From the moment you enter The Landmark hotel you are scooped up in a cocoon of style and luxury. This spectacular 5-star hotel, in the heart of trendy Marylebone, oozes glamour and is the ideal base to explore London or just kick back and relax.
The hotel is steeped in history and there are accents of this throughout the building, yet it feels elegant and stylish rather than stuffy.
Once you swing through the grand wood panelled entrance and up the steps, you’ll find yourself in the focal point of the hotel, the Winter Garden. This glass roofed courtyard is flanked by lush palm trees instantly whisking you to a Mediterranean oasis. Guests are dotted around soaking up the surroundings while enjoying a glass of bubbles or a bite to eat. This stunning space is light and airy, brimming with atmosphere. In each corner you’ll find sweeping staircases leading up to the rooms and suites which all overlook the courtyard.
The rooms are classic in design without being old-fashioned, cream and blue tones keep it fresh and the light from the glass roof atrium cascades through the window, across the bedroom. There is plenty of space to rest, the sofa in the window is the perfect spot to unwind and watch the guests below buzz about the Winter Garden. Throughout the room are highlights of opulence and grandeur from the crystal lamps to the sumptuous, lush fabrics. The large Italian marble bathroom features an ample tub and shower and is stocked with White Company goodies.
A table at the Winter Garden is a must. Ask the evening draws in, the stars twinkle through the glass roof making it an enchanting dinner location. The menu combines the best of British and European classics with a modern twist. The three-course set dinner menu starts at £35 and you can choose from a selection of delicious dishes. The Burrata salad is fresh and bursting with flavour. The Roasted Maize Fed Chicken Breast with Ricotta and Lemon is succulent and pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of Gavi. The breakfast menu is an abundance of hot and cold plates. Enjoy a leisurely morning starting with a Bento Box. There is the usual fare of cereals, juices, pastries and fruit but also an extensive array of tantalising delights for you to start your day. Choose from eggs cooked to your style, Belgium waffles, or for the hungrier, a full English.
Elsewhere in the hotel you will find The Mirror Bar and Garden Terrace, also great for food and drinks.
If you are looking to boost your wellness, then escape to the spa. Nestled on the ground floor you will find a blissful haven where you can indulge in some serious chill time in the jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. Make sure you book in advance one of the soothing treatments available. There is also a chlorine free swimming pool and gym for those who want to burn off that big breakfast!
For anyone looking for a hotel experience that spectacularly marries together, luxury, glamour, great food and service in superb surroundings then a stay in The Landmark will tick all those boxes.
With summer holiday’s abroad still hanging in the balance why not bring a splash of vacay vibes to your drinks trolley with our guide to some of the best summer tipples. To make your garden party exceptional you can rent marquee tent. Whether you are hosting a garden party or planning a sun sizzling barbeque, wow your guests with these sophisticated summer sips.
Seven Hills Gin is a piece of Italy in a bottle. Distilled in Moncalieri, near Turin, this perfectly balanced gin is created using the seven high-quality, key ingredients of Pomegranate, Rose Hip, Juniper, Roman Camomile, Blood Orange, Artichoke and Celery hand chosen by a Master Herbalist. The botanicals are infused for 10-15 days, gently pressed to extract their individual flavours before the extract is then distilled using a vacuum pot distillation – a gentle and innovative method of distillation designed to maintain the smooth and rich flavours of the botanicals. The result is a gin with a distinctive body, strength and flavour that is delicately complex yet remains light and refreshing. Mix with premium tonic water in a highball glass over ice, served with a wedge of lemon. Pure Aperitivo bliss.
Travel the length of the Amalfi Coast in one sip with O’ndina Gin. With fresh, herbaceous tones, distinctive Italian flavour and presented in an eye- catching bottle, O’ndina Gin has been crafted with premium ingredients found all over the stunning Italian coast. Inspired by the effortless glamour and carefree spirit of the Italian Riviera in the 1960s, O’ndina blends 19 hand-selected Italian botanicals including fresh Basil from Liguria (the “Grande Verde di Genova” variety famed for its bright green colour and refreshing sweetness) and citrus from southern Italy. This gin is a gem and creates the perfect Mediterranean Gin & Tonic and an exquisite all-Italian Negroni.
Inspired by Italy’s famed pre-dinner ritual of the ‘Aperitivo moment’ Primo Aperitivo is a range of classic Italian Aperitivo cocktails, perfect for sipping whilst unwinding and enjoying summer socials. The authentic Italian flavours and fresh ingredients provide a taste of summer in a glass. Created by Italian-born mixologist Filippo Previero, as a celebration of Italian cocktail culture. The first cocktail in the collection, the Primo Aperitivo Negroni, is a beautiful restyling of a much-loved recipe, resulting in an unrivalled at-home drinking experience that is steeped in elegance and authenticity. Housed in an exceptionally stylish deep navy bottle with a striking gold label, the Primo Aperitivo Negroni is beautifully presented and would make an eye-catching addition to any at-home drinks trolley. The Primo Aperitivo Negroni is best enjoyed poured over ice in a rock glass and garnished with an orange wedge.
New to the vodka scene this summer is Belvedere’s range of super-premium organic flavoured vodkas. The organic certification ensures that Organic Infusions are crafted only with ingredients that are farmed with no artificial pesticides, additives, or chemicals. Available in Lemon and Basil, Pear and Ginger or Blackberry and Lemongrass soda it’s vibrant and crisp and works well mixed with soda or included in your favourite cocktail.
For those who want to make healthier drinking choices without having to compromise on flavour, the TRØVE range offers big fruit flavours at only 41 calories per single serve. Bursting with natural fruit flavour and light on calories, the new botanical low-alcohol vodkas come in three different flavours: Valencian Orange with Lime, Green Apple with Ginger, and Raspberry with Lemongrass and Mint. The new range is light and aromatic in flavour and the perfect drink to toast with family and friends this summer.
The TRØVE collection is available at Amazon for £24.
“During times of standstill Victoria enabled people to connect,” says Vicky Cheng, Founder and CEO of Victoria the App, as she looks back on how her eponymous tech business inspired and connected locked-down creatives in times of peak pandemic blues.
Victoria the App is a league apart from other dating/networking apps in the market today. Designed with the purpose of building meaningful connections over forced, temporary flings, Victoria the App has not only succeeded in providing a sense of community during endless lockdown iterations, but also promises to be one of London’s buzziest virtual member’s clubs this year.
“My aim was to fuse virtual life with real life, taking the pressure off finding a place to meet that would suit both individuals,” Vicky said. “I feel that as much as technology has helped us find new people, we still need to keep a natural element in making connections.
We sit down with Vicky Cheng and discuss the early days of her tech start-up, how she has stood out as a woman in tech, and the merits of building meaningful connections and surrounding yourself with the right people to help you succeed.
She also gives some sound advice for future female tech entrepreneurs looking to shine in a male-dominated landscape, underscoring the value of self-belief and embracing all the things that make you ‘naturally original.’
Vicky says, “Step out of your comfort zone and never think that being a girl is a problem, and instead only as an advantage. As Beyonce once said, she never faced any glass ceiling. Being different is an advantage, it sets you apart and makes you naturally original.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Victoria the App?
I am originally from Hong Kong but made the UK my home when I was 17. I went to an all-girls school here, before starting my studies at London School of Economics. My family remained in Hong Kong, so I’ve always been keen to meet people that have the same mindset as me. People I could trust, otherwise it can quickly get lonely, especially in a big city like London.
I started Victoria right after graduation, as I found that all the other apps I was using to meet people, just gave me temporary connections, and the whole process felt a little forced. From this personal issue, Victoria was born. I wanted to create a platform that connects people through mutual interests, whilst also letting them meet in organic settings, through the app’s many events.
My aim was to fuse virtual life with real life, taking the pressure off finding a place to meet that would suit both individuals. I feel that as much as technology has helped us find new people, we still need to keep the spontaneity in making connections.
I wanted to offer a healthy alternative to the usual toxic space of dating app. Victoria is a community of high-quality people, that saves young entrepreneurs and creatives time when looking for a like-minded network.
Dating, networking, events – Victoria the App has everything! What were those early days of starting your business like?
The beginning was hard as I didn’t have a technical background and it was my first job after graduation. Funnily enough, I was setting up a networking business through networking, which highlights the importance of connections. Through constantly meeting people, I found so many talented individuals that helped me set up the technical side of the business. In those early days, I set up my website with the help of a supportive intern and even gave coding a try.
After a while I joined a coworking space where I met incredible, talented people who were all keen to connect. One of whom was an iOS freelancer who helped me get the app on the Appstore.
I made a lot of mistakes and changed my idea few times before getting to the final concept that we know today. I also realised that hiring the right people that work well together other was crucial for efficiency and productivity.
In the early days it was all about making mistakes and learning from them. You must be brave, have great passion for what you do and have the ability to persuade everyone around you that your idea will be successful. Don’t let other people project their fear on you and you’ll see you’re going into the right direction. As an entrepreneur the most important thing you must learn is how to change your opposers opinion.
What have been the biggest milestones so far?
One of the biggest milestones is hitting 1k members and launching abroad. I also hear people talk about Victoria, so word of mouth is working. Our stats also show that with have the highest 14 day retention rate amongst our competitors, which shows that our members enjoy being in the Victoria community.
Another great achievement was when our first A-list celebrity signed up to the platform, it really highlighted the impressive quality of our community.
Tech is traditionally a field dominated by men. How do you set yourself apart in the tech world as a woman?
Being a woman has never stopped me from going for anything, and I’ve never felt that I was overlooked or not respected. Because of the industry I’m in, a lot of my teammates are men, but that doesn’t mean they disrespect or patronise their female colleagues.
We also have a lot of tech savvy women in our team, for example my NED is a brilliant lady that came from Bumble and now helps me grow the Victoria community. When I make decisions about hiring, I am not biased on gender nor am specifically looking for a balance, it’s what they can do and know that counts.
Personally, I really feel that success tells more about a person rather than gender. I believe this is also why I’ve never felt disadvantaged as a woman. I always try to make my achievements speak for me and earn respect within this male dominated industry. Once the industry got word that I managed to receive funding, a lot of other companies were interested in me and wanted to learn more about Victoria.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?
With setting up a start-up everything is very challenging, but I think the biggest task is finding the most suitable people for my brand. People forget that it isn’t just about capabilities but also about how the person resonates with my vision and how they can fit into the team dynamics. Trust is also a major factor that goes into the hiring process, as my staff will get the most intimate insight into my ideas and strategy.
In the world of COVID-19, what role do you think online communities like Victoria the App can play in connecting people?
During the numerous lockdowns we had to endure, I felt Victoria kept a sense of normality for our members. We hosted a range of online events once a week, which all had fantastic turnup rates, during peak covid times we had around 80 attendees.
We partnered with great brands such as Wolf & Badger who sparked a conversation about body positivity. We also had entertaining cocktail making classes and a virtual visit to a classic car garage. For many it was the highlight of their week. Others felt it was very refreshing seeing new faces and not speak to the same ten people in their emotional support circle. During times of standstill Victoria enabled people to connect and have intriguing conversations.
Covid measures are gradually being eased so we can now commence with real events, bring Victoria to life, and show our members the real potential of our community.
What’s next for you? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline?
Our latest events were hosted in person for the first time. Most recently, we had a low-key get together at the exclusive private members club, Laylow. Joshua Kane, a quintessentially British tailor also collaborated with Victoria by hosting an ambassador dinner at another private members club, Home House. In July, I will be speaking on a panel, as part of our ‘Brands disrupting the norm’ Event at Home Grown, Home House’s sister club focussing on Entrepreneurs, Investors and Business Leaders.
Other than events, I will keep pushing Victoria to reach more people and receive greater resonance around the globe. One of our main objectives for 2021 is to increase growth amongst our community and receive more traction on the app. To achieve all this and unfold our greatness, we are constantly looking for investors and are planning to participate in fundraisers.
What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourself?
Believe in yourself don’t care what other people say about you, if you really want to set up your own business and that is the only thing you want to do career wise, go for it and take the plunge!
Make sure you always ask for help, a start-up is about getting all the support you can and building useful connections. You need to find people that are willing to support you, mentor you and be friends with you throughout your journey from setting up your business to success.
Step out of your comfort zone and never think that being a girl is a problem, and instead view it only as an advantage.
As Beyonce once said, she never faced any glass ceiling. Being different is an advantage, it sets you apart and makes you naturally original.
As the Olympic Games opens in Tokyo this summer, get a little taste of Japan here in the UK at The Prince Akatoki, the only 5-star Japanese hotel in London. Drawing inspiration from Asia, this is the perfect destination to relax and experience Japanese culture. House of Coco was invited to try the hotel’s Taste of Japan package, designed to create an authentic, memorable stay.
The experience starts as you check-in to one of the luxurious rooms, where you are welcomed with special Japanese inspired comforts including a traditional tea set so you can create your own tea ceremony and Yukata robe laid out on your bed, which add a little Asian fusion to your stay. All of the bedrooms are spacious however we were lucky enough to be upgraded to one of the suites. This zen sanctuary oozes style and elegance, combining neutral tones and minimalist lines, synonymous with Japanese interiors. A clean, fresh, light aesthetic is continued throughout the hotel. Soft white walls and natural wood run throughout the space. As well as a large bedroom and bathroom, the suite includes a kitchen and living space, ideal for relaxing in. The floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom floods the room with natural light. A stunning fusuma panel inspired wall is the focal point of the suite bringing an accent of colour to the room. There are touches of the Far East scattered all around the hotel including the beautiful Ikebana style floral displays.
After checking in we went for a stroll. The hotel is perfectly located for anyone who wants to explore London. Hyde Park is on your doorstep, and it is a short walk to Oxford Street and Bond Street.
After a couple of hours shopping and taking in the sights, we were ready to relax so went back to the hotel for a drink and dinner. It is wonderfully calm in The Prince Akatoki and you instantly feel a million miles away from the bustling London streets.
Superb sake is the name of the game at The Malt Bar and you can’t stay here without sampling the Japanese homegrown sake. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, this sophisticated, grown up bar has a serious selection of rare Japanese whiskies and spirits. Whisky fans can purchase their own premium bottle which will be housed in the bar’s secret vault that only you can access with your own key as and when you fancy a tipple. A full bloom cherry blossom tree has been installed in the corner and is the perfect backdrop to sip Sakura inspired cocktails. We sampled some of the extensive cocktail menu, I opted for a Momo Martini, a blend of Haku vodka, St. Germain, lychee water, peach honey and yuzu.
After drinks we head to TOKii restaurant for some authentic Japanese cuisine. The space is contemporary, dark timber joinery, screen divides and low lighting create an intimate atmosphere. The A La Carte menu has something for everyone with signature dishes, lighter bites and sides as well as a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options. The dishes served are like works of art and pretty enough to fill any Instagram feed. We opted for a bit of everything and were not disappointed, every dish was delicious. TOKii’s menu is modern, fresh and combines the best of Eastern and Western flavours. Highlights include the lobster croquettes, crisp and delicate with a perfectly balanced ponzu and mango salsa. The crispy pork belly was rich in flavour and the Cornish crab mayonnaise was not only an array of mouth popping tastes, but it was also beautifully presented, so much so I felt bad eating it. Our waitress insisted we try the wagyu beef with spicy ponzu sauce and I am so glad we did, it was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender and bursting with flavour. I would come back here just for the dining experience.
The Japanese pride themselves on service and the staff here are excellent, the attention to detail and level of hospitality was faultless throughout our stay. The hotel offers guests a chance to explore a culture rich in unique experiences set in a luxurious, relaxing space. The Prince Akatoki is a staycation that will whisk you to the other side of the world, without having to travel abroad.
Nightly rates at The Prince Akatoki London start from £229. A Taste of Japan Experience also includes a sushi masterclass and Ikebana flower arranging, which you can take home as a souvenir. To celebrate their post lockdown reopening, The Prince Akatoki is offering Sakura Season experiences, for more information and to book visit theprinceakatokilondon.com
Samantha Parkhouse is a British contemporary artist, who works in a range of mediums including painting, sculpture and photography. Most recently, Samantha exhibited in the Royal Academy in the 250th anniversary of the Summer Exhibition, having her most famous work ‘Fortitude’ 2018 (part of her ‘Cancer Series’) curated by Grayson Perry and placed alongside a Hockney. In the same year, the entire series was exhibited in the Royal Scottish Academy.
The artist’s portraits are a celebration of beauty in all its forms. They explore themes around identity and the human spirit. Deliberately large-scale and purposefully attention-seeking, the works explore redefining ideals of beauty through portraiture. The sitter’s story is told to celebrate the beauty of individuality, empower difference and champion the spirit of resilience. By utilising a hyper-realistic style, nothing is hidden.
Samantha’s latest series of portraits celebrates the beauty of vitiligo. Vitiligo is an inherited condition where pale white patches develop on the skin and is caused by the lack of melanin. This series aims to bring positive awareness to vitiligo and to show that true beauty resides in uniqueness, spirit and strength. The series portrays the beauty of the marks vitiligo makes, whilst addressing the strength of the individual in question.
The sitters – Carissa, Tom and Andrea, wear their vitiligo with confidence. Samantha uniquely captures their enduring spirit in a hope to inspire others around the world. Three exquisite portraits feature in the series. ‘Clarissa’ is currently exhibited in the Royal Academy of West England, UK. All paintings are for sale.
The artist is now working on a series focused on African tribal women and how they are able to express themselves and culture through beautiful jewellery, exquisite body paint and traditional dress. The artist has also found inspiration in special moments captured in African wildlife.
When did you know what you wanted to be a professional artist
Always. I have always made things with my hands and have forever had a creative spark. I have a natural urge to create and have always found ways to express my thoughts and feelings through drawing or making with my hands.
It is fantastic to see that your work was exhibited at the Royal Academy. With London being such a vibrant capital, does the city inspire your work?
Absolutely, London inspires my work. It is such a cultural hub and full of fascinating people. In fact, my first solo exhibition was entitled ‘Perspectives’ and it was a documentation of London through photography and mixed media. This was held at the then Theobald Jennings Gallery in Albemarle Street, Mayfair when I was just 15. Ever since, I have found the joy of sharing my creativity with others and I strive to host more exhibitions in the future.
What has been your career highlight to date?
A highlight has been the fact that I have exhibited in the Royal Academy on three separate occasions – in London Piccadilly, Edinburgh and Bristol. Being able to show the public my work that raises awareness for conditions such as vitiligo is truly rewarding and it is what motivates me to create more.
About Samantha Parkhouse
Samantha Parkhouse graduated with a BA in Painting from the University of Edinburgh in 2017, having previously studied at City and Guilds London Art School and Sotheby’s in New York City. Samantha started her career winning the Turner Contemporary Prize in 2012, hanging her work in the Turner Contemporary, Margate. She went on to hold two sold out solo exhibitions in Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London and has been part of a collection of mixed exhibitions in both Edinburgh and London.
Two new hotels to incorporate into your staycation itinerary this summer are the Graduate Cambridge and The Randolph Hotel. Both open July 1st 2021 and are part of the Graduate Hotels collection whose design is inspired by the unique heritage of university towns and cities. #TeamCoco got a sneak peak of these stylish abodes ahead of their opening next month.
The Graduate, Cambridge
Positioned along the idyllic banks of the River Cam, the Graduate Cambridge is surrounded by the University of Cambridge, within walking distance of several colleges, and a stone’s throw from the city’s best restaurants, bars and shops.
The hotel’s design incorporates the history of the city, making the river the focal point with various accessible views, especially in the lobby bar. Colour palettes, patterns and textures in the public areas reflect the green surroundings of fields and the glorious English countryside. With the punting boat rentals located just outside, the design brings local inspiration into the hotel, with punting boats incorporated in the bookshelves in the lobby, an installation by local craftsmen. The lobby is home to a hanging DNA installation to celebrate Rosalind Franklin, a pioneer in the development of DNA at the University of Cambridge. The guest rooms have an abundance of “Cambridge Blue”, with wallpaper replicating school gates, punting boats on either side of the bed, whimsical lamp shades in the shape of a penny coin and striking wood and leather desks to give a studious library atmosphere. The bathrooms have scenic pastoral wallpaper and mirrors in the shape of the university crest.
Garden House restaurant is nestled on the banks of the River Cam. Adam Wood, formerly of London’s award winning Perilla will lead the kitchen with his focus on open-flame cooking and seasonal East Anglian produce. Garden House will be a relaxed, and seasonable contemporary restaurant in one of Britain’s best loved and historic cities. Graduate Cambridge will comprise Garden House and Garden Bar, as well as a café and flexible social space. The Graduate is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore this vibrant city over the summer.
Located in the city’s cultural epicentre, The Randolph is situated within the University of Oxford and its iconic colleges, including Trinity and St. John’s. The hotel is on the doorstep of St. Giles Street and its bustling restaurants, bars, as well as the world-famous Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean Museum. The design of the 151-room hotel takes inspiration from the university’s history, paying homage to its storied innovators and alumni.
Interior design details include bold hues, textural elements inspired by the region’s natural resources and local art which will tell the narratives of Oxford’s past. Previously the Macdonald Randolph Hotel, the property has been renovated and transformed throughout, all the guest rooms, the lobby and social spaces ooze a preppy college vibe. Guests can relax in the intimate snug, a cosy nook between restaurant and private dining with a bohemian spin on a traditional English library space. The Morse Bar is a nod to the iconic 90’s TV detective show that was filmed at the hotel and is the ideal place to kick back with a drink after a day discovering Oxford.
This Father’s Day don’t default to socks and shaving kits, instead remind your dad just how much he is appreciated with one of these premium spirits. The perfect gift for dads who love a tipple.
Pink Pepper Gin Gift Box-Book
A truly unique Pink Pepper Gin Gift Box-Book designed so that the inner box flattens out and is re-folder to form six pages showcasing the cocktails and a guide to the perfect G&T – the outer box refolds to create a hardback cover leaving you with a stunning cocktail recipe book and a bottle of Pink Pepper Gin
This premium blended Irish Whiskey boasts one of the highest malt contents in the blended whiskey category at 46%, providing a smooth complexity. Grace O’Malley’s Blended Irish Whiskey launched in the UK in March 2021, making it a lovely new brand to gift to dads this Father’s Day.
Audemus Spirits, the innovative spirits brand behind Pink Pepper Gin, is launching Umami Gin in the UK. This latest creation takes the definition of gin and expresses it very differently to what gin aficionados will have tried before, through infusion unique ingredients (incl. Parmigiano Reggiano and capers) to create a savoury – or umami – flavour.
Recipe: Combine 30ml of Mr Black Coffee Liqueur and 25ml of Chase Vodka. Top with milk or milk alternative e.g. oat or coconut and serve in enamel mug over ice. The kit will make 4 White Russians – and the Mr Black will make as least 10 more tasty coffee cocktails!
Let’s be real. The pandemic — and subsequent lockdown iterations — have caused sex toy sales to skyrocket. As a woman/avid and regular user of a multitude of sex toys, I am happy to say that there has never been more variety and choice for female-oriented sex toys (praise be!)
However, while women have become more and more sexually liberated during lockdown, men are left with quite limited options. This can be attributed to the misconstrued notion that while female orgasms are seen as sexy and a symbol of the feminist revolution, male orgasms aren’t sexy at all. Blame mainstream media, or toxic masculinity views, but to us, all orgasms are sexy no matter what gender.
Enter Turboo, Tracy’s Dog newest pleasure device that seeks to destigmatise male masturbation. Coined as a pioneering innovative male masturbator, Turboo promises to redefine the male orgasm, unlocking new levels of pleasure for men that their trusy old socks simply can’t provide.
Turboo is powered by Tracy’s Dog’s CFET (Centrifugal Forced Ejaculation Enhancement Technology) to deliver ultra-high (and I mean ULTRA) rotation and centrifugal force. The device stimulates like nothing you’ve ever seen and comes with three vibration modes that can vibrate up to 13,000 rounds/min.
At first glance, the Turboo may seem a bit daunting. After all, 13,000 rounds/min in action seems more aggressive than it actually is. So don’t be afraid of slowly easing it in and testing this out in the bedroom, because it will undoubtedly turn you and your partner’s world upside down.
Take Turboo for a ride by clicking here. For more information, visit: www.tracysdog.com
Good health and wellbeing start with your gut so it seems only natural that Knightsbridge wellness and beauty destination, Urban Retreat, is the location for a brand new innovative plant based restaurant.
Opening on June 10th, Holy Carrot aims to provide a new way of experiencing and enjoying vegan food with a menu that focuses on using ethically sourced seasonal produce, prepared in a mindful manner. The dishes on the menu are free from preservatives, refined sugar, additives and are led by the very best seasonal organic British produce.
Based in Urban Retreat, the leading beauty and wellness destination, Holy Carrot will offer a year-round detox that nourishes from the inside out and will provide spa-goers with the ultimate healthy yet fun dishes whilst enjoying their treatments.
The menu has plenty to choose from and dishes look too good to eat. Must have plates include the Maki Set, a selection of crispy & holy maki Ponzu with a spiced mayo (£18), Sexy Tofu, which is organic glazed tofu with an aubergine, red pepper & peanut sauce (£15) and a Raw Red Pepper Burrito (£9). Those with a sweet tooth can choose from a delectable selection of desserts, including the Homemade Candy Set (£8) and a Holy Carrot Cake (£8.50).
The drinks menu features a wide selection of delicious and invigorating fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails including the Dream Green (£8) made with spinach, kale, cucumber, avocado, vegan protein and flaxseed as well as the Rose Negroni (£11.50), expertly created using VII Hills Gin, rhubarb liqueur, Little rose and Rose Vermouth.
Irina Linovich is the founder of Holy Carrot and comments: “When we came up with the idea to launch a vegan restaurant in Knightsbridge, we wanted to make sure that we brought an element of fun to eating vegan food. ‘Carrot’ symbolises the fun and intriguing element of the brand, and ‘Holy’ represents the healthy nature of our dishes. The menu is very much led by the very best seasonal organic British produce and we take great care to ensure that the produce is ethically sourced and sustainable.”
Holy Carrot will offer all-day dining, catering for those looking for a quick snack and a cocktail, as well as those seeking a destination to enjoy a leisurely meal. From the 1st – 9th June, Holy Carrot will run a soft launch period offering guests 50% off the total food bill (applies to first visit only) and will officially open on Thursday 10th June.
Just 20 minutes outside of London, located on the edge of St Albans, is Sopwell House, a luxury country house hotel. This hidden sanctuary is home to The Club at Cottonmill, the first private members’ spa offering a vibrant haven combining the serenity of a spa with the buzz and vibrancy of a private members club sans all the stuffiness.
When Cottonmill invited House of Coco to spend the day at The Club we jumped at the chance. Cottonmill at Sopwell House, is tucked down a quiet lane in the sprawling Hertfordshire countryside within grounds surrounded by lush gardens and green fields, the perfect place to relax and unwind.
A magnificent white washed, Georgian House steeped in history, Sopwell is far from stuffy. High ceilings, velvet armchairs and vast open fireplaces are juxtaposed with sleek lines and clean simplicity. This continues through to The Club at Cottonmill.
Upon arrival I was greeted by a friendly team of hosts who get to work showing me around, giving me the low down on the facilities and my itinerary for the day.
After dropping my bag into the super swish dressing room, I headed to the Garden Room, a glass walled, chill out space perfect for relaxing in. Large, comfy loungers look out to the pretty garden while hanging egg chairs surround the statement fireplace. Here you can access the indoor-outdoor thermal pool as well as the Salt Steam Room and Organic Sauna. This is the ideal location to kick off my day and I spend an hour reading and sipping herbal tea as the sun sneaks through the glass walls, warming by skin.
By mid-morning I was looking for a change of scenery so ventured into the gardens. Designed by Anne-Marie Powell, a global medal-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show designer, the spa gardens are a great space to put your feet up. I find myself a cabana just in front of the infinity thermal pool. Soothing bubbling water features, day beds, hot tubs and fire pits are scattered around the garden. I feel like I am at cool LA roof top pool bar. While the space is relaxing and chilled there is a social buzz too and as I look around several guests are clutching a chilled glass of Rosé. I slip on my shades and spend the next couple of hours flicking through my magazines and people watching. Every so often I slope out of the sun into one of the hot tubs or the thermal pool. This is bliss!
By midday I was feeling guilty for loafing about, there is a gym and studio in the club, but I fancied something less strenuous so had a quick swim before making my way over to the restaurant for lunch. The lunch menu for spa guests is three courses. There is plenty of choice including vegetarian and healthy options. I had the baked salmon fillet with quinoa, saffron, capers and currants served with an olive and pine nut salsa. It was delicious.
The zen vibes continued throughout the afternoon with a spa treatment. The spa menu combines advanced skin solutions with restorative treatments designed to deliver a sensory experience, soothing both the mind and body. I opted for the Amber and Quartz Body Restore Ritual. The treatment uses a heated bed of amber sand and quartz to deeply relax the body. Sand has lots of healing properties – the ancient Egyptians used hot sand baths to alleviate aching joints and muscle pains. There is a thin sheet between you and the sand bed, so you don’t have to worry about getting sand everywhere. Cocooned in the warm, amber sand, the quartz bed gently vibrates relaxing your back and neck area. The treatment begins with the chiming sound of singing bowls which are placed on your back and around the room. The harmonising chimes is intensely soothing. I instantly sink into the bed while the therapist provides an aromatherapy massage. Halfway through the massage the bed tilts raising my feet, this is to encourage blood flow. Its then tipped the opposite way while the therapist massages my shoulders and scalp. I must have drifted off to sleep because I am woken by the singing bowls.
I floated out of the treatment room straight into the Deep Relaxation Room. This zone is ideal to unwind, with heated loungers that gently vibrate and change colour. I don’t think its possible to feel this calm and peaceful. I do not want to leave but sadly I must. I headed home for an early night and had a sound nights sleep.
As it’s a private members spa, The Club area is only accessible to members and those who book Club Spa Packages. To take advantage of all the facilities I’d highly recommend upgrading to a Club package. Sopwell House offers a number of spa packages starting at £70.
