Let’s be honest for a second—is there anything actually better than a bubbling tray of cheesy potatoes? I don’t think so. Whether the British weather is doing its usual grey thing or you’ve just had one of those days at work, this Ham and Potato Bake is my absolute soul-soother.
It’s one of those “hug-in-a-bowl” meals that feels like home. It’s unpretentious, incredibly filling, and honestly? It’s even better the next day if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers.
A Little Secret for the Best Ham…
You don’t need to spend a fortune at a fancy deli for this. If you want a tip from me, head over to Lidl. Their Oaklands range for the veg is great, but their Dulano or Select and Better thick-cut honey roast ham is a total game-changer for this recipe. It’s salty, slightly sweet, and chunky enough that it doesn’t just disappear into the sauce.
What You’ll Need
The Filling:
• 1kg Maris Piper Potatoes: These are the kings of the potato world. They get lovely and fluffy in the sauce.
• 200g Cooked Ham: Grab a thick-cut pack from Lidl or Aldi are great and dice it into proper, bite-sized chunks.
• 1 Small Brown Onion: Finely diced (this adds that lovely sweetness to the base).
The Liquid Gold (The Sauce):
• 40g Unsalted Butter
• 3 tbsp Plain Flour
• 600ml Whole Milk: Go for full-fat if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
• 200g Extra Mature Cheddar: Grate it yourself, trust me. The pre-grated stuff has a dusty coating that stops it from melting perfectly.
• Seasoning: A good pinch of salt, plenty of cracked black pepper, and if you’re feeling fancy, a tiny dab of English mustard.
Let’s Get Cooking
1. Get Prepped
First things first, get your oven heating up to 180°C (160°C Fan). Find your favourite big baking dish and give it a quick rub with a bit of butter so nothing sticks to the corners. Peel and cube your potatoes into roughly 1.5cm pieces—don’t worry about being too perfect, rustic is better! Throw them in a bowl with your chunky Lidl ham.
2. The “Secret” Sauce
Melt your butter in a saucepan and gently soften the onion. Once it’s smelling amazing, stir in the flour. Cook it for a minute or so—you want it to look like a thick paste. Now, slowly—and I mean slowly—whisk in your milk. It takes a bit of elbow grease, but keep going until it’s smooth and thick.
3. Make it Cheesy
Take it off the heat and stir in about three-quarters of that cheddar. Watch it melt into that silky, creamy sauce. This is the part where I usually “quality control” a spoonful!
4. The Big Mix
Pour all that cheesy goodness over the potatoes and ham. Give it a really good stir so every single potato cube is smothered. Pour it into your dish, cover tightly with foil (this steams the potatoes to perfection), and pop it in the oven for one hour.
5. The Crispy Bit
Take the foil off, sprinkle over the rest of your cheese, and slide it under the grill for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for those gorgeous, slightly burnt “cheesy bubbles” on top.
A Quick Favour…
Try to let it sit for about 10 minutes before you dive in. I know, I know—it smells incredible and you’re hungry—but letting it rest helps the sauce thicken up so it wraps around the potatoes instead of running all over the plate.
Serve it with a big pile of buttery peas or just eat it on its own on the sofa. You deserve it.
Are you a “crispy edges” person or a “creamy middle” person? Let me know in the comments!
I am going to immerse myself in unfathomable serenity and instill energy, regain empowerment, and accelerate momentum—not tomorrow or the day after, but on a pinpointed day.
I would imagine a lot of people can relate to this.
Communicating with people is extraordinarily hard. We don’t really speak to listen. In truth, influencing others was never difficult for me.
In design (Adobe Photoshop), something I started 25 years ago, I was able to give advice born from repeatedly trying. In photography, people asked for advice inspired by the framed work that I was very fortunate to have adorning their walls.
In fitness, when people told me they could never do a marathon, I had been there.
My running advice was born from the challenges I encountered by doing it after hobbling around on crutches for three years. Moreover, it’s my perspective. I believe there is zero difference, analytically, in the first ten steps and the last of 26.2 miles. If you know of any, feel free to let me know. It’s the simplicity of this rhetoric that got me—a hardly svelte man—around 17 half-marathons and 3 marathons.
weights and fitness
I haven’t been to a Dr’s in 13 years. Perhaps that allocates me to “It might be working” Philospophy. If you asked my advice on weights and fitness, it would be given from the perspective of stepping into a gym at 23 and varying degrees of “lax” and “on-and-offs,” but mostly, to be very fair, pure tenacity and discipline.
I know exactly where I am in the universe, and the world has taught me repeatedly—and ingrained in me—the pointlessness of assuming any kind of reasurence of safety from my fellow citizens bar one fabulous soul partner. My safety, my well-being, my fitness, and my psychological well-being aren’t enhanced by “this” decade’s emphasis on mental healths sudden importance or an awareness of how it presents. I solidly believe that just because you identify what impediment you suffer from it doesn’t mean that the solutions are more accessible. In fact, it means more people readily roadblock self-progress by utilizing what the medical fraternity christened it (if indeed it was confirmed by a Dr) as reasoning not to develop the skills to overcome problems incurred.
Moreover, just because so many people can now identify the names of their fluctuating mental health, doesn’t mean they all try to overcome it. I am responsible for mine. Now, I can wholeheartedly acknowledge that, and given I have done so comfortably, I will set about initiating the changes required. It will start with the staple that first introduced me to confidence when I was 23: exercise.
Brave for the Other.
Walking Cheshire pushing Ruby
For 60 days straight—sometimes for several hours a day—we walked in all weathers. Virtually every day since his diagnosis, we covered the miles: up London Road, along the Bridgewater Canal, through Walton Gardens, and around Hillcliffe. We even nicknamed that steep stretch up London Road “Cardio Hill.”
It was difficult. There was the constant struggle of coaxing a cat out, gently unfolding his weathered body, and cleaning eyes and legs that he insisted on repeatedly biting. But like a prisoner finally granted release, the absolute payoff was witnessing his zest for life once he was out there.
What we carry with us now is the memory of that effort. Even when taking the long route in the pouring rain—while Ruby remained shielded from the elements, tucked under the waterproof cover of his pram with a hot water bottle—it was always worth it. None of it would have been possible without taking that first small step, choosing one kind thing, and being Brave for the Other.
This journey inspired me to capture these lessons of courage, pet loss, and the bond between humans and animals. I have written a children’s picture book titled Brave for the Other. This illustrated book is available as a digital PDF for £7.99, featuring a moving story and beautiful artwork that celebrate the spirit of our companions.
Links to purchase and explore more are available in our link tree and here.
I’ve written a little children’s story about cats and the enormous benefits of taking one small step, doing one kind thing, and being brave for another.
It’s called “Brave for the Other”. It’s for ages 4 to 7 and will be available on Gumroad for £7.99. It will be just one of several stories I’ll be creating.
Here is an illustration of Millie, showing her beautiful colouring: “the colours of autumn leaves”.
The underlying theme of the book is the value of not just saying, but doing. But there is also immense satisfaction gained from the way people and living animals absorb kindness, and from the gratitude received in return.
We have realised that the luxury of touch is incredible. Every single day, you have an opportunity to give someone, or something, the chance to remember how you made them feel.
Millie, “With colourings like Autumn leaves”Ruby in his pramMoon, “Always sharing the love”Carolyn and Lance walking ever day with the fabulous Ruby in his pram.Lance and Carolyn, in our “Sanctuary for the misunderstood “
After over 20 years as resellers, my partner and I have seen it all. We’ve watched platforms rise and fall, but the current “Vinted vs. eBay” era is a whole new ballgame. While we love the thrill of the sale, reselling in 2026 requires more than just a camera and a spare afternoon—it requires a strategy. I started like most people selling my girls old baby clothes to fund the purchase of larger ones
If you want to turn your wardrobe into a genuine side hustle, here is the “battle-tested” blueprint we use to keep our shop running like a boutique.
1. The Secret Weapon: The Half-Body Mannequin
If you want to stop being a “casual seller,” invest in a half-body torso mannequin. We use a female form with a distinct gold neck and top section.
Flat-lays on the carpet are a thing of the past though I do still do this for trousers .
A mannequin allows buyers to see exactly how a garment drapes and saves you from the hassle of “modeled” shots. Plus, that gold finish makes colors like black and white pop, giving your items a premium feel that justifies a higher price point.
2. Staging a “Cosy Corner” for Small Items
For accessories, shoes, or beauty products, a mannequin isn’t enough. You need a dedicated cosy corner for staging.
• The Vibe: Use a warm, nice lamp and a vase of flowers to create a “lifestyle” aesthetic.
• The Reflection Trick: I highly recommend using a circular candle mirror plate. Placing small items on a reflective mirror base catches the light beautifully and makes even a budget item look high-end.
• Lighting is King: Ensure your corner has excellent lighting; natural light is best, but a soft-tone lamp can help create that inviting “homely” glow that Vinted buyers love.
3. Beating the Vinted “AI Photo Trap”
One of the biggest frustrations for beginners is Vinted’s aggressive AI.
• Never use stock images: If you use photos from a retailer’s website, Vinted will remove your listing. If you ignore the warnings, they will ban your account.
• Proof of Life: We take photos against our signature grey door. This “human touch” proves to the AI that the photo is yours and the item is real.
• Real Models: While eBay now allows (and even encourages) AI model-generated photos to showcase fit, Vinted is the opposite—they want authentic photos. If you have a photo of yourself wearing the item, use it! It builds trust instantly.
4. The “Measurement” Rule (Trust Us)
After two decades of this, we’ve learned that “Size 12” means something different to every brand. Always measure your items.
• Include pit-to-pit, waist, and length measurements in the description.
• Taking a photo of the tape measure against the garment is the ultimate “real-world” evidence for the AI and saves you from answering endless “Is it true to size?” messages.
5. Vinted vs. eBay: Choosing Your Battlefield
• Vinted: Best for high-street basics. It’s fee-free, but be warned: the etiquette can be shocking. Between the lowball offers and the “Ghost Buyers” who don’t collect parcels (and get a full refund while your item is held hostage!), Vinted is definitely the “wild west.” You have to price competitively but items do sell very quickly . Allow a little wriggle room and be prepared for low ball / insulting offers
• eBay: Our go-to for designer gear. It’s more professional, offers better seller protection, and their tools for higher-volume sellers are much more advanced. It’s easier to edit and easier to search and has a much wider international market
6. Logistics & The “Five-Star” Unboxing
Don’t let your inventory take over your life. As soon as an item is photographed, we place it into a clear, sealed bag with a unique number on it. When it sells, we aren’t digging through a “death pile”; we just grab “Bag #42” and ship it out. It keeps the clothes dust-free and organized. We post our items in mailing bags and double bag them.
A quick google search will show you some legendary Vinted packaging materials such as crisp packets, corn flake boxes .. I kid you not ! keep any good quality boxes you have from your own online orders to reuse for your Own parcels – it will save you a fortune.
If you have fragile items invest in bubble wrap and use the philosophy if you drop the item from a two storey building will it survive as there is a good chance it may get thrown about by couriers. After many years we decided to invest in a label printer , we put it off for ages but it has paid for itself . No paying for printer toner, paper and sticking on with sellotape- gives a much more professional finish . Most couriers offer a print in shop option but I avoid this because it’s easy to get muddled as to what’s in each parcel if you anything like me dashing around all the time
To ensure great feedback and quick “Everything is OK” clicks, we enclose a small organza bag in every parcel including:
• A personalized thank you card.
• A tea light candle and an herbal tea bag (for a “moment of calm”).
• A little chocolate treat.
This small investment has earned us incredible feedback and turned one-off buyers into loyal followers!
Shop My Reseller Setup – these are affiliate links so I may earn a tiny amount if you buy
If you want to recreate my “Cosy Corner” or my professional mannequin setup, here are the links to the exact items I use:
• My Gold-Neck Torso Mannequin – Perfect for showing garment fit.
Mailing bags – these look lovely and are really good quality – they fit tops trousers etc but you would need something larger for jackets, coats bedding etc
We’ve all been there. You spend your Sunday afternoon de-bobbling a sweater, photographing it in the “good” light, and carefully wrapping it like a precious artifact. You trek to the parcel shop, send it off with a little wave, and wait for that sweet “Item Delivered” notification.
Then… nothing.
The parcel sits in a locker. The days tick by.
You message the buyer—“Hey! Just checking you saw your parcel is ready!”—only to be met with radio silence or a promise to collect. Finally, the dreaded notification hits: “The buyer didn’t collect the parcel. It is being returned to you.”
And here is where the “Vinted rage” truly kicks in: the buyer gets a full refund, and you get your item back, often weeks later, having gained nothing but a headache and a wasted trip to the post office.
The Unfairness of the “No-Show” Refund
Let’s be real: why is there no penalty for a buyer simply changing their mind via laziness? On almost any other marketplace, if you fail to collect an item, you’re at least liable for the shipping costs. On Vinted, the buyer walks away scot-free.
• Your time isn’t free: You spent time listing, packing, and driving to a drop-off point.
• The “Held Hostage” Factor: While that item was sitting in an inpist locker for 3 days depending on (plus the 5 days it takes to travel back), then you have to go ando collect it , it wasn’t available for someone else to actually buy and keep.
• Packaging waste: That mailer you paid for? It’s now covered in return stickers and probably ready for the bin.
It feels like the “Buyer Protection” fee we hear so much about is actually a “Buyer Can Do No Wrong” policy.
The Customer Service “Black Hole”
If you’ve ever tried to complain about this to Vinted, you’ll know that their customer service can be… let’s say, challenging.
Trying to get a human response often feels like trying to explain color to a thermostat. You usually start with a bot that gives you a “pre-packaged” answer that doesn’t quite fit your problem. When you finally do get through to a human, the response is often a polite version of: “This is our policy, and we cannot deviate from it.”
It’s incredibly frustrating when you feel like a valued member of a community, yet you’re treated like a ticket number in a system that favors the buyer’s convenience over the seller’s effort.
Is There a Silver Lining?
To be fair to the “other side,” things happen. Lockers break, people get sick, or life just gets in the way. Sometimes a buyer wants the item but physically can’t get to the pickup point.
However, the lack of a “restocking fee” or even an automatic one-star review for uncollected items feels like a major loophole. Currently, the only “punishment” for the buyer is that they don’t get the item. Big deal—they have their money back!
What Can We Do?
Until Vinted decides to tweak the rules, we sellers have to stick together. Here are a few “pro-tips” to keep your sanity:
• Check Reviews: If a buyer has several “Auto-feedback: Order cancelled” reviews, they might be a serial non-collector.
• The Block Button is Your Friend: If someone wastes your time by not picking up a parcel without a word of apology, block them. You don’t need their “business” twice.
• Keep Your Packaging: If you can carefully open the returned parcel, reuse that mailer for the next (hopefully better) buyer!
What do you think? Should Vinted start deducting shipping costs from refunds for uncollected items? Let’s vent in the comments!
I have sold on eBay for years, both as a private seller and through business selling, but a recent experience has left me asking a serious question: is eBay’s returns system now encouraging buyers to misuse “item not as described” claims?
This particular sale was not from my business account. It was one of my own old dresses, sold privately. The listing was for a Boden navy blue and beige chevron stripe fit and flared knitted dress, UK size 12. The colours were clearly stated in the title and again in the description: navy blue and beige. The photos also showed the dress clearly from several angles.
The item description specifically said: “This Boden navy blue and beige chevron stripe fit and flared knitted dress…”
Yet the buyer opened an INAD, claiming the dress was “really beige” and that they had expected “a more lighter colour like the photo.” There had been no clarification sought from the buyer prior to purchase.
In other words, the reason given was about the colour, even though beige was clearly mentioned in the listing.
I replied to the buyer pointing out that the description did state the dress was blue and beige, and that the item matched the description and photographs.
I was confused as to why this was being treated as “not as described” when the colour they objected to was actually written in the listing. Absolutely no reply.
I contacted eBay, and to their credit, they agreed with me. They found in my favour and released my funds. That should have been the end of the matter.
But here is the sting in the tail – I then get this email
eBay also refunded the buyer and allowed them to keep the dress.
So what message does that send?
If a buyer can open a false “item not as described” case, lose the case, still receive a refund, and keep the item, how does that encourage honesty? Surely it does the opposite. It tells people that there may be a way to get around the system, keep the goods, and get their money back anyway. This is especially frustrating for private sellers. This was not a business transaction from a shop with endless stock and profit margins. It was one of my own dresses from my personal wardrobe. I listed it accurately, photographed it properly, described the colours clearly, and still ended up watching the buyer be refunded and allowed to keep the item. I understand that eBay wants to protect buyers. Nobody wants buyers to be stuck with genuinely misdescribed goods. But seller protection has to mean something too. If eBay agrees the seller did nothing wrong, then why reward the buyer with both a refund and the item? This type of decision risks encouraging more false claims. It makes honest sellers feel vulnerable, and it makes dishonest buyers realise that using the “not as described” route can sometimes result in a free item. You can judge for yourself whether this was genuinely “not as described” or whether the system is being used in a way that disadvantages sellers. eBay needs to look seriously at how these cases are handled. If sellers are doing everything correctly, accurate titles, honest descriptions, clear photographs, and prompt communication, they should not be left feeling that the platform is rewarding the very behaviour it claims to protect against. Buyer protection matters. But so does seller protection. At the moment, cases like this make it feel as though honest sellers are being asked to pay the price for a system that scammers can too easily exploit. What are your thoughts ? Has this happened to you ? Let me know in the comments!
If you need a cosy, filling dinner that doesn’t take much thinking about, this creamy mince and mushroom pasta is a lovely one to keep up your sleeve. It’s rich, savoury, family-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in the fridge or cupboard.
The mushrooms add extra flavour and make the sauce feel a bit more comforting, while the cream and cheese bring everything together into a silky, satisfying pasta dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight tea, especially when you’ve got a packet of mince and want something more exciting than the usual bolognese.
Ingredients Serves 4
• 400g beef mince • 300g pasta, such as penne, fusilli, shells or rigatoni • 150g to 200g mushrooms, sliced • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped • 1 tbsp tomato puree • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp mixed herbs or Italian herbs • 300ml beef stock • 150ml double cream or single cream • 75g grated cheddar or parmesan • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, optional but tasty • Salt and black pepper • 1 tbsp oil for frying
Optional extras: • A handful of spinach • Frozen peas • Sweetcorn • Chilli flakes • Extra cheese for serving
Method
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta until just al dente.
Before draining, save a mug of pasta water. This is useful later if you want to loosen the sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a little oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add the sliced mushrooms and fry for another 4 to 5 minutes. Let them cook down properly so they release their water and start to turn golden.
This gives the dish a deeper, more savoury flavour.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the beef mince and fry until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there is a lot of excess fat, carefully drain some away.
Add the tomato puree,
paprika,
mixed herbs,
Worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1 minute so the flavours can deepen.
Pour in the beef stock and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until slightly reduced.
Lower the heat, then stir in the cream.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Stir through the grated cheese until melted.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just how you like it.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra cheese, black pepper and a sprinkle of herbs if you fancy.
Tips
For a richer flavour, use chestnut mushrooms instead of white mushrooms. If you want to make it stretch further, add peas, spinach or sweetcorn near the end of cooking. This is also a great recipe for leftovers. Keep it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to bring the creamy sauce back.
This creamy mince and mushroom pasta is the kind of easy, comforting meal that always goes down well. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, but still feels hearty and satisfying, with plenty of flavour from the mushrooms, garlic, herbs and creamy sauce.
Serve it with a little extra cheese on top and maybe some garlic bread on the side, and you’ve got a cosy homemade dinner that everyone will want again.
Some days you want a proper home‑cooked dinner… without standing over the hob for ages. This slow cooker chicken breast casserole is perfect for those days: you toss everything in, switch it on, and let it quietly get on with the job.
It uses simple ingredients, no wine, no faff, and you don’t even need to brown the chicken first. The chicken cooks gently in a savoury, herby sauce with soft vegetables – it’s the kind of meal everyone can tuck into, and it’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Serve it with mash, rice, crusty bread, or whatever you like for soaking up that lovely gravy.
Why you’ll love this easy chicken casserole • No browning needed – you just coat the chicken in flour and straight into the slow cooker it goes. • No wine – great if you don’t cook with alcohol or just don’t have any open. • Simple ingredients – chicken breasts, basic veg, stock and a few store‑cupboard bits.
• Hands‑off cooking – once it’s in the pot, you can forget about it until dinner time.
Ingredients
For the chicken casserole (serves 4–5) • 750 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks (3–4 pieces per breast) • 2 tbsp plain flour • 2 medium onions, chopped • 3 medium carrots, sliced into chunky rounds • 2–3 sticks celery, sliced • 3–4 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1–2 tsp garlic granules) • 200–250 g mushrooms, quartered (optional but adds extra flavour) • 500 ml chicken stock (from a cube or pot, made with boiling water) • 1–2 tbsp tomato purée or 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or a bit of both, if you like) • 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs • Salt and black pepper, to taste Optional to finish: • Small splash of cream or 2 tbsp crème fraîche
Step‑by‑step method (no browning)
Get the veg in the pot Pop the chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic and mushrooms straight into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Spread them out into an even layer – they go on the bottom because they’re closer to the heat source and need more time to soften.
Coat the chicken in flour Cut the chicken breasts into chunky pieces and put them into a bowl.
Sprinkle over the plain flour, a good pinch of salt and some black pepper. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated. This flour will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, so you don’t end up with a watery casserole.
Once coated, place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. No browning, no extra pans – straight in.
Mix the sauce
In a jug, whisk together: • The chicken stock • Tomato purée and/or Dijon mustard • Dried thyme or mixed herbs • Another pinch of salt and pepper Give it a good stir until the tomato purée or mustard is completely mixed in. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, around the chicken and vegetables. You don’t need to fully cover everything; more liquid will come out of the chicken and veg as it cooks.
Let the slow cooker do its thing Put the lid on and cook: • On LOW for about 4–6 hours, or • On HIGH for about 2.5–3 hours
You’re aiming for: • Chicken that is cooked through and tender • Vegetables that are nice and soft You can adjust slightly depending on how your slow cooker behaves, but mine was perfect after about 6 hours on low. If the chicken ends up a bit too soft, don’t worry – you can gently shred it into the sauce with a couple of forks and it turns into a slightly chunkier, stew‑style dish.
Adjust the sauce at the end Once the casserole has finished cooking, give everything a good stir and see how the sauce looks and tastes. • If it’s thick enough for you, leave it as it is. • If it’s a bit thin, you have two options: • Often the flour on the chicken will have thickened it enough once you stir – so try that first. • If you still want it thicker, mix 1–2 tsp cornflour with a splash of cold water, stir that into the hot sauce, then cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
For a richer finish, stir in a small splash of cream or a couple of tablespoons of crème fraîche and cook for another 5–10 minutes so it warms through. Taste and adjust the seasoning – add more salt, pepper, and a little squeeze of lemon juice if you’d like the flavour a bit brighter.
How to serve
This casserole is really flexible and works with loads of side dishes. You can serve it: • Over mashed potatoes • With rice, couscous, or quinoa • With steamed greens (broccoli, green beans, peas) • Alongside crusty bread or a baguette for dipping in the sauce
It’s also a good one for cooking a slightly bigger batch, then enjoying the leftovers another day.
Leftovers and storing • Fridge: Cool the casserole quickly, then store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot all the way through.
• Freezer: You can freeze portions of the cooked casserole. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook’s note
I cooked mine on low for around 6 hours in my slow cooker and it came out beautifully tender, with the vegetables soft and the sauce rich and full of flavour. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together earlier in the day, forget about, and then lift the lid to a proper home‑cooked dinner that feels like you’ve made an effort, even though the slow cooker has quietly done it all for you. However you choose to serve it – with mash, rice or a pile of greens – it’s a simple, dependable recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to whenever you want something cosy and fuss‑free.
We have stayed at Serry Beach Hotel three times now, so it is safe to say it has become one of those places we genuinely love going back to.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Hurghada, but Serry has a lovely mix of style, comfort, location and service that makes it feel special without being too formal.
It is the kind of hotel where you can properly relax. Everything feels easy: the beach is close, the restaurants are on site, the staff are warm, and the whole place has that sun-soaked Red Sea holiday feeling from the moment you arrive.
Serry Beach Resort is in Hurghada, on the Red Sea, and is located on the city’s touristic promenade, so you are close to the beach while still being near the main resort area. It is also a short distance from Hurghada International Airport, which makes arrival day much less stressful.
First Impressions The first thing I noticed about Serry was the aesthetic. It has a beautiful modern Egyptian style, with warm colours, soft lighting, natural textures and lots of little design details that make it feel more personal than a standard resort hotel. It does not feel flashy or overdone. It feels stylish, calm and considered. There are lovely seating areas, pretty walkways and plenty of corners that look gorgeous in photos or video, which is always a bonus if you like creating holiday content. Sometimes it is a little bit eye rolling the posing but it’s all part of the vibe . What I like most is that it still feels relaxed. You can dress up for dinner in the evening, but during the day it is perfectly normal to wander around in a beach dress and flip-flops. It has that balance of luxury and ease, which is exactly what I want from a holiday hotel. Location The location is one of Serry’s biggest strengths. You are right by the Red Sea, but you do not feel cut off from everything else. Because the hotel is on Hurghada’s touristic promenade, it is easy to pop out, go for a walk or explore a little if you want to. Being close to the airport is another huge plus. After a flight, I always just want to get to the hotel, unpack and start the holiday, so a shorter transfer makes a real difference. For us, Serry gives you the best of both worlds: a calm beachfront base, but with enough nearby that you do not feel isolated.
Beach and Pool The beach is one of the main reasons we have returned. Serry has a beachfront setting and a private beach area, so it is very easy to go from breakfast straight to your sunbed.
The beach has a relaxed, well-looked-after feel. It is the sort of place where you can happily spend hours doing very little: a swim, a cold drink, a bit of reading, then back into the sea. The pool area gives you another option if you fancy a change, as the resort also has an outdoor swimming pool.
There is also a small kids pool with a little stall you can get ice cream and popcorn from.
The lifeguards on the beach deserve a special mention. They are professional, friendly and always alert, but they also go above and beyond. On our stays, they made sure we had sunbeds every day in our chosen position, which we really appreciated. It might sound like a small thing, but when you are on holiday and have found your perfect spot, it makes such a difference. That level of attention is part of what makes the beach feel so well run.
Food and Restaurants
The restaurant team are one of the biggest reasons we have such fond memories of Serry. Across our visits, they have always been welcoming, friendly and attentive. The chefs are fantastic too. You can tell they take pride in what they do, and there was one moment that really stayed with us.
One evening, Lance was unwell and did not come down to the restaurant. The staff noticed he was missing and asked where he was. When I explained he was not feeling well, they gave me a little plate with mint tea, fresh ginger, honey and lemon to take back to him to help settle his stomach.
That kind of gesture says a lot about a hotel. It was thoughtful, personal and completely unexpected. It made us feel genuinely cared for. Serry has several dining options, including Sofra Food Hall, Sokar Seafood Restaurant, Keif Fusion Gastro Bar, Nur Beach Club, Dar Lounge and The Rooftop Terrace. Having different places to eat helps the holiday feel varied, especially if you are staying all-inclusive. The only place where service was not quite as strong for us was Dar Lounge. It is a lovely space, but the service could be slow at times.
It would not stop us from returning, but it is worth knowing if you are someone who gets frustrated waiting for drinks. The reception staff are not the most friendly either which is strange as they are your first port of call
Yes there are cats 🐈⬛
Rooms
Serry Beach Resort has a lovely mix of room types, from Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Twin Rooms with garden, pool or sea views, through to larger Chalets, One-Bedroom Suites, Two-Bedroom Suites, Penthouse Suites and a Signature Suite with sea views. Some rooms come with balconies, garden or pool access, while the suites offer extra space such as living areas, dining areas, kitchenettes and, in the higher categories, butler service and lounge access. All the rooms we have stayed in have had showers, no baths unfortunately .
Until we win the lottery the deluxe rooms are the ones we had, we’ve had a sea view and garden view and both are similar in style. In the corridors outside the room there was the piped sound of waves and also birds chirping which we loved.
Serry Beach App
There is an app which is useful as it has mealtimes, activities etc and a WhatsApp so you can send any requests and they get dealt with that way – we found this a very effective way of communicating.
Staff and Tipping The staff are what make Serry feel personal. From the restaurant team to the beach staff and housekeeping, we really noticed the care they put into things. Even though the hotel is all-inclusive, I would recommend taking American dollars for tips.
It is nice to be able to show your appreciation when someone has made your stay that little bit easier.
Stomach Upsets
I want to mention this honestly because I know people often look for it in reviews of hotels in Egypt. I have seen some reviews where people say they had stomach problems, and on our second visit, we did have a few days where we were not quite right. It was soon sorted with a trip to the pharmacy across the road, and it did not put us off because we have been back again since. I would not automatically blame the hotel either, as tummy upsets can happen when travelling because of heat, different food, different drinks and a change in routine. It is reassuring to know there is a pharmacy nearby. I find it’s better to use the local pharmacy medications rather than English ones as they are more suited to local bugs.
Evening Entertainment
There is not a huge amount of entertainment in the evening. For us, that actually suited the kind of holiday we wanted. We were happy to have dinner, enjoy a drink and have a quieter night
. However, it may not be for everyone. If you like big shows, loud music and lots going on every evening, you might find Serry a little too quiet at night. If you prefer a calmer, more grown-up atmosphere, it works really well.
Sinbad Sister Hotel Another bonus is that guests can use the facilities at the Sinbad, which is the sister hotel across the road. This is great if you fancy a change of scenery during your stay.
Sinbad has its own water park, so it is especially useful if you are travelling with children or want a more active day.
We liked having Serry as our calm base, with the option of using the Sinbad facilities when we wanted something different.
Other Facilities
There is a small but well equipped gym with cardio machines, free weights and machines. Towels and water are provided
There is also a spa but we didn’t visit that so can’t comment as to whether it is any good or the range of treatments
Tips Before You Go
Buy your Egyptian visa before you travel. If you are travelling from the UK, British passport holders normally need a visa for Egypt, and applying online for an e-visa in advance can help prevent delays and being hassled at the airport. Use the official Egypt e-Visa Portal and apply in plenty of time. It is worth doing this at least a week before you travel, then printing the approved e-Visa and taking it with you.
Take American dollars for tips, as it is useful for showing appreciation during your stay. Pack a few stomach remedies, and remember there is a pharmacy across the road if you need anything. Expect quieter evenings rather than big nightly entertainment. Use the Sinbad facilities across the road if you fancy the water park or a change from Serry. Be prepared for slower service in Dar Lounge, although the rest of the service we experienced was excellent.
Final Thoughts
Serry Beach Hotel is stylish, relaxing and beautifully located, but what really makes it stand out is the people. The restaurant staff are amazing, the chefs are thoughtful, and the overall service made us feel genuinely looked after. It is not perfect. Dar Lounge service could be quicker, the evening entertainment is limited, and we did have a few days of stomach trouble on our second visit. But none of that stopped us from returning, which says a lot. After three visits, we would happily recommend Serry Beach Hotel if you are looking for a Red Sea holiday with beautiful surroundings, good food, warm service and a calm, stylish atmosphere.
