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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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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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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