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February brings a subtle shift in the season and in our mindset. The year is no longer brand new, but it’s beginning to find its shape. The days are noticeably lighter, the city feels a little busier, and there’s a renewed energy as Plymouth moves forward with purpose and optimism.
This edition is all about connection, reflection and looking after what matters most. February invites us to slow down just enough to appreciate the people, places and passions that bring meaning to our everyday lives.
I’ve truly enjoyed bringing this issue together and hope it offers inspiration, warmth and a few moments of pause amid the busyness of the season.
As always, I’d love to hear from you. Your thoughts, stories and suggestions help shape this magazine and keep it closely connected to the people and places that make Plymouth special. You can reach me at editor@oracle.uk.net , and I’ll always do my best to respond.
All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Oracle Publications accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.
The latest interior and garden design trends of 2026.
Everybody has their own take on how they would like their dream home interior to look.
You can still create a unique home whilst being inspired by the latest trends. Often ‘trends’ gets a bad reputation for being wasteful and unoriginal which can be argued for the fashion industry, but less so with home and garden interiors.
Interior and garden trends work alongside lifestyle changes, society and the environment therefore they are usually trying to improve your space to best suit you and the planet. That being said, trends in colours and patterns will naturally change over time but can be swapped out and updated gradually to limit waste. Changing colours, patterns and furniture gradually can have the beautiful ability to narrate a story through time without eliminating the trend or era altogether. I find the most fascinating home interiors are those taken from different eras, countries and origins as they all had a place at some point, who is to say they cannot work in tandem today?
Find beauty in the old.
Re-using old pieces, whether that’s second-hand furniture, baroque-style paintings in classic frames, or even old and unused pieces of wood and materials. If you expand your mind as to what they could be in their new lease of life, they can add so much personality into the room. Even old paintings, if you took into consideration the wall on which you’re hanging them, you could enhance and complement the colours in the painting to tie it into the existing room. There is no reason why classic paintings can’t be used on the walls today. Second-hand furniture can be bought in large charity shops, antique shops, local markets and online websites including eBay, GumTree and Facebook Marketplace.
Velvet is heading out.
In 2025, there has been a decline in velvet sofa purchases and people are opting for more practical, high-performing, sustainable materials instead, such as cotton and linen. This means slightly less of a worry if you do end up dropping your dinner on your sofa.
70s return.
As with fashion, interior trends like to revert back to iconic eras, bringing back the very best elements of that time. The colours of this era are brown, gold and red tones. Adding hints of these tones will keep your home looking modern and up-to-date, instead of a time capsule from the 70s. Keeping up with trends doesn’t have to cost the earth by changing elements as you go.
Happy colours, happy mind.
There has been a huge increase in bright, happy colours trending at the moment which I couldn’t love more. You want your home to make you feel happy therefore incorporating a bit of zesty yellow, vibrant pink, warm orange or bright blue into the room will
help to elevate your mood. (Unless you can’t stand these colours of course…) Some other colours to think about are sunset hues such as orange, coral, deep red, mustard yellow and pastel purple will help to make your space feel warm and cosy.
Say goodbye to grey. Come away from the harsh grey tones and sink into the natural neutrals of brown, beige and cream. They are kinder to your eyes and make the room feel warmer.
Heritage.
With the return of the farmhouse aesthetic already a hugely popular choice with kitchens, it has now moved throughout the house. Gingham, vintage florals and stripes are becoming the pattern of choice with neutral tones, organic materials and a cosy cottage feel.
Spathrooms.
Bathrooms inspired by spas. A bathroom is a self-care space, a place where you should spend a little bit longer on your skin and body care. You want a space where you almost don’t want to leave to encourage the healthy habits of looking after your skin. Having a luxurious ‘spa-like’ bathroom will make you want to spend longer in there, because who wants to leave a spa early?! Using materials such as wood, marble, concrete, brass, creamy white porcelain, warmlooking tiles, elegant wallpaper and organic cotton towels. Adding a real plant or two can help to give your bathroom some life. Finishing touches such as a diffuser, candles and a soft bathmat will definitely give you that spa feeling.
Raw materials.
Being sustainable in every part of your life is something to strive for. I always think that although others may not be, at least you are doing your best for the planet. Buying second-hand sometimes isn’t an easy or plausible option, sometimes it’s best to invest a little bit more money to make sure you’re buying something that will last for years. These more expensive options can often be made from sustainable or higher-grade materials and will be less likely to wear over time.
Crafted-look ceramics.
The farmhouse aesthetic and organic materials are brought to the table in the form of bowls, plates and vases. With their unique textures, one-off handmade appeal and earthy tones, they are leading the way when it comes to tableware.
A sustainable garden.
Wildflower meadows and allotment patches are all well and good for the environment but in your typical townhouse, you’re not going to have the space. In
2025, it’s all about making the space that you have in your garden work for you whilst still having the environment at the core. As climate change beings to show more of an impact, our summers are getting hotter and rainfall is becoming more unpredictable in the summer months. With hosepipe bands becoming a regular term, it’s time to start thinking about opting for drought-tolerant plants and flowers.
This doesn’t mean just using gravel and cacti, there are plenty of leafy options which don’t require as much attention. If you’re unsure of which plants are best, look at the leaves. More often than not, drought-tolerant plants have silver or grey leaves to reflect the sun or some have a coating of fine hairs on their leaves or stems to trap moisture.
Man For All Seasons can help to transform your ideas of a sustainable garden into a reality with a team of experienced gardeners and landscapers. Making your garden work for you is their top priority, whether that be an area where the kids can play, somewhere to entertain friends and family or a space to unwind and truly relax. Whatever it may be, Man For All Seasons can help you.
If your grass is already getting too much sunlight, have you thought about realistic-looking artificial grass as a maintenance-free solution? Green Scheme Solutions, based in Plympton have a range of different artificial grass with dog-friendly options.
Light-coloured fences.
Cream, soft beige and pale pink colours are becoming more popular creating more light into your garden and providing a backdrop for your plants to stand out. Colourfence Plymouth offers a range of steel fences in a wide variety of different colours. Due to the material used, these fences require no repairs or treatments and are virtually maintenance-free.
With these design trends of 2025 in mind, I think the biggest push is becoming more sustainable within our homes and reconnecting with nature.
Planning a wedding has to be at the top of the ‘most stressful life experiences’ list. But it’s time to stop stressing, trying to please everyone else and time to start embracing the wedding planning with my guide to planning your perfect wedding in Devon and Cornwall.
If you ask any bride, she’ll tell you that at some point during the wedding planning process she was stressed, maybe even a little ‘Bridezilla’. It’s one of (if not the biggest) days of your life and of course, you want every single element to be perfect — from the dress to the venue, photographer and cake. Now it’s time to throw the stress out of the window because it will be perfect, even when things go wrong; trust me… things will go wrong and you have to take it on the chin, move forward and lighten up.
As a recent bride, having married in August 2019, I can tell you that wedding planning can be stressful. You worry about the littlest of things and that’s absolutely okay and 100% expected. One thing I learnt along the planning process is that it is your wedding day — nobody else’s (other than your partner-to-be but let’s face it… the bride generally makes most of the decisions – well that’s what I did anyway!). Take advice when it’s given, but one thing to be sure of is to not let anybody tell you what you can and can’t have because it’s all about YOU.
Absolutely every couple is different when it comes to getting married and the thing that sets every couple apart is budget. And believe me when I say budgeting is the most important part of planning a wedding.
You can’t (or really shouldn’t) do anything until you know exactly how much you can financially afford to spend on each individual aspect of your wedding — so first things first, do your research.
According to the 2025 UK Wedding Report, the average total cost of a wedding in the UK in 2025 was about £20,822, though this can rise above £25,000 for many couples once you include extras like the honeymoon and engagement ring.
Researching is something every bride will spend hours doing; from pinning images of their dream dress to Pinterest boards, to looking at potential venues and suppliers, as well as looking at what the average spend is on specific parts of a wedding such as the flowers or rings.
Once you’ve done some research it’s time to think about scouting out potential venues and choosing a date. It’s essential that you visit a few of your favourite venues before making a final decision, even if you think you’ve found your dream venue online — just looking at photos isn’t the same as being there in person. There would be nothing worse than booking somewhere and paying a deposit without visiting only to find that they can’t host the right number of guests you’re hoping to attend, or it’s nothing like it’s advertised.
Devon and Cornwall are considered some of the most stunning parts of the country; full of historic mansion houses, beautiful barns and picturesque parks, they offer some of the most heavenly and luxurious venues to host your special day.
Deciding on a venue is one of the first, and most important, decisions you need to make. You must give careful thought to your wedding venue, as you want to ensure it offers everything you want: spectacular views and backdrops for your wedding photos, great indoor and outdoor entertainment space, and, of course, that romantic atmosphere. Whether your dream is to get married in the woodlands, on a beach, at historic grounds, or in a beautiful barn, then Devon and Cornwall could be the perfect place for you to say ‘I do’.
After you’ve cried over finding the perfect place for your nuptials and chosen a date — the real business begins.
When it comes to wedding suppliers such as photographers, videographers, florists, hair stylists and makeup artists, you’ve got to get booking early, especially if you’re planning a weekend wedding in the height of the Great British summer. Again, research is key with suppliers. You don’t necessarily have to meet them in person, but a phone call or an email conversation is a great place to start — and if you feel they’re the right fit then book them for your special day.
One thing many couples regret on is spending too little on photography. As a keen photographer myself, wedding photography was at the top of my list and I knew exactly who I wanted. But many couples either don’t think about it or just want someone ‘cheap’ or a ‘student’. Personally, I couldn’t think of anything worse than trusting someone inexperienced with my wedding photography. You get what you pay for, and photography (or videography if you opt for that too) is one of the most amazing ways your wedding will be relived other than your own memories.
In 2025, the average cost couples spent on wedding photography in the UK was around £1,482, though prices can vary depending on style, coverage and extras.
The first place to look when it comes to photography is Instagram, Facebook and Google; look at their style and reviews from other couples. Most photographers are willing to travel as part of their package so don’t limit yourself to someone just nearby — if you find someone elsewhere who has the style you’re after then get in touch with them. Here in the South West, we are blessed with incredible talent when it comes to photography so there’s plenty of choice, and don’t be put off by prices as most reputable photographers will create bespoke packages to suit your needs.
So far, you may have stressed about the cost of everything but remember you can make your day whatever you want it to be.
You may want a small ceremony at your local registry office and then a huge party with your nearest and dearest in your local town hall, or maybe you would love a lavish, luxurious and large wedding in the depths of Cornwall in a country manor house. Whatever it is you want, you can make it happen — just set your mind to it (and your budget…).
Now onto the yummy stuff… food!
Food tasting and cake tasting has got to be everyone’s favourite part of wedding planning — I mean, who doesn’t love food? Couples are opting for less traditional options when it comes to the ‘wedding breakfast’ and with the range of suppliers out there, it’s no surprise. Differences in dietary requirements are also a key factor in food choices with vegan and gluten-free options becoming more common. You could opt for a pizza party at your reception or a delightful vegan buffet — don’t stick to traditions just because that’s what your parents want. Remember, it’s all about what you want, and if a fancy three-course wedding breakfast isn’t your thing then don’t do it!
If you’re looking for groom’s wear too, many of those boutiques can help kit out the whole bridal party for your perfect day.
I could go on forever with tips, tricks and ideas for planning a wedding. But at the end of the day, wedding planning should be something every bride enjoys and embraces wholeheartedly. My advice is to make your wedding whatever you want it to be — it’s one of the biggest and most important days of your life.
Love every second of the experience from the second you’re engaged to the big day itself — remember it will be perfect no matter what, and it’s all about you!
Please mention The Plympton Community Magazine when responding to adverts
China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall, 22nd February
Are you or someone you know getting married? Then don't miss our Free Wedding Fair.
Explore and experience how your wedding day could look, see our rooms dressed for your big day and chat with suppliers.
If you haven't chosen your venue yet, this is the perfect opportunity to see what China Fleet Country Club can do for you. Our experienced and friendly wedding team will be on hand to discuss your big day.
valentine's day dinner
Fishbone Restaurant, Future Inn Plymouth, 1 William Prance Road, Plymouth, 13th14th February 2026
Treat your special someone to an unforgettable Valentine's date night filled with romance and indulgent food. Settle in for a beautifully curated two or threecourse dinner in a cosy, elegant atmosphere – the perfect way to celebrate love.
Indulge in a deliciously diverse menu designed to delight every palate. Start with comforting soups, zesty prawn cocktail, fresh Caprese salad, or crispy salt & chilli chicken wings. For mains, choose from teriyaki salmon with noodles, succulent ribs, a hearty ribeye, or a fragrant Moroccan tagine. Finish on a sweet note with Manhattan stack, sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess, or a refreshing strawberry & Champagne sorbet – a perfect feast for a memorable night out.
Portland Square Building, Plymouth, Devon 14th - 15th February
Celebrate stories, spark creativity, and meet inspiring authors at our vibrant literary festival—where every page turns into an adventure!
Step into a world where stories come alive and creativity knows no bounds at our annual Literary Festival. Whether you're a passionate reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious, this vibrant celebration offers something for everyone. From thrilling author talks and immersive workshops to engaging panels and open mic sessions, the festival invites you to explore diverse voices and genres, spark your imagination, and connect with fellow book lovers.
Throughout the festival, you'll have the chance to meet acclaimed authors, uncover the secrets behind their stories, and dive deep into the craft of writing. With events tailored for all ages and interests, this is the perfect place to discover new favorites, sharpen your skills, and celebrate the magic of storytelling.
March marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring which brings us hope, new life, warmer, longer days and lots of beautiful flowers. What better time of the year to start improving your humble abode? Whether you’re looking to sell or if you just want to add a fresh new lease of life to your home, we have some great tips and tricks to help you. Without further ado let’s spring into action! If you’ll pardon the pun...
The garden is where spring really comes to life. Tulips and Daffodils are popping up here, there and everywhere, and the lawn is beginning to see the sun again.
Sowing, planting and mowing
It’s all systems go in the garden in March. Whether you’re a novice gardener or have your own veg patch complete with a greenhouse, anyone can have a go, no matter the size of your garden or balcony. Knowing what seeds you have to sow indoors, outdoors or plant straight into the soil is the first thing to keep in mind.
Seeds of carrots, parsnips, lettuces, radishes, turnips, broad beans, beetroot, peas, salad leaves, leeks and spinach can now be sown outdoors. Make sure they are sheltered with some protection or kept in a mini portable greenhouse. They will each have instructions on the back of the packet in terms of sunlight and feeding.
For a splash of colour, sweet peas can now be sown outdoors after being sown indoors from autumn. And hardy annuals can be sown outdoors for a gorgeous display of colour when summer arrives.
Sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber, aubergine, celery, salad and globe artichoke seeds can all be sown indoors in March. The majority will need to be kept in direct sunlight, with some form of cover to keep in the moisture.
Onions, shallots and garlic sets can all be planted straight into the ground as well as herbaceous perennials. You can also begin planting summer
bulbs such as gladioli, crocosmia, lilies and agapanthus.
Bear in mind, March is the latest you can plant bareroot roses. These are the types of roses you typically receive in the mail that have no roots.
It’s time to dust off your lawnmower and tend to your grass. It’s important not to over mow as it may upset new growth so try not to cut more than a third of the blade of grass off in one go. 1-2 times a month is advised from March to June and then more frequently in the summer months.
A lick of paint on your garden fence can freshen up your whole garden, but what’s the best colour to choose? For smaller garden spaces, a dark paint colour creates the illusion of a bigger garden because the foliage stands out against the dark fence which in turn takes the focus away from the actual boundaries of your garden.
Choosing the colour of your fence should complement your house but not necessarily match it. Colourfence in Plymouth offers low maintenance fences with no painting required. You can choose from a wide variety of popular colours as well as four height options. They come in two varieties, a plain, sleek and smart design or with a decorative trellis design on top that you can customise with contrasting paint colours.
Increasing the value of your home ready to sell can be done in a few different ways depending on the property. It is always a good idea to speak to an estate agent before making any costly changes to your house.
A conservatory can bring the outside in and feel like a tranquil oasis, especially in the summer months. An armchair and a good book, a dining table full of happy hungry faces, or a children’s play area, the options to turn the space into what suits your lifestyle are endless which is why they are so popular. Adding a conservatory to your house is thought to increase your property’s value by 5%. For that reason, it is proven to be one of the best assets for your home. Realistic Home Improvements offer thoughtfully designed and super-efficient conservatories with a 10-year warranty.
Do you feel like you’re outgrowing your home but can’t afford anywhere bigger? On average, extensions work out cheaper compared to upsizing and you can design it exactly how you want. AJM Building Design are specialists in residential building design and are committed to providing a personal and tailored service. They can cover everything from planning applications, building regulations to extensions and conversions and will happily guide you through the process.
Garages can feel very cluttered very quickly, even the garage door itself can take up that much needed space. Garolla Garage Doors have a unique solution with their electric roller garage doors. Fully fitted, insulated and with 24 colours available to choose from, these garage doors are the space saving items of the future.
Cleaning up the guttering and wiping down the windows instantly gives the exterior of your home
a facelift. It appears more welcoming, cleaner and brighter. This is a really simple job to do or to hire a local service to carry out for you and won’t cost you the earth to make a big difference. For all types of door and window repairs, The Door Doctor offers a mobile repair service based in Plymouth to help your windows look brand new again.
The kitchen is the hub of the home for most families; it’s not only where you cook and eat, but it’s also a very sociable space therefore it is important not to neglect it. Open plan kitchen/ diners are never going to get outdated, so it seems. More and more homeowners are knocking down those walls to create a light space and a communal feel and buyers are also looking for this way of living.
Painting the cupboard doors or changing the doors and door handles is a much cheaper option and will create the feel of a brand-new kitchen. Dream Doors Plymouth replaces your old cupboard doors and worktops to bring new life into old kitchens with the promise of being 50% cheaper than getting a newly fitted kitchen.
Peel n’ stick wallpaper is impossible to go wrong, you can choose from hundreds of patterns or plain colours and all you have to do is peel and stick it down for effortless results. Having a pop of wallpaper can make a huge difference to the overall look of your room especially when painting the walls is off the cards. Peel n’ stick does not stop there. You can get flooring tiles, backsplash and bathroom tiles too! All of these come off so easy without the landlord ever finding out.
Command strips will become your new best friends when hanging up gorgeous prints, tapestries and photographs. Changing the door handles can revamp any piece of furniture or kitchen and can be done in rented accommodation. The drill holes should always be the same size as the old ones in order to replace them with ease. Just make sure to keep all the old handles and put them back on before you leave.
Planning for the future isn’t only about making a Will. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a vital tool in protecting your wishes and ensuring your affairs are managed according to your instructions if you ever become unable to make decisions for yourself. At Howard & Over, our private client team in Marsh Mills, led by Sonia Ganney, supports you through the process with clarity and care.
With Sonia and her team by your side, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your future is secure and your legacy protected. Contact Sonia today at sonia.ganney@howard-over.co.uk or 01752 556606, or visit her at our Marsh Mills office.
Get a head start and begin pruning your garden ready for spring and summer.
During the warmer months, we spend a lot more time in the garden rather than indoors therefore it’s important to keep it looking nice so that when the sun does decide to come out, your garden will be ready for you. I have compiled the best tips and tricks for gardening in February as well as ways to make your garden feel like a mini oasis and a place where you’ll want to spend time in.
Gardening in February tends to happen towards the end of the month once most of the frosty weather has passed. Gardening is seasonal therefore if we do end up getting the Beast from the East again, then we will have to put the gardening tools down for a little while longer but being in an area that doesn’t get much snow… if any, means that we can get ahead and begin sowing seeds in February.
Sowing seeds early on in the year means you will have longer to enjoy them throughout the warmer months. Start sowing seeds of hardy annuals such as cosmos and greenhouse crops such as tomatoes. You can also sow seeds of coolseason plants like kale, broad beans,
lettuce and sweet peas if you don’t own a heated propagator and grow lamp. Make sure you keep your seeds in pots placed on a warm, sunny window sill.
Preparing your potatoes ready to be planted can be done in February. The process of encouraging seed potatoes into growth before planting is known as ‘chitting’. You can still plant seed potatoes if they haven’t been chitted but it will give them a head start, you can purchase seed potatoes from Endsleigh Garden Centre and Otter Nurseries.
Although February is early on in the year to be gardening, it’s actually a fairly busy month for pruning. You can start pruning Clematis, Wisteria, Winter Jasmine, Hydrangea, Buddleia, Cornus, Mahonia, Evergreen shrubs, Climbing and Bush roses. Spring flowering shrubs can be pruned after flowering, usually in early summer so don’t prune these in February or you will cut off the new buds.
Lilies, Anemone, Crocosmia and other late-spring flowering bulbs can be planted during February/ March which will bring a wider array of colours when spring comes along.
Creating an oasis in your garden can be difficult and expensive to achieve but you can begin by thinking about what you use your garden for the most.
Some would call it the best day of the year… Monday the 9th of February is National Pizza Day!
Monday 9th February brings us National Pizza Day and what better way to spend the middle of the week than stuffing your face with some delicious pizza? There is a pizza for everyone to enjoy whatever your requirements and taste buds; whether you’re continuing with Veganuary or if you just love the controversial pineapple on pizza.
Celebrated on February 9th each year – National Pizza Day is a day that celebrates all things pizza, where you can enjoy one of the most popular and iconic dishes in the world. Here are a few ways you can celebrate National Pizza Day this February:
Who doesn’t look a cheeky mid-week takeaway?! There’s nothing more satisfying than treating yourself after a long week in the office to a cheesy, greasy pizza and the best thing about takeaways is that you don’t even have to leave the house. So, get snuggled up in your pj’s and fluffy socks, pop on the latest episode of your favourite TV show and get ordering.
You could even have a pizza party with your friends or family. Bulk order in the Domino’s and enjoy a night of fun and games whilst tucking into some yummy pizza!
Why not challenge yourself and make some sumptuous home-made pizzas to celebrate National Pizza Day. Grab the kitchen scales and get kneading some dough or buy some shop-bought bases... for those of you that want to cheat a little. And if you struggle with the dietary requirements that come with vegan or non-gluten diets then homemade pizzas will allow you to easily cater for your own needs without being made to feel awkward or fussy.
The great thing about home-made pizzas is that you can be as creative as you want and adventurous with your flavours all on a budget. Turn National Pizza Day into a fun activity for all of the family to enjoy or even make a date night out of it.
Plymouth offers a whole host of delicious pizza restaurants. From chain restaurants to more local, independent diners you are lost for choice in Plymouth.
Here at OM, one of our favourite places to grab pizza is The Stable. Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-intolerant or the odd one out that loves ham and pineapple on pizza there are plenty of options for all. And the best thing is that all the family are welcome to celebrate National Pizza Day at The Stable... even the dog.
If authentic, hand made sourdough is more your pizzas style then you must visit Knead Pizza, a hidden gem located in Stonehouse. For a relaxed atmosphere and pizzas that’ll leave your tastebuds tingling for days don’t miss out on scrumptious sourdough with all of your favourite toppings on this iconic day.
Valentines day is almost here therefore we have found our favourite date night recipe ideas to give you some inspiration to wow your date.
(Serves 2)
• 100g long-stem broccoli , cut into thirds
• 180g dried spaghetti , regular or wholemeal
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove , lightly bashed
• 150g cherry tomatoes , halved
• 150g raw king prawns
• 1 heaped tbsp rose harissa paste
• 1 lemon , finely zested
ONE Bring a pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the broccoli and boil for 1 min 30 secs, or until tender. Drain and set aside. Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain, reserving a ladleful of cooking water.
TWO Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the garlic clove and fry over a low heat for 2 mins. Remove with a slotted spoon and discard, leaving the flavoured oil.
THREE Add the tomatoes to the pan and fry over a medium heat for 5 mins, or until beginning to soften and turn juicy. Stir through the prawns and cook for 2 mins, or until turning pink. Add the harissa and lemon zest, stirring to coat.
FOUR Toss the cooked spaghetti and pasta water through the prawns and harissa. Stir through the broccoli, season to taste and serve.
(Makes 16 pancakes)
• 225g self-raising flour
• 50g cocoa powder , sieved
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 400ml whole milk
• 100g dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 50g unsalted butter , cubed
To serve
• 300ml double cream
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla paste
• mixed berries (optional)
• maple syrup (optional)
ONE Tip the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and sugar into a large bowl with a small pinch of salt. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth batter, then mix in the chocolate chips.
TWO Heat a splash of the oil and a little of the butter in a non-stick frying pan until sizzling. Cook the pancakes, using 2 tbsp batter for each, for 2 mins until bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip and cook for 2 mins more (you’ll need to do this in batches). Keep the pancakes warm in a low oven while you cook.
THREE To serve, whip the cream with the icing sugar and vanilla until thick. Top the pancakes with the whipped cream, berries and maple syrup, if using.
(Serves 2)
• 2 rib-eye steaks (about 250g each)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 80g butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 thyme sprigs
• ½ lemon , juiced
• 1 shallot , finely chopped
• 100ml red wine
• 200ml fresh beef stock
• 50g pastrami , finely chopped
• 1 green chilli , deseeded and chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• chips (use ready-made or see ‘Goes well with’ for recipe) and gherkin ketchup, to serve
ONE Season the steaks with salt. Heat the oil in a frying pan large enough to fit both steaks, then add half the butter and once melted and foaming, add the garlic and thyme. Carefully put the steak in the pan and cook for 3 mins for rare, 4 mins for medium and 6 mins for well done, flip the steak and repeat. Once cooked, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pan and spoon the lemony butter over the steak. Transfer the steaks to a warm plate and cover.
TWO Pour off the fat from the pan, discard the garlic and thyme and wipe out with kitchen paper. Place the pan back on the heat, add half the remaining butter, and once melted, add the shallot and fry for 30 seconds, then add the wine and reduce to a glaze. Pour in the stock and bring up to the boil, then add the pastrami and chilli and warm through. Finally, stir in the parsley. Put the steaks on plates and spoon over the sauce, with the ketchup (see recipe below) and chips on the side.
• 50g butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1kg onions, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 250ml dry white wine
• 1.3l hot strongly-flavoured beef stock
• 4-8 slices baguette (depending on size)
• 140g gruyère, finely grated
ONE Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the onions and fry with the lid on for 10 mins until soft.
TWO Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 20 mins more, stirring frequently, until caramelised. The onions should be really golden, full of flavour and soft when pinched between your fingers. Take care towards the end to ensure that they don’t burn.
THREE Add the garlic cloves for the final few minutes of the onions’ cooking time, then sprinkle in the plain flour and stir well.
FOUR Increase the heat and keep stirring as you gradually add the wine, followed by the beef stock. Cover and simmer for 15-20 mins.
FIVE To serve, turn on the grill, and toast the bread. Ladle the soup into heatproof bowls.
SIX Put a slice or two of toast on top of the bowls of soup, and pile on the gruyère. Grill until melted. Alternatively, you can cook the toasts under the grill, then add them to the soup to serve.
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