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Despite it being a leap year, 2020 hasn't been a year where I've felt like leaping much, what with one thing and another. As such, my annual travel round-up post, where I highlight some of my favourite places for leaping that I've visited that year, has had a bit of a revamp. In January, I had seven international trips booked, but only completes one, to New York and Seattle , before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the others. This year has been the longest I've been in the UK without leaving the country in two or three decades, and it's been hard not to miss the excitement of discovering new cities and countries, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. But I have managed several smaller-scale adventures closer to home this year, and I thought this was a good opportunity to share a few stories. 1. Arriving in NYC in the 'before times' I spent a few days working in Manhattan before a conference in Seattle in early February, and in...

And so here we are, inching closer to the end of what has been an exceptionally challenging year. Despite everything, I know I'm very lucky to have remained healthy and in work (busier than ever, in fact, as I work for a science journal) throughout, but it's been such a difficult year for the hospitality industry, as coffee shops and eateries have had to adapt and then adapt some more in the face of constant change. Many places have already closed permanently or may have to do so in the coming months, with devastating consequences for the staff and on our changing neighbourhoods. It's more important than ever to continue to support local businesses, especially those you really care about, wherever possible — and, of course, wherever safe. Do check establishments' websites and/or social media to find out the latest information on opening hours and restrictions. As part of my end-of-year round-ups, I usually highlight some of  my favourite coffee and food favourites . Thi...

After a year of cancelled trips, and most of my pre-booked annual leave falling during lockdowns, I was grateful to be able to take a four-night trip to Bath last week. Bath, like London, is currently in tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions, and is an easy 1h20 train journey from London. Bath had only just come out of lockdown when I arrived, and the city was much quieter than usual for December, especially as the annual Christmas market had gone virtual . It was grey and chilly for most of my stay, but the rain mostly held off, and Bath's honeyed stone architecture looks lovely whatever the weather, especially with the festive wreaths on the colourful doors of the Georgian townhouses, and the street lamps casting a cosy glow. I've highlighted below some of the places I visited, and restaurants, coffee bars and shops I particularly enjoyed. For further ideas of things to do in Bath, do also check out my write-up of my city break from last winter , and  my Bath speciality coffee guide ....

When I found myself with a few days booked off work and no plans last week, it was the perfect opportunity to return to Bath, which I last visited two years ago . I took a train from Paddington on Sunday morning, returning home on Monday evening, which cost £42 (return tickets from London are generally around £60 unless you manage to score an advance fare). Bath accommodation can get quite expensive at weekends — with some properties requiring two-night minimum stays — while Sunday nights are often cheaper, hence the timing of my visit. Where to stay I stayed at  No. 15 Great Pulteney , a boutique hotel on the titular Great Pulteney Street, a rather grand street a short walk east of the city centre, across the River Avon. My 'cosy double' room was indeed very cosy, and colourful too with a woodland mural on one wall. Although small, it was well-appointed with a kettle, Nespresso machine (I supplied my own pods from Bath-based Colonna Coffee ), Dyson hairdryer and bath pro...