Category: Europe

A Creative Plant-Based Lunch at Bath’s Award-Winning Green Rocket

The Green Rocket is an award-winning independent vegan restaurant located just a stone’s throw from Bath’s Old Town. We were meeting friends for lunch, and since we were staying at Hotel Indigo, it was conveniently just around the corner.

The menu changes regularly, featuring an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, Asian, European and Mexican influences. While the restaurant is entirely vegan, most of the dishes are also gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences.

Lunch orders begin at 12:00 pm, and despite arriving around opening time, we didn’t have to wait long for our food. The staff were warm, friendly and happy to answer any questions about the menu.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. We chose to sit outside, but as the tables are right beside the road, traffic noise can be noticeable. Indoors, the tables are placed fairly close together, so it can feel a little cosy during busier periods.

The food was fresh, vibrant and wonderfully wholesome—light enough to leave you feeling comfortable, yet satisfying enough for a leisurely lunch. Each dish showcased thoughtful fusion flavours with gentle spices that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the ingredients. Portions were generous, making the meal excellent value.

For lunch, we ordered:

  • Soup of the Day, served with warm sourdough bread and vegan butter.
  • Parvade Olives, accompanied by a fragrant herb sauce, walnuts and pomegranate, creating a lovely balance of savoury, nutty and sweet flavours.
  • Kaju Maluwa, a Sri Lankan-inspired coconut curry with cauliflower and chickpeas, topped with herb yoghurt and pomegranate, and served alongside rice and crispy sweet potato fries. The curry was creamy, aromatic and comforting, with just enough spice to add depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the coconut.

Overall, The Green Rocket is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for fresh, creative plant-based cuisine in Bath. Its inventive menu, welcoming service and wholesome flavours make it an easy place to recommend, whether you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy a delicious and thoughtfully prepared meal.

The Green Rocket

1 Pierrepont St, Bath BA1 1LB, United Kingdom

Fresh Seafood at Hamberg Fisk, Uppsala

Hamberg Fisk is a bright and spacious seafood restaurant in central Uppsala. The dining room is airy, modern, and comfortable, with plenty of seating. There’s also a takeaway counter offering freshly made seafood dishes, sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with a fresh seafood section where you can buy a wide selection of fish and shellfish to take home. Everything looked incredibly fresh and beautifully displayed.

We ordered the fish soup, Arctic char, and crème brûlée.

The fish soup, made with saffron, tomato, fennel, prawns, and mussels, was warm, comforting, and full of fresh seafood. The broth was rich and flavourful without being too heavy. The prawns were plump, the mussels were fresh, and every spoonful was satisfying. It’s the kind of dish I’d happily order again.

The Arctic char came with jalapeño beurre blanc, grilled broccoli, fried rice paper, shiso, and dill. The fish was cooked beautifully. If you’ve never had Arctic char before, it has a texture similar to trout but is even more tender and delicate. It was fresh, flaky, and melted in my mouth. The jalapeño beurre blanc was slightly too salty and overpowered the delicate flavour of the fish at times. Thankfully, the other elements of the dish balanced it out nicely. The grilled broccoli had a lovely smoky sweetness, while the crispy fried rice paper added a light and enjoyable crunch.

For dessert, I had the crème brûlée, which was unfortunately disappointing. The custard was softer and runnier than I expected, lacking the rich, silky texture that makes a great crème brûlée so satisfying. The caramelized sugar topping was also quite thick, making it much sweeter than I would have liked.

Overall, Hamberg Fisk offers high-quality seafood in a relaxed and welcoming setting. While the dessert did not quite match the standard of the savoury dishes, the fresh seafood and excellent fish soup made it a worthwhile visit. If you’re visiting Uppsala and enjoy seafood, Hamberg Fisk is definitely worth adding to your list.

Hamberg Fisk

Fyristorg 8, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

A Fun Thai Dining Experience in Uppsala

I remember walking past this restaurant and noticing how busy it was, so I decided to give it a try for dinner. Located right by Dombron Bridge, Restaurang Koh Phangan is a Thai restaurant that immediately stands out with its unique atmosphere.

The moment I stepped inside, I felt like I had been transported somewhere completely different. The décor is eclectic and playful — almost like walking into a beach nightclub, but with a strong Thai island feel. Neon lights hang from the ceiling, and there is even a disco ball near the entrance.

The service was warm and friendly. A Thai lady came over to take our order, and I guessed she was either the manager or part owner. Before the meal, we were served a refreshing salad with Thai-style dressing, and rice is available as an unlimited accompaniment.

I ordered the Gang Ped Pak, a Thai red curry with coconut milk, vegetables, tofu, and sweet basil. I really enjoyed this dish — the curry was creamy, fragrant, and had just a gentle touch of spice. The tofu soaked up the curry beautifully, and the generous amount of vegetables made it a comforting meal.

The Stir-fried Morning Glory was simple but tasty, with good flavour and texture.

We also ordered the Gai Met Mamoang, a Thai wok dish with chicken, roasted cashew nuts, sugar snap peas, chilli, and garlic. The portion was very generous. The chicken pieces were a little large, and I think smaller pieces would have allowed them to absorb more of the sauce. The sauce was also slightly saltier than what I usually prefer. Later, I learned from the Thai lady that food in Uppsala tends to lean towards the saltier side, which may explain the seasoning.

Overall, Restaurang Koh Phangan was a fun dining experience.

Restaurang Koh Phangan

Fyristorg 2, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

Classic British Pub Dining at St Stephen’s Tavern, Westminster

St Stephen’s Tavern is a historic Victorian pub that has been part of Westminster’s landscape since 1875. Filled with old-world charm and traditional character, it enjoys one of the best locations in London, sitting directly opposite the iconic Big Ben.

The pub has two floors as well as a terrace. We dined on the first floor, where the tables were quite small and the seating area felt a little snug. The short stools were not the most comfortable for a long meal. Service was friendly and attentive throughout our visit.

Given its prime tourist location, I was initially a little skeptical about the food, but I was pleasantly surprised. The menu features classic pub favourites, from fish and chips to hearty pies and burgers, along with a small selection of plant-based and vegetarian options.

We ordered the Salt & Vinegar Battered Fish & Chips, which came as a generous portion. The fish had a lovely golden, crispy batter that was not overly greasy, while the fries were well fried and satisfying. The fish itself was moist, tender, and cooked perfectly.

We also tried the Roasted Butternut Squash & Coconut Curry, served with rice, mango chutney, raita, and a poppadom. I was not expecting to find such a flavourful curry in a traditional pub, but this dish was surprisingly delicious. The sweetness of the butternut squash balanced beautifully with the gentle heat of the curry, creating a dish with depth and warmth.

Overall, St Stephen’s Tavern was a pleasant surprise. Despite its touristy location, the food was good, the service was friendly, and the historic atmosphere made it an enjoyable place to have a classic British pub meal.

St Stephen’s Tavern

10 Bridge St, London SW1A 2JR, United Kingdom

A Taste of the Cotswolds: Our Breakfast Experience at The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn is a charming 15th-century inn tucked away on a quiet corner of Sheep Street in the beautiful historic market town of Burford. With its honey-colored Cotswold stone walls, low wooden beams, and centuries-old character, it is exactly what you imagine a traditional English inn to be—warm, cozy, and full of history. The inn also has a stunning courtyard and walled garden, creating a beautiful setting for al fresco dining on warmer days.

We stayed here for one night, and it was the perfect place to experience the quiet charm of the Cotswolds.

Breakfast was a lovely start to the morning. There was a small buffet with juice, croissants, and yogurt, while hot dishes were cooked to order from the menu. The inn uses St. Ewe’s award-winning free-range eggs, which were featured in several dishes. The breakfast menu wasn’t extensive, but every dish felt thoughtfully put together, proving that a smaller menu can often mean greater attention to quality.

We ordered the Full Healthy, which featured Porter smoked salmon, smashed avocado, perfectly poached St. Ewe’s eggs, and toasted sourdough. It was fresh, light, and satisfying, with the rich smoked salmon pairing beautifully with the creamy avocado and runny egg yolks.

The Vegetarian Breakfast was equally enjoyable, with St. Ewe’s eggs, a veggie sausage, crispy hash browns, vine-roasted tomatoes, avocado, flat mushrooms, baked beans, and toasted Wildfarmed sourdough. It was colourful, hearty, and packed with flavour without feeling overly heavy.

The standout savoury dish was the Red Pepper Shakshuka served with preserved lemon salsa verde and sourdough toast. The tomato and pepper sauce had wonderful depth of flavour, rich and gently spiced, while the preserved lemon salsa verde added a bright, citrusy freshness that lifted the entire dish.

Of course, we couldn’t resist trying something sweet as well.

We tried the Banana Bread with whipped Illy espresso mascarpone and the Crème Brûlée French Toast with seasonal berries. The Banana Bread came with whipped Illy espresso mascarpone, adding a subtle coffee flavour that complemented the sweetness of the banana without overpowering it. The French toast was soft, fluffy, and custardy inside, with beautifully caramelised crispy edges and a lovely hint of vanilla.

Overall, The Lamb Inn was a delightful stay. Beyond its historic charm and beautiful garden setting, it offered a warm atmosphere and a breakfast that showed real care in both ingredients and preparation.

The Lamb Inn

Sheep St, Burford OX18 4LR, United Kingdom

Turf Tavern: A Historic Oxford Pub Hidden Down a Secret Passageway

Dating back to 1381, Turf Tavern is one of Oxford’s most famous historic pubs. Hidden away down the narrow St Helen’s Passage, just beyond the Hertford Bridge, finding it feels like discovering a secret. Walking through the narrow alleyway adds a sense of mystery and adventure.

We visited during dinner time, and the place was buzzing. The outdoor seating area was completely packed, with people enjoying drinks and meals in the courtyard. Inside, the décor was exactly what you’d expect from a traditional English pub—warm, rustic, and full of character. There was plenty of indoor seating as well as the outdoor area.

The menu features classic British pub fare, including Fish & Chips, Sausage & Mash, and burgers. There’s also a Sunday Roast menu available on Sundays, along with a gluten-free menu.

Ordering is straightforward—you place both your food and drink orders at the bar. Drinks are served immediately, while the food is brought to your table.

We ordered the Sea Bream, Mussels & Chorizo, served with a creamy white wine and garlic sauce alongside warm ciabatta. The sea bream was fresh, tender, and well-cooked, while the sauce was creamy, flavorful, and perfect with the bread.

The Chicken & Bacon Burger came with a breaded chicken breast, melted West Country mature cheddar, smoked streaky bacon, chipotle mayo, seasoned fries, onion rings, and a gherkin. The burger was decent, although the chicken was slightly tough and chewy. The fries, however, were excellent—crispy and well-seasoned.

The Fish & Chips was decent, with a nice crunch from the batter and flavorful mushy peas. Unfortunately, the batter was a little over-fried, and the fish was slightly dry, with some parts being tougher than expected.

Overall, while the food was a little inconsistent, visiting Turf Tavern was still a memorable experience. English pubs are such an important part of British culture, and sitting in this historic pub tucked away in a hidden corner of Oxford had a certain charm that made the visit worthwhile.

Turn Tavern

4 Bath Pl, Oxford OX1 3SU, United Kingdom

Komet Café: A Chic Café and Bakery in Stockholm

Komet Café has two locations in Stockholm, with one in Kungsholmsgatan and another in Södermalm. I visited the Kungsholmsgatan location, which is just a short walk from T-Centralen subway station.

The café has a minimalist black-and-white interior that feels chic, with a relaxed city vibe. The space is bright, clean, and surprisingly spacious, making it a comfortable place to enjoy breakfast or a slow coffee break.

Komet Café brings together the best of French and Swedish café culture, offering French favorites like croissants and pain au chocolat alongside Swedish classics such as cinnamon buns and seasonal semlor, as well as specialty coffee made with beans from local Swedish roasters.

The moment I walked in, I was drawn to the beautiful display of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and breads. Everything looked thoughtfully prepared and incredibly tempting.

I ordered a flat white with oat milk, which was excellent—bold, somewhat bitter taste with nutty and chocolatey undertones. For food, I tried their rustic bread with Comté cheese, pear, and honey, a simple but delicious combination of savory, creamy, and sweet flavors. The cardamom bun was another highlight—soft, chewy, sticky, and perfectly sweet with a wonderful aroma of cardamom.

I also tried their homemade focaccia with cacio e pepe and artichoke, which was flavorful and satisfying, showcasing the café’s attention to quality ingredients.

Komet Café quickly became one of my favorite café and bakery finds in Stockholm. With its stylish atmosphere, excellent coffee, and beautifully crafted pastries and dishes, it is definitely worth a visit.

Komet Café Stockholm

Kungsholmsgatan 10, 112 27 Stockholm, Sweden

A Waterfront Gelato Gem in Kungsholmen, Stockholm

Gelato & Chill Kungsholmen is a wonderful little gelato shop tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Kungsholmen, overlooking the waterfront. With only a few outdoor seats, it has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere that makes it a lovely spot to enjoy a sweet treat while taking in the views.

The young staff were friendly and welcoming, and the shop offers a good selection of both classic and more fun flavors, including Lemon Basil and Chilli Mango. We tried the Blueberry Yogurt, Pistachio, and Coconut Vanilla, and every flavor was fantastic. The gelato was rich, creamy, smooth, and full of flavor—easily one of the best gelatos I’ve had outside of Italy.

The shop also sells freshly baked cookies, which are definitely worth trying. I first bought the Walnut Pecan cookie and loved it so much that I went back to try the other flavors—the Chocolate Chip and Triple Chocolate. All three were soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness.

I highly recommend stopping by this gem in Kungsholmen. It is worth making the trip for, especially if you’re looking for excellent gelato in a peaceful waterfront setting.

Gelato & Chill Kungsholmen

Kungsholms strand 167, 112 48 Stockholm, Sweden

 

Breakfast in the Harry Potter-Inspired Great Hall at Christ Church, Oxford

Anyone who has watched the Harry Potter films will immediately recognize the Great Hall at Christ Church, Oxford, which famously served as the inspiration for Hogwarts’ iconic dining hall.

Only guests staying at Christ Church’s B&B accommodation have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in the Great Hall, making it one of the most unique ways to experience this historic space.

Originally built in the 1520s as part of the college founded by Henry VIII, the hall is steeped in history. Before entering, you’ll climb the elegant stone staircase with its beautiful fan-vaulted ceiling. Walking through the doorway into the Great Hall is breathtaking. The magnificent hammerbeam roof, towering stained-glass windows, and walls lined with portraits of notable members of the university make it feel as though you’ve stepped back several centuries.

Breakfast itself was a classic English buffet with cereals, fresh fruit, toast and croissants, coffee and tea, along with hot items including baked beans, sausages, ham, eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, and porridge. The food itself was decent, but that hardly mattered.

The real highlight was the setting. Sitting in one of Oxford’s most historic dining halls, surrounded by centuries of history and the atmosphere that inspired Hogwarts, transformed an ordinary breakfast into something truly memorable. It wasn’t so much about the food—it was about the experience. For any Harry Potter fan or history lover, it felt nothing short of magical.

The Great Dining Hall

Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom

A Quintessential English Afternoon Tea at The Old Parsonage Hotel

I visited The Old Parsonage Hotel for afternoon tea, a renowned Oxford institution whose history dates back to 1660. Located just a 10–15 minute walk from Oxford city centre, the hotel is tucked away on Banbury Road, offering a quieter setting away from the bustling streets.

The building itself is beautiful, with a well-preserved façade and its original 17th-century heavy oak front door still welcoming guests today. Stepping inside feels like entering a classic English country house. The interior is tastefully decorated with artwork, plush velvet armchairs, dark accent walls, and elegant wooden furnishings, creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere that feels quintessentially English.

I had originally hoped to sit on the terrace, but it was an exceptionally warm summer day, so we chose a table indoors instead.

Afternoon tea is served daily from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A gluten-free option is available with advance notice. We ordered the Very High Tea, priced at £38 per person, including one gluten-free set. It came with a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade miniature cakes, plain and fruit scones served with clotted cream and preserves, and a choice of tea or coffee.

The bottom tier featured an assortment of finger sandwiches: cucumber with cream cheese, chicken and tarragon, smoked salmon, honey-baked ham with mustard, and egg mayonnaise with cress.

The middle tier consisted of freshly baked plain and fruit scones served with strawberry jam and rich clotted cream.

The gluten-free top tier included carrot cake, fruit cake, brownie, and orange posset, while the regular version featured a coffee choux bun, lemon drizzle cake, salted caramel brownie, vanilla cheesecake, and orange posset.

The finger sandwiches were enjoyable, although none particularly stood out. The scones were light, flaky, and buttery. The miniature cakes were the highlight. Each was thoughtfully prepared, with a good variety of flavours and textures. The orange posset was wonderfully smooth and refreshing, while the brownie was rich without being overly sweet. My favourite was the fruit cake—it was wonderfully moist and delightfully chewy, packed with dried fruits that gave it plenty of flavour and texture without being overly sweet.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience. While the food was very good, what made the afternoon truly memorable was the setting.

Old Parsonage Hotel


1-3 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 6NN, United Kingdom