The SIX Brasserie Rooftop Bar & Restaurant at the Varsity Hotel, located in the stunning and beautifully iconic Cambridge, provides views and plenty of yummy food and beverages.
This chic and classy, rooftop terrace bar is the perfect place to sip on your bubbly champagne while soaking up all that Cambridge life has to offer.
Last, but certainly not least, Blackpool Tower an iconic landmark steeped in historic tradition and the home to Bar 380. Buy a ticket to the Blackpool Eye, and subject to seasonal availability, you can enjoy a drink in the fab Bar 380.
Even when the Blackpool sky is overcast the sunshine vibes from the staff will be sure to get you feeling that summer energy, so you can enjoy all that Bar 380 and the Blackpool Tower Eye has to offer.
In particular, a big shout out to both the marvellous Michelle and amazing Adam for being legends, looking after us throughout the day and and making us feel like true VIPS
Whichever Sky bar you choose, enjoy those divine drinks in the sky, and my recommendation is to work your way around them all lol!
Enjoy life to the full, I say! To help you live it up, I have created my ultimate top ten bucket list ideas, so you can indulge and have maximum fun vibes.
Prepare to explore and experience Cambridge is first class style with your very own private punting expedition. The 90 minute guided tour, along the college backs, is the perfect outdoor activity in Cambridge.
Your personal tour guide will have a wealth of extensive local knowledge and include local residents, historians and scholars. You will be amused with fun anecdotes, facts while enjoying the amazing architecture of Cambridge.
Highlights include the iconic Cambridge colleges; Clare college, King’s college, Magdalene college, Queens’s college, St John’s, Trinity college, Trinity hall and if that is not enough there is also opportunity to spot many famous bridges including the Mathematical and bridge of sigh’s to name a few.
You thought that was it, well let me sweeten the situation, as you can also order an add on a beautifully boxed Harriet’s Afternoon tea to enjoy while bobbing around on the Cambridge waterways.
The East Lancashire Railway is a volunteer organisation, run through passion, determination and sheer grit keeping part of Britain’s railway heritage alive and steaming!
At the Bolton Street Station stop at Bury you can immerse yourself in the traditional age of steam and learn all about our historical industrial heritage.
Whistle blown, so all aboard, one of the beautifully restored Pullman carriages, for the experience of a lifetime, a fabulous festive Feast on one of the East Lancashire Railways Steam hauled trains.
The East Lancashire Railway Dining with Distinction service team know how to pull out the stops with all the bells and whistles. Expect only the very best with crisp white lining, luxurious furnishings.
The Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert is the perfect place to enjoy a business or leisure stay right in the heart of the city centre, with onsite facilities including a restaurant, bar and riverside terraces, so you are spoilt for choice.
Immediately on arrival not only do you notice the stunning Grade II property details and structure with many of the original wood beams and metal columns still in place which makes the place feel like a home away from home feel, but the staff warmly welcome you with open arms which is always welcomed.
Football Fantasy at the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert, well excitingly the hotel now has a range of Manchester United Suites, including the marvellous Manchester United Trebble Suite.
This suite is all about the details and after a long travel it was nice to see a full complimentary tea tray with tea, coffee, bottled water and some biscuits too, so it was time to unpack, sit back and enjoy this super suite. Celebrate like champions!
London city, by the Thames River, is the location of the lovely London Eye which has become the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction, winning over 85 awards for national and international tourism, engineering achievement and outstanding architectural quality, impressive stuff!
At 135m, The London Eye, launched in 2000, is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel created and designed by Marks Barfield Architects.
The Romantic Cupids Pod package which included a 30-minute rotation in a Private pod for 2 guests (18 years of age or older), Bottle of Pommery Rosé Champagne, Luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles, Personal London Eye host and Priority boarding.
Just needed to head over to the VIP check in area, that is well sign posted, and you are nearly ready to go up, up and away.
All aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, a Royal residence for over 40 years, who sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family, excitingly is now a five-star visitor attraction, voted Best UK Attraction by Which? Magazine, located in Edinburgh.
This fabulous floating palace is stepped in historical Royal providence and charm providing visitors a unique opportunity to experience life aboard from the perspective of the Royal Family and also the 220 hardworking and dedicated crew of Royal Yachtsmen.
Afternoon tea, The Royal Yacht Britannia have a terrific Tearoom which provides breath-taking views while you indulge in a range of freshly prepared savoury and sweet treats such as a traditional cream tea and of course there is plenty of champagne, so you can raise a glass to Her Majesty The Queen.
Set in over 500 acres of beautiful Staffordshire countryside, the Alton Towers resort which has three onsite hotels, and 40 world class rides and attractions is an absolute must do!
With bucket list in mind, lets breakout the magic and sprinkle some sparkle on what already is an outstanding holiday resort. Theme park planning and preparation was provided by our all singing all dancing VIP Park host Mr Dylan.
Dylan navigated us through the park in record time, meaning no queuing, no fuss, no faff providing us with maximum fun, fun and more fun.
Park completed, you all know one day is not enough, so let’s pick up the pace and check into the Alton Towers Hotel for the weekend.
The Alton Towers hotel offers many room types, but the Arabian nights suite with all the trimmings including your own private whirlpool hot tub makes your stay next level.
Ooo and did I mention special celebrations, Alton Towers have you covered, from cards, champagne, balloons and birthday cakes, let the team make it an Arabian night to remember.
North Wales, destination lovely Llandudno, for a super sunny seaside staycation. The St George’s Hotel Llandudno sits in a prominent position on the promenade and is proudly Llandudno’s first luxury seafront hotel.
Reach new heights and Raise the Roof and enjoy one of the St George’s delightful Deluxe Sea-View Rooms with balcony. Offering breath-taking panoramic views of the Llandudno seaside resort from the highest point of the hotel – The Rooftop.
Sunshine, blue skies, birds and balcony drinks, the perfect way to enjoy your own exclusive and private balcony space.
Ready for some rest, relaxation, and zen vibes well you are in the right place, as the Rena Spa located within the iconic Midland Hotel in the heart of Manchester City centre has all you need for some much deserved you time.
Offering a range of packages, The Rena spa has something to suit everyone. We opted for the Indulgence Spa Day which included a 50-minute treatment, Afternoon Tea, a glass of bubbly, Robes and Slippers for use while in the spa.
Now after all that pampering, things get next level as included within our package was a Royale Champagne Afternoon Tea to be served in the famous and iconic Midland Hotel tearooms with Champagne bubbles all the way of course!
Situated in London city, steps from Hyde park, there are some Rockstar accommodations where you can bed down and explore London like a true legend.
Room offerings include standard, family and suites, but if you want to play your way to the top of the rock charts, you must opt for a Rock Royalty offering.
As a Rock Royalty resident, you are provided with a full programme of complimentary additional extras such as access to the Rock Royalty Lounge, that has a whole range of included food and beverage offerings such as the Rock your Tea – Afternoon Tea experience.
Grab your guitar, pick up the mic and enjoy rocking on through the capital city of London.
Ooo we do like to be beside the seaside or we do like to be beside the sea…have you guessed, we have arrived at one of Blackpool’s iconic attractions – The Blackpool Tower.
Situated on the front of Blackpool’s promenade, the Blackpool Tower really is the heart and soul of the seaside destination.
Go all out and get ready to be crowned, as you take your seat in the VIP Blackpool Tower Circus Royal Box. A private enclosed box for up to 6 persons where you can watch the legendary circus performance in the lap of luxury.
Prepare to be dazzled by the amazing and phenomenal circus performers and there will be plenty of Oooos, ahhhhs and many giggles that is for sure
Included in the experience are a soft drink and snack per person and in my opinion the best part a crown to wear and take home, it’s just fun and fabulous.
York city centre, there lies a 5 star experience like no other, The Grand Hotel, a visit is a must to be believed. A destination is it’s own right with beautiful accommodations and an onsite spa, restaurant and bar.
Personally, the hotel is fabulousness all year round, but for me Christmas has extra bells, because the hotel is decked out in all the Christmas trimmings.
Our executive suite accommodations even had our very own Christmas tree, a fully stocked complimentary mini-bar, along with a Champagne and chocolate platter welcome.
You have probably already gathered, The Grand Hotel York are all about those details and bespoke touches. Extra experiences can be arranged by the onsite concierge team; for example an amazing Champagne Afternoon tea in your very own private bubble pod on the terrace, a super summer activity to do.
Get on board with the Red Bus Bistro, a brand who offer a unique dining experience, an Afternoon tea tour on a fabulous vintage 1966 Routemaster bus right in the heart of Edinburgh.
Red Bus Bistro’s routemaster RML 2549 originally started service in 1966, fitted with a new engine in 1991, refurbished in 1992 and went through a variety of sales and owners until Red Bus Bistro became the proud owners, who converted and spruced the vehicle up with the help of South East Coachworks.
The 70 – 90 minute tour takes in all Edinburgh’s key attractions including the old town, Palace of Holyrood house and of course Edinburgh Castle, all while you sit back, relax and indulge in Afternoon Tea delights.
Wind down from your busy schedule, forget those everyday stresses and strains, at the very impressive Wave Garden & Spa situated in North Wales.
A gorgeous garden oasis of calm and tranquillity, the perfect place to enjoy the bubbles both in the jacuzzi and also a nice chilled glass of Champagne of course!
Get all snug and cosy in your robes and explore the chill out areas and get all hot and steamy in the Barrel sauna. Why not indulge in a treatment, I can tell you it is well worth it, I was so relaxed and zen during treatment I actually feel asleep!
Become captain of your very own vessel and cruise your way down the river Ouse York, in style. Enjoy the brilliant bridges and York’s stunning sights and amazing atmosphere, as you bob down the river Ouse.
In your self drive motorboat, that can accommodate 8 people, explore York’s sights seamlessly, as the Vikings once did.
Hire is by the half hour or full hour and City Cruises York have fourteen Red Boats in total, their names are Josephine, Angie, Leonie, Sarah, Yvette, Kathryn, Alice-May, Lucy, Tina, Heather, Ellen, Rebecca, Emma and Penny!
After your adventure you could even book one of the additional foodie cruises and indulge in lunch, dinner or an afternoon tea.
Hopefully, my review has given you lovely readers some inspiration for your bucket list and all that’s now left to say is have fun and enjoy!
The 4-star Novotel Manchester Centre is located, within the heart of Manchester city centre, near to all the main transport hubs such as Manchester Piccadilly & Oxford Road train stations is perfect for business or leisure.
Just a hop skip and a jump away from Manchester’s China town The Novotel Manchester Centre is perfectly located to take advantage of the Chinese New Year Celebrations. The 2023 Chinese New Year Celebration marks the year of the rabbit and makes for an exciting time to be in the city for sure.
Every time without fail, we have always been greeted with a warm welcome and this time was no exception. As always, knowledgeable team members on check in and were checked in and had all the key information explained in no time.
Our room provided us with a huge Queen bed, 55-inch LCD TV, sofa area, work/vanity desk, providing a modern and contemporary space to relax and unwind. As you can see, the wall artwork of Manchester city is absolutely amazing!
The bathroom has all you require including rainfall power shower and complimentary upgraded toiletries. There is also a separate toilet area, a spacious sink area with fully illuminated mirror and plenty of mirrors to beautify yourself.
Importantly, there are fluffy robes and slippers for use during your stay, a complimentary tea tray, Nespresso coffee machine, hair dryer, iron and a safe. We also had use of the hotels complimentary Wi-Fi while onsite so we could still keep connected while we enjoyed some chill time.
Now you are all settled in, I would recommend heading down to the hotels onsite Exchange Bar & Restaurant as they serve some fabulous food and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks, because the place has an amazing atmosphere with just good vibes.
Starters It is always nice to enjoy a glass of bubbles and/or rose along with some scrummy starters including a perfectly presented salad, pad thai and some poutine.
We opted for casual bites, so our marvellous mains included burger & fries, Fish & chips with a good pint of beer to wash it down with.
Now, to finish on a sweet note we went for both naughty and nice, with a delicious yummy chocolate crepe, baileys coffee and a healthy fruit platter.
The next day, after a relaxing night’s sleep, wake up fresh and fabulous and if you are feeling motivated why not spend some time using the onsite leisure which include a sauna, steam room and a fully equipped gym.
However, if chilled vibes is more you thing pop on the cosy robes and slippers, indulge some relaxing room service breakfast, that can be enjoyed in bed or at the convenient desk area.
Novotel Manchester centre offers guests a range of fresh continental offerings such as fresh fruit, pastries, cheese, muffins, yogurt, orange juice, coffee etc. There’s also plenty of hot options for you to enjoy too, such as the full English.
Whatever time of the year, make sure that you don’t miss out, check in to the Novotel Manchester centre for a visit to remember!
The East Lancashire Railway is a volunteer organisation, run through passion, determination and sheer grit keeping part of Britain’s railway heritage alive and steaming!
At the Bolton Street Station stop at Bury you can immerse yourself in the traditional age of steam and learn all about our historical industrial heritage.
Now, one noticeable point, from the moment you arrive everyone is welcomed with plenty of smiles and open arms, it literally makes your heart melt.
Whistle blown, so all aboard, one of the beautifully restored Pullman carriages, for the experience of a lifetime, a fabulous festive Feast on one of the East Lancashire Railways Steam hauled trains.
The East Lancashire Railway Dining with Distinction service team know how to pull out the stops with all the bells and whistles. Expect only the very best with crisp white lining, luxurious furnishings.
The Christmas Lunch is just under a 3 hour steam hauled journey through the picturesque Irwell Valley. Included is a sparking glass of fizz on arrival and a super scrummy 3 course meal with mince pies along with tea or coffee.
Furthermore, if you would like to organise any additional extras, to add onto your package, to make your journey even more spectacular, such as flowers, a bottle of wine, champagne etc the team are more than happy to help.
The glass of welcome fizz makes for the best start and the winter warm vegetable soup, with bread roll and butter was wolfed down…delicious!
Cosy and snug in your First Class Pullman carriage, enjoy a hearty roast lunch with options such as Turkey and the lush Brie and cranberry parcel with all the trimmings and lashings of gravy.
Christmas vibes all round, with lovely snowflake decorations embossed onto the window and even the Christmas crackers are included.
Making the experience even more sweet, we indulged in a Christmas pudding with custard, mince pies all washed down with coffee and tea, simply divine.
Then just as I thought things couldn’t get any better, the team arranged an extra enthusiast’s experience, I actually got to ride the actual steam train…my excitement I can tell you was hard to contain for sure.
In the heart of the operation, the engine room, it was privilege to meet the guys who volunteer their time and work hard to provide this unique and authentic experience.
Genuine, authentic, passionate team energy and camaraderie, that felt warmer than the fire, brought tears to my eye – tears of joy of course!
The East Lancashire Railway is a home away from home, we left with full tummies, even fuller hearts and memories to last a lifetime.
Now you will have to be very quick for 2022 availabilities, but don’t be disheartened as for 2023 The East Lancashire Railway have a full schedule of themed dining train events such as Red Rose dinners, Lancastrian lunches, afternoon teas, murder mysteries and of course fabulous Christmas lunches and dinners.
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
The Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert is the perfect place to enjoy a business or leisure stay right in the heart of the city centre, with onsite facilities including a restaurant, bar and riverside terraces, so you are spoilt for choice.
Immediately on arrival not only do you notice the stunning Grade II property details and structure with many of the original wood beams and metal columns still in place which makes the place feel like a home away from home feel, but the staff warmly welcome you with open arms which is always welcomed.
Now, I mentioned about Indulging in your Football Fantasy at the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert, well excitingly the hotel now has a range of Manchester United Suites, including the marvellous Manchester United Trebble Suite.
This suite is all about the details and after a long travel it was nice to see a full complimentary tea tray with tea, coffee, bottled water and some biscuits too, so it was time to unpack, sit back and enjoy this super suite.
The football theme is standout, but not vulgar, and has been completed to create a classy theming including the cool wardrobe area, with bench, made to be a mock-up of a player’s fitting room, and with signed team shirts encased within glass style display cabinets, you know that you’re on the winning team staying in this suite.
The Bedroom is separately divided from the lovely lounge, that has a writing desk area, with a flatscreen television on both sides of the room, so ideal if you have children, as different programmes can be viewed.
Football design details are everywhere including the football pitch rug, subito picture, team cushions on the sofa and a display cabinet all of things football memorabilia related. The ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy a night or two away from home.
Slide the wood panelled door to reveal a beautiful bathroom, with complimentary toiletries and an illuminated mirror, again it has that players shower vibe and it the perfect place to refresh after a busy day exploring all that Manchester has to offer.
Now if all this was not enough, the lovely team decided to provide birthday beautifulness for my milestone 40th and gave us a winning welcome with a cute cake plate, personalised card and a bottle of fabulous fizz to ensure a celebration full of sparkles and bubbles.
The onsite Chop & Plant restaurant has something to suit every palate and I can assure you is well worth a visit.
Manchester city centre, Church Street located in the busy eclectic Northern Quarter, is the destination of Breakout Manchester who offer an exciting Escape room Experience.
While we waited for our games master, our team prepared strategy and game plans to ensure a smooth and speedy breakout.
The Detective Agency
Benjy our lovely Games Master explained that Harry Dene, the world’s greatest detective, and our closest friend has got himself into a pickle to say the least.
Spending most of his time dedicated to a specific case, but the dedication has led Harry to madness and now he has gone one step too far by taking the law into his own hands in order to solve the greatest case of his career.
Hello, hello, hello…what’s going on here, then? As his closest friends, my team turned up at Harry’s office to try and help. However, things had already escalated and gotten much worse, so with Harry nowhere in sight it was up to us to solve the case to help Harry.
Word of warning Harry has certainly used his detective skills and is extremely good at hiding his secrets, so get your thinking caps on!
Analyse the evidence, uncover the truth and crack the case, good luck detectives. We nearly broke out, missing out by literally seconds – hence hiding behind our boards in shame on the photo line up lol, but the real question is can your team crack the case!?
Now, you have all those new found detective skills, you can use these to defeat the zombies and save planet earth in the Zombie Lab Escape Game.
Escape Rooms have been trending now for some time and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, Escape Rooms are becoming more technical, magical and super cool meaning for us lucky game players, we get to experience immersive game play at its very best.
From Manchester, Chester, Leeds, Harrogate Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh to London, I have been up and down the country to find my best Escape Room brands. In no order, here you have my Top UK Escape Rooms…
Breakout Chester is an amazing city centre Escape games brand with rooms such as Dark Magic – I highly recommend, along with Exchalibur.
Brave warriors, prepare to fight the fight, as myself and my fellow knights had been kidnapped from Camelot. Being held captive in a tower whilst the intruders are disguising themselves as us.
The challenge was to find our way out of the tower, back to the round table and prove our worth by being the true king by removing the sword from the stone…
Escape Reality, located within the Printworks in Manchester city centre, has a whole range of games to play such as Alcatraz, Enigmista, Tortuga Pirates, The Asylum, Legend of the Mummy and Bank Job.
We grabbed our elite squad of highly skilled bank robbers, as we were amongst the chosen few who had been challenged to infiltrate the security systems at the world’s most protected bank vaults.
Escape with the diamond within 60 minutes or face life in prison! An exhilarating, exciting and entertaining experience, will your team diamond bank balance go boom or bust!
Exciting Escape Hunt Manchester, located in Manchester city centre, is where all the action takes place, as they have a whole range of game themes including Doctor Who, Alice in Wonderland, The Last Vikings, The Last Samurai, Blackbeard’s Treasure and Escape the Wild West.
Howdy partners, the wild west tiny frontier town of East Victoria, has struck gold, so celebrations throughout town are rife. Not everything that glistens is gold though, as with this news, the bloodthirsty Bill French Gang are riding their way into town to claim the gold and kill everyone in East Victoria. You best get the gold, before it’s too late or you’ll be shot at dawn.
The Manchester Marriot Victoria and Albert is a striking Grade II building, located in the vibrant and happening Spinningfields District, right in the heart of Manchester city centre, the perfect place for both business and leisure.
The hotel has had a full refurbishment providing guests with a clean and contemporary environment with onsite facilities including a restaurant, bar and riverside terraces.
Warmly welcomed by the reception team, we could not wait to experience all this beautiful hotel had to offer. Excitingly the hotel now has a range of Manchester United Suites, the Manchester United Treble Suite was to be our home for the night, and the room defiantly had the wow factor.
Immediately on entering the room, the football theme is standout and has been completed to create a classy theming, on the right was a wardrobe made to be a mock of a players fitting room with signed team shirts encased within glass style display cabinets.
Take a seat on the bench and imagine that match day tension and those serious locker room team talks which hopefully result in a team win.
The Bedroom is separately divided from the lovely lounge, that has a writing desk area, with a flat screen television on both sides of the room and finished with a wall print of a very cool Manchester map. It is also nice to see the buildings original wooden feature beams sympathetically worked into the design of the room.
Football design details are everywhere including the football pitch rug, subito picture, team cushions on the sofa and a display cabinet all of things football memorabilia related. The ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy a night or two away from home.
Bathroom brilliance begins right here, slide the door to reveal a very cool team shower style hub that you can enjoy all to yourself, as you dream about your team scoring those wining goals.
Fully stocked with complimentary toiletries, offering an illuminated mirror and large mirror you can pamper in style.
Serious team talks require some refreshments and the Manchester Marriot Victoria and Albert have you covered with a well-stocked tea tray, including biscuits, so you can dunk them into your branded mugs., as you plan your time out in Manchester.
The onsite restaurant is the ideal place to fuel up and enjoy some liquid refreshments. All the team are absolutely amazing and really do know how to look after their guests.
Scare, spook and spectacularly unusual happenings are the order of the day over at Escape Reality Manchester.
Warmly welcomed by the team, as always, but things soon turned dark and ritualistic.
My friends and I decided to take a well-earned trip to a remote village in Europe. During a pub pitstop we overheard some of the locals saying that they have seen strange happenings from the forest.
Late night flickering lights and strange chanting from the forest seems to be causing a stir. Not scared of adventure, we decided to delve further…
…but was that the right thing for us to do, as we are locked deep within the cabin we located. Looking through the windows petrified figures in black hoods, that belong to a strange demon revival cult, need our sacrifice to achieve their demonic goal.
Ready for some rest, relaxation, and zen vibes well you are in the right place, as the Rena Spa located within the iconic Midland Hotel in the heart of Manchester City centre has all you need for some much deserved you time.
Offering a range of packages, The Rena spa has something to suit everyone. We opted for the Indulgence Spa Day which included a 50-minute treatment, Afternoon Tea, a glass of bubbly, Robes and Slippers for use while in the spa.
The thermal areas are the perfect place to enjoy a dip in the pool, some jacuzzi time, sauna, steam room or why not enjoy some time under the swan neck water feature. This may not be the fountain of youth, but it can certainly relax tension within those shoulders.
Treatments are a luxurious and divine offering at the Rena and there are a vast range of options such as the Vinosource Hydrating and Nourishing Facial, Divine Body Massage, Fleur De Vigne Candle Massage Calming Hand, Foot & Scalp Therapy Rose & Honey Harmony Facial, and my personal favourite the Caudalie City Living Contouring and Invigorating Body Wrap.
My lovely beauty therapist, who provided an amazing balancing and detoxifying treatment wrap, which involved gentle exfoliation with their crushed cabernet scrub, followed by an application of their contouring concentrate, designed to help boost the metabolism and ease away tension it also speeds up the elimination of toxins.
This is followed by an application of their vine body butter massaged onto the skin and then wrapped to cocoon the skin with hydrating. The experience also included a full scalp treatment for total relaxation.
After your treatment, while in a full relaxation mode, why not enjoy some post-treatment time chilling within the Rena zen area, a beautiful room with stylish seating, private chamber rooms and the free-standing pod units.
Now if that was not indulgent enough prepare to enjoy a delicious decadent Afternoon tea within the iconic Midland tearoom of course with plenty of beautiful bubbles.
Christopher our server welcomed us with open arms and was a wonderfully friendly chap who made our day extra lovely.
forkwardthinkingfoodinista 