Kathryn Pike, Author at Metroland

To Hug or Not to Hug? Navigating Post Pandemic Intimacy

Intimacy and physical touch are big parts of many people’s lives. A warm hug can offer a level of reassurance and comfort that words often can’t reach, and a strong embrace has the almighty power to make you feel safe and loved. For some people, however, hugs aren’t so much a comfort as they are…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 24, 20210Comments

Arts & Culture

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is Back

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is picking up where it left off, bringing audiences the best live entertainment from Sun 5 Sep 2021. Their programme of events is packed with electrifying musicals, comedy aplenty, captivating children shows, live music and of course, a pantomime not-be-missed, as all are invited to the ball this Christmas to see their sparkling…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 23, 20210Comments

It’s Dog-cation Time!

The sun is out and the British public (and their four-legged friends!) are dreaming of summer holidays. This year, due to Covid restrictions on travel abroad, it's all about staycations... or, should we say, 'dog-cations'? In order to help owners travel safely and comfortably with their pets, Vet's Kitchen have created a helpful list of…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 22, 20210Comments

Mains & Sides Recipes Vegetarian

Charred Sweet Potatoes, Beer Caramelised Onions, Watercress Chutney

These are best grilled over hot coals. If you don’t own a BBQ, these can be baked in the oven at 180C for 30-40 minutes or until tender and finished under the grill. Serves 4 Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 Hour Ingredients: 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes, sliced in half lengthways 2 tsp Olive Oil ½ tsp salt ½ tsp Cracked Black…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 13, 20210Comments

Mains & Sides Recipes

Duck Caesar salad

Caesar salad is a firm favourite for many and lends itself very well to duck Serves 2 as a main or 4 as a starter Ingredients 2 Gressingham duck breasts 3 to 4 gem lettuce 2 slices sourdough( roughly torn 3cm pieces ) 30g shaved Parmesan Dressing 100 ml light olive oil 30g finely grated Parmesan 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped 4 tbsp mayonnaise Juice…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 13, 20210Comments

Community Health & Wellbeing

Covid testing is now more important than ever

As the country prepares to enter the fourth and final stage of the Government roadmap, with all current restrictions on social distancing eased on 19 July, Covid testing remains an important part of keeping us all safe. With so much information and different messages being given all the time, it is understandable that some people might…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 13, 20210Comments

Mains & Sides Recipes Starters & Snacks

Sweetcorn and Halloumi Fritters with Tracklements Sweet Pepper Relish

The life and soul of the pantry since 1970, the Tracklements planet-friendly range is still handmade in the green heart of Wiltshire, abiding to traditional recipes, with an underpinning principle to buy the best quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible to ensure the products taste as good as, if not better than, homemade. Tracklements believe…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 13, 20210Comments

Attractions & Days Out

Wembley Park Celebrates The Arts Outdoors This Summer

Wembley Park adds four new commissions to its public Art Trail. The destination’s latest installations is available to see from 01 Jun - 30 Sep 2021 Wembley Park, London’s globally renowned entertainment district and 365-day neighbourhood is expanding its free art programme for visitors and residents. This month, four new installations have joined 10 existing pieces of art across various mediums, including paint, digital mixed media and…

ByKathryn PikeJuly 11, 20210Comments

Family Lifestyle

Learn to Dance

Learn To Dance is a Ballroom and Latin American Dance School based in Burnham, Buckinghamshire run by husband and wife team Antony & Emma-Louise Holeksa. Whilst their studio may be closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, that hasn't stopped them from releasing free online videos to help all their students to keep dancing. They've tried to make…

ByKathryn PikeJune 5, 20200Comments

Breakfast Desserts, Cakes & Treats Food & Drink Mains & Sides Recipes Starters & Snacks

Must-read tips for boosting concentration, energy and immunity in self-isolation

Top tips for what to eat while working from home Recipes to help maximise your effectiveness How to keep healthy and focused whilst in isolation For most of us, our daily work routine has been somewhat different in recent weeks. Since the government implemented social distancing guidelines earlier this month most places of…

ByKathryn PikeApril 9, 20200Comments