Fionn Downhill

Food & Travel: Where every bite tells a story!

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The AirBnb from Hell! Airbnb Disaster in London

My Airbnb Disaster in London I am a frequent user of Airbnb all over the world and I have seen “Airbnb's worst-ever stories” all over the internet.  I have had a few issues but nothing significant or that would put me off using Airbnb.    Overall, I have had some great experiences but unfortunately due to their 15% booking fee I now look elsewhere when I am booking more expensive trips, it is simply too much.  But...

John Soanes Museum London

On a rainy afternoon in London, we visited the John Soanes Museum at 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3B. We took the tube to Tottenham Court Road and walked to the museum. I am not exactly an expert on architecture, so I was unsure if I would enjoy it. Surprisingly, I found it interesting and learned he had designed the first Bank of England building. Sadly, most of his original work has been demolished now. The museum consists of three...

Green Motion Car Rental – London City Airport  AVOID AT ALL COSTS

This report relates to my experience at Green Motion London City Airport I  rented a vehicle at London City Airport on the 11th of June for two days.  We rented from Expedia for what we thought was a bargain at $69, paid for with our Chase Sapphire credit card which provides excellent car rental insurance. However, our $69 bargain turned into a whopping $1800 due to the rental company's billing practices for minor or existing...

Chelsea Flower Show – Bloomin Marvelous!

Anybody who knows me well knows how much I love flowers. In addition to my love of fresh flowers, I have so many items of clothing, bedding, household linens, table linens, etc. adorned with flowers. A trip to the Chelsea Flower Show has been on my bucket list for a very long time. When I lived in London 30 years ago, I could never really afford it. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show was formally known as the Great Spring Show. The RHS (Royal...

Downton Abbey Tea Party

Now that we have covered the basics, here is how to do your own Downton Abbey Tea Party.  Dine like the Dowager with elegance and style. When I watched Downtown Abbey I had serious tea set envy. Let’s start with six people. Royal Dalton tea set Table supplies 6 cups and saucers 6 small teaspoons.  Place one spoon on each saucer. Milk and sugar bowl – I prefer whole-fat milk for tea. It is a much creamier taste six sandwich plates...

Great British Baking Show Signature Chocolate Cake

I was recently asked to bake a chocolate cake for our friends birthday. I got the idea to make the GBBS signature choclate cake. I used a vanilla sponge as I did not want to overlaod on the chocolate. Not a problem for me the more chocolate the better. However, not everybody likes the intense chocolate cake ( I do not know what is wrong with them!) I used butter cream frosting and even if I say so myself I think I nailed it . The cake was a...

Lusty Beg Island – Ireland’s Best Kept Secret

Lusty Beg Island – Ireland’s Best Kept Secret We visited Ireland in 2023, and I wanted to find a place of peace and quiet after a turbulent year in my life. I asked around, and the Island of Lusty Beg in Fermanagh was recommended. After doing some research, I decided to book a three-night stay with my daughter. Lusty Beg is a small island in Kesh, County Fermanagh Northern Island. Lusty Beg is Irish for “little lodge.” Getting There...

Irish Style Shepherds Pie

Have you ever wondered how to make an authentic Shepherd’s pie?  Now is your chance to delight your family with this heartwarming comfort food.  The secret is in the sauces.  You can freeze leftovers (that is if there are any!).   If you want to make a larger batch and freeze a portion for another day it is best to leave the potato off and freeze the meat sauce by itself then defrost and add the mashed potato on day...

Doohoma Ireland – A place I call home

Growing up in Doohoma Nestled on the North West Coast of Ireland is a little village called Doohoma in County Mayo and the place I call home.  This peninsula is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and some of the most incredible natural beauty on the West coast of Ireland.  There are very few spots that do not have breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding hills. Cows with the best view around I grew up in this village in the...

Visiting Dublin Ireland

"In Dublin's fair city where the girls are so pretty, I first laid my eyes on sweet Molly Malone. She wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow, singing cockles and mussels, alive a live O." Visiting Dublin Ireland is a must for your travel bucket list. I lived in Dublin for 8 years in my late teens and early twenties.  I had a lot of fun and it is truly a fun city.  I love to go back and visit the old haunts and have very much...