South Place Hotel - the coolest hotel in the City of London?

Glasgow - the world's friendliest city?

For my latest episode, I was in the Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city, to find out what make it so special. I chatted to Billy Garrett, Director for Culture, Tourismand Events at Glasgow Life, Lorna Graham (pictured above) who led the team at Glasgow City Council organising the recent 850th anniversary celebrations and Marcelo Rodrigues, Managing Director from wealth management company TrinityBridge. Thanks to Avanti West Coast trains and Hilton Hotels for their help in making this podcast. If you have a positive news story that you’d like me tocover in a future podcast, please leave a comment below.

South Place Hotel - the coolest hotel in the City of London?

With its own art gallery and an artist in residence, South Place Hotel is possibly the coolest place to stay in the City of London. It's also brilliantly placed, being right next to Liverpool Street station and the state-of-the-art Elizabeth line. I popped in recently and chatted to Head of PR and Marketing Suzie Holland and General Manager Dean Culpan (pictured) about what makes it so special. Booking into South Place Hotel is quick and easy – but don’t hang around as rooms go fast! Just go to www.SouthPlaceHotel.com to book a memorable stay. If you have a positive news story that you'd like me to cover in a future episode of "Out and About With Vincent Burke", just message me.

Visiting Britain's oldest brewery

I recently visited the lovely medieval town of Faversham in Kent to visit Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery. I had a great chat with Rose Davis, their Head of Brands, about the secrets of the company's many years of success, their current work and future plans. I also went on a fascinating brewery tour with guide Aubrey Burden.

Taking a ride in a Chatty Cabin

I recently took a ride in a Chatty Cabin and chatted to people from other parts of London and the world! The Chatty Cabin is a week-long scheme run by Transport for London and the Marmalade Trust to encourage people to talk more to each other in London. I got a free ride in one of the IFS Cloud cable cars between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks and the chance to talk to people living, working and visiting London. Look out for future 'Chatty Cabin' weeks on www. tfl.gov.uk.

Thai Square's recipe for success

In my latest episode of 'Out and About With Vincent Burke', I speak to Haim Danous, Managing Director of the highly successful restaurant chain, Thai Square. They were recently voted among the top 100 restaurants in the world and the best Asian restaurant in Europe. Thai Square are also about to open their 11th restaurant in the London area, with the opening of a new branch in Bayswater, very near to Hyde Park. During my chat with Haim, he explained how he got into the hospitality sector, the key ingredients in Thai Square's success and his wide range of business interests - including his recent move into the music industry!