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There's a particular kind of pressure that comes with gifting the woman who raised you. She says she doesn't need anything. She means it. And yet — you want to get it right. You want to hand her something that makes her genuinely light up, not something she'll politely thank you for before quietly re-gifting it. So here's what I'd actually recommend. Products I'd put in my own basket, or have already given to someone I love. For the Bath That Feels Like a Spa Day Laura Mercie

Barcelona rarely needs introduction.  Gaudí’s spires, nights at the Camp Nou, the slow theatre of life on shaded plazas, it sells itself.  But Catalonia as a region rewards those who step half a street, or one train stop, beyond the obvious. This is a three-day weekender for travellers who like their cities with a bit more variety: less queueing, more wandering.  Spend your first day in alternative Barcelona (not the one everyone sees) and then, using the city as a base, let

Photo by Manuel Harlan The shadows of 1940s Los Angeles have descended upon the Richmond Theatre, and they are as sharp, dangerous, and intoxicating as ever. In this touring adaptation of James M. Cain’s classic crime novel, famously immortalized by Billy Wilder’s 1944 film: director Oscar Toeman delivers a sleek, atmospheric production that proves the allure of film noir is truly timeless. For those who have not yet surrendered to the seduction of this story, Double Indemni

Photo - Pedro Blanco With 'The Master Plan', the Stryper frontman finally releases the album he’s been carrying for a lifetime. It's always a pleasure to catch up with the ever effervescent Stryper front man, Michael Sweet, now set to relase a new solo album, 'The Master Plan'. He tells Darkus magazine what it means to still be recording and releasing music for over forty years! Still Standing, Still Creating There’s a moment early on when Michael Sweet laughs about getting o

Photo By Stephen Cobb When a gig starts with airhorns announcing it would be 10 minuets until the headliner takes the stage, you know you’re in for a treat. That’s exactly what we got at Digital for BIG SPECIAL, with the soundcheck before the chaos being a hit of airhorns rippling through the room followed by a loud “BIG SPECIAL IN 10 MINS TIME” announcement. The duo, consisting of vocalist Joe and drummer Callum took to the stage supporting a thumbs up each out to the crowd,

Everyone knows snippets of Louisiana.  New Orleans jazz, spicy cajun jambalya, swamps thick with alligators gliding menacingly.  But beneath the clichés lies a tangle of stories as heady as the music drifting through the French Quarter on a warm evening.   For my money, it’s the most intriguing of the US’ fifty states and – put very simply – the culture, heritage and history of Louisiana is like nowhere else in America.   The state’s history is unquestionably messy, with owne

Berlin’s nightlife is the stuff of legend. From the queer, free-spirited 1920s immortalised in Cabaret, to the “party like there’s no tomorrow” hedonism of isolated 70s West Berlin, to the techno revolution that followed the fall of the Wall, there’s always been something for everyone. One legacy of the city’s divided history is that Berlin never developed a single, dominant “old town” centre like many European capitals. That’s no bad thing. Instead, each neighbourhood has it

Gracey’s Pizza at Arcade Food Hall (Tottenham Court Road) is the long-awaited permanent London home for what many consider one of the best pizzerias in the UK. Originally a "word-of-mouth" cult favorite from St Albans, owners Grace and James Newman have brought their distinct New Haven-inspired style to the heart of the West End. Gracey’s isn't your standard Neapolitan or New York slice. It draws heavily from New Haven (Connecticut) style , or "apizza." The Crust: Expect a "

Finding a destination that balances refined comfort with a genuine soul is rare. Most luxury escapes feel clinical or detached from their surroundings but Crafted at Powdermills manages to achieve the opposite. It is a series of life friendly spaces that feel deeply rooted in the landscape of East Sussex. This is not just a place to sleep. It is a sprawling seventy eight acre sanctuary designed for those who want to reconnect with nature and themselves without the pretension

Photo By Stephen Cobb It’s been a consistent narrative online recently that 2026 is the new 2016, and this has only been emphasised further by Australian legends DMA’s touring the 10-year anniversary of their debut album ‘Hills End’. We were fortunate enough to get the second show on the tour fall right on our doorstep at the NX Newcastle. Before even arriving to the venue there was a clear buzz around the city for this show, with people arms around shoulders of strangers sin

Let's be honest—Valentine's Day beauty shopping can feel overwhelming. Between the sea of red packaging and "romance" marketing, it's easy to lose sight of what actually matters: finding something that makes you (or someone you adore) feel genuinely cherished. This year, I've curated a collection that goes beyond the usual suspects—these are the gifts that create actual moments of joy, the kind that linger long after February 14th fades into memory. Bath & Body Luxuries: Beca

Danny Robins’ supernatural juggernaut, 2:22 A Ghost Story, has materialised at the Richmond Theatre as part of its 2026 UK tour, proving that even after multiple West End transfers and cast rotations, its ability to make an audience jump out of their skin remains fully intact. The premise is a masterclass in slow-burn tension. Jenny ( Shvorne Marks ) is convinced her newly renovated Victorian house is haunted, specifically at the eponymous time of 2:22 AM. Her husband Sam ( J

If you think you know what a "chip shop" looks like, think again. Frites Atelier has officially landed in Soho, taking over the iconic old Balans site on Old Compton Street, and it’s effectively redefining the humble potato. Founded by Dutch chef Sergio Herman, who famously held three Michelin stars at Oud Sluis: this isn't just fast food; it’s a high-end "atelier" dedicated to the art of the fry. Forget soggy fries or flavorless wedges. These are double-cooked Dutch frites t

“Giants” reawakens our inner child's hopes as Picture This teams up with Michael Schulte. We all have days that we reminisce about our childhood, the freedom, the openness, the wonder that we kept within our eyes of things that we couldn't fully understand yet. Our expressions, no fear of asking questions and ultimately, the dreams we'd have of what we could become as we grew older, the “light bulb” moments that never dimmed. “Giants” is a strong and powerful track that holds

If Pat Butcher’s living room collided with a 1930s Soho speakeasy at high speed, the wreckage would look something like Bing Bong Pizza. Tucked inside the delightfully chaotic You Call The Shots on Morning Lane in Hackney, this isn't just a place to grab a slice, it’s a sensory overload of leopard print carpets, velvet curtains, and disco balls spinning to a synthy funk soundtrack. But don’t let the louche, late-night vibe fool you. The kitchen is serious business. Helmed by

All Time Low walked onto the O2 stage with something to prove and if there were any nerves beforehand they never showed. From the very first moments it was clear this was a band fully in control of their biggest headline show to date and ready to enjoy every second of it. They began in a surprisingly intimate way easing into an acoustic leaning opening and taking a quiet moment out on the walkway that immediately pulled the crowd in close. That calm did not last long. As soon

Urban Pantry in Chiswick is the kind of café you stumble upon and instantly feel at home in. The atmosphere is bright and relaxed, with a friendly buzz that makes it perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick catch up with friends. From the moment you walk in, the place feels warm and welcoming, with a genuine neighbourhood charm. The menu is focused on comfort food done really well, and it is clear that each dish is made with care. We started with the banana bread, which w

Teesside's Young Rebel Set join Hard-Fi, Gurriers and The Molotovs for all-day Easter  Saturday festival STOCKTON CALLING has confirmed the full line-up for its hotly anticipated 15th edition, taking place on Easter Saturday, 4th April 2026 across seven venues in Stockton's town centre . One of the North’s leading multi-venue urban festivals, Stockton Calling once again delivers a bold and exciting snapshot of the UK’s live music landscape. The festival had already unveile

Words and Photos by Adam Kennedy Adam Kennedy speaks with Indie-rock star Miles Kane ahead of his upcoming show on Tyneside. Following the release of his sixth studio album, Sunlight In The Shadows, Miles Kane will bring his blistering live show across the UK and Europe through January, February, and March 2026 for a run of headline dates that will include a pit stop at NX in Newcastle next week. Miles spent much of last year in the studio working on his latest album. “This t

Photo By Tim Harris The 7th studio album from 5 piece Australian band, ‘The Paper Kites’, brings them close to home. On a friend's farm within the Yarra Valley of Australia, is where The Paper Kites partly wrote their 7th album, bringing their signature soft melodies and heartfelt lyrics making the whole album one big whispered conversation of longing, connectivity, simplicity and emotional clarity. The album title, ‘if you go there, I hope you find it’ is a phrase that comes