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The post Welcome to Oldfield Wharf appeared first on ila Journal.
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Welcome to your new home at Oldfield Wharf!
We’re so excited to have you as part of our community! To help you get comfortable in your new apartment, here's a few things that will help you settle in smoothly:
Our resident handbook:
A guide to help you settle into your new home and your local neighbourhood.
The resident handbook will tell you everything you need to know about living in your new apartment. From safety and security info to some house rules, all the important information you need is right here – resident handbook.
The resident app:
Where you can manage your apartment all in one place.
Whether it’s making payments or booking in maintenance, our resident app is the go-to spot for managing all things to do with your apartment. You can download it by searching ‘ila Resident’ on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Our socials:
The best place to stay up to date with everything that’s happening around the neighbourhood.
Follow us on Instagram @ila.oldfieldwharf to stay up to date on resident events and day-to-day moments in our community. We also show off our residents’ adorable pets on there – don’t miss out!
Exclusive resident offers:
If you thought living here couldn’t get any better, just wait until you see the offers and discounts you now get to enjoy!
Living at Olfield Wharf comes with some pretty great perks. From personalising your apartment with a stunning feature wall from COAT Paints, and access to free wellbeing support through Life & Progress there are so many offers and discounts to look forward to! To explore more of our incredible offers, click here.
Additional services:
If DIY isn't your thing, or you just need some help, we’ve got you covered.
Whether it's assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging picture frames, painting walls, or disassembling furniture, we’ve got you covered. Just get in touch with our team, and we’ll help to arrange a quote.
Our amazing team:
The go-to people for all your important questions.
If you ever need support, our team is here to help! You can pop down to reception and find us there, or you can reach us via email or phone. Click here to get to know the friendly team at Anchor Works.
We hope this helps you settle in, but if you have any questions, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.
See you around!
The post Welcome to Oldfield Wharf appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Short term stays in Manchester: Cable Street serviced apartments appeared first on ila Journal.
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If you’re planning a visit to Manchester this Christmas, finding somewhere comfortable to stay that's close to family but still giving you your own space can make all the difference. That’s why Cable Street Serviced Apartments are such a great option for short-term stays in Manchester.
The apartments are fully furnished with everything you need to feel at home. You’ll find a comfortable living space, smart TV, dining table, and a well-equipped kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, stove top, kettle, toaster, and all the essential cookware. You’ll also have free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom with towels and toiletries, and lift access throughout the building. There’s a communal co-working space if you need to get things done, plus shared laundry facilities on a first-come, first-served basis. Stays over ten days also include a complimentary clean with fresh linen and a welcome-pack top-up.
Christmas in Manchester is always magical, with markets, lights, last-minute shopping, and family time, but staying in a busy home can feel a bit chaotic. Having your own apartment nearby means you can enjoy all the festive fun before escaping back to a quiet, cosy space whenever you need a breather. Perfect balance.
Explore the available Cable Street apartments below and secure your stay today.
1 Bed apartment:
Studio apartments:
Manchester City Studio
Deluxe Manchester Studio
Spacious City Studio
The post Short term stays in Manchester: Cable Street serviced apartments appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Zain’s raspberry & white chocolate blondie recipe appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>Fancy something sweet? Try our Head of Marketing, Zain's, raspberry and white chocolate blondies. They’re easy to make, taste amazing, and look impressive with zero fuss – win win!
Serves:
9-12 (maybe 3 – 4 if you're like Zain)
Prep time:
15 minutes
Cook time:
25 – 30 minutes
Ingredients:
200g white chocolate (half for melting,
half chopped into chunks)
100g unsalted butter
150g light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
125g plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
100g fresh raspberries
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
- Melt the butter and half the white chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly — you don’t want it too hot when adding the eggs.
- Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined and the mixture looks glossy.
- Fold in the dry ingredients: sift in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Add the extras: chop the remaining white chocolate into chunks and gently fold them in along with the raspberries (tip: save a few raspberries and chocolate chunks to press into the top for a nice finish.)
- Pour the mixture into the tin, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set but the centre still has a bit of wobble — it’ll firm up as it cools.
- Cool completely in the tin, then lift out and slice into 9–12 squares.
And just like that, you'll have a delicious sweet treat. If you want, you can top these with some fresh chopped raspberries or melted white chocolate. Enjoy!
The post Zain’s raspberry & white chocolate blondie recipe appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Say hello to zero deposits with Reposit appeared first on ila Journal.
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We've partnered with Reposit to offer a zero-deposit alternative. This new option makes it easier and more affordable to move into an ila home by removing the need for a traditional cash deposit. Reposit offers a simple and flexible solution: instead of paying a large upfront deposit, residents pay a one-off, non-refundable fee equal to one week’s rent, plus a small admin charge. It’s a regulated and secure alternative that protects both residents and landlords, while helping you keep more of your money where it belongs – in your pocket.
This isn’t just for new residents. If you’re already living in one of our neighbourhoods and currently renting with a traditional deposit, you can switch to Reposit too. That means you can release your existing deposit funds and free up cash without having to move out. It’s a great way to get more financial flexibility, whether you want to boost your savings, cover other expenses, or simply enjoy a little extra breathing room. Using Reposit is quick and easy, and everything is managed online. There are no monthly payments, no hidden costs, and no complicated processes. Just a smarter way to rent.
To learn more about how it works and to register your interest, visit https://reposit.co.uk/ila or speak to your on-site Community Team.
Please note: Reposit is currently available at all ila neighborhoods except 219 Baker.
The post Say hello to zero deposits with Reposit appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Offers: Cardiff Perks appeared first on ila Journal.
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At Anchor Works, we’re all about helping our residents get the most out of life in Cardiff. Living here means more than just being close to the city’s best spots – it also comes with exclusive perks! We believe life is best with a good balance of work and play, which is why we've teamed up with a mix of local and national businesses to bring you amazing discounts and special deals. After all, who doesn’t love a little extra treat to keep things fun?
Check out our partners and discounts:
COAT
COAT has designed a carefully curated palette for our neighbourhoods, thoughtfully chosen to reflect local colour trends and complement every home. Our residents can get their very own feature walls painted, and at a great price.
Donald's
Free first coffee, 10% whenever you order, and a loyalty scheme packed with perks and rewards – what's not to love?! Head over to Donald's on Trade Street in Cardiff.
Check them out here
Life & Progress
Seeking help is often the first step towards feeling better, but it can be hard to know where to turn to. That's why we've partnered with Life & Progress, a trusted mental health and well-being platform that can support our residents.
See how they can support you
AndThen
Get ready for ultimate comfort! We're excited to partner with AndThen, makers of silky smooth, sustainable bamboo boxers. Not only will you feel great, but you'll also be doing good – half the profits support men's mental health charities. Plus our residents can enjoy 25% off with code 'ila'.
Check them out
Chans Noodle Bar
We're excited to partner with Chans Noodle Bar in Cardiff! Residents at Anchor Works can enjoy 10% off all cash orders when the ila app is shown upon ordering.
Check out the menu here
Redeem offers & more info
Speak to the Anchor Works team for more details on these offers and how to redeem them. Stay tuned for more exciting partnerships in the future. We hope these perks and discounts help you enjoy your time in Cardiff even more.
Cheers to good times and great deals.
The post Offers: Cardiff Perks appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Welcome to Anchor Works appeared first on ila Journal.
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Welcome to your new home at Anchor Works!
We’re so excited to have you as part of our community! To help you get comfortable in your new apartment, here's a few things that will help you settle in smoothly:
Our resident handbook:
A guide to help you settle into your new home and your local neighbourhood.
The resident handbook will tell you everything you need to know about living in your new apartment. From safety and security info to some house rules, all the important information you need is right here – resident handbook.
The resident app:
Where you can manage your apartment all in one place.
Whether it’s making payments or booking in maintenance, our resident app is the go-to spot for managing all things to do with your apartment. You can download it by searching ‘ila Resident’ on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Our socials:
The best place to stay up to date with everything that’s happening around the neighbourhood.
Follow us on Instagram @ila.anchorworks and join our Facebook group ‘Anchor Works Residents’ to stay up to date on resident events and day-to-day moments in our community. We also show off our residents’ adorable pets on there – don’t miss out!
Exclusive resident offers:
If you thought living here couldn’t get any better, just wait until you see the offers and discounts you now get to enjoy!
Living at Anchor Works comes with some pretty great perks. From personalising your apartment with a stunning feature wall from COAT Paints, and access to free wellbeing support through Life & Progress there are so many offers and discounts to look forward to! To explore more of our incredible offers, click here.
Additional services:
If DIY isn't your thing, or you just need some help, we’ve got you covered.
Whether it's assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging picture frames, painting walls, or disassembling furniture, we’ve got you covered. Just get in touch with our team, and we’ll help to arrange a quote.
Our amazing team:
The go-to people for all your important questions.
If you ever need support, our team is here to help! You can pop down to reception and find us there, or you can reach us via email or phone. Click here to get to know the friendly team at Anchor Works.
We hope this helps you settle in, but if you have any questions, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.
See you around!
The post Welcome to Anchor Works appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Sandra’s roasted chickpea wrap recipe appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>Craving a crunchy, spicy, flavourful wrap? Try this spicy roasted chickpea wrap recipe by Sandra, our Marketing Executive. It's one of her favourite lunches: dense, crunchy, and packed with flavour.
Serves:
1
Prep time:
20 minutes
Cook time:
15 minutes
Ingredients:
Canned chickpeas
1 tsp Sriracha hummus
Cucumber
Feta cheese
Black olives
1 Pickled gherkin
Pickled red onions
1 tsp tzatziki
Avocado (optional)
Wholemeal tortilla wrap
Spices: Paprika, turmeric, cumin, black pepper
Olive oil
For most ingredients in this recipe, there are no measurements; everything is measured with the heart, so add as much as you'd like!
Method:
1. Roast the chickpeas
- Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then pat them dry. Toss them with olive oil, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and roast in the oven (or air fryer) for 10 – 15 minutes on 180°c, tossing halfway through. Remove once they are crispy and golden, then let them cool slightly.
2. Prep the veggies
- Chop the cucumber into small chunks (big enough that you still get the crunch).
- Chop the gherkin into small chunks.
- Crumble the feta cheese.
- Pit and halve the black olives.
- If you're using avocado, sprinkle on a bit of salt, then slice into small chunks.
- Have your pickled red onions ready to go.
3. Assemble the wrap
- Spread a little Sriracha hummus down the center of the wrap.
- Layer in the roasted chickpeas, cucumber, feta, olives, gherkin slices, pickled red onions, and avocado (if using).
- Drizzle on the tzaziki.
- Fold in the bottom and sides, and roll it up tightly. You can toast it in a pan for a minute or two on each side if you like a bit more crunch.
Then enjoy your fresh, crunchy and flavourful roasted chickpea wrap!
Bonus tip:
You can eat this as a salad if you don't fancy having it as a wrap. Just toss the ingredients in your Sriracha hummus, and top with tzatziki.
The post Sandra’s roasted chickpea wrap recipe appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Welcome to Kew Curve appeared first on ila Journal.
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Welcome to your new home at Kew Curve!
We’re so excited to have you as part of our community! To help you get comfortable in your new apartment, here’s a few things that will help you settle in smoothly:
Our resident handbook:
A guide to help you settle into your new home and your local neighbourhood.
The resident handbook will tell you everything you need to know about living in your new apartment. From safety and security info to some house rules, all the important information you need is right here – resident handbook.
The resident app:
Where you can manage your apartment all in one place.
Whether it’s making payments or booking in maintenance, our resident app is the go-to spot for managing all things to do with your apartment. You can download it by searching ‘ila Resident’ on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Our socials:
The best place to stay up to date with everything that’s happening around the neighbourhood.
Follow us on Instagram @ila.kewcurve to stay up to date on resident events and day-to-day moments in our community. We also show off our residents’ adorable pets on there – don’t miss out!
Exclusive resident offers:
If you thought living here couldn’t get any better, just wait until you see the offers and discounts you now get to enjoy!
Living at Kew Curve comes with some pretty great perks. From personalising your apartment with a stunning feature wall from COAT Paints, and access to free wellbeing support through Life & Progress there are so many offers and discounts to look forward to! To explore more of our incredible offers, click here.
Additional services:
If DIY isn't your thing, or you just need some help, we’ve got you covered.
Whether it's assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging picture frames, painting walls, or disassembling furniture, we’ve got you covered. Just get in touch with our team, and we’ll help to arrange a quote.
Our amazing team:
The go-to people for all your important questions.
If you ever need support, our team is here to help! You can pop down to reception and find us there, or you can reach us via email or phone. Click here to get to know the friendly team at Kew Curve.
We hope this helps you settle in, but if you have any questions, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.
See you around!
The post Welcome to Kew Curve appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Highlights: 2025 So Far appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>Now that June's come to an end and we’ve stepped into July, we're officially halfway through 2025. So, what better time to pause and reflect on the year so far? From wellness events and creative workshops to holiday celebrations and socials, we've shared some pretty amazing moments. We've enjoyed quality time with pets, laughs with neighbours and friends, and memories we won't forget — here’s a glimpse at just a few that have made the year so special.
Holidays & seasonal celebrations
Our residents have enjoyed lots of meaningful moments this year, coming together for special holidays and seasonal festivities. From Ramadan and Mother's Day celebrations to Valentine's Day treats and visits from the Easter Bunny, there's been no shortage of celebrations.
Wholesome moments with pets
Pets are part of the family, so of course we had to celebrate them too! They've enjoyed all kinds of playful activities, from a doggy date night to a few pet photo shoots (one even featured a runway!), plus plenty of treats along the way. And it's safe to say there are more wholesome moments with furry friends still to come.
Community socials
From casual get-togethers to themed nights in, we’ve created plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbours and make new friends. We've had a lively speed social, a gin tasting evening, garden club, resident-run yoga classes, pub quizzes and more. There’s always something happening to bring people together.
Sports & entertainment
We've kept things lively with a calendar full of fun-filled entertainment and sports-themed events. From Wimbledon watch parties and Eurovision viewings, to movie nights and pyjama parties, we've found so many ways to bring entertainment and community spirit together in one room.
More celebrations
From Pride and Lunar New Year parties to extra Wimbledon celebrations, we've embraced every opportunity to come together in festive spirit and community joy.
Delicious food & sweet surprises
There’s nothing like great food and drinks to bring people together, and our neighborhoods have served up plenty. From pancake mornings with a variety of toppings and DIY smoothie bowls to cheese boards for National Cheese Day and baked treats from Delish Bakery, our residents have truly been spoiled for choice.
Charities & partnerships
We’re proud of the ways we’ve given back, supporting good causes through collaborative and impactful events. Our sponsored sleep out for charity at the beginning of the year set a generous tone, which was followed by events like a bikeathon, RSPCA Bake Sale, and a good few raffles and giveaways. Our residents have also enjoyed lots of goodies and treats from our local partners, we’re all about balance over here.
It's been a fantastic year so far… and we're just getting started. Let's see what the second half of 2025 brings!
The post Highlights: 2025 So Far appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>The post Our favourite podcasts this summer appeared first on ila Journal.
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Check out our top podcast picks for the summer, perfect for your listening pleasure and to inspire your own! Swan Street House’s media suite is the ideal spot for residents to start their own podcasting journey or get creative with ideas. Here are some of our favourites for the season:
For navigating life:
Anything goes with Emma Chamberlain
Perfect if you enjoy candid conversations and relatable stories about life, self-discovery,
and everything in between.
The psychology of your 20s
This gives a deep dive into the unique experiences of young adulthood, with chats about personal growth and figuring out how to navigate this decade of life.
For improving your mindset:
Aware and Aggravated
This podcast pushes you to face your inner thoughts and feelings while embracing the
chaos of life head-on.
Trying Not to Care
The perfect listen for a fresh take on friendships, relationships, figuring out your 20s, your
job, chasing your dreams, and a whole lot more.
For a good laugh:
The Bach & Arthur Podcast
A mix of honest and thought-provoking conversations with a good sense of humour. It’s great if you enjoy a fun and fresh take on modern culture.
The Basement Yard
This is perfect if you’re into honest and entertaining conversations about everyday life, balanced with a mix of humour and insight
For changing the way you think:
On Purpose by Jay Shetty
Inspiring conversations on mindfulness, purpose, and personal growth to help you find deeper fulfillment within your everyday life.
Huberman Lab
If you’re curious about the science behind health, this podcast shares evidence-based
tips on optimising your mind and body.
For a brain boost:
The Rest is History
This takes you on a captivating journey through historical events and figures, with entertaining conversations that bring history to life.
Let's Talk About Myths, Baby!
All about the fascinating world of mythology from a fun and feminine perspective, for an exciting look into ancient myths.
Whether you’re a Swan Street House resident looking for podcast inspiration or just looking to switch up your podcast rotation, we hope you love these recommendations as much as we do!
The post Our favourite podcasts this summer appeared first on ila Journal.
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