Ragdale Hall Spa Hotel What You Imagine Is Not Always The Reality

Spa Dreams Do Not Always Come True

Holly Barclay

2026-03-27T11:31:42.4970000 2026-03-28T07:56:54.4230000

Sometimes there’s a vast difference between what you imagine and what is delivered especially when the expectation has been created over a long period like 20 or 25 years.

This is how long I heard the whispers about Ragdale Hall, health spa opened as a women only slimming hydro in the early 1970s.

I had been to Champneys, Eden Day Spa, Hoar Cross Hall and The Belfry when budget and time allowed but never Ragdale Hall. Friends had been, clients had been but not me. I imagined pampering of the highest, luxury level, fluffy dressing gowns of the finest cotton towelling, slippers you sink into, health and wellness in every nook and cranny of a historic regal stately property. To be fair my expectations were very high based upon the prices charged. Approx £700 plus gratuities for one night including 3 meals and one treatment.

My visit started really well, valet parking, an American luxury I’d grown accustomed to holidaying in the US, rarely encountered in the UK (even at the poshest of places) and porters to whisk bags out of hands and ensure everything was delivered safely to the room.

The check in was swift and efficient, no waiting at all, something I loved and really appreciated. It seemed the place was run with such efficiency I didn’t notice the faded slip covered furniture and carpets from the 1980s that had definitely seen better days.

The room was the same, whilst it had every modern convenience, it felt thrown together in design, not cohesive in the way a 5 star hotel delivers serenity and comfort. The bathroom was new, white, clean, black and white tiled floor, but the towels, dressing gowns and room interiors were from a different time.

It felt more rest home than relaxation retreat with simple things like mirrors not positioned in the correct place to dry hair even though everything you would need was provided, coffee, tea, kettle, everything except water which seemed strange in a health spa.

We explored the shopping on arrival and they do have a really extensive beauty product shop, stocking well known brands like Clarins and Elemis and also quite a few I’d never heard of. Which was great. The staff in there were knowledgeable and helpful and we did shop. The fashion boutique was another story entirely. I am certainly not the most fashionable or up to date but it was stocked with clothes, shoes and accessories I thought my late mother would have said “no thanks” to. We walked in and walked straight out, making an excuse we’d just arrived and would be back.

We did come across two other gift stores selling jewellery and what looked like holiday souvenirs and gifts but we stopped at the entrance not wishing to have to make another hasty retreat.

I was booked in as a guest by a friend a gift so I wasn’t complaining just surprised. There were some highlights, the treatment I had was excellent in isolation. The therapist was experienced and I felt her precision and care in every touch. The highlight of the visit for me.

The staff in the dining room were young and inexperienced servers but they made up for this with effort and care that didn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated but there were faux pas you wouldn’t expect in a 5 star spa that made us giggle, cocktails served with the complete accompanying mixer poured, lack of knowledge when it came to the wine, champagnes and spirits offered, mis pronunciations can be forgiven but mis information and the wrong order delivered really slowly was frustrating. The Twilight Bar experience was funny and entertaining but for all the wrong “faulty towers” reasons, a bit of a car crash, two drinks costing £30 plus an additional £8 charge for a seating table fee felt like we were being fleeced, American style.

The thermal spa area had fantastic facilities spoiled only by other visitors more interested in talking constantly than respecting the signs requesting quiet and silence in designated areas.

The thought zones we smiled were mistakenly understood as places to share your thoughts rather than keep them to yourself.

It’s a tricky one when it’s the other guests ruining the experience for you, for me a property developer and an accountant celebrating their birthdays had a 20 year reunion serendipitously in the sauna, they had a lot to catch up on but instead of taking it outside, like a child screaming in a packed restaurant they spent their time catching up, subjecting everyone else to, their kids, their holidays, their friends, the businesses, sales, reasons, workload, retirement not particularly the hotel or spas fault. No one else in the sauna asked them to be quiet so neither did I. And when you are in the minority, everyone else having a great time chatting up a storm you sometimes just have to chalk it up to not being the place for you.

If you like a spa experience to socialise, eat, drink and have a good old gossip this is the perfect place. Would be good for a hen party or a group of women of which there were quite a few. If you are looking for somewhere to retreat, initiate catalyse or kickstart change, meditate, reflect, start a healthier food, diet, lifestyle regime maybe not the place for that, it’s too noisy.

https://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/

Waterfall Down a Modern Day Feminist Manual Spanning 7 Decades I Predict Will Endure For Years To Come

Every great work of literature has a common theme - the strongest of female Protagonists

Holly Barclay

2026-03-07T10:58:14.7570000 2026-03-07T11:32:52.9000000

Everyone loves a great story, stories like The Great Gatsby, it even has great in the title, Wuthering Heights and Emily Brontes Catherine Earnshaw reimagined by Emerald Fennel into a tale of erotic feminism and fantasy, and her sister Charlotte’s heroine Jane Eyre, a story that has endured I think because everyone can connect with the brutality and cruelty that drives Jane and hardens her with steely determination. Hardy’s Far From The Madding Crowd with the driven protagonist Bathsheba Evendeen determined to be bigger and better than the men in a world not designed for the gentile to succeed or Jane Austin’s comedic tale Emma where Emma Woodhouse uses her charm and sometimes cunning to her own end and the more realistic look at the plight of women in the 19th century in Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice, stories that continue to be retold.

All these stories have a common thread in their timeless ability to reveal and connect. Showing the light and shade of the lives of the characters, the emotions and struggles that connect us all when the author exposes the inner workings of character rarely revealed in everyday life.

A really good book for me takes you on a journey, connects you with the protagonist, shows you an unimaginable truth inside the trials and tribulations of their life, which is in effect your life, whatever the date and time within which the story is set.

Many books have tackled the plight of women, usually set within some kind of love story, we humans like that, we women especially relate it to hope and beauty, often foolishly. Most great stories expose the brutality of life, the real inate differences between men and women but there are few books I have read that give both women and men an insight into these distinct differences which are actually unchanging from Victorian drama to modern testimony which leave women on the losing side in society regarding status and earning potential more times than not.

Growing up in Yorkshire I connected with the Brontë sisters, I visited Haworth a lot close to my childhood home and like most people studied these classic works of English literature in school.

In my teens, an avid reader I became engrossed in the work of another woman from Yorkshire Barbara Taylor Bradford and her counterpart from The North East Catherine Cookson.

The female protagonists in these fictional best sellers reminded me of the black and white movie stars of the 1930s and 40s Hollywood I was yet to meet in Joan Crawford and Bette Davies.

My book club was lucky enough to get pre release copies of this title and I feel honoured to be one of the first people to ever read it. Imagine if JK Rowling had let you take a peak at Harry Potter before becoming a global phenomenon.

Waterfall Down is a feminist manual of our time, a true story that will empower men, probably make them cringe in it’s expose of one woman’s early plight and subsequent fight for financial success against all the odds managing, manipulating and using sex appeal wisely, her most potent weapon for ascension and getting what she wanted first and foremost.

For women the story is an education, a shift in mindset, a big reveal, that shows undeniably paying is power, and earning potential is quietly hampered for women even in the post women’s lib, burn our bras, free sex, feminist era.

When we are sick of things the way they are, for women and men this tale told over seven decades will connect you, then strip you bear and make you feel in the way a classic work of modern literature is able to do. It’s not about the writing style, that’s not fancy, it’s about the guts of the story about a dream and achieving the impossible. A story that makes us watch a film or pick up a book and turn the pages continuously right until the very end.

Only a reader understands that feeling when you turn the last page and you are so full of emotion stirred amongst the pages you feel like you need a holiday with another amazing read.

San Carlos Restaurant An Italian Old School Gem where Things are Just Done Well

Every Time I Go I Think I Have To Come Here More Often

Holly Barclay

2026-02-28T10:26:17.6330000 2026-02-28T11:27:16.8900000

San Carlos is possibly the best restaurant in Leicester. In the town centre anyway, and since the Case closed down I cannot think of another restaurant in the centre of town where there’s a whiff of that feeling of being somewhere wonderful that’s not a chain.

Even though San Carlos is part of a larger group that includes Fumo in Birmingham and the Flying Pizza in Leeds it doesn’t feel like it. It’s old school. Beautiful crisp white table clothes, servers in smart waist coats and ties. The kind of trained staff who know how to serve a cocktail, pour a bottle of wine, clean the table of crumbs and spills before dessert and coffee. The kind of touches that elevate a restaurant from quick and cheap to elegant and an experience.

For anyone visiting the City from another place, and definitely for overseas visitors looking for a great food and wine experience in the City Centre this is the only place I’d recommend.

I love Italian food, probably my favourite. I love well made, drip of the chin pizza and el dente pasta, the type of food people travel around Italy to experience. And San Carlos delivers from the exuberant loud chef who comes to your table if you are honoured with his presence, to the singing in the kitchen which can sometimes be heard.

Every time I visit I think I have to come and support more often. I always have the feeling it’s just not going to survive. I usually go for lunch and the last half a dozen times the place has only been a third full, if that and I don’t really know why because for anyone stylish it’s the best food and the most fun.

I am sure I am not the only one who has noticed the centre centre of Leicester deteriorate which may be the reason for the decline in patronage at a beautiful spot like San Carlos, where celebrity photographs of sporting heroes and rock gods alike adorn the walls, a place to grab a late super when Leicester was the budding music, comedy and creative centre for talent to flock to.

The restaurant for me still holds that charm and I would be devastated to see it close. Then there would be literally nowhere like this to go in Leicester. I went to the not so new Gresham Hotel on Market Street for a meal a while ago, encouraged by the hype we had a new fantastic and different place to go and whilst the setting was interesting, a kinda 1920’s Coconut Grove cocktail bar feel with indoor palm trees (fake but it’s Leicester) the food and service was terrible and I felt like I was sitting on a made for Instagram influencers set. I never went back.

San Carlos is the opposite, authentic, old school and stylish. The food is consistently fantastic and the service, well there’s no where like it certainly in Leicester. The location on Granby St opposite the Grand Hitel isn’t the best and the parking around there isn’t the easiest either although you can usually park around Halford St and walk across.

People may have been put off because it’s a large restaurant and if there aren’t many people in there it’s hard to create the atmosphere San Carlos is known for but boy when it’s hopping and the staff are on fire I cannot think of a better spot for lunch or dinner I’d rather go to.

If you’ve never been don’t forget about this gem of a place when you are thinking of somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, they are particularly good at accommodating big groups, or just a wonderful bowl of well cooked pasta using high quality authentic ingredients.

The focaccia is out of this world and the olive oil is always fragrant and expensive. If you need only one reason to go, and there are actually many, this would be it.

Foxs Biscuits Hold A Special Place Non More So Than Their Brandy Snap

Foxs Burtons The Only place I’ve found Boxed Brandy Snap Other Than Bettys In Harrogate

Holly Barclay

2025-12-30T16:09:23.7800000 2026-01-01T07:22:59.3830000

I love it the message on the back of the Foxs Brandy Snap. The company asking for notes and letters, saying specifically they love hearing from their customers. It inspired me to share my passion for the lowly Brandy snap, particularly Fox’s Brandy Snap. We used to call it Grandy snap when we were kids. The discount outlet factory shop in Batley West Yorkshire was a regular stop on school holiday outings, followed by a trip to Batley Park to feed George the swan on the lake the biscuit crumbs from the bottom of the bag and dip our fluorescent nets on drooling rods into the murky water and then munch on the Brandy snap, fuel for the walk home. The Foxes Biscuit Factory still a tourist attraction. People travel to visit the famous factory, established 1853 and still on the same site. If you get a chance to visit it’s a real Industrial Revolution experience. You get a real sense of Victorian factories life just from the looming stone cobbled streets and brick buildings characteristic of the small West Yorkshire town.

When I have time I make my own. They cook fast in the aga, about 10 minutes so I can’t give you temperatures. I follow Delia Smiths recipe, I am a fan of her cookbooks, if you follow to the letter, things rarely go wrong.

Ingredients

Butter: 2 oz (50 g), plus extra for greasing

Molasses sugar: 2 oz (50 g)

Golden syrup: 1½ oz (40 g)

Plain flour: 1½ oz (40 g), sifted

Ground ginger: ¾ teaspoon

Brandy: 1 teaspoon

Method

Melt the Base: Combine the butter, molasses sugar, and golden syrup in a thick-based saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth with no granules.

Incorporate Flour: Remove the pan from the heat. Beat in the sifted flour and ground ginger until smooth, followed by the brandy. You end up with a thick batter.

Prepare for Baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place two separate tablespoons of the mixture onto the tray, allowing enough space for them to spread to roughly 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter.

Bake: Bake in a preheated oven (160°C fan/325°F/Gas 3) for 8–10 minutes. Watch closely during the final 2 minutes to ensure they turn a deep golden, lacy color without burning.

Shape: Let them cool for about 2 minutes on the tray until firm enough to lift but still pliable. Drape one at a time over an upturned, greased jam jar or glass, pressing the edges to create a ruffled "basket" shape. For traditional brandy snap, roll them around the handle of a wooden spoon.

Tip: If they become too hard to mold, return them to the oven for 1 minute to soften.

They are the easiest and most delicious biscuit dessert treat to make. Fantastic quick project to do with kids as the moulding is really fun. If tackling the baking is just too much Foxs Brandy Snaps are extremely close to homemade, the only downside is you only get 8 in a box and they can be quite difficult to find unless it’s Christmas. I’ve had the best success at Sainsbury’s. They stock them all year around but head up when they come in, they do sell out quick so I tend to buy a few boxes at a time.

They keep in the cupboard unopened for a few months.

The Guinea Pig a School Days film for film lovers; That May Have Passed Undetected

British Black and White Classic Public School Film That Will Evoke Every Emotion 1948

Holly Barclay

2025-12-15T09:48:52.0630000 2025-12-15T10:04:47.6430000

The Guinea Pig - sometimes the old ones are simply the best. I don’t usually review films but felt to compelled to share this one. It really touched me.

Starring Richard Attenborough as Jack Read. His Mum Mrs Read is played by a very young Joan Hickson many may recognise as Miss Marple from more recent TV adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder Mysteries.

I grew up on movies like the Winslow Boy and Good Bye Mr Chips, both staring Robert Donat, Tom Browns School Days, The Happiest Days of Your Life and The Browning Version, all classic black and white films along the same lines, exploring the trials and tribulations of English public school life and often tackling difficult themes of privilege and class distinction and the exclusion of working kids from top university’s like Oxford and Cambridge.

And my love of books began as early as 6 or 7 tucking into the St Clare’s series by Enid Blyton featuring lead girls the O’Sullivan twins and subsequently Mallory Towers and protagonist Darrell Rivers said to be based on the school adventures of Blyton’s own daughter. So have always found excitement and dread in equal measure in the concept of leaving home at an early age to attend school.

The Guinea Pig is a film I’d never heard of. The Guinea Pig (US title The Outsider) It’s a 1948 British film directed by Roy Boulting and starring Richard Attenborough, in the lead role as Jack Read, Sheila Sim as Lynne Hartley, (daughter to the schools House Master Lord and Mrs Hartley and Bernard Miles as Jack’s grocer father Mr. Read.

The main plot line is one of prejudice and class, where the board of governors at the school decide on an experiment to give a working class boy the opportunity to experience life there and the advantages that may bring, against the better judgement of Lord Hartley who believes the money would be better spent on improvement to the schools 16th century building and facilities at Saintbury.

It’s a beautiful old fashioned British classic I can’t wait to see again. So good I can’t believe I’d never heard of it, the type of John Mills movie like Great Expectations or Hobson’s Choice you’d never forget and want to have in the archive when you feel like 2 hours of recalibration and remembering what’s important in life.

When Jack Read arrives he is open and a good lad who has no idea what to expect or the structure and protocol of the school and what is expected of the younger boys from the seniors.

There are moments of comedy as he speaks up for himself and gets into fights. When he meets new master Nigel Lorraine played by Robert Flemying who befriends him (as two new boys) things get a little better with his friendship and guidance but it does get to the point where Jack Read wants to leave the school and decides to make a runaway in the middle of the night.

There are some hilarious timeless lines where Jack calls Peck the school porter Sir as an elder out of respect and Peck has to explain the role reversal where Peck calls Jack, Sir. And where Jack is ribbed for his terrible French accent as he is asked to read aloud in class for the first time or his misuse of “quad” in his Latin translation, for anyone who went through the pain of The Aeneid and The Iliad. And the roastings and the beatings of school life when you are the Outsider, perhaps why this title was preferred for an American audience.

The love interest happens for Jack with “Plum Tart” a local girl at the library much to the horror of his teacher who explains he has to be reported to the Headmaster or take a beating. Jack bravely elects the later. It’s a scary reminder of life in the 40s and 50s when corporal punishment in schools was the norm and takes us back to old public school days when even speaking to the opposite sex was strictly forbidden and how strange that concept is for a boy from a normal working class family.

When Jack decides to runaway from school he interrupts Nigel Lorraine the new master and Lynne Hartley having a walk in the school grounds and kindling their romance. It is Nigel (Laurie) again who with kindness helps Jack to see things differently and not to quit.

I don’t want to tell what happens in the end. It is a little corny and somewhat predictable but the deep message in the film as minds are changed will prick a tear for many followed by the comfort of a wry smile. The film does what it means to. A lovely story if not a little predictable does give us all an education into human connection and how we all have something to learn from each other regardless of wealth, education, class or social standing in society.

The Real Story Of The Perfect Small Business

Discover the secret to building a super successful business. No advertising, no social media, no...

Holly Barclay

2025-12-08T09:32:45.4370000 2025-12-12T10:43:46.5030000

As small businesses go it doesn’t get much smaller than the egg supplier business in our village but what a magnificent business it is offering an exceptional product for an amazing price. It’s a beautiful business built on trust that doesn’t probably wish for marketing because it is easy for the few to ruin it for the many so the location and proprietors I will keep a secret. This business is so good it doesn’t need more customers, they already have the whole village and people travelling from neighbouring villages as well to sample their goods.

Just proving when a product is excellent and great value people will fore go convenience of the local supermarket and become loyal to a small brand, weaving into their routine the job of collecting the eggs. People don’t have to be told to return their trays either, they do it as matter of course, everyone helping and contributing to keep the proprietors happy and ensure the service, the business continues, not only survives but thrives.

It’s a business built on love and trust, going back to basics. One of the chickens escaped, was spotted in a neighbours back garden and the owners notified via the village what’s app group. Within minutes the business proprietor was over to pick up the escapee and the bird came to him to be picked up like a loved puppy seeing his owner. When he scooped it up he gently kissed it.

A little love clearly makes the eggs taste better.

I left the full egg tray just collected on top of my bin for safety whilst I did a quick job, my back was turned for maybe 5 minutes and when I returned the eggs were gone in a dead village in the blink of the eye. It was a mystery, the only people who had been down the lane were the bin men who when I asked if they’d seen anyone, they confessed they thought I was throwing the eggs away and returned them.

Oh and there’s no one serving, or taking money. This business operates totally on trust. You leave your money and take your product. I guess if you are dishonest the shame of everyone finding out acts as the perfect deterrent if temptation strikes but more likely it’s being barred from enjoying delicious fresh produce at a bargain price.

Maybe bigger less authentic companies could learn from this model. How to create a customer base so loyal they won’t steal from you even when they can.

Cue Cafe Inspired By Scandinavia

Everything was perfect even right down to the gorgeous tableware

Holly Barclay

2025-11-21T15:46:48.0000000 2025-11-22T14:37:31.6030000

Francis St and Allandale Road in Stoneygate Leicester used to be a vibrant suburban High St known for it’s posh shopping and independent boutiques, galleries, jewellers and antiques as well as the beautiful garden centre and cafe Outerspace which is still open and worth a visit.

Another lovely spot that has survived the downturn in the economy is Cue, part restaurant, part cafe it has an international feel, a bit like the cafes and coffee shops you might find in larger metropolises like New York or Sydney serving healthy modern dishes, lovely breakfasts and brunches with in a minimalist super clean stark setting. The white walls and modern furniture is complemented with lush cactus on every table and chilled complimentary water.

The simple ceramics and super modern in design, table ware make you feel like you could be anywhere, about to go surfing on Bondi Beach, or browsing the galleries in Soho, short for South of Houston in lower Manhattan. There is a lovely art gallery opposite Adore Fine Art curated by Oksana Smaditch. She has a great eye if you’ve got a few hundred to a few thousand going spare. It’s a beautiful space inside and makes for perfect window shopping after breakfast.

The friendly “students on a gap year” staff at Cue add to the ambience, the brainchild of the owners of the Northern Cobbler on Queens Road, Leicester, Feroza and Steffan Safhill who described Cue as Scandi inspired.

The breakfast brunch options are my favourite coconut and chia pudding, a take on porridge, with granola and fresh berries, or sweet waffles with hazelnut spread, caramelised banana, creme fraiche and almond crumble is delicious. Quite a few vegan and veggie options on the menu too, the avocado toast is with a twist, pomegranate and the crumbliest of feta can be removed with the eggs if you are looking for plant based.

You absolutely must try the sliced avocado on toasted sourdough, it soars above your hipster cliché, being paired with salty crumbled feta, a spiky chilli and lime dressing and as I say with or without perfectly poached eggs. A stand out for me and worth returning for. Òne lunch dish we saw delicate Korean-smoked brisket loaded into a sweet brioche bun, not a combination I’ve had before which may split the crowd but the very tasty sesame-rich Asian ‘slaw on the side was notable. The home fries were really good and crunchy, actually sautéd new potatoes, we cleared the whole plate and wished there had been a few more, even though the portion wasn’t skimped in any way.

The prices are average I’d say, £10 per person for breakfast slash brunch plus drinks, a bit more for lunch, may £12.50 so with a tip if you budget £15.00 per head for breakfast, £17.50 for lunch you’ll probably have a little wiggle roam, maybe for a homemade cake or flapjack to go.

For information only this spot is halal which means permissible or lawful in Islam. The term “Halal” usually relates to food and often is connected to the slaughter of animals in a specific way, although it can extend to other areas of life including business, finance and social interaction, guiding Muslims to live a life of purity and ethics.

If you are expecting Pork sausages or bacon with your waffles you won’t find it here.

Vitabiotics Ultra Magnesium and Ultra Vitamin D But Do They Actually Work?

Research online says it can take from a few hours to up to 3 months to notice any physical change

Holly Barclay

2025-10-21T10:24:00.0000000 2025-10-21T10:50:11.1970000

No one in my family has ever bought into vitamin supplements. Both my mother and grandmother were educated women and instilled in me all the vitamins and minerals you need are consumed by eating a healthy colourful varied diet with loads of fruit, salad and veg. I may have been brainwashed by my parents to believe this and there may be people who have benefited from adding supplements into their diet but I always have the question ringing in my ears what did human beings do before the multi billion dollar supplement business came about. And so I’ve never bought in until now.

I stopped smoking and as it is suggested online I got worse before I began to feel better. I suffered not from cravings and anxiety or depression as some medical advice sites suggested but I started experiencing muscle pain and it was chronic. Bad enough to keep me awake at night and certainly bad enough to think maybe the anti inflammatory effects of smoking were better for my quality of life than quitting. I gave up smoking not just for my overall health but to help with gum disease and the health of my teeth but started to think I couldn’t deal with the no sleep and aching muscles if this was the trade off to all the pro-ported benefits of being a non smoker.

Before lighting up again I decided to give vitamins a go. AI Chatgtp suggested a daily dose of 500mg Magnesium glycinate and vitamin D could be the prescription I needed, 6 months after giving up smoking, following quite a lot of investigation online about the benefits of these supplements.

Here’s what’s happened, I have been taking the Ultra Magnesium from Vitabiotics, (couldn’t find Magnesium Glycinate specifically ) 2 tablets 375mg daily along with an iron supplement and the Vitamin D supplement, one tablet for about three weeks.

I am not overweight, my BMI is 22. I walk twice every day, about an hour in total. I stick to a vegetarian diet. A few younger members of my family are vegan plant based and leading me to give up cheese and diary. I’d say I am healthy, no pre existing conditions, rarely visit the doctor.

After three weeks I cannot notice a single difference the vitamin supplements have made.

I will give it a couple more weeks to see if I haven’t been taking them long enough.

I’ve attributed my increased muscle pain not to giving up smoking but to getting a new car, no power steering, and more driving so I am having to build up muscle strength in my arms and back which in time should sort out the aches and pains.

In the meantime I am going to try a CBD oil from Hemp Heroes in Ireland reviewed in the Independent, 500mg Organic CBD Drops - 20ml | Full Spectrum for Beginners × 1 to see if the anti inflammatory properties will compensate for those lost from smoking. I’ll let you all know the verdict. Never tried it before but open to giving anything a go to get my sleep back on track. 

Questioning the Efficacy of Vitabiotics Ultra Magnesium and Ultra Vitamin D: Do They Really Work?

In the realm of health supplements, Vitabiotics has carved out a niche with its range of vitamins and minerals designed to support various aspects of health. Among these, Ultra Magnesium and Ultra Vitamin D stand out for their targeted benefits, particularly in addressing muscle aches and pains. With the increasing popularity of these supplements, many consumers are curious about their effectiveness and how quickly they can expect to see results.

Ultra Magnesium: A Closer Look

Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in several bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system. Vitabiotics Ultra Magnesium provides a dose of this essential nutrient in a highly absorbable form. The product claims to aid in reducing fatigue and tiredness, which can be indirectly related to muscle aches and general discomfort.

Benefits for Muscle Aches and Pains
Magnesium's role in muscle function is particularly significant. It helps in the relaxation of muscle fibers after contraction, which can alleviate feelings of tightness and soreness. For individuals experiencing chronic muscle pain, such as those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, magnesium supplements might offer some relief. The anti-inflammatory properties of magnesium can also contribute to reducing overall muscle pain.

Timeframe for Efficacy
The timeframe in which users can feel relief from muscle aches after starting Ultra Magnesium varies. Typically, noticeable effects can be expected within a few weeks of regular intake. Consistency is key, as the body’s magnesium levels need to reach a certain threshold to manifest noticeable benefits.

 Ultra Vitamin D: Benefits and Efficacy

Vitamin D, often dubbed the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for maintaining healthy bone and muscle function. It facilitates the absorption of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and plays a role in smooth muscle operation and immune health. Ultra Vitamin D by Vitabiotics aims to supplement your Vitamin D intake, particularly in months with limited sunlight exposure.

 Role in Muscle Health
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of muscle pain and weakness. Therefore, supplementing with Vitamin D can be crucial for those not getting enough from sunlight or their diet. Vitamin D's involvement in muscle repair and maintenance means that adequate levels can help alleviate muscle soreness and improve overall muscle function.

Timeframe for Results
As with magnesium, the benefits of Vitamin D do not appear overnight. Users might start to feel an improvement in muscle pain and general well-being within a month or two. Optimal levels of Vitamin D are necessary for its full benefits on muscle pain and mobility to be realized, and these levels can take some time to build up in the body.

 Are They Worth It?

Vitabiotics publish both Ultra Magnesium and Ultra Vitamin D hold promise in managing muscle aches and enhancing overall muscle health. They are most effective when used as part of a broader approach to health that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity. While they are not quick fixes, consistent use, as directed, can lead to significant benefits, making them a worthwhile consideration for those struggling with persistent muscle pains or looking to boost their muscle and bone health. As always, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

The Black Horse at Market Bosworth Sunday Lunch Comparison

Exploring the Best Sunday Roasts in Market Bosworth and Surrounding Areas

Holly Barclay

2025-10-09T15:09:36.2970000 2025-10-10T09:11:55.5230000

Who doesn’t love an amazing Sunday lunch? I’ve had a few around the Midlands, pubs and restaurants offering everything from a traditional carvery, The Shire’s in Peatling Parva used to be the best carvery around when Phil and Paddy owned it. I haven’t been since they left although I noticed they have new signage and if the chef and staff are the same it is probably worth giving a go.

Another spot near by is the Queens Head at Saddington which has a lovely restaurant, their Sunday lunch is more of a fine dining than experience than a carvery and a bit more expensive but the food is really good and the welcome hearty.

The Langton Arms at Tur Langton is my local and whilst the lunch here has been hit and miss, sometimes it’s fabulous and sometimes not so, for meat eaters and vegetarians alike there’s something on the menu to take your fancy. The trio of meat, a bit of beef, lamb, and pork is a popular choice and the interior with big roaring fires in the winter, pink and white striped umbrellas on the massive patio and private dining rooms available to book for your party make this a very busy and popular Sunday lunchtime choice. It’s a horsey crowd and don’t be surprised to see expensive cars in the car park. People travel for the hospitality at the Langton Arms which includes a separate vegan menu the last time I went and bills delivered in old fashioned ladybird books, a gorgeous original touch. The wine list is excellent, possibly one of the best selections in the area which again is perhaps people return.

Possibly the best value fine dining restaurant pub experience we’ve discovered is at the Black Horse at Market Bosworth. Definitely more of a restaurant than a bar, the bar area is pretty tiny inside although they do have a large fairy lit tented patio at the back equipped with cosy blankets and heaters where non diners and locals congregate. The pub inside is a series of rooms, it’s an old building with beamed ceilings and whitewashed interior which makes for a cosy and warm, modern dining experience. They offer a set 2 or 3 course menu on a Sunday and is really great value for what’s on offer.

George the owner is also in the kitchen and prides himself on his repertoire of homemade soups, the mushroom and truffle a personal favourite. Every Sunday the soup offering ifs different and I am sure his soup keeps customers returning particularly during the winter months.

It does get very busy so booking a table is essential especially on special days like Easter and Mothers Day when the prices do go up because extras are added like flowers and free proscecco. It might be worth giving a miss around these times if you don’t want to pay extra as prices are set and non negotiable.

The Black Horse at Market Bosworth is a great Sunday lunch spot for anyone in search of tasty home cooked food served by friendly staff who go the extra mile to make your visit memorable. They also have interesting antiques and collectibles dotted around the place, candles, glassware, pictures, clocks, all for sale if something takes your fancy which adds an extra dimension to your dining experience at the Black Horse.

In Summary from most expensive to least expensive. We have a couple of plant based folk in our clan pushing the rest of us in that direction and some offerings are better than others in that department.

The Langton Arms, Tur Langton

The Langton Arms sticks to a more traditional script, serving hearty portions in a cozy pub setting. This place is all about the feel-good factor, with its warm interiors and a menu that features all the Sunday roast essentials. The roast beef is a standout, tender and rich in flavour, and the accompaniments are always spot on. It’s a great spot for those who appreciate a no-frills, just-like-home type of meal. The Langton Arms has a separate vegan menu.

The Queen's Head, Saddington

Venturing a bit further into the fine dining realm, The Queen's Head presents a Sunday lunch that caters to those with a penchant for a more refined palate. The prices are a notch higher, but so is the quality of the food. The dishes here are crafted with precision, offering a modern twist on the classic roast. The elegant setting and attentive service contribute to an overall exquisite dining experience, making it well worth the extra pennies. Not much on offer for vegans and veggies, more a meat and potatoes type menu but beautifully presented food.

The Black Horse, Market Bosworth

The Black Horse offers a charming blend of traditional ambiance and heart-warming food. Known for its beautifully plated roasts, this establishment prides itself on using local ingredients. The meats are succulent and perfectly roasted, accompanied by fluffy Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. The atmosphere, with its rustic decor and friendly service, makes it a top contender for those seeking a relaxed Sunday meal. The have a great nut roast alternative and veggie soups. Not the best for vegans.

The Shires, Peatling Parva

Once known for its exceptional carvery under the previous owners, Phil and Paddy, The Shires has undergone some changes recently, including new signage that hints at a revamp. While it's been some time since the ownership changed, the reputation built around its carvery still lingers. If the kitchen and staff maintain their standards, it could very well reclaim its title as the go-to carvery in the area. A visit here might be a gamble on nostalgia, but it could also be a delightful rediscovery. Not specifically Vegan Vegetarian but the carvery has loads of fresh veg options. For Vegetarians delicious Califlower Cheese.

Deal Or No Deal ITV2 Gambling Show hosted by Stephen Mulhern

long running British game show first hosted by Noel Edmonds in 2005

Holly Barclay

2025-08-20T09:18:56.6130000 2025-08-20T11:29:58.5170000

Sometimes it’s joyous and sometimes we have to switch off mid show because it’s such a painful watch we can’t stand it. No one wants to watch people crying after hopes and dreams are shattered. The jeopardy of the show.

I decided to share this snoop and confess I watch Deal or No deal, not religiously, I am not a raving fan but it does fill the 7.00pm to 8.00pm slot if I am not interested in what Channel 4 News are covering.

If you haven’t watched it, 22 players each select at random one of twenty two boxes, each with a different amount of money detailed inside, the low amounts are blue, the high amounts are red, 11 blues, 11 reds and then stand in a semi circle with the game board in the middle.

Each day one player is selected at random to go up against the banker, a mysterious figure we never meet or even hear at the end of a telephone line, the host Stephen Mulhern relays what the Banker says to the audience, and the player is betting the value of their box is higher than the banker’s offer to buy the box at the end of each opening box round. The player when they hear the offer for the box has the option to deal or no deal, ie take the offer and end the game or carry on until there are only two boxes left on the board, their’s and one other player.

The objective to end with two boxes on the board with the highest value possible.

We do find ourselves commenting on how most people play this random game of luck choosing the order they intend to open the boxes ahead of time based on numbers that mean something to them, house numbers, birthdays, lucky numbers and such like and then a player comes along with no strategy in mind just believing the amount of money in her box is what she is destined to have and saying right from the start she is “going to stand on business” a term I have never heard before and play right through until the end.

The player was Nay Nay and I have NEVER seen a Deal or Deal episode or game like it. It aired on 18th August, 2025 and I highly recommend everyone watch it if you want to see what positivity and self belief can do for you. Nay Nay held her nerve throughout the whole game and it wasn’t a struggle for her. She said she would be happy with whatever she ended up with in the end. And surprisingly I believed her. She said she came to play the game and believed whole heartedly what was in her box was what was meant for her.

I won’t tell you what happened as for anyone who didn’t watch and wants to it would spoil this epic episode which we can all learn from.

Most people give up a few weeks of their life to be in Deal or No Deal, staying in a hotel with 21 strangers to have the chance to win up to £100,000 when their turn comes around.

Many of the games are so brutal to watch as the high reds are opened and the disappointment of the player is hard to mask.

The jeopardy of the game is you may have brought the blue 1p box to the table in which case you have the lowest value box on the board.

That said you may be lucky enough to leave the £100,000 red box unopened so no one knows which is on the table, the highest or lowest amount and the banker must then hedge the offer against the risk of the player scooping the highest jackpot prize.

It’s a very interesting game of psychology that is sometimes elating but often times cruel as you see the desire to win big overtake logic and common sense.

And yet sometimes the human spirit from a player like Nay Nay, described as having the voice of an angel and the heart of a lion gives us a very memorable look at what can happen when you simply believe whole heartedly in something and I am not talking about God.

Go and check it out. Deal or No Deal, 18th August, 2025.

Bella Italia Versus Wagamama two different experiences after summer holiday activities with teenage grandchildren

Hit and miss summer holiday dining experiences

Holly Barclay

2025-07-25T14:25:00.0000000 2025-08-11T10:02:40.6600000

A few weeks ago I took the grandchildren all teenagers to Wagamama’s their choice and we all had a great time and a good meal. The atmosphere was lively, the food whilst very spicy was cooked to order and came to the table as it was ready so we all ended up sharing the dishes the kids had picked in the most part. We had wok fried greens, bang bang cauliflower a couple of different rice dishes and a pad Thai noodle dish with soya instead of the chicken or fish options. The kids had cokes or Fanta, Asahi Japanese beer for the adults and couple of people ordered freshly squeezed vegetable fruit juice cocktails, with unusual names, one I remember a green concoction called “Positive” that comes in two sizes, Regular and large. If I recall correctly I thought these pressed drinks were quite pricy, the regulars cost about £6.00 each. I tasted one and it was definitely airing on the options for the health conscious. Tasted perfectly palatable, bright green in colour with a froth on top from the vegetables blitzed and after a little while of standing they did split into more pulpy greens and thinner liquid but enjoyable even though I’d never had anything like that before.

The service was quick and organised, the orders were written on the paper menus in the table, presumably so the serving staff knew where to drop things off as they were cooked.

It was a young fun lively experience. I’d certainly never been anywhere quite like it. It seemed like the place if you were a teenager you might go and hang out on a date, or double date. There were quite a few young people dining without adults when we went on a Saturday afternoon. And a few diners had shopping bags so enjoying lunch after a shop.

I have never been to a restaurant like this before. And I did really enjoy the hustle and bustle of steaming food delivered straight out of the kitchen into the counter like tables. It’s more a refectory feeling so the one thing I did miss is a back to my seat. Definitely an age thing, sitting on a bench for an extended period of time wasn’t the most comfortable maybe why I was the oldest person in there.

The prices, it wasn’t cheap. Main courses were between £12 and £15, starters anywhere up to £10. The sodas and beers were average £4 for a coke £6 for a beer. It was the fresh prepared vegetable juices that were the highest price but I guess that’s because of the raw ingredient costs involved.

We loved the food but the beers and loads of water were needed as the heat from the chilli’s, and I like spicy was a lot especially on a sunny day. It’s the kind of food that tastes so good you eat and then you get a delayed spice reaction when everyone goes red and reaches for the water.

We all had fun and a definite experience. It’s next to the Showcase cinema in Highcross shopping centre so great for a family outing or special treat.

The next place we tried was Bella Italia an "Italian restaurant" and I use the term loosely next to the bowling alley at the Meridian complex on the ring road in Leicester and compared to Wagamama even though it was the same price it was an absolute dining disaster.

It’s a big restaurant and when we sat down pretty much the same timing on a Saturday afternoon it was virtually empty. The fizzy drinks ordered came from a siphon not a bottle with one part melted ice cube in each and the wine for the adults had to be sent back as completely undrinkable. We tried to adapt the menu a little to suit our tastes and found things like extra mushrooms and chilli’s added to plain tomato pasta at £15.00 a plate put an extra £6 per person on the bill which just wasn’t worth it.

The pasta was over cooked and the pizza had to be returned to the kitchen, the dough uncooked in the middle. We planned to have gelato from the Italian cart we spied on the way in but the food was so shocking we ended up high tailing it out of there to save the staff any further embarrassment. I think our expectation was just too high as the staff seemed unruffled and unresponsive to our concerns. And when the pizza went back the chef who we could see in the open kitchen wasn’t happy. The worst part of all, she knew it was us who’d sent it back as we were the only table in the place pretty much.

We didn’t complain about the bill with all the extra charges on it when it arrived, the atmosphere felt a bit hostile so we just paid and left. The bowling was really fun but if you are looking to eat afterwards I’d recommend one of the other options. There are a few large brand name restaurants to choose from in the complex, I saw a Frankie and Bennys which on reflection would have perhaps been a better choice.

Two completely different experiences for the same group of people all with different tastes and preferences costing about the same amount. One, Wagamamas, even though it started trading in 1992 felt like it was still on the way up. The other, Bella Italia felt like it was definitely on the way down.

HSBC Premier Account Customer - the good, the bad and the ugly

Holly Barclay

2025-07-19T08:58:03.8100000 2025-07-19T09:28:01.0770000

If ever you have to go all the way into your closest HSBC branch sometimes now a day trip there are so few branches still open pray you get help from someone like Bhavika who I have been lucky enough to meet now on two visits to the HSBC bank when things have gone wrong with the app and I have been forced to go to my nearest open branch.

The good part of the whole nightmare when something just won’t work is you find someone like Bhavita, calm, competent and capable ready to help you sort things out. I cannot imagine a business having a better ambassador or member of staff assisting customers face to face probably already irate at the difficulty incurred when something goes wrong exacerbated by long on hold wait times if you can even get through to speak to someone, customer service advisors in far off lands replacing the friendly bank manager of old or tech, you have made the effort to get to grips with, enlisted the help of others that try as you might, even using various different smartphones to determine if the problem is a glitch linked to your specific device, operating system, version of software of just your smart phone model that simply will not work.

And upgraded security and steps we must all now jump through to verify identity using digital recognition software and multiple passwords too confusing for words in order to protect us from cyber crime a space that now is attributed to 70% of all crimes committed.

It makes me wonder if technology when it comes to our money is indeed a good thing and perhaps the human touch, like in my experience with Bhavita is actually way better.

I am a premier customer with HSBC so I was thinking maybe I have only received this level of help in branch because of this upgraded status and what level of customers service the other customers in the packed waiting area received. I did notice the customers being assisted around me, I could hear everyone’s conversations and I remember thinking it would be easy for anyone with an agenda to glean private login in details in that kind of open arena. I was careful to write my passwords down for Bhavita helping me and not share them aloud, not sure who might be listening. The people around me were not so cautious.

I have been with HSBC a long time and have a business account with the bank too so for me to change to a different bank at this point is unlikely but just because I am not leaving the bank it doesn’t make me happy the personal touch has completely disappeared from banking and how much more relaxed and comfortable I’d feel if I had a personal relationship with a bank manager like Bhavita I knew was on hand to help me all the time.

I do have her card now and personal business email which gives me some peace of mind should something else need resolution in the future. Let’s hope she doesn’t leave and I am left once again struggling with tech designed to make life smoother or long range customer service that feels like speaking between two soup cans linked by a piece of string.

I was talking to a friend the other day about how young people today are much more likely to be irresponsible with money than previous generations defaulting on loans and credit card payments and not valuing their relationship with their bank and it made me think about a relationship with your customer goes two ways in every business. When you keep the customer at arms length and don’t engage with them in real time and real life the customer doesn’t feel the same obligation and connection to value that same relationship and do the right thing by you as a business.

Every time I have tried to connect with a human for services like savings accounts, credit cards and business services I have been directed online where I have been assured all the information I need can be found.

It’s a shame banking has lost that and it’s not just HSBC why I don’t see any point in moving my business elsewhere.

My advice is try and make a connection with one member of staff at your bank so at least if you find yourself in a pickle you have a human insurance policy.

Zelens Botanical Sknicare Range

Holly Barclay

2025-05-22T08:22:04.6370000 2025-05-22T08:43:53.3570000

I have absolutely zero experience with luxury skincare. I have never used it. All my life I have washed my face, never used a face moisturiser, I can feel the shudders from women for whom self care is a given.

I have recently given up a 10 a day, 40 year smoking habit and as a reward my daughter in law suggested I try these products she’d got from Dr. Marko Lens. She said “try them, I think you’ll like it”

I’ve been using them for a week now. I am not completely sure what the difference is between the “Tea Shot” which is a combination of 5 different teas, don’t ask me it’s scientific apparently, put together to fight the damage done from poor air quality on our skin, they use a lot of words like rejuvenate and revitalise in the marketing.

She told me to apply to my face, neck and chest area once a day in the morning which I have been doing and I don’t know if I am going a bit batty but the texture and appearance of my skin does look better. It’s not remarkable or super dramatic and it could be psychological but the new self care habit in the morning has replaced my cigarette and cup of coffee out side which used to be how I started my day.

As I have aged I have developed quite a few larger pores especially on my nose which can get clogged. The other magic drops are supposed to sort this out, clarifying the skin so I am rubbing a few drops in every day as well and time will tell if the combination of quitting my smoking habit and some extortionately expensive beauty products can turn back the clock.

Don’t keel over when you go and look at the prices of this stuff. Each little bottle of magic drops is going to set you back over £100 unless you can find it elsewhere secondhand, discounted stock.

The Common Cafe Pilates Studio & New Food Spot Stoneygate Leicester

Holly Barclay

2025-05-13T09:49:53.9200000 2025-05-13T16:11:06.0730000

After Cafe Clo at flannels in Fosse Park shut down, the only place in Leicester I’ve found decent tempura, I was excited to visit The Common in Stoneygate where I heard on the grapevine, it might not true, the staff including the Maitre D’ had moved to.

This area of Leicester has struggled in recent years, with property developers turning some of the massive mansions around in to HMO’s (houses in multiple occupation with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities) which has in turn changed the customer base. A vegan restaurant opened around the corner Wha Gwam Yard, which became known as Gwam Easy on Francis St, but just like its predecessor Toast opened 2017, and then the pub “The Local” a collaboration with Six Hills Cafe, closed in a short time. There just wasn’t the support.

Why I was keen to go and see what The Common, with a great talent pool had to offer.

The location next to George’s Hair salon on Allandale Road has also seen quite a few food businesses try and fail Oakey Smokey the latest so combining a new fitness studio with a cafe space adjacent may just be the answer for longevity in the neighbourhood.

What they offer,

First off it’s a revolver Pilates studio first and foremost with state of the art beds that move as you workout.

Started on the Isle of Man whilst Joseph Pilates was interned during WW1 he made the first reformer bed from hospital bed frames and springs. The original Pilates developed from Yoga he called Contrology.

Reformer Pilates is a dynamic form of Pilates that utilizes a specialized piece of equipment, the Pilates Reformer, to enhance flexibility, core stability and strength. By pushing and pulling the carriage against resistance from springs and body weight, you get a low-impact yet challenging workout. Reformer Pilates is adaptable to all levels, offering modifications and progressions to suit individual needs and gripping socks which can be purchased in studio must be worn.

Classes start at 6am every day. They last 50 minutes and start and finish promptly. The studio is locked between classes so you must be on your bed before class starts. No late entry.

Classes cost £20 a go however you can give the studio a try with their introduction offer for new members only, £30 for three sessions, the terms you must use within 14 days from your first class. The Common club also offer one to one tuition, 5 sessions for £275.

We didn’t check out the studio, we actually thought it was just a new restaurant. The menu is very simple, a great place for breakfast on the go or a quick salad definitely more of a cafe than a restaurant. A place for yogis and fitness gurus to hang out after class.

They also sell exercise athleisurewear, not sure exactly what’s available besides gripping socks, we didn’t get to browse the store.

We popped in for Brunch. It’s not a restaurant with service if that’s what you’re expecting. The food was good, healthy and tasty. The baked goods, muffins, pastries and croissants are available at the counter where you order and pay.

Anyone is welcome in the cafe. The classes after your introduction you have to be a member to book and the minimum membership term is 3 months with a one month cancellation policy. Depending on the number of classes you want to attend will determine which of the three levels of membership is right for you.

Esther Perbandt found in a UK Charity Shop

Holly Barclay

2025-03-08T10:02:16.9970000 2025-03-08T10:18:25.2730000

It was a designers piece, an unexpected find that started a conversation in the homeless charity I’d popped into because Specsavers had mended my glasses without charging me, I’d asked if they had a charity box for me to pay it forward and they told me there was a food bank and a homeless charity shop next door who’d be grateful of any donation.

I watched Esther Perbandt a Berlin based fashion designer whose aethethic is essentially black with an eponymous label that embodies her gothic military relaxed style notable for her signature worn on the back of the head mandarin communist style peaked cap, win Project Runway. The hit TV show created for Bravo in the US by ex Miramax Executive Barbara Schneeweiss.

The show catapulted Esther and her brand into almost household name territory.

It was an unlikely setting to find this couture donation already significantly reduced in a setting where the next most expensive thing was £20 maximum.

I mentioned the piece to my friend and all of a sudden we were engaged in an amazing conversation with other charity shoppers rooting around for a bargain but like us Project Runway watchers.

I wanted to share this needle in a haystack find, completely by chance, a diamond shining brightly in amongst a load of stuff not many people would want.

I thought it would be amazing for Esther to see her pieces being recycled and really valued and understood in such an unlikely place as sustainability is at the core of her brand.

What an amazing experience to find something completely unexpected and share a moment with like minded individuals who also appreciated the shared camaraderie and common sense in donating, sharing and recycling and the magic that happens when you stumble across something you absolutely love you couldn’t normally ever afford.

The moonlight V neck sweater too from Esther Perbandt retails for $307, £70 in almost new mint condition and the money goes to charity.

I told this story to hopefully inspire every young designer to make clothes so beautifully people want to share and pass them on to others.

By far the very best thing in the whole shop this day.

Quidco

Holly Barclay

2025-01-25T10:29:20.9470000 2025-01-25T10:29:20.9630000

I am careful about what I buy these days. Like most I am more hard up today than I was say 5 years ago so I have started looking into extra ways to save a big of money on things I have to buy like breakdown insurance.

I haven’t used the Quidco site for a few years but if you can be bothered to jump through a few hoops you do get paid about 4-5 months after your purchase.

They have to wait to make sure you are indeed a real customer.

It turned out there were some really good cashback deals with RAC membership, a saving of about £63 on a £120 policy so cheaper than the £89 quote I’d already received.

The only problem was when I tried to complete the purchase on the RAC website (I’d been redirected from my Quidco account - that’s how they track the purchase) I couldn’t get one of my questions answered.

I called the sales line for the RAC, pressed the button to say I wanted to buy a policy and then sat on hold for about 15 minutes listening to an automated recording telling me the quickest way to get cover was online, no kidding.

I gave up in the end. I still haven’t bought my breakdown cover so for a lovely independent or smaller breakdown business reading this, I am low hanging fruit. Please comment if you want my business.

A. R. Smith - jewellers Blaby

Holly Barclay

2025-01-24T13:54:22.1230000 2025-01-24T13:57:41.9870000

Richard Smith is the now proprietor of his family run jewellers since 1971.

He is on hand Thursday through Saturday in his shop in Blaby Leicester to buy and sell gold, repair your family heirlooms, give valuations for insurance purposes and generally share a warm and friendly catch up in the process, everything special about shopping small, local and independent.

Richard’s is a friendly face around the village, everyone knows him. He is very easy to deal with. A very straight forward person I have done business with enough over the last 10 years to feel very happy to recommend him for all your needs when it comes to precious metals and gemstones.

Okapi Kitchen Blaby Leicestershire

Let’s fight to keep it open

Holly Barclay

2025-01-24T09:56:00.0000000 2025-11-20T12:48:47.4000000

I really love this restaurant cafe, not because it’s fancy, it’s not, but the genuine warm vibes you get when you arrive separates it from a chain restaurant with a big advertising budget where the staff hate their jobs and couldn’t care less if you have a good time. They are getting paid anyway.

Okapi is the complete opposite, you are guaranteed a warm welcome from staff building a family business so everyone is on it. You’ll be asked a million times if everything is OK. This is a place you know they value your business and want to make sure you want to come back.

I went this week after not going for quite some time. I’d just returned from travelling and needed a hearty healthy home cooked breakfast and a cup of builders tea.

I was welcomed back like a prodigal returning, it feels so nice to be acknowledged and remembered.

My food was exactly as I remembered and no issues customising my order, swapping scrambled eggs for extra mushrooms and adding a couple of extra things on the side too. The hash browns are delicious and I always ask for an extra one.

This is an absolutely wonderful local business. They’ve been open 2 maybe 3 years. And just as they start to really build their customer base and reputation the local council, Blaby District Council, decide to take a property development deal for the Blaby Golf Course and all the businesses on the site have to close.

I am not sure if there is anything we can do to help other than share and comment on this snoop. Let your local councillor know you love Okapi Kitchen and really don’t want it to close.

I had to share the love. These guys have worked so hard to build something lovely for the neighbourhood that honestly doesn’t have many alternatives.

If you are vegetarian or plant based it is one of the only places locally that offers a good selection of choices.

I heard on the grape vine, Cafe Clo in Flannels, Fosse Park, Leicester is also set to close at the end of this month, Jan, 2025.

All the more reason we need Okapi to stay open.

HUNTING IN Leicestershire

Holly Barclay

2024-12-17T10:04:30.7770000 2025-03-24T13:39:04.9900000

On Saturday 14th December, 2024 our beautiful picturesque village in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside was invaded, not by the military moving in with tanks and weapons but a different type of swarm, upper class ladies and gents who get a thrill out of chasing defenceless wild animals over hill and vale, I never understood the pleasure in slowly torturing a living thing to death, secretively.

It made me think about the liberation last week of Syria from the Bashar Al Assad regime and how the largest mass graves in history have come to light in Tadamon, a suburb of Damascus, The state of a mass grave in Damascus and statements by people living in the surrounding area suggest that the area is a mass crime scene and may have been the site of other summary executions.

On Saturday the pack of dogs, the hounds running with the horses and riders was the biggest I’ve ever witnessed in my life, a frenzy in attack mode and being from a farming family I grew up with the Hunt and the Hunt Ball, a sort of symbol of status before anyone really ever gave a thought to what exactly was involved.

It was a shock even for me seeing this barbaric outlawed activity carrying on without anyone batting an eyelid.

_

It also made me think of the British dressage Olympian Charlotte Dujardin, Britain's joint-most decorated female Olympian, suspended by equestrian's governing body the FEI.

The video which she said showed her "making an error of judgement" (hitting her horse) was the catalyst to her pulling out of the Paris Olympics this summer.

The FEI said it had received footage showing three-time Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin "engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare - during a training session at Ms Dujarin’s private stable".

When the hunt comes to the village they completely take over and absolutely no sign of the police. They charge in without warning, don’t ask permission, their trailers and kit block the roads and the sleepy village calm erupts into a fervour I imagine a fat drunk might display in the company of a young nubile harlot.

This Saturday, we didn’t call the police. There is absolutely no point they don’t attend for things the public might consider a more serious crime than fox hunting.

But more than anything it is the sheer arrogance, that sense of entitlement, being above the law, for me, the blatant disregard for anything except what satisfies. So I struggle to see the difference between a sleepy Leicestershire village and Damascus, Syria. People keeping their mouths shut.

263 Restaurant Leicester

Holly Barclay

2024-12-08T09:21:15.5130000 2025-05-22T08:14:14.6900000

We went to restaurant 263 in Leicester full of hope and gusto keen to support and find out for ourselves if an 8 course vegan taster experience with wine pairings could compare to similar offerings we’ve tried at Holy Carrot in Knightsbridge and pied a terre in Bloomsbury. I am not a vegan, however I am under pressure from younger members in my family to move over and give up crispy bacon.

When we read the menu there wasn’t a great deal of difference in except the price.

The experience itself was a tale of two halves. When we arrived there was only one other table eating, a couple with a baby, and no background music so the atmosphere was strange.

The chef did come out to the table to explain the menu which was exciting and very different, the problem for us, he was wearing a dirty apron so that detracted from the personal attention and service he offered.

The waitress didn’t understand wine and knew less about which wine went with which food than we did.

The food came in 6 or 8 tasters plates and it was absolutely delicious. Making vegan food taste good is not easy so I do applaud the chefs for the food.

Everything else in terms of running a restaurant needs work, Calamity Jane, but if you want plant based and really tasty food it’s a great option.

FYI the chefs running out the door at 3pm when the restaurant stopped serving lunch before us the customers left did make us laugh.

Lots of potential with the food but a few things to work on too. Would I go back. Not for a fine dining experience.