Categories / Architecture, Travel

Review: Midland Hotel, Morecambe

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Well, the media hype has died down and the ‘out of season’ is upon us, so it seems like the perfect time to finally check out the Midland Hotel in Morecambe. And as we weren’t on a press freebie, we are free to tell it as it is.

The two of us actually booked a room via Laterooms, which seems to have some good deals (as long you don’t want a Saturday night). We also tried to book in at the restaurant online, but our emails were ignored. More on the Midland’s eating later.

Getting to Morecambe is easy enough – up to a point. That point is when the M6 reaches Lancaster, where you’ll be forced to hit the city’s busy ring road before heading off into Morecambe centre. And don’t expect any signs for the Midland either, just head to the front and look out for the large white building, thankfully with a large car park to greet you.

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Categories / Design and Interiors

Magis 70s-style Pebbles Stool

Magis

Not just one piece of useful design, the Magis Pebbles Stool is actually two.

A modern design (from Marcel Wanders) that’s very much influenced by the 70s in both look and colour, the Pebbles stool is a storage box, perfect for hiding away all your junk when someone calls round. But if you need an emergency seat, you can use it for that too. In fact, you can opt to use as a small coffee table too if you like – which makes three uses.

And with wheels on the rear, you can push the Pebbles around the house, wherever it’s needed. Prices start at £68.

Find out more at the Nest website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Geoffrey Harcourt 1960s F978 lounge chair

F978

We featured one lounge chair from Geoffrey Harcourt recently and here’s another – the Geoffrey Harcourt F978 lounge chair.

For me, it’s a stunner. This 1968 seat screams the decade in every detail – from the shape, to the polished tulip-style base and the red and white colour scheme. In terms of specifics, the chair consists of a white polyurethane shell mixed with red Super Bultex foam and dacrom seating, with that base made of aluminium.

If you have £1,776 in the bank, you can buy one now.

Find out more at the Nest website

Categories / Men's Fashion

John Lewis military style coat

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Military style has consistently come in and out of style among men’s coats, with the most memorable surely being Sgt. Pepper’s. While there’s been many a catwalk coat inspired by that look, it isn’t exactly wearable for most of us.

Avoid looking a bit Adam Ant with a more understated, yet still retro style look. This wool/cashmere blend coat from John Lewis has just the right amount of military embellishment. Using a square shouldered shape, high structured collar and epaulettes, this is a sleek and perennially stylish take.

It’s available online or in shops from John Lewis for £220.

Find out more from the website

Categories / Women's Fashion

Printed Shift Dress from Next

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Next have rarely been known for being on the cutting edge of clothes design, but they’re far beyond the one stop workwear shop they used to be. Their new 60s Beat collection is certainly a more understated look at the decade’s fashion, but there are some pieces worth a look.

This Printed Shift Dress is one of the best, with its geometrical print and ever-classic monochrome. It’s made more accessible for all ages with a less harsh cream shade, and a soft chiffon-style material.

The high-neck and slightly belled sleeves show great attention to making this not just another modern dress, while the slightly daring hemline is a wearable way to get a sixties edge.

It’s available now from Next for £38.

Find out more from the website

Categories / Homeware

Art Deco Folding Mirror

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This beautiful Art Deco Folding Mirror would add a touch of old-fashioned glamour to any bedroom.

It consists of three mirrors decorated with black Art Deco patterning and an antique iron frame. If you don’t have a dressing table in your boudoir, this mirror is supplied ready to hang with a chain loop so you can hang it from the wall.

It costs $38 (about £22) from the USA Urban Outfitters.