I’m lured by luxury travel, luscious food and wine, and lazing around in the spa. So I was thrilled to discover all of the above – and more – when I went to explore Cognac.

What is the difference between cognac and brandy? Do you know? For those who don’t (and I didn’t before I went), all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Only brandy from the Cognac region is called cognac. And it has to follow a distinct set of distillation and ageing processes.

I was in Cognac to learn about cognac and visit the distilleries. Moving around the region, all the big names jump out at you from every winding road through the vineyards: Martell, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, Hennessy… but there are loads of smaller independent producers too. The region supports both – those vineyards not big enough to make their own cognac sell their grapes to the big houses.

Cognac Vineyards, Petite Champagne, Charente-Maritime

Employment and the economy in the area is hugely driven by the industry – that and tourism. In 2024, there were over 4,400 winegrowers, 120 professional distillers and 270 merchants operating within the Cognac area. And many of the Cognac houses are still family-owned.

Many – probably most – offer some kind of tour and tasting experience. I was lucky enough to visit (in order) Chateau Montifaud, Hennessy, Delamain, and Rémy Martin. They’re all hugely different, with each visit offering a completely unique experience.

Visiting Cognac

The Cognac region is about halfway down France on the lefthand side. The closest airports are Bordeaux and La Rochelle, but you can reach the area by train and road. I’d recommend hiring a car as it’s a rural region.

Arriving into Bordeaux after a very quick hop and a skip from Gatwick (it’s less than two hours in the air), I was very pleased to see that we were immediately headed for lunch. If there’s one thing – of many things – the French do extremely well, it’s lunch. And I was not disappointed.

Lunch at Restaurant Cave La Quincaillerie

Weaving our way into one of those tiny little restaurants you might easily pass, on an ancient street flanked with shuttered houses, we headed upstairs at Restaurant Cave La Quincaillerie for their set lunch. This little cave of joy is in the Michelin Guide, and deservedly so. An hour or so later, I was happily stuffed with melty goat’s cheese on toast, slow cooked pork with pommes puree, and a greedy plate of cheese from the trolley, all washed down with a bottle of excellent Sancerre.

What a way to kick off the trip. Rubbing my fat tummy, I climbed back into the charabanc for our next stop, Chateau Montifaud.

Chateau Montifaud is a family-owned house that has been with the family Vallet for six generations, notching up more than 150 years of experience. We had a lovely tour, bumbling around the distillery learning about the processes. Nice touch with this tour was having a cocktail shaker handed to us at the start, and with each stage of the tour, a new ingredient added, relative to the information of the moment, resulting in a good shaking at the end of the tour, and a lovely cognac-based cocktail to quaff.

Chateau Montifaud

Where I stayed

After such a good lunch, and more than a little sampling of cognacs at Montifaud, I was pleased to arrive at our hotel, and even more pleased when I saw my absolutely stunning room.

Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa is a gorgeous five-star property right in the heart of Cognac. Sprawling across a wide area, the house used to be a distillery, and the hotel buildings are all comprised of the former cellars, cooperage, ageing halls (chais) etc. The conversion has been beautifully handled, and the property is rich with the tapestry of its history. It has a relaxing spa area complete with inside/outside pool, and several spaces in which to eat and drink in luxury. It’s also a perfect base from which to explore the Cognac region.

My fabulous room at Hotel Chais Monnet Hotel & Spa

After a bit of very welcome down time to digest and unpack, we were treated to an absolutely majestic tasting menu at the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant, Les Foudres. Course after course came out, delivered with theatrical aplomb, interspersed with amuse-bouches and palette cleansers, and every course paired with a beautiful wine. It was a masterclass in quality and delivery, and it very nearly had me beaten.

Up the next morning and still feeling full…

I launched a rather pathetic attack at some coffee and a skirmish with an egg before we hit the road to visit Maison Hennessy. And what a wild trip this was. I had expected to view the cellars, try some cognacs, hear some history, and we did have all that. What I wasn’t expecting was a fantastic mind-bending virtual reality trip through the Hennessy journey with full AR headsets on, a boat ride over the river to the Hennessy cellars, and a chance to visit the cooperage and watch an apprentice cooper make a barrel from scratch.

An excellent morning at Hennessy

Hennessy is one of the few houses left that have a cooperage on site. And the mathematical and physical balance it takes to make a cask without glue, bind it all together with metal hoops, heat it and bend it to fit, and get the lid on with all its groovy grooves… my little mind was blown. Yours truly, being the sort that gets stuck in, even had a go on the ratchety machine thing that draws the slats together. This was a bit of a once-in-a-lifetime kind of morning – I will forever be able to say that there are glasses of H-dawg circulating that has been laid in a barrel I helped make.

After all this activity, we had a tasting – got to love quaffing Hennessy XO at 10am – and we finished up, sitting in the Hennessy café, eating cognac and raisin ice cream. And this brings me to an important point.

The French aren’t fussy about how you drink your cognac

The French take their food and drink pretty seriously, as we all know. So what I hadn’t expected was to find that absolutely no one is precious about how to drink cognac. They’re happy to adulterate it with water, mixers, ice… There was almost no balloon swirling or pontificating.

The most popular way for the locals to drink it – if they drink it at all, mostly it’s exported – is as a long drink with tonic water and ice. And this is nicer than it sounds. There are all sorts of cocktail variations using cognac. My favourite was a margarita with the tequila swapped out.

Back to the hotel for lunch in their La Distillerie restaurant, and conscious of making such a poor fist of breakfast, I went large on lunch. I felt it my duty to ensure that I tested out their skills. So, appetite sharpened by Hennessy intake, I had canapes, a melange of salmon things, and duck that was so fresh it nearly flew away off my plate.

Lunch at La Distillerie

After a necessary post-prandial forty winks, we were back at the hotel’s excellent bar, the 1838, for a cocktail masterclass. Remember when I said the French weren’t prissy about the cognac? Well, here was more proof, pun intended. Using the local fire water, we made cognac Sidecars, Negronis, and Margaritas. Then got a fantastic tour of the bar, including all the secret back bar areas.

Making (and drinking) cognac cocktails in 1838 Bar

Then into the hotel’s minibus for a short trip to Poulpette, a tiny gem of a restaurant tucked away in Cognac village. Another restaurant that you can find in the Michelin Guide, one of those absolute treasures that has a small but perfectly formed menu. I loved that they had no traditional wine list but all the wines you could order lined up on a shelf, with the price handwritten on the bottle. Like browsing a grapey library, you could have a good nose before choosing.

The restaurant is small enough to feel like you’re having a dinner party with friends. And once I’d shovelled in homemade tarama, a slab of foie gras with a giant oyster mushroom in a citron bouillon, line-caught cod with chorizo and veggies, and (ye gods) a selection of ices – chocolat, marron, saki, sesame – I could barely even breathe. What a way to go though. Have you seen La Grande Bouffe?!

Dinner at Poulpette

Day three

Today kicked off with a trip to the spa at around 11am for a massage and some relaxing time kicking around in the pool. What a cracking way to start the day, and a really good massage too. Having worked up an appetite, er, lazing around in the jacuzzi, we had another utterly dreamy lunch at the hotel’s La Distillerie restaurant, before walking the short distance from the hotel to Rémy Martin.

Rather than visiting a vineyard this time, we were in the Remy historic house and boutique in the centre of Cognac itself. And this was a very slick, almost clinical look at Remy, its history, its artwork, and ultimately a chance to taste its cognac. Paired with dark chocolate truffles, my favourite was the XO (obviously I have expensive tastes). This tour was again completely different to both Chateau Montifaud and Hennessy, and I appreciated that. If all the tours had been the same, it would have felt less special, and less interesting.

Learning history (and tasting cognac) at Rémy Martin

In the early evening we embarked on an extraordinary trip into the countryside, firstly via Maison Delamain, who had laid on a beautiful ‘candle’ lit tasting with oysters and heavenly meaty snacks. It’s a real privilege to see the old distilleries like this, and I urge anyone visiting the area to get to a few different houses. The rich history of Delamain is matched only by the quality of its cognac. Even I was beginning to develop something of a palette for it by this stage.

L-C Chateau Delamain private tasting in the cellars, and R tasting pineau and watching the show at Cognaço Musica

On from Delamain to Distillerie Pinard Frères, in Jarnac, not for a tasting this time, per se, but for a singularly unique theatrical performance, Cognaço Musica. An immersive experience combining music, theatre and (yay) tastings of both pineau (the grape-must drink that’s kind of the stage before cognac), and cognac itself. Although I had very little idea what was going on, it was hugely entertaining. And it’s part of a wider cultural celebration that takes place each autumn, the Ban de la Distillation. It’s a two-day festival of the cultural heritage of the Cognac region, celebrating producers, makers and visitors through tastings, talks and experiences.

Our final port of call was for dinner this evening was Restaurant du Chateau a Jarnac – one of those quintessentially French restaurants that do literally everything properly. And I didn’t even have to think about the arduous task of ordering dinner – they’d laid on a special menu for us: a cognac/bubbles cocktail, fish soup, salmon fillet with creamy risotto, and cognac cake with pears and ice cream. Thank you, and good night.

Dinner at Restaurant du Chateau a Jarnac

Why go to Cognac?

Like much of France, this is a region that really shines when it comes to food and drink. But it’s a particular pilgrimage for those who really want to dig into cognac. The area is understandably saturated with it, literally and figuratively. I had an absolute whale of a time learning about the processes at the various houses we visited, as well as drinking a lot of cognac and eating a lot of stunning food.

It is always a real treat to eat at the little restaurants that you know are always tucked away in ancient French villages but not always easy to find. So if you head to the area, take my advice and try all of the eateries I went to. Also try the cognac and tonic – it works better than you’d expect, I promise.

Everything we ate and drank was faultless, although I did gain about half a stone in the space of about four days, but it was well worth it. And base yourself at the Hotel Chais Monnet and Spa for a real treat. Frankly, I never wanted to leave.

DETAILS

Explore Cognac www.explore-cognac.com
Hotel Chais Monnet Hotel & Spa
Restaurant Cave La Quincaillerie
Chateau Montifaud
Maison Hennessy
Poulpette
Rémy Martin
Chateau Delamain
Ban de la Distillation
Restaurant du Chateau a Jarnac

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Exploring Cognac. Hidden wonders and a feast for the senses appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In Chinese astrology, each year blends one of the twelve zodiac animals, coupled with one of the five elements. When the Horse meets Fire, the result is a powerful double dose of yang energy. It is outward-looking, restless, and fuelled by a desire for freedom and self-determination.

This is not a subtle year. Fire Horse years tend to coincide with periods of rapid social change, cultural shifts, and personal turning points. The last Fire Horse year in 1966 is often referenced for its global turbulence and radical rethinking of established norms. And while history never repeats in neat cycles, there are always patterns.

The Fire Horse represents movement away from what feels constrictive, and towards what feels vibrant, even if you’ve got no real clue where you’re going.

What does this mean for you?

On a personal level, many people may feel an internal ‘nudge’ – something that becomes increasingly harder to ignore. Have you been thinking of change, or a dream you’ve wanted to fulfil? You might feel a growing impatience with situations that once felt tolerable and a persistent awareness that something has to change. The Fire Horse is not about gentle awakenings. It brings urgency, and action.

Many will find themselves questioning where they have been shrinking, compromising too much, or living according to other people’s expectations. Career paths that once felt secure may suddenly feel limiting. Relationships may be reassessed through a sharper, more honest lens. Creative urges often re-emerge after long dormancy. None of this necessarily means burning everything down, but it does suggest that complacency becomes uncomfortable.

What the Fire Horse brings into focus

The Horse is associated with independence, stamina, charisma, and a strong instinct for self-preservation. It dislikes confinement, both literal and emotional, and thrives when it can make its own choices.

Fire magnifies these traits. It heightens passion, ambition, and the need for expression. Together, they create a year that sticks personal freedom firmly at centre stage.

Fire Horse years often coincide with louder voices, stronger opinions, and less patience for systems that feel outdated or unjust. People speak more plainly (fingers crossed for ChatGPT to pick this up).

Innovation booms, particularly in areas tied to communication, technology, and culture. There could be a sense that the world is speeding up, even when day-to-day life remains much the same.

This heightened tempo can feel exhilarating, but it might also feel destabilising. The Fire Horse is a catalyst. It exposes what is no longer sustainable and pushes it into view.

Harnessing the energy without being consumed by it

The most constructive way to work with Fire Horse energy is through conscious direction. The year supports action, but not aimlessness. It favours people who are willing to take responsibility for shaping their own course of action, rather than waiting for permission or perfect timing.

Start with clarity. Not a rigid thing like a business plan, but an honest understanding of what you want more of. And what you want less of. When you know which direction feels right, even loosely, the Fire Horse provides momentum to move that way.

Small, decisive steps matter more than grand gestures. A conversation you have been avoiding. A course you finally enrol on. A proposal you put forward. These actions compound that forward motion. They signal that you are willing to harness that momentum in your own life.

Fire Horse physical energy is strongly indicated. So physical movement becomes especially important. Regular walking, stretching, strength work, or any form of exercise that feels sustainable can help regulate nervous energy and sharpen focus.

And as you’d expect from such a showy animal, visibility is another recurring theme. This is a year that rewards showing up. Sharing ideas, taking up space, finding your voice. That does not mean shouting the loudest, but it does mean resisting the urge to stay hidden out of habit or self-doubt.

Fire burns hot, but it also burns out, so build in some rest. Protect your sleep, and maintain boundaries around work and digital noise.

Portents, pitfalls, and the bigger picture

Fire Horse years can be unpredictable. They are associated with sudden shifts, surprising reversals, and events that alter the course of things quickly. Symbolically, they tend to expose weak foundations. Anything built on weak structures underpinned by easy convenience, denial, or imbalance will struggle to stay solid.

This could mean the end of a job, the breakdown of a relationship, or the collapse of a plan that once felt concrete.

The main shadow of the Fire Horse is impulsivity. Decisions made purely on adrenaline can lead to unnecessary fallout (watch out anyone with ADHD). There is a difference between courageous action and reactive madness. Take a deep breath and check in on those wild ideas!

Overwork is another risk. The drive to do more, be more, and move faster can push people past healthy limits. Sustainable growth beats frantic expansion, even in a year that celebrates speed.

Despite its volatility, the big promise of the Fire Horse year is liberation. Liberation from situations that no longer fit, or from self-imposed restrictions. Also, from who you have perhaps shrunk to become.

If you meet the year with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to generate your own (r)evolution, this could be a stormer.

Time to saddle up, and ride out.

Bunty Whitstable

The post What does the Year of the Fire Horse mean? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

You don’t need weeks of planning to give something she’ll genuinely love. These are some of our favourite last-minute Valentine’s gifts for her that still feel thoughtful, indulgent and special.

Elemis Superfood Essentials set, £54 (products worth £84 separately)

We love Elemis anything, but this is a fabulous gift for someone wanting a treat for their skin. A big old dose of ‘superfood’ hydration and glow, designed to feed your skin and nurture your complexion. Set includes Superfood Midnight Facial, Multi Mist, and Facial Oil.
Get it here

Laura Mercier Caviar Hydra Crème Lipstick – 520 Flame Challis, £36

Does anything say super-sexy as provocatively as a daring red lip? Providing up to eight hours of pigment-true wear, this hydrating formula resists creasing, feathering and fading, and is a win for more mature skins because of this. Drying down with a sculpting satin finish, it helps to nourish the skin, minimising the look of fine lines and dryness.
Get it here

Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Eau de Parfum, 100ml, £140

Part of the exciting Molton Brown Pink Pepper range. Imagine a humid dusk in the tropics. Jewelled birds of paradise flaunt across warm air. The scent of crushed sweet spices drift over colourful rooftops. Entice curiosity with aromatic adventure. Smouldering. Sultry. Stirring. That’s what this scent is like…
Get it here

LUSH – You Are Lush bath bomb duo gift set, £12

Let your Valentine know how lush they really are with the creamy ‘Love Letter’. Then sweep them off their feet with the uplifting Life In Rosy Light bath bomb — sure to melt hearts and soften baths. Love this little limited edition set – grab it while you can.
Get it here

St. Tropez Cherry Macaron Self Tan Kit, £40

We’re a sucker for anything St. Tropez, and this limited-edition duo is a joy to use. The Classic Mousse delivers that familiar streak-free, natural-looking glow the brand does so well, while the new Cherry Hair & Body Mist adds a playful, indulgent scent that feels like a proper treat. A great pick for glow-getters who like their tan with a little extra fun.
Get it here

Givenchy Irresistible Eau de Parfum Nectar, 35ml £72, 50ml £100

This new addition to the Irresistible family is playful, indulgent and seriously moreish. Think juicy rose, creamy pistachio and a warm vanilla-wood base that lingers beautifully on the skin. It feels romantic without trying too hard, and we can’t stop spritzing it.
Get it here

Odylique Organic Rose Gift Set, £68.50

A beautifully put-together set for anyone who loves rose or craves calm, comforted skin. Inside you’ll find Odylique’s most-loved organic rose products to cleanse, tone and moisturise, all gentle, nourishing and quietly luxurious. A thoughtful, easy win.
Get it here

Subversive Scents by The Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers Gift Box, 100ml £105

This one’s bold, sultry and a little bit naughty. Patchouli, bourbon and deep, lingering warmth make this a fragrance that shifts effortlessly from day to night. The gift box and cheeky card seal the deal. Lazy gift? Maybe. Brilliant gift? Absolutely.
Get it here

KIKO Limited Edition Flirt Alert Heartstopper Shiny Lipstick, £22

Creamy, glossy and scented with cherry, this is pure Valentine energy in lipstick form. Shades range from everyday nudes to statement reds, and the formula feels rich without being heavy. Plus, the kiss-covered bullet is almost too cute to use. Almost.
Get it here

Neal’s Yard Remedies Vegan Wild Rose Beauty Balm, £43

A cult classic, now vegan. This multi-purpose balm cleanses, hydrates and boosts radiance in one simple step. We love it for dry patches, glow days and that gorgeous wild rose scent. One of those products you’ll keep reaching for.
Get it here

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Blonzer Blush + Bronzer, £27.50

A clever hybrid that gives skin a soft, rosy warmth, like a natural flush rather than full-on bronzer. Buildable, easy to blend and flattering on everyone. A grown-up upgrade from the bronzers we lived in back in the day, and we’re very into it.
Get it here

Marc Jacobs x Murakami Eau de Parfum, 50ml, from £90

A joyful reimagining of a classic, with Murakami’s iconic flowers decorating the Daisy bottle in vibrant colourways. The scent itself is creamy coconut, soft white peony and sweet praline, pretty, playful and very wearable. A collector’s piece that also smells lovely.

The pink, green and yellow will be available at Selfridges from 28 Jan, and will then launch on 25 Feb nationwide alongside the blue fragrance, but this one will remain exclusive to Boots. Shop Marc Jacobs other products here.

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The post Last minute Valentine gifts for her appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Over a roast in the local pub last Sunday I found myself literally gritting my teeth in frustration. One girlfriend told me that she only flosses twice a week. Another merrily confessed that she has an annual dentist appointment, but ‘sometimes I forget’! Oh, so funny. I, meanwhile, see the hygienist every three months, and the dentist twice a year. I brush and floss at least twice a day. Who has the best teeth of all? Guess. Not me.

I put this firmly down to menopause. Oral health symptoms are only too common at this time of life, and I seem to have most of them; dry mouth, shifting teeth, and less than optimal gum health (according to my hygienist).

I am obsessed with teeth. Absolutely obsessed. And never more so than now, aged 53, firmly postmenopausal and peering into my mouth like it’s a crime scene. As I say, I put most of this down to menopause, with a grumpy nod to the actual ageing process. Every part of the body is affected by oestrogen, or a lack of it, including the mouth.

Dr Sam Jethwa at Bespoke Smile (and the 19th president of British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) tells me that many of his patients come to see him in their forties and fifties, baffled by the changes in their once-excellent teeth.

So what goes wrong, exactly?

Hormonal changes, he points out, can decrease salivary gland output, causing some women to experience a dry mouth. What’s more, saliva protects our mouth, so when there’s less of it, bacteria can breed faster and food debris is less likely to be washed away. This can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, infections and gum problems.

This last is – annoyingly for me – not just about mouth health. Develop periodontitis, or end-game gum disease, and not only might you lose teeth, but the associated inflammation can spread throughout the body and raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. In spite of my efforts, every time I see the hygienist she patiently tells me how to brush my teeth. I am 53. Neither of us enjoys my visits.

Next up – shifting teeth, again linked to hormones. Bone loss in the jaw may decrease, leading to loose, or even lost, teeth. Anyone else have braces in their teens and think that meant you’d have good teeth for ever? Yeah, me too. And in the early nineties they didn’t give you a retainer. I had braces in my late thirties (for the second time) and in spite of wearing a nightly retainer, they are once again inching inwards.

And finally – teeth chip and stain, meaning they are now less than sparkling. You might find the trend for perfect white teeth annoying. Why should we have to bow down to societal pressure and exhausting standards? But it’s a fact that good teeth mean a comfortable mouth, easier eating (seriously – you don’t want to be stuck on soft foods) and are a good indication and impression of overall health. There’s no need to go full Hollywood smile by any means, but maintenance matters.

Read more: Why people lie about their tweakments to their other halves 

Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions

Sam recommends reducing alcohol and caffeine, which both dry the mouth. Try chewing sugar free gum, drinking plenty of fluids (though not alcohol and caffeine and rinsing with water after eating. So far, so obvious. As is flossing daily and brushing teeth twice a day – before breakfast and before bed.

I think that the strangest menopause mouth problem is what’s known as burning mouth

When it comes to cosmetics, Sam points out that a little can go a long way – veneers and composite bonding can help to both strengthen the teeth, and allow them to appear aesthetically pleasing.

I think that the strangest menopause mouth problem is what’s known as burning mouth – where it feels as though your mouth has been set on fire from the inside. Here, you might want to avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate or SLS (this is what makes it foamy, but can also increase the burning), as well as swerving spicy foods and alcohol.

Here’s the good news. Sam says that there is a solution for almost every menopausal mouth problem. Teeth can be strengthened, straightened, whitened and – if necessary – replaced. Habits can be changed.

I second this. What I’ve learned in years of writing about the ageing mouth (so glam) is that the mouth is a constantly evolving story and it’s never too late for a happy ending.

Go on love, give us a smile!

Why not try….

TePe Hydrating Mouthwash, £8
Dentek Easy Brush Eco Friendly interdental brushes, £9.25 for 6 packs or £2.33 individual pack, boots.com 
Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste, £4.32
Whites Rose Gold Sonic Electric Toothbrush, £39.99

Alice Smellie

Alice Smellie is a journalist writing for many national publications, including Daily Mail, Telegraph, and Marie Claire, and is co-author of Cracking the Menopause and Menopause Is Hot: Everything You Need to Know to Thrive with Mariella Frostrup, and a co-founder of campaign group, Menopause Mandate. She lives in Somerset with her three children and two dogs.

The post What the hell has menopause done to my teeth? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We’ve got you covered. Food, drink, nibbles, gifts, dogs, cats, even kids and birds; and something for all budgets. Food and drink ideas for Christmas across the board.

This guide pulls together a mix of food and drink treats for Christmas. You get gifts that land well, plus things you’ll want for your own table.

You’ll find standout bottles, clever kitchen kit, and small luxuries for your pets. There are rich chocolates, ready to pour cocktails, and bubbles that lift any gathering. What will you bring home this year, and what will you wrap for someone else?

Tables

Clawson Farms cheese collections, prices vary

If you’re looking for a great cheeseboard selection with all the biscuits and chutneys etc as part of the package, head to Clawsons. Each of their cheeses has its own unique story to tell, whether you’re looking for something light and fresh to serve alongside slices of ripe pear and honey, or a bold, expressive, decadent blue to pair with a fine red wine. The 1912 Stilton is something else.
Shop selections here

Tracklements Farmer’s Market Gift Pack, £14.05

Because Boxing Day is nothing without pickles. Love this carefully curated selection of Tracklements’ favourite condiments. For the best-tasting cheeses, cold cuts, hand raised pork pies, and hunks of warm bread for the finest picky plate in town. Contains Green Tomato Chutney 200g, Particularly British Piccalilli 170g, Tomato & Chilli Chutney 190g
Get it here

Umai Modern and Heritage caviar, 50g £75

There are few things that feel quite as luxurious as caviar. And Christmas is definitely the time for indulging in a spot of luxury. Umai caviar simply offers two distinct flavour profiles; Umai Modern and Umai Heritage. Umai Modern has a great savoury nuttiness with a clean umami finish on the palate and a lovely firm texture. Umai Heritage offers a more classical and full flavoured profile; ocean breeze and a delicate soft texture – one for the Oscietra lovers.
Get it here

Unearthed Brie & Pavé, £4 and Spanish Pickles, £5

Creamy Brie and Pavé au poivre, a rustic, pepper-coated dry-cured pork sausage, is a fabulous pairing – velvety richness and gentle peppery heat. Whack onto a warm baguette and quaff with a light Pinot Noir for party snacking. We also love these Spanish Style Pickles, inspired by the traditional Banderilla pintxo, a vivid mix of cornichons, red pepper, silverskin onions and Manzanilla olives which gives a tangy, crunchy, savoury flavour in every bite. Bring Spanish bar culture into your home. Thread onto skewers for instant pintxos, or if you’re heathens like us, scoff straight from the bucket.
Available Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Josephinenhütte No4 Champagne glasses, set of two glasses £140

Gorgeous bubbles deserve an elegant glass like the Josephine N° 4. Its balanced shape, with a large surface area and a shortened aroma chimney, allows even complex sparkling wines to shine while ensuring a long-lasting, fine mousse. Sweet wines like Auslese, Ice Wine, Tokaji, and Sauternes also benefit from the form of this unique glass. These are light, elegant, and feel special to drink from. A lovely pressie, it’s not all just food and drink ideas for Christmas, but the bits around it too.
Get them here

Tipples

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, £42 for 75cl

We couldn’t have that caviar and those beautiful glasses without some fizz to go along. We’ve picked this one because it came top for English bubbles in our wine tasting feature over the summer. A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. The blend includes wines from all the Nyetimber vineyards (West Sussex and Hampshire) and also from several vintages. Comes in a nice box too.
Get it here

Tácnbora Sauternes cask finish whisky, 58.2%, £57

A great Christmas gift idea for both men and women who love whisky. Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery’s limited edition in the Tácnbora cask finish series: the Tácnbora sits for nine months in ex-Sauternes oak, infusing the naturally sweet, cask-strength Tácnbora blend with luxurious layers of honeyed apricot, ripe stone fruits, toffee, and almond. Delish.
Get it here

Kennet Crayfish gin, prices vary starting £6.50

If gin is more your thing, this is something a bit different. The Kennet Crayfish Co gin is actually made using crayfish, although it doesn’t taste of shellfish, there’s something of the fresh seaside about it, and the crayfish gives it a bit of sweetness. Savoury notes of dill, a peppery hit from watercress, a burst of fresh zest from ripe lemon… we bet this would pair well with Clamato, but it’s lovely with tonic!
Get it here

Letterbox Christmas Cocktails Box, 3 x 275ml bottles, £41.95

Fabulous gift to send to a friend if you’re not going to be able to see them. Cocktails that will fit through the letterbox! You get Candy Cane Martini – Premium Brand Vodka, POLAR Peppermint Liqueur, Raspberry Syrup & Fresh Lemon Juice – 10% ABV, Gingerbread Whiskey Sour – Premium Brand Whiskey, Gingerbread Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lemon Juice – 13% ABV, and Rum Rum Rudolph – Premium Brand Rum, Cherry Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lime Juice – 12% ABV.  Plus festive gift wrap complete with tissue paper, ribbon, star confetti and a candy cane. There are also hand-made fruit garnishes and serving instructions.
Get it here

MOTH festive snacking selection box, £59

A full-strength festive cocktail celebration, delivered. MOTH has teamed up with Brindisa to create the ultimate cocktail hamper. A dreamy selection of MOTH cocktails, paired with moreish Perelló olives and snack mix, savoury Torres truffle crisps and rich Tony’s chocolate. A perfect way to say thank you. Congrats. Or Merry Christmas. Gift-boxed and ready.
Visit the Moth store

Chocolate

Lily O’Brien Shoe Box Hamper, £55

A stylish chocolate hamper filled with several of Lily O’Brien’s most popular assorted milk, dark and white chocolates collections. Expect mixed selections, caramel truffles, toffee pouches and honeycomb crispy hearts in the mix, as well as lots of other bits.
Get it here

Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirls, RRP £2.75

One for those with an extremely sweet tooth and a love of Baileys! Milk chocolate whirls filled with the famous Irish cream liqueur flavour, soft mallow, and a caramel flavour sauce. Whirls with a hint of Baileys.
Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Catherine’s Originals vegan chocolate selection tin, from £33

Still on the chocolates but this time it’s for the vegans. If you’re sad not to be able to dive into the Quality Street tin, this is for you! A chocolate selection tin (it’s even got an option to personalise by engraving the name of your loved one) packed with approximately 81 delectable vegan chocolate treats, featuring their original nine flavours and delivered in good time for Christmas.
Get them here

Kitchen bits

Hokan bowls, £90 for the set of three

Love these bowls – ideal for the enthusiastic Asian-inspired home cook. Hokan Bowls are stoneware bowls which have a multitude of uses. Robust and durable, they’re multi-purpose, going from freezer and fridge to oven or microwave, to landing on the table. They’re designed to stack to fit neatly in the fridge or cupboard. Even better, the lids are one-size-fits-all. You can also order spare lids. Small bowls start at £25.
Get them here

Hexclad Hybrid wok with lid, from £129

This viral fave now also has a small version for home cooks, singles, lighter eaters… Perfect for stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, deep frying, and much more. The best thing about Hexclad is the non-stickery. Perfect sear, perfect for frying eggs, perfect for tossing stir-fries. The famous TerraBond ceramic non-stick coating means it’s perfect for hob to oven cooking too. Believe the hype.
Get Hexclad here

Swan Retro 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer, £129.99

Look at this fabulous retro colour, and the versatility of this ‘double garage’ air fryer. Loads of pre-settings take the hassle out of working out cooking times – one touch cookery at its easiest. And having two trays means you can cook an entire meal all at the same time. Dishwasher safe baskets and clear LED displays. A cracking gift for a young adult striking out and leaving home, we thought.
Get it here

Our little friends…

Pooch & Mutt Christmas treats, from £2.49

We love this brand, and so does the boss’s pug, Alice Pickle the Duchess of Pickleton. You will be pleased to know that Alice has tested a few things out for this feature and has given the seal of approval. There’s lots to choose from and we love the brand for its vet-recommended range, with high quality natural ingredients free from grains and junk. Lots of tail wagging and good for them too. Also stuff for kitties.
Get it here

Ruffingtons Artisan Baked Dog Treats, from £5

Quite possibly in the ‘more money than sense’ bracket, we absolutely adore these treats for dogs. Ruffingtons has created an exquisite new range of luxurious patisserie-style treats, just for doggies. Hand-decorated, edible works of art, free from artificial additives, all beautifully packaged and sealed with love, ready for gifting.
Daft? Yes. Did we get a load and squeal excitedly about them? Also yes.
Get yours here

A Little Bird Co, Little Birder Set, £24.95

The Little Birder Set is the perfect kids bird feeder kit, designed for children to start learning to recognise birds at the feeder, and spot plants and wildlife beyond the garden. In this set, you’ll find a lightweight feeder made for smaller hands, a no-grow seed blend chosen to attract robins, blue tits and sparrows, and a copy of Little Moments Outdoors, a nature spotting book for kids filled with fun facts and things to look out for on walks and in the garden. This is a lovely pressie for kids and grandkids – and a tasty meal for the birds!
Get it here

Webbox Lick-e-Lix cat treats mega pack, £15

Loved by cats everywhere, and who can blame them when they come in such a delicious array of flavours? Thanks to the handy packaging, your cat can lap up Lick-e-Lix straight from the packet and they go nuts for the smooth creamy texture. This mega pack contains no artificial colours or preservatives, with grain free recipes and no added sugar. This kitten friendly pack comes in an assortment of three flavours per pack: 20 x Chicken Flavour, 15 x Salmon Flavour and 15 x Liver Sausage & Cat Grass Flavour.
Get it here

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The post Food and drink ideas for Christmas gift guide appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Le Mans Classic is shifting up a gear. From 2026 it becomes an annual event, giving fans a fresh edition every summer instead of waiting years between gatherings. The first in this new cycle is Le Mans Classic Legend 2026, a full celebration of the turbo era of the 1970s through to the early 2010s. It’s a major step for the organisers and a big moment for anyone who follows endurance racing.

And the first edition of this new cycle arrives with attitude.

Le Mans Classic Legend 2026 leans hard into a slick neo-retro look inspired by the 1970s to the 2010s. Think neon brights, late-night racing atmosphere, and that hazy motorsport nostalgia. The updated visual identity aims to capture the thrill of classic racing without feeling stuck in the past.

Photo: Laurent Cartalade MPS Agency. Group C Racing

It’s a smart move. It roots the event in its heritage but will feel dead sexy to the people who grew up obsessed with Group C monsters and glossy endurance-race posters on their bedroom walls

When is it?

The event runs from 2 to 5 July 2026 on the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe. It’s a huge weekend for car fans, as any fule kno. But the switch to an annual format is what’s made everyone’s ears prick up. From 2026 onward, two versions will rotate:

• Le Mans Classic Legend – the 1970s to 2010s era, with turbo engines, GT icons and the kind of aggressive design that shaped a generation of car culture. This is the 2026 edition, with new grids (6 to 10).

• Le Mans Classic Heritage – launching in 2027, focusing on the earliest days of endurance racing, from 1923 up to the 1970s, covering pre-war machines, early GTs and historic rivalries

Photo: Laurent Cartalade MPS Agency. Plateau 1

This new structure means fans will now get a fresh take every summer. No repeats and no waiting years for your favourite era.

The scale remains enormous. The 2025 event saw almost 238,000 spectators, 800 cars on the track and more than 9,000 club vehicles brought by 220 international groups. The organisers clearly expect 2026 to match that energy, if not top it

Ticketing has opened with a wider spread of options

The standard Entry ticket still gets you into the village, the trackside areas and the club displays. You can upgrade to paddock access, grandstand seating or both. VIP and hospitality packages return for anyone wanting a more exclusive view. And for the first time there’s a Weekend ticket for Saturday and Sunday visits. The organisers have also kept things friendly for people staying on-site, with spaces for tents, caravans and motorhomes.

Porsche Classic Race. Photo: Laurent Cartalade MPS Agency

A major addition for 2026 is the redesigned M24 Motorsport Museum, now an 8,600-square-metre space built as an immersive journey through the entire world of motorsport. It spans Formula 1, endurance, rally and American racing culture. Weekend or four-day ticket holders get access, making it an easy extra stop between races. The museum is only open to visitors on the days their ticket is valid

The event also continues its partnership with the Paris Brain Institute, a leading centre for neuroscience research. Fans can add a small donation when buying tickets, supporting work into conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and stroke. With one in two Europeans affected by neurological disorders in their lifetime, it’s a meaningful link between motorsport passion and real-world impact

For most, the real draw will be the cars

Classic Legend covers the era that shaped modern motorsport fandom. The brutal beauty of prototypes from the 1980s. The unmistakable lines of GTs from the 1990s. The technical leaps of the early 2000s. These decades still define how a lot of us think racing should look and sound.

Add the neon-drenched new branding and you’ve got an event that plays with nostalgia in a confident way. It knows its audience. It knows that for GenX, Le Mans was the race that made motorsport glamorous, dangerous and impossibly cool.

That’s what Le Mans Classic Legend 2026 is promising to bring back. Not just a historic showcase, but a full sensory revival of the racing eras we grew up with. Vroommmmm!

Tickets are available now on the Le Mans website

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The post What’s happening at Le Mans from 2026? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Milestone birthdays have a way of sneaking up on us. Fairly soon I’ll be embracing my big five-oh. And while my fortieth was all about Ibiza with an extended crew of friends, a huge party, and a ‘recovery’ trip back to Spain, I can’t quite imagine repeating that level of, er, admin for the next decade marker.

These days, what calls me isn’t deep house and dancing until dawn, but something that makes me feel special. And something that will help me celebrate how far I’ve come.  This does all need to come with a side of style, and barefoot luxury.

Malliouhana in Anguilla, pics by Emmie Blower

I had my answer the moment I stepped into the lobby of Malliouhana in Anguilla. The mirrored mosaic floor flickered like liquid silver, reflecting the turquoise sea just beyond. Pastel walls, ‘70s black-and-white photography, and Moorish arches framed the Caribbean in the most effortlessly chic way. It was luxurious without being loud, exclusive without being pretentious, and I knew instantly: this is the kind of place where milestone birthdays should be marked.

Meads Bay

Meads Bay, Anguilla

If you’re considering the Caribbean for a bucket-list trip, Anguilla should be top of the list. Meads Bay in Anguilla has been voted among the world’s best beaches, by USA Today and Travel + Leisure, and the entire island of Anguilla has also received numerous accolades for its pristine shores.

As soon as I set foot on Meads Bay, the sand was impossibly soft and bright white, and the glare was so strong it took a moment to adjust.  The water is glassy, aquamarine perfection, clearer than anywhere I’ve ever swum. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this beach doesn’t just top the awards lists, it alters your brain chemistry.

It sounds incredibly privileged to say but Antigua feels a little faded in comparison

Anguilla is blissfully unspoilt. There are no fast-food chains, no casinos, no cruise ships, and no noisy jet skis. The island has no heavy industry and as such, its beauty is protected. This is an island for those who want exclusive, unhurried, Caribbean paradise.

Anguilla is a little off the radar, and that’s the exact reason why A-listers have made it their go-to for years.  Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Sandra Bullock, and Robert De Niro all have homes here, and it’s not unusual to spot them at the island’s legendary Elvis’ Beach Bar. A ramshackle bar built out of an old boat, Elvis’ feels like a museum of good times and core holiday memories.

A playground for the sea-lovers

One fantasy I’ve long flirted with for my fiftieth is chartering a yacht. Anguilla, with its calm bays and impossibly blue water, is the perfect place for this. Watching glamorous couples being whisked away from Crocus Bay to their catamaran reminded me that this is indeed a millionaire’s playground, and that’s really what I should be aspiring to for my glam half-century.

Anguilla is already on the radar for serious yachters, and with a new marina and upgraded airport terminal underway – funded, interestingly enough, by revenue from its highly sought-after .ai internet domain – this slice of paradise will become even more accessible from 2026.

By luck or design the ai domain that’s native to Anguilla has generated millions for the island as artificial intelligence companies have paid to own the domains.  Forward thinking or sheer good luck? Who knows. But the island has now got a major income stream and they are spending it wisely on improving the accessibility.

A feast from the sea

For me, milestone celebrations must involve food, and seafood is my true passion. Anguilla does not disappoint. Imagine lobster so big that you don’t need sides, crayfish grilled over charcoal until the shell blackens and the flesh inside becomes smoky-sweet, and red snapper served fresh from the boat. Many of the island’s chefs are Michelin-trained, having traded the intensity of yacht kitchens for island life. Which means the standard of dining is consistently extraordinary.

At Mango’s Seafood Restaurant you can find giant, beautifully seasoned lobster portions. For something more refined, Sand Bar is a chic spot for small plates with international flair, cocktails, and live music at sunset.  It is fair to say I did not have one bad meal on the island which is another box ticked for my celebrations.

Where to stay

The island is small but packed with extraordinary places to stay. Malliouhana remains an icon, with its contemporary Caribbean chic. Zemi Beach House on Shoal Bay East combines modern design with a Thai-style spa housed in a centuries-old sugar mill, perfect for slow, indulgent days. For a more boutique feel, Frangipani Beach Resort offers just 19 rooms, making it feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s elegant island home.

Zemi Beach House, ©Thierry Dehove Photography

Getting there

From the UK, the most straightforward route is via St Maarten, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offering direct flights from London to Princess Juliana International Airport. From there, it’s a 25-minute ferry or short charter flight to Anguilla. Alternatively, fly direct to Antigua and connect via a short regional hop. The journey might be slightly longer than to other Caribbean islands, but trust me, it’s worth every mile.

Does Anguilla make the cut?

For my fiftieth birthday celebrations, I want world class beaches. I want to eat lobster until I can’t move. I want to jump off boats into turquoise waters and I want to feel both grown-up yet relaxed.

Ibiza was perfect for my fortieth. But Anguilla with its stunning hotels, jaw dropping views, friendly locals and exclusive energy I think has made it high on the list for the big five-oh.

FACT BOX

Anguilla Tourist Board

For more information on Anguilla, please visit www.ivisitanguilla.com.

Zemi Beach House

Prices to stay at Zemi Beach House start from US$600 per room, per night, plus taxes, service charge and a reef recovery fee at an additional 27%.

• At the Thai House Spa, the price of the ‘5 Elements Massage’ is $170, plus taxes & service, for 50 minutes and $240, plus taxes & service, for 80 minutes.
• The price of the lobster BBQ evening is $75, plus taxes & service, per person.

Frangipani Beach Resort

www.frangipaniresort.com

Prices to stay at Frangipani Beach Resort start from US$385 per night for single or double occupancy, plus tax and service at an additional 23%.

• The price for the FrangiCat II trip is $100 per person for a full day. Rum punch, beer, wine, sodas, water, towels, snorkel gear, music, stories, dancing are all included! FrangiCat II makes a lunch stop at one of the island’s beach restaurants, which the guest covers.

Trans Anguilla Airways

www.transanguilla.com

Trans Anguilla Airways provides scheduled flights between Antigua (ANU) and Anguilla (AXA), among other routes. The flight costs for ANU – AXA range from US$400 – $550 per person, for a return journey.

How to get to Anguilla

From the UK, you can fly from UK regional airports first to Paris or Amsterdam, and then connect to a flight to the neighbouring island of St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport. From St Maarten, it’s a 25-minute ferry or short charter flight to Anguilla.

Alternatively, fly direct to Antigua with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic and reach Anguilla via a short regional flight. The journey might be slightly longer than to other Caribbean islands, but trust me, it’s worth every mile.

Blanchards Beach Shack, Anguilla

Restaurants/bars:

• Madeariman: madeariman.restaurant
• Rendezvous by Tasty’s Beach Club: instagram.com/rendezvoustastysbeachclub
• Blanchards Beach Shack: https://blanchardsrestaurant.com/blanchards-beach-shack-anguilla-restaurants
• Mango’s Seaside Grill: https://mangosseasidegrill.com
• Da’Vida Beach Club: https://davidabeachclub.com
• SandBar: https://sandbar-anguilla.com
• Elvis’ Beach Bar: elvisbeachbar.com

Emmie Blower

Always finding the BEST holidays, hotels and restaurants. Travel, food and wellness writer, content creator, and reviewer.

Find her on Insta

The post Why Anguilla is the best destination for a big birthday appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Imagine this: it’s mid-afternoon and you’re in a café. You’re trying to connect your laptop to the café’s broadband when suddenly the world tilts. Not the actual world – just your own inner world.

A text pings on to your phone – simple words, a short message… but you can’t comprehend it. You see the words and letters, they look familiar, but you can’t read them. Your laptop refuses to do what it’s supposed to. You look at the keys; they might as well be hieroglyphics.

As you pack up your stuff and try to say goodbye to the waitress who’d brought you your coffee just ten minutes earlier, no words come out. Panic rises, hands go clammy, your whole body breaks out in a sweat: it’s just the coffee, you tell yourself. It’s just deadline anxiety. But you know in your rapidly beating heart it’s neither…

So what was wrong with me?

Apart from the panic, I felt OK. But I knew something was very wrong. It’s nothing dramatic, it’s just odd. A quiet, insidious shutdown, my brain protesting… overload.

This was my reality one ordinary Thursday. The sudden onset of what initially appeared to be a transient ischemic attack (TIA) – a “mini-stroke”.

Fortunately, I got to A&E in time to avert disaster and swerve a full-on stroke. I was given emergency intravenous medications to lower my blood pressure. I was in hospital for three days but when I got home I started to wonder how many people actually suffer from TIAs, strokes or near-misses like me, and how many change as a result of that experience.

After posting about my experience on social media, I discovered that a lot of people had been through similar and many through much worse. Some don’t survive and some struggle to recover, but the vast majority bounce back.

Although it can be extremely tough at the time, most stroke-sufferers I’ve now spoken to say a TIA or stroke doesn’t have to signal the end. Far from it. It can be the fierce, unyielding catalyst for reinvention, a neurological nudge toward a life more aligned, more valued, more YOURS.

How a catastrophic event can reshape your future

In the UK, where around 100,000 strokes occur annually, the narrative often fixates on loss, the physical hurdles, the emotional toll. Yet emerging research paints a more hopeful portrait, one where survivors not only endure, but evolve psychologically in ways that enrich their lives.

A groundbreaking meta ethnography by UK researchers at the University of Salford synthesised patient experiences from multiple studies, revealing how stroke rehabilitation fosters a profound “evolution of identity.” Drawing from 13 international trials, it highlights how positive psycho-social shifts, bolstered by hope, robust social support and enhanced self-efficacy, can reshape survivors’ sense of self over time.

Staff encouragement and community networks play pivotal roles, turning vulnerability into strength. Participants described reclaiming autonomy, reconciling their pre- and post-stroke identities, and emerging with renewed purpose. Not despite the event, but because of it.

Read more: How dance therapy can improve stroke recovery

This isn’t isolated optimism

A 2023 systematic review in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, involving 60 global studies (many UK-led), identified 39 post-event treatments that demonstrably improved psychosocial well-being post-stroke. These included dialogue-based therapies and narrative approaches, which help survivors reframe their stories, reducing anxiety and isolation while focusing on resilience.

UK guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) echo this, recommending tailored psychological therapies that yield moderate-to-large reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. The results are encouraging with up to 50% reliable recovery rates in some cohorts.

…dialogue-based therapies and narrative approaches, which help survivors reframe their stories, reduce anxiety and isolation

One feasibility study from Akershus University Hospital tested a guided self-determination intervention, where stroke survivors reported feeling “enriched” by sharing their experiences, gaining emotional tools to navigate distress and foster long-term coping.

Even in chronic phases, the Oxford Chronic Stroke Project (OX-CHRONIC), a UK longitudinal study, underscores that while challenges like fatigue persist, targeted support stabilises mood and boosts quality of life. With many survivors prioritising – and achieving – psychological recovery years later.

A joined-up approach to recovery

The Stroke Association’s approach to rehab includes a push for integrated care that addresses the “hidden” effects of stroke survival. These include mood swings, eroded confidence, feelings of despair – and encourages patients not to see them as permanent scars, but as potential points for growth.

Psychological interventions, from cognitive behavioural therapy to self-help relaxation, outperform the results from simply taking medications alone when managing symptoms, encouraging survivors to cultivate adaptive mindsets: acceptance, self-esteem and even positive affect that reignites social participation.

In essence, a stroke can rewire not just the brain’s circuits, but reset its compass – pointing toward more positive changes.

My own story – despite it not involving a full-on TIA or stroke – bears this out. A personal testament to how crisis can clarify. For me, after the initial panic and confusion, it felt as if a tangled overgrown pathway had been cleared. I can’t speak for victims of serious stroke, but I can speak as someone who teetered on the edge of that for a few days and whose experience is therefore somewhat piqued interest in the subject.

That Thursday, disoriented and silent, I stumbled home, my pulse thundering in my ears

I called my daughter and she suggested I check my blood pressure. It was perilously high. By the time I got to A&E, it was 240/180.

I was kept in the resuscitation bay and given emergency IV drugs. I had a CT scan, blood tests and eye exams mapping the unseen threats. And I was kept in ‘Resus’ overnight, monitors beeping, then wheeled to a ward as the meds wrestled my blood pressure down until it then hit a way-too-low 90/70. Another night of watchful waiting and, by the following evening, my BP stabilised. The days that followed are blurred by exhaustion; was it the sleepless nights at the hospital that wore me out? Or the side effects of the drugs?

Yet, piercing that haze, I sensed a shift. The hospital staff – charming, kind, unflaggingly professional – left me grateful, cheered up by their humanity and empathy. I felt elated and relieved, but this was no near-death epiphany. (I’ve danced with that spectre before and emerged unchanged.) No, this was more subtle, a brain-level recalibration, as if neurons had huddled in conference and taken a vote.

It was time to take action!

For many gruelling years, I’d poured my energy into others’ lives. Caring not just for family and friends but also (through my work as a journalist and filmmaker) extending lifelines to strangers. I penned articles, produced films, guested on podcasts, hosted a chat show. Often without payment, a compulsion born of a desire to help, without considering the toll this might take.

I knew working that way was unwise, but I naively believed that everything would work out fine in the end. Perhaps foolishly I believed in karma (not so much anymore) and was certain that kindness was always repaid. If I was generous with my time and energy, all would be well. What an idiot I was! Taking that route cost me dearly: my home sold under duress, confidence shattered, the will to go on flickering dangerously low on dark nights.

The near-miss TIA didn’t just threaten my life; it illuminated all the dark corners and shone a light on my own personal ledger book. Something in my brain – stressed to malfunction – whispered “You are worth more.”

I suddenly had an overwhelming sense of purpose and self-worth, a fierce determination to reclaim the reins. No more diffusion of my gifts into the void. I’m done with the gratis grind. No More Mrs Nice Guy! I know now that I must charge for my words, my vision, my value. Articles, films, shows, books – all now fenced with fair boundaries and proper pricing. It’s not bitterness, it’s not bigheadedness – it’s liberation. That brain blip powered up a woman who now knows her efforts demand equity, her light deserves reward.

In terms of avoiding this happening again…

I don’t like taking pharmaceutical meds, but the docs stressed that I was in an emergency situation. And after giving me IV ACE inhibitor Ramipril, they recommended I continue on it in pill form. I’ve been taking it now for six weeks and my BP is still high. Today’s reading is 194/117.

I’m having a device fitted to my arm for 24 hours in two weeks’ time which will take hourly readings, so they can get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem. In the meantime, I’ve cut out alcohol and wheat, and I’m also trying to cut out sugar.

I think perhaps the cause is not enough exercise – working on that – and maybe a lack of physical affection. After being in end-to-end relationships for over 40 years, I suddenly decided to go it alone five years ago. It’s benefited me in many ways, but has it affected my blood pressure? Who knows?

I’ve had every medical test under the sun now and one doctor commented that I might be one of those people who just naturally has high blood pressure. Others have said it could be hereditary and untreatable. (My parents both had high BP.)

For now, it’s a bit of a mystery but hopefully what happened five weeks ago won’t happen again. Just not sure how to make sure it doesn’t though.

A stroke – or a brush with one – may arrive unbidden…

But it needn’t steal your future. As those UK studies affirm, with support and intention, it can illuminate paths to psychological flourishing.

Stronger identities, resilient coping, lives laced with deeper meaning. My café blackout was no elegy; it was a stepping stone to this new bold chapter.

The world didn’t end that afternoon – and, oddly, the fact that it could have done wasn’t the point: it began anew. And, although no one is happy to endure such misfortune, like all my adversities, I feel privileged to have glimpsed into that world, lived to tell my tale and to feel stronger as a person because of it.

Have you experienced something similar? Let us know in the comments below.

Jacqui Deevoy

Jacqui Deevoy has been a freelance journalist for over three decades, starting out on teenage magazines, then later working for women’s magazines worldwide, and national newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Mirror, Express and Telegraph. These days, as well as writing for magazines, papers and websites, she produces documentaries and hosts a Monday night talk show for Unprecedented TV.

The post How nearly having a stroke changed my life appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Firstly let’s be clear about what the new Orient Express actually is.

The Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express (VSOE) has been running luxury rail journeys in Europe, using 1920s/30s carriages. But this will be the first time the ‘OG’ Orient Express has run for a very long time. I’m talking about the original Orient Express service (Paris to Istanbul, etc) in its historic form. But all that is about to change. And I am planning to sell at least half my belongings, some of my family, and quite possibly a kidney to ride this beautiful train, on this beautiful route. It’s absolutely the top of my bucket list.

The Orient Express is back – and with some considerable pizzazz. The new train uses 17 original 1920s and 30s carriages that have been tracked down, rescued, and restored to their former splendour.

Rather than a standard rail timetable, it will offer a luxury travel experience, designed for discerning travellers who want to relive the romance and elegance of the golden age of train travel.

Restored Art Deco carriages, exquisite craftsmanship, and that nostalgic and beautiful sense of luxury you’d expect from the Orient Express means this is going to be one of the most elegant travel experiences of our time.

A legend reborn

The Orient Express will return to the rails, rekindling the glamour and grace of early 20th-century travel. Unveiled at the 1925–2025: A Century of Art Deco exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the train design represents a bridge between past and present. A celebration of timeless history and contemporary luxury.

The new design

The revival has been led by architect Maxime d’Angeac, known for restoring icons such as Maison Guerlain in Paris. His vision captures the romance of the original carriages while re-imagining them for a new generation.

Each carriage pays tribute to Art Deco masters Ruhlmann, Dunand, and Lalique, blending their influences with 21st-century materials, lighting and technology.

D’Angeac is a man with a passion for literature, and a collector of old books, with his interests very much extending into travel novels. In his library, you can read stories by Paul Morand, Henry Miller and Ernest Hemingway. You’ll also find Wagon-Lit by Joseph Kessel, Prose on the Trans-Siberian Railway by the poet Blaise Cendrars, and (most importantly as far as I’m concerned), a collection of Agatha Christie novels. He is clearly the right man for the job.

Craftsmanship and detail

More than thirty specialist artisans have been involved. Glassmakers, cabinetmakers, embroiderers and upholsterers… all working together to create a new standard of elegance.

The interiors feature restored Morrison & Nelson marquetry, original Lalique glass panels, and rich fabrics woven in French ateliers. The result is unmistakably Orient Express: refined, indulgent, and beautifully made.

A remarkable rediscovery

The rebirth of the train began with a detective story. Historian Arthur Mettetal spent years tracing the whereabouts of the missing Orient Express carriages, thought to have disappeared decades ago. Using Google Maps and 3D satellite images, he located 17 original 1920s cars abandoned on the Poland–Belarus border.

They were transported back to France, where renowned workshops – including Rinck, Ateliers Jouffre, and the Tapestry Manufacture of Burgundy – undertook a meticulous restoration.

Back on track

From mid-2026, travellers will once again be able to board the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express.

The relaunch forms part of a broader revival under Accor, which acquired the Orient Express brand in 2022. Alongside the new train, the group is developing an exclusive collection of hotels and experiences. La Dolce Vita Orient Express is already in service; a new luxury train experience in Italy, launched in 2025, offering one to three nights through Italy. Think Rome, Venice, Sicily, with deluxe cabins and suites, gourmet cuisine, and Italian design rooted in the 1960s and 70s.

Orient Express Venice opens in April 2026; and the Corinthian sailing yacht will debut later that summer.

The enduring appeal of the world’s most famous train

A century after it first captured the world’s imagination, the Orient Express remains a symbol of adventure, nostalgia, and sophistication. Its return offers something increasingly rare – the chance to slow down, settle into a beautifully crafted carriage, and watch the world unfold beyond the window in true style.

If I have to kill someone to bag a ride on this beautiful train, I will. And then of course it will be, ahem, murder…

More about the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post The new Orient Express: return to the golden age of travel appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Traveling to a new destination for the first time generates excitement and brings endless possibilities. Exploring unfamiliar places expands perspectives and creates unforgettable memories.

For first-time travellers, proper planning, open-mindedness, and practical strategies can turn a good trip into a great one. Understanding how to make the most of every moment allows travellers to experience culture, connect with the locals, and avoid common mistakes when travelling.

Start with smart pre-trip research

Good preparation sets the stage for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Researching the destination provides valuable context that shapes the entire experience. Travellers should look into local customs, transportation options, cultural etiquette, and currency information. This knowledge eliminates surprises and builds confidence.

Learning key phrases in the local language shows respect and will improve your communication with the locals. Simple greetings or expressions of gratitude can open doors to warmer exchanges.

Checking visa requirements and travel advisories prevents last-minute issues that can delay or interrupt plans. Smart research creates a foundation that makes every day of the trip easier and more fulfilling.

Explore top attractions and hidden gems

A well-rounded attractions itinerary includes both famous landmarks and lesser-known spots. Popular sites give insight into the destination’s identity, while hidden gems offer unique, personal experiences away from crowds. Research helps identify which attractions deserve priority and which neighbourhoods or activities provide authentic local flavour. Travellers find inspiration when reading about travel hot spots in Europe, which offer a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Planning visits to must-see locations while leaving space for spontaneous discoveries creates a balanced experience. Flexibility allows travellers to follow their curiosity while ensuring they do not miss iconic sites that define the place.

Discovering hidden gems can involve talking to locals, joining walking tours, or exploring neighbourhoods beyond typical tourist areas. These experiences often become the highlights of a trip because they reveal the heart of the destination in ways that guidebooks cannot replicate.

Plan transportation in advance

Efficient transportation planning saves time and reduces stress. Understanding how to navigate a new city or region before arrival allows travellers to focus on enjoying their surroundings. Options may include trains, buses, trams, ride-sharing services, or bike rentals, depending on the location.

Purchasing transit passes or downloading local transportation apps before traveling simplifies navigation. Clear plans for airport transfers, hotel check-ins, and key routes eliminate confusion. When transportation logistics run smoothly, travellers can devote more energy to exploration and connection.

Embrace local culture through food and activities

Experiencing a destination through its cuisine and cultural practices creates deeper connections. Sampling local dishes introduces flavours that reflect history, geography, and community traditions. Visiting local markets, family-run restaurants, or food festivals provides a more immersive experience than sticking to international chains.

Participating in cultural activities such as traditional dance performances, artisan workshops, or festivals gives travellers a sense of the community’s rhythm. These activities foster appreciation for local heritage and often create lasting memories that define the trip.

Build flexibility into your schedule

While structure supports a productive trip, flexibility leaves room for discovery. Overloading itineraries can lead to exhaustion and missed opportunities. Allowing unplanned moments makes the experience feel more personal and less rushed.

Wandering through a park, stopping at a local café, or joining an unexpected event can lead to memorable encounters. Balanced planning ensures travellers stay organised without sacrificing the joy of spontaneous adventure. Leaving gaps in the schedule gives room to adapt to changing weather, unexpected invitations, or newfound interests.

Prioritise safety and awareness

Safety plays a vital role in making any trip enjoyable. First-time travellers should stay aware of their surroundings, keep valuables secure, and research common scams or risks specific to the destination. Using hotel safes, carrying copies of important documents, and sharing itineraries with trusted contacts increase security.

Avoiding poorly lit or unfamiliar areas late at night, staying informed about local regulations, and using reliable transportation services further protect travellers. Make sure you have good medical coverage and travel insurance.

Choose accommodation that supports your goals

The right accommodation enhances convenience, comfort, and connection. Location matters as much as amenities. Staying in a central area reduces commuting time, allowing travellers to make the most of each day. Proximity to public transportation, restaurants, and attractions simplifies logistics.

For travellers seeking cultural immersion, guesthouses, homestays, or boutique hotels often provide opportunities to interact with locals. For those focused on relaxation, resorts or rural lodges may suit their goals better. Matching accommodation style to travel objectives improves the overall experience.

Pack thoughtfully for comfort and convenience

Packing affects mobility, comfort, and flexibility during the trip. First-time travellers should pack versatile clothing that suits the climate and cultural expectations of the destination. Choosing comfortable shoes, appropriate layers, and practical accessories ensures readiness for different scenarios.

Organizing luggage with packing cubes or compartments saves time during daily preparations. Including travel-sized toiletries, a power adapter, and a small first aid kit reduces the need for emergency purchases. Thoughtful packing enhances comfort while traveling and keeps focus on experiences rather than logistics.

Use technology wisely

Technology serves as a powerful tool when used strategically. Downloading offline maps, translation apps, and itinerary planners provides support without depending on constant internet access. Storing copies of travel documents in secure digital folders ensures quick retrieval if physical copies get lost.

Social media and travel platforms offer inspiration and guidance, but travellers should remember to engage with their surroundings directly rather than through screens. Technology should enhance the experience, not replace it.

Learn to pace yourself

Travel involves physical and mental energy. First-time travellers often try to see and do everything, which can lead to fatigue. Pacing ensures that energy levels remain steady throughout the trip. Mixing active days with slower ones keeps enthusiasm high and prevents burnout.

Taking breaks during busy sightseeing days allows time to absorb the environment rather than rushing from one activity to another. This approach leads to richer, more memorable experiences.

Reflect on each day’s experiences

Reflection deepens the impact of travel. Taking time each evening to jot down highlights, lessons learned, or surprising encounters helps solidify memories. Whether through journaling, photography, or conversations with companions, reflection turns fleeting moments into meaningful stories.

This practice enhances awareness and gratitude. It encourages travellers to notice details they might have overlooked and helps them carry insights forward into future adventures.

Traveling to a new destination for the first time represents an exciting opportunity to grow, explore, and connect. With careful research, balanced planning, cultural curiosity, and flexible scheduling, travellers can experience both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Smart transportation choices, thoughtful packing, and safety awareness create a smooth foundation for adventure.

Embracing local culture through food and activities deepens understanding and enriches the journey. Reflection transforms experiences into lasting memories. First-time travellers who approach their journeys with preparation and openness unlock the full potential of their holiday destinations, returning home with stories, knowledge, and a renewed sense of wonder.

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