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What To Eat In London This Month

It’s a big BIG month in the hospitality industry, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Last Saturday saw bars and restaurants around the country start to reopen their doors and, while the dining experience will look a little different to your last meal out four months ago, our favourite restaurants need us now more than ever before.

All around London our favourites are throwing open their doors once more. With more and more announced every day this is by no means an exhaustive list, but just a handful of those we know and love that we’d urge you to try a table at if you’re thinking of booking out. And for those not quite ready to head out just yet, some great establishments are still offering takeaway and delivery options around town.

NORTH

Hot Stone, Islington

One of only seven restaurants in the UK to serve certified Kobe beef, Hot Stone is often lauded as one of the best Japanese and sushi restaurants in London. They’re also still offering delivery and collection, so no excuse to miss out. www.hotstonelondon.com

Hoppers, King’s Cross

The first of three JKS restaurants to open, Hoppers kicked things off again today. We’ll be booking in as soon as we can for the delectable Jackfruit + Mushroom Kothu Roti and their unmissable Half Rack BBQ Jaffna Lamb Chops. www.hopperslondon.com

Lina Stores, King’s Cross

We are DEEPLY excited at the thought of Lina’s new al fresco restaurant, Lina in the Piazza, opening just outside the King’s Cross restaurant on 15th July. Serving some of their favourite summer dishes and drinks provided from their very own Paggio Ape mobile bar, a gelato cart will join them at the beginning of August for gelati and sorbetti to go. www.linastores.co.uk

SOUTH

The Laundry, Brixton

With a new south-facing terrace now open, The Laundry’s all-day menu is perfect for lazy grazing and al fresco dining and the unique wine list, tailored by The Laundry’s founder Melanie Brown, is no stranger to fresh summer whites and rosés. We can’t wait to try the grilled peach with grains, rocket and rosemary vinaigrette and the bacon brioche bap. www.thelaundrybrixton.com

Paladar, Elephant & Castle

Making the most of their ‘secret’ courtyard garden and front terrace, this Elephant & Castle favourite will however only be booking in as many customers as can comfortably and safely fit indoors in case London’s famous un-Latin American climate takes a turn fo the worse. Don’t miss La Hora Loca happy hour will run on weekday afternoons from 5-6 pm with 2-for-1 offers on selected cocktails, beers and glasses of wine – or 25% off food dishes. We’re already drooling at the thought of crispy pork belly tacos and a crisp glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. www.paladarlondon.com

Minnow, Clapham

Clapham is well-known for its amazing array of independent restaurants and a personal favourite is Minnow, just on the edge of the Common. Guests can dine in or outside and with an evening menu featuring the likes of moulds marinière and pan fried plaice with brown butter and capers, guests can enjoy two courses for just £20 during their Late Night Supper sitting, 9-10pm Monday – Thursday. www.minnowclapham.co.uk

Brixton Village

An absolute foodie hub, especially in summer, new communal dining spaces have been set-up in designated and colour-coded zones across the markets with 160 additional covers in Market Row and a further 280 in Brixton Village. Lost in Brixton are also offering a unique QR code when ordering, with all of the new measures in place helping the safe zoning of the market to support food and drinks businesses who will not be able to reopen with their full capacity in operation, giving each restaurant up to 16 additional covers to seat and dine their guests.

Seating arrangements have been mapped out across all communal eating zones to ensure diners keep apart. The initial set up will allow for businesses to dress the zones in keeping with their brand as well as taking ownership of a safe dining experience for the return of guests, so they can now enjoy meals from the much loved restaurants including Salon, Tiger & Pig, Franco Manca, Black Bear Burger, Station 26, Jalisco, Eat of Eden and Honest Burger. www.brixtonvillage.com

EAST

Fortnum & Mason, Royal Exchange

The London institution’s outpost in the elegant Royal Exchange building is back up and running, with its favourite all-day dining menu (Welsh Rarebit and Knickerbocker Glory anyone?) as well as their iconic afternoon teas.From July 13th a curated menu of the restaurant’s familiar favourites will be available to order through the SUPPER London app, serving those living within a 2.5-mile radius. www.fortnumandmason.com/restaurants

On The Bab, St, Paul’s

If you’ve never tried the pillow soft bao and sticky fried chicken at Korean street food outpost On The Bab you’re missing out. While their Covent Garden and Soho outposts aren’t quite ready to open just yet, St, Paul’s is open for Deliveroo and takeaway and it’s worth the journey. www.instagram.com/onthebab

Pizza Pilgrims, West India Quay

The pizza palace has fired up the ovens once more at the first of its London location’s to reopen, where guests can be the first to try the pizza pioneers’ new eight cheese pizza; not for the faint-hearted (or the lactose-intolerant) it features Ricotta, Fior di Latte, Provala, Gorgonzola, Stracciatella, Bufallo Mozzarella and two types of Parmesan. Fear not, a menu of classic favourites is also available, all served on its signature 48 hour proved base. The Kingly Street and Dean Street are set to follow on 9th July followed by additional locations soon after. www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk

WEST

Prairie Fire, White City

The Kansas City BBQ pit masters aptly re-opened their restaurant and taproom in White City on 4th July. With all of the slow-smoked favourites such as brisket, applewood smoked pork and chicken along with roadside style smashed burgers and more, the Taproom is also home to 16 individually curated taps showcasing the best of British and American craft beers alongside an ever-growing range of bottles and cans. www.prairiefirebbq.com

Zuaya, Kensington

Zuaya’s sophisticated and contemporary menu brings real Latin American style to Kensington, an incredible fusion of punchy flavours incorporating the perfect selection of signature tapas, sharing plates, ceviches, grilled meats and fresh seafood. We can’t wait to sample the classics with a twist, like Pork Belly Patacones and Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Truffle Ponzu. Delicious. www.zuaya.co.uk

CENTRAL

The Ninth, Fitzrovia

Jun Tanaka’s Michelin starred restaurants has reopened its doors for takeaway and delivery for the first time. With takeaway lunch boxes (to purchase on site) and an extensive à la carte menu for collection and delivery within a 2.5 mile radius of the Charlotte Street restaurant, we’re desperate to try the Australian truffle pasta kit and Jun’s signature pain perdu with vanilla ice cream. www.theninthlondon.com

SOLA, Soho

Victor Garvey’s critically-acclaimed, modern Californian restaurant is offering its five-course prix fixe and longer tasting menus, complemented by its keenly-priced, all-American wine list. Already well-suited to socially-distanced dining thanks to its particularly generously-spaced tables, they’ve also introduced extra measures including infra-red temperature checks of all guests on entry, the use of gloves and disposable menus and hand-sanitiser stations throughout the restaurant. With dishes like Tartare of Tuna Belly with radish, Myoga, Watermelon, Tomato, Charcoal and Carpaccio of Ovuli Mushrooms with Parmesan, Pickled Walnut and Mushroom Ketchup, we’ll be booking a table. www.solasoho.com

The Lebanese Bakery, Covent Garden

With Eid Adha approaching at the end of the month (30th July – 3rd August), the bakery will be offering hampers of maamoul – buttery pastries filled with dates, pistachios and walnuts – available 4th July till 9th August, for home delivery or to pick up from its Covent Garden site. The perfect sweet ending to the feast they’re ideal for gifting. www.thelebanesebakery.com

The Courtyard at St James Court, a Taj Hotel, St James’s

Another al fresco masterpiece right in the middle of London, The Courtyard has a brand new menu with guests able to scan a QR code at the table to get the menu on their phone and minimise touch points. There’s also an offer on daily across the whole menu (12pm-4pm and 6-9.30pm) with four dishes for the price of three; we’ve already eyed up the Shrimp and Avocado Salad, Gnocchi With Truffle Salsa, Chocolate Orange Tart and Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. www.https://www.stjamescourthotel.co.uk/dine/

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Australia

10 of the best remote luxury travel destinations

Global tourism has been on the rise but finding the best remote luxury travel destinations has been getting harder. The best remote luxury travel destinations allow you to escape the hustles of daily life and avoid crowds. Always take a few steps back from your daily life for health and psychological benefits.

The world offers luxurious remote destinations for people who would want to enjoy their weekends in quiet places near the sea and try various outdoor activities. Lottoland explores the world’s remotest islands in a summarized format that you can actually make informed decisions at a glance. But even better for you, we have explored 10 best remote luxury travel destinations that offer a quiet atmosphere, fresh air and natural beauty. They include:

Travaasa Hana, Hawaii, USA

Travaasa Hana, also known as Hotel Hana Maui, is situated on the eastern Maui tip in Hana and it is a perfect destination for tourists who would want to experience the real Hawaii. Lei making and throw-net fishing are some of the local customs to expect. Travaasa Hana is set amidst palm trees and rolling grass in the Hana Bay. The private suites and spacious cottages are some of the things that will set a peaceful mood in this area free from clocks, radios or televisions.

Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Situated in Newfoundland, Canada, Fogo Island Inn is on one of the earth’s four corners. On the North Atlantic Ocean rugged shores, the area has four seasons. All the 29 suits of this hotel offer floor-to-ceilings views of the sky and sea. The suites showcase the richness of the locality and express modern take on the traditional design and décor. The architecture of Fogo Island Inn is optimistic, bold and distinct.

Soneva Kiri, Thailand

Soneva Kiri is a choice of many tourists from all parts of the world. Even though the destination is remote, you can access it by flight from Bangkok. Soneva Kiri is situated in the fourth largest Island of Thailand but the least populated. Expect to find 36 spectacular private villas, built on hillsides overlooking turquoise waters and blanketed with rainforests. Spend your time in the powdery soft sand for a great experience.

Jalakara, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Jalakara is a destination of many British couples in need of luxurious remote destinations. Named after an ancient Sanskrit word, which means “the source”, the property was once a betel nut and banana plantation. Today it is a beautiful rainforest. It offers six suites and a private villa. Better still, the destination provides fabulous views across the rainforest towards the sea and sun.

Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia

Lizard Island offers 24 powdery-white beaches in addition to 40 luxurious suites. Situated on the Great Barrier Reef, this resort is the most northern in tropical Queensland. It is reserved for people desiring unforgettable holiday experiences. As a guest, you will enjoy secluded picnics on the private beaches, indulgent spa treatments in Essentia Day Spa and five-star cuisines in the SaltWater restaurant.

Nimmo Bay, British Columbia, British Columbia

Some of the things you should expect to see at Nimmo Bay Resort when arriving by helicopter include snow-capped mountains that meet the shoreline of the calm bay and the remote coastal rainforest that extends as far as your eyes can see. The main lodge of Nimmo Bay Resort floats on the bay and the two cedar hot tubs that steam at the cascading waterfall’s feet will be of great benefit. The adventures range from heli-hiking atop the sparkling mountain peaks, whale watching, river rafting and bear spotting. Food will be part of your adventures.

Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is widely known for the Giant Moai statues that dot grassy flanks of an extinct volcano situated in the Pacific Ocean. It is halfway between French Polynesia and South America. One of the unique features in this remote destination is Explora Rapa Nui, a hotel situated on a calm spot that allows you to experience the Island’s dramatic isolation and mysteries. The architecture of this hotel blends perfectly with its unique heritage and geography. The architects designed the 30 rooms to take advantage of the privacy, silence and the spaciousness of surrounding landscapes to ensure deeper rest after daily exploration.

Time + Tide Miavana, Madagascar

Miavana is a luxurious resort situated on the remote Nosy Ankao Island. Nosy Ankao Island is part of the five-island dry land of the north-eastern part of Madagascar. Some of the things you should expect in this remote destination are vibrant coral reefs and the spectacular maritime wonders of the Indian Ocean. Miavana offers 14 one-, two- and even three-bedroom villas located along the western white beaches of the island.

The designers of the palatial villas of Miavana are Lesley Carstens and Silvio Rech, the architects who also designed the North Island Seychelles. You will enjoy the spectacular panoramic sunsets of the Indian Ocean extending beyond the mainland Madagascar.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Maldive’ ultraluxe resorts never miss in lists of remotely located hotels because they occupy private islands, all scattered around the Equator. Unless you currently live in Male South or North close to an international airport, you can only reach this destination by a domestic turboprop or water plane flight after arriving in Maldives. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is situated in one of the deepest and largest atolls. It is also among the hard to reach resorts.

Ultima Thule Lodge, Alaska, USA

Situated deep in the Alaskan wilderness (in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park), the Ultima Thule Lodge offers the luxuriousness you might need. This destination is very far from the paved roads and it is centred on adventure and immersed in nature. The lodge sits on a hill and offers an open kitchen, dining room and sitting room. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to view the mountains and Chitina River flow to the south.

Conclusion

We all need to take a few steps back from our daily life. Whether you prefer hikes or quiet weekend pampering near the sea, the destinations offer beautiful surroundings, high-class spas and many outdoor activities. From forest hideaways and private tropical islands to secluded spots, the above remote destinations might offer the experience you need.

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#womenworldwide: find out how Elinor Alm turned holiday inspiration into a business

Elinor Alm is the co-founder and designer of Bequia Beach Bums, a easy to wear swimwear line made up of simple styles but playful prints for your next adventure. Their debut collection is limited edition with only 50 pieces of each swim short print sold in beach boutiques in Bequia but fear not, they have an exclusive limited number available online. We found out how Elinor started the brand and what her top picks are for you to get your hands on this summer.

House of Coco: What was the inspiration for Bequia Beach Bums?

Elinor: I’ve always loved travelling, and have lived across the world from Stockholm to Taipei, Shanghai to London, Chile to Australia. If given a choice between material things or experiences, I would go for experiences every time. But in an ideal world I wouldn’t have to choose! I hunt for original souvenirs whilst out exploring the world. I advocate artisan and high quality instead of fast fashion. When I arrived to little Bequia, I loved the place but found myself leaving empty-handed. It was there the concept of Beach Bums was born.

HoC: How did you meet Bengt, the owner of Bequia Beach Hotel, and how did the decision to launch a swimwear beach line evolve?

Elinor: I actually met Bengt the first time in Bequia, my boyfriend invited me on holiday and to meet his dad. After a few more visits to his hotel; Bequia Beach Hotel, I recognised a gap in the market to capture the essence of a small lush Caribbean island & it’s story in an exclusive collection of beachwear. With my knowledge in textiles and product development, I proposed to Bengt to create our very own unique beachwear brand; serving as a lasting memory for guests to take home and with them on their next adventure. Bengt loved the idea of synergies of a beachwear brand and today Beach Bums helps to attract guests to the island and hotel.

HoC: How did you go about designing the line?

Elinor: As a designer, you take inspiration from different times and places. Due to my background in product development I am confident in the design process and have production contacts in China from living there. I begun to sketch my collected ideas, from patterns to practical solutions and material choices. I decided very early in the process that the collection should be smart, conscious and with good quality and finest workmanship. All patterns are inspired by the lushness and laid back life in Bequia, available in limited quantities of up to 50 pieces. My goal has always been to have the collection produced in Bequia, unfortunately the experience and capabilities cannot yet be compared with China. Despite this, Beach Bums will proudly present an artisan collection together with a local learning centre in Bequia late 2019. The best part of being the entrepreneur and a designer is to continually evolve the brand.

HoC: What do you think are some of the challenges of running an independent fashion business in 2019?

Elinor: Challenges of today are also the opportunities. The world is your playground and the competition is tough. To be your own boss forces you to work hard and believe in yourself – something that is not easy to manage every single day. It’s about hard work and a little bit of luck. Being an independent woman is all about surrounding yourself self with other strong, powerful women and men. You can do a lot by yourself but you need a core group that can fuel you with good energy.

HoC: We love your use of older and diverse models in your campaign, how important is diversity and representation for your brand?

Elinor: It’s very important! Central to the core of the brand’s identity is representation by real beach bums – people that enjoy life to its fullest! Borders between different cultures and ages are increasingly blurring. I love the idea of confident people who don’t feel like they have to fit into a certain personas as a result of societies’ expectations. If you’re a silver fox but want to wear the same on-trend shirt as your grandson – well go ahead! Live life to its fullest!

HoC: With the summer approaching, what do you think is the key piece House of Coco readers should be snapping up from your collection?

Elinor: For men – the Hawaiian Shirt! It’s been so trendy for years know and still on fire. Hawaiian shirts are for all ages and not only for a holiday or the tropics, pair your loud shirt with a pair of chinos and white sneakers and you’re are perfectly ready to take on the city. For the ladies – our reversible bikinis that gives great support and multiple options to style.

HoC: What piece of advice would you give to our readers who want to set up their own brand or business?

Elinor: Seek knowledge. There is so much information to collect just online and amongst friends and acquaintances. Enforce your strong attributes and actively keep your knowledge fresh to stay ahead of your competitors in those chosen fields – be the best! For your weaknesses – seek external help. If you are simply worthless in WordPress – hire someone external and focus on what you are good at instead.

Be persistent! Never quit! Even if you had a bad day and doubt you’ll succeed.

Always be kind and helpful to others, surround yourself with positive and fearless people.

Add value to your product to better your competitors and exceed expectations to retain your clients. And importantly, remember to take time off for yourself to stay motivated and refuel in between all the work & effort.

HoC: What was the best piece of advice you were given in setting up your own business?

Elinor: Accomplish at least one thing every day that will take your business forwards.

Don’t try to please everyone and don’t excuse yourself.

Know your numbers, because in the end it’s a business not a hobby.

Don’t be afraid to fail.

Visit Bequia Beach Bums

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Austria

A foodie tour of Georgia

What is one of the best parts about exploring a new destination? The food of course! The USA has always been one of the most diverse places to enjoy some great dishes. Georgia is certainly one of those places, whilst it is known for its traditional southern cuisine there is myriad of different cuisines to try.

Georgia’s diverse terrain and long-standing culinary traditions makes it the ultimate foodie destination. With typically Southern dishes on offer like Biscuits & Gravy, Fried Okra, Grits and of course the ubiquitous peach pie (Georgia, of course is known as the Peach State) you really will be spoilt for choice!

So, what is so special about Georgia’s foodie scene? ‘Top Chef’ judge Hugh Acheson says: “Georgia is one of the quintessential places of amazing bounty. From coastal shrimp, clams, and fish, to apple orchards in north Georgia, to olive oil production in Lakeland, to peanuts and grits and every vegetable under the sun, we have an agrarian history that we are reclaiming.”

We started our foodie tour in Atlanta at the incredible TWO Urban Licks, a fabulous restaurant on Atlanta’s nationally-acclaimed BeltLine. If you are a fan of hip, industrial chic dining experiences, then the wood-fired cuisine of this critically-acclaimed restaurant is the perfect choice for you. Why not try the empanada, white shrimp or even the bronzed scallops with gouda grits (my favourite dish whilst in Atlanta)

Acclaimed restaurateur and chef, Ford Fry, has opened multiple award-winning establishments in Atlanta, including JCT. Kitchen & Bar. This warm and friendly restaurant on Atlanta’s Westside serves up sophisticated, Southern fare. JCT’s menu is refined comfort food but amplified by Executive Chef Brian Horn’s masterful technique fused with bold and balanced flavours. Dishes to try includes the ‘angry’ mussels (with bacon and serrano chile) shrimp and grits and the North Georgia trout with lacquered pork belly.

The Atlanta locals love to brunch and one our favourite places to brunch in the city has to be Sway at the Hyatt Regency. Executive Chef Thomas McKeown’s menus are a joy at anytime of the day, but their breakfast/brunch offering is something to be admired. Pancakes and waffles and pastries – oh my!

Barbeque food is huge in Atlanta and with fantastic joints like Heirloom Market and Smoke Ring which is in the city’s Castleberry Hill area. Smoke Ring offers a unique twist on typical barbecue fare such as fried green tomatoes, smoked meatloaf and smoked brisket melt.

Not sure what you want to eat? Take a visit to the Ponce City Market’s food hall in midtown Atlanta where you can choose from a bowl of Japanese ramen to Indian street food at the mind-blowing Bottiwalla eatery.

Known as the Classic City and less than 90 minutes from Atlanta is one of my favourite places – Athens. With its friendly small-town feel, historic architecture, eclectic music scene and great shops, Athens is a pretty college town that offers mouth-watering fare from both internationally acclaimed chefs and up-and-coming talents alike.

The Last Resort Grill serves southwestern-inspired southern cuisine in beautiful downtown Athens. They use traditional methods like open fire, grilling, brining, pickling and preserving to create amazing dishes such as six-hour pig, firecracker filet and picancillo & black pepper crusted hangar.

Another great place for foodies is The National which is run by local renowned chefs Peter Dale and Hugh Acheson. With dishes such as stuffed medjool dates, pizette and fish with green calasparra rice, sauté of squash blossoms, you will walk away with a full belly and a smile on your face!

One of my favourite dishes whilst travelling through the state of Georgia was grits – this is a typical Georgian dish that is synonymous with breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can have grits in Georgia prepared any way you’d like, with butter and salt, with melted cheese, or even a Georgia specialty—with shrimp. Some even have theirs with sugar but every person that I met from Georgian told me this was definitely not the right way and the best way had to be something savoury.

If you are planning a road trip throughout the beautiful state of Georgia (and why wouldn’t you?!) there are lots of amazing restaurants and eateries to try along the way. Lanier Islands is a 1,500-acre year-round vacation destination and is one of Georgia’s most popular lake destination thanks to its premier location on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier – this is where people from the cities come for their holidays. The resort has an array of restaurants to choose from including Sidney’s which features elegant continental fare and Bullfrogs Bar & Grille which is a more casual affair. The resort is known for its fun water-focused activities which are ideal for visitors of all ages.

Approximately 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, is the adorable town of Gainesville – known as both the Queen City of the Mountains and the ‘Hospitality Capital of the World’. One of my favourite restaurants there was Avacado’s – a friendly and fun café and restaurant in the heart of the historic downtown Gainesville Square. Not only is the food terrific, but the restaurant has a cosy and eclectic atmosphere with local musicians playing on the bustling sidewalks. Yes, of course – avocados do feature on the menu!

If you are looking for traditional family-style cooking, then look no further than The Smith House in downtown Dahlonega. Bessie Smith and her family have been serving family-style country cooking since 1922. Think fried chicken, cornbread and lots of traditional iced tea!

The Forrest Hills Resort doesn’t just make a stunning place to stay and relax, thanks to its picturesque location in the foothills of the Georgia mountains. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a cocktail or two, paired with some traditional Southern cuisine in the most gorgeous surroundings.

Like a quirky a restaurant? Then the Hofer’s Bakery in Helen, Georgia should be on your list. As you enter the town of Helen, you almost feel like you could be in some alpine town in Germany or Austria. Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, this town is adorably kitsch thanks to its Bavarian style buildings, quaint shops and riverside location. Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant & Tavern is also a great place to visit for a casual night out with lots of beer.

Georgia, you have been an absolute peach of a trip and the food has been an absolute treat – We can’t wait to say ‘Hey y’all’ once again soon!

www.exploregeorgia.org

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Chile

#CocoLeeds: Hey Arnold’s! Leeds favourite has a new identity in the Arena Quarter

Leeds is absolutely spoilt per capita when it comes to restaurants, especially those who profess to be fine dining. However, our girl Jenna always manages to find a new gem with old roots in this constantly evolving city. Therefore, when we heard that Leeds stalwart Brasserie 44 was closing it’s doors to begin a brand new concept in the shiny Arena Quarter, we just had to see what she thought…

“Ok, i’ll admit it, I usually hate restaurants that are associated with hotel brands. The only one i’ve ever found with any sparkle was Berner’s Tavern at the London Edition, but luckily for Arnold’s, it outshines it’s corporate connections. Positioned under the Ibis Styles, Arnold’s comes from famed local restauranteurs Steve and Carol Ridealgh, the husband and wife team who spent over 20 years running Brasserie 44 on The Calls. They’ve put together a small menu of refined British cuisine that you can enjoy in a luxurious venue in the Merrion Centre unit which was formerly occupied by the failed Marco’s Italian.

Named after Leeds’ legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist Arnold Ziff, Arnold’s sits comfortably within the regenerated Arena Quarter. When you arrive at Arnold’s, its shiny exterior wouldn’t go amiss in the West End but it feels much more welcoming than its London-styled predecessor. Maybe it’s down to the fact that most of the staff are related or have worked together for many years, as you almost feel like you’re walking into somebody’s very plush and very nicely designed living room.

Sitting at the bar, I instantly felt relaxed. Sipping on a glass of Ayala Champagne (throwback to the old Epernay days) we joked with the bartenders and eyed up the food coming out of the open kitchen. It all felt really chilled out and totally unpretentious. For a rainy midweek night, it was almost comforting to be in such a friendly environment sipping on some fizz awaiting some awesome food.

Unlike other fine dining restaurants in the city, Arnold’s menu is really petite and full of classic Yorkshire flavours. To start, there’s a selection of well known dishes with a high-end twist. From Pear & Walnut Salad to Chicken Liver Parfait, its beautifully simple. As we knew the portions would be relatively generous, we decided to share a starter and pudding – but go all in with the mains. With deep fried Brie as an option, my heart overruled my waistline and said yes. Yes, it’s not Michelin starred cooking, and yes it doesn’t break the mould, but damn it was delicious.

As Arnold’s prides itself on fresh, Yorkshire produce, I just had to go for the Holme Farmed Venison Haunch with red cabbage, blackberries and red wine. With a large glass of their Chilean Pinot Noir, and a side of Dauphinoise it was the perfect way to warm up.

However, it’s not all meat and two veg. If you’d rather go meat-free, they do a fantastic Vegetable and Goat’s Cheese Envelope, with roast butternut squash, spinach, rocket leaves, pine nuts and tomato sauce, which almost took my dinner guests fancy. However, the Chicken Breast, parmesan & herb crumb, wild mushrooms, orzo pasta & tarragon cream sauce trumped it and was really enjoyed – even if the orzo pasta got a little lost amongst the big flavours. With shining examples of orzo in other menus such as Matt Healy x The Foundry’s Pigs Cheeks with creamy orzo pasta and The Ivy’s Truffled orzo pasta, it was a little bit of a waste of such an in-vogue ingredient.

The service is almost how you’d expect from a family run restaurant, very friendly but a little disjointed. It did add to the charm at times, but having to ask where your mains were after a long wait and sit with an empty glass for 30 minutes is quite far away from a fine dining experience. However, their enthusiasm and sheer passion for their craft is so lovely to see, and something that doesn’t always exude from staff. This really is a concept born out of a family’s love for the industry as Steve is the General Manager, Carol is the Head Chef, and their son Dave is the Restaurant Manager. Dave is one of the most hospitable people you will ever meet and Steve has so much pride in what he does – which doesn’t surprise me considering the hearty and satisfying dishes that Carol cranks out of the kitchen.

Dessert saw us go back to our student routes with a good old fashioned Chocolate Fondue with fresh fruit and Marshmallows. Again, 100% not haute cuisine, but I ate the rest with a spoon. Huge sugar-coma followed, but it was SO worth it.

I do think that calling Arnold’s fine dining is a little bit brave, but I admire how much these guys know their audience. We’re not in London, and sometimes before going to see an act at the arena, people want a relatively special plate of food in a gorgeous environment. Arnold’s delivers just that. With classically warm service, a hugely welcoming atmosphere and simple food cooked in a brilliant way (that also doesn’t break the bank) I think Arnold’s are more than deserving of their name in lights. Nice to see an independent business come out of the shadows of The Calls and into the main city, I’m excited to see what’s next!”

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Arnold’s Restaurant and Bar, Wade Lane, Merrion Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8NJ. Kitchen is open from 12pm to 2.30pm for lunch and 5pm to 9.30pm for dinner Sun-Sat.

https://www.arnoldsleeds.co.uk

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Argentina

Off-the-grid Escapes: 5 Remote Hotel Resorts

Here at House of Coco, we’re always on the go – but where do we go to really get away from it all? Idyllic in their isolation, these remote hotel resorts are set across the farthest-flung corners of the globe – offering the chance to truly disconnect from the daily grind alongside unique experiences at the edge of the world. Here are #TeamCoco’s top remote hotel escapes…

Manshausen Island, Norway

Set well above the arctic circle, this section of Norway’s northern coast is about as remote as it gets within Europe, so you’ll need to take 2 planes, a ferry and finally a small boat to reach the isolated private island of Manshausen. It’s here that polar explorer Børge Ousland, (the first person to reach the North Pole and to cross Antarctica in a solo unsupported expedition) chose to create a resort. With floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the outside in, these space-age cabins are designed to make the most of the sensational seascape. With the opportunity to see the Northern Lights in winter and experience the eerie Midnight Sun in summer, #TeamCoco can’t imagine a better place to cosy up.

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Awasi Patagonia, Chile

Follow in the footsteps of Scottish explorer-babe Florence Dixie, who first pitched her tent beneath these peaks in 1878 and craft your own epic adventure at this Patagonian retreat. With just 12 design villas set among the pristine wilderness of the Torres del Paine mountain range, each rustic chalet offers luxe touches from cosy sheepskin rugs to a woodburning stove and hot tub. Your own expert guide and 4×4 mean you can explore at your own pace – whether that’s off-roading, puma-spotting or simply taking in the snow-capped scenery.

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Mowani Mountain Lodge, Namibia

Deep in Namibia’s desolate Damaraland, this mountain escape feels like you’ve landed on the surface of the moon. Set among an otherworldly landscape of giant granite rock formations it’s easy to see why Mowani means ‘window on heaven’ in Swahili, with thatched bungalows that unzip entirely to maximise the mountain views. Daily safaris offer a chance to see rare desert-adapted elephants and while you won’t find any wifi, this blissfully far from civilisation you’re in for some of the starriest skies to be seen on earth.

Blancaneaux Resort, Belize

A remote rainforest haven in the lush jungles of Belize, Blancaneaux is made up of 20 cabanas dotted alongside the Privasson River in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest. The man responsible for such a cinematic setting? Renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who discovered the property in the early ’80s – keeping it as his family’s private retreat until 1993 when it opened to the public. You can check out nearby Mayan ruins, but the real appeal here is total immersion in nature, whether that’s swimming in waterfalls, exploring the jungle on horseback or simply sitting on your deck at dawn listening to the sounds of the jungle.

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Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi

Set in a stretch of desert so desolate it’s known as ’The Empty Quarter’, Anantara’s Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is an oasis of Middle Eastern opulence. Deep in the planet’s largest uninterrupted desert, this fortress mirage feels a million miles from anywhere, surrounded by an ever-shifting sandscape. Despite its isolation from the outside world, you won’t forego a single luxury here, with plush pool villa, a seriously sophisticated spa and the option to dine in your own Bedouin tent (swoon). #TeamCoco recommend exploring the dunes at dawn by 4×4, followed by a dune-top picnic.

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