House of Coco have been lucky enough to experience many wonderful launches, places, and products. Most recently #TeamCoco were some of the first guests and UK press to experience a new resort in the Maldives: Cora Cora.
So, here is a whistle-stop summary of the new resort. Be sure to keep an eye out for the full feature in our next print issue to find out why your next booking should be Cora Cora.
Compared to our usual level of luxury, Cora Cora isn’t up there. Yet the resort offers a different type of luxury, freedom. After multiple lockdowns and what feels like a never-ending global pandemic, freedom is what we are all yearning for. So, the fact Cora Cora’s main concept is freedom, makes it the most luxurious place of all.
The resort is situated on Maamigili Island in Raa Atoll, a natural lagoon in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Cora Cora is the vibrant and colourful dose of escapism in a place full of blue skies and turqoise waters. The resort offers 100 villas ranging from beach villas to a family villa complete with pool and slide into the ocean.
Cora Cora has a premium all-inclusive concept meaning you can enjoy all the food you like. The package also includes a few complimentary resort experiences.
The food at Cora Cora is most definitely a highlight as Head Chef, Muath Abu Diab oversees the four restaurants. From Acquapazza, an Italian restaurant, who’s chef has only cooked pizza for 15 years. To Tazaa a restaurant that has a ‘curry master’ that specialises in 50 curries from Indian to Maldivian. The curated culinary team is set to make every dish unforgettable. They also cater for a range of dietary requirements; opt for vegan meals, refined sugar free treats, or tee-total drinks.
For a small island there is a lot to do at Cora Cora. Have a massage at the Moshka Spa, snorkel in the home coral reef just meters from the beach, have a fly board lesson or simply while away the hours by the pool.
The resort celebrates the culture and heritage of the Maldives with an on-site museum and heritage site. The island is home to two extremely rare ritual baths from the pre-Islamic times. Along with an array of artefacts from throughout the ages; a haven for history lovers.
If guests wish to venture off the island there are excursions ranging from jet-ski tours to other islands and sandbank picnics. There is also the option of a boat trip to Ghost Island, an island left abandoned by the 2004 tsunami.
In the evenings relax after dinner with a few drinks and live music or opt for a romantic evening with beach cabana dinner. There is even the option to watch a film of your choice with a private ‘cinema on the sand’.
However you choose to spend your time at Cora Cora, the team will ensure you enjoy your freedom time and leave feeling rejuvenated.
Get your posh paws on because The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel has partnered with pet care brand, Pet Pavilion, to launch the ultimate dog-friendly experience.
The Belmond property is rolling out the red carpet for posh pooches, who can now snooze on luxury pet beds and be whisked away in style by a doggy taxi service for professional grooming and pampering treatments at Pet Pavilion’s and enjoy a menu of nutritious doggy delights.
Located just a stone’s throw away on King’s Road, Pet Pavilion’s expert groomers provide a stress-free environment for pets to be pampered, with an amazing treatment menu that includes a classic bath, trim and blow dry to mani-pedis and dog facials. Four-legged will be picked up from The Cadogan by Pet Pavilion’s doggy taxi and chauffeured to their appointment, where they will be pampered in doggy spa rituals before being transferred back to the hotel. Guests can book the grooming services in advance or request them while on the property at the concierge, subject to availability.
The culinary team at The Cadogan hotel have developed a carefully curated menu of dog-friendly dishes to get all tails wagging and ensure that every breed and palate is catered for. Pampered pooches can even have their meals delivered to their rooms by a dedicated butler service – bone appétit!
Pet Pavilion products are also available in-room at The Cadogan, ensuring the finest experience for canine guests, including stainless steel feeding bowls and sumptuous bedding, perfect after a walk at the beautiful Cadogan Place Gardens. Gift boxes are also available, featuring delicious treats and toys to keep playful pups entertained.
Primely positioned midway between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, The Cadogan is an intimate home in the heart of the city. It boasts 54 individually designed rooms, captivating artwork and design details honour the hotel’s rich heritage.
There are two types of people when it comes to halloween, those who hate being scared and those that love it. If you fall in to the latter, then we’ve got just the thing for you…
This Halloween, for its annual Screamfest experience, The Kraken Rum is opening a horrifying hotel that promises its guests a terrible night’s sleep.
The least a guest would normally expect from a hotel is a comfortable room and the promise of a good night’s sleep in a relaxing bed. Unless they are staying at Kraken’s new ‘Dread & Breakfast’: the first hotel in the world that proudly boasts the guarantee of a terrible, disturbed night’s sleep for every guest.
The Kraken Dread & Breakfast is an immersive horror experience and the centrepiece of the rum brand’s annual ‘Screamfest’ extravaganza, now in its fifth year. And for fans of scares and horror, the sleepless promise of the Dread & Breakfast will have them wanting to check-in faster than they can say ‘Here’s Johnny’.
So, how will willing guests be kept from their slumber at this horrifying hotel? A crack team of actors, light and sound technicians, special effects whizzes and theatre pros will pull out all the stops, subjecting residents to crank phone calls, endless banging on their walls, blood-curdling screams outside their doors and even terrifying figures from beyond the grave entering their rooms unannounced just as guests think they’re dropping off.
The ‘D&B’ is located in an old, abandoned and exceptionally creepy building in London. The story goes that it is infested with the restless and malevolent souls of mariners that survived an ocean encounter with the Kraken itself. Living through a meeting with the elusive Beast, and staring into its darkest of souls, was a curse for these sailors, each of them becoming evil incarnate once they reached dry land. One-by-one they were carefully captured and sent to the building to be locked-up forever. Today, many years later, the fearless Kraken Hunter, whose sole mission is to track down the Beast, has heard tale of this location and its damned residents. They believe communion with these spectres will help them track down the Beast on the high seas, but that in itself may be a horror unlike any other.
Every guest that spends a night at the Dread & Breakfast will take on the role of the Kraken Hunter’s assistant and make it their aim to discover the Beast’s last known whereabouts – by willingly putting themselves through a heart-stopping evening of close encounters of the dead kind.
Being an unconventional hotel people cannot simply book a room at the D&B as they would a regular guesthouse. Only those fearless enough will be allowed to check-in for a night of sustained terror and sleeplessness.
To that end, each evening 140 people will be invited to visit the hotel, where they will first enjoy the calm before the spectral storm in the form of Kraken cocktails at the hotel bar and live music from the house band Thankful We Are Dead. Soon after, visitors will be given the chance to explore the hotel under the guidance of the Kraken Hunter’s crew, daring to navigate its most accursed corridors and revenant-filled rooms.
Those ghost-hunting visitors deemed to have what it takes to brave prolonged encounters with poltergeists will be invited to spend the night at the hotel – so all visitors are advised to bring along an overnight bag, should they be selected.
Here is a link to view the teaser video:
The Dread and Breakfast hotel is located at 10 Lancaster Gate and will be open for for three sleepless nights from Thursday 28th October to Saturday 30th October. All those bidding for an overnight stay can enter from 7pm until 11pm. Each ticket to visit the hotel will cost £10 and includes one free Kraken cocktail. Chosen residents will go to their rooms at 11pm and will check-out with their bags (both for clothes and under their eyes) and frayed nerves at 9am the following morning.
Here at House of Coco, there is never a shortage of amazing hotels to tick off the bucket list. For our return to travel, we chose one of the most spectacular hotels in the world, Hotel Heureka, right in the heart of Venice’s oldest districts to escape the crowds.
Situated in the centre of traditional Venice, in the Sestiere of Cannaregio, Hotel Heureka combines the comfort of a boutique hotel, the intimate atmosphere of a private home and the mystique of a 16th century Venetian palazzo. With just 10 exquisite rooms each with their own distinct personality, visitors feel as though they are guests of a great Venetian family – ideal for a grand return to Europe. Reopened in 2017 after a major renovation, as you wander the exquisite halls you can almost make out the chatter and music of a party that would have taken place in Venice’s heyday, hundreds of years ago, mask in hand.
The interior layout of the hotel’s palazzo is organised around a ‘portego’ – a typical Venetian passage – leading into the atrium, the main lobby area, and the private garden beyond. We wandered over to the bar every evening and enjoyed a different cocktails, from the classics to the hotel’s signature serves in the cool air of the outside terrace. We chose to relax and unwind in this tranquil haven rather than on St. Mark’s Square and other touristy hot spots. The open-air, spacious feel continues on the other levels of the hotel, with a Piano Nobile on the first and second floors surrounded by bold patterns and artfully placed fabrics designed by Lacroix and Rubelli.
After a day exploring all that Venice has to offer we settled in for one of the best night’s sleep of our lives in one of the chic and decadent suites, each like their own art gallery. The design-led hotel is located on the gentle waters of the Madonna dell-Orto canal and lulls you into a deep sleep amongst plush pillows each night. Breakfast was served surrounded by fine artworks in the drawing-room and on one of the days we enjoyed our first cup of tea beneath the leafy trees of the private garden. Mouth-watering pastries were followed by steaming coffee, juices and delicious cheese and fruit.
There is plenty to explore directly from the hotel. Close to the ornate front door you can venture into the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world, the bridges over the cerulean Grand Canal, museums, hole-in-the-wall bars far from the tourist trail, lively cafes, art galleries and world-class restaurants. With no cruise ships in the city currently, there has never been a better time to visit and enjoy the slow-paced anticipation of the city as 2021 draws to a close and 2022 is ready to welcome visitors with open arms.
Where to eat
Osteria Alla Staffa on Calle Ospedaletto is arguably one of the best traditional restaurants in Venice. Small, cosy and delicious. We chowed down on plate upon plate of Venetian-style pasta and as the waiters reminded us, this is not the place you come for pizza, much to the puzzlement of many American tourists. The restaurant offers mid-range pricing and offers a cracking local wine list, poured by a very knowledgeable team.
Where to drink
Down one of the most beautiful canals in the city lies Vino Vero owned by husband and wife Matteo and Mara. Vino Vero opened in 2014 and was the first wine bar in Venice solely dedicated to natural wine. You can guzzle wines by the glass and sample artisanal Cicchetti whilst watching the water taxis speed past on the way to the lagoon and eavesdrop on local conversation and gossip.
With the world finally opening up and the UK lifting significant restrictions in October 2021, Hotel Heureka has stood the test of time in a city that has constantly reinvented itself, welcoming each visitor like the guest of honour. The juxtaposition of the old and new in both the city and the hotel gave us hope that things have to change slightly before getting better. If you are looking for somewhere to seek solace after months of uneasiness, you’ve found it!
Hotel Heureka prices are €230 for a Deluxe Room, €460 for a Junior Suite and €1,200 for the Heureka Suite. Prices are per room and include breakfast à la carte, service and VAT.
Isla, The Standard’s effortlessly cool, lounge/terrace is back and with a bang. #TeamCoco babe Hannah Tan-Gillies checked out the refreshed seasonal menu, which was a celebration of Britain’s Island geography.
The Standard’s distinctively retro aesthetic is on full show at Isla, which now boasts a refreshed garden terrace. Inside, the space is characterised by shaggy fur walls, sleek artwork, and plenty of foliage – all in an inviting yet bold colour palette that isn’t afraid to take a few design risks.
Dark leather sofas and an eclectic library of books and records are dotted throughout the space a, which is centred around a cosy fireplace, a relaxed yet vibrant aesthetic that extends to the dining area. Outside, a mid-century modern outdoor fireplace and retractable awning adds warmth to the cool and contemporary new garden terrace, ideal for dining al fresco even in the autumn months.
Start off with some cocktails. We especially enjoyed the Fino Sour, which was a zesty combination of Barsol pisco, quebranta, orange marmalade, fino sherry and kaffir lime leaves. The Thyme Colins, combines Tanqueray with lemon thyme, elderflower, and aromatic tonic water, while the Pink Rock combines Tanqueray with Mastiha liqueur, pink grapefruit, mint, tonic water, and pink peppercorn. Two vastly different expressions of everyone’s favourite gin cocktail. The masterfully crafted cocktails exuded the same panache as the refreshed menu – confidently combining unexpected notes and flavours in a way that only Isla can achieve.
The revamped menu draws on plenty of international inspiration and is focused on flavourful yet seasonal dishes. The small plates pack a wonderful flavour punch – while the larger plates offer a hearty yet explorative mix of land and sea.
We sampled a selection of snacks and small plates, but the standouts were undoubtedly the Padron peppers, and wonderfully flavourful Iberico Jamon shoulder. The Scallop XO was perfectly cooked and seasoned, while the Oyster with Cider and Dill added a refreshing zing to a timeless classic.
For the large plates, we tried the delicious and hearty Chicken supreme with chicken sauce, which was a simple yet perfectly executed dish, followed by the Ikejime trout with salsa verde that was deliciously fresh – and highlighted Isla’s Island inspirations. The pink Fir potatoes with nori and aioli served as the perfect complement to the large plates, serving as a hearty side without overpowering the flavours of the large plats too.
For desserts, don’t leave without trying the poached pineapple with bread ice cream, which was yet another excellent example of Isla’s bravery when it comes to trying out experimental new flavour combinations to stunning effect. So, believe us when we say that whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a few midweek cocktails, dine or simply lounge and spend an evening, there is no better place than Isla across the British Isles.
On 29 September, amidst the idyllic riverside location of The Swan on Streatley-on-Thames, everyone’s favourite contemporary British restaurant, Coppa Club is hosting an intimate evening with Journalist/author Rosie Green and jean queen Donna Ida.
In the intimate event, called ‘In Conversation With’, Rosie and Donna will discuss how brands are created and talk about all the challenges and, pitfalls and pleasures of running a business. The first event in the series, the intimate and interactive setting will offer helpful advice for any aspiring entrepreneurs.
Award-winning journalist and author Rosie Green writes for The Times, The Telegraph and Red, and is a weekly columnist for The Mail On Sunday and This Morning’s relationship expert; while Donna Ida Thornton launched her own denim brand in 2012 and has been coined as ‘jeans genius’.
Outside of all the amazing insight you’ll glean at this fascinating event, it will also be complemented by a delicious three-course menu courtesy of Coppa Club, along with some bubbles by Piper Heidsieck.
In Conversation with Rosie Green and Donna Ida is at The Swan at Streatley: 29th September, 7pm. More details are available via the link below and it is available to book here.
We’ve been sharing the love for York at House of Coco recently; it’s one of our favourite UK locations and it’s easy to see why. With its quaint cobbled streets, delicious grub and fantastic shopping if you’re a fan of vintage jewellery (and who isn’t…) it’s a gorgeous getaway.
For a five star stay in the city, head to The Grand. Built in 1906, the hotel is steeped in heritage, with sweeping stone staircases, original wood panelling, parquet flooring and acres of marble. The original wing houses rooms for imposting Edwardian design, with high ceilings, huge windows and quirky architectural details. A new wing, opened in 2018, features spacious rooms and suites alongside The Grand’s Cookery School, a state of the art space offering courses for novice cooks to aspiring chefs under the expert guidance of chef tutors.
We checked in to an Executive Room, abundantly spacious with floor to ceiling windows and a huge desk, perfect for the working traveller. Every room features a king size bed, Egyptian linens and a bathroom complete with marble topped bath, walk in shower and Molton Brown toiletries. We loved the little touches left to welcome guests; a tin of chocolate buttons, a walking map of York, and a ‘hygiene kit’ left on the pillow with face mask and hand sanitiser were welcome additions that made us feel at home.
Downstairs guests will find The Grand’s elegant bar, The 1906, an intimate space that feels like a cosy train carriage with an extensive cocktail menu, an unrivalled collection of spirits and whiskeys and some of Yorkshire’s finest ales. Drop in for an aperitif before heading across the hall to The Rise, the hotel’s restaurant and terrace offering modern British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. With interiors inspired by York’s local heritage, it’s a beautiful space and while we can’t vouch for dinner, the afternoon tea was exceptional. Pillowy soft sandwiches, fresh warm scones and an array of indulgent cakes and sweets, it’s definitely one to book.
Downstairs guests will find the spa with pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room along with a state of the art gym and a menu of treatments. The Grand has also introduced a range of indulgent short break packages, from the Alfresco Unbind with its Picnic in the Park hamper to the Gourmet getaway and the Spa & Stay package or a break encompassing a turn at The Grand’s cookery school, there’s something for everyone.
With such a comfortable and spacious room, delicious food and drink options and its location mere minutes from the station and the city centre, The Grand might just be one of our favourite York visits yet.
From £169 Room Only or £209 Bed and Breakfast (based on two sharing).
With international travel still a game of PCR tests and green light whack-a-mole, we’re hedging our late summer staycation plans resolutely in the UK.
With an endless array of wonderful country houses, inns and hotels to explore in the British Isles, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite staycations so you can make the most of what’s left of the summer months in true #TeamCoco style.
A stunning Relais & Châteaux property, Mallory Court has been coined as the epitome of a quintessential English country house hotel and spa and it’s easy to see why. Known for its exceptional hospitality, Mallory Court boasts the same impeccable standards as its fellow properties in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio from design, service to amenities. Nestled in the heart of Leamington Spa, Mallory Court has been awarded the coveted four Red Stars from the AA and offers a 3 AA Rosette restaurant.
The beautiful, ivy-covered country house hotel features 43 individually-designed luxury bedrooms that exude classic English charm. It also has its own Elan Spa which offers a variety of relaxing treatments that set a new standard for wellness in Warwickshire. Oh, and did we mention that the Mallory Court was dog friendly too?
On an exceedingly scenic corner of Berkshire, sits the Pheasant Inn Lambourn, a wonderfully charming pub/inn that will outdo every one of your staycation expectations.
A well-loved local landmark, the Pheasant Inn has 14, individually-designed en-suite bedrooms which are as cosy as they are stylish; and an excellent pub that ‘simply and deliciously’ bring together only the best ingredients, and this certainly reflects in the quality of the food on offer. Want to know more? Our intrepid doggy reporter TeamCocopup Charlie recently reviewed The Pheasant Inn here.
The Duncombe Arms, sister property to the wonderful Pheasant Inn, offers award-winning pub food and 10 exceedingly charming rooms in its main Walnut House. This beautiful inn offers a warm and cosy home away from home in the idyllic Staffordshire countryside. Not to mention, The Duncombe Arms also offers quirky self-catering accommodation for five to six people with its newly refurbished Old Barn and Garden Cottage.
The Bradley Hare is one of the UK’s newest country inns. Situated in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley in the Duke of Somerset’s Estate, The Bradley Hare offers twelve distinctive bedrooms designed by James ex-Soho House Design Director Thurstan Waterworth. You can expect the same cool yet effortless Soho House vibe with all the pastoral beauty of Southwest Wiltshire. Not to mention, there is an excellent restaurant too.
M Gallery Hotels, which has a collection of three distinguished properties in Cheltenham, Bath and Windsor, is offering a ‘City & Country’ getaway package which offers a wealth of experiences all in one short break. The package includes a self-guided tour of must-see historic sites and tickets to local attractions too. Hotel guests are also treated to a special gift from a local artisan and a book providing more information about each of the local areas.
The City & Country Getaway is available at all three UK hotels and is based on two guests sharing, for bookings until 30 September 2021.
Located amidst 300 acres of lush Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is a retreat in a world of its own. The interiors, designed by Martin Hulbert, are the embodiment of sophistication and panache; perfectly blending into the rich pastoral landscapes that surround it. Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup visited The Grove for a five star staycation like no other – get inspired with their review here.
For more information or to book please visit www.thegrove.co.uk or call 01923 296010.
April Cottage is coastal cosiness at its finest, and part of the Winterton Cottages portfolio. Winterton Cottages offers an incredibly wide range of self-catering accommodation in Winterton-on-Sea which boasts easy access to the breathtaking Norfolk Coast. All the cottages are also just a short drive away from all the tourist attractions of Great Yarmouth.
What April Cottage may lack in size; it certainly makes up for in comfort. This beautifully furnished home sits right in the heart of the town and is overflowing with character. Inside, the decor is shabby chic with a contemporary twist. Downstairs, there is a cosy living room with a TV and woodburning stove. A separate dining room leads to a small kitchen, equipped with everything you need to serve up a hearty meal. We were greeted with a delightful welcome package that comprised of posh dog-treats, snacks and of course, a bottle of pink fizz. Check out TeamCocopup’s five-paw review of April Cottage here.
With tourist numbers nothing like a normal summer for obvious reasons, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the capital being quieter than ever with an exploratory staycation. We’re all guilty of eschewing UK holidays for bargain beach breaks, but with foreign travel rules still ever-changing there’s no time like the present to make the most of being a tourist in London…without the other tourists.
Right in the heart of the West End, behind its neoclassical facade lies an impeccable five star property. Resplendent with a cosy bar, a stunning restaurant in the form of Wild Honey and an impressive three floor spa, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave during your stay, yet its location in the beating heart of the West End and proximity to some of London’s best parks, not to mention Buckingham Palace, means it’s the ideal location to base yourself for exploring the sights of the city.
Checking in for a midweek break, the property was blissfully quiet, certainly something to take advantage of compared to a normal summer season. Rooms are stylishly decorated incorporating Sofitel’s classic Parisian elegance with nods to 60s and 70s design, drawing inspiration from London’s cultural heritage, with thoughtful details from fascinating fashion and design books to pore over, to a camomile tea set next to the bed ready for lights out, not to mention the utterly divine orange blossom toiletries by Hermes, quite the most luxurious we’ve experienced on our travels.
Throughout the summer – weather permitting – the Sofitel’s terrace is transformed into the Parisian Café, bringing the café culture of the French capital to ours, with a small but perfectly formed menu from the hotel’s restaurant Wild Honey of bar bites, nibbles and mains. We savoured a crisp fillet of Cornish cod with fresh green beans and lemon purée and a deeply indulgent warm chocolate fondant, accompanied with a seasonal rose G&T as the sun downed; the perfect pavement summer supper. If however the weather isn’t holding out (this is London after all…) the beautiful backdrop Wild Honey doesn’t disappoint. For a nightcap, trot across the lobby to the St James Bar; its velvet banquettes are just calling out for an evening tryst with a negroni.
While you’d assume that being on the corner of one of the West End’s busiest streets would be a drawback when it comes to noise, with soundproof glazing, blackout curtains and a king size bed bed enshrouded in crisp linens, it’s safe to say that your night of slumber won’t be disturbed. With the option of breakfast in bed always a lure, we can highly recommend the utterly divine toast with goat’s curd and fresh berries. What a way to start your day.
Of course you shouldn’t leave with paying a visit to the exceptional Sofitel spa. While a host of treatments are available, the new partnership with HydraFacial is worth booking in for. For the uninitiated, a relaxing facial this is not, though it most certainly makes up for it in the satisfaction stakes as this hydradermabrasion procedure combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, drawing impurities from the skin like never before and leaving skin refreshed and glowing.
As one of London’s best five star hotels it’s no surprise the Sofitel St James is a delightful stay; just prepared to want to stay forever.
Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup Charlie have checked into The Pheasant Inn for two nights of elevated pub food, impeccable service and to explore all the rustic delights of nearby Hungerford and Marlborough.
On an exceedingly scenic corner of Berkshire, sits The Pheasant Inn Lambourn, a wonderfully charming pub/inn that will outdo every one of your staycation expectations.
A well-loved local landmark, the Pheasant Inn welcomed hotelier/restauranteur Jack Greenall as its new landlord in 2016 and has since undergone a top-to-bottom refurbishment. While I have not seen the Pheasant Inn pre-refurb, it is clear from staff and regulars alike that the renovation respected the inn’s rich heritage, which can be traced back to 1750.
Check-in is at the pub, which offers a familiar and relaxing atmosphere, amidst a rich canvas of warm colours, textures, and plenty of quirky art to look at. The pub comprises a main dining area, a more relaxed (and dogfriendly) pub dining area, and a cosy snug – which comes with its own eclectic collection of prints, and books. This isn’t your ordinary local, because the food at the Pheasant Inn is certainly the best-of-the-best in terms of modern British fare, with each dish offering a fresh new take on timeless pub classics.
Before we ‘dig in’ to the menu, we fist check into our gorgeous bedroom. The Pheasant Inn has 14, individually-designed en-suite bedrooms which are as cosy as they are stylish. All bedrooms were designed by London-based interior designer Flora Soames, each offering its own unique take on contemporary yet quintessential British charm. Our bedroom had outdoor access, which is ideal for those travelling with pooches.
Bathed in light and oozing with charm, our room featured an eclectic red and yellow floral headboard, which anchored the space and informed our room’s rich colour palette. It also featured a shabby chic wardrobe, a fluted blush armchair, delightful nature-inspired prints, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a vintage Robert DAB radio. The bathroom also offered indulgent Bamford toiletries – which to my delight, the inn also sells individually.
Breakfast is served in the main dining room and includes all the British classics, done exceedingly well and produced with only the best locally-sourced ingredients. In typical millennial fashion, I had the smashed avocado on toasted sourdough, with chili, lime and coriander, while my husband had the hearty English breakfast. Both dishes were served to absolute perfection, and complemented with fresh juices, breads, jams, and coffees.
There is plenty to explore in this special little corner of the Berkshires. The Pheasant Inn borders the nearby village of Shefford Woodlands which home to the famed Valley of the Racehorse. Meanwhile, the market town of Marlborough is just a 12 mile driver away across the Wiltshire County border. Here you can gawk at half-timbered cottages, ornate red brick mansions, and shop at the bustling local market from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
There is plenty to see in nearby Hungerford too. This historic town is antique-lovers paradise and it is easy to lose hours in one of the many antique arcades looking for lost treasures. A walk along the picturesque Kennet and Avon canals is also recommended for well-behaved pooches, before taking a break in one of the many quaint cafés on the high street. Our favourite was the hearty, healthy and dog friendly Eliane Café.
Further out in Reading, there is Basildon Park, whose main house exterior you may remember from films like ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and more recently ‘The Gentleman’ or as the handsome London estate of ‘Downton Abbey’s’ The Crawleys. The gardens are filled with beautiful blooms and are dog friendly too – perfect for a day out exploring.
It’s almost impossible to choose just one standout feature for The Pheasant Inn, which so far has certainly impressed in every way, but if we had to choose just one, it would be the incredible food at the pub. The Pheasant Inn’s food philosophy is to ‘simply and deliciously’ bring together only the best ingredients, and this certainly reflects in the quality of the food on offer.
The menu is rooted in classic British cooking and regularly changes to showcase the best of the locally-sourced fish, meats, and artisanal products from the UK. The sausages and wild meat are from the neighbouring Walter Rose & Sons, while the charcuterie comes from Gloucestershire’s Kelmscott Country Pork. The artisanal cheese is from Harvey & Brockless, while the fish is from Cornwall’s Flying Fish and Seafoods. An impressive roster, made up of the best of the best British suppliers with each one showcasing the wealth of produce that we have on offer in the UK.
For dairy/egg intolerance sufferers like myself, there is also a vegan/gluten free menu available – a sign of the times and of The Pheasant Inn’s commitment to catering for all.
We started with the Calamari and Tempura prawns, both perfectly cooked and accompanied by garlic aioli and lemon. For the mains, we recommend the Wiltshire Lamb Rump, which replaces the usual gravy or red wine jus with a surprising yet delightful black olive tapenade.
On our first evening, I sampled the vegan menu and had the roast Jerusalem artichokes, accompanied by sautéed wild mushrooms, charred broccoli, and toasted almonds. This totally vegan dish was bursting with flavours without being overpowering. Both meals at The Pheasant Inn proved that no matter what dietary challenges you may give the kitchen staff, they will not fail to blow you away.
No meal would be complete without the perfect glass of wine and The Pheasant Inn has 70 wines to choose from, with 28 available by the glass. There is also a wide selection of hand-pulled local cask ales and spirits. The Pheasant Inn also made sure that Charlie enjoyed his dining experience too, providing him with his own dog bed and a generous smattering of treats.
After months of lockdown, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from The Pheasant Inn, but after our truly wonderful stay, this place and the wonderful people that run it has certainly carved out a special place in my memory. From the warm and welcoming staff, the truly excellent breakfast, dinner, and everything else in between, The Pheasant Inn is a true gem in the Berkshires and has gone above and beyond every single one of my expectations.
