Chloë Hyde

The Grad Journal • 25th September 2022

Graduate Guilt: Dealing with the Unknown

Fear not, this post is not intended to be a sob story. Instead, it is an honest exploration into a feeling that is hitting hard for me right now – and while it’s a lonely process, I guarantee thousands of students are feeling the same. The best way I can describe the dreaded job hunt at times is evocative of a moment in Dolly Alderton’s recent TV adaptation of her book, Everything I Know About Love. Protagonist Maggie says to her parents, ‘you two encouraged me to follow my idiotic dreams instea

Redbrick • 21st April 2022

Is BeReal Bringing Back Authenticity on Social Media? | Life&Style

A new social media platform called BeReal is currently rising rapidly in popularity with Gen Z. Though the application launched in 2019, it is only in the past few months that users across the globe have boosted this platform to the scale of other social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok.

So, what makes this platform different from others? Other social media have been increasingly criticised for their detachment from one’s authentic self. Where Instagram encourag

Redbrick • 14th April 2022

How I Learned to Enjoy Concerts Alone | Music

There are very few things in the world that I love more than live music. So much so, that I somehow managed to overcome the anxiety that comes with going solo to a gig. Living only an hour away from Manchester growing up, my friends and I would always be rushing to get the train after school so we could arrive for a small gig early. We did this so often that our after-school plans almost ran like clockwork every time we wanted to see one of our favourite bands perform. However, moving to univers

Redbrick • 26th March 2022

Review: HelloFresh | Food&Drink

Is HelloFresh worth the price? After a number of repeated HelloFresh adverts appearing on YouTube videos, I decided it was time to discover whether this brand was actually worth the hype and all the money they must have invested in trying to advertise it. HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service which pre-portions all the ingredients for you and delivers the ingredients and a recipe to your door on a day of your choosing. HelloFresh as a service was relatively new to me, until I was invited rou

Redbrick • 13th March 2022

Why Dining at Independent Restaurants is Important | Food&Drink

Following the saddening closure announcement of the highly esteemed independent, The Edgbaston Boutique Bar and Hotel on Highfield Road, at the end of February, there is much to be discussed about the importance of independent eateries. It is no surprise to say that the closing of such a well-regarded establishment is a huge loss to Birmingham’s food scene, as reinforced by @independentbirmingham on Instagram: ‘it’s shocking and massively upsetting to hear.’ When The Edgbaston opened in 2014, it

Redbrick • 12th February 2022

Overnight Cheesecake Weetabix Recipe | Food&Drink

It should be no surprise to anybody by now that TikTok is an unstoppable power when it comes to viral food trends. So much so that there is even a TikTok food trend recipe book on the shelves. In the past, we have seen ‘Whipped Coffee,’ ‘Vodka Rigatoni,’ Emily Mariko’s ‘Salmon Rice Bowl’ and numerous other fads – although I do personally admit that ‘Baked Feta Pasta’ is a common weeknight meal in my household. The latest trend is a breakfast recipe, ‘Overnight Weetabix’ which is apparently meant

Redbrick • 12th December 2021

Single Review: Fickle Friends - My Favourite Day | Music

Fickle Friends’ newest release, and their first ever Christmas track ‘My Favourite Day’ is a love song to feelings of nostalgia and reminiscence. The homage to childhood festive rituals and familial traditions takes centre stage in this song, making for pure Christmas sweetness in just three and a half minutes. In an Instagram post announcing their reasoning behind creating ‘My Favourite Day,’ the band wrote: ‘We asked our fans to send in some of their own stories and we kinda pieced together a

Redbrick • 9th December 2021

A Festive Guide to Foodie Gifts 2021 | Food&Drink

The festive period is notorious for food-related celebrations. For some people, a love for food is a year-round affair, which is not just limited to Christmas. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I know there are lots of food and drink gift ideas out there already, since I have received some of these gifts myself (and even use every single day). From coffee to avocado baubles, there will be at least one item in this list that will suit your fellow foodie friend.

With single use plastic being a huge en

Redbrick • 2nd December 2021

Candy Cane Delivery Service by Action Against Homelessness Society | Food&Drink

Food & Drink Editor Chloë Hyde shares an exciting Christmas Candy Cane delivery service fundraiser run by Action Against Homelessness Society, explaining how you can get involved

As we transition from November into December, it is quite hard not to get into the festive spirit. Whether you choose to opt for a Christmassy latte, or even a mince pie or two, there is an abundance of wintry treats out there which deserve to be devoured at this time of year.

One of the most recognisable and staple s

Redbrick • 4th November 2021

Live Review: Holly Humberstone | Music

Ahead of her EP The Walls Are Way Too Thin released on 12th November, pop-rock musician Holly Humberstone visited the O2 Institute 3 in Birmingham. Though the capacity of the venue is around 250, the entire room was teeming with people – yet the intimacy which is afforded to smaller gigs was very much still present. Compared to the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Maisie Peters and Phoebe Bridgers, Humberstone’s discography consists of tracks which are deeply honest, raw and immediately make you gravitat

Redbrick • 11th October 2021

Recipe: Tomato, Pesto and Mozzarella Gnocchi | Food&Drink

I was never really a massive fan of gnocchi dishes, since my first time trying it in a restaurant was extremely rich and oily. That meal left a bad taste in my mouth, and a bad taste for gnocchi in general. A few years have passed since then, so I decided to create a gnocchi dish using what I had in the fridge which was luxurious and warming – a perfect easy meal going into the dark and cold nights. This is my simplified version of a Caprese gnocchi, since I rarely have fresh basil in the house,

Redbrick • 10th October 2021

Cocktail and Ballet Review: Romeo and Juliet's 'Last Sip' | Culture

Food & Drink Editor Chloë Hyde and Culture Editor Sofia Salazar Studer come together in a collaboration between their sections to review ‘The Last Sip’ Cocktail and the Romeo and Juliet performance by the Birmingham Royal Ballet

In collaboration with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s recent production of Romeo and Juliet, The Pineapple Club have created a limited-edition cocktail named ‘The Last Sip’, running from 1st-16th October. We had the opportunity to try out this special cocktail before heading

Redbrick • 1st October 2021

Review: Indico Street Kitchen | Food&Drink

Indian street food is hardly a new offering to the Birmingham food scene, with venues such as Mowgli and The Indian Streatery already flying the flag high. Indico Street Kitchen is located within The Mailbox, a popular dining, retail and entertainment area just a five-minute walk away from New Street station.

My boyfriend and I visited quite late on a Monday evening, since it was the perfect location for a post-cinema meal. The restaurant itself was moderately sized but was not very busy at all

Redbrick • 24th August 2021

The Lick-Assos of Our Generation: An Unconventional Method of Fund-Raising | Culture

Food & Drink Editor Chloë Hyde writes about dogs, peanut butter, and paintings, and how the animal rescue SARA combined all three to raise money for their charity

Dogs and peanut butter: a match made in canine paradise. There are many viral videos involving this heavenly pair; one of my favourites involves owners covering cling film in peanut butter, wrapping it around their foreheads and using it as a distraction whilst trying to clip their pup’s nails. In addition to this adorable distraction

Redbrick • 8th August 2021

TV Character Spotlight - Jess Day (New Girl) | TV

Even though I only watched New Girl for the first time last year, it has rivalled my prime comfort TV shows such as Friends, Fleabag, Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives and The Vampire Diaries. How I managed to last all these years without watching it I will never know, and forever regret – this show is a genuine, light-hearted take on the American sitcom which never takes itself too seriously. It is no wonder it is such a huge hit almost ten years later, with new and old viewers watching on repe

Redbrick • 1st August 2021

Top Five Birmingham Based Food Accounts to Follow | Food&Drink

With a city as diverse and vast as Birmingham, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming trying to scout the best food spots. One of the best ways I discover hidden gems, including the latest openings, is through following Brum-based food accounts.

Though there are so many out there, these are the ones that I have come across. The accounts I selected offer an exciting array of foodie venues (both chain and independent), coupled with reviews and accompanying photographs. Seeing actual photogra

Redbrick • 1st August 2021

Review: Old | Film

M. Night Shyamalan’s newest thriller Old is an incomprehensible whirlwind. Based upon the 2013 graphic novel ‘Sandcastle’ by Pierre Oscar Lévy and Frederik Peeters, Old tells the story of a family who end up on a secluded beach, where time is mysteriously accelerating rapidly. In true M. Night Shyamalan fashion, the exact reason for this extraordinary event is left for debate right up until the last moments of the film, allowing viewers to try and unfold the mystery alongside the characters – le

Redbrick • 3rd May 2021

Review: Luna Springs | Food&Drink

Digbeth’s new cocktail bar and restaurant Luna Springs, located on Lower Trinity Street, undoubtedly fits the Instagram vibe. The outdoor venue is named after The Lunar Society of Birmingham which was an 18th century group who would meet at the full moon. Fittingly, Luna Springs is the perfect set up to dance in the moonlight into the early hours.

Their opening on 12th April aligned with the easing of the Government’s lockdown restrictions, ready and raring to invite customers to experience the

Redbrick • 21st March 2021

The Cult of Percy Pig | Food&Drink

Food&Drink Writer Chloe Hyde delves into the culture of Percy Pig, a tasty treat from Marks and Spencer that has the heart of the whole nation

Even though Percy Pig first hit the shelves in 1992, the past few years have seen an incredible merchandise boom for Marks and Spencer. The original pig-shaped gummies, which are strawberry, raspberry, cherry and grape flavoured, are now just one of many Percy-related items. Other items include easter eggs, cushions, bed linen, soft toys, face-coverings,

Redbrick • 13th January 2021

Recipe: Tasty Vegetarian Trifle | Food&Drink

If you lead a vegetarian lifestyle like I do, you have probably come across the trouble of finding certain things without gelatine at some point. Over Christmas, I wanted to make a trifle for my family because I don’t like Christmas Pudding for one, and secondly I didn’t want to have something stodgy after Christmas dinner – so the fruity option was a good one. I could not find a nice vegetarian jelly without having to go to a health food store, so this is an easy way of making your own fresh ve

Redbrick • 23rd November 2020

EU Debate Over Labelling Meat Alternatives | Food&Drink

Meat substitutes are a helpful stepping-stone into reducing your meat consumption Vegetarians and vegans across the globe have probably been faced with this question at some point in their lives: ‘but why would you want to eat something that’s imitating meat?’ One answer could be that meat substitutes are a helpful stepping-stone into reducing your meat consumption, while still being able to cook the meals you loved before the switch. Another common answer is that many of the veggie and vegan al

Redbrick • 31st October 2020

Film's Halloween Spooktacular 2020 | Film

It’s that time of year again. The pumpkins are out and the knives are sharpened. The streets are murky with fog and the chocolate is surprisingly discounted. Halloween is the perfect time of year for spills, thrills, and some film-themed chills. Here at Redbrick Film, we’ve compiled our list of recommendations for your Halloween movie night. Each film has been ranked in ‘spookiness’ out of five pumpkins, to help you navigate the various levels of horror and find your taste! So hide under the bla

Redbrick • 23rd September 2020

The Best of Culinary Instagram: MOB Kitchen | Food&Drink

Amassing almost 400k followers on Instagram, MOB Kitchen are taking the student cuisine scene by storm. Their cooking content is fresh, accessible and most of all, easy, which is disguised by show-stopping meals. I explored the MOB Kitchen Instagram page after buying their widely successful vegetarian cookbook, MOB Veggie, and have looked forward to each and every post since.

MOB Veggie impressed me – while also being completely budget-friendly to my student bank account – with all the meals av

Redbrick • 28th July 2020

One for the Bucket List: Siem Reap | Travel

When people ask ‘Where has your favourite holiday been?’, Cambodia immediately springs to mind. I had the pleasure of visiting both Cambodia and Thailand in 2018 as part of my parent’s silver wedding anniversary, and what we all gathered was that Siem Reap was a remarkably down to earth city. There is a multitude of historic and magnificent sites to visit, all boasting Khmer culture and tradition. We were astonished by how budget-friendly eating out was – though it did not compromise the atmosph