10ish Questions with Tom Allport: Cabin Pro, Photographer, Toastie Guy
An Unyoked Field Correspondent's guide to getting off-grid
Alright, hit us with it. Who are you and what’s your deal?
I’m Tom, a freelance photographer based in the UK, specifically London, but I love nothing more than escaping the city and exploring some of the beautiful landscapes this country has to offer and travelling further afield, documenting the lot!
You’ve been to a few Unyoked cabins now. What keeps pulling you back out there?
I have been lucky enough to visit a fair few cabins now! I just love the set up, as soon as you’ve arrived you know you’re somewhere special, totally disconnected, the interiors are beautiful and the locations, just perfect. They’re proper little escape pods, that's why I love getting back out to them.
What’s your go-to move the second you land at a cabin?
Usually, crack a beer if we’ve got cold ones, if not I’ll stick the kettle on for a coffee after throwing the beers in the fridge, then just take a deep breath, explore the surroundings a little and switch off. I love a winter cabin trip, so if it’s chilly I’ll get the fire going too!
Walk us through your ultimate cabin meal.
It can only be one thing, camp fire toasties! Followed by a few too many s’mores for dessert of course.
Definitely! Do you have a go-to toastie recipe?
My go-to is pretty simple, strong cheddar, some good cooked ham and red onion chutney.
What’s the weirdest thought you had while you were out there?
I’m sure it's not such a weird thought, I’d imagine everyone thinks the same when they’re out at these cabins, I’m just always wondering how I can make cabin life permanent, how we could juggle living somewhere remote and beautiful but still do the jobs we do. Its always torture to leave, so its just figuring out a way not to!
What are your three non-negotiables on your cabin packing list?
A camera, always! A good book, and a few cold beers!
What was the moment it properly clicked? You know, that "ohhhh this is why people rave about Unyoked" feeling?
So the first cabin we visited was Maynard, down in the New Forest. It was a stunning autumn day, the cabin was just buried amongst the orange leaves, golden evening sunlight shining through the canopy, it just looked epic. Maynard is still one of my favourite cabins for sure, and that moment arriving there sealed the deal immediately!
If someone’s hovering over the ‘Book Now’ button but still making pros and cons lists... what would you say?
I’d say if you’re already thinking about it, chances are you’re the kind of person that would just love it, it's the perfect escape. You’re out in beautiful nature, but still have the home comforts of a hot shower, a comfy bed, tasty coffee, there's just not a chance you’ll regret it. And, gun to my head, if I had to choose, my favourites would have been Maynard and Cadno, not sure I could choose between the two so I’ll recommend them both!
Where can people find you/your work?
Instagram is the best place to follow my work (@tom__allport), it's where I post my travels, cabin trips and van adventures, hopefully see you there!
