A RESTAURANT in Solihull less than a 10 minute drive away from Birmingham Airport has been crowned best ‘hidden gem’ restaurant in Britain.

Lavang restaurant was awarded the accolade for its rave reviews from customers and its out the way location – nestled in between an electrical shop and a Chinese takeaway on a residential estate.

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The award was given by Tripadvisor in its Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants 2024.

Winners of the awards were chosen by looking at the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings for restaurants from travellers over a 12-month period.

Lavang’s location may not be the most exotic, but its menu serves up a tonne of South East Asian delights.

There’s everything from flavourful tandoori dishes to delicious charcoal grills.

And the prices on the menu are cheap too – poppadoms, a starter, curry, rice, naan, and chips for two people will set you back around £40.

Lavang’s chic and sophisticated style is also realised once you step inside.

The decor includes a beautiful white blossom ceiling, and customers describe everything as looking very clean and well presented.

Diners have also commented on Lavang’s staff being extremely friendly and efficient, with dietary requests always accommodated.

The restaurant is even commended for having an “impeccable playlist”.

Mr Miah, Lavang’s owner, explained to Sun Travel why the restaurant is perfectly located for customers.

He said: “Being located in Solihull; we’re in close proximity to both the NEC and Birmingham Airport – this in turn allows us to invite customers that are both local, and that are visiting the region.”

He added: “We are incredibly honoured and thrilled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to provide exceptional food and service to our guests.

“Winning this award reinforces our commitment to excellence and motivates us to continue elevating the dining experience at Lavang.

“We are extremely grateful to our loyal customers for their support, and we look forward to sharing many more memorable moments with them.”

One customer who visited the restaurant in August this year and shared their experience on Tripadvisor.

They wrote: “After finding this gem of a restaurant I haven’t dined anywhere else for the same type of cuisine! That’s saying something because I love going to different places.

“Starters often taste better than the mains in a lot of restaurants; possibly because when you first sit down you’re hungry. Not here! Starters and mains are perfectly prepared each and every time; you truly savour and enjoy the whole meal.

“The level of service attention, helpfulness and friendliness is at exactly the right level creating a relaxed ambience of a great evening out.”

Another offered a tip with their review: “Do book as it’s always busy but this does not detract from its quality – it just adds to the enjoyable buzz of the restaurant.”

Two restaurants that missed out on the top spot on Tripadvisor’s hidden gems list were Sotto Sotto in Bath and Coronation Curry House in Bristol.

Sotto Sotto is an Italian restaurant known for using high-quality ingredients and its romantic setting.

It’s located in a basement cellar with stone vaulted ceilings and bare brick walls, with candlelit tables. 

Coronation Curry House in Bristol has fun colourful decor and Indian artwork adorning the wall, and customers describe its chicken tikka as “comforting and tender”.

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A TINY fishing town in southern Spain could be mistaken for Mykonos at first glance. 

La Isleta del Moro in Almeria, Andalucia, often dubbed ‘Little Mykonos‘ has a population of no more than 200 people. 

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But its picturesque setting, small group of white houses, and crystal clear waters makes it comparable with Mykonos. 

Mykonos is often celebrated for its iconic white-washed buildings, stunning beaches, deep blue sea backdrop, and luxury tourism. 

With the island becoming so popular over the last few years, it’s now considered one of the most expensive Greek islands to visit. 

But holidaymakers looking for a cheaper alternative, might want to consider La Isleta del Moro. 

Its beach, Playa Isleta del Moro, is one of the biggest reasons why people visit. 

It has clear water, fine black sand, three small coves, and restaurants nearby. 

One visitor to the beach wrote on Tripadvisor: “The best beaches and coves in Spain.

“Warm and transparent waters, super friendly people, good food, and accessible prices.”

Another traveller who stayed in La Isleta del Moro recommended where to walk if you want the best views of the sea and town. 

He shared on the review website: “A gentle stroll up through the village streets will bring you to this well maintained mirador.

“It is very picturesque and offers panoramic views of the village and the bay and over to the mountains behind.”

There are several restaurants that overlook the beach and serve fresh seafood, such as La Caleta and Restaurante Hospedaje Terraza La Isleta. 

For those who want to explore the wider area, La Isleta del Moro is considered an ideal location to explore Cabo de Gata Natural Park. 

There are regular tours to book on to. The park’s attractions include the Lighthouse of Cabo de Gata, Sirens Cliffs, and the fishing villages of San Miguel and San Jose.

You can also go kayaking and snorkelling through the coves of the Natural Park, with some tours including kayaking through the volcanoes.

La Isleta del Moro’s quiet nature adds to its charm, and it’s natural landscapes and glimpse into authentic Spanish life mean it’s often considered a hidden gem.

With the average temperature in October 25C, it could be the perfect opportunity for Brits to catch some Autumn sun.

The best way to get to La Isleta del Moro is to fly to Almeria, which is a 40 minute drive away.

Flights with EasyJet from London Gatwick to Almeria in October start from £49.99.

A visitor to the town in August last year shared a tip on Tripadvisor: “The best time is in spring and autumn to see how the landscape changes with the help of water.”

Here’s another place in Spain that has been compared to Santorini.

Don’t want to leave the UK? We’ve found a lido which people say is “more like Greece”.

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A CRUISE veteran has revealed the one item he always packs that most people forget to take with them.

Bradley Jones has gone on every trip from a weekend jaunt to a nine-month round-the-world expedition and has found a gadget that saves him money and effort wherever he goes.

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Bradley, from Wales, has gone on so many cruises that many operators have awarded him “elite” status, granting him a range of extra perks.

But for all the luxuries he can enjoy on his travels, his one must-have is much simpler.

When packing for a trip, his top priority is to make sure a particular gizmo is always in his bag.

He told LadBible: “My biggest tip for cruisers is when it comes to cruising as a couple of family is always take a universal plug adapter.

“In a cabin you’ve quite limited some times, especially on an inside cabin.

“And you’ve got to charge the phones, the kid’s iPads, my hair dryer, straighteners.

“Some of these companies, such as Princess or Cunard, some of them are American.

“When people catch these ships in Southampton they automatically think they’re British so they take British plugs.

“Last time we cruised there was a British couple who said ‘I didn’t even think, I thought there would be normal British plugs‘.

“That little thing is huge, people need that.”

The adapters can be found with UK three-prong or USB input ports connecting to an adjustable set of plugs that can match multiple sockets.

Some can be used on all 15 sockets across the world, while others offer 3-in-1, 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 options.

They can be picked up online, in electronics shops or in supermarkets.

On Amazon, the most popular example is on offer for £14.999 with £4.49 delivery.

It comes after another experienced holidaymaker shared seven must-have items for trips to holiday parks.

A TINY English island has a hotel that you can only visit at certain times of the day.

Located on a tidal island, Burgh Island Hotel is cut off twice a day by the tide – although the times can vary. 

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Tides at Burgh Island change daily and can vary based on the weather conditions and tide height. 

But the tide meets and parts roughly every six hours. 

For example, on Friday 13th September, high tide was at 1:02 am and 13:53 pm, while low tide was at 7:27am and 8:34pm.

You can check the tide times on the Devon Tides website.

When it’s low tide, visitors can reach the island by foot. During high tide, there’s the Burgh Island Sea Tractor – a hydraulics tractor that’s able to drive through the sea. 

Members of the public can catch a ride on the tractor to the island from Bigbury-on-Sea and it costs £2 each way. 

Hotel guests, who the sea tractor is primarily used for, do not have to pay to ride it. 

The tractor operates 24 hours a day, Monday through to Saturday and Sunday, so hotel guests who don’t fancy walking during low tide can still hitch a ride. 

Despite the unusual way of getting there, some very famous people are said to have stayed there.

Noel Coward, Winston Churchill, and The Beatles have all enjoyed a stay at the 3* star hotel in times gone by. 

Burgh Island itself is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy its views and wildlife, as well as its golden sand beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. 

Day visitors are welcome, with a visit to the Pilchard Inn pub recommended for lunch or dinner (reservations are required). 

There are also vineyards on Burgh Island, such as Sandridge Barton, which offers tours, tasting and wine shopping. 

The island also plays host to regular events, including murder mysteries, island artist experiences, a Christmas and New Year party and a summer ball. 

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The cost to stay at Burgh Island Hotel varies depending on the dates and offers available. 

A one-night stay for two adults on October 10, 2024, starts at £427.99, including taxes and fees. 

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Lost Property, part of Hilton’s fancy Curio Collection, has a very specific theme: the lost history of London.

Read on to find out more about the plush bedrooms and tasty grub.

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Where is Lost Property hotel?

Round the corner from St Paul’s cathedral and on the busy street of Ludgate Hill, Lost Property is in a central spot in London.

City Thameslink train station is a two-minute stroll away and St. Paul’s underground station is a five-minute walk away.

What is Lost Property hotel like?

You may not even notice the image of Winston Churchill or the inspiring quotes subtly emblazoned on the wall in reception, but take a closer look at and you’ll find little treasures hidden all over this 145-bedroom hotel.

Check your drinks coaster in the bar – each one is printed with the definition of a lost word which has been removed from the English dictionary.

If you haven’t visited the capital before, ask for a room with views of the impressive St. Paul’s cathedral, an historic London landmark.

What is there to do at Lost Property hotel?

For those that fancy a workout, there’s a very nice gym with Peloton bikes and treadmills which sit under large windows in the ceiling so you can soak up the natural light while you cycle.

Make sure to pick up a coffee before you head out for the day as you’ll struggle to find a better one in London – it’s the only hotel to have partnered with Monmouth coffee, a high-quality London roaster.

The hotel is a short stroll from some top tourist attractions like the Tate Modern (15-minutes walk), the London Eye (30-minutes walk) and Somerset House (18-minutes walk).

What is there to eat and drink at Lost Property hotel?

The restaurant is a calm oasis away from the chaos of Ludgate Hill on its doorstep and the talented mixologists behind the bar can whip you up any tipple, even if it’s not on the menu.

I requested “something tequila-based” and was handed an elegant coupe filled with a delicious citrus-y, sour cocktail that packed a punch.

The food is much like the rest of the hotel: decent-quality, with added elegance.

My buttery pan-fried fillet of sea bass, for example, came with leeks and potatoes, as well as a Champagne velouté and caviar for that extra pizazz.

What are the rooms like at Lost Property hotel?

Rooms have been created with busy travellers in mind, although glamour hasn’t been forgotten about.

USB ports by the bed and wardrobes with enough space and hangers are convenient, while the sleek furnishings and marble-top surfaces elevate rooms to a luxury level.

The only major difference between rooms is the size, so if you aren’t staying long, go for the standard Queen Guest Room.

How much is Lost Property hotel?

Rooms cost from £209 per night.

Click here to book.

Is Lost Property hotel family friendly?

Although kids would be well looked after here, there may be some other hotels more suited to families.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, there are spacious accessible rooms with roll-in showers.

The restaurant is on the ground floor and there are toilets for wheelchair users.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

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A HOLIDAY park guru who has visited dozens of sites across the UK has revealed the seven items he always packs.

Travel expert Robbie Lane writes in-depth reviews about holiday parks across the UK and he recently told Sun Online Travel the seven items he always has on hand.

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Robbie Lane is the face behind the specialist website, Holiday Park Guru and on his specialist website, the former BBC journalist writes detailed reviews of holiday parks in both the UK and Europe.

From adults-only trips to ski holidays and popular chains like Center Parcs and Butlin’s to little-known independent sites and budget-friendly breaks, it seems Robbie has covered it all.

He told Sun Online Travel: “Swimming trunks are essential, especially if there’s a pool.

“Even those holidaymakers who think they won’t swim, will quickly find that it’s a great to fill the time.

“Personally, I also like to take a changing towel and a pair of Crocs so I can waddle back to the accommodation rather than getting changed at the pool – although you may be more concerned about your style than me!”

Robbie also makes sure to pack a bottle of wine – or two – when he heads on his holiday park vacays.

This is because “onsite shops and restaurants at holiday parks tend to be expensive”.

To help keep holidays budget-friendly, Robbie recommends bringing food and drink with you, or ordering an online shop to coincide with your arrival.

He added: “If you are staying at a large holiday park then bikes or scooters are useful.

“Although, be sure to lock them up as they may go missing, unfortunately.”

To keep energy levels high for all those family bike rides, the Holiday Park Guru also recommends packing something to black out the windows in the children’s bedroom.

There are plenty of other miscellaneous items that always find their way into Robbie’s car, with the expert adding: “My wife laughs at me, but I always pack a few practical things to make the holiday easier, including a multi-socket extension – just in case we end up in a caravan without enough plugs.

“If it’s hot, then we bring a fan or two. Some caravans can get quite hot and stuffy as they aren’t particularly well insulated.”

Robbie’s final holiday park essential may seem a little unusual but it’s actually pretty useful.

He added: “Finally – and this is very peculiar – I always bring a can of WD40.

“You are living in quite close proximity in a caravan and I can’t bear it when a door squeaks and wakes everyone up so the first thing I do is oil the doors.”

Last week, Robbie revealed England’s top three underrated holiday parks – with private beaches, indoor water parks and jet skis for kids.

And here are the other lesser-known holiday parks named among the best in the UK.

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