Food & Beverage

Having the right tools makes it significantly easier and safer to carve a pumpkin. Many garden centres and supermarkets sell dedicated pumpkin carving kits in the weeks leading up to Halloween. These typically include a small saw-edged carving tool with a rounded tip, a scoop and a poker. They're far safer than using kitchen knives, which can be sharp and harder to control. If you have young children who are excited and wriggly, it's worth having a brief conversation before the tools come out. Explain what's about to happen, who will be doing which jobs and – crucially – that the sharp tools belong to the grown-ups.

Mindful eating forms part of an intuitive eating programme, which is a broader approach to self care. Intuitive eating encourages rejection of fad diets and social pressures in favour of listening to the body's needs. Unlike dieting, mindful eating and intuitive eating do not focus on eliminating certain foods.

Make the most of the season's fresh ingredients with these tasty French recipes for autumn – from cosy soups to roasted veg, casseroles, crumbles and more.

The issue of how to dress for dining out in France is largely a matter of common sense. It’s far more important in French dining etiquette to use proper table manners and be respectful to staff, but do follow this rough guide:   Dress formally in suits, ties and dresses at high-end eateries. Reserve smart casual for bistros and brasseries; that encompasses blazers, fitted jeans or chinos, collared shirts or polo shirts, and leather shoes or dressy trainers. Unless you're dining near a beach, don’t go to a restaurant wearing flip-flops, shorts or skimpy tops.

Chefs, nutritionists and even fishmongers suggest tried and tested ways of introducing children to the flavours and textures of seafood. Here's a quick survey of the main recommendations:   Start mild: Ideally baked or steamed for a first test on younger eaters, mild white fish like cod, pollock, haddock and sole tend to be nice and soft, with a light and slightly sweet taste that usually goes down well.   Mix it up: Rather than starting with a full fillet, try shredding or chopping that white fish into pre-approved kid-friendly dishes like pastas or stir-fried noodles. Fish tacos with fruity salsas can also be perfect for this purpose.   Coatings and coverings: You can disguise the "fishiness" that some kids find off-putting by offering dips and sauces on the side (mayo and ketchup are reliable favourites), or melting cheese over the top. Little helpers: It's true that many kids simply don't like the look of fish, but some can be convinced to try it if you involve them in the cutting, boning, prepping and cooking.

As fresh as spring, this gazpacho (cold soup) dish will impress your guests with its rich green colour.  Lightly blanch sweet seasonal peas, then blend with cucumber, olive oil, a little garlic and a good handful of mint, along with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Just before serving, top with a spoonful of crab ceviche, which is a simple mixture of crab meat, salt, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Among the many markets in Goa, Panjim Market stands out because it serves locals first and visitors second. Unlike tourist markets that are focused on souvenirs, this market centres on daily shopping.   You’ll see vendors who have traded here for decades selling fresh fish caught that morning, along with seasonal fruit, pickles, spices, and household essentials. For visitors, even a short walk through the market offers insight into local ingredients, routines, and how Goan cooking is shaped by what produce is available each day.

Best coffee shop for: Filter coffee devotees Address: 17, Saechang-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul How to get there: Gongdeok Station (Lines 5, 6), exit 10   Fritz is located in a converted old Hanok tile-roof house featuring a mix of vintage furniture and modern finishings. At Fritz, they take their coffee seriously which is demonstrated by their weekly coffee tasting sessions and choice of metal and paper filters for hand drips. They are as well known for their homemade croissants as they are for their coffee.

New Zealand’s cultured capital has built up a worldly food scene. Here’s where to eat and drink in Wellington at all hours of the day.

The best coffee in Wellington, and the best cafes are quite often one and the same. But with kids in tow, the sit-and-sip route rarely wins. Grab your morning cup and enjoy it on the move instead.

Find casual family restaurants in Dubai for buffet breakfasts, sharing plates, kids’ favourites, play areas, and relaxed meals with children.

Cooking holidays put authentic culinary adventures at the centre of a healthy getaway, allowing everyone in the family to savour a healthy, memorable trip.

Read about the best markets in Paris for gourmet produce or antique bargains in the French capital, with Novotel's ultimate market guide.

Stay at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, a family-friendly Cairns resort with the city’s only swim-up bar, lagoon pool, and easy Esplanade access.

Novotel has devised healthy buffet eating to help guests perform at their best. Buffets are an adaptable dining option for both corporate and family guests – and here are six reasons why! Whether it’s a quick breakfast or a late-night bite, buffets offer flexibility to fit busy work schedules. Hungry children can access their food virtually instantly, so they won’t get restless or fractious. Kids are notoriously picky eaters. The choice on a buffet ensures they’ll find something they enjoy. The casual vibe of a buffet removes the need for formal dining etiquette, so families will relax and business travellers can network. You can choose your own portion sizes and dietary preferences. Buffets offer a budget-friendly set price for all-you-can-eat feasts.

Here are three ways sustainable eating benefits you and also makes a positive impact.

Waking up to your first morning in France? There's an art to ordering the traditional French breakfast, so here's a handy primer.

Discover the delicious flavours of Perth's best fish and chips with this list of the top 7 places to visit.

These are the best brunch and breakfast spots in Cairns, from lush hotel buffets to kid-friendly cafes, world class roasters, and waterfront toasties.

Abu Dhabi loves families and loves to eat. Find the best places to eat, from perfect pizza to crazy shakes (with a few sneaky healthy options, too!) .

Searching for the best breakfast and brunch spots in Kuala Lumpur? From hawker stalls to trendy cafes, this guide will lead you to all the must-try spots.

Christmas markets in Alsace are a feast of lights, traditions and seasonal cheer – make them part of your perfect winter escape with Novotel.

From sushi trains to arcade games, beach bliss to baby butter chicken, here are ten of Perth’s best family-friendly restaurants.

Here’s what and where to eat in Cairo for a truly flavourful trip. Get ready. There’s an Arabic proverb that says eyes eat first – and here, they’ll feast.

Planning a holiday in Sriracha, Thailand? This guide covers all the best things to do in Sriracha, as well as tips on when to visit and where to stay.

Looking for the best brunch in Dubai? This guide has got you covered with types of brunch experiences, popular brunch spots, and insider tips.

A complete guide to visiting Seoul's Gwangjang Market, featuring the best Korean street foods to try to where to try them.

Wondering what to eat in Little India, Singapore? This local's guide will lead you to the best foods stalls, restaurants, and sweet shops in town.

Eat your way around Surfers Paradise with these kid-friendly restaurants. From crocodile skewers to Portuguese tarts, animatronic monkeys to onion volcanoes.

From quesabirria tacos to pancake feasts at 4pm, these family-friendly South Bank restaurants prove it’s possible to dine with kids without surrendering your taste buds.

From more sustainability to a greater focus on health, Novotel brings you an overview of the latest culinary trends

Here is why for Novotel as much as for you, and your kids, breakfast is the most important meal of the day

Make afternoon tea time special with these easy recipes that your kids will love preparing and eating. Also discover top tips and fun facts from Novotel.

On the lookout for picnic ideas that kids will enjoy? Discover Novotel's top tips for healthy and tasty treats on family days out.

Try new international breakfast ideas with Novotel's 4 best suggestions for getting your children to enjoy different and nutritious dishes.

Family-friendly dinners should be tasty and nourishing, and often memorable too. Here's your Novotel guide to family dining at home and on your travels.

Join us on a culinary journey through the best street foods from around the globe, and try them at some of the best street food markets in the UK.

Make snack time for the kids easy with Novotel's 10 best ideas for healthy, nutritious and tasty treats that are simple to prepare.

Travelling with food allergies and intolerances doesn't have to be stressful. Here's your complete Novotel guide to navigating allergies while you're away.

Wondering how to make a full English breakfast that your whole family will enjoy? Discover Novotel's top tips and tricks, plus healthy alternatives.

Cooking with kids is a great way to have fun while also teaching them lots of useful skills. Discover Novotel's top tips and yummy recipes ideas.

A Novotel stay with a hotel breakfast included makes mornings easy and the whole family happy.