Lovely Local Indie
Pumpkin picking has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years and now there’s a great range of PYO pumpkin farms and pumpkin patches in Derby and across Derbyshire. Unsurprising really since it’s good, seasonal, wholesome family fun. What could be better than wrapping up warm and spending some time in the fresh air […]
I have always loved autumn. It is simply the best season! Crisp mornings, bright sunny skies, leaves turning every hue of copper and gold, wrapping up warm, sweaters, scarves and thick woolly tights. Dark nights, cosying up at home with candles and pumpkin spice everything… It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold. There’s the […]
Is there anything better than relaxing in a cosy pub on a cold or drizzly day? Open fires and warm hospitality make the perfect backdrop to enjoy a real ale or a glass of red. Derbyshire is blessed with dozens, probably hundreds of excellent pubs, but here are my favourites and then those which were […]
If the summer holidays are dragging and you need some days out inspiration that’s easy on the purse, here are five FREE days out in Derbyshire. Walk, paddling and a picnic at Dovedale FREE entry, National Trust members park for free or £3.50 for up to four hours or £5 for all day (correct change […]
The seasonal Haddon Hall artisan market is a regular feature at this stunning period property. For full transparency, a year ago I received gifted entry to Haddon’s late summer Mercatum. We enjoyed it so much that we have returned to every market since as paying customers – and I haven’t received any incentive for writing […]
What are Derbyshire oatcakes? A local delicacy, Derbyshire oatcakes date back to the 17th century. They are similar to a pancake (the thin crepe sort – not the fluffy American style) or a wheat tortilla in in both shape and texture. They are round (about the size of a side plate), soft and pliable. They […]
Is there anything more synonymous with British summertime than a picnic? Would you like some inspiration for perfect picnic spots? I must admit, I am not very lucky with picnics. I’m more a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants/buy-something-from-the-café type. When I have bothered to prepare a picnic it invariably rains and we end up eating it in the car. […]
Prior to me writing this article, if you googled “best cocktail bars in Derby” you basically get lists of national chain pubs. Whilst there’s a time and a place for that, I know that personally I’d rather be drinking at a great independent, with a professionally trained mixologist who serves high quality cocktails in beautifully […]
Stratstone Mini, who have dealerships in Derby and Chesterfield, got in touch to offer me an extended test drive of the new Mini Electric. You can book your own test drive here. The Mini Electric features the iconic Mini design that we all know and love, but with zero emissions. As well as being more […]
The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam is one of the loveliest places to have a relaxing al fresco lunch or coffee and catch up. Their expansive gift/lifestyle shops will have you lusting after all sorts of lovely things you really want (and probably don’t need). It’s the perfect place for gifts or to treat yourself. […]