Author: angela

The dining experience, a multi-sensory pleasure, is being redefined beyond food to include a crucial player – wine. As the focal point, the wine list is evolving, driven by sustainability, exploration of new flavours, transparency, consumer preferences, and the pivotal role of the sommelier. Let’s delve into how these key trends shape the dining experience and highlight pioneering businesses bringing these changes to life.

Firstly, the changing face of wine lists, driven by environmental consciousness, is sparking an increased emphasis on organic, biodynamic, and vegan wines. These sustainable options showcase winemakers’ commitment to eco-friendly practices and cater to consumers’ growing desire to understand their products’ origins and production techniques.

Secondly, wine lists are expanding to tap into unexplored flavours and styles, like orange wines, catering to adventurous palates. Thirdly, the shift towards more informative wine lists addresses the modern diner’s curiosity about each wine’s origin, winemaker, and production techniques, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Lastly, the sommelier’s evolving role as both an educator and a guide is essential to navigating these innovative wine lists, thereby enhancing the overall dining experience.

Now, let’s focus on some businesses embodying these trends and revolutionizing the hospitality industry.

 

The Drapers Arms, London

In the heart of London’s Islington, the Drapers Arms surprises with a wine list that goes beyond a typical pub’s offering. Focusing on artisan European producers and small-scale wineries from South Africa, the selection highlights their commitment to sustainable practices. Their diverse range is continually refreshed, keeping it dynamic and promoting wine experimentation – a true embodiment of innovative wine list trends.

 

Freemasons at Wiswell, Lancashire

The Freemasons, under the masterful guidance of Master of Wine Miles Corish, have constructed a wine list that doubles as a beginner’s guide to wine. Their playful descriptions and varied selection cater to all tastes and budgets, reflecting the trend of making wine more accessible to everyone. Here, the role of the sommelier is truly celebrated, emphasizing education and breaking down traditional wine culture.

 

The Newport, Fife

Overlooking the River Tay, The Newport offers a wine list curated by local merchants and the talented MasterChef winner Jamie Scott. Their offering stands as a testament to the shift towards local and biodynamic wines, promoting the exploration of flavours and styles. With a January wine list featuring 27 different wines, they ensure every diner’s palate is catered to, demonstrating the value of an informed and diverse wine selection.

 

Otto’s, London

Otto’s, renowned for French fine dining, offers a unique wine experience curated by Otto Tepasse himself. The exquisite wine list is primarily a tribute to French classics but also includes selections from Otto’s home, Germany, and a notable collection of Madeira. Otto’s commitment to old-world charm and luxurious dining extends to their wine dinners hosted by masters of wine, reinforcing the integral role of the sommelier in the modern dining experience.

 

Each of these businesses represents the new frontier of wine lists, revolutionizing how wine enhances the dining experience. They remind us that when it comes to a meal, what’s in our glass is just as important as what’s on our plate.

By Colin Macintyre, Managing Director

The continuously evolving retail industry had always been fascinating, notably the growth of hospitality within retail – a perfect marriage that has reshaped consumer experiences significantly. Today, let’s embark on a culinary journey, tracing the origins of food halls and eateries in retail to their contemporary prominence in the sector.

 

 

Before the emergence of food courts in American malls, the concept of food halls found its roots in ancient times. Trajan’s Market, an arcade-like shopping structure of the second century, and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, established in 1461, stand as testaments to the longstanding tradition of combining food and shopping. In the United States, markets like Quincy Market (1825), Reading Terminal Market (1893), and Pike’s Place in Seattle (1907) have long intertwined retail with food.

 

The pivotal moment in the evolution of the modern food hall was the opening of Eataly in an old vermouth factory outside Torino, Italy, in 2007. The model of a single-purveyor food hall, carefully selecting vendors to provide unique, quality, chef-driven products, sparked a new trend. By 2017, there was a 700% increase in the number of food halls in the United States. These establishments appeal to today’s young generations, catering to their taste for diverse, globally-inspired cuisine while offering a place to socialize and savour a meal or drink.

 

One venue that exemplifies this trend perfectly is Harrods. Founded in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod as a humble grocery store, Harrods has become synonymous with luxury and variety, living up to its Latin motto “Omnia Omnibus Ubique”, meaning “all things for all people, everywhere”. Today, Harrods boasts an astounding selection of eateries, from the Angelo Musa Café and Baccarat Bar to the Caviar House & Prunier and the renowned Gordon Ramsay Burger. This evolution marks a stark contrast to its modest origins, reflecting the progression of retail and hospitality in tandem.

 

Similarly, Harvey Nichols, a luxury department store chain founded in 1831, has also incorporated hospitality into its business model. Their eateries, such as the Fourth Floor Brasserie and Bar in Leeds, the Fifth Floor Café and Terrace in London, and the Dining Second Floor in Bristol, have become destinations in their own right, enhancing the overall retail experience.

 

But it’s not just luxury department stores that have embraced hospitality. Mainstream retailers like Marks & Spencer and Tesco have also added food services, with cafes now an integral part of their customer offering. Marks & Spencer, the largest retailer in the United Kingdom, currently operates 350 cafes across the country. Tesco, the leading grocery retailer in the UK, also hosts cafes in their stores, offering breakfast, lunch, salads, light bites, and more.

 

In conclusion, the fusion of hospitality and retail has revolutionized the way we shop and dine. From humble beginnings in ancient marketplaces to the luxurious eateries of Harrods and beyond, the journey has been remarkable. It’s a testament to the adaptability and creativity of the retail and Hospitality sectors, continually finding new ways to enhance customer experiences. As the landscape continues to evolve, who knows what enticing culinary delights the future of retail might bring? For now, let’s savour the variety and abundance the present offers.

The drinks festival Cocktails in the City returns this week with a host of masterclasses, live music, street food and tastings. Some of the biggest drinks brands will collaborate for 2023, showcasing the best of British mixology across many of London’s hottest bars.

 

The likes of Nightjar, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, and Hutong at the Shard are among 50 establishments in London that will be crafting drinks across three summer weekends in Bedford Square Gardens in Bloomsbury. The first, called the “Inspiration Edition” and running between July 6-8, will kick-off the festival, celebrating the best of London’s drinking dens, hotels and speakeasies. “London’s leading bars will create a theatre of drinks, unveiling new creations, signature serves and highlighting innovative new brands,” said the CITC team.

 

Over August 18-19, venues such as Henson’s Bar and Social, Blue Bar at The Berkeley, Zetter Townhouse, and Hacha Agaveria will lead workshops, while Ice Carving Cool will teach the best of ice carving to anyone willing, as the festival celebrates the best of London’s foreign influence. Japanese flavours, Tiki-style bars and Mexican partying will be on offer to guests.

 

The final weekend, between September 7-9, will focus on London’s lesser-known bars, with the Standard being told the event will go big on the fun and games to see out the 2023 season. “The final instalment of Cocktails in the City 2023 will be amping up the live music and doubling down on the fun and games — think silent disco, secret bars and games of skill and chance,” press material said. “From five-star hotel bars and secret speakeasies to the latest openings and industry hangouts, visitors can travel from Mayfair to Soho to Shoreditch in just a few short sips — no tubes, no buses, no taxis.”

Cocktails in the City starts on July 6 at Bedford Square Gardens, WC1B 5BL. For more information, visit cocktailsinthecity.com

 

Source: Evening Standard 

Despite seemingly endless challenges facing restaurants and bars, the calibre of sommeliers working across the UK has never been higher, with experienced gurus and hot young guns all driving the quality of wines and wine service ever higher. As if to prove this point, our ‘shortlist’ for our judges’ consideration ran to almost 100 somms this year and the quality of those individuals – not to mention the reputations of the medley of restaurants represented – was outstanding, making judging a tough task.

However, over two long but enjoyable days our judges sifted and lifted the most salient information from the hopefuls’ entry packs, allowing us to begin the process of building our Top 25 listing, set against our in-depth judging criteria.

Much care has been taken to order the list and apply rigour to the selection, but it is also fair to say that all those who made the cut are exemplary members of their chosen profession. And their wine lists all made for thirsty work to read, with a quite phenomenal showing of depth, breadth, knowledge, skill and innovation in the mix – and with that task only being a part of the more holistic judging decisions to be considered.

A huge congratulations, then, from both the judges and the Harpers team, to our Top 25 Sommeliers 2023.

Methodology

Harpers canvassed the trade for nominations, creating a long list of potential candidates who were then invited to submit information against a series of criteria, including: experience and training; buying and crafting the list; pricing and margins; customer service; initiatives and innovations; supplier relationships; staff leadership and training; and food pairing.

Judging Panel

Eric Aracil, director, Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon

Céline Bouteiller, director, Otaria Communications & Media

Stefan Neumann MS, wine consultant, Fells

Andrew Catchpole, judging chair, and editor, Harpers Wine & Spirit

 

Top 25 Sommeliers 2023

01) Isa Bal MS

Co-owner and sommelier, Trivet

A unanimous decision found Isa Bal MS bagging pole position, with his list at Trivet described as both highly innovative and a work of beauty. Structured to follow the geographical timeline of vitus vinifera’s cultivation, this puts the likes of Georgia, Armenia and Greece to the fore, with modest mark-ups also encouraging guests to fully explore a cornucopia of exciting and off-piste wines. And this ever-evolving feast is more than matched by uber-professional service and the fantastic food of co-owner Jonny Lake. All in all, the real deal, making for a wine-lovers’ paradise in a wonderfully relaxed and unpretentious setting that does its utmost to be accessible and welcoming to all.

 

02) Agnieszka Swiecka

Head of wine, Mount St Restaurant and The Audley 

Polish-born Agnieszka Swiecka is a somm whose star is very much in the ascendant, moving up two places on last year and homing in on the top spot. After starting out at one-Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social, she took her first head somm role at Five Fields and is now operating in the genteel surroundings of Mayfair where she is head of wine for restaurant-with-rooms Mount St and ‘art and food’ pub The Audley. A fan of Swiss wines – “they don’t feature enough on UK wine lists” – this year she passed her ASI Gold Diploma and is preparing for her first MS exam in the autumn. Every wine here has to pass the test of fitting the restaurant concept while taking the guest on an enjoyable journey – a self-set challenge that Swiecka does so very well.

 

03) Gareth Ferreira MS

Head sommelier and beverage director, Core by Clare Smyth

With a CV that reads like a who’s who of some of the most prestigious sommelier posts going, Gareth Ferreira MS’ 18 years of country-hopping experience has clearly been distilled into Core’s 3,200-strong cellar. This personal work of love treads a near-perfect line between classic wines and regions, while folding in older vintages and rarer finds, delivering interest and excitement on every page. Add in personally crafted maps and inspiring quotes on the list, a dynamic, sometimes daily evolution of that wine offer, plus an impeccably professional approach, and it all ensures that the guests have the best wine and food experience possible.

 

04) Roxane Dupuy

Head sommelier, The Twenty Two

Roxane Dupy’s somm journey began just over 10 years ago with sommelier classes at France’s ‘wine university’ in Suze-la-Rousse. After an apprenticeship at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant and a spell at the Beau Rivage Palace in Switzerland she moved to the UK, spending time under Fred Brugues at the Lecture Room and Library, during which time they hit three-Michelin-star status. Her wine list at Twenty Two is, she admits, “very personal – most of the wines are in my cellar!”. But her criteria are simple: juice, value for money, maturity and curiosity. She puts a big emphasis on sourcing older vintages so guests have the freedom of “tasting a wine when it’s ready”.

 

05) Julien Sarrasin

Head sommelier, Hide

French-born Julien Sarrasin curates an impeccable list at the Michelin-starred Hide, where, with the additional pool of Hedonism Wines’ incredible cellar to draw on, he offers “an immensely deep, rich and well-furnished wine list”, mining delights and interesting finds from 38 countries. Value is at the heart of this offer too, with each wine chosen to deliver as good an organoleptic experience as possible, with guest pleasure to the forefront of everything that Sarrasin has set out to achieve. With 6,500-odd bins of wine to draw on, the list nonetheless remains as dynamic and ever-evolving as could be.

 

06) Fred Brugues

Wine director, Sketch Restaurant

Fred Brugues’ wine list is not short of big names, but arguably none greater than that of his first job – Château Haut-Brion – where he finally secured work as an intern after repeatedly knocking on the door and being turned away. He had a couple of spells with Marco Pierre White, before the “greatest journey of my career so far” – opening Sketch Restaurant. He’s based the latter’s list on wines that are not commonly available elsewhere, whether that’s Old or New World, quirky or classics. His twin passions are England – “so much more than sparkling wines” – and France, where he poetically observes that “the growers of tomorrow are so different to the ones of yesterday”.

 

07) Nicolò Cereghini

Head sommelier, Hélène Darroze at the Connaught 

From an early start in the family hospitality business near Como to his current high-profile post at the three-Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze, Nicolò Cereghini says of his vinous journey that he “understood that wine would have to become part of my life” from an early age. After various stints in fine-dining restaurants in his native Italy, it was Cereghini’s move to London in 2018, when he landed a place on The Connaught’s sommelier team, that allowed him to fully explore the breadth and depth of the international wine scene that so clearly informs this now 3,500-stong list of greats and goodies today.

 

08) Jonathan Kleeman

Executive group sommelier and wine and beverage director, Story

Jonathan Kleeman was bitten by the hospitality bug from a young age – the result, no doubt, of having a father who worked as a pub chef. From his early days as a schoolboy pot-washer he’s moved relentlessly up through the ranks – assistant restaurant manager, deputy head somm and head somm at starry venues like the Ritz and Jason Atherton’s Social Eating House. He’s been a voluble presence in the UK hospitality scene for more than a decade. Head somm at Story restaurant for over three years, he values small producers and unique wines, but also “working with people who are pleasant and enjoyable to collaborate with… working with people who share our values is crucial”.

 

09) Merlin Ramos

Head sommelier and wine buyer, Humo

From the somm selection to themed groupings taking in the likes of ‘regional whites & ducks out of water’, ‘island & coastal’ and ‘high attitude 1,000-1,499m’, Merlin Ramos has created a list that is at once playful, engaging and a joy to read. Of mixed French and Spanish heritage, his background in wine began with travelling in regions such as Alsace, Rioja, Jurançon and Gascony, but was sealed in London, variously at Borough Wines, Club Gascon and then Pollen Street Social, where last year’s Top 25 Sommelier list-topper Laure Patry mentored and encouraged Ramos to become the outstanding sommelier  he is today.

 

10) Cong Cong Bo

Co-owner, Amphora Cambridge

Is there anything that Cong Cong Bo can’t do? Her CV covers an MA in medical sciences from the University of Cambridge, where she also produced sparky animations for educational videos, and creating the very of-the-moment retail/hospitality venue, Amphora, with 200 wines on sale, 80 of them by the glass. Her wine list is equally eclectic, with enthusiasms including cool-climate South Africa, Portugal, Colheita Ports and underrepresented or up-and-coming regions such as Georgia. The only prerequisite? To get a listing at Amphora a wines’ character cannot be masked by ‘funk’! Constantly evolving tasting flights keep Bo busy – and the customers on their toes.

 

11) Joshua Mullock

Group head sommelier, The Askham Collection, Askham Hall

Leaving a degree in international business and Spanish at Edinburgh university to take a job as assistant head sommelier at Number One at the Balmoral certainly paid off for Joshua Mullock. There, under the tutelage of Glen Montgomery (now co-owner at Eórna), he rapidly rose to take on the head somm position at The Raby Hunt, helping it win two Michelin stars, before consolidating all he’d learnt in his current position at Askham Hall, overseeing four lists including the flagship restaurant, Allium. Superb lists, perfectly tailored to each establishment, with wines that “offer a sense of place, emotion and character”.

 

12) Valentin Mouillard

Head sommelier, L’Enclume

Valentin Mouillard spent most of his childhood hanging around his father’s restaurant on the Loire coast, where he loved meeting people and trying out new flavour combinations. After studying at hospitality school in Saint-Nazaire and working in France for a while, he headed over to the UK, where he has worked his way up through the ranks at Simon Rogan’s top Lake District eatery L’Enclume. Head sommelier for four years, Mouillard is open minded when it comes to wine styles (the Loire, Jura, Austria and South Africa are favourites). From his 17 suppliers, he gravitates towards small-scale producers and growers who operate sustainably.

 

13) Matthew Davison

Head sommelier, Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms

Following a history degree, Matthew Davison “fell into hospitality, not knowing it would shape my entire career path”, but landed on his very capable feet, with WSET qualifications helping him bag his first sommelier role at Restaurant Sat Bains. Inspired to continue to develop his passion for wine, he then took up a position as head of operations and sommelier at Fischer’s Baslow Hall, before moving again to his current role at Moor Hall three and a half years later. Extensive research forms a large part of the method by which Davison sources new wines, allowing him “to stumble across some wonderful progressive winemakers… that are carving the future of the industry”, many of whom now grace this ever-evolving list.

 

14) Miguel Crunia

Head sommelier, Whiskers Wine Bar & Bistro

Some children get sat in front of CBeebies. Miguel Crunia spent his childhood running around the empty pipes and tonneaux in his grandfather’s wine merchant business in La Coruna. A career in wine might have seemed written in the stars, but it was not until 2012 that it started, at Number One at the Balmoral in Edinburgh, a city where he has stayed ever since, working at multiple top venues. Having created the ‘cheeky’ wine list at Whiskers Wine Bar, he’s a big fan of minimum intervention (with the caveat that it “must be clean”) and emerging regions. “Wouldn’t it make sense in Scotland to serve Atlantic wines to Atlantic people?” His Galician grandad would surely approve.

 

15) Alexandra Price

Head of wine, Crispin & Bar Crispin 

Having a first taste for a career in wine with a role in Annabel’s wine cellar clearly set the bar high judging by Alexandra Price’s future trajectory, with “exposure to iconic wines at a young age”, plus the mentoring dispensed by Richard Rotti, setting her on a path that led to today’s top job at Crispin. Overseeing the wine programme here involves bringing personal ethics to bear too, with organic, bio and natural to the fore, and wines arranged under headers such as ‘Continental’, ‘Maritime’ and ‘Mediterranean’, encouraging customers to explore new and up-and-coming varieties, styles and regions.

 

16) Beatrice Bessi

Head sommelier, Chiltern Firehouse 

Beatrice Bessi’s career in hospitality began while at school in Parma, when she started working in bars to earn money. A human dynamo, she’s never stopped since, though she has shifted from bar to somm work. She moved to London (67 Pall Mall) in 2016 and somehow juggled being a sole parent with the demands of hospitality, taking on the head somm role at Chiltern Firehouse three years later. She has created what she calls “a pretty classic” wine list – albeit one with 50 suppliers that changes on a fortnightly basis. Her go-to somm traits? “Empathy, hard work, and being humble and a team player.”

 

17) Sarah Wright

Head sommelier, The Mulwray, Evelyn’s Table, and The Blue Posts

Sarah Wright’s packed CV tells the tale of her passion for wine, having worked as a wine educator, a wine writer, distributor and as a wine director in California and Massachusetts before moving to London to somm at The 10 Cases and then Lucky Cat. Joining the Mulwray in 2021, she has also somehow found the time to work on three vintages with London urban wineries Blackbook and London Cru, with wines reflecting her enthusiasm for low-intervention styles. And her current list? From the ‘Firm Favourites’ to ‘The Path Less Trodden’, it’s as creative and engaging as it gets.

 

18) Vanessa Stolz

Head sommelier, Restaurant Pine

Vanessa Stolz’s father worked in the wine industry in Alsace, and after falling in love with the category via Loire Sancerre  she started out as a sommelier in 2016. With WSET Level 3 and a CMS certified behind her, she is working towards the Advanced. At Pine, she is looking for wines that are “exceptional and intriguing, but relatable to our palates”. It’s a list that eschews easy sells like NZ Sauvignon or Argentinian Malbec in favour of wines that are adventurous and diverse – and the customers love it. “I’ll always be happy that I’ve tried a different approach to constituting a wine list,” she says.

 

19) Charles Carron Brown

Restaurant manager, Aulis

Beginning his wine career at The Ritz where he also worked under the guidance of Tobias Brauweiler MS, Charles Carron Brown was hooked on the “theatre and making people feel very special”, while combining that with a classic hospitality experience and a mega-list that offered all an aspiring sommelier could hope for. Some years later, and with a career now spanning Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social, Roka, L’Enclume and Linthwaite House, he has brought originality and passion to the very dynamic list at Aulis.

 

20) Glen Montgomery

Co-owner and sommelier, Eòrna restaurant

Glen Montgomery has a CV that takes in some of the best restaurants in Scotland – among them the Witchery, Number One at the Balmoral, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Heron, and has now just opened up a beautiful new chef/sommelier 12-seater seasonal dining experience in Stockbridge with chef and friend Brian Grigor. Without “deliciousness” a wine won’t get listed, but a winery’s ethics are important too, specifically sustainability. He’s a big fan of the classic styles – Burgundy, Italy, German/Austrian Riesling – but is working on presenting them in a different way on the list – by style rather than geographical approach. “It’ll be smoother,” he says. “Though the real work is done between sommelier and guest.”

 

21) Victor Barré

Head sommelier, Chez Bruce

Presiding over the wine list at this wine trade favourite oasis is a joy for Victor Barré, with a thirsty and passionate audience among Chez Bruce’s regular customers, who want to explore and try good wine. A London-born sommelier of French descent, he meets this expectation with a list that features “wine that is either delicious, good value or made by people with intent, passion and consideration – preferably a mix of all of those!” The geographical reach is broad, but Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Tuscany and South Africa are particular strengths here.

 

22) Donald Edwards

Head sommelier, La Trompette

Ten years ago, Donald Edwards saw his first hospitality venture, Peckham Bazaar, go from pop up to acclaimed bricks-and-mortar venue, and he’s continued to make an impression ever since. Despite studying at the UK’s wine college, Plumpton, and going through the WSET programme, he describes himself as “mostly self-taught” when it comes to wine, and is rarely short of an opinion. While thoroughly appreciative of holding the keys to La Trompette’s enviable collection of Burgundy, where he can mix younger, more alternative producers with “several decades of en primeur purchasing”, he’s also a big fan of Australia which, he feels, deserves more appreciation.

 

23) Antonio Palmarini

Head sommelier, Beaverbrook Townhouse 

Wine, sake and tea sit cheek by jowl in the Japanese-rooted eateries at Beaverbrook Townhouse, with Antonio Palmarini’s passion for and training in all three very clearly evident across a list that is designed to pair so well with the food. Rule one, says Antonio, is “having diversity in style, quality and price – every style of wine needs to have price accessible to everyone”, while rule two is to “adjust to the market and give more options of the most requested style and price”.

 

24) Shane McHugh

Group wine buyer, Goodman Restaurant Holdings

A trained chef, bar manager and restaurant manager, Shane McHugh fell in love with wine 10 years ago, and has gone on to work at top-class venues, with stints at Social Wine & Tapas, Gordon Ramsay, Savoy Grill and Pétrus. He worked on the first two Adam Handling Frog restaurants, before joining Goodman in 2019, where he’s been head of wine, managing the lists for five restaurants, including Zelman and Beast. California remains the focus, though he’s branched out into lesser-known AVAs, with a strong and seasonal by-the-glass offering.

25) Anna Frost

Head sommelier, Ophelia/GRDY Group 

Starting under the tutelage of Ed Wilson of Brawn, working with an exemplary list of natural winemakers, Anna Frost went on to garner top-notch experience at L’Enclume and Rogan & Co in Cartmel, Cumbria, before joining Restaurant Hjem to further hone her already impressive drinks expertise. From there she spring-boarded on to the ambitious northern GRDY Group, anchoring herself at Ophelia, where the cellar is focused on France, with biodynamic growers to the fore. And, as a sideline, Frost offers her expertise to non-profit projects helping outlets that can’t afford a somm to create a high-quality wine list.

 

 

Source: Harper’s

Welcome to a fresh week of Where Ginger Goes! Get ready to join us on another weekend adventure as we explore delightful destinations, mouthwatering treats, and memorable experiences. From scenic landscapes to family outings, and exciting concerts to indulgent meals, our team members had a weekend filled with unforgettable moments.

Two Islands Ice Cream & Crust

Jodie embarked on a weekend getaway to North Wales, accompanied by her furry friend Alan. Their first stop was Two Islands, where they indulged in the irresistible dark chocolate and sea salt ice cream. Jodie crowned it as the very best ice cream, savouring the perfect blend of flavours. She also delighted in a meal at Crust, one of her favourite restaurants, relishing the amazing pizzas on offer.

Fence Gate Inn

Paige treated herself to a classic Sunday roast dinner at The Fence Gate Inn, Burnley. As a special highlight, she had the pleasure of meeting Harry, who works in the bar at the Fence Gate Inn and is a fan of Where Ginger Goes. In honour of Harry’s support, the team recognizes him as the star of this week’s Where Ginger Goes.

 

 

The Shed in Stydd Gardens

Craig sought the spots of sunshine at The Shed in Stydd Gardens, enjoying the company of friends and sipping on delightful cocktails, including a fantastic espresso martini. The Shed provided the perfect setting to unwind and soak up the weekend vibes.

 

Castlefield Bowl & LNER Community Stadium

Ben had an eventful weekend, starting with attending the Bad Blood tour by the band Bastille in Manchester at The Castlefield Bowl. The captivating concert set the tone for a thrilling weekend. On Saturday, Ben witnessed the football match between York City and Sheffield Wednesday, which ended in an exciting 1-1 draw. It was a sports-filled weekend full of excitement and shared passion.

Knowsley Safari Park

Colin enjoyed a family day out at Knowsley Safari Park. Despite the rain, they embarked on a memorable drive-through safari, encountering a variety of animals, including sleepy lions and rhinos. The sea lion show offered a delightful break from the rain, showcasing the magnificent skills of these fascinating creatures.

This weekend showcased a diverse range of experiences, from indulgent treats and exciting concerts to wildlife encounters and family outings. Stay tuned for more captivating tales from Where Ginger Goes.

Welcome to a fresh week of Where Ginger Goes! Get ready to embark on another exciting journey as we explore the diverse weekend experiences of our team members. From themed events to exclusive dining, and musical festivals to holiday getaways, this weekend was filled with unforgettable moments and delightful discoveries.

 

The Shed, Stydd Gardens

Jodie immersed herself in a special Spanish-themed event at The Shed within the picturesque Stydd Gardens in the Ribble Valley. With the enchanting sounds of Spanish Guitar by the band Duckworth and Duprez and the tantalizing aroma of paella cooked by Grounded by Will Backhouse, Jodie enjoyed a Sunday afternoon filled with Spanish flavours and captivating music.

 

Crafthouse Restaurant, Leeds

Jenni indulged in the beautiful surroundings of Crafthouse Restaurant in Leeds. Surrounded by fresh greenery, she relished the exclusive dining experience curated by Head Chef Simon Jewitt. From the amazing food to the attentive service, Jenni expresses her gratitude to the team for providing a memorable culinary journey.

 

Potters Barn, Ribchester

Craig embraced the vibrant atmosphere of the Caribbean Nights-themed events at Potters Barn with the Island Pantry. The themed three-course menu, skilfully prepared by Chef Erphelia Chambers, delighted Craig’s taste buds. From the Salt cod fritters with tropical salsa to the delightful rum cocktail, it was a Caribbean-inspired feast to remember.

 

 

Whalley Wine Bar, Clitheroe

Josh enjoyed a Saturday evening at the Whalley Wine Bar, a perfect spot to unwind with friends. The outdoor seating area provided a relaxed ambience while sipping on a glass of Provence Rosé, creating the ideal setting for a memorable evening.

 

Lytham Festival

Paige had an incredible time at the Lytham Festival, with a special highlight being the live performance by George Ezra. The festival brought together renowned acts such as Jamiroquai, Sting, Lionel Richie, and Def Leppard, creating a magical musical experience.

 

 

Inn on the Square, Keswick

Robyn embarked on a great weekend away in the Lake District. The holiday kicked off with cocktails at Inn on the Square in Keswick, where Robyn indulged in a fantastic espresso martini, setting the tone for a delightful getaway.

 

 

 

Square Orange, Keswick

During her time in Keswick, Robyn also enjoyed a meal at Square Orange, which specialises in freshly prepared pizzas and tapas. The food, service, and vibrant atmosphere impressed Robyn, making it a memorable dining experience.

 

 

 

Star of Siam, Keswick

Robyn’s Keswick adventure continued with a visit to Star of Siam, where she was delighted by the flavours and service. Robyn expresses her special thanks to the team for accommodating her last-minute visit.

 

This weekend offered a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, culinary delights, music, and holiday getaways for our team members. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and experiences from Where Ginger Goes.

Revel in Björn Frantzén’s new Nordic-Asian invention, precision and originality.

For a place with such a celebrated food hall, it’s still strange to think of Harrods as a dining destination. That vast site, however, is dotted with catering options, from simple cafés and coffee bars to the considerably more elaborate, via solid performers like Pasta Evangelists

That “considerably more elaborate” section packs considerable punch, from the likes of Caviar House & Prunier to names such as Jason Atherton, Tom Kerridge, and Vineet Bhatia. And, as of late last year, Björn Frantzén, the multi-starred, multi-award-winning Swedish chef who’s brought his Studio Frantzén concept, quite appropriately, to the top of the shop on Harrods’s fifth floor.

In short, Studio Frantzén is a stunner, both in terms of looks and culinary execution. Style-wise, think Knightsbridge-does-Scandinavian-lodge, a multi-layered, wood-lined, vast-yet-intimate space, cleverly lit, and dotted with throw blankets. There’s a similar fusing of styles in the menu too, where that Scandi/new Nordic spirit meets Asian influences – and frequently to quite stunning effect.

 

The food

The menu and, one assumes, every meal they’ve served to date, starts with warm, laminated milk bread, blond miso butter, and borage honey (£9) which is 446 calories of laminated, genius-perhaps-even-god-level baking. Yes, each menu item comes with two figures: the calorie count and the price. The Scandi-Japanese thing means the former is often surprisingly low. The Scandi-Japanese thing, and the postcode, means the latter is often predictably high. It is, however, almost always worth it and certainly evident in the quality of the ingredients.

Bread done, and the hits keep coming, whether it’s big ticket stuff such as the tartar of tuna and red deer, or the surprise brilliance of a bitter red salad, tossed in shiso and pumpkin hot sauce. The tartar (£29/149 calories) comes with “Kalix vendace roe, wasabi cream, fermented plum and warm ginger butter” and it’s achingly pretty on the plate. The inspiration came, we’re told, from the two proteins being the same approximate shade, but the pairing is so much more than just visual effect or optical illusion.

The bitter red salad is also a revelation, each leaf subtly coated in a slick of umami and spice… and its numbers (£8/119 calories) suggest you could, if budget demands it, put together a pretty decent, lowish calorie/two-digit bill menu just from the sides. Or come for the good value lunch – two courses for £45 or three courses for £55.

If you do, you have more willpower than I do because, when faced with dishes billed as steamed turbot “Jansson’s temptation” (£59/808 calories), I will almost always applaud like a Teletubby and ignore subsequent calls from medical professionals and my credit card company. It is, frankly, a divine plate of food, as perfectly cooked a piece of turbot as you’ll find, and taken to new heights of savoury pleasure with butter sauce, anchovies, caviar and dill. It’s precisely what overdrafts (and possibly statins) are for.

While we’re talking defibrillators – kind of – the attention-grabbing dessert is the rum-raisin ice cream (£14/316 calories). Sounds so very 1970s until you read the small print involving “frozen foie gras, PX-syrup and yeast mousse”. It’s a rich little thing of tasty decadence, but it’s actually nudged down the pecking order by the (alright, slightly more calorific) freshly baked madeleines (£7/325 calories), with beurre noisette and Kyoto miso. A very fine finish to a very fine meal.

 

The service and wine

Service is deeply knowledgeable – to that American waiting staff depth of understanding and detail – and the wine list is hugely creative and clever. Although I guess you have to be when you’re trying to match fish and game on the same fork and puddings made with liver. Price-wise it’s perhaps predictably somewhat eye-popping with nothing we could see sub-£50, although there is an extensive by-the-glass list, starting at a moderate value £9 (and soaring into three figures for chateaus Margaux or d’Yquem because, well, they can).

 

 

The verdict

Some will find it challenging, some will find it exorbitant, some will find Studio Frantzén pretentious. But some of you – correction, some of us – will understand and revel in its invention, precision and originality.

 

Source: The Week

The UK, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and charming locales, offers a plethora of wonderful staycation experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning Lake District, the vibrant city life, or the scenic southern coasts, there’s something for everyone.

 

Known for its breathtaking views and abundant water activities, the Lake District is a treasure trove for the adventurous. Lake Windermere, for instance, offers a range of water sports such as sailing, water skiing, paddle boarding, and canoeing.

The Daffodil Hotel Spa

The Daffodil Hotel Spa, situated near Lake Windermere in Grasmere, is a sanctuary for nature lovers. This hotel offers a range of amenities including a golf course, hiking trails, a picnic area, and airport transportation. Its close proximity to Scafell Pike and Safari Zoo adds to the appeal.

 

For those seeking a coastal holiday, Devon, nestled on the southern coast of England, is an ideal choice. With pristine white sands and clear waters, Devon promises a refreshing experience.

The Mole Resort

The Mole Resort at High Bullen Hotel – Located in the heart of Chittlehamholt, this hotel boasts an extensive list of amenities including a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, a pool, gym, and a croquet lawn. The resort is situated amidst 127 acres of breathtaking grounds, providing magnificent views towards Dartmoor and Exmoor.

 

Bristol, with its blend of rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and fantastic hospitality offerings, presents an ideal staycation destination, offering a unique mix of city life and countryside charm that caters to every traveller’s desires.

Old Church Farm

Situated in the north of Bristol, the Old Church Farm Hotel is a gateway to many local attractions. With a variety of facilities on offer such as fishing, surfing, golfing, and more, it’s a perfect choice for both relaxation and exploration.

 

London, the dynamic capital city, offers an unrivalled staycation experience with its rich tapestry of history, diverse cultural attractions, world-renowned landmarks, bustling markets, stunning parks, and exceptional hospitality, providing an enticing mix of exploration, entertainment, and relaxation

Park Grand London Hyde Park

Located in the heart of London, the Park Grand London Hyde Park offers a unique urban experience. With an array of facilities including high-speed internet, dry cleaning, room service, and close proximity to famous landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, it’s an excellent choice for city explorers.

 

In conclusion, staycations in the UK offer an unparalleled experience, combining stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, and a diverse range of activities. The convenience, coupled with the unique charm of the UK’s hospitality industry, makes it a favourable choice for travellers all year round. Whether you’re planning for the summer or the winter, the UK’s staycation offerings are sure to make your holiday truly special.

With more and more of us discovering the joys of holidays close to home – from England and Wales to Scotland and Northern Ireland – there’s intense demand for hotels that treat children as mini VIPs, not a huge hassle – meaning parents can relax properly.

 

Whether you’re looking for a city break with plenty of museums and attractions to keep the kids entertained, a rural adventure in the countryside, or a seaside escape with scope for rockpooling and water sports, we’ve scoured the country to find the perfect place for you and your clan. You can even stay in a luxury treehouse – surely a dream come true for many kids (and those of us who are still young at heart).

 

We’ve covered all kinds of locations, too, from Scotland to Cornwall and myriad places in between. Wherever you’ve set your sights, here are the UK’s best family-friendly hotels to make time away with your loved ones that little bit extra special.

 

Best hotel for lakeside living: Another Place

Location: Cumbria

The sight of Ullswater’s dramatic lake scape through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the swimming pool here got everyone’s attention when Another Place – a contemporary country hotel – opened in 2017.

Joyously, it’s not just spa bunnies who will enjoy this shoreside retreat. The hotel piles on fun for families, and its relaxed, non-chintzy atmosphere makes it a firm favourite for modern-day Swallows and Amazons.

Days can be spent wild swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking on Ullswater. The Ofsted-registered Kids Zone offers free childcare each day and there’s babysitting available too. Even the tiny but gorgeous shepherd huts, out on the grounds, have bunks for younger children.

 

Best hotel for seaside and spa: Fowey Hall

Location: Cornwall

Situated above Fowey estuary, the lawn of this Victorian hotel looks across rooftops that spill down to the harbour. Fowey Hall has recently completed a multi-million-pound expansion and refurbishment, including new spa suites and an outdoor pool, providing panoramic views of the ocean. Children are allowed in the spa, which has an indoor pool and offers health treatments. Most of the spacious bedrooms take extra beds for little ones, too.

While parents read or sip cocktails on the terrace, kids can burn off energy in the Wind in the Willows-themed play area. The Four Bears Den is a kids’ club for under-eights, with up to 90 minutes of free childcare provided daily. If you fancy going further afield, grab a picnic and discover the idyllic coves nearby – one of which is less than 10 minutes away.

 

Best boutique hotel: The Victoria Inn

Location: Norfolk

Set between glorious parkland where kids can run freely and the undulating dunes of Holkham’s beach, “The Vic” has an appealing setting for families.

The two period buildings (housing 20 bedrooms) are attractive, with creeper-clad brickwork and the air of a welcoming inn. The rooms are simply dressed, with some featuring wooden beams, and include large family suites.

The fabulous restaurant is a boon, serving seasonal food made from quality produce, such as local seafood and vegetables from the Holkham Estate’s walled garden. Children can expect a dedicated menu for both lunch and dinner.

 

Best hotel in the capital: The Resident Kensington

Location: Kensington

If what you want from a London hotel is good looks, a convenient location, a kitchenette – should you need one – and super value, The Resident in Kensington ticks all those boxes.

Taking over a white Edwardian townhouse on a leafy mews, just four minutes’ walk from Earls Court tube, the handsome rooms are design-conscious, with Paul Smith Anglepoise lamps and furniture made locally in West London. In-room amenities include coffee machines and interactive TVs. Kids are sure to appreciate the Luxury Bunk rooms, which come with bunk beds, of course, and private bathrooms.

The hotel’s just a 15-minute walk to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and the V&A.

 

Best hotel for rockpooling: Cary Arms & Spa

Location: Devon

This traditional seaside hotel caters for families in the old-fashioned way, by providing ample buckets, spades and fishing nets for guests to borrow, followed by dinner (with a kids’ menu) in a stone-walled inn afterwards.

Over the years, The Cary Arms has renovated a range of family-friendly accommodation beside its original hotel, which has a small spa. Alongside the two-bedroom suites in the main property are seven seaside cottages of various sizes, with their own working fires, gardens, dining terraces and barbecues.

Families can walk the South West Coast Path together or ride the clifftop railway. Kids will lose track of time pottering between rocks in Babbacombe’s bays.

 

Best hotel for active thrills: Crieff Hydro

Location: Scotland

Wrapped in the Perthshire countryside, this grand Victorian hotel is perfect for adventurous families who want to let off steam. With on-site activities including alpaca trekking, archery tag, treetop ziplines, an adventure park, swimming pool, a three-storey soft play and a den of retro games, children won’t have time to be bored. You can even take them off-site to paddleboard on nearby Loch Earn.

Stay either in the main house or in self-catering lodges amid trees in the grounds. Grown-ups can escape to the adults-only Victorian baths and spa.

 

Best hotel for water sports: Watergate Bay Hotel

Location: Cornwall

While parents watch waves crash over Watergate Bay’s two-mile beach from a hot tub, older children can sample a range of water sports at the hotel’s popular surf school. Surfing lessons are offered from beginner level, or kids can try paddleboarding too.

Expansive sea views and brightly stylish furniture combine to make the hotel’s luxurious Loft Suites particularly tempting for families. The Family Suites are more traditional, coming with a bunk room.

 

A supervised games room and play space takes care of bad-weather days, plus there are four restaurants to choose from, satisfying even the pickiest of eaters (parents included).

 

Best hotel for wildlife: Bovey Castle

Location: Dartmoor

Set within 275 acres of countryside in the Dartmoor National Park, Bovey is an imposing house with plenty for active families to get stuck into. Children will love exploring nature trails through ancient woodland, spotting deer in the grounds and the many organised activities, such as archery, bushcraft, falconry and meeting ferrets.

For adults, there’s the Elan Spa to retreat to, with an Art Deco pool that has views across the hills. Alternatively, enjoy an afternoon tea or just the sound of silence when wild swimming in the lake.

Family rooms are available or, for more space, luxurious granite lodges have kitchens and are a short walk away. Hot meals can be delivered if you want a night off from cooking.

 

Best country house hotel: Woolley Grange

Location: Wiltshire

Part of the Luxury Family Hotels group, Woolley Grange is a shabby-chic manor house that’s a 10-minute train ride from Bath and half-an-hour’s drive from Longleat Safari Park.

Set above the charming wool town of Bradford-on-Avon, the hotel has a creche with free childcare and a children’s den, plus gardens filled with games, a fairy garden and a heated outdoor pool.

A luxurious tented camp is set up for glampers in the summer, when staff lay on all manner of activities – from football championships to scavenger hunts.

Children eat early, so adults can enjoy their dinner alone, thanks to a sleep-monitoring service. The spa even offers mini-me treatments alongside those for parents.

 

Best hotel for luxury treehouses: Chewton Glen Hotel

Location: Hampshire

For five-star family-fun, Chewton Glen in the New Forest is hard to beat. Children stay for free during the school holidays and budding chefs, aged eight and above, will rave about the hotel’s state-of-the-art cookery school. The children’s club is supervised, while outdoor activities include tennis, mountain biking, falconry, duck herding and wild swimming.

 

For larger family groups – or for those wanting to seriously splash out – the treehouse suites sleep up to 14 people and have beautiful features, such as wrap-around wooden balconies between the branches and special hatches for food hampers to be delivered.

 

Best for safari: The Bath Arms

Location: Wiltshire

This traditional, ivy-covered inn occupies a corner of the Longleat Estate, meaning 9,000 acres of towering forest and parkland are right on your doorstep (plus a less grand but handy sand pit in the garden), as is Longleat Safari Park. Use this pub-with-rooms as a base for visits to the nearby lions and hippos, and you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere that is ideal for families.

The restaurant is inventive in its use of strictly local, seasonal produce, and offers a kids’ menu. Large, stylish rooms accommodate an extra child’s bed or cot (both are available on request).

 

Best hotel for bike rides: The Ickworth Hotel

Location: Suffolk

Little ones are especially well catered for at this hotel, which takes over the wing of a National Trust-owned manor house in Suffolk. As with other hotels in the Luxury Family Hotels group, 90 minutes of free childcare per night is included in the stay. Children rule the pool (though parents can nip to the spa) and there is an Ofsted-registered creche.

What stands out are the opportunities for walking and cycling through woodland, past roe deer, a magnificent Rotunda and the Italianate gardens. The National Trust has bikes for hire – including balance bikes for toddlers – and you can even borrow all-terrain pushchairs from the hotel.

Children eat early, so parents can dine in peace, with a complimentary baby-monitoring device.

 

 

 

Source: The Independent

Welcome to a fresh week of Where Ginger Goes! Join us as we embark on another weekend adventure, exploring delicious meals, picturesque venues, and wonderful experiences. Our team members had a delightful time, from cosy dinners to outdoor escapades.

The Queens Hotel, Lytham

Jodie kicked off her weekend with a lovely Friday night tea at The Queens Hotel in Lytham. She savoured a Chicken Caesar salad, accompanied by a refreshing glass of Pimm’s prosecco, creating the perfect combination of flavours for a delightful evening.

 

 

Teepee on the Green by Yu

Craig discovered Teepee on the Green by Yu in Copster Green, where he indulged in their award-winning twist on Chinese cuisine. The sunny ambience added to the experience, making it a memorable culinary adventure.

 

 

The Coach and Horses, Bolton By Bowland

Jack enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the Coach and Horses in Bolton By Bowland, relishing a refreshing pint in the beer garden. He also had the opportunity to try a platter of food prepared by his former colleague, who is now the Head Chef at The Coach and Horses. It was a true testament to the culinary skills of the team.

The Black Horse, Nettleham

Ben had a fantastic weekend away with his family in Nettleham, filled with barbecues and pizzas cooked in their own pizza oven. They also visited The Black Horse, where they savoured a great meal and topped it off with a delicious apple crumble.

 

 

Le Brise Lames, Roscoff

Josh embarked on a week-long adventure on his boat, venturing over to France. He visited Le Brise Lames in Roscoff, enjoying the amazing views and wonderful sunshine, whether on land or at sea.

 

 

 

Alexander’s, Skipton

Robyn experienced the delights of Alexander’s in Skipton, indulging in half a dozen oysters paired with a very nice bottle of Sancerre. The excellent service and beautiful terrace surroundings added to the overall great experience, leaving Robyn eager to return soon.

 

 

New Brighton and Heaton Park

Colin relished the classic pleasure of traditional fish and chips in New Brighton. He then spent a day at Heaton Park in Manchester, exploring the beautiful grounds and even taking a delightful pedalo ride on the lake.

 

 

 

This weekend was filled with delightful meals, scenic escapades, and memorable experiences for our team members. Stay tuned for more captivating tales from Where Ginger Goes.