F45 Challenge | Before & After Results, My Journey & 8 Weeks Food Diary Photos.

What is F45?

F45 provides functional team training for 45 minutes, originated in Australia, specialising in HIIT workouts that will leave your body feeling invigorating or breathless panting on the floor after using the rowing machine! I've joined F45 in February 2018 after finally booking a class with my sister; we heard of F45 through Youtubers and decided we need to try this for ourselves. I use to go to the gym approximately 4-5 times per week for an early morning work out, (often struggling) waking up at 5:00 am; following my own workouts and using all resource I have. However, since joining F45 I've left the gym and attending F45 almost daily. I can really see and feel the effectiveness of these sessions and it is worth the investment. I thought I was 'fit' going to the gym until I went to a F45 class, which then made me realise how I don't push myself enough. Not only do you gain an effective workout but you also gain knowledge, correct techniques, nutritional guide, motivation and new friendly faces. Also, if you're feeling tired waking up, once you arrive in the studio, your body will naturally be motivated to start working.

Each day of the week provides a different class focusing on different results. I.e. Monday is cardio - currently the class is Firestorm, consisting of 27 stations, burning every muscle in your body. Tuesday is resistance - currently the class is All Star, using antagonistic muscle pairing techniques. Then the days alternates between cardio and resistance. Weekends are a mixture of both cardio and resistance. Their most known Saturday class - Hollywood is the topper to your weekend; as this consists of 27 stations, 2 laps, 45 seconds work, and totalling an hour workout; this will leave you feeling sweaty, looking like a well ripe tomato but feeling like you've conquered your weekend already.

This is a summary of why I absolutely love F45 and why I've become a F45 addict now...

F45 Challenge

The challenge is a nutritional 8 weeks meal plan to follow, whilst working out a recommended 5 times per week with F45. This will ensure you see effective results. The meal plan consists of breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks. After the 8 weeks, you should have lost fat and gained lean muscles. There is a global competition for the winners that achieves the best results, also there are studio prizes, this will just give another motivation to work harder and keep strong.

As you can see from the photo above, I have completed two challenges - #18 and #19. I really can see the difference in myself after entering the first challenge and finishing my second challenge. I also do feel stronger, I can see the visibility of muscle gain and clothes feels looser. I've also put my results highlighted in orange on the top right corner of the images; you'll be able to see that I have dropped in my total weight, decreased fat % and also gained a tiny amount of muscle (I do need to up the protein intake).

Before & After Results 

Below are my before and after shots of challenge #18 (April-June) and #19 (July-September); these photos are taken in a total of 5 months time period - 2 months of challenge, 1 month break then another 2 months of challenge. It is a gradual progression for myself; some people are able to transform their bodies drastically in one challenge however for me it is a slower result. I believe this is due to my existing low calorie deficit, meaning to keep to the current state I am, I have to eat much lower calorie, this is difficult as during the challenge as I was already eating approximately 1300 calorie - to reduce this I would have to increase my workout, reduce calorie intake, and/or incorporate more movements in my day-to-day life. Nevertheless, I am happy with my results as I gained positive results on both challenges. The most visual change I can see is my abdomen, muscle gained in my legs and arms, all in all - happy with what I achieved.

Food Diary 

Here are photos of challenge #19 meal plan; this is what to expect to eat during the challenge. The meal plan is generally easy quick to make recipes. A combination of protein, greens, healthy fat and all nutritional goodness.

The meal plan is sectioned into three phases;

• Spring Training - Week 1-2 - Alkalise and detox the body.
• Regular Season - Week 3- 6 - Defining our physique and focusing on building lean muscle.
• World Series- Week 7-8 - Ultimate fat stripping phase. 

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7 

Week 8

Tips and Advice 

• Be Tupperware ready as you need a lot for each meal and snacks per day. 
• Buy lots of lemons for your daily dose of lemon water. 
• Get a 1.5 L bottle, ensure you drink two bottles of these daily. A big bottle allows quick easy measurement of your water intake. 
• Buy a few bottles of kombucha to help your digestion *Do not drink too much of this though. 
• Stock up on coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil as you will use these daily.
• Drink green tea and/or ginger tea throughout the day also. 
• To lower the grocery shop price tag - buy frozen vegetables, bulk buy meat and shop in a few shops. I shop in Aldi for my protein and greens, Tesco/ Sainsbury for frozen goods, and Sainsbury - healthier produce. 
• If you want to time save. Shopping in Ocado is great - for the organised easy shop (if I have no time to pop to the supermarket).  
• Buy a few bottles of magnesium spray as you would need this for your post shower regime. Spray this generously as your body will need it! This will help prevent soreness. *I bought mine from Hollands & Barrett. 
• Meal prep on a Sunday saves me a lot of time for the weekday. I tend to meal prep all of Monday's food which keeps me a day ahead. 

My Journey

How strict do you have to be?

Often people are put off with these challenges because they think of how difficult it could be. However, just try it and aim to be strict but if you cannot resist more food, add a snack or extra protein/greens to your meal. I wasn't "too" strict on myself, in my first challenge I had a week holiday on an all inclusive cruise, in my second challenge I allowed myself to eat more in restaurants and enjoy the weekends but choose the healthier option; I did have the occasional bad choices. There are always options but choose the better one, resist confectionery temptation but a dark chocolate here and there would be deemed as 'okay' for me. I did however be as strict as I can from Monday-Friday as this is the easiest time to be strict, as I am sitting in an office all day I won't be out and about seeing any temptation. I meal prep for the entire day, if you can see the food you'll consume you won't eat anything extra. Although if I was hungry, I eat fruit, homemade seed and nuts bar and any healthy snacks (although this isn't really in the diet).

What have I learnt?

From my first challenge, I learnt that I needed to increase my water intake as I was struggling with this. In the second challenge I ensured I filled my 1.5 L bottle twice a day and aim to finish this by the end of day. This did become difficult as I also drank green teas throughout the day as well.

I do need to increase my daily body movements, as I am sitting in an office all day, drive to work, and there's no high street to ponder around. I literally don't do any other movements other than the session in the morning. Therefore, I do need to take half an hour of my lunch to walk or move around at a minimum.

My downfall

I struggled with sleeping 8 hours per night, as the F45 owner would tell me off for this! (haha). However, it is important as your body needs sleep to recover from the workout, also if your body doesn't recover, your body won't intake the effectiveness of the workout and nutrition. I generally sleep approximately 6 hours per night, some nights even less.

How many sessions did I do per week?

In my first challenge, I only did 3-4 sessions per week on average. However towards the end of the challenge, I increased my sessions to 5-6. In my second challenge, I learnt the global winners did an average 10 sessions per week. I went a little session crazy and tried to take my body beyond its limits. I did multiple double sessions per week, some weeks  I did approximately 8-10 sessions. I was overdoing it as my mid scan showed I dropped a lot of weight quickly. After this, I did less double back to back sessions but continued with double resistance sessions. My body did feel exhausted towards the end of the challenge and I took a step back and listened to how my body felt.

Setting goals

I did not know what goal to set myself at the beginning of challenge #19. However, in the Wednesday's cardio Varsity session, there is a 60 second rowing competition board. In April I was only able to row 252 metres at the fastest. By September, I can row 290 metres in 60 seconds. On the average, female's goal is to row 250 metres and male's 300 metres. Therefore, beating the average is beyond an achievement to me. My next goal is to row 300 metres in 60 seconds. 

My next goal should be to increase my arm strength, by using lower resistance bands for chin ups and pull ups. I do struggle with this station every time but I am gradually improving. 

Next Challenge?

I am considering taking on challenge #20, which starts October 8th - December 2nd. As I made a difference to my body in the last two challenges, I hope by the next challenge that I can continue the good results and work on areas that I struggle with. If I do choose to do the next challenge, I won't go as crazy on the double sessions and also try to get good sleep.

Dominique Ansel Bakery Afternoon Tea | Review 🍰

📍17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP

Let's talk desserts, savoury and tea! I love finding scrumptiously sweet dessert places in London; they do have the widest range of choices and it is all so heavenly. This was my first afternoon tea experience, I've always wanted to go to one but never discovered where to go. Also I never knew of the hype around afternoon tea, until I found this place on Instagram. Now I am onto my next afternoon tea hunt!

Dominique Ansel Bakery makes THE MOST beautifully attractive and creative desserts. You may have seen the watermelon soft serve hype; this is the place! They also make many order to make and ready desserts. I definitely need to try more next time. Nonetheless, lets talk about their afternoon tea. Their afternoon tea includes three options;

1. Signature | Classic menu with tea
2. Sparkling | Served with a choice of bubbly
3. Splendid | Classic menu, seafood selection and bubbly

We chose the signature, just the classic menu with a choice of tea, which we chose the special in house tea. I would definitely recommend this. Although if you enjoy the  classic teas they of course do offer this also.

We sat in their garden terrace, enclosed in greenery. You will definitely feel connected to the nature atmosphere whilst devouring away. We did have to wait 40 minutes for our food to arrive which was the downfall of the experience. However, once the food arrived it did overturn our mood immediately. 

The menu showed a twist to the usual afternoon tea, there wasn't any sandwiches and there was a twist on the classic scones. The menu provided was clear and detailed every item. As you know, you start from the bottom of the menu to the top; from savoury to sweet. 

The desserts looked intricately made and so delicate, it is dessert art; the sphere desserts were eye catching and the taste will surprise you more than you think.

Firstly, we started with the savoury layers (of course). I really enjoyed these two layers. I think each one did not also just meet the brief, but gave you a bit more surprise in flavour. It was difficult to choose my favourite as each one was amazing in its own way. However I particularly enjoyed the Young Leaf - smoked salmon with cream cheese (because I am a smoke salmon lover) and Fallen Leaf - this was the steak tartare (this was my first time to try raw beef).

Secondly, the two layers of desserts. I was surprisingly quite stomach content by the time I reached the desserts. The desserts tasted and looked like five star desserts. However, I did find some were two rich for my liking. However, my favourite was the Bud - lavender meringue, coconut ganache, passion fruit gelee, white chocolate petals; the passion fruit and coconut are a combination of flavours that I love. 

Finally, to finish - their scones! Dominique done a fabulous twist to the normal scones with clotted cream and jam. The scones were well rounded soft golden brown shaped, it was fluffy and light on the inside. The big finale was the hidden clotted cream and jam in the strawberry. The next sentence is a big statement to make - however this was the most incredible scones I have ever had. The scones would be the reason why I would tell you to try their afternoon tea! It was the finale that tied the knot - the topper of the cake! 

Every detail was beautifully presented, elegant twist to the classic afternoon tea, attractive sphere shaped desserts and savoury, and their to-die-for scone. D-E-V-I-N-E! 

I most definitely recommend you try their afternoon tea! As this was my first afternoon tea, I am not sure if they have set the bar too high. I have my next afternoon tea in mind and I hope it can give me a unique experience as Dominique Ansel Bakery did. 

Please let me know any afternoon tea restaurants that you recommend! I hope you enjoyed my honest review and will try this place. ♡

🌱 Four Vegan Friendly Restaurants You Should Visit in London

Am I a vegan? No. Am I a vegetarian? No. However, I really enjoy exploring different cuisines, a vegan meal is always an exciting experience especially when the food arrives in front of you; as I love to see how the chefs substitute meat produce. Often I think we consume too much meat and sometimes we just need a wholesome plant based meal. Veganism is becoming even more popular and trending for non vegans/ vegetarians like me. Actually some restaurants listed below are known to be popular with the general public. Once you see the photos below, it might just convince you to try it! Honestly, it is one of my favourite restaurants to try, I cannot wait to find more and have this list grow!

1. Tibits 

📍 Mayfair | 12-14 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4DA

This restaurant is a quick dine in type of place, as all you need to do is grab a plate, choose your food then go to the counter, have your plate weighed, pay and order your drinks then dine! It is that simple! 

I went there for lunch, I loved the process of how easy it is and you can choose the quantity of food that you would like to have. There are so many choices and I literally could eat every single dish! I cannot wait to return. As you can see from my photo below, my sister and I had five to six variety of dishes; I think there must have been approximately twenty different types of dishes to select from. 

I will also say this place is inexpensive. I think my meal with the smoothie was just under £20, which I would consider as reasonable for a lunch time meal. I was satisfied with the amount of food I had on my plate.  

2. Vurger 

📍 Camden | 9, Avant Garde Richmix Square, Cygnet St, London E1 6LD

This is a fast food burger restaurant. A small menu but enough to exploit different variety of vegan burgers. Again, another easy order, wait for your buzzer, collect and dine place. Just what you need after walking around Camden. 

I chose a mushroom patty with mac 'n' cheese, my sister chose black bean patty with sweet potato fries. We shared our sides as the portions are very generous. As this is a fast food restaurant, the price is very reasonable. 

The second time we visited Vurger, we went for their limited edition special burger collabed with Gaz Oakley. It was a Caribbean inspired burger; my sister had it in the bun and I had it in a salad box.

3. Mildreds

📍 Soho | 45 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AN
📍 King's Cross | 200 Pentonville Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9JP

I've visited two branches so far, they also have another branch in Camden which I am yet to visit. My first experience was in King's Cross and we had to wait a little while for our table, it was on the weekend and my sister influenced us to go. It were both of our first time to try this place and I was more than happy to wait for our table to try their food. Their menu is simplistic and short which I like, it's on a one sided A4 sheet which is plenty to select from but yet not to leave you baffling undecided of choices; their menu does also rotate dishes around as two separate times I've been the menu has changed slightly. 

The price is also reasonable, I think on average the main was around £10-£15. Bargain I think for a London restaurant!

I had a mushroom pie served with sweet potato fries and minty mushy peas. I would recommend this if you quite like the intense mushroom flavours, the flavours were incredible, puff pastry was thin and crispy - exactly how it should be and I do love my peas so all in all it was a great meal. My sister had their 'mock chicken' dish; I tried some of their mock chicken and it looked and tasted very similar to chicken. It was divine! It was mock chicken coated in breadcrumb, served with sweet potato fries, slaw and a dip. 

My second visit was to the Soho branch, this was mid week and in non-peak hours. Therefore, we didn't have to wait for our table. I really wanted to try their mock katsu chicken dish as I tried Wagamama's vegan version and I would not recommend it. However, this version is definitely recommended, it tasted like the perfect substitute. The mock chicken texture and taste is impeccable, served with black rice and leafy greens; extremely filling and the curry sauce was so good! My sister had a mock chicken burger with sweet potato fries served with a dip. 

4. Farmacy 

📍 Nottinghill | 74 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH

The final recommendation is a more sophisticated dining, it is a pretty idyllic restaurant with amazing service! You walk towards the restaurant and you'll see the most amazing greenery covering parts of the exterior, once you're in you're greeted with even more greenery sitting against beautiful wooden features. It all ties in very nicely, the feel you have is very calm and neutral to enjoy your food in.  

This restaurant is medium priced I would say, main dishes were averagely at £15; Starters - £10, cocktails - £10.

The menu selection is more intricate as it is a whole different experience from the other vegan restaurants I've been to; I did not know what to expect to arrive as this place is a finer restaurant than the previous ones. To start off with, drinks - I ordered a iced matcha coconut latte.

For starters we ordered a mezze platter to share; it had pitta bread, aubergines, breadcrumb mushroom balls with a houmous dip. It was different and I really did enjoy it!

Mains - My sister ordered a  earth bowl which contain various greens, proteins and  a sauce. It is a cold dish and I would describe it as a salad essentially. For myself, as we went during dinner hours, I like a hot meal for the evenings, I ordered a mushroom tagliatelle; another mushroom dish, I know! I think you can gather I like mushrooms. Again, this dish was very mushroom intense and I do recommend this. I think this is one of the best tasting tagliatelle dish that I've ever had. 

They did also have a great cocktail selection but I didn't try it. Next time I would definitely have to!

Overall, my favourite of the four are Mildreds and Tibits. I really like their easy dining and simplistic menu. Try these two first if you've never been to a vegan/vegetarian restaurant. I think vegan friendly restaurants really know how to work with flavours, vegetables and meat substitutes to make plant based goods tastes so great! If only I could cook like this I would eat like this daily.


My to try list...

• Tell Your Friends 
  I've found this place on Instagram as it is owned by Lucy and Tiffany Watson. The MIC known Vegans. This is literally the next place that I want to visit. The menu looks lush! 
• Purezza 
  Vegan pizzas?! What else do I need to say. Their 'Couch potato' pizza is the one I want to try! Don't you look at the menu before you visit? I do! 

Let me know your vegan friendly restaurants that you've been to, if you recommend it, let me know! I'd love to hear about it! 

A Guide to Brighton 🌊 | Where to visit, stay, do and eat?

Firstly, it has been an incredibly long awaited time since I have posted on my blog. I have grown from the a seventeen year old girl who started this blog. I will update more on my life in later posts!

I wanted to return to my blog when I felt I am passionate again, I feel the time is now. I am ready to share to all my readers about any of my life experience, lifestyle and passion. To start the return, I have decided to write a guide on your way around Brighton. I went to university of Brighton (class of 2017), it would only be right to talk about this beautiful lively city that I was once apart of. Grab yourself a cuppa tea as this is quite a long read!

Brighton is a place of happiness, great atmosphere and a peaceful "city" away from the hustle and bustle. It is a fabulous tourist destination and weekend away trip! Many hen and stag dos are held here on the weekends as well! We will talk about places to see, activities to do, where to stay and of course, FOOD (my favourite part)!

Places to Visit 

You can walk from one end of Brighton to another and see the contrast, from graffiti art walls, grassy green parks to enjoy your coffee, to colourful beach houses alongside the seafront. There is a place for everyone in this mini city.

Below I have a listed some key areas you must visit if you do pop down to Brighton:

North Laine
Surround yourself around unique antique stores, from vintage collector stores to photo booth store. The findings in the Laine is incredible; you can wander along the bricked paved streets to endless number of market like stores. I tend to go in for a browse, I did purchase a snug bobble faux fur beanie one winter. There is also a fudge store called Roly's Fudge if you enjoy a sweet treat; the selection of flavours are impeccable; from baileys, butterscotch, sea salt and more.

The Lanes
This area is allocated closer to the sea front, here you will be walking through narrow lanes and alleyways finding yourself looking at antiques and also higher end fashion stores; there are many jewellers and independent stores scattered across there. I always wander across to the ChoccyWoccyDoodah to have a sneak peek of the  amazing chocolate sculptures. You can also pop upstairs to the chocolate heaven cafe if you have time! Moreover, if you're an interior accessory lover (like me), you might like to pop into England at Home; I love a nose around in there. By the time you've wormed your way around The Lanes, you may be thirsty or a little peckish, you can definitely find a nice little coffee shop here - I recommend you to pop into Cafe Coho - their beverages and food menu is the perfect pit stop.

Churchill Square
The main shopping centre is a must visit if you fancy a shop! They're really investing capital into revamping the entire structure and interior of this building. I must say, it has become more lavish in comparison to when I was living there. They have shops including Topshop, Zara, River Island, Pull & Bear and Apple. The most common branded chains can be found in here. Also, there are plenty of common branded franchise eatery that can be found surrounding here. I know this is a common franchise fast food but I love Kokoro - Japanese fast food; if you would like a quick chicken katsu with rice/ sweet chilli chicken with rice or even sushi, here is the place you need to stop by.

Seafront & The Pier
If you're a 'Wreck it Ralph' lover, meaning an arcade lover. Of course you'll have to pop over to the sea front to win yourself tokens and have a go at the Pac Man air hockey table; it is definitely even more competitive and be prepared for flying air hockey discs. You will most definitely have to hop on a pier ride, there is a very frightening ride at the end of the pier which rotates you upside down in loops overlooking the sea; I can vouch I have not and will not ever go on this but I am quite fearful of most rides. This ride is made for the adrenaline junkies/ thrill seekers. If you do go on this, a round of applause shall be awarded to you.

Devil's Dyke
This location is made for the hikers. Bring your picnic baskets and walking shoes and find yourself a spot to lay your picnic blanket, to enjoy the views you can get from up there. You can also walk endlessly and also enjoy the fresh air up on the hills.

Seven Sisters
This is my favourite scenic visits that you can make. I have never been to a cliff side before and the view and experience as a whole is insane. Seven Sisters is just a drive or a bus journey away, you can find this location is very accessible as it is a tourist destination. I must say, the panoramic view, the bunnies hopping around and waves crashing are the reasons why I enjoy this walk very much.

What to do?

If you would like an activity to break up the day or make your visit even more exciting. The list below can give you a flavour of what there is to offer.

Escape room
My friends surprised me here to an hour of puzzle solving and using a mixture of general knowledge, common sense and unfolding hints to escape the room. We managed to escape but with extra clues, the owner is very friendly and the game was challenging and fun altogether. I definitely cannot escape here alone!

Mini Golf

• Seafront Mini Golf - An outdoor mini golf on the beach, the perfect trip whilst enjoying your ice cream. 
• Glow balls - This location is indoors and a little away from town. It is in the Marina but if you enjoy glow in the dark dinosaur themed mini golf - this place is the one! 

Zip wire
I have not been up the zip wire myself as it was not ready when I lived there. However, on the sea front there is a zip wire along the beach. It looks very exhilarating and good outdoor activity to do.

The Royal Pavilion
If you like to indulged yourself in history and architect. This is your place to visit! This palace is built for King George VI, however it was used as a military hospital. It annually holds a colourful display of the story of the the Pavilion shown in moving picture demonstration projected onto The Pavilion. It is a spectacular show, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the lawn watching the show amongst the crowd. There is an inside local secret, the Royal Pavilion annually holds a free entry day. You would have to do your research and find the date, as I do not remember. However, it is worth the queue and save you the pennies. In winter they also have an ice rink there, definitely go even if you cannot skate like myself!   

i 360
The newly built tourist trap allows you to travel vertically up Brighton, the view up on the pod is very scenic; it is beautiful once you're up in the sky and the journey is very smooth. It is the perfect landscape/ bird eyes view shot of Brighton and the sea. Once you've risen up to the highest point you can really see all the graffiti artist work on each building, I just wonder how did they even climb up there. Moreover, in the pod, you can enjoy a glass of beverage of your choice and take as many selfies as you please.

Karaoke Bar
I have never actually been into these bars but I have always wanted to, partly because none of my friends wanted to so sadly I missed out! However, it sounds fun especially when you've had a few to drink! It always sounds fun to sing along to some old classics. I know of The Lucky Voice and Slam Star.

Night life
If you're a night owl and love a night out. Brighton will not disappoint you, there are bars and clubs for all ages, events and nights. I went to a club called The Haunt back in the days on "Cat Face" night, where you can only enter if you have a cat drawn on your face; this includes the whiskers and nose. Otherwise, you most definitely won't be let in. Moving on, there are plenty of places to enjoy, I particularly like No 32, it is a little more sophisticated and it's a restaurant by day and bar/club by night. There are also approximately 3/4 seafront clubs and a few other bars along the beach. Also, don't worry, Brighton have you covered if you're looking for a 3 am meal. Hope along to Buddies which is also on the seafront, that is how you finish a night out in Brighton correctly.


Where to stay ?
Where I would recommend to stay would be close to the city centre as it is notably obvious, it is easy accessible to to town and links to buses to the local nearby towns. I've heard the The Artist Residence is the place to stay, as it is located at the Regency park (near the i360), and to interior is very unique compared to other hotels. If you can't or not staying here, you can also pop into the bar! I have also stayed in a B&B by the Regency park and it is very good location as you can easily walk anywhere.

Events
When is the best time to visit Brighton? 

Pride
The most talked about event of the year is definitely pride, we all know what is is - it is to celebrate the LGBT community and to spread the love! I experienced my first pride in Brighton and it was the BEST day and night literally. There's a parade during the day time and you can see volunteers and paraders marching down the streets holding their flags sharing the love. Everyone is most likely be drunk by midday! It is quite the entertainment. Almost every single person would be outdoors, on the streets and clustered on the beach. My friends and I spent the daytime on the beach then ventured into The Hobgoblin and partied until our feet couldn't withstand anymore.

Foodie Festival
I am a food lover and especially a lover of food markets. I just love the different variety of food and drinks that a market has to offer. I can go round and have nibbles of anything I please. That is what I enjoy the most! Annually the Foodie Festival travels around the UK and stops off at Brighton around May (I believe) on the Hove lawns. You do have to buy entry tickets but it is worth it! There are plenty of freebie tasters and yummy food to select from. I was obsessed with the Thai stand as they had the most tender and flavoursome pork skewers; I literally went back for another two because the first round just wasn't enough! There are also of course savoury bakes, cakes, veggie, vegan, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages for all. You won't be disappointed and it is for all ages.

Fringe Festival - Art Festival
If you're very into your art, you must have heard of this annual art festival held in Brighton? As it is known for the largest annual art festival in England and one of the largest in the world. If you parade around the streets around this time, you will be able to sea Brighton decorated with art banners and colours.

Food and Drinks marquees & Fun fair
I believe around May/June time is when the food and bar markets are set up in Brighton, they were located by The Old Steine/ Grand Parade area and the fun fair is usually in The Level. Around spring/summer time there are lots to do! As soon as the sun appears again Brighton becomes very lively.

Wildlife Festival
The music festival of Brighton is worth going! I went in my final summer there, the atmosphere is great!  I met people from different places and partied till nightfall. There are different stages for different vibes, artists included George Ezra, Clean Bandit, Gorgon City, Giggs etc went in in 2017; It's a good "smaller" festival to venture to.

Circus - Thai Lady boys
This circus show is also annually held in Brighton. Well, at least for the three years that I have live down there. It is usually by The Old Steine. You definitely cannot miss it! As there is a ginormous gazebo in the middle of the large roundabout. Unfortunately, I missed it and I tried to persuade my boyfriend to come with me but sadly he wasn't interested! I did hear reviews from my fellow ex colleagues that it is fantastic, as they engage with the audience and they might even pull you up on stage for a laugh!


Where to eat & drink?

This following list of restaurants are in no chronological order, all places are my loves. I highly recommend to visit any of these places and you won't be disappointed (don't vouch on that 😂 as I am relying on my taste buds)! Sadly, I don't have photos of each place I eat/drank in; you would just have to use your imagination as I describe the mouth watering food.

Giggling Squid - Thai
Good lunch menus for around £10; there are choices of four types of dishes for a single set meal for one. Good value for money and presentation is on point!

Lemongrass - Thai 
Another Thai cuisine, I just love Asian food! The choices of flavours and ambience of the restaurant is magnificent. I dined there with my friend and we both ordered a main dish with rice and starters; it was very filling and worth the visit. My friend even went back there for your family graduation meal.

Boho Gelato - Dessert
I cannot rave about this place enough! I bought three tubs of their gelato for three consecutive days. Not to mention I did gain a fair few lbs however their gelato is DELICIOUS. Flavours ranges from carrot cake, tirimisu, matcha, mango, cheesecake etc.... The list is endless and all their flavours are very unique. I highly recommend you to visit here regardless of the season. You just have to try it!

SIX - British 
I had breakfast here and it was so Instagram attractive! The food itself is very good and it is a nice relaxing restaurant in Hove to dine in. A little away from the town centre so it is more peaceful. You can order full English breakfast, vegetarian breakfast, eggs Benedict, pancakes & waffles to healthy vegan brunch bowls.

Lucky Beach Cafe - British
This cafe is located by the beach front, you'll have to walk down the steps to the pebbles. There fish & chips there is the one to try! It's very fresh and cooked perfectly. Just wrap up warm if you're visiting in colder seasons as I learnt the hard way, the doors and windows are opened and definitely catches the sea breeze. Nevertheless, good range of British food to select from. I had fish & chips with calamari and a cup of coconut coffee the last time I visited.

Pinocchio - Italian
This restaurant is real Italian food, not like a chain. They use good produce and flavouring and it is impeccable. I had to try a iconic main which was a spaghetti bolognese, tiramisu and aperol spritz. All the flavours were there and I think this is one of the best Italian restaurants that I've eat in.

Sushi Mania - Japanese 
All you can eat sushi?! That is all I need to say really. Sushi and selection of Japanese food is great! It is made to order so the sushi is freshly made in the kitchen. I highly recommend this place as it is great value for money!

Gin Tub - Gin Distillery 
100 types of different gin to try, served in a balloon glass. Definitely a must visit if you're a gin lover! The concept of the bar is interesting as well as there is an old fashioned telephone for you to call another table if you fancy a chat! Also, this bar is a table sharing place so if it gets busy you'll have to mingle with others. There is a downstairs however I don't quite remember whether it is a dance floor or extended bar.

Redroaster Cafe - British 
Cafe by day and restaurant by night. It is interesting that this restaurant changes its name by the time of the day! This place is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. It is like almost everyone's kitchen interior dreams! White marble tables, mirrored walls, high ceilings and light bouncing off each wall. Also, the plant decor is just right. Sometimes, you have to appreciate the atmosphere whilst enjoying your food! Anyway, back to the point - the food is a smaller portion size but flavouring and uniqueness is there! I had brunch here and I liked the different option to a normal cafe brunch place.

Hot dog stand - British
This may sound crazy that I am recommending a hot dog stand BUT yes I am... because this is really the yummiest hot dog that I have ever had. It's not like a typical stand that is temporary, it is permanently there. It is located just outside of Churchill square shopping centre on Western road (outside JD). The three types of sausages, onions, bun and tomato mustard sauce..... dribble. Do I need to convince you anymore?

VIP Pizza - Italian 
Again, another real Italian restaurant. You must book for this place because it is THAT busy or you have to wait for your table (for a while). I highly recommend to book! I had a pizza - ham , spinach and walnuts (I believe) and it is flavoursome and some flavours that I've never seen on a menu. It is ran by Italians and they know what they're doing! This is a 100% recommended.

Pompoko - Japanese
A fast food cheap restaurant. This is a good quick easy meal! There are set menus of teriyaki chicken with rice to katsu chicken. You get the gist! Food comes extremely quick and very fast paced restaurant.

The Salt Room - British
I would classify here is a higher end restaurant for sure. I came here for one valentine and had steak here. It was divine! They also had a lot of seafood on their menu and distinctive choices. You do get the 5* service here.

Dum Dum Donutterie - Dessert
These doughnuts are scrumptious. Their cronuts are a must to try! I believe my first Dum Dum was a pistachio cronut and it is highly recommended! My boyfriend had a chocolate cronut and he loved it, he is not a dessert person either so that is a great feedback from him!

Pizza Face - Italian Takeaway
If you're in the Hove region pop over to this pizza place. Only takeaways so you can take one back to your hotel or even picnic on the beach (watch out for the seagulls though)! This is the best takeaway pizza that you can get! The pizza with the parma ham is the one for me!

Wolfies of Hove - Fish & Chips takeaway
Again, another in Hove. I highly highly highly rate this fish & chips. I honestly think their food is good. Good quality, portion and value. Very quick service and chicken nuggets is a must - just order a portion to share with your cod and chips! I don't think I can ever have enough of this place! Located right by Hove train station so very easy to get to!

The Regency - Seafood
You probably have heard of this seafood restaurant on Trip advisor as it is that popular! You can't come to Brighton without trying this place. Grilled, deep fried and steamed seafood.... you name it, they have it! They also have a platter starter which is great to share - It has lobster, muscle and scallop etc; it is really tasty.

The New club - British
I've only dined here for breakfast so can only make my judgement here. Great cafe and good coffee! I love it. They serve your typical full English but with a slight twist.

No 32- British
Burgers, steak, fish.... another great British style cuisine. Restaurants by day and bar/club by night. Good cocktails here as well! They do also have a great lunch deal menu.


My "To Do" Restaurant List 
When I return to Brighton & Hove once again, my next mission is to venture into the restaurants below. Unfortunately during my time of living there, I missed the chance to dine in these places listed. All restaurants either sounds or looks scrumptious or have been given very good reviews. If you do visit any of these, please comment and let me know how it is. I am such a food lover and a review trustee, if you have any recommendation. Please also do share!

• Holy Phok - Thai
• Etch - French, European, British
• Fishmerkan - Seafood
• Riddles & Finns -Seafood
• Burger Brothers - Takeaway Burger
• 64 Degrees - British
• The Chilli Pickle - Indian

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post about my love/ guide for Brighton! I hope this helps your way around and also give you a great flavour of what this mini City has to offer.

Ending with a beautiful evening shot of the beach.