Until our visit to the Holiday Inn Winchester, I’d never come across a Holiday Inn with a full spa on site. We are already fans of IHG, and have stayed in Holiday Inns many times across many countries – we appreciate the consistency and reliability of their offering and their mid-budget price point. But until ... Read more »
The Sticky Walnut in Hoole, Chester
Like many restaurateurs, Chef Gary Usher, owner of Sticky Walnut, Burnt Truffle, Hispi, Wreckfish, Pinion and Kala pivoted to selling restaurant meal kits to enjoy at home, delivered by courier nationwide. It wasn’t an easy process – prepping meals to be chilled and posted nationwide, and finished and assembled by amateur home cooks – but ... Read more »
Bryn Williams’ Porth Eirias Bistro in Colwyn Bay
Bryn Williams’ Porth Eirias Bistro sits in a modern building – all floor to ceiling glass and sloped rooves – right on Porth Eirias beach. The Porth Eirias Waterfront building was completed in 2013, funded by the local council to house a watersports centre, educational and conference facilities, retail unit and cafe/ bistro. Bryn Williams ... Read more »
Tyddyn Llan Restaurant with Rooms | Denbighshire, Wales
Tyddyn Llan describes itself as a restaurant with rooms, placing the focus firmly on their excellent food, rather than a typical hotel experience. Based in a beautiful Georgian country house dating from 1742, set in the beautiful Vale of Edeyrnion in Denighshire, North East Wales, Tyddyn Llan is perfectly placed to explore the local area ... Read more »
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa in Chipping Campden
The Cotswolds is one of England’s most picturesque regions, thanks to its many well-preserved towns and villages built of beautiful yellow limestone, quarried locally. Narrow streets lined with elegant old buildings glow golden in the early morning and late afternoon sun, appealing to anyone interested in history and well-preserved architecture. One such small town is ... Read more »
Brother Thai | Cardiff
Starting out as a Thai street food vendor – and a very successful one at that – Brother Thai opened the doors of their first permanent restaurant in July 2021, and it’s been an instant hit with old and new fans alike ever since. Described as a Thai roti bar, the snappy menu includes their ... Read more »
Restaurant 1861 | Cross Ash
We moved to Wales 2.5 years ago, and for all that time, I’ve known of the existence of Restaurant 1861 in Cross Ash. Indeed, we used to drive past to visit local friends, when we still lived in London. It’s taken me all this time to finally visit, and now I’m ruing all those missed ... Read more »
Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Au Quat’Saisons
There is little I can add to what’s already been written about Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Au Quat’Saisons and yet I feel compelled to share our experiences nonetheless. Having dreamed of visiting the two Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel for over two decades, our stay was every bit as wonderful as we hoped–it did not disappoint! ... Read more »
Village-Style Lamb & Other Stories | A Visit to Clay’s Hyderabadi
After enjoying food from Clay’s Hyderabadi Kitchen’s via mail order on many occasions over the last several months, we excitedly made a pilgrimage to visit the newly reopened restaurant in person with fellow fans. Located in Reading city centre, it’s a small and unassuming space. Inside, magic happens. One of my favourite dishes (of a ... Read more »
The Shed Restaurant by James Sommerin | Barry
Barry, a few miles South West of Cardiff, may not be the most obvious location for an elegant upscale restaurant from Michelin-starred chef James Sommerin, but over the last couple of years it’s become a hotspot for food lovers thanks to Hangfire Southern Kitchen, and Goodsheds, which houses a selection of superb food and drink ... Read more »