Latest news with #PoppyHuggett
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I spent the night with Sabrina Carpenter and came back raunchier than ever'
I headed to the BST festival at Hyde Park on Sunday night to watch the reigning queen of pop music, Sabrina Carpenter. As a die-hard fan of this 5-foot blonde bombshell, I was more than ready for the day ahead. We arrived at the park around 3.30pm, and while the vibes were high, the heavens had other plans. A pre-show selfie (Image: Poppy Huggett) A torrential downpour hit us out of nowhere and left my friend and I drenched from head to toe. We immediately regretted not dressing for the wonderfully unreliable British summer. But there was a surprise saviour from the storm - just near the ticket collection area, there was free salsa dancing under the bandstand. I even picked up a few moves – it was a slightly bizarre yet surprisingly fun way to dry off from the rain. Once our boots were filled with puddles and our spirits were slightly dampened, the blue skies returned. I was surrounded by my besties and fellow Sabrina lovers (Image: Poppy Huggett) We made our way to the entrance and breezed through security with no hassle at all. First stop was the toilets to attempt a repair job on the smudged mascara and frizzy hair. Safe to say the two hours I spent getting ready were a complete waste of time. Drinks in hand from one of Hyde Park's many bars, we headed over to the Golden Circle to catch Olivia Dean. A rising star who radiated joy, kindness and serious vocal talent. Olivia Dean came on at 5.05pm (Image: Poppy Huggett) Olivia is someone I've been listening to a lot recently. Her music is freeing and feel-good and watching her dance around the stage with her brass band was such a highlight. Especially when she performed her opening track Nice to Each Other, followed by Dive and her dreamy Bridget Jones soundtrack song It Isn't Perfect But It Might Be. We sang and danced along to Olivia's super fun set (Image: Poppy Huggett) After Olivia's set, we had a wander around the festival in search of food. We ended up with a portion of loaded fries with a twist - pink sauce. The 'pink' loaded fries (Image: Poppy Huggett) Very on brand for Sabrina, whose staple colour is pink through and through. Before we knew it, it was 8.30pm and almost time for the main event. We were standing in the platinum area, so luckily, we were pretty close to the stage. Martin was the star of the show prior to Sabrina's arrival (Image: Poppy Huggett) With 65,000 fans packed into Hyde Park, the atmosphere was wild. The crowd was a sea of everything from teenage girls in pink bows and lace Sabrina-coded tops to middle-aged men with glitter across their faces keeping up with the times. The lovely mum-and-daughter duo we watched the show with made the night even sweeter (Image: Poppy Huggett) Just before 9pm, the stage lit up, the dancers came out and Sabrina Carpenter arrived. She wore what looked like a pink and white Elton John-inspired bedazzled playsuit and opened with Busy Woman - one of her newest tracks from the album Short n' Sweet. Sabrina's opening song was the pop hit Busy Woman (Image: Poppy Huggett) The whole set was girly, glamorous and gripping. The video screens were styled like retro 1950s TV broadcasts with vintage-inspired filters and camp visuals. What I love about Sabrina is how she plays into the stereotype while simultaneously flipping it on its head. Sabrina dazzled the audience from start to finish (Image: Poppy Huggett) To someone unfamiliar, she might seem like your standard blonde pop princess doing the most to please the male gaze. But once you listen to her lyrics, it's the total opposite. Yes, she is conventionally beautiful, but her songs are packed with sharp humour and unapologetic attitude. Sabrina's vocals were unsurprisingly incredible (Image: Poppy Huggett) Her new tracks Manchild and Please Please Please are the perfect examples - cheeky, cutting and completely in control. Throughout the set she chatted to the crowd, often removing her earpiece to take in the screams. She worked every angle of the stage, making sure fans on all sides got a moment with her. She performed so many of my favourite songs - Taste, Bed Chem and Feather - and you better believe I sang every single word. The superstars' 'Bed Chem' performance was hot and raunchy (Image: Poppy Huggett) Then came the most unexpected moment of the night - she brought out none other than Duran Duran. Now, I'm sure anyone born before 1980 was absolutely buzzing. But I gave Hungry Like the Wolf a go too, and honestly, it was a fun surprise. We sang and danced the whole night long (Image: Poppy Huggett) Not who I expected to join a Gen Z pop star, but once again, Sabrina keeps us guessing. She powered through the rest of her set with full energy. The lights were blinding; the visuals were dazzling and the vibe never dipped. As the 1950s-style credits rolled on the video walls, she performed Don't Cry and closed with the track we were all waiting for - Espresso. Sabrina ended her set with Espresso (Image: Poppy Huggett) The fireworks exploded into the sky, and I'm sure you could hear the crowd from the Tower of London. A completely deserved reaction to a pop star who's not just rising but already soaring. We left the park around 10.30pm and hobbled our way to Green Park. My voice was gone, my feet were ruined, and my makeup had given up hours ago. But it was worth every second for Sabrina Carpenter. And I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Why this resort in Mallorca is the dreamiest getaway for Londoners in need of a reset
As someone living in London - where the days blur together and even a trip to the park requires strategic timing - I know how vital it is to find a proper escape. Not just a change of scenery, but somewhere that lets you breathe again. That's exactly what I found in Kimpton Aysla Mallorca. Mallorca has long been a favourite for British travellers, but this hotel isn't your average island resort. The lobby and stairs at Kimpton (Image: Poppy Huggett) It's a serene slice of luxury tucked away in Santa Ponsa, less than 30 minutes from Palma airport, and unbelievably just a two-hour flight from Gatwick. You could leave your flat in south east London in the morning and be lounging in a private hammock by the afternoon. The stunning gardens and Zayt Pool Club at Kimpton Aysla Mallorca (Image: Poppy Huggett) I arrived on Tuesday, May 6, and from the moment I stepped out of the airport transfer, it felt like I'd landed in a different world. Check-in came with a creamy welcome drink - like a milky island twist on a smoothie - and warm, effortless hospitality that immediately took the edge off the London stress I'd brought with me. My room was a King with a private garden, and it was a dream. There were multiple seating areas outside, big, cushioned loungers, and even a hammock perfect for an afternoon read (or nap). Inside, the space was calm and beautifully styled - a massive queen-sized bed with cloud-like feather bedding, a deep standalone tub, a rainfall shower, and all the little luxury touches you want from a five-star hotel. I especially loved the CODAGE Paris products and the in-room coffee machine. The garden patio and bathroom in my room (Image: Poppy Huggett) It felt like the kind of place made for couples, but also for solo travellers like me who just needed quiet, comfort, and space to decompress. Dinner that night was at SABA Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean food with real flair. We started with sharing plates - calamari rings, croquettes, burrata salad, bread with aioli, and Padrón peppers - all rich with flavour. Our sharing starters at SABA Restaurant (Image: Poppy Huggett) For mains, I had a creamy seafood and shellfish rice that was like the love child of a paella and a risotto, and dessert was a melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake that I'm still thinking about days later. Breakfast at Orangerie was buffet-style but with real quality. I had everything from sausages and bacon to hash browns, freshly made omelettes (cooked in front of you with your chosen ingredients), and of course, stacks of pancakes with Nutella and fruit. The chef cooks your chosen omelette in front of you (Image: Poppy Huggett) It's the kind of breakfast that makes you want to book another night just so you can have it again. On Wednesday, we ventured out to Son Moragues (SONMO) for their Olive Oil Experience, which turned out to be one of the most special excursions I've ever done. The mountains at SONMO (Image: Poppy Huggett) Picture this: you're riding through the Tramuntana Mountains in a vintage Land Rover, passing ancient olive groves under a clear blue sky, and then tasting oils while learning about sustainability, history, and craftsmanship. The stunning olive grounds at SONMO (Image: Poppy Huggett) We even got to see the men at work in the ceramic workshop who were using traditional methods to mould clay into beautiful pieces. The day ended with a peaceful picnic under the olive trees and it truly felt like something out of a romance novel. Our olive tasting session (Image: Poppy Huggett) Back at the hotel, I spent the late afternoon by the adult-only pool (quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by greenery) before dinner at Theatre Kitchen - an immersive dining experience where chefs prepare sushi right in front of you like edible artwork. It was mesmerising and delicious – my favourite plates of the evening were the steamed chicken gyozas and beef noodles. The chosen dishes which were prepared in front of us at Theatre Kitchen (Image: Poppy Huggett) By Thursday, I was already dreading the idea of going home. I was treated to a massage at Maison Codage with a therapist named Edgar, who offered either a deep muscle or relaxation option. I chose relaxation, and it was so good I drifted off during the session. The treatment room (Image: Poppy Huggett) The lavender-scented oil, soft lighting, and quiet atmosphere were exactly what my overworked back needed. Later, I wandered into Santa Ponsa, a small coastal town just five minutes away by taxi - or a 20-minute ride on the free electric bikes the hotel provides. Santa Ponsa beach is a five minute drive away (Image: Poppy Huggett) It's got a gorgeous beach, plenty of local shops, and a great mix of lively bars and laid-back cafés. If you fancy a night out, Magaluf is just 15 minutes away, and Palma is around 20, so you're never far from the buzz if you want it. Before heading to the airport, we had lunch at Zayt Pool Club back at Kimpton, and honestly, it was one of the culinary highlights of the trip. Zayt Pool Club (Image: Poppy Huggett) Everything here felt effortlessly chic - from the setting around the pool to the service. We started with warm olives, a meat charcuterie board, and a chicken Caesar salad that was so fresh and crisp it could have been picked that morning. My food highlights at Kimpton Aysla Mallorca (Image: SONMO) For mains, we shared a steak platter served with perfectly roasted vegetables and sweet potato fries — indulgent and satisfying in the best way. And dessert? A rich, gooey chocolate brownie-style cake with ice cream that brought everything to a decadent close. This was my absolute favourite dessert of the trip (Image: Poppy Huggett) The food across all the restaurants was consistently 10/10 — each meal felt thoughtfully prepared and deeply satisfying without being over-complicated. As my trip came to an end, I couldn't stop thinking about how easy it had all been. Some highlights of the trip (Image: Poppy Huggett) The short flight, the calm transfer, the quick check-in. But more than anything, it was how balanced everything felt - luxury without stiffness, peace without pretension, and warmth without being over the top. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca is the perfect retreat for Londoners wanting to escape the city (Image: SONMO) If you live in London and you're burnt out, overstimulated, or just dreaming of sunshine, Kimpton Aysla Mallorca is the reset button you didn't know you needed. It's everything a great escape should be - easy, beautiful, restful, and just far enough to feel like you've really got away.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The all-new Boots Bluewater store with premium makeup brands and private pharmacy
Boots has unveiled a stunning makeover of its Dartford Bluewater store, bringing an elevated shopping experience to locals with a host of new beauty and healthcare offerings. The modernised store boasts a sleek beauty hall featuring over 30 new premium brands, an improved healthcare section with private consultation rooms, and an array of expert staff on hand to assist customers. I had the chance to visit the revamped store on Wednesday (April 2) to check out the changes first hand, explore the new beauty hall, and even indulge in a little shopping spree myself. Bluewater Shopping Centre (Image: Poppy Huggett) Stepping into the redesigned beauty hall felt like entering a premium department store. Beauty enthusiasts will be thrilled to find a variety of new brands available for the first time, including Kiehls, Armani, REM, Shiseido, Prada, Rituals, BYOMA, Huda Beauty, and Drunk Elephant. The shop has more than 30 premium brands (Image: Poppy Huggett)There's also an expanded range of professional haircare brands like Kerastase and Redken, as well as electrical beauty tools from GHD, Dyson, and Shark. During my visit, I received amazing assistance from the friendly staff at the NARS counter, who helped me find the perfect shade of foundation. The beauty hall was buzzing with customers exploring the latest viral products, making it clear that the store's fresh new look is already a hit. BYOMOA and Pixi skincare stands (Image: Poppy Huggett) I couldn't resist picking up some beauty must-haves while I was there, including purchasing the iconic Juicy Couture perfume, a steal at £39.50 (down from £79). Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum (Image: Poppy Huggett) I also bought a Real Techniques brush set for just £20, originally priced at £30, and the all-new Beauty of Joseon glow face mask and glow serum - this Korean skincare range is trending everywhere, and I absolutely love the homemade spa feel it gives my skin. Beauty of Joseon (Image: Poppy Huggett) I decided to treat myself a little further and got a high-street brand blusher and bronzer to refresh my makeup routine, and a CeraVe Face Moisturiser - an absolute staple in my skincare collection that has me in a chokehold. The improvements at Boots Bluewater isn't just limited to beauty - the store's healthcare section has also had a major upgrade. My chosen products (Image: Poppy Huggett) The addition of three private consultation rooms makes accessing services like flu and travel vaccinations and blood pressure checks easier than ever. The downstairs pharmacy area is incredibly well-organised, and I learned that people over 40 can now get a free MOT health check, which is a fantastic service for those looking to stay on top of their well-being. The private pharmacy rooms (Image: Poppy Huggett) The store also offers the NHS Pharmacy First service, allowing customers to get advice and treatment - including some prescription-only medications - for seven common conditions. Anil Maloo, Store Manager at Boots Dartford Bluewater, said: 'The new-look store has been an enormous success with shoppers who are loving the new premium feel of the store. 'The new layout includes an updated health-care space and a new pharmacy layout, it really is the store of the future. Bluewater Boots downstairs (Image: Poppy Huggett) 'The modernised beauty hall has been a huge hit too. It's exciting to be able to offer beauty fans the very best of Boots own-brand, viral brands including as Supergoop! and Laneige, and the hottest products as soon as they launch. 'Boots really does support every customer, at every stage of life, and our new Dartford Bluewater store does just that - keeping shoppers coming back to Boots again and again.' Outside boots store (Image: Poppy Huggett) Boots is continuing to invest in its stores across the UK, ensuring that locations like Dartford Bluewater remain at the forefront of health and beauty retail. With its fresh new look, expanded brand offerings, and enhanced healthcare services, this store truly is a one-stop destination for all things beauty and wellness. For those eager to visit, Boots Dartford Bluewater is open Monday – Saturday from 9am to 9pm, and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Soho's new pasta bar is the late-night drunk food upgrade you deserve
London's food scene has just welcomed an exciting new addition and trust me - it's one you don't want to miss. 27 Old Compton Street, the all-new pasta bar in the heart of Soho, opened its doors on March 24, and it's already making waves. Offering handmade pasta, stellar cocktails, and a laid-back, no-fuss vibe, this place delivers big on taste, speed, and affordability. And, not to mention, it's open until 1am on weekends. 27 Old Compton Street, the all-new pasta bar in the heart of Soho (Image: Poppy Huggett) Inspired by Italy's Tavola Calda culture, 27 Old Compton Street keeps things simple - fresh pasta, homemade desserts, and expertly selected wines and cocktails. The pasta is cooked right by the front door, so you can watch the chefs in action as you soak in the lively atmosphere. The downstairs seating area (Image: Poppy Huggett) It's walk-in only, but the quick service ensures you won't be waiting long. I visited on a buzzing Friday night with two colleagues, and we were greeted by the friendly team, including our servers Alexandra and Sergio. The team behind 27 Old Compton Street (Image: Poppy Huggett) Chef Rodrigo was working his magic at the front, serving up plates of steaming, silky pasta in minutes. To start, we shared a basket of focaccia with rosemary & sea salt (£5.50), accompanied by two expertly crafted cocktails: Vacanze Romane (£9.00) - a refreshing mix of Florente Elderflower, Melonade, Rosé, and London Essence Peach & Jasmine - and an Amalfi (£10.00), blending Limoncello, Italicus, Cinzano, and Montenegro for a zesty, aromatic kick. The focaccia was perfectly airy with a delicious hint of garlic (Image: Poppy Huggett) For mains, I ordered the Conchiglie 'Nduja (£12.90) but swapped the pasta for Mafalda - a move I highly recommend. The spicy sausage, tomato, and basil sauce packed a fiery punch, perfectly clinging to the wavy ribbons of mafalda. The 'Nduja (was a spicy, spreadable sausage) with a rich, smoky heat that lingered (Image: Poppy Huggett) Tara went for the Maccheroni Vodka but swapped the pasta for Spaghetti (£10.90) - a rich, comforting blend of tomato, basil, and a kick of chili, making for the ultimate indulgence. Tara swapped her Maccheroni for Spaghetti (Image: Poppy Huggett) Alex opted for the Mushroom and Truffle Lasagne (£11.90), layered with parmesan and creamy béchamel - a decadent choice that disappeared from the plate in record time. Alex's lasagne was creamy and rich (Image: Poppy Huggett) For dessert, we shared a portion of mini doughnuts (£5.50), dusted with sugar and served with pistachio, hazelnut, and chocolate—a sweet, nutty finale to an already stellar meal. The mini doughnuts were absolutely to die for (Image: Poppy Huggett) 27 Old Compton Street is a game-changer for pasta lovers and late-night diners alike. The handmade pasta is among the best I've had in central London, the prices are incredibly reasonable, and the service is warm and efficient. 27 Old Compton Street is not to be missed (Image: Poppy Huggett) Whether you're grabbing a quick Negroni and a bowl of carbonara or settling in for a full feast, you're guaranteed quality without the wait. So next time you find yourself in Soho, whether it's for a lunch break, a pre-theatre meal, or a drunk-night craving, make sure to swing by 27 Old Compton Street.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I went to a Gatsby-themed cabaret and spent the night partying like it was 1925'
I stepped into The London Cabaret Club and, quite literally, partied like it was 1925 with none other than the Great Gatsby himself. As a passionate lover of the Jazz Age – from the dazzling fashion to the electric nightlife of New York and that heady mix of love and mystery – I was instantly transported into my element. We handed our boarding passes to New York City at the gate, and in the blink of an eye, we were immersed in the roaring, glamorous world of the 1920s. The lounge leads to the ballroom (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) Our night began in the lounge with a preshow, where we were greeted by canapés that had a unique twist. We devoured juicy mini burgers, crispy fish cakes, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon, all paired with champagne given a fruity spin – the perfect start to an unforgettable evening. Enjoying our champagne cocktail on arrival (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) At 7pm, we were led into the ballroom, a breath-taking space with dimly lit tables surrounding the central stage. Each table was adorned with elegant roses to celebrate Valentine's Day, and a basket of freshly baked bread sat waiting for us to dive in. (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) After enjoying a few warm-up performances, the All About Gatsby experience kicked off at around 8.30pm, and it was immersive in every sense. The moment the lights dimmed, and the music began, I was completely swept away into Gatsby's world. The performers were electric, the costumes stunning, and the entire room pulsed with the energy of the Roaring Twenties. One unforgettable moment was when one of the fabulous dancers soared into the air, suspended by a strap tied to her hair. Despite the unimaginable pain it must have caused, she made it look effortless and chic. The singers filled the room with suspense and anticipation (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) From the thrilling mystery to the ongoing drama, I felt as though I was right there at one of Gatsby's lavish parties, swept into every scandal and secret. Then came the three-course meal, and I was thoroughly impressed. The crab starter was fresh and delicate, followed by a perfectly cooked steak that was tender and full of flavour. Crab pâté with coleslaw (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) The vegan dark chocolate mousse was indulgent and divine – the ideal finish to an extraordinary meal. Our perfectly cooked steaks (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) The London Cabaret Club offers the perfect blend of immersive entertainment and fine dining, transporting guests into a world of glamour and intrigue. Vegan chocolate mousse (Image: Poppy Huggett/Amy Clarke) With shows like All About Gatsby and the upcoming Chicago tribute, Roxie Rocks, the venue encapsulates the energy of the Jazz Age, providing a unique, interactive experience for romantic evenings or vibrant nights out with friends. Whether you're enjoying a night with the girls or looking for a romantic escape, this is the place to be. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between glamour and intimacy, and I was completely captivated by every moment.
