A friend of mine who works in the city wanted to celebrate his birthday with some great food in a place a little bit more special than the usual city bars but not as stupidly expensive. I had the perfect answer- le Pont de la Tour. This famous riverside restaurant also has a brassiere section which serves delicious food and drink in a less formal set up than its main dining room. The brassiere still boasts the same fantastic views across towerbridge and has an equally impressive wine menu, it just feels a little more relaxed – so perfect a birthday treat. Also, being part of Terence Conran D&D franchise the food is guaranteed to be great, after all these are the people who turned the OXO tower in a world famous dining destination.
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Buenos Aries landed in Surrey last Saturday when Team Gaucho played Camino Real at Ham Polo club in Richmond. Dressed in my finest I stopped by to learn more about Argentina’s obsession with steak, showmanship and this very regal sport. A very glamorous affair, I watched as dashing Polo chatted with guests, taking time to teach them a few tricks in between their fast and furious matches. Delicious canapés were washed down with champagne, ice cream handed out to help keep us cool and wine tasting was available to those curious about Argentinean vintage.
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After a recent visit to a friends wedding in Dinard I was suffering post Brittany blues, so a friend recommended I check out a little corner of France in Farringdon: the East side Inn.
Bjorn and Justine van der Horst launched the restaurant just over a year ago. The husband wife team promised to serve top- notch food in a warm and friendly environment and the plan must have worked, they’ve since been a roaring success. Devoid of pretension the open plan interior has chefs and guests breathing the same air, the passion and dedication of Bjorn’s team can be watched first hand which has an oddly calming effect - or perhaps that’s the wine working it’s magic…
The Eastside has a fantastic in house Sommelier, Thierry Sauvanot, who chooses all the vintages from small producers. The wine list is one created with time and much care.
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Having grown up in Devon all my life, previously The Royal Clarence Hotel in my mind was always the most highly regarded establishment in Exeter, mainly for its unrivalled location in the Cathedral Yard overlooking the city’s impressive Cathedral. Back in the day Michael Caines was recognised as ‘the celebrity chef’ and was noted for his efforts in grand dining at Gidleigh Park, as word of mouth spread amongst local foodie types, this restaurant is considered one of the finest in the country, and holds not just 1… but 2 Michelin stars!
The Cathedral Yard
ABode Exeter Entrance
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Situated in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, arguably one of the UKs most scenic destinations, Bovey Castle is an extremely rare countryside treasure. Originally built by the WH Smith family as a weekend hunting lodge, the house now forms part of the exclusive Delancey Hotel chain and welcomes travelers seeking a unique luxury experience in the country.
Having heard so much about Bovey we recently organised a visit to see for ourselves what all the buzz was about. From the moment you drive through the impressive wrought iron gates and up the mile long drive you can’t help but feel you’re going back in time to 1900. In fact as you arrive at the front door you are greeted by staff in traditional country ‘plus fours’, which adds to the charm and character of the place.
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