Take a stroll along the Strand and glance up Bedford Street and you’d be forgiven for missing Bedford & Strand. Its unassuming exterior is barely ten feet across and is little more than the top of a fairly uninviting, brightly lit staircase. Aside from the modest sign, some wall-mounted wine bottles and discreetly placed rosettes and awards, it’s not obvious that this is a bar and bistro at all.
Don’t be put off. Take the stairs down and push through the double doors and it’s likely you’ll find yourself amidst some hearty lunchtime or after-work revelry. The atmosphere is extremely welcoming. Drinkers and diners relax and share stories in the surprisingly spacious combination of bar and restaurant, which fortunately retains many of its original fittings. Everything about this place has a tangible consistency – from the logo to the décor to the friendly service and the authentic menu – it all hangs together really well.
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From the moment you click onto the Circus restaurant website you get a feeling that this restaurant is different… in more ways than one as we discovered!
Situated along Endell Street, you’ll be forgiven when you arrive and do a double take and say “this can’t be it… there’s no way in!” There is, you just have to be patient and wait for the big steel doors to open as if by magic.
Once in, it’s difficult not to be impressed with the venue, which is the work of acclaimed designer Tom Dixon. Covered in mirrored balls and with a grand marble table in the centre of the restaurant, you immediately soak up the relaxed, trendy vibe that this place oozes from every corner.
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Posted by Peter Brady on Mon 22nd February 2010 at 03:38 PM, Filed in Luxury Food
I have had the privilege of tasting many different types and brands of smoked salmon. Right from the Fortnum Mason’s own brand to the likes of Teviot Smokery (The River Tweed) or the original Cromdale Smokery (The River Spey) - even the finest Alaskan smoked salmon.
In light of my self styled connoisseur status! I would have to rate UIG farmed smoked salmon right up there as one of the best farmed smoked salmon products in the UK. Here are five reasons why:
1. The flesh is firm and not overly fatty (a common problem with farmed smoked salmon)
2. Subtle smoked flavours that aren’t overpowering
3. Worked perfectly as part of the ubiquitous smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
4. Stands on it’s own merits with some brown bread, lemon and pepper - there’s no hiding place for smoked salmon when eating it this way, it simply has to be of a good quality to stack up
5. The salmon arrived promptly, nicely packaged and reasonably priced
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Tucked away just off New Bond Street you’ll discover MEWS of Mayfair, an elegant yet positively eccentric venue that spans four floors of bar and restaurant. Prior to our visit we’d heard some great things about the French inspired menu and simply had to take a closer look for ourselves.
The venue itself is situated within a historic courtyard and was originally terraced 18th Century mews houses (hence the name). The interior design combines original character with a modern vibrancy that makes this venue quite unique in its own right. It feels like a private club with dinner, drinks and dancing across its different floors… but there’s not a stuffy attitude or expensive membership fee in sight!
The restaurant is situated on the top floor of the building and has an incredibly ambient feel about it thanks to its lighting, furnishings and neutral colour scheme. At fists glance the menu definitely has a French edge with its mouth watering mix of seafood, vegetarian and meat options that straight away tell you that the chef knows his onions (excuse the pun!).
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One of Surrey’s most exclusive pampering retreats, Grayshott Spa, is offering prospective customers a ‘taster’ before they commit to a longer stay. These one night mini-breaks entitled ‘A Taste Of Grayshott lets guests get a glimpse into the world of this award winning spa and allows you to experience first class facilities, a wide range of treatments and a very healthy cuisine.
The one night luxury break costs from £149 per person midweek and £169 on Friday or Saturday night and includes accommodation, one 25 minute spa treatment (a choice of either a Back, Neck and Shoulder massage or a Refresher Facial), full board from dinner on arrival until lunch on departure, and full use of all the spa facilities, such as indoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a golf course, gym and access to exercise classes.
A Taste of Grayshott has limited availability and can only be booked through Grayshott’s partners such as Spabreak, Wahanda, Spa Seekers, Good Spa Guide and Bel Aqua.
To find out about this luxury spa in Surrey please visit their website or alternatively check out the review on The Good Spa Guide.
