29 June 2025

Bex's 10 Best Day Trips from London


I've been taking advantage of the recent sunny weather in the UK to revisit some of my favourite destinations outside the capital — Margate was particularly delightful in yesterday's heat! Today, I'm sharing ten of the best day trips from London. Whether you're hoping for history, craving culture, seeking the seaside or going for gastronomy, you're bound to find your next escape on this list. The best part is that you can reach all of them by public transport in under two hours.

22 June 2025

The Caffeine Chronicles: Foreign Exchange News

If The Phoenician Scheme left you longing for more Wes Anderson, you might like to pay a visit to West London's Foreign Exchange News. The beautifully designed coffee shop would fit right in to Anderson's universe and — just as importantly — the coffee is great and there really is a working bureau de change inside!


16 June 2025

How To Spend a Perfect Weekend in Oxford


I grew up just outside the university city of Oxford and lived there for 15 years before defecting to The Other Place and eventually London. I still return regularly to visit my parents, explore old haunts and check out the Oxford's ever-expanding food and specialty coffee scene. Now, I'm sharing my long-overdue updated guide for spending a perfect weekend in Oxford, complete with a map of all my favourite things to do, and places to see, eat, drink and stay.

10 June 2025

The Oxford Caffeine Chronicles: Green Routes

While I was back in Oxford last weekend, I finally had the opportunity to make a long-awaited visit to Green Routes, the flagship cafe of local roaster Routes Coffee. Located on Magdalen Road, Green Routes serves top-notch specialty coffee and brunch in a cosy, multi-level space. It's well worth the stroll (or short bus ride) from Oxford city centre to East Oxford.


01 June 2025

A Right Royal Day Trip to Windsor

With a reasonable weather forecast for the bank holiday last week, I headed out of London to visit the historic town of Windsor. Less than an hour from London by train, Windsor is a great day trip destination whether you're into English history, the Royal Family or simply fancy a stroll or boat ride along the River Thames. Most visitors (myself included) head straight for Windsor Castle, but there's a lot more to see and do in and around the town — even when it rains (sadly, it did!).


25 May 2025

10 Specialty Coffee Shops To Visit in Borough & Bankside, London

London's Borough and Bankside neighbourhood, on the South Bank of the River Thames, has long been a popular destination for locals, tourists and food lovers alike. And in recent years, exciting new openings have made the area a specialty coffee destination in its own right. Whether you're after a post-market caffeine hit or want to elevate your lunch-break coffee game, this guide has you covered.


11 May 2025

What's in My Bag: Riga City Break (Personal Item Only)

Just before Christmas, I treated myself to a new travel backpack: the wildly popular Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 Travel Pack. Although I'd used it for a few weekend trips in the UK, I was finally able to test it out properly on my recent long weekend trip to Riga in Latvia. Read on to find out my thoughts on the bag and what I packed for four days in Riga during late spring.