small plates magazine

08/02/2022

Firstly, let me begin by stating that I know this is a weird place to post this blatantly self-indulgent screenshot, but I’ve binned off all my personal accounts so it was here or nowhere and frankly, I need the ego boost. Because there I was, at 3am, awake and fretting about my life as it falls apart around my ears - hence the lack of traction with Small Plates magazine - when a word popped into my head. Usually the first of at least three, often four, occasionally six… but not today!

This is of course, a minor achievement, a stroke of luck or weird intuition really, but it’s significance mustn’t be understated: for audio books, wine and word games are all that keep me sane as I trudge through each miserable day just now (I also have two small and beautiful children but the immense joy they bring me is equalled by the chaos they wreak) and this arguably small win, feels like a triumph.

Ephemeral it may be, but it is the first flicker of hope I have felt in a very long time… so thank you,

30/12/2021

Don’t get caught short with your hangover on New Year’s Day, stock up on a few of these gems from .bottleshop in shoreham. Triple distilled vodka, amontillado sherry, tomatoes, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco all mingling delightfully inside this lovely can. Excellent work and cheers to a bloody good new year!

26/12/2021

Every so often, the synthetic looks better than the real deal… doesn’t taste as good though 🍦😋

20/12/2021

Judge if you will, but decent wine in a can will save you after several hours of Christmas shopping. Bless you and bless you 🙏🏻

19/12/2021

Ever realised you’ve been cooking something wrong your entire life? That’s how I felt when I learnt to cook pasta using the magical alchemy of pasta water, Parmesan and egg yolks. Game. Changed.

18/12/2021

How do you get a grizzly down from a tree? Camembert 🐻🧀🤦🏼‍♀️😄

18/12/2021

It’s the most wonderful name of the year… Happy Christmas to all my fellow Karens out there!!! 🎄🎄🎄😂

18/12/2021

Super festive vibes at

sussex

18/12/2021

This is Olive, resident pooch at Small Plates HQ. Olive is very excited because we are off to the biggest of the year…

‘Did you say and are going to be there?!?’ I certainly did Olive… ‘along with live entertainment, Turkey hotdogs and all manner of other festive foodie goodness?!?‘ yup. ‘WOOF! I‘ll get my lead on…’

17/12/2021

This is the coolest beer can I have ever seen. Another belter from .bottleshop

#

17/12/2021

The Christmas forecast may be gloomy, but are bringing the festive joy with their glorious grocery display.

08/12/2021

Let’s talk about breakfast… do you prefer something cooked at home or a gorgeous greasy-spoon offering?

07/12/2021

Everything about this toast is perfect - South Downs butter by and Campainou loaf by - apart from the appallingly sliced bread 😄

03/12/2021

How cool is this custom-made advent calendar from .bottleshop in Shoreham? Curated by Palate’s founder, Verity, this was something I specially asked for after being unsatisfied with the previous beer advent calendars I’d bought for my other half - who is absolutely thrilled with it!

Jam-packed with some very fine IPAs (many of which are from the Sussex area) and presented beautifully, this hand-selected gift exemplifies why shopping locally is such a joy. While these advent calendars are not something Palate has readily available, Verity has assured me there will be lots of lovely gift options in time for Christmas and that she will always strive to accommodate one’s palate… what more could you ask from your local bottle shop?!?

23/11/2021

Having a bit of a lunchtime love affair with these Knot Rolls from they are wonderfully soft and the poppy seeds on top add texture and flavour. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but generally I prefer to have crusty rolls with a soft filling but i aaa feeling rebellious and mixed up some tuna Mayo with red onion and jalapeño… wild times 😄

22/11/2021

Slo-mo sparkling of an impromptu festive chocolate cake to perk up your

21/11/2021

It was touch and go there for a while for our beloved boozers, but as the magnificent refurb of shows, even the loveliest pub can come back better than before. Fabulous decor, lovely staff, wonderful wine and beer list, plus exceptional food.

21/11/2021

Glorious morning in at can’t beat a bit of autumn sun and decent coffee

12/11/2021

Got to appreciate an establishment that strives to make the lives of working parents easier… this was my second visit to which encompasses a nursery, workspace, soft play (which is tastefully designed and very clean!) and cafe - the last of which serves great coffee and wholesome food - all within a stones-throw from It’s a 👍 from this

12/11/2021

Why does such simplicity have the power to bring such immense joy?

07/11/2021

A second post in praise of the canned alcoholic beverage… this time from in Hove. Two really lovely wines, canned for your pleasure. Much as I am thrilled by the abundance of quality wines available by the can, I would say that perhaps there are other qualities list such as admiring the colour and scent which both play a big part in the experience. Still, in a pinch good quality canned wine is wonderful thing…. Break glass for emergency

07/11/2021

Was delighted to find at yesterday on my way to a session at Alongside the usual plethora of excellent wines and beers there is a dedicated fridge full of canned cocktails and wines - ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up and essential for getting in the mood for music.

28/10/2021

Half-term baking doesn’t get better than So easy, so decadent and an all-round winner.

28/10/2021

Boozehound pumpkin dude whose exquisite innards have been transformed into a delicious beer snack. Scoop out and clean pumpkin seeds and leave to dry before tossing with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and chilli flakes. Roast for approx 15mins (shaking every 5) until gently browned. Flavour is delightfully nutty, similar to butter popcorn with a chilli kick.

26/10/2021

If you’re seeking something nourishing and straightforward for dinner, this green lentil soup from by is just the ticket. I cheated a little, using pre-cooked lentils for speed and I omitted the cream, but the final dish was supremely soothing and delicious - quite simply

20/10/2021

As I was taking this picture of of my fried squid from my three-year-old accidentally knocked my wine over (serves me right, right?). Thankfully, my wine was kindly replaced and I was reminded why we are champions of all things local at Small Plates, because it’s not just about great food and great service, it’s also about investing in the people in your community who work so hard to bring us exemplary dining experiences - the squid was absolutely banging, btw. 🤤🦑🦀

20/01/2021

Let’s be honest, the isn’t just a trend, it’s the future. 😎 Homemade salsa, chicken sausage, scrambled egg, jalapeños and grated cheddar toasted in a panini press.

06/01/2021

Among my various resolutions is to drink my way through this book... wish me luck 😄👍

04/01/2021

The plan for dinner wasn’t rare steak, chips and a really robust red, but it felt like the only tonic to the news of lockdown. Big love tonight to anyone out there struggling with this news ❤️

03/01/2021

Me so addicted to this miso and tahini dressing (sorry 🤦🏼‍♀️) equal parts: miso paste, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar and water. Drizzle over everything.

13/12/2020

Imagine my delight at visiting and coming upon a jar of plum pudding jam. Ate it slathered on toasted sourdough not just for breakfast this morning, but last night for dinner as well. Absolute perfection as always.

21/10/2020

have started turning their leftover boules and baguettes into fresh garlic bread which is then frozen. Not only is it fantastic to see a major brand do their bit to reduce food waste, it’s also a great idea for using up any loaves you might have leftover.

21/10/2020

Ooh la la! Just discovered these buckwheat ham & emmental crêpes in the frozen aisle of &s

19/10/2020

Mondays call for a no-fuss, low-carb lunch like this lentil, pickled beetroot, rocket and chèvre salad - goat’s cheese picked up as part of my bi-weekly bounty from

05/10/2020

Business as usual at today. It’s a tough climate, but the survival spirit of many in the hospitality industry is truly inspiring as they adapt to this strange new world.

04/10/2020

Finally made it down to in a desperate bid to get my paws on anything baked by before they sold out. The dark cherry cream doughnut did not disappoint and we loved the space so much that we ended up having chicken burgers for lunch. Conclusion? is the first port of call in any storm.

24/05/2020

13/02/2020

Searching for hidden meanings in coffee art... is it a flower? A flame? Poseidon’s trident?! A cry for help?!? 🤔