The Royal Ballet’s Giselle returns this winter Originally titled ‘Giselle, ou Les Wilis’ this is one of the masterworks of classical ballet. A romantic ballet in two acts with music by Adolphe Adams it was first performed in Paris, France on 28 June 1841. It’s the most famous ballet of the Romantic era and, the […]
About Fiona Maclean
Tylney Hall – A Country House Hotel Staycation
To the Manor (not quite) born – at Tylney Hall in Hampshire. Shoulder season short breaks in spring and autumn are quite the best kind of country house hotel staycations in my view. While you may not be guaranteed sunshine, these stunning stately homes offer beautiful grounds, charming country walks and space to relax, dine […]
Angel Oak – Peckham Rye – Review
Not quite my local – The Angel Oak Peckham Rye Now I’m officially a South Londoner, I’m busy exploring parts of the City never reached before. And, where better to start than in a not quite but nearly local pub in Peckham Rye. One of those areas you often hear described as ‘up and coming’ […]
Visiting Belfast – Essentials
Beginner’s Belfast – Exploring the City Introduction to Belfast. The first thing any visitor to Belfast needs to know is that it’s a city of quarters. Depending on which guide you read there are anything from five to seven quarters. Each one has a distinct culture and heritage, and each has its own stories. There […]
Romeo and Juliet – Review – Royal Ballet at the ROH – Autumn 2021
The Royal Ballet Back on Stage with Romeo and Juliet The Royal Ballet’s first performance since the Royal Opera House has been able to reopen fully this year is of Romeo and Juliet, for many people the flagship production of the company. It’s a dramatic ballet where characterisation, stunning costumes and set, together with a […]
Jenůfa – Review- Royal Opera House – Autumn 2021
Jenůfa – an accomplished and moving new production at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. We are thrilled to review the first production of Jenůfa at Covent Garden since 2001. This season’s show is the postponed production from February 2021 by award-winning German director Claus Guth, with set design by Michael Levine, Costumes by Gesine […]
Roast Halibut with Prawns and Samphire
How to Roast Halibut – the perfect way to cook a special fish. Skip straight to my recipe Do you own favourite pans? I’ve just been sent one to review which I know will become an old favourite. I love cooking with cast iron and for years have wanted a two-handled skillet. Why? Well, it’s […]
Aqua Nueva – Spanish Food in London
Not Quite La Tomatina – Aqua Nueva Tapas I’m only just beginning to travel again and I haven’t yet booked a trip abroad. One thing still on my personal wish list is to go along to La Tomatina, a festival in Valencia that is held every year to celebrate the tomato harvest. Inevitably, it involves […]
English National Opera – 2021/22 Season Preview
English National Opera is back on stage again at The Coliseum. It’s not long now until the Autumn season opens at the London Coliseum, home of the English National Opera. We are excited – and keeping our fingers crossed that what sounds like an amazing schedule of performances goes ahead as planned this season. Booking […]
Excellent wine with no alcohol – an Oddbird indeed!
Intoxicating wine without alcohol. Are you a wine drinker who is trying to cut down on alcohol? Perhaps you’ve tried non-alcoholic and low alcohol wines before and never quite felt comfortable. Oddbird aims to change all of that with a range of exclusive sparkling wines that are ‘liberated from alcohol’ and yet don’t taste like […]