UK - House Of Coco Magazine

Accessories January 26, 2022

Belle Modelle Founder Leila Gregory is bringing joy back to your wardrobe

Nothing keeps Leila Gregory down for long, and after shuttering one business, Leila pulled herself up by her bootstraps and leveraged her 30-year strong retail experience to open her own independent brand Belle Modelle.

Since 2014, Belle Modelle has gone from strength to strength selling a variety of colourful accessories and homeware products; and while many other businesses reeled from the pandemic, Gregory took her business to the next level by launching her very first colourful fashion line last year.

On the inspiration behind Belle Modelle, Leila says: “My mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.” Indeed, one look at Belle Modelle’s joyful knitwear pieces and you will immediately understand the brand’s raison d’être, and the vibrant spirit of the woman who created it.

In this latest Girl Bosses of Great Britain interview, we catch up with the bubbly, stylish and inspirational Leila and chat about fashion, sustainability and the secret to running your own business.

She says, “Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to star Belle Modelle?

After leaving school, I found myself working in retail where I have remained for over 30 years. I started in the cosmetics industry, I have also worked in marketing, fashion and interiors. Having stepped out of retail to have a family, I then made the decision to embark on my very first business which combined a tearoom, cocktail lounge and restaurant with a space selling clothing and furniture. This was a huge personal learning curve as sadly the business had to close in less than a year – but nothing keeps me down for long! It wasn’t long before I was planning my next business venture with even more determination to succeed.

Could you tell us more about your mission to “inspire women of all shapes and sizes to embrace stylish, colourful clothing?”

As someone who has spent many years feeling conscious of my body shape, I feel that I can relate to women who may be unsure of stepping out of their comfort zone. I have found that wearing colour can truly make you feel more confident about how you look. So, my mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.

Belle Modelle has been selling various accessories and homeware products since 2014 but 2021 marked the very first time that you have launched your own womenswear line. Why was 2021 the perfect time to launch?

Belle Modelle went from strength to strength and experienced rapid growth online during the lockdown. I also felt that I wanted to offer our customers something different to other retailers, so in 2021 the time seemed right to finally launch my own collection.

Could you tell us a bit more about the design inspiration behind your womenswear line?

I am well known to be a lover of stars so it seemed obvious that our first knitwear collection included stars in the designs. I also wanted a range that was comfortable, easy to wear and flattering to all shapes and sizes — and of course colourful!

How important is sustainability to Belle Modelle – could you tell us more about the concrete ways you are promoting sustainability in your business?

Belle Modelle monitors its supply chains to ensure that it upholds ethical and sustainable practices at every stage of the process. All our packaging is 100% recyclable. We still have a way to go on the sustainability front, but we are continually working on ways to improve and are keen to include more eco-friendly designs (like our super soft Chara bamboo scarves) in our collection.

Who is the Belle Modelle woman? Could you describe her in three words?

Bubbly, stylish, fun

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

Brexit and the pandemic have made sourcing materials and keeping to delivery deadlines challenging. Lots has been out of our control but we are confident that this will ease in 2022.

What’s next for you and Belle Modelle? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline?

We are excited to be able to expand our own brand range, with a spring /summer collection that features lighter weight versions of our highly successful Knit 21 range. Summer knits, easy to wear trousers and pattern clashing dresses. We hope this year will also see us take on new brands and explore the possibility of opening at least one other store!

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

My advice would be to take the risk and step out of your comfort zone! Success doesn’t happen overnight and you need to invest the time. Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.

WWW.BELLE-MODELLE.CO.UK

Food & Drink January 24, 2022

A New Intelligent Wine Subscription Delivers the Sommelier Experience Direct to your Door

Picking the perfect tipple isn’t easy, choosing wines can be overwhelming and if you’re like me you tend to stick to what you know and rarely stray away, nobody wants to pick an expensive wine that they don’t end up enjoying. Step up pioneering wine bar group, Vagabond, that has launched a new intelligent wine subscription service bringing a bespoke sommelier experience to your home.

Driven by AI, Vagabond SOMM learns each subscriber’s palate, recommending wines from an extensive selection of Vagabond’s ever-changing cellar. After completing a short questionnaire, I receive a tailored box of five 100ml wines reflecting my tastes. As a white wine drinker, I favour Spanish Alberino and Rioja or something from the Marlborough region. I also like full bodied reds. Based on this I ended up with an Australian Semillon, a French Sauvignon, a Spanish Garnacha, an Italian Piedmont and South African Syrah. Being totally honest, apart from the Sauvignon, I’m ashamed to say I’d not tried any of the other wine varieties. Like I said I stick to what I know. All the tasting notes were on the app along with suggested food pairings, a bit of information on the producer and stockists. The SOMM app then asks for feedback, and I rate each bottle. Based on my likes and dislikes the innovative AI-driven technology chooses my next box of wine.

I loved that SOMM allowed me to discover new wines with confidence and without wasting a full bottle of something I might not like. The box I received was spot on and a good match to my tastes. I enjoyed all the reds and plan to get a couple of bottles of the Australian Semillon. It’s a great way to uncover lesser-known grape varieties, emerging wine regions, and learn more about wine without leaving the house.

Stephen Finch, Founder of Vagabond, commented, “Since 2010, we’ve been introducing our customers to new and exciting wines from around the world. A big part of our success has been empowering customers to explore wine at their own pace thanks to the 100+ wines we have available for customers to pour and sample themselves. SOMM recreates the Vagabond experience for the home. Leveraging the benefits of AI, we can refine our understanding of customers’ preferences even when they’re not in a Vagabond venue, enabling the world’s first truly personalised wine subscription service”.

As a wine lover my subscription box successfully opened my eyes to some new wine regions and unlike other wine subscriptions SOMM delivered a bespoke wine offering. Vagabond SOMM is about to disrupt the UK wine subscription scene and I can’t wait to uncover more super sips.

Available to subscribe from £25.00, the Vagabond SOMM app can be downloaded here

Destination Inspiration January 21, 2022

Teamcocopup: Five dog friendly staycations to book now

Nothing banishes the winter blues better than a soul-enriching dog friendly staycations with your favourite four-legged pals.

Our resident doggy reporter, TeamCocopup Charlie is always on the look-out for the best dog friendly staycation destinations in the UK – so you can find the perfect pet-friendly retreat no matter what you fancy this winter.

The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

Conveniently located in the city’s cultural epicentre, this handsome Oxford property is nestled within the University of Oxford and its iconic colleges, including Trinity and St. John’s. The quirky design of this 151-bedroom hotel was inspired by the university’s history. The Randolph is also close to St. Giles Street and its vibrant restaurants, bars, as well as the world-famous Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean Museum – making all the highlights of Oxford just a quick walk away.

The interiors are bursting with bold hues, textural elements inspired by the region’s natural resources and locally inspired art which tells the narratives of Oxford’s past. You can warm up in the intimate snug, a cosy nook between restaurant and private dining with a bohemian spin on a traditional English library space. The Morse Bar remains, preserving the building’s heritage (when Inspector Morse was filmed at the hotel) with original design elements such as oak wooden panelling, and a perfect spot to get lost in a good book. This fabulously pet-friendly property also allows travellers to take their furry companion with them on their trip for an extra £25 per night.

The Graduate, Cambridge

Positioned along the idyllic banks of the River Cam, the 148-room Graduate Cambridge is surrounded by the University of Cambridge, within walking distance of several colleges, and a stone’s throw from the city’s best restaurants, bars and shops.

The hotel’s design authentically incorporates the history of the city, with the river as the focal point, especially in the lobby bar. The beauty of the pastoral landscapes is reflected in the rich colour palettes, patterns and textures in the hotel. The pet-friendly hotel also allows travellers to take their furry companion with them on their trip for an extra £20 per night.

The lobby will also be home to a hanging DNA installation to celebrate Rosalind Franklin, a pioneer in the development of DNA at the University of Cambridge. The guest rooms use an abundance of “Cambridge Blue”, with wallpaper replicating school gates, punting boats on either side of the bed, whimsical lamp shades in the shape of a penny coin and striking wood and leather desks to give a studious library atmosphere. So, you can get the Ivy league experience even if you have never set foot on those hallowed halls.

Garden House is the new restaurant within the hotel, nestled on the banks of the River Cam. Adam Wood, formerly of London’s award winning Perilla, leads the kitchen with his focus on open-flame cooking and seasonal East Anglian produce and certainly tantalises the tastebuds.

Treehouse Hotel, London

Treehouse Hotel is undoubtedly one of London’s most eco and dog-friendly hotels, The Ulti-Mutt Staycation guest package, launched in partnership with Lily’s Kitchen, is perfect for pampered pooches.

Described as an eco-oasis in the heart of central London, the Treehouse Hotel welcomes furry four-legged friends to enjoy a curated package packed with delicious natural treats from Lily’s Kitchen.

Dogs are certainly spoiled at the hotel with gorgeous Settle dog beds offered in each room. These eco-friendly doggie beds, made in the UK from regenerated plastic bottles, are super plump and outrageously comfy too. Four-legged VIPs will also be offered a pooch-ified mini-bar or room service menu, plus access to the new Treehouse Canine Concierge who will take care of canine necessities.

The Bradley Hare, Maiden Bradley

The Bradley Hare is situated in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley is a fabulous dog-friendly retreat in southwest Wiltshire. The inn is located on the Duke of Somerset’s Estate and has twelve homely and individually-designed bedrooms.

Each bedroom is unique, overseen by ex-Soho House extraordinaire James Thurstan Waterworth, and boasts 18th & 19th century antique furniture. All the rooms will offer guests those sought-after home from home comforts, some with vast elegant freestanding baths and all with sumptuous beds and linens, fit for a duke or duchess.

With a ‘dine anywhere’ environment, the ever-changing menu echoes The Bradley Hare’s ethos and promises local and seasonal ingredients which will be used to produce exceptional pub classics.

Pet parents looking for ideal dog walks can travel a short distance from Bruton, Frome and Bath, Hauser & Wirth, King Alfred’s Tower, Longleat and Stour head – the splendid 18th century world-famous landscape garden and house which is run by the National Trust, there is so much visit right on its doorstep at the Bradley Hare.

The Kimpton Fitzroy, London

Housed in a landmark building, the Kimpton Fitzroy oozes old-world glamour from its classically-stylish public spaces to the elegant 334 bedrooms in the hotel. Designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners and Russell Sage Studio, the bright, comfortable interiors tip a hat to the building’s past without neglecting its present.

The fabulous Kimpton Fitzroy welcomes pooches of all shapes and sizes and has partnered with sustainable pet food company Marleybones and their team of talented and certified animal nutritionist to create a bespoke ap-PET-isers menu, for four-legged VIPs to enjoy.

Featuring the highest quality and natural ingredients, the dishes are prepared by our team of experienced chefs, who will make sure your beloved pets are treated like the royalty they are.

Accessories January 20, 2022

D Louise: The Jewellery Brand we Guarantee you’ll be Coveting this Spring

Pssst…I’m going to let you in on a secret. There’s a cool, new brand emerging on the jewellery scene that is about to blow up. D. Louise is a stylish collection of affordable, high-quality jewellery that you will own forever. Gold jewellery is bang on trend right now, I’m a big fan of layering mine on a night out but find that after a couple of wears, they take on a green tinge and can’t be worn again. D Louise is a range of uniquely designed pieces that can be worn every day, in the shower or at the gym without tarnishing or turning green.

Revolutionizing Jewelry with Founder Olivia Jenkins

I’ve been crushing on this jewellery collection for some time and after chatting to founder Olivia Jenkins I think I may be crushing on her too. Olivia, aged 25 from London, set up the brand during the global pandemic after she became increasingly frustrated with her everyday jewellery turning her skin green. After researching materials and road-testing them herself, she started sourcing suppliers while juggling her full-time job in a media agency. D. Louise quickly took off and she quit her job in the city to throw herself into the business full-time. She said, “Like most people, the pandemic changed my job, I went from a very social role to being stuck at home. I felt like I had no purpose so when I spotted a gap in the jewellery market, I decided to just go for it”.

The range, which she has a hand in designing includes elegant rings, funky earrings, and bracelets as well as chic necklaces. It is made with high-quality stainless steel, which is durable, 100% recyclable and affordable. It goes through a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating process to add the gold plate. This method is ten times thicker than standard gold plating, making the finish on the jewellery resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, which means you can wear the pieces on the beach or in the pool and they’ll still look fabulous.

Affordable Everyday Jewelry with a Touch of Meaning

D. Louise is about wearing stylish jewellery every day that won’t break the bank, with prices ranging from £28 – £50. Olivia tells me that zodiac necklaces are going to be big this summer. Her biggest sellers are her bracelets, and I can see why, I love the Rolo Chain bracelet and the Chunky Monkey would make amazing arm candy at any pool party this summer.

Olivia named the brand after her Mum, Deborah Louise, who she sadly lost to cancer in 2017. She said, “I feel like a piece of my mum is in the business. It reminds me anything is possible and while life can be tough at times, you can create your own future”.

D. Louise is passionate about promoting sustainable fashion and offers a lifetime warranty on all pieces and any items which have manufacturing defects are recycled into new products. Olivia has ensured that not only is this ingrained into the product itself but is central to the brand. All packaging is FSC® certified, recyclable, and plastic-free. The brand partners with ‘Get Mads’ who offset their carbon, remove plastic from the oceans and plant a tree with every order. D. Louise also donates a portion of profits to support the Oceanic Society, a non-profit organisation that works to improve ocean health.

Olivia’s vision is to be the world’s most well-known stainless steel jewellery brand. I don’t think she’ll have to wait long, D. Louise ticks all the boxes for being affordable, high-quality, sustainable and super stylish.

D. Louise is offering all House of Coco readers 15% off their first purchase. Use the code 15%OFF at checkout

Behind the bar January 20, 2022

Ramp up the romance this Valentine’s Day with these 13 London restaurants

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, don’t get caught up making last minute plans. We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting special events in some of London’s most romantic restaurants, so you can wow your partner this V-Day.

A cosy dinner at Kutir, Chelsea

Behind the doors of an elegant Chelsea townhouse, acclaimed restaurant Kutir boasts beautifully decorated interiors in an intimate, cosy setting that is perfect for a lowkey Valentine’s Day meal.

Chef Rohit Ghai has created a 6-course Valentine’s Day menu of signature dishes, including masala prawns and pheasant with beetroot chutney. The menu is priced at £80pp with additional wine pairing options, and a vegetarian menu is available too.

A romantic meal in private booth at The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair

Transport your date back to the roaring 20’s at The Colony Grill Room, the Beaumont Hotel’s glamorous 20’s-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is led by Chef Ben Boeynaems and offers an incredible menu of transatlantic dishes. Finish off with drinks at Le Magritte which offers creative cocktails inspired by René Magritte and can be enjoyed alongside a luxurious Oysters & Caviar menu.

Champagne and Caviar at Trivet, Bermondsey

For a truly exceptional dining experience, look no further than Trivet, the first solo restaurant from Fat Duck alumni Jonny Lake and Isa Bal. Here, you can enjoy stand-out dishes, including the signature ‘Hokkaido Potato’ dessert, as well as exquisite wines from the 350-strong wine cellar.

For added luxury on Valentine’s Day, indulge in champagne and caviar – in the form of a buttermilk fan-tan with cultured butter and caviar – can be arranged on arrival on February 14 for £95 per couple.

Drag Bingo at Double Standard, King’s Cross

Valentine’s Day certainly doesn’t have to be a drag – especially if you’re going to an incredible night of drag bingo at the Double Standard.

This month’s Valentine’s special will be held on February 14, and will be hosted by long-term host Grace Shush, who will be accompanied by fellow drag superstar, Sue Gives a Fuck. Perfect for those looking for a non-conventional Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s puddings at The Proof, East London

Tantalise your partner’s sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day with a visit to East London bakery, The Proof. This year, The Proof is offering a range of special Valentine’s Day pudds including the L’Amour cake and Profiterole Heart.

The Proof will sculpt their signature profiteroles into heart-shaped wreaths, each pastry filled with crème Chantilly and topped with dark chocolate and gold leaf.

The L’Amour cake features three layers of sponge – either chocolate or vanilla – and is topped with red and white Swiss meringue buttercream. Perfect for a sweet ending to Valentine’s Day.

Dress to the nines at The Ninth, Fitzrovia

Perfect for a romantic meal, The Ninth is a Michelin-starred restaurant that encourages intimate dining with a sharing plate menu, which focuses on simple yet refined Mediterranean-style cooking made with the best seasonal ingredients.

This contemporary French restaurant is a beautifully decorated, sophisticated spot on Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street, perfect to ramp up the romance on Valentine’s Day.

Leave room for the dessert menu, which includes Chef Jun Tanaka’s signature Pain Perdu.

Native at Browns, Mayfair

The epitome of sustainable chic, Native at Browns sees the foraging-focused restaurant take residency in one of Mayfair’s most luxurious department stores. So, you can finish off your next Valentine’s date with a little retail therapy.

Perfect for treating your eco-conscious partner, small plates to share include wood pigeon kebab with Native harissa, while dessert-lovers can indulge in the signature Marrowmel – a bone marrow and white chocolate caramel. Natural wines and cocktails made with foraged ingredients complete the date. Romance and sustainability going hand in hand – now that’s something we really love. While Native isn’t open on 14 February, it’s open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Go on a culinary escapade from Italy to Japan at Angelina, Dalston

This Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a 10-course Italo-Japanese omakase tasting menu at cult Dalston restaurant Angelina. Dishes include chawanmushi (savoury egg custard)andhamachi with truffle and handmade pasta, all served up in the intimate, candlelit dining room.

For a real celebration, match the menu with Angelina’s ‘rare and old wine’ pairing, showcasing a hand-picked selection of unique and exceptional Italian wines.

Authentic and intimate Italian dining at Luca, Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell’s much-loved Luca is one of London’s most beautiful restaurants and the ideal spot for an intimate dinner on Valentine’s Day.

You can start the romance at Luca’s gorgeous bar for a cocktail and plate of their signature parmesan fries, before moving either into the main dining room or to dine al fresco (if you dare to brave the weather).

The secluded terrace surrounded by olive trees and jasmine is warmed by the open fire, and makes for an idyllic spot to enjoy dishes of rigatoni with pork sausage ragu or taglierini with black winter truffle. It’s amore!

Disclaimer: While Luca isn’t open on 14 February, the restaurant is operating on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Spice up your night at Decimo, The Standard, Kings Cross

Spice up your Valentine’s Day at Decimo which is widely hailed as one of London’s sexiest restaurants. Decimo is the ultimate date night spot, thanks to a mix of incredible Spanish-Mexican cuisine from Michelin-starred Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, playful drinks, plush interiors and unmatched views across the city.

Unmissable menu highlights this Valentine’s Day include the iconic Spanish tortilla (with a caviar-topped version available for those looking to indulge), gambas rojas and chistorra and black bean tacos. While Decimo may not be open on 14 February, it is open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

A Love Parade at Chotto Matte

Chotto Matte is putting on a luxurious Love Parade on Valentine’s Weekend to celebrate love in all its formsincluding love for your girls. The incredible activation has been designed for everyone to enjoy and it’s perfect for a Galentine’s night out!

The event will see the return of the brand’s entertainment programme Chotto Lates, with flamboyant live shows and sensual acts inspired by the wild bird love parades of Peru, perfect hot spot to celebrate love with friends or loved ones.

Fall deeply in love at Sumosan Twiga

Sumosan Twiga invites guests to fall truly, madly and deeply in love this Valentine’s Weekend!

On Saturday 12th, guests will enjoy celebrations late into the night at the famous Sloane Street location. Live entertainment throughout the night will feature the best of Cabaret, from pin up singers and cancan dancers to trumpet players, drummers, and even a mime, captivating the audience all night long.

Meanwhile, on Monday the 14th of February, Sumosan Twiga will ensure guests have a wonderfully romantic experience with live music, saxophone players and an incredible tango duo to set the mood alight.

The earlier sitting, costing £120 per person, will welcome guests from 6:30pm with a glass of Kir Royale followed by a selection of Sushi and Maki Rolls, carefully chosen by Chef Alessandro Scala.

Get Lovestruck at Bill’s

Enjoy a ‘Lovestruck’ cocktail composed of Beefeater pink gin, sour mix, strawberry puree and topped with basil leaves alongside a three-course set menu (£24.95) including Bill’s infamous Crispy Chicken and Sesame Dumplings.

No Valentine’s meal is complete without dessert, opt for either the Sharing Profiteroles, complete with vanilla ice, hot chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of gold glitter, or the ever-indulgent Carrot Cake Doughnuts.

If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate with your partner or gather your best friends for that ‘Galentine’s Day’ experience, Bill’s is ready to treat you to the most romantic evening.

Algeria January 19, 2022

Recreate a Premium Restaurant Experience in your own Kitchen

Wagyu is the legendary super-marbled, super-pricey beef from Japan normally served in high end restaurants. Gunma Wagyu, one of the world’s most expensive cuts of beef, is now available to consumers in the UK bringing the restaurant experience to your kitchen. While foodies might expect to find such high-quality cuts in a Michelin star restaurant, Gunma Wagyu Beef offers a deliciously premium eating experience delivered direct to your door.

This indulgent dine at home experience is perfect for fans of STK or those looking to create their own Salt Bae vibe. There’s a lot of hype around this bougie piece of beef and once you’ve tried it you will understand why.

The delicious cut of meat arrives frozen in vacuum sealed packaging to ensure optimum quality. I treated my other half to some for a date night dinner, and it went down a storm. It was so easy to cook, so no wasting time slaving over the stove. It only needs a light seasoning of sea salt then you simply fry it 10-30 seconds on each side in a hot cast iron pan, greased with butter and serve. I paired mine with a glass of Malbec and a side of greens. The meat was juicy and melt in the mouth tender. The cut is highly marbled which gives the meat a unique buttery flavour. The marbling is rich in omega-3 and omega-6, improving the ratio of monounsaturated fats compared with regular beef so its healthier.

The reason Wagyu is expensive and let’s be honest, so tasty is down to the care and standards the cattle are raised in. Gunma Wagyu Beef is reared authentically in Japan by experts who mature Japanese Black cows in stress free environments for approximately 30 months to ensure good quality, high grade piece Wagyu. The cattle are raised in Gunma, a location in Japan with an abundant water resource from the Tonè River and are surrounded by green mountains which contributes to their zen lifestyle, as well as flavoursome meat.

Gunma Wagyu Beef Yakiniku cut (200g) is available to purchase on Asian Harvest, from £65. You can get next day delivery for orders placed on Monday to Thursday.

Canada January 17, 2022

Wharton Lodge Cottages: An idyllic retreat near the Forest of Dean

Our intrepid doggy reporter TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah spent the first few days of 2022 at the beautiful Wharton Lodge Cottages, an idyllic visit which has refreshed and invigorated our favourite doggy duo for the new year.

Located near the Forest of Dean and surrounded by the picturesque natural landscapes of the Wye Valley, Wharton Lodge Cottages is the kind of place that postcards are made of.

Just three miles from the charming market town of Ross-on-Wye and a fifteen minute drive away from the wondrous Forest of Dean, Wharton Lodge is the perfect retreat for those looking for a relaxing winter getaway. Wharton Lodge Cottages is part of the Premier Cottages portfolio.

Finding Wharton Lodge is a piece of cake as the property boasts its own online visitor’s guide that will give you everything you need from ‘What Three Words’ directions to dog friendly places to visit. It will even recommend a few charming dog friendly pubs and restaurants.

The three luxury, dog friendly cottages are quintessential country-chic. Grosvenor, Harewood and Elgar are run by the lovely Nicky and George Cross, who live in a handsome building on-site and will welcome you to your designated cottage with a smile. The three cottages ooze with warmth and familiar comforts, elegant without being too stuffy and are a true home from home in Ross-on-Wye.

We stayed in the beautiful Grosvenor Cottage, which comfortably sleeps three and boasts plenty of room to relax and unwind. Grosvenor boasts a generously-sized master suite and an extra single bedroom, perfect for small families. Downstairs, there is an elegant lounge complete with log burner, flatscreen TV and bluetooth speakers too.

The fully-equipped kitchen also comes with a lovely welcome hamper full of breakfast essentials and of course all the necessary tools to make a perfect cuppa. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard or in the kitchen, both offering their own lovely countryside views. Grosvenor is one of two dog friendly cottages on-site and comes with its own private walled courtyard garden, which is perfect for late night doggy business.

Plenty of places claim to be dog friendly, but with Nicky and George parents to three darling Labradors of their own, Wharton Lodge Cottages surely takes the dog friendliness up a notch. Wharton Lodge boasts its own beautifully maintained walled garden and glasshouse. The property is surrounded by 13 acres of parkland, perfect for pooches like Charlie with a little bit too much energy. A ball-throw and hose are also conveniently located at the field entrance, while a dog waste bin is located in the outhouse. Small details — sure, but all important touches that any dog owner would appreciate.

Wharton Lodge serves as a perfect base to explore the nearby sites. There is plenty to see in the nearby Golden Valley, Brecon Beacons, Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds. The historical cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester are also within driving distance. For a lovely meal, visit The Moody Cow or the Hostelries – which each offer an elevated take on pub classics.

Forest of Dean offers plenty of stunning circular walks, and for adventure-seekers there is also mountain biking and even a Go Ape acropark. Beyond the Forest, there are also several National Trust Houses to visit that will take your breath away.

Since our visit was set during the new year holiday period, we unfortunately missed out on a few activities in Ross-on-Wye. However, thanks to the hospitality of Nicky and George and the truly fabulous, cosy and effortlessly luxurious cottages at Wharton Lodge – our visit was certainly an unforgettable one.

Wharton Lodge is part of the Premier Cottages portfolio. Unlike many of the very large holiday rental websites, Premier Cottages does not add a booking fee to the price of its holidays. This means guests can save 15% or more by booking with Premier as their prices are “all inclusive” with no hidden charges, cleaning fees or service costs. In peak holiday periods this can result in savings of hundreds of pounds. With Premier you book direct with the cottage owner rather than through a central reservations number and all properties have been inspected and rated 4* or 5* by the national tourist board.

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To book Wharton Lodge visit www.premiercottages.co.uk or call Nicky and George at: 01989 750140

Cocktails December 21, 2021

Osteria by Searcys… aka a slice of Italy at The Barbican.

Last month, #teamcoco food writer Hannah Gregory visited Osteria by Searcys, a modern Italian restaurant perched on the second floor of the Barbican, offering views over the iconic lakeside. The menu specialises in bold, ingredient-focused Italian cooking in a true bistronomy style.

We decided to share starters because the thought of only having one each was just incomprehensible. Truth be told, I could have ordered every single starter on the menu, but trying to show some sort of restraint – it is a classy establishment after all – we landed on the Burrata Pugliese (because who says no to burrata?) served with pumpkin, Treviso and balsamic pearls and baked figs served with lardo, frisee and robiola cheese. Both dishes served their purpose – an instant transportation to Italy. The burrata was just as it should be, creamy, oozy, luxurious, paired perfectly with the autumnal pumpkin, bitter Treviso leaves (which usually I am not a fan of but in this situ, they just sang) and the sharp pop of the balsamic pearls. I could have licked the plate. The figs were jammy, draped in lardo, stuffed with cheese, creating the most decadent mouthful with welcome lightness from the frisee. If the starters were anything to go by, we were in for a treat when it came to the mains.

I went for the pan fried chalk stream trout with potato rosti, courgette, mussels and a fennel cream. It was exceptional – so much so that I am still dreaming of it a month later and furiously trying to recreate it in my own kitchen but never quite hitting the mark. The trout was perfectly cooked, flaking with crispy skin, plump mussels, ribbons of courgette and rich, buttery potato rosti perfect for mopping up the creamiest, velvetiest sauce spiked with fennel and aniseed. My friend chose the pappardelle pasta with braised venison and hazelnuts. She’s a purist, she couldn’t quite get her head around going to an italian restaurant and not ordering handmade pasta. She was right in her decision. On a cold, wet and windy November afternoon you could not have asked for more from a dish. The depth of flavour that I am pretty sure can only be achieved by a Nonna out back stirring a huge pot with love for the best part of a day. Venison that melted in the mouth, a rich sauce that clung to the pasta in a loving embrace and finished with a generous grating of fresh pecorino – this dish was perfection.

Needless to say, we were stuffed and couldn’t quite manage dessert. However, we thought it would be rude not to at least stop at the Negroni bar on the way out. That’s right, you heard, a dedicated Negroni bar serving up ten versions of the iconic cocktail. Our only complaint… we couldn’t quite make our way through all ten of them before closing time.

Osteria, you were beautiful. I will most certainly be back.

Cocktails December 21, 2021

Can we all please take a moment for Colonel Saab ♥️

Oh my goodness, where to start? On invitation to Colonel Saab, I did a quick google to see what I was in for. A modern, innovative, smart approach to Indian cooking taking inspiration from an army officer and his wife’s travels across India. Ok, I was down – that sounded like a bit of me. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be spending the evening in a restaurant that could easily be classified as a museum, where the decor competes with the dishes and the food does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s a transportation through India depicted by more than perfectly executed dishes, done with love and passion (and some really banging food).

We began our evening with a couple of cocktails – I went for the Noora, a combination of tequila, almond and raspberry beer. I wasn’t sure what to expect but being a creature of comfort, and that comfort being tequila, this seemed like a great option. I was not disappointed, I would go as far as to say, the best cocktail of 2021, and I drink a lot of cocktails. My friend opted for the Colonel Saab – she wanted to to keep things legit with a hit of chai spiked with bourbon and coffee, another sensational drink.

We pawed over the food menu for the best part of an hour, oohing and aahing as other diners’ meals arrived and then trying to work out exactly what they were eating. In the end we admitted defeat, everything just looked too good so we asked the incredible Maitre’d what he would recommend. He was soon telling us all about his favourite dishes and why they were so special – the enthusiasm that the staff have for the food that is created within these walls is unsurpassed – on his recommendation – poppadoms and chutneys but these were not regular poppadoms, these were Colonel Saab poppadoms, a mix of the ones we are accustomed to, their miniature, puffed counterparts and the tapioca pearl version – I am not ashamed to admit I was that person hoovering every last crumb. From here we went to paneer tikka, Kataifi Prawns and Jaipur Baby Aloo. The paneer was the standout dish for me (from this round) generous slabs of cheese, sandwiching a green chilli paste, marinated and expertly spiced, grilled and then served with a warming chutney. The prawns were also divine, wrapped in Kataifi pastry, deep fried till crisp and bejeweled with pomegranate seeds.

Onto the mains – Memsaab’s chicken curry (highly recommended by our pal), there was a small part of me unsure if I had made the right decision. Who goes out and orders a chicken curry when there is so much exciting stuff on the menu? But something was telling me this would be a chicken curry like no other and that something was right – light and creamy, the most tender of chicken, a base level of subtle heat – Memsaab knew what she was doing! My friend, the veggie, went for the Gutti Vankaya – a dish of baby aubergine with a curry leaf and tamarind sauce. I was allowed the smallest of tastes – for which she will be paying the price of never dining with me again – however, from that smallest taste, I could understand why she was reluctant to share. The tamarind and curry leaf absolutely singing to each other to create the most perfect harmony. We also tried the Daal Makhani – one of my favourite dishes of all time. Now we all know of that famous Indian restaurant that does THE best daal… well I think it might have met its match, heavy in butter and heady spices. This is the stuff of dreams. And last but not least, we shared the truffle and parmesan kulcha, a small naan style bread. I thought the addition of truffle to this menu seemed odd but being one of my favourite ingredients I didn’t want to pass it up. It worked perfectly, dunked in the creamy, decadent daal – oh my lord, I can’t even put into words the mind blowing mouth orgasm that occured.

After all this we were too full for dessert, although it all looked amazing, we got packed up with doggy bags for our respective trains home – the best train snacks ever, may I add. But before we departed we were treated to a tour of all the artwork within the restaurant,all of which had been transported from India and lovingly curated and rehomed in the repurposed Holborn town hall. Every artifact had a story: doors over 400 years old, paintings commissioned for the most special of celebrations, chairs and tables that had once stood in great Indian homes, now making for cosy dining nooks on the upper floor of the space. The stairway to the bathrooms is something to get lost in all on its own (and a great photo opp). Colonel Saab is so much more than a restaurant. It is a love letter to India and I for one am in love.

Dog-friendly December 19, 2021

TeamCocopup: The Gantry is Stratford’s coolest new hotel – here’s why

TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies headed to vibrant and bustling Stratford to check out the newly-opened The Gantry. Coined as Stratford’s coolest new dog friendly destination, The Gantry blends East London cool with a decidedly sleek, contemporary aesthetic that we couldn’t get enough of.

Part of The Hilton’s Curio Collection, The Gantry is certainly unlike any Hilton you’ve ever stayed at. The 290-room hotel is all about contrasts and mixes the well-known hospitality and amenities of The Hilton Group, with the dynamism of Stratford’s art scene.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s stunning suites. Occupying a generous 41 square metres and with incredible views of the Olympic Park and the City, the suites are anything but ordinary. A large lounge area greets you when you walk in, two 49’ screen TVs enhance the indulgence of the space, while a Dyson hair dryer, espresso machine and free standing bath and separate shower create an atmosphere of effortless luxury.

TeamCocopup too was greeted with a warm welcome, and though wasn’t allowed in a few of the hotel’s common spaces, certainly got the VIP treatment in the suite.

A gorgeous welcome package from General Manager Saurabh Kukreja greeted us at our room. And while some of The Gantry’s soon-to-be-opened spaces, such as Stratford Grocer & Co, and the Sky Bar and Terraces, were still closed during our visit – the care package gave us a taste of what’s in store at the hotel in the months to come.

The hotel’s restaurant, Union Social, is vibey without being stuffy and offers a fabulous menu of fusion cuisine helmed by Chef Salvatore Coco. For starters, we indulged in a plate of charcuterie from Bottega, fresh-baked, rosemary-infused focaccia and olive oil, fried tofu and Nocarella olives. To follow, we sampled the cleverly-named ‘oven sesame’ glazed south coast sea trout, which sat on a delicate brew of miso, tamari-mirin infused ginger broth, blanched pak choi and bean sprouts.

For a heartier dish, the slow cooked Hampshire grass fed beef cheeks, dressed with Lychgate red wine jus and pressed lyonnaise potatoes offered the perfect winter dish – and was slow cooked to absolute perfection. The Asian-inspiration extends to the desserts, with the vegan Thai Empress Rice Pudding an absolute sensation.

The Gantry’s striking terrace, complete with mid-century modern fire pit, is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two. The striking, stylish space is inviting even in the thick of winter, and a precursor of what we can expect when the hotels’ Sky Bar, the highest in East London, eventually opens its doors.

The hallways are never really a focal point in any hotel review, but the hallways at The Gantry, filled with a wonderfully curated selection of artwork from Jealous Gallery are certainly worth talking about. The hallways celebrate the spirit of the East London’s dynamic art scene – underscoring The Gantry’s commitment to uplifting the local community. Guests can also purchase the artwork on the walls.

From the eclectic lobby, the buzzy Union Social restaurant on the first floor, the stylish Coupe wine bar, and the art-filled hallways, The Gantry is a love letter to the vibrancy and juxtapositions of Stratford’s local community and is undoubtedly more than a place to rest your head. We shall certainly be returning.

UK