Honeycomb Bar & Restaurant opens in Sheffield

Sunday 30 December 2018

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After driving past it almost daily since it opened I was intrigued by the glowing pink neon hues coming from Honeycomb Bar & Restaurant. So when they kindly invited us down for the evening I couldn't say no. 

Honeycomb Bar & Restaurant are adding to the ever increasing bar scene in Sheffield but bringing something different to the table. Their pan asian theme that runs throughout their food and drink menu combined with their stunning interiors is a driving force in the high level of service, food and drink you can expect when visiting. 


We were welcomed into Honeycomb through a stunning sequinned entrance to a glass of prosecco and welcoming staff.  Full of plush seating, beautiful lighting and honeycomb booths with room for sixteen people they have created the perfect glamorous venue. But, of course I wanted to sit beneath the neon! 


The food at Honeycomb Bar & Restaurant takes inspiration from the Far East combining flavours from China, Japan and Thailand for a pan asian palate from starters to desserts. 

Samples from their menu were brought round all evening, unfortunately only the vegetable and tofu spring rolls were vegetarian, but they were incredible and the staff continued their great service and made sure I had eaten! My friend sampled the other dishes and raved about their chicken sliders and beef fillet kushiyaki skewers. 

Everything looked incredible so after eyeing up the menu I cannot wait to go back and try the Wild Mushroom with Yuzu Truffle Soy Sauce Donburi and Nasu Dengaku (grilled aubergine in a miso glaze). Yup, i’m drooling just thinking about it. 


The incredible thought that went into the food also went into the drinks menu. From signature cocktails featuring Warner Edwards Honeybee gin to their premium selection including ‘Steel Royale’ as a homage to their Sheffield roots with Tanqueray Gin, Violet Liqueur and Drappier Champagne. 


There were some amazing looking concoctions coming from the bar but nothing beats an espresso martini and Honeycomb have a chocolate orange take on the original which we enjoyed plenty of! We were also treated to the ‘All Smoke No Fire’ a set of pink gin shots served on a smoking, stunning tray! There are plenty Instagram stories of the shots but you all I have left is an image of the tray, all I can say is I highly recommend them!  


I can’t wait to go back and see what else Honeycomb Bar & Restaurant have to offer and if you’re looking for something to do this New Years Eve they still have tickets remaining for their extravagant nine course tasting menu which you can book here. 


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Birdhouse Tea Company's Winter Range

Saturday 24 November 2018

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 Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth  line up of their winter range

Earlier this month I was invited to Birdhouse Tea Bar & Kitchen in Sheffield on a cold and drizzly night to sample their incredible and versatile winter tea range.

We were welcomed up to the second floor of the Birdhouse Tea Bar & Kitchen with warm lighting, festive florals and the winter range laid out and ready for us to have a nosey at before getting to try them.

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth  image of tangerine fizz from their winter range

We started the tastings off with 'Pine Forest' a perfect blend of green tea, pine needles, eucalyptus and peppermint that I am now obsessed with. It's comforting in a winter way with the pine needles, eucalyptus and peppermint adding refreshing notes that wake you up in the morning but sooth and calm on a evening. 

Next we tried 'Tangerine Fizz', a customer favourite since 2017 which blends marigold petals with apple, orange and ginger to create an incredible Bucks Fizz flavour and texture. It's actually unbelievable! 

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth spiced apple tea from their winter range

We then tried 'Spiced Apple', the perfect festive accompaniment with the addition of hibiscus and almond that added a crumble esq taste to the blend. This tea completely embodies the festive season, served perfectly as a tea, in a festive cider or used to soak the fruit for mince pies which I can guarantee will be delicious with buttery pastry. 

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth mince pie using spiced apple tea from their winter range

The winter range then moved into a pudding selection demonstrating the incredible blending abilities from Birdhouse Tea Company. Their 'Christmas Pud' tea which through some unknown magical ability tastes exactly like Christmas pudding (including the brandy!) is a blend of rooibos, fruit and spices. 

We then tried 'Peppermint Fudge' which instilled memories of duvet days and winter treats. A black tea base with peppermint, vanilla and liquorice creating the perfect sweet treat in a mug. 

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth  christmas pudding tea from their winter range

The final tea of the winter range we tried was 'Granny's Trifle' which I can assure you tastes exactly like that, but in a perfectly perfect drinkable way! Paired with milk the black tea & rooibos base with sweet strawberries and vanilla evokes everything you know and love about homemade trifle all from a warm mug of tea between your hands. 

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth gin with spiced apple tea from their winter range

To finish the evening we were treated to another way to use the winter range or the best way in my opinion, with gin. James, the mixologist at Birdhouse Tea Bar & Kitchen infused a simple gin (so the botanicals of the gin did not clash flavours with the tea) with the spiced apple tea for four hours before mixing with apple juice, cranberries and a cinnamon stick. A simple but flavoursome cocktail that is perfect for fixing festive tipples at home and the perfect end to the evening. 

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth  image for their shop

After our gin we headed to the shop attached to Birdhouse Tea Bar & Kitchen to stock up on our favourites from the evening. I treated myself to 'Pine Forest' and although I wanted 'Granny's Trifle' they had run out by the time I had worked my way round! 

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth

What I love about Birdhouse Tea Company is the thought, care and story behind every tea and blend. Rebecca English and her mum Julie started the company together and have gone from strength to strength ever since as they spread the amazing abilities and properties of tea. 

They opened their Nether Edge store in leafy Sheffield in 2014 and as their customer base grew alongside their tea education classes they saw a gap in the market for a tea bar and in 2017 their handwork and determination made it happen. 

Birdhouse Tea Bar & Kitchen is a haven, tucked away in a beautiful courtyard for a moment of peace in busy central Sheffield. From incredible tea creations, alcoholic concoctions and an incredible menu from breakfast to dinner Birdhouse have got something for everyone.  

Birdhouse Tea bar and Kitchen Sheffield on Typewriter Teeth

You can purchase Birdhouse Tea Company's winter range from their Tea Bar, Shop or online.

My favourite from last year was 100% pistachio truffle but I think 'Pine Forest' may have taken its place. Have you tried the winter range yet? What is your favourite?


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Pitcher & Piano comes to Sheffield

Thursday 1 November 2018

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Last month myself and a few friends were invited to the launch of the latest bar to come to Sheffield, Pitcher & Piano. Alongside City Hall,  Pitcher & Piano is the perfect edition to Sheffield City Centre bar life.

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Neon

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield

We were welcomed into the beautiful venue with a glass of champers and a quick tour of the bottom floor of Pitcher & Piano lit up by the beautiful pink neon above and botanical decorations.

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Cocktails

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Cocktails

We kicked things off with 'The Maverick' recommended by the incredible bar staff featuring the perfect Lavender gin by Masons and a butterfly pea flower tea. I love floral flavours so as an opening cocktail I was sold on Pitcher & Piano. 

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Cocktails

Next up, as we went to order espresso martinis we were reccomended 'Midnight Express' a dessert worthy version of an espresso martini featuring salted caramel Kahlua topped with popcorn foam and a side of popcorn. 

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Gin

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Gin

On the second floor of Pitcher & Piano alongside their normal bar was a Seedlip Bar, a non-alcoholic spirit and a Sipsmith Gin pop up. So of course we couldn't resist their famous Lemon Drizzle Gin paired with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic. As if we had a refreshing palate cleanser in between cocktails.

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Cocktail

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield Cocktail

Yes, we basically missed out on food. Although we did sample the best brownies I have ever put in my mouth so I can recommend those! I am definitely thinking I need another visit back for food after we enjoyed the cocktails, service and atmosphere so much.

Next up we tried 'Tropic Thunder' using Kracken Black Spiced rum, and passion fruit puree for a long sweet drink.

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield

Our final drink was the perfect end to the evening. We had a warming pitcher of 'Winter Sangria' with a Christmassy blend of cinnamon, merlot, pear liqueur, port & gin. It definitely gave us booze jacket before we headed back out into the cold after an incredible evening. 

I cannot wait to go back to Sheffield's Pitcher & Piano again, the stunning interiors and warm lighting created a great atmosphere and there was a beautiful intimate roof terrace that somehow missed out on photos.

Stay tuned for more news, if there brownies were anything to go by I look forward to going for dinner.

Pitcher & Piano Sheffield



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Botanical Illustration at Moonko Sheffield

Tuesday 2 October 2018

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On a rainy Thursday evening a few weeks ago, myself and a group of lovely ladies headed to the beautiful Moonko, based on Division Street in Sheffield for a Botanical Illustration Class.  Hosted by the incredible force of a woman and owner, Deborah Moon.

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

After all running in from the storm we all got settled with Debbie's welcoming hospitality, a variety of snacks and drinks, and the warm atmosphere in Moonko. 

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

To settle our nerves and get the creative juices flowing Debbie introduced a number of timed, fun and stress free challenges! I won't go into detail as you need to experience it for yourself but it was such a fun way to work into a workshop, especially if you are like me and have no confidence in your abilities whatsoever. 

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

Then to get more comfortable with the room we were tasked with blind drawing those sat next to us, and if that doesn't get you over those awkward hellos then I don't know what will! I am not going to share my attempts here but I can honestly say I have no perception of placement but some of the pieces that came out of this exercise were stunning. 

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

After this warm up we began to take full advantage of the botanical haven that is Moonko and took to the shop to begin practicing our new found creative freedom. What I really enjoyed about this class was the lack of pressure and focusing on relaxing within the drawing process. Not only was Moonko snug and safe but with supportive women, beautiful music and inspiring surroundings everyone fed off each other to create natural and alluring pieces. 

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

I found myself focusing on single leaves and intricate plants and it was so interesting to look up and see how differently we all interpreted the room, going from entire styled shots to focusing on colour and light. 

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

As we all took to the paper in front of us time seemed to pass in an instant and although I left saying this was something I wanted to devote my time to, like most things in life I just haven't got round to it yet. So I cannot wait to get myself back into that space again, and for £5 it is an absolute bargain. 

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield

The array of organic material in such a stunning setting is the perfect place for a botanical illustration class, I cannot wait to go to Moonko again. 

Fancy having a go yourself? Join us for the October class! Get your tickets here

Botanical Illustration Class at Moonko Sheffield


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New job, New Stationery

Tuesday 11 September 2018

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Although I never need an excuse for new stationery I got a new job (woo) and as i'm starting in October I couldn't resist a little stock up in a particular pastel theme. I also feel like September marks more of a New Year than January, as if the school calendar marks a time for resolution, refresh and change.

Image of stationery on a table for typewriter teeth

My new role's main focus is on branding and content so of course new stationery is needed to get all that organised. But also to help me get my head around a new business and industry. 

image of stationery on typewriter teeth highlight

First up were these beautiful pastel Stabilo Boss highlighters from Paperchase for £5 which I couldn't resist. They were in the 3 for 2 but I was sensible and only got what I needed, not that itdidn't stop me looking at the pilot fountain pens. 

image of pens on typewriter teeth

I also picked up this 'Yes, I Am A Feminist' pen from Paperchase a few weeks back which writes beautifully. It's part of the mechanical ballpoint pen collection and I've been back to pick it up in another style since as i've been using it so much. (Yes I am realising how sad I am getting this excited about pens) 

image of stationery on typewriter teeth

image of stationery on typewriter teeth

I also stocked up on fine liners, pukka pads and an incredible offer from tesco that no stationery geek could miss. 30 sharpies for £10 through their back to school offer! The offer has passed now but you can still buy the pack here. And with a beautiful range of colours and thicknesses I cannot recommend it enough. 

image of stationery on typewriter teeth

My final little treat to myself for getting a new job was a trip to søstrene grene to stock up on their beautiful notebooks. You cannot buy from them online but I highly recommend checking out their beautiful shops for all your homeware needs if there is one near you. Find your closest store here

image of stationery on typewriter teeth

I cannot wait to get my teeth and pastel stationery into a new project and also a little fresh start for myself and a step up! Does anyone else get the September resolution feels? 




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The F Word' by Lily Pebbles

Monday 27 August 2018

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Lily Pebbles' ‘The F Word’ is a beautiful celebration of friendships, past and present. Following how relationships makes us who we are with a focus on how they have shaped Lily.

Lily Pebbles The F Word on Typewriter Teeth on a wooden backdrop

 If you are not already familiar with Lily Pebbles I recommend you check out her blog, channel and podcast with Anna. But if you already are familiar, which i assume most of you are then you’ll love ‘The F Word’! I even read it with her voice and mannerisms in my head so I can only imagine what the audiobook is like.

There is a comfort and trust in Lily’s writing, her opinions in her videos and blog posts are so honest that her heart warming personality comes through and you trust in ‘The F Word’. From making that first friend, to keeping a daft diary throughout school to meeting people as an adult Lily’s words resonated with me on some levels. But ‘The F Word’ is built up on sweet insights into Lily’s life, friendship and growth, I just couldn’t grasp on how quickly it moved. Pushing forward along the lines of a topical non fiction book rather than a window into Lily’s relationships, as if the sections didn’t quite come together.

Lily Pebbles The F Word on Typewriter Teeth

The F Word’ is like a introduction to Lily’s friendships, seeming to touch on the beginning of friendships or pigeonholing types of friendships rather than explore each relationship more. It’s as if the headings of each section made the book more relatable to a wider audience but constrained the writing and detail.

As much as I want more detail, ‘The F Word’ did make me reflect on friendships in year that has covered a lot of reflection for me, so maybe I was expecting too much?

‘The F Word’ is a brilliant quick read, of personal, honest insight into ever evolving and complex friendships. As much as it is a tribute to female friendship and covers such a wide range of discussion i’d happily welcome a follow up in more detail, especially as you find your feet in relationships as you get older.

Lily Pebbles The F Word on Typewriter Teeth

Have you read ‘The F Word’? Let me know what you thought or buy it here.
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'The Man In The High Castle' by Phillip K Dick

Sunday 5 August 2018

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In Phillip K Dick’s ‘The Man In The High Castle’ an alternative history is explored as Dick examines an alternative America in 1962. Presenting a history where Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan are in power follows an amazing idea, but this incredible concept just doesn’t see the return within the novel.

For me the idea was more interesting than the characters, their stories and their development. I was desperate to love it but it just didn’t happen. For one of the shortest books i’ve read this year it took me the longest to read.

An image of the book the man in the high castle by phillip k dick on typewriter teeth laid flat so spine is visible

'The Man in The High Castle’ has been criticised for its lack of character development and I think this is why I struggled to connect with the book, as if it needed more tension, development and political intrigue for the plot to stand up. Within the novel, antiquities tie characters together, Frank Frink creates fake American antiques, Robert Childan sells them to Japanese collectors and Mr Tagomi buys them.

Although within the dense pages it revealed the horrors of the reality of this alternative history, the lack of connection to the characters or even a want for them to succeed kept me from being gripped by the story. This feeling brought about the realisation that Phillip K Dick had created people not heroes, just scared people overwhelmed and doing their best in a situation they were not expecting. As a reader I think I was expecting a driving heroic force fighting to change their present, but what we got was people just trying to get through life.

The Man in The High Castle by Phillip K Dick on Typewriter Teeth on a wooden background next to a cup of tea

The paralleling story line between Frink’s ex wife Juliana and Joe an Italian truck driver in their search for the author of ‘The Grasshopper Lies Heavy’ is what drove me to keep reading the book. The cult book is an obsessive point for many in the novel, a book that describes an alternative history where the allies won the war but Britain came out with all the power. This story is where most of the action is alongside Mr Tagomi getting caught up in a nuclear threat in the Japanese Trade centre.Yet within all of this action there is ‘I Ching’ a Chinese divination text that influences the characters decisions.

Although most of the characters use I Ching to make decisions this is also replicated in Hawthorne Abendsen’s writing of ‘The Grasshopper Lies Heavy’ as he admits to Juliana it influenced his writing just as Phillip K Dick used it to write ‘The Man in The High Castle’. Which then leads to the thinking of how the story and characters could have developed without the use of I Ching, or if it could have influenced in a different way.

The Man in The High Castle by Phillip K Dick on Typewriter Teeth

In most novels the setting serves for the plot to take place, but in ‘The Man In The High Castle’ it is as if the plot and story only exist to explore the setting. But what it did do is help shape a new form of science fiction and realistic, albeit tedious, exploration of alternative history. Could I Ching have developed the characters and story in a different way? We will never know.

Have you read it? What did you think? Or buy your copy here and let me know!
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