Properties hot on the heels of Britain’s (often) unsung culinary delights

Properties hot on the heels of Britain’s (often) unsung culinary delights

Like thousands of other Brits, we’ll be glued to our TV screens tonight when 12 bakes turn up the heat to win the BBC’s Great British Bake-Off.

As the bakers travel from cakes to biscuits to international delights, we’re sure one or the other British classic – Chelsea buns, bakewell tarts or scones, to name but three – will make an appearance and maybe even bring its hometown into the spotlight.

So, before anyone beats us to it, we decided to pick out three treats and their hometowns, which we think shouldn’t be ignored when looking for a new place to stay – after all, Britain is made up of more cities than just London.

Birmingham is home to Britain’s largest Indian-Pakistani community outside London, with their influence visible throughout the city; but instead of going for curry (which we still recommend), try Jalebi (or Jilawii), a sweet, chewy confectionery, first. You won’t regret it.

Originally from West Asia, Jalabi are baked in fat and rested in syrup before being served.

Originally from West Asia, Jalabi are baked in fat and rested in syrup before being served.

It’s also the UK’s second-largest city, with just over one million people living there, and new homes like this three bedroom apartment in one of Birmingham’s prime developments are immensely popular.

Colorfully decorated, with big windows to let in light, the bedrooms keep in line with the property's overall modern design.

Colorfully decorated, with big windows to let in light, the bedrooms keep in line with the property’s overall modern design.

The property comes with three well-sized bedrooms, featuring modern décors, contemporary furnishings and large windows flooding the apartment with light; three bathrooms complete the layout.

Blue highlights make the living room's monochrome basis feel personal and inviting.

Blue highlights make the living room’s monochrome basis feel personal and inviting.

Large windows throughout the flat ensure there’s always enough daylight and the combined dining/living room offer access to the private terrace from where to enjoy a stunning view over central Birmingham.

From the private terrace the whole of Birmingham - including the famous Cube - lies at your feet.

From the private terrace the whole of Birmingham – including the famous Cube – lies at your feet.

The flat’s décor is modern without relying on only neutral color combinations; the bedrooms feature an exciting mix of patterns and color, while the dining area is livened up with pops of color set against white and black.

Centenary Plaza is ideally located for Birmingham New Street, with mainline trains regularly running into London; Bullring Shopping Centre and the city center are also in walking distance.

Clocking in at £585,000 (€839,334, $912,524), the property is sold through Knight Frank.

Filled with dried fruit and dusted with caster sugar, Welsh cakes are popular throughout the UK.

Filled with dried fruit and dusted with caster sugar, Welsh cakes are popular throughout the UK.

As the name suggests, Welsh Cakes are at home in Wales, with no one city marked as the definite birthplace; there are a number of regional variations, with the most sentimental being the Newport Lovely – handcrafted cakes, made by the city’s men for their beloved.

Peace and quiet: Llwyn Celyn is far away from any noisy neighbors.

Peace and quiet: Llwyn Celyn is far away from any noisy neighbors.

In the hills behind Newport sits Llwyn Celyn; sporting commanding views over the valley, the country house dating back to the 1830s comes with extensive outbuildings and a mix of paddocks and woodland.

Elegant fireplaces, wooden flooring and other period details give the property a unique, warm atmosphere.

Elegant fireplaces, wooden flooring and other period details give the property a unique, warm atmosphere.

With its eight bedrooms, served by three bathrooms, and four reception rooms, the property boasts plenty of space to host guests or invite the family over.

Kitchens are the most social rooms, and this one has enough space for a number of guests.

Kitchens are the most social rooms, and this one has enough space for a number of guests.

A large kitchen has enough space for a small dining area and comes with an oil-fired Aga; paneled doors, ornate ceilings and plasterwork and handsome fireplaces give the property an elegant, period atmosphere going well with the oak staircase.

The attention to detail is visible throughout the property.

The attention to detail is visible throughout the property.

Located just 14 miles east of Cardiff, Newport is as close to the sea as it is to the rolling Welsh valleys and boasts a lively, exciting arts and culture scene, including regular productions at the Dolman Theatre.

Available through Knight Frank, the property clocks in at £1.4 million (€2,008,662, $2,183,818).

From the rolling hills and flat cakes of Wales into the North East of England, where Scottish bleeds into English and shapes accents and, in parts, cuisines – but stottie cakes are deemed uniquely North East English.

Much like Welsh cakes, the flat, heavy-textured loaves – eaten split and filled with ham, bacon, egg or sausage – aren’t associated with one particular place but rather the whole North East.

Straying away from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Durham, the obvious Northern cities of choice, and into Northumberland and the North Tyne Valley leads to Brunton House near Hexham.

Brunton House's bedrooms are decorated in soft pastels, evoking memories of country houses in classic literature.

Brunton House’s bedrooms are decorated in soft pastels, evoking memories of country houses in classic literature.

The spectacular country house features six bedrooms, three of them with access to en-suite facilities; with the the annex, accessible internally and externally, boasting four additional bedrooms, there’s always room for visitors.

Hosting guests is easy, with four reception rooms and a large dining area available.

Hosting guests is easy, with four reception rooms and a large dining area available.

A large kitchen and dining room and four reception rooms offer plenty of space to entertain or just enjoy the peace and quiet of the spectacular countryside stretching outside the property’s 3.84 hectar grounds.

Its slightly rustic and traditional design makes the kitchen even more inviting.

Its slightly rustic and traditional design makes the kitchen even more inviting.

Throughout the property, the décor is traditional, transporting visitors into the country houses so often mentioned in literature, sat in and enjoying unobstructed views over the attractive countryside.

To pass time in style, the rivers Tyne and North Tyne are ideal for fishing salmon and trout; the nearest town is Humshaug, with a hotel, pub, pretrol station and shop – Hexham is 5.5miles away and it’s a 24-mile drive to Newcastle.

Sold through Knight Frank, the property is priced at £1.35 million (€1,936,924, $2,105,824).

The post Properties hot on the heels of Britain’s (often) unsung culinary delights appeared first on Gay Star News.

Stefanie Gerdes

www.gaystarnews.com/article/properties-hot-on-the-heels-of-britains-often-unsung-culinary-delights/

Finally, Straight Adult Films Get The Drag Queen Commentary They Deserve

Finally, Straight Adult Films Get The Drag Queen Commentary They Deserve

Screen Shot 2015-08-05 at 10.26.30 AMIf there’s one thing that comes to mind when we hear “straight porn,” it’s drag queens, obviously.

They’re both over-the-top, involve large breasts and if they’re lucky, have no problem finding a captive audience.

At least that last part can be said about the queens who participated in the below video. We’d follow Latrice and Alaska into a burning building if they were setting up for a show.

Watch the awkwardness unfold before your eyes:

Dan Tracer

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/ZErJ_vpKCFA/finally-straight-adult-films-get-the-drag-queen-commentary-they-deserve-20150805

The Perfect Miami Weekend: Go Out, Have Fun

The Perfect Miami Weekend: Go Out, Have Fun

Miami

Miami Beach is one of the sunniest and most sought after gay getaways in the US. The city offers top notch culture, art, nightlife and cuisine–all things LGBT travelers crave when heading out of town. Combine that with the city’s tropical climate, picturesque beaches, and art deco architecture to create a travel destination unlike any other.

Centrally located in North Beach or NOBE between Bal Harbour and South Beach, is the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach. This beachfront boutique hotel is the perfect home base from which to explore all that makes Miami great. Mixing Miami modernist architecture with contemporary luxury, the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach nods towards Miami’s history while incorporating what’s hot now. At Hilton Cabana Miami Beach, LGBT travelers can make the most of their stay through the Stay Hilton. Go Out package, including:

  • High-speed internet access
  • A one-year digital subscription to OUT magazine – one of the world’s leading gay magazines
  • Two welcome beverages
  • Late checkout when available

We pulled together a perfect weekend itinerary to help you navigate the best that this one-of-a-kind city has to offer. Check it out below:

EAT

HC-Lechon

Head to Michael’s Genuine for a neighborhood bistro feel. Located in the design district, this restaurant serves fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, is always packed and considered very reliable. Nearby you’ll find Mandolin, an open-air Greek bistro perfect for warm Miami evenings. In mid-town, check out Blackbrick for “innovative Chinese” and Midtown Oyster Bar or Mignonette which are quickly becoming favorites among locals. Great views beckon at Shuckers Waterfront Grill on the 79th Street Causeway along with a friendly staff, tasty seafood, and drinks.

Currently trending are the Latin American eatery Loba and the gastropub Pubbelly. Cabana Grill (above), at the Hilton, also serves Latin American fare, making the best of Miami’s cuisine easily accessible for its guests. Check out Yardbird for its Southern comfort food (think fried chicken, bourbon cocktails and more). Balans is perfect for brunch and people watching on Lincoln Road. For upscale dining try CVI.CHE 105. If you want to ogle some handsome wait-staff (and restaurateurs) try Colette. Grabbing a quick bite? Stop in at Huahuas Taqueria. Coffee lovers will want to fuel up at one of Panther Coffee’s two locations.

GO OUT

score

For weekend fun and outdoor cocktails, hit up Miami Beach gay institution Palace. It’s opposite the gay beach, making it the perfect spot for an aprés-sunbathing drink while you take in a drag performance from one of Palace’s famous queens. For the best straight-up (but still very gay friendly) cocktails in all of Miami, go to The Corner in Park West, Downtown Miami, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

Gay nightlife seekers should head to Twist. Established in 1993, Twist is the longest running gay club in South Beach with various dance floors, seven different bars and a stripper lounge. This place gets packed for late night. Score is another must-see, now moved from its old location on Lincoln Road to a location on Washington Ave. With 15 years’ history in Miami, Score has a huge dance floor perfect for letting loose. If you knew Snatch, Lux, or Shock over the years, that is where Score is today. Score’s upstairs dance floor is the old Liquid nightclub. Ladies should check out iCandee events. And if you want a more revealing show, you might check out Floppy Rooster.

CABANA-BEACHFRONT

HAVE FUN

Hit up 12th Street Beach in South Beach, Miami’s unofficial gay beach. Look for the crowds of men sunbathing on their towels. There are usually a few rainbow flags flying as well. If you’re feeling adventurous head to Haulover Beach, a clothing optional beach just north of Bal Harbour and Miami Beach which has a gay portion at its north end. For a beach day that’s a little more serene and less of a scene, try Crandon Park on Key Biscayne or the Hilton’s own scenic beachfront (above).

When it comes to water activities, there’s plenty to occupy you, whether it be renting jet skis, paddle boards, or boats. For the best windsurfing, travel to Hobie Beach. You can also take a quacky Duck Boat Tour and see the city by water.

pool

Fitness addicts will find plenty to keep them moving in Miami. In South Beach, gyms like Crunch, Equinox, and L.A. Fitness are favorites. Barry’s Bootcamp will give you a hardcore workout in a class setting. Meanwhile, Anatomy at 1220 gives off a luxe club feel. If you want to stay close to home check out the new high tech 24 hour fitness facility at the Hilton.

Miami’s great weather also makes this city a great place to rent a bike. Check out this list of bike shops to find one that suits your needs.

For all that’s new and hot in the Miami art scene, go to the Wolfsonian MuseumThe Bass Museum of Art, Wynwood’s Wynwood Walls, the Botanic Glass Garden and the Perez Art Museum.

The post The Perfect Miami Weekend: Go Out, Have Fun appeared first on Towleroad.


Towleroad

The Perfect Miami Weekend: Go Out, Have Fun

WATCH: Christian-Run Food Bank in Winnipeg Canada Bars Man Over Marriage Equality Stance

WATCH: Christian-Run Food Bank in Winnipeg Canada Bars Man Over Marriage Equality Stance

A Canadian food bank has apparently banned a volunteer who refused to sign a mandatory form that requires a pledge opposing same-sex marriage.

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Bil Browning

www.advocate.com/world/2015/08/05/watch-christian-run-food-bank-winnipeg-canada-bars-man-over-marriage-equality-stanc

B-52's Kate Pierson Marries Girlfriend Monica Coleman

B-52's Kate Pierson Marries Girlfriend Monica Coleman

Looks like Kate Pierson is now living in her own matrimonial “Love Shack.” 

The singer and keyboardist for The B-52’s tied the knot with longtime girlfriend, Monica Coleman, in Hawaii over the weekend, People reports. Pierson, 67, shared the happy news on her official Facebook page, along with a few beautiful snapshots. 

Married now! @monicanation

Posted by Kate Pierson on Tuesday, August 4, 2015

On hand to celebrate the union were pop songstress Sia and her husband Erik Anders Lang, while B-52’s frontman Fred Schneider reportedly served as the best man

The star’s rep told E! News that Sia performed “Crush Me With Your Love,” a tune she wrote for Pierson’s solo album, “Guitars and Microphones,” which dropped earlier this year. The “Chandelier” crooner was accompanied by the famous Hawaiian music group, the Lim Family, E! News reports

The Huffington Post has reached out to Pierson’s rep for comment. 

Congrats, ladies

#itsofficial !

Posted by Kate Pierson on Tuesday, August 4, 2015

— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.



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The second smallest country in the world is now a member of the International Lesbian and Gay Travel Alliance

The second smallest country in the world is now a member of the International Lesbian and Gay Travel Alliance

The European country of Monaco has announced its membership with the International Lesbian and Gay Travel Alliance.

The city-state – known for being a playground for the rich and the famous – confirmed the news on the New York-Monaco Government Tourist Office Twitter page.

A representative for the destination added in a statement: ‘Now more than ever, the Principality is a fitting backdrop for couples’ celebrations such as honeymoons, anniversaries and proposals to that special someone.’

‘We are proud to have Monaco as a new IGLTA member and appreciate the tourist office’s enthusiasm for starting LGBT outreach,’ commented IGLTA President and CEO John Tanzella.

He added: ‘The destination offers a luxurious mix of culture, gastronomy and sightseeing that we are confident LGBT travelers will find appealing.’

www.visitmonaco.com

The post The second smallest country in the world is now a member of the International Lesbian and Gay Travel Alliance appeared first on Gay Star News.

Jamie Tabberer

www.gaystarnews.com/article/the-second-smallest-country-in-the-world-is-now-a-member-of-the-international-lesbian-and-gay-travel-alliance/

“I’m Not Your Gay Best Friend!” Vlogger Tells All Straight Women

“I’m Not Your Gay Best Friend!” Vlogger Tells All Straight Women

Los-Angeles based vlogger Stephen LC is totally, thoroughly, 100 percent done with straight women asking him to be their “gay best friend.”

“I feel like most girls who say they want a gay best friend really just want a Chihuahua, or maybe they just want a fun, flashy purse?” he rants in his latest vlog. “Or maybe if you take it further back, they want validation from their father. Who doesn’t want that?”

Stephen spends the next four and a half minutes hilariously detailing all the reasons why he doesn’t ever want to be anyone’s “gay best friend” and, more importantly, why straight women need to get over their Sex and the City bullshit fantasies and stop asking him to be.

Check out the video below…

Graham Gremore

feedproxy.google.com/~r/queerty2/~3/wi-knuuQtOA/im-not-your-gay-best-friend-vlogger-tells-all-straight-women-20150805

Do You Know When The U.S. Had Its First Same-Sex Marriage? Matt Baume Has The Answer – VIDEO

Do You Know When The U.S. Had Its First Same-Sex Marriage? Matt Baume Has The Answer – VIDEO

Matt Baume

When do you think the first same-sex marriage in the U.S. was? 2008? 2004? Try 1975.

In a new video, Matt Baume looks at the story of Clela Rorex, the Boulder, Colorado clerk who issued the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in the U.S., a move that would ultimately cost her her job:

“Clela had only been in office a few weeks when two guys named Dave showed up at the counter and asked for a marriage license. She had never met any other out gay people in her life. And she had no idea what to do. She said, let me look into this. She checked on the law and she did some thinking and eventually came back and said, yeah, I can do this. All told, Clela issued six marriage licenses to six same-sex couples.”

Speaking with Clela about the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on same-sex marriage, Clela said, “I don’t feel vindicated but I feel validated because it was the right decision to begin with.”

Watch Baume’s video below:

The post Do You Know When The U.S. Had Its First Same-Sex Marriage? Matt Baume Has The Answer – VIDEO appeared first on Towleroad.


Sean Mandell

Do You Know When The U.S. Had Its First Same-Sex Marriage? Matt Baume Has The Answer – VIDEO