Take me there: Victoria park, east London
It's official: east London is the centre of the universe this summer, and with the Paralympics in full flow, visitors are being invited to live like a local in some of the area's hippest neighbourhoods. The Victoria Park House Company (thevictoriaparkhousecompany.com) offers holiday lets in gorgeous private homes, from cool warehouse conversions to elegant townhouses. The company, which launched in time for the Olympics, unveils its new concierge service this month, offering guests everything from theatre tickets to a personal trainer. A three-night stay in a two-bedroom loft apartment costs from £800.
Jo's travel clinic: Pembrokeshire retreats
The dilemma Can you suggest somewhere romantic for an autumn break? We don't want anything too fancy (or expensive!), just somewhere we can switch off, preferably with a log fire and great views. Paula, by email
I'm completely captivated by the latest offerings from Under the Thatch (underthethatch.co.uk). The company has just added three new Pembrokeshire retreats to its portfolio of quirky cabins and traditional Welsh cottages. Striking just the right balance between rustic and romantic, Little Barn near Newport is a former artist's studio that has been converted into a delightful bolthole for two, overlooking its own pond, with distant views of Carningli mountain (from £350 a week). In the same bucolic spot but offering a little more comfort is neighbouring Ty Glas, a pretty pale-blue period cottage surrounded by meadows. With log fires and wood floors, it oozes simple charm (from £530 a week). Last but not least, Caban Llys-y-Fran, a little to the south, is a traditional tin cottage, compact and cosy, with glorious views from a veranda complete with hammock and outdoor woodburner, perfect for autumn evenings (from £221 for a three-night break). All three will be available from October.
If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.uk
Three of the best food and drink festivals
Autumn is festival season for foodies, with great local produce being celebrated up and down the country. Here are three great events guaranteed to make your mouth water
Ludlow Food Festival, Shropshire Shropshire's foodie mecca puts on a tantalising spread. Don't miss the sausage and ale trails. 7-9 September (foodfestival.co.uk)
Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival A celebration of the town's fishery and vineyards. 15-16 September (1066country.com/events/hastings-seafood-and-wine-festival)
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival Suffolk's Snape Maltings will hold a two-day feast of workshops and tastings. 29-30 September (aldeburghfoodand drink.co.uk)
