Restaurant Review – The Laughing Gravy
By Maggie Majstrova, @Foodstrova Despite British food historically having a stereotypically negative image (think overcooked vegetables and a repertoire of bland dishes), the last few years have seen a complete revival, with so many traditional dishes being re-worked into something more contemporary and, ultimately, flavoursome. Still, when a restaurant is described as ‘Modern British’, it’s impossible to be 100 per-cent sure of what to expect. Just consider, Despite British food historically having a stereotypically negative image. On the other hand,...
Son of immigrant from deprived area wins scholarship to Eton
The son of a Bangladeshi immigrant from one of the country’s poorest areas is to follow in the footsteps of Princes William and Harry after winning a prestigious place at Eton. Kaashif Kamaly, 15, will swap impoverished Forest Gate in the East End of London for the hallowed halls of the world-famous public school after winning a two-year £76,000 scholarship. He will rub shoulders with the elite when he takes his place at the Windsor school to study A-level Maths,...
Shocking! Over 5 million children in poverty by 2022 due to wage squeeze
More worrying economic news has emerged, this time from The Institute for Fiscal Studies. They believe that child poverty will reach 5.1 million by 2022 as households face a squeeze on wages. The think-tank believes that average pay rate won’t grow over the next two years. The analysis says households are suffering the worst slowdown in incomes for 60 years and if planned benefit cuts go ahead, and earnings growth slow, inequality will start to rise over the next five...
Video – Breast cancer sufferer left with differently shaped boobs after mastectomy due to NHS cuts
A breast cancer sufferer who had a life-saving mastectomy left with differently shaped boobs - after the NHS refused to lift her other one to match. Mum-of-two Gina Truman, 53, has bravely shared photos of her "monstrous" body after learning that funding for the follow-up procedure was cut in her area. The cuts in the NHS are beginning to bite with the Red Cross claiming the health service was suffering from a humanitarian crisis. Jeremy Hunt as come under a lot...
Ways to give and receive gifts without feeling uncomfortable
"'And you, Ring-bearer,’ she said, turning to Frodo. ‘I come to you last who are not last in my thoughts. For you, I have prepared this.’ She held up a small crystal phial: it glittered as she moved it, and rays of white light sprang from her hand... May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.'" – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers Gift-giving is an act from the heart. Much has been...
Video – Woman suffers rare condition which sees her joints dislocate 60 times a day
These shocking videos show a 22-year-old woman ‘clicking’ herself back into place due to a rare condition which sees her joints dislocate ‘60 times a day’. 22-year-old Danielle Shield was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – an inherited condition which leaves her joints ‘loose’ and susceptible to ‘stick out at odd angles’ – in 2014 at 19 years old. Two years on, trainee nurse Danielle has 60 breaks or dislocations a day and has given up sport, is often reliant on...
EU to reform – without UK in it
One of the key messages that never came through in the run-up to the referendum is that Britain can not expect to influence the political makeup of the EU if it decides to leave the bloc. For me, the vote to leave was always a war on two fronts. The remainers battled on economic grounds, which we can only enjoy within the EU, and the leavers battled on political grounds, which we can also only influence if we're in the...
Polls indicate Nexit could be on the cards
The Netherlands would vote 56 per cent in favour of leaving the EU if there was a referendum tomorrow, a new poll has shown. According to the Maurice de Hond poll the country would vote overwhelmingly to leave, with 44 per cent remaining compared to 48 per cent who voted the same in Britain. The poll shows that a majority of Dutch voters would prefer more self-government and are open to different options. For the Nexit supporters, this may mean looking...
Restaurant Review – Morito, Exmouth Market
In my constant search for the perfect restaurant, commenting on my findings along the way, I’ve eaten at a swarm of completely conflicting venues. Frankly, so long as the food is palatable and isn’t served on slate, chopping board or miniature shopping trolley; I don’t care whether I’m sitting at a plush table with 36 forks, or on the floor of a shack, packed in alongside hundreds of personal space invaders. Fine dining is fine, but sometimes the associated stuffiness...