Queen Victoria Night Market draws to a close - Melbourne

A simple pleasure not to be missed, the Queen Victoria Night Market is in its final two weeks closing on 26th March 2014.

What has been a Summer of sunshine, bands, an array of food and not forgetting the delicious sangria, the night market is a Melbourne icon for travellers and dwellers alike. Into its 16th year, the night market runs from 5pm - 10pm offering punters street food from around the world, music and clothing stalls.

"We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all" - Breakfast Club at the Moonlight Cinema, Melbourne

This is when Melbourne wins...

It's Wednesday evening, relatively warm and your friend reminds you that weeks ago you said we'd go and see Breakfast Club at the Moonlight Cinema. Cue picnic blankets, sushi, red wine and friends. Pair that with a viewing of the cult classic Breakfast Club from the 80's for only $12 and you're on to a winner. 

Night Noodle Markets - Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne

Hear yee, hear yee... Good Food Month is upon Melbourne.

As a food lover and tourist, constant scanning of upcoming events involving meals is a necessity so after reading about the Melbourne Night Noodle Markets  on the Good Food site had to get down there.

Based in the Alexandra Gardens just across the Yarra river from Federation Square, the Night Noodle Market runs from 18th - 30th November 2013 offering a selection of Eastern inspired cuisine. From popular food trucks like Banh Mi Boys to long established restaurants such as Longrain and Chin Chin, 25 stalls have been set up in an Asian style market to sell to the masses each night.

Barry - old man by name, cool cafe by nature - High St, Northcote

Having landed in Melbourne five weeks ago, I quickly discovered something... Melbourne residents are ADDICTED to coffee. And I mean seriously addicted.

On the first few tries of a Melbourne cup of Joe, I found my eyes zooming in and out, speaking quickly and given a raging boost of energy. Exactly what the world keeps saying is bad for us but a caffeine kick is great in my opinion.

I saw Barry on my first drive home from the airport. Spotting the exposed brick work a mile off I added it to the long list of lunch joints to try whilst here.

Image from broadsheet.com.au

Thailand on a shoestring - Northern Thailand & Hill tribe Trek

As part of my travels to the land down under, Thailand was on the list. The Gadventures trip "Thailand on a shoestring" stood out to me, with 16 days of travel from Bangkok to the north, Chiang Mai, a hill tribe trek, then down to the islands in the south with a group of no more than 16 people.

Arriving in Bangkok was a little intimidating, after heavy travel I just wanted my bed so stuck to the hotel restaurant rather than exploring. All the Thailand Gadventures trips start from the Bangkok Centre Hotel, located close to the main train station. The hotel was more than I expected with reasonably priced food, clean, decent sized rooms, a pool and free wifi.

Can't beat a bit of meat - Reds True BBQ, Leeds

Reds True BBQ popped up in Leeds at the beginning of 2012 providing a giant slab of meat on the doorstep of Call Lane, right in the city centre.

A haven for meat lovers, their slogan "low and slow" gives an idea of just how you're getting your meat. Having started working in Leeds again this spring, I was drawn to Red's after Channel 4's Sunday Brunch Chef Simon Rimmer said he was heading their for a meeting and asked for recommendations on Twitter.

Dance 'til the cows come home - Farm Fest 2013

26 - 27 July 2013 saw the return of Farm Festival in Somerset which started 8 years ago with a group of friends bringing people together for a great time. Focusing on what they wanted out of a festival rather than media hype and high ticket prices, Farm Festival has grown from a few friends on a farm to an amazing 4500 people this year.