Thursday, 29 May 2014

Sea Adventures in Ireland

Now that I am in the midst planning a wedding to my travel partner in crime, we are currently concocting a smaller scale adventure for next summer; one that is a little closer to our home country of England.

Dublin | via Facebook
Image: We Heart It
Despite having travelled far and wide, to a number of sunny and snowy destinations, there are so many beautiful locations that we are yet to see throughout the UK and Ireland.

Beginning with Ireland (as that’s where my grandma is from and she always tells me how beautiful it is) a country with full with picturesque landscapes, Guinness and, of course, Leprechauns ;)

Travel around Ireland

Image: Guardian
First step to consider: how to get there...do we choose a car, plane or boat?

There are a number of flights to Ireland that go from a range of UK and international airports. However, we are looking to drive around Ireland so that we can visit lots of locations – leading me onto my next route, marine transportation*. Now that’s an adventure in itself.

Crossing the Irish Sea, this route leaves the Gladstone Branch Dock No.3 in Liverpool Freeport and travels to Dublin Port after a 7.5-8.5 hour journey (depending on your route).

Accommodation in Ireland

Image: Air BnB
From hostels to hotels, there are a million and one places to stay in Ireland to suit any budget. Seeing as this is a shorter travel adventure, we will have a little more money to spend on accommodation and so Air BnB may be the perfect choice to offer more of an authentic Irish experience.

Things to see and do in Ireland 

Ireland has something for everyone to see and do – with a variety of walks, tours, history, beaches, shopping, nightlife etc – here’s my top three things that I would like to experience.

Dublin: A trip to the Guinness factory

Image: Venere 
Having experienced my first brewery tour in Brooklyn and with Guinness being one of my favourite alcoholic drinks (plus it helps to warn off those pesky mosquitoes, paying a trip to the St Jame’s Gate Brewery is a must!

For more information on tours and tickets click here.

Cork: An Irish jig

Image: triskelartscentre.ie
My grandma loves a good old ‘Irish jig’ and the Pulses of Tradition promises just this. Located in Triskel Christchurch, this event is voted as a number one thing to do in Cork and it involves a night of traditional Irish dancing, folk music and ales.

For more information on tickets, click here.

Killarney: An outdoor adventure

Image: liveruralnl.com
If you love to soak up the stunning green landscapes of Ireland, then be sure to visit Killarney National Park for a walk or bike ride. Here you will find everyone from historical castles to boat rides to spectacular gardens. Visit Killarney National Park for more information.  

If you have any ‘must-see’ places in Ireland, then please send me a tweet @EatTravelLove.

Saturday, 24 May 2014

The Botanist: A Perfect Sunday Lunch

A few weeks ago, I look a little trip "up north" for one of my best friends hen (bachelorette) parties in Leeds. 

Previously, I have visited Leeds for festivals and big events, like New Years Eve; but I have never spent a full weekend in the city. Overall, it was pretty darn good! But what put the cherry on top of the cake was our final meal at the beautiful Botanist


Location and Environment 

Located at 67 Boar Lane in Leeds, the Botanist is restaurant that serves homely, fresh foods for a great price. When walking into the building you are greater by beautiful metal sculptures and the smell of a cooked chicken from a rotisserie, where you can get a take away food.


Walking in to the restaurant you would think it was a cultivated plant lovers paradise. Plant pots and glass bottles hang from the ceilings as lamp shades, whilst garden tools make for the wall decorations as they as hung on a rustic green wooden background. 


Food and Drink

When the waitress arrived with our menus and to take our drinks order, we became even more giddy at the idea of a traditional Sunday roast being on the menu. Having smelt the chicken on the rotisserie outside, we knew it was going to be good grub. 


From bangers and mash to home made pies, the menu at the Botanist does not disappoint; especially, if you're looking for wholesome home comfort style food. We opted for the (huge) Sunday lunch with a chicken liver pâté and battered onion rings to start. (Note: the starter was shared)


Trust me, we were not disappointed. The attention to detail in how they present their food is amazing; for instance, serving their pate in a plant pot with a little flower on top really with a wheelbarrow of chutney - it just adds to your "Botanist" experience.


Also, I have never tasted anything like the topping they put on the pate. It was incredible. The roast dinner and the chicken were also cooked to perfection.

Overall Thoughts and Cost

By the time that we were offered dessert, it was completely out of the question...we were too full up to eat anything else. Overall, the bill came to around £26 each for starter (sharing), a roast dinner with all the trimmings and two soft drinks. If you're looking a place the serves up traditional British food then this is your place and I would definitely be returning on my next trip to Leeds.

Saturday, 17 May 2014

[Fill my head with the future. Fill my eyes with the sky] Welcome to Nottingham

As some of you may know, I was born and raised in Nottingham (hence the Jake Bugg lyrical reference) and then moved to Manchester back in 2006. After many years in my second home, Manchester, we (me and my fiancee) decided to move back to our home town after our big adventure around North and Central America. 

Having lived in the suburbs of Nottingham as a child, I never really got to witness first hand, just how beautiful my home city actually was. I suppose that years of travel adventures makes you look out for the beautiful things to see - like the first image in this post. This stunning building is located next to my apartment building. 

Monday, 12 May 2014

Enjoy a Travel Adventure with Bepsoke Offers

Recently, I tweeted out to my fellow travel bloggers about where to go on my next travel adventure; and you guys came up with some great suggestions on places to visit and see. 


Escape
Adventure!


From taking a short city break to Birmingham to travelling to the exotic spice souks of Morocco, I have been filled with lots of travel ideas. However, inevitably it always comes down to budgeting and money. With a wedding to plan/save for and our recent four month backpacking trip under our belts, I think it's going to have to be something on a smaller scale. 

So when I was contacted by the guys over at Bespoke Offers*, I became a little bit exited when browsing through their latest travel deals and offers.



I wasn't aware that you could use this site as a portal to find discounted travel deals  within your local area. Also, if you're on the go, you can download their mobile app to access their latest deals. 

My Top 3 Travel Offers

Whilst browsing through their travel section I noticed a few cheeky deals that I would love to purchase. 

Two night stay in the mountains in Germany. 
Schwarzwald Panorama
More info here

Country House break in the Lake District
Hunday Manor Country House Hotel
More info here.

Spa retreat with a Nordic sauna and outdoor hot tub.
The Bridge Hotel & Spa
More info here

So that's it, my mind is made up. Rather than invest in one big adventure this summer, I think that my plans will be to have lots of mini adventures with my best friends and fiancee. 

Saturday, 10 May 2014

Good Day Sunshine | Summer Shades at the Sunglasses Shop

Your travel guides are packed, you've bought that cheeky new swimsuit and an exciting travel adventure awaits you; but before you board that flight/ train/ coach, you need to make sure that you have one key travel accessory...your trusty sunglasses. 

No matter where I go around the world, my trusty sunglasses are never far behind. From a classic aviator to a full Jackie O style, I love to have a variety of styles to take with me on my travel adventures. 
It recently occurred to me that I haven't invested in a pair of designer glasses since 2009 and so I thought I'd take a browse for a new pair of Ray Bans on the Sunglasses Shop*. Ray Bans are probably my favourite sunglasses brand, from their classic aviators to their colourful wayfarers they literally have something for everyone.  
Image: Sunglasses Shop
Below I have collected a range of my favourite Ray Bans and must have summer shades for all my upcoming travel adventures. 


For more information on the products visit: Ray-Ban 3025 AviatorRay-Ban 4171 ErikaRay-Ban 2132 Wayfarer / Ray-Ban 3016 Clubmaster

Image: elizanabilah
I simply love the rose tinted Clubmaster glasses - perfect for the festival season. 

These tortoise shell Wayfarers are fast becoming iconic shades with a range of celebrities wearing them at concerts / vacations. On a rather 'loser-ish' note: I always swoon at the idea of Robert Pattinson in his pair on Twilight (shameful I know - but still mega swoon) 

Next up are these yellow tinted Erika glasses with the red frames. They're very retro-vintage and would look great for a weekend away in the country. 

Finally, there is the ultimate classic, aviator glasses. I love these 3025 editions which the sunset tint in the  frame - perfect for an summer party holiday in Ibiza or Miami.  


So wherever you go this summer, make sure you have your essential sunnies. 

Saturday, 3 May 2014

My Top 4 English Wedding Venues

If you read Eat Travel Love often, then you will know that I am engaged to be married to (in my opinion) the greatest guy on the earth.

So, Eat Travel Love will be branching and chatting a little more on weddings - I promise not to become a scary bridezilla.

Previously, I have spoken about beautiful travel themed wedding invitations and I am now on the look out for our perfect wedding venue within the East Midlands. I have to say it's pretty overwhelming at times and I wish that I could have Jennifer Lopez (from the movie, The Wedding Planner) by my side.


Dream Wedding Venues in England

But, seeing as JLO is rather busy at the minute, it looks like I'll have to get on with it. Seeing  as I have been doing endless research through hitched.co.uk into wedding venues, here are my four 'dream' locations throughout England.

Wollaton Hall

Images: Nottingham City Council & Austin Blake Photography
Ever wanted to be a superhero? Well, you can be if you choose to get married in the stunning Wollaton Hall aka Wayne Manner and home to caped crusader Bruce Wayne or  Batman to me and you. This is a grade one listed building with beautiful grounds and close to Nottingham city center. For more information on Wollaton Hall, simply visit Wollaton Hall Weddings.

Chatsworth Hall

Images: www.pioneerhouse.co.uk & chatsworth.org
If you love Jane Austins, Pride and Prejudice, then meet the home of Mr Darcy. Chatsworth Hall is used throughout a range of period drama and films. Chatsworth has stunning grounds, countryside  and a breath taking lake. If you'd love this look for your wedding, then visit Chatsworth Weddings

Manchester Town Hall

Images: www.raykearney.co.uk & Lawson Photography
I live in Manchester for over 7 years and it is such an amazing city to live in. I always said, that if we continued living there, then I would get married at the breath taking Town Hall. Inside looks like a scene from Harry Potter and the building is truly breath taking and her majesty the  Queen loves to gatecrash a good wedding here.  For more information visit Manchester Town Hall Weddings

One Great George Street

One Great George Street - Wedding venue in London
Image: confetti.co.uk & www.ckpblog.com

Located in the heart of London, One Great George Street, is a stunning Edwardian building located in Westminster. With stunning white stone bricks and luxurious chandeliers, this is one wedding venue with a lot of character. For more information visit One Great George Street
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