The Magic of Northern Ireland

Truth be told, I probably wouldn't have ever ventured across the water to Northern Ireland if it hadn't been for my friends wedding this spring in her home village - a beautiful little place called Cushendall. But I am soooo glad I did - everything about this place is magical and it has some of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen. So I am Northern Ireland's number fan at the minute and telling everyone I can to go and let this little part of the world shine! 

First Stop - Belfast 

Belfast Street Art

The first thing that strikes you about Belfast is the street art. It's everywhere. Vibrant striking images of Belfast's history adorn walls on every building. It reminded me a lot of Manchester and Liverpool, quirky industrial streets now filled with bustling cafes and bars. I could definitely live here, we all felt right at home. 

The National & Sixty 6, Belfast

One of the must do's, in my opinion is a Black Cab Tour. I love history, I always have so anything to do with past or present troubles really interests me. We pre booked Paddy Campbell's Famous Black Cab Tour and was met promptly by our driver Damien. The history of Belfast and it's on going struggles with religion were fascinating and although being old enough to understand at the time, the troubles in Northern Ireland really passed me by as a child ashamedly and I never realised the severity of it all. This tour was so informative, humorous and sensitive - it really captured our attentions. 

The Peace Wall, Belfast

Of course Belfast is also renowned for a good night out and it didn't disappoint. Being the foodies we are, we dined at The Ox and then headed into the Cathedral quarter for as much Guinness as we could handle. One of my favourite memories is sitting in the Duke of York pub with a session band singing "Galway Girl", everyone was merry and loving life at that moment. It was just like I imagined!  

The Crown Pub, Belfast

Established Coffee, Belfast. Eggs & Avocado.

Our second day in Belfast consisted of a fabulous breakfast at Established Coffee - the orange juice was to die for - and then on to the famous Titanic Museum. I actually really enjoyed the museum, it's great for kids or a rainy day and the chance to reenact the famous "King of the world" scene means it's a 100% winner in my eyes! Plus there's the geeky photo op moments you can't resist! 

Titanic Museum, Belfast

Titanic Museum Belfast

From Belfast to Cushendall

For our trip, we hired a car. It's probably the only way to get around if you plan on heading further north from Belfast. The Coastal Causeway route is spectatular and if you can drive, then I highly reccommend you do it because it gives you total freedom to just pull over and go wherever the scenery takes you. Some of our best moments were off course, randomly stopping and letting curiousity take over. 

Glendales BnB, Cushendall

Cushendall is a gorgeous little seaside village, nestled in between three glens of Antrim and in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and it is where my friend grew up and returned home to get married. Having everyone descend on this village from all over for the weekend was fabulous and it was so good to see so many old faces. Our group staying in the wonderful Glendale BnB where the home cooked Ulster Fry was second to none! 

Glendales famous Ulster Fry!

We spent 3 nights in Cushendall, with the main event being on Saturday. The weather was gloriuous and everything about the wedding day was amazing. The whole village was so accomodating and you couldn't meet friendlier people. 

The day after the wedding, we dragged ourselves to the beach to blow the hangovers away and boy did it blow. That's the unpredictability of Northern Ireland and the weather I guess, but being Manchester folk it didn't phase us. I always have an umbrella with me, no matter what the forecast! 

Cushendall Beach

Best Selfie Ever

Cushendall Beach

Up North along the Causeway Coastal Route 

Glenariff Nature Reserve & Waterfalls Walk

Relunctantly we said our goodbyes to our friends and to Cushendall and headed even further north along the Coastal Causeway Route. There are so many beauitufl places along this route, Game of Thrones has filmed lots of scenes in these parts and there's also loads of fun things to do. First stop, about 10 mins from Cushendall was the Glenariff Waterfalls which was a gorgous little walk down into the valley. Next was the tiny village of Cushenden where we stopped for an hour to have tea and cake and hide away from the wind. 

Cushendun

Cushenden Beach

We braved the weather and climbed the path to Torr Head along the way, which had more amazing views. The headland was important in the 1800s for recording the passage of transatlantic ships and also has ruins dating back to the 6th Century. 

Torr Head

Another stop off on the way to our third stopover was the Dark Hedges, famed by Game of Thrones. We excitedly blasted the theme tune as we pulled into the car park and followed the scores of tourists to the tree lined avenue. In truth, it was pretty underwhelming and being around so many tourists was off putting but at least we ticked it off the list. 

The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland. Games of Thrones tourist destination - I have edited out all the people!

And finally we rewarded all the outdoor activity with the last tour of the day around Bushmills Whisky Distillery. I personally hate whisky so this was one for the others but the tour was interesting enough and it was nice to be warm! 

Bushmills Whisky Distillery Tour

We finally reached our AirBnB in Port Stewart which is another coastal town and were rewarded with a gorgeous sunset. If it wasn't for the coats and lack of music, we could basically have been in Ibiza! 

Sunset at Port Stewart

Giants Causeway & Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge 

Our second to last day was spent doing the big Tourist attractions that this part of Northern Ireland boasts about. The first was the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge which I didn't even attempt to cross. Too many scars from playground rope bridges and an over zealous brother - yep I'm a wimp! But the others all did it, rather easily if I might add, and I took photos from a brilliant vantage point. 

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland. Ben crossing solo!

The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway has always been a bucket list destination for me since a high school art project and an unhealthy obsession with Westlife! It was everything I dreamed of, although sadly Shane Filan was not waiting for me but nevertheless I loved it. I really liked how you could just wander onto the rocks and find your own little spot. Yes it was busy but you could escape some crowds and get those all important photos if needed. 

The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Last Day 

Because we were a group of nine from different bits of the UK, the last day meant various departures at different times, leaving 5 of us for the last flight of the day. We slowly made our way back to the airport via various points along the Coastal route which we hadn't yet seen. The sun had also come back so it was perfect! 

Port Stewart, Northern Ireland

We headed to White Park Bay, which is where a herd of cows can be seen lazying around on the beach. There are google images to prove it. Unfortunately I didn't see any cows building sandcastles but the beach was absolutely stunning and the dunes were full of rabbits which kept us entertained in the sunshine. 

White Park Bay, Northern Ireland. Sadly no cows....

Ballintoy Harbour

Next stop was Ballintoy which is another Game of Thrones filming location. It's a tiny harbour with the cutest ice cream cafe which makes it the perfect pit stop. 

Mint Choc ice cream, Northern Ireland

And that's it, the Northern Irish adventure is over. We ended the day with a gorgeous meal at Billy Andy's on the way back to the airport and 40 minutes on a plane we were back home in Manchester. I honestly couldn't recommend Northern Ireland enough, the scenery, the people, the atmosphere - it's all brilliant. 

P.s. This isn't sponsored in any way - I just had the most amazing time!!! 

A Tour Around Whitworth Locke Hotel, Manchester.

The Conservatory Bar, Whitworth Locke, Manchester

An exciting new hotel has opened up in Manchester and it’s been done slightly under the radar. Relying on word of mouth and a beautiful Instagram feed, Locke hotels have opened their flagship in the heart of Manchester to sit alongside the already successful Edinburgh and London sites.

Chair detail, Whitworth Locke, Manchester

Wall murals, Whitworth Locke, Manchester

Designed by Grzywinski+Pons, this 160 room apart-hotel is completely reinventing the notion of what a hotel should be. Focusing on design at the forefront with the city as the backdrop, Whitworth Locke is entered through the bar. You are immediately greeted with a social space rather than a reception desk, allowing you to feel more relaxed and at home instantly. There are co working spaces, a Foundation coffee shop and plans for a nightclub in the future to mix city and hotel residents together.

Textures, Whitworth Locke, Manchester

Manchester is at the heart of this design, from the nods to the red brick buildings in the terracotta tiles to the yellow bar which is a subtle tribute to the worker bee.

Each room has been designed around the building which as an Interior Architecture alumni really appealed to me. The space fits round the existing bricks and mortar so if a column has to run through the middle of the room, so be it.

Yellow Bar, Whitworth Locke, Manchester

Bringing the outside in, Whitworth Locke, Manchester

Unlike most hotels, Whitworth Locke is focused around apart-hotel living with every room having a kitchen and living space, appealing to people who work away all week and would like some home comforts instead of a naff hotel restaurant serving microwave curries and burgers. What I wouldn’t have given for a place like this in my days as an Area Visual Merchandiser and all those store openings I worked on. After one week of living in a hotel, all you want is some home cooked food and a salad!

Whitworth Locke room, Manchester

The muted colour palettes run throughout the hotel, highlighting calmness and peacefulness which is also important in the hotel world - a good nights sleep is essential.

I love the soft pinks used on all the walls and ceilings. By painting everything one colour you really start to notice the imperfections which is exactly what Grzywinski+Pons want you to do. They want you to look at the wonky beams, the odd nail and the uneven textures as it all lends itself to the Manchester “theme”. You can feel the history and the stories, something else existed before and that, to me, is fabulously romantic!

Celebrating the imperfections, Whitworth Locke, Manchester

A sign of a good design is where everything has been thought about, from the level of the curtains framing the windows to the placement of the remote control when you walk through the door. Every inch of this hotel appeals to me and it is so fresh to see this open up in Manchester competing with the design hub cities such as London, Paris and Amsterdam.

The sense of community is also at the heart of Whitworth Locke and every part of the hotel is open to the public. They actively encourage local residents to use the co working spaces, pop in for a coffee or a bottomless prosecco night in the Conservatory, or come join a yoga class in the gym.

If you haven’t already visited Whitworth Locke then I highly recommend it, even if it’s only for the Ecuadorian hot chocolate from Foundation which is my all time favourite drink (after espresso martinis of course!)

For more information click here!

My Top Milan Picks

So it has been one month since I visited Milan during Design Week 2019 and I‘d thought share my highlights and trend spots. I would highly recommend visiting design shows if you have a chance, the inspiration is massive and you come back buzzing, if slightly knackered!

Milan Duomo at dusk.

1. Studio Pepe

The future is unwritten, Studio Pepe installation, Milan Design Week 2019.

“The future is unwritten and in order to find out about it, you have to ask the right questions.” Housed in an old gold manufacturing warehouse, Studio Pepe created an experience based on Arcanists, who were chemists that held the knowledge of formulas able to create porcelain and to work with materials such as glass and metals. This was seen as mystical at the time and the exhibition was a exploration of science and magic.

The whole thing was weird and wonderful but I completely loved it. Everything from the colour palette to the journey was intriguing and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the street. Also who doesn’t love a neon sign?

Studio Pepe, Arcanist exhibition, Milan Design Week 2019.

2. Coffee Stop at Cafe Cafezal Milano

Terrazzo table with tan leather, Cafezal Milan designed by Studio Pepe.

Also designed by Studio Pepe, this tiny 50 sq metre cafe is a feast of terrazzo, dusky pinks and inky blues which is right up my street. I can’t comment on the coffee as I ordered a coke (cringe) but if you are like me and think interiors make up at least 50% of the experience then this a must go!

3. Muuto’s Orange Pendant

Muuto, Milan Design Week. Unfold Orange Pendant.

Orange was everywhere this year - a refreshing change to “Millennial Pink” which seems to have dominated design shows in the last few years. People are becoming more playful, experimental and allowing personalities to shine through. Whilst I am not suggesting we all go and paint our walls orange, I am hoping to see more and more “pops” of colour infiltrating our homes and this orange Unfold pendant is one of the perfect examples of how a hot colour can immediately become calm and muted when paired with the right colours. Against the cool concrete greys and subtle stone pinks, this feels like a sophisticated choice which has the potential to stick around for a few years.

4. Pedrali Palace of Wonders

Pedrali Palace of Wonders, Milan Design Week 2019. Orange colour trend.

Sticking with the orange theme, Italian furniture producers Pedrali created a fabulous exhibition, showcasing 10 new collections of furniture designed for public spaces, offices and homes.

Pairing the bold orange with powder blues and pinks created a fabulous colour palette which could easily fit into the domestic interiors or commercial environments such as office spaces or retail spaces.

Pedrali Palace of Wonders, Salone Del Mobile 2019.

5. Lunch Spot at 10 Corso Como

10 Corso Como, Milan

This is a gorgeous unexpected courtyard which is just off a shopping street. It’s like escaping to the countryside with birds and flowers and gorgeous food. I would highly recommend getting a Hugo which is my new favourite cocktail!

Hugo Cocktail, Milan Design Week.

5. Round Shapes and Wallpapers - Agape & Wall&decò Collab

Another big trend at Salone Del Mobile this year was round shapes. Circles, curves, pill shapes - straight lines were definitely on the back foot. This black bath from Agape was stunning - although I’m not sure how comfortable it would be. Wall & Decò have always been a favourite of mine at shows but the designs this year have pushed the boundaries way beyond what I could imagine. Now to start wallpapering my bathroom immediately…

Agape & Wall&Deco, Salone Del Mobile. Black round bath and statement wallpaper in the bathroom.

6. Terrazzo & Cane Weave

Cane weave headboard and side table, Milan Design Week, 2019.

In case you didn’t know already, Cane Weave is having a moment. It has been growing steadily over the last few years but there was an explosion in Milan this year. High-street retailers such as Ikea and H&M are already creating gorgeous pieces at reasonable prices so expect this trend to be sticking around for a few years to come.

One of my other favourite things in the world is terrazzo and this Utu pendant combining both cane and terrazzo got me very excited!

Utu Frame 1 Suspension Light, Milan Design Week 2019. Terrazzo and Cane weave combined!

7. Aperol Spritz on the Terrace

If you get the chance to go to Milan for the design show or just for fun then I highly recommend the Aperol Spritz terrace bar opposite the Duomo. Yes it is a bit of a tourist spot and yes you may have to queue for a little bit, but it has a fabulous view of the Duomo and the square. We stayed here for a few Aperols and watched the sun go down whilst chatting away. The perfect end to a busy day in Milan.

Aperol Spritz Bar, Milan