James Campbell

James loves to travel always on a plane and hustling to be in the pointy end, he claims he has visited 150 cities all over the world and knows the best bar in each of them but who knows… We are slowly getting him to share his secrets with us, one at a time.

44 articles published

Le Méridien Melbourne > Image Credit | Le Méridien

STAY > Le Méridian, Melbourne

The Le Méridien hotel sits at the top of the city in what was once a theatre, cinema, live music venue and a legendary nightclub. The former Metro sat empty for years waiting for a major redevelopment and that came in a totally different direction with the French hotel brand opening a smart…

ByJames CampbellJanuary 30, 2024

EAT

EAT > SHIBUichi Bakery, Shibuya

We don't usually write about bakeries or cafe's but it is time to change that because SHIBUichi has to be the best bakery we have visited in Japan and once discovered we have been back again and again. If you are looking for quality baked goods early in the morning (any time before 11am) you…

ByJames CampbellJanuary 24, 2024

EAT EAT > TOKYO

EAT > Ryan, Tokyo

Did someone say Soba? Ryan is not quite your standard Tokyo noodle stop. It is a stylish room with tables as well as bar seating, seating is comfortable and you can easily settle in for something of a session here. And let us be clear this is not a ¥900 noodle…

ByJames CampbellJanuary 23, 2024

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > The Central Club Hotel (North Melbourne)

The Central Club Hotel sits on Victoria Street in North Melbourne, it is right on the city fringe close to Elizabeth Street, across the road from the Queen Victoria Markets and a stones throw to Carlton. The convenience of the location makes this a popular venue but it is the combination a smart refreshed fit-out,…

ByJames CampbellDecember 18, 2023

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Chardonnay

WINE > Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Champagne NV

My favourite bubbles by a very long way are Ruinart. I like some of the others but there is something quite especially delicious about the Ruinart Blanc de Blanc, so I thought perfect opportunity to learn a little more about the wine.

ByJames CampbellDecember 18, 2023

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > Apollo Inn

Apollo Inn opened in the heart of Melbourne's Flinders lane restaurant precinct in 2023, it was ostensibly a good place to have a quick cocktail while waiting for a table at Gimlet or one of the other nearby restaurants. But it was so popular that the queues to get in for a drink at this…

ByJames CampbellDecember 7, 2023

TRAVEL > USA

STAY > TWA Hotel

Still the coolest airport hotel in the world. The TWA hotel opened in 2019 to significant acclaim, the building had been sitting empty for decades. Recognised as a mid-century masterpiece by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen (who also designed the St Lous Gateway Arch) reclaiming its former glory and retaining all of the 1960's styling architects…

ByJames CampbellOctober 17, 2023

DESIGN DESIGN > TECHNOLOGY

DESIGN > CMF Watch Pro – slick design, great functionality and cheap.

The brand CMF might not be one you recognise and that is because it is brand new, launching recently with three products ear buds, watch and a wall charger. CMF stands for Colour, Material and Finish and the company's ethos is 'wonderful by design'. A challenge to make thoughtful devices that…

ByJames CampbellOctober 4, 2023

DESIGN DESIGN > TECHNOLOGY

DESIGN > Ring Always Home Flying Camera

I have to admit on first glance of seeing this product I thought it has to be an April Fools Joke or a hoax. However when you think about it with the incredible automation of drones and many people having a security camera at home to check on whats going on when you are not…

ByJames CampbellOctober 4, 2023

DESIGN

DESIGN > Teenage Engineering TP-7 Field Recorder – It looks so good but do you really need it..?

Swedish design firm ‘teenage engineering’ have been reimagining appliances since 2007, making functional tools into highly desirable consumer electronics. Hey Good looking The TP-7 field recorder looks stunning with its brushed aluminium, functional buttons, high vis colours on the accents it looks like something you would…

ByJames CampbellSeptember 20, 2023