Alison Brinkworth

The Scotsman • 22nd February 2025

I tried steam iron making me rethink the worst house chore

Review of the Polti La Vaporella XT120C steam generated iron

The Star • 25th September 2024

5 top nail polish colours set to be big this Autumn/ Winter(contains affiliate link)

The must-have nail colours for the Autumn, Winter and Christmas season have been revealed by a top beauty insider.

National World • 3rd September 2024

I'm a wild swimmer and these products really impressed me (contains affiliate links)

As a wild swimmer I tried out dry robe, waterproof bags, earphones, coffee travel mugs and other swimming accessories and found the best item I’ve reviewed all year.

National World • 19th July 2024

Joyful summer festival near Birmingham should be on everyone's bucket list

‘This is the ultimate woo-woo festival’ jokes comedian and ex-doctor Adam Kay as he recounts scenes from his This Is Going To Hurt bestseller in the middle of a forest - and he’s got a point. Also Festival at Park Farm Estate has managed to remain lesser known and therefore retain its spacious, laid-back atmosphere.

Birmingham Live • 8th June 2024

I tried cafe in 'most desirable place' but couldn't get over thing

Pretty Ombersley may be a tiny village but it's charm has made it one of the most sought-after commuter spots in the Midlands. Just as eye-catching as the white and black timber framed properties along Main Street is the rather regal looking Checketts cafe.

Birmingham Live • 28th May 2024

I tried new afternoon tea and it's what cheese lovers have been waiting for

Afternoon tea has long been a mainly sweet-toothed affair but one of the UK's top restaurants has finally answered cheese lovers' dreams. Here's a first look at Brockencote Hall Hotel's new two-course afternoon tea at the 3AA Rosette Chaddesley Restaurant

Birmingham Live • 26th May 2024

Native first look as Great British Menu chef launches at Michelin star site

BBC Great British Menu contestant Ivan Tisdall-Downes has been lauded as one of the most exciting new chefs in London but has chosen rural Worcestershire over the capital. Here's a first look as acclaimed Native restaurant opened this week.

Birmingham Live • 18th May 2024

I tried millionaire's row pub near airport and it was a posh cliché

If I had an inkling it may be posh before I arrived, I was left in no doubt as I pulled into the large car park.

Birmingham Live • 22nd March 2024

I compared Birds Eye Fish Fingers with supermarket versions and one was better

A fishfinger sandwich is one of my guilty pleasures for a quick and easy dinner after a long day at work.

Birmingham Live • 17th March 2024

Village behind Superdry millionaire that's so charming 'no-one ever leaves'

Tracing Superdry and Bench millionaire James Holder's roots back to a tiny village on Birmingham outskirts

Birmingham Live • 2nd March 2024

'Perfect intimate' Summer music festival with wild swimming and moon yoga back

ALSO Festival offers "perfect intimate" vibe sees wild swimming, laughter therapy and moon yoga amid glorious Warwickshire countryside.

Birmingham Live • 2nd March 2024

I tried James Martin’s Sunday roast and Yorkshire pudding wasn't the best thing

ITV Saturday chef James Martin may be a proud Yorkshireman boasting about his Sunday roast Yorkshire puddings, but that wasn't what turned my head at his newest restaurant in the Cotswolds.

Birmingham Live • 25th February 2024

'World's best beach' that's a £31 flight from Birmingham Airport

A top beach with "golden sands and sparkling blue waters" has been named best in the world and is less than a three hour direct flight from Birmingham Airport.

Birmingham Live • 11th February 2024

Most tranquil destination in the world is a four hour flight away

The 'most tranquil' holiday destination in the world has been revealed and is just a four hour flight from Birmingham Airport.

Birmingham Live • 27th January 2024

New restaurant bar with big names from culinary world and its 'Fizz Thursdays'

A new Midland restaurant and bar has opened offering special deals from Fizz Thursdays to Steak Frites at lunchtime. It's got a well known team behind it of head chef Marek Jani from Meriden's Strawberry Bank Hotel and former Birmingham NEC Group and Lovely Pubs manager Mark Lee.

Birmingham Live • 13th January 2024

I tried new National Trust restaurant and they've made a big error

I went during a busy, rainy day during the school holidays a few weeks' ago when the place was heaving with families and realised the Trust had made a major error.

Birmingham Live • 11th January 2024

Saltburn style 'party house' where you can frolic naked at River Severn mansion

A house like Saltburn in the Amazon Prime movie on Birmingham outskirts is offering film fans the chance to recreate their favourite moments.

Birmingham Live • 31st December 2023

I found quirky railway cafe with community spirit like no other

A charming village on Birmingham outskirts is so quaint that it looks like something from a model train set.

Birmingham Live • 23rd December 2023

UK's best pub where chef James Martin and celebrity pals hang out

TV chef James Martin has picked an ideal village to live and film his Saturday morning cookery show as it's just steps from a country pub named Britain's best.

Birmingham Live • 21st December 2023

I found best supermarkets for last-minute turkey, pigs in blankets and trimmings

Christmas food shopping can get stressful with just days left to sort a turkey and all the trimmings for the big family dinner.