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Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Perth Now
Washington D.C. restaurant sells $95 bottle of water sourced from a 15,000-year-old iceberg
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Washington D.C. sells a $95 bottle of water from a Greenland iceberg. The Inn at Little Washington has a "water menu" - which offers drinks that have been collected from glaciers and other water sources from around the world - and the Berg water is the melted remains of the 15,000-year-old iceberg. Speaking about the $95 bottle of water, Cameron Smith, a waiter at The Inn at Little Washington, told The Times newspaper: "It's very aromatic, for an actual water. "I should be getting snow. When you swirl this water, it's very light-bodied. You have a very mysterious, very ancient, earthly kind of quality.' The cheapest drink is free Virginia water. Waters on the menu are scored based on how salty, sweet or smooth they are. Vichy Catalan, from Spain, is considered the "saltiest", while waters sourced from Virginia, California and Romania were described as the "sweetest". Patrick O'Connell, the chef and proprietor of The Inn at Little Washington, told Eater: "We can now create a paired water menu with our menu. "These waters are so unique. Some are from underground glaciers that are 3,000 years old. They've never been in contact with the air. The varieties, tastes, and textures of these waters are absolutely fascinating,"
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Highland Council presses ahead with Corran Ferry foot passenger fares
But the move was delayed after a group of councillors pushed for a full debate, as local opposition grew. The plan, which would have raised around £20,000 a year, has now been approved despite fears it could damage the area's 'fragile' economy. The ferry service carries over 10,000 foot passengers per year. Located between the A82 and A861, it provides a 'lifeline' connection linking the communities of Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull. The alternative journey by road around Loch Linnhe takes about two hours, with the ferry providing regular runs seven days a week, with each journey taking five minutes. The ferry is seen as a vital link for some of Scotland's most rural communities (Image: Caroline Wilson) There had been calls for the council to 'pause and review' the scheme until an economic impact investigation could be carried out by October – and allow foot passengers to travel for free until then. Councillors Andrew Baxter and Kate Willis had both called for a pause, brining the issue to a vote before the whole council However, after a vote on Thursday councillors decided to press ahead with the plan to bring in the charges. The debate in Inverness heard emotive speeches from many councillors, with Ardnamurchan representative Sarah Fannet warning that people paying £4 each way to cross the Corran Narrows would lead to a cost of '£80 a month to walk to work'. READ MORE: First foot passenger fare approved for 'lifeline' ferry route Fares to increase on one of Scotland's most scenic ferry routes A petition against the charge had attracted almost 800 signatures, with a local business warns of job losses if the "ferry tax" had gone ahead. Two years ago the ageing MV Corran and back-up MV Maid of Glencoul ferries both broke down, stopping vehicle crossings for 145 days. According to reports, the loss of ferry crossings lead to firms struggling, with the economic loss counted in millions. Ardnamurchan (Image: NQ) Luke Alexander, who owns and runs The Inn at Ardgour where the Corran Ferry lands, said the foot fare would be a "terrible idea". He told the West Coast Today website: "We were never consulted about this in any way. Economically for Ardgour, it has the potential to be devastating. "To add £4 per person to the cost of their visit is prohibitive. It will be like a tax on their visit. "We will lose a minimum of £40,000 in sales, with a worst case scenario of losses exceeding £80,000." Highland Council said the new charge will come into effect this summer and will include foot passengers and pedal cyclists.
Irish Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
We struck Gold on this visit to US state – and you should too
It has been 25 years since I visited the States and the last time I was in America, I was getting a selfie with Minnie Mouse at Disney World in Florida. So what better way to reintroduce America to me as an adult than to head for California's Tuolumne County – the heart of Gold Country where thriving Gold Rush towns put the region on the map. Here, you'll meet real life cowboys and cattle ranchers. Sadly, none I could take home to mum. After 10 hours on an Aer Lingus flight direct from Dublin to San Francisco, we travel around three hours to Sonora, the largest town in Tuolumne County. This quaint town offers a glimpse into the past with their preserved saloons, historic buildings and museums. Our first stop is bedtime. We arrived at The Inn on Knowles Hill, a gorgeous boutique bed and breakfast hotel overlooking the town of Sonora. It's been 14 hours since I last saw Ireland and I was looking forward to my bed. We were immediately greeted by owner Rhonda Buess, who runs this charming hotel with her vintage car obsessed husband couple have been married since 1992 and have spent over $1M renovating The Inn on Knowles Hill - and boy, does it show. The Inn is 12,500 square feet of home away from home. I've never slept in a bed with the softest of pillows and the most comfortable mattress. It was so big, I joked I'd need a ladder to climb in. After a peaceful night's sleep, it was time for breakfast. But this was no grab and go situation – I was in America now. For every guest, Rhona prepares a two-course breakfast that sets you up for the day. For our first course, Rhonda served us organic bosc pear poached in cardamom spice, filled with vanilla bean creme with raspberry coulis and toasted almonds. Our second course arrives – Aebleskivers (Danish pancakes) served traditionally with raspberry jam and Chantilly cream. The dish was accompanied with Knowles Hill eggs florentine, a recipe designed at The Inn and some turkey bacon. The food isn't the only thing that kept us talking on our trip – The Inn is steeped in history. Rhonda tells me: "The house was built in 1927 for a Swedish man called Charles Segerstrom. He had stock in the West in a lumber company. He was president of Royal Bank. He had hotels in San Francisco, but his primary money making was from mining.' Rhonda explains that each of the eight rooms at The Inn are all named after the famous people who have stayed there, including President Herbert Hoover, Supreme Court Justice, Earl Warren, Helen Keller, Ruth Bryan Owen and Melvin Belli. 'We've even had Motley Crew," she boasted. Most people who buy a hotel nowadays want to modernise it – but Rhonda and Fred wanted to restore it back to the roaring 20s. They are the third owners and bought the house in 2005. The previous owners had decorated it hot pink. "We opened in 2012. It took about seven years to get ourselves established.' Guests are not only treated to Rhonda's excellent cooking skills but they will also be accompanied by Fred downtown in one of his vintage cars. He owns several vintage Rolls Royce's which he proudly shows off out the front of this charming must stay hotel. After a peaceful night's sleep, we took a trip to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where we met train enthusiast Daniel train station welcomed the first steam train back in 1897 to crowds of 5,000 and is a hit with fourth graders on school tours. From April until October, the train station runs excursion train rides as well as The Polar Express, which runs in November and December and "always sells out," said Daniel. The station was also home to some of Hollywood's 200 famous films, including High Noon, Back To The Future III and Petticoat Junction. 'Locomotive No.3 is by far the most famous here. She's been in more movies and TV shows than in Hollywood. Hollywood loved it. It has a classic style and it's cute. Sonora is also home to Columbia's State Historic Park, which is another hit with kids. But for the adults too, the western themed town features plenty of restaurants and bars to keep cool from the Californian sun. After digging for some gold at Columbia, thirsty travellers can head to Indigeny Reserve to sample some cider from the local sits on a stunning 160-acre preserve and apple orchard and is a hit with locals, especially on Valentine's Day. Our tour guide Cassandra takes us through the fruits of their labour from this family run business, which employs just 12 people, and was started by retired couple Jay and Judy Watson. Cassandra brings us through the process of harvesting the apples from their 30,000 trees. 'When we are harvesting our apples, we are harvesting over 52 varieties. 'Each year is different, depending on the seasons, whether we get a lot of water, whether our blossoms did great that year, we can range about 300,000 pounds of apples to a million pounds of apples. And so when we're harvesting, we harvest everything, even the imperfectly, perfect apples. This whole entire range here we have about 30,000 trees.' As well as feeding the cider thirsty customers, Indigeny feeds a plethora of wildlife from harvested apples that hit the orchard a day of tours, we head downtown – courtesy of Fred in the Rolls Royce – and arrive in style at a local dive bar, where my colleague hustles a few unsuspecting locals in a game of pool. The next day, we leave Sonora and head to Yosemite National Park for two days hiking. Yosemite is well worth a visit for any traveller who loves the outdoors. It's an hour and a half from Sonora and the views are breathtaking along the way. The side of the park we're exploring is the road less travelled. We met our tour guide Gabriel for a two-hour hike to Hetch Hetchy – an hour and a half from the popular Yosemite Valley. Hetch Hetchy, whose reservoir supplies the water for all of San Francisco, is a hidden treasure that lies in the northwest portion of Yosemite National Park. It's a jaw-dropping trail, way less crowded than other areas of the park, and is a perfect weekend backpacking trip for any level of experience. It sees fewer than 100 visitors a day, compared to the 19,000 day tourists to Yosemite Valley. And to rest your tired legs after, there's Rush Creek's Lodge and Spa. The hotel is the newest Yosemite spa resort, featuring incredible indoor and outdoor spa elements inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite. But for those who prefer to sleep under the stars – Evergreen Lodge Yosemite is the perfect spot and just 20 minutes from Hetch Hetchy. Pick from family cabins, glamping tents or couples cabins – but be warned those who glamp need to remember the dress for the elements for bed. It gets very cold at night in Yosemite. Evergreen Lodge also offers all guests complimentary smores for that real American experience as well as heated saltwater pool and hot tub amongst the pines. The next day, we headed for the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias for a blissful two-hour hike amongst the two dozen mature giant sequoias. This strenuous walk is worthwhile when you come across these giants in the middle of the forest. After our hike, we head for a quick lunch stop at Around The Horn for a tasty American Hot Dog. And to quench your thirst, this bar offers a beer flight so customers can explore all the bar's different craft beers on offer. We head back on the road to shake our tail feathers on the last stop of the trip – The Chicken Ranch Casino. This casino underwent a massive $400 million renovation and caters to all your entertainment needs. It's non-smoking and its general manager Todd DeRemer spent 14 years of his working life managing a casino in Las Vegas, so he decided to bring his 33 years' experience in the gaming industry back to North America. The Chicken Ranch Casino also features a 209 Sports bar with 3D video aspect all around – it is the only one in North America as well as a Wahlburger – the second one in California and sales are eighth in the entire nation. Forget heading to Vegas, this hotel, which opened in July 2024, has 197 eggceptional rooms with 22 suites – including one called The Mother Pucker that features a golden chicken that players rub for good luck before heading downstairs to gamble. 'About 70 percent of people who stay at the hotel are players,' says Todd as he reveals the casino had two massive wins in March. One jackpot was $863,000 and the other for $823,000. The Chicken Ranch Casino also has a stunning Fine Dining restaurant called Perch Rooftop Dining and also has a shallow pool, which will host major parties in the future. For my first time back to America in 25 years, this was the perfect reintroduction as an adult exploring. Yosemite was definitely a highlight of the trip, and I look forward to returning again.
The Courier
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Stirling family overcome setback on TV property show to find perfect home
A Stirling family overcame a house-hunting setback on a popular TV property show to find their dream home. Mum-and-daughter duo Lorraine and Emma starred on Location, Location, Location on Channel 4 on Wednesday night. Hosts Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp were tasked with finding the pair a home in the city on a budget of £275,000. The pair had been living with Lorraine's parents after she separated from her partner, but were looking for a place of their own. They identified Bridge of Allan as their ideal area to be close to family, but were open to trying other areas. Lorraine and Emma wanted something open-plan with a 'decent-sized' kitchen, a sociable space, good storage and transport links. They also hoped to find a three-bedroom home so that Meg, Lorraine's other daughter, could live with them when she returned from Australia. The house hunt started in Cambusbarron on the outskirts of the city. Phil showed the pair a three-bedroom terraced house that was on the market for offers over £234,000. Emma, a law student, said it was 'perfect' for two people, while Lorraine said it ticked a lot of boxes. However, they wanted more space and storage. Next, they viewed a nearby flat. This property, described as 'stunning' by the family, was under their budget with an asking price of offers over £189,000. It had more space, an open-plan kitchen and living room area and plenty of cupboard space. However, as it only had two bedrooms, Lorraine and Emma were unsure. Kirstie, meanwhile, picked out a three-bedroom period maisonette in the city centre for the duo to view. This was a project property and was on sale for offers over £195,000. However, Lorraine and Emma said they felt it needed too much work. The final property they viewed, a three-bedroom cottage in Torbrex, went down a storm with the pair. Located opposite The Inn at Torbrex, the property already had two offers by the time they viewed it. The duo decided to make an offer but were left 'disappointed' when their bid of £260,000 was not enough to secure the property, despite its asking price of offers over £245,000. However, Location, Location, Location revealed how just a few weeks later, Lorraine and Emma bought a three-bedroom townhouse on the outskirts of Stirling for £255,000. This left them with enough money to do some work on the house before they moved in. There was also a family reunion, as Meg returned from Australia to join them in their new home.
Wales Online
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
The underrated seaside village where you can eat like a king near castle ruins
The underrated seaside village where you can eat like a king near castle ruins This underrated Welsh village has sandy beaches, castle ruins and an award-winning inn serving some of the best eats in Carmarthenshire Lovely Llansteffan is situated on the northern shore of the River Tywi estuary, where the waters meet Carmarthen Bay, offering sweeping views and an award-winning rustic pub serving seriously good eats. (Image: Visit Wales ) As the road dips and curves through the Carmarthenshire countryside, you'll start to see a stretch of golden sand unfurl along the shoreline, framed by the calm waters of the Tywi Estuary. In the distance, perched proudly on a hilltop, are the ruins of an ancient castle, weathered but still commanding the scenic landscape. This is Llansteffan, a charming and underrated Welsh village with sandy beaches, shops, pubs and literary ties perfect for a foodie coastal break. Lovely Llansteffan is situated on the northern shore of the River Tywi estuary, where the waters meet Carmarthen Bay, offering sweeping views and an award-winning rustic pub serving seriously good eats. Despite its chilled ambience, the small village has a rich history and ties to Welsh literary titan Dylan Thomas. One of the most prominent landmarks in Llansteffan is its iconic castle. Perched high on the headland, Llansteffan Castle commands an impressive view of the craggy coastal landscape. Built in the 12th century by the Normans, the castle's strategic location atop a hill overlooking the estuary made it a crucial fortification in medieval Wales. Article continues below Like most pretty coastal spots in Wales, summer is the busy season here, with families filling the beach and tiny village during the busy school holidays, so now might be the time to visit before class is dismissed. Here's why Llannsteffan should be on your travel list. Walk along the beach If you visit during the offseason or early in the morning, you'll often have this blustery shoreline to yourself (Image: Portia Jones ) Strut along a stretch of golden sand, firm enough to build the most epic sandcastles but soft enough to sink your feet into as you stroll This weeping shoreline is quieter before the summer break, making it a peaceful expanse where you can stroll along the wind-whipped coastline without the crowds. What makes Llansteffan Beach extra special is its variety. At one end, you've got the main stretch with its wide-open space; at the other, you'll find little rock pools waiting to be explored at low tide. Next to the beach, you'll find a tea room (which doubles as a beach shop) where you can grab coffee and cake and a fish and chip shop for a seaside fish supper. If you're a fan of outdoor cooking, you can always make your own coffee on the beach using a 'Swedish torch'. Just remember to clean up after yourself. Feast like a king at the Inn at the Sticks Whipped feta with honey glazed carrots and basil gel at Inn at the Sticks (Image: Will Barker ) The Inn at the Sticks has received numerous accolades, including being named the Good Food Guide's Best Local Restaurant in Wales in 2024 and listed as one of the Guardian's 20 best UK foodie breaks. The Llansteffan Landmark has been a pub since 1809, then known as the Union Hall Inn, and has been a hotel since 1881. It's now run by partners Teej and Tracey and was refurbished in June 2023, with a strong emphasis on retaining the pub's charm and character across the restaurant and snug rooms upstairs. Food is a real highlight here, with the kitchen headed up by pub co-founder Teej. Expect small plates of the finest Welsh produce with zingy international twists and knowledgeable staff who know their way around a wine list. The pub's commitment to local produce means the menu changes seasonally, always offering something new and delicious. Think Cockle popcorn, Atlantic Edge oysters, roasted carrots on whipped feta, Asian sticky Pork, and Welsh beef and perl las pie. With perfectly plated dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it's easy to see why it's one of the best places to eat in Carmarthenshire. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Explore Llansteffan Castle Llansteffan Castle (Image: roy james Shakespeare Getty ) Rising proudly above the village, Llansteffan Castle is an unmissable part of any visit. The 12th-century castle is situated on a headland overlooking the Tywi Estuary and Carmarthen Bay. It's more than just a picturesque ruin; it's a gateway into Wales' tumultuous past, with a history that stretches back centuries. The dreamy castle stands on a site that has been defended since prehistoric times. Today, the remnants of Llansteffan Castle provide visitors with a vivid sense of medieval life. Its imposing gatehouse, once the main point of entry, still stands as a powerful testament to its defensive capabilities, complete with arrow slits and strong walls. Inside, the remaining towers and walls of the inner and outer wards offer insight into the castle's layout, which would have housed garrisons and served as a residence for the local lord. The panoramic views from the castle's position are glorious. Stretching over Carmarthen Bay and the surrounding countryside, they offer a glimpse of the site's once-strategic importance. One notable historical event was the castle's capture by Rhys ap Gruffudd, the Welsh Prince of Deheubarth, in 1146, marking a key moment in the ongoing struggle for control between the Normans and the Welsh. Although the castle saw action during subsequent centuries, including during Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion in the early 15th century, it eventually fell into disrepair, becoming a romantic ruin by the 16th century. Inside, you can roam the grounds, climb the old battlements, and take in the panoramic views stretching across the swirling waters. On a clear day, you can see for miles, making it a perfect spot for photography or just soaking in the Carmarthenshire scenery. After your walk and castle exploration, get lunch and a pint at the traditional Castle Inn, serving lush pub grub and Welsh ales in the heart of the village. Discover Dylan Thomas and Llansteffan's literary ties An Aerial Photograph taken on the River Towy Estuary (Image: Getty ) Llansteffan isn't just about history and coastal landscapes—it's also closely linked to one of Wales' most famous poets, Dylan Thomas. Thomas spent many childhood holidays in the area, staying with his family nearby Fernhill. His poem Fern Hill is a nostalgic reflection on those carefree days, capturing the sense of freedom and innocence he experienced in the countryside around Llansteffan. For literary fans, visiting the village offers a chance to walk in Thomas's footsteps. The area's natural beauty and quiet, contemplative atmosphere make it easy to see how Thomas found inspiration here. He even began his poem Fern Hill, saying, 'Now as I was young and easy under the apple boughs.' One local landmark, the now-closed Edwinsford Arms, even features in his short story A Visit to Grandpa's, giving the village a direct link to his work. In his later years, Thomas would row across the Tâf Estuary to Llansteffan to meet his father for a pint at the Edwinsford. Though the pub is no longer there, you can still enjoy a drink in the village at the Inn at the Sticks, where the warm, welcoming atmosphere might remind you of the places a young Dylan once visited. Go on Coastal walks The Llansteffan Circular Walk is one of the standout routes along this path (Image: Portia Jones ) Llansteffan's sandy beach is also popular for its connection to the Wales Coast Path, a national walking trail that winds along the glorious Welsh coastline. The Llansteffan Circular Walk is one of the standout routes along this path, offering a varied landscape that includes woodlands, open countryside, and stunning views of both the estuary and Carmarthen Bay. This 5-mile trail is ideal for walkers of all abilities. It offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the area's incredible natural beauty, from birds nesting along the shore to ancient oaks and vibrant Welsh wildflowers. The surrounding countryside is equally diverse, with farmlands, wooded areas, and the occasional stream adding to the area's rural beauty. Changing seasons bring different charms: in spring, the countryside is alive with wildflowers, while in autumn, the leaves turn to rich golds and reds, making it a perfect time for fall photography. Article continues below
