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Four of the best cheeses for Christmas, as recommended by the cheesemonger celebrating its 225th birthdayAs legendary cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield celebrates its 225th birthday, its experts name four of their best-selling cheeses of all time — while Emma Hughes goes behind the scenes and discovers why this remarkable business has stood the test of time.
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5 drinks to try if you're bored of Pimm'sSwap your lukewarm party pitcher for one of these Continental aperitifs, says Emma Hughes.
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The British dishes that conquered the menus of the worldBritish food has often been the butt of jokes, but the reach — and popularity — of our island's food is more global than you might think.
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How to make perfect porridgePorridge is as simple a dish as there is, yet there are dozens of ways to take it from good to great — or, as Goldilocks would have it, from a little too much of this or that to just right. Emma Hughes investigates the dish and speaks to three chefs to get their tips for perfect porridge.
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Crossbreed dogs: 15 of the best non-pedigree chums, from schnoodle to whoodleThe crossbreed is no longer considered an accident and dog owners are going crazy for these new versions. Emma Hughes sorts the schnoodle from the whoodle.
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26 miles of wine and cheese: The madness of the Marathon du Medoc, the world’s daftest (and booziest) running raceIt’s been dubbed ‘the world’s most idiotic marathon’: a 26-mile run through vineyards, fuelled by wine and cheese. Emma Hughes finds out if she has the stomach for the legendary Marathon du Médoc.
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Bedlington terriers: The looks of a lamb with the temperament of a terrierBedlingtons may be mild-mannered and sensitive, but keep an eye on them when they're off the lead...
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Sealyham terriers: The dogs that are small, friendly, full of character and great for familiesWe meet the courageous and cheerful Sealyham terrier, one of our rarest native breeds of dog.
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Glen of Imaal terriers: Wilful, adorable and sadly extremely vulnerableThey’re one of our most vulnerable native breeds – but what Glen of Imaal terriers lack in numbers, they make up for in personality, discovers Emma Hughes.
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The return of the milkman: Does this time-honoured tradition still have a place in the 21st century?Good for farmers and good for the planet, the milk round is back with a 21st-century twist, discovers Emma Hughes.
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The Oxford don who turned his hand to making English rum: ‘It’s like drinking liquid Christmas pudding’Ten years ago an Oxbridge scientist turned his considerable brainpower to distilling proper Caribbean rum in the heart of Cambridgeshire. Emma Hughes tells his story.
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Dog-friendly London: Where to eat, shop and stay with your four-legged friendPlanning a trip to the capital, but don’t want to leave the most important member of the family at home? Emma Hughes pulls together the ultimate Country Life guide to dog-friendly London. Illustrations by Sholto Walker.
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Tibetan terriers: Friend to the famous, lovably lively and perhaps the Kennel Club's best-kept secretThey have a starry following, but characterful Tibetan terriers are still a well-kept secret. Emma Hughes meets the best dog of which you’ve never heard. Photographs by Sarah Farnsworth.
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How to cook The Prince of Wales’ favourite dish: Pheasant Crumble PieSee how to make the Prince of Wales's favourite dish, pheasant crumble pie, as demonstrated by John Williams, executive chef at The Ritz in London.
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The most haunted houses that you can visit in England and WalesGhosts and country houses go together like strawberries and cream. We name some of the country's best known haunted houses that you can actually visit.
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Country getaways for gourmetsYou'll find great food and wine right across the British countryside. Emma Hughes offers her pick of the best gastropubs, restaurants and hotels.
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The secret history of ice cream from Marco Polo to the Queen of Ices, a 'proto-Nigella in a pinny'Ice cream is the subject of a new exhibition at the British Museum of Food. Emma Hughes went along to have a look – and, of course, a taste. It would have been rude not to.
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Florence: The destination for an art loverEmma Hughes visits the Tuscan capital.
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Swimming with your dog: ‘Like a cross between an Olympic diving final and the closing scene of Grease’Swimming with your dog – yes, really – is here. And it can do you both a power of good, says Emma Hughes.
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The five golden rules of wearing a hat to a weddingIf you've a wedding or two (or three) coming up this year, Emma Hughes steps forward with advice for an essential of a lady's wardrobe: the hat.
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The butter connoisseurs who are spreading joyIf you're spending £3 on a top-notch loaf of bread, you don't want to spread any old stuff on it. Emma Hughes meets one of the new breed of butter entrepreneurs whose fine wares are earning recognition across the country.
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Designing your own engagement ring – the dos and the don'tsDesigning a bespoke engagement ring for the love of your life is a daunting prospect. Luckily, there’s expert help at hand, says Emma Hughes.
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Britain's best chocolate? Here are eight of the best hand-made, small-batch chocolate bars you can buyOnce a cottage industry, small-batch British chocolate is booming. Emma Hughes unwraps eight of the best small-batch bars.
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How the Suffragettes won the battle for the vote – and paved the way for universal suffrage in BritainIt's 100 years this week since women in Britain first won the right to vote. Emma Hughes picks out the key steps which led to the success of the Suffrage movement.
