12 minute read
Downtime
from Hood April Issue
NOTES ON A CONDITIONAL FORM, THE 1975 Fresh from their UK stadium tour, indie-electro-pop favourites The 1975 release their much-anticipated fourth studio album, packed with a whopping 22 tracks. Lead single Me & You Together Song is a dreamy, feelgood anthem that packs plenty of cinematic whimsy, rumoured to be about lead singer Matty Healy’s new girlfriend, FKA Twigs. With such a strong start, we can’t wait to hear the rest! Released 24 April, Polydor Records
The best books and music to split up your screen time this April
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ATOM EYES We love a homegrown Scottish band, and at the moment, there’s none cooler than Edinburgh collective Atom Eyes, fronted by soulful singer Lissa Chen. Offering an exciting blend of neo-soul, jazz-funk and hip-hop, with soaring vocals and enchanting, adventurous melodies, these guys are one to watch. You can listen to their first few singles on Spotify, and stayed tuned for more. Out now, listen on Spotify
COMPILATION 1.1, CELESTE British soul singer Celeste scooped the BBC Sound of 2020 award, and the Brit
Award for Rising Star–so if she’s not on your radar yet, she should be. Celeste’s EP is filled with smooth, retro-inspired tracks, and emotional ballads. It’s the perfect taster ahead of her debut album, expected to launch later this year. Out now, Polydor Records OUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE: SCENES OF A
FAMILY AND A PLANET IN CRISIS Greta Thunberg, Svante Thunberg, Malena Ernman and Beata Ernman You’ll no doubt be familiar with Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teenage climate activist/Nobel nominee who’s taken the world by storm. This is the devastating, thought-provoking story of Greta and her family’s journey to confront a global crisis, together. Out now, Penguin
CLIMATE REBELS Ben Lerwill If you’re keen to educate your little ones about climate change, then this compendium of short stories is perfect. There’s even tales from the likes of David Attenborough, to inspire and educate little minds in the fight for a safer environment. Out 16 April, Puffin
WILD YOUR GARDEN: CREATE A SANCTUARY FOR NATURE The Butterfly Brothers Jim and Joel Ashton share their advice on sharing your outdoor space with nature, in a bid to make the world a little greener. With easy-tofollow tips, this handy guide can help you make a difference to local wildlife, and reduce your carbon footprint too. Out 2 April, DK
TRAVEL Sus-train-able
Low-cost air travel opened up the world in the 1990s; however, flying several times a year feels just a little too decadent in the time which we currently find ourselves. So, whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating beach break, a relaxing ramble in the countryside, or a stylish weekend spent in the city, grab a good book, rush to the window seat, and start planning your next getaway by rail.
@wearecow
CITY
MANCHESTER
Been tasked with organising your BFF’s hen do? A recent report stated a third of all flights taken by young women from the UK were for hen parties. Why not keep your budget - and your carbon footprint - low and head to Manchester?
STAY: The Cow Hollow Hotel The Northern Quarter’s hottest hotel has one of the sleekest cocktail bars in Manchester, as well as beautifully appointed rooms with all the mod cons you’re used to at home. Rooms from £139 per night. 57 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1ET Cowhollow.co.uk
EAT: 20 Stories Roof terrace bar and restaurant, 20 Stories, has been serving up tasty tipples and delicious dining with a side of amazing views to the people of Manchester since 2018. No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB 20stories.co.uk
DO: Cow Vintage Indulge in a guilt-free shopping trip at one of the Northern Quarter’s most famous vintage stores. At Cow you’ll find two floors of clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewellery for the savviest (and most stylish) of secondhand shoppers. 61 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PD Wearecow.com
COAST
SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA
Who needs the Cote D’Azur or the Amalfi Coast when you have a glorious beach just a few hours away? Stunning views, gorgeous architecture, and one of England’s original pleasure piers, Saltburn has a distinct old-school resort charm.
STAY: The Spa Hotel This family-run hotel boasts the best views in Saltburn and is dedicated to making the hotel more sustainable. Now, it prides itself on sourcing local ingredients for its bar and restaurant. Rooms from £115 per night. Saltburn Bank, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1HH Thespahotelsaltburn.co.uk
EAT: No. Twenty Three A recent addition to the Saltburn culinary scene, this chic pizzeria sells Neapolitan-inspired woodfired pizzas, accompanied by prosecco, and craft beers—perfect after a long walk in the sea air. 23 Milton Street, Saltburn, TS12 1DJ
DO: Hey Ho Print Co. An independent print studio and concept store filled with bespoke screen prints, Hey Ho Print Co. is the ideal place to pick up a souvenir. It also stocks chic homeware and covetable stationery that’s all eco-friendly and ethically sourced. It also holds regular print-making workshops if you’re in a creative mood. 4 Station Buildings, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1AQ Heyhoprintco.uk
COUNTRY
THE LAKE DISTRICT
With its breathtaking scenery and world-famous walks, it’s little wonder that the Lake District is now a Unesco World Heritage site.
STAY: Linthwaite House Hotel Perfectly positioned to overlook Lake Windermere is one of the Lakes’ more beautiful hotels, Linthwaite House. Take a stroll around the gorgeous gardens, try your hand at rowing on their tarn, or relax with a gin in hand on the sprawling terrace. Rooms from £200 per night. Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JA Leeucollection.com
EAT: Henrock by Simon Rogan at Linthwaite House Hotel Globally renowned chef, Simon Rogan, has a new venture in the Lake District set handily within the Linthwaite House Hotel. Rogan’s nod to sustainability is using produce from his local farm, though the seafood on offer is equally sublime. Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JA Henrock.co.uk
DO: The narrow country roads of the Lake District are under constant pressure from tourists in cars, which is why the Tourist Board has launched its sustainable travel initiative. Whether you’re a Wiggins-wannabe or just looking for a gentle country cycle, check out Golakes.co.uk for a raft of information on cycle routes, bike hire, and tours for every two-wheel capability.
TO OVERCOMING STRESS
From switching up your morning beverage to bliss-bestowing sprays, these six simple hacks will help get your stress levels under control THE DIVINE SECRETS S tressed, anxious, and busy. Three words almost everyone applies to themselves (and if you don’t, can you teach us your ways?). So, with April being National Stress Awareness Month and the current state of affairs being what they are, we’re making conscious decisions to slow down.
While we’re sorry to tell you that there’s no one quick-fix for stress (again, please teach us your ways if you happen upon one), there are small stress and anxiety relief rituals you can incorporate into your day that can help you feel more present and positive.
Notebook, £8, Paperchase
Kora Organics Calming Lavender Mist, £30, Space NK
MA MUSE Feel Relaxed Tea Pot, £13.95, Harvey Nichols
WAKE UP SLOWLY Beginning your day on the back-foot is always stressful, so be sure to set your alarm in ample time to ensure you’re not running late. That way, you can leisurely read a couple of chapters of your book in bed, have a proper breakfast, and get on with your day poised instead of panic-stricken.
FORGO CAFFEINE Many rely on a cup of coffee to kickstart their day, but most people with anxiety agree that caffeine only adds to the burden. Instead, pour yourself a mug of herbal tea or some hot water and lemon to help wake you in the morning. Give it a couple of days, and chances are you’ll see results.
Mug, £16, Oliver Bonas
KEEP A STRESS DIARY Identifying what triggers your stress levels to spike is the first step to understanding them and getting them under control. The easiest way to do this is to keep a stress diary. In a small notebook, jot down the date, time, and place of each stressful episode and note what you were doing, who you were with, and how you felt both physically and emotionally. Give each stressful occurrence a stress rating (for example, a 1-10 scale)—this will enable you to avoid stressful situations and develop better coping mechanisms.
LEARN TO SAY “NO” One of the most common causes of stress is having too much to do and too little time to do it in. But then we continue to take on additional responsibilities. Learning to say “no” for your own wellbeing, to additional or unimportant requests, is critical. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
INVEST IN A CALMING SPRAY When you find yourself teetering on the edge of anxiety or lacking energy, reach for a rejuvenating face mist. There are lots of options to choose from, so take your time to find the blend of oils and scents that you find particularly calming. Spritz a veil over your complexion when you feel like you need it for an instant boost.
GET MORE SLEEP A lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Unfortunately, though, stress also interrupts our sleep as thoughts keep whirling through our heads, stopping us from relaxing enough to fall asleep. Talk about a vicious cycle. Be strict with yourself—stop doing any mentally demanding work several hours before going to bed to give your brain time to calm down. Draw yourself a relaxing bath, or do breathing exercises to help melt away your worries. Also, aim to go to bed at roughly the same time each night, as this will help your body begin its daily wind-down.
Fletch HOOD’S NEW
M A N AT THE BACK
PAUL FLETCHER
Hi Hood readers, I’m really excited to have been asked to share some words with you. For as long as I can remember, fashion has been a way of life. I’m a child of the ’80s, and when I think back to the days of my youth, I have fond memories of Naf Naf jumpers, Reebok Classics, and Levi’s 501 stonewash denims, to name but a few.
Not too dissimilar to the fashion of today, I’ve been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt—quite literally. The best thing about seeing these brands making a comeback is that I can dust off all my old clobber and my kids look at me and think ‘wow, my dad actually is cool!’. The downside is, forty is fast approaching, and try as I may to embrace it, I have to admit it does make me feel old.
The best pieces never go out of style. I have had some mega bits and bobs I’ve collected over the years, but my favourite is a Lacoste tennis dress that I robbed from my mam’s wardrobe, when I was about 10 years old. I remember the day she bought it, on a summer holiday in Ibiza. Off-white with a beige stripe and the famous crocodile logo. I’m not ashamed to say that I tried it on many times in front of the mirror (and would you know, it suited me, too) and I mithered my poor mam for years to let me have it so I could customise it into a polo.
When she wouldn’t, I took it anyway and got my gran to cut it in half (I’m five foot f*** all) and stitch on a hem. I didn’t think I’d get away with wearing a dress—back then it wouldn’t have gone with my bowl cut. And you know what? I still have that dress-come-polo shirt to this day. And it still looks mint. Every time I wear it, it takes me back to my roots and working class upbringing where hand-me-downs dictated the style agenda. The Manchester-born entrepreneur and retail expert has lived in Scotland for 19 years. With his finger firmly on the pulse, here he shares his thoughts and musings this month
It’s simple—sustainable fashion is the way forward. Back in the day, it was all about the brand. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also gotten wiser (ish) and I give more consideration to a company’s ethos and story. I think that all clothes should come with a story, a bit of history, and the more I think about it, this fast-fashion thing isn’t my bag. If it’s yours, that’s cool—maybe just buy less and wear what you do own more.
As far as I’m concerned, old skool is always the best skool and, if the same trends keep coming around again, why are we buying them? I think everyone should have a nosey in the vintage and charity shops, much like Hood has done in this issue. I’ll let you in on a secret—Stockbridge in Edinburgh is my go-to. You can come across some right gems whilst also doing your bit for the planet. You might even find a Lacoste tennis dress.
F L E T C H ’ S P R E L O V E D PICKS
Levi’s preloved denim jacket, £54 Vintage leather belt, £14
Extraordinary ideas start small
The Lugano bed £ 645 * now from
*More offers in store. Terms and conditions apply.
Buchanan Galleries
Glasgow 0141 280 7091 Princes Square
Glasgow 0141 280 7091 19b Rose Street
Edinburgh 0131 322 1595
SHOP | DINE | SOCIALISE
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