There’s a lot of controversy that surrounds this hotel no thanks to previous management. The name itself ‘Cotsworlds88hotel’ is a little unusual if not quirky… and well fitting it is too.
We recently went along for the night to see what all the positive and negative fuss was about but as soon as we were greeted in the hotel reception, we knew we were we in for a treat! What hits you from the moment you enter the building is the atmosphere – it’s incredibly welcoming and calm. The first thing I will say is that you’ll either love it or hate it. We loved it ... however, we do pride ourselves on having a artistic/creative flair, but if you are of an older generation and slightly conventional then this possibly isn’t your bag. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t anything whatsoever offensive about this hotel unless you are of the opinion that contemporary design doesn’t have a place in a classic building. Cotswolds88hotel is simply a matter of taste and we have to say we loved every nook and cranny of it!
Every room is different and we must advise you to ask for a tour of the vacant rooms if you get time, the decor is simply inspired and the realms of interior design explored. We stayed in Room 10, a delightful four poster bed wit a view to die for.
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If you’ve had turkey to see you through till next xmas you could do worse than venture into Goodman, a recently opened steakhouse in London’s Mayfair. Although a Russian owned restaurant you’d be forgiven for believing you’d stepped straight into a swanky Chicago Saloon. My dining companion joked she could picture the cast of Mad Men in one of their dark leather booths knocking back a bourbon! The interior is dark and masculine with a long wooden bar serving beers & cocktails running alongside the main dining area. We started the evening here with an old fashioned G&T and prepared ourselves for a hearty meal, if there is one thing you need to be at this place it’s hungry….
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I’d never experienced anything like this before but I loved the sound of combining an evening with an all-new food experience with a heady fusion of irresistible theatrical acts – Madame Zingara sounded like such fun and just up my street!
Founded in 2002 by Richard Griffin, Madame Zingara was a famous restaurant right in the heart of Cape Town renowned purely for it’s gastronomic delights. Over the years it attracted visitors from all around but in 2006 sadly this iconic restaurant was lost to a fire, leaving little more than a burnt out shell.
Over the last few years Madame Zingara reinvented itself as the Theatre of Dreams, which not only offers a unique dining experience but a truly exhilarating theatrical show!
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The Island restaurant and bar is just a five minute stroll from Lancaster Gate tube and lives up to its name as an oasis in grey and damp old London.
The cool and contemporary interior is split into two levels encouraging diners to arrive early and enjoy one of the many fabulous tasting cocktails. My friend and I felt very glamorous perched on our leather stools as we were served kir royals and little bar snacks by the friendly and attentive staff. Behind us couples began to fill out the drinks area which was both buzzy and intimate at the same time. It seemed the perfect place to catch up with an old friend or even pick for a romantic date.
After enough fizz to feel festive we were shown to our table which sat opposite floor to ceiling windows that enjoyed views of London’s Hyde Park. Whilst we examined the menu our waiter arrived with a basket of warm bread that quickly disappeared! It was hard to decide what to choose with a menu that offered both classic British cuisine and more cosmopolitan dishes.
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The rather splendid Royal Horseguards has graced the banks of London’s Thames River for over 100 years… it’s pretty hard to miss to be fair! It’s architecture has been heralded as incredibly important, earning a Grade 1 listed status and making it one of London’s finest buildings, and I can’t disagree.
It has to be one of the most luxurious hotels in London and they’ve just started work on their exclusive Tower Suite renovation project. The suite will comprise 735 square feet and will be the only suite of its kind in London with its very own tower offering 180 degree views of some of London’s famous sights including The London Eye, Big Ben and Canary Wharf.
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