Nest building

If you need a pick-me-up, why not spruce up your room with some patriotic accessories?

Not only will these instill you with British pride but the red, white and blue motif is far from dull.

Londonrugs.com sells a fantastic Union Jack rug which is bound to bring some colour to your home. This could be teamed up with the gorgeous matching cushion from Barker and Stonehouse which is made from felt wool casing.

The bright colours work well against button-back vintage leather sofas and old-English style interiors. Or for maximum impact, enjoy your sumptuous surroundings on the Hope and Glory sofa from Barker and Stonehouse.


Read it

Diamond Star Halo

Tiffany Murray (Portobello Books)

Part family drama, part rock and roll epic, this is the tale of Halo Llewellyn and her world-famous adopted brother Fred Connor.
The life of gangly redhead Halo at her Welsh family farm and recording studios is charted over 30 years.
From the moment baby Fred is left in a drawer at the farm by his rocker dad, Halo feels a bond with him that is deeper than with her other siblings.
As the two grow up together, the eponymous narrator's feelings grow until Fred leaves Rockfarm to pursue a glittering career.
In the meantime, we learn of the strong, sometimes overwhelming, relationship between Halo's hippy parents, and as tragedy strikes the farm, Halo needs to decide who she wants to be with.
This is a unique novel that expertly tells the tale of dysfunctional family life, and is a story with soul.


Listen to it

Groove Armada

Black Light (Ministry of Pies)

Their chart-troubling days may be over but Tom Findlay and Barnsley-born Andy Cato are actually making some of the most interesting music of their career right now.

Inspired by indie-dance crossover acts such as Friendly Fires and MGMT, the duo's fifth studio album features more prominent guitars and a rockier sensibility.

Australian singer Nick Littlemore of Empire of the Sun brings a touch of 80s-style New Romanticism to four songs, including Cards to Your Heart, while Jessica Larrabee of Brookyn blues duo She Keeps Bees is a forthright presence on Look Me in the Eye Sister and Just For Tonight.

Elsewhere there are guest slots from SaintSaviour and electro wonder kids Fenech Soler and a dream collaboration with Bryan Ferry on Shameless.

The biggest surprise though is Will Young, whose soaring vocals on History are the highlight of a fine album.



Visit it

Chumbawamba is a Leeds-based band whose music spans from pop- influenced dance music to folk.

They are also strongly influenced by politics and their first recording was made in 1984 for a miner's strike benefit concert.

They will play at the Howard Assembly Room at Leeds Grand Theatre tomorrow at 7.45 to celebrate their new album ABCDEFG, which covers such topics as the wearing of iPods in public places and the power of the human voice.

Box Office: 0844 848 2727 Online: www. howardassemblyroom.co.uk, tickets: £12


Eat it

Honeyed Lamb Shoulder with apple, mint and thyme

Serves six, takes about two hours

1.35kg (3lb) Lean boneless lamb shoulder

15mlsp (1tbsp) Oil

3 Garlic cloves

2 Large sprigs mint, roughly torn

2 Large sprigs thyme, roughly

torn

1 Lemon, juice and rind

2x15mlsp (2tbsp) Honey

150ml (¼pt) Apple juice or cider

4-6 Mini leeks or 2 medium, cut

into chunks

6 New potatoes, halved

Method

Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4,180C, 350F.

Heat the oil in a large pan or ovenproof casserole pot. Add the lamb shoulder joint and brown it on all sides. Once browned transfer the joint to a deep, foil lined roasting pan (if your casserole pot is ovenproof just continue using that pot). Add the garlic followed by the mint, thyme, lemon juice and rind. Then add the honey and pour the apple juice or cider around the meat. Cover the top with more foil, sealing carefully to make a parcel. Cook for 1 hour.

Remove the foil lid and add the leeks and potatoes to the liquid. Cook for a further hour until the meat is tender and well browned, and the leeks and potatoes are tender.

Allow the joint to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.

Drain the juices to serve. If you prefer thicker gravy just thicken it to your preference. Slice the lamb thickly and serve with the leeks and potatoes and steamed seasonal vegetables.