Category Archives: Lifestyle

Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart x Bloom & Wild

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As a freelancer I spend a lot of time writing and editing photos at home, making endless cups of tea and sitting in my pyjamas. The mid-morning arrival of the postman is always the highlight of the day, especially when the delivery includes a box of flowers from Bloom & Wild.

Bloom & WildBloom & Wild

Last week I joined a joined a gaggle of girls (all dressed to impress in floral outfits) for the launch of the limited edition Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart x Bloom & Wild collection.

Nikki Tibbles is the founder and much loved florist from Wild at Heart in Westbourne Grove and the often-instagrammed Liberty flower shop. As well as adorning many top London Fashion Week runway shows with her floral artistry she has been commissioned by the V&A, the British Fashion Council and the Royal Palaces.

Bloom & Wild are the revolutionary flower delivery service, who efficiently and effectively deliver beautiful boxed bunches through your letterbox. They are often voted the UK’s top rated flower delivery company.

Together Nikki Tibbles and Bloom & Wild have created a series of limited edition bouquets, which feature the finest selections of flowers, all delivered to your doorstep.

Bloom & WildBloom & Wild

The launch event was hosted at a prestigious London members club… we sipped floral cocktails and dined on delightful canapes whilst admiring the beautiful floral displays by Nikki.

Bloom & Wild

The special edition bunches of flowers have a indulgent mix of deep Autumn hues to celebrate the new season. Pick from the vibrant ‘Autumn Mornings’, the brilliantly British ‘Woodland Walk’ or the opulent and regal hand-tied ‘Red Skies’ bouquet.

The bunches start at £38 and can be paired in the post with other special gifts such as chocolates or a birthday biscuit.

More information on the Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart x Bloom & Wild here.

This is a sponsored blog post in collaboration with Bloom & Wild.

Harbourmaster Hotel, Aberaeron, Wales

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We visited Aberaeron in South Wales on a very grey and windy Friday in August. It seemed to be impossibly bad weather for the summer season in this charming seaside town so it was a great relief to arrive at the wonderfully bright and cheery lilac Harbourmaster Hotel.

Harbourmaster Hotel, Wales

The hotel reception is found within the lively bar and restaurant area. When we arrived late in the afternoon, the bar area was already buzzing with locals and those visiting the town for the weekend. There were delicious smells circulating and I could see generous plates of fresh fish and chips and hearty burgers.

Harbourmaster Hotel, WalesHarbourmaster Hotel, Wales

There are 13 rooms to choose from at Harbourmaster, ranging in price from £145 to £265. Some have a seaview whilst others overlook the town. We were staying in the Gambia Room, a spacious and light room on the first floor. The room was decorated simply with splashes of colour. Next to the bed was a vintage-style Roberts radio and there was a large TV/DVD player for bedtime watching. It was a wonderfully peaceful place to rest our heads and I slept blissfully through the night.

Harbourmaster Hotel, WalesHarbourmaster Hotel, Wales

This spacious warehouse room had all the necessary facilities including premium tea and coffee, deluxe gowns and slippers. The bathroom (arranged for disabled access) had a large walk in shower and Molton Brown toiletries. Though simple, every detail looked new and fresh.

HarbourmasterHarbourmaster Hotel, Wales

A breakfast buffet is served downstairs in the main restaurant dining area, but we chose to have a continental breakfast in the room. A tray arrived complete with French press coffee, fresh orange juice, flaky pastries and fruit salad. It was the perfect wake up call.

I felt so cosy and content at the Harbourmaster Hotel, a lovely little place to stay in the idyllic town of Aberaeron, an area of Wales which is beautiful come rain or shine.

More information and book a room at Harbourmaster Hotel here.

The Napoleon Hotel

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I always struggle when I’m asked for suggestions on where to stay in London. There are plenty of hip hotels in East London, or luxurious options in central but where can you have a completely memorable stay in this crazy chaotic city? My new recommendation for those visiting London for a minibreak is the The Napoleon, London’s smallest hotel.

Napoleon Hotel

The Napoleon Hotel’s single suite bedroom is located above three well-known cocktail bars: Black Rock (a whiskey emporium), The Devil’s Darling (for the finest classic cocktails) and Sack (a sherry & tapas concept). The glamorous vintage bedroom has plenty of space and includes a super-king sized bed, lavishly decorated lounge area, voice-activated Spotify music, LED TV and an extensively stocked minibar. The luxurious bathroom has a decadent roll-top bath and Aesop toiletries.

Napoleon HotelNapoleon Hotel

The room is full of character, with carefully chosen velvet furniture, quirky artwork and a bold multi-coloured carpet which I particularly loved. We quickly settled in, and once unpacked concentrated our attention on the cocktail room-service options which are delivered by the in-room dumb waiter! There are order slips for all three bars and you just simply tick which drinks / snacks you desire and send it down to the appropriate bar in the lift. A quiet ‘bing’ will notify you of your cocktails’ arrival to the room!

Napoleon HotelNapoleon Hotel

As we are both whiskey geeks we chose two drinks from the Black Rock, the ‘fruit’ and the ‘spice’ cocktails, both short and strong with lots of aromatic flavour. We were also delighted to discover a set of Aske Stephenson Bottled Cocktails to take home with creative pre-mixed cocktails like Cigar & Coffee Manhattan and Sesame and Popcorn Daiquiri.

Napoleon Hotel

After our round in the room we headed down to The Devil’s Darling for a nightcap. We sat at the bar and chatted to the knowledgeable bartender about our favourite cocktail bars around the world. Here the cocktails are more traditional but the experienced mixologists can whip up anything you wish or make you something off menu to suit your preferences.

Modern Pantry

For breakfast, guests are invited to wander across the road to Modern Pantry – where you’ll receive your choice of hot or cold dish from the menu, along with coffee or juice. This stylish spot serves up one of the best breakfasts in town so I was delighted to be back dining here. We opted for the vegetarian halloumi, spinach, poached eggs and tomato and the Honey roast oats, seeds and nuts with grated apple, pomegranate and Greek yoghurt. It was all delicious.

The Napoleon room rate starts at £180, which seems very reasonable considering the exclusivity of the hotel. For a special night in London I can’t imagine finding a more memorable place to stay.

More information and book a stay at The Napoleon Hotel here.