Food & Drink

From cosy home cooking to dining reviews and delicious culinary inspiration, our Food & Drink category celebrates the joy of eating well.

Discover simple recipes, foodie guides, restaurant highlights, and flavour packed ideas to elevate your everyday meals.

Whether you’re planning a night out or recreating something decadent at home, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to savour, share, and enjoy.

  • Jalou Newcastle: Cocktail Masterclass Overview

    ByLaura Dawson

    Jalou’s cocktail masterclasses turn group nights out into hands-on, high-energy experiences — expert mixologists guide you through signature drinks like Bubblegum Zombies and Raspberry Collins while sharing pro techniques (the secret counting method for perfect pours) in a private VIP bar that feels exclusive yet playful. The menu bursts with fun, Instagram-ready creations — think rum-heavy Zombies served in Tiki glasses, elderflower-twisted Collins, and shots that keep the energy high — making it ideal for birthdays, hens, stags or simply friends who want more than a standard bar night. Prices start around £20–25pp including welcome drinks, multiple cocktails, shots and extras, offering great value for a lively, memorable group activity right in Newcastle city centre. The atmosphere is electric yet relaxed — perfect lighting, great music, and a mixologist who matches skill with humour create nights people talk about for weeks. Whether you’re a cocktail novice or seasoned shaker, Jalou delivers fun, flavour and a few new skills to take home.

  • |

    The Best Buffet Items to Try on a DFDS Mini Cruise

    ByLaura Dawson

    The Explorer’s Kitchen buffet on DFDS King Seaways & Princess Seaways offers excellent value — all-you-can-eat dinner (~£21 adult) and breakfast (~£8.75) deliver global flavours from fresh salads and soups to American-style burgers, Greek meatballs, Spanish omelettes, Indian daal, Mediterranean paella and hearty Dutch-inspired desserts. Standout dishes include juicy burgers & hot dogs with all the trimmings, rich Greek-style meatballs, flavour-packed paella, and a generous cheese selection perfect for post-dinner grazing — portions are satisfying and quality far exceeds typical ferry expectations when pre-booked. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are clearly marked and plentiful — making it family-friendly and inclusive for different diets. The relaxed, bright restaurant setting with panoramic sea views turns meals into part of the mini-cruise experience — perfect for refuelling between deck walks, live entertainment and arrival in Amsterdam. For something more plated and refined, the North Sea Bistro à la carte (~£26 for 2 courses) offers elevated dining — but the buffet remains the best-value, most fun way to eat onboard.

  • |

    3 Reasons Giada at The Cromwell in Las Vegas Is Worth Trying

    ByLaura Dawson

    Giada brings fresh, approachable Italian cuisine to the Strip — Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Giada De Laurentiis delivers family-style plates with bright flavours in a stylish, window-wrapped dining room overlooking the Strip. Start with the warm bread basket — house focaccia and crispy lavosh with homemade pesto, chilli oil and garlic aioli set an impossibly high standard. Fritto Misto (lightly battered shrimp & calamari) and pea & pancetta arancini are perfect sharers — crisp, flavour-packed and generous enough for two. The signature whole roasted chicken cacciatore (for two) arrives juicy and tender in rich tomato sauce — pair it with smashed lemon potatoes and parmesan-roasted broccolini for a memorable meal. Views, service and quality make Giada feel special without being stuffy — ideal for couples, celebrations or anyone craving elevated yet comforting Italian on the Strip.