Well. September flew by. As much as I love September's not quite summer, not quite Autumn vibes and temperate weather, I'm pretty thrilled that it's October. Autumn-y vibes are finally getting fully under way and it won't be long til I have my trusty woolly hat and scarves out again....
I'm pleased to be reviewing a brand local to me on the blog this week, Suki Tea! They are perhaps the best known herbal tea brand in Northern Ireland. If you pop into any cafes in Belfast and further afield in NI there is a high chance that the...
Think of all the films and TV shows you've watched that are set in suburban America or have at least featured a facet of suburban American life. Gilmore Girls, Superbad and more recently, Stranger Things to name but a few of my favourites of the top of my head. There...
The first time I stumbled upon the author Julian Barnes was finding a quote from his second novel “Before She Met Me” in the preface of another, scholarly criticism book I was consulting at one point or another during university. I've since forgotten it, annoyingly, and I'm almost certain...
Recently Belfast City Centre was bestowed the gift of Patisserie Valerie. It is, as far as I know and correct me if I am wrong, the only one in Northern Ireland. And as a big fan of fancy pastries and afternoon tea, I was pretty excited about its arrival. After...
I have quite a bit of a fascination with the Brontë sisters. They put so much of themselves in their writing, it's quite difficult not to become at least a little interested in their lives in some way if you read one of their novels. Jane Eyre and Wuthering...
We’re all familiar with a good old exorcism plot in the horror genre. They come with a certain set of expectations what with being around since, what, the 70’s? Just because the exorcist narrative comes with a certain set of expectations doesn’t make it bad. It can just make a...
Don't let the completely average name and equally dull signage put you off this impressive little cafe. With no one else I know aware of its very existence, I feel as though I'm bestowing a great gift to the readers of this review. Nestled on the Belmont road, a rapidly...
A few months back when I stayed in Edinburgh for a few days I stumbled upon a delightful little tea/coffee/hot chocolate shop called Whittard of Chelsea. Around since 1886, I’d say with that experience it’s a safe bet that their tea game is strong. Being from Belfast, we don’t have...
There are few writers whose work I find so captivating and also laugh-out-loud funny as Caitlin Moran. Last summer on a plane to Prague, and various trains across Europe whilst interrailing I had her book “How to Be A Woman” with me to shorten the journeys. My first foray into...