Sir Rocco Forte is one of the most famous names in the business, and he is still offering memorable and luxurious experiences for guests at his collection of 13 hotels, 12 city based and one golf and spa resort in Sicily.
The Lowry Hotel in Manchester is an award winning five star Rocco Forte hotel on the banks of the River Irwell, located in the recently developed Chapel Wharf, a buzzing area on the boundary of Salford and Manchester. A short walk across Trinity Bridge takes you into the main shopping and entertainment centre of Manchester, so the location cannot be faulted.
The hotel itself delivers what Forte calls ‘The Art of Simple Luxury, a definition based on comfort elegance and practicality’. The reception is large and airy, the staff friendly. Check in was simple enough and we were soon on our way to the 4th floor. Our bedroom was large and well appointed, with a flat screen TV, iPod dock, walk in wardrobe and floor to ceiling views of the city. Being so close to the action it was difficult to know where to start, so we decided to get something to eat. The hotel’s River Bar and Restaurant looked appealing, and with a 3 course Sunday lunch being served between noon and 3pm we were just in time. At a not unreasonable £19.50 per person for 3 courses, the Sunday lunch was proving popular so the atmosphere was quite lively - and the food is fantastic.
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It has been reported that a real life Santa has been operating in Miami. An anonymous donor dropped a diamond ring into a Salvation Army bin.
Inside the bin was, wrapped in a rubber band, a $50 bill and inside the $50 bill was a note, and inside the note was the ring.
“They need more than I. Do good! A Friend,” the simple note read.
The ring, which features two diamonds and a sapphire, was immediately valued at $2,000.
It was the second time in two years that something “special” had been dropped in a Salvation Army bin in the area.
Last year a gold nugget, which was later auctioned for $4,000, was found with a similar note.
This all got me thinking. Christmas has been savagely over-commercialised in recent times. I for one am ‘guilty’ of spoiling my kids this year. Being aged 5 and 6, this is the most wonderful time for them and I wanted to make sure it will be as memorable as possible.
They are sorted. But what about the needy this Christmas?
I am not suggesting you drop your bling and rocks into the nearest Sue Ryder, but whilst we all go mad at the tills at this time of year, it’s worth considering charity too.
A number of charity shops offer great brand new gifts and the chance to help others at the same time. See ‘Oxfam Unwrapped’ for more gift ideas.
If you have finished work for the year, why not have a sort through your wardrobe – to make room for that jumper that’s definitely coming…
Drop your unwanted into Oxfam, even if it’s high end clobber. Oxfam have cannily introduced their Oxfam online shop, selling the very best cast offs. There are items currently on sale by Prada, Jimmy Choo, Versace and more.
How about a pair of Vera Wang platform sandals for less than £30? You may need to make more room in that wardrobe.
Truly, guilt free shopping.
My journey to Dishoom, London’s first Bombay Café was a challenge. Through the manic streets of W1 on December 16th, I carefully wove my way through an avalanche of Christmas shoppers, all armed to the hilt with bulging carrier bags, yelling last minute party preparations down their phones. Inside Dishoom, I made my way across the manic café, carefully weaving past busy Santa-hatted waiting staff who were laden down not with carrier bags but with heavenly aromatic trays of lunches. The fragrance was overwhelming. There were no empty chairs either, always a good sign.
We were sat at a table where we could safely watch other diners and the bustle of the street from a safe distance. As it was so cold outside I requested the Desimulled Wine, with added cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and black pepper. A comfort drink for starters, presented in a plain and slightly aged glass. This instantly gave a welcoming authentic Bombay feel. A taste of what was to follow.
As my colleague and I were embracing the festive mood, we happily accepted the manager’s recommendation of the ‘Christmas Feast for 2’ (£27.50 per person), plus an extra chicken tikka dish. Fortunately this ‘feast’ was served with a Winter Pimms (with ‘Calvados and cloudy apple juice, gently spiced’). This seasonal winter warmer helped to thaw away the chills in time to enjoy the food.
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SK-II is one of the best performing luxury skincare ranges renowned the world over for unlocking the secret to beautiful skin.
The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is the jewel in SK-II’s crown and is described by women across the globe as their ‘holy water’ due to Pitera, its signature key ingredient.
Pitera was discovered at a Japanese sake brewery, where a visiting scientist noticed how soft the workers hands were. Pitera is a clear, nutrient rich liquid extract of yeast fermentation, containing components similar to those naturally occurring in skin.
This luxurious product is now available in the larger size of 330ml, for a limited time only and has a pump for easy dispensing and application.
Facial Treatment Essence literally drenches the skin in 90% pure Pitera - a rich ingredient that boosts moisture levels to help improve the texture and clarity of skin for a more beautiful, glowing complexion.
SK-II’s Global Ambassador Cate Blanchett says, “Sydney, Los Angeles, London and back…I use SK-II Facial Treatment Essence to keep my skin perfectly balanced.”
The SKII skincare ritual allows you to escape your hectic busy life by making a commitment to your skin and sense of wellbeing.
Described as ‘nothing short of magical’ – this legendary skincare regime gives a sense of serenity and unique feeling of youthfulness.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is £160 for 330ml and is available from January 2012, while stocks last at Harrods
We were lucky enough to get invited to try what we now know as the coolest bar in London, Vertigo42. The view is amazing, it’s just magical!
Vertigo42 is located in the rather impressive Tower 42. The building itself is ultra modern. We checked in at reception and were given security passes, which were taken by security and our bags put through the scanner. We were then directed to the express lift which takes you straight to the 42nd floor – it took just seconds to get there!
Out of the lift, a lovely Christmas tree on the landing and we were received by Mike Haydon the hospitality manager - a very professional, charming man. He welcomed us to Vertigo42, took our coats and led us to our table.
The coolest bar in London is furnished with low swivel chairs to take full advantage of the view! The room is almost a full circle of glass, with a glass ledge for tabling running around the room. As mentioned, the low level chairs are swivel so you can turn 360 degrees to view the room. The back wall of the room is mirrored, so you are enveloped in the lights and life of London. The bar area has tall stools, again a great view is afforded.
Mike then explained a bit about Vertigo42. We were at Vertigo42 to sample the Autumn Special Bellini menu along with canapés. I explained that I had a dairy intolerance and he advised that he would alert the chef.
My partner and I were in awe at the view! But it’s not just the view that makes this the coolest bar in London.
Mike returned with 3 of the five Bellini’s that we were tasting shortly followed by the other two. He also gave me a product list showing where each product is purchased and the measurements which go in to each Bellini. Mike also brought the canapés, which he explained in detail – one plate for my guest (with dairy) and one plate for me (dairy free).
It is very reassuring to know that you can tuck in and eat without fear of dairy when the plates have been explained and the chef has been advised. Fantastic customer service.
Here’s a rundown of the Bellini’s;
Yuzu & Cranberry - Yuzu juice (can be purchased in specialist stores such as Japanese centre in Piccadilly)/Cranberry juice/raspberry puree and syrup - My favourite – a very fresh aftertaste leaving the palette cleansed. I would definitely have this one again!
Lychee & Hazlenut - Lychee puree/Frangelico/Angostura bitters - Strong tones of hazelnut, slightly sweet for me.
Raspberry, Passion Fruit And Cacao - Passion fruit puree/raspberry puree/White cacao/Chocolate syrup - I named this one ‘the pudding’ Bellini – very sweet and quite rich in texture and taste. We left this one to last – dessert!!
Orange & Raspberry - Fino Sherry/Raspberry syrup/Fresh orange juice - Dry subtle sherry taste mixed with the raspberry and orange – very moreish!
Rose & Plum - Choya Plum wine/rose syrup/strawberry puree - Again a fresh taste, with a lovely hint of plum. A close second!
At £14 each, they are not cheap but absolutely delicious. I am not a great fan of cocktails but I must say they all went down an absolute treat! But coming to the coolest bar in London, you are here for the view and general ambience.
The canapés were really good – perfect for my guest, as she is a small/picky eater. There were 3 individual canapés on each serving dish:
Dairy free - Greek olives with garlic and peppers / Seared scallops with prociutto ham / Foie gras and peppercorn – my favourite! – but they were all delicious.
Regular - Smoked salmon on rye bread / Blue cheese tartlets / Chicken Caesar with Parmesan – Amazing!
The canapés were the perfect accompaniment to the fine Bellini’s – small and extremely tasty. We were also served a bowl of salted Cordoba almonds – delicious!
We started our Bellini’s/canapés around 6.45 and finished these around 8.30 – all the time taking in the fantastic views over London and the many famous landmarks. Mid way through, we took a walk around to view the spectacle that is London at night!
Service was extremely attentive. Mike Haydon advised us around 7.30 that he was on his way to the Rhodes24 restaurant, also housed in the building. He advised that the bar manager, also called Mike, would look after us for the remainder of the evening. The waiting staff at the coolest bar in London were polite and professional always aware when our glasses were empty or plates needed to be cleared.
Mike explained that Vertigo42 operates on a reservations system only, hence why security is so tight on arrival as it’s on the top floor of a financial establishment. Mike also talked about the different views experienced during the day or at night time. Having experienced the night view, I would like to visit during the day to compare the view but I’m not sure it could better what we had!!
The bar area was full with revellers and the lounge area (where we sat) had a constant stream of people. There was a very good mix of ages but you could tell that everyone was delighted with the scenic views. For a special occasion, and for the real ‘Wow’ factor, this is the place to be! Simply put, this is the coolest bar in London.
We enjoyed a truly memorable evening: to sum up - Vertigo42 really is breathtaking – this is real luxury!
