With everyone travelling to the countryside, it’s the perfect time to take a trip to a quiet UK city for an Autumn getaway! From a quintessential British break, to a sophisticated stay in the heart of Mayfair and the perfect vacation for the fashion-lover, we wanted to share a few of our favourite city properties for the ultimate autumnal escape.
Sophisticated and quirky, glamourous and decadent, W London – Leicester Square crystalizes the quintessential dual personality of the British soul. Overlooking the bright lights of Soho below, the sleek hotel recently completed a multi-million transformation of its 192 rooms offering innovative in-room technology paired with immersive in-room experiences by fashion visionary, Jack Irving. Mix and mingle over London’s playful brunch, quirky afternoon tea or innovative cocktails at The Perception.
Rates from £229 per room per night, based on two people sharing
Steeped in history with its famed Palm Court Lounge, Grade II listed Art Deco Ballroom and Silver Gallery, the iconic Sheraton Grand London Park Lane offers a sophisticated stay in the heart of Mayfair. The 303 guestrooms offer an elegant, luxury hotel experience, capturing the spirit of the Art Deco era. Moments from London’s finest open green spaces including Green Park and Hyde Park, you can reach the very best sights by foot including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
Rates from £224 per room per night, based on two people sharing
Tucked away between waterways and boasting panoramic views of Oxford’s spectacular architecture from the rooftop terrace, Courtyard Oxford City Centre is perfectly located in the heart of the historic city. Located on tranquil Paradise Street, Courtyard Oxford City Centre provides a peaceful setting within the heart of the world-famous bustling city. Cultural sites such as the historic Oxford Castle and Prison as well as The Ashmolean – the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology – lie within walking distance, alongside historic pubs and the city’s growing restaurant scene.
Rates from £150 per room per night, based on two people sharing
DUKES LONDON – an Edwardian country house in the heart of Mayfair – announces the launch of its first ever ‘Workcation Package’: offering guests a piece of fashionable St. James’s flair while working from home. With the government’s latest advice to ‘work from home if you can’, plenty are looking to combine a break with work and not everyone longs for the mountains or the beach. For those who instead hunger for city life, the new package is available as a supplement with bookings for Luxury Rooms, the Junior Suite, One-Bedroom Suites and the Duke of Clarence Suite – for an additional cost of £65.00 per person, per day.
Whether guests are travelling for business, seeking a private and spacious working environment with service on-tap, or are simply craving a luxury hotel experience in London while working remotely, nothing is too much trouble at DUKES where the team will ensure your working day is as comfortable and convenient as a regular day in the office.
The Workation Package includes a dedicated Work Butler who will assist every guests’ needs, including printing and scanning services, and a healthy lunchtime menu available in-room, in the Drawing Room or even in one of the neighbouring Royal parks as a working picnic. As well as various other services, workers can also kick back with a complimentary glass of bubbles at the end of each working day.
The DUKES Workcation Package includes:
Guaranteed early check in and check out
Bright room plenty of natural daylight with workstation – priority upgrade to suites (subject to availability)
Dedicated “Work Butler”
Unlimited complimentary water and soft drinks
Healthy working meal from the “Eat Well, Work Well Menu” (available In-Room, Drawing Room / Working Picnic)
Super-fast Wi-Fi
10x complimentary pages if printing is required
In-room tea and coffee making facilities
24-hour gym access
10% off food in all DUKES LONDON outlets: Drawing Room and DUKES Bar
DUKES signature notebook, DUKES pads and pens
Complimentary glass of bubbles at the end of working day
Barco click share facility, conference phone and flipchart available upon request
Nightly rates at DUKES LONDON in a DUKES room currently start from £183 inclusive of VAT and breakfast. For more information please call 020 7491 4840 or visit www.dukeshotel.com. All bookings made can be cancelled without penalty up to 7 days prior. Bookings that require alteration within 7 days of booking may be postponed and the hotel will do all it can to be as flexible as possible, understanding that the current situation is unpredictable.
The DUKES Workaction Package is available as a supplement to bedroom rates for Luxury Rooms and the following Suites: Junior Suite, One-Bedroom Suites and DUKES of Clarence Suite – for an additional cost of £65.00 per person, per day.
Roaring log fires, cosy rooms, and dramatic views across Lake Windermere and the Western Fells beyond, welcome to your new favourite lakeland autumnal retreat.
Perched atop a hill on the Eastern banks of Lake Windermere lies the warmest of welcomes. A luxurious yet homely hotel, Beech Hill boasts 55 bedrooms, with many featuring private balconies and terraces on which to drink in the breathtaking views of the lake. Whilst the Lake District is considered a summer destination by many, the masses are missing out on the ever changing beauty of this very special part of the world during the latter part of the year.
Upon entering the hotel you are greeted by a warm and cosy lounge with sprawling, panoramic views over Windermere. The hotel’s elevated location means every window enjoys a picture perfect vista of the fells, forest, and water, the perfect place to relax, recharge, and feel fully cosseted during your stay. Furnishings are comfortable and cosy, focusing on quality, warmth and a feeling of well being. With an extensive list of Covid-safe precautions, you can enjoy the hotel without worry, the only items on your agenda being woodland and lakeside walks, fine food and drink, a warming trip to the spa, and snuggling down in your pillow soft bed at the end of the day.
Warm rooms with dreamy views
Furnished to a high standard, the rooms at Beech Hill are incredibly spacious for a Lake District hotel. With walk in showers and some featuring spa baths, the bathrooms are equally generous, the perfect place to wind down after a golden autumn hike or crisp winter walk. Several ground floor rooms have direct access to the gardens and lake below, wonderful if, like me, you want to get straight back to the warmth of your room or suite after an afternoon of exploring. Our room featured a small table and chairs both indoors and on the patio, meaning we could enjoy room service with a view and a half.
Food, glorious food
Headed up by chef Lukasz Zebryk, the award winning Burlington’s Restaurant is a destination in it’s own right. Serving up a fusion of English and French cuisine using locally sourced produce, guests and non-residents alike can enjoy a hearty breakfast, delicious lunch, delightful afternoon tea, or indulgent evening meal with a view. With a wide selection of wines and highly knowledgeable staff, drinks pairings are no issue here, just kick back, enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace, and let the attentive wait staff keep you well fed and watered.
The perfect place to unwind
The luxurious hotel spa is the icing on the cake: boasting three spa treatment rooms, a Himalayan Sauna with salt wall, an aromatic Steam Room, two outside Vitality Spa Pools and a 40ft indoor pool, you’ll be floating back to your room after an hour. The changing seasons and colder weather need not keep you indoors, as the spa views take on an almost Nordic feel whilst retaining traditional lakeland charm. Moody vistas and falling leaves make for a very special spa experience as you sup champagne in the Vitality Spa Pool overlooking snow-capped hills in the latter part of the year. Covid restrictions mean attendee numbers are limited for the time being, so I strongly recommend booking a slot at the spa upon checking in, this is a magical experience that really should not be missed.
Stroll on down to the lake
Now for the feature that clinched it for me: take a stroll down to the bottom of the garden where you will come across the a small, yet very special, entrance to Lake Windermere. Completely private, peaceful and still, we took our mugs of tea down here at 6 am to watch the sun rise and listen to the resident robin sing his little heart out. There wasn’t a soul in sight, not a boat on the water, just complete stillness, peace, and calm, the air fresh and buoyant with the scents of autumn. Get up early and you may notice the odd person doing the same thing, get up earlier and you will feel like the only person in the world. Not may hotels in the area can offer this level of privacy and serenity away from the tourist attractions and crowds, and this was the crowning moment in what had already been a very special trip. Set your alarms early, grab a blanket and a brew and slip out of your room as the first beams peek over the fells for the perfect ending to the perfect autumnal break.
Our recommendations:
If you’re an outdoorsy type or want to slip out early for a peaceful picnic on the lake, ask for a ground floor room with patio access to the garden. Whilst the upper floors have incredible views, these rooms offer the convenience of direct access to the dock below.
Book a slot at the spa upon booking. The staff are incredible, the pools serene, the experience feeling incredibly bespoke and private whilst numbers are limited.
If you’re a keen walker, book a room with a spa bath. Warming up in the oversized tub was a wonderful way to refresh after exploring the area.
Order the coffee creme brulee for dessert. Don’t question this, just do it.
Rent a boat from Windermere Boat Hire, located less than 6 minutes drive from the hotel. Costing £35 for an hour, this was money well spent and allowed us to see the lake from a different perspective. If you’ve left your captain’s hat at home, they also provide group boat tours from £12 per person.
How to book:
You can book your perfect Lakes escape direct with the hotel at https://beechhillhotel.co.uk/ Check out their offers page where for a limited time only you can get up to 50% on their midweek dinner, bed and breakfast offer, or substantial discounts on their Romantic Getaway package. If you’re looking for a last minute package and cannot find one that’s right for you, contact the hotel directly and they’ll be happy to locate an offer for you.
70 whiskies and an alcohol novice. What could go possibly go wrong?
“Don’t worry, I do this all the time” John Hindle, resident whisky maestro, assured me as he climbed the ladder to the Dunstane Houses whisky cabinet. Yes, ladder. He needs it to access their eye-watering collection of over 70 different Scottish malts. Containing rare whiskies, hard to find drams, and a 40 year old malt that has only been enjoyed by a small handful of guests, the whisky cabinet is something to behold. I was staying at The Dunstane Houses for a review piece I was writing about the hotel, the tasting being part of the experience. However, this was one of those rare occasions when a specific part of a trip is so special, I would be doing both John and the hotel a great disservice by not celebrating it separately.
I had been rather nervous about the tasting for a few different reasons. First of all, I only started drinking alcohol 10 months ago and, even so, I only do so for work. This segues nicely into the second reason: the fear that I’m going to drink several whiskies, start smashing chairs, and never work in food or travel writing again. There’s a newspaper resting on the end of the bar and I can envision tomorrow’s “FOOD WRITER RUINS EVERYTHING FOR EVERYONE” headline already. This is not good. “Whisky tasting isn’t about getting hammered” John assures me, “it’s about understanding the flavours, the nuances, the folklore. There’s more to a good dram that just getting drunk”. I know he’s right, but that twinkle in his eye says he knows that’s part of the fun.
Whisky, smoke, and honey
We get the party started by discussing what I want from the tasting. Explaining my lack of knowledge and experience with this particular drink, John recommends his Introduction to Whisky session. Pouring 6 different malts into tasting glasses, he excitedly tells me about the extensive collection they have on offer at The Dunstane, and the exclusive contacts they have with distilleries across the country. “You won’t believe how long it took me to get this” he beams proudly, showing me a bottle of 40 year old malt he managed to acquire after a long period of careful negotiations. Imagine that: 40 years of waiting, of gentle patience, of hope that the finished product will be worth the time invested in it. What happens if it’s no good or has gone bad. “That’s the risk they take” he explains, “that’s why it’s so expensive. Tastes bloody good though”.
We pull up a pew in the bay window and John sets out six whiskies for us to try. My previous experience of whisky had not been good, the general sharp hit of alcohol overwhelming and unpleasant. All whiskies had tasted the same to me. Turns out, I wasn’t drinking good whisky. “The difference between blends and single malts is night and day. There are some exceptional blends out there, but the common supermarket blends can be pretty bad” he explained. And so began my education in whisky. It transpired that whisky isn’t a generic, one size fits all drink for sailors and people suffering with bad coughs. It’s nuanced, and complex, and if you take the time to explore and have it explained to you properly, you come to appreciate a wide range of different flavours depending on process and provenance. We start with Glenkinchie, a 12 year old malt with creamy vanilla notes. There should be a dispenser of this in every ice cream van. John explains how I should take the time to enjoy the aromas before letting it hit my palate, maybe adding water to relax the flavour if it’s a little strong. No need, my whisky supping amigo, I’m hooked on our first glass.
Next up is Edradour, a 10 year highland malt from Scotland’s smallest distillery in Pitlochry. Smooth and buoyant with notes of caramel, I can see why this is a first timer favourite. We move on to Tamdhu, a 12 year Speyside malt left to mature in first fill sherry caskets for a fruitier flavour. “First fill caskets mean you really get to experience the residual fruitiness from the sherry” John explains, looking bemused and impressed as I knock that one back like Ribena. I realise his opening gambit was spot on: we’re three whiskies deep and each one has tasted completely different from the last. It’s clear that I should have been trying quality whiskies in the past as opposed to the ones that come in the giant bottle you end up keeping your spare change collection in.
We move on to a dram of Hazelburn, a 10 year old whisky distilled in the Campbeltown region. Creamy, slightly smokey, but still packing a punch, this was one of my favourites of the day. John told me about the distillery and how three different producers are using the same premises, divvying up the year into production segments to save waiting around. There really isn’t anything this man doesn’t know about whisky and its makers. I’m starting to suspect that if I asked what the distiller’s accountant’s dog was called, he would not only know the name but have a photo of said dog on his phone. His knowledge is that of someone who has clearly worked in the industry for years, his passion for the subject only growing over time.
Our penultimate taster is Highland Park, a 12 year matured whisky from Orkney. Featuring a light heat and delicate notes of heather, this was again, completely different from those that fell before it. “The flavour can be affected by so many things” John explained. “The seasons, the plants, even the water. It all plays a part”. He then went on to tell me about our final whisky, Ardbeg, from Islay. A peaty whisky that smells like a bonfire but tastes like something else entirely, this was the most intriguing tipple of the day. “I used to hate peat based whisky, but this changed it for me” he enthused whilst pouring a glass. Ardbeg was arguably the most complex of everything we tried during our session. Smoky, with hints of burning heather and a depth unlike the other whiskies we had tried, I enjoyed the Ardbeg so much that I wrote a recipe using it within half an hour of finishing the tasting. We finished with more whisky chat, with John providing me with some whisky recommendations like bookers lumberyard to try at home. Given the revelation that whisky clearly enhances my creative process, I’ll certainly be trying these in future.
How to book:
You don’t have to stay at The Dunstane Houses in order to book a whisky tasting with John, but I highly recommend that you do for two reasons: it’s a stunning hotel, and it’s easier to float back to your room rather than having to head home. Whisky tasting sessions start at £40p.p, more information can be found at https://www.prideofbritainhotels.com/hotels/dunstane-house/
Orkney soul and whisky business in the heart of the Scottish capital
A peaceful haven in the bustling heart of Edinburgh, The Dunstane Houses is an independent, family-run, five-star boutique hotel, over 2 Victorian townhouses set across the road from each other. Winner of The Best Boutique Hotel Experience In Scotland 2020 (and it’s easy to see why), The Dunstane offers modern luxury and a city centre location ever so slightly away from the noise and crowds of the main tourist traps. Standing at the gateway to old town Edinburgh but styled with the soul of the proprietors Orkney roots, The Dunstane offers sanctuary in the centre of the vibrant city.
With spacious hallways and a robust Covid-safety regimen, you can rest assured that you’ll be completely safe during your stay in one of The Dunstane’s 35 rooms and suites. From cosy singles to sprawling suites, every room is luxuriously plush and cosy (with the best bed I’ve ever slept on. Seriously), decorated in a neo-classical style with a touch of Orkney flair. The suites in particular are very special: feature baths, oversized headboards, crisp cotton sheets, and home made shortbread, no one could blame you for seeing little of the city when staying here.
A Neo-classical dream
The overriding feeling of everything at The Dunstane, from the bedding to the toiletries (whisky scented, no less), is one of quality. The care and consideration that has clearly been put into curating and creating this hotel is outstanding. From the decor, to the staff, the food, the experience as a whole, everything feels carefully thought out to maximise the guest experience. Even the scent as you walk through the front door feels designed to make you feel at home. Except maybe not my home, more like the home of a wealthy aunt with exquisite taste, but who is acutely aware that people just want to feel comforted sometimes. The type that wraps you up in a woollen blanket, hands you a glass of something strong and warming, and leaves you to relax by the fire.
Whisky business
The highlight of my trip to The Dunstane Houses was my whisky tasting experience with resident malt connoisseur, John Hindle. The hotel itself boasts a whisky cabinet of over 70 Scottish malts including rare and vintage drams that are very difficult to find elsewhere. We sampled 6 different whiskies whilst John regaled us with history, folklore, and technical knowledge peppered with a heavy dose of humour. Seasoned whisky drinkers and novices alike would no doubt enjoy an hour in John’s company, pontificating over heritage and flavour. If you’re feeling both brave and flush, you can enjoy a glass of exceedingly rare 40 year malt, so precious it is locked away from the bar, although the broad array of smokey, peaty malts and caramel soft drams will no doubt keep you satisfied if not.
Scottish Soul Food
Not just home to whisky, The Ba’ Bar bar and restaurant offers modern Scottish cuisine with that comforting, cosy feel synonymous with The Dunstane Houses. Whether you fancy Cullen Skink, whisky-slaked cranachan, or the ever-popular Dunstane burger, every dish is carefully prepared using the finest locally sourced produce and ingredients. If you’ve something to celebrate or just in the mood for a treat, then afternoon tea is a must. With a special selection of teas chosen for The Dunstane Houses by the Tea Lovers’ Company, freshly baked scones served with Heather Hills preserves, a delicious array of sandwiches and an abundance of desserts, you can relax and enjoy the ambience of The Ba’ Bar whilst the wonderfully attentive staff ensure you’re well fed and watered.
Our recommendations:
Whilst you won’t be disappointed with any of the rooms in The Dunstane Houses, the suites are spaciously exquisite and most certainly worth splashing out on.
Breakfast in bed is a must. The full Scottish breakfast is hearty and exactly what you need to set you up for a day exploring the city.
The whisky tasting experience is fantastic. John will talk you through everything, even if you’re a whisky newbie and haven’t tried it before. It’s entertaining, informative, and a one of a kind experience the quality of which I have not found anywhere else on my travels.
If you do opt to leave the comfort of your room for a wander around the city, Edinburgh Castle and the main tourist attractions are 5-10 minutes drive away. There are also excellent public transport links outside the hotel for those who need it.
How to book:
Debby Donnelly-Addison was hosted by The Dunstane Houses, a member of the Pride of Britain Hotels collection (never more than 50 hotels, to guarantee quality and exclusivity). The five-star Victorian town houses in Edinburgh’s West End boast 35 bedrooms and an all-day dining restaurant. An overnight stay costs from £174 per room (two sharing) including full Scottish breakfast. The whisky tasting is priced £40 pp. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Serenity, clean air, and a warm Scottish welcome, have we got the staycation location for you.
If the current restrictions on socialising and travel have you craving fresh air and peace in the wilderness, then you could be due a visit to Lodge on Loch Lomond. A truly unique hotel on the beachfront of picture-perfect village, Luss, the lochside property boasts views you’ll be plastering all over your Instagram for weeks to come. With 48 guest bedrooms, the multi-award winning hotel is THE place for a breathtaking Scottish break over the autumn and winter months. Nestled on the edge of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the surrounding highlands area is home to red deer, oak woodlands, and all manner of stunning walking trails.
Despite it’s size and grand exterior, the hotel retains the intimate, warm feel of a lakeside inn. The one way system ensures ease of movement around the property whilst keeping Covid safe during the current pandemic, whilst contactless check out means you need not worry about queuing at the end of your stay.
A room (or two) with a view
Whether you opt for a Classic Graham or splash out on a suite, you’ll be enjoying views of the loch, the beach, or the picturesque village of Luss. If an uninterrupted view of the loch is important to you, let reception know upon booking and they will see what they can do for you. However, regardless of vista, all rooms are warm with plush, pillow soft beds, and contemporary furnishings. To our surprise, our room also included our own private sauna just off the bathroom. A most welcome feature, particularly after a blustery afternoon exploring and leaf peeping around the village.
Each room is fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities (plus a few cheeky hot chocolates and biscuits). If you don’t fancy venturing out of your cocoon, it’s easy enough to make yourself a brew and relax on the balcony, or build a nest with the generous number of pillows on your bed and enjoy the views from there. The landscape surrounding the hotel is ever changing, developing into glorious hues of gold and bronze during the autumn months. Whilst the beach activities and water sports are marvellous during peak tourist season, Scotland really sings during the latter part of the year. Moody skies and crisp leaves underfoot, this is a very special time to enjoy the country in a different light.
A feast for all seasons
Having recently achieved a “Visit Scotland– Taste Our Best” accreditation, it’s easy to see how Colquhoun’s Restaurant continues to scoop critical acclaim. Relaxed dining with panoramic views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond, the restaurant prides itself on serving up honest, comforting fayre using locally sourced ingredients. Whether you plump for traditional confit of gressingham duck leg, delicious chargrilled Scottish ribeye steak, or saddle of Scottish Venison, you’ll be well fed after a long day of exploring the landscape or simply relaxing in your room.
Our recommendations:
A visit out of season has a completely different flavour to peak tourist time. The landscape is changing, the attractions are less crowded, and you will find yourself immersed in the tranquillity and quiet of the area. An autumnal break here is highly recommended.
Book a room with a sauna. If the weather turns or you’ve been on a particularly lengthy hike, a spell in the sauna afterwards is absolute bliss.
The sirloin steak in Colquhoun’s is cooked to utter perfection. Order it with the blue cheese sauce, you won’t regret it.
Take a stroll into Luss, the village surrounding the hotel. Whilst many businesses are closed due to Covid, Luss is still a beautiful place to visit and photograph.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue with a difference, The Lodge of Loch Lomond also offers lochside open air weddings.
How to book:
Bookings can be made direct with the hotel at https://www.loch-lomond.co.uk/ The website also includes various offers such as special advance rates, afternoon tea with fizz for £25 for two people, and October staycation offers from just £99.
Who knew there was a helipad in London? Not me, that’s for sure. It’s in Battersea – in case you also didn’t know. I’m headed there to embark on my first UK helicopter ride with Apollo Air to take a trip to the New Forest for the day. Just jumping into my helicopter to head to the New Forest for lunch. I’m sorry, who am I? One boujie, enjoying-the-fine-things-in-life lady, that’s who.
I’m excited to take the helicopter ride; with many people feeling less comfortable flying on a plane under the current circumstances, Apollo Air’s private helicopter trips ensure you don’t have to miss out on a holiday. Here I am, ready to take a flight – without getting on a public plane or going through an airport. Life of luxury, indeed.
I’m in a group of five so we’re in line with the new ‘rule of six’, with the two pilots in the cockpit, which is sealed off from the rest of the helicopter. Ordinarily a mask would need to be worn when in a confined, inside space but the added benefit of Apollo Air is that it is a pioneer in COVID-free travel. The VIP helicopter company uses ACA; a bipolar ionisation technology which removes pathogens, making it an effective solution in ridding a space of 99.4 per cent of bacteria and viruses, including our lovely friend COVID-19.
The ions have the property to cluster around microparticles, gases, airborne mould spores, viruses and bacteria and as this occurs, a natural reaction occurs on the cell membrane surface of airborne biologicals where they remove the harmful biological of a hydrogen atom. In short: the pathogens are deactivated and quickly die. What does it mean? A safer, COVID-free journey and no need to wear a mask – although guests are more than welcome to do so, should they feel more comfortable.
We were able to see the air ion counter which allows you to check the ion count inside the aircraft and watching this definitely made me feel more secure. The Ionisation Purification System works by using positive and negative ions to improve the interior air quality and kill pathogens, both in the air and on surfaces. I personally wore a mask, simply to be extra safe due to vulnerable family members, but the innovative technology means that passengers are not required to wear masks or gloves and everyone can sit back and enjoy the journey at ease.
And what a journey. What would have been a two-hour drive took just thirty means, as we flew over London’s stunning citscape to begin with, before moving across green countryside. I was pointed in the direction of the Isle of Wight – whose tomatoes I’d soon be gorging upon – and it was incredible to see the view from up top. That’s definitely something you wouldn’t be able to spot had we taken the less exciting car option.
The Kitchen at Chewton Glen
Landing in Chewton Glen on a sunny day, with no plans other than to enjoy a delectable lunch – I could get used to this life. We’re exceptionally lucky as today, James Martin (yes, Saturday Kitchen’s favourite) is cooking for us. Previously a pastry chef at Chewton Glen’s The Kitchen, he returns to the country house hotel’s restaurant every so often, for anyone else who’s a fan and would like to be cooked by him (trust me, you do).
After some fan-girling and picture-taking with James, we sat down to eat. I cannot even begin to tell you the struggle of ordering from this menu: I wanted it all. It all came recommended too, but not in the ‘oh I’m the chef so of course it’s all good’ manner you often get in restaurants but in a genuine manner as some items were specials on the menu; others were flown in from suppliers the previous night or that morning. It was hard but I get there in the end, eventually opting for the sardines on toast; scallops with hazelnuts and a side of lobster mac ‘n’ cheese (how can one not?). The sardines on toast, one of the specials, are bittersweet: by far the best sardines on toast I’ve ever had, featuring those gorgeous Isle of Wight tomatoes. I genuinely fear having sardines on toast elsewhere as I can’t say I enjoy disappointment.
Painfully torn between the day’s boat fish, a gorgeous Dover sole drenched in garlic, lemon and herb butter and the grilled scallops, I am promised I won’t eat scallops the same as these anywhere else. Sold. Hand-dived Orkney King scallops in their shells, in a lemon and herb butter with hazelnuts, the light charcoal taste from the grill merges beautifully with the zesty lemon and sweet herb butter and the nuts add a delightful crunch. Our waitress even washes the scallop shells for us as our pilot, suggests they’ll make beautiful soap or jewellery dishes. The lobster mac ‘n’ cheese is a gooey, cheesey delight – though I could always do with a more powerful presence of lobster in this dish – and don’t worry, I always eat my greens; French beans in butter with black pepper in this case.
Dessert is a selection of the banana split, knickerbocker glory, strawberry meringue ‘bisous’ – all nods to childhood pudding nostalgia. Yet it is The Kitchen Apple which gets my attention; a sucker for a novelty dessert, this Pink Lady apple reveals vanilla ice cream when cracked.
Return Journey Home
Enjoying a long lunch in the sunshine, this lady of luxury is much at ease with today’s lifestyle and it is sad to admit we have to return home. Yet another bittersweet moment as we do have the novelty of flying back in style. I confess; I remove my mask for the return journey – if only to truly experience the clean and pathogen-free atmosphere Apollo Air Services provides and I must say, I know I was calmer than I’d have been on a communal flight. Our pilot apologises for the slight turbulence we encounter (through the headsets we are all wearing) but I comment that I probably experience more bumps and jolts in an Uber through Central London. We land back in Battersea and I feel like Dorothy after she’s lost her ruby slippers as I begin my walk home, my life of luxury over – for now.
As the ‘rule of six’ returns, Apollo Air’s private helicopter rides could be the answer to your prayers to fit in a few last trips to Europe or enjoy the simple staycation in style.
Steve Graham, Apollo Air Services, “We’re delighted to be the first helicopter charter company to have this ground-breaking technology on our aircraft, which will allow our clients to travel with peace of mind that they aren’t putting themselves at risk of the COVID virus.. We are seeing a growing demand for helicopter travel in the current landscape, where health and hygiene have become top priorities. Not only do helicopters provide a perfect, sealed bubble for clients to travel with close friends and family, without the need to visit busy airports and take public transport, but now we can also ensure the air they breathe whilst onboard is free of the virus.”
Bath has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. This world-heritage site may be well-known for its Roman history, but what we fell in love with, was how this city has truly embraced dog-friendly travel. In fact, the Visit Bath website even has its own dedicated dog-friendly page.
We checked into the Roseate Villa Bath, a boutique hotel that oozes warmth, style and authenticity. A home away from home, located just a short walk away from all of Bath’s most important cultural sites including Henrietta Park, Pulteney Bridge, the Regency Crescent and or course – the city’s namesake Roman Baths.
We spent two nights in one of the luxury rooms, overlooking the front garden. Aside from the matching dog-bed and dog bowls, Charlie was also greeted with a doggy welcome package that included healthy treats from Lily’s Kitchen, and a tennis ball too.
Outside of the hotel, Bath has several dog-friendly sites to visit. The American Museum and Garden is surrounding by breath-taking natural landscapes and is a truly wonderful spot to take an afternoon stroll. The gardens are filled with every kind of flower imaginable and are absolutely dog-friendly too.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, The Provenist Café is the perfect little spot for a light brunch. This charming café offers a small menu of healthy snacks and pastries, proving that sometimes the simplest dishes are also the most satisfying. We recommend trying the eggs on sourdough or the mixed grains salad and washing it all down with a Mango, lime and banana smoothie.
Unsurprisingly, our short visit to Bath was characterised by bipolar British weather, and so we quickly discovered that the hotel’s newly opened Henrietta Bar is a great place to enjoy a quiet moment or get lost in a book over a cuppa. We highly recommend trying out the hotel’s afternoon tea offering, which can be enjoyed in the Henrietta Bar or in the garden.
The kitchen even prepared a specially-crafted dairy/egg/wheat free afternoon tea to suit my very specific dietary requirements; a testament to the hotel’s exemplary service. Hotel Manager Caroline made sure every aspect of our stay was perfect and made it a point to speak to all the guests at the hotel. If you’re lucky, you may spot Caroline’s own dog, Muttley, the hotel’s ‘Head of Security,’ wandering the halls.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Roseate Villa Bath exceeded every one of our dog-friendly expectations. From the warm welcome, the excellent service, and a genuine desire to create connections with guests – we can confidently say this is Bath’s most dog-friendly hotel, and we will surely be returning.
Rooms at The Roseate Villa Bath start from £150 a night
Cheltenham has always been synonymous with British horse racing heritage, but as we discovered, it’s a fantastic weekend getaway for dog-lovers too. The Ellenborough Park is located just a stone’s throw away from Cheltenham’s iconic racetrack but is so much more than just a race week destination.
This five star hotel was originally a 15th century English country estate that’s been meticulously restored to offer 61 luxury bedrooms and suites. We were one of the first doggy-journalists to get the opportunity to experience the hotel’s dog-friendly rooms, which are located in a new courtyard beside the main house.
The dog-friendly suites each feature a private garden, perfect for pups who need a ball throw (or fifty) to soothe their nervous energy. Each room is tastefully decorated with a muted colour palette and textures, accented with all the luxury features a discerning dog-friendly traveller could ask for. Picture heated marble flooring, indulgent goose down sheets, and designer toiletries, and of course, a dog-bed and bowls for your pooch.
Outside of your room, most of the hotel is dog-friendly too, except for the great hall, the pool area and The Restaurant. There are also plenty of walkie spots to choose from within the Ellenborough Park’s 90 acres of picturesque British countryside.
The hotel’s outdoor pool can be found within a maze of topiary and offers a sun-soaked oasis for those looking to spend a relaxed afternoon in the sunshine. The water is perfect and so is the atmosphere; and guests can also ring the bar to order some poolside cocktails.
While the fine-dining restaurant understandably doesn’t allow dogs, TeamCocopup Charlie was warmly welcomed at the Horse Box restaurant with a water bowl and some crunchy treats by the staff.
The Horse Box offers plenty of classic British dishes with a contemporary twist. We sampled the warm salad of jersey royals and middle white pork terrine to start, followed by the succulent Angus Beef Ribeye steak, and finished off with a vegan-friendly rice pudding for dessert.
Weather permitting, we highly recommend enjoying your meal in the veranda – which is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the racecourse over a glass of bubbly.
We may have only spent one night at the Ellenborough Park, but our stay at this beautiful, countryside estate was enough to restore and re-energise us for whatever challenges 2020 still has up its sleeve.
Rooms at the Ellenborough Park start from £164 inclusive of breakfast
