Behind the bar August 10, 2022

Retox to Detox at the South Place Hotel

These days, it’s rare to come across something that makes you think – ‘why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?’ which was exactly the case with South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. Team Coco ventures into the buzzy City to see if South Place Hotel’s new package is worth the hype (spoiler alert: it is)

If you’ve ever gone out out over 30, then you must try South Place Hotel’s new Retox to Detox package. City’s most vibrant boutique hotel has teamed up with Vitamin Drop specialists Get A Drip to offer the ultimate party-weekend experience for partygoers whose hangovers have worsened with age.

No need to sacrifice a whole weekend binge-watching the latest reality show after a night out, because South Place has created the solution with its Retox and Detox package.

South Place Hotel is artsy, cool, vibey and effortlessly so. A destination within a destination, South Place Hotel Is conveniently located to all of Shoreditch’s hipster haunts and the City’s sky-high bars – a perfect base for a night out. Not to mention, the hotel’s Secret Garden – which opens every Friday from August – is also an excellent spot for cocktails with guest DJs adding further allure.

We checked into one of the studio suites, one of the 80 stylish bedrooms in South Place Hotel. The suite was stylish, spacious and had plenty of delightfully clever amenities that we didn’t know we needed in our lives until right now. The BNO TV, for example, can be spun around remotely. No need to fumble with HDMI wires, because you can connect your laptop to the TV straight from the desk. The minibar, if you can call it that, contains a fabulous selection of artisanal gins and spirits – perfect to get the party started.

RETOX

There is also an in-room ‘Black Book’ Party Guide which gives you the low-down on the coolest late night spots this side of East London. We were also greeted with some champagne and delicious fruits – perfect to set the pre-game mood.

Package guests can enjoy a complimentary Tanqueray Gin cocktail at the hotel’s buzzy 3 Bar in the lobby, but we recommend also having a cocktail (or two) at the rooftop terrace just before sunset. We promise that you won’t get better views of the City.

For dinner, check out South Place Chop House’s new summer menu. Led by Head Chef Jack O’Riley, there’s plenty to chew on here (pun intended). From the generously sized Large King Prawns starter, which is cooked with chili, garlic and parsley butter to the Cobble Lane Charcuterie-board which offers Cappa, Lomo, Salami and Chorizo with a creamy celeriac rémoulade.

The star of the show is of course the Josper grill. Here, you can enjoy a selection delicious, juicy grass-fed steaks. Each cut is carefully aged, succulent and works perfectly well with a variety of delicious sauces and sides. They say a good meal is a precursor to a good night out, and so after our delicious dinner at Chop House – we danced the night away in East London.

DETOX

Going ‘out out’ often results in dehydration, headaches, and a general fatigue -which gets worse with age. Don’t fret – because South Place Hotel comes to the rescue with the detox part of the package. Start with a hearty breakfast the Chop House, followed by a Vitamin Drip treatment in your room.

Get A Drip is London’s top IV clinic and offers different drips depending on your needs. We went for the Energise drip, but you can also opt for Hydration Immunity or Detox. The IV Drops are administered by a certified nurse – and will not just give you a post-drip boost of energy, but leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised for up to four weeks after your treatment.

Once properly detoxed, South Place Hotel takes the relaxation further with a one-hour full-body massage at the Wellness Centre, so you can banish the aches from the night before. Believe us – once you check out of the South Place Hotel – you’d be asking yourself ‘where has this been all my life?’

Design August 4, 2022

An EPIC road trip to Sneaton Castle, Yorkshire in an Audi Q5!

A road trip to Sneaton Castle, Yorkshire in a sleek Audi Q5 Sportsback

Back in May our Editor in Chief Laura and I planed an EPIC four-day road trip & staycation around the historic county of Yorkshire. It was actually my first ever visit to Yorkshire and it did NOT disappoint!

The last stop on our four-day Coastal Yorkshire road trip was an overnight stay at the stunning Sneaton Castle (boy did we save the best until last!), from the dramatic grounds to the stunning interiors; which consisted of lots of cladding, beautiful stone and colourful prints to compliment the decor.

We spent one night at the castle which included a delicious evening meal, a soak in the freestanding tub and of course a quick visit to the properties Llamas!

We were both completely blown away by the beauty of the castle and it’s somewhere I’d love to head back to for a romantic getaway!

Plan your visit to Sneaton Castle!

Laura and I took separate cars as we had different journeys heading home, I had the pleasure of driving a majestic Audi Q5 Sportsback for the duration of our road trip, it was such a smooth, sleek drive (with over 500 miles covered from the start to end of our trip – I didn’t ever want the driving to end!).

The Q5 Sportback effortlessly combines family-friendly utility and sophisticated technology with great sporting appeal. Its coupé-like roof line underscores the sporty design language, while the quattro on demand all-wheel drive ensures a fascinating drive every time.

Discover the Audi Q5 Sportsback here!

After an incredible trip exploring Yorkshire, I can’t wait to return one day – if you’re thinking of planning a trip, do it! You won’t regret it!… And if you’re looking for the dream road trip car then look no further than the Audi Q5!

Hayley x

Fitness August 1, 2022

The Latest Wellness Must-Haves

We have checked out what’s new on the wellness scene this summer. Here’s our round-up of the latest products and experiences.

Supercharge your bath with Bathletic, the new self-care product that also gives back. Bathletic is entirely vegan, cruelty and sulphate-free with 100% recyclable packaging meaning it is great for the skin and mindful of the planet. Containing plant oils specifically targeted at sports recovery it soothes aching muscles, exhausted bodies and fatigued minds post workout.

Purchase Bathletic Bath Oil for £16.99 online at teambathletic.com

Whether you are taking some time out to reset, hitting the gym or heading outdoors this summer, do it in style. Lorna Jane active wear takes inspiration from mountainous landscapes and sun filled days. The collection includes cute, oversized sweaters and shorts, perfect to chill in around the house as well as chic printed co-ords you’ll love for the gym.

With a mission to create the best Activewear on the planet, each sustainably produced item effortlessly blends fashion with function and is performance tested on real women. Lorna Jane does this by spending hours mimicking how their audience move their bodies to ensure each piece encourages the women that wear them to become a fitter, faster and stronger version of themselves.

Prices for tanks start from £26, £43 for sports bras, £63 for leggings and £8 for accessories. For more information visit lornajane.co.uk

Described as Chelsea’s new destination for inclusive wellbeing, Volonté offers the ultimate 360 fitness experience, sessions guide individuals to optimum vitality under the expertise of founder, Haylene and her team of instructors. They do this by energising the body with aerobic workouts, building strength and skill with purposeful, movements to restore the breath, and calmly renew the mind.

With a collective spotlight on nutrition and wellbeing, the studio has a café jam packed with a feel-good menu ideal to refuel post-workout.

Volonté, 299-301 Brompton Rd, London SW3 2DY

cafevolonte.co.uk

Take care of your skin this summer with the ESPA Isotonic Cooling Body Hydrator. This lightweight hydrator absorbs instantly to help relieve dry, thirsty skin. A powerful cocktail of hydration heroes leaves the skin feeling quenched with maximum moisture and a healthy glow. Nutrient-rich yet non-greasy, this summer saviour is a soothing jelly formula that leaves skin feeling fresh, revived, and revitalised. Tip: keep in the fridge for an extra-cool treat for the skin.

RRP: £43.00, shop ESPA’s summer cooling bliss here

Stay calm and stress free this summer with the Mål Paper Stress Bundle. This set includes a Check in Journal, a perfect mindfulness tool to help you check in and connect with yourself, a Stress Relief Card Deck which includes 52 different practises and reminders to help with stress relief and an Affirmation Card Deck to help you start your day happier and more productive by focusing on the positive and becoming more mindful.

£45, available from the Mål Paper website

Digital wellness app Able is a health guru in your pocket, offering one-to-one coaching across nutrition, fitness and more.

Whether you’re looking to lose or gain a few pounds, adapt to postpartum changes, or help yourself to combat emotional eating, post-Covid stress or other wellness challenges, Able will match you up with the perfect health coach for a fully personalised, holistic journey towards a happier you.

Together, you and your coach will establish a tailored action plan to build healthy habits, using always-on milestones and progress check-ins; video calls and messaging; water, sleep and movement trackers; a food journal and more.

Available to download in the App Store.

Adventures July 31, 2022

SAUDIA sponsors ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and brings new experiences to London

NEW! SAUDIA BRINGS KSA TO LONDON

NEW for London this year are several interactive experiences. SAUDIA will be bringing the Discover E-Zone to the capital: cutting edge digital activations combined with Saudi’s landscapes, landmarks, culture and heritage.

SAUDIA will be showcased using an augmented reality where visitors are immersed in a tour of KSA. From underwater scenes of the Red Sea and Saudi’s unique flora and fauna to 360-degree tours of AlUla and Al-Shaq Great Canyon, the experience takes guests through a sensory journey that includes sights and sounds as well as touch and scent.

Interactive experiences also include a high-impact, state of the art airplane fuselage stand in the Allianz e-Village.

This forms part of SAUDIA’s global campaign, Take Your Seat, aimed at connecting motorsport fans around the world with both the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s many iconic race destinations as well as the sights of Saudia Arabia. From a six-part social series exploring each driver’s favourite destination to a content series providing expert insight into the sports itself, the campaign highlights the incredible destination backdrops for each race and the accessibility through SAUDIA’s routes.

The Take Your Seat campaign features exciting new Formula E content, the chance to win the ultimate international race hospitality experience, and the opportunity to redeem new loyalty benefits and better rates for travel to races in iconic world cities with Saudia and its SkyTeam Airline Alliance.

For more information about SAUDIA’s partnership with Formula E, the host cities that SAUDIA serves, and money can’t buy Formula E experiences and prizes, the chance to attend an E-Prix in a city of your choice, and access exclusive Formula E content and prizes visit takeyourseat.saudia.com.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company is one of the Middle East’s largest airlines. In recent years the airline has invested significantly in its fleet of 144 narrow and widebody aircraft and operates one of the youngest fleets in the skies, with an average aircraft age of 5 years. For further information on Saudi Arabian Airlines, please visit saudia.com.

Festivals July 28, 2022

A Culinary Tour At The National Geographic Food Festival

The National Geographic Food Festival claims to offer ‘tastes from around the world’ (which it did) and to ‘inspire you to take your own culinary adventure’ (which it also did) but somehow, I was left wanting more.

Insider’s Take: National Geographic Food Festival

I think the important thing to remember here is that anything that is housed in the Business Design Center is going to be an expo – however hard they try to creatively mask the shell scheme booths, there is no getting away from the fact that you are shuffling from one 3×3 space to the next, hoping to grab a tasty morsel from the tasting trays but actually realising that queuing for 30 minutes for a bite of a fishcake, isn’t quite worth it.

However, that being said, it was refreshing to see countries you may not necessarily think of displaying their culinary wares and I guess that is what Nat Geo is all about, discovering the lesser known, Sampling chocolate and coffee from Ecuador, followed by pastries and sweets from Azerbaijan was one of the highlights of the day and exactly what I hoped to get out of the experience albeit with a couple more elbows jousting for that chocolate than I would have liked.

Check out our coverage of the Festival of Love at Skylon in our latest article on House of Coco. Read more here.

Chef’s Perspective:

As a chef and food writer, the demos and talks were the peak of my day of which there were plenty. With a main stage and four smaller stages plus a ‘cookbook corner’ for intimate chats signings and demos taking place on the larger stands, there was never not something to watch. Being an absolute sucker for anything from the deep South, learning how to make Muddy Waters Shrimp with chef Brain Landry and then sampling a bisque of curried pumpkin, crawfish and corn was fabulous and did indeed inspire me to take a culinary adventure to Louisiana (which I am currently planning) so I guess by that logic, the event did exactly what it said on the tin. I also managed to catch Grace Dent who was as iconic as I had expected – she held the audience, had everyone in stitches and was informative about what it takes to become a restaurant critic. Not to mention she looked absolutely GAWgous and has further cemented by affirmation to ‘be more Grace Dent.’

The best tacos in town.

The woman, the myth, the legend – Grace Dent.

Books, books and more books.

Exploring the Delights of the National Geographic Food Fest

If the jostling for samples isn’t quite your bag, the deli and food market situated on the upper ground floor is the place to head. A variety of food traders selling street food style plates was absolutely what was needed to ward off the hunger pains that were starting to form after watching cooking demo after cooking demo. Of course, like the taco bloodhound I am, I sniffed out Taco Padre and after a plate of Lamb Barbacoa and a couple of frozen margs, I was ready for round two of elbow jousting.

I am still not 100% sure who this event is directed at. As a food professional, I had a reason to be there and did indeed get inspired by the variety of ingredients on offer as well as hanging on the every word of chefs from around the globe. For the foodie-loving public, I guess I can see the appeal – a collection of offerings you may not be aware of, coupled with some well-known names and faces. A nice way to spend a couple of hours just make sure you sharpen those elbows and if you intend to watch any of your favourite foodie celebs, get down the front early to avoid disappointment.

Destination Inspiration July 28, 2022

Perfect late summer picnic spots

What better way to maximise the rare UK heatwave than with a quintessential summer picnic in some of the UK’s most idyllic picnic locations. Team Coco has rounded up our top three summer picnic picks so you can have a summer to remember House of Coco style.

A regency style picnic at the Francis Hotel, Bath

The Francis Hotel Bath has created a summer picnic offering that will ensure all the family enjoy a day out in the sunshine. Francis Hotel’s picnic hamper includes glassware, crockery and comes with a picnic rug so that you can set up camp wherever and whenever.

The delicious summer menu includes a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, a sumptuous baguette with a range of fillings and all accompanied by a bottle of water. For those with a sweet tooth, strawberries and cream are just the thing for dessert, giving explorers a burst of energy as they continue their recce of Bath and its surrounding areas. The team at Boho Marché also offer bespoke picnic hampers for guests with special dietary requirements.

Set in the heart of Bath, the Francis Hotel is a 98-room boutique hotel that was first opened by Emily Francis in 1884 (perfect for Bridgerton fans!). Emily was ahead of her time and was a leading entrepreneur who merged seven Georgian townhouses to form the Francis Hotel. Located in the heart of a World Heritage Site, the Francis Hotel has plenty to explore on its doorstep.

HOW: Room rates at Francis Hotel Bath start from £139.00 inclusive of breakfast and VAT. For more information visit www.francishotel.com. Francis Hotel Bath’s picnic hamper starts from £15 per person and includes a bottle of water. A choice of drinks are available – including wine and champagne – and will be an additional cost. Bespoke options are available providing the team has 24 hours notice.

A quintessentially English picnic at Castle Hotel Windsor

Castle Hotel Windsor is undoubtedly one of Windsor’s finest boutique properties. The castle is steeped in history dating back to 1528. With just 108-rooms at the heart of Windsor, situated opposite Windsor Castle and the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum – there is no better place to join a Windsor Guided Tour and explore the local sites than at Castle Hotel Windsor. The hotel is also just a short walk from a plethora of wide, open spaces including the famous Long Walk, Windsor Great Park – including the Long Walk – Savill Garden and the River Thames. All of which are perfect spots to set up and soak in the great outdoors whilst enjoying a picnic.

The hamper includes a charcuterie board complete with cheese and rustic bread for starters, followed by a choice of either a healthy superfood or Niçoise salad. Afterwards, guests can indulge in either a Coronation chicken wrap or hummus with grilled pepper vegan wrap. Finally, and remaining very English strawberries with cream offer a final sweet flourish to the hamper.

Castle Hotel Windsor is undoubtedly one of Windsor’s finest boutique properties. The castle is steeped in history dating back to 1528. With just 108-rooms at the heart of Windsor, situated opposite Windsor Castle and the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum – there is no better place to explore the local sites than at Castle Hotel Windsor. The hotel is also just a short walk from a plethora of wide, open spaces including the famous Long Walk, Windsor Great Park – including the Long Walk – Savill Garden and the River Thames. All of which are perfect spots to set up and soak in the great outdoors whilst enjoying a picnic.

HOW: Room rates at Castle Hotel Windsor start from £154.00 inclusive of breakfast and VAT. For more information visit https://castlehotelwindsor.com/. Castle Hotel Windsor’s picnic menu starts from £30 per person and includes a bottle of water.

A picnic fit for royalty at Glenapp Castle

It is easy to get lost within the castle’s 110 acres of private estate and local woodland or escaping to the majestic Scottish countryside for long romantic walks and beautiful views of Ailsa Craig and Northern Ireland. Glenapp Castle offers 65 diverse activities from stargazing, canoeing, coasteering, kayaking, yoga, forest bathing – making sure there is something for every kind of traveller.

One of the main attractions is exploring the west coast on the Glenapp Castle RIB boat. From the local port of Girvan, guests can spend the day on a private boat tour visiting the iconic Ailsa Craig, the volcanic outcrop that is home to an abundance of bird life. While not exactly a summer picnic, you can also enjoy a meal outside your glamping tent, cooked by a private chef. Now this is the kind of picnic that would impress even the most discerning luxury traveller.

The wonderful Glenapp Castle team can prepare a wonderful picnic with freshly prepared sandwiches, delicious salads and fresh fruit to enjoy after a busy day of exploring. There is also plenty of opportunity to spot amazing marine life, from twenty-foot-long basking sharks to dolphins, minke whales, and seals!

HOW: Glenapp Castle offers a private boat trip to the iconic Ailsa Craig costing from £750 for half a day. Picnics cost from £27.50 per person / www.glenappcastle.com / 01465 831212

Brunch July 15, 2022

Brunch with a View

It’s summer brunch season and the Maison Mirabeau Rosé Brunch at Plateau is giving us all the vibes. The combination of French cuisine, Mirabeau gin cocktails, free-flowing Côtes de Provence Rosé, unparalleled views of Canary Wharf and a kicking soundtrack from the in-house DJs, makes this a great location for sips with friends.

Located at the top of Canada Place, Plateau is the perfect spot for those looking for a more sophisticated brunch. This contemporary space is spacious and minimal. Huge glass windows run across the side of the restaurant bathing the dining area in natural light. There’s a private dining room and at the back of the restaurant you’ll find an outdoor terrace for those wanting to soak up the summer sun.

Kick off your brunch with one of the delicious cocktails and take in the city skyline. I tried the Rosé Garden Blitz which combines Mirabeau Dry Gin, Mirabeau Rosé wine, grapefruit juice, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, Aperol and fresh strawberries. This refreshing tipple packs a punch but goes down a treat.

The menu here includes the usual brunch staples such as eggs Benedict and guacamole on sourdough however Executive Head Chef, Sean Kimpson has put his own signature twist to each dish and added large plates and starters to give you more variety. Choose from two or three courses depending on how hungry you feel. I tucked into the Puglia Burrata with grilled courgette, minted petit pois pistou to start, this indulgent, creamy soft pearl was decadent and morish. At one point I wanted to ask for chunk of crusty bread to smother it on but had to remind myself that this is a classy joint.

My brunch date and I decided there was just too many mouth-watering choices on the menu and settled on sharing Crispy Plaice Goujons with Pomme Frites along with the Soft Shell Crab Burger with mango slaw and spiced mayonnaise, and we weren’t disappointed. The plaice goujons were plump and had a delightful crunchy texture while the crab burger smothered in spiced mayonnaise was a match made in food heaven.

The music and gentle bustle of Plateau create a buzz and ambience that says elegant rather than raucous. Throughout the afternoon the waiter kept our glasses topped with Rosé and recommended we end the day with their chocolate Delice served with mandarin sorbet, a big hit with brunch goers and the highlight for me and my date. The bitter dark chocolate was perfectly paired with a refreshing mandarin sorbet and a delicious sign off for the afternoon.

Taking place every Saturday between 11:30am-3:00pm get the weekend started by booking into the Rosé Brunch with Maison Mirabeau at Plateau. Starting at £32 pp.

Behind the bar July 12, 2022

TH@51 is reinventing modern Indian cuisine at the St James Court Hotel

Fans of the fabulously opulent Taj Hotel Group will surely be familiar with the old world glamour of the St. James Court Hotel. However, those expecting the same classic atmosphere as the esteemed hotel are in for a surprise, as the TH@51, its newly-refurbished modern Indian restaurant, is anything but traditional.

A sleek black hallway greets visitors at the door, revealing a stylish pale pink and mint green bar area, accented with gorgeous copper details. The TH@51 is a refreshingly modern juxtaposition to the hotel’s timeless interiors and stepping into it is like stepping into a completely different universe.

The pastel colour palette extends throughout the space, which features a large teak-wood bar area, minimalist grey marble accents and breezy salmon-coloured booths. The restaurant opens to a sun-lit glass half-dome, offering fantastic views of the hotel’s historical courtyard and the beautiful Edwardian buildings that surround it.

TH@51 reimagines traditional Indian dishes for the curious palates of the hotel’s international luxury clientele and London’s cultural elite. The restaurant draws colourful inspiration and flavours from around the world and brings these to life using only the freshest seasonal ingredients available. The adventurous menu offers just the right balance of exotic flavours and familiar home comforts, with each dish executed with flair.

We started with the Superfood Salad, which offers a generous serving of mixed sprouts with zesty pomegranate dressing, enhanced by a dash of sweet blueberries and roasted pine nuts.

The Portobello Phuket was a standout dish. A portobello mushroom is baked with sambal and aubergine and serves as the perfect base to absorb the rich Thai Green curry and cream cheese sauce, while the basil crisps add a welcome crunch.

The Teriyaki Salmon Risotto, a deceivingly simple dish, is a clever, lighter Japanese take on the Italian classic, resulting in a truly delicious risotto that you can eat forever.

The Bao Buns are a thing of beauty and are made with fluffy white buns and punchy, aromatic fillings. There are two Bao Bun fillings to choose from, the Indo-Chinese Chicken with pickled cucumber or the Tofu & Orange Marmalade. The latter is an excellent and tasty vegetarian version of the dish.

Finally, no meal would be complete without some cocktails, which is where TH@51 pulls out all the stops. All cocktails were curated under the theme ‘Biomes of the World’, with each creation inspired by different climates and cultures from across the globe.

These beautifully crafted and delicious cocktails add a final flourish (or in this case garnish) to what has been a superb meal at TH@51. It is clear that while the restaurant may have only opened recently, it already exudes the menu, service and confidence of the beloved St. James Court establishment it is soon to become.

https://www.th51.co.uk/en/

Destination Inspiration July 5, 2022

TeamCocopup: A dog-friendly getaway with Coppa Club at The Swan Streatley

Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies went for an idyllic weekend getaway with Coppa Club at The Swan Streatley, for a taste of life by the river.

Located in what probably is the most picturesque riverside location on the Thames, The Swan Streatley (operated by Coppa Club) is an homage the beauty of the Great British countryside.

The Swan, hotel, gym, yoga, gardens, river, gardens

In quiet yet charming Streatley, The Swan is the heart of the community and the centre of its vibrant social scene. There is the country house hotel of course, which offers different rooms that would suit all sorts of travellers. From the compact yet cosy Loft room, to the generously-sized dog-friendly rooms that open the hotel’s beautiful grounds.

The grounds themselves are a sight to behold. In the summer, they come to life – becoming a hub for families, home workers or boating enthusiasts who moor there for the afternoon. Charlie was allowed in every space at the hotel and was greeted with a dog bed, dog bowl, dog treats and a dog towel too. Not to mention our room opened out directly to the lawn, perfect for night-time doggy business. The Swan at Streatley gets five stars for dog friendliness and the TeamCocopup seal of approval.

The Swan at Streatly, hotel, gym, restaurant, gardens, River Thames

The main attraction at The Swan at Streatley is or course, the Coppa Club. A sprawling restaurant which smartly occupies both indoor and outdoor spaces, The Coppa Club seems to be at the epicentre of community life in Streatley. This gorgeous restaurant offers multiple vibes for all-day dining. From a sleek den, cosy nooks, spacious lounges, a vast garden and a breath-taking deck – there’s something for all kinds of diners here.

The Coppa Club Menu serves up a selection of time and tested British bistro classics with a twist. For starters, we especially enjoyed the garlic king prawns on toast and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken (which came with chili mayo and crunchy slaw). For mains – the British Flash Steak with chimichurri certainly doesn’t disappoint; and the Roasted Halibut Fillet, made with the day’s fresh catch, was equally delicious.

For cocktails — we liked the Garden Spritz which was exactly the kind of refreshing summer drink to enjoy during the day and night. The wine menu is concise yet filled with some excellent and reasonably-priced choices too, with our favourite being the delicious rosé from Tropezian winery Chateau Minuty. Thoughtful, unfussy yet undeniably delicious – we know for a fact that a good meal will be had at Coppa Club, no matter if you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Beyond great food and superb cocktails, there’s plenty to see and do at The Swan Streatley. Home to one of the most impressive gyms I have ever seen in a country house hotel, The Gym at The Swan is filled with the latest equipment and offers fun classes that include paddle-boarding, wild swimming, running clinics, outdoor yoga, stretching, meditation and so much more.

The Swan, hotel, gym, yoga, gardens, river, gardens

You wouldn’t be the first to think that The Swan at Streatley would make a great wedding or anniversary party venue, which is why it is so apt that the hotel has a specific area for meeting rooms and event spaces. Here, food is prepared by Coppa Club while guests stay at The Swan – an idyllic combo of excellent grub and stylish rooms in the heart of the Berkshires.

Between the sun-soaked gardens, warm and inviting hotel and fabulous restaurant — there’s plenty to fall in love with at The Swan at Streatley, a dreamy and beautiful riverside getaway. If you are exploring other riverside locations like Henley and Sonning – don’t forget to visit Coppa Club Henley and The Great House at Sonning too, sister properties of The Swan at Streatley.

WWW.COPPACLUB.CO.UK

Destination Inspiration July 5, 2022

TeamCocopup: Embracing life by the river with Coppa Club and The Great House at Sonning

Our roving doggy rePAWter TeamCocopup and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies went for an idyllic weekend getaway with Coppa Club at The Great House at Sonning, for a taste of life by the river.

Much like its sister properties, The Swan at Streatley and Coppa Club Henley, The Great House Sonning was the vibrant, bustling centre of life in the quiet riverside town of Sonning.

Every time we visited The Coppa Club Restaurant, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, it was absolutely buzzing with life and filled with both locals and tourists alike (and their pets!) It is evident that when a place has that perfect combo of good food, excellent service and a dreamy location – that the people will come…and stay a while.

And who wouldn’t? The Coppa Club at The Great House Sonning has a gorgeous riverside location that looks like it could have been lifted from a landscape by John Constable. Adding allure to the outdoor setting are Coppa Club’s signature domes, which are accented here with perfectly curated flowers and wicker chairs . The domes are the perfect Instagrammable moment for any guest at Coppa Club.

We recommend having breakfast on the terrace where you can watch the swans and ducks swimming along in the distance. Coppa Club’s Full English is impeccable, but the avocado on sourdough with Scottish salmon is equally impressive.

For a light lunch – we recommend the San Daniele Prosciutto Salad which had the perfect blend of crunch, savoury and sweet. This generous salad is made with ith D.O.P Prosciutto, rocket arugula, radicchio, apple parmesan and walnuts.

For dinner – an excellent vegan alternative is the Spice Roasted Cauliflower which comes with steamed rice, pomegranate and a hefty serving of tahini sauce. This dish puts the humble cauliflower on the spotlight and to sparkling effect, easily one of our favourite dishes on the menu.

We recommend going beyond Coppa Club and take advantage of The Great House’s beautiful riverside location. In addition to being a dog friendly hotel, the location itself is ideal for long riverside walks (and swims) with your pooches. Charlie certainly enjoyed strolling along the river and saying an enthusiastic hello to the people on houseboats moored on the banks of the Thames.

With 49 rooms, spread between the Main House, Clock Tower, Palace Yard and Coach House, The Great House at Sonning brings a contemporary flair to countryside living. The rooms are awash in a vibrant orange and duck egg blue colour palette, complete with Smeg fridges and shabby chic dark wood accents.

We stayed in the Coach House and Charlie was greeted with a dog bed, dog treats and a dog bowl. While the Coach House did have a small outdoor space for doggy business, there weren’t really any easily-accessible grassy areas from the hotel rooms for dogs to do their business at the Coppa Club, which is the only nit-pick from our otherwise wonderful stay.

In fact, all 49 rooms were booked during our stay. A testament to the popularity of The Great House and to the quality of hospitality on offer here. After our two day sojourn to the world of The Great House, which since its opening in 2016 has become a well-loved hub for the Sonning community, we too have fallen in love with life by the river.