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Lola Christina Alao

Lola Christina Alao

Articles (64)

The best online shops for flower delivery in London

The best online shops for flower delivery in London

Still living at home with your parents and not paying rent? Have a special anniversary coming up? Said the wrong thing to your other half? Say you love them with a bunch of gorgeous blooms. Go on, it's the least you could do.  Don't bother with the petrol station bunch that are reduced, wilted, and ugly. Brighten up someone's day with a handpicked arrangement from one of the million-and-one incredible florists all over London, with one million-and-one ways to get beautiful bouquets delivered the very same day (or the day after if you’re too slow, just blame delivery delays). So don’t panic, you’re sorted, because we’ve made it even easier for you. Because here are the best flower deliveries in London, each one hand-picked by Time Out experts.  Recommended: the best same-day flower delivery in LondonRecommended: the best alcohol delivery services in LondonRecommended: the best Airbnbs in London This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 10 best flower delivery services in Bristol

The 10 best flower delivery services in Bristol

From daffodils blooming on College Green to the humble Bristol Onion (yes, really) popping up its head in the Avon Gorge, Bristol is a city that loves its little blasts of nature. That gives the city's florists a lot of inspiration. And speaking of inspiration, we're sure you have a few special occasions coming up and you need help, don't you? Don't worry, we're here to save you. We've put together a list of amazing florists that deliver to Bristol, for every occasion, including birthdays, new babies, and promotions. Whether it's your traditional florist offering classic designs, or even more well-known brands delivering contemporary flowers, this is everything you need to know to make your loved one happy.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 11 best flower delivery services in Edinburgh

The 11 best flower delivery services in Edinburgh

There's always a reason to need to buy flowers, isn't there? Like birthdays, anniversaries, house warmings. Oops, you forgot again, didn't you? Don't worry, the perfect petals are only a few clicks away. Because we’re super helpful and kind, we’ve put together a neat selection of some of Edinburgh’s best online flower delivery services that can be with you with just the click of a finger and in time for any special occasion. On this list, you’ll find all types of flowers, from cheap and cheerful to boujee and bespoke – and lots of options for a last-minute delivery, too. Which, as you can imagine, is the most popular choice. Hey, we’re not judging. We've been there before. So take a look, pick the perfect blooms and you’re all set. And if you just want to order some flowers for us for making this list? Well, it would be rude to say no, right? There are plenty of candles, chocolates, champagne, and other things too, of course. We'll accept it all.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best flower delivery services in Manchester

The best flower delivery services in Manchester

Don't panic, your anniversary might just be around the corner, but flowers are always a winner with the lover in your life. Resist the urge to buy a wilted supermarket bunch and some reduced choc, order a blooming bouquet right to their door. Nothing says 'I love you' like surprising them with a gorgeous bunch on their doorstep, even if the postman sees them in PJs.  Order a bountiful bouquet that makes the most of the season's blooms and has the added bonus of coming from an online florist who will make your life as easy as a few clicks (and some credit card details). These are the best flower delivery services in Manchester. Bloom away! This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

9 same-day flower deliveries in London

9 same-day flower deliveries in London

Tell your bestie, other-half, neighbour, mother - whoever - you love them by surprising them with flowers delivered straight to their door. Whether for a special occasion or just because you're feeling nice, a lovely bunch of blooms will make their day. But we know that sometimes life gets in the way, so if you've left things to the last minute – don't panic, there is still time to save the day. All these wonderful London-based florists do same-day delivery, so you can go to sleep knowing it's all taken care off and look like you had this under control the whole time.  Recommended: the best online flower delivery in London This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 12 best London hotels with hot tubs

The 12 best London hotels with hot tubs

After a long day at work (or buzzing in and out of the stores in London's exceptional shopping scene), stepping into a warm, bubbling hot tub to ease those muscles – not to mention the mind and soul – is something we can all get on board with. These hotels offer a multitude of fabulous hot tub experiences – outdoor, indoor, perched on a rooftop – London's got it all. Our cherry-picked list contains all of the above and more – think lavish tubs on private terraces to state-of-the-art hydrotherapy and vitality pools. Of course, London also has plenty of incredible hotels with spas offering the full whack, but if you're simply looking to soak until you resemble the most peaceful prune in the world, these hotels have got your back. RECOMMENDED: The best budget hotels in LondonRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in London for sex Looking for more options? Check out London’s best Airbnbs or London’s best five-star hotels or spa hotels or even London's naughtiest hotels. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 10 best spa hotels in NYC

The 10 best spa hotels in NYC

For a restful trip to the city that never sleeps, you have to book a room in one of the most luxurious spa hotels in New York City. While there’s no shortage of ways to amuse yourself in the Big Apple – from the finest Broadway shows to NYC street fairs – Manhattan isn’t exactly known for its zen-like atmosphere. And after a day of exploring, what’s better than stepping out of your walking shoes and into slippers and a fluffy robe, primed for a day of pampering? Luckily, Gotham is chock-full of spa hotels that will melt – as well as scrub, buff, and steam –  away a hectic New York day. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best cheap hotels in New York City This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best hotels in Colorado

The best hotels in Colorado

Colorado is one of the US’s most unspoiled – and thereby most drop-dead gorgeous –  states. Within its hundreds of thousands of square miles (which, in fact, make it the 8th largest in the union), are cultures and environments aplenty. From the dramatic, towering Rockies to the southwest’s endless desert, Colorado is packed full of incredible landscapes and exciting, adventurous things to do. Fittingly, the state also has no shortage of truly fantastic hotels. After all, once you’ve finished trekking or climbing, there’s nothing quite like putting your feet up in a deluxe pad. From bougie boutique hotels to rustic inns, all the way from Vail and Aspen to Denver, we’ve sorted the best establishments in Colorado for every kind of getaway. Recommended: the best Airbnbs with hot tubs in ColoradoRecommended: the best Airbnbs in ColoradoRecommended: the best restaurants in Colorado This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 12 best upstate resorts in New York

The 12 best upstate resorts in New York

Sometimes, just sometimes, living in a city that never sleeps can get a little too much. And you know where does sleep? Upstate. NY State is filled with incredible resorts fit for relaxing in once the city has gotten too much. Luckily, upstaters do much more than just snooze. Upstate New York resorts are packed with wonderful activities, from paddleboarding, fishing, and golf, all the way through to wineries, hiking trails, and picturesque apple-picking farms. Plenty of stuff that you just don't really get in the concrete jungle.  There are so many different things to do, all around upstate, that it can be difficult to know how best to spend your time. And once you've had a taste of the chillaxation on offer, you'll surely be back. These are some of our favorite upstate New York resorts, handpicked by our team of experts. We're sure we'll see you soon.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Hudson ValleyRECOMMENDED: The best hotels and B&Bs in Hudson, NY

The best boutique hotels in London

The best boutique hotels in London

London is full of glitz, glamour, and very swanky places. And if you want to stay somewhere with character and individuality, give the chain hotels a day off and head to one of London’s gorgeous boutique hotels. There are plenty of brilliant smaller hotels in London to suit everyone’s taste, from cosy hipster hangouts to extravagant, super-central lodgings that give London’s five-star institutions a run for their money. With artfully designed rooms, well-considered service and quirky extra touches, London’s best boutique hotels are all about being a little less fusty and a lot more on-trend.  Looking for more options? Check out London’s best Airbnbs. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The best spa hotels in Chicago

The best spa hotels in Chicago

If you’re not careful, Chicago can be a pretty stressful place, much like any bustling city. From zipping between must-see tourist attractions and scrummaging around the city’s magnificent shopping districts to dancing your socks off at one of the Windy City’s famed watering holes, a short weekend in Chicago can easily turn out to be pretty darn exhausting.  So how do you make sure you don’t burn out in Chicago? Book in a spa trip! There's nothing more refreshing than a facial, a massage, or a manicure. Or even just a steam in the sauna to release all your worries. Below we’ve laid out the best spa hotels in Chicago. And now
 relax. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in Chicago This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The 15 best hotels in Palm Springs

The 15 best hotels in Palm Springs

Palm Springs hotels have gone from strength to strength in the last decade or so. You can now find something to suit any style, from cozy rustic spots to quiet boutique properties. Want to book an opulent five-star villa kitted out with every possible amenity plus a dope restaurant? Well, Palm Springs has plenty of that, too. One thing that hasn’t changed is the entrancing “desert modernism” aesthetic and discreet vibe; you’re just as likely to catch a crew of European retirees scouting the famous Architecture and Design Center as a Hollywood A-lister lounging by the pool. And speaking of pools, every hotel on our list has one – a Palm Springs hotel with no pool is like a dirty martini without an olive, after all. Spending time poolside is practically a required thing to do in Palm Springs for travelers in this spirited town. Whether you’re making the trip to Coachella or just looking for a fun getaway, take a scroll through the options below and make sure you pack shorts and sunscreen – it’s gonna be a scorcher. Regardless of when you decide to visit, read on for our recommendations of the best Palm Springs hotels to check out. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to California RECOMMENDED: The best Palm Springs AirbnbsRECOMMENDED: The most unique Airbnbs in the U.S.

Listings and reviews (3)

London Festival of Architecture 2022

London Festival of Architecture 2022

Organised by the RIBA, the British Council and New London Architecture, this month-long festival features ​​specially commissioned installations, talks and debates, performances and tours, workshops, and family events. There's a focus on different areas over the month: 2022 Destinations include the London Borough of Camden; the City of London; the Royal Docks; and South Westminster. As well as Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is celebrates its 10 year-anniversary since the London 2012 Olympic Games this year. The London Festival of Architecture’s overall mission is to democratise discussions around architecture and test new ideas, as well as amplify new talent. Festival highlights across the month include a series of short films by the British Sauna Society and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: 10 Years On. 

Dippy Returns: The nation's favourite dinosaur

Dippy Returns: The nation's favourite dinosaur

London’s favourite dinosaur is back in town! The Natural History Museum’s life-sized replica Dippy was the first Diplodocus (which is pronounced DIP-low-DOCK-us by the way) to go on display back in 1905, but the 28-metre-lond skeletal sauropod has been on tour since 2017, delighting and terrifying 2 million museum-goers around the UK. But now, the prodigal dino is returning home, at least for a bit. This new temporary installation will feature visitors’ reflections from when they met the Jurassic giant, exploring how these meetings inspired them to re-connect with nature right on their doorsteps. The museum is remaining coy about Dippy’s plans once it’s over, but after such a successful UK tour, maybe he’ll set his sights even further afield next, so don’t miss this opportunity to call in on him while he’s got some down-time in Kensington.

Tate Modern Lates: Mindfulness

Tate Modern Lates: Mindfulness

This event from the Tate’s long running late programme will get you experiencing extreme zenness. There are tons of talks happening, including one with Lee Mingwei. Other events include a slow sketching workshop, art charts by ESEA sisters all against a backdrop of music from DJ ASJ all night. If that’s not enough to tempt you, there will also be plenty of craft beers, cocktails, soft drinks and food.

News (40)

Tributes are paid to cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James

Tributes are paid to cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James

Tributes have been paid online to Dame Deborah James, after the journalist and podcast host's death at the age of 40. She had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, and recently been receiving end-of-life care at home. In June, she celebrated a milestone, raising a huge £1 million for charity, through In The Style, her online fashion company. Dame Deborah was described as ‘amazing’ and an ‘inspiration’ by her family, who announced the news on her Instagram page. ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy,’ it said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe) Dame Deborah James was a former deputy headmistress and also hosted the You, Me & the Big C podcast alongside Steve Bland, Deborah James and Lauren Mahon. Her final episode was released in May, titled ‘Deborah James’ Last Dance’, where she talked about  her decision to spend final days of life at her parents’ home, saying ‘it was where I always wanted to die’. She also said that she wanted her London home to be a place her children could go back to without ‘medical equipment scars everywhere’. George Alagiah, BBC News presenter, who is living with bowel cancer reflected on his conservation with Dame Deborah at the Royal Marsden Hospital.  Knowing that @bowelbabe Dame Deborah James was nearing the end of her journey here does not make her passing any easier to accept. She was a beaco

It turns out London is still actually great for young people and students

It turns out London is still actually great for young people and students

Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, a news study by Reebok and MTV has revealed that younger Brits would choose to move to London over any other place on Earth. That’s right, despite extortionate pint prices, rent hikes, and transport strikes just about every other weekend, London is still an extremely well-loved place by young people. It’s not all bad of course, London has culture, good weather on occasion, fun weird museums and interesting people. So, who can really blame them? Adele said it best singing about London in Hometown Glory ‘Ooooh the people I've met, are the wonders of my world / are the wonders of now’. According to the study, the majority of 18-30 year olds decide to make the jump to London and Manchester with 23 percent of Gen Z noting that their hometown was limiting their creativity.  Out of the 46 percent who are still living in their hometowns, 50 per cent are itching to relocate. And almost a third (32 per cent) don’t feel they can reach their full potential by remaining in the city or town they grew up in. A further 26 percent want to move to find their ‘purpose’ in life. Heavy! A spokesperson from Reebok said: ‘Being inspired can evolve from many sources, including your hometown or the city you chose to make a home’. London has also been ranked best city for students. While you probably won’t get that full uni halls experience studying in London, it seems that it’s still a fave with students when choosing where to study. The re

You can pay for your cocktails in selfies instead of money at this London bar

You can pay for your cocktails in selfies instead of money at this London bar

Google ‘whisky drinker’ and you’re bound to see a disproportionate number of white men appear over any other gender or ethnicity. But don’t fear, The Glenlivet – a Speyside single malt scotch whisky – is here to change that perception. They’ll do it by infiltrating search engine algorithms and purposefully planting images to change the visual landscape.  And you can help them on their mission. Partnering with east London neighbourhood bar Coupette, they’re holding a #BreakTheStereotype pop-up event with the aim of doing just that. Though the ‘whisky drinker’ image search isn’t so diverse, they hope that soon we’ll see a more accurate representation of ‘real’ whisky drinkers as part of the campaign. Research conducted by Pernod Ricard shows that a third of people who drink whisky around the world are women. A portion of proceeds from each cocktail purchased beyond the complimentary drink will be donated to Equal Measures, an organisation that strives for greater equity for ethnic minorities and marginalised groups in hospitality. The Glenlivet is also supporting Equal Measures through its Education and Mentorship Scheme by providing up to 30 participants from Black and Minority Ethnic and marginalised communities with access to qualifications, mentorship and opportunities.  The event is taking place this week (until June 19). All they ask is that you head down to Coupette, choose a cocktail from its #BreakTheStereotype menu and upload a picture of yourself holding the drink. A

Pret is giving away free pastel de natas and cheese twists

Pret is giving away free pastel de natas and cheese twists

Pret A Manger, the sandwich shop that’s on just about every London street, has two new bakery items as part of its summer menu launch. The good news is that you can try some of it today for free. Absolutely nothing.  Pret is now back on everyone’s radar (and profits are up again), after commuters could finally swap months on end of working from home and government permitted walks round the neighbourhood for their beloved daily Pret coffees and sandwiches.  The two new items are: a flaky Cheese Twist with an Emmental bechamel filling and Pret’s own version of the Portuguese sweet pastry, Pastel de Nata. It has a creamy free-range egg custard middle with a touch of cinnamon. You know the one. They were made in collaboration with award-winning pastry chef Ravneet Gill. All you need to do is visit one of their Baker Street locations, 120 Baker Street, 20 Baker Street, 211 Baker Street London and Baker Street Tube Station – and use the secret passcode ‘Rav’s Treats’ at checkout. ‘I’m so excited for everyone to get their hands on Pret's new delicious, freshly baked goodies! The cheese twist is so incredibly cheesy and filled to the brim with an Emmental Bechamel, while the delectably creamy Pastel de Natas have a perfect flaky crust. These will no doubt be instant Pret favourites and perfect to enjoy all day long!’ said Gill. ​​Katherine Bagshawe, UK Food & Coffee Director at Pret A Manger said: ‘At Pret we’ve long been known for our freshly made, delicious sandwiches and freshly

A ‘heatwave’ is expected to hit London for nine whole days

A ‘heatwave’ is expected to hit London for nine whole days

Londoners rejoice, because we're finally getting a taste of properly nice weather after a fairly long period of wind, unpredictable showers and underwhelming sunshine. Summer officially started in the UK on Friday, so it’s already quite late to show its face. But there are at long last rumours of a real heatwave coming next week.  There aren't many things Brits love more than sizzling in the sun like chipolatas under a hot grill, and you're going to have ample time to crisp up your skin with high temperatures predicted to last up to nine days. The scorching weather is forecast to start at the weekend. BBC weather reports it will hit 32C on Tuesday July 12, and stay between 29-32C for the rest of the week.  According to the Met Office, temperatures have to reach 28C for three days in a row or more to be classed as a heatwave.  Leon Brown of US-based forecaster The Weather Company said: ‘More heatwaves imported from the continent to the UK are forecast this summer, each reaching at least 28C - and likely higher - and each lasting several days.’ Daniel Rudman is a Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster. He has confirmed that the warm weather is likely to persist ‘throughout the next month’, with London and regions in the south of England set to bask in the lion’s share of the sunshine. Exciting! ‘We anticipate a good deal of warmer and mostly dry weather throughout July, especially across the south – although it may also bring cloud and rain into the northwest at times. We are like

Selfridges has a new ‘sex and sleep’ wellbeing pop up

Selfridges has a new ‘sex and sleep’ wellbeing pop up

Imagine one space for all your sex and sleep needs. That space now exists. Say hello to Selfridges’ new sex and sleep wellbeing pop-up. The site offers acupuncture sessions by Pricc (helping cure any pesky aches and pains,) and more than 150 wellbeing related products, ranging from gut health to hormones and sleep hacking. Hangover cures too, perfect for after a big night out, are available too. Afterwards, you’re also able to go for a sleep session at The Cinema at Selfridges which is inviting customers to take power naps in ‘serene surroundings’.  If you’d like to dabble in some hypnotherapy, that’s also available too, from House of Wellbeing and the exclusive launch of Maude, a modern sexual wellness start up. Brands like LBDO and The Oh Collective will have products to buy, which look to change conversations around pleasure (that thing we all want and crave even if we don’t like to admit it) and discover the latest sleep-tech.  In September, Selfridges will also launch By Dr Vali Wellness Centre, a medical wellness destination offering personalised ways to boost wellbeing, including bio-hacking, IV drips and hyperbaric oxygen therapies.  ‘The pandemic has placed wellbeing in the spotlight and accelerated the evolution of the wellbeing ecosystem,’ Selfridges executive buying and merchandising director, Sebastian Manes said. ‘People are reevaluating what feeling good actually means and embracing new ideas. We want to help our customers to live brighter by offering experienc

There’s an appeal for more Londoners to give blood

There’s an appeal for more Londoners to give blood

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), and TfL have come together to encourage more Londoners to donate blood and become LonDONERS. Blood is used to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery, and, worryingly, blood stock levels have dropped.  42,000 new blood donors in London are needed this year to keep supplying blood for lifesaving treatments. That means over 400 new donors per day are required. This is a lot, but doable if enough people get on board. To put that into perspective, if just six percent of Central Line commuters registered and donated blood just once, the 42,000 donor target would be reached and 126,000 lives could be saved or improved.   Three major donor centres are located only a short walk from three busy Central line underground stations, near Oxford Circus, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and Westfield Stratford. David Rose, Director of Donor Experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: ‘We need more donors across London to register and donate right now, so we can keep hospitals supplied with lifesaving blood.  ‘Many Londoners may not be aware where their nearest blood donor centre is but thanks to London’s transport links, it’s easy - the Central Line on the underground actually serves three of our donor centres which are all only a few hundred metres away from an underground station. Thanks to support from TfL we hope more people will realise how close their nearest donor centre is to home or along thei

The famous Cafe Van Gogh in Stockwell is crowdfunding

The famous Cafe Van Gogh in Stockwell is crowdfunding

With its roof painted to look like The Starry Night, Cafe Van Gogh is inspired by (you guessed it) artist Vincent Van Gogh who lived round the corner on Hackford Road for a few months in 1873. Other than serving up great vegan dishes like their Beetroot Borani and their Van Gogh Burger, the cafe’s mission is to train people with disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health issues – giving them the support and confidence to find paid employment. At the moment, they focus on front of house training, teaching barista and waitering skills. But they don’t want to stop there. Cafe Van Gogh want to grow this success in the kitchen.  Separating the kitchen into sections means they’re able to focus their training on specific skills like cheffing and portering. A ‘prepping’ section would mean someone working alongside a chef or job coach at all times to learn the correct technique.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by JANA SKYE (@janaskye_) ‘We passionately believe that by expanding the work we do we can change the narrative of what it means to be a person with a learning difficulty. We endeavor to grow our participants confidence and skills and ultimately find them paid employment either with ourselves or other employers,’ the cafe said.  So how can you donate? Just type ‘Recipe for Success, Crowdfunder, Cafe Van Gogh’ into your search engine or visit the link directly here.  Hungry for more content? Sign up to our new daily newsletter here. Time Ou

The Match Girls' Strike of 1888 has been commemorated with a blue plaque

The Match Girls' Strike of 1888 has been commemorated with a blue plaque

Way back in July 1888, around 1,400 of the Bryant and May match factory’s predominantly female workforce walked out in protest because of poor working conditions and the unfair dismissal of some of their co-workers.  The conditions at this time were far from ideal, as you can imagine. For the women who worked at the factory in Bow, east London, they faced inhumanely low pay for the 14-hour days they worked. And their pay would be cut if they were caught talking to their co-workers or going to the toilet. Plus, 'phossy jaw' – a horrible bone cancer caused by the cheap type of phosphorus in the matches – was common.  Photograph: Hulton Archive Now, there is a new English Heritage blue plaque that has been installed at the site in honour of the event, which is now widely recognised as a trigger to the New Unionism movement, which saw moves to develop the trade union agenda.  Speaking about the new plaque, English Heritage blue plaques panel member Alex Graham said: ‘At a time when workers are once more striking in defence of pay and conditions, it feels timely to be standing today outside this iconic East London factory commemorating the Match Girls: 1,400 young, working class women, many of them immigrants or daughters of immigrants, who refused to put up with low wages and dangerous working conditions. ‘They won and, in doing so, they changed the course of British labour history. We are therefore glad to honour them collectively with a blue plaque on the building where they

There is a new, updated version of the Pride flag

There is a new, updated version of the Pride flag

It hasn't been long since London was filled with hundreds of Union Jacks, in honour, of course, of The Queen’s Jubilee. But it’s time to make way for a new flag. Yes, it’s the Pride flag, but crucially it’s not the same Pride rainbow flag that we all probably know. Valentino Vecchietti, founder of Intersex Equality Rights UK decided it was time for a revamp (because everything needs a bit of a refresher every so often), adding a purple circle on yellow background to incorporate the voices of intersex people. Intersex is a term meaning people born with sex characteristics that do not fit into the singular binary definition of male or female. These sexual characteristics can be internal, such as sexual organs or chromosomes, or they can be external, like body hair and breast growth.  But Vecchietti’s addition to the Pride Flag is only the most recent revamp. It has gone through many changes over the years. So we’re going to take you on a little journey, and give you the lowdown on its history.  The rainbow base design of the Pride flag wasn’t actually created until the 1970s. Until then, one of the only symbols to represent the queer community had been the pink triangle, created by Nazi Germany, to identify gay men. Some of the queer community tried to reclaim it, but understandably, other members of the community wanted a new symbol, one that was far away from its bleak backstory.  In 1977, San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker was convinced by friends, filmmaker Artie Bressan a

Good news: the Northern line Night Tube is back this weekend

Good news: the Northern line Night Tube is back this weekend

It’s been a long wait, much of it wondering if public transport would ever get better for London’s night owls. But it’s finally good news for south Londoners, north Londoners and any other Northern line users. No more being forced to pay extortionate Uber prices or brave the night bus after an evening out. The Northern line Night Tube is finally back this week. TfL said that services on the line would resume from Saturday as part of the plan to boost the capital’s night-time economy. There has also been a doubling of the frequency of trains on the Northern line extension between Kennington and Battersea Power Station. The frequency has been increased from six to 12 trains per hour during peak times, and five to ten trains per hour at off-peak times (a welcome change for those of you who hate waiting more than five minutes for the tube, ie all of you).  Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘This is another landmark moment in the capital’s recovery from the pandemic – and fantastic news for Londoners and visitors who want to enjoy the capital’s incredible nightlife, safe in the knowledge that they will be able to get the Northern line home.  ‘Night Tube services have now returned on the Central, Victoria and Jubilee lines, delivering not only a huge economic boost for our world-renowned night-time economy but making a huge difference to people who want to travel around our city at night.’ But unfortunately, it might not all be smooth sailing from here on in. Strike action is set to

Ottolenghi is doing a home houmous kit for ÂŁ45

Ottolenghi is doing a home houmous kit for ÂŁ45

Just when you thought you’d exhausted the ways you can get your houmous fix, Middle Eastern restaurant Ottolenghi brings you its Hummus at Home kit. Struggling to make the perfect creamy houmous? Ottolenghi is here to save the day.  The kit includes the newly launched Ottolenghi tahini, dried chickpeas (which a lot of traditional houmous recipes use) plus jarred chickpeas (for those of you busy Londoners short of time). It also includes Aleppo chilli flakes you can add to your hummus if you’re feeling spicy and Palestinian spice mix za’atar. They’ve also thrown in some za’atar pita chips from the Ottolenghi bakery. And you’ll find an accompanying recipe card with various topping suggestions and instructions in your kit too. If you’re looking for a present for a houmous-obsessed friend, there’s also an option to add an Ottolenghi branded gift box to your order.  But before you get too excited, this DIY dip doesn’t come cheap. Though it does contain some tasty accompaniments, the kit will set you back £45, about 45 times what it would cost you to get stuck in and make your own pot of houmous by the way – and considerably more than it would cost you to get down your local supermarket and just buy a pot of the stuff.  Still, you can’t beat the satisfaction of making something yourself from scratch. And if you intend to spend the summer rocking face glitter and a Rains jacket in statement colour, you know that only one houmous brand hits the spot. Wilderness attendees, all togethe

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