However, with this hotel everyone gets a multitude of freebies – and who doesn’t love something free? Despite being part of Hyatt, Andaz hotels are all very individual, designed to reflect the city and area that they are in. 

Location

The location may not seem the obvious choice for leisure travellers, but actually, if you are foodie, it’s the perfect base. It’s also great for public transport being actually attached to Liverpool street station. 

Nearby you have Spitalfields market and Brick Lane famous for its curry houses and vintage market. It’s also now got warehouse art exhibitions and trendy clubs and bars. The new Van Gogh Immersive experience is around 10 minutes away too. Below I will give some of my recommendations in the area such as Eataly, the huge Italian foodie heaven shop, and restaurants only a couple of blocks away. Borough Market, one of my personal favourites, is around 15 minutes by public transport. Finely you are also very close to trendy Shoreditch with all the various bars and restaurants on offer. 

Check-in

The Andaz London Liverpool Street by Hyatt check-in area is artistic feeling and slightly quirky. The great service started from the moment I arrived with an offer to help with luggage and open the door for me.

The Andaz London Liverpool Street by Hyatt is a bit like Virgin in that they pride themselves on their staff being allowed to bring their personality to work and to give the best service they can in their own individual style. Guests are welcomed with a glass of Prosecco (freebie no 1). I really liked that the lovely lady that checked me in, told me her name and even wrote it on my room card in case I needed anything. I found all the reception staff very helpful and personable during my stay. She explained how everything worked such as breakfast and the restaurants before escorting me to the lifts. 

Being a travel geek, I loved how a little nook in the reception lounge was sectioned off with old suitcases:

Everything is well signposted with maps in the lift. The hotel spans two buildings and is on multiple levels so you need one to find your way around!

The lifts also had TV screens playing videos in them.

The room

There are plenty of different rooms to chose from a basic one queen bed to a fitness-equipped room with your own Peloton bike or a luxury suite. Even the entry rooms feel large for a London hotel. The style of the hotel reflects the juxtaposition of the hotel between the formal city and the artistic feel of neighbourhoods like Shoreditch.

The mix of decor stylesin Andaz London Liverpool Street by Hyatt is reflected in things like the pinstripe carpet in the rooms and corridors versus the eclectic and brightly coloured reception area or the mural and lights in my room.

The light fitting were definitely a bit quirky but stylish:

I had a King Deluxe room in Andaz London Liverpool Street by Hyatt which felt enormous. The decor feels eclectic and despite quite a bit of black, it did not feel gloomy. I found the oom well equipped with a good-sized wardrobe and plenty of hangars (one of my pet peeves recently), iron and ironing board.

The desk area had plenty of sockets by it and was nice and bright being by the window. You’ll notice there was also more free stuff – sanitiser wipes and hand gel. In fact, the whole room was very well equipped with sockets including  USB connections and multiuse international sockets.

There was a large TV screen and an armchair as well as a two-seater sofa. The 55” Smart TV has mirroring capabilities and Apple TV.

Yet more free stuff was in the room. Firstly a super cute box of marble finish chocolates.

Next there is a Nespresso maker and kettle with a free minibar. Yes, it wasn’t filled with alcohol but having a selection of soft drinks and snacks is a big win for me. However, when you get up to the Large Suite category you get free wine and fruit too!

The free white chocolate and strawberry biscuits were particularly tasty!

Overall I really liked the room, the bed was very comfortable even for my princess-like tendencies! If you are very noise sensitive I would ask for a room not overlooking the main street as being central London you can hear a tiny bit of noise now and again. 

Bathroom

The bathroom was also large and I loved the fact that there was a nice big tub as well as a shower. It was well equipped with a large shelf for storage and a lit magnifying mirror. 

There were two sets of toiletries with one of my personal favourites – REN. I really love the freshness of the grapefruit shower gel, but all the products are high quality and a generous size. 

Suites

If you fancy a suite, there are two types to choose from. First, there is the large suite that I mentioned before that comes with the wine.

For the ultimate suite, the SUITE 104 was designed by the legendary British designer Sir Terence Conran and features interiors inspired by East London.

The king bedroom and large lounge space include Eames and Karusselli chairs, a Savoir bed, and a replica of the coffee table Sir Terence designed for his own home.

It’s filled with design classics and artwork. 

Food and drink

More free stuff – wine and canapes

You don’t need to worry about being eligible for the lounge here! Every evening they have a drinks period with free wine and prosecco as well as canapes which were beautifully laid out.

You could also purchase more wine if you wanted to carry on your drinks. 

On the night I was there, the canapes were guacamole with tortilla chips and a chorizo sausage roll, both of which were delicious.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the Eastway Brasserie. There was an a la carte menu to chose from which always pleases me at an inclusive rate. 

I’m sure regular readers can guess what I went for…

It was a really tasty breakfast and I really liked the beautiful presentation and added smoked salmon.

One thing that stood out particularly was the fantastic coffee – it’s amazing how much it varies in hotels but this had an amazing full-bodied flavour. 

Eastway is also open for all-day dining and brunch on a Saturday. 

There are actually a large number of restaurants in the hotel that can all be accessed from the street:

Lady Abercorn’s Pub and Kitchen

There’s Lady Abercorn’s which is a pub based on the travels of Lady Abercorn. The menu is quite eclectic:

Be warned the portions are huge! We went for Nibbles and Power Food and there were enough for two people in each portion! Here was my Vegan tempura which was light and crispy as it should be.

Lady Abercorn’s also serves beer from local breweries and even brews its own, the Lady A, a light IPA.

1901 Wine bar

1901 Wine Lounge serves wine by the glass or bottles alongside nibbles perfect to go with a few glasses of wine. 1901 Wine Lounge is also where you can taste East London with a unique Afternoon Tea. 

Miyako

Miyako provides an authentic Japanese dining experience and decor with a traditional menu of sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and sake in a contemporary setting.

Rake’s Café Bar

Rake’s Café Bar has a large outdoor terrace to enjoy some summer sun as well as a bright fun interior. Rake’s offers comfort food, coffee, and a specially crafted cocktail menu. You can pop in for anything from a coffee to a cocktail or a full meal, Rake’s prides itself on having no rules. 

Other facilities

There’s a well-equipped gym and some alternative therapies in the Health Club as well as a steam room.

If you fancy a massage, these can be provided in your own room. 

Booking and offers – more free stuff!

Rooms start at around £225 a night. 

If you need a long stay, the hotel offers Hyatt’s Great Relocate package for stays over 29 nights.

There is also a special reopening offer for £100 credit, where you need to book the Get More From Your Stay rate on the hotel’s website. You can use the £100 credit during your stay for food and drinks.

Booking through Debonair also offers freebies! and you still get your Hyatt points. 

The additional benefits included with Hyatt Prive agents such as Debonair are:

Conclusion

I was truly surprised by the amount of free things the hotel offers guests. When many hotels are trying to cut things back, it is great to see that the Andaz has kept all of their extras. The handy location and large well-equipped rooms would definitely make this a recommendation for the area as the prices are pretty reasonable too. Prices start around £225 and 20,000 for points being a category 5 hotel.

You can find more information on the Andaz London Liverpool Street here. 

Local area Liverpool street and Spitalfields

I have spent quite a bit of time in the local area, so I thought I would mention a few options nearby.

Eataly

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First is the amazing Eataly. If you love Italian food, this warehouse-sized shop and restaurants will send you to foodie heaven.

Spread over two floors, they sell everything from fresh pasta and Italian bread to cheese, meats, wine and chocolate.

It’s also a great place for a bite to eat with lots of options.

I tried the Aperol-themed La Terrazza di Eataly and enjoyed the pizza immensely with the Nduja topping. The pizzas are quite fluffy and the toppings full of flavour. 

The next time we tried the more formal Cucina del Mercato. This means counter to table and you can have any of the meat or fish from the market cooked to order. We opted for the meat and cheese platter which was very generous and super delicious – especially the  Mortadella which was the best I have ever had by a long way.

Next, we had the Sardinian fregola with mixed seafood & parsley emulsion. This was full of flavour and the fregola was perfectly cooked.

The restaurants are very popular so I would advise booking. 

Van Gogh immersive experience

I had wanted to go to this for a long time and finally it is in London. There are two versions, one in Kensington and one in Spitalfields. I went for the VIP package which included a VR experience which for me was the highlight. There are also lots of 3D exhibits and then the main event where you feel like you have entered his paintings. Highly recommended. You can buy tickets here. 

Galvin La Chappelle and Bistrot

A few minutes’ walk from the exhibit is two of Galvin group’s restaurants. If you love traditional French cuisine, then the Bistrot is right up your street. It looks and feels like a traditional Parisian brasserie with food to match.

There’s also a lovely outdoor terrace. 

If you want a more fine dining experience, then I can recommend Michelin-starred Galvin La Chappelle.

It is set in a stunning chapel.

We had the Menu Gourmand which had everything I would have chosen anyway! Here is the current one:

The service was fantastic, not too formal and happy to do whatever we wanted including a pause mid-courses for a cocktail break!

The highlights from the menu were the lasagne of Dorset crab with its amazing chive butter sauce:

and the main course of beef which just melted in the mouth. The shallot puree was stunningly good. 

Like our Andaz London Liverpool Street by Hyatt review? You can read more hotel reviews here. 

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Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime in lockdown, the government has announced its ‘roadmap’ back to normal life, and that, of course, includes travel.

And it seems like staycations will be the first big step that we can definitely plan for, meaning it’s time to start thinking about where exactly you want to go! We have put together some inspiration for you – if these properties don’t get you excited, we’re not sure what will. From 17 May you can stay in a hotel in England. Although travel abroad may start from 17 May it’s yet to be confirmed, at least with a break in the UK you can have something definite to look forward to. The joys of someone else cooking you breakfast or making your bed that we have all missed!

These are some of the fanciest, most luxurious properties across England (stay tuned for our article on snazzy stays in Scotland, Wales and Ireland), perfect for an indulgent staycation to help you forget the last year. Tell us which one is your favourite, or if we have missed any you think we should include!

Nearly all of the hotels below can be booked with extra perks though specialist luxury travel agents like our partners Debonair. We have listed the extra perks you can get alongside each hotel. The majority of rates are also cancellable and fully flexible but make sure you check the specifics when you book. 

Note: Most properties have announced they will be back to operating in May, however some private stays and dining options will open in April. Make sure you check the requirements and restrictions before booking. 

Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath

Let’s start the ball rolling with this gorgeous Grade II Listed, Georgian and Victorian property, set right in the middle of the World Heritage Site of Bath. 

The most special aspect of this hotel is that is has the exclusive privilege of direct access to the famous thermal waters Bath is famous for.

Centred around the Spa Village Bath, the hotel’s 99 spacious rooms feature five-star amenities, including luxurious bedding, complimentary high end bath products and even a Nespresso machine. A private Townhouse is also available for families or groups.

The 14,000 square foot spa has a range of treatment rooms, three thermal pools, a steam room and a sauna. The spa ‘process’ is a serious business: guests are encouraged to create ‘spa intentions’ and start the bathing journey with the creation of a personalised pouch of aromatherapy scented salts, unique to each guest.

It’s not all about the water though – there is food too! Chef Dan Moon prepares locally sourced produce, served in a relaxed setting (perfect for those post-spa vibes). Excellent service across the board tops off this lovely hotel experience.

The Gainsborough is part of SLH which means you can also redeem and earn points with Hyatt. If you want to extra perks you can join the SLH “Invited” loyalty scheme free which gives 10% off plus early check-in and late checkout. You can find out more about Invited here.

You can check rates here. 

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire

Located right near Oxford,  Le Manoir hotel-restaurant is ideal for foodies. Not only are there two Michelin-starred restaurants led by celebrated French chef and owner Raymond Blanc, but an entire sprawling, gastronomically dedicated estate.

Wander through the extensive (and yummy) gardens, which include an organic kitchen garden, an orchard, herb garden and mushroom garden. The gardens change significantly throughout the year, providing a stunning backdrop no matter when you visit.

The hotel features 32 rooms and suites, each individually designed and all featuring luxurious amenities – cushy beds, luxe fabrics and marble bathrooms. There are also private apartments to rent.

The property also offers cooking and gardening courses, as well as more unique experiences like handling birds of prey. Visitors can also take advantage of concerts and music in the on-site St Mary’s church.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD Food & Beverage or spa credit
• Complimentary full English breakfast for two daily
• Wi fi

The Lanesborough, London

The Lanesborough is a gem in the ideal London location – a 5-star, listed Grade II hotel right on Hyde Park Corner. Luxurious, air-conditioned rooms combine 19^th-century style with modern luxury and provide in-room tablets (the tech kind) and free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests can also take advantage of a personal butler service.

Many of the properties 93 rooms also feature views over Hyde Park.

The hotel also features the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, as well as a super snazzy cigar lounge which offer an impressive selection of cognacs and cigars to the discerning guest.

The on-site Club & Spa won ‘Best Hotel Spa 2019’ at the World Spa Awards, and includes a fitness centre, stunning spa and wellbeing facilities.

Michele – I visited the spa last year and was really impressed. It was extremely luxurious with a button to press for service next to the loungers by the spa pool. The treatment was also very good. It is usually open to non-residents.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP Food & Beverage or spa treatment credit; 3 nights+: Room: One-way transfer to/from any London airport or rail terminal; Suites: Roundtrip transfer to/from any London airport or rail terminal
• Complimentary Full English breakfast (up to 38 GBP per person, per day)
• Basic Wi-Fi

Coworth Park, Berkshire

For those who want a country getaway, without being too far from the city, look no further than Coworth Park.

Tucked away in Berkshire, the property provides guests with a luxurious a 240-acre rural escape. Once owned by Galen Weston, owner of Selfridges and Fortum & Mason, the aristocratic manor house became a hotel in 2010, after a full refurbishment.

Each spacious, elegantly furnished room features large bathrooms, under-floor heating and large copper baths. All the mod-cons are included, of course, with high-end tech tucked away amongst all that finery – including a Nespresso coffee machine. All rooms also enjoy views over the gorgeous surrounding gardens, and private stays in the listed Dower House are also available.

The on-site equestrian centre offers an extra rural touch, with a nod to its nearby neighbour Ascot. Guests can take advantage of riding lessons, go for a ride or simply enjoy wandering the extensive stables and making some new (equine) friends. The property is also the only UK hotel to host its own polo fields.

Coworth Park’s eco spa gives guests the chance to unwind after a long day of rural living; featuring a unique roof of fragrant herbs, the spa offers a wide range of relaxing spa and beauty treatments in a contemporary and calming space. There is also a swimming pool (with underwater music, of course) and a gym.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP resort credit
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• High-Speed/Enhanced Wi-Fi

The Langley, Buckinghamshire

Once home to the third Duke of Marlborough, this 150 acre property is no less fancy now than it was back in the day. The Palladian-style mansion house, along with it’s adjoining Grade-II listed Brew House, offer 41 magnificent guestrooms and suites.

The hotel’s rich history combines with modern taste and upscale amenities to provide an indulgent and relaxing stay for guests, from start to finish.

The Langley Spa is a real treat: with a unique VIP suite, exceptional thermal facilities and a next level fitness centre, the spa covers 1600m2 and offers guests a sumptuous spa experience.

Once you’re all scrubbed and satisfied, visitors can opt to dine on-site overlooking the lake and estate grounds, where the cuisine is inspired by the bountiful English countryside. The Churchill Bar is a great choice for a nightcap, with a specifically curated selection of cognac, cocktails and spirits, as well as rare cigars. There is even an outdoor pool if we get a rare hot English summer day!

Pet friendly rooms are also available, so bring your pooch for a pamper too!

The Langley is part of Marriott so you can redeem points for a stay or collect them. On points, prices range from around 40,000-60,000 points which is good versus the cash price which can be up to £500 a night or more. 

You can find our full review of The Langley here. 

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD Food & Beverage or spa credit
• Complimentary full English breakfast for two daily
• Wi fi

NOTE: If you have Marriott status you will still collect points and receive Marriott benefits through Debonair. 

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Just a hop, skip and jump out of London, Cliveden House sits on over 350 acres of protected National Trust land, and has a long, exciting history of aristocratic owners and royal visitors.

Overlooking the Thames, this Italian-style mansion is surrounded by stunning gardens, and a short walk takes guests to the breath-taking chalk cliffs, with expansive views across the countryside.

Rooms are named after famous guests and contain antiques and priceless original works of art, as well as deluxe furnishings, fireplaces and handmade beds.

The on-site spa provides a glorious range of treatments, and other facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool (the outdoor one is quite famous), jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas, a gym, tennis courts and more. The Spa Kitchen provides healthy food and cocktails.

The Cliveden Dining Room Restaurant is managed by Michelin-starred chef André Garrett, has 3 AA Rosettes and spectacular views over the gardens. The Astor Grill is a more relaxed dining option in the old stables.

Megan Markle spent the night at Cliveden House, prior to her wedding to Prince Harry. Cliveden is also one of Roving Reporter’s favourite UK hotels.

You can actually stay at Cliveden from 12 April as their Spring Cottage will be available to book as self-contained accommodation. The Cliveden Spa will be exclusively available to guests of Spring Cottage and spa members only during this time. The Astor Grill will be open for outdoor dining.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP resort credit
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• Basic Wi-Fi

Lympstone Manor, Devon

Another historic Grade II listed Georgian manor house, this lovely hotel sits right near Exmouth Beach overlooking the mouth of the Exe estuary and provides a bit of a modern twist on the traditional country house hotel.

21 luxurious guestrooms and suites use the local landscape and wildlife as inspiration – each one is named for a local bird species, and decorated in a colour palette inspired by the surrounding birdlife. Rooms all feature luxurious bedding, high-end toiletries, expansive views and deep bathtubs.

Three separate and individually decorated dining rooms serve Michelin starred seasonal and local produce, and the on-site winery produces its own sparkling wine. Guests can visit the wine room to try different varieties, or wander through the 17,500 vines (great for taking selfies).

There is a big focus on the local flora and fauna, and guests are encouraged to wander the grounds and surrounding natural areas. Lympstone Manor works hard to be sustainable, and have partnered with the Devon Wildlife Trust to ensure all creatures great and small are looked after.

Private woodland huts nestled in the woodland of the hotel grounds are available to book, and the property also has pet-friendly options.

Michele – Roving Reporter and I loved our stay there a couple of years ago. If you are a foodie, this makes a perfect relaxing break. 

You can read Michele’s full review here. 

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• A bottle of Michael Caines Champagne Blanc de Blanc in room on arrival
• chocolates welcome amenity
• upgrade at time of booking

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire

This unique property is great for families, with plenty of facilities and activities to keep the kids happy. Set among lush English gardens, the restored, 18^th century manor sits on 500 acres of land, not too far outside of London.

The property, after a multi-million-pound refurbishment, features classically styled rooms with a modern vibe, as well as fancy, custom Four Seasons mattresses with heat-absorption technology, marble bathrooms and all the essential mod-cons.

An on-site spa provides all the usual treatments in a zen-style environment, and there is also a lap pool, an outdoor ‘vitality pool’, steam rooms and tennis courts.

However, it’s the more unusual facilities that make this property so interesting – in particular, the child-friendly Highwire Adventure obstacle course featuring zip wires, tree-canopy bungee jumps and scary high ropes.

Guests can also partake in a range of activities like horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, canal boating on the on-site river, crochet, yoga and cycling.

After all those activities, guests can stop off at ‘Carrot’, the on-site restaurant which incorporates ingredients from local markets. There is also a café, and ‘The Library’, which is famous for its afternoon tea.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 100 USD hotel credit (Excludes third party services, car transfer or spa retail)
• Full English breakfast for two daily in-room or at Wild Carrot (Max 62.50 GBP per room, per day)
• Basic Wi-Fi

The Langham, London

This classic hotel was opened in 1865, as Europe’s first ‘grand hotel’. Over the years it has played host to royalty, foreign dignitaries and celebrities.

Situated right at the top of Regent St in London’s West End, the Langham is the perfect place to stay if you plan on heading to the theatre. 380 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites combine the best of Victorian charm with discreet modern amenities, providing guests with everything they need for an indulgent stay.

Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club features a 16m swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, a fully equipped gym and several treatment rooms. This was all refurbished a few years ago.

The hotel also features a range of dining options, including the award-winning and very glam Artesian bar, and the Roux at the Landau restaurant, which serves pared back but delicious French cuisine. Guests can also choose to take afternoon tea in the opulent Palm Court, or enjoy a pint at the Wigmore, a traditional British tavern. The food at the Wigmore is designed by Michel Roux Junior and includes the most amazing toasted cheese sandwich you will ever have! In fact, the Wigmore is where we had the TLFL reader party!

Michele – I have stayed here a number of times and the Club rooms are probably the best that I have stayed in, anywhere. Champagne, cocktails and wine served all day and an amazing spread of food throughout the day. The service in the lounge is second to none.

You can read our full review here.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Property will offer early check-in and late checkout upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• 85 GBP Food & Beverage or spa credit; Complimentary glass of English sparkling wine with Afternoon Tea in Palm Court, once per stay
• Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily
• Wi Fi

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Lake District

Set amongst the stunning scenery of the Lake District, the white-washed Edwardian house is set amongst 21 acres and has been transformed into a lavish, modern country house hotel. Gilpin Hotel is  part of the Relais and Chateaux group. 

Featuring 31 rooms, all lodgings have Lakeland views and private hot tubs. The lodges feature private spa facilities, including indulgent rainfall showers and private steam rooms. All accommodation provides guests with stylish, individually designed interiors, crisp and comfortable beds and luxurious bathrooms.

The separate Gilpin Lake House offers a choice of six different suites, all of which have private access to 100 acres of garden, a lake with a boat house, and spa facilities including hot tubs, saunas and a swimming pool.

Alpacas and llamas wander through the extensive gardens, and a small spa with panoramic views of the lake provides guests with bespoke services and products.

The Michelin-starred restaurant, Hrishi, features locally sourced produce with an Asian twist with a nod to the Cumbrian spice trade and taking inspiration from across the Indian sub-continent.

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• Complimentary breakfast

We have manors, mansions and estates, plenty of Michelin stars, a bevvy of beautiful views, lots of comfy beds, a scattering of spas, country escapes and beach getaways. Throw in some horses, some birds, llamas and a high ropes course…if there isn’t something in there for you, we will be stunned. 

Although you may be yearning for a tropical holiday, for now, we have to look to our own backyards for inspiration until we know when we can definitely go abroad. Hopefully, this list makes you that bit more excited to plan your next UK staycation – let us know which one was your favourite! And if you think we’ve missed any, let us know. 

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When you think of going on a gourmet break for some Michelin star or fine dining in Europe you probably think of San Sebastián in Spain or Paris. I’m guessing the Algarve is probably is not the top of your list. I was surprised to discover on our recent visit that in fact, it is a fine dining hotspot with several Michelin star and top restaurants in a relatively small area.

This is a review of my second visit to the Conrad Algarve. I have since been back again and Paul has also been twice. It is still a fantastic hotel!

Ever since my visit a couple of years ago, the Conrad Algarve has been firmly in my top 5 hotels. Not only is the service fantastic but the prices are pretty affordable if you avoid the peak summer months. The Conrad Algarve looked like a great base for a gourmet break with a 1 Michelin star restaurant (Sao Gabriel) just down the road and Gusto by Heinz Beck, a 3 Michelin star chef, actually in the hotel itself. Since Roving Reporter hadn’t been before, we decided to go for a short break at the start of November.

We also visited the 1 Michelin star Sao Gabriel which was about 10 minutes from the hotel. We enjoyed the restaurant but thought it was not as good as the Conrad restaurant.

All costs were paid by ourselves apart from dinner in Gusto by Heinz Beck. You can read my reviews of my previous stay on my hotel reviews page.

Conrad Algarve hotel – The Arrival

The Conrad Algarve hotel is a short 20 minute drive from the airport or at least it would have been had Google maps not been determined to send us on a scenic tour of the Portuguese countryside down narrow country lanes. Eventually, we arrived and were immediately greeted by the valet. They parked the car and took all the bags whilst we went to check-in.

Whilst we were checking in sitting at a desk, we were offered a complimentary drink. Check-in was swift and being a Hilton Diamond I had again been upgraded to a Deluxe Suite with pool view which is a fantastic room. Roving Reporter being a lowly Hilton Gold, got upgraded to a Deluxe King pool view room. If you have Gold or Diamond Hilton Honors status this is a fantastic hotel to stay in due to the extra perks. There is no club lounge but you get:

• A cocktail or tea ceremony experience for 2
• Free access to the spa
• An amazing breakfast

The rooms

My room – Deluxe Suite with Pool View

As per my last visit I received a welcome gift in my room although this time it was a large bottle of water and a bottle of wine. Roving Reporter received the same gift as I had last time, custard tarts. I assume that both of these are for being Hilton Honors members. The room was equally as impressive as last time. The room has a bedroom and living room both with large TVs and the living room hone has DVD and a soundbar too.

There was a Nespresso coffee machine as well as a very fancy Bugatti kettle and a large range of fancy teas. In the evening a turndown service is done with more bottles of water, a gift and the usual slippers laid out. The bed was very comfortable and even though the hotel was full it was very quiet.

I loved the large balcony with its views of the pool and plenty of space for relaxing or eating.

The only minor issue we had during the stay was with the housekeeping which missed the odd thing in my room such as an opened milk container in the mini bar rather than a new one, but RR didn’t have any issues in his room. When I did have a couple of things I needed to request both times someone was outside my door within a few minutes which was very impressive. RR joked that there was someone on standby just for me (they were aware we were coming this time).

All the bathrooms including the entry-level room have a TV in the bathroom and a great bath for soaking in. I also had his and hers dressing gowns in different colours since this was a suite.

Roving Reporter’s room – Deluxe King room with pool view

Roving Reporter was equally pleased with his King room. The entry-level room is a Deluxe King which is exactly the same but doesn’t have a pool view. Personally, I think it is worth the extra for the view as the balcony is a lovely place to sit but it all depends on how much time you would spend in the room. Although the balcony was smaller than mine it still had room for 2 chairs and a sofa.

The bathroom was identical to mine with a large separate shower and double vanity area. We liked the smart dark marble tiles.

The toiletries were actually Aromatherapy Associates as per all Conrad Hotels but the ones above are ‘model’s own’!

There was an additional feature in this room that I didn’t have – a mini kitchenette. I can’t actually see why you would need one of these but if you had children or wanted to have a quiet night in after all that fine dining it may be handy!

Facilities

There is a more comprehensive review of all the facilities in my previous reviews. On this trip we used the outdoor infinity pool which is heated all year and the spa. There is also an additional outdoor pool area which is unheated and an indoor pool with sauna and jacuzzi. If you are sporty there is a tennis course and six internationally renowned 18-hole Golf courses located just five minutes from the hotel. The hotel also runs a bus during the summer to the beach a few minutes away where they have sun loungers, towels and water provided for guests.

Spa

The spa facilities are complimentary for Hilton Gold and Diamond members as well as when you book a 60 minute or longer treatment. The spa here is a draw for me as although it is small, it never felt crowded and the outdoor pool is a lovely place to relax. There is also a steam room, sauna, heated loungers, experience showers, ice fountain and a lovely hydrotherapy pool with bubble beds and seated areas.

I had a Rose duo facial with a 30 minute massage at €135 for 90 minutes. Roving Reporter had also requested a 90 minute treatment but there was some confusion which meant there was only a 60 minute slot. They were absolutely mortified by the mistake and did a special bespoke treatment for him; deep tissue back and shoulders for 20 mins, reflexology 20 mins then a relaxing head and face for 20 mins which you can’t actually book. In addition, they gave him a discount on his treatment to say sorry.

Both treatments were excellent this time and used Aromatherapy Associates products which are one of my favourite brands. The treatment rooms overlook a water feature and gardens which gives a tranquil atmosphere.

Restaurants and bars

Breakfast

Breakfast is a very enjoyable experience at the Conrad and if you don’t have Gold or Diamond status it is well worth paying extra to get the bed and breakfast rate – you certainly get value for money. When I visited in February it wasn’t warm enough to brave sitting outside but this time we sat outside both mornings which was a lovely way to start the day. We didn’t have to bother with lunch either after such a filling breakfast.

When you first sit down you are presented with the signature Portuguese custard tarts which I highly recommend. They are quite different to the custard tarts you get from a bakery in the UK – crispy and light with a hint of cinnamon.

You can then have the buffet as well as a few dishes to order. Some dishes are included but a few have a small supplement.

The Lauro omelette with chorizo is well worth ordering as it is delicious.

The buffet is excellent and has something for everyone including the all-important fizz and a range of juices to get creative with your morning Mimosas!

The buffet has a large range of meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, salad, fruits and yoghurt as well as hot savoury and sweet items. It was all good quality, well presented and regularly topped up. Despite the hotel being full it never felt crowded at breakfast.

Lago Lobby bar

As part of the Gold and Diamond Hilton extras, you get a cocktail experience included. This involves a session with the barman where he assesses what type of cocktails you like and then picks one from the menu to make for you. The barman explains the process as he goes along and then you are free to enjoy your cocktail afterwards. We were impressed with the care and expertise that went into the drinks including the special glass chilling machine.

The main event – Dinner at Gusto by Heinz Beck

Chef Heinz Beck holds 3 Michelin stars for La Pergola at the Waldorf Astoria in Rome as well having the one Michelin-starred Apsleys in London. Luckily he also has a restaurant at the Conrad Algarve called Gusto by Heinz Beck which is open Wednesday to Sunday. Last time I visited the restaurant wasn’t opened so I was delighted to be invited by the hotel to try it out this time as both Roving Reporter and I are into fine dining experiences. Since our visit the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star. Paul and I also visited the restaurant after this review and it was just as good although prices have gone up a bit.

I know what you are thinking, well the hotel paid for it and she will just say it is wonderful even if it wasn’t. I will be honest and say that it is always tricky if companies give you things for free, as there is only so much you can criticise them. However, the last thing I would want to do is mislead my readers. I don’t want my name endorsing something if it isn’t any good. So far luckily almost everything we have tested has been OK and where it hasn’t we have been honest. Fortunately, on this occasion, we had an amazing experience at Gusto so you can read this with confidence as a true reflection of our experience.

In the last year we had eaten at 3* Royal Hospital Road, 2* Helene Darroze and the Ledbury as well as the now 1* Lympstone Manor. So despite having no Michelin stars at Gusto, how would it stack up?

The menu

We were having the tasting menu with matching Portuguese wines. Although I know a little bit about wine, my knowledge of Portuguese wine is pretty much non-existent so we were looking forward to the chance to try some different wines. To our amazement, we were also offered a selection of water graded by pH which in my many years of fine dining I have never seen! Apparently, it is better for your body to have a more alkaline water but ones that are lower pH taste better. Who knew?

The menu now costs a reasonable €105 for 5 courses (plus many extras). They also do a 7 course and à la carte. If you wanted to add matching wines it would cost an additional €75 for the 5 course menu. Although this may sound similar to what you would pay in the UK for a one Michelin star, the food is way above that standard. The reason why it never had a star and now only has one is apparently that the menu is exactly the same as Beck’s Rome restaurant that has three stars so inspectors were reluctant to award a duplicate restaurant.

Here is our 5 course menu:

As is the norm with fine dining, there were numerous other courses and extras as we went along. This started with the canapés which we enjoyed with a glass of champagne. My favourite was the cheese souffle with pecorino which was like a cheesy cloud that just melted in your mouth (typing this is making me hungry now…). There was also a walnut sponge with an unusual duck ham and celeriac purée. The final canapé was a rich but delicious foie gras with caramelized onion.

Next followed Roving Reporters favourite part of the meal – the bread. Rather dangerously, instead of giving us one roll at a time, they left the entire bread selection on the table as Roving Reporter’s eyes lit up! I almost had to physically restrain him from eating all the bread as it was so delicious, but we still had so many more courses to go! I liked the selection of different salts for you to add to the butter although it was a little tricky to get just the right amount. The breads were very different and included a pumpkin croissant and my favourite, a mushroom bread which had an amazing earthy mushroom flavour.

Throughout the meal the service was excellent. It is often surprising to me how some Michelin star restaurants have such indifferent service. The truly excellent ones have staff that are personable and knowledgeable, not someone who reels off a list of ingredients on a dish like it’s their shopping list. At Gusto, we tested the knowledge of a few of the staff and they all really knew their stuff as well as being friendly, fun, and speaking excellent English. It was obvious they all had a real passion for their jobs and the food they served.

The next surprise was an amuse bouche with tuna with Asian flavours including wasabi and avocado. This was a lovely zingy and light way to start the meal.

Then followed a palate cleansing drink in a test tube:

And the proper starter:

The tuna was served with an abundance of robust Mediterranean flavours including black olive powder, capers, onions, and a black truffle crisp. This could have easily overwhelmed the tuna but the carefully judged proportions meant that the ingredients worked in harmony. On the side was a black truffle crisp to add some texture. This course was served with the organic unfiltered Alvarinho Soalheiro Terramatter 2016 wine. The wine had a more intense colour than I would expect versus a Spanish Albariño and was full-flavoured enough to be an adequate match for the punchy tuna dish.

The next course was foie gras which was served in a very different way as it had been caramelised with brown sugar. This very simple touch made all the difference to the foie gras by offsetting the savoury richness of it with sweetness in a subtle way. I am not normally much of a fan of quinoa but it worked well in the dish adding some necessary texture to the soft foie gras. The dish was finished with a mushroom broth which brought a touch of lightness.

The accompanying wine was intriguing and served by the outstanding Sommelier Miguel who imparted some very interesting facts about each wine. This wine, the 1985 Caves Sao Joao “Porta dos Cavaleiros” was from the Dao region. The sommelier explained that years ago Portuguese wine had a bad reputation as they were being drunk very young. Now some of those same wines have aged well and are being released for sale. The wine was unlike any wine I had tasted before with a deep golden colour and had a lot of complexity to it.

The next dish was my favourite – a capon tortellini with an aged parmesan fondue and large shavings of truffle. This dish had it all – salty, creamy cheesy sauce, sweet pumpkin, earthy truffle and the intensely chicken-flavoured capon tortellini. I could have devoured an entire bowl just of the cheese sauce on its own!

The matching wine was the Frei Joao Tinto Barraida 1980 which was another cellar that decided to release its hidden gems from years ago. This is made with the Portuguese Bara grapes which are high in acidity and tannins unless you let them age sufficiently like in this wine. The complex wine still had a touch of acidity though which was needed against the unctuous cheese fondue. There was an interesting touch when the sommelier opened the wine with special heated tongs to then decant it before serving.

I loved the look of the main course as it did indeed look like a forest with its Jerusalem artichoke ‘bark’ and mushroom strewn grass. The veal melted in the mouth and I loved the beautiful glossy rich jus that accompanied the dish. The final red wine was right up my street being a  blend of Syrah and Touriga – the Quinta do Monte D’Oiro Ex Aequo 2011. This velvety red wine had hints of red fruit and spice but paired well with the earthiness of the veal dish.

I preferred the pre-dessert to the actual pudding as it was so light and fragrant. The pre-dessert contained coconut, rose, chamomile and red fruit with a vanilla ice cream. This came with an amazing frozen lemon marshmallow which again was something I had never had and certainly woke up your palate at a time when you may be flagging slightly!

The final course was a deconstructed tiramisu. The artfully arranged dish had coffee ice cream, chocolate soil, mascarpone and little coffee meringue toadstools with a puddle of coffee cream sauce in the middle. I enjoyed the dessert although it was a little rich for me and I would have perhaps liked a little hint of alcohol (unusual for me, I know) in it like a tiramisu to balance the dish. Roving Reporter loved it though.

This was served with Carcavelos Villa Oeiras, a rare and unique wine.  Carcavelos is a fortified wine that I had never heard of before. This is probably because it comes from one of the now smallest appellations in the world at one hectare which is situated by the sea near Lisbon. The fortified white wine was slightly sweet with a tawny colour and quite a nutty taste. The closest thing I have had to this would be a Madeira wine but this had less acidity. 

Finally, we were given some petit fours but we were so full it was a struggle to fit them in! The meal was truly excellent and worthy of at least 2 Michelin stars in my opinion. The restaurant believes that the only reason they don’t have Michelin stars is that Heinz Beck serves the same menu at his Rome restaurant which has 3 stars already.

We decided we needed to let our huge dinner go down so retired to the very elegant bar for a digestif. The bar is open on the same days as the restaurant and recently won the Best Bar Award at the Lisbon Bar Show. Even if you don’t fancy the restaurant it is well worth popping in for a cocktail.

We were served by Nelson de Matos, their master mixologist who has spent 2 years previously working at the Savoy in London. The cocktail list was called ‘The Age of Discovery’ and is inspired by the literary masterpiece “Os Lusiadas”, written by the poet Luís Vaz de Camões. The menu consists of ten cocktails, each one representing Nelson’s interpretation of the writer’s words and the historical facts portrayed in the book.

I had a City of Spices which was amazing and very different (and let’s face it I have drunk a lot of cocktails in my time). The cocktail was both spicy with a lovely kick as well as refreshing. The cocktail had:

• Ciroc Coconut
• Turmeric
• Coconut Water
• Lime
• Sugar
• Cardamom
• Malagueta Pepper

Prices

We paid for one night on Hilton points which cost 44,000 points and the second night I paid for at €164.25. 

Conclusion

The hotel is still firmly in my top 5 hotels and having experienced the amazing Gusto restaurant I would return for that alone. The Conrad has a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor which is pretty hard to achieve. Excellent service and attention to detail is the key to such a rating I believe and which the Conrad Algarve excels in.

You can find more information on Gusto by Heinz Beck and the Conrad Algarve here.

The post Destination Portugal – Conrad Algarve hotel part 3 – Gusto by Heinz Beck review – a perfect gourmet getaway? appeared first on Turning left for less.

This is the second part of my review of the Manor House Hotel at Castle Combe which I booked through Secret Escapes. You can read the first part of the article where I review the hotel itself here.

The Full Glass Bar and Wine List

We started our evening in the hotel bar to peruse the menu and enjoy the complimentary canapes. The bar serves light meals as well as a full range of cocktails. The highlight of the bar is undoubtedly the 160 different gins they stock, including 2 of my personal favourites – Fifty Pounds and Warner Edwards. They also stock a local Cotswold Gin.

We decided to stick with wine and enjoyed looking through the extensive wine list. It had some inspired New World choices such as both an Albarino and a Gruner Veltliner from New Zealand which you do not see very often. As they had an excellent choice of wines by the glass, we decided to stick with those. Although tempted by the Nyetimber sparkling wine, I went for the  Chardonnay from Monterey California and my friend went for the Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. Both wines were good quality and enjoyable as well as reasonably priced. The restaurant has a sommelier on hand if you have trouble choosing from the wine list.

Bybrook restaurant

The restaurant takes its name from the river that runs through the hotel grounds and has maintained its Michelin star after the arrival of a new chef, Rob Potter in February 2016. Vegetables, fruits, and herbs are all grown for the restaurant in the hotel’s kitchen garden. There are definitely not many food miles here!

Rob Potter was formerly at  Lucknam Park under Executive Chef Hywel Jones, which also has a Michelin star. Rob started out as Commis Chef at The Bay Tree in Birmingham, under Michelin starred Head Chef Andy Waters, one of Rob’s most influential peers. Potter says he has “a dedicated focus to serving seasonal and classical food combinations” and his aim “is to create a relaxed fine-dining menu influenced by the seasons as well as being dictated by the beautiful British produce harvested from within the grounds of The Manor House.’’

The Manor House has been following the recent trend of trying to create a less formal, more relaxed atmosphere in the hotel and restaurant. They have added new chairs in the signature purple and grey colour scheme. The tablecloths have also been removed which I actually think is a shame. I think you can create a relaxed ambiance but still have a sense of occasion by having a fine dining setting.

Overall the dining room itself was the one area I felt could be improved in comparison to other Michelin starred restaurants I have visited. The room was quite large and lacked any sense of intimacy. Chandeliers were overly bright and not in keeping with the modern but classic decor. The final problem for me was the very busy wallpaper which looked out of place as a feature wall.

However, I am pleased to report that the food was uniformly excellent and well worth visiting the hotel for. Innovative as well as tried and trusted food combinations were all delicious.

Before our starter arrived we were given an amuse bouche which consisted of a mushroom espuma with sherry vinegar, crouton, and truffle oil. Usually, I am not a fan of truffle oil but this was a high-quality oil used in the right proportion to add earthiness to the mushrooms. The sherry vinegar was a stroke of genius and really lifted the dish, balancing out the creaminess of the foam. I may have to try that next time I have mushroom soup at home!

I must also mention the service which was very much in keeping with Michelin standards but made extra special by the Head Waiter, David. His professional yet charming style which stayed just the right side of cheekiness, helped create a relaxed but memorable atmosphere for the meal.

To start I had Orkney hand-dived scallops, celeriac puree, salsify, hazelnut vinaigrette with chicken jus. This was absolutely delicious with enormous scallops which were perfectly caramelised. I was initially unsure about the addition of the hazelnuts, but they added texture to the dish without overpowering the delicate scallops. My dining companion had the confit of citrus cured Loch Duart salmon, Cornish Crab mango, black radish, and coriander. The salmon had a meltingly soft texture which needed the crunch and pepperiness of the radish to counteract the richness. The crab and mango also added a freshness to the dish.

To follow I had partridge with blackberries and mushrooms which was again beautifully balanced in flavour although one of the pieces of partridge was slightly overdone. The other piece had the perfect amount of pinkness and was tender and moist. My friend had the venison with salsify and venison faggots which was perfectly cooked and full flavoured.

Prior to pudding, we were served a pre-dessert. This consisted of yoghurt espuma with plums which was wonderfully tart and refreshing.

For dessert, I had the figs with ginger cake which was enjoyable but when I tasted my friend’s dessert I wished I had gone for that instead. He had the baked mango soufflé, coconut sorbet with confit lime. This was definitely the highlight of the dinner. The souffle was incredibly light yet bursting with mango flavour. It was a lovely light way to finish a meal.

The post STAYCATION: The Manor House hotel review part 2 – dinner at one Michelin star Bybrook restaurant appeared first on Turning left for less.

Michael Caines, MBE is my favourite chef. Not only for his stunning food but for being an inspiration to so many people. Michael was just 25 years old when he got his head chef job at Gidleigh Park. Only 3 months into the job, tragedy struck in the form of a serious car crash which resulted in him losing his hand. Many people may have given up on being a chef at this point since your hands are as essential as your palate to most chefs. Not Michael, however, who was back at work in the kitchen in an unbelievable 2 weeks after the accident. He later went on to win 2 Michelin stars for his food at Gidleigh Park. I was lucky enough to eat at Gidleigh Park a couple of years ago and the meal was one of the best I have had in terms of the food, although I wasn’t so keen on the decor and service.

When I heard Michael was opening his own hotel, Lympstone Manor,  I was excited to try it.

The Hotel

Lympstone Manor is set is a sublime spot overlooking the Exe Estuary in Devon. The Grade II listed Georgian mansion was once a private home and was previously owned by The Barings family of Baring bank fame. The hotel is set in 28 acres countryside with plenty of walks to try around the grounds and along the Estuary. It also has the quintessential English summer pursuit, a croquet lawn. East Devon has the nearby beaches and seaside towns of Regency Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth; the gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Cost. Moving inland you have historic towns such as Ottery St Mary and Honiton; well-known for its lace and weekly market.

“The opening of Lympstone Manor is the realisation of a dream,” says the two-Michelin star chef, who hails from nearby Exeter. “Everything that I have achieved in my long career has brought me to this point where I can fully express my vision of contemporary country house hospitality for the 21st century. I can’t wait to welcome old and new friends to my new home!”

As we arrived we weren’t sure whether to drive up to the main house as the car park was just before the main house. After I had wheeled my suitcase over the gravelled drive and left tram lines like a raked Zen garden over it, we discovered that you are meant to pull up at the door and they will park your car for you! We were greeted at reception with a scented hot towel and informed that as we were celebrating a special occasion we had both been upgraded to Junior Suites in the main house. This was a lovely surprise and a great way to start the trip. However, it was about to get even better.

As I was about to head up the stairs to my room, Michael Caines appeared in reception and said hello which really made my trip. There are many restaurants and hotels owned by celebrity chefs where you never actually see them but Michael is a regular presence in the hotel and kitchen here.

The hotel doesn’t have much in terms of facilities yet but they can arrange for spa treatments in your room and there are free bicycles to use too. We enjoyed a cocktail on the terrace whilst looking at the magnificent views after check-in.

Rooms

Once we had completed the formalities we were shown where the bar and restaurant was and then escorted to our rooms.  Each room is named after a bird that lives on the Estuary and the decor coordinates with the colours of the bird. We were in Kingfisher and Oystercatcher which both had stunning views of the Estuary.

Kingfisher Junior Suite

The room was decorated in a neutral decor with duck egg blue accents and opulent gold accessories. I would call the hotel style luxurious modern classic which is similar to one of my other favourite hotels, the Corinthia in London. The room felt luxurious and well equipped with a lot of attention to detail like much of the hotel. The rooms are all individual owing to the layout of the building which obviously could only be changed so much due to its grade II listing. If you have stayed at Gidleigh Park, Michael’s former restaurant home, you will recognise a lot of the touches he has brought with him. The room had a Nespresso machine, kettle with excellent quality Canton teas which are very premium, fresh milk in a steel thermos container and freshly baked biscuits in a jar.

There were also GHD straighteners plus a GHD hairdryer and a magnifying mirror to ensure you look your best for the fancy restaurant!

Above the fireplace was a large Smart HD TV which had some useful features such as being able to mirror your iPhone or iPad and apps such as Youtube.

One of the other features I loved was the gin tray. This had two different types of British Williams Gin, Fever Tree tonic and a lime with a cutting board and knife. Ice was also provided when we arrived and again at turndown. Two bottles each of still and sparkling mineral water were provided and replenished at turndown.

There was a double sink unit in the room which was about my only complaint (and as my readers know I am pretty picky!) I would have preferred the sink unit in the bathroom but obviously, it wasn’t possible with the room layout. There was nowhere to hang a towel by the sinks which I found annoying and could be easily remedied.

There was an excellent selection of L’Occitane toiletries with 2 choices of fragrances which is a great idea for his and hers or if you just aren’t keen on one. It would have been nicer if it had been a British brand though. In a separate area, the toilet was housed in a small room and a large walk-in shower was situated in the open with an enormous rain-head. Bathrobes and super soft slippers were also provided.

Oystercatcher

This was slightly different in layout as the sink and bath were in the bathroom. A nice touch were the candles flickering in the fireplace. The room had a much more masculine feel to it, which was more suitable for my travelling companion, Turning Left For Less’s Roving Reporter.

Estuary Suites

We were shown some of the other rooms in the hotel and our favourite was the Estuary suites. The ones on the lower floor have an outdoor bath and a firepit. All of the estuary rooms are situated in a private area with lawn chairs to relax in and enjoy the view.

Other amenities

If you get peckish or need extra room supplies, Michael has bought the pantry concept with him from Gidleigh Park. In the pantry, guests can help themselves to fruit, tea, coffee, milk and water as well as cakes in the afternoon.

Another nuance from Gidleigh is the morning tea tray which is brought to your room at the requested time. There is something very decadent about being served tea or coffee first thing in the morning to enjoy in bed looking at the fabulous views.

Food and drink

Obviously coming here the food is the main event and it would be criminal not to sample Michael Caines’ food if you visit. Lympstone Manor was awarded one Michelin star only six months after opening.

If you are staying for a few nights they also have a simpler menu available as well as room service. We started with a champagne cocktail in the bar and lounge area. This had a lovely copper bar as well as comfortable sofas to relax whilst you peruse the menu.

On a warmer night, there is a lovely terrace to sit out and watch the sunset over the Estuary. Thoughtfully blankets were provided but we had put the terrace to good use earlier when it was still relatively warm.

We both had the signature drink, Lympstone in Bloom, which contained Michael Caines Champagne, Chase Grapefruit Gin and Elderflower. This was accompanied by a selection of canapes which included a punchy carrot and ginger mousse, a delicate salmon tartare and a delicious beef fritter with an earthy truffle mayonnaise.

There are 3 choices for dinner which is served between 7.00pm and 9.30pm. You can have Michael’s à la carte menu at £115, the Signature eight-course tasting menu at £160 or his creative taste of the Estuary menu at £150 championing the Exe estuary produce. We decided to go for the Signature menu since it featured a balance between fish and meat and also had a cheese course. You can go for matching wines if you wish but we decided to pick our own by the glass aided by the knowledgeable Sommelier. If you are a wine buff you may like to have a look at the wonderful wine room where the hotel can also organise wine tastings for a charge.

Roving Reporter is something of a bread fiend so his eyes lit up when the waiter served our bread from a choice of 3 and then left the whole basket. We have eaten a lot of good bread in our time but this was definitely the best, both light and fluffy as well as crusty. RR summed it up well as ‘eating a cloud with a crusty outside.” Michael’s food is based in the classics and does not have the molecular gastronomy elements that you can expect from somewhere like the Fat Duck. Put simply, it’s just delicious food cooked to perfection and well-balanced between each element.

The menu started with Langoustine cannelloni with sauce vierge, lemongrass and ginger. The Asian flavours accents were very subtle as was the whole dish. It eased you into the tasting menu with the delicate sweetness of the Langoustine surrounded by silky smooth pasta. We accompanied this with a glass of the Michael Caines Rose Champagne.

Next came Quail’s egg tartlet with onion confit, black truffle and smoked bacon and a light quail jus. This had the perfect balance between the crisp pastry, rich quails egg and the beautifully cooked tender and moist quail with just the right amount of fresh truffle grated over.

The next course was Cornish salt cod, Beesands crab, chorizo, samphire, tarragon and lemon purée. I am not a fan of tarragon but it was fairly subtle in this Mediterranean inspired dish. The lemon puree was not too bitter and added a nice zing to the dish along with the paprika dusted on the outside of the soft salt cod which also worked well with the chorizo flavour. None of the flavours overpowered the delicate crab which would have been easy to do. We accompanied this with a glass of Albarino from Marimar Estate, Russian River Valley which was exceptional.

Pan-fried duck liver with orange braised chicory, marinated raisins and caramelised walnuts in orange sauce was next. I was worried this may be quite rich but again Michael’s deft touch offset the rich iron liver flavour with the orange sourness and the bitterness of the chicory. The crunchy sweetness of the nuts added texture to the tenderness of the liver. This was one of my favourite courses of the evening.

At this point, we switched to the cheekily named Sangiovese, Call Me Crazy, from the Napa Valley. This was an excellent example of a Sangiovese with ripe cherries but not too much tartness or tannins.

The main event was the Fillet of Darts Farm beef with horseradish and shallot confit, celeriac purée, mushrooms and red wine sauce. This was unsurprisingly a delicious celebration of beef which was cooked medium rare.  The sauce had just the right amount of wine flavour with a rich beef undertone. The horseradish gave the necessary punch to the beef whilst the celeriac puree was silky smooth with a hint of aniseed flavour coming through.

I decided to be adventurous and try the local wine Lily Farm, Jurassic Red from Devon. The sommelier had warned me that it would be earthy and she wasn’t kidding! This was a challenging wine and quite unlike anything I have had before. It was almost like compost and tomato tops with its earthy notes but I actually quite enjoyed having something different!

Selection of English cheeses

Another of my favourite courses was the Apple mousse with green apple sorbet. This was a wonderful palate cleanser with a surprisingly delicate but creamy apple mousse offset with a sharp refreshing sorbet. The sorbet was like biting into a granny smith with its delicious tart acidity and sweet juice.

The final course was one of Michael’s signature dishes – Chocolate orange confit mousse with orange confit sorbet. We had both had this at Gidleigh Park and this was just as good. I am not usually a fan of chocolate desserts as I find them a bit much at the end of a big meal. However, Michael’s mousse is incredibly light and the sweet orange flavour helps cut through the richness especially with the tangy sorbet. I loved the playful orange shape of the mousse.

The decor in the restaurant was much nicer than at Gidleigh and there is a choice of 3 rooms to sit in. The service was also excellent. Our young Dutch waiter was great – friendly but knowledgeable and he knew the answer to any questions we asked him about the food.

Coffee and Petit Fours was also included but although they looked lovely we couldn’t face any more food!

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the same restaurant and consists of a small but high-quality buffet with meats, cheeses, fruit compote and fruit salad, yoghurt and cereal. The coffee and tea we had were both excellent and a basket of deliciously flaky pastries is brought to your table along with toast of your choice. The jam and marmalade are homemade and we were both so impressed with the marmalade we bought some to take home!

There is a choice of cooked items to order including full English, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and kippers. We chose the eggs Benedict. This was good although the eggs whites were still a bit runny and not as good as Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food which is still the best Benedict I have had.

Conclusion and offers

I am pretty fussy about hotels when I pay a lot of money but there was very little to fault here. From the elegant decor to the sublime food and stunning location, the hotel pretty much has it all. It could perhaps do with a few more facilities, such as a spa, for a longer stay but I certainly plan on returning in the future. It is now firmly in my top 5 UK hotels!

Extra perks are available if you book through our partnership with luxury travel agent Debonair here:

• A bottle of Michael Caines Champagne Blanc de Blanc in room on arrival
• chocolates welcome amenity
• upgrade at time of booking

The post STAYCATION: Lympstone Manor hotel & restaurant review – foodie Michelin paradise appeared first on Turning left for less.

Get 1000 Avios free just for joining Marriott Rewards

If you have not already joined Marriott Rewards and collect Avios (or other miles), then now is the time to sign up with Marriott Rewards for the latest promotion. As well as British Airways Executive Club, there are several other schemes that may be of interest:

All you have to do is be register as a new member (you can’t have an existing account) between June 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017. When you register you will need to select one of the participating airline programs to credit miles to.  As well as the bonus miles, if you then stay at a Marriott group hotel such as Autograph collection or Ritz Carlton, you can get double miles on your stays from 4 June 2017 until 2 September 2017 with a maximum of  35,000 bonus miles.

The T &Cs state that it is actually a 90 day period for the bonus from when you join but then also gives specific dates. If you have a stay planned after the bonus period, it may be worth joining within 90 days of your stay, in case it works. If you already have an account but someone on your BA household account doesn’t, you could simply enrol them instead.

Marriott has recently bought Starwood hotels and the loyalty schemes are now linked. Now that the two companies have merged, you can link your Rewards and SPG accounts and transfer points between them. The advantage is that if you have SPG status you can get the same status with Marriott too. You can read more about the benefits of Marriott Rewards in this article.

You can register for the promotion here.

Lympstone Manor Secret Escapes offer with dinner

Lympstone Manor opened in early April this year. The hotel has been restored and renovated by Michael Caines MBE, who had 2 Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park previously.  Lympstone Manor is a new luxury country house hotel set in a Grade II listed Georgian mansion in Devon. Once a private home, the property is set in 28 acres of Devon countryside with views of the Exe Estuary.

The hotel is “the most exciting new country house hotel in decades”, according to The Daily Telegraph. Nearby is the Jurassic Coast and plenty of golf courses.  Michael Caines MBE presents a menu of modern British cuisine using fresh and seasonal ingredients. All this is complemented by an excellent wine selection that has over 600 wines. If you are into wine, you can partake in a tasting session. You can also enjoy Afternoon tea in one of the lounges, or al fresco, overlooking the estuary.

Secret Escapes has an offer available to book until Thursday 8 June for 2 people sharing a room for which includes:

• Accommodation in a Deluxe Garden View room (one up from entry level room)
• Full English breakfast
• Michael Caines creative ‘Taste of the Estuary’ or ‘Signature tasting menu’ for dinner
• Complimentary gin tray
• Morning tea or coffee

You can stay between May and September 2017 and prices start from £549 per room plus a £15 booking fee = £564

Secret Escapes

For those unfamiliar with Secret Escapes, it is a members only website with hand-picked hotels, holidays and exclusive offers. They guarantee to offer the best rates online during a sale. Every week they run up to 140 short ‘flash sales’ lasting around ten days each. You will need to join Secret Escapes to book but it is free to join. If you use this link to sign up you will receive £15 credit off your first booking.

If you are interested in the Lympstone Manor offer but would book more than 30 days in advance, you can get the same room without dinner from £335 by booking direct. You would then pay £130 per head for the dinner making it £585, which is only a small saving. If you were happy with entry level classic garden room, you could get the advance purchase plus dinner for around £495. If you are new to Secret Escapes, obviously it is a better deal to use them for the Deluxe Garden room, as the credit negates the booking fee. For the classic garden room, I would book direct.

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If you follow this blog on social media you will have seen me mention the fabulous bargain lunch I had in London last week. This is a more in-depth look at what £52 gets you for lunch at a 2 Michelin star restaurant. In the next few days I will also be looking at my Airbnb experience and stay at the Langham Hotel from the same trip.

Background

Hélène Darroze is situated in the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair which has a long history. The original hotel, the Coburg, opened in 1815 and has welcomed royalty with visits from HRH the Queen and Prince Charles. Ralph Lauren was said to be so enamoured with the staircase that he had a replica made for his flagship store.

French-born Hélène Darroze is currently head chef at Hélène Darroze in Paris, France and Hélène Darroze at the Connaught in London. Darroze worked with 3 Michelin star chef Alain Ducasse at the prestigious Louis XV restaurant in Monaco. She is currently the only 2 Michelin starred female chef patron in the UK.

In the beginning…

One of the things I love about eating at Hélène Darroze is the restaurant itself. It manages to have an old world charm without being dated. Unlike many Michelin star restaurants that are very small, it is a spacious restaurant with some unique touches. I particularly like the display of food under the glass cloches as you walk in that adds a colourful touch to the room.
When you are first seated at the table you are brought a choice of the tasting menu or the set lunch menu. The tasting menu is presented in a very unusual way with individual marbles to represent each course on a wooden board. We opted for the lunch menu at £52 for 3 courses and 2 glasses of wine. A large bottle of mineral water each and coffee is also included. A 12.5% service charge is added in addition.

Each course had a choice of 3 items and we were asked if we had any allergies or dietary requirements. They were very good at discreetly making substitutions where necessary.

The choices for starter were:

• Foie gras with green apple, black truffle and celery
• Mackerel with avocado, black radish and white soy
• Blue fin tuna with daikon avocado and shisho – £25 supplement

I decided on the foie gras even though I am not overly keen on black truffles. Whilst we were waiting they bought us a selection of 3 different canapes. There was an ice cream cone which actually contained beef tartare, a delicate pastry puff with mackerel and for me a radish topped with a savoury mousse. My dining companion had the standard option for his 3rd canape which was an oyster with a grapefruit foam. Both the first 2 canapes were light but with a burst of flavour. Unfortunately my substituted canape was a bit of a disappointment as it was rather bland.

We were also bought a basket of warm bread and 2 types of butter. One was good quality unsalted butter but the other was somewhat unexpected. It was a chilli butter and whilst it initially lulled you into a false sense of security, it soon hit back with a punch of spiciness!

We both enjoyed our starter which were served with a glass of matching wine. This was a rather unusual amber coloured wine from Italy called Rigogolo Ravenna Bianco made from the Albana grape. It had a very dry finish with high minerality which may not be to everyone’s taste. Before each wine was poured you were given a taste so you could swap if you weren’t keen on the wine. The foie gras was silky smooth and rich with tiny hints of black truffle. The celery and apple salad that accompanied was a perfect antidote to the richness of the foie gras but was a little 1 dimensional and could have done with more of a dressing perhaps. It was also served with a delicious toasted brioche to spread the pate onto.

The main event

We could have had:

• Cod with oyster, dill and potato
• Lamb with chickpea, pimiento del piquillo and ras el hanout
• Chicken with black truffle celeriac and sorrel (£28 supplement)

  

Being lovers of lamb we both chose the same lamb main course. This was a slightly unusual dish for a French chef being spiced with middle eastern Ras el hanout. The dish was topped with a type of spiced poppadom which added some crispness to the soft lamb underneath. The delicate balance of spice was perfect with the succulent sweetness of the lamb.

The most surprising part of the dish was the “chips” which kept us guessing for a while. After the first bite we could tell they were not potato but perhaps had the texture of polenta. Remembering the menu, I then wondered if it was chickpea. Although it was hard to detect a strong flavour as they too had a light spicing. They were delicious and very light in texture. It turns out they were indeed made of chickpeas. I will be trying this out at home to see if I can replicate them.

The wine choice that accompanied the lamb was a French blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon from Provence. Despite the grape, it was still a lighter style wine with a slightly spicy finish that was the prefect accompaniment for the lamb,

In conclusion

Before we were given our dessert we had a lovely, refreshing sorbet which was made from citrus and basil. If you have never had basil in a dessert before, I can highly recommend it. Although it sounds rather odd, providing it is done with a light touch, it can be delicious.

There was a choice of

• Rhubarb with almond and rose
• Chocolate with ginger and lemon
• Baba (£12 supplement) with exotic fruits and black pepper

I am not keen on rhubarb or chocolate so I had the baba. When I saw what
was included, I did not mind the £12 supplement. A trolley of 3 different vintage Armagnacs was wheeled over. I chose the oldest vintage and was surprised when an extremely generous portion was poured over the baba. Let’s just say it was just as well I wasn’t driving because it nearly blew my head off when I took my first mouthful of the booze laden dessert! Very unusually for me, I would have preferred slightly less alcohol as it was a little overpowering. Well at least I got the value out of my £12 supplement! The revelation was the black pepper creme chantilly. It was absolutely stunning and again, something I will try to replicate at home perhaps as accompaniment with strawberries.

No wine was included with dessert but we had spotted a rather intriguing Chinese ice wine. I am always keen to try something new, so we ordered a glass each. We had rather a long wait for dessert so they actually gave us a second glass on the house as well. The ice wine went well with the dessert despite not being the recommended wine for my choice. It was made from Vidal grapes, like most ice wines and was less sweet than many ice wines I have had. The slightly citrus hints and acidic finish went well with the fresh fruit. I have to say it was not the best ice wine I have had but worth a try.

Finally we had coffee which was accompanied by petit fours.

Overall this was an amazing bargain when you consider that you could easily spend this on a very average meal in a high-end chain restaurant. The food was well deserving of its 2 Michelin star accolade. When you include the 2 bottles of mineral water, wine, coffee, bread, canapes, pre dessert and petit fours as well,  it has to be one of the best value lunches in London.

You can find out more about the restaurant here.

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