Category Archives: food

NC500

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Sometimes you just need to get away! In August 2023, after months of job applications, and having secured new roles, my husband and I were ready to abandon the laptops.

Before our jobs were due to start, we considered our ‘post-honeymoon’ trip options. We needed a break, but couldn’t afford to jet set. Luckily, my parents came to the rescue, offering us their campervan to do the North Coast 500 (NC500).

I was apprehensive about hitting the road, the thought of single-lane traffic, rain and campsite bathrooms gave me pause. But after months of monotony, we knew it was time. With some Booking.com vouchers (as a farewell from my old work) we planned a nine-day road trip, ending in an Oban hotel stay.

Planning

Aided by social media, we mapped our route up North. We’d leave our hometown, head to Braemar, then Inverness, John O’Groats, Kyle of Tongue, Achmelvich Bay, and Uig, before ferrying over to Uist, back to Uig, and driving down to Oban.

Booking

Travelling in peak season meant battling the Highland Games traffic, so we booked our accommodation and ferry the week before. I was pleasantly surprised to find most campsites offered online booking, at around £30 per night, including an electric hook-up.

Driving

I was also delighted to discover that driving the campervan was fun! Having only steered small cars before, the height and speed of the converted Volkswagen Transporter was wonderful. Who knew, no one steals your right of way in a big vehicle?

Braemar

Once loaded with diesel and caffeine, we left our hometown, taking the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Braemar Caravan Park. The journey was powered by Google Maps, with my dad’s AA road map as backup.

Although a sleepy town, Braemar had its charms, including red squirrels, riverbed views and boutique shops. The campsite itself was also very civilised. With squeaky-clean bathrooms, hot showers and a common room, it was the nicest one we’d booked.

Parking up at Braemar, the rain held off long enough for us to cook pasta and eat it outside, accompanied by fizz from our wedding swag. Ending the first night, our spirits were high!

The next morning brought rain, packing and bickering, with the previous night’s joviality quite forgotten. Dying for a hot coffee and truce, we walked into Braemar village. At around 8am the cafes weren’t yet open, so we settled for cold coffee and a wander around.

Heading back to the van, I spotted a red squirrel sprint across the road, before disappearing into the woods. Now rare in Scotland, we took this as a lucky omen for a good drive ahead.

Inverness

Taking a turn of the wheel, I drove us two hours up the A9 to Inverness. As the sun returned, so did our good moods, and we parked up in Inverness to explore the Cathedral. Dating back to 1866, the Victorian Gothic building boasted awesome arches, stained glass windows, and ‘church mice’ teddies, knitted by one of the congregation.

Cheered up, we left the Cathedral and crossed the River Ness, to the old city, where we stopped for haggis toasties and lattes at Rendezvous Café. Sitting outside we basked in the sun and eavesdropped into local gossip. Refreshed, we headed back to the camper for the next (long) leg to John O Groats.

John O Groats

Leaving the city and the sun, we drove through three hours of rain to John O Groats. During this time the most notable thing we saw was Dounreay’s nuclear power station. This was the bleakest scenery of the whole trip, but necessary to reach the north-most mainland.

Thankfully our John O Groats welcome was warmer than the weather, and the campsite team chatted with us, before allowing us to chill our cool-bag blocks in their freezer. After wine on the beach, we headed back to the van to cook dinner and catch some sleep.

The next morning, the rain stopped just long enough for my morning run, and for me to appreciate the sandy farmlands of John O Groats. With pastel-painted buildings, a brewery and a pub, the village had a cozy appeal.

But once again we waved goodbye to our campsite, to get an early start to Kyle of Tongue.

Kyle of Tongue

We might have been too eager to reach our next destination Kyle of Tongue Hostel and Holiday Park, because once parked, we realised it was deserted. We had time to kill, but little to entertain us, so after a sodden stroll along the water, we headed back to the van for a heat. Being a 30-minute walk from town, we consoled ourselves that at least the hostel had a cafe for dinner.

After hair, makeup, and wine I was ready to eat. However, I then realised the café shut at 4pm! With no power hook-up and no dinner in sight, we donned our raincoats to walk into town. Once again we got soaked, but our efforts were rewarded with hot food and local lager at The Tongue Hotel. The restaurant prices were a little high, but the Cullen Skink soup was worth it!

Smoo Cave

Things got even better the next day, as we headed along the coast to Smoo Cave. The sun shone as we parked at the beauty spot and climbed down the side of the bay. At beach level, we turned the corner and saw the UK’s largest coastal cave, staggering 50 feet high against limestone rocks.

Venturing inside, we enjoyed the echo chambers and wild waterfall, before heading back outside, to admire it from the cliff path. The trail carried us to beautiful vistas of the ocean, which we sat on the rocks to admire. With the crashing waves and scorching sun, I would have happily stayed all day, but as ever we had to get going!

Achmelvich Bay

Just an hour and a half later, we reached our next rest, Achmelvich Bay Shore Caravan Park, the prettiest of all the campsites. Hidden in hills, it sat directly on the beach, with a white sandy bay for easy swimming.

Surrounded by European tourists, we watched the watersports with drinks in hand, feeling very Mediterranean! However, the water was feeling very North Atlantic and despite the sun, I only managed to swim in it for ten minutes!

The popularity of Achmelvich Bay meant that all the power hook-ups had been booked, so for dinner we grilled some fish on a disposable barbeque. The romantic notion was slightly tinged by a petrol after-taste. Luckily the campsite shop doubled up as a chippy, so dinner was not a complete loss!

Uig Bay

The next morning, we made the four-hour drive down the coast and over the Skye Bridge to Uig Bay Campsite.  This campsite was clean, with beautiful views of the hills and sea, but best of all it was next to the ferry port. After chatting with the owner we explained that our ferry left early and returned late the next day, and he said that it was no problem, he’d keep our spot with some cones! This was amazing service, considering most campsites close to vehicles after 8pm!

Delighted, we headed off to the Pier Restaurant for some food. Despite its scathing online reviews, the pub grub was tasty enough and came in generous portions.

Uist

Leaving the campsite at 08:30am the next day, we joined the queue to board the ferry to Uist. Having originally planned to visit Harris, a busy booking system meant that we rerouted to Uist, on one of the last return tickets.

Although its website was woeful, the CalMac café was outstanding! After two breakfast rolls each we headed to the top deck with binoculars, for some nature watching. We saw lots of sea birds (but not much else) and headed down to the van to disembark.

Despite it being a Sunday (and most of Uist being shut) the stream of vehicles leaving Lochmaddy port was constant. Everyone seemed to have the same idea, as they raced to the Northern coast to seek some sand. In fact, so keen was the caravan in front that it had overlooked a sheep, which had wandered onto the road, forcing the driver to suddenly swerve to avoid collision. Confused, I too slammed on the brakes, as the ewe trotted back off the road. Hearts hammering, we continued to Traigh Iar beach.

We met more farm animals as we walked to the beach; local cows chewed the cud and warily watched us cross their fields. After 15 minutes of hiking, we climbed a dune, to reveal a stunning sight, a completely deserted beach. Miles of white and secluded shore stretched in either direction, as wind whipped up the waves.

Bravely facing the choppy sea, I went in for a dip. But this was no Achmelvich Bay, with nothing but open ocean there was no hiding from the cold, and with grey skies looming, I got as far as my knees before retreating back to the beach. Despite my misgivings, the sun rallied again, and I dried off on my camping chair, soaking up our surroundings.

After hours of sunbathing, we headed back to the van. Following a microwave dinner, we drove to another Uist beauty spot, to stretch our legs before the ferry. Stopping at Loch Nam Madadh, we crossed a suspension footbridge to visit the Hut of Shadows. The dramatically named hobbit house had a camera obscura, which projected light from a small spy hole onto a frame, showing the landscape. Pretty cool! Curiosity quelled we travelled back to the ferry.

Sailing back to Uig, the sun set, sending orange and purple reflections across the sea. However, it wasn’t until we were back in the CalMac café, staring out of the window, that we saw something truly remarkable. A pod of dolphins flashed their fins, to the delight of us and other passengers. “Dolphins!” I squealed. Hysteria ensued, with people rushing up to the deck to capture pictures. Liam and I stayed seated, not wanting to miss the show. Our commitment was rewarded when, ten minutes later, another passenger shouted, “Whale!”  And just in time, we saw the creature poke its nose out of the water. We were in awe; this was the first wild whale either of us had seen.

Oban

Still buzzing from whale watching, the next day we left Uig on a high. Although facing a four-hour drive, we knew that at the end of it we had the bustling beauty of Oban to enjoy. 

Not to mention a studio apartment, at the Kelvin Hotel, which after eight days of camper vanning felt like the Ritz.

Unpacking our bags, we marveled at the space, and the luxury of an indoor bathroom. Refreshed, we hit the town to eat and drink in the sights. Wandering around the harbour, we climbed the stairs to The Waterfront Fish House restaurant, hotly tipped to have the best shellfish. After ordering the giant Banarly Black Tiger Prawns and chips, I had to agree it deserved the hype, when prawns the size of small lobsters were served with salad and chips, making it well worth the price tag!

Walking off our dinner, we watched the sun set over Oban, before retiring to the comfiest bed we had seen all week!

The next day we woke ready to resume our culinary quest. We started at the Taste of Argyll Kitchen, where both the full Scottish breakfast and the salmon bagel exceeded expectations.

Then we walked off breakfast, in a hike up McCaig’s Tower, a Colosseum-shaped monument dating back to 1897.

Next, we stopped at The Oban Chocolate Company to select some artisan sweets. While there we also enjoyed coffee and a massive slice of fresh fruit Victoria sponge.

Heading back across the waterfront, we stopped at the old Oban Times newspaper building, which had been repurposed as the Oban War & Peace Museum. Here we saw WWII military uniforms and read tales of wartime wedding dresses made from parachute silk.

Round the corner, we visited the Oban Whisky and Fine Wine Shop, where I bought a rare treat, Colonsay Gin, which is the smoothest (and hardest to find) spirit I’ve ever found. Feeling inspired, we headed over the road to The View balcony bar, to watch the harbour hustle with a drink in hand. After a busy day on the town, we grabbed a Chinese takeaway to enjoy back at the apartment. Before bidding goodbye to Oban the next day, I went a jog up Pulpit Hill, to take in the views across the sea to the islands.

After 10 days on the road, we reflected on our top tips for doing the NC500, pre-book accommodation and ferries, pack for all weather, make plenty of playlists and take lots of pics!

Ayia Napa

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Side-lining stereotypes of Ayia Napa, the Cypriot spot synonymous with 18-30s, my tricenarian pals and I booked up.

After three years of lockdown, we were psyched to escape Scotland.

Traveling

Choosing the trip was easy enough, but there were some things we learned about traveling to Ayia Napa. Firstly, flights are often at anti-social hours, so it’s best to pre-book your travel and accommodation. Secondly, there are no public buses, trains (or cheap taxis) from Larnaca Airport, so pre-booked transfers are key!

Vassos Nissi Plage

Staying

Touching down at 1am local time, we thanked God for our transfer! After bumbling with baggage, we boarded our bus to the hotel.

Ayia Napa accommodation can suit any budget, but after much searching, my partner and I opted for the Vassos Nissi Plage Hotel, famed for its amenities and warm welcome.

Meeting us with smiles and information, the reception team and night porter got us settled.

 

The Rose factory

Exploring

After a few stolen hours sleep, we were up early for the Flavours of Cyprus Tour, a trip that promised eating, drinking and historical insights from a local guide.

Heading out of Ayia Napa, we took the A3 North West to collect our chaperone, Maria. While our driver Mikael navigated narrow mountain rounds, Maria told us of the island’s hard history.

Passing dry land dotted with Cypresses, Fig trees and shrubs, Maria explained that Cyprus used to be famed for its forests, before war and shifting environmental practices saw it reduced and replanted.

After a short coffee break in mountain village, we headed down the E903 to Argos, for The Rose Factory. Hiding on the hillside, this botanical business offered breathtaking views and produce. Its floral arches led to an information center, where powerful perfume prevailed. Inside we were given rose cordial to sip, as we heard how the blooms were grown, harvested and processed on-site, to be turned into drinks, cosmetics and perfume.

Senses awoken, we continued our trip to a local confectionary, Nikki Sweets. Here we discovered the many ways Carob Syrup was used to make Cypriot candies. In a cushioned canopy, we sampled preserved walnut, pineapple and olive, all soaked in syrup.

Sugar-buzzing, we snapped selfies, before returning to the bus to embrace our next eatery.

After a short drive South West, we reached the town of Pelendri and our restaurant, Symposio Tavern. With an earthern oven and a kitchen garden, the owner’s organic produce wowed us! We devoured Greek salads, omelettes, pittas, dips, and roasted meat, all washed down with watermelon slices.

Tsiakkas Winery

Full but happy, we returned to the bus for the grand finale, a trip to Tsiakkas Winery. Upon arrival, we went to the terrace, to view the vineyard below. Bright green vines climbed the walls of the valley, in gorgeous contrast to the sandy soil and azure sky.

After a few photos, we continued to the wine cellar, where we heard about the imported and reused oak barrels. These casks were filled with local vintages like Vamvakada, and Xynisteri; as well as European names such as Merlot.

Finally, it came time to taste the wine! Back upstairs we tried white, rose and red, while basking in the vineyard view. Although drier than my usual tipple, the wines were a nice contrast to our earlier sweets.

Bidding goodbye to the winery, we went back to the bus to head home.

Senoir Frog's

Clubbing

Home for us was Nissi Beach, a hot spot for swimming, but a 40- minute trek from nightlife. To find this, we met our pals and walked to Ayia Napa Square.

Hitting the square, the streets were busier than the clubs, as people promenaded with drinks and sparklers. However, after a couple of happy hours, the bars were buzzing.

Over many, many drinks, we voted Senior Frog’s the best bar for frozen cocktails and cheesy pop. However, the real rave was to be found in Encore. With a huge open-air dance floor, an elevated DJ booth, and a laser show, Encore offered classic clubbing.

After a great night, we headed back to the hotel for some R&R.

Glass House

Dining

The following day brought a hellish hangover and I regretted booking the fancy place for dinner.

But, after hours chilling by the pool, I came around to the plan! Drinks drank, and makeup on, my partner and I headed to The Glass House restaurant.

Situated atop Adam’s Beach Hotel, The Glass House is a four-star eatery, serving Nouvelle cuisine, with an uninterrupted view of Nissi Beach. Sitting outside, we watched the sun set over a Sauvignon Blanc from Tsiakkas Winery.

While we relaxed, we were given complimentary nibbles of bread and dips with a tangy taste. Then I enjoyed the Tuna Tataki, followed by Seafood Tagliatelle. Everything we ate had fine-tuned flavours and was served with smiles, so although pricey, it was worth every penny!

Later in the holiday, as the euros dwindled, we found a cheap treat in Mangas Restaurant. Its white-washed walls, mosaics and mood lighting made it an instant roadside romance! Undeterred by the passing traffic, we grabbed a seat and ordered the meat mezze.

We were stunned at the spread that came. Salads, pittas, dips, stews, chunky chips, sausages and kebabs were just some of the ‘small’ plates served. After eating all we could, we walked it off, heading to Parko Paliatso Luna Park.

Lunar Park

Playing

For big kids, Parko Paliatso is a ‘Napa must-see. The fairground has rides of all sizes, as well as pop-up bars and a Ferris Wheel. From the top of the wheel, we soaked up the stunning cityscape, before immortalising it in photos!

Emboldened by the experience, my friend and I queued for the ‘spinny ride’. This one sat you in a cart that moved up and down, side to side and then backward. A great idea after a massive meat mezze! Narrowly avoiding vomiting, we screamed and laughed, before rejoining my partner, who had wisely sat it out.

Days later, learning from this near miss, I had a light breakfast before our trip to Waterworld. Meeting our pals, we sweated in the 30-degree heat, before catching the 102 bus to the waterpark.

After dumping our stuff, we hot-footed it to the flumes. Soon I decided the half-pipe and steep-drop ones were my favourite. The ‘chariot race’ flume – not so much!

As I lay at the top of the ‘chariot race’, my yoga mat stuck, and I flopped like a walrus, trying to get it to launch. Needless to say, I did not win the race! Eventually, I made it down the slide and was treated to a drink by my friends.

Chariot race flume

Reading

After much hilarity, our trip to Ayia Napa came to an end. But I took Cyprus home with me, as I read The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. The novel, which jumps back and forth from the 70s to the 00s, tells the tale of two teens, from opposite sides of the border.

After falling in love, war breaks out and the pair have to make tough choices about if and how they will stay connected. Action-packed, with history and humour, the book was great, just like our trip!

Summer Movies at Loch Lomond Shores

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Summer Movies

 

Nothing says summer like open- air cinema and that’s what is coming to Loch Lomond shores this July 2 -3.

Organised by the events arm of alfresco caterers Firedog; the Summer Movies will show two days of free family-films, on the big screen.

Firedog Events partner Jonathan Stipanovsky explained: “We are going to have a 60m screen – one of the biggest in the UK – pulled down onto the beach. The top half of the beach will host a 18 by 6 meter bar tent, cornered off with white picket fencing, leading down to a deck chaired area by the screen.”

Launching at 10am Saturday with cartoons; Summer Movies will continue with Finding Nemo at noon, Jamanji at 2pm, Back to the Future at 5pm and Jurassic Park at7.30pm.

These box office classics were chosen so that families could enjoy the films without loosing the plot, should they stop for a break.

Stipanovsky said: “We choose films that were good action films that everyone has seen and loved. The idea is that people can arrive at any point of the film, sit with some food and drink and enjoy their favourite bits.”

Easy viewing continues on Sunday with another 10am cartoon start; followed by Toy Story at noon, The Goonies at 2.30pm, Dirty Dancing at 5pm and The Lost Boys at 8pm.

All of the showings are free to attend, but seating is likely to fill up fast.

Stipanovsky added: “We have deck chairs and picnic benches at the front of the cinema. It’s first-come- first- served on seating, but being at the beach people can bring their towels.”

As well as two seating areas, Firedog Events has organised food to compliment the films.

Stipanovsky said: “Firedog will be there – in our fire engine catering van – serving gourmet hotdogs, fries, nachos and Aberdeen Angus burgers. Joining us will be Bowl Food, offering a range of hot treats from a converted ambulance. Firebird will also be on hand, serving up stone-baked pizzas; as well as The Buffalo Truck, who will be cooking up fired chicken.”

To wash all this down the bar has a range of treats.

Stipanovsky listed: “The licensed area will have Jaw Brew and Estrella beer, Rekorderlig cider, Daffy’s Gin and a cocktail bar.”

The bar tent will be open from 12pm till late.

With trains every 15 minutes from Glasgow to Balloch, it’s the perfect excuse to leave the car at home. Or – for the designated drivers – the Charlie Mills coffee truck is open from 10am till 10pm.

Stipanovsky concluded: “It’s a free event with a stunning backdrop, massive screen, great films, beach bar and some of people’s favourite food. What’s not to love?”

Festive Foraging

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Foraging

Sprucing up spring – with an egg hunt alternative – is the Queen’s Park Herb Foraging Walk. Led by Green Health Glasgow on April 3, the walk will start at 11am at the Glad Café.

Green Health Medical Herbalist, Catriona Gibson said: “The walk will last up 2 hours, depending on the group and a little bit on the weather. The end point will be the Queen’s Park Glasshouses, which have toilets, a café and play area.”

Gibson explained that the walk is open to all ages, offering a beginners guide to foraging.

She continued: “The focus of the free walk is plant identification and confidence building.

“I will advise people how to harvest sustainably, respecting the plants and other organisms that rely on them. We will discuss when and how to harvest and any issues around mis-identification of species.”

Identifying plants comes as second nature to Gibson, who regularly hosts workshops and herbal health consultations. However, she encouraged walkers to bring along any foraging books and tips they wished to share.

She said: “The walks are really participative, with the chance to learn common species and try some recipes.”

Gibson rhymed off some of her favourite wild herb ingredients.

She said: “Wild Alliums, Ramsons and Few-Flowered Leek can substitute onion or garlic; and plants such as Lady’s Smock or Bittercress can be make Wild Green Pesto.”

Gibson explained food foraging is becoming a growing movement.

She added: “There’s been a real increase in food bloggers and artisan producers looking for innovative ingredients. I’ve worked with micro-brewers to make foraged beer, and with artists to examine how people and place influence and food.”

This conscientious approach reduces food miles and encourages awareness of seasonal produce.

Gibson said: “Foraging connects people to their environment and fosters an appreciation of the natural world.”

The natural world, she said, was good for the body as well as the soul.

Gibson explained: “Many wild plants can be used medicinally for common ailments such as coughs, colds and headaches.”

There are also sociable benefits of foraging walks, as Gibson concluded: “The walks are a lot of fun. There’s always a diverse bunch of people looking to live more sustainably; from young families wanting their children to be more involved in the outdoors; to bloggers who are interested in food foraging or gardeners looking to enhance their skills.”

Updates on the April walk and similar events throughout the year can be found on Green Health’s Facebook page.

The Only Way is Ethics

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TOWIEtwit pic

 

Social conscience stirs as Glasgow plans its alternative lifestyle festival. The Only Way Ethics will busy the city, from November 29 to December 6, with ethical discussions focused on improving Glasgow.

Organiser Craig Tannock said: “Some of the issues the festival will cover include the energy crisis, anti austerity, women’s activism, ethical arts funding and organic food.”

 He explained: “The festival will cover issues in a range of ways, such as panel discussions, theatre events, film screenings and community meals.”

Food will also reign supreme at Vegfest Scotland, the Vegan exhibition that is partnering the festival. This exhibition will run in the SECC, during the last two days of The only Way is Ethics. Vegfest Scotland will offer information, demonstration and delectation.

Tannock explained: “Vegfest is a huge event, but for the rest of the festival we encouraged smaller venues to get involved. We wanted to make the festival accessible to everyone; so it has a variety of spaces for people to engage with experts and others on ethical issues.”

These spaces will be found in venues throughout the city, including The University of Glasgow, Chemikal Underground Records, Glasgow Women’s Library, and Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre.

While most venues are open to all ages, Tannock explained that some licensed events won’t admit children, and other events have adult themes.

He said: “Some events are for a more adult audience, such as the talk and screening of a film about vCJD in the food chain. This kind of event doesn’t make for easy consumption and people would probably decide not to bring children; however we will leave it to them to decide.”

As well as heavy discussion the festival will have light entertainment. Nowhere is this truer than in its opening gig at St Luke’s. The venue (near the Barrowlands) will host Radio 2 Folk Award winner, Karine Polwart and artist Ela Orleans, among others.

Then, after eight days of events, the festival will close in equal style.

Tannock said: “The closing night will be a real chilled out party at the Flying Duck; with some unannounced surprises. By this point there will have been plenty of chin- scratching, so it will be a purely social event, allowing people to catch up with others they have met.”

Encouraging everyone to come along, Tannock concluded: “The Festival of Ethics provides a space for free thought on social issues; it allows people to get involved in movements that can change lives.”

 

StrEAT Glasgow

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StrEAT Glasgow pic

Combining Glasgow’s love of arts and eats; StrEAT food festival is coming to the Briggait on September 26 -27, and the best part is it’s free!

After witnessing the success of its London events, StrEAt organisers: Nicky Modlin, Simon Foy, Donald MacLeod and Vanessa Gilpin brought it north of the border.

Vanessa Gilpin explained: “A lot of culinary festivals just focus on food, but this one will include music and visual arts.

“There will be craft workshops throughout the day for kids and adults, including a live art session, where members of the public can use materials provided to get inspired.”

StrEAT Glasgow will also have artists playing between 2 and 9pm; with music ranging from folk to acoustic and jazz.

Gilpin said: “We are still confirming the full line up, but we have arranged a live jam session on Sunday for musicians to turn up and preform.”

She added: “There will be lots of seating for people to take in the atmosphere while enjoying their food.”

The festival will have an area of cold stalls, with chocolates, cakes and artisan beers; as well as a vendor catering area, where visitors can grab a hot bite to eat.

Gilpin said: “StrEAt Glasgow will feature food traders already quite popular in the area, such as Babu Bombay Street Kitchen,  Mighty Mexican, and Smoak.

“Then to wash this down there will be lots of craft beer and cocktails.”

Gilpin explained that people can follow StrEAT Glasgow on social media, to discover the traders as they are revealed. She vowed the festival would appeal to all tastes and ages.

“From noon – 5pm there will be a chilled vibe and we expect a lot of families to attend at this time. Then, toward the end of the night, as the DJs hit the stage, there will be more of an adult feel to the festival.”

She concluded: “StrEAT festival is an exciting new concept for Glasgow; it will showcase great food and arts that no one should miss out on!”

West End Beer Festival

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WEBF

The first annual West End Beer Festival is pitching up in Glasgow from July 31 – August 1.

Situated in Hughenden grounds – at Hillhead Sports Club – the festival will be sheltered from the elements, and include bars by Cafe Source Too and Good Spirits, as well stalls from visiting breweries.

West End Beer Festival organiser Conor McGeady said: “Some of the best Central Belt breweries will be attending, including three Glasgow companies only one year old!”

The Event will run in three sessions over two days; launching from 5-11:30pm on Friday, then reopening from 12 – 4.30pm on Saturday family day, before concluding 5-11:30pm that night.

Entry to the festival is £6, or £4 for members of CAMRA and Hillhead Sports Club; all guests get a free festival glass.

Yet drinking isn’t the festival’s only feature, it will also host folk music (by Babbity Bowsters’ bands) and family- day face painting by Lisa Good.

While being entertained guests can enjoy BBQ food, with a choice of beer from nine Scottish breweries.

These breweries include: Stewart Brewing, Jaw Brew, Ayr Brewing, Monolith, Floodline Brewing; Williams Brothers; Tryst; Fallen Alechemy and Fyne Ales.

McGeady said: “You never know what crazy collaborations Fyne Ales will pull out of the hat!

“And our three new Glasgow Breweries are sure to turn heads; Monolith Brewing with their outstanding Belwether IPA; Floodline with their Fearless Nadia IPA; and Jaw Brew with the impeccable Wave Wheat Beer.”

He added: “We also have great guest beers on our bar and a selection of beers from America, England and Europe at and Good Spirits bar.”

McGeady explained that Café Source has been serving cask ales and craft beers for around four years; instilling a passion that birthed the West End Beer Festival.

He said: “As Glasgow demand for craft beer grew I started to organise meet- the- brewer tastings that showcased different Scottish breweries.”

From there McGeady noticed a gap in the market for bigger events in Glasgow’s West End.

He explained: “There was the Paisley Beer Festival, as well as the Glasgow City Centre events: CAMRAS Real Ale Fest, and Hippo’s Great Scottish Beer Celebration; but there was nothing of the sort in the West End.”

So McGeady set out to create a West End Beer Festival. However, he knew it would have to meet Scotland’s high hospitality standards.

He said: “I have been attending Scottish drinks events over the last couple of years and the standard is amazing.

“Having enjoyed many well informed tastings – at events like Fyne Fest – I have found there is a thriving beer scene in Glasgow.”

And to prove McGeady’s point the West End Beer Festival has sold over 700 tickets.

He concluded: “Scotland is pushing to the fore of a global beer movement, the likes of which we have never seen. So people should come down to the festival and support the innovative companies making this happen.

“Visitors can have a beer and some fun.”

West End Beer Festival tickets can be bought at Cafe Source Too bisto, and Good Spirits Co shop.

Lisbon

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L cover

With our hearts set on a music festival, seven friends and I booked a week in July to Lisbon. Liberdade was our area of choice for its proximity to the venue; but there was a catch, it was ‘save- a- year-ahead’ expensive.

Being Portugal-virgins we had unwittingly booked accommodation in its premier shopping district. So bedraggled from the plane, we did the walk of shame past Gucci to reach our hotel foyer.

Staying

Since none of the group was shopaholics, our motive for choosing NH Lisboa Liberdade was simple, it had a pool. The thought of a city break in 30 degrees heat was too much for my Scottish soul so, like a prima donna, I pushed for a pool.

Having assessed the competition, we decided that Lisboa Liberdade had not only the best pool (for our budget) but best balconies. However, we soon realised not all balconies were created equal (two of our crew hit jackpot with room 803’s huge terrace).

Contending with balcony envy, the hotel staff consoled us with travel advice and charm in excellent English.

This charm extended to the rooms, which had spacious interiors, comfy beds, decent bathrooms and mini bars.

Mini bar prices were enough to make us shudder, but the hotel’s surrounding shops had surprisingly cheap fare to substitute.

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Dining

Cheap prices continued in Lisbon’s pubs and bistros. With a beer around three euros, bottles of wine for ten, and cocktails for five; Lisbon’s bars were a joy.

To digest both drinks and cityscape we headed to Bairro Alto (an alfresco area). On Bairro Alto’s plaza we chose the further of two open-air bars, to enjoy sugar cane cocktails while listening to buskers. The music perfectly complimented the plaza’s fountain and vantage point.

Across the road from the plaza we found The Decadent a bistro that, despite its name, was a reasonably priced. Its earthy interior provided respite, along with tasty cornbread, cocktails and seafood.

Seafood also stole the show at Pinóquio, a restaurant across the road from Restauradores Metro station. With packed tables, Portuguese dialogue, and tanks full of crabs it provided perfect taste of local life.

Another local treat surfaced near Cais do Sodré Metro, where we tracked down Mercado da Ribeira: Lisbon’s fab food fete. Here deli, drinks and dining units offer visitors a choice of global cuisine at cafeteria tables.

With a huge range of stalls as well as desert, wine and chocolate shops, we enjoyed post- dinner shopping.

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Music

High spirits continued at Nos Alive music festival, which filled three of our seven nights in Lisbon. Situated in Passeio Marítimo de Algés (a 15 minute drive from Liberdade) the festival had four stages, indoor toilets, food, bars and walking beer tenders.

With headline acts including: The Prodigy, Muse and Mumford and Sons, Nos Alive 15 tickets were surprisingly cheap (costing £90 for all three nights). Each night ran until 3am, providing miles better value than a UK festival.

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Travel

The only disadvantages of the festival closing at 3am was fighting competition for a taxi home; and suffering a post- midnight fare hike.

Aside from post-festival fares, Lisbon’s taxis were by large cheaper than those of the UK. As were its trams, buses and trains. While only the taxi’s had working air conditioning, each mode of transport had its appeal.

Aero-buses acted as punctual transfers from Lisbon Airport to the districts, while trams offered a vintage view of Lisbon’s ‘seven hills’. For travel outside of Lisbon centre, the trains offered quick and spacious speed.

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Art appreciating

To escape the city, my boyfriend and I boarded a train to Sintra, Lisbon’s neighboring old town.

With regal buildings, museums and cliffs, the area had plenty to see. But we bee-lined to the Quinta da Regaleira, a World Heritage Site complete with chapel, underground tunnels, grotto and Gothic mansion. It really was the stuff of dreams.

The mansion house offered Portuguese history briefs, as well as drawings from the architect’s restoration. With multi-coloured tiles, intricate wooden paneling and fresco painting, signs explained that António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (Monteiro the Millionaire) bolstered the manor’s splendor, as testament  to Portugal’s golden age.

After two hours of exploring my boyfriend and I resigned ourselves to the journey home, but not before scouring Sintra village’s crafts and wine shops.

As the trip drew to an end the group reflected on all we had done and all that we would have done, had we booked more time. Turns out a week isn’t long enough to see all Lisbon has to offer.

Fyne Fest

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Breaking the cycle of clichéd festivals, Fyne Fest returns for its sixth year of beats, beer and bites.

The boutique festival, running June 12 – 14, is hosting 2000 attendees, over 30 live acts, and 150 craft beers.

This is a long way from its humble roots, as Festival Marketing Manager Chris Black explained.

He said: “Fyne Fest started as a bit of a party around Fyne Ales brewery; celebrating its new and bestselling beers. However, as time passed, it has grown and become a full scale festival with music, entertainment, food and drink.

“The festival is held beside Glen Fyne River, in a site surrounded by hills. It is really stunning; there is nothing like it.”

Black added: “Every year Fyne Ales adds more features to Fyne Fest.”

New features of Fyne Fest 2015 include a Tap Stage in the brewery courtyard, which will host chilled music and a Fyne Fest Pub Quiz.

As well as this, 2015 sees the scenic Walker’s Bar open longer hours, with a bigger area, acoustic music, and food.

Foodies can also catch a break at Fyne Fest’s many stalls.

Black said: “The festival site will have eight different butchers selling their wares, as well as stalls with seafood fresh from Glen Fyne”.

And to compliment this food, craft beer tastings are being held in the Wee Tent (a new sheltered seating area).

Black explained: “Fyne Ales will be showcasing its world-class beers at Fyne Fest; however it will also be working with staff from Good Spirits Glasgow, to run a cocktail bar within the site.

“The cocktail bar is new to Fyne Fest 2015; it will feature an amazing list of drinks all served in a cool setting.”

Once refreshed, guests can dance the weekend away to the many featured acts.

Black said: “On Friday night we have a ska band called Bombskare, who are returning to the festival for their third year running. Bombskare have always been such a massive hit that we had to ask them back for 2015.

“Then we have a Glasgow band called Federation of Disco Pimp playing on Saturday night; they are really funky and bound to get everyone dancing.”

Dancing can continue on Sunday, when the acoustic area hosts the under-16s- jam, handing the stage to young musicians.

Any hangovers the music fails to soothe can be tackled at Zen in the Glen, where Glasgow charity Yogability will run free yoga and meditation sessions.

Further R&R can be gained at Sephora Health and Beauty’s stand, where massages will pamper adults and face-painting amuse children.

Black said: “Fyne Fest welcomes guests of all ages; kids under 16 go free, and this year we have special entertainment for them.

“The atmosphere is great; everyone brings their kids and dogs, and just has a good time. The vibe is really friendly and there is never any trouble; this is something the festival has become famous for.”

He added: “Fyne Fest has a reputation as one of the best small festivals in the county; last year 99.5% of its patrons said they would return. This year is testament to that because we have sold out.”

For information on this or next year’s festival, visit the Fyne Fest website.