ALL HALLOWS' EVE

Wickenden Hutley is biased when it comes to favourite months because October sees the birthday of both its founding members.  We have both always associated autumn leaves and pumpkins with presents and parties so thought we'd put together a entertaining special... themed spooky obviously!

INSPIRATION

Crows II  Mad Scientist Wine Labels II Spider Squash II Clear Bottle Table Setting II Snake Wreath How To II Spooky Cocktail Recipes II Skull and Books II Apothercary Jars II Skull Floral Display 

GET THE LOOK

1. Glass Bottle,  2. Bird Claw Candle, 3. Faux Hydrangea Head, 4. Glass Skull Vase, 5. Plastic Snake, 6. Cross Necklace, 7. Faux Taxidermy Unicorn Head, 8. Faux Taxidermy Crow, 9. Skull Notecards, 10. Cut Glass Goblet, 11. Foam Skull, 12. Black Tapered Candles

ESCAPE TO CORFU - PART TWO

The Venetian allure and old fortifications mean that Corfu Town is well worth a visit if you have a car. Tiny little cobbled streets link crumbling piazzas. 

Shopping:

Most of the shops sell the usual tourist tat. However there are a couple of little gems.

This little shop, run by a French lady, sells amazing sarongs imported from India and beautiful jewellery from all over the world using unusual stones and beads. 

Anti-Kaipoi Dimarchio Sqaure 

Tel: +30 26619 43090

Indian sarongs from Anti-Kaipoi

There is also Kombos which sells lovely cotton kaftans with silk lining and an assortment of jewellery, beach bags and hats. 

Kombos 27 Palaiologou St

Tel: +30 26610 41256

There is an amazing little jewellery store called Kai To Ploio Ferei selling very unusual pieces, mainly in silver with turquoise and coral stones. He displays everything so beautifully.

Kai To Ploio Ferei 109 Nik. Theotoki

Where to drink:

Corfu town has lots of bustling bars Petite Fleur & Cafe Bristol (neither are particularly Greek sounding)are great places to watch the world go by.

Away from Corfu town there are several great local bars - the most outstanding is Damianos Bar in Agios Stefanos.

Damianos Bar Agios Stefanos

There is an extensive cocktail list with something for everyone - though the mojiots can not be recommended enough. 

 Damianos mojitos

Where to eat:

There are a plethora of Tavernas along the North East coast that are best reached by little motor boats that are available to hire. However not all are built equal. Having sampled a few, here are our favourites:

Taverna Kouloura is a great lunch time spot right on the water overlooking a quaint little harbour - highly recommended - the deep fried courgettes and small cheese pies.

The view from Kouloura

Toula's - a slightly more sophisticated Taverna serving delicious lobster pasta and Toula's prawns.

Toula's Agni

Taverna Glyfa is also outstanding and is right on the water just along the coast from Barbati beach. 

Arguably the best taramasalata on the north east coast and certainly the best drunken mussels on the island.

Taverna Glyfa Barbati

Galini's in Agios Stefanos is where to go if you're looking for traditional Greek food. The lamb Kleftiko and the veal Stifado are outstanding.

To Dimarchio is the best restaurant we found in Corfu Town serving Greek traditional dishes with a more modern Mediterranean twist.

To Dimarchio

There is also an excellent ice cream shop and patisserie in Corfu town which has the best pistachio ice cream we've ever tasted. 

Papagiorgis N. Theotoki 32

Tel: +30 26610 39424

Useful numbers:

Dinos Boat - water taxis +30 69444 72007
Phillipos Taxis - Kassiopi +30 2663 032 400

ESCAPE TO CORFU PART 1

Summer is finally here and we thought we would look at a last minute summer holiday suggestion: CORFU

Corfu is the largest of the Greek Ionian islands located to the west of mainland Greece.  It is a truely beautiful place with a rugged coast line, crystal clear turquoise waters and rolling olive groves. The North Eastern corner of Corfu is perhaps the most breathtaking and tranquil. If you are booking a last minute break we could not recommend Corfu enough. The weather is still warm right up until the beginning of October so here is our guide on what to do when you get there:

Where to stay:

There are no hotels in this corner of Corfu due to planning restrictions - most people rent villas or apartments. There are lots of options for all budgets. The Courtyard near Avlaki beach is very peaceful- you can book through CV Travel.

The Courtyard, Avlaki

If you want to be up in the hills above the coast then the beautifully designed Rou Estate is for you with varying sized villas that can be booked through Simpson Travel.

 The Rou Estate

  

Villa Trifylli in the Rou Estate

Agni Travel also have a great selection. The Olive Press is located in a traditional olive grove above Agni bay with the original olive press being one of design features and a beautiful multi-tiered pool.

The pool at the Olive Press

What to do:

There is so much to do during the day if you are not a sun worshipper.

The best way to explore the area is by boat. The roads are precarious due to the local driving and winding roads. Companies such as Agni boats or San Stefano boats rent boats by the day of varying sized engines and with differing degrees of quality. Be warned!

San Stephano boats

If you have rented a boat you can go snorkeling off the the island of Kaparelli. However be wary of the booze cruise boats which come up from the south of Corfu and moor off the island at various times during the day.

Kaparelli Island (Saranda, Albania in the background)

For the more culturally inclined a day trip to Albania is a must. You can catch the ferry from the Corfu town ferry terminal that takes you to Saranda. From here you can explore the world heritage site of  Butrint or travel on to 

Gjirokaster, the birth place of Enver Hoxha. 

If water sports are more you thing there you can go waterskiing, wakeboarding, parasailing or take a turn on the  ringos or banana ride at Nissaki Beach watersports - again best to go there via boat. There is also windsurfing and sailing at Avlaki beach through Corfu Sailing Events where you can book lessons and rent all the necessary equipment. 

Avlaki beach

If you want to escape the pool for a day and head to the beach, Piedra Del Mar on Barbati beach is the place to go. The food here is excellent and they have a large list of iced coffees and juices. You can spend the day on a sun lounger, take refreshing dips in the sea or relax on the shaded sofas. There is also a resident DJ in the evening.

Piedra del Mar

NEXT BLOG: ESCAPE TO CORFU PART 2

Shopping

Where to eat

Get the look

ALPINE LIVING

We hope you all had a wonderful festive period and that you are getting to grips with real life again!  In true tradition the January blues normally leads to us all wanting to escape to the beach or a snowy mountain.  However if this isn't an option you can always bring that chalet feel into your own home.  We have selected some of our favourite alpine inspiration and also some items to help you 'Get the Look'... now you just need an open fire and a fresh snow fall!

INSPIRATION

Clockwise from Top Left: Antique Skis and Leather Chair II Bedside Table II Outdoor Chair with Hide II Candles and Antler II Double Height Living Room by Atelier AM II Chalet Terrace II Table with Fireplace II Wooden Chair II Hot Chocolate

GET THE LOOK

1. Cashmere Throw by Sofia Cashmere 2. Tall Birch Pillar Candle by French Connection, 3. Zinc Vase by French Connection, 4. Large Reindeer Hide by Rockett St George, 5. Three Legged Stool by Bloomingville, 6. Vintage Skis by Vintageski.com, 7. Brown and Grey Cushion by Madeline Weinrib, 8. Grey Felt Log Basket by Rockett St George