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What family means to… @jamie_windust

How do you define your family?

For me family is something that is a state of mind and an energy, rather than a blood line or something pre-determined. Some of the best people in my life who I would call family are not blood related, but provide me with growth, kindness and the opportunity to feel whole everyday.

What makes a family?

Trust and honesty make a family. Like all relationships, having a foundation of honesty, kindness, truth and openness is integral. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy, but you know when you have your family around you (blood or otherwise) when you can be all of those things comfortably, When you can know their needs whilst still making sure your needs are met.

Tell us a memory you have about your family that makes you feel good.

I definitely am grateful to my blood family for learning publicly with me. I am grateful for their ability to be there in moments where I need their support, but also for moments of celebration. It was really full circle and lovely to have my family at Graduation in 2018 and to essentially have them see me off into the real world, it was really gorgeous.

How did your family help get you through tough times?

Often my family know more about me than even I know. Almost like the tide, they can sense when I am not being honest and for me and for so many, 2020 was a year of strife and pain and I am eternally grateful that both relative and chosen family were there for me as I experienced an incredibly turbulent year. Just by listening, and lending an ear, and letting me know that despite distance, we weren’t alone.

When was the last time you managed to get away with your family?

I really miss family holidays, and we have a family holiday booked for next spring and it’s going to be so interesting to get back into that dynamic now me and my siblings are adults. We went for an explore of my home town in London in July and it was so nice to just explore parts of my own town I never knew existed whilst being able to reconnect with family I’ve not seen in months.

 

Follow Jamie on Instagram @jamie_windust.

What family means to… @shaunamcgregor

With restrictions lifting, many people are getting the chance to reunite with their loved ones again. This July, we’ve been contemplating the different meanings of family and how it varies from person to person. No family looks the same, and we think that’s something to celebrate. We caught up with some of our favourite local cultural figures and asked them what family means to them.

Shauna is a lifestyle blogger and dog mum from Glasgow, working in PR. She runs an Instagram account where she shares her outfits as well as posting about the renovation of her 120 year old terrace house. Describing her sense of style as laidback, Shauna’s feed is a feast for fans of earthy tones and clean, minimal interiors. Here’s what family means to Shauna.

How do you define your family?

Family are those around me that make me feel safe. I especially love when you don’t have to say anything, you can simply enjoy the presence of one another.

What makes a family?

Ronnie, my little two year old dachshund, really is the glue that holds my little family together. She’s a ray of light during dark times, a furry shoulder to cry on and truly warms my soul.

Shauna McGregor

Tell us a memory you have about your family that makes you feel good.

Some of my best memories are on holiday with Ronnie. We can’t bear to be without her and always take her with us when we can. I love how well she adapts to new surroundings; she’s been side stage at music festivals, on the tube in London and stayed in some pretty amazing places. She’s a bit of a pampered princess and requires the VIP treatment wherever she goes but as long as she has a comfy bed, she’s happy.

How did your family help get you through tough times?

Everyone has their fair share of ups and downs, but knowing that they will always be there to get you through it and have your back, really means the world. Dogs can definitely tell when you’re upset, and Ronnie cuddles are the perfect remedy.

When is the last time you managed to get together with your family?

Most recently, we visited Drimsynie Estate in Lochgoilhead, around an hour and a half drive from Glasgow. It’s so peaceful and scenic and really allows you to switch off, relax and take in the fresh air. It’s a real home away from home.

 

Follow Shauna on Instagram @shaunamcgregor.

What family means to… @sarah.jayney

How do you define your family?

My family consists of my wife Gina, daughter Nancy and cat Eric, they are everything to me. I also class some of my closest friends as family too. Our own little support network, we look out for each other and we are a great team.

What makes a family?

A family doesn’t have to be something you were born into, you can choose your own family, your friends or partner are the family you chose, your very own squad that have your back and that make you feel safe. There’s a mutual unspoken trust. It’s a special bond, some friends just cross the line into family.

Tell us a memory you have about your family that makes you feel good.

This is easy… Marrying my gorgeous wife Gina Breeze in Las Vegas surrounded by 30 of our incredible friends and family. The sun shone, we laughed, we cried, we danced, we drank champagne, we gambled in our wedding dresses & stayed up until the sun was rising. I will never forget that day and night, the absolute time of our life.

How did your family help get you through tough times?

Gina and I faced very tough times going through multiple IVF rounds over 3 and a half years. Our chosen family (closest friends) were fantastic, small gestures, just being there for us, words of encouragement, hugs, food parcels, letting us know how loved we are, sometimes it’s the small things that count. If any of them are reading this they know who they are.

When is the last time you managed to get away with your family?

Gina and I were lucky enough to get away Summer 2020 to Greece, just the two of us, it was fabulous. It was extremely relaxing and great for us to spend some quality time together before the birth of our Daughter Nancy the following Summer.

 

Follow Sarah on Instagram @sarah.jayney.

The UK’s best street food

Don’t miss the…

…rib meat roll by The Rib Man, who’s legendary in these parts. You’ll love these tender, shredded baby back ribs, piled high on soft white rolls and sloshed with Holy F*** hot sauce. He sells out fast, so get there early.

Find it at…

Ely’s Yard, E1 6QR
Saturday 11am – 5.30pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm

Glasgow

One of Scotland’s best loved markets has taken up permanent residence near Finnieston and it’s unmissable. It’s £5 to enter The Dockyard Social, but don’t be put off – the entry fee keeps standards high and you’ll definitely make the most of it. They switch up their food traders every two weeks, so there’s always something new to try.

Don’t miss the…

…fried chicken katsu ramen at Taiko Ramen. Twelve hour bone broth, crisp vegetables, pickled ginger and boneless strips of juicy chicken – bread-crumbed, fried to perfection and piled high.

Find it at…

95 Haugh Road, G3 8TX
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm to 10.30pm

Edinburgh

The street food movement is thriving in Edinburgh, with well established markets and plucky new pop-ups appearing all over the city. Our go-to is Waverley Market @ Platform 2, with its dozens of brilliant food and drink vendors that transform the station every Friday.

Don’t miss the…

…honeycomb crispy slice at Mimi’s Bakehouse. We’re not quite sure what alchemy the team at Mimi’s employs to get this level of deliciousness into one baked good, but we do know that it’s not for sharing.

Find it at…

Edinburgh Waverley, EH1 1BB
Fridays, 11am to 7pm

Manchester

Locals and tourists alike love the street food culture of Manchester, which is deliciously scattered across the city. Our favourite, though, is Mackie Mayor. It’s a gorgeous Grade II listed building with ten exceptional eateries under its brand new glass roof, with everything from Taiwanese bao to some of the finest pizza in town.

Don’t miss the…

…mutton ragu from Tender Cow. It’s served with the crispiest hash brown you’ve ever had, topped with green chilli pesto and two fried eggs. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.

Find it at…

Eagle Street, Northern Quarter, M4 5BU
Tuesday to Friday 11am – 10pm, Saturday 9am – 10pm and Sunday 9am – 6pm

Book a taster’s tour of the UK

The best bike rides in the UK

Rent

 

The locals call them Boris Bikes, but look out for Santander Cycles, the official city bike hire scheme. You can pick up a ride almost anywhere and pay for hire at the bike rack or online.

Ride

If you’re looking for the best bike rides in London, you’re spoilt for choice. One of our favourites is an easy 90 minute spin round some of the sights, suitable for all fitness levels. It starts in London Bridge, taking in the Victoria Embankment, Horseguards Parade Ground, London Eye, Big Ben and the Tower of London before finishing up back where you started, not far from Native Bankside.

Refuel

You’ll start and finish right near Borough Market, so take your pick from sizzling paella, an old-fashioned fry-up or a baguette stuffed with roast pork, to name but a few options.

Glasgow

Rent

NextBike is Glasgow’s own city bike share scheme and you can find your nearest bike, book it and pay, all on the app.

Ride

For a leisurely 90 minute pootle by the river, start at the beautiful church of St Enoch and ride along the gorgeous Clyde Cycleway. You’ll pass Glasgow Green, old bridges and all kinds of riverside flora and fauna. You’ll end up back at the church, just a short ride from Native Glasgow.

Refuel

Right near the church you’ll find neighbourhood favourite Hootenanny. These days they’re serving up lush burgers from Patty Cake and crisp pizzas from Romans – perfect for carbo-loading before or even after your ride.

Edinburgh

Rent

It’s delightfully easy to get riding with Edinburgh Cycle Hire, with everything you need in their handy app.

Ride

Holyrood Park is a must-visit for anyone new to Edinburgh and cycling is a wonderful way to see this Royal Park unlike any other.

The Holyrood Park Road entrance is near the Commonwealth Pool, the Pollock Halls and the start of the Innocent Railway, if you fancy a detour. The path follows the road round, passing Dynamic Earth, the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyrood House. It ends by St. Margaret’s Loch, near Duke’s Walk, unless you’ve got the stamina for powering on up to Arthur’s Seat for the views.

Refuel

Right near the end of your trail is Baba Rista, where you can get coffee and pastries to replenish your energy, and take some fresh Italian bread, pizza or pasta back to your apartment.

Manchester

Rent

All-round bike-lover’s haven Manchester Bike Hire has a great range of city bikes to rent for three or more days, including electric ones.

Ride

A half hour spin through the city takes you to Daisy Nook, which Lowry himself loved and painted. It’s a country park that runs through the Medlock Valley and very popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders. There’s a great path to take you to Hartshead Pike for the stunning views (it’s particularly beautiful at sunset), and on a clear day you can even see Snowdonia.

Refuel

The family run Daisy Nook Country Park Café is the perfect pit stop for coffee, cake and a chat with the regulars.

Book your Tour de Native

Safe staycations in London

Time to shine

It takes more than a lockdown to dull the capital’s shine, and there’s been a quiet buzz rumbling under the surface of the city as bars, restaurants, theatres and parks plan their big comebacks. As a result, there are plenty of things to do in London in May.

 

If you’re staying in…Hyde Park

Hyde Park London
enjoy the sunshine in Hyde Park.

At Native Hyde Park, you’re just minutes away from one of the most beautiful green spaces in the UK. There’s nowhere in London more perfect for a thoroughly Covid-safe reunion with friends, a riverside picnic by the Serpentine or just a day exploring the Rose Garden, Italian Gardens and the Dell, with its exquisite waterfall. There are plenty of cafés and quaint little vans to pick up food, coffee and ice cream, and the rest of Central London is right outside the park walls.

Book Native Hyde Park.

Native Hyde Park

 

If you’re staying in…Mayfair

Long, leisurely strolls down Mayfair’s wide avenues are the perfect way to dust off the cobwebs of lockdown. We’ll be heading straight for Shepherd Market, a hidden gem of a village square, tucked away between Piccadilly and Curzon Street. It’s full of little boutiques, restaurants and charming Victorian pubs, so it’s the perfect spot to pitch up and people-watch.

Book Native Mayfair.

Native Mayfair

If you’re staying in…Bankside

There’s something deeply refreshing about being by the water, so staying at Native Bankside, just a few minutes from the Thames, is an irresistible proposition. We know how hard the lockdown has hit our local drinking spots, eateries and food producers, so it’s tempting to eat three meals a day at Borough Market. Twenty of Borough’s best restaurants and bars are serving their wares al fresco, and the market stalls are open for business, so snap up a table and don’t count the calories.

Book Native Bankside.

Native Bankside

If you’re staying in…Fulham

Fulham’s pretty, artsy countryside vibe is perfect at this time of year and the beautiful Fulham Palace is a must-visit if you’re looking for fresh-aired fun. The museum and rooms are closed for a little while longer, but the expansive grounds, the botanical garden and walled garden are all open, as is (most importantly) the café. Book a tour, talk or trail or just rock up and spend the day.

Book Native Fulham.

 

If you’re staying in…the City

Leadenhall Market

Online shopping is so 2020. It’s time to browse. To compare. To ponder. And there’s nowhere better to re-learn the art of shopping than one of London’s many, many outdoor markets. When the City gets quiet at the weekend, walk over to Brick Lane and revel in the bustle, with street food, arts and crafts, vintage treasures and clothes all vying for your attention amidst the legendary curry houses and bagel shops.

Book Native Bank, Native Fenchurch Street, Native Tower Hill, Native Cannon Street or Native City.