Ella Buchan

Get starry-eyed at a space-themed sculpture trail, see family films alfresco in Newcastle or go cheese-tasting in Wales

Ireland’s heritage spirit has a history stretching back to the sixth century and is part of the island’s culture – but it isn’t whiskey. Ella Buchan meets the people passionate about putting poitín back in its rightful place.

Newcastle’s drinking scene is world famous thanks to a mix of party hotspots and old-school pubs, some of which date back to the 16th century. Dotted along the city’s medieval streets, by the banks of the River Tyne and in its vibrant neighbourhoods, however, is a growing number of independent bars and restaurants with world-class wine lists.

Gin production is booming across Eire and Northern Ireland. Ella Buchan investigates this juniper revolution.

How seaweed is bringing surprising flavours to beer and helping sustainability efforts, too

New Orleans’ beguiling blend of culture, nightlife and history makes it an ideal year-round tourist destination

In Buenos Aires, the cuisine owes as much to the city's Italian immigrants as it does to an urge to pile up ingredients with gleeful abandon. Expect everything from super-stuffed pizzas to egg-topped escalopes, all with a distinctly local twist.

Get a taste of six of the best foodie destinations immortalised by literary greats from Hemingway to Austen

Thanks for the shrub, says Ella Buchan, who argues these “drinking vinegars” are the perfect soft drink

Just off Highway 101, in Paso Robles, California, a band of maverick winemakers, distillers and chefs have created a corrugated-tin paradise for gastronomes and oenophiles.

A small but growing bunch of brewers is experimenting with bringing blooms into beers, finds Ella Buchan