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Credits
Daniel May Editor & Director daniel@gnimag.com
Gary Campion Guest Editor
Pauline Fitzpartick Commercial Executive
Tony Day Design
Columnists
Gary Campion / Danny Malone / The Gourmet Boys / Martin Murray / Peter Irvine / Paul McAllistar / Gavyn Andrews
Thanks to Darren Kennedy, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Craig Featherstone, Conleth Kane, Allen Gordon, Somewhere Good, Vagari Bags, Ike Mercan, Unapologetic, Chuff Media, Halestorm PR, Burrenmore Nest, Eldons at Elephant Rock Hotel, Emma Goodwin, Haus of Hank, Rebecca Thomas, Seen Group, DRT Bodywear, Florodrobe, MILK Make-up, One/Size Beauty, Jules @ 1st Option Models, The Rainbow Project, Jeff Dorta, Project Publicity, David Hernandez, Tim Blankenship, Deborah Boyle, Miles Fallon, Shane Gallagher and all those who submitted content.
Danny Malone Gavyn Andrews
Gary Campion Gourmet Boys
Paul McAllistar
Peter Irvine
It’s that time of year again, I’m super excited to jump back into my guest editor role while Daniel is off soaking up the sun in South Africa….lucky him! As I dive in, I can’t help but think about how much goes into putting together a full issue compared to my usual column and a few features. But honestly, as challenging as it can be, it’s always such a fun too!
AN INTRO FROM GARY
Every time I guest-edit, I like to pick a theme. Last year, we went with “New Year and the number 25.” This year, I’m all about “emerging talents,” shining a light on fresh brands, up-and-coming bands, and cool new services, while also giving some love to familiar favourites.
Christmas and New Year felt a bit different for me this year. I lost my dear Uncle Earl, who played a huge role in my life, giving me advice about my career and even my first real job after uni. In the midst of those bittersweet moments, I wrapped up the sale of my apartment and kicked off an exciting journey of buying a house, which I am already knee-deep in renovating. It’s definitely a challenge, but I’m loving every minute of the project, and I’m eager to breathe new life into the place and make it shine brighter than ever!
January/February can be a little quirky for finding our cover star since the music and celebrity scene tends to be on an extended Christmas break. Thankfully, I got to chat with the amazing Darren Kennedy, Ireland’s King of Hollywood! We talked about his successful career in media, celebrity culture, fashion, and both physical and mental wellness. And of course, we had to talk about OLIVE! I also had a great chat with Rainbow Kitten Surprise right before their biggest ever Dublin show, chatted with Master Tailor Craig Featherstone, and caught
up with friends of the magazine, Conleth Kane, about his latest music release, and Allen Gorden, who gave us the lowdown on St Agnes’ exciting production of “Anything Goes.” And to top it all off, we have an album spotlight on Mika and a profile on 5 Seconds of Summer before their Belfast show; such a variety lineup this issue!.
But that’s not all! We’ve got three fabulous fashion features from SomeWhere Good, Vagari Bags, and a first for us: stylish doggy fashion from Haus of Hank. Plus, your favourite columnists are back, and GNI Tries will dive into the latest trends and products. We also check out the stunning Burrenmore Nest and sample delicious dishes from Eldons at the Elephant Rock Hotel.
Massive thanks to every person, brand, place, and experience that contributed to this issue. You’re all essential to what makes this magazine come alive year after year!
So, grab a comfy chair, brew yourself a lovely cup of tea, and get ready to enjoy over 90 pages of engaging content that’s sure to keep you informed and inspired!
Gary x
darren
kennedy
By Gary Campion
Photo Credie: Terrie Burton Photography
From Dublin to Hollywood, Darren Kennedy has it covered! We talk to Ireland’s very own Mr Hollywood, from smores with Paul McCartney to Oscar and Brit Nominations and everything in between.
Interview by Gary Campion
Hi Darren, great to get a chat with you. For those of our readers who don’t know you, introduce yourself.
I’m a TV host, broadcaster, and columnist. And I guess I’ve learned to be an entrepreneur throughout my career; that’s what sustains me and keeps me going. I also had a successful skincare business called Kennedy & Co., but it had to be wound down, essentially as a result of the pandemic. We were available in bricks and mortar stores, about 900 of them across the island of Ireland. We were on Amazon in the UK and Europe, in stores in the Middle East, on Look Fantastic, across Southeast Asia and Australia. We had a strong footprint, but unfortunately, the pandemic wasn’t kind to us. I also think we were a little ahead of where the market was at the time.
Your career covers TV, Radio, Podcast, Fashion, Interiors, and even grooming. How do you fit it all in/ manage it all?
You know, for me, there’s a very central tenet to it all and that tends to be a curiosity about people and how they think and view the world. Communication and aesthetics are a common thread, broadcasting, TV, podcasting, these are all centred around people’s experiences at the end of the day and I love helping people share their stories, and then in terms of fashion, beauty and skincare and interiors, I mean, I just like beautiful things. I’m one of those people where what I wear reflects my mood and how I live. Like, if I’m in a messy home, it affects me and clouds my mind.
We were expecting you to say you had a PA or something lol!
I would love a PA. I’m accepting applications. Unfortunately, there’s no
salary, though haha!! As much as I say that, I would love a PA. I’ve had different people work for me through various different businesses, and it is tricky, right? Because you are managing people and getting to know how someone operates. Also, I’m very Capricorn, therefore, I like to know things are being done the way I like them done, which I don’t think is super conducive to finding a PA that kind of ticks all those boxes. I think I’d find a husband easier.
A big part of your career has involved interviewing celebrities both in the studio and on red carpets. What do you do to prepare, and which do you prefer and why?
I prefer conducting interviews in personal spaces, like someone’s home, because it allows for a deeper connection and insight into their character. Observing their environment can reveal a lot about their lifestyle and thought processes, making for a more comfortable setting compared to the chaos of red carpet events.
My background includes working on the Gerry Ryan Show and Operation Transformation. During that time, I was responsible for covering unusual human interest topics in short segments. I always prepare extensively, often as if for 90 minutes or more, even for a 10-15-minute slot, ready to handle unexpected changes. This thorough preparation allows me to dive deep during interviews, exploring tangents that enrich the conversation and enhance both my experience and the interviewee’s.
Who has been your favourite person to interview in your career so far and why?
I’ve had many memorable experiences,
but meeting Elton John and David Furnish stands out. Their legacy is remarkable, especially regarding the visibility they’ve provided for LGBTQ+ issues. I recall how my mother, during my coming out, was concerned I wouldn’t be able to marry.
Around that time, when David and Elton got married, she remarked on their union, which helped her understand my sexuality better. I shared this with David during our interview, and he appreciated hearing how they impacted my life.
I also had a delightful encounter with Sir Paul McCartney on my first visit to the Hamptons. While watching the moon rise on a beach, I found myself in a group that included him. After a bit of chatting, he approached me, and we had a lovely conversation about our backgrounds. I even made my first s’more with him! (Don’t tell him I didn’t like it lol!) Despite his fame, he was warm, engaging, and genuinely a good person, untouched by the pitfalls of celebrity.
Who would be your dream interviewee, dead or alive, and why?
Oprah has always inspired me with her focus on others and her integrity. Watching her made me aspire to host a talk show where people can share their stories. She uses her platform to support important truths and has a spiritual side that resonates with me. I would love to meet her, as I think she has a great sense of humour. Another favourite of mine is David Attenborough. If I were to host a dream dinner party, it would include Oprah, David Attenborough, Tom Ford, my grandmother, who passed away 27 years ago, and Kylie for a bit of camp.
As a successful queer male in the industry, who do you look up to and why?
I’ve never really been one to fangirl, if that makes sense. I tend to respect people rather than idolise them. However, I recently had a lovely encounter with someone who truly moved me in a beautiful way. Even though she is not queer, she is certainly an ally of allies. I briefly met former Irish president Mary Robinson last year at a screening of her documentary. In a very short conversation, I expressed my gratitude by saying, “Mary, I just want to thank you on behalf of myself and, I’m sure, my fellow Irish LGBTQ+ community for everything you did for us.” A few weeks ago, I ran into her again at Dublin Airport while I was getting coffee. I saw her sitting there with her iPad, and while I wanted to say hello, I also wanted to respect her
privacy and not intrude. Then I thought to myself, feck it, so I approached her and said, “Mary, hi, how are ya. I’m Darren Kennedy.” I don’t think she had a clue who I was, but anyway. We ended up having a lovely conversation, and once again, I told her that I find her work remarkable. I genuinely believe she leads her life with immense purpose, courage, and integrity. To me, that is incredibly powerful. So, I’m going to say, Mary Robinson,
The Oscars are coming after this interview will be publishes so we can’t not ask Mr Hollywood reporter what his predictions are…..(nominees at bottom of sheet)
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Film
Sinners, which broke all records, received 16 nominations. Up until this point, I think the most nominations ever received by a movie was 14, I think that was Titanic. I absolutely love that movie, so I would love to see it win Best Movie. I haven’t seen Hamnet, but I do want to see that. I’m definitely 100% backing Jessie Buckley, because I think she’s just such an extraordinary talent, and again, a good egg who kind of seems to have the biggest heart. So definitely want to see her fly the flag for Ireland, and I think she deserves it. For best actor, I haven’t seen these movies, but I’m going to say that if
Photo
Credie: Terrie Burton Photography
Photo Credie: Terrie Burton Photography
Michael B. Jordan is nominated, he was brilliant, and he even plays twins.
The Brits are also happening after this is published… any thoughts on the cert winners?
For me, it’s between Olivia Dean and Sam Fender. I adore them and was listening to them this morning. They have that song together, Rein Me In, which I am obsessed with, I think the lyrics are so beautiful, and it makes me smile from ear to ear every time I listen to it. I probably listen to it 10 times a day. I’m a bit obsessive about the music I listen to; I go through phases. So those two 100%, and also I think Lily Allen, because, well, you know, bravery and courage are something that I keep talking about. Oh, my God, that album is just insane. If it were to be based on a single album, I think it has to be that.
Speaking of music, what’s currently on repeat in your playlists?
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean are my most-played songs over the past two months. I also enjoy a lot of foreign-language music, particularly from artists like Mylène Farmer, whom I adore; she’s like the French Madonna with her epic, dramatic songs. I’m proud to be in the top 0.001% of Future Islands listeners and have been rediscovering older music like Phil Collins, Seal, The Carpenters, and The Cranberries. My taste is quite eclectic, mixing in some Sabrina Carpenter, Kylie, etc., for fun as well. It’s no secret you are a bit of a handsome cheeky Chappy, what do you do to look so good and be in such good shape?
Grooming/hair routine?
Go to fragrance?
Gym Routine?
The key aspect of my routine is consistency. I became a freelancer at 24 and quickly realised the need for structure in my day. I integrated gym visits into my mornings, around 11, which helps me step away from my desk and clear my mind. This routine is essential, providing stability wherever I am. I exercise for about 30 to 40 minutes, focusing on consistency rather than intensity, aiming to maintain my fitness and feel healthy. I avoid pushing too hard to minimise injury risk. Additionally, I enjoy playing pickleball and hiking, as immersing myself in nature is meditative for me. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.
For skincare, I keep it simple due to my hectic life. After shaving, I apply a serum on those days and use a moisturiser with SPF daily, which I find essential even in cloudy Ireland.
For my hair, I’ve changed my routine from daily washes to about once a week or every ten days, which I believe is healthier for my scalp and hair.
I’m very scent-driven and keep fragrances in my car, on my desk, and around the house. I always wear fragrance, even to the gym, but I choose different ones for day and night. My current favourites are Tom Ford Ombre Leather and the classic Boss fragrance for all occasions. For special events, I sometimes layer with Creed fragrances. I also have Le Labo Noir, which I wear less frequently. I enjoy fragrances but avoid scented body washes to prevent clashing with my choices.
Speaking of looking good, what are your fashion predictions for Spring/Summer 2026?
You know, I think a splash of opulence is coming back. So it’s definitely colour. It’s print the 70s, and like the palette tone of the 70s, you’re kind of deep yellows and purples and emerald greens and whatnot. I think they’re still gonna be very strong. I think the silhouette is shifting. We’ve had a baggy trend; more straight-leg jeans and trousers are going to be kind of moving in. I typically don’t follow trends, to be honest with you, I dip in and out of them as I see them, but I tend to favour wearing what I feel good in and looks good
The current trend on social media, 2016/2026, is showing some questionable fashion and lifestyle choices. What has been your biggest fashion and lifestyle fail?
Oh, my God. I wouldn’t call them fails; I call them learnings! One of my core memories is wearing a quadruple denim outfit, literally from head to toe. I had light-wash denim Adidas trainers, Levi’s, a shirt, a jacket, and even a flat cap. I thought I looked great!
Were you going to a B*Witched concert? Lol!
They took styling cues from me! It felt like a statement, but definitely not one I’ll repeat. I was around 12 or 13, and my friends were all wearing tracksuits….and people were surprised when I came out as gay!
With over 100k followers on Instagram alone, do you feel the pressure to live up to social media perfection expectations, and what are your thoughts on perceived social media perfection?
For me, it’s never been about appearing perfect because I don’t believe perfection is real. I use Instagram as a scrapbook of moments I want to cherish, not as a space to share every tough time. I still keep some aspects of my life private. I don’t share everything because I don’t find my life that interesting, but I aim for honesty without overthinking. In the past, I held back because of concerns about others’ perceptions, but now I care less and feel more secure in who I am. Most people are likely focused on their own lives anyway.
The other day at the gym, I saw a guy with an impressive physique doing a photo shoot, and I thought about how pressured that lifestyle must feel. He could be brilliant for all I know, but the curated perfection of social media often comes with stress. I’m aware of how mindless scrolling can affect me, so I manage my algorithm by filtering out content that doesn’t serve me, like fitness routines that negatively impact self-image and can leave me feeling shitty.
What are your thoughts on the connection between social media usage and mental health and well-being?
Absolutely, and it’s kind of well-documented. I worry for my nieces and nephews who are growing up in this world where it’s tick tock, Snapchat, it’s all of this, and it really concerns me, because I think in terms of a mental framework, it’s so unsteady, and it’s so built around recognition and acknowledgement of your peers, likes, comments or whatever. Online bullying, I don’t know much about it, but again, I could see how it could happen very easily, and that’s terrifying. I’m happy I grew up without it, you know, I wasn’t incubating as a person in that environment. I’d be very concerned about young people, and I think that’s why it’s so important. I try to do it on a micro level with my family, the kids, and stuff, and just teach them the value of their inner beauty. I know that sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s so true: they need to know their own strength and worth. It needs to be intrinsically linked to them as good human beings and kindness.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in media/social media?
Well, if you want a career in media, you’ve got to be very clear about what you want to do in media, because what I remember when I was going out of my path, I wanted to work in TV, and I didn’t know who to contact. Do I contact a director? Do I contact a producer? I didn’t know who did what; I had no idea. So just get very clear about what you want, and then learn about everyone and their role within that space. Working for a magazine, versus being a columnist for a newspaper, versus being a producer for a TV show are very, very different things. Get very specific, do your research and try to get exposure to it as soon as possible. You try to get work placements in that arena or as close to it as you can, because that’s where you learn, and that’s where you really understand and uncover what it’s about.
As social media. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to pursue a career in social media, to be honest. If your career leads you to social media, then well & good, but learn a real skill.
You are very open about your sexuality. What advice would you give younger queer people who are afraid to come out?
You know, I actually get emotional even thinking about that. And I do often get questions from young people and not-so-young people on coming out on Instagram. I’m always reluctant to give advice, too, because you have to be very careful. Ultimately, my advice is: you belong, there’s a space and a place for you, even if it doesn’t seem visible or obvious at times. Try not to be afraid, because it gets better. Also, you are more than enough, like there’s nothing wrong with you, you don’t need to change anything, and you are bloody brilliant and perfect as you are. Go for it.
You travel so much with your career and personal life, how do you avoid/manage the jet lag? Any pro grooming/beauty tips for long haul?
Jet lag is tough to avoid, but I’ve found ways to manage it better. I use an app called Time Shifter that gives tips based on my flight info. Getting enough light is key, and my approach varies depending on whether I’m flying east or west. For
example, on a daytime flight from Dublin to LA, I follow the app’s advice as closely as possible. I often wear an eye mask, put in earbuds, and zone out even if I can’t sleep, which helps with recovery. Catching some sleep on the plane is important, and I like to have a gin and tonic before night flights. Light exercise after landing helps reset my sleep schedule, and I make sure to eat according to the new time zone, even if it feels early for me.
You like to hotel hop and eat out a lot. The question is, can you cook, and what is your speciality?
Can I cook? Totally! I’m not a master chef or anything. Growing up, I actually wanted to be a vet because I was so into David Attenborough and loved animals and nature, as I mentioned before. But I realised pretty quickly that I’m really squeamish. Just seeing raw meat or chicken fillets kind of makes my stomach turn. I was in Argentina not too long ago, and some of the meat they served had me feeling queasy, but I still ate it. I just can’t have it look too much like the animal; otherwise, I’m out. Honestly, I don’t cook that much since I’m single and travel a lot. I found myself throwing out groceries a lot, which felt like such a waste. When I do cook, I steer clear of too much meat for those reasons. But I whip up an awesome avocado toast that’s super easy to make. I’ve also got this technique for semi-frying and poaching eggs that’s downright delicious, but not exactly healthy. My go-to dish is a killer chilli con carne; I really load it up with dark chocolate and everything. It’s so good! In Mexico, they have this mole sauce that’s made with chocolate, and even though it sounds weird, you just toss in a square of 80% dark chocolate at the end of your chilli and let it blend in with the flavours. It’s beautiful!
Speaking of hotels, you write an interiors column. What do you predict for 2026 interiors?
It’s pretty wild how interior design trends are changing just as quickly as fashion these days, right? We seem to get hit with new ideas every other day. But honestly, I think what really sticks is the connection to nature and the earthy vibes. People are craving more of that link to our humanity and the planet. For me, that shows up in rich greens and having plants around that grow and change, bringing a dynamic feel to your space without much effort. It’s all about fluidity, like the shapes,
movements, colours, and how things function together. We want spaces that not only look good but actually work for how we live. There are definitely challenges in getting there, but everything can be mixed and matched with other trends.
We love all the Olive content, how is she doing, and can we get more content, please!!
Of course, you can have more Olive content! Full disclosure….Olive isn’t my dog; she belongs to a friend, but I adore her. I lost my last dog, Harry, three years ago after 16 wonderful years. Olive is a nine-year-old Havanese and is super gentle. She loves being around people, especially when I nap. She’ll curl up at my feet, but she also enjoys her belly rubs. On the anniversary of Harry’s passing, I was feeling down, and Olive jumped up next to me, snuggling into my armpit and licking my arm, which is unusual for her. It really showed me how perceptive she is.
What’s next for you in the coming year?
Life is full of possibilities, which keeps me energised and excited. I’m currently working on some fantastic projects, including co-hosting the six o’clock show on Virgin Media in Ireland. I’ll be back in February, and I love working with the team and their audience. I’m also collaborating more with Access Hollywood and Access Daily on NBC, which is thrilling, especially since I recently filmed with Mario Lopez, someone I admired growing up watching Saved by the Bell. With the Oscars approaching, there are many exciting things ahead, but I also feel grounded and centred in my life, which has a positive ripple effect everywhere. I’m just happy to be alive!
First things first: Rainbow Kitten Surprise has to be one of the most joyfully chaotic band names out there that I have ever come across. How did the name come about and all these years on, how does it feel wearing that name? Does it still fit who you are now?
Bozzy: I think it still fits just as it did day one! Like when we were just friends, jamming acoustic guitars in a dorm, I don’t think we ever saw the capacity of what this band could be, the sincerity of it all. I do think even now on a bigger level, at the end of the day, we still like to have fun, hang out, create music. All the joy and chaos still encapsulates our dynamic now.
Bones feels raw, grounded and very human, like stripping things back to what really matters. When did you realise this album needed to sound and feel this way?
Ela: bones is a product of different patterns of writing and recording music. In this case, a lot of it was adlibbed. I find that when you don’t write as much and just kind of let whatever’s gonna flow, flow through you, you don’t second-guess it as much, and what comes out is just like a straight-up byproduct of your subconscious. It feels like you’re tapping into something authentic. Obviously, it’s not always the first take that ends up on the final recording, but I think the rawness definitely comes from writing the demos and recording the music in a more raw way.
I think, in some ways, it was kind of a call-andresponse to the fans who, I felt, needed something less whimsical and a little more straightforward. You know, I think bones was the album that we needed to make at this time for whatever reason.
Ela, you’ve spoken about reconnecting with your roots as a rock ’n’ roll band. What parts of yourselves did you feel you were coming back to while making this record?
Ela: Well a lot of it is guitar and piano-based music, which you know are acoustic instruments and kind of formed the foundation of RKS’s catalogue. A lot of it is largely devoid of synths. That’s why we lead with, I don’t know if you’d call it rock and roll, but definitely a more analogue approach to songwriting.
What parts of ourselves did we feel like we were coming back to? This reality is that it kind of takes the whole band to make the sound that is distinctly RKS, and it kind of takes a live performance to make that come to life. So we tried to stick to live performance as much as we could while recording this record.
The album spans softness, rage, hope and
release, sometimes within the same song. Was there a particular emotion that surprised you most while writing or recording bones?
Ella: I think the emotion coming out of me that was the most surprising or even coming out of us is always anger at the way things are or the way things weren’t. It’s definitely, for me, the emotion that is hardest to deal with because you don’t want to put it out there on other people and you don’t really want to keep it inside. It’s like, who gets to be angry when? If anything, I think that making music out of it might be one of the most productive ways to use anger, or any kind of art really. It’s a good vessel for it and a good way to channel it. So that definitely came out as a surprise but ended up settling into a work that we’re proud of making.
A lot of fans, especially LGBTQ+ fans, see your music as a safe place to feel big feelings without apology. Do you consciously hold that community in mind when you’re creating, or does it happen more instinctively?
Ela: I am part of that community inseparably, and so I don’t know if I’m always conscious of it because it just is a part of the way I think and move in the world, and am treated and treat other people. It’s just what I am. You know, people only connect with what’s really there, so if you hear it in the music, then you can be sure.
This is kind of a tangent, but over the years, I’ve had friends ask me, “Oh, would you consider me a part of this community?” And my answer is: if you ever have to question that, honey… you’re in!
Since 2019, the Rainbow Kitten Surprise Fund has raised a seriously impressive amount for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health care and food sovereignty. How important is it for you that the band’s values show up offstage as much as on it?
Ethan: We all grew up in pretty rural areas that weren’t always food secure for a lot of people. It’s very important to us to give back to the communities that we visit across the country, and use our platform to make a difference where we can.
You’ve been a band for over a decade now, touring, changing, growing together. What’s something about each other that you only learn by doing life this intensely as a group?
Ethan: When to leave each other the hell alone! Really, we learn how to work better together. Spending that much time together, you have to really have it locked in.
Songs like “Friendly Fire” and “Tropics” feel especially powerful live. How does it change a song for you once it’s in a room full of people singing it back?
Ethan: These songs were written and recorded with the live experience in mind, and I think as soon as we finished each of the songs on bones, we knew exactly how they were going to play out live. Once we play them live, that’s when they really come alive. Our catalogue of live music is ever-evolving to fit each day that we’re on the road.
You’ve sold out Red Rocks multiple times now, which is wild. Does that ever stop feeling surreal, or do you still get moments of “how is this real life?”
Bozzy: Well, I definitely think that Red Rocks is bigger than life. Selling that venue out, I don’t imagine that could EVER get old. The etherealness and acoustics are bigger than life itself!
Your music often resonates with people during really formative or difficult periods of their lives. Do you have a fan story that’s stayed with you in a deep way?
Bozzy: I’ve heard about several different songs that have been formative for people, but one song of ours in particular would be “Painkillers.” Most people in America have been touched in some way by the painkillers epidemic; I have personally. I also hear things like, “I had a best friend who overdosed”, or “I just got clean.” All those stories touch me personally.
You’re coming back to Ireland this year. What’s your memory of Irish crowds, and how does Dublin compare to other places you’ve played?
Jess: We are incredibly excited to be back in Dublin; the last time we were there was such an unforgettable experience. The crowds were absolutely electric! They were easily some of the best we’ve ever experienced overseas and I’d say their energy felt like some of the bigger crowds we get close to home.
The Dublin gig at the National Stadium is bigger than your previous visits. What can fans expect from the bones Tour show, emotionally, sonically, spiritually?
Jess: Fans can expect more in every way! We’ve been working hard to bring new songs and even some deep cut oldies to the setlist to help elevate the show. In many ways, the band has grown and changed so much since the last time we were there and we’re just so grateful to have the opportunity to return to Dublin and share this new era of RKS with everyone!
Any Irish influences, artists, or unexpected moments
from past visits that have stuck with you?
Jess: As a band with so much folk in our DNA, you almost can’t talk influence without mentioning someone Irish. I feel like there is a deep connection between Irish folk music and Southern folk. If they’re not siblings, they are definitely cousins! Some of our Irish favourites would have to be Hozier and Thin Lizzy (who are on the very short list of bands we’ve covered!), and this past year, I personally fell in love with Fontaines D.C.
For queer readers who might be discovering Rainbow Kitten Surprise for the first time through this interview, what do you hope they feel when they press play?
Ela: I hope they feel normal. I hope they feel like they’re understood and accepted. And that’s always my hope for anybody who is trying to navigate through this world as part of a minority. I hope they find joy in it. I hope they find companionship in sorrow and in loss and grief in general, and a place to express the realest, purest version of what they are, and know that that’s good enough and that’s what the world really wants to see.
Finally, after bones, what does “feeling whole” look like for Rainbow Kitten Surprise right now, both as individuals and as a band?
Jess: I think “feeling whole” as a band looks like coming together unified in doing what we all love to do, day
in and day out, which is putting on the best show we can possibly present and sharing that love and energy with whoever wants to listen and partake. That sentiment also bleeds into me on a personal level. This band is a part of me in a big way and when I get to experience the love of playing music with my friends and share it with others at its full potential, those are some of my happiest moments.
The album bones is out now. Rainbow Kitten Surprise play at the National Stadium, Dublin, 2nd June 2026, tickets available from all usual outlets.
Anything goes
Allen Gordon
St. Agnes’ Choral Society is back again at the Grand Opera House Belfast with the show stopping, toe-tapping “Anything Goes” by Cole Porter.
With the show opening in April, we catch up with their dashing leading man, Allen Gordon, to find out what’s going on behind the scenes…
Tell us a bit about yourself Allen and your history with St. Agnes’ Choral Society
I’ve been a member of the society since 2022 when I joined their production of Shrek at the Grand Opera House. The following year I played Gomez in The Addams Family (GOH) and then Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein at The MAC.
I am also an active member of the committee as the Music Coordinator and Production Manager for Anything Goes, so yes, it keeps me very busy indeed and it is such a fantastic company to be a part ofit’s like an extended family!
Why choose Anything Goes?
It’s always a tough decision to choose the right show, especially when you consider the standard of productions that come into the Grand Opera House, and also across the wider amateur circuit. Sometimes it can be quite a lengthy process, but this time we as a committee landed on this show quite easily - and it’s easy to see why when you know the show! It really does have everything - a fantastic score, comedy, romance, ballads, big ensemble numbers and of course, tap dancing!
What is the show about?
Anything Goes is a 1934 musical comedy by Cole Porter set aboard an ocean liner sailing from New York to London. It follows a jumble of mistaken identities, romantic mix-ups and farcical schemes involving a stowaway, a nightclub singer, socialites and gangsters. The plot is deliberately silly and fastpaced, serving mainly as a vehicle for witty humour and clever wordplay. Its real star is Porter’s music, including famous songs like “Anything Goes”, “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “Blow, Gabriel Blow”.
What was the audition process like?
Auditions are never easy, no matter how many you do or how many roles you’ve had in the past. All you can do is prepare the material as best you can and be confident in what you bring to the table. We are also lucky to have such a strong Production Team steering the ship, (pun fully intended!), and they have such an amazing creative vision.
Award winning Director, Laura Kerr, is back again this year alongside the incomparable Ann Marie Morgan (Choreographer) and
Adam Darcy (Musical Director). Having worked with all of these guys before… you would think it makes it easier walking into that room, but no! You just have to take a few deep breaths and give it your best shot in a few short minutes. It’s always an absolute pleasure to be cast and never something I take for granted. Have rehearsals started yet?
The ship has definitely left the port and things are well underway. It really does take a village to pull something like this off, especially a show of this scale in the Opera House. From the production team, lighting, sound, costumes, hair and make up, set design, construction, transport - we have so many different moving parts all working together to pull this off.
The full ensemble has been working extremely hard on a lot of the score and it sounds incredible already under Adam’s discerning ear. Laura always brings such joy and energy to the rehearsal room and her work with the principal cast is really starting to pull the show together. Ann Marie Morgan is a phenomenal Choreographer and her vision for the show is breathtaking. She truly isn’t taking it easy on us, and the tap routines are challenging us all to push ourselves. Trust me when I say that the end of Act 1 is a spectacle worth the price of admission alone!
Tap Dancing? Tell us more…
Ay Ay Captain - tap dancing! There really is nothing quite like a big tap number in a show and this production will NOT disappoint on that front. We are so lucky to have such a talented company who always rise to the challenge in every aspect, but I have to hand it to our dancers at the moment because what they are pulling off in rehearsals is amazing to watch (and to be a part of).
Yes, I’ve had to get out of my comfort zone on this one along with a few others and get tapping! Some of us have also enlisted in private classes to make sure we are giving the best show that we can to our audiences. Aggies, as we’re known, has always prided itself on its high standards, and this year will be no different - especially coming off the back of two hugely successful shows, Calamity Jane and Come From Away.
It’s easy sometimes to underestimate just how much work goes into a show like this from the company but also from an individual point of view. We really do put our hearts and souls into it.
Who are you playing in the show?
I get to play the role of a love-struck stowaway onboard the S.S. American, Billy Crocker. He’s a
fun character to play who has fallen in love with a girl all while being chased by another, but I won’t give away any more spoilers! The real joy is in sharing the stage with so many talented friends. Lorraine Jackson, I call her my “show-wife”, is back to play Reno Sweeney, a sassy nightclub singer and former evangelist. Lorraine and I always have the best time working together, she is such a talented performer and we just bounce off one another.
My talented brother from another mother, Martin McDowell is playing Moonface Martin, ‘Public Enemy #13’ and he just brings this character to life with so many laughs. The brilliant Aideen Fox plays Hope Harcourt as a more refined, intelligent young socialite caught between duty and her own happiness – something the character sometimes lacks in classic shows!
The entire company is incredibly talented, but you’ll just have to come and see for yourself! This is also a special one for me as I get to share this iconic stage for the first time with my amazingly talented fiancé, Ben Davidson in his first performance at the Opera House, the Mecca of performance in Northern Ireland. We normally sing and record together as Broken Compass, so it’s lovely for us to get the chance to change up by performing alongside 50 others and a live band of 14!
Why should people buy a ticket for Anything Goes?
I mean who doesn’t love a good dance routine in a sailor suit - am I right? We consider it an honour to be performing in the beautiful Grand Opera House and it would be brilliant for all of our homegrown talent to play to a full audience every show.
There is something very special about supporting local and getting behind our own theatre groups, and the work they do for their members and wider communities. We would love to see you all there, enjoying a fantastic night out!
What’s next for St. Agnes’ Choral Society? 2026 is already shaping up to be a busy year with lots of plans in place, but 2027 will be our 70th Anniversary and you best believe that we will be going all out to bring you a year that celebrates Aggies in style. We will be looking back over all that we have achieved as an award-winning society but also looking forward to the next chapter of this big musical family we call “Aggies”.
Show dates 14th - 18th April 2026
Tickets from www.goh.co.uk
Photo credits: Nicola McKee Photography & Joe Carberry Photography
Tony Young Ditanya McKinty Ditanya McKinty Aoiffe White Aoiffe White Paul Maguire Paul Maguire
Evelyn Oakleigh Oakleigh
Harcourt Evangeline Harcourt
Donnan Callan Hamill Callan Hamill
Aideen Fox Aideen Allen Gordon Allen Gordon Lorraine Jackson Lorraine Jackson Martin McDowell Martin McDowell
Hope Harcourt Hope Billy Crocker Billy Crocker Reno Sweeney Moonface Martin Martin Ship’
Dobson Henry T Dobson Spit Spit Dippy Dippy
feather craig
You are a master tailor. What does that title mean to you, and how did you earn it?
To me, a master tailor is someone fluent in every aspect of the craft — from precise measurement and pattern cutting to construction and final hand finishing. I became one by deliberately learning each stage of the process. In many tailoring houses, skills are compartmentalised, but I wanted a complete understanding of the garment. Mastering every element gave me both respect for the tradition and total control over the final result.
Did you always know you wanted to work in tailoring or fashion?
Not at first. I was always drawn to clothes, but more instinctively than deliberately. From a young age, I realised I was good with my hands. In my early years, I was also in a band and toured around the country. For each performance, I would customise our clothing, altering and reworking pieces to suit the mood of the show. What began as a creative outlet — repairing, adapting, and experimenting with garments — gradually became a passion, and eventually a profession.
With over 30 years in the industry, what have been the best — and worst — tailoring trends?
I don’t believe in bad tailoring trends. Style is cyclical. A look you initially resist can become appealing once the cultural context shifts. Trends are shaped by lifestyle, inspiration, and the moment we’re living in. Tailoring has always evolved, and that evolution is what keeps it relevant and exciting.
You’re London-based and formerly of Savile Row, offering both bespoke and made-tomeasure. What’s the difference?
I spent a decade on Savile Row as a director, working closely with its founders, though today I operate by appointment only.
Bespoke is entirely individual — a unique pattern is cut for each client, the suit is made fully by hand, and typically involves three fittings to perfect the silhouette.
Made-to-measure follows a similar journey in terms of fabric selection and measurements, but it begins with an existing block pattern closest
to the client’s build, which I then personally refine. Bespoke naturally commands a higher price, as a fully handmade suit can involve 60 hours of skilled work.
What defines a truly well-fitting suit?
A great suit should feel effortless. It should flatter the body, allow freedom of movement, and sit naturally. Proportion, balance, and clean lines are everything. The best suits don’t dominate — they quietly enhance confidence.
What’s your ideal atmosphere in the workroom?
Soft music or talk radio in the background. It sets a calm rhythm to the day — almost meditative — allowing me to work instinctively and stay fully immersed in the craft.
Who would be your dream client?
Friends and family. While many people aspire to dress celebrities, I find the greatest satisfaction in seeing my work worn confidently by people I care about. That connection makes the work more meaningful.
Which aftershave best complements your suits?
Montblanc. It’s refined, understated, and timeless — much like good tailoring.
Trainers with a suit: yes or no?
Yes — if it suits your style and the look is relaxed and modern. Trainers work best with an open collar or a T-shirt. Never with a tie.
Any Funny Stories from your years of being a master tailor?
One moment that always makes me smile was when I was making a suit for a president of a country. While walking through the building, I managed to trip and fall down the stairs — right in front of him. It was incredibly embarrassing, but he burst out laughing, helped me back to my feet, and we simply carried on as if nothing had happened. If there’s ever a way to make sure someone of that level of importance remembers you, I suppose that’s certainly one way to do it.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in tailoring?
Find the very best tailor you can learn from, ideally someone deeply rooted in traditional handwork. Be patient, stay curious, and respect
the craft. There are no shortcuts — tailoring rewards long-term dedication.
You recently launched Featherstone London. What inspired the move into ready-to-wear?
I’ve always loved classic, luxury clothing made from exceptional cloth. Clients often remarked that Featherstone would make a strong brand, and eventually I decided to explore that idea. Ready-to-wear allowed me to express my design philosophy in a new format without compromising on quality.
What can we expect from your debut Spring/Summer collection?
Classic tailoring with timeless cuts. Elegant, understated, and refined. Nothing excessive — just beautifully made pieces that feel confident, versatile, and true to the Featherstone London identity.
Will the collection be stocked in stores or remain online?
We’re already stocked in select UK boutiques and have appeared in high-end stores in the US. The focus is on independent, carefully chosen retailers rather than large department stores.
How do you spend your time away from tailoring?
I spend as much time as possible with my family. That said, tailoring is part of my daily life — I engage with it in some form every day. I also enjoy golf, travelling, and staying inspired, even if I claim to be fairly inactive.
One piece of style advice for our readers? Be yourself. Don’t dress for anyone else. Style lasts longer than fashion — when you’re comfortable and confident in what you wear, it shows. Find your identity and stay true to it.
Check out this amazing brand at featherstonelondon.co.uk
SOMEWHERE GOOD started the way most good ideas do, with a lot of late-night research, wardrobe digging, and endless chats about what makes the perfect T-Shirt. It’s where their love of streetwear, design and beautiful materials comes to life.
Creative director Richard Garrow Newport founded SOMEWHERE GOOD in London in late 2024. He wanted the designs to be bold but not fully branded (you don’t actually see “SOMEWHERE GOOD” on any product in this first drop). If you look closely at the T-Shirts’ prints, you’ll see they use the words SOME, WHERE, and GOOD, but the font has been redrawn to create shapes, patterns, overlays, and shadows. They also use a mixture of print techniques to produce different effects. One T-Shirt actually uses four screens to create different overlays.
Their debut collection brings together these three things, creating a range that blends individuality with an obsessive attention to detail. The range redefines wardrobe staples, offering bold, versatile pieces. They’ve perfected each piece to be modern yet timeless, elevating existing pieces in your wardrobe and making daily styling easy. Premium quality pieces that stand out and feel incredible to wear.
As a brand, they are focused on creating longlasting items you’ll enjoy for years to come. They work directly with the people who make their clothes, keeping the process transparent from start to finish. Each of their pieces are crafted with careful consideration of high-quality, premium materials such as organic and OEKO-TEX® cottons; all responsibly made in Portugal, Italy and the UK.
They want to appeal to men who really care and think about their style every day, and they’re confident enough to mix and match brands, styles and play with colour. This echoes Richard’s own personal approach to style.
Culture is a key driver of the brand, as it launches its own magazine-style blog celebrating brilliant minds and innovators across art, design, fashion, music, and beyond. Their plan is that this will become an event space in its own right later this year. Also, drops 2 and 3 products are currently in progress for spring, and we can’t wait to see them. Some exciting times ahead for this brand.
Socials:
www.somewheregood.studio
@somewhere_good
T&S: One use per customer; cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Ten years after it first arrived as a quiet but powerful declaration of self-worth, David Hernandez’s “Beautiful” is returning as a reflection of growth, resilience, and deeper self-acceptance. This month, Hernandez is out with “BEAUTIFUL 2.0,” a reimagined version of his beloved 2016 anthem, accompanied by a music video featuring acclaimed transgender artist Mila Jam.
For many LGBTQ+ listeners, “Beautiful” became a lifeline: an empowerment song that didn’t shout but instead affirmed. It offered permission to be vulnerable, to define beauty on one’s own terms, and to exist authentically in a world that often resists those truths. A decade later, Hernandez says the message hasn’t changed, but his relationship to it has matured.
“When I first released ‘Beautiful,’ it came from a very grounded and honest place. I knew who I was then, and I believed in the message I was putting out. What’s changed now is the depth of that knowing. The message lands from an even steadier place; less about discovering your worth and more about fully standing in it.”
That evolution is at the heart of “BEAUTIFUL 2.0.” Rather than remixing the original, Hernandez chose to rebuild the song with intention, allowing space for lived experience: his own and others’. “The world has shifted,” he adds. “Visibility has expanded, but so has resistance, which makes this message feel even more necessary today.”
Central to that expansion is Mila Jam, whose presence transforms the song into a shared statement rather than a solo reflection. A longtime friend of Hernandez — the two were roommates in New York City in 2015 — Jam brings an emotional truth rooted in lived trans experience. “Mila doesn’t just sing the message, she embodies it,” Hernandez says. “Her voice carries resilience, softness, and strength all at once.”
Their collaboration feels deeply personal and politically resonant, particularly at a time when trans visibility is both celebrated and challenged. By preserving the emotional core of the original while opening it up to more stories, “BEAUTIFUL 2.0” reinforces the idea that community is where self-love thrives.
The song’s updated production, handled entirely by Niko The Kid, reflects that clarity. Polished but restrained, the arrangement allows the lyrics to breathe without overwhelming them. “The song didn’t need to be bigger, it needed to be clearer,” Hernandez explains. “It feels current, but timeless.”
That same philosophy carries into the official music video, which reunites Hernandez with director Johny De following their collaboration on “feel it all.” Where the original visual centered on quiet vulnerability, this new chapter embraces visibility and joy. Sequins, laser lights, and disco balls replace guarded restraint, creating a celebration of confidence and self-worth. “In 2016, I needed protection on camera,” Hernandez reflects. “Now, I wanted to be seen fully. I’m confident, open, and grounded in who I Am.”
The choice to release “BEAUTIFUL 2.0” pegged to the Spring “Season of Love” is no accident. For Hernandez, the season has become less about romance and more about honoring self-love and chosen family. “Self-love didn’t come overnight,” he says. “It was built slowly, imperfectly. Spring felt like the right moment to honor love in all its forms.”
As queer and trans conversations continue to evolve, “BEAUTIFUL 2.0” stands as both a reminder and an invitation. “This isn’t about telling people who to be,” Hernandez says. “It’s about reminding them they’re allowed to exist fully, even on days when confidence feels out of reach.”
Visit www.OfficialDavidHernandez.com
conleth
Hi Conleth! Congratulations on hosting and performing at the GNI Awards in 2025. Thank you! I had a wonderful evening. It was a real honour to be asked to host the Awards after winning ‘Entertainer’ of the Year in 2024. I loved working alongside my good friend Gordon Crawford (aka Trudy Scrumptious). We definitely bounced off each other creatively, and they were a great support to me on the night. Everyone commented that we had great chemistry - I believe that is because of 25 years of friendship and mutual respect for one another’s talents.
You have some exciting times ahead with the release of your new EP ‘Erasure-esque’! How does it feel to be releasing new music again?
Thank you! It feels really good to be back. The past few years have been very challenging on a personal level. I lost my Mum in 2025, and the time leading up to that was very difficult. What I did learn from that whole period was that making music and being creative is what keeps my head above water. Despite everything that was going on in my life, I found a great deal of comfort in putting this EP together in the background, so it feels very special to me for that reason. It gave me purpose. The EP is also about celebrating the music of one of my alltime favourite bands, Erasure! It’s very different from anything that I have ever done before.
We were so sorry to hear about your Mum, Cilla - she was always by your side at the GNI Awards. My Mum was my absolute everything. She showed me the true meaning of unconditional love. It’s actually her birthday tomorrow, and I can feel a tidal wave of sadness coming for me in this very moment. It’s her first birthday away from u,s and it’s in these moments that it does hit home that she has gone. It’s all still very raw, and if I am honest, I am not even sure if it has really sunk in. Mummy loved to come along to the GNI Awards. She was my biggest supporter. I was anxious about going back to host the GNI Awards in Novembe,r as I was so used to having her with me. I asked her for some strength and good energy as I went out to perform and showcase some music from the upcoming Erasure-esque EP. I believe she gave me just that - I was so blown away and overwhelmed by the audience reaction. She was very much
by my side, and she was on my mind the entire evening.
We loved your version of ‘A Little Respect’ at the GNI Awards. Why have you decided to do an Erasure EP?
production from an early age. Their music is extremely melodic, and I loved how extravagant Andy Bell was on stage.
It’s their 40th Anniversary, and it felt very fitting to put together a body of work to celebrate. I
I am glad that it was received well on the evening. That song is such an anthem, so there is a big responsibility in doing it justice. I am a huge Erasure fan. My older brother and sister used to play them all the time when I was a kid. They were my first real introduction to synth, dance pop. I loved Andy Bell’s stunning vocals and appreciated Vince Clarke’s cool and slick
have adored the creative process from start to finish.
What songs are on there? Are they close to the originals?
The EP has 3 tracks on there - ‘Oh L’Amour’, ‘Sometimes’ and ‘A Little Respect’. I very much wanted to keep the sound as close as possible to
Erasure’s winning formula, but it was very important to me that I brought my own artistry to the table. I was adamant that I was not to enter Tribute-Act territory. Tribute- Acts are fantastic at what they d,o but that was not what this project was about. I wanted to recreate the songs with my own vision and sound in order to give them a little bit of a modern makeover. I brought 7th Heaven on board to produce the EP. They have worked with Erasure on various remixes, as well as other big Artists like Cher, Steps and Melanie C. Dick Beetham mastered the EP. He mastered ‘Padam Padam’ for Kylie Minogue and also did the debut album for the Scissor Sisters. It’s a strong body of work and I’m very proud of it.
Are you hoping Erasure will hear the EP?
Of course! Andy Bell has already seen a clip from the ‘Oh L’Amour’ music video. I sent it to him whilst he was on tour and he responded immediately, expressing how much he loved it. I was over the moon! He’s an idol of mine. Jon Dixon from 7th Heaven (my music producer is also a big fan and is very inspired by Vince Clarke - so it was a really fun project for him to create too.
Hold on.. You sent it to Andy Bell? That’s brilliant that he liked it. Are you friends?
I would not say that we are friends, but our paths have crossed on multiple occasions. He came to watch me in a play in London back in 2015. I will never forget peaking through the curtain, and I saw him sitting in the front row. I was so starstruck, and for the first time in my life I got really nervous before walking on stage. We had a drink after the show, and he introduced me to his partner. We were meant to perform together in 2017, and I went round to his flat in London! He let me hear the ‘World Be Gone’ album before it was released, and I played him some of my music. It really is up there with my ‘pinch me’ moments. I grew up listening to this guy on repeat, and here I am sitting getting an exclusive listen to the new Erasure album. He’s super sweet and kind - everything you’d want your musical hero to be.
back in the day, and as a result, Erasure have a big LGBTQ+ following. We can only imagine that the wider Erasure fanbase are excited for this release.
I hope so. The Erasure fanbase have been extremely welcoming and have embraced the news of this EP. I wanted to celebrate the nostalgia element to the band - hence the name ‘Erasure-
The RVT in London feels like a second home to me. Every time I walk in, I feel so comfortable. I love the history of the venue and the staff and team are an absolute delight. It was one of Freddie Mercury’s favourite places in London. I also have International Singing Sensation Soraya Vivian and London’s favourite LGBTQ+ Dance Troupe, The Alpha dancers, are performing live too. I am putting on a show!
esque’. This EP was inspired by Erasure’s ‘ABBAesque’ record. I did a deep dive into all of the promotion circulating that album and Andy speaks of ABBA like I speak of Erasure. They were a huge influence on him like Erasure are a huge influence on me. I really hope the fans like it. I wanted to deliver the best record that both Erasure and their fanbase would really enjoy.
That is so cool! We saw that you are launching the EP at London’s iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern. You seem to have performed there a lot - why did you choose this particular venue to launch the EP?
What are your plans for 2026 after you release ‘Erasure-esque’? Will you be coming to Belfast at some point to perform live?
I would love to perform live in Belfast again. The audiences back home in N. Ireland are the best! I still have goosebumps thinking about the response to ‘A Little Respect’ at the GNI Awards in November. I have just signed with new management, ‘Horlock House’ and the plan is to really get back out and hit the live circuit again. I am working with them closely to ensure that this happens. I love performing live! After the studio, it’s my favourite thing to do. For my EP launch at the RVT, I will be performing my first full live show in 5 years. The plan is to take it around the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond..
This all sounds very exciting, Conleth! We cannot wait to hear the EP. Good luck with it all from the GNI Team.
Thank you so much to everyone at GNI. I always feel so supported and celebrated by this wonderful publication and its team. As an Independent, Gay Artist - I so appreciate it, thank you for all that you do!
‘Erasure-esque’ by Conleth Kane is available on all major streaming platforms from 20th February 2026.
Signed CD copies are also available by contacting Conleth directly on Instagram: @ conlethkane
www.conlethkane.com
Andy Bell was one of the first ‘out’ Pop Stars
theoneilove.ie
Lorren: (+353) 086 330 7410
Ballinlough Village, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 HP08
MIKA HYPERLOVE
MIKA’s Hyperlove: A Pulsing, Emotional Odyssey Through the Digital Age For nearly twenty years, MIKA has been pop’s most colourful outlier
By: Gary Campion
At the center of Hyperlove sits one deceptively simple question: How do we stay human in a world moving faster than we can process?
The glitter-loving maestro who can turn heartbreak into technicolour and joy into a full-blown cinematic event. Now, with Hyperlove, his first English-language album since 2019, he’s stepping boldly into a new era full of retro synth warmth, future-facing textures, and the kind of emotional depth only an artist who has lived, lost, and reinvented can deliver. It’s not just a comeback. It’s a creative rebirth.
The origin story of Hyperlove doesn’t begin where you might expect. Instead of a glossy studio in London or LA, the spark ignited inside a symphonic hall where MIKA was completing a massive orchestral project, 260 musicians, operatic soloists, the works. Something about that scale, that humanity, snapped him awake.
“Working with the orchestra made me feel less lonely,” he has said. “As though the synapses were reconnecting.”
So he went back to where it all began: the piano. Every song on Hyperlove was born at those keys, allowing him to strip back the noise and rebuild his sound from a place of honesty. The result is an album that treats imperfection as a virtue, no quantising, no auto-tuning to oblivion, no sterile digital edges. Everything vibrates with life.
At the center of Hyperlove sits one deceptively simple question: How do we stay human in a world moving faster than we can process?
MIKA’s answer arrives in sparkling layers, stitching together nostalgia with futurism and emotion with electricity. The theme emerges instantly in the title track, a gentle, ethereal pianodriven opener. It’s wistful and dreamy, Coldplay warmth filtered through an Enya-esque haze. More than anything, it shows off MIKA’s classically trained voice, which glides through reverb-laden harmonies like he’s painting with sound. Then the gears shift.
Stand out tracks for me are:
“Modern Times” - The album’s heartbeat. A rush of driving percussion and fuzzy, electrified vocals, it channels the disorientation of contemporary life, and the rush that comes with it. “Run, run, run, run faster than the fading sun…” It’s both a plea and a celebration, capturing the friction between longing and velocity. Sonically bold and emotionally charged, it’s Hyperlove at its strongest.
“All the Same” Sliding into a late-’80s dance-pop universe, this track is all rhythm and shimmer. MIKA stacks his vocals into electro-tinged harmonies, creating a sense that he’s duetting with parallel versions of himself. It’s hypnotic, clever, and a testament to his vocal agility.
“Bells” Lighthearted, charming, and joyously catchy, “Bells” is Hyperlove’s most obvious crowd-pleaser. With its early-2000s pop DNA and hand-clap-ready beat, it feels tailor-made for TikTok memes, rooftop summer playlists, and carefree moments that don’t overthink themselves.
Immortal Love” The emotional core of the record. MIKA wrote the song as an unexpected tribute to his beloved golden retriever, a companion present for every album he’s ever made. Warm, shimmering, and deeply sincere, “Immortal Love” channels loyalty, memory, and the quiet bonds that outlast time.
It lands softly but stays with you.
Behind the Glow there is a Story of Loss, Longing, and Rediscovery, Hyperlove is, in many ways, an album about navigating the emotional cross-currents of grief and growth. The loss of MIKA’s mother, Joannie Penniman, in 2020 threads through the project. Instead of sinking into heaviness, though, the album reaches toward connection, resilience, and the strange euphoria that comes with rediscovering yourself.
There’s sweetness, brightness, and even humour, helped in part by the appearances of legendary filmmaker John Waters, who pops in as a spoken-word narrator through several tracks. His signature wit provides a wink amidst the wonder, grounding the album’s futuristic landscape with a mischievous human touch.
To launch this new chapter, MIKA is taking his famously theatrical live show back on the road. The Spinning Out Tour hits North America beginning April 29, 2026, with stops in Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Austin, and
more. Expect choreography, storytelling, piano acrobatics, and enough colour to light up a city block.
If Hyperlove is about emotional electricity, the tour is where MIKA will plug it straight into the crowd.
From “Grace Kelly” to global TV stardom, from dazzling pop confections to deeply personal songwriting, MIKA’s career has always been about possibility. Hyperlove doesn’t abandon that mission; it amplifies it. This is an album born from contradictions: analogue vs. digital, grief vs. joy, chaos vs. clarity. And MIKA embraces all of it. In doing so, he’s created a record that feels alive, tactile, bright, imperfect, and utterly human.
If Hyperlove proves anything, it’s that pop music doesn’t need to choose between big feelings and big ideas. With MIKA at the helm, it can hold both beautifully.
Mika Hyperlove is out now and available to purchase / stream from all usual outlets
5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer Are Back — And EVERYONE’S A STAR! (Especially Belfast)
If there’s one thing 5 Seconds of Summer have proven over the past 14 years, it’s that reinvention isn’t just an option, it’s their brand. Four mates from suburban Sydney have turned teenage dreams into 18 million albums sold, 10+ billion streams, and six million concert tickets across the globe. Now, armed with a new label, a new album, and a full-force world tour, 5SOS are powering into their most ambitious chapter yet. And Belfast….we’re getting it first.
With their sixth album Everyone’s A Star having dropped on 14th November, 5SOS are stepping into a sonic universe where the chaos is intentional, the nostalgia hits hard, and the experimentation is fearless. Luke sums it up perfectly:
“This record has more of our original spirit, just with 15 years of wisdom and a dash of reckless abandon.”
It’s their first album under Republic Records, and you can hear the creative freedom instantly in its explosive lead single, “NOT OK.” Hyper-charged beats, snarling bass, and a hook that feels like an electric shock, “Hey, I’m not okay! I like the darker side of me…” announces the return of 5SOS with unapologetic force.
Luke added: “It has the older 5 Seconds of Summer energy, but it’s different, which is the whole M.O. of this chapter.” And the rest of the album follows suit. From the ironic empowerment of the title track “Everyone’s A Star!” to the cheeky reclamation of “Boyband,” the band aren’t just leaning into their legacy, they’re twisting it, bending it, and having a damn good time doing it.
Calum reflected on reclaiming the “boyband” identity:
“I think ‘Boyband’ definitely healed a little part of me when I was 18… Back then we were trying to prove ourselves. This was a cool way for us to reclaim our power.”
A huge part of what makes Everyone’s A Star! feel so alive is how strongly each member’s individuality shines through. As Michael puts it:
“It’s only 5SOS because of the four of us. It would be a totally different thing otherwise.”
Working across Nashville and LA, the band let themselves break rules and dive deeper into unfamiliar territory. Calum: “We were able to push our boundaries with the sonics and
songwriting… It was a totally blank slate.”
Ashton praises the alchemy they create together: “When we come together, we create some sort of mega-deformed musician.” This album isn’t just growth it’s combustion.
The EVERYONE’S A STAR! World Tour launches this March, ripping through Europe and the UK before exploding across the U.S. and Australia. And right at the top of the UK & Ireland run?
Belfast’s, SSE Arena on Thursday 26th March
This is the kickoff to their entire UK/Ireland leg which means:
The setlist will be fresh and unpredictable The band will be running hot on first-night energy
Belfast gets bragging rights before London, Manchester, Glasgow, everyone
The guys already tested the new era live at a surprise LA popup, playing “NOT OK,” “Boyband,” “Telephone Busy,” “No.1 Obsession,” and more and fans went absolutely feral.
Part of the magic of 5SOS is how deeply their bond informs their music. Four very different creative minds, colliding and balancing in a way that somehow just… works.
Michael says it simply:
“We see one another’s strengths and weaknesses, and we’re here to lift each other up.”
And Ashton captures the fire burning under this album and tour:
“We’re hungrier than ever… We’ve brought 5SOS into 2025.”
For a band 15 years into their career, that hunger isn’t just impressive, it’s rare.
5SOS aren’t just releasing an album, they’re launching a new era. A louder, stranger, freer era and Belfast gets to see it ignite.
Because on this tour, everyone’s a star — but Belfast gets to shine first.
Last remaining tickets available from ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
Profile by Gary Campion
Unapologetic: The
brand, the mission, the moment.
Origins: A Life in Storytelling, Strategy & Culture
Before founding Unapologetic, I spent years balancing storytelling, strategy, and cultural work. I studied literature and business, followed by a master’s in Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, London, a combination that shaped my view of brands not just as products, but as cultural objects tied to identity and power.
For fourteen years, I ran a digital agency helping brands discover their voice.
The work was fulfilling, but it wasn’t my story. During COVID, that truth became unavoidable.
I realised I no longer wanted to spend my energy creating meaning for other people’s brands while my own ideas sat quietly in the background.
Unapologetic became the moment I turned inward, building something personal, political, and unashamedly mine.
The Spark: Frustration Meets Activism
Unapologetic didn’t begin as a traditional business plan. It began as frustration and a desire to merge activism with branding.
Years of LGBTQI+ activism had become harder to sustain while running an agency. Creating Unapologetic reconnected those worlds: a brand that wouldn’t just sell products but stand for something.
A deep dive into the personal care industry revealed a glaring truth: the sector overwhelmingly caters to upper middle class, cisgender, heterosexual women. Queer people and other marginalised communities were either ignored or included in shallow, tokenistic ways.
There wasn’t a single brand speaking our language, sharing our humour, or reflecting our realities. Nothing made for us, by one of us.
Unapologetic emerged from that gap with products that are high quality, vegan, cruelty free, responsibly made, and
culturally aware.
Giving Back: Partnership as Practice
Supporting our community isn’t a marketing line; it’s baked into who we are.
One of our key partners is Rainbow Railroad. Each year, we donate a portion of our profits to help LGBTQI+ people escape life threatening situations worldwide. As a young independent brand, our resources are limited, but the commitment is firm and grows as we do.
We’ve also developed product based partnerships: Bubble T: Supporting Trans Communities
Created with Not A Phase (UK), this special edition shower gel sends all profits directly to the charity. At a time when trans communities face escalating attacks, this work is essential to us.
Ball Game: Backing Queer Sport
A collaboration with London Freedom FC, a queer football club. We developed a two in one shampoo and shower gel, with profits returning to the team.
Beyond formal partnerships, we support grassroots queer organisations through sponsorships and donations whenever possible. We may be small, but we show up.
The Cost of Visibility: Challenges as a Queer Business
Being openly queer, political, and loud isn’t the easiest route in business. Prejudice still exists even in places that brand themselves as progressive.
A stark example was our attempt to secure a retail unit at Netil Market in London Fields. After months of unanswered emails and vague refusals, we asked a friend to apply using a neutral, non queer coded business name. They received a call almost immediately.
It became painfully clear that Unapologetic was being treated differently because of who we are. When we raised the issue, we were met with vague explanations and phrases like “age appropriateness” excuses that felt thin at best, discriminatory at worst.
Using “children” or “family values” as tools to silence queer presence is something we’re seeing globally. When commercial organisations act as moral gatekeepers, it sets a dangerous precedent.
That experience reminded us that visibility still comes with a cost but it also strengthened our resolve.
Advice for Aspiring Queer Founders Start!
Truly, just start. We need more brands speaking directly to our community.
Don’t wait for perfection or permission. Imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time.
Be original, even if people call your idea strange or risky. Many of the best ideas begin that way. And always remember the community that holds you up. Success means very little if you don’t give back.
The Future: Growth Without Dilution
We’re not chasing explosive growth or bending ourselves into shapes that please investors. We’re here to stay queer, creative, loud, and independent.
Growth matters only when it increases our ability to support our community. Our goal is global reach without losing our soul sustainability over scale for scale’s sake.
Where to Find Us
Unapologetic products are available in physical stores in: London • Los Angeles • New York • Berlin • Amsterdam with Paris and Lisbon coming soon.
Online, you’ll find us via platforms like Wolf & Badger but to explore our full range and support us directly, visit: www.unapologetic.london
A travel-lifestyle brand creating premium men’s travel bags and accessories. Every piece is designed for the Elegant Traveller, Smooth Commuter and Modern Explorer - balancing timeless style with intelligent and thoughtful functionality.
Their collection ranges from Weekend Bags and Backpacks to Laptop Bags, Sling Bags and daily Travel Accessories. Each item is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, smart organisation, spacious design and travel-optimised efficiency, ensuring men look sharp, stay organised and travel well. GNI Readers Promo code for 15% off their first order! Code: GNI15
Grey Merino Wool
Funnel Neck Zip Up Cardigan with Patch Elbows - Price: £149
Ireland meet
ordinary, National Museums NI offers celebration unforgettable. We were thrilled Wedding Venue of the Year at the GNI a finalist last year, seeing the Ulster and a joy. We are grateful that museums to celebrate their love, and we and welcoming to all.
Museum blends striking architecture with backdrop for your day. Exchange stunning photos among the collections, space that feels both modern and Evening on Thursday 26 February 2026
Folk Museum, Cultra Manor radiates features high ceilings, ornate interiors ceremonies or lavish receptions. The photo opportunities and unique church to a charming Picture House cottages, a cosy pub and a traditional sweet romance.
unique as the couple at its heart. humanist ceremony, a full reception, photographs, our dedicated team will extraordinary museum spaces – from grand
Love and history.
burrenmore nest...
is calling you to relax, unwind and appreciate nature in a whole new way!
If you’re looking for a serene getaway that feels like a cosy hug in the heart of nature, look no further than Burrenmore Nest. Our recent stay in the Swallow’s Nook was everything we hoped for and more, just a perfect escape from our busy lives and, of course, a little break from our two furry girls, Rita and Maisie. Although I have no doubt they’d fall in love with this place just as we did!
The moment we arrived, we were welcomed by Katy, who was as friendly and personable as she was knowledgeable about the retreat. We were immediately treated to delightfully Burrenmore Nest-branded chocolate discs that reminded me of the nostalgic taste of Caramac bars, along with a refreshing glass of prosecco to kick off our mini-holiday. Talk about a warm welcome!
The lodge itself is unlike any place I’ve stayed before. Picture floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding forest, paired with remotecontrolled blinds that seamlessly transform into a projector screen for your movie nights. Yes, you read that right! We spent a magical night watching Disney+ from the comfort of our king-size bed, surrounded by nothing but twinkling lights and the calming sounds of nature.
The highlight of our stay? The private hot tub! Tucked away under the lodge just before the woods, surrounded by warm gold lighting strips and whimsical twinkle lights that danced on the trees, it felt like we were in our own little fairy tale. We lounged in the bubbling waters, sipping ice-cold water (and a few cheeky glasses of wine) while letting the warm rain tap-dance on our heads. Pure bliss!
Amidst all this relaxation, we found ourselves sharing space with some rather charming peacocks. These beautiful birds roamed freely, adding a sprinkle of magic to our experience. I may or may not have enjoyed feeding them nuts to get them to move so I could sneak past them to the hot tub! Watching them gradually settle at the top of our stairs was quite the sight, definitely a memory to take home!
In the morning, we were treated to breakfast, which included the heavenly wheaten bannock freshly baked by Jonesy on the north coast. It was so good that we couldn’t resist bringing the leftovers home. Paired with some delightful coffee, it was the perfect way to kickstart our day of adventure.
Burrenmore Nest is nestled within the Downhill Demesne Forest Estate, making it an excellent base for exploring Ireland’s breathtaking coastline. It’s super easy to wander along nature trails that lead you into ancient forests and down to the sweeping sea views. Just a short drive away, there are iconic spots like Mussenden Temple and the Giant’s Causeway perfect for a day of exploring!
That said, Burrenmore Nest isn’t all outdoor adventures. The sauna hut, with its full window view of the trees, became my sanctuary. After a dip in
the hot tub, unwinding in the sauna was pure magic, allowing us to soak in the tranquility before getting ready for dinner at Eldon’s restaurant in nearby Portrush. On the way back, we couldn’t resist stopping for some late-night s’mores by the firepit. Though the weather challenged our plans a bit, we made the best of it. Just picture us huddled together, sharing stories under a sky scattered with stars and the smell of melting marshmallows wafting through the air.
One noteworthy aspect of Burrenmore Nest is its relaxed, pet-friendly philosophy. While our pups had to stay at home, I appreciated that select lodges welcome dogs, meaning future visits could involve our four-legged friends! This is a fantastic touch that opens the doors to guests looking to enjoy the serenity with their beloved pets.
For those who seek stillness and comfort, this adultsonly retreat is ideal. Each lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with nature, providing the ultimate sense of seclusion. Trust me, mornings here begin serenely, with birdsong as your alarm clock and evenings that end with the magical glow of the hot tub.
Burrenmore Nest is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that wraps you in calmness and relaxation. Their automatic entrance gates provided a comforting assurance that our vehicle was secure while we fully embraced our surroundings. It felt great to leave the chaos of the outside world behind those gates and cultivate a deeper connection with nature.
Our stay at Burrenmore Nest was incredible. From the luxe accommodations and attentive staff to the stunning nature views and charming local wildlife, it was an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to unwind in a private hot tub, explore the breathtaking North Coast, or simply revel in the stillness of the forest, Burrenmore Nest offers it all.
So, if you’re considering a getaway, grab your partner (and maybe your pets), pack your bags, and head to where calm awaits, and peacocks roam. Trust me when I say you’ll leave feeling renewed, relaxed, and already planning your next visit!
For bookings and more info visit: www.burrenmore-nest.com
• Hepatitis A and B and HPV vaccinations for at risk individuals
• Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEPSE) following sexual risk
• Pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
• Our Causeway Hospital Clinic also provides a Specialist HIV Service - offering rapid testing, ongoing care, counselling, peer support networks and treatment guidance from our friendly staff
Sexual Health Clinics
Causeway Hospital
BALLYMENA
Braid Valley Site
MAGHERAFELT
Mid Ulster Hospital
4 Newbridge Road
Causeway Hospital
BT52 1HS
4 Newbridge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1HS
Tel: 07384 820 826
Cushendall Road
Braid Valley Site
BT43 6HL
Cushendall Road
Ballymena
BT43 6HL
59 Hospital Road
Mid Ulster Hospital
BT45 5EX Magherafelt
59 Hospital Road
BT45 5EX
• E-mail: sexualhealth@northerntrust.hscni.net
Are dogs the queer alternative to children?
W WOOF!!!
e speak to two queer couples who have completed their family unit with a canine friend, accessorised by Haus of Hank.
By Emma Goodman
As more people accept LGBTQ+ families, Northern Ireland has seen a significant rise in adoption rates among samegender couples. In the 2023/24 period, 17% of adoptions were granted to same-sex couples. This is an increase from 12.5% in 2022/23 and just 6% in 2015/16. Although most adopters (74%) are still differentsex couples, the growing involvement of LGBTQ+ individuals in adoption shows a cultural shift. This change brings Northern Ireland’s adoption rates closer to those in other UK regions and highlights progress for LGBTQ+ rights and diverse family structures. The increase in same-sex adoptions comes from legal changes, community support, and new views on family. Since legalising same-sex adoption in 2013, many adoption agencies have started offering special support for LGBTQ+ individuals, making the process more welcoming for those wanting to expand their families. However, it’s important to note that current statistics mainly focus on same-sex couples and often overlook single LGBTQ+ people and different-gender couples. This changing situation raises the question: are dogs becoming the new sources of love and companionship for these families, acting as beloved alternatives to traditional parenthood?
Couple 1: Craig and Eoin
For a long time, my partner Eoin and I contemplated what our future family might look like. Like many same-sex couples, we knew that the path to parenthood could come with its own unique set of challenges. While that dream will always hold a special place in our hearts, we’ve learned that family doesn’t always follow a traditional route. Sometimes, it surprises you in the most unexpected ways, like with our sweet, fouryear-old pug, Leroy. Just three weeks ago, we welcomed him into our hearts and home, and from the moment he trotted through the door, everything began to change.
Leroy is pure joy packed into a fluffy little bundle. His energy and love are contagious, and he seamlessly slipped into our lives as if he had always been a part of our family. In such a short time, he has woven himself into our daily routines, from our morning walks to cosy cuddles on the sofa, and the bursts of laughter that come when he gets the zoomies. These small moments quietly transform a house into a real home.
Though Leroy may not fit the mould of a child in the traditional sense, he is indeed our family. He brings us purpose, structure, and an extraordinary level of unconditional love. As proud dog dads, we find immense joy in showering him with care and affection. This is where brands like Haus of Hank come into play, supporting an inclusive and progressive company that celebrates LGBT+ identities while crafting beautiful products for our furry friends.
Our family may not look like the vision we once held, but it is overflowing with happiness and love. In our hearts, it feels perfectly right. We wouldn’t change a thing about our wonderful life together.
Couple 2 Katie and Georgina
As an LGBTQ+ couple, Georgina and I have always embraced the understanding that our family might look a bit different from others. Right now, our family is comprised of four paws and an abundance of love. While we’re not in the stage of wanting children just yet, we haven’t closed the door on that possibility for the future. For now, Ralph is our beloved baby, and we couldn’t ask for more.
After a year and a half together and a lot of careful consideration due to my allergies, we made a spontaneous decision to visit a litter
of cockapoos—initially, just to look. That visit turned our world upside down, and before we knew it, Ralph was coming home with us. He has become our child, our closest friend, and a constant source of joy and laughter in our lives. Growing up with family dogs, we always dreamed of having one of our own to love and nurture, and Ralph has seamlessly fit into our little family. His name, inspired by Wreck-It Ralph, captures his spirited personality perfectly.
Our journey also led us to Emma, the founder of Haus of Hank, whom we met at an event when Ralph was still a tiny pup. Her vibrant personality and the exceptional quality of her products immediately drew us in. What began as a simple purchase of one harness quickly blossomed into a collection—matching collars and leads soon followed, and it turns out Ralph’s wardrobe rivals our own! Emma even went out of her way to create a custom Pride bandana for Ralph, wonderfully surprising us with a matching collar and rainbow lead, which he wears with pride for his mummas.
What we appreciate most about Haus of Hank is not just the beautiful products but Emma’s unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways. This dedication resonates deeply with us, which is why we proudly stand as loyal customers for life.
If you have a furry friend, make sure to check out the Haus of Hank Fashion Feature on the next pages for our very first fourlegged fashion feature.
www.hausofhank.co.uk
GNI exclusive discount code GNI20 for 20% off
Because your best friend deserves the best drip.
GNI exclusive discount
GNI20 for 20% off head to www.hausofhank.co.uk to use.
Model: Dottie the mini Poodle Wearing: XXS Haus Classic Harness & XS Classic Collar
Collection: Sit-Stay Squares Model: Nola the Cocker Spaniel Wearing: M Haus Classic Harness & S Classic Collar
Collection: Sit-Stay Squares Model: Dash the long-haired Dachshund Wearing: XS Haus Classic Harness & XS Classic Collar & bowtie
Collection: Golden Zookeeper
Model: Sebastian the St Bernese
Wearing L Control Harness, L classic collar, L Lead & Large Sailor Bow
Collection: Sit-Stay Squares
Models: Nola the Cocker Spaniel & Dottie the mini Poodle
Wearing: M Haus Classic Harness & S Classic Collar
XXS Haus Classic Harness & XS Classic Collar
Collection: Golden Zookeeper
Models: Nola the Cocker Spaniel & Marley the Cockapoo
Wearing: M Haus Classic Harness & M Sailor Bow M Control Harness & Sailor Bow
Collection: Golden Zookeeper
Model: Link the Husky
Wearing: L Control Harness & L Classic Collar
Collection: Wildflower Wander Model: Dash the long-haired Dachshund Wearing: XXS Haus Classic Harness
Collection: Sit-Stay Squares
Model: Sebastian the St Bernese
Wearing: L Sailor Bow
Paws up and listen close! Your furry bestie deserves more than ordinary, they deserve accessories that slay every walk, make tails wag harder, and serve looks everywhere you go.
Welcome to Haus of Hank, the Northern Irelandborn brand redefining pet style with heart, soul, and a whole lotta sass.
From adjustable harnesses, collars, leads, bandanas, sailor bows, and bowties, every piece is crafted for style + comfort + durability, no flimsy fashion here. Whether your pup is tiny, mighty, or extra-large, we’ve got gear that fits the vibe and the body.
BECAUSE YOUR BEST FRIEND DESERVES THE BEST DRIP.
HAUS OF HANK WHERE PET FASHION GETS REAL
Strut through spring in the dreamy Wildflower Wander collection, soft pastels that feel like sunshine on four paws. Or unleash big energy with the Golden Zookeeper range for dogs who rule the pack.
Born from a real-life love story and powered by passion, Haus of Hank isn’t just pet accessories, it’s community, confidence, and character in every stitch.
Shop online at www.hausofhank.co.uk and join thousands of stylish pups around the world sporting looks that woof louder than words. 20% OFF GNI exclusive discount GNI20
“Big, strong, beautiful bodies are designed for, just as intentionally as the smallest paws. Through considered product development and an engineeringled approach, I have created space for every shape and size within the Haus of Hank family.”
Eldon’s Bar & Restaurant at Elephant Rock Hotel
Succulent food in sophisticated Glamour!
Review by Gary Campion
If you’re seeking a culinary gem with classy vibes, check out Eldon’s Bar & Restaurant at the Elephant Rock Hotel in Portrush. This family-owned spot offers a warm and elegant dining experience with local charm.
The chic decor creates a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere, setting the stage for something special. The menu features a variety of dishes, blending traditional Irish fare with trendy tapas-style plates for sharing.
To kick things off, we ordered the beautifully presented starters. I opted for the Breaded Halloumi Fries coated in crispy Panko crust, paired with Levantine Hot Sauce. The moment I took my first bite, those fries were a symphony of crunch and creaminess, made even better with a side of sweet chilli sauce. Micky chose the Chicken Croquettes, and let me just say, they were pure perfection. Crispy on the outside with a luscious spinach puree and truffle mayo that just danced in your mouth. Instant cravings set in!
When it came to the mains, I couldn’t resist the Roast Chicken Breast, served on a bed of dreamy celeriac puree and accompanied by mouthwatering smoked bacon gnocchi. The chicken was unbelievably moist, striving for flavour perfection with every forkful. Micky went for the Irish Moiled Sirloin Steak, which was an absolute showstopper. Cooked to tender perfection, it melted in your mouth with a dark creamy pepper sauce that he’ll be raving about for weeks to come.
We decided to share some sides, and the crispy bang bang potatoes were nothing short of heavenly; each bite elicited a chorus of “wow!” and “yum!” And let’s not forget those hand-cut chips; they’re so good that they should be a restaurant requirement!
And then came dessert. I couldn’t resist the Chocolate Fondant with caramel sauce and white chocolate ice
cream. It was light, fluffy, and an absolute dream come true, like a little hug for my sweet tooth. Micky, not much of a dessert guy, opted for a Tanqueray Gin and FeverTree tonic to wrap up the meal; it was the perfect final touch.
What really stood out was the attentive service. The staff felt simultaneously professional and friendly, making us feel like regulars in no time.
Eldon’s offers more than just food; it’s an experience. Head Chef Mahmoud Soliman, with a background in both large and boutique hotels in Ireland, showcases his commitment to fresh, local ingredients in every dish. Don’t miss their charming afternoon tea, served Thursday to Saturday, featuring a delightful choux bun.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try their Ode to Violet cocktail. This delightful mixture is a nostalgic nod to Parma Violets, wrapped in a sophisticated package.
Elephant Rock Hotel offers stunning ocean views and a touch of glamour, making it an ideal spot for any dining experience. Whether you’re dropping by for a quick coffee or a grand meal, you’ll leave satisfied and smiling. What more could you want?
For booking and more info, visit: www. elephantrockhotel.co.uk
These protein bars are a game-changer for health-conscious snackers who value taste. Each bar has a luxuriously smooth texture and provides 18g of premium protein to fuel your day. With only 1.6g of sugar (the same as 3 Tic Tacs) and 178 calories, you can indulge without compromising your dietary and fitness goals.
The standout flavour among the team was Raspberry, delivering a fruity protein burst that tastes so good it should be bad! You can find these delicious bars at popular retailers like Centra and Supervalu, as well as gyms and cafés across Northern Ireland, ensuring they’re easily available for perfect on-thego snacking.
Enjoy a 10% discount on your first online purchase with our special readers’ discount code GNI10, valid until 31st December 2026.
Price: £2.89 per bar | Website: www.sweetrobyns.com
PRO TIPS
Floordrobe -Tried By Celebrity
Columnist Gary
Apply a thin layer first; build up coverage only where needed. oo much at once can lead to creasing and caking.
MILK Hydro Grip Gel Concealer - Tried By Celebrity Columnist Gary
Let’s talk about the Hydro Grip Gel Concealer from Milk Makeup—it’s a total game-changer! This clean, vegan, and cruelty-free gem has quickly become my go-to. I love that it delivers up to 12 hours of natural-looking coverage while also caring for my skin. The gel-tocream formula glides on effortlessly and leaves a beautiful, dewy finish that feels just like my skin, but better!
I used it recently to cover some pesky dark circles and a breakout, and I was seriously impressed. It covered everything beautifully without caking or feeling heavy. Pro tip: apply a thin layer first and pat it in with your ring finger for the best results—trust me, it makes all the difference!
HYDRO GRIP GEL CONCEALER
CLICK. COVER. CARE. 12HR WEAR.
If you’re looking for a concealer that hydrates while giving you that flawless finish, this is it. Grab yours for that perfect-looking skin every day, no matter the occasion.
RRP £26. Available at SPACE NK, Sephora, and Boots from 20th February 2026.
Tired of your clothes ending up in a chaotic heap on the floor or awkwardly draped over chairs? Enter the Floordrobe, the stylish solution your closet never knew it needed! This nifty organiser is a game-changer for anyone who, like me loves to keep their space neat while ensuring their fave outfits are just a grab away.
the smallest bedroom, making clutter a thing of the past.
Don’t rub in concealer like foundation—you’ll just wipe it away. Instead, pat it in with your ring finger for smooth, lasting coverage.
FAST FACTS
Made from chic acacia wood and sleek matte black steel, this not only keeps your half-worn clothes wrinkle-free but also adds a touch of modern flair to your room that I think even Peter, our interiors columnist would approve of. Imagine saying goodbye to those dreaded “can I wear this again?” moments! It’s compact design means it fits seamlessly into even
Click it up. Swipe it on. Hydro Grip Gel Concealer delivers up 12 hours of natural-looking coverage with a dose of skincare benefits every time you apply it. Its weightless gel-to-cream formula glides on and blends in a naturally dewy finish that looks and feels exactly like your leveled up. Its skincare-supercharged formula hydrates and for a refreshed, even-toned look. Use it all over to cover dark hyperpigmentation, redness, blemishes, and more.
For just £49.99, it’s a fun and functional upgrade that transforms your space and wardrobe; your outfits will thank you!
PACKED WITH SKINCARE
Available exclusively at www. floordrobe.co with free shipping when you order two or more.
Youth Peptide helps reduce the look of fine lines Triple-Powered
ONE/Size Beauty Primer and ‘Til Dawn Mattifying
Waterproof Setting Spray - Both Tried By Make-up Artist
Jo O’Neill
I’ve officially found my dream team of makeup products, and I can’t stop raving about them! First off, let’s talk about the primer that’s blown all the competition out of the water. This magical potion is lightweight and provides an instant blurring effect; it’s seriously like a real-life filter! The moment I apply it, my pores, fine lines, and imperfections seem to vanish, leaving me with a flawlessly smooth canvas that makes foundation glide on effortlessly.
There’s no sticky residue here; just a soft matte finish that feels comfy all day long. Plus, it’s packed with Niacinamide to help tackle shine and witch hazel to tighten those pesky pores. If you’re looking for serious blur and shine control, this primer is your new best friend!
Let’s seal the deal with a setting spray that’s just as impressive. This ultra-fine mist is a game-changer! It locks my makeup in place effortlessly, like a freeze frame for my face; once it’s set, nothing budges! It offers long-lasting hold with a true matte finish that keeps my look fresh and refined, even on those long, rainy days.
Infused with witch hazel and green tea extract, it not only controls shine but also delivers a subtle blurring effect. And the cherry on top? Both the primer and setting spray are vegan and cruelty-free, making them feel-good staples in my beauty routine. If you want makeup that stays put and looks fabulous all day, seriously, give this combo a try!
Available at Boots and Sephora from £18
DRT Bodywear - Tried by the Team
Upgrade your underwear game with DRT Bodywear! If your New Year’s resolution is all about making lasting changes, start from the inside out. Their collection offers essentials that blend plush textures with a sleek aesthetic.
First up, the Ribbed Cotton range offers a classic, masculine vibe with a modern twist, perfect for the structured fit we all crave. Feeling bold? Dive into the Ultra Soft Modal line, which comes in fun shades like vibrant oranges and greens, along with timeless black and white. It’s luxuriously silky, ideal for lounging or turning heads.
As spring approaches, the AirSoft Microfibre in pastel tones will keep you comfy with its “cloud soft” waistband.
We tried everything from sports briefs, trunks, thong and jockstraps, and let us tell you, style and comfort blend seamlessly across the entire range.
Individual styles from just £16 or mix and match 3 for £40 with free delivery on orders over £40. Your underwear drawer will thank you!
Available from www.DRTBodywear.com Instagram: @drtbodywear
Let’s Talk About Sex
Let’s talk about sex. There’s no better time than Sexual Health Week. As the only charity dedicated to supporting people living with HIV, we know just how important it is to talk. Because silence is where shame and stigma thrives, and when it comes to tackling HIV, this is a huge problem. HIV is shrouded in the most damaging combination of ignorance and judgment, and we’re on a mission to keep talking about it, to correct the narrative and to end new diagnoses altogether.
We live in a time of extraordinary medical progress and HIV treatment has completely transformed over recent years.
Here are the facts: HIV is preventable. It’s treatable. People on effective medication cannot pass it on through sexual activity. They live long and fulfilled lives.
What’s not accurate however, is a myth that HIV is just like any other STI, that you can just pop an antibiotic and carry on. HIV is a much, much bigger deal.
Left undetected and untreated, HIV can be life-threatening. It weakens your immune system so that you can’t fight off other bugs and illnesses and it can be passed on to others. You would think people would want to get tested to make sure this doesn’t happen. But then: stigma and shame. One of the biggest challenges in the drive to end HIV, is that the symptoms can initially look and feel like a lot of other viruses (like flu or covid). Once you’re over the initial infection, it can lay dormant for months or years before its more serious impacts are felt. Meanwhile, you may have had other sexual partners and completely unintentionally, you may have passed on the virus.
Each year around 100 people here are diagnosed with HIV. So here’s another fact we can be sure of: it is here in Northern Ireland and it’s getting transmitted, mostly through unprotected sexual activity. And these 100 people are a mix of men and women, gay, bi-sexual and straight. Some are in their 20s-30’s and some are aged 40+.
It’s an issue for everyone. And anyone who is sexually active with a new partner needs to know their HIV status.
There’s a very simple solution to end new diagnosis here: testing. Another staggering fact is that if every person who is sexually active took a test, we could wipe out HIV here.
Testing isn’t just the route to early detection, it would ensure that every single person who’s HIV positive can access the treatment that will not only save their life, but prevent onward transmission to others.
As the only charity dedicated to supporting people living with HIV in Northern Ireland (a population of over 1300 individuals, who are living healthy, fulfilled lives) we want to see an end to HIV. It’s deeply frustrating to all of us that more isn’t being done to detect it and wipe it out.
We’re talking to the decision-makers at Stormont about following the English and Scottish government decisions to roll out opt-out HIV testing in A&E departments. Their pilots have been so successful, it’s being extended to more and more areas.
This is an investment we believe would make huge strides towards ending HIV in Northern Ireland (as a reminder: affecting 100 new individuals every year). While we wait for them to see the sense in this, we’ll keep educating and letting people know why testing matters and why it’s important for all of us.
So this Sexual Health Week, please, let’s talk about HIV and get tested. Give us a call on 02890 249268 and come for a quick test in the privacy of our office in Belfast. You can also arrange a test at your local sexual health or GUM clinic. Or if you choose to use an online testing service like SH24, know that there are friendly local voices on the end of the phone at Positive Life, if you want to talk with us in complete confidence, before or after taking the test.
If you think you might have been exposed to HIV and you’ve tested negative, or you think you might be at risk in the future, find out more about PrEP, the HIV prevention drug. The most empowering thing you can do is to take responsibility for looking after yourself and your sexual health. Again, give us a call if you’d like to find out more about this in confidence.
And finally, if you’re affected by HIV, we want you to know that we get it. We know that stigma and silence can be, literally - and unbearably - a killer. It can be emotionally overwhelming and we know people struggle to know where to turn and who to trust. It’s really important to talk, to get support and treatment as soon as possible.
Please put your trust in Positive Life. We offer a safe space to talk, services to rebuild confidence, and a route to feeling supported to live well.
We won’t give up on talking about HIV until we’ve reached that target of zero new diagnoses by 2030. If you get the chance, do the same – share the facts. Knowledge is power. And there’s nothing sexier than someone who knows how to look after themself.
By Jacquie Richardson, CEO of
Being the Strong one: Don’t surpress vulnerability.
Therapist Explains the Emotional Toll of Always Being “the Strong One”
Why suppressing vulnerability can lead to burnout and isolation
Key Points:
• Mental health experts reveal the hidden costs of being the person everyone leans on
• Therapists explain who typically becomes “the strong one” and why strength can become an identity trap
• Clinical director warns that strength without support often leads to emotional collapse
With more than 1 billion people globally living with mental health conditions, individuals often find themselves becoming the person others turn to in times of crisis. Whether it’s a parent holding the family together, a manager supporting their team, or a friend who always shows up with advice, being “the strong one” often earns praise and respect. But this role can carry a
hidden emotional cost that accumulates over time.
When someone consistently suppresses their own needs to support others, they may experience isolation, burnout, and a reluctance to seek help when they need it most. Courtneyrose Chung, Clinical Director at My Denver Therapy, a mental health practice in Denver, Colorado, specializing in personalized, evidence-based counseling, sees this pattern regularly in her work with clients.
“People who are always the strong ones often don’t realize how much emotional weight they’re carrying until it becomes overwhelming,” Chung explains. Below, she outlines who typically falls into this role, the psychological toll it takes, and how to break the cycle without losing your sense of self.
Who Typically Becomes “The Strong One” Chung identifies three groups who most commonly take on this role, often without consciously choosing it.
Caregivers
People who care for aging parents, children with special needs, or chronically ill family members frequently become the emotional anchor for everyone around them. They manage medical appointments, coordinate support, and provide comfort, all while pushing their own fears and exhaustion aside.
“Caregivers often feel they don’t have permission to fall apart because so many people depend on them,” says Chung. “But that pressure to remain composed can prevent them from processing their own grief or stress.”
Leaders
Managers, team leads, and business owners frequently internalize the belief that showing doubt or vulnerability will undermine their authority. They become the person who absorbs workplace stress, mediates conflicts, and projects confidence even when they feel uncertain.
This dynamic extends beyond professional settings. In friend groups and families, there’s usually one person who naturally takes charge during difficult times by organizing support, making decisions, and reassuring others that everything will be okay.
Family Anchors
One person in a family tends to become the default emotional support system. They’re the sibling who answers late-night calls, the adult child who manages family drama, or the spouse who holds everything together during transitions. This role often develops in childhood, particularly for the oldest children or those who grew up in unstable environments.
Chung notes that strength frequently becomes an identity because it’s rewarded. “When people praise you for being resilient or unshakeable, it reinforces the idea that your value comes from never needing help,” she explains.
The Psychological Cost of Suppressing Vulnerability
According to Chung, consistently prioritizing others’ needs over your own creates several serious consequences.
Emotional Isolation
Relationships can become one-sided when you’re always the one offering support. Friends and family may not think to check in on you because you seem fine. Over time, this creates a profound sense of loneliness. You’re surrounded by people, yet no one truly knows what you’re going through.
“Many of my clients describe feeling like they’re performing strength rather than actually experiencing it,” Chung says. “They’ve become so good at hiding struggle that even close
relationships lack emotional intimacy.”
Burnout
Emotional resources aren’t infinite. Suppressing your own needs while managing others’ crises depletes your capacity for empathy, patience, and resilience. What often follows is exhaustion, irritability, and a sense of numbness that makes it difficult to engage with life beyond basic obligations.
Physical symptoms frequently accompany this emotional burnout, such as insomnia, headaches, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. The body eventually signals what the mind has been trying to ignore.
Delayed Help-Seeking
Perhaps the most damaging consequence is that people who pride themselves on being strong tend to wait far too long to ask for support. They minimize their own struggles, convince themselves they should be able to handle things alone, or feel guilty about burdening others.
“I see clients who’ve been struggling for years before they finally reach out,” Chung notes. “By that point, they’re experiencing panic attacks, depression, or complete emotional shutdown. Strength without support leads to collapse, not resilience.”
Learning to Receive Support Without Guilt
Chung stresses that moving away from this pattern means developing sustainable approaches to strength.
Reframing Vulnerability
People frequently equate asking for help with weakness, but Chung challenges this belief. “Vulnerability is a component of strength,” she explains. “Being honest about your limits and needs actually makes relationships stronger and more authentic.”
This reframing involves recognizing that needing support is human, rather than a personal failure. It means accepting that you can be both capable and struggling, both reliable and in need of help.
Healthy Dependence
Building reciprocal relationships requires practice, especially if you’ve spent years in the caregiver role. This might mean letting someone else plan the gathering, accepting a friend’s offer to talk through your stress, or telling your partner you need emotional support rather than trying to manage everything internally.
“Start small,” Chung advises. “You don’t have to transform overnight. Begin by simply being honest when someone asks how you’re doing. Share one struggle instead of defaulting to ‘I’m fine’. Let people see that you’re human too.”
She also recommends setting boundaries around your availability and being selective about which responsibilities you take on. Saying no makes you sustainable, not unreliable.
Credit - mydenvertherapy.com
glutes bum workout
Heated Rivalry Glutes: The Connor and Ilya Inspired Bum Workout
Fire up your glutes with this Heated Rivalry inspired bum workout using Fittle Box equipment delivering strength sculpting and serious at home fantasy fuel courtesy of PT Alex Crockford himself
With Heated Rivalry taking over our screens (and our dreams!), I just wanted to share a glute workout from Fittle.fit, inspired by Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie / Ilya Rozanov.
Created by PT Alex Crockford
• Elevated sumo deadlift 10 x 3 sets
• Bulgarian split squat 10 x 3 sets
• Goblet squat 10 x 3 sets
• Single leg RDL 10 x 3 sets
• Glute bridge 10 x 3 sets
• Band donkey kicks 15 x 3 sets
Creating stylish, high-quality fitness equipment that seamlessly integrates into your living space, Fittle is on a mission to make home gym dreams a reality for all. The brand’s flagship product, the Fittle Box, is an all-in-one weights bench housing everything you need for a gym-quality at-home strength workout. It contains up to 75kg of equipment, with loadable dumbbells, a barbell and weight collars for light and heavy workouts, as well as a mat and resistance bands that can both be used with the bench, all neatly housed within a sleek box that works perfectly as a coffee table or bench.
The customer feedback around this product has been incredible. They have a cult following on socials, 100% 5-star reviews, and the Fittle Box has sold out 8 times since launching! Fittle boxes can be found in selected Soho House guest rooms and a number of boutique hotels including Toad Hall Lodges. Fittle has previously been featured in GQ, Men’s Health, The Times, Sheerluxe, The Independent, and The Evening Standard.
Available online at Fittle.fit and at Selfridges, RRP £1095 or £46pm on Klarna.
Goblet squat Single leg RDL
Glute bridge Band donkey kick
Four seasons, Monaghan
Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan:
Season…
Weddings are a celebration of love, unity, and the start of an exciting new chapter. For couples planning to tie the knot, now is the perfect time to secure your dream wedding with an exclusive offer that makes your special day even more memorable.
With luxurious amenities, stunning surroundings, and personalised service, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, is the perfect choice for your dream wedding day! Located in the charming town of Monaghan, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club has been celebrating love and marriage since 1970. This prestigious four-star establishment is renowned for its exceptional service and luxurious amenities, making it the perfect venue for your dream wedding celebration. As a family-run hotel, they are dedicated to providing you and your guests with an unforgettable experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the charm of Monaghan and Ireland’s Ancient East.
The hotel allows the option to move in the night before your wedding with your wedding party. Granting you the opportunity to start your celebrations as soon as possible and create a sense of anticipation and excitement. The elegant Sakura Suite serves as the ideal backdrop for your ceremony, with its romantic pastel tones and opulent wall panelling. This versatile space allows you to infuse your own personal touches, making your special day truly unique and memorable.
To ensure a warm Irish welcome for your guests, they will be greeted in the private pre-reception Limewood
Suite with refreshing drinks and delectable snacks. They can then relax on plush crushed velvet sofas, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
When it’s time for your wedding feast, the talented chefs will prepare a mouthwatering meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This will be accompanied by fine wine and served in the beautifully refurbished Seasons Suite, which can accommodate parties of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations of up to 350 guests.
The hotel also boasts stunning grounds with mature and intimate gardens, providing picturesque locations for capturing your precious wedding moments. These gardens also offer the perfect opportunity to bask in the sun’s rays, should the weather be on your side!
To help prolong the celebrations, wedding couples will receive a discounted rate for a selection of comfortable guest rooms. As an added bonus, the wedding couple will also have complimentary access to the Superior Suite and two additional guest rooms. All accommodation includes full access to the award-winning Leisure Club and a wholesome full Irish breakfast.
Beyond the stunning aesthetics, the team takes care of the finer details, from exquisite menus crafted by top chefs to impeccable service from dedicated staff. Every aspect of the wedding is carefully coordinated and executed, leaving the couple and their loved ones to simply relax and enjoy the momentous occasion.
To make your wedding planning even sweeter, on offer is an exclusive 10% discount on all new wedding bookings for dates within the next 10-months. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start planning,
this is your sign to say ‘Yes!’ to a beautiful wedding. Because the hotel believes that every love story deserves a grand celebration, they want to make sure that you and your closest loved ones experience a truly unforgettable dining experience on your big day.
Priding themselves on offering exclusivity, ensuring that only one wedding per day is hosted. This means that your wedding will receive their full attention, care, and dedication, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment without distractions.
The team’s dedication and attention to detail have earned them a reputation as one of the leading wedding venues in the industry, with countless happy couples and their guests raving about their experience. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for creating unforgettable memories, the team continues to exceed expectations and set the standard for lavish weddings; Reflected by the awards accredited to the team and venue. Whether it’s a classic and elegant affair or a modern and chic celebration, the team will go above and beyond to make every couple’s dream wedding a reality. So, if you’re looking for a truly exceptional wedding experience, look no further than the iconic Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, and its dedicated team of professionals. They will not only meet but exceed your expectations, making your special day a truly unforgettable one.
Secure your wedding today and take advantage of these limited time offers available. Contact a member of the wedding team today on weddings@4seasonshotel.ie or +353 (0)47 81 888 to arrange your private or virtual viewing.
Visit the website today: www.4seasonshotel.ie
Love in Every
Hot Hits & Celeb Bits
Gary Campion
Welcome back...
a whole new year beckons us
Happy New Year, everyone! Can you believe we’re just a few weeks into 2026? The music and celebrity scene is already buzzing with excitement! I’ve already had some of my personal highlights: Olivia Dean’s rise is finally happening, I managed to snag tickets to see Charlie Puth, and I was blown away by Jessie Ware’s new single “I Could Get Used to This.” Did you see her breathtaking live performance on The Graham Norton Show? If not, don’t miss it on YouTube! Plus, we have her new album coming soon, such an exciting time for music lovers!
Let’s embrace this year together and promise to go to as many live gigs as possible in 2026, obviously I will be writing all about my gigs throughout the year!
Top 5 Brit Nominees: The movers and Shakers for this year’s awards, in my humble opinion!
Olivia Dean – Nice to Each Other: Yes, we really should be nicer to each other! Olivia is a go-to artist for when you are sad, happy, reflective, or depressed. She covers all the bases, and that is why she’s up for Pop Act of the Year!
Raye – Where’s My Husband: I have been humming this one since I had a press listen link; can she claim Song of the year 2026 to add to her 7 Brits collection? Given how long it has been at the top of the charts, I think she just might!
Sam Fender ft Olivia Dean – Rein Me in: It really has been a year for Olivia. This track just cements it: up for Song of the Year along with “Man I need,” as a double nomination in the category. It will be a tough call between her and Raye!
Self Esteem – Cheers To Me: I’ve been a fan for ages and even saw her live last year. She deserves more recognition! I’d love to see her win Artist of the Year, but the competition is tough. Cheers to you, Rebeccas Lucy Taylor, for this amazing bop!
The Last Dinner Party – This is the Killer Speaking: Having released their second album “From the Pyre” last year and completed a sell-out tour, my favourite theatrical, romantic female rock band stands a good chance of winning British Group.
New music...
Jessie Ware - Superboom
Mark your calendars! Jessie Ware is back with her sixth studio album, Superbloom! Dropping on 10th April! Following the success of That! Feels Good! This album promises creativity and authenticity. Jessie continues to collaborate with top artists while maintaining her unique sound. With her signature blend of glamour and deep emotional connection, Superbloom will take us on a journey of love and selfdiscovery—definitely a must-listen that will be on my Spotify Wrapped for years!
Only The Poets – And I’d Do It
Again - Out now!
If you’re looking for an album that beautifully captures the complex emotions of love and loss, check this album out! This vibrant collection resonates with today’s youth, blending nostalgic ‘90s R&B textures with modern pop influences.
The track “Monumental” immerses you in a rich soundscape, while frontman Tommy Longhurst shares relatable stories about jealousy and self-doubt following breakups. Another standout track, “Emotionally Hungover,” has an infectious hook that’s perfect for singing along at home or at a festival, embodying that hopeful longing we all experience.
What truly makes this album special is its authenticity. The band’s honest exploration of complex emotions creates a safe space for listeners and fosters camaraderie through relatable lyrics.
Listening to “You Hate That I’m in Love” feels like being part of an emotional secret society. If you haven’t done so already, give “And I’d Do It Again” a listen; it’s a captivating experience that will have you hitting that repeat button over and over.
Book Review:
Will Young - Be Yourself and Happier
Book: Will Young - Be Yourself and Happier: The Sunday Times Bestseller. New edition, updated with added content. Will, a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a three-time cover star, offers an insightful A-Z guide for understanding emotions and setting healthy boundaries. After a challenging period in 2011, he emerged with valuable wisdom, delivered with his signature humour and honesty. This edition offers practical techniques for embracing our vulnerabilities, making it a comforting read that encourages personal growth. Whether you want to rejuvenate your mindset or seek sage advice with sass, grab the updated copy, it’s essential for living authentically and vibrantly!
Jessie Ware – I Could Get Used to This: Anyone familiar with my column knows how I feel about Jessie’s releases, so this was an obvious number one on repeat!
Charlie Puth - Beat Yourself Up: This underrated artist has been praised by Taylor Swift and Matty Healy. I can’t wait to see him live in Dublin at the Iveagh Gardens this summer, as I have wanted to see him perform live for quite some time.
MEEK – Fabulous: I found this on Instagram, and the hook grabbed me. It’s her first official release, previewed at Ku Bar, a longstanding LGBTQ+ venue in London. Give it a listen!
Matt Cardle –Fading Lights: One of the best X Factor winners, known for his 4-octave vocal range, is back with the lead single from his fourth album, releasing on April 10, after focusing on the West End for a few years.
Baby Queen – I Hope You Don’t Remember Me: I’ve interviewed her and reviewed her album, an artist who is still developing her sound, profile, and fanbase. Go give her a listen to discover what she’s about!
PETER
There’s one moment that comes to mind every year when I think of Spring. No, it’s not Mini Eggs or Bunny Rabbits.. it’s Meryl Streep’s iconic line in The Devil Wears Prada, of course!
“Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking..”
I think as a design culture we now try to fight the urge to lean into Spring florals (i know i do) because, well, It’s a bit ‘cliche’. It feels like Miranda
Priestly is still reading us some 20 years later. In 2026, that’s about to change. 2026 will be the year - no mights or maybe’s -
way back into the interior forefront as we jump back in time, and with one word in mind. Individualism.
With minimalism and the neutral wave slowly losing its cool people are tired of pictureperfect, sterile homes and lives curated just for social media. The direction we’re seeing many interior trends go might well remind you of your beloved granny. People want to see lived in homes, homes with heart. I nodded to this in the last issue when it came to Christmas trends but coming into this new year people want to feel a sense of collectiveness in each other’s homes and to be honest I’m quite happy to go along with it. This year if we’re refreshing our homes we should try to use antique furniture and keep our eyes peeled for things like authentic Mahogany pieces, small scale floral prints or striped wallpaper, mismatched furniture sets, Murano glass lighting and small storytelling footstools. These all have one thing in common: they don’t have to impact the earth because great pieces already exist in the design world.
We all know things were just made differently “back in the day”, so I would encourage you all to go charity shopping, head to your local antique fair or at the very least hit up Marketplace. The easiest way to dip your toe into trends is by changing your bedding, or a cushion, or a lampshade, see if it’s feeling like a direction you want to go in.
Another huge message in design this year is that Browns are getting browner! We’ve seen this creeping in for a while. Shades were cautious at first with frothy cappuccino colours becoming a globally accepted staple, but moving forward we should take a risk and be bolder! Think rich chestnut tones and warmer darker chocolate’s. We’re all starting to come round to the idea of colour drenching and the 5th wall (feature walls are lonnng gone!) so to many it will feel like a refreshing lightbulb moment in decorating if they try this combination at home, a bold shade of brown in brave amounts. The new richer brown tones pair really well with textural accents that I’m loving right now: heavily veined Calacatta marble, both vintage and modern glass accents and burr wood
furniture pieces. If the whole ‘collector’ aesthetic isn’t your thing and you want something more stripped back and clean, these brown shades can still give that nod to vintage. Why not pair them with Pantone’s colour of the year ‘Cloud Dancer’. Who would have thought a shade of white would be top of the list?
Throughout my past columns I’ve taken you on the journey of filming ‘The Salvage Squad’ for Virgin Media One (Ireland) and by the time this issue is out, all the episodes of Season 2 will have aired.
The reaction to my playroom design on socials (Instagram@ TheWhiteHome) was huge! so a massive thank you to everyone who supported by watching! In this series I transformed bicycle wheels into ceiling lights, used a curtain pole to support a breakfast bar, staircase spindles to make a coffee table and a 1950/60’s rocking horse as another ceiling light! It was a crazy season filled with inspiration around sustainability, that there are great designs to be made without buying new all the time. That’s something I always try to encourage anyone reading this, if you haven’t already noticed haha.
I have another incredible project coming to light in 2026, a few weeks after this issue comes out and very frustratingly I can’t talk about it right now. It does bring us back to design and sustainable choices so I guess for now I’ll have to leave you with that cliffhanger and look forward to telling you all about it in the next issue.
Until then!
Peter
Follow me on insta - thewhitehouse
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
Finding my cast
The quiet joy of being outdoors
I’ve been fishing for most of my life. Long before it became a way to steady my head or reconnect with myself, it was simply what my family did. Some of my earliest memories are of standing on riverbanks with my two grandfathers, my dad, and my uncles, spinning rods propped up, flasks of tea passed around, conversations drifting as easily as the water beside us.
We travelled all over the island in search of good fishing, though at the time I didn’t think of it that way. I just knew I loved being outside. The fresh air, the quiet, the sense of being somewhere unbothered by the noise of everyday life. Fishing was the excuse, but the outdoors was the real draw.
As I got older, fishing faded into the background. Life filled up with work, relationships, and the usual pressures that come with adulthood. I still went occasionally, but it wasn’t central anymore. That changed about three years ago, when I decidedsomewhat on a whim - to try fly fishing.
I had no formal training and no close friends who fished. My grandfathers had aged and couldn’t easily join me clambering over fields and rocks to get to the rivers. I therefore taught myself the hard way, mostly by failing. My early attempts were clumsy and frustrating, the line tangling more often than it landed where I wanted. I watched endless YouTube videos, nearly all of them fronted by men, explaining techniques that didn’t always translate to my hands or my body. Eventually, through persistence and trial-and-error, I developed my own casting style. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked, and more importantly, it felt like mine.
What I was missing was a sense of community. Fishing can be solitary, but learning it entirely alone can feel isolating. Wanting to connect with other women anglers, I found Reel Women, an NI based female angling group that organises fly fishing meetups and introductory days. There was no pressure, no bravado, just women learning and fishing together.
I attended two of their days and had an absolute ball. Everyone was warm, encouraging, and generous with their knowledge. They helped me refine my cast and, more importantly, reassured me that there was no single “right” way to belong in angling. Most of the group fished stillwater, while my heart was
drifting steadily towards rivers, but the confidence I gained from those days stayed with me.
In October 2024, I attended the Irish Fly Fair at the Killyhevlin. While there, I struck up a conversation with a man involved in the CDAA fishing club. Through that chance meeting, I joined the club and began regularly fly fishing for trout. Suddenly, fly fishing wasn’t just something I dabbled in, it was a real part of my life.
And that’s when I noticed how deeply it was helping my mental health.
I’m lucky to have supportive friends and family, but fishing offers something unique. When I’m standing mid-river, waders planted, rod in hand, the world really slows down. The noise fades. All that’s left is the sound of water moving around my legs, the occasional rise of a fish, and the flash of kingfishers darting up and down the river.
Fishing demands presence. You can’t rush it. You can’t multitask. You can’t scroll. Even on days when I don’t catch anything, I come home feeling calmer and more grounded. There’s a quiet satisfaction in having spent a few hours properly there, engaged with something real and physical and alive.
Last season was my most successful yet. Beyond fishing in Antrim, I spent time on the rivers of Mayo, where I landed several lovely trout though the salmon, frustratingly, managed to evade me entirely. Over Christmas, I took up fly tying, which has quickly become its own obsession. This upcoming season, my goal is simple: catch a fish on one of my own hand-tied flies. It feels like the next step in a journey that keeps unfolding.
I always practise catch and release. For me, fishing is about respect for the fish, for the water, and for the ecosystems that make it all possible. Our rivers need care and protection if we want future generations to experience the same joy and peace they give us now.
I’m an openly gay woman, but fly fishing isn’t about making a statement for me. It’s about living my life fully and honestly. I think there’s something quietly powerful in simply being visible, in showing that queer people belong in outdoor spaces too, whether that’s on a riverbank, up a mountain, or knee-deep in cold water casting a line.
If you’ve ever felt like the outdoors wasn’t “for you,” I want you to know that it absolutely is. Fishing doesn’t care who you are or who you love. It asks only that you show up, pay attention, and treat the place with respect.
For me, fly fishing is therapy, challenge, joy, and stillness all rolled into one. It’s where I reconnect with myself and remember how good it feels to be outside, breathing deeply, doing something just for the love of it.
And if seeing someone like me out there helps even one person from our community feel welcome enough to give it a go, then that’s a cast worth making.
Deborah Boyle is a fly angler in her mid-30s based in Northern Ireland.
If you’d like to talk fishing or join her on the river, you can find her on Instagram at @dfboyle
By Deborah Boyle
BEHIND THE PASS Hospitality, Learning Disability and the Mental Health We
Don’t Talk About
From learning disability to life in a professional kitchen, this personal feature explores the realities of hospitality work, the pressures chefs face daily, and why mental health support, inclusion and self care must be taken seriously across the industry.
In my previous articles, I have mentioned that my full time job is in hospitality as a chef. I wanted to share more about my background, my experience in the industry, and how working in hospitality can affect your mental health in daily life.
I went to a special school and college because I needed extra support due to my learning disability. Hospitality was the only course I wanted to do in college. There were not many options available at the time, with only four courses on offer alongside essential skills like English and Mathematics. These included business administration, retail, warehouse work, and hospitality and catering.
I have now been working in hospitality for over fourteen years. I started at McDonald’s when I was sixteen years old, working weekends while still studying at college. While my friends were going out, going to the cinema or spending time in the park, I was earning money. I never expected to have a job at that age, but my mum encouraged me to work and earn my own living, something I am now grateful for.
At around nineteen, I began work experience at The Elk Inn in Dundonald. I was there three to four days a week, and after some time I was offered a part time weekend role as a kitchen porter. I stayed there for three years while also training as a chef. That was where I learned the basics and completed my Level 1 in Catering. From there, I moved around different kitchens across Belfast, developing my skills and eventually completing my Professional Cookery Level 2 qualification.
Working in hospitality with a learning disability has never been easy. I often need to ask the same question more than once until I fully understand a task and can complete it independently. I do not always get things right the first time and sometimes it takes a few attempts. I knew this career would be challenging, but I also knew that if I worked hard and stayed focused, it would pay off. It is always a learning curve for me, and while some people understand that, others do not. I am very fortunate to have had supportive colleagues and managers who have helped me along the way.
There were times in my career when I felt useless and not good enough. Mistakes happen, especially in fast paced, high pressure environments where demand is constant and staffing is tight. Being overworked can take a serious toll, and it is easy to blame yourself when things go wrong.
As a gay man working in hospitality, I have been incredibly lucky. Every place I have worked has welcomed and embraced me for who I am. I have never felt judged, and having supportive colleagues made a huge difference. Being able to be open about who I am made life in the industry easier and more enjoyable.
One of the hardest parts of hospitality is feeling unappreciated. Customers can complain about the smallest details on a plate or menu without considering the work behind it. That can be especially difficult when you are already dealing with personal challenges outside of work. Long hours are the norm, often between forty and sixty hours a week or more. We are on our feet all day, dealing with pressure, stress, anxiety and sometimes depression. Breaks can be limited, often only five to ten minutes, and sometimes none at all if service is busy.
The exhaustion and burnout are real. The pressure can be overwhelming, particularly when rest and recovery time is minimal. That is why looking after your mental health is so important in this industry. Checking in with your employer about your needs, managing workloads, taking breaks when possible and ensuring you take time off can make a huge difference. These steps help reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year in hospitality. During this period, it is vital to get
enough sleep, eat properly, drink plenty of water, avoid overworking yourself and ask for help when you need it.
We do not talk enough about how we feel. Too often we say, “I’m fine” or “It’s nothing,” when that is not the truth. Talking to senior staff or colleagues can help prevent issues from building up and affecting your wellbeing or relationships at work. Hospitality workers are very good at putting on a mask, agreeing to extra hours and taking on tasks they do not want to do because they do not want to let anyone down.
Mental health affects everyone in the industry, not just chefs. Waiters, bar staff, receptionists and kitchen porters all play vital roles. Without them, there is no team, and without teamwork, there is no successful service.
The reality is that we are all replaceable. No matter how hard you work, when you leave, someone else will take your place and the business will move on. That is why it is so important to protect yourself and your mental health. Do not let anyone take advantage of you. You only get one life.
Alcohol misuse is a common issue in hospitality, often used as a way to cope with stress, anxiety and workload pressure. In reality, it can make things worse, affecting sleep, mental health and overall wellbeing.
Banter can also go too far. What may seem like a joke can seriously affect someone who is already struggling. Words matter. Thoughtless comments can become a form of bullying and cause lasting damage.
To anyone with a learning disability working in hospitality, my advice is simple. Your disability is your ability. Take your time to learn. Ask questions. Ask for instructions to be repeated. Write things down. Practice at home. Use online resources like YouTube or Google to build confidence. If you need more time, ask for it. There is always room to grow, improve and succeed.
You are capable. You belong. And your mental health matters just as much as the work you do.
Jason Cancino Instagram - j.cancinomodeling
Photo Credit - lionel_mitchell_
DANNY
Get to know the person behind the chair
Hi, I’m Danny and if you’re new here, welcome.
I’m a self-employed hairdresser based in Belfast, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Hairdressing has been a huge part of my life for years now, and it’s never felt like “just a job” to me. It’s something I’m genuinely passionate about, and I put my heart into every single client that sits in my chair.
For me, it’s never just about cutting hair or putting colour on. It’s about making people feel good about themselves.
When you sit with me, you’re not rushed. You’re not just another appointment in my diary. You’re my focus for that time. I want you to feel comfortable, listened to, and confident that you’re in safe hands.
Before I do anything, I like to chat. I want to know what you actually want, what you like, what you don’t like, and how you live your life. There’s no point giving someone a high-maintenance style if they don’t have time for it. My job is to create something that suits you not just something that looks good on Instagram.
Over the years, my chair has become more than just a place to get your hair done. For a lot of people, it’s their safe space. We laugh, we talk about life, sometimes we rant, sometimes we sit quietly and that’s all part of it.
Some days I’m your stylist. Some days I’m your therapist. Some days I’m your biggest hype man.
I’ve always been someone people open up to, and I take that
compliment. It means people trust me, and that matters to me more than anything. I take my work seriously, but I never take myself too seriously.
I’m always learning, improving, and trying to get better at what I do. Trends change all the time, but good hair never goes out of style. Whether you want something natural, something bold, or a total change, I’ll always be honest with you about what will work and what won’t.
I won’t talk you into something that isn’t right for you. I won’t mess your hair about. And I won’t let you leave unhappy.
My clients mean everything to me. A lot of them have been with me for years now, and many of them feel more like friends than clients. I’ve been there for big moments in their life’s weddings, new jobs, breakups, fresh starts and it’s a privilege to be part of that.
Hair is often part of a new chapter, and I love being involved in that journey.
The best part of my job is seeing someone’s reaction when they look in the mirror.
That smile. That confidence. That little boost.
That’s what makes it all worth it.
Because when you feel good about your hair, you feel better about yourself. You walk differently. You carry yourself differently. You show up differently. And that’s
powerful.
Outside of work, I’m a proud dog dad to Bear and Roo, I love being around people, and I’m someone who’s always pushing myself to grow. I’ve got big goals, big dreams, and I’m working every day to reach them.
Hairdressing isn’t just what I do. It’s who I am.
So if you’re looking for a stylist who listens, who cares, who puts effort into every appointment, and who genuinely wants the best for you I’d love to welcome you into my chair.
Social media Instagramtheunderdogdm
Theunderdogdm@outlook.com
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
Five Streetfood Sensations Gourmet
Belfast has an abundance of fabulous Streetfood venues for those looking for a quick bite without compromising on quality. From food trucks and cafés, to sandwich bars and bar pop-ups, here are five of our favourites.
Pizza Napoletana, Writer’s Sq.
Back by popular demand, the “Panuozzo”, a fantastic hot Neapolitan sandwich, is available at the Pizza Napoletana food truck in Writer’s Square opposite St Anne’s Cathedral.
We called by to try out this viral folded pizza sandwich, and we absolutely loved it. The “Caprese” has melty buffalo mozzarella, beef tomatoes, pesto, rocket, basil, a sprinkling of pistachios, and a generous drizzle of balsamic. And there’s also a deliciously meaty “Mortadella” version.
Of course, Belfast Pizza Blogger’s authentic Neapolitan style pizzas are also available at the truck, from the traditional Margherita with tomato, garlic, fresh basil and olive oil, to the Pepperoni & Hot Honey or Dragon’s Tongue Garlic Bread, every slice is a taste sensation. Buon appetito!
Fowl Play East.
PIZZA NAPOLETANA, WRITERS SQ
As the East Belfast restaurant revival unabated, yet another brilliant addition opened its doors in January. Fowl Play has already taken Halt, Weaver’s Cross, by storm, so we were keen to try its renowned buttermilk fried chicken in its new Ballyhack location.
There are two separate food menus at Fowl Play; the regular list featuring Smalls, Chicken Sandwiches, Grilled Chicken, Sides and Desserts, and a separate menu for those who’d prefer a veggie or vegan option, with a meat-free alternative for almost every dish. There’s also a cool selection of wines, beers, cocktails and boozy shakes!
Perched at the bar (the perfect spot to enjoy the craic with the fantastic staff!) we sipped on a couple of Yuzu Marmalade Margaritas. Alongside our drinks, we ordered some Crispy Cauliflower Wings, with Alabama BBQ and Buffalo Ranch Sauces for dipping.
Next, the main event; “The Ho-Lee-Fook” was a spicy devil of a chicken burger with green chilli relish, shredduce, american cheese, pink onion, & laksa mayo, and the veggie version of “The Green Machine” had a meaty, crunchy pea protein
FOUL PLAY, EAST
STACKED GOURMET SANDWICH BAR, ANTRIM RD.
cheese, pickles, & garlic mayo.
All accompanied by Skin-On Fries with Happy Salt (which is utterly irresistible, by the way), and a hefty portion of Mac & Cheese with crispy shallots, Fowl Play served up a superb streetfood feast!.
Stacked Gourmet Sandwich Bar, Antrim Rd.
Having previously enjoyed a delicious deli lunch at Stacked Gourmet Sandwich Bar on the Glen Road, which has been a hit
with customers since opening in 2022, we were keen to try out its sister restaurant at Fortwilliam shops on the Antrim Road.
Stacked has a terrific reputation for fresh, hand-made, gourmet style sandwiches, using quality bread and a variety of fillings, and the team at Stacked go out of their way to ensure that every sandwich, wrap, burger or panini is the ultimate sandwich experience. It’s no surprise that Stacked recently won the Food To Go “Best Deli of the Year 2025” award.
FRANKY’S LASAGNERIA.
THE SPHINX, BELFAST.
There are also some quirkily branded canned drinks; we had the Banana and Strawberry Protein Drink, the Hazelnut & Kinder Iced Latte, and the “happy accident”, a Raspberry, White Chocolate, and Coconut Matcha!
Our lunch included the towering Zinger Burger, a spicy chicken fillet stacked with a golden hash brown, salad, and smooth garlic mayo, in a toasted bun: crunchy, zesty and spicy. We also had a Tuna & Cheese Melt Toasted Wrap with dressed salad, creamy coleslaw, and tortilla chips.
And the Homemade Chorizo Hash Browns with poached eggs and grated parmesan, was drizzled with bravas sauce and garlic aioli, and finished with fresh chives and crispy onions.
All accompanied by a bowl of hearty Cheesy Peppered Chips,
this was a filling and tasty lunchtime treat.
Franky’s Lasagneria.
In the iconic John Hewitt bar in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, there’s an opportunity to try some of the best Lasagne and Italian-style bites in town with Franky’s Lasagneria and Parm House.
Just grab a seat, order at the bar while you’re choosing one of the terrific Boundary Brewery Beers to enjoy with your grub, and the food will be delivered to your table.
The Primi include Crispy Lasagne Bites, and Carbonara Arancini, but we chose the Mozzarella Sticks: four oozy, cheesy, herb-crumbed delights drizzled with hot honey.
Our mains were simply stunning; Veggie Lasagne with a rich, tomatoey vegetarian ragu, creamy bechamel, & vibrant homemade pesto, topped with fresh basil, and a plant-based Eggplant Parm Sub with marinara sauce, vegan parmesan, and basil served with fries tossed in Italian herbs. Aubergine heaven!
During busy periods, the food may take a little longer to reach your table-but aren’t the best things in life worth the wait?
Franky’s Lasagneria and Parm House is also currently at Halt, Weaver’s Cross.
The Sphinx, Belfast
As judges in this year’s NI Food To Go Awards, we were delighted that the winner of “Best Kebab To Go 2025” went to The Sphinx on the Stranmillis Road in Belfast, which has been satisfying hungry customers with its incredible Kebabs for many years. The Sphinx has also been shortlisted for Best Kebab House in Northern Ireland at the British Kebab Awards, having already won this accolade several years running!
We tried the new Chicken Shawarma, and it was absolutely delicious, whether on bread, on chips (the “chippy” chips are terrific), or Gyros-style. And it tasted even better smothered in The Sphinx’s legendary kebab house sauce.
And of course, we were keen to check out what other options are available for people who might want a change from the traditional Kebab. From Tacos, Burritos and Fish Dishes, to Loaded Chips, Burgers and Chicken Wings, there’s plenty of choice, and the Falafel Kebab on chips was a tasty veggie
alternative.
With a fantastic reputation for quality takeaway food at affordable prices, it’s little wonder that The Sphinx remains such a firm favourite. affordable prices, it’s little wonder that The Sphinx remains such a firm favourite.
Follow @thegourmetboys.com website, also LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, & YouTube Email - hello@thegourmetboys.com If you have any restaurant recommendations send us a message & we’ll get right back to you.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
our personal travel expert Gavyn shares some travel tips & Advice FOR SUMMER 2026
W Tips & Advice
ith over 25 years in the travel and tour operations industry I thought it would be good to give some pointers to travellers new and old who are maybe just starting to book trips either alone, as couples or with friends and family.
Traditionally Northern Ireland would have booked through high street travel agents and even these have changed and had to adapt since I first worked in Thomas Cook Travel back in 1997. Northern Irelands High still has a good mix of travel agencies such as TUI, Hays Travel, Stewart Travel and more recently Barrhead Travel. If your looking a professional to search for something in your budget or have a more complicated travel plan then I would 100% suggest you use a travel agent because you can get independent advice and expertise and your not being charged for this advice. Travel Agents have access to many different rates and operators the general public don’t so wether its a Solo Holiday or even Honeymoon the agents want you to come in and book with them.
Booking via a Travel Agent means you also get the support of industry bodies such as ATOL, ABTA, and IATA all of which give travellers support when things go wrong such as cancellations or airline failure cover.
Tour operators such as Jet2. Holidays and TUI for example will be focused on selling own branded travel products and services first but they to have had to diversify as the competition between operators has hotted up over the years. You will now find you could maybe fly on Tui airlines but stay in Jet2 Holidays accommodation or vice versa. Personally I find that this allows more flexibility for the customer but does make it a little more complicated if something goes wrong.
Overall travel has become more and more expensive from the UK & Ireland over years yet it is often the one luxury that everyone really tries to budget for annually. If your pretty organised you can often book using low deposit scheme and then set up a payment plan with manageable monthly costs until the balance is paid. If the company your booking
with doesn’t offer payments split over months then look into booking on 0% interest credit card and then manage the payments over say 6-12 months yourself and make sure its paid off in full be for the term ends. You can also now for instance book using PayPal who offer payment plans or credit up to certain amounts.
I have changed how I book my own travel mainly due to my own confidence and finances. In 2026 I have booked a month long trip to Thailand and will be moving around from arrival into Bangkok, Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket and then back home from Bangkok. I have booked everything separately , flights, hotels, internal flights, transfers and visitor attractions. Personally I like to experience different brands, booking methods and build support for independent products and brands.
I choose to fly on the same airline I use often on this route which is Etihad Airlines from Dublin via Abu Dhabi into Bangkok. I have noticed that the price has gone up maybe 20% year on year but as a regular traveller with them I earn loyalty points as a member of the airlines Guest rewards scheme meaning I was able to secure the flight within my budget. As a Solo traveller I like departing Dublin as its much easier than Heathrow I know the terminal and also the airline lounge at Dublin is brilliant.
As a traveller with a hidden disability I would often book extra services like meet and greet and transfer etc with a guide especially if its to an area or destination I don’t know. For instance in Abu Dhabi you usually have a very short turn around between connecting flights and this can be a huge worry for solo or group travellers incase they are delayed and miss the connection. If you book the meet and greet assistance the first class Airline service kicks in and they will make sure you arrive on time for any connecting service to have any changes sorted for you should you be delayed.
This year I didn’t book directly with the airline and booked via an Irish online Airline platform called budgetair.ie whom I have used on and off over the years when travelling long-haul and would highly recommend them.
Accommodation providers like booking.com will often have deals such as buy at a lower rate if you pay upfront but you can also opt for a little more expensive booking and either pay when you arrive at hotel or have a fully refundable rate if you are totally not happy but still want something to be booked with the flexibility to change closer to the departure date.
I tend to sign up to all airline and hotel rewards schemes first and foremost for the potential discounts and benefits they offer when booking and when in destination. This time around have booked most of my hotels with the IHG group of hotels which offer everything from cheap brands like Holiday Inn Express to luxury like Intercontinental.
As regular traveller I often look for hotels within this
hotel chain and compare the price directly via its app and then hotel booking sites like Expedia or hotels. com. If you book directly with the chain you might be offered free breakfast, room upgrades and or if your a rewards member will get points which you could use for free nights or reduced nights. I have over 70000 points at moment with IHG which means I could really get maybe 2 weeks stay for nothing but points at its lower chain hotels,
I will be staying in a few of this chains hotels and will be using a mix of free nights and paid nights and then changing to different local Thai hotel chains as they are cheaper and often in a more suitable location for my own needs.
I guess what you have to think about is whats more important you about the holiday itself ie is it the quality of the product or company you book with ie its well reviewed or is it simply the price. Regardless do your research because what suits one person may not be for another person.
One thing which has become a huge issue over the past few years is that British Passport holders now have a lot more restrictions travelling in and around Europe and the 90 day rule can cause issues if your a regular traveller. Its best to always check as as new online visa details can be done prior to departure taking any stress away. If you where like me born in Northern Ireland we are lucky to apply for both the UK and Irish passport and currently the Irish passport offers the full freedom and borderless travel in Europe compared to the issues the British one has been having since leaving the European Union.
So many travellers have been caught out recently by not taking travel insurance only finding out in the end the huge cost medical care can be if something goes wrong when your overseas. Travel insurance is always and additional cost on top of holidays and I get the holiday itself might have already put you out of pocket but your health is wealth and travel insurance comes in many different formats so search around for the one which best suits your needs from the likes of money supermarket.com or even holiday extras.
Travel doesn’t mean you have take flight , train or ferry somewhere though and Ireland offers a fantastic array of tourism and hospitality services. Why not challenge yourself and do something different like a summer trip down the Wild Atlantic Way this summer or head off up to the stunning North Coast offering some of the best beaches in the world.
Regardless what you have planned or not I will be trying my best to share my experience of destinations or travel products and services with you. If you have a destination you would like to know more about or want me to discuss a topic around travel then contact the magazine and I will do my best to cover it in an upcoming issue.
Happy travels in 2026 see you again soon.
PAUL
Learning to hold joy.
For much of my life, I didn’t realise how deeply depressed I was.
I functioned. I achieved. I cared. I showed up.
But underneath it all, there was a long-standing dullness; a shutdown that had been there for as long as I could remember. The “joy” I thought I felt over the years was often constructed in my mind: shaped by expectations of how I was meant to feel in family, school, and relationships. A version of happiness designed around fitting in, being acceptable, being safe.
It wasn’t the same as being alive.
When I finally admitted to myself that I lived with chronic depression, something softened rather than collapsed. That honesty gave my nervous system permission to stop pretending. Over time, I developed capacity to feel what had long been suppressed; grief, sadness, anger, pain. I could enter the depths of my inner world and let what had been frozen begin to move.
I believed that was the work.
What I didn’t realise was that I would also need to develop capacity for joy.
Every emotion is a frequency From a nervous system perspective, emotions aren’t just psychological states; they are frequencies of energy moving through the body. Grief has a charge. Anger has a charge. Fear has a charge. But so do joy, bliss, excitement, and ecstasy.
When someone has lived in shutdown, suppression, or depression for a long time, the nervous system adapts. Constriction becomes safety. Muting becomes regulation. This isn’t failure, it’s intelligence.
So when real joy finally arrives, not surface positivity, not performance happiness, but true aliveness; the system can be flooded. Not because joy is dangerous, but because the body hasn’t yet learned how to hold that much life. When life-force breaks through
Recently, I experienced something that cracked me open. I felt fully heard, accepted, and recognised, not just as a queer person, but for my work, my thinking, and my passions by academics. Something in my system ignited.
What followed wasn’t a thought like this is nice. It was a fullbody surge of life-force.
I was jumping around, screaming with joy. I genuinely wanted to take my clothes off and run down the street. My body felt taken over by bliss and aliveness, and I’ll be honest, part of me felt scared. A real question arose: am I going manic?
The aftermath was intense: exhaustion, anger, pain, overstimulation. It took me two days to realise what had happened. I had done what I’ve done my whole life, contained my life-force. And I didn’t yet have the capacity to regulate that level of aliveness without crashing.
But instead of seeing this as a problem, I saw it as clarity. Capacity is the work
Healing isn’t about staying elevated or chasing highs. It’s about building capacity, the ability to let emotions rise and fall without overwhelm or collapse.
That includes joy.
This experience showed me that I’m not just healing pain anymore, I’m ready to fully live. And that excites me. My work now is not to suppress aliveness, but to grow the nervous system capacity to hold it safely and sustainably. How we grow capacity for joy and life-force
Capacity doesn’t grow through force or intensity. It grows through conditions of safety, support, and gentle expansion. Some of the most important elements are:
1. The right environment Nervous systems expand in places where they feel safe. These might be spaces that are queer-affirming, creative, embodied, or simply quieter and slower. Environments that don’t demand performance allow the body to soften and open.
2. Supportive, attuned people Being around people who genuinely see you, respect your boundaries, and celebrate your aliveness matters. Co-regulation, feeling safe in the presence of others, is one of the fastest ways to grow capacity.
3. Gradual expansion, not shock Joy doesn’t need to be explosive to be real. Letting yourself feel small pulses of pleasure, excitement, or pride, and then letting them settle, teaches the nervous system that aliveness is survivable.
4. Allowing expression to complete Movement, sound, laughter, tears, creativity, these are not indulgent. They help the nervous system complete emotional cycles so energy doesn’t get trapped.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian
Then I had to contain it quickly. I was going out with friends and needed to become socially appropriate. The energy didn’t get to complete.
5. Stepping gently outside your comfort zone That thing you’ve always wanted to do but held back from; the class, the trip, the conversation, the visibility, often carries life-force. Done with support and pacing, these steps expand capacity rather than overwhelm it.
Rethinking “too much”
This has also opened a deeper question for me.
When someone has lived in prolonged depression and their system suddenly surges with energy, clarity, and creativity, could some states labelled “mania” reflect a nervous system that hasn’t yet learned how to regulate life-force?
This isn’t a denial of diagnosis or care. It’s an invitation to widen our lens, especially in queer communities where aliveness has historically been policed or pathologised.
Queer joy has often been framed as excessive or risky. But perhaps the real risk lies in never allowing ourselves to feel fully alive.
Choosing aliveness
I’m no longer interested in surviving quietly.
I’m interested in growing the capacity to hold grief and bliss, pain and pleasure, depth and aliveness. This feels like the next stage of healing, not fixing what’s broken, but expanding what’s possible.
For queer people especially, learning to hold joy isn’t frivolous. It’s an act of reclamation.
Sub’s mission: miles fallon wants to be your good boy
Miles Fallon may be new to studio productions, but his journey to the world of adult entertainment has been anything but conventional. Hailing from smalltown New Jersey, Fallon evolved from a theater kid to a high school jock, excelling in wrestling and track—sports that not only sculpted his physique but also awakened his exhibitionist streak. A passionate explorer of his own desires, his first same-sex experience with a fellow wrestler ignited a path of self-discovery that eventually led him to content creation on OnlyFans. Now, he takes his career to the next level, making his KinkMen debut in Bound Gods’ latest high-intensity BDSM film, My Good Little F*ckmeat, starring alongside Christian Wilde. We caught up with Fallon from his home in Philadelphia to talk about his leap into the world of professional kink.
Can you take us back to the moment you first realized you had a passion for kink?
I was 20, and I met this tall, muscular law student through Instagram. One day, he messaged me about having a rough day and said I should come over to help him “get his aggression out.” At the time, I had no idea what that meant. But the second I walked through his front door, he picked me up, carried me to his bed, tossed me in the air, spit on my face and slapped me. I was shocked— but also wildly turned on. Then he pulled me in close and whispered, “You’re my good boy.” The rush I felt in that moment was electrifying, and that was when I knew I wanted to explore the world of kink further.
Kink often plays with power dynamics. What role feels most natural to you?
I feel most at home as a sub—it’s where I naturally thrive. But in my personal life, I do enjoy switching things up now and then with the right partner. Playing the Dom role on occasion adds a new layer
of excitement.
Could you see yourself in a relationship with someone who isn’t as adventurous in bed?
Absolutely! Chemistry is everything. Even the most “vanilla” encounters can be incredibly intense if the connection is right. Kink is important to me, but I don’t see it as a strict requirement in a relationship—it’s about finding someone whose energy complements mine.
Is kink more about the psychological aspect or the physical sensation?
For me, it’s almost entirely psychological. My biggest source of pleasure is feeling like I’ve done a good job for my Dom and receiving praise for it. Pain can be enjoyable—I have a high tolerance—but even when something starts to hurt, the motivation to keep going comes from wanting to be the “good boy” who can take it.
This month, you make your Bound Gods debut alongside Christian Wild—what was that experience like?
I couldn’t have asked for a better scene partner. Not only was it my Bound Gods debut, but it was also my first studio shoot ever. Christian had such a calm, confident presence on set, and that instantly put me at ease. I’m a fast learner, and he was patient and steady as a Dom. At one point, I turned to him and asked if I should be doing anything differently. He just smiled and said, “No— just listen, enjoy, and do what comes naturally.” That advice stuck with me.
Is there anything in the kink world that you absolutely won’t do?
I once fisted a guy while he coached me through it. It was incredibly hot—both intimate and casual at the same time. But while I enjoyed the experience
as a giver, it’s not something I feel the need to explore on the receiving end.
What are the must-have toys for someone interested in exploring BDSM?
I’m still learning and discovering new things in the BDSM world, but one thing I swear by is leather— it’s a must-have. The look, the feel, the scent—it adds so much to the experience. And if there’s one underrated item every beginner should have, it’s bed straps. Always be prepared!
Now that you’ve made your Bound Gods debut, what’s next on your kink bucket list?
I have two big fantasies I’d love to bring to life. First, filming a public scene with a live audience watching—and maybe even participating. There’s something incredibly thrilling about that level of exposure. Second, playing the sub role in a consensual non-consent scene. The psychological aspect of power dynamics fascinates me, and I think that would be an incredible challenge to explore.
Do you feel the gay BDSM industry is evolving in its representation and inclusivity?
Definitely. People are becoming more open-minded and willing to explore new things at their own pace. I’d love to see that continue—more inclusivity, more representation, and more encouragement for people to embrace what excites them.
