For a UK based self-catering holiday with a difference check out Beach Retreats. They look after fabulous finished properties on the north coast of Cornwall, including stunning apartments in Watergate Bay, I checked them out last weekend to experience truly 21st century beachside living. They are currently promoting their collaboration with a holiday concierge service – the idea is that visitors have their every need and ‘diva like’ whim catered for. I was impressed upon arrival- after a stressful week at work and a late evening flight it was great to discover a fridge full of local Cornish delicacies and a perfectly chilled bottle of English wine!
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If ever you get an opportunity to visit the Buddha Bar... take it!
We did, and our minds were pleasantly expanded into culinary excellence.
The restaurant is situated about 3 minutes walk from Embankment tube. On entering you are immediately buzzed with the sense of cool meets gothic meets Asia and as you move through the main restaurant you can’t fail to see the 20 foot high gold Buddha, not something you’d expect in the heart of the Capital… but hugely impressive.
The venue must have either been a ballroom, cinema or theatre at some point due to the dramatic open space, not to mention the high ceiling, which is adorned by humungous chandeliers. The lighting is ambient and the music ‘nu cool’ dance… this will give you a better idea of what the venue is about.
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Unless there’s sufficient lubrication involved (probably tequila or sambuca) you probably won’t find me on the dance floor. It’s not that I don’t enjoy dancing – I really do – it’s just that, like many of my friends and associates, I’d rather avoid the humiliation of not being very good at it.
“So how about some lessons?”
“Not likely!”
...or so I thought. But that was before I was invited to a free lesson at the studios of former world champion Latin American dancer (and winner of ITV’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’), Karen Hardy. How could I refuse and what a great opportunity to win some bonus points with my girlfriend!
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Reopened in November 2003, The Crown Inn in Stoke by Nayland has grown to become one of Suffolk’s best known fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels. The hotel element was launched in 2008 and took 12 months to complete. Having heard some rather impressive things about the restaurant we were dead keen to see for ourselves just what all the fuss was about.
The Crown is situated about 40 minutes from the M25 and getting there is in itself a pleasurable drive with quaint country villages and rural mansions scattered across the scenic countryside. On arrival it became immediately apparent just how highly regarded the restaurant is as the car park was packed – always a good sign!
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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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