Category

Restaurants & Bars

Category

#TeamCoco are no stranger to a launch, especially if there’s cocktails and dancing involved. With the famous London bar chain Dirty Martini now making it’s way up the country to join us Northerners in Yorkshire, we sent our Nightlife connoisseur Jenna to check out the new addition to the Leeds circuit….

“If you’ve read any of my pieces before, you’ll know I like to live quite a boujee life when I get the opportunity. From Champagne bars to exclusive London clubs, i’ve seen my fair share of launches and sipped on far too many Cocktails for my own good. I just never seem to get bored of a brand new bar opening, especially if it’s really good.

Walking into Dirty Martini with a very generous supply of drinks tokens the atmosphere was prettyyyyy impressive. Not only was the bar full of beautiful people, the music was good and the venue itself is incredibly slick. With a spiral staircase joining the two unique levels of this once desolate venue (originally Atlas, then ‘Atlas Brauhaus’ snore) it was so good to see some life injected back into the building. I wouldn’t say the decor is typical of Leeds as it’s very plush with a mix of fabrics and back lit artwork, but it’s not intimidating either. There seems to be a new trend in the city now with the likes of Dakota Deluxe and Neighbourhood taking venues to the next level. Not only are they nice, they are London Nice – which trust me is a completely different thing. I will say that Dirty Martini is not only sexy, it SCREAMS fun. Which as said before, is a total change after their tired 31 King St predecessors.

Gazing over their gorgeous new menu which was embellished with my favourite duo black & gold, I was taken aback by how much Dirty Martini wants you to have an amazing time, but not rinse your credit card in the process. Not only do they host a daily happy hour with unreal deals such as half price Martinis & £20 bottles of fizz, literally all the drinks are reasonable. Alongside this they are all far more eclectic than you’ll find at well known Cocktail Bar chains, but they’re really not scrimping on the quality. Ordering two dry Vodka Martini’s with a lemon twist, upgrading to Grey Goose from Ketel One was not a problem. Thankfully the price didn’t skyrocket like it does at usual bars, which is pretty nice. Taking a sip, my guests for the evening said that they didn’t expect the Martini to be SO good and they’ve drank them all over the world – result.

Although their drinks list boasts the likes of a Dragonfruit & Pomegranate Martini alongside a whole page dedicated to Bottle Service, they’re not trying to be something they’re not. Visiting Dirty Martini is like going to see your friend who worked hard and is now enjoying the fruits of their labour, not a new money WAG like some shiny new bars. Their drinks are based on taste and presentation, no dry-ice or Masterchef gimmicks in sight. The only thing I will say is I was slightly disappointed to see Slingsby on their shelves and in their Leeds Cocktail the White Rose Martini. This is purely as that stuff is now being made into ‘Gin Cream’ in Morrisons for Christmas – which is surely a crime against Gin, never-mind the fact that it’s not even distilled in Yorkshire, eek.

Aside from that slight pitfall, the venue is pretty much perfect. The late night food offering paired with great music and even Live Sax, it’s now firmly secured on my weekend hit-list. With regional premium chains such as Neighbourhood, Dakota & Tattu all opening this year, they had a tough act to follow. But not only have Dirty Martini stood up to the competition, they’ve shaken them up in a Boston Tin and given them something to be scared about. See you Friday Dirty Martini, mines a Caipirinha.”

Dirty Martini – 31 King St,
Leeds, LS1 2HL

01134 689 488

Reservations: leeds@dirtymartini.uk.com

More info here: https://dirtymartini.uk.com/bars/leeds/

In amongst all that festive boozing don’t forget to fill your faces with delicious food – I know, we can’t believe we’re reminding you to do that too, but last night this writer had eggnog and cookies for dinner and has woken up high on sugar and it’s not even Christmas morning yet!

So one of our favourite picks for your festive friend get-together is the delightful combo of Charlotte’s W5 in Ealing with their delicious menu and heated Sipsmith winter terrace…

What: Warehouse conversion restaurant you won’t believe is in Ealing, beautiful open kitchen and chef’s table, twinkly and cosy winter hot gin bar on the courtyard.

Where: Charlotte’s W5, Ealing

When: 2nd November to early 2018Instagrammable Pick: Roast chestnuts with you wrapped up in a fluffy blanky. Made In Ealing anyone?All the info: charlottes.co.uk / @CharlottesGroup

Christmas is coming and we’re all getting, well definitely chubbier. No harm in a bit of winter weight to help us keep warm and keep our Uniqlo Heat Tech habit at an acceptable level.

Our next London pop up, The Winter Lodge at Hampshire Lounge Bar will definitely help you with your quest to be your best, festive, jolly self this Christmas.

What: Mulled wine, raclette, outdoor heaters overlooking Leicester Square in all its sparklyness.

Where: Radisson Blu Edwardian, Leicester Square

When: Now until February 2018

Instagrammable Pick: Sticky, maple glazed ribs. Finger-less gloves recommended.

All the info: @thehampshireloungebar / #TheWinterLodge.

Okay, Team Coco – Christmas is officially here. Well, no it’s not but if you’ve been out and about in the past week you wouldn’t have been able to squeeze yourself out of the tube with out tripping over mountains of Christmas shopping, flying past ernest baubles right into a vat of steaming mulled wine.

To keep your sanity intact – and that childlike festive spirit alive – we’ve sussed out some of London’s best Christmas Pop Ups for this mini series – ‘Festive Feels’.

Let’s start with the Winter Forest , a super cutesy winter village nestled in the City.

What: Pine trees, Cosy Tipis, Pop Up Festive Cinema & Christmas Market

Where: Broadgate, behind Liverpool Street Station

When: 9th November 2017 – 12th January 2018

Instagrammable Pick: Yorkshire Pudding Wraps. Imagine your average wrap. Then replace the filling with a roast dinner and the flour wrap with a whopper Yorkshire. Do it.

All the info: @Broadgate London // #BroadgateWinter

Do we indulge in a tipple because it’s cold or is it cold so we can indulge in a few tipples? Big questions, we know.

Let’s make it simple and guide you to a cosy den where you can mull over life’s biggest questions with a historic hot gin….or three at The Sipsmith Frost Fair popping up at the National Theatre’s Green Room Garden Bar.

What: Hot gin cocktails, Sipsmith mugs, wintery haven above the Thames.

Where: National Theatre, South Bank

When: 22nd November 2017 – early 2018.

Instagrammable Pick: A foot long lamb and rosemary hot dog. Yes, really.

All the info: GreenRoom.NationalTheatre.org.uk / @GreenRoomSE1

#TeamCoco were delighted to hear that one of our favourite London restaurants is now open at weekends. Chamberlain’s of London, which is based at the beautiful covered Victorian Leadenhall Market in The City are now open 7 days a week for the first time in their 17 years of trading. This stunning eatery is one of the finest fish and seafood restaurants in the city.

During the weekend diners can order either a la carte or from the Saturday Gourmet Menu or Sunday Brunch menus both priced at two courses for £27 or three for £32. On Sundays there is the option of adding bottomless Prosecco or Bloody Mary to two courses for an additional £20 which sounds like a splendid idea to us!

The restaurant is contemporary and spacious with wooden floors, exposed brick walls and comfy leather club chairs. which adds a fine contrast to the Victorian splendour of the market. Looks can be deceiving, from the restaurants exterior, Chamberlains looks bijou but upon entering, it spans four floors but still maintains an intimate feel. The floor to ceiling windows offers a magnificent view of the market area in all its glory.

We started with a glass of champagne and a taster of popcorn to start with whilst we perused the fine menu which features the likes of Scottish Lobster Omelette (glazed with lobster bisque), Steak Tartare, Newlyn Cornish Plaice (with samphire and seaweed butter, Lobster Salad and Slow Roast Longhorn Beef (with all the trimmings and gravy).

Executive Chef Andrew Jones has previously worked at Claridge’s and the Westbury (and is a previous recipient of the Roux Scholarship in 2004) and create dishes for the restaurant that reflect nature’s harvest from around the British Isles in both modern tastes as well as the classics.

Chef Andrew and his brigade prepared a delicious amuse-bouche in the shape of an Irish Oyster and an accompanying Lobster bisque, followed by our starter of a sumptuous Dorset Crab served with a refreshing lemon crème fraîche, soft boiled hens’ egg and gluten free bread.

The delightful Front of House paired our starter with a superb white Burgundy from France which with the combination of climate, land, and tradition produces a wine that is coveted by many and never precisely replicated anywhere else.

It definitely was a SeafoodSunday for #TeamCoco and thanks to Chamberlain’s strong relationship with Billingsgate Fish market, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to incredible fish dishes. In fact, it is an absolute pleasure to eat fresh fish which has been hand-picked by one of the best suppliers in the business.

For our main, we were completely torn between the Brixham Dover Sole, the Newlyn Cornish Plaice and the tender-looking Slow Roast of Longhorn Beef.

In the end, we opted for the Chef’s selection of a Mixed Fish Grill which included seabass, langoustines and grilled salmon with side dishes of green beans and hand cut chips. Our delicious food was paired with a glass of Chardonnay. The food is fantastic and flavoursome and is beautifully cooked. The wine pairings were expertly matched – the wine menu is vast in depth and quality and is an ideal accompaniment to the carefully curated food menu.

The Front of House staff were incredibly attentive throughout our meal and their passion for gourmet food and impeccable service is clear to see. Using their exceptional produce their talented team of chefs led by Andrew, create dishes for the restaurant that reflect nature’s harvest from around the British Isles in both modern tastes as well as the classics.

There were several inviting options on the dessert menu to choose from, but the one that really caught our eye was the Iced Chocolate Parfait with raspberry and mint.

Leadenhall Market’s stunning architecture, history with its first-class shopping experience , makes it the perfect place to visit any day of the week and if you are looking for exceptional food in a delightful environment, then make sure you pay Chamberlains a visit.

Chamberlain’s of London is situated at 23-25 Leadenhall Market in London, EC3V 1LR and is open all week long. Their new weekend opening hours are: Saturday: 17:00 – 22:00 and Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00

Us #CocoGirls are no stranger to brunch, especially if it’s boozy. From private beach breakfasts in Mauritius to breakfast in bed at the Shangri La, we love any excuse to drink before 5pm in a beautiful setting. When the call came in for one of our team to review the brand new five-course ‘Vice Brunch’ at 1940’s style hotspot ‘Vice and Virtue’, there was only one girl for it. Our resident lifestyle and food writer Jenna went to check it out to see if it would rival a breakfast with Gatsby…

“I am lucky enough to live in the heart of Leeds in the affectionately named ‘Northern Quarter’. A stones throw from amazing venues such as Belgrave Music Hall and a quick stumble home after a night on the infamous Call Lane, I’m well and truly spoilt when it comes to location. On my walks into town for either shopping or the usual glass of fizz on a Saturday afternoon i’ve always been intrigued by Vice and Virtue’s black and gold doorway. Positioned at the top of New Briggate, above a very garish Indian Restaurant, I was never sure exactly what was going on inside. It’s name made me curious and the stories i’d heard of drunk bartenders and burlesque nights made my eyes wonder even further. Stepping onto it’s faux red carpet and greeted with a set of stairs, a pleasant surprise quickly followed. Not only did I have no idea this was a 1940’s themed bar it also had a very exclusive restaurant upstairs. To the sound of swing we made our way up their never-ending staircase to a quaint but stimulating restaurant area.

I’ve always loved open kitchens. There’s something about being able to see your food being cooked which is honest but also quite artful. As I’m from a foodie family that boasts unreal Christmas dinners and a few chefs to boot, i’ve always found the culinary industry incredibly impressive. The way they keep calm under pressure with so many things going on at once has always made me envious. I once cried whilst making pork chops for my family and an ex-boyfriend used to constantly laugh about how everything I ever cooked for him was cold. So, you can see why I find anyone who can cook to a high standard almost godly. Vice and Virtue has a unique set up, as you are genuinely metres away from your chef. It’s clear that this building was never designed for a restaurant such as this but the romantic idea of a chef making his dream work no matter what – is really nice. The venue is thrown together, but the food is anything but.

Sitting down at our table I was a little underwhelmed by the interiors. Although all the colours are in keeping and the style is definitely vintage, it all looks a little bit second hand. Now, I love shabby chic but there’s a difference between shabby-stylish and shabby-cheap. For £50pp a five-course brunch with paired cocktails it really doesn’t break the bank, but we’re in Leeds, which I would love to rename as the city of the discerning. In Shoreditch you may be able to get away with the irony of expensive menus and cheap furniture – but in Leeds, get ready for the rabble. Luckily for us, the service was definitely not scrimped on. Our host Ross was not only dashing, he was clearly either impeccably trained or had a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry. He was charming, he was knowledgeable and he really gave the venue that edge they need to serve such a noveau-cuisine style brunch. Gazing into the open kitchen, it was clear to see the Head Chef seriously had his sh*t together. He was well presented and seemed as focused as blue steel with not an inch of stress on his face. I was excited but sort of nervous as I REALLY wanted this to be good. Informing our dapper host of my guest’s pescatarian dietary requirements, he told us they were prepared and ready for battle. With the first cocktails hitting our table, we were ready to be taken on an interesting flavour journey which was set to seriously rework some well known favourites.

First course: Jenna forgets everything she knows about muesli

Coconut and Cranberry Bircher with Passionfruit

Pairing Cocktail: Viced Mimosa

Prosecco with Pineapple, Thyme and Raspberry

Remembering this is brunch, not your standard taster menu, it seemed normal having a pot of Bircher muesli placed in front of me. This has always been my favourite way to eat muesli as yoghurt gives it that creaminess that almost makes it dessert like. This particular bircher was served in a cute glass jar with a coconut and cranberry biscuit which totally got the blood sugar rising. It was creamy with a bitty texture that made it anything but sickly. This paired with a tropical take on the classic Mimosa set a sweet tone to the afternoon and something sparkly in hand reminded me I was definitely still at a Leeds brunch. Leeds can’t seem to do brunch without Prosecco – and I aint complaining.

Second course: Some very sexy Fish

Beetroot and juniper cured salmon with Miso powder, Beetroot powder and Caviar

Paring Cocktail: Red Snapper

Like a Bloody Mary but with Bombay Sapphire Gin and a little spicier

For me, brunch really isn’t brunch without smoked salmon. But how about Beetroot cured Salmon? Since earlier this year i’ve found myself a little bit in love with Beetroot, it just seems to jazz up even the dullest of salads and is the perfect pairing to Goats Cheese. I’d never had it with Salmon, but I totally get it now. When the plates arrived I was instantly excited. A fusion of colour, texture and delicate presentation made this course completely Instagrammable. The Beetroot didn’t only give the salmon a beautiful coral colour, it also added a sweet edge that reworked my tastebuds. Salmon for me has always been incredibly salty (which I love – lets pray for my sodium levels!) but this curing process brought out a different element in the fish. Luckily, an aspect that brought the saltiness back to the dish was definitely the Caviar. Caviar has always been a guilty pleasure of mine when dining out as there’s something so delicate and special about it. Many people hate the idea of Caviar or either see it as middle class delicacy, but whether Caviar or Cod Roe, I just find it wonderful.

The thing I like about this menu is that it’s quite ballsy – I.E their drinks are not for your standard Pornstar Martini fans. Sipping on their take on a Red Snapper with a Sea Salt and course Black Pepper rim, it had a serious kick. However, as this was paired with such delicate Salmon and Samphire – it levelled the dish out perfectly. I must say that this was probably one of the best Red Snapper’s i’ve ever had, and this wasn’t surprising. Turning round, I noticed that the bartender was somebody I knew from times gone by who actually became known at Epernay Champagne Bar for her mixology skills, especially when it came to spice. Daisy is also an Ambassador for Sipsmith Gin which makes her more than qualified to make a banging Red Snapper. Forget long red-wine floated tomato soup from someone who thinks they know what they’re on about, this short rich cocktail was unbelievable.

Third Course: Carnivore heaven on a plate, especially if you’re into Tapas

Black Pudding ‘Marcello-Style’ Croquette with Baked Beans and Rhubarb gel

Pairing Cocktail: Martini Spritz

Martini Speciale Reserve Rubino Sous Vide with Forest Fruits, topped with Lemonade

For those who know me, I am obsessed with Catalan style food. I would happily eat Tapas for the rest of my days. Therefore, as soon as I see anything remotely Spanish on a menu I am instantly in love. As I’m a Northern soul, Black Pudding and Baked Beans is also my idea of breakfast paradise – so I had incredibly high hopes. With a refreshing Martini Spritz in hand (which tastes exactly like a Mixed Fruit Kopparberg FYI) I was ready for a Meditterean-come-British treat.

Ok, so, my guest was a little bit scarred for life when this dish came out, but I was over the moon. Regressing back to when we were both 18 and my Grandad offered her a Black Pudding bon bon when she was a Veggie, a very similar situation happened at brunch. With the smiling waitress waltzing over with two identical plates, I was PRAYING hers was Veggie but unfortunately it was a steaming hot ball of carnivorous dreams. Informing the waitress that my friend may faint on the spot if you don’t take that back to the kitchen, it was a short wait until her meat-free version arrived and we could get stuck in.

Taking my first bite of the croquette, it was a little bit crumbly for my liking, but chock full of flavour. The breadcrumbs were crispy and the beans were a worlds away from the tinned supermarket variety. I usually overcook my baked beans so the sauce is thicker, so I was happy to see these beans were cooked just like that. The sauce was a super rich tomato and the beans were varied with only a few haricot in sight, it was baked beans but not how your Mum makes them. Speaking to Gina, my pescatarian brunch accomplice, she said how her meat free version of soy protein was a real treat and tasted just like the real thing. However she did laugh that i’d definitely know the difference! The rhubarb gel on the side was really interesting and gave a fruity connection to the pairing cocktail which married the two together perfectly.

Fourth Course: A collision of dietary requirements

Buffalo flank cooked overnight in Coffee and Almond Milk, Basil Toast and aerated Hollandaise

Pairing Cocktail: Cuban Star

Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum with Black Grape Juice, Star Anise and Lime

What I really grew to love about Vice and Virtue’s taster brunch was that a lot of thought had gone into creating dishes that can be amended for any dietary requirement. For instance, this amalgamation of breakfast, coffee and Buffalo was identical when the Buffalo was swapped for soya protein. Literally, identical. This made my guest feel that she wasn’t missing out at all, and the fact that the Buffalo and the Soya protein were both poached in Almond Milk, made it totally accessible to Vegans too. Nice one Vice Brunch, impressive. Although this dish wasn’t as pretty as the previous, it really stood out.

For me, Almond Milk has a really strange flavour, sort of like a gone off milkshake. Therefore, I dubious to see how the gorgeous meat which is Buffalo would stand up to such overpowering flavours such as this and Coffee. Although I wasn’t overly sold on the taste, I couldn’t help going back for more. It was meaty but absolutely compelling. This paired with the aerated hollandaise (nice) and Vegan Bacon Pieces (double nice) I wolfed it down in record time. The bread was fresh, the tomatoes ripe, it was really lovely. Sipping on a glass that wouldn’t look out of place in Harry Potter, the tartness of the grape juice and sweetness of the rum worked brilliantly. I couldn’t overly make the connection between the cocktail and the dish, but it was a fascinating drink.

Final Course: Arctic Roll, but not what you’re used to

Matcha Green Tea and Cherry Roulade with Pistachio and Cherry gel

Pairing Cocktail: Breakfast Mojito

Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum with Mint, Mandarin, Marmalade and Lime

It would be rude to attend a cocktail brunch without having a Breakfast Mojito. As expected, Daisy nailed it again with the twist on the classic. It was tart, it was sweet and the Marmalade really came through. It actually worked as really nice palette cleanser before the dessert as it was so fresh and was a godsend after the Buffalo. Taking our first sip we glanced over the menu trying to establish exactly what was going to be included in the grand finale. What followed was a dessert that we both didn’t want to end.

Matcha Green Tea is a weird one as if it’s used in too high a quantity, can be absolutely horrific. This dessert thankfully used it for it’s colour and very sparingly when it came to taste. The cherry was the real kick-starter when it came to this course with the Cherry Jam and Cherry Ice-cream holding it’s own against the Pistachio and Matcha. Not only was it seriously tasty, the presentation was incredibly pretty. The attention to detail with all of the courses we tried was evident, but this course was perfectly coordinated.

All in all at £50pp, it’s a steal. Yes the decor leaves a little to be desired, but the clear passion that has gone into this place is really impressive. The staff are well trained and clearly connoisseurs when it comes to getting it right, but it all needs a little bit of a polish. There’s a chance that I may be totally missing the point and their aim is to look a little undone but their food is anything but. It’s gorgeous to look at and it’s undeniable that the chef is bob on with his flavour profiles. The cocktail choices may not be reinventing the wheel, but classics are classics for a reason. Bravo Vice and Virtue, I look forward to stepping back in time with your style but throwing myself into the future with your menus again soon.”

Vice Brunch – £50pp including five Courses and five pairing Cocktails.Saturday & Sunday 12pm-2pm, reservations essential.

Vice & Virtue, 68 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU, 0113 345 0202.

Over 200 years ago across the Kingdom of Prussia, the Two Sicilies and the Austrian Empire, Lanique was cherished and imbibed by the wealthy and titled elite at their celebrations and grand balls….

Now that drink can be experienced in all it’s multifaceted glory in the Flavour Gallery in partnership with Smith & Sinclair, now open now at Hoxton Basement, 12-18 Hoxton St, London N1 6NG

Of course, we went down to check it out!

Curious cocktails available at Lanique’s bar vary from Lemon & Dill (pictured) to Charcoal & Cherry which is mystically dark and sparkly.
Getting hands-on with heat sensitive artwork by Anja Predojevic.
Tom O’Hare’s intriguing touchy feely artwork.
Slices of scented heaven.

Head over to designmynight.com/london/whats-on/food-drink/the-flavour-gallery to book in your flavour adventure!

A change in the weather brings exquisite food from some of Yorkshire’s best dining destinations. Think festive menus, cosy sleep and dine getaways, mouth-watering comfort food and some of the finest seasonal produce as we welcomed October with open arms. Our #TeamCoco foodie Tara Harris from the Yorkshire Food Guide fills us in.

A DECADE OF SWEET SUCCESS AT THE BLACK SWAN HOTEL, HELMSLEY

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the award-winning Tearoom at the 3AA rosette Black Swan Hotel in the beautiful village of Helmsley, they’re giving you the chance to win Champagne Afternoon Tea for two, an overnight stay and full Yorkshire breakfast upon departure. Enter Competition.

RESTAURANT 92 HARROGATE REVIEW

A change of seasons means a change of ingredients and when Harrogate’s recent Good Food and Michelin Guide 2018 addition Restaurant 92 announced their new autumn winter 5-course tasting menu, we jumped at the chance to sample the goods. Read our review.

CHRISTMAS 2017 GUIDE TO THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN YORKSHIRE

Christmas at the Yorkshire Food guide is possibly our favourite time of the year. So we’ve compiled our ultimate guide to the best places to get your festive cheer on. From Christmas party menus, luxury sleep and dine stays and artisan hampers, we’ve got you covered. Read the guide.

DEVONSHIRE ARMS BOLTON ABBEY REVIEW: AN EXPERIENCE IN FINE DINING

A new appointment has arrived to head up the kitchen at one of Yorkshire’s best-loved hotel and restaurants, the Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa. Head Chef Paul Leonard is no stranger to Michelin stars, we paid a visit to sample his locally sourced 7-course tasting menu. Read our review.

HOME RESTAURANT LEEDS REVIEW

There’s abundance of dining destinations in the city of Leeds but is there really that extra special place to give you the wow factor? There is now. Recently opened, HOME restaurant brings fine dining but in a relaxed atmosphere, not to mention some of the best service and wine lists for miles around. Read our review as we sampled their delectable 10-course tasting menu. Read review.

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN YORK

The unofficial capital of Yorkshire has seen a real resurgence in the dining destinations of late. From fine dining to casual, read our Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in York, from some of the best independents the city and surrounding areas have to offer. Read guide.

WEST PARK HOTEL HARROGATE REVIEW: A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Read our review as we visited the beautiful spa town of Harrogate and headed to the sublime West Park Hotel for an unforgettable foodie getaway. Read Review.

THE CARPENTERS ARMS FELIXKIRK REVIEW

With sweeping views across the Vale of Mowbray, the little picturesque village of Felixkirk is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Read our review from our recent foodie sleep and dine experience. Read review.

STOCKDALES OF YORKSHIRE LEEDS REVIEW

Well known in Leeds and the surrounding areas, Stockdales of Yorkshire let the very best local ingredients speak for themselves. When we put our name down for their 6 course Wagyu Tasting Supper Club we were literally salivating until the day arrived. Read our review.

THE IVY COLLECTION IS COMING TO HARROGATE

The Ivy Collection is coming to Harrogate. One of the capital’s most iconic dining destinations opens its very first Yorkshire restaurant. Find out what’s in store for the beautiful town of Harrogate. Find out more.

If you are the one in your friend group who obsesses over finding the obscure, the unusual and the undiscovered – come here close, closer, as we let you in on our hot travel tip for 2018; South TyrolNow, take that secret to your grave.

Just kidding, there’s more than enough of this bewitching region, where Austrian meets Italy, to go around. That said, with 300 days of sun a year, 17,000km of walking trails, 400 manor house and an eco friendly approach to being (South Tyrol produces twice the amount of electricity it needs, mostly through hydroelectrics), they may find an invasion on their hands soon enough.

You may have read about our adventures in the South Tyrol region back in Volume 5 where we explored the land with a collective of thinkers, artists and creatives but, for our most recent experience of the land, we didn’t even go there. It transcended miles and miles to reach our ears, eyes, mouths and noses over a lively evening fuelled by local sparkling wine.

Our hosts for the evening were Michelin starred chef, Egon Heiss and ‘Chevalier of Cheese’ Gregor Wenter from ‘South Tyrol’s hidden jewel’ restaurant Bad Schoergau. Cured meats brought mediterranean Italian flavours which were then bolstered by earthy beetroot appetisers and tart horseradish that danced us over the Austrian border. The meal was beautifully exciting, with particular highlights in a luminescent green ‘Pine Risotto’ and a delicate dessert to celebrate one of the region’s prized product; apples.

Between courses we were whisked away to a real South Tyrollean forest – not physically of course but through a guided meditation from Martin Kiem, a psychologist from the area, aided with a brand of a pine tree we took in a ‘Forest Bathing’ session. While this is traditionally a Japanese wellness activity named Shinrin Yoku, Martin is looking to bring the practice over to Europe and believes South Tyrol to be a perfect place with its 93% coverage of forest. In Japan, Shirin Yoku, is an activity that is even prescribed by doctors to alleviate stress and, after listening to the forest, inhaling the pine goodness of our branch and taking the time to unwind after a busy day in London, we can completely relate.

We closed our evening adventure to South Tyrol sampling the trees of the region, one last time, through the beauty brand Trehs which harnesses the original mountain pine of the Sarn valley. The use of this pine tree goes back centuries and its a staple in every medicine cabinet in the area, which is now available as cleansing and exhilarating body products. If our meditation was forest bathing, showering with these products is a kin to forest streaking?!

(Photo: mid-afternoon is time for the Marende in South Tyrol, with cured meats and local wines. Set your phone alarm clock right now)

.

.

.

So, South Tyrol is definitely on our list for an adventure next year as a lesser known region that celebrates wellness in all its forms; mentally, physically and gastronomically. Not sure that’s a word but, a bit like Forest Bathing, its evocative enough that you just have to give it a try.

To find out more about South Tyrol and Forest Bathing head to suedtirol.info . The Trehs brand can be found at trehs.com and last, but certainly not least, book in for amazing cultural cuisine at bad-schoergau.com

Now, if we find you booking some 2 week package holiday on Teletext after we’ve spilled all our travel secrets – well, more of South Tyrol for us.