Author Archives: Natasha Blair

About Natasha Blair

Travel journalist who enjoys discovering new places in style, where possible, with her dog, a Coton de Tulear, called Poppy. Good food, not necessarily gourmet, is important as is the atmosphere as she also writes about restaurants. Culture is another love, and as she is based in London, she reviews theatre and art exhibitions.

Russia: Royalty & the Romanovs at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Having the opportunity of visiting the Queen’s Gallery is an experience in itself as the complex is part of Buckingham Palace of which the chapel is now the Nash Gallery. Two exhibitions Russia: Royalty & the Romanovs and Shadows of War: … Continue reading

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Major Collection of Impressionist Art opens at London’s National Gallery

I must confess that, as a lover of Impressionism, being invited to the opening of the Courtauld Impressionists ‘From Manet to Cezanne ‘ at London’s National Gallery which opens tomorrow 17 September was a definite must.  The exhibition is made up … Continue reading

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Going back in time – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Based on the South Bank a few paces from the Tate Modern I am ashamed to say I had never been to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Taking advantage of the wonderful weather I was fortunate enough to obtain tickets for Othello … Continue reading

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V&A’s latest exhibition Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up

An exhibition of the life of Frida Kahlo has opened at the Victoria & Albert Museum. I love her vibrant, distinctive paintings. While this exhibition is more about the person, exploring her life as a child with her family up … Continue reading

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Dog friendly B & B in the heart of the New Forest

  Built in 1627 the Grade 2 listed Thatched Cottage Hotel in the heart of  Brockenhurst  is a pretty, thatched, dog friendly bed and breakfast with 10 bedrooms. Mine had an open fireplace and timber-beamed ceiling. Brockenhurst has a mainline … Continue reading

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Dog-friendly Holdsworth House Hotel

  On the edge of Halifax, Holdsworth House is a pretty 17thcentury Jacobean manor set in three acres of grounds. Dating back to 1633, the family-owned 38 bedroom 4* hotel has open fires, beamed ceilings, oak paneled halls, and mullioned … Continue reading

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A play worth seeing – The Best Man

Martin Shaw stars in the hit production The Best Man, a play that warrants discussion after you have seen it. Written by Gore Vidal, the play is set in 1960, and examines the behind the scenes machinations of an American Presidential … Continue reading

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Chic Dog-friendly Hotel in Cowes, Isle of Wight

North House, a Grade 11 listed townhouse in the conservation area of Cowes Old Town, and a member of the Mr & Mrs Smith stable, has been converted into a fourteen bedroom stylish boutique hotel. My room with the decor … Continue reading

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Romantic, dog-friendly La Poule au Pot Restaurant in Victoria

Romantic dog friendly, old fashioned French restaurant Continue reading

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Champagne

If at no other time, champagne is usually the drink of choice at Christmas, and certainly for the New Year. According to Francoise Peretti, Director of the UK Champagne Bureau, the UK is their number one client, with sales of … Continue reading

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