“TRY taking a picture with your phone camera and zoom in,” says our guide as we crowd around a piece of chewing gum stuck on the pavement, squinting to see it better.

Sure enough, when I pinch and stretch the photo on my phone screen, I can make out a kitchen scene, with a tiny kettle and three-point plug.

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By painting on to blobs of trodden gum instead of anything more permanent, artist Ben Wilson keeps within the confines of the law here in Bristol, explains Luke, our guide.

I’m on the Blackbeard to Banksy walking tour, a street-art amble which crams in 1,000 years of history into two hours.

We go from miniature to massive as further along, Bristol’s tallest murals loom down from tower blocks on Nelson Street.

There’s the giant figure of a banker in pin-striped suit and bowler hat, pouring red paint down the side of a tower block and mother and baby, like a modern vision of the Madonna and Child, on the building next to it.

If you’re wondering how anyone got away with spray painting on this scale well, they didn’t.

These works were created with the council’s blessing as part of a street art festival in 2011.

Today the city’s colourful urban art is celebrated as a star attraction, but the authorities haven’t always seen it that way.

Drinking hole

Before he was quite so famous, Bristolian graffiti artist Banksy went under cover — quite literally — to escape the attention of council workers at their desks in the offices opposite.

He put up a scaffold and tarpaulin to stencil his 2006 work, Well Hung Lover, on to the side of a building in Frogmore Street.

In a cheeky jibe at the oblivious city officials, it shows a suited man searching out through a window, flanked by his wife, while her naked lover clings to the ledge undetected.

As well as art, our walking route also takes in historic pubs where pirates like Blackbeard once plotted, including Bristol’s oldest drinking hole, The Hatchet Inn, dating back to the 1600s or earlier.

Gruesome urban legend has it the front door is covered in the skin of hanged criminals underneath the many coats of black paint you see on it today.

Then, winding our way back towards the present day, we stop by the empty plinth from which Black Lives Matter protesters toppled the statue of slave trader Edward Colston in 2020 before dumping it in the dock.

Now you can find the bronze figure lying ingloriously on its back, still tainted with red paint at M Shed museum (free to visit).

The artistic fun doesn’t end there, though.

I check in to Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, a Grade-II listed late-19th century building, which is a stunning landmark in its own right, with its beautifully-ornate wrought-iron and stained glass porch.

Inside, it’s bright and modern with original work by street artists.

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St Nicholas Market is around the corner and a great place to pick up gifts and grab a bite to eat from one of the enticing food stalls.

Or head to Chez Marcel on Broad Street, a few doors down from the hotel, which serves savoury and sweet crepes.

The crepe complete (ham, emmental and egg) washed down with a dry Breton cider is just as delicious as any I’ve had in France and all for less than £20.

It’s a city where you can travel the world with your taste buds and sample a different country’s cuisine at every meal.

At Sri Lankan mini-chain Coconut Tree, I try cheap and cheerful small plates including “hoppers” — bowl-shaped pancakes filled with coconut and onion relish.

And at upmarket Indian restaurant Nutmeg in Clifton, I have roast duck in a spiced creamy coconut sauce.

For cocktails, Cargo Cantina, in a harbour-side shipping container, mixes a mean Mexican margarita and Cafe Cuba in Stokes Croft has mojitos that are bursting with fresh mint.

With top-notch food and drink, pirate pubs and art around every corner, what more could you want from a city break?

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Members of DanceSydrome, a charity set up in Lancashire in 2009, have been invited to Japan to share their bespoke approach and methodology in how they support people with learning disabilities to be leaders, as part of a pioneering project to promote inclusion in Japanese society.

DanceSyndrome transforms lives, creating change and giving joy, hope and opportunities to people with learning disabilities, and their families. Through the medium of inclusive dance, the organisation empowers those with and without learning disabilities to believe they can achieve their ambitions in life, and that having a disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams.

At DanceSyndrome, people with learning disabilities co-lead inclusive dance sessions and take visible Dance Leader roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive. All sessions are co-produced with professional Dance Artists working side by side with trained and qualified Dance Leaders with a learning disability to co-produce high quality inclusive dance sessions for everyone to enjoy together. The Dance Leaders are all visible members of their communities, who can regularly be seen leading workshops, dance performances and community activities.

In recent years, DanceSyndrome’s work has been recognised on a national level, with multiple partnerships with NHS England, Foundation of Nursing Studies and other national social care providers, as well as securing funding from National Lottery Community Foundation and Arts Council England (and is a 2023-26 National Portfolio Organisation).

The organisation is now celebrating success on an international level after recently winning a Gold Award in the 2024 International Stevie Awards as a non-profit or Government ‘Organization of the Year’ and has now been invited to Tokyo to share learning from their inclusive approach to co-delivery.

In September 2023, DanceSyndrome welcomed an international student, from University of Central Lancashire, called Ayuko Hara to volunteer in their Weekly Company Class sessions in Preston. Ayuko was so inspired by her time with DanceSyndrome that she reported this back to a colleague in Japan called Dai Matsuoka, who programmes the Tokyo Accessible Dance Festival on behalf of an organisation called LAND FES.

Dai reached out to the DanceSyndrome team to ask about the potential for them to share DanceSyndrome’s approach to co-leadership in Tokyo. Funding for this project was secured in Japan from Arts Council Tokyo and four members of the DanceSyndrome team will be travelling to Japan in November 2024 for a 10 day visit which will enable them to share their co-production methodology, supporting Japanese Dance Artists and dancers with learning disabilities to become more inclusive in their delivery of dance activities, with a view to encouraging greater inclusion in the wider society in Japan which currently is not as advanced as in the UK.

Tokyo-based LAND FES has been working on projects that build creative relationships between dancers and people from all walks of life, including people with disabilities, the elderly and young people receiving support for employment. Through international collaboration and interaction, they have learned that in Japan there are not enough examples of different work and creative processes that encourage inclusion in dance.

Co-produced inclusive dance workshops are very hard to find in Japan and there isn’t a system to share learning so that professional dancers can work in an inclusive way, meaning it is even more difficult for people with disabilities to learn to be leaders in dance and other aspects of society. LAND FES is keen to break this cycle by creating new opportunities, increasing accessibility to inclusive dance and deepening the understanding of its value within wider culture.

Dai Matsuoka from LAND FES said “I feel very honoured and thrilled that we have been able to invite DanceSyndrome members to Tokyo this November. As an organization that is committed to develop and promote inclusive dance in Japan, LAND FES will benefit so much from this international collaboration project. I believe that DanceSyndrome’s unique program should be shared more and permeated to empower people with disabilities all over the world.”

Julie Nicholson, DanceSyndrome Managing Director, said “This project embodies everything that DanceSyndrome stands for. We want to change the way that people think about learning disabilities by sharing the ways that we put inclusion and co-production into practice every single day. Our mission is to go out into the world and demonstrate that people with learning disabilities are able to be dancers and leaders or anything else that they want to be, as long as they are given the right support and opportunities to do that. We are so proud to have been invited to travel to Japan to be held up as an example of what good co-production looks like on an international level.”

DanceSyndrome Dance Leader John Burrow will be travelling to Japan with the team. He said “I’m excited to be going to Japan to share the Dance By Example workshops that I co-deliver here in the UK. Through DanceSyndrome I’ve gained social life, I’ve gained friends and a new outlook on my life. I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself so when there’s moments of self-doubt I’m now able to kind of go “no, I can do this.” I’m looking forward to being able to share that with new people in Japan too!”

The DanceSyndrome representatives will be in Japan from 1^st to 10^th
November 2024. Photos and videos from the trip will be shared on the charity’s social media channels. You can follow them on X, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In
and YouTube
at @DanceSyndromeUK

In the words of Winnie the Pooh, “You can’t help but love a bear that loves honey”, and we totally agree.

On October 12th, International Animal Rescue (IAR) invites you to join us in celebrating World Sloth Bear Day! This day is not just about recognising the beauty and unique charm of sloth bears but also about honouring the incredible resilience of these magnificent creatures.

This year, we are thrilled to share the heartwarming story of Mithali, one of our beloved sloth bears, as she enjoys a sweet pot of honey to mark this special occasion.

IAR’s partner in India, Wildlife SOS, delivers excellent work in collaboration with local communities and has worked with Mithali and her sibling since they were found trapped in a dry well with their deceased mother for over 48 hours. At just 20 weeks old, they were discovered wailing and clinging to their mother’s mammary, overwhelmed and frightened by the tragic events they had experienced.

Despite their dire circumstances, the two orphaned cubs have emerged victorious, embodying the spirit of their namesakes: Indian cricket legends Mithali Raj and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. While Mithali Raj broke barriers as the captain of India’s women’s cricket team, leading it to a commendable ODI ranking of number 3, Dhoni inspired countless fans as he guided India to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Just like their namesakes, Mithali and her sibling have shown remarkable courage in overcoming adversity. Thanks to the dedicated care provided by our IAR, Wildlife SOS and the Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) team, they are learning to thrive in a safe environment. Under the nurturing guidance of Ankita Bear, Mithali and her sibling have slowly come out of their shells, embracing life with newfound hope.

It is truly heartwarming to witness their progress and see them enjoying the little things, like indulging in honey.

On World Sloth Bear Day, we celebrate and share some unique facts about these bears, who are central to Indian mythology.

Fun Facts About World Sloth Bear Day:

• Conservation Status: Sloth bears are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching. Awareness days like World Sloth Bear Day help raise awareness for their conservation needs.
• Dietary Habits: Sloth bears primarily feed on insects, fruits, and honey, making them crucial for seed dispersal in their habitats.
• Unique Characteristics: Known for their shaggy fur and long claws, sloth bears are uniquely adapted to dig for insects and honeycomb, showcasing their essential role in the ecosystem.

As we celebrate World Sloth Bear Day, we invite you to join us in supporting Mithali and Maahi’s journey toward a bright future. Your support is vital in ensuring these incredible bears continue receiving the love and care they deserve.

Native to the Indian Subcontinent, even though sloth bears are legally protected through the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the population of this bear is still decreasing, with only around 6-11,000 remaining in the wild they are on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable,

Gavin Bruce, CEO at International Animal Rescue, emphasised, “The risk of extinction faced by sloth bears underscores the urgent need for their protection. Co-existence with these magnificent creatures is imperative, and raising awareness about their plight is a shared responsibility.”

Let’s spread the word about the importance of conserving sloth bears and their habitats. For more information on how you can help, please visit https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/projects/indian-sloth-bear

A VILLAGE in England is home to an 18th-century subtropical garden where visitors feel like they’re abroad.

Located just 20 minutes from the longest beach in the UK, the village of Abbotsbury is home to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

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The Jurassic Coast village is steeped in history, with Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens being one of its main attractions.

Established in 1765, when the 1st Countess of Ilchester built the castle on the site overlooking Lyme Bay, the gardens are home to thousands of different plant species.

Several generations of the family tended to the garden over the last few hundred years, expanding its growing collection of plant life.

Nowadays, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is home to over 6,000 species of plants from around the world.

Because of its coastal location, which benefits from mild winters and cooler summers, several species of plants can thrive in the Victorian gardens.

Spread over 30 acres, visitors can walk along winding paths through lush landscapes, featuring stunning displays of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons.

One of its rarest plants is the Puya, native to Chile, the plant has ferocious spines that have been known to trap sheep, birds and small animals.

The Puya only flowers once every 10 years, with its last blooming taking place in 2023.

Other features in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens include a Victorian Walled Garden and a children’s play area.

There’s also a cafe with a wooden veranda and courtyard that’s surrounded by plants.

Light snacks, savoury pastries, sandwiches, cakes and a range of hot and cold drinks are served at the cafe.

Entry into the gardens costs £12.95 for a full-paying adult and £6.95 for kids.

The Dorset-based gardens has a 4.5/5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “Who needs to go abroad you have this”.

Another person added: “It’s such a beautiful place, and it really does feel like you’re abroad somewhere”.

A third person wrote: “We visited the garden on a lovely sunny day and it was like stepping into a different country”.

Set on Dorset‘s Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of other attractions in the area, including Chesil Beach.

Chesil Beach is the longest beach in the country, running from the Isle of Portland to West Bay.

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The Dorset beach was the backdrop for Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel On Chesil Beach.

Despite not having any sand, the shingle beach still draws in holidaymakers from across the UK thanks to its stunning views.

Chesil Beach is also backed by Fleet Lagoon – a large saline lake, which is one of the last undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world.

Designated a Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Fleet Lagoon is an important habitat for many different species of wildlife, including the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans.

Meanwhile, this hotel has been rated the best in the world by travel specialists.

And this UK seaside town was named the best in the country.

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Indian Cuisine Takes the UK by Storm: British Indian Good Food Guide Reveals Top 20 Restaurants Nationwide

In a year where British dining continues to diversify, the British Indian Good Food Guide Has unveiled its Top 20 Indian Restaurants across the UK, reflecting the nation’s love affair with Indian cuisine. 

From traditional flavours to innovative dishes, this year’s guide represents the very best the UK has to offer, proving that Indian cuisine remains a cornerstone of British dining culture.

With the ongoing evolution of the food scene, this list underscores the rising demand for authentic regional Indian dishes—from Keralan fish curries to Indian street food, capturing the hearts (and stomachs) of diners up and down the country.

Raval Leads the Charge in the North

Among the selected venues, Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, located on the iconic Tyne Bridge, stands out as the Best Indian Restaurant Outside London. 

This Newcastle Gateshead gem not only captures the imagination with its unique blend of spices and ingredients but also contributes significantly to the resurgence of the North East’s culinary scene.

“Raval has redefined Indian dining in the region,” said Phil Shaw, Marketing Director at the British Indian Good Food Guide.

 “Their focus on innovation and authenticity is unmatched, which is why they’ve earned a place at the top of our guide.”

With dishes such as Lobster & Mango and Darjeeling Lamb Cutlets, Raval is a testament to how Indian cuisine is constantly evolving while staying true to its roots.

Top 20 Best Indian Restaurants in the UK

This year’s guide features an impressive lineup of restaurants, showcasing culinary excellence across the country:

1. Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar (Newcastle Gateshead) – Best Indian Restaurant Outside London.

2. Quilon (London) – Michelin-starred for its coastal Indian flavours.

3. Benares Restaurant & Bar (London) – A fine-dining experience blending Indian and British cuisines.

4. Dishoom Manchester – Nostalgic Irani café fare with iconic dishes.

5. Tharavadu (Leeds) – Celebrated for its authentic Keralan cuisine.

6.Tamarind (London) – Michelin-starred for its refined, contemporary Indian cuisine.

7. Kanishka by Atul Kochhar (London) – Innovative tasting menus pushing culinary boundaries.

8. Asha’s (Birmingham) – Renowned for its authentic Indian dishes.

9. Swadish (Glasgow) – Modern twists on traditional Indian recipes.

10. Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food (Edinburgh) – Vibrant Indian street food offerings.

11. Purple Poppadom (Cardiff) – Fusion of Indian and Welsh flavours.

12. Mowgli Street Food (Liverpool) – Authentic street food inspired by India’s bustling markets.

13. Veeraswamy (London) – Showcases vibrant, fresh ingredients.

14. Masala Junction (Nottingham) – Diverse menu reflecting India’s rich flavours.

15. Urban Choola (Sheffield) – Innovative takes on Indian classics.

16. Mumtaz (Bradford) – Celebrated for its authentic Punjabi cuisine.

17. The Chilli Pickle (Brighton) – Modern twists on traditional dishes.

18. Darjeeling Express (London) – Authentic, home-style Indian food inspired by Kolkata’s royal Mughlai cuisine.

19. Tamatanga (Leicester) – Lively atmosphere with delicious curries.

20. Kachori (London) – A celebration of Rajasthani street food, known for bold flavours and vibrant dishes

This diverse selection illustrates the UK’s widespread appreciation of Indian food, highlighting how Indian culinary innovation extends far beyond the capital.

The Broader Picture: Why Indian Cuisine Thrives

The influence of Indian cuisine on British culture has never been stronger. With over 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK contributing significantly to the economy, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. 

The rising interest in authentic regional dishes—like Goan and Keralan cuisines—reflects the UK’s growing demand for not just curry, but an array of diverse Indian dishes.

According to Phil Shaw, “Indian restaurants are no longer just places for a night out—they’re cultural landmarks, representing the diversity and vibrancy of British food culture.”

Explore the Full List

For those looking to experience the best Indian food the UK has to offer, the British Indian Good Food Guide invites you to explore the full list of restaurants on their website, showcasing the finest dining experiences from Birmingham to Brighton.

Visit : British Indian Good Food Guide for more information.

END OF RELEASE

Notes for Editors:

For further information, please contact:

Alan Brown, Marketing Manager

Email: Alan@BritishIndianGoodFoodGuide.com

Address: British Indian Good Food Guide,  Suite7, Marlborough Cres, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EE

Website: British indian good food guide

Facebook: British indian good food guide

About the British Indian Good Food Guide:

The British Indian Good Food Guide is the ultimate resource for discovering the best Indian restaurants across the UK. 

Our mission is to celebrate the diversity and excellence of British Indian cuisine, highlighting top dining experiences through an annual guide that reflects authenticity, taste, and service. 

Each restaurant featured undergoes a thorough review process, ensuring a truly exceptional dining experience for food lovers across the country

A TINY town in Europe looks like it’s been plucked from a fairytale, with a winding river and colourful castle.

Český Krumlov in Czechia is not too far away from the Czech Republic‘s capital city, Prague.

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Its historical charm is abundantly clear throughout, with its Renaissance architecture harking back hundreds of years.

And travel expert Maryanne Sparkes from European Waterways has explained why autumn might be the perfect time to visit the city.

She said: “If you’re searching for fairy-tale charm this Halloween, look no further than Cesky Krumlov!

“This enchanting town, with its winding streets and medieval architecture, offers a Halloween experience that feels straight out of a storybook.

“During this festive season, Cesky Krumlov hosts celebrations filled with costume contests, ghost tours, and themed events at the castle.”

Krumlov Tours operates a nighttime ghost tour where visitors will hear ghost stories while passing some of the city’s best monuments like the Renaissance town hall, a gothic church and the castle courtyard.

There’s also Český Krumlov Castle, an imposing building that towers over the city and dates back to the 13th century.

Nowadays, it is preserved with its original layout, structure, interior installations and architectural detail.

Its website claims it is “one of the most important monuments in Central Europe“.

The castle has stunning views over the old town and provides a glimpse into what life would have been like for the Bohemian Aristocracy all those years ago.

A unique baroque theatre is located inside the castle and is described as “the best preserved Baroque theatre in Europe”.

The theatre still has its original building and with an orchestra pit, stage, machinery and sets.

Because of its age, the theatre is only used twice for public shows, when an opera is performed by candlelight. 

Local businesses also host Halloween-themed events and activities like costume parties and pumpkin carving.

The city becomes even more picturesque thanks to the vibrant autumn colours.

If you don’t have time to visit this autumn, the Czech city also comes into its own over summer during the annual Five-Petalled Rose festival.

The celebration takes part in the weekend closest to the summer solstice.

Period music is performed throughout the old town and historical sword fights can also be seen.

Jugglers and jesters also perform, while jousting competitions and horsework displays also take place.

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Visitors can play period games, or simply have something to eat and drink from the many market stalls while taking in the festivities.

With pints in the town costing on average around £1.50, it’s certainly an affordable option.

Linz Airport in Austria is the nearest airport to Český Krumlov, with train journeys between the two taking 70 minutes.

Ryanair runs a direct service between London Stansted and Linz Airport, with return fares starting from £41 in December.

Alternatively, direct buses run from Prague where return flights can be booked from the UK.

A night for two in the town will set you back around £30.

Earlier this year, the mayor of Prague revealed they want to crack down on pub tour crawls at night.

Meanwhile, these six European holiday hotspots are yet to be discovered by Brits.

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