Sure, maybe 2021 wasn’t the most uplifting year for the books, but we did get to have some fun along the way
After a myriad of cancelled plans during the course of this pandemic (here’s looking at you, omicron) it’s nice to take stock of the things that didn’t just happen as planned but also turned out to be excellent experiences.
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for what to put in the calendar for 2022, here’s a list of the things and places the Metro.co.uk Lifestyle team loved most in 2021.
The days out
Lifestyle reporter Jess says: ‘I booked a cooking class with Pasta n’ Play for my birthday and it was so nice. I reckon it’d be cute for a couple, too.’
Lifestyle and weekend editor Ellen recommends a woodworking class: ‘I went to do a class at The Goodlife Centre in London, and it was honestly my favourite day of the year. I learned how to make a shelf, and it was just lovely to create something with my hands and get out of my head for a bit.
‘I left with genuine woodworking skills, a shelf that’s now on my kitchen wall for my tea, and feeling empowered (as cringey as that may sound). Also, the location means you can go to Borough Market for lunch, which I strongly recommend – get the pizza from Bread Ahead then a matcha from Bird & Blend.’
Deputy lifestyle editor Natalie Morris shares: ‘The Mount Vineyard in Kent is set in the most beautiful countryside, so you could go for a walk first, and then walk around the grounds and see all the vines.
‘I went in summer and sat on the terrace which has a roof that opens, and I also went in winter and sat inside and drank their amazing sparkling red wine. They also have a pizza oven and do incredible desserts.
‘It’s less than an hour’s train from London and a short walk the other end, so accessible without a car.’
And lifestyle reporter Aidan is big fan of Whistle Punks: ‘At Whistle Punks in Vauxhall, I discovered I have a proper love for axe throwing. You turn up, they show you the ropes, and you go head-to-head with a group of your friends.
‘My upper body strength and hand-eye coordination leave a bit to be desired, but if that sounds anything like you don’t be discouraged – I literally could not stop winning, so it’s absolutely anyone’s game.’
The eateries
Lifestyle reporter Lizzie Thomson says: ‘We went to A. Wong – a Michelin star Chinese in London – for my birthday. I would say it’s probably more of one for an occasion as it’s a bit more expensive, but the food was incredible.
‘There’s a tasting menu, or you can get lots of small plates à la carte. Would recommend the sweet and sour pork rib and the crispy chilli beef tartare.’
‘Yeni in Soho was outstanding,’ reccomends Aidan. ‘It’s a Turkish place with sharing plates that are honestly to die for. If you go, give the manti dumplings and aubergine, stilton and fig plate a try – you won’t regret it.’
Lizzie adds: ‘At the Porthminster Beach Cafe, you can sit and eat incredible seafood and fish while looking out to sea – it’s so picturesque, plus they have a roof that opens to make it more open-air.
‘I had lobster there twice during my week in St Ives, and it was divine. I also had a bite of my partner’s monkfish curry, which was amazing. They also have a takeaway shack on the beach, so you can go and eat all kinds of delights by the sea.’
The nights out
‘I got to try some cocktails at the Ginger Lily bar at the Pan Pacific London hotel before Christmas, and they were honestly some of the best I’ve ever tasted,’ says Aidan.
‘Their festive gingerbread cocktail Old Spot particularly blew my mind – sweet and moreish without being sickly. It’s not cheap, but I’m looking forward to whatever special occasion I can use as an excuse to go back.’
Freelance lifestyle reporter Ella tells us: ‘One of my best nights out of the year was in the basement of Stage and Radio in Manchester, also Pink Room in Yes Bar.’
The staycations
‘The Jurassic Coast in Dorset – honestly an incredible coastline, I was blown away by how pretty it was and that it was in the UK,’ says Lizzie.
Aidan adds: ‘I got to stay at a country club for the first time for a review. I expected it to be a bit stuffy, but it was actually so fun.
‘The place I stayed at was called Foxhills. The food was delicious, the staff were super nice, and between the fitness classes, tennis courts, huge grounds, spa and swimming pools, there’s loads of wholesome things to do no matter how you prefer to unwind. I’d recommend going in summer when the outdoor pools will be the most fun to use.’
‘I loved a trip to Bristol this year,’ Ellen tells us. ‘Great food (try Gambas Tapas Bar), great cider (the mango one at The Apple Cider Boat? Incredible), and great shopping.’
The festival
‘I went to One Tribe, this small festival in Shropshire, and it was honestly the highlight of my 2021,’ shares Ella.
‘It was beautiful!’
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk
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source https://metro.co.uk/2022/01/01/the-lifestyle-teams-favourite-places-of-2021-15842381/
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