley off a main road and stopped to have a look at it. This is my favourite way to get to know a city - slowly and spontaneously. A Parisian woman observed us while smoking her cigarette, and then came over to recommend what turned out to be the most wonderful hidden gem. I’m not sure if it’s because we were off the tourist track, or if she was a custodian of the museum… but she told us about Musée de la Vie romantique and its hidden tea garden.

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The Garden Museum is one of my London favourites. On the opposite side of the river to the Chelsea Physic Garden, on the South Bank, it is probably the garden equivalent of Gelupo for me in the city - a place I can keep returning to and which I enjoy every time. You needn’t visit for a specific exhibition - there is also a lovely cafe. If you are planning on eating, it’s a good idea to book - but if you just fancy a glass of vino or a cuppa and it’s a nice day - you shouldn’t struggle to get a place to rest and recharge.

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My visit to the Chelsea Physic Gardens was one of sunshine and snowdrops. Karin took me there as a birthday present (she knows me well). It is a true secret garden right next to the Thames. Hidden behind a high wall which gives nothing away, you enter through a side door on the street and arrive in a wonderland. We visited in February so we were just starting to move towards spring and the snowbells were out in all their splendour. This is the wonderful thing about a garden - it shows different sides of itself all year round - and I have no doubt that it would be beautiful in summer and autumn too. There were blue skies and it was crisp outside, but there were a variety of glasshouses to visit too (for brief respite from the cold) and a lovely tea room where we had lunch when we needed to recharge.

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n the four and a half years we lived in SE23, we moved home three times - but the Horniman Museum and Gardens remained a favourite place for us - and within walking distance of all three addresses. During the early months of our move to the UK it was the middle of winter as well as Lockdown. Being able to walk to the Horniman on a daily basis was the greatest comfort. We saw the Horniman in every weather and every season.

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We stayed at the aptly named Mountain View (one of The Little Gem cottages) when we last visited Montagu together for James’s birthday in November last year (2024). It was the most beautiful and restful stay. We arrived to a lovely (and delicious!) welcome platter which we enjoyed with a glass of wine to ease into our holiday. The cottage is a perfect stay for a couple. There’s a lovely outside braai area - great for outdoor cooking and dining - or daytime lounging with a good book. It’s a short walk from the Montagu Mountain Reserve - and depending on your energy levels you can enjoy a short work, or a day hike. The cottage is thoughtfully set up for a holiday stay, and if the weather keeps you indoors it’s cosy and comforting looking out to the mountain views in the distance. It was a charming place we would definitely return to.

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Tucked away at Mimosa Lodge on Church Street, had Brydon at Jonkmanshof not booked dinner there for us on our first night, we would never have known about it. We have since returned every time we are in Montagu. As its name suggests, it is a meat lover’s dream. James cannot resist the tomahawk steak for two. This is a generous piece of meat served with two sides and two sauces. Perfect for sharing. I think one of our all time favourite wines is Mysterium by Mimosa Wines: a classic Rhône-style blend (Grenache, Mourvedre, and Shiraz) is also produced under the Mimosa name, and is the most perfect compliment to this very delicious meal. If you love a good steak, and are visiting for the weekend we highly recommend it. And order a bottle of Mysterium to compliment the meal! 🍷🍷

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Montagu Local is run by two lovely women Mari and Louise. Mari Groenewald and I worked together years ago on Real Simple magazine, and her eye for detail and excellent taste comes through in the beautiful curation of Montagu Local. An artisanal store and grocer a short walk from Jonkmanshof on Bath Street. The shop is a feast for the eyes (and for your appetite!). It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local produce and producers. There is loads to tempt you - whether stocks for your pantry (and tasty options for dinner) or a gift for a friend (or yourself), you have lots to choose from.

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James and I had the most memorable and wonderful stay at Jonkmanshof (20 Bath Street) for our honeymoon in October 2022. We had more than a few date postponements due to Covid but my gosh was it worth the wait! It was an absolute dream to finally come and stay. Every room is so beautifully and thoughtfully curated. The striking art, high ceilings, bed that made you feel you were sleeping on a cloud. And don’t even get me started on our bathroom! The open shower looking onto the freestanding bath and out beyond to the potted citrus garden. It was quite exceptional. The lounge is perfect for a late night coffee. One evening we had the whole house to ourselves, and we came back after dinner and played some of our wedding playlist and relived memories of the night. The kitchen is absolutely perfect in every way - a place of dreams for two foodies like ourselves. We had the most delicious and thoughtfully put together breakfast there every morning. The kitchen opens onto an indoor succulent garden and conservatory of sorts… through the double doors you can see the beautiful raised eco pool with a view of the mountains behind. James swam while I read and admired the view. 😊 We were gifted a bottle of bubbles by Jonkmanshof to celebrate and one evening we toasted this beautiful place, the most memorable experience, and finally being able to celebrate being Mr and Mrs.

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I have a sixth sense when it comes to gelato. If there is good gelato to be had, I will find it! On this particular day, we had taken the Steam Train to Castletown and came upon a summertime festival in the centre of town. Not to be distracted by an ice cream truck… I continued around a corner, through an archway and came upon Isle of Gelato by the sea. What followed was quite a humorous but still heated discussion about the difference between scoops and the number of flavours (which apparently determines the size of cone). The passionate Italian serving me had clearly had enough of people asking for scoops - and proceeded to explain more loudly ‘NO SCOOPS’. I was not to be deterred as I wanted to buy us all gelato. So I persevered, course corrected, asked for flavours and all was well. It’s worth a visit if you are in Castletown as it is authentic Italian gelato.👌 Just don’t ask for scoops!

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Live out your Thomas the Tank Engine childhood dreams on the Steam Railway. The best part is that this is one of the primary modes of transport around the isle - which has been running since 1873. For a modest fare you can go from the south (Port Erin) of the isle to the north (Ramsey). Beautifully and caringly preserved, you are transported back in time. Sitting in a charming carriage with all the original features. It’s slow travel at its best.

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We were lucky enough to be staying in Port Erin, and so we got to enjoy both the Foraging Vintners winery as well as their seasonal beach bar which were equally just a stroll away (just turn left or right) 😀. The views from both are picturesque, looking out to sea. The beach bar is a converted historical fisherman’s cottage with picnic tables and chairs which spill out onto the beach. On a sunny day enjoy the sunset with your toes in the sand at the beach bar, or have sundowners on the deck at their HQ, the Old Coalshed at the harbour. You must try their rhubarb fizz. It smells a bit like socks, but if you were handed it and you didn’t know it was rhubarb and not sparkling wine… I’m not sure you would know the difference. I loved their alcoholic ginger beer, which was refreshing and such a treat as it is quite rare to find. I also absolutely love their branding - which is both fun and striking, and most definitely memorable - the same as their locations.

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Put on your walking shoes and head up to Milner’s Tower on Bradda Head from the village of Port Erin. Beautiful to look at from the harbour, with many picturesque views along the way; once you get there the views across the bay and towards the Calf of Man are worth it. Take a flask of coffee to enjoy at the tower as you admire the view - or climb up the tower to get even more of an outlook. Built in 1871 to honour William Milner, who generously contributed to the welfare of Port Erin.

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I am a big fan of Babylonstoren (keep an eye out for recommendations to come), and we have visited The Newt in Somerset, so I was quite excited when I found out The Story of Emily was part of the group of estates. Emily Hobhouse was a pacifist and humanitarian who was a whistleblower on the terrible conditions in the British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer war. Her bravery and persistence meant that many lives of Afrikaner women and children were spared. The Story of Emily is a museum in Cornwall in the south of England. Set on the property where Emily grew up, The Rectory (her family home) has been lovingly restored - and The War Rooms honour Emily’s impact on the Anglo-Boer war. I cannot remember how I found out about The Story of Emily, but when I saw they had a proudly South African restaurant… I knew I wanted to visit. Stopping on our way down to Rame Head (recommendation to come) for my birthday, I hadn’t booked to visit the museum, which I regret. I found out that we could get access to the property with our Babylonstoren membership! So we went in for lunch only. The lunch, let me tell you, was excellent! And inspired me to cook bobotie again, which has become a regular addition to our meal plan. We will return and visit the museum as I was sad to miss it.

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On a family visit to Rotterdam, we visited DEPOT. Quite fascinating in shape (and reflective - if you want to see yourself mirrored in miniature on its walls as you approach!), this is the art depot for the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. It’s where the museum stores artwork that is not on exhibit, or artworks that are undergoing restoration… rather than filing these works away on shelves where no one can enjoy them, they came up with a way to share them with the public. In true Dutch style, the space is expertly designed to allow maximum exposure to the artworks, across multiple levels. The glass walkways also create this really cool layering effect of different textures and colours across floors. There is also a rooftop restaurant if you need to take pause before continuing your exploration. The views of the city are framed by big glass windows, and there is always something to look at, whether inside or outside the building.

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The Mole Antonelliana is an icon of the Torino (Turin) skyline. Even if you don’t know its name (which I didn’t until this visit), you will recognise its iconic architecture. The highest stonework structure in Europe - and quite a sight to behold. Unexpectedly, it is also home to the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (The National Cinema Museum). The museum has a quirky and captivating collection of posters and artefacts from films, and is quite the homage to Italian cinema. That said, the hero for me was undoubtedly the building itself. The view up to the dome is quite something.

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Gelato outside of Italy can vary in quality. Tucked down a tiny backstreet in Soho, and opposite its big brother Bocca di Lupo, Gelupo is one of my favourite places in London. Hands down. Ask anyone who has visited us while we were in London - or who lives in London still - any opportunity to go there, I will take it. And bring along aforementioned family, friends and my dear Love. My favourite gelateria outside of Italy, I’ve been a loyal visitor since my first London life circa 2012. To this day, it is just as rewarding and wonderful (no matter the season!). Italians eat gelato all year round. Whether it’s an after-dinner or pre-or-post theatre treat… or just a ‘snack’ on a day out shopping in town - I cannot recommend it more.

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Perhaps not an obvious choice to visit on a weekend trip or short stay in Bath, as there is loads to see and do in this charming city. But the heated pools at the Themae Bath Spa are a must-do. I recommend going in winter - put the early evening darkness to good use and make sure you book a slot that is at sunset. Head to the rooftop heated pool: with glass balustrades and an incredible view over Bath… it is quite glorious to submerge yourself in the warm, steamy water (from the natural springs), while you watch the twinkling lights of the city come on.

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Genki sushi is hands down the best I’ve ever eaten. Husband and wife team Richard and Charlene have created a bit of magic in their restaurant (and sister restaurant, The Little Fish, next door). They are also really lovely humans and make every meal at Genki special. We’ve enjoyed many memorable meals here over the years: date nights, family meals, catch-ups with friends. And it is always delicious… Every. Single. Time. Whether you’re a Stellies local or just visiting, it should be high up on your list. In summer you eat under the stars in a beautiful, leafy courtyard. And in winter you can wrap up under a blanket or cosy-up inside.