Siobhan Grogan

Chef Theo Randall recommends keeping picnics simple, using high-quality ingredients that travel well and preparing most items the evening before. His preferred dishes include focaccia, panzanella and an insalata di farro made with cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, lemon, olive oil and ricotta salata. He advises bringing a chopping board, knife, proper glasses and a cool box, while avoiding complicated dishes, dips, crisps and warm drinks. The article also promotes the Where Chefs Picnic guidebook and a £225 Charles Heidsieck luxury picnic hamper.

A tested selection of 18th-birthday gift ideas covers experiences, technology, beauty, fashion, food, travel, homeware and keepsakes across a wide range of budgets. The overall recommendation is a flexible Birthday celebrations experience box, while the iPhone 17 is identified as the most coveted premium option. Other standout suggestions include a Kindle, Bose earbuds, a Lana Del Rey vinyl record, skincare and beauty sets, personalised food gifts, travel accessories, university essentials and durable keepsakes. The recommendations were informed by feedback from two teenage testers and assessed for appeal, value, quality and longevity.

Siobhan Grogan evaluates ten bath towels after washing and using them over several weeks, assessing drying time, materials, absorbency, softness, durability and appearance. Scooms is selected as the best overall option for its thick Egyptian cotton, luxury feel and rapid absorbency, while Dunelm offers the best budget choice and The White Company combines softness with faster drying. Soak&Sleep stands out for absorbency and value, Soho Home for its bold oversized design, and other towels offer strengths including hotel-style plushness, colour choice, luxury finishes and softness. The guide also explains how GSM, cotton type, stitching and towel care affect performance and longevity.

Siobhan Grogan tested Night Lark’s coverless duvet for several weeks and found it soft, comfortable, attractive and easy to maintain. The duvet stayed evenly filled, regulated temperature well, resisted wear and tear, and coffee stains washed out easily. Its main drawback is that the 10.5-tog version requires a washing machine with at least a 10kg capacity, while tumble-drying is useful in colder weather. Overall, the reviewer recommends it for most households, especially children’s, student and guest rooms, and plans to use the lighter 4.5-tog version during warmer months.

Siobhan Grogan tested eight plug-in air fresheners and diffusers at home over several weeks, comparing setup, scent strength, longevity, portability, usability and fragrance quality. The Febreze 3volution was judged the best overall because it alternates among three scents, lasts up to three months on a low setting and offers good value. Yankee Candle was the preferred budget option, while the Dunelm diffuser offered an attractive and flexible essential-oil design. Diptyque delivered the most stylish premium experience but had expensive refills, and the Magnifiscent ZenPlug stood out for app-controlled scheduling and luxury-inspired fragrances. The Henyall air purifier avoided fragrance but came with no clear way to verify its performance, while Glade offered particularly long-lasting refills.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, combines jungle, beaches, fishing villages, pepper farms and distinctive local culture with rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure. Government-backed plans aim to attract 15 million visitors by 2030, supported by airport and ferry-terminal expansion, new luxury hotels and attractions from developers including Sun Group and VinGroup. Despite resorts, theme parks and a vast cable car, much of the island remains quiet and undeveloped. The article highlights Regent Phu Quoc as a high-end base while emphasizing that traditional island life and less-visited natural areas still endure.

The Independent's Siobhan Grogan tested ten pillows over several weeks across different sleeping positions, assessing comfort, support, temperature regulation, care and value. The Simba CustomFlex was chosen as the best overall for its adjustable layers, support and breathable cooling cover, while the Silentnight Airmax was the budget pick. Other recommendations target specific needs, including the Belledorm for microfibre luxury, Scooms for hotel-style down comfort, Duvalay for firm support, Woolroom for allergy sufferers and Emma for adjustability. The guide emphasizes matching pillow height and firmness to sleeping position, replacing pillows roughly every 18–24 months, and choosing hypoallergenic materials for allergy concerns.

Siobhan Grogan tests 17 reusable water bottles across everyday commuting, gym use, travel, school and outdoor settings. The Owala FreeSip is selected as the best overall option for its versatile lid, leakproof design and ease of cleaning, while Brita is recommended as a budget filter bottle and specialist models from Stanley, Hydro Flask, Air Up, Primus, LifeStraw and others are matched to different needs. The review compares insulation, filtration, self-cleaning technology, portability, durability, leak resistance and cleaning requirements, while noting trade-offs such as weight, high prices and ongoing filter or flavour-pod costs. It also provides guidance on hydration, sustainability, materials, bottle size, drinking spouts and dishwasher safety.

Hands-on testing identifies Nectar’s mattress protector as the best overall choice because it is breathable, soft, quiet, waterproof and reasonably priced. Other recommendations target specific needs, including Staydrynights and Silentnight for budget buyers and children, Simba and Emma for allergy protection, The White Company for temperature regulation, Woolroom for a premium natural cooling option, Panda for a quiet protector, and Soak & Sleep for breathable quilting. The review emphasizes waterproofing, fit, comfort, noise, temperature regulation, cleaning and value, while noting drawbacks such as slow drying, high prices, thin construction and questionable sustainability claims around bamboo rayon.

A sleep expert tested eleven cooling pillows and pillow protectors during a summer heatwave, assessing comfort, cooling performance, firmness, care requirements and value. The Dreams TheraPur memory foam ice pillow was selected as the best overall option for its immediate cooling and strong support, while the Silentnight Wellbeing Cool Touch pillow was the best budget choice. Other recommendations target specific needs, including natural materials, luxury comfort, side sleeping, neck support and upgrading an existing pillow with a cooling protector. The review finds that cooling performance varies from immediate cool-to-touch relief to longer-term temperature regulation, and that firmness, sleeping position, washability and price are important considerations.

Siobhan Grogan tests reed, electric and nebulising diffusers for scent strength, longevity, ease of use, design and refillability. Marks & Spencer’s Apothecary Restore is named the best overall choice for its subtle spa-like fragrance and affordable refills, while Matalan offers the strongest budget option and Espa is the leading electric model. Diptyque stands out for appearance and longevity, Jo Malone London for luxury, Neom for portability, Molton Brown for large rooms and lasting scent, and Next for a large, affordable refillable format. The guide notes that fragrance intensity and floral or musky profiles may not suit every room or user.

Hands-on testing of 11 umbrellas identifies the Blunt Metro as the best overall choice for its stylish, sturdy design and strong wind resistance. The Fulton Tornado is recommended as the best budget option, while the Fulton Birdcage, Hunter Transparent Moustache Bubble, Gilley, Senz Large, Davek Solo, London Undercover Navy City Gent Lifesaver, Fulton Cyclone, Totes Eco-Brella and Fulton Aerolite serve specific needs including visibility, style, portability, premium quality, golf and lightweight use. Testing covered wind resistance, build quality, ease of use, portability, coverage and design; the lightweight Fulton Aerolite performed well in rain but repeatedly inverted in gusts.

The Trtl travel pillow uses a scarf-like fleece design with an internal support frame to keep the head and neck in a neutral position during travel. Siobhan Grogan found it far more comfortable and effective than traditional U-shaped pillows, using it successfully on long-haul flights and other trips. Its main drawbacks are that it can feel warm, resembles a neck brace and takes practice to adjust, but its lightweight, compact, machine-washable design makes it a strong recommendation for long journeys.

A hands-on review compares 11 induction-compatible pans and pan sets tested over several weeks in a home kitchen. Our Place’s titanium Always Pan Pro is rated best overall for fast, even heating, effective non-stick performance and versatility, while Salter’s Megastone is the budget pick. Other recommendations target specific needs, including Circulon for frying, Le Creuset for cast iron, Tefal for stackable storage, Ninja for saucepans, HexClad for bulk cooking, GreenPan for grilling and ProCook for pancakes. The guide explains that induction cookware needs a magnetic, preferably thick base and offers advice on dishwasher, oven and gas-hob compatibility.

Sarah Jones recommends a range of Mother’s Day gifts for different interests and budgets, selecting Elizabeth Scarlett’s marigold wash bag as the best overall option. Other featured choices include an Oliver Bonas mug, Bloom & Wild flowers, an Amazon Kindle, a Papier recipe journal, Nars lip balm, Missoma earrings, a Patch Plants Chinese money plant, Stripe & Stare pyjamas, a Cowshed bath and body set, and a Slip contour sleep mask. The products were tested over several weeks for price, quality, longevity and appeal, with individual drawbacks noted such as higher prices, limited preferences and the temporary nature of flowers.

A taste test of alcohol-free beers under 0.5% ABV ranks 13 options across lagers, stouts, pale ales and gift packs. Lucky Saint is named best overall for its convincing pilsner flavor and mouthfeel, while Chouffe is the best budget buy and Guinness 0.0 the strongest stout substitute. Other standouts include Jump Ship Yardarm, Corona Cero and Adnams Ghost Ship, with options also selected for zero alcohol, zero sugar, gluten-free drinking and food pairing. The review notes that UK “alcohol-free” labeling can allow up to 0.05% ABV, while “non-alcoholic” beers can contain up to 0.5%, and concludes that improved brewing techniques and growing demand have made alcohol-free beer a credible alternative to conventional beer.

Hands-on testing identifies the Bosch Serie 4 SKS62E32EU as the best overall tabletop dishwasher, thanks to its strong cleaning and drying performance, though it requires a water connection and is expensive. The ElectriQ is the best budget option, while the compact Klarstein Aquatica suits people living alone and the Comfee Mini Plus is recommended for awkward spaces because it can be filled and drained manually. The Russell Hobbs model is the best-looking option and also offers powerful cleaning, but like the Bosch it needs a water supply. Key buying considerations include capacity, dimensions, water and drainage arrangements, drying performance, cycle options, noise and energy efficiency.

A month-long test of ten bath mats evaluates absorbency, slip resistance, comfort, appearance, washing performance and drying time. Marks & Spencer’s pure cotton floral mat is named the best overall for its textured non-slip weave, fast drying and reasonable price. Other recommendations include Online Home Shop’s budget design, Dreams and Drapes for non-slip performance, Soak and Sleep for quick drying, Christy for plushness, Scooms for luxury, William Morris at Home for design, Homescapes for colour choice, Buddy for curved showers and Hug Rug for families needing exceptional absorbency and a recycled-plastic backing.

The Emma Original Pillow uses three removable foam and memory-foam layers to let users adjust its height and firmness for front, side and back sleeping. Testing found it comfortable, breathable, supportive and effective at relieving neck discomfort, with a hypoallergenic, washable cover and a 200-night home trial. Drawbacks include the difficulty of recycling memory foam, limited sustainability information and the need to store unused layers. Overall, it received a 9/10 rating and was considered good value.

A hands-on review finds the Panda memory foam bamboo pillow supportive, breathable and effective at reducing neck stiffness, particularly for side and back sleepers. Its soft bamboo cover helps prevent overheating, while the medium-firm memory foam maintains head and neck alignment without needing re-plumping. The pillow may be too lofty for front sleepers and is not suitable for lounging upright, but its washable cover, hypoallergenic properties, durability and 30-night trial contribute to a strongly positive verdict.

The Independent tested laptop bags across commuting, meetings and work travel, assessing laptop protection, waterproofing, capacity, comfort, durability and everyday style. The Marks & Spencer Autograph leather laptop bag was selected as the best overall option for its quality, professional appearance and roominess, while the Rainyear sleeve was recommended as the best budget choice. Other standout options included the Osprey Aoede messenger for commuters, the Briggs & Riley backpack for luxury travel, the Red Adventure backpack for wet weather and the Troubadour Carrier Tote for larger loads. Buyers are advised to measure their laptop carefully, consider the space needed for accessories and clothing, and balance protection and capacity against weight and price.

Las Vegas offers extensive alternatives to casino gambling, including Downtown food tours, interactive bars, organized-crime and punk-rock museums, immersive art at AREA15, the High Roller observation wheel, and attractions along the LINQ promenade. Visitors can also explore Red Rock Canyon by jeep or on foot and tour casino resorts such as Bellagio, New York-New York and The Venetian for their free or non-gambling attractions. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Fontainebleau Las Vegas are recommended accommodation options, while Virgin Atlantic provides direct flights from the UK.

Orlando remains a leading family holiday destination, centred on Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Booking early, avoiding school and US holidays, and choosing hotels strategically can reduce costs; Universal’s premium hotels may offer better value when Express Passes are needed. Disney Genie Plus+, early arrivals, late stays, single-rider queues and advance dining reservations can substantially reduce waiting times. The guide highlights Disney attractions including TRON Lightcycle / Run, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Avatar Flight of Passage, alongside Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while providing sample accommodation, ticket and flight prices.

Candice Brown discusses how cooking helps her manage depression and ADHD in her new cookbook, Happy Cooking. The book combines practical savoury meals, baking projects and comfort foods designed for different emotional and energy levels, including her famous gingerbread pub, homemade chicken nuggets and khachapuri. Brown also describes her role making desserts at The Green Man in Bedfordshire and argues that modern pubs are increasingly important community hubs offering food and hospitality beyond traditional drinking.

Self-taught cook and London grime artist Big Zuu discusses the West African and especially Sierra Leonean influences behind his accessible cooking style. He describes learning to cook at home and through school, his food-truck experiences, and the recipes in his cookbook Big Zuu’s Big Eats, including his mother’s ochre stew and the popular Doritos Fried Chicken. The cookbook and Dave television series aim to encourage people from diverse backgrounds and inexperienced home cooks to get into the kitchen.

Five chefs share celebratory recipes intended for gatherings in England as COVID-19 restrictions eased: Simone Remoli offers spaghetti with telline clams; Ben Tish presents a Moorish chicken, pine nut and raisin pie; James Cochran contributes watermelon and rum chicken wings; Victor Garvey shares gazpacho with golden beetroot sorbet; and Shaun Rankin provides a Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding and onion gravy. The recipes combine detailed ingredients and preparation methods with personal memories and professional backgrounds, emphasizing relaxed family and social dining after months of lockdown.