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.

  • Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Newcastle: Overview

    ByLaura Dawson

    Marco Pierre White Steakhouse inside Hotel Indigo Newcastle delivers consistently high-quality dining — the intimate wraparound booths and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for dates, celebrations or business meals away from the city’s louder venues. The steak-focused menu shines — the 8oz centre-cut fillet arrives perfectly cooked, tender and richly flavoured, rivaling the best in the region when paired with simple sides like chips, tomatoes and garlic mushrooms. Standout starters include Wheeler’s crispy calamari (lightly battered, fresh and zesty) and the farmhouse salad (ham hock, egg, Gruyère, romaine and signature salad cream) — both generous and beautifully balanced. Desserts impress too — the Box Tree Mess (Eton Mess reimagined) overflows with cream, meringue and berries, while baked vanilla cheesecake and billionaire’s shortbread offer indulgent finishes. Knowledgeable staff, excellent wine pairings (especially the oaky Malbec with steak) and reliable execution make MPW a standout choice for anyone seeking elevated steakhouse dining in Newcastle.

  • 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.

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    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.

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    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.